Super-energy tensor for space-times with vanishing scalar curvature

A four-index tensor is constructed with terms both quadratic in the Riemann tensor and linear in its second derivatives, which has zero divergence for space-times with vanishing scalar curvature. This tensor reduces in vacuum to the Bel-Robinson tensor. Furthermore, the completely timelike component referred to any observer is positive, and zero if and only if the space-time is flat (excluding some unphysical space-times). We also show that this tensor is the unique that can be constructed with these properties. Such a tensor does not exist for general gravitational fields. Finally, we study this tensor in several examples: the Friedmann-Lema\^{\i}tre-Robertson-Walker space-times filled with radiation, the plane-fronted gravitational waves, and the Vaidya radiating metric.Comment: 13 pages, LaTeX 2.09. To be published in Journal of Mathematical Physic

Interface growth in two dimensions: A Loewner-equation approach

The problem of Laplacian growth in two dimensions is considered within the Loewner-equation framework. Initially the problem of fingered growth recently discussed by Gubiec and Szymczak [T. Gubiec and P. Szymczak, Phys. Rev. E 77, 041602 (2008)] is revisited and a new exact solution for a three-finger configuration is reported. Then a general class of growth models for an interface growing in the upper-half plane is introduced and the corresponding Loewner equation for the problem is derived. Several examples are given including interfaces with one or more tips as well as multiple growing interfaces. A generalization of our interface growth model in terms of ``Loewner domains,'' where the growth rule is specified by a time evolving measure, is briefly discussed.Comment: To appear in Physical Review

Fintech and the socialization of the financial industry

Fintech have known an incredible exposure over the last years, attracting investments of large billions of dollars. Fintech are the match between finance and technology and they are imposing a new way of thinking in all the branches of the financial industry. After the financial crisis of 2008, people have changed their way of seeing “Finance” and, more particularly, the role of banks, looking for products and services that correspond to their needs. Moreover, the financial crisis has highlighted a relevant number of dysfunctions on the banking sector and on the financial regulation. Regulators have strengthened their requirements for banks, particularly in their relations with clients. These have opened a breach for Fintech companies and they are using it. Fintech companies rely on a different value proposition to clients that is based on a timesaving, fast and clear experience. Indeed, they propose major innovations in products and processes. Fintech companies put the client back at the center of all their attention and clients are now the top priority.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Identification of novel Cu, Ag, and Au ternary oxides from global structural prediction

We use ab initio global structural prediction, and specifically the minima hopping method, to explore the periodic table in search of novel oxide phases. In total, we study 183 different compositions of the form MXO2, where M=(Cu, Ag, Au) and X is an element of the periodic table. This set includes the well-known Cu delafossite compounds that are, up to now, the best p-type transparent conductive oxides known to mankind. Our calculations discover 81 stable compositions, out of which only 36 are included in available databases. Some of these new phases are potentially good candidates for transparent electrodes. These results demonstrate, on one hand, how incomplete is still our knowledge of the phase-space of stable ternary materials. On the other hand, we show that structural prediction combined with high-throughput approaches is a powerful tool to extend that knowledge, paving the way for the experimental discovery of new materials on a large scale

The interplay of university and industry through the FP5 network

To improve the quality of life in a modern society it is essential to reduce the distance between basic research and applications, whose crucial roles in shaping today's society prompt us to seek their understanding. Existing studies on this subject, however, have neglected the network character of the interaction between university and industry. Here we use state-of-the-art network theory methods to analyze this interplay in the so-called Framework Programme--an initiative which sets out the priorities for the European Union's research and technological development. In particular we study in the 5th Framework Programme (FP5) the role played by companies and scientific institutions and how they contribute to enhance the relationship between research and industry. Our approach provides quantitative evidence that while firms are size hierarchically organized, universities and research organizations keep the network from falling into pieces, paving the way for an effective knowledge transfer.Comment: 21 pages (including Appendix), 8 figures. Published online at http://stacks.iop.org/1367-2630/9/18

Spatiotemporal Chaos, Localized Structures and Synchronization in the Vector Complex Ginzburg-Landau Equation

We study the spatiotemporal dynamics, in one and two spatial dimensions, of two complex fields which are the two components of a vector field satisfying a vector form of the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation. We find synchronization and generalized synchronization of the spatiotemporally chaotic dynamics. The two kinds of synchronization can coexist simultaneously in different regions of the space, and they are mediated by localized structures. A quantitative characterization of the degree of synchronization is given in terms of mutual information measures.Comment: 6 pages, using bifchaos.sty (included). 7 figures. Related material, including higher quality figures, could be found at http://www.imedea.uib.es/PhysDept/publicationsDB/date.html . To appear in International Journal of Bifurcation and Chaos (1999

Fuzzy logic as a decision-making support system for the indication of bariatric surgery based on an index (OBESINDEX) generated by the association between body fat and body mass index

Background: A Fuzzy Obesity Index (OBESINDEX) for use as an alternative in bariatric surgery indication (BSI) is presented. The search for a more accurate method to evaluate obesity and to indicate a better treatment is important in the world health context. BMI (body mass index) is considered the main criteria for obesity treatment and BSI. Nevertheless, the fat excess related to the percentage of Body Fat (%BF) is actually the principal harmful factor in obesity disease that is usually neglected. This paper presents a new fuzzy mechanism for evaluating obesity by associating BMI with %BF that yields a fuzzy obesity index for obesity evaluation and treatment and allows building up a Fuzzy Decision Support System (FDSS) for BSI.

Methods: Seventy-two patients were evaluated for both BMI and %BF. These data are modified and treated as fuzzy sets. Afterwards, the BMI and %BF classes are aggregated yielding a new index (OBESINDEX) for input linguistic variable are considered the BMI and %BF, and as output linguistic variable is employed the OBESINDEX, an obesity classification with entirely new classes of obesity in the fuzzy context as well is used for BSI.

Results: There is a gradual, smooth obesity classification and BSI when using the proposed fuzzy obesity index when compared with other traditional methods for dealing with obesity.

Conclusion: The BMI is not adequate for surgical indication in all the conditions and fuzzy logic becomes an alternative for decision making in bariatric surgery indication based on the OBESINDEX

Tree-Shaped Fluid Flow and Heat Transfe

This book is an attempt to present a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals in the area of tree flow networks. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of the design features of these networks and on their significance to the transport phenomena associated with these systems. It is intended to bring into perspective the relevant research that has been performed, mainly that which provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the topic