72 research outputs found
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
- 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 Ar, S, and 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 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
Shape Coexistence in Pb186: Beyond-mean-field description by configuration mixing of symmetry restored wave functions
We study shape coexistence in Pb186 using configuration mixing of
angular-momentum and particle-number projected self-consistent mean-field
states. The same Skyrme interaction SLy6 is used everywhere in connection with
a density-dependent zero-range pairing force. The model predicts coexisting
spherical, prolate and oblate 0+ states at low energy.Comment: 5 pages REVTEX4, 4 eps figures, accepted by Phys. Lett. B. Revised
version with some polishing of the text without changing its conten
The nuclear energy density functional formalism
The present document focuses on the theoretical foundations of the nuclear
energy density functional (EDF) method. As such, it does not aim at reviewing
the status of the field, at covering all possible ramifications of the approach
or at presenting recent achievements and applications. The objective is to
provide a modern account of the nuclear EDF formalism that is at variance with
traditional presentations that rely, at one point or another, on a {\it
Hamiltonian-based} picture. The latter is not general enough to encompass what
the nuclear EDF method represents as of today. Specifically, the traditional
Hamiltonian-based picture does not allow one to grasp the difficulties
associated with the fact that currently available parametrizations of the
energy kernel at play in the method do not derive from a genuine
Hamilton operator, would the latter be effective. The method is formulated from
the outset through the most general multi-reference, i.e. beyond mean-field,
implementation such that the single-reference, i.e. "mean-field", derives as a
particular case. As such, a key point of the presentation provided here is to
demonstrate that the multi-reference EDF method can indeed be formulated in a
{\it mathematically} meaningful fashion even if does {\it not} derive
from a genuine Hamilton operator. In particular, the restoration of symmetries
can be entirely formulated without making {\it any} reference to a projected
state, i.e. within a genuine EDF framework. However, and as is illustrated in
the present document, a mathematically meaningful formulation does not
guarantee that the formalism is sound from a {\it physical} standpoint. The
price at which the latter can be enforced as well in the future is eventually
alluded to.Comment: 64 pages, 8 figures, submitted to Euroschool Lecture Notes in Physics
Vol.IV, Christoph Scheidenberger and Marek Pfutzner editor
Crowdsourcing, Citizen Science or Volunteered Geographic Information? The Current State of Crowdsourced Geographic Information
Citizens are increasingly becoming an important source of geographic information, sometimes entering domains that had until recently been the exclusive realm of authoritative agencies. This activity has a very diverse character as it can, amongst other things, be active or passive, involve spatial or aspatial data and the data provided can be variable in terms of key attributes such as format, description and quality. Unsurprisingly, therefore, there are a variety of terms used to describe data arising from citizens. In this article, the expressions used to describe citizen sensing of geographic information are reviewed and their use over time explored, prior to categorizing them and highlighting key issues in the current state of the subject. The latter involved a review of ~100 Internet sites with particular focus on their thematic topic, the nature of the data and issues such as incentives for contributors. This review suggests that most sites involve active rather than passive contribution, with citizens typically motivated by the desire to aid a worthy cause, often receiving little training. As such, this article provides a snapshot of the role of citizens in crowdsourcing geographic information and a guide to the current status of this rapidly emerging and evolving subject
Decoherence as a Signature of an Excited State Quantum Phase Transition in Two Level Boson Systems
Relativistic Mean Field Model with Generalized Derivative Nucleon-Meson Couplings
The quantum hadrodynamics (QHD) model with minimal nucleon-meson couplings is
generalized by introducing couplings of mesons to derivatives of the nucleon
field in the Lagrangian density. This approach allows an effective description
of a state-dependent in-medium interaction in the mean-field approximation.
Various parametrizations for the generalized couplings are developed and
applied to infinite nuclear matter. In this approach, scalar and vector
self-energies depend on both density and momentum similarly as in the
Dirac-Brueckner theory. The Schr\"{o}diger-equivalent optical potential is much
less repulsive at high nucleon energies as compared to standard relativistic
mean field models and thus agrees better with experimental findings. The
derivative couplings in the extended model have significant effects on
properties of symmetric nuclear matter and neutron matter.Comment: 35 pages, 1 table, 10 figure
Ethnic differences in cancer symptom awareness and barriers to seeking medical help in England
Background: Ethnic differences in cancer symptom awareness and barriers to seeking medical help in the English population are not fully understood. We aimed to quantify these differences, to help develop more effective health campaigns, tailored to the needs of different ethnic groups.
