As an important part of the new agricultural business entities, large-scale grain-production households play a significantly positive role in improving the land resource utilization, improving agricultural productivit...As an important part of the new agricultural business entities, large-scale grain-production households play a significantly positive role in improving the land resource utilization, improving agricultural productivity, increasing agricultural output and farmers" income, and making a certain contribution to stabilize grain production. This paper analyzed the current situation of large-scale grain-production household in Jiangxi Province, as well as the problems in land transfer, farmland infrastructure, production and management, capital and other risks. At last, the paper proposed targeted countermeasures.展开更多
The current development and utilization status of bio-energy at home and abroad was summarized, and a multi-angle in-depth analysis and reflection was given to the problems encountered in the development of bio-energy...The current development and utilization status of bio-energy at home and abroad was summarized, and a multi-angle in-depth analysis and reflection was given to the problems encountered in the development of bio-energy. Furthermore, some suggestions were put forward to accelerate the further development of bio-en-ergy industry in China.展开更多
Based on status quo and existing problems of Hunan crop science and technology innovation, the research proposed "three orientations", including seeking, grasping and highlighting orientations, and "six projects" ...Based on status quo and existing problems of Hunan crop science and technology innovation, the research proposed "three orientations", including seeking, grasping and highlighting orientations, and "six projects" for solving the issues. It is recommended to improve multiple cropping index.展开更多
The role of retailing has diminished in the center of cities of Western countries since its heyday in the 1920s. This trend was caused by violent transformations in the economic, social and locational contexts which i...The role of retailing has diminished in the center of cities of Western countries since its heyday in the 1920s. This trend was caused by violent transformations in the economic, social and locational contexts which involve resi- dential suburbanization, as well as new forms of commercial development out of town. As far as transforming China is concerned, the downtown retailing center has also come to turning point of development in the context of suburbaniza- tion. Based on the survey of Beijing residents’ shopping behavior, the present research tends to making clear the actual change and development problem of downtown retailing center. Combining with the macro retailing environment, re- lated influencing factors are further discussed too. Study results show that downtown retailing still plays an important part in resident’s shopping activity. However, with rapid urban sprawl, retailing in urban center has been greatly threatened by booming out-of-town commerce. In the course of such spatial change, the suburbanization of resident, the prevalence of new commercial forms and the change of consumers’ life style all have exerted their own pressure on downtown retailing. But for the special socioeconomic background of development and the support of government policy, it will still keep its vitality of retailing for a long period of time.展开更多
LCM (life cycle management) is a systematic approach, mindset and culture that considers economic, social, and environmental factors among other factors in the decision making process throughout various business or ...LCM (life cycle management) is a systematic approach, mindset and culture that considers economic, social, and environmental factors among other factors in the decision making process throughout various business or organizational decisions that affect both inputs and outputs of a product or service life cycle. It is a product, process, or activity management system aimed at minimizing environmental and socio-economic burdens associated with an organization's product or process during its entire life cycle and value chain. LCM's application is gaining wider acceptance both in the corporate and governmental organizations as an approach to reduce ecological footprints and to improve the sustainability of human activities. But where and how can it be used in agricultural engineering applications? This study highlights the potential areas of LCM application in agricultural and allied sectors and how it can be utilized. The study revealed that LCM tools such as design for environment and life cycle analysis can be used to evaluate the environmental impacts of-and to improve the products, equipment, and structures produced by biosystems engineers as well as the processes used to generate them.展开更多
