Inconsistencies in the application of harmonic analysis to pulsating stars

Using ultra-precise data from space instrumentation we found that the underlying functions of stellar light curves from some AF pul- sating stars are non-analytic, and consequently their Fourier expansion is not guaranteed. This result demonstrates that periodograms do not provide a mathematically consistent estimator of the frequency content for this kind of variable stars. More importantly, this constitutes the first counterexample against the current paradigm which considers that any physical process is described by a contin- uous (band-limited) function that is infinitely differentiable.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figure

Analysis of debris from APG-3, the simulated destruct system test of a full-scale Rover/NERVA reactor

Analysis of debris from simulated destruction system test of full scale Rover/NERVA reacto

Comment on "Soliton ratchets induced by excitation of internal modes"

Very recently Willis et al. [Phys. Rev. E {\bf 69}, 056612 (2004)] have used a collective variable theory to explain the appearance of a nonzero energy current in an ac driven, damped sine-Gordon equation. In this comment, we prove rigorously that the time-averaged energy current in an ac driven nonlinear Klein-Gordon system is strictly zero.Comment: 3 pages, 1 figure, Submitted to Phys. Rev.

Optimal generalized quantum measurements for arbitrary spin systems

Positive operator valued measurements on a finite number of N identically prepared systems of arbitrary spin J are discussed. Pure states are characterized in terms of Bloch-like vectors restricted by a SU(2 J+1) covariant constraint. This representation allows for a simple description of the equations to be fulfilled by optimal measurements. We explicitly find the minimal POVM for the N=2 case, a rigorous bound for N=3 and set up the analysis for arbitrary N.Comment: LateX, 12 page

Can institutional forces create competitive advantage? An empirical examination of environmental innovation

We examine institutional pressures as antecedents of environmental innovation. Drawing on institutional theory and a resource-based view of the firm, we argue that regulatory and normative forces influence companies' propensity to innovate in environment-related projects. Furthermore, we suggest that this relationship is contingent on the availability and specificity of the companies' resources. These relationships were tested using environmental patents and citations of 340 publicly-traded companies from polluting industries in the U.S. Results suggest that institutional pressures can be a source of competitive advantage, and regulatory forces are becoming more strongly associated with environmental innovations as the intensity of companies' R&D activities increase.environmental innovation; institutional theory; resource-based view;

Field experimental study of traffic-induced turbulence on highways

This paper is focused on traffic-induced turbulence (TIT) analysis from a field campaign performed in 2011, using ultrasonic anemometers deployed in the M-12 Highways, Madrid (Spain). The study attempts to improve knowledge about the influence of traffic-related parameters on turbulence. Linear relationships between vehicle speed and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) values are found with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.75 and 0.55 for the lorry and van respectively. The vehicle-induced fluctuations in the wind components (u', v' and w') showed the highest values for the longitudinal component (v) because of the wake-passing effect. In the analysis of wake produced by moving vehicles it is indicated how the turbulence dissipates in relation to a distance d and height h. The TKE values were found to be higher at the measuring points closer to the surface during the wake analysis.This work was supported by the OASIS Research Project that was co financed by CDTI (Spanish Science and Innovation Ministry) and developed with the Spanish companies: Iridium, OHL Concesiones, Abertis, Sice, Indra, Dragados, OHL, Geocisa, GMV, Asfaltos Augusta, Hidrofersa, Eipsa, PyG, CPS, AEC and Torre de Comares Arquitectos s.l and 16 research centres