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In Isliker et al. (2000b), an extended cellular automaton (X-CA) model for solar flares was introduced. In this model, the interpretation of the model's grid-variable is specified, and the magnetic field, the current, and an approximation to the electric field are yielded, all in a way that is consistent with Maxwell's and the MHD equations. Here, we reveal which relevant plasma physical processes are implemented by the X-CA model and in what form, and what global physical set-up is assumed by this model when it is in its natural state (SOC). The basic results are: (1) On large-scales, all variables show characteristic quasi-symmetries. (2) The global magnetic topology forms either (i) closed magnetic field lines, or (ii) an arcade of field lines above the bottom plane line, if the model is slightly modified. (3) In case of the magnetic topology (ii), loading can be interpreted as if there were a plasma which flows predominantly upwards, whereas in case of the magnetic topology (i), as if there were a plasma flow expanding from the neutral line. (4) The small-scale physics in the bursting phase represent localized diffusive processes. (5) The local diffusivity usually has a value which is effectively zero, and it turns locally to an anomalous value if a threshold is exceeded, whereby diffusion dominates the quiet evolution (loading). (6) Flares (avalanches) are accompanied by the appearance of localized, intense electric fields. (7) In a variant on the X-CA model, the magnitude of the current is used directly in the instability criterion. First results indicate that the SOC state persists. (8) The current-dissipation during flares is spatially fragmented into a large number of dissipative current-surfaces of varying sizes, which show a highly dynamic temporal evolution., Comment: 13 pages, 12 figures; in press at Astronomy and Astrophysics (2001)

The propagation of a gravitational wave (GW) through a magnetized plasma is considered. In particular, we study the excitation of fast magnetosonic waves (MSW) by a gravitational wave, using the linearized general-relativistic hydromagnetic equations. We derive the dispersion relation for the plasma, treating the gravitational wave as a perturbation in a Minkowski background space-time. We show that the presence of gravitational waves will drive magnetosonic waves in the plasma and discuss the potential astrophysical implications., Comment: 12 pages, 2 figures, Astronomy and Astrophysics in press

A set-up is introduced which can be superimposed onto the existing solar flare cellular automata (CA) models, and which specifies the interpretation of the model's variables. It extends the CA models, yielding the magnetic field, the current, and an approximation to the electric field, in a way that is consistent with Maxwell's and the MHD equations. Applications to several solar flare CA models during their natural state (self-organized criticality (SOC)) show, among others, that (1) the magnetic field exhibits characteristic large-scale organization over the entire modeled volume; (2) the magnitude of the current seems spatially dis-organized, with no obvious tendency towards large-scale structures or even local organization; (3) bursts occur at sites with increased current, and after a burst the current is relaxed; (4) by estimating the energy released in individual bursts with the use of the current as Ohmic dissipation, it turns out that the power-law distributions of the released energy persist. The CA models, extended with the set-up, can thus be considered as models for energy-release through current-dissipation. The concepts of power-law loading and anisotropic events (bursts) in CA models are generalized to 3--D vector-field models, and their effect on the magnetic field topology is demonstrated., Comment: 12 pages, 9 figures

In order to determine some of the prevalent attitudes toward women at Broward Community College (BCC) in Florida, questionnaires were sent to all staff, faculty, and administrators, and to 200 students. Respondents consisted of 52.4 percent females and 47.6 percent males. The average female respondent was 30 years old, had been employed at BCC for one or two years, was unmarried, and held an associate degree or less. The average male respondent was 40, had been employed at BCC for five or six years, was married, and held a master's degree or more. It was found that 76.9 percent of the staff respondents, 43.2 percent of the faculty respondents, and 21.1 percent of the administrative respondents were female. Results indicate that an individual's position level and age were the strongest determinants of that person's perceptions of the status of women at BCC. Administrators indicated a more positive view of women and their abilities than did staff faculty. Staff and faculty perceived that women were receiving equitable status at BCC, whereas administrators felt that females were not being equally rewarded. Student respondents were undecided about most items. Older respondents tended to be more traditional in their opinions of what women should and should not do. Differences of opinion related to the variables of sex, education level, marital status, and length of employment at BCC were also found. (DC)

In an effort to develop curricula to meet the occupational training needs identified in a 1978 survey of area business leaders, Broward Community College (BCC) undertook a research project designed to: (1) determine the occupational areas that were in greatest need of vocational training programs; (2) identify the job-level competencies for the areas with highest priority; and (3) make recommendations for the implementation of new occupational programs and/or courses. The project report first details the process by which the project staff, in coordination with the Broward County Personnel Association, identified the six occupational areas in most need of community college curricula to support them: business data processing programmer; construction secretary; engineering drafting; electronic technician; head nurse management; and insurance secretary. The survey and interview techniques that were used to identify job requirements and competencies are then detailed, from both the perspective of the supervisors and the employees. The report then discusses the findings for each occupational area, including minimum education required, criteria for promotion, descriptions of job tasks in order of their importance, and recommendations for changes in BCC's curricula. The report includes a review of the literature dealing with occupational curricula at community colleges. (JP)

An assessment of the training needs of Broward County, Florida, employers was conducted: (1) to determine the existing training needs of large businesses, industrial firms, and local units of government; (2) to determine which educational agencies in the county could fulfill these needs; and (3) to inform the companies of the results in order to begin planning for needed programs. From the 830 employers who had 50 or more employees, a stratified random sample of 400 employers responded to questionnaire interviews. Variables studied included: geographical area, company type (occupational category), employee qualities, types of positions or job categories (current numbers employed in each and one-, two-, and five-year projections), recruitment, current training, identified training needs, incentives, interest in training programs, employment of handicapped, and affirmative action plans. Findings indicated numerous training needs, primarily in the medical and industrial fields. Many of the programs currently offered needed to focus on job-entry competencies, and in other areas supplemental training was needed to upgrade and/or retrain present employees. In still other areas, no training was available. A literature review and survey methodology are discussed. Appendices contain the questionnaire and other occupational information. (Author/MB)