Disability Employment Policies and Practices in U.S. Federal Government Agencies

A survey of U.S. Federal agencies was initiated by the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities, and 403 representatives of U.S. Federal agencies were surveyed to determine their response to the employment nondiscrimination, affirmative action, and accommodation requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended

Survey of the Federal Government on Supervisor Practices in Employment of People with Disabilities

In 1999, the Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities (PTFEAD) funded Cornell University to conduct a survey of federal sector HR and EEO representatives regarding their experience implementing the employment disability nondiscrimination requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990(ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. One of the recommendations from this research was to conduct a follow-up study of federal agency supervisors and managers about their experience in accommodation and employment of persons with disabilities in the federal sector, and in addition to inquire about their awareness of the series of Executive Orders issued in 2000 supporting employment and accommodation of individuals with disabilities in the Federal workforce. This report provides information on the results from this survey, which was conducted in 2001

Disability Employment Policies and Practices in U.S. Federal Government Agencies: EEO/HR and Supervisor Perspectives

The Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities (PTFEAD) provided support to Cornell University to conduct research on the policy and practice efforts of federal agency personnel in recruiting and retaining persons with disabilities in Federal employment. A survey of U. S. federal agency HR/EEO responses to the employment disability nondiscrimination requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was completed in 1999. A follow-up study of federal agency supervisors and managers about their experience in accommodation and employment of persons with disabilities was initiated in Spring of 2001. This report is a summary of major findings from each of these surveys, and in addition includes a comparison across selected items where appropriate

Microlensing limits on numbers and orbits of extra-solar planets from the 1998-2000 OGLE events

We analyze three years (1998-2000) of OGLE observations of microlensing events to place limits on the abundance of planets with a planet-to-star mass ratio $q=10^{-3}$ at distances $\sim 1-4$AU from their host stars, i.e. `cool Jupiters'. We fit a total of 145 events using a maximum likelihood fit that adjusts 6 parameters. Each data point on the lightcurve allows us to exclude planets close to the two images of the source appearing on opposite sides of the Einstein ring of the lens star. We proceed to compute detection probability maps for each event, using $\Delta\chi^2$ threshold values of 25, 60, 100 and combine the results from all events to place global constraints. Our selection criteria returned 5 candidate events for a planet with mass ratio $q=10^{-3}$. Only two of these remained as plausible candidates after three were rejected due to poor data quality at the time of the anomalies. Our results suggest that less than 21 ($n$)% of the lens stars have Jupiter-mass planets orbiting them at an orbital radius of $1 < a < 4$ AU. $n \le 2$ is the number of planet anomaly candidates that are actually due to planets. The datasets presented here were obtained from the DoPhot analysis of the events available at the OGLE website. The main conclusion of this work is that observing time is more efficiently allocated by observing many events with sampling intervals that produce non-overlapping detection zones than using intensive sampling on a small number of events

Space weather concerns for all‐electric propulsion satellites

The introduction of all-electric propulsion satellites is a game-changer in the quest for low-cost access to space. It also raises new questions for satellite manufacturers, operators and the insurance industry regarding the general risks and specifically the threat of adverse space weather. The issues surrounding this new concept were discussed by research scientists and up to 30 representatives from the space industry at a special meeting at the European Space Weather Week held in November 2014. Here we report on the discussions at that meeting. We show that for a satellite undergoing electric orbit raising for 200 days the radiation dose due to electrons is equivalent to approximately 6.7 years operation at geostationary orbit, or approximately half the typical design life. We also show that electrons can be injected into the slot region (8,000 km) where they pose a risk of satellite internal charging. The results highlight the importance of additional radiation protection. We also discuss the benefits, the operational considerations, the other risks from the Van Allen radiation belts, the new business opportunities for space insurance, and the need for space situation awareness in medium Earth orbit where electric orbit raising takes plac

Trapping and acceleration of upflowing ionospheric electrons in the magnetosphere by electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves

During geomagnetically active conditions upflowing field-aligned electrons which form part of the Birkland current system have been observed at energies of up to 100 eV. If the first adiabatic invariant is conserved these electrons would reach the conjugate ionosphere without trapping in the magnetosphere. Here we show, by using quasi-linear diffusion theory, that electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves can diffuse these low energy electrons in pitch angle via Doppler shifted cyclotronresonance and trap them in the magnetosphere. We show that energy diffusion is comparable to pitch angle diffusion up to energies of a few keV. We suggest that ECH waves trap ionospheric electrons in the magnetosphere and accelerate them to produce butterfly pitch-angle distributions at energies of up to a few keV. We suggest that ECH waves play a role in magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling and help provide the source electron population for the radiation belts

