Optimal progressive taxation in a model with endogenous skill supply

No abstract available

Securing Access to Sustain Presence and Overcome Chinese Influence in the Indo-Pacific

NPS NRP Technical ReportChinese control over ports in the Indo-Pacific region is increasingly viewed by the United States and its partners as a threat to their security interests. More specifically, analysts are inclined to see the Belt and Road Initiative as a vehicle for extending Chinese military influence. Until recently, it was difficult for the United States, let alone the U.S. Navy on its own, to compete directly with Chinese efforts to acquire access to ports and logistics facilities in the Indo-Pacific. Traditional tools of security cooperation and assistance were not designed to meet the type of challenge the BRI presents. However, in 2019 the United States established the Development Finance Corporation and joined with Australia and Japan to create the Blue Dot Network. These initiatives provide resources and official support for infrastructure development in lower income countries. This study aims to identify where, when, and how U.S. naval diplomacy can leverage these new initiatives to counter Chinese access and logistics facilities in the Indo-Pacific while enhancing USN access and logistics there.N3/N5 - Plans & StrategyThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Securing Access to Sustain Presence and Overcome Chinese Influence in the Indo-Pacific

NPS NRP Executive SummaryChinese control over ports in the Indo-Pacific region is increasingly viewed by the United States and its partners as a threat to their security interests. More specifically, analysts are inclined to see the Belt and Road Initiative as a vehicle for extending Chinese military influence. Until recently, it was difficult for the United States, let alone the U.S. Navy on its own, to compete directly with Chinese efforts to acquire access to ports and logistics facilities in the Indo-Pacific. Traditional tools of security cooperation and assistance were not designed to meet the type of challenge the BRI presents. However, in 2019 the United States established the Development Finance Corporation and joined with Australia and Japan to create the Blue Dot Network. These initiatives provide resources and official support for infrastructure development in lower income countries. This study aims to identify where, when, and how U.S. naval diplomacy can leverage these new initiatives to counter Chinese access and logistics facilities in the Indo-Pacific while enhancing USN access and logistics there.N3/N5 - Plans & StrategyThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Developing and Researching PhET simulations for Teaching Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is difficult to learn because it is counterintuitive, hard to visualize, mathematically challenging, and abstract. The Physics Education Technology (PhET) Project, known for its interactive computer simulations for teaching and learning physics, now includes 18 simulations on quantum mechanics designed to improve learning of this difficult subject. Our simulations include several key features to help students build mental models and intuitions about quantum mechanics: visual representations of abstract concepts and microscopic processes that cannot be directly observed, interactive environments that directly couple students' actions to animations, connections to everyday life, and efficient calculations so students can focus on the concepts rather than the math. Like all PhET simulations, these are developed using the results of education research and feedback from educators, and are tested in student interviews and classroom studies. This article provides an overview of the PhET quantum simulations and their development. We also describe research demonstrating their effectiveness and share some insights about student thinking that we have gained from our research on quantum simulations.Comment: accepted by American Journal of Physics; v2 includes an additional study, more explanation of research behind claims, clearer wording, and more reference

Second Southeast Asia Strategic Dialogue; Nuclear Challenges in Southeast Asia: Promoting Cooperation and Consensus

This workshop was convened to examine Southeast Asian perceptions of nuclear security and nonproliferation challenges, and to explore opportunities for international and regional cooperation to address them.2012 010Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited

Optimal progressive taxation in a model with endogenous skill supply

No abstract available

Chemical climatology: a case study for ozone

In 1872 Scottish chemist Robert Angus Smith established the basis of ‘chemical climatology’ explicitly designed to assess the human health impact of the ‘man-made climates’ in cities. Since then usage of chemical climatology has been sporadic. However with large volumes of atmospheric composition datasets available from campaign measurements, monitoring and modelling, as well as pollutant impact studies, an updated framework based on Angus Smith’s principles would be useful as a resource for both scientists and policy makers. Through analogy with the use of the term climate in other areas (e.g. meteorological or political) a modern chemical climatology framework is described, highlighting impact-focused principles. To derive the chemical climatology the impact of atmospheric composition is first identified (e.g. damage to human health) The impact is linked to the state of atmospheric composition in time and space (e.g. ozone concentrations in the UK 1990 -2010). Finally the drivers of the state are assessed (e.g. emissions, chemical background, chemical precursors, meteorology). Two chemical climates are presented: O3-human health and ozone-vegetation. The chemical climates are derived from measurements at the two UK European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP) monitoring ‘supersites’: Auchencorth Moss and Harwell. The impacts of O3 on human health and on vegetation are assessed using the SOMO35 and AOT40 metrics respectively. Drivers of significant spatial variation in these impacts across the UK, and temporal changes at Harwell between 1990 and 2011 are discussed, as well as the relative importance of hemispheric, regional and local O3 chemical processing and its precursors. The individual site assessments are placed in regional context through the statistical evaluation of O3 variation across Europe. The chemical climatology framework allows integration of individual scientific studies focussing on specific processes within the impact-state and driver space into a synthesised and more general understanding. This approach provides opportunities for developing understanding of multiple impacts are considered for each chemical component allow identification of common drivers of impacts, and potentially holistically considered mitigation strategies

The longitudinal link between visual acuity and health-related quality of life in patients with diabetic retinopathy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This study characterized the degree of change in health-related quality of life (HRQL) associated with change in visual acuity among patients with diabetic retinopathy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Data are from a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of ruboxistaurin for vision loss in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Visual acuity was quantified as letters on the ETDRS visual acuity chart. HRQL was assessed with the 25-Item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) and the SF-36. Patients were categorized into groups based on visual acuity change from baseline to month 18. HRQL change of these groups was compared using general linear models. Regression analyses examined visual acuity change defined continuously.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Patients (N = 535) were primarily Caucasian (81.9%) and male (64.1%); mean age = 59.3 years. Compared to patients whose visual acuity did not change, the group with > 10 letters vision loss had significantly greater decreases in all VFQ-25 subscales except ocular pain. SF-36 change scores did not correspond as closely to change in vision. Change in visual acuity defined continuously was significantly associated with change in all VFQ-25 scales except ocular pain (p < 0.0001).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Change in visual acuity was associated with corresponding changes in HRQL among patients with diabetic retinopathy. Previous research has often defined vision loss as a loss of at least 15 letters on the ETDRS visual acuity chart. In the current study, however, a loss of at least 10 letters was associated with substantial declines in HRQL domains such as driving, dependency, role limitations, and mental health. These findings suggest that patients who experience vision loss of at least 10 letters may be appropriate targets of future research and clinical intervention.</p

Indications & Warning for Amphibious Ops against Taiwan: Philosophy, Methodology, Applications, Results

NPS NRP Executive SummaryThis research applies an Indications and Warning (I&W) analytical philosophy and methodology to the problem of warning of an amphibious movement against the Island of Taiwan. It identifies the tenets and philosophy behind I&W analysis; the general issues that must be addressed to undertake effective I&W analysis related to an amphibious operation against Taiwan; the alternative warning scenarios and various indicators associated with different types of amphibious attack against Taiwan (i.e., a rough template for the conduct of I&W amphibious analysis); and the issues involved in developing an operational response to warning. The research will culminate in an effort to engage senior line officers about the crucial role played by theater commanders when it comes to utilizing I&W intelligence. Warning only works when commanders are prepared to utilize it.Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI)N2/N6 - Information WarfareThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.