Wide range and tunable linear TMR sensor using two exchange pinned electrodes

A magnetic tunnel junction sensor is proposed, with both the detection and the reference layers pinned by IrMn. Using the differences in the blocking temperatures of the IrMn films with different thicknesses, crossed anisotropies can be induced between the detection and the reference electrodes. The pinning of the sensing electrode ensures a linear and reversible output. It also allows tuning both the sensitivity and the linear range of the sensor. The authors show that the sensitivity varies linearly with the ferromagnetic thickness of the detection electrode. It is demonstrated that an increased thickness leads to a rise of sensitivity and a reduction of the operating range

Rheological properties of asphalt binder modified with recycled asphalt materials and light-activated self-healing polymers

Ultraviolet (UV), light-activated, self-healing polymers are an emerging technology that was proposed to enhance the elastic behavior of asphalt binder, while improving its self-healing properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of self-healing polymer on the rheological properties of binder blends prepared with or without recycled asphalt materials. Binder blends were prepared with two different binders (PG 67-22 and PG 70-22M), with or without recycled asphalt materials, and 5% self-healing polymer (Oxetane-substituted Chitosan-Polyurethane). High-Pressure Gel Permeation Chromatography (HP-GPC) results showed an increase in High Molecular Weight (HMW) components in the binder with an increase in stiffness through the addition of recycled materials. A further increase was observed with the addition of self-healing polymer. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed High-Pressure Gel Permeation Chromatography (HP-GPC) results with an increase in the carbonyl index. Furthermore, the addition of recycled materials led to an increase in the high-temperature grade and the low-temperature grade of the binder blends, while the self-healing polymer did not have a significant effect on the PG-grade. Overall, the addition of self-healing polymer led to an increase in stiffness and an improvement in the rutting performance, while it did not have a positive effect on low-temperature cracking performance. For unmodified binder (PG 67-22), self-healing polymer incorporation improved the elastic and fatigue cracking properties of the binder. However, when it was added to a polymer-modified binder (PG 70-22M) and/or binder blends containing recycled asphalt materials, the potential of this material was low to negative on the low temperature and fatigue cracking performances

Exponential Distribution of Locomotion Activity in Cell Cultures

In vitro velocities of several cell types have been measured using computer controlled video microscopy, which allowed to record the cells' trajectories over several days. On the basis of our large data sets we show that the locomotion activity displays a universal exponential distribution. Thus, motion resulting from complex cellular processes can be well described by an unexpected, but very simple distribution function. A simple phenomenological model based on the interaction of various cellular processes and finite ATP production rate is proposed to explain these experimental results.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure

Laboratory Testing of Self-Healing Polymer Modified Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Materials (RAP/RAS)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of an innovative light-induced self-healing polymers in enhancing the durability of asphalt mixtures and improving its self-healing properties. Mixtures were prepared using two different binders, with and without recycled materials, and self-healing polymer. Results showed that the addition of recycled asphalt material to mixtures prepared with an unmodified binder negatively affected the healing recovery at room temperature. Furthermore, Self-healing properties of the mixtures were improved by increasing the healing temperature. The addition of 5% self-healing polymer to the control mixture, followed by UV light exposure resulted in an increase in self-healing properties of the mixtures prepared with PG 67-22 binder. Semi-Circular Bending (SCB) test results showed that the incorporation of self-healing polymer and 48 h of UV light exposure improved the cracking resistance. Loaded-Wheel Test (LWT) results showed that the self-healing polymer caused an increase in the rut depth of the samples prepared with an unmodified binder. However, the final rut depth was less than the acceptable rutting performance. Thermal-Stress Restrained Specimen Test (TSRST) test results showed that self-healing polymer improved the low temperature cracking performance of the mixtures

Graded and Binary Responses in Stochastic Gene Expression

Recently, several theoretical and experimental studies have been undertaken to probe the effect of stochasticity on gene expression (GE). In experiments, the GE response to an inducing signal in a cell, measured by the amount of mRNAs/proteins synthesized, is found to be either graded or binary. The latter type of response gives rise to a bimodal distribution in protein levels in an ensemble of cells. One possible origin of binary response is cellular bistability achieved through positive feedback or autoregulation. In this paper, we study a simple, stochastic model of GE and show that the origin of binary response lies exclusively in stochasticity. The transitions between the active and inactive states of the gene are random in nature. Graded and binary responses occur in the model depending on the relative stability of the activated and deactivated gene states with respect to that of mRNAs/proteins.The theoretical results on binary response provide a good description of the ``all-or-none'' phenomenon observed in an eukaryotic system.Comment: to be published in Physical Biolog

Meritocratic aspects concerning civil servant career: comparative study in Central and Eastern European countries

Central and Eastern Europe has known in the last 20 years profound changes. The shift from a dictatorial system to a democratic system forced the states from this area to adopt structural measures for all public institutions. In this context, the institution of "civil servant" could not remain unaffected. In the period of communist regimes, the institution of "civil servant" did not exist, the civil servant being just a simple employee of the state. Work relations were the same as for any employee. The shift to another political system, the democratic one, determined the reconsideration the role and the place of public administration, and implicit of civil servant in the framework of the state system. In this context, it has been a shift from the statute of simple employee to that of civil servant, representing the power of the state. In the process of accession to the European Union, the states from Central and Eastern Europe have been permanently pressured to clearly define a strategy concerning the competitiveness of public administration, concerning the statute and the career of civil servant. In the context of democratisation, we can notice that the principle of meritocracy has become a key principle in the civil servant's career. The term "meritocracy" is often used in order to describe a type of society in which wealth and social position are obtained mainly through competition or through ability or proved competences. A position invested with responsibilities and social prestige has to be acquired and not inherited or obtained by arbitrary criteria. Meritocracy represents also the term used to describe or to criticise a society in competition that accepts inequitable disparities of income, wealth and social position. Taking into account the above considerations, the present paper aims to achieve an analysis of meritocratic aspects in the systems of planning and promotion of civil servant's career in Central and Eastern Europe

Autonomous and Connected Transport as Part of an Inclusive Transport System: WG2: Social Challenges

This report has been written within the framework of COST Action CA16222: Wider Impact and Scenario Evaluation of Autonomous and Connected Transport (WISE-ACT), which has been co-funded by the European Commission H2020 program. The ‘action’ encompassed five working groups, each addressing different issues and themes related to autonomous and connected transport. This thematic report describes the main concepts and recommendations of Working Group (WG) #2, which was tasked with examining the potential social challenges of autonomous and connected transport (ACT). WG#2 addressed a number of key social challenges, namely accessibility, equity, personal security and privacy