Embodied cognition theories propose that language comprehension triggers a sensorimotor system in the brain.However,most previous research has paid much attention to concrete and factual sentences,and little emphasis ...Embodied cognition theories propose that language comprehension triggers a sensorimotor system in the brain.However,most previous research has paid much attention to concrete and factual sentences,and little emphasis has been put on the research of abstract and counterfactual sentences.The primary challenges for embodied theories lie in elucidating the meanings of abstract and counterfactual sentences.The most prevalent explanation is that abstract and counterfactual sentences are grounded in the activation of a sensorimotor system,in exactly the same way as concrete and factual ones.The present research employed a dual-task experimental paradigm to investigate whether the embodied meaning is activated in comprehending action-related abstract Chinese counterfactual sentences through the presence or absence of action-sentence compatibility effect(ACE).Participants were instructed to read and listen to the action-related abstract Chinese factual or counterfactual sentences describing an abstract transfer word towards or away from them,and then move their fingers towards or away from them to press the buttons in the same direction as the motion cue of the transfer verb.The action-sentence compatibility effect was observed in both abstract factual and counterfactual sentences,in line with the embodied cognition theories,which indicated that the embodied meanings were activated in both action-related abstract factuals and counterfactuals.展开更多
The necessity and feasibility of an expert system for carbide-tool utilization are analyzed and a practical system named CUES(carbide-tool utilization expert system ) is developed and realized. The system concept, mod...The necessity and feasibility of an expert system for carbide-tool utilization are analyzed and a practical system named CUES(carbide-tool utilization expert system ) is developed and realized. The system concept, module structure, data management, inference strategy and the interface design of the system are discussed in.detail. The system would be useful not only for the preparation of tool bank of FMS or CIMS, but the for the proper application of cemented carbide tools in conventional machining Processes.展开更多
Based on the case-based designing (CBD), it is presented that the similarity of the fixtures is described by the fixture information of workpiece and the structure information of feature. Then, the computer-aided fixt...Based on the case-based designing (CBD), it is presented that the similarity of the fixtures is described by the fixture information of workpiece and the structure information of feature. Then, the computer-aided fixture design system is created on case-based reasoning (CBR), in which the attributes information of the main features of workpiece and structure of fixture as case index code are designed for the retrieve of the similar cases, and the structure and hierarchical relation of case library are set up for store. Meanwhile, the algorithm based on the knowledge-guided in the retrieve of the similar cases, the strategy of case adaptation and case storage in which the case identification number is used to distinguish from similar cases are presented. The application of the system in some projects improves the design efficiency and gets a good result.展开更多
The wear patterns and wear mechanisms of solid cemented carbide are analyzed in high-speed milling of aluminum alloy. Results show that the dominant wear patterns are coating damage, crater wear, micro-chipping, break...The wear patterns and wear mechanisms of solid cemented carbide are analyzed in high-speed milling of aluminum alloy. Results show that the dominant wear patterns are coating damage, crater wear, micro-chipping, breakage, and so on. The main wear mechanisms are adhesion, diffusion and fatigue. Compared with conventional speed machining, the effect and impact of thermal-dynamical coupling field play an important role in the cutting tool wear in high-speed milling of aluminum alloy.展开更多
AIM: To define the evolution of ischemic lesions with 7T magnetic resonance imaging (7T-MRI) in an animal model of acute colonic ischemia. METHODS: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Group I u...AIM: To define the evolution of ischemic lesions with 7T magnetic resonance imaging (7T-MRI) in an animal model of acute colonic ischemia. METHODS: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Group I underwent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation followed by macroscopic observa- tions and histological analysis. In group H, 7T-MRI was performed before and after IMA ligation and followed by histological analysis. RESULTS: Morphological alterations started to develop 1 h after IMA ligation, when pale areas became evident in the splenic flexure mesentery and progressively wors-ened up to 8 h thereafter, when the mesentery was less pale, and the splenic flexure loop appeared very dark. The 7T-MRI results reflected these alterations, showing a hyperintense signal in both the intraperitoneal space and the colonic loop wall 1 h after IMA ligation; the lat- ter progressively increased to demonstrate a reduction in the colonic loop lumen at 6 h. Eight hours after IMA ligation, MRI showed a persistent colonic mural hyper- intensity associated with a reduction in peritoneal free fluid. The 7T-MRI findings were correlated with histolog- ical alterations, varying from an attenuated epithelium with glandular apex lesions at 1 h to coagulative necro- sis and loss of the surface epithelium detected 8 h after IMA ligation. CONCLUSION: MRI may be used as a substitute for invasive procedures in diagnosing and grading acute ischemic colitis, allowing for the early identification of pathological findings.展开更多
