Search

Proxy-SU(3) symmetry is an approximation scheme extending the Elliott SU(3) algebra of the sd shell to heavier shells, in order to make possible the application of the symmetry properties in cutting down the size of the required calculations. When introduced in 2017, the approximation had been justified by calculations carried out within the Nilsson model, an elementary shell model based on a 3-dimensional harmonic oscillator with cylindrical symmetry, applicable to deformed nuclei. Recently our group managed to map the cartesian basis of the Elliott SU(3) model onto the spherical shell model basis, fully clarifying the approximations used within the proxy-SU(3) scheme and paving the way for using the proxy-SU(3) approximation in shell model calculations for heavy nuclei. As a by-product, the relation of the 0[110] Nilsson pairs used in proxy-SU(3) to the earlier used de Shalit-Goldhaber pairs and Federman-Pittel pairs has been clarified. The connection between the proxy-SU(3) scheme and the spherical shell model has also been worked out in the original framework of the Nilsson model, with identical results.

This work features preliminary results from a recent experimental campaign at IFIN-HH, Romania, aimed at measuring lifetimes of excited states in the neutron-rich 180Hf, by means of the RDDS technique. The 181Ta(11B,12C)180Hf proton pick-up reaction was used to populate excited states in the 180Hf nucleus. The ROSPHERE array loaded with 25 HPGe detectors was employed for the detection of the γ transitions depopulating the levels of interest. The array was coupled to the SORCERER particle detector and a plunger device enabling the study of p-γ and p-γ-γ coinciding events. Six different plunger foil distances were chosen, allowing for the construction of the decay curves of the observed γ transitions of interest, from which the corresponding level lifetimes can subsequently be deduced.

The microscopic origins and the up-to-now predictions of the proxy-SU(3) symmetry model of atomic nuclei are reviewed. Starting from the experimental evidence for the special role played by nucleon pairs with maximal spatial overlap, the proxy-SU(3) approximation scheme is introduced and its validity is demonstrated through Nilsson model calculations, as well as through its connection to the spherical shell model. The major role played by highest weight irreducible representations of SU(3) in shaping up the nuclear properties is pointed out, resulting in parameter-free predictions of the collective variables beta and gamma for even-even nuclei, in the explanation of the dominance of prolate over oblate shapes in the ground states of even-even nuclei, in the prediction of a shape/phase transition from prolate to oblate shapes below closed shells, as well as in the prediction of specific islands on the nuclear chart in which shape coexistence is confined. Further developments within the proxy-SU(3) scheme are outlined., 27 pages, 9 figures, 8 tables

Poster in Euroschool on Exotic Beams 2021, 11-17 September 2021, KU Leuven, Belgium

Since 2013, the European Commission (EC) is developing and testing the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)—a product evaluation method, based on life cycle assessment (LCA). How and if PEF would be applied in communication and ecolabelling is still unclear; likewise, the scientific work on this matter is incomplete. This study aims to investigate the interface between PEF and the European Flower (EUF)—the European type I ecolabel—and to particularly examine scenarios for their co-existence and mutual supplement. The aim of this work is achieved by conducting an analysis of three case studies on three different product groups for which both Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) and European Ecolabel awarding criteria exist, namely, detergents, paints, and T-shirts. This includes a topic-based assessment and comparison of which life cycle stages, processes, and environmental aspects they cover. Based on this inquiry, a reciprocal analysis of synergies, gaps, and potential conflicts of the PEFCR and the ecolabel is performed. Finally, concepts for achieving mutual benefits for both approaches are provided and proposals for a consistent integration of PEF results in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) communication are developed. The results of the three case studies point out similarities and gaps between PEF and EUF, as well as methodological shortcomings of both approaches. Based on this, three perspectives (namely, PEF, EUF, and Joint perspectives) are explored. They represent possible combinations and co-existence between PEF and EUF and serve different communication needs (B2B, B2C, or both). Whereas the first two perspectives examine scenarios for integration of one approach into the other and their parallel co-existence, the Joint perspective proposes a hybrid approach (called ecolabel type IV). It is a combination of elements of type I and type III environmental labels that allows for two different, but simultaneous product certifications depending on the end-user focus. In order to improve the current approaches for ecolabelling, the use of criteria that cover the complete life cycle is imperative. Still, tools that go beyond the calculation of an LCA profile and cover product-specific aspects are needed. The proposed hybrid ecolabel covers both aspects by combining PEF and EUF. It is believed to be a solution for the EC to operationalize PEF in communication and in parallel, to avoid further proliferation of ecolabels.

