2,637 research outputs found
Addressing Problems in Evaluating Health-Relevant Programs through Systematic Planning and Evaluation
The authors argue that inconsistent terminology is often a hindrance in assessing health program implementation, effectiveness and efficiency. Attending closely to this, they propose a model scheme for conducting such evaluations
Lithology and Internal Structure of the San Andreas Fault at Depth Based on Characterization of Phase 3 Whole-rock Core in the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) Borehole
We characterize the lithology and structure of the spot core obtained in 2007 during Phase 3 drilling of the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) in order to determine the composition, structure, and deformation processes of the fault zone at 3 km depth where creep and microseismicity occur. A total of approximately 41 m of spot core was taken from three separate sections of the borehole; the core samples consist of fractured arkosic sandstones and shale west of the SAF zone (Pacific Plate) and sheared fine-grained sedimentary rocks, ultrafine black fault-related rocks, and phyllosilicate-rich fault gouge within the fault zone (North American Plate). The fault zone at SAFOD consists of a broad zone of variably damaged rock containing localized zones of highly concentrated shear that often juxtapose distinct protoliths. Two zones of serpentinite-bearing clay gouge, each meters-thick, occur at the two locations of aseismic creep identified in the borehole on the basis of casing deformation. The gouge primarily is comprised of Mg-rich clays, serpentinite (lizardite ± chrysotile) with notable increases in magnetite, and Ni-Cr-oxides/hydroxides relative to the surrounding host rock. The rocks surrounding the two creeping gouge zones display a range of deformation including fractured protolith, block-in-matrix, and foliated cataclasite structure. The blocks and clasts predominately consist of sandstone and siltstone embedded in a clay-rich matrix that displays a penetrative scaly fabric. Mineral alteration, veins and fracture-surface coatings are present throughout the core, and reflect a long history of syn-deformation, fluid-rock reaction that contributes to the low-strength and creep in the meters-thick gouge zones
Swift observations of the SFXT SAX J1818.6-1703 in outburst
We present the Swift observations of the supergiant fast X-ray transient
(SFXT) SAX J1818.6-1703 collected during the most recent outburst, which
occurred on May 6 2009. In particular, we present broad-band spectroscopic and
timing analysis as well as a Swift/XRT light curve that spans more than two
weeks of observations. The broad-band spectral models and length of the
outburst resemble those of the prototype of the SFXT class, XTE J1739-302,
further confirming SAX J1818.6-1703 as a member of this class.Comment: Proceedings of 'X-Ray Astronomy 2009, Present Status, multiwavelength
approach and future perspectives', September 7 - 11, 2009, Bologna, Ital
Peer assessment of individual contribution in group work: a student perspective
With group work increasing in popularity at universities, students no longer feel it is
acceptable to be awarded the same group mark. This presents a significant challenge
in awarding an individual mark which reflects unequivocally the time and effort a
student has invested in a group project. To address this challenge, a tool to evaluate
individual peer assessed contribution (IPAC) has been developed at University
College London (UCL). The aim of this paper is to report on the perceptions of students
regarding their experience of peer assessment in group work, since these perceptions
are key to ensuring that a tool, such as IPAC, is accepted and used effectively by staff
and students alike. The views of 133 students were acquired through anonymous
surveys and focus groups ranging from first year undergraduate to doctoral students
across 12 different departments. Results showed that 92% of students are in favour
of peer assessment with a positive trend to using the IPAC tool. Receiving constructive
feedback was considered imperative amongst respondents, which in turn should
identify clearly the points of error; highlight explicitly the areas for improvement; and
thus reflect accurately the mark being awarded. The attributes that students valued to
be important when assessing their teammates were, in decreasing order of priority,
attendance at meetings, listening and communication, actual contribution to the project
deliverables, quality of the work produced, personal circumstances, and finally time
management and organization skills. The detailed analysis and conclusions drawn
from this study are the focus of this paper
Examining the relationship between work-related factors and work-family-related factors on work-family conflict
