Ropeway roller batteries dynamics. Modeling, identification, and full-scale validation

A parametric mechanical model based on a Lagrangian formulation is here proposed to predict the dynamic response of roller batteries during the vehicles transit across the so-called compression towers in ropeways transportation systems. The model describes the dynamic interaction between the ropeway substructures starting from the modes and frequencies of the system to the forced dynamic response caused by the vehicles transit. The analytical model is corroborated and validated via an extensive experimental campaign devoted to the dynamic characterization of the roller battery system. The data acquired on site via a custom-design sensor network allowed to identify the frequencies and damping ratios by employing the Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) method. The high fidelity modeling and the system identification procedure are discussed

Automation methodologies and large-scale validation for GWGW, towards high-throughput GWGW calculations

The search for new materials, based on computational screening, relies on methods that accurately predict, in an automatic manner, total energy, atomic-scale geometries, and other fundamental characteristics of materials. Many technologically important material properties directly stem from the electronic structure of a material, but the usual workhorse for total energies, namely density-functional theory, is plagued by fundamental shortcomings and errors from approximate exchange-correlation functionals in its prediction of the electronic structure. At variance, the $GW$ method is currently the state-of-the-art {\em ab initio} approach for accurate electronic structure. It is mostly used to perturbatively correct density-functional theory results, but is however computationally demanding and also requires expert knowledge to give accurate results. Accordingly, it is not presently used in high-throughput screening: fully automatized algorithms for setting up the calculations and determining convergence are lacking. In this work we develop such a method and, as a first application, use it to validate the accuracy of $G_0W_0$ using the PBE starting point, and the Godby-Needs plasmon pole model ($G_0W_0^\textrm{GN}$@PBE), on a set of about 80 solids. The results of the automatic convergence study utilized provides valuable insights. Indeed, we find correlations between computational parameters that can be used to further improve the automatization of $GW$ calculations. Moreover, we find that $G_0W_0^\textrm{GN}$@PBE shows a correlation between the PBE and the $G_0W_0^\textrm{GN}$@PBE gaps that is much stronger than that between $GW$ and experimental gaps. However, the $G_0W_0^\textrm{GN}$@PBE gaps still describe the experimental gaps more accurately than a linear model based on the PBE gaps.Comment: 12 pages, 11 figure

Happiness at work: Measurement scale validation

La felicidad del trabajador es un factor determinante de su eficiencia a corto y a largo plazo. En la literatura encontramos intentos de medir dicha felicidad directamente, y otros centrados en conocer cuáles son los elementos que generan esta felicidad. El presente trabajo realiza el análisis de validez de una escala propuesta por Del Junco, Espasandín, Dutschke y Palacios (2013) en la que se exponen factores determinantes de la felicidad del trabajador. El trabajo aporta una guía para la validación de escalas con un enfoque estructural y confirmatorio, basada en los datos de 262 empresas de la provincia de Sevilla (España). Asimismo, la escala muestra dos dimensiones (factores relacionados con el puesto de trabajo y factores relacionados con el trabajador) que confirman la necesidad de combinar la perspectiva del individuo y del entorno a la hora de analizar la felicidad laboral.Workers’ happiness is a determining factor of their short- and long-term efficiency. Several scholars have attempted to develop happiness measurement frameworks. The present work analyzes the validity of a scale proposed by Del Junco, Espasandín, Dutschke, and Palacios (2013) in which factors determining worker happiness are elucidated and examined. The work provides a guide for validating scales using a structural and confirmatory approach on the basis of data derived from 262 companies in the province of Seville (Spain). The scale examines two dimensions—factors related to the job and factors related to the worker—that confirm the need to combine both individual and environmental perspectives when analyzing worker happiness

Field-scale validation of an automated soil nitrate extraction and measurement system

One of the many gaps that needs to be solved by precision agriculture technologies is the availability of an economic, automated, on-the-go mapping system that can be used to obtain intensive and accurate ‘real-time’ data on the levels of nitrate nitrogen (NO3–N) in the soil. A soil nitrate mapping system (SNMS) has been developed to provide a way to collect such data. This study was done to provide extensive field-scale validation testing of the system’s nitrate extraction and measurement sub-unit (NEMS) in two crop (wheat and carrot) production systems. Field conditions included conventional tillage (CT) versus no tillage (NT), inorganic versus organic fertilizer application, four soil groups and three points in time throughout the season. Detailed data analysis showed that: (i) the level of agreement, as measured by root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and coefficient of efficiency (CE), between NEMS soil NO3–N and standard laboratory soil NO3–N measurements was excellent; (ii) at the field-scale, there was little practical difference when using either integer or real number data processing; (iii) regression equations can be used to enable field measurements of soil NO3–N using the NEMS to be obtained with laboratory accuracy; (iv) future designs of the SNMS’s control system can continue to use cheaper integer chip technology for processing the nitrate ion-selective electrode (NO3 -–ISE) readings; and (v) future designs of the SNMS would not need a soil moisture sensor, ultimately saving on manufacturing costs of a more simple syste

