5,666 research outputs found
The Limit of Learning:A Mean-Field Approach to Hebbian Learning for Integrate-and-Fire Neuron Models
Interviewer Effects on Nonresponse
In face-to-face surveys interviewers play a crucial role in making contact with and gaining cooperation from sample units. While some analyses investigate the influence of interviewers on nonresponse, they are typically restricted to single-country studies. However, interviewer training, contacting and cooperation strategies as well as survey climates may differ across countries. Combining call-record data from the European Social Survey (ESS) with data from a detailed interviewer questionnaire on attitudes and doorstep behavior we find systematic country differences in nonresponse processes, which can in part be explained by differences in interviewer characteristics, such as contacting strategies and avowed doorstep behavior.
Diffusion in sparse networks: linear to semi-linear crossover
We consider random networks whose dynamics is described by a rate equation,
with transition rates that form a symmetric matrix. The long time
evolution of the system is characterized by a diffusion coefficient . In one
dimension it is well known that can display an abrupt percolation-like
transition from diffusion () to sub-diffusion (D=0). A question arises
whether such a transition happens in higher dimensions. Numerically can be
evaluated using a resistor network calculation, or optionally it can be deduced
from the spectral properties of the system. Contrary to a recent expectation
that is based on a renormalization-group analysis, we deduce that is
finite; suggest an "effective-range-hopping" procedure to evaluate it; and
contrast the results with the linear estimate. The same approach is useful for
the analysis of networks that are described by quasi-one-dimensional sparse
banded matrices.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures, proofed as publishe
Consumer behaviour and order fulfilment in online retailing ā a systematic review
This paper provides a systematic review of consumer behaviour and order fulfilment in online retailing. The objective of this review is threefold: first, to identify elements of orderāfulfilment operations that are relevant to online consumer behaviour (purchase, repurchase, product return); second, to understand the relationship between orderāfulfilment performance and consumer behaviour; and third, to inspire future research on developing consumer service strategies that takes account of these behavioural responses to orderāfulfilment performance outcomes. The paper is based on a systematic review of literature on online consumer behaviour and orderāfulfilment operations, mainly in the fields of marketing and operations, published in international peerāreviewed journals between 2000 and September 2015. This study indicates that the current literature on online consumer behaviour focuses mainly on the use of marketing tools to improve consumer service levels. Very little research has been conducted on the use of consumer service instruments to steer consumer behaviour or, consequently, to manage related orderāfulfilment activities better. The study culminates in a framework that encompasses elements of orderāfulfilment operations and their relationship to online consumer behaviour. This paper is the first comprehensive review of online consumer behaviour that takes aspects of orderāfulfilment operations into account from both marketing and operations perspectives
Early Oxidation Processes on the Greigite FeāSā“(001) Surface by Water: A Density Functional Theory Study
Greigite (Fe3S4), the sulfide counterpart of the spinel-structured oxide material magnetite (Fe3O4), is a mineral widely identified in anoxic aquatic environments and certain soils, which can be oxidized, thereby producing extremely acid solutions of sulfur-rich wastewaters, so-called acid mine drainage (AMD) or acid rock drainage (ARD). Here we report a computational study of the partial replacement of sulfur (forming H2S) by oxygen (from H2O) in the Fe3S4(001) surface, derived from density functional theory calculations with on-site Coulomb approach and long-range dispersion corrections (DFT+UāD2). We have proposed three pathways for the oxidation of the surface as a function of H2O coverage and pH. Different pathways give different intermediates, some of which are followed by a solid-state diffusion of the O atom. Low levels of H2O coverage, and especially basic conditions, seem to be essential, leading to the most favorable energetic landscape for the oxidation of the Fe3S4(001) surface. We have derived the thermodynamic and kinetic profile for each mechanism and plotted the concentration of H2S and protons in aqueous solution and thermodynamic equilibrium with the stoichiometric and partially oxidized Fe3S4(001) surface as a function of the temperature. Changes in the calculated vibrational frequencies of the adsorbed intermediates are used as a means to characterize their transformation. We have taken into account statistical entropies for H2S and H2O and other experimental parameters, showing that this mineral may well be among those responsible for the generation of AMD
Strategic assessment of the magnitude and impacts of sand mining in Poyang Lake, China
Planning for the extraction of aggregates is typically dealt with at a case to case basis, without assessing environmental impacts strategically. In this study we assess the impact of sand mining in Poyang Lake, where dredging began in 2001 after sand mining in the Yangtze River had been banned. In April 2008 concern over the impact on the biodiversity led to a ban on sand mining in Poyang Lake until further plans could be developed. Planning will require consideration of both sand extraction in relation to available sediment resources and also environmental impacts within the context of future demand for sand in the lower Yangtze Valley. We used pairs of near-infrared (NIR) Aster satellite imagery to estimate the number of vessels leaving the lake. Based on this we calculated a rate of sand extraction of 236 million m3 year-1 in 2005ā2006. This corresponds to 9% of the total Chinese demand for sand. It qualifies Poyang Lake as probably the largest sand mining operation in the world. It also indicates that sand extraction currently dominates the sediment balance of the lower Yangtze River. A positive relation between demand for sand and GDP, revealed by historic data from the USA, suggests that the current per capita demand for sand in China might increase in the near future from 2 to 4 m3 year-1. We review various environmental impacts and question whether it will be possible to preserve the rich biodiversity of the lake, while continuing at the same time satisfying the increasing Chinese demand for sand. Finally we review alternative options for sand mining, in order to relieve the pressure from the Poyang Lake ecosyste
Asymptotic Bethe equations for open boundaries in planar AdS/CFT
We solve, by means of a nested coordinate Bethe ansatz, the open-boundaries
scattering theory describing the excitations of a free open string propagating
in , carrying large angular momentum , and ending on
a maximal giant graviton whose angular momentum is in the same plane. We thus
obtain the all-loop Bethe equations describing the spectrum, for finite but
large, of the energies of such strings, or equivalently, on the gauge side of
the AdS/CFT correspondence, the anomalous dimensions of certain operators built
using the epsilon tensor of SU(N). We also give the Bethe equations for strings
ending on a probe D7-brane, corresponding to meson-like operators in an
gauge theory with fundamental matter.Comment: 30 pages. v2: minor changes and discussion section added, J.Phys.A
version
Bound States of the q-Deformed AdS5 x S5 Superstring S-matrix
The investigation of the q deformation of the S-matrix for excitations on the
string world sheet in AdS5 x S5 is continued. We argue that due to the lack of
Lorentz invariance the situation is more subtle than in a relativistic theory
in that the nature of bound states depends on their momentum. At low enough
momentum |p|<E the bound states transform in the anti-symmetric representation
of the super-algebra symmetry and become the solitons of the Pohlmeyer reduced
theory in the relativistic limit. At a critical momentum |p|=E they become
marginally unstable, and at higher momenta the stable bound states are in the
symmetric representation and become the familiar magnons in the string limit as
q->1. This subtlety fixes a problem involving the consistency of crossing
symmetry with the relativistic limit found in earlier work. With mirror
kinematics, obtained after a double Wick rotation, the bound state structure is
simpler and there are no marginally unstable bound states.Comment: 25 page
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