116 research outputs found
Comments on alternative calculations of the broadening of spectral lines of neutral sodium by H-atom collisions
With the exception of the sodium D-lines recent calculations of line
broadening cross-sections for several multiplets of sodium by Leininger et al
(2000) are in substantial disagreement with cross-sections interpolated from
the tables of Anstee and O'Mara (1995) and Barklem and O'Mara (1997). The
discrepancy is as large as a factor of three for the 3p-4d multiplet. The two
theories are tested by using the results of each to synthesize lines in the
solar spectrum. It is found that generally the data from the theory of Anstee,
Barklem and O'Mara produce the best match to the observed solar spectrum. It is
found, using a simple model for reflection of the optical electron by the
potential barrier between the two atoms, that the reflection coefficient is too
large for avoided crossings with the upper states of subordinate lines to
contribute to line broadening, supporting the neglect of avoided ionic
crossings by Anstee, Barklem and O'Mara for these lines. The large
discrepancies between the two sets of calculations is a result of an
approximate treatment of avoided ionic crossings for these lines by Leininger
et al (2000).Comment: 18 pages, 5 ps figures included, to appear in J Phys B: At. Mol. Opt.
Phy
Nestedness of Ectoparasite-Vertebrate Host Networks
Determining the structure of ectoparasite-host networks will enable disease ecologists to better understand and predict the spread of vector-borne diseases. If these networks have consistent properties, then studying the structure of well-understood networks could lead to extrapolation of these properties to others, including those that support emerging pathogens. Borrowing a quantitative measure of network structure from studies of mutualistic relationships between plants and their pollinators, we analyzed 29 ectoparasite-vertebrate host networks—including three derived from molecular bloodmeal analysis of mosquito feeding patterns—using measures of nestedness to identify non-random interactions among species. We found significant nestedness in ectoparasite-vertebrate host lists for habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to polar environments. These networks showed non-random patterns of nesting, and did not differ significantly from published estimates of nestedness from mutualistic networks. Mutualistic and antagonistic networks appear to be organized similarly, with generalized ectoparasites interacting with hosts that attract many ectoparasites and more specialized ectoparasites usually interacting with these same “generalized” hosts. This finding has implications for understanding the network dynamics of vector-born pathogens. We suggest that nestedness (rather than random ectoparasite-host associations) can allow rapid transfer of pathogens throughout a network, and expand upon such concepts as the dilution effect, bridge vectors, and host switching in the context of nested ectoparasite-vertebrate host networks
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Characterization of calculation of in-situ retardation factors of contaminant transport using naturally-radionuclides and rock/water interaction occurring U-Series disequilibria timescales. 1997 annual progress report
'The research is directed toward a quantitative assessment of contaminant transport rates in fracture-rock systems using uranium-series radionuclides. Naturally occurring uranium-and thorium-series radioactive disequilibria will provide information on the rates of adsorption-desorption and transport of radioactive contaminants as well as on fluid transport and rock dissolution in a natural setting. This study will also provide an improved characterization of preferential flow and contaminant transport at the Idaho Environmental and Engineering Lab. (INEEL) site. To a lesser extent, the study will include rocks in the unsaturated zone. The authors will produce a realistic model of radionuclide migration under unsaturated and saturated field conditions at the INEEL site, taking into account the retardation processes involved in the rock/water interaction. The major tasks are to (1) determine the natural distribution of U, Th, Pa and Ra isotopes in rock minerals. sorbed phases on the rocks, and in fluids from both saturated and unsaturated zones at the site, and (2) study rock/water interaction processes using U/Th series disequilibrium and a statistical analysis-based model for the Geologic heterogeneity plays an important role in transporting contaminants in fractured rocks. Preferential flow paths in the fractured rocks act as a major pathway for transport of radioactive contaminants in groundwaters. The weathering/dissolution of rock by groundwater also influences contaminant mobility. Thus, it is important to understand the hydrogeologic features of the site and their impact on the migration of radioactive contaminants. In this regard, quantification of the rock weathering/dissolution rate and fluid residence time from the observed decay-series disequilibria will be valuable. By mapping the spatial distribution of the residence time of groundwater in fractured rocks, the subsurface preferential flow paths (with high rock permeability and short fluid residence time) can be determined.
Shifts in education policy, administration and governance in Guyana 1831 - 2017; seeking an ‘A political’ agenda for equity and renewal
Taking a socio-historiographical approach and reading the paper through
Hodgson and Spours political eras, the paper reveals five education policy-eras in
Guyana. First 1831- 1953; British Imperialist rule trafficked slaves from Africa to
Guyana. Emancipated slaves in 1838 were replaced by indentured Indian labourers
shipped to Guyana by the British. The White elite predominantly educated the
White elite. Second 1953 - 1963; state education offered different entitlements to
different groups inducing fear, mistrust and violence. Third 1964 - 1980;
Independence from British rule increased extreme political turbulence. A
weakened global and national economy was blamed on teachers for not delivering
a skilled labour force. Fourth 1981 - 2002; the economy improved but political
turbulence prevented developing cosmopolitan citizens’ and migrants’ skills for
their local economies. Fifth 2003 - 2017; internationally funded strategic-plans
supported increased international interests in: legal and illegal trading of Guyana’s
resources; Guyana’s labour force; mobility of production. Throughout these eras
education policies have been frustrated by market force, trafficking people,
corruption, political turbulence and a lack of equitable participation in state
constitutions and institutions. A new ‘Theory of Equity for Cosmopolitan Citizens’
is presented, requiring proof of concept with nation-states with growing migrant
populations
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