Optical properties of metal nanoparticles with arbitrary shapes

We have studied the optical properties of metallic nanoparticles with arbitrary shape. We performed theoretical calculations of the absorption, extinction and scattering efficiencies, which can be directly compared with experiments, using the Discrete Dipole Approximation (DDA). In this work, the main features in the optical spectra have been investigated depending of the geometry and size of the nanoparticles. The origin of the optical spectra are discussed in terms of the size, shape and material properties of each nanoparticle, showing that a nanoparticle can be distinguish by its optical signature.Comment: 19 pages + 8 figure

Data reduction in the ITMS system through a data acquisition model with self-adaptive sampling rate

Long pulse or steady state operation of fusion experiments require data acquisition and processing systems that reduce the volume of data involved. The availability of self-adaptive sampling rate systems and the use of real-time lossless data compression techniques can help solve these problems. The former is important for continuous adaptation of sampling frequency for experimental requirements. The latter allows the maintenance of continuous digitization under limited memory conditions. This can be achieved by permanent transmission of compressed data to other systems. The compacted transfer ensures the use of minimum bandwidth. This paper presents an implementation based on intelligent test and measurement system (ITMS), a data acquisition system architecture with multiprocessing capabilities that permits it to adapt the system’s sampling frequency throughout the experiment. The sampling rate can be controlled depending on the experiment’s specific requirements by using an external dc voltage signal or by defining user events through software. The system takes advantage of the high processing capabilities of the ITMS platform to implement a data reduction mechanism based in lossless data compression algorithms which are themselves based in periodic deltas

The diary of an undercover agent in Mexico’s war on drugs

Diario de un agente encubierto [Diary of an undercover agent], by Tomás Borges, Mexico City, Temas de Hoy, 2013, 342pp., £20 (paperback), ISBN 978607071851

Effective electronic response of a system of metallic cylinders

The electronic response of a composite consisting of aligned metallic cylinders in vacuum is investigated, on the basis of photonic band structure calculations. The effective long-wavelength dielectric response function is computed, as a function of the filling fraction. A spectral representation of the effective response is considered, and the surface mode strengths and positions are analyzed. The range of validity of a Maxwell-Garnett-like approach is discussed, and the impact of our results on absorption spectra and electron energy-loss phenomena is addressed.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Internal report cluster 1: Urban freight innovations and solutions for sustainable deliveries (4/4)

Technical report about sustainable urban freight solutions, part 4 of

Aceite de linaza: Caracterización y estudio de su degradación oxidativa

This paper proposes to characterize and monitor the degradation of linseed oil under two oxidation conditions using some traditional oxidative and quality parameters. The experimental section of this study was divided into 2 stages. In the first one, three commercial linseed oil samples (OL1, OL2, and OL3) were characterized according to oxidative stability (90 °C) and fatty acid composition. In the second stage, the OL1 sample, selected due to its availability, was subjected to the following oxidation procedures: storage at room temperature conditions with exposure to light and air (temperature ranging from 7 to 35 °C) for 140 days and accelerated oxidation at 100 °C for 7h. Samples were collected at different time intervals and analyzed for oxidative stability (90 °C), peroxide value, and acid value. The results showed that all the samples presented a similar fatty acid profile and that the OL3 sample showed a higher induction period (p < 0.05). Regarding the oxidative degradation, the induction period of the OL1 sample reduced from 9.7 to 5.7 and 9.7 to 6.3 during 140 days of storage under room temperature and 7 h of accelerated oxidation, respectively. The end of induction period of the OL1 sample is expected to occur within 229 days according to an exponential mathematical model fitted to the induction period values at different temperatures. In addition, the OL1 sample met the limits proposed by Codex and Brazilian regulations for peroxide and acid values during the oxidation time intervals.Este trabajo propone caracterizar y monitorear la degradación del aceite de linaza en dos condiciones de oxidación utilizando algunos parámetros oxidativos y de calidad tradicionales. La sección experimental de este estudio se dividió en 2 etapas. En la primera, se caracterizaron tres muestras comerciales de aceite de linaza (OL1, OL2 y OL3) a través de la estabilidad oxidativa (90 °C) y la composición de ácidos grasos. En la segunda etapa, la muestra OL1 se seleccionó por su disponibilidad y se sometió a los siguientes procedimientos de oxidación: almacenamiento en condiciones ambientales con exposición a la luz y al aire (temperatura que varía de 7 a 35 °C) durante 140 días y oxidación acelerada a 100 °C durante 7 h. Las muestras se recogieron a diferentes intervalos de tiempo y se analizaron mediante estabilidad oxidativa (90 °C), índice de peróxido e índice de acidez. Los resultados mostraron que todas las muestras presentaron un perfil de ácidos grasos similar y también que la muestra OL3 mostró un período de inducción más alto (

Acceleration of the Universe driven by the Casimir force

We investigate an evolutional scenario of the FRW universe with the Casimir energy scaling like $(-)(1+z)^4$. The Casimir effect is used to explain the vacuum energy differences (its value measured from astrophysics is so small compared to value obtained from quantum field theory calculations). The dynamics of the FRW model is represented in terms of a two-dimensional dynamical system to show all evolutional paths of this model in the phase space for all admissible initial conditions. We find also an exact solution for non flat evolutional paths of Universe driven by the Casimir effect. The main difference between the FRW model with the Casimir force and the $\Lambda$CDM model is that their generic solutions are a set of evolutional paths with a bounce solution and an initial singularity, respectively. The evolutional scenario are tested by using the SNIa data, FRIIb radiogalaxies, baryon oscillation peak and CMB observation. We compare the power of explanation of the model considered and the $\Lambda$CDM model using the Bayesian information criterion and Bayesian factor. Our investigation of the information criteria of model selection showed the preference of the $\Lambda$CDM model over the model considered. However the presence of negative like the radiation term can remove a tension between the theoretical and observed primordial ${}^4$He and D abundance.Comment: RevTeX4, 17 pages, 9 figure

