Development and test of a Microwave Ice Accretion Measurement Instrument (MIAMI)

The development of an ice accretion measurement instrument that is a highly sensitive, accurate, rugged and reliable microprocessor controlled device using low level microwave energy for non-instrusive real time measurement and recording of ice growth history, including ice thickness and accretion rate is discussed. Data is displayed and recorded digitally. New experimental data is presented, obtained with the instrument, which demonstrates its ability to measure ice growth on a two-dimensional airfoil. The device is suitable for aircraft icing protection. It may be mounted flush, non-intrusively, on any part of an aircraft skin including rotor blades and engine inlets

Revealing structure-function relationships in functional flow networks via persistent homology

Complex networks encountered in biology are often characterized by significant structural diversity. Whether it be differences in the three-dimensional structure of allosteric proteins, or the variation among the micro-scale structures of organisms' cerebral vasculature systems, identifying relationships between structure and function often poses a difficult challenge. Here we showcase an approach to characterizing structure-function relationships in complex networks applied in the context of flow networks tuned to perform specific functions. Using persistent homology, we analyze flow networks tuned to perform complex multifunctional tasks, answering the question of how local changes in the network structure coordinate to create functionality at at the scale of the entire network. We find that the response of such networks encodes hidden topological features - sectors of uniform pressure - that are not apparent in the underlying network architectures, Regardless of differences in local connectivity, these features provide a universal topological description for all networks that perform these types of functions. We show that these features correlate strongly with the tuned response, providing a clear topological relationship between structure and function and structural insight into the limits of multifunctionality.Comment: 22 pages (double column), 12 figure

Rock Identification

This hands-on activity covers the basics of rock identification. After a brief discussion of the terms 'rock' and 'mineral', students will study the characteristics and classifications of the three major rock groups (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary). Using an online tutorial to test their knowledge and to learn more about rocks, they will identify 10 different specimens, record their observations, and provide a name for each. Educational levels: Undergraduate lower division, High school

Exploring transformative journeys through a higher education programme in a further education college

This article describes a research project designed to understand the experiences of students undertaking higher education in a further education setting in the UK. Since the 1960s, there has been a sustained policy commitment in the UK to widen participation in education to social groups previously under-represented (Thompson, 2000; Burke, 2012), leading in part to the current government mantra that one should be either earning or learning (Burke, 2012). The consequence is a discourse in which it is argued that higher education has been dumbed down to include ‘non-traditional students’ frequently ill-prepared for academic challenges (Haggis, 2006). This research explored an alternative discourse, proposing that education should be a catalyst for significant social, emotional, and intellectual growth, culminating in a transformative experience (Mezirow, 1978a, 1991; Cranton, 2006). Twelve non-traditional graduates from a full-time BA programme at a Scottish College of Further and Higher Education were interviewed to determine if graduates experienced significant social, emotional, and intellectual growth as a result of participation; what teaching and learning settings make this possible; can it be proposed that graduates can be transformed by the experience of higher education in further education (hereafter HE in FE)? The findings of the research indicate that the participants all experienced some significant shift in attributes such as confidence, independence and willingness to try new things. How they experience, conceptualise and participate in their social worlds has become more discriminating. We conclude by 2 | P a g e proposing that HE in FE can have the potential to provide transformative experiences for non-traditional students. The implications of this study lie as much in the nature of the transformative learning experience as in the structures in which education is provided. Additionally, it is proposed that transformative teaching and learning theory may be as significant now as it ever was in understanding the changes which learners experience in higher education study

Polyhedral colloidal `rocks': low-dimensional networks

We introduce a model system of anisotropic colloidal `rocks'. Due to their shape, the bonding introduced via non-absorbing polymers is profoundly different from spherical particles: bonds between rocks are rigid against rotation, leading to strong frustration. We develop a geometric model which captures the essence of the rocks. Experiments and simulations show that the colloid geometry leads to structures of low fractal dimension. This is in stark contrast to gels of spheres, whose rigidity results from locally dense regions. At high density the rocks form a quasi one-component glass

