Rapidly rotating red giants

Stellar oscillations give seismic information on the internal properties of stars. Red giants are targets of interest since they present mixed modes, which behave as pressure modes in the convective envelope and as gravity modes in the radiative core. Mixed modes thus directly probe red giant cores, and allow in particular the study of their mean core rotation. The high-quality data obtained by CoRoT and Kepler satellites represent an unprecedented perspective to obtain thousands of measurements of red giant core rotation, in order to improve our understanding of stellar physics in deep stellar interiors. We developed an automated method to obtain such core rotation measurements and validated it for stars on the red giant branch. In this work, we particularly focus on the specific application of this method to red giants having a rapid core rotation. They show complex spectra where it is tricky to disentangle rotational splittings from mixed-mode period spacings. We demonstrate that the method based on the identification of mode crossings is precise and efficient. The determination of the mean core rotation directly derives from the precise measurement of the asymptotic period spacing {\Delta}{\Pi}1 and of the frequency at which the crossing of the rotational components is observed.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, 2 tables, to be published in the Astro Fluid 2016 Conference Proceedings, editor EAS Publications Serie

Quantum Computation with Ballistic Electrons

We describe a solid state implementation of a quantum computer using ballistic single electrons as flying qubits in 1D nanowires. We show how to implement all the steps required for universal quantum computation: preparation of the initial state, measurement of the final state and a universal set of quantum gates. An important advantage of this model is the fact that we do not need ultrafast optoelectronics for gate operations. We use cold programming (or pre-programming), i.e., the gates are set before launching the electrons; all programming can be done using static electric fields only.Comment: 5 pages, RevTeX4, 5 figures, uses epsf, latexsym, time

Measuring the core rotation of red giant stars

Red giant stars present mixed modes, which behave as pressure modes in the convective envelope and as gravity modes in the radiative interior. This mixed character allows to probe the physical conditions in their core. With the advent of long-duration time series from space-borne missions such as CoRoT and Kepler, it becomes possible to study the red giant core rotation. As more than 15 000 red giant light curves have been recorded, it is crucial to develop a robust and efficient method to measure this rotation. Such measurements of thousands of mean core rotation would open the way to a deeper understanding of the physical mechanisms that are able to transport angular momentum from the core to the envelope in red giants. In this work, we detail the principle of the method we developed to obtain automatic measurements of the red giant mean core rotation. This method is based on the stretching of the oscillation spectra and on the use of the so-called Hough transform. We finally validate this method for stars on the red giant branch, where overlapping rotational splittings and mixed-mode spacings produce complicated frequency spectra.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl

Flexible Train Ticketing System (FlexTT)

With the advent of ICT technologies especially the Internet, most business related operations are now conducted online. This includes the train ticket reservation. Many systems all over the world have implemented online train ticketing reservation; however they still have some limitations that require using some manual procedures. In this final year project, an attempt to develop a web-based system that provides an easy and flexible reservation procedures to overcome the problems in the existing systems. The purpose of this report is to give an overview on the Prototyping-based method which has been chosen by Author to develop this system and to show how this web-based system (Flexible Train Ticketing System (FlexTT)) would make it easy and convenient for users to perform tickets reservation anytime, anywhere with less time consuming and cost effective. Using this particular system, user is able to search for, book, pay, change and cancel a ticket at the touch of button, that means presence in the ticket counter no longer required. Furthermore Green IT concept is implemented in FlexTT by replacing paper tickets with mobile tickets. Besides FlexTT is able to detect passengers’ absence and utilizes these seats. The scope of this final year project will be mainly on developing online functions (booking, cancellation and change ticket’s date and time) and functions that are performed by sending and receiving short messaging service(SMS), which are( ticket cancellation, check ticket’s status and notifications)

Reframing the debate: the state & disinformation in Sri Lanka

States often play a pervasive role in the creation and dissemination of disinformation. Disinformation is still the weapon of choice of authoritarian states, rather than just a societal phenomenon precipitated by social media users. Gehan Gunatilleke argues that in Sri Lanka, the true nature and extent of the problem of disinformation can only be understood if public discourse focuses on state-sponsored disinformation and the complicity of the private media

Digital learning for breaking bad news in clinical training and practice

Introduction Good communication and the ability to break bad news are essential skills for clinicians but are underemphasised in training programmes. In recent years, digital learning has come to the forefront in healthcare education. However, the evidence for its use in breaking bad new (BBN) training is limited. This thesis explores clinicians’ digital learning needs, highlights pre-existing curricular requirements for BBN training, and examines how this translates into clinical practice. Methods Digital learning needs and curricular requirements for BBN training were established through (i) a systematic review and narrative synthesis of the literature, (ii) a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews exploring clinicians’ perceptions, and (iii) a content analysis of UK postgraduate medical and nursing curricula. From this, a novel digital learning framework for BBN training was presented and used to evaluate pre-existing digital learning resources (DLRs). The acceptability of one DLR and its impact on confidence in BBN was tested with clinicians in a pre-post mixed-methods pilot study. Results Three digital learning needs were identified from the narrative synthesis of a heterogenous group of 26 studies, including positioning the learner as an active participant in a safe digital environment. Five learning needs were extracted from interviews with doctors (n=16) and nurses (n=16), including accessibility and catering to learning preferences. Thirty-one pre-existing curriculum requirements were identified from the content analysis of curricula. The learning needs and curriculum requirements were collated to form a digital learning framework. In the pilot study, a mobile learning application (VitalTips) proved to enable skills acquisition and improve confidence in BBN, as it was user-friendly, emulated clinical practice, and highlighted challenges for learning in the workplace. Conclusions The research presented in this thesis showcases the requirements for and effectiveness of digital learning for BBN training. Though it may not replace learning through clinical practice, digital learning can be a powerful adjunct. As digital learning develops, there will be exciting future advancements in this field of education.Open Acces

