The Role of Different Sets of Verbal Cues in Six-Choice Reaction Time

McAllister (2) recently offered an explanation for the subsequent superior performance on the Star Discrimeter of Ss given relevant-S-R pretraining over Ss given relevant-S pretraining. She further proposed that because of previous learning, different relevantS-R pretraining would lead to differential facilitation. This differential facilitation would occur for two reasons. First, verbal responses serve as cues, which, through past learning (plus instructions), elicit responses which furnish information concerning the correct motor responses. Since the past learning would, presumably, be different for various types of verbal responses this variation would lead to differential facilitation. Second, if in previous learning situations response strength had been acquired between the verbal cues and motor responses similar to those required on the criterion task facilitation would be increased

Factors structuring zooplankton density and composition within a Louisiana river and floodplain tributaries with emphasis on hydrologic processes

Zooplankters are important members of freshwater communities, facilitating the transfer of energy from primary production to higher trophic levels. Lentic floodplain systems are important in providing zooplankters with adequate habitat for growth and reproduction. Recently, The Nature Conservancy has been interested in cataloguing the aquatic taxa that inhabit the Ouachita River and floodplain in northern Louisiana, concurrent with an attempt to reestablish a river-floodplain connection with the river and eastern floodplain (the Mollicy Farms Unit, part of the Upper Ouachita National Wildlife Refuge). Sampling was conducted at seven sites along the Ouachita River and western floodplain monthly for one year to investigate zooplankton density and composition in relation to environmental variables and hydrology. Principal component analysis was used to illustrate relationships among zooplankton groups with environmental variables and sampling sites, and cladoceran taxa were found to be correlated to specific environmental variables by multivariate analysis of variance. Results indicated that highest densities were exhibited by rotifers, followed by copepods and cladocerans. Abundances of the zooplankton groups were correlated primarily with specific conductance, PO4, temperature, chlorophyll a, Secchi depth, and dissolved oxygen. Additionally, average densities of zooplankton groups were greater at floodplain sites than at sites near or within the river mainstem. During the low water phase, copepods and certain cladoceran taxa were found in greater densities than during the high water phase, indicating a potential concentration effect. These findings will contribute to our understanding of the interactions between environmental parameters and zooplankters within the Ouachita River and floodplain, as well as an overall understanding of zooplankton dynamics in river-floodplain systems

Retention of Skill on the SAM Complex Coordinator

Systematic laboratory studies of retention-retention beyond a few hours or a few days-of skill in performing complex perceptual motor tasks are in short supply. In contrast there is no shortage of anecdotal accounts of phenomenal proficiency in typing, ice skating, bicycle riding, and the like, displayed after years (and years) without practice. Largely as a consequence of anecdotes, many erudite persons (with some psychologists in the forefront among them) firmly believe that all motor skills are retained indefinitely while verbal and other symbolic materials are soon forgotten

COHORT ANALYSIS OF FOOD CONSUMPTION: A CASE OF RAPIDLY CHANGING JAPANESE CONSUMPTION

Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Assessment of Criticality Safety for Cylindrical Containers to be Used In the Processing of Spent Fuel

The UREX process separates uranium from transuranic wastes (TRU) and fission products (FP). Nuclear reactors require fissile isotopes that will absorb neutrons and break apart into smaller nuclei while releasing a large amount of energy as well as multiple neutrons. Fissile isotopes in spent fuel include not only 235U, but also 239Pu, 241Pu, and several isotopes of americium (Am) and curium (Cm). TRU contains the actinides with atomic numbers greater than that of uranium. This includes Pu, Np, Am, and Cm. When TRU is separated from uranium, the TRU still poses a significant risk of sustaining a chain reaction. This is quantified through the effective neutron multiplication factor, keff. To prevent TRU from becoming critical (sustaining a chain reaction), keff must be maintained at a value of less than 1. The presence of neutron poisons (Sm, Xe, B, Hf, Cd, etc.) will decrease keff. Neutron poisons are found in fission products. The presence of neutron moderators (H, C, Be) or materials that reflect neutrons will enhance keff. To assess keff, Monte Carlo simulation codes are used. The concentration of TRU, process salts, and fission products along with the geometry of the mixture and surrounding reflective material are inputs to these codes

Striking a Balance: A National Assessment of Economic Development Incentives

The use of incentive packages has intensified as local governments compete for new plants and corporate relocations, and as private firms increasingly demand a deal. While incentives promise jobs and tax revenue, scholars and practitioners criticize their high cost and limited accountability. Through a comparison of matched establishments, this paper explores how governmental incentive-granting strategy impacts incentive performance. We examine the overall impact of incentives and whether incentives granted to smaller firms perform better. Using economic development budget data, we also assess the state’s overall approach to economic development to determine which strategies are prioritized through funding. By showing that incentivized firms fail to create more jobs than matched controls, our analysis casts doubt on claims that “but for” incentives job creation would not occur. Still, our findings suggest that states are smarter in their incentive use when they strike a balance between recruiting industry and supporting “homegrown” businesses and technology