Top Quark Properties

In this document we present several recent (July 2008) results from studies of the top quark properties at the CDF and D0 experiments at the Tevatron. Measurements of several top quark properties, as well as tests of new physics in the top quark production and decay sectors are presented. In the latter case, no significant evidence for physics beyond the Standard Model is uncovered, and the tightest constraints to date are placed on most of the new physics scenarios investigated.Comment: HCP 2008 proceedings on behalf of the CDF and D0 Collaborations. Added/corrected references for Sec. 3.

Strain induced stabilization of stepped Si and Ge surfaces near (001)

We report on calculations of the formation energies of several [100] and [110] oriented step structures on biaxially stressed Si and Ge (001) surfaces. It is shown that a novel rebonded [100] oriented single-height step is strongly stabilized by compressive strain compared to most well-known step structures. We propose that the side walls of ``hut''-shaped quantum dots observed in recent experiments on SiGe/Si films are made up of these steps. Our calculations provide an explanation for the nucleationless growth of shallow mounds, with steps along the [100] and [110] directions in low- and high-misfit films, respectively, and for the stability of the (105) facets under compressive strain.Comment: to appear in Appl. Phys. Lett.; v2=minor corrections,figs resize

Informal payments by patients, institutional trust and institutional asymmetry

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the extent of the practice of using informal payments for accessing the services of public clinics or hospitals across Europe and to explain the prevalence of this corrupt practice using the framework of institutional theory. To achieve this, a multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression on 25,744 interviews undertaken in 2020 with patients across 27 European Union countries is conducted. The finding is that the practice of making informal payments remains a prevalent practice, although there are large disparities in the usage of this practice in different European countries. However, informal payments by patients are more likely when there is a lower institutional trust and a higher degree of asymmetry between formal and informal institutions. The resultant proposal is that policy makers need to address the institutional environment to tackle such informal payments. How this can be achieved is outlined

Understanding single-top-quark production and jets at hadron colliders

I present an analysis of fully differential single-top-quark production plus jets at next-to-leading order. I describe the effects of jet definitions, top-quark mass, and higher orders on the shapes and normalizations of the kinematic distributions, and quantify all theoretical uncertainties. I explain how to interpret next-to-leading-order jet calculations, and compare them to showering event generators. Using the program ZTOP, I show that HERWIG and PYTHIA significantly underestimate both s-channel and t-channel single-top-quark production, and propose a scheme to match the relevant samples to the next-to-leading-order predictions.Comment: 40 pgs., revtex4, 35 ps figs; added Fig. 4, 1 Ref., minor clarifications, to appear in Phys. Rev.

Optimisation of ultrasound-assisted extraction method of biologically active compounds from Cynara scolymus L.

Drug Technology Department and Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Nicolae Testemitsanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaBackground: Traditionally artichoke has been cultivated as a vegetable for human food in some Mediterranean regions and has been used in folk medicine since Roman times. Biological compounds of artichoke are mostly concentrated in leaves which contain high levels of caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. Obvious interest in this plant with hepatoprotective and cholesterol lowering qualities persuaded artichoke’s introduction in the collection of the Centre for the Cultivation of Medicinal Plants at the NicolaeTestemitsanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2002. This study is focused on optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction parameters of polyphenols and flavonoids from artichoke leaves without the risk of thermal degradation for their main phytoconstituents. Material and methods: In this study we have investigated the influence of some variables on extraction of polyphenols and flavonoids compounds from artichoke leaves based on ultrasound-assisted method. For this purpose an experimental design with 5 variables and 2 levels was used. The studied variables were: concentration of extraction solvent, temperature, extraction time and also the influence of parameters of ultrasonic processor pulse and amplitude; the total polyphenolic and flavonoid content were dependent variables. Results: The results of composite design indicated that the optimal extraction parameters were as follows: concentration of ethanol solution 70%, temperature 80°C, ultrasound time 30 minutes, with ultrasonic power output and pulse mode factor 100%. Conclusions: The influence of various parameters on the extraction of total flavonoid and polyphenolic content from artichoke’s leaves was studied. The ethanol concentration, the temperature and the time were found to be the most effective in extracting phenolic compouds with ultrasound-assisted method respectively

How Should We Measure? A Review of Circular Cities Indicators

As the world continues to urbanize, it is necessary to identify and implement new urban development models and strategies in order to meet the challenges of sustainable development. As cities continue to face challenges in becoming fully circular, the need to establish a framework to measure the circular economy in urban areas grows. Many definitions for circular cities have been developed and addressed in recent years, as have numerous indicators. To make the transition to a circular city, we must integrate the findings and develop a general definition and measurement framework. This article aims at outlining a framework for circular cities indicators based on their key characteristics, as well providing directions for fostering circularity at the city level. To accomplish this goal, we conducted a systematic review and analyzed key papers published in the field of circular economy to determine how circular cities are measured. Choosing the right indicators to use for developing, monitoring, and evaluating circular cities is a difficult task for urban policymakers, managers, and planners. This highlights the significance of standardized frameworks for urban indicators. As a result, the authors propose a framework and highlight some key points about circular cities and smart urban metabolism