Impedance spectroscopy of ultrafine-grain SnO2 ceramics with a variable grain size

The impedance spectra of nanocrystalline SnO₂ ceramics with an average grain size d ranging from 3 to 43 nm were investigated in the frequency range 1–10⁶ Hz at temperatures from 25 to 300°C in a dry oxygen atmosphere. Analysis of the experimental data by the graphoanalytical method made it possible to separate the contributions of grain bulk and grain boundaries to the conductivity. It is shown that the samples investigated can be arbitrarily divided into two groups with respect to the character of their conductivity. For the samples with an average grain size d < 25 nm, the charge transfer processes are almost completely determined by the grain boundaries. In samples with a larger grain size, the contribution of grain bulk to the conductivity is comparable with that of grain boundaries.     

Improvement of the wavelength switching behavior of semiconductor tunable lasers through optical feedback from a periodic reference filter based on a novel prism-based implementation of a Fox-Smith resonator

We show that the wavelength switching behavior of semiconductor tunable lasers can be improved through optical feedback from a stable reference filter. The filter is based on a novel prism-based implementation of a Fox-Smith resonator and has a response consisting of periodically spaced peaks, both in reflection and transmission. The improvement of the wavelength switching behavior stems from the suppression of the thermally induced wavelength drift associated with the switching of the tuning currents.     

Redox Equilibrium of Iron in Silicate Glasses

The effect of some additives on the equilibrium of valence forms of iron is investigated. It is demonstrated that tin and carbon more significantly than fluorine reduce iron. The redox potential of the glass matrix affects the equilibrium between difference valence forms of iron much less than additives correcting spectral characteristics of glass.     

Performance of a combined eco-system of ponds and constructed wetlands for wastewater reclamation and reuse.

An on-site study on the operational performance of a combined eco-system of ponds and SF constructed wetland for municipal wastewater treatment and reclamation/reuse in Donging City, Shandong, China was carried out from January 2001 through October 2003. The removal efficiencies for various main parameters were: TSS 84.8 +/- 7.3%, BOD5 87.2 +/- 5.3%, CODCr 70.2 +/- 18.6%, TP 52.3 +/- 23.1%, and NH(3)-N 54.8 +/- 23.9% with effluent concentration of TSS 9.12 +/- 5.12 mg/l, BOD5 6.44 +/- 4.58 mg/l, CODCr, 42.8 +/- 6.7 mg/l, TP 0.94 +/- 0.27 mg/l and NH(3)-N 7.95 +/- 2.36 mg/l. In addition, the removal efficiencies for faecal coliforms and total bacteria were > 99.97% and > 99.998% respectively, which well meet Chinese National standards for effluent quality of municipal wastewater treatment plants. The composition of TSS was closely related to CODCr and BOD5 variations, and nitrification-denitrification is the major mechanism of nitrogen removal both in ponds and in wetlands. In addition, sedimentation also played an important role in the removal of TSS, nitrogen, phosphorus and BOD5. The removal efficiencies of various parameters, the number of species and biomass of biological community in the system increased gradually with the ecological maturation.     

Transmission Fiber Chromatic Dispersion Dependence on Temperature: Implications on 40 Gb/s Performance

In this letter, we will evaluate the performance degradation of a 40 km high‐speed (40 Gb/s) optical system, induced by optical fiber variations of the chromatic dispersion induced by temperature changes. The chromatic dispersion temperature sensitivity will be estimated based on the signal quality parameters.     

Discrete-time spare ordering policy with randomized lead times and discounting

The paper considers a generalized discrete‐time order‐replacement model for a single unit system, which is subject to random failure when in operation. Two types of discrete randomized lead times are considered for a spare unit; one is for regular (preventive) order and another is for expedited (emergency) order. The model is formulated based on the discounted cost criterion. The underlying two‐dimensional optimization problem is reduced to a simple one‐dimensional one and then the optimal ordering policy for the spare unit is characterized under two extreme conditions: (i) unlimited inventory time and (ii) zero inventory time for the spare unit. A numerical example is used to determine the optimal spare‐ordering policy numerically and to examine the sensitivity of the model parameters.     

Tunnel stability and arching effects during tunneling in soft clayey soil

A series of centrifuge model tests and numerical simulations of these tests were carried out to investigate the surface settlement troughs, excess pore water pressure generation, tunnel stability and arching effects that develop during tunneling in soft clayey soil. The two methods were found to provide consistent results of the surface settlement troughs, excess pore water generation, and the overload factors at collapse for both single and parallel tunneling. The arching ratio describes the evolution of the arching effects on the soil mass surrounding tunnels and can be derived from the numerical analysis. The boundaries of the arching zones for both single tunneling and parallel tunneling were determined. In addition, the boundaries of the positive and negative arching zones were also proposed.     

An overview of ultra-wideband microwave imaging via space-time beamforming for early-stage breast-cancer detection

Ultra-wideband (UWB) microwave imaging has recently been proposed for detecting small malignant breast tumors. In this article, we review the current research status of this approach. First, we introduce the concept of microwave imaging via space-time (MIST) beamforming and related signal-processing algorithms. The objective of these signal-processing techniques is to form a spatial image of scattered microwave energy, and to identify the presence and location of malignant lesions from their scattering signatures. Next, we present numerical studies based on finite-difference time-domain simulations to demonstrate the efficacy of MIST beamforming for detecting small malignant breast lesions in both prone and supine configurations. Finally, the experimental feasibility of UWB microwave imaging is demonstrated using an initial imaging prototype and multilayered breast phantoms.     

Film Formation in Binary Sol-Gel Systems

The film-forming capacity of binary systems containing Sb₂O₃, SnO₂, CeO₂, Y₂O₃, Nd₂O₃, Bi₂O₃, V₂O₅, ZnO, CuO, CdO, and Al₂O₃ are investigated. The best film-formers are Sb₂O₃ and SnO₂, whereas ZnO, CuO, CdO, and Al₂O₃ cannot produce films of optical quality. The rest of considered oxides do not impair the clarity of coatings when their molding content is 20 – 50%. A proportional dependence is established between the refractive index and the reflection coefficient of a film and the refractive indexes of oxides making parts of this film, as well as between the concentration of deposited FFS, the film-forming capacity of oxides, and the film thickness.     

Passive-Based Walking Robot

In this article, we presented our passive-based biped Denise. Using only two foot contact switches as sensors and simple on/off pneumatic muscle action, it walks at 0.4 m/s and can handle floor disturbances up to 6 mm (leg length is 0.7 m). Its simplicity, efficiency, and die natural look of its motions make it a promising lead for the development of commercially viable humanoid robots. The aim of this article is to provide other researchers enough details so that they can reproduce the work or use it as a basis for future research.