Application Of EC Research Articles

Integration of heterogeneous repositories based on ontologies for EC applications development

Recently, due to the significance of Web applications in the business field, it has become important how quickly an application can be developed from a business idea. This paper proposes a method that rebuilds heterogeneous repositories required for business applications development into a multi-grain-size repository based on ontologies. The proposed repository consists of component libraries and their use patterns from a level on a high abstraction such as enterprise activities to the concreteness level of software. Our repository supports the whole process of business application development including modeling enterprises and business activities and deploying models as software with components. Finally, we devise a development methodology of on-line business such as Web shopping with the framework and software component based on free and commercial application servers.

SimVar : A Similarity-Influenced Question Selection Criterion for e-Sales Dialogs

Even though AI technologies like CBR have proved their strengths for intelligent sales support in EC applications, on-line customers often encounter e-sales systems that are hard to use. Before a search process is started, they either have to answer many annoying or irrelevant questions or they are faced with technical jargon of manufacturers they are not able to understand. On-line customers want personalised advice and adequate product offerings. Gaining sufficient information from the customer but also providing her with information at the right place is the key. Resulting from this fact, an automated communication process is needed that simulates the sales dialog between customers and human sales persons. This article proposes a method for question selection in e-sales dialogs based on the variance of the CBR system's inherent similarities. The method uses a similarity-influenced measure to reduce the number of questions required to find satisfactory products. Additionally, it is shown how questions can be selected on the level of abstraction appropriate to the customer's knowledge.

The efficacy and safety of EMLA cream for awake fiberoptic endotracheal intubation.

EMLA Cream (EC; Astra, Westborough, MA) has been widely used as a local anesthetic. Limited safety information is available with respect to the application of EC to the oral mucous membranes. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EC when applied to oral mucosa for fiberoptic intubation. Twenty ASA physical status I-IV patients (11 women and 9 men), 28-57 yr old, who were scheduled for awake, fiberoptic, intubation participated in this open-label study. A total of 4 g of EC was used for 5 min until the patient showed no evidence of a gag reflex (this was evaluated clinically by the patient's acceptance of the William's airway and considered the endpoint for assessing adequate topicalization of the oropharynx). The measured peak plasma concentration of lidocaine or prilocaine did not reach toxic levels in any patient. Methemoglobin levels did not exceed normal values (1.5%) in any patient, and there was no relationship between methemoglobin levels and patient weight, amount of EC used, measured peak plasma concentration, or times to measured peak concentrations of prilocaine or lidocaine. We conclude that EC provided satisfactory topical anesthesia allowing for successful oral fiberoptic intubation in all patients and should be considered a safe alternative for anesthetizing the airway of patients requiring awake oral fiberoptic intubation.

Toxicity of biorational insecticides to Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and predators in cotton field

Field trials on upland cotton (Gossypium hirstum L.) during its reproductive phase were used to assess the toxicity of several biorational pesticides and chemicals to Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and H. puntigera Wallengren, as well as major predators at Dalby, Queensland, Australia. Moderate rate-dependent control was obtained in plots treated with neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed extract-azadirachtin (Aza) at rates of 30, 60 and 90 g/ha. Plots treated with Talstar EC (bifenthrin) applications achieved the best results, followed by treatment with alternation of chemicals (methomyl, bifenthrin, thiodicarb and endosulfan) and biorational insecticides (neem oil, azadirachtin and Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki var. Berliner). Predators, including lady beetles, lacewings, spiders and predatory bugs, were insensitive to Aza, tooseendanin (Tsdn) andBT applications. In contrast, chemicals were very destructive of predators. All treatments provided some protection from infestation of H. armigera and H. puntigera. The effect of Aza on Helicoverpa spp. was reflected in a relatively higher yield of seed cotton harvested from Aza-treated plots compared with the control, but chemical control achieved significantly higher yields than any other treatment.

High Contrast Ratio and Fast-Switching Dual Polymer Electrochromic Devices

A series of dual polymer electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on 12 complementary pairs of conducting polymer films have been constructed using 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-containing conducting polymers. Poly[3,6-bis(2-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene))-N-methylcarbazole] (PBEDOT-NCH3Cz), poly[3,6-bis(2-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene))-N-eicosylcarbazole] (PBEDOT-NC20H41Cz), and poly[4,4‘-bis(2-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene))biphenyl] (PBEDOT-BP) were utilized as anodically coloring polymers that electrochemically switch between an oxidized deep blue absorptive state and a transmissive (orange or yellow) reduced state. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its alkyl derivatives (PEDOT-C14H29 and PEDOT-C16H33) have been used as high-contrast cathodically coloring polymers that switch between a deep blue absorptive state in the reduced form and a sky blue, highly transmissive state in the oxidized form. The dual polymer ECDs were constructed by separating complementary pairs of EC polymer films, deposited on ITO glass, with a gel electrolyte composed of a lithium salt and plasticized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Device contrast ratios, measured as Δ%T, ranged from 27% to 63%, and subsecond switching times for full color change were achieved. These devices were found to exhibit extremely high coloration efficiencies of up to 1400 cm2/C over narrow (ca. 100 nm) wavelength ranges and to retain up to 60% of their optical response after 10 000 deep, double potential steps, rendering them useful for EC applications.

