Surface profilometer for examining grain-boundary grooves

Surface profilometer, consisting primarily of commercially available components, measures surface topographical features accurately and precisely. It shows improvement over the interferometric technique in measurement of grain-boundary grooves formed during annealing on nickel-oxide bicrystals

X-ray polarimetry with an active-matrix pixel proportional counter

We report the first results from an X-ray polarimeter with a micropattern gas proportional counter using an amorphous silicon active matrix readout. With 100% polarized X-rays at 4.5 keV, we obtain a modulation factor of 0.33 +/- 0.03, confirming previous reports of the high polarization sensitivity of a finely segmented pixel proportional counter. The detector described here has a geometry suitable for the focal plane of an astronomical X-ray telescope. Amorphous silicon readout technology will enable additional extensions and improvements.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, 1 tabl

MEASURING CONSUMER BENEFITS OF FOOD SAFETY RISK REDUCTIONS

Microbial pathogens and pesticide residues in food pose a financial burden to society which can be reduced by incurring costs to reduce these food safety risks. We explore three valuation techniques that place a monetary value on food safety risk reductions, and we present a case study for each: a contingent valuation survey on pesticide residues, an experimental auction market for a chicken sandwich with reduced risk of Salmonella, and a cost-of-illness analysis for seven foodborne pathogens. Estimates from these techniques can be used in cost/benefit analyses for policies that reduce food safety risks.Contingent valuation, Cost of illness, Experimental auction market, Food safety, Risk reduction, Salmonella, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Penggunaan Media Online Sebagai Sumber Informasi Akademik Mahasiswa Ilmu Komunikasi Fakultas Ilmu Sosial Dan Ilmu Politik Universitas Riau

Dengan perkembangan teknologi, komunikasi dan informasi, sehingga mendorong munculnya media online. Akademisi sekarang menggunakan media online untuk mendukung kegiatan akademik. Terlepas dari waktu itu benar atau tidak menggunakannya. Dan tidak terkecuali dengan mahasiswa di Pekanbaru. Penelitian ini akan membahas bagaimana ada mahasiswa universitas negeri di Pekanbaru menggunakan media online untuk memenuhi kebutuhan informasi akademik mereka. Penelitian ini akan dilakukan dengan wawancara informan secara mendalam. Setelah data yang telah diperoleh akan dijelaskan menggunakan teori new media. Penelitian mendalam akan menjelaskan setiap media online yang digunakan dalam mendukung kebutuhan informasi akademik. kebutuhan seperti apa yang mereka cari, dan apa yang membuat mereka merasa terpenuhi kebutuhan mereka dalam penggunaan media online, terutama di membutuhkan informasi akademik.Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif penjelasan. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode wawancara. Lokasi penelitian ini adalah di Ilmu Komunikasi, Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik, Universitas Riau, Pekanbaru. Jumlah informan untuk penelitian ini adalah 6 responden. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Para peneliti menggunakan metode analisis interaktif Miles dan Hubberman, dan untuk pengecekan validitas data, peneliti menggunakan teknik triangulasi data.Hasil penelitian tentang bagaimana menggunakan media online sebagai sumber informasi komunikasi mahasiswa fakultas ilmu ilmu sosial akademik dan politik universitas ilmu Riau menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar siswa mengakses media online sebagai sumber informasi akademik. ini dapat dilihat dari sebagian besar responden menjawab menggunakan media online sebagai sumber informasi dalam mencari akses informasi akademik, siswa lebih efektif dibandingkan dengan kualitas karena sumber informasi yang dikenal di media online tidak semua benar, itu menjadi satu-satunya kendala bagi mahasiswa dalam mengakses media online.Kata Kunci : Penggunaan, Media Online, Informasi, Akademik

Hubungan Antara Kepuasan Kerja Dengan Stres Kerja Pada Sopir Bus Po Agra Mas (Divisi Akap) Jurusan Wonogiri-Jakarta

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui ada atau tidaknya hubungan antara kepuasan kerja dengan stres kerja pada supir PO AGRA MAS (Divisi AKAP) tujuan Wonogiri - Jakarta. Sampel penelitian berjumlah 52, dengan teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan Convenience Sampling.Pengambilan data menggunakan skala kepuasan kerja (26 aitem valid dengan α= 0,896) dan skala stres kerja (25 aitem valid dengan α= 0,901). Data yang diperoleh berdasarkan hasil analisi regresi sederhana menunjukkan nilai koefisien korelasi sebesar -0,716 dengan p=0,00 (p<0,01). Hasil tersebut menunjukkan bahwa hipotesis yang diajukan peneliti, yaitu terdapat hubungan negatif antara antara kepuasan kerja dengan stres kerja pada supir PO AGRA MAS (Divisi AKAP) tujuan Wonogiri-Jakarta dapat diterima. Nilai koefisien korelasi negatif menunjukkan bahwa arah hubungan kedua variabel adalah negatif, artinya bahwa semakin rendah kepuasan kerja maka stres kerja akan semakin tinggi. Sebaliknya, semakin tinggi kepuasan kerja maka stres kerja akan semakin rendah. Kepuasan kerja dalam penelitian ini memberikan sumbangan efektif sebesar 51.3% terhadap variabel stres kerja

Predicting the distribution of canine leishmaniasis in western Europe based on environmental variables.

