Approach for improving precision of regression analysis of single-replication fertilization experiments in rice

The field experiment designs with single replication were frequently used for factorial experiments in which the numbers of field plots were limited, but the experimental error was difficult to be estimated. To study a new statistical method for improving precision of regression analysis of such experiments in rice, 84 fertilizer experiments were conducted in 15 provinces of China, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hunan, Sichuan, Heilongjiang, etc. Three factors with 14 treatments (N: 0—225kg/ha, P: 0 —112. 5kg/ha, K: 0—150kg/ha) and two replications were employed using approaching optimun design. There were 2352 (84×14×2=2352) Yield deviations (d) between the individual treatment yields and its arithmetic mean. The results indicated that:

Complex wave excitations general （2＋1）-dimensional and chaotic patterns for a Korteweg-de Vries system

Starting from an improved mapping approach and a linear variable separation approach, a new family of exact solutions （including solitary wave solutions, periodic wave solutions and rational function solutions） with arbitrary functions for a general （2＋1）-dimensional Korteweg de solutions, we obtain some novel dromion-lattice solitons, system Vries system （GKdV） is derived. According to the derived complex wave excitations and chaotic patterns for the GKdV

Annihilation Solitons and Chaotic Solitons for the （2＋1）-Dimensional Breaking Soliton System

By means of an improved mapping method and a variable separation method, a series of variable separation solutions including solitary wave solutions, periodic wave solutions and rational function solutions） to the （2＋1）-dimensional breaking soliton system is derived. Based on the derived solitary wave excitation, we obtain some special annihilation solitons and chaotic solitons in this short note.

The spatiotemporal variation of the b-value and its tectonic implications in North China

In this study, we adopt an improved Bayesian approach based on free-knot B-spline bases to study the spatial and temporal distribution of the b-value. Synthetic tests show that the improved Bayesian approach has a superior performance compared to the Bayesian approach as well as the widely used maximum likelihood estimation （MLE） method in fitting the real variation of b-values. We then apply the improved Bayesian approach to North China and find that the b-value has a clear relevance to seismicity. Temporal changes of b-values are also investigated in two specific areas of North China. We interpret sharp decreases in the b-values as useful messages in earthquake hazard analysis.

Improved algorithm for solving nonlinear parabolized stability equations

Due to its high computational efficiency and ability to consider nonparallel and nonlinear effects, nonlinear parabolized stability equations（NPSE） approach has been widely used to study the stability and transition mechanisms. However,it often diverges in hypersonic boundary layers when the amplitude of disturbance reaches a certain level. In this study, an improved algorithm for solving NPSE is developed. In this algorithm, the mean flow distortion is included into the linear operator instead of into the nonlinear forcing terms in NPSE. An under-relaxation factor for computing the nonlinear terms is introduced during the iteration process to guarantee the robustness of the algorithm. Two case studies, the nonlinear development of stationary crossflow vortices and the fundamental resonance of the second mode disturbance in hypersonic boundary layers, are presented to validate the proposed algorithm for NPSE. Results from direct numerical simulation（DNS） are regarded as the baseline for comparison. Good agreement can be found between the proposed algorithm and DNS, which indicates the great potential of the proposed method on studying the crossflow and streamwise instability in hypersonic boundary layers.

Instantaneous solitons and fractal solitons for a (2+1)-dimensional nonlinear system

By an improved projective equation approach and a linear variable separation approach, a new family of exact solutions of the （2＋1）-dimensional Broek-Kaup system is derived. Based on the derived solitary wave solution and by selecting appropriate functions, some novel localized excitations such as instantaneous solitons and fractal solitons are investigated.

Localized Excitations of （2＋1）-Dimensional Korteweg-de Vries System Derived from a Periodic Wave Solution

With the aid of an improved projective approach and a linear variable separation method, new types of variable separation solutions （including solitary wave solutions, periodic wave solutions, and rational function solutions） with arbitrary functions for （2＋1）-dimensional Korteweg-de Vries system are derived. Usually, in terms of solitary wave solutions and rational function solutions, one can find some important localized excitations. However, based on the derived periodic wave solution in this paper, we find that some novel and significant localized coherent excitations such as dromions, peakons, stochastic fractal patterns, regular fractal patterns, chaotic line soliton patterns as well as chaotic patterns exist in the KdV system as considering appropriate boundary conditions and/or initial qualifications.

Recognition and measurement of potential share value of conversion for convertible bonds

To recognize and measure the potential share value of conversion for convertible bonds more accurately, different approaches such as the straight method, the separating method, the expected value approach and the improved approach are comparatively analyzed by taking China Merchants Bank's convertible bonds as an example. There is also a focus on the improved approach that views that convertible bond issue proceeds can be separated into accrual debt value, accrual equity value and accrual option value according to the characteristics of debt, equity and hybrid securities with embedded options of convertible bonds. It is concluded that the improved approach is a more accurate evaluation method of capital structure so that it can fully reflect the economic reality of convertible bonds.

