Long Cheng Air

2019 ◽  
pp. 73-97
Author(s):  
Chia Youyee Vang
Keyword(s):  
Active Duty ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Military Leaders ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
The Many ◽  
Secret War

Chapter 4 details Hmong experiences in combat aviation in the Secret War. It examines the dangerous flying conditions they faced in northern Laos, where, in addition to enemy antiaircraft artillery, freak accidents claimed the lives of some pilots. Poor quality aircraft, a hazardous runway, problematic leadership at all levels, and varied skills resulted in low chances for survival for Hmong pilots. Because of their close proximity to enemy territories, pilots on active duty from 1968 to 1972 were forced to participate in combat missions daily. The chapter also presents the many problems that unfolded in the CIA’s secret city, Long Cheng. Whereas American airmen came and went on tours of duty, Hmong pilots flew until they were either killed in action or injured. Either outcome harmed their families. Injured pilots were no longer considered useful, resulting in military leaders cutting them off financially and socially.

scholarly journals Current Developments and Best Practice in Open and Distance Learning

2000 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Armando Rocha Trinidade ◽  
Hermano Carmo ◽  
José Bidarra
Keyword(s):  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Technical Content ◽  
Support Mechanisms ◽  
The Many ◽  
Absolute Concept ◽  
Near Future

Through the many documents regularly emitted by those dedicated to this activity, it is comparatively easy to describe factual developments in the field of open and distance education in different places in the world. However, it is much more difficult to produce judgements of value about their quality. Quality is a subjective rather than an absolute concept and may be examined from different analytical perspectives: consumers' satisfaction level, intrinsic value of scientific and technical content of learning materials, soundness of learning strategies, efficiency of organisation and procedures, adequate use of advanced technologies, reliability of student support mechanisms, etc. These parameters should be put into the context of specific objectives, nature of target populations and availability of different kinds of resources. In a specific geographic, social, economic and cultural situation a given set of solutions might be judged as adequate and deserving the qualification of "good practice", while in a different context it could be considered of rather poor quality. The selection of examples in this article is the sole responsibility of the authors: neither should the chosen cases be considered as clearly better than any other one, nor missing cases be interpreted as lack of appreciation or a negative judgement. Finally, the authors are aware of the risks of interpreting trends and trying to extrapolate them into the near future: readers should use their own judgement in accepting (or forcefully rejecting) these projections.

scholarly journals Low sperm to egg ratio required for successful in vitro fertilisation in a pair-spawning teleost, Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Ramos-Júdez ◽  
Wendy Ángela González-López ◽  
Jhons Huayanay Ostos ◽  
Noemí Cota Mamani ◽  
Carlos Marrero Alemán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Solea Senegalensis ◽  
In Vitro Fertilisation ◽  
Hatching Rate ◽  
Senegalese Sole ◽  
Single Male ◽  
Close Proximity

AbstractCultured Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) breeders fail to spawn fertilised eggs and this bottleneck could be solved with the implementation of large-scale in vitro fertilisation protocols. However, low production of poor-quality sperm has frustrated the development of in vitro fertilisation protocols. Cultured females were induced to ovulate with a 5 µg kg-1 single injection of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) and good quality eggs (82.6 ± 9.2% fertilisation) were stripped 41:57 ± 1:46 h after the injection. Sperm was collected from cultured males, diluted in modified Leibovitz and used fresh to fertilise the eggs. A non-linear regression, an exponential rise to a maximum (R = 0.93, P < 0.0001) described the number of motile spermatozoa required to fertilise a viable egg and 1617 motile spermatozoa were sufficient to fertilise 99 ± 12% (± 95% CI) of viable eggs. Similar, spermatozoa egg-1 ratios of 592 ± 611 motile spermatozoa egg-1 were used in large-scale in vitro fertilisations with 190,512 ± 38,471 eggs. The sperm from a single male (145 ± 50 µL or 8.0 ± 6.8 × 108 spermatozoa) was used to fertilise the eggs. The mean hatching rate of the large-scale in vitro fertilisations was 70 ± 14 % to provide 131,540 ± 34,448 larvae per fertilisation. When unfertilised eggs were stored at room temperature the percentage of viable eggs decreased gradually and indicated the sooner eggs were fertilised after stripping the higher the viability of the eggs. The collection of sperm directly into a syringe containing modified Leibovitz significantly increased the percentage of motile spermatozoa (33.4 ± 12.2 %) compared to dilution in modified Leibovitz immediately after collection (6.6 ± 4.9 %). Senegalese sole have a pair-spawning reproductive behaviour characterised by external gamete fertilisation in close proximity with no sperm competition. The low spermatozoa egg-1 ratio required for maximum fertilisation was consistent with this reproductive behaviour and strategy. The provision of a large-scale in vitro fertilisation protocol (200 µL of sperm per 100 mL of eggs) will enable the industry to operate sustainably and implement breeding programs to improve production.

