Top In Terms Research Articles

The examination of primary school teachers' financial literacy attitudes and behaviors in terms of different variables

In this research, it is aimed to examine the level of financial literacy attitudes and behaviors of primary school teachers in terms of different variables. The sample of the research consisted of 211 primary school teachers and “financial literacy attitude and behavior scale” was used as data collection tool. As a result of the research, it was found out that financial literacy attitudes and behaviors of teachers did not show a significant difference according to gender, monthly family income, personal expenditure; however, a significant difference was found in terms of age. In addition, the family is placed on the top in terms of the resources that teachers acquire financial knowledge and skills. The internet ranked first in terms of the resources in which teachers followed financial knowledge and skills. It was found that although 32.2% of teachers follow daily financial developments, 13.7% of them do not follow at all.

Assessment of crystallographic and magnetic phase stabilities on MnFe2O4 nano crystalline materials at shocked conditions

Today's advanced science and technology has witnessed extensive efforts put forth by researchers whose persistent work has been continuing quite consistently to find high shock resistant and technologically important device materials. Ferrites are right at the top in terms of contribution for the making of modern electronic and spintronics devices which are predominantly used in magnetic sensors as well as data storage applications. On the other hand, several ferrite materials do not fulfill the real practical requirements of the device engineers even though they have the required functional properties for device fabrications. Hence, the journey of finding ideal materials for device fabrication is still an ongoing arduous process. On this context, we have made systematic investigation of unearthing and understanding the properties and especially the stability of MnFe2O4 NPs at shock wave loaded conditions. Powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), Ultra-Violet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques have been undertaken so as to find out the crystallographic, electronic and magnetic phase stabilities at shocked conditions. The observed XRD, UV-DRS and VSM studies reveal that the title ferrite NPs has high shock resistant behavior so that it is suggested for the application of device fabrication.

Impacts of land leases in Oromia, Ethiopia: Changes in access to livelihood resources for local people

Large-scale land deals have attracted considerable attention for various reasons, including their implications for local livelihoods. While some view the phenomena as a development opportunity, encompassing improvement in the livelihoods of local people, others argue that it is an impoverishing scheme. Ethiopia ranks among the top in terms of the size of land leased out over the last decade. Land is a major resource of state control and investment in Ethiopia. As the foundation of their livelihoods and identity, it is simultaneously a vital resource for the local people. Highlighting the importance of land for local livelihoods and state-society relations and employing a political-ecological approach, this paper analyzes the outcomes of two land lease cases for the local people in Bakko Tibbe district of Oromia, Ethiopia. The findings show that the land leases induced a significant decline in local people’s access to land, resulting in a significant reduction in crop production and livestock husbandry. The land leases also dismantled longstanding land-based social relations in both production systems. Based on empirical evidence from specific localities and contextualizing the local livelihood dynamics within broader political-economic conditions, this study contributes to the ongoing debate on livelihood impacts of global land deals.

Agronomic Assessment of Upland Rice Varieties under Unpredictable Rains in the Semi-Arid Conditions of South-Western Agro-Ecological Zone of Uganda

This paper examined agronomic performance of three upland New RICE for Africa (NERICA) varieties promoted by the Government of Uganda in its efforts to improve household food and income security among smallholder farmers. Three rain-fed experimental trials were conducted on station at Mbarara Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MBAZARDI), with semi-arid climate conditions typical of more than 50% of the South-Western Agro-Ecological Zone (SWAEZ) of Uganda. The experimental trials were established in the long rain seasons that often occur in September-December period. But results for only one successful long rain seasonal trial of 2010 are presented in this paper. Successful experimental trial for upland NERICA had an average precipitation of 130 mm that was well distributed especially from booting stage, which is the most sensitive growth stage for upland NERICA. During the growth period, NERICA 1 and NERICA 4 were significantly taller (p -1. Although, NERICA 4 ranked top in terms of grain yields among the tested upland NERICA varieties and therefore, most possible candidate for smallholder rice farmers in the humid parts of the SWAEZ, it called for more breeding for upland NERICA varieties with traits that could increase their tolerance to low soil moisture most prevalent in the SWAEZ.

