Ionization fronts in negative corona discharges

In this paper we use a hydrodynamic minimal streamer model to study negative corona discharge. By reformulating the model in terms of a quantity called shielding factor, we deduce laws for the evolution in time of both the radius and the intensity of ionization fronts. We also compute the evolution of the front thickness under the conditions for which it diffuses due to the geometry of the problem and show its self-similar character.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Existence of radial stationary solutions for a system in combustion theory

In this paper, we construct radially symmetric solutions of a nonlinear noncooperative elliptic system derived from a model for flame balls with radiation losses. This model is based on a one step kinetic reaction and our system is obtained by approximating the standard Arrehnius law by an ignition nonlinearity, and by simplifying the term that models radiation. We prove the existence of 2 solutions using degree theory

EVAPORATION OF QUARK DROPS DURING THE COSMOLOGICAL Q-H TRANSITION

We have carried out a study of the hydrodynamics of disconnected quark regions during the final stages of the cosmological quark-hadron transition. A set of relativistic Lagrangian equations is presented for following the evaporation of a single quark drop and results from the numerical solution of this are discussed. A self-similar solution is shown to exist and the formation of baryon number density inhomogeneities at the end of the drop contraction is discussed.Comment: 12 pages Phys. Rev. format, uuencoded postscript file including 12 figure

Numerical simulation of the upward propagation of a flame in a vertical tube filled with a very lean mixture.

Upwardpropagation of a premixed flame in averticaltubefilled with a very leanmixture is simulated numerically using a single irreversible Arrhenius reaction model with infinitely high activation energy. In the absence of heat losses and preferential diffusion effects, a curved flame with stationary shape and velocity close to those of an open bubble ascending in the same tube is found for values of the fuel mass fraction above a certain minimum that increases with the radius of the tube, while the numerical computations cease to converge to a stationary solution below this minimum mass fraction. The vortical flow of the gas behind the flame and in its transport region is described for tubes of different radii. It is argued that this flow may become unstable when the fuel mass fraction is decreased, and that this instability, together with the flame stretch due to the strong curvature of the flame tip in narrow tubes, may be responsible for the minimum fuel mass fraction. Radiation losses and a Lewis number of the fuel slightly above unity decrease the final combustion temperature at the flame tip and increase the minimum fuel mass fraction, while a Lewis number slightly below unity has the opposite effect

Streamer Propagation as a Pattern Formation Problem: Planar Fronts

Streamers often constitute the first stage of dielectric breakdown in strong electric fields: a nonlinear ionization wave transforms a non-ionized medium into a weakly ionized nonequilibrium plasma. New understanding of this old phenomenon can be gained through modern concepts of (interfacial) pattern formation. As a first step towards an effective interface description, we determine the front width, solve the selection problem for planar fronts and calculate their properties. Our results are in good agreement with many features of recent three-dimensional numerical simulations.Comment: 4 pages, revtex, 3 ps file

Promoting Older Adults\u27 Health through Policy

The purpose of this capstone project was to develop the content for an online training module entitled Promoting Older Adults’ Health through Policy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Aging and Health Work Group was interested in complementing their workshop, Promoting Older Adults’ Health: Opportunities and Resources for CDC Professionals with an online training module on aging and policy. This project highlights significant pieces of U.S. legislation that promotes older adults’ health and draws attention to emerging policy, systems, and environmental changes on the horizon. An anticipated short-term outcome is a demonstrated sensitivity to population aging in all CDC centers, divisions, programs, and initiatives. Similarly, an anticipated long-term outcome is growth in the number, quality, and scope of collaborative efforts across CDC centers, divisions, programs, and initiatives that focus on older adults’ health. Two perspectives, “Healthy Aging” and “Successful Aging,” provide the foundation for a discussion of legislation and policies oriented towards older adults’ health. Various policy frameworks, i.e., cost-benefit, problem, political, vision, and a futures policy approach frame the discussion of policy development. Significant legislation that promotes older adults’ health, i.e., Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act of 1965 provide a historical context for a discussion of emerging policy, systems, and environmental changes that promise even greater advances. The mobility challenge for older adults as a population group in the U.S. provides the thematic thrust of this section of the module. Examples of CDC’s work exploring the link between older adults’ health and mobility, the built environment, and emergency preparedness are highlighted based on several criteria: burden of the problem, preventability, relationship to other CDC initiatives, and usefulness to practitioners are critical considerations. The module also discusses how legislation and policies designed to promote health aging also improve the quality of life for all population groups. Policies focused on healthy aging lay the groundwork for an integration of a “health in all policies” approach (World Health Organization/ WHO, 2006), working in tandem with the “health for all” framework (WHO, 1998) and the “society for all ages” construct (United Nations, 1999)

