Observation of Gravitational Waves from Two Neutron Star-Black Hole Coalescences

We report the observation of gravitational waves from two compact binary coalescences in LIGO's and Virgo's third observing run with properties consistent with neutron star-black hole (NSBH) binaries. The two events are named GW200105_162426 and GW200115_042309, abbreviated as GW200105 and GW200115; the first was observed by LIGO Livingston and Virgo, and the second by all three LIGO-Virgo detectors. The source of GW200105 has component masses $8.9^{+1.2}_{-1.5}\,M_\odot$ and $1.9^{+0.3}_{-0.2}\,M_\odot$, whereas the source of GW200115 has component masses $5.7^{+1.8}_{-2.1}\,M_\odot$ and $1.5^{+0.7}_{-0.3}\,M_\odot$ (all measurements quoted at the 90% credible level). The probability that the secondary's mass is below the maximal mass of a neutron star is 89%-96% and 87%-98%, respectively, for GW200105 and GW200115, with the ranges arising from different astrophysical assumptions. The source luminosity distances are $280^{+110}_{-110}$ Mpc and $300^{+150}_{-100}$ Mpc, respectively. The magnitude of the primary spin of GW200105 is less than 0.23 at the 90% credible level, and its orientation is unconstrained. For GW200115, the primary spin has a negative spin projection onto the orbital angular momentum at 88% probability. We are unable to constrain spin or tidal deformation of the secondary component for either event. We infer a NSBH merger rate density of $45^{+75}_{-33}\,\mathrm{Gpc}^{-3} \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ when assuming GW200105 and GW200115 are representative of the NSBH population, or $130^{+112}_{-69}\,\mathrm{Gpc}^{-3} \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$ under the assumption of a broader distribution of component masses

Premium offerings in the sharing economy: Authentic immersions

Over the past few years the sharing economy has grown tremendously, driven in part by traveler desires for authentic and unique experiences. In response to these modern changes, peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces (e.g., Airbnb) are seeking additional revenue streams, expanding beyond room rentals into guided tours, recreational, and cultural experiences. Rather than act solely as sharing economy lodging establishments, in the near future providers will increasingly supply authentic and immersive vacation experiences, acting as a host, guide, concierge, and traveling companion to their guests. This paper explores the ability of P2P providers to command premium pricing for authentic and immersive P2P offerings. The paper details this possibility, listing drivers of change before positing a scenario that helps envision a future in which P2P providers seize this opportunity. Finally, the paper closes with limitations, practical implications, and future research recommendations

Electrocardiographic Biomarkers for Detection of Drug-Induced Late Sodium Current Block

Drugs that prolong the heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc) on the electrocardiogram (ECG) by blocking the hERG potassium channel and also block inward currents (late sodium or L-type calcium) are not associated with torsade de pointes (e.g. ranolazine and verapamil). Thus, identifying ECG signs of late sodium current block could aid in the determination of proarrhythmic risk for new drugs. A new cardiac safety paradigm for drug development (the "CiPA" initiative) will involve the preclinical assessment of multiple human cardiac ion channels and ECG biomarkers are needed to determine if there are unexpected ion channel effects in humans.In this study we assess the ability of eight ECG morphology biomarkers to detect late sodium current block in the presence of QTc prolongation by analyzing a clinical trial where a selective hERG potassium channel blocker (dofetilide) was administered alone and then in combination with two late sodium current blockers (lidocaine and mexiletine). We demonstrate that late sodium current block has the greatest effect on the heart-rate corrected J-Tpeak interval (J-Tpeakc), followed by QTc and then T-wave flatness. Furthermore, J-Tpeakc is the only biomarker that improves detection of the presence of late sodium current block compared to using QTc alone (AUC: 0.83 vs. 0.72 respectively, p<0.001).Analysis of the J-Tpeakc interval can differentiate drug-induced multichannel block involving the late sodium current from selective hERG potassium channel block. Future methodologies assessing drug effects on cardiac ion channel currents on the ECG should use J-Tpeakc to detect the presence of late sodium current block.NCT02308748 and NCT01873950

A taxonomy of hotel revenue management implementation strategies

Academic literature has not yet been able to address the many important considerations involved in Revenue management (RM) implementation decisions. Using a qualitative and inductive approach, this paper aims to fill this gap in RM research by examining a range of strategies, such as in-house, centralized, corporate outsourcing, third-party outsourcing, and the use of a mixed method. Content analysis of 188 hotel managers\u27 responses to an open-ended question embedded within a large-scale web-based survey led to their discrete categorization. From this, a taxonomy of RM strategies was created with the goal of identifying and examining various implementation strategies of RM systems and their benefits and drawbacks for the hotel industry. This paper suggests that the implementation choice of RM is a relationship between external factors (e.g., costs associated with implementation choice, uncertainty about markets), internal factors (e.g., resources, organizational capability), and psychosocial factors (e.g., attitudes toward outsourcing, perceived risks)