A model of the local region of the galaxy

A two-component model of the local interstellar medium was developed, based on the Radio Astronomy Explorer (RAE-1) satellite observations of the low frequency (0.2 - 10 MHz) galactic radio background spectrum. The model shows evidence for a thick spiral arm and a thick electron disk of 600 and 1200 pc slab thicknesses, respectively. The temperature difference between the north galactic pole and anticenter directions supports the concept of a local positive thermal gradient away from the galactic plane. A preliminary discussion of the influence of the Razin effect on the model is also presented

Interplanetary baseline observations of type 3 solar radio bursts

Simultaneous observations of type III radio bursts using spacecraft separated by several tenths of an AU were made using the solar orbiters HELIOS-A and -B. The burst beginning at 1922 UT on March 28, 1976, was located from the intersection of the source directions measured at each spacecraft, and from the burst arrival time differences. Wide baseline observations give the radial distance of the source at each observing frequency. Consequently, coronal electron densities and exciter velocity were determined directly, without the need to assume a density model as is done with single spacecraft observations. The separation of HELIOS-A and -B also provided the first measurements of burst directivity at low frequencies. For the March 28 burst, the intensity observed from near the source longitude (HELIOS-B) was significantly greater than from 60 W of the source (HELIOS-A)

Scientific instrumentation of the Radio-Astronomy-Explorer-2 satellite

The RAE-2 spacecraft has been collecting radio astronomical measurements in the 25 kHz to 13 MHz frequency range from lunar orbit since June, 1973. A summary is given of the technical aspects of the program including the calibration, instrumentation and operation of the RAE-2 experiments. Performance of the experiments over the first 18 months of the flight is summarized and illustrated. Among the unique features of the RAE-2 is the capability to observe repeated lunar occultations of strong radio sources at very low frequencies

The relationship between cognitive variables and offending behaviour in adults with intellectual disabilities : a systematic review

Background Interventions for offenders with intellectual disabilities (ID) have used cognitive variables as measures of treatment outcome. However, the relevance of cognitive variables to offending in people with intellectual disabilities is unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the evidence for a relationship between cognitive variables and offending in people with intellectual disabilities. Method A systematic search identified studies comparing offenders and non‐offenders with intellectual disabilities on an aspect of cognition. Seven cognitive variables were found and compared across 15 studies. These were appraised for their quality using an adapted quality appraisal checklist. The reliability and validity of cognitive measures were also considered. Results and conclusions Other than for cognitive distortions, the evidence for a relationship between cognitive variables and offending in people with intellectual disabilities is currently limited due to methodological weaknesses and the small number of studies assessing each variable. Clinicians are advised to focus on cognitive distortions until better evidence is available

Simulations of Two-Dimensional Melting on the Surface of a Sphere

We have simulated a system of classical particles confined on the surface of a sphere interacting with a repulsive $r^{-12}$ potential. The same system simulated on a plane with periodic boundary conditions has van der Waals loops in pressure-density plots which are usually interpreted as evidence for a first order melting transition, but on the sphere such loops are absent. We also investigated the structure factor and from the width of the first peak as a function of density we can show that the growth of the correlation length is consistent with KTHNY theory. This suggests that simulations of two dimensional melting phenomena are best performed on the surface of a sphere.Comment: 4 eps figure

The "Daily Grind": Work, Commuting, and Their Impact on Political Participation

Past research demonstrates that free time is an important resource for political participation. We investigate whether two central drains on citizens? daily time?working and commuting?impact their level of political participation. The prevailing ?resources? model offers a quantity-focused view where additional time spent working or commuting reduces free time and should each separately decrease participation. We contrast this view to a ?commuter?s strain? hypothesis, which emphasizes time spent in transit as a psychologically onerous burden over and above the workday. Using national survey data, we find that time spent working has no effect on participation, while commuting significantly decreases participation. We incorporate this finding into a comprehensive model of the ?daily grind,? which factors in both socioeconomic status and political interest. Our analysis demonstrates that commuting leads to the greatest loss in political interest for low-income Americans, and that this loss serves as a main mechanism through which commuting erodes political participation

