1,430 research outputs found
How to Name the Residents
I read Mary Stewart Craig\u27s article Do Mamaroneckers Like to Neck? in the November issue of Word Ways with great relish. As an upstanding citizen, I immediately sat down and set down some regional epithets that popped into my head, trying to follow her example. I mailed them to Word Ways and returned to my mystery novel. In a few days I received a note from the editor, suggesting that I elucidate and illustrate those principles that make for clever citizens\u27 names
Investigating the effect of a stress-based uniaxial anisotropy on the magnetic behaviour of La<sub>0.7</sub>Sr<sub>0.3</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub> elements
We investigate the interplay between shape anisotropy and a stress-based uniaxial anisotropy on the magnetic domain structure of La<sub>0.7</sub>Sr<sub>0.3</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub> nanoelements as a function of aspect ratio, using micromagnetic simulations. We show that a direct competition between the anisotropies gives rise to high energy multi-domain flux closure configurations, whilst an alignment of the anisotropies can modify the effective element dimensions and act to stabilise a single domain configuration. Our results demonstrate the ability to control the spin state of La<sub>0.7</sub>Sr<sub>0.3</sub>MnO<sub>3</sub> elements in addition to tailoring the domain wall width by controlling the anisotropy of the material, which is key for spintronic applications that require a high spin-polarization and stable magnetic configurations
Gait characteristics of subjects with chronic fatigue syndrome and controls at self-selected and matched velocities
Background:
Gait abnormalities have been reported in individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) however no studies exist to date investigating the kinematics of individuals with CFS in over-ground gait. The aim of this study was to compare the over-ground gait pattern (sagittal kinematics and temporal and spatial) of individuals with CFS and control subjects at their self-selected and at matched velocities.
Methods:
Twelve individuals with CFS and 12 matched controls participated in the study. Each subject walked along a 7.2 m walkway three times at each of three velocities: self-selected, relatively slow (0.45 ms-1) and a relatively fast (1.34 ms-1). A motion analysis system was used to investigate the sagittal plane joint kinematics and temporal spatial parameters of gait.
Results:
At self-selected velocity there were significant differences between the two groups for all the temporal and spatial parameters measured, including gait velocity (P = 0.002). For the kinematic variables the significant differences were related to both ankles during swing and the right ankle during stance. At the relatively slower velocity the kinematic differences were replicated. However, the step distances decreased in the CFS population for the temporal and spatial parameters. When the gait pattern of the individuals with CFS at the relatively fast walking velocity (1.30 ± 0.24 ms-1) was compared to the control subjects at their self-selected velocity (1.32 ± 0.15 ms-1) the gait pattern of the two groups was very similar, with the exception of both ankles during swing.
Conclusion:
The self-selected gait velocity and/or pattern of individuals with CFS may be used to monitor the disease process or evaluate therapeutic intervention. These differences may be a reflection of the relatively low self-selected gait velocity of individuals with CFS rather than a manifestation of the condition itself
How much for your kidney? The rise of the global transplant tourism industry
The term 'Transplant Tourism' is becoming commonly used to describe any form of travel that serves in the attainment of new organs; this practice is utterly condemned by the medical community and the World Health Organisation. Medical Tourism involves tourists travelling to, 'obtain medical, dental and surgical care while simultaneously being holidaymakers' (Connell, 2006, p. 1094). British Medical Journal (2008) highlights that Medical Tourism is a billion dollar industry, where companies advertise health services and attract patients for a fraction of the price they would have paid at home (Turner, 2008a). However, the typically legitimate Medical Tourism industry's reputation is being tarnished by its association with Transplant Tourism. Human organs used in transplantation can be obtained in two ways: live organ donation or cadaveric organ procurement (Lamb, 1990). In general, recipients prefer having living donor transplants over deceased ones, as the former offer them a better chance of survival (Steinberg, 2004). There is a worldwide struggle to meet the demand for organs; the gap between supply and demand has stimulated global organ trade and transplant tourism. Transplant Tourism has been overlooked within tourism literature and hoping to begin a debate, this note investigates the concept of Transplant Tourism, outlining why it cannot, in general, be considered a legitimate part of the Medical Tourism industry
Commercial hospitality : a vehicle for the sustainable empowerment of Nepali women
To illustrate how commercial hospitality has catalysed sustainable social change in Nepal through empowering women. Utilising a new framework, developed by combining existing theories, empowerment of women Tea House owners/ managers is assessed. Within a critical feminist paradigm, primary research consisting of interviews and participant observation was undertaken in Nepal over a three month period in the central region of Nepal. Involvement in the hospitality industry improved the livelihoods of the women Tea House owners/ managers, it also has the potential to facilitate sustainable empowerment for future generations, providing them with education, choice, control and opportunities. Although steps were taken to limit rhetorical issues, language barriers could have influenced the findings of the interviews. To fully investigate the potential for hospitality to act as a vehicle for the sustainable empowerment of women, it is suggested that this study be replicated again in another region or that a detailed ethnographic study be carried out. Demonstrates how the commercial hospitality industry can be a force for good; women working in the industry are agents of change, actively improving their levels of empowerment in their immediate environment. The commercial hospitality industry has pioneered the empowerment of women and this could lay the foundation for the further emancipation of women. To date, there has been limited research into the relationship between involvement in the commercial hospitality sector and the empowerment of women; this paper begins to fill this gap by investigating a tourist region of Nepal
