The Global Stratotype Section and Point （GSSP） for the base of the Katian Stage of the Upper Ordovician Series at Black Knob Ridge, Southeastern Oklahoma, USA

The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point （GSSP） for the Katian Stage of the Upper Ordovician Series is defined as the 4.0 m-level above the base of the Bigfork Chert in the Black Knob Ridge section, southeastern Oklahoma. This point in this section is coincident with the first appearance of the graptolite Diplacanthograptus caudatus, which has proved to be a reliable datum for precise worldwide correlation. The FAD ofD. caudatus occurs very near the first occurrences of the graptolites D. lanceolatus, Co.rynoides americanus, Orthograptus pageanus, O. quadrimucronatus, Dicranograptus hians, and Neurograptus margaritatus. This rapid succession of fossil species appearance events provides a secure basis for identification of the base of the Katian Stage of the Upper Ordovician Series and for its global chronostratigraphic correlation.

A factor analytic assessment of the English translation of the neuropsychological vertigo inventory(NVI)

Purpose:Vestibular impairments have been associated with a variety of cognitive deficits,most notably deficits in visuo-spatial memory.The Neuropsychological Vertigo Inventory(NVI)was developed to measure self-reported cognitive deficits in patients with dizziness and/or vertigo.The original French language version of the NVI includes 28 items and 7 subscales.The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether the statistical assessment of an English language version supported the presence of the same cognitive constructs as the French version of the NVI.Method:The English language adaptation of the NVI(referred to here as the NVIe)was administered to an unselected sample of 280 patie nts that were being evaluated for dizziness and/or vertigo in a tertiary care dizziness clinic.The individual item scores from the NVIe were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis(EFA).Results:The results of the data analysis supported a 22-item NVIe consisting of 4 constructs:affective state,temporal memory,spatial memory,visual spatial cognition.Conclusions:The NVIe is a new tool for screening cognitive constructs that may be affected by vestibular impairments.Prior to clinical implementation of the NVIe,additional studies of reliability and convergent validity are needed.

Temporal bone anatomy characteristics in superior semicircular canal dehiscence

Introduction: Superior semicircular canal dehiscence(SCD) remains difficult to diagnose despite advances in high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) imaging. We hypothesize possible associations between gross temporal bone anatomy and sub-millimeter pathology of the semicircular canals, which may supplement imaging and clinical suspicion. This pilot study investigates differences in gross temporal bone anatomic parameters between temporal bones with and without SCD.Methods: Records were reviewed for 18 patients referred to an otology clinic complaining of dizziness with normal caloric stimulation results indicative of non-vestibular findings. Eleven patients had normal temporal bone anatomy while seven had SCD. Three-dimensional reconstruction of every patient's temporal bone anatomy was created from patient-specific computational tomography images. Surface area(SA),volume(V), and SA to V ratios(SA:V) were computed across temporal bone anatomical parameters.Results: SCD temporal bones have significantly smaller V, and larger temporal bone SA. Mean(±SD) V was 21,484 ± 3,921 mm^3 in temporal bones without SCD and 16,343 ± 34,471 mm^3 for those with SCD. Their respective SA were 13,733 ± 1,603 mm^2 and 18,073 ± 3,002 mm^2.Temporal bone airspaces and lateral semicircular canals did not demonstrate significant differences where SCD was and was not present. Plots of MV_(warm)response against computed SCD temporal bone anatomic parameters(SA, V and SA:V) showed moderate to strong correlations:temporal bone SA:V(r= 0.64), temporal bone airspace V(r= 0.60), temporal bone airspace SA(r= 0.55), LSCC SA(r= 0.51), and LSCC-toTM Distance(r= 0.65).Conclusions: This analysis demonstrated that SCD is associated with decreased temporal bone volume and density. The defect in SCD does not appear to influence caloric responses.

