Spontaneous vectorization of electrically charged black holes

In this work, we generalise the spontaneous scalarization phenomena in Einstein-Maxwell-Scalar models to a higher spin field. The result is an Einstein-Maxwell-Vector model wherein a vector field is non-minimally coupled to the Maxwell invariant by an exponential coupling function. We show that the latter guarantees the circumvention of an associated no-hair theorem when the vector field has the form of an electric field. Different than its scalar counterpart, the new spontaneously vectorized ReissnerNordstr¨om (RN) black holes are, always, undercharged while being entropically preferable. The solution profile and domain of existence are presented and analysed.publishe

Effect of vanadium and carbon content on the sinterability of water atomised high speed steel powders

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the sintering behaviour of three vanadium enriched variants of T42 high-speed steel. Powders were prepared by water atomization with vanadium and carbon contents of 6-8 wt% and 2.2 -2.7 wt%, respectively. These were annealed, die pressed and sintered in vacuum. All three alloys were sintered to full density giving "as-sintered" microstructures comprising globular MC carbides dispersed in a martensitic matrix. Optimum sintering temperatures were in the range 1240-1250 degrees C with lower optimum temperatures associated with higher carbon levels. Sintering characteristics are correlated with phase diagrams calculated using ThermoCalc (TM) software and TCFe2000 database. The implications for the design of sinterable vanadium containing high-speed steels are discussed

Electromagnetic dual Einstein-Maxwell-scalar models

Electromagnetic duality is discussed in the context of Einstein-Maxwell-scalar (EMS) models including axionic-type couplings. This family of models introduces two non-minimal coupling functions $f(\phi)$ and $g(\phi)$, depending on a real scalar field $\phi$. Interpreting the scalar field as a medium, one naturally defines constitutive relations as in relativistic non-linear electrodynamics. Requiring these constitutive relations to be invariant under the $SO(2)$ electromagnetic duality rotations of Maxwell's theory, defines 1-parameter, closed $\textit{duality orbits}$ in the space of EMS models, connecting different electromagnetic fields in "dual" models with different coupling functions, but leaving both the scalar field and the spacetime geometry invariant. This mapping works as a solution generating technique, extending any given solution of a specific model to a (different) solution for any of the dual models along the whole duality orbit. We illustrate this technique by considering the duality orbits seeded by specific EMS models wherein solitonic and black hole solutions are known. For dilatonic models, specific rotations are equivalent to $S$-duality.Comment: 18 pages, 1 figur

Scalaroca stars: coupled scalar-Proca solitons

We construct and explore the physical properties of \textit{scalaroca stars}: spherically symmetric solitonic solutions made of a complex scalar field $\Phi$ and a complex Proca field $A^\mu$. We restrict our attention to configurations in which both fields are in the fundamental state and possess an equal mass, focusing on the cases when ($i$) the scalar and Proca fields are (non--linearly) super--imposed and do not interact with each other; and ($ii$) the scalar and Proca fields interact through the term $\alpha |\Phi| ^2 A^\mu A_\mu$. The solutions are found numerically for the non--interacting case ($\alpha=0$) as well as for both signs of the interaction coupling constant $\alpha$. While pure ($i.e.$ single--field) Proca/scalar boson stars are the most/least massive for weakly--interacting fields, one can obtain more massive solutions for a sufficiently strong interaction. Besides, in the latter case, solutions can be either in a synchronized state -- in which both fields have the same frequency -- or in a non--synchronized state. In addition, we observe that the coupling between the two fields allows solitonic solutions with a real scalar field. We further comment on the possibility of spontaneous scalarization and vectorization of the interacting solitonic solution.Comment: 21 pages, 13 figures, this project was started before the recently published work ArXiv:2304.0801

Algorithm of dynamic programming for optimization of the global matching between two contours defined by ordered points

This paper presents a new assignment algorithm with order restriction. Our optimization algorithm was developed using dynamic programming. It was implemented and tested to determine the best global matching that preserves the order of the points that define two contours to be matched. In the experimental tests done, we used the affinity matrix obtained via the method proposed by Shapiro, based on geometric modeling and modal matching. \newline The proposed algorithm revealed an optimum performance, when compared with classic assignment algorithms: Hungarian Method, Simplex for Flow Problems and LAPm. Indeed, the quality of the matching improved when compared with these three algorithms, due to the disappearance of crossed matching, which is allowed by the conventional assignment algorithms. Moreover, the computational cost of this algorithm is much lower than the ones of other three, leading to enhanced execution times

Optimization of the global matching between two contours defined by ordered points using an algorithm based on dynamic programming

This paper presents a new assignment algorithm with order restriction, developed using the paradigm of dynamic programming. The algorithm was implemented and tested to determine the best global matching between two sets of points that represent the contours to be matched. In the experimental tests done, we used the affinity matrix obtained via the method proposed by Shapiro based on geometric modeling and modal matching.The proposed algorithm revealed an optimum performance, when compared with the classic assignment algorithms considered in this work: Hungarian method, Simplex for Flow Problems and LAPm. Indeed, the quality of the matching improved when compared with these three algorithms, because the crossed matching, allowed by the conventional assignment algorithms, disappeared. Besides, the computational cost of our algorithm is very low in comparison with the other three, resulting in lesser execution times

