WAVS - the Wide Area Varability Survey

The Wide Area Variability Survey (WAVS) project used the CFH12k mosaic camera as the world's largest time series photometer to obtain images of a 0.33 square degree galactic field with a time resolution of 3 minutes over 2 nights of observations. The main aim of the WAYS project was to try and differentiate between the current competing models of cataclysmic variable (CV) population and evolution by obtaining an unbiased sample using a characteristic that all known CVs exhibit. All CVs show 'flickering' in their lightcurves, that is stochastic variations in luminosity with an amplitude of tenths of a magnitude on timescales of minutes to hours, and it is this characteristic that the WAYS project exploits. Lightcurves for each of the 52000 objects in the WAYS field were created and searched for variability. Spectroscopic observations using the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) were carried out to further investigate candidate objects. In searching for variability on this timescale it was apparent that the WAYS project would also discover many variables of other types which may also be of great interest. Thus, the secondary goal of the WAYS project was to investigate these objects and obtain population statistics wherever possible. This thesis gives an introduction to various types of stellar variability and covers the observable characteristics of CV s in some depth. Competing models of CV evolution are considered and the goals and strategies of the WAYS programme are outlined in more detail. An account of the process of obtaining high quality photometry and spectroscopy is given, both in the general case and in the more specific case applicable to the WAYS data and the methods used to search for variability in the WAYS sample are discussed. The WAYS project has currently discovered 229 new variable objects and the lightcurves of these systems are presented in Appendices A to C. Some of these objects are discussed in detail, but for others accurate classification is difficult without more data, although a tentative classification is made. Currently the WAYS project has not discovered any new CVs and the relevance of this null result is considered. However, 30 possible flickering objects have been identified

Neorealism and Environmental Cooperation: Towards a Structural Explanation of International Environmental Matters

The realist tradition in world politics has long been heralded by statesmen and scholars alike as offering an authentic account of the relations between states. Realists consider self-interest, anarchy, and power politics to guide the behavior of states in the international system. The perception that cooperation and amity are now the norm in the international system has raised the possibility of a theoretical shift of focus in the study of international politics. At present, scholars within the discipline of international politics are debating the relevance of realist thought. In particular, neorealism, or the structural variation of traditional realism, is under attack for not providing a rationale for international cooperation. This project undertakes to expand neorealism\u27s ability to explain state behavior in the area of environmental cooperation. Employing the notion of anarchy as a self-help system, it shall be demonstrated that international environmental agreements appear to be influenced by the distribution of power in the international system. Anarchy mandates the need for state actors to cooperate on certain environmental issues, while that same system dissuades cooperation on a number of other important environmental matters. This thesis critiques the theoretical principles in neorealism and makes moderate changes to them. In keeping with neorealist thought, power, the interests of important states, and the position of the hegemon are considered important factors in understanding environmental cooperation. This project also studies three global environmental issues that provide insight into the rewards and limitations of using neorealism to explain cooperation

Paul\u27s Personification of Hope A Historical-Rhetorical Approach to Romans 5:5

Recognized allegory has existed from antiquity to the current times and withstood the vicissitudes of scholarly research. Embedded beneath the realm of the overarching rhetorical device of allegory exists the often recognized yet readily overlooked literary device of personification, the “giving of face” to a concept or an abstract. Once considered the tool of the simple and naïve, it lay in the shadows of rhetorical criticism through the years and is only starting to elicit credible academic research. However, even within the purview of this research, there is a bifurcation of focus between what critics assert is literary personification (giving human attributes to abstract concepts) and figural personification (giving current voice and face to a historical figure who is not present). This is especially apparent in the studies of personification in Paul’s master discourse in Romans 5–8, where academia is replete with his universal personifications of Death, Sin, Wrath, Law (Nomos), Grace, Righteousness, and Wisdom. While these abstracts are well–developed, studies on specific personifications remain conspicuous because of their absence. Against this backdrop, the current study shows that a particular personification is presented prominently in Romans 5:5, where Paul attributes human activity to the abstract noun “hope,” creating a “minor” personification. Notably, he is confronted with the arduous task of explaining the complex concept of a future divine savior embodied in the present reality of Jesus Christ to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles with varying cultural ἔθος (“ethos,” mindset based on tradition and culture) and πάθος (“pathos,” emotional attachments or feelings not guided by God). How would the audience have reacted to Paul’s words? Would this apparent “minor” personification allow Paul to bridge the schism between the cultures with a unified theological statement? Paul presents his theological and Christological argument by layering his audience\u27s historical, literary, and cultural realities. These layered concepts are best explained and argued using devices such as personifications. Further, personification is far more effective in terms of clarity and conveyance than explicit theological statements. Yet, there exists a paucity of attention in academia. That is unfortunate as by using this literary device, Paul makes a profound Christological statement, with his thoughts encapsulated in the personification of hope. Therefore, this study argues for Paul to address the underlying cultural and theological ἔθος and πάθος of the Roman Church; he effectively uses the particular personification of hope in Roman 5:5 in his presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Egg water exchange and temperature dependent sex determination in the common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina

The effect of varying substrate moisture contents and incubation temperatures on developing snapping turtle embryos was addressed. Mass change was measured for several clutches of snapping turtle eggs within field nests. Throughout the incubation period, a subset of the total number of nests was measured on either a weekly or a bi-monthly interval. Mass of each egg within a particular nest was separately weighed and inspected. Nest microclimate measurements, such as soil water potential and volumetric water content, were also measured on a regular basis. The patterns of egg mass change, which have previously been determined to be due to water exchange of the egg with the nesting environment, were compared with soil water content. Viable eggs, which produce living hatchlings, have positive water balances, with a net water uptake over the course of incubation. Eggs which are infertile or in which the embryo dies have negative water balances. Furthermore, egg water exchange has been determined to be independent of those soil water contents experienced at the present test site;The phenomenon of temperature dependent sex determination was also analyzed in the common snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina. Field and laboratory treatments were undertaken to investigate the mechanism of action. Copper constantan thermocouples were placed within field nests to record hourly temperature averages over the course of the field incubation period. Similar thermocouples were placed within climate-controlled growth chambers programmed to alter temperature treatments. Following incubation, offspring sex ratios were determined and compared among the different treatments. The influence of varying egg geographic origin on resulting offspring sex ratios was also analyzed. Both field and laboratory-incubated eggs required approximately 150 degree-hours to produce at least 50% female offspring. Those eggs originating from more southern locations required fewer degree hours to produce a given percentage of female turtles. In other words, more female offspring from lower latitudes were produced within a particular temperature treatment than resulted from more northern latitudes

Container Vegetable Gardening

If well-managed, vegetables grown in containers can provide high-quality produce in a small space. Container vegetable gardening is a wonderful option for people who have limited space, impaired physical mobility, or conditions that interfere with in-ground gardening, such as poor garden soil. It also can help avoid problems with soilborne diseases and nematode pests that can exist in the soil in traditional, in-ground gardens. People who do not have access to a garden space, or simply do not want to grow a full-scale garden, may choose container vegetable gardening to provide them with enjoyment and produce. Containers are available in many different long-lasting and lightweight materials. Windowsills, patios, balconies, and doorsteps can provide adequate space for container vegetable gardens. Management of vegetables planted in containers can be simpler than in-ground gardening. Pests and diseases can also be monitored and cared for with relative ease. Container vegetable gardening is a great way to introduce children to gardening by letting them grow and manage just a few plants in a single season. Success in growing, managing, and enjoying the produce from these containers can help start a lifelong interest in gardening and raising produce at home

Infrared Absorption in Mg2Ge

Optical-absorption measurements on n- and p-type Mg2Ge single crystals were made at wavelengths between 1.5 and 25 μ at temperatures between 4.2 and 300°K. The absorption edge in p-type crystals arises from allowed indirect transitions. The energy gap is 0.570 eV at 0°K and the phonon involved has an energy of 0.025 eV. At higher temperatures the temperature dependence of the energy gap is -1.8×10−4 eV/deg. At longer wavelengths p-type crystals exhibit absorption bands interpreted as being caused by transitions between three valence bands at the center of the Brillouin zone as in germanium. The spin-orbit splitting of these bands is 0.20 eV and the ratio of heavy-hole mass to light-hole mass is 6±1. The n-type samples have an absorption band at 0.58 eV (0°K) of uncertain origin, and λ2.5 free-carrier absorption, indicating optical-mode scattering

The Seasonal and Simple App, Technical Resources for Assessing Healthy Food

The Seasonal and Simple app is a multi-state Extension project that helps consumers select, prepare and store fresh produce. Consumers can also access nutritious, SNAP approved recipes using ingredients found at their local, independent grocer. Retailers and consumers can use the app to increase knowledge and use of produce

Spatially Resolved Measurements of HNCO Hydrolysis over SCR Catalysts

In order to understand deposit formation during urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) resulting from isocyanic acid (HNCO) formation, the present study investigates the potential of HNCO hydrolysis by spatially resolved gas phase concentration profiles along a single catalyst channel of commercial Cu-zeolite and V-based SCR catalysts. The spatially resolved profiles, obtained in a special hot gas test rig via capillary technique, provide information on reaction rates of HNCO hydrolysis, NH$_3$ adsorption and NO conversion, hereby revealing a better performance of the standard V-based catalyst regarding the HNCO hydrolysis, which is attributed to the TiO$_2$ support

Using electronic surveys: advice from survey professionals

The study reports the perceptions and recommendations of sixty-two experienced survey researchers from the American Educational Research Association regarding the use of electronic surveys. The most positive aspects cited for the use of electronic surveys were reduction of costs (i.e., postage, phone charges), the use of electronic mail for pre-notification or follow-up purposes, and the compatibility of data with existing software programs. These professionals expressed limitations in using electronic surveys pertaining to the limited sampling frame as well as issues of confidentiality, privacy, and the credibility of the sample. They advised that electronic surveys designed with the varied technological background and capabilities of the respondent in mind, follow sound principles of survey construction, and be administered to pre-notified, targeted populations with published email addresses. Accessed 73,957 times on https://pareonline.net from January 02, 2002 to December 31, 2019. For downloads from January 1, 2020 forward, please click on the PlumX Metrics link to the right