Some Remarks on the Final State Interactions in B→πKB\to \pi K Decays

Careful discussions are made on some points which are met in studying B decay final state interactions, taking the $B^0\to \pi^+ K^-$ process as an example. We point out that $\pi$--exchange rescatterings are not important, whereas for $D^*$ and $D^{**}$ exchanges, since the $B^0\to D^+D_s^-$ decay has a large branching ratio their contributions may be large enough to enhance the $B\to \pi K$ branching ratio significantly. However our estimates fail to predict a large enhancement.Comment: 5 pages, use elsart.sty; The previous version is erroneous in explaining the "charm peguin" effects. No large enhancement to $B\to \pi K$ is found through $D^+D_s^-$ intermediate stat

Generalized Batch Normalization: Towards Accelerating Deep Neural Networks

Utilizing recently introduced concepts from statistics and quantitative risk management, we present a general variant of Batch Normalization (BN) that offers accelerated convergence of Neural Network training compared to conventional BN. In general, we show that mean and standard deviation are not always the most appropriate choice for the centering and scaling procedure within the BN transformation, particularly if ReLU follows the normalization step. We present a Generalized Batch Normalization (GBN) transformation, which can utilize a variety of alternative deviation measures for scaling and statistics for centering, choices which naturally arise from the theory of generalized deviation measures and risk theory in general. When used in conjunction with the ReLU non-linearity, the underlying risk theory suggests natural, arguably optimal choices for the deviation measure and statistic. Utilizing the suggested deviation measure and statistic, we show experimentally that training is accelerated more so than with conventional BN, often with improved error rate as well. Overall, we propose a more flexible BN transformation supported by a complimentary theoretical framework that can potentially guide design choices.Comment: accepted at AAAI-1

Competing electronic orders on Kagome lattices at van Hove filling

The electronic orders in Hubbard models on a Kagome lattice at van Hove filling are of intense current interest and debate. We study this issue using the singular-mode functional renormalization group theory. We discover a rich variety of electronic instabilities under short range interactions. With increasing on-site repulsion $U$, the system develops successively ferromagnetism, intra unit-cell antiferromagnetism, and charge bond order. With nearest-neighbor Coulomb interaction $V$ alone (U=0), the system develops intra-unit-cell charge density wave order for small $V$, s-wave superconductivity for moderate $V$, and the charge density wave order appears again for even larger $V$. With both $U$ and $V$, we also find spin bond order and chiral $d_{x^2 - y^2} + i d_{xy}$ superconductivity in some particular regimes of the phase diagram. We find that the s-wave superconductivity is a result of charge density wave fluctuations and the squared logarithmic divergence in the pairing susceptibility. On the other hand, the d-wave superconductivity follows from bond order fluctuations that avoid the matrix element effect. The phase diagram is vastly different from that in honeycomb lattices because of the geometrical frustration in the Kagome lattice.Comment: 8 pages with 9 color figure

Greening industrial production in China : reinvent a cleaner future through policy, strategy and technology

Notre recherche vise à découvrir pourquoi et comment les entreprises industrielles répondent aux problèmes environnementaux dans « l'atelier du monde ». Nous élaborons une approche interdisciplinaire en intégrant la modernisation écologique (MÉ) et l'hypothèse de Porter pour analyser l'action environnementale des entreprises aux niveaux méso et micro. Ces perspectives en sociologie et en gestion postulent une relation positive entre la protection environnementale et le développement économique. Pour évaluer la pertinence de ces perspectives, notre analyse se concentre sur l'identification des facteurs qui influencent les actions en réseaux d'acteurs et d'institutions, ainsi que sur le lien entre la réglementation et l'innovation. En utilisant les méthodes mixtes (observation participante, sondage et entrevue), nous avons collecté, lors de l'enquête de terrain (2013-2014) dans le delta de la Rivière des Perles, des données en provenance de plus d'une centaine d'entreprises dans quinze secteurs industriels. Quatre résultats clés se dégagent de cette étude. D'abord, 88% des entreprises interrogées ont pris des mesures. Notre typologie d'entreprise montre que les « traînards » résistent à l'action et que les « suiveurs » changent à contrecœur leur comportement. Les « adeptes » adoptent des technologies propres éprouvées; tandis que les « éco-innovateurs » créent de nouveaux produits. En outre, les réglementations strictes, les préoccupations financières et la concurrence sont les déterminants de l'action. Les firmes assujetties aux lois sévères ont tendance à se conformer. Celles qui desservent des marchés concurrentiels sont susceptibles d'innover. De plus, les réglementations strictes sur l'innovation produisent des résultats mitigés. Ces réglementations semblent nécessaires, mais elles sont insuffisantes pour déclencher l'éco-innovation. La relation entre le gain économique et environnemental est dynamique et dépend du type de mesures environnementales, des caractéristiques d'entreprise et des facteurs contextuels. Enfin, les affirmations de la MÉ sont partiellement confirmées par nos résultats. Ces derniers révèlent l'implantation répandue des instruments de marché, laquelle indique l'émergence de l'« économisation » de l'écologie. Contrairement aux études antérieures, la nôtre montre que les acteurs économiques contribuent à « écologiser » l'économie. L'État partage les responsabilités environnementales avec ces acteurs tout en exerçant son pouvoir cohésif. Pour faire avancer la recherche, nous proposons de conceptualiser un modèle hybride et d'incorporer la théorie de l'acteur-réseau dans un cadre élargi.The research aims to discover why and how Chinese industrial firms in the world's workshop are responding to environmental issues. We elaborate an interdisciplinary approach by integrating ecological modernization theory (EMT) and the Porter hypothesis. These sociological and strategic management perspectives postulate that economic growth can be associated with environmental protection. The perspectives complement one another through combining micro-level and meso-level analysis of corporate environmental actions. To assess the validity of the Porter hypothesis and the explanatory power of EMT, attention is given to identifying factors affecting actions and to analyzing the regulation-innovation nexus and institutional networks. Using mixed-methods research techniques (participant observation, survey, and interview), we conducted our 2013/14 fieldwork by accessing a sample group of over 100 firms from 15 industry sectors located in the Pearl River Delta region. Four major findings emerge from our analysis. First, 88% of the surveyed companies took environmental actions. A typology of the enterprises illustrates that "laggards" displayed resistance and "takers" took action reluctantly. "Followers" were inclined to adopt proven clean technologies, whereas "eco-innovators" created new products. Secondly, stricter environmental regulations, financial interests, and competition are key factors for driving corporate actions. The sampled firms subjected to stricter requirements tended to be compliant and achieved environmental goals, and companies serving competitive markets were most likely to be industry leaders engaging in eco-innovations. Our third finding reveals mixed results in the effects of stricter regulations on eco-innovation and on the financial outcome of environmental improvements. Stricter regulations appear necessary, but they are insufficient for triggering eco-innovation. The relation between economic gain and environmental benefit is dynamic, depending on the type of environmental actions, firm characteristics, and contextual factors. Finally, the claims made by EMT are partially supported by our fourth finding, wherein wide application of market-based instruments suggests the emergence of the "economization" of ecology. Contradictory to prior research, our study shows that economic actors contribute to "ecologizing" the economy. The state shared environmental responsibilities with non-state actors, while exercising its coercive power. For future research, we propose conceptualizing a hybrid model and incorporating actor network theory into a broader framework