Pick-up Method Research Articles

The Drop-off and Pick-up Method: An Approach to Reduce Nonresponse Bias in Natural Resource Surveys

Forestry researchers frequently conduct surveys to assess woodland owner attitudes, behavior, behavioral intentions, and program adoption. However, the ability to utilize survey results in applied research is dependent upon how accurately the sample respondents reflect the reference population. One major issue in survey research is nonresponse bias. Nonresponse bias occurs when individuals do not respond to a questionnaire and is a concern because of the potential inability to make accurate inferences to a population based on responses. Researchers in this study compare two methods of questionnaire distribution (Drop-off/Pick-up and the Tailored Design Method) in terms of cost effectiveness and response rate. When compared to the Tailored Design Method (TDM), use of the Drop-off/Pick-Up (DOPU) method resulted in significantly higher response rates, provided an alternative method by which to determine survey eligibility, and had significantly higher survey implementation costs. The DOPU technique is an effective means to reduce potential nonresponse bias through increased response rate. When implementing the DOPU method, face-to-face contact and verbal communication with respondents permitted researchers to better determine eligibility than did leaving the questionnaire on the doorknob. Relying solely on respondents to indicate ineligibility on the survey instrument was not as effective as verbal confirmation of eligibility in the DOPU.

Condon-domain phase diagram and hysteresis size for beryllium

The Condon domain phase diagram for beryllium is determined in magnetic fields up to 10 T and at temperatures down to 1.3 K using a standard ac pick-up coil method to measure the de Haas-van Alphen (dHvA) effect. The detection of the transition point from the homogeneous state to the Condon domain state (CDS) is based on the extremely non-linear response to the modulation field resulting from a small irreversibility in the dHvA magnetization. The experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions calculated from the Fermi surface (FS) of beryllium. The width h_m of the hysteresis loop in the CDS is measured in a wide temperature and field region. A model for the hysteresis size is proposed and numerically calculated for the whole phase diagram.

A Novel SVM-Based Method for Seismic First-Arrival Detecting

First arrivals detecting on seismic record is important at all times. A novel support vector machine (SVM)-based method for seismic first-arrival pickup is proposed in this research. Firstly, the multi-resolution wavelet decomposition is used to de-noise the seismic record. And then, feature vectors are extracted from the denoise data. Finally, both SVM and artificial neural network (ANN) models are employed to train and predict the feature vectors. Experimental results demonstrate that the SVM model gives better accuracy than the ANN model. It is promising that the novel method is very prospective.

Doing business with impudence: A focus on women entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia

This study attempts to investigate the courage it takes for women to do business in Saudi Arabia. A total number of 350 participants were allowed as a sample. Drop-off, pick-up and On-line survey methods were used to receive maximum response rate. The descriptive statistics, the T-test and the ANOVA test were utilized to examine the business motivational factors. The results reveal that self-achievement is the most motivational factor for business women in Saudi Arabia. The barriers include lack of market studies, lack of governmental support, lack of coordination among government departments, lack of support from the community, society restrictions and oligopolistic attitude of the investors. This research contributes to the literature on gender barriers related to business by systematically assessing the traditional restrictions towards women in Saudi Arabian society. Key words: Motivational aspects, barriers towards business, gender related restrictions, business women.

Forecasting for cruise line revenue management

In recent years, the cruise line industry has become an exciting growth category in the leisure travel market. Like airlines and hotels, it reports all characteristics of revenue management (RM). Although RM has attracted widespread research interest in airline and hotel contexts, studies of cruise line revenue management are very limited. Using data from a major North American cruise company, we apply a variety of (24) forecasting methods, which are divided into three categories (non-pickup methods, classical pickup (CP) methods and advanced pickup (AP) methods), to generate forecasts of final bookings for the cruises that have not yet departed at a particular reading point. We use a two-stage framework to test alternative forecasting methods and compare their performance. We found the performance of multiplicative methods to be significantly worse. Among the additive methods, we find that classical methods perform the best, followed by AP and non-pickup methods. All CP methods with the exception of exponential smoothing with trend perform fairly well. Among AP methods, Autoregressive integrated moving average, linear regression and moving average (MA) produce the most accurate forecasts. Within non-pickup methods, MA is the most effective method.

