Measurement of the strong coupling alpha_S from the three-jet rate in e+e- - annihilation using JADE data

We present a measurement of the strong coupling alpha_S using the three-jet rate measured with the Durham algorithm in e+e- -annihilation using data of the JADE experiment at centre-of-mass energies between 14 and 44 GeV. Recent theoretical improvements provide predictions of the three-jet rate in e+e- -annihilation at next-to-next-to-leading order. In this paper a measurement of the three-jet rate is used to determine the strong coupling alpha_s from a comparison to next-to-next-to-leading order predictions matched with next-to-leading logarithmic approximations and yields a value for the strong coupling alpha_S(MZ) = 0.1199+- 0.0010 (stat.) +- 0.0021 (exp.) +- 0.0054 (had.) +- 0.0007 (theo.) consistent with the world average.Comment: 27 pages, 8 figure

Augmenting the 6-3-5 method with design information

This paper describes a comparative study between the 6-3-5 Method and the ICR Grid. The ICR Grid is an evolved variant of 6-3-5 intended to better integrate information into the concept generation process. Unlike a conventional 6-3-5 process where participants continually sketch concepts, using the ICR Grid (the name derived from its Inform, Create, Reflect activities and structured, grid-like output) participants are additionally required to undertake information search tasks, use specific information items for concept development, and reflect on the merit of concepts as the session progresses. The results indicate that although the quantity of concepts was lower, the use of information had a positive effect in a number of areas, principally the quality and variety of output. Although grounded in the area of product development, this research is applicable to any organisation undertaking idea generation and problem solving. As well as providing insights on the transference of information to concepts, it holds additional interest for studies on the composition and use of digital libraries