Preliminary Theory Research Articles

Classification of melanomas in situ using knowledge discovery with explained case-based reasoning

Early diagnosis of melanoma is based on the ABCD rule which considers asymmetry, border irregularity, color variegation, and a diameter larger than 5mm as the characteristic features of melanomas. When a skin lesion presents these features it is excised as prevention. Using a non-invasive technique called dermoscopy, dermatologists can give a more accurate evaluation of skin lesions, and can therefore avoid the excision of lesions that are benign. However, dermatologists need to achieve a good dermatoscopic classification of lesions prior to extraction. In this paper we propose a procedure called LazyCL to support dermatologists in assessing the classification of skin lesions. Our goal is to use LazyCL for generating a domain theory to classify melanomas in situ. To generate a domain theory, the LazyCL procedure uses a combination of two artificial intelligence techniques: case-based reasoning and clustering. First LazyCL randomly creates clusters and then uses a lazy learning method called lazy induction of descriptions (LID) with leave-one-out on them. By means of LID, LazyCL collects explanations of why the cases in the database should belong to a class. Then the analysis of relationships among explanations produces an understandable clustering of the dataset. After a process of elimination of redundancies and merging of clusters, the set of explanations is reduced to a subset of it describing classes that are "almost" discriminant. The remaining explanations form a preliminary domain theory that is the basis on which experts can perform knowledge discovery. We performed two kinds of experiments. First ones consisted on using LazyCL on a database containing the description of 76 melanomas. The domain theory obtained from these experiments was compared on previous experiments performed using a different clustering method called self-organizing maps (SOM). Results of both methods, LazyCL and SOM, were similar. The second kind of experiments consisted on using LazyCL on well known domains coming from the machine learning repository of the Irvine University. Thus, since these domains have known solution classes, we can prove that the clusters build by LazyCL are correct. We can conclude that LazyCL that uses explained case-based reasoning for knowledge discovery is feasible for constructing a domain theory. On one hand, experiments on the melanoma database show that the domain theory build by LazyCL is easy to understand. Explanations provided by LID are easily understood by domain experts since these descriptions involve the same attributes than they used to represent domain objects. On the other hand, experiments on standard machine learning data sets show that LazyCL is a good method of clustering since all clusters produced are correct.

Cognitively Based Assessment of, for, and as Learning (CBAL): A Preliminary Theory of Action for Summative and Formative Assessment

CBAL (Cognitively Based Assessment of, for, and as Learning) is a research initiative intended to create a model for an innovative K–12 assessment system that documents what students have achieved (of learning); helps identify how to plan instruction (for learning); and is considered by students and teachers to be a worthwhile educational experience in and of itself (as learning). Because CBAL intends to not only measure student achievement but also facilitate it, CBAL, like any similar assessment program, requires a theory of action. This paper describes the notion of theory of action, offers a preliminary version of such a theory for CBAL, and outlines a provisional research program for evaluating that theory.

Effective Fragment Molecular Orbital Method: A Merger of the Effective Fragment Potential and Fragment Molecular Orbital Methods†

We present a new method called the effective fragment molecular orbital (EFMO) method. The EFMO method is a hybrid between the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) electronic structure method ( Kitaura , K. ; Ikeo , E. ; Asada , T. ; Nakano , T. ; Uebayasi , M. Chem. Phys. Lett. 1999 , 313 , 701 - 706 ) and the effective fragment potential multipole-based polarizable force field ( Day , P. N. ; Jensen , J. H. ; Gordon , M. S. ; Webb , S. P. ; Stevens , W. J. ; Krauss , M. ; Garmer , D. ; Basch , H. ; Cohen , D. J. Chem. Phys. 1996 , 105 , 1968 - 1986 ). The EFMO method is based on the FMO molecular fragmentation scheme and the many-body energy expression but uses the EFP multipole-based energy expressions for long-range interactions and for evaluating the many-body polarization. The accuracy and performance of the EFMO method is compared to FMO and conventional electronic structure theory for water clusters. The difference in the EFMO energy compared to that of conventional Hartree-Fock theory is roughly 0.5 kcal/mol per hydrogen using the 6-31G(d) basis set but less than 0.1 kcal/mol using the 6-31+G(d) basis set. The EFMO method is roughly two times faster than the FMO2 method using Hartree-Fock and five times when computing Hartree-Fock energy and gradients; preliminary density functional theory results are also presented.

