On structure of small contractions of odd dimensional projective varieties

Let X be a smooth projective variety of dimension 2k-1 (k≥3) over the complex number field. Assume that fR: X→Y is a small contraction such that every irreducible component Ei of the exceptional locus of fR is a smooth subvariety of dimension k. It is shown that each Ei is isomorphic to the k-dimensional projective space Pk, the k-dimensional hyperquadric surface Qk in Pk 1, or a linear Pk-1-bundle over a smooth curve.     

Study of Fe/Si magnetic layered nanostructures by reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy

The results of studying Fe/Si and Si/Fe layered structures with different thicknesses of the top layer by reflected electron energy loss spectroscopy are presented. A new method is proposed for the estimation of volume fractions of components in binary systems within the framework of the effective dielectric medium model.     

Electron-beam-induced conductivity and color cathodoluminescence of natural diamond plates in scanning electron microscope

Surfaces of natural type-IIa diamond plates used in ionizing-radiation detectors are studied in a scanning electron microscope using techniques of electron-beam-induced conductivity at different bias voltages and real-color cathodoluminescence.     

Analysis of heterojunction resonant cavity-enhanced Schottky photodiodes by using two-valley transport model

The article concerns heterojunction resonant cavity-enhanced (RCE) Schottky photodiodes with GaAs in the absorption layer. The quantum efficiency and linear pulse response have thoroughly been analysed. For the first time, the response of a heterojunction photodiode has been modelled by the phenomenological model for a two-valley semiconductor. The results obtained have shown that the satellite valleys, as well as the parasitic time constant, significantly influence the response and, accordingly, have to be taken into account when analysing and optimizing RCE photodetectors.     

An alternative approach for non-linear optimal control problems based on the method of moments

We propose an alternative method for computing effectively the solution of non-linear, fixed-terminal-time, optimal control problems when they are given in Lagrange, Bolza or Mayer forms. This method works well when the nonlinearities in the control variable can be expressed as polynomials. The essential of this proposal is the transformation of a non-linear, non-convex optimal control problem into an equivalent optimal control problem with linear and convex structure. The method is based on global optimization of polynomials by the method of moments. With this method we can determine either the existence or lacking of minimizers. In addition, we can calculate generalized solutions when the original problem lacks of minimizers. We also present the numerical schemes to solve several examples arising in science and technology.     

Die Entwicklung kausaler Hypothesen in der qualitativen Sozialforschung

The disregard of causal inference in the methodological literature about qualitative research is highly problematic, since the category of causality is closely linked to the concept of social action. However, it is also clear that causal analysis is burdened with certain difficulties and methodological challenges in the realm of social research. Some of these problems are discussed in this article using Mackie—s concept of 3 “INUS”-conditions. Thereby it will be shown that strategies of causal analysis based on comparative methods proposed for qualitative research, namely “Analytic Induction” and “Qualitative Comparative Analysis” have great difficulties in dealing adequately with these problems. They can only be solved, if case-comparative methods are combined with explorative research strategies which support the researcher in gaining access to the local knowledge of the research field.     

Investigating laser rapid manufacturing for Inconel-625 components

This paper presents an investigation of laser rapid manufacturing (LRM) for Inconel-625 components. LRM is an upcoming rapid manufacturing technology, it is similar to laser cladding at process level with different end applications. In general, laser-cladding technique is used to deposit materials on the substrate either to improve the surface properties or to refurbish the worn out parts, while LRM is capable of near-net shaping the components by layer-by-layer deposition of the material directly from CAD model. In the present study, a high-power continuous wave (CW) CO₂ laser system, integrated with a co-axial powder-feeding system and a three-axis workstation were used. The effect of processing parameters during LRM of Inconel-625 was studied and the optimum set of parameters for the maximum deposition rate was established employing Orthogonal L9 array of Taguchi technique. Results indicated that the powder feed rate and the scan speed contributed about 56% and 26%, respectively to the deposition rate, while the influence of laser power was limited to 10% only. Fabricated components were subjected to non-destructive testing (like—ultrasonic testing, dye-penetrant testing), tensile testing, impact testing, metallographic examinations and micro-hardness measurement. The test results revealed defect-free material deposition with improved mechanical strength without sacrificing the ductility.     

Kinetics of Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition in Guaiacol Solution, Catalyzed by Hexacyanoferrate(II)

The kinetics of hydrogen peroxide decomposition in a guaiacol solution, catalyzed by potassium hexacyanoferrate(II), were studied. The reaction mainly follows the pathway of guaiacol hydroxylation. The reaction order is 1 with respect to H₂O₂, 0.5 with respect to hexacyanoferrate, and from 0.4 to 0 with respect to guaiacol (the latter parameter decreases with increasing guaiacol concentration). The apparent activation energy is 105 kJ mol^{- 1}. A kinetic scheme of the process was proposed. An expression consistent with the experiment was obtained for the rate of hydrogen peroxide decomposition in the presence of guaiacol, catalyzed by hexacyanoferrate(II).     

Recovery of Butadiene-Styrene Rubber from Latex at Low Temperature with Various Coagulants

The influence of the charge of a metal cation and the nature of a coagulant on the recovery of butadiene-styrene rubber and properties of rubber stocks and vulcanizates was examined.