163 research outputs found
Traffic Equations and Granular Convection
We investigate both numerically and analytically the convective instability
of granular materials by two dimensional traffic equations. In the absence of
vibrations the traffic equations assume two distinctive classes of fixed bed
solutions with either a spatially uniform or nonuniform density profile. The
former one exists only when the function V(\rho) that monitors the relaxation
of grains assumes a cut off at the closed packed density, \rho_c, with
V(\rho_c)=0, while the latter one exists for any form of V. Since there is
little difference between the uniform and nonuniform solution deep inside the
bed, the convective instability of the bulk may be studied by focusing on the
stability of the uniform solution. In the presence of vibrations, we find that
the uniform solution bifurcates into a bouncing solution, which then undergoes
a supercritical bifurcation to the convective instability. We determine the
onset of convection as a function of control parameters and confirm this
picture by solving the traffic equations numerically, which reveals bouncing
solutions, two convective rolls, and four convective rolls. Further, convective
patterns change as the aspect ratio changes: in a vertically long container,
the rolls move toward the surface, and in a horizontally long container, the
rolls move toward the walls. We compare these results with those reported
previously with a different continuum model by Hayakawa, Yue and Hong[Phys.
Rev. Lett. 75,2328, 1995]. Finally, we also present a derivation of the traffic
equations from Enskoq equation.Comment: 34 pages, 10 figure
Gambling: Electronic friends or a threat to one's health and personal development?
Gambling has become quite common in Sweden. The Swedish National Institute of Public Health (2010) has reported that about 70% of the Swedish population has gambled at least once during the last 12 months. Half of the population had gambled with money by 18 years of age and about 11% had gambled for the first time when they were 12-years-old or younger. In the report from the Swedish National Institute of Public Health, gambling problems are related to health problems and risky alcohol consumption. The highest problem rate is found among men aged 18 to 24; almost 1 in 10 had some gambling problems. The share of problem gamblers is found to be twice as high among the under-age gamblers as it is among the population as a whole. Young people gamble less but develop gambling problems to a larger extent than adult gamblers. In this article young people's gambling and their gambling careers are analysed as a natural part of their internalisation of other adult habits
Technology Adoption by Elderly People â An Empirical Analysis of Adopters and Non-Adopters of Social Networking Sites
This research paper analyzes the impact of attitudinal, control and normative beliefs on the intention to use social network sites (SNS) by people older than 50. Using the Model of Adoption of Technology in Households (MATH) and the data of 115 social network site adopters and 53 non-adopters it can be shown that the intention of adopters and non-adopters has been influenced by different reasons. Perceived Ease of Use and Normative Beliefs have only a significant impact for adopters. Moreover, this research paper unfolds Fear of Technology as a strong influence factor for non-adopters in regard not to use SNS in their daily routine. The paper concludes with a discussion of an age-sensitive design of SNS in order to address the digital divide
The On-orbit Calibrations for the Fermi Large Area Telescope
The Large Area Telescope (LAT) on--board the Fermi Gamma ray Space Telescope
began its on--orbit operations on June 23, 2008. Calibrations, defined in a
generic sense, correspond to synchronization of trigger signals, optimization
of delays for latching data, determination of detector thresholds, gains and
responses, evaluation of the perimeter of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA),
measurements of live time, of absolute time, and internal and spacecraft
boresight alignments. Here we describe on orbit calibration results obtained
using known astrophysical sources, galactic cosmic rays, and charge injection
into the front-end electronics of each detector. Instrument response functions
will be described in a separate publication. This paper demonstrates the
stability of calibrations and describes minor changes observed since launch.
These results have been used to calibrate the LAT datasets to be publicly
released in August 2009.Comment: 60 pages, 34 figures, submitted to Astroparticle Physic
Forecasting some low-predictability time series using diffusion models
The growth rates of real output and real investment are two macroeconomic time series which are particularly difficult to forecast. This paper considers the application of diffusion index forecasting models to this problem. We begin by characterizing the performance of standard forecasts, via recently introduced measures of predictability and the forecast content, noting the maximum horizon at which the forecasts have value. We then compare diffusion index forecasts with a variety of alternatives, including the forecasts made by the OECD. We find gains in forecast accuracy at short horizons from the diffusion index models, but do not find evidence that the maximum horizon of forecasts can be extended in this way
âItâs Important for Us to Know How to Do Teamworkâ: Perceptions of Chinese International Hospitality Students Regarding Teamwork Skills
Selenbestimmung in biologischen Proben durch elektrochemische Anreicherung und Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie
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