  We present a study of "nodal semimetal" phases, in which non-degenerate
conduction and valence bands touch at points (the "Weyl semimetal") or lines
(the "line node semimetal") in three-dimensional momentum space. We discuss a
general approach to such states by perturbation of the critical point between a
normal insulator (NI) and a topological insulator (TI), breaking either time
reversal (TR) or inversion symmetry. We give an explicit model realization of
both types of states in a NI--TI superlattice structure with broken TR
symmetry. Both the Weyl and the line-node semimetals are characterized by
topologically-protected surface states, although in the line-node case some
additional symmetries must be imposed to retain this topological protection.
The edge states have the form of "Fermi arcs" in the case of the Weyl
semimetal: these are chiral gapless edge states, which exist in a finite region
in momentum space, determined by the momentum-space separation of the bulk Weyl
nodes. The chiral character of the edge states leads to a finite Hall
conductivity. In contrast, the edge states of the line-node semimetal are "flat
bands": these states are approximately dispersionless in a subset of the
two-dimensional edge Brillouin zone, given by the projection of the line node
onto the plane of the edge. We discuss unusual transport properties of the
nodal semimetals, and in particular point out quantum critical-like scaling of
the DC and optical conductivity of the Weyl semimetal, and similarities to the
conductivity of graphene in the line node case.


  Neural population responses in sensory systems are driven by external
physical stimuli. This stimulus-response relationship is typically
characterized by receptive fields, which have been estimated by neural system
identification approaches. Such models usually requires a large amount of
training data, yet, the recording time for animal experiments is limited,
giving rise to epistemic uncertainty for the learned neural transfer functions.
While deep neural network models have demonstrated excellent power on neural
prediction, they usually do not provide the uncertainty of the resulting neural
representations and derived statistics, such as the stimuli driving neurons
optimally, from in silico experiments. Here, we present a Bayesian system
identification approach to predict neural responses to visual stimuli, and
explore whether explicitly modeling network weight variability can be
beneficial for identifying neural response properties. To this end, we use
variational inference to estimate the posterior distribution of each model
weight given the training data. Tests with different neural datasets
demonstrate that this method can achieve higher or comparable performance on
neural prediction, with a much higher data efficiency compared to Monte Carlo
dropout methods and traditional models using point estimates of the model
parameters. Furthermore, our approach enables to identify response properties
with credible intervals and perform statistical test for the learned neural
features, which avoid the idiosyncrasy of a single model. Finally, in silico
experiments show that our model generates stimuli driving neuronal activity
significantly better than traditional models, particularly in the limited-data
regime.


  We propose a simple method for realizing a multiqubit phase gate of one qubit
simultaneously controlling $n$ target qubits, by using three-level quantum
systems (i.e., qutrits) coupled to a cavity or resonator. The gate can be
implemented using one operational step and without need of classical pulses,
and no photon is populated during the operation. Thus, the gate operation is
greatly simplified and decoherence from the cavity decay is much reduced, when
compared with the previous proposals. In addition, the operation time is
independent of the number of qubits and no adjustment of the qutrit level
spacings or the cavity frequency is needed during the operation.


  We numerically investigate the dynamics of how a close stellar fly-by
encounter of a symmetrical circumstellar planetesimal disc can give rise to the
many kinds of asymmetries and substructures attributed to the edge-on dusty
disc of Beta Pic. In addition we present new optical coronagraphic observations
of the outer parts of Beta Pic's disc, and report that the radial extent is
significantly greater than was found in previous measurements. The
northeasterly extension of the disc's midplane is now measured out to 1835au
from the star; the southwesterly component is measured out to 1450au. Hence we
use the length asymmetry induced in a distribution of simulation test particles
as the principal diagnostic feature when modelling the disc response, in order
to constrain fly-by parameters. In particular we favour a low inclination
prograde and near-parabolic orbit perturber of mass approximately 0.5 Solar
masses. These initial conditions suggest that the perturber could have been
physically associated with Beta Pic prior to the encounter. Thus we also
consider the possibility that the perturber could be bound to Beta Pic: a
consideration also of general interest where dust discs are known to exist in
binary star systems. In some of our models, we can relate groupings of
perturbed particles to the large-scale structure of the Beta Pic disc. The
groupings correspond to: high eccentricity and inclination particles that reach
apocentre and maximum height in the southwest, moderately eccentric and low
inclination particles that reach apocentre in the northeast, and relatively
unperturbed particles inside approximately 200au radius.


  In these notes we review and further explore the Lie enveloping algebra of a
post-Lie algebra. From a Hopf algebra point of view, one of the central
results, which will be recalled in detail, is the existence of a second Hopf
algebra structure. By comparing group-like elements in suitable completions of
these two Hopf algebras, we derive a particular map which we dub post-Lie
Magnus expansion. These results are then considered in the case of
Semenov-Tian-Shansky's double Lie algebra, where a post-Lie algebra is defined
in terms of solutions of modified classical Yang-Baxter equation. In this
context, we prove a factorization theorem for group-like elements. An explicit
exponential solution of the corresponding Lie bracket flow is presented, which
is based on the aforementioned post-Lie Magnus expansion.


  We describe weak BCC-algebras (also called BZ-algebras) in which the
condition $(xy)z=(xz)y$ is satisfied only in the case when elements $x,y$
belong to the same branch. We also characterize branchwise commutative and
branchwise implicative weak BCC-algebras satisfying this condition. We also
describe connections between various types of implicative weak BCC-algebras.


  The electron dynamics of rare gas clusters in laser fields is investigated
quantum mechanically by means of time-dependent density functional theory. The
mechanism of early inner and outer ionization is revealed. The formation of an
electron wave packet inside the cluster shortly after the first removal of a
small amount of electron density is observed. By collisions with the cluster
boundary the wave packet oscillation is driven into resonance with the laser
field, hence leading to higher absorption of laser energy. Inner ionization is
increased because the electric field of the bouncing electron wave packet adds
up constructively to the laser field. The fastest electrons in the wave packet
escape from the cluster as a whole so that outer ionization is increased as
well.


  In this paper, we propose Hierarchical Federated Learning with Momentum
Acceleration (HierMo), a three-tier worker-edge-cloud federated learning
algorithm that applies momentum for training acceleration. Momentum is
calculated and aggregated in the three tiers. We provide convergence analysis
for HierMo, showing a convergence rate of O(1/T). In the analysis, we develop a
new approach to characterize model aggregation, momentum aggregation, and their
interactions. Based on this result, {we prove that HierMo achieves a tighter
convergence upper bound compared with HierFAVG without momentum}. We also
propose HierOPT, which optimizes the aggregation periods (worker-edge and
edge-cloud aggregation periods) to minimize the loss given a limited training
time.


  We report VLBI monitoring observations of the 22 GHz water (H$_{2}$O) masers
around the Mira variable BX Cam, which were carried out as a part of the EAVN
Synthesis of Stellar Maser Animations (ESTEMA) project. Data of 37 epochs in
total were obtained from 2018 May to 2021 June with a time interval of 3-4
weeks, spanning approximately three stellar pulsation periods ($P= \sim$440 d).
In particular, the dual-beam system equipped on the VERA stations was used to
measure the kinematics and parallaxes of the H$_{2}$O maser features. The
measured parallax, $\pi=1.79\pm 0.08$ mas, is consistent with $Gaia$ EDR3 and
previously measured VLBI parallaxes within a 1-$\sigma$ error level. The
position of the central star was estimated, based on both the $Gaia$ EDR3 data
and the center position of the ring-like 43 GHz silicon-monoxide (SiO) maser
distribution imaged with the KVN. The three-dimensional H$_{2}$O maser
kinematics indicates that the circumstellar envelope is expanding at a velocity
of $13\pm4$ km s$^{-1}$, while there are asymmetries in both the spatial and
velocity distributions of the maser features. Furthermore, the H$_{2}$O maser
animation achieved by our dense monitoring program manifests the propagation of
shock waves in the circumstellar envelope of BX Cam.


  We compute the expectation values of circular Wilson loops in large
representations at strong coupling, in the large-N limit of the N=2
superconformal theory with SU(N) gauge group and 2N hypermultiplets. Employing
Pestun's matrix integral, we focus attention on symmetric and antisymmetric
representations with ranks of order N. We find that large rank antisymmetric
loops are independent of the coupling at strong 't Hooft coupling while
symmetric Wilson loops grow exponentially with it. Symmetric loops display a
non-analyticity as a function of the rank, characterized by the splitting of a
single matrix model eigenvalue from the continuum, bearing close resemblance to
Bose-Einstein condensation in an ideal gas. We discuss implications of these
for a putative large-N string dual. The method of calculation we adopt makes
explicit the connection to Fermi and Bose gas descriptions and also suggests a
tantalizing connection of the above system to a multichannel Kondo model.


  We numerically study the three-dimensional (3D) quantum Hall effect (QHE) and
magnetothermoelectric transport of Weyl semimetals in the presence of disorder.
We obtain a bulk picture that the exotic 3D QHE emerges in a finite range of
Fermi energy near the Weyl points determined by the gap between the $n=-1$ and
$n=1$ Landau levels (LLs). The quantized Hall conductivity is attributable to
the chiral zeroth LLs traversing the gap, and is robust against disorder
scattering for an intermediate number of layers in the direction of the
magnetic field. Moreover, we predict several interesting characteristic
features of the thermoelectric transport coefficients in the 3D QHE regime,
which can be probed experimentally. This may open an avenue for exploring Weyl
physics in topological materials.


  The era of indirect detection searches for dark matter has begun, with the
sensitivities of gamma-ray detectors now approaching the parameter space
relevant for weakly interacting massive particles. In particular, gamma ray
lines would be smoking gun signatures of dark matter annihilation, although
they are typically suppressed compared to the continuum. In this paper, we pay
particular attention to the 1-loop continuum generated together with the
gamma-ray lines and investigate under which conditions a dark matter model can
naturally lead to a line signal that is relatively enhanced. We study generic
classes of models in which DM is a fermion that annihilates through an
s-channel mediator which is either a vector or scalar and identify the coupling
and mass conditions under which large line signals occur. We focus on the
"forbidden channel mechanism" advocated a few years ago in the "Higgs in space"
scenario for which tree level annihilation is kinematically forbidden today.
Detailed calculations of all 1-loop annihilation channels are provided. We
single out very simple models with a large line over continuum ratio and
present general predictions for a large range of WIMP masses that are relevant
not only for Fermi and Hess II but also for the next generation of telescopes
such as CTA and Gamma-400. Constraints from the relic abundance, direct
detection and collider bounds are also discussed.


