A collective scattering system for measuring electron gyroscale fluctuations on the National Spherical Torus Experiment

A collective scattering system has been installed on the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) to measure electron gyroscale fluctuations in NSTX plasmas. The system measures fluctuations with k(perpendicular to)rho(e)less than or similar to 0.6 and k(perpendicular to)less than or similar to 20 cm(-1). Up to five distinct wavenumbers are measured simultaneously, and the large toroidal curvature of NSTX plasmas provides enhanced spatial localization. Steerable optics can position the scattering volume throughout the plasma from the magnetic axis to the outboard edge. Initial measurements indicate rich turbulent dynamics on the electron gyroscale. The system will be a valuable tool for investigating the connection between electron temperature gradient turbulence and electron thermal transport in NSTX plasmas.X1137sciescopu

Judgement and supply chain dynamics

Forecasting demand at the individual stock-keeping-unit (SKU) level often necessitates the use of statistical methods, such as exponential smoothing. In some organizations, however, statistical forecasts will be subject to judgemental adjustments by managers. Although a number of empirical and ‘laboratory’ studies have been performed in this area, no formal OR modelling has been conducted to offer insights into the impact such adjustments may have on supply chain performance and the potential development of mitigation mechanisms. This is because of the associated dynamic complexity and the situation-specific nature of the problem at hand. In conjunction with appropriate stock control rules, demand forecasts help decide how much to order. It is a common practice that replenishment orders may also be subject to judgemental intervention, adding further to the dynamic system complexity and interdependence. The system dynamics (SD) modelling method can help advance knowledge in this area, where mathematical modelling cannot accommodate the associated complexity. This study, which constitutes part of a UK government funded (EPSRC) project, uses SD models to evaluate the effects of forecasting and ordering adjustments for a wide set of scenarios involving: three different inventory policies; seven different (combinations of) points of intervention; and four different (combinations of) types of judgmental intervention (optimistic and pessimistic). The results enable insights to be gained into the performance of the entire supply chain. An agenda for further research concludes the paper

Two-dimensional imaging of edge-localized modes in KSTAR plasmas unperturbed and perturbed by n=1 external magnetic fields

The temporal evolution of edge-localized modes (ELMs) has been studied using a 2-D electron cyclotron emission imaging system in the KSTAR tokamak. The ELMs are observed to evolve in three distinctive stages: the initial linear growth of multiple filamentary structures having a net poloidal rotation, the interim state of regularly spaced saturated filaments, and the final crash through a short transient phase characterized by abrupt changes in the relative amplitudes and distance among filaments. The crash phase, typically consisted of multiple bursts of a single filament, involves a complex dynamics, poloidal elongation of the bursting filament, development of a fingerlike bulge, and fast localized burst through the finger. Substantial alterations of the ELM dynamics, such as mode number, poloidal rotation, and crash time scale, have been observed under external magnetic perturbations with the toroidal mode number n = 1. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3694842]X1125sciescopu

Disability Assistive Programming: Using Voice Input To Write Code

This thesis describes the development of a proof of concept speech to code program that utilizes Sphinx 4, JFlex, and CUP. This thesis can take in audio, transcribe it to text and then run it through a lexer/parser to ensure correct Java syntax for a simple “Hello World” program. This is the groundwork for a fully functional speech to Java code program to assist with disability mitigation in the computer science field

An Exploration of Interventions Used by Occupational Therapists

Among practices in the field of health care, there exists a common understanding of the importance of evidence-based practice. Evidence-based care, combining rigorous empirical research of a treatment with the desires and goals of the patient, focuses on the implementation of treatments that are proven to be effective and can apply to the best interests of all parties involved. These ideas pervade numerous healthcare fields, including the practice of occupational therapy. Unfortunately, although occupational therapy literature suggests that there are evidence-based treatments available for practitioners to utilize, it simultaneously depicts the popular use of interventions that are less substantial in their level of supporting evidence. One population served by occupational therapists that could be particularly affected by this contradiction is children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In order to decipher what could be provoking occupational therapists to utilize treatments with lesser empirical support, the current study’s researchers asked practicing occupational therapists about their common interventions as well as their thoughts on evidence-based practice. The results of these interviews provide further evidence that occupational therapists are indeed utilizing treatments with lesser evidential support, suggesting that the contradictions in occupational therapy literature also reflect in its practice

Effects Of Land Cover And Riparian Buffers On Cold-Water Fish Assemblages In Upper South Fork New River Headwater Streams

