Kohn-Sham calculations combined with an average pair-density functional theory

A recently developed formalism in which Kohn-Sham calculations are combined with an ``average pair density functional theory'' is reviewed, and some new properties of the effective electron-electron interaction entering in this formalism are derived. A preliminary construction of a fully self-consitent scheme is also presented in this framework.Comment: submitted to Int. J. Mod. Phys. B (proceedings of the 30th International Workshop on Condensed Matter Theories

System-adapted correlation energy density functionals from effective pair interactions

We present and discuss some ideas concerning an ``average-pair-density functional theory'', in which the ground-state energy of a many-electron system is rewritten as a functional of the spherically and system-averaged pair density. These ideas are further clarified with simple physical examples. We then show that the proposed formalism can be combined with density functional theory to build system-adapted correlation energy functionals. A simple approximation for the unknown effective electron-electron interaction that enters in this combined approach is described, and results for the He series and for the uniform electron gas are briefly reviewed.Comment: to appear in Phil. Mag. as part of Conference proceedings for the "Electron Correlations and Materials Properties", Kos Greece, July 5-9, 200

Deriving the existence of BBˉ∗B\bar{B}^* bound states from the X(3872) and Heavy Quark Symmetry

We discuss the possibility and the description of bound states between $B$ and $\bar{B}^*$ mesons. We argue that the existence of such a bound state can be deduced from (i) the weakly bound X(3872) state, (ii) certain assumptions about the short range dynamics of the $D\bar{D}^*$ system and (iii) heavy quark symmetry. From these assumptions the binding energy of the possible $B\bar{B}^*$ bound states is determined, first in a theory containing only contact interactions which serves as a straightforward illustration of the method, and then the effects of including the one pion exchange potential are discussed. In this latter case three isoscalar states are predicted: a positive and negative C-parity $^3S_1-{}^3D_1$ state with a binding energy of $20\,{\rm MeV}$ and $6\,{\rm MeV}$ below threshold respectively, and a positive C-parity $^3P_0$ shallow state located almost at the $B\bar{B}^*$ threshold. However, large uncertainties are generated as a consequence of the $1/m_Q$ corrections from heavy quark symmetry. Finally, the newly discovered isovector $Z_b(10610)$ state can be easily accommodated within the present framework by a minor modification of the short range dynamics.Comment: 21 pages, 3 figures; a sign error in the potential has been corrected and new predictions have been compute

Rapid Syphilis Tests as Catalysts for Health Systems Strengthening: A Case Study from Peru.

OBJECTIVES: Untreated maternal syphilis leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The use of point of care tests (POCT) offers an opportunity to improve screening coverage for syphilis and other aspects of health systems. Our objective is to present the experience of the introduction of POCT for syphilis in Peru and describe how new technology can catalyze health system strengthening. METHODS: The study was implemented from September 2009-November 2010 to assess the feasibility of the use of a POCT for syphilis for screening pregnant women in Lima, Peru. Outcomes measured included access to syphilis screening, treatment coverage, partner treatment, effect on patient flow and service efficiency, acceptability among providers and patients, and sustainability. RESULTS: Before the introduction of POCT, a pregnant woman needed 6 visits to the health center in 27 days before she received her syphilis result. We trained 604 health providers and implemented the POCT for syphilis as the "two for one strategy", offering with one finger stick both syphilis and HIV testing. Implementation of the POCT resulted in testing and treatment on the first visit. Screening and treatment coverages for syphilis improved significantly compared with the previous year. Implementation of POCT has been scaled up nationally since the study ended, and coverages for screening, treatment and partner treatment have remained over 92%. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of POCT for syphilis proved feasible and acceptable, and led to improvement in several aspects of health services. For the process to be effective we highlight the importance of: (1) engaging the authorities; (2) dissipating tensions between providers and identifying champions; (3) training according to the needs; (4) providing monitoring, supervision, support and recognition; (5) sharing results and discussing actions together; (6) consulting and obtaining feedback from users; and (7) integrating with other services such as with rapid HIV testing

