Crew Earth Observations

Crew Earth Observations (CEO) takes advantage of the crew in space to observe and photograph natural and human-made changes on Earth. The photographs record the Earth's surface changes over time, along with dynamic events such as storms, floods, fires and volcanic eruptions. These images provide researchers on Earth with key data to better understand the planet

Frequency of Seyfert Type Transitions in a Sample of 102 Local Active Galactic Nuclei

A sample of ∼100 type-1 local (0.02 ≤ z ≤ 0.1) active galaxies (AGNs) was selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey with black hole masses MBH \u3e 107 Mʘ and re-observed using the Keck 10-m telescope to study the local scaling relations between MBH and the host galaxy properties. As a side product, the data provides insight into any changes of the broad-line region within the 3-9 year time-frame covered by the two sets of spectra. The variability of the broad Hβ emission line is of particular interest to us, not only because it is used to estimate MBH, but also because its presence and width acts as a classifier for the so-called Seyfert-type of these galaxies. Roughly 44% of the sample show significant broad-line variability with a change in Seyfert classification, questioning the standard unified model for active galaxies in which the AGN type depends only on viewing angle. The observed type change cannot simply be explained by a drop in black hole accretion rate, as traced by the AGN power-law continuum. Also, we do not find evidence for obscuration to play the dominant role in the observe change in Hβ line width. More data are needed to determine the origin of the line profile changes. While similar dramatic transitions have been reported in the literature, our study is the first to provide statistical information

Computational Aerothermodynamic Analysis of Satellite Trans-Atmospheric Skip Entry Survivability

Computational aerothermodynamic analysis is presented for a spacecraft in low Earth orbit performing an atmospheric skip entry maneuver. Typically, atmospheric reentry is a terminal operation signaling mission end-of-life and, in some instances, executed for spacecraft disposal. A variation on reentry – skip entry – is an aeroassisted trans-atmospheric maneuver in which a spacecraft utilizes the effects of aerodynamic drag in order to reduce energy prior to a terminal entry, pinpoint a targeted entry, or change orbital elements such as inclination. Spacecraft performing a skip entry enable new modes of maneuver to enhance operations in nominal or possibly contested mission environments. The present research examines the aerothermodynamic effects of a skip entry trajectory for a small satellite to determine the survivability limits for potential future practical implementation by systems not intentionally designed to survive reentry. Due to the rarefied nature of the upper atmosphere, all fluid flow analysis is performed using SPARTA, a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) solver. Satellite skip entry maneuvers should be survivable with skip perigees near the sensible atmosphere limit in an approximate altitude range of h∈ [90,120] km

Can we Really Have an Integrative Theory of Creativity? The Case of Creative Cognition

In this commentary to Glăveanu (2014), I address one specific issue raised – that of the need for a grand or unifying theory of creativity. I discuss whether our understanding of creative cognition has progressed sufficiently to allow for the development of, or inclusion in, a grand theory of creativity. Specifically, I argue that there are many gaps in our understanding of two major processes, problem identification and construction and idea evaluation and choice. I further provide some suggestions for how we can move the field forward on these individual aspects, and still strive for [email protected] of Psychology, University of Nebraska Omaha, USA1225626

Detection Optimization of the Progressive Multi-Channel Correlation Algorithm Used in Infrasound Nuclear Treaty Monitoring

This thesis develops methods to determine optimum detection thresholds for the Progressive Multi-Channel Correlation (PMCC) algorithm used by the International Data Centre (IDC) to perform infrasound station-level nuclear-event detection. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis is used with real ground truth data to determine the trade-off between the probability of detection (P sub D) and the false alarm rate (FAR) at various consistency detection thresholds. Further, statistical detection theory via maximum a posteriori and Bayes cost approaches is used to determine station-level optimum family size thresholds of grouped detection pixels with similar signal attributes (i.e. trace velocity, azimuth, time of arrival, and frequency content) before the detection should be considered for network-level processing. Optimum family sizes are determined based upon the consistency threshold and filter configuration used to filter sensor data prior to running the detection algorithm. Finally, this research generates synthetic signals for particular array configurations, adjusts the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) to determine the SNR failure levels for the PMCC detection algorithm, and compares this performance to the performance of fielded infrasound stations with similar configurations

