On-site early-warning system for bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)

<p>In this work, the development of an on-site early warning system for Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) is outlined. Several low cost sensors equipped with MEMS accelerometers are installed in eight buildings distributed within the urban area. The different sensing units communicate each other via wireless links and the seismic data are streamed in real-time to the data center using internet. Since each single sensing unit has computing capabilities, software for data processing can be installed to perform decentralized actions. In particular, each sensing unit can perform event detection task and run software for on-site early warning. If a description for the vulnerability of the building is uploaded in the sensing unit, this piece of information can be exploited to introduce the expected probability of damage in the early-warning protocol customized for a specific structure.</p

Quasicrystals and their approximants in 2D ternary oxides

2D oxide quasicrystals (OQCs) are recently discovered aperiodic, but well-ordered oxide interfaces. In this topical review, an introduction to these new thin-film systems is given. The concept of quasicrystals and their approximants is explained for BaTiO3 - and SrTiO3 - derived OQCs and related periodic structures in these 2D oxides. In situ microscopy unravels the high-temperature formation process of OQCs on Pt(111). The dodecagonal structure is discussed regarding tiling statistics and tiling decoration based on the results of atomically resolved scanning tunneling microscopy and various diffraction techniques. In addition, angle-resolved ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results prove a metallic character of the 2D oxide

Do higher corporate taxes reduce wages? : Micro evidence from Germany

Because of endogeneity problems very few studies have been able to identify the incidence of corporate taxes on wages. We circumvent these problems by using an 11-year panel of data on 11,441 German municipalities' tax rates, 8 percent of which change each year, linked to administrative matched employer-employee data. Consistent with our theoretical model, we find a negative effect of corporate taxation on wages: a 1 euro increase in tax liabilities yields a 77 cent decrease in the wage bill. The direct wage effect, arising in a collective bargaining context, dominates, while the conventional indirect wage effect through reduced investment is empirically small due to regional labor mobility. High and medium-skilled workers, who arguably extract higher rents in collective agreements, bear a larger share of the corporate tax burden

The Conflict-Driven Answer Set Solver clasp: Progress Report

Abstract. We summarize the salient features of the current version of the answer set solver clasp, focusing on the progress made since version RC4 of clasp. Apart from enhanced preprocessing and search-supporting techniques, a particular emphasis lies on advanced reasoning modes, such as cautious and brave reasoning, optimization, solution projection, and incremental solving.

Instability of the topological surface state in Bi₂Se₃ upon deposition of gold

Momentum-resolved photoemission spectroscopy indicates the instability of the Dirac surface state upon deposition of gold on the (0001) surface of the topological insulator Bi2Se3. Based on the structure model derived from extended x-ray absorption fine structure experiments showing that gold atoms substitute bismuth atoms, first-principles calculations provide evidence that a gap appears due to hybridization of the surface state with gold d states near the Fermi level. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms affecting the stability of the surface state

Europeanization Through Law, Compliance, and Party Differences - The ECJ's 'Rüffert' Judgment (C-346/06) and Amendments to Public Procurement Laws in German Federal States

Sack D. Europeanization Through Law, Compliance, and Party Differences - The ECJ's 'Rüffert' Judgment (C-346/06) and Amendments to Public Procurement Laws in German Federal States. Journal of European Integration. 2012;34(3):241-260