The current work-family conflict literature is characterized by limitations in focus and methodology, particularly with a failure to link work-family conflict with work-family policies. This study compares the influence of work-related factors and work-family related factors on work-family conflict in two directions. A local government organization in New Zealand was the setting. Findings show that work factors account for a significant component of both work-to-family and family-to-work conflict, although this is far greater on work-family conflict. Work-family practice use had little influence on work-family practices was found to positively associate with family-work conflict. Overall, the finds suggest managers in search of reducing employee conflict should focus directly upon work factors such as workload, rather than see to use work-family practices as the primary way to reduce conflict
Systems Analysis of complex glaciological processes and application to calving of Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica
Calving is a complex process subject to several cooperating atmospheric, oceanographic and glaciological forcings that vary in space and time, and whose relative effects are challenging to separate. Statistical âSystems Analysisâ is commonly used in engineering and economics to extricate complex âforceâresponseâ relationships. Here we apply Systems Analysis to the Amery rift system, East Antarctica. We develop a scalable âSystem Modelâ driven by a coarsely-sampled dataset characteristic of glaciological observations in remote locations, and validate it using rift lengths observed in 2000â06 and 2012. In this initial demonstration, we forecast a detachment date of âŒ2019 ± 5 years for the large tabular iceberg colloquially known as the âLoose Toothâ, for which relative humidity surprisingly emerges as the best statistical predictor. RACMO2 climate modelling reveals that relative humidity correlates best with surface albedo and snowmelt, both of which are intimately linked to firn compaction and ice shelf temperature and flow. We postulate that relative humidity can therefore serve as a proxy for internal stress, a known key control of âLoose Toothâ calving. Although no physical causality is implied in Systems Analysis, postulates such as this can aid in setting priorities in studies of complex glaciological processes
Conceptualizing the adventure-sports coach
As a comparatively recent development, the adventure-sports coach struggles for a clear and distinct identity. The generic term âinstructorâ no longer characterizes the role and function of this subgroup of outdoor professionals. Indeed, although the fields of adventure/outdoor education and leadership are comparatively well researched, the arrival of this ânew kid on the blockâ appears to challenge both the adventure-sports old guard and traditional views of sports coaching. In an attempt to offer clarity and stimulate debate, this paper attempts to conceptualize the adventure-sports coach in the context of the existing roles in the field and current motivations for activity in the outdoors. We identify issues that are specific to the adventure-sports coach while also recognizing those skills and competencies shared with other professionals, both in the adventure sports profession and traditional sports coaching fields. Based on this review, we offer a conceptual model which may be used to focus debate, stimulate research and, at a possible later stage, to underpin accreditation, training and professional development
Bose-Einstein Condensation in a Harmonic Potential
We examine several features of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) in an
external harmonic potential well. In the thermodynamic limit, there is a phase
transition to a spatial Bose-Einstein condensed state for dimension D greater
than or equal to 2. The thermodynamic limit requires maintaining constant
average density by weakening the potential while increasing the particle number
N to infinity, while of course in real experiments the potential is fixed and N
stays finite. For such finite ideal harmonic systems we show that a BEC still
occurs, although without a true phase transition, below a certain
``pseudo-critical'' temperature, even for D=1. We study the momentum-space
condensate fraction and find that it vanishes as 1/N^(1/2) in any number of
dimensions in the thermodynamic limit. In D less than or equal to 2 the lack of
a momentum condensation is in accord with the Hohenberg theorem, but must be
reconciled with the existence of a spatial BEC in D=2. For finite systems we
derive the N-dependence of the spatial and momentum condensate fractions and
the transition temperatures, features that may be experimentally testable. We
show that the N-dependence of the 2D ideal-gas transition temperature for a
finite system cannot persist in the interacting case because it violates a
theorem due to Chester, Penrose, and Onsager.Comment: 34 pages, LaTeX, 6 Postscript figures, Submitted to Jour. Low Temp.
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