Far infrared observations of crab-like supernova remnants

Using the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) data, an investigation was begun of the far infrared properties of Crab-like supernova remnants and other synchrotron nebulae. Both the co-added scanning data and, where available, pointed observations were examined. To date infrared emission was found from two Crab-like remnants: G24.7+0.6 in which the infrared source near the center of the object was shown to be a compact HII region with EM greater than or approximately 10 to the 7th pc/cm(6); and G0.9+0.1 where a marginal detection of a 25 micron source coincident with the remnant core was used to set limits on the energetics of this synchrotron nebula. Further work, in progress under a second year of this program, should yield additional information concerning the distribution of initial pulsar spin periods and the evolution of synchrotron nebulae

Classification of adults with problematic internet experiences: Linking internet and conventional problems from a clinical perspective.

Abstract This article utilizes data from clinical reports of 929 adults to examine whether various problematic Internet experiences are distinctly different from or extensions of conventional problems. A TwoStep Cluster Analysis identified three mutually exclusive groups of adults, those with (1) online relationship problems and victimization; (2) online and offline problems; and (3) marital discord. Results suggest some initial support for the idea that problematic Internet experiences are often extensions of experiences and behaviors that pre-date the Internet. However, the Internet may be introducing some qualitatively new dimensions - such as an increased severity, an increased frequency, or unique dynamics - that require new responses or interventions

Laser Illuminated Imaging: Multiframe Beam Tilt Tracking and Deconvolution Algorithm

A laser-illuminated imaging system operating in the presence of atmospheric turbulence will encounter several sources of noise and diffraction induced errors. As the beam propagates, turbulence induced tilt will cause the beam to wander off axis from the target. This is especially troublesome when imaging satellites, since most turbulence is closer to the Earth\u27s surface and greatly affects the beam in the early stages of propagation. Additionally, the returning beam convolved with the target will encounter turbulence induced tilt that appears as apparent movement of the target between image frames. This results in varying beam intensities at the target surface between imaging frames that can affect registration algorithms and tracking. In this research effort, an algorithm using expectation maximization and least squares techniques was developed that has the ability to separately estimate both the tilt of the pulsed laser beam and the apparent movement of the object between incoherent frames and produce a superior image estimate of the target and provide tracking information. The results from this algorithm can be used to reduce the effects of beam wander and increase the SNR of post-processed images

STABILIZATION OF UPLAND RICE PRODUCTION UNDER SHORTENED FALLOW IN WEST AFRICA: RESEARCH PRIORITY SETTING IN A DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC CLIMATE

This paper presents a dynamic model of land resource degradation and shifting rice cultivation in West Africa based upon Boserup and Dvorak. The model indicates the ex ante impact of research strategies to maximize the economic benefits of host plant resistance and land resource management and thereby stabilize yield decline and reduce land degradation.Land Economics/Use, Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Techniques for Improved Space Object Detection Performance from Ground-Based Telescope Systems Using Long and Short Exposure Images

Space object detection is of great importance in the highly dependent yet competitive and congested space domain. Detection algorithms employed play a crucial role in fulfilling the detection component in the space situational awareness mission to detect, track, characterize and catalog unknown space objects. Many current space detection algorithms use a matched filter or a spatial correlator on long exposure data to make a detection decision at a single pixel point of a spatial image based on the assumption that the data follows a Gaussian distribution. This research focuses on improving current space object detection algorithms and developing new algorithms that provide a greater detection performance, specifically with dim and small objects which are inherently difficult to detect. With a greater detection rate, a great number of unknown objects will be detected, tracked and cataloged to deliver safer space operations. Three novel approaches to object detection using long and short exposure images obtained from ground-based telescopes are examined in this dissertation

Online mental health treatment: Concerns and considerations

Concerns and considerations have emerged as mental health professionals contemplate the provision of mental health treatment over the Internet. This paper identifies perceptions of online mental health treatment among a national sample of 2,098 social workers, psychologists, and other professionals. These professionals were unlikely to provide online mental health treatment, although some used the Internet as an adjunct to clinical practice. They noted specific concerns related to the provision of mental health treatment online, including confidentiality of client information and liability issues. We explore these issues and discuss implications for professionals who provide mental health treatment