  It is currently widely accepted, as a result of Bell's theorem and related
experiments, that quantum mechanics is inconsistent with local realism and
there is the so called quantum non-locality. We show that such a claim can be
justified only in a simplified approach to quantum mechanics when one neglects
the fundamental fact that there exist space and time. Mathematical definitions
of local realism in the sense of Bell and in the sense of Einstein are given.
We demonstrate that if we include into the quantum mechanical formalism the
space-time structure in the standard way then quantum mechanics might be
consistent with Einstein's local realism. It shows that loopholes are
unavoidable in experiments aimed to establish a violation of Bell`s
inequalities. We show how the space-time structure can be considered from the
contextual point of view. A mathematical framework for the contextual approach
is outlined.


  The role of relativistic off-mass-shell kinematics in the deep inelastic
scattering on deuteron is analyzed. It is shown that the relativistic impulse
approximation reproduces effects from the binding, Fermi motion, and
two-nucleon contribution. The nonrelativistic limit of the deuteron structure
function is in agreement with the nonrelativistic calculations.


  The quasielastic scattering kaon-nucleus experiment performed at BNL is
analyzed in a finite nucleus continuum random phase approximation framework,
treating the reaction mechanism in Glauber theory up to two-step inelastic
processes. A good description of the data is achieved, also providing a useful
constraint on the strength of the effective particle-hole interaction in the
scalar-isoscalar channel at intermediate momentum transfers.


  Using Lorentz transmission electron microscopy we investigate the behavior of
domain walls pinned at non-topographic defects in Cr(3 nm)/Permalloy(10
nm)/Cr(5 nm) nanowires of width 500 nm. The pinning sites consist of linear
defects where magnetic properties are modified by a Ga ion probe with diameter
~ 10 nm using a focused ion beam microscope. We study the detailed change of
the modified region (which is on the scale of the focused ion spot) using
electron energy loss spectroscopy and differential phase contrast imaging on an
aberration (Cs) corrected scanning transmission electron microscope. The signal
variation observed indicates that the region modified by the irradiation
corresponds to ~ 40-50 nm despite the ion probe size of only 10 nm. Employing
the Fresnel mode of Lorentz transmission electron microscopy, we show that it
is possible to control the domain wall structure and its depinning strength not
only via the irradiation dose but also the line orientation.


  We present three types of dark solitons in quasi-one-dimensional spin-orbit
coupled repulsive Bose-Einstein condensates. Among these families, two are
always stable, while the third one is only stable sufficiently close to the
linear regime. The solitons' excitation spectra reveal the potential existence
of a second anomalous mode. While the first such mode describes the soliton
oscillatory motion in a parabolic trap, the second, when present, reflects the
double well structure of the underlying single-particle spectrum. This novel
mode results in moving density stripes in the vicinity of the soliton core, or
in an out-of-phase oscillation of the constituent components, with little
effect on the nearly stationary striped total density of the composite soliton.


  A gas of particles which collide inelastically if their impact velocity
exceeds a certain value is investigated. In difference to common granular
gases, cluster formation occurs only as a transient phenomenon. We calculate
the decay of temperature due to inelastic collisions. In spite of the
drastically reduced dissipation at low temperature the temperature surprisingly
converges to zero.


  We present the first differentially private algorithms for reinforcement
learning, which apply to the task of evaluating a fixed policy. We establish
two approaches for achieving differential privacy, provide a theoretical
analysis of the privacy and utility of the two algorithms, and show promising
results on simple empirical examples.


  We give two different definitions of what it means for a matrix-valued
function to be log concave, guided by similar notions in complex differential
geometry. After discussing a few simple examples, we proceed to develop some of
the basic properties associated with these new concepts. Finally, we prove a
matrix-valued Pr\'ekopa theorem using a weighted, vector-valued Paley-Wiener
theorem, and positivity properties of direct image bundles.


  We discuss the forward-backward correlations of harmonic flow in Pb+Pb
collisions at the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC), applying standard multibin
measures, as well as proposed here new measures. We illustrate the methods with
hydrodynamic model simulations based on event-by-event initial conditions from
the wounded quark model with asymmetric rapidity emission profiles. Within the
model we examine independently the event-plane angle and the flow magnitude
decorrelations. We find specific hierarchy between various flow decorrelation
measures and confirm certain factorization relations. We find qualitative
agreement of the model and the data from the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations.


  We show that the existence of disintegration for cylindrical measures follows
from a general disintegration theorem for countably additive measures.


  This paper is devoted to studying the robust isolated calmness of the
Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) solution mapping for a large class of interesting
conic programming problems (including most commonly known ones arising from
applications) at a locally optimal solution. Under the Robinson constraint
qualification, we show that the KKT solution mapping is robustly isolated calm
if and only if both the strict Robinson constraint qualification and the second
order sufficient condition hold. This implies, among others, that at a locally
optimal solution the second order sufficient condition is needed for the KKT
solution mapping to have the Aubin property.


  (1) Let $A$ be an operator on a space ${\cal H}$ of even finite dimension.
Then for some decomposition ${\cal H}={\cal F}\oplus{\cal F}^{\perp}$, the
compressions of $A$ onto ${\cal F}$ and ${\cal F}^{\perp}$ are unitarily
equivalent. (2) Let $\{A_j\}_{j=0}^n$ be a family of strictly positive
operators on a space ${\cal H}$. Then, for some integer $k$, we can dilate each
$A_j$ into a positive operator $B_j$ on $\oplus^k{\cal H}$ in such a way that:
(i) The operator diagonal of $B_j$ consists of a repetition of $A_j$. (ii)
There exist a positive operator $B$ on $\oplus^k{\cal H}$ and an increasing
function $f_j : (0,\infty)\longrightarrow(0,\infty)$ such that $B_j=f_j(B)$.


  We study the stationary properties as well as the non-stationary dynamics of
the one-dimensional partially asymmetric exclusion process with position
dependent random hop rates. In a finite system of $L$ sites the stationary
current, $J$, is determined by the largest barrier and the corresponding
waiting time, $\tau \sim J^{-1}$, is related to the waiting time of a single
random walker, $\tau_{rw}$, as $\tau \sim \tau_{rw}^{1/2}$. The current is
found to vanish as: $J \sim L^{-z/2}$, where $z$ is the dynamical exponent of
the biased single particle Sinai walk. Typical stationary states are phase
separated: At the largest barrier almost all particles queue at one side and
almost all holes are at the other side. The high-density (low-density) region,
is divided into $\sim L^{1/2}$ connected parts of particles (holes) which are
separated by islands of holes (particles) located at the subleading barriers
(valleys). We also study non-stationary processes of the system, like
coarsening and invasion. Finally we discuss some related models, where
particles of larger size or multiple occupation of lattice sites is considered.


  When humans collaborate with each other, they often make decisions by
observing others and considering the consequences that their actions may have
on the entire team, instead of greedily doing what is best for just themselves.
We would like our AI agents to effectively collaborate in a similar way by
capturing a model of their partners. In this work, we propose and analyze a
decentralized Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) problem with coupled rewards as an
abstraction of more general multi-agent collaboration. We demonstrate that
na\"ive extensions of single-agent optimal MAB algorithms fail when applied for
decentralized bandit teams. Instead, we propose a Partner-Aware strategy for
joint sequential decision-making that extends the well-known single-agent Upper
Confidence Bound algorithm. We analytically show that our proposed strategy
achieves logarithmic regret, and provide extensive experiments involving
human-AI and human-robot collaboration to validate our theoretical findings.
Our results show that the proposed partner-aware strategy outperforms other
known methods, and our human subject studies suggest humans prefer to
collaborate with AI agents implementing our partner-aware strategy.


  We study the minimum spanning arborescence problem on the complete digraph
$\vec{K}_n$ where an edge $e$ has a weight $W_e$ and a cost $C_e$, each of
which is an independent uniform random variable $U^\alpha$ where $\alpha\leq 1$
and $U$ is uniform $[0,1]$. There is also a constraint that the spanning
arborescence $T$ must satisfy $C(T)\leq c_0$. We establish, for a range of
values for $c_0,\alpha$, the asymptotic value of the optimum weight via the
consideration of a dual problem.


  We introduce a new class of jet algorithms designed to return conical jets
with a variable Delta R radius. A specific example, in which Delta R scales as
1/pT, proves particularly useful in capturing the kinematic features of a wide
variety of hard scattering processes. We implement this Delta R scaling in a
sequential recombination algorithm and test it by reconstructing resonance
masses and kinematic endpoints. These test cases show 10-20% improvements in
signal efficiency compared to fixed Delta R algorithms. We also comment on cuts
useful in reducing continuum jet backgrounds.


  We study a two-player nonzero-sum stochastic differential game where one
player controls the state variable via additive impulses while the other player
can stop the game at any time. The main goal of this work is characterize Nash
equilibria through a verification theorem, which identifies a new system of
quasi-variational inequalities whose solution gives equilibrium payoffs with
the correspondent strategies. Moreover, we apply the verification theorem to a
game with a one-dimensional state variable, evolving as a scaled Brownian
motion, and with linear payoff and costs for both players. Two types of Nash
equilibrium are fully characterized, i.e. semi-explicit expressions for the
equilibrium strategies and associated payoffs are provided. Both equilibria are
of threshold type: in one equilibrium players' intervention are not
simultaneous, while in the other one the first player induces her competitor to
stop the game. Finally, we provide some numerical results describing the
qualitative properties of both types of equilibrium.


  Arterial tissue consists of multiple structurally important constituents that
have individual material properties and associated stress-free configurations
that evolve over time. This gives rise to residual stresses contributing to the
homoeostatic state of stress in vivo as well as adaptations to perturbed loads,
disease or injury. The existence of residual stresses in an intact but
load-free excised arterial segment suggests compressive and tensile stresses,
respectively, in the inner and outer walls. Accordingly, an artery ring springs
open into a sector after a radial cut. The measurement of the opening angle is
commonly used to deduce the residual stresses, which are the stresses required
to close back the ring. The opening angle method provides an average estimate
of circumferential residual stresses but it gives no information on local
distributions through the thickness and along the axial direction. To address
this lack, a new method is proposed in this article to derive maps of residual
stresses using an approach based on the contour method. A piece of freshly
excised tissue is carefully cut into the specimen, and the local distribution
of residual strains and stresses is determined from whole-body digital image
correlation measurements using an inverse approach based on a finite element
model.