scholarly journals A Case of Scabies Presenting as Chronic Urticaria

2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (9-10) ◽  
pp. e1854-e1856
Author(s):  
Imelda Muller ◽  
Alyson Brinker
Keyword(s):  
Delayed Diagnosis ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Active Duty ◽  
Military Recruits ◽  
Typical Finding ◽  
Missed Diagnosis ◽  
Communal Living ◽  
The Many ◽  
Dermatologic Manifestations ◽  
Military Barracks

Abstract Scabies outbreaks are relatively common worldwide, particularly in communal living settings such as military barracks. The infestation is caused by the parasite Sarcoptes Scabiei and is easily treated once properly diagnosed. Classic symptoms include pruritus around the waist, wrists, and ankles.1 On physical examination, linear burrows visualized in finger web spaces is a typical finding.1 It is not uncommon, however, for scabies to present with a variety of other dermatologic manifestations, which can lead to a delayed or missed diagnosis. This case highlights a delayed diagnosis of scabies, initially presenting as urticaria in a 26-year-old active duty male living in military barracks where multiple previous outbreaks were identified. Providers should be aware of the oftentimes-elusive diagnosis of scabies and the many nonclassic dermatologic manifestations. A thorough skin examination with skin scrapings and examination of the finger web spaces should be considered in those with ambiguous skin rashes who are particularly at risk for scabies infection, such as military recruits, submariners, and other service members living in communal settings. Timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent reinfection and spread of scabies throughout these communal living settings.

THE VALUE OF INTEGRATING BOREHOLE RESISTIVITY IMAGES WITH GEOLOGICAL DATA: RELEVANCE TO HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. E. J. Messent ◽  
C.M. Yacopetti
Keyword(s):  
Poor Quality ◽  
Depositional Environments ◽  
Hydrocarbon Exploration ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Low Permeability ◽  
Geological Data ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
Potential Reservoir ◽  
Low Permeability Reservoirs ◽  
Selection Of

This paper outlines the contribution borehole resistivity images can make in a frontier exploration program when they are integrated with all available geological data. Specific examples are given from the Duntroon Basin.Dipmeter data and borehole resistivity images can be used to validate seismic structural interpretations. An example is given to show the comparison in interpretation of the different methods.Faults are identified on the borehole images and in addition, qualitative assessment of sealing potential can be made by determining the occurrence and extent of mineralisation. In Greenly-1 the hydrocarbon shows, which are interpreted as migrated hydrocarbons, are found In close proximity to faults identified on borehole images. It is postulated that the faults acted as a conduit for the migrating hydrocarbons. However, these fault planes are now mineralised and interpreted to be sealing. This interpretation is supported by the presence of isolated, over-pressured sandstones.Resistivity images readily identify the orientation of present day horizontal stresses with its implications for fault-trap integrity. However, this is not deemed to be an issue in the Duntroon Basin as there is evidence that at least some of the faults are sealing. Borehole images can also be used to assess caprock integrity by determining the presence or absence of fractures.Within potential reservoir units, borehole resistivity images assist in the interpretation of depositional environments, reservoir geometries and post-depositional changes which affect reservoir quality.Borehole resistivity images provide qualitative interpretations of permeability. It is therefore possible to use the images in the selection of pre-test seats and sampling points in poor quality boreholes or low permeability reservoirs.

