Absolutely Koszul algebras and the Backelin-Roos property

We study absolutely Koszul algebras, Koszul algebras with the Backelin-Roos property and their behavior under standard algebraic operations. In particular, we identify some Veronese subrings of polynomial rings that have the Backelin-Roos property and conjecture that the list is indeed complete. Among other things, we prove that every universally Koszul ring defined by monomials has the Backelin-Roos property

Epitaxial Co2Cr0.6Fe0.4Al thin films and magnetic tunneling junctions

Epitaxial thin films of the theoretically predicted half metal Co2Cr0.6Fe0.4Al were deposited by dc magnetron sputtering on different substrates and buffer layers. The samples were characterized by x-ray and electron beam diffraction (RHEED) demonstrating the B2 order of the Heusler compound with only a small partition of disorder on the Co sites. Magnetic tunneling junctions with Co2Cr0.6Fe0.4Al electrode, AlOx barrier and Co counter electrode were prepared. From the Julliere model a spin polarisation of Co2Cr0.6Fe0.4Al of 54% at T=4K is deduced. The relation between the annealing temperature of the Heusler electrodes and the magnitude of the tunneling magnetoresistance effect was investigated and the results are discussed in the framework of morphology and surface order based of in situ STM and RHEED investigations.Comment: accepted by J. Phys. D: Appl. Phy

Bloch Approximation in Homogenization and Applications

The classical problem of homogenization of elliptic operators with periodically oscillating coefficients is revisited in this paper. As is well known, the homogenization process in a classical framework is concerned with the study of asymptotic behavior of solutions $u^\varepsilon$ of boundary value problems associated with such operators when the period $\varepsilon>0$ of the coefficients is small. In a previous work by C. Conca and M. Vanninathan [SIAM J. Appl. Math., 57 (1997), pp. 1639--1659], a new proof of weak convergence as $\varepsilon\to 0$ towards the homogenized solution was furnished using Bloch wave decomposition. Following the same approach here, we go further and introduce what we call Bloch approximation, which will provide energy norm approximation for the solution $u^\varepsilon$. We develop several of its main features. As a simple application of this new object, we show that it contains both the first and second order correctors. Necessarily, the Bloch approximation will have to capture the oscillations of the solution in a sharper way. The present approach sheds new light and offers an alternative for viewing classical results

Suggestive hypothesis on a case report: Patient presenting with cyclical ovarian cysts coupled to increased cholestatic enzymes

We describe the case of a childbearing-age woman presenting with spontaneous recurrent functional ovarian cysts and, more interestingly, chronic and asymptomatic elevation of cholestatic parameters. The patient showed no history of chronic viral infections, immunological and metabolic disorders, alcohol abuse and environmental toxins exposition. Hepatic ultrasonography and cholangio-pancreatography-magnetic-resonance excluded any morphological and structural abnormalities, while liver biopsy evidenced only minimal and not specific features of inflammation. Cholestasis indices obtained prompt recovery after each cycle of synthetic hormone therapy, implanted to treat functional ovarian cysts. She has continuously experienced the off-therapy asynchronous recurrence of liver laboratory abnormalities and functional ovarian cysts. The favorable effect of the synthetic hormone therapy to obtaining a stable recovery of this unexplained long-lasting cholestatic syndrome could be likely explained by downregulation of an endogenous ovarian overproduction, although estrogen-regulated local intracellular transduction pathways cannot be excluded

Integrating cross-border acquisitions: a process-oriented approach

Acquisizioni o fusioni spesso falliscono nel creare valore per gli azionisti poiché, nella maggior parte dei casi, le modalità di integrazione impediscono di sviluppare le opportune sinergie. Questo argomento è stato affrontato da molti studi secondo due differenti filoni di pensiero: il primo guarda alla combinazione di risorse a disposizione dopo l’acquisizione e il secondo si focalizza sul fattore umano. Lo studio propone un modello integrato, dove gli effetti di questi aspetti sono testati simultaneamente e considera tre variabili indipendenti: l’importanza della pianificazione del processo, la conoscenza derivante da acquisizioni precedenti e la conoscenza derivante da relazioni precedenti. Crediamo che attraverso questo modello i manager possano prioritizzare le loro azioni e selezionare un orizzonte temporale appropriato per l’integrazione.Acquisitions and mergers of equals often fail to deliver shareholder value, largely because poor integration practices do not allow synergies to be created. The issue has been addressed by several studies from two different research streams: the first looks at the combination of resources after the acquisitions and the second focuses on the human factor. We propose an integrated model where the effects of these key aspects are tested simultaneously and where three independent variables are included: the extent of planning and knowledge from previous acquisitions and knowledge from previous relationships. We believe that through the model managers can prioritise their actions and select an appropriate time horizon for the integratio