United States v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, LTD.: Use Of Federal False Statements Act To Extend Jurisdiction Over Polluting Incidents Into Territorial Seas of Foreign States

On July 21, 1999, the United States Department of Justice announced a record $18 million settlement with Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (RCCL) ending criminal cases for environmental law violations against the company pending in six federal district courts in five different circuits. Anticipating its impact, former Attorney General Janet Reno stated: This case will sound like a foghorn throughout the entire maritime industry. This settlement followed one for$9 million in June 1998 with RCCL for similar violations in two jurisdictions. Reno\u27s statement rings true, and does so beyond the simple facts relayed in the press release. Certainly the case was important for establishing a high floor for particularly egregious violations of U.S. anti-pollution laws such as the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Clean Water Act. However it is the use of the federal Fraud False Statements Act, (False Statements Act or § 1001), as a basis for criminal charges culminating in the 1998 settlement that portends a real clarion call to the international maritime community. On February 1, 1993, the RCCL-owned cruise ship Nordic Empress was found discharging oil in violation of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships by a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft equipped with special infra-red radar. What makes this situation unique from all other violations charged against the company is that the discharge occurred in the territorial sea of the Bahamas, not the United States. Ordinarily, the United States would have no jurisdiction to prosecute such a crime. To overcome this limitation, however, the United States charged the company solely with a violation of the False Statements Act, to wit, presenting a falsified Oil Record Book to Coast Guard officials when the vessel made port in Miami. The court in United States v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. rebuffed all arguments that the United States lacked jurisdiction over this offense, allowing the prosecution to go forward, and ultimately prompting the settlement. This Note examines this use of a domestic law of general applicability to essentially extend State jurisdiction into that of other sovereign States in order to further the aims of conventional international law. Some might argue that by so employing § 1001, the United States ran roughshod over the sovereign rights of both the Nordic Empress\u27s flag State, Liberia, and, to some extent, that of the coastal State damaged by the discharge, the Bahamas. This Note will argue, however, that such applications of domestic law are entirely consistent with the aims of the applicable international treaties and offer a viable means of protecting the marine environment, particularly when flag States themselves are hesitant to act

Effect of Central Venous Catheter Care Bundle Implementation on Outcomes of Critically Ill Patients

Context: Central venous access device (CVAD) bundles for insertion and maintenance demonstrate a reduction in the frequency of complications and bloodstream infection when implemented with compliance monitoring, with the reported success of CVAD bundles. Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of central venous catheter care bundle implementation on outcomes of critically ill patients. Methods: Quasi-experimental research (pre/post-test design) was used to achieve the aim of this study. The study was conducted at general and surgical intensive care units affiliated to Menoufia University and teaching hospital. Two study samples were recruited in this study. All nurses working at the ICUs, as mentioned above, were recruited in this study. They were 6o critical care nurses. A convenient sample of all available critically ill patients at the time of the study was subjected to treatment via a central venous catheter. Four study tools were used to collect the data of this study. These are a structured interview questionnaire, CVC nurses’ knowledge assessment questionnaire, nurses’ compliance assessment checklists, and patient complications assessment records. Results: The study result showed a highly statistically significant difference between pre and post-test knowledge scores of studied nurses regarding assisting line insertion, removal, maintenance, care, and infection control practices. Besides, a highly statistically significant difference between pre and post-test scores of nurses’ compliance to central venous catheter care practices of assisting in CVC insertion, blood sample withdrawal, medication and fluid administration, CVP measurements, CVC removal, and the management of central venous line complications. The study also revealed a highly statistically significant difference between the study and control group patients regarding the central venous catheter complications. However, signs of infection were the most frequent complications in both groups. Conclusion. The study concluded that a statistically significant difference between pre and post nurses’ knowledge and compliance with the CVC care bundle. The patients’ outcomes were also improved significantly after the implementation of the CVC care bundle compared to the controls. The study recommended the adoption of the current care bundle that should be disseminated and updated following the international organizations’ recommendation for implementing evidence-based practices for successful central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention

Vine to Wine: An Analysis of Value Construction or Destruction at the Point of Production

Abstract. Due to topographic circumstances, the Finger Lakes Region of New York is capable of producing wine; albeit the region is limited by the climate and soil types of this region. While the potential is apparent to viticulturists and oenologists, the consumers seem to be unaware or unconscious of these abilities and hold the area to standards outside of its capabilities; in regards to both volume production and varietal preference. Since the region is a consumer driven area, the relationship has been developed with wine that evolves around consumption; this emphasizes volume production that is only possible via machine practices. This use of mechanization is what fosters a disconnect between producer and product: an alienation of the vines, vintner and winemaker. This paper analyses the value construction or destruction at the point of producing and consuming wine in the Finger Lakes Region of New York.Keywords. Product, Consumer, Production process, Labor.JEL. C90, D13, N30