A Particle Module for the PLUTO code: II - Hybrid Framework for Modeling Non-thermal emission from Relativistic Magnetized flows

We describe a new hybrid framework to model non-thermal spectral signatures from highly energetic particles embedded in a large-scale classical or relativistic MHD flow. Our method makes use of \textit{Lagrangian} particles moving through an Eulerian grid where the (relativistic) MHD equations are solved concurrently. Lagrangian particles follow fluid streamlines and represent ensembles of (real) relativistic particles with a finite energy distribution. The spectral distribution of each particle is updated in time by solving the relativistic cosmic ray transport equation based on local fluid conditions. This enables us to account for a number of physical processes, such as adiabatic expansion, synchrotron and inverse Compton emission. An accurate semi-analytically numerical scheme that combines the method of characteristics with a Lagrangian discretization in the energy coordinate is described. In presence of (relativistic) magnetized shocks, a novel approach to consistently model particle energization due to diffusive shock acceleration has been presented. Our approach relies on a refined shock-detection algorithm and updates the particle energy distribution based on the shock compression ratio, magnetic field orientation and amount of (parameterized) turbulence. The evolved distribution from each \textit{Lagrangian} particle is further used to produce observational signatures like emission maps and polarization signals accounting for proper relativistic corrections. We further demonstrate the validity of this hybrid framework using standard numerical benchmarks and evaluate the applicability of such a tool to study high energy emission from extra-galactic jets.Comment: 23 pages, 14 figures, Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa

Una propuesta de diseño de indicadores de I+D en espacios de educación superior

This study presents the design of a set of R&D indicators specifically related to applications and grants for beginners in scientific & technological activities in a higher education institution. Initially, we propose the construction of a scorecard with a set of indicators and goals for the strategic aim of increasing the number of students with the mentioned scholarships. The general objective is their future integration into the institution's balanced scorecard. This paper explains the methodology for implementing the indicators, the scorecard, and the analysis of the measurements provided by the indicators for the subsequent decision-making and necessary actions.  We conclude that the implemented scorecard offers the information required for management through indicators.Este trabajo presenta el diseño de un conjunto de indicadores de I+D específicamente relacionados con las postulaciones y otorgamiento de becas de iniciación en actividades científico-tecnológicas en una institución de educación superior. Se plantea inicialmente la construcción de un tablero de control con un conjunto de indicadores y metas para lograr el objetivo estratégico de incrementar la cantidad de estudiantes con dichas becas. Se apunta al objetivo general de su integración futura al cuadro de mando integral de la institución. Se presenta la metodología para la implantación de los indicadores, el tablero de control y el análisis de las mediciones brindadas por los indicadores, para la posterior toma de decisiones e implementación de las acciones necesarias. Se concluye que el tablero de control brinda la información necesaria para la gestión mediante el uso de indicadores

Testing the Quasi-temporal Gauge on the Lattice

We investigate the viability of the quasi-temporal gauge on the lattice. This is a complete gauge fixing condition that can be implemented on the lattice at a very low computational cost. As a test case, using the Clover action, we have evaluated the (gauge invariant) renormalisation constant of the non-singlet axial current, using Ward identities extracted from quark states. Our result is in reasonable but not complete agreement with previous values obtained from Ward identities both on hadronic states and on quark states in the Landau gauge. We observe large fluctuations due to lattice Gribov copies. The influence of finite volume effects is expected to be non-negligible in the case we are considering.Comment: 10 pages, uuencoded Postscript file including 2 figure

Making Faranoff-Riley I radio sources. I. Numerical hydrodynamic 3D simulations of low-power jets

Context. Extragalactic radio sources have been classified into two classes, Fanaroff-Riley I and II, which differ in morphology and radio power. Strongly emitting sources belong to the edge-brightened FR II class, and weakly emitting sources to the edge-darkened FR I class. The origin of this dichotomy is not yet fully understood. Numerical simulations are successful in generating FR II morphologies, but they fail to reproduce the diffuse structure of FR Is. Aims: By means of hydro-dynamical 3D simulations of supersonic jets, we investigate how the displayed morphologies depend on the jet parameters. Bow shocks and Mach disks at the jet head, which are probably responsible for the hot spots in the FR II sources, disappear for a jet kinetic power ℒkin ≲ 1043 erg s-1. This threshold compares favorably with the luminosity at which the FR I/FR II transition is observed. Methods: The problem is addressed by numerical means carrying out 3D HD simulations of supersonic jets that propagate in a non-homogeneous medium with the ambient temperature that increases with distance from the jet origin, which maintains constant pressure. Results: The jet energy in the lower power sources, instead of being deposited at the terminal shock, is gradually dissipated by the turbulence. The jets spread out while propagating, and they smoothly decelerate while mixing with the ambient medium and produce the plumes characteristic of FR I objects. Conclusions: Three-dimensionality is an essential ingredient to explore the FR I evolution becausethe properties of turbulence in two and three dimensions are very different, since there is no energy cascade to small scales in two dimensions, and two-dimensional simulations with the same parameters lead to FRII-like behavior

Using social robot NAO for emotional support to children at a paediatric emergency department: a randomised clinical trial

Background: Social robots have been used for improving anxiety in children in stressful clinical situations, as during painful procedures. No studies have been performed yet to assess their effect in children while waiting for emergency room consultations. Objective: To assess the impact of social robots in managing stress in children waiting for an emergency room procedure through the assessment of salivary cortisol levels. Methods: This was an open randomised clinical trial in children attending a paediatric emergency department. Children accessing the emergency room were randomised to one of three groups: 1) playing with a NAO social robot; 2) playing with a study nurse; 3) waiting with parents. All children were measured salivary cortisol levels through a swab. Salivary cortisol levels before and after the intervention were compared in the three groups. We calculated the effect size of our interventions through the Cohen's d-based effect size correlation (r). Results: A total of 109 children aged 3 to 10 years were enrolled in the study and 94 had complete data for the analyses. Salivary cortisol levels decreased significantly more in the group exposed to robot interaction than in the other two groups (r=0.75). Cortisol levels decreased more in girls (r=0.92) than boys (r=0.57). Conclusions: Social robots are efficacious in decreasing stress in children accessing the emergency room and may be considered as a tool for improving emotional perceptions of children and their families in such a critical setting. Clinicaltrial: Robot Therapy in Pediatric Emergency, NCT04627909, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT04627909

West Nile virus transmission. results from the integrated surveillance system in Italy, 2008 to 2015

IIn Italy a national Plan for the surveillance of imported and autochthonous human vector-borne diseases (chikungunya, dengue, Zika virus disease and West Nile virus (WNV) disease) that integrates human and veterinary (animals and vectors) surveillance, is issued and revised annually according with the observed epidemiological changes. Here we describe results of the WNV integrated veterinary and human surveillance systems in Italy from 2008 to 2015. A real time data exchange protocol is in place between the surveillance systems to rapidly identify occurrence of human and animal cases and to define and update the map of affected areas i.e. provinces during the vector activity period from June to October. WNV continues to cause severe illnesses in Italy during every transmission season, albeit cases are sporadic and the epidemiology varies by virus lineage and geographic area. The integration of surveillance activities and a multidisciplinary approach made it possible and have been fundamental in supporting implementation of and/or strengthening preventive measures aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of WNV trough blood, tissues and organ donation and to implementing further measures for vector control