Low-Energy Direct Capture in the 16O(alpha,gamma)20Ne Reaction

The cross section of the 16O(a,g)20Ne capture reaction is analyzed at low energies where the direct capture mechanism is dominant. For temperatures below T9 = 0.2 the resulting astrophysical reaction rate is about a factor of two higher than in a recent compilation whereas the energy dependence of the astrophysical S-factor and the branching ratios to the 20Ne bound states are very similar to previous calculations. The validity of the widely used detailed balance theorem for the inverse 20Ne(g,a)16O photodisintegration rate is confirmed for the special case of high-lying first excited states.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures, Phys. Rev. C, accepted for publicatio

Machine learning to detect marine animals in UAV imagery: effect of morphology, spacing, behaviour and habitat

Machine learning algorithms are being increasingly used to process large volumes of wildlife imagery data from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); however, suitable algorithms to monitor multiple species are required to enhance efficiency. Here, we developed a machine learning algorithm using a low-cost computer. We trained a convolutional neural network and tested its performance in: (1) distinguishing focal organisms of three marine taxa (Australian fur seals, loggerhead sea turtles and Australasian gannets; body size ranges: 0.8–2.5 m, 0.6–1.0 m, and 0.8–0.9 m, respectively); and (2) simultaneously delineating the fine-scale movement trajectories of multiple sea turtles at a fish cleaning station. For all species, the algorithm performed best at detecting individuals of similar body length, displaying consistent behaviour or occupying uniform habitat (proportion of individuals detected, or recall of 0.94, 0.79 and 0.75 for gannets, seals and turtles, respectively). For gannets, performance was impacted by spacing (huddling pairs with offspring) and behaviour (resting vs. flying shapes, overall precision: 0.74). For seals, accuracy was impacted by morphology (sexual dimorphism and pups), spacing (huddling and creches) and habitat complexity (seal sized boulders) (overall precision: 0.27). For sea turtles, performance was impacted by habitat complexity, position in water column, spacing, behaviour (interacting individuals) and turbidity (overall precision: 0.24); body size variation had no impact. For sea turtle trajectories, locations were estimated with a relative positioning error of <50 cm. In conclusion, we demonstrate that, while the same machine learning algorithm can be used to survey multiple species, no single algorithm captures all components optimally within a given site. We recommend that, rather than attempting to fully automate detection of UAV imagery data, semi-automation is implemented (i.e. part automated and part manual, as commonly practised for photo-identification). Approaches to enhance the efficiency of manual detection are required in parallel to the development of effective implementation of machine learning algorithms

Empirical Abundance Scaling Laws and Implications for the Gamma-Process in Core-Collapse Supernovae

Analyzing the solar system abundances, we have found two empirical abundance scaling laws concerning the p- and s-nuclei with the same atomic number. The first scaling is s/p ratios are almost constant over a wide range of the atomic number, where the p-nculei are lighter than the s-nuclei by two or four neutrons. The second scaling is p/p ratios are almost constant, where the second $p$-nuclei are lighter than the first p-nucleus by two neutrons. These scalings are a piece of evidence that most p-nuclei are dominantly synthesized by the gamma-process in supernova explosions. The scalings lead to a novel concept of "universality of gamma-process" that the s/p and p/p ratios of nuclei produced by individual gamma-processes are almost constant, respectively. We have calculated the ratios by gamma-process based on core-collapse supernova explosion models under various astrophysical conditions and found that the scalings hold for materials produced by individual gamma-processes independent of the astrophysical conditions assumed. The universality originates from three mechanisms: the shifts of the gamma-process layers to keep their peak temperature, the weak s-process in pre-supernovae, and the independence of the s/p ratios of the nuclear reactions. The results further suggest an extended universality that the s/p ratios in the gamma-process layers are not only constant but also centered on a specific value of 3. With this specific value and the first scaling, we estimate that the ratios of $s$-process abundance contributions from the AGB stars to the massive stars are almost 6.7 for the $s$-nuclei of A > 90. We find that large enhancements of s/p ratios for Ce, Er, and W are a piece of evidence that the weak s-process actually occurred before SNe.Comment: 35 pages, 15 figure

Making space for experiences

Leisure and retail providers need to understand the elements of the visitor experience and the way in which they evaluate their satisfaction. This article suggests a holistic prism model of the interaction between the management and the visitor in a leisure space. This is applied to a netnographic study of visitors to a folk festival to illustrate the interconnectiveness of the different attributes causing dissatisfaction. It found that the physical and operational attributes were evaluated not through a checklist of individual features but as hindrances to the visitor's desire to make best use of the time. Visitors also evaluated the experience in the light of their own values and concerns, passing judgement on the values communicated by the management. At the heart of the experience was the enjoyment of choosing from an abundant offer and discovering something new. The main attraction is often only the pretext for enjoying the company of friends so places to meet before and chill-out afterwards are vital to the experience. The distinctiveness of the setting, the food and drink can become the sensory cues which give the event or location its uniqueness. The challenge to retail and leisure organisations is to design these elements of a memorable experience into their offerings

Photodissociation of p-process nuclei studied by bremsstrahlung induced activation

