Prediction Model for the Life of Nickel-cadmium Batteries in Geosynchronous Orbit Satellites

A mathematical model is described which predicts the service life of nickel-cadmium batteries designed for geosynchronous orbit satellites. Regression analysis technique is used to analyze orbital data on second generation trickle charged batteries. The model gives average cell voltage as a function of design parameters, operating parameters and time. The voltage model has the properties of providing a good fit to the data, good predictive capability, and agreement with known battery performance characteristics. Average cell voltage can be predicted to within 0.02 volts for up to 8 years. This modeling shows that these batteries will operate reliably for 10 years. Third-generation batteries are expected to operate even longer

Lifetime statistics of quantum chaos studied by a multiscale analysis

In a series of pump and probe experiments, we study the lifetime statistics of a quantum chaotic resonator when the number of open channels is greater than one. Our design embeds a stadium billiard into a two dimensional photonic crystal realized on a Silicon-on-insulator substrate. We calculate resonances through a multiscale procedure that combines graph theory, energy landscape analysis and wavelet transforms. Experimental data is found to follow the universal predictions arising from random matrix theory with an excellent level of agreement.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure

Analyticity of the SRB measure for a class of simple Anosov flows

We consider perturbations of the Hamiltonian flow associated with the geodesic flow on a surface of constant negative curvature. We prove that, under a small perturbation, not necessarely of Hamiltonian character, the SRB measure associated to the flow exists and is analytic in the strength of the perturbation. An explicit example of "thermostatted" dissipative dynamics is constructed.Comment: 23 pages, corrected typo

Speed and entropy of an interacting continuous time quantum walk

We present some dynamic and entropic considerations about the evolution of a continuous time quantum walk implementing the clock of an autonomous machine. On a simple model, we study in quite explicit terms the Lindblad evolution of the clocked subsystem, relating the evolution of its entropy to the spreading of the wave packet of the clock. We explore possible ways of reducing the generation of entropy in the clocked subsystem, as it amounts to a deficit in the probability of finding the target state of the computation. We are thus lead to examine the benefits of abandoning some classical prejudice about how a clocking mechanism should operate.Comment: 25 pages, 14 figure

An Opportunity to Grow or a Label? Performance Appraisal Justice and Performance Appraisal Satisfaction to Increase Teachers\u2019 Well-Being

Performance management is a key factor to enhance professional development and improve teaching quality. This process is successful only if teachers perceive it as fair, clear, and effective: namely, if it is satisfying. Carefully considering teachers\u2019 attributions in the performance appraisal process is fundamental to better clarify the relations between performance management and positive individual outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of perceived performance appraisal justice on teachers\u2019 well-being, in terms of job performance, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction, hypothesizing the mediation role of performance appraisal satisfaction. Data from a sample of Italian teachers were analyzed through structural equation modeling. Results confirm the mediation role of performance appraisal satisfaction. In particular, perceived performance appraisal justice was positively associated to performance appraisal satisfaction, which, in turn, was positively associated with job performance, job satisfaction, life satisfaction. Consequently, performance appraisal satisfaction totally mediated the relations between performance appraisal justice and the outcomes considered. Findings are relevant for two reasons. First, they contribute to better understanding the performance management process in educational settings \u2013 an issue requiring further attention. Second, they contribute to highlighting the importance of performance management efficacy, which is essential not only to improve individual well-being but also to enhance teaching quality

Intra-Articular Hybrid Hyaluronic Acid Injection Treatment in Overweight Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Center, Open-Label, Prospective Study

Abstract: Background: A BMI > 25 is the most decisive, albeit modifiable, risk factor for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed at assessing the efficacy of intra-articular injections of hybrid hyaluronic acid (HA) complexes (Sinovial® H-L) for the treatment of KOA in overweight patients in terms of disease severity, cardiocirculatory capacity, and quality of life. Materials: In this single-site, open-label, prospective trial, 37 patients with symptomatic knee OA were assessed at baseline and 3 months after ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection of hybrid HA complexes (Sinovial® H-L). Results: Primary variables displaying a statistically significant improvement after treatment were pain (VAS), disease severity (WOMAC), and cardiopulmonary capacity (6 min walk test). Among secondary variables, quality of life (SF-12) improved significantly, as did analgesic intake for pain control. No statistically significant difference was observed in body fat and muscle mass percentage measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Conclusions: Intra-articular hybrid HA injections are significantly effective in improving OA-related disease severity, cardiopulmonary function, and analgesic intake. This supports the role of hybrid HA viscosupplementation as a nonpharmacological treatment to relieve pain, reduce disability, improve quality of life, and limit the risk of polypharmacy in overweight patients with knee OA

Potential sources of particulate iron in surface and deep waters of the terra nova bay (Ross sea, antarctica)

The distribution of particulate Fe (pFe), suspended particulate matter (SPM), and other particulate trace metals were investigated in Terra Nova Bay as part of CDW Effects on glaciaL mElting and on Bulk of Fe in the Western Ross sea (CELEBeR) and Plankton biodiversity and functioning of the Ross Sea ecosystems in a changing Southern Ocean (P-ROSE) projects. Variable concentrations of SPM (0.09–97 mg L−1 ), pFe (0.51–8.70 nM) and other trace metals were found in the Antarctic Surface waters (AASW) layer, where the addition of meltwater contributed to the pool with both lithogenic and biogenic forms. The deeper layer of the water column was occupied by High Salinity Shelf Water (HSSW) and Terra Nova Bay Ice Shelf Water (TISW) encompassing glacial water as confirmed by the lightest δ18 O measured values. The concentration of pFe in TISW (11.7 ± 9.2 nM) was higher than in HSSW samples (5.55 ± 4.43 nM), suggesting that the drainage of material released from glaciers surrounding the area is relevant in terms of pFe contribution. Particulate Fe/Al and Mn/Al ratios were substantially in excess compared with the mean crustal ratios. Microscopic analyses confirmed that more labile Fe oxyhydroxides and authigenic MnO2 phases were present together with biogenic sinking material. Future expected increasing melt rates of these glaciers enlarge Fe input, thus having a greater role in supplying iron and counteracting the reductions in sea ice cover around Terra Nova Bay

Sabella spallanzanii mucus contain a galactose-binding lectin able to agglutinate bacteria. Purification and characterization

Lectins are present in almost all living organisms and are involved in several biological processes, including immune responses. In the present study, a calcium dependent galactose-binding lectin exhibiting an apparent MW of 43 kDa has been characterized and purified from the mucus of the polychaete Sabella spallanzanii by using both affinity chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatographic methods. Its agglutinating activity towards rabbit erythrocytes was significantly modified by the addition of calcium or EDTA. The activity was optimal at temperature values comprised between 4 and 18 \ub0C, maintain a 50% of activity between 20 and 37 \ub0C, was significant deleted after exposure at 50 \ub0C, and was depleted at 90 \ub0C. The S. spallanzanii Galactose-Binding Lectin (SsGBL) was able to agglutinate bacteria and to preferentially recognize Gram-negative bacteria. The strongest agglutinating activity was observed towards Vibrio alginolyticus and Escherichia coli, by contrast mucus agglutinated in a lesser extent both Aeromonas hydrophyla and the Gram-positive Micrococcus lysodeikticus thus suggesting its involvement in host pathogen interactions

Dilute Bose gas with correlated disorder: A Path Integral Monte Carlo study

We investigate the thermodynamic properties of a dilute Bose gas in a correlated random potential using exact path integral Monte Carlo methods. The study is carried out in continuous space and disorder is produced in the simulations by a 3D speckle pattern with tunable intensity and correlation length. We calculate the shift of the superfluid transition temperature due to disorder and we highlight the role of quantum localization by comparing the critical chemical potential with the classical percolation threshold. The equation of state of the gas is determined in the regime of strong disorder, where superfluidity is suppressed and the normal phase exists down to very low temperatures. We find a $T^2$ dependence of the energy in agreement with the expected behavior in the Bose glass phase. We also discuss the major role played by the disorder correlation length and we make contact with a Hartree-Fock mean-field approach that holds valid if the correlation length is very large. The density profiles are analyzed as a function of temperature and interaction strength. Effects of localization and the depletion of the order parameter are emphasized in the comparison between local condensate and total density. At very low temperature we find that the energy and the particle distribution of the gas are very well described by the T=0 Gross-Pitaevskii theory even in the regime of very strong disorder.Comment: 27 pages, 20 figure