scholarly journals FTIR Spectroscopy to Reveal Lipid and Protein Changes Induced on Sperm by Capacitation: Bases for an Improvement of Sample Selection in ART

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (22) ◽  
pp. 8659
Author(s):  
Maria Pachetti ◽  
Luisa Zupin ◽  
Irene Venturin ◽  
Elisa Mitri ◽  
Rita Boscolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Composition ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sample Selection ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Interesting Possibility ◽  
The Many ◽  
Α Helix ◽  
Analytical Approaches

Although being a crucial step for Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) success, to date sperm selection is based only on morphology, motility and concentration characteristics. Considering the many possible alterations, there is a great need for analytical approaches allowing more effective sperm selections. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) may represent an interesting possibility, being able to reveal many macromolecular changes in a single measurement in a nondestructive way. As a proof of concept, in this observational study, we used a FTIR approach to reveal features related to sperm quality and chemical changes promoted by in vitro capacitation. We found indication that α-helix content is increased in capacitated sperm, while high percentages of the β-structures seem to correlate to poor-quality spermatozoa. The most interesting observation was related to the lipid composition, when measured as CH2/CH3 vibrations (ratio 2853/2870), which resulted in being strongly influenced by capacitation and well correlated with sperm motility. Interestingly, this ratio is higher than 1 in infertile samples, suggesting that motility is related to sperm membranes stiffness and lipid composition. Although further analyses are requested, our results support the concept that FTIR can be proposed as a new smart diagnostic tool for semen quality assessment in ART.

I.—On a Collection of Pleistocene Mammals Dredged off the Eastern Coast

1878 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-100
Author(s):  
William Davies
Keyword(s):  
North Sea ◽  
Eastern Coast ◽  
Dogger Bank ◽  
The North ◽  
Close Proximity ◽  
The North Sea ◽  
Fine Collection ◽  
Pleistocene Mammals ◽  
The Many ◽  
Private Collections

Of the many private collections of vertebrate fossils found on or off the coast of the Eastern counties, none surpass in palæontological and also in geological interest the fine collection made with much zeal and care by Mr. J. J. Owles, of Yarmouth, inasmuch as the larger portion of the specimens are exclusively the remains of Postglacial Mammals, and were brought up in the fishermen’s dredge, either from, or in close proximity to the well-known Dogger Bank, thus proving conclusively the existence of submerged Pleistocene or Postglacial land lying off the Eastern coast in the North Sea. Prof. Boyd Dawkins is the only author, as far as I am at present aware, who has made any reference to this really valuable series of remains, and then only incidentally in his memoir, “On the Distribution of Postglacial Mammals.”

Making Do with Less

2019 ◽  
pp. 137-168
Author(s):  
Anand Toprani
Keyword(s):  
World War I ◽  
Multinational Firms ◽  
Government Support ◽  
World War ◽  
Military Leaders ◽  
Synthetic Fuel ◽  
Reliable Source ◽  
National Socialists ◽  
The Many

After analyzing the role of oil in Germany experience during World War I, this chapter reveals how German civilian and military leaders appreciated the many benefits of fuel synthesized from coal years before the National Socialists came to power. Military planners were especially interested, since they had learned the hard way between 1914 and 1918 just how vulnerable Germany was economically to a British blockade. Synthetic fuel was strategically irreplaceable because it was Germany’s only reliable source of petroleum in wartime if it lost access to overseas imports. Private firms such as IG Farben also used synthetic fuel to build fruitful partnerships with other multinational firms. While the National Socialists reaffirmed government support of synthetic fuel after 1933, they also went much further by championing domestic oil exploration and the stockpiling of imports.

