Mach's thesis: Thermodynamics as the basic theory for physics teaching

Recently, some teachers have launched proposals for teaching physics by starting from thermodynamics rather than from mechanics. Such proposals are included in Mach's thesis, according to which thermodynamics is more basic for theoretical physics than mechanics. The past history of such a thesis is quickly sketched. Then, by recent results in theoretical physics, it is qualified in a new, modern version. As such it appears as an instance of a general conflict between two radically different ways to produce theoretical physics. The conflict results from two different options, about both the kind of mathematics and the kind of the organization of the theory. After such a general illustration of the great relevance of history of physics for physics teaching, the cultural bounds of such proposals are recognized and discussed.     

Rocking of a rigid block freestanding on a flat pedestal

The seismic protection of objects contained within museums is a topic of great interest, especially with reference to how they are displayed or stored. This problem is the same as that of a large class of non-structural components, such as mechanical and electrical hospital and laboratory equipment that could lose their functionality because of earthquakes. Statues and ceramics simply supported on the floor represent a significant set of case. In some cases, like the Bronzes of Riace, isolation systems have been developed. However, in general museum exhibits are not equipped with devices capable of mitigating the oscillations induced by possible earthquakes. The case study of a marble statue placed on a freestanding squat rigid pedestal is examined. The system of algebraic differential equations governing the problem has been derived and included in an ad-hoc numerical procedure. It is shown that the insertion of a squat rigid body with low frictional resistance at the lower interface with the floor, and high frictional resistance at the upper interface with the artifact significantly reduces the amplitude of the rocking response. As a result the artifact rocks without sliding on the rigid base that slides without rocking with respect to the floor. The numerical analysis performed can be a tool to help in the choice of the optimal friction values in the surfaces of the flat block, designed as a simple isolation system.     

水平支座上独立式刚性块的摆动模型（英文）

目的:本研究集中探讨水平支座上独立放置简单叠合的双刚性块的动力学行为,旨在通过构建并求解合适的动力学数值模型以助于设计可广泛适用于博物馆、实验室和医院的保护小型艺术品或装置的隔振系统。创新点:1.研究对象为两个叠合在一起的刚性块,较以往同类问题中的单一刚性块,更具现实意义;2.同时研究了刚性块的摆动和滑动两类运动模式。方法:1.基于达朗贝尔原理构建摆动控制方程,分析单刚体情形下的摆动并利用数值手段描述其滑动状态;2.在分析单刚体的基础上构建双刚体控制方程组并对其进行数值求解。结论:1.通过研究大理石雕塑置于蹲式刚性基底上且基底独立放置在移动地面上的情形发现,相比于滑动,雕塑自身的摆动是造成其损坏的主要原因;2.在某些情况下,刚体表面延迟的存在可以避免细长刚性块的翻转,尤其是对于那些细长的摇摆块体以及上部块体质量增加的情形;3.本文提出的数值分析可以成为优化简易隔振系统的一个有效工具。     

Variables contributing to academic success in an intermediate statistics course: the importance of learned resourcefulness

We examined the variables contributing to statistical anxiety, statistical resourcefulness and grades in an intermediate statistics course. Questionnaires assessing the aforementioned variables, as well as general resourcefulness, statistical self‐efficacy and attitudes, and grade goals were completed by 168 students in September and in January. Our findings revealed that students possessing a larger repertoire of general resourcefulness skills and higher statistical self‐efficacy were more likely to rely on statistical self‐control strategies, and, as a result, attain higher grades. Students having higher statistical test anxiety were not only less generally and statistically resourceful, but they were also more likely to be aiming for lower grades and attributing past performance disappointments to lack of ability and task difficulty.     

