The bird: A pressure-confined explosion in the interstellar medium

The non-thermal radio continuum source G5.3-1.0, mapped at 20 cm with the Very Large Array (VLA) by Becker and Helfand, has an unusual bird-like shape. In order to determine possible interaction of this source with adjacent cold gas, we have mapped this region in the J=1-0 line of CO using the AT and T Bell Laboratories 7m antenna and the FCRAO 14m antenna. The map shown contains 1859 spectra sampled on a 1.5 arcminute grid; each spectrum has an rms noise of 0.2 K in 1 MHz channels. There are several molecular clouds at different velocities along the line of sight. The outer regions of a previously unknown Giant Molecular Cloud (GMC) at l=4.7 deg., b=-0.85 deg., v=200 km s(-1) appears to be interacting with G5.3-10: the molecular cloud has a bird-shaped hole at the position of the continuum source, except that the brightest continuum point (the bird's head) appears to be embedded in the cloud. The velocity of this GMC indicates it is within 2 kpc of the galactic center. The morphology suggests that a supernova or other explosive event occurred near the outside of the GMC, in a region where (n) is approximately 300 cm(-3), and expanded into a region of lower density and pressure. The pressures, densities, and velocity gradients of molecular clouds near the galactic center are on average higher than those of clouds near the Sun. We therefore expect that Type II supernovae near the galactic center would be distorted by their interactions with their parent molecular clouds

An Introduction to Slice-Based Cohesion and Coupling Metrics

This report provides an overview of slice-based software metrics. It brings together information about the development of the metrics from Weiser’s original idea that program slices may be used in the measurement of program complexity, with alternative slice-based measures proposed by other researchers. In particular, it details two aspects of slice-based metric calculation not covered elsewhere in the literature: output variables and worked examples of the calculations. First, output variables are explained, their use explored and standard reference terms and usage proposed. Calculating slice-based metrics requires a clear understanding of ‘output variables’ because they form the basis for extracting the program slices on which the calculations depend. This report includes a survey of the variation in the definition of output variables used by different research groups and suggests standard terms of reference for these variables. Our study identifies four elements which are combined in the definition of output variables. These are the function return value, modified global variables, modified reference parameters and variables printed or otherwise output by the module. Second, slice-based metric calculations are explained with the aid of worked examples, to assist newcomers to the field. Step-by-step calculations of slice-based cohesion and coupling metrics based on the vertices output by the static analysis tool CodeSurfer (R) are presented and compared with line-based calculations

Does coaching work or are we asking the wrong question?

Within the context of an expanding market for coaching in all its forms organisations are asking the questions ‘Does coaching work?’ They seek evidence of a return on investment. We argue within this paper that this is the wrong question. Before we can ask whether coaching works we must ask how is it being used, is a coherent framework of practice and finally is it perceived or quantified as being effective within that framework? We review the practitioner and academic literature as well as our own research to address each of these questions in turn. We posit a framework of practice based upon the coaching agenda identify by coachee and coach within the contracting phase of the engagement. This encompasses the coaching mode and role as well as the supervisory relationships which exist. The research literature is then considered in the context of the framework

Lunar Surface Rovers

Many questions of lunar science remain unanswered because of a lack of specific data. With the potential for returning humans to the Moon and establishing a long-term presence there, a new realm of exploration is possible. Numerous plans have been outlined for orbital and surface missions. The capabilities and objectives of a small class of rovers to be deployed on the lunar surface are described. The objective of these small rovers is to collect detailed in situ information about the composition and distribution of materials on the lunar surface. Those data, in turn, would be applied to a variety of lunar geoscience questions and form a basis for planning human activities on the lunar surface

BRAND EXTENSIONS IN CONFECTIONARY; THE MARS DELIGHT

The concept of brand extension has been considered for several decades, drawing of work by Tauber (1981). Effective branding requires an understanding of areas such as segmentation, targeting and positioning which are critical in developing a successful brand management strategy. This research has focused on the unique nature of the highly competitive confectionery market, looking at recent brand activity by Masterfoods with emphasis on the launch of the Mars Delight, a brand extension recently launched in the UK and Ireland. The methodology utilised both qualitative and quantitative techniques to satisfy the research objectives. Initially the core purpose of this study was to investigate the alternative brand strategies available to drive growth in the competitive UK confectionery market. However, in conducting the initial research it became apparent that a particular model used as a basis to support brand strategy development was not adequate for this highly competitive, dynamic market sector. Therefore this study strove for a better understanding of brand management with the aim of providing an updated framework to guide brand strategy. The proposed Jigsaw Brand Matrix aims to extend the existing literature on brand portfolio strategy, and is hoped that it will be a valuable contribution to marketing theory

Studies of finite element analysis of composite material structures

Research in the area of finite element analysis is summarized. Topics discussed include finite element analysis of a picture frame shear test, BANSAP (a bandwidth reduction program for SAP IV), FEMESH (a finite element mesh generation program based on isoparametric zones), and finite element analysis of a composite bolted joint specimens

Singing and COPD: exploring the experiences of people attending a group activity

Aim/objective To understand the lived experiences of participants with COPD attending a singing group. Rationale The research into singing groups for people living with COPD suggests that participants find the groups enjoyable and report it to be beneficial with regards to improving symptoms. However, the quantitative data from a companion paper (Clift, Skingley, Meadows and Dickinson, 2022) are not consistent with these findings and further research is needed to understand the underpinning explanations from the participant perspective. Approach Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants who have been diagnosed with COPD, recruited from a singing group designed to support them with breathlessness. Participants were asked about their experiences of living with COPD as well as of the singing programme. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach was applied to the data gathered from these interviews. The Common Sense Model of illness representation was used to inform the analysis. Findings The study identified five explanatory themes: blame and the restrictive impact of COPD, changes in self-efficacy and a sense of control over COPD, positive social connections within the group, positive emotional and cognitive changes during and after the group, and the value of breathing techniques. Discussion and conclusion The participants reported stigma over their condition before the group and that COPD has a restrictive impact on their lives. Following attending the singing group, the participants experienced a change in their attitudes towards their condition, feeling a greater sense of confidence and control over their condition. The participants felt the factors involved in this change were the social connections both with their peers and the group leader, the positive emotional changes during and following the group and the impact of the breathing techniques they were taught. Future work should therefore aim to promote self-efficacy and self-management for participants

A unique facility for V/STOL aircraft hover testing

The Langley Impact Dynamics Research Facility (IDRF) was modified to obtain static force and moment data and to allow assessment of aircraft handling qualities during dynamic tethered hover flight. Test probe procedures were also established. Static lift and control measurements obtained are presented along with results of limited dynamic tethered hover flight