SLE-type growth processes and the Yang-Lee singularity

The recently introduced SLE growth processes are based on conformal maps from an open and simply-connected subset of the upper half-plane to the half-plane itself. We generalize this by considering a hierarchy of stochastic evolutions mapping open and simply-connected subsets of smaller and smaller fractions of the upper half-plane to these fractions themselves. The evolutions are all driven by one-dimensional Brownian motion. Ordinary SLE appears at grade one in the hierarchy. At grade two we find a direct correspondence to conformal field theory through the explicit construction of a level-four null vector in a highest-weight module of the Virasoro algebra. This conformal field theory has central charge c=-22/5 and is associated to the Yang-Lee singularity. Our construction may thus offer a novel description of this statistical model.Comment: 12 pages, LaTeX, v2: thorough revision with corrections, v3: version to be publishe

Hortibot: Feasibility study of a plant nursing robot performing weeding operations – part IV

Based on the development of a robotic tool carrier (Hortibot) equipped with weeding tools, a feasibility study was carried out to evaluate the viability of this innovative technology. The feasibility was demonstrated through a targeted evaluation adapted to the obtainable knowledge on the system performance in horticulture. A usage scenario was designed to set the implementation of the robotic system in a row crop of seeded bulb onions considering operational and functional constraints in organic crop, production. This usage scenario together with the technical specifications of the implemented system provided the basis for the feasibility analysis, including a comparison with a conventional weeding system. Preliminary results show that the automation of the weeding tasks within a row crop has the potential of significantly reducing the costs and still fulfill the operational requirements set forth. The potential benefits in terms of operational capabilities and economic viability have been quantified. Profitability gains ranging from 20 to 50% are achievable through targeted applications. In general, the analyses demonstrate the operational and economic feasibility of using small automated vehicles and targeted tools in specialized production settings

Review of the steatiticus-species group of the cuskeel genus Neobythites (Ophidiidae) from the Indo-Pacific, with description of two new species

publishedVersio

INCORPORATION OF QUANTUM STATISTICAL FEATURES IN MOLECULAR DYNAMICS

We formulate a method for incorporating quantum fluctuations into molecular- dynamics simulations of many-body systems, such as those employed for energetic nuclear collision processes. Based on Fermi's Golden Rule, we allow spontaneous transitions to occur between the wave packets which are not energy eigenstates. The ensuing diffusive evolution in the space of the wave packet parameters exhibits appealing physical properties, including relaxation towards quantum- statistical equilibrium.Comment: 8 latex pages + 1 uuencoded ps figur

Compositional Safety Logics

In this paper we present a generalisation of a promising compositional model-checking technique introduced for finite-state systems by Andersen in [And95] and extended to networks of timedautomata by Larsen et al in [LPY95a, LL95, LPY95b, KLL+97a].In our generalized setting, programs are modelled as arbitrary(possibly infinite-state) transition systems and verified with respectto properties of a basic safety logic. As the fundamentalprerequisite of the compositional technique, it is shown how logicalproperties of a parallel program may be transformed intonecessary and sufficient properties of components of the program.Finally, a set of axiomatic laws are provided useful forsimplifying formulae and complete with respect to validity andunsatisfiability

Energy balance of a laser ablation plume expanding in a background gas

The energy balance of a laser ablation plume in an ambient gas for nanosecond pulses has been investigated on the basis of the model of Predtechensky and Mayorov (PM), which provides a relatively simple and clear description of the essential hydrodynamics. This approach also leads to an insightful description in dimensionless units of how the initial kinetic energy of the plume is dissipated into kinetic and thermal energy of the background gas. Eventually when the plume has stopped, the initial kinetic energy of the plume is converted into thermal energy of the plume and background gas

Smoking among inpatients in treatment for substance use disorders: prevalence and effect on mental health and quality of life

Background - Smoking is still prevalent among people with substance use disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of smoking among patients in treatment for substance use disorders and to analyze the effect of smoking both at baseline and follow-up on drop-out, mental health and quality of life. Methods - One hundred and twenty-eight inpatients (26% female), mainly with alcohol use disorder, staying at three different rehabilitation clinics in Eastern Norway, were interviewed at admission, and at 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. The interview contained mental health-related problems, trauma, questions on alcohol and other substances and quality of life. Non-parametric tests were used to test group differences and unadjusted and adjusted linear regression to test the associations between smoking and the main outcome variables, while logistic regression was used to test the association between smoking and drop-out. Results - At admission, 75% were daily smokers. Compared to non-smokers at baseline, the smokers had higher drop-out rates (37% vs. 13%), more mental distress, and lower quality of life from baseline up to 6 months follow-up. Those quitting smoking while admitted improved in mental distress and quality of life at the same rate as non-smokers. Alcohol-related factors did not differ between smokers and non-smokers. Conclusions - Smoking was associated with mental distress, quality of life and treatment drop-out among patients in primary alcohol use disorder treatment. The results indicate that smoking cessation should be recommended as an integral part of alcohol use treatment both before and during inpatient treatment to reduce drop-out