High resolution elemental abundance analysis of the Hyades Supercluster

The existence of a kinematically defined moving group of stars centred at U = -40, V = -17 km/s referred to as the Hyades Supercluster, has been suggested as the debris of an originally large star forming event, with its core being the present day Hyades open cluster. Using high-resolution UVES spectra, we present elemental abundances for a range of alpha, Fe-peak and neutron-capture elements for 26 proposed supercluster stars. Our results show that the sample stars display a heterogeneous abundance distribution, with a clump around [Fe/H] = +0.15. We also calculate stellar radial velocities and U,V,W space velocities. Enforcing a strict chemical and kinematical membership criteria, we find 4 supercluster stars share the Hyades open cluster abundances and kinematics, while many of the remaining stars fit the disc field kinematics and abundance range. We discuss our findings in the context of the Hyades supercluster being a dispersed star-forming remnant, a stellar stream of purely dynamical origin or a result of several processes.Comment: accepted by MNRA

A Survey of Proper Motion Stars. XVII. A Deficiency of Binary Stars on Retrograde Galactic Orbits and the Possibility that omega Centauri is Related to the Effect

We find a deficiency of binary stars moving on strongly retrograde Galactic orbits. No binary deficiencies are seen for U or W velocities, however. From theoretical analyses, we rule out preferential disruption of pre-existing binary stars due to encounters with massive perturbers. We also rule out globular clusters as the source of the effect since prograde motions are more likely to create such an effect. We search for star streams and find one possible candidate, but it is not on a retrograde orbit and probably represents the remains of a cluster that has passed too near the Galactic center. Based on a very small number of stars, we find that about the right fraction of stars on retrograde Galactic orbits share some chemical similarities to the cluster omega Cen, suggesting that its parent galaxy could be the explanation.Comment: To appear in the Astronomical Journal (March 2005 issue

Psychometrics in Practice at RCEC

A broad range of topics is dealt with in this volume: from combining the psychometric generalizability and item response theories to the ideas for an integrated formative use of data-driven decision making, assessment for learning and diagnostic testing. A number of chapters pay attention to computerized (adaptive) and classification testing. Other chapters treat the quality of testing in a general sense, but for topics like maintaining standards or the testing of writing ability, the quality of testing is dealt with more specifically.\ud All authors are connected to RCEC as researchers. They present one of their current research topics and provide some insight into the focus of RCEC. The selection of the topics and the editing intends that the book should be of special interest to educational researchers, psychometricians and practitioners in educational assessment

Influences on classification accuracy of exam sets: an example from vocational education and training

Classification accuracy of single exams is well studied in the educational measurement literature. However, when making important decisions, such as certification decisions, one usually uses several exams: an exam set. This chapter elaborates on classification accuracy of exam sets. This is influenced by the shape of the ability distribution, the height of the standards, and the possibility for compensation. This is studied using an example from vocational education and training (VET). The classification accuracy for an exam set is computed using item response theory (IRT) simulation. Classification accuracy is high when all exams from an exam set have equal and standardized ability distributions. Furthermore, exams where few or no students pass or fail increase classification accuracy. Finally, allowing compensation increases classification accurac

Poisson-Boltzmann cell model for heterogeneously charged colloids

We introduce the Poisson-Boltzmann cell model for spherical colloidal particles with a heterogeneous surface charge distribution. This model is obtained by generalizing existing cell models for mixtures of homogeneously charged colloidal spheres. Our new model has similar features as Onsager's second-virial theory for liquid crystals, but it predicts no orientational ordering if there is no positional ordering. This implies that all phases of heterogeneously charged colloids that are liquid-like with respect to translational degrees of freedom are also isotropic with respect to particle orientation.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figure

Contaminants in manure - a problem for organic farming?

This work addresses possible ways in which animal manure might become contaminated by undesirable elements and how such manure might pose a risk to the health of soil organisms, animals, plants and humans. Research has shown that the pathways of organic compounds such as veterinary medicines and pesticides may be unpredictable and that undesirable elements can be transferred to the food chain. The basic principles of organic farming, in this case specially related to the principles of health, ecology and care, imply that special attentionshould be given to precaution and responsibility. These are key concerns in the management of organic farming. Taking these principles seriously, would mean a more restrictive practice on the use of animal manure from conventional farming. Through identifying which compounds might be present, their environmental properties and their residue levels in manure and environment, the authorities will be able to establish restricted practice based on knowledge

On the age heterogeneity of the Pleiades, Hyades and Sirius moving groups

We investigate the nature of the classical low-velocity structures in the local velocity field, i.e. the Pleiades, Hyades and Sirius moving groups. After using a wavelet transform to locate them in velocity space, we study their relation with the open clusters kinematically associated with them. By directly comparing the location of moving group stars in parallax space to the isochrones of the embedded clusters, we check whether, within the observational errors on the parallax, all moving group stars could originate from the on-going evaporation of the associated cluster. We conclude that, in each moving group, the fraction of stars making up the velocity-space overdensity superimposed on the background is higher than the fraction of stars compatible with the isochrone of the associated cluster. These observations thus favour a dynamical (resonant) origin for the Pleiades, Hyades and Sirius moving groups.Comment: 8 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in A&

BD+36 3317: An algol type eclipsing binary in Delta Lyrae cluster

In this paper, we present standard Johnson UBV photometry of the eclipsing binary BD+36 3317 which is known as a member of Delta Lyrae (Stephenson 1) cluster. We determined colors and brightness of the system, calculated E(B - V) color excess. We discovered that the system shows total eclipse in secondary minimum. Using this advantage, we found that the primary component of the system has B9 - A0 spectral type. Although there is no published orbital solution, we tried to estimate the physical properties of the system from simultaneous analysis of UBV light curves with 2003 version of Wilson-Devinney code. Then we considered photometric solution results together with evolutionary models and estimated the masses of the components as M1 = 2.5 Msun and M2 = 1.6 Msun. Those estimations gave the distance of the system as 353 pc. Considering the uncertainties in distance estimation, resulting distance is in agreement with the distance of Delta Lyrae cluster.Comment: 18 pages, 4 figures, 5 table

Translocation of imidacloprid from coated rape (Brassica napa) seeds to nectar and pollen

Bees and other pollinating insects contribute significantly to the world’s production of edible crops. Bees and bumblebees are threatened by modern agricultural practices like monocropping, destruction of natural habitats and pesticide use. Organic farming practice avoids the pesticides, but should also actively support the living conditions for pollinating insects, e.g. by maintaining flowering strips and trees. A recent ban on imidacloprid as rapeseed coating in Norway may encourage research in alternative ways of protecting rapeseed against ground flees (Phyllotreta spp.). Such studies may be beneficial also for organic rape growers