Waveplate retarders based on overhead transparencies

We describe procedures for constructing inexpensive waveplates of desired retardation out of ordinary commercially available transparencies. Various relevant properties of the transparencies are investigated: the dependence of retardation on rotation of the film, tilt, wavelength, position, and temperature. Constructing waveplates out of combinations of transparency sheets is also explored.Comment: 7 pages, 12 fig

IT integration, operations flexibility and performance: an empirical study

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between IT implementation and performance with manufacturing flexibility based on a sample drawn from a set of manufacturing firms. Design/methodology/approach: The relationships were analyzed using structural equations modelling (SEM) using EQS 6.2 software. Previously, an explanatory factor analysis confirmed one-dimensionality of the scales, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to evaluate its internal consistency and a confirmatory factor analysis was run to observe scales’ validity. Findings: This research proves a significant positive and direct effect of IT implementation on operations performance with 4 out of 6 flexibility dimensions (Machine, Labour, Material handling and Volume). Mix and Routing flexibility dimensions show no significant impact on firm performance. Research limitations/implications: It is necessary to be cautious when generalizing this findings these findings, as service firms were not part of the sample even when statistical results prove robustness suggesting that the findings are quite reliable. Some flexibility dimensions show no significant impact in performance (Routing and Mix flexibility). This is consistent with the fact that these flexibility dimensions act as variability absorbers within the manufacturing process. Future research lines: Future studies can focus on determining further internal and environmental factors that affect operations flexibility according to specific sector characteristics. Originality/value: This research proves a significant positive and direct effect of IT implementation on operations performance. Results show not only the links between IT implementation and operations performance, but also the magnitude of every impact. The model considers IT integration as the degree of alignment that existing technology resources in a firm have with the business strategy, in terms of importance and support for this strategyPeer Reviewe

On the metric compactification of infinite-dimensional ℓp\ell_{p} spaces

The notion of metric compactification was introduced by Gromov and later rediscovered by Rieffel; and has been mainly studied on proper geodesic metric spaces. We present here a generalization of the metric compactification that can be applied to infinite-dimensional Banach spaces. Thereafter we give a complete description of the metric compactification of infinite-dimensional $\ell_{p}$ spaces for all $1\leq p < \infty$. We also give a full characterization of the metric compactification of infinite-dimensional Hilbert spaces.Comment: Minor typos corrected. References updated. Title changed. Results unchange

Sound

Sound, basically characterized as air in motion since ancient Greece, has been at the core of the theories of many philosophers, as well as musicians, poets, scientists, and theologians. Under the auspices of Hellenic thought, Renaissance scholars tried to define what sound is, unveiling its vibrating forces to understand its ability to shake the human body and soul. In such a way, the ever-present metaphors of harmony were much more than mere imagined, unreal thoughts: through them, Renaissance humanists shaped, organized, and understood the structure and passions of the world itself.Este trabajo forma parte del proyecto de investigación “La obra musical renacentista: fundamentos, repertorios y prácticas” HAR 2015-70181-P (MINECO/FEDER, UE

Diagnosis of some diseases through biomarkers

Muchos gatos, como los perros, sufren de diferentes enfermedades. que en ese momento no permiten mostrar síntomas o signos que permiten identificar que la mascota sufre una enfermedad grave, ya que las características de los gatos son diferentes a las de los perros, ya que estos son depredadores, por lo tanto, el diagnóstico de las enfermedades en esta especie son difíciles y, en la mayoría de los casos, el diagnóstico se realiza durante las etapas avanzadas, lo que provoca un tratamiento difícil y un mal pronóstico. Estas enfermedades incluyen: cardiomiopatía hipertrófica felina, lipidosis hepática felina, virus de inmunodeficiencia felina, insuficiencia renal crónica y peritonitis infecciosa felina. Se requiere conocimiento sobre biomarcadores para poder dar el resultado. Los biomarcadores son una herramienta que aún no se conoce ampliamente y esto es necesario. Dado que permite mejorar la calidad de vida de los gatos y sus dueños, ya que los gatos se han vuelto cada vez más importantes como mascotas. Se estima que un alto porcentaje de la población mundial ha elegido tener gatos como mascotas debido a sus características fisiológicas y de comportamiento