The role of learning progressions in global scales

Learning progressions are valuable tools for the international assessment community. Ray Adams reports

Fast Fourier Transform algorithm design and tradeoffs

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is a mainstay of certain numerical techniques for solving fluid dynamics problems. The Connection Machine CM-2 is the target for an investigation into the design of multidimensional Single Instruction Stream/Multiple Data (SIMD) parallel FFT algorithms for high performance. Critical algorithm design issues are discussed, necessary machine performance measurements are identified and made, and the performance of the developed FFT programs are measured. Fast Fourier Transform programs are compared to the currently best Cray-2 FFT program

Environmental Control and Life Support System

Viewgraphs on the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) for the space station are presented. The ECLSS is divided into six subsystems: temperature and humidity control (THC), atmosphere control and supply (ACS), atmosphere revitalization (AR), fire detection and suppression (FDS), water recovery management (WRM), and waste management (WM). Topics covered include: ECLSS subsystem functions; ECLSS distributed system; ECLSS functional distribution; CO2 removal; CO2 reduction; oxygen generation; urine processor; and potable water recovery

The Relationship Between Core Stability & Squat Ratio in Resistance-Trained Males

Background: The lumbopelvic-hip complex, also referred to as the “core”, is composed of every muscle between the knees and sternum. The back squat (BS) and front squat (FS) are both staple exercises that challenge the core in different ways.  Possessing a properly balanced squat ratio (SR = 1-RM FS/1-RM BS; 1-RM = one-repetition maximum) could lead to a more stable core. Objective: This study attempted to determine if there was a meaningful relationship between the SR and core strength (CS) in resistance-trained males. If a strong relation exists between the SR and CS, strength and conditioning professionals would have a readily available assessment tool for examining CS by simply viewing the SR. Method: Twenty-one resistance-trained males (age = 28.3 ± 6.2 years; body mass = 93.1 ± 13.1 kg; height = 181.9 ± 7.6 cm; weight training experience with FS & BS = 6.4 ± 3.7 years) performed CS tests (flexor endurance, extensor endurance, prone bridge, left side-bridge, and right side-bridge), along with a 1-RM in the BS and FS.  An aggregate of the CS test times (CSA) was also calculated for comparison with the SR. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r) was used to compare the SR with the CS tests and the CSA. Results: The CS test results were as follows (secs): flexor endurance 228.2±93.0, extensor endurance 137.0±28.2, prone bridge 166.7±51.3, left side-bridge 97.36±31.0, right side-bridge 100.2±28.3, and CSA 729.8±165.4. The 1-RM BS, 1-RM FS, and SR were: 157.5±29.7 kgs, 132.2±24.3 kgs, and 0.84±0.06 respectively.  A moderate correlation was found between total CSA and the SR (r = 0.50, CD2 = 0.25, p<0.05).  In addition, a moderate correlation was found between the prone bridge test and the SR (r = 0.49, CD2 = 0.24, p<0.05).  A very strong positive correlation was also found between 1-RM BS and 1-RM FS (r = 0.93, CD2 = 0.86, p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the CSA and prone bridge test are moderately related to the SR. However, the low coefficient of determination between the SR and CS times suggests that the SR is not a suitable estimate of CS. The very strong relationship between the 1-RM FS and 1-RM BS provides strong evidence for the interchangeable use of these modalities within a resistance training protocol

What is \u27equity\u27 in education

Equity in education is often viewed as equivalence or sameness. A more useful way to view equity is through the lens of ‘fairness’

Book reviews

Teaching/Communication/Extension/Profession,

Experimental study of local strong parity violation in relativistic nuclear collisions

Parity-odd domains, corresponding to non-trivial topological solutions of the QCD vacuum, might be created in relativistic heavy ions collisions. These domains are predicted to lead to charge separation along the system orbital momentum of the system created in non-central collisions. Three-particle mixed harmonics azimuthal correlator is a \P even observable but directly sensitive to the charge separation effect. Using this observable to analyze Au+Au and Cu+Cu collisions at $\sqrt{s_{NN}}=200$ and 62 GeV, STAR detects a signal consistent with several of the theoretical expectations. Possible contributions from effects not related to parity violation are studied with existing event generators, which fail to describe the data. Future directions in studying the effect are discussed.Comment: Proceedings, plenary invited talk at Quark Matter 2009 Conference, Knoxville, Tennessee. One reference added. Final versio