Search engine liability for copyright infringement

The chapter provides a broad overview to the topic of search engine liability for copyright infringement. In doing so, the chapter examines some of the key copyright law principles and their application to search engines. The chapter also provides an import discussion of some of the most important cases to be decided within the courts of the United States, Australia, China and Europe regarding the liability of search engines for copyright infringement. Finally, the chapter will conclude with some thoughts for reform, including how copyright law can be amended in order to accommodate and realise the great informative power which search engines have to offer society

Establishing the Irish Critical Care Trials Group: 'who wins in battle makes many calculations before the battle is fought'

Quality research, requiring large numbers of participants, in the intensive care unit (ICU) population requires multicentre collaboration. Although logistically challenging, this methodology reduces the influence of individual units and has greater validity and broader relevance to patients and practitioners. The nascent Irish Critical Care Trials Group opens additional such opportunities. In the accompanying epidemiologic study, the group present data gathered over 10 weeks of 2006 describing 1,029 patients, from 10 Irish ICUs representing over one-half of Ireland's critical care bed capacity. The data depict a busy service, with 78% of admissions being emergent and with a moderately high (7%) readmission rate. While recognising that there were missing data, the outcomes in organ failure and sepsis – where international definitions exist – and the ICU survival rate (83%) were consistent with international standards. The achievement of this planned first epidemiological step lays the foundation for the conduct of prospective scientific studies. These studies might occur in Ireland or in cooperation with other audit/scientific groups such as the UK's Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre, the European Critical Care Research Network, or others. This brings us a small step closer to the prospect of global, high-volume studies in critical care

HF Acid Alkylation Processes: Pump and Mechanical Seal Application and Design Considerations for Increased Reliability

TutorialsHydrofluoric (HF) acid is an extremely corrosive solution commonly found in many oil refineries where it is used as a catalyst in the production of high octane gasoline blending stock. HF acid is almost synonymous with the alkylation unit, which is where the processing takes place within the refinery process flow. There are two main alkylation processes available, HF and Sulfuric acid; this tutorial will focus on HF alkylation and the challenges associated with handling this solution and the process streams that come in contact with HF acid. The HF alkylation process uses hydrofluoric acid which is dangerous and requires special treatment, particularly in the area of shaft sealing along with pump design and construction. While each individual facility may have its safety and reliability guidelines in place to manage HF acid and exposure to it, it is universally accepted in industry that minimizing personnel exposure to this fluid is a prime concern. This tutorial will attempt to address several topics centered on reliable operation of pumps in an HF alky unit, including pump and mechanical seal design and construction, along with mechanical seal support system considerations. In covering these topics, the tutorial will draw upon the combined previous experience of the authors in addressing these applications along with accepted good practices from relevant industry standards. The reader should review the content and consult as a reference, keeping in mind that not all of the content is applicable to every application and that each application should always undergo a thorough engineering review

HF Acid Alkylation Processes: Pump and Mechanical Seal Application and Design Considerations for Increased Reliability

Tutoria

Modal reflectivity in finite-depth two-dimensional photonic-crystal microcavities

We present finite-difference time-domain calculations of the Q factor for an optical microcavity defined by a slab waveguide and two-dimensional photonic-crystal end mirrors. The effect of the finite depth of the photonic crystal on the cavity s optical modes is examined. From these calculations, we can optimize the performance of the photonic-crystal mirrors and determine the loss mechanisms within optical cavities defined by these structures. The Q of the cavity modes is shown to be strongly dependent on the depth of the holes defining the photonic crystal, as well as the refractive index of the material surrounding the waveguide core

Lasers incorporating two-dimensional photonic crystal mirrors

Photonic bandgap crystals are expected to be of use in defining microcavities for modifying spontaneous emission and as highly reflective mirrors. There are several reports of microfabricating one-dimensional structure. Here, we describe the incorporation of a microfabricated two-dimensional photonic lattice in an edge-emitting semiconductor laser structure. We demonstrate laser operation in a cavity formed between a cleaved facet and a microfabricated periodic lattice

Optical Synthesis of Terahertz and Millimeter-Wave Frequencies with Discrete Mode Diode Lasers

It is shown that optical synthesis of terahertz and millimeter-wave frequencies can be achieved using two-mode and mode-locked discrete mode diode lasers. These edge-emitting devices incorporate a spatially varying refractive index profile which is designed according to the spectral output desired of the laser. We first demonstrate a device which supports two primary modes simultaneously with high spectral purity. In this case sinusoidal modulation of the optical intensity at terahertz frequencies can be obtained. Cross saturation of the material gain in quantum well lasers prevents simultaneous lasing of two modes with spacings in the millimeter-wave region. We show finally that by mode-locking of devices that are designed to support a minimal set of four primary modes, we obtain a sinusoidal modulation of the optical intensity in this frequency region.Comment: 6 page