Fractal Heterogeneous Media

A method is proposed for generating compact fractal disordered media, by generalizing the random midpoint displacement algorithm. The obtained structures are invasive stochastic fractals, with the Hurst exponent varying as a continuous parameter, as opposed to lacunar deterministic fractals, such as the Menger sponge. By employing the Detrending Moving Average algorithm [Phys. Rev. E 76, 056703 (2007)], the Hurst exponent of the generated structure can be subsequently checked. The fractality of such a structure is referred to a property defined over a three dimensional topology rather than to the topology itself. Consequently, in this framework, the Hurst exponent should be intended as an estimator of compactness rather than of roughness. Applications can be envisaged for simulating and quantifying complex systems characterized by self-similar heterogeneity across space. For example, exploitation areas range from the design and control of multifunctional self-assembled artificial nano and micro structures, to the analysis and modelling of complex pattern formation in biology, environmental sciences, geomorphological sciences, etc

Optimization of Stone Cutting Techniques for the Seismic Protection of Archaeological Sites

Since the beginning of civilization, history tells of the movement of art pieces, monuments and manufacts from site to site. The causes are multiple: the displacements due to the "spoils of war", ordered by kings and emperors, the movements caused by the need for reuse, especially in the early Christian period, and so forth. Considerations about the events of the past, yield a possible strategy to transform this concept into a technique for earthquake prevention of archaeological sites. The seismic safety retrofits have often proven to be scarcely effective, because of the difficulties involved in complex sites. The aim of this study is to analyze an "alternative" method of preventing natural disaster like floods, eruption and earthquakes, through the movimentation of the most representative structural elements of archaeological sites by decomposition of the masonry and marbles [1]. The procedure considers a process of "cutting optimization," calibrated on the characteristics of the specific material that has to be cut and then displaced in safer places (i.e., MEP, "manufact evacuation plan"). This process should not create excessive problems to the structure, and aims to reassembly the manufact in contexts able to guarantee safety through advanced earthquake-resistant expedients. From these considerations, the work develops a procedure to safeguard the archaeological site of Pompei (Naples), through an appropriate analysis of representative portions of the site, aimed to a careful handling and to a proper reconstruction in a safe location, from the seismic point of vie

AN UPDATE OF THE FRANCHISEE MOTIVATIONS: A STUDY IN SPAIN

This paper presents an empirical study of the motives for acquiring a franchise, based on a sample of franchisees operating in the Spanish market. The results are compared with the obtained in the previous studies. Although this topic has been studied previously, the spectacular progress of franchises throughout the world in the last decade may have changed franchisees� opinions about their motives. This manuscript establishes an update of motivational incentives for individuals to enter franchising from the previous studies. The results provide the following ranking: (1) Proven business format, (2) Start-up support, (3) Established name, (4) Training provided, (5) Faster development, and (6) Ongoing support. This study and the previous literature suggest there is a limited group of motives involved in the franchisee decision, but the ranking varies from study to study. It shows a different ranking of motives for selection of a franchisee from previous studies.franchising system, franchisee decision, motivation, incentives

El mito del cuarto poder en los tiempos de las torres gemelas

Los tópicos (y la expresión “cuarto poder” lo es; como lo es ya la historia de las torres gemelas de Nueva York) exigen cada vez más reservas y análisis. Lo que en este momento está ocurriendo en el mundo de los Medios de Comunicación, aun en sus aspectos más llamativos y aparentemente novedosos, tiene largas y hondas raíces en el pasado y sus ramas al viento apuntan a un futuro quizá más previsible de lo que el futuro suele serlo. Siempre con el punto de incertidumbre que conceden los elementos que en ellos intervienen: la ambición humana, la inteligencia y la dignidad humanas, una clientela cambiante e incierta... Y el gramo de locura que también tiene hueco en la historia de los hombres.The topics (and the expression “fourth power” it is; since it is already the history of the “twin towers” of New York) they demand increasingly reticence and analysis. What in this moment is happening in the world of the Mass media, even in his more showy and seemingly novel aspects, it has long and deep roots in the past and his branches to the wind point at a future probably more predictable than the future it is in the habit of being. Always with the point of uncertainty that grant the elements that in them intervene: the ambition humanizes, the intelligence and the dignity you humanize, a changeable and uncertain clientele. And the gram of madness that also has hollow in the history of the men

La muerte mensajera - Las esquelas de defunción como elemento informativo.

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Wetting of cholesteric liquid crystals

We investigate theoretically the wetting properties of cholesteric liquid crystals at a planar substrate. If the properties of substrate and of the interface are such that the cholesteric layers are not distorted the wetting properties are similar to those of a nematic liquid crystal. If, on the other hand, the anchoring conditions force the distortion of the liquid crystal layers the wetting properties are altered, the free cholesteric-isotropic interface is non-planar and there is a layer of topological defects close to the substrate. These deformations can either promote or hinder the wetting of the substrate by a cholesteric, depending on the properties of the cholesteric liquid crystal

Las formas de expresión del mensaje periodístico.

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Cuando el periodismo decimonónico se puso a soñar.

Journalism couldn't be born until the first technical revolution of the spreading of the literary messages: the printing. Since then, journalism has evolved bound to technique and every technical advance has involved a journalistic advance On the threshold of a new millennium, when computer science means the latest ­for the present­ journalism revolution, we look back to find out how Spanish journalists from 19 th. and early 20 th. century 153 Bernardino M. Hernando Cuando el periodismo decimonónico se puso a soñar imagined 21 th. century journalism. The French writer Jules Verne dared to do something more: to envisage 29 th. century journalism. Perhaps so much display of imagination in a work so tied to reality as journalism is leads to new views and concepts. Perhaps everything shades into a melancholic scepticism

Traducción y periodismo o el doble y misterioso escepticismo.

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