Approximate solutions for the skyrmion

We reconsider the Euler-Lagrange equation for the Skyrme model in the hedgehog ansatz and study the analytical properties of the solitonic solution. In view of the lack of a closed form solution to the problem, we work on approximate analytical solutions. We show that Pade approximants are well suited to continue analytically the asymptotic representation obtained in terms of a power series expansion near the origin, obtaining explicit approximate solutions for the Skyrme equations. We improve the approximations by applying the 2-point Pade approximant procedure whereby the exact behaviour at spatial infinity is incorporated. An even better convergence to the exact solution is obtained by introducing a modified form for the approximants. The new representations share the same analytical properties with the exact solution at both small and large values of the radial variable r.Comment: 15 pages, 5 figures. 1 Reference adde

Valoração econômica da perda de solo na cultura de cana-de-açúcar colhida crua e queimada no município de Campos dos Goytacazes.

Este trabalho foi realizado no Município de Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ e teve como objetivo valorar economicamente as perdas de solo em relação aos nutrientes perdidos na cultura de cana-de-açúcar sob dois sistemas distintos de colheita, cana-de-açúcar crua e queimada em áreas de baixada e de tabuleiro. Utilizou-se a Universal Soil Loss Equation ? USLE e o método do custo de reposição de nutrientes, para realizar a estimação econômica das perdas de solo. Os resultados mostram que a taxa de perda de solo da cana-de-açúcar queimada foi quatro vezes maior quando comparada à taxa para cana-de-açúcar colhida crua para ambas as áreas estudadas. O custo de reposição dos nutrientes perdidos no cultivo da cana-de-açúcar sob sistema de colheita com queima prévia apresentou um valor de R$10,53 por hectare, já o custo para área com cana crua foi de R$ 2,61 por hectare em área de baixada e de R$43,59 por hectare para cana queimada e R$ 10,89 para cana crua em tabuleiro. Dessa forma, o sistema de manejo da colheita da cana crua contribui ambientalmente e economicamente para a preservação da fertilidade do solo

Otimização azotada no Capim-elefante para fins energéticos.

Conduziu-se uma experiência não irrigada com um delineamento de blocos casualizados, num esquema de parcelas sub-sub-divididas sob cinco doses de Azoto, quatro de Fósforo e três repetições para cada tratamento, em Alegre (ES), para estimar níveis de adubação das cultivares. Utilizou-se a função de produção para obter o máximo físico e óptimo económico. As cultivares constituíram as parcelas, o fósforo as sub-parcelas e o azoto as sub-sub-parcelas. Observou-se a ausência de significância para o fósforo e para as suas interações. E significância para os outros fatores. Realizou-se uma análise envolvendo os fatores Genótipo e Azoto por meio do modelo estatístico de parcela sub-sub-dividida. A estimativa da produtividade (t ha-1) obteve um ajuste estatístico significativo (p < 0,05) ao modelo de segunda ordem. Os resultados indicaram respostas positivas na produtividade física em função da adubação azotada. A receita líquida operacional foi positiva para cvs. Guaçu/IZ.2, Cameroon-Piracicaba e Cana DÁfrica, com os respectivos valores R$326,80; R$ 219,54 e R$281,49 sem utilização do azoto, devido ao baixo preço da tonelada do capim (R$ 41,82) e elevado preço da tonelada do azoto (R$ 2.670,00). Conclui-se que há possibilidade de manipular a produção de capim-elefante para fins energéticos sem a utilização da adubação azotada

Oscillatory behaviour on a non-autonomous hybrid SIR-Model

We study the impact of some abstract agent intervention on the disease spread modelled by a SIR-model with linear growth infectivity. The intervention is meant to decrease the infectivity, which are activated by a threshold on the number of infected individuals. The coupled model is represented as a nonlinear non-autonomous hybrid system. Stability and reduction results are obtained using the notions of non-autonomous attractors, Bohl exponents, and dichotomy spectrum. Numerical examples are given where the number of infected individuals can oscillate around a equilibrium point or be a succession of bump functions, which are validated with a tool based on the notion of delta-complete decision procedures for solving satisfiability modulo theories problems over the real numbers and bounded delta-reachability. These findings seem to show that hybrid SIR-models are more flexible than standard models and generate a vast set of solution profiles. It also raises questions regarding the possibility of the agent intervention been somehow responsible for the shape and intensity of future outbreaks.publishe

Agent based modelling helps in understanding the rules by which fibroblasts support keratinocyte colony formation