2P091 Particle pickup method using local-similarity classification for single particle analysis, and its applications(The 48th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society of Japan)

2P091 Particle pickup method using local-similarity classification for single particle analysis, and its applications(The 48th Annual Meeting of the Biophysical Society of Japan)

Effects of Season and Reproductive Phase on the Quality, Quantity and Developmental Competence of Oocytes Aspirated from Japanese Black Cows

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the season (hot and cool) and reproductive phase (pregnant and non-pregnant) of the cow affect follicular recruitment and oocyte development. Follicular oocytes were aspirated from Japanese black cows by the ovum pick-up (OPU) method, which was performed 2 to 6 times within 1.5 months in pregnant cows and 2 to 4 times within 2 months in non-pregnant cows, during the hot (July to September) and cool (October to November) seasons. After follicular aspiration, the number and morphology of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and the developmental competence of oocytes after in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro culture were evaluated. The quality of aspirated COCs did not differ between the hot and cool seasons, irrespective of the reproductive phase of the donor cows. In the pregnant cows, the season did not affect follicular recruitment, early embryonic development or the quality of embryos. In the non-pregnant cows, however, the mean number of aspirated follicles and collected oocytes decreased during the hot season as compared with the cool season. When the data for the 2 seasons were combined to assess the effects of reproductive phase on oocyte development, the total proportions of cleavage, development into blastocysts and freezable embryos were higher for embryos obtained from pregnant cows (P<0.05) than those obtained from non-pregnant cows. In conclusion, the season did not have any apparent effects on the quality of aspirated COCs and the developmental competence of oocytes after IVM-IVF, but it may affect follicular recruitment in non-pregnant cows. Moreover, the reproductive phase may influence the developmental competence of the recovered oocytes.

Hartmann phase pick-up method for detection and correction of piston aberrations in a multi-beam coherent combination system

In multi-beam coherent combination laser systems, piston aberration between each sub-beam is often regarded as the dominative factor to deteriorate the combination performance. So as to obtain a favorable combination result, a Hartmann phase pick-up method in combination with a seven-element active segmented mirror is presented to pick up and correct the piston aberrations of a seven-beam coherent combination system. A simulative result indicates that the RMS value of the wavefront can be reduced from 401 nm to 3.7 nm, while the far-field Strehl ratio can be increased from 0.22 to 0.99 after correction.

Accuracy of AC Transport Current Loss in HTS Tape Measurements Using a Pick-Up Loop

AC transport current loss in high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes can be measured without a direct electrical connection by using a pick-up loop method. This method requires a correction factor, which is related to the ratio of the linkage magnetic flux determined by the distribution of the transport current in the HTS tape and pick-up loop. In this study, to determine the accuracy of the AC transport current loss measurement using a pick-up loop method, we measured the critical current and AC transport current loss distribution in the tape axis. We found the pick-up loop voltage of the deteriorated section of the HTS tape to be higher than in the normal section with the same transport current. We concluded that the pick-up loop method accuracy is sufficient to measure the AC transport current loss in HTS tapes.

Curved Projection Integral Imaging Using an Additional Large-Aperture Convex Lens for Viewing Angle Improvement

In this paper, we propose a curved projection integral imaging system to improve the horizontal and vertical viewing angles. The proposed system can be easily implemented by additional use of a large-aperture convex lens in conventional projection integral imaging. To obtain the simultaneous display of 3D images through real and virtual image fields, we propose a computer-generated pickup method based on ray optics and elemental images, which are synthesized for the proposed system. To show the feasibility of the proposed system, preliminary experiments are carried out. Experimental results indicate that our system improves the viewing angle and displays 3D images simultaneously in real and virtual image fields.

Curved Projection Integral Imaging Using an Additional Large-Aperture Convex Lens for Viewing Angle Improvement

In this paper, we propose a curved projection integral imaging system to improve the horizontal and vertical viewing angles. The proposed system can be easily implemented by additional use of a large-aperture convex lens in conventional projection integral imaging. To obtain the simultaneous display of 3D images through real and virtual image fields, we propose a computer-generated pickup method based on ray optics and elemental images, which are synthesized for the proposed system. To show the feasibility of the proposed system, preliminary experiments are carried out. Experimental results indicate that our system improves the viewing angle and displays 3D images simultaneously in real and virtual image fields.

