A hydrodynamical homotopy co-momentum map and a multisymplectic interpretation of higher order linking numbers

In this article a homotopy co-momentum map (\`a la Callies-Fr\'egier-Rogers-Zambon) trangressing to the standard hydrodynamical co-momentum map of Arnol'd, Marsden and Weinstein and others is constructed and then generalized to a special class of Riemannian manifolds. Also, a covariant phase space interpretation of the coadjoint orbits associated to the Euler evolution for perfect fluids and in particular of Brylinski's manifold of smooth oriented knots is discussed. As an application of the above homotopy co-momentum map, a reinterpretation of the (Massey) higher order linking numbers in terms of conserved quantities within the multisymplectic framework is provided and knot theoretic analogues of first integrals in involution are determined.Comment: 21 pages, 3 figures. The present version focuses on the connections between multisymplectic geometry, hydrodynamics and vortices. The derivation of the HOMFLYPT polynomial via geometric quantization has been proposed as a separate preprint, see "Derivation of the HOMFLYPT knot polynomial via helicity and geometric quantization ", arXiv:1910.xxx

ASSESSMENT OF BANKING ASSETS ON FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT - ALBANIAN CASE

Recognizing the asset value dynamics volatility of the financial institutions and the importance of its recognition both for financial reporting purposes and risk management effect, this paper aims to provide a practical model for the assets and financial institutions evaluation especially banks. It also aims to present a model to measure the value of banking assets for the purposes of risk management as an opportunity to identify in an early moment the banking risks. The paper develops the bank assets assessment forms and the basis of mathematical modeling of this assessment in general. He identifies also the evaluation factors as for example time to maturity, interest rate market for the assets (YTM), the interest rate agreed, the early repayment of the loan, interest ceilings and floors, off-balance sheet treatment, etc.

Creep and creep rupture of strongly reinforced metallic composites

A creep and creep damage theory is presented for metallic composites with strong fibers. Application is to reinforced structures in which the fiber orientation may vary throughout but a distinct fiber direction can be identified locally (local transverse isotropy). The creep deformation model follows earlier work and is based on a flow potential function that depends on invariants reflecting stress and the material symmetry. As the focus is on the interaction of creep and damage, primary creep is ignored. The creep rupture model is an extension of continuum damage mechanics and includes an isochronous damage function that depends on invariants specifying the local maximum transverse tension and the maximum longitudinal shear stress. It is posited that at high temperature and low stress, appropriate to engineering practice, these stress components damage the fiber/matrix interface through diffusion controlled void growth, eventually causing creep rupture. Experiments are outlined for characterizing a composite through creep rupture tests under transverse tension and longitudinal shear. Application is made to a thin-walled pressure vessel with reinforcing fibers at an arbitrary helical angle. The results illustrate the usefulness of the model as a means of achieving optimal designs of composite structures where creep and creep rupture are life limiting

The Health Systems Funding Platform : is this where we thought we were going?

Background: In March 2009, the Task Force for Innovative International Financing for Health Systems recommended "a health systems funding platform for the Global Fund, GAVI Alliance, the World Bank and others to coordinate, mobilize, streamline and channel the flow of existing and new international resources to support national health strategies." Momentum to establish the Health Systems Funding Platform was swift, with the World Bank convening a Technical Workshop on Health Systems Strengthening (HSS), and serial meetings organized to progress the agenda. Despite its potential significance, there has been little comment in peer-reviewed literature, though some disquiet in the international development community around the scope of the Platform and the capacity of the partners, which appears disproportionate to the available information. Methods: This case study uses documentary analysis, participant observation and 24 in-depth interviews to examine the processes of development and key issues raised by the Platform. Results: The findings show a fluid and volatile process, with debate over whether ongoing engagement in HSS by Global Fund and GAVI represents a dilution of organizational focus, risking ongoing support, or a paradigm shift that facilitates the achievement of targeted objectives, builds systems capacity, and will attract additional resources. Uncertainty in the development of the Platform reflects the flexibility of the recently formed global health initiatives, and the instability of donor commitments, particularly in the current financial climate. But implicit in the conflict is tension between key global stakeholders over defining and ownership of the health systems agenda. Conclusions: The tensions appear to have been resolved through a focus on national planning, applying International Health Partnership principles, though the global financial crisis and key personnel changes may yet alter outcomes. Despite its dynamic evolution, the Platform may offer an incremental path towards increasing integration around health systems, that has not been previously possible

Seed management by small-scale farmers in Zambia. A study of cowpea, groundnut and sorghum seed in the Southern and Western Provinces (NRI Bulletin 76)

Field surveys of on-farm cowpea, groundnut and sorghum management in two regions of Zambia are described. The survey included seed saved on-farm and seed sources off-farm. Samples of seeds were collected just prior to planting and assessed for germination potential. Conclusions are given on the general status and potential for improving seed quality and on farmer seed management

