Generalized MICZ-Kepler Problems and Unitary Highest Weight Modules

For each integer $n\ge 1$, we demonstrate that a $(2n+1)$-dimensional generalized MICZ-Kepler problem has an \mr{Spin}(2, 2n+2) dynamical symmetry which extends the manifest \mr{Spin}(2n+1) symmetry. The Hilbert space of bound states is shown to form a unitary highest weight \mr{Spin}(2, 2n+2)-module which occurs at the first reduction point in the Enright-Howe-Wallach classification diagram for the unitary highest weight modules. As a byproduct, we get a simple geometric realization for such a unitary highest weight \mr{Spin}(2, 2n+2)-module.Comment: 27 pages, Refs. update

Microscopic Analysis of Order Parameters in Nuclear Quantum Phase Transitions

Microscopic signatures of nuclear ground-state shape phase transitions in Nd isotopes are studied using excitation spectra and collective wave functions obtained by diagonalization of a five-dimensional Hamiltonian for quadrupole vibrational and rotational degrees of freedom, with parameters determined by constrained self-consistent relativistic mean-field calculations for triaxial shapes. As a function of the physical control parameter -- the number of nucleons, energy gaps between the ground state and the excited vibrational states with zero angular momentum, isomer shifts, and monopole transition strengths, exhibit sharp discontinuities at neutron number N=90, characteristic of a first-order quantum phase transition.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication as a Rapid Communication in Physical Review

Circumventing the Privity Rule in Malaysia

This article briefly introduces the privity rule and its application in Malaysia which has created difficulties in relation to contracts made for the benefit of third parties. This article then investigates how Malaysian courts circumvent the privity rule to ensure that justice prevails. The mechanisms examined include among others agency, trust, tort and estoppel. This article argues that the application of these mechanisms rule are not adequate to resolve the difficulties caused by the privity rule and concludes that a statutory reform to create third party rights in contract law is required

An efficient method for computing the Thouless-Valatin inertia parameters

Starting from the adiabatic time-dependent Hartree-Fock approximation (ATDHF), we propose an efficient method to calculate the Thouless-Valatin moments of inertia for the nuclear system. The method is based on the rapid convergence of the expansion of the inertia matrix. The accuracy of the proposed method is verified in the rotational case by comparing the results with the exact Thouless-Valatin moments of inertia calculated using the self-consistent cranking model. The proposed method is computationally much more efficient than the full ATDHF calculation, yet it retains a high accuracy of the order of 1%.Comment: 16 pages, 3 figure

Energy Density Functional analysis of shape evolution in N=28 isotones

The structure of low-energy collective states in proton-deficient N=28 isotones is analyzed using structure models based on the relativistic energy density functional DD-PC1. The relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov model for triaxial nuclei is used to calculate binding energy maps in the $\beta$-$\gamma$ plane. The evolution of neutron and proton single-particle levels with quadrupole deformation, and the occurrence of gaps around the Fermi surface, provide a simple microscopic interpretation of the onset of deformation and shape coexistence. Starting from self-consistent constrained energy surfaces calculated with the functional DD-PC1, a collective Hamiltonian for quadrupole vibrations and rotations is employed in the analysis of excitation spectra and transition rates of $^{46}$Ar, $^{44}$S, and $^{42}$Si. The results are compared to available data, and previous studies based either on the mean-field approach or large-scale shell-model calculations. The present study is particularly focused on $^{44}$S, for which data have recently been reported that indicate pronounced shape coexistence.Comment: 31 pages, 11 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1102.419

A second-order class-D audio amplifier

Class-D audio amplifiers are particularly efficient, and this efficiency has led to their ubiquity in a wide range of modern electronic appliances. Their output takes the form of a high-frequency square wave whose duty cycle (ratio of on-time to off-time) is modulated at low frequency according to the audio signal. A mathematical model is developed here for a second-order class-D amplifier design (i.e., containing one second-order integrator) with negative feedback. We derive exact expressions for the dominant distortion terms, corresponding to a general audio input signal, and confirm these predictions with simulations. We also show how the observed phenomenon of “pulse skipping” arises from an instability of the analytical solution upon which the distortion calculations are based, and we provide predictions of the circumstances under which pulse skipping will take place, based on a stability analysis. These predictions are confirmed by simulations

Curvature singularities, tidal forces and the viability of Palatini f(R) gravity

In a previous paper we showed that static spherically symmetric objects which, in the vicinity of their surface, are well-described by a polytropic equation of state with 3/2<Gamma<2 exhibit a curvature singularity in Palatini f(R) gravity. We argued that this casts serious doubt on the validity of Palatini f(R) gravity as a viable alternative to General Relativity. In the present paper we further investigate this characteristic of Palatini f(R) gravity in order to clarify its physical interpretation and consequences.Comment: 15 pages. CQG in press. Part of the material moved to an appendix, discussion on the meV scale predictions of Palatini f(R) gravity adde

Friedmann cosmology with a generalized equation of state and bulk viscosity

The universe media is considered as a non-perfect fluid with bulk viscosity and described by a more general equation of state. We assume the bulk viscosity is a linear combination of the two terms: one is constant, and the other is proportional to the scalar expansion $\theta=3\dot{a}/a$. The equation of state is described as $p=(\gamma-1)\rho+p_0$, where $p_0$ is a parameter. This model can be used to explain the dark energy dominated universe. Different choices of the parameters may lead to three kinds of fates of the cosmological evolution: no future singularity, big rip, or Type III singularity of Ref. [S. Nojiri, S.D. Odintsov, and S. Tsujikawa, Phys. Rev. D \textbf{71}, 063004 (2005)].Comment: 5 pages and 4 fig

Nuclear charge-exchange excitations in localized covariant density functional theory

The recent progress in the studies of nuclear charge-exchange excitations with localized covariant density functional theory is briefly presented, by taking the fine structure of spin-dipole excitations in 16O as an example. It is shown that the constraints introduced by the Fock terms of the relativistic Hartree-Fock scheme into the particle-hole residual interactions are straightforward and robust.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, Proceedings of INPC2013, Florence, Italy, 2-7 June 201