  With the advent of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), scientists
will be able to directly observe the Epoch of Reionization by mapping the
distribution of neutral hydrogen at different redshifts. While physically
motivated results can be simulated with radiative transfer codes, these
simulations are computationally expensive and can not readily produce the
required scale and resolution simultaneously. Here we introduce the
Physics-Informed neural Network for reIONization (PINION), which can accurately
and swiftly predict the complete 4-D hydrogen fraction evolution from the
smoothed gas and mass density fields from pre-computed N-body simulation. We
trained PINION on the C$^2$-Ray simulation outputs and a physics constraint on
the reionization chemistry equation is enforced. With only five redshift
snapshots and a propagation mask as a simplistic approximation of the ionizing
photon mean free path, PINION can accurately predict the entire reionization
history between $z=6$ and $12$. We evaluate the accuracy of our predictions by
analysing the dimensionless power spectra and morphology statistics estimations
against C$^2$-Ray results. We show that while the network's predictions are in
good agreement with simulation to redshift $z>7$, the network's accuracy
suffers for $z<7$ primarily due to the oversimplified propagation mask. We
motivate how PINION performance can be drastically improved and potentially
generalized to large-scale simulations.


  A certain type of matter with anisotropic pressures can add to the
Reissner-Nordstr\"om metric a term proportional to a power of the radial
coordinate. Using the standard method of separating variables for the
Hamilton-Jacobi equation, we study the shadow of the corresponding rotating
solution, obtained through the Newman-Janis algorithm. We define and calculate
three observables in order to characterize the position, size and shape of the
shadow.


  Random excitation of intense periodic highly-localized single-cycle light
pulses in a stochastic background by continuous-wave stimulated Brillouin
scattering in long optical fibers with weak feedback is found experimentally.
Events with low period numbers are dominant and the optical feedback is crucial
for the phenomenon. A three-wave coupling model for the phenomenon is proposed.
The results are in good qualitative agreement with the observed phenomenon. The
latter should be relevant to the understanding of similar rogue wave events in
other nonlinear dissipative systems.


  The general problem of asset pricing when the discount rate differs from the
rate at which an asset's cash flows accrue is considered. A pricing kernel
framework is used to model an economy that is segmented into distinct markets,
each identified by a yield curve having its own market, credit and liquidity
risk characteristics. The proposed framework precludes arbitrage within each
market, while the definition of a curve-conversion factor process links all
markets in a consistent arbitrage-free manner. A pricing formula is then
derived, referred to as the across-curve pricing formula, which enables
consistent valuation and hedging of financial instruments across curves (and
markets). As a natural application, a consistent multi-curve framework is
formulated for emerging and developed inter-bank swap markets, which highlights
an important dual feature of the curve-conversion factor process. Given this
multi-curve framework, existing multi-curve approaches based on HJM and
rational pricing kernel models are recovered, reviewed and generalised, and
single-curve models extended. In another application, inflation-linked,
currency-based, and fixed-income hybrid securities are shown to be consistently
valued using the across-curve valuation method.


  We developed an electro thermal model of NbN superconducting nanowire
avalanche photodetectors (SNAPs) on sapphire substrates. SNAPs are single
photon detectors consisting of the parallel connection of N superconducting
nanowires. We extrapolated the physical constants of the model from
experimental data and we simulated the time evolution of the device resistance,
temperature and current by solving two coupled electrical and thermal
differential equations describing the nanowires. The predictions of the model
were in good quantitative agreement with the experimental results.


  We have found two non-trivial massless Dirac and two massive Rarita-Schwinger
solutions in plane wave spacetimes. The first order symmetry operator
transforming one of the massless Dirac solution to the other is constructed.
The only non-vanishing spinor bilinear generated by the standard spinor basis
is obtained and algebraic relations between the induced parallel forms are
demonstrated. It is also seen that the spin-3/2 norm of the Rarita-Schwinger
solutions enforces to the massless sector.


  In a previous paper the author constructed biinvariant measures (possibly
having values in a line bundle) for a loop group LK (with compact simply
connected K) acting on the formal completion of its complexification LG. One
motivation for this was to find a geometric construction for the unitary
structure for the positive energy representations of LK. In this paper we
pursue an analogous construction for the group of diffeomorphisms of the
circle.


  In one dimension very general results from conformal field theory and exact
calculations for certain quantum spin systems have established universal
scaling properties of the entanglement entropy between two parts of a critical
system. Using both analytical and numerical methods, we show that if particle
number or spin is conserved, fluctuations in a subsystem obey identical scaling
as a function of subsystem size, suggesting that fluctuations are a useful
quantity for determining the scaling of entanglement, especially in higher
dimensions. We investigate the effects of boundaries and subleading corrections
for critical spin and bosonic chains.


  Vortices (flows with closed elliptic streamlines) are exact nonlinear
solutions to the compressible Euler equation. In this contribution, we use
differential geometry to derive the transformations between Cartesian and
elliptic coordinates, and show that in elliptic coordinates a constant
vorticity flow reduces to $\dot{\mu}=0$ and $\dot{\nu}={\rm const}$ along the
streamline $\mu_0$ that matches the vortex eccentricity.


  Some of the principal heliophysical inferences that have been drawn from, or
refined by, seismology, and the manner in which those inferences have been
made, are very briefly described. Prominence is given to the use of simple
formulae, derived either from simple toy models or from asymptotic
approximations to more realistic situations, for tailoring procedures to be
used for analysing observations in such a way as to answer specific questions
about physics. It is emphasized that precision is not accuracy, and that
confusing the two can be quite misleading.


  Selection effects in cosmology are often invoked to "explain" why some of the
fundamental constant of Nature, and in particular the cosmological constant,
take on the value they do in our Universe. We briefly review this probabilistic
"anthropic reasoning" and we argue that different (equally plausible) ways of
assigning probabilities to candidate universes lead to totally different
anthropic predictions, presenting an explicit example based on the total number
of possible observations observers can carry out. We conclude that in absence
of a fundamental motivation for selecting one weighting scheme over another the
anthropic principle cannot be used to explain the value of Lambda. .


  The technique of recoil beta tagging has been developed which allows prompt
gamma decays in nuclei from excited states to be correlated with electrons from
their subsequent short-lived beta decay. This technique is ideal for studying
nuclei very far from stability and improves in sensitivity for very short-lived
decays and for high decay Q-values. The method has allowed excited states in
78Y to be observed for the first time, as well as an extension in the knowledge
of T=1 states in 74Rb. From this new information it has been possible to
compare Coulomb energy differences (CED) between T=1 states in 70Br/70Se,
74Rb/74Kr, and 78Y/78Sr. The A=70 CED exhibit an anomalous behavior which is
inconsistent with all other known CED. This behavior may be accounted for
qualitatively in terms of small variations in the Coulomb energy arising from
shape changes.


  It is generally believed that unconditionally secure quantum bit commitment
is impossible, due to widespread acceptance of an impossibility proof that
utilizes quantum entaglement cheating. In this paper, we delineate how the
impossibiliy proof formulation misses various types of quantum bit commitment
protocols based on two-way quantum communications. We point out some of the
gaps in the impossibility proof reasoning, and present corresponding
counterexamples. Four different types of bit commitment protocols are
constructed with several new protocol techniques. A specific Type 4 protocol is
described and proved unconditionally secure. Security analysis of a Type 1
protocol and a Type 2 protocol are also sketched. The security of Type 3
protocols is as yet open. A development of quantum statistical decision theory
and quantum games is needed to provie a complete security analysis of many such
protocols.


  Highly conducting $SnO_{2}$ thin films were prepared by chemical spray
pyrolysis technique. One set of as-deposited films were annealed in air for 2 h
at 850$^{o}$C. These as-deposited and annealed films were irradiated using
$Au^{9+}$ ions with energy of 120 MeV at different fluences ranging from
$1\times10^{11}$ to $3\times10^{13}$ $ions/cm^{2}$. Electrical measurement
shows that as-deposited $SnO_{2}$ films are in conducting state with n = $3.164
\times 10^{20}$ $cm^{-3}$ and annealed $SnO_{2}$ films are in insulating state.
The amorphized latent tracks are created only above a certain threshold value
of $S_{e}$, which directly depends on the free electron concentration (n). The
electronic energy loss ($S_{e}$) of 120 MeV $Au^{9+}$ ions in $SnO_{2}$ is
greater than the threshold energy loss ($S_{eth}$) required for the latent
track formation in annealed $SnO_{2}$ thin film, but is less than $S_{eth}$
required for as-deposited $SnO_{2}$ film. Therefore, the latent tracks are
formed in the annealed $SnO_{2}$ film and not in the as-deposited $SnO_{2}$
film. Thermal spike model is used for the calculation of threshold energy loss
and radius of melted zone. The possible mechanism of the structural changes and
surface microstructure evolutions is briefly discussed in the light of ion's
energy relaxation processes and target's conductivity. The atomic force
microscopy (AFM) study of films shows that the morphologies of irradiated films
are linked with carrier concentration of target materials.


  This work addresses the mismatch problem between the distribution of training
data (source) and testing data (target), in the challenging context of
dysarthric speech recognition. We focus on Speaker Adaptation (SA) in command
speech recognition, where data from multiple sources (i.e., multiple speakers)
are available. Specifically, we propose an unsupervised Multi-Source Domain
Adaptation (MSDA) algorithm based on optimal-transport, called MSDA via
Weighted Joint Optimal Transport (MSDA-WJDOT). We achieve a Command Error Rate
relative reduction of 16% and 7% over the speaker-independent model and the
best competitor method, respectively. The strength of the proposed approach is
that, differently from any other existing SA method, it offers an interpretable
model that can also be exploited, in this context, to diagnose dysarthria
without any specific training. Indeed, it provides a closeness measure between
the target and the source speakers, reflecting their similarity in terms of
speech characteristics. Based on the similarity between the target speaker and
the healthy/dysarthric source speakers, we then define the healthy/dysarthric
score of the target speaker that we leverage to perform dysarthria detection.
This approach does not require any additional training and achieves a 95%
accuracy in the dysarthria diagnosis.