A research program has been started to study experimentally the near-threshold photodissociation of nuclides in the chain of cosmic heavy element production with bremsstrahlung from the ELBE accelerator. An important prerequisite for such studies is good knowledge of the bremsstrahlung distribution which was determined by measuring the photodissociation of the deuteron and by comparison with model calculations. First data were obtained for the astrophysically important target nucleus 92-Mo by observing the radioactive decay of the nuclides produced by bremsstrahlung irradiation at end-point energies between 11.8 MeV and 14.0 MeV. The results are compared to recent statistical model calculations.Comment: 6 pages, 8 figures, Proceedings Nuclear Physics in Astrophysics II, May 16-20, 2005, Debrecen, Hungary. The original publication is available at www.eurphysj.or

Proton capture cross section of Sr isotopes and their importance for nucleosynthesis of proton-rich nuclides

The (p,$\gamma$) cross sections of three stable Sr isotopes have been measured in the astrophysically relevant energy range. These reactions are important for the $p$-process in stellar nucleosynthesis and, in addition, the reaction cross sections in the mass region up to 100 are also of importance concerning the $rp$-process associated with explosive hydrogen and helium burning. It is speculated that this $rp$-process could be responsible for a certain amount of $p$-nuclei in this mass region. The (p,$\gamma$) cross sections of $^{84,86,87}$Sr isotopes were determined using an activation technique. The measurements were carried out at the 5 MV Van de Graaff accelerator of the ATOMKI, Debrecen. The resulting cross sections are compared with the predictions of statistical model calculations. The predictions are in good agreement with the experimental results for $^{84}$Sr(p,$\gamma$)$^{85}$Y whereas the other two reactions exhibit differences that increase with mass number. The corresponding astrophysical reaction rates have also been computed.Comment: Phys. Rev. C in pres

Sport fans' roles in value co-creation

Research question The sports industry has witnessed sustained growth. The cultural, symbolic and stakeholder-embedded nature of sport provides a dynamic setting for developing service research. In this context, an evolution in the logic of value creation can be observed; fans are no longer passive receivers of value but, instead, can be active value co-creators. The sport fan exhibits distinctive characteristics and an ability and willingness to integrate resources and co-produce value propositions, which necessitates an understanding of fan value co-creation. We answer one key research question: what is the role of fans in value co-creation in sports? We do so by conceptually exploring the processes through which sport fans co-create and provide value propositions. Research methods We use case exemplars to provide a base for the theoretical consideration of the role of sport fans in value co-creation. We verify and consolidate the service-dominant logic (SDL) in the sport context. However, due to the high level of abstraction of the SDL as a general theory, we utilize consumer culture theory (CCT) as a middle range theory (MRT) to bridge the gap between contextual descriptions of the role of fans and the SDL. Results and findings Fans evaluate, redefine and reposition value propositions in different sport settings. The three roles of assimilators, adaptors and authenticators in value co-creation are identified through five case exemplars. We extend the theoretical understanding of the processes through which sport fans co-create value. Implications Knowledge of the distinctive characteristics of sport fans and their roles in value co-creation will assist managers in developing effective marketing propositions. Our theoretical contribution will generate new lines of research in the field

How Can Consumer Research Contribute to Increased Understanding of Tourist Experiences? A Conceptual Review

Author's accepted version (postprint).This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Scandinavian Journal of Hospitality and Tourism on 24/07/2015, available online: http://wwww.tandfonline.com/10.1080/15022250.2015.1065591

Activity of the DNA minor groove cross-linking agent SG2000 (SJG-136) against canine tumours

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the leading cause of death in older dogs and its prevalence is increasing. There is clearly a need to develop more effective anti-cancer drugs in dogs. SG2000 (SJG-136) is a sequence selective DNA minor groove cross-linking agent. Based on its in vitro potency, the spectrum of in vivo and clinical activity against human tumours, and its tolerability in human patients, SG2000 has potential as a novel therapeutic against spontaneously occurring canine malignancies. RESULTS: In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using SRB and MTT assays, and in vivo activity was assessed using canine tumour xenografts. DNA interstrand cross-linking (ICL) was determined using a modification of the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay. Effects on cell cycle distribution were assessed by flow cytometry and measurement of γ-H2AX by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. SG2000 had a multi-log differential cytotoxic profile against a panel of 12 canine tumour cell lines representing a range of common tumour types in dogs. In the CMeC-1 melanoma cell line, DNA ICLs increased linearly with dose following a 1 h treatment. Peak ICL was achieved within 1 h and no removal was observed over 48 h. A relationship between DNA ICL formation and cytotoxicity was observed across cell lines. The formation of γ-H2AX foci was slow, becoming evident after 4 h and reaching a peak at 24 h. SG2000 exhibited significant anti-tumour activity against two canine melanoma tumour models in vivo. Anti-tumour activity was observed at 0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg given i.v. either once, or weekly x 3. Dose-dependent DNA ICL was observed in tumours (and to a lower level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells) at 2 h and persisted at 24 h. ICL increased following the second and third doses in a repeated dose schedule. At 24 h, dose dependent γ-H2AX foci were more numerous than at 2 h, and greater in tumours than in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. SG2000-induced H2AX phosphorylation measured by immunohistochemistry showed good correspondence, but less sensitivity, than measurement of foci. CONCLUSIONS: SG2000 displayed potent activity in vitro against canine cancer cell lines as a result of the formation and persistence of DNA ICLs. SG2000 also had significant in vivo antitumour activity against canine melanoma xenografts, and the comet and γ-H2AX foci methods were relevant pharmacodynamic assays. The clinical testing of SG2000 against spontaneous canine cancer is warranted. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-015-0534-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users