Using data to guide strategy: enhancing donor engagement at Yale University

With an increasing number of avenues for philanthropy available to charitably inclined citizens, university offices of development are thinking of new means to identify and engage donors for consistent giving. In order to establish proof of principle for a new approach, we have analyzed large amounts of giving data captured by the various entities at Yale. We will present the development of predictive models for two types of giving to Yale. One model estimates the likelihood of donating to Yale through selected types of charitable contributions, including charitable gift annuities; a second model estimates alumni participation in 50th reunion gift campaigns. Data identification, preparation, curation and analysis for these models required input and collaboration from multiple cohorts across the University. The results from the models illustrate the complexities of incorporating statistical analysis into pathways for giving that have traditionally relied on personal connections to identify and engage alumni and affiliates. Yale Development’s predictive analysis efforts differ significantly from big data analyses undertaken in typical research projects in pharma and other sectors, yet share the common goal of informing future strategies. Our analyses will help in understanding current trends in higher education fundraising; the scope of information collected and maintained by Yale’s Office of Development; how that data is used and protected; and some of the characteristics unique to Yale’s best fundraising prospects

Simulating the Earth’s radiation belts: internal acceleration and continuous losses to the magnetopause

In the Earth's radiation belts the flux of relativistic electrons is highly variable, sometimes changing by orders of magnitude within a few hours. Since energetic electrons can damage satellites it is important to understand the processes driving these changes and, ultimately, to develop forecasts of the energetic electron population. One approach is to use 3-dimensional diffusion models, based on a Fokker-Planck equation. Here we describe a model where the phase-space density is set to zero at the outer L* boundary, simulating losses to the magnetopause, using recently published chorus diffusion coefficients for 1.5 ≤ L* ≤ 10. The value of the phase-space density on the minimum energy boundary is determined from a recently published, solar wind dependent, statistical model. Our simulations show that an outer radiation belt can be created by local acceleration of electrons from a very soft energy spectrum without the need for a source of electrons from inward radial transport. The location in L* of the peaks in flux for these steady state simulations is energy dependent and moves Earthward with increasing energy. Comparisons between the model and data from the CRRES satellite are shown; flux drop-outs are reproduced in the model by the increased outward radial diffusion that occurs during storms. Including the inward movement of the magnetopause in the model has little additional effect on the results. Finally, the location of the low energy boundary is shown to be important for accurate modelling of observations

THE EFFECT ON CORPORATE PERFORMANCE OF FIRMS THAT WON THE MALCOLM BALDRIGE NATIONAL QUALITY AWARD

This study examined the business results of companies that won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (NQA). It used performance data before and after the award to determine if there were significant differences in three key performance indices after adoption of those business techniques that enabled these companies to win their NQA. The three key indicators were return on assets (ROA), earnings per share (EPS) and the current ratio. The study examined the data in two ways; first tests were made by comparing company performance before and after winning an NQA. The second way of testing was by comparing the NQA-winning company\u27s performance with its key competitors within their market segment. Using both parametric and nonparametric hypothesis testing techniques, the preponderance of evidence suggests there was no significant difference in performance after winning the NQA than before, using the three performance indicators used in this study. Likewise, there was no evidence to suggest that the NQA-winning firms outperformed their key competitors within their market segment, for the three performance indicators used

Carboniferous barite-fluorite mineralization in the Late Devonian Kinsac Pluton, southern Nova Scotia

