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Physical activity, subjective sleep quality and time in bed do not vary by moon phase in German adolescents
Lunar periodicity in human biology and behaviour, particularly sleep, has been reported. However, estimated relationships vary in direction (more or less sleep with full moon) if they exist at all, and studies tend to be so small that there is potential for confounding by weekly or monthly cycles. Lunar variation in physical activity has been posited as a driver of this relationship, but is likewise not well studied. We explore the association between lunar cycle, sleep and physical activity in a population‐based sample of 1411 Germans age 14–17 years (46% male). Physical activity (daily minutes moderate‐to‐vigorous activity) was objectively assessed by accelerometry for a total of 8832 days between 2011 and 2014. At the same time, time in bed (h) and subjective sleep quality (1–6) were diaried each morning. In models corrected for confounding, we found that lunar phase was not significantly associated with physical activity, subjective sleep quality or time in bed in either sex, regardless of season. Observed relationships varied randomly in direction between models, suggesting artefact. Thus, this large, objectively‐measured and well‐controlled population of adolescents displayed no lunar periodicity in objective physical activity, subjective sleep quality or time in bed. | https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/jsr/2017/00000026/00000003/art00016 |
The invention relates to caviar and a preparation method thereof. With fresh fishes, rice, hot peppers and plant oil being main raw materials, edible salt, gourmet powder, white sugar, ginger, garlic and other seasonings are added for pickling and fermenting, processing through slow-fire frying and other traditional processes is performed, and then through bottling and sterilizing, spicy caviar, fragrant and sweet caviar, garlic oil caviar and other caviar of various flavors are obtained. The caviar prepared through the processing technology is fragrant, delicious and rich in nutrient, has a long aftertaste and is provided as a delicious instant food good in color, flavor and taste. | |
The French industrial town of Freyming-Merlebach has acquired a symbol of its regeneration. The architectural practice of Dominique Coulon & associés designed the new “Théodore Goudy” Theatre and, in the process, redefined public space. The theatre establishes a creative dialogue with the heterogeneous urban landscape, morphing to fit within the context and logic of existing flows.
The unusual shape and dimensions create an evocative silhouette, with lines that ensure the visual transition between different sections, while also maintaining the same scale as the city. The visitors’ interest is drawn to the volumes: at the upper part of the building, the foyer is moved to indicate the entryway, while below, the transparent elements provide elusive glimpses of the wealth of internal itineraries, inviting people in. The foyer occupies a vertical space with a path created by the obvious interconnection of the staircases leading to the amphitheatre. The oblique lines that duplicate the complex geometry of the structure induce a subconscious expansion of the dimensions, creating a sense of space. The uniformity of the unprocessed plaster and the softness of the carpeted floors create the sensation of being inside some sort of cocoon.
At the same time, as natural light moves over the course of the day, it floods the public areas, reinforcing and revealing the building’s various aspects, shapes, and dimensions. This evolutionary dynamic adds to the overall evocativeness of the building. The route to the main hall is intentionally theatrical and dramatic. The amphitheatre creates a sharp contrast with the white facade of the external skin and the beige color story of the foyer. Red, pink and orange add density to the space, confirming the amphitheatre as the main element of the entire project. | http://colorinarchitecture.gr/en/architecture-en/theodore-goudy-theater/ |
We’re looking for people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, religions & ethnicities to join us in our project researching and celebrating the history of Sephardi Jews in England.
We have a variety of volunteering opportunities ranging from performing to researching, contributing stories to interviewing:
One of the main strands of the project is the collection of oral histories from Sephardi Jews in England and Jews who were scattered in other countries. These stories will then form the basis of our interactive website One Lost Stone and be available to listen to via this website. We are looking for:
Learn how to research archival material in museums and libraries and turn that research into material for use in our site-responsive performance and on our website. Training and support will be given.
Assist in drama workshops that investigate this particular diverse history of Jewish diaspora and return. Look at our Bevis Mark Workshops page to see what we’ve already done.
To find out more information about a role, and to volunteer, email [email protected] register your interest on the form below. To view our Volunteer Policy click here.
We will be delivering a number of free drama workshops in a range of community settings and schools all over London. These will reveal the many overlapping cultures, languages and traditions that emerged as a result of Jewish expulsion in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. They are open to the curious of all backgrounds, ages, faiths and those of no religion.
We will update our Workshops page as each event is confirmed, and you can subscribe to our mailing list to receive news of availability. We will also be posting downloadable educational resources for those unable to make the workshops. | https://www.lostjews.org.uk/get-involved/ |
Monday, June 6, 2016 (Shawnee on the Delaware, Pennsylvania) – After an extensive search and interview process, The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort announces the search has ended for the Executive Chef position. Dean Gardner was appointed the new Executive Chef at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort on Monday, May 30, 2016.
Prior to joining Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Dean’s career highlights include having worked for the Tavern on the Green for three years in New York City. Before NYC, Dean also worked for River Palm Terrace for six years in Edgewater, New Jersey. Additionally, Chef Dean worked across the pond, at the Island View Hotel and Golf Links in Dublin Ireland for five years.
Entering the Executive Chef position at Shawnee, Dean states this his focus is the continuation of creating wonderful guest experiences and memories. He plans to utilize the natural and locally produced ingredients and also implement new and exciting menus throughout the resort. Chef Dean also plans on working closely with our master brewers to offer unique food and beverage pairings.
Chef Gardner specializes in French cuisine, Traditional Bouillabaisse, which is a French fish and shellfish soup, being his favorite dish “In addition to traditional French and other European cuisines I also am inspired by current trends.” Says the Executive Chef.
Regarding his personal life, Dean Gardner is a local of Monroe County where he lives with his wife, Lorrayne, and son, Eric. Dean enjoys golfing, fishing, skiing and traveling – making The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort the ideal location. | https://www.shawneeinn.com/press/the-shawnee-inn-and-golf-resort-hires-new-executive-chef/ |
In the past 20 years there have been great advances in our understanding of the molecular genetics of gastrointestinal tumors. In general, cancers develop and proliferate due to: driver mutations or related alterations in the genome resulting in overactivity of oncogenes, underactivity of tumor suppressor genes allowing tumors to grow, and impaired DNA repair mechanisms either from sequential mutations with or without germline mutations predisposing patients to cancer. Infections such as hepatitis B and C, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can lead to hepatocellular cancers and anal cancers, respectively. This genomic knowledge has helped us better define unique subsets within diseases like colon and pancreatic cancer which may benefit from precisely targeted therapies. Alterations in key proteins on tumors and in the tumor microenvironment can be targets for molecular-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies, immunotherapies and other targeted treatments. Molecular imaging may be deployed more aggressively in high-risk groups for possible detection of tumor occurrence, progression, and response to therapy. This chapter provides a brief summary of the genomics of gastrointestinal tumors, selected examples of targeted therapies, and examples of how current and emerging molecular imaging tools, assessing the tumor phenotype, inform our management of patients with tumors. | https://profiles.wustl.edu/en/publications/the-interaction-of-genomics-molecular-imaging-and-therapy-in-gast |
Let’s face it, we all know we need to read more books. But we don’t.
But does it mean we are lazy readers? Not at all. In fact, we read a lot in our news feeds. So let’s bring great books to a place where we are most likely to read, Facebook news feeds.
We want to make a Facebook library of “short and sweet” versions of famous books inspired by popular social channels: Twitter (140 characters), Buzzfeed ("listicles"), and Medium (by-the-minute reads).
We'll have several Facebook pages, each dedicated to a certain format. By choosing the format, you subscribe to this page, and books in this format will be delivered to your news feed.
So if you, for instance, choose the "Buzzfeed" format, you'll be getting "listicles" with key moments of great books. | http://www.nikitasokolov.com/feader-1 |
ASTHMA | Super Healthy - the Wellness Coach.
Asthma is a chronic condition involving the respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict, become inflamed, and are lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers. These episodes may be triggered by such things as exposure to an environmental stimulant such as an allergen, environmental tobacco smoke, cold or warm air, perfume, pet dander, moist air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress. In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as those that cause the common cold. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
This questionnaire covers the most common signs, symptoms and effects of asthma. It includes some important questions to help screen for related spinal dysfunction, and some questions to suggest an immune system component. | http://www.superhealthy.com.au/asthma |
The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) is seeking a Senior Project Coordinator to support the Web and Digital Initiatives department. The position will be based in the GCI office at the Getty Center and will support the GCI’s web presence on getty.edu as well as a variety of complex international projects including the Arches and DISCO projects. Candidates must be detailed-oriented with strong time management skills, able to effectively handle multiple demands and shifting priorities. Must be a good problem-solver with strong written, verbal communication, and listening skills. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and HTML Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Familiarity with Google Analytics strongly desired. A Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of experience coordinating projects is required.
Deadline to submit applications is February 8, 2019. | https://www.calmuseums.org/Public/LEARN/Resources/Jobs/Senior%20Project%20Coordinator%20-%20The%20Getty%20Conservation%20Institute.aspx |
Teaching Literary Analysis to Teacher Trainees, or, How Teachers Should Read Literature
Silvia Pokrivcakova, University of Trnava, Slovakia, ID CLEaR2017-499; Abstract: For decades, literary courses have been an inseparable part of foreign language teacher training courses provided by all Slovak universities. Mostly, they include an introductory course on literary terminology followed by courses on history of both English and American literatures (in some cases of other Anglophone literatures as well). The time spent introducing and training various strategies of literary analysis is usually very short (up to 90 minutes). This may be one of the reasons why literary courses (and especially written assignments requiring individual literary interpretations) are not exceedingly popular among teacher trainees. The lack of knowledge and training in literary analysis does not allow students – teacher trainees to reach the expected outcomes of literary courses which should be, apart from leaning historical facts about anglophone literatures, to develop their critical and creative thinking about literature, to extend their higher-order thinking skills, and to become the teachers who are able not only to inform about literature but also provide their pupils/students with informed analysis and evaluation of literary works.
The improvement of foreign language teacher training in this regard is one of two main objects of the project KEGA 055UKF-4/2016, funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. The paper explains the project´s objectives, methodology and pilot results. | https://www.slovakedu.com/products/archetypal-criticism-in-academic-literary-analysis-or-how-students-read-contemporary-fantasy/ |
The state of American politics is such these days that the only respite we get from all the bickering and paralyzing partisanship may be in death. There, it seems, is one time and place where we all, or most of us, can come together. The death of a former president is one of those times.
President George H.W. Bush, who passed away on Nov. 30, 2018, will lie in state in the Capitol Rotunda starting on Dec. 3, 2018 as the nation mourns its 41st president prior to his burial in Texas.
Befitting his lifetime of service, Bush's death brings a contentious nation together in a rare, somber and ritual appreciation, but when did this tradition of having eminent Americans lie in state begin and who decides which Americans receive the honor?
The practice of lying in state began in the United States with Henry Clay, a Congressman and U.S. Secretary of State from Kentucky known as "The Great Compromiser." During much of Clay's life, the country was almost literally sectioned off, at odds over the question of slavery. Clay pushed through legislation to quell secession talk and to avoid civil war. (On his tombstone are these words: "I know no North — no South — no East — no West.") He died on June 29, 1852, and lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda on July 1, 1852.
Why was no one honored in this way before Clay? One reason: The Capitol wasn't completed until 1824.
Today, the honor is reserved for the nation's "most eminent citizens," according to the Architect of the Capitol, the agency charged with the stewardship of all the buildings and the 570 acres (231 hectares) of Capitol Hill grounds. According to custom and regulations, government officials — presidents, members of Congress and some military figures — lie "in state." The honor is not automatically extended to anyone except presidents and former presidents, and not everyone entitled to honor has it accepted by their survivors. Notable private citizens, too, sometimes get a rest in the Rotunda before burial, but they are said to lie "in honor." Coffins are placed in the Rotunda (the central part of the Capitol) under the Capitol Dome, often on a 2-foot-high (0.7-meters-high) catafalque made of pine, originally used to support the casket of Abraham Lincoln. The Lincoln catafalque is not used for those lying in honor.
Not all members of Congress who pass away, or all presidents, are afforded the honor of lying in state. McCain is only the 13th senator to do so.
The last person to lie under the Rotunda was evangelist (and adviser to many presidents) Billy Graham, who lay in honor in February, 2018. The last Congressperson was Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, who lay in state in 2012. Civil Rights icon Rosa Parks is the only woman ever to lie in honor (or state, for that matter). That was in 2005.
When the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is notified that a ceremony will occur, our team begins fabricating a wooden catafalque, a stand to hold the casket. Ceremonial stanchions are cleaned and polished, the floors of the Rotunda are buffed and waxed, stone entrances to the U.S. Capitol Building are power washed, and lamps and other lighting is checked.
The evening before the ceremony, which is hosted by congressional leadership, the AOC installs ceremonial stanchions, chairs, podium and media risers. A viewing queue is established and staffed within the Capitol Visitor Center and tables with condolence books put in place. Electrical and sound requirements are met and tested – including microphones on the podium and event lighting.
Historically, the body has remained in the Rotunda for a period determined by Congressional leadership. Usually, it's a day or two.
Ceremonies like lying in state are meant to "embalm an idea," according to anthropologist Shannon Lee Dawdy of the University of Chicago.
"These individuals, the bodies of these individuals, the corpses of these individuals, become electrified with meaning at the moment of death," Dawdy says. "They actually become symbols of nationalism, or of the national spirit, at the point of their death."
Whether that works, of course, and whether that lasts is often at question.
"It does tend to unite people. But any of these rituals often only do so for a short period, of course," Dawdy says. "You don't think back to JFK's funeral, per se, or him lying in state ... but the question of where you were when you heard that he was shot."
Still, lying in state and other death ceremonies — like state funerals or funeral processions — are important, even if their impact may be short-lived. They show that a nation can honor its best and that it can unite in doing so, that there is common ground to be found.
"We're in a very different national moment now. But some people hold onto those old ideas of honor and duty to nation, both within the military, but of course also in public service. And respecting the Constitution. So, I think that people who still cling to that idea of American democracy ... would be the most interested in seeing him honored this way."
Lying in state (and in honor) is not done only in Congress, but in several states as well. Other federal dignitaries are honored in other ways. In the U.S. Supreme Court, for example, justices lie in repose in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court — often on the loaned Lincoln catafalque. The last to do so was Justice Antonin Scalia, on Feb. 19, 2016. | https://history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/who-decides-which-americans-lie-in-state.htm |
While farms can be a great place to live, work and play, they can also be dangerous. Explore the categories below to learn more about accidents and preventing injuries to youth on farms.
Accidents
In the United States of America, a child dies in an agricultural related incident every 3 days.
Learn More
Injury Stories
Learning from others’ mistakes and mishaps is one of the best ways to prevent future accidents.
Learn More
Preventing Injuries
Most accidents are both predictable and preventable. Proper safety and supervision are key.
Learn More
Parents First
Protect the most important thing you’ll ever raise – Be a Parent First, Farmer Second!
Learn More
Accidents
Agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S., with workers 7 times more likely to die on the job compared to other industries. It is also the only worksite where children of any age can be present and as a result, every three days a child dies in an agriculture-related incident. Click the thumbnails below to learn more about injuries and fatalities in agriculture. | https://cultivatesafety.org/accidents/ |
The Values Choice: Cultural Values in the short and long-term – the debate continues
Three years ago I wrote about the ‘Values Gap‘. This was a blog posting that has been cited in RSA reports on the psychological basis for active citizenship. Now is the right time to talk about what one might describe as ‘The Values Choice‘. This is about the evolution and transmission of cultural values over the long and short terms and the difference between strategy and tactics in achieving it.
The Choice
There is an ongoing public debate on how human values will evolve and what those involved in ethical pro-social behaviour change might do to encourage change. There are two approaches:
- Some see promoting inner directed intrinsic values and seeking to displace or reduce in importance outer directed extrinsic values as absolutely vital for long-term human survival at a time we are by our actions impacting on climate change – Naomi Klein has just written a book on the urgency of this issue
- Some see more of an interplay between values and people with inner directed values will have to learn to work with those who hold other values for a long time to come. There is also an inner directed ethical issue of should we impose our own values on others? Whether this is seen as part of cultural relativism or not it is itself something to consider
This is a choice but within it there are further choices from current and ongoing debates as I explain below.
Motivators for taking sides
Before I explore the debate, it is important to get what will be a mainly inner directed readership to understand the nuances so the first question to pose is do you think there is a choice or not? Your own values are likely to impact on your view on this:
- If you are inner directed but pessimistic about the future (eg not enough people are changing fast enough in a climate challenged world and the optimistic are open to ‘magical thinking‘). This can lead to adopting an approach that errs to ethical certainty and pushes for your values to overcome those values you see as particularly damaging to the environment.
- If you are inner directed but optimistic about the future (eg technology will sort it out). They tend to think in terms of ethical complexity and that some valid ethical issues are often in conflict.
Some might think this is a minor thing, but it probably a deep dividing line for the future that exists now in debates around ethical pro-social behaviour change, so better to understand it as part of more immediate issues.
In 2006 Jonathan Porritt in his book ‘ Capitalism as if the world matters‘ inadvertently came up with the description of this choice in terms of climate change which he called the ‘Lovelock–Lomborg Axis‘ reflecting the divergent views on the future of climate change of those people at the time.
As an aside, if one were to speculate in projecting forward one might realise that traditional utopians or philosophers are likely to be wrong about the chances of future spontaneous harmony leading to just the ‘administration of things’ in an overwhelmingly inner directed world where networks may hold a stronger role compared to hierarchies and markets than they do at present. Serious debate would still exist between those who we in our era might define as ‘autonomists/socialists’ versus ‘libertarians’ on that axis for a very long time into the future even if authoritarianism, traditionalism and consumption within society declines with a decline in the numbers holding significant sustenance and extrinsic values. Indeed we already see a vast mix within intrinsic values from traditional Greens and the political left all the way through to Pirate Parties and Anonymous. We also see climate change activists in conflict with environmental bird protection groups over energy generating sea barrages to know that the inner directed values set will contain its own conflicts.
One of the continuous drivers for this conflict is that it is very hard to simplify people’s needs down to something all people would actually agree on. Some needs around autonomy may still clash with collective action problems for a start. As this will be a lengthy blog posting, I have written a lot more on the requirement for a wider shared understanding on motivational needs here saying this on the subject of community cohesion in communities that are rapidly changing through migration: “Needs are the base from which people then express their Values. Some communities are still seeking to satisfy needs in terms of safety and security and communications need to address the values that derive from those needs far more in order to be able to have an effective two-way conversation. It enables us to gain insight into those communities where, for example, its economic development is being held back by unsatisfied needs around safety and security so that a range of new approaches are needed to develop new needs within communities to influence values to increase levels of motivation. and community resilience”.
Values Awareness
Whatever their view on this choice all the inner directed are confident, well-educated with strong views and surrounded by networks of bridging social capital full of people who are confident, well-educated with strong views. This can lead to two elements being strongly reinforced as part of the inner directed mindset
- Confirmation bias – This is the tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that confirms one’s beliefs or hypotheses. Very strong in those who are very confident and intelligent
- Modal Bias – This is the automatic assumption that our idea is always best.
Because education is so important to the inner directed, this can lead to the values gap I have previously described opening up as the values group-think is so strong for such fundamental elements of our being. In addition as Oliver Burkeman suggests, can the inner directed also get far too empathic and second guess that a person might be offended when they haven’t even thought through the issue to such a degree?
If you have inner directed values, your big picture is a better world, but how do you get through to those who see you as a ‘politically correct do gooder’ as your values will often tend to make you insufferable to those who do not hold those values.
It is important for all those holding inner directed values to bear this in mind when taking part in debates across the values gap but also in the developing debate over the values choice.
The Debate over the values choice
Having set out some of the motivators to how people might respond to the debate, lets return to the view of the protagonists within it. There have been two main aspects put forward in discussion on the values choice:
Tom Crompton and Common Cause versus Chris Rose and Pat Dade
Full disclosure here. The Campaign Company continues to work closely with Pat Dade on projects. It should also be added that we have never had a disagreement with Tom Crompton’s long-term approach to promoting intrinsic values. Indeed of the 10 core points his website Common Cause sets out we would agree straight-away with 9 of them.
There are two approaches that space does not permit to go into detail, so I recommend you read the links for each approach first. In summary:
- Pat Dade and Chris Rose – Matching Motivations approach – get people with different values to do the same thing for different motivations
- Tom Crompton of Common Cause – Framing based on intrinsic values that reach out to those with other motivations and seek to encourage the right values within them
An important and neutral authority Brian Lamb OBE in 2011 explored the issues of values for campaigns drawing from sources that significantly influenced TCCs learning such as Drew Westen”s Political Brain and the behavioural economics Nudge agenda. He set out three elements that we would heartily agree with:
- Campaigns which are trying to appeal to the public or change behaviour have to be calibrated towards the values of the public rather than simply presenting arguments around interests or facts
- This has lead to a great deal of interest in Marketing based analysis-mapping the value sets of the public, where they sit on the spectrum of views and how they could be addressed by reframing issues to sync with those views
- Segmentation against values becomes the key to successful campaigns aimed at public change
Lamb then very effectively summarised the two theoretical approaches:
Pat Dade and Chris Rose: Matching Motivations
- Campaigns look to align values
- Then secure behaviour change in line with values by modelling behaviour-but does not matter if starting point is different – green consumerism an example
- Opinions adjust to align with behaviour
- This can then be utilised politically
Tom Crompton: Framing Intrinsic Values
- Campaigners need to align frames with values
- But we should only secure those frames and values that appeal to the right values-using the oppositions frames will undermine the whole project
- Psychology shows that you cannot lead people to good behaviours through promoting frames that undermine what you are trying to achieve
He then synthesised the two approaches as follows:
- One key conclusion-its easier to sell positive visions that align with values than negative ones-but need to be careful not to over claim
- Common Cause approach holds out significant hope for broader behaviour change but needs testing and is more complex
- But can you really expect to change fundamental underlying values and affiliations if they are as deep rooted as the theories suggest?
- If so suggests much more cross working to promote values that sustain the concerns encapsulated by the sector
George Marshall of the Climate Outreach and Information Network (COIN) and who wrote Carbon Detox and is about to publish Don’t Even Think About It: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Ignore Climate Change has also talked about the debate in guides to community level engagement on climate change (the level TCC is most interested in) and says: “A communications strategy called ‘social marketing’ argues that people can be categorized into different attitudinal types which can then be the basis of Climate Change communications. This approach is useful for developing messages, especially around certain behaviours, and is the basis of much current government thinking. Other theorists argue that this approach often focuses on material values and that to achieve real and lasting change we need to appeal to people’s deeper values, for example: their sense of identity, their desire to grow as a person, and their belonging to a community. Once again, messaging that stresses a shared sense of local identity and pride is most effective but be aware that changing fundamental values is a long term process!“.
TCC have tended to side with Dade and Rose in this debate because of its more immediate and useful application for immediate health social marketing activity and tackling the community cohesion challenges in parts of East London – examples of these are all through this blog – whilst recognising the long-term benefit of the latter in responding to big picture issues such as climate change or world development. It is arguable that the first is about tactics and the second about strategy though both sides may not see it like that – which goes back to my points right at the beginning. Lamb himself seems to recognise the differences rather than simply taking sides.
Tom Crompton and Common Cause in response to the debate published the following paper: Limitations of Environmental Campaigning Based on Values for Money, Image,and Status Eight Psychologists Reflect on the Disagreement between the Value Modes and Common Cause Approaches. It is essentially sets out a case against Values Modes use of ‘matching motivations’ (ie getting people in different values sets to behave the same way for different motivational reasons) as opposed to the other values approach. I think Crompton may be broadly right over ‘big picture’ environmental issues, which are about a ‘strategy’ for ‘saving the world’. However for all his optimism his approach will require values to change over time and require much bigger resources than the actions of a number of NGO’s.
At the same time I think his case is much weaker over issues such as community cohesion and public health where matching motivations can be a good short-term ‘tactic’ to changing behaviour where certain actions are small, tangible and immediate. He has strong views over ‘spillover’ effects saying that just because someone follows one environmental behaviour but not others this is in effect not good enough. This is because his longer-term view means he in effect wants to fight a war on all fronts. The only problem as I have blogged here is that is cognitively exhausting. It is the environmental equivalent of asking people to give up smoking and lose weight at the same time and we know from habit research that doing that is difficult.
A strategy that has frames as the only significant tool in its tool-kit is also problematic for the following reasons:
- Frames come as Tim Holmes points out come from “several intellectual traditions” and can be “conflicting”. It also when you think about it seriously requires a vast degree of consistent and long-term messaging from the inner directed, who love intellectual debate, that I would find surprising bearing in mind my earlier points about the dividing lines around pessimism and optimism within inner-directed values itself. Of course the ethically certain will be confident they are right whilst those who are intrinsically motivated but see ethical complexity and be far more cautious promoting those agreed frames. Going about constructing a vast social norm within the inner directed is an interesting challenge that has not been explained yet. Will ethical considerations stop the use of the behavioural tools that we do know work to help create such a social movement promoting those frames?
- Framing is up against most of the marketing departments of almost every commercial marketing organisation in the world – the most effective ever independent ‘revolutionary cells’ – in this case promoting extrinsic values. The ethically certain have already got to the stage where they want to legislate to ban advertising to the under 16s – not necessarily a bad thing if done carefully in my view. However we may see some people’s ethics lead them to move to increasingly authoritarian positions – in the eyes of people who do not share their values – of banning all advertising to reinforce intrinsic frames – despite being in the Canute-like position of a free internet immediately undermining any attempt at doing this to any age group……unless of course some of the ethically certain continue to follow through and advocate ‘censoring’ that too?
- In any case a more practical and less authoritarian approach might be to expand ethically driven social marketing to counter commercial marketing. This is something a much wider coalition of people might go along with much more quickly. The case for that is probably best left for another blog posting
Framing as the only tool sends the message that Common Cause is just a, no doubt very worthy, training course for NGO communications and marketing departments and not about the building of a wider social movement. This is significant when there are a wider range of on the ground interventions which I won’t go into detail here , but are covered or are planned to be covered in this blog. For as well as framing and values matching locally there are on the ground based interventions such as:
- Network mapping and enrichment
- Habit formation and choice architecture design
- Assisted based community development and resilience building
- Relational training to help frontiline staff of organisations to engage more effectively on complex issues when the people they are dealing with are desiring simple solutions
When Common Cause advocates Donald W. Hine and Aaron Driver criticise segmented messages and describe social marketing as shallow, they do not seem to have seen the range of possible community based interventions there are. However more significantly they do recognise the difference I make between local health based targeting and big picture climate change which is fundamentally my point, saying, “And the literature is clear: tailored health communications are more likely than non-tailored content to be consumed, understood, recalled and perceived as credible. Social marketing’s success has naturally generated substantial interest in how these principles and practices might apply to climate change. However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm“.
In return I think those on the values matching side of the fence do need to consider their point, “In their excellent review of the climate change social marketing literature, Corner and Randall (2011) argued that audience segmentation may diminish a sense of shared collective responsibility within communities by accentuating differences between audience segments“. This point about collective responsibility issues is a fair one.
George Monbiot and the Values Ratchet
More recently in June 2014 George Monbiot talked about the ‘values ratchet’ and how simply matching values does not make change.
At the time I made the following points in response:
- Is he advocating what is a sensible values strategy to address issues which are also about tactics? The big danger is confusing a good strategy for long-term as a replacement to effective tactics
- No explanation of an effective response against those who use 1.Threat 2.Reframe & 3. Values Ratchet?
- The strategic approach he implies seems to be 1. Education 2.Reframe 3.Value ratchet the other way….but this will take years
- Values Matching is a legitimate ‘tactic’ in response to immediate ‘threats’ Monbiot describes. It does not aspire to be the strategy he advocates though
- The Values ratchet point does not explain the rise of progressive social issues such as feminism or gay marriage. The Schwarz Values Circumplex shows values can shift in various ways and intrinsic values that are more libertarian can advance as much as more socialist intrinsic values
- The political right also has its own values ratchet narrative of the ‘slippery slope‘. For many years this played to their own pessimism to the future. Perhaps it is because some inner directed have their own pessimism for the future -see my introductory points – that they have adopted the values ratchet as their version of this
Monbiot is confusing long-term societal change (post-materialist intrinsic values does tend to correlate at least in the west with levels of higher education). with the need for day to day campaigning tactics around narratives and values.
Values matching (the use of a person’s current values to engage with them even if they are not intrinsic) is a good idea especially to address short-term issues such as getting them to take up a life-saving public health change or to stop them rejecting community cohesion where often the symptom of the underlying issues is voting for a far-right party. It is though not something one would necessarily use to stop people over long-termist big picture issues such as consumerism or climate change.
There is a difference between the two. They are not in contradiction, but we should use the strategy and tactics in the right places and can often promote both at the same time.
One of the reasons values matching may be disliked by some inner directed people is that (unlike the Crompton model which is just unidirectional) they can be used both ethically to tackle problems but they can also be used the other way as ‘the dark side of the force‘. For example they will have been used effectively by short-termist politicians to motivate people’s behaviour and build a coalition of support when it comes to voting. Mrs Thatcher fought on a a very aspirational extrinsically motivated platform of right to buy, cheap utility shares (with their Tell Sid adverts) and trade union reform. Have a look at the Values differences in Newspaper readerships on page 33-34 of the Chris Rose report and page 18 of this IPPR report on values and politics by TCC’s Nick Pecorelli. to illustrate how getting the support of newspapers over a prolonged period can have an impact on voters views towards issues such as immigration and benefits reform. As an aside, multi-segmented messages across different values do have a long pedigree in politics, when you think of the values it touches the famous political slogan Peace, Bread and Land is in order about the intrinsic big picture, sustenance and aspiration all in one phrase!
Monbiot in a follow-up article to his values ratchet criticises parties on the left for playing follow my leader to the right on this. However let us spell out from Monbiot’s own words what they have been up against. If the right focus on ‘threat’ and ‘money’ to motivate humans is post-materialist big picture politics going to immediately trump that except with people who have the current luxury in this world of being in a position to be post-materialists? Monbiot does at least admit that those working from a pessimistic position have themselves used ‘threats’ about the future, and does say he would prefer to stick to his intrinsic motivations, saying “Almost everyone I know in this field is motivated by something completely different: the love and wonder and enchantment nature inspires. Yet, perhaps because we fear we will not be taken seriously, we scarcely mention them. We hide our passions behind columns of figures. Sure, we need the numbers and the rigour and the science, but we should stop pretending these came first. Without being fully conscious of the failure and frustration that’s been driving it, I’ve been trying, like others, to promote a positive environmentalism, based on promise, not threat.” The question then gets back to can a ‘promise’ trump ‘money’ and ‘threats’ in the average life of people. The onus is on Common Cause to show the effectiveness of their approach over a period of time. They will be up against the evidence from many elections where we clearly do have good metrics which indicate that a ‘promise’ on its own is very difficult to achieve desired objectives.George Marshall talking about his new book (see above) also says a promise based approach is “a way of thinking about it that’s just going to have to come further down the line“.
Perhaps the recent result of the Scottish referendum where 85% voted illustrates the challenge for a ‘promise’ based campaign bearing in mind the drivers for the successful No vote? It is a country where we know from Pat Dade’s research that it had the highest figure in the UK for inner directed at 50% (perhaps with its good education system helping to build its distinctive ‘social democratic’ culture) with 30 % outer directed and 20% sustenance driven. The figures also explain to me why in England certain people I know who liked a ‘promise’ message were sympathetic to the highly promise-driven Yes campaign.
The Brazillian Presidential election was another recent one where a Environmentalist candidate Marian Silva was at one stage the front-runner with a message of ‘Promise’ but whose poll rating in the last few days collapsed as ‘threat’ and ‘money’ within the messages of the two main parties came back the fore with negative ads having an impact on her result and the person who knocked her out of the run-off promising ‘safe change‘.
Even the famed Barack Obama campaigns in the U.S. that had the message of ‘Hope’ also had a lot of ‘threat’ and ‘money’ messaging that was targeted through Big Data.
Conclusions and the way Forward
Why is all this important to the debate as to now we change behaviour to support more pro-social behaviours? I would argue this gets to the crux of what causes and campaigns, politicians and those fighting to improve public health are all about and the choices they will increasingly face between short-term tactics and long-term strategy.
My view is that there is no contradiction and both elements have their place as long as we are clear about this and recognise the need for ongoing research and insight and scope for understanding unintended consequences. I thus tend to look for the commonalities of approach from those on the various sides of the debate
Framing is a favoured approach of all those in the values field, so I would suggest the following frame to encourage debate:
|Approach||Objective||Main Tool||Levels|
|Strategic||Promotion of wider intrinsic values to tackle a collective action problem eg climate change||Framing||International, national, local|
|Tactical||Solving an immediate community or individual problem eg break down in community cohesion, smoking cessation, reducing obesity||Values matching||Mainly local|
Is there a contradiction? Tom Crompton and George Monbiot might fairly reply “we are not into short-term change, the issues are far too big and we are into long-term societal change”. The question is does behavioural activity in areas such as community cohesion and public health hold them back over their priority around the field of climate change?
My own response would be “good luck I personally agree with your long-termism on this, I just don’t feel threatened by some of the short-term work”. This may go back to my point earlier about people with inner directed values thinking they have the ‘right’ answer’ when I think we are all still at early days in values research and we are still exploring the potential for a synthesis. Using values matching to support local community cohesion projects or tackle local and personal public health is not going to hold back the long-term promotion of intrinsic values for a more sustainable world, an objective which I too would agree will assist the creation of greater human co-operation and pro-social behaviour. This will take longer than some protagonists assume and this is where the actual values metrics produced by Pat Dade come in very helpful as we have seen some significant values shifts around pessimism and optimism over the course of the current recession.
Having set out how we use tactics, I also think we can deepen the values strategy and there are two further elements I would add to the broadly two-prong Common Cause approach. As well as the two Crompton suggests:
- Understanding values and the values segments within
- Framing
I would also add:
- Promoting Education, enquiry and knowledge – this seems to be a massive driver of post-materialist inner-directedness
- Understanding and mapping social networks which are likely to have to ‘take the strain’ much more in reinforcing intrinsic values
On the last point, I have blogged here a hypothesis about the deep interplay between networks and values and the early research seems to indicate that different values lead to different sized networks leading to people with different values holding different types of social capital. TCC found the inner directed held more bridging social capital whilst the sustenance driven tend to have much more bonding social capital. Networks and values also interconnect with levels of optimism and pessimism in a community as earlier research by TCC has already shown. The combination of all that is vital for community resilience. This is why I think Networks are an important additional element for long-term strategy. In recent years Paul Ormerod , the RSA and TCC have contributed insight to the networks debate. I now look forward to Paul Mason’s spring book on the rise of flat networked communities in the field of protest.
Naomi Klein in her book references the Tom Crompton model (page 60) and also concludes by arguing for climate change to be more than economics and a moral crusade and about right and wrong like the campaign to abolish slavery. The point to bear in mind from both Crompton and Dade/Rose models based on the schwarz circumplex is that morality is more of a sustenance driven value and the intrinsically motivated see things in terms of ethics and not morals. Building a coalition encompassing both ethics and morals needs very good framing and at a local tactical level may even need to values match to a degree – subject to the caution set out by Crompton above. One of the best recent examples of this sort of ethical/morality coalitions is how society and its political and online twitterati representatives forced the closure of Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World. Ethically driven people already despised the News of the World; it was when the Milly Dowler phone-hack scandal came up that it became an intensely moral issue too and an ethical/moral values coalition drove the paper out of existence in less than a week.
Thus from the lessons of this there are four elements I would suggest to any strategy to raise the issue of climate change
- Build an ethical/moral coalition on the issue – this means assembling people with differing values motivations
- In order to address moral values which tend to be sustenance driven you need to make the issue tangible. Just as stories of individual slaves fuelled the abolitionist campaign, those fighting for earth sustainability need to make the stories of the climate change threatened tangible. This needs the 20 year plus stories of people living in the Ganges delta or in places where there is deforestation to show the impact of tangible change
- Focus the change demanded on a specific. What is the climate change campaign equivalent of the specific abolitionist demand of a law ‘abolishing slavery’?
- Recognise that abolishing slavery did not end the challenges faced by the freed Anti-American community in the South and the ‘Civil Rights’ movement had to build its own offer for many years until it too achieved its own ethical/moral coalition explosion in support in the 1960’s. This of course does not invalidate the massive achievement abolition was; it means we have to recognise the unintended consequences and the need for continued ongoing campaigns on the next challenge. Even if we reduce carbon usage to minimise impact in time we will still face new climate challenges in world with complex and chaotic climate for those who already know about climate change and temperature in the Permian, Cretaceous and Eocene geological periods. Perhaps that very early environmentalist William Morris had it about right with his quote here.
I hope that all sides in the current debate will feel I have characterised the core elements of it fairly. People working in the values field have got to learn to work together where they can see what might be perceived sometimes as a choice is more of an opportunity to share valuable experiences. A Values Choice may always exist, but even if it does a choice within an intrinsically motivated world would still be an improvement on where we are at present.
Charlie Mansell is Research and Development Officer at The Campaign Company. You can read more about our behaviour change work here and our work into values here. | http://www.thecampaigncompany.co.uk/uncategorized/the-values-choice/ |
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AbstractThe essay is devoted to study of the Hans Christian Andersen?s fairy tales that were dramatized for presentation by Czech children theatre groups. It`s first part deals with the analysis of Andersen's fairy tale literary output, with regard to his narrative style and his contribution to the genre of fairy tale. Second part of the work analyzes the Swineherd story in terms of qualities, which it offers to children?s theater, and compares it with other stories dramatized for the same purpose. The final part discusses six dramatizations of Swineherd, which were staged with children groups, especially in terms of how to convert a literary narrator in theatrical form, and the influence of the nature of such conversion on the structure of the production and its characters. In respect to each of the scripts, the essay studies the extent to which their authors managed to preserve the genre and style of the original and what influence any shifts had on the transmission of the Swineherd `s message. | https://repository.globethics.net/handle/20.500.12424/1000891 |
President Obama’s probability of winning the Electoral College fell slightly in Friday’s FiveThirtyEight forecast, from 83.9 percent to 82.7 percent on Thursday.
Although Friday’s polls were a bit more equivocal than on some recent days, the shift mainly came because of a decline in the FiveThirtyEight economic index, which continues to have some influence on the forecast.
A government report on Friday showed a decline in real personal income in August, one of the economic data series that the forecast model uses. Furthermore, the July personal income figures, which had initially looked quite positive, were revised downward to show slower income growth.
Real personal income is up 2 percent from one year ago, a below-average number, but one that roughly matches other economic figures. However, it had been flat to negative for much of 2011, and it has increased only at about the growth rate of the population over the whole course of Mr. Obama’s term.
Another economic data series that the model uses, personal consumption expenditures, was also published on Friday and showed sluggish growth in consumer spending after adjusting for inflation.
Numbers from the manufacturing sector have also been poorer lately, and this month’s monthly jobs report was mediocre.
And yet, consumer confidence was up sharply this month across several surveys, reaching a four-month high in The Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan’s monthly measurement of it.
What accounts for the discrepancy? Some of it might be in the timing: the reports on consumption and personal income covered August, whereas the consumer confidence surveys are quicker to update and instead reflect numbers for September. And there have been some recent positives in the economic data, like tentatively better numbers from the housing sector.
Politics undoubtedly also plays a part, however. We often talk about the important role that the economy plays in the election. But Americans perceptions of the economy are also colored by their political views.
Gallup, which tracks numbers on economic confidence daily, found a substantial increase in consumer confidence that was unmistakably timed to the Democratic convention. Most of the increase, however, was caused by Democrats, who now view the economy much more positively. The numbers also improved modestly among independent voters, but there was no improvement among Republicans.
It seems that Mr. Obama and Bill Clinton were able to persuade some voters in their speeches at the convention that there are silver linings in the economy. It is the most persuasive explanation for how subjective perceptions of the economy improved at a time when objective measurements of it had worsened.
But could improved consumer confidence actually translate into improved consumer spending, which could help stimulate the economic recovery? Or do measures of consumer sentiment become unreliable predictors of actual economic behavior once we’re this deep into an election cycle?
Some academic studies of this question find that improved consumer confidence actually may affect consumer behavior — even if the initial impetus for the change was rooted in political factors. Democrats might be going out to dinner a few more times this month — even if Republicans don’t.
On the other hand, Gallup’s tracking of self-reported consumer spending has not seen much of a change since the Democratic convention. Self-reported assessments of spending are not always reliable. But we’ll have to wait several more weeks until September data on retail sales is available, giving us a harder measure of how consumers are actually behaving.
These ambiguous relationships between political attitudes, economic attitudes and actual economic behavior are complicated. It isn’t necessarily so straightforward to say what constitutes the economic “fundamentals,” when those economic variables may be influenced in part by the political attitudes of consumers and businesses, along with fiscal and monetary policy.
However, I am especially wary of using sentiment-based measures like consumer confidence in elections analysis, and forecasting models that have done so have had extremely poor results when applied to real data. If you had an elections model based on horse-race polls and consumer confidence right now, you’d run the risk of double-counting Mr. Obama’s gains, since in this case the consumer confidence figures seemed to have been influenced by electoral politics more than the other way around.
Friday’s Polls
Speaking of silver linings: Friday’s poll numbers were a bit more hopeful for Mitt Romney, at least as compared to his extremely poor numbers over the past week or so. A number of swing state polls congregated at a lead in the low- to mid-single digits for Mr. Obama, but we weren’t seeing as many polls with him ahead in mid- to high-single digit leads.
