Stabilized jellium model and structural relaxation effects on the fragmentation energies of ionized silver clusters

Using the stabilized jellium model in two schemes of `relaxed' and `rigid', we have calculated the dissociation energies and the fission barrier heights for the binary fragmentations of singly-ionized and doubly-ionized Ag clusters. In the calculations, we have assumed spherical geometries for the clusters. Comparison of the fragmentation energies in the two schemes show differences which are significant in some cases. This result reveals the advantages of the relaxed SJM over the rigid SJM in dynamical processes such as fragmentation. Comparing the relaxed SJM results and axperimental data on fragmentation energies, it is possible to predict the sizes of the clusters just before their fragmentations.Comment: 9 pages, 12 JPG figure

The slimming effect of advection on black-hole accretion flows

At super-Eddington rates accretion flows onto black holes have been described as slim (aspect ratio $H/R \lesssim 1$) or thick (H/R >1) discs, also known as tori or (Polish) doughnuts. The relation between the two descriptions has never been established, but it was commonly believed that at sufficiently high accretion rates slim discs inflate, becoming thick. We wish to establish under what conditions slim accretion flows become thick. We use analytical equations, numerical 1+1 schemes, and numerical radiative MHD codes to describe and compare various accretion flow models at very high accretion rates.We find that the dominant effect of advection at high accretion rates precludes slim discs becoming thick. At super-Eddington rates accretion flows around black holes can always be considered slim rather than thick.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures. Astronomy & Astrophysics, in pres

Macroscopic Distinguishability Between Quantum States Defining Different Phases of Matter: Fidelity and the Uhlmann Geometric Phase

We study the fidelity approach to quantum phase transitions (QPTs) and apply it to general thermal phase transitions (PTs). We analyze two particular cases: the Stoner-Hubbard itinerant electron model of magnetism and the BCS theory of superconductivity. In both cases we show that the sudden drop of the mixed state fidelity marks the line of the phase transition. We conduct a detailed analysis of the general case of systems given by mutually commuting Hamiltonians, where the non-analyticity of the fidelity is directly related to the non-analyticity of the relevant response functions (susceptibility and heat capacity), for the case of symmetry-breaking transitions. Further, on the case of BCS theory of superconductivity, given by mutually non-commuting Hamiltonians, we analyze the structure of the system's eigenvectors in the vicinity of the line of the phase transition showing that their sudden change is quantified by the emergence of a generically non-trivial Uhlmann mixed state geometric phase.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figures. Version to be publishe

Point-contact spectroscopy on URu2_2Si2_2

Tunnel and point contact experiments have been made in a URu$_2$Si$_2$ single crystal along the c-axis. The experiments were performed changing temperature and contact size in a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope. A resonance develops at the Fermi level at $T\sim 60$ K. This resonance splits and becomes asymmetric when the 17.5 K phase transition is crossed. These results are consistent with the existence of Kondo like bound states of the U$^{4+}$ ionic configurations and the conduction electrons. Below the transition, these configurations are split by the development of quadrupolar ordering. The peak separation can be interpreted as a direct measurement of the order parameter. Measurements on a policrystalline UAu_2Si_2$ sample are also reported, with a comparative study of the behavior of both materials.Comment: 4 pages (Latex) + 2 postscript figure

Using the Sound Card as a Timer

Experiments in mechanics can often be timed by the sounds they produce. In such cases, digital audio recordings provide a simple way of measuring time intervals with an accuracy comparable to that of photogate timers. We illustrate this with an experiment in the physics of sports: to measure the speed of a hard-kicked soccer ball.Comment: 3 pages, 4 figures, Late

Duration of Low Wage Employment: A Study Based on a Survival Model

This paper includes a survival analysis which attempts to explain the duration, as in the number of years a worker remains in a low wage situation. Explanatory variables take into account the characteristics of the employee, such as education, age, tenure with the company, gender and nationality, and the characteristics of the job and the company such as industry affiliation, number of employees, age of the company and location.low wage, survival, Portugal

Avaliação econômica de um sistema agroflorestal para conexão de fragmentos da mata atlântica .

Este trabalho teve por objetivo realizar uma avaliação econômica de um corredor agroflorestal implantado em fevereiro de 2005 na Fazendinha Agroecológica do km 47, Seropédica – RJ. Foram plantadas espécies de ciclo curto, como o aipim, banana, cana e abacaxi e 25 espécies florestais. As culturas agrícolas anuais foram avaliadas utilizando-se os critérios financeiros de avaliação de projetos: Valor Presente Líquido (VPL) e Razão Benefício/Custo (RB/C). O custo total acumulado após três anos de implantação chegou a R$16.000,00/ha. A receita gerada, de R$ 6.000,00/ha, foi suficiente para pagar cerca de 38% desses custos. O cultivo da mandioca foi o mais rentável, sendo responsável por 65% da receita gerada. As culturas de aipim e cana apresentaram VPL positivo de R$1.218,34 e R$ 144,33, respectivamente, indicando que a produção foi suficiente para pagar os custos de implantação e gerar excedentes. O abacaxi apresentou VPL negativo de R$2.224,54. Considerando-se a relação benefício/custo (B/C), o aipim apresentou um valor de 6,80, indicando que para cada real gasto com a implantação desta cultura obteve-se R$ 6,80 de retorno. Para a cultura da cana, chegou-se a relação B/C de 1,27. Para o abacaxi a relação foi de 0,22. A relação benefício/custo total do sistema foi de 0,35. Embora o rendimento gerado durante os dois primeiros anos tenha sido significativo, este ainda não foi suficiente para pagar todos os custos de implantação, sendo recomendada a introdução de novas culturas de ciclo curto ou frutíferas para incrementar a geração de renda ano a ano.bitstream/item/42957/1/BOP-60.pd

Mathematical modeling of handmade recycled paper drying kinetics and sorption isotherms

The objective of this work is to analyze and compare the natural and forced convective drying of handmade recycled paper. Drying of recycled cellulose pulp was carried out under laboratory environment conditions and in a convective dryer with forced air circulation and controlled conditions of air temperature and velocity. The tests were conducted following a two-factor central composed factorial design of experiments, with six runs at the central point. The drying results were analyzed and fitted to mathematical models of Fick, Henderson and Pabis (Fick s modified equation), Page and He (considering the nonlinear Fick effect). The model of Page represented best the experimental data and the one of Henderson and Pabis resulted in an adequate fit for the paper drying kinetics. Sorption isotherms were determined for the dried paper and the models of GAB (Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer) and GDW (Generalised D Arcy and Watt) resulted in excellent fits of the experimental data. The water sorption mechanism was suggested by the analysis of the calculated parameters of the GDW model.299312Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Nodulação e fixação simbiótica de nitrogênio em feijoeiro com estirpes nativas de rizóbio, em solo tratado com lodo de esgoto.

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