Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of subdominant modes on the interpretation of gravitational-wave signals from heavy binary black hole systems

Over the past year, a handful of new gravitational wave models have been developed to include multiple harmonic modes thereby enabling for the first time fully Bayesian inference studies including higher modes to be performed. Using one recently-developed numerical relativity surrogate model, NRHybSur3dq8, we investigate the importance of higher modes on parameter inference of coalescing massive binary black holes. We focus on examples relevant to the current three-detector network of observatories, with detector-frame masses and signal amplitudes consistent with plausible candidates for the next few observing runs. We show that for such systems the higher mode content will be important for interpreting coalescing binary black holes, reducing systematic bias, and computing properties of the remnant object. For asymmetric binaries with mass ratios $q>1$, higher modes are critical, and their omission usually produces substantial parameter biases. Even for comparable-mass binaries and at low signal amplitude, the omission of higher modes can influence posterior probability distributions. We discuss the impact of our results on source population inference and self-consistency tests of general relativity.
Multivariate Postprocessing Methods for High-Dimensional Seasonal Weather Forecasts

Abstract Seasonal weather forecasts are crucial for long-term planning in many practical situations and skillful forecasts may have substantial economic and humanitarian implications. Current seasonal forecasting models require statistical postprocessing of the output to correct systematic biases and unrealistic uncertainty assessments. We propose a multivariate postprocessing approach using covariance tapering, combined with a dimension reduction step based on principal component analysis for efficient computation. Our proposed technique can correctly and efficiently handle nonstationary, non-isotropic and negatively correlated spatial error patterns, and is applicable on a global scale. Further, a moving average approach to marginal postprocessing is shown to flexibly handle trends in biases caused by global warming, and short training periods. In an application to global sea surface temperature forecasts issued by the Norwegian climate prediction model, our proposed methodology is shown to outperform known reference methods. Supplementary materials for this article, including a standardized description of the materials available for reproducing the work, are available as an online supplement.
A semigroup approach to the convergence rate of a collisionless gas

We study the rate of convergence to equilibrium for a collisionless (Knudsen) gas enclosed in a vessel in dimension n = 2 or 3. By semigroup arguments, we prove that in the L1 norm, the polynomial rate of convergence given in Tsuji, Aoki and Golse, 2010 and Kuo, Liu and Tsai, 2013 can be extended to any sufficiently regular domain, with standard assumptions on the inital data. This is to our knowledge, the first quantitative result in collisionless kinetic theory in dimension equal to or larger than 2 relying on deterministic arguments that does not require any symmetry of the domain, nor a monokinetic regime. The dependancy of the rate with respect to the initial distribution is detailed. We adress for the first time the case where the temperature at the boundary varies and the equilibrium distribution is no longer explicit. The demonstrations are adapted from a deterministic version of a subgeometric Harris' theorem recently established by Canizo and Mischler, 2019. We also compare our model with a free-transport equation with absorbing boundary.
Unitary quantization of a charged scalar field and Schwinger effect

Quantum field theory in curved spacetimes suffers in general from an infinite ambiguity in the choice of Fock representation and associated vacuum. In cosmological backgrounds, the requirement of a unitary implementation of the field dynamics in the physical Hilbert space of the theory is a good criterion to ameliorate such ambiguity. Indeed, this criterion, together with a unitary implementation of the symmetries of the equations of motion, leads to a unique equivalence class of Fock representations. In this work, we apply the procedure developed for fields in cosmological settings to analyze the quantization of a scalar field in the presence of an external electromagnetic classical field in a flat background. We find a natural Fock representation that admits a unitary implementation of the quantum field dynamics. It automatically allows to define a particle number density at all times in the evolution with the correct asymptotic behavior, when the electric field vanishes. Moreover we show the unitary equivalence of all the quantizations that fulfill our criteria. Although we perform the field quantization in a specific gauge, we also show the equivalence between the procedures taken in different gauges.
A critical discussion of the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) method to determine stress orientations within the crust

Abstract. In recent years, the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) method has been used to detect faults and to determine main horizontal stress directions from variations in intensities and directional properties of electromagnetic emissions, which are assumed to be generated during micro-cracking. Based on a large data set taken from an area of about 250 000 km2 in Northern Germany, Denmark, and southern Sweden with repeated measurements at one location during a time span of about 1.5 yr, the method was systematically tested. Reproducible observations of temporary changes in the signal patterns, as well as a strongly concentric spatial pattern of the main directions of the magnetic component of the EMR point to very low frequency (VLF) transmitters as the main source and hence raise serious concerns about the applicability of the method to determine recent crustal stresses. We conclude that the EMR method, at its current stage of development, does not allow determination of the main horizontal stress directions.
Computer Science