Preparation and Loading with Rifampicin of Sub-50 nm Poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) Nanoparticles by Semicontinuous Heterophase Polymerization

We report the preparation of poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) (PECA) nanoparticles by semicontinuous heterophase polymerization carried out at monomer starved conditions at three monomer addition rates. Particles in the nanometer range were obtained, the size of which diminishes with decreasing monomer addition rate as shown by the fact that particles with mean diameters of ca. 42 and 30 nm were obtained at the faster and intermediate dosing rates, respectively, whereas two populations of particles, one of 15.5 and the other of 36 nm in mean diameters, were produced at the slower dosing rate. The obtained molecular weights were from 2,200 to 3,500 g/mol, depending on the addition rate, which are typical of the anionic polymerizations of cyanoacrylates in aqueous dispersions at low pHs. The rifampicin (RIF) loading into the nanoparticles was successful since the entire drug added was incorporated. The drug release study carried out at pH of 7.2 indicated a faster release from the free RIF at intermediate and larger release times as expected since, in the nanoparticles, first the drug has to diffuse through the nanoparticle structure. The comparison of several drug release models indicates that the RIF release from PECA nanoparticles follows that of Higuchi

La dialéctica de la regularización barrial en Bogotá: del urbanismo incompleto a la consolidación

El estudio de la producción habitacional popular va más allá de la discusión común de la informalidad como la contraparte de la formalidad. En este sentido, en el artículo se discute la importancia de la regularización barrial como parte de las políticas urbanas reactivas a la luz de la acentuada informalidad urbana en las metrópolis latinoamericanas. Para el caso particular de Bogotá, el análisis de la regularización barrial indaga por los vínculos entre la informalidad urbana y el modo de vida popular considerando una discusión sobre el derecho a la ciudad para, luego, realizar un balance de la eficacia de las políticas de vivienda basadas en el mercado formal como antesala al análisis de los resultados de los programas de regularización barrial. Finalmente se sugieren algunas líneas de acción al respecto de las políticas urbanas estatales.The study of popular housing production goes beyond the common discussion of the informality as a counterpart of formality. In this way, the article discusses the value of neighborhood regularization as part of reactive urban policies considering the outstanding urban informality in Latin American metropolises. In particular, for Bogotá, the analysis of neighborhood regularization inquires for the links between urban formality and the popular way of life, taking into account a discussion about the right of the city, and then to take stock of the effectiveness of the policies of Housing based on the formal market as a prelude to the analysis of the results of neighborhood regularization programs. Finally, we suggest some lines of action regarding the state urban policies

Uso de fotos hemiesféricas para la elaboración de modelos de altura de la regeneración en Nothofagus pumilio

Martínez Pastur, G.; Lencinas, M.V.; Soler Esteban, R. CADIC-CONICET. Casilla 92 (9410) Ushuaia, Argentina. [email protected]. Cellini, J.M.; Barrera, M. Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata. Argentina. Peri, P. UNPA-INTA-CONICET, Río Gallegos, Argentina.El crecimiento en altura de la regeneración es la principal variable empleada para caracterizar la continuidad de bosques primarios y manejados. Entre los condicionantes bióticos y abióticos, la cobertura del dosel determina la cantidad de luz disponible. Se desarrollaron modelos de predicción de altura de regeneración de Nothofagus pumilio en relación con parámetros de cobertura y radiación obtenidos mediante fotos hemiesféricas, para bosques primarios y manejados. Se emplearon 3700 pares de datos (edad-altura) obtenidos durante 2002-2007 en parcelas permanentes de muestreo (n=16), caracterizadas con fotos hemiesféricas empleando un lente Sigma 8mm y analizadas usando el programa Gap Light Analyzer v.2.0. Se ajustaron modelos (Altura=a.Edadb.(c+d.X+e.X²)) por medio de técnicas de regresión no-linear que utilizaron como variables independientes a la altura y la edad de las plántulas, y como variables dependientes a la cobertura de copas (CC), el índice de área foliar efectivo (IAF), la radiación global (RG) y el porcentaje de radiación global incidente (PRG). Los modelos ajustados tuvieron un ajuste aceptable (r²=61%-63%) generando curvas polimórficas donde H aumentó hasta un máximo (20-25 cm en plántulas de 6 en CC 55%, LAI 1.0, GR 12.0 W.m² o PGR 50%) para luego decrecer en todas las edades analizadas con mayores o menores valores de dichas variables. Los bosques primarios presentaron CC=89.5%, LAI=2.6, GR=3.5 W.m² y PGR=14.3%, mientras que la corta de protección presentó CC=56.5%, LAI=0.8, GR=14.1 W.m² and PGR= 57.2%. El desarrollo de estos modelos es una herramienta útil para diseñar nuevas estrategias de manejo forestal al predecir la respuesta de la regeneración.Estudio financiado por el proyecto PAE2004 22428 (SECYT-Argentina), y gracias a la colaboración de la Consultora “Servicios Forestales” y el Aserradero Los Castores (Tierra del Fuego - Argentina)