MPI-Ding reference glasses for in situ microanalysis: New reference values for element concentrations and isotope ratios

We present new analytical data of major and trace elements for the geological MPI-DING glasses KL2-G, ML3B-G, StHs6/80-G, GOR128-G, GOR132-G, BM90/21-G, T1-G, and ATHO-G. Different analytical methods were used to obtain a large spectrum of major and trace element data, in particular, EPMA, SIMS, LA-ICPMS, and isotope dilution by TIMS and ICPMS. Altogether, more than 60 qualified geochemical laboratories worldwide contributed to the analyses, allowing us to present new reference and information values and their uncertainties (at 95% confidence level) for up to 74 elements. We complied with the recommendations for the certification of geological reference materials by the International Association of Geoanalysts (IAG). The reference values were derived from the results of 16 independent techniques, including definitive (isotope dilution) and comparative bulk (e.g., INAA, ICPMS, SSMS) and microanalytical (e.g., LA-ICPMS, SIMS, EPMA) methods. Agreement between two or more independent methods and the use of definitive methods provided traceability to the fullest extent possible. We also present new and recently published data for the isotopic compositions of H, B, Li, O, Ca, Sr, Nd, Hf, and Pb. The results were mainly obtained by high-precision bulk techniques, such as TIMS and MC-ICPMS. In addition, LA-ICPMS and SIMS isotope data of B, Li, and Pb are presented

Spotting False News and Doubting True News: A Meta-Analysis of News Judgments

How good are people at judging the veracity of news? We conducted a systematic literature review and pre-registered meta-analysis of 232 effect sizes from 53 experimental articles evaluating accuracy ratings of true and false news ($N_{participants}$ = 104'064 from 30 countries across 6 continents). We found that people rated true news as more accurate than false news (Cohen’s d = 1.26, [1.13, 1.39]) and were better at rating false news as false than at rating true news as true (Cohen’s d = 0.35, [0.25, 0.44]). In other words, participants were able to discern true from false news, and erred on the side of skepticism rather than credulity. The political concordance of the news had no effect on discernment, but participants were more skeptical of politically discordant news. These findings lend support to crowdsourced fact-checking initiatives, and suggest that, to improve discernment, there is more room to increase the acceptance of true news than to reduce the acceptance of false news

How wise is the crowd: Can we infer people are accurate and competent merely because they agree with each other?

Are people who agree on something more likely to be right and competent? Evidence suggests that people tend to make this inference. However, standard wisdom of crowds approaches only provide limited normative grounds. Using simulations, we argue that when individuals make independent and unbiased estimates, under a wide range of parameters, individuals whose answers converge with each other tend to have more accurate answers and to be more competent. In 2 experiments (UK participants, total N = 399), we show that participants infer that informants who agree have more accurate answers and are more competent, even when they have no priors, and that these inferences are weakened when the informants are systematically biased. In conclusion, we speculate that inferences from convergence to accuracy and competence might help explain why people deem scientists competent, even if they have little understanding of science

Testeinheit für volumetrische Absorber

Langzeittests von volumetrischen Absorbermodulen sind erforderlich, um deren Zuverlässigkeit für die Kommerzialisierung der HiTRec-Receivertechnologie sicherstellen zu können. Während Solarturmanlagen Tests von kompletten Receivern ermöglichen, kann die Langzeitstabilität einzelner Absorberelemente aus neuen Materialien und neuem Design in einem einfacheren Aufbau realisiert werden. Dazu wurde im Rahmen des F&E-Projekts KOSMOSOL (Kosten- und umwelteffiziente Energie aus modularen Solarturmkraftwerken) ein Teststand entwickelt und in ein Dish-System, das die benötigte Strahlungsleistung zur Verfügung stellt, auf der Plataforma Solar de Almeria (PSA) in Spanien integriert. In den letzten Monaten wurden verschiedene neue Absorber entwickelt und getestet

test facility for volumetric absorber

Long-time testing of volumetric absorber modules is an inevitable measure to gain experience and reliability in new solar technology. While solar tower test platforms can be perfectly used for intensive performance measurements of whole volumetric receivers the evaluation of individual components is rather difficult. In order to test the effects of operating cycles on single elements of new absorber materials and designs, a testing facility was developed and constructed. This testing facility is integrated into a parabolic Dish system on the PSA in Spain, that delivers the necessary concentrated solar radiation level