RCA Satcom 3-Axis spacecraft experience at geosynchronous altitude

The RCA Satcom space segment presently consists of two three-axis stabilized communication satellites which have been in orbit at geosynchronous altitudes for 11 and 8 months respectively. Both satellites have experienced two eclipse seasons since the beginning of operations. Neither spacecraft has exhibited any anomalous behavior that can be attributed to the effects of spacecraft charging. A brief discussion of the history, spacecraft characteristics and design techniques is presented

Rocket instrumentation for the measurement of D-region electron density and collision frequencies Scientific report no. 244

Black Brant II sounding rocket instrumentation for measurement of D layer electron density and collision rat

Teaching peace by using nonviolent communication for difficult conversations in the college classroom

Having empathy and respect for oneself and others when engaging in difficult dialogue is an essential part of peace education. Gandhi emphasized that involving emotions was more transformative than purely intellectual approaches to education. Nonviolent communication (NVC), as developed by Marshall Rosenberg, is a tool for fostering empathy and building connection across difference. Using NVC for difficult conversations in any college classroom is a way of mainstreaming peace education across the curriculum. Though there is literature on difficult conversations in the college classroom, and on the effectiveness of NVC in general and in K-12 classrooms, there is very little on NVC in college spaces, and none on NVC for difficult conversations. In this primarily qualitative study college students were asked to use NVC to discuss controversial nonviolent actions. We found that even when both professor and students were NVC beginners, students were able to use it to discuss polarizing protests in a class with a diversity of views and needs for respect were overwhelmingly met. NVC was also useful for deepening analysis of the effectiveness of nonviolent actions, and could serve as a tool of emotional regulation for nonviolent action, or a modern day sort of purification for satyagraha

Higher education sector in Poland : analysis of consolidation processes

Background. Consolidation processes in the higher education sector, both public and private, are not very intensive. However, there is a large dispersion in the university sector. It can be argued that the number and intensity of consolidations will increase in the coming years. The reasons for the increase in the importance of consolidation can be seen in: progressive deprivatization of higher education in Poland, excessive institutional dispersion of the higher education system, demographic ‘tsunami’ and public policy, increasingly based on accountability. In the private sector, the merger reasons include in particular the increase in competitive pressure and demographic decline. Research aims. The aim of the article is to analyze the processes of mergers of Polish universities and to identify possible forms of mergers for various types of universities. Methodology. The methodology in the article below was based on qualitative research, analysis of the literature on the subject, internal materials of the studied entities. Key findings. In the public sector, the wave of mergers is in the initial phase, as manifested by the last two acquisitions of the State Higher Vocational Schools (in Sandomierz and Sulechów) by regional universities. Large and often networked universities can take over selected smaller private entities and sometimes also a selected part of their resources

Strategic challenges of mergers and acquisitions in the higher education sector

Objective: The aim of the article is to present the issue of mergers and acquisitions of universities with reference to academic entrepreneurship. Research Design & Methods: The research methodology in the article was based on comparative analysis of case studies of universities mergers. The article is of an illustrative nature and constitutes a starting point for further in-depth research in the field of university mergers and academic entrepreneurship. Findings: One of the consolidation motivations in France was to build strong links between universities and enterprises, which is supposed to fuel economic, scientific and technological development. Key mechanisms to drive a wave of strategic mergers in the public university sector that is sweeping through the world are global rankings. Implications & Recommendations: Consolidations of HEIs should also based on effective human capital management and entrepreneurial organisational culture. Nowadays, in the process of university merger research, we are at the induction stage, where hundreds of case studies and few comparative studies have been gathered that draw a complex picture of mergers and can serve as a source of practical guidance. Contribution & Value Added: International comparison of mergers of Polish and French public universities that lead to recommendations on macro level of public policy and on mezzo and micro level of university management

Potential use of radar differential reflectivity measurements at orthogonal polarizations for measuring precipitation

Includes bibliographical references (pages 75-76).The potential use of differential reflectivity measurements at orthogonal polarizations to determine rainfall rate is examined. The method involves measurements of ZH and ZV, the radar reflectivity factors due to horizontally and vertically polarized incident waves respectively. The differential reflectivity, ZDR= 10 log (ZH/ZV), which should be precisely determinate, occurs as a result of the distortion of raindrops as they fall at terminal velocity. The approximate theory of Gans for electromagnetic scattering by spheroids is applied to the distorted raindrops. Assuming a general exponential form for the raindrop size distribution, equation sare derived relating the distribution parameters to the measurements. The determination of rainfall rate follows directly. Finally, the sensitivity of the distribution parameters to radar inaccuracies is examined, and several methods of implementing the measurements are suggested. It is concluded that good estimates of rainfall rate using a single non-attenuating wavelength radar are possible under ideal conditions

Modelling of lighting in urban parks for investigation of environmental impacts

The urban parks are representing the nature in urban space. Residents visit these parks for the purpose of relaxation, recreation, or free time activities. Urban parks help them with enjoying this time with their content like trees or bushes that provide shade, grass areas, flowers or small animals which take place in these parks. At night, these parks are illuminated and often the lighting can not only illuminate benches or sidewalks, but also the whole trees and other parts of park. Does this light have an environmental impact on the urban park? By modelling the lighting in urban parks, we can simulate situations in which we illuminate directly content of a park, like trees. By creating multiple simulations, we can choose which kind of lights and their light sources, and which kind of overall light system, have a greater or lesser impact on the urban park

Empirically Supported Treatment Interventions for Persons with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Borderline Personality Disorder

The overall stigma- and gender-related controversies that surround the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) present a unique ethical mandate to the practitioner. The relationship between trauma and the BPD diagnosis strengthens the need for carefully designed treatment interventions in order to secure the benefits of trauma-focused work, while minimizing the risk of undue regression. The complexity and risk of harm introduced by a diagnosis of comorbid BPD and PTSD urges the need for clarification of optimal treatment interventions to guide practitioners. Trauma-focused therapies, particularly EMDR, tend to be the treatment of choice for PTSD; however, comorbid borderline pathology has been identified in the literature as a predictor of poorer treatment outcomes for EMDR, thus lending support for the selection of an intervention tailored to the unique needs of borderline patients, such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The thoughtful and strategic use of therapeutic integration emerges as an empirically supported technique in the treatment of severely comorbid patients

Consumer Food Waste Behaviors in Relation to Open Date Label Misinterpretation

In the United States, the legal framework for product date labeling is minimal and varies across states. Manufacturers have the discretion to use any date label that they deem appropriate, and this lack of uniformity leaves room for misinterpretation by both retailers and consumers. Previous studies have examined consumer misinterpretation of date labels and how this lack of knowledge correlates to food waste behaviors. This study was aimed at understanding how consumers apply their knowledge about date labels to make decisions about purchasing and discarding food. The research was conducted via an intercept survey outside of a grocery store to obtain information directly from consumers. Survey results showed evidence that consumers often misunderstand the meaning of date labels, particularly “best-by” and “use-by.” Results also revealed that lack of understanding varied among different age groups. Decisions about purchasing and discarding food seem to be connected more to the apparent quality of food from a sensory perspective, rather than to a direct and significant link between the date label and the safety or quality of the product