Evaluating the ability of process based models to project sea-level change

We evaluate the ability of process based models to reproduce observed global mean sea-level change. When the models are forced by changes in natural and anthropogenic radiative forcing of the climate system and anthropogenic changes in land-water storage, the average of the modelled sea-level change for the periods 1900–2010, 1961–2010 and 1990–2010 is about 80%, 85% and 90% of the observed rise. The modelled rate of rise is over 1 mm yr−1 prior to 1950, decreases to less than 0.5 mm yr−1 in the 1960s, and increases to 3 mm yr−1 by 2000. When observed regional climate changes are used to drive a glacier model and an allowance is included for an ongoing adjustment of the ice sheets, the modelled sea-level rise is about 2 mm yr−1 prior to 1950, similar to the observations. The model results encompass the observed rise and the model average is within 20% of the observations, about 10% when the observed ice sheet contributions since 1993 are added, increasing confidence in future projections for the 21st century. The increased rate of rise since 1990 is not part of a natural cycle but a direct response to increased radiative forcing (both anthropogenic and natural), which will continue to grow with ongoing greenhouse gas emissions

Analysis of experimental interlocking blocks of concrete with addition of residues of process the tires retreading production

Analysis of experimental interlocking blocks of concrete with addition of residues of process the tires retreading production. With the population growth in recent years, industry in general has adjusted itself to resulting demand. the industry of tire retreading generates residues that have been discarded without any control. this adds to environmental pollution and promotes the proliferation of vectors harmful to health, aiming to find an application for this type of residues, this study presents experimental results to interlocking concrete block pavements, with addition of residues tires, interlocking blocks were built up and we determined, through laboratory tests, the need to set the mark that provide greater return regarding analyzed characteristics, there are four types of dosage of concrete with residues tires. We accomplished tests of compression strength, water absorption and resistance to impact. Through the preliminary results, we verified that are satisfactory, confirming the possibility of applying this type of interlocking block in environments with low demand, which would bring the economy of natural sources of aggregates, beyond ecological benefits through the reuse of residues from retreading of tires.

Effect of process variables on formation of dynamic strain induced ultrafine ferrite during hot torsion testing

Ultrafine grain sizes were produced using hot torsion testing of a 0.11C-1.68Mn-0.20Si (wt-%) steel, with ultrafine ferrite (<1 µm) nucleating intragranularly during testing by dynamic strain induced transformation. A systematic study was made of the effect of isothermal deformation temperature, strain level, strain rate, and accelerated cooling during deformation on the formation of ultrafine ferrite by this process. Decreasing the isothermal testing temperature below the Ae₃ temperature led to a greater driving force for ferrite nucleation and thus more extensive nucleation during testing; the formation of Widmanstätten ferrite prior to, or early during, deformation imposed a lower temperature limit. Increasing the strain above that where ferrite first began 0.8 at 675C and a strain rate of 3 s¯¹ increased the intragranular nucleation of ferrite. Strain rate appeared to have little effect on the amount of ferrite formed. However, slower strain rates led to extensive polygonisation of the ferrite formed because more time was available for ferrite recovery. Accelerated cooling during deformation followed by air cooling to room temperature led to a uniform microstructure consisting of very fine ferrite grains and fine spherical carbides located in the grain boundaries regions. Air cooling after isothermal testing led to carbide bands and a larger ferrite grain size.

Effects of process control agent on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti-Sn-Nb alloy prepared by mechanical alloying

In the present study, the influence of process control agent (PCA) on the characteristics of powder and bulk sintered Ti-16Sn-4Nb (wt. %) alloy prepared by mechanical alloying has been investigated. The elemental Ti, Sn and Nb powders were mechanically alloyed in a planetary ball mill for a short period of time using two types of PCA, namely stearic acid (SA) and ethylene bis-stearamide (EBS). The powder morphology, microstructural evolution of the bulk sintered alloy, phase formation and hardness of the alloy have been studied as a function of PCA. Results indicated that the addition of PCA leads to a delay in aIloy formation and introduces contaminations (mainly carbon and oxygen) into the material. The microstructural observation of the bulk alloy revealed a homogeneous distribution of fine Nb-rich colonies (ß-phase) within the a-Ti matrix for small amount of PCA. The hardness values of samples exhibited a significant increase with increasing amount of PCA, reaching a value of ~ 600 BV.

Optimization of process parameters for the production of naringinase by Aspergillus niger MTCC 1344

Aspergillus niger MTCC 1344 was used to produce extracellular naringinase in a complex (molasses, yeast extract and salts) medium. An initial medium pH 4.5 and cultivation temperature 30 °C were optimal for enzyme production. Among various carbon and organic nitrogen sources used, molasses and peptone were the most effective for enzyme yield. The rate of enzyme production was enhanced when metal ions were added to the medium. Fermentation conditions are described which produced a higher rate of enzyme synthesis. An increase in initial sugar concentration from 6 to 10 g l⁻¹ in the fermentation medium produced decreased naringinase synthesis while cell mass growth increased with the increase of sugar concentration. At a higher sugar level (10 g l⁻¹) the production of cell mass decreased.

Multimodal synthesis and the voice of the multimedia author in a Japanese EFL context

This paper examines a powerful potential of multimodal design: meaning that transcends the total semiotic contribution of a text's constituent parts. With reference to data drawn from the digital storytelling practices of Japanese university students, the author argues and demonstrates that in the current semiotic climate, characterised by the increasing availability and complexity of communication tools and ready appropriation of available designs, practices of multimedia authorship truly can evince expression that is authentically multiplicative. However, this sort of meaning making does not automatically come about. Controlling the inherent polysemy of multimodal texts, in the author's view, is a matter of recognising points of semantic correspondence among co-deployed images, language, etc. and creating syntheses of potential meaning that cut across these semiotic modes. The author further argues that it is in this way that the voice of the multimodal author can most clearly be heard, particularly in cases in which a language learner–author integrates elements within a multimedia text that encode meaning in the L2.