Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS): An investigator's guide to TIMS data

The Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) is a NASA aircraft scanner providing six channel spectral capability in the thermal infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Operating in the atmospheric window region (8 to 12 micrometers) with a channel sensitivity of approximately 0.1 C, TIMS may be used whenever an accurate measure of the Earth's surface is needed. A description of this scanner is provided as well as a discussion of data acquisition and reduction

Nurturing Nature During the Golden Age of Piracy

The impact of the natural world on an infamous era of maritime history, the Golden Age of Piracy, is immense, yet often overlooked. Piracy at the time was exacerbated by the dichotomy between rich and poor, where pirates fought for a life without the pressures of European Colonial powers. The New World was ripe for the picking, and pirates used any means possible to increase their wealth. However, geography, weather, disease, and natural disasters have all altered the historical course of piratical endeavors. This essay provides a detailed account of events where pirates were either hindered by, or benefitted from, the natural world, while struggling to understand its mechanisms. Included are stories of William Dampier, who simultaneously revolutionized the understanding of wind, while performing serious acts of piracy; of Francios L\u27Olonnais, who used the surrounding geography to succeed in his violent raids of plunder in Maracaibo; and of Henry Jennings, who capitalized on a hurricane-ravaged Spanish Treasure Fleet. Together, these stories demonstrate that pirates, like all humans, are ultimately subjects of nature

Expanding the use of real-time electromagnetic tracking in radiation oncology.

In the past 10 years, techniques to improve radiotherapy delivery, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) for both inter- and intrafraction tumor localization, and hypofractionated delivery techniques such as stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), have evolved tremendously. This review article focuses on only one part of that evolution, electromagnetic tracking in radiation therapy. Electromagnetic tracking is still a growing technology in radiation oncology and, as such, the clinical applications are limited, the expense is high, and the reimbursement is insufficient to cover these costs. At the same time, current experience with electromagnetic tracking applied to various clinical tumor sites indicates that the potential benefits of electromagnetic tracking could be significant for patients receiving radiation therapy. Daily use of these tracking systems is minimally invasive and delivers no additional ionizing radiation to the patient, and these systems can provide explicit tumor motion data. Although there are a number of technical and fiscal issues that need to be addressed, electromagnetic tracking systems are expected to play a continued role in improving the precision of radiation delivery

Tracking and data systems support for the Helios project. Volume 2: DSN support of Project Helios April 1975 - May 1976

Deep Space Network activities in the development of the Helios B mission from planning through entry of Helios 2 into first superior conjunction (end of Mission Phase II) are summarized. Network operational support activities for Helios 1 from first superior conjunction through entry into third superior conjunction are included

How Well Prepared are Australian Preservice Teachers to Teach Early Reading Skills?

Preservice early childhood and primary teachers from teacher preparation institutions across five Australian states were surveyed regarding their perceptions of preparedness and ability to teach early reading and spelling skills, as well as their knowledge of components of early reading, such as phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge and early spelling patterns. Surveys were conducted in the final year of the teacher training courses and targeted students attending teacher education institutions providing teacher training in the area of early literacy. Although preservice teachers generally rated themselves as prepared to teach early reading, most demonstrated minimal to very poor knowledge of the components of early reading, indicating a substantial discrepancy between the general confidence of preservice teachers to teach, and their limited content knowledge of beginning reading skills. The return rates from institutions (16) and students (160) were low; however the results of this study support previous research findings, suggesting that there may be a need for reform in teacher preparation programs, especially in the area of early reading instruction

An exploration of an equine facilitated intervention with young offenders.

This research reports a qualitative study to explore the behavioural responses to, and reported reflections from Young Offenders undertaking an Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) Intervention in prison in the UK. Learning was facilitated by an instructor and the participants were taught introductory natural horsemanship skills. Establishments holding young adult prisoners are typically characterised by increased disruption to the regime, and with greater incidents of violence, bullying and conflict than in other types of prison. A resulting challenge for those working with young prisoners is the need to respond to increased levels of social isolation, and difficulties in managing impulsivity, problem solving, temper and conduct. It is hoped that this research will provide some initial evidence to contribute to ideas around the nature of learning practical positive skills and knowledge through inter species interactions

Budding Change

Budding Change explores what happened when Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot (DA Creuzot) radically changed his office’s policies about the prosecution of first-time misdemeanor marijuana cases. The report concludes that DA Creuzot’s 2019 policies were associated with significant reductions in police enforcement of marijuana misdemeanor laws. As a result, marijuana screening caseloads within the District Attorney’s Office declined substantially. Budding Change shows that prosecutorial policies can have a profound impact on policing behaviors.https://scholar.smu.edu/deasoncenter/1005/thumbnail.jp

Greening the Desert

Greening the Desert brings a criminal justice lens to the phenomenon of legal deserts in small, tribal, and rural (STAR) communities—vast areas with few, if any, practicing attorneys. The report explores STAR criminal justice communities and describes strategies and initiatives to green these criminal law deserts. Using case studies, the report offers concrete examples of successful innovations. It also includes cautionary notes about risks that may arise with the implementation of strategies to recruit, train, and retain STAR practitioners.https://scholar.smu.edu/deasoncenter/1000/thumbnail.jp