21,428 research outputs found
Generalized Galilean Transformations and the Measurement Problem in the Entropic Dynamics Approach to Quantum Theory
Quantum mechanics is an extremely successful and accurate physical theory,
yet since its inception, it has been afflicted with numerous conceptual
difficulties. The primary subject of this thesis is the theory of entropic
quantum dynamics (EQD), which seeks to avoid these conceptual problems by
interpreting quantum theory from an informational perspective.
We begin by reviewing probability theory as a means of rationally quantifying
uncertainties. We then discuss how probabilities can be updated with the method
of maximum entropy (ME). We then review some motivating difficulties in quantum
mechanics before discussing Caticha's work in deriving quantum theory from the
approach of entropic dynamics.
After entropic dynamics is introduced, we develop the concepts of symmetries
and transformations from an informational perspective. The primary result is
the formulation of a symmetry condition that any transformation must satisfy in
order to qualify as a symmetry in EQD. We then proceed to apply this condition
to the extended Galilean transformation. This transformation is of interest as
it exhibits features of both special and general relativity. The transformation
yields a gravitational potential that arises from an equivalence of
information.
We conclude the thesis with a discussion of the measurement problem in
quantum mechanics. We discuss the difficulties that arise in the standard
quantum mechanical approach to measurement before developing our theory of
entropic measurement. In entropic dynamics, position is the only observable. We
show how a theory built on this one observable can account for the multitude of
measurements present in quantum theory. Furthermore, we show that the Born rule
need not be postulated, but can be derived in EQD. Finally, we show how the
wave function can be updated by the ME method as the phase is constructed
purely in terms of probabilities.Comment: Doctoral Thesi
Cooperative Learning: The Foundation for Active Learning
The role of instructors is evolving from the presenter of information to the designer of active learning processes, environments, and experiences that maximize student engagement. The more active a lesson, the more students tend to engage intellectually and emotionally in the learning activities. Cooperative learning is the foundation on which many of the active learning procedures are based. Cooperative learning is the instructional use of small groups so that students work together to maximize their own and each other’s learning. Most of the active learning procedures, such as problem-based learning, team-learning, collaborative learning, and PALS, require that students work cooperatively in small groups to achieve joint learning goals. Cooperative learning is based on two theories: Structure-Process-Outcome theory and Social Interdependence theory. Four types of cooperative learning have been derived: formal cooperative learning, informal cooperative learning, cooperative base groups, and constructive controversy. There is considerable research confirming the effectiveness of cooperative learning. To be cooperative, however, five basic elements must be structured into the situation: positive interdependence, individual accountability, promotive interaction, social skills, and group processing
Documentation of the current fault detection, isolation and reconfiguration software of the AIPS fault-tolerant processor
Documentation is presented of the December 1986 version of the ADA code for the fault detection, isolation, and reconfiguration (FDIR) functions of the Advanced Information processing System (AIPS) Fault-Tolerant Processor (FTP). Because the FTP is still under development and the software is constantly undergoing changes, this should not be considered final documentation of the FDIR software of the FTP
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Differences in the Experience of Caregiving Between Spouse and Adult Child Caregivers in Dementia With Lewy Bodies.
Background and objectivesDementia caregiving has been associated with increased burden, depression, grief, a decreased sense of well-being and quality of life, and a weakening of social support. Little is known about the experience of caregiving in Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). The present study examines differences in the caregiving experience of spouse versus adult child caregivers of individuals with DLB.Research design and methodsIn this cross-sectional analytic study of spouses (n = 255) and adult children (n = 160) caregivers of individuals with DLB, participants completed an online survey of burden, grief, depression, well-being, quality of life, and social support.ResultsAdult child caregivers were more likely to care for women (p < .001) and see the care recipient less often (p < .001) than spouses. Adult child caregivers reported lower quality of life (p < .001) and more caregiver burden (p < .009), but also greater social support (p < .001) than spouses. Between group analyses of caregiver type by disease severity demonstrated that spousal caregivers experience greater grief with advancing disease (p = .005), while adult child caregivers increase social support with advancing disease (p < .001).Discussion and implicationsSpouses and adult children experience DLB caregiving differently. This was explained by the younger age of the adult child caregiver, frequency of contact with the care recipient, and differences in the care recipient's characteristics, frequency of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and disease severity. DLB caregiver support for this population should target psychoeducation for complicated neuropsychiatric symptoms in the care recipient. Screening all DLB caregivers for burden, grief, and depression is suggested to identify those that may benefit most from intervention. Spouses specifically may benefit from interventions that target increasing social support, while adult child caregivers may benefit from interventions aimed at mitigating burden and improving quality of life
The Culture of Capital Punishment in Japan
This open access book provides a comparative perspective on capital punishment in Japan and the United States. Alongside the US, Japan is one of only a few developed democracies in the world which retains capital punishment and continues to carry out executions on a regular basis. There are some similarities between the two systems of capital punishment but there are also many striking differences. These include differences in capital jurisprudence, execution method, the nature and extent of secrecy surrounding death penalty deliberations and executions, institutional capacities to prevent and discover wrongful convictions, orientations to lay participation and to victim participation, and orientations to “democracy” and governance. Johnson also explores several fundamental issues about the ultimate criminal penalty, such as the proper role of citizen preferences in governing a system of punishment and the relevance of the feelings of victims and survivors.
STM Studies of Synthetic Peptide Monolayers
We have used scanning probe microscopy to investigate self-assembled
monolayers of chemically synthesized peptides. We find that the peptides form a
dense uniform monolayer, above which is found a sparse additional layer. Using
scanning tunneling microscopy, submolecular resolution can be obtained,
revealing the alpha helices which constitute the peptide. The nature of the
images is not significantly affected by the incorporation of redox cofactors
(hemes) in the peptides.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures (4 gifs); to appear in the Proceedings of the
XIIth Int. Winterschool on Electronic Properties of Novel Materials
"Molecular Nanostructures", Kirchberg/Tyrol, Febr. 199
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