This paper investigates how social media can be used as a communication tool throughout the event management process, how online social networking interfaces can allow consumers to become more engaged with special eve...This paper investigates how social media can be used as a communication tool throughout the event management process, how online social networking interfaces can allow consumers to become more engaged with special events, and how social media can be used to help gauge the social and cultural impact of special events. By synthesizing prominent literature that is peripherally related, this paper establishes both a base of knowledge for this new realm of inquiry, as well as identifying a platform for further research. The paper also adds to the knowledge based by creating a theoretical framework which brings together practice theory with situationist theory to present a new lens through which to examine this issue. From a theoretical standpoint, technology is said to be a reflection of society. If technology can be linked to society and society in turn can be equated with the spectacle then it is a natural progression to examine technology as spectacle. Therefore, using the two theories in tandem provides a very suitable lens to frame an investigation of technology as spectacle, and the viability of social media as a communication tool for special events.展开更多
Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are serious social issues worldwide and driver illness is an important cause of MVAs. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a com- plex cognitive dysfunction with attention deficit, wh...Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are serious social issues worldwide and driver illness is an important cause of MVAs. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a com- plex cognitive dysfunction with attention deficit, which frequently occurs in cirrhotic patients independent of severity of liver disease. Although MHE is known as a risk factor for MVAs, the impact of diagnosis and treatment of MHE on MVA-related societal costs is largely unknown. Recently, Bajaj et al demonstrated valuable findings that the diagnosis of MHE by rapid screening using the inhibitory control test (ICT), and subsequent treatment with lactulose could substantially reduce the societal costs by preventing MVAs. Besides the ICT and lactulose, there are various diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for MHE. In this commentary, we discussed a current issue of diagnostic tools for MHE, including neuropsychological tests. We also discussed the advantages of the other therapeutic strategies for MHE, such as intake of a regular breakfast and coffee, and supplementation with zinc and branched chain amino acids, on the MVA-related societal costs.展开更多
With the consideration of the thermal management and heat sink requirements,a cooling device is designed and the thermal resistance of this device is calculated with a single 5 W power LED.The thermal design of a sing...With the consideration of the thermal management and heat sink requirements,a cooling device is designed and the thermal resistance of this device is calculated with a single 5 W power LED.The thermal design of a single 5 W power LED is reasonable,effective and the result has been simulated.This design also instruct other power LEDs' thermal design.Provided is a reliable and effective method for the design of power LED illumination lamps and lanterns.展开更多
A double helix model of charge transport in DNA molecule is given and the transmission spectra of four DNA sequences are obtained.The calculated results show that the transmission characteristics of DNA are not only r...A double helix model of charge transport in DNA molecule is given and the transmission spectra of four DNA sequences are obtained.The calculated results show that the transmission characteristics of DNA are not only related to the longitudinal transport but also to the transverse transport of molecule.The periodic sequence with the same composition has stronger conduction ability.With the increasing of bases composition,the conductive ability reduces,but the weight of θ direction rises in charge transfer.展开更多
