25,109 research outputs found
On the large-scale angular distribution of short-Gamma ray bursts
We investigate the large-scale angular distribution of the short-Gamma ray
bursts (SGRBs) from BATSE experiment, using a new coordinates-free method. The
analyses performed take into account the angular correlations induced by the
non-uniform sky exposure during the experiment, and the uncertainty in the
measured angular coordinates. Comparising the large-scale angular correlations
from the data with those expected from simulations using the exposure function
we find similar features. Additionally, confronting the large-angle
correlations computed from the data with those obtained from simulated maps
produced under the assumption of statistical isotropy we found that they are
incompatible at 95% confidence level. However, such differences are restricted
to the angular scales 36o - 45o, which are likely to be due to the non-uniform
sky exposure. This result strongly suggests that the set of SGRBs from BATSE
are intrinsically isotropic. Moreover, we also investigated a possible
large-angle correlation of these data with the supergalactic plane. No evidence
for such large-scale anisotropy was found.Comment: Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal, 6 pages, 3
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The impact of cyberloafing and physical exercise on performance: a quasi-experimental study on the consonant and dissonant effects of breaks at work
This study aims to examine the consonant and dissonant effects that cyberloafing and physical exercise may have on individuals’ performance as activities of occupying rest breaks at work. Built upon an innovative perspective, a laboratory quasi-experimental study was developed where a total of 124 participants performed two different tasks—a cognitive task measuring errors and omissions and a motor task. Their performance was evaluated after a cyberloafing or physical exercise break. Aligned with the cognitive dissonance theory, results revealed that physical exercise breaks had a positive effect on motor performance. Conscientiousness and engagement also presented a medium effect size, suggesting a trend to moderate the impact of cyberloafing breaks on cognitive performance. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as limitations of the study and areas for future research, were also explored.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Initial pseudo-steady state & asymptotic KPZ universality in semiconductor on polymer deposition
The Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) class is a paradigmatic example of universality
in nonequilibrium phenomena, but clear experimental evidences of asymptotic
2D-KPZ statistics are still very rare, and far less understanding stems from
its short-time behavior. We tackle such issues by analyzing surface
fluctuations of CdTe films deposited on polymeric substrates, based on a huge
spatio-temporal surface sampling acquired through atomic force microscopy. A
\textit{pseudo}-steady state (where average surface roughness and spatial
correlations stay constant in time) is observed at initial times, persisting up
to deposition of monolayers. This state results from a fine
balance between roughening and smoothening, as supported by a phenomenological
growth model. KPZ statistics arises at long times, thoroughly verified by
universal exponents, spatial covariance and several distributions. Recent
theoretical generalizations of the Family-Vicsek scaling and the emergence of
log-normal distributions during interface growth are experimentally confirmed.
These results confirm that high vacuum vapor deposition of CdTe constitutes a
genuine 2D-KPZ system, and expand our knowledge about possible
substrate-induced short-time behaviors.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, 2 table
Responsive bystander behaviour in cyberbullying: a path through self-efficacy
Bystander behaviour and self-efficacy beliefs play an important role in cyberbullying incidence. This study tested the relationship between the Bystander Intervention Model phases and the mediating role of adolescents’ self-efficacy beliefs. Children from the fifth to twelfth grade (N = 676) participated in this study by responding to questionnaires concerning the various phases of the Bystander Intervention Model and self-efficacy beliefs to resolve cyberbullying-related problems. Through structural equation modelling, noticing an incident of cyberbullying had a direct and indirect effect on aggressive behaviour, and an indirect effect on reporting and problem-solving behaviour. The indirect effect of interpreting the event through attributing responsibility was significant for aggressive and problem-solving behaviour. The mediator role of reflective decision-making had a stronger effect on direct problem-solving. Self-efficacy beliefs significantly affected the relationship between interpreting the event and all behaviour, but stronger for direct problem-solving. These findings help explain empirically how bystanders respond to incidents of cyberbullying.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
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