High density plasma gun generates plasmas at 190 kilometers per second

Gun has thin metal foil disc which positions or localizes gas to be ionized during electrical discharge cycle, overcoming major limiting factor in obtaining such plasmas. Expanding plasma front travels at 190 km/sec, compared to plasmas of 50 to 60 km/sec previously achieved

Application of genetic algorithms to tuning fuzzy control systems

Real number genetic algorithms (GA) were applied for tuning fuzzy membership functions of three controller applications. The first application is our 'Fuzzy Pong' demonstration, a controller that controls a very responsive system. The performance of the automatically tuned membership functions exceeded that of manually tuned membership functions both when the algorithm started with randomly generated functions and with the best manually-tuned functions. The second GA tunes input membership functions to achieve a specified control surface. The third application is a practical one, a motor controller for a printed circuit manufacturing system. The GA alters the positions and overlaps of the membership functions to accomplish the tuning. The applications, the real number GA approach, the fitness function and population parameters, and the performance improvements achieved are discussed. Directions for further research in tuning input and output membership functions and in tuning fuzzy rules are described

All End-Letters Different in a Poem

In the July 22, 1972 New Yorker magazine there appeared the following sonnet by George Starbuck..

Alphabetical Circumambulations

I recently ran across the following generation-gap misunderstanding in a column written by Earl Wilson

Rebus Poetry

Rebuses have been around for a long time. Most of them exploit letters only; some contain both letters and numbers; but relatively few use letters, numbers, and other typewriter symbols. If the reader will keep in mind that two identical letters, such as EE, can be pronounced either ease or e-e , the following poem should not be too difficult to decode

ENVISIONING BETTER POLICE PERFORMANCE WITH SELECTIVE-FIDELITY TRAINING: LESSONS FROM SIMULATIONS AND VIRTUAL REALITY IN AVIATION AND MEDICINE

This thesis explores how technology-based, selective-fidelity training methods found in aviation and medicine can improve law enforcement training and performance. Professionals in aviation, medicine, and law enforcement all encounter high-risk and unpredictable situations. Within aviation and medicine, research has shown that simulation and virtual reality (VR) can improve performance at all levels—from beginner to advanced. This thesis reviews Bloom’s taxonomy, state- and context-dependent learning, and law enforcement training practices; assesses the efficacy of selective-training methods across the aviation and medical fields; and reviews real-world applications of simulation and VR. This research determined that certain technology-based, selective-fidelity training methods found in aviation and medicine may improve law enforcement training and performance. To best leverage simulation and VR, the law enforcement community should match the device’s fidelity (high or low) to the underlying learning objective; utilize both high- and low-fidelity training methods confidently; and mimic the medical sector’s standard, policy, and procedure development for technology-based, selective-fidelity training methods. Also, high-fidelity training methods may improve performance in novel situations. Finally, law enforcement trainers should use certain devices to mitigate stress, treat post-traumatic stress disorder, teach checklist material, and promote confidence.Civilian, City of Tulsa, Tulsa Police DepartmentApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

Kickshaws

A collection of linguistic kickshaws assembled by a guest editor