Thermalization of an anisotropic granular particle

We investigate the dynamics of a needle in a two-dimensional bath composed of thermalized point particles. Collisions between the needle and points are inelastic and characterized by a normal restitution coefficient $\alpha<1$. By using the Enskog-Boltzmann equation, we obtain analytical expressions for the translational and rotational granular temperatures of the needle and show that these are, in general, different from the bath temperature. The translational temperature always exceeds the rotational one, though the difference decreases with increasing moment of inertia. The predictions of the theory are in very good agreement with numerical simulations of the model.Comment: 7 pages, 6 Figures, submitted to PRE. Revised version (Fig1, Fig5 and Fig6 corrected + minor typos

The third dimension Pointing in the dark

Smeets, J.B.J. [Promotor]Brenner, E.M. [Copromotor

Fermentation parameters of silages of six maize varieties recommended for the Brazilian semi-arid region

Avaliaram-se as características fermentativas e a qualidade das silagens de seis variedades de milho, de ciclos precoce e superprecoce - BRS Caatingueiro, BRS Assum Preto, BR 5033 Asa Branca, BR 5028 São Francisco, Gurutuba e BRS 4103 - indicadas para a região semiárida brasileira. Foram utilizados silos experimentais, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com seis tratamentos (variedades) e quatro repetições. Avaliaram-se: matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), extrato etéreo (EE), carboidratos totais (CHO), carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF), pH, nitrogênio amoniacal como parte do nitrogênio total (N-NH3/NT), ácidos orgânicos e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) das silagens. Os valores médios encontrados para a silagem foram: MS= 28,7%; MO= 94,9%; PB= 8,3%; FDN= 49,9%; FDA= 27,5%; EE= 3,8%; CHO= 82,7%; CNF= 32,8%; pH= 3,8; N-NH3/NT= 2,9%/NT; ácido láctico = 7,6%; ácido acético = 0,6%; ácido butírico = 0,3% e DIVMS= 57,9%. As variedades BR 5028 - São Francisco e Gurutuba destacaram-se das demais em relação ao teor de matéria seca. A variedade BRS Caatingueiro apresentou maior teor de carboidratos não fibrosos em relação às demais. As silagens de todas as variedades foram classificadas como de excelente qualidade, por apresentarem potencial para ensilagem no semiárido brasileiroThe fermentation characteristics and silage quality of six maize varieties of early and super early cycles were evaluated. They are recommended for the Brazilian semi-arid region (BRS Caatingueiro, BRS Assum Preto, BR 5033 - Asa Branca, BR 5028 - São Francisco, Gurutuba and BRS 4103). Experimental silos were used, in a completely randomized design, with six treatments (varieties) and four replicaties. The evaluated parameters were: dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrates (CHO), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), pH, ammoniacal nitrogen as part of the total nitrogen (N-NH3/TN), organic acids, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the silages. The mean values found for silage were: DM= 29.6%; OM= 94.9%; CP= 8.2%; NDF= 49.9%; ADF= 27.5%; EE= 3.8%; CHO= 82.7%; NFC= 32.8%; pH= 3.8; N-NH3/TN= 2.9%/TN; lactic acid = 7.6%; acetic acid = 0.6%; butyric acid = 0.3%; and IVDMD = 57.9%. Varieties BR 5028 - São Francisco and Gurutuba stood out (P<0.05) from others in relation to dry matter. The BRS Caatingueiro showed higher (P<0.05) level of non-fiber carbohydrates in relation to the others. The silages from all the varieties were considered of excellent quality, with potential to be conserved as silage in the Brazilian semi-ari

O Custo Da Política Subnacional: A Forma Como O Dinheiro é Gasto Importa? Relação Entre Receita, Despesas E Sucesso Eleitoral

The article focuses on spending on election campaigns. Specifically proposed: a) producing a mapping of election expenses of the 2010 election made by candidates to the House; b) Identify existing patterns of spending; c) Identify the existence of significant statistical correlation between different patterns of electoral spending and election results at the polls. The questions guiding the work are: a) how actors use their resources express the particularities of the contestants? b) certain campaign spending have greater impact on the electoral success than others? For purposes of mapping of election expenses has produced a classification that seek to apprehend election spending into three broad categories: 1) Spending on Advertising; 2) Spending on Infrastructure campaign; and 3) Personnel Expenses. The most important findings are the perception that only the amount of money is not enough to explain the electoral success. The models show that the spending pattern needs to be focused and that higher expenses are intended for communication and advertising. In addition, candidates who compete in elections better organized parties and with a degree of more centralized coordination are better than their competitors, as hypothesis originally presented by Guarnieri (2011).221569

Segregation by thermal diffusion of an intruder in a moderately dense granular fluid

