We apply the Evans–Kishimoto intertwining argument to the classification of actions of discrete amenable groups into the normalizer of a full group of an ergodic transformation. Our proof does not depend on the types of ergodic transformations.

According to what I call the identity view, omissions are actual events. For example, the nominal ‘Ali's non-jogging’ denotes whatever Ali is doing at the time she is said not to be jogging. Some have objected that omissions (and more generally absences) cannot be events, since the two do not have the same causal relations. I show how advocates of the identity view can offer a pragmatic account of the data the objection relies on.

Simon Evnine’s Making Objects and Events: A Hylomorphic Theory of Artifacts develops amorphic hylomorphism. I critically discuss three of its main themes. One theme is its attempt to do the work of form without forms. A second theme is the requirement that hylomorphs have ‘metabolisms at work’. A third theme is the use of artifacts as the paradigms for hylomorphs. I will raise some criticisms of each of these themes. Although the themes might at first appear disconnected, I believe the third underwrites the first two. So the criticisms of the third theme also bear on the rest.

The systematic modelling of dynamic spatial systems is a key requirement in a wide range of application areas such as commonsense cognitive robotics, computer-aided architecture design, and dynamic geographic information systems. We present Answer Set Programming Modulo Theories (ASPMT)(QS), a novel approach and fully implemented prototype for non-monotonic spatial reasoning — a crucial requirement within dynamic spatial systems — based on ASPMT. ASPMT(QS) consists of a (qualitative) spatial representation module (QS) and a method for turning tight ASPMT instances into Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) instances in order to compute stable models by means of SMT solvers. We formalise and implement concepts of default spatial reasoning and spatial frame axioms. Spatial reasoning is performed by encoding spatial relations as systems of polynomial constraints, and solving via SMT with the theory of real non-linear arithmetic. We empirically evaluate ASPMT(QS) in comparison with other contemporary spatial reasoning systems both within and outside the context of logic programming. ASPMT(QS) is currently the only existing system that is capable of reasoning about indirect spatial effects (i.e., addressing the ramification problem), and integrating geometric and QS information within a non-monotonic spatial reasoning context.

This paper presents applications of group theory tools to simplify the analysis of kinematic chains associated with mechanisms and parallel manipulators. For the purpose of this analysis, a kinematic chain is described by its properties, i.e. degrees-of-control, connectivity and redundancy matrices. In number synthesis, kinematic chains are represented by graphs, and thus the symmetry of a kinematic chain is the same as the symmetry of its graph. We present a formal definition of symmetry in kinematic chains based on the automorphism group of its associated graph. The symmetry group of the graph is associated with the graph symmetry. By using the group structure induced by the symmetry of the kinematic chain, we prove that degrees-of-control, connectivity and redundancy are invariants by the action of the automorphism group of the graph. Consequently, it is shown that it is possible to reduce the size of these matrices and thus reduce the complexity of the kinematic analysis of mechanisms and parallel manipulators in early stages of mechanisms design.

Each of us is uniquely subject to certain kinds of stimulation from a small part of the universe within our skins. Mentalistic psychologies insist that other kinds of events, lacking the physical dimensions of stimuli, are accessible to the owner of the skin within which they occur. One solution often regarded as behavioristic, granting the distinction between public and private events and ruling the latter out of consideration, has not been successful. A science of behavior must face the problem of privacy by dealing with events within the skin in their relation to behavior, without assuming they have a special nature or must be known in a special way.

The search for copies of the world within the body (e.g. the sensations and images of conscious content) has also had discouraging results. The organism does not create duplicates: Its seeing, hearing, smelling, and so on are forms of action rather than of reproduction. Seeing does not imply something seen. We know that when we dream of wolves, no wolves are actually there; it is harder to understand that not even representations of wolves are there.

Mentalistic formulations create mental way stations. Where experimental analyses examine the effects of variables on behavior, mentalistic psychologies deal first with their effects on inferred entities such as feelings or expectations and then with the effects of these entities on behavior. Mental states thus seem to bridge gaps between dependent and independent variables, and mentalistic interpretations are particularly attractive when these are separated by long time periods. The practice confuses the order of events and leads to unfinished causal accounts.