This paper examines the role and effectiveness of locacal institutions in the management of forest biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, ...This paper examines the role and effectiveness of locacal institutions in the management of forest biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, participatory rural appraisal and field observations. The study revealed that the most remarkable local institutions connected to forest biodiversity management include: Village Natural Resources Man- agement Committee (92%), tree nursery group (79.4%), beekeep- ing groups (61.1%), fish fanning (43.3%), livestock rearing group (33.9%). Main activities carried out by local institutions which directly contribute to the sustainability Of forest reserve include: forest patrols, fire extinguish, preparation of fire breaks, plant- ing of trees along the forest boundaries, creation of awareness, arresting of forest defaulters, participation in income generation activities. For the purpose of realization that local communities are capable of managing forest biodiversity through their traditional institutions, the policy should provide tangible opportunity for local communities to meet their needs as they manage the forests.展开更多
Public companies issue periodic annual reports to give information about the past financial and operational results while presenting the future strategies. Companies release non-financial information concerned with co...Public companies issue periodic annual reports to give information about the past financial and operational results while presenting the future strategies. Companies release non-financial information concerned with corporate sustainability issues like market share, customer loyalty, supply chain management, corporate governance, and human resources in annual reports as well as the audited financial reports. Annual reports, one of the important instruments of transparency and disclosure, are widely used by shareholders and stakeholders. Recent laws and regulations in the US, European Union, and Turkey require enhanced disclosures in annual reports. In the first part of this study, a comparative regulatory framework for annual reports will be established under the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing requirements, the New Turkish Commercial Code, and regulations of Capital Markets Board (CMB) of Turkey. In the second part of this study, annual reports of four sample companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Corporate Governance Index of Borsa Istanbul will be discussed in the light of disclosure requirements of Form 20-F. Findings of this study support the hypothesis which states that regulatory environment has a positive impact on the quantity and quality of disclosures. Attention is drawn to the need for global standardization to reduce the reporting variances and the need for independent audit of annual reports to increase the reliability.展开更多
This paper summarizes, from a global perspective, the major progress in the implementation of the Agenda 21 since the UN Conference on Environment and Development. The results show that global economy has achieved a s...This paper summarizes, from a global perspective, the major progress in the implementation of the Agenda 21 since the UN Conference on Environment and Development. The results show that global economy has achieved a substantial growth, and positive progress has been made in poverty eradication, urbanization, and conservation and intensive use of natural resources. However, relevant international conventions and commitments have not yet been completely fulfilled. The paper further analyzes the current major challenges and future trends of global sustainable development. It is argued that there are three major challenges:1) fatal global environmental issues posing an increasing threat to human survival; 2) more and more severe global competition for developing spaces; and 3) issues highlighting global people's livelihood. There are four trends of global sustainable development:1) sustainable development will further turn from concept into global action; 2) green will be the main trend of global development; 3) emerging developing countries will become the main driving force of global sustainable development; and 4) international relations in the field of sustainable development will turn to competitive co-operation.展开更多
The problem of global warming has been identif ied as the f irst in the list of the top ten environmental prob-lems in the world.As climate change will seriously affect the social and natural world that people live in...The problem of global warming has been identif ied as the f irst in the list of the top ten environmental prob-lems in the world.As climate change will seriously affect the social and natural world that people live in,so it may lay serious repercussions on economic progress,social improvement,and sustainable development.International bodies everywhere and many of the countries' governments are responding urgently to this call.In recent years,climate change has affected different regions in China in different ways.In its national agenda,the Chinese government should address the problem of climate change and its negative impact on socio-economic development.In this endeavor the nation should introduce policies which will help its people and economy to adapt to these effects and changes.Priorityf ields of adaptation to climate change are the sensitive areas or departments which are more vulnerable to the negative influences of climate change.The negative impacts of climate change in some parts of China are considered to be very serious indeed as they affect the whole economy and community.As a result,priority should be given to these more affected regions for the limited state f inancing.This paper def ines adaptation and discusses the basic principles and programs in the identif ication of national priority areas where adaptation should be exercised.Based on the past studies,four priority areas in China are identif ied,namely,disaster prevention and mitigation,water resources,agriculture,and ecosystem.An analysis on the identifi cation procedures,and the reasons and tasks involved are given for each.展开更多
