Alpha decay and proton-neutron correlations

We study the influence of proton-neutron (p-n) correlations on alpha-decay width. It is shown from the analysis of alpha Q values that the p-n correlations increase the penetration of the alpha particle through the Coulomb barrier in the treatment following Gamow's formalism, and enlarges the total alpha-decay width significantly. In particular, the isoscalar p-n interactions play an essential role in enlarging the alpha-decay width. The so-called "alpha-condensate" in Z > 84 isotopes are related to the strong p-n correlations.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Rev. C (R.C.

Ternary cluster decay within the liquid drop model

Longitudinal ternary and binary fission barriers of $^{36}$Ar, $^{56}$Ni and $^{252}$Cf nuclei have been determined within a rotational liquid drop model taking into account the nuclear proximity energy. For the light nuclei the heights of the ternary fission barriers become competitive with the binary ones at high angular momenta since the maximum lies at an outer position and has a much higher moment of inertia.Comment: Talk presented at the 9th International Conference on Clustering Aspects of Nuclear Structure and Dynamics (CLUSTERS'07

Time-dependent approach to many-particle tunneling in one-dimension

Employing the time-dependent approach, we investigate a quantum tunneling decay of many-particle systems. We apply it to a one-dimensional three-body problem with a heavy core nucleus and two valence protons. We calculate the decay width for two-proton emission from the survival probability, which well obeys the exponential decay-law after a sufficient time. The effect of the correlation between the two emitted protons is also studied by observing the time evolution of the two-particle density distribution. It is shown that the pairing correlation significantly enhances the probability for the simultaneous diproton decay.Comment: 9 pages, 10 eps figure

Self Consistent Random Phase Approximation and the restoration of symmetries within the three-level Lipkin model

We show that it is possible to restore the symmetry associated with the Goldstone mode within the Self Consistent Random Phase Approximation (SCRPA) applied to the three-level Lipkin model. We determine one and two-body densities as very convergent expansions in terms of the generators of the RPA basis. We show that SCRPA excitations correspond to the heads of some rotational bands in the exact spectrum. It turns out that the SCRPA eigenmodes for N=2 coincide with exact solutions, given by the diagonalisation procedure

Proton-neutron self-consistent quasiparticle random phase approximation within the o(5) model

15 págs.; 7 figs.; 1 tab.; 1 app. ; PACS number(s): 21.60.Jz, 23.40.Hc, 23.90.1wThe self-consistent quasiparticle random phase approximation (SCQRPA) within the O(5) model in the coupled proton-neutron representation is analyzed. The exact vacuum wave function is used to compute all involved matrix elements. A stability analysis of the stationary points is performed. A phase transition from the uncoupled to the coupled stable proton-neutron regime beyond the QRPA breakdown value of the particle-particle strength is evidenced. The excitation energies are close to the lowest stable exact eigenvalues given by the diagonalization procedure for all cases. The conditions for which the Ikeda sum rule is fulfilled for all values of the particle-particle strength are pointed out. ©2000 American Physical SocietyOne of us (D.S.D.) is grateful for the financial support given by CNRS during his stay in Grenoble, where the work was performed.Peer Reviewe

University College of Osteopathy students’ attitudes towards psychosocial risk factors and non-specific low back pain: A qualitative study

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore University College of Osteopathy (UCO)students’ attitudes, beliefs and opinions towards psychosocial (PS) factors when treating patients presenting with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). Methods: A qualitative research design with elements of grounded theory was used. Nine final year UCO students were recruited and interviewed at the UCO teaching centre. Data collection and analysis occurred simultaneously through the constant comparative method of analysis. Results: Three main themes emerged from the data analysis: 1) Definition and interpretation of PS factors towards NSLBP; 2) Assessment and management of PS factors; 3) Competence and difficulties towards PS factors. Conclusions: The level of understanding was homogeneous amongst the participants on the understanding of PS factors and their role in a NSLBP presentation. They assessed for PS factors throughout the case history and tend to rely on their instincts. Two types of strategies towards the PS factors management were identified. However, lack of clinical experience and lack of training on the management of PS factors were identified as the main barriers encountered by students when treating patient with NSLBP. © 2018 Elsevier Lt