Finite size phase transitions in QCD with adjoint fermions

We perform a lattice investigation of QCD with three colors and 2 flavors of Dirac (staggered) fermions in the adjoint representation, defined on a 4d space with one spatial dimension compactified, and study the phase structure of the theory as a function of the size Lc of the compactified dimension. We show that four different phases take place, corresponding to different realizations of center symmetry: two center symmetric phases, for large or small values of Lc, separated by two phases in which center symmetry is broken in two different ways; the dependence of these results on the quark mass is discussed. We study also chiral properties and how they are affected by the different realizations of center symmetry; chiral symmetry, in particular, stays spontaneously broken at the phase transitions and may be restored at much lower values of the compactification radius. Our results could be relevant to a recently proposed conjecture of volume indepedence of QCD with adjoint fermions in the large Nc limit.Comment: 9 pages, 12 figures; extended discussion about the chiral limit and the chiral properties; 2 figures and references adde

QCD simulations with staggered fermions on GPUs

We report on our implementation of the RHMC algorithm for the simulation of lattice QCD with two staggered flavors on Graphics Processing Units, using the NVIDIA CUDA programming language. The main feature of our code is that the GPU is not used just as an accelerator, but instead the whole Molecular Dynamics trajectory is performed on it. After pointing out the main bottlenecks and how to circumvent them, we discuss the obtained performances. We present some preliminary results regarding OpenCL and multiGPU extensions of our code and discuss future perspectives.Comment: 22 pages, 14 eps figures, final version to be published in Computer Physics Communication

The Roberge-Weiss endpoint in N_f = 2 QCD

We present the results of extensive simulations regarding the critical behavior at the endpoint of the Roberge-Weiss transition for N_f = 2 QCD. We confirm early evidence, presented in arXiv:0909.0254, according to which the Roberge-Weiss endpoint is first order in the limit of large or small quark masses, and second order for intermediate masses. A systematic study of the transition strength as a function of the quark mass in the first order regions, permits us to estimate the tricritical values of the quark mass separating the second order region from the first order ones.Comment: 10 pages, 20 figures. References and figures updated. Matches the published versio

Staggered fermions simulations on GPUs

We present our implementation of the RHMC algorithm for staggered fermions on Graphics Processing Units using the NVIDIA CUDA programming language. While previous studies exclusively deal with the Dirac matrix inversion problem, our code performs the complete MD trajectory on the GPU. After pointing out the main bottlenecks and how to circumvent them, we discuss the performance of our code.Comment: Poster presented at the XXVIII International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, June 14-19, 2010, Villasimius, Sardinia Ital

Removal of acetaldehyde from saliva by mucoadhesive formulations containing cysteine and chlorhexidine diacetate: a possible approach to the prevention of oral cavity alcohol-related cancer

The aim of our work has been to develop buccoadhesive formulations (tablets) containing both L-cysteine and chlorhexidine diacetate and to verify their ability to reduce oral acetaldehyde produced after alcoholic drinks consumption

Confinement: G2G_2 group case

The gauge group being centreless, $G_2$ gauge theory is a good laboratory for studying the role of the centre of the group for colour confinement in Yang-Mills gauge theories. In this paper, we investigate $G_2$ pure gauge theory at finite temperature on the lattice. By studying the finite size scaling of the plaquette, the Polyakov loop and their susceptibilities, we show that a deconfinement phase transition takes place. The analysis of the pseudocritical exponents give strong evidence of the deconfinement transition being first order. Implications of our findings for scenarios of colour confinement are discussed.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, Proceedings of the The XXV International Symposium on Lattice Field Theory, Regensburg August 200

How to Increase Stakeholders’ Involvement while Developing New Governance Model for Urban Logistic: Turin Best Practice

AbstractThis paper reports and describes the desirable effects obtained by the definition, acceptance and deployment of an innovative governance model introduced in Turin (Italy) where an original and well performing stakeholders’ engagement format was developed. A specific pilot has been implemented in order to stimulate – in vivo – the effects of the proposed new governance model. Pilot results did demonstrate that applying the new governance model, based on operational incentives rather than restrictions (pull rather than push measures), it was possible to achieve relevant and sound benefits for the community and an economic saving for each single logistic operator joining to the Recognition Scheme. On the base of such evidence, the City of Turin and Piedmont Region are considering to extend the governance model developed to neighbouring Municipalities. This will provide a fundamental base to build a homogeneous regional bottom-up Logistic Masterplan

Composizione polifenolica e capacità antiradicalica "<i>in vitro</i>" di estratti di frutti di corbezzolo (<i>Arbutus unedo</i> L.) in differenti stadi di maturazione

La nostra ricerca attualmente in corso ha come obiettivo la valutazione dell'attività antiossidante di specie vegetali tipiche delle coltivazioni o della flora spontanea della Sardegna e la caratterizzazione chimica dei principali composti responsabili di tale attività

<i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> studies of artichoke extract (<i>Cynara scolymus</i> L.) as ketoprofen skin penetration enhancer

In this study, the enhancing effect of artichoke extract containing cynaropicrin on the in vitro and in vivo percutaneous absorption of ketoprofen from gels has been investigated

G_2 gauge theory at finite temperature

The gauge group being centreless, $G_2$ gauge theory is a good laboratory for studying the role of the centre of the group for colour confinement in Yang-Mills gauge theories. In this paper, we investigate $G_2$ pure gauge theory at finite temperature on the lattice. By studying the finite size scaling of the plaquette, the Polyakov loop and their susceptibilities, we show that a deconfinement phase transition takes place. The analysis of the pseudocritical exponents give strong evidence of the deconfinement transition being first order. Implications of our findings for scenarios of colour confinement are discussed.Comment: 17 pages, 8 figure