Moments of inertia, nucleon axial-vector coupling, the {\bf 8}, {\bf 10}, 10ˉ\bar{\bf 10} and 273/2{\bf 27}_{3/2} mass spectrums and the higher SU(3)_f representation mass splittings in the Skyrme model

The broad importance of a recent experimental discovery of pentaquarks requires more theoretical insight into the structure of higher representation multiplets. The nucleon axial-vector coupling, moments of inertia, the {\bf 8}, {\bf 10}, $\bar{\bf 10}$, and ${\bf 27}_{3/2}$ absolute mass spectra and the higher SU(3)$_f$ representation mass splittings for the multiplets ${\bf 8}$, ${\bf 10}$, $\bar{\bf 10}$, ${\bf 27}$, ${\bf 35}$, $\bar{\bf 35}$, and $\bf 64$ are computed in the framework of the minimal ${\rm SU(3)_f}$ extended Skyrme model by using only one free parameter, i.e., the Skyrme charge $e$. The analysis presented in this paper represents simple and clear theoretical estimates, obtained without using any experimental results for higher ($\bar{\bf 10}$,...) multiplets. The obtained results are in good agreement with other chiral soliton model approaches that more extensively use experimental results as inputs.Comment: 22 pages, 12 figures, 9 tables, version accepted in JHE

Applying geomorphological principles and engineering science to develop a phased sediment management plan for Mount St Helens, Washington

Thirty-seven years post-eruption, erosion of the debris avalanche at Mount St. Helens continues to supply sediment to the Toutle-Cowlitz River system in quantities that have the potential to lower the Level of Protection (LoP) against flooding unacceptably, making this one of the most protracted gravel-bed river disasters to date. The Portland District, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently revised its long-term plan for sediment management (originally published in 1985), in order to maintain the LoP above the Congressionally-authorised level, while reducing impacts on fish currently listed under the Endangered Species Act, and minimising the overall cost of managing sediment derived from erosion at Mount St Helens. In revising the plan, the USACE drew on evidence gained from sediment monitoring, modelling and uncertainty analysis, coupled with assessment of future LoP trends under a baseline scenario (continuation of the 1985 sediment management strategy) and feasible alternatives. They applied geomorphological principles and used engineering science to develop a Phased Sediment Management Plan that allows for uncertainty concerning future sediment yields by implementing sediment management actions only as, and when, necessary. The phased plan makes best use of the potential to enhance the sediment trap efficiency and storage capacity of the existing Sediment Retention Structure (SRS) by incrementally raising its spillway and using novel hydraulic structures to build islands in the NFTR and steepen the gradient of the sediment plain upstream of the structure. Dredging is held in reserve, to be performed only when necessary to react to unexpectedly high sedimentation events or when the utility of other measures has been expended. The engineering-geomorphic principles and many of the measures in the Phased Sediment Management Plan are transferrable to other gravel-bed river disasters. The overriding message is that monitoring and adaptive management are crucial components of long-term sediment-disaster management, especially in volcanic landscapes where future sediment yields are characterised by uncertainty and natural variability