PCN376 ACCESS TO ONCOLOGY THERAPIES IN RUSSIA AND VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES

To understand the decision-making drivers for oncology therapy reimbursement in Russia and Visegrád markets (the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia). The research reviewed publicly available reimbursement lists and HTA reports for 49 high-cost drugs approved by the EMA across a variety of oncology indications in five Central and Eastern European markets. Almost a quarter of high-cost oncology products investigated (12 of 49) are not reimbursed in any of the markets analysed. Most of the non-reimbursed therapies represent either orphan (6 of 12) or recently approved products (6 of 12), demonstrating the general lack of orphan-specific policies in the region, as well as delayed access to innovative therapies. One fifth of high-cost oncology therapies (11 of 49) are exclusively reimbursed in a single analysed market; of these products, most are reimbursed in the Czech Republic as it represents the quickest time-to-access across the five markets. Relative to Visegrád markets, Russia stands at the top in terms of the number of molecules included in the federal Essential Drug List. Only about 10% of high-cost oncology therapies (6 of 49) are reimbursed in each country, all of which were approved by the EMA for their first indication from 2013-2015 and have already achieved reimbursement in major HTA markets, such as Germany and France. The research suggests that access to high-cost, innovative oncology therapies in Russia and Visegrád markets is often characterised by delayed reimbursement decisions and more restricted use of oncology therapies compared to Western European markets. Despite the reliance on cost-effectiveness assessment to help determine reimbursement in Visegrád markets, the HTA process is often hindered by discretionary political forces at play, as well as factors such as HTA outcomes in other markets and the extent of budget impact; these factors align with the key decision drivers for pharmaceutical access in Russia.

Establishing indicator leaf and its threshold values for need based nitrogen management using chlorophyll meter and leaf color chart in Bt cotton

Over application of fertilizer N to cotton is not only a potential threat to environment but also leads to increased costs of cultivation. The study aimed to establish the indicator leaf and its critical greenness for in-season management of fertilizer nitrogen (N) in Bt cotton using chlorophyll (SPAD) meter and leaf color chart (LCC). The response of three varieties and N treatments viz. 0, 30, 60, 90,120, 150 and 180 kg N ha−1 applied in two splits {(50% at thinning and 50% at first flowering) and three splits (50% at thinning, 25% at first flowering and 25% at boll formation)} was studied through split plot design. SPAD values and LCC scores of first, second, third and fourth fully opened leaves from the top of the main stem was recorded at first flowering and boll formation. The physiological efficiency and harvest index was highest for 90 Kg N ha−1 applied in two splits. Beyond 120 kg N ha−1, the N use efficiency parameters were higher for the N treatments applied in three split compared to the respective two split N treatments. The fourth leaf from the top in terms of SPAD values and LCC scores correlated best with N concentration compared to other leaves at all growth stages. The calculated critical SPAD values for the fourth leaf were 45 and 41 at first flowering and boll formation, respectively. Critical score of fourth leaf was 4.1 and 4, respectively at first flowering and boll formation, respectively. It is suggested that color of the fourth leaf from the top of Bt cotton can well indicate N supply from the soil and can help in need based N management.

Corroborating social media echelon in cancer research

Worldwide medical facilities differ, and for this reason, the causes of death can vary. Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death after heart disease worldwide, and the same causes of death are observed in the United States (US). Therefore, the purposes of this study are to explore worldwide research levels in the field of cancer and the social collaboration of researchers and institutions in this field. This article examines the structural patterns of international co-authors and co-institutions in science citation index papers in cancer research. The study uses measures from the social network analysis method, including degree centrality, betweenness centrality, eigenvector centrality, and effectiveness, to investigate the effects of social networks in the area of cancer research. Empirical analysis results identify the US is the most central country, followed by Germany, Italy, France, and China, in terms of co-authored networks in this research field. Institutional analysis results indicate that the University of Milan is at the top in terms of degree centrality. The Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus in France and German University of Dusseldorf occupy the second and fourth positions, respectively. The University of California in Los Angeles and Harvard University, both in the US, are at third and fifth positions, respectively.

