Higher cyclic operads

We introduce a convenient definition for weak cyclic operads, which is based on unrooted trees and Segal conditions. More specifically, we introduce a category $\Xi$ of trees, which carries a tight relationship to the Moerdijk-Weiss category of rooted trees $\Omega$. We prove a nerve theorem exhibiting colored cyclic operads as presheaves on $\Xi$ which satisfy a Segal condition. Finally, we produce a Quillen model category whose fibrant objects satisfy a weak Segal condition, and we consider these objects as an up-to-homotopy generalization of the concept of cyclic operad

An Improved, Conceptually Simple Technique for Estimating the Productivity of Marsh Vascular Flora

The estimation of the net primary productivity of marsh communities with a periodic maximum-minimum (PMM) technique has certain advantages over the long used maximum-minimum standing stock technique, but still retains the same conceptual simplicity. The final productivity estimate with PMM is based an the entire data set rather than just two points. Direct statistical comparisons between any two communities can be made. An estimate of the productivity by minor species in the community can also be made. The periodic model permits statistical comparisons about other variables in community growth such as the timing of the maximurn standing crop. With certain assumptions, productivity estimates which account for the loss of live plant material during the growing season can be made without the tremendous amount of effort and-time required by the Wiegert-Evans technique. Despite the increased utility the PMM technique requires no additional field effort

An Improved, Conceptually Simple Technique for Estimating the Productivity of Marsh Vascular Flora

The estimation of the net primary productivity of marsh communities with a periodic maximum-minimum (PMM) technique has certain advantages over the long used maximum-minimum standing stock technique, but still retains the same conceptual simplicity. The final productivity estimate with PMM is based an the entire data set rather than just two points. Direct statistical comparisons between any two communities can be made. An estimate of the productivity by minor species in the community can also be made. The periodic model permits statistical comparisons about other variables in community growth such as the timing of the maximurn standing crop. With certain assumptions, productivity estimates which account for the loss of live plant material during the growing season can be made without the tremendous amount of effort and-time required by the Wiegert-Evans technique. Despite the increased utility the PMM technique requires no additional field effort

Constructing the cultural repertoire in a natural disaster: The role of social media in the Thailand flood of 2011

In 2011, Thailand witnessed its worst flooding catastrophe in half a century. In this study, we explored social media as a new and promising weapon to address the physical and morale challenges caused by the natural disaster. A case study was conducted in the context of crisis response, whichinvestigated the use of social media to contribute to the collective cultural repertoire during the natural disaster. By investigating two paths toward the cultural repertoire construction considering different social groups, this study also identified the roles of social media as an information market and an information threshold in the crisis response

Development of portable microfading spectrometers for measurement of light sensitivity of materials

Microfading was originally designed for efficiently detecting extremely light-sensitive materials on objects in situ to determine the appropriate exhibition lighting conditions. By focusing an intense beam of light to a tiny submillimetre sized spot and simultaeously monitoring the colour change over time, the fading rate of the material can be measured without producing noticeable damage. The increased intensity of light allows rapid determination of light-fastness of materials. This paper examines an improved design of microfading spectrometer that is easy to assemble, compact, robust, capable of fully automatic acquisition of data with precision control of the fading time to produce higher precision measurements and to allow simultaneous monitoring of colour, spectral reflectance and other changes in real time. The effects of various parameters such as thickness and concentration of paint layer, the binding medium and substrate on the fading rates are examined for selected pigments and found that in certain cases substrates, binding media and thickness can affect the fading rate. Reciprocity in the context of microfading compared with realistic exhibition conditions is examined and found that it breaks down for some pigment

The homotopy theory of simplicial props

The category of (colored) props is an enhancement of the category of colored operads, and thus of the category of small categories. In this paper, the second in a series on "higher props," we show that the category of all small colored simplicial props admits a cofibrantly generated model category structure. With this model structure, the forgetful functor from props to operads is a right Quillen functor.Comment: Final version, to appear in Israel J. Mat

Quasi-simultaneous observations of the BL Lac object MK 501 in X-ray, UV, visible, IR and radio frequencies

Quasi-simultaneous observations of the BL Lacertae (Lac) objects MK 501 were performed for the first time at X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and radio frequencies. The observed spectral slope from the X-ray to UV regions is positive and continuous, but that from the mid UV to visible light region becomes gradually flat and possibly turns down toward lower frequencies; the optical radio emission can not be accounted for by a single power law. Several theoretical models were considered for the emission mechanism. A quantitative comparison was performed with the synchrotron-self-Compton model; the total spectrum is found consistent with this model. The spectrum from visible light to X-ray is consistent with synchrotron radiation or with inverse-Compton scattering by a hot thermal cloud of electrons. The continuity of the spectral slope from X-ray to UV implied by the current data suggests that the previous estimates of the total luminosity of this BL Lac object is underestimated by a factor of about three or four

Challenges for ‘Green IT’ in the Scottish ADM industry

Our research reports specifically on the challenges and behaviours towards ‘Green IT’ experienced within one complex industry. We adopt a theoretical stance based upon Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to formulate an outline ‘Green IT’ agenda. We draw on historical thinking which underpins UTAUT, which can be traced back to the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the frequently adopted technology acceptance model (TAM). Recent research on the business case for a green IT strategy identifies benefits to an enterprise’s revenue and/or cost rather than just its image making. In this respect, empirical evidence was collected and analysed from the Aerospace, Defence and Marine (ADM) industry in Scotland which includes over 800 companies employing nearly 40,000 staff which creates Gross Value Adding to the Scottish economy of around £2 billion. Data collection involved an on-line based semi structured questionnaire to all 180 Aerospace and Defence organisations using the Scottish Enterprise Database. Our findings suggest a need to develop unified measurements to evaluate green IT progress. Specifically, these should include a metric capable of measuring IT companies’ net environmental activism, assessing not only the impact of changes but also on the operations and products of their clients