Polarization singularities in the clear sky

Ideas from singularity theory provide a simple account of the pattern of polarization directions in daylight. The singularities (two near the Sun and two near the anti-Sun) are points in the sky where the polarization line pattern has index +1/2 and the intensity of polarization is zero. The singularities are caused by multiple scattering that splits into two each of the unstable index +1 singularities at the Sun and anti-Sun, which occur in the single-dipole scattering (Rayleigh) theory. The polarization lines are contours of an elliptic integral. For the intensity of polarization (unnormalized degree), it is necessary to incorporate the strong depolarizing effect of multiple scattering near the horizon. Singularity theory is compared with new digital images of sky polarization, and gives an excellent description of the pattern of polarization directions. For the intensity of polarization, the theory can reproduce not only the zeros but also subtle variations in the polarization maxima

Loading system effect on performance, handling and meat quality attributes of finisher pigs

Handling and transport losses can encompass several challenges experienced frequently by producers and packers alike. Marketing and transportation stress not only costs the industry due to mortalities, but has direct impact on the quality of pork delivered to the consumer (Barton-Gade, 1992; Geverink et al., 1996; Hambrecht, 2005).;The primary objective of the current study was to determine if loading system affects the incidence of losses during transportation or at the packing plant, welfare parameters at the time of marketing, and meat quality attributes. Two loading systems (prototype loading gantry [P] vs. traditional chute [T]) were compared on the first pigs marketed from a finishing facility (first pull [FP] pigs) and on the last pigs marketed from a finishing facility (closeout [CO] pigs).;Loading system influenced the total number of dead pigs (P \u3c 0.06) and total losses (P \u3c 0.03) in FP pigs. Results indicated that pigs loaded on the P chute during the FP have fewer total deads and total losses. Loading system also influenced welfare parameters ( P \u3c 0.01) of both FP and CO pigs at the time of marketing. Pigs loaded on the P chute experienced significantly fewer electric prods, slips, falls, vocalizations, and pile ups, regardless of time of marketing.;Loading system did influence several meat quality attributes evaluated. In a comparison of FP pigs, loins from pigs loaded with the P loading system had higher (P \u3c 0.05) initial and 24 h pH and tended to have higher (P = 0.08) JCS cut values, but lower ( P = 0.03) loin L* values. The higher JSC cut values and lower L* values indicate a darker, redder color meat. Among CO pigs, loins from pigs loaded with the P loading system had higher (P = 0.01) 24 h pH and JCS rib values, but lower (P = 0.06) L* values. Understanding key factors influencing losses during this time frame enables targeted interventions to improve both welfare and meat quality. This investigation has provided data to support changes in facility design that may ultimately lead to the improvement of performance, welfare, and pork quality

Persuasion and instructional media: the use of a fear provoking videotape to change attitudes toward smoking in field dependent/independent college students

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/955912

The Application of a Triboelectric Energy Harvester in the Packaged Product Vibration Environment

Smart packaging technology is growing every year, complemented by the development of micro-electronic devices. These two trends in innovation create unique capabilities for monitoring and tracking packaged products in transit. Developing in tandem with this momentum of invention and micro-scaling of technology is the need for innovative ways to power these devices. This paper details a novel system that harvests energy from the vibration inherent in the transportation of packaged products, stores it, and uses it to power sensors that measure the very same environment from which the energy is harvested. Also accomplished in this research is the exploration of the physical and electrical durability of the energy harvester, as well as its sensitivity to environmental relative humidity. A triboelectric energy harvester converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, which is then collected and used to charge a rechargeable energy cell. This energy cell may then be used to power small electronic devices for a myriad of applications, such as temperature and humidity sensors, accelerometers, or GPS tracking devices. This energy harvester is constructed in the form of a tier sheet to be used within a unit load, replacing a corrugate sheet with a device that achieves the same purpose, while enabling power generation. This research details a unique use of the triboelectric energy harvesting method in its application in packaged product distribution, as well as conditions, such as physical durability of the harvester and humidity of its immediate environment. The triboelectric energy harvester developed is experimentally validated for use in generating power sufficient to charge a coin cell battery capable of powering various field data recorders, the requirements of which are detailed in this manuscript

