Finite Volume Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami Theory

We study Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (KJMA) theory of phase conversion in finite volumes. For the conversion time we find the relationship $\tau_{\rm con} = \tau_{\rm nu} [1+f_d(q)]$. Here $d$ is the space dimension, $\tau_{\rm nu}$ the nucleation time in the volume $V$, and $f_d(q)$ a scaling function. Its dimensionless argument is $q=\tau_{\rm ex}/ \tau_{\rm nu}$, where $\tau_{\rm ex}$ is an expansion time, defined to be proportional to the diameter of the volume divided by expansion speed. We calculate $f_d(q)$ in one, two and three dimensions. The often considered limits of phase conversion via either nucleation or spinodal decomposition are found to be volume-size dependent concepts, governed by simple power laws for $f_d(q)$.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures. Additions after referee reports: Scaling of the variable q is proven. Additional references are adde

Effects of parental imprisonment on child antisocial behaviour and mental health: a systematic review

Parental imprisonment can cause many problems for the family left behind, including difficulty organising childcare, loss of family income, trouble maintaining contact with the imprisoned parent, stigma, and home, school and neighbourhood moves. Children and parents can be distressed by the separation. Children may respond by acting out or becoming withdrawn, anxious or depressed. We conducted an exhaustive search for studies that examined children's antisocial behaviour and mental health after parental imprisonment. We found 16 studies with appropriate evidence. These studies all showed that children of prisoners are more likely than other children to show antisocial and mental health problems. However, it was unclear whether parental imprisonment actually caused these problems. They might have been caused by other disadvantages in children's lives that existed before parental imprisonment occurred. Children of prisoners are a vulnerable group. More research is required to determine whether or not parental imprisonment causes an increase in child antisocial behaviour and mental health problems

Os deslocamentos de capitais no oeste americano do século XIX

Fundar um território ou um Estado no grande oeste dos Estados-Unidos do século XIX significa criar uma capital, e frequentemente deslocá-la até que o sítio escolhido corresponda ao projeto que sustentou a colonização anglo-americana. As hesitações desta política sumamente simbólica dependem da complexidade do povoamento, da instabilidade da economia regional, e de conflitos de interesses privados. Estudamos esta história a partir dos casos de Illinois e Minnesota que permitem ilustrar o conjunto de enfoques aos quais as elites foram confrontadas, querendo oferecer capitais significando o triunfo do processo de conquista territorial e simbolizando um conjunto de valores