Melting behavior of large disordered sodium clusters

The melting-like transition in disordered sodium clusters Na_N, with N=92 and 142 is studied by using a first-principles constant-energy molecular dynamics simulation method. Na_142, whose atoms are distributed in two (surface and inner) main shells with different radial distances to the center of mass of the cluster, melts in two steps: the first one, at approx. 130 K, is characterized by a high intrashell mobility of the atoms, and the second, homogeneous melting, at approx. 270 K, involves diffusive motion of all the atoms across the whole cluster volume (both intrashell and intershell displacements are allowed). On the contrary, the melting of Na_92 proceeds gradually over a very wide temperature interval, without any abrupt step visible in the thermal or structural melting indicators. The occurrence of well defined steps in the melting transition is then shown to be related to the existence of a distribution of the atoms in shells. Thereby we propose a necessary condition for a cluster to be considered rigorously amorphouslike (totally disordered), namely that there are no space regions of the cluster where the local value of the atomic density is considerably reduced. Na_92 is the only cluster from the two considered that verifies this condition, so its thermal behavior can be considered as representative of that expected for amorphous clusters. Na_142, on the other hand, has a discernible atomic shell structure and should be considered instead as just partially disordered. The thermal behavior of these two clusters is also compared to that of icosahedral (totally ordered) sodium clusters of the same sizes.Comment: LaTeX file. 7 pages with 12 picture

Indicators for sustainable development: a comparative analysis of the spanish experience

The objective of this research focuses on the study of systems of indicators to evaluate local policies within the framework of sustainable human development. To do this, we start with the analysis of most important international experiences, which have been the basis for the stablishment of systems of indicators arround the planet. Next, we carry out a comparative analysis of some specific Spanish experiences, trying to summarize the key aspects that are observed in such systems of indicators. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and areas for improvement to be taken into consideration when formulating a system of indicators of sustainable development.Indicators, Human sustainable development

Determinants of Job Satisfaction across the EU-15: A Comparison of Self-Employed and Paid Employees

Job satisfaction of self-employed and paid-employed workers is analyzed using the European Community Household Panel for the EU-15 covering the years 1994-2001. We distinguish between two types of job satisfaction, i.e. job satisfaction in terms of type of work and job satisfaction in terms of job security. Findings from our generalized ordered logit regressions indicate that self-employed individuals as compared to paid employees are more likely to be satisfied with their present jobs in terms of type of work and less likely to be satisfied in terms of job security. The findings also provide many insights into the determinants of the two types of job satisfaction for both the self-employed and paid employee

Mycobacterial infections in solid organ transplant recipients

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An evaluation of the feasibility of electrostatic separation for physical soil washing

[EN] We present the first application of electrostatic separation for soil washing. Soil samples were collected from the PTE-containing area of La Cruz in Linares, southern Spain. Using a single-phase high-tension roll separator with voltages ranging from 20 kV to 41.5 kV, we achieved yield values between 0.69% and 9%, with high recovery rates for certain elements such as Zn, Cu, and Mo. SEM-EDX analysis revealed three particle types, including a non-conductive fraction composed of feldspar, a middling fraction composed of mica, and a conductive fraction consisting of PTE-bearing slag grains. Attributive analysis showed that 41.5 kV was the optimal voltage for maximizing PTE concentration. Overall, electrostatic separation is a promising approach for treating soils contaminated with PTEs, particularly in dry climate areas impacted by mining activities.S

Indicadores de desarrollo humano sostenible: análisis comparativo de la experiencia española

The objective of this research focuses on the study of systems of indicators to evaluate local policies within the framework of sustainable human development. To do this, we start with the analysis of most important international experiences, which have been the basis for the stablishment of systems of indicators arround the planet. Next, we carry out a comparative analysis of some specific Spanish experiences, trying to summarize the key aspects that are observed in such systems of indicators. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and areas for improvement to be taken into consideration when formulating a system of indicators of sustainable development