“Can You Hear Me Now?” or the Need for Clear Messages

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 45-46
Author(s):  
Alice G Brandfonbrener
Keyword(s):  
Cell Phone ◽  
Cell Phones ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Performing Artists ◽  
Subsequent Issue ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Phone Service ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Many ◽  
Clear Information

Television viewers would agree that the level of creativity is often higher in the commercials than in the programming. My current favorite promotes Sprint by poking fun at a user of a cell phone service with a poor-quality signal, who places an order for 200 head of oxen and receives instead 200 dachshunds, viewed stampeding around the corral. This has less to do with my admiration for Sprint and more with my personal devotion to dachshunds. The lesson on the importance of clear messages can be used in a larger context than cell phones, however. When messages are unclear, for whatever reason, behaviors based on or motivated by them cannot be expected to have the desired results. In this editorial, I examine the importance of providing clear information to parents who are making even the first decisions concerning their children’s study of music and dance. In a subsequent issue of MPPA, we will critique the relative clarity of communication about health and performance of a different sort, that from the many recent performing artists turned authors addressing their colleagues.

scholarly journals 1103 Understanding the Role of Sleep as a Risk Factor for Suicidal Ideation in Active Duty Service Members

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A419-A420
Author(s):  
M M Paxton Willing ◽  
T C Pickett ◽  
L L Tate ◽  
C Rhodes ◽  
T DeGraba
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Active Duty ◽  
Service Members ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sleep Study ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Many ◽  
Subjective Reports

Abstract Introduction Suicide is an important public health concern with many factors contributing to increased risk. Sleep is one such factor that may elevate risk, yet this association is not well understood. By identifying the strongest sleep-related predictors of suicidal ideation (SI), providers may be able to better intervene and reduce risk of suicide. Methods Data were obtained from the clinical database at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE). Patients were active duty service members, predominantly male, and with a mean age of 38. As part of standard care, patients receive a polysomnography sleep study and complete a battery of intake measures offering a comprehensive view of sleep. Individual symptoms were analyzed in an effort to understand the role of each sleep symptom within the context of the many other factors that may contribute to SI in service members. Results Of the many data points collected during polysomnography, only rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency and minimum sleeping heart rate were related to SI. REM latency was associated with increased odds of SI, while minimum sleeping heart rate was related to decreased odds. Subjective reports of bad dreams, trauma-specific bad dreams, sleepiness, and sleep quality were related to increased odds of SI. Notably, subjective reports of sleep were associated with greater odds than objective measures. Traumatic nightmares had the greatest odds, with these patients being much more likely to have SI. Conclusion These results support the importance of considering sleep factors when evaluating SI in service members. Subjective sleep reports, specifically, appear to be particularly important, as they were associated with increased odds of SI. These findings focus on the role of individual sleep factors in increasing the odds of SI and suggest it is important to evaluate sleep in combination with comorbid conditions when conducting risk assessments. Support N/A

Status of the reference X-ray powder-diffraction patterns for the serpentine minerals in the PDF database—1997

2000 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred J. Wicks
Keyword(s):  
Powder Diffraction ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Current Pattern ◽  
Powder Diffraction File ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Serpentine Minerals ◽  
Diffraction Patterns ◽  
The Many ◽  
Identification Tool

A critical examination of the reference X-ray powder-diffraction patterns of the serpentine minerals in the Powder-Diffraction File (PDF) database has revealed an unsettling situation. Most of the patterns in, or previously in, the PDF database are inaccurate, misidentified, or of poor quality. The PDF database is not a dependable tool for identifying the serpentine minerals, and has not been since the mid-1960s. This has serious implications for studies on serpentine minerals that have depended on the PDF database, particularly those by nonmineralogists doing health and environmental studies of chrysotile asbestos. In the current PDF database, lizardite-1T, carlosturanite, some amesite, and possibly some antigorite (but with inappropriate polytype symbols) can be identified. Only one of the many multilayer lizardites can be identified. The current pattern for chrysotile-2Mc1 (clinochrysotile) is of reasonable quality, but not the best, however the earlier patterns still in the database are so problematic that any chrysotile-2Mc1 identification must be considered suspect. Chrysotile-2Oc1 (orthochrysotile), and any mixture of serpentines cannot be identified using the PDF database. Until the reference serpentine patterns are corrected the PDF database cannot be considered a reliable identification tool. High-quality powder-diffraction patterns of the serpentine minerals have been published and can be rapidly introduced into the PDF database.© 2000 International Centre for Diffraction Data.

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