Towards a simplified taxonomy of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (Brassicaceae)

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. is a species with a cosmopolitan distribution which shows considerable morphological variation. Numerous authors have recognised widely differing numbers of varieties, microspecies or other infraspecific subdivisions (segregates) of this species. In an attempt to clarify this situation, we grew British material of the species under controlled conditions through to the F) generation to remove environmental variation, and assessed the plants on the basis of a range of morphological criteria, namely leaf shape, capsule size and also length of time taken to flower. Analysis of these characteristics consistently produced four basic groups, which had been previously described. Herbarium specimens could also nearly always be assigned to one of these groups. Limited chromosome counts suggest that two of these groups are diploid and two are tetraploid. We suggest this fourfold division into broad groups reflects the major genetic separations within the species, but that there is also considerable phenotypic plasticity shown by C. bursapastoris in response to factors such as shade or trampling. These four groups appear to differ in their geographic.al distribution in Britain. KEYWORDS: Shepherd's Purse, morphological variation, leaf characters, capsule characters, chromosom

The Konya earthquakes of 10–11 September 2009 and soil conditions in Konya, Central Anatolia, Turkey

Earthquakes registering magnitudes <i>M</i><sub>d</sub> = 4.5 and 4.7 struck the city of Konya, Central Anatolia, on 10–11 September 2009, causing very slight damages. The earthquake epicenters were located at the east of Sille District along the Konya Fault Zone, a dip-slip fault. The nature and seismicity of the fault zone indicates that it is capable of producing earthquakes of moderate magnitudes. This paper summarizes the geologic data along the fault zone and documents groundwater conditions and analyzes borehole and geotechnical data of the Konya city. The residential area of the city covers an area of approximately 1150 square kilometers and consists almost entirely of flat land except for a small part of rugged land in the southwestern corner. Groundwater and geotechnical data were collected and analyzed to evaluate the liquefaction potential of deposits under the Konya city. This preliminary investigation indicates that areas for liquefaction are generally limited to the eastern and east central parts of the city

Erfolgsfaktoren zur Implementierung eines erfolgsabhängigen Vergütungssystems für Innendienstmitarbeiterinnen und Innendienstmitarbeiter von Lebensversicherungsunternehmen

The aim of this research is to identify the relevant factors for a successful implementation of a performance-based compensation in the life insurance industry in Germany. This investigation was conducted by means of qualitative social research. The target group of this examination were employees from various German life insurance companies whose task it was to examine and correct new life insurance applications and to approve contracts. Currently, it is not usual to pay performance-based compensation to the target group, although this type of compensation is common practice among sales representatives. This investigation studied which factors were key in ensuring the intended positive effects of performance-based compensation. The introduction of this type of compensation to the target group faced challenges due to its lack of experience with these types of salary systems. In addition the motivational process including incentives to motivate the target group were considered. Another objective of this research was to define appropriate performance goals for the target group. Individual as well as group performance goals were evaluated. For the target group performance goals involving the processing and editing of new applications, contract approvals as well as telephone consultations were found to be suitable. A composition of a various type of salary system was also examined. It was found that the successful implementation of a performance-based compensation is based on legal, economic and social factors. The results of this research showed that performance-based compensation can also have positive effects on the company as well as other employees outside of the target group. In addition to the positive effects, there were various risks found in the introduction of performance-based compensation, mainly involving the employees due to their inexperience with this type of salary system. In conclusion, the implementation of a performance-based compensation received wide approval from the life insurance companies and their employees. Due to the wide acceptance, open-mindedness and curiosity that this compensation received from the employees, a practical implementation would be recommended

Force spectroscopy using bimodal frequency modulation atomic force microscopy

Cataloged from PDF version of article.We propose a force-spectroscopy technique where a higher order mode of a cantilever is excited simultaneously with the first. Resonance tracking of both vibration modes through a frequency modulation scheme provides a way to extract topographical information and the gradient of the tip-sample interaction within a single surface scan. We provide an analytic treatment of the scheme, derive expressions relating frequency shifts of the higher mode and the tip-sample forces, and offer two methods of improving the accuracy of reconstruction of the force gradient. Finally, we confirm our predictions by numerical simulations. © 2011 American Physical Society

Interest rates and output in the long-run

In this paper we argue that both statistics and economic theory-based evidence largely indicate the absence of long run relationships between the real output and the most relevant monetary indicator for the U.K. and the U.S, short term interest rates. These findings are not only a full sample result, but also valid in most of the sub-samples throughout the second half of the 20th century and are robust to the inclusion of possible omitted real variables

Interest rates and output in the long-run

In this paper we argue that both statistics and economic theory-based evidence largely indicate the absence of long run relationships between the real output and the most relevant monetary indicator for the U.K. and the U.S short term interest rates. These findings are not only a full sample result, but also valid in most of the subsamples throughout the second half of the 20th century