Electronic personal dosemeters: the solution to problems of individual monitoring in mixed neutron/photon fields?

An overview is given showing the main principles of the present-day electronic neutron dosemeters. The radiological performance of the devices is described in a comparative way. This includes chiefly the personal dose equivalent Hp(10) response for monoenergetic neutrons and in practical fields with broad energy distributions and estimations of the low dose limit for neutrons.     

Results of outdoor radon monitoring in Bratislava and Nováky

Measurements of radon activity concentration (RAC) were made in two localities of Slovakia. The first one is located on the campus of Comenius University in Bratislava, where radon has been monitored since 1991. The second area is situated in the city of Nováky (midwest Slovakia, ～150 km from Bratislava). The localities have a different orography. RAC was measured continuously by large-volume scintillation chambers. The outdoor air was sampled at a height of 1.5 m above the ground. Time courses of RAC in both localities have a similar character. The correlation coefficients between RAC in Bratislava and Nováky was quite high (R(2) = 0.45). However, RACs in Nováky were found out to be about two times higher (～12.1 Bq m(-3)) than in Bratislava.     

Transparent Raman-enhancing substrates for microbiological monitoring and in situ pollutant detection

Opaque Raman-enhancing substrates made of Ag nanoparticles on incompletely oxidized aluminum templates have been rendered transparent by an ion-drift process to complete the oxidation. The result shows that the transparent substrates exhibit high/uniform surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capability and good optical transmissivity, allowing for concurrent SERS characterization and high contrast transmission-mode optical imaging of S. aureus bacteria. We also demonstrate that the transparent substrates can used in conjunction with optical fibers as SERS sensors for in situ detection of malachite green down to 10(-9) M.     

Ground temperature monitoring and its recent change in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

It is very important to analyze the change of the active layer and the permafrost thermal regime for Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Formerly, there is only few data of monitoring to analyze the response of the active layer and the permafrost to climate change in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The monitoring data of the permafrost thermal regime with seven sites from 1995 to 2000 make it possible to analyze this response relationship.The monitoring data is used to analyze the recent change in the thickness of active layer, the subsurface temperature, the near permafrost surface temperature, and the permafrost temperature at the depth of 6 or 8 m. The results show that their changes have a better accordance with air temperature change. The climate change has an impact on the change of the active layer and the thermal regime of the permafrost. The change of the active layer and the thermal regime of the permafrost can indirectly explain some features of climate change.     

Learning beyond ‘hands and feet’ in offshore helicopter operations: integrating the individual with the social in CRM and SA

Abstract

This article makes situated learning theories central to an analysis of offshore helicopter in-flight emergency response, where rule following is mandatory for safety reasons. We examine the ways in which individual learning is connected to situated learning, particularly as relates to multiple forms of knowledge and directive documentation such as standard operating procedures and emergency checklists. The analysis connects to sociotechnical skills, contextual factors, and organizational culture; details five generations of crew resource management (CRM) training, positioning this research within the fifth generation and in relation to situation awareness (SA). It describes and provides guidance on how training, which is focused on error recognition, management, and mitigation, as well as communication, understanding, and innovation, can improve CRM performance. Finally, we make recommendations for future research based on our analysis for combining CRM and SA in ways that enable the sharing of tacit knowledge to increase pilots’ understanding of their work through legitimate peripheral participation.     

Mechanics and dynamics of the strain-induced M1-M2 structural phase transition in individual VO₂ nanowires

The elastic properties and structural phase transitions of individual VO(2) nanowires were studied using an in situ push-to-pull microelectromechanical device to realize quantitative tensile analysis in a transmission electron microscope and a synchrotron X-ray microdiffraction beamline. A plateau was detected in the stress-strain curve, signifying superelasticity of the nanowire arising from the M1-M2 structural phase transition. The transition was induced and controlled by uniaxial tension. The transition dynamics were characterized by a one-dimensionally aligned domain structure with pinning and depinning of the domain walls along the nanowire. From the stress-strain dependence the Young's moduli of the VO(2) M1 and M2 phases were estimated to be 128 ± 10 and 156 ± 10 GPa, respectively. Single pinning and depinning events of M1-M2 domain wall were observed in the superelastic regime, allowing for evaluation of the domain wall pinning potential energy. This study demonstrates a new way to investigate nanoscale mechanics and dynamics of structural phase transitions in general.     

