Referential Index Research Articles

A novel integrated approach for monitoring drought stress in an aeolian desertification area using Vegetation Drought Status Index

Abstract Drought is a costly natural disaster. The accuracy and applicability of different drought indexes in drought monitoring at different research areas are also different. Based on remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system technology, we propose a new RS-based drought index, Vegetation Drought Status Index (VDSI), for agricultural drought monitoring in both arid and humid regions using multi-sensor data. This index combines the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor and data from 81 verification points regarding the in situ soil drought status. The model was applied to drought monitoring in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. Based on the comprehensive influence of water absorption on the reflectance spectrum of vegetation and soil, the reflectance of soil in MODIS bands B6 and B7 is generally higher than that of vegetation, so the model can directly obtain the surface soil moisture index. The correlation analysis (R2 > 0.79) was valid; the change trends were the same; i.e., VDSI is a reliable referential index for agricultural drought monitoring.

Indexed definiteness

This paper posits a distinction between plain definite DPs and indexed definite DPs: only the latter have a syntactically represented referential index, an idxP, in [Spec, DP]. After sketching a theory of idx as a cross-categorial feature of pro-forms, the paper argues that anaphoric definites, complex demonstratives (e.g. that linguist), and pronominal definites (e.g. we linguists) have idxP specifiers in [Spec, DP]. The second part of the paper presents a case study from anaphoric definite DPs in Marka-Dafing (Mande) which provides evidence for this proposal. We examine a co-occurrence restriction between exophoric and anaphoric demonstratives in Marka-Dafing, concluding that this restriction provides additional support for a syntactically represented idxP in [Spec, DP], as well as motivating the Single Index Constraint, the idea that indexed definites can only make use of a single index to achieve reference.

The model of dynamic capability on slow fashion: A dynamic view

In the past, the research on slow fashion was always directed into business unit strategy or resource-based theory as the main point of view for the enhancement of competitive advantages; however, the discussion on business unit in the past, focused on the sharing and expansion of the firm and structural unit more. In addition, the resource-based theory also focused on the controversy of dynamic point of view caused by the internal resource uniqueness of the firm too much. In this study, in order to understand the real situation of slow fashion, CHANEL, DIOR, BURBERRY and HERMES, were selected as the objects, focusing on 32 high-level managers of slow fashion. This study used grounded theory, open coding, axial coding, select coding to analyze and proposed theoretical propositions in the end. The contribution of this study is to show the insights of “the model of dynamic capability on slow fashion”, in hoping to propose the academic referential index and a good operational direction of retail market managers in slow fashion.

English Agreement Revisited: A Constraint-Based Approach without Syncretism

Although agreement has been treated as a rudimentary phenomenon in English syntax, this paper raises questions on the traditional conventions. Following the HPSG tradition, this paper suggests that subject-verb agreement involves referential indices whereas the determiner-noun concord involves a morpho-syntactic number feature. However, in this paper, the feature is treated as a medium between morphological signal and semantic interpretation. In addition, it shows evidence that words without overt morphological indication are exempt from the agreement requirement pace the tradition, syncretism. The theoretical basis for the analysis is HPSG-based constructional grammar, and it is shown that its feature structure regime well embraces the suggestion in this paper.

Neurolinguistic Programming and English Language Teaching: An Exploration of Linguistic Variants in NLP for its Connection to ELT

The human brain, which can be programmed through a multiplicity of practices, is the foundation of NLP. Language teachers can effectively program their students for improved language output if made aware of the Neuro-functioning of the brain. This new-fangled aspect of language teaching is, hitherto, an uncharted area in the Pakistani teaching context. The current study seeks to look into the existing estate of English language pedagogy in Pakistani scenario with the assistance of the NLP Milton Model, based on the employment of the language patterns by famous hypnotist-Milton Erickson. The focal point of this model is- presupposition, mind read, lost performative, unspecified verb, comparative deletion, cause and effect, universal quantifier, complex equivalence, modal operator, nominalization, and unspecified referential index. It has implications, to a great extent, in ELT to generate preferred results. For this study, the sample population is chosen through purposive sampling technique and encompasses language skills’ classes; whereas, the five English Language institutions were preferred through random sampling method. This study, accordingly, underpins the exploitation of NLP as a toolkit for effectual language pedagogy. Besides, it also advocates copious ways for meaningful, motivational, and momentous communication between language teachers and learners.

