Damage Considerations of a Flexible Micro Air Vehicle Wing Using 3-D Laser Vibrometry

In recent years there has been a major push towards a new class of unmanned aerial vehicles: micro air vehicles. A great amount of research has been done towards the aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, construction, and flight characteristics of flexible wing micro air vehicles. However, there has not been much research done regarding possible structural deficiencies of a flexible micro air vehicle wing. The focus of this research is to evaluate the effects of damage on a flexible micro air vehicle wing, particularly its natural frequencies and mode shapes, using three dimensional laser vibrometry. The flexible micro air vehicle wing studied was based on a University of Florida micro air vehicle wing design and was examined using measurements from the Polytec 400-3D Scanning Vibrometer. Comparisons of the wing\u27s natural frequencies and displacements were made between the wing\u27s undamaged and damaged states

VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP OF ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS DURING PANDEMIC ERA IN MAKASSAR CITY

In this situation of pandemic, schools have to adjust to the new trends of education wherein most things have to be done online. Different platforms are used to be able to mobilize teachers, parents, students and other stakeholders of the schools in Makassar City. Applications like Zoom, Google-meet, and WhatsApp are just some of the media that so far effective in communicating with those stakeholders. In this research, the researcher aims to determine ways and means on how these principals are able to mobilize and influence all the stakeholders so that goals and objectives of the school will be achieved. Based on the findings, principals have to use various platforms and need to conduct regular meetings to tall these stakeholders to ensure that education is well delivered. This paper applies the descriptive qualitative method wherein data is mainly collected by interviews and observations based on the objective of the research. These data are then reduced and analyzed to come up with a conclusion that is based on the main objective of the researche

Differential Transcriptome Responses to Aflatoxin B1 in the Cecal Tonsil of Susceptible and Resistant Turkeys

The nearly-ubiquitous food and feed-borne mycotoxin aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is carcinogenic and mutagenic, posing a food safety threat to humans and animals. One of the most susceptible animal species known and thus a good model for characterizing toxicological pathways, is the domesticated turkey (DT), a condition likely due, at least in part, to deficient hepatic AFB1-detoxifying alpha-class glutathione S-transferases (GSTAs). Conversely, wild turkeys (Eastern wild, EW) are relatively resistant to the hepatotoxic, hepatocarcinogenic and immunosuppressive effects of AFB1 owing to functional gene expression and presence of functional hepatic GSTAs. This study was designed to compare the responses in gene expression in the gastrointestinal tract between DT (susceptible phenotype) and EW (resistant phenotype) following dietary AFB1 challenge (320 ppb for 14 days); specifically in cecal tonsil which functions in both nutrient absorption and gut immunity. RNAseq and gene expression analysis revealed significant differential gene expression in AFB1-treated animals compared to control-fed domestic and wild birds and in within-treatment comparisons between bird types. Significantly upregulated expression of the primary hepatic AFB1-activating P450 (CYP1A5) as well as transcriptional changes in tight junction proteins were observed in AFB1-treated birds. Numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines, TGF-β and EGF were significantly down regulated by AFB1 treatment in DT birds and pathway analysis suggested suppression of enteroendocrine cells. Conversely, AFB1 treatment modified significantly fewer unique genes in EW birds; among these were genes involved in lipid synthesis and metabolism and immune response. This is the first investigation of the effects of AFB1 on the turkey gastro-intestinal tract. Results suggest that in addition to the hepatic transcriptome, animal resistance to this mycotoxin occurs in organ systems outside the liver, specifically as a refractory gastrointestinal tract

Altered Gene Response to Aflatoxin B\u3csub\u3e1\u3c/sub\u3e in the Spleens of Susceptible and Resistant Turkeys

Susceptibility and/or resistance to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a threshold trait governed principally by glutathione S transferase (GST)-mediated detoxification. In poultry, domesticated turkeys are highly sensitive to AFB1, most likely due to dysfunction in hepatic GSTs. In contrast, wild turkeys are comparatively resistant to aflatoxicosis due to the presence of functional hepatic GSTAs and other possible physiological and immunological interactions. The underlying genetic basis for the disparate GST function in turkeys is unknown as are the broader molecular interactions that control the systemic response. This study quantifies the effects of dietary AFB1 on gene expression in the turkey spleen, specifically contrasting genetically distinct domesticated (DT, susceptible) and Eastern wild (EW, resistant) birds. Male turkey poults were subjected to a short-term AFB1 treatment protocol with feed supplemented with 320 ppb AFB1 beginning on day 15 of age and continuing for 14 days. Spleen tissues were harvested and subjected to deep RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis. Analysis of differential gene expression found the effects of AFB1 treatment on the spleen transcriptomes considerably more prominent in the DT birds compared to EW. However, expression of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was directionally biased, with the majority showing higher expression in EW (i.e., down-regulation in DT). Significantly altered pathways included FXR/RXR and LXR/RXR activation, coagulation system, prothrombin activation, acute phase response, and atherosclerosis signaling. Differential extra-hepatic expression of acute phase protein genes was confirmed by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) in the original experiment and additional turkey lines. Results demonstrate that wild turkeys possess a capacity to more effectively respond to AFB1exposure

Integrative Learning and Interdisciplinary Information Systems Curriculum Development in Accounting Analytics

