Link Invariants for Flows in Higher Dimensions

Linking numbers in higher dimensions and their generalization including gauge fields are studied in the context of BF theories. The linking numbers associated to $n$-manifolds with smooth flows generated by divergence-free p-vector fields, endowed with an invariant flow measure are computed in different cases. They constitute invariants of smooth dynamical systems (for non-singular flows) and generalizes previous results for the 3-dimensional case. In particular, they generalizes to higher dimensions the Arnold's asymptotic Hopf invariant for the three-dimensional case. This invariant is generalized by a twisting with a non-abelian gauge connection. The computation of the asymptotic Jones-Witten invariants for flows is naturally extended to dimension n=2p+1. Finally we give a possible interpretation and implementation of these issues in the context of string theory.Comment: 21+1 pages, LaTeX, no figure

Participatory Analysis of the Use and Impact of the Fairtrade Premium

Researchers from LISIS conducted a mixed-methods-based study to analyze how the Fairtrade Premium has been used by Fairtrade organizations and how it generates benefits for Fairtrade producers and their communities. Five cases were explored: a coffee/cocoa small-scale producer organization (SPO) in Peru, a cocoa SPO in Côte d'Ivoire, a banana SPO in Ecuador, a banana SPO in Peru and a flower plantation in Kenya. Using a combination of analysis of data from literature and the case studies, the researchers looked at four characteristics of Fairtrade Premium -- use, participation, accountability, and function -- as well as barriers and enablers for effective Premium use. Finally, the researchers analysed the pathways from Premium investment to six Fairtrade impacts (related to income, gender equality, environmental sustainability, dignity and voice for producers, transparency, and fairness and sustainability of business practices, policy and societal norms). The study provides insights that can enable farmers and workers to make transparent and informed decisions about their Premium use

Dielectric function and its predicted effect on localized plasmon resonances of equiatomic Au-Cu

© 2015 IOP Publishing Ltd. Equiatomic (Au,Cu) solid solution orders below 658 K to form a tetragonal AuCu (I) phase with significant changes in physical properties and the crystal structure. The effect of ordering on the dielectric function of the material is controversial however, with inconsistent results reported in the literature. Since the nature of any localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the nanostructures is very sensitive to the dielectric function, this uncertainty hinders the use of AuCu in plasmonic devices or structures. Therefore, we re-examine the question using a combination of measurements and computations. We find that no significant change in the dielectric function occurs when this material becomes ordered, at least over the range of photon energies relevant to LSPRs. The likely properties of LSPRs in plasmonic devices made of AuCu are analyzed. Use of the alloy offers some advantages over pure Cu, however pure Au would still be the superior option in most situations

The k-generalized distribution: A new descriptive model for the size distribution of incomes

This paper proposes the k-generalized distribution as a model for describing the distribution and dispersion of income within a population. Formulas for the shape, moments and standard tools for inequality measurement - such as the Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient - are given. A method for parameter estimation is also discussed. The model is shown to fit extremely well the data on personal income distribution in Australia and the United States.Comment: 12 pages with 8 figures; LaTeX; introduction revised, added reference for section 1; accepted for publication in Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Application

Conocimientos de infecciones respiratorias agudas en madres de niños menores de cinco años Centro de Salud Santa Julia - Piura 2017

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el nivel de conocimiento de las madres sobre infecciones respiratorias agudas en niños menores de cinco años atendidos en el Centro de Salud Santa Julia, 2017. El estudio fue de tipo descriptivo, enfoque cuantitativo, la población estuvo conformada por 50 madres menores de 5 años del Centro de Salud; la muestra con un margen de error del 5% será de 45 madres a los cuales se aplicaran criterios de inclusión y exclusión; la recolección de datos se realizará mediante la técnica de la encuesta utilizando un cuestionario debidamente validado. Se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS v. 21, para lo cual los datos fueron tabulados, en frecuencias y porcentajes. Se dio como resultado que la edad predominante fue en el rango de 18 a 29 años de edad (53.3%), de grado de instrucción secundaria completa (62.2%), de estado civil soltera (40.0%), con 1 solo hijo (51.1%), con ocupación de ama de casa (48.9%). Con respecto al nivel de conocimiento sobre las Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas en los niños menores de 5 años, tenemos que en la dimensión de manifestaciones si conocen (75.6%), en tratamiento y complicaciones si conocen (55.6%), medidas preventivas si conocen (62.2%). Se concluye que si conocen sobre las Infecciones Respiratorias Agudas en los niños menores de 5 años del Centro de Salud Santa Julia de Piura durante el año 2017.Tesi