Characterization of the Hamamatsu R11780 12 inch Photomultiplier Tube

Future large water Cherenkov and scintillator detectors have been proposed for measurements of long baseline neutrino oscillations, proton decay, supernova and solar neutrinos. To ensure cost-effectiveness and optimize scientific reach, one of the critical requirements for such detectors are large-area, high performance photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). One candidate for such a device is the Hamamatsu R11780, a 12" PMT that is available in both standard and high quantum efficiency versions. Measurements of the single photoelectron response characteristics, relative efficiencies of the standard and high quantum efficiency versions, a preliminary measurement of the absolute quantum efficiency of the standard quantum efficiency version, and a two-dimensional scan of the relative efficiency across the photocathode surface are presented in this paper. All single photoelectron investigations were made using a Cherenkov light source at room temperature at a gain of 1*10^7. These results show that the R11780 PMT is a excellent candidate for such large optical detectors, including the peak-to-valley ratios greater than 2, transit time spreads around 1.3 ns, and late-pulsing probabilities less than 5%.Comment: 20 pages, 16 figure

IceCube expectations for two high-energy neutrino production models at active galactic nuclei

We have determined the currently allowed regions of the parameter spaces of two representative models of diffuse neutrino flux from active galactic nuclei (AGN): one by Koers & Tinyakov (KT) and another by Becker & Biermann (BB). Our observable has been the number of upgoing muon-neutrinos expected in the 86-string IceCube detector, after 5 years of exposure, in the range 10^5 < E/GeV < 10^8. We have used the latest estimated discovery potential of the IceCube-86 array at the 5-sigma level to determine the lower boundary of the regions, while for the upper boundary we have used either the AMANDA upper bound on the neutrino flux or the more recent preliminary upper bound given by the half-completed IceCube-40 array (IC40). We have varied the spectral index of the proposed power-law fluxes, alpha, and two parameters of the BB model: the ratio between the boost factors of neutrinos and cosmic rays, Gamma_nu/Gamma_{CR}, and the maximum redshift of the sources that contribute to the cosmic-ray flux, zCRmax. For the KT model, we have considered two scenarios: one in which the number density of AGN does not evolve with redshift and another in which it evolves strongly, following the star formation rate. Using the IC40 upper bound, we have found that the models are visible in IceCube-86 only inside very thin strips of parameter space and that both of them are discarded at the preferred value of alpha = 2.7 obtained from fits to cosmic-ray data. Lower values of alpha, notably the values 2.0 and 2.3 proposed in the literature, fare better. In addition, we have analysed the capacity of IceCube-86 to discriminate between the models within the small regions of parameter space where both of them give testable predictions. Within these regions, discrimination at the 5-sigma level or more is guaranteed.Comment: 24 pages, 6 figures, v2: new IceCube-40 astrophysical neutrino upper bound and IceCube-86 discovery potential used, explanation of AGN flux models improved, only upgoing neutrinos used, conclusions strengthened. Accepted for publication in JCA

Does Board Independence Reduce the Cost of Debt?

Using the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the associated change in listing standards as a natural experiment, we find that while board independence decreases the cost of debt when credit conditions are strong or leverage low, it increases the cost of debt when credit conditions are poor or leverage high. We also document that independent directors set corporate policies that increase firm risk. These results suggest that, acting in the interest of shareholders, independent directors are increasingly costly to bondholders with the intensification of the agency conflict between these two stakeholders

Human resource professionals\u27 perception of human resources\u27 value to senior management

This study examines and describes the perceptions of human resource professionals about their contribution and that of their departments to strategic planning and management. Human resource leaders from organizations with five hundred or more employees in Southern California responded to this survey. The significance of this study is its potential to increase our understanding of the contribution of the human resource function to strategic planning

Fad Diets: Which is Truly Best for you?

