4,902 research outputs found
On the viscosity solutions of a stochastic differential utility problem
We prove existence, uniqueness and gradient estimates of stochastic differential utility as a solution of the Cauchy problem for degenerate nonlinear partial differential equation. We also characterize the solution in the vanishing viscosity sense.Viscosity solution, Burgers' equation, Stochastic differential utility
An approach for estimating measurement uncertainty in medical laboratories using data from long-term quality control and external quality assessment schemes
The present study was prompted by the ISO 15189 requirements that medical laboratories should estimate measurement uncertainty (MU)
Energetics of two-body Hamiltonians in post-Minkowskian gravity
Advanced methods for computing perturbative, quantum-gravitational scattering
amplitudes show great promise for improving our knowledge of classical
gravitational dynamics. This is especially true in the weak-field and
arbitrary-speed (post-Minkowskian, PM) regime, where the conservative dynamics
at 3PM order has been recently determined for the first time, via an amplitude
calculation. Such PM results are most relevantly applicable to relativistic
scattering (unbound orbits), while bound/inspiraling binary systems, the most
frequent sources of gravitational waves for the LIGO and Virgo detectors, are
most suitably modeled by the weak-field and slow-motion (post-Newtonian, PN)
approximation. Nonetheless, it has been suggested that PM results can
independently lead to improved modeling of bound binary dynamics, especially
when taken as inputs for effective-one-body (EOB) models of inspiraling
binaries. Here, we initiate a quantitative study of this possibility, by
comparing PM, EOB and PN predictions for the binding energy of a two-body
system on a quasi-circular inspiraling orbit against results of numerical
relativity (NR) simulations. The binding energy is one of the two central
ingredients (the other being the gravitational-wave energy flux) that enters
the computation of gravitational waveforms employed by LIGO and Virgo
detectors, and for (quasi-)circular orbits it provides an accurate diagnostic
of the conservative sector of a model. We find that, whereas 3PM results do
improve the agreement with NR with respect to 2PM (especially when used in the
EOB framework), it is crucial to push PM calculations at higher orders if one
wants to achieve better performances than current waveform models used for
LIGO/Virgo data analysis.Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures. v2: publishe
The hydrodynamic interaction of two slowly evaporating spheres
The Stokes flow induced by the slow evaporation or condensation of two spheres is studied. The phase?change velocity is prescribed and uniform over the surfaces of the spheres. Exact expressions are obtained for the streamfunction and the drag forces. Simpler expressions applicable to a variety of limit cases (distant spheres, a source and a sphere, and a sphere and a plane) are presented. When only one sphere is evaporating, depending on the distance from the other sphere, the flow may exhibit a variety of interesting behaviors such as smooth?boundary separation, closed recirculating eddies, and infinite open eddies
Graduatesâ employment and employability after the âBologna Processâ reform. Evidence from the Italian experience and methodological issues
In a phase of depression and systemic crisis investments are essential assets in organizing the recovery, and the more so when innovation is relevant. This is why universities, companies, households and graduates implement strategies for overcoming the present crisis, leading to structural changes and competition both at the local and international level. In this framework, tracer studies on graduates transition to the labour markets provides fundamental insights and information not only to the organizations responsible for their training, but also to the economic system as a whole. Moreover, any such study is all the more useful when it can draw upon reliable and up-to-date information. This paper emphasizes three main points. First we present the results achieved by the AL model in tracing the transition path of graduates from the time they enrolled at the university until a few years after earning the degree. The survey is carried out every year by the AL and makes it possible to analyze the most recent labour market trends through the scrutiny of the career opportunities available for the graduates after 1, 3 and 5 years on from graduation. More specifically, we will present the results of the 2008 survey. This survey involved also all first and second level graduates from the 2007 vintage. Second, we examine the revision in our survey method, adopted in order to face the need to monitor a much higher number of post-reform graduates (more than 140 thousand overall) and the call of the Ministry and the universities to keep the information as much detailed as possible in assessing the employment outcomes for each single degree course, without losing feasibility in terms of costs and data collection time. In fact, we resorted to a mixed method: the computer assisted web interviewing (CAWI) and the computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI). This is why it became necessary to measure and assess the effect of this approach on the answers given by interviewed graduates. In third place, we outline the results of some preliminary experiments carried on in order to allow for specific and recurrent comparisons between the results achieved with the AL model and other similar models dealing with the employment conditions of Italian graduates.Graduatesâ employment; Graduatesâ employability; Bologna Process; University reform; University governance; Assessment of the higher education system; CAWI and CATI survey techniques; Propensity score matching; Data quality control; Counter factual analysis; Labour supply, Human capital.
A Fisher matrix for gravitational-wave population inference
We derive a Fisher matrix for the parameters characterising a population of
gravitational-wave events. This provides a guide to the precision with which
population parameters can be estimated with multiple observations, which
becomes increasingly accurate as the number of events and the signal-to-noise
ratio of the sampled events increases. The formalism takes into account
individual event measurement uncertainties and selection effects, and can be
applied to arbitrary population models. We illustrate the framework with two
examples: an analytical calculation of the Fisher matrix for the mean and
variance of a Gaussian model describing a population affected by selection
effects, and an estimation of the precision with which the slope of a power law
distribution of supermassive black-hole masses can be measured using
extreme-mass-ratio inspiral observations. We compare the Fisher predictions to
results from Monte Carlo analyses, finding very good agreement.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figures; the results can be reproduced using codes at
https://github.com/aantonelli94/PopFisher. v2: published version, new
sections and appendices added during the peer-review proces
The formation and evolution of early-type galaxies : solid results and open questions
The most recent results and some of the open key questions on the evolution
of early-type galaxies are reviewed in the general cosmological context of
massive galaxy formation.Comment: 8 pages, invited review at the workshop "Probing Stellar Populations
out to the Distant Universe", Cefalu` (Italy), September 7 - 19, 200
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Valve Timing Effects on the Performances of a Small Volumetric Rotary Expansion Device
Single stage expansion devices are currently studied for small scale size power plant, often in combination with Organic Rankine Cycles for the employment of solar, geothermal, biomass or waste heat energies.
A volumetric rotary single-stage expander was chosen in this study as expansion device for such type of plants. Its main characteristics and performances are discussed as a function of both the working conditions (fluid type, inlet temperature) and the working parameters (rotating speed, admission and recompression grades, valves advance).
These analyses were carried out with numerical and experimental techniques. The analysis of the effects of the working condi- tions on the expander performances was carried out through a numerical model created with the simulation tool AMESim. At the same time, a prototype was built and experimented with compressed air to validate the model used by means of air mass flow rate, torque and indicated cycle. This way the isentropic and mechanical efficiency are discussed.
The validation of the model was carried out by comparison with the experimental data collected at the engine test bench by operating the engine with compressed air. The indicated cycle, the air mass flow rate and the delivered torque were used as parameters of comparison. Moreover an experimental analysis at the fluid dynamic bench was carried out to validate the numerical 3D CFD model of the valves.
The part load performances of this expansion device were studied by hypothesizing different control strategies and comparing them in terms of efficiency reduction respect to the design point. The influence of valves advance was also discussed
- âŚ