Simulator manufacturers' requirements

Simulator manufacturers must continue to provide the customers the latest wind shear models available for pilot training. The release of the JAWS data package enabled the provision of a much more realistic wind shear package to the customer rather than just the standard six SRI wind shear profiles currently in use. In this brief presentation, the steps taken in implementing the JAWS data into the FAA 727 simulator are highlighted

Transmission Lines and Meta-Materials based on Quantum Hall Plasmonics

The characteristic impedance of a microwave transmission line is typically constrained to a value $Z_0$ = 50 $\Omega$, in-part because of the low impedance of free space and the limited range of permittivity and permeability realizable with conventional materials. Here we suggest the possibility of constructing high-impedance transmission lines by exploiting the plasmonic response of edge states associated with the quantum Hall effect in gated devices. We analyze various implementations of quantum Hall transmission lines based on distributed networks and lumped-element circuits, including a detailed account of parasitic capacitance and Coulomb drag effects, which can modify device performance. We additionally conceive of a meta-material structure comprising arrays of quantum Hall droplets and analyze its unusual properties. The realization of such structures holds promise for efficiently wiring-up quantum circuits on chip, as well as engineering strong coupling between semiconductor qubits and microwave photons

Where did Words Come from? A Linking Theory of Sound Symbolism and Natural Language Evolution

Where did words come from? The traditional view is that the relation between the sound of a word and its meaning is arbitrary. An alternative hypothesis, known as sound symbolism, holds that form-meaning correspondence is systematic. Numerous examples of sound symbolism exist across natural language phyla. Moreover, cross-linguistic similarities suggest that sound symbolism represents a language universal. For example, many unrelated languages affix an "ee" sound to words in order to emphasize size distinctions or express affection (e.g., look at the teeny weeny baby); other such phonetic universals are evident for object mass, color, brightness, and aggression. We hypothesize that sound symbolism reflects sensitivity to an ecological law (i.e., Hooke's Law) governing an inverse relation between object mass and acoustic resonance. In two experiments healthy adults showed high agreement in matching pure tones to color swatches and nonwords to novel objects as linear functions of frequency and luminance. These results support a degree of non-arbitrariness in integrating visual and auditory information. We discuss implications for sound symbolism as a factor underlying language evolution

From charity to social enterprise: the marketization of social care

Purpose In Scotland, the self-directed support (SDS) legislation is a catch-all payment system which brings challenges to local authorities, service delivery organisations and the service users it is intended to empower. Set against a backdrop of cuts to local authorities and third-sector funding, this policy presents third-sector organisations with both the opportunities and challenges of commercialising their activities to become more sustainable. The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence of the challenges faced by one charity as it engages in a process of hybridity to accommodate changes in its funding due to the introduction of SDS. Design/methodology/approach The paper utilises a case study approach. The paper captures the experiences and views of managers, staff and parents advocating for their children through interviews with a purposive sample from each group. The challenges of gathering data and giving a voice to caregivers advocating for children with complex needs are discussed, particularly the difficulties in accessing a hard to reach group. Findings The findings identifies issues which have arisen because of the proposed changed in strategic direction of the organisation due to the introduction of SDS and are all related to hybridity. The findings are arranged in four sub-sections based on the themes that emerged from the qualitative data generated from the interviews: the practical delivery of care; tensions between care and quality, the care workforce, and the parent perspective. Research limitations/implications SDS policy has had unexpected impacts and reactions whilst rolling out across regions in Scotland, but policymakers and those involved in the care sector, including consumers, face significant challenges in gathering evidence not only from the vulnerable populations this policy affects but also from organisations already under pressure from austerity-led cuts. This paper presents the challenges to organisations involved in caring for children with complex needs, who are a particularly neglected group of stakeholders. Practical implications Organically arising barriers to organisational transition from charity to social enterprise are presented, as staff and caregivers react to the prospect of SDS uptake affecting their organisation. Proactive attempts to embrace a hybrid approach by the organisation are analysed. Social implications Understanding how social care organisations and clients are reacting to the implementation of individual payments as opposed to the previous system of block contracts is crucial as the sector faces very real prospects of organisations closing when individuals are able to pick and choose care. A policy based on choice and control for the consumer risks removing choice through a loss of services in the marketplace, leaving vulnerable populations at risk. Originality/value This study is unique. No research has been done exploring the transition of charities servicing children with complex needs in anticipation of self-directed payments creating an open market. The paper further contributes to the existing knowledge regarding hybrid organisations within the third sector. </jats:sec

Romantic Resilience: Fractal Conflict Dynamics and Dating Satisfaction

Existing research demonstrates that numerous psychosocial dynamics display fractal properties. Fractal structures are characterized by branch-like patterns that are self-similar and consist of exponentially more small events compared to large events. Examples include: shifts in physiological arousal; shifts in self-esteem; patterns of traits within personality; and recurrences in behavioral flows and small group interaction dynamics. Furthermore, across various psychological (and other natural science domains), these fractal patterns have been shown to provide resilience to complex adaptive systems by allowing for flexibility in response to changing adaptive pressures. Specifically, fractal dynamics allow systems to adjust on both a large or small scale without becoming stuck or falling apart. The present study aims to extend this line of research to examine conflict dynamics over time in dating relationships. An experience sampling methodology was used to assess conflict, relationship satisfaction, and commitment levels three times daily for 30 days (n = 90) for undergraduates self-identifying as being in a monogamous relationship. Hypotheses (each dependent of the former in numerical order): (1) ratings of conflict over time will conform to a fractal distribution, with exponentially more small conflicts than large ones; (2a) moderate levels of fractal dimension (i.e., flexibility) and (2b) higher structural integrity (i.e., fit to fractal distribution) will be associated with higher levels of dating satisfaction and commitment; (3) The strength of network ties (i.e., reactivity) among conflict satisfaction and commitment will have a significant correlation with both fractal structure and with relationship satisfaction, with lower reactivity predicting higher satisfaction; and (4) Fractal structure will moderate the relationship between conflict and satisfaction, with more flexible and well-integrated fractal structure buffering the impacts of conflict on dating satisfaction. Preliminary results will be presented and discussed

Data skills in schools : teaching statistics

In Scotland, numeracy across learning has been emphasised as a key area of the Curriculum for Excellence to provide learners with essential analytic, problem-solving and decision-making skills. The Statistics Award was developed in collaboration with the Scottish Qualifications Authority and the University of Strathclyde in an attempt to provide an opportunity for young people to learn these skills. The emphasis of the course is on the application of statistics to real-life data and interpretation of results in an appropriate context. Minitab or R Studio are used for the analysis of data with learning skills focussed on the application of appropriate statistical methodology and clear interpretation of results in the context of the research question of interest. Support materials for teachers and students have been developed including online resources funded by the Nuffield Foundation’s Q-Step programme