Reconstruction of the P2X2 Receptor Reveals a Vase-Shaped Structure with Lateral Tunnels above the Membrane

In response to the intercellular messenger ATP, P2X receptors transfer various sensory information, including pain. Here we have reconstructed the structure of the P2X(2) receptor at 15 A resolution from more than 90,000 particle images, taken with a cryo-electron microscope equipped with a helium-cooled stage. This three-dimensional depiction, presumably in a closed state, revealed an elongated vase-shaped structure 202 A in height and 160 A in major diameter. The extracellular and transmembrane domains present a two-layered structure, in which a sparse outer layer surrounds a pore-forming inner density. The decreased diameter of a putative ion-conducting pathway at the middle of the membrane was considered to be the narrowest part of the pore, which has been predicted from electrophysiological studies. The sparse, extended structure of the P2X(2) receptor indicates a loose assembly of subunits, which could be a basis for the activation-dependent pore dilation of P2X receptors.

Sound pickup method and system with sound source tracking

A sound pickup system includes a sound source tracking device that is operable to obtain distance and direction values of a target sound source relative to the sound source tracking device, and that determines nearest and farthest ones of a plurality of microphones in a microphone array relative to the target sound source with reference to determined distances of the sound source tracking device from the microphones, and the distance and direction values obtained by the sound source tracking device. A signal processing unit includes a delay calculator for determining appropriate time delays for the microphones with reference to information from the sound source tracking device, and a delay processor for processing signals generated by the microphones in the microphone array by introducing the corresponding time delays determined by the delay calculator into the signals from the microphones.

3P-068 単粒子解析における局所類似性分類に基づく高精度粒子拾い上げ法の開発(蛋白質-計測・解析の方法論,第47回日本生物物理学会年会)

3P-068 単粒子解析における局所類似性分類に基づく高精度粒子拾い上げ法の開発(蛋白質-計測・解析の方法論,第47回日本生物物理学会年会)

Undistorted pickup method of both virtual and real objects for integral imaging

Optically corrected pickup method of both virtual and real objects for integral imaging is proposed. The proposed pickup system has imbricate view volumes which are equivalent to those in the integral imaging display. Therefore, there is no distortion resulting from the discord in directions of elemental image between pickup and display. In this system, the view volumes are transformed by 4f optics and the directions of view are defined by lens array and telecentric lens. Without computational cost for compensation, the pickup of both real and virtual objects is confirmed experimentally.

Which Biopsy Method Is More Suitable Between a Basin Dissection and Pick-Up Biopsy for Sentinel Nodes in Laparoscopic Sentinel-Node Navigation Surgery (LSNNS) for Gastric Cancer?

Sentinel-node navigation surgery (SNNS) for breast cancer and melanoma has been accepted as a reasonable oncologic surgery worldwide. On the other hand, in gastric cancers that do metastasize well to the lymph node, the use of SNNS has been approached with care and performed in only limited cases. Some obstacles still have to be overcome, such as the shortcomings of SN tracers and the technical limitations of laparoscopic SN detection. The aims of this study were to determine whether laparoscopic SNNS is possible, and which biopsy method is more suitable for SN tracers, in gastric cancer, preoperatively diagnosed as < or =T2 and with < or =4-cm-sized lesions. Between January 2005 and October 2006, 92 consecutive patients that underwent LSNNS, using a combined indocyanine green and (99m)Tc-labeled tin colloid technique, were prospectively studied. SNs were laparoscopically removed by using two biopsy methods: a basin dissection and pick-up method, with the results of these two SN biopsy methods then compared with the final diagnosis obtained from a permanent section. With the pick-up method, SNs were identified in 23 of 42 patients (54.8%); however, with basin dissection, the detection rate was 96% (48 of 50 patients). The average number of SNs detected by the two methods were 2.1 (range, 0-4) and 3.5 (range, 1-7), respectively. The sensitivities of the two methods were 66% (4/6) and 85.7% (12/14), with specificities of 100% (17/17) and 100% (34/34), respectively. In gastric cancer, it was possible to perform LSNNS. At this moment, we believe the laparoscopic basin dissection technique with a dual-tracer injection, followed by SN detection on the back table, will be a reasonable procedure for gastric cancer, owing to the shortcomings related to the dye and radioisotope, the so-called "stained lymphatic duct only" and "shine-through phenomenon."

