Daily Archives: August 26, 2014

Integrating factor

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In mathematics, an integrating factor is a function that is chosen to facilitate the solving of a given equation involving differentials. It is commonly used to solve ordinary differential equations, but is also used within multivariable calculus when multiplying through by an integrating factor allows an inexact differential to be made into an exact differential (which can then be integrated to give a scalar field). This is especially useful in thermodynamics where temperature becomes the integrating factor that makes entropy an exact differential.

— Wikipedia on Integrating factor

2014.08.26 Tuesday ACHK

Empathy

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themodelplumber 25 days ago

I used to live near the Tojimbo cliffs and have been thinking about the place (and what happens there) on and off since my first visit. I also really liked this NYT article, about a retired cop who made it his mission to stop suicide attempts at the cliffs. 222 lives had been saved as of late 2009.

scott_s 25 days ago

“Mr. Shige says his approach to stopping suicides is quite simple: when he finds a likely person, he walks up and gently begins a conversation. The person, usually a man, quickly breaks down in tears, happy to find someone to listen to his problems.”

Genuine empathy can be both powerful and shocking.

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bradleysmith 25 days ago

[Unexpected] empathy is always particularly moving, especially for the hopeless. It’s a STRONG pattern interrupt to a negative view of the world around you, and really makes people question themselves.

— Hacker News

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2014.08.26 Tuesday ACHK