Different amplitude and time distribution of the sound of light and classical music

Several pieces of different musical kinds were studied measuring $N(A)$, the output amplitude of a peak detector driven by the electric signal arriving to the loudspeaker. Fixed a suitable threshold $\bar{A}$, we considered $N(A)$, the number of times that $A(t)>\bar{A}$, each of them we named event and $N(t)$, the distribution of times $t$ between two consecutive events. Some $N(A)$ and $N(t)$ distributions are displayed in the reported logarithmic plots, showing that jazz, pop, rock and other popular rhythms have noise-distribution, while classical pieces of music are characterized by more complex statistics. We pointed out the extraordinary case of the aria ``\textit{La calunnia \`{e} un venticello}'', where the words describe an avalanche or seismic process, calumny, and the rossinian music shows $N(A)$ and $N(t)$ distribution typical of earthquakes.Comment: 3 pages with 4 figures, to be published in The European Physical Journal

CHANGES IN EDUCATION

The changes that are occurring in contemporary societies should be viewed in an educationalperspective. In the case of European Union (EU), an example can be seen in the ongoing effort to arriveat a unified education system. It seems clear that freedom of circulation for EU citizens and their abilityto work and study in different countries is closely linked with a similarity in educational backgrounds.In line with these purposes, an experimentation was undertaken with first year university students ofPolitical Science at the University of Teramo, Italy. A focus group was created with studentsadministered with different teaching methods, looking at how they interact with the learning processand skills. In addition, the Dublin Descriptor expected from the European Educational Reforms, areconsidered. Another important aspect in the evolution of this debate is linked to computers and theinternet implications which changes the entire approach to knowledge and understanding. The Covid-19 emergence has also outlined the importance of teaching, learning and working using newtechnologies and the advantages and multitasking opportunities of the new generations faced to internet

GLOBALIZATION AND A NEW EXPRESSION OF AUTHORITARIAN PERSONALITY: BULLYING AMONG YOUTHS

After 2000, western societies faced the processes of globalization – single market, adoption of the English language as a vehicle for global communications, growth of international finance, relocation of factories and production, European unification – with a growing sense of vulnerability. The effects of these dynamics were magnified by terrorism, which also became global, and the economic crisis of 2008. The scenario described by Zygmut Bauman of a liquid society, unable to create bonds, values, "solid" life paths, capable of giving meaning to people's lives, seemed initially pessimistic but, at a distance of about 10 years, dealing with the consequences of those challenges, it wasn't. The changes inherent in the processes that occurred since 2000 – even if started earlier – triggered uncertainties that were poorly managed, resulting in the renewed development of an authoritarian personality widespread at the social level. We are witnessing the strengthening of right-wing and extreme-right political groups that succeeded in achieving the government of countries on the Western chessboard, which use this sense of vulnerability in an instrumental way to obtain consent. Rather than demonstrating firsthand how to make the necessary sacrifices to overcome a difficult situation and stimulate the reaction capabilities of the government joined with the citizens, they create a contraposition between an imaginary “us” vs “them,” and provide a scapegoat (well expressed by the Frankfurt School) on whom these problems and frustrations can be dumped, with the illusion of solving short-term problems. In this dynamic we are witnessing the growing social phenomenon of bullying

