The antiproton decelerator (AD), a simplified antiproton source (feasibility study)

In view of a possible future physics programme concerning antihydrogen a simplified scheme for the provision of antiprotons of a few MeV has been studied. It uses the present target area and the modified Antiproton Collector (AC) in its present location. In this report all the systems are reviewed and their modifications discussed

An Antiproton Decelerator in the CERN PS Complex

The present CERN PS low-energy antiproton complex involves 4 machines to collect, cool, decelerate and supply experiments with up to 1010 antiprotons per pulse and per hour of momenta ranging from 0.1 to 2 GeV/c. In view of a possible future physics programme requiring low energy antiprotons, mainly to carry out studies on antihydrogen, a simplified scheme providing at low cost antiprotons at 100 MeV/c has been studied. It requires only one machine, the present Antiproton Collector (AC) converted into a cooler and decelerator (Antiproton Decelerator, AD) and delivering beam to experiments in the hall of the present Antiproton Accumulator Complex (AAC) [1]. This paper describes the feasibility study of such a scheme [2]

The antiproton decelerator: AD

A simplified scheme for the provision of antiprotons at 100 MeV/c based on fast extraction is described. The scheme uses the existing production target area and the modified Antiproton Collector Ring in their current location. The physics programme is largely based on capturing and storing antiprotons in Penning traps for the production and spectroscopy of antihydrogen. The machine modifications necessary to deliver batches of 1 107 /min at 100 MeV/c are described. Details of the machine layout and the experimental area in the existing AAC Hall are given

Primates, Provisioning and Plants: Impacts of Human Cultural Behaviours on Primate Ecological Functions

Human provisioning of wildlife with food is a widespread global practice that occurs in multiple socio-cultural circumstances. Provisioning may indirectly alter ecosystem functioning through changes in the eco-ethology of animals, but few studies have quantified this aspect. Provisioning of primates by humans is known to impact their activity budgets, diets and ranging patterns. Primates are also keystone species in tropical forests through their role as seed dispersers; yet there is no information on how provisioning might affect primate ecological functions. The rhesus macaque is a major human-commensal species but is also an important seed disperser in the wild. In this study, we investigated the potential impacts of provisioning on the role of rhesus macaques as seed dispersers in the Buxa Tiger Reserve, India. We studied a troop of macaques which were provisioned for a part of the year and were dependent on natural resources for the rest. We observed feeding behaviour, seed handling techniques and ranging patterns of the macaques and monitored availability of wild fruits. Irrespective of fruit availability, frugivory and seed dispersal activities decreased when the macaques were provisioned. Provisioned macaques also had shortened daily ranges implying shorter dispersal distances. Finally, during provisioning periods, seeds were deposited on tarmac roads that were unconducive for germination. Provisioning promotes human-primate conflict, as commensal primates are often involved in aggressive encounters with humans over resources, leading to negative consequences for both parties involved. Preventing or curbing provisioning is not an easy task as feeding wild animals is a socio-cultural tradition across much of South and South-East Asia, including India. We recommend the initiation of literacy programmes that educate lay citizens about the ill-effects of provisioning and strongly caution them against the practice

La baisse de la fécondité s'est interrompue en 1971

Hémery Solange, Calot Gérard. La baisse de la fécondité s'est interrompue en 1971. In: Economie et statistique, n°30, Janvier 1972. pp. 48-51