971 research outputs found
Magnetic field independence of the spin gap in YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-delta}
We report, for magnetic fields of 0, 8.8, and 14.8 Tesla, measurements of the
temperature dependent ^{63}Cu NMR spin lattice relaxation rate for near
optimally doped YBa_2Cu_3O_{7-delta}, near and above T_c. In sharp contrast
with previous work we find no magnetic field dependence. We discuss
experimental issues arising in measurements of this required precision, and
implications of the experiment regarding issues including the spin or pseudo
gap.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, as accepted for publication in Physical Review
Letter
A-STAR: The All-Sky Transient Astrophysics Reporter
The small mission A-STAR (All-Sky Transient Astrophysics Reporter) aims to
locate the X-ray counterparts to ALIGO and other gravitational wave detector
sources, to study the poorly-understood low luminosity gamma-ray bursts, and to
find a wide variety of transient high-energy source types, A-STAR will survey
the entire available sky twice per 24 hours. The payload consists of a coded
mask instrument, Owl, operating in the novel low energy band 4-150 keV, and a
sensitive wide-field focussing soft X-ray instrument, Lobster, working over
0.15-5 keV. A-STAR will trigger on ~100 GRBs/yr, rapidly distributing their
locations.Comment: Accepted for the European Astronomical Society Publications Series:
Proceedings of the Fall 2012 Gamma-Ray Burst Symposium held in Marbella,
Spain, 8-12 Oct 201
The effect of nose geometry on the aerothermodynamic environment of shuttle entry configurations
The effect was studied of nose geometry on the transition criteria for the windward boundary layer, on the extent of separation, on the heat transfer perturbation due to the canopy, and on the surface pressure and the heat transfer in the separated region. The data for each of these problems is analyzed. A literature review that concentrates on separation and the leeward flow-field is presented
Blaming Bill Gates AGAIN! Misuse, overuse and misunderstanding of performance data in sport
Recently in Sport, Education and Society, Williams and Manley (2014) argued against the heavy reliance on technology in professional Rugby Union and elite sport in general. In summary, technology is presented as an elitist, âgold standardâ villain that management and coaches use to exert control and by which players lose autonomy, identity, motivation, social interactions and expertise. In this article we suggest that the sociological interpretations and implications offered by Williams and Manley may be somewhat limited when viewed in isolation. In doing so, we identify some core methodological issues in Williams and Manleyâs study and critically consider important arguments for utilising technology; notably, to inform coach decision making and generate player empowerment. Secondly, we present a different, yet perhaps equally concerning, practice-oriented interpretation of the same results but from alternative coaching and expertise literature. Accordingly, we suggest that Williams and Manley have perhaps raised their alarm prematurely, inappropriately and on somewhat shaky foundations. We also hope to stimulate others to consider contrary positions, or at least to think about this topic in greater detail. More specifically, we encourage coaches and academics to think carefully about what technology is employed, how and why, and then the means by which these decisions are discussed with and, preferably, sold to players. Certainly, technology can significantly enhance coach decision making and practice, while also helping players to optimise their focus, empowerment and independence in knowing how to achieve their personal and collective goals
The illusion of competency versus the desirability of expertise: Seeking a common standard for support professions in sport
In this paper we examine and challenge the competency-based models which currently dominate accreditation and development systems in sport support disciplines, largely the sciences and coaching. Through consideration of exemplar shortcomings, the limitations of competency-based systems are presented as failing to cater for the complexity of decision making and the need for proactive experimentation essential to effective practice. To provide a better fit with the challenges of the various disciplines in their work with performers, an alternative approach is presented which focuses on the promotion, evaluation and elaboration of expertise. Such an approach resonates with important characteristics of professions, whilst also providing for the essential âshades of greyâ inherent in work with human participants. Key differences between the approaches are considered through exemplars of evaluation processes. The expertise-focused method, although inherently more complex, is seen as offering a less ambiguous and more positive route, both through more accurate representation of essential professional competence and through facilitation of future growth in proficiency and evolution of expertise in practice. Examples from the literature are also presented, offering further support for the practicalities of this approach
The adventure sports coach: All show and no substance?
