Ultra-narrow (sub-MHz) linewidth emission from discrete mode laser diodes

A class of laser which exhibits ultra-narrow sub MHz linewidth emission necessary for numerous applications in optical communications and sensors is described. The spectral performance of commercial discrete mode (DM) and distributed feedback (DFB) lasers is compared. The devices used in this work are asymmetrically coated ridge waveguide Fabry Perot lasers which incorporated etched slot features and emitting around lambda = 1.55 mum. The active region of the devices consisted of a strained compensated InAlGaAs MQW structure

Models Of Tensile Behavior OF Meta-Stable Fe-Mn-Mo Alloys

A semi-mechanistic model for predicting the flow behaviour of Fe-Mn-Mo steels displaying transformation-induced plasticity is developed in this paper. The model, based on the law of mixtures, takes into account the work-hardening of the individual principal phases (namely, lath-martensite and austenite/epsilon martensit~). The composite strength of such a steel may be given by a modified law of mixtures which incorporates a dislocation density effect. To test the validity of the model, experiments have been performed using a magnetic reluctance technique to determine the extent of 'f + F.: 7 a.' transformaU.on induced by tensile plastic deformation at room temperature. As the 'f + e: 7 a.' transformation progressed the work-hardening of the steels was found to increase rapidly. It is concluded that the ind~ced lath-martensite in a work-hardened austenite/epsilon mat~ix is most effective in enhancing strength and ductilit

Elementary Administrators\u27 Exploring the Factors that Promote or Inhibit Reading Achievement

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that promote or inhibit the reading achievement of elementary children. The participants for this study were administrators who were employed at eleven Title I schools in North Carolina. The study used a qualitative design and collected data by phone interviews with elementary administrators. Several recurring themes and patterns surfaced from the data gathered from the eleven participants. However, the overarching themes that promoted reading achievement were (a) family support, (b) early literacy exposure, and (c) teacher effectiveness and expectations. The reoccurring themes that inhibited reading achievement were (a) lack of early literacy exposure, (b) lack of family support, and (c) lack of teacher and parental expectations

Restrictive antibiotic stewardship associated with reduced hospital mortality in gram-negative infection

Introduction: Antimicrobial stewardship has an important role in the control of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) and antibiotic resistance. An important component of UK stewardship interventions is the restriction of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics and promotion of agents associated with a lower risk of CDI such as gentamicin. Whilst the introduction of restrictive antibiotic guidance has been associated with improvements in CDI and antimicrobial resistance evidence of the effect on outcome following severe infection is lacking. Methods: In 2008, Glasgow hospitals introduced a restrictive antibiotic guideline. A retrospective before/after study assessed outcome following gram-negative bacteraemia in the 2-year period around implementation. Results: Introduction of restrictive antibiotic guidelines was associated with a reduction in utilisation of ceftriaxone and co-amoxiclav and an increase in amoxicillin and gentamicin. 1593 episodes of bacteraemia were included in the study. The mortality over 1 year following gram-negative bacteraemia was lower in the period following guideline implementation (RR 0.852, P = 0.045). There was no evidence of a difference in secondary outcomes including ITU admission, length of stay, readmission, recurrence of bacteraemia and need for renal replacement therapy. There was a fall in CDI (RR 0.571, P = 0.014) and a reduction in bacterial resistance to ceftriaxone and co-amoxiclav but no evidence of an increase in gentamicin resistance after guideline implementation. Conclusion: Restrictive antibiotic guidelines were associated with a reduction in CDI and bacterial resistance but no evidence of adverse outcomes following gram-negative bacteraemia. There was a small reduction in one year mortality

Deformation Characteristics and Work-hardening Behaviour of some High Strength Manganese Steels

A study has been made on a new type of wear resistant/high strength iron-manganse-molybdenum steel. This study includes the influence of composition and heat treatment on the mechanical properties. The exceptional work-hardening rate is due to strain-induced formation of lath martensite which itself also takes part in the work-hardening process. The influence of higher molybdenum contents was evident in preventing brittleness of the solution treated steels. An optimum composition range for this type of steel is indicated

Performance of UK wastewater treatment works with respect to trace contaminants

This is the post-print version of the final paper published in Science of Total Environment. The published article is available from the link below. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. Copyright @ 2013 Elsevier B.V.This study examined the performance of 16 wastewater treatment works to provide an overview of trace substance removal in relation to meeting the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Collection and analysis of over 2400 samples including sewage influent, process samples at different stages in the treatment process and final effluent has provided data on the performance of current wastewater treatment processes and made it possible to evaluate the need for improved effluent quality. Results for 55 substances, including metals, industrial chemicals and pharmaceuticals are reported. Data for sanitary parameters are also provided. A wide range of removal efficiencies was observed. Removal was not clearly related to the generic process type, indicating that other operational factors tend to be important. Nonetheless, removals for many substances of current concern were high. Despite this, current proposals for stringent water quality standards mean that further improvements in effluent quality are likely to be required

The Status of Women Leaders in Utah Nonprofits

In September 2013, the Center for American Progress released a report titled “ The State of Women in America: A 50- State Analysis of How Women Are Faring Across the Nation.” This report ranks Utah last of all 50 states in terms of women being in positions of decision making and leadership. Although the focus is solely on the percentage of women in elected office and private sector management positions, we feel that a more detailed look on the status of women in leadership in various sectors within the state would be useful. This is the second of four 2014 briefs, each of which compares national data with Utah data and provides a pertinent literature review. The first provides data on women in Utah politics; subsequent ones will focus on women leaders in education and business. This brief focuses on the status of women leaders in Utah nonprofit organizations