217 research outputs found
BOOK REVIEW: The Leadership Style of Jesus By Michael Youssef
No full textThe leadership book examined is The Leadership Style of Jesus by Michael Youssef. This book is an enlightening book that challenges the reader to consider their own characteristics. The author examines five parts of leadership including the beginnings of leadership, the qualities of leadership, the temptations of leadership, the problems of leadership and the future of leadership. Each section includes sub-segments that pose challenges, scenarios and stories related to the topic at hand. After reading the book, I have evaluated three sections I found the most interesting including forgiveness as a quality of leadership, anger as a temptation of leadership and where leaders come from as the future of leadership is debated
A microsimulation-based analysis for driving behaviour modelling on a congested expressway
No full textRecently, simulation models have been widely used around the world to evaluate the performance of different traffic facilities and management strategies for efficient and sustainable transportation systems. One of the keys factors for ensuring the reliability of the models in reflecting local conditions is the calibration and validation of microsimulation models. The majority of the existing calibration efforts focus is on the experimental designs of driver behaviour and lane-changing parameters. Towards this end, this paper describes the necessary procedure for the calibration and validation of a microscopic model using the VISSIM software, during peak hours. The procedure is applied on Muscat Expressway in the Sultanate of Oman. The calibration parameters and the measure-of-effectiveness are identified by using multi-parameter sensitivity analysis. The optimum values for these parameters are obtained by minimising errors between simulated data and field data. In our proposed model, we used traffic volume and travel speed for model calibration, as well as average travel time for validation of the calibrated model. The achieved results showed that driving characteristics significantly impacted the merging/diverging traffic flow ratio in the merging area, the link length and the distance between on-ramps and off-ramps, as well as the percentage of heavy vehicles. The results also showed that having both the advanced merging and cooperative lane-change settings active, along with safety distance reduction factor, necessary lane change, minimum headway (front/rear), and emergency stop, had a significant influence on simulation precision, especially at on-ramps and off-ramps. Finally, our proposed model can be utilized as a base for future traffic strategy analysis and intelligent transportation systems evaluation to help decision makers with long-term and sustainable development decisionsFarrag, SG (corresponding author), Hasselt Univ, Transportat Res Inst, Hasselt, Belgium.
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected], SG (corresponding author), Hasselt Univ, Transportat Res Inst, Hasselt, Belgium.
[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Wages and unemployment in Poland : recent developments and policy issues
No full textThe authors review recent developments in wages, employment, and unemployment in Poland and discuss some of the main risks Poland faces in sustaining its stabilization effort. They find that: unemployment has increased dramatically with stabilization, but this increase cannot be said to reflect widespread economic adjustment and restructuring throughout the Polish economy; and wages showed a significant degree of downward flexibility - in real terms - at the beginning of the year, when firms faced a severe supply shock coupled with very tight credit. The wage policy still in force in Poland at the end of 1991 maintains a few undesirable features. The monthly indexation and the possibility of carrying forward the unused margins are among the policy's main drawbacks; another is the link between wages and profitability. The current wage policy could be replaced by a generalized agreement on the wage path, with synchronized six-month contracts. The wage path should be related to expected inflation and economywide productivity. This scheme would also have the advantage of being based on a consensual agreement instead of being perceived as being imposed as a punitive tax.Youth and Governance,Banks&Banking Reform,Economic Theory&Research,Health Monitoring&Evaluation,Environmental Economics&Policies
Pathology quiz case 1
No full text[No abstract available]ALESSI DM, 1988, ARCH OTOLARYNGOL, V114, P1321; ARNOLD GE, 1962, ARCHIV OTOLARYNGOL, V76, P76; DANTONIO LL, 1995, LARYNGOSCOPE, V105, P256, DOI 10.1288-00005537-199503000-00007; DEDO HH, 1992, ANN OTO RHINOL LARYN, V101, P81; Jol JAD, 1998, J LARYNGOL OTOL, V112, P878; O'Hara M D, 1994, Curr Top Pathol, V86, P53; OSSOFF RH, 1993, ANN OTO RHINOL LARYN, V102, P405; POHRIS E, 1987, ARCH OTO-RHINO-LARYN, V244, P44, DOI 10.1007-BF00453490; RUBIN HJ, 1975, ARCH OTOLARYNGOL, V101, P114; TOOMEY JM, 1967, LARYNGOSCOPE, V77, P110, DOI 10.1288-00005537-196701000-00010; WARD PH, 1985, LARYNGOSCOPE, V95, P64412
Decentralized Optimal Power Flow for Bipolar DC Grids: An algorithm for online optimization using grid measurements and droop control
No full textThe optimal power flow (OPF) problem is a classic and widely-studied topic in the field of power systems.Its purpose is to minimize the running costs of a power system by determining the optimal operating points,while respecting a set of physical constraints. While most power systems are currently controlled by a centralcoordinator, there is significant interest in the research of decentralized schemes. By eliminating the need fora central coordinator, fully decentralized algorithms eliminate the single point of failure, thereby enhancingthe reliability of the overall system. Moreover, as communication and telemetry play a progressively vital rolein the power grid of the future, decentralized methods reduce the strain on the data infrastructure. In otherwords, the computational and communication load on the central computer is decreased, as it no longer hasto gather and process large amounts of information from all the nodes in the system. As a result, although newchallenges are introduced with distributed algorithms, the OPF becomes more scalable in some regards. Onefully decentralized method for performing OPF calculations is Consensus+Innovation (C+I). The C+I methodis based on the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) Conditions class of optimization, where the solution is founditeratively using an update strategy. Moreover, communication is only required between directly connectednodes, or neighbors. This method has been applied in the cases of AC systems as well as unipolar DC systems,reporting promising results. However, until now, no decentralized algorithm existed for bipolar DC systems.Bipolar topologies, while they are more complex to model and optimize, possess numerous advantages overunipolar ones. By providing two voltage levels, larger loads can be connected directly between the two polesin order to provide double the power. This increased voltage level allows for the current to be halved for thesame amount of power, thereby significantly reducing the conductive losses. On the other