In the past, celiac disease was believed to be a chronic enteropathy, almost exclusively affecting people of European origin. The availability of new, simple, very sensitive and specific serological tests (anti-gliad...In the past, celiac disease was believed to be a chronic enteropathy, almost exclusively affecting people of European origin. The availability of new, simple, very sensitive and specific serological tests (anti-gliadin, anti- endomysium and anti-transglutaminase antibody assays) have shown that celiac disease is common not only in Europe and in people of European ancestry but also in the developing countries where the major staple diet is wheat (Southern Asia, the Middle East, North West and East Africa, South America), both in the general population and in the groups at risk. Gluten intolerance thus appears to be a widespread public health problem and an increased level of awareness and clinical suspicion are needed in the New World where physicians must learn to recognize the variable clinical presentations (classical, atypical and silent forms) of celiac disease. In the developing countries, both serological screening in the general population and serological testing in groups at risk are necessary for an early identification of celiac patients. The gluten-free diet poses a challenging public health problem in the developing countries, especially since commercial gluten-free products are not available.展开更多
Whilst there are a number of qualified methodologies, the researchers have opted to utilise the tools available through Six Sigma to prove that Six Sigma can be used to save resources and improve quality and process. ...Whilst there are a number of qualified methodologies, the researchers have opted to utilise the tools available through Six Sigma to prove that Six Sigma can be used to save resources and improve quality and process. Five industry sectors were identified as the ones to be surveyed using quantitative and qualitative methods and finally piloting the results on five different SMEs. Since this is a relative new methodology to the Cypriot entrepreneur and regrettably at the time of carrying out the study an international financial crisis caused a lot of financial problems to many respondents and as such could not see the immediate effects or benefits of Six Sigma and were reluctant to co-operate or participate. The Six Sigma methodology can be customized to industrial sectors and a tailored version of the methodology can be developed for a particular process or problem. The paper illustrates the problem areas identified from both the qualitative and quantitative research per industry. This is the first study carried out on Six Sigma in a small economy like Cyprus and tested on five industry sectors using both qualitative and quantitative methods展开更多
The development of long linear structures such as roads, rail roads, tunnels, canals and pipelines often has unique engineering geology challenges. These include geological modeling, the identification of material str...The development of long linear structures such as roads, rail roads, tunnels, canals and pipelines often has unique engineering geology challenges. These include geological modeling, the identification of material strength and support factors, stability and risk issues, material excavation characteristics and the proposal of techniques for overcoming geotechnical problems, which are normally assessed as part of the conventional engineering geological investigation. An additional factor that is becoming increasingly important but is seldom included in investigations is the sustainability of the geotechnical inputs, in contrast to the sustainability of the project which is generally included. Sustainability issues revolve around the non-renewable nature of most construction resources and there is no doubt that the injudicious use of these construction materials and construction water is not sustainable in the long term: it is thus essential that the engineering geo-logical investigation should take cognizance of such issues and be adapted to provide the design engineer with the information that will maximize the sustainability options. This will also require a closer on-going relation-ship between the engineering geologist and the design engineer. This paper highlights significant sustainability issues (note that these differ from conventional environmental issues) and suggests some mitigating solutions. The sustainability issues discussed include primarily material and water usage, with some reference to energy conservation (mostly through alternative material usage and processing techniques and transportation).展开更多
Cancer is a major threat to public health in the 21st century because it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.The mechanisms of carcinogenesis,cancer invasion,and metastasis remain unclear.Thus,the developm...Cancer is a major threat to public health in the 21st century because it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.The mechanisms of carcinogenesis,cancer invasion,and metastasis remain unclear.Thus,the development of a novel approach for cancer detection is urgent,and real-time monitoring is crucial in revealing its underlying biological mechanisms.With the optical and chemical advantages of quantum dots(QDs),QD-based nanotechnology is helpful in constructing a biomedical imaging platform for cancer behavior study.This review mainly focuses on the application of QD-based nanotechnology in cancer cell imaging and tumor microenvironment studies both in vivo and in vitro,as well as the remaining issues and future perspectives.展开更多
