Can type II Semi-local cosmic strings form?

We present the simplest possible model for a semi-local string defect in which a U(1) gauged subgroup of an otherwise global SU(2) is broken to produce local cosmic strings endowed with current-carrying properties. Restricting attention to type II vortices for which the non current-carrying state is unstable, we show that a condensate must form microscopically and macroscopically evolve towards a chiral configuration. It has been suggested that such configurations could potentially exist in a stable state, thereby inducing large cosmological consequences based on equilibrium angular momentum supported loop configurations (vortons). Here we show that the current itself induces a macroscopic (longitudinal) instability: we conclude that type II semi-local cosmic strings cannot form in a cosmological context.Comment: 11 pages, 5 figure

Antecedents of customer loyalty in residential energy markets: Service quality, satisfaction, trust and switching costs

A conceptual framework is proposed that analyses the effect of perceived service quality, customer satisfaction, trust in the energy provider and perceived switching costs on customer loyalty in residential energy markets. Three distinct dimensions of perceived service quality are identified: technical quality of core services, technical quality of peripheral services and service process quality (functional service quality). The proposed model is tested within the scope of a representative survey of Spanish residential energy customers. Regarding the dimensions of service quality, the results indicate significant effects only of service process quality on satisfaction and, indirectly, on customer loyalty. Loyalty effects of further variables in the model are significant

Exploring Several Limitations to the Adaptation of Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis Planch. and A. deliciosa A. Chev.) as a New Potential Specialty Crop in Texas

The feasibility of commercial kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis Planch. and A. deliciosa A. Chev.) production in Texas was investigated through three applied studies focusing on perceived key limitations to the adaptation of this crop. The response of two-year-old field-grown kiwifruit plants to early autumn frost was documented with respect to species, cultivar, and propagation method. A. deliciosa plants sustained significantly greater damage as compared to A. chinensis, with a propensity for basal injury and cracking proving to be unique to the former species. Among individual cultivars, A. deliciosa ‘AU Authur’ and ‘AU Fitzgerald’ exhibited the most severe damage, whereas A. chinensis Zespri Gold™ seedlings sustained the least. A growth chamber-based study was conducted to compare floral and vegetative responses of two pistillate kiwifruit cultivars to continuously supplied winter chilling and warm temperature interrupted chilling at six weekly chilling increments using detached fruiting canes. A. deliciosa ‘AU Fitzgerald’ demonstrated evidence of chilling negation by warm temperature interruption as indicated by reduced floral activity at the two highest chilling levels imposed, whereas A. chinensis ‘AU Golden Dragon’ did not appear susceptible to chilling negation by intermittent warm winter temperatures, as are typical in southeastern Texas. Vegetative development showed no response to type of chilling. The response of field-grown kiwifruit plants to contrasting soil pH conditions was evaluated to assess the effect of soil alkalinity on species, cultivar, and propagation method and to identify putative physiological and nutritional mechanisms involved. Soil alkalinity resulted in a greater incidence and intensity of visual chlorosis symptoms and reduced vigor, but was not associated with inhibited physiological responses such as photosynthesis. Chlorosis varied by species, propagation method, and cultivar, with more severe symptoms observed in A. chinensis, as a species and among clonally propagated plants. A. deliciosa ‘AU Authur’ and A. chinensis ‘AU Golden Dragon’ exhibited the least and most severe chlorosis symptoms, respectively among cultivars. Development of chlorosis was associated with inadequate leaf tissue concentrations of iron, manganese, and copper, with no indication of iron inactivation in shoot tissue. All factors assessed in this research are expected to pose serious limitations to the commercialization of this crop

Heritability and Phenotypic Correlations in Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]

Fifteen peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] horticultural and fruit quality traits were evaluated for two years at Fowler, CA and one year at College Station, TX to estimate heritability and phenotypic correlations. Seedlings from nine F1 families along with parents used in crosses, were budded onto ‘Nemaguard’ rootstocks for evaluation. An all random effects model (REML) was used to estimate variance components and a multivariate model was used to estimate phenotypic correlations between traits. High and moderate to high heritability was estimated for bloom date (h^(2) = 0.62) and fruit ground color (h^(2) = 0.50), while ripe date, fruit development period (FDP), fruit weight, red in the flesh, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity (TA), and pit weight showed low narrow sense heritability (h^(2) = 0.05-0.24). These traits with low narrow sense heritability had moderate to high broad sense (H^(2)) heritability, indicating an important non-additive genetic component. Intermediate values of heritability (h^(2) = 0.38 – 0.46) were found for pubescence, blush, fruit diameter, fruit tip, and fruit shape. Two major genes had effects on additive heritability. Nectarine had a direct effect on heritability of fruit pubescence, while pantao shape and nectarine had pleiotropic effects on fruit diameter, resulting in higher estimates for both of these traits. Several traits (fruit red blush, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit tip, fruit shape, and fruit ground color, red in the flesh, fruit firmness, and soluble solids) were strongly affected by genotype by environmental interaction. Most traits exhibited substantial variability, which should allow for genetic improvement. Ripening date was strongly correlated (r = 0.94) with FDP, while bloom date was negatively correlated with FDP (r = -0.45) and fruit tip (r = -0.40). Ripening date and FDP were moderately correlated with fruit weight (r = 0.54, r = 0.50) and fruit diameter (r = 0.46, r = 0.45). Both measures of fruit size were strongly correlated (r = 0.77). Soluble solids was somewhat weakly correlated with ripening date and FDP (r = 0.32, r = 0.33). Pit weight was moderately correlated with FDP, fruit weight, and fruit diameter (r = 0.33, r = 0.51, r = 0.31, respectively)

Smart Urban Governance for Climate Change Adaptation

Climate change will affect the way cities work substantially. Flooding and urban heating are among the most tangible consequences in cities around the globe. Extreme hydro-meteorological events will likely increase in the future due to climate change. Making cities climate-resilient is therefore an urgent challenge to sustain urban living. To adapt cities to the consequences of climate change, new ideas and concepts need to be adopted. This oftentimes requires action from different stakeholder groups and citizens. In other words, climate adaptation of cities needs governance. Facilitating such urban governance for climate adaptation is thus a big and increasing challenge of urban planning. Smart tools and its embedding in smart urban governance is promising to help in this respect. To what extent can the use of digital knowledge technologies in a collaborative planning setting be instrumental in facilitating climate adaptation? This question entails visualising effects of climate adaptation interventions and facilitating dialogue between governments, businesses such as engineering companies, and citizens. The aim of this thematic issue is to explore how the application of technologies in urban planning, embedded in smart urban governance, can contribute to provide climate change adaptation. We understand smart urban governance in this context both in terms of disclosing technical expert information to the wider public, and in terms of supporting with the help of technologies the wider governance debates between the stakeholders involved. The contributions reflect this dual focus on socio-technical innovations and planning support, and therefore include various dimensions, from modelling and interacting to new modes of urban governance and political dimensions of using technologies in climate change adaptation in urban areas