Mr. Obama’s lead also declined by one point in the RAND Corporation’s national tracking poll, and by two points in the Ipsos online tracking poll, and in a poll published by United Press International. It held steady at six points, however, in the Gallup national tracking poll.
Our “now-cast,” which looks at the polls alone and does not account for the economic data, held steady on Friday, suggesting that it would be premature to make too much out of these shifts. A couple more days’ worth of polls like this, however, and Mr. Romney might be able to make the case that Mr. Obama’s momentum has abated some.
The smart money is that Mr. Obama’s standing in the polls will erode some between now and Nov. 6, especially if we continue to see the mediocre economic data that we did on Friday. It is probably too late in the election cycle for the economic data alone to prevent Mr. Obama from being favored in the race, unless the numbers are poor enough to give voters the sense that the economy has reached some new state of acute crisis. But it could soften the ground a bit for Mr. Romney down the stretch run if he can find some other ways, like the debates, to also make gains.
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This program is for patients who have experienced moderate to severe impairment after a stroke, a brain injury (acquired or traumatic), or neuromuscular condition and have a good chance of recovery. While length of stay will vary by individual needs, the general program is 4 to 8 weeks.
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Dan Swift is an award-winning architect with experience in many different product types including single family, multifamily and mixed use. He has developed a vast knowledge of, and sensitivity to, the changing trends of the industry. As President of BSB Design, Dan oversees the firm’s design and business development efforts in multiple markets nationwide.
Over the past 20 years, Dan has helped the firm develop and fine-tune its unique design consultation process, providing builders with quality designs and product programming in a compressed time frame—often accomplishing more in one week than many architectural firms can in months. Of late, he has focused his efforts on introducing clients to the process of retooling to enhance product value and helping them discover the new features and spaces in housing that enhance the marketability of new homes in today’s market.
Dan Swift fills us with energy, leadership, vision and growth to inspire the BSB family to grow its legacy. | https://www.bsbdesign.com/leadership/daniel-r-swift/ |
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Our vision is connecting people with opportunities for a better Aotearoa New Zealand.
We are a non-profit registered Charitable Trust, established in response to the generosity of good New Zealanders who wanted to and continue to support the work of our Founder and Chair, Dr Lance O'Sullivan.
Our mission is to support and empower communities, with a focus on vulnerable children and young people. We uphold our vision and mission through the provision of opportunities in Leadership, Health and Education.
Our strategic goals are:
- Growth & Sustainability - Ensuring long term, sustainable growth that promotes the cultural, economic, social, health and environmental aspirations of our corporate community, sponsors and ambassadors.
- Enhance & Develop Programmes and Initiatives - Continue the development of programmes and initiatives aligned to our vision and strategic objectives.
- Develop & Maintain Key Investment Partnerships - Ensure partnerships are meaningful, lasting and provide added value.
Our overarching values are:
- Aroha - Show love, passion and respect
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Basehunters, a storm-chasing team from Oklahoma, captured this unbelievable footage of a supercell thunderstorm forming in Wyoming.
Supercell thunderstorms consist of continually rotating updrafts and can cause torrential rainfall, hail and even tornadoes.
While in theory it just sounds like a really wild storm, on film it looks like an apocalyptic tornado carrying with it imminent death. Watch the video here.
Tags: | https://www.shft.com/reading/force-of-nature |
"The opening of this fund is an important step in our efforts to help affected families," Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said in the release on Monday.
The $50 million Financial Assistance Fund represents the initial expenditure of a $100 million pledge by Boeing to address family and community needs of those affected by the tragedies, the release said.
The additional $50 million in funds will support education and economic empowerment in impacted communities through partnerships with local governments and non-profit organizations, the release added.
Families who lost relatives in fatal Boeing 737 Max air crashes are set to receive about $144,500 each from the company, according to media reports.
UrduPoint Network is the largest independent digital media house from Pakistan, catering the needs of its users since year 1997. We provide breaking news, Pakistani news, International news, Business news, Sports news, Urdu news and Live Urdu News | |
RELATED APPLICATION
0001 This is a C-I-P of Ser. No. 09/493,347 filed Jan. 28, 2000, which is a C-I-P of Ser. No. 08/682,174 filed Apr. 28, 1998, which is a C-I-P application of U.S. Ser. No. 08/589,182 filed Jan. 19, 1996, now abandoned, which is a C-I-P of U.S. Ser. No. 08/537,206 filed Sep. 29, 1995, now abandoned, which is a C-I-P of U.S. Ser. No. 08/410,445 filed Mar. 24, 1995, now abandoned, which is a C-I-P of U.S. Ser. No. 08/376,332 filed Jan. 20, 1995, now abandoned, all of said applications are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0002 1. Field of the Invention
0003 The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning the atmosphere; and more particularly to a vehicle comprising at least one atmosphere contacting surface having a pollution treating composition thereon, and a related method and composition.
0004 2. Discussion of the Related Art
0005 A review of literature relating to pollution control reveals that the general approach is to reactively clean waste streams entering the environment. If too much of one pollutant or another is detected or being discharged, the tendency has been to focus on the source of the pollutant, the cause of the pollutant or the waste stream containing the pollutant. For the most part gaseous streams are treated to reduce the pollutants prior to entering the atmosphere.
0006 It has been disclosed to treat atmospheric air directed into a confined space to remove undesirable components in the air. However, there has been little effort to treat pollutants which are already in the environment; the environment has been left to its own self cleansing systems. References are known which disclose proactively cleaning the environment. U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,088 discloses an air filtering assembly for cleaning pollution from the ambient air by utilizing a vehicle as a mobile cleaning device. A variety of elements are disclosed to be used in combination with a vehicle to clean the ambient air as the vehicle is driven through the environment. In particular, there is disclosed ducting to control air stream velocity and direct the air to various filter means. The filter means can include filters and electronic precipitators. Catalyzed postfilters are disclosed to be useful to treat nonparticulate or aerosol pollution such as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide and/or sulfur oxides, and the like. German Patent DE 43 18 738 C1 also discloses a process for the physical and chemical cleaning of outside air. Motor vehicles are used as carriers of conventional filters and/or catalysts, which do not constitute operational components of the vehicle but are used to directly clean atmospheric air.
0007 Another approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,429. There is disclosed a mobile airborne air cleaning station. In particular this patent features a dirigible for collecting air. The dirigible has a plurality of different types of air cleaning devices contained therein. The air cleaning devices disclosed include wet scrubbers, filtration machines, and cyclonic spray scrubbers.
0008 The difficulty with the above recited devices disclosed to proactively clean the atmospheric air is that they require new and additional equipment. Even the modified vehicle disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,088 requires ducting and filters which can include catalytic filters.
0009 DE 40 07 965 C2 to Klaus Hager discloses a catalyst comprising copper oxides for converting ozone and a mixture of copper oxides and manganese oxides for converting carbon monoxide. The catalyst can be applied as a coating to a self heating radiator, oil coolers or charged-air coolers. The catalyst coating comprises heat resistant binders which are also gas permeable. It is indicated that the copper oxides and manganese oxides are widely used in gas mask filters and have the disadvantage of being poisoned by water vapor. However, the heating of the surfaces of the automobile during operation evaporates the water. In this way, continuous use of the catalyst is possible since no drying agent is necessary.
0010 Manganese oxides are known to catalyze the oxidation of ozone to form oxygen. Many commercially available types of manganese compound and compositions, including alpha manganese oxide are disclosed to catalyze the reaction of ozone to form oxygen. In particular, it is known to use the cryptomelane form of alpha manganese oxide to catalyze the reaction of ozone to form oxygen.
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0011 Alpha manganese oxides are disclosed in references such as O'Young, Hydrothermal Synthesis of Manganese Oxides with Tunnel Structures, Modern Analytical Techniques for Analysis of Petroleum, presented at the Symposium on Advances in Zeolites and Pillared Clay Structures before the Division of Petroleum Chemistry, Inc. American Chemical Society New York City Meeting, Aug. 25-30, 1991 beginning at page 348. Such materials are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,562 to O'Young, et al. Additionally, forms of -MnOare disclosed in McKenzie, the Synthesis of Birnessite, Cryptomelane, and Some Other Oxides and Hydroxides of Manganese, Mineralogical Magazine, December 1971, Vol. 38, pp. 493-502. For the purposes of the present invention, -MnOis defined to include hollandite (BaMnO.xHO), cryptomelane (KMnO.xHO), manjiroite (NaMnO.xHO) and coronadite (PbMnO.xHO). O'Young discloses these materials to have a three dimensional framework tunnel structure (U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,562 and O'Young Hydrothermal Synthesis of Manganese Oxides with Tunnel Structures both hereby incorporated by reference). For the purposes of the present invention, -MnOis considered to have a 22 tunnel structure and to include hollandite, cryptomelane, manjiroite and coronadite.
0012 The present invention relates to an apparatus, method and composition to treat the atmosphere. For the purposes of the present invention atmosphere is defined as the mass of air surrounding the earth.
0013 The present invention is directed to an apparatus and related method for treating the atmosphere comprising a vehicle and a means such as a motor to translate the vehicle from one place to another through the atmosphere. The vehicle comprises at least one atmosphere contacting vehicle surface and a pollutant treating composition located on that surface. The atmosphere contacting surface is a surface of a component of the vehicle that is in direct contact with the atmosphere. Preferred and useful atmosphere contacting surfaces include body surfaces, wind deflector surfaces, grill surfaces, mirror backs and the surfaces of under the hood components. Preferred atmosphere contacting surfaces are located within the body of the motor vehicle, typically in proximity to the engine, i.e., the engine compartment. The surfaces are preferably the surfaces of cooling means which comprise an in flow path for liquids or gases through a coolant walled enclosure such as tubes or a housing and an outer surface on which is located fins to enhance heat transfer. Preferred atmosphere contacting surfaces comprise a finned outer surface and are selected from the outer surfaces of the radiator, air conditioner condenser, the surfaces of the radiator fan, engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler, power steering fluid cooler and air charge cooler also referred to as an intercooler or after cooler. The most preferred atmosphere contacting surfaces are the outer surfaces of the air conditioner condenser and radiator due to their large surface area and relatively high ambient operating temperatures of from about 40 C. to 135 C. and typically up to 110 C.
0014 An advantage of the present invention is that the atmosphere contacting surface useful to support a pollution treating composition can be the surface of existing vehicle components. No additional filter, or apparatus to support a pollutant treating composition, is required. Accordingly, the apparatus and method of the present invention can be located on existing components of new cars or retrofitted onto old cars. Retrofitting may comprise coating a suitable pollutant treating composition on an existing vehicle surface which comes in contact with atmospheric air as the vehicle is driven through the atmosphere.
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0015 The present invention is directed to compositions, methods and articles to treat pollutants in air. Such pollutants may typically comprise from 0 to 400 parts, more typically 1 to 300, and yet more typically 1 to 200, parts per billion (ppb) ozone; 0 to 30 parts, and more typically 1 to 20, parts per million (ppm) carbon monoxide; and 2 to 3000 ppb unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds such as Cto about Colefins and partially oxygenated hydrocarbons such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones and the like. Typical hydrocarbons which can be treated include, but are not limited to, propylene, butylene, formaldehyde and other airborne hydrocarbon gases and vapors. Other pollutants present may include nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. The National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone is 120 ppb, and for carbon monoxide is 9 ppm.
0016 Pollutant treating compositions include catalyst compositions useful for catalyzing the conversion of pollutants present in the atmosphere to non-objectionable materials. Alternatively, adsorption compositions can be used as the pollutant treating composition to adsorb pollutants which can be destroyed upon adsorption, or stored for further treatment at a later time.
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0017 Catalyst compositions can be used which can assist in the conversion of the pollutants to harmless compounds or to less harmful compounds. Useful and preferred catalyst compositions include compositions which catalyze the reaction of ozone to form oxygen, catalyze the reaction of carbon monoxide to form carbon dioxide, and/or catalyze the reaction of hydrocarbons to form water and carbon dioxide. Specific and preferred catalysts to catalyze the reaction of hydrocarbons are useful for catalyzing the reaction of low molecular weight unsaturated hydrocarbons having from two to twenty carbons and at least one double bond, such as Cto about Cmono-olefins. Such low molecular weight hydrocarbons have been identified as being sufficiently reactive to cause smog. Particular olefins which can be reacted include propylene and butylene. A useful and preferred catalyst can catalyze the reactions of both ozone and carbon monoxide; and preferably ozone, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.
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0018 OzoneUseful and preferred catalyst compositions to treat ozone include a composition comprising manganese compounds including oxides such as MnOand MnOwith a preferred composition comprising -MnO, and cryptomelane being most preferred. Other useful and preferred compositions include a mixture of MnOand CuO. Specific and preferred compositions comprise hopcalite which contains CuO and MnOand, more preferably CARULITE catalyst which contains MnO, CuO and AlOand sold by the Carus Chemical Co. An alternative composition comprises a refractory metal oxide support on which is dispersed a catalytically effective amount of a palladium component and preferably also includes a manganese component. Also useful is a catalyst comprising a precious metal component, preferably a platinum component on a support of coprecipitated zirconia and manganese oxide. The use of this coprecipitated support has been found to be particularly effective to enable a platinum component to be used to treat ozone. Yet another composition which can result in the conversion of ozone to oxygen comprises carbon, and palladium or platinum supported on carbon, manganese dioxide, CARULITE catalyst and/or hopcalite. Manganese supported on a refractory oxide such as alumina has also been found to be useful.
0019 Carbon MonoxideUseful and preferred catalyst compositions to treat carbon monoxide include a composition comprising a refractory metal oxide support on which is dispersed a catalytically effective amount of a platinum and/or palladium component, preferably a platinum component. A most preferred catalyst composition to treat carbon monoxide comprises a reduced platinum group component supported on a refractory metal oxide, preferably titania. Useful catalytic materials include precious metal components including platinum group components which include the metals and their compounds. Such metals can be selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium and ruthenium, gold and/or silver components. Platinum will also result in the catalytic reaction of ozone. Also useful is a catalyst comprising a precious metal component, preferably a platinum component on a support of coprecipitated zirconia and manganese dioxide. Preferably, this catalyst embodiment is reduced. Other useful compositions which can convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide include a platinum component supported on carbon or a support comprising manganese dioxide. Preferred catalysts to treat such pollutants are reduced. Another composition useful to treat carbon monoxide comprises a platinum group metal component, preferably a platinum component, a refractory oxide support, preferably alumina and titania and at least one metal component selected from a tungsten component and rhenium component, preferably in the metal oxide form.
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0020 HydrocarbonsUseful and preferred catalyst compositions to treat unsaturated hydrocarbons including Cto about Colefins and typically Cto Cmono-olefins such as propylene and partially oxygenated hydrocarbons as recited have been found to be the same type as recited for use in catalyzing the reaction of carbon monoxide with the preferred compositions for unsaturated hydrocarbons comprising a reduced platinum and/or palladium component and a refractory metal oxide support for the platinum component. A preferred refractory metal oxide support is titania. Other useful compositions which can convert hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide and water include a platinum component supported on carbon or a support comprising manganese dioxide. Preferred catalysts to treat such pollutants are reduced. Another composition useful to convert hydrocarbons comprises a platinum group metal component, preferably a platinum component, a refractory oxide support, preferably alumina and titania and at least one metal component selected from a tungsten component and rhenium component, preferably in the metal oxide form. A combination of a platinum component and a palladium component results in improved CO conversion at an increase in cost and is most preferred where greater conversion is desired and cost increase is acceptable.
0021 Ozone and Carbon MonoxideA useful and preferred catalyst which can treat both ozone and carbon monoxide comprises a support such as a refractory metal oxide support on which is dispersed a precious metal component. The refractory oxide support can comprise a support component selected from the group consisting of ceria, alumina, silica, titania, zirconia, and mixtures thereof. Also useful as a support for precious metal catalyst components is a coprecipitate of zirconia and manganese oxides. Most preferably, this support is used with a platinum component and the catalyst is in reduced form. This single catalyst has been found to effectively treat both ozone and carbon monoxide. Other useful and preferred precious metal components are comprised of precious metal components selected from palladium and also platinum components with palladium preferred. A combination of a ceria support with a palladium component results in an effective catalyst for treating both ozone and carbon monoxide. Other useful and preferred catalysts to treat both ozone and carbon monoxide include a platinum group component, preferably a platinum component and/or palladium component and more preferably a platinum component, on titania or on a combination of zirconia and silica. A combination of a platinum component and a palladium component results in improved CO conversion at an increase in cost and is most preferred where greater conversion is desired and cost increase is acceptable. Other useful compositions which can convert ozone to oxygen and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide include a platinum component supported on carbon or on a support comprising manganese dioxide. Preferred catalysts are reduced.
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0022 Ozone, Carbon Monoxide and HydrocarbonsA useful and preferred catalyst which can treat ozone, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, typically low molecular weight olefins (Cto about C) and typically Cto Cmono-olefins and partially oxygenated hydrocarbons as recited comprises a support, preferably a refractory metal oxide support on which is dispersed a precious metal component. The refractory metal oxide support can comprise a support component selected from the group consisting of ceria, alumina, titania, zirconia and mixtures thereof with titania most preferred. Useful and preferred precious metal components are comprised of precious metal components selected from platinum group components including palladium and/or platinum components with platinum most preferred. It has been found that a combination of a titania support with a platinum component results in the most effective catalyst for treating ozone, carbon monoxide and low molecular weight gaseous olefin compounds. A combination of a platinum component and a palladium component results in improved CO and hydrocarbon conversion at an increase in cost and is most preferred where greater conversion is desired and cost increase is acceptable. It is preferred to reduce the platinum group components with a suitable reducing agent. Other useful compositions which can convert ozone to oxygen, carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons to carbon dioxide include a platinum component supported on carbon, a support comprising manganese dioxide, or a support comprising a coprecipitate of manganese oxides and zirconia. Preferred catalysts are reduced.
0023 The above compositions can be applied by coating to at least one atmosphere contacting vehicle surface. Particularly preferred compositions catalyze the destruction of ozone, carbon monoxide and/or unsaturated low molecular weight olefinic compounds at ambient conditions or ambient operating conditions. Ambient conditions are the conditions of the atmosphere. By ambient operating conditions it is meant the conditions, such as temperature, of the atmosphere contacting surface during normal operation of the vehicle without the use of additional energy directed to heating the pollutant treating composition. Certain atmosphere contacting surfaces such as a grill or wind deflector can be at the same or similar temperature as the atmosphere. It has been found that preferred catalysts which catalyze the reaction of ozone can catalyze the reaction of ozone at ambient conditions in ranges as low as 5 C. to 30 C.
0024 Atmosphere contacting surfaces may have higher temperatures than the ambient atmospheric temperatures due to the nature of the operation of the component underlying the surface. For example, preferred atmosphere contacting surfaces are the surfaces of the air conditioning condenser and the radiator due to their high surface area. Where vehicles use air charge coolers, these are preferred due to high surface area and operating temperatures of from ambient to 250 F. Normally, during ambient operating conditions the surfaces of these components increase to higher temperature levels than the ambient environment due to the nature of their operation. After the vehicle motor has warmed up, these components are typically at temperatures which range up to about 130 C. and typically from 40 C. to 110 C. The temperature range of these atmosphere contacting surfaces helps to enhance the conversion rates of the ozone, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon catalysts supported on such surfaces. Air charge coolers operate at temperatures up to about 130 C. and typically from 60 C. to 130 C.
0025 Various of the catalyst compositions can be combined, and a combined coating applied to the atmosphere contacting surface. Alternatively, different surfaces or different parts of the same surface can be coated with different catalyst compositions.
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0026 The method and apparatus of the present invention are designed so that the pollutants can be treated at ambient atmospheric conditions or at the ambient operating conditions of the vehicle atmosphere contacting surface. The present invention is particularly useful for treating ozone by coating motor vehicle atmosphere contacting surfaces with suitable catalysts useful to destroy such pollutants even at ambient conditions, and at vehicle surface temperatures typically from at least 0 C., preferably from 10 C. to 105 C., and more preferably from 40 C. to 100 C. Carbon monoxide is preferably treated at atmosphere contacting surface temperatures from 40 C. to 105 C. Low molecular weight hydrocarbons, typically unsaturated hydrocarbons having at least one unsaturated bond, such as Cto about Colefins and typically Cto Cmono-olefins, are preferably treated at atmosphere contacting surface temperatures of from 40 C. to 105 C. The percent conversion of ozone, carbon monoxide and/or hydrocarbons depends on the temperature and space velocity of the atmospheric air relative to the atmosphere contacting surface, and the temperature of the atmosphere contacting surface.
0027 Accordingly, the present invention, in most preferred embodiments can result in at least reducing the ozone, carbon monoxide and/or hydrocarbon levels present in the atmosphere without the addition of any mechanical features or energy source to existing vehicles, particularly motor vehicles. Additionally, the catalytic reaction takes place at the normal ambient operating conditions experienced by the surfaces of these motor vehicle elements so that no changes in the construction or method of operation of the motor vehicle are required.
0028 While the apparatus and method of the present invention are generally directed to treating the atmosphere, it will be appreciated that variations of the apparatus are contemplated for use to treat volumes of air in enclosed spaces. For example, a motor vehicle having an atmosphere contacting surface supporting a pollutant treating composition can be used to treat the air within factories, mines and tunnels. Such apparatus can include vehicles used in such environments.
0029 While the preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to the destruction of pollutants at the ambient operating temperatures of the atmosphere contacting surface, it is also desirable to treat pollutants which have a catalyzed reaction temperature higher than the ambient temperature or ambient operating temperature of the atmosphere contacting surface. Such pollutants include hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides and any carbon monoxide which bypasses or is not treated at the atmosphere contacting surface. These pollutants can be treated at higher temperatures typically in the range of at least 100 C. to 450 C. This can be accomplished, for example, by the use of an auxiliary heated catalyzed surface. By an auxiliary heated surface, it is meant that there are supplemental means to heat the surface. A preferred auxiliary heated surface is the surface of an electrically heated catalyzed monolith such as an electrically heated catalyzed metal honeycomb of the type known to those skilled in the art. Electricity can be provided by batteries or a generator such as are present in motor vehicles. The catalyst composition can be any well known oxidation and/or reduction catalyst, preferably a three way catalyst (TWC) comprising precious group metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium and the like supported on refractory oxide supports. An auxiliary heated catalyzed surface can be used in combination with, and preferably downstream of, the vehicle atmosphere contacting surface to further treat the pollutants.
0030 As previously stated, adsorption compositions can also be used to adsorb pollutants such as hydrocarbons and/or particulate matter for later oxidation or subsequent removal. Useful and preferred adsorption compositions include zeolites, other molecular sieves, carbon, and Group IIA alkaline earth metal oxides such as calcium oxide. Hydrocarbons and particulate matter can be adsorbed from 0 C. to 110 C. and subsequently treated by desorption followed by catalytic reaction or incineration.
0031 It is preferred to coat areas of the vehicle that have a relatively high surface area exposed to a large flow rate of atmospheric air as the motor vehicle is driven through the environment. For land use motor vehicles, particularly preferred atmosphere contacting surfaces include the radiator, fan blades, the air conditioning condenser or heat exchanger, air charge cooler, engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler, and wind deflectors of the type used on the roof of truck cabs.
0032 Most preferably, the atmosphere contacting surface is a surface of a radiator. The radiator has a large surface area for enhanced cooling of internal combustion engine fluid coolants. By applying a catalyst to be supported on the radiator surface, advantage can be taken of the large honeycomb-like surface area, usually with little or no effect on the cooling function of the radiator. The high honeycomb-like surface area enables a maximization of contact of the catalyst with the air passing through the honeycomb-like design of the radiator. Additionally, radiators in many automobiles are located behind the air conditioner condenser and are thereby protected by the air conditioner condenser.
0033 The present invention includes methods to coat pollutant treating compositions on to atmosphere contacting surfaces of motor vehicles. In particular, the present invention includes a method to coat catalyst compositions onto finned elements such as radiators, air conditioner condensers, and air charge coolers.
0034 Calculations suggest that in motor vehicle traffic congested areas, there are a sufficient number of motor vehicles to significantly impact pollutants treated in accordance with the present invention. For example, in Southern California's South Coast Air Quality Management District, there are approximately eight million cars. It has been calculated that if each car travels 20 miles per day, all of the air in this region to an altitude of 100 feet can be cycled through radiators in one week.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
0035FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of a truck showing a grill, air conditioner condenser, electrically heated catalyst, air charge cooler, radiator, fan and engine with a wind deflector on the roof of the truck cab.
0036FIG. 2 is a partial schematic view of a motor vehicle showing the grill, air conditioner condenser, radiator and fan.
0037FIG. 3 is a front view of the radiator.
0038FIG. 4 is a front view of the air conditioner condenser.
0039FIG. 5 is a front view of a wind deflector of the type illustrated in FIG. 1.
0040FIG. 6 is a front view of the truck of FIG. 1.
0041FIG. 7 is a partial schematic sectional view of coated finned cooling element.
0042FIG. 8 is a photograph of the coated radiator from Examples 1 and 2.
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0043 FIGS. - and - are graphs of CO conversion versus temperature for using different catalysts in Examples 4, 9-12, 14 and 15.
0044FIG. 15 is a graph of propylene conversion versus temperature based on Example 14.
0045FIG. 18 is a graph of ozone conversion versus temperature based on Example 17.
0046FIG. 19 is an IR spectrum for cryptomelane.
0047FIG. 20 is an XRD pattern for cryptomelane shown as counts using a square root scale versus the Bragg angle, 2.
0048FIG. 21 is a graph of CO and hydrocarbon conversion versus temperature based on Example 30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Example 4
Example 5
Example 6
Example 7
Example 8
Example 9
Example 10
Example 11
Example 12
Example 13
Example 14
Example 15
Example 16
Example 17
Example 18
Example 19
Example 20
Example 21
Example 22
Example 23
Example 24
Example 25
Example 26
Example 26a
Example 26b
Example 27
Example 28
Example 29
Example 30
Example I
Example II
Example III
Example IV
Example V
Example VI
Example VII
Example VIII
0049 The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for cleaning the atmosphere useful with vehicles having means to convey the vehicle through the atmosphere. As the vehicle moves through the atmosphere, at least one atmosphere contacting surface comprising a pollutant treating composition (e.g., a catalyst or an adsorber) located thereon contacts atmospheric air. As the atmospheric air encounters the pollutant treating composition, various pollutants including particulate matter and/or gaseous pollutants carried in the air can be catalytically reacted or adsorbed by the pollutant treating composition located on the atmosphere contacting surface.
0050 It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the vehicle can be any suitable vehicle which has a translation means to propel the vehicle such as wheels, sails, belts, tracks or the like. Such means can be powered by any suitable power means including engines which use fossil fuel such as gasoline or diesel fuel, ethanol, methanol, gas engines powered by fuels such as by methane gas, wind power such as by wind driving sails or propellers, solar power or electric power such as in battery operated automobiles. Vehicles include cars, trucks, buses, trains, boats, ships, airplanes, dirigibles, balloons and the like.
0051 The atmosphere contacting surface can be any suitable surface that encounters and contacts air as the vehicle moves through the atmosphere. Preferably in a motor vehicle, preferably cars, trucks and buses, the contact means is a surface located toward the front of the vehicle and can contact air as the vehicle proceeds in a forward direction. Useful contact surfaces should have a relatively large surface area. Preferred contact surfaces are at least partially enclosed in the vehicle. Preferred atmosphere contacting surfaces are located under the hood and are located within the body of the motor vehicle, typically in proximity to the engine, i.e., the engine compartment. The surfaces are preferably the outer surfaces of cooling means which comprise a flow path for liquids or gases through a coolant walled enclosure such as tubes or a housing and an outer surface on which is located fins to enhance heat transfer. Useful contact surfaces include the outside surfaces of means to cool fluids, including liquids and/or gases used in the vehicle such as the air conditioner condenser, the radiator, air charge cooler, engine oil cooler, transmission oil cooler, power steering fluid cooler, the fan shroud, and the radiator fan which are all located and supported within the housing of the vehicle. A useful contact surface outside of the vehicle can be the grill typically located and supported on the front of the housing, or wind deflectors commonly supported on the roof of the cabs of large trucks. It is preferred that the contacting surface is a forward facing surface, side facing surface or surface facing the top or bottom of the vehicle. The front facing surfaces face the front of the vehicle, surfaces such as the fins of the radiator and condenser elements face the side, top and bottom of the vehicle. Even surfaces directed to face away from the front and toward the back of the vehicle which contact air can be atmosphere contacting surfaces, such as the back surface of fan blades. Surfaces of airplane engines such as wings, propellers and jet engine parts including turbine rotors and/or stators can be coated.
Bosch Automotive Handbook,
The Internal Combustion Engine in Theory and Practice,
0052 Preferred atmosphere contacting surfaces in motor vehicles are located on engine cooling elements such as motor vehicle radiators, air conditioner condensers, air charge coolers, also known as intercoolers or after coolers, engine oil coolers and transmission oil coolers. Such elements typically have high surface area structures associated with them to have improved heat transfer. The high surface areas are useful for maximizing the contact of the atmospheric air with the pollutant treating composition. All such elements are well known in the automotive arts. Reference is made to Second Edition, pages 301-303, 320 and 349-351, published by Robert Bosch GmbH, 1986, herein incorporated by reference. This reference illustrates a truck diesel engine with a radiator, an intercooler and a fan. Such elements may be coated with a pollutant treating surface of the present invention. The radiator and intercooler typically operate at temperatures higher than that of the atmospheric air. Reference is also made to Taylor, Vol. 1: Thermo Dynamics, Fluid Flow, Performance, Second Edition, Rev. The MIT Press, 1985 at pages 304-306 for radiator and fin design; and page 392 for after coolers. The above pages in Taylor are herein incorporated by reference.
Vehicle Thermal Management Systems Conference Proceedings,
Calculation and Design of Cooling Systems
Charge Air Cooler for Passenger Cars
State of the Art and Future Developments of Aluminum Radiators for Cars and Trucks
Air Mix vs. Coolant Flow to Control Discharge Air Temperature and Vehicle Heating Air Conditioning Systems
Engine Cooling Module Development Using Air Flow Management Techniques
Durability Concerns of Aluminum Air to Air Charged Coolers
0053 Reference is also made to a collection of papers in 1993 SAE P:263 published by the Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., 1993. The following papers are herein incorporated by reference. SAE Paper No. 931088 beginning at page 157 entitled, by Eichlseder and Raab of Steyr Damler Puchag and by Collette of Valeo Thermique Moteur; SAE Paper No. 931092 entitled, by Kern and Eitel of Behr GmbH and Co. beginning at page 187; SAE Paper 931112 entitled, by Rolling and Cummings of Behr of America, Inc. and Schweizer of Behr GmbH & Co. The above papers include descriptions of radiator, air conditioner and air charge cooler structures for use-in the motor vehicles. Reference is additionally made to SAE Paper 931115 entitled, by El-Bourini and Chen of Calsonic Technical Center beginning at page 379 and hereby incorporated by reference. Of interest are Appendices 1 and 2 which illustrate typical radiator and condenser structures useful in motor vehicle applications. Reference is also made to SAE Paper 931125 entitled, by Smith, Valeo Engine Cooling Inc. which discloses air charge coolers and is hereby incorporated by reference.
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0054 The present invention will be understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying FIGS. -.
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0055FIG. 1 illustrates a truck schematically containing a variety of vehicle components comprising atmosphere contacting surfaces. These surfaces include the surfaces of grill , the air conditioner condenser , an air charge cooler , the radiator , and the radiator fan . Also shown on this truck is a winddeflector having a front deflecting surface . It is recognized that the various components can have different relative locations on different vehicles.
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0056 Referring to FIGS. to the preferred contacting surfaces include the surface of the front and side surfaces of the air conditioner condenser , the front and side surfaces of the radiator , corresponding surfaces of the air charge cooler and the front and back surfaces of the radiator fan . These surfaces are located within the housing of the truck. They are typically under the hood of the truck between the front of the truck and the engine . The air conditioner condenser, air charge cooler, radiator and radiator fan can be directly or indirectly supported by housing or a frame (not shown) within the housing.
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0057FIG. 2 generally shows a schematic view of an automobile assembly. Corresponding elements in FIGS. 1 and 2 have common reference characters. The automobile comprises a housing . There is a motor vehicle front having a grill supported on the front of the housing . An air conditioner condenser , a radiator , and a radiator fan can be located within the housing .
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0058 Referring to embodiments in FIGS. 1, 2 and , the contacting surface on the front and sides of least one of the grill , air conditioner condenser , the air charge cooler , and radiator ; the front and back of the radiator fan ; and the front of the winddeflector can have a pollutant treating composition located thereon. The grill can have a suitable grill grid type design which provides for openings through which air passes as the truck is operated and moves through the atmosphere. The openings are defined by the grill grid . The grill grid has a front grill surface and a side grill surface . The front and side grill grid surfaces and can be used as atmosphere contacting surfaces on which pollutant treating compositions are located.
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0059 Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the air conditioning condenser comprises a plurality of air conditioning condenser fins . Additionally, there is an air conditioning fluid conduit which conducts the air conditioning fluid through condenser . The front and side surfaces of the air conditioning fins , as well as the front surface of the air conditioning conduit can be the atmosphere contacting surfaces on which a pollutant treating composition is located. As indicated, both the front and back surfaces of the radiator fan can be a contacting surface to support a pollutant treating composition.
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0060 The most preferred atmosphere contacting surface is on radiator as shown in FIG. 3. A typical radiator has a frontal radiator surface as well as a plurality of radiator corrugated plates or fins located in corresponding radiator plate or fin channels which pass through the radiator . It is preferred to coat the front surface as well as the side surfaces of the radiator plates and channel surfaces. The radiator is most preferred because it is located within the housing or and is protected from the front by at least the grill and preferably an air conditioner condenser . In addition to air entering into the hood chamber as the motor vehicle moves through the atmosphere, radiator fan draws air in and through the channels . Therefore, the radiator is located and protected by the grill , the air conditioner condenser and is in front of the radiator fan . Additionally, as indicated above, the radiator has a large surface area for heat transfer purposes. In accordance with the present invention, pollutant treating composition can be effectively located on, and take advantage of, such a large surface area without significantly adversely impacting on the heat transfer function of the radiator.
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0061 The above description is particularly directed to and illustrates the use of atmosphere treating surfaces on apparatus such as radiator and air conditioner condenser . As indicated the atmosphere contacting surface can be on other suitable means to cool engine fluids including well known articles such as the above referenced air charge cooler as well as engine oil coolers, transmission oil coolers and power steering oil coolers. A commonality of all such cooling means is a housing or conduit through which the fluid passes. The housing comprises a wall having an inner surface in contact with the fluid and an outer surface typically in contact with the atmosphere within the frame of the vehicle and typically within the engine compartment. In order to efficiently transfer heat from the fluid in these various apparatus, there are fins or plates extending from the outer surface of the cooling, housing or conduit.
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0062 A useful and preferred embodiment with each of these cooling means is illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a coated finned cooling element . The element comprises a housing or conduit defined by a housing or conduit wall . Located within the conduit is a passageway or chamber through which fluid such as oils or cooling liquids or air conditioning fluids pass. Such fluids are shown as referenced character . The housing wall comprises an inner surface and an outer surface . Located and attached to the outer surface are plates or fins . In accordance with the present invention, there is a pollutant treating composition which can be located on the outer surface and the fins or plates . During operation air streams contact the pollutant treating composition to cause various of the pollutants to be treated.
0063 Applicant herein incorporates by reference commonly assigned patent application entitled, Pollution Treating Device and Methods of Making the Same, attorney docket 3794/3810, filed as U.S. Ser. No. 08/537,208. Additionally, any of the embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention and method of use thereof can optionally further incorporate a replaceable pollution treating device as disclosed therein.
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0064 Pollutant treating compositions can also be located on outer surfaces of the vehicle. As indicated, such compositions can be located on the grill and in the case of the truck shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, on the wind deflector frontal wind deflector surface . Additionally, pollution treatment compositions can be located on the front of the mirror as well as any of a variety of front facing surfaces.
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0065 The use of an air charge cooler represents a particularly effective atmosphere contacting surface on which pollutant treating compositions can be supported. The operating temperatures can reach as high as 250 F. At such temperatures, the catalyst compositions of the present invention can more effectively treat ozone, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide pollutants. Particularly useful are compositions containing precious metals such as platinum, palladium, gold or silver components. Alternatively, the catalyst can include manganese compounds such as manganese dioxide and copper compounds including copper oxide such CARULITE catalyst or hopcalite.
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0066 During normal operation, the vehicle moves in a forward direction with the front of the vehicle initially contacting the atmospheric air. Typically, vehicles move through the air at velocities of up to about 1,000 miles per hour for jet planes. Land vehicles and water vehicles typically move at velocities of up to 300 miles per hour, more typically up to 200 miles per hour with motor vehicles moving at velocities up to 100 miles per hour and typically from 5 to 75 miles per hour. Seagoing vehicles, such as boats, typically move through the water at velocities up to 30 miles per hour and typically from 2 to 20 miles per hour. In accordance with method of the present invention the relative velocity (or face velocity) between the atmosphere contacting surface and the atmosphere, as the vehicle, typically an automobile or land based vehicle, moves through the atmosphere, is from 0 to 100 miles per hour, and typically from 2 to 75 miles per hour in an automobile typically from 5 to 60 miles per hour. The face velocity is the velocity of the air relative to the pollutant treating surface.
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0067 In motor vehicles such as trucks which have a radiator fan , the fan draws atmospheric air through the grill , air conditioner condenser , air charge cooler and/or radiator in addition to air which passes across these elements as the motor vehicle moves through the atmosphere. When the motor vehicle is idling the relative face velocity of air drawn into the radiator typically ranges from about 5 to 15 mph. The radiator fan moderates the flow rate of air through radiator as the motor vehicle moves through the atmosphere. When a typical car is moving through the atmosphere at speeds approaching 70 mph, the inlet face velocity of air is at about 25 mph. Depending on the design of a motor vehicle using a radiator fan, cars have a face velocity as low as when the fan is used during idle up to about 100% of the face velocity corresponding to the velocity of the motor vehicle. However, typically, the face velocity of the air relative to the atmosphere contacting surface is equal to the idle face velocity plus from 0.1 to 1.0 and more typically 0.2 to 0.8 times the velocity of the vehicle.
0068 In accordance with the present invention, large volumes of air can be treated at relatively low temperatures. This occurs as vehicles move through the atmosphere. High surface area components of vehicles including radiators, air conditioner condensers and charge air coolers typically have a large frontal surface area which encounters the air stream. However, these devices are relatively narrow, typically ranging from about of an inch deep up to about 2 inches deep and usually in the range of to 1 inches deep. The linear velocity of the atmospheric air contacting the frontal surface of such devices is typically in the range of up to 20, and more typically 5 to 15 miles per hour. An indication of the amount of air being treated as it passes across the catalyzed vehicle component is commonly referred to space velocity or more precisely volume hourly space velocity (VHSV). This is measured as volume (corresponding to the volume of the catalyzed element) of air per hour which passes across the volume of the catalytic article. It is based on the cubic feet per hour of air divided by the cubic feet of catalyst substrate. The volume of the catalyst substrate is the frontal area times the depth or axial length in the direction of the air flow. Alternatively, volume hourly space velocity is the number of catalyst volumes based on the volume of the catalytic article being treated per hour. Because of the relatively short axial depth of the catalyzed elements of the present invention, the space velocities are relatively high. The volume hourly space velocities of air which can be treated in accordance with the present invention can be a million or more reciprocal hours. A face velocity of air against one of these elements at 5 miles per hour can result in a space velocity of as high as 300,000 reciprocal hours. In accordance with the present invention, the catalysts are designed to treat pollutants in the atmosphere at space velocities in ranges as high as from 250,000 to 750,000 and typically 300,000 to 600,000 reciprocal hours. This is accomplished even at the relatively low ambient temperatures and ambient operating temperatures of the vehicle elements containing pollutant treating compositions in accordance with the present invention.
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0069 The ambient operating temperature of the atmosphere contacting surfaces can vary depending on whether they are located in the proximity of heat sources within the vehicle or are the surfaces of elements which function to cool parts of the vehicle. However, contacting surfaces such as grill , wind deflector are at ambient conditions. During typical operation, the means to cool operates at above ambient atmospheric temperature, with the contacting surfaces such as the surfaces of the air conditioner condenser , and radiator and air charge cooler can range up to 130 C. and typically up to 105 C. and are typically in the range of from 10 C. to 105 C., more typically from 40 C. to 100 C. and can be from 10 C. to 75 C. The air charge cooler typically operates at temperatures of from 75 to 130 C. The amount of contacting surface can vary with air conditioner condensers, radiators and air charge coolers typically having from 20 to 2,000 square feet and fan blades typically having from 0.2 to up to about 40 square feet when considering front and back surfaces.
