Casimir forces between spheres and loop integrals

A summary of recent calculations of Casimir forces between a collection of $N$-dielectric spheres is presented. This is done by evaluating directly the force on a sphere constructed from a stress tensor, rather than an interaction energy. A loop integral formulation is also discussed where we rewrite the expressions for the force in terms of loop integrals for the effective classical propagation of the electric and magnetic fields.Comment: 5 pages, Contribution to Proceedings of QFEXT09, Norman O

The Creative Processes of the NSW Public Schools Drama Company

This dissertation reports on my investigation into the creative processes of the NSW Public Schools Drama Company in Australia, the highest tier of an auditioned, co-curricular drama program for school students aged 11 – 18 years. The study observes the production of three scripted plays over two years. It uses case study methodology, a qualitative, phenomenological approach and grounded theory data analysis. The research findings demonstrate that the creative processes of the Drama Company are based on the formation of an environment that encourages creative risk-taking, and the use of creative constraints which stimulate and guide it. In this context the ensemble is able to utilise elements of group creativity so that the interaction between group members can produce "emergents", creative solutions which are greater than the sum of individual contributions. The findings are expressed in a nested, three layer model. The outer shape is the context of the Drama Company and its creative climate. Within that, the second shape is the boundaries that stimulate the work. The innermost space within these shapes is the rehearsal processes which augment the group creativity of the ensemble. The research highlights the significance of the context for creative work, the power of creative constraints to stimulate invention and guide the process, and the potency of group creativity in developing creative solutions. It also extends theories of group creativity to include the corporeal body of the actor and the physical environment. The research findings demonstrate ways to enhance the creativity of drama ensembles in general and the production of scripted work in particular

Comparing child-feeding practices of Dominican mothers

The purpose of this study was to compare similarities and differences between two samples—mothers of children under the age of 6 years living in the Dominican Republic (D.R.) and recent immigrants from the D.R. to the United States—on their (a) feeding practices for infants and young children, (b) knowledge regarding healthy size and weight and ideal diet for young children, and (c) knowledge regarding the causes and health implications of childhood obesity. An exploratory descriptive design was used, and qualitative data were collected through focus groups

U.S. GAAP Versus IFRS: Reconciling Revenue Recognition Principles in the Software Industry

In the world of financial accounting, a demand for universal standards exists. The two primary standard setting boards, The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), have made some strides in developing universal standards, but they still are not fully reconciled in the area of software revenue recognition. The main reason the two standards are not reconciled in the area of software revenue recognition is that a difference exists in the critical event between the standards. The critical event refers to the exact time a company recognizes revenue on its books. The purpose of the study is to determine how close the two standards are becoming to being fully reconciled in the area of software revenue recognition and the two standards’ critical event