This article provides a comprehensive review of relevant studies in the fields of plasma physics, electromagnetism, and space physics. The aim is to demonstrate how the study of the scientific literature can be used to enhance problem-solving abilities and develop innovative solutions in physics. In this paper, we focus on the study of solutions of the specific Grad-Shafranov equation. Two of the new solutions proposed by Yoon and Lui (2005) are used as a basis for the development of a new solution. The new solution presented has singular points similar to the Yoon-Lui-2 solution, but with an inverted configuration, and also presents less rounded double islands compared to the Yoon-Lui-2 solution. Additionally, the new solution does not exhibit the formation of a current ring, a characteristic of the Yoon-Lui-1 solution, and varying its parameters may lead to higher plasma confinement efficiency. In summary, we illustrate how a thorough analysis of literature can serve as a powerful means for generating innovative approaches to resolving theoretical issues in physics.

In part 1 of our physics education series, we introduced a novel solution based on Yoon-Lui’s solutions 1 and 2. Building upon that, this follow-up presents a new solution obtained by combining the generating functions of Yoon-Lui-1 and Yoon-Lui-3, resulting in a new and simplified general solution. We also calculate the singular points and determine their coordinates for various parameter values. A graphical representation of the solution is presented, showing the magnetic field lines and current density distribution. The behavior of the magnetic field and the effect of varying the parameter are discussed. The observed magnetic islands and singular points are relevant in the fields of Plasma Physics and Space Physics, providing insights into magnetic structures in plasmas and their impact on confinement and stability. Furthermore, this study encourages innovation and equips researchers and students with the necessary tools to make meaningful contributions to the field, emphasizing the integration of scientific literature into physics education to promote a comprehensive understanding of physical concepts and their practical applications.

RESUMO Parasitas gastrointestinais são importantes, pois podem causar uma diminuição no desempenho dos suínos. A ocorrência de parasitas em granjas de suínos pode gerar perdas econômicas, como redução no valor das carcaças e aumento de gastos com medicamentos e assistência veterinária. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de parasitas intestinais nas diferentes fases de produção de suínos criados em sistemas intensivos, na região oeste do estado de Santa Catarina. Foram analisadas 403 amostras fecais, das quais 51,86% foram positivas para um ou mais parasitas nas diferentes fases de produção. Os suínos de terminação apresentaram a maior prevalência de parasitas (60,19%), seguidos por suínos de creche (55,44%), suínos em gestação (50,49%) e leitões em lactação (40,81%). Parasitas da ordem Strongylida tiveram maior ocorrência (28,78%) e também foram os mais frequentes nos estágios de terminação, reprodução e creche. Coccídios foram mais ocorrentes em leitões lactentes. Este estudo destaca a necessidade de implementar medidas de controle antiparasitário adequadas em todas as fases da produção suína, associadas a um sistema de vigilância para o diagnóstico de infecção por endoparasitas em suínos. Os resultados demonstram que os endoparasitas são altamente ocorrentes em suínos, mesmo em animais de criação intensiva em granjas tecnificadas.

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal parasites are important, since they can cause a decrese in the performance of swine. The occurrence of parasites in pig farms can create economic losses such as reduction in the value of carcasses and increasing expenses with medicines and veterinary assistance. This study aimed at investigating the occurrence of intestinal parasites in different phases of production reared pigs in intensive prodution systems in the western region of the State of Santa Catarina. A total of 403 fecal samples were analyzed, of which 51.86% were positive for one or more parasites in different phases of production. Finishing pigs had the highest prevalence of parasites (60.19%) followed by nursery pigs (55.44%), pigs in breading sows (50.49%), and suckling piglets (40.81%). Strongylida parasites had higher occurrence (28.78%), and were also the most frequent in the finishing, breading sows, and nursery phases. Coccidia were more occurrent in suckling piglets. This study highlights the need of implementing suitable antiparasitic control measures in all phases of swine production associated with a surveillance system for the diagnosis of endoparasite infection in pigs. Our results demonstrate that endoparasites are highly occurring in pigs, even in intensive system animals on technified farms.

Esse trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar uma formulação teórica na área de física de plasma para obter uma forma simplificada da equação de Grad-Shafranov, em outras palavras, obter a lei de Ampère-Maxwell em função do potencial vetor magnético e da densidade de corrente. Buscamos entender melhor alguns fenômenos que ocorrem no plasma interplanetário. Outro objetivo é apresentar essa pesquisa de forma didática com a maior clareza e concisão possíveis. Para tanto, um desenvolvimento matemático se da como introdução ao trabalho, mostrando as equações que queremos deduzir, a cada seção vamos construindo uma base teórica em física de plasma, usando conceitos da termodinâmica e as leis universais da física, além de matemática, culminando na equação simplificada de Grad-Shafranov. Por fim, apresentamos uma das soluções mais conhecidas para equação de Grad-Shafranov, além de referências para quem quiser se aprofundar na pesquisa.

This article aims to present a theoretical formulation in the area of plasma physics to obtain a specific form of the Grad-Shafranov equation, in other words, to obtain the Ampère-Maxwell law as a function of the magnetic vector potential and current density. We seek to better understand some phenomena that occur in interplanetary plasma. Another objective is to present this theme in a didactic way as clearly and concisely as possible. In particular, a mathematical development takes place as an introduction to the work, showing the equations we want to deduce, with each section we build a theoretical basis in plasma physics, using concepts of thermodynamics and the universal laws of physics, as well as mathematics, culminating in the Grad-Shafranov specific equation. Finally, we present one of the best known solutions for the Grad-Shafranov equation, as well as references for those who want to delve into the subject.

Interplanetary shock parameters are analyzed for solar maximum (year 2000) and solar minimum (years 1995-1996) activity. Fast forward shocks are the most usual type of shock observed in the interplanetary medium near Earth's orbit, and they are 88% of the identified shocks in 2000 and 60% in 1995-1996. Average plasma and magnetic field parameters for upstream and downstream sides of the shocks were calculated, and the parameter variations through the shock were determined. Applications of the Rankine-Hugoniot equations were made, obtaining shock speeds and Alfvenic Mach number. Static and dynamic pressures variations through the shocks were also calculated. Every parameter have larger variation through the shock in solar maximum than in solar minimum, with exception of the proton density. The intensity of shocks relative to the interplanetary medium, quantified by the Alfvenic Mach Number, is observed to be similar in solar maximum and minimum. It could be explained because, during solar maximum, in despite of the higher shock speeds, the Alfvenic speed of the interplanetary medium is higher than in solar minimum.