The electronic, chemical and electrocatalytic processes and intermediates on iron oxide surfaces during photoelectrochemical water splitting

We re-assess experimental soft X-ray absorption spectra of the oxygen K-shell which we recorded operando from iron oxide during photoelectrochemical water splitting in KOH electrolyte. In particular, we refer to recently reported transitional electron hole states which originate within the charge carrier depletion layer of the iron oxide and on the iron oxide surface. For the latter we find that an intermediate oxy-peroxo species is formed on the iron oxide with increasing bias potential, which disappears upon further polarization of the electrode, concomitantly with the evolution and disappearance of the aforementioned surface state. The oxygen spectra contain also the spectroscopic signatures of the electrolyte water, the position of which changes with increasing bias potential towards lower X-ray energies, revealing the breaking and formation of hydrogen bonds in the water during the experiment. Combined with potential dependent impedance spectroscopy data we are able to sketch the molecular structure of chemical intermediates and their charge carrier dynamics. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of alloy composition on instabilities in the beta phase of titanium alloys

A metastable nano-scale disordered precipitate with orthorhombic symmetry has been identified using high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy. The phase, termed O', is metastable, formed by a shuffle mechanism involving a {110}<1<(1)over bar>0> transverse phonon wave in samples of Ti-26Nb-2Zr (at.%) quenched from the beta phase. The addition of 2% Zr to Ti-26Nb appears to suppress significantly the stability of both the {11 (2) over bar}<111> shear and 2/3 <111> longitudinal phonon wave but promotes the {110}<1<(1)over bar>0> transverse shuffle. This results in the nano-size O' phase being homogeneously formed in the parent beta phase matrix rather than the massive alpha `' phase. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estudio florístico del estado actual del bosque ripario en la microcuenca el Coyote, Condega, Estelí

La presente investigación fue realizada en la micro cuenca el Coyote ubicada en el municipio de Condega Departamento de Estelí, como parte del convenio de la Universidad Nacional Agraria con el proyecto CARE/MARENA/P IMCHAS, con el fin de mejorar las condiciones ambientales de la micro cuenca. La intención de la investigación fue evaluar la composición florística del bosque ripario de la parte alta, media y baja de la micro cuenca donde se desarrolló en tres etapas: re conocimiento del área, realización del inventario forestal y diagnóstico de la vegetación arbórea. La metodología que se utilizó en dicho estudio fue la aplicación de un inventario forestal con un área muestreada de 0.24 ha (inventario sis temá tico con par celas de 0.01 ha cada una, con un a intensidad de muestreo 0.08 %. La composición florística existente en el bosque la conforman un total de 66 individuos mayores a los 10cm de DAP equivalentes a 31 especies arbóreas, y 18 familias botánicas, sobresaliendo la Fabaceae (5), Mimosaceae (5) y Anacardiaceae (3 especies). En las clases diamétricas la mayoría de los individuos se encuentran en la categoría diamétrica de 10 - 19.9 (clases 1) siendo la parte alta el sitio que más árboles posee con (66.66 arb ha - 1 ) y la parte media con 20.83 arb ha - 1 la parte alta con el m enor número de árboles 8.33 arb ha - 1 en la categoría de 20 - 39.9 (clase 2 y 3), donde el mayor número de individuos se encuentran en la parte baja de la microcuenca con 66.66 arb ha - 1 y la parte me dia con 20.83 arb ha - 1 , la parte alta con el men or número de árboles 8.33 arb ha - 1 . Las categorías silviculturales el mayor porcentaje de árboles presentan fuste recto sin daño evidente (categoría 1), distribuidos de la siguiente manera 13.64 % en la parte alta, 10.61 % en la parte media y 16.67 % en la parte baja. En la categoría de iluminación vertical plena el may or porcentaje de árboles se encuentra en la (categoría 2), distribuidos para la parte alta y la parte media el 4.55% y la parte baja con el 13.64% . Encontramos en la parte baja el 18.18% de árboles sin lianas (categorí a 1), observándose para la parte media el 10.61% y la parte alta el 15.15%, en esta misma categoría. En cuanto a la vigorosidad de los árboles en el bosque ripario la parte baja de la microcuenca tiene el mayor porcentaje con 17.67%, con buen follaje y buena vitalidad aparente, sin daño que afecte su crecimiento (categoría 1), seguida de la parte alta con 13.64% y la parte media con 12.12%. La regeneración natural e n (área muestr eada 0.024 ), consiguiente fue de 541.7 plantas ha - 1 , representada por 10 familias botánicas (Euphorbiaceae, Sterculiaceae, Anacardiaceae, Rutaceae, Mimosaceae, Fagaceae, Myrtaceae, Arecaceae, Verbenaceae y Bignonaceae).