Climate change combined with expanding urbanization and changes to land-use pose a serious threat to many cold-water species as temperature continues to increase. This study focused on the effects of biogeophysical components on cold-water fish assemblages within headwater sub-basins that vary widely in ability to support sensitive and endemic fish species. The relative abundance of cold-water fish were sampled by electrofishing 16 sites during the spring and summer then compared to riparian corridor density and height measurements, the percentage of sub-basin wide impervious surfaces, Bank Erosion Hazard Index (BEHI), Wolman Pebble Count, water temperature, and specific conductivity. The monthly maximum stream temperature did surpass static laboratory determined thermal suitability limits for brook and brown trout; and diurnal fluctuating laboratory determined limits for rainbow trout (20.0-22.5 °C) in 14 sites. However, the regression analyses of riparian heights (R2 = 0.05) and densities (R2 = 0.07) within each sampling reach did not significantly reduce stream temperature between sites. Temperature and conductivity were not found to significantly impact cold-water fish conditions, however; bank erosion, benthic substrate, riparian height, and impervious surfaces did. The relative abundances of cold-water fish were found to increase with the quality of the habitat

The Freshman Academy Impact: A Comparison of Ninth Grade Structures Through Analyses of Student Perceptions and Performance Data

A student’s transition from middle school to high school can prove to be a difficult time, often leading to an academic decline, an increase in the number of accumulated discipline referrals, and an increase in absences. In order to help students make the transition, many school systems are establishing freshman academies on their high school campuses to serve as a metaphorical bridge between the middle school and high school. Clark County Schools employs the academy model. This study provides a holistic comparison between Clark County and Lewis County Schools (both pseudonyms), which does not use the ninth grade academy intervention strategy. In order to compare structures, student performance data was gathered in the form of English I End of Course test growth, absences, and discipline referrals. A survey collected student perceptual data with regard to achievement, attendance, and discipline. T-tests were used to determine if a significant difference existed in students’ performance and perceptions depending on their ninth grade structure. The student used student engagement as a framework as it is a strong predictor of academic outcomes such as test scores, grades, attendance, and graduation within the school environment

Ecological Impacts of the TVA Coal Ash Spill in Kingston, TN: A Two Year Assessment

A two year investigation into the environmental impacts of a coal combustion waste spill at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston coal-fired power plant revealed several impacts. First, selenium concentrations were identified above criterion continuous concentration (CCC) set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in total available water samples, and sediment samples were elevated up to 21 times background concentrations for arsenic following the spill. Second, fish body burdens for arsenic and selenium were statistically elevated in the months following the spill, particularly in redear sunfish. Third, body burdens were found to be statistically different between fish species for many elements, which can be attributed to diet and trophic level. Forth, concentrations of selenium in fish tissues were above proposed biological effects concentrations. Furthermore, fish were identified with pathological abnormalities such as exopthalmus, histopathological changes in the gills, reduced condition index, bacterial infections, and fin erosion. However, following an analysis of young bluegill sunfish demonstrating exopthalmus, no direct correlation could be made between these individuals and highly elevated contaminant concentrations. Fish populations are showing sustained elevation of toxic elements two years following the spill but are also likely benefitting from immigration/ emigration of individuals from healthy source populations

Species-Area Relationships of Cliff System Vegetational Communities in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

A vegetational survey of vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens was conducted on eleven discrete cliff systems in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (CUGA) during the summer of 2011 and 2012. A total of 231 species were collected and identified, including 111 vascular plants, 37 bryophytes, and 83 lichens. Non-nested and nested species-area curves indicate that the sampling protocol was efficient at capturing diversity, and that larger cliff systems had higher levels of diversity. The steep slope of a generated log-transformed species-area curve, and the relatively low diversity compared to southern Appalachian forests, supports the hypothesis that cliff systems are similar to insular habitats. Multivariate analyses revealed that vascular plant, bryophyte, and lichen communities varied extensively across transects and cliff systems, largely unrelated to slope, aspect, or area. Based on these observations, it is imperative that each cliff site, and possibly each transect, be carefully surveyed before permitting recreational climbing. Several listed species were found during this survey, and all were established on smaller cliff systems. If the Park were most concerned with the protection of threatened, endangered, or disjunct species, it would be wise to preserve several small cliff systems, as opposed to a larger, more speciose cliff system

A DIFFERENT CALL: COVENANT CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND JESUS PEOPLE USA

This thesis is a case study of the Charismatic Renewal and the Jesus People Movement, two religious movements that formed in the 1950s and I 960s. They had historical antecedents in Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism, but they were also the products of various social changes that affected the two decades. The Charismatic Renewal was a reaction to a perceived decline in spirituality and waning social influence of organized religion. Relying on Pentecostal theology, the Charismatic Renewal emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit to enable and empower a Christian to obey the teachings of Christ. The Jesus People Movement appeared as part of a resurgence of spirituality within the Counterculture. The movement propagated a simple, experiential form of the Christian gospel based on Fundamentalist and Pentecostal theology. Both movements have significantly influenced American Christianity. While the Charismatic Renewal persisted as an influential movement into the early 1990s, the Jesus People Movement ceased to visibly exist by the mid-1970s along with the Counterculture. The essence of the Jesus People Movement still lives on in surviving organizations and in contemporary Christian music. This thesis seeks to illustrate the growth and development of both movements and of one specific ministry from each movement, Covenant Christian Church of rural Jackson County, North Carolina and Jesus People USA of Chicago, Illinois