Global Representation of the Fine Structure Constant and its Variation

The fine structure constant, alpha, is shown to be proportional to the ratio of the quanta of electric and magnetic flux of force of the electron, and provides a new representation, which is global across all unit systems. Consequently, a variation in alpha was shown to manifest due to a differential change in the fraction of the quanta of electric and magnetic flux of force, while a variation in hcross.c was shown to manifest due to the common mode change. The representation is discussed with respect to the running of the fine structure constant at high energies (small distances), and a putative temporal drift. It is shown that the running of the fine structure constant is due to equal components of electric screening (polarization of vacuum) and magnetic anti-screening (magnetization of vacuum), which cause the perceived quanta of electric charge to increase at small distances, while the magnetic flux quanta decreases. This introduces the concept of the bare magnetic flux quanta as well as the bare electric charge. With regards to temporal drift, it is confirmed that it is impossible to determine which fundamental constant is varying if alpha varies.Comment: Final accepted version for Metrologia. This version includes a proof that the representation of the fine structure constant is global across all unit systems, using Jackson's global representation of Maxwell's equations (which is also valid for all unit systems). The version is shorter than the previous, thus the discussion throughout is more brie

The browsing impact and abundance of European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in the central North Island, New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MAsters of Science in Ecology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

The browsing impact and abundance of hares were investigated at several sites in the Central North Island, New Zealand. The traditional view has been that hares have a relatively minor effect on the vegetation when compared to larger ungulates due to their low, stable densities. However in some areas large grazing mammals have been controlled yet the vegetation continues to degrade, consequently attention is now being shifted towards the problems created by ongoing herbivory by smaller mammals. While the impact of hares on high altitude vegetation has generally been considered to be an issue of low conservation priority, they are now considered to be the main grazers in many alpine systems and there is a large shortfall in knowledge. The suitability of the cleared plot pellet count method for assessing hare abundance, habitat use. and biomass consumption was investigated and was found to produce precise, easily obtainable results. It was found that hare numbers fluctuated over the course of a year, with a decrease in winter, followed by an increase in spring. Hare abundance was thought to primarily relate to habitat quality, with competition and anthropogenic influences also playing a role. Hare impact was assessed using a variety of techniques including the utilization of existing exclosures, the construction of new exclosures, and selected monitoring of preferred browse species. The long-term exclosure plots indicated that hares were having no effect on any aspect of vegetation condition, either native or exotic in the Moawhango region. Conversely hares were having a significant effect upon the vegetation in the Manson region of the Kavveka ranges. Where hare browsing appeared to be benefiting native species through the suppression of exotics grass species. However, targeted monitoring of preferred browse species showed that hares browse heavily upon a range of native plant species. While these results appear contradictory, when the results are considered collectively, and with knowledge of hare density a proposed feeding strategy was formulated. I suggest that the degree to which hares impact native vegetation is dependent upon the level of exotic species present. Where exotic species are present (particularly grasses), they are the preferred browse species. Where exotic species are not readily available, or competition is high, hares then subsist at lower densities by browsing native vegetation. However if a native species occurs that fulfils hare nutritional requirements, then it will be preferentially targeted by hares resulting in significant detrimental effects

Gravitational Wave Detection and Low-Noise Sapphire Oscillators

This thesis describes the development of an ultra-low noise sapphire resonator oscillator that is tunable over X-band. While undertaking this task the author has explained some interesting and very useful phenomena in regards to the design and understanding of multi-mode resonant cavities and oscillators. The oscillator was constructed to operate as the pump oscillator in the superconducting parametric transducer system, attached to a 1.5-tonne niobium resonant bar gravitational wave detector. The effects of incorporating the pump oscillator with the parametric transducer and resonant bar system are analyzed to enable prediction of the detector sensitivity. The detector was the first massive precision optomechanical system ever built. With the resurgence in interest in resonant detectors, this thesis has important work on multi-mode acoustic systems, coupled to a highly sensitive parametric transducer relevant for many fields of research today.Comment: PhD Thesis, University of Western Australi

Abraham\u27s Legacy: An Empirical Assessment of (Nearly) First-Time Offenders in the Federal System

Congress has expressly directed the United States Sentencing Commission to ensure that the federal sentencing guidelines make allowances for sentences other than imprisonment for certain first-time offenders. The aim of this Article is to demystify the criminal history categories used in that process, to create a working definition of the first-time federal offender, and to establish whether, as an empirical matter, such individuals are commonly imprisoned in federal correctional facilities. The data shows that a substantial number of offenders who have no prior convictions are lumped together with offenders who may be recidivists or who may have prior violent felonies. This Article proposes modifications to the criminal history categories, recommending the establishment of a guided downward departure for true first-time offenders, or, in the alternative, creating a new criminal history category for those same offenders