Theoretical and methodological implications of designing and implementing multiuser location-based games

Multiuser location-aware applications present a new form of mediated communication that takes place within a digital as well as a physical spatial context. The inherently hybrid character of locative media use necessitates that the designers of such applications take into account the way communication and social interaction is influenced by contextual elements. In this paper, an investigation into the communicational and social practices of users who participate in a location-based game is presented, with an emphasis on group formation and dynamics, interpersonal communication, and experienced sense of immersion. This investigation employs a methodological approach that is reliant on both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. A series of this user experience study’s results are presented and discussed.     

On the question of taking into account the main dimensions when selecting type of electromagnet according to value of constructive factor

Using the finite-element modeling of the magnetic field with the help of Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) software, the influence of the ratios the electromagnet’s main dimensions on the values of constructive and efficiency factors has been stated. The possibility of taking into account the constructive parameters and the limits of their rational use more explicitly has been shown based on the example of calculating a suction DC electromagnet with a conical frustum that operates the air gap.     

Investigation of the triboengineering characteristics of nanocomposites based on polymeric blends

Triboengineering tests of composites based on blends of fluoroplastics modified with magnesium nanospinel demonstrate the regularities of the appearance of friction surfaces on these metal-polymer pairs. The new materials are characterized by low and stable friction coefficients and wear rates and improved resistance to deformation, considerably expanding the range of their application in sealing systems and friction units.     

I2-doped and pyrrole ring-iodinated semi-conducting oligomers of N-vinyl-3-alkyl-2-phenylpyrroles

I₂-doped and pyrrole ring-iodinated semi-conducting oligomers of N-vinyl-3-alkyl-2-phenylpyrroles have been synthesized by free-radical polymerization of the above monomers (AIBN, 2–5 wt%, 60–80 °C) and further exposure of the oligomers obtained to I₂ vapor. The parent oligomers exhibit paramagnetic and fluorescent properties and stable up to 300–370 °C.     

Modeling thermal effects in nano-devices

For the purpose of investigating the role of self-heating effects on the electrical characteristics of nano-scale devices, we implemented a two-dimensional Monte Carlo device simulator that self-consistently includes the solution of the energy balance equations for both, acoustic and optical phonons. We find less degradation in the current in smaller device structures because of the more pronounced velocity overshoot.     

Noncanonical conformation of nucleic acids: structure with slipped-loops, occurring in DNA oligonucleotides

A HPLC method was developed and validated for the quantitation of 9-cis-retinoic acid (ALRT1057) and its major metabolite, 4-oxo-9-cis-retinoic acid (LG100182) in human plasma. Samples were buffered and extracted with methyl-tert-butyl-ether. The analytes and an I.S. were separated on a C18 HPLC column using a shallow gradient of 70-89% organic solvent. The analytes were quantitated by UV detection at 348 nm. Selectivity against endogenous compounds and potential metabolites (retinol, all trans-, 13-cis-, and 4-hydroxy-9-cis-retinoic acid) was demonstrated. The run time was 29 min. The standard curve was linear from 2.5 to 450 ng ml-1. Interassay precision for both analytes in quality control samples was less than 5.0% RSD. Accuracy was within 11.0% RE for both compounds. Analyte stability during sample storage, extraction processing, and chromatography was established. Method ruggedness was tested by two analysts and on two HPLC systems. This method has been applied to the quantitation of clinical samples.     

Dependence of the processing characteristics of a copper powder and its dendrite structure on electrolysis conditions at a constant overvoltage

Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, No. 2(326), pp. 1–8, February, 1990.     

Total external x-ray reflection and infrared spectroscopy study of porous silicon and its aging

Study of p-type porous silicon has been carried out by x-ray reflectometry for the first time. Its critical total-external-reflection angle and its reflection coefficient in the subcritical angle range are much smaller than for c-Si, which was grown by the Czochralski method. The critical angle decreases with increase of the porosity. The critical angle and the reflection coefficient increase with aging. These results are attributable to the much smaller electron density of porous silicon in comparison with c-Si, to the microgeometry of its surface, and to changes in both of these factors attendant to aging due to an increase in the concentration of atmospheric constituents observed in the infrared absorption spectra. As the porosity increases, the concentration of atmosmopheric impurities also increases, and in high-porosity material in addition to chemically adsorbed oxygen, carbon and water seem to contribute appreciably. Fiz. Tekh. Poluprovodn. 31, 957–960 (August 1997)     

A Method for the Hermetic Connection of High-Pressure Tubing to a High-Pressure Apparatus

A method for the hermetic connection of small-diameter high-pressure tubing to a high-pressure apparatus without soldering is described.