Bayesian Asteroseismology of 23 Solar-Like Kepler Targets

We study 23 previously published Kepler targets to perform a consistent grid-based Bayesian asteroseismic analysis and compare our results to those obtained via the Asteroseismic Modelling Portal (AMP). We find differences in the derived stellar parameters of many targets and their uncertainties. While some of these differences can be attributed to systematic effects between stellar evolutionary models, we show that the different methodologies deliver incompatible uncertainties for some parameters. Using non-adiabatic models and our capability to measure surface effects, we also investigate the dependency of these surface effects on the stellar parameters. Our results suggest a dependence of the magnitude of the surface effect on the mixing length parameter which also, but only minimally, affects the determination of stellar parameters. While some stars in our sample show no surface effect at all, the most significant surface effects are found for stars that are close to the Sun's position in the HR diagram.Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

Educational Standards for Economic Education at All Types of General-education Schools in Germany

economic education, educational standards, general-education schools, germany, competences, competence model

Seasonal and interannual variability of North American isoprene emissions as determined by formaldehyde column measurements from space

Formaldehyde (HCHO) columns measured from space by solar UV backscatter allow mapping of reactive hydrocarbon emissions. The principal contributor to these emissions during the growing season is the biogenic hydrocarbon isoprene, which is of great importance for driving regional and global tropospheric chemistry. We present seven years (1995-2001) of HCHO column data for North America from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME), and show that the general seasonal and interannual variability of these data is consistent with knowledge of isoprene emission. There are some significant regional discrepancies with the seasonal patterns predicted from current isoprene emission models, and we suggest that these may reflect flaws in the models. The interannual variability of HCHO columns observed by GOME appears to follow the interannual variability of surface temperature, as expected from current isoprene emission models

THE MATROSHKA-III EXPERIMENT ONBOARD THE ISS - DEVELOPMENT STATUS

Radiation is currently seen as one of the main hazards for humans regarding long duration space missions especially mission planning beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO). For the assessment of the radiation risk relevant radiation field models and tools can be applied. These all need and have to be benchmarked against real measured space data. The Matroshka-III (MTR-III) experiment as part of the Russian space experiment Matroshka-R Stage 5 (MTR-R) and realized within the framework of the Russian space research program will answer the questions about the distribution of dose within a human body and provide valuable input data for radiation transport calculations. The objective of the MTR-III experiment is to extend the measurements performed during the Matroshka (MTR) -1 and 2 experiments in a period of minimal solar activity to a complete solar cycle thereby covering also depth dose distributions during solar particle events. For this research the new MTR-III experiment uses an updated interface, improved software and new developed detector systems to allow the first time a continuous record of the doses in inner organ locations. Measurements will be performed in different ISS Modules (SM, MIM-1, MIM-2, MLM, NEM and others). The dose distribution inside the organ sites will be separately measured for the different sources of the radiation field (Trapped Radiation, Galactic Cosmic Rays and Solar Energetic Particles and neutrons) for selected locations inside the modules. The collected data serve to assess the risk of astronauts in dependence on geo- and heliophysical conditions and of various shielding configurations. They will also help to reduce the uncertainties in estimates of radiation risk and for the refinement of transport calculations through realistic shielding distributions that are needed for risk predictions in future missions. The presentation will give the current design status and detector development for the upcoming MTR-III mission

Optimum Utilization of Positioning Data in SDS III

A new, computerized hydrographic data acquisition and processing system, Shipboard Data System III (SDS III), is being designed and built for use by the National Ocean Service. An integrated positioning and navigation system is a critical element of this development. Design features include the ability to benefit from time-deskewed multiple lines of position from mixed sensor types (both electronic and manual), difficult geometries, and the use of auxiliary speed and heading data in the application of advanced filtering and smoothing techniques for reduction of random measurement noise and recognition of bias errors. Results are highly accurate, stable, and robust. Measurement noise can be reduced by as much as a factor of three without adding significant biases, even on turns, while retaining actual random vessel motions. Operations can continue during complete losses of positioning data for limited but significant periods of time, including during maneuvers

Investigating the Value of Privacy in Online Social Networks: Conjoint Analysis

Popularity of Online Social Networks has been recently overshadowed by the privacy problems they pose. Users are getting increasingly vigilant concerning information they disclose and are strongly opposing the use of their information for commercial purposes. Nevertheless, as long as the network is offered to users for free, providers have little choice but to generate revenue through personalized advertising to remain financially viable. Our study empirically investigates the ways out of this deadlock. Using conjoint analysis we find that privacy is indeed important for users. We identify three groups of users with different utility patterns: Unconcerned Socializers, Control-conscious Socializers and Privacy-concerned. Our results provide relevant insights into how network providers can capitalize on different user preferences by specifically addressing the needs of distinct groups in the form of various premium accounts. Overall, our study is the first attempt to assess the value of privacy in monetary terms in this context

Amphibian, Reptile, and Small Mammal Associates of Ozark Pocket Gopher Habitat in Izard County, Arkansas

We conducted a study of the amphibian, reptile, and small mammal community assemblage of Ozark pocket gopher (Geomys bursarius ozarkensis) habitat in north-central Arkansas. We used 2 methods to capture individuals: hand capture and drift fences. During the study, we captured and marked a total of 9 anuran, 4 salamander, 5 lizard, 3 turtle, 16 snake, and 8 small mammal species exclusive of pocket gophers. We found one hatchling three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) and one rough earth snake (Virginia striatula) inside a pocket gopher burrow and mound, respectively. Additionally, we witnessed both eastern racers (Coluber constrictor) and eastern coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum) retreat into pocket gopher burrows, as well as Hurter’s spadefoots (Scaphiopus holbrookii hurterii) burrow into pocket gopher mounds when released. Our results highlight the importance of mammalian burrows, specifically pocket gophers, to other vertebrate associates in grassland ecosystems. Both conservationists and managers need to determine the pocket gopher’s impact on ecosystem health and viability, specifically in natural grasslands, before conservation and/or management strategies are employed