1,059 research outputs found
On the Solutions of the Lorentz-Dirac Equation
We discuss the unstable character of the solutions of the Lorentz-Dirac
equation and stress the need of methods like order reduction to derive a
physically acceptable equation of motion. The discussion is illustrated with
the paradigmatic example of the non-relativistic harmonic oscillator with
radiation reaction. We also illustrate removal of the noncasual
pre-acceleration with the introduction of a small correction in the
Lorentz-Dirac equation.Comment: 4 eps figs. to be published in GR
3D characterization of CdSe nanoparticles attached to carbon nanotubes
The crystallographic structure of CdSe nanoparticles attached to carbon
nanotubes has been elucidated by means of high resolution transmission electron
microscopy and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron
microscopy tomography. CdSe rod-like nanoparticles, grown in solution together
with carbon nanotubes, undergo a morphological transformation and become
attached to the carbon surface. Electron tomography reveals that the
nanoparticles are hexagonal-based with the (001) planes epitaxially matched to
the outer graphene layer.Comment: 7 pages, 8 figure
Stochastic Theory of Relativistic Particles Moving in a Quantum Field: II. Scalar Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac-Langevin Equation, Radiation Reaction and Vacuum Fluctuations
We apply the open systems concept and the influence functional formalism
introduced in Paper I to establish a stochastic theory of relativistic moving
spinless particles in a quantum scalar field. The stochastic regime resting
between the quantum and semi-classical captures the statistical mechanical
attributes of the full theory. Applying the particle-centric world-line
quantization formulation to the quantum field theory of scalar QED we derive a
time-dependent (scalar) Abraham-Lorentz-Dirac (ALD) equation and show that it
is the correct semiclassical limit for nonlinear particle-field systems without
the need of making the dipole or non-relativistic approximations. Progressing
to the stochastic regime, we derive multiparticle ALD-Langevin equations for
nonlinearly coupled particle-field systems. With these equations we show how to
address time-dependent dissipation/noise/renormalization in the semiclassical
and stochastic limits of QED. We clarify the the relation of radiation
reaction, quantum dissipation and vacuum fluctuations and the role that initial
conditions may play in producing non-Lorentz invariant noise. We emphasize the
fundamental role of decoherence in reaching the semiclassical limit, which also
suggests the correct way to think about the issues of runaway solutions and
preacceleration from the presence of third derivative terms in the ALD
equation. We show that the semiclassical self-consistent solutions obtained in
this way are ``paradox'' and pathology free both technically and conceptually.
This self-consistent treatment serves as a new platform for investigations into
problems related to relativistic moving charges.Comment: RevTex; 20 pages, 3 figures, Replaced version has corrected typos,
slightly modified derivation, improved discussion including new section with
comparisons to related work, and expanded reference
Collaboration scripts - a conceptual analysis
This article presents a conceptual analysis of collaboration scripts used in face-to-face and computer-mediated collaborative learning. Collaboration scripts are scaffolds that aim to improve collaboration through structuring the interactive processes between two or more learning partners. Collaboration scripts consist of at least five components: (a) learning objectives, (b) type of activities, (c) sequencing, (d) role distribution, and (e) type of representation. These components serve as a basis for comparing prototypical collaboration script approaches for face-to-face vs. computer-mediated learning. As our analysis reveals, collaboration scripts for face-to-face learning often focus on supporting collaborators in engaging in activities that are specifically related to individual knowledge acquisition. Scripts for computer-mediated collaboration are typically concerned with facilitating communicative-coordinative processes that occur among group members. The two lines of research can be consolidated to facilitate the design of collaboration scripts, which both support participation and coordination, as well as induce learning activities closely related to individual knowledge acquisition and metacognition. In addition, research on collaboration scripts needs to consider the learnersâ internal collaboration scripts as a further determinant of collaboration behavior. The article closes with the presentation of a conceptual framework incorporating both external and internal collaboration scripts
Conflict of Evidence:Resolving Discrepancies When Findings from Randomized Controlled Trials and Meta-analyses Disagree
Financial disclosures: Richard J. Sylvester certifies that all conflicts of interest, including specific financial interests and relationships and affiliations relevant to the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript (eg, employment/affiliation, grants or funding, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, royalties, or patents filed, received, or pending), are the following: None. Funding/Support and role of the sponsor: None.Peer reviewedPostprin
IMAGINE-IMpact Assessment of Guidelines Implementation and Education : The Next Frontier for Harmonising Urological Practice Across Europe by Improving Adherence to Guidelines
Funding support: The IMAGINE ADT audit is supported by a seeding grant from the EAU Research Foundation.Peer reviewedPostprin
Direct and Constructivist Instructional Design: A Comparison of Efficiency Using Mental Workload and Task Performance
This paper investigates the efficiency of two instructional design conditions: a traditional design based on the direct instruction approach to learning and its extension with a collaborative activity based upon the community of inquiry approach to learning. This activity was built upon a set of textual trigger questions to elicit cognitive abilities and support knowledge formation. A total of 115 students participated in the experiments and a number of third-level computer science classes where divided in two groups. A control group of learners received the former instructional design while an experimental group also received the latter design. Subsequently, learners of each group individually answered a multiple-choice questionnaire, from which a performance measure was extracted for the evaluation of the acquired factual, conceptual and procedural knowledge. Two measures of mental workload were acquired through self-reporting questionnaires: one unidimensional and one multidimensional. These, in conjunction with the performance measure, contributed to the definition of a measure of efficiency. Evidence showed the positive impact of the added collaborative activity on efficiency
Five key attributes can increase marine protected areas performance for small-scale fisheries management
Marine protected areas (MPAs) have largely proven to be effective tools for conserving marine ecosystem, while socio-economic benefits generated by MPAs to fisheries are still under debate. Many MPAs embed a no-take zone, aiming to preserve natural populations and ecosystems, within a buffer zone where potentially sustainable activities are allowed. Small-scale fisheries (SSF) within buffer zones can be highly beneficial by promoting local socio-economies. However, guidelines to successfully manage SSFs within MPAs, ensuring both conservation and fisheries goals, and reaching a win-win scenario, are largely unavailable. From the peer-reviewed literature, grey-literature and interviews, we assembled a unique database of ecological, social and economic attributes of SSF in 25 Mediterranean MPAs. Using random forest with Boruta algorithm we identified a set of attributes determining successful SSFs management within MPAs. We show that fish stocks are healthier, fishermen incomes are higher and the social acceptance of management practices is fostered if five attributes are present (i.e. high MPA enforcement, presence of a management plan, fishermen engagement in MPA management, fishermen representative in the MPA board, and promotion of sustainable fishing). These findings are pivotal to Mediterranean coastal communities so they can achieve conservation goals while allowing for profitable exploitation of fisheries resources
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