  In this paper, we discuss the problem of the software engineering of a class
of business spreadsheet models. A methodology for structured software
development is proposed, which is based on structured analysis of data,
represented as Jackson diagrams. It is shown that this analysis allows a
straightforward modularisation, and that individual modules may be represented
with indentation in the block-structured form of structured programs. The
benefits of structured format are discussed, in terms of comprehensibility,
ease of maintenance, and reduction in errors. The capability of the methodology
to provide a modular overview in the model is described, and examples are
given. The potential for a reverse-engineering tool, to transform existing
spreadsheet models is discussed.


  We propose the model of layered materials, in which each layer is described
by the conventional Haldane model, while the inter - layer hopping parameter
corresponds to the ABC stacking. We calculate the topological invariant $N_3$
for the resulting model, which is responsible for the conductivity of intrinsic
quantum Hall effect. It has been shown that in a certain range of the values of
interlayer hopping parameter, the value of $N_3$ is equal to the number of
layers multiplied by the topological invariant of each layer. At the same time
this value may be calculated using the low energy effective theory.


  Let k be a number field and K/k Galois. We transform the construction of the
unramified Brauer group of the norm one torus R^1_K/k(G_m) into the
construction of a special abelian extension over K. If k=Q and K/Q biquadratic,
we explicitly construct the unramified Brauer group of R^1_K/Q(G_m).


  We construct the first known examples of nontrivial, normal, all
pseudo-Anosov subgroups of mapping class groups of surfaces. Specifically, we
construct such subgroups for the closed genus two surface and for the sphere
with five or more punctures. Using the branched covering of the genus two
surface over the sphere and results of Birman and Hilden, we prove that a
reducible mapping class of the genus two surface projects to a reducible
mapping class on the sphere with six punctures. The construction introduces
"Brunnian" mapping classes of the sphere, which are analogous to Brunnian
links.


  This article presents a new optical measurement method employing a HSI (Hue,
Saturation and Intensity) colour model to form trapezoidal structured patterns
for morphology reconstruction of a measured object at a high speed.
Profilometry on objects having non-monochromatic surfaces is considered as one
of the remaining most challenges faced by the currently existing
structured-light projection methods since the surface reflectivity to red,
green and blue light may vary significantly. To address this, an innovative
colour calibration method for hue component is developed to determine the
accurate reflectivity response of the measured surface. The trapezoidal colour
pattern is calibrated to compensate the hue-shifted quantity induced by the
reflective characteristics of the object's surface. The developed method can
reconstruct precise 3-D surface models from objects by acquiring a single-shot
image, which can achieve high-speed profilometry and avoid in-situ potential
measurement disturbances such as environmental vibration. To verify the
feasibility of the developed methodology, some experiments were conducted to
confirm that the measurement accuracy can be controlled within 2.5% of the
overall measurement range and the repeatability of 3.0% within +/- 3*sigma can
be achieved.


  We consider the design of an optimal collision-free sensor schedule for a
number of sensors which monitor different linear dynamical systems
correspondingly. At each time, only one of all the sensors can send its local
estimate to the remote estimator. A preliminary work for the two-sensor
scheduling case has been studied in the literature. The generalization into
multiple-sensor scheduling case is shown to be nontrivial. We first find a
necessary condition of the optimal solution provided that the spectral radii of
any two system matrices are not equal, which can significantly reduce the
feasible optimal solution space without loss of performance. By modelling a
finite-state Markov decision process (MDP) problem, we can numerically search
an asymptotic periodic schedule which is proven to be optimal. From a practical
viewpoint, the computational complexity is formidable for some special system
models, e.g., the spectral radii of some certain system matrices are far from
others'. Some simple but effective suboptimal schedules for any systems are
proposed. We also find a lower bound of the optimal cost, which enables us to
quantify the performance gap between any suboptimal schedule and the optimal
one.


  We study a matrix model which is obtained by dimensional reduction of
Chern-Simon theory on S^3 to zero dimension. We find that expanded around a
particular background consisting of multiple fuzzy spheres, it reproduces the
original theory on S^3 in the planar limit. This is viewed as a new type of the
large N reduction generalized to curved space.


  Supermassive black holes (SMBHs) are tightly correlated with their hosts but
the origin of such connection remains elusive. To explore the cosmic build-up
of this scaling relation, we present an empirically-motivated model that tracks
galaxy and SMBH growth down to z=0. Starting from a random mass seed
distribution at z=10, we assume that each galaxy evolves on the star-forming
"main sequence" (MS) and each BH follows the recently-derived stellar mass
(M$_{\star}$) dependent ratio between BH accretion rate and star formation
rate, going as BHAR/SFR$\propto$M$_{\star}^{0.73[+0.22,-0.29]}$. Our simple
recipe naturally describes the BH-galaxy build-up in two stages. At first, the
SMBH lags behind the host that evolves along the MS. Later, as the galaxy grows
in M$_{\star}$, our M$_{\star}$-dependent BHAR/SFR induces a super-linear BH
growth, as M$_{\rm BH}$$\propto$M$_{\star}^{1.7}$. According to this formalism,
smaller BH seeds increase their relative mass faster and earlier than bigger BH
seeds, at fixed M$_{\star}$, thus setting along a gradually tighter M$_{\rm
BH}$-M$_{\star}$ locus towards higher M$_{\star}$. Assuming reasonable values
of the radiative efficiency $\epsilon \sim$0.1, our empirical trend agrees with
both high-redshift model predictions and intrinsic M$_{\rm BH}$-M$_{\star}$
relations of local BHs. We speculate that the observed non-linear BH-galaxy
build-up is reflected in a twofold behavior with dark matter halo mass (M$_{\rm
DM}$), displaying a clear turnover at M$_{\rm
DM}\sim$2$\times$10$^{12}$M$_{\odot}$. While Supernovae-driven feedback
suppresses BH growth in smaller halos (BHAR/SFR$\propto$M$_{\rm DM}^{1.6}$),
above the M$_{\rm DM}$ threshold cold gas inflows possibly fuel both BH
accretion and star formation in a similar fashion (BHAR/SFR$\propto$M$_{\rm
DM}^{0.3}$).


  The system of equations for parametric sub-resonant growth of the amplitude
of oscillations was obtained. The time of turning point from the growing of the
amplitude to the bounded oscillations in the slow variable was found. The
comparison between the asymptotic approximation for the turning time and
numerical one is shown.


  We use three-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of vertically stratified
patches of galactic discs to study how the spatio-temporal clustering of
supernovae (SNe) enhances the power of galactic winds. SNe that are randomly
distributed throughout a galactic disc drive inefficient galactic winds because
most supernova remnants lose their energy radiatively before breaking out of
the disc. Accounting for the fact that most star formation is clustered
alleviates this problem. Super-bubbles driven by the combined effects of
clustered SNe propagate rapidly enough to break out of galactic discs well
before the clusters' SNe stop going off. The radiative losses post-breakout are
reduced dramatically and a large fraction ($\gtrsim 0.2$) of the energy
released by SNe vents into the halo powering a strong galactic wind. These
energetic winds are capable of providing strong preventative feedback and eject
substantial mass from the galaxy with outflow rates on the order of the star
formation rate. The momentum flux in the wind is only of order that injected by
the SNe, because the hot gas vents before doing significant work on the
surroundings. We show that our conclusions hold for a range of galaxy
properties, both in the local Universe (e.g., M82) and at high redshift (e.g.,
$z \sim 2$ star forming galaxies). We further show that if the efficiency of
forming star clusters increases with increasing gas surface density, as
suggested by theoretical arguments, the condition for star cluster-driven
super-bubbles to break out of galactic discs corresponds to a threshold star
formation rate surface density for the onset of galactic winds $\sim 0.03$
M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$ kpc$^{-2}$, of order that observed.


  We present results of a search at CDF in 929 pb-1 of ppbar collisions at 1.96
TeV for the anomalous production of events containing a high-transverse
momentum charged lepton (either electron or muon) and photon, accompanied by
missing transverse energy (MET), and/or additional leptons and photons, and
jets (X). We use the same selection criteria as in a previous CDF Run I search,
but with an order-magnitude larger data set, a higher ppbar collision energy,
and the CDF II detector. We find 163 Lepton + Photon + MET + X events, compared
to an expectation of 150.6+-13.0 events. We observe 74 Multi-Lepton + Photon +
X events, compared to an expectation of 65.1+-7.7 events. We find no events
similar to the Run I 2 electrons + 2 photons + MET event.


  In this paper we study intersections of quadrics, components of the
hypersurface in Grassmannian $Gr(3, \CC^n)$ introduced in \cite{SoSuSi}. This
lead to an alternative statement and proof of Pappus's Theorem retrieving
Pappus's and Hesse configurations of lines as special points in complex
projective Grassmannian. This new connection is obtained through a third purely
combinatorial object, the intersection lattice of Discriminantal arrangement.


  We consider quantum mechanics written in hydrodynamic formulation for the
case of relativistic spinor fields to study their velocity: within such a
hydrodynamic formulation it is possible to see that the velocity as is usually
defined can not actually represent the tangent vector to the trajectories of
particles. We propose an alternative definition for this tangent vector and
hence for the trajectories of particles, which we believe to be new and in fact
the only one that is possible. Finally we discuss how these results are a
necessary step to take in order to face further problems, like the definition
of trajectories for the multi-particle systems.


  Human languages employ constructions that tacitly assume specific properties
of the limited range of phenomena they evolved to describe. These assumed
properties are true features of that limited context, but may not be general or
precise properties of all the physical situations allowed by fundamental
physics. In brief, human languages contain `excess baggage' that must be
qualified, discarded, or otherwise reformed to give a clear account in the
context of fundamental physics of even the everyday phenomena that the
languages evolved to describe. The surest route to clarity is to express the
constructions of human languages in the language of fundamental physical
theory, not the other way around. These ideas are illustrated by an analysis of
the verb `to happen' and the word `reality' in special relativity and the
modern quantum mechanics of closed systems.


  Nonlinear microwave response of different ceramic MgB2 samples has been
investigated by the technique of second-harmonic emission. The second-harmonic
signal has been investigated as a function of temperature, DC magnetic field
and input microwave power. The attention has mainly been devoted to the
response at low magnetic fields, where nonlinear processes arising from motion
of Abrikosov fluxons are ineffective. The results show that different
mechanisms are responsible for the nonlinear response in the different ranges
of temperature. At low temperatures, the nonlinear response is due to processes
involving weak links. At temperatures close to Tc, a further contribution to
the harmonic emission is present; it can be ascribed to modulation of the order
parameter by the microwave field and gives rise to a peak in the temperature
dependence of the harmonic signal.