Features of the content of drinking water in the city of Magadan and population health

By methods of atom-emission and mass spectrometry with inductively bonded argon plasma there was determined the content of 25 macro- and trace elements in tap cold drinking water used by the residents of the city of Magadan for food purposes and in hair samples of 30 young male Europeans aged of 17-23 years, who are the residents, of the city of Magadan. According to our data the content of 25 elements in drinking water conforms to standards, but that content of such essential elements as Co, Cr Cu, I, Mn, Na, Se, Zn is shown to be lower than referential indices. After boiling the water the concentration of trace elements is changed. The content of Cd, Cu, K, P Pb, Zn, Ni becomes lower significantly. In healthy young men aged of 17-23 years, from the number of natives Europeoids, residents of the North there was detected deficit of Co and I (86% and 62%, respectively), lower concentrations of Ca, Mg, Se, Zn (76%, 69%, 24%, 24%, respectively). The constant use by residents of the city of Magadan of ultrafresh brackish drinking water in food aims may be the one of the main reasons of the imbalance of macro- and micronutrients in the body, characterized by features of the so-called "northern" type with a marked deficiency of basic essential elements.

Optional wh-movement is discourse-connected movement in Eastern Cham

Eastern Cham (Austronesian: Vietnam) exhibits apparent optional wh-movement, which shares properties with apparent topicalization. This paper demonstrates that it is not true wh-movement, but discourse connected-, or DC-movement. DC requires a phrase to have an antecedent in a prior sentence and for the antecedent's sentence and the anaphor's sentence to be in a particular discourse structural configuration. Data from complex DP's, specifically partitives, inventory forms, and close appositives demonstrate that DC is a property of referential indices that bind DP's. The incompatibility of wh-phrases and topicality is then explained as the inability of wh-phrases to supply referential indices on their own.

Saturated Model in Dynamic Theory on Chain Channel of Taiwan 3C Electric Appliances: Perspective of Dynamic Competition

In the past, the research on 3C electric appliances was always directed into business unit strategy or resource-based theory as the main point of view for the enhancement of competitive advantages; however, the discussion on business unit in the past, focused on the sharing and expansion of the firm and structural unit more. In addition, the resource-based theory also focused on the controversy of dynamic point of view caused by the internal resource uniqueness of the firm too much. In this study, in order to understand the real situation of chain channel of Taiwan 3C electric appliances, E-Life Mall, Tsann Kuen 3C, Sunfar 3C, and U-LITE ELECTRIC CO., LTD, were selected as the objects, focusing on 32 high-level managers of chain of 3C electric appliances. This study used grounded theory, open coding, axial coding, select coding to analyze and proposed theoretical propositions in the end. The contribution of this study is to show the insights of “Saturated Model in Dynamic Theory on Chain Channel of Taiwan 3C Electric Appliances”, in hoping to propose the academic referential index and a good operational direction of retail market managers in chain channel of Taiwan 3C electric appliances.

