The Synthesis and Characterization of New Triangular Lattice Compounds with Exotic Magnetic Ground States

The foundation of experimental condensed matter physics is comprised of two material processes, synthesis and characterization. For most measurements, single crystal samples are preferred as they allow spatially dependent information to be obtained. On the other hand, polycrystalline samples are also critical as they reveal bulk properties of the material and are generally much easier to produce. Material characterization then relies on accurately measuring a material\u27s physical, electrical, and magnetic properties using a variety of different techniques.In this dissertation, we focus on triangular lattice antiferromagnets (TLAFs) which have been studied because of their great potential to exhibit various intriguing magnetic properties related to strong geometrical frustration. Recent studies of TLAFs mainly explore four central themes: quantum spin liquid (QSL) states, exotic disordered states, the coplanar 120 degree state and the related field induced spin state transitions, and multiferroicity. Accordingly, we have investigated two materials which fall into these categories. The first is the magnetodielectric material RCr(BO3)2 (R = Y and Ho), and the second is a group of Mo-cluster compounds including the quantum spin liquid candidate Li2In1-xScxMo3O8 and the ferromagnets (Mg,Zn)ScMo3O8. Both materials have been investigated using x-ray diffraction, powder neutron diffraction, ac and dc susceptibility, and specific heat capacity measurements as well as other complementary techniques. A discussion of these results as well as potential future experiments are included

Dynamic Elite Partisanship: Party Loyalty and Agenda Setting in the U.S. House

Legislators and legislative parties must strike a balance between collective and member-level goals. While there are legislative and reputational returns to co-ordinated behavior, partisan loyalty has a detrimental effect on members’ electoral success. This article argues that members and parties navigate these competing forces by pursuing partisan legislation when the threat of electoral repercussions is relatively low – when elections are distant. This study tests our theory by examining US House members’ likelihood of voting with their party on both partisan and non-divisive votes during the course of the election cycle in order to assess whether members strategically alter their levels of party loyalty as elections approach. It also explores whether majority parties strategically structure the agenda according to variation in members’ electoral constraints. This approach allows elite partisanship to follow a dynamic process, which is referred to here as dynamic elite partisanship. The results demonstrate that as elections approach, members are less likely to cast party votes, and parties are less inclined to schedule votes that divide the parties. At the same time, the study finds no evidence of strategic variation in members’ voting behavior on broadly consensual votes with election proximity

Synthesis and initial evaluation of a novel fluorophore for selective FMDV 3C Protease detection

The development and evaluation of a Boc-AL(Boc)Q(Trt)-AMC fluorophore to detect 3C Protease, produced by Foot and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) is reported, with a view to a potential use as a rapid screen for FMDV infected livestock The peptide-linked conjugate fluorophore is evaluated in vitro for sensitivity, specificity, stability and rapidity and shows statistically significant increases in fluorescence when exposed to physiologically relevant concentrations of 3C Protease and selectivity when compared with other common proteases likely to be located, typically in the absence of FMDV. The stability of deprotected Boc-AL(Boc)Q(Trt)-AMC is reported as a limitation of this probe

'I want to be screened just like the pirates!': The Power of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Theatre to Aid Research Participation

Research participation is an important component of advancing whole health and eliminating health disparities, especially in communities facing environmental justice (EJ) issues. Though federally mandated, recruitment of racial and ethnic minorities can be a daunting task and recruitment of children an even greater challenge. A range of typical recruitment strategies (printed materials, word of mouth, broadcast etc.) for those of ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds have exhibited only limited to modest success, depending on the community being served and the type of engagement. To date, there has been only limited assessment of the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) theatre as a culturally relevant recruitment strategy. The ENRRICH Railyard Study used CBPR theatre to engage an underserved EJ community, and to assess the health impact of residential proximity to a major freight railyard. The railyard community is comprised of primarily low-income Hispanic families. To promote participation, a CBPR theatre play – a partnership between a community- based organisation (CBO) and a university institution – was produced, from design to production, at two elementary schools. Following the play, parental consents and surveys were sent home. The response was immediate and one of the largest to date – 74 percent of children participated in the study. The CBPR theatre, university and CBO partnership provided an opportunity to engage under-served minority children and their parents, thus encouraging participation and facilitating educationon respiratory health and the environment. This article includes experiences and lessons learned from using CBPR theatre to encourage study participation, critical for promoting sustainable change in an EJ community

York University: York Neighborhood Renewables

Our group aims to develop a solar installation model for the York University campus that takes into consideration the limitations of installing solar photovoltaic systems on all of the building rooftops across the campus. From this model we can determine which buildings receive the highest amounts of solar radiation for one year at York. This in turn will allow us to create a table showing each buildings ability for receiving solar energy. These maps are intended to provide beneficial information for governments and/or policy leaders, ultimately encouraging the development of a solar energy system at York University (Gastli & Charabi, 2010).York University: York Neighborhood Renewables - sponsored by professor Jose Etcheverry, York Universit

Feed Batch Mixer Box for Beef Cattle Farm

• Our client, requires increasing efficiency and decreasing time spent feeding cattle daily. • Currently, there is daily loss of productivity and revenue. • This project will better allocate workers and get more done every day

Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer

I outline methods for calculating the solution of Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer (MCRT) in scattering, absorption and emission processes of dust and gas, including polarization. I provide a bibliography of relevant papers on methods with astrophysical applications.Comment: To appear in the Chandra Centennial issue of the Bulletin of the Astronomical Society of India, volume 39 (2011), eds D.J. Saikia and Virginia Trimble; 27 pages, 1 figur