Scalar field phase dynamics in preheating

We study the model of a massive inflaton field $\phi$ coupled to another scalar filed $\chi$ with interaction term $g^2\phi^2\chi^2$ for the first stage of preheating. We obtain the the behavior of the phase in terms of the iteration of a simple family of circle maps. When expansion of the universe is taken into account the qualitative behavior of the phase and growth number evolution is reminiscent of the behavior found in the case without expansion.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, LaTeX; submitted to the Proceedings of Eleventh Marcel Grossmann Meetin

Report on "Scheduling in a factory"

In order to carry out their orders of shoe soles, this company has a number of tasks T_1, ..., T_n of different lengths to be assigned to groups of machines. Each group is operated by one worker (two in one case), and an operation cycle corresponds to injection, cooling, and removal of the sole. The time taken at each step varies from one order to another, and when starting a new task a machine needs to be tuned, which takes some extra time. Machines are working in parallel. At the moment the assignment is carried out empirically, and the problem proposed is to optimize the procedure

Self-interacting scalar field cosmologies: unified exact solutions and symmetries

We investigate a mechanism that generates the exact solutions of scalar field cosmologies in a unified way. The procedure investigated here permits to recover allmost all known solutions, and allows one to derive new solutions as well. In particular, we derive and discuss one novel solution defined in terms of the Lambert function. The solutions are organized in a classification which depends on the choice of a generating function which we have denoted by $x(\phi)$ that reflects the underlying thermodynamics of the model. We also analyse and discuss the existence of form invariances and dualities between solutions. A general way of defining the latter in an appropriate fashion for scalar fields is put forward.Comment: 6 figures, 30 page

Reheating induced by competing decay modes

We address the problem of studying the decay of the inflaton field $\phi$ to another scalar field $\chi$ through parametric resonance in the case of a coupling that involves several decay modes. This amounts to the presence of extra harmonic terms in the perturbation of the $\chi$ field dynamics. For the case of two frequencies we compute the geometry of the resonance regions, which is significantly altered due to the presence of non-cuspidal resonance regions associated to higher harmonics and to the emergence of instability `pockets'. We discuss the effect of this change in the efficiency of the energy transfer process for the simplest case of a coupling given by a combination of the two interaction terms of homogeneous degree usually considered in the literature. We find that the presence of higher harmonics has limited cosmological implications.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figures Added references. Corrected typo

Form invariance symmetry generates a large set of FRW cosmologies

We show that Einstein's field equations for spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) space times have a form invariance symmetry (FIS) realized by the form invariance transformations (FIT) which are indeed generated by an invertible function of the source energy density. These transformations act on the Hubble expansion rate, the energy density, and pressure of the cosmic fluid; likewise such transformations are endowed with a Lie group structure. Each representation of this group is associated with a particular fluid and consequently a determined cosmology, so that, the FIS defines a set of equivalent cosmological models. We focus our seek in the FIT generated by a linear function because it provides a natural framework to express the duality and also produces a large sets of cosmologies, starting from a seed one, in several contexts as for instance in the cases of a perfect fluid source and a scalar field driven by a potential depending linearly on the scalar field kinetic energy density.Comment: 11 pages, 3 figures. Accepted for publication in Modern Physics Letters A (2012

Generation Y and sparkling wines: a cross-cultural perspective

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the engagement of Generation Y consumers with champagne and sparkling wine across five Anglophone countries. A qualitative approach was adopted using focus groups with young consumers, including images and wine tasting as projective stimuli. There were significant trans-cultural similarities between consumption behaviour (sparkling wine is a women’s drink, and a separate category from still wine, and that they will ‘grow into’ drinking it) but also noticeable differences (responses to images and colours varied substantially, as did attitudes to price and the particular status of champagne). Research into the behaviour of Generation Y as a cohort needs to take account of cultural as much as generational context. However, as a qualitative study the findings need further quantitative validation. Marketers cannot view Generation Y as a single group; even within countries marketing strategies may need to be refined depending on where a product is being sold

Influence of groundwater condition on nutrient dynamics in urban waterways

Excess nutrients in waterways contribute to eutrophication and decrease aquatic ecosystem health, a problem affecting both rural and urban catchments. In order to address excess nutrient problems in urban waterways, authorities have been developing strategies to mitigate impacts by using in-channel and landbased stormwater treatment to remove pollutants via settling and other physical, chemical and/or biological processes. However, little is known about how pollutants are transported and transformed in urban in-channel systems under the influence of different groundwater conditions. Therefore, this research aims to understand nutrient dynamics (nitrogen and phosphorus) in waterway channels under the influence of seepage, neutral, and drainage conditions. It was hypothesized that groundwater and bed material characteristics affect the concentration and form of surface pollutants, as well as their mobility. This understanding could help guide stream management decisions

Comparison of engagement and emotional responses of older and younger adults interacting with 3D cultural heritage artefacts on personal devices

The availability of advanced software and less expensive hardware allows museums to preserve and share artefacts digitally. As a result, museums are frequently making their collections accessible online as interactive, 3D models. This could lead to the unique situation of viewing the digital artefact before the physical artefact. Experiencing artefacts digitally outside of the museum on personal devices may affect the user's ability to emotionally connect to the artefacts. This study examines how two target populations of young adults (18–21 years) and the elderly (65 years and older) responded to seeing cultural heritage artefacts in three different modalities: augmented reality on a tablet, 3D models on a laptop, and then physical artefacts. Specifically, the time spent, enjoyment, and emotional responses were analysed. Results revealed that regardless of age, the digital modalities were enjoyable and encouraged emotional responses. Seeing the physical artefacts after the digital ones did not lessen their enjoyment or emotions felt. These findings aim to provide an insight into the effectiveness of 3D artefacts viewed on personal devices and artefacts shown outside of the museum for encouraging emotional responses from older and younger people