Antecedents of work engagement among high potential employees

Purpose The implicit assumption since the beginning of the science and practice of human resource management (HRM) has been that if we do HRM well, this will somehow make organizations perform more effectively. The purpose of this paper is to address this “somehow” by investigating the antecedents of work engagement among high potential employees. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected through a web-based survey from 439 high potential employees of 11 Finnish multinational enterprises. Structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze the data. Findings In line with the social exchange perspective, the findings demonstrate that it is through the fulfillment of psychological contract and through increased organizational identification that high potential employees become more engaged with their organizations in response to participation in leadership development activities. Research limitations/implications Given its cross-sectional nature, the authors cannot completely exclude the possibility of common method bias having impact on the study results. The authors thus call for longitudinal research to examine the nature of causality within the associations analyzed in this study. Originality/value This is one of the first empirical studies, which examines the previously underexplored association between leadership development activities and employee attitudes. In addition, this study addresses the lack of research investigating such a specific group of employees as high potential employees, those employees who rank at the top in terms of performance and competencies, and who are considered to be of highest concern for organizations.

“A lot of head wraps”: African contributions to the third wave of electoral gender quotas

Over the last more than two decades, political parties and governments across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have adopted electoral gender quotas for parliament at an astonishing rate – and with remarkable success as many sub-Saharan African countries have catapulted to the top in terms of women's representation in a single or lower house of parliament. During a first wave in East and Southern Africa (part of a global “second wave”), quotas were adopted in the aftermath of conflicts and in the course of political transitions as mobilized national women's movements, influenced by an international women's movement and international norms, took advantage of political openings to press for the adoption of quotas through new constitutions or new electoral laws. In some cases a clear diffusion effect was at play between political movements that closely influenced one another and across national borders. During a second wave mostly, though not only, in West Africa (part of a global “third” wave), quotas are again being adopted as women's movements, in collaboration with regional, continental, and international organizations, similarly press for an increased representation of women during constitutional reform processes or through revisions to electoral laws. During this second wave in SSA, women activists and governments have sought to strengthen existing electoral gender quotas or adopt them for the first time – going as far as seeking gender parity in a handful of cases. In most ways, SSA conforms to international trends in second and third wave quota adoption, though not without some regional variation. This article explores some of the ways in which the sub-Saharan African experience has been distinctive – focusing on the adoption of parity quotas in Senegal, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe – and some of the remaining challenges affecting the adoption and implementation of electoral gender quotas across the continent.

Simultaneous Low-Cost Carbon Sources and CO2 Valorizations through Catalytic Gasification

The inherent CO2 gasification reactivities of chars derived from a series of plentiful carbon sources, including petroleum coke (petcoke), coal with various ranks, biomass, and even municipal solid wastes, have been systematically investigated in this work. Among these, switchgrass char exhibits the best activity, while petcoke char behaves the worst toward CO production. The results from sample characterizations indicate that the inherent char reactivity during CO2 gasification is closely related to its physical properties such as the alkali metal and oxygen contents as well as the H/C atomic ratio. In addition, the effect of the reaction conditions (i.e., temperature, pressure, space velocity, particle size of char, and CO and CO2 concentrations in the gas feedstock) on char CO2 gasification has also been explored. Moreover, a set of supported catalysts have been developed to further promote the char reactivity toward CO2 gasification at moderate temperature, among which K–Ca/ZnO–CeO2 ranks at the top in terms of CO2 conversion and CO production and demonstrates excellent stability during a long-term cumulative run. Through careful analyses of the collected catalyst characterization results, a novel catalyst design composed of two redox metal/metal oxide pairs supported on an oxygen ion conductor, based on the reported K–Ca/ZnO–CeO2 system, has been proposed for future catalyst development with even better CO2 gasification performance for fluidized bed applications with much easier catalyst recovery and thus minimized catalyst loss.

Status of Library Software in Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan

This study explored the status of library software being used in the libraries of higher education institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. A quantitative survey method was used. The population of this study was central/main libraries of all HEIs of Pakistan recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). A questionnaire was designed after review of literature to collect data. The questionnaire was sent to all head librarians. The findings reveal that majority of the libraries had started automation. The libraries of public and private sector institutions were not significantly different in automating their routines. The libraries were using a variety of software and Library Information Management System (LIMS), a free software was at the top in terms of number of users. Other popular software were WINISIS, Inmagic, Koha and VIRTUA. There were also examples of adoption of open source software. Majority of the libraries were doing automation in the absence of proper budget for software and allied activities. Similarly, libraries did not have up-gradation and training agreement with the software providers. The participant libraries reported the presence of cataloging, circulation, reports and OPAC modules in their software but most of the libraries did not mention the availability of modules like acquisition, serial and webopac. Software used by the libraries did not have national language support in most of the cases and ability to support regional languages was also negligible.