Age predicts the absence of caloric-induced vertigo

Introduction: The absence of vertigo during the caloric test, despite a robust response, has been suggested to represent a central vestibular system phenomenon. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of absent caloric-induced vertigo perception in an unselected group of patients and to assess possible predicting variables.Methods: Prospective investigation of 92 unselected patients who underwent caloric testing. Inclusion criteria were that each patient generate a maximum slow phase velocity(maxSPV) > 15 deg/sec and a caloric asymmetry of≤10%. Following the caloric, patients were asked, "Did you have any sensation of motion?"Results: Results showed 75% of patients reported motion with a mean age of 56.51 years compared to a mean age of 66.55 in the 25% of patients reporting an absence of motion. A logistic regression was performed and the overall model was statistically significant accounting for 29% of the variance in caloric perception. The significant predictor variables were patient age and maxSPV of the caloric response. The effect size for both variables was small with an odds ratio of.9 for maxSPV and 1.06 for age.Conclusions: The current investigation showed that both age and maxSPV of the caloric response were significant predictors of vertigo perception during the caloric exam. However, the association between age and caloric perception is not conclusive. Although there is evidence to suggest that these findings represent age-related changes in the central processing of vestibular system stimulation, there are additional unmeasured factors that influence the perception of caloric-induced vertigo.

Trajectory Controllability of Nonlinear Integro-Differential System—An Analytical and a Numerical Estimations

A stronger concept of complete (exact) controllability which we call Trajectory Controllability is introduced in this paper. We study the Trajectory Controllability of an abstract nonlinear integro-differential system in the finite and infinite dimensional space setting. We will then discuss how approximations to these problems can be found computationally using finite difference methods and optimization. Examples will be presented in one, two and three dimensions.

The Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Meta-Vanadate under Restricted Flow Conditions

The products obtained during the thermal decomposition of ammonium meta-vanadate depend on the configuration of the container, the mass of the sample, the heating rate and the composition of the carrier gas. The decomposition in an uncapped container produced (NH4)2V4O11, NH4V3O8, and V2O5 as the apparent stable products while the products in a capped container were NH4V3O8, and V2Ox where x was between 4 and 5. These differences are attributed to the different amounts of the evolved gases in the cell. EGA-FTIR clearly established that the reduced final product in the capped cell resulted from a reaction between NH3 and the V2O5 formed during the decomposition. A pre-equilibrium kinetics model where the rate of the reverse reaction depends on the partial pressure of the gaseous products in the cell could explain the different reaction intermediates. This model provides a possible explanation for the different apparent activation energies that have been reported for the thermal decomposition of other compounds where a reversible step could occur in the decomposition mechanism.

Capturing Heat from a Batch Biochar Production System for Use in Greenhouses and Hoop Houses

Biochar is charcoal produced at comparatively high temperature and used as an agricultural amendment, which also sequesters carbon. Most of the research on biochar manufacture in the United States has either focused on large-scale continuous systems with multiple products or small batch systems with biochar as the only product. At James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, we have worked on a batch system to make high quality biochar while capturing the heat for use either as a backup system for hot water heating, or to heat a greenhouse in winter. The system is now in its third iteration. In the first, we used a small intramural grant to experiment with low cost material using a minimalist design. While the unit captured some heat, operation of the design was smoky and hazardous to handle. The second design, funded by a larger intramural research grant, captured considerable heat, made 8-10 kg of biochar per burn and captured up to 250 MJ per batch of biochar made, but remained smoky. The third generation pyrolysis unit was constructed on Avalon Acres Farm in Broadway, Virginia, funded by a 25 × 25 grant through James Madison University （JMU）. This unit makes the same amount of biochar, with less smoke, and sends the captured heat to a storage tank to help heat a greenhouse and home on the site. Our average efficiency of heat transfer is 12.5% of the total heat value of the starting woody biomass, a number we believe can at least double.

