Technology and prognostic predicaments

As societies become increasingly technologised, the need for careful and critical assessment rises. However, attempts to assess or normatively evaluate technological development invariably meet with an antinomy: both structurally and historically, technologies display multistable possibilities regarding uses, effects, side effects and other outcomes. Philosophers, usually expected to play applied ethics roles, often come to the scene after these effects are known. But others who participate at the research and development stages find even more difficulties with prognosis. Recent work on revenge effects (Tenner) and negative side effects (Kevles) are examined, as well as several cases of philosophers in R&D roles. After sketching the antinomy,I outline a heuristic pragmatics of prognosis that addresses this quandary.     

Corrosion protection of copper surfaces by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment

The pre-treatment of copper by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet system with different gas mixtures was studied. Their influence on the protection properties of plasma polymer coatings against corrosive environments were examined via an electrochemical test for the visualization of defects in the plasma polymer coating. The defect density could be significantly reduced by the pre-treatment with nitrogen-hydrogen plasma. Time between pre-treatment and coating process is of important influence on the defect density as our investigation shows. The coating properties were compared with a typical protective paint system used today for electric boards.     

Corrosion protection of metal surfaces by atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment

In this paper the corrosion protection of silicon-organic coatings applied by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet system was studied on copper (Cu) and aluminium (Al). The influence of a plasma pre-treatment on the defect density and the adhesion of the subsequently deposited plasmapolymer coating are presented. The quality of the coating was studied via visualization of defects by means of silver precipitation. Use of a reductive gas mixture for the plasma pre-treatment led to a significant reduction of the defect density. Additionally, the implementation of chromate-free corrosion inhibitors in the plasmapolymer layer enables an active corrosion protection of Al surfaces.     

An exception handling framework for case management

Software and Systems Modeling - In order to achieve their business goals, organizations heavily rely on the operational excellence of their business processes. In traditional scenarios, business...     

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Small-cell lung cancer: treatment progress and prospects

Although small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) represents only 20% of all lung cancer cases in the United States, it is the most lethal subtype. Combination chemotherapy unequivocally offers the best chance for improved survival in SCLC. Either PE (platinum plus etoposide) or CAV (cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin, and vincristine) is a reasonable first-line therapy. Alternating PE with CAV does not appear to be significantly superior to PE or CAV alone. Increasing dose intensity, although sometimes associated with higher response rates, does not appear to significantly improve survival and should not be used outside of a clinical study. Several new agents with novel mechanisms of action show promise in treating SCLC. These include: gemcitabine (Gemzar), paclitaxel (Taxol), docetaxel (Taxotere), topotecan (Hycamtin), and irinotecan (Camptosar). Given the poor survival and response rates in relapsed patients and the chemoresponsiveness of SCLC, patients with newly diagnosed extensive disease should be encouraged to enroll in phase I or II trials. Thoracic radiotherapy confers a small survival advantage in limited-stage SCLC patients. Although prophylactic cranial irradiation does not significantly improve survival, it does reduce central nervous system (CNS) recurrences with minimal long-term sequelae. Surgery should be considered only for: (1) resection of a solitary pulmonary nodule, which must be followed by adjuvant chemotherapy; and (2) resection of an unresponsive chest tumor, which may harbor a non-small-cell lung cancer component.     

Design choices and equity implications of community shared solar

What is the best way to deploy solar energy to maximize clean energy growth while equitably sharing benefits? A promising model is community shared solar, which enables energy consumers to purchase shares of electricity generated in an offsite project. Noting how different states and utilities have approached program design, we explore how design decisions affect access to solar and the equity of cost and benefit sharing. We conclude with a set of questions for future research.