In this paper we prove two main results. The first is a necessary and sufficient condition for a semidirect product of a semilattice by a group to be finitely generated. The second result is a necessary and sufficient condition for such a semidirect product to be finitely presented.

For each group $G$ having an infinite normal subgroup with the relative property (T) (e.g. $G=H\times K$, with $H$ infinite with property (T) and $K$ arbitrary) and each countable abelian group $\varLambda$ we construct free ergodic measure-preserving actions $\sigma_\varLambda$ of $G$ on the probability space such that the first cohomology group of $\sigma_\varLambda$, $\ssm{H}^1(\sigma_\varLambda,G)$, is equal to $\text{Char}(G)\times\varLambda$. We deduce that $G$ has uncountably many non-stably orbit-equivalent actions. We also calculate 1-cohomology groups and show existence of ‘many’ non-stably orbit-equivalent actions for free products of groups as above.

This is a summary of the proceedings of the Conference on the Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia that was convened by the sunami World Health Organization in Phuket, Thailand from 04–06 May 2005. It contains reviews of the experiences of the health sector and early recovery fol following the Earthquake and Tsunami with emphasis onwhat was done well and what could have been done better and the lessons learned that can be incorporated into actions that will mitigate the damage created by future events. It outlines the national and international responses and recovery and the actions taken and not taken by the international community in support of the countries affected. Specific issuesaddressed include: (1) needs assessments; (2) coordi- coordination; (3) filling gaps in essential services, and (4) capacity building at the country level. Each of these aspects is analyzed as to its: (1) appropriateness; (2) adequacy; (3) effectiveness; (4) efficiency; and (5) connectedness.

Much of what occurred provided benefits to the stricen population, but there is substantial room for improvement through implementation of the lessons learned. These lessons must be converted into actions in order to mitigate the damagesustained and to enhance our responses to the damage from future

This is a synthesis of the presentations and discussions pertaining to Needs Assessments of the Conference, Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO), in Phuket, Thailand, 04–06 May 2005. The topics discussed included: (1) Needs assessments; (2) Coordination; (3) Effectiveness of needs assessments; (4) Needs assessments change; (5) Qualifications for conducting needs assessments; (6) Dissemination; (7) Emergencies overlay background needs assessments; (8) Need for standards; and (9) Conclusions and recommendations.

This Summary Report was prepared for Agenda item 13.3 for the meeting of the World Health Assembly convened at the World Health Organizationation (WHO) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzwitzerland on 20 May 2005. It was in part, prepared from the Reports generaged by the Conference, Health Actions in Relation to Crises and Disasters, convened by the World Health Organization in Phuket, Thailand, 04–06 May 2005.

Interventions are actions (processes) by humans to prevent, attenuate, create, or augment change(s). Resources (human, material) are consumed in the production of change. In disaster work, interventions are designed to: (1) affect the probability that damage will occur from an event; or (2) effect recovery. The definitions and implications of the terms: effects, outcomes, outputs, efficiency, effectiveness, efficacy, benefits, and costs (human, material, opportunity) as well as cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit are discussed. A new concept of Best Outcome Without Assistance (BOWA) is presented. Responses and interventions directed at prevention or mitigation of the damage produced must be evaluated from the perspective of their outcomes and to what extent they benefit the societies affected or at risk in relation to the goals and objectives defined prior to implementation of the intervention(s).

The ultimate objective of disaster management is to bring the probability that damage will occur from an event as close to zero as is possible. A conceptual model is proposed that uses a generic, non-quantitative, mathematical expression (formula) for relating the probability that damage will occur with specific hazards and with the risk posed by the hazard and vulnerabilities. Actions are subdivided into those that are implemented before a hazard becomes an event and those provided as a response to an event that is occurring or has occurred. In the former category are those actions that either augment or mitigate vulnerability by increasing or decreasing the absorbing capacity and/or buffering capacity of the population/environment at risk for an event. Responses to an event either may be productive or counterproductive. Use of this “formula” in disaster planning and analysis should assist in identification of the essential elements that contribute to a disaster. For example, application of the formula should facilitate the development of understanding why the occurrence of similar events produce a disaster in one setting but not in another. Numerous examples of its application are provided.