Predictors of Successful Weight Loss Maintenance: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis

Individuals successful at weight loss maintenance (WTLM) utilize similar behaviors but in varying amounts and combinations. Research identifying characteristics which predict WTLM success could be used to develop effective WTLM treatment programs. The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to determine behavioral (e.g., self monitoring of dietary intake) and biological factors (e.g., sex) which may influence WTLM success. Methods: In a previously conducted 12-month WTLM study, weight-reduced middle-aged and older men and women (n = 39) were assigned behavioral goals and asked to daily self-monitor body weight, fruit and vegetable intake, water consumption, and physical activity. This investigation utilized a crisp set qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to characterize individuals’ weight changes and behaviors. Sex difference in clinically significant weight loss (WL) (≥5% WL) at 12 months was investigated, and growth curve models estimated interaction effects between sex and WTLM predictors. Results: QCA findings suggest patterns of weight change during the initial three months of WTLM treatment may dictate 12-month weight outcomes. No sex difference was found in clinically significant WL or in the interaction of sex and behaviors on weight change. Conclusions: WTLM treatments should provide more intensive support during transition from WL to WTLM, particularly during the first three months.

Students＇ Unethical Academic Behaviors： A Self-Determination Theory Approach

Building on the Self-Determination Theory （SDT）, the study examines the influence of intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and in-class deterrents on prior cheating, neutralization, and likelihood of cheating in the future. In addition, the model has been tested based on gender differences. To test the hypotheses, the data were collected from 324 undergraduate hospitality and tourism students. The proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling. Results of hypotheses testing showed that both extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation had negative relationships with prior cheating, which is consistent with previous research. In addition, neutralization showed a positive relationship with likelihood of cheating and prior cheating was positively related to likelihood of cheating. These findings can help hospitality and tourism instructors and administrators develop various strategies to prevent students＇ unethical behaviors. A discussion of implications is included along with limitations and recommendations for future research.

Scaling and Orbits for an Isotropic Metric

Conventional interpretation of the Einstein Equation has inconsistencies and contradictions, such as gravitational fields without energy, objects crossing event-horizons, objects exceeding the speed of light, and inconsistency in scaling the speed of light and its factors. An isotropic metric resolves such problems by attributing energy to the gravitational field, in the Einstein Equation. This paper discusses symmetries of an isotropic metric, including scaling of physical quantities, the Lorentz transformation, covariant derivatives, and stress-energy tensors, and transitivity of this scaling between inertial reference frames. Force, charge, Planck’s constant, and the fine structure constant remain invariant under isotropic gravitational scaling. Gravitational scattering, orbital period, and precession distinguish between isotropic and Schwarzschild metrics. An isotropic metric accommodates quantum mechanics and improves models of black-holes.

Interaction in the Steady State between Electromagnetic Waves and Matter

It is common experience that our eyes do not perceive significant changes in color when we observe for long time an object continuously exposed to light. We always see plants to be green in summer until in autumn factors external to our vision, such as changes in the length of daylight and temperature, cause the break-down of chlorophyll and, in turn, spectacular changes in plant’s colors. Likewise, the photocurrent produced in solar panels or field effect transistors achieves a steady state magnitude shortly after the start of the illumination. The steady state photocurrent lasts until the illumination stops. Understanding the origin of the steady state response of a device or light harvesting (LH) system to illumination with electromagnetic (EM) waves motivates the research presented in this work. In our experiments, we used capacitors as LH systems and illuminated them with infrared (IR) light over an 80 hours time period. We investigated the interaction between light and matter by monitoring versus time the voltage output of the capacitors. By combining modeling and experimental observations, we concluded that the steady state voltage is established soon after the start of the illumination as the consequence of the law of conservation of energy. We also found that the magnitude of the voltage in the steady state depends on the power and period of the illuminating IR light, and on the capacitance of the capacitor. When light’s power undergoes fluctuations, also the voltage produced by the capacitor and the surface charge density on the capacitors do so. These findings suggest that the law of conservation of energy has a significant repercussion when light is absorbed by matter in the steady state, for example in the mechanism of vision in vertebrates. Likewise, these findings are true when light is emitted from matter, for example in the mechanism of formation of the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB).