Sintesi e caratterizzazione di ferriti nanostrutturate

In this thesis, the synthesis of transition and/or metal iron ferrite systems (both in the spinel MFe2O4 and perovskite MFeO3 form) through wet-chemistry synthetic routes was explored. Three specific routes were employed: i) nonaqueous sol-gel synthesis, ii) coprecipitation of oxalates from an aqueous solution and iii) hydrothermal synthesis coupled with oxalate coprecipitation. All three routes successfully allowed to synthesise iron ferrites (though the nature and characteristics of the prepared compounds varied depending on the chosen method). The spinel ferrites CoFe2O4, MgFe2O4, MnFe2O4, NiFe2O4 and ZnFe2O4, as well as the perovskites MnFeO3 and SrFeO3-δ were obtained as crystalline powders. All powders (except MgFe2O4) were obtained as pure, single-phase compounds. The obtained materials were then characterised through a wide array of techniques from the compositional, structural and functional points of view. In particular, bulk atomic ratios were investigated trough ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) and compared with surface composition explored through XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). TGA-DSC (ThermoGravimetric Analysis-Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and microanalysis allowed to study the evolution of the system during calcination and to evaluate the presence of residual organic moieties (from the synthesis precursors) in the materials. XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and TPXRD (Temperature-Programmed XRD) were employed to investigate powder structure and to calculate average crystallite sizes (through Rietveld refinement), and the data thus obtained was compared with micrographs collected through TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). In parallel, XPS, Mössbauer spectroscopy and TPR (Temperature Programmed Reduction) afforded information on the oxidation states and chemical environments of the elements in the material (both in bulk and on the surface). In the case of spinel ferrites, Mössbauer spectroscopy was particularly useful as it allowed to calculate the degree of inversion of the compounds. From a functional point of view, SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) measurements were employed to study the magnetic properties of the materials, revealing that the cobalt and manganese spinels displayed ferrimagnetic behaviour (as expected), whereas the manganese perovskite was paramagnetic above 35 K (Néel temperature) and displayed ferrimagnetic behaviour below that temperature. Electric characterisations to gain insight on the conduction properties of the materials were carried out through BES (Broadband Electric Spectroscopy). These measurements revealed relaxations at 30 and 90°C in the cobalt and nickel spinels which are compatible with water intercalation within the crystal structure. As far as the manganese perovskite is concerned, the relaxations at 100°C and higher conductivity displayed compared to the spinels are compatible with ionic conduction. The catalytic activity was investigated through temperature-programmed oxidation of methane (CH4-TPO), showing that the synthesised cobalt, manganese, magnesium and nickel ferrites were active in the oxidation of methane to carbon dioxide, despite not being stable over several cycles. The effect of synthetic parameters (such as nature of the precursors, additives, thermal treatment parameters, aging time etc.) on the final structural and compositional nature of the oxides was the object of particular interest. Based upon the results obtained from these investigations, the synthetic protocols for each route were optimised in order to maximise product purity and yield, as well as to improve synthetic conditions; in particular, efforts were made to lower treatment temperatures and shorten treatment times whilst suffering no losses in terms of product yield and quality. In particular, hydrothermal syntheses of the nickel, cobalt, zinc and manganese spinels were successfully carried out at 75°C with a 4 hour treatment. In addition, the possible application of the coprecipitation of oxalates from an aqueous solution method to prepare iron ferrites containing two metals was explored: the Co0.5Mn0.5Fe2O4, Co0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4 and Co0.5Mn0.5FeO3 systems were successfully prepared and characterised. Measurement of bulk atomic ratios between the three metals in each mixed-metal ferrite (i.e. Co, Fe and either Mg or Mn) revealed that the chosen synthetic route afforded good control over the final stoichiometry of the prepared material

LA POLÍTICA DE ACCESO DE UNA INSTITUCIÓN UNIVERSITARIA DE RECIENTE CREACIÓN: EL CASO DEL INSTITUTO UNIVERSITARIO DEL GRAN ROSARIO

El propósito del trabajo radica en relatar la política de acceso desarrollada durante los años 2008 y 2009 por una institución universitaria de reciente creación: el caso del Instituto Universitario del Gran Rosario –IUGR-. La intención será no sólo circunscribirnos en la descripción analítica de la mencionada política, sino que además nos proponemos generar instancias reflexivas en torno al ingreso universitario en carreras del Área de las Ciencias de la Rehabilitación y el Movimiento. Para esta oportunidad, nos focalizaremos principalmente en el Curso Preparatorio Universitario por resultar la primera instancia de socialización académica que reciben nuestros estudiantes. Al mismo tiempo, realizaremos una exposición de las estrategias que en la actualidad se encuentra desarrollando el IUGR para el logro de la permanencia de los estudiantes en la institución a través del mejoramiento de la calidad de sus aprendizajes. Para su elaboración, hemos realizado entrevistas semi-estructuradas y encuestas a los actores institucionales involucrados, de manera directa, con el desarrollo de los cursos propedéuticos universitarios. Además, utilizamos fuentes suministradas por el Departamento de Estadística

Whatever its outcome, the Brexit referendum is likely to strengthen anti-EU rhetoric in Italy