A left realist approach to antifeminist fathers’ rights groups

Despite earlier critiques of left realists’ failure to adequately address feminist concerns, recent left realist theorizing and empirical research have made valuable contributions to the understanding of woman abuse and other forms of gendered violence. Left realism has further potential to contribute to the criminological understanding of woman abuse and its contributing socioeconomic and cultural contexts. This article describes left realists’ early efforts to include gender in analyses of crime. It then summarizes feminist critiques of left realism and reviews the work that has responded to them. Drawing upon two prominent strands of feminist left realist theorizing about violence and gender, the paper proposes a preliminary left realist theory of antifeminist fathers’ rights group activism. It then outlines a provisional research agenda on antifeminist fathers’ rights groups, and proposes short and long term policies and practices to enhance the safety of abused mothers and their children following divorce or separation.

Developing positive relationships with voices: A preliminary Grounded Theory

Research has been exploring the phenomenon of 'voice hearing' within a relational framework. To date, studies have paid limited attention to voice hearers who view the experience positively. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five mental health service users and seven non-service users who had had positive experiences of hearing voices. Interview transcripts were analyzed using Grounded Theory. The preliminary theory suggests that the moderation of fear and control may impact on relationships with voices. Actively engaging with voices to understand their subjective meaning may be beneficial. Promoting a positive self-concept and connecting with communities who value and accept voice-hearing experiences may be particularly important.

C–P bond forming reactivity of N-heteropentacene: Isolation and characterization of a phospho-ylide complex of ruthenium(II)

In an unusual reaction of H 2L 2 (H 2L 2 = N-heteropentacene) with Ru(PPh 3) 3Cl 2 a phospho-ylide ruthenium(II) complex ( 1) was obtained via unprecedented chemical transformations of the conjugate base [L 2] 2−. A bidentated phospho-ylide ligand is formed with concomitant aromatic ring hydroxylation and new C–P bond formation reactions. The new ligand, binds to Ru II as a neutral N, O-donor. Crystal structure determination by single crystal X-ray diffraction has been used to characterize the compound. The phospho-ylide Ru(II) description of the complex was established based on 13C as well as 31P NMR studies. The complex shows rich spectral and redox properties. UV–Vis–NIR spectrum consisted of multiple low-energy transitions in the visible and near IR regions. Preliminary density functional theory calculations were employed to understand the electronic structure and to assign the spectral transitions. Cyclic voltammogram and EPR-spectrum of the electrogenerated oxidized compound are reported and used to characterize the redox properties.

A Preliminary Theory of the Defining Dynamic of the Healthy Human Mind

This article presents some of the results of an ongoing study of Tibetan lamas in which the lamas are being individually interviewed about their experiences of their own mind in meditation for the purpose of developing an empirically valid theory of the nature of the healthy human mind. The article begins by first briefly summarizing the case for the position that an empirically valid theory of the healthy mind must be, for reasons of scientific method, a theory that has been derived from observations of the phenomena that appear in the stream of consciousness. It then goes on to: (1) present a descriptive science of these phenomena as they have been described by the lamas in this study; and then (2) derive from this descriptive science a preliminary theory of the defining dynamic of the healthy human mind. An appendix at the end of the article contains a representative sample of the lama interviews from which the data and hypotheses of this article have been derived.

Right or Wrong? Toward a Theory of IRBs’ (Dis)Approval of Research

No one would disagree that scientific research has been unethical—even criminal—at times. Institutional review boards (IRBs) play a fundamental role in protecting people from unethical criminological research. At the same time, IRBs, as social entities, are subject to a wide range of influences that may affect their decisions regarding the ethicality of research. This research note draws on the paradigm of pure sociology and the logic underpinning Black’s theory of law to propose a preliminary theory of IRBs’ (dis)approval of research. Specifically, it suggests that IRBs apply less social control to criminological research involving higher status researchers and lower status research participants and, therefore, those persons are more often involved in research. The paper concludes with theoretically situated, practical advice for how (1) IRBs can reduce their discrimination, and (2) criminological researchers can reduce IRBs’ disapproval of their projects and thereby increase their research output.

