User documentation for the MSK and OMS intelligent tutoring systems

This user's guide describes how to use the Intelligent Tutoring Systems for the Manual Select Keyboard (MSK) and the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) and how to use the C code that runs the mockup version of the MSK

Engineering and Manipulating Exciton Wave Packets

When a semiconductor absorbs light, the resulting electron-hole superposition amounts to a uncontrolled quantum ripple that eventually degenerates into diffusion. If the conformation of these excitonic superpositions could be engineered, though, they would constitute a new means of transporting information and energy. We show that properly designed laser pulses can be used to create such excitonic wave packets. They can be formed with a prescribed speed, direction and spectral make-up that allows them to be selectively passed, rejected or even dissociated using superlattices. Their coherence also provides a handle for manipulation using active, external controls. Energy and information can be conveniently processed and subsequently removed at a distant site by reversing the original procedure to produce a stimulated emission. The ability to create, manage and remove structured excitons comprises the foundation for opto-excitonic circuits with application to a wide range of quantum information, energy and light-flow technologies. The paradigm is demonstrated using both Tight-Binding and Time-Domain Density Functional Theory simulations.Comment: 16 figure

Testes size, testosterone production and reproductive behaviour in a natural mammalian mating system

1. Testosterone (T) is a key mediator in the expression of numerous morphological and behavioural traits in mammals, but the factors underlying individual variation in circulating T levels are poorly understood. 2. The intimate structural integration of sperm and T production within the testes, alongside the dependency of sperm production on high levels of T, suggests that T requirements for spermatogenesis could be an important driver of individual differences in T. 3. To test this hypothesis, we examine how male capacity for sperm production ( as indicated by their testes size) is associated with T levels in a feral population of Soay sheep, resident on St. Kilda, Scotland, during their rutting season. 4. We found a strong positive relationship between an individual's testes size ( as measured before their seasonal enlargement) and the levels of circulating T during their rut, suggesting that T requirements for spermatogenesis has a prominent influence on the production of this androgen. 5. In contrast, body condition and competitive ability did not independently predict T levels, findings that are inconsistent with conventional 'condition-dependent' and 'challenge' hypotheses of T production. 6. This influence of male's capacity for sperm production on T appeared to be substantial enough to be biologically relevant, as testes size also predicted male aggression and mate-seeking behaviour. 7. Our results suggest that a male's inherent capacity for sperm and T production is tightly phenotypically integrated, with potential consequences for a wide range of other T-mediated reproductive traits

Building Local Capacity to Respond to Environmental Change: Lessons and Case Studies from New York State

CaRDI Reports Issue 1

Turning hardened steel using coated carbide at high cutting speeds

The present work studies some aspects of the turning process applied on hardened steel using multilayer coated carbide tools at high cutting speeds. The influence of cutting parameters (vc, f, and depth of cut - d.o.c.) on tool temperature, tool wear, cutting forces, and surface roughness were analyzed. The current literature reports many studies using PcBN on hardened steel, but it is also important to know the results when using coated carbide tools, mainly for economical reasons. Temperature was measured by a thermocouple positioned at the lowest insert face, underneath it. Temperature near the rake face was calculated using the measured gradient within the insert thickness. To measure the gradient a special technique was used with one embedded thermocouple near the rake face and one underneath. Tool wear measurements demonstrated the capability of such tools in turning hardened steel with reasonable tool life. Forces measured resulted in relatively low values, being the radial component the largest of all. For the different cutting conditions studied, the doc has the greatest influence on force and temperature. Additionally, the best surface roughness values were smaller than 0,4 µm Ra

Embedded Ribbons of Graphene Allotropes: An Extended Defect Perspective

Four fundamental dimer manipulations can be used to produce a variety of localized and extended defect structures in graphene. Two-dimensional templates result in graphene allotropes, here viewed as extended defects, which can exhibit either metallic or semiconducting electrical character. \emph{Embedded allotropic ribbons}--i.e. thin swaths of the new allotropes--can also be created within graphene. We examine these ribbons and find that they maintain the electrical character of their parent allotrope even when only a few atoms in width. Such extended defects may facilitate the construction of monolithic electronic circuitry.Comment: 24 pages, 21 figure

Defect Engineering: Graphene Gets Designer Defects

An extended one-dimensional defect that has the potential to act as a conducting wire has been embedded in another perfect graphene sheet.Comment: 2 pages, 1 figur

The purpose of mess in action research: building rigour though a messy turn

Mess and rigour might appear to be strange bedfellows. This paper argues that the purpose of mess is to facilitate a turn towards new constructions of knowing that lead to transformation in practice (an action turn). Engaging in action research - research that can disturb both individual and communally held notions of knowledge for practice - will be messy. Investigations into the 'messy area', the interface between the known and the nearly known, between knowledge in use and tacit knowledge as yet to be useful, reveal the 'messy area' as a vital element for seeing, disrupting, analysing, learning, knowing and changing. It is the place where long-held views shaped by professional knowledge, practical judgement, experience and intuition are seen through other lenses. It is here that reframing takes place and new knowing, which has both theoretical and practical significance, arises: a 'messy turn' takes place