Improving the false nearest neighbors method with graphical analysis

We introduce a graphical presentation for the false nearest neighbors (FNN) method. In the original method only the percentage of false neighbors is computed without regard to the distribution of neighboring points in the time-delay coordinates. With this new presentation it is much easier to distinguish deterministic chaos from noise. The graphical approach also serves as a tool to determine better conditions for detecting low dimensional chaos, and to get a better understanding on the applicability of the FNN method.Comment: 4 pages, with 5 PostScript figure

Universality in a Class of Q-Ball Solutions: An Analytic Approach

The properties of Q-balls in the general case of a sixth order potential have been studied using analytic methods. In particular, for a given potential, the initial field value that leads to the soliton solution has been derived and the corresponding energy and charge have been explicitly evaluated. The proposed scheme is found to work reasonably well for all allowed values of the model parameters.Comment: 9 Pages, 6 Figure

Stability of the Einstein static universe in f(R) gravity

We analyze the stability of the Einstein static universe by considering homogeneous scalar perturbations in the context of f(R) modified theories of gravity. By considering specific forms of f(R), the stability regions of the solutions are parameterized by a linear equation of state parameter w=p/rho. Contrary to classical general relativity, it is found that in f(R) gravity a stable Einstein cosmos with a positive cosmological constant does indeed exist. Thus, we are lead to conclude that, in principle, modifications in f(R) gravity stabilize solutions which are unstable in general relativity.Comment: 7 pages, 2 figures, 2 tables; references adde

Spherically symmetric vacuum solutions of modified gravity theory in higher dimensions

In this paper we investigate spherically symmetric vacuum solutions of $f(R)$ gravity in a higher dimensional spacetime. With this objective we construct a system of non-linear differential equations, whose solutions depend on the explicit form assumed for the function $F(R)=\frac{df(R)}{dR}$. We explicit show that for specific classes of this function exact solutions from the field equations are obtained; also we find approximated results for the metric tensor for more general cases admitting $F(R)$ close to the unity.Comment: 14 pages, no figure. New version accepted for publication in EPJ

Constraining Newtonian stellar configurations in f(R) theories of gravity

We consider general metric $f(R)$ theories of gravity by solving the field equations in the presence of a spherical static mass distribution by analytical perturbative means. Expanding the field equations systematically in \cO(G), we solve the resulting set of equations and show that $f(R)$ theories which attempt to solve the dark energy problem very generally lead to $\gamma_{PPN}=1/2$ in the solar system. This excludes a large class of theories as possible explanations of dark energy. We also present the first order correction to $\gamma_{PPN}$ and show that it cannot have a significant effect.Comment: 4 pages; v2: added references, modified abstract and introduction, conclusions unchange

New Spherically Symmetric Solutions in f(R)-gravity by Noether Symmetries

Spherical symmetry for f(R)-gravity is discussed by searching for Noether symmetries. The method consists in selecting conserved quantities in form of currents that reduce dynamics of f(R)-models compatible with symmetries. In this way we get a general method to obtain constants of motion without setting a priori the form of f(R). In this sense, the Noether symmetry results a physical criterium. Relevant cases are discussed.Comment: 9 pages, accepted for publication in General Relativity and Gravitatio

Codimension Two Compactifications and the Cosmological Constant Problem

We consider solutions of six dimensional Einstein equations with two compact dimensions. It is shown that one can introduce 3-branes in this background in such a way that the effective four dimensional cosmological constant is completely independent of the brane tensions. These tensions are completely arbitrary, without requiring any fine tuning. We must, however, fine tune bulk parameters in order to obtain a sufficiently small value for the observable cosmological constant. We comment in the effective four dimensional description of this effect at energies below the compactification scale.Comment: 4 pages, rextex

Phase transition in Schwarzschild-de Sitter spacetime

Using a static massive spherically symmetric scalar field coupled to gravity in the Schwarzschild-de Sitter (SdS) background, first we consider some asymptotic solutions near horizon and their local equations of state(E.O.S) on them. We show that near cosmological and event horizons our scalar field behaves as a dust. At the next step near two pure de-Sitter or Schwarzschild horizons we obtain a coupling dependent pressure to energy density ratio. In the case of a minimally couplling this ratio is -1 which springs to the mind thermodynamical behavior of dark energy. If having a negative pressure behavior near these horizons we concluded that the coupling constant must be $\xi<{1/4}$ >. Therefore we derive a new constraint on the value of our coupling $\xi$ . These two different behaviors of unique matter in the distinct regions of spacetime at present era can be interpreted as a phase transition from dark matter to dark energy in the cosmic scales and construct a unified scenario.Comment: 7 pages,no figures,RevTex, Typos corrected and references adde