Technological agglomeration and the emergence of clusters and networks in nanotechnology

Research and development at the nanoscale requires a large degree of integration, from convergence of research disciplines in new fields of enquiry to new linkages between start-ups, regional actors and research facilities. Based on the analysis of two clusters in nanotechnologies (MESA+ (Twente) and other centres in The Netherlands and Minatec in Grenoble in France), the paper discusses the phenomenon of technological agglomeration: co-located scientific and technological fields associated to coordinated technology platforms to some extent actively shaped by institutional entrepreneurs. Such co-location and coordination are probably a prerequisite for the emergence of strong nanoclusters. For more informations: http://www.nanoeconomics.eu/Technological agglomeration; Technology platform; Multilevel activities; Cluster; Geographic concentration

Rhythm as knowledge-translation, knowledge as rhythm-translation

The paper explores Henri Meschonnic’s conception of rhythm as a vehicle of subjectivization—but specifically of intersubjectization, and thus as a key channel of knowledge transfer or knowledge translation. Because we experience rhythm in time, knowledge-translation that comes to us as rhythm-as-intersubjectivization is experienced serially; because it is a phenomenology of body-becoming-mind, it is experienced kinesthetically-becoming-affectively-becoming-conatively, which is to say, in the model this paper develops, “icotically”—through the collective move toward the normativization of opinion as “truth” or “fact”. Key to knowledge-translation-as-rhythm is the ear, which is the icotic agent of the group in each individual, that which helps us hear style as truth. The first question for knowledge-translation, how many subjects it creates—one for each text (source and target)? one for each reader? one for each reading?—is superseded by the icotic take on subjectivization, which collectivizes it, meaning that the exact number is less important than the social entelechies in which subjects participate

An Interview with Douglas Robinson

Fahim Afarinasadi in conversation with Douglas Robinson on his latest book "Transgender, Translation, Translingual Address

Möbius semioticity: Six takes on Peeter Torop’s semiotics-of-culture model of textuality

Möbius semioticity: Six takes on Peeter Torop’s semiotics-of-culture model of textuality  &nbsp

Whin Sill metamorphism in Teesdale

The Whin Sill complex is briefly reviewed. Theoretical temperatures have been calculated for the metamorphic aureoles in the Teesdale, Rookhope and Ninebanks areas, for comparative purposes with the observed metamorphism. The major and trace element geochemistry of a suite of argillaceous and arenaceous sediments has been examined using R-mode factor analysis. Only one factor is interpreted as a metamorphic feature. This factor is indicative of an increase in Na in beds towards the contact but is of minor volumetric importance accounting for less than 10% of the data variance. The remaining factors can all be interpreted as sedimentary features. X-ray diffraction studies of argillaceous sediments have shown an increase in the crystallinity and a change in the polymorph, from a 1Md to a 2M variety, of illite, towards the contact. Pure limestones have been recrystallized to saccharoidal marbles, which are restricted to the Upper Teesdale region. Dark-coloured limestones are not recrystallized because the carbon present in these sediments prevents grain-boundary movement (Robinson, 1971).Calcareous sediments have been the most susceptible to the metamorphism and a varied calc-silicate mineralogy is developed up to 25 m from the Whin Sill contact. Potassic feldspar, andradite, hedenbergite, prehnite and datolite are recorded for the first time from the contact-rocks of the Whin Sill aureole. The mineralogy developed in the calcareous sediments is indicative of two or possibly three facies and is interpreted as non-equilibrium conditions. The difference in metamorphism between calcareous and non-calcareous sediments is attributed to higher reaction kinetics in the calcareous sediments.Metamorphism by the Whin Sill is virtually non-existent outside the Upper Teesdale region. This is suggested to be due to a magma source in this area, giving rise to anomalous conditions as compared to a simple intrusion into cold country-rocks. The increase of Na in certain beds within 10 m of the contact is not attributed to metasomatic introduction from the Whin Sill. Instead the Na is suggested to have been present as NaCl in hypersaline pore-waters of the sediments, at the time of the Whin Sill intrusion. It is shown that the mineralogy developed in the contact-rocks has largely been the consequence of reaction between illite and the NaCl pore-waters. Haematite has been formed by the release of Pe3+ from the illite structure.Finally it is shown that the unique geology of the Upper Teesdale area, especially the development of saccharoidal marbles, has been of major importance in the sustenance of the rare arctic-alpine flora for which the area is biologically renowned (Johnson, Robinson and Hornung, 1971)

The Flavor-locked Flavorful Two Higgs Doublet Model

We propose a new framework to generate the Standard Model (SM) quark flavor hierarchies in the context of two Higgs doublet models (2HDM). The `flavorful' 2HDM couples the SM-like Higgs doublet exclusively to the third quark generation, while the first two generations couple exclusively to an additional source of electroweak symmetry breaking, potentially generating striking collider signatures. We synthesize the flavorful 2HDM with the `flavor-locking' mechanism, that dynamically generates large quark mass hierarchies through a flavor-blind portal to distinct flavon and hierarchon sectors: Dynamical alignment of the flavons allows a unique hierarchon to control the respective quark masses. We further develop the theoretical construction of this mechanism, and show that in the context of a flavorful 2HDM-type setup, it can automatically achieve realistic flavor structures: The CKM matrix is automatically hierarchical with $|V_{cb}|$ and $|V_{ub}|$ generically of the observed size. Exotic contributions to meson oscillation observables may also be generated, that may accommodate current data mildly better than the SM itself.Comment: 34 pages, 2 tables, 2 figure

