RESPONSE OF UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDINGS

Abstract

A summary of dynamic measurements are presented that illustrate relations between linear seismic demand and true nonlinear response of unreinforced masonry buildings with flexible diaphragms and rocking piers subjected to a series of simulated earthquake motions.     

APPLICATION OF MUONIC X-RAYS IN ARCHAEOLOGY

The first systematic study of archaeological objects with muonic X-rays is reported. In this analysis every element is recognized. The elemental composition of Celtic glasses from Bavaria and Roman coins has been determined. By selecting the primary muon energies appropriately my part of the specimen, including interior parts, can be non-destructively in estigated. Additionally surface layers may be analysed. Typical accuracies of quantitative analyses are a few per cent of elemental abundance.     

RURAL OUT-MIGRATION IN SOUTHERN MANITOBA

Rural out-migration from southern Manitoba over the period 1971–76 is subjected to a path-analytic model which claims that the exodus is due to unsatisfactory economic and social conditions. In particular, the model is structured so that migration and community satisfaction both depend upon the economic standing of a community. Results indicate that while economic conditions are key factors in rural out-migration, other variables, especially those representative of rural isolation, are also of great importance. These conclusions remain tenable even after allowing for feedback effects from the rural out-migration.
L'émigration rural de Manitoba du sud au cours de l'époque 1971–76 est éxposé dans un modèle « path-analytic >> qui réclame que cette émigration est attendu que la situation économique et sociale inadéquate. En particular, cette modèle énonce que l'émigration et la satisfaction de la société dépendent sur la condition économique de cette société. Les résultats indiquent qu'autres facteurs, comme l'éloignement rural, sont importants aussi que la situation économique. Ces résultats sont encore vrais quand même les effets de l'émigration rurale sont rendu compte de la région rurale.     

A regional comparison of the implications of climate change for the golf industry in Canada

Golf is a recreation industry particularly sensitive to climate, yet the potential implications of climate change for the industry remain largely unexamined. This study presents findings of the first known impact assessment to compare the regional impacts of projected changes in the climate on the golf industry in Canada (or internationally). Empirical relationships between daily rounds played and four weather variables were defined through multiple regression analysis and then used to examine the potential impacts of two climate change scenarios on the length of the golf season and the number of rounds played in three regions of Canada (West Coast, Great Lakes, East Coast). Regionally, the West Coast region was projected to benefit the least from projected climate change, as golf courses that are currently open year round experienced only slight projected increases in rounds played in the 2020s and 2050s. Golf courses in the Great Lakes region could experience a 10- to 51-day longer average golf season and a 21 percent to 3 percent increase in rounds as early as the 2020s, and an even more pronounced increase in the 2050s. East Coast golf courses were projected to benefit the most under both climate change scenarios, experiencing larger gains in average operating seasons (25 to 45 days in the 2020s) and a 40 percent to 48 percent increase in rounds played by as early as the 2020s.     

The Role of Location and Regional Networks for Biotechnology Firms in Israel

This article presents results of a study of the Israeli biotechnology sector. The findings of the study show that despite the small geographical size of the country, the Israeli biotechnology industry tends to a great extent to cluster around leading research institutes. Based on a survey of 109 high-tech projects, the study suggests that the relatively weak business background of the entrepreneurs, the fact that most of them have worked at research institutes and that most new biotechnology firms were originated from ideas that came out of universities or research institutes, can provide possible explanations for this geographical concentration. The research emphasizes the relative importance biotechnology entrepreneurs ascribe to networking, both in very early stages as well as in advanced stages of the firm development process. It is argued that although the focus of the network changes over time, both geographically and in content, its links to local research partners are maintained. It is suggested that earmarked regional support policies are crucial to the development of networks required by new biotechnology firms.     

Spatial Clustering and the Potential for Policy Practice: Experiences from Cluster-building Processes in Sweden

In the last decade, there has been an increased interest in the cluster approach as a regional development tool. Moreover, it has been increasingly acknowledged that TIME (Telekom, IT, Media and Entertainment) industries have come to be of great importance to the economy. This article sets out to examine the use of the cluster approach as an analytical tool as well as a proactive policy tool and an approach based on negotiated and collaborative efforts to manufacture and utilize 'visions' of regional development futures to good effect. Consequently, the intent is not to judge the economic performance of firms in the three case clusters but rather to demonstrate problems and prospects in regional TIME industry cluster-building.