Loss and heating of particles in small and noisy traps

We derive the life time and loss rate for a trapped particle that is coupled to fluctuating fields in the vicinity of a room-temperature metallic and/or dielectric surface. Our results indicate a clear predominance of near field effects over ordinary blackbody radiation. We develop a theoretical framework for both charged and neutral particles with and without spin. Loss processes that are due to a transition to an untrapped internal state are included.Comment: Slightly modified manuscript, as accepted for publication in Appl. Phys. B (04 oct 1999). 10 pages, 5 .eps figures, LaTeX uses Springer style file svjou

Latinos in the media : the value of critical media literacy

"We cannot, especially in this day and age, exaggerate the power of what we take in with our eyes. Our culture is based on this: television news, television shows, and films (Landsman, 2001, p. 25)." Media is becoming increasingly central to our collective culture as a society; therefore, it is vital that media consumers possess the skills to critically examine it as a source of potential stereotypes and misconceptions. According to Kellner and Share (2007), "Critical media literacy involves cultivating skills in analysing media codes and conventions, abilities to criticize stereotypes, dominant values, and ideologies, and competencies to interpret the multiple meanings and messages generated by media texts (p. 372)." Critical media literacy skills allow media consumers to see how they have been, often unknowingly, influenced by covert messages found in various forms of media. Media, as with any form of discourse, represents social actors in a variety of ways (van Leeuwen, 2008). This paper reviews examples of genericization, appraisement, metaphors, activation and passivation of actors, nomination, categorization, and others, as well as ways to engage students to develop critical media literacy. It is vital that media consumers be made aware of these rhetorical techniques, as "it is through discourse that many ideologies are formulated, reinforced and reproduced (van Dijk, 1998, as cited in Paltridge, 2012, p. 194)

\u3ci\u3eCurrere\u3c/i\u3e and the Beauty of Soulful Classroom Moments

Drawing on Pinar’s (1975, 2011) work on currere and the author’s own experience as an educator both in the K-12 and higher education arenas, the author argues that curriculum is a living entity and should therefore be allowed to deviate from the “plan” that most people think of when the topic of curriculum arises. Gaudelli & Hewitt’s (2010) idea of “the beauty of soulful moments” is also used to illustrate the utility of such deviations. Dewey’s (1934, 1938) themes of improvisation, participation, communication, and experience, as well as the idea of “the unexpected turn” also serve as backdrops to discussing curriculum and learning. These ideas are explored through the use of the author’s narrative about her journey as an educator. Issues of space, time, and intention are discussed, while the current trajectory of K-12 education toward standardization, accountability and scripted teaching is problematized. The author explores the concept of currere and its potential to breathe new life into the educational process

Cascade-Exciton Model Analysis of Nucleon-Induced Fission Cross Sections of Lead and Bismuth at Energies from 45 to 500 MeV

An extended version of the Cascade-Exciton Model (CEM) of nuclear reactions is applied to analyze nucleon-induced fission cross sections for Bi-209 and Pb-208 nuclei in the 45-500 MeV energy range. The available data on linear momentum transfer are analyzed as well. The results are compared with analytical approximations resulting from a comparative critical analysis of all available experimental data. Systematic discrepancies between calculations and experimental data are revealed. A modification of the CEM is proposed, which significantly improves the model predictions for projectile energies above 100 MeV.Comment: 38 pages, 16 figures, 7 tables, LaTeX, submitted to Nucl. Sci. En