Stella: A Python-based Domain-Specific Language for Simulations

Stella is a domain-specific language that (1) has single thread performance competitive with low-level languages, (2) supports object-oriented programming (OOP) to properly structure the code, and (3) is very easy to use. Instead of prototyping in a high-level language and then rewriting in a lower-level language, Stella is embedded in Python, is transparently usable, retains some OOP features, compiles to machine code, and executes at speed similar to C. Stella\u27s source code is compatible with Python, and allows easy integration of C libraries. Its features are focused on the needs of scientific simulations. Other projects to speed up Python focus on easy integration, and smaller critical sections. In contrast, Stella supports translating larger programs in their entirety, and does not allow interaction with the Python run-time, to ensure predictable performance. My experience developing Stella shows that by carefully selecting language features, high run-time performance can be achieved in a high-level language that has in practice very few restrictions

Performance characterisation of pressure regulation devices used in broad-acre irrigation

Large mobile irrigation machines are becoming a common sight in Australian broadacre irrigation, replacing traditional surface methods. These machines give the potential of irrigating large areas with high efficiency and with a uniformity of above 80% when designed correctly. A major component of the large mobile irrigation machine is the sprinkler application package commissioned with the machine. Pressure regulators are becoming a common part of the package when large mobile irrigation machines are commissioned. Pressure regulators are installed upstream of the nozzle and provide a constant output pressure regardless of the input pressure into the pressure regulator. The device acts as a variable headloss. Input pressure changes are a common occurrence on large mobile irrigation machines and typically are from topographic changes as the machines travel through the field. The application rate is directly influenced by the output pressure from the pressure regulator, thus this shows the importance of accurately understanding to performance of the pressure regulator. Reviewing previous literature it was known that the methodology development was a crucial part in understanding the pressure regulator performance. The development of a solid robust methodology was the primary objective of this dissertation. Eight stages of testing occurred each with incremental changes to develop the methodology for testing. The way the testing was undertaking proved to influence the results of the test. A statistical analysis in terms of an ANOVA and sample size calculations was undertaken on a limited set of data. It was found the for the 16 pressure regulators tested the means were not equal. 88 pressure regulators were found to be tested to understand manufacturing variation based on the normal model. The methodology by which the test was carried out was found to influence the outcome of the pressure regulator. Each result needs to be interpreted with reference to the methodology. Much more testing is needed to fully understand the pressure regulators performance and how they function on large mobile irrigation machines

They will cast out demons: how Christian exorcism is practiced in North America

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/ecommonsatsdissertations/1444/thumbnail.jp

Design and Implementation of an Android Sleep Monitoring Framework

Smartphones were originally mainly used for making phone calls and playing games, but as they become more powerful and are equipped with a wide variety of sensors new use cases become interesting. One of these use cases is sleep monitoring, which is interesting for many different research areas. The goal of this bachelor thesis is to develop a sleep monitoring framework for the Android platform which can be used easily by third party applications. The framework takes care of detecting sleep related events like snoring and movement as well as monitoring the ambient light during the night. Additionally, a demo application is developed to demonstrate the functionality of the framework and to highlight some best practices regarding Android background services as they are essential for monitoring sleep

Industry Report : Understanding Dredge Performance for a Lined versus Unlined NMFS Sea Scallop Dredge

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) tested a scale model of the sea scallop survey dredge in the flume tank at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University over two days in March of 2019. This work was conducted to understand how the liner, survey protocols, and catch volume effect dredge performance. Tow speed, warp tension, maximum bag height, height at the twine top end, wire angle, wheel height of bottom, and dredge angle were measured for the trials. Tow speeds tested ranged from 3-4.5 kts. Video footage of trials was recorded and can be viewed at the VIMS Sea Scallop Program youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUJpqwOCoiY89gd6Ok0rtxw. Results indicated the liner did not negatively impact dredge performance compared to an unlined version of the survey dredge. The liner improved overall bag shape, dredge bag height, and twine top height, as well as hydrodynamic flow through the dredge. Other findings indicated catch volume increased dredge angle and the height of the wheel off bottom, especially as speed increased. Tow speeds should be kept under 4.3 kts to improve dredge performance and have the dredge fish more consistently

Open Access Publishing for English Language Learners

Open access publishing for English language learners reinforces the notion that valuable perspectives can be shared with the academic community before attaining an idealized threshold of English language proficiency. This report offers a description of three case studies that illustrate how open access repositories can be used to provide publishing opportunities for English language learners and stimulate interest in academic writing. Historical background on open scholarship publishing is included, along with implications for policy. The report expands on a panel discussion presented by the authors at the 2023 EnglishUSA Professional Development Conference

An Assessment of Sea Scallop Abundance and Distribution in the Nantucket Lightship Closed Area and Surrounds - Final Report

For the sea scallop, Placopecten magellanicus, the concepts of space and time have emerged as the basis of an effective management tool. The strategy of closing or limiting activities in certain areas for specific lengths of time has gained support as a method to conserve and enhance the scallop resource. In the last decade, rotational area management has provided a mechanism to protect juvenile scallops from fishing mortality by closing areas based upon scallop abundance and observed age distribution. Approximately half of the sea scallop industry’s current annual landings are attributed to from areas under this rotational harvest strategy. While this represents a management success, it also highlights the extent to which landings are dependent on the effective implementation of this strategy. The continued prosperity of scallop spatial management is dependent on both periodic and large incoming year classes, as well as a mechanism to delineate the scale of a recruitment event and subsequently monitor the growth and abundance of these scallops over time. Current and accurate information related to the abundance and distribution of adult and juvenile scallops is essential for managers to respond to changes in resource subunits