Surface-induced near-field scaling in the Knudsen layer of a rarefied gas

We report on experiments performed within the Knudsen boundary layer of a low-pressure gas. The non-invasive probe we use is a suspended nano-electro-mechanical string (NEMS), which interacts with $^4$He gas at cryogenic temperatures. When the pressure $P$ is decreased, a reduction of the damping force below molecular friction $\propto P$ had been first reported in Phys. Rev. Lett. Vol 113, 136101 (2014) and never reproduced since. We demonstrate that this effect is independent of geometry, but dependent on temperature. Within the framework of kinetic theory, this reduction is interpreted as a rarefaction phenomenon, carried through the boundary layer by a deviation from the usual Maxwell-Boltzmann equilibrium distribution induced by surface scattering. Adsorbed atoms are shown to play a key role in the process, which explains why room temperature data fail to reproduce it.Comment: Article plus supplementary materia

Non-local permittivity from a quasi-static model for a class of wire media

A simple quasi-static model applicable to a wide class of wire media is developed that explains strong non-locality in the dielectric response of wire media in clear physical terms of effective inductance and capacitance per unit length of a wire. The model is checked against known solutions and found to be in excellent agreement with the results obtained by much more sophisticated analytical and numerical methods. Special attention is given to suppression of the spatial dispersion effects in wire media.Comment: 22 pagees, 4 figure

THE DIGITAL COUCH: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE ONLINE-COUNSELLING CLIENT EXPERIENCE

Technology is an increasingly integral part of communication. Counselling and psychotherapy have likewise incorporated electronic means of interaction to increase access and broaden the scope of service delivery, but little information looks at these services from the perspective of the client. To determine what the salient features of the clients’ subjective experiences of electronically-mediated therapy are, this study employs a survey to learn the experience of those who have undergone e-counselling. Findings are based on a Postmodern, Grounded Theory analysis of online questionnaires. The analysis indicates that participants are insufficiently disabused of preconceptions about online communication, and suggests that they underestimate their vulnerability to internet security concerns. However, communication problems notwithstanding, online clients continue the course of their counselling, and develop mastery of internet-specific communication tactics

Looping Pendulum: Theory, Simulation, and Experiment

The looping pendulum is a simple physical system consisting of two masses connected by a string that passes over a rod. We derive equations of motion for the looping pendulum using Newtonian mechanics, and show that these equations can be solved numerically to give a good description of the system’s dynamics. The numerical solution captures complex aspects of the looping pendulum’s behavior, and is in good agreement with the experimental results

The Application of Coaching Techniques to Financial Issues

Financial coaching is emerging as a distinct approach to building personal financial capability. However, the term financial coaching refers to a wide array of interventions. This article reviews the literature in order to define financial coaching. Financial coaching includes helping individuals define financial goals, develop plans of action, and implement steps toward their goals. The coaching approach is designed to help people develop and sustain positive financial behaviors. This article also presents findings from three financial coaching field studies; the results suggest that working with a financial coach increases clients’ ability to focus on their financial goals and engage in positive financial behaviors. Despite these beneficial outcomes, the coaching field faces several challenges including a lack of practice standards and consistent outcomes measures