On the entropy of plasmas described with regularized κ\kappa-distributions

In classical thermodynamics the entropy is an extensive quantity, i.e.\ the sum of the entropies of two subsystems in equilibrium with each other is equal to the entropy of the full system consisting of the two subsystems. The extensitivity of entropy has been questioned in the context of a theoretical foundation for the so-called $\kappa$-distributions, which describe plasma constituents with power-law velocity distributions. We demonstrate here, by employing the recently introduced {\it regularized $\kappa$-distributions}, that entropy can be defined as an extensive quantity even for such power-law-like distributions that truncate exponentially.Comment: Preprint accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Uncertainty Avoidance and Technology Acceptance in Emerging Economies: A Comparative Study

Technology adoption is affected by many factors, including culture. The aim of this research in progress paper is to further clarify and explain the role of culture when considering the acceptance of Information and Communication Technologies in emerging economies. A particular cultural dimension–Uncertainty Avoidance–has been identified as a key element moderating technology adoption. Our results indicate that emerging economies generally have a higher level of uncertainty avoidance. Focusing on this angle, we review relevant information communication technology literature, and provide guidelines for emerging economies to accelerate adoption of new information and communication technologies

A Note on the Kinks at the Mean Variance Frontier

In this paper the standard portfolio case with short sales restrictions is analyzed.Dybvig pointed out that if there is a kink at a risky portfolio on the efficient frontier, then the securities in this portfolio have equal expected return and the converse of this statement is false.For the existence of kinks at the efficient frontier the sufficient condition is given here and a new procedure is used to derive the efficient frontier, i.e. the characteristics of the mean variance frontier.

Formation of regular structures in the process of phase separation

Phase separation under directional quenching has been studied in a Cahn-Hilliard model. In distinct contrast to the disordered patterns which develop under a homogeneous quench periodic stripe patterns are generated behind the quench front. Their wavelength is uniquely defined by the velocity of the quench interface in a wide range. Numerical simulations match perfectly analytical results obtained in the limit of small and large velocities of the quench interface. Additional periodic modulation of the quench interface may lead to cellular patterns. The quenching protocols analyzed in this paper are expected to be an effective tool in technological applications to design nanostructured materials

The influence of solar wind turbulence on geomagnetic activity

International audienceThe importance of space weather and its forecasting is growing as interest in studying geoeffective processes in the Sun ? solar wind ? magnetosphere ? ionosphere coupled system is increasing. In this paper higher order statistical moments of interplanetary magnetic field and geomagnetic SYM-H index fluctuations are compared. The proper description of fluctuations in the solar wind can elucidate important aspects of the geoeffectivity of upstream turbulence and contribute to our understanding of space weather. Our results indicate that quasi-stationary intervals during both quiet and stormy periods have to be investigated in order to find correlations between upstream and geomagnetic conditions. We found that the fourth statistical moment (kurtosis), which was not considered in previous studies, appears to be a new geoeffective parameter. Intermittency of the magnetic turbulence in the solar wind can influence the efficiency of the solar wind ? magnetosphere coupling through affecting magnetic reconnection at the Earth's magnetopause

The mechanism and kinetics of void formation and growth in particulate filled PE composites

Volume strain measurements were carried out on PE/CaCO3 composites prepared with three different matrix polymers, containing various amounts of filler. The analysis of the debonding process and the various stages of void formation proved that the model developed for the prediction of the initiation of debonding is valid also for the studied PE/CaCO3 composites. Debonding stress is determined by the strength of interfacial adhesion, particle size and the stiffness of the matrix. In thermoplastic matrices usually two competitive processes take place: debonding and the plastic deformation of the polymer. The relative magnitude of the two processes strongly influences the number and size of the voids formed. Because of this competition and due to the wide particle size distribution of commercial fillers, only a certain fraction of the particles initiate the formation of voids. The number of voids formed is inversely proportional to the stiffness of the matrix polymer. In stiff matrices almost the entire amount of filler separates from the matrix under the effect of external load, while less than 30% debond in a PE which has an initial modulus of 0.4 GPa. Further decrease of matrix stiffness may lead to the complete absence of debonding and the composite would deform exclusively by shear yielding. Voids initiated by debonding grow during the further deformation of the composite. The size of the voids also depends on the modulus of the matrix. The rate of volume increase considerably exceeds the value predicted for cross-linked rubbers. At the same deformation and filler content the number of voids is smaller and their size is larger in soft matrices than in polymers with larger inherent modulus