  Automated segmentation of kidneys and kidney tumors is an important step in
quantifying the tumor's morphometrical details to monitor the progression of
the disease and accurately compare decisions regarding the kidney tumor
treatment. Manual delineation techniques are often tedious, error-prone and
require expert knowledge for creating unambiguous representation of kidneys and
kidney tumors segmentation. In this work, we propose an end-to-end boundary
aware fully Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for reliable kidney and kidney
tumor semantic segmentation from arterial phase abdominal 3D CT scans. We
propose a segmentation network consisting of an encoder-decoder architecture
that specifically accounts for organ and tumor edge information by devising a
dedicated boundary branch supervised by edge-aware loss terms. We have
evaluated our model on 2019 MICCAI KiTS Kidney Tumor Segmentation Challenge
dataset and our method has achieved dice scores of 0.9742 and 0.8103 for kidney
and tumor repetitively and an overall composite dice score of 0.8923.


  The target mass effects in polarized DIS have been studied. It was
demonstrated that taking into account the first order target mass corrections
to g1 a very good approximation of the exact formula is achieved. It was also
shown that their magnitude in the preasymptotic DIS region is small except for
x > 0.65, where their large effect is partially suppressed by the large values
of $Q^2$ due to the cut $W^2 > 4 GeV^2$. The difference between the size of the
target mass and higher twist corrections is illustrated.


  People are increasingly subject to algorithmic decisions, and it is generally
agreed that end-users should be provided an explanation or rationale for these
decisions. There are different purposes that explanations can have, such as
increasing user trust in the system or allowing users to contest the decision.
One specific purpose that is gaining more traction is algorithmic recourse. We
first propose that recourse should be viewed as a recommendation problem, not
an explanation problem. Then, we argue that the capability approach provides
plausible and fruitful ethical standards for recourse. We illustrate by
considering the case of diversity constraints on algorithmic recourse. Finally,
we discuss the significance and implications of adopting the capability
approach for algorithmic recourse research.


  We study the effects of the exchange interaction between an adsorbed magnetic
atom with easy-axis magnetic anisotropy and the conduction-band electrons from
the substrate. We model the system using an anisotropic Kondo model and we
compute the impurity spectral function which is related to the differential
conductance (dI/dV) spectra measured using a scanning tunneling microscope. To
make contact with the known experimental results for iron atoms on the
CuN/Cu(100) surface [Hirjibehedin et al., Science {\bf 317}, 1199 (2007)], we
calculated the spectral functions in the presence of an external magnetic field
of varying strength applied along all three spatial directions. It is possible
to establish an upper bound on the coupling constant J: in the range of the
magnetic fields for which the experimental results are currently known (up to
7T), the low-energy features in the calculated spectra agree well with the
measured dI/dV spectra if the exchange coupling constant J is at most half as
large as that for cobalt atoms on the same surface. We show that for even
higher magnetic field (between 8 and 9T) applied along the ``hollow
direction'', the impurity energy states cross, giving rise to a Kondo effect
which takes the form of a zero-bias resonance. The paper introduces an approach
for calculating the expectation values of global spin operators and all
components of the impurity magnetic susceptibility tensor in numerical
renormalization group (NRG) calculations with no spin symmetry. An appendix
contains a density-functional-theory (DFT) study of the Cu and Fe adsorbates on
CuN/Cu(100) surface: we compare magnetic moments, as well as orbital energies,
occupancies, centers, and spreads by calculating the maximally localized
Wannier orbitals of the adsorbates.


  We introduce a flexible and scalable class of Bayesian geostatistical models
for discrete data, based on the class of nearest neighbor mixture transition
distribution processes (NNMP), referred to as discrete NNMP. The proposed class
characterizes spatial variability by a weighted combination of first-order
conditional probability mass functions (pmfs) for each one of a given number of
neighbors. The approach supports flexible modeling for multivariate dependence
through specification of general bivariate discrete distributions that define
the conditional pmfs. Moreover, the discrete NNMP allows for construction of
models given a pre-specified family of marginal distributions that can vary in
space, facilitating covariate inclusion. In particular, we develop a modeling
and inferential framework for copula-based NNMPs that can attain flexible
dependence structures, motivating the use of bivariate copula families for
spatial processes. Compared to the traditional class of spatial generalized
linear mixed models, where spatial dependence is introduced through a
transformation of response means, our process-based modeling approach provides
both computational and inferential advantages. We illustrate the benefits with
synthetic data examples and an analysis of North American Breeding Bird Survey
data.


  The generalized logarithmic electrodynamics with two parameters $\beta$ and
$\gamma$ is considered. The indexes of refraction of light in the external
magnetic field are calculated. In the case $\beta=\gamma$ we come to results
obtained by P. Gaete and J. Helay\"el-Neto [7] (Eur.Phys.J. C\textbf{74}, 2816
(2014)). The bound on the values of $\beta$, $\gamma$ was obtained from the
Bir\'efringence Magn\'etique du Vide (BMV) experiment. The symmetrical
Belinfante energy-momentum tensor and dilatation current are found.


  Optical frequency combs, with precise control of repetition rate and
carrier-envelope-offset frequency, have revolutionized many fields, such as
fine optical spectroscopy, optical frequency standards, ultra-fast science
research, ultra-stable microwave generation and precise ranging measurement.
However, existing high bandwidth frequency control methods have small dynamic
range, requiring complex hybrid control techniques. To overcome this
limitation, we develop a new approach, where a home-made intra-cavity
electro-optic modulator tunes polarization state of laser signal rather than
only optical length of the cavity, to steer frequencies of a
nonlinear-polarization-rotation mode-locked laser. By taking advantage of
birefringence of the whole cavity, this approach results in not only broadband
but also relative large-dynamic frequency control. Experimental results show
that frequency control dynamic range increase at least one order in comparison
with the traditional intra-cavity electro-optic modulator technique. In
additional, this technique exhibits less side-effect than traditional frequency
control methods.


  Hazardous tsunamis are known to be generated predominantly at subduction
zones. However, the 2018 Mw 7.5 Sulawesi (Indonesia) earthquake on a
strike-slip fault generated a tsunami that devastated the city of Palu. The
mechanism by which this tsunami originated from such an earthquake has been
debated. Here we present near-field ground motion (GPS) data confirming that
the earthquake attained supershear speed, i.e., a rupture speed greater than
the shear wave speed of the host medium. We study the effect of this supershear
rupture on tsunami generation by coupling the ground motion to a
one-dimensional nonlinear shallow-water wave model accounting for both
time-dependent bathymetric displacement and velocity. With the local
bathymetric profile of Palu bay around a tidal station, our simulations
reproduce the tsunami arrival and motions observed by CCTV cameras. We conclude
that Mach (shock) fronts, generated by the supershear speed, interacted with
the bathymetry and contributed to the tsunami.


  Slip transfer at grain boundaries and annealing twin boundaries was studied
in polycrystalline Ni by means of slip trace analysis. Slip transfer or
blocking was assessed in $>$ 200 boundaries and was related with geometrical
criteria that establish the alignment between the active slip systems across
the boundaries. It was found that slip transfer mainly occurs at low-angle
regular grain boundaries and that a Luster-Morris parameter $>$ 0.8 stands for
the best criterion to assess slip transfer. In the case of coherent or
incoherent twin boundaries, slip transfer occurs when the residual Burgers
vector is close to zero through dislocation cross-slip.


  We study the magnetic properties of cylindrical ferromagnetic core -
antiferromagnetic shell nanowires using Monte Carlo simulations and a classical
Heisenberg Hamiltonian in order to elucidate the impact of the oxidized shell
on the magnetic properties and the magnetization reversal mechanism. We find
that the coupling to the antiferromagnetic shell leads to suppression of the
coercivity and emergence of a weak exchange bias effect. Comparison of the
magnetization reversal mechanism in the bare and the surface-oxidized nanowire
reveals that the domain wall propagation and annihilation remains the dominant
reversal mechanism in surface oxidized nanowires as in their ferromagnetic
counterparts. However, the interface exchange coupling introduces a secondary
reversal mechanism activated in the central part of the wire with
characteristics of coherent rotation, which acts in synergy to wall propagation
leading to enhancement of the wall mobility. This effect is more pronounced in
nanowires with large exchange bias values and is attributed to the
uncompensated interface moments that act as nucleation centers for
magnetization reversal. Our results are in good agreement with recent
measurements in Co and Co/CoO nanowires.


  We study the collective two-channel dissociation dynamics of a molecular
Bose-Einstein condensate into bosonic fragments under tight harmonic
confinement. Bose-stimulated dissociation in either channel can only take place
provided that the respective trap size $l_i$ for the fragments is large with
respect to the healing length $\zeta_i$ of the atom-molecule resonance. Thus,
even when both channels are equally coupled, differences in mass or in
dynamical polarizability enable the control of the reaction outcome by
variation of the trap frequency. In particular, if $l_1>\zeta_1$ and
$l_2<\zeta_2$, only the first channel will be amplified. This behavior
demonstrate a unique feature of 'superchemistry' wherein a chemical reaction
may be controlled by the manipulation of the reaction vessel.


  We study a special class of topological phase transitions in two dimensions
described by the inversion of bands with relative angular momentum higher than
1. A band inversion of this kind, which is protected by rotation symmetry,
separates the trivial insulator from a Chern insulating phase with higher Chern
number, and thus generalizes the quantum Hall transition described by a Dirac
fermion. Higher angular momentum band inversions are of special interest, as
the non-vanishing density of states at the transition can give rise to
interesting many-body effects. Here we introduce a series of minimal lattice
models which realize higher angular momentum band inversions. We then consider
the effect of interactions, focusing on the possibility of electron-hole
exciton condensation, which breaks rotational symmetry. An analysis of the
excitonic insulator mean field theory further reveals that the ground state of
the Chern insulating phase with higher Chern number has the structure of a
multicomponent integer quantum Hall state. We conclude by generalizing the
notion of higher angular momentum band inversions to the class time-reversal
invariant systems, following the scheme of Bernevig-Hughes-Zhang (BHZ). Such
band inversions can be viewed as transitions to a topological insulator
protected by rotation and inversion symmetry, and provide a promising venue for
realizing correlated topological phases such as fractional topological
insulators.