What is a creative teacher and what is a creative pupil? perceptions of teachers

The perceptions of teachers concerning creative teachers and pupils are an essential prerequisite for research concerning creativity, its assessment and promotion in the school context. The authors of this article administered a Likert scale to 576 teachers in Portuguese schools to explore what they think about the concepts of a creative pupil and a creative teacher, how they evaluate themselves as a creative person, and how they judge the creativity of their colleagues, pupils, curricula and school. The responses of the teachers help to identify a need for teacher training about creativity and to raise suggestions for this work

Scoring Divergent Thinking Tests by Computer With a Semantics-Based Algorithm

Divergent thinking (DT) tests are useful for the assessment of creative potentials. This article reports the semantics-based algorithmic (SBA) method for assessing DT. This algorithm is fully automated: Examinees receive DT questions on a computer or mobile device and their ideas are immediately compared with norms and semantic networks. This investigation compared the scores generated by the SBA method with the traditional methods of scoring DT (i.e., fluency, originality, and flexibility). Data were collected from 250 examinees using the “Many Uses Test” of DT. The most important finding involved the flexibility scores from both scoring methods. This was critical because semantic networks are based on conceptual structures, and thus a high SBA score should be highly correlated with the traditional flexibility score from DT tests. Results confirmed this correlation (r = .74). This supports the use of algorithmic scoring of DT. The nearly-immediate computation time required by SBA method may make it the method of choice, especially when it comes to moderate- and large-scale DT assessment investigations. Correlations between SBA scores and GPA were insignificant, providing evidence of the discriminant and construct validity of SBA scores. Limitations of the present study and directions for future research are offered

A Community-Bases Aquatic Exercise Program to Improve Endurance and Mobility in Adults with Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disability

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a community-based aquatic exercise program on physical performance among adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID). Twenty-two community-dwelling adults with mild to moderate ID volunteered to participate in this study. Participants completed an 8-week aquatic exercise program (2 days/wk, 1 hr/session). Measures of physical performance, which were assessed prior to and following the completion of the aquatic exercise program, included the timed-up-and-go test, 6-min walk test, 30-sec chair stand test, 10-m timed walk test, hand grip strength, and the static plank test. When comparing participants’ measures of physical performance prior to and following the 8-week aquatic exercise program, improvements were seen in all measures, but the change in scores for the 6-min walk test, 30-sec chair stand test, and the static plank test achieved statistical significance (P\u3c0.05). An 8-week group aquatic exercise program for adults with ID may promote improvements in endurance and balance/mobility

ISS Awareness, Awe, and Inspiration: High Definition Earth Viewing (HDEV) Is More than Tech Demo

April 30, 2018 marks the fourth year of operation for the ISS (International Space Station) High Definition Earth Viewing (HDEV) Payload. Technically, HDEV is still performing admirably. This paper discusses the impact which HDEV has had beyond its primary technical development and demonstration purpose in the areas of ISS awareness, awe of the Earth, and inspiration for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) engagement and learning about Earth and Space

La continuidad de la empresa familiar, ¿es posible?

Las empresas familiares son de difícil manejo dado que están conformadas por sus fundadores, si todavía siguen con vida, y sus herederos, los cuales no siempre logran acuerdos. Esto se manifiesta en la organización de la empresa, en su desarrollo y en sus posibilidades de continuidad. Por este motivo se busca analizar los factores que inciden en dicha continuidad y la importancia de la profesionalización de la administración. Además se explica la forma en que se realizan las incorporaciones de los herederos.Fil: Gil, Alejandro. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas. Delegación San Rafael.Fil: Falcone, Cristian. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas. Delegación San Rafael.Fil: Runco, Leonardo. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas. Delegación San Rafael.Fil: Bielli, Marco. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas. Delegación San Rafael