Anderson Localization of Matter Waves in 3D Anisotropic Disordered Potentials

Using a cutoff-free formulation of the coherent transport theory, we show that the interference terms at the origin of localization strongly affect the transport anisotropy. In contrast to the common hypothesis, we then find that the anisotropies of incoherent and coherent diffusion are significantly different, in particular at criticality. There, we show that the coherent transport anisotropy is mainly determined by the properties of the disorder-averaged effective scattering medium while the incoherent transport contributions become irrelevant

The Experiences of Cohort Membership in an Alternative Certification Program

Employing and retaining teachers has been a rising problem affecting employment at school districts. Nationwide school districts have noted high instances of teacher shortages and are finding it more difficult to fill positions with traditionally trained teachers. In the 2019-2020 school year, at a local district in South Florida, it was assessed that 56% of new teachers to the district were of a noneducation background or career changers. Retention of this subgroup of teachers is pertinent to reducing teacher attrition, specifically within the school districts that most frequently employ them. Certificate expiration, due to not completing their certification requirements within the validity period of the temporary certificate is one noted issue of attrition among this subgroup of new teachers. Therefore, alternative certification programs are an important factor in preparing and retaining teachers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and examine participants’ experience of cohort membership in one specific alternative certification program, MINT 2.0 and how these relate to program completion. Results of the study could provide future program improvements. Wegner’s community of practice and studies on cohorts served as the theoretical framework and foundation of the study. Using semistructured interviews, this qualitative study explored the experiences of MINT 2.0 program completers. Results of the study showed that participants noted specific benefits of cohort membership that supported their progression in the program, completion and retention to the district. The results have implications for local, district programs the use of cohort models in various settings

An Intergalactic Diplomat

This manuscript tells the story of Princess Luna McGlothen as she travels to the Eighth Galaxy Alliance as part of Earth’s first attempt at intergalactic diplomacy. Set in the distant future, Princess Luna is the heir to the throne of the Royal Republic of North America and is trying to prove to her authoritarian mother, and to herself, that she is worthy of her birthright. Across the universe she makes friends and enemies, experiences true betrayal, and realizes that she has what it takes to be a great leader

The Self-Perceived Impact of a Food Recovery-Meal Delivery Program on Homebound Seniors’ Food Security, Nutrition Health, and Well-Being

For many senior citizens, meeting nutritional needs is essential to good health and daily function. Studies indicate that many American older adults are not meeting their nutrition needs and often suffer from food insecurity. Meals on Wings (MOW) is a food recovery-meal delivery program that attempts to decrease the influence of food insecurity among older adults. This study aims to explore the self-perceived impact of a food recovery-meal delivery program on homebound seniors’ nutrition health, food security, and well-being. Semi-structured interviews were administered to adults age 55 and older on the waitlist for Meals on Wheels America in Duval County who received meals for three months or longer from MOW (n=10). Themes related to food security, nutrition health, and well-being were identified using inductive thematic analysis based on participants’ responses. Ten major themes were revealed: 1) healthier eating, 2) balanced meals meet needs, 3) feel happier and/or worry less, 4) decreased feelings of isolation and loneliness, 5) food always available, 6) worry less about food running out, 7) food and SNAP benefits last longer, 8) less need for food pantries and/or food assistance programs, 9) more money available, and 10) coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic makes it harder to leave home to buy food and meet nutrition needs. All the participants reported that receiving meals help them worry less or feel happier, make the food they buy last longer, and help them pay for other things including medications, rent or utilities. It was discovered that factors including transportation, physical capability, economic burdens, and awareness of community resources available may impact access to food. Homebound senior adults perceive that food recovery-meal delivery programs may improve their nutrition health, food security, and well-being to some degree. The food recovery-meal delivery model can be considered a solution to hunger in homebound seniors in the future

Mind the social feedback : effects of tDCS applied to the left DLPFC on psychophysiological responses during the anticipation and reception of social evaluations

The left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) is implicated in anticipatory (i.e. during anticipation of emotional stimuli) and online (i.e. during confrontation with emotional stimuli) emotion regulatory processes. However, research that investigates the causal role of the lDLPFC in these processes is lacking. In this study, 74 participants received active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the lDLPFC. Participants were told strangers evaluated them. These (rigged) social evaluations were presented, and in 50% of the trials, participants could anticipate the valence (positive or negative) of the upcoming social feedback. Pupil dilation (a marker of cognitive resource allocation) and skin conductance responses (a marker of arousal) were measured. The results indicate that active (compared to sham) tDCS reduced arousal during the confrontation with anticipated feedback but only marginally during the confrontation with unanticipated feedback. When participants were given the opportunity to anticipate the social feedback, tDCS reduced arousal, irrespective of whether one was anticipating or being confronted with the anticipated feedback. Moreover, tDCS reduced cognitive resource allocation during anticipation, which was associated with resource allocation increases during the subsequent confrontation. Altogether, results suggest that the lDLPFC is causally implicated in the interplay between anticipatory and online emotion regulatory processes

Evaluation of the impact of various agricultural practices on nitrate leaching under the root zone of potato and sugar beet using the STICS soil–crop model

The quaternary aquifer of Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country, Northern Spain) is characterised by a shallow water table mainly fed by drainage water, and thus constitutes a vulnerable zone in regards to nitrate pollution. Field studies were performed with a potato crop in 1993 and a sugar beet crop in 2002 to evaluate their impact on nitrate leaching. The overall predictive quality of the STICS soil–crop model was first evaluated using field data and then the model was used to analyze dynamically the impacts of different crop management practices on nitrate leaching. The model was evaluated (i) on soil nitrate concentrations at different depths and (ii) on crop yields. The simulated values proved to be in satisfactory agreement with measured values. Nitrate leaching was more pronounced with the potato crop thanwith the sugar beet experiment due to i) greater precipitation, ii) lower N uptake of the potato crop due to shallow root depth, and iii) a shorter period of growth. The potato experiment showed that excessive irrigation could significantly increase nitrate leaching by increasing both drainage and nitrate concentrations. The different levels of N-fertilization examined in the sugar beet study had no notable effects on nitrate leaching due to its high N uptake capacity. Complementary virtual experiments were carried out using the STICS model. Our study confirmed that in vulnerable zones agricultural practices must be adjusted, that is to say: 1) N-fertilizer should not be applied in autumn before winter crops; 2) crops with low N uptake capacity (e.g. potatoes) should be avoided or should be preceded and followed by nitrogen catch crops or cover crops; 3) the nitrate concentration of irrigation water should be taken into account in calculation of the N-fertilization rate, and 4) Nfertilization must be precisely adjusted in particular for potato crops