The importance of humus form or forest floor as a principal component of terrestrial forest ecosystems has led to the development of a taxonomic classification of humus forms for BC (first approximation: Klinka et al. 1981; second approximation: Green et al. 1993). This classification, as all others, is based on the field-observable (morphological) features because we expect that they reflect differences in the nature and development of humus forms. However, there is a continuing need to test (1) whether humus forms that appear different are in fact different in their physical, chemical, and biotic properties, and (2) the portability of the classification outside the area in which it was developed. As a result of recent studies of the biotic component of humus forms and recent testing of the classification outside British Columbia (Scandinavia, southeastern Russia, and northeastern China), we have recognized several new diagnostic horizons, and hence new taxa. In this pamphlet, we present synopsis of the third approximation of the classification for review and testing. For more detailed information on the background, methodology, and classification of humus forms, the readers should consult Green et al. (1993). Each humus form is represented by the sequence of organic and mineral horizons that constitute the humus form profile. Identification of a humus form, i.e., giving it a name, requires description of the humus form profile – the identification of master and subordinate horizons. For this reason we have included a description of the horizon designations as well as a synopsis of the classification and a key to the identification of humus forms.

The Differential Operator D is a linear operator from C1[0,1] onto C[0,1]. Its domain C1[0,1] is thoroughly studied as a meager subspace of C[0,1]. This is analogous to the status of the set of all rational numbers Q in the set of the real numbers R. On the polynomial vector space Pn the Differential Operator D is a nilpotent operator. Using the invariant subspace and reducing subspace technique an appropriate basis for the underlying vector space can be found so that the nilpotent operator admits its Jordan Canonical form. The study of D on Pn is completely carried out. Finally, the solution space V of the nth order differential equation with leading coefficient one is studied. The behavior of D on V is explored using some notions from linear algebra and linear operators. NOTE- Due to the limitation of the above being in "text only form" , further details of this abstract can be viewed in the pdf file.

The matrix exponential is a very important subclass of functions of matrices that has been studied extensively in the last 50 years. In this thesis, we discuss some of the more common matrix functions and their general properties, and we specifically explore the matrix exponential. In principle, the matrix exponential could be computed in many ways. In practice, some of the methods are preferable to others, but none are completely satisfactory. Computations of the matrix exponential using Taylor Series, Scaling and Squaring, Eigenvectors, and the Schur Decomposition methods are provided.

Die Schule ist die zweite Gemeinde der Kindes (nach der Familie), in der es den Umgang mit den Gleichaltrigen und den älteren Menschen lernt. Der Adaption der Schüler und die Bildung des Kollektivs in der fünften Klasse ist eines der wichtigsten pedagogischen Probleme, deshalb ist es wichtig, das theoretisch und praktisch im psychologischen und pedagogischen Sinne zu analysieren.

Beginning to creste composition(of spatial or flat form) the artist first of all stars from its shape. Form - the most expensive part of spatial composition. In later stage it is contemplated how to infuse even more emotionality, more graten impression to express idea of composition. To achieve that purpose - facture as auchiliary means of expression amply is used. Deeper cognition of facture and form analysis wasnt done in the couse of studies, conseouently in the final diploma paper just arose an apportunity to deepen and unclose mind. This cognition of a problem is necessary in pedagogical as well as in creative activities. Objectives of this final paper are:to reveal peculiarities and role of artistic means of expression (facture,form) and their reciprocity in spatial compositions, as well as to work up methodic recommendations for training and application of these artistic means of expression in creative works.

No description available.

