Design of microstrip components by computer

Development of computer programs for component analysis and design aids used in production of microstrip components is discussed. System includes designs for couplers, filters, circulators, transformers, power splitters, diode switches, and attenuators

Validity and Reliability of Devices Measuring Countermovement Vertical Jump Performance

The counter-movement jump (CMJ) test is a standard measure of lower body power and can be related to other aspects of athletic performance. With many tools commercially available, it can be difficult for professionals to distinguish which device provides the most accurate results for the best cost. While these devices have been previously validated individually, no past studies have concurrently examined these specific tools. The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of four different CMJ measuring devices when compared to the gold standard of a force plate. Thirty-one physically active university students were recruited for this study. Upon completion of a short dynamic warm-up and instruction on proper jumping technique, each participant performed four maximal CMJs on the force plate. They then performed an additional four maximal CMJs in an area where four other instruments were used to measure CMJ simultaneously: accelerometer-based sensor, a contact mat, a photoelectrical cell system, and a mobile device video app. Analysis of the data was conducted, and results showed that while slightly overestimating measurements, the commercial devices that seem to agree the closest to the gold standard force plate were the contact mat and accelerometer-based sensor

Embracing Difficulty across the Disciplines: The Difficulty Paper as a Tool for Building Disciplinary Literacy

Students face challenging texts and concepts across the disciplines in higher education, and many students lack the reading skills and strategies to make sense of them. The aim of the small study described in this article was to explore the benefits, if any, of the difficulty paper, a written formative assessment that asks students to explore their difficulties with challenging texts. An inductive analysis of student difficulty papers in a multidisciplinary “Great Works” course suggests that the paper encouraged students to address their confusion without dismissing it and helped students to model the processes of good reading. Findings also suggest that the assignment may be a useful tool to develop disciplinary habits of mind. The article concludes with an example of how educators might use the difficulty paper in science and mathematics courses