0070 The pollutant treating composition is preferably a catalytic composition or adsorption composition. Useful and preferred catalyst compositions are compositions which can catalytically cause the reaction of targeted pollutants at the space velocity of the air as it contacts the surface, and at the temperature of the surface at the point of contact. Typically, these catalyzed reactions will be in the temperature range at the atmosphere contacting surface of from 0 C. to 130 C., more typically 20 C. to 105 C. and yet more typically from about 40 C. to 100 C. There is no limit on the efficiency of the reaction as long as some reaction takes place. Preferably, there is at least a 1% conversion efficiency with as high a conversion efficiency as possible. Useful conversion efficiencies are preferably at least about 5% and more preferably at least about 10%. Preferred conversions depend on the particular pollutant and pollutant treating composition. Where ozone is treated with a catalytic composition on an atmosphere contacting surface it is preferred that the conversion efficiency be greater than about from 30% to 40%, preferably greater than 50%, and more preferably greater than 70%. Preferred conversion for carbon monoxide is greater than 30% and preferably greater than 50%. Preferred conversion efficiency for hydrocarbons and partially oxygenated hydrocarbons is at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, and most preferably at least 25%. These conversion rates are particularly preferred where the atmosphere contacting surface is at ambient operating conditions of up to about 110 C. These temperatures are the surface temperatures typically experienced during normal operation of atmosphere contacting surfaces of the vehicle including the surfaces of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. Where there is supplemental heating of the atmosphere contacting surface such as by having an electrically heated catalytic monolith, grid, screen, gauze or the like, it is preferred that the conversion efficiency be greater than 90% and more preferably greater than 95%. The conversion efficiency is based on the mole percent of the particular pollutants in the air which react in the presence of the catalyst composition.
(1.5-2.0)
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0071 Ozone treating catalyst compositions comprise manganese compounds including manganese dioxide, including non stoichiometric manganese dioxide (e.g., MnO), and/or MnO. Preferred manganese dioxides, which are nominally referred to as MnOhave a chemical formula wherein the molar ratio of manganese to oxide is about from 1.5 to 2.0, such as MnO. Up to 100 percent by weight of manganese dioxide MnOcan be used in catalyst compositions to treat ozone. Alternative compositions which are available comprise manganese dioxide and compounds such as copper oxide alone or copper oxide and alumina.
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0072 Useful and preferred manganese dioxides are alpha manganese dioxides nominally having a molar ratio of manganese to oxygen of from 1 to 2. Useful alpha manganese dioxides are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,562 to O'Young, et al.; also in O'Young, Hydrothermal Synthesis of Manganese Oxides with Tunnel Structures presented at the Symposium on Advances in Zeolites and Pillared Clay Structures presented before the Division of Petroleum Chemistry, Inc. American Chemical Society New York City Meeting, Aug. 25-30, 1991 beginning at page 342, and in McKenzie, the Synthesis of Birnessite, Cryptomelane, and Some Other Oxides and Hydroxides of Manganese, Mineralogical Magazine, December 1971, Vol. 38, pp. 493-502. For the purposes of the present invention, the preferred alpha manganese dioxide is a 22 tunnel structure which can be hollandite (BaMnO.xHO), cryptomelane (KMnO.xHO), manjiroite (NaMnO.xHO) and coronadite (PbMnO.xHO).
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0073 The manganese dioxides of the present invention preferably have a surface area, measured by BET Nadsorption, of greater than 150 m/g, more preferably greater than 200 m/g, and more preferably greater than 220 m/g. The upper range can be as high as 300 m/g, 325 m/g or even 350 m/g. Preferred materials are in the range of 200-350 m/g, preferably 200-275 m/g and most preferably 220-250 m/g. The composition preferably comprises a binder as described below with preferred binders being polymeric binders. The composition can further comprise precious metal components with preferred precious metal components being the oxides of precious metal, preferably the oxides of platinum group metals and most preferably the oxides of palladium or platinum also referred to as palladium black or platinum black. The amount of palladium or platinum black can range from 0 to 25%, with useful amounts being in ranges of from about 1 to 25 and 5 to 15% by weight based on the weight of the manganese component and the precious component.
0074 It has been found that the use of compositions comprising the cryptomelane form of alpha manganese oxide, which also contain a polymeric binder can result in greater than 50%, preferably greater than 60% and most preferably from 75-85% conversion of ozone in a concentration range of from 0 to 400 parts per billion (ppb) and an air stream moving across a radiator at space velocity of from 300,000 to 650,000 reciprocal hours. Where a portion of the cryptomelane is replaced by up to 25% and preferably from 15-25% parts by weight of palladium black (Pdo), ozone conversion rates at the above conditions range from 95-100% using a powder reactor.
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0075 The preferred cryptomelane manganese dioxide has from 1.0 to 3.0 weight percent potassium, typically as KO, and a crystallite size ranging from 2 to 10 and preferably from less than 5 nm. It can be calcined at a temperature range of from 250 C. to 550 C. and preferably below 500 C. and greater than. 300 C. for at least 1.5 hours and preferably at least 2 hours up to about 6 hours.
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0076 The preferred cryptomelane can be made in accordance described in the above referenced articles and patents to O'Young and McKenzie. The cryptomelane can be made by reacting a manganese salt including salts selected from the group consisting MnCl, Mn(NO), MnSOand Mn(CHCOO)with a permanganate compound. Cryptomelane is made using potassium permanganate; hollandite is made using barium permanganate; coronadite is made using lead permanganate; and manjiroite is made using sodium permanganate. It is recognized that the alpha manganese useful in the present invention can contain one or more of hollandite, cryptomelane, manjiroite or coronadite compounds. Even when making cryptomelane minor amounts of other metal ions such as sodium may be present. Useful methods to form the alpha manganese dioxide are described in the above references which are incorporated by reference.
0077 The preferred alpha manganese for use in accordance with the present invention is cryptomelane. The preferred cryptomelane is clean or substantially free of inorganic anions, particularly on the surface. Such anions could include chlorides, sulfates and nitrates which are introduced during the method to form cryptomelane. An alternate method to make the clean cryptomelane is to react a manganese carboxylate, preferably manganese acetate, with potassium permanganate. It has been found that the use of such a material which has been calcined is clean. The use of material containing inorganic anions can result in conversion of ozone to oxygen of up to about 60%. The use of cryptomelane with a clean surface results in conversions of up about 80%.
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0078 It is believed that the carboxylates are burned off during the calcination process. However, inorganic anions remain on the surface even during calcination. The inorganic anions such as sulfates can be washed away with an aqueous solution or a slightly acidic aqueous solution. Preferably the alpha manganese dioxide is a clean alpha manganese dioxide. The cryptomelane can be washed at from about 60 C. to 100 C. for about one-half hour to remove a significant amount of sulfate anions. The washing also lowers the level of potassium present. The nitrate anions may be removed in a similar manner. The clean alpha manganese dioxide is characterized as having an IR spectrum as illustrated in FIG. 19 and in X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern as illustrated in FIG. 20. Such a cryptomelane preferably has a surface area greater than 200 m/g and more preferably greater than 250 m/g. A review of the IR spectrum for the most preferred cryptomelane, shown in FIG. 19 is characterized by the absence of peaks assignable to carbonate, sulfate and nitrate groups. Expected peaks for carbonate groups appear in the range of from 1320 to 1520 wavenumbers; and for sulfate groups appear in the range of from 950 to 1250 wavenumbers. FIG. 20 is a powder X-ray diffraction pattern for high surface area cryptomelane prepared in Example 23. The X-ray pattern for cryptomelane useful in the present invention is characterized by broad peaks resulting from small crystallite size (5-10 nm). Approximate peak positions (0.152) and approximate relative intensities (5) for cryptomelane using Cuk radiation as shown in FIG. 20 are: 2/Relative Intensities12.1/9; 18/9; 28.3/10; 37.5/100; 41.8/32; 49.7/16; 53.8/5; 60.1/13; 55.7/38; and 68.0/23.
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0079 A preferred method of making cryptomelane useful in the present invention comprises mixing an aqueous acidic manganese salt solution with a potassium permanganate solution. The acidic manganese salt solution preferably has a pH of from 0.5 to 3.0 and can be made acidic using any common acid, preferably acetic acid at a concentration of from 0.5 to 5.0 normal and more preferably from 1.0 to 2.0 normal. The mixture forms a slurry which is stirred at a temperature range of from 50 C. to 110 C. The slurry is filtered and the filtrate is dried at a temperature range of from 75 C. to 200 C. The resulting cryptomelane crystals have a surface area of typically in the range of from 200 m/g to 350 m/g.
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0080 Another useful composition comprising manganese dioxide is a composition comprising manganese dioxide and minor amounts of silica, typically up to 2%, more typically up to 1% with preferred amounts being from 0.4 to 0.8% based on the weight of the manganese dioxide and the silica. The presence of silica in the preferred amounts has been found to effect the crystalline morphology of manganese dioxide, particularly the cryptomelane form of manganese dioxide. It is speculated that the presence of minor amounts of silica, particularly in the preferred range, may provide certain advantages to the composition of the present invention. The presence of silica is believed to make the composition more hydrophobic, particularly when used as a coating on a substrate such as a coating on a radiator. Secondly, it is believed that the presence of silica in coating compositions comprising manganese dioxide increases the pH to help the compatibility of the manganese dioxide with latex binders. A preferred and useful composition for use as a coating material comprises cryptomelane and silica. Such a material comprises cryptomelane having a surface area from 200 to 340 and preferably 220 to 250 m/g, a weight percent of potassium of from 1 to 3% less than 0.1% sulphur and a measured loss on ignition of 13 to 18% by weight primarily due to moisture. The pH of the composition is about 3. Surface area is measured by a BET nitrogen adsorption and desorption test. As the amount of sulphur is reduced, the pH typically increases slightly. Additionally, typically the pH increases with the amount of potassium present with preferred amounts of potassium being from 1.2 to 2.8 weight percent.
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0081 Other useful compositions comprise manganese dioxide and optionally copper oxide and alumina and at least one precious metal component such as a platinum group metal supported on the manganese dioxide and where present copper oxide and alumina. Useful compositions contain up to 100, from 40 to 80 and preferably 50 to 70 weight percent manganese dioxide and 10 to 60 and typically 30 to 50 percent copper oxide. Useful compositions include hopcalite which is about 60 percent manganese dioxide and about 40 percent copper oxide; and CARULITE 200 catalyst(sold by Carus Chemical Co.) which is reported to have 60 to 75 weight percent manganese dioxide, 11 to 14 percent copper oxide and 15 to 16 percent aluminum oxide. The surface area of CARULITE catalyst is reported to be about 180 m/g. Calcining at 450 C. reduces the surface area of the CARULITE catalyst by about fifty percent (50%) without significantly affecting activity. It is preferred to calcine manganese compounds at from 300 C. to 500 C. and more preferably 350 C. to 450 C. Calcining at 550 C. causes a great loss of surface area and ozone treatment activity. Calcining the CARULITE catalyst after ball milling with acetic acid and coating on a substrate can improve adhesion of the coating to a substrate.
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0082 Other compositions to treat ozone can comprise a manganese dioxide component and precious metal components such as platinum group metal components. While both components are catalytically active, the manganese dioxide can also support the precious metal component. The platinum group metal component preferably is a palladium and/or platinum component. The amount of platinum group metal compound preferably ranges from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent (based on the weight of the platinum group metal) of the composition. Preferably, where platinum is present it is in amounts of from 0.1 to 5 weight percent, with useful and preferred amounts on pollutant treating catalyst volume, based on the volume of the supporting article, ranging from about 0.5 to about 70 g/ft. The amount of palladium component preferably ranges from about 2 to about 10 weight percent of the composition, with useful and preferred amounts on pollutant treating catalyst volume ranging from about 10 to about 250 g/ft.
0083 Various useful and preferred pollutant treating catalyst compositions, especially those containing a catalytically active component such as a precious metal catalytic component, can comprise a suitable support material such as a refractory oxide support. The preferred refractory oxide can be selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina, titania, ceria, zirconia and chromia, and mixtures thereof. More preferably, the support is at least one activated, high surface area compound selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, titania, silica-alumina, silica-zirconia, alumina silicates, alumina zirconia, alumina-chromia and alumina-ceria. The refractory oxide can be in suitable form including bulk particulate form typically having particle sizes ranging from about 0.1 to about 100 and preferably 1 to 10 m or in sol form also having a particle size ranging from about 1 to about 50 and preferably about 1 to about 10 nm. A preferred titania sol support comprises titania having a particle size ranging from about 1 to about 10, and typically from about 2 to 5 nm.
0084 Also useful as a preferred support is a coprecipitate of a manganese oxide and zirconia. This composition can be made as recited in U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,041 incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, this coprecipitated support material preferably comprises in a ratio based on the weight of manganese and zirconium metals from 5:95 to 95:5; preferably 10:90 to 75:25; more preferably 10:90 to 50:50; and most preferably from 15:85 to 50:50. A useful and preferred embodiment comprises a Mn:Zr weight ratio of 20:80. U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,041 describes a preferred method to make a coprecipitate of a manganese oxide component and a zirconia component. As recited in U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,041 a zirconia oxide and manganese oxide material may be prepared by mixing aqueous solutions of suitable zirconium oxide precursors such as zirconium oxynitrate, zirconium acetate, zirconium oxychloride, or zirconium oxysulfate and a suitable manganese oxide precursor such as manganese nitrate, manganese acetate, manganese dichloride or manganese dibromide, adding a sufficient amount of a base such as ammonium hydroxide to obtain a pH of 8-9, filtering the resulting precipitate, washing with water, and drying at 450-500 C.
0085 A useful support for a catalyst to treat ozone is selected from a refractory oxide support, preferably alumina and silica-alumina with a more preferred support being a silica-alumina support comprising from about 1% to 10% by weight of silica and from 90% to 99% by weight of alumina.
0086 Useful refractory oxide supports for a catalyst comprising a platinum group metal to treat carbon monoxide are selected from alumina, titania, silica-zirconia, and manganese-zirconia. Preferred supports for a catalyst composition to treat carbon monoxide is a zirconia-silica support as recited in U.S. Pat. No. 5,145,825, a manganese-zirconia support as recited in U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,041 and high surface area alumina. Most preferred for treatment of carbon monoxide is titania. Reduced catalysts having titania supports resulted in greater carbon monoxide conversion than corresponding non reduced catalysts.
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0087 The support for catalyst to treat hydrocarbons, such as low molecular weight hydrocarbons, particularly low molecular weight olefinic hydrocarbons having about from two up to about twenty carbons and typically two to about eight carbon atoms, as well as partially oxygenated hydrocarbons is preferably selected from refractory metal oxides including alumina and titania. As with catalysts to treat carbon monoxide reduced catalysts results in greater hydrocarbon conversion. Particularly preferred is a titania support which has been found useful since it results in a catalyst composition having enhanced ozone conversion as well as significant conversion of carbon monoxide and low molecular weight olefins. Also useful are high surface area, macroporous refractory oxides, preferably alumina and titania having a surface area of greater than 150 m/g and preferably ranging from about 150 to 350, preferably from 200 to 300, and more preferably from 225 to 275 m/g; a porosity of greater than 0.5 cc/g, typically ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 and preferably about from 1 to 2 cc/g measured based on mercury porosometry; and particle sizes range from 0.1 to 10 m. A useful material is Versal GL alumina having a surface area of about 260 m/g, a porosity of 1.4 to 1.5 cc/g and supplied by LaRoche Industries.
0088 A preferred refractory support for platinum group metals, preferably platinum and/or palladium for use in treating carbon monoxide and/or hydrocarbons is titania dioxide. The titania can be used in bulk powder form or in the form of titania dioxide sol. Also useful is nano particle size (nanometer) titania. The catalyst composition can be prepared by adding a platinum group metal in a liquid media preferably in the form of a solution such as platinum nitrate with the titania sol, with the sol most preferred. The obtained slurry can then be coated onto a suitable substrate such as an atmosphere treating surface such as a radiator, metal monolith substrate or ceramic substrate. The preferred platinum group metal is a platinum compound. The platinum titania sol catalyst obtained from the above procedure has high activity for carbon monoxide and/or hydrocarbon oxidation at ambient operating temperature. Metal components other than platinum components which can be combined with the titania sol include gold, palladium, rhodium, silver components and mixtures thereof. A reduced platinum group component, preferably a platinum component on titanium catalyst which is indicated to be preferred for treating carbon monoxide, has also been found to be useful and preferred for treating hydrocarbons, particularly olefinic hydrocarbons.
0089 A preferred titania sol support comprises titania having a particle size ranging from about 1 to about 10, and typically from about 2 to 5 nm.
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0090 A preferred bulk titania has a surface area of about from 25 to 120 m/g, and preferably from 50 to 100 m/g; and a particle size of about from 0.1 to 10 m. A specific and preferred bulk titania support has a surface area of 45-50 m/g, a particle size of about 1 m, and is sold by DeGussa as P-25. Useful nano particle size titanium comprises having a particle size ranging from about 5 to 100 and typically greater 10 to about 50 nm.
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0091 A preferred silica-zirconia support comprises from 1 to 10 percent silica and 90 to 99 percent zirconia. Preferred support particles have high surface area, e.g. from 100 to 500 square meters per gram (m/g) surface area, preferably from 150 to 450 m/g, more preferably from 200 to 400 m/g, to enhance dispersion of the catalytic metal component or components thereon. The preferred refractory metal oxide support also has a high porosity with pores of up to about 145 nm radius, e.g., from about 0.75 to 1.5 cubic centimeters per gram (cm/g), preferably from about 0.9 to 1.2 cm/g, and a pore size range of at least about 50% of the porosity being provided by pores of 5 to 100 nm in radius.
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0092 A useful ozone treating catalyst comprises at least one precious metal component, preferably a palladium component dispersed on a suitable support such as a refractory oxide support. The composition comprises from 0.1 to 20.0 weight percent, and preferably 0.5 to 15 weight percent of precious metal on the support, such as a refractory oxide support, based on the weight of the precious metal (metal and not oxide) and the support. Palladium is preferably used in amounts of from 2 to 15, more preferably 5 to 15 and yet more preferably 8 to 12 weight percent. Platinum is preferably used at 0.1 to 10, more preferably 0.1 to 5.0, and yet more preferably 2 to 5 weight percent. Palladium is most preferred to catalyze the reaction of ozone to form oxygen. The support materials can be selected from the group recited above. In preferred embodiments, there can additionally be a bulk manganese component as recited above, or a manganese component dispersed on the same or different refractory oxide support as the precious metal, preferably palladium component. There can be up to 80, preferably up to 50, more preferably from 1 to 40 and yet more preferably 5 to 35 weight percent of a manganese component based on the weight of palladium and manganese metal in the pollutant treating composition. Stated another way, there is preferably about 2 to 30 and preferably 2 to 10 weight percent of a manganese component. The catalyst loading is from 20 to 250 grams and preferably about 50 to 250 grams of palladium per cubic foot (g/ft) of catalyst volume. The catalyst volume is the total volume of the finished catalyst composition and therefore includes the total volume of air conditioner condenser or radiator including void spaces provided by the gas flow passages. Generally, the higher loading of palladium results in a greater ozone conversion, i.e., a greater percentage of ozone decomposition in the treated air stream.
0093 Conversions of ozone to oxygen attained with a palladium/manganese catalyst on alumina support compositions at a temperature of about 40 C. to 50 C. have been about 50 mole percent where the ozone concentrations range from 0.1 to 0.4 ppm and the face velocity was about 10 miles per hour. Lower conversions were attained using a platinum on alumina catalyst.
0094 Of particular interest is the use of a support comprising the above described coprecipitated product of a manganese oxide, and zirconia which is used to support a precious metal, preferably selected from platinum and palladium, and most preferably platinum. Platinum is of particular interest in that it has been found that platinum is particularly effective when used on this coprecipitated support. The amount of platinum can range from 0.1 to 6, preferably 0.5 to 4, more preferably 1 to 4, and most preferably 2 to 4 weight percent based on metallic platinum and the coprecipitated support. The use of platinum to treat ozone has been found to be particularly effective on this support. Additionally, as discussed below, this catalyst is useful to treat carbon monoxide. Preferably the precious metal is platinum and the catalyst is reduced.
0095 Other useful catalysts to catalytically convert ozone to oxygen are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,343,776 and 4,405,507, both hereby incorporated by reference. A useful and most preferred composition is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Ser. No. 08/202,397 filed Feb. 25, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,331 and entitled, Light Weight, Low Pressure Drop Ozone Decomposition Catalyst for Aircraft Applications hereby incorporated by reference. Yet other compositions which can result in the conversion of ozone to oxygen comprises carbon, and palladium or platinum supported on carbon, manganese dioxide, CARULITE catalyst, and/or hopcalite. Manganese supported on a refractory oxide such as recited above has also been found to be useful.
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0096 Carbon monoxide treating catalysts preferably comprise at least one precious metal component, preferably selected from platinum and/or palladium components with platinum components being most preferred. A combination of a platinum component and a palladium component results in improved CO conversion at an increase in cost and is most preferred where greater conversion is desired and cost increase is acceptable. The composition comprises from 0.01 to 20 weight percent, and preferably 0.5 to 15 weight percent of the precious metal component on a suitable support such as refractory oxide support, with the amount of precious metal being based on the weight of precious metal (metal and not the metal component) and the support. Platinum is most preferred and is preferably used in amounts of from 0.01 to 10 weight percent and more preferably 0.1 to 5 weight percent, and most preferably 1.0 to 5.0 weight percent. Palladium is useful in amounts from 2 to 15, preferably 5 to 15 and yet more preferably 8 to 12 weight percent. The preferred support is titania, with titania sol most preferred as recited above. When loaded onto a monolithic structure such as a radiator or onto other atmosphere contacting surfaces the catalyst loading is preferably about 1 to 150, and more preferably 10 to 100 grams of platinum per cubic foot (g/ft) of catalyst volume and/or 20 to 250 and preferably 50 to 250 grams of palladium per g/ftof catalyst volume. When platinum and palladium are used in combination, there is from about 25 to 100 g/ftof platinum and 50 to 250 g/ftof palladium. A preferred composition comprises about 50 to 90 g/ftof platinum and 100 to 225 g/ftof palladium. Preferred catalysts are reduced. Conversions of 5 to 80 mole percent of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide were attained using coated core samples from automotive radiator having from 1 to 6 weight percent (based on metal) of platinum on titania compositions at temperatures from 25 to 90 C. where the carbon monoxide concentration was 15 to 25 parts per million and the space velocity was 300,000 to 500,000 reciprocal hours. Also, conversions of 5 to 65 mole percent of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide were attained using 1.5 to 4.0 weight percent platinum on alumina support compositions at a temperature of about up to 95 C. where the carbon monoxide concentration was about 15 parts per million and the space velocity was about 300,000 reciprocal hours. Lower conversions have been attained with palladium on a ceria support.
0097 An alternate and preferred catalyst composition to treat carbon monoxide comprises a precious metal component supported on the above described coprecipitate of a manganese oxide and zirconia. The coprecipitate is formed as described above. The preferred ratios of manganese to zirconia are 5:95 to 95:5; 10:90 to 75:25; 10:90 to 50:50; and 15:85 to 25:75 with a preferred coprecipitate having a manganese oxides to zirconia of 20:80. The percent of platinum supported on the coprecipitate based on platinum metal ranges from 0.1 to 6, preferably 0.5 to 4, more preferably 1 to 4, and most preferably 2-4 weight percent. Preferably the catalyst is reduced. The catalyst can be reduced in powder form or after it has been coated onto a supporting substrate. Other useful compositions which can convert carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide include a platinum component supported on carbon or a support comprising manganese dioxide.
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0098 Catalysts to treat hydrocarbons, typically unsaturated hydrocarbons, more typically unsaturated mono-olefins having from two to about twenty carbon atoms and, in particular, from two to eight carbon atoms, and partially oxygenated hydrocarbons of the type referred to above, comprise at least one precious metal component, preferably selected from platinum and palladium with platinum being most preferred. A combination of a platinum component and a palladium component results in improved hydrocarbons conversion at an increase in cost and is most preferred where greater conversion is desired and cost increase is acceptable. Useful catalyst compositions include those described for use to treat carbon monoxide. Composition to treat hydrocarbons comprise from 0.01 to 20 wt. % and preferably 0.5 to 15 wt. % of the precious metal component on a suitable support such as a refractory oxide support, with the amount of precious metal being based on the weight of the precious metal, (not the metal component) and the support. Platinum is the most preferred and is preferably used in amounts of from 0.01 to 10 wt. % and more preferably 0.1 to 5 wt. % and most preferably 1.0 to 5 wt. %. When loaded onto a monolithic structure such as a motor vehicle radiator or on to other atmospheric contacting surfaces, the catalyst loading is preferably about 1 to 150, and more preferably 10 to 100 grams of platinum per cubic foot (g/ft) of catalyst volume. When platinum and palladium are used in combination, there is from about 25 to 100 g/ftof platinum and 50 to 250 g/ftof palladium. A preferred composition comprises about 50 to 90 g/ftof platinum and 100 to 225 g/ftof palladium. The preferred refractory oxide support is a metal oxide refractory which is preferably selected from ceria, silica, zirconia, alumina, titania and mixtures thereof with alumina and titania being most preferred. The preferred titania is characterized by as recited above with titania sol most preferred. The preferred catalyst is reduced. Testing on a coated automotive radiator resulted in conversions of a low molecular weight mono-olefin such as propylene to water and carbon dioxide with 1.5 to 4 wt. % of platinum on an alumina or titania support have been between 15 and 25% where the propylene concentration was about 10 parts per million propylene and the space velocity was about 320,000 reciprocal hours. These catalysts were not reduced. Reduction of the catalyst improves conversion.
0099 Catalysts useful for the oxidation of both carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons generally include those recited above as useful to treat either carbon monoxide or hydrocarbons. Most preferred catalysts which have been found to have good activity for the treatment of both carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon such as unsaturated olefins comprise platinum component supported on a preferred titania support. The composition preferably comprises a binder and can be coated on a suitable support structure in amounts of from 0.8 to 1.0 g/in. A preferred platinum concentration ranges from 2 to 6% and preferably 3 to 5% by weight of platinum metal on the titania support. Useful and preferred substrate cell densities are equivalent to about 300 to 400 cells per square inch. The catalyst is preferably reduced as a powder or on the coated article using a suitable reducing agent. Preferably the catalyst is reduced in the gas stream comprising about 7% hydrogen with the balance nitrogen at from 200 to 500 C. or from 1 to 12 hours. The most preferred reduction or forming temperature is 400 C. for 2-6 hours. This catalyst has been found to maintain high activity in air and humidified air at elevated temperatures of up to 100 C. after prolonged exposure.
0100 Useful catalysts which can treat both ozone and carbon monoxide comprise at least one precious metal component, most preferably a precious metal selected from palladium, platinum and mixtures thereof on a suitable support such as a refractory oxide support. A combination of a platinum component and a palladium component results in improved CO conversion at an increase in cost and is most preferred where greater conversion is desired and cost increase is acceptable. Useful refractory oxide supports comprise ceria, zirconia, alumina, titania, silica and mixtures thereof including a mixture of zirconia and silica as recited above. Also useful and preferred as a support are the above described coprecipitates of manganese oxides and zirconia. The composition comprises from 0.1 to 20.0, preferably 0.5 to 15, and more preferably from 1 to 10 weight percent of the precious metal component on the support based on the weight of the precious metal and the support. Palladium is preferably used in amounts from 2 to 15 and more preferably from 3 to 8 weight percent. Platinum is preferably used in amounts of from 0.1 to 6 percent and more preferably 2 to 5 weight percent. A preferred composition is a composition wherein the refractory component comprises ceria and the precious metal component comprises palladium. This composition has resulted in relatively high ozone and carbon monoxide conversions. More particularly, testing of this composition on a coated radiator has resulted in a 21% conversion of carbon monoxide in an air stream comprising 16 ppm of carbon monoxide contacting a surface at 95 C. with a face velocity of the gas stream being 5 miles per hour. The same catalyst resulted in a 55% ozone conversion where the stream contained 0.25 ppm of ozone and the treating surface was at 25 C. with an air stream face velocity of 10 miles per hour. Also preferred is a composition comprising a precious metal, preferably a platinum group metal, more preferably selected from platinum and palladium components, and most preferably a platinum component and the above recited coprecipitate of manganese oxide and zirconia. This above recited precious metal containing catalyst in the form of a catalyst powder or coating on a suitable substrate is in reduced form. Preferred reduction conditions include those recited above with the most preferred condition being from 250 to 350 C. for from 2 to 4 hours in a reducing gas comprising 7% hydrogen and 93% nitrogen. This catalyst has been found to be particularly useful in treating both carbon monoxide and ozone. Other useful compositions to convert ozone to oxygen and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide comprise a platinum component supported on carbon, manganese dioxide, or a refractory oxide support, and optionally having an additional manganese component.
0101 A useful and preferred catalyst which can treat ozone, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, as well as partially oxygenated hydrocarbons, comprises a precious metal component, preferably a platinum component on a suitable support such as a refractory oxide support. A combination of a platinum component and a palladium component results in improved CO conversion at an increase in cost and is most preferred where greater conversion is desired and cost increase is acceptable. Useful refractory oxide supports comprise ceria, zirconia, alumina, titania, silica and mixtures thereof including a mixture of zirconia and silica as recited above. Also useful is a support including the above-recited coprecipitate of manganese oxide and zirconia. The composition comprises from 0.1 to 20, preferably 0.5 to 15 and more preferably 1 to 10 wt. % of the precious metal component on the refractory support based on the weight of the precious metal and the support. Where the hydrocarbon component is sought to be converted to carbon dioxide and water, platinum is the most preferred catalyst and is preferably used in amounts of from 0.1 to 5% and more preferably 2 to 5% by weight. In specific embodiments, there can be a combination of catalysts including the above recited catalyst as well as a catalyst which is particularly preferred for the treatment of ozone such as a catalyst comprising a manganese component. The manganese component can be optionally combined with a platinum component. The manganese and platinum can be on the same or different supports. There can be up to 80, preferably up to 50, more preferably from 1 to 40 and yet more preferably from 10 to 35 wt. % of the manganese component based on the weight of the precious metal and manganese in the pollutant treating composition. The catalyst loading is the same at that recited above with regard to the ozone catalyst. A preferred composition is a composition wherein the refractory component comprises an alumina or titania support and the precious metal component comprises a platinum component. Testing of such a composition coated onto a radiator has resulted in 68 to 72% conversion of carbon monoxide, 8 to 15% conversion of ozone and 17 to 18% conversion of propylene when contacting a surface at 95 C. with a face velocity of the gas stream being about ten miles per hour (hourly space velocity of 320,000 per reciprocal hours) with air dew point at 35 F. Generally, as the contacting surface temperature decreases and the space velocity or face velocity of the atmosphere air flow over the pollutant contacting surface increases, the percent conversion decreases.
0102 Catalyst activity, particularly to treat carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons can be further enhanced by reducing the catalyst in a forming gas such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane or hydrocarbon plus nitrogen gas. Alternatively, the reducing agent can be in the form of a liquid such as a hydrazine, formic acid, and formate salts such as sodium formate solution. The catalyst can be reduced as a powder or after coating onto a substrate. The reduction can be conducted in gas at from 150-500 C., preferably 200-400 C. for 1 to 12 hours, preferably 2 to 8 hours. In a preferred process, coated article or powder can be reduced in a gas comprising 7% hydrogen in nitrogen at 275-350 C. for 2 to 4 hours.
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0103 An alternate composition for use in the method and apparatus of the present invention comprises a catalytically active material selected from the group consisting of precious metal components including platinum group metal components, gold components and silver components and a metal component selected from the group consisting of tungsten components and rhenium components. The relative amounts of catalytically active material to the tungsten component and/or rhenium component based on the weight of the metal are from 1 to , to 15 to 1.
0104 The composition containing a tungsten component and/or a rhenium component preferably comprises tungsten and/or rhenium in the oxide form. The oxide can be obtained by forming the composition using tungsten or rhenium salts and the composition can subsequently be calcined to form tungsten and/or rhenium oxide. The composition can comprise further components such as supports including refractory oxide supports, manganese components, carbon, and coprecipitates of a manganese oxide and zirconia. Useful refractory metal oxides include alumina, silica, titania, ceria, zirconia, chromia and mixtures thereof. The composition can additionally comprise a binder material, such as metal sols including alumina or titania sols or polymeric binder which can be provided in the form of a polymeric latex binder.
0105 In preferred compositions, there are from 0.5 to 15, preferably 1 to 10, and most preferably from 3 to 5 percent by weight of the catalytically active material. The preferred catalytically active materials are platinum group metals with platinum and palladium being more preferred and platinum being most preferred. The amount of tungsten and/or rhenium component based on the metals ranges 1 to 25, preferably 2 to 15 and most preferably 3 to 10 weight percent. The amount of binder can vary from 0 to 20 weight percent, preferably 0.5 to 20, more preferably 2 to 10 and most preferably 2 to 5 weight percent. Depending on the support material a binder is not necessary in this composition. Preferred compositions comprise from 60 to 98.5 weight percent of a refractory oxide support, from 0.5 to 15 weight percent of the catalytically active material, from 1 to 25 weight of the tungsten and/or rhenium component, and from 0 to 10 weight percent binder.
0106 Compositions containing the tungsten component and rhenium component can be calcined under conditions as recited above. Additionally, the composition can be reduced. However, as shown in the examples below, the compositions need not be reduced and the presence of the tungsten and/or rhenium component can result in conversions of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons comparable to compositions containing platinum group metals which have been reduced.
0107 The pollutant treating compositions of the present invention preferably comprise a binder which acts to adhere the composition and to provide adhesion to the atmosphere contacting surface. It has been found that a preferred binder is a polymeric binder used in amounts of from 0.5 to 20, more preferably 2 to 10, and most preferably to 2 to 5 percent by weight of binder based on the weight of the composition. Preferably, the binder is a polymeric binder which can be a thermosetting or thermoplastic polymeric binder. The polymeric binder can have suitable stabilizers and age resistors known in the polymeric art. The polymer can be a plastic or elastomeric polymer. Most preferred are thermosetting, elastomeric polymers introduced as a latex into the catalyst into a slurry of the catalyst composition, preferably an aqueous slurry. Upon application of the composition and heating the binder material can crosslink providing a suitable support which enhances the integrity of the coating, its adhesion to the atmosphere contacting surface and provides structural stability under vibrations encountered in motor vehicles. The use of preferred polymeric binder enables the pollutant treating composition to adhere to the atmosphere contacting surface without the necessity of an undercoat layer. The binder can comprise water resistant additives to improve water resistance and improve adhesion. Such additives can include fluorocarbon emulsions and petroleum wax emulsions.
0108 Useful polymeric compositions include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin copolymers, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polybutadiene copolymers, chlorinated rubber, nitrile rubber, polychloroprene, ethylene-propylene-diene elastomers, polystyrene, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, poly(vinyl esters), poly(vinyl halides), polyamides, cellulosic polymers, polyimides, acrylics, vinyl acrylics and styrene acrylics, poly vinyl alcohol, thermoplastic polyesters, thermosetting polyesters, poly(phenylene oxide), poly(phenylene sulfide), fluorinated polymers such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) polyvinylidene fluoride, poly(vinylfluoride) and chloro/fluoro copolymers such as ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer, polyamide, phenolic resins and epoxy resins, polyurethane, and silicone polymers. A most preferred polymeric material is an acrylic polymeric latex as described in the accompanying examples.
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0109 Particularly preferred polymers and copolymers are vinyl acrylic polymers and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers. A preferred vinyl acrylic polymer is a cross linking polymer sold by National Starch and Chemical Company as Xlink 2833. It is described as a vinyl acrylic polymer having a Tg of 15 C., 45% solids, a pH of 4.5 and a viscosity of 300 cps. In particular, it is indicated to have vinyl acetate CAS No. 108-05-4 in a concentration range of less than 0.5 percent. It is indicated to be a vinyl acetate copolymer. Other preferred vinyl acetate copolymers which are sold by the National Starch and Chemical Company include Dur-O-Set E-623 and Dur-O-Set E-646. Dur-O-Set E-623 is indicated to be ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers having a Tg of 0 C., 52% solids, a pH of 5.5 and a viscosity of 200 cps. Dur-O-Set E-646 is indicated to be an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer with a Tg of 12 C., 52% solids, a pH of 5.5 and a viscosity of 300 cps. A useful and preferred binder is a crosslinking acrylic copolymer sold by National Starch and Chemical Company as X-4280. It is described as a milk white aqueous emulsion having a pH of 2.6; a boiling point of 212 F., a freezing point of 32 F.; a specific gravity of 1.060; a viscosity of 100 cps. An alternate and useful binding material is the use of a zirconium compound. Zirconyl acetate is preferred zirconium compound used. It is believed that zirconia acts as a high temperature stabilizer, promotes catalytic activity, and improves catalyst adhesion. Upon calcination, zirconium compounds such as zirconyl acetate are converted to ZrOwhich is believed to be the binding material. Various useful zirconium compounds include acetates, hydroxides, nitrates, etc. for generating ZrOin catalysts. In the case of using zirconyl acetate as a binder for the present catalysts, ZrOwill not be formed unless the radiator coating is calcined. Since good adhesion has been attained at a calcination temperature of only 120 C., it is believed that the zirconyl acetate has not decomposed to zirconium oxide but instead has formed a cross linked network with the pollutant treating material such as CARULITE catalyst particles and the acetates which were formed from ball milling with acetic acid. Accordingly, the use of any zirconium containing compounds in the present catalysts are not restricted only to zirconia. Additionally, the zirconium compounds can be used with other binders such as the polymeric binder recited above.
0110 An alternate pollutant treating catalyst composition can comprise activated carbon composition. The carbon composition comprises activated carbon, a binder, such as a polymeric binder, and optionally conventional additives such as defoamers and the like. A useful activated carbon composition comprises from 75 to 85 weight percent activated carbon such as coconut shell carbon or carbon from wood and a binder such as an acrylic binder with a defoamer. Useful slurries comprise from 10 to 50 weight percent solids. The activated carbon can catalyze reduction of ozone to oxygen, as well as adsorb other pollutants.
0111 Pollutant treating catalyst compositions of the present invention can be prepared in any suitable process. A preferred process is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,860 herein incorporated by reference. In accordance with this method, the refractory oxide support such as activated alumina, titania or activated silica alumina is jet milled, impregnated with a catalytic metal salt, preferably precious metal salt solution and calcined at a suitable temperature, typically from about 300 C. to about 600 C., preferably from about 350 C. to about 550 C., and more preferably from about 400 C. to about 500 C. for from about 0.5 to about 12 hours. Palladium salts are preferably a palladium nitrate or a palladium amine such as palladium tetraamine acetate, or palladium tetraamine hydroxide. Platinum salts preferably include platinum hydroxide solubilized in an amine. In specific and preferred embodiments the calcined catalyst is reduced as recited above.
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0112 In an ozone treating composition, a manganese salt, such as manganese nitrate, can then be mixed with the dried and calcined alumina supported palladium in the presence of deionized water. The amount of water added should be an amount up to the point of incipient wetness. Reference is made to the method reviewed in the above referenced and incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,860. The point of incipient wetness is the point at which the amount of liquid added is the lowest concentration at which the powdered mixture is sufficiently dry so as to absorb essentially all of the liquid. In this way a soluble manganese salt such as Mn(NO)in water can be added into the calcined supported catalytic precious metal. The mixture is then dried and calcined at a suitable temperature, preferably 400 to 500 C. for about 0.5 to about 12 hours.
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0113 Alternatively, the supported catalytic powder (i.e., palladium supported on alumina) can be combined with a liquid, preferably water, to form a slurry to which a solution of a manganese salt, such as Mn(NO)is added. Preferably, the manganese component and palladium supported on a refractory support such as activated alumina, more preferably activated silica-alumina is mixed with a suitable amount of water to result in a slurry having from 15 to 40% and preferable 20 to 35 weight percent solids. The combined mixture can be coated onto a carrier such as a radiator and the radiator dried in air at suitable conditions such as 50 C. to 150 C. for 1 to 12 hours. The substrate which supports the coating can then be heated in an oven at suitable conditions typically from 300 C. to 550 C., preferably 350 C. to 500 C., more preferably 350 C. to 450 C. and most preferably from 400 C. and 500 C. in an oxygen containing atmosphere, preferably air for about 0.5 to about 12 hours to calcine the components and help to secure the coating to the substrate atmosphere contacting surface. Where the composition further comprises a precious metal component, it is preferably reduced after calcining.
0114 A method of the present invention includes forming a mixture comprising a catalytically active material selected from at least one platinum group metal component, a gold component, a silver component, a manganese component and mixtures thereof and water. The catalytically active material can be on a suitable support, preferably a refractory oxide support. The mixture can be milled, and then optionally be calcined and reduced when using precious metal catalytic material. The calcining step can be conducted prior to milling and adding the polymeric binder. It is also preferred to reduce the catalytically active material prior to milling, calcining and adding the polymeric binder. The slurry comprises a carboxylic acid compound or polymer containing carboxylic acid groups or derivatives thereof in an amount to result in a pH of about from 3 to 7, typically 3 to 6. Preferably the acid comprises from 0.5 to 15 weight percent of glacial acetic acid based on the weight of the catalytically active material and acetic acid. The amount of water can be added as suited to attain a slurry of the desired solids concentration and/or viscosity. The percent solids are typically 20 to 50 and preferably 30 to 40 percent by weight. The preferred vehicle is deionized water (D.I.). The acetic acid can be added upon forming the mixture of the catalytically active material, which may have been calcined, with water. Alternatively, the acetic acid can be added with the polymeric binder. A preferred composition to treat ozone using manganese dioxide as the catalyst can be made using about 1,500 g of manganese dioxide which is mixed with 2,250 g of deionized water and 75 g of acetic acid. The mixture is combined in a 1 gallon ballmill and ballmilled for about 4 hours until approximately 90% of the particles are less than 8 micrometers. The ballmill is drained and 150 g of polymeric binder is added. The mixture is then blended on a rollmill for 30 minutes. The resulting mixture is ready for coating onto a suitable substrate such as an automobile radiator according to the methods described below.