The distributed computing infrastructure (DCI) on the basis of BOINC and EDGeS-bridge technologies for high-performance distributed computing is used for porting the sequential molecular dynamics (MD) application to its parallel version for DCI with Desktop Grids (DGs) and Service Grids (SGs). The actual metrics of the working DG-SG DCI were measured, and the normal distribution of host performances, and signs of log-normal distributions of other characteristics (CPUs, RAM, and HDD per host) were found. The practical feasibility and high efficiency of the MD simulations on the basis of DG-SG DCI were demonstrated during the experiment with the massive MD simulations for the large quantity of aluminum nanocrystals (∼ 10–10). Statistical analysis (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, moment analysis, and bootstrapping analysis) of the defect density distribution over the ensemble of nanocrystals had shown that change of plastic deformation mode is followed by the qualitative change of defect density distribution type over ensemble of nanocrystals. Some limitations (fluctuating performance, unpredictable availability of resources, etc.) of the typical DG-SG DCI were outlined, and some advantages (high efficiency, high speedup, and low cost) were demonstrated. Deploying on DG DCI allows to get new scientific quality from the simulated quantity of numerous configurations by harnessing sufficient computational power to undertake MD simulations in a wider range of physical parameters (configurations) in a much shorter timeframe.
External Technology Sourcing Through Alliances or Acquisitions: An Analysis of the Application-Specific Integrated Circuits Industry

In today's turbulent business environment innovation is the result of the interplay between two distinct but related factors: endogenous R&D efforts and (quasi) external acquisition of technology and know-how. Given the increasing importance of innovation, it is vital to understand more about the alternative mechanisms--such as alliances and acquisitions--that can be used to enhance the innovative performance of companies. Most of the literature has dealt with these alternatives as isolated issues. Companies, however, are constantly challenged to choose between acquisitions and strategic alliances, given the limited resources that can be spent on research and development. This paper contributes to the literature because it focuses on the choice between innovation-related alliances and acquisitions. We focus on the question of how the trade-off between strategic alliances and acquisitions is influenced by previous direct and indirect ties between firms in an industry network of interfirm alliances. We formulate hypotheses pertaining to the number of direct ties between two companies, their proximity in the overall alliance network, and their centrality in that network. In so doing, we distinguish between ties that connect firms from the same and from different industry segments, and those that connect firms from the same or from different world regions. These hypotheses are tested on a sample of strategic alliances and acquisitions in the application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) industry. The findings show that a series of strategic alliances between two partners increases the probability that one will ultimately acquire the other. Whereas previous direct contacts tend to lead to an acquisition, this is not true of previous indirect contacts, which increase the probability that a link between the companies, once it is forged, takes the form of a strategic alliance. In the case of acquisitions, firms that are more centrally located in the network of interfirm alliances tend to be acquirers, and firms with a less central position tend to become acquired. These findings underscore the importance of taking previously formed interfirm linkages into account when explaining the choice between strategic alliances and acquisitions, as these existing links influence the transaction costs associated with both alternatives.
A filtering technique to lower LC oscillator phase noise

Based on a physical understanding of phase-noise mechanisms, a passive LC filter is found to lower the phase-noise factor in a differential oscillator to its fundamental minimum. Three fully integrated LC voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) serve as a proof of concept. Two 1.1-GHz VCOs achieve -153 dBc/Hz at 3 MHz offset, biased at 3.7 mA from 2.5 V. A 2.1-GHz VCO achieves -148 dBc/Hz at 15 MHz offset, taking 4 mA from a 2.7-V supply. All oscillators use fully integrated resonators, and the first two exceed discrete transistor modules in figure of merit. Practical aspects and repercussions of the technique are discussed.
Uniqueness and Existence of Positive Solutions for Singular Differential Systems with Coupled Integral Boundary Value Problems

This paper provides sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions to a singular differential system with integral boundary value. The emphasis here is that the boundary conditions are coupled and this is where the main novelty of this work lies. By mixed monotone method, the existence and uniqueness results of the problem are established. An example is given to demonstrate the main results.
Electronic Mail Acceptance Evaluation by Extended Technology Acceptance Model and Moderation Effects of Espoused National Cultural Values Between Subjective Norm and Usage Intention

