On wings of circular design

Prandtl's method of sources and sinks for air foils is used to investigate the aerodynamics of circular wings in constant flow. Lift distribution, total lift, and pitching moment are investigated as well as the influence of changes in the angle of attack

The Cream in My Polytope

This guided discovery project provides high school math students an opportunity to solve a real-world problem by applying tools they have learned in geometry and, optionally, calculus. The task is to determine the volume, surface area, and other properties of a certain form of folded paper container, such as those used by Wendy’s for sour cream. Students first construct the containers, and then are challenged to find a geometric way to determine the volume of these objects, which do not fit conventional volume formulas. They next find surface area and, optionally, angles of the container. In the process, 2- and 3-dimensional visualization skills are exercised. Calculus students are asked to find the volume by the method of slabs, and subsequently to determine the dimensions that optimize the surface-to-volume ratio. Several additional extensions are suggested, and core curriculum standards are listed. Diagrams and calculations are provided. While much support material is provided, it is hoped that the teacher will encourage students to explore, discover and invent as much as possible on their own

Passports to advantage:Health and capacity building as a basis for social integration

Released prisoners are characterised by chronic social disadvantage, poor physical and mental health, and high rates of substance misuse – a continuation of problems experienced prior to imprisonment. High rates of recidivism and fatal drug overdose post-release indicate that integration of ex-prisoners is often unsuccessful. Despite this, remarkably little is known about recently released prisoners and it is thus difficult to formulate evidence-based policies for this group. The stated policy of most correctional services in Australia is one of ‘throughcare’, which implies continuity of needs- and evidence-based service provision from the moment of reception, through to return to the community and beyond. At present, however, there is a dearth of evidence-based services and support for ex-prisoners. This presentation will review the evidence regarding the experiences of released prisoners and consider models of post-release service provision. One promising model, which aims to proactively improve health and capacity and thereby promote integration, will be described. A randomised controlled trial of this model has recently been funded by the NHMRC; the rationale, aims and key features of this model will be discussed

Environmental Response Management Application

The Coastal Response Research Center (CRRC), a partnership between the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and NOAA\u27s Office of Response and Restoration (ORR), is leading an effort to develop a data platform capable of interfacing both static and real-time data sets accessible simultaneously to a command post and assets in the field with an open source internet mapping server. The Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA™) is designed to give responders and decision makers ready access to geographically specific data useful during spill planning/drills, incident response, damage assessment and site restoration. In addition to oil spill and chemical release response, this website can be relevant to other environmental incidents and natural disasters, responses and regional planning efforts. The platform is easy to operate, without the assistance of Information Technology or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialists. It allows users to access individual data layer values, overlay relevant data sets, and zoom into segments of interest. The platform prototype is being developed specifically for Portsmouth Harbor and the Great Bay Estuary, NH. The prototype demonstrates the capabilities of an integrated data management platform and serves as the pilot for web-based GIS platforms in other regions

Stream Tables and Watershed Geomorphology Education

Watersheds are basic landscape units that are fundamental to understanding resource and environmental issues. Stream tables may be an effective way to learn about watersheds and the dynamic processes, factors, and landforms within. We review the copious stream table literature, present new ideas for assembling stream tables, and provide a watershed approach to stream table exercises. Our stream table\u27s compact size and low cost permits the purchase and use of multiple units to maximize active learning. The included stream table modules allow introductory students to experiment and observe the effects of factors-i.e., climate (Module A-Precipitation, Overland Flow, and Channel Initiation and Module B-Stream Discharge and Channel Formation), topography (Module C-Watershed Topography and Channel Formation), land cover (Module D-Watershed Cover Types and Channel Formation), and base level (Module E-Local Base Level Changes via Dams and Reservoirs) -on fluvial processes and landforms in a watershed. Course evaluations and exams show that students enjoy the stream table exercise more, and learn the concepts of fluvial geomorphology better, than via traditional topographic map and aerial photograph interpretation exercises