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We present a novel and general methodology for building second-order finite volume implicit-explicit Runge-Kutta numerical schemes for solving two-dimensional financial parabolic PDEs with mixed derivatives. The methods achieve second-order convergence even in the presence of non-regular initial conditions. The IMEX time integrator allows to overcome the tiny time-step induced by the diffusive term in the explicit schemes, also providing accurate and non-oscillatory approximations of the Greeks.

The goal of this paper is to develop 2nd order Implicit-Explicit Runge-Kutta (IMEX-RK) finite volume (FV) schemes for solving 1d parabolic PDEs for option pricing, with possible nonlinearities in the source and advection terms. The spatial semi-discretization of the advection is carried out by combining finite volume methods with 2nd order state reconstructions; while the diffusive terms are discretized using second-order finite differences. The time integration is performed by means of IMEX-RK time integrators: the advection is treated explicitly, and the diffusion, implicitly. The obtained numerical schemes have several advantages: they are computationally very efficient, thanks to the implicit discretization of the diffusion in the IMEX-RK time integrators, which allows to overcome the strict time step restriction; they yield second-order accuracy for even nonlinear problems and with non-regular initial conditions; and they can be extended to higher order.

The goal of this article is to make automatic data assimilation for a landslide tsunami model, given by the coupling between a non-hydrostatic multi-layer shallow-water and a Savage-Hutter granular landslide model for submarine avalanches. The coupled model is discretized using a positivity-preserving second-order path-conservative finite volume scheme. The data assimilation problem is posed in a global optimization framework and we develop and compare parallel metaheuristic stochastic global optimization algorithms, more precisely multi-path versions of the Simulated Annealing algorithm, with hybrid global optimization algorithms based on hybridizing Simulated Annealing with gradient local searchers, like L-BGFS-B.

ExoplANETS-A is an EU Horizon-2020 project with the primary objective of establishing new knowledge on exoplanet atmospheres. Intimately related to this topic is the study of the host-stars radiative properties in order to understand the environment in which exoplanets lie. The aim of this work is to exploit archived data from space-based observatories and other public sources to produce uniform sets of stellar data that can establish new insight on the influence of the host star on the planetary atmosphere. We have compiled X-ray and UV luminosities, which affect the formation and the atmospheric properties of the planets, and stellar parameters, which impact the retrieval process of the planetary-atmosphere's properties and its errors. Our sample is formed of all transiting-exoplanet systems observed by HST or Spitzer. It includes 205 exoplanets and their 114 host-stars. We have built a catalogue with information extracted from public, online archives augmented by quantities derived by the Exoplanets-A work. With this catalogue we have implemented an online database which also includes X-ray and OHP spectra and TESS light curves. In addition, we have developed a tool, exoVOSA, which is able to fit the spectral energy distribution of exoplanets. We give an example of using the database to study the effects of the host-star high-energy emission on the exoplanet atmosphere. The sample has a planet radius valley which is located at 1.8 Earth radii, in agreement with previous studies. Multiplanet systems in our sample were used to test the photoevaporation model and we find that out of 14 systems, only one significant case poses a contradiction to it (K2-3). In summary, the exoplanet and stellar resources compiled and generated by ExoplANETS-A form a sound basis for current JWST observations and for future work in the era of Ariel., Comment: 14 pages

The pseudopotential and free energy models are two popular extensions of the lattice Boltzmann method for multiphase flows. Until now, they have been developed apart from each other in the literature. However, important questions about whether each method performs better needs to be solved. In this work, we perform a theoretical and numerical comparison between both methods. This comparison is only possible because we developed a novel approach for controlling the interface thickness in the pseudopotential method independently on the equation of state. In this way, it is possible to compare both methods maintaining the same equilibrium densities, interface thickness, surface tension and equation of state parameters. The well-balanced approach was selected to represent the free energy. We found that the free energy one is more practical to use, as it is not necessary to carry out previous simulations to determine simulation parameters (interface thickness, surface tension, etc). In addition, the tests proofed that the free energy model is more accurate than the pseudopotential model. Furthermore, the pseudopotential method suffers from a lack of thermodynamic consistency even when applying the corrections proposed in the literature. On the other hand, for both static and dynamic tests we verified that the pseudopotential method is more stable than the free energy one, allowing simulations with lower reduced temperatures. We hope that these results will guide authors in the use of each method., Comment: 13 pages, 9 figures

