The Necessity for a Time Local Dimension in Systems with Time Varying Attractors

We show that a simple non-linear system of ordinary differential equations may possess a time varying attractor dimension. This indicates that it is infeasible to characterize EEG and MEG time series with a single time global dimension. We suggest another measure for the description of non-stationary attractors.Comment: 13 Postscript pages, 12 Postscript figures (figures 3b and 4 by request from Y. Ashkenazy: [email protected]

Reducing Stigma toward the Transgender Community: An Evaluation of a Humanizing and Perspective-Taking Intervention

Transgender (TG) individuals, or those whose gender identities, expressions and/or behaviors differ from their biological sex (Kirk & Kulkarni, 2006) feel there is a pervasive pattern of discrimination and prejudice directed toward them (Lombardi et al., 2001). In comparison to their heterosexual peers, LGBT youth and emerging adults are at increased risk for a host of adverse outcomes including: suicide, depression, harassment, and victimization (IOM, 2011). Stigma has been characterized as encompassing several components: labeling, making an association between the label and a negative stereotype, separating those who are different as an “out-group” and discriminating. In a recent analysis of the transgender experience, Hill (2002) described three key constructs that can be used to understand negative emotions and behaviors toward transgender individuals: transphobia – an emotional disgust toward gender non-conforming individuals; genderism – a belief that gender non-conforming individuals are pathological or disordered; gender bashing – assault or harassment of gender non-conforming individuals. Recent work on minority stress posits a distal-proximal model of stress in which a person identifies with and makes proximal, distal social attitudes that can have negative effects on their psychological well-being (Meyer, 2003). Thus, stigmatized attitudes and behaviors not only have the potential to contribute to violence or discriminatory behavior but also have a direct impact on the psychological health of the target individual. Thus, the question of how to change negative attitudes and behaviors toward TG individuals is paramount. Researchers have sought to develop interventions aimed at reducing stigma with three basic strategies identified: protest, education and contact (Corrigan & Penn, 1999). However, to date only two such strategies have garnered empirical support: contact and education. In relation to mental illness, education strategies have received limited support (Holmes et al., 1999; see Luty et al., 2007 for an exception). In contrast, contact-based interventions yield the most dramatic changes in attitudes and behaviors; contact involving media depictions have also been demonstrated to yield positive attitude change. Comparing traditional diagnosis-centered teaching about mental illness to a humanizing approach that required students to write a first-person narrative about suffering from a mental illness, Mann and Himelein (2008) found that attitudes changed only when students were required to adopt the perspective of a mentally ill individual. In their recent meta-analysis, Pettigrew and Tropp (2006) demonstrated that contact reduces prejudice and is particularly effective when it occurs under favorable conditions (e.g., conditions of equality, cooperation, and institutional support). While a wealth of research has supported the contact hypothesis related to changing negative attitudes toward ethnic minorities, the mentally ill, the homeless, gays/lesbians and other stigmatized groups, there have been a limited number of studies evaluating associations between contact and attitudes toward the TG community (Harvey, 2002; Hill & Willoughby, 2005) and no controlled studies to evaluate the efficacy of such methods. The current study extends work evaluating anti-stigma interventions to the TG community and seeks to evaluate whether attitude change will differ between participants receiving basic education about the transgender community and those who are educated about TG through media depictions of TG families and are asked to engage in a perspective-taking task. We hypothesize that participants in the humanizing condition who view a documentary and write a first-person narrative of transgender experiences will show a more significant change in transphobia, genderist attitudes and desire for social distance across time relative to participants in the education-only condition signaling less stigmatized and prejudicial attitudes at post-test. Hodson (2011) recently examined the existing contact literature and found that, consistent with Pettigrew’s (1998) focus on individual differences, intergroup contact was effective (and perhaps even more effective) among individuals who were intolerant and cognitively rigid. Religious fundamentalism has been associated with anti-homosexual sentiment (Fulton et al., 1999). Whether religiosity is similarly associated with negative attitudes toward TG individuals will be explored. Whether religiosity and prior contact with the LGBTQ community will moderate intervention outcomes will also be explored

