Advanced optimal extraction for the Spitzer/IRS

We present new advances in the spectral extraction of point-like sources adapted to the Infrared Spectrograph onboard the Spitzer Space Telescope. For the first time, we created a super-sampled point spread function of the low-resolution modules. We describe how to use the point spread function to perform optimal extraction of a single source and of multiple sources within the slit. We also examine the case of the optimal extraction of one or several sources with a complex background. The new algorithms are gathered in a plugin called Adopt which is part of the SMART data analysis software.Comment: Accepted for publication in PAS

Canonical Equivalence of a Generic 2D Dilaton Gravity Model and a Bosonic String Theory

We show that a canonical tranformation converts, up to a boundary term, a generic 2d dilaton gravity model into a bosonic string theory with a Minkowskian target space.Comment: LaTeX file, 9 pages, no figure

Second Best Energy Policies

The paper considers the problem of resource allocation when factor groups attempt to obtain a share of real income which is greater than what would be imputed by classical economies. A formulation stressing the Divvy nature of the problem is given both in theoretical terms and with a framework which is susceptible to empirical estimation. Policy questions resulting from the formation of OPEC are discussed and a framework for policy analysis is given

PAH Strength and the Interstellar Radiation Field around the Massive Young Cluster NGC3603

We present spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ionized gas within the Galactic giant HII region NGC3603. Using the IRS instrument on board the Spitzer Space Telescope, we study in particular the PAH emission features at ~5.7, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.3um, and the [ArII] 6.99um, [NeII] 12.81um, [ArIII] 8.99um, and [SIV] 10.51um forbidden emission lines. The observations probe both ionized regions and photodissociation regions. Silicate emission is detected close to the central cluster while silicate absorption is seen further away. We find no significant variation of the PAH ionization fraction across the whole region. The emission of very small grains lies closer to the central stellar cluster than emission of PAHs. The PAH/VSG ratio anticorrelates with the hardness of the interstellar radiation field suggesting a destruction mechanism of the molecules within the ionized gas, as shown for low-metallicity galaxies by Madden et al. (2006).Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ. Corrected typo

A General Equilibrium Framework for the Divvy Economy

In a recent paper, G. Dantzig has formulated a model for resource allocation in the so called "Divvy Institutional Economy." The author proves the existence of a general equilibrium solution to the economic problem (in terms of prices and quantities of input factors and final goods) which at the same time satisfies agreed upon shares of monetary flows allocated to input resource groups and to output consumer groups. The agreement upon the share values is carried out by a political process, while the market mechanisms adjust the prices of primary resource inputs and the relative sizes of the consumer groups until those shares are satisfied. The inputs and outputs and the production and transformation technology are presented in an Input-Output format. The formalization of the resource allocation problem takes into account the presence of institutionalized forces together with the market mechanism. Examples can be taken from empirical observation (collective bargaining, Congressional Budget Approval, indexed prices of raw material) is per se a major innovation with respect to more classical results. In the following sections we we will try to view the Divvy results in relation to the classic economic formulation of the problem and study possible implications of it

MS-ReRO and D-ROSE methods: Assessing relational uncertainty and evaluating scenarios risks and opportunities on multi-scale infrastructure systems

[EN] There is a growing interest in model-based decision support systems contributing to strategic planning. The application of these in the case of urban infrastructure planning requires methods specifically aimed at addressing the relational uncertainties arising from the complex, multi-scale, nature of this field. This study presents UPSS, a comprehensive urban planning support system integrating the generation of planning alternatives, the evaluation of alternatives under a set of relevant scenarios selected dynamically in a cognitive way, and the proposal of policies to accompany the planning alternative. For this purpose, UPSS integrates two novel methods. These deal respectively with the ex post identification of relevant scenarios for the evaluation of the vulnerability and resilience of the alternatives, and with the assessment of relational uncertainty. According to the risks and opportunities borne by the system, the process makes it possible to select an infrastructure plan to alleviate the problem of urban vulnerability, as well as a set of relational contracts for its proper implementation across the different governmental scales of the infrastructure system. The whole process is tested via a case study, in which USPP first proposes optimal urban infrastructure plans that contribute to ameliorate the problem of urban vulnerability in Spain, then evaluates the risks and opportunities attached to the planning alternatives, and finally presents sets of policy measures to accompany the implementation of the alternative selected.The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, along with FEDER funding (Project: BIA2017-85098-R).Salas, J.; Yepes, V. (2019). MS-ReRO and D-ROSE methods: Assessing relational uncertainty and evaluating scenarios risks and opportunities on multi-scale infrastructure systems. Journal of Cleaner Production. 216:607-623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.12.083S60762321

Elemental Abundances of Blue Compact Dwarfs from mid-IR Spectroscopy with Spitzer

We present a study of elemental abundances in a sample of thirteen Blue Compact Dwarf (BCD) galaxies, using the $\sim$10--37$\mu$m high resolution spectra obtained with Spitzer/IRS. We derive the abundances of neon and sulfur for our sample using the infrared fine-structure lines probing regions which may be obscured by dust in the optical and compare our results with similar infrared studies of starburst galaxies from ISO. We find a good correlation between the neon and sulfur abundances, though sulfur is under-abundant relative to neon with respect to the solar value. A comparison of the elemental abundances (neon, sulfur) measured from the infrared data with those derived from the optical (neon, sulfur, oxygen) studies reveals a good overall agreement for sulfur, while the infrared derived neon abundances are slightly higher than the optical values. This indicates that either the metallicities of dust enshrouded regions in BCDs are similar to the optically accessible regions, or that if they are different they do not contribute substantially to the total infrared emission of the host galaxy.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures, accepted by Ap