Nonpolarizing beam splitter designed by frustrated total internal reflection inside a glass cube

A method for the design of an all-dielectric nonpolarizing prism beam splitter utilizing the principle of frustrated total internal reflection is reported. The nonpolarizing condition for a prism beam splitter is discussed, and some single layer design examples are elaborated. The concept can be applied to a wide range of wavelengths and arbitrary transmittance values, and with the help of a computer design program examples of 400-700 nm, T-p = T-p = 0.5 +/- 0.01, with incident angles of 45 degrees and 62 degrees are given. In addition, the sensitivity and application of the design are also discussed. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.

Design of high-efficiency diffraction gratings based on total internal reflection for pulse compressor

We present designs of high-efficiency compression grating based on total internal reflection (TIR) for picosecond pulse laser at 1053 nm. The setup is devised by directly etching gratings into the bottom side of a prism so that light can successfully enter (or exit) the compression grating. Dependence of the -1 order diffraction efficiencies on the constructive parameters is analyzed for TE- and TM-polarized incident light at Littrow angle by using Fourier modal method in order to obtain optimal grating structure. The electric field enhancement within the high-efficiency TIR gratings is regarded as another criterion to optimize the structure of the TIR gratings. With the criterion of high diffraction efficiency, low electric field enhancement and sufficient manufacturing latitude, TIR compression gratings with optimized constructive parameters are obtained for TE- and TM-polarized incident light, respectively. The grating for TE-polarized light exhibits diffraction efficiencies higher than 0.95 within 23 nm bandwidth and relatively low square of electric field enhancement ratio of 5.7. Regardless of the internal electric field enhancement, the grating for TM-polarized light provides diffraction efficiencies higher than 0.95 within 42 nm bandwidth. With compact structure, such TIR compression gratings made solely of fused silica should be of great interest for application to chirped pulse amplification (CPA) systems. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of an emotional intelligence program in variables related to the prevention of violence

In recent decades, numerous studies have shown a significant increase in violence during childhood and adolescence. These data suggest the importance of implementing programs to prevent and reduce violent behavior. The study aimed to design a program of emotional intelligence (El) for adolescents and to assess its effects on variables related to violence prevention. The possible differential effect of the program on both genders was also examined. The sample comprised 148 adolescents aged from 13 to 16 years. The study used an experimental design with repeated pretest-posttest measures and control groups. To measure the variables, four assessment instruments were administered before and after the program, as well as in the follow-up phase (1 year after the conclusion of the intervention). The program consisted of 20 one-hour sessions. The pretest-posttest ANCOVAs showed that the program significantly increased: (1) El (attention, clarity, emotional repair); (2) assertive cognitive social interaction strategies; (3) internal control of anger; and (4) the cognitive ability to analyze negative feelings. In the follow-up phase, the positive effects of the intervention were generally maintained and, moreover, the use of aggressive strategies as an interpersonal conflict-resolution technique was significantly reduced. Regarding the effect of the program on both genders, the change was very similar, but the boys increased assertive social interaction strategies, attention, and emotional clarity significantly more than the girls. The importance of implementing programs to promote socio-emotional development and prevent violence is discussed.

Adolescente infrator: as práticas restaurativas (mediação) e a nova Lei do Sistema Nacional de Atendimento Socioeducativo (SINASE) na cidade do Rio de Janeiro

