Pseudoscalar N-flation and axial coupling revisited

We revisit the dynamics of the axial coupling between many N-flatons and an Abelian gauge field, with special attention to its statistically anisotropic signal. The anisotropic power spectrum of curvature perturbations associated to the large wavelength modes of the gauge vector field is generally undetectable, since the anisotropy is confined to small scales. If the gauge field is the electromagnetic field, provided that the number of fields participating in the exponential expansion is large, it could be possible to generate sizable large scale magnetic fields. However, its spectrum is blue, and appreciable power on large scales implies an overly strong field on smaller scales, incompatibly with observations. Furthermore, the anisotropy is also markedly enhanced, and might be at odds with the isotropic observed sky. These aspects further demand that the scale of inflation is kept to a minimum.Comment: 14 pages - v2 with minor changes in the conclusions, v3 to match published versio

The Critical Role of Statistics in Demostrating the Reliability of Expert Evidence

Federal Rule of Evidence 702, which covers testimony by expert witnesses, allows a witness to testify “in the form of an opinion or otherwise” if “the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data” and “is the product of reliable principles and methods” that have been “reliably applied.” The determination of “sufficient” (facts or data) and whether the “reliable principles and methods” relate to the scientific question at hand involve more discrimination than the current Rule 702 may suggest. Using examples from latent fingerprint matching and trace evidence (bullet lead and glass), I offer some criteria that scientists often consider in assessing the “trustworthiness” of evidence to enable courts to better distinguish between “trustworthy” and “questionable” evidence. The codification of such criteria may ultimately strengthen the current Rule 702 so courts can better distinguish between demonstrably scientific sufficiency and “opinion” based on inadequate (or inappurtenant) methods

Period of shame - The effects of menstrual hygiene management on rural women and girls' quality of life in Savannakhet, Laos

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate how rural women and girls’ menstrual hygiene management (MHM) affects their life-quality and performance in everyday life. The thesis analysed the opportunities, abilities and motivation they had in performing MHM and how it affected their social and economical opportunities. From this, conclusions were drawn on how MHM affects their life-quality. A concurrent mixed methods approach was implemented where qualitative data was gathered through group interviews and quantitative data through closed questionnaires. The results were analysed through a combination of the FOAM-framework and Sen’s capabilities approach. The results showed that not all women had sufficient access to toilets, water, panties and sanitary pads. Together with an absence in social support and cultural norms that perceive menstruation as taboo, these factors had negative consequences on their life-quality. It restricted them in their access to a good health, education and income-generating activities. The effects are however subjective; not all women saw their practice as problematic. The results merely showed that not all women had access in exercising their capabilities, which could lead to a decreased level of life-quality. Individuals as well as societies could thus benefit in taking MHM into consideration in the development discourse

Predator empire: the geopolitics of U.S. drone warfare

This paper critically assesses the CIA’s drone program and proposes that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles is driving an increasingly paramilitarized U.S. national security strategy. The paper suggests that large-scale ground wars are being eclipsed by fleets of weaponized drones capable of targeted killings across the planet. Evidence for this shift is found in key security documents that mobilize an amorphous war against vaguely defined al-Qa’ida “affiliates”. This is further legitimized by the White House’s presentation of drone warfare as a bureaucratic task managed by a “disposition matrix”. Such abstract narratives are challenged through the voices of people living in the tribal areas of Pakistan. What I call the Predator Empire names the biopolitical power that catalogues and eliminates threatening “patterns of life”. This permanent war is enabled by a topological spatial power that folds the environments of the “affiliate” into the surveillance machinery of the Homeland

Polynomial-Time Algorithms for Quadratic Isomorphism of Polynomials: The Regular Case