Flow structure and aerodynamic behavior evolution during train entering tunnel with entrance in crosswind

Transient variations in aerodynamic loads are one of the most vital causes of train overturning or derailment. Different infrastructure scenarios display the diversity of corresponding flow structures and aerodynamic load acting to vehicles. Entering a tunnel from crosswind condition is the most common aerodynamic environment of train operation. In this process, a sudden changes of the aerodynamic load on vehicle could increase the risk of derailment and overturning. Using a three-dimensional unsteady compressible flow, the transient variations of flows and pressures structure as a train enters a tunnel with the entrance in crosswind condition is studied. Furthermore, the correlations between the behavior and the temporal evolution of both the aerodynamic coefficients and their change rates have been discussed qualitatively based on lateral force, lift force, overturning moment, yawing moment, and pitching moment. Results showed that transient variations of the flows and pressure structure occurs in both horizontal and vertical direction, and their demarcation line just keeps in stationary at the tunnel entrance, as train moves into tunnel gradually. Because of crosswind located at tunnel entrance, the train's swing movement is manifested as a complex behavior including pulse oscillation, hunting movement and pitching behaviors etc. Besides the aerodynamic coefficients, the change rate of aerodynamic coefficients also seems to be a referential index of hazard assessment of running train for their synchronization. The safety factor of the leading carriage may be an important indicator of the safety assessment of the train during running from an open air in crosswind into a tunnel.

Fabrication and characterization of carboxymethyl chitosan and tea polyphenols coating on zein nanoparticles to encapsulate β-carotene by anti-solvent precipitation method

The aim of this study was to design a colloidal delivery system to encapsulate poor water-soluble bioactive β-carotene so that it could be utilized in various food products as a functional ingredient. A simple anti-solvent precipitation procedure was used to prepare core/shell structure to encapsulate β-carotene with zein, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), as well as tea polyphenols (TP). With the particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency as main referential indices, the ratio of β-carotene to zein (1:5), carboxymethyl chitosan concentration (0.25 mg/mL) and the concentration of tea polyphenols (0.1 mg/mL) have been systematically optimized. The encapsulated β-carotene was in an amorphous (rather than crystalline form) as detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicated that hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions were the major forces responsible for nanoparticles formation. Zein/β-carotene nanoparticles with CMCS and TP could provide the best controlled release of β-carotene and present the best stability in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Re-dispersibility in distilled water after freeze-drying, the particle yield was 92.7% higher than zein-CMCS/β-carotene nanoparticles and zein/β-carotene. In addition, the powders of zein-CMCS-TP/β-carotene had a fast dissolution rate and the best solubility property. Therefore, we can draw inspiration from this study that zein-CMCS-TP complexes has a potential to be used as a novel stabilizer in colloid delivery systems to encapsulate poor water-soluble bioactive compounds.

Early Knee Osteoarthritis: Assessment of the Severity in Age-Sex Groups of Patients at Stages of Clinical Monitoring. Stage I: Characteristics of Differentiation Therapy Groups

The results of the clinical monitoring of patients with knee osteoarthritis at the early (I-II) stages of the disease (88 female and 58 males) determined that the level of algo-functional activity and quality of life of patients depended on the age and sex. The severity of pain component dominates in females and personal and social performance restriction is predominant in males. Referential indices of algo-functional activity were determined in comparative perspective before the differentiation therapy. In such a case advanced therapy program was used in patients with more significant manifestations of algo-functional restrictions.

Satellite-derived normalized difference convection index for typhoon observations

This study used the spectral features of the geostationary satellite infrared window channel and the water vapor channel data to calculate a new parameter, normalized difference convection index (NDCI), to help determine the overshooting areas in typhoon cloud systems and the centers and intensity of typhoons. The results showed that the two-dimensional NDCI analysis helped to identify typhoon convective cloud systems and the positions of overshooting areas. In addition, because the NDCI values near a typhoon eye were rather significant, if a typhoon eye was formed, the NDCI cross-section analysis could help to confirm its position. When the center of a typhoon was covered by the high anvils and cirrus layers, it could still be qualitatively found through two-dimensional analysis. As for determining the intensity of typhoons, this study also tried to perform correlation analyses with NDCI and maximum sustained wind speed. The result showed that in the ranges within circles of 200 to 250 km radii with a typhoon eye as the center, the correlation between the area with the NDCI values <0 and the maximum sustained wind speed is high with a coefficient 0.7. Thus, the NDCI value could be a referential index to determine the intensity of a typhoon.

