An acoustic imaging method for layered non-reciprocal media

Given the increasing interest for non-reciprocal materials, we propose a novel acoustic imaging method for layered non-reciprocal media. The method we propose is a modification of the Marchenko imaging method, which handles multiple scattering between the layer interfaces in a data-driven way. We start by reviewing the basic equations for wave propagation in a non-reciprocal medium. Next, we discuss Green's functions, focusing functions, and their mutual relations, for a non-reciprocal horizontally layered medium. These relations form the basis for deriving the modified Marchenko method, which retrieves the wave field inside the non-reciprocal medium from reflection measurements at the boundary of the medium. With a numerical example we show that the proposed method is capable of imaging the layer interfaces at their correct positions, without artefacts caused by multiple scattering.Comment: 21 pages, 8 figure

A scalability analysis of grid allocation mechanisms

This article examines the broker's behavior with regard to a varying number of participating nodes and shows that incremental losses have to be accepted in central resource allocation when introducing new nodes. --Grid Computing

Offset: How the government improperly takes money from the disabled

The US Department of Education is supposed to use its computers to match its borrowers who now suffer from total permanent disabilities based on Social Security or Veteran Administration rolls. If the borrower has been disabled for more than five consecutive years, then deductions for unpaid student loans are supposed to cease. A report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, a federal agency that reviews government work, shows that the program, now a computerized system that matches Social Security numbers, fails to identify thousands of individuals who deserve student debt relief. Link: https://medium.com/@careinicke/offset-how-the-government-improperly-takes-money-from-the-disabled-8928cd556f9

Inclusion and Moral Competence. Hypotheses about Two Closely Related Tasks of the School

In my article, I will give a short historical overview of inclusion-research. The focus lies on relation between moral and inclusion. I will introduce three branches of inclusion research and deduce my definition of inclusion from it. Inclusion can be understood as a dynamic process of realizing of equal participation on the one hand and of entitlement to diversity on the other hand. That means, inclusion lives from the solution of its immanent conflict- the conflict between equality and diversity. Therefore, I assume that “the ability to solve problems and conflicts on the basis of universal moral principles by means of deliberation and discussion, instead of using violence, deceit and coercion, or more specifically… the ability to judge arguments in regard to their moral quality instead of their opinion-agreement” (Lind 2016) is urgently needed. This ability is an important precondition for realizing inclusion. Following educational theory of morality by Lind and others, it’s not necessary to change the moral attitudes (moral orientation) in persons that are involved in the process of inclusion. It’s more important to improve their inclusive ability and their inclusive behavior. Inclusive behavior means a behavior with which shows recognition of both: of diversity of all as well as of the dignity of each individual. On this theoretical basis, I furthermore want to introduce a little research project carried out by the author in Vocational School Centre. The aim of this project was to improve the inclusive behavior by using the Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion®

Control device for prosthetic urinary sphincter cuff

A device for controlling flow of fluid to and from a resilient inflatable cuff implanted about the urethra to control flow of urine therethrough. The device comprises a flexible bulb reservoir and a control unit that includes a manually operated valve that opens automatically when the bulb is squeezed to force fluid into the cuff for closing the urethra. The control unit also includes a movable valve seat member having a relatively large area exposed to pressure of fluid in a chamber that is connected to the cuff and which moves to a position in which the valve member is unseated by an abutment when fluid pressure in the chamber exceeds a predetermined value to thereby relieve excess fluid pressure in the cuff. The arrangement is such that the valve element is held closed against the seat member by the full differential in fluid pressures acting on both sides of the valve element until the seat member is moved away from the valve element to thus insure positive closing of the valve element until the seat member is moved out of engagement with the valve element by excess pressure differential

Inclusion as a Moral Challenge: the Potential of the Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion® (KMDD®)

This article presents the Konstanz Method of Dilemma Discussion ® (KMDD ®) and explains the integration of the KMDD ® in ethics lessons. In this paper, some special learning effects of this inclusive teaching and learning method are shown. Furthermore, it investigates the questions of how to achieve more knowledge in ethics lessons by dialogue and how to realize better moral development, particularly by handling of differentiation. Moral education of all participants who are involved in the learning process (learners and teacher alike) is a crucial task of every true inclusion. True inclusion means building optimal learning conditions in keeping with the free will of all participants. Because our society is transforming constantly in both global and demographic aspects, coping with these challenges is mandatory

Electronically Variable Pressure Regulator (EVPR)

A new programmable electronically variable pressure regulator (EVPR) concept accurately controls the local outlet or remote system pressure. It uses an integral pulse width modulated rare earth permanent magnet motor operating in response to redundant pressure transducer feedback signals. The EVPR is a simple single stage device that does not use dynamic seals or pilot valving. Conversion of partial revolution motor torque to poppet lifting force is accomplished by pure flexure action to avoid using bearings. The flexure drive (called the ROTAX) has a variable lead to minimize motor weight and power consumption. Breadboard tests were completed successfully on two critical design elements of the EVPR: the ROTAX and the motor. The ROTAX cable system was tested for 250,000 cycles without failure. The breadboard motor met the basic design requirements including the design torque and power consumption. Prototype parts were fabricated, and testing of the prototype EVPR has started. It is PC computer controlled to facilitate programming, data acquisition and analysis. A lightweight dedicated microprocessor is planned for the flightweight EVPR

Leistung und langfristige Wirkung auf Humus- und Nährstoffhaushalt verschie-dener Anbausysteme des ökologischen Landbau – Ergebnisse der 1. Rotation eines Dauerfeldversuches

The increased importance of organic farming in recent years, has led to a diversifica-tion of production systems. Since 1998 different farming systems were compared in a long-term field trial at the university of Halle-Wittenberg. The systems simulated either arable or mixed farming with various tillage treatments. In the first rotation the crop yields showed a clear response to the different farming systems. The balances of organic substances were mainly affected by the amount of organic fertilisers applied, whereas the nitrogen balance was influenced by the nitrogen fixation capacity of the clover-lucerne sward