5,513 research outputs found
The puzzling symbiotic X-ray system 4U1700+24
Symbiotic X-ray binaries form a subclass of low-mass X-ray binary systems
consisting of a neutron star accreting material from a red giant donor star via
stellar wind or Roche lobe overflow. Only a few confirmed members are currently
known; 4U 1700+24 is a good candidate as it is a relatively bright X-ray
object, possibly associated with the late-type star V934 Her. We analysed the
archive {\it XMM}-Newton and Swift/XRT observations of 4U 1700+24 in order to
have a uniform high-energy ( keV) view of the source. We confirmed the
existence of a red-shifted O VIII Ly- transition (already observed in
the 2002 {\it XMM}-Newton data) in the high-resolution spectra collected via
the RGS instruments. The red-shift of the line is found in all the analysed
observations and, on average, it was estimated to be . We also
observed a modulation of the centroid energy of the line on short time scales
(a few days) and discuss the observations in the framework of different
scenarios. If the modulation is due to the gravitational red-shift of the
neutron star, it might arise from a sudden re-organization of the emitting
-ray matter on the scale of a few hundreds of km. Alternatively, we are
witnessing a uni-polar jet of matter (with typical velocity of km
s) possibly emitted by the neutron star in an almost face-on system. The
second possibility seems to be required by the apparent lack of any modulation
in the observed -ray light curve. We also note also that the low-resolution
spectra (both {\it XMM}-Newton and Swift/XRT in the keV band) show the
existence of a black body radiation emitted by a region (possibly associated
with the neutron star polar cap) with typical size from a few tens to hundreds
of meters. The size of this spot-like region reduces as the overall luminosity
of 4U 1700+24 decreases.Comment: In press on A&
Reutilização de solução extratora na determinação de fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido.
bitstream/item/144735/1/AnaRita-37.pd
Polystyrene microplastics ingestion induced behavioral effects to the cladoceran Daphnia magna
Microplastic (\u3bcPs) contamination represents a dramatic environmental problem threatening both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Although several studies have highlighted the presence of \u3bcPs in aquatic environments, the information regarding their toxicity towards organisms is still scant. Moreover, most of the ecotoxicological studies of \u3bcPs have focused on marine organisms, largely neglecting the effects on freshwater species. The present study aimed at exploring the effects caused by 21-days exposure to three concentrations (0.125, 1.25 and 12.5 \u3bcg/mL) of two differently sized polystyrene microplastics (P\u3bcPs; 1 and 10 \u3bcm) to the Cladoceran Daphnia magna. The ingestion/egestion capability of daphnids (<24 h) and adults, the changes in individual growth and behavior, in terms of changes in swimming activity, phototactic behavior and reproduction, were investigated. Both particles filled the digestive tract of daphnids and adults within 24 h of exposure at all the tested concentrations. Ingested P\u3bcPs remained in the digestive tract even after 96 h in a clean medium. For both particles, an overall increase in body size of adults was noted at the end of the exposure to the highest tested concentrations, accompanied by a significant increase in swimming activity, in terms of distance moved and swimming velocity, and by an alteration of the phototactic behavior. A significant increase in the mean number of offspring after the exposure to the highest P\u3bcPs concentrations of different size was recorded. Polystyrene \u3bcPs can affect behavioral traits of D. magna leading to potentially harmful consequences on population dynamics of this zooplanktonic species
An Experimentalist's View of Neutrino Oscillations
Neutrinos, and primarily neutrino oscillations, have undoubtedly been one of
the most exciting topics in the field of high-energy physics over the past few
years. The existence of neutrino oscillations would require an extension of the
currently accepted description of sub-nuclear phenomena beyond the Standard
Model. Compelling evidence of new physics, which seems to be pointing towards
neutrino oscillations, is coming from the solar neutrino deficit and from the
atmospheric neutrino anomaly. More controversial effects have been observed
with artificially produced neutrinos. The present experimental status of
neutrino oscillations is reviewed, as well as the planned future experimental
programme, which, it is hoped, will solve most of the outstanding puzzles.Comment: 64 pages, 29 figures, to be published in Intern. J. Mod. Phys. A
(2001
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