Let $\mathbf{f}=(f\_1,\ldots,f\_m)$ and $\mathbf{g}=(g\_1,\ldots,g\_m)$ be two sets of $m\geq 1$ nonlinear polynomials over $\mathbb{K}[x\_1,\ldots,x\_n]$ ($\mathbb{K}$ being a field). We consider the computational problem of finding -- if any -- an invertible transformation on the variables mapping $\mathbf{f}$ to $\mathbf{g}$. The corresponding equivalence problem is known as {\tt Isomorphism of Polynomials with one Secret} ({\tt IP1S}) and is a fundamental problem in multivariate cryptography. The main result is a randomized polynomial-time algorithm for solving {\tt IP1S} for quadratic instances, a particular case of importance in cryptography and somewhat justifying {\it a posteriori} the fact that {\it Graph Isomorphism} reduces to only cubic instances of {\tt IP1S} (Agrawal and Saxena). To this end, we show that {\tt IP1S} for quadratic polynomials can be reduced to a variant of the classical module isomorphism problem in representation theory, which involves to test the orthogonal simultaneous conjugacy of symmetric matrices. We show that we can essentially {\it linearize} the problem by reducing quadratic-{\tt IP1S} to test the orthogonal simultaneous similarity of symmetric matrices; this latter problem was shown by Chistov, Ivanyos and Karpinski to be equivalent to finding an invertible matrix in the linear space $\mathbb{K}^{n \times n}$ of $n \times n$ matrices over $\mathbb{K}$ and to compute the square root in a matrix algebra. While computing square roots of matrices can be done efficiently using numerical methods, it seems difficult to control the bit complexity of such methods. However, we present exact and polynomial-time algorithms for computing the square root in $\mathbb{K}^{n \times n}$ for various fields (including finite fields). We then consider \\#{\tt IP1S}, the counting version of {\tt IP1S} for quadratic instances. In particular, we provide a (complete) characterization of the automorphism group of homogeneous quadratic polynomials. Finally, we also consider the more general {\it Isomorphism of Polynomials} ({\tt IP}) problem where we allow an invertible linear transformation on the variables \emph{and} on the set of polynomials. A randomized polynomial-time algorithm for solving {\tt IP} when $\mathbf{f}=(x\_1^d,\ldots,x\_n^d)$ is presented. From an algorithmic point of view, the problem boils down to factoring the determinant of a linear matrix (\emph{i.e.}\ a matrix whose components are linear polynomials). This extends to {\tt IP} a result of Kayal obtained for {\tt PolyProj}.Comment: Published in Journal of Complexity, Elsevier, 2015, pp.3

Trace Elements as Contaminants and Nutrients: Consequences in Ecosystems and Human Health

