Crossed module actions on continuous trace C∗C^*-algebras

We lift an action of a torus $\mathbb{T}^n$ on the spectrum of a continuous trace algebra to an action of a certain crossed module of Lie groups that is an extension of $\mathbb{R}^n$. We compute equivariant Brauer and Picard groups for this crossed module and describe the obstruction to the existence of an action of $\mathbb{R}^n$ in our framework.Comment: 27 pages, added background material about T-Duality, added references, extended section about non-associative C*-algebra

Emergent inert adjoint scalar field in SU(2) Yang-Mills thermodynamics due to coarse-grained topological fluctuation

We compute the phase and the modulus of an energy- and pressure-free, composite, adjoint, and inert field φ in an SU(2) Yang-Mills theory at large temperatures. This field is physically relevant in describing part of the ground-state structure and the quasiparticle masses of excitations. The field φ possesses nontrivial S1-winding on the group manifold S3. Even at asymptotically high temperatures, where the theory reaches its Stefan-Boltzmann limit, the field φ, though strongly power suppressed, is conceptually relevant: its presence resolves the infrared problem of thermal perturbation theory

CORSIKA 8 - Towards a modern framework for the simulation of extensive air showers

Current and future challenges in astroparticle physics require novel simulation tools to achieve higher precision and more flexibility. For three decades the FORTRAN version of CORSIKA served the community in an excellent way. However, the effort to maintain and further develop this complex package is getting increasingly difficult. To overcome existing limitations, and designed as a very open platform for all particle cascade simulations in astroparticle physics, we are developing CORSIKA 8 based on modern C++ and Python concepts. Here, we give a brief status report of the project.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures; Proceedings of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays 201

Review of recent forward physics results from the CMS experiment

There is a rich program of forward physics measurements within the CMS Collaboration covering a wide range of topics. In many cases there is a connection to quantities and effects relevant for very high energy cosmic ray interaction. Some of the recent measurements in the fields of exclusive final states, low-pT inclusive and diffractive cross sections, underlying event, multi parton interactions, double parton scattering, final state particle correlations and minimum bias results are briefly summarized here.Comment: ISVHECRI 2018 Nagoy

Still time to Reclaim The European Union Emissions Trading System for the European Tax Payer

The criteria proposed by the EU Commission to identify industries that will receive free emission permits in the third phase of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) are not restrictive enough. Evidence from interviews with almost 800 managers in Europe shows that most of the sectors entitled to free emission permits are not facing an increased risk of closure or relocation outside of the EU as a consequence of permit auctioning. Free permit allocation is therefore just a transfer of tax payers' money to industry without any additional social benefit. We propose a simple modification of the Commission's criteria for free permit allocation which could save European tax payers at least €7 billion annually.Environment

The 64 Mpixel wide field imager for the Wendelstein 2m Telescope: Design and Calibration

The Wendelstein Observatory of Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich has recently been upgraded with a modern 2m robotic telescope. One Nasmyth port of the telescope has been equipped with a wide-field corrector which preserves the excellent image quality (< 0.8" median seeing) of the site (Hopp et al. 2008) over a field of view of 0.7 degrees diameter. The available field is imaged by an optical imager (WWFI, the Wendelstein Wide Field Imager) built around a customized 2 $\times$ 2 mosaic of 4k $\times$ 4k 15 \mu m e2v CCDs from Spectral Instruments. This paper provides an overview of the design and the WWFI's performance. We summarize the system mechanics (including a structural analysis), the electronics (and its electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection) and the control software. We discuss in detail detector system parameters, i.e. gain and readout noise, quantum efficiency as well as charge transfer efficiency (CTE) and persistent charges. First on sky tests yield overall good predictability of system throughput based on lab measurements.Comment: 38 pages 19 Figures To be published in Springer Experimental Astronom