Indicadores de desarrollo humano sostenible: análisis comparativo de la experiencia española

The objective of this research focuses on the study of systems of indicators to evaluate local policies within the framework of sustainable human development. To do this, we start with the analysis of most important international experiences, which have been the basis for the stablishment of systems of indicators arround the planet. Next, we carry out a comparative analysis of some specific Spanish experiences, trying to summarize the key aspects that are observed in such systems of indicators. Finally, we discuss the opportunities and areas for improvement to be taken into consideration when formulating a system of indicators of sustainable development

Continuous multi-criteria methods for crop and soil conservation planning on La Colacha (Río Cuarto, Province of Cordoba, Argentina)

Agro-areas of Arroyos Menores (La Colacha) west and south of Rand south of R?o Cuarto (Prov. of Cordoba, Argentina) basins are very fertile but have high soil loses. Extreme rain events, inundations and other severe erosions forming gullies demand urgently actions in this area to avoid soil degradation and erosion supporting good levels of agro production. The authors first improved hydrologic data on La Colacha, evaluated the systems of soil uses and actions that could be recommended considering the relevant aspects of the study area and applied decision support systems (DSS) with mathematic tools for planning of defences and uses of soils in these areas. These were conducted here using multi-criteria models, in multi-criteria decision making (MCDM); first of discrete MCDM to chose among global types of use of soils, and then of continuous MCDM to evaluate and optimize combined actions, including repartition of soil use and the necessary levels of works for soil conservation and for hydraulic management to conserve against erosion these basins. Relatively global solutions for La Colacha area have been defined and were optimised by Linear Programming in Goal Programming forms that are presented as Weighted or Lexicographic Goal Programming and as Compromise Programming. The decision methods used are described, indicating algorithms used, and examples for some representative scenarios on La Colacha area are given

RNA-seq based transcriptome analysis of the type I interferon host response upon vaccinia virus infection of mouse cells

Vaccinia virus (VACV) encodes the soluble type I interferon (IFN) binding protein B18 that is secreted from infected cells and also attaches to the cell surface, as an immunomodulatory strategy to inhibit the host IFN response. By using next generation sequencing technologies, we performed a detailed RNA-seq study to dissect at the transcriptional level the modulation of the IFN based host response by VACV and B18. Transcriptome profiling of L929 cells after incubation with purified recombinant B18 protein showed that attachment of B18 to the cell surface does not trigger cell signalling leading to transcriptional activation. Consistent with its ability to bind type I IFN, B18 completely inhibited the IFN-mediated modulation of host gene expression. Addition of UV-inactivated virus particles to cell cultures altered the expression of a set of 53 cellular genes, including genes involved in innate immunity. Differential gene expression analyses of cells infected with replication competent VACV identified the activation of a broad range of host genes involved in multiple cellular pathways. Interestingly, we did not detect an IFN-mediated response among the transcriptional changes induced by VACV, even after the addition of IFN to cells infected with a mutant VACV lacking B18. This is consistent with additional viral mechanisms acting at different levels to block IFN responses during VACV infection

Implantación de la Agenda 21 Local en Europa: divergencias en ritmos y enfoques

The article takes as an object to present an analysis of the implantation of the A21L in Europe. We centre, especially. in the countries of Western Europe yet they are the leaders of these processes. The investigation allows to state, on one hand, the high diffusion of the processes of A21L across the planet and on the other hand, the wide regional differences in the rhythm of development and approach of the programs of A21L.El artículo tiene por objeto presentar un análisis de la implantaciónde la A21L en Europa. Nos centraremos, especialmente, en los paises de Europa Occidental, al considerarlos los más avanzados en la implementación de este tipo de políticas. La investigación permite constatar, por un lado, el gran auge que se está dando a la difusión de los procesos de A21L y, por otro, las grandes diferencias regionales en el ritmo de desarrollo y enfoque de los programas de A211