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In this paper, we introduce the notions of topological entropy, topological pressure and topological pseudo-entropy of iterated function systems(IFS) on uniform spaces. We discuss these notions in three different ways using the idea of separated sets, spanning sets and open covers. We prove that the topological entropy given by the idea of separated sets is same as the topological entropy calculated using spanning sets and that of open covers. We also find that topological entropy is same as topological pseudo-entropy of iterated function systems in compact uniform spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the findings of research on the production of wire from 850 and 585 platinum-based alloys intended for use in jewelry chains. The chemical compositions of two novel jewelry alloys of 585 platinum-containing modifying additives of rhodium and ruthenium are proposed and patented. An analysis was carried out to evaluate the existing section rolling and drawing schedules for the three platinum alloys to identify more efficient drafting methods, with a focus on reducing the labor intensity of metal deformation processes and minimizing the force parameters. A computer model of section rolling for the studied jewelry alloys, based on 850 and 585 platinum, was developed to analyze the shape variation and force parameters of the process and to propose a new deformation schedule for the studied alloys with the accepted reduction distribution per pass. The new deformation schedule was characterized by a more uniform reduction distribution per pass than that observed in the existing schedule, allowing the number of rolling passes to be reduced due to their redistribution. In order to determine the rolling force and to model the process, an approximation formula was used to calculate the time resistance, which is dependent on the total degree of compression. By using proprietary software and computer simulation, the parameters of wire drawing with a diameter of up to 0.25 mm from the studied alloys were calculated, which allowed the deformation and force parameters to be assessed when implementing the proposed drafting schedule. In addition, it was established that the drawing process exhibits a sufficiently high safety factor and low power consumption. It is therefore recommended that the process be subjected to industrial testing. The findings of this research can be recommended for improving the technology of wire manufacturing from the 850 and 585 platinum alloys intended for jewelry chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation and dynamics of vertical dust chains in the radio frequency discharge plasma sheath have been investigated. The spatiotemporal evolution diagram allows the visualization of the dust chain formation process as well as the oscillation phenomenon. A clear stratification was observed, and spatially nonuniform self‐organizing behavior of the dust chains, such as fractures and reconnections, was also observed, showing that the lower layers of the large‐grained chains are less restricted, softer, and more prone to rearrangement. The spatial distribution characteristics of the charged particles in the sheath and the modified two‐particle model, which takes into account the interparticle attraction, partially explain the mechanisms of the fracture and reorganization behavior of the dust chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variable resistance training has been widely used in athletic preparation. Objectives: To analyze the use of currents (VRT) and the traditional method (TRAD) on speed, power and temperature in a training session. Methods: Fourteen paralympic powerlifting (PP) athletes took part over three weeks. In week 1, familiarization and 1RM tests took place, and, in weeks 2 and 3, pre- and post-training took place, where the propulsive mean velocity and power and temperatures were assessed before and after, at 24 h and 48 h. Results: There was a difference in the sternal pectoral temperatures before and after VRT (p = 0.040) and at 48 h for TRAD and VRT (p = 0.018); in the clavicular pectoralis before and after VRT and TRAD (p = 0.003); in the anterior deltoid after and at 48 h for TRAD and VRT (p = 0.026 and p = 0.017); and in the triceps after and at 24 h and 48 h between TRAD and VRT (p = 0.005). In the training series, the MPV was significant in TRAD between Set1 and Set5 (p = 0.003), in training (VRT) between Set1 and Set5 (p = 0.001) and in Set5 between the methods (p = 0.047). For power, there was a difference between Set1 and 5 in TRAD (p = 0.016) and VRT (p = 0.002). Conclusion: We conclude that training with currents (VRT) promoted greater muscle fatigue when compared to traditional training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the notions of mean chain transitivity, mean chain mixing, totally mean chain transitivity, and almost mean shadowing property to iterated function systems (IFS). We study the interrelations of these notions. We prove that an iterated function system is chain transitive if one of the constituent maps is surjective, and it has almost mean shadowing property.

In this paper, we introduce the notions of mean chain transitivity, mean chain mixing, totally mean chain transitivity, and almost mean shadowing property to iterated function systems (IFS). We study the interrelations of these notions. We prove that an iterated function system is chain transitive if one of the constituent maps is surjective, and it has almost mean shadowing property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on certain specific occurrences involving sports aircraft and their mechanical flight control chains. Usually the flight controls and their control chains are subject of thorough checking procedures, but frequently such details are not observed or are easily ignored during the maintenance and airframe checking processes. The authors aim to provide information enabling proper training of flight crews, technical, and design staff/ personnel, allowing the avoidance of severe occurrences/ events caused by failures of the mechanical control chains. The analysis focuses on lighter aircraft, such as sports aircraft, which have full mechanical control chains.

