Computational analysis of intensity ratios in magneto-optical and plasma spectroscopy

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Pressure stimulated currents in rocks and their correlation with mechanical properties

The spontaneous electrification of marble samples was studied while they were subjected to uniaxial stress. The Pressure Stimulated Current (PSC) technique was applied to measure the charge released from compressed Dionysos marble samples, while they were subjected to cyclic loading. The experimental results demonstrate that, in the linear elastic region of the sample, no PSC is recorded, while beyond the stress limit (s>0.60), observable variations appear, which increase considerably in the vicinity of sample failure, reaching a maximum value just before the failure. The emitted current is reduced on each loading cycle and it has a reciprocal dependence to the normalized Young modulus. The MCD model, applied out of the vicinity of sample failure explains successfully the above findings. The existence of a "memory-like" behavior of the sample, could justify the weakness or absence of electrical earthquake precursors, during an aftershock sequence

Adaptation of leaves of Vitis vinifera L. to seasonal drought as affected by leaf age

Thermoluminescence (TL) glow curves were recorded from leaves of eight Vitis varieties grown in South-West India, viz. Thompson Seedless, Sonaka, Anab-E-Shahi, Kishmish Chami, Tas-A-Ganesh, Black Monuka, Bangalore Purple and American Dogridge belonging to the Vitis vinifera, V. labrusca and V. champini species. The TL peaks were analysed, using a computer-assisted model based on the general order kinetics theory, to determine thermodynamical parameters such as activation energy, entropy, frequency factor and free energy. It was observed that all six V. vinifera samples showed an entirely different TL pattern consisting of only one prominent and highly narrow peak at around -5 °C (peak II). The prominance oft this peak attributed to S2/S3 Qa· recombination suggests a modification at the plastoquinone electron acceptor sites. On the other band, the remaining two varieties Bangalore Purple and American Dogridge showed broader TL spectra consisting of a higher number of peaks. This basic difference is attributed to the difference in species of the selected varieties. Moreover, the TL recorded from Bangalore Purple resembled the standard TL spectra of spinach. The study undertaken in this paper may be relevant in grape breeding programs

Pseudoexfoliation and Opacification of Intraocular Lenses

Purpose: To report two cases of spoke-like intraocular lens (IOL) opacification that resembles pseudoexfoliation of the crystalline lens. Methods: Case series presentation. Results: Patient 1 developed a circle of spoke-like opacification on the anterior IOL surface7 years after phacoemulsification. Patient 2 had paracentral anterior surface IOL opacification 18 months after cataract extraction and clinical pseudoexfoliation in the fellow eye. Conclusion: Spoke-like anterior IOL opacification should raise the suspicion of pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Non-destructive evaluation of cement-based materials from pressure-stimulated electrical emission - Preliminary results

This is the post-print version of the final paper published in Construction and Building Materials. 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 @ 2010 Elsevier B.V.This paper introduces the possibility of in situ assessment of loading and remaining strength in concrete structures by means of measuring discharge of electric current from loaded specimens. The paper demonstrates that the techniques have been applied to other rock-like materials, but that for the first time they are applied to cement-based materials and a theoretical model is proposed in relation to the appearance of electrical signals during sample loading and up to fracture. A series of laboratory experiments on cement mortar specimens in simple uniaxial compression, and subsequently in bending – hence displaying both tension and compression – are described and show clear correlations between resulting strains and currents measured. Under uniaxial loading there is a well-defined relationship between the pressure-stimulated current (PSC) as a result of a monotonic mechanical loading regime. Similar results are observed in the three-point bending tests where a range of loading regimes is studied, including stepped changes in loading. While currents can be measured at low strains, best results seem to be obtained when strains approach and exceed yield stress values. This technique clearly has immense potential for structural health monitoring of cement-based structures. Both intermittent and continuous monitoring becomes possible, and given an ongoing campaign of monitoring, remaining strength can be estimated