The influence of cell window imperfections on the calibration and measured data of two types of rotating-analyzer ellipsometers

A graphical method has been developed to determine the plane of incidence in the presence of cell windows with small retardation. For two types of rotating-analyzer ellipsometers, expressions have been derived that relate the experimental parameters and the elements of the Mueller imperfection matrices of the windows. These matrices can be determined by measuring with and without cell windows. Measurements have been performed with three samples with different optical constants

Spectroscopic ellipsometric investigation of the clean and oxygen exposed Ni(110) surface

Dynamical ellipsometric investigations of the initial oxidation of the Ni(110) surface have been performed. Ellipsometry appears to be well suited to distinguish between chemisorbed oxygen and nickel oxide on the surface. Annealing at 740 K causes the nucleation of nickel oxide to proceed faster than at 570 K. After equal exposures however, the nucleation is slower with an oxygen pressure of 2 × 10−7 Torr than with a pressure of 1.3 × 10−8 Torr. Spectroscopic ellipsometric measurements (400–800 nm) have been performed on clean and oxygen-exposed (at saturation) Ni(110) surfaces. The complex dielectric function of the clean surface has been determined. To explain the results of the oxygen exposed surface a model is discussed — a surface layer with a thickness of 6 Å and a mixture of 90% NiO and 10% Ni — in which changes with substrate optical properties are taken into account

You Gotta Serve Somebody

The freedom of Christ, however, is rooted in the work accomplished by Christ on the cross, that is, freeing us from the shackles of our sin forever. Posting about ­­­­­­­­freedom to serve through Christ from In All Things - an online journal for critical reflection on faith, culture, art, and every ordinary-yet-graced square inch of God’s creation. http://inallthings.org/you-gotta-serve-somebody

The Pervasive Power of Leaven

Even from the most humble, weak, and small beginnings, God can accomplish his purposes. In fact, he promises that he will. Posting about ­­­­­­­­God\u27s power through our weakness from In All Things - an online journal for critical reflection on faith, culture, art, and every ordinary-yet-graced square inch of God’s creation. http://inallthings.org/the-pervasive-power-of-leaven

Effects of task difficulty and old age on motor learning and its neural mechanisms

Athletes, patients, and musicians of all ages practice to learn new motor skills or re-learn motor skills lost over time or due to clinical conditions. According to the optimal challenge point framework, practicing a motor skill at a certain, optimal difficulty level enhances its retention. However, the presence of an optimal challenge point for motor learning, as well as its underlying neural mechanisms, are still under debate. Furthermore, it is unclear how task difficulty interacts with age-related declines. Therefore, the main objective of this thesis was to determine the effects of task difficulty and old age on motor learning and practice-related neural plasticity. Together, the results from this thesis suggest that predictions from the optimal challenge point framework are only applicable when a certain error threshold is crossed. While task difficulty does not affect motor skill retention in younger adults, practicing a motor task at a high difficulty level hinders motor skill retention as well as neural plasticity in older adults. In addition, both task difficulty and age affect the strategy to improve in a redundant space-time motor task like mirror star tracing. The findings in this thesis stress the importance of adding task difficulty as a variable to dose motor learning in sports as well as clinical rehabilitation and give a basis for future research aiming to optimize motor learning in clinical settings. In conclusion, this thesis provides evidence that both task difficulty and old age affect motor skill acquisition and retention, as well as the underlying neural plasticity

Effective Leadership Practices of Successful Superintendents in Christian Schools

This qualitative, collective case study investigated the effective leadership practices of successful superintendents associated with growth and improvement in operations and student learning in Christian schools who are members of Christian Schools International. The purpose of this study was to describe and understand these effective leadership practices. Eight participants shared their practices and experiences as superintendents of Christian schools through interviews and questionnaires. The study revealed seven themes of effective leadership practices: faith in God and his calling to leadership; focus on mission, vision, and strategic planning; engaging in relationships; superintendent leadership with the board and administration team; gifted, educated, and passionate about leadership; pursue growth and excellence in and for the school; and practice effective leadership skills – habits, tasks, and practices. These themes are rooted in several theories which explained each of the themes: Covey’s (2004a, 2004b) eight habits of effective people, Greenleaf’s (2002) servant leadership, and the theory of transformational leadership. These superintendents shared their effective leadership practices from their training, their experiences, and God’s calling to lead in Christian schools in order to serve Him with their gifts

By Our Love

Love, then, is lavishing yourself upon someone who is unworthy and unattractive. It’s loving to the end—that is, to death. Posting about Christ\u27s example of love from In All Things - an online hub committed to the claim that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has implications for the entire world. http://inallthings.org/by-our-love