Cryptickles
In the November 1992 Kickshaws, Dave Morice quotes Mike Reiss I\u27ll wager that there is a word, common phrase, or well-known title that will cryptically clue every letter of the alphabet . Indeed there is; cryptic crossword constructors have been weaving their magic for over half a century. I add the following to the original list (also included)
Simulation and analysis of solenoidal ion sources
We present a detailed analysis and simulation of solenoidal, magnetically confined electron bombardment ion sources, aimed at molecular beam detection. The aim is to achieve high efficiency for singly ionized species while minimizing multiple ionization. Electron space charge plays a major role and we apply combined ray tracing and finite element simulations to determine the properties of a realistic geometry. The factors controlling electron injection and ion extraction are discussed. The results from simulations are benchmarked against experimental measurements on a prototype source
Thermoelectric performance of multiphase XNiSn (X = Ti, Zr, Hf) half-Heusler alloys
Quantitative X-ray powder diffraction analysis demonstrates that mixing Ti, Zr and Hf on the ionic site in the half-Heusler structure, which is a common strategy to lower the lattice thermal conductivity in this important class of thermoelectric materials, leads to multiphase behaviour. For example, nominal Ti0.5Zr0.5NiSn has a distribution of Ti1−xZrxNiSn compositions between 0.24 ≤ x ≤ 0.70. Similar variations are observed for Zr0.50Hf0.5NiSn and Ti0.5Hf0.5NiSn. Electron microscopy and elemental mapping demonstrate that the main compositional variations occur over micrometre length scales. The thermoelectric power factors of the mixed phase samples are improved compared to the single phase end-members (e.g. S2/ρ = 1.8 mW m−1 K−2 for Ti0.5Zr0.5NiSn, compared to S2/ρ = 1.5 mW m−1 K−2 for TiNiSn), demonstrating that the multiphase behaviour is not detrimental to electronic transport. Thermal conductivity measurements for Ti0.5Zr0.5NiSn0.95 suggest that the dominant reduction comes from Ti/Zr mass and size difference phonon scattering with the multiphase behaviour a secondary effect
Love motels : oriental phenomenon or emergent sector?
This study explores the 'Love Motel' concept by examining the changing attitude of consumers in Taiwan. This will increase knowledge of the sector and define love motels. The literature review charts the development of Taiwanese love motels from a duel origin; American Motels and Japanese 'Love Hotels.' This is followed by an empirical qualitative study consisting of a two-stage collection strategy: focus groups of hospitality and tourism professionals to gather a wide range of opinions on the subject area followed by semi-structured interviews with consumers. The findings split into three interrelated areas: growth of Taiwanese love motels due to more liberal attitudes towards sexual practice; a change in the public perception of motels due to increased standards and an increased satisfaction with the personal consumption experience; these hotels are designed for couples. The empirical element of this study is an exploration of consumer experience in Taiwanese love hotels. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the data that was gathered a qualitative approach has been adopted. The sexual associations with this product appear almost coincidental. If the love motel product is considered in its purest form it is simply a hotel product that provides complete anonymity for its guests. Therefore, despite its application in South East Asia, this hospitality concept has potential to be applied in a variety of guises. The phenomenon of 'Love Hotels' is absent from hospitality management literature; this paper begins to fill that gap by beginning a discussion on this possibly controversial sector
Redistribution, state trading enterprises and ‘politically optimal’ tariffs
This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Wiley via the DOI in this record.State trading enterprises (STEs) are widely used and can be viewed as instruments of trade policy. We analyse two aspects: the first is their potential trade distorting effect; the second is how they modify the case for the ‘politically optimal’ tariff. We show that the STE can reduce the need for a tariff designed for domestic redistribution. This result introduces some ambiguity about how STEs are interpreted: from a multilateralist perspective, they should be dealt with in the same way as other non-tariff barriers; from a nationalistic perspective, they can reduce the need for ‘politically optimal.’
State trading enterprises (STEs) are widely used and can be viewed as instruments of trade policy. We analyse two aspects: the first is their potential trade distorting effect; the second is how they modify the case for the ‘politically optimal’ tariff. We show that the STE can reduce the need for a tariff designed for domestic redistribution. This result introduces some ambiguity about how STEs are interpreted: from a multilateralist perspective, they should be dealt with in the same way as other non-tariff barriers; from a nationalistic perspective, they can reduce the need for ‘politically optimal.
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