Elastic amplitudes studied with the LHC measurements at 7 and 8 TeV

Recent measurements of the differential cross sections in the forward region of pp elastic scattering at 7 and 8 TeV show precise form of the $t$ dependence. We propose a detailed analysis of these measurements including the structures of the real and imaginary parts of the scattering amplitude. A good description is achieved, confirming in all experiments the existence of a zero in the real part in the forward region close to the origin, in agreement with the prediction of a theorem by A. Martin, with important role in the observed form of $d\sigma/dt$. Universal value for the position of this zero and regularity in other features of the amplitudes are found, leading to quantitative predictions for the forward elastic scattering at 13 TeV.Comment: 22 pages, 17 figures and 4 table

Increased tolerance to humans among disturbed wildlife.

Human disturbance drives the decline of many species, both directly and indirectly. Nonetheless, some species do particularly well around humans. One mechanism that may explain coexistence is the degree to which a species tolerates human disturbance. Here we provide a comprehensive meta-analysis of birds, mammals and lizards to investigate species tolerance of human disturbance and explore the drivers of this tolerance in birds. We find that, overall, disturbed populations of the three major taxa are more tolerant of human disturbance than less disturbed populations. The best predictors of the direction and magnitude of bird tolerance of human disturbance are the type of disturbed area (urbanized birds are more tolerant than rural or suburban populations) and body mass (large birds are more tolerant than small birds). By identifying specific features associated with tolerance, these results guide evidence-based conservation strategies to predict and manage the impacts of increasing human disturbance on birds

Value Computations in Ventral Medial Prefrontal Cortex during Charitable Decision Making Incorporate Input from Regions Involved in Social Cognition

Little is known about the neural networks supporting value computation during complex social decisions. We investigated this question using functional magnetic resonance imaging while subjects made donations to different charities. We found that the blood oxygenation level-dependent signal in ventral medial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) correlated with the subjective value of voluntary donations. Furthermore, the region of the VMPFC identified showed considerable overlap with regions that have been shown to encode for the value of basic rewards at the time of choice, suggesting that it might serve as a common valuation system during decision making. In addition, functional connectivity analyses indicated that the value signal in VMPFC might integrate inputs from networks, including the anterior insula and posterior superior temporal cortex, that are thought to be involved in social cognition

A dynamic two phase flow model for a pilot scale sodium borohydride hydrogen generation reactor

A two-dimensional, non-isothermal, and dynamic model was developed to describe a sodium borohydride/hydrogen re-actor for stationary use. All relevant transport phenomena were treated in detail and the kinetic model developed previ-ously by the authors was introduced into the algorithm. In this paper the reactive solution was modeled as a two phase flow; with this approach the impact of the hydrogen production on the solution stirring could be observed and quantified. Results showed that not all ruthenium deposited on the nickel foam was used efficiently as catalyst. In fact, most of the reaction occurred in the surface of the catalyst foam and around 70% of the deposited catalyst was not used. It was also demonstrated the importance of the two phase flow approach for a correct simulation of the solution stirring and heat transfer

Origin of magnetism and quasiparticles properties in Cr-doped TiO2_2

Combining LSDA+$U$ and an analysis of superexchange interactions beyond DFT, we describe the magnetic ground states in rutile and anatase Cr-doped TiO$_2$. In parallel, we correct our LSDA+$U$ ground state through GW corrections ($GW$@LSDA+$U$) that reproduce the position of impurity states and the band gaps in satisfying agreement with experiments. Because of the different topological coordinations of Cr-Cr bonds in the ground states of rutile and anatase, superexchange interactions induce either ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic couplings of Cr ions. In Cr-doped anatase, this interaction leads to a new mechanism which stabilizes a ferromagnetic ground state, in keeping with experimental evidence, without the need to invoke F-center exchange.Comment: 5<pages, 4 figure

Influence of the electrolyte on the electrochemical performance of a polyimide material for electrodes in rechargeable batteries

The charge storage on organic polymers has led to increasing application of these new materials such as active electrodes in rechargeable batteries [1, 2]. Taking advantage of the redox properties of aromatic polyimide imide group [3], which allows it to be electrochemically oxidized and reduced reversibly, we will present the advances made on the electrochemical studies carried out with a polyimide derivative electrode material towards the constitution of a new battery. Previous studies by the authors with a poliimide derivative [4]using cyclic voltammetry have shown their significant redox capacity to be applied as an alternative material for energy storage in rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, the use of polyimide is considered safe owing to this type of polymer not being flammable and having an excellent thermal stability and high mechanical strength. Since the polyimide is hydrolyzable, its use can be considered environmentally favorable. Attempts to use composite poliimides through solvent blending methodologies lead to poor dispersion of the polymer in the composite mixture. In situ polymerization techniques were well succeed with added incorporation of carbon fibre with the poliimide precursor. Research is in progress with studies with different electrolytes and polyimide composite in order to ensure an efficient lithium ion exchange and obtain batteries with satisfying energy performance. Advances made will be presented herein

PEM Fuel Cell performance at sub-zero temperatures

In this work a study of the performance of a low power fuel cell at sub-freezing temperatures has been undertaken. Knowledge in this area is still scarce. After global characterization of the stack on a wide range of temperatures and relative humidity’s the behaviour at negative temperatures (-5ºC -10ºC, -15ºC) has been established. Furthermore, performance was evaluated after the cell was submitted to cycles from -25ºC to + 25ºC. At the end of 10 cycles only marginal loss in performance was registered, when testing at + 2.5ºC and + 25ºC. On the basis of the obtained results a strategy for start-up and shut-down has been designed in order to be implemented for operation at low temperatures. A failure analysis of the membrane and catalyst layers and GDLs is under way in order to evaluate material degradatio

Innovation in public-private partnerships (PPPs): the Spanish case of highway concessions

This article identifies the factors that determine innovation in transport PPPs in Spain. Innovation is an important way of achieving efficiency but it is not an intrinsic characteristic of PPP projects. The authors describe the multiple regression model they devised to estimate innovation. The results show that PPP contracts can be designed to maximize innovation in R&D. However, there does not appear to be greater innovation in any other areas. The information provided has important implications for public service organizations considering new contracts with the private sector