Percolation Effects in Very High Energy Cosmic Rays

Most QCD models of high energy collisions predict that the inelasticity $K$ is an increasing function of the energy. We argue that, due to percolation of strings, this behaviour will change and, at $\sqrt{s} \simeq 10^4$ GeV, the inelasticity will start to decrease with the energy. This has straightforward consequences in high energy cosmic ray physics: 1) the relative depth of the shower maximum $\bar{X}$ grows faster with energy above the knee; 2) the energy measurements of ground array experiments at GZK energies could be overestimated.Comment: Correction of equation (19) and figures 3 and 4. 4 pages, 4 figure

Artropodofauna de solo com potencial de uso em programas de controle biológico de pragas em cultivos alternativos de palma de óleo (Elaeis Guineensis).

Avaliou-se a diversidade de artrópodes benéficos (ênfase em insetos) associada à palma de óleo (Elaeis guineensis) cultivada em monocultivo e em sistemas agroflorestais (biodiversificados), com diferentes combinações de preparo de área sem o uso do fogo, no município de Tomé-Açu, Pará. Nos sistemas estudados foram realizadas coletas mensais entre maio de 2009 e janeiro de 2010, utilizando-se armadilhas tipo pitfall, para a captura de artrópodes de solo. As armadilhas permaneceram no campo por 72 horas e após esse período, o material biológico coletado foi processado e transportado para o Laboratório de Entomologia da Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, em Belém, Pará, onde foi triado, quantificado e identificado ao menor nível taxonômico possível. Plantios de palma de óleo biodiversificados com um ano de idade não apresentaram diferenças significativas de ocorrência para os principais grupos de inimigos naturais de solo (Araneae, Coleoptera e Hymenoptera) quando comparados com o plantio convencional solteiro. Entretanto, sistemas biodiversificados apresentaram maiores populações e diversidade de predadores e parasitóides com o potencial de controle biológico de insetos-praga em plantios de palma de óleo. Independente do sistema de cultivo adotado, nossos resultados demonstram que não é possível identificar diferenças nas populações de artrópodes de solo associadas a plantas de palma de óleo no primeiro ano de cultivo.Editores técnicos: Roberto Porro, Milton Kanashiro, Maria do Socorro Gonçalves Ferreira, Leila Sobral Sampaio e Gladys Ferreira de Sousa

On the factor structure of the Dissociative Experiences Scale:ontribution with an Italian version of the DES-II

Aim of the study: Notwithstanding its clinical and empirical relevance, there is no consensus on how to conceptualize dissociation. This may be partly due to the conflicting results yielded on the factor structure of the gold-standard selfreport measure of dissociation (the Dissociative Experiences Scale-Revised; DES-II, Carlson and Putnam, 1993). In an attempt to advance research on this topic, we sought to explore the factorial structure of an Italian version of the DES-II. Material and methods: A sample of 320 subjects (122 inmates and 198 community participants) was administered the Italian version of the DES-II. Results: The Italian version of the DES-II showed good psychometric properties and replicated a two-factor structure. Items content seemed to support the distinction into two qualitatively different forms of dissociative experiences, described as detachment and compartmentalization phenomena. In line with the expectations, participants in the inmate sample reported higher rates of dissociative experiences than community participants, on both dimensions. Conclusions: This study provides further support for the validity of the Italian version of the DES-II for use with community and inmate samples. Furthermore, we corroborated previous evidence on a two-factor structure of the DES-II, which is consistent with theoretical assumptions describing two distinct, albeit overlapping, dissociative dimensions (i.e., detachment and compartmentalization)

Cost minimization of a WWTP using an augmented lagrangian pattern search based solver

This paper describes a derivative-free method that aims to solve an optimization problem arising from the mathematical formulation of an activated sludge system in which the objective is to minimize the investment and operation costs. The method relies on an augmented Lagrangian technique that uses a pattern search for solving bound constrained subproblems

Towards a canonical classical natural deduction system

This paper studies a new classical natural deduction system, presented as a typed calculus named \lml. It is designed to be isomorphic to Curien-Herbelin's calculus, both at the level of proofs and reduction, and the isomorphism is based on the correct correspondence between cut (resp. left-introduction) in sequent calculus, and substitution (resp. elimination) in natural deduction. It is a combination of Parigot's $\lambda\mu$-calculus with the idea of ``coercion calculus'' due to Cervesato-Pfenning, accommodating let-expressions in a surprising way: they expand Parigot's syntactic class of named terms. This calculus aims to be the simultaneous answer to three problems. The first problem is the lack of a canonical natural deduction system for classical logic. \lml is not yet another classical calculus, but rather a canonical reflection in natural deduction of the impeccable treatment of classical logic by sequent calculus. The second problem is the lack of a formalization of the usual semantics of Curien-Herbelin's calculus, that explains co-terms and cuts as, respectively, contexts and hole-filling instructions. The mentioned isomorphism is the required formalization, based on the precise notions of context and hole-expression offered by \lml. The third problem is the lack of a robust process of ``read-back'' into natural deduction syntax of calculi in the sequent calculus format, that affects mainly the recent proof-theoretic efforts of derivation of $\lambda$-calculi for call-by-value. An isomorphic counterpart to the $Q$-subsystem of Curien-Herbelin's-calculus is derived, obtaining a new $\lambda$-calculus for call-by-value, combining control and let-expressions.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT

Multiobjective approach to optimal control for a dengue transmission model

During the last decades, the global prevalence of dengue progressed dramatically. It is a disease which is now endemic in more than one hundred countries of Africa, America, Asia and the Western Pacific. This study addresses a mathematical model for the dengue disease transmission and finding the most effective ways of controlling the disease. The model is described by a system of ordinary differential equations representing human and vector dynamics. Multiobjective optimization is applied to find the optimal control strategies, considering the simultaneous minimization of infected humans and costs due to insecticide application. The obtained results show that multiobjective optimization is an effective tool for finding the optimal control. The set of trade-off solutions encompasses a whole range of optimal scenarios, providing valuable information about the dynamics of infection transmissions. The results are discussed for different values of model parameters.FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-02889