We examine the physical conditions, and specifically the role of the quadrupole-octupole deformation, for the emergence of the 8 eV “clock” isomer229mTh. Our nuclear structure model suggests that such an extremely low-energy state can be the result of a very fine interplay between the shape and single-particle (s.p.) dynamics in the nucleus. We find that the isomer can only appear in a rather limited region of quadrupoleoctupole deformation space close to a line along which the ground-state and isomer s.p. orbitals 5/2[633] and 3/2[631], respectively, cross each other providing the isomer-formation quasi-degeneracy condition. The crucial role of the octupole deformation in the formation mechanism is pointed out. Our calculations within the outlined deformation region show a smooth behaviour of the229Th electromagnetic properties, including the isomer decay rate, allowing for their more precise theoretical determination

Proxy-SU(3) symmetry is an approximation scheme extending the Elliott SU(3) algebra of the sd shell to heavier shells. When introduced in 2017, the approximation had been justified by calculations carried out within the Nilsson model. Recently our group managed to map the cartesian basis of the Elliott SU(3) model onto the spherical shell model basis, proving that the proxy-SU(3) approximation corresponds to the replacement of the intruder orbitals by their de Shalit-Goldhaber partners, paving the way for using the proxy-SU(3) approximation in shell model calculations. The connection between the proxy-SU(3) scheme and the spherical shell model has also been worked out in the original framework of the Nilsson model, with identical results., 6 pages, 1 figure, 5 tables, HINP 6th International Workshop; Perspectives on Nuclear Physics: from Fundamentals to Applications (online, May 14-16, 2021)

ISO 14020 series of standards provide guidance for establishing ecolabels and a classification based on three label types, I, II, and III. They also determine the consideration of product’s life cycle and application of the life cycle assessment (LCA) in ecolabeling. Still, the large number and variety of existing ecolabels has led to consumer confusion in the recent years. The objective of this paper is to propose a characterization scheme for ecolabels and to provide recommendations for the enhancement of existing ecolabel classification, questioning the current sufficiency of ISO. To reach the objective, we first create a sample of ecolabels covering forest and paper products as an example, to narrow down the enormous number of existing ecolabels (over 460 as of August 2018). Second, we analyze their content, purpose, and awarding criteria through a desk research. In parallel, scientific publication, reports, and standards are also analyzed. Third, based on the obtained information, we define a list of ecolabel characterization attributes and their options and observe tendencies in ecolabel development. Ultimately, based on the outcomes of the proposed characterization scheme, we give recommendations for enhancement. Ultimately, we compare a sample of 45 ecolabels against 18 attributes of the proposed characterization scheme, including, among others, their ISO typology, life cycle perspective, awarding format, covered environmental aspects, and scope. Regarding type I or type III label, ISO seems to be explicit and their requirements are well respected, including how LCA is to be applied. However, approximately 60% of the explored ecolabels in our sample did not declare any ISO typology, whereas none assigned a type II classification. These “undefined” ecolabels, as we call them, apply different awarding formats and criteria in combination and hybrid forms that are not recognized and described by ISO or any other observed classification approach. Misuse of the term “LCA” is also perceived in such “undefined” initiatives. We conclude that the current ISO standards on ecolabels belittle the consequences that the increased number of undefined ecolabels brings. We provide a list of recommendations for the enhancement of the current ISO classification in seven topics, namely, awarding format, aspects diversity, operation scope, verification, reconsideration of the usability of ISO 14021, new ISO classification, and transparency. Limitations of the study and outlook conclude the work.

A novel dual-shell mechanism for the phenomenon of shape coexistence in nuclei within the Elliott SU(3) and the proxy-SU(3) symmetry is proposed for all mass regions. It is supposed, that shape coexistence is activated by large quadrupole-quadrupole interaction and involves the interchange among the spin-orbit (SO) like shells within nucleon numbers 6-14, 14-28, 28-50, 50-82, 82-126, 126-184, which are being described by the proxy-SU(3) symmetry, and the harmonic oscillator (HO) shells within nucleon numbers 2-8, 8-20, 20-40, 40-70, 70-112, 112-168 of the Elliott SU(3) symmetry. The outcome is, that shape coexistence may occur in certain islands on the nuclear map. The dual-shell mechanism predicts without any free parameters, that nuclei with proton number (Z) or neutron number (N) between 7-8, 17-20, 34-40, 59-70, 96-112, 146-168 are possible candidates for shape coexistence. In the light nuclei the nucleons flip from the HO shell to the neighboring SO-like shell, which means, that particle excitations occur. For this mass region, the predicted islands of shape coexistence, coincide with the islands of inversion. But in medium mass and heavy nuclei, in which the nucleons inhabit the SO-like shells, shape coexistence is accompanied by a merging of the SO-like shell with the open HO shell. The shell merging can be accomplished by the outer product of the SU(3) irreps of the two shells and represents the unification of the HO shell with the SO-like shell., 31 pages, 25 figures, 4 tables