0115 It has been found that compatibility of the components of a slurry comprising a catalytic material and a polymeric binder, such as a latex emulsion, is desirable to maintain slurry stability and uniformity. For the purpose of the present invention compatibility means that the binder and the catalytic material remain as a mixture of separate particles in the slurry. It is believed that where the polymeric binder is a latex emulsion and the catalytic material have electrical charges which cause them to repel each other, they are compatible and the slurry is stable and has a uniform distribution of the catalytic material and the polymer latex in the liquid vehicle, e.g. aqueous fluid such as water. If the catalytic material and latex emulsion particles do not mutually repel each other, irreversible agglomeration of the latex on the catalytic material will occur. These materials are therefore incompatible and the latex comes out of the emulsion.
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0116 Compatibility of a high surface area catalyst with the organic latex binder is a key property in preparing a stable, uniform slurry. If the catalyst and latex emulsion particles do not mutually repel each other, irreversible agglomeration will occur. The result of this will be an unstable, non-uniform slurry which will produce a poorly adherent coating. Although the mutual repulsion of the catalyst and binder particles is controlled by a variety physical factors, surface charge plays a key role. Since latex emulsion particles are typically negatively charged, catalyst particles must be similarly charged. Zeta potential measurements have shown, however, that catalyst particles, such as MnOare only slightly negatively or even positively charged, and as a result, irreversible coagulation of the catalyst and latex occurs (i.e. catalyst and latex are not compatible). It has been found that although the above described method of adding acetic acid provides certain advantages to the slurries of the present invention, such as viscosity control, it does not enhance compatibility and may even be detrimental to aged slurry stability.
0117 Where the catalytically material is positively or slightly negatively charged, improved compatibility can be achieved by making the slurry more basic. The pH of the slurry can be controlled depending on the acidity of the catalytic material, with preferred pH levels being at least 6, preferably at least 7, more preferably at least 8.5. Generally, the slurry should not be too caustic and a preferred upper limit is about 11. A preferred range is from 8.5 to 11.
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Additives for Dispersion
0118 Maintaining a pH 8.5 of a slurry comprising a latex emulsion and MnO(cryptomelane) is critical. If the pH drops below 8.5 for an extended period of time (days), the binder and catalyst will irreversibly coagulate. Despite the large negative charge on the cryptomelane particles at this pH, long term stability of cryptomelane containing slurries has been difficult to achieve. Preferred binders are poly(acrylic) acid derivative based binders with a particularly preferred binder which has long term stability under these conditions being an acrylic latex sold by National Starch as x-4280 acrylic latex. The difficulty in achieving long term compatibility even with basic slurries containing negatively charged latex and catalyst particles indicates that although surface charge is important, it is not the only factor in determining binder/catalyst compatibility. Other factors which play a role include emulsion particle size, surfactant package, etc. The present method involves raising the pH of the ball milled catalyst slurry to pH 8.5 and preferably 9 to enhance stability. An alternative method to enhance slurry stability involves adding a surfactant such as a polymeric dispersant to the slurry instead of or in addition to increasing the pH. In the second case, binder/catalyst compatibility is achieved by adding a polymeric acrylate derived dispersant (ca. 3% solids basis) instead of increasing the pH. The result is the same, however, in that the catalyst particle is given a large negative charge which can repel the like charged latex particles. The dispersant can be added during the ball milling operation or after. Despite generating a large negative charge on the catalyst particles, not all dispersants work equally as well. Preferred dispersants comprise polymers containing carboxylic acid groups or derivatives thereof such as esters and salts. Preferred dispersants include Accusol 445 (from Rohm & Haas) and Colloid 226/35 (from Rhone-Poulenc). Useful dispersants and a review of dispersion technology are presented in, Technology, published by Rhone-Poulenc, Surfactants & Specialties hereby incorporated by reference. Useful polymeric dispersants include but are not limited to polyacrylic acid partial sodium salts and anionic copolymer sodium salts sold by Rhone-Poulenc as Colloid polymeric dispersants. Again, although surface charge is an important factor in determining catalyst/binder compatibility, it is not the only factor. In general, the dispersant (particularly Colloid 226) does a good job of stabilizing the slurry since a greater variety of latex binders (e.g. acrylics, styrene acrylics, and EVA's) are compatible. Long term compatibility problems may be addressed by increasing the quantity of dispersant, raising the pH somewhat, or both.
0119 The above recited methods enhance compatibility and result in a stable catalyst slurry. Both methods generate a large negative surface charge on the catalyst particle which in turn stabilizes the catalyst in the presence of the like charged (anionic) latex emulsion particles. For both systems, good adhesion has been observed(i.e. catalyst cannot be wiped off the face of a coated monolith) with a 10% by weight loading (solids basis) of the polymeric binder. At 5%, adhesion is not as good, so the optimum loading is probably somewhere in between.
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0120 While these methods have been shown to enhance comparability of MnO/latex slurries, the present invention is not limited to systems using negatively charged latex emulsions. Those skilled in the art will understand that slurry comparability can likewise be achieved using cationic latex emulsions, using cationic surfactant and/or dispersant packages to stabilize the catalyst particles.
0121 The polymeric slurries of the present, particularly polymer latex slurries, can contain conventional additives such as thickeners, biocides, antioxidants and the like.
0122 The pollutant treating composition can be applied to the atmosphere contacting vehicle surface by any suitable means such as spray coating, powder coating, or brushing or dipping the surface into a catalyst slurry.
0123 The atmosphere contacting surface is preferably cleaned to remove surface dirt, particularly oils which could result in poor adhesion of the pollutant treating composition to the surface. Where possible, it is preferred to heat the substrate on which the surface is located to a high enough temperature to volatilize or burn off surface debris and oils.
0124 Where the substrate on which there is an atmosphere contacting surface is made of a material which can withstand elevated temperatures such as an aluminum radiator, the substrate surface can be treated in such a manner as to improve adhesion to the catalyst composition, preferably the ozone carbon monoxide, and/or hydrocarbon catalyst composition. One method is to heat the aluminum substrate such as the radiator to a sufficient temperature in air for a sufficient time to form a thin layer of aluminum oxide on the surface. This helps clean the surface by removing oils which may be detrimental to adhesion. Additionally, if the surface is aluminum a sufficient layer of oxidized aluminum has been found to be able to be formed by heating the radiator in air for from 0.5 to 24 hours, preferably from 8 to 24 hours and more preferably from 12 to 20 hours at from 350 C. to 500 C., preferably from 400 to 500 C. and more preferably 425 to 475 C. In some cases, sufficient adhesion without the use of an undercoat layer has been attained where an aluminum radiator has been heated at 450 C. for 16 hours in air. This method is particularly useful when applying the coating to new surfaces such as radiators or air conditioner condensers prior to assembly in a motor vehicle either as original equipment or replacement.
0125 Adhesion may improve by applying an undercoat or precoat to the substrate. Useful undercoats or precoats include refractory oxide supports of the type discussed above, with alumina preferred. A preferred undercoat to increase adhesion between the atmosphere contacting surface and an overcoat of an ozone catalyst composition is described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,331 herein incorporated herein by reference. The undercoat layer is disclosed as comprising a mixture of fine particulate refractory metal oxide and a sol selected from silica, alumina, zirconia and titania sols. In accordance with the method of the present invention, surfaces on existing vehicles can be coated while the substrate such as the radiator, radiator fan or air conditioner condenser is located on the vehicle. The catalyst composition can be applied directly to the surface. Where additional adhesion is desired, an undercoat can be used as recited above.
0126 Where it is practical to separate the radiator from the vehicle, a support material such as activated alumina, silica-alumina, bulk titania, titanium sol, silica zirconia, manganese zirconia and others as recited can be formed into a slurry and coated on the substrate preferably with a silica sol to improve adhesion. The precoated substrate can subsequently be coated with soluble precious metal salts such as the platinum and/or palladium salts, and optionally manganese nitrate. The coated substrate can then be heated in an oven in air for sufficient time (0.5 to 12 hours at 350 C. to 550 C.) to calcine the palladium and manganese components to form the oxides thereof.
0127 The present invention can comprise adsorption compositions supported on the atmosphere contacting surface. The adsorption compositions can be used to adsorb gaseous pollutants such as hydrocarbons and sulfur dioxide as well as particulate matter such as particulate hydrocarbon, soot, pollen, bacteria and germs. Useful supported compositions can include adsorbents such as zeolite to adsorb hydrocarbons. Useful zeolitic compositions are described in Publication No. WO 94/27709 published Dec. 8, 1994 and entitled Nitrous Oxide Decomposition Catalyst hereby incorporated by reference. Particularly preferred zeolites are Beta zeolite, and dealuminated Zeolite Y.
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0128 Carbon, preferably activated carbon, can be formed into carbon adsorption compositions comprising activated carbon and binders such as polymers as known in the art. The carbon adsorption composition can be applied to the atmosphere contacting surface. Activated carbon can adsorb hydrocarbons, volatile organic components, bacteria, pollen and the like. Yet another adsorption composition can include components which can adsorb SO. A particularly useful SOadsorbent is calcium oxide. The calcium oxide is converted to calcium sulfate. The calcium oxide adsorbent compositions can also contain a vanadium or platinum catalyst which can be used to convert sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide which can then be adsorbed onto the calcium oxide to form calcium sulfate.
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0129 In addition to treatment of atmospheric air containing pollutants at ambient condition or ambient operating conditions, the present invention contemplates the catalytic oxidation and/or reduction of hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and residual carbon monoxide using conventional three way catalysts supported on electrically heated catalysts such as are known in the art. The electrically heated catalysts can be located on electrically heated catalyst monolith 56 illustrated in FIG. 1. Such electrically heated catalyst substrates are known in the art and are disclosed in references such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,308,591 and 5,317,869 hereby incorporated by reference. For the purposes of the present invention, the electrically heated catalyst is a metal honeycomb having a suitable thickness to fit in the flow direction, preferably of from inch to 12 inches, and more preferably 0.5 to 3 inches. Where the electrically heated catalyst must fit into a narrow space, it can be from 0.25 to 1.5 inches thick. Preferred supports are monolithic carriers of the type having a plurality of fine, parallel gas flow passages extending therethrough from an inlet face to an outlet face of the carrier so that the passages are open to air flow entering from the front and passing through the monolith 56 in the direction toward the fan . Preferably the passages are essentially straight from their inlet to their outlet and are defined by walls in which the catalytic material is coated as a wash coat so that the gases flowing through the passages contact the catalytic material. The flow passages of the monolithic carrier are thin wall channels which can be of any suitable cross-sectional shape and size such as trapezoidal, rectangular, square, sinusoidal, hexagonal, oval, circular or formed from metallic components which are corrugated and flat as are known in the art. Such structures may contain from about 60 to 600 or more gas inlet openings (cells) per square inch of cross section. The monolith may be made of any suitable material and is preferably capable of being heated upon application of an electric current. A useful catalyst to apply is the three way catalyst (TWC) as recited above which can enhance the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide as well as the reduction of nitrogen oxides. Useful TWC catalysts are recited in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,714,694; 4,738,947; 5,010,051; 5,057,483; and 5,139,992.
0130 The present invention is illustrated further by the following examples which are not intended to limit the scope of this invention.
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0131 A 1993 Nissan Altima radiator core (Nissan part number 21460-1E400) was heat treated in air to 450 C. for 16 hours to clean and oxidize the surface and then a portion coated with high surface area silica-alumina undercoat (dry loading0.23 g/in) by pouring a water slurry containing the silica-alumina through the radiator channels, blowing out the excess with an air gun, drying at room temperature with a fan, and then calcining to 450 C. The silica-alumina slurry was prepared by ball milling high surface area calcined SRS-II alumina (Davison) with acetic acid (0.5% based on alumina) and water (total solids ca. 20%) to a particle size of 90%<4 m. The ball milled material was then blended with Nalco silica sol (91SJ06S-28% solids) in a ratio of 25%/75%. The SRS-II alumina is specified to have a structure of xSiO.yAlO.zHO with 92-95% by weight AlOand 4-7% by weight SiOafter activation. BET surface area is specified to be a minimum of 260 m/g after calcination.
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0132 A Pd/Mn/AlOcatalyst slurry (nominally 10% by weight palladium on alumina) was prepared by impregnating high surface area SRS-II alumina (Davison) to the point of incipient wetness with a water solution containing sufficient palladium tetraamine acetate. The resulting powder was dried and then calcined for 1 hour at 450 C. The powder was subsequently mixed under high shear with a water solution of manganese nitrate (amount equivalent to 5.5% by weight MnOon the alumina powder) and sufficient dilution water to yield a slurry of 32-34% solids. The radiator was coated with the slurry, dried in air using a fan, and then calcined in air at 450 C. for 16 hours. This ozone destruction catalyst contained palladium (dry loading263 g/ftof radiator volume) and manganese dioxide (dry loading142 g/ft) on high surface area SRS-II alumina. The partially coated radiator reassembled with the coolant tanks, also referred to as headers is shown in FIG. 8.
0133 Ozone destruction performance of the coated catalyst was determined by blowing an air stream containing a given concentration of ozone through the radiator channels at face velocities typical of driving speeds and then measuring the concentration of ozone exiting the back face of the radiator. The air used was at about 20 C. and had a dew point of about 35 F. Coolant fluid was circulated through the radiator at a temperature of about 50 C. Ozone concentrations ranged from 0.1-0.4 ppm. Ozone conversion was measured at linear air velocities (face velocities) equivalent to 12.5 miles per hour to be 43%; at 25 mph to be 33%; at 37.5 mph to be 30% and at 49 mph to be 24%.
0134 (Comparative)
0135 A portion of the same radiator used in Example 1 which was not coated with catalyst was similarly evaluated for ozone destruction performance (i.e. control experiment). No conversion of ozone was observed.
0136 After heat treatment for 60 hours in air at 450 C., a Lincoln Town Car radiator core (part F1VY-8005-A) was coated sequentially in 66 square patches with a variety of different ozone destruction catalyst compositions (i.e., different catalysts; catalyst loadings, binder formulations, and heat treatments). Several of the radiator patches were precoated with a high surface area alumina or silica-alumina and calcined to 450 C. prior to coating with the catalyst. The actual coating was accomplished similarly to Example 1 by pouring a water slurry containing the specific catalyst formulation through the radiator channels, blowing out the excess with an air gun, and drying at room temperature with a fan. The radiator core was then dried to 120 C., or dried to 120 C. and then calcined to 400 to 450 C. The radiator core was then reattached to its plastic tanks and ozone destruction performance of the various catalysts was determined at a radiator surface temperature of about 40 C. to 50 C. and a face velocity of 10 mph as described in Example 1.
0137 Table I summarizes the variety of catalysts coated onto the radiator. Details of the catalyst slurry preparations are given below.
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0138 A Pt/AlOcatalyst (nominally 2% by weight Pt on AlO) was prepared by impregnating 114 g of a platinum salt solution derived from HPt(OH)solubilized in an amine, (17.9% Pt), dissolved in 520 g of water to 1000 g of Condea SBA-150 high surface area (specified to be about 150 m/g) alumina powder. Subsequently 49.5 g of acetic acid was added. The powder was then dried at 110 C. for 1 hour and calcined at 550 C. for 2 hours. A catalyst slurry was then prepared by adding 875 g of the powder to 1069 g of water and 44.6 g of acetic acid in a ball mill and milling the mixture to a particle size 90%<10 m. (Patches 1 and 4)
0139 A carbon catalyst slurry was a formulation (29% solids) purchased from Grant Industries, Inc., Elmwood Park, N.J. The carbon is derived from coconut shell. There is an acrylic binder and a defoamer. (Patches 8 and 12)
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0140 The CARULITE 200 catalyst (CuO/MnO) was prepared by first ball milling 1000 g of CARULITE 200 catalyst (purchased from Carus Chemical Co., Chicago, Ill.) with 1500 g of water to a particle size 90%<6 m. CARULITE 200 catalyst is specified as containing 60 to 75 weight percent MnO, 11-14 percent CuO and 15-16 percent AlO. The resulting slurry was diluted to ca. 28% solids and then mixed with either 3% (solids basis) of Nalco 1056 silica sol or 2% (solids basis) National Starch x4260 acrylic copolymer. (Patches 5, 9 and 10)
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0141 The Pd/Mn/AlOcatalyst slurry (nominally 10% by weight palladium on alumina) was prepared as described in Example 1. (Patches 2, 3 and 6)
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0142 An I.W. (incipient wetness) Pd/Mn/AlOcatalyst (nominally 8% palladium and 5.5% MnObased on alumina) was prepared similarly by first impregnating high surface area SRS-II alumina (Davison) to the point of incipient wetness with a water solution containing palladium tetraamine acetate. After drying and then calcining the powder for two hours at 450 C., the powder was reimpregnated to the point of incipient wetness with a water solution containing manganese nitrate. Again, after drying and calcination at 450 C. for two hours, the powder was mixed in a ball mill with acetic acid (3% by weight of catalyst powder) and enough water to create a slurry of 35% solids. The mixture was then milled until the particle size was 90%<8 m. (Patches 7 and 11)
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0143 The SiO/AlOprecoat slurry was prepared as described in Example 1. (Patches 3 and 11)
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0144 The AlOprecoat slurry was prepared by ball milling high surface area Condea SBA-150 alumina with acetic acid (5% by weight based on alumina) and water (total solids ca. 44%) to a particle size of 90%<10 m. (Patches 9 and 12)
TABLE I
CATALYST SUMMARY
OZONE
PATCH
CATALYST
CONVERSION (%)
1
Pt/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
12
0.67 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (23 g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pt)
No Precoat
No Calcine (120 C. only)
2
Pd/Mn/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
25
0.97 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (171 g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pd)
No Precoat
Calcined 450 C.
3
Pd/Mn/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
24
1.19 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (209 g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pd)
SiO<subscript>2</subscript>/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript> Precoat (0.16 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>)
Calcined 450 C.
4
Pt/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
8
0.79 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (27 g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pt)
No Precoat
Calcined 450 C.
5
CARULITE 200 Catalyst
50
0.49 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>
3% SiO<subscript>2</subscript>/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript> Binder
No Precoat
Calcined 400 C.
6
Pd/Mn/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
28
0.39 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (70 g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pd)
No Precoat
Calcined 450 C.
7
I.W. Pd/Mn/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
50
0.69 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (95 g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pd)
No Precoat
No Calcine (120 C. only)
8
Carbon
22
0.80 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>
No Precoat
No Calcine (120 C. only)
9
CARULITE 200 Catalyst
38
0.65 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>
3% SiO<subscript>2</subscript>/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript> Binder
Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript> Precoat (0.25 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>)
Calcined 450 C.
10
CARULITE 200 Catalyst
42
0.70 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>
2% Latex Binder
No Precoat
No Calcine (120 C. only)
11
I.W. Pd/Mn/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
46
0.59 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (82 g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pd)
SiO<subscript>2</subscript>/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript> precoat (0.59 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>)
No Calcine either Coat (120 C. only)
12
Carbon
17
1.07 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>
Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript> Precoat (0.52 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>) calcined to
450 C.
Topcoat not calcined (120 C. only)
0145 Results are summarized in Table I. The conversion of carbon monoxide after being on the automobile for 5,000 miles was also measured at the conditions recited in Example 1 for patch 4. At a radiator temperature of 50 C. and a linear velocity of 10 mph no conversion was observed.
3
0146 A 1993 Nissan Altima radiator core (Nissan part number 21460-1E400) was heat treated in air to 400 C. for 16 hours and then a portion coated with Condea high surface area SBA-150 alumina (dry loading0.86 g/in) by pouring a water slurry containing the alumina through the radiator channels, blowing out the excess with an air gun, drying at room temperature with a fan, and then calcining to 400 C. The alumina precoat slurry was prepared as described in Example 3. The radiator was then coated sequentially in 22 square patches with seven different CO destruction catalysts (Table II). Each coating was applied by pouring a water slurry containing the specific catalyst formulation through the radiator channels, blowing out the excess with an air gun, and drying at room temperature with a fan.
2
3
2
2
2
2
2
6
0147 The CARULITE catalyst and 2% Pt/AlOcatalysts (Patch 4 and 6, respectively) were prepared according to the procedure described in Example 3. The 3% Pt/ZrO/SiOcatalyst (Patch 3) was made by first calcining 510 g of zirconia/silica frit (95% ZrO/5% SiOMagnesium Elektron XZO678/01) for 1 hour at 500 C. A catalyst slurry was then prepared by adding to 480 g of deionized water, 468 g of the resulting powder, 42 g of glacial acetic acid, and 79.2 g of a platinum salt solution (18.2% Pt) derived from HPt(OH)solubilized with an amine. The resulting mixture was milled on a ball mill for 8 hours to a particle size of 90% less than 3 m.
2
2
2
6
0148 The 3% Pt/TiOcatalyst (Patch 7) was prepared by mixing in a conventional blender 500 g of TiO(Degussa P25), 500 g of deionized water, 12 g of concentrated ammonium hydroxide, and 82 g of a platinum salt solution (18.2% Pt) derived from HPt(OH)solubilized with an amine. After blending for 5 minutes to a particle size of 90% less than 5 m, 32.7 g of Nalco 1056 silica sol and sufficient deionized water to reduce the solids content to ca. 22% was added. The resulting mixture was blended on a roll mill to mix all ingredients.
2
2
6
0149 The 3% Pt/Mn/ZrOcatalyst slurry (Patch 5) was prepared by combining in a ball mill 70 g of manganese/zirconia frit comprising a coprecipitate of 20 weight percent manganese and 80 weight percent zirconium based on metal weight (Magnesium Elektron XZO719/01), 100 g of deionized water, 3.5 g of acetic acid and 11.7 g of a platinum salt solution (18.2% Pt) derived from HPt(OH)solubilized with an amine. The resulting mixture was milled for 16 hours to a particle size 90% less than 10 m.
2
2
6
2
0150 The 2% Pt/CeOcatalyst (Patch 1) was prepared by impregnating 490 g of alumina stabilized high surface area ceria (Rhone Poulenc) with 54.9 g of a platinum salt solution (18.2% Pt) derived from HPt(OH)solubilized with an amine and dissolved in deionized water (total volume155 mL). The powder was dried at 110 C. for 6 hours and calcined at 400 C. for 2 hours. A catalyst slurry was then prepared by adding 491 g of the powder to 593 g of deionized water in a ball mill and then milling the mixture for 2 hours to a particle size of 90% less than 4 m. The 4.6% Pd/CeOcatalyst (Patch 2) was prepared similarly via incipient wetness impregnation using 209.5 g (180 mL) of palladium tetraamine acetate solution.
0151 After all seven catalysts were applied, the radiator was calcined for about 16 hours at 400 C. After attaching the radiator core to the plastic tanks, CO destruction performance of the various catalysts were determined by blowing an air stream containing CO (ca. 16 ppm) through the radiator channels at a 5 mph linear face velocity (315,000/h space velocity) and then measuring the concentration of CO exiting the back face of the radiator. The radiator temperature was ca. 95 C., and the air stream had a dew point of approximately 35 F. Results are summarized in Table II.
0152 Ozone destruction performance was measured as described in Example 1 at 25 C., 0.25 ppm ozone, and a linear face velocity of 10 mph with a flow of 135.2 L/min and an hourly space velocity of 640,000/h. The air used had a dewpoint of 35 F. Results are summarized in Table II. FIG. 9 illustrates CO conversion v. temperature for Patch Nos. 3, 6 and 7.
TABLE II
CO/HC/OZONE CONVERSION SUMMARY
CARBON
MONOXIDE
OZONE
PROPYLENE
CON-
CON-
CON-
PATCH
VERSION
VERSION
VERSION
CATALYST
(%)<superscript>1</superscript>
(%)<superscript>2</superscript>
(%)<superscript>3</superscript>
1
2% Pt/CeO<subscript>2</subscript>
2
14
0
0.7 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (24
g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pt)
2
4.6% Pd/CeO<subscript>2</subscript>
21
55
0
0.5 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (40
g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pd)
3
3%
67
14
2
Pt/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript>/SiO<subscript>2</subscript>
0.5 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (26
g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pt)
4
CARULITE
5
56
0
200 Catalyst
0.5 g/in<superscript>3</superscript>
3% SiO<subscript>2</subscript>/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
binder
5
3% Pt/Mn/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript>
7
41
0
0.7 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (36
g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pt)
6
2% Pt/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
72
8
17
0.5 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (17
g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pt)
7
3% Pt/TiO<subscript>2</subscript>
68
15
18
0.7 g/in<superscript>3</superscript> (36
g/ft<superscript>3</superscript> Pt)
3% SiO<subscript>2</subscript>/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
binder
<footnote id="FOO-00001"><superscript>1</superscript>Test Conditions: 16 ppm CO; 95° C.; 5 mph face velocity; 68.2 L/min; LHSV (hourly space velocity) = 320,000/h; Air dewpoint = 35° F. </footnote>
<footnote id="FOO-00002"><superscript>2</superscript>Test Conditions: 0.25 ppm O<subscript>3</subscript>; 25° C.; 10 mph face velocity; 135.2 L/min; LHSV (hourly space velocity) = 640,000/h; Air dewpoint = 35° F. </footnote>
<footnote id="FOO-00003"><superscript>3</superscript>Test Conditions: 10 ppm propylene; 95° C.; 5 mph face velocity; 68.2 L/min; LHSV (hourly space velocity) = 320,000/h; Air dewpoint = 35° F. </footnote>
0153 The catalysts were also tested for the destruction of propylene by blowing an air stream containing propylene (ca. 10 ppm) through the radiator channels at a 5 mph linear face velocity, with a flow rate of 68.2 L/min and an hourly space velocity of 320,000/h, and then measuring the concentration of propylene exiting the back face of the radiator. The radiator temperature was ca. 95 C., and the air stream had a dew point of approximately 35 F. Results are summarized in Table II.
2
2
3
2
3
3
0154 This example summarizes the technical results from on-the-road vehicle testing conducted in February and March 1995 in the Los Angeles area. The purpose of the test was to measure catalytic ozone decomposition efficiency over a catalyzed radiator under actual driving conditions. The Los Angeles (LA) area was chosen as the most appropriate test site primarily due to its measurable ozone levels during this March testing period. In addition, specific driving routes are defined in the LA area which are typical of AM and PM peak and off-peak driving. Two different catalyst compositions were evaluated: 1) CARULITE 200 catalyst (CuO/MnO/AlOpurchased from Carus Chemical Company); and 2) Pd/Mn/AlO(77 g/ftPd) prepared as described in Example 3. Both catalysts were coated in patches onto a late model Cadillac V-6 engine aluminum radiator. The radiator was an aluminum replacement for the copper-brass OEM radiator which was on a Chevrolet Caprice test vehicle. The car was outfitted with Teflon PTFE sampling lines located directly behind each catalyst patch and behind an uncoated portion of the radiator (control patch). Ambient (catalyst in) ozone levels were measured via a sampling line placed in front of the radiator. Ozone concentrations were measured with two Dasibi Model 1003AH ozone monitors located in the back seat of the vehicle. Temperature probes were mounted (with epoxy) directly onto each radiator test patch within a few inches of the sampling line. A single air velocity probe was mounted on the front face of the radiator midway between the two patches. Data from the ozone analyzers, temperature probes, air velocity probe, and vehicle speedometer were collected with a personal computer located in the trunk and downloaded to floppy disks.
2
3
0155 Overall results from the test are summarized in Table III below. For each catalyst (CARULITE catalyst & Pd/Mn/AlO), results for cold idle, hot idle and on-the-road driving are reported. Data were collected on two separate trips to LA in February and March of 1995. The first trip was cut short after only a few days due to low ambient ozone levels. Although somewhat higher during the second trip in March, ambient levels still only averaged approximately 40 ppb. The last three days of testing (March 17-20) had the highest ozone encountered. Peak levels were approximately 100 ppb. In general, no trend in conversion vs. ozone concentration was noted.
2
3
2
3
0156 Except for the cold idle results, those reported in Table III are averages from at least eleven different runs (the actual range of values appear in parentheses). Only data corresponding to inlet ozone concentration greater or equal to 30 ppb were included. Freeway data was not included since ambient levels dropped to 20 ppb or lower. Only two runs were completed for the cold idle tests. By cold idle refers to data collected immediately after vehicle startup during idle before the thermostat switches on and pumps warm coolant fluid to the radiator. Overall, ozone conversions were very good for both catalysts with the highest values obtained during hot idle. This can be attributed to the higher temperatures and lower face velocities associated with idling. Cold idle gave the lowest conversion due to the lower ambient temperature of the radiator surface. Driving results were intermediate of hot and cold idle results. Although the radiator was warm, temperature was lower and face velocity higher than those encountered with hot idle conditions. In general, ozone conversions measured for CARULITE catalyst were greater than those measured for Pd/Mn/AlO(e.g. 78.1 vs. 63.0% while driving). However, for the hot idle and driving runs, the average temperature of the CARULITE catalyst was typically 40 F. greater than the Pd/Mn/AlOcatalyst while the average radiator face velocity was typically 1 mph lower.
TABLE III
ON-ROAD OZONE CONVERSION RESULTS*
OZONE
CON-
FACE
VEHICLE
VERSION
TEMPERATURE
VELOCITY
SPEED
(%)
( F.)
(mph)
(mph)
Pd/Mn/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
Idle Cold
48.2
70.6
9.0
0.0
(47.2-49.2)
(70.5-70.8)
(8.9-9.2)
Idle Hot
80.6
120.0
7.4
0.0
(70.7-89.9)
(104.7-145.2)
(6.1-8.4)
Driving
63.0
104.3
13.2
23.3
(55.5-69.9)
(99.2-109.6)
(12.2-14.9)
(20.5-29.7)
CARULITE ® Catalyst (CuO/MnO<subscript>2</subscript>)
Idle Cold
67.4
71.8
8.2
0.0
(67.4-67.5)
(70.8-72.9)
(7.5-8.9)
Idle Hot
84.5
157.1
7.5
0.0
(71.4-93.5)
(134.8-171.2)
(6.7-8.2)
Driving
78.1
143.7
12.2
19.2
(72.3-83.8)
(132.9-149.6)
(11.2-13.5)
(13.7-24.8)
<footnote id="FOO-00004">*Average values. Ranges appear in parentheses. </footnote>
0157 Overall, the results indicate that ozone can be decomposed at high conversion rates under typical driving conditions.
2
3
0158 In general, the results of motor testing are consistent with fresh activity measured in the lab prior to installation of the radiator. At room temperature (25 C.), 20% relative humidity (0.7% water vapor absolute), and a 10 mph equivalent face velocity, lab conversions for Pd/Mn/AlOand CARULITE catalyst were 55 and 69% respectively. Increasing the RH to 70% at room temperature (25 C.) (2.3% water vapor absolute) lowered conversions to 38 and 52%, respectively. Since the cold idle (70 F.) conversions measured at a 9 mph face velocity were 48 and 67% respectively, it would appear that the humidity levels encountered during the testing were low.
0159 The face velocity of air entering the radiator was low. At an average driving speed of roughly 20 mph (typical of local driving), radiator face velocity was only approximately 13 mph. Even at freeway speeds in excess of 60 mph, radiator face velocity was only ca. 25 mph. The fan significantly affects control of air flowing through the radiator. While idling, the fan typically pulled about 8 mph.
0160 An 8 weight percent Pd on CARULITE catalyst was prepared by impregnating 100 g CARULITE 200 catalyst powder (ground up in a blender) to the point of incipient wetness with 69.0 g of a water solution containing palladium tetraamine acetate (12.6% Pd). The powder was dried overnight at 90 C. and then calcined to 450 C. or 550 C. for 2 hours. 92 g of the resulting calcined catalyst was then combined with 171 g of deionized water in a ball mill to create a slurry of 35% solids. After milling for 30 minutes to a particle size 90%9 m, 3.1 g of National Starch x4260 acrylic latex binder (50% solids) was added, and the resulting mixture was milled for an additional 30 minutes to disperse the binder. Compositions containing 2,4 and 6 weight percent Pd on CARULITE catalysts were similarly prepared and evaluated.
TABLE IV
OZONE RESULTS (300 cpsi Honeycomb, 630,000/h Space Velocity)
CON-
CONVER-
LOADING
VERSION
SION (%)
CATALYST
(g/in<superscript>3</superscript>)
(%) Initial
45 Minutes
Pd on CARULITE 200 Catalyst
4% Pd/CARULITE catalyst
1.8
64
59
(calcined 450 C.)
8% Pd/CARULITE catalyst
2.0
61
60
(calcined 450 C.)
2% Pd/CARULITE catalyst
2.1
57
48
(calcined 550 C.)
4% Pd/CARULITE catalyst
1.9
57
46
(calcined 550 C.)
6% Pd/CARULITE catalyst
2.3
59
53
(calcined 550 C.)
0161 The catalysts were evaluated for ozone decomposition at room temperature and 630,000/h space velocity using washcoated 300 cpsi (cells per square inch) ceramic honeycombs. The catalyst samples were prepared as recited above. Results are summarized in Table IV. As can readily be seen, the 4 and 8% Pd/CARULITE catalysts which were calcined to 450 C. gave equivalent initial and 45 minute ozone conversions (ca. 62 and 60%, respectively). These results are equivalent to those of CARULITE catalyst alone under the identical test conditions. The 2 and 4% Pd catalysts which were calcined to 550 C. gave significantly lower conversions after 45 minutes (47%). This is attributed to a loss in surface area at the higher temperature of calcination. The 6% catalyst was also calcined to 550 C. but did not show quite as large of an activity drop.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
TABLE V
OZONE RESULTS - (300 cpsi Honeycomb, 630,000/h Space Velocity,
0.6% Water; ca. 0.25 ppm Ozone)
CON-
CON-
LOADING
VERSION (%)
VERSION (%)
CATALYST
(g/in<superscript>3</superscript>)
Initial
45 Minutes
I.W. 8% Pd/5% Mn/
1.8
60
55
Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
I.W. 8% Pd/5% Mn/
1.9
64
60
Low Surface Area Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
8% Pd/Low Surface
1.9
56
44
Area Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
8% Pd/E-160 Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
2.2
61
57
4.6% Pd/CeO<subscript>2</subscript>
1.99
59
58
8% Pd/BETA Zeolite
1.9
38
32
(dealuminated)
5% Pd/C
0.5
63
61
8% Pd/DT-51 TiO<subscript>2</subscript>
1.8
39
20
0162 A series of tests were conducted to evaluate a variety of catalyst compositions comprising a palladium component to treat air containing 0.25 ppm ozone. The air was at ambient conditions (23 C.; 0.6% water). The compositions were coated onto a 300 cell per inch ceramic (cordierite) flow through honeycomb at loadings of about 2 g of washcoat per cubic inch of substrate. The coated monoliths containing the various supported palladium catalysts were loaded into a 1 diameter stainless steel pipe, and the air stream was passed perpendicular to the open face of the honeycomb at a space velocity of 630,000/h. Ozone concentration was measured inlet and outlet of the catalyst. One alumina support used was SRS-II gamma alumina (purchased from Davison) characterized as described in Example 1 (surface area approximately 300 m/g). Also used was a low surface area theta alumina characterized by a surface area of approximately 58 m/g and an average pore radius of about 80 Angstrom. E-160 alumina is a gamma alumina characterized by a surface area of about 180 m/g and an average pore radius of about 47 Angstrom. Ceria used had a surface area about 120 m/g and an average pore radius of about 28 Angstrom. Also used was dealuminated Beta zeolite with a silica to alumina ratio of approximately 250 to 1 and a surface area about 430 m/g. Carbon, a microporous wood carbon characterized with a surface area of about 850 m/g, was also used as a support. Finally, a titania purchased from Rhone-Poulenc (DT51 grade) and characterized by a surface area of approximately 110 m/g was used as a support. Results are summarized in Table V which includes the relative weight percent of various catalyst components, the loading on the honeycomb, initial ozone conversion, and conversion after 45 minutes.
0163 Following is a preparation of CARULITE catalyst slurry which includes vinyl acetate latex binder and is used in coating radiators which results in excellent adhesion of the catalyst to an aluminum radiator.
0164 1000 g of CARULITE 200 catalyst, 1500 g of deionized water, and 50 g of acetic acid (5% based on CARULITE catalyst) were combined in a 1 gallon ball mill and milled for 4 hours to a particle size 90%7 m. After draining the resulting slurry from the mill, 104 g (5% solids basis) of National Starch Dur-O-Set E-646 cross linking EVA copolymer (48% solids) was added. Thorough blending of the binder was achieved by rolling the slurry on a mill without milling media for several hours. Following coating of this slurry onto a piece of aluminum substrate (e.g., radiator), excellent adhesion (i.e., coating could not be wiped off) was obtained after drying for 30 minutes at 30 C. Higher temperatures of curing (up to 150 C.) can be utilized if desired.
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
0165 Carbon monoxide conversion was tested by coating a variety of titania supported platinum compositions onto ceramic honeycombs as described in Example 6. Catalyst loadings were about 2 g/in, and testing was conducted using an air stream having 16 ppm carbon monoxide (dew point 35 F.) at a space velocity of 315,000/h. The catalyst compositions were reduced on the honeycomb using a forming gas having 7% Hand 93% Nat 300 C. for 3 hours. Compositions containing TiOincluded 2 and 3 weight percent platinum component on P25 titania; and 2 and 3 weight percent platinum component on DT52 grade titania. DT51 grade titania was purchased from Rhone-Poulenc and had a surface area of approximately 110 m/g. DT52 grade titania was a tungsten containing titania purchased from Rhone-Poulenc and which had a surface area of approximately 210 m/g. P25 grade titania was purchased from Degussa and was characterized as having a particle size of approximately 1 m and a surface area of ca. 45-50 m/g. Results are illustrated in FIG. 10.
0166 Example 10 relates to the evaluation of CO conversion for compositions containing alumina, ceria and zeolite. The supports were characterized as described in Example 7. Compositions evaluated included 2 weight percent platinum on low surface area theta alumina; 2 weight percent platinum and ceria; 2 weight percent platinum on SRS-II gamma alumina, and 2 weight percent platinum on Beta zeolite. Results are illustrated in FIG. 11.
0167 CO conversion was measured v. temperature for compositions containing 2 weight percent platinum on SRS-II gamma alumina and on ZSM-5 zeolite which were coated onto a 1993 Nissan Altima radiator as recited in Example 4 and tested using the same procedure to test CO as used in Example 4. Results are illustrated in FIG. 9.
3
0168 0.659 g of a solution of amine solubilized platinum hydroxide solution having 17.75 weight percent platinum (based on metallic platinum) was slowly added to 20 g of an 11.7 weight percent aqueous slurry of a titania sol in a glass beaker and stirred with a magnetic stirrer. A one-inch diameter by one-inch long 400 cells per square inch (cpsi) metal monolith cored sample was dipped into the slurry. Air was blown over the coated monolith to clear the channels and the monolith was dried for three hours at 110 C. At this time, the monolith was redipped into the slurry once again and the steps of air blowing the channels and drying at 110 C. was repeated. The twice coated monolith was calcined at 300 C. for two hours. The uncoated metal monolith weighed 12.36 g. After the first dipping, it weighed 14.06, g after the first drying 12.6, g after the second dipping 14.38 g and after calcination weighed 13.05 g indicating a total weight gain of 0.69 g. The coated monolith had 72 g/ftof platinum based on the metal and is designated as 72 Pt/Ti. The catalyst was evaluated in an air stream containing 20 ppm carbon monoxide at a gas flow rate of 36.6 liters per minute. After this initial evaluation the catalyst core was reduced in a forming gas having 7% hydrogen and 93% nitrogen at 300 C. for 12 hours and the evaluation to treat an air stream containing 20 ppm carbon monoxide was repeated. The reduced coated monolith as designated as 72 Pt/Ti/R. The above recited slurry was then evaluated using a cored sample from a ceramic monolith having 400 cells per square inch (cpsi), which was precoated with 40 g per cubic foot, of 5:1 weight ratio of platinum to rhodium plus 2.0 g per cubic inch of ES-160 (alumina) and the core had 11 cells by 10 cells by 0.75 inches long monolith and designated as 33 Pt/7Rh/Al was dipped into the above recited slurry and air blown to clean the channels. This monolith was dried at 110 C. for three hours and calcined at 300 C. for two hours. The catalyst substrate including the first platinum and rhodium layer weighed 2.19 g. After the first dip it weighed 3.40 g and after calcination 2.38 g showing a total weight gain of 0.19 g which is equal to 0.90 g per cubic inch of the platinum/titania slurry. The dipped ceramic core contained 74 per cubic foot of platinum based on the platinum metal and designated as 74 Pt/Ti//Pt/Rh. Results are illustrated in FIG. 12.
0169 A platinum on titanium catalyst as described in the above referenced Example 12 has been used in an air stream containing 4 ppm propane and 4 ppm propylene. In an air stream at a space velocity of 650,000 standard hourly space velocity. The platinum and titanium catalyst had 72 g of platinum per cubic foot of total catalyst and substrate used. It was evaluated on the ceramic honeycomb as recited in Example 13. The measured results for propylene conversion were 16.7% at 65 C.; 19% at 70 C.; 23.8% at 75 C.; 28.6% at 80 C.; 35.7% at 85 C.; 40.5% at 95 C. and 47.6% at 105 C.