New Families of Rational Form Variable Separation Solutions to(2+1)-Dimensional Dispersive Long Wave Equations

With the aid of symbolic computation system Maple, some families of new rational variable separation solutions of the （2＋1）-dimensional dispersive long wave equations are constructed by means of a function transformation, improved mapping approach, and variable separation approach, among which there are rational solitary wave solutions, periodic wave solutions and rational wave solutions.

OSH star enterprise pilot scheme——a partnership approach to improve the safety performance of construction industry in Hong Kong SAR

Background: The Occupational Safety and Health Council(OSHC) is committed to improve the safety performance of the high risk construction industry.In the past three years,about 40% of the fatal accidents in the construction industry were related to Renovation,Maintenance,Alteration and Addition(RMAA).Due to the poor safety record,some of the RMAA contractors have difficulty in obtaining the Employees' Compensation Insurance(ECI) cover in the market,or if they could obtain the ECI,the premium rate would be exceedingly high.In view of this,the OSHC,the Labour Department jointly launched"OSH Star Enterprise-Pilot Scheme on Safety Accreditation for the RMAA Industry",which prompts the industry to take practicable safety measures to improve the safety of working environment and reduce occupational injuries.The program also helps the stakeholders and insurers to identify safety-conscious contractors and thereby provide them with a favourable premium rate under the Employees' Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme(ECIRS).Objectives: The OSHC launches the Pilot Scheme to improve the safety performance of the RMAA industry through providing safety training,subsidizing enterprise to purchase safety equipment and providing safety audit.We also use financial incentive to encourage RMAA enterprises to join the Pilot Scheme-for those who are accredited as "OSH Star Enterprise"could receive a premium discount from the ERIRS when obtaining the ECI.The scheme also differentiates those safety-conscious and law-abiding enterprises from the poor performers,which helps the industry and public identifying the RMAA contractors who pay attention to work safety.Methods: The Pilot Scheme targets RMAA enterprises that employ less than 50 employees in Hong Kong.A three-pronged approach is used to improve the safety performance of the RMAA industry: the Pilot Scheme provides(1) financial support for the RMAA contractors to buy a transportable temporary anchor device and full body safety harness and its anchor system;(2) safety training on RMAA work safety and safety & health supervisor course;and(3) safety audit.Results: Enterprises that successfully pass the safety audit and satisfied the Scheme requirements will be accredited as"OSH Star Enterprise",which will be valid for two years.These enterprises can also be upgraded to"OSH Gold Star Enterprise"based on their continuous improvement in safety performance.OSHC will set up a register of OSH-accredited enterprises in RMAA works for reference of the public to facilitate their choosing of accredited contractors.The Employees' Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme Bureau will provide privileged premium rate for enterprises with OSH accreditation."OSH Star Enterprise"could enjoy 40% discounts when joining their insurance scheme.For example,a skilled worker's annual premium can be reduced by about HK $ 36,000.While,the "OSH Gold Star Enterprise"could enjoy 50% discounts when joining their insurance scheme,which means a skilled worker's annual premium can be reduced up to HK $ 45,000.Achievements: This Pilot Scheme offers practical assistance as well as attractive financial incentives for the RMAA industry to improve their safety performance.The Employees'Compensation Insurance Residual Scheme provides premium discounts for enterprises that have a good safety record.It provides incentive for RMAA contractors to actively participate in the Pilot Scheme.The Scheme demonstrates that by providing a safe working environment and appropriate personal protective equipment to workers,the enterprise not only helps to reduce the accident rate of the industry but also receive an economic return.The Pilot Scheme bridges stakeholders of RMAA industry,the government and the insurance industry creating an "all-win"situation.This partnership approach to prevent injuries and accidents in the construction industry could be an effective model for other industries.

A VARIATIONAL ANALYTICAL APPROACH TO TIME DEPENDENT FLOW OF OLDROYD B FLUID IN CIRCULAR TUBE

In the present investigation the time dependent flow of an Oldroyd fluid B in ahorizontal eylindrical pipe is stuided by the variational analytical approach developedby author. The tome dependent problem is mathematically reduced to a partialdifferential equation of third order. Using the improved variational approach due toKantorovich the partial differential equation can be reduced to a system of ordinarydifferential equations for different approximations. The ordinary differential equationsare solved by the method of the Laplace transform which is led to an analytical formof the solutions.

Survey of Genomics Approaches to Improve Bioenergy Traits in Maize,Sorghum and Sugarcane

Bioenergy crops currently provide the only source of alternative energy with the potential to reduce the use of fossil transportation fuels in a way that is compatible with existing engine technology, including in developing countries. Even though bioenergy research is currently receiving considerable attention, many of the concepts are not new, but rather build on intense research efforts from 30 years ago. A major difference with that era is the availability of genomics tools that have the potential to accelerate crop improvement significantly. This review is focused on maize, sorghum and sugarcane as representatives of bioenergy grasses that produce sugar and/or lignocellulosic biomass. Examples of how genetic mapping, forward and reverse genetics, highthroughput expression profiling and comparative genomics can be used to unravel and improve bioenergy traits will be presented.

