Test method for telescopes using a point source at a finite distance

A test method for telescopes that makes use of a focused ring formed by an annular aperture when using a point source at a finite distance is evaluated theoretically and experimentally. The results show that the concept can be applied to near-normal, as well as grazing incidence. It is particularly suited for X-ray telescopes because of their intrinsically narrow annular apertures, and because of the largely reduced diffraction effects

System for the measurement of ultra-low stray light levels

An apparatus is described for measuring the effectiveness of stray light suppression light shields and baffle arrangements used in optical space experiments and large space telescopes. The light shield and baffle arrangement and a telescope model are contained in a vacuum chamber. A source of short, high-powered light energy illuminates portions of the light shield and baffle arrangement and reflects a portion of same to a photomultiplier tube by virtue of multipath scattering. The resulting signal is transferred to time-channel electronics timed by the firing of the high energy light source allowing time discrimination of the signal thereby enabling the light scattered and suppressed by the model to be distinguished from the walls and holders around the apparatus

Laser furnace and method for zone refining of semiconductor wafers

A method of zone refining a crystal wafer (116 FIG. 1) comprising the steps of focusing a laser beam to a small spot (120) of selectable size on the surface of the crystal wafer (116) to melt a spot on the crystal wafer, scanning the small laser beam spot back and forth across the surface of the crystal wafer (116) at a constant velocity, and moving the scanning laser beam across a predetermined zone of the surface of the crystal wafer (116) in a direction normal to the laser beam scanning direction and at a selectible velocity to melt and refine the entire crystal wafer (116)

A systematic review of naturalistic interventions in refugee populations

Naturalistic interventions with refugee populations examine outcomes following mental health interventions in existing refugee service organisations. The current review aimed to examine outcomes of naturalistic interventions and quality of the naturalistic intervention literature in refugee populations with the view to highlight the strengths and limitations of naturalistic intervention studies. Database search was conducted using the search terms ‘refugee’, ‘asylum seeker’, ‘treatment’, ‘therapy’ and ‘intervention. No date limitations were applied, but searches were limited to articles written in English. Seven studies were identified that assessed the outcome of naturalistic interventions on adult refugees or asylum seekers in a country of resettlement using quantitative outcome measures. Results showed significant variation in the outcomes of naturalistic intervention studies, with a trend towards showing decreased symptomatology at post-intervention. However, conclusions are limited by methodological problems of the studies reviewed, particularly poor documentation of intervention methods and lack of control in the design of naturalistic intervention studies. Further examination of outcomes following naturalistic interventions is needed with studies which focus on increasing the rigour of the outcome assessment process

Test plane uniformity analysis for the MSFC solar simulator lamp array

A preliminary analysis was made on the solar simulator lamp array. It is an array of 405 tungsten halogen lamps with Fresnel lenses to achieve the required spectral distribution and collimation. A computer program was developed to analyze lamp array performance at the test plane. Measurements were made on individual lamp lens combinations to obtain data for the computer analysis. The analysis indicated that the performance of the lamp array was about as expected, except for a need to position the test plane within 2.7 m of the lamp array to achieve the desired 7 percent uniformity of illumination tolerance

Laser furnace technology for zone refining

A carbon dioxide laser experiment facility is constructed to investigate the problems in using a laser beam to zone refine semiconductor and metal crystals. The hardware includes a computer to control scan mirrors and stepper motors to provide a variety of melt zone patterns. The equipment and its operating procedures are described

MSFC solar simulator test plane uniformity measurement

The equipment and procedure used to measure the test plane uniformity produced by the MSFC 405 lamp solar simulator array are described along with details of the computer program used to analyze the measurement data. The results of the first measurement show the uniformity not to be as good as expected. The best uniformity obtained had a standared deviation of 4 percent with peak-to-peak values of + or - 11 percent

Mentoring Relationships in the Field of Sexually Transmitted Infections: Experiences, Observations, and Recommendations

In this paper, we describe: (a) our experiences and accomplishments in the American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) Research Scholars Mentoring Program; (b) the current state of mentorship in the field of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); (c) the fundamental factors of successful mentoring, including alignment with personal values, transparency, intentionality, respect, equity, empathy, and emotional intelligence. The authors have reviewed their experiences in mentoring and receiving mentorship and have collectively identified concepts they valued in mentoring relationships, particularly those that are useful for women in science. The authors provide recommendations and considerations for future mentoring relationships

Who Should Decide? Decision-Making Preferences for Primary HPV Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening Among U.S. Women

Revised U.S. guidelines for cervical cancer screening provide the option of primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, Pap testing, or co-testing. Primary HPV testing has not yet been an option for American women, and women may be reluctant to change screening methods. The purpose of this study was to assess correlates of women’s preferences for primary HPV testing decision-making (self, provider, or shared) for cervical cancer screening. Women, aged 30-65, completed an online survey in June of 2018 (n = 812). The outcome variable was preference for decision-making for an HPV test instead of a Pap test on a scale of, healthcare provider, me, or shared. Predictor variables included testing attitudes, social norms, information seeking, previous screening, and socio-demographics. Women who disagreed that people important to them think that they should get the HPV test instead of a Pap test, who were not willing to receive an HPV test instead of a Pap test, and who did not receive HPV vaccinations were less likely to include a provider in their decision-making. In contrast, women who were not up-to-date with their cervical cancer screenings, who had some college or technical level education, or who were over 50 years of age were more likely to prefer to have a healthcare provider included in their decision-making process. While some variation was discovered, women mostly preferred a shared decision or personal decision for HPV testing. Resources to facilitate the decision-making process about this new option for cervical cancer screening are needed