Synthesis and characterisation of monodispersed silver nanoparticles with controlled size ranges

A method that enables reproducible synthesis of low aspect ratio, monodispersed and stable silver nanoparticle suspensions, uniform in its optical response and tunable over a range of diameters has been developed. The uniformity of the nanoparticles has been accurately determined using electron and atomic force microscopies for diameters down to 50 nm. These particles are highly suited to applications in optical nanotechnology. (Abstract from: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpls/abs_all.jsp?arnumber=4560065&tag=1

The Timor Leste Petroleum Fund, veterans and white elephants: Fostering intergenerational equity?

Timor Leste which emerged as a sovereign nation in 2002, is one of the most oil dependent countries in the world but with limited oil reserves. In 2005 it set up a Petroleum Fund to provide a stable source of revenues for the budget over the long term and to preserve intergenerational equity. Ten years later, the petroleum fund balance fell for the first time due to falling output, lower oil prices and lower returns on investment. With its oil production expected to cease in 2023 and withdrawals from the fund far exceeding the estimated sustainable income level it is imperative that revenues are spent wisely. This study focuses on examining the pattern of oil revenue expenditures and concludes that expenditures on veterans' payments and large scale infrastructure projects have thwarted the stated aims of the fund particularly that of preserving intergenerational equity. The paper concludes by examining the policy implications of the findings. •Timor is highly dependent on oil but has limited reserves.•Withdrawals from its Petroleum Fund far exceeds its estimated sustainable income.•Veterans' payments and infrastucture projects thwarted intergenerational equity.•Changes in expenditure are needed to foster intergenerational equity

X-ray dosimetry: comparing Monte Carlo simulations and experimental data

IBA is operating an X-ray irradiation facility located in Bridgeport, New Jersey. This facility is equipped with a Rhodotron(R) TT300 and three separated beam lines delivering high-intensity electron beams with 5, 7, and 10 MeV energy. X-ray targets are mounted on the 5 and 7 MeV beam lines to produce high-intensity X-ray fields. During the installation, operation, and process qualifications of the X-ray irradiation system, use has been made of the GEANT Monte Carlo simulation toolkit to predict the results from these tests. These Monte Carlo predictions are compared to the experimental data measured in the various qualification phases. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

The case for extended brief interventions

Brief interventions directed against hazardous and harmful drinking have become popular in recent years, both among researchers and, to some extent, among general practitioners and other health professionals. There is a strong evidence-base, at least in primary health care, to justify this popularity. But there is often confusion about what exactly alcohol brief intervention consists of. In fact, the term ‘brief intervention’ does not describe a single, well-defined activity but rather a family of interventions that differ in a range of ways. Although they all share the characteristics of being briefer than most formal treatment programmes for alcohol problems and of being aimed at drinkers with less severe problems and levels of dependence than those typically attending specialized treatment services, brief interventions differ among themselves in duration over time, number of scheduled sessions, procedures and accompanying materials, styles of interaction, delivery personnel and settings, and the underlying theoretical approach on which they are based