If managed properly, the shipbuilding industry could have a high multiplication effect. This is why it is often considered as the key industry in economic development in many national economies, especially those in tr...If managed properly, the shipbuilding industry could have a high multiplication effect. This is why it is often considered as the key industry in economic development in many national economies, especially those in transition. The three major players in the global shipbuilding industry are South Korea, China and Japan. Europe is positioned forth, but its market share is decreasing rapidly. This is also the case with the Croatian shipbuilding industry. This paper aims to critique the level of adaptability of Croatian shipyards to the rapidly changing environment of global industry. It also relates the question of survival and sustainable development of Croatian shipbuilding and strategic positioning of European shipbuilders. The results of this research had shown that without clusterizing the shipbuilding industry at EU integration level, and not at national levels, Europe will soon loose the struggle for market position improvement or even maintenance to the far more organized Asian rivals. Findings regarding the Croatian shipbuilding industry indicate the absence of a viable strategy on the national level. Furthermore, the paper tries to prove that success will be based on the possibility and will of Croatian shipbuilders to form strong collaborations mad business networks with subcontractors and other institutions. This should not be limited only at national level, but should incorporate different kinds of EU shipbuilding consortiums and clusters as well as other forms of strategic alliances.展开更多
Iran needs around 1.5 million residential homes to be constructed annually to answer its cumulative demand by 2025. Given the current situation of the Iranian construction industry, it seems almost impossible to achie...Iran needs around 1.5 million residential homes to be constructed annually to answer its cumulative demand by 2025. Given the current situation of the Iranian construction industry, it seems almost impossible to achieve this objective by using traditional methods of construction alone. Offsite manufacturing (OSM) can potentially increase the housing output in Iran thanks to its advantages over traditional methods of construction. However, OSM imposes a different set of risks which should be studied in the Iranian context. This study aims to investigate the readiness of the Iranian construction industry if offsite methods were to be introduced to the country in large industrial scales. To this end, a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the risks and required actions in order to achieve successful application of these methods. Several subjects including costs, practicality, design and construction processes, demand, governmental policies, technology, and sustainability issues were investigated as the core research areas. The results revealed that, considering the current situations, it would be highly risky to introduce offsite methods of construction to Iran. Research findings highlight some key areas including design and construction processes, economies of scale, governmental supports, and education, which should be addressed to mitigate the identified risks.展开更多
This paper explores the potentials of traditional forms of communication in rural development communication. Experimenting a local development communication model that can be used at the grass-root level communication...This paper explores the potentials of traditional forms of communication in rural development communication. Experimenting a local development communication model that can be used at the grass-root level communication at the community development programs in Sri Lanka is the research objective. This study is a participatory research. Live participatory observation, impact analysis using a questionnaire and direct interview tools were used to analyze the impact of the creative model. This research study was experimented at Rasnayakapura divisional secretariat, Sri Lanka from 2004 to 2005. Results suggest that the traditional forms of communication can be utilized as a useful instrument in the rural community programs more than the dominant use of mass media and conventional use of small group communication. Forms of traditional communication are rich in communication because of their closeness to rural life, credibility, Utilization of familiar signs & symbols, Participation of the same community, collective presentation, Utilization of past experiences, plot and the stories from their own life and psychological understanding (attraction, attention, rationality). Communicating a message through entertainment was the practice of this model. Finally impact analysis confirmed the success of the model.展开更多