hand, smaller loadsare connected between one of the poles and the neutral, meaning that power electronic devices with lowerratings can be used. Furthermore, generators and loads can be connected in parallel at the same location.This means that they must be modelled as controlled current sources which are connected between twophysical nodes. In other words, the optimization variables are altered from nodal voltages and powers tonode voltages and source currents. However, these changes in the modelling, optimization, and control of thegrid mean that the single line diagram (SLD) equivalent circuit, used by the algorithms for unipolar systems,is no longer valid for bipolar ones. Thus, the objective of this thesis was to develop a fully decentralized OPFalgorithm for bipolar DC grids. The algorithm is based on online optimization, meaning that measurementsfrom the physical grid are taken and used in every iteration of the OPF. Moreover, the algorithm is based onbipolar DC grids wherein the power electronic converters follow a droop control scheme, the effect of whichis directly accounted for in the newly developed update strategy. The algorithm is tested on four differentsimulated case studies with varying operational scenarios. These test cases include both fixed and variable-power loads and controllable generators. Furthermore, the algorithm is demonstrated to successfully achieveline congestion management using demand response. Finally, a case with unbalanced loading is simulatedsuccessfully, while respecting all of the physical limits of the system.Electrical Engineering | Electrical Power Engineerin
Global trends in raw materials consumption
No full textThis paper reviews movements in raw materials consumption over the past 30 years. Included in this review are all base metals and steel, and important agricultural raw materials. These primary commodities share the common characteristic that they are used as inputs in manufacturing and construction. Some metals and minerals, energy commodities, and timber products are not included in this review for various reasons. The period reviewed is from 1961 to 1988. A prominent characteristic of the metals market during the past 15 years has been its very slow growth. In some years consumption of several raw materials has even declined. Explaining the causes of this slowdown, in the face of moderate economic growth, has become a topical issue. The slowdown has important implications for a number of developing countries that rely heavily on exports of these materials. The severity and persistence of post-1973 declines in metals intensity per unit of GNP, prompted the conjecture that it may have been structural. This paper reviews the debate on this issue, including results of statistical tests. It also summarizes the trends in raw materials consumption and reviews the technological developments relating to raw materials consumption.Mining&Extractive Industry (Non-Energy),Montreal Protocol,Sanitation and Sewerage,Primary Metals,Environmental Economics&Policies
Post trade liberalization policy and institutional challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean
No full textArgentina, Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay undertook extensive trade reform at a time of crisis, at which time institutional reform was difficult to undertake. Many of the countries had become members of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in the late 1980s and anticipated institutional reform. Only later did they reform trade policymaking institutions to bring them somewhat in line with trade policy regimes and GATT rules. These countries have all used reference prices and antidumping provisions of GATT, rather than safeguards, to provide relief from import surges. They have all tried to centralize trade policy by moving it from different agencies into a single agency. Despite liberalization, some sectors -- including automobiles, textiles and agriculture -- remain protected. Lessons the author draws from experience in these coutries: 1) the deteriorating macroeconomic situations are the main challenge to maintaining open trade policy; 2) trade policymaking must be constantly reviewed to prevent reversals, and the costs of protection must be communicated to the public at large; 3) There must be short-run measures to help domestic activities adjust to short-run price movements and alleviate pressure for protection. The danger -- such measures (unrelated to long-run price trends) can become permanent. 4) external commitments (through WTO or customs unions) can be used to discourage a return to protection; 5) extending reform (to labor and capital markets and the regulatory framework) will help maintain and extend trade liberalization. Allowing factors of production to move smoothly from one activity to another could help prevent the buildup of pressures that lead to protection; 6) an institution to consider exceptional protection should be advisory (independent of day-to-day trade policymaking), so that it works steadily, free from administrative pressures and exigencies. Requests for protection must be handled openly and transparently, with the findings subject to public scrutiny. Procedures for granting relief through safeguards and similar mechanisms must reflect all interests, including those of consumers, exporters, and users of the product; and 7) the analysis to establish injury must conform to high technical standards. The criteria to consider trade policies must reflect national interests, not those of any particular sector.Economic Theory&Research,Common Carriers Industry,Trade Policy,Environmental Economics&Policies,Payment Systems&Infrastructure,TF054105-DONOR FUNDED OPERATION ADMINISTRATION FEE INCOME AND EXPENSE ACCOUNT,Economic Theory&Research,Trade Policy,Environmental Economics&Policies,Transport and Trade Logistics
Moment Estimates for the Spectral Norm of Random Matrices with Dependent Entries
No full textThis paper studies the moments for the spectral norm of random matrices with
dependent entries. In particular, we consider a random matrix , where
is a random matrix with independent mean zero subexponential entries, and
is a deterministic matrix. We show a sharp moment bound for the spectral norm
of an matrix based on a comparison theorem due to Lata{\l}a,
van Handel and Youssef. Applying this result, we prove an estimate of the
smallest singular value of an random subexponential matrix.Comment: arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:0812.2432 by other author
Nonlinear site amplification functions for Central and Eastern North America
No full textSite amplification functions are used to modify ground motions from a reference bedrock condition to a surface condition based on the geologic features of the site of interest. Site amplification has been extensively studied and evaluated empirically for seismic regions such as the Western United States where there are abundant ground motion recordings for many sites and earthquake events. In regions of relatively lower or infrequent seismicity, such as Central and Eastern North America (CENA), the lack of ground motion recordings and seismic site properties severely limits the empirical characterization of site amplification. This research uses site response simulations to develop site amplification functions for CENA.
