Orientation Sensitive Terahertz Resonances Observed in Protein Crystals

A method is presented for measuring anisotropic THz response for small crystals, Crystal Anisotropy Terahertz Microscopy (CATM). Sucrose CATM measurements find the expected anisotropic phonon resonances. CATM measurements of protein crystals find the expected broadband water absorption is suppressed and strong orientation and hydration dependent resonant features.Comment: 3 page

Chronic Health Conditions, School Attendance, and Socioeconomic Factors: A Literature Review

Students with chronic health conditions experience many challenges, such as increased school absences, that may impact academic success. Additional academic problems exist for students with chronic health conditions who also have socioeconomic status (SES) factors. A systematic literature review as conducted to study the interactions between chronic health conditions, absenteeism, and factors associated with SES. Findings suggest that asthma, the most common chronic health condition in children, is the leading cause of health-related school absences. Findings also suggest that factors associated with SES, such as family income, also impact school attendance for students with chronic health conditions. Although the results are mixed for academic achievement abilities for student who have chronic health conditions, many academic challenges that students with chronic health conditions encounter can be explained by frequent school absences. Further research on school absences and SES factors affecting students with chronic illnesses is needed to help establish guidelines for appropriate school programming and positive school attendance support

Using Apple Watch to Increase Behavior Specific Praise and Promote a Positive Learning Environment

Effective classroom management is pivotal in special education teachers’ successful interactions with students who frequently engage in inappropriate and undesirable behaviors. One evidence-based strategy to promote positive social and academic outcomes is behavior specific praise (BSP). Yet, regardless of the evidential benefits of BSP, teachers continue to use low rates of praise because frequent student disruptions and general off-task behaviors reinforce teachers to reprimand. Apple Watch is at the forefront of a growing wearable industry and is increasingly common on special education teachers’ wrists. With the assistance of a publicly available application (app), the Apple Watch easily becomes a tactile prompting device to vibrate on an interval schedule and remind teachers to deliver BSP. In this scenario situation, we examine how Apple Watch can serve as a tool to practice effective classroom management and foster a positive learning environment

Selective detection of bacterial layers with terahertz plasmonic antennas

Current detection and identification of micro-organisms is based on either rather unspecific rapid microscopy or on more accurate complex, time-consuming procedures. In a medical context, the determination of the bacteria Gram type is of significant interest. The diagnostic of microbial infection often requires the identification of the microbiological agent responsible for the infection, or at least the identification of its family (Gram type), in a matter of minutes. In this work, we propose to use terahertz frequency range antennas for the enhanced selective detection of bacteria types. Several microorganisms are investigated by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy: a fast, contactless and damage-free investigation method to gain information on the presence and the nature of the microorganisms. We demonstrate that plasmonic antennas enhance the detection sensitivity for bacterial layers and allow the selective recognition of the Gram type of the bacteria

ANALYSIS OF ARMY CONTRACTING WORKFORCE COMPETENCY ASSESSMENT

The primary purpose of this research is to assess the competencies of the Mission and Installation Contracting Command Field Directorate Office-Fort Sam Houston (MICC FDO-FSH) and Army Contracting Command-Orlando (ACC-ORL) contracting management workforce. Data was gathered through a Contracting Workforce Competency Assessment, based on the newly adopted National Contract Management Association’s (NCMA) Contract Management Standard (CMS). This research answers the four questions based on the assessment results. The research findings indicate buyer task proficiency ratings higher than seller task knowledge ratings. The findings also show that the buyer pre-award process is the highest average rating for both organizations. This analysis will establish a baseline and provide insight for decision makers on where to focus the redesign of training and education and will serve as a benchmark for how the current workforce will perform under the NCMA CMS. Recommendations for maintaining and improving contract management competencies include education, training, and initiatives focused on the NCMA CMS guiding principles for buyer and seller tasks and education, and on training on competencies to improve the organizations' ability to manage disagreements and provide resources for obtaining the Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) certification and for incorporating the CPCM certificate as an equivalent training for those with industry experience.Outstanding ThesisCivilian, Department of the ArmyCivilian, Department of the ArmyCivilian, Department of the ArmyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited