Shape Coexistence in ^{78}Ni as the Portal to the Fifth Island of Inversion

Large-scale shell-model calculations predict that the region of deformation which comprises the heaviest chromium and iron isotopes at and beyond N=40 will merge with a new one at N=50 in an astonishing parallel to the N=20 and N=28 case in the neon and magnesium isotopes. We propose a valence space including the full pf shell for the protons and the full sdg shell for the neutrons, which represents a comeback of the the harmonic oscillator shells in the very neutron- rich regime. The onset of deformation is understood in the framework of the algebraic SU(3)-like structures linked to quadrupole dominance. Our calculations preserve the doubly magic nature of the ground state of ^{78}Ni, which, however, exhibits a well-deformed prolate band at low excitation energy, providing a striking example of shape coexistence far from stability. This new IOI adds to the four well-documented ones at N=8, 20, 28, and 40.

Superdeformed and Triaxial States in ^{42}Ca

Shape parameters of a weakly deformed ground-state band and highly deformed slightly triaxial sideband in ^{42}Ca were determined from E2 matrix elements measured in the first low-energy Coulomb excitation experiment performed with AGATA. The picture of two coexisting structures is well reproduced by new state-of-the-art large-scale shell model and beyond-mean-field calculations. Experimental evidence for superdeformation of the band built on 0_{2}^{+} has been obtained and the role of triaxiality in the A∼40 mass region is discussed. Furthermore, the potential of Coulomb excitation as a tool to study superdeformation has been demonstrated for the first time.

Native pig (Moo Lat) breeds in Lao PDR (Short Communication)

Abstract. Pig production continues to be an important livelihood activity in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) which base on traditional methods. However, it is increasingly affected by social and market pressures. More than 80 % of pig herds are native breeds and belong to smallholders with combined keeping systems. Based on a national field survey, the native pigs have been characterized and classified in four phenotypes. The native pig types and their local distribution are described. Most of them have short ears, black colour and potbelly. Their production performance, i.e. growth rates and daily weight gain is lower and the carcass fat considerably higher than that of exotic (i.e. in Lao terms »modern, intensive«) breeds. However, they require lower inputs and have excellent adaptation traits.