Methods: Using a large national data set (n=38492) of cross-sectional surveys that used the Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Measure, we examined how cancer symptom awareness and barriers varied by ethnicity, controlling for socio-economic position, age and gender. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression.
Results: Awareness of cancer symptoms was lower in minority ethnic groups than White participants, with the lowest awareness observed among Bangladeshis and Black Africans. Ethnic minorities were more likely than White British to report barriers to helpseeking. South Asians reported the highest emotional barriers, such as lack of confidence to talk to the doctor, and practical barriers, such as worry about many other things. The Irish were more likely than the White British to report practical barriers, such as being too busy to visit a doctor. White British participants were more likely than any other ethnic group to report that they would feel worried about wasting the doctor’s time. Overall, Black Africans had the lowest barriers. All differences were statistically significant (P<0.01 level), after controlling for confounders.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest the need for culturally sensitive and targeted health campaigns, focused on improving recognition of cancer symptoms among ethnic minorities. Campaigns should tackle the specific barriers prevalent in each ethnic group
Ambient light induced antibacterial action of curcumin/graphene nanomesh hybrids
Curcumin and its derivates are well-known for their different biological activities including antibacterial. On the other hand there are controversial reports concerning the antibacterial potential of graphene and, in particular, graphene oxide. In this study we have reported for the first time the antibacterial activity of curcumin/graphene nanomesh hybrids under ambient light conditions. The graphene nanomesh was synthesized by electrochemical exfoliation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite in 1 M solution of ammonium persulfate and further functionalized by curcumin. Identical values of minimum inhibitory concentration (1 mg mL(-1)) were determined for pure curcumin and curcumin/graphene nanomesh hybrids toward Staphylococcus aureus. All tested samples had more pronounced antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus compared to Escherichia coli as a representative of Gram negative strains. The poor antibacterial potential of exfoliated graphene improves significantly by the functionalization with curcumin, which allows for its usage as a antibacterial coating
Biofortified Maize Improves Selenium Status of Women and Children in a Rural Community in Malawi: Results of the Addressing Hidden Hunger With Agronomy Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Selenium deficiency is widespread in the Malawi population. The selenium concentration in maize, the staple food crop of Malawi, can be increased by applying selenium-enriched fertilizers. It is unknown whether this strategy, called agronomic biofortification, is effective at alleviating selenium deficiency.
Objectives: The aim of the Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial was to determine whether consumption of maize flour, agronomically-biofortified with selenium, affected the serum selenium concentrations of women, and children in a rural community setting.
Design: An individually-randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial wasconducted in rural Malawi. Participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either intervention maize flour biofortified with selenium through application of selenium fertilizer, or control maize flour not biofortified with selenium. Participant households
received enough flour to meet the typical consumption of all household members (330 g capita−1 day−1) for a period of 8 weeks. Baseline and endline serum selenium concentration (the primary outcome) was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Results: One woman of reproductive age (WRA) and one school-aged child (SAC) from each of 180 households were recruited and households were randomized to each group. The baseline demographic and socioeconomic status of participants were well-balanced between arms. No serious adverse events were reported. In the intervention arm, mean (standard deviation) serum selenium concentration increased over the intervention period from 57.6 (17.0) μg L−1 (n = 88) to 107.9 (16.4) μg L−1 (n = 88) among WRA and from 46.4 (14.8) μg L−1 (n = 86) to 97.1 (16.0) μg L−1 (n = 88) among SAC. There was no evidence of change in serum selenium concentration in the control groups
Conclusion: Consumption of maize flour biofortified through application of selenium-enriched fertilizer increased selenium status in this community providing strong proof of principle that agronomic biofortification could be an effective approach to address selenium deficiency in Malawi and similar settings.
Clinical Trial Registration http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN85899451, identifier:
ISRCTN85899451
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