ABSTRACT We report here the discovery by the Intermediate Palomar Transient Factory (iPTF) of iPTF14yb, a luminous ( mag), cosmological (redshift 1.9733), rapidly fading optical transient. We ...demonstrate, based on probabilistic arguments and a comparison with the broader population, that iPTF14yb is the optical afterglow of the long-duration gamma-ray burst GRB 140226A. This marks the first unambiguous discovery of a GRB afterglow prior to (and thus entirely independent of) an associated high-energy trigger. We estimate the rate of iPTF14yb-like sources (i.e., cosmologically distant relativistic explosions) based on iPTF observations, inferring an all-sky value of yr−1 (68% confidence interval of 110-2000 yr−1). Our derived rate is consistent (within the large uncertainty) with the all-sky rate of on-axis GRBs derived by the Swift satellite. Finally, we briefly discuss the implications of the nondetection to date of bona fide "orphan" afterglows (i.e., those lacking detectable high-energy emission) on GRB beaming and the degree of baryon loading in these relativistic jets.
There has been speculation about a class of relativistic explosions with an initial Lorentz factor Γinit smaller than that of classical gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). These "dirty fireballs" would lack ...prompt GRB emission but could be pursued via their optical afterglow, appearing as transients that fade overnight. Here we report a search for such transients (that fade by 5- in magnitude overnight) in four years of archival photometric data from the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory (iPTF). Our search criteria yielded 50 candidates. Of these, two were afterglows to GRBs that had been found in dedicated follow-up observations to triggers from the Fermi GRB Monitor. Another (iPTF14yb) was a GRB afterglow discovered serendipitously. Eight were spurious artifacts of reference image subtraction, and one was an asteroid. The remaining 38 candidates have red stellar counterparts in external catalogs. The photometric and spectroscopic properties of the counterparts identify these transients as strong flares from M dwarfs of spectral type M3-M7 at distances of d 0.15-2.1 kpc; three counterparts were already spectroscopically classified as late-type M stars. With iPTF14yb as the only confirmed relativistic outflow discovered independently of a high-energy trigger, we constrain the all-sky rate of transients that peak at m = 18 and fade by Δm = 2 mag in Δt = 3 hr to be , with a 68% confidence interval of . This implies that the rate of visible dirty fireballs is at most comparable to that of the known population of long-duration GRBs.
Object-based learning includes the active incorporation of historic artifacts into educational environments, which may yield meaningful learning experiences. However, gaining access to artifacts and ...coordinating object-based curricula with museum staff pose immense challenges to educators. Furthermore, digital representations of historic artifacts are often removed from authentic, culturally-situated surroundings. By providing a system-level overview of a game currently under development titled
Kresy
, this emerging technology report explains how video game affordances, particularly interactive narrative, may support object-based learning in digital environments. To support object-based learning and engagement with 20th-century Eastern European history,
Kresy
weaves story through evidence collection and inquiry mechanics. In presenting these design considerations, this report shows the viability of merging game- and object-based learning within an immersive virtual environment.
To address the shortage of research that examines positive information experiences, this post-qualitative study examines how a hobbyist artifact fosters joy. This research focuses on the ...entanglements between a single person and a single document—specifically, a birding life list. Drawing from research on serious leisure pursuits, information behavior, and document studies, this playful examination uses auto-methodologies and poststructural techniques. By plugging in theory with depictions of the artifact and corresponding self-reflections, the study presents five elements of joy that emerged from the process. Born out of a series of diffractions, joy appeared through reflection on the hobbyist arc, the excitement of searching and collecting, storytelling, memoralia (narrative keepsakes), and the bittersweet feeling of joy's transience. Although this study focuses on list making, a behavior inherently imbued with rigidity, it presents the possibilities of fluid methodologies to examine positive human experiences in information science.
ABSTRACT This is a supplement to the Letter of Singer et al., in which we demonstrated a rapid algorithm for obtaining joint 3D estimates of sky location and luminosity distance from observations of ...binary neutron star mergers with Advanced LIGO and Virgo. We argued that combining the reconstructed volumes with positions and redshifts of possible host galaxies can provide large-aperture but small field of view instruments with a manageable list of targets to search for optical or infrared emission. In this Supplement, we document the new HEALPix-based file format for 3D localizations of gravitational-wave transients. We include Python sample code to show the reader how to perform simple manipulations of the 3D sky maps and extract ranked lists of likely host galaxies. Finally, we include mathematical details of the rapid volume reconstruction algorithm.
ABSTRACT
Awe experiences may increase awareness of knowledge gaps and promote inquiry. However, the relationship between awe and exploratory behavior, such as information seeking, remains unclear. To ...explore awe as an antecedent for information seeking, participants (n = 17) were exposed to a variety of virtual reality (VR) awe elicitors, and their quantitative and qualitative responses were gathered. One day later, participants responded to follow‐up questionnaires. Then, within one week, a stratified sample (n = 4) completed interviews. To determine which awe elicitors were the most curiosity‐provoking, the study utilized descriptive statistics as well as mixed‐effects logistic regressions. The study also included interpretative phenomenological analysis of the qualitative laboratory responses and interview transcripts. The findings suggest that awe‐inspiring VR content may be a valuable technique to promote intrinsic motivations for inquiry, but future design research is necessary to bridge the gap between intent and behavior.
Aspects of storytelling may be leveraged to foster greater motivation in student research projects. Recognizing this possibility, the following mixed‐method pilot study explores the effects of ...reading creative nonfiction on student inquiry within an information literacy (IL) course to spark interest in their topic. Participants reported time‐on‐task and source exploration, responded to scales of narrative immersion, interest, and self‐regulation, then responded to reflective prompts. Results show a correlation between situational interest in the topics of IL and inquiry and mental and emotional involvement in a narrative. Further study, however, is necessary to establish the motivational affordances of storytelling and narrative in facilitating student inquiry. Such research may inform IL pedagogy and instructional design practices.
Because of awe's properties as a knowledge emotion, awe elicitors can increase awareness of knowledge gaps, boost scientific interest, and promote inquiry. However, the relationship between awe and ...exploratory behavior, such as information seeking, remains unclear. Using a multi‐method approach, this study asked how and to what extent awe fosters information seeking. This question was examined through a two‐pronged approach. First, in a laboratory setting, participants (n = 32) were exposed to a variety of awe elicitors through a virtual reality (VR) head‐mounted display. Participants' quantitative and qualitative responses were gathered immediately after exposure in the laboratory as well as 24 h later through questionnaires. Second, after establishing a stratified sample of participants who voluntarily conducted information seeking (n = 8), the study shifted to phenomenologically‐informed interviews. This study found that exposure to specific VR scenes piqued participants' curiosity, especially toward representations of phenomena with unknown or unexplained origins. However, self‐motivated exploration only occurred in limited circumstances, particularly toward awe elicitors tinged with supernatural causality. In sum, this study introduces a new research direction within information science, illustrates how understudied awe elicitors pique curiosity, and provides a nuanced, qualitative report on the phenomenon of technology‐induced awe.
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