The appeal from municipalities, provinces and regions to financial derivative instruments is tied to the need of overcoming the situations in a state of urgency inherent in a balance. On average, one local Italian aut...The appeal from municipalities, provinces and regions to financial derivative instruments is tied to the need of overcoming the situations in a state of urgency inherent in a balance. On average, one local Italian authority in twenty has decided to underwrite a derivative product, giving life to a number of contracts that had a value of over 35 billion euro with an average value of 6.5 million for each contract until 2007. The boom of swaps has, since 2000 on, experienced a peak period from 2003 to the end of 2005, in which the Euribor rate touched a very low level, maintained itself for long periods at around 2% and fallen in some cases even under this value. Many of the contracts completed before 2006, which link the debt of local authorities to variable rates, but also many of those completed from 2006 onwards that moved debt onto fixed rate, which are now a source of loss for the balance of local authorities that have underwritten them. In the 2002-2008 period, the number of the stipulation of contracts local authorities reported to the Ministry of Economy and Finance is about 900, corresponding to more or less 150 per year, which affected 18 regions, 44 provinces, 532 municipalities and 4 mountain commtmities, for a total of 594 authorities. Therefore, the local authorities have approached the derivative instruments in an often approximate way without a real awareness, both for the conditions that were being negotiated and the effects that they would have produced in perspective. The purpose of this work is to highlight the consequences of the use of derivative instruments on the future management of local authorities.展开更多
Thermal fatigue and high temperature wear are the two principle failure mechanisms for thixoforming dies. Samples of Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 alloys were submitted to thermal cycling under conditions which approxima...Thermal fatigue and high temperature wear are the two principle failure mechanisms for thixoforming dies. Samples of Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 alloys were submitted to thermal cycling under conditions which approximate thixoforming of steels and to sliding wear tests at 750 ℃. The experimental results thus obtained were compared with those of the X32CrMoV33 hot work tool steel. The Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 samples are much more resistant to oxidation and to softening than the hot work tool steel, providing a superior resistance to thermal fatigue cracking. The wear resistance of the Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 alloys at 750 ℃ is also markedly superior. The adhesive oxides growing slowly on Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 alloys sustain the wear action without spalling and are claimed to be responsible for the superior wear resistance of these alloys at 750 ℃.展开更多
Soil erosion/sedimentation is an immense problem threatening the live storage capacity of dam reservoirs in Ethiopia. This in turn reduces the power generation capacities of hydropower reservoirs. Therefore, studies w...Soil erosion/sedimentation is an immense problem threatening the live storage capacity of dam reservoirs in Ethiopia. This in turn reduces the power generation capacities of hydropower reservoirs. Therefore, studies which give insight into soil erosion/sedimentation mechanisms and mitigation methods is important. The high rate of soil erosion/sedimentation threats the lifespan of Gilgel Gibe-I hydropower reservoir, The problem of sedimentation in Gilgel Gibe-I will also affect Gilgel Gibe-2 which uses the water released from Gilgel Gibe-1. The sustainability of these hydropower plants needs catchment management practices that will reduce soil erosion. This paper presents the results of monthly and yearly sediment yield simulations experiments conducted for Gilgel Gibe-1 under different BMP (best management practice) scenarios. The scenarios applied in this paper are: (1) maintaining existing conditions; (2) introducing filter strips; (3) applying stone/soil bunds; (4) reforestation. The SWAT (soil and water assessment tool) was used to model soil erosion, identify soil erosion prone areas and assess the impact of BMPs on sediment reduction via simulations. The simulation results showed that applying filter strips, stone bunds and reforestation scenarios could reduce the current sediment yields at soil erosion prone areas and at the outlet of the catchment area which is the inlet to Gilgel Gibe-I reservoir.展开更多
Metabolic changes in rats with photochemically induced cerebral infarction and the effects of batroxobin were investigated 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1H- and 31P-...Metabolic changes in rats with photochemically induced cerebral infarction and the effects of batroxobin were investigated 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1H- and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A region of T2 hyperintensity was observed in left temporal neocortex in infarction group and batroxobin group 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction. The volume of the region gradually decreased from 1 day to 7 days after infarction. The ratio of NAA/Cho + Cr in the region of T2 hyperintensity in the infarction group was significantly lower than that in the corresponding region in the sham-operated group 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction respectively (P展开更多