Covered conduction of individual C(60) nanowhiskers

We investigate the electronic properties of individual C(60) nanowhiskers by exploiting conductive atomic force microscopy at room temperature in ambient atmosphere. The pristine individual C(60) nanowhiskers exhibit conducting behavior. The outer C(60) oxide covering, confirmed by Auger electron spectroscopy, shelters the conductive properties of the C(60) nanowhiskers. It is proposed that the insulating outer C(60) oxide covering might be used as the dielectric layer in potential single C(60) nanowhisker-based field-effect transistors for nanoelectronics.     

“Complete” system monitoring of polymer matrix composites

In situ, real time analysis of the chemical interactions occurring within the interphase of fiberglass fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMCs) has been accomplished through utilization of fiber optic sensors. The fiber size, as well as the composition of the thin cladding, closely approximates industrial fiberglass fibers, which allows the fibers to function simultaneously as model fiber-reinforcements and evanescent wave sensors. Using this sensor technology, the current research has shown that reactions occurring between the fiber surface, adsorbed silane coupling agent, and polymer can be monitored using FT-NIR spectroscopy. Two PMC systems have been chosen to demonstrate the ability to monitor complex interphase chemistry in situ and in real time.     

The “Mendel syndrome” in science: durability of scientific literature and its effects on bibliometric analysis of individual scientists

The obsolescence and “durability” of scientific literature have been important elements of debate during many years, especially regarding the proper calculation of bibliometric indicators. The effects of “delayed recognition” on impact indicators have importance and are of interest not only to bibliometricians but also among research managers and scientists themselves. It has been suggested that the “Mendel syndrome” is a potential drawback when assessing individual researchers through impact measures. If publications from particular researchers need more time than “normal” to be properly acknowledged by their colleagues, the impact of these researchers may be underestimated with common citation windows. In this paper, we answer the question whether the bibliometric indicators for scientists can be significantly affected by the Mendel syndrome. Applying a methodology developed previously for the classification of papers according to their durability (Costas et al., J Am Soc Inf Sci Technol 61(8):1564–1581, 2010a; J Am Soc Inf Sci Technol 61(2):329–339, 2010b), the scientific production of 1,064 researchers working at the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) in three different research areas has been analyzed. Cases of potential “Mendel syndrome” are rarely found among researchers and these cases do not significantly outperform the impact of researchers with a standard pattern of reception in their citations. The analysis of durability could be included as a parameter for the consideration of the citation windows used in the bibliometric analysis of individuals.     

Bell prover — calibration and monitoring of time stability

This paper is focused on the calibration and measurement of the geometric parameters of a bell prover that serves as a standard of volume of gas flow. It also includes methods for monitoring the time stability of the bell prover: intra- and inter-laboratory comparison measurements, Shewhart analysis and planned evaluation of recalibration intervals.     

Voltammetry as a tool for monitoring micellar structural evolution?

Self-assembled systems such as micelles and liquid crystals are currently of interest as templates for the controlled formation of nanoscale structures. Knowledge of the mesophase structure, structural evolution, and interparticle interaction is of great importance in understanding the behavior of such systems especially for applications such as nanoreactors. Here, we compare the use of cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and the rotating disk electrode (RDE) for the determination of micellar hydrodynamic radii and show that only the steady-state RDE yields values directly comparable with nonelectrochemical techniques. The RDE is applied for the determination of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride micellar structure and observing micellar structural evolution as well as evaluating the usual intermicellar interactions. The results clearly show (a) the collapse of the micellar shear plane toward the hard-sphere surface with increasing electrolyte concentration, (b) the electrolyte-dependent spherical expansion of the micellar hard-spheres due to increasing aggregation (N) number, (c) the structural transition from spherical to rodlike micelles, and (d) micellar elongation. As well as structural evolution, the evolutionary changes in interaction processes are also observed, i.e. the transition from Coulombic interactions to excluded volume interaction. This paper describes in detail the voltammetric measurement of these processes and explicates the necessary experimental conditions for successful observation of micellar structural evolution.     

