Spark chamber analysis of di -kaon production near threshold

Imperial Users onl

Education and Youth Unemployment in South Africa

The problem of high youth unemployment is a global phenomenon. According to an International Labour Office study in 2004, youth (15-24) make up nearly half (47%) of the world's unemployed, 88 million out of 186 million, even though youth are only 25% of the world's working age population. Of the world's 550 million working poor who cannot lift themselves above US $1 per day poverty measure, 150 million are youth. The ILO estimated in 2004 that halving global youth unemployment would increase global GDP by US$2.2 trillion, 4% of global GDP. These statistics lend weight to the notion that youth unemployment is a problem worthy of attention. In addition, one may argue that addressing unemployment in general would also lower poverty levels and add to GDP (World Bank 2006).

Extraction of tidal channel networks from airborne scanning laser altimetry and aerial photography

The study of the morphodynamics of tidal channel networks is important because of their role in tidal propagation and the evolution of salt-marshes and tidal flats. Channel dimensions range from tens of metres wide and metres deep near the low water mark to only 20-30cm wide and 20cm deep for the smallest channels on the marshes. The conventional method of measuring the networks is cumbersome, involving manual digitising of aerial photographs. This paper describes a semi-automatic knowledge-based network extraction method that is being implemented to work using airborne scanning laser altimetry (and later aerial photography). The channels exhibit a width variation of several orders of magnitude, making an approach based on multi-scale line detection difficult. The processing therefore uses multi-scale edge detection to detect channel edges, then associates adjacent anti-parallel edges together to form channels using a distance-with-destination transform. Breaks in the networks are repaired by extending channel ends in the direction of their ends to join with nearby channels, using domain knowledge that flow paths should proceed downhill and that any network fragment should be joined to a nearby fragment so as to connect eventually to the open sea

A Theoretical, Historical, and Socio-Economic Case for Saving Lives through Strategic Improvement of Mental Health Systems around the World

Introduction: Comparing mental health systems between different countries illuminates the potential for change by showing us different approaches exist in the global here and now. Globally, people are suffering and dying daily from untreated mental health conditions and those working in these systems have to live in this reality. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine how stigma, underfunding, deficits in best practices, confusing systems, and failed strategic planning are all variables causing systems’ deficits that have people unnecessarily suffering and dying around the world. Methodology: To make the case for change, we use critical analysis to examine mental health systems through an analytic framework that includes history, systems investment, and general treatment approaches. We review mental health care systems through theories of structural functionalism, conflict, social dynamics, and socio-economic asset development. Results: The historical examination provides vital systems-development insight while the systems investment examination delves into the overall funding structures and strategies of each country. Theoretical analysis reveals how problems seem intractable, but also how progress is always possible. Conclusion: This examination informs critically thinking advocates, through historical and theoretical lenses, to generate precise calls for win-win strategies that can be individualized per World Health Organization and other advancing treatment recommendations

Distance Education--A Case Study in Practical Application

An Extension distance education program was an attempt to provide practical information on pest management topics while assessing acceptance by Extension clientele to an alternative form of instruction. Over 94% of participants indicated they would attend another Extension program taught through the use of distance education. Furthermore, an analysis of costs indicates that there was a substantial cost savings realized as a direct result of the distance delivery format utilized. All Extension programs may not be appropriate for distance delivery; however, as educational practitioners, we must have the capacity to determine what instructional method is most appropriate for a given situation

The development and application of a charge- coupled device based instrument for at-site monitoring of algae and cyanobacteria in freshwaters

A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of LutonThe research presented in this thesis describes the development and application of a portable, high-resolution instrument, specifically designed for the at-site monitoring of algae and cyanobacteria in freshwaters. The instrument incorporates a miniature charge-coupled device (CCD) based spectrometer and a low power combined deutelium and tungsten light source, enabling the absorbance to be measured between 200 - 850 nm at a resolution of 1.3 nm. A transmission dip probe with removable tips of 5, 10 and 40 mm pathlengths forms the sampling device. A specifically developed control program allows easy operation of the instrument. A linear response from 0.0 - 1.2 AU and a combined signal to noise ratio of 576: 1 for the instrument components resulting in a high baseline stability of 1.0 mAU drift over five hundred measurements being observed. The instrument provides in-vivo absorbance characteristics with high resolution across the visible spectrum. Up to twelve specific spectral features were commonly identified in the absorbance spectra of algae and cyanobacteria between 400 - 750 nm. Individual spectral features were linked to specific pigments, some of which were found to be taxonomically distinct. Fourth derivative analysis was proven to provide further enhancement of subtle spectral features. The instrument has a linear range for chlorophyll a up to 1000 !lg rl and a detection limit of 8 )lg rl using the 40 mm pathlength probe. Physiological adaptation to light and nutrient conditions were shown to have a significant effect on the in-vivo absorbance spectrum, therefore providing potential information on physiological status and health of a natural sample. Spectral analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) with classification based on the soft independent modelling of class analogy (SIMCA) method was used to classify nine species from three taxonomic classes, including four cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa, Anabaena variabilis, Aphanizornenon flos-aquae, Synechnococcus sp.), four chlorophyceae (Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus acuminatus, Spirogyra mirabilis, Staurastrurn chaetoceros) and a single bacillariophyceae (Asterionella Formosa). Classification using the SIMCA method proved to be highly reliable and robust. Moreover, the addition of noise was found to have very little effect on the classification. Under laboratory conditions all nine species were correctly classified using 'unknown' spectra. At-site classification of natural samples and laboratory simulations have shown the robustness and reliability of the developed portable instrument. In combination with the data analysis techniques, the instrument is well suited to the proactive at-site assessment of algal and cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic freshwater environments

Near real-time flood detection in urban and rural areas using high resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar images

A near real-time flood detection algorithm giving a synoptic overview of the extent of flooding in both urban and rural areas, and capable of working during night-time and day-time even if cloud was present, could be a useful tool for operational flood relief management. The paper describes an automatic algorithm using high resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite data that builds on existing approaches, including the use of image segmentation techniques prior to object classification to cope with the very large number of pixels in these scenes. Flood detection in urban areas is guided by the flood extent derived in adjacent rural areas. The algorithm assumes that high resolution topographic height data are available for at least the urban areas of the scene, in order that a SAR simulator may be used to estimate areas of radar shadow and layover. The algorithm proved capable of detecting flooding in rural areas using TerraSAR-X with good accuracy, and in urban areas with reasonable accuracy. The accuracy was reduced in urban areas partly because of TerraSAR-X’s restricted visibility of the ground surface due to radar shadow and layover