The issue of employer branding has always had an intrinsic interdisciplinary content, since it builds a bridge for cross-fertilization between different disciplines (strategic marketing, strategic management, and hum...The issue of employer branding has always had an intrinsic interdisciplinary content, since it builds a bridge for cross-fertilization between different disciplines (strategic marketing, strategic management, and human resources management). This paper presents employer branding as an approach based on effective strategic organizational resources and a precise employer branding management process. In this paper, the target is to define a possible frame in order to interpret employer branding techniques as control and regulation mechanisms. Control in organizations has long been a topic of interest for researchers and practitioners, alike who generally recognize that control mechanisms are needed to ensure that organizations may achieve their goals. It has been carried out a field work on the Italian Aeronautical Meta district, that generates annual revenues equal to EUR 8.7 billion and employees 36,300 people, of whom approximately 10% are employed in the space sector. Through this field work, the intention aim is to understand if and how employer branding may create, enforce, and set up internal and shared meaning and values. In particular, stemming from the empirical research's evidences, this paper tries to conceptualize employer branding as a factor to persuade and influence the way that organizational actors enact in a socially constructed context. In this effort, the aim is to understand how managers may affect meanings, values goals, and opinions through an effective action on employer branding that can play a crucial role in affecting sense-making processes, meanings, interpretations of the symbolic environment. The paper therefore opens up to new horizons, since it embraces a new application for employer branding, considering it as a modern control system and proposing an innovative approach in managerial control, founded on organizational identity as a key concept in an organizational citizenship's perspective展开更多
Petri net is a kind of effective graphic modeling tool. The agent technology is combined with petri net in order to enhance flexibility and extendibility, and the agent-oriented single token and colored transition pet...Petri net is a kind of effective graphic modeling tool. The agent technology is combined with petri net in order to enhance flexibility and extendibility, and the agent-oriented single token and colored transition petri net is proposed. Some characteristics such as liveness, fairness and safety are analyzed. Finally, an example in mould agile manufacturing is given to illustrate the use of it.展开更多
This paper aims to establish a methodological frame work and its validation as a response to the need of a demand management tool in the face of recurring comparisons of building revitalization or retrofits. As the in...This paper aims to establish a methodological frame work and its validation as a response to the need of a demand management tool in the face of recurring comparisons of building revitalization or retrofits. As the investment and implementation actions improve and the social economic criteria are delimited by regulatory frameworks, it is extremely necessary to monitor previous performances and further prospects, regarding projects, it is necessary to measure the extent of which efforts have been meeting regulatory requirements and aiming to contribute with sustainable development. In this context, the use of indicators has been a major management tool.展开更多
Plowing-extruding tool was designed and plowing-extruding process was investigated.Then,a manufacturing method of integral serrated high-finned tube,plowing-extruding based on variational feed was proposed,in which pl...Plowing-extruding tool was designed and plowing-extruding process was investigated.Then,a manufacturing method of integral serrated high-finned tube,plowing-extruding based on variational feed was proposed,in which plowing-extruding tool moved forward at two different feeds,f1 and f2,in turn.In this method,overlaps that are usually avoided in practical application were utilized to manufacture high fins and average height of fins was up to 1.58 mm.The critical feed(fc) of overlaps forming and terms of high fins forming were analyzed.The main technical parameters that affect the fins height were discussed.The experimental results show that the fins height increases with extruding inclination angle and plowing-extruding depth,and the fins height increases with f1 increasing when f1 is smaller than fc,and decreases with f1 increasing if f1 is larger than fc.展开更多
The theory of constraints thinking process, created by Israeli physicist Eliyahu M. Goldratt, has emerged as a tool for achieving competitive advantage. Many researches also focused on the application of lean thinking...The theory of constraints thinking process, created by Israeli physicist Eliyahu M. Goldratt, has emerged as a tool for achieving competitive advantage. Many researches also focused on the application of lean thinking developed by Toyota and proposed by Ohno. This philosophy has been proven to be effective in several production processes. This paper aims to propose a method of problem solving through the integration of theory of constraints thinking process and the principles of lean production. As a tool for problem identification, the method defends the use of current reality tree and, to solve problems, the lean thinking tools, proposed by Picchi. The developed method was implemented in a contractor. The research methodology was research-action. Among the results, there was a realistic diagnosis about the core problems in company. According to this, the core problem of the contractor is “the lack of commitment of manpower” that results in the main problem “the financial loss”. The principle of perfection was verbalized as a proposal to solve the problems and the tools to be implemented for solving problems were “commitment of senior management to employees” and “simplicity in communication”.展开更多
