958 research outputs found
Fundamental limitations for quantum and nano thermodynamics
The relationship between thermodynamics and statistical physics is valid in
the thermodynamic limit - when the number of particles becomes very large.
Here, we study thermodynamics in the opposite regime - at both the nano scale,
and when quantum effects become important. Applying results from quantum
information theory we construct a theory of thermodynamics in these limits. We
derive general criteria for thermodynamical state transformations, and as
special cases, find two free energies: one that quantifies the
deterministically extractable work from a small system in contact with a heat
bath, and the other that quantifies the reverse process. We find that there are
fundamental limitations on work extraction from nonequilibrium states, owing to
finite size effects and quantum coherences. This implies that thermodynamical
transitions are generically irreversible at this scale. As one application of
these methods, we analyse the efficiency of small heat engines and find that
they are irreversible during the adiabatic stages of the cycle.Comment: Final, published versio
Study of molecular spin-crossover complex Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 thin films
We report on the growth by evaporation under high vacuum of high-quality thin
films of Fe(phen)2(NCS)2 (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) that maintain the expected
electronic structure down to a thickness of 10 nm and that exhibit a
temperature-driven spin transition. We have investigated the current-voltage
characteristics of a device based on such films. From the space charge-limited
current regime, we deduce a mobility of 6.5x10-6 cm2/V?s that is similar to the
low-range mobility measured on the widely studied
tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminium organic semiconductor. This work paves the
way for multifunctional molecular devices based on spin-crossover complexes
Improved Analysis Methods for Retrofit Savings and Energy Accounting (ERAP #227)
A grocery store, two nursing homes, an institutional building, and a high school have
been selected as preliminary case study buildings. All of the buildings except the nursing
homes have been instrumented to provide sub-metered and total energy use data.
Additional buildings in the Texas LoanSTAR program are also instrumented and are
being analyzed.This report summarizes progress through November, 1990 for ERAP project No. 227, "Improved Analysis Methods for Retrofit Savings and Energy Accounting." The major objectives of this project are to: (1) determine the energy and dollar savings from energy conservation retrofits; (2) reduce energy costs by identifying and correcting operational and maintenance problems at retrofitted facilities; (3) identify savings from individual retrofits to help improve future retrofit selection; and (4) initiate an end-use data base for commercial and institutional buildings to facilitate the comparison and exchange of building energy use information
‘Stumbling through’? Relationship-based social work practice in austere times
In recent times relationship-based practice has become a familiar term in social work practice and education. Despite its widespread adoption, how relationship-based practice is understood varies widely. Drawing on contemporary conceptualisations of the child and family and individuals as psychosocial subjects experiencing social suffering, this paper explores how current social work practice can be understood in the context of neoliberalism and austerity. Setting these ideas in an historical context helps to inform our understanding as to why social work seems to be the focus of sustained political discontent and scrutiny, making it difficult to retain a balanced relationship-based professional stance. Contemporary responses to the current challenges of everyday practice are outlined and the contribution of psychodynamic and systemic ideas to promoting relationship-based practice is explored. The paper concludes by considering how the concept of social systems as defences against anxiety can inform our understanding of the resistance amongst practitioners to relationship-based practice and emphasises the importance of reflective spaces and places for developing and maintaining integrated, mature relational approaches to practice which impact on practice at both the individual casework and social structural level
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Conceptual Soundness, Metric Development, Benchmarking, and Targeting for PATH Subprogram Evaluation
The objective of this study is to evaluate the conceptual soundness of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) program's revised goals and establish and apply a framework to identify and recommend metrics that are the most useful for measuring PATH's progress. This report provides an evaluative review of PATH's revised goals, outlines a structured method for identifying and selecting metrics, proposes metrics and benchmarks for a sampling of individual PATH programs, and discusses other metrics that potentially could be developed that may add value to the evaluation process. The framework and individual program metrics can be used for ongoing management improvement efforts and to inform broader program-level metrics for government reporting requirements
Mineralogical and chemical composition of inorganic matter from marketed Illinois coals
Includes bibliographical references (p. 26-28)
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