  We present a new 11.7 micron mosaic image of the Orion nebula obtained with
T-ReCS on Gemini South. The map includes the BN/KL region, the Trapezium, and
OMC-1 South. Excluding BN/KL, we detect 91 point sources, with 27 known
proplyds and over 30 ``naked'' stars showing no extended structure in HST
images. Within the region we surveyed, 80 percent of known proplyds show
detectable emission, almost 40 percent of naked stars are detected at 11.7
micron, and the fraction of all visible sources with IR excess emission is
roughly 50 percent. Thermal dust emission from stars with no extended structure
in HST images means that they have dust disks comparable to the size of our
solar system. Proplyds and stars with IR excess show a clear anti-correlation
in their spatial distribution, with proplyds clustered close to theta1C, and
other infrared sources found farther away. We suspect that the clustered
proplyds trace the youngest 0.5 Myr age group associated with the Trapezium,
while the more uniformly-distributed sources trace the older 1-2 Myr population
of the ONC. This suggests that small disks persist for a few Myr in irradiated
environments, and hints that hierarchical sub-clustering has been important.
Within 30 arcsec of theta1C, all proplyds are detected at 11.7 micron. The star
theta1D is associated with the most prominent mid-IR dust arc in the nebula. We
propose that this arc is the consequence of theta1D being the closest member of
the Trapezium to the background cloud. Finally, we detect dust emission from HH
jets in Orion, including HH202, HH529, HH513, and HH514. This is the first
detection of mid-IR continuum emission from dust in the body of a collimated HH
jet or bow shock.


  In this work, firstly in the direct sum of Hilbert spaces of vector-functions
$L^{2} (H,(-\infty,a_{1})) \oplus L^{2} (H,(a_{2},b_{2}))\oplus^{2}
(H,(a_{3},+\infty))$, $- \infty<a_{1}<a_{2}<b_{2}<a_{3}<+\infty$ all normal
extensions of the minimal operator generated by linear singular multipoint
formally normal differential expression $l=(l_{1},l_{2},l_{3}),l_{k} =
\frac{d}{dt}+A_{k}$ with a selfadjoint operator coefficient $A_k k=1,2,3$ in
any Hilbert space $H$, are described in terms of boundary values. Later
structure of the spectrum of these extensions is investigated.


  The significant increase of the transmission of multimedia content over
Internet are demanded new delivery strategies to assure a good quality of
experience of the users. Transmission of video over packet networks is not an
easy task due to multiple fluctuations of the network conditions. One
possibility to improve the quality of some video streaming services is the
combinate use of the scalable video coding and cross layer mechanisms that
allow applications to adapt its traffic stream to the resources network that
are available. In this paper, it is presented a performance evaluation of the
three main scalability techniques: CGS (Coarse-Grained Scalability), FGS (Fine
Grain scalability) and MGS (Medium Grain Scalability). In particular, we focus
on determining what method is more appropriated for video transmission taking
into account some video quality metrics like PSNR (Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio)
and decoded frame rate. The results reveal that the rate-adaptive strategy and
the MGS technique help avoid or reduce the congestion in networks obtaining a
better quality in the received videos.


  The atmosphere is chaotic. This fundamental property of the climate system
makes forecasting weather incredibly challenging: it's impossible to expect
weather models to ever provide perfect predictions of the Earth system beyond
timescales of approximately 2 weeks. Instead, atmospheric scientists look for
specific states of the climate system that lead to more predictable behaviour
than others. Here, we demonstrate how neural networks can be used, not only to
leverage these states to make skillful predictions, but moreover to identify
the climatic conditions that lead to enhanced predictability. Furthermore, we
employ a neural network interpretability method called ``layer-wise relevance
propagation'' to create heatmaps of the regions in the input most relevant for
a network's output. For Earth scientists, these relevant regions for the neural
network's prediction are by far the most important product of our study: they
provide scientific insight into the physical mechanisms that lead to enhanced
weather predictability. While we demonstrate our approach for the atmospheric
science domain, this methodology is applicable to a large range of
geoscientific problems.


  Compared with other semantic segmentation tasks, portrait segmentation
requires both higher precision and faster inference speed. However, this
problem has not been well studied in previous works. In this paper, we propose
a lightweight network architecture, called Boundary-Aware Network (BANet) which
selectively extracts detail information in boundary area to make high-quality
segmentation output with real-time( >25FPS) speed. In addition, we design a new
loss function called refine loss which supervises the network with image level
gradient information. Our model is able to produce finer segmentation results
which has richer details than annotations.


  From life on other planets to virtual classrooms this thesis spans a wide
array of research topics all based on how we see other worlds. Our
understanding of everything from moon phases, the planets in our Solar System,
and exoplanet atmospheres come from our interpretation of light and one day,
our knowledge of light will be used as evidence for the discovery of life on
another planet.
  In the time before we scattered rovers, landers, and brave souls across the
Solar System we only knew of the planets and moons from the light they
reflected from the Sun back to us. We are in much the same situation with
exoplanets today. Our telescopes can gather the light from distant worlds but
they are too far out of reach to confirm our observations with in-situ
measurements. Soon we will be able to gather light from even smaller exoplanets
and eventually Earth-sized exoplanets orbiting in their star's habitable zone.
As a reference guide to these upcoming observations what better place to
compare to than our own Solar System. What we've done is take measurements of
planets in our own Solar System and treat them as exoplanets to determine how
different surface types can be differentiated. The result is a database of the
spectra, geometric albedos, and color of 19 Solar System objects for use as an
exoplanetary field guide.
  A step beyond the field guide is a way to explore worlds only physics and our
imaginations are limited by. By using computer models, we can create thousands
of planets to determine the physical and chemical stability of any environment.
One parameter domain of interest is the role of surface color on a planet's
habitability. Different materials have unique thermal properties that either
cool or heat a surface depending on their color and the light that hits them.
Dark oceans absorb light well and heat up while white sand is highly reflective
and keeps cool...


  This paper studies the stability of a stationary solution of the
Navier-Stokes system with a constant velocity at infinity in an exterior
domain. More precisely, this paper considers the stability of the Navier-Stokes
system governing the stationary solution which belongs to the weak $L^3$-space
$L^{3,\infty}$. Under the condition that the initial datum belongs to a
solenoidal $L^{3 , \infty}$-space, we prove that if both the
$L^{3,\infty}$-norm of the initial datum and the $L^{3,\infty}$-norm of the
stationary solution are sufficiently small then the system admits a unique
global-in-time strong $L^{3,\infty}$-solution satisfying both
$L^{3,\infty}$-asymptotic stability and $L^\infty$-asymptotic stability.
Moreover, we investigate $L^{3,r}$-asymptotic stability of the global-in-time
solution. Using $L^p$-$L^q$ type estimates for the Oseen semigroup and applying
an equivalent norm on the Lorentz space are key ideas to establish both the
existence of a unique global-in-time strong (or mild) solution of our system
and the stability of our solution.


  We study the behavior near the origin of $C^2$ positive solutions $u(x)$ and
$v(x)$ of the system
  $0\le -\Delta u \le (\frac{1}{|x|^\alpha}* v)^\lambda$
  $0\le -\Delta v \le (\frac{1}{|x|^\beta}* u)^\sigma$
  in $B_2(0)\setminus\{0\} \subset R^n$, $n\ge 3$, where $\lambda,\sigma \ge 0$
and $\alpha,\beta\in (0,n)$.
  A by-product of our methods used to study these solutions will be results on
the behavior near the origin of $L^1(B_1(0))$ solutions $f$ and $g$ of the
system
  $0 \le f(x) \le C(|x|^{2-\alpha} + \int_{|y|<1}\frac{ g(y)
dy}{|x-y|^{\alpha-2}} )^\lambda$
  $0 \le g(x) \le C(|x|^{2-\beta} + \int_{|y|<1}\frac{ f(y)
dy}{|x-y|^{\beta-2}} )^\sigma$
  for $0<|x|<1$ where $\lambda,\sigma \ge 0$ and $\alpha, \beta\in (2,n+2)$.


  Following Waxman and Bahcall we calculate the event rate, energy and zenith
angle dependence of neutrinos produced in the fireball model of gamma ray
bursts (GRB). We emphasize the primary importance of i) burst-to-burst
fluctuations and ii) absorption of the neutrinos in the Earth. From the
astronomical point of view, we draw attention to the sensitivity of neutrino
measurements to the boost Lorentz factor of the fireball $\Gamma$, which is
central to the fireball model, and only indirectly determined by follow-up
observations. Fluctuations result in single bursts emitting multiple neutrinos,
making it possible to determine the flavor composition of a beam observed after
a baseline of thousands of Megaparsecs.


  The characteristic property of the $Z_2\times Z_2$ orbifold is its cyclic
permutation symmetry. It is argued that this property may be instrumental in
explaining simultaneously the fermion mass hierarchy and the squark mass
degeneracy. Detailed studies in free fermionic models that preserve the cyclic
permutation symmetry of anomalous U(1) charges of the three generations are
discussed.


  Carbon abundances, especially at low metallicity, reveal the early chemical
evolution of a system, tracing the supernovae (SNe) that contributed and how
much of their ejecta made it into the next stellar generation. Our sample from
the \textit{Pristine} Inner Galaxy Survey (PIGS) includes $\sim 350$ metal-poor
([Fe/H]~$<-1.5$) stars in the main body of Sgr with good quality spectroscopic
observations. Our metal-poor Sgr population has a larger velocity dispersion
than metal-rich Sgr from the literature, which could be explained by outside-in
star formation, extreme Galactic tidal perturbations and/or the presence of a
metal-rich disc/bar $+$ a metal-poor halo. The average carbon abundance in Sgr
is similar to that of other classical dwarf galaxies (DGs) and consistently
lower than in the Milky Way by $\sim0.2-0.3$~dex at low metallicity. The
interstellar medium in DGs, including Sgr, may have retained yields from more
energetic Pop III and II SNe, thereby reducing the average [C/Fe].
Additionally, SNe~Ia, producing more Fe than C, would start to contribute at
lower metallicity in DGs/Sgr than in the Galaxy. The presence of a [C/Fe]
gradient for Sgr stars with [Fe/H]~$\gtrsim-2.0$ ($\sim 6.8\times 10^{-4}$ dex
arcmin$^{-1}$) suggests that SNe~Ia contributed in the system at those
metallicities, especially in its inner regions. There is a low frequency of
carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars in our Sgr sample. At higher
metallicity/carbon abundance (mostly CEMP-s) this may be due to photometric
selection effects, but those are less likely to affect CEMP-no stars. We
propose that, given the lower average [C/Fe] in DGs, using the same CEMP
definition ([C/Fe]~$>+0.7$) as in the Galaxy under-predicts the number of CEMP
stars in DGs, and for Sgr a cut at [C/Fe]$~\sim +0.35$ may be more appropriate,
which brings the frequency of CEMP stars in agreement with that in the Galaxy.


