On the Path Integral Loop Representation of (2+1) Lattice Non-Abelian Theory

A gauge invariant Hamiltonian representation for SU(2) in terms of a spin network basis is introduced. The vectors of the spin network basis are independent and the electric part of the Hamiltonian is diagonal in this representation. The corresponding path integral for SU(2) lattice gauge theory is expressed as a sum over colored surfaces, i.e. only involving the $j_p$ attached to the lattice plaquettes. This surfaces may be interpreted as the world sheets of the spin networks In 2+1 dimensions, this can be accomplished by working in a lattice dual to a tetrahedral lattice constructed on a face centered cubic Bravais lattice. On such a lattice, the integral of gauge variables over boundaries or singular lines -- which now always bound three coloured surfaces -- only contributes when four singular lines intersect at one vertex and can be explicitly computed producing a 6-j or Racah symbol. We performed a strong coupling expansion for the free energy. The convergence of the series expansions is quite different from the series expansions which were performed in ordinary cubic lattices. In the case of ordinary cubic lattices the strong coupling expansions up to the considered truncation number of plaquettes have the great majority of their coefficients positive, while in our case we have almost equal number of contributions with both signs. Finally, it is discused the connection in the naive coupling limit between this action and that of the B-F topological field theory and also with the pure gravity action.Comment: 16 pages, REVTEX, 8 Encapsulated Postscript figures using psfig, minor changes in text and reference

Continuum spin foam model for 3d gravity

An example illustrating a continuum spin foam framework is presented. This covariant framework induces the kinematics of canonical loop quantization, and its dynamics is generated by a {\em renormalized} sum over colored polyhedra. Physically the example corresponds to 3d gravity with cosmological constant. Starting from a kinematical structure that accommodates local degrees of freedom and does not involve the choice of any background structure (e. g. triangulation), the dynamics reduces the field theory to have only global degrees of freedom. The result is {\em projectively} equivalent to the Turaev-Viro model.Comment: 12 pages, 3 figure

Oxidation of methane in biotrickling filters inoculated with methanotrophic bacteria

Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Mathematical modeling and simulation of volatile reduced sulfur compounds oxidation in biotrickling filters

[Abstract] The odour generated by industrial gaseous emissions causing nuisances generally is due to the presence of volatile reduced sulfur compounds (VRSC) Although a number of microorganisms are known for degrading VRSC, the treatment of a mixture of reduced sulfur compounds remains challenging for several reasons. To resolve these problems two-stage systems have been proposed, in the first reactor H2S is bio-oxidized and in the second the rest of the VRSC mixture, avoiding the inhibition effects of H2S over the bio-oxidation of these compounds. In the systems described the complete oxidation of H2S must be performed in the first reactor, if some H2S pass though out the first reactor it would have an effect on the bio-oxidation of the other VRSC present in the mixture in the second bioreactor. This situation was modelled and simulated, and is presented in this article. The bio-oxidation of H2S and DMS in a biotrickling filter is described through a model of the mass transfer and chemical reaction processes. The biotrickling filter is modeled as a fixed bed of packing material which supports the growth of micro-organisms as biofilms. When air flows in the bed, H2S and DMS are continuously transferred from the gas phase to the biofilm, where they diffuse and are oxidized by aerobic microbial activity. A summary of the equations, results of the simulation and sensibility to the inhibition constants are reported

Ethnomathematical and Mathematical Connections Activated by a Teacher in Mathematical Problems Posing and Solving

Background: Connections are essential for understanding concepts, but difficulties have been evidenced in connecting representations and meanings of concepts and creating contextualised mathematical problems by teachers and students. Objective: Therefore, ethnomathematical and mathematical connections were analysed in a teacher's mathematical activity when posing and solving mathematical problems. Design: The methodology was qualitative-ethnographic, developed in a workshop done in stages. Setting and participants: An indigenous Mokaná teacher from Sibarco was selected. Data collection and analysis: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the workshop, and the data were analysed based on the connections; the workshop was initially designed considering previous literature on the issue, and the researchers were familiarised with the teacher. Results: For the analysis of the mathematics used by the teacher in the classroom, we considered his sociocultural context, where he set problems about the area and perimeter of lots of land and enclosures. Then, the researchers presented the ethnomathematical connections that emerged in the elaboration and commercialisation of the pigeon peas sancocho, which was the basis for the teacher to pose and solve problems involving conversions between units of measurement, volume of the totumas (ellipsoid), etc. Simultaneously, mathematical connections of different representations, procedural, meaning, and modelling were identified. Finally, the researchers gave feedback by assessing the Acta Sci. (Canoas), 25(1), 86-121, Jan./Fev. 2023 87 potential of the mathematics known and explained by the teacher. Conclusion: This research provides input for teachers to pose and solve problems contextualised through connections

Classical Loop Actions of Gauge Theories

Since the first attempts to quantize Gauge Theories and Gravity in the loop representation, the problem of the determination of the corresponding classical actions has been raised. Here we propose a general procedure to determine these actions and we explicitly apply it in the case of electromagnetism. Going to the lattice we show that the electromagnetic action in terms of loops is equivalent to the Wilson action, allowing to do Montecarlo calculations in a gauge invariant way. In the continuum these actions need to be regularized and they are the natural candidates to describe the theory in a ``confining phase''.Comment: LaTeX 14 page