The first part of this study is the development of 1,747,278 1-D linear elastic, equivalent linear, and nonlinear site response analyses. Simulations are designed to capture the variability in site conditions in CENA and the uncertainty in soil properties at individual sites. Site profiles are developed for 1,747,278 site response analyses, 582,426 each of linear elastic, equivalent linear and nonlinear 1-D analyses for 70,650 unique site profiles. The database of simulations is the largest of its kind. This study describes the process for generating VS profiles, soil and weathered rock material properties, and ground motions to represent the variability and uncertainty of site conditions in CENA.
The second part of this study is the modeling of the site response simulation data with linear and nonlinear site amplification functions for the response spectrum (RS) and Fourier amplitude spectrum (FAS) and a correction factor to convert site amplification from a 3000 m/s CENA hard rock condition to a 760 m/s condition. The modular RS amplification model includes terms for time averaged shear wave velocity in the top 30 m of a site (VS30), site natural period, soil depth, and site nonlinearity which can be coupled with empirically-developed linear empirical amplification models. Including site natural period into the amplification function is shown to greatly improve estimates of site response over models dependent only on VS30. The FAS site amplification model is the first model developed from simulations, and the first to include nonlinear amplification.Submission published under a 24 month embargo labeled 'U of I Access', the embargo will last until 2019-05-01The student, Joseph Harmon, accepted the attached license on 2017-04-17 at 18:06.The student, Joseph Harmon, submitted this Dissertation for approval on 2017-04-17 at 18:18.This Dissertation was approved for publication on 2017-04-18 at 11:54.DSpace SAF Submission Ingestion Package generated from Vireo submission #10827 on 2017-08-10 at 15:05:54Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-10T20:33:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 3
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel pyrazole compounds.
No full textA novel dipyrazole ethandiamide compound and acid chloride of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine 4(5H)-one were prepared and reacted with a number of nucleophiles. The resultant novel compounds were tested in several in vitro and in vivo assays. Three compounds inhibited the secretion of neurotoxins by human THP-1 monocytic cells at concentrations that were not toxic to these cells. They also partially inhibited both cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 isoforms. In animal studies, two compounds were notable for their anti-inflammatory activity that was comparable to that of the clinically available cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib. Modeling studies by using the molecular operating environment module showed comparable docking scores for the two enantiomers docked in the active site of cyclooxygenase-2.Copyright (C) 2012 American Chemical Society (ACS). All Rights Reserved.; Section Code: 1-3; CA Section Cross-references: 28; CODEN: BMECEP; CAS Registry Numbers: 1245747-32-3P; 1245747-33-4P; 1245747-34-5P; 1245747-35-6P; 1245747-36-7P; 1245747-37-8P Role: PAC (Pharmacological activity), SPN (Synthetic preparation), THU (Therapeutic use), BIOL (Biological study), PREP (Preparation), USES (Uses) (synthesis and biol. evaluation of novel pyrazole compds.); 64-04-0 (Phenethylamine); 79-37-8 (Oxalyl chloride); 100-63-0; 108-91-8 (Cyclohexanamine); 123-00-2 (4-Morpholinepropanamine); 123-06-8; 618-36-0; 2627-86-3; 3886-69-9 Role: RCT (Reactant), RACT (Reactant or reagent) (synthesis and biol. evaluation of novel pyrazole compds.); 5334-43-0P; 1245747-30-1P; 1245747-31-2P Role: RCT (Reactant), SPN (Synthetic preparation), PREP (Preparation), RACT (Reactant or reagent) (synthesis and biol. evaluation of novel pyrazole compds.)Source type: Electronic(1
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