Translational Contestation of Religious Concepts: A Case of Conversion Narratives

Drawing on a case study incorporating two opposing conversion narratives and their translations, thispaper explores the relationship between language, religion and translation. By examining linguistic,paralinguistic and paratextual framing techniques used by authors, translators and publishers, itdemonstrates that translation can be a powerful means of contesting fundamental concepts – such as “conversion”, “church” or “faith” – in the processes of safeguarding one’s own or challenging another’s religious identity, especially in the context of asymmetrical power relations.

Controlled redistribution of vibrational population by few-cycle strong-field laser pulses

The use of strong-field (i.e. intensities in excess of 10(13) Wcm(-2)) few-cycle ultrafast (durations of 10 femtoseconds or less) laser pulses to create, manipulate and image vibrational wavepackets is investigated. Quasi-classical modelling of the initial superposition through tunnel ionization, wavepacket modification by nonadiabatically altering the nuclear environment via the transition dipole and the Stark effect, and measuring the control outcome by fragmenting the molecule is detailed. The influence of the laser intensity on strong-field ultrafast wavepacket control is discussed in detail: by modifying the distribution of laser intensities imaged, we show that focal conditions can be created that give preference to this three-pulse technique above processes induced by the pulses alone. An experimental demonstration is presented, and the nuclear dynamics inferred by the quasi-classical model discussed. Finally, we present the results of a systematic investigation of a dual-control pulse scheme, indicating that single vibrational states should be observable with high fidelity, and the populated state defined by varying the arrival time of the two control pulses. The relevance of such strong-field coherent control methods to the manipulation of electron localization and attosecond science is discussed.

Anisotropic Impedance Surfaces for Linear to Circular Polarization Conversion

Anisotropic impedance surfaces are employed as low-profile and broadband reflectors that convert orthogonal linear to right- and left-handed circular polarization respectively. By virtue of anisotropy, it is possible to independently control the reflection characteristics of two orthogonal linearly polarized incident plane waves and therefore achieve linear to circular polarization conversion. Equivalent circuits for anisotropic impedance surfaces with arbitrarily shaped elements are employed to demonstrate the operating principle and a design procedure is proposed. The proposed design procedure is demonstrated by means of an example involving a dipole array. A prototype is designed and its performance characteristics are evaluated. The 3-dB relative axial ratio bandwidth exceeds 60%, while low loss and angular stability are also reported. Numerical and experimental results on a fabricated prototype are presented to validate the synthesis and the performance. © 2006 IEEE.

Rotational Molding Cycle Time Reduction Using a Combination of Physical Techniques

Rotational molding is a process used to manufacture hollow plastic products, and has been heralded as a molding method with great potential. Reduction of cycle times is an important issue for the rotational molding industry, addressing a significant disadvantage of the process. Previous attempts to reduce cycle times have addressed surface enhanced molds, internal pressure, internal cooling, water spray cooling, and higher oven air flow rates within the existing process. This article explores the potential benefits of these cycle time reduction techniques, and combinations of them. Recommendations on a best practice combination are made, based on experimental observations and resulting product quality. Applying the proposed molding conditions (i.e., a combination of surface-enhanced molds, higher oven flow rates, internal mold pressure, and water spray cooling), cycle time reductions of up to 70% were achieved. Such savings are very significant, inviting the rotomolding community to incorporate these techniques efficiently in an industrial setting. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 49:1846-1854, 2009. (C) 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Organometallic hydrogen transfer and dehydrogenation catalysts for the conversion of bio-renewable alcohols

Organometallic hydrogen transfer and dehydrogenation provide straightforward atom efficient routes from alcohols to a variety of chemical products. The potential of these reactions to enable the conversion of biomass to value added chemicals is discussed, with reference to the products that can be prepared from aliphatic alcohols in good isolated yield.