The Multiple In-group Identity Framework

The effects of team identification on sport consumer behaviour are well established. Recent research, however, has moved beyond this perspective to examine how groups within and beyond the team identity influence consumption. Assimilating previous research findings, we advance a Multiple In-group Identity Framework (MIIF), which consists of three levels: (1) superordinate (e.g., team identity), (2) subgroup (e.g., specific stadium area), and (3) relational group (e.g., friends or family). In the MIIF, we conceptualise the complex array of groups to which a consumer may belong within a superordinate identity. Each level includes groups with varying degrees of inclusiveness, homogeneity, and interpersonal attachment to other consumers between members. Individuals seek out sub and relational group membership because solely identifying at the superordinate level may not provide optimal distinctiveness or sufficient interpersonal attachment to other consumers. This provides self-concept benefits that nourish and operate in complement with the superordinate identification. The extent that different in-group identities influence behaviour relates to their importance in a consumer's self-concept and relevance to context. We provide implications for theory and practice

Ecological compatibility of GM crops and biological control

Insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant genetically modified (GM) crops pervade many modern cropping systems (especially field-cropping systems), and present challenges and opportunities for developing biologically based pest-management programs. Interactions between biological control agents (insect predators, parasitoids, and pathogens) and GM crops exceed simple toxicological relationships, a priority for assessing risk of GM crops to non-target species. To determine the compatibility of biological control and insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant GM crop traits within integrated pest-management programs, this synthesis prioritizes understanding the bi-trophic and prey/host-mediated ecological pathways through which natural enemies interact within cropland communities, and how GM crops alter the agroecosystems in which natural enemies live. Insect-resistant crops can affect the quantity and quality of non-prey foods for natural enemies, as well as the availability and quality of both target and non-target pests that serve as prey/hosts. When they are used to locally eradicate weeds, herbicide-tolerant crops alter the agricultural landscape by reducing or changing the remaining vegetational diversity. This vegetational diversity is fundamental to biological control when it serves as a source of habitat and nutritional resources. Some inherent qualities of both biological control and GM crops provide opportunities to improve upon sustainable IPM systems. For example, biological control agents may delay the evolution of pest resistance to GM crops, and suppress outbreaks of secondary pests not targeted by GM plants, while herbicide-tolerant crops facilitate within-field management of vegetational diversity that can enhance the efficacy of biological control agents. By examining the ecological compatibility of biological control and GM crops, and employing them within an IPM framework, the sustainability and profitability of farming may be improved

A Framework for Evaluating Biomarkers for Early Detection: Validation of Biomarker Panels for Ovarian Cancer

A panel of biomarkers may improve predictive performance over individual markers. Although many biomarker panels have been described for ovarian cancer, few studies used pre-diagnostic samples to assess the potential of the panels for early detection. We conducted a multi-site systematic evaluation of biomarker panels using pre-diagnostic serum samples from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer (PLCO) screening trial

Infrared Avionics Signal Distribution Using WDM

Supporting analog RF signal transmission over optical fibers, this project demonstrates a successful application of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) to the avionics environment. We characterize the simultaneous transmission of four RF signals (channels) over a single optical fiber. At different points along a fiber optic backbone, these four analog channels are sequentially multiplexed and demultiplexed to more closely emulate the conditions in existing onboard aircraft. We present data from measurements of optical power, transmission response (loss and gain), reflection response, group delay that defines phase distortion, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and dynamic range that defines nonlinear distortion. The data indicate that WDM is very suitable for avionics applications

THE APPLICATION OF FIBER OPTIC WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXING IN RF AVIONICS

This paper demonstrates a successful application of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) to the avionics environment to support analog RF signal transmission. We investigate the simultaneous transmission of four RF signals (channels) over a single optical fiber. These four analog channels are sequentially multiplexed and demultiplexed at different points along a fiber optic backbone to more closely emulate the conditions found onboard aircraft. We present data from measurements of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), transmission response (loss and gain), group delay that defines phase distortion, and dynamic range that defines nonlinear distortion. The data indicate that WDM is well-suited for avionics applications

Mobile free-space optical communications: a feasibility study of various battlefield scenarios

Free Space Optics (FSO) technology was originally envisioned to be a viable solution for the provision of high bandwidth optical connectivity in the last mile of today\u27s telecommunications infrastructure. Due to atmospheric limitations inherent to FSO technology, FSO is now widely envisioned as a solution for the provision of high bandwidth, temporary mobile communications links. The need for FSO communications links will increase as mobility is introduced to this technology. In this paper, a theoretical solution for adding mobility to FSO communication links is introduced. Three-dimensional power estimation studies are presented to represent mobile FSO transmission under various weather conditions. Three wavelengths, 0.85, 1.55 and 10 um, are tested and compared to illustrate the pros and cons of each source wavelength used for transmission, depending on prevalent weather conditions and atmospheric turbulence conditions. A simulation analysis of the transmission properties of the source wavelengths used in the study is shown. © 2012 Copyright Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

Trends in engineering education: A disruptive view for not so far future

This paper presents the result of a research about the trends in engineering programs and formation. The research was conducted by the education research team of COPEC for a private educational institution for the development of innovative programs in engineering field. The results have revealed a trend for more flexible and global formation and it is not only for engineering field but in general. It is a view of the future formation of engineers in particular once it is a profession, which provides professionals a lot of mobility and opportunities due to the core of the engineering programs that are almost the same everywhere. Disruptive technology development allied to the global communication and artificial intelligence are redesigning the education scenario and it is a fact that is there now and the unwind of this path certainly will lead to a more widespread knowledge clusters and the formation of any professional will be very nonconventional as we know and have now.- (undefined

46 Transporting RF Signals over Free-Space Optical Links

Free space optics (FSO) is a technology that uses modulated optical beams to transmit information line-of-sight through the atmosphere. To date, the primary focus of FSO research and development has been toward the transmission of digital signals, primarily for “last mile ” applications. This paper reports the use of FSO to transport modulated radio frequency (RF) analog signals, together with an investigation of key performance measures. Results indicate minimal RF signal distortion when transmitted over FSO. The advantages of using FSO include increased security and insusceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Keywords: Free-space optics (FSO), Fiber optics, Radio Frequency (RF). 1

Advanced Voice and Multimedia Communications System for the ODOT ITS Network (FHWA-OK-08-04 2204)

Across the State of Oklahoma there are a multitude of agencies, at the federal, state, and local levels, all responsible for responding to emergency situations. Many of these agencies have a presence on the private ODOT ITS Network; however, these ITS console operators, heretofore, relied on public switched telephone network (PSTN) communications for coordination activities. In addition, many of these agencies use shortwave radios as a means of internal agency communication. Due to the independent nature of these agencies they are unable to communicate with each other using their agency specific radios. The goal of this project is to determine how these communication issues can be resolved by utilizing the large private ODOT ITS Network connecting these agencies. This work addressed both the ITS Network inter-console communication and the inter-agency radio voice bridging. In both cases, a low cost solution, as well as, preservation of the ITS Network integrity and security were primary considerations.Final Report, October 2006-September 2008N