On the anomalous mass defect of strange stars in the Field Correlator Method

We investigate general aspects of the mass defects of strange stars in the context of the Field Correlator Method, without magnetic field. The main parameters of the model that enter the corresponding nonperturbative equation of state of the quark gluon plasma are the gluon condensate $G_2$ and the large distance static $Q{\bar Q}$ potential $V_1$. We calculate mass defects of stellar configurations in the central density range $11<\log\rho_c<18$. In general, the mass defects are strongly dependent on the model parameters. For a large range of values of $G_2$ and $V_1$, we obtain anomalous mass defects with magnitudes around $10^{53}\,$erg\,, of the same order of the observed energies of gamma-ray bursts and neutrino emissions in SN1987A, and of the theoretically predicted energies of the quark-novae explosions.Comment: 24 pages, 6 figure

Strange stars properties calculated in the framework of the Field Correlator Method

We calculate the strange star properties in the framework of the Field Correlator Method. We find that for the values of the gluon condensate $G_2=0.006\;{\rm GeV}^4$ and $G_2=0.0068\;{\rm GeV}^4$, which give a critical temperature $T_c\sim170\;{\rm MeV}$ at $\mu_c=0$, the sequences of strange stars are compatible with some of the semi-empirical mass-radius relations and data obtained from astrophysical observations.Comment: 26 pages, 10 figure

Optimal alarm systems for count processes

In many phenomena described by stochastic processes, the implementation of an alarm system becomes fundamental to predict the occurrence of future events. In this work we develop an alarm system to predict whether a count process will upcross a certain level and give an alarm whenever the upcrossing level is predicted. We consider count models with parameters being functions of covariates of interest and varying on time. This article presents classical and Bayesian methodology for producing optimal alarm systems. Both methodologies are illustrated and their performance compared through a simulation study. The work finishes with an empirical application to a set of data concerning the number of sunspot on the surface of the sun

Geomorphological heritage assessment: a methodology proposal

A metodologia de avaliação de património geomorfológico que é agora proposta, foi desenvolvida e aplicada no Parque Natural de Montesinho, no âmbito de um projecto dedicado ao património geológico dos parques naturais do NE de Portugal. Pretende-se que esta metodologia de avaliação possa ser adoptada em outras áreas, independentemente das suas características e dimensão. Esta metodologia baseia-se em três tipos de “objectos” com valor geomorfológico: locais isolados, áreas e miradouros. A avaliação é realizada em duas etapas principais, a inventariação e a quantificação, suportadas pela caracterização geomorfológica da área em análise. Na etapa da inventariação, após a identificação dos locais potenciais é feita a sua avaliação qualitativa e a selecção dos locais de interesse geomorfológico, os quais são caracterizados. A quantificação consiste na pontuação dos critérios relativos ao valor geomorfológico e ao valor de gestão. Estes resultados permitem a comparação e a seriação final.During the last years, the geomorphological heritage of Montesinho Natural Park was assessed, in the scope of a research project on the geological heritage of the Natural Parks of NE Portugal. The assessment methodology proposed considers three types of geomorphosites and two main stages. Geomorphosites can be single places, areas and panoramic viewpoints. The two main stages are the inventory and the quantification. The inventory includes the identification and the qualitative assessment of potential geomorphosites and therefore the selection and characterization of geomorphosites. The quantification stage includes the numerical assessment and the final ranking. Geomorphological (scientific, ecological, cultural and aesthetic) and management (protection and use) values are numerically assessed using selected criteria.Centro de Estudos Geográficos, Universidade de Lisboa.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)

Geomorphosite assessment in Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal)

The Montesinho Natural Park (MNP), with an area of about 750 km2, is one of the largest protected areas in Portugal. Since its inauguration as a natural park in 1979, geological and geomorphological aspects have not been taken into consideration in its nature conservation policies. Over the last few years, this deficit has been compensated with an assessment of its geomorphological heritage. The assessment was made possible due to a research project on the geological heritage of the natural parks of north-eastern Portugal. The assessment method propagated herein proposes a clear definition of three types of geomorphosites: single places, geomorphological areas or panoramic viewpoints. Further, it proposes as two-staged approach to assessment with inventory compilation followed by quantification of value. Inventory compilation, for example, involves the identification and qualitative assessment of potential geomorphosites and, therefore, the selection and characterization of geomorphosites. The quantification stage includes the numerical assessment of sites and their final ranking. The values are numerically assessed using selected criteria. The implementation of this approach in the MNP led to the identification of 154 potential geomorphosites, of which only 26 were selected after the qualitative assessment or characterisation process. The numerical assessment of the sites and their ranking allowed a final selection of 13 sites for public use.(undefined

L’approccio del patrimonio geomorfologico nelle aree protette: geoconservazione contro geoturismo nei parchi naturali portoghesi

