A normal paranoia? The emergence of distrust between parents of autistic children and public officials

This paper explores the development of distrust and paranoia among parents and carers of autistic children in their interactions with public officials charged with such children’s diagnosis, education and care. The suspicion and distrust framework of Fein and Hilton (1994), and Kramer’s typology of organisational paranoia (1998, 2001) are used to show how distrust impacts on client experiences. Antecedents of distrust are identified, and the ‘normalcy’ of paranoia in this context is demonstrated. These findings should permit public sector staff dealing with parents and carers of autistic children to address such perceptions and build trust where little seems to exist

Competent genetic-evolutionary optimization of water distribution systems

A genetic algorithm has been applied to the optimal design and rehabilitation of a water distribution system. Many of the previous applications have been limited to small water distribution systems, where the computer time used for solving the problem has been relatively small. In order to apply genetic and evolutionary optimization technique to a large-scale water distribution system, this paper employs one of competent genetic-evolutionary algorithms - a messy genetic algorithm to enhance the efficiency of an optimization procedure. A maximum flexibility is ensured by the formulation of a string and solution representation scheme, a fitness definition, and the integration of a well-developed hydraulic network solver that facilitate the application of a genetic algorithm to the optimization of a water distribution system. Two benchmark problems of water pipeline design and a real water distribution system are presented to demonstrate the application of the improved technique. The results obtained show that the number of the design trials required by the messy genetic algorithm is consistently fewer than the other genetic algorithms

Large water-hammer pressure for column separation in pipelines

Water-hammer pressures in a pipeline due to the collapse of a vapor cavity adjacent to a valve are investigated. A water-hammer event is initiated by the closure of a valve in a simple reservoir-pipeline-valve system. The sequence of events following an instantaneous valve closure leading to the formation and collapse of a vapor cavity and the resultant occurrence of a short-duration pressure pulse are described. Short-duration pressure pulses result from the superposition of the valve-closure water-hammer wave and the wave generated by the collapse of the vapor cavity. The resulting maximum pressure may exceed the Joukowsky pressure generated from the initial valve closure. A series of numerical model analyses exhibiting short-duration pressure pulses are presented. In addition, experimental results supporting the findings of the numerical studies are also presented. Experimental plots of hydraulic grade line versus time exhibit short-duration pressure pulses of different shape and characteristics.Angus R. Simpson and E. Benjamin Wyli

Imp F/G(4,5)

The development and characteristics of a solid state cosmic ray telescope for use on the IMP F and G missions are discussed. The charged particle telescopes are shown in cross section. The evolution of the telescope from previous instrument developments is described. The performance of the instruments during space missions is analyzed

Radar studies of the Martian surface

The acquisition, processing, and interpretation of radar from Mars are reported with emphasis on the facilities of the Arecibo observatory. The project is now essentially complete. Results include scattering law studies in the Syrtis Major, Elysium, and Chryse areas of that planet and reflectivity measurements. Software for general use in the radar program at Arecibo was developed. Participation in acquisition and reduction of data from Venus and Mercury is detailed

Digitizing signals - a short tutorial guide

Converting the analogue signal, as captured from a patient, into digital format is known as digitizing, or analogue to digital conversion. This is a vital first step in for digital signal processing. The acquisition of high-quality data requires appropriate choices of system and parameters (sampling rate, anti-alias filter, amplification, number of ‘bits’). Thus tutorial aims to provide a practical guide to making these choices, and explains the underlying principles (rather than the mathematical theory and proofs) and potential pitfalls. Illustrative examples from different physiological signals are provided

Observations of diffuse galactic gamma rays

The observations of galactic diffuse gamma radiation are reviewed. The connections of the gamma ray observations with galactic structure and cosmic rays are discussed. The high latitude galactic component and the low latitude emission from the galactic plane are examined. The observations in other regions of the gamma ray spectrum are discussed

Data processing and analysis from the University of Chicago charged particle experiment on the OGO-5 spacecraft

The data processing and analysis performed for the charged particle experiment are summarized, and the principal scientific results obtained from the analysis are reported. A bibliography is included of conference reports, and publications based on these results is included

Experiments out of the solar system ecliptic plane: An introduction to the ecliptic mission

Mission planning by NASA and ESA for the 1980 timeframe to observe the sun from an angle other than the solar ecliptic plane is discussed. Such missions will aid in a more thorough understanding of the sun, interplanetary space, and their influence on the earth. Jupiter swing-by techniques (first achieved by Pioneer 10) are proposed as a means of achieving an out-of-the-ecliptic mission for solar studies. Spacecraft trajectories are illustrated for a dual Pioneer spacecraft mission to observe the sun