Construction of an alternating gradient magnetometer

A magnetometer is described which was constructed to facilitate the study and characterization of the magnetic properties of high transition temperature superconductors. This instrument was used to measure the dc magnetic susceptibility of several superconducting compounds as a function of temperature. The construction of the magnetometer and the operating parameters are discussed in detail

Establishing a Cotton-Ginning Cooperative in the Southeast

The producer-members of the proposed Albemarle Cotton Growers Cooperative presently experience costly and dangerous conditions in transporting seed cotton to distant ginning sites. These growers seek to acquire locally a cooperatively owned and operated cotton gin. This study of the proposed venture reports on producer surveys and financial projections, and estimates member benefits and return on investment. This cotton-ginning cooperative may considerably improve the net farm incomes of local producers. The feasibility analysis concludes that it is possible for these North Carolina growers to earn a respectable return on their cooperative investment. However, firm volume and equity commitments on the part of growers will be required. This study may be applicable to similar situations in other parts of the Southeast.Cotton gins, cooperatives, cotton, feasibility analysis, rural development, return on investment, cooperative benefits, Agribusiness,

Use of inedible wheat residues from the KSC-CELSS breadboard facility for production of fungal cellulase

Cellulose and xylan (a hemicellulose) comprise 50 percent of inedible wheat residue (which is 60 percent of total wheat biomass) produced in the Kennedy Space Center Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Breadboard Biomass Production Chamber (BPC). These polysaccharides can be converted by enzymatic hydrolysis into useful monosaccharides, thus maximizing the use of BPC volume and energy, and minimizing waste material to be treated. The evaluation of CELSS-derived wheat residues for production for cellulase enzyme complex by Trichoderma reesei and supplemental beta-glucosidase by Aspergillus phoenicis is in progress. Results to date are given

Gamification and Implications for Second Language Education: A Meta Analysis

Gamification is a fairly new concept that involves using game elements in non-game contexts. It has been shown that gamification can increase motivation and learning, but there have been conflicting results, with some studies reporting opposite findings. Because of these motivational results and benefits that have been reported, many researchers have attempted to use gamification in educational settings. Again, these studies have shown mixed results. However, as a large number of studies have shown benefits from using gamification in educational settings, it is important to know exactly what aspects of gamification are beneficial so that it can be properly used in second language education. The present study is a meta analysis of gamification of education research that set forth to determine what aspects of gamification are important in educational settings, and how this information can be used to successfully use gamification in second language education. Overall, it was found that gamification typically had a positive effect. Additionally, several moderator variables were of importance, including the length of instruction, inclusion of competitive aspects, and usage of time on task elements