«Old Woman in very modern international dress» (German dual system of vet in Germany and in the World)

The purpose of authors – the colleagues cooperating within the Russian-German working group on vocational education – is to determine features of the German dual system of vocational education and training (VET) which make it effective and popular not only in Germany, but also in the world. Methods. In the presented article the methodology of comparative research on the basis of the analysis of results of activity of Slovakia, Italy, South Korea, Russia and other countries on reforming of VET system on the basis of experience of Germany is used. Methods of collecting empirical information on the projects started in the specified countries, methods of the conceptual and terminological analysis, interpretation and modeling, a problem method are chosen. Results. Specifics of the German dual system are revealed; the generalized model of dual VET is constructed; features of approaches of the different countries to use positive experience of Germany for development of its own VET systems are characterized.Scientific novelty. The authors point out the consecutive justification of the conditions necessary for quality vocational education in modern market economy relying on results of the comparative analysis of reforming processes of VET systems in different countries. Practical significance. Need of public-private partnership as bases of quality of personnel preparation and ensuring economic competitiveness of the countries is shown and concrete ways of creation of such partnership in a number of the Russian regions are described. The experience presented above can be used throughout the Russian FederationЦелью работы авторов – коллег, сотрудничающих в рамках Российско-Германской рабочей группы по профессиональному образованию – было определение особенностей немецкой дуальной системы профессионального образования и обучения, которые делают ее эффективной и популярной не только в Германии, но и в мире. Методология и методы. В ходе работы была задействована методология сравнительного исследования на основе анализа результатов деятельности Словакии, Италии, Южной Кореи, России и других стран по реформированию системы профессионального образования на основе опыта ФРГ. Использовались методы сбора эмпирической информации о проектах, запущенных в указанных странах; методы понятийно-терминологического анализа, интерпретации и моделирования, проблемный метод. Результаты. Выявлена специфика немецкой дуальной системы, построена обобщенная модель дуального профессионального образования и обучения, охарактеризованы особенности подходов разных стран к адаптации позитивного опыта Германии для развития собственных систем профессионального образования. Научная новизна работы состоит в последовательном обосновании условий, необходимых для качественного профессионального образования в современной ситуации рыночной экономики. С опорой на результаты сравнительного анализа показаны тенденции реформирования систем профессионального образования разных стран. Практическая значимость. Подтверждена необходимость государственно-частного партнерства как основы качества подготовки рабочих кадров и обеспечения экономической конкурентоспособности стран. Описаны конкретные пути создания такого партнерства в ряде российских регионов, чей опыт может быть распространен на всю территорию Российской Федерации

SOFT POWER: TRAINING OF VET TEACHERS AND TRAINERS (RESULTS OF THE RUSSIAN-GERMAN COOPERATION)