The "time-and-band limiting" commutative property was found and exploited by D. Slepian, H. Landau and H. Pollak at Bell Labs in the 1960's, and independently by M. Mehta and later by C. Tracy and H. Widom in Random matrix theory. The property in question is the existence of local operators with simple spectrum that commute with naturally appearing global ones. Here we give a general result that insures the existence of a commuting differential operator for a given family of exceptional orthogonal polynomials satisfying the "bispectral property". As a main tool we go beyond bispectrality and make use of the notion of Fourier Algebras associated to the given sequence of exceptional polynomials. We illustrate this result with two examples, of Hermite and Laguerre type, exhibiting also a nice Perline's form for the commuting differential operator.

One of the critical aspects for the accurate determination of neutron capture cross sections when combining time-of-flight and total energy detector techniques is the characterization and control of systematic uncertainties associated to the measuring devices. In this work we explore the most conspicuous effects associated to harsh count rate conditions: dead-time and pile-up effects. Both effects, when not properly treated, can lead to large systematic uncertainties and bias in the determination of neutron cross sections. In the majority of neutron capture measurements carried out at the CERN n\_TOF facility, the detectors of choice are the C$_{6}$D$_{6}$ liquid-based either in form of large-volume cells or recently commissioned sTED detector array, consisting of much smaller-volume modules. To account for the aforementioned effects, we introduce a Monte Carlo model for these detectors mimicking harsh count rate conditions similar to those happening at the CERN n\_TOF 20~m fligth path vertical measuring station. The model parameters are extracted by comparison with the experimental data taken at the same facility during 2022 experimental campaign. We propose a novel methodology to consider both, dead-time and pile-up effects simultaneously for these fast detectors and check the applicability to experimental data from $^{197}$Au($n$,$\gamma$), including the saturated 4.9~eV resonance which is an important component of normalization for neutron cross section measurements.

This work analyzes the propagation of a transverse domain wall (DW) motion under the action of an electric current along a nanowire (NW) with a curvature gradient. Our results evidence that the curvature gradient induces a chiral spin-transfer torque (CSTT) whose effect on the DW motion depends on the direction along which the DW points. The origin of the CSTT is explained in terms of a position and phase-dependent effective field associated with the DW profile and the electric current direction. Finally, our results reveal that this chiral mechanism can also affect the behavior of other magnetization collective modes, such as spin waves. This work shows the emergence of curvature-induced chiral spin transport and highlights a new phenomenon to be considered for designing spintronic devices., Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures

We revisit the abundances of neutron-capture elements in the metal-poor ([Fe/H]=-2.9) r-process-rich halo star CS 31082-001. Partly motivated by the development of the new near-ultraviolet Cassegrain U-band Efficient Spectrograph for the Very Large Telescope, we compiled an expanded line list for heavy elements over the range 3000-4000 {\AA}, including hyperfine structure for several elements. Combining archival near-ultraviolet spectra of CS 31082-001 from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Very Large Telescope, we investigate the abundances and nucleosynthesis of 35 heavy elements (Ge, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Os, Ir, Pt, Pb, Bi, Th, and U). Our analysis includes the first abundance estimates for tin, holmium, and ytterbium from these data, and the first for lutetium from ground-based data, enabling a more complete view of the abundance pattern of this important reference star. In general, the r-process dominated elements are as enhanced as those in the Sun, particularly for elements with Z $\ge$ 56 (Ba and heavier). However, the abundances for the lighter elements in our sample, from Ge to Sn (31 $\le$ Z $\le$ 50), do not scale with the solar abundance pattern. Moreover, the Ge abundance is deficient relative to solar, indicating that it is dominantly an iron-peak rather than neutron-capture element. Our results (or upper limits) on Sn, Pt, Au, Pb and Bi all pose further questions, prompting further study on the origin and evolution of the known r-rich and actinide-rich, metal-poor stars.