Magnetic and X-ray absorption investigations of Co-doped ZnO films

We present an investigation of magnetic and structural properties of Co-doped ZnO (ZCO) film grown by pulsed laser deposition at different dopant concentrations (cCo). X-ray diffraction patterns show that the films are single phase and exhibit ferromagnetism (FM) above room temperature (RT) with coercive fields up to 700 Oe. X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (XAFS) at the Co edge suggests that in films grown below 600°C dopant clustering involve less than 10% of the Co atoms in the alloy. In samples grown at higher temperature a larger fraction of Co atoms is involved in the formation of small metallic clusters. The experimental work has been accompanied by preliminary first-principles Density Functional Theory calculations.

Towards Adaptive Smoothed Aggregation ($\alpha$SA) for Nonsymmetric Problems

Applying smoothed aggregation (SA) multigrid to solve a nonsymmetric linear system, $A\mathbf{x} =\mathbf{b}$, is often impeded by the lack of a minimization principle that can be used as a basis for the coarse-grid correction process. This paper proposes a Petrov-Galerkin (PG) approach based on applying SA to either of two symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices, $\sqrt{A^{t}A}$ or $\sqrt{AA^{t}}$. These matrices, however, are typically full and difficult to compute, so it is not computationally efficient to use them directly to form a coarse-grid correction. The proposed approach approximates these coarse-grid corrections by using SA to accurately approximate the right and left singular vectors of $A$ that correspond to the lowest singular value. These left and right singular vectors are used to construct the restriction and interpolation operators, respectively. A preliminary two-level convergence theory is presented, suggesting that more relaxation should be applied than for an SPD problem. Additionally, a nonsymmetric version of adaptive SA ($\alpha$SA) is given that automatically constructs SA multigrid hierarchies using a stationary relaxation process on all levels. Numerical results are reported for convection-diffusion problems in two dimensions with varying amounts of convection for constant, variable, and recirculating convection fields. The results suggest that the proposed approach is algorithmically scalable for problems coming from these nonsymmetric scalar PDEs (with the exception of recirculating flow). This paper serves as a first step for nonsymmetric $\alpha$SA. The long-term goal of this effort is to develop nonsymmetric $\alpha$SA for systems of PDEs, where the SA framework has proven to be well suited for adaptivity in SPD problems.

Synthesis, Structure, and Transformation Studies in a Family of Inorganic−Organic Hybrid Framework Structures Based on Indium

Eight new open-framework inorganic-organic hybrid compounds based on indium have been synthesized employing hydrothermal methods. All of the compounds have InO(6), C(2)O(4), and HPO(3)/HPO(4)/SO(4) units connected to form structures of different dimensionality. Thus, the compounds have zero- (I), two- (II, III, IV, V, VII, and VIII), and three-dimensionally (VI) extended networks. The formation of the first zero-dimensional hybrid compound is noteworthy. In addition, concomitant polymorphic structures have been observed in the present study. The molecular compound, I, was found to be reactive, and the transformation studies in the presence of a base (pyridine) give rise to the polymorphic structures of II and III, while the addition of an acid (H(3)PO(3)) gives rise to a new indium phosphite with a pillared layer structure (T1). Preliminary density functional theory calculations suggest that the stabilities of the polymorphs are different, with one of the forms (II) being preferred over the other, which is consistent with the observed experimental behavior. The oxalate units perform more than one role in the present structures. Thus, the oxalate units connect two In centers to satisfy the coordination requirements as well as to achieve charge balance in compounds II, IV, and VI. The terminal oxalate units observed in compounds I, IV, and V suggest the possibility of intermediate structures. Both in-plane and out-of-plane connectivity of the oxalate units were observed in compound VI. The compounds have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and (31)P NMR studies.

A method for observing compression in sea ice fields using IceCam

Abstract An in-situ method to observe sea ice compression in the Baltic Sea is introduced. It is known that the sea ice pressure can cause severe damage to the ships in the Baltic Sea, and therefore reliable method to observe the compression situations is needed. IceCam, which is developed to collect visual and environmental data, was installed onboard in the icebreaker Otso on the 2nd of February 2006. The camera was observing ice motion in the channel, created by the ship, taking one picture per minute. The camera was functional till the 9th of May 2006. In total 137,436 pictures with satisfactory resolution were saved. The analysis of the ice motion behind the icebreaker was done using the images. From 137,436 images the cases with clear compression situation were chosen. Also bad light conditions restricted the number of days with good data. Finally five different cases were used in the analysis. The images were corrected into coordinates, which allowed the channel width calculations. Using the channel width from two different points, relative displacement and the velocity of the relative displacement were defined. The new method gave fairly good results. We were able to locate the compression cases by the direction of the wind and ship route. The observation supported the preliminary theory of the correlation between wind and compression direction. When the wind was blowing perpendicular to the icebreaker route, sea ice compression was observed. However, when the wind and the ship route were parallel, the channel was opening.

