Wind Power Planning Controversies and the Construction of ‘Expert’ and ‘Lay’ Knowledges

UK and Scottish planning policies include commitments to reflect the views of the public. However, this case study of one planning application for a wind farm in rural Scotland highlights the limited role played by lay knowledge within planning processes. The planning application process had two separate stages which structured the roles of lay and expert knowledge differently. Local objectors were able to influence the early planning application stage. However, this resulted in an appeals process (public inquiry) which was beyond the influence of lay people, and within which lay knowledge played only a marginal role. The early planning application stage enabled a wider range of knowledges to be relevant, perhaps even allowing lay knowledge to sideline expert knowledge. Within the inquiry such roles were reversed. Witnesses who could not back up their evidence with ‘reliable’ data or scientific reasoning were discredited as illegitimate and as having little to contribute to the inquiry process. Thus the inquiry constructed boundaries between expert and lay knowledge, in ways which diminished the role that lay knowledge might play. Whilst the construction of expert knowledge at the public inquiry played a central role in marginalising lay knowledge, it was central to all sides of the argument; the role of expert knowledge was reinforced by both the opposition group and the developers. Therefore, it is not only policy-makers and planning officials, but also lay people who act as though expert and lay knowledge can be clearly distinguished from one another.     

Modification of the optical band gap of polyethylene by irradiation with electrons and gamma rays

Irradiation of polymers has become an important technique in producing special materials for electronic applications. In this study, the effects of electron and gamma irradiation on ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) samples have been studied using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The UHMWPE samples were irradiated with electron and gamma rays with doses ranging from 25 kGy up to 500 kGy. An increase in the optical absorption and a shifting from the UV–Vis towards longer wavelengths were observed. Concomitantly, a pronounced decrease in the optical band gap was recorded as a function of dose level. The optical band gap E _g varied from 2.86 eV for a pristine sample down to ～1.98 eV and ～2 eV for samples irradiated with gamma rays and electrons at the highest doses, respectively. A correlation between E _g and the number of carbon atoms N in a formed cluster is discussed in terms of a modified Tauc equation.     

Learning to Optimize Speed,Accuracy, and Energy Expenditure: A Framework for Understanding Speed-Accuracy Relations in Goal-Directed Aiming

Over the last century, investigators have developed a number of models to explain the relation between speed and accuracy in target-directed manual aiming. The models vary in the extent to which they stress the importance of feedforward processes and the online use of sensory information (see D. Elliott, W. F. Helsen, & R. Chua, 2001, for a recent review). A common feature of those models is that the role of practice in optimizing speed, accuracy, and energy expenditure in goal-directed aiming is either ignored or minimized. The authors present a theoretical framework for understanding speed-accuracy tradeoffs that takes into account the strategic, trial-to-trial behavior of the performer. The strategic behavior enables individuals to maximize movement speed while minimizing error and energy expenditure.     

THE “GHOSTS” OF IRAS PAST AND THE CHANGING CULTURAL CONTEXT OF RELIGION AND SCIENCE

Beginning with our cosmic ancestors and the 1950s ancestors of Institute on Religion in an Age of Science (IRAS, the “Ghosts”), this essay highlights the wider, post‐World War II cultural context, including other science and religion organizations, in which IRAS was formed. It then considers eight challenges from today's context. From the context of science there are (1) the challenge of scale that leads us to question our place in the scheme of things and can lead to a challenge to morale concerning whether we make any difference; (2) the challenge of human variability that leads to the question whether there is a single human moral nature; and (3) the challenge of detailed explanation that leads to the question of what is the task of theology in relation to detailed scientific explanation. From the religion context there are (4) the challenge of objectivity—studying religion without practicing religion; and (5) the challenge of pluralism and the variety of cultural and religious perspectives. From the context of the growing and diverse science‐and‐religion enterprise, considered from the perspective of IRAS developed in the first part of this essay, there are the challenges of (6) apologetics and (7) intellectualization. Finally, from the context of our growing, worldwide consumerist culture that is contributing to the radical alteration of the planetary environment, leading to much suffering, there is (8) the challenge of becoming more motivated to act for the long‐term global good.     

