Soliton compression to few-cycle pulses by cascaded quadratic nonlinearities

Theoretical and numerical investigation of pulse-compression in a nonlinear crystal is presented. SHG soliton number is introduced and show that compression only takes place when it is larger than the "usual" Kerr soliton number. Pulse compression with cascaded quadratic nonlinearities requires that the ratio of the SHG and Kerr soliton numbers N>1

Kinematics of the Tined Combine Harvester Reel

Although derivation of the kinematic equations of the combine harvester reel is readily achieved, certain inferences thereof suggest possible improvements in its kinematical design.  A mathematically computed reference value of the reel index (ratio of the product of the reel radius and rotational velocity to the reel advance velocity) is found to be larger than commonly recommended values.  The point, either spatial or temporal, within the cycle of reel motion, at which the tinebar should preferably enter the crop is discussed.  The pick-up performance of the tines is qualitatively analyzed and its possible improvement through redesign of reel tine kinematics is suggested. Keywords: combine harvester reel, reel kinematics, tine trajectory

Predictors of time to first birth after first marriage among women in Uganda

The objective of this paper was to investigate factors associated with time to first birth after first marriage among women in Uganda. The assessment was made using data sourced from the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health survey. The analysis was done using a time-to-event approach involving life tables, log-rank and the Cox Proportional Hazards model. In the results, the median time to first birth after first marriage was 2 years (range, 1-36). The key predictors of having a live birth after first marriage were loss of a pregnancy either spontaneously or induced, knowledge of ovulation cycle and late sexual debut (p < 0.05). In particular, the chances of first birth after first marriage were lower among women who had ever lost a pregnancy and women having their sexual intercourse at a later age. On the contrary, the chances of having a first child after marriage were higher among women at higher ages at first marriage and those who were aware of their ovulation cycle.

Modeling of crop stem deflection in the context of combine harvester reel design and operation

A model of crop stem deflection by the combine harvester reel is formulated.  The equations derived thereof are evaluated on the basis of empirical data that were acquired through deflection of crop stems in a ready-for-harvest Japonica rice in the field.  The empirical data are found to be in agreement with the theoretically derived equations. Applications of crop stem deflection to reel design and operation are discussed.  The derived crop stem deflection model should be applicable in other situations in which it becomes necessary to study the deflection of crop stems, particularly in the domain of agricultural machinery engineering. Keywords: combine harvester header, tined reel, crop stem deflection, rice crop, mathematical modeling, model validation, model applicatio

Compression limits in cascaded quadratic soliton compression

Cascaded quadratic soliton compressors generate under optimal conditions few-cycle pulses. Using theory and numerical simulations in a nonlinear crystal suitable for high-energy pulse compression, we address the limits to the compression quality and efficiency

Information Security Management in Small Public Sector Organizations: Requirements and Design of a Procedural Approach

The increasing digitalization of enterprises and public authorities has resulted in the growing importance of information technology in everyday operations. In this context, an information security management system (ISMS) has become an essential aspect for most organizations. The dependency on technology for almost every single process in an organization has put ISMS at the top of the corporate agenda of public sector organizations. For public organizations in particular, the NIS 2 Directive describes abstract requirements for the development of an ISMS. On the other hand, only a few public administrations operate an ISMS. In this context, this article analyses the requirements of the NIS-2 Directive and complements them with the obstacles and reasons for success in the introduction of ISMS in small public sector organizations (SPSO). At the same time, minimum requirements should be defined that help municipal administration set up an ISMS quickly and easily. This article summarizes the different requirements and generates a foundation for a rough procedural model, for implementing the upcoming requirements of the NIS 2 Directive in local governments. The article also presents the conceptual design of the procedural model

An Analysis of Effective Responsibility Accounting System Strategies in the Zimbabwean Health Sector (2003-2011)

The study set out to come up with strategies to ensure effective responsibility accounting system in the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MOHCW) in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. The study was largely prompted by the fact that despite having been professionalized in its functions, the Ministry was still facing a lot of challenges. The target population for the study was the management and a sample of 70 employees from the fourteen stations in the province was used. Systematic sampling (probability sampling) and purposive or judgmental sampling (non-probability sampling) were used. It was observed that departments were operating with mandated budgets and that planning and control were not integrated. In addition it was also observed that performance reports were being used to fix blame on management and that performance reports were not being distributed to sectional managers on a regular basis. It is recommended that when coming up with budgets for the province the leadership should allow station managers to participate in the budget formulation and their suggestions should be taken on board and incorporated in the master budget. Key words: Strategies, Responsibility Accounting, Public Secto