Variable resistance training has been widely used in athletic preparation. Objectives: To analyze the use of currents (VRT) and the traditional method (TRAD) on speed, power and temperature in a training session. Methods: Fourteen paralympic powerlifting (PP) athletes took part over three weeks. In week 1, familiarization and 1RM tests took place, and, in weeks 2 and 3, pre- and post-training took place, where the propulsive mean velocity and power and temperatures were assessed before and after, at 24 h and 48 h. Results: There was a difference in the sternal pectoral temperatures before and after VRT (p = 0.040) and at 48 h for TRAD and VRT (p = 0.018); in the clavicular pectoralis before and after VRT and TRAD (p = 0.003); in the anterior deltoid after and at 48 h for TRAD and VRT (p = 0.026 and p = 0.017); and in the triceps after and at 24 h and 48 h between TRAD and VRT (p = 0.005). In the training series, the MPV was significant in TRAD between Set1 and Set5 (p = 0.003), in training (VRT) between Set1 and Set5 (p = 0.001) and in Set5 between the methods (p = 0.047). For power, there was a difference between Set1 and 5 in TRAD (p = 0.016) and VRT (p = 0.002). Conclusion: We conclude that training with currents (VRT) promoted greater muscle fatigue when compared to traditional training.

The private school sector has expanded with almost no public intervention to educate half of primary school children in many urban centers in Africa and Asia. Simple comparisons of test scores would suggest that these private schools may provide better quality than public schools, but how much of this difference is due to selection effects is unclear. Much donor and policymaker attention has proceeded on the basis that private schools do perform better, and focused on models of public subsidy to expand access, and investment in networks or chains to encourage expansion. We review the evidence of the effects of private schools on learning, and how that effect translates to public-private partnerships (PPPs). We also study the effects of private school chains. We conduct a systematic review for eligible studies, with transparent search criteria. The search resulted in over 100 studies on low-cost private schools and PPPs, with a large majority being on low-cost private schools. Our meta-analysis shows moderately strong effects from private schooling, although the limited number of experimental studies find much smaller effects than quasi-experimental studies. This advantage, though, is not nearly enough to help most children reach important learning goals. Turning to policy goals, we find that the private school advantage has not translated to public private partnerships, which have shown limited value in improving quality. They can however represent a lower-cost means of increasing access to school. We also find that private school chains perform little better than individual private schools and have little scope for achieving meaningful scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a Fefferman-type construction from Lagrangian contact to split-signature conformal structures and examine several related topics. In particular, we describe the canonical curves and their correspondence. We show that chains and null-chains of an integrable Lagrangian contact structure are the projections of null-geodesics of the Fefferman space. Employing the Fermat principle, we realize chains as geodesics of Kropina (pseudo-Finsler) metrics. Using recent rigidity results, we show that 'sufficiently many' chains determine the Lagrangian contact structure. Separately, we comment on Lagrangian contact structures induced by projective structures and the special case of dimension three. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of amino groups in chitosan becomes the main cause of its differences from chitin in the context of structures and properties such as their chelation, flocculation, and biological functions. Furthermore, the random distribution of chitosan makes it easier to generate intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds. Also, the existence of two hydroxyl groups and one primary amine group in chitosan, which can donate a free pair of electrons, make it soluble in diluted aqueous acetic solvents, and allow the formation of the coordination bonds that increase the possibilities for chemical modification. Its modification includes the incorporation of hydrophobic groups. Therefore, this paper reviews the properties of chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines early modern convicts' experiences of extramural penal labour institutions – known in their time as slaveries. It centres on Denmark's main slaveries in Copenhagen and analyses data collected from the books keeping track of the inmates. On this basis, the article examines their experiences at connected moments: before entry, at entry, in the extraction of labour, and at exit. The article describes how these moments linked together to form patterns. Crucially, experiences during and at the termination of stays in these prisons were often predicated on former experiences in the labour market, how punitive labour was linked to forms of corporal violence, and the question of honour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) (Personalized Guest Experience, Chatbots and Virtual Assistants, Revenue Management, Operational Efficiency, Fraud Detection and Security, Predictive Maintenance) on guest satisfaction in luxury hotels from perspective of managers. A quantitative methodology was employed through adopting questionnaire that was self-administered by (89) managers within luxury five stars hotels in Amman – Jordan. SPSS was used to tackle the primary data, results of study was able to accepted study hypotheses arguing that artificial intelligence has the ability to increase guest satisfaction in luxury hotels. Results indicated that AI in hospitality industry has the ability to revolutionize the concept of guest satisfaction through easing the process of services and increase their loyalty as well. Study indicated that the highest agreement was for chatbots and virtual assistants in influence. However, it argued that while AI has the potential to significantly enhance guest satisfaction in luxury hotels, it is essential to balance the use of AI with human interaction. Many guests still value the personal touch and human connection that comes with traditional hospitality. Therefore, it is important for hotels to ensure that AI is used to enhance, rather than replace, human interaction with guests. Study recommended that hotels should be focused on providing personalized experiences, streamlining operations, and enhancing convenience and comfort in order to increase guest satisfaction. Further recommendations were presented in the study. Significance of study lies in the fact that examining the impact of AI in increasing guest satisfaction in luxury hotel play a role in increasing competitive advantage, help luxury hotels save costs by automating tasks and reducing the need for human labor and stay ahead of the curve and embrace new technologies such as AI. Originality of study is in the fact that it help in developing new theories and frameworks for understanding the complex relationship between technology and guest satisfaction in the hospitality industry.