Classification of service quality attributes using Kano’s model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to classify service quality elements using Kano’s two-way quality model in terms of their instrumentality to customer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – Service quality attributes as borrowed from the literature are classified into attractive, one dimensional, and must-be quality elements. Combinations of participants’ response to the functional and dysfunctional questions formed around each service quality element in the Kano evaluation table were instrumental in categorizing service quality elements. Customer satisfaction index in the form of satisfaction increment index (SII) and the dissatisfaction decrement index (DDI) is calculated for each of the quality attributes and service quality dimensions. Findings – Out of the 15 service quality elements two are attractive quality, six are one-dimensional quality, and seven are found to be of must-be quality. No attribute can be identified as indifferent quality or reverse quality. The convenience dimension and the operating hours attribute list on top in terms of satisfaction increment index score. The reliability dimension and the courteousness attribute list on top in terms of dissatisfaction decrement index score. Practical implications – The findings help the marketer to prioritize improvement of service quality elements and/or dimensions to satisfy customers. Originality/value – The paper develops an integrated approach to facilitate marketers identify which of the service quality elements and/or dimensions require attention to strategize effectively in order to achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

'A Lot of Headwraps': Innovations in a Second Wave of Electoral Gender Quotas in Sub-Saharan Africa

Over the last more than two decades, political parties and governments across sub-Saharan Africa have adopted electoral gender quotas for parliament at an astonishing rate – and with remarkable success as many sub-Saharan African countries have catapulted to the top in terms of women’s representation in a single or lower house of parliament. During a first wave in East and Southern Africa, quotas were adopted in the aftermath of conflicts and in the course of political transitions as mobilized national women’s movements, influenced by an international women’s movement and international norms, took advantage of political openings to press for the adoption of quotas through new constitutions or new electoral laws. In some cases a clear diffusion effect was at play between political movements that closely influenced one another. During a second wave mostly, though not only, in West Africa, quotas are again being adopted as women’s movements, in collaboration with regional, continental and international organizations, similarly press for an increased representation of women during constitutional reform processes or through revisions to electoral laws. During this second wave, creative quota designs have emerged as parties and governments have sought to strengthen existing electoral gender quotas or adopt them for the first time. This paper examines some innovations in quota design and quota use in three sub-Saharan African cases that are part of the second wave, including the move to gender parity and the possibility of an only ‘temporary’ special measure.

APPLICATION OF GENETIC ALGORITHM OPTIMIZATION FOR ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE WASTE HEAT RECOVERY POWER GENERATION

Waste heat recovery for power generation has lately been widely practiced in process industries. A cement plant of 8,300 ton per day capacity releases 17.5 MWth of flue gas at 360oC to 225oC from its suspension preheater (SP) and 28.0 MWth of hot air at 310oC to 122oC from its air quenching cooler (AQC). The temperature of waste heat from a cement plant is in the lower bound of performace criteria to employing Claussius Rankine cycle (steam power cycle), therefore, organic Rankine cycle (ORC) can alternatively be applied for power generation. Finding the optimum solution of the design pressure and temperature of the ORC for waste heat recovery for power generation (WHRPG) corresponding to the most suitable working fluid is the aim of this study. Genetic algorithm (GA) is being considered for the method to determine the optimum solution. In addition, the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) is applied to select the best matched working fluid for the ORC. According to TOPSIS evaluation, amongst four working fluid considered, i.e., isobutane, isopentane, benzene, and toluene, isopentane is ranked at the top in terms of health, safety, environment, power output, and cost critera. The optimum ORC WHRPG design is capable of producing 6,094 kW of electric power with AQC boiler pressure of 11.09 bar-a, SP reheater pressure and temperature of 3.68 bar-a and 184oC, and recuperator and condenser pressure of 1.27 bar-a. The highest pressure of 11.09 bar-a at HP turbine and the highest temperature of 184oC at the LP turbine are relatively low compared to that of steam Rankine cycle power plant, thereby dictate less stringent mechanical and thermal strength of materials requirement.