0170 Example 14 is an illustration of a platinum component on a titania support. This Example illustrates the excellent activity of platinum supported on titania for carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon oxidation. The evaluation was carried out using a catalyst prepared from a colloidal titania sol to form a composition comprising 5.0 weight percent platinum component based on the weight of the platinum metal and titania. The platinum was added to titania in the form of amine solubilized platinum hydroxide solution. It was added to colloidal titania slurry or into titania powders to prepare a platinum and titania containing slurry. The slurry was coated onto a ceramic monolith having 400 cells per square inch (cpsi). Samples had coating amounts varying from 0.8-1.0 g/in. The coated monoliths were calcined for 300 C. for 2 hours in the air and then reduced. The reduction was carried out at 300 C. in a gas containing 7% hydrogen and 93% nitrogen for 12 hours. The colloidal titania slurry contained 10% by weight titania in an aqueous media. The titania had a nominal particle size of 2-5 nm.
0171 Carbon monoxide conversion was measured in an air stream containing 20 ppm CO. The flow rate of the carbon monoxide in various experiments range from space velocities of 300,000 VHSV to 650,000 VHSV at a temperature between ambient to 110 C. The air used was purified air from an air cylinder and where humidity was added the air was passed through a water bath. Where humidity was studied the relative humidity was varied from 0-100% humidity at room temperature (25 C.). The carbon monoxide containing air stream was passed through the ceramic monolith coated with the catalyst compositions using a space velocity of 650,000/h.
0172FIG. 13 represents a study using air with 20 ppm CO having to measure carbon monoxide conversion v. temperature comparing platinum supported on titania which has been reduced (Pt/Ti-R) at 300 C. using a reducing gas containing 7% hydrogen and 93% nitrogen for 12 hours as recited above with a non reduced platinum supported on titania catalyst (Pt/Ti) coating. FIG. 13 illustrates a significant advantage when using a reduced catalyst.
0173FIG. 14 illustrates a comparison of platinum on titania which has been reduced with varying supports including platinum on tin oxide (Pt/Sn), platinum on zinc oxide (Pt/Zn) and platinum on ceria (Pt/Ce) for comparative sake. All of the samples were reduced at the above indicated conditions. The flow rate of carbon monoxide in the air was 650,000 shsv. As can be seen, the reduced platinum on colloidal titania had significantly higher conversion results than platinum on the various other support materials.
2
3
0174 Hydrocarbon oxidation was measured using a 6 ppm propylene air mixture. The propylene air stream was passed through the catalyst monolith at a space velocity of 300,000 vhsv at a temperature which varied from room temperature to 110 C. Propylene concentration was determined using a flame ionized detector before and after the catalyst. The results are summarized in FIG. 15. The support used was 5% by weight based on the weight of platinum metal and yttrium oxide YO. The comparison was between reduced and non reduced catalyst. As shown in FIG. 15 reducing the catalyst resulted in a significant improvement in propylene conversion.
0175 The above recited platinum supported on titania catalyst was reduced in a forming gas containing 7% hydrogen and 93% nitrogen at 500 C. for 1 hour. The conversion of carbon monoxide was evaluated in 0 percent relative humidity air at a flow rate of 500,000 vhsv. The evaluation was conducted to determine if the reduction of the catalyst was reversible. Initially, the catalyst was evaluated for the ability to convert carbon monoxide at 22 C. As shown in FIG. 16, the catalyst initially converted about 53% of the carbon monoxide and dropped down to 30% after approximately 200 minutes. At 200 minutes the air and carbon monoxide was heated to 50 C. and carbon monoxide conversion increased to 65%. The catalyst was further heated to 100 C. in air and carbon monoxide and held at 100 C. for one hour, and then cooled in air to room temperature (about 25 C.). Initially, the conversion dropped to about 30% in the period from about 225-400 minutes. The evaluation was continued at 100 C. to 1200 minutes at which time conversion was measured at about 40%. A parallel study was conducted at 50 C. At about 225 minutes the conversion was about 65%. After 1200 minutes, the conversion actually rose to about 75%. This Example shows that reduction of the catalyst permanently improves the catalysis activity.
2
2
TABLE VI
SUMMARY OF FRESH ACTIVITY OZONE RESULTS -
(39 cpsi Nissan Altima core, 630,000/h Space Velocity; 25 C.;
0.25 ppm ozone; House airca. 0.6% water)
CON-
CON-
VERSION
VERSION
CORE
LOADING
(%)
(%) 45
NO.
CATALYST
(g/in<superscript>3</superscript>)
Initial
Minutes
1
3% Pt/MnO<subscript>2</subscript>/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript> (1:4)
0.7
70.7
65.8
(calcined at 450 C.)
2
3% Pt/MnO<subscript>2</subscript>/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript> (1:4)
0.7
70.5
63.7
(calcined at 450 C.;
reduced at 300 C.)
3
6% Pt/MnO<subscript>2</subscript>/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript> (1:4)
0.68
68.2
62.3
(calcined at 450 C.)
4
6% Pt/MnO<subscript>2</subscript>/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript> (1:4)
0.66
66
55.8
(calcined 450 C.;
reduced at 300 C.)
5
6% Pd/MnO<subscript>2</subscript>/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript> (1:1)
0.39
38.3
21.1
w. 10% Nalco 1056
6
MnO<subscript>2</subscript>/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript> (1:1)
0.41
58.3
44.9
w. 10% Nalco 1056
7
MnO<subscript>2</subscript>/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript> (1:1)
0.37
55.8
41.2
w. 10% Nalco 1056
8
3% Pt/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript>/SiO<subscript>2</subscript>
0.79
27.4
10
(calcined 450 C.)
9
3% Pt/ZrO<subscript>2</subscript>/SiO<subscript>2</subscript>
0.76
54.2
30.1
(calcined 450 C. and
reduced at 300 C.)
0176 Example 15 is used to illustrate ozone conversion at room temperature for platinum and/or palladium components supported on a manganese oxide/zirconia coprecipitate. This Example also shows a platinum catalyst which catalyzes the conversion of ozone to oxygen and, at the same time, oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Manganese oxide/zirconia mixed oxide powders were made having 1:1 and 1:4 weight based on Mn and Zr metals. The coprecipitate was made in accordance with the procedure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,283,041 referenced above. 3% and 6% Pt on manganese/zirconia catalysts (1:4 weight basis of Mn to Zr) were prepared as described in Example 4. SBA-150 gamma alumina (10% based on the weight of the mixed oxide powder) was added as a binder in the form of a 40% water slurry containing acetic acid (5% by weight of alumina powder) and milled to a particle size 90%<10 m. The 6% weight percent Pd catalyst was prepared by impregnating manganese/zirconia frit (1:1 weight basis of Mn to Zr) to the point of incipient wetness with a water solution containing palladium tetraamine acetate. After drying and then calcining the powder for two hours at 450 C., the catalyst was mixed in a ball mill with Nalco 1056 silica sol (10% by weight of catalyst powder) and enough water to create a slurry of approximately 35% solids. The mixture was then milled until the particle size was 90%<10 m. Various samples were reduced using a forming gas having 7% Hand 93% Nat 300 C. for 3 hours. Evaluations were conducted to determine the conversion of ozone on coated radiator minicores from a 1993 Altima radiator which were approximately inch by inch by 1 inch deep. The evaluation was conducted at room temperature using a one-inch diameter stainless steel pipe as described in Example 7 with house air (laboratory supplied air) at a 630,000/h space velocity with an inlet ozone concentration of 0.25 ppm. Results are provided on Table VI.
0177 As can be seem from Table VI Cores 1 and 2 having only 3% platinum resulted in excellent ozone conversion initially and after 45 minutes both for reduced and unreduced catalyst. Cores 3 and 4 having a 6% platinum concentration also had excellent results but not quite as good as the 3% platinum results. Cores 5-7 illustrate a variety of other support materials used which resulted in conversion of ozone. Core 5 had palladium on a manganese oxide/zirconia coprecipitate and resulted in lower than expected but still significant ozone conversion. Cores 6 and 7 evaluations used the coprecipitate without precious metal and also resulted in significant ozone conversions but here again not as good as when using platinum as a catalyst. Core 8 was platinum on a zirconia/silica support which was calcined but not reduced and Core 9 was platinum on zirconia/silica support which was reduced. Both Cores 8 and 9 gave some conversion but yet not as good as the conversion obtained with platinum on the coprecipitate.
0178 In addition, carbon monoxide conversion was evaluated on 39 cpsi radiator minicores, as recited, for 3% and 6% platinum on manganese/zirconia supports. Reduced and unreduced samples were evaluated. For illustrative purposes, platinum on zirconia/silica supports and platinum on CARULITE catalyst reduced and unreduced are also presented. As can be seen from FIG. 17, the results of 3% reduced platinum on manganese/zirconia support were higher when compared to the other embodiments.
0179 (Comparative)
0180 Ozone conversion was measured over an uncoated 1995 Ford Contour radiator at room temperature and 80 C. by blowing an air stream containing ozone (0.25 ppm) through the radiator channels at a 10 mph linear velocity (630,000/h space velocity) and then measuring the concentration of ozone exiting the back face of the radiator. The air stream had a dew point of approximately 35 F. Heated coolant was not circulated through the radiator, but the air stream was heated as necessary with heating tape to achieve the desired radiator temperature. Additional testing was completed with an uncoated 0.75 (L)0.5 (W)1.0 (D) Ford Taurus radiator mini-core in a 1 diameter stainless steel pipe as described in Example 7. The air stream was heated with heating tape to achieve the desired radiator temperature. For both tests, no decomposition of ozone was observed up to 120 C.
2
2
2
2
0181 Ozone conversion was measured at various temperatures for a reduced 3% Pt/TiOcatalyst in the absence and in the presence of 15 ppm CO. Degussa P25 grade titania was used as the support and was characterized as having a particle size of approximately 1 m and a surface area of ca. 45-50 m/g. The catalyst was coated onto a 300 cpsi ceramic (cordierite) honeycomb and was reduced on the honeycomb using a forming gas having 7% Hand 93% Nat 300 C. for 3 hours. Testing was accomplished as described previously in Example 7. The air stream (35 F. dewpoint) was heated with heating tape to achieve the desired temperature. As can be seen in FIG. 18, an approximate 5% enhancement in absolute ozone conversion was observed from 25 to 80 C. The presence of CO improves the conversion of ozone.
3
3
6
0182 100 g of Versal GL alumina obtained from LaRoche Industries Inc. was impregnated with about 28 g of Pt amine hydroxide (Pt(A)salt) diluted in water to about 80 g of solution. 5 g of acetic acid was added to fix the Pt onto the alumina surface. After mixing for half hour, the Pt impregnated catalyst was made into a slurry by adding water to make about 40% solids. The slurry was ballmilled for 2 hours. The particle size was measured to be 90% less than 10 microns. The catalyst was coated onto a 1.5 diameter by 1.0 length 400 cpsi ceramic substrate to give a washcoat loading after drying of about 0.65 g/in. The catalyst was then dried at 100 C. and calcined at 550 C. for 2 hours. This catalyst was tested for CHoxidation at temperatures between 60 and 100 C. in dry air as described in Example 21.
2
3
3
6
0183 Some of calcined Pt/AlOsample described above was also reduced in 7% H2/N2 at 400 C. for 1 hour. The reduction step was carried out by ramping the catalyst temperature from 25 to 400 C. at a H2/N2 gas flow rate of 500 cc/min. The ramp temperature was about 5 C./min. The catalyst was cooled down to room temperature and the catalyst was tested for CHoxidation as described in Example 21.
2
3
3
6
3
0184 6.8 g of ammonium tungstate was dissolved in 30 cc of water and the pH adjusted to 10 and the solution impregnated onto 50 g of Versal GL alumina (LaRoche Industries Inc.). The material was dried at 100 C. and calcined for 2 hours at 550 C. The approximately 10% by metal weight of W on AlOwas cooled to room temperature and impregnated with 13.7 g of Pt amine hydroxide (18.3% Pt). 2.5 9 of acetic acid was added and mixed well. The catalyst was then made into a slurry containing 35% solid by adding water. The slurry was then coated over a 400 cpsi, 1.51.01 diameter ceramic substrate resulting, after drying, in having a catalyst washcoat loading of 0.79 g/in. The coated catalyst was then dried and calcined at 550 C. for 2 hours. The catalyst was tested calcined in CHand dry air in the temperature range 60 to 100 C.
2
3
3
6
3
0185 6.8 g of perrhenic acid (36% Re in solution) was further diluted in water to make 10 g percent perrhenic acid solution. The solution was impregnated onto 25 g of Versal GL alumina. The impregnated alumina was dried and the powder calcined at 550 C. for 2 hours. The impregnated 10 weight percent based metal of Re on AlOpowder was then further impregnated with 6.85 g of Pt amine hydroxide solution (Pt metal in solution was 18.3%). 5 g of acetic acid was added and mixed for a half hour. A slurry was made by adding water to make 28% solid. The slurry was ballmilled for 2 hours and coated onto 1.5 diameter1.0 length 400 cpsi ceramic substrate to give a catalyst washcoat loading of 0.51 g/inafter drying. The catalyst coated substrate was dried at 100 C. and calcined at 550 C. for 2 hours. The catalyst was tested in the calcined form using 60 ppm CHand dry air in the temperature range of 60 to 100 C.
3
6
3
6
TABLE VII
SUMMARY RESULTS OF C3H6 CONVERSION
Catalyst
Pt/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
Name
Calcined
% C3H6
Pt/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
and
Pt/10% W/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
Pt/10% Re/Al<subscript>2</subscript>O<subscript>3</subscript>
Conver-
Calcined
Reduced
Calcined
Calcined
sion
(Ex. 18)
(Ex. 18)
(Ex. 19)
(Ex. 20)
60 C.
0
10
9
11
70 C.
7
22
17
27
80 C.
20
50
39
45
90 C.
38
70
65
64
100 C.
60
83
82
83
0186 The catalyst of Examples 18, 19 and 20 were tested in a microreactor. The size of the catalyst samples was 0.5 diameter and 0.4 length. The feed was composed of 60 ppm CHin dry air in the temperature range of 25 to 100 C. The CHwas measured at 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 C. at steady sate condition. Results are summarized in Table VII.
2
3
3
6
2
3
0187 It is clear from the Table that addition of W or Re oxide has enhanced the activity of the Pt/AlOin the calcined form. The CHconversion of the calcined Pt/AlOwas enhanced significantly when catalyst was reduced at 400 C. for 1 hour. The enhanced activity was also observed for the calcined catalyst by incorporation of W or Re oxides.
4
0188 This is an example of preparing high surface area cryptomelane using MnSO.
4
4
0189 Molar ratios: KMnO:MnSO:acetic acid were 1:1.43:5.72
0190 Molarities of Mn in solutions prior to mixing were:
4
0191 0.44 M KmnO
4
0192 0.50 M MnSO
4
0193 FW KMnO158.04 g/mol
4
2
0194 FW MnSO.HO169.01 g/mol
2
4
2
0195 FW CHO60.0 g/mol
0196 The following steps were conducted:
4
0197 1. Made a solution of 3.50 moles (553 grams) of KMnOin 8.05 L of D.I. water and heated to 68 C.
0198 2. Made 10.5 L of 2N acetic acid by using 1260 grams of glacial acetic acid and diluting to 10.5 L with D.I. water. Density of this solution is 1.01 g/mL.
4
2
0199 3. Weighed out 5.00 moles (846 grams) of manganous sulfate hydrate (MnSO.HO) and dissolved in 10,115 g of the above 2N acetic acid solution and heated to 400 C.
1:06 pm
69.4 C.
1:07 pm
71.2 C.
1:11 pm
74.5 C.
1:15 pm
77.3 C.
1:18 pm
80.2 C.
1:23 pm
83.9 C.
1:25 pm
86.7 C.
1:28 pm
88.9 C.
0200 4. Added the solution from 3. to the solution from 1. Over 15 minutes while continuously stirring. After addition was complete, began heating the slurry according to the following heat-up rate:
2
0201 5. At 1:28 pm approximately 100 mL of slurry was removed from the vessel and promptly filtered on a Bchner funnel, washed with 2 L of D.I. water, and then dried in an oven at 100 C. The sample was determined to have a BET Multi-Point surface area of 259 m/g.
3
2
0202 This is an example of preparing high surface area cryptomelane using Mn(CHCOO).
4
3
2
2
0203 Molar ratios: KMnO:Mn(CHCO):acetic acid were 1:1.43:5.72
4
0204 FW KMnO158.04 g/mol Aldrich Lot 08824MG
3
2
2
2
0205 FW Mn(CHCO).HO245.09 g/mol Aldrich Lot 08722HG
2
4
2
0206 FW CHO60.0 g/mol
4
0207 1. Made a solution of 2.0 moles (316 grams) of KMnOin 4.6 L of D.I. water and heated to 60 C. by heating on hot plates.
0208 2. Made up 6.0 of 2N acetic acid by using 720 grams of glacial acetic acid and diluting to 6.0 L with D.I. water. Density of this solution is 1.01 g/mL.
3
2
2
2
0209 3. Weighed out 2.86 moles (700 grams) of manganese (II) acetate tetrahydrate Mn(CHCO).4HO and dissolved in 5780 g of the above 2N acetic acid solution (in the reactor vessel). Heated to 60 C. in the reactor vessel.
0210 4. Added the solution from 1. to the solution from 3. while maintaining the slurry at 62-63 C. After complete addition, gently heated the slurry according to the following:
0211 82.0 C. at 3:58 pm
0212 86.5 C. at 4:02 pm
0213 87.0 C. at 4:06 pm
0214 87.1 C. at 4:08 pm
0215 shut off heat
0216 then quenched the slurry by pumping 10 L of D.I. water into the vessel. This cooled the slurry to 58 C. at 4:13 pm.
2
0217 The slurry was filtered on Buchner funnels. The resulting filter cakes were reslurried in 12 L of D.I. water then stirred overnight in a 5 gallon bucket using a mechanical stirrer. The washed product was refiltered in the morning then dried in an oven at 100 C. The sample was determined to have a BET Multi-Point surface area of 296 m/g. The resulting cryptomelane is characterized by the XRD pattern of FIG. 20. It is expected to have an IR spectrum similar to that shown in FIG. 19.
0218 Following is a description of the ozone testing method for determining percent ozone decomposition used in this Example. A test apparatus comprising an ozone generator, gas flow control equipment, water bubbler, chilled mirror dew point hygrometer, and ozone detector was used to measure the percent ozone destroyed by catalyst samples. Ozone was generated in situ utilizing the ozone generator in a flowing gas stream comprised of air and water vapor. The ozone concentration was measured using the ozone detector and the water content was determined utilizing the dew point hygrometer. Samples were tested as 25 C. using inlet ozone concentrations of 4.5 to 7 parts per million (ppm) in a gas stream flowing at approximately 1.5 L/minute with a dew point between 15 C. and 17 C. Samples were tested as particles sized to 25/45 mesh held between glass wool plugs in a I.D. Pyrex glass tube. Tested samples filled a 1 cm portion of the glass tube.
0219 Sample testing generally required between 2 to 16 hours to achieve a steady state of conversion. Samples typically gave close to 100% conversion when testing began and slowly decreased to a leveled off conversation that remained steady for extended periods of time (48 hours). After a steady state was obtained, conversions were calculated from the equation: % ozone conversion(1-(ozone concentration after passing over catalyst)/(ozone concentration before passing over catalyst)*100.
0220 Ozone destruction testing on the sample of Example 22 showed 58% conversion.
0221 Ozone destruction testing on the sample of Example 23 showed 85% conversion.
2
0222 This example is intended to illustrate that the method of Example 23 generated clean high surface area cryptomelane for which the ozone destruction performance was not further enhanced by calcination and washing. A 20 gram portion of the sample represented by Example 23 was calcined in air at 200 C. for 1 hour, cooled to room temperature, then washed at 100 C. in 200 mL of D.I. water by stirring the slurry for 30 minutes. The resulting product was filtered and dried at 100 C. in an oven. The sample was determined to have BET Multi-Point surface area of 265 m/g. Ozone destruction testing on the sample showed 85% conversion. A comparison to the testing of the sample of Example 23 demonstrated that no benefit in ozone conversion was realized from the washing and calcination of the sample of Example 23.
0223 Samples of high surface area cryptomelane were obtained from commercial suppliers and modified by calcination and/or washing. As received and modified powders were tested for ozone decomposition performance according to the method of Example 24 and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and BET surface area measurements by nitrogen adsorption.
2
0224 A commercially supplied sample of high surface area cryptomelane (Chemetals, Inc., Baltimore, Md.) was washed for 30 minutes in D.I. water at 60 C., filtered, rinsed, and oven-dried at 100 C. Ozone conversion of the as received sample was 64% compared to 79% for the washed material. Washing did not change the surface area or crystal structure of this material (223 m/g cryptomelane) as determined by nitrogen adsorption and powder X-ray diffraction measurements, respectively. However, infrared spectroscopy showed the disappearance of peaks at 1220 and 1320 wavenumbers in the spectrum of the washed sample indicating the removal of sulfate group anions.
2
2
3
0225 Commercially supplied samples of high surface area cryptomelane (Chemetals, Inc., Baltimore, Md.) were calcined at 300 C. for 4 hours and 400 C. for 8 hours. Ozone conversion of the as received material was 44% compared to 71% for the 300 C. calcined sample and 75% for the 400 C. calcined sample. Calcination did not significantly change the surface area or crystal structure of the 300 C. or 400 C. samples (334 m/g cryptomelane). A trace of MnOwas detected in the 400 C. sample. Calcination causes dehydroxylation of these samples. Infrared spectroscopy show a decrease in the intensity of the band between 2700 and 3700 wavenumbers assigned to surface hydroxyl groups.
0226 The addition Pd black (containing Pd metal and oxide) to high surface area cryptomelane is found to significantly enhance ozone decomposition performance. Samples were prepared comprising Pd black powder physically mixed with powders of (1) a commercially obtained cryptomelane (the 300 C. calcined sample described in Example 26b) and (2) the high surface area cryptomelane synthesized in Example 23 calcined at 200 C. for 1 hour. The samples were prepared by mixing, in a dry state, powder of Pd black and cryptomelane in a 1:4 proportion by weight. The dry mixture was shaken until homogeneous in color. An amount of D.I. water was added to the mixture in a beaker to yield 20-30% solids content, thus forming a suspension. Aggregates in the suspension were broken up mechanically with a stirring rod. The suspension was sonicated in a Bransonic Model 5210 ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes and then oven dried at 120-140 C. for approximately 8 hours.
0227 The ozone conversion for the commercially obtained cryptomelane calcined at 300 C. was 71% as measured on the powder reactor (Example 26b). A sample of this product was mixed with 20 weight percent Pd black yielded 88% conversion.
0228 The cryptomelane sample prepared as in Example 23 calcined at 200 C. had 85% conversion. Performance improved to 97% with 20 weight percent Pd black added.
0229 1500 g of high surface area manganese dioxide (cryptomelane purchased from Chemetals) and 2250 g of deionized water were combined in a one gallon ball mill and milled for 1.5 hours to a particle size 90%7 um. After draining the resulting slurry from the mill into a separate 1 gallon container, sufficient KOH (20% solution in DI water) was added to raise the pH to ca. 9.5. Additional KOH was added over the next several days to maintain a pH of 9.5. Subsequently, 294 g (10% solids basis) of National Starch x-4280 acrylic latex polymer (51% solids) was added. Thorough blending of the binder was achieved by rolling the container containing the slurry on a two roll mill. The container contained no milling media such as ceramic milling balls. Slurry made according to this process was coated onto a variety of substrates and exhibited excellent adhesion. Such substates included a porous monolithic support (eg. ceramic honeycomb) onto which the coating was applied by dipping the honeycomb into the slurry. The slurry was also spray coated onto an aluminum radiator. It was also dip coated on to small radiator minicores of the type recited above. Additionally, polyfiber filter media of the type used to filter air was coated by dipping or spraying. Typically, the samples were coated with loadings which could vary from 0.15 to 1.5 grams per cubic inch. The samples were air dried at 30 C. until dry, typically for at least two hours. Excellent catalyst adhesion was attained in each case (i.e. coating could not be wiped off). Higher temperatures of drying (up to 150 C.) can be utilized if desired. The latex cures during drying.
0230 To 96.56 g of the ball milled catalyst slurry obtained in Example 1 (before KOH addition) was added 3.20 g (3% solids basis) of Rhone-Poulenc Colloid 226 polymeric dispersant. After rolling the mixture on a roll mill for several hours, 7.31 g (10% solids basis) of National Starch x-4280 acrylic latex polymer (51% solids) was added. As in Example 28, thorough blending of the binder was achieved by rolling the container containing the slurry on a two roll mill. The container contained no milling media such as ceramic milling balls. Slurry made according to this process was coated onto a variety of substrates and exhibited excellent adhesion. Such substates included a porous monolithic support (eg. ceramic honeycomb) onto which the coating was applied by dipping the honeycomb into the slurry. The slurry was also dip coated on to small radiator minicores of the type recited above. Typically, the samples were coated with loadings which could vary from 0.15 to 1.5 grams per cubic inch. The samples were air dried at 30 C. until dry, typically for at least two hours. Excellent catalyst adhesion was attained in each case (i.e. coating could not be wiped off). Higher temperatures of drying (up to 150 C.) can be utilized if desired. The latex cures during drying.
1
2
3
5
0231 8.9 grams of D.I. water was added to 1.1 grams of TiO2 nano powder in a beaker. An ammonia/water concentrate was added to adjust the pH to 9.5. A solution of amine solubilized platinum hydroxide having 17.75 weight percent platinum (based on metallic platinum) was slowly added, with mixing to obtain 5% by weight of platinum on titania. Then a solution of palladium nitrate containing 20% by weight based on palladium metal was added, with mixing to obtain 14.3% palladium on the titania. A one-inch diameter by one-inch long 400 cells per square inch (cpsi) metal monolith cored sample was dipped into the slurry. Air was blown over the coated monolith to clear the channels and the monolith was dried for three hours at 110 C. At this time, the monolith was redipped into the slurry once again and the steps of air blowing the channels and drying at 110 C. was repeated. The twice coated monolith was calcined at 300 C. for two hours. After this initial evaluation the catalyst core was reduced in a forming gas having 7% hydrogen and 93% nitrogen at 300 C. for 12 hours. The catalyst was evaluated in an air stream containing 20 ppm carbon monoxide and 20 ppm of hydrocarbons based on C. The hydrocarbons were evaluated in the presence of the 20 ppm CO. The hydrocarbons evaluated were ethylene C; propylene C; and pentene Cat a gas flow rate of 36.6 liters per minute which corresponds to 300,000 standard hourly space velocity (SHSV). The air stream was at 30% relative humidity (RH). Results are illustrated in FIG. 21.
0232 The adhesion of catalytic and adsorption compositions to surfaces, e.g., metal surfaces, plastic surfaces, polymer surfaces, ceramic surfaces, glass surfaces, etc., may be improved by the incorporation of clay minerals as adhesion promoters. Such clay minerals include but are not limited to attapulgite, smectites (e.g., montmorillonite, bentonite, beidellite, nontronite, hectorite, saponite, etc.), kaolinite, talc, micas, and synthetic clays (e.g., Laponite sold by Southern Clay Products). Attapulgite is preferred. In manganese dioxide catalyst coatings, for example, even at normal auto radiator operating temperatures (typically less than about 100 C.), coatings prepared with acrylic-based polymers suffer from a loss in adhesion which is attributed to gradual decomposition of the binder by the manganese dioxide catalyst. This is unexpected since acrylic-based polymer binders are known to be stable at temperatures in excess of about 150 C.
0233 Clays are not commonly used as adhesion promoters in low temperature cure catalytic or adsorption coatings. While they do have wide ranging applications in the coatings industry as fillers and suspension aids (e.g., paints), they are not intentionally used as adhesion promoters. We have found that the use of clay minerals in manganese dioxide catalyst slurries unexpectedly improves the adhesion of the resulting catalyst coatings to metal surfaces including aluminum auto radiator fin surfaces. In contrast, coatings prepared without the clay suffer from a severe loss of adhesion. The loss in adhesion is believed to result from the catalytic decomposition of the organic acrylic-based polymer. This effect has been observed over the long term with road aged non-clay containing radiator coatings (e.g., after 50,000-100,000 miles of driving). Heat treatment of the catalyst coating at 150 C. is believed to accelerate the decomposition process of the acrylic based adhesion agent. The effect has been quantified by measuring the amount of coating lost from small pieces of heat-treated radiators after ultrasonicating the pieces in water for five minutes. For coatings prepared without clay added to the catalyst slurry, up to 100% coating loss has been observed after heat treatment at 150 C. for 24 hours. When clay is incorporated into the coating, however, significantly less coating is lost after the same heat treatment. Based on these observations, we believe that incorporation of clays such as attapulgite will significantly improve adhesion and durability of radiator coatings over the life of a vehicle (e.g., 100,000 to 150,000 miles).
2
0234 Additional preferred surface adhesion promoting materials for catalytic and adsorption compositions are water based silicone resin polymer emulsions. These are particularly useful as adhesion aids in manganese dioxide catalyst coatings for use on surfaces such as auto radiator surfaces including aluminum radiator surfaces. As previously mentioned, long-term road testing of catalytic coatings when applied to auto radiator surfaces have shown that even at normal radiator operating temperatures (typically less than about 100 C.), coatings that have been prepared with conventional acrylic-based polymer binders suffer from a loss in adhesion over the life of the vehicle (e.g., after 100,000 miles driving). The observed loss in adhesion is attributed to gradual decomposition of the acrylic-based binder by the MnOcatalyst. This is unexpected since acrylic-based binders are known to be stable at temperatures in excess of 150 C.
0235 Water based silicone polymer emulsions are not commonly used as adhesion aids in catalytic and adsorption composition coatings. However, they do have application in various coating formulations used in the paint and textile industries. For example, they are used to provide binding and water repellency in ambient temperature cure paint coatings (e.g. concrete basement walls), and they also find use as the primary binder precursor in high temperature paints (e.g. mufflers and smoke stacks). Whereas in the former application, the silicone polymer retains its compositional integrity, in the latter application the organic substituents of the polymer are burned out leaving a completely inorganic network of SiOSi chains as the pigment binder.
0236 We have found that the use of water based silicone polymer emulsions dramatically improves the adhesion of catalyst and/or adsorbent compositions, e.g., manganese dioxide catalyst coatings, to surfaces, e.g., aluminum radiator fin surfaces. In contrast, coatings prepared with conventional acrylic-based polymer binders known in the art suffer from a severe loss of adhesion. The loss in adhesion for conventional binder systems after 150 C. heat treatment (accelerated aging test) confirms results obtained from long-term on-road vehicle tests which also showed that coatings prepared with the conventional binders suffered from a degradation in adhesion over the life of the vehicle even at standard radiator operating temperatures (less than about 100 C.). In both on-road and accelerated aging testing, the loss in adhesion is believed to result from the catalytic decomposition of the organic acrylic-based binder, and at the higher temperature (e.g., 150, this process is accelerated. The effect has been quantified by measuring the amount of coating lost from small pieces of heat treated radiators after ultrasonicating the pieces in water for five minutes. For coatings prepared from conventional acrylic latex binders, up to 100% coating loss has been observed after heat treatment at 150 C. for 24 hours. When silicone latex adhesion aids are used, however, significantly less coating is lost after similar treatment. Even in formulations where only a small amount of the silicone adhesion aid is used in conjunction with standard acrylic-based binder (e.g. a 3:1 ratio of acrylic to silicone binders), a dramatic improvement in coating adhesion is observed after heat treatment at 150 C. Based on these observations, we believe that utilization of silicone polymer adhesion aids will significantly improve adhesion and durability of manganese dioxide radiator coatings over the life of a vehicle (e.g., 100,000 to 150,000 miles).
0237 In one embodiment, the benefit of the silicone polymer is obtained by incorporating the water based silicone latex emulsion into the catalyst slurry formulation prior to coating. In an additional embodiment, however, the benefit of the silicone polymer can be obtained by application of a dilute solution of the silicone latex over the dried catalyst coating. The silicone latex is believed to penetrate the coating, and upon drying, leaves a porous cross-linked polymer network which significantly improves adhesion of the coating even after heat treatment at 150 C.
0238 No calcination or other heat treatment is required to realize adhesion-promotion benefits from clay and/or silicone polymer in the catalyst or adsorbent compositions, thereby simplifying the production of coated substrates. Calcination for purposes of this application is any heat treatment involving temperatures over about 125 C. Low heat may be applied to promote drying of the catalyst and/or adsorbent compositions on the substrate, such drying temperature preferably being within the range of about 50-100 C.
0239 The following examples will help to explain the advantages of the invention in further detail.
2
0240 The use of a combination of clay minerals and water based silicone resin polymer emulsions is anticipated to produce an even greater improvement in the adhesion of catalyst and adsorption compositions to metal surfaces than when either adhesion aid is used alone. In particular MnOcatalyst adhesion to metal surfaces is anticipated to be improved.
0241 A) Slurry Preparation:
2
2
2
0242 In a one gallon ball mill, 1,000 g of manganese dioxide(cryptomelane) was combined with 1,500 g of DI water and milled for approximately 15 minutes. The MnOhad a surface area of ca. 220 m/g, an average particle size of ca.3.5 m, and was purchased from Chemetals. After milling, the resulting slurry was drained from the mill. Subsequently, 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant (solids basis relative to MnOsolids) was added, and the resulting slurry was mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill. The RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant was purchased from Rhodia.
2
2
2
2
0243 Approximately 100 g of the MnOslurry prepared above containing 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant was placed in a separate container. To this was added 5% ATTAGEL 50 (ATTAGEL) suspension aid (solid basis relative to MnOsolids). The ATTAGEL was added in the form of a pre-gel prepared by dispersing ATTAGEL powder in DI water (13% ATTAGEL solids) under high shear. Mixing of the ATTAGEL pre-gel into the MnOslurry was achieved by rapid shaking of the slurry container. Additionally, the slurry was mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill. The following ingredients were then added sequentially: 7.5% RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder, 2.5% SILRES M-50E silicone binder, 1% XLO-HVP cellulose thickening agent, 0.5% RHODASURF BC-720 wetting agent, and 0.57% NUOSEPT 95 preservative. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the resulting formulations were mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The XLO-HVP was added in the form of a 2.5% solution that was prepared by dispersing the XLO-HVP powder in DI water under high shear. The total solids of the final slurry formulation (A) was then reduced to 22%. The ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid was obtained from Engelhard Corporation, the RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder was purchased from Rohm & Haas Company, the SILRES M-50E silicone binder was purchased from Wacker Silicones, the BC-720 wetting agent was purchased from Rhodia, the XLO-HVP thickener was purchased from Akzo-Nobel, and the NUOSEPT 95 preservative was purchased from Huls-Creanova.
2
2
0244 Similarly, two additional formulations were prepared each using approximately 100 g of the MnOslurry prepared above containing RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant. Modifications to the exact slurry composition were made as noted below. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the resulting formulations were mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The second slurry (B) had a composition of 10% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 7.5% P-376 acrylic binder, 2.5% SILRES M-50E silicone binder, 2% XLO-HVP cellulose thickening agent, and 0.5% RHODASURF BC-720 wetting agent. The third slurry (C) had a composition of 15% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 7.5% P-376 acrylic binder, 2.5% SILRES M-50E silicone binder, 1.5% XLO-HVP cellulose thickening agent, and 0.5% RHODASURF BC-720 wetting agent.
0245 B) Adhesion Testing:
3
0246 A Ford Taurus radiator was cut into small pieces (hereinafter referred to as radiator minicores) with approximate dimensions of (W)(H)1(D). Three minicores were then coated with the three slurry formulations A, B, and C, prepared above. This was accomplished by dipping the minicores in each slurry, allowing the slurry to drain out, and then using an air-knife to blow out any remaining excess. The coated cores were then dried in a forced air convection oven at 90 C. for approximately 30 minutes. The loading of coating on the minicores was approximately 0.30-0.40 g/in.
3
0247 The coated radiator minicores were then placed in a forced air convection oven for 24 hours at 150 C. After the 24 hour heat treatment period, the samples were subjected to ultrasonic adhesion testing. First the minicores were weighed, and then they were placed in separate glass beakers filled with DI water. The glass beakers were subsequently placed in a Bransonic Model 42 ultrasonicator filled with DI water to the same level as in the beakers. The samples were sonicated for two minutes, dried in an oven at 90 C. for approximately 30 minutes, and then re-weighed to determine any coating loss. The sonication procedure was then repeated for an additional three minutes and a final calculation of percent coating loss was made. The data was normalized to a constant initial loading of 0.40 g/in, which corresponded to a total coating loading of 0.16 g.
TABLE A
Coating
Ozone
Loss
Conversion
Formulation
Composition
(%)
(%)
A
3% RHODOLINE
47
(NM-18635-45)
226/35
5% ATTAGEL 50
7.5% RHOPLEX
P-376
1% XLO-HVP
0.5% RHODASURF
BC-720
0.57% NUOSEPT 95
B
3% RHODOLINE
32
30
(NM-18688-3-111)
226/35
10% ATTAGEL 50
7.5% RHOPLEX
P-376
2.5% SILRES
M-50E
2% XLO-HVP
0.5% RHODASURF
BC-720
C
3% RHODOLINE
21
32
(NM-18688-3-117)
226/35
15% ATTAGEL 50
7.5% RHOPLEX
P-376
2.5% SILRES
M-50E
1.5% XLO-HVP
0.5% RHODASURF
BC-720
0248 Coating loss results for the three slurry formulations are summarized in Table A. The data shows that as the quantity of ATTAGEL in the formulation was increased, adhesion of the catalyst coating after heat treatment at 150 C. correspondingly was improved.
0249 C) Catalytic Activity Testing
3
0250 A 400 cpsi ceramic honeycomb block was cut into small pieces (hereafter referred to as ceramic minicores) with approximate dimensions of (Diameter)2(D). Three minicores were then coated with the slurry formulations A, B, and C, prepared above. This was accomplished by dipping the minicores in each slurry, allowing the slurry to drain out, and then using an air-knife to blow out any remaining excess. The coated cores were then dried in a forced air convection oven at 90 C. for approximately 30 minutes. The loading of coating on the minicores was approximately 0.30-0.40 g/in.
0251 Catalytic activity of the three samples was measured by passing ozone-containing air over the minicores in a laboratory reactor. The temperature of the catalyst was 75 C., the space velocity of the air passing through the catalyst minicore was 2,500,000/h, the dew point of the air was approximately 15 C., and the ozone concentration was approximately 250 ppb. The ozone concentration in the air stream was measured before and after the catalyst using a Dasibi 1008-AH ambient ozone monitor. The catalytic activity test was accomplished at very high space velocity in an effort to assess any differences in catalytic performance under very rigorous flow conditions. Airflow under normal radiator operating conditions would be approximately 2-4 times less. The ozone conversion results summarized in Table A show that incorporation of ATTAGEL into the slurry formulation had essentially no effect on catalytic performance.
2
0252 Two catalyst slurry formulations were prepared according to the general procedure outlined in Example I. Modifications to the exact chemical compositions were made as noted below. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the resulting formulations were subsequently mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The first slurry (D) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 13% RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder, and 3.5% ACRYSOL RM-8W associative thickener. The second slurry (E) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 13% RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder, and 2% XLO-HVP cellulose thickener. The RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant was purchased from Rhodia, the RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder and the ACRYSOL RM-8W thickener were purchased from Rohm & Haas Company, the ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid was obtained from Engelhard Corporation, and the XLO-HVP thickener was purchased from Akzo-Nobel.
TABLE B
Coating Adhesion Data For Example II
Formulation
Composition
Coating Loss (%)
D
3% RHODOLINE
100
(NM-18593-6-8)
226/35
13% RHOPLEX P-376
3.5% ACRYSOL RM-8W
E
3% RHODOLINE
55
(NM-18635-22-91)
226/35
3% ATTAGEL 50
13% RHOPLEX P-376
2% XLO-HVP
0253 As described in Example I, Ford Taurus radiator minicores were first coated with the two slurry formulations and then were subjected to ultrasonic adhesion testing after heat treatment at 150 C. for 24 hours. Adhesion test results are summarized in Table B. The data shows that when ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid was incorporated into the catalyst formulation, adhesion of the catalyst coating after treatment at 150 C. was dramatically improved.
2
0254 Two catalyst slurry formulations were prepared according to the general procedure outlined in Example I. Modifications to the exact chemical compositions were made as noted below. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the resulting formulations were-subsequently mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The first slurry (F) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 13% NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder, and 3.5% ACRYSOL RM-8W associative thickener. The second slurry (G) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 10% NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder, and 1.5% XLO-HVP cellulose thickener. The RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant was purchased from Rhodia, the NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder was purchased from National Starch and Chemical Company, the ACRYSOL RM-8W thickener was purchased from Rohm & Haas Company, the ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid was obtained from Engelhard Corporation, and the XLO-HVP thickener was purchased from Akzo-Nobel.
TABLE C
Coating Adhesion and Catalytic Activity
Data for Example III
Coating
Ozone
Loss
Conversion
Formulation
Composition
(%)
(%)
F
3% RHODOLINE
100
32
(GM-18610-
226/35
43-1)
13% NACRYLIC X-4280
3.5% ACRYSOL RM-8W
G
3% RHODOLINE
64
32
(NM-18635-1-4)
226/35
3% ATTAGEL 50
10% NACRYLIC X-4280
1.5% XLO-HVP
0255 As described in Example I, Ford Taurus radiator minicores were first coated with the two slurry formulations and then subjected to ultrasonic adhesion testing after heat treatment at 150 C. for 24 hours. Adhesion test results are summarized in Table C. The data shows that when ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid was incorporated into the catalyst formulation, adhesion of the catalyst coating after treatment at 150 C. was dramatically improved even when less acrylic binder was used in the coating.