Artigo bilingue, em inglês e italianoAs in many other countries, geology and geomorphology are absent from the majority of the Portuguese protected areas statutes. These areas could be places to protect landforms as a significant component of the natural heritage. However, joining the preservation effort to some ecotourism activities or other human activities could damage or even destroy geomorphological sites. During the last decade, multidisciplinary projects were developed in protected areas from Northern Portugal, with special emphasis in supporting geoconservation strategies and making available products for public advertising of geological and geomorphological features. This paper shows the results of our activities on Montesinho Natural Park (PNM) and International Douro Natural Park (PNDI). Deliverables are being made available to protected areas managers as scientific support for management plans. Other products and initiatives have been implemented in order to raise public awareness of geodiversity and geoconservation and also to improve geotouristic offer. These products are developed in dialogue with park managers who can include them in management plans. Preserving geomorphological sites and making them public at the same time can be possible in protected areas. This approach can be applied to other protected areas with positive results.Come in molti paesi, la geologia e la geomorfologia sono praticamente assenti dagli statuti delle aree protette del Portogallo. Queste aree potrebbero essere luoghi dove proteggere le forme del rilievo come componenti significative del patrimonio naturale. Tuttavia, gli sforzi per la conservazione unitamente ad alcune attività di ecoturismo o ad altre attività antropiche possono danneggiare o addirittura distruggere i beni geomorfologici. Durante l’ultimo decennio, sono stati sviluppati progetti multidisciplinari in aree protette del nord del Portogallo, ponendo particolare attenzione alle strategie di geoconservazione e sviluppando prodotti per divulgare ad un pubblico vasto le caratteristiche geologiche e geomorfologiche del paesaggio. In questo articolo vengono illustrati i risultati delle attività svolte nel Parco Naturale del Montesinho (PNM) e nel Parco naturale internazionale del (PNDI). Una documentazione appropriata è stata fornita alle aree protette come supporto scientifico ai loro piani di gestione. Sono stati inoltre sviluppati prodotti ed iniziative con lo scopo di aumentare la sensibilità del grande pubblico ai temi della geodiversità e della geoconservazione ed anche per migliorare l’offerta per un turismo geologico. Questi prodotti sono stati realizzati di concerto con i parchi e talvolta sono stati inseriti nei piani di gestione. Conservare i beni geomorfologici e renderli allo stesso tempo fruibili ai turisti è infatti possibile nelle aree protette. Questo approccio può essere applicato ad altre aree protette con risultati positivi

Unidades geomorfológicas e “áreas homogéneas” no Parque Natural de Montesinho

A paisagem no Parque Natural de Montesinho (PNM) é caracterizada por diversos elementos naturais e culturais, mas são sobretudo os de natureza geomorfológica que mais individualizam sectorialmente o parque. A litologia e a tectónica são as condicionantes principais da morfologia actual na área do PNM. Com os trabalhos de caracterização definiram-se como unidades geomorfológicas fundamentais do PNM: as serras; as superfícies de aplanamento; a depressão tectónica a norte de Bragança; os vales fluviais. Relacionados com estas unidades identificaram-se os principais elementos morfológicos da paisagem: aplanamentos a várias altitudes; relevos residuais; modelado granítico de pormenor; depressão tectónica a norte de Bragança; cristas e vertentes assimétricas em xistos; vales profundos; elementos geoculturais. Com base nesses factores, identificaram-se como “áreas homogéneas” no PNM: i) Quintanilha-Maçãs; ii) Alta Lombada; iii) Baixa Lombada; iv) Onor; v) Montesinho, vi) Escusanha-Soutelo; vii) Espinhosela-Mofreita; viii) Moimenta; ix) Coroa-Vinhais; x) Rabaçal-Assureira; xi) Pinheiros-Igrejinha; xii) Lomba; xiii) MenteMontesinho Natural Park (PNM) is characterised by a high diversity on natural and cultural elements although geomorphological features are the most impressive in the landscape. Lithology and tectonics are the main factors for landforms genesis in the PNM. The geomorphological characterisation supported the definition of the geomorphological units in PNM: mountains; erosion surfaces; tectonic basin at the north of Bragança; fluvial valleys. Related with these, the more representative geomorphological aspects on the landscape were identified: erosion surfaces; quartzitic ridges; granite landforms; tectonic basin; schist crests and asymmetric slopes; canyon valleys; cultural landforms. According o these elements, the following “homogenous areas” are proposed: i) Quintanilha-Maçãs; ii) Alta Lombada; iii) Baixa Lombada; iv) Onor; v) Montesinho, vi) Escusanha-Soutelo; vii) Espinhosela-Mofreita; viii) Moimenta; ix) Coroa-Vinhais; x) Rabaçal-Assureira; xi) Pinheiros-Igrejinha; xii) Lomba; xiii) Mente