A Langevin dynamics approach for multi-layer mass transfer problems

We use Langevin dynamics simulations to study the mass diffusion problem across two adjacent porous layers of different transport properties. At the interface between the layers, we impose the Kedem-Katchalsky (KK) interfacial boundary condition that is well suited in a general situation. A detailed algorithm for the implementation of the KK interfacial condition in the Langevin dynamics framework is presented. As a case study, we consider a two-layer diffusion model of a drug-eluting stent.

L-splines as diffusive limits of dissipative kinetic models

Dissipative kinetic models inspired by neutron transport are studied in a (1+1)-dimensional context: first, in the two-stream approximation, then in the general case of continuous velocities. Both are known to relax, in the diffusive scaling, toward a damped heat equation. Accordingly, it is shown that "uniformly accurate" L-splines discretizations of this parabolic asymptotic equation emerge from well-balanced schemes involving scattering S-matrices for the kinetic models.

Characterizing networks of propaganda on twitter: a case study

The daily exposure of social media users to propaganda and disinformation campaigns has reinvigorated the need to investigate the local and global patterns of diffusion of different (mis)information content on social media. Echo chambers and influencers are often deemed responsible of both the polarization of users in online social networks and the success of propaganda and disinformation campaigns. This article adopts a data-driven approach to investigate the structuration of communities and propaganda networks on Twitter in order to assess the correctness of these imputations.

Detweiler's redshift invariant for extended bodies orbiting a Schwarzschild black hole

We compute the first-order self-force contribution to Detweiler's redshift invariant for extended bodies endowed with both dipolar and quadrupolar structure (with spin-induced quadrupole moment) moving along circular orbits on a Schwarzschild background. Our analysis includes effects which arc second order in spin, generalizing previous results for purely spinning particles. The perturbing body is assumed to move on the equatorial plane, the associated spin vector being orthogonal to it.

May personality influence the selection of life-long mate? A multivariate predictive model

The idea that individuals tend to choose a romantic partner following similarities on personality traits has always attracted much attention in the psychological literature, although results were controversial. We conducted a new data analysis approach to personality traits of 235 newlywed couples. Univariate analysis revealed that a neurotic husband is usually paired with a lesser extrovert and open wife.

Sixth post-Newtonian local-in-time dynamics of binary systems

Using a recently introduced method [D. Bini, T. Damour, and A. Geralico, Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 231104 (2019)], which splits the conservative dynamics of gravitationally interacting binary systems into a nonlocal-in-time part and a local-in-time one, we compute the local part of the dynamics at the sixth post-Newtonian (6PN) accuracy. Our strategy combines several theoretical formalisms: post-Newtonian, post-Minkowskian, multipolar-post-Minkowskian, effective-field-theory, gravitational self-force, effective one-body, and Delaunay averaging.

New solutions of the Ermakov-Pinney equation in curved spacetime

An Ermakov-Pinney-like equation associated with the scalar wave equation in curved space-time is here studied. The example of Schwarzschild space-time considered in the present work shows that this equation can be viewed more as a "model equation," with interesting applications in black hole physics. Other applications studied involve cosmological space-times (de Sitter) and pulse of plane gravitational waves: in all these cases the evolution of the Ermakov-Pinney field seems to be consistent with a rapid blow-up, unlike the Schwarzschild case where spatially damped oscillations are allowed.

Comparing effective-one-body Hamiltonians for spin-aligned coalescing binaries

TEOBResumS and SEOBNRv4 are the two existing semianalytical gravitational waveform models for spin-aligned coalescing black hole binaries based on the effective-one-body (EOB) approach. They are informed by numerical relativity simulations and provide the relative dynamics and waveforms from early inspiral to plunge, merger, and ringdown. The central building block of each model is the EOB resummed Hamiltonian. The two models implement different Hamiltonians that are both deformations of the Hamiltonian of a test spinning black hole moving around a Kerr black hole.