  The 4th Industrial Revolution is the culmination of the digital age.
Nowadays, technologies such as robotics, nanotechnology, genetics, and
artificial intelligence promise to transform our world and the way we live.
Artificial Intelligence Ethics and Safety is an emerging research field that
has been gaining popularity in recent years. Several private, public and
non-governmental organizations have published guidelines proposing ethical
principles for regulating the use and development of autonomous intelligent
systems. Meta-analyses of the AI Ethics research field point to convergence on
certain principles that supposedly govern the AI industry. However, little is
known about the effectiveness of this form of Ethics. In this paper, we would
like to conduct a critical analysis of the current state of AI Ethics and
suggest that this form of governance based on principled ethical guidelines is
not sufficient to norm the AI industry and its developers. We believe that
drastic changes are necessary, both in the training processes of professionals
in the fields related to the development of software and intelligent systems
and in the increased regulation of these professionals and their industry. To
this end, we suggest that law should benefit from recent contributions from
bioethics, to make the contributions of AI ethics to governance explicit in
legal terms.


  In this paper, we consider the precoder design for an under-loaded or
critically loaded downlink multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO)
communication system. We propose novel precoding and decoding schemes which
enhance system performance based on rate splitting at the transmitter and
single-stage successive interference cancellation at the receivers. The
proposed successive null-space (SNS) precoding scheme utilizes linear
combinations of the null-space basis vectors of the successively augmented MIMO
channel matrices of the users as precoding vectors to adjust the
inter-user-interference experienced by the receivers. We formulate a non-convex
weighted sum rate (WSR) optimization problem, and solve it via successive
convex approximation to obtain a suboptimal solution for the precoding vectors
and the associated power allocation. Our simulation results reveal that the
proposed SNS precoders outperform block diagonalization based linear and rate
splitting designs, and in many cases, have a relatively small gap to the
maximum sum rate achieved by dirty paper coding.


  Particle emission, in addition to gravitational radiation from cosmic string
loops, affects the resulting loop distribution and hence the corresponding
observational consequences of cosmic strings. Here we focus on two models in
which loops of length $\ell$ are produced from the infinite string network with
a given power-law. For both models we find that, due to particle production,
the Stochastic Gravitational Wave Background (SGWB) is cut off outside the
region of parameter space probed by any current or planned GW experiment.
Therefore the present constraints from the LIGO-Virgo-Kagra (LVK) collaboration
still hold. However for one of these models, if a fraction $\gtrsim O(10^{-3})$
of these particles cascades into $\gamma$-rays, and if the gravitational
backreaction scale follows the Polchinski-Rocha model, then the string tension
is tightly constrained from below by measurements of the Diffuse $\gamma$-Ray
Background, and from above by the SGWB. With reasonable assumptions, the joint
constraint on the string tension set by these two possible observables reduces
the available parameter space of this cosmic string model to a narrow band.
Future upgrades to LVK will either rule out this model or detect strings.


  Emerging applications such as wireless sensing, position location, robotics,
and many more are driven by the ultra-wide bandwidths available at
millimeter-wave (mmWave) and Terahertz (THz) frequencies. The characterization
and efficient utilization of wireless channels at these extremely high
frequencies require detailed knowledge of the radio propagation characteristics
of the channels. Such knowledge is developed through empirical observations of
operating conditions using wireless transceivers that measure the impulse
response through channel sounding. Today, cutting-edge channel sounders rely on
several bulky RF hardware components with complicated interconnections, large
parasitics, and sub-GHz RF bandwidth. This paper presents a compact sliding
correlation-based channel sounder baseband built on a monolithic integrated
circuit (IC) using 65 nm CMOS, implemented as an evaluation board achieving a 2
GHz RF bandwidth. The IC is the worlds first gigabit-per-second channel sounder
baseband implemented in low-cost CMOS. The presented single-board system can be
employed at both the transmit and receive baseband to study multipath
characteristics and path loss. Thus, the singleboard implementation provides an
inexpensive and compact solution for sliding correlation-based channel sounding
with 1 ns multipath delay resolution.


  We experimentally explore the phenomenon of electron tunneling across a
modulated tunneling barrier which is created between an STM tip and an Au film
deposited on a vibrating piezo surface. Measurements of the time series of the
quantum mechanical tunneling current across the modulating barrier show large
fluctuations. Analysis of the average work done in establishing tunneling
current in finite time interval shows a distribution of both positive and
negative work events. The negative work events suggest tunneling against the
bias voltage direction. We show that these distributions obey the Gallavotti
Cohen Non-equilibrium Fluctuation Relations (GC-NEFR) valid for systems driven
through a dissipating environment. Typically, while the GC-NEFR has been shown
for non -equilibrium classical systems we show its validity for the quantum
mechanical tunneling process too. The GC-NEFR analysis also gives us a way to
measure the dissipation present in this quantum tunneling system. We propose
the modulated barrier behaves like a lossy scattering medium for the tunneling
electrons resulting in a tendency to randomize of the tunneling process.


  Any quantum-confined electronic system coupled to the electromagnetic
continuum is subject to radiative decay and renormalization of its energy
levels. When coupled to a cavity, these quantities can be strongly modified
with respect to their values in vacuum. Generally, this modification can be
accurately captured by including only the closest resonant mode of the cavity.
In the circuit quantum electrodynamics architecture, where the coupling
strengths can be substantial, it is however found that the radiative decay
rates are strongly influenced by far off-resonant modes. A multimode
calculation accounting for the infinite set of cavity modes leads to
divergences unless a cutoff is imposed. It has so far not been identified what
the source of divergence is. We show here that unless gauge invariance is
respected, any attempt at the calculation of circuit QED quantities is bound to
diverge. We then present a theoretical approach to the calculation of a finite
spontaneous emission rate and the Lamb shift that is free of cutoff.


  In this paper we study time semi-discrete approximations of a class of
exponentially stable infinite dimensional systems with unbounded feedbacks. It
has recently been proved that for time semi-discrete systems, due to high
frequency spurious components, the exponential decay property may be lost as
the time step tends to zero. We prove that adding a suitable numerical
viscosity term in the numerical scheme, one obtains approximations that are
uniformly exponentially stable with respect to the discretization parameter


  Linear spectropolarimetry is a powerful tool to probe circumstellar
structures on spatial scales that cannot yet be achieved through direct
imaging. In this review I discuss the role that emission-line polarimetry can
play in constraining geometrical and physical properties of a wide range of
circumstellar environments, varying from the accretion disks around pre-main
sequence T Tauri and Herbig Ae/Be stars, to the issue of stellar wind clumping,
and the aspherical outflows from the massive star progenitors of supernovae and
long gamma-ray bursts at low metallicity.


  The design and construction of a recoil detector for the measurement of
recoil protons of antiproton-proton elastic scattering at scattering angles
close to 90$^{\circ}$ are described. The performance of the recoil detector has
been tested in the laboratory with radioactive sources and at COSY with proton
beams by measuring proton-proton elastic scattering. The results of laboratory
tests and commissioning with beam are presented. Excellent energy resolution
and proper working performance of the recoil detector validate the conceptual
design of the KOALA experiment at HESR to provide the cross section data needed
to achieve a precise luminosity determination at the PANDA experiment.


  A method is proposed for latticizing a class of supersymmetric gauge
theories, including N=4 super Yang-Mills. The technique is inspired by recent
work on ``deconstruction''. Part of the target theory's supersymmetry is
realized exactly on the lattice, reducing or eliminating the need for fine
tuning. (Talk based on the paper "Supersymmetry on a Spatial Lattice",
hep-lat/0206019, by D.B.K., Emmanuel Katz and Mithat Unsal).


  In this paper, we propose a new method to expose AI-generated fake face
images or videos (commonly known as the Deep Fakes). Our method is based on the
observations that Deep Fakes are created by splicing synthesized face region
into the original image, and in doing so, introducing errors that can be
revealed when 3D head poses are estimated from the face images. We perform
experiments to demonstrate this phenomenon and further develop a classification
method based on this cue. Using features based on this cue, an SVM classifier
is evaluated using a set of real face images and Deep Fakes.


  We consider the following matrix reachability problem: given $r$ square
matrices with entries in a semiring, is there a product of these matrices which
attains a prescribed matrix? We define similarly the vector (resp. scalar)
reachability problem, by requiring that the matrix product, acting by right
multiplication on a prescribed row vector, gives another prescribed row vector
(resp. when multiplied at left and right by prescribed row and column vectors,
gives a prescribed scalar). We show that over any semiring, scalar reachability
reduces to vector reachability which is equivalent to matrix reachability, and
that for any of these problems, the specialization to any $r\geq 2$ is
equivalent to the specialization to $r=2$. As an application of this result and
of a theorem of Krob, we show that when $r=2$, the vector and matrix
reachability problems are undecidable over the max-plus semiring
$(Z\cup\{-\infty\},\max,+)$. We also show that the matrix, vector, and scalar
reachability problems are decidable over semirings whose elements are
``positive'', like the tropical semiring $(N\cup\{+\infty\},\min,+)$.


  We solve the advection-diffusion equation for a stochastically stationary
passive scalar $\theta$, in conjunction with forced 3D Navier-Stokes equations,
using direct numerical simulations in periodic domains of various sizes, the
largest being $8192^3$. The Taylor-scale Reynolds number varies in the range
$140-650$ and the Schmidt number $Sc \equiv \nu/D$ in the range $1-512$, where
$\nu$ is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid and $D$ is the molecular
diffusivity of $\theta$. Our results show that turbulence becomes an
ineffective mixer when $Sc$ is large. First, the mean scalar dissipation rate
$\langle \chi \rangle = 2D \langle |\nabla \theta|^2\rangle$, when suitably
non-dimensionalized, decreases as $1/\log Sc$. Second, 1D cuts through the
scalar field indicate increasing density of sharp fronts on larger scales,
oscillating with large excursions leading to reduced mixing, and additionally
suggesting weakening of scalar variance flux across the scales. The scaling
exponents of the scalar structure functions in the inertial-convective range
appear to saturate with respect to the moment order and the saturation exponent
approaches unity as $Sc$ increases, qualitatively consistent with 1D cuts of
the scalar.