The consequences of the attractive, short-range nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction on the wave functions of the Elliott SU(3) and the proxy-SU(3) symmetry are discussed. The NN interaction favors the most symmetric spatial SU(3) irreducible representation, which corresponds to the maximal spatial overlap among the fermions. The percentage of the symmetric components out of the total in an SU(3) wave function is introduced, through which it is found, that no SU(3) irrep is more symmetric than the highest weight irrep for a certain number of valence particles in a three dimensional, isotropic, harmonic oscillator shell. The consideration of the highest weight irreps in nuclei and in alkali metal clusters, leads to the prediction of a prolate to oblate shape transition beyond the mid-shell region., Comment: 16 pages, 1 figure, 10 tables

The physical conditions for the emergence of the extremely low-lying nuclear isomer $^{229m}\mathrm{Th}$ at approximately 8 eV are investigated in the framework of our recently proposed nuclear structure model. Our theoretical approach explains the $^{229m}\mathrm{Th}$-isomer phenomenon as the result of a very fine interplay between collective quadrupole-octupole and single-particle dynamics in the nucleus. We find that the isomeric state can only appear in a rather limited model space of quadrupole-octupole deformations in the single-particle potential, with the octupole deformation being of a crucial importance for its formation. Within this deformation space the model-described quantities exhibit a rather smooth behavior close to the line of isomer--ground-state quasidegeneracy determined by the crossing of the corresponding single-particle orbitals. Our comprehensive analysis confirms the previous model predictions for reduced transition probabilities and the isomer magnetic moment, while showing a possibility for limited variation in the ground-state magnetic moment theoretical value. These findings prove the reliability of the model and suggest that the same dynamical mechanism could manifest in other actinide nuclei giving a general prescription for the search and exploration of similar isomer phenomena.

Physical review letters 127(11), 112501 (2021). doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.112501, Published by APS, College Park, Md.

This poster was presented at Particles and Nuclei International Conference (PANIC2021) on 5-10.9.2021

The consequences of the short range nature of the nucleon-nucleon interaction, which forces the spatial part of the nuclear wave function to be as symmetric as possible, on the pseudo-SU(3) scheme are examined through a study of the collective deformation parameters beta and gamma in the rare earth region. It turns out that beyond the middle of each harmonic oscillator shell possessing an SU(3) subalgebra, the highest weight irreducible representation (the hw irrep) of SU(3) has to be used, instead of the irrep with the highest eigenvalue of the second order Casimir operator of SU(3) (the hC irrep), while in the first half of each shell the two choices are identical. The choice of the hw irrep predicts a transition from prolate to oblate shapes just below the upper end of the rare earth region, between the neutron numbers N=114 and 116 in the W, Os, and Pt series of isotopes, in agreement with available experimental information, while the choice of the hC irrep leads to a prolate to oblate transition in the middle of the shell, which is not seen experimentally. The prolate over oblate dominance in the ground states of even-even nuclei is obtained as a by-product., Comment: 18 pages, 4 tables, 8 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1909.01967

The role of engineering science is to generate step changing technological solutions, leading to paradigm-shifts in innovation. But today, the path from discovery to innovation, and from innovation to industrial uptake has become more convoluted: the increased understanding of the wider impacts of technologies on environment and society has led to more complex and strict regulatory frameworks. New technological solutions must address a progressively larger number of simultaneous goals, among them is the contribution of technologies to sustainable development. To facilitate the success of translation of novel technologies into innovation and industrial adoption within Europe, the authors advocate an innovation management and a new decision-making approach, which promotes holistic understanding of economic, environmental and societal challenges that a new technology must respond to. The MEASURE approach was developed based on experiences in sustainability assessment and innovation management within previous collaborative projects, and the outcomes of two stakeholder workshops. It allows comparison of alternative solutions, understanding of their benefits and drawbacks, as well as the evaluation of the (remaining) distance to a defined target and, as a result, robust holistic decision-making for innovative sustainable process design. We propose an iterative stage-and-gate approach coupled with sustainability assessment and multi-criteria decision analysis. The paper exemplifies how development teams could set their own most informative criteria, the necessary gates and key targets. It is mainly intended to support technology-driven collaborative research projects between industry and academia within the European Horizon 2020 framework programme, as being an integral part of the Innovation Union Flagship Initiative.

The E(5) symmetry describes nuclei related to the U(5)--SO(6) phase transition, while the X(5) symmetry is related to the U(5)--SU(3) phase transition. A chain of potentials interpolating between the U(5) symmetry of the 5-dimensional harmonic oscillator and the E(5) symmetry is considered. Parameter independent predictions for the spectra and B(E2) values of nuclei with $R_4= E(4)/E(2)$ ratios 2.093, 2.135, and 2.157 (compared to the ratio 2.00 of the U(5) case and the ratio 2.20 of the E(5) case) are derived numerically and compared to existing experimental data, suggesting several new experiments. Furthermore, an exactly soluble model with $R_4 = 2.646$ is constructed and a chain of potentials interpolating between this new model and the X(5) symmetry is considered. Parameter independent predictions for the spectra and B(E2) values of nuclei with $R_4$ ratios 2.769, 2.824 and 2.852 (compared to the ratio 2.904 of the X(5) case) are derived numerically and compared to existing experimental data, suggesting several new experiments.