"It's been a helluva year": the experience of vestibular disorders on the significant other's quality of life

A dissertation on a study presented to the Discipline of Speech Pathology and Audiology , School of Human and Community Development , Faculty of Humanities , University of the Witwatersrand , In fulfilment of the requirements for the degree M.A. Audiology , March 2017In health care, there appears to be greater consideration for the biopsychosocial model of disability and viewing disability in terms of functional health. Recently, the effect of impairment on the significant other’s (SO’s) quality of life (QOL) has been explored. In audiology, there appear to be very few published studies in this area, particularly related to vestibular disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of vestibular disorders on the SO’s QOL. A qualitative research design was employed, including 11 interviews and two focus groups. Participants were SO’s of individuals with chronic vestibular disorders, and were recruited from a private audiology practice in Gauteng through purposive sampling strategies. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Eight primary themes emerged in the data analysis: social implications, financial implications, searching for a diagnosis, emotional effects, changes in family dynamics, support systems, comparison-oriented coping mechanisms, and referrals for psychological services. Findings suggested that SO’s experienced third-party vestibular disability; however, having the appropriate support systems, including family and friends, was pertinent. It was also indicated that the relationship with the audiologist was essential in providing better understanding of the condition and prognosis thereof, resulting in less frustration and improved adaptation to the reported changes. A key finding was the lack of referral for psychological or counselling services. These findings suggest the need to account for third-party vestibular disability in clinical, theoretical, and academic settings, and they call for the inclusion of third-party disability in policy-making.MT 201

Optical Mobius Strips in Three Dimensional Ellipse Fields: Lines of Circular Polarization

The major and minor axes of the polarization ellipses that surround singular lines of circular polarization in three dimensional optical ellipse fields are shown to be organized into Mobius strips. These strips can have either one or three half-twists, and can be either right- or left-handed. The normals to the surrounding ellipses generate cone-like structures. Two special projections, one new geometrical, and seven new topological indices are developed to characterize the rather complex structures of the Mobius strips and cones. These eight indices, together with the two well-known indices used until now to characterize singular lines of circular polarization, could, if independent, generate 16,384 geometrically and topologically distinct lines. Geometric constraints and 13 selection rules are discussed that reduce the number of lines to 2,104, some 1,150 of which have been observed in practice; this number of different C lines is ~ 350 times greater than the three types of lines recognized previously. Statistical probabilities are presented for the most important index combinations in random fields. It is argued that it is presently feasible to perform experimental measurements of the Mobius strips and cones described here theoretically

Optical M0bius Strips in Three Dimensional Ellipse Fields: Lines of Linear Polarization

The minor axes of, and the normals to, the polarization ellipses that surround singular lines of linear polarization in three dimensional optical ellipse fields are shown to be organized into Mobius strips and into structures we call rippled rings (r-rings). The Mobius strips have two full twists, and can be either right- or left-handed. The major axes of the surrounding ellipses generate cone-like structures. Three orthogonal projections that give rise to 15 indices are used to characterize the different structures. These indices, if independent, could generate 839,808 geometrically and topologically distinct lines; selection rules are presented that reduce the number of lines to 8,248, some 5,562 of which have been observed in a computer simulation. Statistical probabilities are presented for the most important index combinations in random fields. It is argued that it is presently feasible to perform experimental measurements of the Mobius strips, r-rings, and cones described here theoretically

Theory of charcteristics of second order partial differential equations

In the following material we shall be concerned with the secon-order partial differential equation

Loxosceles Rufescens Found in Columbus, Ohio

Author Institution: Faculty of Entomology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 4321