57,257 research outputs found
Variability and polarization in the inner jet of 3C395
We present new results on the parsec-scale jet of the quasar 3C395, derived
from VLBI polarization sensitive observations made in 1995.91 and 1998.50 at
8.4, 15.4 and 22.2 GHz. The observations show a complex one-sided jet extending
up to 20 mas, with a projected magnetic field essentially aligned with the
radio jet. The emission is strongly dominated, in total intensity and
polarization, by the core and the inner jet region (of ~3 mas length). We have
studied the details of this dominant region finding clear structural variations
during this ~2.5 years period, in contrast with the apparent quietness of the
jet structure inferred from lower resolution VLBI observations. We observe the
ejection of a new component from the core and variations in the degree of
polarization of the inner jet components. We estimate a high Faraday Rotation
Measure close to the core, with a strong decrease along the inner jet.Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures, A&A in pres
THE PROBLEM OF SOVEREIGNTY, INTERNATIONAL LAW, AND INTELLECTUAL CONSCIENCE
The concept of sovereignty is a recurring and controversial theme in international law, and it has a long history in western philosophy. The traditionally favored concept of sovereignty proves problematic in the context of international law. International law’s own claims to sovereignty, which are premised on traditional concept of sovereignty, undermine individual nations’ claims to sovereignty. These problems are attributable to deep-seated flaws in the traditional concept of sovereignty. A viable alternative concept of sovereignty can be derived from key concepts in Friedrich Nietzsche’s views on human reason and epistemology. The essay begins by considering the problem of sovereignty from the ancient philosophical perspective inherent in the fundamental assumptions and ideas of Plato’s political philosophy and epistemology. It then considers the contemporary problem of sovereignty in the context of international law by examining Louis Henkin’s formulation of and approach to it in his essay That S-Word: Sovereignty, and Globalization, and Human Rights, Etc. Finally, the essay articulates Nietzsche’s views on intellectual conscience, discusses their merits and advantages when used in dealing the problem of sovereignty in the context of international law, and proposes a solution to this problem that draws on the philosophies of Nietzsche, Novalis, Kant and Plato. The essay illustrates the relevance and advantages of this solution by examining the issue of states’ reservations to international treaties and conventions
High-energy emission from Gamma-Ray Bursts
The number of Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) detected at high energies
( GeV) has seen a rapid increase over the last decade, thanks to
observations from the Fermi-Large Area Telescope. The improved statistics and
quality of data resulted in a better characterisation of the high-energy
emission properties and in stronger constraints on theoretical models. In spite
of the many achievements and progresses, several observational properties still
represent a challenge for theoretical models, revealing how our understanding
is far from being complete. This paper reviews the main spectral and temporal
properties of GeV emission from GRBs and summarises the most
promising theoretical models proposed to interpret the observations. Since a
boost for the understanding of GeV radiation might come from observations at
even higher energies, the present status and future prospects for observations
at very-high energies (above 100 GeV) are also discussed. The improved
sensitivity of upcoming facilities, coupled to theoretical predictions,
supports the concrete possibility for future ground GRB detections in the
high/very-high energy domain.Comment: Invited review article, IJMPD (in press
Influences of Accent and Ethnic Background on Perceptions of Eyewitness Testimony
The purpose of the present work was to investigate the effect two eyewitness factors, accent and ethnic background, have on the perceived favorability of eyewitness testimony and case disposition in criminal trials. Six variations of testimony were created and videotaped. The videotapes varied by accent and ethnic background of the eyewitness; the testimony text was identical. Four eyewitness favorability variables, a) credibility, b) judgment of accuracy, c) deceptiveness, and d) prestige, as well as their relationship to case disposition, were measured. One hundred seventy-four undergraduate participants viewed one of the six videotapes. Results indicate that there was a significant main effect of accent for the four eyewitness favorability variables. Accent by ethnic background interactions also yielded significant findings for the four variables as well as for the defendant’s degree of guilt. Results were interpreted using the Elaboration Likelihood Model. The potential importance of these results for judicial settings is discussed
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