Computation of Casimir Interactions between Arbitrary 3D Objects with Arbitrary Material Properties

We extend a recently introduced method for computing Casimir forces between arbitrarily--shaped metallic objects [M. T. H. Reid et al., Phys. Rev. Lett._103_ 040401 (2009)] to allow treatment of objects with arbitrary material properties, including imperfect conductors, dielectrics, and magnetic materials. Our original method considered electric currents on the surfaces of the interacting objects; the extended method considers both electric and magnetic surface current distributions, and obtains the Casimir energy of a configuration of objects in terms of the interactions of these effective surface currents. Using this new technique, we present the first predictions of Casimir interactions in several experimentally relevant geometries that would be difficult to treat with any existing method. In particular, we investigate Casimir interactions between dielectric nanodisks embedded in a dielectric fluid; we identify the threshold surface--surface separation at which finite--size effects become relevant, and we map the rotational energy landscape of bound nanoparticle diclusters

The Ability of Plant Essential Oils to Inhibit Detoxification Enzymes in Aedes aegypti

The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, poses public health issues to human populations around the world. Aedes aegypti is a vector of multiple debilitating diseases, including dengue fever, yellow fever, zika, and chikungunya. Numerous synthetic insecticides have been developed to control Aedes aegypti populations. The effectiveness of these chemicals in mosquito control has been diminished due to the prevalence of insecticide-resistant mosquito populations. Insecticide resistance may be acquired via mutations in genes encoding target receptors and enzymes, or from upregulation of detoxifying enzymes. Plant essential oil toxicity has been well established in laboratory conditions, and plant essential oils are known to be capable of enhancing insecticides. This study assessed the ability of plant essential oils, when applied topically, to modulate detoxification enzyme processes in Aedes aegypti. Three enzyme systems were examined: cytochromes p450, glutathione S-transferase, and esterase. Select plant essential oils were identified as capable of inhibiting cytochromes p450 de-ethylase activity, and many caused a decrease in glutathione S-transferase activity. Additionally, one plant essential oil decreased esterase activity. This study highlights some physiological interactions that contribute to the effectiveness of plant essential oils as insecticide additives

Direct Regulation of Hedge Funds: An Analysis of Hedge Fund Regulation After the Implementation of Title IV of the Dodd-Frank Act

Jacob Johnson is a Class of 2018 Juris Doctor Candidate at DePaul University College of Law and Research Staff Member of the DePaul Business and Commercial Law Journal. He earned a B.A. in Political Science and minor in Business from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2015. He would like to thank his parents, John and Rebecca Johnson, for their constant support

How does democracy reduce poverty? : a study of dispersed power within ten African countries

Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-63)

Student Success While Incorporating Cooperative Learning In The 6th Grade Classroom

The purpose of this study is to examine the positive impacts of cooperative learning in the classroom. I will be intentionally teaching skills to enhance cooperative learning throughout the duration of the study. The methods of cooperative learning that will be used will be as follows: positive interdependence, individual accountability, interpersonal skills, face to face promotive interaction, and processing out. This study took place within a 6th grade classroom with three different sections of students. The data that was collected showed that students who learned in the cooperative learning setting had a higher percentage of students fully understanding the material, compared to those students who learned the same material in a traditional lecture style learning environment. The observations that were also made showed that students were more responsible in completing all of their work when working together within a group

Sparse Monocular Scene Reconstruction Using Rolling Voxel Maps

We present a method for creating 3D obstacle maps in real-time using only a monocular camera and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). We track a large amount of sparse features in the image frame. Then, given scale-accurate pose estimates from a front-end visual-inertial odometry (VIO) algorithm, we estimate the inverse depth to each of the tracked features using a keyframe-based feature-only bundle adjustment. These features are then accumulated within a probabilistic robocentric 3D voxel map that rolls as the camera moves. This local rolling voxel map provides a simple scene representation within which obstacle avoidance planning can easily be done. Our system is capable of running at camera frame rate on a laptop CPU

Understanding Myself as a Counselor & Individual

This is a personal reflection piece which serves to summarize my growth and development as a professional in the field of counseling and also as a person. The paper will start with background information which includes topics such as my history, family, relationships, culture, health, hobbies, and personal strengths. Also included are interviews with family and friends where topics of my personality, strengths, weaknesses, family culture, and coping techniques will be discussed. Assessments relating to my personality and theoretical orientation such as the Myers-Briggs, Strong Interest Inventory, and Selective Theory Sorter-Revised will also be featured. Then I continue on with a conceptualization of myself through the perspective of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The impact of this analysis and plans for my continued development will also be included next to conclude the paper. Through reflecting on these topics, I hope to gain a greater insight on myself, my journey, and my future both professionally and personally

The Popular and the Sacred in Music

A book review is presented for Antti-Ville Kärjä, The Popular and the Sacred in Music, London and New York: Routledge, 2022

A critical analysis of COA research.

Five experts respected for their significant contributions to the scientific literature on children of alcoholics (COA's) offer their perspectives in a panel discussion format. The panel members reflect on the historical roots of COA research and comment on its current status and future direction. Enriched by the panelists' variety of backgrounds, research interests, and approaches, the discussion emphasizes the need to consider multiple variables that influence the risk for alcoholism among COA's

Teachers\u27 Perceptions of a One-to-One Teacher Laptop Program and Teacher Technology Efficacy

Schools all over the world are embracing technology because they view technology as a catalyst to improve teaching and learning, leading to further investment in technology initiatives for school improvement. The 1:1 teacher laptop program is one such initiative that continues to gain interest and momentum. Despite widespread adoption, teachers continue to face challenges with the use of technology. Furthermore, while research has indicated that teacher technology efficacy is a significant enabling factor for technology use, there is limited evidence for how the 1:1 teacher laptop program has influenced teacher technology efficacy. The purpose of this qualitative pragmatic study was to describe the perceptions and experiences of teachers who participated in a 1:1 teacher laptop program at an international school in relation to teachers\u27 technology efficacy. The study was framed through the model of adult learning proposed by Knowles and the construct of self-efficacy posited by Bandura. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Findings from this study identified 7 overarching themes: access to the teacher laptop, change in practice, support structures, concerns and barriers, attitude towards technology, self-directed learning, and perceived value. Interpretations revealed that while participants were positive about the program and acknowledged that the program helped raise their technology efficacy, participants also shared concerns. This study adds to the body of knowledge for an understudied topic and provides teachers a voice to influence implementation fidelity. This study also contributes to social change by adding a global perspective through experiences at an international school to inform school leaders to prepare teachers to use technology effectively to improve student learning