Computation of transient viscous flows using indirect radial basis function networks

In this paper, an indirect/integrated radial-basis-function network (IRBFN) method is further developed to solve transient partial differential equations (PDEs) governing fluid flow problems. Spatial derivatives are discretized using one- and two-dimensional IRBFN interpolation schemes, whereas temporal derivatives are approximated using a method of lines and a finite-difference technique. In the case of moving interface problems, the IRBFN method is combined with the level set method to capture the evolution of the interface. The accuracy of the method is investigated by considering several benchmark test problems, including the classical lid-driven cavity flow. Very accurate results are achieved using relatively low numbers of data points

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EROSION AND ACCUMULATION OF SEDIMENTS IN COASTAL ZONE OF BINH THUAN PROVINCE-SOUTH CENTRAL OF VIETNAM

Joint Research on Environmental Science and Technology for the Eart

Distortions to Agricultural Incentives in Vietnam

Distorted incentives, agricultural and trade policy reforms, national agricultural development, Agricultural and Food Policy, International Relations/Trade, F13, F14, Q17, Q18,

Evolutionary pathways to convergence in plumage patterns.

BACKGROUND: Avian plumage is ideal for investigating phenotypic convergence because of repeated evolution of the same within-feather patterns. In birds, there are three major types of regular patterns within feathers: scales, bars and spots. Existing models of within-feather pattern development suggest that scales have the simplest developmental mechanism, bars require more stringent regulation than scales, and spots have the strictest developmental parameters. We hypothesized that increasing stringency in the mechanism of pattern formation predicts the evolutionary trajectory of patterns, and hence scales should evolve first, followed by bars and finally spots. Here, using Bayesian phylogenetic modeling we reconstructed pattern evolution in the most spectacularly patterned avian clades - aquatic waterfowl (Anseriformes) and terrestrial gamebirds (Galliformes). RESULTS: Our analyses suggest that the ancestral state of plumage is an absence of patterns, but with some variability. Independent analyses of seven feather patches reveal that spots evolve after bars and scales. However, both scales and bars evolve frequently from an absence of patterns, contradicting our predictions. Over the whole body, many constraints are conserved from the level of patches, for example the largest number of steps from the ancestral state was required for spots to evolve. CONCLUSIONS: Overall there was remarkable similarity in the inferred evolutionary trajectories of plumage pattern evolution in Galliformes and Anseriformes, suggesting that developmental constraint is similar in these two orders, despite large ecological differences. These evolutionary transitions are largely congruent with a reaction-diffusion based model of pattern formation, but the evolution of bars from an unpatterned ancestor is more common than expected. Our study highlights the promise of testing models of development using comparative methods.A Cambridge International Scholarship, as well as grants from the Gardiner Fund and Pembroke College Cambridge to T-LG funded this research

Dragon by the Tail, Dragon by the Head, Bilateralism and Globalism in East Asia

In this paper, we examine the bilateral implications of regional and global trade arrangements in the East Asian context. Using a dynamic global CGE model, we examine a variety of trade scenarios, in terms of bilateral relations between China and two of its most populace regional partners, Vietnam and Japan. Given the differences between the latter two economies, it might be reasonable to expect divergence in the bilateral outcomes. Our findings indicate that differences in initial conditions can indeed have a significant impact on bilateral adjustments, and that these can be adverse for some partners in the absence of policies that promote trade complementarity. By the latter we mean bilateral import and export patterns where the aggregate grows faster for each country than their total trade, but which help sustain bilateral balance of payments equilibrium.Dragon; Head; Bilateralism; Globalism

The differential expression of MC1R regulators in dorsal and ventral quail plumages during embryogenesis:Implications for plumage pattern formation

Melanin pigmentation patterns are ubiquitous in animals and function in crypsis, physical protection, thermoregulation and signalling. In vertebrates, pigmentation patterns formed over large body regions as well as within appendages (hair/feathers) may be due to the differential distribution of pigment producing cells (melanocytes) and/or regulation of the melanin synthesis pathway. We took advantage of the pigmentation patterns of Japanese quail embryos (pale ventrum and patterned feathers dorsally) to explore the role of genes and their transcripts in regulating the function of the melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R) via 1. activation: pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), endoproteases prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) and 2(PC2), and 2. inhibition-agouti signaling and agouti-related protein (ASIP and AGRP, respectively). Melanocytes are present in all feather follicles at both 8 and 12 days post-fertilisation (E8/E12), so differential deposition of melanocytes is not responsible for pigmentation patterns in embryonic quail. POMC transcripts expressed were a subset of those found in chicken and POMC expression within feather follicles was strong. PC1 was not expressed in feather follicles. PC2 was strongly expressed in all feather follicles at E12. ASIP transcript expression was variable and we report four novel ASIP transcripts. ASIP is strongly expressed in ventral feather follicles, but not dorsally. AGRP expression within feather follicles was weak. These results demonstrate that the pale-bellied quail phenotype probably involves inhibition of MC1R, as found previously. However, quail may require MC1R activation for eumelanogenesis in dorsal feathers which may have important implications for an understanding of colour pattern formation in vertebrates.</p

The Leadership Competency in Vietnam Public Administration

Globalization and technological development have changed people’s demand, which leads to many challenges for public and private sectors. Public administration can overcome the challenges by reforming their structure and performance. In this research, the authors affirmed the important roles of leaders in public administration. This research used the integrated leadership theory in the context of Vietnam public administration to build a framework of competency for leaders. The Key Informant Panel and the in-depth interview method were implemented to achieve the research objectives. Research findings have built a leadership competency framework for the public sector, which benefits both researchers and practioners. For researchers, the findings can add to leadership competency theories, especially in the public sector. For policy-makers, the findings can be solid foundations which they can rely on to work out policies for leadership development in Vietnam public sector

Synthesis, structural characterization, and application of N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst under visible-light irradiation

N-doped TiO2 nanomaterials were prepared with the sol-gel method. The structure and properties of the materials were characterized by using XRD, UV-Vis, SEM, EDX, and IR techniques. The optimal dose of ammonium chloride for doping is 600 mg. The optical absorption edge of N-TiO2 displays a redshift, and a long tail occurs in the presence of nitrogen in the material. Thereby, N-TiO2 may exhibit improved absorption properties under visible light and the solar irradiation. The photocatalytic activity was investigated on the degradation of rhodamine B. The optimal amount of the photocatalyst is 1.8 g/L under visible light

ATMOSPHERIC PARTICLES IN HOCHIMINH SIZE DISTRIBUTION OF WATER-SOLUBLE INORGANIC IONS

Joint Research on Environmental Science and Technology for the Eart