Operator-Valued Frames for the Heisenberg Group

A classical result of Duffin and Schaeffer gives conditions under which a discrete collection of characters on $\mathbb{R}$, restricted to $E = (-1/2, 1/2)$, forms a Hilbert-space frame for $L^2(E)$. For the case of characters with period one, this is just the Poisson Summation Formula. Duffin and Schaeffer show that perturbations preserve the frame condition in this case. This paper gives analogous results for the real Heisenberg group $H_n$, where frames are replaced by operator-valued frames. The Selberg Trace Formula is used to show that perturbations of the orthogonal case continue to behave as operator-valued frames. This technique enables the construction of decompositions of elements of $L^2(E)$ for suitable subsets $E$ of $H_n$ in terms of representations of $H_n$

Evaluation of bacterial sampling methods for use with the bacterial tag-encoded flexible (FLX) amplicon pyrosequencing (bTEFAP) technique

2012 Summer.Includes bibliographical references.Background: The need to enumerate airborne microorganisms during infectious disease outbreaks, indoor air quality evaluations, and agricultural health studies has identified limitations in culture-based or viable sampling and characterization of bioaerosols. Pyrosequencing promises to be a novel, molecular-based technology that is exceptionally sensitive, low-cost, and provides a reasonable turnaround in the identification, distribution and concentration of aerosolized microorganisms. However, bioaerosol sampling methods for use with pyrosequencing have not been thoroughly evaluated. The intent of this project was to investigate a standardized sampling protocol for use with bTEFAP that would ultimately provide occupational scientists a novel and effective tool in the quest to characterize bioaerosol exposure and its subsequent relationship to worker health. Methods: Four filter types (Millipore Durapore® Membrane Filter, SKC water-soluble gelatin filter, SKC PTFE, SKC PVC) were prescreened for low-background DNA content using Pyrosequencing. Studies comparing the performance of the SKC Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and SKC gelatin filters in IOM samplers to an impinger - the SKC biosampler - were conducted in a previously characterized bioaerosol chamber using a Collision nebulizer. The challenge organism was a spore former, Bacillus atrophaeus. Tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing analyses utilized Roche 454 FLX instrument with DNA extraction, massively parallel bTEFAP and bacterial identification data analysis was performed at the Research and Testing Laboratory (Lubbock, TX). Results: From an initial filter analysis, both the SKC PVC and SKC gelatin filters were selected for use in this project based on low-background DNA content, ease of use and cost. The two filter types and the SKC biosampler were challenged against B. atrophaeus for 30 minute sampling times in a series of six trials. Post pyrosequencing of detectable samples, it was demonstrated that the biosampler performed less effectively when compared to the PVC (p=0.0002) and gelatin filter (p=0.0006) based on an alpha value of 0.05. No significant difference was demonstrated between the two filter types (p=0.8). Of the original n=66 samples analyzed through pyrosequencing, only n=15 were reported to have counts for the challenge organism. In comparison to the pyrosequencing data, the cultured count demonstrated a significant difference when compared to the filters and biosampler media (p=0.003) in countable spores. Conclusions: The results indicate that with the model used in this study, the biosampler performed significantly different when compared to two filter types, the SKC PVC and the SKC gelatin, when challenged with B. atrophaeus. In addition, the microbial results suggest that there is possible significant contamination in the pyrosequencing methods used and or in the handling methods prior to analysis. Method analysis needs to be completed before further studies are completed

Value chains as a linking-pin framework for exploring governance and innovation in nano-involved sectors: illustrated for nanotechnologies and the food packaging sector

Consultable sur Internet : http://ejlt.org//article/view/104/180International audienceNanotechnology is often referred to as an entity in itself, a promising technoscience that may enable a vast array of products that will affect and change society. Looking beneath the umbrella-term of "nanotechnology" what is actually occurring with regards to the emergence of product/applications? And what does this mean for governance of emerging nano-involved product development and societal uptake?. The article argues that one must move beyond the broad umbrella term of nanotechnology to explore governance challenges. It posits that for exploring governance of nano-applications, a much ignored level of analysis - the industrial value chain - is a promising level of analysis in both identifying the current activities and potential impacts of nanotechnology and the modes of governance that are in play, how they evolve and how they could be shaped. Focusing on value chains is important for the near and mid-term in order to evaluate and characterise the smorgasbord of techno-scientific promises stemming from nanotechnology and the effects of broader sectoral changes on potential nano-enabled products that may reach citizen-consumers. As nanotechnology enters various parts of the agrifood sector, the emerging governance arrangements of nanotechnology meet incumbent (and still developing) governance regimes, consumer positions and actor arrangements. The paper further articulates this claim, closing with an outlook on what sort of approaches could be used for foresighting potential developments in nanotechnology, their impacts and potential frameworks for exploring and modulating nanotechnology governance