What impact is the UK’s EU referendum likely to have on Italian politics? Bruno Marino and Nicola Martocchia Diodati see few chances for the referendum to reinforce the position of pro-EU parties in Italy, irrespective of its outcome. With Euroscepticism on the rise in Italy, even a win for the Remain campaign could bolster stances critical of further European integration. They argue that the only possible outcome that could benefit the pro-EU camp is one through which the values of unity and solidarity are highlighted

Antagonistic and Synergistic Activation of Cardiovascular Vagal and Sympathetic Motor Outflows in Trigeminal Reflexes

The trigeminal nerve and heart are strongly related through somato-autonomic nervous reflexes that induce rapid changes in cardiovascular function. Several trigeminal reflexes have been described, but the diving and trigeminocardiac reflexes are the most studied. The heart is a target organ dually innervated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Thus, how cardiac function is regulated during the trigeminal reflexes is the result of the combination of an increased parasympathetic response and increased, decreased, or unaltered sympathetic activity. Various hemodynamic changes occur as a consequence of these alterations in autonomic tone. Often in the oxygen-conserving physiological reflexes such as the diving reflex, sympathetic/parasympathetic co-activation reduces the heart rate and either maintains or increases blood pressure. Conversely, in the trigeminocardiac reflex, bradycardia and hypotension due to parasympathetic activation and sympathetic inactivation tend to be observed. These sudden cardiac innervation disturbances may promote the generation of arrhythmias or myocardial ischemia during surgeries in the trigeminal territory. However, the function and mechanisms involved in the trigeminal reflexes remain to be fully elucidated. The current review provides a brief update and analysis of the features of these reflexes, with special focus on how the autonomic nervous system interacts with cardiovascular function.Fil: Buchholz, Bruno. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Patología; ArgentinaFil: Kelly, Jazmín. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Patología; ArgentinaFil: Bernatene, Eduardo Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Patología; ArgentinaFil: Méndez Diodati, Nahuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Patología; ArgentinaFil: Gelpi, Ricardo Jorge. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad Medicina. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular. Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Departamento de Patología; Argentin

Acerca de la gestión de la producción científica en las carreras de Lic. en Kinesiología y Fisiatría en el marco institucional de las universidades nacionales

El presente trabajo se encuadra en un proyecto de investigación en curso a través del cual nos proponemos indagar sobre el contexto de surgimiento de las carreras de Lic. en Kinesiología y Fisiatría en el marco institucional de las universidades nacionales. La carrera de Lic. en Kinesiología y Fisiatría que se dicta en la ciudad de Rosario desde el año 1998, en convenio con la Universidad Nacional de San Martín y la Fundación del Gran Rosario, tiene como preocupaciones centrales la generación de espacios de investigación en una disciplina con escasa tradición en la producción de conocimientos y la incorporación paulatina, a la propia cultura universitaria, de los criterios de gestión en materia de investigación científica. Partiendo con la premisa que el eje Gestión de la Investigación cobra nodal importancia sobre todo en instituciones universitarias de reciente creación, este trabajo intenta marcar las tensiones que enfrenta nuestra institución en el mencionado eje. En tal sentido, el trabajo se propone realizar en primer lugar un breve raconto del contexto del surgimiento de las carreras de Kinesiología y Fisiatría haciendo especial referencia a las rupturas históricas y epistemológicas acaecidas durante su desarrollo, para en un segundo momento analizar los procesos de gestión vinculados a la producción científica que se manifiestan en la Universidad de Buenos Aires, la Universidad Nacional del Nordeste y la Universidad Nacional de San Martín -sede Rosario-

Rain: Relaxations in the sky

We demonstrate how, from the point of view of energy flow through an open system, rain is analogous to many other relaxational processes in Nature such as earthquakes. By identifying rain events as the basic entities of the phenomenon, we show that the number density of rain events per year is inversely proportional to the released water column raised to the power 1.4. This is the rain-equivalent of the Gutenberg-Richter law for earthquakes. The event durations and the waiting times between events are also characterised by scaling regions, where no typical time scale exists. The Hurst exponent of the rain intensity signal $H = 0.76 > 0.5$. It is valid in the temporal range from minutes up to the full duration of the signal of half a year. All of our findings are consistent with the concept of self-organised criticality, which refers to the tendency of slowly driven non-equilibrium systems towards a state of scale free behaviour.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, submitted to PR