결혼이주여성 전통식문화 인식 및 교육방안

This study examines the awareness of traditional Korean food culture among immigrant housewives in multicultural families, with the aim of introducing educational plans suitably designed for them. Our survey shows that Korean traditional holidays most well-known to the immigrant housewives are New Year's Day and Chusuk. Sambok and Chusuk are at the top in terms of preference. Samgyetang, Ddukguk, and Ogokbab are among the best known festive food to immigrant housewives for holidays such as New Year's Day, Jeongwol Daeboreum, Sambok, Chusuk, and Dongji; Samgyetang is the most preferred food, followed by Ddukguk and Patjuk. In addition, a vast majority of immigrant housewives who have ever attended Korean traditional cuisine education programs found the need for such an experience, with the score of 4.16 out of 5. In addition, the survey shows the order in which the immigrant housewives want to learn: the recipe of Korean food (53.5%), followed by table setting and manners (16.5%) and then nutrition (15%). The recipe of interest for most respondents is the one concerning daily food (69.5%). And more than half of the respondents prefer cooking practice as a desirable educational method. The difficulties that they have when attending such an educational course are usually inability to understand the language, difficulty in identifying the ingredients (seasonal), and lack of cultural understanding. The most preferred educational method is direct lecture (71.5%), followed by written materials such as books and newspaper (10.5%) and the Internet (9.5%). Finally, strategies for promoting traditional food culture are suggested as following: developing educational resources (31.5%), making various educational programs more available (25%), narrowing the cultural gap (22%), and improving the educational environment (21.5%). Therefore, this study proposes that there is a need to develop and diffuse Korean traditional food culture first, and then provide many immigrant housewives with a variety of educational programs. It is expected that these efforts will solve the problems caused by cultural differences in the early stage of international marriages and eventually contribute to the harmony in multicultural families.

Allergies in Asia: are we facing an allergy epidemic?

Asia is the world's most populous region consisting of highly diverse populations with respect to ancestry and cultural background. It may not be obvious at the outset, but this region is probably an important resource for lessons in allergic disorders. With growing affluence and westernization, the global trends in allergic diseases have increased at tandem, albeit at different rates. In the 1960's to 1990's, several populations [1] including Asian communities [2] have documented increases in asthma prevalence, particularly in children. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), is a highly quoted research initiative that has provided us with a standardized means of comparing global asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema prevalence. The Phase One ISAAC studies showed us that none of the Asian countries were ranked amongst the top in terms of asthma symptom prevalence [3]. Instead, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Republic of Ireland and Canada had the highest prevalence for asthma symptoms. Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia were ranked midway. Most interestingly, China had one of the lowest prevalence and Indonesia was ranked the lowest for asthma symptom prevalence. The ISAAC Phase 3 study was a repeat of Phase 1 study performed 7 to 10 years later. The data showed that asthma prevalence had plateaued in several populations, with modest increases in some centers. Only 4 of 8 Asia Pacific countries recorded an increase in asthma symptom prevalence, and increases for Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan were very modest (<1%) [4]. Taken together, the ISAAC Phase 1 and 3 data indicate that childhood asthma prevalence in Asia is likely to have stabilized and would not reach the proportions seen in the western world.

Patchwork plagiarism – a jigsaw of stolen puzzle pieces

Plagiarism remains at the top in terms of interest to the scientific community. In its many vicious forms, patchwork plagiarism is characterized by numerous unresolved issues and often passes “below the radar” of editors and reviewers. The problem of detecting the complexity of misconduct has been partially resolved by plagiarism detection software. However, interpretation of relevant reports is not always obvious or easy. This article deals with plagiarism in general and patchwork plagiarism in particular, as well as related problems that editors must deal with to maintain the integrity of scientific journals.

A Comparison of Factor Rotation Methods for Dichotomous Data

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is frequently used in the social sciences and is a common component in many validity studies. A core aspect of EFA is the determination of which observed indicator variables are associated with which latent factors through the use of factor loadings. Loadings are initially extracted using an algorithm, such as maximum likelihood or weighted least squares, and then transformed - or rotated - to make them more interpretable. There are a number of rotational techniques available to the researcher making use of EFA. Prior work has discussed the advantages of a number of these criteria from a theoretical perspective, but few previous studies compare their performance across a broad range of conditions. This simulation study compared eight factor rotation criteria in terms of how well they were able to group dichotomous indicator variables correctly on the same factor, order the indicators by the magnitude of the factor loadings (identifying those indicators that were most strongly associated with the factors) and estimate the inter-factor correlations. Results reveal a mixed pattern of performance among the various rotations with the orthogonal Equamax consistently near the top in terms of correctly grouping and ordering indicator variables, and the orthogonal Facparsim performing well with more observed indicators. Advice regarding possible rotations to use for researchers conducting EFA with dichotomous indicators is provided.