Introduction. Nowadays, in Russia the system of interaction between educational institutions and enterprises-employers in training of specialists is being built again after more than a twenty-year period of dissociation. Sharing experiences with other countries on networking and strengthening of education relations with production is very useful for establishing this process. The aim of the publication is to present the results of the Russian-German cooperation in the field of preparation of the qualified pedagogical staff for the system of vocational education as one of the key conditions for ensuring the proper quality of vocational education. Methodology and research methods. The methods involve the methodology of comparative research; methods of collecting empirical information; conceptual and terminological analysis, interpretation, modeling, and problem method. Results. The approaches to preparation of pedagogical staff of the VET system in Germany and Russia are revealed and compared. Specifics of the German model are shown: existence of several skill levels of teachers of vocational education, distribution of zones of their responsibility, variability of providers of additional education, its market nature and minimum participation in its regulation of the state. Features of the modern Russian theory and training experience of instructors of vocational training are described. Despite the existing distinctions of systems of professional education of two countries, the similarity of the Russian and German methods of vocational education is observed. The conclusion is drawn on a community of requirements imposed in Germany and Russia to category of the workers who are carrying out staff training for manufacturing sectors. It is confirmed by the German experts on the basis of the analysis of the standard «Teacher of Vocational Education, Professional Education and Additional Professional Education». Also, the standard was checked and compared to AEVO (the regulatory base defining federal requirements to instructors-teachers in Germany). Scientific novelty consists in justification of modern model of training for VET teachers and trainers. The model provides implementation of variable modular curricula of additional vocational education for VET teachers and trainers. The most fruitful Russian and German experience is integrated; the international requirements and advanced technologies are considered when creating the model of training. Practical significance. Except the model of training for VET teachers and trainers, the education guidance «Methods of Vocational Education» is worked out. The education guidance summary is outlined in the present article.Введение. В России после более чем двадцатилетнего периода разобщенности между образовательными учреждениями и предприятиями -работодателями вновь начинает выстраиваться система их взаимодействия в подготовке специалистов. Для налаживания этого процесса весьма полезным является обмен опытом с другими странами по налаживанию и укреплению связей сферы образования с производством. Цель статьи состоит в том, чтобы представить результаты российско-германского сотрудничества в области обеспечения одного из ключевых условий качества профессионального образования - подготовки квалифицированных педагогических кадров для системы профессионального обучения. Методология и методы. В работе использовались методология сравнительного исследования; методы сбора эмпирической информации; понятийно-терминологический анализ, интерпретация, моделирование и проблемный метод. Результаты. Выявлены и сопоставлены подходы к подготовке педагогических кадров системы профессионального образования в ФРГ и России. Показана специфика немецкой модели: наличие нескольких уровней квалификации педагогов профессионального обучения, распределение зон их ответственности, вариативность провайдеров дополнительного образования, его рыночный характер и минимальное участие государства в его регулировании. Описаны особенности современной российской теории и практики подготовки мастеров производственного обучения. Отмечается, что, несмотря на существующие различия систем профессионального образования двух стран, прослеживается сходство отечественных и немецких методик профессионального обучения. Сделан вывод об общности требований, предъявляемых в Гер мании и России к категории работников, осуществляющих обучение персонала для производственного сектора. Это, в частности, подтверждено немецкими экспертами на основе анализа стандарта «Педагог профессионального обучения, профессионального образования и дополнительного профессионального образования» и сравнения его с AEVO - нормативной базой, определяющей федеральные требования к инструкторам-педагогам в ФРГ. Научная новизна работы состоит в обосновании современной модели подготовки мастеров производственного обучения и работников, осуществляющих обучение на производстве. Модель предусматривает реализацию вариативных модульных программ дополнительного профессионального образования. При создании данной модели был интегрирован наиболее плодотворный российский и немецкий опыт, учтены международные требования и передовые технологии. Практическая значимость. Кроме модели обучения мастеров-педагогов и производственных наставников, им в помощь разработано учебное пособие «Методика профессионального обучения», содержание которого частично и кратко изложено в статье

Thiol density dependent classical potential for methyl-thiol on a Au(111) surface

A new classical potential for methyl-thiol on a Au(111) surface has been developed using density functional theory electronic structure calculations. Energy surfaces between methyl-thiol and a gold surface were investigated in terms of symmetry sites and thiol density. Geometrical optimization was employed over all the configurations while minimum energy and thiol height were determined. Finally, a new interatomic potential has been generated as a function of thiol density, and applications to coarse-grained simulations are presented

Iterative Temporal Motion Planning for Hybrid Systems in Partially Unknown Environments

This paper considers the problem of motion planning for a hybrid robotic system with complex and nonlinear dynamics in a partially unknown environment given a temporal logic specification. We employ a multi-layered synergistic framework that can deal with general robot dynamics and combine it with an iterative planning strategy. Our work allows us to deal with the unknown environmental restrictions only when they are discovered and without the need to repeat the computation that is related to the temporal logic specification. In addition, we define a metric for satisfaction of a specification. We use this metric to plan a trajectory that satisfies the specification as closely as possible in cases in which the discovered constraint in the environment renders the specification unsatisfiable. We demonstrate the efficacy of our framework on a simulation of a hybrid second-order car-like robot moving in an office environment with unknown obstacles. The results show that our framework is successful in generating a trajectory whose satisfaction measure of the specification is optimal. They also show that, when new obstacles are discovered, the reinitialization of our framework is computationally inexpensive