Comparação de dois algoritmos genéticos aplicados ao TOP

A recolha seletiva de resíduos sólidos urbanos para reciclagem é um processo dispendioso, especialmente quando realizado em grande escala. Um problema importante neste processo reside na gestão de uma frota, uma vez que atualmente as estratégias utilizadas geralmente têm baixa eficiência. O processo de recolha seletiva de resíduos sólidos urbanos pode ser modelado como um problema de encaminhamento de veículos, em particular como um Problema de Orientação de Equipas (TOP - Team Orienteering Problem). No TOP uma frota de veículos é incumbida de visitar um conjunto selecionado de vértices, de modo a maximizar o luvro total. O objetivo deste trabalho é o de otimizar o processo de recolha selectiva de resíduos sólidos urbanos ao abordar as questões relacionadas com a gestão de uma frota. Isso deve ser alcançado através do desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta de software que implementa um algoritmo genético para resolver o modelo desenvolvido. Neste artigo apresentamos e comparamos dois algoritmos genéticos através de experiências computacionais realizadas com instâncias de teste conhecidas da literatura. O uso de algoritmos genéticos para resolver o TOP mostra ser uma escolha acertada, pois o método é eficiente produzindo bons resultados num tempo aceitável.Fundos FEDER através do Programa Operacional Fatores de Competitividade – COMPETE e por Fundos Nacionais através da FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia no âmbito do Projeto: FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-022674GATOP - Genetic Algorithms for Team Orienteering Problem (Ref PTDC/EME-GIN/ 120761/2010), financiado por fundos nacionais pela FCT / MCTES e co-financiado pelo by the European Social Development Fund (FEDER) through the COMPETE Programa Operacional Fatores de Competitividade (POFC) Ref FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-020609

Rapeseed oil-rich diet alters in vitro menadione and nimesulide hepatic mitochondrial toxicity

Diet-induced changes in the lipid composition of mitochondrial membranes have been shown to influence physiological processes. However, the modulation effect of diet on mitochondrially-active drugs has not yet received the deserved attention. Our hypothesis is that modulation of membrane dynamics by diet impacts drug-effects on liver mitochondrial functioning. In a previous work, we have shown that a diet rich in rapeseed oil altered mitochondrial membrane composition and bioenergetics in Wistar rats. In the present work, we investigated the influence of the modified diet on hepatic mitochondrial activity of two drugs, menadione and nimesulide, and FCCP, a classic protonophore, was used for comparison. The results showed that the effects of menadione and nimesulide were less severe on liver mitochondria for rats fed the modified diet than on rats fed the control diet. A specific effect on complex I seemed to be involved in drug-induced mitochondria dysfunction. Liver mitochondria from the modified diet group were more susceptible to nimesulide effects on MPT induction. The present work demonstrates that diet manipulation aimed at modifying mitochondrial membrane properties alters the toxicity of mitochondria active agents. This work highlights that diet may potentiate mitochondrial pharmacologic effects or increase drug-induced liabilities.The project was supported by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) with FEDER/COMPETE/National Budget funds (research grants PTDC/QUI-QUI/101409/2008 to P.J.O., PTDC/QUI-BIQ/103001/2008 to A.S.J. and PEst-C/SAU/LA0001/ 2013-2014 to the CNC). J.P.M. and A.M.S acknowledge FCT for Ph.D. grants SFRH/BD/37626/2007 and PTDC/AGR-ALI/108326/ 2008 respectively

Meretoja's Syndrome: Lattice Corneal Dystrophy, Gelsolin Type

Lattice corneal dystrophy gelsolin type was first described in 1969 by Jouko Meretoja, a Finnish ophthalmologist. It is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation in gelsolin gene resulting in unstable protein fragments and amyloid deposition in various organs. The age of onset is usually after the third decade of life and typical diagnostic triad includes progressive bilateral facial paralysis, loose skin, and lattice corneal dystrophy. We report a case of a 53-year-old female patient referred to our Department of Ophthalmology by severe dry eye and incomplete eyelid closure. She had severe bilateral facial paresis, significant orbicularis, and perioral sagging as well as hypoesthesia of extremities and was diagnosed with Meretoja's syndrome at the age of 50, confirmed by the presence of gelsolin mutation. At our observation she had bilateral diminished tear film break-up time and Schirmer test, diffuse keratitis, corneal opacification, and neovascularization in the left eye. She was treated with preservative-free lubricants and topical cyclosporine, associated with nocturnal complete occlusion of both eyes, and underwent placement of lacrimal punctal plugs. Ocular symptoms are the first to appear and our role as ophthalmologists is essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of ocular alterations in these patients.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio