The PLC: a logical development

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have been used to control industrial processes and equipment for over 40 years, having their first commercially recognised application in 1969. Since then there have been enormous changes in the design and application of PLCs, yet developments were evolutionary rather than radical. The flexibility of the PLC does not confine it to industrial use and it has been used for disparate non-industrial control applications . This article reviews the history, development and industrial applications of the PLC

Threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence spectroscopy of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene

The threshold photoelectron, the threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence and ion breakdown spectra of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene have been recorded from 9 – 22 eV. Comparisons with the equivalent data for the three dichloroethene molecules and theoretical calculations highlight the nature of the orbitals involved during photoionisation in this energy range. The ground electronic state of C$_2$HCl$_3^+$ (C$_2$Cl$_4^+$) is bound, with excited valence states dissociating to C$_2$HCl$_2^+$ (C$_2$Cl$_3^+$) and C$_2$HCl$^+$ (C$_2$Cl$_2^+$). Appearance energies suggest that C$_2$HCl$^+$ forms from C$_2$HCl$_3^+$ by loss of two chlorine atoms, whereas C$_2$Cl$_2^+$ forms from C$_2$Cl$_4^+$ by loss of a Cl$_2$ molecule. The translational kinetic energy release into C$_2$HCl$_2^+$ (C$_2$Cl$_3^+$) + Cl is determined as a function of energy. In both cases, the fraction of the available energy released into translational energy of the two products decreases as the photon energy increases

Autistic traits,ADHD symptoms,neurological soft signs and regional cerebral blood flow in adults with autism spectrum disorders

The resting regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) patterns related to co-occurring symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, neurological soft signs and motor problems have not yet been disclosed in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In this study thirteen adults with ASD and ten matched neurotypical controls underwent PET. The scores of rating scales for autistic traits, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and neurological soft signs were included in a factorial analysis and correlated with rCBF. Factors corresponding to \u27\u27autistic/ADHD traits\u27\u27, \u27\u27sensory-motor integration\u27\u27 and \u27\u27Intelligence/Motor sequencing\u27\u27 were identified. In the ASD group, positive correlations with CBF were found for \u27\u27autistic/ADHD traits\u27\u27 in caudate bilaterally and the inferior parietal lobule, for \u27\u27sensory-motor integration\u27\u27 in parieto-occipital cortex and for \u27\u27Intelligence/Motor sequencing\u27\u27 in the right temporal cortex. Notably, CBF in the left thalamus correlated negatively with all three factors. Autistic traits and ADHD symptoms were associated with shared neural substrates. The correlation between \u27\u27autistic/ADHD traits\u27\u27 and rCBF in the caudate is possibly associated with the executive impairments and ritualistic/stereotyped behaviors apparent in ASD. Furthermore, sensory-motor deficits were correlated with rCBF in the occipital visual cortex, involved in atypical visual perception in ASD. Various behavioral and neurological symptoms are suggested to converge into the ASD phenotype

Determining the Cotnrols for Strata Gas and Oil Duistribution within Sandstone Reservoirs Overlying the Bulli Seam

The continuing and effective management of gas within the sandstones overlying the Bulli seam mines of BHP Billiton Illawarra Coal is required to ensure safe and productive mining operations. Recent surface exploration has also detected the presence of oil accumulations in these sandstones which have the potential to impact on future mining operations. Some of these hydrocarbons are located within the longwall relaxation zone of the overlying strata and, as a result, can migrate to the goaf and active workings subsequent to extraction. A number of new exploration techniques, which are in common use by the petroleum industry, have been adopted by Illawarra Coal in order to more accurately locate these zones and determine the potential impact on future mining. These techniques include: • Advanced analysis of downhole geophysics to determine the location and extent of strata gas horizons. • Specialist interpretation of 2D and 3D seismic to detect gas zones. • Modeling of multiple data-sets to determine controls on gas distribution and composition. • Detailed geological and chemical analysis of the oil-bearing horizons to gain a better understanding of the petroleum system and the controls to its distribution. • Geotechnical studies of the overlying strata to determine the extent and nature of post-mining strata relaxation in comparison with the location of the hydrocarbon zones. The results of these studies have formed the scientific basis for the development of more effective technologies to manage the impact and potential impact of strata oil and gas on the underground extraction of coal

National Career Development Strategy (NCDS) Research Project - Element 2: Qualitative Research

Urbis was commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) to identify and analyse the career development needs and wants of young people (5-24 years), their parents, teachers and communities. The purpose of this research is to inform the creation of a National Career Development Strategy (NCDS)