The primary objective of this research was to establish the range of interpersonal strategies, tools and techniques used by adventure sports coaches (ASCs) to influence participantsâ actions and behaviours, and to determine where these strategies were acquired. An interpretative approach was employed using semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of expert paddlesport coaches (n = 4). Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to get close to the data and identify salient topics. Five themes were subsequently identified as fundamental to effective coachâparticipant interaction: appropriate environment, stories told, knowing the participant, formal training and situational context. The implications are that whilst ASCs have well-developed intuitive social engagement skills, these are not consciously or declaratively employed in coaching sessions, and neither are they used at strategic levels to enhance participant development. Therefore, a multi-layer approach is recommended to help ASCs access and employ these skills that has consequences for the education, training and continued professional development of ASCs
The Superconducting Condensation Energy and an Antiferromagnetic Exchange Based Pairing Mechanism
For the traditional low T_c superconductors, the superconducting condensation
energy is proportional to the change in energy of the ionic lattice between the
normal and superconducting state, providing a clear link between pairing and
the electron-ion interaction. Here, for the t-J model, we discuss an analogous
relationship between the superconducting condensation energy and the change in
the exchange energy between the normal and superconducting states. We point out
the possibility of measuring this using neutron scattering and note that such a
measurement, while certainly difficult, could provide important evidence for an
exchange interaction-based pairing mechanism.Comment: Replaced with revised versio
The Influence of Magnetic Imperfections on the Low Temperature Properties of D-wave Superconductors
We consider the influence of planar ``magnetic" imperfections which destroy
the local magnetic order, such as Zn impurities or vacancies, on the
low temperature properties of the cuprate superconductors. In the unitary
limit, at low temperatures, for a pairing state such
imperfections produce low energy quasiparticles with an anistropic spectrum in
the vicinity of the nodes. We find that for the system, one
is in the {\em quasi-one-dimensional} regime of quasiparticle scattering,
discussed recently by Altshuler, Balatsky, and Rosengren, for impurity
concentrations in excess of whereas YBCO appears likely to be
in the true 2D scattering regime for Zn concentrations less than . We
show the neutron scattering results of Mason et al. \cite{Aeppli} on
provide strong evidence for ``dirty d-wave"
superconductivity in their samples. We obtain simple expressions for the
dynamic spin susceptibility and spin-lattice relaxation time,
, in the superconducting state.Comment: 10 pages; revtex; Los Alamos preprint LA-UR-94-53
Integration of professional judgement and decision-making in high-level adventure sports coaching practice
This study examined the integration of professional judgement and decision-making processes in adventure sports coaching. The study utilised a thematic analysis approach to investigate the decision-making practices of a sample of high-level adventure sports coaches over a series of sessions. Results revealed that, in order to make judgements and decisions in practice, expert coaches employ a range of practical and pedagogic management strategies to create and opportunistically use time for decision-making. These approaches include span of control and time management strategies to facilitate the decision-making process regarding risk management, venue selection, aims, objectives, session content, and differentiation of the coaching process. The implication for coaches, coach education, and accreditation is the recognition and training of the approaches thatâcreate timeâ for the judgements in practice, namelyâcreating space to thinkâ. The paper concludes by offering a template for a more expertise-focused progression in adventure sports coachin
Decision making and risk management in adventure sports coaching
Adventure sport coaches practice in environments that are dynamic and high in risk, both perceived and actual. The inherent risks associated with these activities, individualsâ responses and the optimal exploitation of both combine to make the processes of risk management more complex and hazardous than the traditional sports where risk management is focused almost exclusively on minimization. Pivotal to this process is the adventure sports coachesâ ability to make effective judgments regarding levels of risk, potential benefits and possible consequences. The exact nature of this decision making process should form the basis of coaching practice and coach education in this complex and dynamic field. This positional paper examines decision making by the adventure sports coach in these complex, challenging environments and seeks to stimulate debate whilst offering a basis for future research into this topic
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