The Spectral Theory of Perturbative Decays

In this paper, we propose a complex approach to evaluate a function sum of two noncommuting non Hermitian operators. Then, it is proposed an explicit expansion of the evolution operator in the case of the neutral K-meson system under the influence of an external interaction. Then, the importance of the procedure is pointed out to consider the algebraic expansion of the time evolution operator whenever the dynamics decouples the internal transitions and the center of mass motion.Comment: 13 pages, TeX fil

Sustainability in energy production

The requirement of energy in different human activities is continuously increasing; from the energetic production, chiefly by thermal systems, important and worrying environmental problems are generated: there are concerns about climate change, local air quality worsening, exhaustion of resources and land use change. To limit these negative aspects, policies of reduction in energy use must be first proposed; besides different technological, economic and planning solutions can be considered; their effect must be carefully assessed, as concerns effectiveness and practical implementation. The final political decision must consider the different tools that are at disposal, in order to define the best approach for the satisfaction of necessities with the minimum consequent impact

The Classical Analogue of CP-violation

The phenomenological features of the mixing in the neutral pseudoscalar mesons K0-K0bar can be illustrated in the classical framework of mechanics and by means of electromagnetic coupled circuits. The time-reversed not-invariant processes and the related phenomenon of CP-nonconservation can be induced by dissipative effects which yield a not vanishing imaginary part for the relevant Hamiltonian. Thus, two coupled dissipative oscillators can resemble the peculiar asymmetries which are so common in the realm of high energy particle physics.Comment: 12 pages, Latex, 2 figures available by fa

Sustainability in energy production

The requirement of energy in different human activities is continuously increasing; from the energetic production, chiefly by thermal systems, important and worrying environmental problems are generated: there are concerns about climate change, local air quality worsening, exhaustion of resources and land use change. To limit these negative aspects, policies of reduction in energy use must be first proposed; besides different technological, economic and planning solutions can be considered; their effect must be carefully assessed, as concerns effectiveness and practical implementation. The final political decision must consider the different tools that are at disposal, in order to define the best approach for the satisfaction of necessities with the minimum consequent impact

Pedaling time variability is increased in dropped riding position

Variability of cycle-to-cycle duration during a pedaling task is probably related to the rhythmic control of the lower limb muscles as in gait. Although walking variability has been extensively studied for its clinical and physiological implications, pedaling variability has received little attention. The present contribution determines the variability of the cycling time during a 10-min exercise as a function of upper body position. Nine healthy males were required to pedal on cycle-ergometer at a self-selected speed for 10 min in two different upper body positions [hands on upper handlebars (UP) or lower handlebars (DP)]. Time domain measures of cycling variability [total standard deviation (SDtot), mean standard deviation cycle-to-cycle intervals over 100 cycles (SD100), standard deviation of the average cycle-to-cycle intervals over 100 cycles (SDA100)] were measured. Moreover, the same time domain measures were also calculated for heart rate in order to discriminate possible involvements of autonomic regulation. Finally, the structure of the cycle variations has been analyzed in the framework of deterministic chaos calculating the maximum Lyapunov exponents. Significant increases in cycle-to-cycle variability were found for SDtot, SD100 in DP compared to UP, whereas cardiac parameters and other cycling parameters were not changed in the two positions. Moreover, the maximum Lyapunov exponent was significantly more negative in DP. The results suggest that small perturbations of upper body position can influence the control of cycling rhythmicity by increasing the variability in a dissipative deterministic regimen

Involvement of Norepinephrine in the Control of Activity and Attentive Processes in Animal Models of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Functional and morphological studies in children affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) suggest a prefrontal cortex (PFc) dysfunction. This cortical region is regulated by subcortical systems including noradrenergic (NEergic), dopaminergic (DAergic), cholinergic, serotonergic, and histaminergic pathways. A wealth of data in humans and in animal models demonstrates altered dopamine (DA) regulation. Drugs that modulate norepinephrine (NE) transmission are also effective in ADHD patients, thus leading to the hypothesis of a NEergic disorder. This review covers the regulation of PFc functions by NE and the interaction between the NE and DA systems, as suggested by pharmacological, electrophysiological, morphological, and gene knock out (KO) studies. A negative feedback between NE and DA neurons emerges from KO studies because KO mice showing increased (NE transporter (NET) KO) or decreased (DBH and VMAT2 KO) NE levels are respectively associated with lower and higher DA levels. Locomotor activity can be generally predicted by the DA level, whereas sensitivity to amphetamines is by NE/DA balance. Some animal models of ADHD, such as spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), show alterations in the PFc and in the DA system. Evidence about a correlation between the NE system and hyper-locomotion activity in such animals has not yet been clarified. Therefore, this review also includes recent evidence on the behavioral effects of two NET blockers, reboxetine and atomoxetine, in two animal models of ADHD: SHR and Naples High Excitability rats. As these drugs modulate the DA level in the PFc, certain effects are likely to be due to a rebalanced DA system. We discuss the significance of the results for theories of ADHD and make suggestions for future experimentation

Managing the environmental adaptation of vehicle operations

The growing vehicle fleet, which is the largest consumer of the hydrocarbon fuels and the emitter of toxic substances and greenhouse gases, creates the serious environmental challenges that require an integrated approach to solve them. Simulation of the alternative scenarios for the traffic flows distribution allows evaluating the impact of various schemes of the road traffic organization and changes of the road infrastructure on the state of atmospheric air. It is necessary to consolidate the application of the legislative, economic and management mechanisms, orienting parties responsible for the negative consequences of the car operation to implement the optimal technological solutions. Possible economic incentives for the manufacturers of the vehicles, fuel producers, and the car owners are discussed, which enable to improve the environmental safety of the motor vehicles operation. The proposed model of an environmental fuel tax has been tested in the evaluating of the annual value of the possible additional tax revenues from a number of Russian refineries. The introduction of the proposed tax model can significantly reduce the negative consequences of vehicles operation