Optimizing the performance of thermionic devices using energy filtering

Conventional thermionic power generators and refrigerators utilize a barrier in the direction of transport to selectively transmit high-energy electrons. Here we show that the energy spectrum of electrons transmitted in this way is not optimal, and we derive the ideal energy spectrum for operation in the maximum power regime. By using suitable energy filters, such as resonances in quantum dots, the power of thermionic devices can, in principle, be improved by an order of magnitude.Comment: 3 pages, 2 figure

Toward a Grand Vision: Early Implementation of California's Local Control Funding Formula

California has taken the first steps down an historic path that fundamentally alters how its public schools are financed, education decisions are made, and traditionally underserved students' needs are met. The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), passed with bipartisan legislative support and signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on July 1, 2013, represents the most comprehensive transformation of California's school funding system in 40 years. The LCFF significantly loosens the reins of state control over education. It all but eliminates categorical funding streams, subsituting a base of funding for all distraicts and adding dollars for low-income students, English language learners, and foster youth. The new system empowers school districts to determine how to allocate their dollars to best meet the needs of their students. Finally, by requiring all districts to engage parents and other education stakeholders in decisions about how to spend newly flexible funds, the LCFF represents a remarkable experiment in local democracy

Modulated voltage metastable ionization detector

The output current from a metastable ionization detector (MID) is applied to a modulation voltage circuit. An adjustment is made to balance out the background current, and an output current, above background, is applied to an input of a strip chart recorder. For low level concentrations, i.e., low detected output current, the ionization potential will be at a maximum and the metastable ionization detector will operate at its most sensitive level. When the detected current from the metastable ionization detector increases above a predetermined threshold level, a voltage control circuit is activated which turns on a high voltage transistor which acts to reduce the ionization potential. The ionization potential applied to the metastable ionization detector is then varied so as to maintain the detected signal level constant. The variation in ionization potential is now related to the concentration of the constituent and a representative amplitude is applied to another input of said strip chart recorder

TILTING Beyond the Classroom: Utilizing Transparency Components to Develop Student Centered Administrative Processes

Transparency in learning and teaching (TILT) has been shown to benefit student’s ability to be successful within the classroom. Transparent concepts produce positive outcomes within organizational systems as well. However, there is no research that analyzes how the TILT framework can be used to analyze and develop academic policies within educational institutions. This manuscript discusses the potential benefits of utilizing TILT components in the creation of academic policies and processes in order to promote successful student engagement within an occupational therapy academic program

Implementing an Evidence-Based Education Program for Labor and Delivery Nurses in a Community Hospital Setting

Many factors contribute to the success of an organization. The nursing workforce is the guiding strength behind the delivery of safe patient care resulting in quality outcomes. Preparing the nursing staff to deliver safe care begins with the introduction of evidence based practice as a viable partner to clinical expertise and knowledge. Implementing an evidence based education program is a critical step in the process of integrating evidence into clinical practice. This paper focuses on the implementation of an evidence based education program or Labor and Delivery nurses in a community hospital setting. Evidence based education can promote competency development, professional growth, and improve patient outcomes. Women seeking obstetrics care, and their infants, will benefit from evidence based nursing education aimed at the management of preeclampsia and the patient receiving Magnesium Sulfate, assessment of newborn transitional vital signs, maternal hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and the management of acute bedside emergencies

“You Never Get it Out of Your Bones”: The Christ-Haunted Security of Jean Louise “Scout” Finch in Harper Lee\u27s \u3ci\u3eTo Kill a Mockingbird\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eGo Set a Watchman\u3c/i\u3e

Harper Lee’s novels To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman emphasize the struggle of mid-twentieth century Southern identity as Southerners searched for security, and she does so particularly in her main character, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch. Throughout the novels, Jean Louise fights to find a balance within herself as she learns to decide what to accept or reject from her Southern culture. Using New Historicism and Southern Female Gender Studies, this thesis analyzes the character development of Jean Louise “Scout” in the novels and the traits she consistently accepts—discrimination and respect, honor of family, grace—and the ones she rejects—traditional Southern femininity, an “Us vs. Them” mentality (by recognizing her “colorblindness” and the “Other(s)”), and legalism. Moreover, Jean Louise “Scout” appears to find this balance between accepting and rejecting these traits due to her innate “Christ-haunted” nature (a term created by Flannery O’Connor); this ability is her subconscious and theological understanding that every man can be “whole.” In the end, this thesis not only discusses this specific type of character development within Jean Louise, but it also supports how Watchman—despite its more negative reception—is a key piece to properly reading this character