The paper focuses on certain specific occurrences involving sports aircraft and their mechanical flight control chains. Usually the flight controls and their control chains are subject of thorough checking procedures, but frequently such details are not observed or are easily ignored during the maintenance and airframe checking processes. The authors aim to provide information enabling proper training of flight crews, technical, and design staff/ personnel, allowing the avoidance of severe occurrences/ events caused by failures of the mechanical control chains. The analysis focuses on lighter aircraft, such as sports aircraft, which have full mechanical control chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of analyzing the administration of justice in the province of Mato Grosso, with a special focus on the conditions of the prisons and the situation in which the prisoners were placed in the first half of the 19th century, this study investigates the discourses and prevailing conceptions expressed by provincial authorities related to them, as well as their physical conditions and the budgets allocated for their maintenance. To compose this article, the primary sources used for the analysis were letters, prisoners' representations, requests, reports, and budgetary laws, which allowed for an understanding of the discrepancy between the prison reality and the existing legislation in the 1830s in Mato Grosso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Navrotskyite (IMA 2019-026), K2Na10(UO2)3(SO4)9·2H2O, is a new potassium-sodium-uranyl-sulfate mineral from the Blue Lizard mine, San Juan County, Utah, USA. The new mineral occurs on sandstone and asphaltite matrix in close association with belakovskiite, blödite, bobcookite, changoite, fermiite, ferrinatrite, ilsemannite, ivsite, meisserite, pseudomeisserite-(NH4), seaborgite and tamarugite. Navrotskyite is orthorhombic, space group Pbcm (#57), with unit cell parameters a = 5.4456(13), b = 21.328(5), c = 33.439(8) Å, V = 3883.8(2) Å3 and Z = 4. Crystals are acicular tapered needles up to about 1 mm in length, typically occurring as radial sprays and tightly intergrown aggregates resembling fibre-optic bundles. Crystals are elongated on [100] and exhibit only the {012} prism form, resulting in diamond-shaped cross-sections. The terminations are generally not well-formed, but broken crystals are truncated by good {100} cleavage. No twinning was observed. Navrotskyite is pale greenish yellow in color, has a white or very pale-yellow streak and fluoresces neon yellow green under both long- and short-wave UV. It is transparent with vitreous to silky luster. The mineral exhibits a splintery, uneven fracture and has a Mohs hardness of about 2. The calculated density based on the empirical formula is 3.46 g/cm3. The mineral is optically biaxial (-), with α = 1.520(2), β = 1.557(2) and γ = 1.565(2) (white light). The measured 2V is 48.2(5)° and the calculated 2V is 48.9°. Dispersion is imperceptible and no pleochroism was observed. The optical orientation is X = a, Y = c, Z = b. The empirical formula is K2.06Na9.98U3.02S8.98O44H3.97 based on 44 O apfu. The eight strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs Å(I)(hkl)]: 5.28(100)(110), 3.050(44)(049, 119), 10.70(43)(020), 3.845(36)(046,134,116), 3.225(30)(153), 3.533(29)(060,061,136), 2.822(29)(139) and 5.59(27) (006). The crystal structure of navrotskyite (R1 = 0.0289 for 4032 reflections with I > 2σI) contains infinite [(UO2) (SO4)3]4-chains that extend along [100] and that link to neighbouring chains via a complex network of K-O and Na-O bonds. Related topologies based on the same UL3-type chain are also observed in the minerals fermiite, meisserite and pseudomeisserite-(NH4), all of which occur in the same general assemblage as navrotskyite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Productive and behavioral responses of finishing pigs with and without access to environmental enrichment (EE) were evaluated. A total of 432 pigs, male and female, Hampshire line, initial and final weight of 22–27 kg and 110–125 kg, respectively, were studied for 112 days. The study design was in random blocks, with 6 treatments, distributed in a factorial scheme 2 × 3 (sex × treatment) and 12 repetitions/treatment, totalling 72 pens. The animals were weighed and distributed in 3 blocks—light (20.3 to 24.8 kg), medium weight (24.8 to 27.7 kg), and heavy (27.7 to 33.8 kg). The treatments were as follows: branched chains for males (T1); branched sisal ropes for males (T2), males without EE (T3); branched chains for females (T4); branched sisal ropes for females (T5) and females without EA (T6). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of interaction (enrichment × sex) and sex on performance. Daily consumption and daily weight gain were lower (P < 0.05) in the chain group compared to the sisal rope and control groups. Feed conversion was similar (P > 0.05) between treatments under study. There was no interaction between gender and enrichment for behavioral responses (P = 0.8986). However, there was an environmental enrichment (P = 0.0017; P < 0.001) and gender (P = 0.0251; P < 0.001) effect in relation to the animals’ behavior in the morning and in the afternoon, respectively. Calmer animals, regardless of sex, were observed for groups without enrichment (control) and morning and afternoon periods. The animals interacted with the types of enrichment under study, given the higher probabilities of interaction with the object for males and females in the morning and afternoon shifts. It was observed, regardless of the shifts, that the control treatment for males and females was different when compared to the other enrichments for males and females. In general, the pigs’ behaviors were expressed more in the afternoon when compared to the morning. It was observed that the animal interaction and aggression (afternoon shift) behaviors are more related to the control group, while object interaction is more related to the enriched treatments. The use of sisal ropes and branched chains guarantees the performance and behavior of pigs in the finishing phase, but we recommend the use of branched chains, as this enrichment increased the profitability of the farmer by reducing feed consumption, maintaining feed conversion and animal welfare, besides being a more durable material than sisal rope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) (Personalized Guest Experience, Chatbots and Virtual Assistants, Revenue Management, Operational Efficiency, Fraud Detection and Security, Predictive Maintenance) on guest satisfaction in luxury hotels from perspective of managers. A quantitative methodology was employed through adopting questionnaire that was self-administered by (89) managers within luxury five stars hotels in Amman -- Jordan. SPSS was used to tackle the primary data, results of study was able to accepted study hypotheses arguing that artificial intelligence has the ability to increase guest satisfaction in luxury hotels. Results indicated that AI in hospitality industry has the ability to revolutionize the concept of guest satisfaction through easing the process of services and increase their loyalty as well. Study indicated that the highest agreement was for chatbots and virtual assistants in influence. However, it argued that while AI has the potential to significantly enhance guest satisfaction in luxury hotels, it is essential to balance the use of AI with human interaction. Many guests still value the personal touch and human connection that comes with traditional hospitality. Therefore, it is important for hotels to ensure that AI is used to enhance, rather than replace, human interaction with guests. Study recommended that hotels should be focused on providing personalized experiences, streamlining operations, and enhancing convenience and comfort in order to increase guest satisfaction. Further recommendations were presented in the study. Significance of study lies in the fact that examining the impact of AI in increasing guest satisfaction in luxury hotel play a role in increasing competitive advantage, help luxury hotels save costs by automating tasks and reducing the need for human labor and stay ahead of the curve and embrace new technologies such as AI. Originality of study is in the fact that it help in developing new theories and frameworks for understanding the complex relationship between technology and guest satisfaction in the hospitality industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the help of a generalization of the Fermat principle in generalrelativity, we show that chains in CR geometry are geodesics of a certainKropina metric constructed from the CR structure. We study the projectiveequivalence of Kropina metrics and show that if the kernel distributions of thecorresponding 1-forms are non-integrable then two projectively equivalentmetrics are trivially projectively equivalent. As an application, we show thatsufficiently many chains determine the CR structure up to conjugacy,generalizing and reproving the main result of [J.-H. Cheng, 1988]. Thecorrespondence between geodesics of the Kropina metric and chains allows us touse the methods of metric geometry and the calculus of variations to studychains. We use these methods to re-prove the result of [H. Jacobowitz, 1985]that locally any two points of a strictly pseudoconvex CR manifolds can bejoined by a chain. Finally, we generalize this result to the global setting byshowing that any two points of a connected compact strictly pseudoconvex CRmanifold which admits a pseudo-Einstein contact form with positiveTanaka-Webster scalar curvature can be joined by a chain.

