Subtleties of Lorentz Invariance in Relativistic Constituent Quark Models of the Nucleon and the Spin-Dependent Quark Density

We study the effects of a barely perceivable violation of Lorentz invariance on results computed using a relativistic constituent quark model wave function. The model nucleon wave function of Gross {\it et al.} is constructed such thatthere is no orbital angular momentum and that the spin-dependent density is spherical. This model wave function is claimed to be manifestly covariant, but we show that this is not so. In particular,the seeming covariance of the matrix elements of the electromagnetic current arises from using the Breit frame. Matrix elements have a different appearance in any other frame.Comment: 7 pages, replacement includes further explanations and an acknowledgement to Prof. Franz Gros

Shapes of the Nucleon

Previously defined spin-dependent quark densities that are matrix elements of specific density operators in proton states of definite spin-polarization generally have an infinite variety of non-spherical shapes. The present application is concerned with both charge and matter densities. We show that the Gross & Agbakpe model nucleon harbors an interesting variety of non-spherical shapes.Comment: 8 pages 3 figure

On Spectral Deformations and Singular Weyl Functions for One-Dimensional Dirac Operators

We investigate the connection between singular Weyl-Titchmarsh-Kodaira theory and the double commutation method for one-dimensional Dirac operators. In particular, we compute the singular Weyl function of the commuted operator in terms of the data from the original operator. These results are then applied to radial Dirac operators in order to show that the singular Weyl function of such an operator belongs to a generalized Nevanlinna class $N_{\kappa_0}$ with $\kappa_0=\lfloor|\kappa| + \frac{1}{2}\rfloor$, where $\kappa\in \mathbb{R}$ is the corresponding angular momentum.Comment: 13 page

The continuous performance test : exploratory studies comparing schedules of reinforcement : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology with an endorsement in Clinical Psychology at Massey University

The first study was designed to demonstrate that Continuous Performance Test responding was subject to reinforcement effects. A version of the CPT which requires detection of a target stimulus which had been preceded by another, and which required subjects to respond on one key to target stimuli and on another to all other stimuli was used. Responding during baseline was compared with conditions where correct responses to target stimuli were reinforced and all correct responses were reinforced for four intellectually handicapped subjects using an ABCBA design. The results demonstrated a rise in impulsivity with reinforcement delivery. The overall results although weak showed that reinforcement did alter behaviour on the CPT and reinforcing correct responding on both keys was better than just reinforcing correct responding on one key, in terms of accuracy, time on-task and efficiency. Experiment II used a version of the CPT which requires detection of a target stimulus, and which required subjects to respond on one key to target stimulus and on another to all other stimuli. To reduce anticipatory responding impulsivity was redefined by dramatically shortening the period of time available for impulsive responses to occur. Two intermittent schedules were compared to explore the capabilities of the CPT as a research tool to compare between schedules of reinforcement. An alternating treatments design, with baseline being one of the treatment conditions, was used with four intellectually handicapped subjects. The results, though weak, were able to show a difference in performance under the schedules. As predicted, impulsivity was low. There were indications for the potential of developing the CPT as a research tool. Suggestions for further research were offered

Inverse Spectral Problems for Schr\"odinger-Type Operators with Distributional Matrix-Valued Potentials

The principal purpose of this note is to provide a reconstruction procedure for distributional matrix-valued potential coefficients of Schr\"odinger-type operators on a half-line from the underlying Weyl-Titchmarsh function.Comment: 14 pages. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1206.496

Evaluation of a global soil moisture product from finer spatial resolution sar data and ground measurements at Irish sites

In the framework of the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative, a global, almost daily, soil moisture (SM) product is being developed from passive and active satellite microwave sensors, at a coarse spatial resolution. This study contributes to its validation by using finer spatial resolution ASAR Wide Swath and in situ soil moisture data taken over three sites in Ireland, from 2007 to 2009. This is the first time a comparison has been carried out between three sets of independent observations from different sensors at very different spatial resolutions for such a long time series. Furthermore, the SM spatial distribution has been investigated at the ASAR scale within each Essential Climate Variable (ECV) pixel, without adopting any particular model or using a densely distributed network of in situ stations. This approach facilitated an understanding of the extent to which geophysical factors, such as soil texture, terrain composition and altitude, affect the retrieved ECV SM product values in temperate grasslands. Temporal and spatial variability analysis provided high levels of correlation (p < 0.025) and low errors between the three datasets, leading to confidence in the new ECV SM global product, despite limitations in its ability to track the driest and wettest conditions

Layer of protection analysis applied to ammonia refrigeration systems

Ammonia refrigeration systems are widely used in industry. Demand of these systems is expected to increase due to the advantages of ammonia as refrigerant and because ammonia is considered a green refrigerant. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the risks in existing and future ammonia refrigeration systems to ensure their safety. LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) is one of the best ways to estimate the risk. It provides quantified risk results with less effort and time than other methods. LOPA analyses one cause-consequence scenario per time. It requires failure data and PFD (Probability of Failure on Demand) of the independent protection layers available to prevent the scenario. Complete application of LOPA requires the estimation of the severity of the consequences and the mitigated frequency of the initiating event for risk calculations. Especially in existing ammonia refrigeration systems, information to develop LOPA is sometimes scarce and uncertain. In these cases, the analysis relies on expert opinion to determine the values of the variables required for risk estimation. Fuzzy Logic has demonstrated to be useful in this situation allowing the construction of expert systems. Based on fuzzy logic, the LOPA method was adapted to represent the knowledge available in standards and good industry practices for ammonia refrigeration. Fuzzy inference systems were developed for severity and risk calculation. Severity fuzzy inference system uses the number of life threatening injuries or deaths, number of injuries and type of medical attention required to calculate the severity risk index. Frequency of the mitigated scenario is calculated using generic data for the initiating event frequency and PFD of the independent protection layers. Finally, the risk fuzzy inference system uses the frequency and severity values obtained to determine the risk of the scenario. The methodology was applied to four scenarios. Risk indexes were calculated and compared with the traditional approach and risk decisions were made. In conclusion, the fuzzy logic LOPA method provides good approximations of the risk for ammonia refrigeration systems. The technique can be useful for risk assessment of existing ammonia refrigeration systems

Disgust as embodied moral judgment.

How, and for whom, does disgust influence moral judgment? In four experiments participants made moral judgments while experiencing extraneous feelings of disgust. Disgust was induced in Experiment 1 by exposure to a bad smell, in Experiment 2 by working in a disgusting room, in Experiment 3 by recalling a physically disgusting experience, and in Experiment 4 through a video induction. In each case, the results showed that disgust can increase the severity of moral judgments relative to controls. Experiment 4 found that disgust had a different effect on moral judgment than did sadness. In addition, Experiments 2-4 showed that the role of disgust in severity of moral judgments depends on participants' sensitivity to their own bodily sensations. Taken together, these data indicate the importance-and specificity-of gut feelings in moral judgments