449 research outputs found
Bayesian Comparison of Interacting Scenarios
We perform a Bayesian model selection analysis for different classes of
phenomenological coupled scenarios of dark matter and dark energy with linear
and non-linear interacting terms. We use a combination of some of the latest
cosmological data such as type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), cosmic chronometers
(CC), cosmic microwave background (CMB) and two sets of baryon acoustic
oscillations measurements, namely, 2-dimensional angular measurements (BAO2)
and 3-dimensional angle-averaged measurements (BAO3). We find weak and moderate
evidence against two-thirds of the interacting scenarios considered with
respect to CDM when the full joint analysis is considered. About
one-third of the models provide a description to the data as good as the one
provided by the standard model. Our results also indicate that either SNe Ia,
CC or BAO2 data by themselves are not able to distinguish among interacting
models or CDM but the standard BAO3 measurements and the combination
with the CMB data are indeed able to discriminate among them. We find that
evidence disfavoring interacting models is weaker when we use BAO2 (data
claimed to be almost model-independent) instead of the standard BAO3
measurements. These results help select classes of viable and non-viable
interacting models in light of current data.Comment: 32 page
Chapter Economic and Social Aspects of the Trade of Luxury Goods between Africa and Europe: Ostrich Feather
In Europe, in the Middle Ages, ostrich feathers were used for the decoration of military headgear, as a representation of the high lineage of the possessor and his military virtues. They were imported from the coasts of West Africa, from Egypt and Syria into Italian and Spanish ports and from there exported to England and continental Europe. Venice, at the end of the fourteenth century, began to color feathers and soon the new fashion was spread throughout Europe. During the fifteenth century, even women began to use ostrich feathers on their hats or in their fans. When European ships reached America, Central Africa and the islands of the Indian Ocean, a huge amount of exotic bird feathers became available and ostrich feather fad spread through the population
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