The aim of this work is to construct efficient finite volume schemes for the numerical study of sediment transport in shallow water, in the framework of the Exner model.In most cases, the velocity related to the sediment is much lower that the fluid velocity, which, in turn, may be much lower that the free-surface wave speed. Explicit methods that resolve all waves require small time steps due to the CFL stability restriction because of fast surface waves. Furthermore, if Rusanov flux is adopted, slow sediment waves may be affected by the large numerical diffusion. The objective of the present work is to drastically improve the efficiency in the computation of the evolution of the sediment by treating water waves implicitly, thus allowing much larger time steps than the one required by fully explicit schemes. The goal is reached by suitably semi-implicit schemes obtained by the use of implicit-explicit Runge-Kutta methods.

One of the crucial ingredients for the improvement of stellar models is the accurate knowledge of neutron capture cross-sections for the different isotopes involved in the $s$-,$r$- and $i$- processes. These measurements can shed light on existing discrepancies between observed and predicted isotopic abundances and help to constrain the physical conditions where these reactions take place along different stages of stellar evolution.In the particular case of the radioactive $^{94}$Nb, the $^{94}$Nb($n$,$\gamma$) cross-section could play a role in the determination of the $s$-process production of $^{94}$Mo in AGB stars, which presently cannot be reproduced by state-of-the-art stellar models. There are no previous $^{94}$Nb($n$,$\gamma$) experimental data for the resolved and unresolved resonance regions mainly due to the difficulties in producing high-quality samples and also due to limitations in conventional detection systems commonly used in time-of-flight experiments.Motivated by this situation, a first measurement of the $^{94}$Nb($n$,$\gamma$) reaction was carried out at CERN n\_TOF, thereby exploiting the high luminosity of the EAR2 area in combination with a new detection system of small-volume C6D6-detectors and a high quality $^{94}$Nb-sample. The latter was based on hyper-pure $^{93}$Nb material activated at the high-flux reactor of ILL-Grenoble. An innovative ring-configuration detection system in close geometry around the capture sample allowed us to significantly enhance the signal-to-background ratio. This set-up was supplemented with two conventional C$_{6}$D$_{6}$ detectors and a high-resolution LaCl$_{3}$(Ce)-detector, which will be employed for addressing reliably systematic effects and uncertainties.At the current status of the data analysis, 18 resonance in $^{94}$Nb+$n$ have been observed for the first time in the neutron energy range from thermal up to 10 keV., Comment: NPA-X conference proceeding

We exhibit three examples showing that the "time-and-band limiting" commutative property found and exploited by D. Slepian, H. Landau and H. Pollak at Bell Labs in the 1960's, and independently by M. Mehta and later by C. Tracy and H. Widom in Random matrix theory, holds for exceptional orthogonal polynomials. The property in question is the existence of local operators with simple spectrum that commute with naturally appearing global ones. We illustrate numerically the advantage of having such a local operator.

ATHENA has been designed as a general purpose detector capable of delivering the full scientific scope of the Electron-Ion Collider. Careful technology choices provide fine tracking and momentum resolution, high performance electromagnetic and hadronic calorimetry, hadron identification over a wide kinematic range, and near-complete hermeticity. This article describes the detector design and its expected performance in the most relevant physics channels. It includes an evaluation of detector technology choices, the technical challenges to realizing the detector and the R&D required to meet those challenges.