The systematics of experimental energy differences between the levels of the ground state band and the even levels of the γ 1 band in even-even nuclei are studied as a function of the angular momentum L. Three clearly different trends are seen. In deformed nuclei a decrease of the energy differences with increasing L is found. In γ-unstable and triaxial nuclei the energy differences are increasing with increasing L, but the rate of increase is larger in the triaxial case by an order of magnitude in relation to the γ-unstable case. This observation is corroborated by numerical results and analytic expressions in the framework of several special solutions of the Bohr Hamiltonian.

A recent laser spectroscopy experiment [J. Thielking , Nature, (London) 556, 321 (2018)] has determined for the first time the magnetic dipole moment of the 7.8 eV isomeric state $^{229m}\mathrm{Th}$. The measured value differs by a factor of approximately 5 from previous nuclear theory predictions based on the Nilsson model, raising questions about our understanding of the underlying nuclear structure. Here, we present a new theoretical prediction based on a nuclear model with coupled collective quadrupole-octupole and single-particle motions. Our calculations yield an isomer magnetic dipole moment of ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{IS}}=\ensuremath{-}0.35{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{N}$ in surprisingly good agreement with the experimentally determined value of $\ensuremath{-}0.37(6){\ensuremath{\mu}}_{N}$, while overestimating the ground state dipole moment by a factor 1.4. The model provides further information on the role and strength of the Coriolis mixing and the most probable value of the gyromagnetic ratio ${g}_{R}$ and its consequences for the transition probability $B(M1)$. The key role of the magnetic moment values as constraints in the determination of the isomer decay rates is discussed.

A recent laser spectroscopy experiment [J. Thielking et al., Nature, (London) 556, 321 (2018)] has determined for the first time the magnetic dipole moment of the 7.8 eV isomeric state ^{229m}Th. The measured value differs by a factor of approximately 5 from previous nuclear theory predictions based on the Nilsson model, raising questions about our understanding of the underlying nuclear structure. Here, we present a new theoretical prediction based on a nuclear model with coupled collective quadrupole-octupole and single-particle motions. Our calculations yield an isomer magnetic dipole moment of μ_{IS}=-0.35μ_{N} in surprisingly good agreement with the experimentally determined value of -0.37(6)μ_{N}, while overestimating the ground state dipole moment by a factor 1.4. The model provides further information on the role and strength of the Coriolis mixing and the most probable value of the gyromagnetic ratio g_{R} and its consequences for the transition probability B(M1). The key role of the magnetic moment values as constraints in the determination of the isomer decay rates is discussed.

Vibrational-rotation levels of the yrast and first nonyrast alternating-parity bands of the lanthanide [Formula: see text]Nd, [Formula: see text]Sm, [Formula: see text]Gd, [Formula: see text]Er and actinide [Formula: see text]Th, [Formula: see text]U, [Formula: see text]Pu nuclei are studied in the framework of a nonadiabatic collective model of even–even nuclei with quadrupole and octupole deformations. The theoretical spectra are obtained through the use of Gauss and harmonic-oscillator (HO) potentials in the radial part of the Schrödinger equation which is taken in polar coordinates. The change of the surface deformation of the nucleus with the collective excitation energy is taken into account. The [Formula: see text] staggering structure of the yrast alternating-parity bands is also considered. The theoretically obtained energy bands and staggering diagrams are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data and point out the soft character of the collective quadrupole–octupole deformation mode manifesting in these nuclei.

The Deformation Dependent Mass Davidson Model is an extension of the well known Bohr-Mottelson Hamiltonian for the atomic nuclei. It primarily refers to the mass dependence on the deformation and secondary to the Davidson behavior for the potential of the O -vibration. This article will be devoted solely in the solution of the radial equation. Fitting results for the 162 Dy and 238 U ground state, β1 and γ 1 bands are also presented.

It is shown that the recently observed ΔJ = 2 staggering seen in superdeformed nuclear bands is also occurring in rotational bands of diatomic molecules

The N=90 isotones 150Nd, 152Sm, 154Gd, and 156Dy, which are known to provide the best examples of the X(5) critical point symmetry between quadrupole vibrations [U(5)] and axial quadrupole deformation [SU(3)], are proved to lie on the border between the regions of stable axial octupole deformation and octupole vibrations, described in terms of an Analytic Quadrupole Octupole Axially symmetric (AQOA) model including tunneling effects.

