Exergy - a useful concept for ecology and sustainability

We present the relatively less known thermodynamic concept of exergy in the context of ecology and sustainability. To this end, we first very briefly outline thermodynamics as it arose historically via engineering studies. This enables us to define exergy as available energy. An example of applying the concept of exergy to a simple human process is next described. Then we present an exergy analysis of Earth as a flow system, also concurrently describing other necessary concepts. Finally, we briefly comment on the applicability of exergy analysis to ecology and sustainability. Keywords: exergy - energy - work - thermodynamics - heat transfer - flow processes

Mass Distribution, Rotation Curves and Gravity Theories

{Comparison of mass density profiles of galaxies of varying sizes based on some gravity theories from observed galaxy rotation curves and assessing the need for dark matter.} We present an analysis of the rotation curves of five galaxies of varying galactic radii: NGC6822 (4.8 kpc), Large Magellanic Cloud (9 kpc), The Milky Way (17 kpc), NGC3198 (30 kpc) and UGC9133 (102.5 kpc). The mass and mass density profiles of these galaxies have been computed using the scientific computing s/w package MATLAB taking the already available velocity profiles of the galaxies as the input, and without considering any Dark Matter contribution. We have plotted these profiles after computing them according to three different theories of gravity (and dynamics): Newtonian (black line), Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MoND) (green line) and Vacuum Modified Gravity (red line). We also consider how the profile due to the Newtonian theory would modify if we take into account a small negative value of the Cosmological Constant (5 x 10^-56 cm^-2 from theory) (blue line). Comparing these mass and mass density profiles, we try to form an idea regarding what could be a realistic theory of gravity and whether we need Dark Matter to explain the results. Keywords : disk galaxy rotation curves, galaxy mass, mass density profile, dark matter, Newtonian theory, MoND, Vacuum Modified Gravity, negative cosmological constant

Getting more out of V/Vm than just the mean

Banhatti (2009) set down the procedure to derive cosmological number density n(z) from the differential distribution p(x) of the fractional luminosity volume relative to the maximum volume, x equiv V/Vm (0 leq x leq 1), using a small sample of 76 quasars for illustrative purposes. This procedure is here applied to a bigger sample of 286 quasars selected from Parkes half-Jansky flat-spectrum survey at 2.7 GHz (Drinkwater et al 1997). The values of n(z) are obtained for 8 values of redshift z from 0 to 3.5. The function n(z) can be interpreted in terms of redshift distribution obtained by integrating the radio luminosity function {rho}(P, z) over luminosities P for the survey limiting flux density S0 = 0.5 Jy. Keywords. V/Vm - luminosity-volume - cosmological number density - redshift distribution - luminosity function - quasars [Note: This somewhat modified version was submitted to MNRaS on 14 July 2016. It was (almost) rejected, except if thoroughly revised.]

Application of slingshot model to the giant radio galaxy DA240 (Brief : DA 240 in slingshot model)

We attempt a slingshot model interpretation of the unusual association of some 1&1/3 dozen nonstellar galaxian objects around the parent optical galaxy of the giant radio galaxy DA 240 (= 0748.6+55.8 (J2000)). Similar interpretation may be possible for another large radio galaxy 3C 31 (= NGC 383 = 0104.6+32.1 (1950.0)).

Effect of errors on arm asymmetry of doubles

Measured values of arm asymmetry parameter x = (theta> - theta<)/(theta> + theta<) of a double have appreciable random errors due to errors in positions of radio peaks & of the optically identified galaxy or quasar. These broaden the monotonic decreasing x-distribution g(x). In addition, finite resolution & blending of complex structure leads to errors in recognizing peaks leading to systematic overestimate of x. Thus both random & systematic errors broaden g(x), & consequently broaden the distribution p(v) of derived hotspot separation speed v, & shift its peak to larger v, since p(v) = -v.g(v). Keywords: active galaxies - double radio sources - bilateral symmetry - arm asymmetry

Relation between positional & strength asymmetries of double radio sources associated with active galaxies

We bring out the identity between two ways of defining a single parameter to combine positional & strength asymmetries of extended extragalactic double radio sources associated with active galaxies. Thus, (r.s - 1)/[(1 + r).(1 + s)], combining arm ratio r (defined to be <= 1, i.e., shorter to longer arm) & strength ratio s (in the sense closer to farther, so that it may be <, > or = 1), is identical to -(1/2)[(1 - fr)/(1 + fr) - t], where fr is strength ratio defined >= 1 (i.e., stronger to weaker), & t = +/- (Q - 1)/(Q + 1), +/- signs applying respectively to doubles with closer hotspot fainter & those with closer hotspot brighter, while Q is arm ratio defined >= 1. Keywords: active galaxies - double radio sources - bilateral symmetry - arm ratio - flux ratio

Cosmological number density n(z) in depth z from p(V/Vm) distribution

Using distribution p(V/Vm) of V/Vm rather than just mean <V/Vm> in V/Vm-test leads directly to cosmological number density n(z). Calculation of n(z) from p(V/Vm) is illustrated using best sample (of 76 quasars) available in 1981, when method was developed. This is only illustrative, sample being too small for any meaningful results. Keywords: V/Vm . luminosity volume . cosmological number density . V/Vm distribution

Cosmological number density in depth from V/Vm distribution

Using distribution p(V/Vm) of V/Vm rather than just mean <V/Vm> in V/Vm-test leads directly to cosmological number density n(z). Calculation of n(z) from p(V/Vm) is illustrated using best sample (of 76 quasars) available in 1981, when method was developed. This is only illustrative, sample being too small for any meaningful results. Keywords: V/Vm . luminosity volume . cosmological number density . V/Vm distribution

Derivation of the cosmological number density in depth from V/Vm distribution

The classical cosmological V/Vm-test is introduced. Use of the differential distribution p(V/Vm) of the V/Vm-variable rather than just the mean <V/Vm> leads directly to the cosmological number density without any need for assumptions about the cosmological evolution of the underlying (quasar) population. Calculation of this number density n(z) from p(V/Vm) is illustrated using the best sample that was available in 1981, when this method was developed. This sample of 76 quasars is clearly too small for any meaningful results. The method will be later applied to a much larger cosmological sample to infer the cosmological number density n(z) as a function of the depth z. Keywords: V/Vm . luminosity volume . cosmological number density . V/Vm distribution

A model-independent technique to determine one-dimensional radio source structure from interplanetary scintillation (IPS) observations

We outline a method of deriving one-dimensional phaseless visibility along solar wind direction from interplanetary scintillation power spectrum, together with the known visibility of a calibration source. The method is illustrated briefly. Details may be found in Edwin Jayaraj (1990).