What is the W b anti-b, Z b anti-b or t anti-t b anti-b irreducible background to the light Higgs boson searches at LHC?

The W b anti-b, Z b anti-b and t anti-t b anti-b production at LHC are irreducible backgrounds for possible observability of the Standard Model (SM) and Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) light Higgs boson respectively in the associated WH, ZH and t anti-t H production followed by the H -> b anti-b decay. We present a comparison of the background estimates as obtained with (a) complete massive matrix element implemented in AcerMC Monte Carlo generator and (b) PYTHIA implementation of the inclusive W, Z, and t anti-t production, followed by the parton showering mechanism. Both approaches lead to a production of the final state of interest, but differ in the approximations used. We concentrate on the comparison of these approaches for the background to the light Higgs boson searches at LHC.Comment: EPJC Referee's comments adde

Evaluating cardiac anatomy as a predictor for success after pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation

Introduction: Atrial Fibrillation is a condition characterized by the production of ectopic beats by the heart. One common treatment for Atrial Fibrillation is catheter guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI), however this treatment is only effective in around 60-70% of the population. Our research hopes to elucidate a link between cardiac anatomy and successful treatment of A-fib by pulmonary vein isolation. Methods: The medical records for 78 consecutive patients who underwent PVI for atrial fibrillation at Jefferson from July 2013 to March 2016 were gathered. Included in these charts were ECG-gated cardiac CT angiogram and two-year follow up history. Different variables from the imaging data such as left atrial volume, ejection fraction, and pulmonary vein area were analyzed and compared to likelihood of recurrence of A-Fib after PVI. A T-test was used to compare continuous variables in patients who had recurrence versus those that did not and a Chi-Squared Test was used to compare likelihood of recurrence in those with persistent versus paroxysmal A-Fib. Results: Recurrent atrial fibrillation was found in 32/72 (44%) of treated patients by 24 months. Univariate analysis demonstrated a higher incidence of recurrent atrial fibrillation among patients who remained on anti-arrhythmic medications 14/22 = as compared to those who did not 18/50, p = 0.03. There was a lower incidence of recurrent atrial fibrillation in males 20/52 (38%) as compared with females 12/19 (63%), though this difference was only marginally significant (p = 0.056). Multivariate analysis of additional variables with logistic regression demonstrated a marginally significant association of reduced ejection fraction with recurrent atrial fibrillation (p= 0.064). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated no significant differences in recurrence rate based upon age, paroxysmal/persistent fibrillation, left atrial volume, CHADS2 score, pulmonary vein area, and catheter type. Discussion: The only marginal predictors for recurrent atrial fibrillation after PVI were Gender and left ventricular ejection fraction. The other variables including anatomical features and the catheter type used for the procedure had no significant impact on long-term recurrence rates after PVAI. This was a surprising result given other data in the field, which seemed to indicate a link between cardiac anatomy and recurrence of A-Fib after PVI. More research should be conducted in this area, perhaps with a larger data set then was used in this study

New methods and materials for molding and casting ice formations

This study was designed to find improved materials and techniques for molding and casting natural or simulated ice shapes that could replace the wax and plaster method. By utilizing modern molding and casting materials and techniques, a new methodology was developed that provides excellent reproduction, low-temperature capability, and reasonable turnaround time. The resulting casts are accurate and tough

Sustainability for a real innovative world - the impact of innovation on the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance: a temporal contingency perspective

Despite the vast research on the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and financial performance (CFP), little is known about long-term implications. The overall research consensus points toward a positive relationship taking a short-term perspective. However, this study argues that CSR activities require time until the company can reap benefits from their social and environmental involvement. Moreover, this work sheds light on this link by including innovation activities as a mediator. It argues that companies can utilize the full potential of CSR by complementary investments in both CSR and innovation. A CSR score for the period from 2006 to 2011 with data provided by KLD was calculated. Additionally, data from Compustat was used to create short-term (2012) and long-term (2013-2015) financial performance indicator, as well as, an innovation activity indicator. The sample consists of 297 U.S. publicly traded firms. The results provide evidence that CSR takes effect in the long-term but not in the short-term. On the other hand, innovation improves financial performance in the short- and long-term. Another outcome from the study shows that there exists a sequential relationship between CSR, innovation and CFP. It implies that CSR should be considered an integral part of strategy development since it pays off financially in the long-run. Innovation may be an important driver in the development of specific skills and capabilities which helps to translate positive social and environmental performance into superior financial performance. In the future, companies are advised to invest in mutual value creation with stakeholders, stressing the importance of its stakeholders and society at large. By creating mutual value, companies are allowed to satisfy societal needs while exploiting business opportunities

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Do Random and Chaotic Sequences Really Cause Different PSO Performance?

Our topic is performance differences between using random and chaos for particle swarm optimization (PSO). We take random sequences with different probability distributions and compare them to chaotic sequences with different but also with same density functions. This enables us to differentiate between differences in the origin of the sequences (random number generator or chaotic nonlinear system) and statistical differences expressed by the underlying distributions. Our findings (obtained by evaluating the PSO performance for various benchmark problems using statistical hypothesis testing) cast considerable doubt on previous results which compared random to chaos and suggested that the choice leads to intrinsic differences in performance.Comment: Proc. GECCO 23 Companion, July 15-19, 2023, Lisbon, Portugal, accepte

Slush Hydrogen (SLH2) technology development for application to the National Aerospace Plane (NASP)

The National Aerospace Plane (NASP) program is giving us the opportunity to reach new unique answers in a number of engineering categories. The answers are considered enhancing technology or enabling technology. Airframe materials and densified propellants are examples of enabling technology. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Lewis Research Center has the task of providing the technology data which will be used as the basis to decide if slush hydrogen (SLH2) will be the fuel of choice for the NASP. The objectives of this NASA Lewis program are: (1) to provide, where possible, verified numerical models of fluid production, storage, transfer, and feed systems, and (2) to provide verified design criteria for other engineered aspects of SLH2 systems germane to a NASP. This program is a multiyear multimillion dollar effort. The present pursuit of the above listed objectives is multidimensional, covers a range of problem areas, works these to different levels of depth, and takes advantage of the resources available in private industry, academia, and the U.S. Government. The NASA Lewis overall program plan is summarized. The initial implementation of the plan will be unfolded and the present level of efforts in each of the resource areas will be discussed. Results already in hand will be pointed out. A description of additionally planned near-term experimental and analytical work is described