Isoscalar-isovector mass splittings in excited mesons

Mass splittings between the isovector and isoscalar members of meson nonets arise in part from hadronic loop diagrams which violate the Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka rule. Using a model for these loop processes which works qualitatively well in the established nonets, I tabulate predictions for the splittings and associated isoscalar mixing angles in the remaining nonets below about 2.5 GeV, and explain some of their systematic features. The results for excited vector mesons compare favorably with experiment.Comment: 8 RevTeX pages, including 1 LaTeX figure. CMU-HEP93-23/DOE-ER-40682-4

Understanding Brazil’s catastrophic fires : causes, consequences and policy needed to prevent future tragedies

Brazil has experienced unprecedented wildfires in the last decade. Images ofimmense burnt areas or dead animals that failed to escape the 2020 wildfires have shocked the world. To prevent or minimize further similardisasters wemustunderstandthe factors thathave ledto these catastrophic events. The causes and consequences of wildfires entail complex interactions between the biophysical and sociocultural spheres, and suitable management decisions require a sound scientific base. We present the recent panorama of increasing fire outbreaks in the Brazilian biomes, and discuss the causes that have contributed to such fires, their impacts on the environment and overall consequences for human well-being, based on reviewing the extensive specialist literature, on authors’ expert knowledge and information provided by environmental managers, researchers and politicians during a workshop organized to debate the wildfire issue in Brazil. Our up-to-date review is aimed at the academic public, environmental managers and decision- and policy-makers. First, we present evidence on the contrasting effects of fire on different ecosystems. Second, we outline the historic perceptions and policies related to fire use and management in Brazil since its colonization to the present date. Third, we propose means to advance fire prevention and develop successful management strategies. Finally, we answer frequently asked questions to clarify and/or demystify some fire-related issues not always properly addressed in the media

tau-->eta(eta')2pi nu, 3pi nu and WZW anomaly

The effects of the anomalous contact terms are taken into account in tau to eta(eta')2pi nu decay. tau to 3pi nu is computed. Theoretical result agrees with data. It is the first time the anomalous vertex eta aa is tested. An a_{1} resonance is predicted in the final state. The decay rate of tau to eta'3pi nu is predicted.Comment: 15 pages, one latex file for the paper and one p-script file for the figur

Primary Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation for Acute Primary Angle-Closure

Background: To investigate the effect of primary phacoemulsification on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with acute primary angle-closure (PAC) and coexisting cataract. Methodology: Sixteen eyes of 14 patients with acute PAC received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation as initial management for medically uncontrolled IOP in a retrospective chart review. The effects on IOP, vision, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and number of antiglaucoma medications were evaluated. Principal Findings: The postoperative IOP was reduced in 16 eyes (100%). The mean 6 standard deviation preoperative IOP was 48.81616.83 mm Hg, which decreased postoperatively to 16.46610.67 mm Hg at 1 day, 9.4363.03 mm Hg at 1 week