Fluidic Momentum Controller

Large angular control moments and torques are developed by controllably circulating a relatively small mass of liquid through small diameter pipes describing a large diameter loop. The loop, by generating and storing angular momentum, can thereby provide efficient cancellation of periodic, non-accumulating, externally induced rotational disturbances. The loop is preferably located on or near the periphery of a structure which is to be stabilized

Perceptions of healthy eating and physical activity in an ethnically diverse sample of young children and their parents: the DEAL prevention of obesity study

Background: Ethnicity is a consistent correlate of obesity; however, little is known about the perceptions and beliefs that may influence engagement with obesity prevention programmes among ethnic minority children. Barriers to (and facilitators of) healthy lifestyles were examined in the qualitative arm of the London (UK) DiEt and Active Living (DEAL) study. Methods: Children aged 8–13 years and their parents, from diverse ethnic groups, were recruited through schools and through places of worship. Thirteen focus group sessions were held with 70 children (n = 39 girls) and eight focus groups and five interviews with 43 parents (n = 34 mothers). Results: Across ethnic groups, dislike of school meals, lack of knowledge of physical activity guidelines for children and negativity towards physical education at school among girls, potentially hindered healthy living. Issues relating to families' wider neighbourhoods (e.g. fast food outlets; lack of safety) illustrated child and parental concerns that environments could thwart intentions for healthy eating and activity. By contrast, there was general awareness of key dietary messages and an emphasis on dietary variety and balance. For ethnic minorities, places of worship were key focal points for social support. Discourse around the retention of traditional practices, family roles and responsibilities, and religion highlighted both potential facilitators (e.g. the importance of family meals) and barriers (reliance on convenience stores for traditional foods). Socio-economic circumstances intersected with key themes, within and between ethnic groups. Conclusions: Several barriers to (and facilitators of) healthy lifestyles were common across ethnic groups. Diversity of cultural frameworks not only were more nuanced, but also shaped lifestyles for minority children.</p

An investigation of two methods for assessing the vertical structure of forest stands

In this study we investigate the limitations of two methods for assessing forest structure: vertical point sampling with a camera and laser point quadrat sampling. Vertical point sampling with a camera is a method by which the height squared per unit area of a forest can be quickly estimated. First, we derive the bias incurred for failing to adjust for slope when implementing this sampling method, and we show that slope can generally be ignored as long as the majority of sample points occur on slopes less than 35 degrees. In the second part of this study we outline the equivalence between survival analysis methods and laser point quadrat analysis methods. We use a survival-based parametric regression model to analyze laser point quadrat data and estimate canopy structure and density. The results show that survival analysis techniques can yield improved results over traditional non-parametric point quadrat analysis methods

Student perceptions of the learning environment under a quarter system at two community colleges

This study was part of a longitudinal research project to determine the effects of a transition from a quarter academic calendar to a semester academic calendar on the learning environment. This project was also a companion study to similar research that was being conducted at Iowa State University. Specifically, the project examined student perception of the learning environment, student perception of grade point average, student organizational involvement and ease of articulation to four-year institutions as they related to the conversion from one academic delivery system to another;A major finding of this study was that students perceived a significant difference in the learning environment under the semester system as compared to the present quarter system. Students perceived under the semester system that they would have more time to assimilate classroom material which had been better prepared and that there would be a more leisurely learning pace;Students did not perceive that significant differences would occur in their grade point average under the semester system but rather their grade point average would remain approximately the same. The majority of the respondents were not planning to transfer to four-year institutions; consequently, no significant differences were perceived in transferring to four-year institutions under a semester system as compared to the present quarter system;No significant differences were found when comparing Des Moines Area Community College students with Southeastern Community College students on perceptions of the learning environment, grade point average, or transferring to four-year institutions under a semester system as compared to the present quarter system;Sixty-five percent of the respondents were freshmen; thirty-five percent were sophomores. Females comprised 57% of the sample. The students ranged in age from 18-50, working while attending classes, and they were not involved in student organizations;In summary, students perceived the learning environment would be significantly affected by the academic delivery system

A solvable model of the evolutionary loop

A model for the evolution of a finite population in a rugged fitness landscape is introduced and solved. The population is trapped in an evolutionary loop, alternating periods of stasis to periods in which it performs adaptive walks. The dependence of the average rarity of the population (a quantity related to the fitness of the most adapted individual) and of the duration of stases on population size and mutation rate is calculated.Comment: 6 pages, EuroLaTeX, 1 figur

Quantitative X-ray microradiography for high-throughput phenotyping of osteoarthritis in mice

Objective To investigate and validate digital X-ray microradiography as a novel, high-throughput and cost-effective screening approach to identify abnormal joint phenotypes in mice. Method Digital X-ray microradiography was used to quantify the subchondral bone mineral content (BMC) in the medial tibial plateau. Accuracy and reproducibility of the method were determined in 22 samples from C57BL/6(B6Brd;B6Dnk;B6N-Tyrc-Brd) wild-type mice. The method was then validated in wild-type mice that had undergone surgical destabilisation of medial meniscus (DMM) and in a genetically modified mouse strain with an established increase in trabecular bone mass. Results The measurement of subchondral BMC by digital X-ray microradiography had a coefficient of variation of 3.6%. Digital X-ray microradiography was able to demonstrate significantly increased subchondral BMC in the medial tibial plateau of male mice 4 and 8 weeks after DMM surgery and in female mice 8 weeks after surgery. Furthermore, digital X-ray microradiography also detected the increase in subchondral BMC in a genetically modified mouse strain with high trabecular bone mass. Conclusion Quantitation of subchondral BMC by digital X-ray microradiography is a rapid, sensitive and cost-effective method to identify abnormal joint phenotypes in mice of both genders at several ages

Mini- and Heirloom Sweet Pepper Variety Performance in High Tunnels, 2015

Trials on mini sweet peppers and other specialty sweet peppers in the Midwest have not recently been reported. We undertook this project to compare yield and fruit characteristics of hybrid and heirloom peppers grown in high tunnels using organic and conventional production methods

Sugar-enhanced and Synergistic Sweet Corn Cultivar Evaluation for Northern Indiana, 2015

This paper reports on seven bicolor and two yellow sugar-enhanced or synergistic sweet corn entries that were evaluated at the Pinney-Purdue Agricultural Center in Wanatah, Indiana

Polemic and Literature Surrounding the French Wars of Religion

Polemic and Literature Surrounding the French Wars of Religion demonstrates that literature and polemic interacted constantly in sixteenth-century France, constructing ideological frameworks that defined the various groups to which individuals belonged and through which they defined their identities. Contributions explore both literary texts and more intentionally polemical texts that fall outside of the traditional literary genres. Engaging the continuous casting and recasting of opposing worldviews, this collection of essays examines literature\u27s use of polemic and polemic\u27s use of literature as seminal intellectual developments stemming from the religious and social turmoil that characterized this period in France.https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/mip_smemc/1005/thumbnail.jp