51 research outputs found
AdS/CFT correspondence and D1/D5 systems in theories with 16 supercharges
We discuss spectra of supergravities, arising in the near horizon
geometry of D1/D5 systems in orbifolds/orientifolds of type IIB theory with 16
supercharges. These include models studied in a recent paper (hep-th/0012118),
where the group action involves also a shift along a transversal circle, as
well as IIB/, which is dual to IIB on . After appropriate
assignements of the orbifold group eigenvalues and degrees to the supergravity
single particle spectrum, we compute the supergravity elliptic genus and find
agreement, in the expected regime of validity, with the elliptic genus obtained
using U-duality map from (4,4) CFTs of U-dual backgrounds. Since this U-duality
involves the exchange of KK momentum and D1 charge , it allows us to
test the (4,4) CFTs in the and regimes by two different
supergravity duals.Comment: 28 pages, no figure
Closed Bosonic String Partition Function in Time Independent Exact PP-Wave Background
The modular invariance of the one-loop partition function of the closed
bosonic string in four dimensions in the presence of certain homogeneous exact
pp-wave backgrounds is studied. In the absence of an axion field the partition
function is found to be modular invariant. In the presence of an axion field
modular invariace is broken. This can be attributed to the light-cone gauge
which breaks the symmetry in the -, -directions. Recovery of this
broken modular invariance suggests the introduction of twists in the
world-sheet directions. However, one needs to go beyond the light-cone gauge to
introduce such twists.Comment: 17 pages, added reference
Properties of branes in curved spacetimes
A generic property of curved manifolds is the existence of focal points. We
show that branes located at focal points of the geometry satisfy special
properties. Examples of backgrounds to which our discussion applies are AdS_m x
S^n and plane wave backgrounds. As an example, we show that a pair of AdS_2
branes located at the north and south pole of the S^5 in AdS_5 x S^5 are half
supersymmetric and that they are dual to a two-monopole solution of N=4 SU(N)
SYM theory. Our second example involves spacelike branes in the (Lorentzian)
plane wave. We develop a modified lightcone gauge for the open string channel,
analyze in detail the cylinder diagram and establish open-closed duality. When
the branes are located at focal points of the geometry the amplitude acquires
most of the characteristics of flat space amplitudes. In the open string
channel the special properties are due to stringy modes that become massless.Comment: 41 pages; v2:typos corrected, ref adde
One Loop Partition Function in Plane Waves R-R Background
We compute the one loop partition function of type IIB string in plane wave
R-R 5-form background using both path integral and operator formalisms
and show that the two results agree perfectly. The result turns out to be equal
to the partition function in the flat background. We also study the Tadpole
cancellation for the unoriented closed and open string model in plane wave R-R
5-form background studied in hep-th/0203249 and find that the cancellation of
the Tadpole requires the gauge group to be SO(8).Comment: 12 pages, no figures, latex, misprint corrected and reference added;
to appear in JHE
Boundary States for D-branes with Traveling Waves
We construct boundary states for D-branes which carry traveling waves in the
covariant formalism. We compute their vacuum amplitudes to investigate their
interactions. In non-compact space, the vacuum amplitudes become trivial as is
common in plane wave geometries. However, we found that if they are
compactified in the traveling direction, then the amplitudes are affected by
non-trivial time dependent effects. The interaction between D-branes with waves
traveling in the opposite directions (`pulse-antipulse scattering') are also
computed. Furthermore, we apply these ideas to open string tachyon condensation
with traveling waves.Comment: 30 pages. 1 figure, Latex, minor corrections, references adde
Lichenological exploration of Algeria: historical overview and annotated bibliography, 1799-2013
yesDespite more than two centuries of almost uninterrupted surveys and studies of Algerian lichenology, the history and lichen diversity of Algeria are still poorly understood. During the preparation of a forthcoming checklist of Algerian lichens it was considered necessary to provide the present historical overview of lichenological exploration of the country from 1799 to 2013, supported by a reasonably comprehensive annotated bibliography of 171 titles
An Oral Recombinant Vaccine in Dogs against Echinococcus granulosus, the Causative Agent of Human Hydatid Disease: A Pilot Study
Dogs are the main source of human cystic echinococcosis. An oral vaccine would be an important contribution to control programs in endemic countries. We conducted two parallel experimental trials in Morocco and Tunisia of a new oral vaccine candidate against Echinococcus granulosus in 28 dogs. The vaccine was prepared using two recombinant proteins from adult worms, a tropomyosin (EgTrp) and a fibrillar protein similar to paramyosin (EgA31), cloned and expressed in a live attenuated strain of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium
Position Paper on Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus and Sustainable development Goals (SDGs)
The EU and the international community is realising that the Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystem components are interlinked and require a joint planning in order to meet the daunting global challenges related to Water, Energy and Food security and maintaining the ecosystem health and in this way, reach the SDGs. If not dealt with, the world will not be able to meet the demand for water, energy and food in a not too far future and, in any case, in a not sustainable way. The strain on the ecosystems resulting from unsustainable single-sector planning will lead to increasing poverty, inequality and instability.
