764 research outputs found
Some aspects of the phase diagram of nuclear matter relevant to compact stars
Dense matter as it can be found in core-collapse supernovae and neutron stars
is expected to exhibit different phase transitions which impact the matter
composition and the equation of state, with important consequences on the
dynamics of core-collapse supernova explosion and on the structure of neutron
stars. In this paper we will address the specific phenomenology of two of such
transitions, namely the crust-core solid-liquid transition at sub-saturation
density, and the possible strange transition at super-saturation density in the
presence of hyperonic degrees of freedom. Concerning the neutron star
crust-core phase transition at zero and finite temperature, it will be shown
that, as a consequence of the presence of long-range Coulomb interactions, a
clusterized phase is expected which is not accessible in the grand-canonical
ensemble. A specific quasi-particle model will be introduced and some
quantitative results relevant for the supernova dynamics will be shown. The
opening of hyperonic degrees of freedom at higher densities corresponding to
the neutron stars core also modifies the equation of state. The general
characteristics and order of phase transitions in this regime will be analyzed
in the framework of a self-consistent mean-field approach.Comment: arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1206.4924,
arXiv:1301.695
Foundation biology studentsâ critical thinking ability: Self-efficacy versus actuality
Critical thinking (CT) is a highly valued skill, based on feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, and thus academics have long sought to embed CT into undergraduate curricula. In this study, we investigated foundation biology studentsâ self-efficacy of their CT skills (including three CT sub-elements), and whether such self-efficacies changed over a year of study. We also assessed studentsâ actual CT ability, and whether there were differences in self-efficacy and actual ability between male and female students. While studentsâ self-efficacy of their overall CT ability increased over the course of the year, this value was significantly lower than each of the CT sub-element efficacies, at both commencement and completion of the study. Conversely, studentsâ actual CT skills did not change over the year, although females scored higher than males in the one of the two units of study. We conclude that (i) there is a disconnect between our studentsâ self-efficacy of, and actual, CT ability; and (ii) there is a gender-based difference in their self-efficacy and actual CT ability. We recommend interventions to enhance foundation biology studentsâ understanding of CT and through this, improve the concordance between their self-efficacy of their CT skills and their actual CT ability
The Hidden Potential of Luminescent Solar Concentrators
The luminescent solar concentrator (LSC), originally introduced almost four decades ago as a potential alternative/complement to silicon solar cells, has since evolved to a versatile photovoltaic (PV) solution with realistic potential for seamless integration into the urban architectural landscape. Yet, a popular perception of the device still persists: the LSC is mostly seen as just a lowâefficiency solar panel. This review challenges this outdated notion and argues that the LSC is, to the contrary, a powerful and highly adaptive photonic platform with many more capabilities and potential than only generating electricity from sunlight. The field has seen a rapidly expanding application portfolio over the last few years, with LSCs now considered in various sensing applications, âsmartâ windows, chemical reactors, horticulture, and even in optical communication and realâtime responsive systems. The main goal of this work is to shed light onto this alternative application space and highlight the LSC's unique spectral manipulation, light distribution, and light concentration properties, and as a result, to encourage the participation from a broader range of disciplines into LSC research with the ultimate aim of stimulating the development of novel, LSC inspired technologies
Micro-cone arrays enhance outcoupling efficiency in horticulture luminescent solar concentrators
Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have shown the ability to realize spectral conversion, which could tailor the solar spectrum to better match photosynthesis requirements. However, conventional LSCs are designed to trap, rather than extract, spectrally converted light. Here, we propose an effective method for improving outcoupling efficiency based on protruded and extruded micro-cone arrays patterned on the bottom surface of LSCs. Using Monte Carlo ray tracing, we estimate a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 37.73% for our horticulture LSC (HLSC), corresponding to 53.78% improvement relative to conventional, planar LSCs. Additionally, structured HLSCs provide diffuse light, which is beneficial for plant growth. Our micro-patterned surfaces provide a solution to light trapping in LSCs and a foundation for the practical application of HLSCs
The Effect of the Short-Range Correlations on the Generalized Momentum Distribution in Finite Nuclei
The effect of dynamical short-range correlations on the generalized momentum
distribution in the case of , -closed shell
nuclei is investigated by introducing Jastrow-type correlations in the
harmonic-oscillator model. First, a low order approximation is considered and
applied to the nucleus He. Compact analytical expressions are derived and
numerical results are presented and the effect of center-of-mass corrections is
estimated. Next, an approximation is proposed for of
heavier nuclei, that uses the above correlated of He.
Results are presented for the nucleus O. It is found that the effect of
short-range correlations is significant for rather large values of the momenta
and/or and should be included, along with center of mass corrections
for light nuclei, in a reliable evaluation of in the whole
domain of and .Comment: 29 pages, 8 figures. Further results, figures and discussion for the
CM corrections are added. Accepted by Journal of Physics
Antecedents of Teachersâ Educational Beliefs about Mathematics and Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching among In-Service Teachers in High Poverty Urban Schools
This paper examines the antecedents of three types of educational beliefs about mathematics among 151 teachers predominantly working in high poverty schools. Studies across various countries have found that teachers in high poverty schools are less likely to enact instructional approaches that align with mathematics reform standards set by national and international organizations. Researchers contend that for instruction to change, educational beliefs about mathematics and teaching must change. Regression analyses indicated that mathematics-teaching experience was associated with teachersâ self-efficacy for teaching mathematics at the onset of professional development and the number of mathematics college courses teachers had taken moderated their change in self-efficacy beliefs through professional development. Findings also indicated that epistemic beliefs about mathematics, which became more availing through professional development, were the strongest predictor of their mathematical knowledge for teaching. Results may inform professional development programs in promoting adaptive educational beliefs among teachers in high poverty schools
Impact of curvature on the optimal configuration of flexible luminescent solar concentrators
Flexible luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) could deliver integrated photovoltaics in all aspects of our lives, from architecture to wearable electronics. We present and experimentally verify a model for the optimization of the external optical efficiency of LSCs under varying degrees of curvature. We demonstrate differences between the optimization of flat and bent LSCs, showing that optimal fluorophore concentrations can differ by a factor of two
Written Reflection Influences Science Studentsâ Perceptions of Their Own and Their Peersâ Teamwork and Related Employability Skills
The impact of written reflection on tertiary studentsâ self-efficacy, and corresponding evaluation of their peersâ abilities, is often imprecise and lacking in clarity. This study thus sought to assess the effects of a written reflective diary on science undergraduatesâ teamwork-related and other employability skills. Employability skills, in particular studentsâ teamwork-related skills, are crucial to studentsâ career development and progression. Assessment was carried out using a series of pre- and post-reflection online surveys, the TeamQ assessment rubric, and student focus groups. Participants identified five key teamwork skills, the importance of which remained constant over time. Written reflection had a significant, positive effect on studentsâ self-efficacy of their oral communication skills. Studentsâ written reflections were also important in shaping their perceptions about the domain of fostering a team climate, both in terms of their own self-efficacy and perceptions of their peersâ abilities. This study has interesting implications for future research into science studentsâ teamwork and other employability skills
To what extent are we confident that tapentadol induces less constipation and other side effects than the other opioids in chronic pain patients? : A confidence evaluation in network meta-analysis
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