Copyright of Revista de Economía is the property of Universidade Federal do Parana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Central and Eastern Europe's transition to a market economy was not homogeneous. It led to many developmental paths available for its regions. The study aims to see the results of this process and describe the contemporaneous innovation status and struggles. The analysis considered Gorizia (Slovenia) as an example of a non-capital region close to the European developmental average. Based on data collected through an expert focus group organised with local stakeholders, the research revealed that Gorizia's innovation process relies on endogenous and exogenous forces. The region reconstituted the economy from big producers into multiple smaller companies. Their integration into the global production chains proved essential in the transition and further development. This allowed for overcoming the issue of limited local and national resources, market size, and demand. Similarly, it has widened regional stakeholders' perspectives and contributed to local clusters' development. Thus, the Regional Innovation System is heavily oriented toward foreign collaboration, especially with Italian partners. Local institutions and organisations are responsible for implementing the most significant projects within the region. Their susceptibility to the needs of the private sector strengthens the entrepreneurial origins of the innovation process. Gorizia's innovation performance positively influences its competitive position. The value chain Flagships and original manufacturers show interest in local innovation. It is seen through the acquisition of Intellectual Property or parts of the companies to utilise in their production and innovation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper concerns the spectral theory for a class of non-self-adjoint block convolution operators. We mainly discuss the spectral representations of such operators. It is considered the general case of operators defined on Banach spaces. The main results are applied to periodic Jacobi matrices.

Objective. Acute effects of variable resistance training (VRT) and constant resistance training (CRT) on neuromuscular performance are still equivocal. We aimed to determine the differences between VRT and CRT in terms of force, velocity, and power outcomes. Methods. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus electronic databases for articles until June 2021. Crossover design studies comparing force, velocity, and power outcomes while performing VRT and CRT were included. Two reviewers independently applied the modified version of the Cochrane Collaboration's tool to assess the risk of bias. A three-level random effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were used to compute standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals. Results. We included 16 studies with 207 participants in the quantitative synthesis. Based on the pooled results, VRT generated greater mean velocity (SMD D 0.675; moderate Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) quality evidence) and mean power (SMDD1.022; low) than CRT. Subgroup analyses revealed that VRT considerably increased the mean velocity (SMD D 0.903; moderate) and mean power (SMD D 1.456; moderate) in the equated loading scheme and the mean velocity (SMDD0.712; low) in the CRT higher loading scheme. However, VRT marginally significantly reduced peak velocity (SMD D -0.481; low) in the VRT higher loading scheme. Based on the meta-regression analysis, it was found that mean power (p D 0.014-0.043) was positively moderated by the contribution of variable resistance and peak velocity (p D 0.018) and peak power (p D 0.001-0.004) and RFD (p D 0.003) were positively moderated by variable resistance equipment, favoring elastic bands. Conclusions. VRT provides practitioners with the means of emphasizing specific force, velocity, and power outcomes. Different strategies should be considered in context of an individual's needs. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021259205. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hipogrifo: revista de literatura y cultura del siglo de oro is the property of Hipogrifo: revista de literatura y cultura del siglo de oro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper concerns the spectral theory for a class of non-self-adjoint block convolution operators. We mainly discuss the spectral representations of such operators. It is considered the general case of operators defined on Banach spaces. The main results are applied to periodic Jacobi matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present paper considers the operator pencil A (λ) = A 0 + A 1 λ , where A 0 , A 1 ≠ 0 are bounded linear mappings between complex Hilbert spaces and A 0 is neither one-to-one nor onto. Assuming that 0 is an isolated singularity of A (λ) and that the image of A 0 is closed, certain operators are defined recursively starting from A 0 and A 1 and they are shown to provide a characterization of the image and null space of the operators in the principal part of the resolvent and of the logarithmic residues of A (λ) at 0. The relations with the classical results based on ascent and descent in [10] are discussed. In the special case of A 0 being Fredholm of index 0, the present results characterize the rank of the operators in the principal part of the resolvent, the dimension of the subspaces that define the ascent and descent, the partial multiplicities, and the algebraic multiplicity of A (λ) at 0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anuario de Estudios Americanos is the property of Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Kidney failure is a worldwide scourge, made more lethal by the shortage of transplants. We propose a way to organize kidney exchange chains internationally between middle-income countries with financial barriers to transplantation and high-income countries with many hard to match patients and patient-donor pairs facing lengthy dialysis. The proposal involves chains of exchange that begin in the middle-income country and end in the high-income country. We also propose a way of financing such chains using savings to US health care payers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]