"EMU and Enlargement: A Review of Policy Issues"

This report is the final output of the study "Economic and Monetary Union and Enlargement" commissioned by the Directorate-General for Research of the European Parliament in May 1999. An Interim Report was provided in September 1999. The report reviews the mains policy issues concerning the accession of 10 Central and Eastern European Countries, and Cyprus and Malta, and the interaction with their parallel integration into the Economic and Monetary Union.Euro, Enlargement, Transition Economies, Exchange Rate Regimes, Monetary Policies, DIT.

Semiclassical Effects Induced by Aharonov-Bohm Interaction Between a Cosmic String and a Scalar Field

In the context of the vacuum polarization effect, we consider the backreaction of the energy-momentum tensor of a charged scalar field on the background metric of a cosmic string carrying a magnetic flux $\Phi$. Working within the semiclassical approach to the Einstein eqs. we find the first-order (in $\hbar$) metric associated to the magnetic flux cosmic string. We show that the contribution to the vacuum polarization effect coming from the Aharonov-Bohm interaction is larger than the one coming from the non-trivial gravitational interaction.Comment: 13 pages, no figures, accepted for publication in Phys. Letters

On the quantum dynamics of a point particle in conical space

A quantum neutral particle, constrained to move on a conical surface, is used as a toy model to explore bound states due to both a inverse squared distance potential and a $\delta$-function potential, which appear naturally in the model. These pathological potentials are treated with the self-adjoint extension method which yields the correct boundary condition (not necessarily a null wavefunction) at the origin. We show that the usual boundary condition requiring that the wavefunction vanishes at the origin is arbitrary and drastically reduces the number of bound states if used. The situation studied here is closely related to the problem of a dipole moving in conical space.Comment: To appear in Annals of Physic

Radiative Corrections to the Aharonov-Bohm Scattering

We consider the scattering of relativistic electrons from a thin magnetic flux tube and perturbatively calculate the order $\alpha$, radiative correction, to the first order Born approximation. We show also that the second order Born amplitude vanishes, and obtain a finite inclusive cross section for the one-body scattering which incorporates soft photon bremsstrahlung effects. Moreover, we determine the radiatively corrected Aharonov-Bohm potential and, in particular, verify that an induced magnetic field is generated outside of the flux tube.Comment: 14 pages, revtex, 3 figure

On the Nonabelian Aharonov Bohm Scattering of Spinless Particles

The Aharonov Bohm scattering for spinless, isospin 1/2, particles interacting through a nonabelian Chern-Simons field is studied. Starting from the relativistic quantum field theory and using a Coulomb gauge formulation, the one loop renormalization program is implemented. Through the introduction of an intermediary cutoff, separating the regions of high and low integration momentum, the nonrelativistic limit is derived. The next to leading relativistic approximation is also determined. In this approach quantum field theory vacuum polarization effects are automatically incorporated.Comment: 20 pages, 8 figures, revtex. Misspelled reference corrected and new references adde

Relação médico-paciente: entre o desejável e o possível na atenção primária à saúde Doctor-patient relationship: between desire and possibility in primary health care

A relação médico-paciente no contexto da atenção primária é um desafio para a implementação de práticas humanizadas em saúde, considerando sua relevância e a emergência da problemática da humanização como necessidade social. Para que se possa avançar nesse campo, faz-se necessário rever o que se tem produzido sobre o assunto, mapeando os limites e avanços dessa relação. Este estudo busca compreender o encontro no âmbito da atenção primária à saúde, pensando a relação médico-paciente em termos hermenêuticos, a partir da construção de novos horizontes normativos no plano dos valores morais e éticos, com vistas à humanização da saúde. O estudo foi realizado no período de 2008-2009 em duas unidades de Saúde da Família do Município de Fortaleza, Ceará. Utilizaram-se técnicas de entrevista aprofundada e observação participante, totalizando 11 encontros com médicos e 37 com pacientes, além da gravação de 53 consultas. Os dados foram organizados e analisados no software Qualitative Solutions Research Nvivo (QSR). Pacientes e médicos ponderaram sobre três aspectos principais que influenciam a interação clínica na Estratégia Saúde da Família: as características pessoais do médico, o agir profissional e os problemas na organização dos serviços. Entre os resultados, apareceram três perfis do encontro médico-paciente: o encontro centrado no paciente, o encontro sem entendimento e o realizado a curto prazo. O estabelecimento de um vínculo requer apoio intensivo às mudanças na organização dos serviços, com ênfase numa formação profissional que valorize a cultura, o protagonismo e a reflexão filosófica da convivência humana, visando à qualificação da atenção primária.<br>The doctor-patient relationship in the context of primary health care challenges the implementation of humanized health practices, considering their relevance and the emergence of humanization as a social need. In order to advance in this field, it is necessary to review what has been produced on this issue, mapping the boundaries and advances of this relationship. This study seeks to understand this relationship as part of primary health care practices, thinking the doctor-patient relationship in hermeneutic terms, from the construction of new horizons in terms of normative ethical and moral values in order to obtain a more humanized health. The study was conducted from 2008-2009 in two family health units in the city of Fortaleza, state of Ceará. Techniques of in-depth interview and participant observation were applied, totaling 11 interviews with doctors and 37 with patients, in addition to the recording of 53 consultancies. Data were organized and analyzed using the software NVivo Qualitative Solutions Research (QSR). Patients and doctors reflected about three main aspects that influence the clinical interaction in the Family Health Strategy, which are: personal characteristics of the physician, professional acting and problems in the services organization. Among the results, three profiles of the physician-patient encounter emerge: the patient-centered encounter, the consultations "without understanding" and the short-term encounter. Establishing a relationship requires intensive support to change services organization, emphasizing training that values culture, leadership and philosophical reflection of human society, aiming at the qualification of primary care