568 research outputs found
Fluctuations of radiation from a chaotic laser below threshold
Radiation from a chaotic cavity filled with gain medium is considered. A set
of coupled equations describing the photon density and the population of gain
medium is proposed and solved. The spectral distribution and fluctuations of
the radiation are found. The full noise is a result of a competition between
positive correlations of photons with equal frequencies (due to stimulated
emission and chaotic scattering) which increase fluctuations, and a suppression
due to interaction with a gain medium which leads to negative correlations
between photons. The latter effect is responsible for a pronounced suppression
of the photonic noise as compared to the linear theory predictions.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures; expanded version, to appear in Phys. Rev.
Freezing by Monte Carlo Phase-Switch
We describe a Monte Carlo procedure which allows sampling of the disjoint
configuration spaces associated with crystalline and fluid phases, within a
single simulation. The method utilises biased sampling techniques to enhance
the probabilities of gateway states (in each phase) which are such that a
global switch (to the other phase) can be implemented. Equilibrium
freezing-point parameters can be determined directly; statistical uncertainties
prescribed transparently; and finite-size effects quantified systematically.
The method is potentially quite general; we apply it to the freezing of hard
spheres.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figure
Random Resonators and Prelocalized Modes in Disordered Dielectric Films
Areal density of disorder-induced resonators with a high quality factor,
, in a film with fluctuating refraction index is calculated
theoretically. We demonstrate that for a given , where is the light
wave vector, and is the transport mean free path, when {\em on average} the
light propagation is diffusive, the likelihood for finding a random resonator
increases dramatically with increasing the correlation radius of the disorder.
Parameters of {\em most probable} resonators as functions of and are
found.Comment: 6 pages including 2 figure
Maintenance care for treated periodontitis patients
This paper is a review of current literature combined with clinical observations. Well-controlled maintenance care is a key consideration in the long-term prognosis of treated periodontitis patients. Periodic professional tooth cleaning every 3 to 4 months often is recommended. Furthermore, recent studies indicate a potential need for selected retreatment in problem areas, since minute residual accretions may be left behind during active therapy - even with “open” surgery. While efficient plaque control is essential for optimal results during the healing phase of periodontal therapy, periodic prophylaxis may prevent loss of clinical attachment over long periods of time even for patients with less than perfect oral hygiene.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/72615/1/j.1600-051X.1987.tb02247.x.pd
Socioeconomic determinants of organic cotton adoption in Benin, West Africa
Organic cotton relies on ecological processes and the use of natural resources to sustain the production system, unlike conventional cotton, mainly characterized by massive utilization of synthesis chemicals. In West Africa, where rural livelihoods are particularly vulnerable, organic cotton is expected to contribute not only to poverty reduction but also to strengthen households’ resilience.
The objective of this study was to assess institutional and socioeconomic factors determining farmers’ decisions to adopt organic cotton. For this purpose, we applied a probit model on empirical data collected from producers of the Centre and the Northern parts of Benin. Overall, we found that organic cotton adoption is mainly determined by farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, the physical distance between farm and house, and contact with extension and advisory services. Organic farming is more attractive to women compared to conventional farming. This because such type of cotton farming enables women to hold a separate cotton farm and thus increase their economic independence, whereas with the conventional system they depend mainly on the farm of the (male) head of the household. Older, less educated and low-income farmers who express environmental concern are more likely to adopt organic cotton. Subsequently, organic cotton should be considered as a prospective policy option to reach the poor and strengthen their livelihoods conditions while contributing to preserve the environment and natural resources. Furthermore, farmers who have their farm near home are more likely to adopt organic farming than those who have the farm far from their home. It also came out that organic farmers have more contacts with advisory and extension services. Finally, the study noted that there is still a need to enhance the extension system by: (1) exploring, designing, and upgrading innovative pedagogic tools such as videos and mobile phone technology to foster learning; and (2) strengthening organic farmer’s organizations and the linkage with agricultural research organizations for technology development
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