Computing Matveev's complexity via crystallization theory: the boundary case

The notion of Gem-Matveev complexity has been introduced within crystallization theory, as a combinatorial method to estimate Matveev's complexity of closed 3-manifolds; it yielded upper bounds for interesting classes of such manifolds. In this paper we extend the definition to the case of non-empty boundary and prove that for each compact irreducible and boundary-irreducible 3-manifold it coincides with the modified Heegaard complexity introduced by Cattabriga, Mulazzani and Vesnin. Moreover, via Gem-Matveev complexity, we obtain an estimation of Matveev's complexity for all Seifert 3-manifolds with base $\mathbb D^2$ and two exceptional fibers and, therefore, for all torus knot complements.Comment: 27 pages, 14 figure

Optical deep space communication via relay satellite

The possible use of an optical for high rate data transmission from a deep space vehicle to an Earth-orbiting relay satellite while RF links are envisioned for the relay to Earth link was studied. A preliminary link analysis is presented for initial sizing of optical components and power levels, in terms of achievable data rates and feasible range distances. Modulation formats are restricted to pulsed laser operation, involving bot coded and uncoded schemes. The advantage of an optical link over present RF deep space link capabilities is shown. The problems of acquisition, pointing and tracking with narrow optical beams are presented and discussed. Mathematical models of beam trackers are derived, aiding in the design of such systems for minimizing beam pointing errors. The expected orbital geometry between spacecraft and relay satellite, and its impact on beam pointing dynamics are discussed

Global analysis of muon decay measurements

We have performed a global analysis of muon decay measurements to establish model-independent limits on the space-time structure of the muon decay matrix element. We find limits on the scalar, vector and tensor coupling of right- and left-handed muons to right- and left-handed electrons. The limits on those terms that involve the decay of right-handed muons to left-handed electrons are more restrictive than in previous global analyses, while the limits on the other non-standard model interactions are comparable. The value of the Michel parameter eta found in the global analysis is -0.0036 \pm 0.0069, slightly more precise than the value found in a more restrictive analysis of a recent measurement. This has implications for the Fermi coupling constant G_F.Comment: 5 pages, 3 table

Refractive effects in the scattering of loosely bound nuclei

A study of the interaction of loosely bound nuclei 6,7Li at 9 and 19 AMeV with light targets has been undertaken. With the determination of unambiguous optical potentials in mind, elastic data for four projectile-target combinations and one neutron transfer reaction 13C(7Li,8Li)12C have been measured on a large angular range. The kinematical regime encompasses a region where the mean field (optical potential) has a marked variation with mass and energy, but turns out to be sufficiently surface transparent to allow strong refractive effects to be manifested in elastic scattering data at intermediate angles. The identified exotic feature, a "plateau" in the angular distributions at intermediate angles, is fully confirmed in four reaction channels and interpreted as a pre-rainbow oscillation resulting from the interference of the barrier and internal barrier farside scattering subamplitudes.Comment: 19 pages, 14 figures, 3 tables to submit to Phys. Rev.

Managerial features and outcome in neonatal intensive care units: results from a cluster analysis

Background: Healthcare organisations differ in performance even if they are located in the same country or region. Suitable managerial practices and organisational processes can lead to better health outcomes. As a result, hospitals are constantly looking for managerial arrangements that can improve outcomes and keep costs down. This study aims to identify different managerial models in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and their impact on a large number of outcomes. Methods: The research was conducted in Italy, within the SONAR project. SONAR’s aim was to identify the characteristics of NICUs, monitor outcomes and promote best practices. This study includes 51 of the 63 NICUs that took part in the SONAR project. Questionnaires on the activities and managerial features were administered to doctors and nurses working in NICUs. A total of 643 questionnaires were analysed from doctors and a total of 1601 from nurses. A cluster analysis was performed to identify managerial models of NICUs. Results: Three managerial models emerged from cluster analysis: traditional, collaborative and individualistic. In the “traditional” model the doctor is above the nurse in the hierarchy, and the nurse therefore has exclusively operational autonomy. The “collaborative” model has as key elements professional specialisation and functional coordination. The “individualistic” model considers only individual professional skills and does not concern the organisational conditions necessary to generate organisational effectiveness. The results also showed that there is an association between managerial model and neonatal outcomes. The collaborative model shows best results in almost all outcomes considered, and the traditional model has the worst. The individualistic model is in the middle, although its values are very close to those of traditional model. Conclusions: Health management needs to assess NICU strategically in order to develop models to improve outcomes. This study provides insights for management useful for designing managerial characteristics of NICUs in order to achieve better results. NICUs characterised by a collaborative model in fact show better neonatal outcomes

