Residual meson-meson interaction from lattice gauge simulation in a simple QED model

The residual interaction for a meson-meson system is computed utilizing the cumulant, or cluster, expansion of the momentum-space time correlation matrix. The cumulant expansion serves to define asymptotic, or free, meson-meson operators. The definition of an effective interaction is then based on a comparison of the full (interacting) and the free (noninteracting) time correlation matrices. The proposed method, which may straightforwardly be transcribed to other hadron-hadron systems, here is applied to a simple 2+1 dimensional U(1) lattice gauge model tuned such that it is confining. Fermions are treated in the staggered scheme. The effective interaction exhibits a repulsive core and attraction at intermediate relative distances. These findings are consistent with an earlier study of the same model utilizing L\"{u}scher's method where scattering phase shifts are obtained directly.Comment: 28 pages, compressed postscript fil

Working memory and writing : a comparison of two types of dynamic assessment of working memory and the relationship to writing ability of heterogeneously grouped seventh grade students

This study investigated the relationship of working memory under two types of dynamic assessment methods to the writing abilities of middle school-aged students. The Testof Written Language-Third Edition, Forms A and B (TOWL-3)was administered to heterogeneously grouped, seventh-grade students as pre-and post-test measures of writing. TheSwanson\u27s Cognitive Processing Test (S-CPT) was administered as an intervening measure of working memory using two types of dynamic assessment approaches, graduated prompting (GP)and mediated learning experience (MLE).Working memory is defined as the mechanism by which individuals store and retrieve information needed to perform a particular task and is highly correlated with achievement.Moreover, working memory is hypothesized to underlie the writing process, specifically those processes related to text generation.The results of this study indicate that there was no treatment effect of enhanced working.memory with participants who were administered the S-CPT under either dynamic assessment approach, GP or MLE. However, there was a statistically significant treatment effect for transfer on writing achievement. Students who were administered the SCPT under MLE assessment attained significantly higher positive writing scores than students who were administered the S-CPTunder GP conditions. Calculation of effect size indicated a medium magnitude of effectiveness of the intervention for post-writing scores. Additional results of this study indicated that pre-writing scores were the best predictors of post-writing scores, followed by gain semantic working memory, and MLE treatment. This study has implications for both psychologists and educators who work with students inmulti-ability heterogeneously grouped classes

Lithium catalysed sequence selective ring opening terpolymerisation: a mechanistic study

The catalytic construction of well-defined materials from mixtures of building blocks is an important challenge in sustainable catalysis. In this regard, we have recently reported a new type of selective ring-opening terpolymerisation (ROTERP), in which three monomers (A, B, C) are selectively enchained into a (ABA′C)n sequence, but the reasons behind this unusual selectivity remained unanswered. In this study, we present a detailed investigation into the full ROTERP mechanism based on the reactivity of model intermediates, computational studies investigating >100 possible intermediates and transition states and reaction kinetics. Experimental verification of the intermediate speciation, the primary insertion steps and the side-reactions lets us show that although most insertions and side-reactions are thermodynamically viable, kinetic selection processes at the propagating chain end determine the sequence selectivity. Computational studies elucidate the special role and speciation of the lithium catalyst which during the catalytic cycle involves mono-metallic, bi-metallic and charge separated transition states comprising both coordinative activation of incoming monomers and functional groups of the polymer backbone adjacent to the propagating chain. Our study not only deciphers the mechanism of a rare selective terpolymerisation but also helps answering open questions relevant to ring-opening copolymerisation (ROCOP) and alkali-metal catalysis in general, thus guiding the design of future polymerisation catalysis for degradable materials

Signage as Marketing Communication

Further advancement of the growing knowledge base in the emerging, cross-disciplinary field of signage should benefit from investigation into how and why communication effects of signs occur, as such insights could potentially inform evidence-based decision-making. To facilitate such research, the authors propose a conceptual model of signage as a marketing communication tool. Model components include objective and subjective traits of signs, characteristics and states of viewers, contextual variables, conscious and intuitive process mechanisms, and communication outcomes, including affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses to signs. In addition to providing directions for further research, the model provides a framework for mapping published findings onto a "big picture" and for identifying missing pieces of the puzzle

Sign Evaluation and Compliance Under Mortality Salience

This article examines sign communication effectiveness in the context of COVID-19 pandemic-related signs that promote behavioral changes. A program of four experiments assessed the influence of mortality salience on responses to signs promoting frequent handwashing (Study 1), restricted shopping hours for vulnerable groups (Study 2), maintaining physical distance (Study 3), and mask wearing (Study 4). Findings support a conceptual model proposing a serial mediation process whereby mortality cues trigger a chain of events (feelings and thoughts) that ultimately shape evaluations of and intentions to comply with signs. Findings offer evidencebased guidelines for effective signage communication

Purpose of stay and willingness to stay as dimensions to identify and evaluate hotel experiences

The market of experiences promises business opportunities to service-based sectors. However, company managers miss procedures for strategic decision-making. This paper presents a practical procedure to help managers to move into the experience business in the hospitality sector.Alcantara Alcover, E.; Artacho Ramírez, MÁ.; Martínez Guillamón, N.; Campos Soriano, N. (2013). Purpose of stay and willingness to stay as dimensions to identify and evaluate hotel experiences. International Journal of Hospitality Management. 33:357-365. doi:10.1016/j.ijhm.2012.10.006S3573653

Brasileiro gosta de "muvuca"?: impacto da densidade humana no comportamento de compra

This study investigated how the changes in human density in stores affect the consumers’ perception of crowding and satisfaction. Two experiments were conducted to test how shoppers behave in different levels of store crowding, moderated by the variables: familiarity, acumen towards the store aesthetics, and consumers’ income. The moderation tests indicated that while higher familiarity reduces the negative responses to crowding, higher levels of aesthetic acumen have an opposite effect. The results indicated non-significant differences in consumers’ responses between the low and medium stores human density levels, but showed a substantial increase of negative responses between the medium and high density level. The results indicated non-significant differences between lower and upper income responses. This paper brings not only managerial suggestions, but offers a significant contribution to a better understanding and integration of conceptual frameworks about the crowding phenomenon, and suggests many avenues for further investigation

Psychological and physiological human responses to simulated and real environments: A comparison between Photographs, 360° Panoramas, and Virtual Reality

[EN] Psychological research into human factors frequently uses simulations to study the relationship between human behaviour and the environment. Their validity depends on their similarity with the physical environments. This paper aims to validate three environmental-simulation display formats: photographs, 360° panoramas, and virtual reality. To do this we compared the psychological and physiological responses evoked by simulated environments set-ups to those from a physical environment setup; we also assessed the users' sense of presence. Analysis show that 360° panoramas offer the closest to reality results according to the participants' psychological responses, and virtual reality according to the physiological responses. Correlations between the feeling of presence and physiological and other psychological responses were also observed. These results may be of interest to researchers using environmental-simulation technologies currently available in order to replicate the experience of physical environments.This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad. Spain (Project TIN2013-45736-R).Higuera-Trujillo, JL.; López-Tarruella Maldonado, J.; Llinares Millán, MDC. (2017). Psychological and physiological human responses to simulated and real environments: A comparison between Photographs, 360° Panoramas, and Virtual Reality. Applied Ergonomics. 65:398-409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2017.05.006S3984096