Proposed Referential Index to Resect Femoroacetabular Cam-Type Impingement During Arthroscopy Using a Cadaveric Hip Model

To establish a reference index for the simple identification of the optimum resection point for cam-type impingement on arthroscopy. Twelve cadaveric left hips with a 20° to 40° center-edge angle, without osteoarthritis, were examined (mean age, 85 ± 10.1 years). The pelvis was fixed such that the anterior pelvic plane and femur were parallel to the table. The resection line for impingement was first defined on the femoral head surface 5 mm distal to the acetabular labrum, from the 9-o'clock (anterior) to 12-o'clock (superior) position. Next, we measured the hip flexion angle necessary for the head-neck junction to reach the resection line. After positioning the wire on the femoral head surface along the resection line from the 9- to 12-o'clock area of the femoral head, we measured the targetalpha angle on radiographs at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° of hip flexion using the frog-leg 45/45/30 view (45° of flexion, 45° of abduction, and 30° of external rotation) and Dunn 45 view (45° of flexion, 20° of abduction, and neutral rotation). The mean hip flexion angle at which the head-neck junction reached the resection line was 31° ± 4.6°. For 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° of hip flexion, the mean targetalpha angle was 75.5° ± 5.5°, 65.3° ± 5.6°, 56.3° ± 5.8°, 49.0° ± 6.6°, and 42.6° ± 5.8°, respectively, using the frog-leg 45/45/30 view and 75.0° ± 6.0°, 65.8° ± 6.2°, 57.2° ± 7.3°, 50.7° ± 6.9°, and 44.2° ± 5.8°, respectively, using the Dunn 45 view. There were no significant differences between the 2 radiographic techniques (P= .82, P= .84, P= .76, P= .57, and P= .52, respectively). A description of the degree of hip flexion during cam resection can affect the final alpha angle when using the labrum as a reference for resection. The described index allows systematic navigation of cam lesions during arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement patients using the hip flexion angle.

The languages of health in general practice electronic patient records: a Zipf’s law analysis

BackgroundNatural human languages show a power law behaviour in which word frequency (in any large enough corpus) is inversely proportional to word rank - Zipf’s law. We have therefore asked whether similar power law behaviours could be seen in data from electronic patient records.ResultsIn order to examine this question, anonymised data were obtained from all general practices in Salford covering a seven year period and captured in the form of Read codes. It was found that data for patient diagnoses and procedures followed Zipf’s law. However, the medication data behaved very differently, looking much more like a referential index. We also observed differences in the statistical behaviour of the language used to describe patient diagnosis as a function of an anonymised GP practice identifier.ConclusionsThis works demonstrate that data from electronic patient records does follow Zipf’s law. We also found significant differences in Zipf’s law behaviour in data from different GP practices. This suggests that computational linguistic techniques could become a useful additional tool to help understand and monitor the data quality of health records.

Mixed agreement, the person feature, and the index/concord distinction

In mixed agreement, different agreement targets show different values for the same controller. This paper offers an explanation for the existence of mixed agreement that accounts for the following Polite Plural Generalization: universally, any second person ‘polite plural’ pronouns (e.g. French vous), used honorifically for a single addressee, control syntactic (plural) agreement on all person targets, while non-person-agreeing targets such as predicate adjectives vary across languages, between syntactic and semantic number agreement. Following Wechsler and Zlatic (The Many Faces of Agreement, CSLI Publications, 2003), person features exist only as features of referential indices (Index phi features), never as grammatical head features of the sort that are involved in adjective-noun concord (Concord phi features). Mixed agreement arises if the ‘polite plural’ or other pronominal controller is underspecified for Concord phi features. But a pronoun has a referential Index, which is necessarily marked with phi features, so any Index agreement targets will appear in the second person plural form. A diachronic explanation is offered for this bifurcation of agreement targets into Index and Concord targets: the former descend from incorporated pronouns while the latter have other sources.