Higher vocational education, as an important component of higher education, is a newly emerging higher education type, and an important way to achieve the goal of popularization of higher education. At present, China ...Higher vocational education, as an important component of higher education, is a newly emerging higher education type, and an important way to achieve the goal of popularization of higher education. At present, China is in an important period of adjustment and optimization of industrial structure, vigorous development of new industries, and the higher vocational education undertakes the arduous task of improving the quality of workers and cultivate specialized personnel, who are an indispensable important force in the process of modernization. It is related to the future development of education, but also to the overall development of economy and society of China. Taking Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry as an example, the existing problems in higher vocational education teaching were pointed out based on the analysis on its sustainable development status, and the corresponding countermeasures and suggestions were proposed.展开更多
Symmetry reduction of a class of third-order evolution equations that admit certain generalized conditionalsymmetries (GCSs) is implemented.The reducibility of the initial-value problem for an evolution equation to a ...Symmetry reduction of a class of third-order evolution equations that admit certain generalized conditionalsymmetries (GCSs) is implemented.The reducibility of the initial-value problem for an evolution equation to a Cauchyproblem for a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is characterized via the GCS and its Lie symmetry.Complete classification theorems are obtained and some examples are taken to show the main reduction procedure.展开更多
文摘As an important part of the new agricultural business entities, large-scale grain-production households play a significantly positive role in improving the land resource utilization, improving agricultural productivity, increasing agricultural output and farmers" income, and making a certain contribution to stabilize grain production. This paper analyzed the current situation of large-scale grain-production household in Jiangxi Province, as well as the problems in land transfer, farmland infrastructure, production and management, capital and other risks. At last, the paper proposed targeted countermeasures.
文摘The current development and utilization status of bio-energy at home and abroad was summarized, and a multi-angle in-depth analysis and reflection was given to the problems encountered in the development of bio-energy. Furthermore, some suggestions were put forward to accelerate the further development of bio-en-ergy industry in China.
基金Supported by Science&Technology Innovation Project of Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences~~
文摘Based on status quo and existing problems of Hunan crop science and technology innovation, the research proposed "three orientations", including seeking, grasping and highlighting orientations, and "six projects" for solving the issues. It is recommended to improve multiple cropping index.
基金Under the auspices of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40171034)
文摘The role of retailing has diminished in the center of cities of Western countries since its heyday in the 1920s. This trend was caused by violent transformations in the economic, social and locational contexts which involve resi- dential suburbanization, as well as new forms of commercial development out of town. As far as transforming China is concerned, the downtown retailing center has also come to turning point of development in the context of suburbaniza- tion. Based on the survey of Beijing residents’ shopping behavior, the present research tends to making clear the actual change and development problem of downtown retailing center. Combining with the macro retailing environment, re- lated influencing factors are further discussed too. Study results show that downtown retailing still plays an important part in resident’s shopping activity. However, with rapid urban sprawl, retailing in urban center has been greatly threatened by booming out-of-town commerce. In the course of such spatial change, the suburbanization of resident, the prevalence of new commercial forms and the change of consumers’ life style all have exerted their own pressure on downtown retailing. But for the special socioeconomic background of development and the support of government policy, it will still keep its vitality of retailing for a long period of time.
文摘LCM (life cycle management) is a systematic approach, mindset and culture that considers economic, social, and environmental factors among other factors in the decision making process throughout various business or organizational decisions that affect both inputs and outputs of a product or service life cycle. It is a product, process, or activity management system aimed at minimizing environmental and socio-economic burdens associated with an organization's product or process during its entire life cycle and value chain. LCM's application is gaining wider acceptance both in the corporate and governmental organizations as an approach to reduce ecological footprints and to improve the sustainability of human activities. But where and how can it be used in agricultural engineering applications? This study highlights the potential areas of LCM application in agricultural and allied sectors and how it can be utilized. The study revealed that LCM tools such as design for environment and life cycle analysis can be used to evaluate the environmental impacts of-and to improve the products, equipment, and structures produced by biosystems engineers as well as the processes used to generate them.
