On the CCD Calibration of Zwicky galaxy magnitudes & The Properties of Nearby Field Galaxies

We present CCD photometry for galaxies around 204 bright (m_Z < 15.5) Zwicky galaxies in the equatorial extension of the APM Galaxy Survey, sampling and area over 400 square degrees, which extends 6 hours in right ascension. We fit a best linear relation between the Zwicky magnitude system, m_Z, and the CCD photometry, B, by doing a likehood analysis that corrects for Malmquist bias. This fit yields a mean scale error in Zwicky of 0.38 mag per magnitude: ie Delta m_Z = (0.62 \pm 0.05) Delta B and a mean zero point of = -0.35 \pm 0.15 mag. The scatter around this fit is about 0.4 mag. Correcting the Zwicky magnitude system with the best fit model results in a 60% lower normalization and 0.35 mag brighter M_* in the luminosity function. This brings the CfA2 luminosity function closer to the other low redshift estimations (eg Stromlo-APM or LCRS). We find a significant positive angular correlation of magnitudes and position in the sky at scales smaller than about 5 armin, which corresponds to a mean separation of 120 Kpc/h. We also present colours, sizes and ellipticities for galaxies in our fields which provides a good local reference for the studies of galaxy evolution.Comment: Full size figures can be found in http://www.ieec.fcr.es/cosmo-www/zwicky.ps Version accepted for publication in MNRAS. Extended discussion on properties of nearby galaxies. References added. An inconsistency in the R band isophote used has been corrected. Main results and conclusions are unchange

Farming on the Edge in Poland. Options for Improving Farm Incomes for the Main Types of Farms after Joining the EU

The aim of the paper is to examine the financial impacts of introducing the Common Agricultural Policy into the Polish farming sector after the accession to the EU. Aggregated results from farm level modelling using linear programming for 210 farm types representing the variety of Polish farms, and 90% of the agricultural sector are presented. The benefits of the negotiated subsidy arrangements are unequally distributed and only a partial solution to low farm family incomes.EU accession, Polish Agriculture, direct payments, typical farms, farm model., Farm Management,

Optimal Clustering under Uncertainty

Classical clustering algorithms typically either lack an underlying probability framework to make them predictive or focus on parameter estimation rather than defining and minimizing a notion of error. Recent work addresses these issues by developing a probabilistic framework based on the theory of random labeled point processes and characterizing a Bayes clusterer that minimizes the number of misclustered points. The Bayes clusterer is analogous to the Bayes classifier. Whereas determining a Bayes classifier requires full knowledge of the feature-label distribution, deriving a Bayes clusterer requires full knowledge of the point process. When uncertain of the point process, one would like to find a robust clusterer that is optimal over the uncertainty, just as one may find optimal robust classifiers with uncertain feature-label distributions. Herein, we derive an optimal robust clusterer by first finding an effective random point process that incorporates all randomness within its own probabilistic structure and from which a Bayes clusterer can be derived that provides an optimal robust clusterer relative to the uncertainty. This is analogous to the use of effective class-conditional distributions in robust classification. After evaluating the performance of robust clusterers in synthetic mixtures of Gaussians models, we apply the framework to granular imaging, where we make use of the asymptotic granulometric moment theory for granular images to relate robust clustering theory to the application.Comment: 19 pages, 5 eps figures, 1 tabl

Field Quantization, Photons and Non-Hermitean Modes

Field quantization in three dimensional unstable optical systems is treated by expanding the vector potential in terms of non-Hermitean (Fox-Li) modes in both the cavity and external regions. The cavity non-Hermitean modes (NHM) are treated using the paraxial and monochromaticity approximations. The NHM bi-orthogonality relationships are used in a standard canonical quantization procedure based on introducing generalised coordinates and momenta for the electromagnetic (EM) field. The quantum EM field is equivalent to a set of quantum harmonic oscillators (QHO), associated with either the cavity or the external region NHM. This confirms the validity of the photon model in unstable optical systems, though the annihilation and creation operators for each QHO are not Hermitean adjoints. The quantum Hamiltonian for the EM field is the sum of non-commuting cavity and external region contributions, each of which is sum of independent QHO Hamiltonians for each NHM, but the external field Hamiltonian also includes a coupling term responsible for external NHM photon exchange processes. Cavity energy gain and loss processes is associated with the non-commutativity of cavity and external region operators, given in terms of surface integrals involving cavity and external region NHM functions on the cavity-external region boundary. The spontaneous decay of a two-level atom inside an unstable cavity is treated using the essential states approach and the rotating wave approximation. Atomic transitions leading to cavity NHM photon absorption have a different coupling constant to those leading to photon emission, a feature resulting from the use of NHM functions. Under certain conditions the decay rate is enhanced by the Petermann factor.Comment: 38 pages, tex, 2 figures, ps. General expression for decay rate added. To be published in Journal of Modern Optic

STABILIZATION OF UPLAND RICE PRODUCTION UNDER SHORTENED FALLOW IN WEST AFRICA: RESEARCH PRIORITY SETTING IN A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC CLIMATE

