Photoionization cross sections of O II, O III, O IV, and O V: benchmarking R-matrix theory and experiments

For crucial tests between theory and experiment, ab initio close coupling calculations are carried out for photoionization of O II, O III, O IV, O V. The relativistic fine structure and resonance effects are studied using the R-matrix and its relativistic variant the Breit Pauli R-matrix (BPRM) approximation. Detailed comparison is made with high resolution experimental measurements carried out in three different set-ups: Advanced Light Source at Berkeley, and synchrotron radiation experiments at University of Aarhus and University of Paris-Sud. The comparisons illustrate physical effects in photoionization such as (i) fine structure, (ii) resolution, and (iii) metastable components. Photoionization cross sections sigma{PI} of the ground and a few low lying excited states of these ions obtained in the experimental spectrum include combined features of these states. Theoretically calculated resonances need to be resolved with extremely fine energy mesh for precise comparison. In addition, prominent resonant features are observed in the measured spectra from transitions allowed with relativistic fine structure, but not in LS coupling. The sigma_{PI} are obtained for ground and metastable (i) 2s^22p^3(^4S^o, ^2D^o, ^2P^o) states of O II, (ii) 2s^22p^2(^3P,^1D,^1S) and 2s2p^3(^5S^o) states of O III, (iii) 2s^22p(^2P^o_J) and 2s2p^2(^4P_J) levels of O IV, and (iv) 2s^2(^1S) and 2s2p(^3P^o,^1P^o) states of O V. It is found that resonances in ground and metastable cross sections can be a diagnostic of experimental beam composition, with potential ap plications to astrophysical and laboratory plasma environments.Comment: 27 pages, 7 figs., submitted to Phys. Rev. A., text with high resolution figures at http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pradhan/Oions.p

The spherical symmetry Black hole collapse in expanding universe

The spherical symmetry Black holes are considered in expanding background. The singularity line and the marginally trapped tube surface behavior are discussed. In particular, we address the conditions whether dynamical horizon forms for these cosmological black holes. We also discuss about the cosmological constant effect on these black hole and the redshift of the light which comes from the marginally trapped tube surface.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures. Accepted for publication in International Journal of Modern Physics D (IJMPD). arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:gr-qc/0308033 and arXiv:gr-qc/030611

Antimicrobial activities of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) pomace polyphenols as a source of naturally occurring bioactive components

Grape pomace is a potential source of winery by-products having useful bioactive components. Antimicrobial activities of enzyme-assisted grape pomace polyphenols (GPP) were assessed against Escherichia coli IFO 3301 and Staphylococcus aureus IFO 12732 using plate count and spectrophotometry assays. GPP have shown credential growth inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The higher growth inhibition was mediated by the higher GPP concentrations against both E. coli and S. aureus, which implies dose dependency. GPP also exhibited bactericidal effects against both the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas, Gram-positive bacteria have shown more susceptibility than Gram-negative bacteria. It is revealed that GPP is a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents.Keywords: Grape pomace, polyphenols, antimicrobial activity

Socio-economic inequalities in health among older adults in two rural sub-districts in India and Bangladesh: a comparative cross-sectional study

Health inequalities have been observed among older people in many developing countries, particularly among those with least social protection and low socio-economic (SES) status. This study attempted to examine effects of SES on the health of older adults, and related gender differences, in two rural sub-districts - Matlab, Bangladesh and Vadu, India. The study utilised the WHO SAGE INDEPTH Wave 1, 2007 Matlab, Bangladesh and Vadu, Pune District, India datasets. Both gender and SES indicators were strongly associated with all health indicators of older adults in the Bangladesh site, whereas in India, education and asset quintiles were not consistently associated with self-rated health, quality of life and functional ability score but gender was consistently associated with all health indicators except the quality of life score. The SES-health gradient was noticeably higher amongst older adults in Matlab, Bangladesh than in Vadu, India. Education was also found to be an important predictor of health outcome in both sites

Electron-Ion Recombination Rate Coefficients and Photoionization Cross Sections for Astrophysically Abundant Elements VI. Ni II

We present the first detailed ab initio quantum mechanical calculations for total and state-specific recombination rate coefficients for e + Ni III --> Ni II. These rates are obtained using a unified treatment for total electron-ion recombination that treats the nonresonant radiative recombination and the resonant dielectronic recombination in a self-consistent unified manner in the close coupling approximation. Large-scale calculations are carried out using a 49-state wavefunction expansion from core configurations 3d^8, 3d^74s, and 3d^64p that permits the inclusion of prominent dipole allowed core transitions. These extensive calculations for the recombination rates of Ni II required hundreds of CPU hours on the Cray T90. The total recombination rate coefficients are provided for a wide range of temperature. The state-specific recombination rates for 532 bound states of doublet and quartet symmetries, and the corresponding photoionization cross sections for leaving the core in the ground state, are presented. Present total recombination rate coefficients differ considerably from the currently used data in astrophysical models.Comment: ApJ Suppl. (submitted), 4 figure

