A rapid method for loss assessment in stored maize and dried cassava. Interim report for project R5103

This paper describes a new method for the rapid assessment of losses in stored maize cobs and dried cassava chips (cossettes): the use of visual damage scales. The scales can be calibrated against conventional weight loss assessment techniques to permit the estimation of percentage weight losses in stores. The scales were first developed for a survey of Larger Grain Borer beetle (Prostephanus truncatus (Horn)) damage in farm stores in central Togo. They were constructed by sorting infested maize and cassava by eye into different damage classes(four classes for maize cobs and five for cassava chips). In the survey, each sampled cob or chip was scored for damage on the appropriate visual scale, using reference photos to ensure consistency. Advantages of the method include: it is quick and easy to use, increasing the number of stores which can be sampled; data loss or fabrication is reduced; anomalous results can be checked on the spot; and it increases farmer participation in the survey work. Methods of data analysis are discussed in detail. The raw (ranked) data can be analysed by chi-square tests, rank correlation and ordinal logistic regression. Alternatively, if the scales are used to estimate weight losses, this permits the use of more powerful techniques such as analysis of variance. The scales have potential for many types of survey work, especially rapid appraisal. one of the most interesting applications could be to estimate parameters such as loss in market value and loss of final food product (rather than whole grain), but more work is needed to devise appropriate ways of calibrating the scales for this purpose

Influence of target material impurities on physical results in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

This paper presents the studies on the influence of the target material impurities on physical observables registered in heavy ion collisions collected by fixed target experiments. It mainly concerns the measures of multiplicity fluctuations which can be used to searches for critical point of strongly interacting matter, e.g. in the {NA61/SHINE} fixed-target experiment at CERN SPS. The elemental composition of the targets used in the NA61/SHINE experiment was determined applying wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) technique. The influence of measured target impurities on multiplicity distributions and scaled variance was estimated using simulation events. The modification of the standard analysis was proposed to reduce this influence.Comment: 12 pages, 11 figure

Interlinkages: Governance for Sustainability Chapter 8

The Earth functions as a system: atmosphere, land, water, biodiversity and human society are all linked in a complex web of interactions and feedbacks. Environment and development challenges are interlinked across thematic, institutional and geographic boundaries through social and environmental processes. The state of knowledge on these interlinkages and implications for human well-being are highlighted in the following messages: Environmental change and development challenges are caused by the same sets of drivers. They include population change, economic processes, scientific and technological innovations, distribution patterns, and cultural, social, political and institutional processes

Investigation of Gold Nanolayer Properties Using X-Ray Reflectometry and Spectroscopic Ellipsometry Methods

X-ray reflectometry and spectroscopic ellipsometry methods were applied for determination of physical properties of gold nonolayers. The nanolayers were prepared by sputtering of gold on different substrates: borosilicate glass, polished crystalline quartz and crystalline silicon. With X-ray reflectometry technique roughness of the substrates and density, thickness and roughness of gold layers were determined. The results showed decrease in density of the gold layers due to their nanometer thickness and that roughness of the underlayer affects roughness of the gold layer. In addition, thicknesses of the gold layers measured with spectroscopic ellipsometry turned out to be in agreement, within the experimental uncertainty, with results of the X-ray reflectometry method

X-ray Diffraction and Elemental Analysis of Medical and Environmental Samples

The results of the elemental and chemical composition analysis of human medical samples (blood, serum, hair, urine, tooth, kidney stones, gallstones) and environmental samples (slag, cereal, vegetables, flour, pork bones, pork meat, fish) are presented. The analysis were performed by application of the total reflection X-ray fluorescence, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence and X-ray powder diffraction methods. With X-ray fluorescence methods the following elements were identified: O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, I, Ba, and Pb, whose concentrations were from a few ng/g to tens of percent. For some samples the elemental analysis was extended by X-ray powder diffraction measurements. With this method the chemical composition was determined. In the paper the experimental setups, methodology of samples preparation and methods of carrying out the measurements are described. As an example the X-ray spectra registered for gallstone sample are discussed in detail. Finally, the results of X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis for selected medical and environmental samples are summarized

A high-resolution asymmetric von Hamos spectrometer for low-energy X-ray spectroscopy at the CRYRING@ESR electron cooler

We present research program and project for high-resolution wavelength-dispersive spectrometer dedicated to low-energy X-ray spectroscopy at the electron cooler of the CRYRING@ESR storage ring, which is a~part of the international Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) currently being built in Darmstadt. Due to the unique shape of the electorn-ion recombination X-ray source, resulting from the overlapping of the electron and ion beams in the electron cooler, the spectrometer can work in the specific asymmetric von Hamos (AvH) geometry. In order to completely eliminate the influence of Doppler effect on the measured X-ray energies, two asymmetric von Hamos spectrometers will be installed next to the dipole magnets on both sides of the electron cooler to detect blue/red (0$^{\circ}$/180$^{\circ}$) shifted X-rays, e.g. emitted in the radiative recombination (RR) process. The X-ray-tracing Monte-Carlo simulations show that the proposed AvH spectrometer will allow to determine with sub-meV precision, the low-energy X-rays (5-10~keV) emitted from stored bare or few-electron heavy ions interacting with cooling electrons. This experimental precision will enable accurate studies of the quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects in mid-Z H- and He-like ions