Particle creation in a f(R) theory with cosmological constraints

In this paper we study the creation of super-massive real scalar particles in the framework of a $f(R)=R-\beta/R^n$ modified gravity theory, with parameters constrained by observational data. The analysis is restrict to a homogeneous and isotropic flat and radiation dominated universe. We compare the results to the standard Einstein gravity with cosmological constant ($\Lambda CDM$ model), and we show that the total number density of created particles in the $f(R)$ model is very close to the standard case. Another interesting result is that the spectrum of created particles is $\beta$ independent at early times.Comment: To appear in the General Relativity and Gravitation. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1108.334

A model for structural defects in nanomagnets

A model for describing structural pointlike defects in nanoscaled ferromagnetic materials is presented. Its details are explicitly developed whenever interacting with a vortex-like state comprised in a thin nanodisk. Among others, our model yields results for the vortex equilibrium position under the influence of several defects along with an external magnetic field in good qualitative agreement with experiments. We also discuss how such defects may affect the vortex motion, like its gyrotropic oscillation and dynamical polarization reversal.Comment: 8 pages, resubmitted to Journal of Applied Physic

Testing the Hypothesis of Contagion using Multivariate Volatility Models

The aim of this paper is to test whether or not there was evidence of contagion across the various financial crises that assailed some countries in the 1990s. Data on sovereign debt bonds for Brazil, Mexico, Russia and Argentina were used to implement the test. The contagion hypothesis is tested using multivariate volatility models. If there is any evidence of structural break in volatility that can be linked to financial crises, the contagion hypothesis will be confirmed. Results suggest that there is evidence in favor of the contagion hypothesisContagion, Multivariate Volatility Models

A Review of Indigenous Food Crops in Africa and the Implications for more Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems

Indigenous and traditional foods crops (ITFCs) have multiple uses within society, and most notably have an important role to play in the attempt to diversify the food in order to enhance food and nutrition security. However, research suggests that the benefits and value of indigenous foods within the South African and the African context have not been fully understood and synthesized. Their potential value to the African food system could be enhanced if their benefits were explored more comprehensively. This synthesis presents a literature review relating to underutilized indigenous crop species and foods in Africa. It organizes the findings into four main contributions, nutritional, environmental, economic, and social-cultural, in line with key themes of a sustainable food system framework. It also goes on to unpack the benefits and challenges associated with ITFCs under these themes. A major obstacle is that people are not valuing indigenous foods and the potential benefit that can be derived from using them is thus neglected. Furthermore, knowledge is being lost from one generation to the next, with potentially dire implications for long-term sustainable food security. The results show the need to recognize and enable indigenous foods as a key resource in ensuring healthy food systems in the African continent