Better by design: Business preferences for environmental regulatory reform

We present the preferences for environmental regulatory reform expressed by 30 UK businesses and industry bodies from 5 sectors. While five strongly preferred voluntary regulation, seven expressed doubts about its effectiveness, and 18 expressed no general preference between instrument types. Voluntary approaches were valued for flexibility and lower burdens, but direct regulation offered stability and a level playing field. Respondents sought regulatory frameworks that: are coherent; balance clarity, prescription and flexibility; are enabled by positive regulatory relationships; administratively efficient; targeted according to risk magnitude and character; evidence-based and that deliver long-term market stability for regulatees. Anticipated differences in performance between types of instrument can be undermined by poor implementation. Results underline the need for policy makers and regulators to tailor an effective mix of instruments for a given sector, and to overcome analytical, institutional and political barriers to greater coherence, to better coordinate existing instruments and tackle new environmental challenges as they emerge

Geo-energetics of Ukrainian crystalline shield

Purpose. To develop an analytical method which allows investigating the energy condition of rocks within the Ukrainian Crystalline shield. Methodology. Analytical research on the energy condition of rocks has been conducted by means of a new method of research – the entropy one. The research on processes of redistribution of potential energy in the massif of rocks was conducted by analogy with an open thermodynamic system. The accepted methodological approach allowed investigating processes of energy exchange in rocks and natural transformations of some types of energy to others. Findings. The analysis is conducted and systematization of geodynamic conditions by underground mining of ore fields of Ukraine is executed. The ways of development of new hypotheses, theories and methods of research of the energy condition of rocks are given. The description perspective in world practice of a natural condition of rocks is enclosed. Components of redistribution of energy in the massif of rocks are defined: entropy, potential stresses and angles of their action. An inspection of the results obtained on convergence is conducted and corresponding conclusions on their application are drawn. Originality. The thermodynamic balance in rocks of the Ukrainian Crystalline shield is formed due to equilibration of vertical and horizontal power streams which, with increasing mining depth, enhance components of a tensor of stress on sedate dependence, rejecting them from hydrostatic ones during increasing in mining depth. Practical value. The entropy method of research which allows investigating natural state of rocks with increasing depth is developed. Classification of methods of research on the stress-strain state of rocks due to introduction of a synergetic group which includes entropy, thermodynamic and energy methods is improved. It is established that distribution of entropy in rocks of the Ukrainian Crystalline shield proceeds in mutually perpendicular directions, which correspond to vertical and horizontal energy streams

Metal sources for the Katanga Copperbelt deposits (DRC) insights from Sr and Nd isotope ratios

The ore deposits of the Central African Copperbelt formed during a multiphase mineralisation process. The basement underlying the Neoproterozoic Katanga Supergroup that hosts the ore, demonstrates the largest potential as metal source. Various ore deposits that formed during different mineralisation phases are taken as case studies, i.e. Kamoto, Luiswishi, Kambove West, Dikulushi and Kipushi (Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC). The Sr and Nd isotopic compositions of gangue carbonates associated with these deposits is determined and compared with those of rocks from several basement units, bordering or underlying the Copperbelt, to infer the metal sources. The mineralising fluid of diagenetic stratiform Cu-Co mineralisation interacted with felsic basement rocks underlying the region. The Co from these deposits is most likely derived from mafic rocks, but this is not observed in the isotopic signatures. Syn-orogenic, stratabound Cu-Co mineralisation resulted mainly from remobilisation of diagenetic sulphides. A limited, renewed contribution of metals from felsic basement rocks might be indicated by the isotope ratios in the western part of the Copperbelt, where the metamorphic grade is the lowest. The mineralising fluid of syn- and post-orogenic, vein-type mineralisations interacted with local mafic rocks, and with felsic basement or siliciclastic host rocks