Appropriate ICT as a Tool to Increase Effectiveness in ICT4D: Theoretical considerations and illustrating cases

AbstractThe need to bridge the digital divide is no longer a point of discussion and therefore focus has shifted to the design and implementation of programs that have the potential to close the information and knowledge gap between the developing and developed nations. Unfortunately, the majority of these programs are small and mimic what has been successful in the developed world. It has become increasingly clear that these successes do not necessarily translate well in the context of developing nations. This paper develops the hypothesis that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects in developing countries will become successful only when they are adapted to local conditions. The general concept of Appropriate Technology (AT) will be explored for the field of ICT. AT has already been embraced by fields like architecture, building technology and agriculture, but has not yet been rooted in ICT.The paper proposes a preliminary theory of Appropriate ICT along the lines of existing theories in AT and System development. The theory identifies Appropriate Technology principles at three levels: hardware, software and ICT change management. By means of real life mini cases in the ICT for Development context in Africa, the guiding principles for Appropriate ICT are illustrated. The paper will conclude with an agenda for further research in the three identified levels. The research agenda targets academia, governments, NGO's and industry.

Factors, Process and Outcomes of Recovery From Psychiatric Disability: the Unity Model

Despite the fruitful findings on related issues of recovery in the West, some researchers have called for more studies on the factors that facilitate recovery and international literature on recovery to be made available. Moreover, to date, a united model that integrates outcome, component process and contextual factors of recovery has not yet been developed. Thus, this study explored the recovery experiences of persons with psychiatric disabilities (hereinafter called consumers) in Taiwan and extracted the key facilitators for developing a preliminary unity theory of recovery. In-depth qualitative interviews of 15 consumers in recovery and their caregivers were held. Over a research period of two years, consumers were interviewed twice. The dialogue of each interview was transcribed into text and a narrative summary of the storyline for each participant was also prepared. For most consumers, the journey of recovery was an incremental process of progress, yet few of them mentioned a turning point and its significant change on their life. Regaining social roles seemed to be a necessary but not sufficient outcome indicator for recovery. While symptom remission, mental strength and parental support were the cornerstones for recovery, the treatment model and professionals got the credit for it too. The recovery process occurs within a complex context of various stages and multi-facilitators. The forces of three cornerstones, essential components and contextual facilitators all influx into the river of recovery and emerge as one united mechanism that supports the consumer's spiral progress through the journey of striving for autonomy.

How Adolescents Experience Smoking Cessation

In this study we develop a model of how youth experience smoking cessation attempts. We followed 15 adolescent smokers twice monthly over three months. Through six semistructured interviews, we explored participants' subjective experiences of making a "quit" attempt. We analyzed transcript data using grounded theory procedures, beginning with open coding, axial coding, construction of matrices, and development of a preliminary theory or model of this phenomenon. We found that only emotionally compelling and inescapable quit reasons were truly motivating. Few parents actively supported their child during quit attempts; smoking friends and other peers undermined them. All successful quitters established new, nonsmoking friends and completely redefined themselves. The quit experience was physically uncomfortable, emotionally distressful, and socially isolating. Greater motivation, mature problem-solving skills, and a willingness to supplant their smoking friends characterized successful quitters. Further research is needed to test this model's efficacy in the adolescent population.

Understanding managers' preferences for internal markets versus business planning: A comparative study of German and U.S. managers

Abstract Internal markets and centralized business planning are alternative organizational designs for coordinating the economic activities within a firm. While some preliminary theory about when to use each exists in the literature, little is known about how managers understand and decide when to use one or the other. The study develops and tests in samples of German and U.S. managers a preliminary theory about factors that influence the preferences of managers for internal markets or planning as alternative modes of coordination. Managers' preferences are influenced by key constructs of internal markets and planning theory (the perceived limits of planning, speed and efficiency of markets, motivation potential of markets), but also by differences in their institutional contexts (national government and business context, company culture, and recent company experience with planning and internal markets). The study is the first to explore the substitutability of internal markets and planning within the strategic decision process of managers, closer to where it becomes reality.