Decoupling the Electrical and Entropic Contributions to Energy Transfer from Infrared Radiation to a Power Generator

The interaction between infrared radiation and a power generator device in time is studied as a route to harvest infrared, and possibly other electromagnetic radiations. Broadening the spectrum of the usable electromagnetic spectrum would greatly contribute to the renewable and sustainable energy sources available to humankind. In particular, low frequency and low power radiation is important for applications on ships, satellites, cars, personal backpacks, and, more generally, where non-dangerous energy is needed at all hours of the day, independent of weather conditions. In this work, we identify an electric and an entropic contribution to the energy transfer from low power infrared radiation to the power generator device, representing electrical and thermal contributions to the power generation. The electric contribution prevails, and is important because it offers multiple ways to increase the voltage produced. For example, placing black-colored gaffer tape on the illuminated face doubles the voltage produced, while the temperature difference, thus the entropic contribution, is not sensitive to the presence of the tape. We recognize the electric contribution through the fast changes it imparts to the voltage output of the power generator device, which mirror the instabilities in time of the infrared radiation. The device thus acts as sensor of the infrared radiation’s behavior in time. On the other hand, we distinguish the entropic contribution through the slow changes it causes to the voltage output of the power generator device, which reflect the relative delay with which the two faces of the device respond to thermal perturbations.

Quantum and Non-Quantum Formulation of Eye’s Adaptation to Light’s Intensity Increments

Context and background: A quantum formulation of vision in vertebrates was proposed in the early 1940s. The number of quanta useful for enabling vision was found. The time interval required for their absorption, however, was never specified. In the early 1950s, experimental data on the effects of light’s intensity increment on vision indicated that the quantum formulation is true only at low light’s intensities. In this case, a vaguely described signaling adaptation mechanism was invoked to explain the separation between vision at low and high intensities, accompanied by the switch from rod to cones as photoreceptors. Motivation: In this article, we want to prove the validity of the non-totally-quantum formulation and unveil the nature of the signaling adaptation mechanism. Hypothesis: To accomplish our proof, we hypothesize that the amount of energy transferred and conserved in light’s interaction with the eyes is given by the product of light’s intensity (or power) times its period. Method: We construct and use the plots of the trends of light’s intensity increments and the corresponding changes in the axon’s membrane capacitance versus adapting intensity. Results: We find that 1) the average solar light’s intensity is the critical value that separates low from high light’s intensity regimes in vision, and 2) changes in the capacitance of the axon’s membrane enable the signaling adaptation of vision when light’s intensity changes. Conclusions: We prove the validity of the non-totally-quantum formulation and unveil the nature of the signaling adaptation mechanism. Our proof is supported by the model based on light’s intensity times period as being the energy conserved in light-matter interaction This model suggests that 1) all the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum, at the correct intensity for each frequency, could be used to produce the effects of optogenetics in diagnostics and therapy, and 2) it takes seconds to minutes to see details in the dark when light is switched off.

Polariton Evaporation: The Blackbody Radiation Nature of the Low-Frequency Radiation Emitted by Radiative Polaritons to the Surrounding Space

Upon formation, radiative polaritons in thin oxide films or crystals emit radiation to the surrounding space. This radiation is confined in a small range of the microwave to far-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, independently of the oxide chemistry. This work shows that the low-frequency radiation is blackbody radiation associated with a temperature directly related to the boson character of the radiative polaritons and to their amount. The proximity of this temperature to absolute zero Kelvin explains the confinement of the frequency. This phenomenon is named polariton evaporation.

