Quantum Rangefinding

Quantum light generated in non-degenerate squeezers has many applications such as sub-shot-noise transmission measurements to maximise the information extracted by one photon or quantum illumination to increase the probability in target detection. However, any application thus far fails to consider the thermal characteristics of one half of the bipartite down-converted photon state often used in these experiments. We show here that a maximally mixed state, normally viewed as nuisance, can indeed be used to extract information about the position of an object while at the same time providing efficient camouflaging against other thermal or background light

Solar Polar Explorer Enabling Launch Technology

To unlock mysteries of our sun, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and its propulsion system partner Northrop Grumman confronted the challenge of getting sensors to the sun for detailed observation on a limited budget. SwRI’s proposed Solaris mission paired a solar observatory with the Orion 38 and Orion 50 XLT Solid Rocket Motor (SRM)-based stages for a gravity-assisted slingshot maneuver around Jupiter. The NASA Heliophysics Medium Explorer (MIDEX) program selected Solaris in 2020 for a concept study that ran through 2022. Solaris aimed to conduct high-latitude observations of the Sun’s south and north regions to resolve our understanding of how their magnetic fields and flows effect the broader solar cycle. Solaris carried two primary sensors: a Compact Doppler Magnetograph (CDM); and a wide-field Solaris Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (S-EUVI). The proposal conformed to cost and launch vehicle parameters: a $250 million MIDEX mission cost cap and integration with one of three Designated Reference Launch Vehicles (DRLVs). The launch vehicle did not count toward the mission cost but the velocity-boosting upper stage motors did. The cost and technical tradeoffs resulting in Solaris being paired with the Orion 38 and Orion 50 XLT SRM-based stages are likely relevant to other cost-capped deep space missions

Bridging and bonding social capital and their effects on internationalisation: an empirical study of international ‘take-off’ in Chinese SMEs

This paper is concerned with the role of social capital in effecting international take-off in Chinese SMEs. Social capital is posited as having different forms; a local bonding dimension and an international bridging dimension which spans structural holes between local networks and international opportunities. However, each of these forms is explored as having further constraining and enabling effects. This paper reports the results of a first phase investigation into 16 Chinese SMEs that have gone through the international take-off process. Interim findings suggest two stages in take-off, opportunity search and value proposition development. Initial findings report some previously under discussed constraining effects of international bridging social capital which include the constraint of non-exclusive international bridges, and the local peer pressure to continue to seek further international bridges, rather than focus on strengthening an initial bridge. Findings contribute to the strand of internationalisation literature positing the importance of network insidership in internationalisation and internationalisation as a by-product of entrepreneurial networking activities

The relationship between faculty and administrator attitudes toward internet-based technologies and virtual networking and the development and support of social capital in six selected rural secondary schools in Pennsylvania

Social capital (or the ways in which people in an organization collaborate and to a greater extent the quality of professional community in that context) has a variety of implications for organizations, specifically schools. This study examined the relationship between attitudes of administrators and faculty at the secondary level toward Internet-based technology and virtual networking and the development and support of social capital within schools’ organizational contexts that can lead to school improvement as demonstrated by student outcomes (e.g. achievement and a sense of community welfare or connectedness). A mixed method approach was utilized that consisted of a questionnaire, focus group discussion, and site observation conducted in six selected secondary schools in Pennsylvania. The findings of this study demonstrate a high positive significance between (teacher and administrative) perceptions of Internet-based technology and virtual networking and the development of social capital within these schools. A policy development strategy along with specific practices that enhance those perceptions are outlined Given the proliferation of technology within school settings, this study will provide policymakers and educational leaders, concerned about 21st Century learning priorities, with knowledge that will inform their decision-making regarding the perceptions and attitudes toward Internet-based technology and virtual networking and its relationship to social capital within the secondary school context.Keywords: Technology, Social Capital, Secondary School CultureEd.D., Educational Leadership and Management -- Drexel University, 201

Politics and Red Tape

Panel Chair: Scott Cheney Papers Presented: The Outcome of the Forgotten by Alexandra Quinn Domingue The Echo Chamber by John Frick Abstract: Political polarization seems to be rising in America and indeed across the world, and there does not seem to be a clear explanation of the reason behind it. Some attribute it to international events such as 9/11, while others blame the millennial generation; yet what if it is something else entirely? What if our ever increasing dependence on social media for news can have adverse effects on the political climate? The “echo chamber” in this case refers to the idea that social media users will often delete or unfollow other users who have different opinions; this leads to those users then only getting responses agreeing with their political views, with no one left to challenge them. This effect might then lead those same users to vote differently, or become more radical in their views, as they will be increasingly susceptible to groupthink. Not only were these ideas discussed in the paper, taking into account modern political context, but two polls were conducted, with a combined 1,845 respondents. Through the collection of this data, the “echo chamber” idea can be put into context. Keywords: Politics, Polling, Elections, Social Media, Media Why do Americans consider Mexican Immigrants a Problem? By Christian Alonso Hernandez Immigration: Criminal or Constructive by Caroline Dillar

Hydraulic Actuated Automotive Cooling Systems - Nonlinear Control and Test

The replacement of traditional automotive mechanical cooling system components with computer controlled servo-motor driven actuators can improve temperature tracking and reduce parasitic losses. The integration of hydraulic actuators in the engine cooling circuit offers greater power density in a smaller package space when compared with electric actuators. In this paper, a comprehensive nonlinear backstepping robust control technique is developed to regulate the engine coolant temperature by controlling a hydraulic coolant pump and radiator fan. An experimental test bench has been assembled to investigate the hydraulic automotive thermal system performance. Representative numerical and experimental results are presented and discussed. Overall, the proposed controller was successful in tracking prescribed engine temperature profiles while harmoniously regulating the power consumption of the coolant pump and radiator fan