The domestic dog is the reservoir host of Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis endemic in Mediterranean Europe. Targeted control requires predictive risk maps of canine leishmaniasis (CanL), which are now explored. We databased 2187 published and unpublished surveys of CanL in southern Europe. A total of 947 western surveys met inclusion criteria for analysis, including serological identification of infection (504, 369 dogs tested 1971-2006). Seroprevalence was 23 2% overall (median 10%). Logistic regression models within a GIS framework identified the main environmental predictors of CanL seroprevalence in Portugal, Spain, France and Italy, or in France alone. A 10-fold cross-validation approach determined model capacity to predict point-values of seroprevalence and the correct seroprevalence class (20%). Both the four-country and France-only models performed reasonably well for predicting correctly the 20% seroprevalence classes (AUC >0 70). However, the France-only model performed much better for France than the four-country model. The four-country model adequately predicted regions of CanL emergence in northern Italy (<5% seroprevalence). Both models poorly predicted intermediate point seroprevalences (5-20%) within regional foci, because surveys were biased towards known rural foci and Mediterranean bioclimates. Our recommendations for standardizing surveys would permit higher-resolution risk mapping

Discrete model for laser driven etching and microstructuring of metallic surfaces

We present a unidimensional discrete solid-on-solid model evolving in time using a kinetic Monte Carlo method to simulate micro-structuring of kerfs on metallic surfaces by means of laser-induced jet-chemical etching. The precise control of the passivation layer achieved by this technique is responsible for the high resolution of the structures. However, within a certain range of experimental parameters, the microstructuring of kerfs on stainless steel surfaces with a solution of $\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{PO}_4$ shows periodic ripples, which are considered to originate from an intrinsic dynamics. The model mimics a few of the various physical and chemical processes involved and within certain parameter ranges reproduces some morphological aspects of the structures, in particular ripple regimes. We analyze the range of values of laser beam power for the appearance of ripples in both experimental and simulated kerfs. The discrete model is an extension of one that has been used previously in the context of ion sputtering and is related to a noisy version of the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation used extensively in the field of pattern formation.Comment: Revised version. Etching probability distribution and new simulations adde

Calciphylaxis following kidney transplantation: a case report

Introduction: Calciphylaxis occurring after kidney transplantation is rare and rarely reported. It results in chronic non-healing wounds and is associated with a poor prognosis and is often fatal. We present a case of proximal lower limb calciphylaxis that occurred early after kidney transplantation. The patient had no classic associated risk factors. He had previously had a total parathyroidectomy but had normal serum calcium-phosphate product and parathyroid hormone levels. The clinical outcome of this case was favorable and highlights some fundamental issues relating to management. Case prsentation: A 70-year-old British Caucasian man with end-stage renal failure secondary to IgA nephropathy presented six months post kidney transplantation with cutaneous calciphylaxis lesions involving the medial aspect of the thigh bilaterally. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of rapid onset cutaneous calciphylaxis occurring soon after kidney transplantation that was associated with a favorable outcome. Cutaneous calciphylaxis lesions should be promptly managed with meticulous wound care, antimicrobial therapy and the correction of calcium-phosphate product where indicated

Public Benefits of Undeveloped Lands on Urban Outskirts: Non-Market Valuation Studies and their Role in Land Use Plans

Over the past three decades, the economics profession has developed methods for estimating the public benefits of green spaces, providing an opportunity to incorporate such information into land-use planning. While federal regulations routinely require such estimates for major regulations, the extent to which they are used in local land use plans is not clear. This paper reviews the literature on public values for lands on urban outskirts, not just to survey their methods or empirical findings, but to evaluate the role they have played--or have the potential to play-- in actual land use plans. Based on interviews with authors and representatives of funding agencies and local land trusts, it appears that academic work has had a mixed reception in the policy world. Reasons for this include a lack of interest in making academic work accessible to policy makers, emphasizing revealed preference methods which are inconsistent with policy priorities related to nonuse values, and emphasis on benefit-cost analyses. Nevertheless, there are examples of success stories that illustrate how such information can play a vital role in the design of conservation policies. Working Paper 07-2

Laser Machining by short and ultrashort pulses, state of the art and new opportunities in the age of the photons

An overview is given of the applications of short and ultrashort lasers in material processing. Shorter pulses reduce heat-affected damage of the material and opens new ways for nanometer accuracy. Even forty years after the development of the laser there is a lot of effort in developing new and better performing lasers. The driving force is higher accuracy at reasonable cost, which is realised by compact systems delivering short laser pulses of high beam quality. Another trend is the shift towards shorter wavelengths, which are better absorbed by the material and which allows smaller feature sizes to be produced. Examples of new products, which became possible by this technique, are given. The trends in miniaturization as predicted by Moore and Taniguchi are expected to continue over the next decade too thanks to short and ultrashort laser machining techniques. After the age of steam and the age of electricity we have entered the age of photons now