Carlo DTS: A Monte Carlo code for the dual thin scintillator neutron detector

A Monte Carlo code called CARLO DTS, developed for the efficiency and proton recoil spectra calculation of the Dual Thin Scintillator (DTS) neutron detector is described. The code CARLO DTS covers the neutron energy range between 1 and 20 MeV. The cross sections and angular distributions were taken from the ENDF/B-V data file for the nuclear reactions involved: H(n.n)H, C(n,n)C and inelastic scattering, (n,), (n,n′)3 reactions on carbon-12. The theoretical calculations are compared to experimental results at two neutron energies, namely:2.446 and 14.04 MeV, obtained by means of the Time Correlated Associated Particle Technique.     

Glassy models for granular systems

We briefly review some simple lattice models, introduced recently to study granular systems based on the similarities with glassy systems. The basic common ingredient, partially responsible for the complex behavior shown, is geometric frustration due to steric hindrance. Received: 30 March 2000     

Assessment of the Analytical Capabilities of Scanning Capacitance and Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy Applied to Semiconductor Devices

In this work we compare the performance of Scanning Capacitance Microscopy and Scanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy for the characterization of doping profiles in semiconductor devices. Particular attention is devoted to parameters of paramount importance for the failure analysis and the characterization of silicon devices, like the quantitative one-dimensional profiling accuracy, the electrical junction delineation and the two-dimensional sub-micron imaging capability.     

Isotopic Effect on the Kinetics of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction

In this work we present results about the deuterium isotope effect on the global kinetics of a Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction in batch conditions. A nonlinear dependence of the Induction Period upon the percentage of deuterated reactants was found. The isotopic effect on the bromination reaction of malonic acid was evaluated.     

Through a Glass,Darkly: Dispelling Three Common Misconceptions in Glass Science

The field of glass science is at a critical juncture. With many recent advances in theoretical glass physics, computational capabilities, and processing and characterization technology, there has surely never been a more exciting time to be a glass scientist. However, much of our current glass science education focuses on concepts that have been rejected based on a combination of rigorous theory and experimental observations. In this article, I review three common misconceptions often taught in glass science curricula, viz., the Kauzmann paradox, the divergence of supercooled liquid dynamics, and the notion of residual entropy. In each case, there is now ample experimental and theoretical evidence disproving these concepts. These topics are misleading and confusing to students in the field, and I argue that a better use of the students’ time would be to focus on building a rigorous foundation in the underlying physics, chemistry, and mathematics of glass. Such a rigorous foundation is necessary for students to be successful in the high-technology jobs of the future and to discover the next great advances in glass science and technology.     

An Analysis of the Discursive Production of Environmental Education: terrorism, archaism and transcendentalism

In this paper the author analyses the emergence of environmental education discourse from a Foucauldian perspective. The aim is to make evident the discursive play where environmental education became a possible practice. Then, the author tries to draw a discursive landscape through which environmental education appears as a knowledge and analyses the correlations between the knowledge techniques and power strategies invested in this discourse. At the end, the author points out the subjectivation ways produced by these knowledge-power relations and stresses some of the political and ethical problems involved in environmental education discourse.     

Mechanisms of microstructural deformation governing Vickers hardness in phase-separated calcium aluminosilicate glasses

The impact of microstructure on hardness in phase-separated calcium aluminosilicate glasses is investigated. Changes in hardness are governed by microstructure deformations that occur during indentation. Phase separation leads to decreased hardness due to the incongruent yielding of the droplet and matrix phases. Moreover, the deformation of microstructures possessing dilute, spherical droplets did not have a significant impact on hardness. Microstructures characterized by concentrated, acicular droplets were found to deform through a process of droplet coalescence. This process absorbs additional energy during yielding and results in glasses that deform through droplet coalescence possessing improved hardness.     

Optimal heat exchanger network synthesis using particle swarm optimization

Heat exchanger network (HEN) synthesis has been a well-studied subject over the past decades. Many studies and methodologies were proposed to make possible the energy recovery, minimizing the utilities consumption and the number of heat transfer equipment.