Not AvailableIt is a general belief that the fruits and vegetables that our parents ate when they were growing up were more nutritious and enriched with essential mineral nutrients and were less contaminated with toxic trace elements than the ones that are being consumed by us currently. A study of the mineral content of fruits and vegetables grown in Great Britain between 1930 and 1980 has added weight to that belief with findings of such decreases in nutrient density. The study, conducted by scientists in Great Britain, found significantly lower levels of calcium, magnesium, copper, and sodium in vegetables, as well as significantly lower levels of magnesium, iron, copper and potassium in fruits. Research studies are showing that the reducing nutritional value and the problem of contamination associated with food quality is increasing at an alarming rate. The decline in quality of agricultural produce has corresponded to the period of increased industrialization of our farming systems, where emphasis has been on cash crop cultivation that demands high doses of agrochemicals—that is, fertilizers and pesticides. Several of the trace elements are essential for human as well as animal health. However, nutritionally important trace elements are deficient in soils in many regions of the world and the health problems associated with an excess, deficiency, or uneven distribution of these essential trace elements in soils are now a major public health issue in many developing countries. Therefore, the development of “foods and animal feeds” fortified with essential nutrients is now one of the most attractive research fields globally. In order to achieve this, knowledge of the traditional forms of agriculture, along with conservation, greater use of native bio-geo-diversity, and genetic diversity analysis of the cultivable crops, is a must. A number of trace elements serve as cofactors for various enzymes and in a variety of metabolic functions. Trace elements accumulated in medicinal plants have the healing power for numerous ailments and disorders. Trace elements are implicated in healing function and neurochemical transmission (Zn on synaptic transmission); Cr and Mn can be correlated with therapeutic properties against diabetic and cardiovascular diseases. Certain transition group elements regulate hepatic synthesis of cholesterol. Nutrinogenomics, pharmacogenomics, and metallomics are now emerging as new areas of research with challenging tasks ahead. Soil, sediment, and urban dust, which originate primarily from the Earth’s crust, is the most pervasive and important factor affecting human health and well-being. Trace element contamination is a major concern because of toxicity and the threat to human life and the environment. A variety of elements commonly found in the urban environment originate technogenically. In an urban environment, exposure of xxiii human beings to trace elements takes place from multiple sources, namely, water transported material from surrounding soils and slopes, dry and wet atmospheric deposition, biological inputs, road surface wear, road paint degradation, vehicle wear (tyres, body, brake lining, etc.), and vehicular fluid and particulate emissions. Lead and cadmium are the two elements that are frequently studied in street dust, but very little attention has been given to other trace elements such as Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni, which are frequently encountered in the urban environment. Street dusts often contain elevated concentrations of a range of toxic elements, and concerns have been expressed about the consequences for both environmental quality and human health, especially of young children because of their greater susceptibility to a given dose of toxin and the likelihood to ingest inadvertently significant quantities of dust. Sediment and dust transported and stored in the urban environment have the potential to provide considerable loadings of heavy metals to receiving water and water bodies, particularly with changing environmental conditions. On land, vegetables and fruits may be contaminated with surficial deposits of dusts. Environmental and health effects of trace metal contaminants in dust are dependent, at least initially, on the mobility and availability of the elements, and mobility and availability is a function of their chemical speciation and partitioning within or on dust matrices. The identification of the main binding sites and phase associations of trace metals in soils and sediments help in understanding geochemical processes and would be helpful to assess the potential for remobilization with changes in surrounding chemistry (especially pH and Eh). Sophisticated analytical and speciation techniques and synchrotron research are being applied to this field of research in developed nations. This book covers both the benefits of trace elements and potential toxicity and impact of trace elements in the environment in the chosen topics by leaders of the world in this area.Not Availabl

Analysing the Potential of Renewable Energy Use in the Textile Sector of Pakistan

Pakistan is an energy deficient country. The gap between energy supply and demand is growing continuously. Major factors behind its energy problems are: lack of infrastructure and planning; high dependence on imported fuels; chaotic law and order situation; and political instability. Pakistan's energy problems are resulting in lower economic and industrial growth. This research reviews the energy profile of Pakistan, and investigates the potential and viability of renewable energy options for the Pakistan's textile industry. The textile sector is the backbone of Pakistan's economy. Renewable energy options such as wind, photovoltaic (PV), and solar thermal were investigated for this report. The research concludes that solar PV system is a financially viable option for replacing diesel sourced power generation. Finally, the research proposes a policy framework for the effective application and dissemination of renewable energy in Pakistan

Rare books as historical objects: a case study of the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library rare books collection

