Inferring source properties of monoenergetic electron precipitation from kappa and Maxwellian moment-voltage relationships

We present two case studies of FAST electrostatic analyzer measurements of both highly nonthermal ($\kappa \lesssim$~2.5) and weakly nonthermal/thermal monoenergetic electron precipitation at $\sim$4000~km, from which we infer the properties of the magnetospheric source distributions via comparison of experimentally determined number density--, current density--, and energy flux--voltage relationships with corresponding theoretical relationships. We also discuss the properties of the two new theoretical number density--voltage relationships that we employ. Moment uncertainties, which are calculated analytically via application of the \citet{Gershman2015} moment uncertainty framework, are used in Monte Carlo simulations to infer ranges of magnetospheric source population densities, temperatures, $\kappa$ values, and altitudes. We identify the most likely ranges of source parameters by requiring that the range of $\kappa$ values inferred from fitting experimental moment-voltage relationships correspond to the range of $\kappa$ values inferred from directly fitting observed electron distributions with two-dimensional kappa distribution functions. Observations in the first case study, which are made over $\sim$78--79$^\circ$ invariant latitude (ILAT) in the Northern Hemisphere and 4.5--5.5 magnetic local time (MLT), are consistent with a magnetospheric source population density $n_m =$~0.7--0.8~cm$^{-3}$, source temperature $T_m \approx$~70~eV, source altitude $h =$~6.4--7.7~$R_E$, and $\kappa =$~2.2--2.8. Observations in the second case study, which are made over 76--79$^\circ$~ILAT in the Southern Hemisphere and $\sim$21~MLT, are consistent with a magnetospheric source population density $n_m =$~0.07--0.09~cm$^{-3}$, source temperature $T_m \approx$~95~eV, source altitude $h \gtrsim$~6~$R_E$, and $\kappa =$~2--6

Using Visual Pedagogy to Tell Our Stories

Using Visual Pedagogy to Tell Our Storie

Scanning photocurrent microscopy of 3D printed light trapping structures in dye-sensitized solar cells

Converting solar energy directly into electricity as a clean and renewable energy resource is immensely important to solving the energy crisis and environmental pollution problems induced by the consumption of fossil fuels. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) provide a technically and economically credible alternative that could challenge the dominance of conventional p-n junction photovoltaic devices in the solar energy market. DSSCs use dye molecules adsorbed at the surface of nanocrystalline oxide semiconductors such as TiO2 to collect sunlight. These thin films require a large surface area, to adsorb many dye molecules, and mesoporous channels so the electrolyte can permeate the film and regenerate the dye molecules. This favourable morphology is traditionally achieved by the random assembly of a network of nanoparticles by the sintering process. Two-photon polymerization is a 3D printing technique used to fabricate structures with feature resolutions down to 100 nm. We use this technique to fabricate TiO¬2 thin films of optimised 3D micro-design for use in DSSCs. Our films have a considerable advantage over the conventional (random assembly) films as it allows the implementation of light scattering designs which are shown to significantly enhance photocurrent in the cell by up to ~25%

Place-Based Learning and Mobile Technology

When delivered on a mobile device, interpretive tours of a locale afford powerful learning experiences. As mobile devices become more powerful, content for these devices that is individualized and location-specific has become more common. In light of this trend, Oregon State University Extension developed a GPS-enabled iPhone tree tour application. This article discusses lessons learned during the design, development, and evaluation of the application and suggests locale-specific instructional content delivered on a mobile device can be an effective instructional approach for Extension educators

Leveraging New Media in the Scholarship of Engagement: Opportunities and Incentives

This article looks at how Extension faculty and administrators perceive digital scholarship in relation to their institutions\u27 reward systems. Our survey data suggest that even when land-grant institutions have policies in place to reward alternative or new forms of scholarship, these policies are often unclear or inaccessible, are not reflected in job descriptions, and do not provide enough detail to ensure consensus among colleagues. Clear policies that reward digital scholarship and recognize the prominent role of technology in university-wide engagement efforts have become increasingly crucial because of budgetary constraints and the changing behaviors and preferences of Extension clients

Individualizing Functional Analysis to Assess Multiple and Changing Functions of Severe Behavior Problems in Children with Autism

Relatively few published studies have used functional analysis to assess severe behavior problems in children with autism, and virtually none have assessed behaviors maintained by multiple and changing functions. This study extended the use of a traditional functional analysis analogue by examining the functional relations between problem behaviors maintained by multiple and changing functions and specific environmental events. Three children with autism participated in this study. The target behaviors of disruptive behavior and inappropriate vocalizations were observed during periods of brief, repeated exposure to a series of analogue conditions (attention, tangible, escape, alone, and play) using a multielement experimental design. A new condition was added to assess changing functions of a single behavior. Results indicated that problem behaviors were maintained by multiple functions (attention, escape, tangibles, and automatic reinforcement). The new methodology for assessing changing functions of aberrant behavior revealed that contingencies initially applied to the target behavior were associated with changing functions of that behavior during the course of an experimental session. The implications of this study provide social significance in that a clear methodology for studying problem behaviors and what controls them can lead to a decrease in such behaviors and improved quality of life

The Administration of Online Programs in Statewide Systems: A Case Study of the University System of New Hampshire

As enrollments in postsecondary online programs have grown, many institutions have pursued a more centralized business model that consolidates their online programming under a single executive leader, a statewide system office, or a coalition of institutions that have merged operations and assets. In this study, the researchers used an exploratory case study design--using both surveys and interviews--to investigate how online programs are administered at four institutions in the University System of New Hampshire (USNH). Several findings emerged from the data. First, participants struggled finding a common vocabulary when talking about online programs and the potential benefits of system-level collaboration; second, administrators frequently prioritized their local program tasks over system-wide collaboration; and third, although there was not a strategic plan in place to help institutions collaborate, participants agreed that such a plan would be valuable

Stratospheric Aerosol Composition Observed by the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Following the 2019 Raikoke Eruption

Infrared aerosol spectra derived from Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment measurements following the June 2019 Raikoke volcanic eruption are used to evaluate the composition of stratospheric aerosols in the Arctic. A blanket of aerosols, spanning an altitude range from the tropopause (8–11 km) to 20 km, persisted in the stratosphere over northern latitudes for many months. The aerosols within this blanket were almost exclusively sulfates. The percentage of sulfuric acid in the aerosols decreased over time, dropping below 50% H2SO4 concentration at some altitudes by March 2020. Contrary to previous reports, the aerosol blanket was not comprised of smoke particles

Cross-Cultural Team: Issues and Trends

Business executives acknowledged that “Teams” are essential in an organization’s structure in order to achieve their objectives and goals. The benefit that a company could exploit in having teams rather than groups of people working in confinement of their own functionalities provides competitive advantage through the access of different skills, experiences, ideas, commitment, and flexibility. After so many books were written about teams, managers were convinced that teams outperform those individuals who are working on their own functions. Performance challenges and measures are being met on time and of high regard when team concept is applied. But why do many companies fail to exploit such available talent or outside their organization? On this paper, our “Team” looked on specific articles written on the mostly read management and behavioral journals, which discussed the issues governing teams of crosscultural in nature. We made an evaluation of the common issues that a cross-cultural team faces by citing examples of companies, which have had experiences in that area. The team used the concept of Affinity Diagram to narrow the issues into three categories namely: Communication, Behavior, and Ethics and Values and jointly focused on such issues to come-up with a better outcome. The team concluded that these issues have a connection with each other. One and the others influences the need or function that a cross-cultural team must exercise so that the performance challenges it faces could be achieved and accomplished tangibly as well as intangibly