Web Applet For Predicting Structure And Thermodynamics Of Complex Fluids

Based on a recently introduced analytical strategy [Hollingshead et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139, 161102 (2013)], we present a web applet that can quickly and semi-quantitatively estimate the equilibrium radial distribution function and related thermodynamic properties of a fluid from knowledge of its pair interaction. We describe the applet's features and present two (of many possible) examples of how it can be used to illustrate concepts of interest for introductory statistical mechanics courses: the transition from ideal gas-like behavior to correlated-liquid behavior with increasing density, and the tradeoff between dominant length scales with changing temperature in a system with ramp-shaped repulsions. The latter type of interaction qualitatively captures distinctive thermodynamic properties of liquid water, because its energetic bias toward locally open structures mimics that of water's hydrogen-bond network. (C) 2015 American Association of Physics Teachers.Chemical Engineerin

Exploring the use of dynamic linear panel data models for evaluating energy/economy/environment models — an application for the transportation sector

This paper uses the RoSE transportation sector scenarios of the GCAM and REMIND energy-economy-models for the U.S. region to derive and compare these models’ intrinsic elasticities with those resulting from historical trends, estimates from the literature, and across each other. To estimate the model-intrinsic elasticities, we explore the use of dynamic linear panel data models. On the basis of 26 scenarios (panels) between 2010 and 2050, our analysis suggests that nearly all model-intrinsic elasticities with respect to final energy use are roughly comparable to each other, to those observed historically, and to those from other studies. The key difference is these models’ comparatively low intrinsic income elasticity of final energy use. This and other minor differences are interpreted through key assumptions underlying both energy-economy-models

Exploring the use of dynamic linear panel data models for evaluating energy/economy/environment models — an application for the transportation sector

This paper uses the RoSE transportation sector scenarios of the GCAM and REMIND energy-economy-models for the U.S. region to derive and compare these models’ intrinsic elasticities with those resulting from historical trends, estimates from the literature, and across each other. To estimate the model-intrinsic elasticities, we explore the use of dynamic linear panel data models. On the basis of 26 scenarios (panels) between 2010 and 2050, our analysis suggests that nearly all model-intrinsic elasticities with respect to final energy use are roughly comparable to each other, to those observed historically, and to those from other studies. The key difference is these models’ comparatively low intrinsic income elasticity of final energy use. This and other minor differences are interpreted through key assumptions underlying both energy-economy-models

Literacy and phonological skills in oral deaf children and hearing children with a history of dyslexia

Oral deaf children and hearing children with dyslexia both experience literacy challenges, although their reasons differ. This paper explores the problems underlying poor literacy in each group and draws implications for reading interventions. Data were collected using standardised literacy and phonological measures from 69 severe-profoundly prelingually-deaf children aged 10-11 years, all communicating with spoken language, and compared with equivalent data from 20 hearing children with a history of dyslexia matched on reading ability. Children were given a large battery of tasks assessing word and nonword reading, spelling, vocabulary and reading-related skills including lettersound knowledge, phonological awareness, rapid automated naming and verbal short-term memory. Striking similarities were observed for word reading, nonword reading and spelling across groups, and associations between the measures and reading-related skills were similar. However, differences between the two groups emerged in the strength of association between literacy and vocabulary. Regression analyses confirmed vocabulary as a key predictor of literacy in the oral deaf group. These results suggest that not only children with a history of dyslexia but also oral deaf children who struggle with reading should receive specialist literacy support. Reading interventions for oral deaf children should target phonological and language skills within a fully integrated approach

Reading and Dyslexia in Deaf Children

Literacy difficulties are more widespread among deaf children than hearing children but reasons for their problems differ. Hearing children are likely to be described as dyslexic and once diagnosed, may benefit from specialist support. However, for deaf children, their hearing difficulties are seen as primary. In this Briefing Paper, we report findings from a two-phase research study on deaf children’s reading, funded by the Nuffield Foundation. Phase 1 focused on a large sample of 82 same-age deaf children aged 10-11 years who communicated using spoken language (oral deaf children) and Phase 2, on a sample of 59 same-age deaf children who used sign language to communicate (signing deaf children). Our analysis identified that literacy scores in both deaf groups were lower than expected for their age, and lower in the signing group compared to the oral group. An exception was the small group of signing children with two deaf parents, who achieved reading levels comparable to oral deaf children. Overall, 48% of the oral group and 82% of the signing children were reading below age level. Scores for spelling were better than reading but in both groups, many children had below average scores. In both groups, literacy outcomes were associated with phonological skills and language. Profiles of poor readers in each group were similar, and displayed low scores on English expressive vocabulary and phonological measures. Using our hearing dyslexic participants as a reference group, we were able to identify dyslexia-sensitive measures that were effective in differentiating poor readers in the oral deaf sample since children in the oral deaf group were able to access the full range of measures developed for hearing children. Identification of a dyslexic profile among the signing participants was more complex as different phonological measures were used that did not rely on speech perception or production, and also because of their very low scores on many of the measures: the percentage of poor readers with scores falling below -2 SDs was nearly four times higher in the signing group compared with the oral deaf group, accounting for nearly a quarter of the signing sample. Our findings highlight the scale of reading difficulties in deaf children. Regardless of communication approach, all deaf poor readers are in urgent need of specialist intervention to address the deficits underlying poor literacy. Interventions known to be effective with hearing children with reading difficulties should also be used with deaf poor readers. In addition, deaf children require support to develop their language skills. Our findings also suggest that spelling, a relative strength in deaf children, may offer a useful route to improving literacy in this group

Photomechanical Investigation of Structural Behavior of Gyroscope Components. Task IV - Analysis of Initial Redesign of AB5-K8 GYROSCOPE

Photomechanics of structure and materials in redesigned AB5-K8 gyroscope component

Historical and contemporary perspectives on the sediments of Lake Rotorua

Lake Rotorua is probably the oldest continuously inundated lake in New Zealand, occupying a caldera formed by or closely associated with the eruption of the Mamaku ignimbrite and the collapse of the Rotorua caldera (Healy, 1975; Lowe and Green, 1991). The lake has undergone drastic changes in size and depth as a result of tectonics, volcanic activity and erosion. Since the Rotoehu eruption, (~60 kyr), the lake level has fluctuated between 120 m above present (280 m asl) and 10 m below present level. The modern lake covers an area of 79 km2 and has a mean depth of 10 m. Despite its long history of sedimentation, Lake Rotorua has an irregular bathymetry with features including faulted blocks, slumps, hydrothermal explosion craters, springs and large methane discharge pock marks