23,416 research outputs found
Mirror matter admixtures in K_S to gamma gamma
The latest measurement of the K_S to gamma gamma branching ratio clearly
shows an enhancement over the current theoretical prediction. As in other K and
B meson decays, this invites to consider the possibility of the contribution of
new physics. We study a particular form of the latter, which may be referred to
as manifest mirror symmetry. The experimental data are described using
previously determined values for the mixing angles of the admixtures of mirror
matter in ordinary hadrons and by assuming that for pi^0, eta, eta', the mirror
decay amplitudes have the same magnitudes as their ordinary counterparts
Absorption and Direct Processes in Chaotic Wave Scattering
Recent results on the scattering of waves by chaotic systems with losses and
direct processes are discussed. We start by showing the results without direct
processes nor absorption. We then discuss systems with direct processes and
lossy systems separately. Finally the discussion of systems with both direct
processes and loses is given. We will see how the regimes of strong and weak
absorption are modified by the presence of the direct processes.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures, Condensed Matter Physics (IV Mexican Meeting on
Mathematical and Experimental Physics), Edited by M. Martinez-Mares and J. A.
Moreno-Raz
Radiative two-pion decay of the tau lepton
We consider the bremsstrahlung and model-dependent contributions to the
radiative decay in the context of a
meson dominance model. We focus on several observables related to this decay,
including the branching ratio and the photon and di-pion spectra. Particular
attention is paid to the sensitivity of different observables upon the effects
of model-dependent contributions and of the magnetic dipole moment of the
vector meson. Important numerical differences are found with
respect to results obtained in the framework of chiral perturbation theory.Comment: 14 pages, 8 figures, submitted for publicatio
Semiclassical (Quantum Field Theory) and Quantum (String) de Sitter Regimes: New Results
We compute the quantum string entropy S_s(m, H) from the microscopic string
density of states rho_s (m,H) of mass m in de Sitter space-time. We find for
high m, a {\bf new} phase transition at the critical string temperature T_s=
(1/2 pi k_B)L c^2/alpha', higher than the flat space (Hagedorn) temperature
t_s. (L = c/H, the Hubble constant H acts at the transition as producing a
smaller string constant alpha' and thus, a higher tension). T_s is the precise
quantum dual of the semiclassical (QFT Hawking-Gibbons) de Sitter temperature
T_sem = hbar c /(2\pi k_B L). We find a new formula for the full de Sitter
entropy S_sem (H), as a function of the usual Bekenstein-Hawking entropy
S_sem^(0)(H). For L << l_{Planck}, ie. for low H << c/l_Planck,
S_{sem}^{(0)}(H) is the leading term, but for high H near c/l_Planck, a new
phase transition operates and the whole entropy S_sem (H) is drastically
different from the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy S_sem^(0)(H). We compute the
string quantum emission cross section by a black hole in de Sitter (or
asymptotically de Sitter) space-time (bhdS). For T_sem ~ bhdS << T_s, (early
evaporation stage), it shows the QFT Hawking emission with temperature T_sem ~
bhdS, (semiclassical regime). For T_sem ~ bhdS near T_{s}, it exhibits a phase
transition into a string de Sitter state of size L_s = l_s^2/L}, l_s=
\sqrt{\hbar alpha'/c), and string de Sitter temperature T_s. Instead of
featuring a single pole singularity in the temperature (Carlitz transition), it
features a square root branch point (de Vega-Sanchez transition). New bounds on
the black hole radius r_g emerge in the bhdS string regime: it can become r_g =
L_s/2, or it can reach a more quantum value, r_g = 0.365 l_s.Comment: New original materia
Kink stability, propagation, and length scale competition in the periodically modulated sine-Gordon equation
We have examined the dynamical behavior of the kink solutions of the
one-dimensional sine-Gordon equation in the presence of a spatially periodic
parametric perturbation. Our study clarifies and extends the currently
available knowledge on this and related nonlinear problems in four directions.