This paper develops the structure for an integrative model information systems curriculum on Accounting Analytics, which affords students the opportunities to develop domain knowledge along with application of data analytics. As industry experiences rapid technological change, university curricula must remain current in order to be effective. Curriculum content is further advanced and established with input from industry organizations that employ graduates of the programs. The paper output includes a curriculum review of top accounting programs, course curriculum map, accounting data skills matrix, and professional opportunities. The curriculum review utilizes an empirical text analytics methodological approach to extract patterns and develop additional insights for the advancement of accounting information systems research. To minimize curricular disruption, existing courses can be utilized as core curriculum, enhancing key courses to complete undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs. The Accounting Analytics customized curriculum provides students an opportunity to take advantage of the growing interdisciplinary field and student interest among accounting and analytical career paths. The integrative curriculum is developed to better prepare graduates with the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities to excel in this new-age workforce

Mandatory Mediation of Civil Cases in a Highly Urbanized City

This study assessed the mandatory mediation in civil cases in Olongapo City. It utilized the descriptive-survey research method with the questionnaire as the primary data-gathering tool. Sixty-six (66) respondents participated in the study. The study also used an unstandardized questionnaire validated by a panel of experts. To analyze the data, the researchers utilized the following statistical tools: frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson Chi-Square test. The study confirms that respondents are highly aware of mediation rules, proceedings, and mediators' code of ethical standards. Results also revealed significant relationships between the level of awareness of the respondents of the mandatory mediation of civil cases and age, the level of awareness of the code of ethical standards with the highest educational attainment, and length of service. In addition, the study also found significant relationships between the profile variables and the extent of implementation. Finally, there was a relationship between the level of awareness and the extent of implementation of the mandatory mediation of civil cases in terms of submitted and disposed cases. The study results served as the basis for developing a Proposed Enhancement Program in implementing Mandatory Mediation of Civil Cases in Olongapo City

Investigation of sonic boom for the Space Shuttle: High cross-range orbiter

Recent studies of a proposed low cross-range straight-wing space shuttle orbiter have shown that the sonic boom created during reentry may be objectionable, particularly at low supersonic Mach number. Because of this, additional tests have been conducted to determine the sonic-boom overpressure for a blended wing-body shape proposed for use as a high cross-range shuttle orbiter. Two mission profiles, in which a constant angle of attack was held during the supersonic portion of the flight, were studied. In one case the angle of attack was 60 degrees; in the other 25 degrees. The sonic-boom pressure signatures were measured in a wind tunnel and used to estimate overpressures for both missions. A technique for alleviating the boom is indicated

A Microanalysis of Employee Retention Strategies: The Case of Selected Convenience Stores and Their Practices

Maintaining top-tier personnel is difficult for convenience stores, as they must compete against larger businesses with higher budgets and more employee advantages. This study aimed to determine the employee retention management practices in selected convenience stores in Cavite, Philippines. It utilized a descriptive research design and convenience sampling technique to select the respondents. The data was acquired by utilizing self-constructed questionnaires and Likert-scale to determine the effectiveness of employee retention. The study found that most respondents who manage a convenience store have 1 to 9 employees, have been operating for 6 to 8 years, and were small enterprises. The study found that variables such as employee compensation, physical working environment, employee growth, engagement, and employee support were highly effective in retaining employees. The researchers recommend that employees seek a good organization that listens to them and cares about their general well-being. Respectively, managers and/or owners should develop efficient and effective strategies to retain and manage employees in a sustainable manner

An Analysis on the Efficiency of Philippine Microfinance Institutions: A Stochastic Frontier Approach

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) were created to provide loans and financial services for the poor as commercial banks have requirements that are not accessible to them. The Philippines government soon started using MFIs as a poverty alleviation tool to answer the market failure created by the commercial banking industry since it cannot accommodate the needs of low-income earners due to the high costs attached to it. However, recent studies have shown that MFIs are “mission drifting,” which means that they are deviating from their original social purpose and becoming more financially driven. As a result, this paper estimates the financial and social efficiency of Philippine MFIs using a two-step Stochastic Frontier Approach from 2005 to 2018

Effects of a school-based intervention on active commuting to school and health-related fitness

Background: Active commuting to school has declined over time, and interventions are needed to reverse this trend. The main objective was to investigate the effects of a school-based intervention on active commuting to school and health-related fitness in school-age children of Southern Spain. Methods: A total of 494 children aged 8 to 11 years were invited to participate in the study. The schools were non-randomly allocated (i.e., school level allocation) into the experimental group (EG) or the control group (CG). The EG received an intervention program for 6 months (a monthly activity) focused on increasing the level of active commuting to school and mainly targeting children’s perceptions and attitudes. Active commuting to school and health-related fitness (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness and speed-agility), were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Children with valid data on commuting to school at baseline and follow-up, sex, age and distance from home to school were included in the final analysis (n = 251). Data was analyzed through a factorial ANOVA and the Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: At follow up, the EG had higher rates of cycling to school than CG for boys only (p = 0.04), but not for walking to school for boys or girls. The EG avoided increases in the rates of passive commuting at follow up, which increased in the CG among girls for car (MD = 1.77; SE = 0.714; p = 0.010) and bus (MD = 1.77; SE = 0.714; p = 0.010) modes. Moreover, we observed significant interactions and main effects between independent variables (study group, sex and assessment time point) on health-related fitness (p < 0.05) over the 6-month period between groups, with higher values in the control group (mainly in boys). Conclusion: A school-based intervention focused on increasing active commuting to school was associated with increases in rates of cycling to school among boys, but not for walking to school or health-related fitness. However, the school-based intervention avoided increases in rates of passive commuting in the experimental group, which were significantly increased in girls of the control group