clinical presentation and prevalence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis and features of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND:Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may progress to cirrhosis. The prevalence and clinical relevance that spontaneous bacterial peritonitis may have in complicating ascites due to NASH-related cirrhosis have yet to be defined.METHODS:Among 611 cases of cirrhosis-associated ascites, 45 patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis were retrospectively identified. Of these, 36 patients and a control group of subjects with viral-associated ascites were followed up and compared in a case control study. Information on the onset of ascites, with or without spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, history of risk factors for multimetabolic syndrome, and serological and ascitic laboratory data were compared between groups.RESULTS:Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis occurred significantly more often in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis than in equally symptomatic viral controls. The prevalence of obesity, diabetes and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis was significantly higher in patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis. Although liver function was similar in both groups, cryptogenic cirrhosis patients had lower aminotransferase levels. Multivariate analysis identified diabetes, juvenile obesity and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis as independent factors associated with ascites due to cryptogenic cirrhosis.CONCLUSIONS:Features suggestive of NASH are more frequently observed in patients with ascites and cryptogenic cirrhosis than in age- and sex-matched ascitic patients with well-defined viral etiology. Ascites may be a presenting symptom of NASH-related cirrhosis, and affected patients have a twofold greater risk of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

La responsabilidad penal de los clubes de fútbol

According to the provisions of articles 31 bis and concordant articles of the Penal Code, it is possible to attribute criminal liability to legal entities for certain offenses committed by their managers or employees, provided that the conditions set forth in said precepts are met. Soccer clubs, as legal persons of a private nature, are susceptible to criminal sanctions under this regime of criminal liability. In Spain, F.C. Barcelona, C.A. Osasuna and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid have already been condemned for committing crimes against the Public Treasury. Therefore, it is convenient to expose which factors favor crime in the soccer sector, which are the main criminal risks faced by soccer clubs, as well as the need for these entities to adopt and effectively implement compliance programs to minimize the probability that their managers or employees incur in any criminal offense in the exercise of their functions.Conforme a lo dispuesto en los artículos 31 bis y concordantes del Código Penal, es posible atribuir responsabilidad penal a las personas jurídicas por ciertos delitos cometidos por sus dirigentes o trabajadores, siempre y cuando se cumplan las condiciones previstas en dichos preceptos. Los clubes de fútbol, como personas jurídicas de naturaleza privada, son susceptibles de ser sancionados penalmente conforme a este régimen de responsabilidad penal. En España ya han sido condenados por la comisión de delitos contra la Hacienda Pública el F.C. Barcelona, el C.A. Osasuna y el Rayo Vallecano de Madrid. Por ello, resulta conveniente exponer qué factores favorecen la delincuencia en el sector futbolístico, cuáles son los principales riesgos penales a los que se enfrentan los clubes de fútbol, así como la necesidad de que estas entidades adopten y ejecuten eficazmente compliance programs para minimizar la probabilidad de que sus directivos o empleados incurran en alguna infracción penal en el ejercicio de sus funciones

Magnetic tunneling junctions with the Heusler compound Co_2Cr_{0.6}Fe_{0.4}Al

The Heusler alloy is used as an electrode of magnetic tunneling junctions. The junctions are deposited by magnetron dc sputtering using shadow mask techniques with AlO_{x} as a barrier and cobalt as counter electrode. Measurements of the magnetoresistive differential conductivity in a temperature range between 4K and 300K are shown. An analysis of the barrier properties applying the Simmons model to the bias dependent junction conductivity is performed. VSM measurements were carried out to examine the magnetic properties of the samples.Comment: 3 pages, 3 figures submitted to JMMM (proceedings of JEMS04

A geospatial approach for mapping the earthquake-induced liquefaction risk at the european scale

none6noopenBozzoni Francesca, Roberta Bonì, Daniele Conca, Claudia Meisina, Carlo G. Lai, Elisa ZuccoloBozzoni, Francesca; Boni', Roberta; Daniele, Conca; Claudia, Meisina; Lai, Carlo G.; Elisa, Zuccol