Exploring accuracy and impact of concurrent and retrospective self-talk among golfers

The current study aimed to provide insight into the types and frequency of self-talk of skilled golfers (n = 6) by considering and comparing concurrent verbalization and retrospective reports. Each participant wore a microphone to record his thoughts while verbalizing them for the duration of nine holes of golf on three separate occasions. The researchers transcribed and coded this verbalized self-talk. Participants also completed a retrospective self-talk questionnaire at the conclusion of each round. Results suggest that participants’ concurrent verbalization and retrospective reports were inconsistent, specifically with regard to function (i.e., motivational versus instructional) and valence (i.e., positive, negative, and neutral), and that participants felt their concurrent verbalization more accurately reflected their experiences. The results support previous research that indicates that retrospective reports of self-talk may not provide accurate insight into what athletes actually say to themselves as they perform in their sports, while asserting that concurrent verbalization may be a more accurate representation of their self-talk experiences

Integrated control and health management. Orbit transfer rocket engine technology program

To insure controllability of the baseline design for a 7500 pound thrust, 10:1 throttleable, dual expanded cycle, Hydrogen-Oxygen, orbit transfer rocket engine, an Integrated Controls and Health Monitoring concept was developed. This included: (1) Dynamic engine simulations using a TUTSIM derived computer code; (2) analysis of various control methods; (3) Failure Modes Analysis to identify critical sensors; (4) Survey of applicable sensors technology; and, (5) Study of Health Monitoring philosophies. The engine design was found to be controllable over the full throttling range by using 13 valves, including an oxygen turbine bypass valve to control mixture ratio, and a hydrogen turbine bypass valve, used in conjunction with the oxygen bypass to control thrust. Classic feedback control methods are proposed along with specific requirements for valves, sensors, and the controller. Expanding on the control system, a Health Monitoring system is proposed including suggested computing methods and the following recommended sensors: (1) Fiber optic and silicon bearing deflectometers; (2) Capacitive shaft displacement sensors; and (3) Hot spot thermocouple arrays. Further work is needed to refine and verify the dynamic simulations and control algorithms, to advance sensor capabilities, and to develop the Health Monitoring computational methods

Optimality of programmable quantum measurements

We prove that for a programmable measurement device that approximates every POVM with an error $\le \delta$, the dimension of the program space has to grow at least polynomially with $\frac{1}{\delta}$. In the case of qubits we can improve the general result by showing a linear growth. This proves the optimality of the programmable measurement devices recently designed in [G. M. D'Ariano and P. Perinotti, Phys. Rev. Lett. \textbf{94}, 090401 (2005)]

Random quantum channels I: graphical calculus and the Bell state phenomenon

This paper is the first of a series where we study quantum channels from the random matrix point of view. We develop a graphical tool that allows us to compute the expected moments of the output of a random quantum channel. As an application, we study variations of random matrix models introduced by Hayden \cite{hayden}, and show that their eigenvalues converge almost surely. In particular we obtain for some models sharp improvements on the value of the largest eigenvalue, and this is shown in a further work to have new applications to minimal output entropy inequalities.Comment: Several typos were correcte

Mars spacecraft power system development Interim report

Modified Mariner power system design for Mars mission

Developing responsibility using physical activity: a case study of Team Support

Physical activity-based interventions are becoming more popular as a way to enhance academic and social success of students in schools in underserved areas and are likely to be sustainable or replicated when based on a conceptual framework (Domitrovich, Bradshaw, Greenberg, Embry, Poduska, & Ialongo, 2010). This study explored (i) the fidelity of Team Support, a physical activity-based program, to Hellisons Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model and (ii) the perceived competencies developed through participation in Team Support. To explore the programs fidelity to Hellisons TPSR model, a protocol adherence rating scale was developed to gather quantitative and qualitative data on advisors behavior (n=15) in relation to Hellisons TPSR model. Using descriptive statistics and thematic analyses, the researchers found that the program adhered to Hellisons TPSR model. To explore the perceived competencies developed through participation in Team Support, interviews were conducted with individual students (n=12), two student focus groups (n=8 per group), and advisors of the program (n=9). Specific social, emotional, and academic areas of growth were identified in relation to Hellisons TPSR model.Cada vez son más frecuentes las intervenciones mediante la actividad física cuyo fin es la mejora académica y social de los alumnos de escuelas de áreas desfavorecidas; dichas intervenciones, si se apoyan en algún marco teórico-conceptual, son probablemente sostenibles o replicables (Domitrovich, Bradshaw, Greenberg, Embry, Poduska, & Ialongo, 2010). Este estudio explora (i) la fidelidad del programa Apoyo de Equipo, un programa basado en la actividad física, con el modelo de Enseñanza de la Responsabilidad Personal y Social (TPSR) de Hellison y (ii) las competencias que los participantes en él percibieron haber desarrollado. Para detectar la fidelidad con el modelo TPSR, se diseñó una escala a fin de recoger datos cuantitativos y cualitativos sobre la conducta de los líderes adultos (n=15) en relación con el modelo de Hellison. Mediante estadística descriptiva y análisis temático, los investigadores confirmaron que el programa se ajustaba al modelo. Para investigar las competencias que los participantes percibieron haber desarrollado, se realizaron entrevistas individuales con alumnos (n=12), dos grupos de discusión con los estudiantes (n= 8 por grupo) y con los líderes adultos del programa (n=9). Se identificaron, en relación con el modelo de TPSR de Hellison, áreas de crecimiento específicas de carácter social, emocional y académico

Macrospin Tunneling and Magnetopolaritons with Nanomechanical Interference

We theoretically address the quantum dynamics of a nanomechanical resonator coupled to the macrospin of a magnetic nanoparticle by both instanton and perturbative approaches. We demonstrate suppression of the tunneling between opposite magnetizations by nanomechanical interference. By approximating the macrospin as a two-level system, we describe magnetopolaritons and their destruction by interference. The predictions can be verified experimentally by a molecular magnet attached to a nanomechanical bridge.Comment: 4.4 pages, 3 figures. Slightly revised presentation, results unchange