Efecto de labranza y métodos de control de malezas sobre la dinámica de las malezas, crecimiento y rendimiento del frijol común (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

En el ciclo de primera mayo - septiembre de 1997, en la estación experimental La Compañía, ubicada en el municipio de San marcos departamento de Carazo, se realizó el presente estudio con el objetivo de evaluar la efectividad y la influencia de tres sistemas de labranza (cero, mínima, convencional) y tres métodos de control de maleza, (cultural, mecánico y químico), sobre dinámica de las malezas, el crecimiento y rendimiento del cultivo del frijol común. (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Para este estudio se utilizó un diseño experimental de parcelas divididas en arreglos de bloquescompletos al azar estableciéndose en .las parcelas grandes el factor labranza de suelo y en la pequeña los controles de malezas. Los datos recopilados de las variables en estudios fueron sometidos a un análisis de varianza y comparaciones de medias a través de Duncan al 5 por ciento de significancia. Las variables evaluadas no presentan interacción entre factores, por tanto se presentan los efectos principales de cada factor. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que labranza convencional y control químico de malezas obtuvieron los menores promedios en cuanto a abundancia y dominancia de malezas. Referente a componentes de rendimiento del frijol común, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticas significativas entre labranzas, pero si en cuanto a controles de malezas, el mejor comportamiento en la mayoría de dichas variables correspondió a control cultural obteniendo mayor número de vainas por plantas (10.8),y mayor peso de cien granos (17.5 g). En cuanto a rendimiento de grano, labranza convencional obtuvo los mayores rendimientos con 1 024.3 kg/ha y el control cultural de malezas con 929.4 kg/ha. Los resultados del análisis económico a través del presupuesto parcial y análisis de dominancia muestra que labranza cero y control cultural presentan la mejor tasa de retomo marginal. Los mayores beneficios netos se encontraron en el tratamiento con labranza convencional y control cultural y los menores costos variables en labranza cero y control cultural de malezas.

La mitad de la población continúa sin tener un empleo decente y esto explica la crítica situación social

Los datos de la Encuesta Permanente de Hogares que el INDEC ha vuelto a publicar recientemente revelan que en la Argentina hay 4,4 millones de personas con empleos informales de mala calidad y 1 millón de desempleados. Esta evidencia demuestra que a pesar del crecimiento económico y de las medidas implementadas en los últimos años, los problemas laborales continúan sin resolverse. La devaluación del año 2002 indujo una importante generación de empleos sustentada en la erosión del salario real, pero este modelo se ha agotado. Ahora es necesario implementar una fuerte modernización de las instituciones laborales, con énfasis en un régimen especial para las microempresas que concentran un alto porcentaje del empleo privado no registrado y operan con una lógica de “trabajo – trabajo”

Electromechanical influence of crack velocity at bifurcation for poled ferroelectric materials