基金TAFORI and Forestry and Beekeeping Division through Participatory Forest Management (PFM)grant for funding this study
文摘This paper examines the role and effectiveness of locacal institutions in the management of forest biodiversity in New Dabaga-Ulongambi Forest Reserve, Tanzania. Data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, participatory rural appraisal and field observations. The study revealed that the most remarkable local institutions connected to forest biodiversity management include: Village Natural Resources Man- agement Committee (92%), tree nursery group (79.4%), beekeep- ing groups (61.1%), fish fanning (43.3%), livestock rearing group (33.9%). Main activities carried out by local institutions which directly contribute to the sustainability Of forest reserve include: forest patrols, fire extinguish, preparation of fire breaks, plant- ing of trees along the forest boundaries, creation of awareness, arresting of forest defaulters, participation in income generation activities. For the purpose of realization that local communities are capable of managing forest biodiversity through their traditional institutions, the policy should provide tangible opportunity for local communities to meet their needs as they manage the forests.
文摘Public companies issue periodic annual reports to give information about the past financial and operational results while presenting the future strategies. Companies release non-financial information concerned with corporate sustainability issues like market share, customer loyalty, supply chain management, corporate governance, and human resources in annual reports as well as the audited financial reports. Annual reports, one of the important instruments of transparency and disclosure, are widely used by shareholders and stakeholders. Recent laws and regulations in the US, European Union, and Turkey require enhanced disclosures in annual reports. In the first part of this study, a comparative regulatory framework for annual reports will be established under the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing requirements, the New Turkish Commercial Code, and regulations of Capital Markets Board (CMB) of Turkey. In the second part of this study, annual reports of four sample companies listed in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Corporate Governance Index of Borsa Istanbul will be discussed in the light of disclosure requirements of Form 20-F. Findings of this study support the hypothesis which states that regulatory environment has a positive impact on the quantity and quality of disclosures. Attention is drawn to the need for global standardization to reduce the reporting variances and the need for independent audit of annual reports to increase the reliability.
文摘This paper summarizes, from a global perspective, the major progress in the implementation of the Agenda 21 since the UN Conference on Environment and Development. The results show that global economy has achieved a substantial growth, and positive progress has been made in poverty eradication, urbanization, and conservation and intensive use of natural resources. However, relevant international conventions and commitments have not yet been completely fulfilled. The paper further analyzes the current major challenges and future trends of global sustainable development. It is argued that there are three major challenges:1) fatal global environmental issues posing an increasing threat to human survival; 2) more and more severe global competition for developing spaces; and 3) issues highlighting global people's livelihood. There are four trends of global sustainable development:1) sustainable development will further turn from concept into global action; 2) green will be the main trend of global development; 3) emerging developing countries will become the main driving force of global sustainable development; and 4) international relations in the field of sustainable development will turn to competitive co-operation.
基金supported by National Key Project of ScientificTechnical Supporting Programs Funded by Ministry of Science & Technology of China during the 11th Five-Year Plan Period (Grant No. 2007BAC03A12-05-01).
文摘The problem of global warming has been identif ied as the f irst in the list of the top ten environmental prob-lems in the world.As climate change will seriously affect the social and natural world that people live in,so it may lay serious repercussions on economic progress,social improvement,and sustainable development.International bodies everywhere and many of the countries' governments are responding urgently to this call.In recent years,climate change has affected different regions in China in different ways.In its national agenda,the Chinese government should address the problem of climate change and its negative impact on socio-economic development.In this endeavor the nation should introduce policies which will help its people and economy to adapt to these effects and changes.Priorityf ields of adaptation to climate change are the sensitive areas or departments which are more vulnerable to the negative influences of climate change.The negative impacts of climate change in some parts of China are considered to be very serious indeed as they affect the whole economy and community.As a result,priority should be given to these more affected regions for the limited state f inancing.This paper def ines adaptation and discusses the basic principles and programs in the identif ication of national priority areas where adaptation should be exercised.Based on the past studies,four priority areas in China are identif ied,namely,disaster prevention and mitigation,water resources,agriculture,and ecosystem.An analysis on the identifi cation procedures,and the reasons and tasks involved are given for each.
