The pion form factor from first principles

We calculate the electromagnetic form factor of the pion in quenched lattice QCD. The non-perturbatively improved Sheikoleslami-Wohlert lattice action is used together with the ${\mathcal O}(a)$ improved current. We calculate form factor for pion masses down to $m_\pi = 360 MeV$. We compare the mean square radius for the pion extracted from our form factors to the value obtained from the 'Bethe Salpeter amplitude'. Using (quenched) chiral perturbation theory, we extrapolate our results towards the physical pion mass.Comment: 5 pages, 2 figures; proceedings of Hadron03, Aschaffenburg, German

Starfish as feedstuff (OK-Net Ecofeed Practice Abstract)

• Starfish should be harvested, at the earliest, three months before spawning to have highest protein and lowest ash content. • High calcium levels limit the inclusion level of starfish meal in piglets’ diets to around 5%. • Starfish meal is not organically certified but can still be used because it is not of agricultural origin. • Starfish meal is already commercially available in Denmark. • Diets can be optimized regarding amino acids and with lower crude protein

Variables influencing the frictional behaviour of in vivo human skin

In the past decades, skin friction research has focused on determining which variables are important to affect the frictional behaviour of in vivo human skin. Until now, there is still limited knowledge on these variables. This study has used a large dataset to identify the effect of variables on the human skin, subject characteristics and environmental conditions on skin friction. The data are obtained on 50 subjects (34 male, 16 female). Friction measurements represent the friction between in vivo human skin and an aluminium sample, assessed on three anatomical locations. The coefficient of friction increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing age, increasing ambient temperature and increasing relative air humidity. A significant inversely proportional relationship was found between friction and both the amount of hair present on the skin and the height of the subject. Other outcome variables in this study were the hydration of the skin and the skin temperatur

Citizens contributing in landscape in the Netherlands

With the continuing loss of landscape elements and open space, landscape management is gaining importance in tandem with the design of acceptable private and voluntary financing arrangements. Here, we analyze the awareness, involvement, socio-demographic characteristics and the contribution of citizens regarding the landscape. The contribution of citizens has been classified into three fields of activities. Data analysis is based on a survey among 1.060 inhabitants in and around three designated peri-urban areas in the Netherlands. The results show that these areas are well known, albeit on a limited scale. Most of the stated willingness of the inhabitants to contribute to the landscape has been related with their socio-demographic characteristics and to a less extent with their involvement with the landscape. To increase the willingness of citizens to contribute to the landscape the communication strategy may be improved