Search results for "Function"

Connectedness and connectivity of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas across country borders in the European Union

2012

Abstract We studied the spatial connectedness of Natura 2000 site boundaries and the functional connectivity of the Natura 2000 network across the 34 terrestrial borders of the European Union. Connectivity was measured by the dispersal success of 192 reptile, amphibian, invertebrate and plant species from Annex II of the European Union Habitats Directive, based on the presence of same species on both sides of the borders. Connectedness and connectivity varied greatly between state borders, with good and bad examples found in all parts of the European Union. Connectedness and connectivity were positively correlated. However, a few outlying examples showed that good connectedness is not neces…

Optimization of the straightness measurements on rough surfaces by Monte Carlo simulation

2013

Summary The straightness error of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is determined by measuring a rule standard. Thanks to a reversal technique, the straightness uncertainty of the CMM is theoretically dissociated from the straightness uncertainty of the rule. However, stochastic variations of the whole measurement system involve uncertainties of the CMM straightness error. To quantify these uncertainties, different sources of stochastic variations are listed with their associated probability density functions. Then Monte Carlo methods are performed first to quantify error and secondly to optimize measurement protocol. It is shown that a 5-measurement distance from 0.1 mm to each measurem…

Sacral neurostimulation and neuromodulation in urological practice

2000

The problems associated with treating various forms of lower tract dysfunction by electrical stimulation are reflected in the many years of basic and clinical research in this area. However, better understanding of both neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and development of new technologies have led to further application of electrical current to restore impaired bladder function. Contemporary knowledge of the potential for both sacral neurostimulation and neuromodulation as a therapeutic option for lower urinary tract dysfunction is reviewed.

Czy administracja publiczna musi wykonywać zadania z zakresu pomocy społecznej?

2020

Administracja publiczna powołana jest do realizacji zadań przypisanych państwu, a zatem takich, które przekraczają możliwości członków wspólnoty składającej się na państwo. Jednym z takich zadań jest wspieranie osób, które własnym staraniem nie są w stanie zaspokajać własnych potrzeb. Jego realizacja przez państwo wynika z zasady solidarności, która wspólnie z zasadą pomocniczości leży u podstaw wspierania tych, którzy nie są w stanie właściwie zadbać o własne potrzeby. Pomoc społeczna jest tą sferą aktywności społecznej, która może być zaspokajana mocą aktywności podmiotów indywidualnych, jednakże wspólnota po to utworzyła państwo, aby przy jego wykorzystaniu wspierać słabszych i tych, któ…

Identity in virtual communities

1998

The usability of Collaborative Virtual Environments is a function of technical affordances with the implicit and explicit intentions of users. Intentions can be revealed by 'cyborg ethnography' -- a close examination of interactions and conversations conducted in CVE's. Three CVE's were examined ethnographically and it is found that social conventions develop around the theme of producing identity. However, there is doubt that such conventions constitute evidence of a 'virtual' social system.

An Efficient Method for the Visualization of Spectral Images Based on a Perception-Oriented Spectrum Segmentation

2010

We propose a new method for the visualization of spectral images. It involves a perception-based spectrum segmentation using an adaptable thresholding of the stretched CIE standard observer colormatching functions. This allows for an underlying removal of irrelevant channels, and, consequently, an alleviation of the computational burden of further processings. Principal Components Analysis is then used in each of the three segments to extract the Red, Green and Blue primaries for final visualization. A comparison framework using two different datasets shows the efficiency of the proposed method.

Conclusions and Suggestions for Improving European Education Policies

2020

In the concluding chapter, we draw together the main arguments and results of the research, highlighting the differences and similarities between the education policy documents produced by the European Union and the Council of Europe. We also provide suggestions for improving future education policies to better encompass the concerns about the lack of dialogue in a diversified but also polarized Europe. Education policy documents dealing with intercultural dialogue act as important guidelines for tackling racism, chauvinism, xenophobia, homophobia, and other forms of prejudice in Europe. As policies function as ‘actants’ that create webs of meanings and action, it is crucial that policy doc…

Fashion-Driven Textiles as a Crystal of a New Stream for Stakeholder Capitalism – Amazon's Endeavor

2020

Fashion reflects changes in socio-economic and cultural life which, in turn, changes fashion, and apparel boosts such change. Thus, in response to a shift in people’s preferences from economic functionality to supra-functionality beyond an economic value, the fashion industry has been gaining momentum worldwide. In the digital economy, the fashion industry is in the midst of global dynamic change stimulating volatility, velocity, variety and dynamism, which necessitate a digital solution. Digital business leader Amazon has succeeded in constructing an R&D-driven disruptive businesss model. This can be attributed to a virtuous cycle among user-driven innovation, advancement of the Internet, …

Ultrasound as a Tool to Record Muscle Function during Normal Locomotion

2010

2-Aminopurine non-radiative decay and emission in aqueous solution: A theoretical study

2008

Abstract The minimum energy path along the lowest-lying ππ ∗ excited state of 2-aminopurine was calculated to elucidate the mechanisms of radiationless decay and emission in water. The sequential Monte Carlo quantum mechanics approach with a multiconfigurational and perturbative description of the wave function was employed to compute the minimum, transition state, and conical intersection. It was found that the barrier in the potential energy surface to access the conical intersection funnel increases in aqueous environment, making the system prone to enlarge the emission yield. These results rationalize the observed enhancement of emission in 2-aminopurine upon increasing of the solvent p…