On quantization of nondispersive wave packets

Canonical commutation relations for the Bateman-Hillion type nondispersive wave packets are constructedComment: LaTeX, 10 page

Integrating Social Emotional Learning with English Language Arts: Creating Relevancy to Reading and Writing

In an era of ever-increasing demand for student achievement, with regard to standardized test scores and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and research conducted over the past two decades which has shown a direct correlation between the impact of social and emotional learning and academic performance, consideration of intentional approaches to curriculum development and implementation which incorporate aspects of social and emotional learning is warranted. Since literature offers an opportunity to discuss characters\u27 pro- or anti-social behaviors and skills, as well as the way in which their feelings motivate their actions, the study of literature, and the ELA classroom, would appear to be central to increasing the emotional intelligence of today\u27s students. This research project examines the role emotions play in learning to understand how social emotional learning (SEL) concepts can be linked to curriculum, and to incorporate SEL concepts into an English Language Arts (ELA) literature unit. The research project reviews current literature that pertains to social and emotional learning concepts and methodologies. The final section includes a fully developed, 15 lesson ELA plan on the novel “Seedfolk” by Paul Fleischman. In addition to reading the story, the lessons incorporate researching information on foreign countries, vocabulary word identification, answering comprehension questions, completing a character comparison chart, completing a character trait graphic organizer, and a journal prompt as well as social emotional learning, literary elements, and literary devices. Visual aids and worksheets are also included

Virtual patient design : exploring what works and why : a grounded theory study

Objectives: Virtual patients (VPs) are online representations of clinical cases used in medical education. Widely adopted, they are well placed to teach clinical reasoning skills. International technology standards mean VPs can be created, shared and repurposed between institutions. A systematic review has highlighted the lack of evidence to support which of the numerous VP designs may be effective, and why. We set out to research the influence of VP design on medical undergraduates. Methods: This is a grounded theory study into the influence of VP design on undergraduate medical students. Following a review of the literature and publicly available VP cases, we identified important design properties. We integrated them into two substantial VPs produced for this research. Using purposeful iterative sampling, 46 medical undergraduates were recruited to participate in six focus groups. Participants completed both VPs, an evaluation and a 1-hour focus group discussion. These were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using grounded theory, supported by computer-assisted analysis. Following open, axial and selective coding, we produced a theoretical model describing how students learn from VPs. Results: We identified a central core phenomenon designated ‘learning from the VP’. This had four categories: VP Construction; External Preconditions; Student–VP Interaction, and Consequences. From these, we constructed a three-layer model describing the interactions of students with VPs. The inner layer consists of the student's cognitive and behavioural preconditions prior to sitting a case. The middle layer considers the VP as an ‘encoded object’, an e-learning artefact and as a ‘constructed activity’, with associated pedagogic and organisational elements. The outer layer describes cognitive and behavioural change. Conclusions: This is the first grounded theory study to explore VP design. This original research has produced a model which enhances understanding of how and why the delivery and design of VPs influence learning. The model may be of practical use to authors, institutions and researchers

Feasibility study of an Integrated Program for Aerospace vehicle Design (IPAD). Volume 3: Support of the design process

The user requirements for computer support of the IPAD design process are identified. The user-system interface, language, equipment, and computational requirements are considered

Nonlinear Integral-Equation Formulation of Orthogonal Polynomials

The nonlinear integral equation P(x)=\int_alpha^beta dy w(y) P(y) P(x+y) is investigated. It is shown that for a given function w(x) the equation admits an infinite set of polynomial solutions P(x). For polynomial solutions, this nonlinear integral equation reduces to a finite set of coupled linear algebraic equations for the coefficients of the polynomials. Interestingly, the set of polynomial solutions is orthogonal with respect to the measure x w(x). The nonlinear integral equation can be used to specify all orthogonal polynomials in a simple and compact way. This integral equation provides a natural vehicle for extending the theory of orthogonal polynomials into the complex domain. Generalizations of the integral equation are discussed.Comment: 7 pages, result generalized to include integration in the complex domai

A probabilistic approach to some results by Nieto and Truax

In this paper, we reconsider some results by Nieto and Truax about generating functions for arbitrary order coherent and squeezed states. These results were obtained using the exponential of the Laplacian operator; more elaborated operational identities were used by Dattoli et al. \cite{Dattoli} to extend these results. In this note, we show that the operational approach can be replaced by a purely probabilistic approach, in the sense that the exponential of derivatives operators can be identified with equivalent expectation operators. This approach brings new insight about the kinks between operational and probabilistic calculus.Comment: 2nd versio

Guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : Working group of the South African pulmonology society

Objective: This guideline has been developed in order to optimise the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at all levels health care systems in South Africa. It contains an action plan for early recognition and appropriate treatment of this common condition.Options: Treatment regimens are recommended for patients with mild (stage I), and severe (stage III) disease.Outcomes: Optimal management of patients with COPD may achieve a reduction in breathlessness, improved quality of life, prevention of complications and limitation of disease progression.Evidence: The working Group comprised mainly pulmonologists, but included an anaesthetist, a pharmacologist and physiotherapist. Detailed literature review with particular attention to similar guideline documents from Europe and the USA was performed before the meeting.Recommendations: Steps in the management of patients with COPD include early recognition of the disease, smoking cessation, treatment of airflow obstruction with appropriate drugs (singly or in combination), education and pulmonary rehabilitation, and limitation of disease progression and complications. Detailed recommendations are made with regard to the use and interpretation of a trial of oral corticosteroid therapy. Indications for hospitalisation, intensive care unit admission and ventilatory support are provided.Validation: This guideline is similar to those recommended by other groups outside South Africa. It was developed by a working group of the South Africa Pulmonology Society and is endorsed by the Medical Association of South Africa.Sponsors: The meeting of the Working Group was sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. This sponsorship did not influence the activities of the Group