Some applications of semi-discrete variational integrators to classical field theories

We develop a semi-discrete version of discrete variational mechanics with applications to numerical integration of classical field theories. The geometric preservation properties are studied.Comment: 14 page

Functionally Graded Media

The notions of uniformity and homogeneity of elastic materials are reviewed in terms of Lie groupoids and frame bundles. This framework is also extended to consider the case Functionally Graded Media, which allows us to obtain some homogeneity conditions.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figure

Extended Hamiltonian systems in multisymplectic field theories

We consider Hamiltonian systems in first-order multisymplectic field theories. We review the properties of Hamiltonian systems in the so-called restricted multimomentum bundle, including the variational principle which leads to the Hamiltonian field equations. In an analogous way to how these systems are defined in the so-called extended (symplectic) formulation of non-autonomous mechanics, we introduce Hamiltonian systems in the extended multimomentum bundle. The geometric properties of these systems are studied, the Hamiltonian equations are analyzed using integrable multivector fields, the corresponding variational principle is also stated, and the relation between the extended and the restricted Hamiltonian systems is established. All these properties are also adapted to certain kinds of submanifolds of the multimomentum bundles in order to cover the case of almost-regular field theories.Comment: 36 pp. The introduction and the abstract have been rewritten. New references are added and some little mistakes are corrected. The title has been slightly modifie

A six-dimensional compact symplectic solvmanifold without Kahler structures

International audienceThe purpose of this paper is to construct a compact symplectic (non-nilpotent) solvmanifold $M^{6} = \Gamma / G$ of dimension $6$ which does not admit Kähler structures. We show that the minimal model of $M^{6}$ is not formal by proving that there are non-trivial (quadruple) Massey products, however we remark that all the (triple) Massey products of $M^{6}$ vanish

The Ineffectiveness of a Multinational Sanctions Regime Under Globalization: The Case of Iraq

This dissertation examines the effectiveness and limits of multilateral sanctions regimes as instruments of foreign policy, particularly when trying to prevent the acquisition, development and proliferation of weapons of mass destructions. I hypothesize that globalization undermines the overall effectiveness of sanctions regimes. I analyze the agents and means of globalization. Agents are nation-states, corporations, non-state actors and organizations, and individuals. Means are the global import-export industry, global banking and investment, global corporate models, and global manufacturing industries. They all have contributed to vast increases in transnational economic activity and, furthermore, to more political tensions between nation-states, all of which jeopardize the implementation and enforcement of multilateral sanctions regimes. To test this thesis, I examine how those factors impacted the multilateral sanctions regime imposed against Iraq from 1991 to 2002. This multilateral sanctions regime was conceived, approved and enforced by most nations in the United Nations. Indeed, evidence collected for this dissertation suggests that Iraq did manage to consistently circumvent the UN sanctions regime, and that it did it by astutely utilizing the agents and means of globalization. Evidence also indicates that Iraq managed to rebuild parts of its military infrastructure, and that Iraq was on its way to rebuild its missile capability, for which it purchased large quantities of parts, components, technologies and manpower in the global market

Lamotrigine Augmentation of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Severe and Long-Term Treatment-Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

The treatment recommendations in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after lack of response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include augmentation with other drugs, particularly clomipramine, a more potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), or antipsychotics. We present two cases of response to lamotrigine augmentation in treatment-refractory OCD; each received multiple SRI trials over a \u3e10-year period. The first patient had eleven years of treatment with multiple combinations including clomipramine and SSRIs. She had a \u3e50% decrease of Y-BOCS (from 29 to 14) by augmenting paroxetine (60 mg/day) with lamotrigine (100 mg/day). The second patient had 22 years of treatment with multiple combinations, including combinations of SSRIs with clomipramine and risperidone. She had an almost 50% decrease of Y-BOCS (from 30 to 16) and disappearance of tics by augmenting clomipramine (225 mg/d) with lamotrigine (200 mg/day). These two patients were characterized by lack of response to multiple treatments, making a placebo response to lamotrigine augmentation unlikely. Prospective randomized trials in treatment-resistant OCD patients who do not respond to combinations of SSRIs with clomipramine and/or antipsychotics are needed, including augmentation with lamotrigine. Until these trials are available, our cases suggest that clinicians may consider lamotrigine augmentation in such treatment-resistant OCD patients

Teaching-Learning Anglophone Cultures at the University of Pedagogical Sciences of Holguín and at the ELC of Shantou University: A Comparative Study

This paper presents a comparative study of the teaching-learning process of Anglophone cultures through the English as a foreign language programs of Shantou University, Guangdong, China, and Universidad de Ciencias Pedagógicas “José de la Luz y Caballero”, Holguín, Cuba. As criteria for the comparison, the authors have selected the objectives, teaching methods, and resources of the two institutions. The comparative analysis allowed for the determination of the main trends common to both universities: the teaching of language as a means to an end, the active participation of faculties in the elaboration of teaching materials and textbooks for the specific courses they teach, the validity of research work aimed at improving the teaching resources for the EFL courses offered at both universities, the use of the communicative approach as a general method for the teaching-learning process, and the development of co-curricular activities to enhance the teaching-learning of cultural elements. The analysis also allowed for a reflection on how the distinct departmental/institutional structures of the two schools may lead to some significant differences in terms of educational focus. Finally, the analysis provoked questions concerning the balance between culture teaching-learning and intercultural communication training

Discursos del Licenciado Manuel Riberos de Leon, Abogado en los Consejos de su Magestad

Págs. en orig. : 506-539 ; pérdida de papel en portada, sin afectar al texto