Learning LOGO: effects on learning BASIC and statistics

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of a period of training in the use of the turtle graphics aspects of LOGO on both attitudes towards computers and the learning of BASIC and statistics. A group of 15 subjects spent 10 hours learning LOGO . Their performance on subsequent learning of BASIC was significantly better than that of a control group, but no differences were found in attitudes towards computers or in the learning of statistics.     

A Gas Scintillation Proportional Counter for the X-Ray Astronomy Satellite SAX

A driftless gas scintillation proportional counter is described. The instrument has several advantages over conventional GSPCs especially for applications at low x-ray energies (~0.l - 30 keV) and small dimensions such as imaging focal plane detectors for x-ray telescopes or concentrators. The x-ray astronomy satellite project SAX has such a requirement and an imaging GSPC of this configuration is presented in this context.     

Characterisation of a fibre Raman oscillator using fibre grating reflectors

We have constructed a completely integrated fibre Raman oscillator using two fibre grating reflectors. This was synchronously mode-locked using a CW mode-locked Nd:YAG laser operating at 1.06?m. Spectral and temporal characteristics of the Raman oscillator are presented.     

Performance evaluation of waveguide phase modulators for coherent systems at 1.3 and 1.5 µm

This article describes the fabrication and performance evaluation ofX-cut andZ-cut Ti:LiNbO3traveling wave waveguide phase modulators designed for coherent systems applications at 1.3 and 1.5 μm. Details of device fabrication and measurements of phase shift as a function of optical wavelength, input polarization, modulation voltage, and modulation frequency are reported. Phase modulator performance in a 40-Mbit/s self-heterodyne coherent DPSK experiment is also discussed.     

The effect of solder paste residues on RF signal integrity

Wireless devices such as pagers and cellular phones are becoming common consumer items. These products require low loss RF signal propagation which is affected by material choices and processing conditions. This paper examines the effect of a series of no-clean solder pastes on signal integrity using an RF test circuit which sends a broadband signal through a gallium arsenide antenna switch and measures its transmission using a network analyzer. The test circuit also measures signal leakage. This paper reports on two different test vehicles, one that uses a 900 MHz antenna switch, and the other that uses a 2.0 GHz antenna switch. The transmission and leakage readings were taken daily for 16–21 days while the test vehicles were under accelerated aging conditions of 85°C and 85% RH. Average values for the readings for each solder paste were plotted to provide comparison among the pastes. The comparison data clearly distinguish solder pastes that provide consistency throughout the test period from those which do not.     

PEDB: the Prostate Expression Database

Naloxone is generally considered to be a pure antagonist, but it may produce several behavioral effects, such as hyperalgesia or stimulation of respiration. We studied the effect of naloxone on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit in rats. Six to eight Wistar rats (200-250 g) were used for each experiment. Either saline or naloxone (0.01-10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at 0 min. At 30 min, radiolabeled saline or milk 1 mL was infused into the stomach. At 60 min, gastric emptying and gastrointestinal transit were calculated by measuring the radioactivity in the gastrointestinal tract. Naloxone significantly inhibited gastric emptying of saline (P = 0.002) and of milk (P < 0.05), but not the gastrointestinal transit of either (P > 0.05). Gastric emptying of saline showed a significant peak (P < 0.05) in the dose-response curve at 0.7 mg/kg. Therefore, naloxone significantly inhibits gastric emptying of saline and milk, but not the gastrointestinal transit of either. IMPLICATIONS: Although naloxone is generally considered to be a pure opioid receptor antagonist, it delays gastric emptying of saline or milk, as does morphine in the rat. However, it is uncertain from our results whether naloxone inhibited gastric emptying by antagonizing the effects of endogenous opioids.     

Performance evaluation for a limited-angle torque motor

Describes the performance evaluation of a limited-angle torque motor, using a simple piecewise analytical approach to overcome system nonlinearities. A block-diagram model developed from a combination of measurement and manufacturer's data is shown to be capable of accurately predicting both the steady-state and the dynamic performance. The approach described is of valuable assistance in the design of a complex multiloop nonlinear controller that is needed for a drive system containing the motor     

Implementation of Project Management in Public Engineering Organization

The Bureau of Engineering is a part of the City of Los Angeles' Department of Public Works and is responsible for the planning, design, and construction management of capital improvement projects for the city. In February 1997, the Bureau of Engineering executive staff and the Board of Public Works mandated a dramatic shift to improve project delivery. All of the non-wastewater elements of the Bureau were organized into a program-based matrix organization with a Project Manager as the focus for project delivery with project conception-to-conclusion responsibility. This paper describes the project management method of project delivery being implemented at the City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering and explains the implementation elements and their status. The paper reviews the new project management organizational structure and the organizational options considered by the Bureau. The work details the roles and responsibilities for the project delivery team members. The new tools used to manage projects are described, and the problems and solutions encountered are documented for use on future engineering management efforts.