Superconducting and Magnetic Properties of Nb/Pd_1-xFe_x/Nb Triple Layers

The superconducting and magnetic properties of Nb/Pd_1-xFe_x/Nb triple layers with constant Nb layer thickness d_Nb=200 A and different interlayer thicknesses are investigated. The thickness dependence of the magnetization and of the superconducting transition temperature shows that for small iron concentration x the Pd_1-xFe_x layer is likely to be in the paramagnetic state for very thin films whereas ferromagnetic order is established for x>=0.13. The parallel critical field B_c2II(T) exhibits a crossover from two-dimensional (2D) behavior where the Nb films are coupled across the interlayer, towards a 2D behavior of coupled Nb films with increasing d_PdFe or x. This 2D-2D crossover allows a determination of the penetration depth xi_F of Cooper pairs into the Pd_1-xFe_x layer as a function of x. For samples with a ferromagnetic interlayer xi_ is found to be independent of x.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figure

The Quantification of Safety and Risk: A Critical Review

It is shown that the concept safety factor, as presently used as a criterion for declaring a demined area safe for use, is impractical and should be replaced by its complement, called risk factor, which stands for the ratio of the size of the mine-polluted portion of a demined field to its total area. An equation expressing the risk as a function of the efficiencies of the demining processes applied is developed. The limitations of applying this equation in the quantification of the risk are then shown by means of a case study. The necessity of an error analysis for all figures quoted to express the efficiency of detection methods is emphasized, while the limitations of advanced scientific approaches with respect to the ultimate goal of humanitarian demining—zero risk—are discussed. A revision of demining standards is proposed

The Demining of Farmland - Cost/Benefit Analysis and Quality Control

The value gained by the demining of farmland is estimated and compared with the cost of demining for manual demining and mechanized demining. It is found that for farmland used for growing ordinary crops (as opposed to “luxury” crops yielding higher prices), the cost of demining and recultivation for reasons of economy is not to exceed 40 cents (U.S.)/m. To reach this target requires mechanized demining wherever possible, confining manual demining to areas not suitable for mechanized demining. A method is shown by which 100 percent safety of the demined area can be achieved and which facilitates quality control. The required capacities for mechanized and manual demining are estimated in relation to the time schedule for the worldwide demining of all mine affected and mine suspected farmland

Chaucer\u27s Prioress: Mercy and Tender Heart

A reconsideration of the cruelty of the Prioress\u27s Tale in Chaucer\u27s Canterbury Tales

Chaucer\u27s Prioress: Mercy and Tender Heart

A reconsideration of the cruelty of the Prioress\u27s Tale in Chaucer\u27s Canterbury Tales