The Effects of Descriptions and Images of Antecedent Stimuli and Outcomes to Correct Responses in Task Analysis Instruction

Task analysis (TA) instruction is commonly used for teaching behavior chains; however, little research informs best practices for TA instruction. Data regarding the effects of instructional variables on responding may enhance TA efficacy and learner performance. Linking TA instruction to the three-term contingency may facilitate the development of control by stimuli that are naturally present while completing complex tasks; therefore, this study employed a two-by-two factorial design to analyze the relative effects of supplementing TA instruction with descriptions and images of: (factor A) antecedent stimuli relevant to each instructed discrete response and (factor B) the outcomes of accurately completing instructed response chains. A significant main effect was observed for antecedent stimuli on mean participant accuracy. No significant main effect was observed for presenting the outcomes of correct responses, and no significant interaction was observed between antecedent and outcome stimuli; however, instructions presenting both antecedent and outcome stimuli produced a significantly higher proportion of learners to meet or exceed the accuracy criterion for academically relevant performance (instructional yield), defined as at least 80% correct. These findings may inform best practice in TA instruction and are discussed in terms of the necessity and sufficiency of descriptions and images of antecedent stimuli and response outcomes in TA instruction

What’s Driving Food Prices in 2011?

Agricultural Finance, Demand and Price Analysis, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Part II: Witten effect and Z\mathbb{Z}-classification of axion angle θ=nπ\theta=n \pi

The non-trivial third homotopy class of three-dimensional topological insulators leads to quantized, magneto-electric coefficient or axion angle $\theta= n \pi$, with $n \in \mathbb{Z}$. In Part I, we developed tools for computing $n$ from a staggered symmetry-indicator $\kappa_{AF,j}$ and Wilson loops of non-Abelian, Berry connection in momentum-space, which clearly distinguished between magneto-electrically trivial ($n=0$), and non-trivial ($n=2s$) topological crystalline insulators. In this work, we perform $\mathbb{Z}$-classification of real-space, topological response or $\theta$ by carrying out thought experiments with magnetic, Dirac monopoles. We demonstrate this for non-magnetic and magnetic topological insulators by computing induced electric charge on monopoles or Witten effect. We show that both first- and higher- order topological insulators can exhibit quantized, magneto-electric response, irrespective of the presence of gapless surface-states, and corner-states. Special attention is paid to the response of octupolar higher-order topological insulator, which was originally predicted to be magneto-electrically trivial. The important roles of fermion zero-modes, $\mathcal{CP}$, and flavor symmetries are critically addressed. Our work outlines a unified theoretical framework for addressing dc topological response and topological quantum phase transitions, which cannot be reliably predicted by symmetry-based classification scheme.Comment: 23 pages, 16 figures; updated title, abstract and reference; for calculation of 3D winding number from band structure in momentum space, please consult Part I (arXiv:2109.06871v2; https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2109.06871

Topology of SO(5)-monopoles and three-dimensional, stable Dirac semimetals

The band-touching points of stable, three-dimensional, Kramers-degenerate, Dirac semimetals are singularities of a five-component, unit vector field and non-Abelian, $SO(5)$-Berry's connections, whose topological classification is an important, open problem. We solve this problem by performing second homotopy classification of Berry's connections. Using Abelian projected connections, the generic planes, orthogonal to the direction of nodal separation, and lying between two Dirac points are shown to be higher-order topological insulators, which support quantized, chromo-magnetic flux or relative Chern number, and gapped, edge states. The Dirac points are identified as a pair of unit-strength, $SO(5)$- monopole and anti-monopole, where the relative Chern number jumps by $\pm 1$. Using these bulk invariants, we determine the topological universality class of different types of Dirac semimetals. We also describe a universal recipe for computing quantized, non-Abelian flux for Dirac materials from the windings of spectra of planar Wilson loops, displaying $SO(5)$-gauge invariance. With non-perturbative, analytical solutions of surface-states, we show the absence of helical Fermi arcs, and predict the fermiology and the spin-orbital textures. We also discuss the similarities and important topological distinction between the surface-states Hamiltonian and the generator of Polyakov loop of Berry's connections.Comment: 19 pages, 8 figure

Solar power tower development: Recent experiences

Recent experiences with the 10 MW{sub e} Solar Two and the 2.5 MW{sub t} TSA (Technology Program Solar Air Receiver) demonstration plants are reported. The heat transfer fluids used in these solar power towers are molten-nitrate salt and atmospheric air, respectively. Lessons learned and suggested technology improvements for next-generation plants are categorized according to subsystem. The next steps to be taken in the commercialization process for each these new power plant technologies is also presented

Empathy in action: Developing a sense of belonging with the pedagogy of ‘real talk’

A collaborative group of interdisciplinary faculty-researchers at a regional comprehensive university in the United States implemented two pedagogical practices, real talks and alternative lessons (together called the pedagogy of real talk), and investigated students’ sense of belonging in classrooms using these practices. Real talks are planned interactions wherein faculty share human stories from their lives on a universal theme and invite students to share their own stories on that theme. Alternative lessons are faculty-designed learning experiences that build upon understandings of students’ worldviews and experiences. Survey data from over 30 student classes across two semesters in 2021 were compared with university-wide climate survey data to posit that sense of belonging in these classes was higher than that in the university as a whole. Case study data selected from a repository of faculty descriptions written between 2020 and 2021 further fleshed out examples of specific real talks and alternative lessons. The authors found these practices are particularly significant in their impact on typically underrepresented students, who often contend with feelings of exclusion in their pursuit of higher education

Solar two: A molten salt power tower demonstration

A consortium of United States utility concerns led by the Southern California Edison Company (SCE) is conducting a cooperative project with the US Department of Energy (DOE), Sandia National Laboratories, and industry to convert the 10-MW Solar One Power Tower Pilot Plant to molten nitrate salt technology. The conversion involves installation of a new receiver, a new thermal storage system, and a new steam generator; it utilizes Solar One`s heliostat field and turbine generator. Successful operation of the converted plant, called Solar Two, will reduce economic risks in building initial commercial power tow projects and accelerate the commercial acceptance of this promising renewable energy technology. The estimated cost of Solar Two, including its three-year test period, is $48.5 million. The plant will begin operation in early 1996

GIVE: portable genome browsers for personal websites.

Growing popularity and diversity of genomic data demand portable and versatile genome browsers. Here, we present an open source programming library called GIVE that facilitates the creation of personalized genome browsers without requiring a system administrator. By inserting HTML tags, one can add to a personal webpage interactive visualization of multiple types of genomics data, including genome annotation, "linear" quantitative data, and genome interaction data. GIVE includes a graphical interface called HUG (HTML Universal Generator) that automatically generates HTML code for displaying user chosen data, which can be copy-pasted into user's personal website or saved and shared with collaborators. GIVE is available at: https://www.givengine.org/