Baryogenesis from `electrogenesis' in a scalar field dominated epoch

Scalar fields can play a dominant role in the dynamics of the Universe until shortly before nucleosynthesis. Examples are provided by domination by a kinetic mode of a scalar field, which may be both the inflaton and the late time `quintessence', and also by more conventional models of reheating. The resultant modification to the pre-nucleosynthesis expansion rate can allow solely an asymmetry in right handed electrons to produce a net baryon asymmetry when reprocessed by the anomalous B+L violating processes of the standard model. The production of such a source asymmetry - what we term `electrogenesis' - requires no additional B or L violation beyond that in the standard model. We consider a specific model for its generation, by a simple perturbative out of equilibrium decay of Higgs like scalar fields with CP-violating Yukawa couplings to the standard model leptons. We show that, because of the much enhanced expansion rate, such a mechanism can easily produce an adequate asymmetry from scalars with masses as low as 1 TeV. Kinetic mode domination is strongly favoured because it evades large entropy release which dilutes the asymmetry. We also discuss briefly the effect of the abelian hypercharge anomaly.Comment: 25 pages, 2 figure

The use of LANDSAT digital data and computer implemented techniques for an erosion hazard-reforestation needs assessment

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

Relationship between forest clearing and biophysical factors in tropical environments: Implications for the design of a forest change monitoring approach

The relationship between forest clearing, biophysical factors (e.g, ecological zones, slope gradient, soils), and transportation network in Costa Rica was analyzed. The location of forested areas at four reference datas (1940, 1950, 1961, and 1977) as derived from aerial photography and LANDSAT MSS data was digitilized and entered into a geographically-referenced data base. Ecological zones as protrayed by the Holdridge Life Zone Ecology System, and the location of roads and railways were also digitized from maps of the entire country as input to the data base. Information on slope gradient and soils was digitized from maps of a 21,000 square kilometer area. The total area of forest cleared over four decades are related to biophysical factors was analyzed within the data base and deforestation rates and trends were tabulated. The relatiohship between forest clearing and ecological zone and the influence of topography, sils, and transportation network are presented and discussed

Land Use and Mapping

Land use management, classification, and mapping based on ERTS-1 observations - Conferenc

A new approach for the measurement of film thickness in liquid face seals

Face seals operate by allowing a small volume of the sealed fluid to escape and form a thin film between the contacting parts. The thickness of this film must be optimized to ensure that the faces are separated, yet the leakage is minimized. In this work the liquid film is measured using a novel ultrasonic approach with a view to developing a condition monitoring tool. The trials were performed in two stages. Initially tests were based on a lab simulation, where it was possible to compare the ultrasonic film thickness measurements with optical interference methods and capacitance methods. A direct correlation was seen between ultrasonic measurements and capacitance. Where ultrasonic and optical methods overlap, good correlation is observed; however, the optical method will not record film thickness above 0.72 m. A second set of trials was carried out, where the film thickness was monitored inside a seal test apparatus. Film thickness was successfully recorded as speed and load were varied. The results showed that while stationary the film thickness varied noticeably with load. When rotating, however, the oil film remained relatively stable around 2 m. During the normal operation of the seal, both sudden speed and load changes were applied in order to initiate a seal failure. During these events, the measured film thickness was seen to drop dramatically down to 0.2 m. This demonstrated the ability of the technique to predict failure in a face seal and therefore its aptitude for condition monitoring

Valve recession: From experiment to predictive model

Increasing demands on engine performance and cost reductions have meant that advances made in materials and production technology are often outpaced This frequently results in wear problems occurring with engine components. Few models exist for predicting wear, and consequently each wear problem has to be investigated, the cause isolated and remedial action taken. The objective of this work was to carry out experimental studies to investigate valve and seat insert wear mechanisms and use the test results to develop a recession prediction tool to assess the potential for valve recession and solve problems that occur more quickly. Experimental apparatus has been developed that is capable of providing a valid simulation of the wear of diesel automotive inlet valves and seats. Test methodologies developed have isolated the effects of impact and sliding. A semi-empirical wear model for predicting valve recession has been developed based on data gathered during the bench testing. A software program, RECESS, was developed to run the model. Model predictions are compared with engine dynamometer tests and bench tests. The model can be used to give a quantitative prediction of the valve recession to be expected with a particular material pair or a qualitative assessment of how parameters need to be altered in order to reduce recession. The valve recession model can be integrated into an industrial environment in order to help reduce costs and timescales involved in solving valve/seat wear problems

Primary aragonite and high-Mg calcite in the late Cambrian (Furongian) : Potential evidence from marine carbonates in Oman

Acknowledgements Fieldwork and sampling was funded by Petroleum Development Oman during S. Al Marjibis's Ph.D. Their help is gratefully acknowledged. We also thank colleagues at the University of Aberdeen, Julie Dougans (SUERC) for assisting with stable isotope analysis and Dr. Richard Hinton (EIMF) for assistance with ion microprobe analysis. Profs. Kiessling, Tucker, Bosence, Coleman, Dr. Dickson and an anonymous reviewer are thanked for their helpful and encouraging comments.Peer reviewedPostprin

The use of LANDSAT digital data and computer-implemented techniques for an agricultural application

Agricultural applications procedures are described for use of LANDSAT digital data and other digitalized data (e.g., soils). The results of having followed these procedures are shown in production estimates for cotton and soybeans in Washington County, Mississippi. Examples of output products in both line printer and map formats are included, and a product adequacy assessment is made

Possible origin of 60-K plateau in the YBa2Cu3O(6+y) phase diagram

We study a model of YBa2Cu3O(6+y) to investigate the influence of oxygen ordering and doping imbalance on the critical temperature Tc(y) and to elucidate a possible origin of well-known feature of YBCO phase diagram: the 60-K plateau. Focusing on "phase only" description of the high-temperature superconducting system in terms of collective variables we utilize a three-dimensional semi microscopic XY model with two-component vectors that involve phase variables and adjustable parameters representing microscopic phase stiffnesses. The model captures characteristic energy scales present in YBCO and allows for strong anisotropy within basal planes to simulate oxygen ordering. Applying spherical closure relation we have solved the phase XY model with the help of transfer matrix method and calculated Tc for chosen system parameters. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of oxygen ordering and doping imbalance on the shape of YBCO phase diagram. We find it unlikely that oxygen ordering alone can be responsible for the existence of 60-K plateau. Relying on experimental data unveiling that oxygen doping of YBCO may introduce significant charge imbalance between CuO2 planes and other sites, we show that simultaneously the former are underdoped, while the latter -- strongly overdoped almost in the whole region of oxygen doping in which YBCO is superconducting. As a result, while oxygen content is increased, this provides two counter acting factors, which possibly lead to rise of 60K plateau. Additionally, our result can provide an important contribution to understanding of experimental data supporting existence of multicomponent superconductivity in YBCO.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, submitted to PRB, see http://prb.aps.or