Semileptonic tau decays, structure functions, kinematics and polarisation

The most general angular distribution of two or three meson final states from semileptonic decays $\tau\rightarrow \pi\pi\nu$, $K\pi\nu$, $\pi\pi\pi\nu$, $K\pi\pi\nu$, $K\pi\nu$, $KKK\nu$, $\eta\pi\pi\nu,\,\ldots{}$ of polarized $\tau$ leptons can be characterized by 16 structure functions. Predictions for hadronic matrix elements, based on CVC and chiral Lagrangians and their relations to the structure functions are discussed. Most of them can be determined in currently ongoing high statistics experiments. Emphasis of the kinematical analysis is firstly put on $\tau$ decays in $e^{+}e^{-}$ experiments where the neutrino escapes detection and the $\tau$ rest frame cannot be reconstructed. Subsequently it is shown, how the determination of hadron tracks in double semileptonic events allows to fully reconstruct the $\tau$ kinematics. The implications for the spin analysis are indicated.Comment: 12 pages, LaTeX (uses epsf.sty, 3 ps-figures appended as extra uuencoded file) The complete paper, including figures, is also available via anonymous ftp at ftp://ttpux2.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/ttp94-27/ttp94-27.ps, or via www at http://ttpux2.physik.uni-karlsruhe.de/preprints.htm

Calibration of a shock wave position sensor using artificial neural networks

This report discusses the calibration of a shock wave position sensor. The position sensor works by using artificial neural networks to map cropped CCD frames of the shadows of the shock wave into the value of the shock wave position. This project was done as a tutorial demonstration of method and feasibility. It used a laboratory shadowgraph, nozzle, and commercial neural network package. The results were quite good, indicating that artificial neural networks can be used efficiently to automate the semi-quantitative applications of flow visualization

Stability of Extemporaneously Prepared Sodium Benzoate Oral Suspension

The stability of extemporaneously prepared sodium benzoate oral suspension in cherry syrup and Ora-Sweet was studied. Oral solutions of 250-mg/mL sodium benzoate were prepared in either cherry syrup or Ora-Sweet. To a beaker, 50 grams of Sodium Benzoate Powder USP was dissolved and filtered, the solution was divided equally into two parts, and each aliquot was added into two separate calibrated 100-mL amber vials. In the first vial, cherry syrup was added to make a final volume of 100 mL. In the second vial, Ora-Sweet was added to give a final volume of 100 mL. This process was repeated to prepare three solutions of each kind and all were stored at room temperature. A 250-µL sample was withdrawn immediately after preparation and again at 7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 days for each sample. At each time point, further dilution was made to an expected concentration of 0.25 mg/mL with sample diluent, and the samples were assayed in triplicate by stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography. Stability was defined as the retention of at least 90% of the initial concentration. At least 92% of the initial concentration of sodium benzoate in cherry syrup and at least 96% of the sodium benzoate in Ora-Sweet remained throughout the 90-day study period. There were no detectable changes in color and no visible microbial growth in any sample. Extemporaneously compounded suspensions of sodium benzoate in cherry syrup or Ora-Sweet were stable for at least 90 days when stored in a 4-oz amber plastic bottle at room temperature in reduced lighting

Beyond Our Backyard: An Inquiry into International Alumni Giving at the University of Kansas

The purpose of this mixed method study was to explore the philanthropic giving behaviors of international alumni to a state public university (University of Kansas) once they graduated from the university. The primary data sample consists of degree holders from 2006 to 2015 who attended the University of Kansas as an international student (international alumni). I distinguished giving behaviors between international alumni living outside the United States and international alumni who reside in the United States (international expatriates). Additionally, giving behaviors of international alumni and domestic alumni who currently reside within the United States for the same time-period were explored for comparative purposes. Lastly, a sample of eight international alumni donors were chosen for qualitative interviews regarding their giving behavior and influences on their philanthropic decisions. Through data collection from the university registrar, endowment association, alumni association, and personal donor interviews, I explored the nature of international alumni giving and domestic alumni populations in order to better understand their varied levels of philanthropic support. Qualitative interview questions were designed to uncover answers and experiences that are difficult to collect through analytical data tables, including: (1) what inspired the participant to give a gift to their alma mater; (2) what did the experience of being a student at the university mean to the participant and their decision to give a gift; and (3) how philanthropy is viewed in the participant’s country of residence. The information gleaned from these interviews describe how these experiences and thoughts shape who they are as a donor. The quantitative portion of the study focused exclusively on giving behavior of the various alumni groups over the ten-year period from 2006 to 2015. Data on biographical demographics, degree type, country of origin, current residence and others were compiled to build a single data table for trend analysis. Patterns emerged showing what countries donors come from and currently reside, in terms of both dollars contributed and gift frequency. Trends provided aggregate data and information useful in understanding the context and overall picture of international alumni giving. The final step of this study utilized thematic analysis, exposing the similarities, patterns, trends and discrepancies within the qualitative interviews and the quantitative data gathered. Themes emerged around alumni giving domestically and from abroad, location, and gift frequency. The research resulted in five findings. First, international alumni populations grew at a higher rate than domestic alumni populations during the time period reviewed, with China replacing India as the top country of origin while KU international student populations overall became more homogeneous with less diversity. Second, comparing domestic alumni to international alumni- domestic alumni are more likely to give a gift, give larger gift amounts, and give more frequently. While international alumni gift amounts and frequency are more consistent with a smaller range. Third, former international students living in the U.S. (international expatriates) are more likely to give a gift than domestic alumni. However, domestic alumni give larger gifts and at a higher frequency than those of international origin living in the U.S. Fourth, international alumni living in the U.S. (international expatriates) are more likely to give than international alumni living abroad. However, international alumni living abroad give larger gifts. Lastly, the connection with a faculty or staff member, positive student experience and family or cultural upbringing are notable factors that influence the individual international alumni giving decision

Perceptions of Alternative Center Students on Their Successes: A Case Study of An Alternative Center in Northeast Tennessee

This qualitative study examined how students at Science Hill High Alternative Center (AC) perceived their academic success. Eighteen alumni from Science Hill High School Alternative Center were interviewed to examine their perceptions of their success. Choosing 2 alumni to represent each of the 9 programs represented at the AC provided perceptions of 3 emerging themes: (a) relationships, (b) diversity of programs, and (c) personal growth. There were other findings that were noted but not identified as a theme. Other findings involved alumni wanting to reminisce about incidents that occurred and reflect on peers who were in attendance with them at the center. Some alumni who attended programs other than Graduate On Time (GOT) discussed the need for a graduation component through the Alternative Center. Some said that returning to the main campus was not in their best interest and sabotaged their success in order to remain at the AC, while other alumni strived to return to the main campus as soon as they had met their academic goals. In relating their initial thoughts about attending the Alternative Center for the first time, many had mixed feelings: (a) they did not want to be separated from friends, (b) would they be successful, (c) who really cared if they came to school and were successful, and (d) would they really get to return to the main campus as soon as they met their goals. Additionally, alumni suggested that students be allowed to stay at the Alternative Center (AC) if it helped them to be better prepared for the workforce or college. Alumni who spoke about their success said they were better prepared than their peers for college admissions standards, work ethics, and the employment process in general