536,485 research outputs found
Saturating the random graph with an independent family of small range
Motivated by Keisler's order, a far-reaching program of understanding basic
model-theoretic structure through the lens of regular ultrapowers, we prove
that for a class of regular filters on , , the
fact that P(I)/\de has little freedom (as measured by the fact that any
maximal antichain is of size , or even countable) does not prevent
extending to an ultrafilter on which saturates ultrapowers of the
random graph. "Saturates" means that M^I/\de_1 is -saturated
whenever M is a model of the theory of the random graph. This was known to be
true for stable theories, and false for non-simple and non-low theories. This
result and the techniques introduced in the proof have catalyzed the authors'
subsequent work on Keisler's order for simple unstable theories. The
introduction, which includes a part written for model theorists and a part
written for set theorists, discusses our current program and related results.Comment: 14 page
Coal mine entry intersection behavior study
"This U.S. Bureau of Mines report describes a rock mechanics instrumentation program conducted in a shallow underground coal mine in central Illinois. This research program was designed to provide a basic understanding of the structural behavior of entry intersections. A wide variety of instruments and measurement techniques including hydraulic borehole pressure cells, multiple- point borehole extensometers, roof bolt compression pads, and overcoring were employed to monitor roof stresses, pillar loading, strata movement, floor heave, and bolt loading before, during, and after intersection development. A summary of intersection design theories, failure modes, and support techniques is included, and instrumentation installation procedures and analysis methods are presented. The study identified two critical parameters that affect intersection stability: in situ horizontal stresses and geological discontinuities. Important design parameters for improving intersection stability are roof span and intersection geometry." - NIOSHTIC-2NIOSHTIC no. 10008549199
Adapting realist synthesis methodology: The case of workplace harassment interventions
Realist synthesis techniques can be used to assess complex interventions by extracting and synthesizing configurations of contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes found in the literature. Our novel and multiāpronged approach to the realist synthesis of workplace harassment interventions describes our pursuit of theory to link macro and program level theories. After discovering the limitations of a dogmatic approach to realist synthesis, we adapted our search strategy and focused our analysis on a subset of data. We tailored our realist synthesis to understand how, why, and under what circumstances workplace harassment interventions are effective. The result was a conceptual framework to test our theoryābased interventions and provide the basis for subsequent realist evaluation. Our experience documented in this article contributes to an understanding of how, under what circumstances, and with what consequences
realist synthesis principles can be customized
A Methodology for Developing Computational Implementations of Scientific Theories
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Blurring the boundaries between synthesis and evaluation. A customized realist evaluative synthesis into adolescent risk behavior prevention
Realist methodologies have been increasingly advocated for the investigation of complex social issues. Public health programs, such as those designed to prevent adolescent risk behavior, are typically considered complex. In conducting a realist review of the empirical literature relating to such programs, we encountered several challenges, including (a) an overabundance of empirical evidence, (b) a problematic level of heterogeneity within and between methodological approaches, (c) discrepancies between theoretical underpinnings and program operationalization, (d) homogeneity of program outcomes, with very little variation in program effectiveness, and (d) a paucity of description relating to content and process. To overcome these challenges, we developed a customized approach to realist evidence synthesis, drawing on the VICTORE (Volition, Implementation, Contexts, Time, Outcomes, Rivalry, and Emergence) complexity checklist and incorporating stakeholder engagement as primary data to achieve greater depth of understanding relating to contextual and mechanistic factors, and the complex interactions between them. Here we discuss the benefits of this adapted methodology alongside an overview of the research through which the methodology was developed. A key finding from this research was that combining the complexity checklist with primary data from stakeholder engagement enabled us to systematically interrogate the data across data sources, uncovering and evidencing mechanisms which may otherwise have remained hidden, giving greater ontological depth to our research findings. This paper builds on key methodological developments in realist research, demonstrating how realist methodologies can be customized to overcome challenges in developing and refining program theory from the literature, and contributes to the broader literature of innovative approaches to realist research
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