From Stardust to Planetesimals: Contributed Papers

On June 24 through 26, 1996, a scientific conference entitled From Stardust to Planetesimals was held at the Westin Hotel, Santa Clara, California, as part of the 108th annual meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Over the last decade, our understanding of the formation and early evolution of the solar system has advanced considerably due to progress that has been made simultaneously on many fronts. Stardust has been isolated in meteorites and interplanetary dust particles (IDP's), providing us with sample materials which predate the solar system and which offer clues to the processing that has occurred. At the same time, infrared studies have led to a better characterization of the composition of interstellar dust, which is now readily accepted as an important component of the interstellar medium infrared observations have also provided a much better view of the star-formation process and the role of dust therein. Recently, the presence of Kuiper Belt planetesimals has been confirmed and spectroscopy of these rather pristine objects may soon become available. Analysis of spacecraft data from the Comet Halley flybys has yielded a wealth of information on the composition of this comet. These observational advances have changed our understanding of planetesimal processing. The launch of the Infrared Space Observatory, the opening of 10-meter class telescopes, and, in the longer term, the Rosetta mission, promise to continue to broaden and deepen our understanding of the evolution from stardust to planetesimals. For these reasons we considered it timely to organize a meeting focused on the processes that connect stardust and planetesimals. The goal of this meeting was, therefore, to bring together astronomers interested in star- and planet-formation, planetary scientists studying early solar system relics, laboratory scientists studying the processing of analogs, and scientists analyzing meteorites and interplanetary dust particles, grain by grain. As a result of this endeavor, over 200 participants, including 153 scientists from 14 different countries, gathered to discuss the origin and evolution of stardust. We hope that this encounter in Santa Clara will foster an ongoing interchange of information and ideas within this diverse group of scientists. A major aim of this meeting was to produce conference proceedings which reflect the current situation regarding the evolution from stardust to planetesimals

Electronic structure of the (111) and (-1-1-1) surfaces of cubic BN: A local-density-functional ab initio study

We present ab initio local-density-functional electronic structure calculations for the (111) and (-1-1-1) surfaces of cubic BN. The energetically stable reconstructions, namely the N adatom, N3 triangle models on the (111), the (2x1), boron and nitrogen triangle patterns on the (-1-1-1) surface are investigated. Band structure and properties of the surface states are discussed in detail.Comment: 8 pages, 12 figure

Event-specific chorus wave and electron seed population models in DREAM3D using the Van Allen Probes

Abstract The DREAM3D diffusion model is applied to Van Allen Probes observations of the fast dropout and strong enhancement of MeV electrons during the October 2012 double-dip storm. We show that in order to explain the very different behavior in the two dips, diffusion in all three dimensions (energy, pitch angle, and Lo) coupled with data-driven, event-specific inputs, and boundary conditions is required. Specifically, we find that outward radial diffusion to the solar wind-driven magnetopause, an event-specific chorus wave model, and a dynamic lower-energy seed population are critical for modeling the dynamics. In contrast, models that include only a subset of processes, use statistical wave amplitudes, or rely on inward radial diffusion of a seed population, perform poorly. The results illustrate the utility of the high resolution, comprehensive set of Van Allen Probes\u27 measurements in studying the balance between source and loss in the radiation belt, a principal goal of the mission. Key Points DREAM3D uses event-specific driving conditions measured by Van Allen Probes Electron dropout is due to outward radial diffusion to compressed magnetopause Event-specific chorus and seed electrons are necessary for the enhancement

Evolution of Ultracold, Neutral Plasmas

We present the first large-scale simulations of an ultracold, neutral plasma, produced by photoionization of laser-cooled xenon atoms, from creation to initial expansion, using classical molecular dynamics methods with open boundary conditions. We reproduce many of the experimental findings such as the trapping efficiency of electrons with increased ion number, a minimum electron temperature achieved on approach to the photoionization threshold, and recombination into Rydberg states of anomalously-low principal quantum number. In addition, many of these effects establish themselves very early in the plasma evolution ($\sim$ ns) before present experimental observations begin.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, submitted to PR