The urban heat island effect is considered one of the main causes of global warming and is contributing to increasing temperatures in the urban United States. This phenomenon enhances the intensity of summer heat waves and the risk to public health due to increased exposure to extreme thermal conditions. Characteristics of spatial development patterns can significantly affect urban temperature because they are related to the arrangement of development and land surface materials, which are crucial elements needed to determine land surface temperature. While previous studies revealed that the effect of the urban heat island varies depending on different land use types and surface characteristics, few have considered the overall development patterns of urban form. I address this under-studied aspect of heat hazards by analyzing the relationship between spatial development pattern and urban heat island effect across a sample of 353 metropolitan regions of the U.S. Specifically, I employ a series of landscape metrics to measure urban development patterns using a national land cover dataset from the U.S. Geological Survey. Linear regression models are used to statistically isolate the effect of different spatial development patterns on increasing the urban heat island effect while controlling for multiple contextual variables including built-environment, environmental, and demographic characteristics. The result of this study showed that the daytime mean surface urban heat island effect (4.04˚F) is higher than that of nighttime (2.41˚F). Ecological context (i.e. Ecoregions) has proved to be a statistically significant modulator that helps to explain the spatial distribution of the urban heat island effect. Regarding the main research question of this study, the results indicate that specific categories of urban development pattern including density, continuity, and clustering are statistically associated with increasing the urban heat island effect. This initial evidence suggests that the overall development patterns are an important issue to consider when mitigating the adverse impacts related to the urban heat island effect. In addition, when contextual heat contributors are held constant, the intensity of the urban heat island effect can differ depending on the configuration of development in urban areas. This study can be used as a starting point for a comprehensive approach to both spatial land development and hazard-resistant planning by providing alternative ways of measuring and modeling spatial development patterns.

Background: Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months postpartum with continued breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond. While 88% of Canadian mothers initiate breastfeeding, only 70% of mothers continue to do so at 4 weeks postpartum and only 14% are exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months. Breastfeeding self-efficacy is a potentially modifiable variable that has been associated with mothers’ breastfeeding practices. The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short-Form) is an instrument that could potentially identify women with low breastfeeding self-efficacy during the in hospital period. Purpose: To describe the breastfeeding practices of new mothers in the Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington area and to assess the association between in-hospital scores on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short-Form) and duration of breastfeeding. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a dataset from the 2008 Infant Feeding Survey, a prospective study of 463 mothers with 12-month longitudinal follow-up. Data were weighted according to the maternal age distribution of the general population of new mothers. Breastfeeding practices were described using Kaplan-Meier survival distributions. Four outcomes were described: ‘exclusive breastfeeding from birth’, ‘exclusive breastfeeding from discharge’, ‘high breastfeeding’, and ‘any breastfeeding’. Using logistic regression, scores from the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short-Form) were assessed for association with duration of ‘exclusive breastfeeding from birth’ and duration of ‘any breastfeeding’ (dichotomized as ‘less than 6 weeks’ and ‘6 weeks or beyond’). Results: The sample was highly educated (75% had post-secondary education) and reported high levels of household income (37% reported >$80,000/year). Six percent of mothers exclusively breastfed to 6 months. Close to one quarter (24%) of women sustained some extent of breastfeeding for 12 months. The relationship between scores on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short-Form) and duration of ‘exclusive breastfeeding from birth’ and the relationship between self-efficacy scores and duration of ‘any breastfeeding’ were identical (OR = 1.05) and non-significant (95% CI 1.0-1.1). Conclusion: This study did not show a significant relationship between in-hospital scores on the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (Short-Form) and duration of breastfeeding. Given the high socioeconomic status of women in this study, further studies are warranted to confirm these results. / Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2011-12-06 14:46:41.103

No description available.

Canada’s population is aging rapidly, such that by 2031 it is estimated that one quarter of Canada’s population will be aged 65 or older (Statistics Canada December 15, 2006). It is argued that urban environments are often not adequately designed for older people and can impair their ability to live independently into their elder years (Harris 2004). Proper planning can help people age successfully in their community. This research practicum assesses three town centres within the City of Surrey to determine whether they are agefriendly based on the perceptions of residents over the age of 65. Results from the research found that areas in need of improvement included public transit, the walking environment, clustering various land uses, parks amenities, and home assistance, among other things. The practicum concludes with recommendations of areas for further study.