A well known problem of the Bohr Hamiltonian for the description of nuclear collective motion is that the nuclear moment of inertia increases with deformation too fast. We show that this can be avoided by allowing the nuclear mass to depend on the deformation. The resulting Hamiltonian is solved exactly, using techniques of Supersymmetric Quantum Mechanics

(1) Background: The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program (C2C Certified for short) is a scheme for the certification of products that meet the criteria and principles of the Cradle to Cradle® design approach. The objective of this paper is to characterize C2C Certified as an instrument for external communication in the context of environmental labeling and declarations. (2) Method: An eco-label characterization scheme consisting of 22 attributes was used to analyze C2C Certified. In addition, it was compared with the established standardization labeling typologies, namely Type I and Type III. This was further illustrated in an example within the building and construction sector. (3) Results: C2C Certified can be classified neither as a Type I, nor a Type III label. The main weaknesses of C2C Certified from a labeling perspective are: the generic, but not product-specific focus of the awarding criteria, the lack of a life cycle perspective, and the incompletely transparent stakeholder involvement procedure. Nevertheless, for certain attributes (e.g., the awarding format), C2C Certified provides practical solutions and goes beyond a Type I eco-label. Substantial similarities between Type III declarations and C2C Certified cannot be identified. (4) Conclusions: The main advantages and shortcomings of C2C Certified from a labeling perspective are pointed out. The approach shows similarities to a Type I eco-label, and efforts toward conformance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) labelling standards would result in improving its comparability, recognition, and robustness.

(1) Background: The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program (C2C Certified for short) is a scheme for the certification of products that meet the criteria and principles of the Cradle to Cradle® design approach. The objective of this paper is to characterize C2C Certified as an instrument for external communication in the context of environmental labeling and declarations. (2) Method: An eco-label characterization scheme consisting of 22 attributes was used to analyze C2C Certified. In addition, it was compared with the established standardization labeling typologies, namely Type I and Type III. This was further illustrated in an example within the building and construction sector. (3) Results: C2C Certified can be classified neither as a Type I, nor a Type III label. The main weaknesses of C2C Certified from a labeling perspective are: the generic, but not product-specific focus of the awarding criteria, the lack of a life cycle perspective, and the incompletely transparent stakeholder involvement procedure. Nevertheless, for certain attributes (e.g., the awarding format), C2C Certified provides practical solutions and goes beyond a Type I eco-label. Substantial similarities between Type III declarations and C2C Certified cannot be identified. (4) Conclusions: The main advantages and shortcomings of C2C Certified from a labeling perspective are pointed out. The approach shows similarities to a Type I eco-label, and efforts toward conformance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) labelling standards would result in improving its comparability, recognition, and robustness.

The unique isomeric transition at 7.8 eV in $^{229}\mathrm{Th}$ has a magnetic-dipole ($M1$) and an electric-quadrupole ($E2$) multipole mixing. So far, the $E2$ component has been widely disregarded. Here, we investigate the nuclear physics nature and the impact of the $E2$ decay channel for the nuclear coupling to the atomic shell based on the newest theoretical predictions for the corresponding reduced nuclear transition probabilities. Our results show that the contribution of the $E2$ channel is dominant or at least of the same order of magnitude for internal conversion or electronic bridge transitions involving the atomic orbitals $7p, 6d$, and $5f$. Notable exceptions are the internal conversion of the $7s$ electron and the electronic bridge between the electronic states $7s$ and $7p$, for which the $M1$ component dominates by two to three orders of magnitude. Caution is therefore advised when considering isomeric excitation or decay via nuclear coupling to the atomic shell, because the orbitals involved determine which multipole transition component dominates.

A steady growth of the number of existing Type III environmental programmes (schemes) has been noticed in recent years. Consequently, overlapping and duplication of the product category rules supervised by these programmes is increasing, risking the legitimacy of environmental claims. To overcome these difficulties and challenges, different approaches striving for mutual recognition and harmonization of schemes have been launched, e.g. the Guidance for Product Category Rules Development (the Guidance). Since a proper reflection of these current developments is not yet available, this paper reviews existing Type III programmes and their conformance to ISO 14025. Further, an overview of cooperation approaches and global trends for harmonization of rules is provided, including the latest European product environmental footprint initiative. As a case study, the requirements of the Guidance are tested by aligning them to a set of exemplary product category rules under development. Challenges in both review and alignment processes are described. The results show that out of 39 analysed programmes, over 75% are fully ISO-conformant. Nearly half claim to cover all types of products and services, followed by the “building and construction sector” related schemes that currently reach a share of over 35%, after a steady growth in the last 2–3 years. Concerning the origin of schemes, European based ones are dominating (over 55% of all). The cooperation initiatives analysis outlines that mutual recognition of instructions and rules among operators is becoming a valuable approach to reduce time, costs and duplication of documentation. The development of supplementary guidelines is also considered useful in order to assure harmonization among parties. Finally, the draft category rules alignment test is acknowledged as a challenging, but feasible task. Based on this review, more than 10 areas for improvement of the harmonization level of instructions are identified. The paper provides recommendations for the development of the new ISO/DTS 14027, one of which is the adoption of the Guidance as seed document.