0256 As described in Example I, 400 cpsi ceramic minicores were first coated with the two catalyst slurry formulations and then subjected to catalytic activity testing. Ozone conversion results are summarized in Table C. The data shows that incorporation of the ATTAGEL 50 into the slurry formulation had no effect on catalytic activity.
2
0257 Three catalyst slurry formulations were prepared according to the general procedure outlined in Example I. Modifications to the exact chemical compositions were made as noted below. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the slurries were subsequently mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The first slurry (H) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 13% RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder, and 2% XLO-HVP cellulose thickener. The second slurry (I) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 9.75% RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder, 3.25% SILRES M-50E silicone latex binder, and 1.5% XLO-HVP cellulose thickener. The third slurry (J) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 9.75% RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder, 3.25% SILRES MP-42E silicone latex binder, and 1.5% XLO-HVP cellulose thickener. The RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant was purchased from Rhodia, the RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder was purchased from Rohm & Haas Company, the ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid was obtained from Engelhard Corporation, the SILRES M-50E and MP-42E silicone latex binders were purchased from Wacker Silicones, and the XLO-HVP thickener was purchased from Akzo-Nobel.
0258 As described in Example I, Ford Taurus radiator minicores were first coated with the two slurry formulations and then were subjected to ultrasonic adhesion testing after heat treatment at 150 C. for 24 hours. Adhesion test results are summarized in Table D. Formulation H, which contained only the conventional acrylic binder, had the highest coating loss of 55%, Formulations I and J in which some of the acrylic binder was replaced with a silicone binder, had significantly less coating loss (35 and 28%, respectively). The data shows that even when a small amount of the RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder is replaced with a silicone binder (while maintaining the same total binder level in the slurry formulation), adhesion of the catalyst coating after treatment at 150 C. is dramatically improved.
TABLE D
Coating Adhesion and Catalytic Activity Data
for Example IV
Ozone
Coating
Conversion
Formulation
Composition
Loss (%)
(%)
H
3% RHODOLINE
55
28
(NM-18635-22-91)
226/35
3% ATTAGEL 50
13% RHOPLEX
P-376
2% XLO-HVP
I
3% RHODOLINE
35
27
(NM-18635-22-93)
226/35
3% ATTAGEL 50
9.75% RHOPLEX
P-376
3.25% SILRES
M-50E
1.5% XLO-HVP
J
3% RHODOLINE
28
24
(NM-18635-23-94)
226/35
3% ATTAGEL 50
9.75% RHOPLEX
P-376
3.25% SILRES
MP-42E
1.5% XLO-HVP
0259 As described in Example I, 400 cpsi ceramic minicores were first coated with the three catalyst slurry formulations and then subjected to catalytic activity testing. Ozone conversion results are summarized in Table D. The data shows that incorporation of silicone binder into the slurry formulation has essentially no or only a very minor effect on catalytic performance depending on the specific silicone used.
2
0260 Four catalyst slurry formulations were prepared according to the general procedure outlined in Example I. Modifications to the exact chemical compositions were made as noted below. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the slurries were subsequently mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The first slurry (K) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 13% NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder, and 3.5% ACRYSOL RM-8W associative thickener. The second slurry (L) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3.25% NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder, and 9.75% SILRES M-50E silicone binder. The third slurry (M) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3.25% NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder, and 9.75% SILRES MP-42E silicone binder. The fourth slurry (N) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3.25% NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder, and 9.75% SM-2112 silicone binder. The RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant was purchased from Rhodia, the NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder was purchased from National Starch and Chemical Company, the ACRYSOL RM-8W thickener was purchased from Rohm & Haas Company, the SILRES M-50E and MP-42E silicone binders were purchased from Wacker Silicones, and the SM-2112 silicone binder was purchased from GE Silicones.
TABLE E
Coating Adhesion Data for Example V
Coating
Formulation
Composition
Loss (%)
K
3% RHODOLINE
100
(GM-18610-43-1)
226/35
13% NACRYLIC X-
4280
3.5% RM-8W
L
3% RHODOLINE
28
(GM-18641-18-1)
226/35
3.25% NACRYLIC
X-4280
9.75% SILRES
M-50E
M
3% RHODOLINE
18
(GM-18641-18-2)
226/35
3.25% NACRYLIC
X-4280
9.75% SILRES
MP-42E
N
3% RHODOLINE
33
(GM-18641-18-4)
226/35
3.25% NACRYLIC
X-4280
9.75% SM-2112
0261 As described in Example I, Ford Taurus radiator minicores were coated with the four catalyst slurry formulations and then subjected to ultrasonic adhesion testing after heating the samples at 150 C. for 24 hours. Adhesion test results are summarized in Table E. The data shows that even when a small amount of the NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder is replaced with several different silicone binders (while maintaining the same total binder level in the formulation), adhesion of the catalyst coating after treatment at 150 C. is dramatically improved.
2
0262 Three catalyst slurry formulations were prepared according to the general procedure outlined in Example I. Modifications to the exact chemical compositions were made as noted below. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the slurries were subsequently mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The first slurry (O) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 13% RHOPLEX AC-261 acrylic binder, and 3.5% ACRYSOL RM-8W associative thickener. The second slurry (P) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 6.5% RHOPLEX AC-261 acrylic binder, and 6.5% SILRES M-50E silicone binder. The third slurry (Q) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 6.5% RHOPLEX AC-261 acrylic binder, and 6.5% SILRES MP-42E silicone binder. The RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant was purchased from Rhodia, the RHOPLEX AC-261 acrylic binder and ACRYSOL RM-8W thickener were purchased from Rohm & Haas Company, and the SILRES M-50E and MP-42E silicone binders were purchased from Wacker Silicones.
TABLE F
Coating Adhesion Data for Example VI
Coating
Formulation
Composition
Loss (%)
O
3% RHODOLINE
100
(NM-18593-48-6-7)
226/35
13% RHOPLEX
AC-261
3.5% RM-8W
P
3% RHODOLINE
53
(NM-18593-52-13)
226/35
6.5% RHOPLEX
AC-261
6.5% SILRES
M-50E
Q
3% RHODOLINE
36
(NM-18593-52-14)
226/35
6.5% RHOPLEX
AC-261
6.5% SILRES
MP-42E
0263 As described in Example I, Ford Taurus radiator minicores were first coated with the three slurry formulations and then they were subjected to ultrasonic adhesion testing after heat treatment at 150 C. for 24 hours. Adhesion test results are summarized in Table F. The data shows that when some of the RHOPLEX AC-261 acrylic binder is replaced with a silicone binder (while maintaining the same total binder level in the formulation), adhesion of the catalyst coating after treatment at 150 C. is dramatically improved.
2
0264 Two catalyst slurry formulations were prepared according to the general procedure outlined in Example I. Modifications to the exact chemical compositions were made as noted below. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the slurries were subsequently mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The first slurry (R) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 8% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 6% RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder, 6% DUROSET Elite 22 EVA binder, 2.5% XLO-HVP cellulose thickening agent, 0.5% RHODASURF BC-720 wetting agent, and 0.57% NUOSEPT 95 preservative. The second slurry (S) had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 8% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 9% RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder, 3% SILRES M-50E silicone binder, 2.5% XLO-HVP cellulose thickening agent, 0.5% RHODASURF BC-720 wetting agent, and 0.57% NUOSEPT 95 preservative. The RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant and the RHODASURF BC-720 wetting agent were purchased from Rhodia, the ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid was obtained from Engelhard Corporation, the RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder was purchased from Rohm & Haas Company, the DUROSET Elite 22 EVA binder was purchased from National Starch and Chemical Company, the SILRES M-50E silicone binder was purchased from Wacker Silicones, the XLO-HVP cellulose thickening agent was purchased from Akzo-Nobel, and the NUOSEPT 95 preservative was purchased from Huls-Creanova.
TABLE G
Coating Adhesion and Catalytic Activity Data
Coating
Ozone
Loss
Conversion
Formulation
Composition
(%)
(%)
R
3% RHODOLINE 226/35
47
32
(NM-18688-32-
8% ATTAGEL 50
9-1)
6% RHOPLEX P-376
6% Elite 22
2.5% XLO-HVP
0.5% RHODASURF BC-720
0.57% NUOSEPT 95
S
3% RHODOLINE 226/35
31
28
(NM-18688-32-
8% ATTAGEL 50
10-5)
9% RHOPLEX P-376
3% SILRES M-50E
2.5% XLO-HVP
0.5% RHODASURF BC-720
0.57% NUOSEPT 95
0265 As described in Example I, Ford Taurus radiator minicores were first coated with the two formulations, and then they were subjected to ultrasonic adhesion testing after heat treatment at 150 C. for 24 hours. Adhesion test results are summarized in Table G. The data shows that even when a small amount of the RHOPLEX P-376 acrylic binder is replaced with a silicone binder (while maintaining the same total binder level in the formulation), adhesion of the catalyst coating after treatment at 150 C. is dramatically improved.
0266 As described in Example I, 400 cpsi ceramic minicores were first coated with the two catalyst slurry formulations and then subjected to catalytic activity testing. Ozone conversion results are summarized in Table G. The data shows that incorporation of the silicone binder into the slurry formulation had only a minor effect on catalytic activity.
2
0267 One catalyst slurry formulation (T) was prepared according to the general procedure outlined in Example I. Modifications to the exact chemical composition was made as noted below. All ingredient quantities were based on solids relative to MnO. Each ingredient was added separately, and the slurry was subsequently mixed for 5-10 minutes on a roll mill before addition of the next ingredient. The slurry had a composition of 3% RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant, 3% ATTAGEL 50 suspension aid, 10% NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder, and 3% XLO-HVP cellulose thickening agent. The RHODOLINE 226/35 dispersant was purchased from Rhodia, the ATTAGEL 50 was purchased from Engelhard Corporation, the NACRYLIC X-4280 acrylic binder was purchased from National Starch and Chemical Company, and the XLO-HVP thickening agent was purchased from Akzo-Nobel.
0268 Dilute solutions of the following silicone latex emulsions were prepared by mixing 1% (solids basis) of each emulsion in DI water: SILRES M-50E (Wacker Silicones); SILRES MP-42E (Wacker Silicones); and EL45539 VP (Wacker Silicones).
2
TABLE H
Coating Adhesion and Catalytic Activity Data
Silicone Emulsion
Coating Loss
Ozone Conversion
Dip Solution
(%)
(%)
None
64
32
1% SILRES M-50E
35
27
1% SILRES MP-42E
42
32
1% EL45539 VP
36
29
0269 Four Ford Taurus radiator minicores were coated with the catalyst slurry formulation T according to the procedure outlined in Example I except that drying was accomplished at 60 C. instead of 90 C. Subsequently, three of the catalyst-coated minicores were dipped in the three dilute silicone emulsion solutions prepared above (one minicore per solution). The samples were removed from the solutions, drained, and then air knifed to remove any excess solution. The samples were dried at 60 C. for approximately 30 minutes. All four coated radiator minicores were then heated to 150 C. for 24 hours in a forced air convection oven. After heat treatment, the samples were subjected to ultrasonic adhesion testing as outlined in Example I. Adhesion test results are summarized in Table H. The data shows that impregnating a MnOcatalyst radiator coating with silicone latex emulsion significantly improves adhesion of the catalyst coating after heat treatment at 150 C.
2
0270 As described in Example I, four 400 cpsi ceramic minicores were coated with slurry formulation T. Subsequently, three of the catalyst-coated minicores were dipped in the three dilute silicone emulsion solutions prepared above (one minicore per solution). The samples were removed from the solution, drained, and then air knifed to remove any excess solution. The samples were dried at 90 C. for approximately 30 minutes. The samples were then subjected to catalytic activity testing as described in Example I. Ozone conversion results are summarized in Table H. The data shows that impregnation of silicone latex emulsion into a radiator MnOcatalyst coating has little or no effect on the catalytic activity. | |
114-5 Genomic Consequences of Selection and Genome-Wide Association Mapping in Soybean.
See more from this Division: C07 Genomics, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology
See more from this Session: Symposium--QTL That Matter
Monday, November 16, 2015: 3:55 PM
Minneapolis Convention Center, 101 H
Abstract:
Soybean is widely grown as a major source of edible oil and protein for human consumption and livestock feed. Domestication and subsequent breeding improvement have likely left detectable signatures within the genome of modern soybean. We genotyped 342 landraces and 1062 improved lines with the SoySNP50K Illumina BeadChip containing 52,041 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and systematically phenotyped these genotypes for 9 agronomic traits. A cross-population composite likelihood ratio (XP-CLR) statistical program was used to screen the signals of selective sweeps. A total of 125 candidate selection regions were identified, many of which harbored genes potentially involved in crop improvement. To further investigate whether these candidate regions were in fact enriched for genes (or quantitative trait loci) affected by selection, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted on 7 selection traits targeted in soybean breeding (grain yield, plant height, lodging, maturity date, seed coat color, seed protein and oil content) and 2 non-selection traits (pubescence and flower color). Major genomic regions associated with selection traits overlapped with candidate selection regions, whereas no overlap of this kind occurred for the non-selection traits, suggesting that the selection sweeps we identified are associated with traits of agronomic importance. Multiple novel loci and refined map locations of known loci related to these traits were also identified. These results illustrate that comparative population genomic analyses, especially when combined with trait-based mapping approaches, are a promising approach to dissect improvement related agronomic traits. | https://scisoc.confex.com/crops/2015am/webprogram/Paper94661.html |
“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” – Amit Ray
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the non-judgmental observation of your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations. A wonderful definition of mindfulness comes from Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and author of the timeless classic, Wherever You Go, There You Are. Dr. Kabat-Zinn explains that mindfulness is, “paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience moment to moment.”
If you’re wondering what that means, you’re not alone. As Dr. Michael Baime, creator of the Penn Program for Mindfulness says, “Trying to understand mindfulness by its definition is like trying to understand what it is like to fall in love by reading a textbook. You might get a general idea, but you’d be missing out on the best part: what it actually feels like. Mindfulness is all about experience, about the actual aliveness, of each moment. You learn to pay attention on purpose, in the present moment, not because someone said that it would be a good thing to do, but because that is where you find your life.”
How to Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness practice asks you to keep your awareness in the here and now, to devote your full attention to the current experience. It’s the opposite of multitasking. Instead of drowning in a frazzled attempt to juggle several thoughts or tasks at once, the goal is to be completely immersed and aware in whatever it is you are doing in the moment.
You can develop mindfulness by simply devoting your undivided attention to your everyday experiences. Simply remain focused on whatever it is you’re doing – breathing, eating, washing the dishes or making love. The whole point is to be totally present with whatever you are engaged in.
Here are 7 Tips to Being More Mindful Now!
- Simply become aware of your breath and the rise and fall of your belly.
- Tune in to what you are doing right now. Try to become aware of your senses, what does the room look like, how does your body feel, what colors, textures and smells surround you?
- The next time you take a walk tune into the sensations of how your weight shifts from one foot to the other. Pay attention to how your body feels.
- Resist the urge to multi-task. You might be surprised at how much more effective you are when you devote your full attention to one thing at a time.
- Understand that thoughts are just thoughts. You don’t have to believe or react to them!
- Turn off the auto-pilot and wake up to what you’re doing! Whether you’re driving, emailing, texting, feeding the dog, brushing teeth or doing the dishes, try bringing more awareness to your daily activities.
- Reconnect with nature. Connecting with nature enhances your well-being and nurtures mindfulness.
You might begin practicing mindfulness for stress reduction, pain management or even weight control. After a while you will find that the effects extend to other areas of your life. You will naturally make better choices and be more compassionate. Mindfulness may transform your entire life.
Mindfulness is simple even if mastering it isn’t. This kind of focused attention is like a muscle; at first it’s weak, you get distracted and then have to remind yourself to return to awareness. Eventually, your attention will get into shape and you’ll discover that you are happiest when centered in the present moment.
Michelle Corey, C.N.W.C., FMC, is a Wellness Recovery Specialist, Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, researcher and author. Michelle studied holistic nutrition at Clayton College of Natural Health and completed a comprehensive 2-year practical program at Academy of Functional Medicine and Genomics. Since reversing her autoimmune condition, Michelle has helped hundreds of people reverse autoimmune and other chronic conditions. She is currently an advisor to the Academy of Functional Medicine and Genomics and the Functional Medical University. She is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants. Michelle and offers Functional Mind-Body healing retreats, workshops and online courses.
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Anna Papuga works in editorial, creative, commercial, and conservation photography. Her expertise also includes graphic design, photo/video editing, retouching, visual curation, production, and digital asset management.
She has worked with companies such as:
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Associated Press
National Football League
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Gregory Packs
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Her current projects include involvement with charity organizations, women's empowerment, humanitarian, environmental, and conservation work.
She currently lives and works as a contract remote and travel on-site photo editor and photographer in various locations all over the world.
For contract rates please inquire. | https://www.annapapugaphotography.com/About |
The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the most important change in the data privacy regulation in the last couple of decades. The GDPR was approved by the EU Parliament on April 14, 2016 and will be effective from May 25, 2018. The GDPR replaces the Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC and will be applicable in blanket across all the 28 countries in Europe to protect and empower all EU citizens’ data privacy. Elizabeth Denham, the UK’s information commissioner, has called the GDPR as an “evolution” rather than a complete “revolution” indicating it to be a process and not a complete package.
Individuals, organisations, and companies that are either controllers or processors of personal data in EU will be covered by GDPR. All personal data are covered by GDPR. It can either be name, address, IP address, genetic data, religion, political views, sexual orientation etc.
Any companies which fall under the following brackets are required to comply with GDPR: A company present in the EU country; company not present in the EU but it processes personal data of European residents; company has more than 250 employees; company has less than 250 employees but its data processing impacts the rights and freedoms of data subjects, is not occasional, or includes certain types of sensitive personal data.
The data subject has given specific consent to the processing of his or her personal data.
For the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party.
Pseudonymisation of data is a process that transforms personal data in such a way that the resulting data cannot be attributed to a specific data subject. An example of pseudonymisation is encryption, which renders the original data unintelligible and the process cannot be reversed without access to the correct decryption key. The GDPR requires that this additional information — the decryption key — be kept separately from the pseudonymised data. Though pseudonymisation is recommended to reduce the risks to the concerned data subjects and also help controllers and processors to meet their data protection obligations, they are still considered personal data and are covered by GDPR.
Right of access: It gives the citizens the right to get access to their personal data and about how these data are being processed. A Data Controller has to provide, upon request, an overview of the categories of data that are being processed.
Data portability: The data subject should be able to transfer their personal data from one electronic processing system to another without any restrictions. However, data that has been sufficiently anonymised is excluded from such obligation.
Right of erasure: A right to erasure of the data.
Data protection by design and by default: It means that the privacy settings must be set at a high level by default and that technical and procedural measures should be taken care by the controller in order to make sure that the processing, throughout the whole processing lifecycle, complies with the regulation. Controllers should also implement mechanisms to ensure that personal data is only processed when necessary for each specific purpose.
Records of processing activities: Records of processing activities must be maintained, that include purposes of processing, categories involved and envisaged time limits. These records must be made available to the supervisory authority on requests.
Under GDPR, the data controller will be under a legal obligation to notify the supervisory authority without delay about a potential data breach within 72 hours after becoming aware of the data breach.
Infringements of the rights of data subjects.
Failure in obtaining consent for data processing.
Failure by data controller in relation to the engagement of processors.
Failure to appoint a data protection officer, if such appointment is required pursuant to GDPR.
Failure to implement measures to ensure privacy by design.
The cost of compliance of GDPR is huge as is the cost of non-compliance of GDPR. With a vast requirement for compliance, the cost for companies will run into multi million dollars based on the size of the companies.
So irrespective if one likes it or not GDPR is here to stay and the requirement for compliance is essential. This is applicable to Indian companies too which deals with the EU data. There is no shortcut or a magic wand which will help you comply with the GDPR but should be an inherent process by which the outlook of a company has to be changed which requires compliance with the GDPR requirement. | http://mydigitalfc.com/editorial/opinion/are-you-gdpr-ready |
Dragonets are found in the family Callionymidae in the order Perciformes. Fishbase currently lists 130 species divided into 18 different genera. Dragonets are sometimes referred to as gobies, but they are not true gobies since they do not belong to the family Gobiidae.
Dragonets in the aquarium
Many dragonets are strikingly coloured and several species have been successfully kept by aquarists. Two of the most commonly found species in the aquarium trade are Mandarin dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus, formerly known as Pterosynchiropus splendidus) and Ocellated dragonet (Synchiropus ocellatus). Both are commonly kept in reef aquariums since they do not disturb or injure corals. They should ideally not be kept in aquariums without significant amounts of live rock.
Most dragonets are specialized and finicky eaters that will only eat live food in the aquarium. Many dragonets have starved to death rather than accept dead food. It is therefore best to keep dragonets in large aquariums (at least 55 gallons / 200 litres) inhabited by large and thriving populations of amphipods and copepods. You can also try to feed your dragonets live brine shrimp and mysis shrimp, but they might not eat it.
Geographical range, habitat and habits
Dragonets are mainly found in the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific. They are benthic creatures, i.e. they spend most of their time on or near the bottom. Dragonets have been found down to a dept of roughly 200 meters (650 feet) and prefer rocky or sandy bottoms. Some species occur near coral reefs.
Male dragonets are highly territorial towards each other.
Feeding Dragonets
Dragonest feed on small invertebrates, such as worms and crustaceans, which they find on or in the substrate at the bottom of the sea. A bulk of their diet consists of copepods and amphipods.
Breeding Dragonets
During the breeding period the male fish will court the female by showing off his flashy fins and open and close his mouth over and over again. If he manages to impress a female ready for breeding, they will form a pair and swim upwards towards the surface. The male will support his partner on his pectoral fins and eggs and sperm will be released in midwater.
Dragonets are pelagic spawners and they do not guard their offspring. The female releases a high number of eggs each spawning and since they are buoyant they will intermingle with the plankton of the ocean and be swept away by current.
Appearance
Dragonets are often decorated with a cryptic pattern consisting of vibrant colours. Some species are even referred to as “psychedelic fish”. All the fins are large and showy and the tailfin is fan-shaped and tapered. The dorsal fin is high and usually equipped with four spines. In male fish, some of the spines can be embellished with filamentous extensions. The body of the fish is elongated and the preopercle is protected by a strong spine. The head of a dragonet is flat and triangular with big eyes and a large mouth.
The largest known species of dragonet is the Longtail dragonet (Callionymus gardineri) which can become 30 cm (1 foot) long. The smallest known dragonet is the tiny St. Helena dragonet (Callionymus sanctaehelenae) which rarely exceeds 2 cm (0.8 inches) in length. | https://www.aquaticcommunity.com/Dragonets/ |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
This application claims the priority of Chinese patent application CN 201711188692.7, entitled “Array substrate of thin-film transistor liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same” and filed on Nov. 23, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of liquid crystal display, and in particular, to an array substrate of a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display device and a method for manufacturing the same.
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FIG. 1
With the development of liquid crystal display technology, it has become common to manufacture three-dimensional and curved surface large-sized display devices. Meanwhile, with the development of high resolutions 4K (3840×2160) and 8K (7680×4320), it is required that a pixel size be smaller and smaller. The smaller a pixel size is, the lower an aperture ratio of a display panel is, and the narrower a data line and a black matrix (BM) light shielding layer are (as shown in ).
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However, when a curved surface is finished for the liquid crystal display panel, due to a shift between the BM 2 and the data line , the aperture ratio would be lower. When the shift is too large, light leakage would occur around a pixel, and contrast of the liquid crystal display panel would also be reduced. Therefore, in order to alleviate an effect of a shift between an upper substrate and a lower substrate of a liquid crystal display screen on display quality, as shown in , a designer would generally not provide black matrixes (used for blocking light) on the upper substrate at positions of orthographic projections of data lines , but providing light shielding electrode lines right over the data lines located on the lower substrate side. A relatively small voltage difference is kept between the light shielding electrode lines on the lower substrate and a common electrode on the upper substrate , and a liquid crystal layer is used for blocking light. Such technology is called data BM less (DBS) technology. The DBS technology enables liquid crystal molecules to remain an undeflected state, whereby light can be blocked. In the traditional DBS technology, array substrates of liquid crystal panels rely on a network of the light shielding electrode lines (a 1D2G structure, as shown in ) for conductivity. However, since the light shielding electrode lines have large impedance, voltage driving uniformity of the light shielding electrode lines is relatively poor.
In view of the above problem, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an array substrate of a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display device and a method for manufacturing the same, the array substrate and the method capable of realizing good voltage driving uniformity of a light shielding electrode line.
In order to achieve the above objective, the present disclosure provides an array substrate comprises a substrate. A plurality of data lines, a plurality of dummy data lines, a plurality of first gate lines, and a plurality of second gate lines are arranged on the substrate. The plurality of data lines and the plurality of dummy data lines are arranged in an alternate and spaced-apart manner in a longitudinal direction, and the plurality of first gate lines and the plurality of second gate lines are arranged in an alternate and spaced-apart manner in a transverse direction. A plurality of groups of pixel units are arranged surrounded by the plurality of data lines, the plurality of dummy data lines, the plurality of first gate lines, and the plurality of second gate lines. Each of the groups of pixel units comprises an odd-numbered column of first thin film transistors and an even-numbered column of second thin film transistors. Sources of two adjacent first thin film transistor and second thin film transistor in each group of pixel units are connected to a same data line. Gates of two adjacent first thin film transistor and second thin film transistor in each group of pixel units are connected to a first gate line and a second gate line, respectively. Drains of the first thin film transistors and drains of the second thin film transistors are each connected to a pixel electrode. First ends of the dummy data lines are connected to a common voltage electrode line, and second ends of the dummy data lines are connected to another common voltage electrode line. The common voltage electrode lines are arranged on the substrate in the transverse direction.
A light shielding electrode line is arranged on each of the data lines. A plurality of light shielding electrode lines and a plurality of pixel electrodes are arranged in an alternate and spaced-apart manner.
The first ends and the second ends of the dummy data lines are connected to the respective common voltage electrode lines by means of via holes.
Each column of first thin film transistors comprises a plurality of first thin film transistors which are arranged in a spaced-apart manner, and each column of second thin film transistors comprises a plurality of second thin film transistors which are arranged in a spaced-apart manner.
The present disclosure further provides a method for manufacturing an array substrate of a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display device. The method comprises steps of: 1), depositing a first metal layer on a substrate, and forming a plurality of first gate lines, a plurality of second gate lines, and two common voltage electrode lines on the substrate by photoetching; 2), depositing a gate insulation layer on a surface of the first metal layer, depositing a semiconductor active layer on a surface of the gate insulation layer, and then forming an ohmic contact layer on a surface of the semiconductor active layer; 3), depositing a second metal layer on a surface of a silicon island structure, and forming a source, a drain, and a plurality of data lines by photoetching; 4), forming a first insulation protection layer on a surface of the second metal layer; 5), manufacturing a red photoresist, a green photoresist, and a blue photoresist by lithography; 6), depositing a second insulation protection layer outside the semiconductor active layer, the source, and the drain, and forming via holes on the second insulation protection layer by photoetching; and 7), depositing a transparent conductive layer on a surface of the second insulation protection layer, and forming a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of dummy data lines by photoetching, and connecting first ends and second ends of the dummy data lines respectively to the two common voltage electrode lines by means of the via holes.
In step 1), the first metal layer is formed on the substrate by physical vapor deposition. The first metal layer is made of aluminum, molybdenum, copper or an alloy, and has a thickness of 3000-6000 angstroms. The plurality of first gate lines, the plurality of second gate lines, and the two common voltage electrode lines are formed on the first metal layer by means of a mask after steps of exposing, developing, etching, and stripping.
In step 2), the gate insulation layer is formed on the surface of the first metal layer by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The gate insulation layer is a silicon nitride film or a silicon oxide film, and has a thickness of 2000-5000 angstroms. The silicon island structure is formed on the ohmic contact layer by means of a mask after steps of exposing, developing, dry etching, and stripping. The semiconductor active layer is an amorphous silicon layer, and has a thickness of 1500-3000 angstroms.
In step 3), the second metal layer is made of aluminum, molybdenum, copper or an alloy, and has a thickness of 3000-6000 angstroms. The source, the drain, and the plurality of data lines are formed on the second metal layer by means of a grey tone mask after steps of exposing, developing, metal etching for one time, dry etching for one time, etching for two times, dry etching for two times, and stripping.
In step 4), the first insulation protection layer is formed on the surface of the second metal layer by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The first insulation protection layer is a silicon nitride film or a silicon oxide film, and has a thickness of 500-2000 angstroms.
In step 6), the second insulation protection layer is formed outside the semiconductor active layer, the source, and the drain by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The second insulation protection layer is a silicon nitride film or a silicon oxide film, and has a thickness of 500-2000 angstroms. The via holes are formed on the second insulation protection layer by means of a mask after steps of exposing, developing, dry etching, and stripping. In step 7), the transparent conductive layer is formed on the surface of the second insulation protection layer by physical vapor deposition, and has a thickness of 400-1000 angstroms. The plurality of pixel electrodes and the plurality of dummy data lines are formed on the transparent conductive layer by means of a mask after steps of exposing, developing, etching, and stripping.
The present disclosure adopts the above technical solutions, and has advantages as follows. By providing a plurality of dummy data lines, and by connecting first ends and second ends of the dummy data lines respectively to two common voltage electrode lines, the present disclosure can help reduce impedance of each light shielding electrode line, thus realizing good voltage driving uniformity of light shielding electrode lines.
Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be further explained in the following description, and partially become self-evident therefrom, or be understood through the embodiments of the present disclosure. The objectives and advantages of the present disclosure will be achieved through the structure specifically pointed out in the description, claims, and the accompanying drawings.
The present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the embodiments, whereby it can be fully understood how to solve the technical problem by the technical means according to the present disclosure and achieve the technical effects thereof, and thus the technical solution according to the present disclosure can be implemented. It should be noted that, as long as there is no structural conflict, all the technical features mentioned in all the embodiments can be combined together in any manner, and the technical solutions obtained in this manner all fall within the scope of the present disclosure. The terms such as “upper” and “lower” in the following text are directions relative to the directions shown in the drawings. Therefore, the terms indicating directions are used for explaining and understanding the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.
FIG. 4
FIG. 2
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As shown in , according to the present disclosure, an array substrate of a thin film transistor liquid crystal display device comprises a plurality of data lines , a plurality of dummy data lines , a plurality of first gate lines , and a plurality of second gate lines , which are arranged on a substrate. The plurality of data lines and the plurality of dummy data lines are arranged in an alternate and spaced-apart manner in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of first gate lines and the plurality of second gate lines are arranged in an alternate and spaced-apart manner in a transverse direction. A plurality of groups of pixel units are arranged surrounded by the plurality of data lines , the plurality of dummy data lines , the plurality of first gate lines , and the plurality of second gate lines . Each group of pixel units comprises an odd-numbered column of first thin film transistors and an even-numbered column of second thin film transistors . Sources of two adjacent first thin film transistor and second thin film transistor in each group of pixel units are connected to a same data line , so that a data signal can be input into the first thin film transistor and the second thin film transistor so as to drive a corresponding pixel unit for display. Gates of two adjacent first thin film transistor and second thin film transistor in each group of pixel units are connected to a first gate line and a second gate line , respectively. Drains of first thin film transistors and drains of second thin film transistors each are connected to a pixel electrode , so that two adjacent first gate line and second gate line extending in parallel control pixels in a lower row and pixels in an upper row, respectively. First ends of the dummy data lines are connected to a common voltage electrode line , and second ends of the dummy data lines are connected to another common voltage electrode line . The common electrode lines are arranged on the substrate in the transverse direction. In this way, impedance of light shielding electrode lines (as shown in ) can be reduced, and thus voltage driving stability thereof can be improved.
FIG. 2
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In the above embodiment, as shown in , a light shielding electrode line is arranged above each data line . A plurality of light shielding electrode lines and a plurality of pixel electrodes are arranged in an alternate and spaced-apart manner.
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In the above embodiment, the first ends and the second ends of the dummy data lines are connected to the respective common voltage electrode lines by means of via holes .
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In the above embodiment, the common voltage electrode lines are metal wires.
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In the above embodiment, each odd-numbered column of first thin film transistors comprises a plurality of first thin film transistors which are arranged in a space-apart manner, and each even-numbered column of second thin film transistors comprises a plurality of second thin film transistors which are arranged in a spaced-apart manner. In this way, a number of data lines can be decreased, so that a number of electrode contacts can be decreased. Besides, manufacturing time can be reduced, and image quality of the liquid crystal display device can be improved.
FIGS. 5 to 7
As shown in , according to the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an array substrate of a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display device comprises steps as follows.
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FIG. 4
In step 1), a first metal layer is deposited on a substrate. A plurality of first gate lines , a plurality of second gate lines , and two common voltage electrode lines are formed on the substrate by photoetching (as shown in ).
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In step 1), the first metal layer is formed on the substrate by physical vapor deposition (PVD). The first metal layer is made of aluminum, molybdenum, copper or an alloy, and has a thickness of 3000-6000 angstroms. The plurality of first gate lines , the plurality of second gate lines , and the two common voltage electrode lines are formed on the first metal layer by means of a mask after steps of exposing, developing, etching, and stripping.
In step 2), a gate insulation layer is deposited on a surface of the first metal layer, and a semiconductor active layer is deposited on a surface of the gate insulation layer.
In order to reduce contact resistance between the first metal layer and the gate insulation layer, an N+ type layer (an ohmic contact layer) is subsequently formed on a corresponding portion of a surface of the semiconductor active layer by injecting ions. Then, a silicon island structure is formed by photoetching.
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In step 2), the gate insulation layer is formed on the surface of the first metal layer by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The gate insulation layer is a silicon nitride (SiN) film or a silicon oxide (SiO) film, and has a thickness of 2000-5000 angstroms. The silicon island structure is formed on the ohmic contact layer by means of a mask after steps of exposing, developing, dry etching, and stripping. The semiconductor active layer is an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer, and has a thickness of 1500-3000 angstroms.
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In step 3), a second metal layer is deposited on a surface of the silicon island structure. A source, a drain, and a plurality of data lines are formed by photoetching.
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In step 3), the second metal layer is made of aluminum, molybdenum, copper or an alloy, and has a thickness of 3000-6000 angstroms. The source, the drain, and the plurality of data lines are formed on the second metal layer by means of a grey tone mask after steps of exposing, developing, metal etching for one time, dry etching for one time, etching for two times, dry etching for two times, and stripping.
In step 4), a first insulation protection layer is deposited on a surface of the second metal layer.
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In step 4), the first insulation protection layer is formed on the surface of the second metal layer by PECVD. The first insulation protection layer is a silicon nitride (SiN) film or a silicon oxide (SiO) film, and has a thickness of 500-2000 angstroms.
In step 5), a red photoresist (R), a green photoresist (G), and a blue photoresist (B) are manufactured by lithography.
In step 5), the substrate is cleaned first, and a photoresist is uniformly coated on a surface of a conductive layer of the substrate. Next, the substrate is baked for a period of time at a certain temperature to volatilize a solvent of the photoresist, so that a solid photoresist layer is formed. Then, a surface of the photoresist is irradiated vertically with ultraviolet rays through a preset film to cause an irradiated portion of the photoresist to react. After that, the irradiated portion of the photoresist is removed from the surface of the substrate by using a weak KOH solution, and an unirradiated portion of the photoresist is reserved. After high temperature treatment, a portion of the conductive layer which is not covered by the photoresist is removed by using a proper acid solution so as to obtain an indium zinc oxide electrode pattern. At last, residual photoresist is removed by using a relatively strong KOH stripper solution, and after cleaning and drying the substrate, the R photoresist, the G photoresist, and the B photoresist are formed on the surface of the substrate.
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In step 6), in order to protect the semiconductor active layer, the source, and the drain, a second insulation protection layer is formed outside the semiconductor active layer, the source, and the drain. Via holes are formed on the second insulation protection layer by photoetching (as shown in ).
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In step 6), the second insulation protection layer is formed outside the semiconductor active layer, the source, and the drain by PECVD. The second insulation protection layer is a silicon nitride (SiN) film or a silicon oxide (SiO) film, and has a thickness of 500-2000 angstroms. The via holes are formed on the second insulation protection layer by means of a mask after steps of exposing, developing, dry etching, and stripping.
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In step 7), a transparent conductive layer is deposited on a surface of the second insulation protection layer, and a plurality of pixel electrodes and a plurality of dummy data lines are formed by photoetching. Moreover, first ends and second ends of the dummy data lines are respectively connected to the two common voltage electrode lines by means of the via holes .
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In step 7), the transparent conductive layer is formed on the surface of the second insulation protection layer by PVD, and has a thickness of 400-1000 angstroms. The plurality of pixel electrodes and the plurality of dummy data lines are formed on the transparent conductive layer by means of a mask after steps of exposing, developing, etching, and stripping.
The above embodiments are described only for better understanding, rather than restricting the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art can make amendments to the implementing forms or details without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The protection scope of the present disclosure shall be determined by the scope as defined in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail based on the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
FIG. 1
schematically shows a structure in which a black matrix light shielding layer is provided according to the prior art;
FIG. 2
schematically shows a structure of in which light shielding electrode lines are provided and a black matrix light shielding layer is not provided according to the prior art;
FIG. 3
schematically shows an array substrate of a liquid crystal panel in the prior art;
FIG. 4
schematically shows a structure of an array substrate of the present disclosure;
FIG. 5
schematically shows a structure of pixel electrodes and light shielding lines of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6
schematically shows a structure of gate lines of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 7
schematically shows data lines and sources and drains of thin film transistors of the present disclosure. | |
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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/673,116, filed on May 17, 2018, entitled “Gradient Adversarial Training of Neural Networks,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
Field
Description of the Related Art
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for machine learning and more particularly to systems and methods for training neural networks.
A deep neural network (DNN) is a computation machine learning method. DNNs belong to a class of artificial neural networks (NN). With NNs, a computational graph is constructed which imitates the features of a biological neural network. The biological neural network includes features salient for computation and responsible for many of the capabilities of a biological system that may otherwise be difficult to capture through other methods. In some implementations, such networks are arranged into a sequential layered structure in which connections are unidirectional. For example, outputs of artificial neurons of a particular layer can be connected to inputs of artificial neurons of a subsequent layer. A DNN can be a NN with a large number of layers (e.g., 10s, 100s, or more layers)
Different NNs are different from one another in different perspectives. For example, the topologies or architectures (e.g., the number of layers and how the layers are interconnected) and the weights of different NNs can he different. A weight can be approximately analogous to the synaptic strength of a neural connection in a biological system. Weights affect the strength of effect propagated from one layer to another. The output of an artificial neuron can be a nonlinear function of the weighted sum of its inputs. The weights of a NN can be the weights that appear in these summations.
SUMMARY
Systems and methods for gradient adversarial training of a neural network are disclosed. In one aspect of gradient adversarial training, an auxiliary neural network can be trained to classify a gradient tensor that is evaluated during backpropagation in a main neural network that provides a desired task output. The main neural network can serve as an adversary to the auxiliary network in addition to a standard task-based training procedure. The auxiliary neural network can pass an adversarial gradient signal back to the main neural network, which can use this signal to regularize the weight tensors in the main neural network. Gradient adversarial training of the neural network can provide improved gradient tensors in the main network. Gradient adversarial training techniques can be used to train multitask networks, knowledge distillation networks, adversarial defense networks, or any other type of neural network. Gradient adversarial training techniques can be used to train neural networks for computer vision tasks and such training may be advantageous for augmented, mixed, or virtual reality systems.
Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Neither this summary nor the following detailed description purports to define or limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A
FIG. 1A
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is a Hock diagram that illustrates an example of the general methodology of gradient adversarial training (GREAT) wherein a main network is trained using standard backpropagation and also acts as an adversary to the auxiliary network via gradient reversal. The auxiliary network is trained on gradient tensors evaluated during backpropagation. Legends at the bottom left and right of (also shown in B-D) show the different kinds of information flow (left legend ) and the different kinds of modules in the networks (right legend ).
FIG. 1B
is a block diagram that shows an example of the GREAT method for adversarial defense. The auxiliary network performs the same classification as the main network, with gradient tensors as input.
FIG. 1C
is a block diagram that shows an example of the GREAT method for knowledge distillation. The auxiliary network performs binary classification on the gradient tensors from student and teacher networks.
FIG. 1D
is a block diagram that shows an example of the GREAT method for multitask learning. The auxiliary networks classify the gradient tensors from the different task decoders and align them through gradient reversal and an explicit gradient alignment layer.
FIG. 2
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is a block diagram that shows an embodiment of GREAT tailored for targeted adversarial attacks using a gradient adversarial cross-entropy loss (sometimes referred to as GREACE). Legends at the bottom left and right of show the different kinds of information flow (left legend ) and the different kinds of modules in the network (right legend ).
FIG. 3
FIG. 3
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is a block diagram that shows an embodiment of GREAT for modifying gradient normalization networks. Legends at the bottom left and right of show the different kinds of information flow (left legend ) and the different kinds of modules in the network (right legend ).
FIG. 4
is a flow diagram of an example process of training a neural network using GREAT.
FIG. 5
schematically illustrates an example of a wearable display system, which can implement an embodiment of a neural network trained with GREAT.
Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Overview
Example Gradient Adversarial Training Methods
Examples of GREAT for Adversarial Defense
Examples of GREAT for Knowledge Distillation
Examples of GREAT for Multitask Learning
Results
GREAT for Adversarial Defense
GREAT for Knowledge Distribution
GREAT for Multitask Learning
Summary of Results
Process for Gradient Adversarial Training of a Neural Network
Example NN Layers
Example Wearable Display System
Additional Tasks
Additional Aspects
Additional Considerations
Models representing data relationships and patterns, such as functions, algorithms, systems, and the like, may accept input, and produce output that corresponds to the input in some way. For example, a model may be implemented as a machine learning method such as a neural network (NN). Examples include a convolutional neural network (CNN) or a deep neural network (DNN). Deep learning is part of a broader family of machine learning methods based on the idea of learning data representations as opposed to task specific methods and shows a great deal of promise in solving audio-visual computational problems useful for augmented reality, mixed reality, virtual reality, and machine intelligence. In machine learning, a convolutional neural network (CNN, or ConvNet) can include a class of deep, feed-forward artificial neural networks, and CNNs have successfully been applied to analyzing visual imagery. Machine learning methods include a family of methods that can enable robust and accurate solutions to a wide variety of problems, including eye image segmentation, eye tracking, image classification, multitask learning, etc.
Deep multitask networks, in which one neural network produces multiple predictive outputs, can offer better speed and performance than their single-task counterparts but need to be trained properly. For example, a deep multitask network can be trained or taught to solve for multiple learning tasks at the same time, while exploiting commonalities and differences across tasks. The multiple tasks can be learned in parallel using a shared representation among the tasks. As an example, a multitask neural network can share hidden layers among all the tasks, while providing respective task-specific output layers (this is sometimes referred to as hard parameter sharing). As another approach, each task can have its own neural network with its own parameters. A regularization constraint can be used across the layers of the task-specific networks to encourage the parameters to be similar (this is sometimes referred to as soft parameter sharing). Training of multitask networks is described below. Multitask networks can be used in the augmented, mixed, or virtual reality context, where the tasks can include, for example, computer vision tasks such as determining body pose (e.g., head pose), analyzing images to determine gestures made by the user (e.g., hand gestures), etc. Other tasks can include a regression task, a classification task, or a combination thereof. The plurality of tasks can comprise, for example, a perception task, such as the face recognition, visual search, gesture identification or recognition, semantic segmentation, object detection, room layout estimation, cuboid detection, lighting detection, simultaneous localization and mapping, relocalization of an object or an avatar, or speech processing tasks such as speech recognition or natural language processing, or a combination thereof.
Backpropagation can be used in the training of a neural network. Backpropagation can be used to calculate a gradient tensor that is used for the calculation of the weights used in the network. In certain backpropagation techniques, the gradient of a loss function is evaluated with respect to a weight tensor in each layer of the network, and the weights are updated using a learning rule. Gradient tensors recursively evaluated using backpropagation can successfully train deep networks with millions of weight parameters across hundreds of layers and can generalize to many types of neural networks. A mathematical formalism of the generalization ability of deep neural networks trained using backpropagation remains elusive. Indeed, a lack of this formalism has given need to innovate in new fields of deep learning, such as robustness of DNNs in particular to adversarial examples, domain adaptation, transfer learning or multitask learning, model compression, etc. As described herein, gradient tensors derived during backpropagation can provide additional clues to learning in existing or new domains.
Examples of an auxiliary deep learning framework, gradient adversarial training (sometimes referred to herein as GREAT), are applicable to different machine learning problems. In gradient adversarial training, an auxiliary network can be trained to classify an origin of a gradient tensor, and a main network can serve as an adversary to the auxiliary network in addition to a standard task-based training procedure. In contrast to some techniques where an auxiliary neural network is used to improve the output of the main neural network, in some embodiments of GREAT, the auxiliary network is used to improve the gradient tensors of the main network, rather than the output of the main network.
Various embodiments of gradient adversarial training advantageously can increase the robustness of a neural network to targeted adversarial attacks, can be able to better distill the knowledge from a teacher network to a student network compared to soft targets, or can improve multitask learning by aligning gradient tensors derived from the task specific loss functions. Gradient adversarial training can reveal latent information of the task trained on and can support diverse machine learning problems when with integrated with an auxiliary network.
Embodiments of gradient adversarial training can be applied in many scenarios including, but not limited to: (1) as a defense to adversarial examples, gradient adversarial training can classify gradient tensors and tune them to be agnostic to the class of their corresponding example, (2) for knowledge distillation, binary classification of gradient tensors derived from the student or teacher network can be performed and used to tune the student gradient tensor to mimic the teacher's gradient tensor; and (3) for multitask learning, the gradient tensors derived from different task loss functions can be classified and tuned to be statistically indistinguishable. Gradient adversarial training can increase the robustness of a network to adversarial attacks, can be better able to distill the knowledge from a teacher network to a student network compared to soft targets, and can boost multitask learning by aligning the gradient tensors derived from the task specific loss functions. Gradient tensors may contain latent information about the tasks are being trained and can support diverse machine learning problems when guided through adversarialization using an auxiliary network. Gradient adversarial training can reveal this latent information about the tasks being trained.
FIG. 5
In various embodiments, the gradient adversarial training methods disclosed herein can be used to train neural networks that have applications in computer vision, natural language processing, speech synthesis, domain-specific applications such as traffic prediction, general cross-domain applications, curriculum learning, multitask learning, knowledge distillation, or adversarial defense. Embodiments of GREAT can be applied to train neural networks used for augmented, mixed, or virtual reality (see, e.g., the augmented reality system described with reference to ).
The gradient tensor of a scalar loss function with respect to the input or intermediate layer, termed the Jacobian J, may be highly informative or discriminative. Gradient tensors derived during back propagation may serve as an additional cue to aid learning in these new domains. This follows from the equations of backpropagation for a perceptron:
L
L
a
C⊙σ′
z
δ=∇() (1a)
l
l+1
T
l+1
l
w
z
δ=()δ⊙σ′() (1b)
a
l
L
In Equations (1a) and (1b), δ is the gradient tensor, l is the layer with L being the final layer, ∇C is the gradient of the loss function C with respect to the neural network output a after the final activation, σ is the activation function, zis the output after layer l with a=σ′(z), w is a weight matrix, and is a Hadamard product. It follows from Equations (1a) and (1b) that the gradient tensor at any layer is a function of both the loss function and all succeeding weight matrices. The information from gradient tensors can be employed for regularization, visualizing saliency maps, interpreting DNNs, generating adversarial examples, and for weakly supervised object localization. Current approaches may use the information from the gradient tensor in a separate step to achieve a desired quantitative or qualitative result. Different from such current approaches, certain embodiments of GREAT disclosed herein use the gradient tensor during the training procedure, via an adversarial process.
100
FIG. 1A
In some embodiments underlying GREAT, a utilized gradient tensor may be antagonistic to the network's task. For example, in the neural network shown in , embodiments of GREAT aim to nullify the missing or dark information in the gradient tensors by first processing the gradient tensor in an auxiliary network and then passing an adversarial gradient signal back to the main network via a gradient reversal procedure. This adversarial gradient signal can regularize the weight tensors in the main network. Mathematically, the adversarial gradient signal flowing forward in the main network can be expressed as:
l+1
l+1
l
l
=−w
z
⊙σ′() (2)
which is of a similar functional form as but of opposite sign and is affected by preceding weight matrices until the layer of the considered gradient tensor. As networks tend to have perfect sample expressiveness as soon as the number of parameters exceeds the number of data points, regularization provided by the auxiliary network advantageously can improve robustness without considerably affecting performance.
102
104
106
102
104
106
FIG. 1B
FIG. 1C
FIG. 1D
Disclosed herein are descriptions of the dark information present in the gradient tensors in three scenarios: (1) a neural network for adversarial examples (see ), (2) a neural network for knowledge distillation (see ), and (3) a neural network for multitask learning (see ). These three neural networks , , are intended to be illustrative of applications of GREAT but not to limit the scope of GREAT methods for training neural networks.
FIG. 1B
In the context of neural networks adapted to analyze images, adversarial examples include carefully crafted perturbations applied to normal images, which are usually imperceptible to humans, but can seriously confuse state-of-the-art deep learning models. A common step to adversarial example generation includes calculation of the gradient of an objective function with respect to the input. The objective function may be either the task loss function or its more sophisticated derivative. This gradient tensor is processed to perturb the original image, and the model misclassifies the perturbed image. Embodiments of GREAT make the saliency maps uninformative, and consequently, mitigate the neural network's susceptibility to targeted adversarial examples (see ).
FIG. 1C
An objective of knowledge distillation is to compress the predictive behavior of a complex and cumbersome DNN (teacher network) or an ensemble of DNNs into a much simpler model (student network). Distilling knowledge to a student network can be achieved by matching logits or a soft distribution over classes of the teacher network to the output of the student network in addition to the usual supervised loss function. As shown in , GREAT provides a complementary approach to knowledge distillation wherein the GREAT method statistically matches the gradient tensor of the student network to the teacher network using an auxiliary network, in lieu of matching output distributions.
FIG. 1D
106
In multitask learning, a single network can be trained end-to-end to achieve multiple related but different task outputs on an input. This can be achieved by having a common encoder and separate task specific decoders. In a perfect multitask learning scenario, the gradient tensors of the individual task-loss functions with respect to the last shared layer in the encoder may be indistinguishable so as to coherently train all the shared layers in the encoder. As shown in , embodiments of the multitask neural network can train a gradient alignment layer (GAL) between the encoder and the task-specific decoders which operates in the backward pass so that the task-specific gradient tensors are less distinguishable by the auxiliary network.
FIG. 2
200
shows an embodiment of a neural network trained via GREAT and that can mitigate against targeted adversarial attacks. Targeted adversarial attacks include those that are more malicious than non-targeted attacks. For example, an image of a speed limit sign interpreted as a wrong way can cause a serious accident as opposed to an interpretation of the image as a yield sign. For robustness of targeted as well as non-targeted attacks, a two-pronged defense can be applied to adversarial attacks: (1) an embodiment of gradient adversarial training, and (2) an embodiment of a gradient adversarial cross-entropy loss (sometimes referred to as GREACE). The gradient adversarial cross-entropy loss adapts the cross-entropy loss function to be adversarial when the gradient tensors between two classes are easily confused. For example, an output probability distribution from an auxiliary network can be added to the gradient of the loss with respect to the logits in the main network to help separate negative classes whose gradient tensors are similar to primary class.
A general objective for defense against adversarial examples is:
J
x, y
J
x+Δ, y
p
(θ, )=(θ, ) ∀∥Δ∥≤ϵ (3)
y
y
In Equation (3), x is the input, y is the output, θ are the network parameters, Δ is the perturbation tensor whose p-norm is constrained to be less than ϵ, and J subsumes the loss function and the network architecture. Non-targeted attacks can be calculated by x+ϵf(∇J(θ, x, y)), e.g., moving in the direction of the gradient where f is a function, usually the sign function in a Fast Gradient Sign Method (FGSM). Targeted attacks can be calculated by x⊕ϵf(∇J (θ, x, )) for ≠y, e.g., using gradient descent. Using a first order Taylor series approximation in Equation (3) provides an equivalent formulation:
J
x+Δ, y
p
∇(θ, ) Δ≈0 ∀∥Δ∥≤ϵ (4)
p
Some attempts at adversarial defenses have focused on minimizing ∥∇J(θ, x+Δ, y)∥locally at the training points. However, this can lead to a sharp curvature of the loss surface near those points, violating the first order approximation, which makes the defense ineffective.
Instead, the GREAT procedure can remove the class-specific information present in the gradient tensor. Formally, for all N samples in the training set:
J
x
, y
J
x
, ŷ
≠y
i∈N
i
i
i
i
i
i
∇(θ, )=∇(θ, ) ∀ŷand ∀ (5)
In the absence of class-specific information, a single-step targeted attack is difficult as the perturbation tensor is class-agnostic. However, an adversary may mount a multi-step attack or evaluate a universal adversarial perturbations which might fool the classifier.
Hence, as a second line of defense, a gradient-adversarial cross-entropy (GREACE) loss may additionally or alternatively be used. GREACE up-weights the backward gradient magnitude, and hence the loss assigned to classes whose gradients are easily confused with the gradient of the primary class, similar in spirit to focal loss. This can help separate the high-dimensional decision boundary of classifiers from the perspective of classes whose gradients are similar.
FIG. 2
For example, GREACE can adapt the cross-entropy loss function to add weight to the negative classes whose gradient tensors are similar to those of a primary class. The weight can be added to the negative classes in the gradient tensor flowing backward from the soft-max activation, before back-propagating through the rest of the main network (see ). The weight can be evaluated using a soft-max distribution from the auxiliary network which indicates the similarity of gradient tensor of the primary class to the negative classes. This added weight can help separate the high-dimensional decision boundary between easily confused classes, similar in spirit to confidence penalty and focal loss, albeit from the perspective of gradients.
Mathematically, the gradient tensor from the cross-entropy loss is modified in the following way:
a
a
ŷ≠y
Ĉ=∇
a
∇C+β*σ(′) 1 (6)
ŷ≠y
Here, Ĉ and C are the GREACE and original cross-entropy functions respectively, a and a′ are the output activations from the main and auxiliary network respectively, σ is the soft-max function, β is a penalty parameter, and 1is a one-hot function for all ŷ not equal to the original class y.
a
y
The gradient tensor, in some embodiments, is masked after passing through the soft-max function in the main network, ∇C1to evaluate the gradient tensors to be passed into the auxiliary network. This may avoid the auxiliary classifier from catching on to gradient cues from other classes and primarily concentrates on the class in question. In other embodiments, an unmasked gradient tensor can be used.
In some embodiments, the combined objective for adversarial defense is:
θ
θ′
x, y
x, y
y
J
min Ĵ(θ, )+α max J(θ′, ∇(θ, ), ) (7)
J
where Ĵ indicates the GREACE, J indicates the standard cross-entropy, indicates the masked cross entropy, and α is a weight parameter for the auxiliary network's loss.
An example of pseudo-code for defense against adversarial examples using GREAT' and GREACE is shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1
1: procedure TRAIN(θ, {acute over (θ)},)
Uses inputs x, lables y, penalty β
2: while j < j<sub>max </sub>do
j is current iteration
3: C ← J(θ, x, y)
Main network loss by forward pass
4: g ← ∇J(θ, x, y)
Evaluate masked gradient tensor with
respect to (w.r.t.) x
5: Ć ← <o ostyle="single">J</o>({acute over (θ)}, g, y)
Auxiliary network loss by forward pass
6: {acute over (θ)}(j) → {acute over (θ)}(j + 1)
Update weights in auxiliary
network using Ć
7: ∇Ć<sub>g </sub>← −α∇J({acute over (θ)}, g, y)
Evaluate reversed
gradient w.r.t. g
8: ∇<sub>a</sub>Ĉ ← ∇<sub>a</sub>C + β * S(á)  <img id="CUSTOM-charACTER-00004" he="2.79mm" wi="5.33mm" file="US20210192357A1-20210624-P00002.TIF" alt="custom-character" img-content="character" img-format="tif" />
Evaluate GREACE loss
9: θ(j) → θ(j + 1)
Update weights in main network using
∇<sub>a</sub>Ĉ, ∇<sub>g</sub>Ć
Embodiments of GREAT can be applied for knowledge distillation. As described earlier, matching the gradient distribution of the student model and the teacher model is a complementary approach to matching soft output distributions, such that the student's output distribution S(x) mimics the teacher's output distribution T (x). Two functions can be shown to have equal derivatives on an interval using mean value theorem, and therefore they differ by a constant. It implies that if ∇S(x)=∇T (x), then T (x)−S(x) is a constant. This constant difference can be learned during supervised training of the student model on the true labels. As another example, GREAT can provide a solution for the student output S(x) that jointly minimizes the supervised loss and ∇S(x)=∇T (x) exists.
—
FIG. 1C
GREAT can use a discriminator to match the gradient distributions owing to the success of adversarial losses over traditional regression-based loses. The GREAT embodiments for knowledge distillation may parallel a gradient adversarial network training procedure. Abinary classifier discriminates between student and teacher model gradients, similar to the discriminator which distinguishes real and fake samples. The binary classifier discriminates between student and teacher model gradients and drives the student model to generate gradient tensor distribution similar to the teacher model as shown in .
In some embodiments, the objective to be optimized is:
θ
θ
ω
J
x, y
D
x, y
(1−β)min(θ, )+α min max(θ, ω, ) (8a)
D
x, y
E
f
t
E
f
s
74
t˜∇T (x)
s˜∇J(θ,x,y)
( , ω, )=log (, ω)+log(1−(, ω)) (8b)
In Equations (8a) and (8b), the function f is the binary classifier with parameters ω; s and t are the gradient tensors from the student and teacher network, respectively, E denotes expectation, and a is a loss balancing parameter The advantage of the above formulation over traditional distillation is that there is no temperature parameter to soften the logits distribution which can be hard to set. However, the GREAT method may train the binary classifier, which amounts to an extra backward pass through the student network.
An example of pseudo-code for knowledge distribution using GREAT is shown in Table 2.
TABLE 2
1: procedure TRAIN(θ, {acute over (θ)},)
Uses inputs x, teacher T with
parameters τ
 2: while j < j<sub>max </sub>do
j is current iteration
3: C ← J(θ, x, y)
Student network loss by forward pass
 4: g<sub>s </sub>← ∇J(θ, x, y)
Evaluate student gradient tensor w.r.t. x
 5: g<sub>t </sub>← ∇J(τ, x, y)
Evaluate teacher gradient tensor w.r.t. x
 6: Ć ← {acute over (J)}({acute over (θ)}, g<sub>t</sub>, 1) + {acute over (J)}({acute over (θ)}, g<sub>s</sub>, 0)
Binary classifier loss by forward pass
7: {acute over (θ)}(j) → {acute over (θ)}(j + 1)
Update weights in auxiliary network
using Ć
8: ∇C ← (1 − α)∇J(θ, x, y)
Evaluate reversed tensor of loss
 9: ∇<sub>g</sub><sup><sub2>s</sub2></sup>Ĉ ← α∇Ĵ({acute over (θ)}, g<sub>s</sub>, 0)
Evaluate reversed
gradient w.r.t g<sub>s</sub>
10: θ(j) → θ(j + 1)
Update weights in main network using
∇C, ∇<sub>g</sub><sup><sub2>s</sub2></sup>Ć
FIG. 3
300
is a block diagram that shows an embodiment of a neural network 300 utilizing GREAT for modifying gradient normalization networks. Some of the gradient normalization techniques in the network may he similar to those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019/0130275, “Gradient Normalization Systems and Methods for Adaptive Loss Balancing in Deep Multitask Networks,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIG. 3
in the embodiment illustrated in : (1) gradients are not required to have equal norm, but instead, are required to have similar statistical distributions. This can be achieved by the auxiliary network similar to a discriminator in a gradient adversarial network setting, and (2) instead of assigning task-weights, extra-capacity is added to the network in the form of gradient-alignment layers (GALs). These layers can be placed after the shared encoder and before each of the task-specific decoders, can have the same dimensions as the last shared feature tensor minus the batch size, and may only be active during the backward pass. For an N-task network, the N*channel*width*depth parameters in the GALs help adapt the gradient tensor emanating from each of the tasks far beyond the N task-weight parameters in other techniques. In some embodiments, the GALs have the same dimensions as the last shared feature tensor minus the batch size and are active only during the backward pass, e.g., the GAB are dropped during forward inference. The GALs may be trained using reversed gradients from the auxiliary network task classifier.
FIG. 3
As shown in , the auxiliary network receives the gradient tensor from each task as an input and classifies them according to task. Successful classification implies the gradient tensors are discriminative, which in turn impedes the training of the shared encoder as the gradients are misaligned. In the worst case scenario, the gradient vector fields for two tasks point in opposite directions and no learning takes place in the shared encoder. The GALs mitigate the misalignment by element-wise scaling of the gradient tensors from all tasks. These layers are trained using the reversed gradient signal from the auxiliary network, e.g., the GALs attempt to make the gradient tensors indistinguishable. Intuitively, the GALs observe the statistical irregularities that prompt the auxiliary classifier to successfully discriminate between the gradient tensors, and then adapt the tensors to remove the irregularities or equalize the statistical distributions. Note, that the task losses are normalized by the initial loss so that the alignment layers are tasked with local alignment and not global loss scale alignment. The soft-max activation function in the auxiliary network's classification layer implicitly normalizes the gradients. The values in the GAL weight tensors can be initialized with value one. The values can be restricted to be positive for training to converge. In experiments, it was observed that a low learning rate ensured positivity of the GAL tensors.
The overall objective for multitask learning is:
<math overflow="scroll"><mrow><mrow><msub><mi>min</mi><mrow><mi>θ</mi><mo>,</mo><msub><mi>ω</mi><mn>1</mn></msub><mo>,</mo><mi>…N</mi></mrow></msub><mo></mo><mrow><munderover><mo>∑</mo><mi>i</mi><mi>N</mi></munderover><mo></mo><mstyle><mspace width="0.3em" height="0.3ex" /></mstyle><mo></mo><mrow><msub><mi>J</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><mo></mo><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mi>θ</mi><mo>,</mo><msub><mi>ω</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><mo>,</mo><msub><mi>γ</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><mo>,</mo><mi>x</mi><mo>,</mo><msub><mi>y</mi><mi>i</mi></msub></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></mrow></mrow><mo>+</mo><mrow><msub><mi>max</mi><mrow><mover><mi>θ</mi><mo>'</mo></mover><mo>,</mo><msub><mi>γ</mi><mrow><mi>i</mi><mo>,</mo><mi>…N</mi></mrow></msub></mrow></msub><mo></mo><mrow><mover><mi>J</mi><mo>'</mo></mover><mo></mo><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mover><mi>θ</mi><mo>'</mo></mover><mo>,</mo><mrow><mrow><mo>∇</mo><mrow><msub><mi>J</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><mo></mo><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><msub><mi>ω</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><mo>,</mo><mi>x</mi><mo>,</mo><msub><mi>y</mi><mi>i</mi></msub></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></mrow><mo></mo><msub><mi>γ</mi><mi>i</mi></msub></mrow><mo>,</mo><mover><mi>y</mi><mo>'</mo></mover></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow></mrow></mrow></mrow></math>
i
i
i
i
where Jindicates the normalized task losses, J′ indicates the N-class cross-entropy loss, θ, θ′ are the learnable parameters in the shared encoder and auxiliary classifier respectively, ω, γ, yare the decoder parameters, GAL parameters, and ground-truth task outputs for task i respectively, and y′ represents the task labels.
An example of pseudo-code for multitask learning using GREAT on GALs is shown in Table 3.
TABLE 3
 1: procedure TRAIN(θ, {acute over (θ)}, ω<sub>i</sub>, γ<sub>i</sub>)
Uses inputs x, labels for tasks y<sub>i</sub>
 2:   γ<sub>i </sub>← 1
Initialize GAL tensors with ones
 3:   C<sub>i</sub><sup>0 </sup>← J<sub>i</sub>(θ, ω<sub>i</sub>, x, γ<sub>i</sub>)
Base task losses by forward pass
 4:  while j < j<sub>max </sub>do
j is current iteration
 5:   C<sub>i </sub>← J<sub>i</sub>(θ, ω<sub>i</sub>, x, y<sub>i</sub>)∀i
Task losses by forward pass
 6:   
<maths id="MATH-US-00002" num="00002"><math overflow="scroll"><mrow><msub><mi>C</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><mo>←</mo><mrow><mfrac><msub><mi>C</mi><mi>i</mi></msub><msubsup><mi>C</mi><mi>i</mi><mn>0</mn></msubsup></mfrac><mo></mo><mrow><mo>∀</mo><mi>i</mi></mrow></mrow></mrow></math></maths>
Normalize task losses
 7:   g<sub>i</sub><sup>f </sup>← ∇J<sub>i</sub>(ω<sub>i</sub>, x, y<sub>i</sub>)∀i
Evaluate task gradient tensors
w.r.t. feature f
 8:   ω<sub>i</sub>(j) → ω<sub>i</sub>(j + 1)∀i
Update weights in decoders using
∇C<sub>i</sub>
9: θ(j) → θ(j + 1)
Update weights in encoder using
Σ<sub>i </sub>g<sub>i</sub><sup>f </sup>γ<sub>i</sub>
10:   Ć ← {acute over (J)}({acute over (θ)}, g<sub>i</sub><sup>f </sup>γ<sub>i</sub>, ý)
Task classification loss by forward
pass
11: {acute over (θ)}(j) → {acute over (θ)}(j + 1)
Update weights in task classifier
network using Ć
12:   ∇γ<sub>i</sub>Ć ← −∇{acute over (J)}({acute over (θ)}, g<sub>i</sub><sup>f </sup>γ<sub>i</sub>, ý)
Evaluate reversed gradient w.r.t. γ<sub>i</sub>
13:   γ<sub>i</sub>(j) → γ<sub>i</sub>(j + 1)∀i
Update weights in GALs using
∇<sub>γ</sub><sub><sub2>i</sub2></sub>Ć
Example results of embodiments of the GREAT procedure for each domain will now be presented. The performance of GREAT on multiple datasets will be used to illustrate the generality of the GREAT techniques.
GREAT techniques were applied to the CIFAR-10, MNIST datasets, and on the mini-ImageNet dataset. The mini-ImageNet dataset is a subset of the original ImageNet dataset with 200 classes, and 500 training and 50 test samples for each class. For all three datasets, a ResNet architecture was used. It was observed that ResNet models are more effective in the GREAT training paradigm relative to models without skip connections. In GREAT, skip connections can help propagate the gradient information in the usual backward pass, as well as forward propagate the reversed gradient from the auxiliary classifier network through the main network. In the experiments, the auxiliary network was a shallower version of the main network. ADAM a method for stochastic optimization derived from adaptive moment estimation to update network weights) was used with initial learning rate of 0.001 to train both the main and auxiliary network, and Ir, the learning rate multiplier was calculated as:
<math overflow="scroll"><msup><mrow><mo>(</mo><mrow><mn>1</mn><mo>-</mo><mfrac><mi>e</mi><mrow><mi>e</mi><mo></mo><mi>max</mi></mrow></mfrac></mrow><mo>)</mo></mrow><mrow><mn>0</mn><mo>.</mo><mn>9</mn></mrow></msup></math>
max
max
max
where e, eare the current epoch and total epochs, respectively. The auxiliary loss weight parameter α and the penalty parameter β follow the rate policy of (1−lr) and β(1−lr), e.g., they gradually increase to the final value so as to not interfere with the main classification task during initial training epochs. Different values of βfor each of the datasets were used, and were set to 20, 2, 0.1 for MNIST, CIFAR-10, and mini-ImageNet, respectively. These values optimally defend against adversarial examples, while not adversely affecting the test accuracy on the original samples. The exact network architectures and additional parameters are discussed in the appendix.
The GREAT method was evaluated against targeted and non-targeted adversarial examples using the fast gradient sign method (FGSM) and its iterated version (iFGSM) for 10 iterations. For targeted attacks, results are reported for a random target class as well as worst (least probability) target class. The GREAT method is compared against adversarial training and base network with no defense mechanism. For CIFAR-10, the results are reported for expensive robust optimization procedure, which is the current state-of-the-art defense.
TABLE 4
CIFAR-10 accuracy values of different adversarial training methods
on targeted and non-targeted attacks using FGSM and iFGSM
using a maximum allowed perturbation ε = 0.3.
Targeted
Non-Targeted
FGSM
iFGSM
Method
Train
No-Attack
FGSM
iFGSM
Random
Worst
Random
Worst
Baseline
99.97
93.32
2.37
0.34
8.72
4.1
Adversarial
Robust
GREACE
93.37
90.45
71.38
68.91
86.38
72.86
GREAT
99.50
91.89
38.54
10.69
87.76
4.83
GRE(AT + CE)
92.518
89.88
69.12
76.08
87.85
76.06
TABLE 5
MNIST accuracy values of different adversarial training methods
on targeted and non-targeted attacks using FGSM and iFGSM
using a maximum allowed perturbation ε = 0.2.
Targeted
Non-Targeted
FGSM
iFGSM
Method
Train
No-Attack
FGSM
iFGSM
Random
Worst
Random
Worst
Baseline
100.0
93.58
22.76
5.84
95.87
40.77
Adversarial
GREACE
100
99.59
17.82
6.49
97.24
53.43
GREAT
99.93
99.35
53.74
6.66
91.99
30.62
GRE(AT + CE)
98.78
98.94
82.14
75.86
95.59
54.78
TABLE 6
mini-ImageNet top-1 accuracy values of different adversarial
training methods on targeted and non-targeted attacks using FGSM and iFGSM
using a maximum allowed perturbation ε = 0.05.
Targeted
Non-Targeted
FGSM
iFGSM
Method
Train
No-Attack
FGSM
iFGSM
Random
Worst
Random
Worst
Baseline
100.0
93.58
22.76
5.84
95.87
40.77
Adversarial
GREACE
100
99.59
17.82
6.49
97.24
53.43
GREAT
99.93
99.35
53.74
6.66
91.99
30.62
GRE(AT + CE)
98.78
98.94
82.14
75.86
95.59
54.78
Tables 4, 5, and 6 demonstrate that embodiments of GREAT can improve robustness against single step targeted and non-targeted adversarial examples on all three datasets, whereas GREACE in isolation is robust to iterated targeted examples. GREACE may act as a strong regularizer, and the combination of GREACE and GREAT may prevent over-fitting to the training set. The combination of GREAT and GREACE improves robustness against all adversarial examples. It was also found that saliency maps for GREAT and GREACE were sparse and predominantly activated within the object, hence, mitigating adversarial examples.
GREAT's potential for knowledge distillation was evaluated on the CIFAR-10 and mini-ImageNet datasets. Two scenarios were investigated: (a) all training examples used for the teacher model were used to train the student model, and (b) only 5% of original training samples were used to train the student models.
For CIFAR-10, a 5-layer CNN and a pretrained ResNet-18, and a ResNet-18 and a pretrained ResNext-29-8 were used as student-teacher combinations. For mini-ImageNet, a ResNet-18 and a pretrained ResNet-152 were used as the student-teacher combination. GREAT was compared against a baseline model trained only on cross-entropy loss and against the distilled model trained using a combination of cross-entropy and unsupervised Kullback-Leibler (KL) loss. It was found that GREAT consistently performs better than the baseline and distillation in the sparse training regime, indicating better regularization by the gradient adversarial signal. GREAT was able to coherently distill the model for both the dense and sparse training regimes across different student-teacher combinations.
An embodiment of GREAT was tested for multitask learning on 2 datasets: CIFAR-10 where the input was a noisy gray-scale image and the tasks were (i) classification, (ii) colorization, (iii) edge detection, and (iv) denoised reconstruction; and the NYUv2 dataset where the tasks were (i) depth estimation, (ii) surface-normal estimation, and (iii) keypoint estimation.
The GREAT results were compared against the baseline of equal weights, gradient normalization, and uncertainty based weighting. For all methods, the same architecture was used: a ResNet-53 with dilation convolution backbone and task-specific decoders. Table 7 discloses various results for multitask learning of CIFAR-10 (RMSE is Root Mean Square Error). Table 8 discloses results for multitask learning of NYUv2. It can be seen that GREAT performs better than gradient normalization on both datasets. Although uncertainty weighting does better on easy tasks such as auto-encoding, GREAT performs well across all tasks.
TABLE 7
Class
Color
Edge
Auto
Method
% Acc.
RMSE
RMSE
RMSE
Equal
76.0
0.174
1.222
0.129
Uncertainty
72.9
0.116
0.716
0.066
Gradient Normalization
76.0
0.150
0.736
0.103
GREAT
75.8
0.130
0.639
0.079
TABLE 8
Depth
Normal
Keypoints
Method
RMSE(m)
(1-cos)
RMSE
Equal
0.783
0.302
0.644
Uncertainty
0.678
0.290
0.540
Gradient Normalization
0.701
0.228
0.638
GREAT
0.638
0.238
0.569
Examples of systems and methods for gradient adversarial training have been described herein. These examples demonstrate applicability of GREAT in diverse scenarios including but not limited to defense against adversarial examples to knowledge distillation to multitask learning. Embodiments of GREAT can provide one or more of: (a) a strong defense to both targeted and non-targeted adversarial examples, (b) easy distillation of knowledge from different teacher networks without heavy parameter tuning, or (c) aid multitask learning by tuning a gradient alignment layer.
100
FIG. 1A
In various embodiments, other forms of loss functions beyond GREACE that are symbiotic with GREAT can be used, progressive training of student networks using other gradient adversarial network (GAN) techniques (e.g., Progressive-GAN) can be used to better learn from the teacher network, and the explicit parameters in the GALs can be absorbed directly into the optimizer, for example, as done with the mean and variance estimates for each weight parameter in ADAM. The general approach underlying GREAT (see, e.g., the neural network shown in ) of passing an adversarial gradient signal to a main network is broadly applicable to domains beyond the ones described herein such as, e.g., to the discriminator in domain adversarial training and GANs. Direct gradient tensor evaluation can be replaced with synthetic gradients for efficiency. Understanding gradient distributions may help uncover the underlying mechanisms that govern the successful training of deep neural network architectures using backpropagation, and gradient adversarial training is a step towards this direction.
FIG. 4
FIG. 5
FIG. 1A
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is a flow diagram of an example process of gradient adversarial training of a neural network. The process can be performed by a hardware processor such as, for example, the local processing and data module or the remote processing module (which will be described below with reference to ). The example process will be described with reference to the neural network described with reference to . The neural network includes a main network trained to perform a task and an auxiliary network that is used to improve the gradient tensors of the main network via the GREAT methodology. The main network can include an adversarial defense network, a knowledge distillation network, a multitask network, or any other type of neural network (DNN, CNN, etc.). In various embodiments relating to augmented, mixed, or virtual reality, the main network may perform computer vision tasks such as, for example, classifying poses or gestures of a user, face or speech recognition, object detection, room layout estimation, cuboid detection, localization and. mapping, and so forth. The main network may perform knowledge distillation. or adversarial defense in some embodiments.
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The process starts at block , where the main neural network receives training data that is used to train the main network to perform a task. As noted above, the task may include a computer vision task, a knowledge distillation task, and so forth. The training data may include images for computer vision tasks.
408
At block , the main network is trained. The training can include backpropagation to calculate a gradient tensor that is used for the calculation of the weights used in the main network. In certain backpropagation techniques, the gradient of a loss function is evaluated with respect to a weight tensor in each layer of the network, and the weights are updated using a learning rule. Gradient tensors recursively evaluated using backpropagation can successfully train deep networks with millions of weight parameters across hundreds of layers and can generalize to many examples. During backpropagation, gradient tensors can be calculated using Equations (la) and (lb).
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At block , the auxiliary network receives the gradient tensors evaluated during back propagation in the main network. At block , the auxiliary network is trained using an auxiliary loss function. The training can be used to nullify the missing or dark information in the gradient tensors, as described above. The auxiliary network can calculate the adversarial gradient signal via Equation (2). At block , the auxiliary network passes an adversarial gradient signal back to the main network, for example, via a gradient reversal procedure.
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FIG. 5
At block , the weights in the main network can be updated based at least partly on the gradient tensors and the adversarial gradient signal received from the auxiliary network. For example, the adversarial gradient signal can be used to regularize the weight tensors in the main network. At block , the process can output the main network, trained via the GREAT procedure. For example, the trained network can be stored by the local processing and data module of the wearable display system described with reference to .
A layer of a neural network (NN), such as a deep neural network (DNN) can apply a linear or non-linear transformation to its input to generate its output. A deep neural network layer can be a normalization layer, a convolutional layer, a softsign layer, a rectified linear layer, a concatenation layer, a pooling layer, a recurrent layer, an inception-like layer, or any combination thereof. The normalization layer can normalize the brightness of its input to generate its output with, for example, L2 normalization. The normalization. layer can, for example, normalize the brightness of a plurality of images with respect to one another at once to generate a plurality of normalized images as its output. Non-limiting examples of methods for normalizing brightness include local contrast normalization (LCN) or local response normalization (LRN). Local contrast normalization can normalize the contrast of an image non-linearly by normalizing local regions of the image on a per pixel basis to have a mean of zero and a variance of one (or other values of mean and variance). Local response normalization can normalize an image over local input regions to have a mean of zero and a variance of one (or other values of mean and variance). The normalization layer may speed up the training process.
The convolutional layer can apply a set of kernels that convolve its input to generate its output. The softsign layer can apply a softsign function to its input. The softsign function (softsign(x)) can be, for example, (x/(1+|x|)). The softsign layer may neglect impact of per-element outliers. The rectified linear layer can be a rectified linear layer unit (ReLU) or a parameterized rectified linear layer unit (PReLU). The ReLU layer can apply a ReLU function to its input to generate its output. The ReLU function ReLU(x) can be, for example, max(0, x). The PReLU layer can apply a PReLU function to its input to generate its output. The PReLU function PReLU(x) can be, for example, x if x≥0 and ax if x<0, where a is a positive number. The concatenation layer can concatenate its input to generate its output. For example, the concatenation layer can concatenate four 5×5 images to generate one 20×20 image. The pooling layer can apply a pooling function which down samples its input to generate its output. For example, the pooling layer can down sample a 20×20 image into a 10×10 image. Non-limiting examples of the pooling function include maximum pooling, average pooling, or minimum pooling.
At a time point t, the recurrent layer can compute a hidden state s(t), and a recurrent connection can provide the hidden state s(t) at time t to the recurrent layer as an input at a subsequent time point t+1. The recurrent layer can compute its output at time t+1 based on the hidden state s(t) at time t. For example, the recurrent layer can apply the softsign function to the hidden state s(t) at time t to compute its output at time t+1. The hidden state of the recurrent layer at time t+1 has as its input the hidden state s(t) of the recurrent layer at time t. The recurrent layer can compute the hidden state s(t+1) by applying, for example, a ReLU function to its input. The inception-like layer can include one or more of the normalization layer, the convolutional layer, the softsign layer, the rectified linear layer such as the ReLU layer and the PReLU layer, the concatenation layer, the pooling layer, or any combination thereof.
The number of layers in the NN can be different in different implementations. For example, the number of layers in the DNN can be 50, 100, 200, or more. The input type of a deep neural network layer can be different in different implementations. For example, a layer can receive the outputs of a number of layers as its input. The input of a layer can include the outputs of five layers. As another example, the input of a layer can include 1% of the layers of the NN. The output of a layer can be the inputs of a number of layers. For example, the output of a layer can be used as the inputs of five layers. As another example, the output of a layer can be used as the inputs of 1% of the layers of the NN.
The input size or the output size of a layer can be quite large. The input size or the output size of a layer can be n×m, where n denotes the width and m denotes the height of the input or the output. For example, n or in can be 11, 21, 31, or more. The channel sizes of the input or the output of a layer can be different in different implementations. For example, the channel size of the input or the output of a layer can be 4, 16, 32, 64, 128, or more. The kernel size of a layer can be different in different implementations. For example, the kernel size can be n×m, where n denotes the width and m denotes the height of the kernel. For example, n or m can be 5, 7, 9, or more. The stride size of a layer can be different in different implementations. For example, the stride size of a deep neural network layer can be 3, 5, 7 or more.
524
FIG. 5
In some embodiments, a NN can refer to a plurality of NNs that together compute an output of the NN. Different NNs of the plurality of NNs can be trained for different tasks. A processor (e.g., a processor of the local data processing module described with reference to ) can compute outputs of NNs of the plurality of NNs to determine an output of the NN. For example, an output of a NN of the plurality of NNs can include a likelihood score. The processor can determine the output of the NN including the plurality of NNs based on the likelihood scores of the outputs of different NNs of the plurality of NNs.
In some embodiments, a user device can be, or can be included, in a wearable display device, which may advantageously provide a more immersive virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), or mixed reality (MR) experience, where digitally reproduced images or portions thereof are presented to a wearer in a manner wherein they seem to be, or may be perceived as, real.
Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the human eye typically can interpret a finite number of depth planes to provide depth perception. Consequently, a highly believable simulation of perceived depth may be achieved by providing, to the eye, different presentations of an image corresponding to each of these limited number of depth planes. For example, displays containing a stack of waveguides may be configured to be worn positioned in front of the eyes of a user, or viewer. The stack of waveguides may be utilized to provide three-dimensional perception to the eye/brain by using a plurality of waveguides to direct light from an image injection device (e.g., discrete displays or output ends of a multiplexed display which pipe image information via one or more optical fibers) to the viewer's eye at particular angles (and amounts of divergence) corresponding to the depth plane associated with a particular waveguide.
In some embodiments, two stacks of waveguides, one for each eye of a viewer, may be utilized to provide different images to each eye. As one example, an augmented reality scene may he such that a wearer of an AR technology sees a real-world park-like setting featuring people, trees, buildings in the background, and a concrete platform. In addition to these items, the wearer of the AR technology may also perceive that he “sees” a robot statue standing upon the real-world platform, and a cartoon-like avatar character flying by which seems to be a personification of a bumble bee, even though the robot statue and the bumble bee do not exist in the real world. The stack(s) of waveguides may be used to generate a light field corresponding to an input image and in some implementations, the wearable display comprises a wearable light field display. Examples of wearable display device and waveguide stacks for providing light field images are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0016777, Which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all it contains.