The aim of the study is to test the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2) for electronic mail (e-mail) acceptance in a Turkish iron and steel company and to investigate the moderation effects of Espoused National Cultural Values (ENCV) (i.e. Individualism/Collectivism (IC), Masculinity/Femininity (MF), Uncertainty Avoidence (UA) and Power Distance (PD)) between Subjective Norm (SN) and e-mail Usage Intention (UI). In addition, the direct effect of power distance on e-mail usage intention was investigated. The research included 286 white-collared partricipants. The Statistical Package and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) programmes were used for statistical analysis. In the result of the study, the Perceived Ease Of Use (PEOU) and subjective norm were found as determinants of e-mail usage intention, PEOU was found as a strong determinant of Perceived Usefulness (PU) and power distance had a negative direct effect on e-mail usage intention but moderated positively the relation between subjective norm and e-mail usage intention.
ASSOCIATION FOR CONSUMER RESEARCH The Proof of the Pudding Is in the Tasting – Or Is It? Novice Consumers' Trust in Providers of Online Advice

Trust in the capabilities of a system, such as a route planner, is considered important for online interactions to run to completion. Little is known, however, about trust formation in the absence of outcome feedback. Such situations presumably cause users to rely on indirect consensus information and direct process information. In two experiments it was examined how direct and indirect information interact to establish consumer trust towards a route planner. Experiment 1 showed that effectiveness of consensus information (cue) is moderated by mere process feedback. In the second experiment, users encountered route planners that provided either consistent or random process feedback. Results suggest that the former facilitated belief formation about the system’s functioning, causing trust to increase. In addition, consistency in process feedback influenced the effect of the cue on trust. ABSTRACT Trust in the capabilities of a system, such as a route planner, is considered important for online interactions to run to completion. Little is known, however, about trust formation in the absence of outcome feedback. Such situations presumably cause users to rely on indirect consensus information and direct process information. In two experiments it was examined how direct and indirect information interact to establish consumer trust towards a route planner. Experiment 1 showed that effectiveness of consensus information (cue) is moderated by mere process feedback. In the second experiment, users encountered route planners that provided either consistent or random process feedback. Results suggest that the former facilitated belief formation about the system’s functioning, causing trust to increase. In addition, consistency in process feedback influenced the effect of the cue on trust.
The influence of emotional labour strategies on customer satisfaction and word of mouth recommendations in group tours

Service employees are required to create and maintain a positive emotional disposition during a service encounter to influence the customer’s impressions and overall satisfaction. Different emotional labour strategies performed by employees will yield different effects because customers may perceive them as sincere, fake or robotic. This study aims to link the customer’s perception of the emotional labour strategies performed by service employees and the potential outcomes of these strategies on the customers. A correlation analysis is used to identify the relationship between the strategies and the customer outcome whereas a multiple regression is used to identify which of the strategies has the strongest effect on the customer outcome. Overall, the findings offer strategic marketing implications for practitioners.
Int. J. Biosci

Allelopathic effects of four crops including wheat, barley, canola, and safflower were studied on seed germinations and embryonic growth of wild mustard using different aqueous extract concentrations of the crops. The effects of wild mustard aqueous extracts were also studied on germinations and embryonic growth of the crops. Wild mustard germinations and embryonic growth were significantly affected by different crop aqueous extract concentration treatments. The germinations of wild mustard were terminated by 10w/v of all crop extracts. The allelopathic effect of barely on wild mustard germinations were more influential than wheat. Among examined crops, stronger inhibitory allelopathic effects were observed on wild mustard germination when aqueous extracts of safflower were applied. The germination of wild mustard were entirely failed to occur at 5 w/v concentration of safflower aqueous extracts. Crop species responded differently to allelopathic effects of wild mustard extracts as safflower was able to be more resistant. The more intensive inhibitory effects on wild mustard germinations due to the application of safflower aqueous extracts can demonstrate that they can be suggested as biological control agents in field management. It can be further suggested to use safflower in crop rotations because of the better performance of this species against alleclochemicals in areas that wild mustard is dominant. The future researches can be considered to find the exact components of allelochemicals in safflower and the target cells on which these substrates may influence in other plants. * Corresponding Author: Adel Modhej  adelmodhej2006@yahoo.com International Journal of Biosciences | IJB | ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print) 2222-5234 (Online) http://www.innspub. net Vol. 3, No. 10, p. 212-220, 2013
Science with the space-based interferometer eLISA: Supermassive black hole binaries

We compare the science capabilities of different eLISA mission designs, including four-link (two-arm) and six-link (three-arm) configurations with different arm lengths, low-frequency noise sensitivities and mission durations. For each of these configurations we consider a few representative massive black hole formation scenarios. These scenarios are chosen to explore two physical mechanisms that greatly affect eLISA rates, namely (i) black hole seeding, and (ii) the delays between the merger of two galaxies and the merger of the black holes hosted by those galaxies. We assess the eLISA parameter estimation accuracy using a Fisher matrix analysis with spin-precessing, inspiral-only waveforms. We quantify the information present in the merger and ringdown by rescaling the inspiral-only Fisher matrix estimates using the signal-to-noise ratio from nonprecessing inspiral-merger-ringdown phenomenological waveforms, and from a reduced set of precessing numerical relativity/post-Newtonian hybrid waveforms. We find that all of the eLISA configurations considered in our study should detect some massive black hole binaries. However, configurations with six links and better low-frequency noise will provide much more information on the origin of black holes at high redshifts and on their accretion history, and they may allow the identification of electromagnetic counterparts to massive black hole mergers.
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase and Carbon Assimilation in Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath)