Inhibitory and bactericidal activity of the calmodulin antagonist,trifluoperazine, againstMycobacterium avium in vitro and within human monocyte-derived macrophages

The activity of a calmodulin antagonist, trifluoperazine (TFP), was testedin vitro againstMycobacterium avium (ATCC 25291). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of this compound forM. avium were 20 and 30 μg/ml, respectively. TFP was also found to completely inhibit the growth of 10 isolates ofM. avium (5 patient isolates and 5 environmental isolates) at 30 μg/ml. At near neutral pH (6.8), the MIC of TFP was found to be 20 μg/ml. However, at pH 5.5 (intracellular pH of macrophages), there was a decrease in the inhibitory activity of the compound against this organism. Interestingly, 99.6% ofM. avium within human monocyte-derived macrophages were killed at a drug concentration of 30 μg/ml, which correlates well with the MBC of TFP againstM. avium in vitro. Although the MIC for TFP appears to be higher than that forMycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇R_v, our studies suggest that calmodulin antagonists might be useful as drugs against infection due toM. avium. It is suggested that administration of TFP in combination with other known drugs may enhance the overall bactericidal effect.     

The impact of virtual technologies on knowledge-based processes: An empirical study

This study examines the organizational knowledge creation processes in two highly virtual teams involved in new product development projects in the automotive industry. Using Nonaka's model of knowledge creation, we explore how the virtualization of knowledge-based processes, i.e. the intensive exploitation of information and communication technologies (ICTs), has led to new forms of knowledge creation at both the individual and organizational levels. In contrast to previous studies that identify knowledge codification as the main contribution of ICTs, this study provides detailed micro-level evidence about the ability of virtual technologies to support the transfer and the creation of new knowledge – both explicit and tacit – and offers some implications for scholars and practitioners.     

The value of neurosurgical and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging tractography in clinically integrated neuroanatomy modules: A cross‐sectional study

Neuroanatomy is considered to be one of the most difficult anatomical subjects for students. To provide motivation and improve learning outcomes in this area, clinical cases and neurosurgical images from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractographies produced using an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI/DTI) were presented and discussed during integrated second‐year neuroanatomy, neuroradiology, and neurosurgery lectures over the 2008–2011 period. Anonymous questionnaires, evaluated according to the Likert scale, demonstrated that students appreciated this teaching procedure. Academic performance (examination grades for neuroanatomy) of the students who attended all integrated lectures of neuroanatomy, was slightly though significantly higher compared to that of students who attended these lectures only occasionally or not at all (P=0.04). Significantly better results were obtained during the national progress test (focusing on morphology) by students who attended the MRI/DTI‐assisted lectures, compared to those who did so only in part or not at all, compared to the average student participating in the national test. These results were obtained by students attending the second, third and, in particular, the fourth year (P≤0.0001) courses during the three academic years mentioned earlier. This integrated neuroanatomy model can positively direct students in the direction of their future professional careers without any extra expense to the university. In conclusion, interactive learning tools, such as lectures integrated with intraoperative MRI/DTI images, motivate students to study and enhance their neuroanatomy education. Anat Sci Educ 6: 294–306. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.     

Corporate dynamic transparency: the new ICT-driven ethics?

The term “corporate transparency” is frequently used in scholarly discussions of business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR); however, it remains a volatile and imprecise term, often defined incompletely as “information disclosure” accomplished through standardized reporting. Based on the results of empirical studies of organizational behaviors, this paper identifies a new set of managerial practices based on the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and particularly Internet-based tools. These practices are resulting in what can be termed “dynamic transparency.” ICT allows for an informational environment characterized by two-way exchange between corporations and their stakeholders, which fosters a more collaborative marketplace. It is proposed that such dynamic information sharing, conducted by means of ICT, drives organizations to display greater openness and accountability, and more transparent operations, which benefit both the corporations and their constituents. One of the most important outcomes that will accrue to consumers and other individuals is the “right to know,” especially about corporate strategies and activities that might directly affect their quality of life. This paper demonstrates that dynamic transparency is more desirable and more effective than the more common “static transparency” where firms’ information disclosure is one-way, usually in response to government regulation. We present three ethical arguments to justify the implementation by business firms of dynamic transparency and demonstrate that their doing so is related to CSR and to augment and complement stakeholder engagement and dialogue. The paper concludes with a summary of the possible limits to and the problems involved in the implementation of dynamic transparency for corporations, and suggests some strategies to counter them.