Closed categories, star-autonomy, and monoidal comonads

This paper determines what structure is needed for internal homs in a monoidal category C to be liftable to the category C^G of Eilenberg-Moore coalgebras for a monoidal comonad G on C. We apply this to lift star-autonomy with the view to recasting the definition of quantum groupoid.Comment: 25 page

Topological properties of spaces admitting free group actions

In 1992, David Wright proved a remarkable theorem about which contractible open manifolds are covering spaces. He showed that if a one-ended open manifold M has pro-monomorphic fundamental group at infinity which is not pro-trivial and is not stably Z, then M does not cover any manifold (except itself). In the non-manifold case, Wright's method showed that when a one-ended, simply connected, locally compact ANR X with pro-monomorphic fundamental group at infinity admits an action of Z by covering transformations then the fundamental group at infinity of X is (up to pro-isomorphism) an inverse sequence of finitely generated free groups. We improve upon this latter result, by showing that X must have a stable finitely generated free fundamental group at infinity. Simple examples show that a free group of any finite rank is possible. We also prove that if X (as above), admits a non-cocompact action of Z+Z by covering transformations, then X is simply connected at infinity. Corollary: Every finitely presented one-ended group G which contains an element of infinite order satisfies exactly one of the following: 1) G is simply connected at infinity; 2) G is virtually a surface group; 3) The fundamental group at infinity of G is not pro-monomorphic. Our methods also provide a quick new proof of Wright's open manifold theorem.Comment: Revised version with a shorter proof of the main theorem, plus numerous small corrections. To appear in the Journal of Topology. 31 pages, 4 figure

Covert Marketing Unmasked: A Legal and Regulatory Guide for Practices that Mask Marketing Messages

Masked marketing—one form of covert marketing—involves marketing communications that appear to be from independent third parties rather than from product marketers. This article presents a typology of masked marketing practices, illustrating whether they may be deceptive to consumers. To accomplish this, the authors apply the Federal Trade Commission’s three-part definition of deception (i.e., misleadingness, reasonable consumer, and materiality) in the evaluation of such practices. The article concludes with policy recommendations including areas for further research

A case study of the implementation of positive behavior supports (PBS)

The purpose of this single case study was to examine the significant personal, social, and environmental elements influencing effective second-year implementation of a specific school reform initiative, Positive Behavior Supports, in one alternative high school in southwestern Michigan. Data were collected in the form of artifacts, observations, surveys and interviews. All surveys and interviews were conducted by third-party assistants in the fall of 2009. The survey and interview data were provided to the researcher only after all identifying information had been removed so that the anonymity of participants was protected. Multiple theoretical frameworks were employed in the analysis of the data, including the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM; George, Hall, & Stiegelbauer, 2006); Bolman and Deal’s (2003) structural frame, human resource frame, political frame, and symbolic frame; Schein’s (2004) theories on organizational culture; and Van Maanen and Schein’s (1979) Theory of Organizational Socialization. The study found that following the second year of Positive Behavior Supports implementation, the staff of the alternative high school remained confident in the effectiveness of the reform initiative; however, most staff were unable to evolve the program into more sophisticated forms. The reasons for this inability to advance the initiative included the need for additional training (for both new as well as veteran staff members), the lack of necessary financial resources to adequately support the program, the lack of time for planning and reflection coupled with the competing demands of other activities and expectations (most notably, the Michigan Merit Curriculum), and apprehension regarding effective collaboration with peers. Furthermore, the study found that an emphasis on additional training for veteran staff would be beneficial not only to help them with replacing previously-learned, deeply engrained behaviors, but also to allow for more effective socialization of new members into the school culture

Experiences and expectations: What prompts an educator to use computers in the classroom?

Charged with the task of providing today\u27s youth with the education they need, many school boards across North America have invested large sums of money in computer technology. However, although the technology is being installed in the schools, many educators are not using the technology to its full potential as a learning tool. In the present study, elementary (n = 148) and secondary (n = 150) educators completed one survey which assessed two domains believed to influence an educator\u27s decision to integrate computer technology into his/her classroom. The first domain was comprised of gender and teaching level (elementary versus secondary), which previous literature has indicated to be significant in influencing computer use. The second domain was composed of individual difference measures such as positive attitudes towards computers, intrinsic motivation, desire for recognition, and desire for monetary reward. Two analyses were conducted to update existing literature on the current use of computers by educators, and to investigate the individual differences which encourage computer use. Analyses of variance were used to examine the impact of gender and teaching level on variance indices of computer use. Overall, although some gender differences were present, they were not always as expected. Three regression analyses explored the individual difference variables. These analyses indicated that the single strongest predictor of classroom computer use was positive attitudes towards computer technology with some more limited impact from intrinsic motivation

