On members of Lucas sequences which are products of factorials

Here, we show that if $\{U_n\}_{n\ge 0}$ is a Lucas sequence, then the largest $n$ such that $|U_n|=m_1!m_2!\cdots m_k!$ with $1<m_1\le m_2\le \cdots\le m_k$ satisfies $n<3\times 10^5$. We also give better bounds in case the roots of the Lucas sequence are real

Control of matter wave tunneling in an optical lattice

Bose Einstein condensation is a phase transition emerging in systems of integer-spin particles whose temperature is lowered under a critical value. One of the signatures of this phenomenon is the emergence of a phase coherence through the whole system, so that its behaviors can be de- scribed by single particle wavefunctions. After two-decades-long efforts in the development of laser cooling techniques, Bose-Einstein conden- sation was achieved in dilute gases of neutral atoms. Apart from its fundamental interest, this experimental result opened the way to the study of the quantum world with macroscopic samples. In parallel with the research on cooling, the developments on laser physics led to the creation of artificial atomic crystals by use of light-induced periodic potentials, so-called optical lattices. These potentials were applied to Bose-Einstein condensates shortly after their discovery. In the last decade, a large part of the BEC community showed a strong interest in ultra-cold atoms loaded into optical lattices. The periodic potentials proved to be an exceptional tool for manipulating BECs, because of their feasibility in the laboratory with the present technology, and be- cause only few parameters govern the behavior of the sample. In fact, this is described by the interplay between two fundamental physical processes: atom-atom interactions and quantum tunneling. The unifying theme of this thesis is the quantum tunneling in an ultra-cold gas loaded into an optical lattice. In the experiments that we performed we were able to observe effects due to quantum tunneling as well as to develop experimental techniques to control it

Buddhism, Confucianism, and Western Conceptions of Personal Autonomy

The contemporary conversation surrounding personal autonomy theory is primarily concerned with discussing autonomy in relation to western liberal conceptions of individualism, society, and other elements surrounding modern understandings of personal autonomy. An outsider reviewing the modern discourse over personal autonomy theory may be led to believe that either those within the conversation are simply indifferent to the exclusion of eastern philosophical notions relevant to self-government (and self-determination), or that eastern classical models are incapable of offering much to the discussion of personal autonomy. The following paper is aimed at addressing common components of the modern discussion over personal autonomy theory from a predominantly eastern perspective. The components featured will include rationality, introspection, enrichment through social interaction and moral responsibility. As Theravada Buddhist and Confucian philosophical models remain particularly dominant systems of thought in the East and because these represent significantly different philosophies, I have chosen to utilize these systems in my treatment

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences with Men\u27s Lifetime Use of Physical Intimate Partner Violence

A national study on mental health asked men in a marriage-like relationship about their own use of physical aggression during their lifetime with the women in their life while dating and their current relationship). This study included questions on exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Access to those items provided a unique opportunity to examine the role of ACE and men’s self-reported lifetime use intimate partner violence (IPV). A hierarchical analysis using 15 variables in three categories of ACE (family-of-origin violence, impaired parenting, individual adversities) identified predictors within each category associated with IPV use. When the variables in the family-of-origin category were tested as a stand-alone model it was not associated with IPV use. However, by combining variables in this category with the variables in the impaired parenting category, a significant model was identified. Importantly, this result was inconsistent with power and control IPV theory. Rather, the present study’s results supported polyvictimization theory: exposure to multiple forms of ACE can result in more severe symptomology Adding the category individual adversities to the model also resulted in a significant model. While that addition did not result in a meaningful change in the pseudo R2, it did add to the research by identifying new forms of ACE that were associated with IPV. Looking at lifetime IPV use supported previous research results’ implications that there are two types of IPV: power and control IPV and situational couple IPV. The present study’s findings support prior researchers’ recommendations to expand the IPV offender education program curriculum for men. This study’s results, along with prior research, supports the inclusion of material on emotional escalation, polyvictimization, and the allostatic model in the curriculum

Open English: Introducing Accelerated Learning in Developmental Coursework at STCC

College level writing and reading have an important role in completion and college success. Most studens who join STCC are underprepared students and this Open English project is a method that makes more accessible higher education to those students. Open English accelerated learning is the latest addition to advances at STCC in developing to make higher education more accessible to underprepared student. It is included as one of many initiatives such as extended contact time, intrusive advising, and learning communities encouraging college success. Open English applies principles of accelerated developed over time in adult learning and continuing classes for people who want to work for rapid academic advancement

Realization of Universal Optimal Quantum Machines by Projective Operators and Stochastic Maps

Optimal quantum machines can be implemented by linear projective operations. In the present work a general qubit symmetrization theory is presented by investigating the close links to the qubit purification process and to the programmable teleportation of any generic optimal anti-unitary map. In addition, the contextual realization of the N ->M cloning map and of the teleportation of the N->(M-N) universal NOT gate is analyzed by a novel and very general angular momentum theory. An extended set of experimental realizations by state symmetrization linear optical procedures is reported. These include the 1->2 cloning process, the UNOT gate and the quantum tomographic characterization of the optimal partial transpose map of polarization encoded qubits.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figure

Natural History and Distribution of the Upland Chorus Frog, Pseudacris feriarum Baird, in West Virginia

Chapter 1 is a literature review of Pseudacris feriarum, largely based on published P. triseriata Complex species accounts. Chapter 2 presents the natural history of P. feriarum in West Virginia and compares some parameters with other Pseudacris species. Chapter 3 looks at the phenology of a wetland in eastern West Virginia. Chapter 4 examines the current range of P. feriarum and compares it with the historical range in the state. Finally, hypotheses are given as to why Upland Chorus Frogs have declined in West Virginia. All information obtained from this study should be used to create a management plan for the conservation of all present and future P. feriarum populations

Oral History Interview: Sergeant David Sias

This interview is one of a series titled the Veterans History Project. David Sias was a sergeant in the U.S. Army and a veteran of the Vietnam War. He discusses: his experiences as a helicopter gunner and mechanic; very detailed information about his experiences in the service and the Vietnam War; a brief discussion of his education in West Virginia; some discussion of weapons; a brief discussion of the Iraqi War (Operation Iraqi Freedom?); some discussion of torture and corpse mutilation; and other topics.https://mds.marshall.edu/oral_history/1055/thumbnail.jp