Turning conflicts into cooperation? The role of adaptive learning and deliberation in managing natural resources conflicts in Nepal

Conflicts over natural resources are likely to escalate under changing socio-economic contexts and climate change. This paper tests the effectiveness of what we term Adaptive Learning and Deliberation (ALD) in understanding and addressing conflicts over the local management of forests and water, drawing on the experimental works in Nepal. Based on a three-year action research, the paper offers policy and practical insights on how complex and protracted conflicts can be addressed through researcher-facilitated inquiry and deliberative process which forms the core of ALD approach. The conflicts included in the study are not solely triggered by climate change but are a result of diverse environmental changes, diverse policy responses to local issues of resource governance, and wider political and economic factors. We analyze experimental practices of ALD implemented in two sites, where our research team facilitated the ALD process, gathering evidence in relation to conflicting institutional issues, all of which was then fed into researcher-mediated and evidence informed deliberations on conflict management. The analysis shows that the ALD process was helpful in rearranging local institutions to accommodate the interests of the conflicting groups and, to some extent, challenge some of the underlying exclusionary provisions of forest and water institutions which have deep social roots in the Nepalese society. We also identify three key limitations of this approach – transaction costs, the need for strong research and facilitative capacity within the research team, and the acceptance of researchers' involvement among the conflicting stakeholders. Finally, we discuss some policy implications of the findings, including potential implications for building climate resilience

Distribusi Penderita Sindrom Down Berdasarkan Analisis Sitogenetika Di Laboratorium CEBIOR

Background : Down syndrome is a condition when a person has an extra number of chromosomes 21 in the form of either classical trisomy 21, translocation or mosaic. The age of the mother is one of the factors that increases the risk of having a baby with Down syndrome. Down syndrome is one of indications for cytogenetic analysis in which it shows the chromosome abnormalities. Aim : To determine the distribution of chromosome abnormalities in patients with Down syndrome referred to Cebior Laboratory from 2006 until April 2015. Methods : This study is a prospective and retrospective descriptive with cross-sectional design. Results : Amongst 95 patients, there were 38 (40,0%) patients with karyotype 47,XX, +21; 50 (52,6%) patients with 47,XY, +21; 1 (1,1%) patients with 47,XX+21/ 46,XX; 2 (2,1%) patients with 47,XY, +21/ 46,XY; 1 (1,1%) patient with 46,XY, +21, t(8;21); 2 (2,1%) patient with 46,XX,+21,t(21;21)(q10;q10); and 1 (1,1%) patient with 46, XY, +21,t(21;21)(q10:q10). The distribution of maternal age with Down syndrome in descending order were 36-40 years old (31,6%), 31-35 years old (24,2%), 26-30 years old (22,1%), 41-45 years old (14,7%), and 20-25 years old (7,4%). Conclusion : Most patients with Down syndrome had classical trisomy 21. The majority of babies with Down syndrome were born from mothers aged older than 35 years old. Therefore advanced maternal age have a higher risk for having a baby with Down syndrome

IMPACT OF MICROFINANCE ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH POVERTY ALLEVIATION: AN ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO- ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN CHENNAI CITY OF TAMIL NADU

The empowerment of women is one of the central issues in the process of development of countries all over the world. Poverty is one of the major reasons of women’s disempowerment. Different micro and macro level strategies are being used by government agencies and NGOs for poverty alleviation of women as a way to empower them. Microfinance has become an important component of development, poverty reduction and economic regeneration strategy around the world. In India, Microfinance programme are implemented through Self Help Groups (SHGs). The SHG is an association of people belonging to similar socio-economic characteristic, residing in same locality. The SHGs are voluntary associations of people formed to attain some common goals. These are groups have similar social identity, heritage, caste or traditional occupations. The present study is analyses the role of microfinance in empowering Muslim women as well as non-Muslim women in a comparative perspective and a comparison between members of SHGs and non-members to gain better insights into the working of SHGs. The concept of microfinance is analysed by using the size of loan received, recovery of loan, and period of loan and the economic, social and knowledge empowerment is used to analyse the empowerment. The results were tabulated by using of logistic regression model. Finally, it is concluded that that microfinance brought knowledge and social empowerment than economic empowerment. Impact of micro finance is appreciable in bringing confidence, courage, skill development and empowerment

Global Journalist: Reconstruction after the Iraq War

This is a Global Journalist conversation from April 17, 2003 between Stuart Loory and journalists on what to expect for the reconstruction process following the end of the war in Iraq. They examine past reconstruction in Afghanistan and Bosnia and determine what should and should not be repeated in Iraq. Host: Stuart Loory. Guests: John Lichfield (Paris), Senad Slatina (Bosnia), Razia Sultana (Pakistan). Producers: Sara Andrea Fajardo, Augustine Pang. Director: Mary Furness