Incremental Validity of Patients’ Self-Reported Anger Beyond Structured Professional Judgment Tools in the Prediction of Inpatient Aggression

Mental health inpatients’ self-reported violence risk predicts actual aggressive outcomes. Anger, for which there are well-evidenced interventions, commonly precedes inpatient aggression. We aimed to determine whether patients’ self-reported anger added incremental validity to violence prediction beyond routinely completed violence risk assessments. A correlational, pseudo-prospective study design was employed. N = 76 inpatients in secure hospitals completed self-report validated anger measures; routinely collected clinicians' ratings on structured professional judgment tools, and aggressive incident data for a 3-month follow-up period were extracted from clinical records. Thirty four (45%) participants were violent; self-reported anger and clinician-risk ratings were significantly positively correlated. Self-reported anger predicted aggressive outcomes but not incrementally beyond relevant risk assessment subscale and item scores. It may not be beneficial for all patients to self-report anger as part of continuous violence risk assessments, but those who score highly on anger-relevant items of risk assessment tools could be considered for further assessment to support risk-management interventions

The role of interpersonal style in aggression and its containment in a forensic mental health setting:A correlational and pseudoprospective study of patients and nursing staff

Inpatient aggression on mental health wards is common and staff-patient interactions are frequently reported antecedents to aggression. However, relatively little is known about the precise relationship between aggression and these interactions, or their relationships with aggression and staff containment responses such as restraint and seclusion. This study aimed to determine the roles of anger and interpersonal style among mental health nurses and between nurses and patients in the occurrence of aggression and its containment. A correlational, pseudo-prospective study design was employed. n=85 inpatients and n=65 nurses were recruited from adult, low- and medium- secure wards of a secure forensic mental health service. Participants completed validated self-report anger and transactional interpersonal style measures. Inpatient aggression and containment incident data for a 3-month follow-up period were extracted from clinical records. Dyadic nurse-patient relationships were anti-complementary. Patients’ self-reported anger and staff-rated hostile interpersonal style were significantly positively correlated; staff self-reported anger and patient-rated dominant interpersonal style were also positively correlated. Patient anger predicted aggression and their interpersonal style predicted being subject to containment in the form of restraint and seclusion. There were no statistically significant differences identified on measures between staff who were and were not involved in containment. More targeted intervention for patients’ anger may have a positive impact on interpersonal style and lead to the reduction of incidents. Staff education and skills training programmes should emphasise the importance of interpersonal styles which could help to promote and enhance positive interaction

Non-pharmacological interventions for reducing aggression and violence in serious mental illness : a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Background: For people with mental illness that are violent, a range of interventions have been adopted with the aim of reducing violence outcomes. Many of these interventions have been borrowed from other (offender) populations and their evidence base in a Serious Mental Illness (SMI) population is uncertain. Aims: To aggregate the evidence base for non-pharmacological interventions in reducing violence amongst adults with SMI and PD (Personality Disorder), and to assess the efficacy of these interventions. We chose to focus on distinct interventions rather than on holistic service models where any element responsible for therapeutic change would be difficult to isolate. Methods: We performed a systematic review and narrative synthesis of non-pharmacological interventions intended to reduce violence in a SMI population and in patients with a primary diagnosis of PD. Five online databases were searched alongside a manual search of seven relevant journals, and expert opinion was sourced. Eligibility of all returned articles was independently assessed by two authors, and quality of studies was appraised via the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias. Results: We included 23 studies of diverse psychological and practical interventions, with a range of experimental and quasi-experimental study designs that included 7 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs). The majority were studies of Mentally Disordered Offenders. The stronger evidence existed for patients with a SMI diagnosis receiving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or modified Reasoning & Rehabilitation (R&R). For patients with a primary diagnosis of PD, a modified version of R&R appeared tolerable and Enhanced Thinking Skills showed some promise in improving attitudes over the short-term, but studies of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in this population were compromised by high risk of experimental bias. Little evidence could be found for non-pharmacological, non-psychological interventions