Upper stage in-flight retargeting to enhance geosynchronous satellite operations

Real time utilization of propellant reserves that are not needed is available with the implementation of the in-flight retargeting capability for the Centaur Upper Stage. Application to a performance critical, geosynchronous mission is discussed. The operational duration of the satellite may be increased by selectively choosing the appropriate final orbit injection conditions. During ascent Centaur evaluates the amount of propellant excess available and adjusts the final orbit target to consume the excess. Typical satellite mission requirements are introduced to illustrate the mission analysis process to determine the pre-flight nominal target and the in-flight retarget function

New Species Records for Wisconsin False Click Beetles (Coleoptera: Eucnemidae),

In Wisconsin, Microrhagus opacus, Euryptychus ulkei and Fornax bicolor are recorded for the first time. Records for these three species are based on nine specimens, most of which were taken since 2008. Two specimens of M. opacus taken from a Grant County Malaise trap in the late 1970’s as part of a statewide gypsy moth parasitoid recovery project, were previously identified as Microrhagus audax. Most of the specimens reported herein were taken late in the collecting season, primarily during August. A checklist of the 20 genera and 41 species of Wisconsin Eucnemidae is also included

Calibration of the Position Sensitive Beam Monitor of the Heidelberg Dust Accelerator

To ascertain a dust particle's trajectory a new developed position sensitive detector was implemented in the beam line of the Heidelberg Dust Accelerator. It allows to determine a dust particle's position without effecting its movement by using the principle of electric induction. This work describes the calibration method and its results that now can be used to map a detector signal to a particle position in the beam line. Additionally an idealised simulation was used to calculate the expected signals. The accuracy of the detector for various signal to noise ratios (SNR) and the charge detection limit was determined. As a secondary independent position measurement a segmented impact target was installed in the beam line to correlate a dust impact and a detector signal. The resulting calibration curve yielded to an estimate of the detector accuracy of about 0.3 mm based on a SNR of 20 dB. By evaluating the noise of the detector, the charge detection limit was determined to be 1.23 fC for particles passing through the center of the beam line. The detector simulation, calculated with the software programme Coulomb, was used to produce a calibration curve that represents the experimental results supportingl

Effects of an Educational Intervention on Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates in Marshallese Mothers Residing in the U.S.

Background: The largest population of Marshallese immigrants in the Contiguous U.S. resides in Northwest Arkansas. Despite adequate access to healthcare, the Marshallese face many health disparities, perhaps partly due to the language barrier they face in healthcare settings and education. Regarding breastfeeding rates, women in the Marshall Islands have a significantly higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding than in Marshallese women residing in the U.S. who face cultural barriers. Breastfeeding is positively correlated to many benefits for infants and is recommended exclusively for at least 6 months by pediatric policy organizations. Objective: The purpose of this research is to examine breastfeeding rates in Marshallese women after implementing a two part culturally significant educational intervention, including a video and a supplemental brochure, both prepared in the Marshallese language. Methods: In this quasi-experimental retrospective study, data was collected and analyzed at a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital in Northwest Arkansas, pre- and post- intervention. The intervention included a seven minute long video providing techniques regarding latching skills and hand expression, as well as information regarding the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother-baby dyad and recommendations found in WHO guidelines. A second written tri-fold handout was utilized for the patients to take home to reinforce the teaching. Results: Results were not statistically significant, likely due to sample size, however, there was a slight positive correlation between receiving the treatment and intent to breastfeed on discharge. Conclusion: Previous and current research indicates a possible positive effect on improving breastfeeding discharge rates using culturally targeted education materials. It is hoped that the Baby-Friendly Hospital will continue to utilize the educational interventions to improve breastfeeding rates among the Marshallese population in Northwest Arkansas