University of Amsterdam

About: University of Amsterdam is a education organization based out in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 59309 authors who have published 140894 publications receiving 5984137 citations. The organization is also known as: UvA & Universiteit van Amsterdam.

A theory of unconscious thought

Abstract: We present a theory about human thought named the unconscious-thought theory (UTT). The theory is applicable to decision making, impression formation, attitude formation and change, problem solving, and creativity. It distinguishes between two modes of thought: unconscious and conscious. Unconscious thought and conscious thought have different characteristics, and these different characteristics make each mode preferable under different circumstances. For instance, contrary to popular belief, decisions about simple issues can be better tackled by conscious thought, whereas decisions about complex matters can be better approached with unconscious thought. The relations between the theory and decision strategies, and between the theory and intuition, are discussed. We end by discussing caveats and future directions.

Observation of weak localization of light in a random medium.

Abstract: We report the observation of weak localization of light in a random medium. In a sample consisting of a highly concentrated suspension of polystyrene particles in water, polarization-dependent enhanced backscattering of laser light was found within a cone of approximately 0.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (half angle) for the highest concentration.

Psychosocial problems and barriers to improved diabetes management: results of the Cross-National Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN) Study

Abstract: Aims To examine patient- and provider-reported psychosocial problems and barriers to effective self-care and resources for dealing with those barriers. Methods Cross-sectional study using face-to-face or telephone interviews with diabetic patients and health-care providers in 13 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Participants were randomly selected adults ( n = 5104) with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and providers ( n = 3827), including primary care physicians, diabetes specialist physicians and nurses. Results Regimen adherence was poor, especially for diet and exercise; provider estimates of patient self-care were lower than patient reports for all behaviours. Diabetes-related worries were common among patients, and providers generally recognized these worries. Many patients (41%) had poor psychological wellbeing. Providers reported that most patients had psychological problems that affected diabetes self-care, yet providers often reported they did not have the resources to manage these problems, and few patients (10%) reported receiving psychological treatment. Conclusions Psychosocial problems appear to be common among diabetic patients worldwide. Addressing these problems may improve diabetes outcomes, but providers often lack critical resources for doing so, particularly skill, time and adequate referral sources.

Evaluating metal–organic frameworks for post-combustion carbon dioxide capture via temperature swing adsorption

Abstract: Two representative metal–organic frameworks, Zn4O(BTB)2 (BTB3− = 1,3,5-benzenetribenzoate; MOF-177) and Mg2(dobdc) (dobdc4− = 1,4-dioxido-2,5-benzenedicarboxylate; Mg-MOF-74, CPO-27-Mg), are evaluated in detail for their potential use in post-combustion CO2 capture via temperature swing adsorption (TSA). Low-pressure single-component CO2 and N2 adsorption isotherms were measured every 10 °C from 20 to 200 °C, allowing the performance of each material to be analyzed precisely. In order to gain a more complete understanding of the separation phenomena and the thermodynamics of CO2 adsorption, the isotherms were analyzed using a variety of methods. With regard to the isosteric heat of CO2 adsorption, Mg2(dobdc) exhibits an abrupt drop at loadings approaching the saturation of the Mg2+ sites, which has significant implications for regeneration in different industrial applications. The CO2/N2 selectivities were calculated using ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) for MOF-177, Mg2(dobdc), and zeolite NaX, and working capacities were estimated using a simplified TSA model. Significantly, MOF-177 fails to exhibit a positive working capacity even at regeneration temperatures as high as 200 °C, while Mg2(dobdc) reaches a working capacity of 17.6 wt % at this temperature. Breakthrough simulations were also performed for the three materials, demonstrating the superior performance of Mg2(dobdc) over MOF-177 and zeolite NaX. These results show that the presence of strong CO2 adsorption sites is essential for a metal–organic framework to be of utility in post-combustion CO2 capture via a TSA process, and present a methodology for the evaluation of new metal–organic frameworks via analysis of single-component gas adsorption isotherms.

Selectivity, local rank, three‐way data analysis and ambiguity in multivariate curve resolution

Abstract: A new multivariate curve resolution method is presented and tested with data of various levels of complexity. Rotational and intensity ambiguities and the effect of selectivity on resolution are the focus. Analysis of simulated data provides the general guidelines concerning the conditions for uniqueness of a solution for a given problem. Multivariate curve resolution is extended to the analysis of three-way data matrices. The particular case of three-way data where only one of the orders is common between slices is studied in some detail