Abundant barite ± fluorite ± quartz veins occur along the eastern margin of the Late Devonian Kinsac Pluton, a peraluminous granite that intruded metasedimentary rocks of the Meguma Group. The barite veins, striking 120° with vertical dip, occur in areas of strongly fractured granite, but the veins are not deformed and may contain lenses of comminuted granite. The veins (s 0.6 m wide) are dominated by coarse, cloudy white barite euhedra with or without a late infill of euhedral clear quartz and pink to dark purple fluorite. 40Ar/39Ar step-wise heating of a K-feldspar megacryst in granite immediately adjacent to a barite vein indicates a 354 Ma plateau age for the high-temperature gas fraction and a ca. 320 Ma age for the low-temperature gas fraction. The younger age is interpreted to record partial resetting of K-feldspar due to interaction of the mineral with vein-forming fluids. Fluid inclusions (aqueous, L-V types) hosted by vein fluorite have homogenization temperatures of 100° to 130°C. Last melting of ice indicates salinities of 24 to 28 wt. % equivalent NaCl, but low eutectic temperatures indicate that the fluids are mixed NaCI-CaCI2-FeCI2-MgCI2 brines. Although fluorite-hosted fluid inclusions from the South Mountain Batholith have similar salinities, they homogenize at temperatures of 150° to 160°C. Stable isotopic studies of vein minerals indicate 534Sb„,e = +13 ± 2%o, &#x3B4;l8Oquartz = +22%o and &#x3B4;D for fluid inclusion extracts are -123 to -165 %o. The data are interpreted to indicate that: (1) sulphur was derived from dissolution of Windsor Group evaporites rather than from sulphides in basement rocks; (2) the &#x3B4;18)water of the veins was +8 to +12 %o for 100° to 150°C, which is consistent with either a basinal or metamorphic fluid; (3) the fluids interacted with organic matter to generate the low &#x3B4;D values. Measured 87Sr/86Sr on barite (0.7120; n=2) and fluorite (0.7086) indicate that the fluids exchanged with a radiogenic source, either the Horton Group or the Meguma Group being the most likely reservoir. Collectively the data indicate vein formation during the Early Carboniferous, when the study area was buried under ca. 2-3 km of Carboniferous strata which have subsequently been eroded. Basinal-type fluids were focused into zones of extension which opened as a result of high Pfluid, in concert with sinistral movement on NW-trending faults that crosscut the Meguma Terrane. R&#xC9;SUM&#xC9; On trouve une abondance de filons de barytine ± fluorite ± quartz le long de la marge orientale du pluton du D&#xE9;vonien superieur de Kinsac, granite hyperalumineux qui s'est introduit dans des roches m&#xE9;tas&#xE9;dimentaires du groupe de Meguma. Les filons de barytine. orient&#xE9;s selon un pendage vertical de 120°, se trouvent dans des zones de granite fortement fracturees, mais ils ne sont pas d&#xE9;form&#xE9;s et ils pourraient renfermer des lentilles de granite fragment&#xE9;. Les filons (≤0.6 m) sont domin&#xE9;s par la pr&#xE9;sence de barytine automorphe blanc trouble, grossi&#xE9;re, avec ou sans remplissage tardif de quartz transparent automorphe et de fluorite rose &#xE0; mauve fonc&#xE9;. Un r&#xE9;chauffement progressif 40Ar/39Ar d'un m&#xE9;gacristal de feldspath-K dans le granite imm&#xE9;diatement adjacent a un filon de barytine r&#xE9;v&#xE8;le que la fraction gazeuse &#xE0; haute t&#xE9;mperature &#xE0; un &#xE2;ge plateau de 354 M.A. et que la fraction gazeuse &#xE0; basse temp&#xE9;rature est &#xE2;g&#xE9;e de 320 M.A. L'&#xE2;ge le plus jeune est interpr&#xE9;t&#xE9; comme I'enregistrement d'un r&#xE9;tablissement partiel de feldspath-K du &#xE0; I'interaction du min&#xE9;ral avec des fluides constitutifs de filons. Des inclusions de fluides (aqueux de types L-V) contenues dans de la fluorite filonienne poss&#xE8;dent des temp&#xE9;ratures d'homog&#xE9;n&#xE9;isation de 100° a 130 °C. La derni&#xE9;re fonte des glaces r&#xE9;v&#xE8;le des teneurs en sels &#xE9;quivalant &#xE0; 24 &#xE0; 28 % en poids de NaCl. mais les temp&#xE9;ratures eutectiques basses r&#xE9;v&#xE8;lent que les fluides constituent des saumures m&#xEA;l&#xE9;es de NaCI-CaCI2-FeCl2-MgCl. M&#xEA;me si des inclusions de fluides contenues dans de la fluorite du batholithe du mont South affichent des salinit&#xE9;s analogues, elles s'homog&#xE9;neisent &#xE0; des temp&#xE9;ratures de 150° &#xE8; 160 °C. Des &#xE9;tudes des isotopes lourds des min&#xE9;raux filoniens r&#xE9;v&#xE8;lent que &#x3B4;34Sbarytme = +13 ± 2%o. &#x3B4;18Oquartz = +22%oet que &#x3B4;D des extraits d'inclusions de fluides affichent -123 &#xE0; -165%o. Selon I'interpr&#xE9;tation des chercheurs, ces donn&#xE9;es signifient: (1) que le soufre provient d*une dissolution d’&#xE9;vaporites du groupe de Windsor plut&#xEA;t que de sulfures du socle rocheux; (2) que &#x3B4;18Od’eau des filons repr&#xE9;sentait +8 &#xE0; +12%o &#xE0; des temp&#xE9;ratures de 100° &#xE0; 150°C, ce qui correspond &#xE0; un fluide m&#xE9;tamorphique ou un fluide de bassin; et (3) que les fluides ont interagi avec la mati&#xE8;re organique pour produire de faibles valeurs &#x3B4;D. Le 87Sr/86Sr mesur&#xE9; sur la barytine (0.7120; n=2) et la fluorite (0.7086) signale un &#xE9;change de fluides avec une source radiog&#xE9;nique, soit les groupes de Horton ou de Meguma, qui constituent les reservoirs les plus vraisemblables. Les donn&#xE9;es r&#xE9;v&#xE8;lent collcctivement que les filons se sont form&#xE9;s au debut du Carbonifere inf&#xE9;rieur lorsque le secteur d'&#xE9;tude se trouvait enfoui sous environ deux &#xE0; trois kilom&#xE8;tres de strates du Carbonifere, qui se sont subsequemment &#xE9;rod&#xE9;es. Les fluides de bassin ont &#xE9;t&#xE9; concentr&#xE9;s dans des zones d'extension qui se sont ouvertes sous I'influence de fluidesP &#xE0; teneur eievee de concert avec un mouvement senestre sur les failles orient&#xE9;es vers le nord-ouest entrecoupant le terrane de Meguma. [Traduit par la r&#xE9;daction