Degrees of nominalization: Clause-like constituents in Sakha

This article investigates aspects of complementation in the Turkic language Sakha (Yakut). Some embedded clauses in this language seem “more nominalized” than others. In particular, I compare the syntax of clauses built around a participial verb to the syntax of finite clauses and gerundive nominals. Participial clauses pattern with “less nominal” finite clauses with respect to the distribution of negative polarity items, in allowing scrambling, in allowing raising to object, and in the ability to function as indirect questions. In contrast, they pattern with “more nominal” gerundive nominals in details of their external distribution, in being active for case assignment, and in being islands for extraction in relative clauses. Finally, participial clauses are different from both finite clauses and gerundive nominals in being able to enter into relations of obligatory control. I show that this rather complex pattern can be derived from a simple difference as to which head in a minimally elaborated clause structure is nominal in each construction—“nominal” being understood as a category with a referential index but no specifier. The investigation leads to a refinement of my Reference-Predication Constraint, which divides up into two more specific conditions.

Person Features and Pronominal Anaphora

This article aims at clarifying the role of person at the interface between syntax and the interpretive systems. We argue that first person interpretations of third person pronouns (de se readings) stem from the option of leaving the referential index underspecified on the pronoun, thus accounting for the interplay of this phenomenon with the anaphoric usage of first person indexicals (pronoun shifting) and logophoric pronouns. The results include proposals on the connection between the semantics of first person and the syntax of the left periphery, a neo-Davidsonian treatment of the semantics of first person indexicals, and a novel view of pronominal anaphora according to which Higginbotham's (1983) asymmetric relation of linking involves a mechanism of θ-role inheritance tied to the semantics of first person.

Polite plurals and adjective agreement

When an agreement controller such as a subject NP is a hybrid of contrasting syntactic and semantic features, the choice of syntactic versus semantic agreement depends on both the type of agreement target and the type of agreement controller. Two types of controller are contrasted: hybrid pronouns such as polite uses of the second person plural to refer to one addressee; and hybrid common nouns such as plurale tante. In some languages the pronoun type triggers singular on a predicate adjective and plural on the verb, while the common noun type triggers plural on both adjectives and verbs. The former pattern is explained in terms of underspecification of the pronoun: it is unspecified for the Concord number feature, to which adjectives are sensitive; but it carries a number feature on its referential Index, to which finite verbs are sensitive. An Agreement Marking Principle is proposed, according to which an agreement target checks the trigger for a syntactic phi feature, assigning that feature’s semantic interpretation to the trigger denotation if no syntactic feature is found.

Cross-country inequalities in welfare and its decomposition by Sen factors: the virtues of the Theil index

In this study a new decomposition of the Theil index is proposed using multiplicative factors, which improves on that suggested in Duro (2001), and that, in particular, makes it possible to obtain, in isolation, the role attributable to the elements of factorial correlation. The Theil index, as a referential index in analysis, seems more attractive to us than log variance (Ezcurra and Pascual, 2005) for a variety of reasons. The application of the said decomposition for the analysis of international inequalities in terms of welfare levels, taking the Sen's factors (Sen, 1974, 1976), demonstrates that the bulk of these are determined by disparities in income per capita as well as their recent decrease.

Application of apparent stress in earthquake prediction

On the basis of the assumption that ω 2 model accords with source displacement spectra of moderate-small shocks, we calculate the apparent stress values of 1 020 moderate-small shocks recorded by the Digital Seismic Network of Yunnan Province by using the low-frequency flat level and corner frequencies. The results show that the apparent stress is of good significance in earthquake prediction. The moderate-small shock with apparent stress larger than 0.9 MPa can be used as a referential index to predict moderate-strong earthquakes in Yunnan area. And its relevant predictability evaluation (R value) has a high confidence level.