An absolute calibration of the solid state detectors in the narrow band neutrino beam at CERN

A method to calibrate in an absolute way the solid state detectors that are used to monitor the muon flux in the (anti)neutrino beam line at the CERN SPS is described. This calibration is one way that opens the possibility to measure the (anti)neutrino flux needed for the determination of the absolute total cross-sections of (anti)neutrino-nucleon interactions. Tracks of charged particles are recorded simultaneously in the solid state detectors and in Ilford G5 emulsions. The readings of the detectors are compared with a count of the tracks in the developed emulsions. Absolute calibration factors (number of passing muons per delivered pC of electric charge) under particular circumstances are given. The overall accuracy that can be obtained is 3%.     

Antioxidant activities of extracts from selected culinary herbs and spices

Recently, interest in plant-derived food additives has grown, mainly because synthetic antioxidants suffer from several drawbacks. Furthermore, plant extracts have been shown to possess health-promoting properties. In the present study, hydrodistilled extracts from basil, laurel, parsley, juniper, aniseed, fennel, cumin, cardamom, and ginger were assessed for their total phenol content, and antioxidant (iron(III) reduction, inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation, iron(II) chelation, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging and inhibition of hydroxyl radical-mediated 2-deoxy-d-ribose degradation, site and nonsite-specific) activities. The extracts from basil and laurel possessed the highest antioxidant activities except for iron chelation. Although parsley showed the best performance in the iron chelation assay, it was less effective at retarding the oxidation of linoleic acid. In the linoleic acid peroxidation assay, 1 g of the basil and laurel extracts were as effective as 177 and 212 mg of trolox, respectively. Thus, both extracts are promising alternatives to synthetic substances as food ingredients with antioxidant activity.     

Influence of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of an Fe E 460 TMCP steel

Welding is always accompanied by a heat treatment of the base metal. The heat affected zone (HAZ) of multilayer welded joints often shows different microstructures along the fusion line due to varying heat treatments. In order to investigate the mechanical properties of single microstructures weld simulation treatment was applied. The influence of weld simulation parameters such as heating rate and peak temperature was checked in a preliminary step. Several weld simulation treatments finally were used to explain the behaviour of real welded joints. A comparison of fracture mechanics test results from weld simulated microstructures and from real HAZ's shows good agreement for equal heat treatment conditions.     

Home environment and development of slow-learning adolescents: Reciprocal relations.

Investigated the reciprocal relation between the home environment and the development of 148 7–14 yr old slow-learners longitudinally over a 3-yr period. Annual assessments of the home environment included childrearing attitudes, educationally relevant stimuli and opportunities, and psychosocial climate and environmental press of the home. Main caregivers (usually mothers) were administered the Henderson Environmental Learning Process Scale and the Family Environment Scale. Measures of the Ss' development included social competency, psychosocial adjustment, and self-concept. Partial correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed significant influence of environmental stimulation, both cognitive and social, on the Ss' subsequent cognitive development and social adjustment. Harmony and quality of parenting, and educational expectation and aspiration were the 2 most salient environmental variables associated with the Ss' development. The study also demonstrated significant influence of the Ss' psychosocial adjustment on subsequent changes in the home environment including psychosocial climate of the home, family adjustment, and the parents' educational expectations and aspirations. (43 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Quantity and quality of harvestable biomass from Populus short rotation coppice for solid fuel use—a review of the physiological basis and management influences

Woody biomass from poplar and aspen (Populus sp.) short rotation coppice (SRC) has good combustion properties compared to non wood solid bio fuels and fossil solid fuels. This review compiles and discusses relevant literature on fuel quality and yield for Central European conditions. The most problematic quality parameter of woody biomass from Populus SRC is its high water content at harvest time (55–60%). Storing unchipped material on the field during summer is an efficient tool to lower it. In order to control other quality parameters—mainly nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and heavy metal contents but also yield—one has to take into account the physiological background of SRC. Important features are species/clone, age of sprouts, growth pattern, site and nutrient cycling. Maximum mean annual increment (MAI) occurs later than in willows. Therefore rotations should be longer than in willow: at least 6–7 years for poplars and,—due to differences in growth pattern,—10 to 12 years for aspen. Both results in MAIs of 10–12 o.d.t.ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ and reduced nutrient concentrations due to a lower share of branches and twigs in the harvested biomass. However, with elongated rotations costs rise because yet no automated (and thus cheap) harvest methods for large stem diameters were developed. Although sometimes ignored poplars are demanding concerning site characteristics. Basic requirements are good water (minimum 350 mm rainfall during growing season) and nutrient supplies, deep soils and favourable climatic conditions (average air temperature between June and September at least 14°C). Only aspen are partly suited for poorer conditions. For Populus-SRC in general weed control during establishing phase is essential.     

"Ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in healthy male paramedics during a workday and a nonworkday": Erratum.

Reports an error in "Ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in healthy male paramedics during a workday and a nonworkday" by Iris B. Goldstein, Larry D. Jamner and David Shapiro (Health Psychology, 1992, Vol 11[1], 48-54). On page 52, the sentence "For example, the paramedics stood 16.44 times more while home than while at the station" should read "For example, the paramedics stood more while home than while at the station." (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 1992-29445-001.) Compared ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in 30 White male paramedics (aged 20-43 yrs) during a 24-hr workday and a 24-hr nonworkday. During the 24-hr period as a whole, there were no BP differences between the workday and the nonworkday, but HR was higher during the nonworkday than during the workday. Systolic BP (SBP) recorded in the ambulance on the workday was elevated 9.8 mm Hg, compared with SBP recorded in a car on the nonworkday; it was also 7.2 mm Hg higher at the scene of an accident and at the hospital than during nonworkday activities. Ratings of moods in diaries indicated that paramedics felt more unhappiness, stress, and sadness and less feelings of pleasantness at work than at home. Rather than being elevated for the entire 24-hr period, work BP seemed to reflect the relatively high stress associated with specific situations in the work of a paramedic. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of observational methods in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Implications for diagnosis.

Reviewed 39 empirical studies in which direct observational methods were used to assess children in whom ADHD had been diagnosed. Classroom studies distinguished ADHD children from comparison groups better than laboratory studies. Behaviors that most consistently distinguished ADHD children from comparison groups included measures of attention, activity, and vocalization. Ways are suggested to improve the efficiency and reliability of observational research. Recommendations are made regarding the importance of classroom observations in the evaluation of ADHD children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Science and Technology for Development in a Postcolonial World. Negotiations at the United Nations, 1960–1980

Ever since the early 1960s, the United Nations has acknowledged science and technology as integral components of developmental policies. While this connection was initially perceived as the application of findings from scientific research conducted in the Global North, by the 1970s, in the context of negotiations for a New International Economic Order, attention shifted towards the structures of the global management of science. Accordingly in 1979 the UN Conference on Science and Technology for Development discussed possibilities of strengthening scientific and technological research and teaching, particularly in developing countries. During subsequent negotiations conflicts erupted over the question of how to finance programs supporting science. When the G?77 nations presented plans involving automatic financing schemes, these concepts proved incompatible with the insistence of important industrialized countries that all financial contributions should be voluntary. These discussions appeared to be concerned with the size of financial contributions. In a larger perspective, however, they reflected fundamentally different concepts of a world order, turning science and technology into a medium for far-reaching debates about questions of global development and justice.