A W-band gyrotron backward wave oscillator with helically corrugated waveguide

This thesis was previously held under moratorium from 9th May 2011 until 9th May 2013.This thesis presents the results of a successful W-band gyrotron backward wave oscillator experiment. Three major achievements presented in this thesis are: 1) The design, simulation, construction and operation of a cusp electron gun; 2) The design, simulation, optimisation, construction and experimental measurement of a W-band helically corrugated waveguide and 3) the operation of the world's first W-band gyro-BWO using both a helically corrugated waveguide and a cusp electron gun. Gyro-BWO interaction with a 2nd cyclotron harmonic axis-encircling annular electron beam was observed. The interaction region was constructed through an accurate electroplating method while the designed dispersion characteristics agreed well to the experimental measurements. The loss through the optimised construction method was low, recorded around 1dB through the frequency range of interest. The following work presents the analytical, numerical and experimental investigation of a proof of principle gyro-BWO experiment. The design, simulation and optimisation of a thermionic cusp electron gun that can generate a 1.5A, 40kV axisencircling electron beam are discussed. Simulations showed a high quality electron beam with ~8% velocity spread and ~10% alpha spread. Experiments were conducted using this electron gun and the accelerating voltage pulse, diode current, transported beam current are presented. The electron beam profile was recorded showing a clear axis-encircling beam image from which the electron beam diameter and alpha values can be measured. Microwave radiation was measured over a frequency range of ~91-100GHz with a approximate maximum power of ~0.37kW. Operating over the magnetic field range 1.79T to 1.9T and measured over a range of alpha values this result was very impressive and proved the successful operation of the gyro-BWO.This thesis presents the results of a successful W-band gyrotron backward wave oscillator experiment. Three major achievements presented in this thesis are: 1) The design, simulation, construction and operation of a cusp electron gun; 2) The design, simulation, optimisation, construction and experimental measurement of a W-band helically corrugated waveguide and 3) the operation of the world's first W-band gyro-BWO using both a helically corrugated waveguide and a cusp electron gun. Gyro-BWO interaction with a 2nd cyclotron harmonic axis-encircling annular electron beam was observed. The interaction region was constructed through an accurate electroplating method while the designed dispersion characteristics agreed well to the experimental measurements. The loss through the optimised construction method was low, recorded around 1dB through the frequency range of interest. The following work presents the analytical, numerical and experimental investigation of a proof of principle gyro-BWO experiment. The design, simulation and optimisation of a thermionic cusp electron gun that can generate a 1.5A, 40kV axisencircling electron beam are discussed. Simulations showed a high quality electron beam with ~8% velocity spread and ~10% alpha spread. Experiments were conducted using this electron gun and the accelerating voltage pulse, diode current, transported beam current are presented. The electron beam profile was recorded showing a clear axis-encircling beam image from which the electron beam diameter and alpha values can be measured. Microwave radiation was measured over a frequency range of ~91-100GHz with a approximate maximum power of ~0.37kW. Operating over the magnetic field range 1.79T to 1.9T and measured over a range of alpha values this result was very impressive and proved the successful operation of the gyro-BWO

AN ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT METHODOLOGIES FOR MITIGATING THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC UNDERWATER SOUND ON MARINE LIFE, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BEST PRACTICE

