Status of the current parabolic dish technology

Vu-graphs are presented that show that point focus distributed receiver distributed generation systems are cost competitive with current utilities. System cost caveats and typical power module costs are described. Major problems inhibiting commercialization of the parabolic dish technology were reviewed

Physical Fitness and Body Mass Index As Predictors of Academic Achievement

In the United States, a significant portion of the population is overweight or obese. In addition to this, there are very low levels of physical fitness amongst the general population. However, in numerous studies healthy body weight and moderate to high levels of physical fitness have been linked with many benefits, including improved academic performance. This study focused on the relationship between physical fitness, body mass index, and academic achievement in college students at the University of Southern Mississippi. The aim of this study was to conduct a quantitative correlational analysis of these three factors in order to determine if either physical fitness or body mass index could potentially correlate with academic performance at the college level. A sample population was obtained students enrolled in HPR 303 (Evaluation in Human Performance and Recreation) at the University of Southern Mississippi. The subjects completed the FITNESSGRAM to measure their physical fitness levels. Body mass index was derived from the subjects’ self-reported height and weight. Academic achievement was determined by the self-reported grade point average. The correlation between physical fitness levels, body mass index, and academic achievement were analyzed through a Pearsons r correlation. This study revealed non-significant trends of a correlation between physical fitness and academic achievement, especially amongst Caucasian subjects. As such, based on the results of this study, it is possible that one may generally predict whether an individual will do well academically based on their physical fitness and body mass, and vice versa

Profiles of Family Functioning in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients: Longitudinal Associations with Child Well-Being

This study aims to assess 1) patterns of family functioning and 2) longitudinal associations between family functioning patterns and well-being in a vulnerable cohort of children with chronic illness. Caregivers of hematology (16.4%) and oncology (83.6%) patients ages 7-20 (N=55; Mage = 13.3 [SD = 2.7]; 52.7% female; 45.5% non-Latinx White, 38.2% Black or African American, 12.7% Latinx, 1.8% Asian, and 1.8% multi-racial,) reported on family functioning via the Family Assessment Device. Cluster analyses identified three mutually exclusive clusters: one high adaptive group, one moderate adaptive group, and one maladaptive group. Group membership was not significantly associated with child psychological distress or quality of life. Results provide insight into family processes for children with a blood disorder or cancer and offer direction for future work that aims to identify predictors of resilience in this population

Using DCIN and DCAPE to evaluate severe surface winds in the case of elevated convection

A series of case studies were analyzed using the ratio between the downdraft convective available potential energy (DCAPE) and the downdraft convective inhibition (DCIN). The hypothesis is that with a ratio |DCIN/DCAPE| approaching zero, momentum aloft may penetrate the stable layer and reach the surface resulting in severe criteria winds. Two case studies were preformed, the first one producing the near zero value for the ratio, and the second having a value near one for the ratio. With the first case, severe winds were observed at the surface. With the second case, winds at the surface did not reach severe criteria. However, wind damage was still observed. In addition to these cases, another case study was done over the evolution of a storm. It was noted that the majority of storms analyzed started out as either hail dominant events or wind dominant events then switch to wind dominant/hail dominant. Further analysis was done to determine how the ratio between the DCAPE and DCIN changed as the storm changed. In addition to the using the DCIN/DCAPE ratio, an analysis on the presence of gravity waves were done to determine what, if any, effect they had on convection.Includes bibliographical references (pages 88-89

VentureStar(trademark) Reaping the Benefits of the X-33 Program

Major X-33 flight hardware has been delivered, and assembly of the vehicle is well underway in anticipation of its flight test program commencing in the summer of 1999. Attention has now turned to the operational VentureStar(trademark), the first single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) reusable launch vehicle. Activities are grouped under two broad categories: (1) vehicle development and (2) market/business planning, each of which is discussed. The mission concept is presented for direct payload delivery to the International Space Station and to low Earth orbit, as well as payload delivery with an upper stage to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and other high energy orbits. System requirements include flight segment and ground segment. Vehicle system sizing and design status is provided including the application of X-33 traceability and lessons learned. Technology applications to the VentureStar(trademark) are described including the structure, propellant tanks, thermal protection system, aerodynamics, subsystems, payload bay and propulsion. Developing a market driven low cost launch services system for the 21 st Century requires traditional and non-traditional ways of being able to forecast the evolution of the potential market. The challenge is balancing both the technical and financial assumptions of the market. This involves the need to provide a capability to meet market segments that in some cases are very speculative, while at the same time providing the financial community with a credible revenue stream

