Binary Decay of Light Nuclear Systems

A review of the characteristic features found in fully energy-damped, binarydecay yields from light heavy-ion reactions with $20\leq A_{target} + A_{projectile}\leq 80$ is presented. The different aspects of these yields that have been used to support models of compound-nucleus (CN) fission and deep-inelastic dinucleus orbiting are highlighted. Cross section calculations based on the statistical phase space at different stages of the reaction are presented and compared to the experimental results. Although the statistical models are found to reproduce most of the observed experimental behaviors, an additional reaction component corresponding to a heavy-ion resonance or orbiting mechanism is also evident in certain systems. The system dependence of this second component is discussed. The extent to which the binary yields in very light systems $(A_{CN} \leq 32)$ can be viewed as resulting from a fusion-fission mechanism is explored. A number of unresolved questions, such as whether the different observed behaviors reflect characteristically different reaction times, are discussed.Comment: 79 pages REVTeX file, 39 ps Figures included - to be publihed in Physics Report

Scientometrics: Untangling the topics

Measuring science is based on comparing articles to similar others. However, keyword-based groups of thematically similar articles are dominantly small. These small sizes keep the statistical errors of comparisons high. With the growing availability of bibliographic data such statistical errors can be reduced by merging methods of thematic grouping, citation networks and keyword co-usage.Comment: 2 pages, 2 figure

Irredundant Triangular Decomposition

Triangular decomposition is a classic, widely used and well-developed way to represent algebraic varieties with many applications. In particular, there exist sharp degree bounds for a single triangular set in terms of intrinsic data of the variety it represents, and powerful randomized algorithms for computing triangular decompositions using Hensel lifting in the zero-dimensional case and for irreducible varieties. However, in the general case, most of the algorithms computing triangular decompositions produce embedded components, which makes it impossible to directly apply the intrinsic degree bounds. This, in turn, is an obstacle for efficiently applying Hensel lifting due to the higher degrees of the output polynomials and the lower probability of success. In this paper, we give an algorithm to compute an irredundant triangular decomposition of an arbitrary algebraic set $W$ defined by a set of polynomials in C[x_1, x_2, ..., x_n]. Using this irredundant triangular decomposition, we were able to give intrinsic degree bounds for the polynomials appearing in the triangular sets and apply Hensel lifting techniques. Our decomposition algorithm is randomized, and we analyze the probability of success

Entrance-channel Mass-asymmetry Dependence of Compound-nucleus Formation Time in Light Heavy-ion Reactions

The entrance-channel mass-asymmetry dependence of the compound nucleus formation time in light heavy-ion reactions has been investigated within the framework of semiclassical dissipative collision models. the model calculations have been succesfully applied to the formation of the $^{38}$Ar compound nucleus as populated via the $^{9}$Be+$^{29}$Si, $^{11}$B+$^{27}$Al, $^{12}$C+$^{26}$Mg and $^{19}$F+$^{19}$F entrance channels. The shape evolution of several other light composite systems appears to be consistent with the so-called "Fusion Inhibition Factor" which has been experimentally observed. As found previously in more massive systems for the fusion-evaporation process, the entrance-channel mass-asymmetry degree of freedom appears to determine the competition between the different mechanisms as well as the time scales involved.Comment: 12 pages, 3 Figures available upon request, Submitted at Phys. Rev.

Expanding preparedness - integrating emergency response with water sector development in the S(P)EEDWater tool

During humanitarian crises, emergency response organizations are confronted with a high level of complexity and dynamically changing priorities. Importance of the selection of water methods is amplified when considered that some of the solutions may support local or regional water sectors beyond the period of relief actions. The S(P)EEDWater decision-support tool attempts to reconcile emergency response goals of water delivery with considerations of water sector development. The tool contains peer-reviewed information on more than seventy water supply methods and their multi-disciplinary assessment according to criteria of (i) disaster/conflict, (ii) natural environment, (iii) technological, (iv) economic and (v) socio-cultural issues. This paper identifies key considerations to expand preparedness already in the post-relief phases of emergency interventions. It describes the approach, structure and set-up of the S(P)EEDWater tool and presents an initial assessment of the approach