AN APPROACH TO IMPROVING THE TEACHING OF LISTENING

With more and more importance being attached to communicative competence,both teachers andlearners have become aware of how essential listening as a language skill is for communication.However,traditional listening classroom seems to have failed to help learners become effectiveand successful listeners both in and out of the classroom.Many learners have associated listeningcourses with pain and boredom and often complain that they benefit little from listening lessons.That explains to some extent why many learners’ listening ability stagnates and remains at ele-mentary level although their other skills like reading,writing even speaking are advancing steadi-ly.This article aims to have a close look at the problems confronted by teachers in the traditionallistening classroom and,in the meantime,tries to give a brief introduction to an approach to im-proving the teaching of listening by incorporating pre-listening,while-listening and post-listeninginto an integrated listening class.

A NEW APPROACH FOR IMPROVING SPEAKING FLUENCY

The paper presents the reasons why most Chinese non-English major students can not speak English well. Then it offers several solutions to the problem. Three steps in speaking practice are suggested. Using the texts as starters for question and answer practice is an efficient way for speaking practice. On the basis of question-and-answer practice, the students can be led into the practice of describing pictures in pairs. Once paired work is started, the students can move onto text-related paired practice in which there is a lot of negotiation of meaning. In the final step, group work can be used as a means for discussion and problem solving. The students will find it a most encouraging way to practice speaking ability.

Issues and solutions of China’s generation resource utilization based on sustainable development

With the rapid development of its national economy,China has become a major producer and consumer of energy.To guarantee the sustainable development of power industry and national economy,China should exploit fossil and renewable energy efficiently according to the development situation of generation resources.Firstly,this paper analyzes the utilization status of main generation resources in China,such as coal,hydropower and wind energy.Secondly,this paper illustrates the STEP model,which analyzes some issues for China’s generation resource utilization from political,economic,social and technological aspects.For example,the resource distribution is inconsistent with electricity demand,the renewable energy power output is intermittent,and there is some disruption in coal mining.Finally,combined with the utilization status and issues,this paper presents some improvement approaches from the perspectives of cost,efficiency and external influence.

Field study on performance of new technique of geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankment at bridge approach

Vehicle bumps at a bridge approach caused by the differential settlement between a bridge and an adjacent backfill embankment are one of the most difficult problems in geotechnical engineering. Large vehicle bumps make drivers uncomfortable and cause large impact loads on vehicles and the bridge abutment. A new ground-improvement technique called fixed-geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankment(FGT embankment) was developed and used to alleviate vehicle bumps at a trial bridge-approach site located in central China. To distribute the differential settlement between the bridge and adjacent backfill embankment over a long transition zone, the following three techniques were used at the trial bridge-approach site:(a) the FGT embankment,(b) conventional geosynthetic-reinforced and pile-supported embankment(CT embankment), and(c) geosynthetic-reinforced embankment without piles(GR embankment). The performance of all three techniques in the field trial was investigated by field measurements involving earth pressure cells, geosynthetic deformation sensors, and settlement gauges. The FGT and CT embankments exhibited better performance than the GR embankment. Compared with the CT embankment, the FGT embankment was more effective at ground improvement. At an elevation of 4.0 m from the base of the embankment, the pressures below the geosynthetic were smaller than those above the geosynthetic at the closest measurement point. The difference between the pressures between above and below the geosynthetic tended to increase with the embankment height.

An improved single-π equivalent circuit model for on-chip inductors in GaAs process

An improved single-π equivalent circuit model for on-chip inductors in the GaAs process is presented in this paper. Considering high order parasites, the model is established by comprising an improved skin effect branch and a substrate lateral coupling branch. The parameter extraction is based on an improved characteristic function approach and vector fitting method. The model has better simulation than the previous work over the measured data of 2.5r and 4.5r on-chip inductors in the GaAs process.

Recent advances and application in whole-genome multiple displacement amplification

Background:The extremely small amount of DNA in a cell makes it difficult to study the whole genome of single cells,so whole-genome amplification(WGA)is necessary to increase the DNA amount and enable downstream analyses.Multiple displacement amplification(MDA)is the most widely used WGA technique.Results:Compared with amplification methods based on PCR and other methods,MDA renders high-quality DNA products and better genome coverage by using phi29 DNA polymerase.Moreover,recently developed advanced MDA technologies such as microreactor MDA,emulsion MDA,and micro-channel MDA have improved amplification uniformity.Additionally,the development of other novel methods such as TruePrime WGA allows for amplification without primers.Conclusion:Here,we reviewed a selection of recently developed MDA methods,their advantages over other WGA methods,and improved MDA-based technologies,followed by a discussion of future perspectives.With the continuous development of MDA and the successive update of detection technologies,MDA will be applied in increasingly more fields and provide a solid foundation for scientific research.

The Application of a Participatory Approach in the Improvement of Sandy Pasture Land

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