Interacting model of new agegraphic dark energy: observational constraints and age problem

Many dark energy models fail to pass the cosmic age test because of the old quasar APM 08279+5255 at redshift $z=3.91$, the $\Lambda$CDM model and holographic dark energy models being no exception. In this paper, we focus on the topic of age problem in the new agegraphic dark energy (NADE) model. We determine the age of the universe in the NADE model by fitting the observational data, including type Ia supernovae (SNIa), baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) and the cosmic microwave background (CMB). We find that the NADE model also faces the challenge of the age problem caused by the old quasar APM 08279+5255. In order to overcome such a difficulty, we consider the possible interaction between dark energy and dark matter. We show that this quasar can be successfully accommodated in the interacting new agegraphic dark energy (INADE) model at the $2\sigma$ level under the current observational constraints.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures; typos corrected; version for publication in SCIENCE CHINA Physics, Mechanics & Astronom

Cosmic age problem revisited in the holographic dark energy model

Because of an old quasar APM 08279+5255 at $z=3.91$, some dark energy models face the challenge of the cosmic age problem. It has been shown by Wei and Zhang [Phys. Rev. D {\bf 76}, 063003 (2007)] that the holographic dark energy model is also troubled with such a cosmic age problem. In order to accommodate this old quasar and solve the age problem, we propose in this Letter to consider the interacting holographic dark energy in a non-flat universe. We show that the cosmic age problem can be eliminated when the interaction and spatial curvature are both involved in the holographic dark energy model.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures; v2: typos corrected, version for publication in Phys.Lett.B; v3: typos in eqs (17,18) correcte

Cosmic age problem revisited in the holographic dark energy model

Because of an old quasar APM 08279+5255 at $z=3.91$, some dark energy models face the challenge of the cosmic age problem. It has been shown by Wei and Zhang [Phys. Rev. D {\bf 76}, 063003 (2007)] that the holographic dark energy model is also troubled with such a cosmic age problem. In order to accommodate this old quasar and solve the age problem, we propose in this Letter to consider the interacting holographic dark energy in a non-flat universe. We show that the cosmic age problem can be eliminated when the interaction and spatial curvature are both involved in the holographic dark energy model.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures; v2: typos corrected, version for publication in Phys.Lett.B; v3: typos in eqs (17,18) correcte

Benefits realisation management: panacea or false dawn?

Benefits Realisation Management (BRM) is becoming an increasingly important aspect of project and programme management. However, commentators have observed that the practice of BRM is often flawed, and have made suggestions as to how practice might be improved. This paper is concerned with the reasons why the implementation of BRM might not be straightforward, by focusing on the underlying assumptions. It will approach the issue by drawing on the author's experience from the 1990s and 2000s in working in the management of government-funded regeneration programmes in the UK. In this field there was a rigid benefits management framework, although it precedes the development of BRM. The paper will argue that there are important underlying conceptual issues in benefits management which have practical implications and need to be recognised in the development of theory for BRM

The Chinese position as a global player in international comparison with the WTO members: Efficiency analysis and 4IR

During the last quarter-century, globalisation processes affected changes in the world economy in the form of intensifying competition in the international and internal markets. The result is the creation of a global marketplace that is mostly indifferent to national borders and governmental influences. This development has generated widespread interest in competitiveness. Competitiveness affects international relations, especially nowadays, given the changing position of the global leaders and the growth of new economic powers such as China. China has come a long way and has the opportunity to be a global leader in several required fields that will be the cornerstones of global growth in the next decades. Led by China, emerging economies are increasing their share in the worldwide economy and intensifying competition in nearly all sectors. It creates new threats and challenges for players in the global economy, and growing competitiveness must be efficient. The article evaluates the Chinese competitiveness in comparison with the World Trade Organization members by the Data Envelopment Analysis in the pre-in-post crisis period and considering the Fourth Industrial Revolution shifting humanity into a new phase.Web of Science6148

Participatory land management planning in biodiversity conservation areas of Lao PDR

The importance of integrating forest conservation and rural development objectives is much better understood today than in the past. Despite an increased understanding such integration in many countries remains poorly supported in terms of co-ordination between government agencies and stakeholders. Environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity conservation areas to competing alternative uses is widespread throughout the world and Lao PDR is no exception. The forest policy in Lao PDR has developed under the framework of international conventions. The protected area system has been established with the aim of conserving healthy and diverse forests. Rehabilitation and reforestation policies are important complements. The former “rules by decree” approach has been replaced by a set of laws and regulations. This thesis presents and discusses a management approach for biodiversity conservation areas in Lao PDR. As part of that, it highlights the significance of appropriate policies and legislation as a base for sustainable management, discusses various interdisciplinary and interactive planning methods tested in case studies, and analyses the utilisation of non-timber forest products as part of a strategy for sustainable management of biodiversity conservation areas. The integration of techniques from social sciences and natural sciences is emphasised to encourage local participation in managing the conservation areas. Participatory Rural Appraisal, simple sampling methods, and remote sensing were used in the studies. A simple simulation model (the Area Production Model) strengthened the inter-action process. The integrated and cross-sectoral approach turned out to be simple, flexible and dynamic. The recognition of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) plays an important role in the conservation and development of protected area management. A literature review was made to gain insight into the research trend in Southeast Asia in terms of tenure rights of NTFPs and the way people utilise them. Quantitative resource assessment is an important part in sustainable management. In a case study, a participatory two-phase sampling approach for cardamom assessment was developed and tested with a promising result

Preparing Black and Latino Young Men for College and Careers: A Description of the Schools and Strategies in NYC's Expanded Success Initiative

The Expanded Success Initiative (ESI) provides funding and technical support to 40 relatively successful New York City high schools to help them improve college and career readiness among black and Latino male students. This preliminary report describes key components and strategies of ESI and begins to look at factors that might influence the potential to apply ESI more broadly

Geometry learning: The role of tasks, working models, and dynamic geometry software

We present several learning experiences that illustrate how three aspects of the geometric competence, constructing and analyzing properties of figures, identifying patterns and investigating and geometric problem solving, were developed by pupils that participated in the implementation of an innovative geometry teaching unit in grade 8. The topics addressed were dealing with properties of two dimensional figures, Pythagoras theorem, loci, translations and similarity of triangles. The development of the geometric competence was clearly supported by the dynamic geometry environment but unfolded in different ways, depending on the way how pupils reacted to the different types of tasks.Apresentamos várias experiências de aprendizagem que ilustram como três aspectos da competência geométrica, construir e analisar propriedades de figuras, identificar regularidades e investigar e resolver foram desenvolvidos por alunos que participaram de uma experiência de ensino inovadora no campo da Geometria no 8.º ano de escolaridade. Os temas tratados incluem o trabalho com figuras bidimensionais, teorema de Pitágoras, lugares geométricos, translações e semelhança de triângulos. O desenvolvimento da competência geométrica foi claramente apoiado pelo ambiente de geometria dinâmica mas processou-se de formas diferentes, em resultado do modo como os alunos reagiram aos diferentes tipos de tarefa

Layer guided-acoustic plate mode biosensors for monitoring MHC-peptide interactions

The transduction signals from the immobilisation of a class I heavy chain, HLA-A2, on a layer guided acoustic plate mode device, followed by binding of beta(2)-microglobulin and subsequent selective binding of a target peptide are reported