Este estudo, intitulado Adolescente infrator: A mediação prevista na nova Lei do Sistema Nacional de Atendimento Socioeducativo (SINASE) na cidade do Rio de Janeiro trata da mediação na vertente transformativa, com o objetivo de permitir nova ótica sobre a conduta infratora e as consequências dos atos no mundo social. Esta forma de atuação, dentre outros benefícios, pode evitar o desgaste jurisdicional, na medida em que os casos selecionados a partir de suas características passam a ser operados por especialistas em composição pacífica de conflitos, com a perspectiva de seres humanos que necessitam da inter-relação no convívio social. Os mediadores trabalham com os adolescentes em conflito com a lei, seus pais e as vítimas. Destarte, verificando as circunstâncias favoráveis à mediação, passa-se ao diálogo para alcançar um acordo, mantendo-se o centro da intervenção no conflito e na relação dos conflitantes, incentivando a capacitação para a negociação a partir do reconhecimento do direito do outro, produzindo a transformação interna dos litigantes que causará, como efeito desejado, a dissolução do conflito. A princípio os mediadores devem atuar apenas em fatos de menor potencial ofensivo, como agressões leves e outros conflitos entre adolescentes. Com o passar do tempo e o aperfeiçoamento da prática, é possível abarcar outras classes de prática infracional, a exemplo de pequenos furtos. Para tanto, na fase de pesquisa, tentando-se explicar a mediação transformadora a partir das referências teóricas publicadas em livros ou obras congêneres, utilizou-se a técnica bibliográfica; na fase da redação, ordenou-se o material coletado, segundo a lógica necessária à elaboração de um trabalho científico. O método a presidir este estudo foi o dedutivo, na medida em que parte da análise geral das crianças e dos adolescentes, em especial aqueles em conflito com a lei, para depois apresentar a teoria geral da mediação e em seguida, numa abordagem mais particular, enfrentar as questões envolvendo a mediação no Sistema Nacional de Atendimento Socioeducativo (SINASE) para, ao final, defender que é preciso desvendar o marco normativo que autoriza a prática da mediação como instrumento de resolução de questões relacionadas com o adolescente em conflito com a lei, para identificar a natureza jurídica desse modelo de mediação e, ao final, a título de sugestão, desenhar seu procedimento não estabelecido pela lei material que a prevê, qual seja, a Lei n 12.594, de 18 de janeiro de 2012. O grande desafio é establecer a metodologia adequada para que a autocomposição de conflito seja restaurativa ao adolescente infrator e aos integrantes desse conflito instaurado. O resgate do meio social abalado com a prática infracional é tão importante quanto a conscientização do adolescente. A pretensão é sugerir um marco normativo que posicione o procedimento da mediação como instrumento de ligação do indivíduo adolescente infrator, com o ambiente social onde está inserido, e com o formalismo processual que vem afastando o Poder Judiciário de sua função social de dizer o direito e fazer justiça.

Charles Henry Gilbert (1859-1928), Naturalist-in-Charge, and Chauncey Thomas, Jr. (1850-1919), Commanding: Conflict Aboard the U. S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross in 1902

Charles Henry Gilbert (1859-1928) was a pioneering ichthyologist who made major contributions to the study of fishes of the American West. As chairman of the Department ofZoology at Leland Stanford Junior University in Palo Alto, Calif., during 1891-1925, Gilbert was extremely devoted to his work and showed little patience with those ofa different mindset. While serving as Naturalist-in-Charge of the U.S. Fish Commission Steamer Albatross during her exploratory expedition to the Hawaiian Islands in 1902, Gilbert engaged in an acrimonious feud with the ship's captain, Chauncey Thomas, Jr. (1850-1919), U.S.N., over what Gilbert perceived to be an inadequate effort by the captain. This essay focuses on the conflict between two strong figures, each operatingf rom different world views, and each vying for authority. Despite the difficulties these two men faced, the voyage of the Albatross in 1902 must be considered a success, as reflected by the extensive biological samples collected, the many new species of animals discovered, and the resulting publication of important scientific papers.

A Single-armed Manta-board as a New Diver-controlled Planing Board and Its Use for Underwater Surveys

Due to inadequacies of previous underwater towing techniques and the special needs of a recent underwater survey, a modified mania-board technique was developed. With this new technique, the diver holds on to the manta-board with one arm; consequently, the board is referred to as a single-armed manta-board (sam-board). The sam-board proved inexpensive and highly maneuverable, allowing the divers to freely collect samples or record information. Through some experimenting with the board and changing some of the variables, such as rope lengths, towing speeds, etc., a highly efficient towing method can be achieved. Preplanning and strict diving safety procedures must, however, be implemented to assure efficiency. This paper presents the materials, guidelines for board construction, equipment, and preplanning and diving safety procedures necessary for the sam-board towing operation.