A solution of the inelastic Enskog equation that goes beyond the weak dissipation limit and applies for moderate densities is used to determine the thermal diffusion factor of an intruder immersed in a dense granular gas under gravity. This factor provides a segregation criterion that shows the transition between the Brazil-nut effect (BNE) and the reverse Brazil-nut effect (RBNE) by varying the parameters of the system (masses, sizes, density and coefficients of restitution). The form of the phase-diagrams for the BNE/RBNE transition depends sensitively on the value of gravity relative to the thermal gradient, so that it is possible to switch between both states for given values of the parameters of the system. Two specific limits are considered with detail: (i) absence of gravity, and (ii) homogeneous temperature. In the latter case, after some approximations, our results are consistent with previous theoretical results derived from the Enskog equation. Our results also indicate that the influence of dissipation on thermal diffusion is more important in the absence of gravity than in the opposite limit. The present analysis extends previous theoretical results derived in the dilute limit case [V. Garz\'o, Europhys. Lett. {\bf 75}, 521 (2006)] and is consistent with the findings of some recent experimental results.Comment: 10 figure

Comunidad de arañas (Araneae) asociadas a Ixora coccinea L. (Gentianales: Rubiaceae) en Chiriquí, Panamá

Objective: To know the community of spiders (Araneae) associated with Ixora coccinea in Chiriquí, Panama. Methodology: Seven locations of the Chiriquí Province were visited, from the Districts of David, Boquerón, Bugaba and Barú; in a 60 km transect. Random monitoring was carried out in Ixora coccinea plants, resulting in a total of 215 m of living fence. The spiders were observed, photographed and identified through specialized literature. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed between the length of the living fence and the numbers of species and spiders found during the study; in addition to calculating the Simpson diversity index. Results: In Coquito, a total of four spiders’ species were found, represented by 21 specimens of Micrathena sexpinosa (Hann, 1822) (Araneidae), seven of Leucauge venusta (Walkenaer, 1841) (Tetragnathidae), two of Salticidae and one specimen of Argiope argentata (Fabricius, 1775) (Araneidae). In David, eight specimens of Leucauge venusta and two of Gasteracantha cancriformis (L., 1758) (Araneidae) were observed. Leucauge venusta was the species found in five of the seven study locations, but Argiope argentata was the species found on the frontier with Costa Rica. No correlation was found between the length of the living fence and the number of spider species or specimens found. According to the Simpson index, the highest relative diversity was found in the Tijeras-Boquerón (1,00); while in Terronal-David, Santo Domingo-Bugaba and Paso Canoas-Barú, no diversity was found (0,00). Conclusion: The spiders community associated with Ixora coccinea in Chiriquí is represented by five taxa, including the species Micrathena sexpinosa, Leucauge venusta, Argiope argentata and Gasteracantha cancriformis. It is worthwhile to study the possible changes in this community in the future, in the face of anthropic pressure.Objetivo: Conocer la comunidad de arañas (Araneae) asociadas a Ixora coccinea en Chiriquí, Panamá. Metodología: Se visitaron siete localidades de la Provincia de Chiriquí, ubicadas en los Distritos de David, Boquerón, Bugaba y Barú; en un transecto de 60 km. Se realizó monitoreo aleatorio en plantas de Ixora coccinea, sumando un total de 215 m de cerca viva. Las arañas fueron observadas, fotografiadas e identificadas, mediante literatura especializada. Adicionalmente, se realizó un análisis de correlación, entre la longitud de cerca viva y los números de especies y de arañas encontrados durante el estudio; además de calcularse el índice de diversidad de Simpson. Resultados: En Coquito, se encontró un total de cuatro especies de arañas, representadas por 21 especímenes de Micrathena sexpinosa (Hann, 1822) (Araneidae), siete de Leucauge venusta (Walkenaer, 1841) (Tetragnathidae), dos de Salticidae y un espécimen de Argiope argentata (Fabricius, 1775) (Araneidae). En David, se observaron ocho especímenes de Leucauge venusta y dos de Gasteracantha cancriformis (L., 1758) (Araneidae). Leucauge venusta fue la especie encontrada en cinco de las siete localidades de estudio, pero Argiope argentata fue la especie encontrada en el límite fronterizo con Costa Rica. No se encontró correlación entre la longitud de la cerca viva y el número de especies o especímenes de arañas encontrados. De acuerdo con el índice de Simpson, en la localidad de Tijeras-Boquerón se encontró la mayor diversidad relativa (1,00); mientras que en Terronal-David, Santo Domingo-Bugaba y Paso Canoas-Barú, no se encontró diversidad (0,00). Conclusión: La comunidad de arañas asociadas a Ixora coccinea en Chiriquí, está representada por cinco taxa, destacando las especies Micrathena sexpinosa, Leucauge venusta, Argiope argentata y Gasteracantha cancriformis. Es meritorio estudiar a futuro los posibles cambios de esta comunidad, frente a la presión antrópica

Efficacy of free and nanoencapsulated Eucalyptus citriodora essential oils on sheep gastrointestinal nematodes and toxicity for mice