This research aimed to determine instruments for analysis of knowledge management in operators companies of metropolitan transport systems. How much the goal was an exploratory research, how much the procedure was a l...This research aimed to determine instruments for analysis of knowledge management in operators companies of metropolitan transport systems. How much the goal was an exploratory research, how much the procedure was a literature search, how much as nature was an applied research, and how much as approach was qualitative research? The following instruments were identified and selected: (a) the methodology for the analysis of metropolitan transport systems; (b) the knowledge management maturity model (Siemens); and (c) Documentation and Information Centre. The simulation, using the tools in the knowledge management to analyze the Company Metropolitan of S^io Paulo--METRO, identified the need for improvements in eight areas and the problems: (1) rethink the knowledge management area; (2) develop new knowledge management policies; (3) define responsibilities in knowledge management area; (4) implement new knowledge management processes; (5) explore new ways and structures of knowledge; (6) consider the internal and external actors in knowledge management actions; (7) expand the dissemination of the collaborative culture; and (8) integrate in the knowledge management area current and future initiatives. The analysis shows that the transposition of the current situation to the desired situation for the company can be obtained with the implementation of an Information and Documentation Centre. The conclusion is that this set of tools allows to characterize, evaluate, and model the knowledge management in this business.展开更多
文摘Embodied cognition theories propose that language comprehension triggers a sensorimotor system in the brain.However,most previous research has paid much attention to concrete and factual sentences,and little emphasis has been put on the research of abstract and counterfactual sentences.The primary challenges for embodied theories lie in elucidating the meanings of abstract and counterfactual sentences.The most prevalent explanation is that abstract and counterfactual sentences are grounded in the activation of a sensorimotor system,in exactly the same way as concrete and factual ones.The present research employed a dual-task experimental paradigm to investigate whether the embodied meaning is activated in comprehending action-related abstract Chinese counterfactual sentences through the presence or absence of action-sentence compatibility effect(ACE).Participants were instructed to read and listen to the action-related abstract Chinese factual or counterfactual sentences describing an abstract transfer word towards or away from them,and then move their fingers towards or away from them to press the buttons in the same direction as the motion cue of the transfer verb.The action-sentence compatibility effect was observed in both abstract factual and counterfactual sentences,in line with the embodied cognition theories,which indicated that the embodied meanings were activated in both action-related abstract factuals and counterfactuals.
文摘The necessity and feasibility of an expert system for carbide-tool utilization are analyzed and a practical system named CUES(carbide-tool utilization expert system ) is developed and realized. The system concept, module structure, data management, inference strategy and the interface design of the system are discussed in.detail. The system would be useful not only for the preparation of tool bank of FMS or CIMS, but the for the proper application of cemented carbide tools in conventional machining Processes.
基金TheNationalHighTechnologyResearchandDevelopmentProgramofChina ( 863Program ) (No .2 0 0 2AA4110 3 0 ) ,theNaturalScientificResearchProgramCollegeofUniversityofJiangsuProvince (No .0 3KJD5 2 0 2 46)
文摘Based on the case-based designing (CBD), it is presented that the similarity of the fixtures is described by the fixture information of workpiece and the structure information of feature. Then, the computer-aided fixture design system is created on case-based reasoning (CBR), in which the attributes information of the main features of workpiece and structure of fixture as case index code are designed for the retrieve of the similar cases, and the structure and hierarchical relation of case library are set up for store. Meanwhile, the algorithm based on the knowledge-guided in the retrieve of the similar cases, the strategy of case adaptation and case storage in which the case identification number is used to distinguish from similar cases are presented. The application of the system in some projects improves the design efficiency and gets a good result.
文摘The wear patterns and wear mechanisms of solid cemented carbide are analyzed in high-speed milling of aluminum alloy. Results show that the dominant wear patterns are coating damage, crater wear, micro-chipping, breakage, and so on. The main wear mechanisms are adhesion, diffusion and fatigue. Compared with conventional speed machining, the effect and impact of thermal-dynamical coupling field play an important role in the cutting tool wear in high-speed milling of aluminum alloy.
