More with Less: How Visual Media Can Improve Training

The human mind is only able to process a finite amount of information. Learning new processes can invoke significant stress levels. By applying modern research into brain processing and tailoring visual media to capitalize on those processes we can reduce overall stress while optimizing the learning process expediting information uptake and application

Discriminating between a Stochastic Gravitational Wave Background and Instrument Noise

The detection of a stochastic background of gravitational waves could significantly impact our understanding of the physical processes that shaped the early Universe. The challenge lies in separating the cosmological signal from other stochastic processes such as instrument noise and astrophysical foregrounds. One approach is to build two or more detectors and cross correlate their output, thereby enhancing the common gravitational wave signal relative to the uncorrelated instrument noise. When only one detector is available, as will likely be the case with the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), alternative analysis techniques must be developed. Here we show that models of the noise and signal transfer functions can be used to tease apart the gravitational and instrument noise contributions. We discuss the role of gravitational wave insensitive "null channels" formed from particular combinations of the time delay interferometry, and derive a new combination that maintains this insensitivity for unequal arm length detectors. We show that, in the absence of astrophysical foregrounds, LISA could detect signals with energy densities as low as $\Omega_{\rm gw} = 6 \times 10^{-13}$ with just one month of data. We describe an end-to-end Bayesian analysis pipeline that is able to search for, characterize and assign confidence levels for the detection of a stochastic gravitational wave background, and demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach using simulated data from the third round of Mock LISA Data Challenges.Comment: 10 Pages, 10 Figure

Habitability in Advanced Space Mission Design

Habitability is a fundamental component of any long-duration human habitat. Due to the pressures on the crew and the criticality of their performance, this is particularly true of habitats or vehicles proposed for use in any human space mission of duration over 30 days. This paper, the second of three on this subject, will focus on evaluating all the vehicles currently under consideration for the Mars Design Reference Mission through application of metrics for habitability (proposed in a previous paper, see references Adams/McCurdy 1999)

An Ecological Perspective of Intergenerational Trauma: Clinical Implications

In this paper, the authors present information about both intergenerational trauma and an ecological case conceptualization model to assist counselors as they develop treatment plans and determine appropriate interventions. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological model is introduced as a way to help professional counselors in a variety of settings explore a more holistic understanding of presenting problems. The authors use a case illustration to highlight how to implement an ecological framework with a client with Colombian heritage to better understand and address intergenerational trauma as an important aspect of treatment planning. The paper includes clinical examples, clinical resources, and implications for professional counselors, so they can intentionally consider intergenerational trauma while working with a variety of clients

Mechanoresponsive self‐assembled perylene bisimide films

In this work, self-assembled amino-acid appended perylene bisimides (PBIs) have been studied that when processed into thin films change their resistivity in response to being bent. The PBIs assemble into structures in water and form thin films upon drying. These normally delicate thin films can be tolerant to bending, depending on the aggregates they form. Furthermore, the films then reversibly change their resistivity in response to this mechanical stimulus. This change is proportional to the degree of bending of the film giving them the potential to be used quantitatively to measure mechanical movement, such as in wearable devices

Aligning self-assembled perylene bisimides in a magnetic field

Photoconductive self-assembled 1D structures can be formed by perylene bisimides. These structures are generally randomly orientated, limiting their applications as conductive wires. Here, we show that magnetic fields can be used to create highly aligned, directionally-dependent thin films. This approach leads to well-aligned structures over large areas