Ares V: A National Launch Asset for the 21st Century

NASA is designing the Ares V as the cargo launch vehicle to carry NASA's exploration plans into the 21st century. The Ares V is the heavy-lift component of NASA's dual-launch architecture that will replace the current space shuttle fleet, complete the International Space Station, and establish a permanent human presence on the Moon as a stepping stone to destinations beyond. During extensive independent and internal architecture and vehicle trade studies as part of the Exploration Systems Architecture Study, NASA selected the Ares I crew launch vehicle and the Ares V to support future exploration. The smaller Ares I will launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle with four to six astronauts into orbit. The Ares V is designed to carry the Altair lunar lander into orbit, rendezvous with Orion, and send the mated spacecraft toward lunar orbit. The Ares V will be the largest and most powerful launch vehicle in history, providing unprecedented payload mass and volume to establish a permanent lunar outpost and explore significantly more of the lunar surface than was done during the Apollo missions. The Ares V also represents a national asset offering opportunities for new science, national security, and commercial missions of unmatched size and scope. Using the dual-launch Earth Orbit Rendezvous approach, the Ares I and Ares V together will be able to inject roughly 57percent more mass to the Moon than the Apollo-era Saturn V. Ares V alone will be able to send nearly 414,000 pounds into low Earth orbit (LEO) or more than 138,000 pounds directly to the Moon, compared with 262,000 pounds and 99,000 pounds, respectively for the Saturn V. Significant progress has been made on the Ares V to support a planned fiscal 2011 authority-to-proceed (ATP) milestone. This paper discusses recent progress on the Ares V and planned future activities

The 50th Anniversary of REITs: a Triple Case Study With Financial Analysis

On September 14th, 2010, the REIT industry celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Only three REITs that were there in the beginning still exist today: Washington Real Estate Investment Trust, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, and Winthrop Realty Trust (formerly known as First Union Real Estate Equity and Mortgage Investments). This study provides a historical recap of the first fifty years of the REIT industry with a review of its rules and underlying tax legislation. In addition, it provides a historical review of the three successful companies that have been in the industry throughout its entire existence. Quantitative analysis was performed through the computation of specific ratios relevant to the REIT industry from 1961 through 2010, utilizing data from Compustat, SNL Financial, and hand-collected data. In addition, ANOVA testing was performed to identify significant differences in the ratios for the three specific companies and all the other companies in the industry. Qualitative analysis was performed through review of historical documents and interviews with company management. Specific qualitative and quantitative factors were identified for each company, even though those factors may not have been the same for all three companies. The main finding from this research is that a company that can establish its identity, hire strong management, know its market, and concentrate its focus on particular financial measures and goals will be the company that will survive while other companies fail

Factors which influence faculty attitudes and perceptions of distance education in analytical subject areas

This study focuses on current faculty attitudes and perceptions of distance education. A thorough review of literature indicates that faculty members are critical elements of distance education delivery and that certain factors (tenure, departmental incentives, gender, age) influence faculty participation. The main hypothesis being investigated is whether or not the analytical nature of the course is in fact the prime indicator in faculty participation. Faculty members from three randomly chosen SREB member institutions were surveyed. The purpose for choosing SREB member institutions for the population was for generalizing the findings to higher education institutions throughout the Southeastern United States. The findings suggest that “lack of fit with university missions and goals,” “lack of incentives,” and concerns about course quality were the primary obstacles for faculty participation in distance education. The analytical nature of the course proved to be statistically significant for Course Related factors but not for Institutional Related factors, in decision whether or not to participate in distance education