Measurement of temperature change in paediatric patients undergoing MRI examinations under general anaesthesia

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Medicine in Anaesthesia Johannesburg, 2014Background and objectives of study: Paediatric patients undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures are at risk of hypo- or hyperthermia. This study was aimed at determining if there is a change in core temperature in paediatric patients undergoing MRI examinations under general anaesthesia. The objectives included describing the change in temperature during MRI scans, and correlating temperature change with age, weight and MRI scan duration. Method: This study followed a prospective, contextual and descriptive research design. The study population was paediatric patients who presented for MRI scans under general anaesthesia at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. A convenience, consecutive sampling method was employed and 29 patients aged 6 months to 5 years whose baseline temperatures were below 37.5℃ participated in the study. Tympanic temperature was measured using an infrared thermometer before induction of general anaesthesia. Inhalational general anaesthesia was induced with incremental concentrations Sevoflurane in a mixture of Nitrous oxide and Oxygen (70:30 %) using an MRI compatible anaesthesia machine. General anaesthesia was maintained with spontaneous inhalation of Sevoflurane in a mixture of O₂ and Air (60:40 %) via a laryngeal mask airway. Tympanic temperature was measured again on completion of the MRI scan within 2 minutes of emergence from general anaesthesia. The change between pre and post scan temperatures was tested for significance using the paired t-test. Correlations were made using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age of the participants was 31 months and the median 24 months. The mean weight was 13.2 kg, the median 12 kg, and the range 5 to 29 kg. The mean MRI scan duration was 51 minutes, the median 50 minutes and range 30 minutes to 80 minutes. All participants experienced some loss of temperature (0.1 – 2.3 ℃). The mean temperature loss was 0.93℃ and was statistically significant (p=0.001). The 95% confidence interval for temperature change was 0.70 – 1.15 ℃. No statistically significant correlations were found between temperature loss and age (r=-0.028), weight (r=-0.042) and scan duration (r=-0.041). Conclusion: Heat loss in the harsh MRI environment is an underestimated problem. In addition, the ferromagnetic environment precludes continuous temperature monitoring. This study has shown that temperature does drop in paediatric patients undergoing MRI examinations under general anaesthesia. This change in temperature did not correlate with age, weight, and duration of the MRI scan

Reevaluating the Role of Foreign Direct Investment in Albania's Economic Growth: Policy Implications for Growth and Openness

Based on the standard vector error correction model with quarterly data, this study focuses on the relationship between infl ows of exports, foreign investments together with Gross Domestic Product, of the last two decades (2004-2024) in Albania to research in both the short-run dynamics and the long-run trends. A drawback of using diverse secondary data with diff ering methods of data collection and especially dealing with the economic transition period, is that it presents a challenge in terms of data reliability which may result in controversial conclusions even for studies on the same country.By applying the impulse analysis, it reveals that foreign direct investment infl ows cause an almost negligible (positive) fl uctuation in exports and a (negative) fl uctuation in GDP in the long run. Conversely, exports, after a short-term negative impact, lead to an increase in FDI infl ows in the long run and a slight increase in the GDP level. Finally, GDP has a positive eff ect on both variables. The result, therefore, is very important as it suggests that the government policy should focus more on openness, growth and exports—devaluating thus the role of FDI infl ows for the economy, at least in the short term

Mathematical models for cellular aggregation: the chemotactic instability and clustering formation

In this thesis we present a mathematical formulation of the interaction between microorganisms such as bacteria or amoebae and chemicals, often produced by the organisms themselves. This interaction is called chemotaxis and leads to cellular aggregation. We derive some models to describe chemotaxis. The first is the pioneristic Keller-Segel parabolic-parabolic model and it is derived by two different frameworks: a macroscopic perspective and a microscopic perspective, in which we start with a stochastic differential equation and we perform a mean-field approximation. This parabolic model may be generalized by the introduction of a degenerate diffusion parameter, which depends on the density itself via a power law. Then we derive a model for chemotaxis based on Cattaneo's law of heat propagation with finite speed, which is a hyperbolic model. The last model proposed here is a hydrodynamic model, which takes into account the inertia of the system by a friction force. In the limit of strong friction, the model reduces to the parabolic model, whereas in the limit of weak friction, we recover a hyperbolic model. Finally, we analyze the instability condition, which is the condition that leads to aggregation, and we describe the different kinds of aggregates we may obtain: the parabolic models lead to clusters or peaks whereas the hyperbolic models lead to the formation of network patterns or filaments. Moreover, we discuss the analogy between bacterial colonies and self gravitating systems by comparing the chemotactic collapse and the gravitational collapse (Jeans instability)