A new experimental area, the NEAR station, has recently been built at the CERN n TOF facility, at a short distance from the spallation target (1.5 m). The new area, characterized by a neutron beam of very high flux, has been designed with the purpose of performing activation measurements of interest for astrophysics and various applications. The beam is transported from the spallation target to the NEAR station through a hole in the shielding wall of the target, inside which a collimator is inserted. The new area is complemented with a {\gamma}-ray spectroscopy laboratory, the GEAR station, equipped with a high efficiency HPGe detector, for the measurement of the activity resulting from irradiation of a sample in the NEAR station. The use of a moderator/filter assembly is envisaged, in order to produce a neutron beam of Maxwellian shape at different thermal energies, necessary for the measurement of Maxwellian Averaged Cross Sections of astrophysical interest. A new fast-cycling activation technique is also being investigated, for measurements of reactions leading to isotopes of very short half life.

This article presents a few selected developments and future ideas related to the measurement of $(n,\gamma)$ data of astrophysical interest at CERN n_TOF. The MC-aided analysis methodology for the use of low-efficiency radiation detectors in time-of-flight neutron-capture measurements is discussed, with particular emphasis on the systematic accuracy. Several recent instrumental advances are also presented, such as the development of total-energy detectors with $\gamma$-ray imaging capability for background suppression, and the development of an array of small-volume organic scintillators aimed at exploiting the high instantaneous neutron-flux of EAR2. Finally, astrophysics prospects related to the intermediate $i$ neutron-capture process of nucleosynthesis are discussed in the context of the new NEAR activation area., Comment: preprint submitted to the European Physical Journal A, 11 pages, 4 figures

Until very recently, the asymptotic occurrence of intrinsic anomalous scaling has been expected to require concomitant effects for kinetically rough interfaces, like quenched disorder or morphological instabilities. However, counterexamples have been recently reported for simpler situations dominated by time-dependent noise, as in the discrete growth system associated with an Ising model proposed by H.\ Dashti-Naserabadi {\em et al.}\ [Phys.\ Rev.\ E {\bf 100}, 060101(R) (2019)], who assessed the equilibrium behavior of the model. Here we revisit this system to characterize its time-dependent behavior in two and three dimensions (one-and two-dimensional interfaces, respectively). While the 3D case seems dominated by a fast evolution beyond critical dynamics, in the 2D case numerical simulations of an associated time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equation retrieve the same static (roughness) exponents and the same intrinsic anomalous scaling Ansatz as in the equilibrium case, throughout the full time evolution. However, the dynamic exponent is seen to cross over between two different values, none of which enables identification with previously known universality classes of kinetic roughening. Simulations for larger system sizes moreover suggest breakdown of scaling behavior at the largest scales, suggesting that the previously reported scaling behavior may be effective and restricted to relatively small systems., Comment: 13 pages, 12 figures

A new parasitic, mixed-field, neutron-dominated irradiation station has been recently commissioned at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN). The station is installed in the Neutron Time-Of-Flight (n\_TOF) facility, taking advantage of the secondary radiation produced by the neutron spallation target. The new station allows radiation damage studies to be performed in irradiation conditions that are closer to the ones encountered during the operation of particle accelerators; the irradiation tests carried out in the station will be complementary to the standard tests on materials, usually performed with gamma sources. Samples will be exposed to neutron doses in the MGy range per year, with minimal impact on the n TOF facility operation. The station has twenty-four irradiation positions, each hosting up to 100 cm3 of sample material. In view of its proximity to the n\_TOF target, inside protective shielding, the irradiation station and its operating procedures have been carefully developed taking into account the safety of personnel and to avoid any unwanted impact on the operation of the n\_TOF facility and experiments. Due to the residual radioactivity of the whole area around the n\_TOF target and of the irradiated samples, access to the irradiation station is forbidden to human operators even when the n\_TOF facility is not in operation. Robots are used for the remote installation and retrieval of the samples, and other optimizations of the handling procedures were developed in compliance with radiation protection regulations and the aim of minimizing doses to personnel.