ANTIDUMPING POLICY IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY: POLITICAL DISCRETION OR TECHNICAL DETERMINATION

This paper demonstrates the prominent role of antidumping laws as an instrument of endogenous trade policy in the EC. In contrast with the U.S. where anti‐dumping decisions are largely subject to technical determination and trade barriers result from protectionist rules, the EC application of antidumping laws provides protection through administrative discretion and political influence on administrators. Whereas political influence seems to have increased over time in the U.S., the results of our empirical analysis of the EC antidumping decisions in the 1980 to 1990 period indicate that it has been curbed by the increased formalization of the antidumping investigation in the EC in this period. The estimation results show, however, that the tightening impact of each of the three institutional changes during this period faded within two years.

Evaluation of primers for adhesively-bonded aircraft repair

This paper contains the results of an investigation to determine the effectiveness of primers in promoting adhesion and improving the environmental durability of epoxy adhesive bonds on grit-blasted aluminum substrates. The control for this study consisted of phosphoric acid anodization of substrates followed by the application of EC 3924 B primer. The following primers were evaluated on grit-blasted substrates: (1) EC 3924 B; (2) Metlbond 6726; (3) Dow Corning Z-6040; and (4) EA 9203. In addition, grit blasting followed by Alodine application was compared with the other primers. Studies include shear strength evaluations of each primer/adhesive system at 23 and 105°C. In order to assess the relative durability of each system, shear strength testing at 93°C of samples exposed for 2 weeks to a 93°C/condensing humidity environment and wedge crack extension testing of samples exposed for a 2-week period to a 60°C/condensing humidity environment were performed. The peel strengths of the systems were determine...

Methodology of the application of pyrethroids against cotton boll weevil and pink bollworm

Abstract Field experiment was conducted at Queimadas, Paraiba, Brazil, during the cotton season of 1987 to evaluate methodologies of the application of Cyfluthrin EC and Cypermethrin ED against cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) and pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella). The results obtained showed that: (1) Cytfluthrin EC, at 15 g, 20 g and 40 g a.i./ha, applied with handoperated knapsack sprayer along every row and alternate cotton rows, and Cypermethrin ED, at 3–91 g and 7–81 g a.i./ha, applied with ElectroDyn sprayer nozzle taken along alternate and interrow space, respectively, are effective for the control of the cotton boll weevil and pink bollworm. (2) Optimum methodologies of application of Cyfluthrin EC and Cypermethrin ED to control cotton boll weevil and pink bollworm are spraying the insecticides in alternate rows and inter‐row spaces, respectively. (3) The percentage of damage loculi of boll by cotton boll weevil is not suitablé for evaluating insecticides against cotton boll weevil. (4) The decreased dosages and specific placement of the Cyfluthrin EC and Cypermethrin ED in relation to pest behaviour are important tools in programmes of cotton boll weevil and pink bollworm management.

The use of interactive media in foreign language learning

<span>This paper discusses the use of interactive videodiscs and CD-ROMs in connection with the learning of foreign languages in Denmark and selected countries (Australia, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the USA). Discs currently being used include specially produced language discs, authentic materials (films and documentaries), multimedia databases and discs originally developed outside Denmark for use in subjects other than languages. The hardware required ranges from a monitor, simple LaserVision player and remote control to computer-based systems with one or two screens. Many of the materials in use or under development suffer from the fact that they are designed for use by individuals on hardware configurations costing between US$4,000 - $10,000. The paper includes suggestions for external funding and potential partners for EC applications, as well as a listing of institutions currently working in the field.</span>

Deposits and Persistence of Permethrin ULV and EC Applications on Soybean Leaves1

Permethrin (0.084 kg [AI]/ha) was applied by airplane to soybeans in central Louisiana in three formulations: 1) in water at 18.70 liters/ha (EC-water), 2) in water and soybean oil (3:1) at 9.35 liters/ha (water-oil), and 3) in soybean oil at 2.34 liters/ha (ULV-oil). Leaves from the upper and lower halves of the plants were collected for 2 weeks posttreatment and the surface and interior permethrin residues were determined. The permethrin leaf surface residues from the ULV-oil treatment were consistently higher than those from the EC-water formulation, and the residues from the water-oil application generally were intermediate. For the first 7 days post treatment the ULV-oil formulation provided leaf surface residue levels on the upper plant leaves that were generally significantly higher than those from EC-water treatment. Differences in the lower plant leaves essentially were not significant. The EC-water and ULV-oil formulations provided similar permethrin levels in the leaf interiors and comparable canopy penetrations; these formulations afforded permethrin leaf surface residues that disappeared at similar rates for the first 7 days after treatment.

Assessment of dipropylnitrosamine levels in a tomato field following application of treflan EC.

Assessment of dipropylnitrosamine levels in a tomato field following application of treflan EC.