Segregation of copper in an Fe–Cu alloy under pulsed electric current

Effect of electric current on the segregation of copper precipitates in the Fe–13.6Cu alloy is evaluated. Results of this approach present two stages of segregation, namely, grain-boundary segregation during the solidification and interphase-boundary segregation during the decomposition of a solid solution. The segregation becomes apparent not only because the thermodynamic barrier for segregation is decreased, but also because the diffusion is greatly enhanced. Based on the thermodynamic and kinetic aspects, the segregation process under electric current would be of great interest and of physical importance because this kind of electric current-induced segregation was much stronger than the thermal diffusion segregation.     

Mixed Generation Sensitivity Analysis: An Optimal Scenario Study

There are several generating units available to meet the load demand on any given day. The mixed‐integer programme case engages generating units that can be shut down or operated between minimum and maximum output levels within a specific time demand block. An examination of these conditions espouses the utilization of renewable energy technology as a reliable power generation source and its effectiveness and augmentation in a robust, heavily subjugated thermal generation system. The mixed‐integer problem has the predisposition to generate many subproblems during the computation. However, with careful selection of the parameters in the model, the challenges are easily overcome. Hydroelectric energy is significant from an operational standpoint as it requires little or no ramp‐up time, commonly found in many combustion technologies. The essential load‐following capability, peaking capacity and voltage stability attributes render hydroelectric energy as a significant part in ensuring reliable electricity service and in meeting customer needs in a market‐driven industry. When this renewable resource is combined with the thermal generation, an improved reliability function is apparent. Yet, in order to minimize the environmental effects inherent in this type of energy resource, the renewable power supply is expected to produce an effectual, consistent output. The integration of renewable generation within the electrical system entails intricate analysis of the transmission line upgrades throughout the system. These upgrades are designed to relieve congestion, improve reliability and provide voltage support by thoroughly evaluating the alternatives to accommodate the new expansion efforts. This paper examines the system integration of renewable generators, via simulated studies, in the context of electrical operations from the hydroelectric generation perspective. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inclusion of Alternative and Complementary Therapies in CACREP Training Programs

Abstract

Given a heightened focus within the mental health profession on creative, complementary, and alternative practices, the authors surveyed CACREP programs with respect to their inclusion of such approaches in counselor training. For the purpose of this study, these approaches were designated as complementary and alternative methods (CAM) and defined as those therapeutic practices that fall outside of the established traditional realm of medical, psychiatric, and psychological practice (hypnotherapy, breath work, meditation, Qigong, Reiki, Thought Field Therapy, etc.). Sixty-two programs responded. Over half (54%) stated that they currently include these approaches in course offerings. This article includes a discussion of creativity, expressive arts, and energy psychology as they relate to complementary and alternative therapies in mental health and medicine.     

潜逻辑运算类皮亚杰守恒任务中的负启动效应

本研究的目的是检验完成潜逻辑运算类皮亚杰守恒任务是否需要认知抑制的参与。被试为两组11岁的儿童,全部通过了标准皮亚杰重量及液体守恒任务。实验一发现儿童在解决类皮亚杰重量守恒任务时出现了负启动效应,负启动量为138.06ms。实验二发现儿童在完成类皮亚杰液体守恒任务时仍然存在负启动效应,负启动量为67.4ms。实验结果表明要成功完成潜逻辑运算领域类皮亚杰守恒任务,也需要认知抑制过程的参与。     

Paul Tillich and Pitirim A. Sorokin on Love

An analysis of Paul Tillich's three‐volume Systematic Theology and Pitirim A. Sorokin's The Ways and Power of Love: Types, Factors, and Techniques of Moral Transformation reveals how a metaphysical dialogue on God and love contributes to scientific and theological scholarship on altruism. This article focuses on similarities and differences in Tillich and Sorokin. Similarities include a belief in the importance of the ontological/love connection and the conclusion that a special state, ecstasy, is integral to the experience of genuine love. Differences serve to complement rather than negate. For example, Tillich's recognition that ecstatic connections with the divine within finitude are fragmentary balances Sorokin's view that these ecstatic peaks are reached only by the few. The similarities give resonance and point to the overall creation, while the differences often serve as counterpoint to balance the ideas of the scientist and the theologian.