The Deformation of Active Tectonic Blocks on the Chinese Mainland and Its Relationship with Seismic Activity

Based on the hypothesis of the active tectonic blocks on the Chinese continent and its adjacent regions (both the method of the DDA on a spherical surface and the GPS survey results observed from 1991 to 2001 are used), the movements and deformations of each active tectonic block are calculated. The calculation results show that although the movements and deformations of active tectonic blocks in the eastern region and in the western region of China are different, active tectonic blocks in the same active tectonic block region are coherent. Then, the relative velocities of the active tectonic blocks’ boundary zones are calculated, and the relationship between current crustal motion and strong seismic activities is discussed. Earthquakes ( M S≥7 0) on the Chinese continent since 1988 all occurred on boundary zones of active tectonic blocks with high slipping speed.

Empirical Evidence for a Descriptive Model of Principles of Information Security Course

The purpose of this study is to examine the nature and content of the rapidly evolving undergraduate Principles of Information/Cybersecurity course which has been attracting an ever-growing attention in the computing discipline, for the past decade. More specifically, it is to provide an impetus for the design of standardized principles of Information/Cybersecurity course. To achieve this, a survey of colleges and universities that offer the course was conducted. Several schools of engineering and business, in universities and colleges across several countries were surveyed to generate necessary data. Effort was made to direct the questionnaire only to Computer Information System (CIS), Computer Science (CS), Management Information System (MIS), Information System (IS) and other computer-related departments. The study instrument consisted of two main parts: one part addressed the institutional demographic information, while the other focused on the relevant elements of the course. There are sixty-two (62) questionnaire items covering areas such as demographics, perception of the course, course content and coverage, teaching preferences, method of delivery and course technology deployed, assigned textbooks and associated resources, learner support, course assessments, as well as the licensure-based certifications. Several themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) the principles course is an integral part of most cybersecurity programs;(b) majority of the courses examined, stress both strong technical and hands-on skills;(c) encourage vendor-neutral certifications as a course exit characteristic;and (d) an end-of-course class project, remains a standard requirement for successful course completion. Overall, the study makes it clear that cybersecurity is a multilateral discipline, and refuses to be confined by context and content. It is envisaged that the results of this study would turn out to be instructive for all practical purposes. We expect it to be one of the most definitive descriptive models of such a cardinal course, and help to guide and actually, shape the decisions of universities and academic programs focusing on information/cyber security in the updating and upgrading their curricula, most especially, the foundational principles course in light of new findings that are herein articulated.

Logistics Management in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

In the field of the construction industry, logistics management has become an issue of concern which needs to be focused on in order to ensure effective, successful and timely execution of projects in the construction industry. Logistics management in construction is a multidisciplinary process which makes sure things are done at the right time, cost and quality as well as material supply and handling, schedule control, site infrastructure and equipment location, site physical flow management, traffic arrangements on and around the construction site, and information management related to all physical and services flow. This paper seeks to identify and evaluate the possible factors that affect logistics management in the construction industry and also to ascertain the current practices of inventory management and the effect on logistics management envisage by construction personnel’s and stake holders. A descriptive survey research was conducted with both structured and unstructured questionnaire and administered both via e-mail and by sending questionnaire link onto a WhatsApp platform groups of the respondents, and out of the 187 respondents that took part in the survey, 22 respondents feedback were incomplete so 165 member respondents results were analyzed representing 88.2% response rate. The survey results were analyzed, displayed and interpreted in the form of tables, bar charts, column chart and pie chart with the use of SPSS software. The research survey respondents were comprised of Project Managers, Project Coordinators, Foremen, Site Managers/ Officers, Logistics Managers, Inventory Managers and Laborers. The survey results revealed that majority of the total respondents are in the capacity or position as Logistics Managers and also have from 5 to 10 years working experience, and as well majority of the respondents have also attained Master’s degree qualification. It was also revealed that logistics management is greatly affected by the inability or the failure to embrace, adopt and integrate new and emerging technology and its approach into the logistics management system. Majority of the respondents also indicated that in general the adequacy of inventory management system was dissatisfied representing 63.8% of the total respondents. The construction industry not only needed to improve its inventory management systems but also to ensure appropriate inventory management techniques for enhancing high degree of accuracy, reduced cycle times and replenishment of stock. This usually accounts for the poor delivery and quality of work, accompanied with delays and other associated losses in project construction. For effective Logistics management to be achieved in the construction industry, the introduction of modern technology to carry out logistics functions in the construction industry should be paramount to the industry players.

Determination of symptoms associated with hiesho among young females using hie rating surveys

Objective： Hie （cold sensation） is one of the most well-known health complaints in Japan and elsewhere in East Asia. Those who suffer from severe hie are considered to have hiesho （cold disorder）. This study was conducted to determine symptoms associated with hie in young females using a survey consisting of the hie scale and hie diary. Methods： Two hundred and seventy-one participants were included for the analysis. Survey forms were distributed to the participants. Diagnosis of hiesho was determined by using the hie scale. A discriminant score of over -0.38 was considered hiesho. The Short Form-8 Health Survey Standard Version （SF-8） was used to measure health-related quality of life （QOL）. The participants were also asked to respond to the questionnaire evaluating 14 physical and emotional symptoms, utilizing a six-level Likert scale item. Results： The 1st factor （hie factor） was correlated with hie （r= 0.546）, dry mouth （r= 0.332）, lower- extremity edema （r = 0.450）, headrushes （r=0.470）, shoulder stiffness （r = 0.311 ）, headrushes with chills （r = 0.726）, and fatigue （r= 0.359）. Cronbach＇s α of the 1st factor was 0.748, which indicated reliability between the items. When hie factor was the dependent variable, standardized partial regression coefficient was β=-0.387 for physical component score （P 〈 0.001） and β=-0.243 for mental component score （P 〈 0.001 ）. Conclusion： This study indicated that hiesho symptoms among young female adults were associated with bodily pain and general health perceptions of the SF-8 QOL survey.