The typology of connectivity in landscape architecture: a review of studies on landscape connectivity (LC)

Connectivity is an important landscape characteristic that is essential for health, welfare and aesthetic values in human societies as well as for the protection of native ecosystems. Diversity in objectives, approaches, definitions and methods in studies on connectivity and its widespread use in the field of landscape ecology are reasons why Landscape Connectivity (LC) in landscape architecture has been deemed as the counterpart of Ecological Connectivity leading to neglect of other aspects of this comprehensive concept. This study, reviews and classifies studies carried out in the field of landscape with a focus on connectivity in order to achieve a comprehensive definition of LC and its various components in landscape architecture literature. The research method used in this study was quantitative-qualitative. In the first phase, the literature was collected using library research and internet search via a descriptive-analytical approach. Then, an inductive constructionist strategy using Delphi technique was used to classify and categorize relevant studies, and logical argumentation was used to develop the concept of LC in landscape architecture literature. Finally, the objectivist Descriptive/Synthetic Modelling strategy was used to provide a conceptual model of urban landscape connectivity (ULC). The key finding of this study is the researcher-made conceptual model of ULC, its corresponding components and parameters with the viewpoint of landscape architecture

The built environment element of economic development in post conflict response in Indonesia

The recent violent communal conflicts events at the end of 1990s in Indonesia has appointed to the importance of relationship within the community and linked to the role of economic sector and built environment. This paper presents some findings from interviews with four groups of stakeholders related to urban development on a recent study in the context of the communal conflict that occurred on three cases: Solo (Central Java), Poso (Central Sulawesi), and Sambas (West Kalimantan). The finding suggests that the economic development needs to seriously consider the role of traditional market place and informal sector, as well as urban heritage conservation

Triggered optical coherence tomography for capturing rapid periodic motion

Quantitative cross-sectional imaging of vocal folds during phonation is potentially useful for diagnosis and treatments of laryngeal disorders. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a powerful technique, but its relatively low frame rates makes it challenging to visualize rapidly vibrating tissues. Here, we demonstrate a novel method based on triggered laser scanning to capture 4-dimensional (4D) images of samples in motu at audio frequencies over 100 Hz. As proof-of-concept experiments, we applied this technique to imaging the oscillations of biopolymer gels on acoustic vibrators and aerodynamically driven vibrations of the vocal fold in an ex vivo calf larynx model. Our results suggest that triggered 4D OCT may be useful in understanding and assessing the function of vocal folds and developing novel treatments in research and clinical settings

Surface profiling of object using varifocal lens with image contrast

The measurement of automated and fast focusing on the improvement of speed and accuracy is an important issue in industrial inspection and biomedical microscopy. In this study, we developed a novel optical imaging system in which varifocal lenses are used to characterize the 3D surface topography of samples. The performance of the proposed system was evaluated using twelve focusing algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system in the near real-time construction of multi-focus fusion images with large depth of field from which to derive 3D surface profiles

Detection of colorectal polyps in humans using an intravenously administered fluorescent peptide targeted against c-Met

Molecular tumour pathology - and tumour genetic

The Determinants of Informal Capital in the Financing of Small Firms at Start-Up:: An Ethnic Comparison of Small Firms in Sweden

Abstract This study explains empirically the differences in the use of informal financing between native-and immigrant-owned small businesses in terms of ethnicity and other relevant variables. A sample of 2814 nativeand immigrant-owned small businesses, consisting of a unique database gathered, was analysed and several univariate and multivariate methods employed. The results suggest that ethnicity is a significant explanatory variable and an important factor in informal capital access in the start-up stage in terms of loans from family members and friends. Moreover, the other independent variables, namely gender, age, experience of starting businesses, the amount of start capital, and firm size, affect loans from family members, whereas loans from friends are influenced by age, size, and industry affiliation. Since knowledge about informal capital determinants is limited, the results of this study add to our understanding of the variables that explain the financing behaviour of small businesses at start-up

Guide catheter exchange techniques: bi-coaxial and other methods.

Maintaining the position of a guidewire across coronary artery lesions during angioplasty is important to allow rapid and reliable access. Stabilizing these small caliber angioplasty guidewires during guide catheter replacement is often difficult, if not impossible at times. This article reviews the techniques for exchanging guide catheters while maintaining coronary guidewire position. It also introduces the bi-coaxial guide catheter exchange technique