The piezoelastodynamic field equations are solved to determine the crack velocity at bifurcation for poled ferroelectric materials where the applied electrical field and mechanical stress can be varied. The underlying physical mechanism, however, may not correspond to that assumed in the analytical model. Bifurcation has been related to the occurrence of a pair of maximum circumferential stress oriented symmetrically about the moving crack path. The velocity at which this behavior prevails has been referred to as the limiting crack speed. Unlike the classical approach, bifurcation will be identified with finite distances ahead of a moving crack. Nucleation of microcracks can thus be modelled in a single formulation. This can be accomplished by using the energy density function where fracture initiation is identified with dominance of dilatation in relation to distortion. Poled ferroelectric materials are selected for this study because the microstructure effects for this class of materials can be readily reflected by the elastic, piezoelectic and dielectric permittivity constants at the macroscopic scale. Existing test data could also shed light on the trend of the analytical predictions. Numerical results are thus computed for PZT-4 and compared with those for PZT-6B in an effort to show whether the branching behavior would be affected by the difference in the material microstructures. A range of crack bifurcation speed upsilon(b) is found for different r/a and E/sigma ratios. Here, r and a stand for the radial distance and half crack length, respectively, while E and a for the electric field and mechanical stress. For PZT-6B with upsilon(b) in the range 100-1700 m/s, the bifurcation angles varied from +/-6degrees to +/-39degrees. This corresponds to E/sigma of -0.072 to 0.024 V m/N. At the same distance r/a = 0.1, PZT-4 gives upsilon(b) values of 1100-2100 m/s; bifurcation angles of +/-15degrees to +/-49degrees; and E/sigma of -0.056 to 0.059 V m/N. In general, the bifurcation angles +/-theta(0) are found to decrease with decreasing crack velocity as the distance r/a is increased. Relatively speaking, the speed upsilon(b) and angles +/-theta(0) for PZT-4 are much greater than those for PZT-6B. This may be attributed to the high electromechanical coupling effect of PZT-4. Using upsilon(b)(0) as a base reference, an equality relation upsilon(b)(-) < upsilon(b)(0) < upsilon(b)(+) can be established. The superscripts -, 0 and + refer, respectively, to negative, zero and positive electric field. This is reminiscent of the enhancement and retardation of crack growth behavior due to change in poling direction. Bifurcation characteristics are found to be somewhat erratic when r/a approaches the range 10(-2)-10(-1) where the kinetic energy densities would fluctuate and then rise as the distance from the moving crack is increased. This is an artifact introduced by the far away condition of non-vanishing particle velocity. A finite kinetic energy density prevails at infinity unless it is made to vanish in the boundary value problem. Future works are recommended to further clarify the physical mechanism(s) associated with bifurcation by means of analysis and experiment. Damage at the microscopic level needs to be addressed since it has been known to affect the macrocrack speeds and bifurcation characteristics. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Micología veterinaria

La Micología Veterinaria tiene su importancia en las patologías de sus síntomas y signos. Comprende aquellas enfermedades producidas por los hongos directamente (Micosis) y a las enfermedades producidas por los metabolitos de estos (hongos), después de la ingesta de alimentos contaminados (Micotoxicosis). Esta ciencia tiene sus orígenes en el periodo de los primeros microscopistas, en el siglo XVI, con personajes importantes como los doctores, Leeuwenhoek, Pasteur, Koch, Sabouraud entre otras figuras renombradas. Los aportes que dieron a esta ciencia fueron: enmarcarlos en su propio reino, y clasificar la taxonomía, hábitos nutricionales, reproducción y sus diagnósticos. Los hongos patógenos, como le llamaremos a estos microorganismos causantes de enfermedad, se les atribuye la mayor importancia, sin obviar la acción de sus metabolitos y las técnicas de recolección de muestras y diagnóstico. Para entender las patologías es necesario comprender y afianzarse en el mundo de las micosis, es por ello que el diseño de este texto se estructuró para orientar al lector, ya que se describe a los agentes lo más detallado posible, se abordan los géneros y su forma de reproducción, las lesiones que provocan, órganos que afectan y especies susceptibles (incluyendo al ser humano), se presentan las técnicas de recolección de muestras y diagnóstico de laboratorio; como medios nutritivos, tinciones, y otros para contribuir a un diagnóstico más exacto, además se abordan los anti micóticos más efectivos, incluyendo aquellos que dejan residuos en los productos y subproductos que son perjudiciales para la salud humana.

Determinación del tamaño óptimo de la parcela experimental en ensayos de sorgo (Sorghum vulgare Pers)

En los campos experimentales de la ENAG, Nicaragua; se llevo a cabo un estudio para determinar el tamaño optimo de la parcela experimental en ensayos de sorgo (Sorghum vulgare) Pers. El experimento tuvo una duración de cinco meses comprendidos entre los meses de agosto de 1969 a enero de 1970. Se uso la variedad de sorgo granifero E-57 (Dekalb). El procedimiento experimental fue el de un ensayo de uniformidad. El tamaño de la unidad básica usada fue de 1,83 metros cuadrados, (un surco de tres metros de largo y 0,61 metros de ancho), en total son 1.024 unidades básicas. Los tamaños de parcelas estudiados se obtuvieron por combinación de las parcelas adyacentes. Dentro de cada surco se agruparon en uno, dos, cuatro, seis, ocho, 16 y 32 unidades básicas. Los datos de rendimiento se obtuvieron individualmente para cada mitad básica. Con estos resultados se uso el método de Hatheway y Williams para el análisis. El coeficiente "b" mínimo calculado fue 0,40; las constantes de costo calculadas para experimentos de sorgo, fueron K1=70,75 por ciento, K2=29,25 por ciento. Se calculo que, el tamaño optimo de la parcela es de tres metros cuadrados para experimentos sin bordes. (un surco de cinco metros de largo, 0.60 metros de ancho).