The Role of <i>P&tau;</i>in the Photothermoelectric Effect and in Photoredox Catalysis Reactions

Context and Background: Recent research has shown that the amount of energy conserved in light-matter interaction is given by the product of light’s power P times its period &tau;, i.e. P&tau;. To date, evidences of the validity of such finding are restricted to the interaction of light with capacitors, infrared spectroscopy, and vision in vertebrates. Motivation: In this article, we want to explore the validity of the role of P&tau;in a broader range of phenomena. Hypothesis: We assume that the photothermoelectric (PTE) effect and photoredox catalysis reactions (PCRs) are manifestations of light-matter interaction and therefore have P&tau;conserved in the process. Method: We take the data published in two articles, one on the PTE effect and the other on PCRs and revisit the data analysis of the authors of the original articles considering P&tau;as the energy conserved. Results: In the case of the PTE effect, we unveil that the size of the light’s beam cross-sectional area impinging on the photodetectors plays a major role in defining the performance of the photodetectors. With our analysis, the photodetector responsivities actually turn out to be higher than those reported in the original article. In the case of the PCRs, we find that the magnitude of P&tau;involved in successful PCRs is independent of the type of light used, whether near-infrared or blue. In addition, the involvement of P&tau;in the description of PCRs helps to clarify the role of the law of conservation of energy, which was neglected by the authors of the original article. Conclusions: From this study, we infer that the hypothesis that P&tau;that the hypothesis that represents the amount of energy conserved in light-matter interaction is valid and general, useful to measure device performance, and predict alternative processes to achieve desired outcomes.

The Effect of Infrared Light’s Power on the Infrared Spectra of Thin Films

There are numerous evidences that a relationship exists between the average power P of electromagnetic waves and the mechanical motion of the objects interacting with them. We investigate the effects of infrared (IR) light’s average power P on the transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of thin cubic Yb2O3 and rhombohedral LaAlO3 films deposited on silicon via atomic layer deposition. We find that different values of P of the IR light displace the minima of the absorption bands. This effect is reproducible in different sets of experiments and in different spectrometers. To interpret the experimental findings, we use the law of conservation of energy. We find a correlation among the energy of the IR waves and the number, moment of inertia, and vibrational/rotational frequency of the bonds involved in the vibrational or rotational motion. The law of conservation of energy unveils that larger values of P of the IR light and lower wavenumbers of the resonances involve a larger number of crystal bonds. One practical application of our approach is that it suggests a way to improve the sensitivity of the FTIR spectra of thin crystalline films in the far IR region.

The Total Energy in the Interaction of X-Ray Photons with Capacitors

Context and Background: In this research, we investigate the interaction of X-rays with a capacitor by studying the voltage established in the capacitor during the illumination. Motivation: We aim at verifying that the total energy conserved in the interaction is Pτ, i.e. the product of the average power P times the period τ of the X-rays. Hypothesis: Our investigation relies on the hypothesis that the voltage responsivity πV of the capacitor should be small, according to previous research. The parameter πV is the ratio between the voltage produced and the average power P of the X-rays, and measures the performance of the capacitor in response to the X-rays. Method: We measure the voltage produced by the capacitor in response to the X-rays, and then determine the average power P of the X-rays according to a procedure already assessed with infrared and visible light. Results: In our experiments, P turns out to be in the range between 10-3 W to 100 W. Our procedure enables us to unveil the relationship between the average power P and the effective dose, an important operating parameter used to measure the delivery of X-rays in practical applications, such as standard X-ray medical imaging machines. Conclusions: We believe that our procedure paves the way for designing a possible X-ray power-meter, a tool presently missing in the market of X-ray characterization tools.

