13,346 research outputs found
Regular finite decomposition complexity
We introduce the notion of regular finite decomposition complexity of a metric family. This generalizes Gromov's finite asymptotic dimension and is motivated by the concept of finite decomposition complexity (FDC) due to Guentner, Tessera and Yu. Regular finite decomposition complexity implies FDC and has all the permanence properties that are known for FDC, as well as a new one called Finite Quotient Permanence. We show that for a collection containing all metric families with finite asymptotic dimension all other permanence properties follow from Fibering Permanence
Radial excitations of heavy-light mesons from QCD sum rules
QCD sum rules are commonly used to predict the characteristics of
ground-state hadrons. We demonstrate that two-point sum rules for the decay
constants of charmed () and bottom ()
mesons can also be modified to estimate the decay constants of the first radial
excitations, and , respectively,
provided the masses of these resonances are used as an input. For the radially
excited charmed mesons we use available experimental data, whereas the masses
of analogous bottom mesons are estimated from the heavy-quark limit. The decay
constants predicted for the radial excitations of heavy-light pseudoscalar and
vector mesons are systematically smaller than those of the ground states and we
comment on the possible origin of this difference. Our results can be used in
the sum rule calculations of heavy-to-light form factors and in the
factorization approximations for nonleptonic -meson decays where the decay
constants of charmed mesons enter as input parameters.Comment: 16 pages, a few comments added, version to appear in EPJ
Preparations for Independence and Financial Security in Later Life: A Conceptual Framework and Application to Canada
In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework to describe an individual's preparations for later life. Situated in the life course perspective, this provides a framework that invites a more comprehensive and systematic study of preparations for later life. It describes a dynamic process that portrays the interplay between social structure and human agency. Through its consideration of collective preparations (the public protection programs offered by the state), individual preparations (financial and non- financial), and the interplay between the two, this framework provides fresh insight into the existing literature on retirement planning, the timing of retirement, savings, and consumption behaviour in later life. Moreover, the model may be used to structure research questions, to guide policy decision making and to point the direction for the design and content of future research studies. While the purpose of this paper is primarily the development of a conceptual model, we draw on empirical examples from the 1991 Survey of Aging and Independence (SAI) to illustrate some aspects of the model to Canada. We conclude by suggesting a number of research and questions that may be generated from the model.retirement planning; savings; SAI
Evaluating Unpaid Time Contributions by Seniors: A Conceptual Framework
In the past, considerable research in gerontology has focused on services provided to seniors. Recently, however, there has a been a growing recognition of the contributions made by seniors to their families, communities and to society. Empirical estimates have been provided by researchers to show how much these contributions are worth in terms of savings in dollar amounts. A critical review of the literature identifies unresolved issues concerning which contributions to count and how to measure and value these contributions. As yet, no clear criteria exist that readily identify the distinction between volunteer activities and unpaid work, what specifically should be counted as an unpaid time contribution, how it should be quantified, and how this unit of contribution should be monetarily valued. The market replacement approach and the opportunity cost approach that are used to assign value to unpaid work often use very different wage rates or levels of income loss. This paper reviews the relevant literature and identifies important issues in evaluating unpaid time contribution of seniors. The authors propose a framework which addresses some of the methodological shortcomings identified in previous research and which provides a guide for future research in this area.seniors; valuing unpaid work
16 x 25 Ge:Ga Detector Arrays for FIFI LS
We are developing two-dimensional 16 x 25 pixel detector arrays of both
unstressed and stressed Ge:Ga photoconductive detectors for far-infrared
astronomy from SOFIA. The arrays, based on earlier 5 x 5 detector arrays used
on the KAO, will be for our new instrument, the Far Infrared Field Imaging Line
Spectrometer (FIFI LS). The unstressed Ge:Ga detector array will cover the
wavelength range from 40 to 120 microns, and the stressed Ge:Ga detector array
from 120 to 210 microns. The detector arrays will be operated with multiplexed
integrating amplifiers with cryogenic readout electronics located close to the
detector arrays. The design of the stressed detector array and results of
current measurements on several prototype 16 pixel linear arrays are reported.
They demonstrate the feasibility of the current concept. ***This paper does not
include Figures due to astro-ph size limitations. Please download entire file
at http://fifi-ls.mpe-garching.mpg.de/spie.det.ps.gz ***Comment: 8 pages, SPIE Proceedings, Astronomical Telescopes and
Instrumentation 200
The Veterans Administration’s Care and Coordination Home Telehealth Program (CCHT) in Action: Merging “Home” and “Health”
This article discusses a home telehealth project that employs innovative informatics and telemedicine technologies to meet the needs of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). We provide background information concerning the project and program management issues inclusive of the methods for patient selection process, the decision support system used in this process, and descriptions of the home telehealth technologies. Our goal is to articulate program management insights incurred in the implementation of the project to provide useful information to other healthcare systems considering home telehealth as a contemporary option for care delivery
Second-order gravitational self-force
We derive an expression for the second-order gravitational self-force that
acts on a self-gravitating compact-object moving in a curved background
spacetime. First we develop a new method of derivation and apply it to the
derivation of the first-order gravitational self-force. Here we find that our
result conforms with the previously derived expression. Next we generalize our
method and derive a new expression for the second-order gravitational
self-force. This study also has a practical motivation: The data analysis for
the planned gravitational wave detector LISA requires construction of waveforms
templates for the expected gravitational waves. Calculation of the two leading
orders of the gravitational self-force will enable one to construct highly
accurate waveform templates, which are needed for the data analysis of
gravitational-waves that are emitted from extreme mass-ratio binaries.Comment: 35 page
Mars rover sample return: An exobiology science scenario
A mission designed to collect and return samples from Mars will provide information regarding its composition, history, and evolution. At the same time, a sample return mission generates a technical challenge. Sophisticated, semi-autonomous, robotic spacecraft systems must be developed in order to carry out complex operations at the surface of a very distant planet. An interdisciplinary effort was conducted to consider how much a Mars mission can be realistically structured to maximize the planetary science return. The focus was to concentrate on a particular set of scientific objectives (exobiology), to determine the instrumentation and analyses required to search for biological signatures, and to evaluate what analyses and decision making can be effectively performed by the rover in order to minimize the overhead of constant communication between Mars and the Earth. Investigations were also begun in the area of machine vision to determine whether layered sedimentary structures can be recognized autonomously, and preliminary results are encouraging
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