Thesis (M.S.) University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2015Once upon a time all the books in the Arctic were rare books, incomparable treasures to the men and women who carried them around the world. Few of these tangible remnants of the past have managed to survive the ravages of time, preserved in libraries and special collections. This thesis analyzes the over 22,000-item rare book collection of the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the largest collection of rare books in the State of Alaska and one of the largest polar regions collections in the world. Content, chronology, authorship, design, and relevance to northern and polar history were a few of the criteria used to evaluate the collection. Twenty items of particular value to the study of Alaskan history were selected and studied in depth. The collection not only reflects the social, political and economic development of Alaska, but also the interests, personalities and expertise of collectors and authors, including works owned or written by key individuals in Alaska history, such as Hieromonk Gideon, Ivan Veniaminov, Ivan Pan’kov, Iakov Netsvietov, Kiril Khlebnikov, Hubert Howe Bancroft, George Davidson, Hudson Stuck, Sheldon Jackson, James Wickersham, Charles Bunnell, Alfred H. Brooks and others. Accident and happenstance also played a role in filling the shelves. There are more mysteries than answers—why some of these particular works resisted hundreds of years of neglect, cold, flood, and fire can never be known. While some books have no marks, no identifiable owners or traceable past, the provenance of others makes them unique. Sometimes the story behind the story is the story.Chapter 1: Rare Books Studies: Methodological Discussion -- 1.1 Historical Research Based on Libraries -- 1.2 Research Statement -- 1.3 Description of the Data – The Elmer E. Rasmuson Library Rare Books Collection -- 1.4 Defining Rare Books and Their Roles in Library Collections -- 1.5 Structure of a Book -- 1.6 Book Materials -- 1.7 Methodological Conclusion -- Chapter 2: The Book in Alaska -- 2.1 Arctic and Antarctic Books as Travelers -- 2.2 Arctic and Antarctic Libraries as Travelers: Ship Publishing, Ship Libraries -- 2.3 First Books in Alaska -- 2.4 Nikolai Rezanov’s View of the Enlightenment -- 2.5 The Kodiak Library -- 2.6 The Sitka Library -- 2.7 The Sitka Museum -- 2.8 Ivan Veniaminov: Language Studies and the Sitka Seminary -- 2.9 Educated “Americans”: The Case of Ivan Pan’kov -- 2.10 RAC Officials and Missionaries: The Necessity of Bilingual Communication -- 2.11 The Educational Backgrounds of Russian American Governors -- 2.12 Conclusion -- Chapter 3: Missionaries, Prospectors, and Collectors -- 3.1 Early American Era: The Battle of School Books -- 3.2 American-Era Missionaries: Books, Reading, Literacy -- 3.3 Gold Rushes in Alaska and the Yukon: Illusion and Ephemera -- 3.4 Missionary Periodicals at the Time of the Alaska Gold Rushes -- 3.5 Periodicals Exchanges, Reading Rooms and Libraries during the Late Nineteenth – Early Twentieth Century -- 3.6 Collectors of Alaskana and Alaskan Collectors of Rarities -- 3.6.1 The Challenges of Rare Book Collecting in Alaska -- 3.6.2 The Bancroft Library -- 3.6.3 The George Davidson Library -- 3.6.4 The James Wickersham Library -- 3.6.5 The Clarence L. Andrews Library -- 3.6.6 Valerian Lada-Mocarski Library -- 3.6.7 Women in Book Collecting: Laura K. Lada-Mocarski -- 3.7 Conclusion -- Chapter 4: Rare Books as Historical Objects, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library Rare Books Collection -- 4.1 History of the Elmer E. Rasmuson Library and Its Rare Books Collection -- 4.2 Study of the Rare Books Sample, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library Rare Book Collection -- 4.2.1 Books in Russian Published before 1867 -- 4.2.2 Books in English Published before 1867 -- 4.2.3 Books in English Published after 1867 -- 4.2.4 Books in Alaska Native Languages Published after 1867 -- 4.2.5 Nineteenth-Century Missionary Literature -- 4.2.6 Nineteenth-Century Writings by U.S. Government Officials -- 4.2.7 Nineteenth-Century U.S. Exploration Literature -- 4.2.8 Twentieth-Century U.S. Exploration Literature -- 4.2.9 Gold Rush Literature -- 4.2.10 Twentieth-Century Business Literature -- 4.2.11 Late Nineteenth-Early Twentieth Century Periodicals -- 4.2.12 World War II Literature -- 4.2.13 Rare Books Sample: Summary -- Conclusion -- Literature cited