Estimation of the Power of the Anomalous Microwave Emission

Context and Background: The product of the electromagnetic (EM) wave’s power P times its period τ, i.e. Pτ, is the amount of energy conserved in EM wave’s absorption in matter. Whether Pτ is the amount of energy conserved in the emission of EM waves from matter is not assessed. Motivation: In this research, we perform a computational study to explore the ability of Pτ to represent the amount of energy conserved in EM wave’s emission from matter. Hypothesis: Since the magnitude of the power P of emitted EM waves computed through Larmor’s formula for a rotating dipole is excessively small, we alternatively hypothesize that Pτ and the law of conservation of energy can lead to a realistic estimation of P. Methods: We estimate the power PAME of the anomalous microwave emission (AME), a well-characterized radiation generated in the interstellar medium (ISM) by spinning dust grains, and one possible source of contamination of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). For our estimation of PAME, we assume the AME to be generated in a molecular cloud mostly populated by spinning silicate nanoparticles (SSNs) or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) spinning dust grains. Indeed, SSNs and PAHs are listed among the most probable sources of AME, and their characteristics are well-known. We discriminate between realistic and non-realistic values of PAME based upon the magnitude of two parameters that depend on PAME: the significant distance z, and the time of photon production T. The parameter z is the space interval from the spinning dust grain within which the spinning dust grain’s electric field is effective. Results: Using the information available for AME, SSNs and PAHs, we estimate the power PAME using both Larmor’s formula and Pτ. We compare and comment the results obtained for z and T. Conclusions: Our study highlights the effectiveness of Pτ over Larmor’s formula in providing a realistic value of PAME. This finding might have consequences in quantum technology of single photon detection and production.

Effective Thermoelectric Power Generation in an Insulated Compartment

The Seebeck coefficient S is a temperature- and material-dependent property, which linearly and causally relates the temperature difference △T between the “hot” and “cold” junctions of a thermoelectric power generator (TEC-PG) to the voltage difference △V. This phenomenon is the Seebeck effect (SE), and can be used to convert waste heat into usable energy. This work investigates the trends of the effective voltage output △V(t) and effective Seebeck coefficient S'(t) versus several hours of activity of a solid state TEC-PG device. The effective Seebeck coefficient S'(t) here is related to a device, not just to a material’s performance. The observations are pursued in an insulated compartment in various geometrical and environmental configurations. The results indicate that the SE does not substantially depend on the geometrical and environmental configurations. However, the effective Seebeck coefficient S'(t) and the produced effective △V(t) are affected by the environmental configuration, once the temperature is fixed. Heat transfer calculations do not completely explain this finding. Alternative explanations are hypothesized.

Probing the Wave Nature of Light-Matter Interaction

The wave-particle duality of light is a controversial topic in modern physics. In this context, this work highlights the ability of the wave-nature of light on its own to account for the conservation of energy in light-matter interaction. Two simple fundamental properties of light as wave are involved: its period and its power P. The power P depends only on the amplitude of the wave’s electric and magnetic fields (Poynting’s vector), and can easily be measured with a power sensor for visible and infrared lasers. The advantage of such a wave-based approach is that it unveils unexpected effects of light’s power P capable of explaining numerous results published in current scientific literature, of correlating phenomena otherwise considered as disjointed, and of making predictions on ways to employ the electromagnetic (EM) waves which so far are unexplored. In this framework, this work focuses on determining the magnitude of the time interval that, coupled with light’s power P, establishes the energy conserved in the exchange of energy between light and matter. To reach this goal, capacitors were excited with visible and IR lasers at variable average power P. As the result of combining experimental measurements and simulations based on the law of conservation of energy, it was found that the product of the period of the light by its power P fixes the magnitude of the energy conserved in light’s interaction with the capacitors. This finding highlights that the energy exchanged is defined in the time interval equal to the period of the light’s wave. The validity of the finding is shown to hold in light’s interaction with matter in general, e.g. in the photoelectric effect with x-rays, in the transfer of electrons between energy levels in semiconducting interfaces of field effect transistors, in the activation of photosynthetic reactions, and in the generation of action potentials in retinal ganglion cells to enable vision in vertebrates. Finally, the validity of the finding is investigated in the low frequency spectrum of the EM waves by exploring possible consequences in microwave technology, and in harvesting through capacitors the radio waves dispersed in the environment after being used in telecommunications as a source of usable electricity.