Scale Validation Of American Exceptionalism Index

A powerful nation that commits reprehensible actions but only holds other countries accountable must be checked, especially if the nation\u27s populace turns a blind eye. This thesis sought to validate a new scale called the American Exceptionalism Index. The current study draws from instruction and examples from academics and professionals who have experience with scale validation – a primer was developed and available to guide future scale development. Following these steps or the inherent purpose behind these steps, the current study seeks to contribute to the American Exceptionalism literature. The current study seeks to validate the American Exceptionalism Index (AEI) and compare it to Gilmore\u27s thirteen national exceptionalism bias items (2015). A total of 506 U.S. adults (M = 35.8, SD = 10.7) took part in the study, and 477 were included in analyses. The average score of the AEI and the average scores of each of the four domains were correlated to the average score of the two domains of Gilmore’s items separately and conjointly. A mistake was made in creating the survey; one item of Gilmore’s first domain was mistakenly left out of the current study and was not intentional. Despite the error, the second domain remained fit to analyze. The AEI nearly achieved convergent validity with Gilmore’s thirteen U.S. national exceptionalism bias items. Despite this, the current study asserts that, with some future improvements, the AEI is a new, valid scale measuring American Exceptionalism

Universality of citation distributions revisited

Radicchi, Fortunato, and Castellano [arXiv:0806.0974, PNAS 105(45), 17268] claim that, apart from a scaling factor, all fields of science are characterized by the same citation distribution. We present a large-scale validation study of this universality-of-citation-distributions claim. Our analysis shows that claiming citation distributions to be universal for all fields of science is not warranted. Although many fields indeed seem to have fairly similar citation distributions, there are quite some exceptions as well. We also briefly discuss the consequences of our findings for the measurement of scientific impact using citation-based bibliometric indicators

Organizational Commitment Scale Validation in Tanzanian Context

The study was designed to investigate Constructs Independence; Normality; Reliability and Validity of Allen and Meyer’s Questionnaire (1990) three constructs namely Affective, Normative and Continuous Commitment in Tanzanian data. It was purposively planned and conducted in two separate phases (Study 1 and 2). In study 1; Tanzanian data were tested if Allen and Meyer’s Questionnaire (1990) yielded independent constructs. In study 2; tests for validity, reliability and normality levels were primary to the study. All tests came following solid theoretical background pertaining to how Hofstede (2001) cultural dimensions determine response styles, response bias and questionnaire response across cultures. A total of total of 104 and 214 respondents from Tanzanian Councils were involved in study 1 and study 2 respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated Meyers and Allen three scales were component of common constructs. Specified PCA models on the three scales showed significant results indicated by p< .05; and KMO greater than 0.6. and no loading variable was worse than 0.90. Similarly; Normality Analysis suggested data collected yielded normality; as combined graph produced Skewness (.265); Kurtosis (-1.427) and skewness value range between -.5 and +.5. Also; Cronbach Alpha Analyses indicated; data collected had Cronbach Alpha better than .70 the reliability minimum requirement scores in all three questionnaire constructs. Further; Confirmatory Factors Analysis revealed that Meyers and Allen Questionnaire yielded significant validity using fit indices RMR (Root Mean Square Residual), GFI (Goodness Fit Index), TLI (Tucker-Lewis Index), CFI (Comparative Fit Index) and RMSEA (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation). Thus, it was concluded that Meyers and Allen Questionnaire is reliable and valid for organizational commitment studies in Tanzanian context. Recommendations for reducing or eliminating questionnaire response bias to have better statistical analyses and estimations were included. Keywords: Organizational Commitment; Cultural Dimension; Response Styles; Councils; Tanzania DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/10-22-09 Publication date: November 30th 2020

A continental-scale validation of ecosystem service models

Faced with environmental degradation, governments worldwide are developing policies to safeguard ecosystem services (ES). Many ES models exist to support these policies, but they are generally poorly validated, especially at large scales, which undermines their credibility. To address this gap, we describe a study of multiple models of five ES, which we validate at an unprecedented scale against 1675 data points across sub-Saharan Africa. We find that potential ES (biophysical supply of carbon and water) are reasonably well predicted by the existing models. These potential ES models can also be used as inputs to new models for realised ES (use of charcoal, firewood, grazing resources and water), by adding information on human population density. We find that increasing model complexity can improve estimates of both potential and realised ES, suggesting that developing more detailed models of ES will be beneficial. Furthermore, in 85% of cases, human population density alone was as good or a better predictor of realised ES than ES models, suggesting that it is demand, rather than supply that is predominantly determining current patterns of ES use. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of ES model validation, even in data-deficient locations such as sub-Saharan Africa. Our work also shows the clear need for more work on the demand side of ES models, and the importance of model validation in providing a stronger base to support policies which seek to achieve sustainable development in support of human well-being

Appraisal Self-respect: Scale Validation and Construct Implications

This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/[insert DOI]Despite the widely accepted recognition of the notion of self-respect and its importance for emotional well-being, it has received scant attention in the psychological literature. We report on the development and validation of a scale to measure trait (character-based) appraisal self-respect (ASR), conceptualised as a disposition to perceive or appraise oneself as being a respectworthy honourable person. We tested the factor structure, reliability, convergent, discriminant and criterion validity of the ASR scale in samples of adult individuals (combined N = 1910 across samples). The resulting ASR scale was found to be essentially unidimensional and showed good internal and acceptable test-retest reliability. Trait ASR was correlated with (yet distinct from) theoretically related measures of global self-esteem, moral self and principledness, and was distinct from other self-esteem facets not based on honourable character traits. Importantly, it related to well-being and prosocial behaviour over-and-above self-esteem. The validation work served to consolidate the theoretical boundaries and utility of this important concept