High-precision astrometry on the VLT/FORS1 at time scales of few days

We investigate the accuracy of astrometric measurements with the VLT/FORS1 camera and consider potential applications. The study is based on two-epoch (2000 and 2002/2003) frame series of observations of a selected Galactic Bulge sky region that were obtained with FORS1 during four consecutive nights each. Reductions were carried out with a novel technique that eliminates atmospheric image motion and does not require a distinction between targets and reference objects. The positional astrometric precision was found to be limited only by the accuracy of the determination of the star photocentre, which is typically 200-300 microarcsec per single measurement for bright unsaturated stars B=18-19. Several statistical tests have shown that at time-scales of 1-4 nights the residual noise in measured positions is essentially a white noise with no systematic instrumental signature and no significant deviation from a Gaussian distribution. Some evidence of a good astrometric quality of the VLT for frames separated by two years has also been found. Our data show that the VLT with FORS1/2 cameras can be effectively used for astrometric observations of planetary microlensing events and other applications where a high accuracy is required, that is expected to reach 30-40 microarcsec for a series of 50 frames (one hours with R filter).Comment: 11 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in A&

On the Measurement of Perceived Consumer Risk

The role of perceived risk in consumer behavior has been studied extensively by academic researchers. This paper introduces a methodology for the measurement of the effects of product features, marketing mix components, and individual differences on perceived consumer risk based on theoretical foundations in the literature. A conjoint-type model based on paired comparison judgments is estimated to provide attribute weights. A modification of a stochastic multidimensional scaling-based vector model is then used to measure and summarize individual consumer differences with respect to the impact of brand attributes and marketing mix components on latent levels of perceived consumer risk. An illustration is provided using students’ risk perceptions of sports cars.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75462/1/j.1540-5915.1991.tb00372.x.pd

Product–process matrix and complementarity approach

The relationship between different types of innovation is analysed from three different approaches. On the one hand, the distinctive view assumes that the determinants of each type of innovation are different and therefore there is no relationship between them. On the other hand, the integrative view considers that the different types of innovation are complementary. Finally, the product–process matrix framework suggests that the relationship between product innovation and process innovation is substitutive. Using data from Spain belonging to the Technological Innovation Panel (PITEC) for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, we tested which of the three approaches is predominant. To perform the hypothesis test, we used the so-called complementarity approach. We find that there is no unique relation. The nature of the relationship depends on the types of innovation that interact. Our most significant finding is that the relationship between product innovation and process innovation is complementary. This finding contradicts the proposal of the product–process matrix framework. Consequently, the joint implementation of both types of innovation generates a greater impact on the performance of a company than the sum of their separate implementation

Effectiveness of a primary health care program on urban and rural community disaster preparedness, islamic republic of Iran: A community intervention trial

Background To evaluate the effectiveness of a capacity-building intervention administered through a primary health care (PHC) system on community disaster preparedness in Iran. Methods A controlled community intervention trial with pre- and postassessments was conducted in 2011 in 3 provinces of Iran. In each province, 2 areas were chosen and randomly selected as an intervention or control group. A total of 9200 households were in the intervention area and 10 010 were in the control area. In each study group in each province 250 households were sampled for pre- and postassessment surveys. Community health volunteers led by PHC staff administered an educational intervention covering elements of hazard awareness and preparedness, with a focus on earthquakes and floods. Relative changes for awareness and readiness scores were assessed to demonstrate changes in outcome variables from pre- to postassessments in intervention and control groups. An effectiveness test of significance was based on interaction between time and area. Results Households in intervention communities exhibited improved disaster awareness and readiness with respect to all outcome measures. Relative changes in awareness in intervention and control areas were 2.94 and -0.08, respectively (P <.001). Relative changes for readiness scores were 5.52 in intervention areas and 0.56 in control areas (P <.001). Relative changes for awareness and readiness were significantly correlated with a community's baseline risk perception and previous experience with natural disasters (P <.001). Conclusions An educational intervention administered through the PHC system effectively improved disaster awareness and readiness at a community level. For sustainability, community disaster reduction programs must be integrated into routine public health service delivery. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:481-490) Copyright © 2013 Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc

Preliminary reliability and validity of Persian version of the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI)

Purpose: Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) is an instrument for assessing the quality of life of family members of dermatologic patients. The aim of this study was to describe the cultural adaptation of this questionnaire and to assess psychometric properties of the Persian version. Methods: At first, the questionnaire was translated into Persian, and then back-translation was performed. The whole cycle was repeated until a consensus was reached about the optimal translation. In the next step, cognitive debriefing was performed, and after approval of the Persian version by FDLQI developers, it was distributed among 100 family members of dermatological patients in order to evaluate its validity and reliability. Results: Mean age of participants was 37.1 years (±12.3). Mean score of FDLQI was 15.4 (±5.5) with maximum and minimum scores of 30 and 6, respectively. The quality of life of studied participants showed no significant difference based on age-group, sex, educational level and the family relationship. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated as 0.87. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a one-factor solution that accounted for 40.7 % of the variance. The unidimensional model was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that the Persian version of FDLQI has acceptable factorial validity and internal consistency reliability

Damage Detection based on the Natural Frequency shifting of a clamped rectangular plate model

Damage detection of any structure becomes the main concern in a failure analysis. Early failure detection is very important as it can prevent any catastrophic failure by replacing or repairing the damage part at early stage. One of the non-destructive methods of damage detection is using frequency based vibration analysis. Identification and comparison of a set of natural frequencies before and after damage is the main concern of this research. A rectangular plate clamped at all edges represented an initial undamaged structure. Based on Kachanov's definition, damage existence in a structure is introduced in the presence of some circular voids. The voids are generated randomly at different level of damage value. To obtain the Natural Frequencies, a Finite Element Model (FEM) of a clamped plate with the updated value of Young's Modulus is analyzed. From the FEM analysis result, it is found that the Natural Frequencies are shifted as the void existence increase. Using curve fitting, the model of Natural Frequency shifting as a function of damage evolution has been generated. It is found that the shifting of the Natural Frequency is greater at higher frequency value as indicated by the higher absolute gradient