AbstractHerbal medicines with anthelmintic effects are alternatives for the sustainable control and prevention of disease caused by gastrointestinal parasites. The nanoencapsulation of essential oils has been proposed to enhance the absorption of their constituents and improve their efficacy. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of free and nanoencapsulated Eucalyptus citriodora essential oil (EcEO) on the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants in vitro and in vivo. Chitosan was used as a matrix for the formulation of a nanoemulsion. Chromatographic and physico-chemical analyses of EcEO were performed. Egg hatch (EHT) and larval development (LDT) tests were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nanoencapsulated and free EcEO on the eggs and larvae of Haemonchus contortus. Acute toxicity of free and nanoencapsulated EcEO was evaluated using mice. Finally, nanoencapsulated EcEO efficacy on the control of gastrointestinal nematodes was calculated by fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) treating 30 sheep naturally infected with 250mg/kg of free and nanoencapsulated EcEO. In vitro tests were analyzed by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by comparison with the Tukey test. The efficacy of FECRT was calculated by the BootStreet program through arithmetic average, using the formula 100 (1−XT/XC). To compare the differences between epg, the data were transformed to log(x+1) and subjected to an ANOVA to compare the significant differences between groups by Tukey's. The level of significance was P<0.05. The free (4mg/ml concentration) and nanoencapsulated (2mg/ml concentration) EcEO inhibited larvae hatching by 97.2% and 92.8%, respectively. Free and nanoencapsulated EcEO at 8mg/ml inhibited larval development by 99.8% and 98.1%, respectively. In the acute toxicity test, the LD10 and LD50 of free EcEO was 1999 and 2653mg/kg, respectively, while the LD10 and LD50 of nanoencapsulated EcEO was 1121 and 1681mg/kg, respectively. Nanoencapsulated and free EcEO reduced FEC similarly by 40.5% and 55.9%, respectively at 10 days post-treatment. Nanoencapsulated EcEO did not obtain the expected efficacy in vivo

Noise Sources in Photometry and Radial Velocities

The quest for Earth-like, extrasolar planets (exoplanets), especially those located inside the habitable zone of their host stars, requires techniques sensitive enough to detect the faint signals produced by those planets. The radial velocity (RV) and photometric transit methods are the most widely used and also the most efficient methods for detecting and characterizing exoplanets. However, presence of astrophysical "noise" makes it difficult to detect and accurately characterize exoplanets. It is important to note that the amplitude of such astrophysical noise is larger than both the signal of Earth-like exoplanets and state-of-the-art instrumentation limit precision, making this a pressing topic that needs to be addressed. In this chapter, I present a general review of the main sources of noise in photometric and RV observations, namely, stellar oscillations, granulation, and magnetic activity. Moreover, for each noise source I discuss the techniques and observational strategies which allow us to mitigate their impact.Comment: 11 pages, 2 tables, Lecture presented at the IVth Azores International Advanced School in Space Sciences on "Asteroseismology and Exoplanets: Listening to the Stars and Searching for New Worlds" (arXiv:1709.00645), which took place in Horta, Azores Islands, Portugal in July 201

Tracer diffusion in granular shear flows

Tracer diffusion in a granular gas in simple shear flow is analyzed. The analysis is made from a perturbation solution of the Boltzmann kinetic equation through first order in the gradient of the mole fraction of tracer particles. The reference state (zeroth-order approximation) corresponds to a Sonine solution of the Boltzmann equation, which holds for arbitrary values of the restitution coefficients. Due to the anisotropy induced in the system by the shear flow, the mass flux defines a diffusion tensor $D_{ij}$ instead of a scalar diffusion coefficient. The elements of this tensor are given in terms of the restitution coefficients and mass and size ratios. The dependence of the diffusion tensor on the parameters of the problem is illustrated in the three-dimensional case. The results show that the influence of dissipation on the elements $D_{ij}$ is in general quite important, even for moderate values of the restitution coefficients. In the case of self-diffusion (mechanically equivalent particles), the trends observed in recent molecular dynamics simulations are similar to those obtained here from the Boltzmann kinetic theory.Comment: 5 figure

Cosmological parameter estimation using Very Small Array data out to ℓ= 1500

We estimate cosmological parameters using data obtained by the Very Small Array (VSA) in its extended configuration, in conjunction with a variety of other cosmic microwave background (CMB) data and external priors. Within the flat Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model, we find that the inclusion of high-resolution data from the VSA modifies the limits on the cosmological parameters as compared to those suggested by the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) alone, while still remaining compatible with their estimates. We find that Ωbh2= 0.0234+0.0012−0.0014, Ωdmh2= 0.111+0.014−0.016, h= 0.73+0.09−0.05, nS= 0.97+0.06−0.03, 1010AS= 23+7−3 and τ= 0.14+0.14−0.07 for WMAP and VSA when no external prior is included. On extending the model to include a running spectral index of density fluctuations, we find that the inclusion of VSA data leads to a negative running at a level of more than 95 per cent confidence ( nrun=−0.069 ± 0.032 ), something that is not significantly changed by the inclusion of a stringent prior on the Hubble constant. Inclusion of prior information from the 2dF galaxy redshift survey reduces the significance of the result by constraining the value of Ωm. We discuss the veracity of this result in the context of various systematic effects and also a broken spectral index model. We also constrain the fraction of neutrinos and find that fν < 0.087 at 95 per cent confidence, which corresponds to mν < 0.32 eV when all neutrino masses are equal. Finally, we consider the global best fit within a general cosmological model with 12 parameters and find consistency with other analyses available in the literature. The evidence for nrun < 0 is only marginal within this model