文摘AIM: To define the evolution of ischemic lesions with 7T magnetic resonance imaging (7T-MRI) in an animal model of acute colonic ischemia. METHODS: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups. Group I underwent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation followed by macroscopic observa- tions and histological analysis. In group H, 7T-MRI was performed before and after IMA ligation and followed by histological analysis. RESULTS: Morphological alterations started to develop 1 h after IMA ligation, when pale areas became evident in the splenic flexure mesentery and progressively wors-ened up to 8 h thereafter, when the mesentery was less pale, and the splenic flexure loop appeared very dark. The 7T-MRI results reflected these alterations, showing a hyperintense signal in both the intraperitoneal space and the colonic loop wall 1 h after IMA ligation; the lat- ter progressively increased to demonstrate a reduction in the colonic loop lumen at 6 h. Eight hours after IMA ligation, MRI showed a persistent colonic mural hyper- intensity associated with a reduction in peritoneal free fluid. The 7T-MRI findings were correlated with histolog- ical alterations, varying from an attenuated epithelium with glandular apex lesions at 1 h to coagulative necro- sis and loss of the surface epithelium detected 8 h after IMA ligation. CONCLUSION: MRI may be used as a substitute for invasive procedures in diagnosing and grading acute ischemic colitis, allowing for the early identification of pathological findings.
文摘This paper investigates how social media can be used as a communication tool throughout the event management process, how online social networking interfaces can allow consumers to become more engaged with special events, and how social media can be used to help gauge the social and cultural impact of special events. By synthesizing prominent literature that is peripherally related, this paper establishes both a base of knowledge for this new realm of inquiry, as well as identifying a platform for further research. The paper also adds to the knowledge based by creating a theoretical framework which brings together practice theory with situationist theory to present a new lens through which to examine this issue. From a theoretical standpoint, technology is said to be a reflection of society. If technology can be linked to society and society in turn can be equated with the spectacle then it is a natural progression to examine technology as spectacle. Therefore, using the two theories in tandem provides a very suitable lens to frame an investigation of technology as spectacle, and the viability of social media as a communication tool for special events.
文摘Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) are serious social issues worldwide and driver illness is an important cause of MVAs. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a com- plex cognitive dysfunction with attention deficit, which frequently occurs in cirrhotic patients independent of severity of liver disease. Although MHE is known as a risk factor for MVAs, the impact of diagnosis and treatment of MHE on MVA-related societal costs is largely unknown. Recently, Bajaj et al demonstrated valuable findings that the diagnosis of MHE by rapid screening using the inhibitory control test (ICT), and subsequent treatment with lactulose could substantially reduce the societal costs by preventing MVAs. Besides the ICT and lactulose, there are various diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for MHE. In this commentary, we discussed a current issue of diagnostic tools for MHE, including neuropsychological tests. We also discussed the advantages of the other therapeutic strategies for MHE, such as intake of a regular breakfast and coffee, and supplementation with zinc and branched chain amino acids, on the MVA-related societal costs.
文摘With the consideration of the thermal management and heat sink requirements,a cooling device is designed and the thermal resistance of this device is calculated with a single 5 W power LED.The thermal design of a single 5 W power LED is reasonable,effective and the result has been simulated.This design also instruct other power LEDs' thermal design.Provided is a reliable and effective method for the design of power LED illumination lamps and lanterns.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No.60571062the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province under Grant No.Y2004G09
文摘A double helix model of charge transport in DNA molecule is given and the transmission spectra of four DNA sequences are obtained.The calculated results show that the transmission characteristics of DNA are not only related to the longitudinal transport but also to the transverse transport of molecule.The periodic sequence with the same composition has stronger conduction ability.With the increasing of bases composition,the conductive ability reduces,but the weight of θ direction rises in charge transfer.
