Controlled Shock Shells and Intracluster Fusion Reactions in the Explosion of Large Clusters

The ion phase-space dynamics in the Coulomb explosion of very large ($\sim 10^6 - 10^7$ atoms) deuterium clusters can be tailored using two consecutive laser pulses with different intensities and an appropriate time delay. For suitable sets of laser parameters (intensities and delay), large-scale shock shells form during the explosion, thus highly increasing the probability of fusion reactions within the single exploding clusters. In order to analyze the ion dynamics and evaluate the intracluster reaction rate, a one-dimensional theory is used, which approximately accounts for the electron expulsion from the clusters. It is found that, for very large clusters (initial radius $\sim$ 100 nm), and optimal laser parameters, the intracluster fusion yield becomes comparable to the intercluster fusion yield. The validity of the results is confirmed with three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations.Comment: 25 pages, 11 figures, to appear in Physical Review

New Keynesian Phillips Curves and potential identification failures: a Generalized Empirical Likelihood analysis

In this paper, we examine parameter identification in the hybrid specification of the New Keynesian Phillips Curve proposed by Gali and Gertler [Gali, J., Gertler, M., 1999. Inflation dynamics: a structural econometric analysis. Journal of Monetary Economics 44, 195-222]. We employ recently developed moment conditions inference procedures, which provide a more efficient and reliable econometric framework for the analysis of the NKPC. In particular, we address the issue of parameter identification, obtaining robust confidence sets for the model's parameters. Our results cast serious doubts on the empirical validity of the NKPC

Radiation in 1.5 GeV and 12 GeV laser wakefield acceleration stages from PIC simulations

WOS:000287176200029 (Nº de Acesso Web of Science)A massivelly parallel post-processing radiation diagnostic for PIC codes is presented, which is then used to study the main features of the radiation from single LWFA stages (1.5 GeV and 12 GeV). This diagnostic also allows to examine radiation signatures associated with the physics of self-injection

The influence of service climate, identity strength, and contextual ambidexterity upon the performance of public organizations

Improving the performance of public organizations has become a major concern among researchers and managers, rendering the search for the factors that distinguish the best performers a fundamental endeavor. Despite the abundant empirical research conducted about this topic, there are still inconsistencies in how management and other organizational elements determine organizational performance, calling for more theory-oriented research. In this paper, we join this line of reasoning and suggest that service climate, organizational identity strength, and contextual ambidexterity, variables coming from very different theoretical traditions, predict the performance of public organizations, as perceived by their members. In order to test this proposition, we surveyed a sample of 618 civil servants working for two different organizations. In this survey, we included measures of the three predictors (service climate, organizational identity strength, and contextual ambidexterity) and the variable of interest (organizational performance). Using hierarchical regression analysis, we found evidence supporting a positive relationship between organizational performance and service climate, identity strength, and especially, contextual ambidexterity, with some differences between the two organizations regarding the intensity of these relationships. Besides contributing to broadening the discussion about the antecedents of public organizations’ performance, this study also supports the validity of the three theoretical perspectives. Considering the management of public organizations, our study challenges managers to play a fundamental role in orchestrating routines and work practices that allow configuration of the most relevant organizational capacities leading to better performance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Patient reactions to community pharmacies' roles: evidence from the Portuguese market

Background: There is little knowledge about how patients perceive and react to the extended role of community pharmacies. Aim: To develop a model describing the expanded role of Portuguese community pharmacies as comprising three roles - medicines supplier, advice provider and community health promoter - and two important patient reactions: satisfaction and loyalty. Design: In 2010, 1200 face-to-face interviews were conducted with patients of community pharmacies in Portugal. A model comprising the three pharmacy roles and the two patient reactions was developed and tested using structural equation modelling. Results: The results showed that the model was appropriate and that the roles of medicines supplier, advice provider and community health promoter were positively related to patients' satisfaction and loyalty. Conclusions: These results show that patients are aware of the different roles played by community pharmacies in Portugal. The data support the idea that the movement of Portuguese pharmacists' extended role, framed within a global context where society sends expectations regarding the role of organizations in the community in which they operate, is producing positive results for both patients and pharmacists.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Molecular Insights into Appetite Control and Neuroendocrine Disease as Risk Factors for Chronic Diseases in Western Countries

Environmental factors such as stress, anxiety and depression are important to consider with the global increase in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, stroke, obesity, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Brain metabolic diseases associated with conditions such as obesity and diabetes require early intervention with diet, lifestyle and drug therapy to prevent diseases to various organs such as the liver with non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other organs such as the heart, lungs thyroid, pancreas, brain, kidneys and reproductive systems. Behavioural stress and the molecular mechanisms that are involved in neuroendocrine diseases such as insulin resistance in obesity require attention since associated inflammatory processes early in the disease process have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Molecular neuroendocrine disturbances that cause appetite dysregulation and hyperphagia are closely linked to hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidaemia and reduced lifespan. The origins of metabolic diseases that afflict various organs possibly arise from hypothalamic disturbances with loss of control of peripheral endocrine hormones and neuropeptides released from the brain. Diet and drug therapies that are directed to the autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrine and limbic systems may help regulate and integrate leptin and insulin signals involving various neuropeptides associated with chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The understanding of brain circuits and stabilization of neuroanatomical structures in the brain is currently under investigation. Research that is involved in the understanding of diet and drugs in the stabilization of brain structures such as frontostriatal limbic circuits, hypothalamus brainstem circuits and parasympathetic nervous system is required. Information related to neuropeptides and neurotransmitters that are released from the brain and their regulation by therapeutic drugs requires further assessment. The promise of appropriate diets, lifestyle and drugs that target the CNS and peripheral tissues such as the adipose tissue, liver and pancreas may improve the prognosis of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes that are also closely associated with neurodegeneration

Tourist spaces and tourism policy in Spain and Portugal

Advances in Cultura, Tourism and Hospitality Research;10, 235-249This study analyses the relationship between the development of the tourism policy of Spain and Portugal and their effects on regional imbalances. Despite the proximity of the two countries and their specialisation in tourism, there are few comparative studies on tourism of the two Iberian countries. The study focuses on the two major phases of tourism policy: the period of mass tourism and post-Fordist stage. In the conclusions we refer the debate on the existence of a model of development based on tourism to the Latin countries of Southern Europe and we note the export process of the Spanish low-cost tourism model to other countries.Financiado por el Gobierno de España, Programa Fundamental de Investigación, Proyecto de I+D (CSO2012-30840) "Geografías de la crisis: análisis de los territorios urbanos y turísticos de las Islas Baleares, Costa del Sol y principales destinos del Caribe y América Central"