Using Interactive 3D Software to Create Manipulatable Human Figures for Body Perception Research

The poster presents the use of the DAZ3D program as a measurement tool for body size perception. When studying body schema, researchers often rely on human figure comparisons to examine body size perceptions. Often these figures are two-dimensional drawings or photos of human bodies. However, human bodies are three-dimensional. Previous research has shown the advantage of using three-dimensional changeable figures in assessing body size perception (Crossley, Cornelissen, & Tovee, 2012). We chose the DAZ3D program over other options (e.g., Body Visualizer) because it allows the user to rotate the figure in space (both depth and plane), convert manipulated figure measures to real life metrics (e.g., inches or centimeters), input real life metrics to create figures, and manipulate over 50 parameters of measurement consisting of both length and circumference. The downside to DAZ3D is that it can be confusing to set up and use. We explain how to use DAZ3D software effectively for use in body size perception research. We had participants use the DAZ3D software to represent their own body, allowing them to manipulate 17 body measurements. Our data suggests that participants can easily use the program and accurately represent their body size (their figure was compared to real life body measurements). Additionally, because DAZ3D has the ability to manipulate almost all aspects of the human figure (including parameters such as muscle mass), researchers will be able to make a more fine-grained analysis of distortions in body perception in both men and women

Protecting Beaches from Bites: Shark Management Programs in New England

With shark encounters on the rise along the New England coast, state officials have the perfect opportunity to implement the United States’ first large-scale shark management program similar to that enacted in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Management programs are comprised of control measures that prevent sharks from swimming too close to beachgoers, and thus reduce the number of human-shark interactions. Sharks have long been portrayed by the media as man-eating monsters, and this negative image is deeply intertwined with lethal control measures taken by local governments in response to shark bites. However, such lethal action can cause a decrease in shark populations which can be detrimental to the delicate ocean ecosystem. This comment seeks to utilize available scientific research to recommend a viable shark control program to be implemented via state legislation. This comment culminates in the recommendation that New England states should establish a shark council comprised of various stakeholders with two central goals: (1) to research and implement the SharkSafe Barrierä, an electromagnetic deterrence mechanism, on public beaches; and (2) enact a public education campaign focused on the conservation of sharks in the hopes of changing the public narrative surrounding sharks

Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) software analysis

The Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) System, an extension of the Space Transportation System (STS) operating regime to include higher orbits, orbital plane changes, geosynchronous orbits, and interplanetary trajectories is presented. The IUS software design, the IUS software interfaces with other systems, and the cost effectiveness in software verification are described. Tasks of the IUS discussed include: (1) design analysis; (2) validation requirements analysis; (3) interface analysis; and (4) requirements analysis

Who Killed the Rule Against Perpetuities?

During the last two decades more than half the states have either abolished or substantially weakened the traditional rule against perpetuities. The increased demand for perpetual trusts is widely attributed to the ability of such trusts to avoid federal wealth transfer taxes. Furthermore, recent empirical studies confirm a correlation between repeal of the rule against perpetuities (coupled with favorable state income tax treatment) and increased personal trust assets and average account size. This symposium article discusses the asymmetric benefits and drawbacks of perpetual trusts and concludes that the decline of the rule against perpetuities cannot be explained solely in terms of rational tax planning

Control of Oxygen and Carbon Related Crystal Defects in Silicon Processing

In the production of silicon articles at an elevated temperature, a stream comprising a controlled mixture of an oxygen-containing first gas and a second gas is admitted to the processing chamber. The first gas is one which partially dissociates under the conditions in the chamber to form both oxygen and the second gas. The second gas is one which is not harmful to silicon at the conditions in the chamber. Substantially equilibrium conditions are established in the chamber so that the dissociation of the first gas to oxygen occurs reversibly. The partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) is sensed in the chamber during processing of the article. In response to the PO2 level, the ratio of the rates of flow of the oxygen-containing gas and the second gas is adjusted so as to maintain the PO2 at a level less than about 10-6 atmosphere, and usually no greater than about 10-10 atmosphere, at which the density of oxygen-related defects in the processed silicon article is acceptably low. Oxygen-related defects in the silicon are thereby reduced. If graphite structures are present in the hot zone of the processing chamber, they are preferably coated with an impervious coating which will stand the high temperature and will prevent the gas stream from coming into contact with the hot graphite. Carbon-related defects in the silicon are thereby also reduced

Fluctuation-Driven Molecular Transport in an Asymmetric Membrane Channel

Channel proteins, that selectively conduct molecules across cell membranes, often exhibit an asymmetric structure. By means of a stochastic model, we argue that channel asymmetry in the presence of non-equilibrium fluctuations, fueled by the cell's metabolism as observed recently, can dramatically influence the transport through such channels by a ratchet-like mechanism. For an aquaglyceroporin that conducts water and glycerol we show that a previously determined asymmetric glycerol potential leads to enhanced inward transport of glycerol, but for unfavorably high glycerol concentrations also to enhanced outward transport that protects a cell against poisoning.Comment: REVTeX4, 4 pages, 3 figures; Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. Let