This paper presents a set of selection criteria for identifying indicators for sustainable production of the manufacturing industry. Starting from a condensed overview of over 500 general sustainability indicators, such focussing on sustainable production are discussed, including the three dimensions of sustainability and the indicator qualities. Based on the Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) 1026 Framework and with the understanding that manufacturing industries may differ, the authors suggest to use the ABC judgement method - a semi-quantitative systematic method to prioritize indicators based on expert judgement and supporting evidences - to select core and supplemental indicators. Concise questionnaires considering sustainability targets are used and combined with a scoring system to support the decision process. The method can use either top-down indicators (i.e. on the impact level e.g. acidification, climate change) or bottom-up indicators (i.e. on inventory level e.g. energy consumption, recycling rate, volume or weight of solid waste/hazardous waste). Proof of concept of the proposed approach in a life cycle based case study are presented by three demonstration cases focusing on manufacturing sector i.e. elevator, refrigerator and welding. Based on these cases result, we conclude that this is the first step in the right direction to use the ABC method to identify the suitable impact category sets for conducting LCA studies. The three simple questions that transfer selection criteria, i.e. robustness, relevance, effectiveness, practicality and clear and easy to measure, are found operational and appropriate.

Background: Anthropogenic impacts on the environment often result in loss of biodiversity. However, the effects of different parameters (such as soil pH) on biodiversity, which can be influenced by human activities, are poorly investigated on a global scale. The paper at hand proposes an approach to examine the relationship between biodiversity and several parameters, which can be anthropogenically influenced, on a major habitat scale. The goal is to describe the relationship of a single parameter and biodiversity by means of a mathematical model within one major habitat. Methods: Geographic information system (GIS) data for the parameters “mean soil pH”, “mean share of cultivated land” and “mean temperature in June” for the whole world were overlaid with GIS data for the ecoregions proposed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). By means of the software ArcGIS 10.4 (Esri Deutschland GmbH, Kranzberg, Germany), an average parameter value per ecoregion for all considered parameters was determined. Moreover, the index “biodiversity status” was introduced and determined for every ecoregion by means of the indicators “number of species”, “number of endemic species”, and “mean share of grassland and forest” for each ecoregion. As all ecoregions can be assigned to one of the 14 major habitats (as defined by the WWF), a Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted to analyse whether the parameters and the biodiversity status’ differentiate between the 14 major habitats. A mathematical model, which depicts the impact of the parameters on biodiversity, was established by means of curve fitting. Results: The Kruskal–Wallis test reveals that a significant difference (p-value of 0.000) regarding the considered parameter and the biodiversity status exists between the different major habitats. By means of a regression analysis and curve fitting, mathematical models were developed which describe the relation of the biodiversity status and the parameters for 14 major habitats.

Background: Microscopic calculations of heavy nuclei face considerable difficulties due to the sizes of the matrices that need to be solved. Various approximation schemes have been invoked, for example by truncating the spaces, imposing seniority limits, or appealing to various symmetry schemes such as pseudo-SU(3). This paper proposes a new symmetry scheme also based on SU(3). This proxy-SU(3) can be applied to well-deformed nuclei, is simple to use, and can yield analytic predictions. Purpose: To present the new scheme and its microscopic motivation, and to test it using a Nilsson model calculation with the original shell model orbits and with the new proxy set. Method: We invoke an approximate, analytic, treatment of the Nilsson model, that allows the above vetting and yet is also transparent in understanding the approximations involved in the new proxy-SU(3). Results: It is found that the new scheme yields a Nilsson diagram for well-deformed nuclei that is very close to the original Nilsson diagram. The specific levels of approximation in the new scheme are also shown, for each major shell. Conclusions: The new proxy-SU(3) scheme is a good approximation to the full set of orbits in a major shell. Being able to replace a complex shell model calculation with a symmetry-based description now opens up the possibility to predict many properties of nuclei analytically and often in a parameter-free way. The new scheme works best for heavier nuclei, precisely where full microscopic calculations are most challenged. Some cases in which the new scheme can be used, often analytically, to make specific predictions, are shown in a subsequent paper., 24 pages, 6 figures, 15 tables

The reduced magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transition probabilities for the radiative decay of the ^{229}Th 7.8 eV isomer to the ground state are predicted within a detailed nuclear-structure model approach. We show that the presence and decay of this isomer can only be accounted for by the Coriolis mixing emerging from a remarkably fine interplay between the coherent quadrupole-octupole motion of the nuclear core and the single-nucleon motion within a reflection-asymmetric deformed potential. We find that the magnetic dipole transition probability which determines the radiative lifetime of the isomer is considerably smaller than presently estimated. The so-far disregarded electric quadrupole component may have non-negligible contributions to the internal conversion channel. These findings support new directions in the experimental search of the ^{229}Th transition frequency for the development of a future nuclear frequency standard.