文摘The appeal from municipalities, provinces and regions to financial derivative instruments is tied to the need of overcoming the situations in a state of urgency inherent in a balance. On average, one local Italian authority in twenty has decided to underwrite a derivative product, giving life to a number of contracts that had a value of over 35 billion euro with an average value of 6.5 million for each contract until 2007. The boom of swaps has, since 2000 on, experienced a peak period from 2003 to the end of 2005, in which the Euribor rate touched a very low level, maintained itself for long periods at around 2% and fallen in some cases even under this value. Many of the contracts completed before 2006, which link the debt of local authorities to variable rates, but also many of those completed from 2006 onwards that moved debt onto fixed rate, which are now a source of loss for the balance of local authorities that have underwritten them. In the 2002-2008 period, the number of the stipulation of contracts local authorities reported to the Ministry of Economy and Finance is about 900, corresponding to more or less 150 per year, which affected 18 regions, 44 provinces, 532 municipalities and 4 mountain commtmities, for a total of 594 authorities. Therefore, the local authorities have approached the derivative instruments in an often approximate way without a real awareness, both for the conditions that were being negotiated and the effects that they would have produced in perspective. The purpose of this work is to highlight the consequences of the use of derivative instruments on the future management of local authorities.
文摘Thermal fatigue and high temperature wear are the two principle failure mechanisms for thixoforming dies. Samples of Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 alloys were submitted to thermal cycling under conditions which approximate thixoforming of steels and to sliding wear tests at 750 ℃. The experimental results thus obtained were compared with those of the X32CrMoV33 hot work tool steel. The Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 samples are much more resistant to oxidation and to softening than the hot work tool steel, providing a superior resistance to thermal fatigue cracking. The wear resistance of the Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 alloys at 750 ℃ is also markedly superior. The adhesive oxides growing slowly on Inconel 617 and Stellite 6 alloys sustain the wear action without spalling and are claimed to be responsible for the superior wear resistance of these alloys at 750 ℃.
文摘Soil erosion/sedimentation is an immense problem threatening the live storage capacity of dam reservoirs in Ethiopia. This in turn reduces the power generation capacities of hydropower reservoirs. Therefore, studies which give insight into soil erosion/sedimentation mechanisms and mitigation methods is important. The high rate of soil erosion/sedimentation threats the lifespan of Gilgel Gibe-I hydropower reservoir, The problem of sedimentation in Gilgel Gibe-I will also affect Gilgel Gibe-2 which uses the water released from Gilgel Gibe-1. The sustainability of these hydropower plants needs catchment management practices that will reduce soil erosion. This paper presents the results of monthly and yearly sediment yield simulations experiments conducted for Gilgel Gibe-1 under different BMP (best management practice) scenarios. The scenarios applied in this paper are: (1) maintaining existing conditions; (2) introducing filter strips; (3) applying stone/soil bunds; (4) reforestation. The SWAT (soil and water assessment tool) was used to model soil erosion, identify soil erosion prone areas and assess the impact of BMPs on sediment reduction via simulations. The simulation results showed that applying filter strips, stone bunds and reforestation scenarios could reduce the current sediment yields at soil erosion prone areas and at the outlet of the catchment area which is the inlet to Gilgel Gibe-I reservoir.
文摘Metabolic changes in rats with photochemically induced cerebral infarction and the effects of batroxobin were investigated 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 1H- and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A region of T2 hyperintensity was observed in left temporal neocortex in infarction group and batroxobin group 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction. The volume of the region gradually decreased from 1 day to 7 days after infarction. The ratio of NAA/Cho + Cr in the region of T2 hyperintensity in the infarction group was significantly lower than that in the corresponding region in the sham-operated group 3, 5 and 7 days after infarction respectively (P
文摘The issue of employer branding has always had an intrinsic interdisciplinary content, since it builds a bridge for cross-fertilization between different disciplines (strategic marketing, strategic management, and human resources management). This paper presents employer branding as an approach based on effective strategic organizational resources and a precise employer branding management process. In this paper, the target is to define a possible frame in order to interpret employer branding techniques as control and regulation mechanisms. Control in organizations has long been a topic of interest for researchers and practitioners, alike who generally recognize that control mechanisms are needed to ensure that organizations may achieve their goals. It has been carried out a field work on the Italian Aeronautical Meta district, that generates annual revenues equal to EUR 8.7 billion and employees 36,300 people, of whom approximately 10% are employed in the space sector. Through this field work, the intention aim is to understand if and how employer branding may create, enforce, and set up internal and shared meaning and values. In particular, stemming from the empirical research's evidences, this paper tries to conceptualize employer branding as a factor to persuade and influence the way that organizational actors enact in a socially constructed context. In this effort, the aim is to understand how managers may affect meanings, values goals, and opinions through an effective action on employer branding that can play a crucial role in affecting sense-making processes, meanings, interpretations of the symbolic environment. The paper therefore opens up to new horizons, since it embraces a new application for employer branding, considering it as a modern control system and proposing an innovative approach in managerial control, founded on organizational identity as a key concept in an organizational citizenship's perspective
文摘Petri net is a kind of effective graphic modeling tool. The agent technology is combined with petri net in order to enhance flexibility and extendibility, and the agent-oriented single token and colored transition petri net is proposed. Some characteristics such as liveness, fairness and safety are analyzed. Finally, an example in mould agile manufacturing is given to illustrate the use of it.
