Dynamics of Perturbed Relative Equilibria of Point Vortices on the Sphere or Plane

Stable assemblages of localized vortices exist which have particle-like properties, such as mass, and which can interact with one another when they closely approach. In this article I calculate the mass of these localized states and numerically investigate some aspects of their interactions.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figure

Reduction of the planar 4-vortex system at zero momentum

The system of four point vortices in the plane has relative equilibria that behave as composite particles, in the case where three of the vortices have strength $-\Gamma/3$ and one of the vortices has strength $\Gamma$. These relative equilibria occur at nongeneric momenta. The reduction of this system, at those momenta, by continuous and then discrete symmetries, classifies the 4-vortex states which have been observed as products of collisions of two such composite particles. In this article I explicitly calculate these reductions, and show they are qualitatively identical one degree of freedom systems on a cylinder. The flows on these reduced systems all have one stable equilibrium and one unstable equilibrium, and all the orbits are periodic except for two homoclinic connections to the unstable equilibrium.Comment: Minor typographical corrections and slightly revised introduction. 9 pages, 5 figures. To appear EQUIDIFF/99 proceeding

Preventing recidivism by using the theory of reintegrative shaming with conferences

Master's Project (M.A.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2013Driving while intoxicated in the United States is a major problem with more than 31 percent of national driving fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers. The purpose of the present study is to identify the possibility between the use of reintegrative shaming with conferences and the likelihood that it will reduce the recidivism of driving while intoxicated. The study explores John Brathwaite's theory on reintegrative shaming and how that theory applies in conferences. The emerging theory o f Storylines from Robert Agnew is also explored in its importance when conducting these conferences. Studies conducted in Australia, Pennsylvania, Kansas and Alaska have all suggested that the use of conferences, especially those which utilize reintegrative shaming and reintegrating offenders back into the community reduces the recidivism rates. The research found in this article helps point future studies to examine offenders in a longer term after they have completed reintegrative shaming programs and conferences

Thermal Geo-axions

We estimate the production rate of axion-type particles in the core of the Earth, at a temperature T~5000K. We constrain thermal geo-axion emission by demanding a core-cooling rate less than 100K/Gyr, as suggested by geophysics. This yields a "quasi-vacuum" (unaffected by extreme stellar conditions) bound on the axion-electron fine structure constant \alpha_a^{QV} < 10^{-18}, stronger than the existing accelerator (vacuum) bound by 4 orders of magnitude. We consider the prospects for measuring the geo-axion flux through conversion into photons in a geoscope; such measurements can further constrain \alpha_a^{QV}.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figur

Interdependence of science requirements and safety limitations on the space station

One of the benefits of experimentation on the Space Station is the ability to carry out the experiment, to immediately analyze the results, to calculate improved experimental parameters, and to quickly repeat the experiment. In this improved mode of operation there are new safety considerations that must be addressed in the design stages of both the station and the experiments. Some of the chemical and procedural requirements are shared, and some of the earth-bound storage, dispensing, and disposal techniques that may assist in the development of analogous procedures for the Space Station are discussed

Geometry in the Transition from Primary to Post-Primary

This article is intended as a kind of precursor to the document Geometry for Post-primary School Mathematics, part of the Mathematics Syllabus for Junior Certicate issued by the Irish National Council for Curriculum and Assessment in the context of Project Maths. Our purpose is to place that document in the context of an overview of plane geometry, touching on several important pedagogical and historical aspects, in the hope that this will prove useful for teachers.Comment: 19 page

Procedure to prepare transparent silica gels

This invention relates to the production of silica gels and in particular to a process for the preparation of silica gels which can be used as a crystal growth medium that simulates the convectionless environment of space to produce structurally perfect crystals. Modern utilizations of substances in electronics, such as radio transmitters and high frequency microphones, often require single crystals with controlled purity and structural perfection. The near convectionless environment of silica gel suppresses nucleation, thereby reducing the competitive nature of crystal growth. This competition limits the size and perfection of the crystal; and it is obviously desirable to suppress nucleation until, ideally, only one crystal grows in a predetermined location. A silica gel is not a completely convectionless environment like outer space, but is the closest known environment to that of outer space that can be created on Earth

Controlling the influence of stereotypes on one’s thoughts (Preprint title: Controlling implicit bias: Insights from a public health perspective)

Research on reducing or controlling implicit bias has been characterized by a tension between the two goals of reducing lingering intergroup disparities and gaining insight into human cognition. The tension between these two goals has created two distinct research traditions, each of which is characterized by different research questions, methods, and ultimate goals. We argue that the divisions between these research traditions are more apparent than real and that the two research traditions could be synergistic. We attempt to integrate the two traditions by arguing that implicit bias, and the disparities it is presumed to cause, is a public health problem. Based on this perspective, we identify shortcomings in our current knowledge of controlling implicit bias and provide a set of recommendations for future research