Underwater sound from anthropogenic sources such as seismic surveys, marine renewable device installations and naval exercises has the potential to disturb and cause injury to a variety of marine species. There is particular concern for the potential effects upon marine mammals, which utilise sound to communicate, hunt and navigate. Observed effects include behavioural changes and reduced sighting rates, with unknown consequences for individuals or populations over time. Potential effects on marine mammals include sound induced damage to auditory systems, altered diving behaviour potentially resulting in decompression sickness, stranding and death. The aim of the thesis was to develop a framework of best practice measures relating to mitigating the potential effects of underwater sound on marine mammals during offshore exploration and development operations. In order to mitigate the potential effects of underwater sound, regulatory guidelines have been developed and implemented around the world, principally for seismic surveys. These guidelines limit the activation of seismic sources when in proximity to marine species, and involve the use of specially trained personnel on survey vessels known as Marine Mammal Observers (MMOs). A critical review of the guidelines identified variation in the level of precaution applied to measures, such as the distance at which species can be sighted before reducing sound output from the operation. MMOs collect sighting information for all encounters with marine species, resulting in large volumes of data detailing species occurrence and behaviour. A sample dataset was found to be subject to variation in quality due to the different academic backgrounds and training levels of personnel. The data highlighted significant differences in relation to sighting distance while the sound source is active or inactive, though lacked detail with regard to behaviours, likely due to the lack of ethological expertise among the observers. A questionnaire was conducted to determine any differences of opinion regarding current mitigation practice and the underlying issue between stakeholder groups. There was no difference of opinion between stakeholders regarding the importance of underwater sound compared to other environmental issues facing marine species such as fisheries by-catch and overfishing. Areas of consensus were evident, with most stakeholders finding current mitigation practice to be only ‘somewhat’ effective, and that sightings data collected by MMOs should be better utilised, with it being more useful for adding to our knowledge of marine mammal distributions than for determining the effects from operations. A framework for enhancing the collection, use and dissemination of MMO data is described with recommendations for the development of a Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled smartphone/ tablet based field data collection system, linked to an internet based geographical information system to enhance species distribution analysis. By coupling this with a simplified mitigation methodology, the outcome would enhance the risk management of operations in relation to where species are known to occur, with mitigation aimed at reducing exposure at critical times or in critical habitats. Simplifying mitigation and enhancing data collection and use will benefit stakeholders in managing essential operations responsibly.RPS Energy Lt

Social and familial risk factors for drinking initiation and affective response to marijuana use

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Boston UniversityEarly initiation of substance use increases risks for abuse, injury, dependence, and death for young people around the globe . When substances are used for affect regulation, there is a risk of escalating use. This dissertation examines social and familial risk factors for initiation of alcohol use, and the affective response to marijuana use in naturalistic settings. In study #1, we explored the prospective association between television advertising for alcoholic beverages, changes in alcohol expectancies, and initiation of drinking over 12 months. We found that alcohol expectancies and the odds of drinking initiation increased over 12 months as a non-linear function of advertising exposure for boys. In study #2, we examined the association between adolescent freedoms and drinking initiation. We found that adolescents who were free to set their own bedtimes on weeknights had (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) 1.53 (1.27, 1.86) higher odds of drinking initiation. We found that associations varied by sex for freedoms regarding companionship and weekend curfews. Notably, we found that boys who were granted the freedom to choose their own time to come home on weekends had 0.63 (0.47-0.85) times lower odds of drinking initiation within 12 months while girls had 1.30 (0.97-1 .73) times increased odds. In study #3 , we used both correlated data analysis methods and a case- crossover design to analyze data from an Ecological Momentary Assessment study examining changes in momentary affect following marijuana use. We found that negative affect was higher following marijuana use compared to backg round times, except for times when marijuana was being used to cope or conform. We found positive affect increased following marijuana use for persons with cannabis dependence but decreased otherwise. Further, we found that extremes of negative and positive affect were more likely to be experienced following marijuana use relative to background time periods. Our findings regarding alcohol advertising may inform efforts to ban alcohol advertising in countries including Finland and South Africa, while the findings relating to adolescent freedoms may improve parent education programs regarding underage drinking. Finally, improved understanding of the affective response to marijuana use may improve treatment programs

Prognostic Launch Vehicle Probability of Failure Assessment Methodology for Conceptual Systems Predicated on Human Causal Factors

Lessons learned from past failures of launch vehicle developments and operations were used to create a new method to predict the probability of failure of conceptual systems. Existing methods such as Probabilistic Risk Assessments and Human Risk Assessments were considered but found to be too cumbersome for this type of system-wide application for yet-to-be-flown vehicles. The basis for this methodology were historic databases of past failures, where it was determined that various faulty human-interactions were the predominant root causes of failure rather than deficient component reliabilities evaluated through statistical analysis. This methodology contains an expert scoring part which can be used in either a qualitative or a quantitative mode. The method produces two products: a numerical score of the probability of failure or guidance to program management on critical areas in need of increased focus to improve the probability of success. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this new method, data from a concluded vehicle program (USAF's Titan IV with the Centaur G-Prime upper stage) was used as a test case. Although the theoretical vs. actual probability of failure was found to be in reasonable agreement (4.46% vs. 6.67% respectively) the underlying sub-root cause scoring had significant disparities attributable to significant organizational changes and acquisitions. Recommendations are made for future applications of this method to ongoing launch vehicle development programs