Modeling, Sharing, and Recursion for Weak Reduction Strategies using Explicit Substitution

We present the lambda sigma^a_w calculus, a formal synthesis of the concepts ofsharing and explicit substitution for weak reduction. We show howlambda sigma^a_w can be used as a foundation of implementations of functionalprogramming languages by modelling the essential ingredients of suchimplementations, namely weak reduction strategies, recursion, spaceleaks, recursive data structures, and parallel evaluation, in a uniform way.First, we give a precise account of the major reduction strategiesused in functional programming and the consequences of choosing lambda-graph-reduction vs. environment-based evaluation. Second, we showhow to add constructors and explicit recursion to give a precise accountof recursive functions and data structures even with respect tospace complexity. Third, we formalize the notion of space leaks in lambda sigma^a_wand use this to define a space leak free calculus; this suggests optimisationsfor call-by-need reduction that prevent space leaking and enablesus to prove that the "trimming" performed by the STG machine doesnot leak space.In summary we give a formal account of several implementationtechniques used by state of the art implementations of functional programminglanguages.Keywords. Implementation of functional programming, lambdacalculus, weak reduction, explicit substitution, sharing, recursion, spaceleaks

SUBMICRON SIZED SINTERED ODS STEELS PREPARED BY HIGH EFFICIENT ATTRITION MILLING AND SPARK PLASMA SINTERING

ABSTRACTThis paper summarizes recent results for preparation, structural and mechanical investigation of oxide dispersed strengthened steel (ODS). Three commercial steel powders, two austenitic steel and one martensitic powders have been used as starting materials. One of the austenitic powders was used for morphological study during wet milling. The high efficient attrition mills are on the basis of this work assuring grains with nanostructure. The morphological changes during milling steps have been described. It was demonstrated that 4 hours milling in wet atmosphere are enough to realize steel powders with submicron dimensions. An efficient dispersion of nanosized oxides in ODS steels was achieved by employing high efficiency attrition milling. A combined wet and dry milling process of fine ceramic and steel particles has been proposed. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) was applied to realize submicron grained steel compacts. Grains with 100 nm mean size have been observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in sintered austenitic ODS. In comparison, the sintered martensitic dry and combined milled ODS microstructure consisted of grain sizes with 100-300 nm in each case.KEYWORDS: ODS Steel, Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), attrition milling, Nano-oxides, structural and mechanical investigationRESUMECet article résume des résultats récents relatifs à l’élaboration et la caractérisation structurale et mécanique d’un acier renforcé à l'oxyde (nuance appelée souvent ROD/ODS). Trois poudres commerciales d'acier, deux poudres austénitiques et une poudre martensitique ont été utilisées comme matières d’étude. Une des poudres austénitiques a été utilisée pour l'étude morphologique lors du broyage humide. Le broyage à haute efficacité est sur la base de ce travail assurant l’obtention de grains nanostructurés. Les modifications morphologiques au cours des étapes de broyage ont été bien décrites. Il a été démontré que 4 heures de broyage en atmosphère humide sont suffisantes pour réaliser des poudres d'acier de dimensions submicroniques. Une dispersion efficace des nano-oxydes dans les aciers ROD/ODS a été obtenue en utilisant un broyage spécifique. On a proposé un procédé de broyage humide et sec combiné à des particules de céramique et d'acier. La méthode de frittage par étincelle (spark plasma sintering (SPS)) a été appliquée pour élaborer des aciers compacts à grains submicroniques. Des grains ayant une taille moyenne de 100 nm ont été observés par microscopie électronique à balayage (MEB) dans les aciers ROD/ODS austénitiques frittées. En comparaison, la microstructure de l’acier ROD/ODS martensitique frittée a donné des grains de tailles de 100 à 300 nm dans les deux cas de broyage sec et de broyage combiné (humide et sec)

Study of pollution in the El Jadida-Safi Atlantic coastal zone (Morocco) by using PIXE and SSNTD methods

In this work PIXE experiments were performed for measuring heavy and light elements (ranging from aluminium to lead) concentrations inside various polluted and unpolluted soils as well as liquid samples collected from different phosphate factory sewers in the El Jadida-Safi Atlantic coastal region (Morocco). In addition, uranium (238U) and thorium (232Th) contents were evaluated in the same samples studied by using CR-39 and LR-115 type II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs). The influence of the phosphate industry wastes on the concentrations of both radioactive and non-radioactive elements of the samples studied was investigated

Epidemiology of Burn Deaths in Aurangabad Region, India

Background: Amongst all discoveries by men, barely few like cultivation of soil, speech and writing, have borne such significant developments as has finding out how to make fire. From the discovery of fire and its tremendous force, manufacturing, transportation and practically all phases of modern industrial life emerged out. Burns are injuries often produced by contact with dry heat, such as flame, radiation, or some solid heated material like metal or glass to the body.Methods: This study was conducted prospectively on 325 cases of death due to burns in the period from January 2010 to December 2010.Results: Hindu married females belonging to rural background were most common victims of burns. Maximum cases were observed in the evening with involvement of cooking apparatus most of the time.Conclusion: The present study has findings more or less consistent with the findings of the other Indian studies. Rising incidences of burns can be prevented by awareness and education about the hazards of fire and safety measures also upgrade of social and educational standards of population