First, we present the results of a numerical simulation program which are not
compatible with the existence of a radiative threshold, predicted by earlier
calculations. Second, we carry out a perturbative calculation which helps
interpret those previous predictions, enabling us to understand in depth our
numerical results. Third, we apply the collective coordinate formalism to this
system and demonstrate numerically that it accurately reproduces the observed
kink dynamics. Fourth, we report on a novel occurrence of length scale
competition in this system and show how it can be understood by means of linear
stability analysis. Finally, we conclude by summarizing the general physical
framework that arises from our study.Comment: 19 pages, REVTeX 3.0, 24 figures available from A S o
Anderson Localization in Disordered Vibrating Rods
We study, both experimentally and numerically, the Anderson localization
phenomenon in torsional waves of a disordered elastic rod, which consists of a
cylinder with randomly spaced notches. We find that the normal-mode wave
amplitudes are exponentially localized as occurs in disordered solids. The
localization length is measured using these wave amplitudes and it is shown to
decrease as a function of frequency. The normal-mode spectrum is also measured
as well as computed, so its level statistics can be analyzed. Fitting the
nearest-neighbor spacing distribution a level repulsion parameter is defined
that also varies with frequency. The localization length can then be expressed
as a function of the repulsion parameter. There exists a range in which the
localization length is a linear function of the repulsion parameter, which is
consistent with Random Matrix Theory. However, at low values of the repulsion
parameter the linear dependence does not hold.Comment: 10 pages, 6 figure
Conservation agriculture in the dry Mediterranean climate
The objective of this article is to review: (a) the concepts and principles that underpin Conservation Agriculture (CA) ecologically and operationally; (b) the potential benefits that can be harnessed through CA systems in the dry Mediterranean climates; (c) current status of adoption and spread of CA in the dry Mediterranean climate countries; and (d) opportunities for CA in the Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) region. CA, comprising minimum mechanical soil disturbance and no-tillage seeding, organic mulch cover, and crop diversification is now practised on some 125 million ha, corresponding to about 9% of the global arable cropped land. Globally, the area under CA is spread across all continents and all agro-ecologies, including the dryland climates in the Mediterranean basin region as well as in the Mediterranean climates elsewhere in the world. Worldwide empirical and scientific evidence is available to show that significant productivity, economic, social and environmental benefits exist that can be harnessed through the adoption of CA principles for sustainable production intensification in the dry Mediterranean climates, including those in the CWANA region. The benefits include: fundamental change for the better in the sustainability of production systems and ecosystem services; higher stable yields and incomes; climate change adaptation and reduced vulnerability to the highly erratic rainfall distribution; and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. CA has taken off globally and is now spreading in several Mediterranean climates outside the Mediterranean basin particularly in South America, South Africa and Australia. In the dry Mediterranean climates in the CWANA region, CA is perceived to be a powerful tool of land management but CA has not yet taken off. Research on CA in the CWANA region has shown that there are opportunities for CA adoption in rainfed and irrigated farming systems involving arable and perennial crops as well as livestock
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Capacity of English NHS hospitals to monitor quality in infection prevention and control using a new European framework: a multilevel qualitative analysis
Objective:(1) To assess the extent to which current English national regulations/policies/guidelines and local hospital practices align with indicators suggested by a European review of effective strategies for infection prevention and control (IPC); (2) to examine the capacity of local hospitals to report on the indicators and current use of data to inform IPC management and practice.
Design
A national and local-level analysis of the 27 indicators was conducted. At the national level, documentary review of regulations/policies/guidelines was conducted. At the local level data collection comprised: (a) review of documentary sources from 14 hospitals, to determine the capacity to report performance against these indicators; (b) qualitative interviews with 3 senior managers from 5 hospitals and direct observation of hospital wards to find out if these indicators are used to improve IPC management and practice.
Setting
2 acute English National Health Service (NHS) trusts and 1 NHS foundation trust (14 hospitals).
Participants
3 senior managers from 5 hospitals for qualitative interviews.
Primary and secondary outcome measures
As primary outcome measures, a ‘Red-Amber-Green’ (RAG) rating was developed reflecting how well the indicators were included in national documents or their availability at the local organisational level. The current use of the indicators to inform IPC management and practice was also assessed. The main secondary outcome measure is any inconsistency between national and local RAG rating results.
Results
National regulations/policies/guidelines largely cover the suggested European indicators. The ability of individual hospitals to report some of the indicators at ward level varies across staff groups, which may mask required improvements. A reactive use of staffing-related indicators was observed rather than the suggested prospective strategic approach for IPC management.
Conclusions
For effective patient safety and infection prevention in English hospitals, routine and proactive approaches need to be developed. Our approach to evaluation can be extended to other country settings
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