This paper presents a dynamic model of land resource degradation and shifting rice cultivation in West Africa based upon Boserup and Dvorak. The model indicates the ex ante impact of research strategies to maximize the economic benefits of host plant resistance and land resource management and thereby stabilize yield decline and reduce land degradation.Land Economics/Use, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Overlook of Sino-American Power Transition: With Special Considerations of Cyber Warfare

Examination of the current posssible power transition between the Unoted States and China and how it relates to Power Transition Theory. then an overlook into how cyber warfare will play a part in a huge power transition, a topic that is not included in the antiquated PTT

The Effect Of Intermittent Cooling On Simulated Basketball Game Performance

Context: Hyperthermia is induced during prolonged exercise which promotes fatigue and a decline in performance. Basketball athletes have trouble preventing an onset of hyperthermia; thus, cryotherapy is applied intermittently to combat the negative effects. Objective: To determine, (1) effect intermittent cooling has on simulated basketball performance, perceived exertion and perceived recovery; and (2) change in performance while applying two different forms of intermittent cooling during the Basketball Specific Fatigue Protocol (BSFP). Design: Crossover study design. Setting: Indoor collegiate basketball court. Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen competitively trained recreational basketball athletes (15 males, 1 female; age = 21.1 ± 1.2 yr). Main Outcome Measures: Participants completed 3 trials of the BSFP. Between quarters, intermittent cooling was applied for 5-minutes to the lower extremity using either a phase changing material (PCM), wetted ice (WI) or received no treatment (control). Change in countermovement jump height (ΔCMJ), 10m sprint time (ΔST), heart rate (ΔHR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived recovery score (PRS) were recorded each quarter. Results: PRS found to significantly increase starting quarter 2 (Q2), (7.0 ± 2.0, p = 0.02), with significantly higher PRS at Q2 using the PCM (7.5 ± 2.0, p \u3c 0.01). HR and ST saw significant change between quarters (ΔHR: Q1 = 81.8 ± 2.6 bpm, p \u3c 0.01; ΔST: Q1 to Q4 (- 0.2 ± 0.1 s, p = 0.02), Q2 to Q4 (- 0.1 ± 0.0 s, p = 0.03), but not between conditions (ΔHR: p = 0.51, ΔST: p = 0.33). RPE significantly increased each quarter until the completion of the simulated game (p Conclusions: Intermittent cooling, applied to the lower extremity via PCM, can increase perceived recovery through the first half of simulated basketball game performance

From Presumed Fathers to Lesbian Mothers: Sex Discrimination and the Legal Construction of Parenthood

In Part I of this article, Dalton briefly reviews the way legal scholars commonly define sex-based discrimination, particularly as it pertains to issues of reproduction. Part II is a brief historical review of legal constructions of parenthood. In Part III, Dalton examines two legal concepts: retroactive legitimation and presumed fatherhood. Both concepts were introduced in 1872 and each independently encouraged judges to think of fatherhood as consisting of two distinct spheres, the biological and the social. She then traces the legal development of these concepts through a series of presumed father, retroactive legitimation, and putative father cases. In Part IV Dalton extends the analysis to include legal constructions of motherhood by introducing lesbian co-mother and female surrogacy cases into the mix. This allows the author to directly compare legal constructions of motherhood to legal constructions of fatherhood. In Part V Dalton discusses gendered aspects of the legal institution of marriage and the complicated role marriage plays in legal constructions of parenthood. In Part VI she delves into several recent lesbian co-mother and surrogacy cases to explore how some judges are attempting to expand legal constructions of motherhood in ways that would bring them more on par with legal constructions of fatherhood. And finally, in Part VII, Dalton offers final remarks and concludes that judges\u27 inability to conceive of a gender neutral subject, at least when considering issues related to human reproduction, creates serious legal disadvantages for virtually all women. As the analysis below makes clear, the resulting discrimination is grounded in gendered constructions of parenthood and not, as many courts conclude, in the biological differences between men and women

Characteristics and problems of successful extension-related community clubs in Knox County, Tennessee, 1944-1977

Successful Knox County Community Clubs, organized prior to 1955 and active at the time of the study, were studied to compare and characterize the clubs and to Identify factors contributing to their success. Information was derived primarily from interviews with key members from selected clubs, also from interviews with other key people associated with selected clubs during periods studied, from review of records, club reports, minutes, scrapbooks, library materials, etc. Most clubs started because of special needs or interests of residents and because of the influence of Extension and other professionals. The East Tennessee Community Improvement Program influenced selected clubs\u27 start, and also their continuation through the time of the study. During the study period, 1944-1977, communities grew in population and farming declined. The major problems faced by clubs during the Formative Period, 1944-1954, were related to school, library and the need for community services; during Intermediate Years, 1955-1969, the problems mostly had to do with education, beautification, need for a community center, community services and parks and recreation; and in Recent Years, 1970-1977, basic club organization, land use planning and law enforcement were major problems. It was found that the clubs studied were successful in completing projects relating to specific community problems. They were receptive to help from Extension and other outside resources, and cooperated well with county government and other public and private organizations. Implications were drawn and recommendations made for use of the findings and for further study