High temperature thermoelectric properties of Zr and Hf based transition metal dichalcogenides: A first principles study

We investigate the electronic and thermal transport properties of bulk MX2 compounds (M = Zr, Hf and X = S, Se) by first-principles calculations and semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory. The band structure shows the confinement of heavy and light bands along the out of plane and in-plane directions, respectively. This results in high electrical conductivity (sigma) and large thermopower leading to a high power factor (S-2 sigma) for moderate n-type doping. The phonon dispersion demonstrates low frequency flat acoustical modes, which results in low group velocities (v(g)). Consequently, lowering the lattice thermal conductivity (kappa(latt)) below 2 W/m K. Low kappa(latt) combined with high power factor results in ZT > 0.8 for all the bulk MX2 compounds at high temperature of 1200 K. In particular, the ZT(max) of HfSe2 exceeds 1 at 1400 K. Our results show that Hf/Zr based dichalcogenides are very promising for high temperature thermoelectric application. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.

Optimal bounded control of first-passage failure of quasi-integrable Hamiltonian systems with wide-band random excitation

The optimal bounded control of quasi-integrable Hamiltonian systems with wide-band random excitation for minimizing their first-passage failure is investigated. First, a stochastic averaging method for multi-degrees-of-freedom (MDOF) strongly nonlinear quasi-integrable Hamiltonian systems with wide-band stationary random excitations using generalized harmonic functions is proposed. Then, the dynamical programming equations and their associated boundary and final time conditions for the control problems of maximizinig reliability and maximizing mean first-passage time are formulated based on the averaged It$\ddot{\rm o}$ equations by applying the dynamical programming principle. The optimal control law is derived from the dynamical programming equations and control constraints. The relationship between the dynamical programming equations and the backward Kolmogorov equation for the conditional reliability function and the Pontryagin equation for the conditional mean first-passage time of optimally controlled system is discussed. Finally, the conditional reliability function, the conditional probability density and mean of first-passage time of an optimally controlled system are obtained by solving the backward Kolmogorov equation and Pontryagin equation. The application of the proposed procedure and effectiveness of control strategy are illustrated with an example.

First human hNT neurons patterned on parylene-C/silicon dioxide substrates: Combining an accessible cell line and robust patterning technology for the study of the pathological adult human brain

In this communication, we describe a new method which has enabled the first patterning of human neurons (derived from the human teratocarcinoma cell line (hNT)) on parylene-C/silicon dioxide substrates. We reveal the details of the nanofabrication processes, cell differentiation and culturing protocols necessary to successfully pattern hNT neurons which are each key aspects of this new method. The benefits in patterning human neurons on silicon chip using an accessible cell line and robust patterning technology are of widespread value. Thus, using a combined technology such as this will facilitate the detailed study of the pathological human brain at both the single cell and network level. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.

First demonstration on the non-transparency of FWM and its application of 40 Gbit/s all-optical CSRZ-to-RZ format conversion

We report first experimental demonstration on the non-transparent characteristic of FWM using NRZ-DPSK, RZ-DPSK, CSRZ-DPSK, and CSRZ signals. One potential non-transparency application of 40Gbit/s CSRZ-to-RZ format conversion is experimentally demonstrated. © 2008 IEEE.

First-passage failure and its feedback minimization of quasi-partially integrable Hamiltonian systems

An n degree-of-freedom Hamiltonian system with r (1¡r¡n) independent 0rst integrals which are in involution is calledpartially integrable Hamiltonian system. A partially integrable Hamiltonian system subject to light dampings andweak stochastic excitations is called quasi-partially integrable Hamiltonian system. In the present paper, the procedures for studying the 0rst-passage failure and its feedback minimization of quasi-partially integrable Hamiltonian systems are proposed. First, the stochastic averaging methodfor quasi-partially integrable Hamiltonian systems is brie4y reviewed. Then, basedon the averagedIt ˆo equations, a backwardKolmogorov equation governing the conditional reliability function, a set of generalized Pontryagin equations governing the conditional moments of 0rst-passage time and their boundary and initial conditions are established. After that, the dynamical programming equations and their associated boundary and 0nal time conditions for the control problems of maximization of reliability andof maximization of mean 0rst-passage time are formulated. The relationship between the backwardKolmogorov equation andthe dynamical programming equation for reliability maximization, andthat between the Pontryagin equation andthe dynamical programming equation for maximization of mean 0rst-passage time are discussed. Finally, an example is worked out to illustrate the proposed procedures and the e9ectiveness of feedback control in reducing 0rst-passage failure.

The “Centre for Child Protection” of the Gregorian University/Rome. First experiences, results and reflections in setting up a global e-learning-program for the prevention of sexual abuse of minors

Resumen: El Centro para la Protección Infantil ha sido fundado en cooperación con el Instituto de Psicología de la Universidad Gregoriana (Roma, Italia), el Departamento para la Psiquiatría/Psicoterapia Infantil y Adolescente del Hospital de la Universidad de Ulm (Alemania) y la Arquidiócesis de Múnich (Alemania). Su tarea principal es la creación de un centro global de entrenamiento e-learning para profesiones de pastoral que respondan al abuso sexual de los menores, tomando en consideración asuntos multilingüísticos e interculturales. Dentro de tres años el Centro desarrollado e implementado un programa e-learning en cuatro lenguas. Ocho socios del proyecto internacional asumen un papel en el reclutamiento de participantes y en la evaluación en curso del programa. En esta fase, personas-test son incluidas en el desarrollo y la evaluación del programa, como parte de la formación (en curso) de sacerdotes y de otros coagentes de pastoral

First-passage failure of quasi-integrable Hamiltonian systems

The first-passage failure of quasi-integrable Hamiltonian si-stems (multidegree-of-freedom integrable Hamiltonian systems subject to light dampings and weakly random excitations) is investigated. The motion equations of such a system are first reduced to a set of averaged Ito stochastic differential equations by using the stochastic averaging method for quasi-integrable Hamiltonian systems. Then, a backward Kolmogorov equation governing the conditional reliability function and a set of generalized Pontryagin equations governing the conditional moments of first-passage time are established. Finally, the conditional reliability function, and the conditional probability density and moments of first-passage time are obtained by solving these equations with suitable initial and boundary conditions. Two examples are given to illustrate the proposed procedure and the results from digital simulation are obtained to verify the effectiveness of the procedure.