Background: Autologous keratincoytes are routinely expanded using irradiated mouse fibroblasts and bovine serum for clinical use. With growing concerns about the safety of these xenobiotic materials, it is desirable to culture keratinocytes in media without animal derived products. An improved understanding of epithelial/mesenchymal interactions could assist in this. Methodology/Principal Findings: A keratincyte/fibroblast o-culture model was developed by extending an agent-based keratinocyte colony formation model to include the response of keratinocytes to both fibroblasts and serum. The model was validated by comparison of the in virtuo and in vitro multicellular behaviour of keratinocytes and fibroblasts in single and co-culture in Greens medium. To test the robustness of the model, several properties of the fibroblasts were changed to investigate their influence on the multicellular morphogenesis of keratinocyes and fibroblasts. The model was then used to generate hypotheses to explore the interactions of both proliferative and growth arrested fibroblasts with keratinocytes. The key predictions arising from the model which were confirmed by in vitro experiments were that 1) the ratio of fibroblasts to keratinocytes would critically influence keratinocyte colony expansion, 2) this ratio needed to be optimum at the beginning of the co-culture, 3) proliferative fibroblasts would be more effective than irradiated cells in expanding keratinocytes and 4) in the presence of an adequate number of fibroblasts, keratinocyte expansion would be independent of serum. Conclusions: A closely associated computational and biological approach is a powerful tool for understanding complex biological systems such as the interactions between keratinocytes and fibroblasts. The key outcome of this study is the finding that the early addition of a critical ratio of proliferative fibroblasts can give rapid keratinocyte expansion without the use of irradiated mouse fibroblasts and bovine serum

Los proyectos de inversión pública y su relación con el desarrollo de la actividad turística

The purpose was to understand to what extent the public investment projects carried out are related to the development of tourist activities in the Province of Huánuco - 2015. The method was quantitative, applied, deductive, non-experimental design - cross section, the sample was was made up of 167 PIPs from the study area. The following instruments were taken into account: record cards, electronic reference and observation. Statistical validation was done using Cronbach's alpha, with 96% reliability. Of the total number of PIPs carried out, according to the degree of evaluation of the influence of tourism development, there is a low and medium degree. Of all the projects, according to the evaluations of the degree of influence on the development of tourism, a medium and high degree was obtained. Of all the projects carried out by local governments, according to the evaluation of the degree of influence on the development of tourism, they have a medium and high degree. It is concluded that PIPs influence the growth of tourist activities.El propósito fue comprender en qué medida los Proyecto de Inversión Pública realizados se relacionan en el desarrollo de las actividades turísticas en la Provincia de Huánuco - 2015. El método fue cuantitativa, aplicada, deductiva, de diseño no experimental- corte transversal, la muestra se conformó por 167 PIP de la zona estudio. Se tuvo en cuenta los siguientes instrumentos: las fichas de registros, referencia electrónica y la observación. La validación estadística se dio mediante el alfa de Cronbach, con 96 % de confiabilidad. Del total de PIP realizados, según el grado de evaluación de influencia del desarrollo del turismo, se presenta un grado bajo y medio. Del total de proyectos, según las evaluaciones del grado de influencia en el desarrollo del turismo, se obtuvo un grado medio y alto. Del total de proyectos ejecutados por los gobiernos locales, según la evaluación del grado de influencia en el desarrollo del turismo, tienen un grado medio y alto. Se concluye que los PIP influyen en el crecimiento de las actividades turísticas

Portuguese validation of the Internet Addiction Test: An empirical study

Abstract Background and aims Research into Internet addiction (IA) has increased greatly over the last decade. Despite its various definitions and general lack of consensus regarding its conceptualisation amongst researchers, instruments for measuring this phenomenon have proliferated in a number of countries. There has been little research on IA in Portugal and this may be partly due to the absence of standardised measurement tools for assessing IA. Methods This study attempted to address this issue by adapting a Portuguese version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) via a translation-back translation process and Confirmatory Factor Analysis in a sample of 593 Portuguese students that completed a Portuguese version of the IAT along with questions related to socio-demographic variables. Results The findings suggested that the IAT appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring IA among Portuguese young adults as demonstrated by its satisfactory psychometric properties. However, the present findings also suggest the need to reword and update some of the IAT's items. Prevalence of IA found in the sample was 1.2% and is discussed alongside findings relating to socio-demographic correlates. Limitations and implications of the present study are also discussed. Conclusions The present study calls for a reflection of the IAT while also contributing to a better understanding of the basic aspects of IA in the Portuguese community since many health practitioners are starting to realise that Internet use may pose a risk for some individuals

Biomass energy production in elephant-grass hybrids.

Elephant grass is a forage plant widely spread in Brazil that was initially employed exclusively in the livestock sector as feed for cattle. This grass is characterized by its high productivity and high photosynthetic capacity. In addition to being used as forage, it has shown to be an alternative source of renewable energy. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the morpho-agronomic traits of elephant grass hybrids and their parents for biomass energy production. The experiment was conducted in a randomized-block design with three replicates. The partial diallel was composed of 16 hybrids and two groups (males and females). Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Tukey?s mean comparison test (P < 0.05). Interaction was detected by the F test for the traits dry matter yield, plant height, and leaf width. Based on the mean values, hybrids H11 and H14 seem to be promising for dry matter production for energy purposes. Parent Porto Rico 534-B can be indicated in breeding programs