The aim of this paper is to provide a logical framework for the specification of autonomous Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). A MAS is autonomous in so far as it is capable of binding (‘nomos’) itself (‘auto’) independently of any external normative constraint specified by a designer. In particular, a MAS is autonomous if it is able to maintain its social institutions (i.e. rule-governed social practi...

This proposal examines a cost effective design that integrates cloud-based storage with a local file server network. Our design focus was constrained on small to medium institutions with a total storage limit of 1TB. The proposed design shifts external backup of a server to the cloud.

One of the major ideological debates in development centers on whether the provision of local public goods in developing countries should be made financially self-sustaining, as opposed to relying on international donors or national governments. Should external donors indefinitely fund activities that generate positive externalities, or can they be most effective by establishing institutions th...

OBJECTIVE To estimate the sources of funds for health research (revenue) and the uses of these funds (expenditure). DESIGN A structured questionnaire was used to solicit financial information from health research institutions. SETTING Forty-two sub-Saharan African countries. PARTICIPANTS Key informants in 847 health research institutions in the 42 sub-Saharan African countries. MAIN OUT...

Inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus samples were used for an external quality assurance study within the World Health Organization SARS Reference and Verification Network and other reference institutions. Of 58 participants, 51 correctly detected virus in all samples > or =9,400 RNA copies per milliliter and none in negative samples. Commercial test kits signifi...

This article presents results of two research studies which focus on the analyses of specific needs associated with members of a delinquent subculture and the psychological alterations which occur as a result of adaptation to their imprisonment. In the first case, the specificity and differences in the area of needs were determined by content analysis of prison correspondence and further by mea...

In a previous issue of The Journal, I anticipated the decision of the Ninth Circuit in United States v. Loughner. The Ninth Circuit's opinion upheld the involuntary medication of Mr. Loughner under a Harper order, with awareness that he could thereby gain trial competence, and it allowed Mr. Loughner's extended commitment to Federal Medical Center (FMC)-Springfield for the purpose of rendering ...