Multi Institutional Semi-Structured Learning Environments

A description of two effective and novel collaborative learning environments that support engineering and technological innovation is provided. While offering great value to systems, and systems of systems, engineering practice, these environments are not adequately described by either of these perspectives. Instead these multiinstitutional semi-structured learning environments are best described using an informing sciences perspective. Evidence is presented that these environments not only fulfill the definition of an informing system but may represent two of the more complete and dynamic instances of such systems with each simultaneously informing practice, research and teaching in a substantive manner that also produces engineering and technological innovation. The potential for these environments to serve as laboratories for both traditional and participatory research for those studying informing systems is suggested

On the use of intermediate infrared and microwave infrared in weather satellites

Intermediate, and microwave infrared measurements by weather satellite

On the uses of intermediate infrared and microwave infrared in meteorological satellites Semiannual report

Intermediate infrared and microwave infrared applications in meteorological satellite

On the uses of intermediate infrared and microwave infrared in meteorological satellites Third semiannual report

Analysis of Nimbus satellite high resolution infrared radiation grid point data, surface emissivity in intermediate region, and meteorological modeling for microwave stud

The kinetics of the reaction of superoxide radical with Fe(III) complexes of EDTA, DETAPAC and HEDTA

AbstractTo gain an understanding of the mechanism by which the hydroxyl free radical can arise in superoxide generating systems and learn how different chelaters of iron can inhibit this reaction, a pulse radiolysis kinetic study of the reaction of O−2 with Fe(III)EDTA, Fe(III)HEDTA and Fe(III)DETAPAC (or DTPA) was undertaken. Superoxide reacts readily with Fe(III)EDTA and Fe(III)HEDTA with a pH-dependent second-order rate constant having values of 1.9 × 106 M−1.s−1 and 7.6 × 105 M−1.s−1 at pH 7, respectively. However, the rate constant for the reaction of O−2 with Fe(III)DETAPAC was found to be much slower, the upper limit for the rate constant being 104 M−1.s−1. These results in conjunction with spin-trapping experiments with Fe(II)EDTA, Fe(II)HEDTA, Fe(II)DETAPAC and H2O2 suggests that DETAPAC inhibits the formation of OH by slowing the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) and not by inhibiting the Fenton reaction

Ways to Greater Happiness: A Delphi Study

In the first round of this Delphi study 14 experts suggested strategies for improving life-satisfaction. In a second round, experts rated these strategies for (a) effectiveness, (b) feasibility and (c) cost-effectiveness. They considered 56 strategies policy makers can use to raise average happiness in a nation and 68 ways in which individuals can raise their own happiness. Experts were informed about the average ratings made by the panel and about the arguments advanced. Then, in a third round, experts made their final judgments. Summed ratings for average effectiveness and feasibility of the strategies ranged between 8.4 and 4.9 on scale 2–10, which means that most of the recommendations were deemed suitable. Agreement was slightly higher on policy strategies than on individual ways to greater happiness. Policy strategies deemed the most effective and feasi

Simulating the dynamics of linear forests in Great Plains agroecosystems under changing climates

Most forest growth models are not suitable for the highly fragmented, linear (or linearly shaped) forests in the Great Plains agroecosystems (e.g., windbreaks, riparian forest buffers), where such forests are a minor but ecologically important component of the land mosaics. This study used SEEDSCAPE, a recently modified gap model designed for cultivated land mosaics in the Great Plains, to simulate the effects of climate change on the dynamics of such linear forests. We simulated the dynamics of windbreaks with different initial planting species richness and widths flight changes as the selected resulting factor) using current climate data and nested regional circulation models (RegCMs). Results indicated that ( i ) it took 70-80 simulation years for the linear forests to reach a steady state under both normal (present-day) and warming climates; (ii) warming climates would reduce total aboveground tree biomass and the spatial variation in biomass, but increase dominance in the linear forests, especially in the upland forests; (iii) linear forests with higher planting species richness and smaller width produced higher aboveground tree biomass per unit area; and (iv) the same species performed very differently with different climate scenarios, initial planting diversity, and forest widths. Although the model still needs further improvements (e.g., the effects of understory species should be included), the model can serve as a useful tool in modeling the succession of linear forests in human-dominated land mosaics under changing climates and may also have significant practical implications in other systems