The reduced magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transition probabilities for the radiative decay of the ^{229}Th 7.8 eV isomer to the ground state are predicted within a detailed nuclear-structure model approach. We show that the presence and decay of this isomer can only be accounted for by the Coriolis mixing emerging from a remarkably fine interplay between the coherent quadrupole-octupole motion of the nuclear core and the single-nucleon motion within a reflection-asymmetric deformed potential. We find that the magnetic dipole transition probability which determines the radiative lifetime of the isomer is considerably smaller than presently estimated. The so-far disregarded electric quadrupole component may have non-negligible contributions to the internal conversion channel. These findings support new directions in the experimental search of the ^{229}Th transition frequency for the development of a future nuclear frequency standard.

Using a new approximate analytic parameter-free proxy-SU(3) scheme, we make simple predictions of shape observables for deformed nuclei, namely gamma and beta deformation variables, the global feature of prolate dominance and the locus of the prolate-oblate shape transition. The predictions are compared with empirical results., Comment: 14 pages, 6 figures, 4 tables

Background: Anthropogenic impacts on the environment often result in loss of biodiversity. However, the effects of different parameters (such as soil pH) on biodiversity, which can be influenced by human activities, are poorly investigated on a global scale. The paper at hand proposes an approach to examine the relationship between biodiversity and several parameters, which can be anthropogenically influenced, on a major habitat scale. The goal is to describe the relationship of a single parameter and biodiversity by means of a mathematical model within one major habitat. Methods: Geographic information system (GIS) data for the parameters “mean soil pH”, “mean share of cultivated land” and “mean temperature in June” for the whole world were overlaid with GIS data for the ecoregions proposed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). By means of the software ArcGIS 10.4 (Esri Deutschland GmbH, Kranzberg, Germany), an average parameter value per ecoregion for all considered parameters was determined. Moreover, the index “biodiversity status” was introduced and determined for every ecoregion by means of the indicators “number of species”, “number of endemic species”, and “mean share of grassland and forest” for each ecoregion. As all ecoregions can be assigned to one of the 14 major habitats (as defined by the WWF), a Kruskal–Wallis test was conducted to analyse whether the parameters and the biodiversity status’ differentiate between the 14 major habitats. A mathematical model, which depicts the impact of the parameters on biodiversity, was established by means of curve fitting. Results: The Kruskal–Wallis test reveals that a significant difference (p-value of 0.000) regarding the considered parameter and the biodiversity status exists between the different major habitats. By means of a regression analysis and curve fitting, mathematical models were developed which describe the relation of the biodiversity status and the parameters for 14 major habitats.

The SU(3) symmetry realized by J. P. Elliott in the sd nuclear shell is destroyed in heavier shells by the strong spin-orbit interaction. However, the SU(3) symmetry has been used for the description of heavy nuclei in terms of bosons in the framework of the Interacting Boson Approximation, as well as in terms of fermions using the pseudo-SU(3) approximation. We introduce a new fermionic approximation, called the proxy-SU(3), and we discuss how some of its novel predictions come out as a consequence of the short range of the nucleon-nucleon interaction and the Pauli principle., Comment: 6 pages, 2 tables, to appear in the proceedings of the 26th Annual Symposium of the Hellenic Nuclear Physics Society (HNPS2017), Anavyssos, Greece, 9-10 June 2017, ed. Ch. Tsabaris, R. Vlastou, M. Kokkoris, and D. Patiris

We consider two competing sets of nuclear magic numbers, namely the harmonic oscillator (HO) set (2, 8, 20, 40, 70, 112, 168, 240,...) and the set corresponding to the proxy-SU(3) scheme, possessing shells 0-2, 2-4, 6-12, 14-26, 28-48, 50-80, 82-124, 126-182, 184-256... The two sets provide 0+ bands with different deformation and band-head energies. We show that for proton (neutron) numbers starting from the regions where the quadrupole-quadrupole interaction, as derived by the HO, becomes weaker than the one obtained in the proxy-SU(3) scheme, to the regions of HO shell closure, the shape coexistence phenomenon may emerge. Our analysis suggests that the possibility for appearance of shape coexistence has to be investigated in the following regions of proton (neutron) numbers: 8, 18-20, 34-40, 60-70, 96-112, 146-168, 210-240,..., 8 pages, 1 figure, to appear in HNPS: Advances in Nuclear Physics: Proceedings of the 27th Annual Symposium of the Hellenic Nuclear Physics Society (Athens, 2018), ed. T. Mertzimekis, G. Souliotis, and E. Styliaris

