Heuristics and look-ahead integration to solve constraint satisfaction problems efficiently

Logic programming languages, such asProlog, allow a declarative specification of Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs), freeing the user from specifying more or less complex control directives. However, the price to pay for such flexibility is a loss of efficiency, which makes Logic Programming inadequate to solve CSPs of even moderate size and complexity. To extend the range of applicability of logic programming, several improvements have been proposed. The use of heuristics is one such improvement. Although this usually forces the user to specify some form of control (thus abandoning the pure declarative nature of a logic program), these specifications can be made declarative by making use of some appropriate meta-predicates. Another extension to logic programming that improves its efficiency, is the active use of constraints, as done in the various formulations of constraint logic programming languages. In particular, the use of finite domains is quite adequate to implement look-ahead schemes to efficiently solve several types of CSPs. In this paper, we discuss the complementary nature of heuristics and look-ahead schemes and present a constraint logic programming framework that integrates both these techniques. Results obtained with a time-tabling problem executed on a prototype that implements such a framework are presented, and show that significant efficiency improvements can be achieved when compared with the separate use of the two techniques.     

Exact and approximate solutions to the Schrödinger equation for the harmonic oscillator with a singular perturbation

I obtain exact solutions for the quantum-mechanical harmonic oscillator with a perturbation potential which belongs to a class of polynomial functions of 1/r. I show that some of the eigenfunctions enable the calculation of expectation values in closed form and are therefore suitable trial functions for the application of the variational method to related nonsolvable problems.     

There exist no 2-type surfaces in E 3 which are images under stereographic projection of minimal surfaces in S 3

In this paper we deal with the following particular case of a weaker conjecture by B. Y. Chen: Are there 2-type Willmore surfaces in E ³? In particular we prove that the above question has a negative answer when the surface is the image under stereographic projection of a minimal surface in S ³.     

Textural changes during CO2 activation of chars: A fractal approach

In this paper two series of active carbons obtained at different flow rates of the activating agent, CO₂, are characterized in order to establish the different mechanisms of pore development during the activation step. This study complements previous works on textural development during the different steps in the process of obtaining active carbons: coal oxidation, coal pyrolysis and char gasification. As the characteristics of the original and intermediate materials are of capital importance in the pore development of active carbons, the properties of the active carbons, precursor chars and coals were considered and analyzed together. Mercury porosimetry and helium picnometry were used to determine classical textural parameters as well as to perform a more detailed study of the pore volume generation during the different conditions of the activation step. Data obtained from the mercury porosimetry determinations was also employed for fractal determinations according to the methodologies proposed by Friesen and Mikula, Zhang and Li and the procedure of Neimark. Average surface fractal dimensions as well as fractal profiles and local surface fractal dimensions were calculated. The use of different flow rates during the activation step produces changes not only in the ordinary textural parameters but also in the fractal characteristics of the active carbons. Activation at higher flow rates leads to smoother fractal profiles and also to lower values of the average surface fractal dimensions of the active carbons.     

A new technique for obtaining the activation energy distribution of a relaxing system

This paper describes a robust and fast fitting procedure applicable for relaxing processes that cannot be understood as a discrete sum of single processes but require an activation energy distribution. The method is based on a set of closed-form expressions that allow the computation of the relaxation parameters directly from the isochronal curves obtained experimentally. The usefulness of this method is checked by analyzing the isochronal curves given by a theoretical energy distribution and the magnetic disaccommodation spectra observed in yttrium iron garnet (YIG) samples. PACS 02.60.Ed; 75.60.Lr; 75.50.Gg     

Quasi-free divisors and duality

We prove a duality theorem for some logarithmic $\text{D}$-modules associated with a class of divisors. We also give some results for the locally quasi-homogeneous case. To cite this article: F.J. Castro-Jiménez, J.M. Ucha-Enr??quez, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 338 (2004).     

Comparison of Several Calibration Procedures for Glass Electrodes in Proton Concentration

Several reported procedures for calibrating glass electrodes in proton concentration are compared. Some recommendations for non-experts are also given. The examined procedures can be classified into two broad categories, namely: those based on direct potential difference measurements of solutions of known proton concentration and those that use one or several pH standards to calibrate the electrode and subsequently measure the pH of solutions containing known proton concentrations. With a single buffer, the two types of procedures lead to equivalent results. However, if two pH buffers are used, the slope of the calibration graph in proton concentration will differ from the real electrode slope to an extent proportional to the difference between the liquid junction potentials of the two buffers. Therefore, any other method is preferable under these circumstances.     

Characterization of the behaviour of flavour microcapsules in cotton fabrics

Nanotechnology processes have recently been introduced into the textile field. One of these processes involves encapsulated nanoparticles or nanoproducts, known as microcapsules. They are available with a wide range of products which confer different properties related to the nature of the encapsulated product. The composition of the wall material determines the release of the product into the fabric and is the object of study in the present work. The behaviour of microencapsulated peppermint was analyzed on cotton fabrics.Different application methods have been tested, impregnation versus bath exhaustion. As impregnation turned out to be the most efficient, some recipes were assayed and the effect of microcapsules on maintenance conditions was evaluated in order to determine the most suitable method with the longest lasting effect on fabrics.The effect of microcapsules is usually measured by the presence of a property such as odour measurements when flavours are encapsulated. The aim of this work is to explain the behaviour of the cotton fabrics with microcapsules bound to their fibers, to determine the relationship between their macroscopic properties and microscopic characteristics. A procedure based in FTIR spectroscopy is also proposed to quantify the presence of microcapsules in the fabrics.IR spectra of the textiles were obtained to determine the presence of microcapsules, which was corroborated by SEM techniques.     

Mathematical problem solving: an evolving research and practice domain

Research programs in mathematical problem solving have evolved with the development and availability of computational tools. I review and discuss research programs that have influenced and shaped the development of mathematical education in Mexico and elsewhere. An overarching principle that distinguishes the problem solving approach to develop and learn mathematics is to conceptualize the discipline as a set of dilemmas or problems that need to be explored and solved in terms of mathematical resources and strategies. In this context, relevant questions that help structure and organize this paper include: What does it mean to learn mathematics in terms of problem solving? To what extent do research programs in problem solving orient curricular proposals? What types of instructional scenarios promote the students’ development of mathematical thinking based on problem solving? What type of reasoning do students develop as a result of using distinct computational tools in mathematical problem solving?