  In this chapter we review the various suggested channels for the formation
and evolution of blue straggler stars (BSSs) in different environments and
their observational predictions. These include mass transfer during binary
stellar evolution - case A/B/C and D (wind Roche-lobe overflow) mass transfer,
stellar collisions during single and binary encounters in dense stellar
cluster, and coupled dynamical and stellar evolution of triple systems. We also
explore the importance of the BSS and binary dynamics in stellar clusters. We
review the various observed properties of BSSs in different environments (halo
and bulge BSSs, BSSs in globular clusters and BSSs in old open clusters), and
compare the current observations with the theoretical predictions for BSS
formation. We try to constrain the likely progenitors and processes that play a
role in the formation of BSSs and their evolution. We find that multiple
channels of BSS formation are likely to take part in producing the observed
BSSs, and we point out the strengths and weaknesses of each the formation
channel in respect to the observational constraints. Finally we point out
directions to further explore the origin of BSS, and highlight eclipsing binary
BSSs as important observational tool.


  How do people decide how long to continue in a task, when to switch, and to
which other task? Understanding the mechanisms that underpin task interleaving
is a long-standing goal in the cognitive sciences. Prior work suggests greedy
heuristics and a policy maximizing the marginal rate of return. However, it is
unclear how such a strategy would allow for adaptation to everyday environments
that offer multiple tasks with complex switch costs and delayed rewards. Here
we develop a hierarchical model of supervisory control driven by reinforcement
learning (RL). The supervisory level learns to switch using task-specific
approximate utility estimates, which are computed on the lower level. A
hierarchically optimal value function decomposition can be learned from
experience, even in conditions with multiple tasks and arbitrary and uncertain
reward and cost structures. The model reproduces known empirical effects of
task interleaving. It yields better predictions of individual-level data than a
myopic baseline in a six-task problem (N=211). The results support hierarchical
RL as a plausible model of task interleaving.


  Spacer thickness and electrical conditioning have their own influence in
enhancing giant magnetoresistance (GMR) ratio. At some condition one factor can
override the other as reported by experiment results. An empiric model about
competition about these two factors is discussed in this work. Comparison from
experiment results to validate the model are also shown and explained. A
formulation is proposed to extend the existing one that now accommodates both
spacer thickness and electrical conditioning in one form.


  Analyzing the vacuum of the Higgs field reveals that it must have a finite
symmetry. It is proposed that this finite symmetry is the Fisher-Griess monster
$\mathbb{M}$ symmetry. Particularly, it is reported that the initial state of
an unbroken $\mathbb{M}\times \mathbb{M}$ supersymmetry produces a mass of $1.1
\times 10^{19}$ GeV whereas the final state of a fully-broken $\mathbb{M}\times
\mathbb{M}$ produces 125.4 GeV (comparable to the Planck scale $1.2 \times
10^{19}$ GeV and the Higgs boson (electroweak) scale 125.1 GeV). Also, it is
shown that breaking $Weyl(E_8)\times Weyl(E_8)$ supersymmetry yields a scale of
$4.4 \times 10^{16} \rm\:$GeV (comparable to the GUT scale of $2 \times 10^{16}
\rm\:$GeV). Based on such evidence, therefore, the monster CFT partition
function (i.e., modular invariant j-function) and the monster SCFT partition
function are addressed. Next, by the Lee-Young theory, the phase transition
with spontaneous symmetry breaking in the model, due to the condensation of
zeros of the partition function along the unit circle, is explained. Afterward,
addressing the well-known connection between the j-function and the Riemann
zeta function, a match between the critical temperature of the model and the
Boltzmann factor (fugacity) corresponding to the first nontrivial zero of the
zeta function is reported (i.e., $T^{\ast}\cong e^{i \pi \zeta_1}$) and
interpreted. Then, noting the evidence of a $\mathbb{M}$ symmetry for the Higgs
field, first, the massless Photon is introduced as its trivial centralizer (the
identity element $\mathbb{1}$). Finally, based on some relationships in the
sporadic groups, the other 25 sporadic groups are suggested as the symmetries
for the fields of 25 elementary particles (including the graviton and another
particle, seemingly a leptoquark).


  The ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}(\alpha,\gamma){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction plays a key
role in the evolution of stars with masses of $M >$ 0.55 $M_\odot$. The
cross-section of the ${}^{12}\mathrm{C}(\alpha,\gamma){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$
reaction within the Gamow window ($E_\textrm{c.m.}$ = 300 keV, $T_\textrm9$ =
0.2) is extremely small (about $10^{-17}$ barn), which makes the direct
measurement in a ground-based laboratory with existing techniques unfeasible.
Up until now, the cross-sections at lower energies can only be extrapolated
from the data at higher energies. However, two subthreshold resonances, located
at $E_x$ = 7.117 MeV and $E_x$ = 6.917 MeV, make this extrapolation more
complicated. In this work, the 6.917 MeV subthreshold resonance in the
${}^{12}\mathrm{C}(\alpha,\gamma){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$ reaction was investigated
via the
${}^{12}\mathrm{C}({}^{11}\mathrm{B},{}^{7}\mathrm{Li}){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$
reaction. The experiment was performed using the Q3D magnetic spectrograph at
the HI-13 tandem accelerator. We measured the angular distribution of the
${}^{12}\mathrm{C}({}^{11}\mathrm{B},{}^{7}\mathrm{Li}){}^{16}\mathrm{O}$
transfer reaction leading to the 6.917 MeV state. Based on the FRDWBA analysis,
we derived the asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC) of the 6.917 MeV
level in $^{16}$O to be (1.10 $\pm$ 0.29) $\times 10^{10}$ fm$^{-1}$, with
which the reduced $\alpha$ width was computed to be $18.0\pm4.7$ keV at the
channel radius of 6.5 fm. Finally, we calculated the astrophysical
$S_{E2}(300)$ factor of the ground-state transitions to be 46.2 $\pm$ 7.7 keV
b. The result for the astrophysical $S_{E2}(300)$ factor confirms the values
obtained in various direct and indirect measurements and presents an
independent examination of the most important data in nuclear astrophysics.


  A detailed comparison is made of results from the Lunar Prospector Neutron
Spectrometer (LPNS) and the Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector Collimated
Sensors for EpiThermal Neutrons (LEND CSETN). Using the autocorrelation
function and power spectrum of the polar count rate maps produced by these
experiments, it is shown that the LEND CSETN has a footprint that is at least
as big as would be expected for an omni-directional detector at an orbital
altitude of 50 km. The collimated flux into the field of view of the collimator
is negligible. Arguments put forward asserting otherwise are considered and
found wanting for various reasons. The maps of lunar polar hydrogen with the
highest contrast, i.e. spatial resolution, are those resulting from pixon image
reconstructions of the LPNS data. These typically provide weight percentages of
water equivalent hydrogen that are accurate to 30% within the polar craters.


  Discrete-Time Dynamic Graphs (DTDGs), which are prevalent in real-world
implementations and notable for their ease of data acquisition, have garnered
considerable attention from both academic researchers and industry
practitioners. The representation learning of DTDGs has been extensively
applied to model the dynamics of temporally changing entities and their
evolving connections. Currently, DTDG representation learning predominantly
relies on GNN+RNN architectures, which manifest the inherent limitations of
both Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs). GNNs
suffer from the over-smoothing issue as the models architecture goes deeper,
while RNNs struggle to capture long-term dependencies effectively. GNN+RNN
architectures also grapple with scaling to large graph sizes and long
sequences. Additionally, these methods often compute node representations
separately and focus solely on individual node characteristics, thereby
overlooking the behavior intersections between the two nodes whose link is
being predicted, such as instances where the two nodes appear together in the
same context or share common neighbors.
  This paper introduces a novel representation learning method DTFormer for
DTDGs, pivoting from the traditional GNN+RNN framework to a Transformer-based
architecture. Our approach exploits the attention mechanism to concurrently
process topological information within the graph at each timestamp and temporal
dynamics of graphs along the timestamps, circumventing the aforementioned
fundamental weakness of both GNNs and RNNs. Moreover, we enhance the model's
expressive capability by incorporating the intersection relationships among
nodes and integrating a multi-patching module. Extensive experiments conducted
on six public dynamic graph benchmark datasets confirm our model's efficacy,
achieving the SOTA performance.


  In many real world settings binary classification decisions are made based on
limited data in near real-time, e.g. when assessing a loan application. We
focus on a class of these problems that share a common feature: the true label
is only observed when a data point is assigned a positive label by the
principal, e.g. we only find out whether an applicant defaults if we accepted
their loan application. As a consequence, the false rejections become
self-reinforcing and cause the labelled training set, that is being
continuously updated by the model decisions, to accumulate bias. Prior work
mitigates this effect by injecting optimism into the model, however this comes
at the cost of increased false acceptance rate. We introduce adversarial
optimism (AdOpt) to directly address bias in the training set using adversarial
domain adaptation. The goal of AdOpt is to learn an unbiased but informative
representation of past data, by reducing the distributional shift between the
set of accepted data points and all data points seen thus far. AdOpt
significantly exceeds state-of-the-art performance on a set of challenging
benchmark problems. Our experiments also provide initial evidence that the
introduction of adversarial domain adaptation improves fairness in this
setting.


  The electronic response of a two-dimensional (2D) electron system represents
a key quantity in discussing one-electron properties of electrons in
semiconductor heterojunctions, on the surface of liquid helium and in
copper-oxide planes of high-temperature superconductors. We here report an
evaluation of the wave-vector and frequency dependent dynamical quadratic
density-response function of a 2D electron gas (2DEG), within a self-consistent
field approximation. We use this result to find the $Z_1^3$ correction to the
stopping power of a 2DEG for charged particles moving at a fixed distance from
the plane of the 2D sheet, $Z_1$ being the projectile charge. We reproduce, in
the high-density limit, previous full nonlinear calculations of the stopping
power of a 2DEG for slow antiprotons, and we go further to calculate the
$Z_1^3$ correction to the stopping power of a 2DEG for a wide range of
projectile velocities. Our results indicate that linear response calculations
are, for all projectile velocities, less reliable in two dimensions than in
three dimensions.