Probability density functions for hyperbolic and isodiachronic locations

Animal locations are sometimes estimated with hyperbolic techniques by estimating the difference in distances of their sounds between pairs of receivers. Each pair specifies the animal\u27s location to a hyperboloid because the speed of sound is assumed to be spatially homogeneous. Sufficient numbers of intersecting hyperboloids specify the location. A nonlinear method is developed for computing probability density functions for location. The method incorporates a priori probability density functions for the receiver locations, the speed of sound, winds, and the errors in the differences in travel time. The traditional linear approximation method overestimates bounds for probability density functions by one or two orders of magnitude compared with the more accurate nonlinear method. The nonlinear method incorporates a generalization of hyperbolic methods because the average speed of sound is allowed to vary between different receivers and the source. The resulting isodiachronic surface is the locus of points on which the difference in travel time is constant. Isodiachronic locations yield correct location errors in situations where hyperbolic methods yield incorrect results, particularly when the speed of propagation varies significantly between a source and different receivers

Experience Improves the Reliability of Subjective Measurements of Temperament in Beef Cattle

Reliability of experienced and inexperienced observers when assessing the behavior of cattle when restrained in a squeeze chute (chute score), and when exiting the chute (exit score), was compared. Overall, experienced observers had higher reliability than inexperienced observers. Increasing the number of individuals scoring an animal decreased the degree of agreement. However, within an acceptable tolerance for difference in scores, such disagreement may be beneficial; it allows for subtlety in interpretations of temperament, which when averaged, may better reflect docility. Reliabilities were higher for exit score than chute score. This may reflect the complexity of the trait being evaluated, with fewer behaviors observed when cattle exit as compared to when restrained in a chute. Producers may profitably use chute and exit score to quantify docility in cattle. However, it may be worthwhile to gain experience in using the scoring system before implementing it for selection decisions

Experience Improves the Reliability of Subjective Measurements of Temperament in Beef Cattle

Reliability of experienced and inexperienced observers when assessing the behavior of cattle when restrained in a squeeze chute (chute score), and when exiting the chute (exit score), was compared. Overall, experienced observers had higher reliability than inexperienced observers. Increasing the number of individuals scoring an animal decreased the degree of agreement. However, within an acceptable tolerance for difference in scores, such disagreement may be beneficial; it allows for subtlety in interpretations of temperament, which when averaged, may better reflect docility. Reliabilities were higher for exit score than chute score. This may reflect the complexity of the trait being evaluated, with fewer behaviors observed when cattle exit as compared to when restrained in a chute. Producers may profitably use chute and exit score to quantify docility in cattle. However, it may be worthwhile to gain experience in using the scoring system before implementing it for selection decisions

Repeated Calm Handling Can Lead to More Docile Cattle

Changes in temperament in heifers when handled either frequently or infrequently were evaluated subjectively based on their behavior when restrained in (chute score) and exiting from (exit score) a squeeze chute. Chute scores decreased over time–a favorable direction–with more dramatic declines in heifers handled more frequently. Heifers with higher chute scores on the first day of handling had the largest reduction in score. Exit scores changed less over time. Chute score therefore may be more indicative of acclimation to a novel environment than exit score. Both scores appear to offer a fast, easy and inexpensive way to quantify docility in cattle. Heifers became calmer with repeated gentle handling. Producers therefore may benefit from allowing cattle a few days to acclimate to new working facilities before assessing docility

The Gabor wave front set of compactly supported distributions

We show that the Gabor wave front set of a compactly supported distribution equals zero times the projection on the second variable of the classical wave front set

Conormal distributions in the Shubin calculus of pseudodifferential operators

We characterize the Schwartz kernels of pseudodifferential operators of Shubin type by means of an FBI transform. Based on this we introduce as a generalization a new class of tempered distributions called Shubin conormal distributions. We study their transformation behavior, normal forms and microlocal properties.Comment: 23 page

Studying the nuclear mass composition of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays with the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Fluorescence Detector of the Pierre Auger Observatory measures the atmospheric depth, $X_{max}$, where the longitudinal profile of the high energy air showers reaches its maximum. This is sensitive to the nuclear mass composition of the cosmic rays. Due to its hybrid design, the Pierre Auger Observatory also provides independent experimental observables obtained from the Surface Detector for the study of the nuclear mass composition. We present $X_{max}$-distributions and an update of the average and RMS values in different energy bins and compare them to the predictions for different nuclear masses of the primary particles and hadronic interaction models. We also present the results of the composition-sensitive parameters derived from the ground level component.Comment: Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Topics in Astroparticle and Underground Physics, TAUP 2011, Munich, German

The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee: Using the Attorney Conduct Rules to Restructure the Board of Directors

The Securities and Exchange Commission introduced a new corporate governance structure, the qualified legal compliance committee, as part of the professional standards of conduct for attorneys mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. QLCCs are consistent with the Commission\u27s general approach to improving corporate governance through specialized committees of independent directors. This Article suggests, however, that assessing the benefits and costs of creating QLCCs may be more complex than is initially apparent. Importantly, QLCCs are unlikely to be effective in the absence of incentives for active director monitoring. This Article concludes by considering three ways of increasing these incentives