Simultaneous electronic and the magnetic excitation of a ferromagnet by intense THz pulses

The speed of magnetization reversal is a key feature in magnetic data storage. Magnetic fields from intense THz pulses have been recently shown to induce small magnetization dynamics in Cobalt thin film on the sub-picosecond time scale. Here, we show that at higher field intensities, the THz electric field starts playing a role, strongly changing the dielectric properties of the cobalt thin film. Both the electronic and magnetic responses are found to occur simultaneously, with the electric field response persistent on a time scale orders of magnitude longer than the THz stimulu

Effect of rapid solidification on microstructure, creep resistance and thermal properties of Sn-10 wt.% Sb- 3 wt.% X ( X= In, Ag, Bi and Zn) lead-free solder alloys

The harmful effects of lead on the environment and human health, coupled with the threat of legislation, have prompted a serious search of lead-free solders for electronic packaging applications. The melt-spinning processes of ternary Sn-10 wt.%Sb-3 wt.%X (X=In, Ag, Bi and Zn) were analyzed using x-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Vickers hardness tester (HV). The investigation showed that, the addition of a small amount of the third element enhances the ductility of the Sn–10 wt. % Sb lead-free solder due to the formation of a fine, homogeneous ternary microstructure. It is concluded that, the addition of 3.0 wt% Ag improves the grain size of the ternary microstructure. The fine precipitates from SnSb intermetallic compound suppresses the coarsening of the ternary structure and thus enhances solder ductility. Structural and microstructural analysis revealed that the origin of change in mechanical behaviors was due to refined beta-Sn grains and formation of intermetallic compounds(IMCs) SnSb, InSn19, ?-In3Sn and Ag3Sn. The results indicated that the melting point of Sn-10Sb-3 wt.% Ag and Sn-10 wt.%Sb- 3 wt.% Zn alloys reduced to 230 and 240 ?C respectively. In particular, the zinc addition at 3 wt.% is the most effective in improving solder ductility and good creep resistance correlated to a fine grain size and complete soluble of SnSb IMC particles in the ?-Sn matrix

Air nonlinear dynamics initiated by ultra-intense lambda-cubic THz pulses

Air turns into a nonlinear medium for electromagnetic waves under exceptionally strong fields. However up to present, its minuscule nonlinear response has limited the exploration to the optical frequency regime owing to the availability of intense near-infrared lasers. Here, we report on the observation of large-amplitude nonlinearity in air induced by an extremely intense light bullet at Terahertz frequencies (0.1-10 THz) provoking strong air birefringence. The observed nonlinearity manifests itself as third order susceptibility. The presented nonlinear observations break the barrier for the entire exciting THz-induced nonlinear phenomena in air ranging from THz-induced self-focusing and self-phase modulation to THz solitons and filamentation

Synthetic versus biological mesh-related erosion after laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy. A systematic review

Purpose: This review reports the incidence of mesh-related erosion after ventral mesh rectopexy to determine whether any difference exists in the erosion rate between synthetic and biological mesh. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE and the Ovid databases was conducted to identify suitable articles published between 2004 and 2015. The search strategy capture terms were laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy, laparoscopic anterior rectopexy, robotic ventral rectopexy, and robotic anterior rectopexy. Results: Eight studies (3,956 patients) were included in this review. Of those patients, 3,517 patients underwent laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) using synthetic mesh and 439 using biological mesh. Sixty-six erosions were observed with synthetic mesh (26 rectal, 32 vaginal, 8 recto-vaginal fistulae) and one (perineal erosion) with biological mesh. The synthetic and the biological mesh-related erosion rates were 1.87% and 0.22%, respectively. The time between rectopexy and diagnosis of mesh erosion ranged from 1.7 to 124 months. No mesh-related mortalities were reported. Conclusion: The incidence of mesh-related erosion after LVR is low and is more common after the placement of synthetic mesh. The use of biological mesh for LVR seems to be a safer option; however, large, multicenter, randomized, control trials with long follow-ups are required if a definitive answer is to be obtained

Understanding Housing Challenges of International Students in Canada

This study addresses the research question on factors influencing housing preferences and experiences among international students in Canada. It investigates the housing challenges encountered by international students through online platforms, utilizing convenience sampling to select participants from diverse backgrounds. The survey, comprising both closed-ended and open-ended questions, explores demographic information, cost, location, cultural considerations, and housing quality and was completed by 23 international students. A mixed-methods approach was employed to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, aiming to unveil variables shaping preferences and experiences in the complex housing landscape for international students. Emphasizing ethical considerations, the study ensures informed consent, participant confidentiality, and oversight from the university\u27s research ethics board. Research results hold potential to inform policies and programs aimed at improving housing circumstances for international students in Canada. By addressing obstacles faced by this demographic, the research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of their needs, fostering a welcoming environment conducive to foreign students\u27 educational pursuits in the country