7,341 research outputs found
On the cool gaseous haloes of quasars
We present optical spectroscopy of projected QSO pairs to investigate the
MgII and the CIV absorption features imprinted on the spectrum of the
background object by the gaseous halo surrounding the foreground QSO. We
observed 13 projected pairs in the redshift range 0.7<z<2.2 spanning projected
separations between 60 kpc and 120 kpc. In the spectra of the background QSOs,
we identify MgII intervening absorption systems associated to the foreground
QSOs in 7 out of 10 pairs, and 1 absorption system out of 3 is found for CIV.
The distribution of the equivalent width as a function of the impact parameter
shows that, unlike the case of normal galaxies, some strong absorption systems
(EWr > 1 Ang) are present also beyond a projected radius of ~70 kpc. If we take
into account the mass of the galaxies as an additional parameter that influence
the extent of the gaseous haloes, the distribution of the absorptions connected
to the QSOs is consistent to that of galaxies. In the spectra of the foreground
QSOs we do not detect any MgII absorption lines originated by the gas
surrounding the QSO itself, but in 2 cases these features are present for CIV.
The comparison between the absorption features observed in the transverse
direction and those along the line of sight allows us to comment on the
distribution of the absorbing gas and on the emission properties of the QSOs.
Based on observations undertaken at the European Southern Observatory (ESO)
Very Large Telescope (VLT) under Programmes 085.B-0210(A) and 086.B-0028(A).Comment: 15 pages, 3 tables, 9 figures. Accepted to be published on MNRA
Reclassification of the nearest quasar pair candidate: SDSS J15244+3032 - RXS J15244+3032
We present optical spectroscopy of the nearest quasar pair listed in the 13th
edition of the Veron-Cetty & Veron catalogue, i.e. the two quasars SDSS
J15244+3032 and RXS J15244+3032 (redshift z~0.27, angular separation ~7 arcsec,
and line-of-sight velocity difference ~1900 km/s). This system would be an
optimal candidate to investigate the mutual interaction of the host galaxies
with ground based optical imaging and spectroscopy. However, new optical data
demonstrate that RXS J15244+3032 is indeed a star of spectral type G.
This paper includes data gathered with the Asiago 1.82m telescope (Cima Ekar
Observatory, Asiago, Italy).Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in APS
THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON QUALITY OF LIFE
This paper aims to highlight how the situation related to the spread of Covid-19 infection has disrupted the lives of
all citizens, changing their lifestyles. A year ago, the World Health Organisation declared the spread of the virus,
which established the start of the pandemic. This situation has had major repercussions on people’s lives, affecting
not only their mental and physical wellbeing but also brought about various effects of social isolation. Social distancing has forced people to change their habits and experiment with new ways of working, going to school and
relating to each other. New technologies have proved very useful in this respect, as they have been able to make
people feel close and united despite distance. However, while the new technological means have made it possible to
move our lives forward, at the same time they can be very harmful if not used in a conscious and responsible manner.
This is why it is essential that students, teachers, parents and educators become skilled in the use of these technologies, so as to extrapolate from them their strengths, without them changing the true essence of human relationships
Advances in surface EMG signal simulation with analytical and numerical descriptions of the volume conductor
Surface electromyographic (EMG) signal modeling is important for signal interpretation, testing of processing algorithms, detection system design, and didactic purposes. Various surface EMG signal models have been proposed in the literature. In this study we focus on 1) the proposal of a method for modeling surface EMG signals by either analytical or numerical descriptions of the volume conductor for space-invariant systems, and 2) the development of advanced models of the volume conductor by numerical approaches, accurately describing not only the volume conductor geometry, as mainly done in the past, but also the conductivity tensor of the muscle tissue. For volume conductors that are space-invariant in the direction of source propagation, the surface potentials generated by any source can be computed by one-dimensional convolutions, once the volume conductor transfer function is derived (analytically or numerically). Conversely, more complex volume conductors require a complete numerical approach. In a numerical approach, the conductivity tensor of the muscle tissue should be matched with the fiber orientation. In some cases (e.g., multi-pinnate muscles) accurate description of the conductivity tensor may be very complex. A method for relating the conductivity tensor of the muscle tissue, to be used in a numerical approach, to the curve describing the muscle fibers is presented and applied to representatively investigate a bi-pinnate muscle with rectilinear and curvilinear fibers. The study thus propose an approach for surface EMG signal simulation in space invariant systems as well as new models of the volume conductor using numerical methods
Technological choices under institutional constraints: measuring the impact on earnings dispersion
The paper investigates the relationship between labour market and redistributive institutions in Europe. The hypothesis is put forward of a changing balance between decreasing labour market regulation and increasing income redistribution. Econometric estimates conducted in the paper show that more redistribution has been traded off for regulation thus allowing for higher wage inequality
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