The acquisition of tacit knowledge in China: An empirical analysis of the ‘supplier-side individual level’ and ‘recipient-side’ factors

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Penetration behaviour of individual hydrophilic particle at a gas–liquid interface

The penetration behaviour of a hydrophilic particle impacting on a gas–liquid interface was studied both experimentally and mathematically. The aim of this study was to determine the critical impact velocity below which a falling hydrophilic particle would remain on a horizontal liquid surface. A model to predict the critical velocity has been developed based on energy balance of both the particle and liquid volume in the vicinity of the impact zone. The model also includes the effect of hydrophobicitiy (contact angle) of the particle as well as the change in potential energy of the impacted liquid. Experiments were performed using spherical glass beads of diameter 0.97–1.66 mm, and using liquids with varying density (1000–1182 kg/m³), viscosity (1.002–4.796 mPa s) and surface tension (50.31–87.42 mN/m). High speed video camera was used to obtain the particle impact velocity, cavity profile and velocity of the three-phase contact line (TPCL) at the critical conditions. The TPCL line velocity and cavity profile were used as inputs for the model. The fitted advancing contact angle was employed in the model. It was found that the model was in good agreement with the experimental observations, and the fitted advancing contact angle agreed with the combined molecular-hydrodynamic model well.     

Investigating cell–material interactions by monitoring and analysing cell migration

Cell-material interactions can on one hand be characterised by assessing the functional state and or shape of the cells at one or different discrete periods of time, on the other hand by observing cell migration and spreading behaviour. The object of this study was to investigate the migration behaviour of fluorescently labelled cells, and to evaluate the software analysing this migration. In the present study, the behaviour of fibroblasts cells on differently structured surfaces was taken as example. In the first step, the influence of seven different lipophilic dyes (Dil, DiO, DiA, DiD, DiR, PKH2 and PKH26) on cell performance was determined taking biochemical parameters as indices. In the second step, the fluorescence characteristics of these dyes were compared regarding their applicability. In the third step, migration behaviour of Dil-labelled fibroblastic cells on plane and grooved surfaces were monitored and analysed using specific software. Our data suggest that most of the dyes have optimal characteristics for studying cell-cell interactions. Cell migration behaviour regarding migration direction and cell spreading was different on plane and grooved surfaces. It could be shown that computer-based image analysis represents a practical, quick and objective tool to quantify exactly cell migration behaviour.     

Patent analysis using online databases — II. Competitor activity monitoring

Patent analysis has been the subject of academic interest for some 30 years or more, because of its potential as an econometric measure. For industrial information units, which lack the manpower to carry out the extensive and time-consuming calculations involved, it can nevertheless be a valuable aid to decision-making in such areas as acquisitions and divestitures, R&D planning and new product development. Access to online patents databases and simple analytical software allows the information specialist to obtain measures of technological and competitive activity which, if not always statistically verifiable, may help focus attention on underlying trends.This is the second of two papers on the subject, listing techniques, accompanied by examples, which may be used for competitor activity monitoring. Technological trend analysis was covered in the previous paper (part I, World Patent Information Vol. 9, No. 1).     

The individual author’s publication–citation process: theory and practice

The model proposed by Burrell (Information Processing and Management 28:637–645, 1992, Journal of Informetrics 1:16–25, 2007a) to describe the way that an individual author’s publication/citation career develops in time is investigated further, the aim being to describe in more detail the form of the citation distribution and the way it evolves over time. Both relative and actual frequency distributions are considered. Theoretical aspects are developed analytically and graphically and then illustrated using small empirical data sets relating to some well-known informetrics scholars. Perhaps surprisingly, it is found that the distribution may well be approximated in some cases by a simple geometric distribution.     

hα: An index to quantify an individual’s scientific leadership

Scientometrics - The $$\alpha$$ person is the dominant person in a group. We define the $$\alpha$$ -author of a paper as the author of the paper with the highest h-index among all the coauthors,...