An estimated 45 million Americans go on a diet each year (Searing). Majority of the population, start off the year with resolutions to shed pounds or lead a healthier lifestyle by going On a strict diet. More than often, people dive into the latest trend in crash dieting headfirst, ending up either sick or disappointed in the results. In this research, I would like to provide the proper research by leading the focus on the most common types of diets and how they can either help or harm a person depending on what the goal is. Keep in mind; any kind of diet has the potential to be either seriously harmful or helpful. Yes, every fad diet has their importance but by taking on this diet you are also harming your body, in ways you wouldn't believe. A lack of nutrients and vitamins (vice versa) can cause different effects to your body. Effects like different diseases. With that being said, those who eliminate certain foods can harm your body in either a physical or emotional way. Individuals should not take on certain diets, unless prescribed for a medical condition. Many diets can also contribute in disordered eating.  Fad diets such as the Keto, and Paleo diets, fall into that category and should not be attempted unless prescribed for an extreme and emergent case. Does who take on these diets need to plan accordingly to see the health benefits. Purchase College SUNYLiberal StudiesBachelor of Fine ArtsHorn, Dashiell

Validity and Reliability of the Perceived Readiness for Discharge After Birth Scale

Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of a scale measuring mothers’ perceptions of readiness for discharge after birth. Design: Psychometric analyses including construct validity using factor analysis and known groups comparisons, predictive validity, and reliability. Data were collected at discharge and 6 weeks postdischarge. Setting: Tertiary-level perinatal center in the Midwestern United States. Participants: 1,462 postpartum mothers. Intervention: None. Main Outcome Measures: Perceived Readiness for Discharge After Birth Scale scores; subscale scores for personal status and knowledge factors.\u27 Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the scale contained two factors. Perceived Readiness for Discharge After Birth Scale scores were lower for mothers who were breast-feeding, married, primiparous, and had a short hospital stay (less than 30 hours) than for their comparison groups. The Perceived Readiness for Discharge After Birth Scale personal status factor was predictive of self-reported physical and psychosocial problems and unscheduled utilization of health services in the first 6 weeks postpartum. The knowledge factor was predictive of postdischarge telephone calls to the pediatric provider. Reliability estimates ranged from 0.83 to 0.89 for the total scale and subscales. Conclusions: The Perceived Readiness for Discharge After Birth Scale performed well in psychometric testing. Assessing mothers’perceptions of readiness for discharge is important for measuring outcomes of hospitalization and for identifying mothers at risk for postdischarge problems

Differences Among Ethnic Groups in Trauma Type and PTSD Symptom Severity

Psychologists are interested in individual characteristics associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to better understand stress and stress responses. The current literature is mixed about differences among ethnic groups for trauma and PTSD symptom endorsement and severity. Culture-specific perspectives lend different interpretations of potentially traumatic events, suggesting that members from different ethnic groups experience stressors differently and may consequently endorse different symptoms. Although some studies have examined differences among ethnic groups with respect to mental illness, research on the relationship between ethnicity and endorsement of trauma or PTSD symptoms is limited. Further, few studies have explored explanations for such differences. Group differences in symptom endorsement between individuals from African American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Caucasian ethnic groups will be examined. Additionally, hypothesized reasons for these differences (such as response bias and methodological issues) will be explored. This review highlights the importance of considering ethnicity-specific as well as methodological factors that influence endorsement of traumatic events and PTSD symptoms in response to traumatic stressors. This review will guide treatment providers in understanding and appropriately assessing PTSD symptoms by enhancing their understanding of the role of culture

Beyond Passing the Torch: Recommendations on Leveraging Age Diversity to Build a Stronger Democracy Now

As members of the New Pluralists, a funder collaborative working to foster a culture of pluralism in America, we are eager to share and apply generational learnings across our organizations. We're also eager to find answers to questions like these:How can we better map and understand the different civic touchpoints individuals might experience as they age?When and how might we regularly engage civic leaders in cross-generational exchange and collective action?What are concrete ways to leverage each generation's unique civic attributes to help  build a stronger democracy?Could more inclusive networks of young civic leaders and older civic leaders working together help us find more common ground as a nation? In the fall of 2022, we engaged 25 civic organizations across the country in a landscape analysis to begin to seek answers. Our goal was to identify emerging trends, shared values, and strategies that work to engage groups across all stages of the civic life cycle. We were heartened to unearth a number of promising, replicable practices for engaging diverse groups of individuals in civic and leadership opportunities.The report below outlines what we learned and provides a holistic view of how cross-generational civic engagement is already happening, both intentionally and unintentionally. It also outlines where more efforts are needed and includes a number of case studies we hope will spark new thinking on the importance of investing in age-diversity and a culture of collaboration across generations. Building a strong democracy requires a long view – and everyone at the table. No one generation can do it alone