Towards an anthropological theory of space and place

This article takes a first step in linking anthropological analyses of the body in space (embodied space), the global/local power relations embedded in space (transnational/translocal space), the role of language and discourse in the transformation of space into place (meaning), and the material and metaphorical importance of architecture and urban design (the built environment). Embodied space, language and discourse, and transnational/ translocal spaces are discussed based on a brief review of the literature and then combined with the co-production (social production and social construction) model of space. A preliminary theory of space and place developed for contemporary settings is explored and illustrated with examples drawn from ethnographic studies of gated communities in the United States and the plaza in Latin America.

Interparticle Chiral Recognition of Enantiomers: A Nanoparticle-Based Regulation Strategy

The ability to regulate how molecular chirality of enantiomeric amino acids operates in biological systems constitutes the basis of drug design for specific targeting. We report herein a nanoparticle-based strategy to regulate interparticle chiral recognition of enantiomers using enantiomeric cysteines (l and d) and gold nanoparticles as a model system. A key element of this strategy is the creation of a nanoscale environment either favoring or not favoring the preferential configuration of the pairwise zwitterionic dimerization of the enantiomeric cysteines adsorbed on gold nanoparticles as a footprint for interparticle chiral recognition. This recognition leads to interparticle assembly of the nanoparticles which is determined by the change in the nanoparticle surface plasmonic resonance. While the surface density and functionality of cysteines on gold nanoparticles are independent of chirality, the interparticle chiral recognition is evidenced by the sharp contrast between the interparticle homochiral and heterochiral assembly rates based on a first-order kinetic model. The structural properties for the homochiral and heterochiral assemblies of nanoparticles depend on the particle size, the cysteine chirality, and other interparticle binding conditions. The structural and thermodynamic differences between the homochiral and heterochiral interactions for the interparticle assemblies of nanoparticles were not only substantiated by spectroscopic characterizations of the adsorbed cysteine species but also supported by structures and enthalpies obtained from preliminary density functional theory calculations. The experimental-theoretical correlation between the interparticle reactivity and the enantiomeric ratio reveals that the chiral recognition is tunable by the nanoscale environment, which is a key feature of the nanoparticle-regulation strategy for the interparticle chiral recognition.

The Interactions of Gravity Waves with Mesocyclones: Preliminary Observations and Theory

Abstract Apparent interactions between ducted gravity waves and preexisting mesocyclones are investigated. Preliminary analyses of Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) observations from several cases reveal that the intersection of fine lines, whose propagation speed is consistent with that of gravity waves, and existing mesocyclones leads to an increase in the rotational velocity of the mesocyclone. Utilizing simplified ducted wave kinematics and the vorticity equation, changes in vorticity associated with convergence–divergence and perturbation wind shear within the gravity wave are examined. Convergence ahead of wave ridges may be significant, causing mesocyclone intensification through vorticity stretching. It will also be shown that a wave may significantly change the vertical wind shear and streamwise vorticity in storm inflow. A simple one-dimensional model is presented, which shows that vorticity decreases temporarily ahead of the wave ridge, then increases rapidly behind the ridge as positive tilting and stretching act together. The mesocyclone vorticity reaches a peak just ahead of the wave ridge, then begins to rapidly decrease behind the ridge. Model results compared very well to actual measurements in a sample case in which a mesocyclone interacted with two gravity waves of different amplitudes.

Habituation of the orienting reflex and the development of Preliminary Process Theory

The orienting reflex (OR), elicited by an innocuous stimulus, can be regarded as a model of the organism’s interaction with its environment, and has been described as the unit of attentional processing. A major determinant of the OR is the novelty of the eliciting stimulus, generally operationalised in terms of its reduction with stimulus repetition, the effects of which are commonly described in habituation terms. This paper provides an overview of a research programme, spanning more than 30 years, investigating psychophysiological aspects of the OR in humans. The major complication in this research is that the numerous physiological measures used as dependent variables in the OR context fail to jointly covary with stimulus parameters. This has led to the development of the Preliminary Process Theory (PPT) of the OR to accommodate the complexity of the observed stimulus–response patterns. PPT is largely grounded in autonomic measures, and current work is attempting to integrate electroencephalographic measures, particularly components in the event-related brain potentials reflecting aspects of stimulus processing. The emphasis in the current presentation is on the use of the defining criteria of the habituation phenomenon, and Groves and Thompson’s Dual-process Theory, in the development of PPT.