Effects of a Graphic Organizer Intervention Package on the Mathematics Word Problem Solving Abilities of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Many of the top 21 st century careers require advanced mathematics skills. However, mathematics is a known area of difficulty for students with disabilities (SWD), as they struggle in this area at a higher rate than peers without disabilities (O’Brien, 2016). Mathematical word problems incorporate comprehension of written language, an area known to pose additional challenges for SWD identified as having autism spectrum disorders (ASD; Smith-Myles, Simpson, & Becker, 1995). The authors describe an intervention involving the K-N-W-S graphic organizer, studied for the first time with the intent of examining its effect on mathematical word problem solving of students with ASD. In addition to the background, methods, and results of the current study, the authors discuss implications and future directions of this research

Gain and Stability Models for HBT Grid Amplifiers

A 16-element heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) grid amplifier has been fabricated with a peak gain of 11 dB at 9.9 GHz with a 3-dB bandwidth of 350 MHz. We report a gain analysis model for the grid and give a comparison of the measurement and theory. The measured patterns show the evidence of a common-mode oscillation. A stability model for the common-mode oscillation is developed. Based on the stability model, a lumped capacitor gives suitable phase shift of the circular function, thus stabilizing the grid. A second 18-element grid was fabricated, using this theory, with improved stability

Review of the TBM performance in blocky rocks with potential face stability issues

In blocky/jointed rock masses, the combined effects of the rock mass structure and the in-situ state of stress may lead to severe instabilities of the excavation face which may become "blocky". Large breakout and rock block detachment from the tunnel face may occur with consequent paramount effects on the normal TBM operations. These effects generally comprise the abnormal wear of the cutters and cutterhead, due to the heavy dynamic impacts against the hard rock blocks at the face, as well as frequent damages to the muck transportation facilities due to the presence of blocks in the muck. Therefore, an increase of the maintenance requirements and TBM downtimes is generally registered when the face presents an irregular/blocky structure. This work focuses on the review of the TBM performance at the Lotschberg Base Tunnel, where substantial occurrence of face instability phenomena was observed. More in detail, the main effects that blocky rock conditions may have on the TBM performance, in terms of machine penetration rate, utilization time and total advance rate, are underlined. Finally, a new prediction model suitable for blocky rock conditions with potential face stability issues is presented

A new model for TBM performance prediction in blocky rock conditions

The term "blocky rock conditions" is generally associated with face instabilities in blocky/jointed rock masses. These events are generally promoted by unfavorable rock mass structural conditions, in terms of joint frequency and orientation, and acting stresses. As a result, rock blocks are formed and then detach from the excavation face which becomes "blocky", with a markedly irregular and uneven profile. This condition may have a paramount effect on TBM tunneling, leading to a high maintenance frequency and a low TBM advancement rate. Based on the TBM performance data recorded during excavation of tunnels in blocky rock conditions, a TBM performance prediction model has been developed. The model is based on the Field Penetration Index for blocky rock conditions, FPIblocky, which was previously introduced to analyze the TBM performance in blocky grounds at the Lotschberg Base Tunnel. Through a multivariate regression analysis, a new expression has been introduced to predict the FPIblocky based on the volumetric joint count (J(v)) and the intact rock uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). An attempt has also been made to quantify the downtimes that may occur in blocky rock conditions and to estimate a reliable value of TBM daily advance. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Analysis and prediction of TBM performance in blocky rock conditions at the Lotschberg Base Tunnel

This paper focuses on the analysis of the TBM performance recorded during the excavation of the Lotschberg Base Tunnel. The southern part of the tunnel was excavated by two gripper TBMs, partly through blocky rock masses at great depth. The jointed nature of the blocky rock mass posed serious problems concerning the stability of the excavation face. A detailed analysis has been carried out to obtain a relationship between the rock mass conditions and the TBM performance, using the Field Penetration Index (FPI). In blocky rock conditions, the FPI is defined as the ratio between the applied thrust force and the actual penetration rate. A database of the TBM parameters and the geological/geotechnical conditions for 160 sections along the tunnel has been established. The analysis reveals a relationship between the FPI and two rock mass parameters: the volumetric joint count (J(v)) and the intact rock uniaxial compressive strength (UCS). Through a multivariate regression analysis, a prediction model for FPI in blocky rock conditions (FPIblocky) is then introduced. Finally, other TBM performance parameters such as the penetration rate, the net advance rate and the total advance rate are evaluated using FPIblocky

Supporting emotion regulation in individuals with <scp>ASD</scp> , <scp>ADHD</scp> and bipolar disorder through <scp>trauma‐informed</scp> instruction and <scp>self‐regulation</scp> strategies

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: [Supporting emotion regulation in individuals with ASD , ADHD and bipolar disorder through trauma‐informed instruction and self‐regulation strategies. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs (2022)], which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12586. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions: https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal-Authors/licensing/self-archiving.html#3. Deposited by shareyourpaper.org and openaccessbutton.org. We've taken reasonable steps to ensure this content doesn't violate copyright. However, if you think it does you can request a takedown by emailing [email protected]

Visceral endoderm induces specification of cardiomyocytes in mice

The endoderm plays an inductive role in the formation of cardiomyocytes in many vertebrates. Here, we provide further evidence for this in the mouse and demonstrate enhanced cardiomyogenesis in mouse embryonic stem cells cultured in the presence of native visceral endoderm. Isolated mesoderm from late-primitive streak stage mouse embryos that still have an open proamniotic canal had a reduced capacity to form cardiomyocytes after 4 days in culture compared with mesoderm isolated from later stages but prior to cardiomyogenesis. Moreover, removal of the visceral endoderm but not the primitive streak reduced the formation of beating areas in embryo explants in culture. Coculture with the END2 cell line, which has visceral endoderm-like properties, restored the formation of beating areas. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expected candidate signaling pathways downstream of Wnts and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were active in the embryo at the appropriate time and place to be involved. Overall, the results show that, as in other vertebrates, the (visceral) endoderm plays an important role in the early events of mouse cardiomyogenesis.

Mechanistic Studies of [AlCp*]4 Combustion

The article of record as published may be found at https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.8b00589The combustion mechanism of [AlCp*]4 (Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl), a ligated aluminum(I) cluster, was studied by a combination of experimental and theoretical methods. Two complementary experimental methods, temperature-programmed reaction and T-jump time-of-flight mass spectrometry, were used to investigate the decomposition behaviors of [AlCp*]4 in both anaerobic and oxidative environments, revealing AlCp* and Al2OCp* to be the major decomposition products. The observed product distribution and reaction pathways are consistent with the prediction from molecular dynamics simulations and static density functional theory calculations. These studies demonstrated that experiment and theory can indeed serve as complementary and predictive means to study the combustion behaviors of ligated aluminum clusters and may help in engineering stable compounds as candidates for rocket propellants.Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)Grant No. HDTRA1-15-1-0031Grant No. FA9550-15-1-025