A socioeconomic model for managing water resources in Alicante,southeast Spain

The study analyzes variables that influence the water management model based on a simultaneous relationship between competing demands in the Marina Baja of Alicante, using a methodology that directly links together urban and irrigation demands, making them relevant to each other from a socioeconomic point of view. The paper identifies the relevant variables of this model and the agent behaviour in a closed and joint system. It also aims to demonstrate that by considering water demands for different yet simultaneous uses and regarding clean and reclaimed waters as integrated resources, the system could remain in equilibrium without external water supplies.     

Asymptotic synchronization of the Colpitts oscillator

In this paper we deal with the observer-based asymptotic synchronization problem for a class of chaotic oscillators. Some results based on a differential algebraic approach are used in order to determine the algebraic observability of unknown variables. The strategy consists of proposing a slave system (observer) which tends to follow asymptotically the master system. The methodology is tested in the real-time asymptotic synchronization of the Colpitts oscillator by means of a proportional reduced order observer (PROO) of free-model type.     

An efficient model for studying the dynamics of frustrated systems

We present a model based on determinist cellular automata architecture for studying systems with frustrated interactions that present elemental excitations, such as magnetic monopoles. This model is especially designed to be applied for systems with components that have energy levels much higher than $kT$. This would imply that for these systems thermal fluctuations are negligible and they can be analyzed under the supposition that the dynamic is produced at zero temperature. This category includes artificial magnetic spin ice systems and donor and recipient electrical charge molecular systems. The dynamics of these systems can be simulated in real time with this model, with a minimum of computational requirements. It can be an excellent complement to Monte Carlo methods and in some cases can even replace them directly. In this report, we show the designed structure and some interesting results obtained in studying the dynamics of emergent magnetic monopoles in artificial spin ice systems and excitations in graphane molecular arrays.     

Observation of a half-quantum-flux periodicity pattern in an rf SQUID with small critical currents

We have found experimentally that rf SQUID's working in a nonhysteretic mode with small critical currents give exactly at resonance and at very low rf bias a triangular pattern with a period equal to half of one elementary quantum of magnetic flux. We discuss a possible explanation of this peculiar result.     

Synthesis, structure, and field emission properties of sulfur-doped nanocrystalline diamond

The synthesis and properties of sulfur-doped nanocrystalline diamond films were investigated. The films were deposited by hot-filament chemical vapor deposition on Mo substrates using methane, hydrogen, and hydrogen disulfide. The nanocrystalline nature of the material arises from the induction of continuous secondary nucleation in the chemical vapor deposition environment. Complementary characterization tools were employed in order to obtain a comprehensive and coherent understanding of the correlations between the structural and electronic properties. In particular, sulfur-doped nanocrystalline diamond films show n-type Hall conductivity, enhanced field emission properties, and insensitivity to ion radiation. It was found that n-type doping of the tetragonally-bonded carbon matrix together with a nano network of trigonally-bonded carbon are crucial elements for enhanced field emission from nanocrystalline diamond. These conclusions and the corresponding supporting evidence are discussed.     

Second-Order Stiffness Matrix and Loading Vector of a Beam-Column with Semirigid Connections on an Elastic Foundation

The second-order stiffness matrix and corresponding loading vector of a prismatic beam–column subjected to a constant axial load and supported on a uniformly distributed elastic foundation (Winkler type) along its span with its ends connected to elastic supports are derived in a classical manner. The stiffness coefficients are expressed in terms of the ballast coefficient of the elastic foundation, applied axial load, support conditions, bending, and shear deformations. These individual parameters may be dropped when the appropriate effect is not considered; therefore, the proposed model captures all the different models of beams and beam–columns including those based on the theories of Bernoulli–Euler, Timoshenko, Rayleigh, and bending and shear.The expressions developed for the load vector are also general for any type or combinations of transverse loads including concentrated and partially nonuniform distributed loads. In addition, the transfer equations necessary to determine the transverse deflections, rotations, shear, and bending moments along the member are also developed and presented.     

Linking Organizational Resources and Work Engagement to Employee Performance and Customer Loyalty: The Mediation of Service Climate.

This study examined the mediating role of service climate in the prediction of employee performance and customer loyalty. Contact employees (N=342) from 114 service units (58 hotel front desks and 56 restaurants) provided information about organizational resources, engagement, and service climate. Furthermore, customers (N=1,140) from these units provided information on employee performance and customer loyalty. Structural equation modeling analyses were consistent with a full mediation model in which organizational resources and work engagement predict service climate, which in turn predicts employee performance and then customer loyalty. Further analyses revealed a potential reciprocal effect between service climate and customer loyalty. Implications of the study are discussed, together with limitations and suggestions for future research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)