Singing Dead Tales to Life: Rhetorical Strategies in Shandong Fast Tales

Singing Dead Tales to Life:Rhetorical Strategies in Shandong Fast Tales Eric Shepherd (bio) Introduction Shandong kuaishu, literally "fast tales," is a northern Chinese narrative performance1 tradition with more than one hundred years of documented history. This tradition involves a single performer who integrates rhymed and rhythmic narration, character dialogue, various dramatic techniques, rhythmic musical accompaniment, humor, and exaggeration to bring to life stories and characters in a form of popular entertainment. Performers describe the genre as a folk art that combines the artistic telling of stories with rhyme and rhythm. Fast tales are performed throughout northern and central China for a wide range of audiences and occasions. Performers appear on and off proscenium stages, on television, radio, and the Internet as well as during rural bazaars, as part of holiday variety shows, and for celebratory banquets (Shepherd 2005). Story scripts, or jiaoben, are also regularly appreciated as a form of popular literature in various written and electronic formats. Enjoyed by young and old speakers of northern Mandarin dialects, Shandong fast tales are indigenous to and often representative of Shandong Province, a coastal region of northeastern China known also as the home of Confucius and the cradle of traditional Chinese thought. Shandong, literally "east (of) mountains,"2 refers to a geographic, political, and cultural region located on the eastern edge of the north China plain and extending outward to form a peninsula that appears on the map to point directly at the center of the Korean Peninsula. It is bordered to the north by Hebei Province, to the west by Henan Province, and to the south by Jiangsu Province. Jinan, situated in the heart of Shandong's agricultural west, is the provincial political capital, while Qingdao, located on the southeast coast, is the provincial economic center. Covering an area of more than 156,000 square kilometers (slightly smaller than the state of Florida), the Shandong peninsula is made up of mostly flat plains bounded on the north by the Bohai Gulf and to the east and south by the Yellow Sea. In pre-imperial China (roughly sixth century to third century BCE), Shandong was divided into two states: Qi in the north and east and Lu in the south and west. The area occupied by the State of Lu was the home of Confucius and his disciple Mencius, two of China's most influential philosophers, as well as Sunzi, the military strategist who wrote The Art of War. The State of Qi was home to renowned strategist Jiang Ziya and the philosopher Xunzi, whose followers became influential legalists. Contemporary regional differences within Shandong can be traced to the culture of these two kingdoms of the Warring States period, and the ideas of these iconic figures have deeply influenced Chinese culture. Shandong modern history was turbulent and marked by repeated foreign occupation and war. Germany occupied the region from 1887 to 1914, extracting natural resources, building modern infrastructure such as railroads and wharves, and officially making Shandong a colonial territory from 1898 to 1914. Following the Germans, Britain colonized the Shandong port city of Weihai, located on the eastern tip of the peninsula, and in November of 1914, the Japanese replaced the Germans as the colonial occupants of the area. The post-World War I handover led to Japanese-style military rule in much of Shandong that lasted until 1922, when the China North Sea Government finally gained administrative control over Shandong. In 1938 Japan once again forcibly occupied the region, turning the province into a key strategic location in their military operations in northern China during World War II. At the end of World War II, the Nationalists—aided by the US military—and the Communists struggled to gain control of the area. Qingdao was finally "liberated" from Nationalist (and American imperialist) occupation in 1949. Since economic reforms began in the area in 1981, Shandong has been a major source of the natural resources that have driven China's rapid development. Today, Shandong is the second largest provincial economy in China and is ranked at or near the top in terms of the production of cotton, wheat, gold, diamonds, and petroleum. Shandong is also known for its seafood, textile...

New identities for the spectrum of the quantum Euler top

In this paper, we derive new identities for the spectrum of the quantum Euler top in terms of the sites α0, …, αn and the zeros of the joint eigenfunctions. Our identities improve previous formulas obtained by Kalnins and Miller (1992 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 25 5663–75).