First-passage time of Duffing oscillator under combined harmonic and white-noise excitations

The first-passage time of Duffing oscillator under combined harmonic and white-noise excitations is studied. The equation of motion of the system is first reduced to a set of averaged Ito stochastic differential equations by using the stochastic averaging method. Then, a backward Kolmogorov equation governing the conditional reliability function and a set of generalized Pontryagin equations governing the conditional moments of first-passage time are established. Finally, the conditional reliability function, and the conditional probability density and moments of first-passage time are obtained by solving the backward Kolmogorov equation and generalized Pontryagin equations with suitable initial and boundary conditions. Numerical results for two resonant cases with several sets of parameter values are obtained and the analytical results are verified by using those from digital simulation.

Optimal bounded control of first-passage failure of strongly non-linear oscillators under combined harmonic and white-noise excitations

A procedure for designing the optimal bounded control of strongly non-linear oscillators under combined harmonic and white-noise excitations for minimizing their first-passage failure is proposed. First, a stochastic averaging method for strongly non-linear oscillators under combined harmonic and white-noise excitations using generalized harmonic functions is introduced. Then, the dynamical programming equations and their boundary and final time conditions for the control problems of maximizing reliability and of maximizing mean first-passage time are formulated from the averaged Ito equations by using the dynamical programming principle. The optimal control law is derived from the dynamical programming equations and control constraint. Finally, the conditional reliability function, the conditional probability density and mean of the first-passage time of the optimally controlled system are obtained from solving the backward Kolmogorov equation and Pontryagin equation. An example is given to illustrate the proposed procedure and the results obtained are verified by using those from digital simulation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

First-principles study of the electronic and magnetic properties of defective carbon nanostructures

149 p.: graf.

Annual report 1992 - North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES). First meeting, Victoria, B.C., Canada, October 12-17, 1992

Document has 52 pages.

First U.S. battleships through Panama Canal: Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin (postcard ca 1914)

Leonard Carpenter Panama Canal Collection. Photographs: Dredging, Soldiers, and Ships. [Box 1] from the Special Collections & Area Studies Department, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.

Preliminary studies on food and feeding habits of Polypterus endlicheri and Polypterus senegalus in Lake Chad

The food and feeding habits of Polyprerus cncllicheri and Polypterus senegalus was carried out in the months of September to October. The food of 33 Polypierus endlicheri as observed include Tilapia species (89.3%), Eutropius niloticus (28.6%), Mayfly nymph (39.3%), Dragon fly larva (56.6%) fish remains (21.4%) and detritus (7.1%). The food of27 Polypterus senegalus as observed include Tilapia sp (88.4%), Eutropius niloticus (27.9%), may fly nymph (23.3%), Dragonfly nymph (34.9%) remains (21.1%) detritus (23.3%). (9 page document) The percentage occurrence of food item found in the stomach of Polypterus endlieheri is 93.3% while that of Polyprerus senegalus is 67.4%. The dominance of Tilapia sp was establish in the study, and there is no significant difference between the feeding habit of Polypterus endlicheri and Polyprerus senegalus.

PICES Science: the first ten years and a look to the future

Introduction [pdf, 0.17 MB] Warren S. Wooster [pdf, 0.12 MB] PICES - the first decade, and beyond Paul H. LeBlond [pdf, 0.03 MB] The Physical Oceanography and Climate Committee: The first decade D.E. Harrison and Neville Smith [pdf, 0.04 MB] Ocean observing systems and prediction - the next ten years Tsutomu Ikeda and Patricia A. Wheeler [pdf, 0.85 MB] Ocean impacts from the bottom of the food web to the top: Biological Oceanography Committee (BIO) retrospective Timothy R. Parsons [pdf, 0.2 MB] Future needs for biological oceanographic studies in the Pacific Ocean Douglas E. Hay, Richard J. Beamish, George W. Boehlert, Vladimir I. Radchenko, Qi-Sheng Tang, Tokio Wada, Daniel W. Ware and Chang-Ik Zhang [pdf, 0.2 MB] Ten years FIS in PICES: An introspective, retrospective, critical and constructive review of fishery science in PICES Richard F. Addison, John E. Stein and Alexander V. Tkalin [pdf, 0.12 MB] Marine Environmental Committee in review Robie W. Macdonald, Brian Morton, Richard F. Addison and Sophia C. Johannessen [pdf, 1.89 MB] Marine environmental contaminant issues in the North Pacific: What are the dangers and how do we identify them? R. Ian Perry, Anne B. Hollowed and Takashige Sugimoto [pdf, 0.36 MB] The PICES Climate Change and Carrying Capacity Program: Why, how, and what next? List of acronyms [pdf, 0.07 MB] (Document contains 108 pages)

Environmental Studies of Monterey Bay and the Central California Coastal Zone : Progress Report: First Half of 2nd Year of Operation--July 1971-February 1972

PDF contains 94 pages.