Ecological insights and conservation imperatives for Laurus azorica in Morocco

The Azores laurel Laurus azorica (Seub.) Franco is a highly esteemed forest species in Morocco due to its medicinal and aromatic properties. However, the natural habitats of this species are increasingly scarce, resulting in its classification as a rare species. This study comprehensively investigates the autoecology, plant communities, and distribution patterns of L. azorica, aiming to discern the crucial ecological factors underpinning its survival and shed light on its conservation status. Field surveys, including floristic relevés and environmental characterization, were conducted to identify the primary plant communities hosting remnants of L. azorica. Fieldwork and ecological analysis reveal five distinct plant communities associated with L. azorica: low elevation thermophilic holm oak woodland, mesophilic mid-altitude holm oak woodland, Quercus faginea, deciduous broadleaf mountain and Cytisus balansae plant communities. The study emphasizes the importance of ecological requirements such as oceanic exposure, rainfall, temperature, and forest mull soils in creating suitable habitats for L. azorica populations. Currently, L. azorica populations in Morocco are represented by small trees, shrubs, or bushes, often exhibiting distorted and damaged structures due to unregulated pruning. Natural regeneration of the species is completely absent. The value chain associated with L. azorica is limited, involving informal harvesters, intermediary herbalist grocers, and final consumers, due to the lack of a legal framework for resource evaluation caused by its severe depletion. To secure the survival of L. azorica in Morocco, it is crucial to address gaps in legislation, intensify conservation efforts, and promote sustainable development practices. Protecting and restoring the natural habitats of the species, along with implementing responsible harvesting practices, are essential steps towards conserving this valuable forest species

Comprehensive review of morphological adaptations and conservation strategies of cactiform succulents: A case study of Euphorbia species in arid ecosystems

Cactiform succulents, belonging to the Euphorbia genus, are distinctive species found in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of Macaronesia and the Arabian Peninsula. Resembling cacti in appearance, they exhibit unique morphological characteristics, such as succulent, green-stemmed structures with ribs, accompanied by a pair of stipular spines. These plants have evolved to thrive in well-draining substrates, including both surface and rocky soils, potentially as an adaptive strategy to combat edaphic drought conditions. Although initially associated solely with arid and desert environments, it is important to note that these cactiform succulents are not exclusively specialized for prolonged dry periods. Rather, they demonstrate morphological adaptations that help them endure arid conditions. The primary objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date synthesis of knowledge concerning cactiform succulents within the Euphorbia genus. It aims to underscore their capacity to flourish in both arid and semi-arid zones, while underscoring the pressing conservation challenges that threaten these plants with degradation and potential extinction. The prevailing climatic conditions, marked by extended and recurrent droughts exacerbated by escalating temperatures, climate fluctuations, and escalating human impact, collectively pose a formidable obstacle to conserving these cactiform succulents and their respective ecosystems. All these threats jeopardize these invaluable natural resources, which hold multifaceted significance spanning environmental, socio-economic, and medicinal domains

Modeling Sharing and Recursion for Weak Reduction Strategies using Explicit Substitution

Projet EURECAWe \emph{present} the $\lambda\sigma_w^a$-calculus, a formal synthesis of the concepts of sharing and explicit substitution for weak reduction. We show how $\lambda\sigma_w^a$ can be used as a foundation of implementations of functional programming languages by modeling the essential ingredients of such implementations, namely \emph{weak reduction strategies}, \emph{recursion}, \emph{space leaks}, \emph{recursive data structures}, and \emph{parallel evaluation}, in a uniform way. First, we give a precise account of the major reduction strategies used in functional programming and the consequences of choosing $\lambda$-graph-reduction vs. environment-based evaluation. Second, we show how to add \emph{constructors and explicit recursion} to give a precise account of recursive functions and data structures even with respect to space complexity. Third, we formalize the notion of \emph{space leaks} in $\lambda\sigma_w^a$ and use this to define a space leak free calculus; this suggests optimisations for call-by-need reduction that prevent space leaking and enables us to prove that the «trimming» performed by the STG machine does not leak space. In summary we give a formal account of several implementation techniques used by state of the art implementations of functional programming languages