SUMMARY: Intact cells of chemostat-grown Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) assimilated CO2 such that approximately 2.5% (w/w) of cell carbon arose from CO2 during growth with methane as carbon substrate. Radiolabelling studies suggested that CO2 was fixed by both ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase and known heterotrophic mechanisms. The pattern of CO2 fixation was similar to that in heterotrophically grown autotrophs. Enzyme analysis suggested the presence of a complete Calvin cycle but attempts to grow the organism autotrophically were unsuccessful. A specific phosphoglycollate phosphatase, required for the metabolism of phosphoglycollate arising as a result of RuBP oxygenase activity, was present. The product of this reaction, glycollate, was further metabolized by reactions of the serine cycle, used for C1 assimilation in type II methylotrophs. The possession of this pathway explains both the presence of hydroxypyruvate reductase and the results of [14C]formate uptake reported by other workers. The relationship between RuBP carboxylase/oxygenase and net carbon assimilation is discussed.
Isolation of Salmonella in Commercial Chicken Feeds in Ilala District

Salmonella is one of important hazardous pathogens causing salmonellosis in both humans and animals. In Tanzania, commercial chicken farming is a rapidly growing industry and salmonellosis is a serious problem. A study on Salmonella was conducted in commercially produced chicken feeds from feed mills in Ilala, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania between October 2015 and January 2016. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella contamination in commercial chicken feeds. Feed samples were collected from a total of 197 randomly selected feed bags of different types from 3 feed mills to estimate the contamination prevalence. Cultural and biochemical tests were performed for the presence of Salmonella in the samples. The overall prevalence of Salmonella in the study was 29.4%. The prevalence of Salmonella in broiler starter mash, broiler grower mash, broiler finisher mash and layers mash were confirmed to be 30.8%, 38.1%, 33.3% and 21.1 respectively and prevalence of Salmonella in batches 1 and 2 were 27.8% and 30.5% respectively. Prevalence of Salmonella contamination in feed mills A, B and C, was 22.2%, 48.1% and 14.7% respectively. Significantly higher (p = 0.001) prevalence of Salmonella contamination was seen in feed mill B when compared to the other two. The presence of Salmonella in commercial chicken feeds in Ilala presents a contamination hazard for both humans and Salmonella-free flocks, and therefore, calls for improvement of hygienic processing and handling of feeds for effective control measures.
Annual International Conference on Accounting and Finance ( AF 2012 ) Intellectual Capital Performance and Board Characteristics of GCC Banks Mahfoudh

This paper examines the relationship between board of directors’ characteristics (educational level diversity, nationality diversity, board interlocking, board size and number of independent directors) and intellectual capital performance in a sample of 147 banks in Gulf Cooperation council (GCC) countries for the period 2008-2010. The results show that IC performance of GCC listed banks is low. In contrast to our expectation, the number of independent directors has a significant negative relationship with IC performance of GCC listed banks. All other variables are not associated with IC performance. © 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Global Science and Technology Forum Pte Ltd
Physico-chemical Characteristics of Corrosion Scales from Different Pipes in Drinking Water Distribution Systems

Corrosion scales formed on iron pipe surfaces are an important factor defining water quality in drinking water distribution systems, since they would release contaminants and cause water discoloration at transient hydrodynamic regimes. Consequently, characterization of corrosion scales is indispensable to water quality protection. In this study, corrosion products were carefully collected from three old, corroded iron pipes made of different materials and exposed to different water qualities and operation conditions. Physico-chemical characteristics of these scales were determined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Testing results show that scale characteristics, including micromorphology, porosity and composition, vary significantly due to different pipe materials, water qualities and hydraulic conditions. Zinc coatings in galvanized pipes contribute to metal corrosion prevention, while attention should be paid to zinc release. High corrosive surface water facilitates the formation of developed corrosion tubercles, in which the compact shell-like layer conduces to maintain the structural stability of corrosion scales under disturbance. Structural breaks and low-velocity zones in water distribution systems might be in high potential of contaminant release, since the inhomogeneous materials and unusual hydraulic conditions would result in unstable scale characteristics.