Numerical Analysis of AC Transport Current Loss Measurements Using a Pick-up Loop

We suggested a pick-up loop method for measuring AC transport current loss in high temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes, which avoids a direct electrical connection with the HTS tape. This method requires a correction factor, which is related to the ratio of the linkage magnetic flux determined by the distribution of the transport current in the HTS tape and pick-up loop. We reported previously that the correction factor for an HTS tape obtained experimentally corresponded with the numerical analysis result. In this study, we numerically analyzed the correction factor for rectangular and spiral pick-up loops. The correction factor for an ideal pick-up loop does not depend on the amplitude of the transport current and is not affected by the position of the HTS tape, even if slightly altered. Our numerical analysis suggests the ideal shape for a pick-up loop to measure AC transport current loss without an electrical connection.

Ac loss in YBCO coated conductors exposed to external magnetic fields at 50–200 Hz

Ac loss measurements have been made on YBCO coated conductors in externally applied sinusoidal ac magnetic fields using the pick-up coil method. Various arrangements of YBCO coated conductor have been measured at frequencies of 50 Hz, 75 Hz, 100 Hz, 150 Hz, and 200 Hz, with amplitudes ranging from 0 to 140 mT. Three different sets of IBAD-based YBCO coated conductor were measured: (i) unfilamented conductors with Cu added either on one side only, or on both sides (as well as the edges), (ii) conductors with various numbers of filaments, (iii) 4 mm wide conductors. All samples were 4 cm long and untwisted. The total ac loss per cycle, per unit length of conductor, Q t , displayed in the format Q t / B m (in J/T m) vs. B m where B m is the field sweep amplitude enabled separation of the eddy current (or coupling current) and hysteretic components of Q t , after which the results were analyzed and discussed. The intercept values were compared to the product of critical current and sample width. Similarly, calculated and measured values of the penetration field were compared. Additionally, the eddy current component of the loss was extracted and compared to that expected from the stabilizer and possible interfilament connections. The power loss in W/m was then compared for conductors of various width, stabilizer, and filamentation level and put in the context of applications.

Attachment of carbon nanotubes to atomic force microscope probes

In atomic force microscopy (AFM) the accuracy of data is often limited by the tip geometry and the effect on this geometry of wear. One way to improve the tip geometry is to attach carbon nanotubes (CNT) to AFM tips. CNTs are ideal because they have a small diameter (typically between 1 and 20 nm), high aspect ratio, high strength, good conductivity, and almost no wear. A number of methods for CNT attachment have been proposed and explored including chemical vapour deposition (CVD), dielectrophoresis, arc discharge and mechanical attachment. In this work we will use CVD to deposit nanotubes onto a silicon surface and then investigate improved methods to pick-up and attach CNTs to tapping mode probes. Conventional pick-up methods involve using standard tapping mode or non-contact mode so as to attach only those CNTs that are aligned vertically on the surface. We have developed improved methods to attach CNTs using contact mode and reduced set-point tapping mode imaging. Using these techniques the AFM tip is in contact with a greater number of CNTs and the rate and stability of CNT pick-up is improved. The presence of CNTs on the modified AFM tips was confirmed by high-resolution AFM imaging, analysis of the tips dynamic force curves and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

AC losses in Ag-sheathed Bi2223 tapes with Ca2CuO3 as interfilamentary resistive barriers

In this study, we prepared the Bi2223 multifilamentary tapes with Ca2CuO3 as interfilamentary resistive barriers and evaluated their AC magnetization loss properties at 77K. The Bi2223 tapes with thin barrier layers of Ca2CuO3 around the filaments were prepared by using a standard powder-in-tube (PIT) method. To fabricate the Ca2CuO3 layers around each filament, the outside surface of monocore Ag-sheathed wires was coated by Ca2CuO3 with the slurry. After the heat treatment to decompose and evaporate the organic binder in the slurry, the several coated monocore wires were stacked and packed into another Ag-tube. Then, the packed tube was drawn and rolled into tape shape. The tape was subsequently sintered to form Bi2223 phase inside filaments. The AC magnetization losses in an AC transverse magnetic field were measured by a pick-up coil method. The loss properties in the barrier tape were compared with those in the tape without barriers. The results indicated that introducing Ca2CuO3 barriers is very effective to suppress the electromagnetic coupling among the filaments and also to reduce the magnetization losses under parallel transverse field.