文摘This paper aims to establish a methodological frame work and its validation as a response to the need of a demand management tool in the face of recurring comparisons of building revitalization or retrofits. As the investment and implementation actions improve and the social economic criteria are delimited by regulatory frameworks, it is extremely necessary to monitor previous performances and further prospects, regarding projects, it is necessary to measure the extent of which efforts have been meeting regulatory requirements and aiming to contribute with sustainable development. In this context, the use of indicators has been a major management tool.
基金Project(50605023) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China
文摘Plowing-extruding tool was designed and plowing-extruding process was investigated.Then,a manufacturing method of integral serrated high-finned tube,plowing-extruding based on variational feed was proposed,in which plowing-extruding tool moved forward at two different feeds,f1 and f2,in turn.In this method,overlaps that are usually avoided in practical application were utilized to manufacture high fins and average height of fins was up to 1.58 mm.The critical feed(fc) of overlaps forming and terms of high fins forming were analyzed.The main technical parameters that affect the fins height were discussed.The experimental results show that the fins height increases with extruding inclination angle and plowing-extruding depth,and the fins height increases with f1 increasing when f1 is smaller than fc,and decreases with f1 increasing if f1 is larger than fc.
文摘The theory of constraints thinking process, created by Israeli physicist Eliyahu M. Goldratt, has emerged as a tool for achieving competitive advantage. Many researches also focused on the application of lean thinking developed by Toyota and proposed by Ohno. This philosophy has been proven to be effective in several production processes. This paper aims to propose a method of problem solving through the integration of theory of constraints thinking process and the principles of lean production. As a tool for problem identification, the method defends the use of current reality tree and, to solve problems, the lean thinking tools, proposed by Picchi. The developed method was implemented in a contractor. The research methodology was research-action. Among the results, there was a realistic diagnosis about the core problems in company. According to this, the core problem of the contractor is “the lack of commitment of manpower” that results in the main problem “the financial loss”. The principle of perfection was verbalized as a proposal to solve the problems and the tools to be implemented for solving problems were “commitment of senior management to employees” and “simplicity in communication”.
文摘This research aimed to determine instruments for analysis of knowledge management in operators companies of metropolitan transport systems. How much the goal was an exploratory research, how much the procedure was a literature search, how much as nature was an applied research, and how much as approach was qualitative research? The following instruments were identified and selected: (a) the methodology for the analysis of metropolitan transport systems; (b) the knowledge management maturity model (Siemens); and (c) Documentation and Information Centre. The simulation, using the tools in the knowledge management to analyze the Company Metropolitan of S^io Paulo--METRO, identified the need for improvements in eight areas and the problems: (1) rethink the knowledge management area; (2) develop new knowledge management policies; (3) define responsibilities in knowledge management area; (4) implement new knowledge management processes; (5) explore new ways and structures of knowledge; (6) consider the internal and external actors in knowledge management actions; (7) expand the dissemination of the collaborative culture; and (8) integrate in the knowledge management area current and future initiatives. The analysis shows that the transposition of the current situation to the desired situation for the company can be obtained with the implementation of an Information and Documentation Centre. The conclusion is that this set of tools allows to characterize, evaluate, and model the knowledge management in this business.