Nucleon-Nucleon interaction, charge symmetry breaking and renormalization

We study the interplay between charge symmetry breaking and renormalization in the NN system for s-waves. We find a set of universality relations which disentangle explicitly the known long distance dynamics from low energy parameters and extend them to the Coulomb case. We analyze within such an approach the One-Boson-Exchange potential and the theoretical conditions which allow to relate the proton-neutron, proton-proton and neutron-neutron scattering observables without the introduction of extra new parameters and providing good phenomenological success.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figure

Recursive Detection and Analysis of Nanoparticles in Scanning Electron Microscopy Images

In this study, we present a computational framework tailored for the precise detection and comprehensive analysis of nanoparticles within scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The primary objective of this framework revolves around the accurate localization of nanoparticle coordinates, accompanied by secondary objectives encompassing the extraction of pertinent morphological attributes including area, orientation, brightness, and length. Constructed leveraging the robust image processing capabilities of Python, particularly harnessing libraries such as OpenCV, SciPy, and Scikit-Image, the framework employs an amalgamation of techniques, including thresholding, dilating, and eroding, to enhance the fidelity of image processing outcomes. The ensuing nanoparticle data is seamlessly integrated into the RStudio environment to facilitate meticulous post-processing analysis. This encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of model accuracy, discernment of feature distribution patterns, and the identification of intricate particle arrangements. The finalized framework exhibits high nanoparticle identification within the primary sample image and boasts 97\% accuracy in detecting particles across five distinct test images drawn from a SEM nanoparticle dataset. Furthermore, the framework demonstrates the capability to discern nanoparticles of faint intensity, eluding manual labeling within the control group.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figure

The automotive sector in Spain. Influence of R&D investment on the improvement of total factor productivity

Obecne zglobalizowane środowisko zostało poprzedzone ogólnym wzrostem rozpowszechnienia i wykorzystania technologii informacyjno-komunikacyjnych (ICT), jak również dużymi inwestycjami przedsiębiorstw w badania i rozwój (R&D). Okoliczność ta sprawia, że korzystanie z tych technologii ma zasadnicze znaczenie dla sektora motoryzacyjnego i gwarantuje rosnącą konkurencyjność międzynarodową. W związku z tym właściwe wykorzystanie technologii informacyjno-komunikacyjnych zapewnia poprawę wydajności, a tym samym konkurencyjności przedsiębiorstw. W artykule przeanalizowano ewolucję całkowitej produktywności czynników produkcji (TFP) w hiszpańskim sektorze motoryzacyjnym w roku 2017, w celu określenia wpływu tej zmiennej na poprawę całkowitej produktywności czynników produkcji.The current globalised environment has been preceded by a generalised increase in the diffusion and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), as well as by a large investment in Research and Development (R&D) by companies. This circumstance makes the use of these technologies fundamental for the automotive sector to face with guarantees the growing international competitivity. Thus, the correct use of ICT provides an improvement in productivity, and therefore in the competitiveness of enterprises. This article analyses the evolution of total factor productivity (TFP) in the Spanish automotive sector for the year 2017, in order to determine the influence this variable has on the improvement of total factor productivity

Un modelo Poissoniano para predecir la matriculación de vehículos en países europeos

En este artículo presentamos una modelización para la matriculación de vehículos en países de Europa mediante un proceso de Poisson Doblemente Estocástico con media aleatoria Normal truncada. Apoyándonos en trabajos previos acerca de este proceso, se amplía el estudio de características de éste. Asímismo, se hace una predicción de este proceso para los años 2000 y 2001

Contribution to the report and book "The Protection of Taxpayers' Rights in International Law - Results of the ILA Study Group on International Tax Law 2018-2021"

This document contains the results of the ILA Study Group, then Committee on InternationalTax Law from 2018 to 2021. Contribution to some sections on fairness, equity, equality and neutrality.Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)758671Grenzen van fiscale soevereinitei