Breed effect on quality veal production in mountain areas: Emphasis on meat

This study was designed to compare the quality of veal produced from ‘Tudanca x Charolais’ cross (n=6) and Limousin (n=6) breeds when allowed to feed freely on mountain pastures and suckle naturally from birth to 7 months of age. After 80 days of age calves also had access to concentrate (maximum of 3 Kg/day), while mothers did not. At slaughter, Limousin calves were heavier (P<0.01) and provided better carcass yield (P<0.05) and conformation (P<0.001) than Tudanca calves. Tudanca beef provided higher fat content (P<0.05) was less tough (P<0.05), and was scored as more tender and juicy (P<0.1) with higher acceptability than Limousin beef (P<0.1). In general, Tudanca had a better fatty acid profile than Limousin beef, especially in terms of the content of polyunsaturated (P<0.05), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<0.05) and their n-6/n-3 ratios (P<0.1), as well as vaccenic acid (P<0.1) and the overall trans-18:1 isomer profile.

Protected species aerial survey data collection and analysis in waters underlying the R-5306A airspace: final report submitted to US Marine Corps, MCAS Cherry Point

To be in compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the United States Department of the Navy is required to assess the potential environmental impacts of conducting at-sea training operations on sea turtles and marine mammals. Limited recent and area-specific density data of sea turtles and dolphins exist for many of the Navy’s operations areas (OPAREAs), including the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point OPAREA, which encompasses portions of Core and Pamlico Sounds, North Carolina. Aerial surveys were conducted to document the seasonal distribution and estimated density of sea turtles and dolphins within Core Sound and portions of Pamlico Sound, and coastal waters extending one mile offshore. Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data for each survey were extracted from 1.4 km/pixel resolution Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer remote images. A total of 92 turtles and 1,625 dolphins were sighted during 41 aerial surveys, conducted from July 2004 to April 2006. In the spring (March – May; 7.9°C to 21.7°C mean SST), the majority of turtles sighted were along the coast, mainly from the northern Core Banks northward to Cape Hatteras. By the summer (June – Aug.; 25.2°C to 30.8°C mean SST), turtles were fairly evenly dispersed along the entire survey range of the coast and Pamlico Sound, with only a few sightings in Core Sound. In the autumn (Sept. – Nov.; 9.6°C to 29.6°C mean SST), the majority of turtles sighted were along the coast and in eastern Pamlico Sound; however, fewer turtles were observed along the coast than in the summer. No turtles were seen during the winter surveys (Dec. – Feb.; 7.6°C to 11.2°C mean SST). The estimated mean surface density of turtles was highest along the coast in the summer of 2005 (0.615 turtles/km², SE = 0.220). In Core and Pamlico Sounds the highest mean surface density occurred during the autumn of 2005 (0.016 turtles/km², SE = 0.009). The mean seasonal abundance estimates were always highest in the coastal region, except in the winter when turtles were not sighted in either region. For Pamlico Sound, surface densities were always greater in the eastern than western section. The range of mean temperatures at which turtles were sighted was 9.68°C to 30.82°C. The majority of turtles sighted were within water ≥ 11°C. Dolphins were observed within estuarine waters and along the coast year-round; however, there were some general seasonal movements. In particular, during the summer sightings decreased along the coast and dolphins were distributed throughout Core and Pamlico Sounds, while in the winter the majority of dolphins were located along the coast and in southeastern Pamlico Sound. Although relative numbers changed seasonally between these areas, the estimated mean surface density of dolphins was highest along the coast in the spring of 2006 (9.564 dolphins/km², SE = 5.571). In Core and Pamlico Sounds the highest mean surface density occurred during the autumn of 2004 (0.192 dolphins/km², SE = 0.066). The estimated mean surface density of dolphins was lowest along the coast in the summer of 2004 (0.461 dolphins/km², SE = 0.294). The estimated mean surface density of dolphins was lowest in Core and Pamlico Sounds in the summer of 2005 (0.024 dolphins/km², SE = 0.011). In Pamlico Sound, estimated surface densities were greater in the eastern section except in the autumn. Dolphins were sighted throughout the entire range of mean SST (7.60°C to 30.82°C), with a tendency towards fewer dolphins sighted as water temperatures increased. Based on the findings of this study, sea turtles are most likely to be encountered within the OPAREAs when SST is ≥ 11°C. Since sea turtle distributions are generally limited by water temperature, knowing the SST of a given area is a useful predictor of sea turtle presence. Since dolphins were observed within estuarine waters year-round and throughout the entire range of mean SST’s, they likely could be encountered in the OPAREAs any time of the year. Although our findings indicated the greatest number of dolphins to be present in the winter and the least in the summer, their movements also may be related to other factors such as the availability of prey. (PDF contains 28 pages)