文摘In the past, celiac disease was believed to be a chronic enteropathy, almost exclusively affecting people of European origin. The availability of new, simple, very sensitive and specific serological tests (anti-gliadin, anti- endomysium and anti-transglutaminase antibody assays) have shown that celiac disease is common not only in Europe and in people of European ancestry but also in the developing countries where the major staple diet is wheat (Southern Asia, the Middle East, North West and East Africa, South America), both in the general population and in the groups at risk. Gluten intolerance thus appears to be a widespread public health problem and an increased level of awareness and clinical suspicion are needed in the New World where physicians must learn to recognize the variable clinical presentations (classical, atypical and silent forms) of celiac disease. In the developing countries, both serological screening in the general population and serological testing in groups at risk are necessary for an early identification of celiac patients. The gluten-free diet poses a challenging public health problem in the developing countries, especially since commercial gluten-free products are not available.
文摘Whilst there are a number of qualified methodologies, the researchers have opted to utilise the tools available through Six Sigma to prove that Six Sigma can be used to save resources and improve quality and process. Five industry sectors were identified as the ones to be surveyed using quantitative and qualitative methods and finally piloting the results on five different SMEs. Since this is a relative new methodology to the Cypriot entrepreneur and regrettably at the time of carrying out the study an international financial crisis caused a lot of financial problems to many respondents and as such could not see the immediate effects or benefits of Six Sigma and were reluctant to co-operate or participate. The Six Sigma methodology can be customized to industrial sectors and a tailored version of the methodology can be developed for a particular process or problem. The paper illustrates the problem areas identified from both the qualitative and quantitative research per industry. This is the first study carried out on Six Sigma in a small economy like Cyprus and tested on five industry sectors using both qualitative and quantitative methods
文摘The development of long linear structures such as roads, rail roads, tunnels, canals and pipelines often has unique engineering geology challenges. These include geological modeling, the identification of material strength and support factors, stability and risk issues, material excavation characteristics and the proposal of techniques for overcoming geotechnical problems, which are normally assessed as part of the conventional engineering geological investigation. An additional factor that is becoming increasingly important but is seldom included in investigations is the sustainability of the geotechnical inputs, in contrast to the sustainability of the project which is generally included. Sustainability issues revolve around the non-renewable nature of most construction resources and there is no doubt that the injudicious use of these construction materials and construction water is not sustainable in the long term: it is thus essential that the engineering geo-logical investigation should take cognizance of such issues and be adapted to provide the design engineer with the information that will maximize the sustainability options. This will also require a closer on-going relation-ship between the engineering geologist and the design engineer. This paper highlights significant sustainability issues (note that these differ from conventional environmental issues) and suggests some mitigating solutions. The sustainability issues discussed include primarily material and water usage, with some reference to energy conservation (mostly through alternative material usage and processing techniques and transportation).
基金supported by the Academic Award for Excellent Ph.D.Candidates Funded by the Ministry of Education of China(No.5052011303014)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81171396)+1 种基金the Science Fund for Creative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.20621502 and 20921062)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Ministry of Education of China(No.4103005).
文摘Cancer is a major threat to public health in the 21st century because it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.The mechanisms of carcinogenesis,cancer invasion,and metastasis remain unclear.Thus,the development of a novel approach for cancer detection is urgent,and real-time monitoring is crucial in revealing its underlying biological mechanisms.With the optical and chemical advantages of quantum dots(QDs),QD-based nanotechnology is helpful in constructing a biomedical imaging platform for cancer behavior study.This review mainly focuses on the application of QD-based nanotechnology in cancer cell imaging and tumor microenvironment studies both in vivo and in vitro,as well as the remaining issues and future perspectives.
