Getting the message: The adaptive potential of interpersonal judgments

According to the Social Message Model, interpersonal judgments are transactions in which judges convey important social messages to the individuals they evaluate (the targets); targets can then respond to the judgments in more or less adaptive ways. We argue that judges’ opinions emerge from their current concerns, be it to promote their own well-being, or to foster group cohesion. Targets of judgments can best interpret the meaning of a judgment they receive by understanding the judge’s concerns, competence of the judge, and other qualities of the transaction. We suggest that judges and targets who are better able to reason about the judgment process are likely to change their behaviors more adaptively than people less able to reason in this area

Characterization of 1.55-μm pulses from a self-seeded gain-switched Fabry-Pérot laser diode using frequency-resolved optical gating

The intensity and frequency chirp of picosecond pulses from a self-seeded gain-switched Fabry-Perot laser diode have been directly measured using the technique of frequency-resolved optical gating. Measurements over an output sidemode suppression ratio (SMSR) range of 15-35 dB show that higher SMSR's are associated with an increasingly linear frequency chirp across the output pulses. This complete pulse characterization allows the conditions for optimum pulse compression to be determined accurately, and indicates that transform-limited, pedestal free pulses can be obtained at an SMSR of 35 dB

Near-Field Microwave Microscopy on nanometer length scales

The Near-Field Microwave Microscope (NSMM) can be used to measure ohmic losses of metallic thin films. We report on the presence of a new length scale in the probe-to- sample interaction for the NSMM. We observe that this length scale plays an important role when the tip to sample separation is less than about 10nm. Its origin can be modeled as a tiny protrusion at the end of the tip. The protrusion causes deviation from a logarithmic increase of capacitance versus decreasing height of the probe above the sample. We model this protrusion as a cone at the end of a sphere above an infinite plane. By fitting the frequency shift of the resonator versus height data (which is directly related to capacitance versus height) for our experimental setup, we find the protrusion size to be 3nm to 5nm. For one particular tip, the frequency shift of the NSMM relative to 2 micrometers away saturates at a value of about -1150 kHz at a height of 1nm above the sample, where the nominal range of sheet resistance values of the sample are 15 ohms to 150 ohms. Without the protrusion, the frequency shift would have followed the logarithmic dependence and reached a value of about -1500 kHz.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures (included in 6 pages

Characterization of nonlinear switching in a figure-of-eight fiber laser using frequency-resolved optical gating

The measurement technique of frequency-resolved optical gating is applied to determine the nonlinear switching characteristics of a passively modelocked figure-of-eight erbium-doped fiber laser. By completely characterizing the intensity and phase of the laser output pulses, the intracavity fields in the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror of the laser cavity are determined by numerical propagation using the nonlinear Schrodinger equation. Excellent switching of 95% can be achieved as a result of uniform phase characteristics developed by pulses propagating in the nonlinear amplifying loop mirror

Impacts of a Standing Disaster Payment Program on U.S. Crop Insurance

This research investigates the potential effects of the standing disaster assistance program proposed in the Senate version of the 2008 Farm Bill. Results suggest no significant impact on producer crop insurance purchase decisions. Payments under the program should be expected to differ considerably across geographic regions and levels of diversification, with the program providing the greatest benefit to undiversified producers in more risky production regions (e.g., the Southern Plains).

Impacts of the SURE Standing Disaster Assistance Program on Producer Risk Management and Crop Insurance Programs

This research investigates the potential effects of the row crop provisions of the standing disaster assistance program (SURE) in the 2008 Farm Bill. Results suggest little impact on producer crop insurance purchase decisions, though the program does seem to provide an incentive for mid-level coverage. Payments under the program should be expected to differ considerably across geographic regions and levels of diversification, with the program providing the greatest benefit to undiversified producers in more risky production regions.crop insurance, disaster assistance, Farm Bill, SURE, Agricultural and Food Policy, Farm Management, Risk and Uncertainty, Q12, Q18,

Benchmark solutions for the galactic ion transport equations: Energy and spatially dependent problems

Nontrivial benchmark solutions are developed for the galactic ion transport (GIT) equations in the straight-ahead approximation. These equations are used to predict potential radiation hazards in the upper atmosphere and in space. Two levels of difficulty are considered: (1) energy independent, and (2) spatially independent. The analysis emphasizes analytical methods never before applied to the GIT equations. Most of the representations derived have been numerically implemented and compared to more approximate calculations. Accurate ion fluxes are obtained (3 to 5 digits) for nontrivial sources. For monoenergetic beams, both accurate doses and fluxes are found. The benchmarks presented are useful in assessing the accuracy of transport algorithms designed to accommodate more complex radiation protection problems. In addition, these solutions can provide fast and accurate assessments of relatively simple shield configurations