Chronic disease risk factors, healthy days and medical claims in South African employees presenting for health risk screening

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) accounts for more than a third (37%) of all deaths in South Africa. However, this burden of disease can be reduced by addressing risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine the health and risk profile of South African employees presenting for health risk assessments and to measure their readiness to change and improve lifestyle behaviour. METHODS: Employees (n = 1954) from 18 companies were invited to take part in a wellness day, which included a health-risk assessment. Self-reported health behaviour and health status was recorded. Clinical measures included cholesterol finger-prick test, blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI). Health-related age was calculated using an algorithm incorporating the relative risk for all case mortality associated with smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, BMI and cholesterol. Medical claims data were obtained from the health insurer. RESULTS: The mean percentage of participation was 26% (n = 1954) and ranged from 4% in transport to 81% in the consulting sector. Health-related age (38.5 +/- 12.9 years) was significantly higher than chronological age (34.9 +/- 10.3 yrs) (p < 0.001). Both chronological and risk-related age were significantly different between the sectors (P < 0.001), with the manufacturing sector being the oldest and finance having the youngest employees. Health-related age was significantly associated with number of days adversely affected by mental and physical health, days away from work and total annual medical costs (p < 0.001). Employees had higher rates of overweight, smoking among men, and physical inactivity (total sample) when compared the general SA population. Increased health-related expenditure was associated with increased number of risk factors, absenteeism and reduced physical activity. CONCLUSION: SA employees' health and lifestyle habits are placing them at increased risk for NCD's, suggesting that they may develop NCD's earlier than expected. Inter-sectoral differences for health-related age might provide insight into those companies which have the greatest need for interventions, and may also assist in predicting future medical expenditure. This study underscores the importance of determining the health and risk status of employees which could assist in identifying the appropriate interventions to reduce the risk of NCD's among employees

Nonlinear anomalous diffusion equation and fractal dimension: Exact generalized gaussian solution

In this work we incorporate, in a unified way, two anomalous behaviors, the power law and stretched exponential ones, by considering the radial dependence of the $N$-dimensional nonlinear diffusion equation $\partial\rho /\partial{t}={\bf \nabla} \cdot (K{\bf \nabla} \rho^{\nu})-{\bf \nabla}\cdot(\mu{\bf F} \rho)-\alpha \rho ,$ where $K=D r^{-\theta}$, $\nu$, $\theta$, $\mu$ and $D$ are real parameters and $\alpha$ is a time-dependent source. This equation unifies the O'Shaugnessy-Procaccia anomalous diffusion equation on fractals ($\nu =1$) and the spherical anomalous diffusion for porous media ($\theta=0$). An exact spherical symmetric solution of this nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation is obtained, leading to a large class of anomalous behaviors. Stationary solutions for this Fokker-Planck-like equation are also discussed by introducing an effective potential.Comment: Latex, 6 pages. To appear in Phys. Rev.

Logarithmic diffusion and porous media equations: a unified description

In this work we present the logarithmic diffusion equation as a limit case when the index that characterizes a nonlinear Fokker-Planck equation, in its diffusive term, goes to zero. A linear drift and a source term are considered in this equation. Its solution has a lorentzian form, consequently this equation characterizes a super diffusion like a L\'evy kind. In addition is obtained an equation that unifies the porous media and the logarithmic diffusion equations, including a generalized diffusion equation in fractal dimension. This unification is performed in the nonextensive thermostatistics context and increases the possibilities about the description of anomalous diffusive processes.Comment: 5 pages. To appear in Phys. Rev.

Propagation and Structure of Planar Streamer Fronts

Streamers often constitute the first stage of dielectric breakdown in strong electric fields: a nonlinear ionization wave transforms a non-ionized medium into a weakly ionized nonequilibrium plasma. New understanding of this old phenomenon can be gained through modern concepts of (interfacial) pattern formation. As a first step towards an effective interface description, we determine the front width, solve the selection problem for planar fronts and calculate their properties. Our results are in good agreement with many features of recent three-dimensional numerical simulations. In the present long paper, you find the physics of the model and the interfacial approach further explained. As a first ingredient of this approach, we here analyze planar fronts, their profile and velocity. We encounter a selection problem, recall some knowledge about such problems and apply it to planar streamer fronts. We make analytical predictions on the selected front profile and velocity and confirm them numerically. (abbreviated abstract)Comment: 23 pages, revtex, 14 ps file