文摘If managed properly, the shipbuilding industry could have a high multiplication effect. This is why it is often considered as the key industry in economic development in many national economies, especially those in transition. The three major players in the global shipbuilding industry are South Korea, China and Japan. Europe is positioned forth, but its market share is decreasing rapidly. This is also the case with the Croatian shipbuilding industry. This paper aims to critique the level of adaptability of Croatian shipyards to the rapidly changing environment of global industry. It also relates the question of survival and sustainable development of Croatian shipbuilding and strategic positioning of European shipbuilders. The results of this research had shown that without clusterizing the shipbuilding industry at EU integration level, and not at national levels, Europe will soon loose the struggle for market position improvement or even maintenance to the far more organized Asian rivals. Findings regarding the Croatian shipbuilding industry indicate the absence of a viable strategy on the national level. Furthermore, the paper tries to prove that success will be based on the possibility and will of Croatian shipbuilders to form strong collaborations mad business networks with subcontractors and other institutions. This should not be limited only at national level, but should incorporate different kinds of EU shipbuilding consortiums and clusters as well as other forms of strategic alliances.
文摘Iran needs around 1.5 million residential homes to be constructed annually to answer its cumulative demand by 2025. Given the current situation of the Iranian construction industry, it seems almost impossible to achieve this objective by using traditional methods of construction alone. Offsite manufacturing (OSM) can potentially increase the housing output in Iran thanks to its advantages over traditional methods of construction. However, OSM imposes a different set of risks which should be studied in the Iranian context. This study aims to investigate the readiness of the Iranian construction industry if offsite methods were to be introduced to the country in large industrial scales. To this end, a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the risks and required actions in order to achieve successful application of these methods. Several subjects including costs, practicality, design and construction processes, demand, governmental policies, technology, and sustainability issues were investigated as the core research areas. The results revealed that, considering the current situations, it would be highly risky to introduce offsite methods of construction to Iran. Research findings highlight some key areas including design and construction processes, economies of scale, governmental supports, and education, which should be addressed to mitigate the identified risks.
文摘This paper explores the potentials of traditional forms of communication in rural development communication. Experimenting a local development communication model that can be used at the grass-root level communication at the community development programs in Sri Lanka is the research objective. This study is a participatory research. Live participatory observation, impact analysis using a questionnaire and direct interview tools were used to analyze the impact of the creative model. This research study was experimented at Rasnayakapura divisional secretariat, Sri Lanka from 2004 to 2005. Results suggest that the traditional forms of communication can be utilized as a useful instrument in the rural community programs more than the dominant use of mass media and conventional use of small group communication. Forms of traditional communication are rich in communication because of their closeness to rural life, credibility, Utilization of familiar signs & symbols, Participation of the same community, collective presentation, Utilization of past experiences, plot and the stories from their own life and psychological understanding (attraction, attention, rationality). Communicating a message through entertainment was the practice of this model. Finally impact analysis confirmed the success of the model.
文摘Higher vocational education, as an important component of higher education, is a newly emerging higher education type, and an important way to achieve the goal of popularization of higher education. At present, China is in an important period of adjustment and optimization of industrial structure, vigorous development of new industries, and the higher vocational education undertakes the arduous task of improving the quality of workers and cultivate specialized personnel, who are an indispensable important force in the process of modernization. It is related to the future development of education, but also to the overall development of economy and society of China. Taking Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry as an example, the existing problems in higher vocational education teaching were pointed out based on the analysis on its sustainable development status, and the corresponding countermeasures and suggestions were proposed.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.10447007 and 10671156the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province of China under Grant No.2005A13
文摘Symmetry reduction of a class of third-order evolution equations that admit certain generalized conditionalsymmetries (GCSs) is implemented.The reducibility of the initial-value problem for an evolution equation to a Cauchyproblem for a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is characterized via the GCS and its Lie symmetry.Complete classification theorems are obtained and some examples are taken to show the main reduction procedure.