Who\u27s Running This Operation?

Dr. Jacob V. Simons is professor of quantitative analysis, Georgia Southern University, College of Business Adminstration, Department of Finance & Quantitative Analysis, Statesboro, GA 30460-8151

Anchored Critical Percolation Clusters and 2-D Electrostatics

We consider the densities of clusters, at the percolation point of a two-dimensional system, which are anchored in various ways to an edge. These quantities are calculated by use of conformal field theory and computer simulations. We find that they are given by simple functions of the potentials of 2-D electrostatic dipoles, and that a kind of superposition {\it cum} factorization applies. Our results broaden this connection, already known from previous studies, and we present evidence that it is more generally valid. An exact result similar to the Kirkwood superposition approximation emerges.Comment: 4 pages, 1 (color) figure. More numerics, minor corrections, references adde

Twist operator correlation functions in O(n) loop models

Using conformal field theoretic methods we calculate correlation functions of geometric observables in the loop representation of the O(n) model at the critical point. We focus on correlation functions containing twist operators, combining these with anchored loops, boundaries with SLE processes and with double SLE processes. We focus further upon n=0, representing self-avoiding loops, which corresponds to a logarithmic conformal field theory (LCFT) with c=0. In this limit the twist operator plays the role of a zero weight indicator operator, which we verify by comparison with known examples. Using the additional conditions imposed by the twist operator null-states, we derive a new explicit result for the probabilities that an SLE_{8/3} wind in various ways about two points in the upper half plane, e.g. that the SLE passes to the left of both points. The collection of c=0 logarithmic CFT operators that we use deriving the winding probabilities is novel, highlighting a potential incompatibility caused by the presence of two distinct logarithmic partners to the stress tensor within the theory. We provide evidence that both partners do appear in the theory, one in the bulk and one on the boundary and that the incompatibility is resolved by restrictive bulk-boundary fusion rules.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figure

Nurses\u27 Knowledge and Attitudes towards Victims of Sexual Trafficking

Florida ranks fourth in the United States in reports of human trafficking. Human trafficking is the second largest international criminal industry in the world. Globally, 80% of all transnational victims are women and girls, and half of all trafficked victims are children. Approximately $32 billion are generated annually from this global trade. The public health consequences include physical, sexual, and psychological trauma, as well as addiction and violence. Healthcare providers represent part of a safety net of professionals who may have the ability and access for identifying and assisting victims of trafficking. This study was investigated Florida nurses’ knowledge of sex trafficking and attitudes toward victims of sex trafficking. The study sample included 74 Florida nurses. Overall, participants reported high self-efficacy for identification and treatment of sex trafficking victims, but lower factual knowledge about trafficking. Attitude scores in this sample also suggest a moderate level of negative bias toward victims of trafficking. Nurses need increased knowledge of sex trafficking, including knowledge of policies. Cultural competence training may also help to address biases held by healthcare professionals

Axigluons cannot explain the observed top quark forward-backward asymmetry

We study an SU(3)^2 axigluon model introduced by Frampton, Shu, and Wang to explain the recent Fermilab Tevatron observation of a significant positive enhancement in the top quark forward-backward asymmetry relative to standard model predictions. First, we demonstrate that data on neutral B_d-meson mixing excludes the region of model parameter space where the top asymmetry is predicted to be the largest. Keeping the gauge couplings below the critical value that would lead to fermion condensation imposes further limits at large axigluon mass, while precision electroweak constraints on the model are relatively mild. Furthermore, by considering an extension to an SU(3)^3 color group, we demonstrate that embedding the model in an extra-dimensional framework can only dilute the axigluon effect on the forward-backward asymmetry. We conclude that axigluon models are unlikely to be the source of the observed top quark asymmetry.Comment: 12 pages, 7 eps figures included. Minor changes to conform with published versio

Single top or bottom production associated with a scalar in \gamma p collision as a probe of topcolor-assisted technicolor

In the framework of the topcolor-assisted technicolor (TC2) models, we study the productions of a single top or bottom quark associated with a scalar in \gamma-p collision, which proceed via the subprocesses c\gamma -> t\pi_t^0, c\gamma -> t h_t^0 and c\gamma -> b\pi^+_t mediated by the anomalous top or bottom coupling tc\pi_t^0, tch_t^0 and bc\pi_t^+. These productions, while extremely suppressed in the Standard Model, are found to be significantly enhanced in the large part of the TC2 parameter space, especially the production via c\gamma -> b\pi^+ can have a cross section of 100 fb, which may be accessible and allow for a test of the TC2 models.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figures, comments and references adde

Agglomeration during spray drying: Air-borne clusters or breakage at the walls?

Particle agglomeration, wall deposition and resuspension are inherent to many industries and natural processes, and often inter-connected. This work looks into their relation in a confined particle laden swirling flow. It investigates how the size of detergent powder spray dried in a swirl counter-current tower responds to changes in the air flow. Four sets of sprays are investigated under varying combinations of air temperature and velocity that cause the same evaporation. The use of high air velocities accumulates more of the droplets and dry powder in the chamber swirling faster, but it leads to creation of a finer product. Particle-particle and particle-wall contacts are made more frequent and energetic but in turn the swirl troughs the solids to the wall where deposits constantly form and break. Past PIV and tracer studies revealed that the rates of deposition and resuspension are balanced; the data discussed here indicate that the dynamic nature of the deposits is a major contributor to particle formation. In contrast with the usual assumption, the product size seems driven not by inter-particle contacts in airborne state but the ability of the solids to gain kinetic energy and break up a collection of clusters layering on the wall. As a result, the dryer performance becomes driven by the dynamic of deposition and resuspension. This paper studies the efficiency of limiting operation strategies and shows that a low temperature design concept is better suited to control fouling phenomena and improve capacity and energy consumption