A Complete Statistical Analysis for the Quadrupole Amplitude in an Ellipsoidal Universe

A model of Universe with a small eccentricity due to the presence of a magnetic field at the decoupling time (i.e. an Ellipsoidal Universe) has been recently proposed for the solution of the low quadrupole anomaly of the angular power spectrum of cosmic microwave background anisotropies. We present a complete statistical analysis of that model showing that the probability of increasing of the amplitude of the quadrupole is larger than the probability of decreasing in the whole parameters' space.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

The two-and three-point correlation functions of the polarized five-year WMAP sky maps

We present the two- and three-point real space correlation functions of the five-year WMAP sky maps, and compare the observed functions to simulated LCDM concordance model ensembles. In agreement with previously published results, we find that the temperature correlation functions are consistent with expectations. However, the pure polarization correlation functions are acceptable only for the 33GHz band map; the 41, 61, and 94 GHz band correlation functions all exhibit significant large-scale excess structures. Further, these excess structures very closely match the correlation functions of the two (synchrotron and dust) foreground templates used to correct the WMAP data for galactic contamination, with a cross-correlation statistically significant at the 2sigma-3sigma confidence level. The correlation is slightly stronger with respect to the thermal dust template than with the synchrotron template.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, published in ApJ. v2: New title, minor changes to appendix, and fixed some typos. v3: Matches version published in Ap

Fluent Speech in Second Language and its Associated Varying Perceptions

2016 Denman Undergraduate Research Winner. Fourth Place.From the language teaching and learning aspects, the definition of fluency in second language oral proficiency is multi-faceted, and a clearly defined meaning does not exist. This is problematic when it comes to assessment of L2 learners’ speech competence, specifically speech assessment rubrics, because the judgement of fluency can then become subjective. In this paper, I examine elements of fluent speech and seek a solution to improve the definition of the fluency concept in L2 learning. First, I examine the current literature which demonstrates that no clear definition exists for the fluency concept, based on the definitions of fluency by various authors. I then discuss the results of two online studies which aimed to define fluency based on the perspectives of students and instructors of German. These studies confirmed that while a general meaning can be formed from the perspectives of students and instructors, a concise definition is yet to be created and further research must be done in order to come to a more concrete, widely used and accepted meaning. In addition, I suggest that speech assessment rubrics may be improved by creating sub-categories within the fluency assessment category to better reflect the multi-faceted fluency concept.No embargoAcademic Major: Germa

Classification Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composite Chemical Vapor Detectors

The first step in combating a chemical weapons threat is contamination avoidance. This is accomplished by the detection and identification of chemical agents. The Air Force has several instruments to detect chemical vapors, but is always looking for lighter, faster, and more accurate technology for a better capability. This research is focused on using carbon nanotube polymer composite sensors for chemical detection. More specifically, models are developed to classify three sets of sensor data according to vapor using various multivariate techniques. Also, prediction models of a mixed sensor output are developed using neural networks and regression analysis. The classifiers developed are able to accurately classify three vapors for a specific set of data, but have problems when tested against data from aged sensors as well as data generated from a different set of new sensors. These results indicate that further research should be conducted to ensure accuracy in identifying chemical vapors using these types of sensors

The electroclinic effect and modulated phases in smectic liquid crystals

We explore the possibility that the large electroclinic effect observed in ferroelectric liquid crystals arises from the presence of an ordered array of disclination lines and walls. If the spacing of these defects is in the subvisible range, this modulated phase would be similar macroscopically to a smectic A phase. The application of an electric field distorts the array, producing a large polarization, and hence a large electroclinic effect. We show that with suitable elastic parameters and sufficiently large chirality, the modulated phase is favored over the smectic A and helically twisted smectic C* phases. We propose various experimental tests of this scenario.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figures; new version includes dipolar interactions and bend-twist couplin