SUBMICRON SIZED SINTERED ODS STEELS PREPARED BY HIGH EFFICIENT ATTRITION MILLING AND SPARK PLASMA SINTERING

RESUMECet article résume des résultats récents relatifs à l’élaboration et la caractérisation structurale et mécanique d’un acier renforcé à l'oxyde (nuance appelée souvent ROD/ODS). Trois poudres commerciales d'acier, deux poudres austénitiques et une poudre martensitique ont été utilisées comme matières d’étude. Une des poudres austénitiques a été utilisée pour l'étude morphologique lors du broyage humide. Le broyage à haute efficacité est sur la base de ce travail assurant l’obtention de grains nanostructurés. Les modifications morphologiques au cours des étapes de broyage ont été bien décrites. Il a été démontré que 4 heures de broyage en atmosphère humide sont suffisantes pour réaliser des poudres d'acier de dimensions submicroniques. Une dispersion efficace des nano-oxydes dans les aciers ROD/ODS a été obtenue en utilisant un broyage spécifique. On a proposé un procédé de broyage humide et sec combiné à des particules de céramique et d'acier. La méthode de frittage par étincelle (spark plasma sintering (SPS)) a été appliquée pour élaborer des aciers compacts à grains submicroniques. Des grains ayant une taille moyenne de 100 nm ont été observés par microscopie électronique à balayage (MEB) dans les aciers ROD/ODS austénitiques frittées. En comparaison, la microstructure de l’acier ROD/ODS martensitique frittée a donné des grains de tailles de 100 à 300 nm dans les deux cas de broyage sec et de broyage combiné (humide et sec).ABSTRACTThis paper summarizes recent results for preparation, structural and mechanical investigation of oxide dispersed strengthened steel (ODS). Three commercial steel powders, two austenitic steel and one martensitic powders have been used as starting materials. One of the austenitic powders was used for morphological study during wet milling. The high efficient attrition mills are on the basis of this work assuring grains with nanostructure. The morphological changes during milling steps have been described. It was demonstrated that 4 hours milling in wet atmosphere are enough to realize steel powders with submicron dimensions. An efficient dispersion of nanosized oxides in ODS steels was achieved by employing high efficiency attrition milling. A combined wet and dry milling process of fine ceramic and steel particles has been proposed. Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) was applied to realize submicron grained steel compacts. Grains with 100 nm mean size have been observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in sintered austenitic ODS. In comparison, the sintered martensitic dry and combined milled ODS microstructure consisted of grain sizes with 100-300 nm in each case.KEYWORDS: ODS Steel, Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS), attrition milling, Nano-oxides, structural and mechanical investigatio

Cancer prognostics by direct detection of p53-antibodies on gold surfaces by impedance measurements

The identification and measurement of biomarkers is critical to a broad range of methods that diagnose and monitor many diseases. Serum auto-antibodies are rapidly becoming interesting targets because of their biological and medical relevance. This paper describes a highly sensitive, label-free approach for the detection of p53-antibodies, a prognostic indicator in ovarian cancer as well as a biomarker in the early stages of other cancers. This approach uses impedance measurements on gold microelectrodes to measure antibody concentrations at the picomolar level in undiluted serum samples. The biosensor shows high selectivity as a result of the optimization of the epitopes responsible for the detection of p53-antibodies and was validated by several techniques including microcontact printing, self-assembled-monolayer desorption ionization (SAMDI) mass spectrometry, and adhesion pull-off force by atomic force microscopy (AFM). This transduction method will lead to fast and accurate diagnostic tools for the early detection of cancer and other diseases.Peer reviewe

Retention of progenitor cell phenotype in otospheres from guinea pig and mouse cochlea

Abstract\ud \ud Background\ud Culturing otospheres from dissociated organ of Corti is an appropriate starting point aiming at the development of cell therapy for hair cell loss. Although guinea pigs have been widely used as an excellent experimental model for studying the biology of the inner ear, the mouse cochlea has been more suitable for yielding otospheres in vitro. The aim of this study was to compare conditions and outcomes of otosphere suspension cultures from dissociated organ of Corti of either mouse or guinea pig at postnatal day three (P3), and to evaluate the guinea pig as a potential cochlea donor for preclinical cell therapy.\ud \ud \ud Methods\ud Organs of Corti were surgically isolated from P3 guinea pig or mouse cochlea, dissociated and cultivated under non-adherent conditions. Cultures were maintained in serum-free DMEM:F12 medium, supplemented with epidermal growth factor (EGF) plus either basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα). Immunofluorescence assays were conducted for phenotype characterization.\ud \ud \ud Results\ud The TGFα group presented a number of spheres significantly higher than the bFGF group. Although mouse cultures yielded more cells per sphere than guinea pig cultures, sox2 and nestin distributed similarly in otosphere cells from both organisms. We present evidence that otospheres retain properties of inner ear progenitor cells such as self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation into hair cells or supporting cells.\ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud Dissociated guinea pig cochlea produced otospheres in vitro, expressing sox2 and nestin similarly to mouse otospheres. Our data is supporting evidence for the presence of inner ear progenitor cells in the postnatal guinea pig. However, there is limited viability for these cells in neonatal guinea pig cochlea when compared to the differentiation potential observed for the mouse organ of Corti at the same developmental stage