Konzept für eine bestandsschonendere Nutzung der Dorschvorkommen in der westlichen Ostsee

The introduction of a long-term management plan for the cod socks by the International Baltic Sea Fishery Commission (IBSFC) to ensure stable and high yields and to conserve the fish stocks of the Baltic demands certain conservation measures. One is the use of the Total Allowable Catches (TACs) based on precautionary approches. In addition the exploitation pattern and the selectivy of trawls shall be improved to increase the spawning stock biomass and to reduce the presently high discard rates. The contributation demonstrates by means of model calculations for the cod stock of the ICES Sub-divisions 22 to 24 ( Western Baltic ) the short- and long-term effects of an improvement of the trawl selectivity on stock size, yields and profit.

High voltage cathodes for Na-ion batteries: Na3V2O2x(PO4)2F3-2x system

254 p : il, graf. col.

Evaluation of the body burdens of heavy metals in five commercially important fishes from different locations in Kainji Lake

The level and distribution of some heavy metals viz Cadmium, Lead, Copper Zinc, and Cobalt in five commercially important fishes, water and sediments at three different locations in Kainj Lake were determined using standard methods. The results show that the ranges of heavy metals mu g/g in fishes in Dam site Laotian are: Cd (0.05~c0.01-20~c01), (Pb(ND-1.12 plus or minus )1), Cu (0.81~c25-2.93~c06), Zn (20.89 arrow right .15-36.78~c2.97), Co(0.08~c01-0.27~c02); in cover Dam, the ranges are Cd (0.04~c02-0.16~c0.2), Pb (nd-02~c01), Cu(0.75~c05-2.61~c13), Zn(15.70~c1.55-32.23~c2.70), Co(0.04~c02-0.25~c0.01) and in Yuna they are Cd (0.05~c01-0.14~c02), Pb (nd-0.32~c01), Cu (0.23~c07-2.70~c05), Zn(15.50 plus or minus `.35-25.62~c2.47), Co(0.07~c02-23~c0.01). The metals concentration (mg/l) in the water sample from Dam site, cover dam and Yuna respectively are Cd(0.007~c001,. 004~c001 and 0.005~001), Pb(013~c001, ND and ND), Cu(.055~c008.030~c007, 05 plus or minus .010), Zn(0.13~c01, 0.060 plus or minus .0055) and Co (.026 plus or minus .022 plus or minus .004, .024 plus or minus .004), while the metals concentration ( mu g/g) in sediments sample from Dam site, cover dam and Yuna are respectively Cd(.05 plus or minus .01, .02 plus or minus .01), Pb(16.00~c1.00, ND and 9.33~c1.01), Cu(24.00~c1.34, 4.26 plus or minus .91 and 11.08~c1.32), Zn(42.00~c1.00, 35~c10 and 38.00 plus or minus .45), Co(15.00~c1.17, 8.69~c1.21 and 10.91~c44). The concentrations of the tested heavy metals are within the acceptable standards of WHO (1987a)

偏振模色散和时延抖动对啁啾光纤光栅色散补偿特性的影响

对存在偏振模色散(PMD)和群时延(GD)抖动的非理想线性啁啾光纤光栅的色散补偿特性进行了研究。实验测量了啁啾光纤光栅的群时延谱和偏振模色散光谱，理论分析和实验测量表明，啁啾光纤光栅差分群时延(DGD)抖动与其时延抖动密切相关。通过数值模拟方法，计算了线性啁啾光纤光栅偏振模色散眼图代价与入射到啁啾光纤光栅色散补偿器的光信号的偏振方向的关系，计算结果表明在使用啁啾光纤光栅色散补偿器时应对光信号的偏振方向进行调整，以获得最佳补偿效果。另外结合实验数据，模拟计算并讨论了非理想线性啁啾光纤光栅群时延抖动和偏振模色