The Nexus approach is fully aligned with and supportive of the EU Consensus on Development. Key elements of the Consensus will require collaborative efforts across sectors in ways that can be supported/implemented by a Nexus approach. In this way, transparent and accountable decision-making, involving the civil society is key and common to the European Consensus on Development and the Nexus approach.
The Nexus approach will support the implementation of the SDG in particular SDG 2 (Food), SDG 6 (Water) and SDG 7 (Energy), but most SDGs have elements that link to food, water and energy in one or other way, and will benefit from a Nexus approach. The SDGs are designed to be cross-cutting and be implemented together, which is also reflected in a WEFE Nexus approach.
A Nexus approach offers a sustainable way of addressing the effects of Climate Change and increase resilience. The WEFE Nexus has in it the main drivers of climate change (water, energy and food security) and the main affected sectors (water and the environment). Decisions around policy, infrastructure, … developed based on the WEFE Nexus assessments will be suitable as elements of climate change mitigation and adaptation. In fact, it is difficult to imagine solutions to the climate change issue that are not built on a form of Nexus approach.
The Nexus approach is being implemented around the world, as examples in the literature demonstrate. These examples together with more examples from EU and member state development cooperation will help build experience that can be consolidated and become an important contribution to a Toolkit for WEFE Nexus Implementation. From the expert discussions, it appears that because of the novelty of the approach, a Toolkit will be an important element in getting the Nexus approach widely used. This should build on experiences from practical examples of NEXUS projects or similar inter-sectorial collaboration projects; and, there are already policy, regulation and practical experience to allow institutions and countries to start applying the Nexus concept.JRC.D.2-Water and Marine Resource
Grand Challenges in global eye health: a global prioritisation process using Delphi method
Background
We undertook a Grand Challenges in Global Eye Health prioritisation exercise to identify the key issues that must be addressed to improve eye health in the context of an ageing population, to eliminate persistent inequities in health-care access, and to mitigate widespread resource limitations.
Methods
Drawing on methods used in previous Grand Challenges studies, we used a multi-step recruitment strategy to assemble a diverse panel of individuals from a range of disciplines relevant to global eye health from all regions globally to participate in a three-round, online, Delphi-like, prioritisation process to nominate and rank challenges in global eye health. Through this process, we developed both global and regional priority lists.
Findings
Between Sept 1 and Dec 12, 2019, 470 individuals complete round 1 of the process, of whom 336 completed all three rounds (round 2 between Feb 26 and March 18, 2020, and round 3 between April 2 and April 25, 2020) 156 (46%) of 336 were women, 180 (54%) were men. The proportion of participants who worked in each region ranged from 104 (31%) in sub-Saharan Africa to 21 (6%) in central Europe, eastern Europe, and in central Asia. Of 85 unique challenges identified after round 1, 16 challenges were prioritised at the global level; six focused on detection and treatment of conditions (cataract, refractive error, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, services for children and screening for early detection), two focused on addressing shortages in human resource capacity, five on other health service and policy factors (including strengthening policies, integration, health information systems, and budget allocation), and three on improving access to care and promoting equity.
Interpretation
This list of Grand Challenges serves as a starting point for immediate action by funders to guide investment in research and innovation in eye health. It challenges researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to build collaborations to address specific challenge
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