Frequency and Voltage Dependence of Series Resistance in a Solar Cell

While admittance measurements of solar cells are typically conducted in reverse or at zero bias, and analyzed using the depletion approximation, the operating point of the solar cell is in forward bias, and the series resistance is often estimated using IV curves with a high forward current. In this mode, the device is no longer in the depletion regime, and the large number of injected minority carriers alters the transport properties significantly. In our Cu(In,Ga)Se2 devices, we measure negative values of capacitance at high forward bias, which may be linked to injected minority carriers and carrier transport limitations, although our calculations of capacitance may also be influenced by series resistance. In this study, we compare AC and DC measurements of voltage dependent series resistance to try to better understand the negative capacitance signal

Using Bomb Disrupters in Demining Operations

The use of bomb disrupters has substantially impacted the demining community from the time of their invention to the present. Proparms Ltd., a world leader in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) manufacturing, is making headway with its products, which will help continue along the path of landmine casualty reduction

The Riemann Curvature Tensor

A tensor is a mathematical object that has applications in areas including physics, psychology, and artificial intelligence. The Riemann curvature tensor is a tool used to describe the curvature of n-dimensional spaces such as Riemannian manifolds in the field of differential geometry. The Riemann tensor plays an important role in the theories of general relativity and gravity as well as the curvature of spacetime. This paper will provide an overview of tensors and tensor operations. In particular, properties of the Riemann tensor will be examined. Calculations of the Riemann tensor for several two and three dimensional surfaces such as that of the sphere and torus will be demonstrated. The relationship between the Riemann tensor for the 2-sphere and 3-sphere will be studied, and it will be shown that these tensors satisfy the general equation of the Riemann tensor for an n-dimensional sphere. The connection between the Gaussian curvature and the Riemann curvature tensor will also be shown using Gauss’s Theorem Egregium

Space to lead: cognitive coaching as mindful school leader practice.

Anxious, stressed school leaders can adversely affect the climate and culture of the communities they serve. The multiple roles a principal must fulfill for their schools leave little room for renewal, self-development and reflection leaving principals feeling drained of energy and a true sense of continual mastery, leaving them with low self-efficacy and primed for burnout. Leaders engaged in growing their flexibility, mindful awareness, professional and personal development may be more resilient, agile, and responsive to the high demand of school administrator’s job. This study examined the experiences of 5 principals in a suburban school district as they engaged in Cognitive Coaching. Data were analyzed using The Listening Guide methodology according to the following two research questions: 1) How do principals describe perceived self-efficacy during and after a Cognitive Coaching cycle? and 2) How do principals describe their own mindful leader traits during and after a Cognitive Coaching cycle? Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory provides the framework for this multiple case study investigating how principals describe perceived self-efficacy and mindful leader traits during and after Cognitive Coaching cycles. Principals reported feeling better prepared, focused, at ease, and confident after planning, reflecting, and problem solving with a Cognitive Coach. Leader education programs and district leaders should explore evidence based, job embedded strategies such as leader coaching and other mindful practice to help school leaders mitigate and regulate the stress of the job for the sake of retention and well-being

Life in Prison for Stealing $48: Rethinking Second-Degree Robbery as a Strike Offense in Washington State

The Washington State legislature should remove second-degree robbery as a final strike because of the large sentencing disparity between the POAA’s mandatory sentence of life without parole versus the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission’s sentencing range for this offense. But second-degree robbery should remain as a first or second strike offense to serve the goal of deterrence, and failing that, to ensure the incarceration of offenders whose crimes escalate in violence. This Comment begins by discussing the history of three strikes legislation both nationally and in Washington State and explains why three strikes laws became popular in the mid-1990s. Part II also addresses the elements and sentencing of second-degree robbery under Washington’s current sentencing structure. Part III provides an overview of the sentencing process in Washington State, including the background of the Washington Sentencing Guidelines Commission and its goals; the role of both the governor and the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board in granting clemency; and the severity of life in prison without parole. Part IV addresses why the POAA should be amended to better align with the reality of how Washington prosecutors use second-degree robbery as a strike offense. Part IV also assesses the disconnect between the outcomes and the goals behind three strikes laws, and the politics behind criminal sentencing legislation including Washington State Senate Bill 5292 and Senate Bill 5236

Life in Prison for Stealing $48: Rethinking Second-Degree Robbery as a Strike Offense in Washington State

The Washington State legislature should remove second-degree robbery as a final strike because of the large sentencing disparity between the POAA’s mandatory sentence of life without parole versus the Washington State Sentencing Guidelines Commission’s sentencing range for this offense. But second-degree robbery should remain as a first or second strike offense to serve the goal of deterrence, and failing that, to ensure the incarceration of offenders whose crimes escalate in violence. This Comment begins by discussing the history of three strikes legislation both nationally and in Washington State and explains why three strikes laws became popular in the mid-1990s. Part II also addresses the elements and sentencing of second-degree robbery under Washington’s current sentencing structure. Part III provides an overview of the sentencing process in Washington State, including the background of the Washington Sentencing Guidelines Commission and its goals; the role of both the governor and the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board in granting clemency; and the severity of life in prison without parole. Part IV addresses why the POAA should be amended to better align with the reality of how Washington prosecutors use second-degree robbery as a strike offense. Part IV also assesses the disconnect between the outcomes and the goals behind three strikes laws, and the politics behind criminal sentencing legislation including Washington State Senate Bill 5292 and Senate Bill 5236

Mechanisms Responsible for a ΦX174 Mutant\u27s Ability To Infect Escherichia coli by Phosphorylation

The ability for a virus to expand its host range is dependent upon a successful mode of viral entry. As such, the host range of the well-studied ΦX174 bacteriophage is dictated by the presence of a particular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the bacterial surface. The mutant ΦX174 strain JACS-K, unlike its ancestor, is capable of infecting both its native host Escherichia coli C and E. coli K-12, which does not have the necessary LPS. The conversion of an alanine to a very reactive threonine on its virion surface was found to be responsible for the strain\u27s expanded host range