Geometric Structures on Spaces of Weighted Submanifolds

In this paper we use a diffeo-geometric framework based on manifolds that are locally modeled on "convenient" vector spaces to study the geometry of some infinite dimensional spaces. Given a finite dimensional symplectic manifold $(M,\omega)$, we construct a weak symplectic structure on each leaf ${\textbf I}_{w}$ of a foliation of the space of compact oriented isotropic submanifolds in $M$ equipped with top degree forms of total measure 1. These forms are called weightings and such manifolds are said to be weighted. We show that this symplectic structure on the particular leaves consisting of weighted Lagrangian submanifolds is equivalent to a heuristic weak symplectic structure of Weinstein [Adv. Math. 82 (1990), 133-159]. When the weightings are positive, these symplectic spaces are symplectomorphic to reductions of a weak symplectic structure of Donaldson [Asian J. Math. 3 (1999), 1-15] on the space of embeddings of a fixed compact oriented manifold into $M$. When $M$ is compact, by generalizing a moment map of Weinstein we construct a symplectomorphism of each leaf ${\textbf I}_{w}$ consisting of positive weighted isotropic submanifolds onto a coadjoint orbit of the group of Hamiltonian symplectomorphisms of $M$ equipped with the Kirillov-Kostant-Souriau symplectic structure. After defining notions of Poisson algebras and Poisson manifolds, we prove that each space ${\textbf I}_{w}$ can also be identified with a symplectic leaf of a Poisson structure. Finally, we discuss a kinematic description of spaces of weighted submanifolds

Assessing Destination Competitiveness: An Application to the Hot Springs Tourism Sector

This paper proposes a model to identify the factors determining the competitiveness of the hot springs tourism sector, with particular application to Taiwan. The proposed conceptual framework brings together two approaches, namely the theories of industry organization (10) and the resource-based view (RBV). The proposition underlying this framework is that destination competitiveness is achieved by the adoption of policies and strategies aligned with market opportunities, drawing upon the unique or distinctive tourism features offered by the destination. It is proposed that three major influences are evident in the case of hot springs tourism, namely Tourism Destination Resources and Attractors, Tourism Destination Strategies and Tourism Destination Environments. An evaluation is provided of the administration of a three-round Delphi survey, which was intended to validate the determinants of destination competitiveness that were derived from the literature. Drawing upon the results of the pilot study it is concluded that the development of a sector-specific model of destination competitiveness is capable of capturing the nature and characteristics of the hot springs tourism sector

Effect of Sensory Attenuation on Cortical Movement-Related Oscillations

This study examined the impact of induced sensory deficits on cortical, movement-related oscillations measured using electroencephalography (EEG). We hypothesized that EEG patterns in healthy subjects with induced sensory reduction would be comparable to EEG found after chronic loss of sensory feedback. EEG signals from 64 scalp locations were measured from 10 healthy subjects. Participants dorsiflexed their ankle after prolonged vibration of the tibialis anterior (TA). Beta band time frequency decompositions were calculated using wavelets and compared across conditions. Changes in patterns of movement-related brain activity were observed following attenuation of sensory feedback. A significant decrease in beta power of event-related synchronization was associated with simple ankle dorsiflexion after prolonged vibration of the TA. Attenuation of sensory feedback in young, healthy subjects led to a corresponding decrease in beta band synchronization. This temporary change in beta oscillations suggests that these modulations are a mechanism for sensorimotor integration. The loss of sensory feedback found in spinal cord injury patients contributes to changes in EEG signals underlying motor commands. Similar alterations in cortical signals in healthy subjects with reduced sensory feedback implies these changes reflect normal sensorimotor integration after reduced sensory input rather than brain plasticity

Employment growth, job creation, and job destruction in Ohio

Over the past several years, Ohio’s employment has grown much more slowly than the national average. If we look at patterns of job creation and destruction in the state, we can start to get a handle on why. In the late 1990s, not only was the rate of job creation sluggish relative to the nation, but the rate of job destruction climbed rapidly.Employment - Ohio ; Economic conditions - Ohio

The Impact of Minimum Wage Increases on Food and Kindred Products Prices: An Analysis of Price Pass-Through

An input-output model is used to analyze price pass-through effects of a minimum wage increase on prices of the food and kindred products and food-service industries. These sectors employ a disproportionate share of minimum wage workers, but results suggest a $0.50 increase in the present minimum wage would increase food prices less than 1 percent for most of the 12 food and kindred products prices and 1 percent at eating and drinking places.minimum wage, input-output analysis, food and kindred products industries, eating and drinking places, Demand and Price Analysis, Labor and Human Capital,

On the Right Track to Safer Communities: Steering California's Juvenile Offenders Away from Lives of Crime

Describes family therapies and community-based intervention programs to reduce repeat offenses by juvenile offenders. Includes recommendations for expanding existing programs and an analysis of potential cost savings

Variable speed limits: conceptual design for Queensland practice

Variable Speed Limits (VSL) is an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) control tool which can enhance traffic safety and which has the potential to contribute to traffic efficiency. Queensland's motorways experience a large volume of commuter traffic in peak periods, leading to heavy recurrent congestion and a high frequency of incidents. Consequently, Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads have considered deploying VSL to improve safety and efficiency. This paper identifies three types of VSL and three applicable conditions for activating VSL on for Queensland motorways: high flow, queuing and adverse weather. The design objectives and methodology for each condition are analysed, and micro-simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of VSL