On Quantum Special Kaehler Geometry

We compute the effective black hole potential V of the most general N=2, d=4 (local) special Kaehler geometry with quantum perturbative corrections, consistent with axion-shift Peccei-Quinn symmetry and with cubic leading order behavior. We determine the charge configurations supporting axion-free attractors, and explain the differences among various configurations in relations to the presence of ``flat'' directions of V at its critical points. Furthermore, we elucidate the role of the sectional curvature at the non-supersymmetric critical points of V, and compute the Riemann tensor (and related quantities), as well as the so-called E-tensor. The latter expresses the non-symmetricity of the considered quantum perturbative special Kaehler geometry.Comment: 1+43 pages; v2: typo corrected in the curvature of Jordan symmetric sequence at page 2

Black hole entropy functions and attractor equations

The entropy and the attractor equations for static extremal black hole solutions follow from a variational principle based on an entropy function. In the general case such an entropy function can be derived from the reduced action evaluated in a near-horizon geometry. BPS black holes constitute special solutions of this variational principle, but they can also be derived directly from a different entropy function based on supersymmetry enhancement at the horizon. Both functions are consistent with electric/magnetic duality and for BPS black holes their corresponding OSV-type integrals give identical results at the semi-classical level. We clarify the relation between the two entropy functions and the corresponding attractor equations for N=2 supergravity theories with higher-derivative couplings in four space-time dimensions. We discuss how non-holomorphic corrections will modify these entropy functions.Comment: 21 pages,LaTeX,minor change

Osteointegração nos amputados: um passo em frente!

ntrodução: Em Portugal, até agora, as próteses de reabilitação usadas para doentes amputados a nível transfemoral e transtibial condicionam trocas frequentes por motivos de alargamento, instabilidade, desconforto, problemas de pele e dor no coto que originam limitação funcional e perda de qualidade de vida. Em 1990, na Suécia, adoptou-se a técnica de osteointegração no membro inferior e superior com o desenvolvimento inovador da fixação óssea da prótese, eliminando o contacto com a pele e permitindo ganhar função e independência destes doentes. O desenvolvimento do protocolo OPRA permitiu definir critérios de indicação e seleção dos doentes e programar um processo de reabilitação individualizado. A técnica engloba 2 tempos cirúrgicos nos ossos longos. Os autores reportam o primeiro caso clínico de osteointegração realizado em Portugal. Caso Clínico: Um amputado transtibial com necessidade de trocas frequentes da prótese de reabilitação tipo socket, foi selecionado para osteointegração. Na fase S1 foi introduzido o implante intramedular. Após 6 meses, na fase S2 foi colocada a conexão de titânio por protusão à pele, e estabilização dos tecidos moles. O programa de reabilitação foi gradual e individualizado. Recorreu-se à escala visual analógica da dor para progressão da recuperação funcional. O doente está satisfeito e com capacidade de realizar eficazmente atividades até aqui inatingíveis. Discussão: A osteointegração implica uma equipa multidisciplinar e visa promover qualidade de vida e recuperar eficazmente doentes amputados para a sociedade ativa. Neste primeiro doente verificou-se ganho de função e independência com claro impacto psicosocioeconómico. Factores como a estrutura, dinâmica e bioquímica do tecido ósseo assim como a estabilização dos tecidos moles são fundamentais. As complicações possíveis incluem infeção, necrose cutânea, descelagem e fractura. As vantagens biomecânicas são maior segurança, suporte dos tecidos moles, estabilidade protésica e, no caso das amputações transfemorais, maior flexão do joelho. Conclusão: A osteointegração representa um passo em frente na reabilitação dos amputados e os autores acreditam que contribuirá no futuro para dotar as próteses de função sensitivomotora artificial, com o desenvolvimento das neurociências, robótica e engenharias electrotécnica e biomédica. A osteointegração permitiu projetar uma vida diferente e mais ativa para este doente, conjugando os impactos biomecânico, fisiológico, psicológico, social e económico

Gravitational Larmor formula in higher dimensions

The Larmor formula for scalar and gravitational radiation from a pointlike particle is derived in any even higher-dimensional flat spacetime. General expressions for the field in the wave zone and the energy flux are obtained in closed form. The explicit results in four and six dimensions are used to illustrate the effect of extra dimensions on linear and uniform circular motion. Prospects for detection of bulk gravitational radiation are briefly discussed.Comment: 5 pages, no figure

Effects due to a scalar coupling on the particle-antiparticle production in the Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau theory

The Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau formalism with vector and scalar potentials is used to point out a few misconceptions diffused in the literature. It is explicitly shown that the scalar coupling makes the DKP formalism not equivalent to the Klein-Gordon formalism or to the Proca formalism, and that the spin-1 sector of the DKP theory looks formally like the spin-0 sector. With proper boundary conditions, scattering of massive bosons in an arbitrary mixed vector-scalar square step potential is explored in a simple way and effects due to the scalar coupling on the particle-antiparticle production and localization of bosons are analyzed in some detail

Decay of charged scalar field around a black hole: quasinormal modes of R-N, R-N-AdS and dilaton black holes

It is well known that the charged scalar perturbations of the Reissner-Nordstrom metric will decay slower at very late times than the neutral ones, thereby dominating in the late time signal. We show that at the stage of quasinormal ringing, on the contrary, the neutral perturbations will decay slower for RN, RNAdS and dilaton black holes. The QN frequencies of the nearly extreme RN black hole have the same imaginary parts (damping times) for charged and neutral perturbations. An explanation of this fact is not clear but, possibly, is connected with the Choptuik scaling.Comment: 10 pages, LaTeX, 4 figures, considerable changes made and wrong interpretation of computations correcte

Structural factors affecting the implementation of rainwater in the amazon. The case of Belem.

Purpose: This paper analyses the socio-political structural elements that influence the implementation of rainwater systems in Belem (Brazil). Methodological approach: The paper presents an explorative research based on the application of Social Network Analysis. Interviews were made to experts in the field and the data was codad and analyzed. A stakeholders map was made to summarize the information collected and visualize the identified factors Findings: The key finding is based on the identification of key players and issues in the implementation of rainwater systems; the absence of interaction with some of them and the canalization of decision making powers in few agencies. Research limitations: The scope of the study is limited to the region analyzed and consequently is context specific. Due to the limitations of the data collection in the field the full potential of SNA could not be explored in this analysis. Implications: The paper makes evident some of the redundancies in the management of water in the region. Also it makes evident issues related with lack of inclusion in the decision making process and planning for the implementation of rainwater systems in the region. In this sense, the paper can inform policy for the planning of the further expansion in the implementation of this source of clean water. Originality and value: This istudy if is the first of its kind in the region. The use of methods to map stakeholders and visualize the relations of influence, as well as the identification of previously unseen key actors is a contribution of great value for the planning of further expansion in the implementation of ain water systems in the region

Partition functions and elliptic genera from supergravity

We develop the spacetime aspects of the computation of partition functions for string/M-theory on AdS(3) xM. Subleading corrections to the semi-classical result are included systematically, laying the groundwork for comparison with CFT partition functions via the AdS(3)/CFT(2) correspondence. This leads to a better understanding of the "Farey tail" expansion of Dijkgraaf et. al. from the point of view of bulk physics. Besides clarifying various issues, we also extend the analysis to the N=2 setting with higher derivative effects included.Comment: 34 page