Final state interaction in D+→K−π+π+D^+\to K^-\pi^+\pi^+ with KπK\pi I=1/2 and 3/2 channels

The final state interaction contribution to $D^+$ decays is computed for the $K^-\pi^+\pi^+$ channel within a light-front relativistic three-body model for the final state interaction. The rescattering process between the kaon and two pions in the decay channel is considered. The off-shell decay amplitude is a solution of a four-dimensional Bethe-Salpeter equation, which is decomposed in a Faddeev form. The projection onto the light-front of the coupled set of integral equations is performed via a quasi-potential approach. The S-wave $K\pi$ interaction is introduced in the resonant isospin $1/2$ and the non-resonant isospin $3/2$ channels. The numerical solution of the light-front tridimensional inhomogeneous integral equations for the Faddeev components of the decay amplitude is performed perturbatively. The loop-expansion converges fast, and the three-loop contribution can be neglected in respect to the two-loop results for the practical application. The dependence on the model parameters in respect to the input amplitude at the partonic level is exploited and the phase found in the experimental analysis, is fitted with an appropriate choice of the real weights of the isospin components of the partonic amplitude. The data suggests a small mixture of total isospin $5/2$ to the dominant $3/2$ one. The modulus of the unsymmetrized decay amplitude, which presents a deep valley and a following increase for $K\pi$ masses above $1.5$ GeV, is fairly reproduced. This suggests the assignment of the quantum numbers $0^+$ to the isospin 1/2 $K^*(1630)$ resonance

Entanglement reciprocation using three level atoms in a lambda configuration

We propose a scheme in which entanglement can be transferred from atoms (discrete variables) to entangled states of cavity fields (continuous variables). The cavities play the role of a kind of quantum memory for entanglement, in such a way that it is possible to retrieve it back to the atoms. In our method, two three level atoms in a lambda configuration, previously entangled, are set to interact with single mode cavity fields prepared in coherent states. During the process, one e-bit of entanglement may be deposited in the cavities in an efficient way. We also show that the stored entanglement may be transferred back to flying atoms

Social innovation and networks in rural territories: the case of EPAM

The paper presents a case study related to the production of medicinal and aromatic plants in rural territories within a conceptual and methodological framework focused on social innovation and networks. The case study presents specificities that allow the debate on methodologies and approaches aiming the promotion of rural development of territories with structural problems such as desertification. The concepts operationalized in order to understand these realities and problems offer interesting potentialities in the discussion of the challenges and design of solutions to overcome the main problems of rural territories.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Investigations techniques carried out on the Qutb Minar, New Delhi, India

In the framework of the Eu-India Economic Cross Cultural Programme “Improving the Seismic Resistance of Cultural Heritage Buildings”, aimed at the preservation of ancient masonry structures with regard to the seismic risk, different NDT were applied to the Qutb Minar, New Delhi, India, in September 2005. The paper describes the different investigation techniques applied (Ambient Vibration and Pulse Sonic Velocity Tests), intended to define the dynamic response of the tower and to qualitatively define the masonry conditions. For the dynamic modal identification analysis different test equipments were used, in order to compare the data and to have more reliable results. The dynamic parameters resulted from the acquisition campaigns will be used to estimate the mechanical properties of the masonry walls and the boundary conditions of the structure, to be considered in successive seismic nonlinear analyses of the Qutb Minar, aimed at the assessment of the safety level of the construction

Dynamic identification of the Qutb Minar, New Delhi, India

Eu-India Economic Cross Cultural Programme “Improving the Seismic Resistance of Cultural Heritage Buildings” - Contract ALA-95-23-2003-077-122.Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee, India.Technical University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.Archaeological Survey of India

Development and validation of an analytical methodology for the determination of antipsychotic drugs in hospital wastewaters by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS)

The consumption of psychiatric drugs has seen a huge increase during the last years as a consequence of the financial European crisis, and this can lead to psychological health effects causing several psychiatric diseases. These drugs have become pseudo-persistent in the environment due to their large volumes of use, and nowadays they are considered environmental emerging contaminants. Within this main group, the antipsychotic class have experienced an expressive increase in consumption, namely in Portugal, being used for the management of psychotic episodes as well as for other related behavioral symptoms and even other therapeutic indications. The present work describes the development and validation of a highly sensitive analytical method for the simultaneous determination of antipsychotic drugs in influent and effluent hospital wastewaters by GC–MS/MS. The studied compounds were levomepromazine, clozapine, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, quetiapine and ciamemazine using promazine as internal standard. Sample preparation was carried out by solid phase extraction (SPE) using mixed mode-columns (Strata XC – 200 mg) and followed by derivatization of the extracts with MSTFA (with TMCS). Chromatographic separation was achieved on a 5% phenylmethylsiloxane column. All chromatographic conditions and mass spectrometric parameters were previously optimized to enhance the maximum signal. The method was validated following internationally accepted criteria, and the studied parameters included selectivity, linearity, limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), instrumental limits, precision and accuracy, stability and recovery. The procedure was linear for concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 g/L (0.02–2 g/L for haloperidol), with determination coefficients higher than 0.99 for all analytes. Intra- and inter-day precision was lower than 15% for all analytes at the studied concentrations, while accuracy remained between a ±15% interval. Recoveries ranged from 35% to 80%. Low LODs were achieved, between 2 and 10 pg/mL, allowing a reliable and accurate quantification of the analytes at trace level (low ppb). All studied parameters complied with the defined criteria and the method enabled the successful determination of antipsychotics in hospital wastewater samples

Al-containing MCM-41 type materials prepared by different synthesis methods: hydrothermal stability and catalytic properties

Al-containing MCM-41 type materials were prepared by three different synthesis methods (aluminum grafting on the calcined MCM-41, pH adjustment during the crystallization period and crystallization in the presence of zeolite seeds). The samples were characterized by powder XRD, nitrogen adsorption, 27Al MAS NMR and FTIR with pyridine as probe molecule. All the samples exhibit a high hydrothermal stability at high temperature just with a minor structural degradation. N2 adsorption data obtained for the sample prepared from a gel containing zeolite seeds suggest a higher structural resistance to the hydrothermal treatment in comparison with the samples prepared by other methods. A different type of pyridine adsorbed, probably interacting simultaneously with a Brönsted and a Lewis acid site, is observed upon pyridine adsorption. This type of adsorption is stronger for the sample prepared in the presence of zeolite seeds and is not observed on Al-grafted MCM-41. 2 The catalytic activity towards the isomerization of α-pinene depends mainly on the number of Brönsted acid sites. The data obtained in this study strongly indicate that for this type of materials, the Lewis acid sites do not influence the selectivity for the isomerization products