Synoptic/planetary-scale interactions and blocking over the North Atlantic Ocean

The work completed under this grant represents a continuing investigation of synoptic/planetary-scale interactions over the North Atlantic Ocean in late Jan. 1979. The focus of attention was a blocking episode that developed over southern Greenland on 21 Jan. However, the diagnosis also extended to antecedent cyclone activity and the role of moist processes during wave development. In all, the project was partitioned into two phases: (1) an extension of diagnoses that were already in progress of the 21 Jan. blocking episode and its antecedent cyclone activity using satellite-enhanced level 3-b NASA/Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres (GLA) analyses; and (2) an analysis of the extent to which the results of Phase 1 are sensitive to the presence of satellite information

Flight data acquisition methodology for validation of passive ranging algorithms for obstacle avoidance

The automation of low-altitude rotorcraft flight depends on the ability to detect, locate, and navigate around obstacles lying in the rotorcraft's intended flightpath. Computer vision techniques provide a passive method of obstacle detection and range estimation, for obstacle avoidance. Several algorithms based on computer vision methods have been developed for this purpose using laboratory data; however, further development and validation of candidate algorithms require data collected from rotorcraft flight. A data base containing low-altitude imagery augmented with the rotorcraft and sensor parameters required for passive range estimation is not readily available. Here, the emphasis is on the methodology used to develop such a data base from flight-test data consisting of imagery, rotorcraft and sensor parameters, and ground-truth range measurements. As part of the data preparation, a technique for obtaining the sensor calibration parameters is described. The data base will enable the further development of algorithms for computer vision-based obstacle detection and passive range estimation, as well as provide a benchmark for verification of range estimates against ground-truth measurements

Synoptic/planetary-scale interactions and blocking over the North Atlantic Ocean

The focus was on the development of a blocking anticyclone that formed over the North Atlantic in January 1979 and a marine cyclone that deepened explosively prior to the onset of the block. The extended height tendency equation was used as the primary diagnostic tool. Focusing on the domain encompassing the migrating ridge that eventually formed the block, it was found that vorticity advection played the dominant role in the development of the ridge and the formation of the block. Also of interest was an attempt to evaluate the relative importance of synoptic-scale, planetary-scale, and synoptic/planetary-scale interactions as the block developed. To accomplish this, all data fields were partitioned into synoptic and planetary-scale components using a Barnes-type filter. Finally, the cyclone was diagnosed by examining the low level static stability fields associated with the cyclone's development

A rotorcraft flight database for validation of vision-based ranging algorithms

A helicopter flight test experiment was conducted at the NASA Ames Research Center to obtain a database consisting of video imagery and accurate measurements of camera motion, camera calibration parameters, and true range information. The database was developed to allow verification of monocular passive range estimation algorithms for use in the autonomous navigation of rotorcraft during low altitude flight. The helicopter flight experiment is briefly described. Four data sets representative of the different helicopter maneuvers and the visual scenery encountered during the flight test are presented. These data sets will be made available to researchers in the computer vision community

Body-rock or lift-off in flow

Conditions are investigated under which a body lying at rest or rocking on a solid horizontal surface can be removed from the surface by hydrodynamic forces or instead continues rocking. The investigation is motivated by recent observations on Martian dust movement as well as other small- and large-scale applications. The nonlinear theory of fluid-body interaction here has unsteady motion of an inviscid fluid interacting with a moving thin body. Various shapes of body are addressed together with a range of initial conditions. The relevant parameter space is found to be subtle as evolution and shape play substantial roles coupled with scaled mass and gravity effects. Lift-off of the body from the surface generally cannot occur without fluid flow but it can occur either immediately or within a finite time once the fluid flow starts up: parameters for this are found and comparisons are made with Martian observations.Comment: 28 pages, 9 figure

Access to Air: Generating Open Space in the Built Environment

This thesis project explores the balance between capturing the benefits of dense, urban design and the desire for residents to experience open space where healthy, active lifestyles are possible. The condition of humanity today struggles with both ecological degradation and social injustices reinforced by systemic segregation. By exploring density in a way that nurtures human dignity, our development patterns can allow us to grow in a more sustainable and equitable way. Advisor: Mark Hoista

Family religious involvement and the quality of family relationships for early adolescents

Examination of association between the religious involvement (number of family religious activities, parental worship service attendance and parental prayer) and quality of family relationships with results indicating that religiously involved families of adolescents (ages 12-14) living in the U.S. are more like to have stronger family relationships than families that are not religiously active

Family religious involvement and the quality of family relationships for early adolescents

Examination of association between the religious involvement (number of family religious activities, parental worship service attendance and parental prayer) and quality of family relationships with results indicating that religiously involved families of adolescents (ages 12-14) living in the U.S. are more like to have stronger family relationships than families that are not religiously active

Leading While Black and Male: A Phenomenology of Black Male School Leadership

This study explored the ways in which the racial identities and lived experiences of Black male K-12 public and independent school leaders inform their professional lives and leadership. Through a qualitative phenomenological study, use of online descriptive survey, and in-depth semi-structured interviews, including the use of visual elicitation methods, with 14 Black male school leaders from across the United States, this research study provided structural and textural descriptions as well as a synthesis of meanings and essence of the experience and phenomenon of Black male K-12 school building-level leadership. This can be summarized as: (a) growing up as a Black boy; (b) leadership as ministry; (c) when a Black man is in the principal’s office; and (d) safeguarding the village. The research expands understanding of paradigms of critical race leadership and disrupts the normative educational leadership axiology. These leaders developed a range of strategies that enabled them to navigate the multidimensional aspects of their racial identity within a dominant White-racialized education system. Additionally, their articulation of action-oriented social justice leadership was influenced by their personal lived experiences, values, and sense of community