5,567 research outputs found
Data-Driven Prediction of Thresholded Time Series of Rainfall and SOC models
We study the occurrence of events, subject to threshold, in a representative
SOC sandpile model and in high-resolution rainfall data. The predictability in
both systems is analyzed by means of a decision variable sensitive to event
clustering, and the quality of the predictions is evaluated by the receiver
operating characteristics (ROC) method. In the case of the SOC sandpile model,
the scaling of quiet-time distributions with increasing threshold leads to
increased predictability of extreme events. A scaling theory allows us to
understand all the details of the prediction procedure and to extrapolate the
shape of the ROC curves for the most extreme events. For rainfall data, the
quiet-time distributions do not scale for high thresholds, which means that the
corresponding ROC curves cannot be straightforwardly related to those for lower
thresholds.Comment: 19 pages, 10 figure
Galaxy Cosmological Mass Function
We study the galaxy cosmological mass function (GCMF) in a semi-empirical
relativistic approach using observational data provided by galaxy redshift
surveys. Starting from the theory of Ribeiro & Stoeger (2003,
arXiv:astro-ph/0304094) between the mass-to-light ratio, the selection function
obtained from the luminosity function (LF) data and the luminosity density, the
average luminosity and the average galactic mass are
computed in terms of the redshift. is also alternatively
estimated by a method that uses the galaxy stellar mass function (GSMF).
Comparison of these two forms of deriving the average galactic mass allows us
to infer a possible bias introduced by the selection criteria of the survey. We
used the FORS Deep Field galaxy survey sample of 5558 galaxies in the redshift
range and its LF Schechter parameters in the B-band, as well as
this sample's stellar mass-to-light ratio and its GSMF data. Assuming
as the local value of
the average galactic mass, the LF approach results in and .
However, using the GSMF results produces . We chose the latter result as it is less biased. We then obtained
the theoretical quantities of interest, such as the differential number counts,
to calculate the GCMF, which can be fitted by a Schechter function. The derived
GCMF follows theoretical predictions in which the less massive objects form
first, being followed later by more massive ones. In the range
the GCMF has a strong variation that can be interpreted as a higher rate of
galaxy mergers or as a strong evolution in the star formation history of these
galaxies.Comment: In memory of William R. Stoeger (1943-2014). LaTeX, 8 pages, 7
figures. Minor changes to match version sent to publisher. To appear in
"Astronomy and Astrophysics
Radial Density Statistics of the Galaxy Distribution and the Luminosity Function
This paper discusses a connection between the relativistic number counts of
cosmological sources and the observed galaxy luminosity function (LF).
Observational differential number densities are defined and obtained from
published LF data using such connection. We observe a distortion in the
observational quantities that increases with higher redshift values as compared
to the theoretical predictions. The use of different cosmological distance
measures plays a role in such a distortionComment: 3 pages, 3 figures. Abridged version of arXiv:1201.557
Universality of Tip Singularity Formation in Freezing Water Drops
A drop of water deposited on a cold plate freezes into an ice drop with a
pointy tip. While this phenomenon clearly finds its origin in the expansion of
water upon freezing, a quantitative description of the tip singularity has
remained elusive. Here we demonstrate how the geometry of the freezing front,
determined by heat transfer considerations, is crucial for the tip formation.
We perform systematic measurements of the angles of the conical tip, and reveal
the dynamics of the solidification front in a Hele-Shaw geometry. It is found
that the cone angle is independent of substrate temperature and wetting angle,
suggesting a universal, self-similar mechanism that does not depend on the rate
of solidification. We propose a model for the freezing front and derive
resulting tip angles analytically, in good agreement with observations.Comment: Letter format, 5 pages, 3 figures. Note: authors AGM and ORE
contributed equally to the pape
Self-fields in thin superconducting tapes: implications to the thickness effect in coated conductors
Most applications of superconductors, such as power transmission lines,
motors, generators, and transformers, require long cables through which large
currents circulate. Impressive progress has recently been achieved in the
current-carrying capability in conductors based on high-temperature
superconductors. Coated conductors are likely the best examples, consisting of
very good quality thin layers of YBCO superconductor grown on top of a metallic
tape with some intermediate layers. However, there is an important problem for
achieving large currents: a large decrease in transport critical-current
density Jc when increasing film thickness has been observed in coated
conductors made by all available techniques. Here, we theoretically explain the
nature and the ubiquitous presence of this so-called thickness effect by
analyzing the self-field created by the transport currents in the
superconductor, assuming a realistic field-dependent Jc. This knowledge can
help finding new ways to improve transport current in thick superconducting
films.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figure
Identifying Arkansas Food Desert Blocks Suitable for a Peer-to-Peer Modeled Food Redistribution Program
Abstract
Nearly 10% of Americans reside in low-income urban food deserts which are low-income areas that lack access to affordable and nutritious foods. Food deserts in Arkansas contribute to a food insecurity rate above the national average, making it one of the most food insecure states in the country. Increased internet usage and consumer interest in sharing based companies contribute to the idea of a sharing, or peer-to-peer (P2P) style food redistribution program. The objective of this study is to identify which of the 186,211census blocks in the state of Arkansas are food deserts and best suited for and in the most need, based on an identified set of criteria, of a P2P food redistribution program. A multi-criteria decision analysis was conducted using population, internet access, vulnerable communities, and vehicle availability as criteria. Results suggest that based upon the close proximity of priority areas, transportation access, ethnic/racial diversity, and the number of possible collection locations, Pulaski County be targeted for a P2P food redistribution pilot program
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