Using a new approximate analytic parameter-free proxy-SU(3) scheme, we make predictions of shape observables for actinides and superheavy elements, namely beta and gamma deformation variables, and compare these with predictions by relativistic and non-relativistic mean-field theories. Furthermore, we make predictions for B(E2) transition rates of deformed nuclei and compare these with existing data and predictions of other theoretical approaches., 6 pages, 3 figures, to appear in the proceedings of the 26th Annual Symposium of the Hellenic Nuclear Physics Society (HNPS2017), Anavyssos, Greece, 9-10 June 2017, ed. Ch. Tsabaris, R. Vlastou, M. Kokkoris, and D. Patiris. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1711.09201, arXiv:1711.08596

The increasing deformation in atomic nuclei leads to the change of the classical magic numbers (2,8,20,28,50,82..) which dictate the arrangement of nucleons in complete shells. The magic numbers of the three-dimensional harmonic oscillator (2,8,20,40,70...) emerge at deformations around epsilon=0.6. At lower deformations the two sets of magic numbers antagonize, leading to shape coexistence. A quantitative investigation is performed using the usual Nilsson model wave functions and the recently introduced proxy-SU(3) scheme., Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, to appear in HNPS: Advances in Nuclear Physics: Proceedings of the 27th Annual Symposium of the Hellenic Nuclear Physics Society (Athens, 2018), ed. T. Mertzimekis, G. Souliotis, and E. Styliaris

We study the effects of quadrupole-octupole deformations on the energy and magnetic properties of high-K isomeric states in even-even heavy and superheavy nuclei. The neutron two-quasiparticle (2qp) isomeric energies and magnetic dipole moments are calculated within a deformed shell model with the Bardeen-Cooper- Schrieffer (BCS) pairing interaction over a wide range of quadrupole and octupole deformations. We found that in most cases the magnetic moments exhibit a pronounced sensitivity to the octupole deformation, while the 2qp energies indicate regions of nuclei in which the presence of high-K isomeric states may be associated with the presence of octupole softness or even with octupole deformation. In the present work we also examine the influence of the BCS pairing strength on the energy of the blocked isomer configuration. We show that the formation of 2qp energy minima in the space of quadrupole-octupole and eventually higher multipolarity deformations is a subtle effect depending on nuclear pairing correlations.

Effects of the parity-mixed single-particle (s.p.) state on the collective properties of odd nuclei with reflection-asymmetric degrees of freedom are studied. The Coriolis strength and the average s.p. parity in the nuclei 219 Ra , 225 Ra , 225 Th and 241 Cm are examined in dependence on axial quadrupole and octupole deformation parameters β2 and β3 within a reflection-asymmetric deformed shell model. The obtained behaviour of the Coriolis decoupling factor in the (β2, β3)-plane is compared with values fitted in a collective quadrupole-octupole model, which allows one to determine physically reasonable deformation regions for the considered nuclei. The study provides a relation between deformation parameters, Coriolis interaction strength and the structure of collective spectra in odd-mass nuclei with quadrupole-octupole deformations.

The influence of the octupole deformation on the structure of high-K isomeric states in the region of heavy even-even actinide nuclei is studied through a reflection asymmetric deformed shell model (DSM). Two-quasiparticle states with high-K val- ues are constructed by taking into account the pairing effect through a DSM+BCS procedure with constant pairing interaction. The behaviour of two-quasiparticle ener- gies and magnetic dipole moments of K = 6+, 6− and 8− configurations, applicable to mass numbers in the range A = 234 − 252, was examined over a wide range of quadrupole and octupole deformations. A pronounced sensitivity of the magnetic moments to the octupole deformation is found. The result suggests a possibly im- portant role for high-K isomers in determining the degree of octupole deformation in heavy actinide nuclei.

B(E1) and B(E2) reduced probabilities for intra- and inter-band transitions between the collective states of the yrast, first nonyrast and second nonyrast alternating-parity bands in the lanthanide nuclei [Formula: see text]Nd, [Formula: see text]Sm, [Formula: see text]Gd, [Formula: see text]Dy, [Formula: see text]Er and the actinides [Formula: see text]U are studied within a model with collective quadrupole–octupole degrees of freedom. The calculated B(E1)- and B(E2)-values and some ratios between probabilities for transitions with the same multipolarity are compared with available experimental data. In addition, the B(E2)-transition ratios are compared with the Alaga rules providing estimations for the sensitivity of the E2-transitions to the quadrupole deformation mode in the considered nuclei.