Numerical simulations of a two-dimensional lattice grain boundary model

We present detailed Monte Carlo results for a two-dimensional grain boundary model on a lattice. The effective Hamiltonian of the system results from the microscopic interaction of grains with orientations described by spins of unit length, and leads to a nearest-neighbour interaction proportional to the absolute value of the angle between the grains. Our analysis of the correlation length xi and susceptibility chi in the high-temperature phase favour a Kosterlitz-Thouless-like (KT) singularity over a second-order phase transition. Unconstrained KT fits of chi and xi confirm the predicted value for the critical exponent nu, while the values of eta deviate from the theoretical prediction. Additionally we apply finite-size scaling theory and investigate the question of multiplicative logarithmic corrections to a KT transition. As for the critical exponents our results are similar to data obtained from the XY model, so that both models probably lie in the same universality class.Comment: 13 pages, Latex, 7 figures, to appear in Physica

Ontology as Transcendental Philosophy

How does the critical Kant view ontology? There is no shared scholarly answer to this question. Norbert Hinske sees in the Critique of Pure Reason a “farewell to ontology,” albeit one that took Kant long to bid (Hinske 2009). Karl Ameriks has found evidence in Kant’s metaphysics lectures from the critical period that he “was unwilling to break away fully from traditional ontology” (Ameriks 1992: 272). Gualtiero Lorini argues that a decisive break with the tradition of ontology is essential to Kant’s critical reform of metaphysics, as is reflected in his shift from “ontology” to “transcendental philosophy,” two notions that Lorini takes to be related by mere “analogy” (Lorini 2015). I agree with Lorini that a thorough reform of ontology is a pivotal part of Kant’s critical plan for metaphysics and that ontology somehow “survives within the critical philosophy” (Lorini 2015: 76). To make this case, however, I deem it important to identify “ontology” and “transcendental philosophy” in the sense of extensional equivalence. While we can detect this identification in Kant’s writings, only from his metaphysics lectures can we get a full sense of its historical and philosophical significance. In this chapter I focus on how it represents a definitive turn from as well as notable continuity with traditional treatments of ontology, particularly the Wolffian one

A Guide to Ground in Kant's Lectures on Metaphysics

While scholars have extensively discussed Kant’s treatment of the Principle of Sufficient Ground in the Antinomies chapter of the Critique of Pure Reason, and, more recently, his relation to German rationalist debates about it, relatively little has been said about the exact notion of ground that figures in the PSG. My aim in this chapter is to explain Kant’s discussion of ground in the lectures and to relate it, where appropriate, to his published discussions of ground

A Frontal Dust Storm in the Northern Hemisphere at Solar Longitude 97 : An Unusual Observation by the Emirates Mars Mission

Funding Information: Funding for the development of the EMM mission was provided by the United Arab Emirates Government, and to co‐authors outside of the United Arab Emirates by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. This work was also supported by a joint research agreement between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the National Space Science and Technology Center in the United Arab Emirates University. CG, BKG, and RMBY were supported by the United Arab Emirates University Grant “Mars and Earth atmospheric science research at the National Space Science and Technology Center,” G00003407. RMBY was also supported by UAE University grant G00003322.Peer reviewe

Ecotoxicological implications of leachates from concrete demolition debris on oligochaetes: survival and oxidative stress status

Urbanization and population growth demand the construction of structures to facilitate the need for space, and old infrastructures must make space for new ones leading to demolition and concrete debris. In addition to demolition, aging and weather are factors leading to concrete deterioration and, thus, a new challenge as an environmental pollutant. Studies on how concrete debris and leachate affect biota in the environment are limited. The present study aimed to understand the effects of leachate from various sizes of concrete debris on the three oligochaete species Enchytraeus crypticus, Tubifex, and Lumbriculus variegatus. Acute toxicity testing was carried out to determine the adverse effects over time. The oligochaetes’ survival was monitored as well as the activity of the biotransformation enzyme glutathione S-transferase and the antioxidative enzyme catalase as indicators of the oxidative stress status. Leachate from the smallest concrete particle size (<1 mm) was found to be the most toxic as it caused, on average, 6-fold increased oligochaete mortality compared to the larger pieces (2–5 cm) after 96 h of exposure, potentially due to the larger surface area facilitating the release of toxicants. Substrate buffered the toxic effect of the leachate with 42 ± 12% fewer mortalities and reduced adverse effects on the enzymes. Of the three oligochaetes, E. crypticus was the most resilient to the concrete leachate. The study is the first to investigate the effects of concrete leachate on oligochaetes.Peer reviewe

Seasonal and diurnal variations of dust storms in Martian Year 36 based on the EMM-EXI database

Peer reviewe

Teachers’ needs and preparation to use technology in the U.S. and Japan K-12: Learning from teachers

A body of literature on the changing nature of knowledge acquisition, teaching, and learning with technology, has been rapidly growing within the last decade. In examining how teachers learn to use technology in the U. S. and Japan, it seems that those processes follow a similar pattern: to some extent, teacher preparation programs prepare future teachers in technology use. Frequently, however, many students learn how to use technology (e.g., various computing devices and software) on their own. Because technology is constantly evolving, it seems that those responsible for regular professional development, such as school districts (U.S.) and the Board for Education (Japan), should be much more engaged in providing up-to-date training in how to use technology, and more importantly, in – how to integrate technology into instruction across curriculum

Patient-Provider Discussions about Lung Cancer Screening Pre- and Post-Guidelines: Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS)

Objective In 2013, the USPSTF issued a Grade B recommendation that long-term current and former smokers receive lung cancer screening. Shared decision-making is important for individuals considering screening, and patient-provider discussions an essential component of the process. We examined prevalence and predictors of lung cancer screening discussions pre- and post-USPSTF guidelines. Methods Data were obtained from two cycles of the Health Information National Trends Survey (2012; 2014). The analyzed sample comprised screening-eligible current and former smokers with no personal history of lung cancer (n = 746 in 2012; n = 795 in 2014). Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted; patient-reported discussion about lung cancer screening with provider was the outcome of interest. Results Contrary to expectations, patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening were more prevalent pre-guideline, but overall patient-provider discussions were low in both years (17% in 2012; 10% in 2014). Current smokers were more likely to have had a discussion than former smokers. Significant predictors of patient-provider discussions included family history of cancer and having healthcare coverage. Conclusions The prevalence of patient-provider discussions about lung cancer screening is suboptimal. Practice implications There is a critical need for patient and provider education about shared decision-making and its importance in cancer screening decisions

Sub-Hourly Observations of Dust Storm Growth, Lee Waves, and Lyot Crater, by the EMM Camera EXI

Funding Information: Funding for the development of the EMM mission was provided by the United Arab Emirates Government, and to co‐authors outside of the United Arab Emirates by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. This work was also supported by a Joint Research Agreement between the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the National Space Science and Technology Center in the United Arab Emirates University. CG, BKG, and RMBY were supported by the United Arab Emirates University through research Grant G00003407.Peer reviewedPublisher PD