Analysis of genetic markers in a sample of uruguayan criollo horses

The aim of this work is to charaterize at least tentatively the Criollo Horses of Uruguay through blood genetic markers. This breed, whose origin goes back to horses brought to Rio de la Plata in 1538 from Spain, nowadays, after more than four centuries in its environment, owns unique zootechnical traits and well developed rusticity. We have studied 7 systems of blood groups (A, C, D, K, P, Q and U) and 6 of biochemical polymorphisms (A1B, Al, Tf, alk-Es, PGD, PGM) in a sample of 99 Criollo Horses of Uruguay. The most polymorphic loci were the D blood group system with 13 alleles, Ddelo, Dadl and Ddkl being the 3 most frequent ones, and the Tf locus, that displayed 7 alleles, D and F2 having the highest frequency. The genetic variability of the sample was estimated through the average heterozigosity that reached a value of 0.435. Concerning the origin of the breed, we have to stress the presence in our sample of TfJ and Dcfgk, breed allele markers of the Spanish Pure Breed Horse. We conclude from these results that the present days Criollo Horses of Uruguay have preserved some blood genetic traits of its ancestors that differentiate them from the other Criollo Horses, displaying at the same time an important amount of genetic variability as shown by the high value of average heterozigosity.En esta comunicación preliminar, presentamos la evaluación de las frecuencias alélicas obtenidas en 7 sistemas de grupos sanguíneos (A, C, D, K, P, Q y U) y 6 polimorfismos bioquímicos (A1B, Al, Es alcalina, Tf, PGD y PGM) en una muestra de 99 Caballos Criollos del Uruguay (CCU). Los sistemas más polimórficos fueron el sistema D, con 13 alelos siendo los más frecuentes: Ddelo, Dadl y Ddkl, y el locus Tf con 7 alelos siendo los más frecuentes: D y F2. Todos los sistemas electroforéticos se encontraron en equilibrio génico. La variabilidad genética de la muestra estudiada se estimó mediante el Índice de Heterocigosidad esperada, el cual presentó un valor de 0,435. En la muestra analizada se destaca la presencia de la variante TfJ y del alelo Dcfgk, marcadores característicos de la Pura Raza Española (PRE). Se puede concluir que estos datos proporcionan información de que los Caballos Criollos Uruguayos conservan parte del potencial genético de sus ancestros, manteniendo características propias y diferentes a la de las otros Caballos Criollos. En cuanto a la variabilidad genética, a pesar de ser una muestra pequeña, presentó un índice de heterocigosidad bastante alto

How unique is the Asymptotic Normalisation Coefficient (ANC) method?

The asymptotic normalisation coefficients (ANC) for the vertex $^{10}$B $\to$ $^9$Be + p is deduced from a set of different proton transfer reactions at different energies. This set should ensure the peripheral character of the reaction and availability of data for the elastic channels. The problems associated with the characteristics of the data and the analysis are discussed. For a subgroup of the set of available data, the uniqueness property of the extracted ANC is fulfilled. However, more measurements are needed before a definite conclusion can be drawn.Comment: 19 pages, 11 figures, to be published in Phys Rev