1,155 research outputs found
Design and tests of the hard X-ray polarimeter X-Calibur
X-ray polarimetry promises to give qualitatively new information about
high-energy astrophysical sources, such as binary black hole systems,
micro-quasars, active galactic nuclei, and gamma-ray bursts. We designed, built
and tested a hard X-ray polarimeter X-Calibur to be used in the focal plane of
the InFOCuS grazing incidence hard X-ray telescope. X-Calibur combines a low-Z
Compton scatterer with a CZT detector assembly to measure the polarization of
10-80 keV X-rays making use of the fact that polarized photons Compton scatter
preferentially perpendicular to the electric field orientation. X-Calibur
achieves a high detection efficiency of order unity.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures, conference proceedings: SPIE 2011 (San Diego
Neural Network-Based Equations for Predicting PGA and PGV in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas
Parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas have experienced increased rates of
seismicity in recent years, providing new datasets of earthquake recordings to
develop ground motion prediction models for this particular region of the
Central and Eastern North America (CENA). This paper outlines a framework for
using Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to develop attenuation models from the
ground motion recordings in this region. While attenuation models exist for the
CENA, concerns over the increased rate of seismicity in this region necessitate
investigation of ground motions prediction models particular to these states.
To do so, an ANN-based framework is proposed to predict peak ground
acceleration (PGA) and peak ground velocity (PGV) given magnitude, earthquake
source-to-site distance, and shear wave velocity. In this framework,
approximately 4,500 ground motions with magnitude greater than 3.0 recorded in
these three states (Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas) since 2005 are considered.
Results from this study suggest that existing ground motion prediction models
developed for CENA do not accurately predict the ground motion intensity
measures for earthquakes in this region, especially for those with low
source-to-site distances or on very soft soil conditions. The proposed ANN
models provide much more accurate prediction of the ground motion intensity
measures at all distances and magnitudes. The proposed ANN models are also
converted to relatively simple mathematical equations so that engineers can
easily use them to predict the ground motion intensity measures for future
events. Finally, through a sensitivity analysis, the contributions of the
predictive parameters to the prediction of the considered intensity measures
are investigated.Comment: 5th Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics Conference,
Austin, TX, USA, June 10-13. (2018
A Functional Naturalism
I provide two arguments against value-free naturalism. Both are based on considerations concerning biological teleology. Value-free naturalism is the thesis that both (1) everything is, at least in principle, under the purview of the sciences and (2) all scientific facts are purely non-evaluative. First, I advance a counterexample to any analysis on which natural selection is necessary to biological teleology. This should concern the value-free naturalist, since most value-free analyses of biological teleology appeal to natural selection. My counterexample is unique in that it is likely to actually occur. It concerns the creation of synthetic life. Recent developments in synthetic biology suggest scientists will eventually be able to develop synthetic life. Such life, however, would not have any of its traits naturally selected for. Second, I develop a simple argument that biological teleology is a scientific but value-laden notion. Consequently, value-free naturalism is false. I end with some concluding remarks on the implications for naturalism, the thesis that (1). Naturalism may be salvaged only if we reject (2). (2) is a dogma that unnecessarily constrains our conception of the sciences. Only a naturalism that recognizes value-laden notions as scientifically respectable can be true. Such a naturalism is a functional naturalism
Efficacy of Online Training for Improving Camp Staff Competency
Preparing competent staff is a critical issue within the camp community. This quasi-experimental study examined the effectiveness of an online course for improving staff competency in camp healthcare practices among college-aged camp staff and a comparison group (N = 55). We hypothesized that working in camp would increase competency test scores due to opportunities for staff to experientially apply knowledge learned online. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to analyse the cross-level effects of a between-individuals factor (assignment to experimental or comparison group) and within-individual effects of time (pre-test, post-test #1, and post-test #2) on online course test scores. At post-test #2, the difference in average test scores between groups was ~30 points, with the treatment group scoring lower on average than the comparison group. Factors that may have influenced these findings are explored, including fatigue and the limited durability of online learning. Recommendations for research and practice are discussed
Preparing to work: dramaturgy, cynicism and normative ‘remote’ control in the socialization of graduate recruits in management consulting
online) This paper examines the socialization of graduate recruits into a knowledge intensive labour
process and organizational culture. Theoretically the paper draws upon the idea of ‘preparing
for work’ to position this early socialization as a crucial moment in the production of
subjectivities suited (and booted) for the labour process of management consulting. Empirically
the paper reports on a two-day induction session for new graduate recruits joining a global
management consultancy and their responses to this training. Particular attention is given to
the use of role-play and a dramaturgical workshop used in part of the training process. The paper
argues that the utilization of dramaturgy in training is consistent with the overall approach to
control developed in the firm in response to the fact that the labour process of consulting is
often conducted on client sites, away from any direct supervisory gaze. As such, the consultants
were subjected to a form of cultural control that was designed to function independently of
direct supervision. This control did not operate directly upon the new employees professed
values, however, but at one step removed so that a ‘cynical distance’ from the content of the
organization’s culture was accepted so long as a professional ‘ethic of behaviour’ was
established. By focusing on an ‘ethic of behaviour’ these young professionals were encouraged
to internalize a self-control akin to that of an actor, rather than internalizing the corporate values
entirely
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