FIG. 5
FIG. 4
500
504
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508
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504
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508
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512
500
544
504
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400
illustrates an example of a wearable display system that can be used to present a VR, AR, or MR experience to a display system wearer or viewer . The wearable display system may be programmed to perform any of the applications or embodiments described herein (e.g., executing CNNs, reordering values of input activation maps or kernels, eye image segmentation, or eye tracking). The display system includes a display , and various mechanical and electronic modules and systems to support the functioning of that display . The display may be coupled to a frame , which is wearable by the display system wearer or viewer and which is configured to position the display in front of the eyes of the wearer . The display may be a light field display. In some embodiments, a speaker is coupled to the frame and positioned adjacent the ear canal of the user in some embodiments, another speaker, not shown, is positioned adjacent the other ear canal of the user to provide for stereo/shapeable sound control. The display system can include an outward-facing imaging system (e.g., one or more cameras) that can obtain images (e.g., still images or video) of the environment around the wearer . Images obtained by the outward-facing imaging system can be analyzed by embodiments of a neural network trained by the method described with reference to . For example, images of the environment can be analyzed by a multitask network trained via GREAT for multiple computer vision tasks.
500
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500
In some implementations, an initial neural network trained via GREAT is implemented by the display system (e.g., the network is performed by processing modules or ). As the user utilizes the display system , the system can accumulate user-specific data (e.g., images of the user's environment). The initial neural network can be re-trained (e.g., using GREAT) using the user-specific data, which advantageously can customize the neural network to the personal traits and environment of the user. The re-training can be offloaded to the cloud (e.g., the remote processing module ) and then the re-trained network stored at least partially in the local data module . In other cases, the re-training may be performed locally (e.g., via the local processing and data module ), for example, during down times when the user is not actively using the display system .
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504
The display is operatively coupled , such as by a wired lead or wireless connectivity, to a local data processing module which may be mounted in a variety of configurations, such as fixedly attached to the frame , fixedly attached to a helmet or hat worn by the user, embedded in headphones, or otherwise removably attached to the user (e.g., in a backpack-style configuration, in a belt-coupling style configuration).
524
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532
508
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536
540
528
532
524
The local processing and data module may comprise a hardware processor, as well as non-transitory digital memory, such as non-volatile memory e.g., flash memory, both of which may be utilized to assist in the processing, caching, and storage of data. The data include data (a) captured from sensors (which may be, e.g., operatively coupled to the frame or otherwise attached to the wearer ), such as image capture devices (such as cameras), microphones, inertial measurement units, accelerometers, compasses, GPS units, radio devices, and/or gyros; and/or (b) acquired and/or processed using remote processing module and/or remote data repository , possibly for passage to the display after such processing or retrieval. The local processing and data module may be operatively coupled to the remote processing module and remote data repository by communication links , , such as via a wired or wireless communication links, such that these remote modules , are operatively coupled to each other and available as resources to the local processing and data module . The image capture device(s) can be used to capture the eye images used in the eye image segmentation, or eye tracking procedures.
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In some embodiments, the remote processing module may comprise one or more processors configured to analyze and process data and/or image information such as video information captured by an image capture device. The video data may be stored locally in the local processing and data module and/or in the remote data repository . In some embodiments, the remote data repository may comprise a digital data storage facility, which may be available through the internet or other networking configuration in a “cloud” resource configuration. In some embodiments, all data is stored and all computations are performed in the local processing and data module , allowing fully autonomous use from a remote module.
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FIG. 4
In some implementations, the local processing and data module and/or the remote processing module are programmed to perform embodiments of the neural networks disclosed herein. For example, the local processing and data module and/or the remote processing module can be programmed to perform embodiments of task predictions and determinations, knowledge distillation, multitask learning, or adversarial defense using a neural network trained using an embodiment of the GREAT method described with reference to . The image capture device can capture video for a particular application (e.g., augmented reality (AR), human-computer interaction (HCI), autonomous vehicles, drones, or robotics in general). The video can be analyzed using an NN by one or both of the processing modules , . In some cases, off-loading at least some of the training or neural network modules to a remote processing module (e.g., in the “cloud”) may improve efficiency or speed of the computations. The parameters of the CNN (e.g., weights, bias terms, subsampling factors for pooling layers, number and size of kernels in different layers, number of feature maps, etc.) can be stored in data modules and/or
400
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500
FIG. 4
The results of task predictions or determinations (e.g., the output of the multitask network described with reference to ) can be used by one or both of the processing modules , for additional operations or processing. For example, the processing modules , of the wearable display system can be programmed to perform additional applications (such as applications in augmented reality, human-computer interaction (HCI), autonomous vehicles, drones, or robotics in general) based on the output of a neural network trained via GREAT.
Embodiments of GREAT are not limited to training neural networks for computer vision tasks, where the neural network is trained on images or visual data. In other embodiments, the training data can include non-image data captured by sensors, such as audio data, acceleration data, positioning data, temperature data, radio frequency data, or optical tracking data. Examples of sensors include audio sensors (e.g., microphones), inertial measurement units (IMUs), accelerometers, compasses, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, movement sensors, depth sensors, global positioning system (GPS) units, and radio devices. In other embodiments, the training sample for medical-related tasks can include measurements, such as gender, age, heart rate, body temperature, white cell count, disease state, disease progression, symptoms, disease diagnosis, etc.
For example, for tasks relating to speech recognition or natural language processing, the training sample can include audio data sets (or audio data that accompanies a video) or electronic representations or embeddings (e.g., n-grams) of words, sentences, paragraphs, or texts. Tasks can include, for example, part-of-speech (POS) tagging, chunking dependency parsing, semantic relatedness, or textual entailment.
Tasks can be related to medical treatment or medical decision making. For example, tasks can include determination of which laboratory tests should be performed on or a risk assessment for a patient who might have a particular disease. As such an example, training data can include measurements (e.g., gender, age, heart rate, body temperature, white cell count, etc.) of patients with a particular disease or symptom (e.g., pneumonia). Embodiments of GREAT can be used to train a neural network for predicting disease risk assessment or laboratory tests for a patient.
Thus the training data used by GREAT can include images, video, audio, electronic records, databases, etc., which may be associated with a respective training label, classification or signal.
1. A system for training a neural network, the system comprising: non-transitory memory configured to store: executable instructions; a main neural network configured to determine an output associated with a task; and an auxiliary neural network configured to train a gradient tensor associated with the main neural network; and a hardware processor in communication with the non-transitory memory, the hardware processor programmed by the executable instructions to: receive, by the main neural network, training data associated with the task to be performed by the main neural network; evaluate a gradient tensor during backpropagation in the main neural network; receive, by the auxiliary neural network, the gradient tensor; train the auxiliary neural network using an auxiliary loss function; provide to the main neural network, by the auxiliary neural network, an adversarial gradient signal; update weights in the main neural network based at least in part on the gradient tensor and the adversarial gradient signal; and output a trained main network.
2. The system of aspect 1, wherein the training data comprises images, and the task comprises a computer vision task.
3. The system of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the main neural network comprises a multitask network, a knowledge distillation network, or an adversarial defense network.
4. The system of any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein to evaluate the gradient tensor, the hardware processor is programmed by the executable instructions to evaluate a gradient of a main loss function with respect to a weight tensor in each layer of the main neural network.
5. The system of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein to provide to the main neural network the adversarial gradient signal, the hardware processor is programmed to utilize gradient reversal.
6. The system of any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein to provide to the main neural network the adversarial gradient signal, the hardware processor is programmed to determine a signal for a layer in the main neural network that is based at least partly on weights in preceding layers of the main neural network.
7. The system of any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein to update weights in the main neural network, the hardware processor is programmed to regularize the weights in the main neural network based at least in part on the adversarial gradient signal.
8. The system of any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the main neural network comprises a multitask network, the task comprises a plurality of tasks, and the multitask network comprises: a shared encoder; a plurality of task-specific decoders associated with a respective task from the plurality of tasks; and a plurality of gradient-alignment layers (GALs), each GAL of the plurality of GALs located after the shared encoder and before at least one of the task-specific decoders.
9. The system of aspect 8, wherein the hardware processor is programmed to train each GAL of the plurality of GALs using a reversed gradient signal from the auxiliary neural network.
10. The system of aspect 8 or aspect 9, wherein the hardware processor is programmed to train each GAL of the plurality of GALs to make statistical distributions of the gradient tensors for each of the plurality of tasks indistinguishable.
11. The system of any one of aspects 8 to 10, wherein the plurality of GALs are dropped during forward inference in the multitask network.
12. The system of any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the main neural network comprises a knowledge distillation network that comprises a student network and a teacher network, and the auxiliary loss function comprises a binary classifier trainable to discriminate between (1) a gradient tensor of the student network and (2) a gradient tensor of the teacher network.
13. The system of aspect 12, wherein the hardware processor is programmed to train the auxiliary network to drive a statistical distribution of the gradient tensor of the student network to be similar to a statistical distribution of the gradient tensor of the teacher network.
14. The system of any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the main neural network comprises a neural network configured to analyze images, and the hardware processor is programmed to utilize a modified cross-entropy loss function in which a cross-entropy loss of the main neural network is modified based at least in part on a soft-max function evaluated on an output activation from the auxiliary neural network.
15. The system of any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the main neural network comprises a neural network configured to analyze images, and the hardware processor is programmed to utilize a modified cross-entropy loss function configured to add weight to negative classes whose gradient tensors are similar to gradient tensors of a primary class.
16. A method for training a neural network comprising a main neural network configured to determine an output associated with a task and an auxiliary neural network configured to train a gradient tensor associated with the main neural network, the method comprising: receiving, by the main neural network, training data associated with the task to be performed by the main neural network; evaluating a gradient tensor during backpropagation in the main neural network; receiving, by the auxiliary neural network, the gradient tensor; training the auxiliary neural network using an auxiliary loss function; providing to the main neural network, by the auxiliary neural network, an adversarial gradient signal; updating weights in the main neural network based at least in part on the gradient tensor and the adversarial gradient signal; and outputting a trained main network.
17. The method of aspect 16, wherein the training data comprises images, and the task comprises a computer vision task.
18, The method of aspect 16 or aspect 17, wherein the main neural network comprises a multitask network, a knowledge distillation network, or an adversarial defense network.
19. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 18, wherein evaluating the gradient tensor comprises evaluating a gradient of a main loss function with respect to a weight tensor in each layer of the main neural network.
20. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 19, wherein providing the adversarial gradient signal to the main neural network comprises utilizing gradient reversal.
21. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 20, wherein providing the adversarial gradient signal comprises determining a signal for a layer in the main neural network that is based at least partly on weights in preceding layers of the main neural network.
22. The method of any one of aspects 16 to 21, wherein updating the weights in the main neural network comprises regularizing the weights in the main neural network based at least in part on the adversarial gradient signal.
23. A head mounted display system comprising: non-transitory memory configured to store: executable instructions, and a neural network for determining a task output associated with the head mounted display system, wherein the neural network is trained using: an auxiliary network programmed to receive gradient tensors evaluated during backpropagation of the neural network and to generate an adversarial gradient signal, wherein weights of the neural network are updated using the adversarial gradient signal from the auxiliary network; a display; a sensor; and a hardware processor in communication with the non-transitory memory and the display, the hardware processor programmed by the executable instructions to: receive a sensor datum captured by the sensor; determine a task output using the neural network with the sensor datum as input; and cause the display to show information related to the determined task output to a user of the head mounted display system.
24. The system of aspect 23, wherein the sensor comprises an outward-facing camera and the task comprises a computer vision task.
25. The system of aspect 24, wherein the computer vision task comprises one or more of face recognition, visual search, gesture identification, room layout estimation, cuboid detection, semantic segmentation, object detection, lighting detection, simultaneous localization and mapping, or relocalization.
Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described herein and/or depicted in the attached figures may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one or more physical computing systems, hardware computer processors, application-specific circuitry, and/or electronic hardware configured to execute specific and particular computer instructions. For example, computing systems can include general purpose computers (e.g., servers) programmed with specific computer instructions or special purpose computers, special purpose circuitry, and so forth. A code module may be compiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or may be written in an interpreted programming language. In some implementations, particular operations and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function.
Further, certain implementations of the functionality of the present disclosure are sufficiently mathematically, computationally, or technically complex that application-specific hardware or one or more physical computing devices (utilizing appropriate specialized executable instructions) may be necessary to perform the functionality, for example, due to the volume or complexity of the calculations involved or to provide results substantially in real-time. For example, a video may include many frames, with each frame having millions of pixels, and specifically programmed computer hardware is necessary to process the video data to provide a desired image processing task or application in a commercially reasonable amount of time. As another example, training a neural network using embodiments of the GREAT methods described herein are computationally challenging and can be implemented on graphical processing units (GPUs), application. specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or floating point gate arrays (FPGAs).
Code modules or any type of data may be stored on any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as physical computer storage including hard drives, solid state memory, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), optical disc, volatile or non-volatile storage, combinations of the same and/or the like. The methods and modules (or data) may also be transmitted as generated data signals (e.g., as part of a carrier wave or other analog or digital propagated signal) on a variety of computer-readable transmission mediums, including wireless-based and wired/cable-based mediums, and may take a variety of forms (e.g., as part of a single or multiplexed analog signal, or as multiple discrete digital packets or frames). The results of the disclosed processes or process steps may be stored, persistently or otherwise, in any type of non-transitory, tangible computer storage or may be communicated via a computer-readable transmission medium.
Any processes, blocks, states, steps, or functionalities in flow diagrams described herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should be understood as potentially representing code modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific functions (e.g., logical or arithmetical) or steps in the process. The various processes, blocks, states, steps, or functionalities can be combined, rearranged, added to, deleted from, modified, or otherwise changed from the illustrative examples provided herein. In some embodiments, additional or different computing systems or code modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described herein. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate, for example, in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described herein is for illustrative purposes and should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations. It should he understood that the described program components, methods, and systems can generally be integrated together in a single computer product or packaged into multiple computer products. Many implementation variations are possible.
The processes, methods, and systems may be implemented in a network (or distributed) computing environment. Network environments include enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), personal area networks (PAN), cloud computing networks, crowd-sourced computing networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. The network may he a wired or a wireless network or any other type of communication network.
The systems and methods of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible or required for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. The various features and processes described herein may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.
Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable to each and every embodiment.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and riot in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. in addition, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” as used in this application and the appended claims are to be construed to mean “one or more” or “at least one” unless specified otherwise.
As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: A, 13, or C” is intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y and at least one of Z to each be present.
Similarly, while operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, it is to he recognized that such operations need not he performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more example processes in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations that are not depicted can be incorporated in the example methods and processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally he integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. in some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. | |
179 Cal.App.3d 676 (1986)
224 Cal. Rptr. 746
THE PEOPLE, Plaintiff and Respondent,
v.
MARY ELLEN WARREN, Defendant and Appellant.
Docket No. F004731.
Court of Appeals of California, Fifth District.
April 1, 1986.
*679 COUNSEL
Frank O. Bell, Jr., State Public Defender, under appointment by the Court of Appeal, and Robert Scarlett, Deputy State Public Defender, for Defendant and Appellant.
John K. Van de Kamp, Attorney General, and Eddie T. Keller and William Prahl, Deputy Attorneys General, for Plaintiff and Respondent.
OPINION
REID, J.[*]
This appeal involves a habeas corpus proceeding brought for the purpose of permitting the trial court to consider appellant's request that it exercise Penal Code section 1385 discretion to dismiss special circumstance findings in a first degree murder case so as to make appellant eligible for parole. The writ was sought following the California Supreme Court's decision in People v. Williams (1981) 30 Cal.3d 470 [179 Cal. Rptr. 443, 637 P.2d 1029], wherein the Supreme Court held that the trial court had such authority under Penal Code section 1385. After issuance of the writ, the court below denied appellant's request that it dismiss the special circumstance findings on the ground that such a dismissal could be justified solely on the basis of appellant's postconviction behavior while in prison and that the court could not consider that behavior as the primary or sole basis for the exercise of Penal Code section 1385 relief without violating the separation of powers doctrine. Specifically, the court held that such an application of the statute would go beyond the scope of a dismissal in furtherance of justice and would instead constitute an impermissible judicial commutation of sentence in derogation of a power reserved to the Governor alone. (Cal. Const., art. V., § 8.) We conclude that the trial court erred in this analysis and remand the case for a reconsideration in light of this opinion.
FACTS
On July 18, 1979, appellant was convicted by a jury of first degree murder, robbery and burglary. The jury also found to be true the alleged special *680 circumstances that the murder occurred during the commission of the crimes of robbery and burglary. At the penalty phase of the trial, the jury determined the penalty for the murder to be life imprisonment without parole. It also found that the appellant had personally used a firearm in the commission of the three crimes for which it found appellant guilty. The court imposed aggravated terms in the robbery and burglary counts, imposed the firearm use enhancements in each count and stated that the terms in the robbery and burglary counts merged in the life term. (Former Pen. Code, § 669.) The judgment was affirmed by this court on May 29, 1981.
On December 12, 1983, appellant filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus with the court below requesting that the court vacate her 1979 conviction for first degree murder with special circumstances and conduct a new sentencing hearing in order to consider her motion to strike the jury findings of special circumstances pursuant to Penal Code section 1385. On December 14, 1983, the trial court issued an order to show cause which was thereafter heard on January 19, 1984. At the order to show cause hearing the court specifically found that it had not previously considered the requested Penal Code section 1385 relief because at the time of the original sentencing it did not believe it had the discretion to consider such a request. It then granted the petition for writ of habeas corpus and set the matter for hearing to determine whether the special circumstances allegations should be stricken.
On February 23, 1984, the trial court granted appellant's motion for an order to the Director of Corrections to prepare a report of appellant's postconviction behavior while in prison. This motion was not opposed by the prosecution at the time although the prosecutor stated that he felt that postconviction behavior might be irrelevant in determining whether an exercise of the discretion to strike the special circumstances was appropriate. Thereafter, on April 24, 1984, the prosecutor did file formal opposition to any use of the report from the Director of Corrections or to any consideration of appellant's behavior while in custody of the Department of Corrections.
On May 30, 1984, a hearing was held on appellant's motion to strike the special circumstances. The only evidence presented at the hearing was a report from the California Department of Corrections (CDC), filed May 11, 1984, and entitled "Diagnostic Study and Evaluation by the California Department of Corrections under provisions of Penal Code section 1170 (d)." The trial court elected to consider this material at the time of the hearing. The report recommended appellant's sentence be modified from life without possibility of parole (LWOP) to life with possibility of parole. Essentially, *681 the report discussed appellant's performance record in state prison and observed that appellant had become responsible and dependable, receiving commendatory citations for her "cooperative attitude, willingness to work, and for the responsible and controlled manner in which she conducts herself." The report concluded appellant had succeeded in adjusting to the institutional setting, after a poor initial period of incarceration, and evaluated appellant's overall program as average. The basis for the report's recommendation of a life sentence was the "strong" probability of appellant's rehabilitation if she were given the incentive of an eventual parole date.
At the conclusion of the May 30, 1984, hearing, the court took the matter under submission pursuant to a stipulation that it might thereafter file its decision in writing. On July 2, 1984, the court made an order directing counsel to submit further briefs on the following issue: "Would a trial court's decision to strike a jury finding of a special circumstance violate the Constitutional doctrine of separation of powers (in regard to the Governor's power to commute a sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of parole to life imprisonment) if such a decision was based solely or in substantial part on a defendant's amenability to parole as demonstrated by defendant's conduct and performance in prison following conviction?" Pursuant to that order the parties filed supplemental memoranda specifically addressing the constitutional separation of powers issue. On August 14, 1984, the court filed its written decision in which it denied appellant's motion to strike the special circumstances. (1) (See fn. 1.) On September 26, 1984, it entered the following order based thereon: "The defendant's motion to strike the special circumstances alleged in the Information, and found to be true by the jury, is denied for the reasons set forth in the Court's ruling dated August 14, 1984. The judgment of conviction dated July 18, 1979, and heretofore vacated on January 19, 1984, by the Court's ruling on defendant's Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus, is hereby reimposed."[1]
*682 DISCUSSION
I.
WOULD CONSIDERATION OF, AND RELIANCE ON, APPELLANT'S POSTORIGINAL SENTENCING BEHAVIOR IN DETERMINING WHETHER TO EXERCISE PENAL CODE SECTION 1385 DISCRETION TO STRIKE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTIONAL SEPARATION OF POWERS DOCTRINE?
Appellant was convicted in 1979 and her conviction became final on appeal prior to the decision of the Supreme Court in People v. Williams, supra, 30 Cal.3d 470, which held that trial courts retain discretion under Penal Code section 1385 to strike jury findings of special circumstances in furtherance of justice.[2] In Williams, the Supreme Court remanded the case to the trial court for exercise of the court's discretion to determine whether or not there was a basis for dismissing the finding of two special circumstances because the trial court had indicated a desire to do so but felt it lacked that power. In the present case, the appellant sought similar relief by way of habeas corpus because a direct remand was no longer possible.
In its written decision denying appellant's motion to strike the special circumstance findings, the trial court expressed itself as follows:
"Defendant, Mary Warren, has requested that I dismiss (or strike) the jury's findings that the murder she committed took place during the course of a burglary and a robbery.
"Those findings require that defendant be imprisoned for life without possibility of parole. To dismiss the findings, as defendant requests, would make defendant eligible for consideration for parole.
"In deciding this question, I have first reviewed and considered the facts and circumstances available on the date of original sentencing, July 18, 1979.
"I have also reviewed defendant's record during her imprisonment and determined whether, and to what extent this may be considered in deciding the issue before the court.
*683 "The jury found that defendant entered the victim's residence with the specific intent to rob the victim. She carried a pistol for that very purpose. She surprised the victim in a defenseless position lying on his couch clad in his underwear. She fired three times, inflicting two fatal wounds. She stole the victim's money and left. The jury's finding that defendant committed murder during the commission of a burglary and a robbery was amply supported by the evidence.
"This was not a shooting by a desperate thug in the panic of a small time hold up, or in a struggle over a gun by a resisting victim. This killing was a cold and calculated act of murder to facilitate a well planned theft of a large sum of money.
"Defendant showed no remorse and emphatically denied any connection with the crime.
"The court and jury were made aware that defendant had a minimal record of criminal conduct, no prior history of violence, and was in need of money to support her addiction to drugs and to care for her young child.
"No doubt these mitigating circumstances influenced the jury to impose a penalty of life imprisonment without possibility of parole rather than the penalty of death. In my view these circumstances are not sufficiently mitigating to support a grant of further leniency by dismissing the finding of special circumstances.
"I have considered reports from the Department of Corrections which set forth in detail the defendant's conduct in prison since the date of conviction.
"There can be no serious dispute that defendant has an almost unblemished record of deportment and has made significant progress toward rehabilitation while imprisoned. There is no hint of violent conduct which would cause one to believe that she would be a danger to society if paroled.
"It is quite apparent that if I should grant defendant's motion to dismiss the finding of special circumstances, such a decision could only be justified by defendant's exemplary record as a prisoner following conviction.
"I am persuaded that such a decision would go beyond the scope of a dismissal in the furtherance of justice under Penal Code, section 1385 and would instead constitute a commutation of sentence. Only the Governor of the State of California has the power to commute a sentence of life imprisonment without parole to a sentence of life imprisonment. (Calif. Const., Art. V, Section 8).
*684 "While I appreciate that the doctrine of separation of powers does not forbid some necessary overlap of executive and judicial functions, (see Laisne v. Calif. State Board of Optometry (1942) 19 Cal.2d 831) I am persuaded that performing the executive action of commuting a sentence in the guise of exercising the judicial discretion of dismissing a finding of a jury would be a violation of the doctrine of separation of powers prohibited by the Constitution. (Calif. Const., Art. III, sec. 3).
"Because of the serious consequences of this decision, I may be permitted a few gratuitous remarks. If I were governor and could exercise the executive power of commutation, I would grant Mary Warren's request and place her in the category of convicted murderers who can at some remote date be considered for parole. Although the enormity of her crime deserves severe punishment and lengthy imprisonment, her performance behind bars is persuasive evidence that she is not a person who should be locked up until her death for the protection of society. But I am not a governor, I am a judge.
"For the reasons I have expressed, it is my decision to deny the defendant's motion."
(2a) Appellant contends the refusal of the trial court to consider the CDC report detailing appellant's behavior in state prison from the time of the original sentence (July 18, 1979) to the time of the hearing on appellant's motion to strike the special circumstances (May 30, 1984) a period of nearly five years was error. She relies on two lines of authority, each involving distinct factual situations, to analogize that the trial court below should have considered the CDC report in exercising its section 1385 discretion.
A line of cases has developed the general rule that where the appellate court vacates a defendant's sentence for sentencing error and remands the matter to the trial court for resentencing, and where the defendant is currently eligible for probation, a supplemental probation report must be prepared prior to resentencing. (People v. Rojas (1962) 57 Cal.2d 676, 679, 682 [21 Cal. Rptr. 564, 371 P.2d 300]; People v. Causey (1964) 230 Cal. App.2d 576, 579-580 [41 Cal. Rptr. 116]; People v. Keller (1966) 245 Cal. App.2d 711, 715-718 [54 Cal. Rptr. 154]; Van Velzer v. Superior Court (1984) 152 Cal. App.3d 742, 744-745 [199 Cal. Rptr. 695]; People v. Cooper (1984) 153 Cal. App.3d 480, 483 [200 Cal. Rptr. 317].) In Van Velzer v. Superior Court, supra, defendant pled guilty to child molesting and witness tampering and was sentenced to state prison for 13 years 8 months. Defendant appealed his sentence and the appellate court remanded to the superior court for resentencing. Defendant successfully obtained a continuance *685 to have a new probation report prepared together with a psychological evaluation, and defendant's attorney submitted a supplemental statement in mitigation requesting the court to consider matters relevant to defendant's care and treatment in prison since the date of the original sentence. The trial court agreed with the prosecution's objection, sealed the materials, and imposed sentence without reference to the postoriginal sentence facts. Distinguishing California Rules of Court, rule 435(b)(1), which prohibits a sentencing court, upon revocation of a defendant's probation, from considering circumstances existing after the time probation was granted, as prohibiting examination of subsequent events where a valid judgment exists, the reviewing court concluded that the effect of reversing defendant's sentence was to restore him to his original position and as such he was "entitled to all the normal procedures and rights available at the time judgment is pronounced...." (152 Cal. App.3d at p. 744.) The court noted: "A probation report is required `where the pronouncement of judgment is contemplated in the ordinary course of criminal proceedings.' (People v. Rojas, supra, at p. 682.) The report necessarily includes collateral information about the defendant, such as written statements from the attorneys and from `correctional personnel who observed the defendant's behavior during any period of presentence incarceration' (rule 419(a)(7)). We see no reason the court should not consider evidence of Van Velzer's care and treatment in prison since the time of the original sentence." (Id., at pp. 744-745.)
People v. Cooper, supra, 153 Cal. App.3d 480, involved a defendant's appeal from a sentence imposing the aggravated term where the defendant was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. Concluding that the sentencing court had erroneously based its choice upon aggravating factors which constituted elements of the charged offense, the appellate court concluded remand for resentencing proceedings was necessary. Defendant's sole contention on appeal was the failure of the trial court to obtain a current probation report in accordance with Penal Code section 1203, subdivision (b)[3] which provides, in pertinent part: "... [I]n every case in which a person is convicted of a felony and is eligible for probation, before judgment is pronounced, the court shall immediately refer the matter to the probation officer to investigate and report to the court ... upon the circumstances surrounding the crime and the prior history and record of the person, which may be considered either in aggravation or mitigation of the punishment." Relying on Rojas, supra, Keller, supra and In re Gomez (1973) 31 Cal. App.3d 728, 731, 733 [107 Cal. Rptr. 609], the court concluded a current probation report was required to be considered by the sentencing court. (153 Cal. App.3d at p. 483.)
*686 In People v. Brady (1984) 162 Cal. App.3d 1 [208 Cal. Rptr. 21], this court followed the Rojas-Cooper rule and held that a current probation report was required prior to resentencing even though the defendant in that case was statutorily ineligible for probation. In Brady, this court criticized a footnote in People v. Savala (1983) 147 Cal. App.3d 63, 70 [195 Cal. Rptr. 193], footnote 4, which held that an updated probation report was not required on remand for resentencing. We noted that a probation report bears directly and influentially upon the length of a defendant's sentence, "by affecting whether the trial court finds factors in aggravation or mitigation, the balancing of those factors, and the decision whether to impose concurrent or consecutive sentences." (162 Cal. App.3d at p. 6.) Relying on section 1170, subdivision (b),[4] we further concluded this section contemplated "a probation report being available for the trial court's consideration as to the selection of a term of imprisonment. ..." (162 Cal. App.3d at p. 6, italics in original.) We also noted the holding in Van Velzer, supra, to refute the contention that a defendant's behavior while incarcerated during the pendency of an appeal would not bear upon a subsequent resentencing. (Ibid.)
In People v. Foley (1985) 170 Cal. App.3d 1039 [216 Cal. Rptr. 865], the Third Appellate District, the same court which authored the Savala opinion criticized in Brady, agreed with Brady and concluded that section 1170, subdivision (b) and California Rules of Court, rule 418[5] "contemplate that a probation report should be prepared prior to a defendant's resentencing." (170 Cal. App.3d at p. 1047.) The Foley court was also faced with a convicted felon statutorily ineligible for probation. The Foley court specifically addressed the issue of whether a supplementary probation report should set forth a defendant's behavior in prison during his appeal. The court noted the provision in section 1170, subdivision (b), that the trial court could consider reports received pursuant to section 1203.03. Diagnostic evaluations under section 1203.03 are made in the prison setting and are appropriate only "`[i]n any case in which a defendant is convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment in the state prison'...." (Id., at p. 1047.) The court concluded that the statute contemplated the sentencing judge's consideration of defendant's postconviction behavior in prison in setting a *687 term. (Id., at p. 1047.) "If a defendant's postconviction behavior in prison is relevant to setting his term at his original sentencing, we can see no reason why it would not be relevant to the setting of his term upon resentencing." (Ibid.)
(3) The Rojas-Cooper-Brady line of cases clearly supports the proposition that where a sentence has been vacated and the issue remanded to the trial court for resentencing, the trial court is obligated to consider information concerning defendant's postoriginal sentencing behavior contained in a supplemental probation or corrections report. (2b) Respondent apparently seeks to distinguish these cases by arguing that appellant was not being resentenced, but rather the petition for writ of habeas corpus was granted for the sole purpose of permitting the trial court to consider appellant's request that it exercise its discretion under section 1385 to strike the special circumstance findings. This argument ignores the fact that the trial court, by granting the petition for writ of habeas corpus, vacated the prior judgment, thus clearing the way for the imposition of a different sentence in the event it exercised its section 1385 discretion in appellant's favor. However, even if respondent's argument had procedural merit, it makes a distinction without a substantial difference.
In addition to the Rojas-Cooper-Brady line of cases, appellant relies upon a line of court decisions which have specifically approved the use of habeas corpus in affording postjudgment relief in favor of a defendant who desires that the trial court exercise section 1385 discretion in favor of striking enhancements which prevent the defendant from being considered for probation or which add to the prison term he must serve. (People v. Tenorio (1970) 3 Cal.3d 89 [89 Cal. Rptr. 249, 473 P.2d 993]; In re Cortez (1971) 6 Cal.3d 78 [98 Cal. Rptr. 307, 490 P.2d 819]; In re Gomez (1973) 31 Cal. App.3d 728 [107 Cal. Rptr. 609]; People v. Wax (1972) 24 Cal. App.3d 302 [101 Cal. Rptr. 289]; People v. Armenta (1972) 22 Cal. App.3d 823 [99 Cal. Rptr. 736]; and People v. Benn (1972) 7 Cal.3d 530 [102 Cal. Rptr. 593, 498 P.2d 433].) These decisions are not simply instructive; they are virtually decisive on the procedural problems presented by the instant case.
In People v. Tenorio, supra, 3 Cal.3d 89, defendant was convicted of possession of marijuana and admitted the allegation of a prior possession conviction. The trial court dismissed the prior conviction allegation without obtaining the prior approval of the prosecutor a direct violation of Health and Safety Code section 11718. Subsequently, the trial court ordered probation. Concluding that Health and Safety Code section 11718 violated the California constitutional provision for separation of powers, to the extent that provision required that the coordinate branches of government exist coequally and that the prosecution not be vested with power to foreclose the *688 exercise of judicial power, the Supreme Court affirmed the order granting probation. (3 Cal.3d at p. 95.) The court then noted, in a footnote, that the decision should enjoy fully retroactive effect and stated "[p]etitions should be filed in the court with territorial jurisdiction in the first instance, and transferred by that court to the sentencing court in the event the court with territorial jurisdiction was not the sentencing court. [Citation omitted.] ... Upon receipt of such a petition, the sentencing court should follow normal sentencing procedures and grant appropriate relief whenever deemed warranted in its discretion." (3 Cal.3d at pp. 95-96, fn. 2, italics added.)
In In re Cortez, supra, 6 Cal.3d 78, the Supreme Court sought to "further detail [the] implementing procedures" mentioned in the Tenorio footnote. (6 Cal.3d at p. 82.) The defendant in Cortez petitioned the Supreme Court for a writ of habeas corpus, seeking a proper hearing before the sentencing court to determine whether his prior narcotics conviction should be stricken in the interests of justice pursuant to People v. Tenorio, supra. Proceeding to spell out, in detail, the procedure to be followed for Tenorio petitions, the Supreme Court stated: "We conclude ... that in order to restore a prisoner seeking Tenorio relief as closely as possible to his original position, he should be treated as though before the court at the time of pronouncement of judgment and should, therefore, be entitled to all the normal procedures and rights available at that time." (6 Cal.3d at p. 88.)
The procedural steps to be followed by the sentencing court as detailed in Cortez were in relevant part: "... [T]he sentencing court should issue an order directing the Attorney General, on behalf of the People, to show cause why the prior convictions should not be stricken for purposes of sentencing. Fourth, the sentencing court should appoint counsel for petitioner, unless petitioner is able to afford counsel of his own choice or, although indigent, desires and is competent to represent himself. Fifth, the sentencing court should obtain a new probation report and/or a report from the Director of Corrections as to the conduct of petitioner in prison since his original sentencing. Sixth, upon the filing of the return to the order to show cause the court should hold a hearing pursuant to Penal Code section 1204, at which petitioner is present in person and represented by counsel. Seventh, at the conclusion of the hearing, after argument by counsel and receipt of all relevant evidence, the court should, in its discretion, determine whether to strike, for the purpose of sentencing, the prior conviction or one or more of the prior convictions involved in the particular case. If the court determines not to strike the prior conviction or convictions, then it should enter an order denying the petition for writ of habeas corpus and remanding the petitioner to prison to complete his sentence pursuant to the original sentence. If, however, the court determines to strike one or more of the prior *689 convictions, it should grant the petition for writ of habeas corpus, vacate the sentence and rearraign the petitioner for judgment and sentence." (6 Cal.3d at p. 89, italics added.)
It is apparent from the foregoing that the trial court in the instant case did not follow the procedural steps set out in Cortez when it granted appellant's petition for writ of habeas corpus and vacated the judgment before it held a hearing on appellant's application to strike the special circumstance findings. However, had it done so, the result would have been no different. Cortez mandates that a defendant petitioning for habeas corpus to obtain the exercise of section 1385 discretion in favor of striking enhancements that deny him probation or that add to his term in prison be given all of the procedural rights and remedies inherent in the type of probation and judgment hearing afforded to an unsentenced defendant. Despite the fact that under Cortez the writ of habeas corpus will not issue and no resentencing occurs unless and until the court grants the motion to strike one or more enhancements, the petitioning defendant is entitled to a consideration of all relevant facts and circumstances that bear upon the issues as those issues exist at the time of the hearing of the application to exercise section 1385 discretion in defendant's favor. Among those facts and circumstances are those disclosed in the "new probation report and/or a report from the Director of Corrections as to the conduct of the petitioner in prison since his original sentencing."
Three Court of Appeal cases and one Supreme Court case subsequent to Cortez confirm the conclusion that postconviction behavior is relevant evidence which must be considered by a trial court in determining whether or not to exercise section 1385 discretion in favor of striking enhancements. (In re Gomez, supra, 31 Cal. App.3d 728; People v. Wax, supra, 24 Cal. App.3d 302; People v. Armenta, supra, 22 Cal. App.3d 823; and People v. Benn, supra, 7 Cal.3d 530.) In two of them (In re Gomez and People v. Wax) the failure of the trial court to obtain a current probation report or report from the Director of Corrections in connection with habeas corpus proceedings to obtain Tenorio relief was found to be reversible error. In the other two (People v. Armenta and People v. Benn), upon remand to the trial court for the purpose of conducting a Tenorio hearing, the appellate court specifically directed that the trial court obtain a new probation report and/or a report from the Director of Corrections as to the conduct of the defendant since his original sentencing.
In attempting to distinguish Cortez, respondent argues in a somewhat contradictory fashion as follows: "... The focus of Williams, unlike Cortez, was on the prospect of disproportionate punishment in relation to the personal culpability of the defendant. It is not necessary to consider post-sentencing conduct in prison in order to ascertain proportional culpability. Williams *690 did not hold that lesser culpability is the only proper basis on which to grant a motion to strike special circumstances. However, the Williams court stated the power to strike `enables the punishment to fit the crime as well as the perpetrator.' (30 Cal.3d at p. 489; emphasis added.) It is clear that a balanced analysis of culpability was the focus of Williams, and thus it was not necessary to consider the post-sentencing evidence. Evidence is not relevant when it has no `tendency in reason to prove or disprove any disputed fact that is of consequence to the determination of the action.' (Evid. Code, § 210.) The trial court properly redetermined the motion to strike based on the circumstances of the offense. This was the most consideration to which appellant was entitled."
In Williams, the trial court had indicated at the time of sentencing that it believed it lacked the power to stay or strike the special circumstances so as to eliminate the "without possibility of parole" condition from the defendant's life sentence. It further clearly indicated that if it had such power, it would exercise it in defendant's favor because her culpability under the facts of the offense was substantially less than that of her codefendant. It was in the context of these remarks by the trial court that the Supreme Court concluded: "Trial courts will exercise this power [§ 1385] in a careful and thoughtful manner. The wise use of this power will promote the administration of justice by ensuring that persons are sentenced based on the particular facts of the offense and all the circumstances. It enables the punishment to fit the crime as well as the perpetrator. [Italics added.] [¶] "The trial court's findings in the present case provide an example of the proper use of this power...." (30 Cal.3d at pp. 489-490.)
By ruling that mitigating factors presented by the circumstances of the offense are proper considerations in determining whether or not to exercise section 1385 discretion in favor of striking a finding of special circumstances, the Supreme Court clearly did not eliminate from consideration those factors personal to the defendant, such as attributes of character and prior record. As respondent himself notes: "Williams did not hold that lesser culpability is the only proper basis on which to grant a motion to strike special circumstances." This being so, no rational basis exists for refusing to consider post-sentencing conduct as that may have a bearing on an accurate assessment of a defendant's character at the time the court is called upon to consider an exercise of section 1385 discretion.
(4a) Having concluded that postoriginal sentencing behavior, as contained in a supplemental probation report or report from the Director of Corrections, is relevant for consideration by the sentencing court in exercising its discretion to strike special circumstance findings pursuant to section 1385, we must then proceed to the contention of respondent that the *691 use of such evidence violates the constitutional proscription of separation of powers. The power of the Governor of California to commute sentences is set forth in article V, section 8 of the California Constitution, which states: "Subject to application procedures provided by statute, the Governor, on conditions the Governor deems proper, may grant a reprieve, pardon, and commutation, after sentence, except in case of impeachment. The Governor shall report to the Legislature each reprieve, pardon, and commutation granted, stating the pertinent facts and the reasons for granting it. The Governor may not grant a pardon or commutation to a person twice convicted of a felony except on recommendation of the Supreme Court, 4 judges concurring." Section 4800 et seq. contains the statutory framework pertaining to the Governor's commutation powers. Respondent contends the constitutional and statutory structure does not authorize a trial court to nullify the "exclusive power of the Governor to pardon or commute sentences." Respondent argues that permitting a trial court to strike special circumstance findings based exclusively on postconviction behavior of a defendant would be tantamount to nullifying the commutation power of the Governor and violate the doctrine of separation of powers.
Article III, section 3 of the California Constitution expressly states the doctrine: "The powers of state government are legislative, executive, and judicial. Persons charged with the exercise of one power may not exercise either of the others except as permitted by this Constitution." (See Bixby v. Pierno (1971) 4 Cal.3d 130, 141 [93 Cal. Rptr. 234, 481 P.2d 242].) (5) The function of the judiciary is to declare the law and determine the rights of parties to a controversy before the court. (Marin Water etc. Co. v. Railroad Com. (1916) 171 Cal. 706, 711-712 [154 P. 864].) (6) The power to commute a sentence is exclusively relegated to the Governor. "A commutation is in the nature of a favor which may be withheld entirely or granted upon such reasonable conditions, restrictions and limitations as the governor may think proper." (In re Collie (1952) 38 Cal.2d 396, 398 [240 P.2d 275].)
(4b) In Way v. Superior Court (1977) 74 Cal. App.3d 165 [141 Cal. Rptr. 383], the court upheld the retroactive provisions of the determinate sentence law against a separation of powers attack even though some defendants previously sentenced under the old law might receive a lesser punishment. In so doing the court reasoned: "... The separation of powers principle and the constitutional distribution of functions among the three branches of government seek to prevent the combination of basic or fundamental powers of government in one group or branch; they do not demand the rigid classification of incidental activities of government. [Citation.] Although a technique or method of procedure may be traditionally associated with a particular branch of the government, these principles do not mean that this technique *692 or method of procedure cannot incidentally be used by another branch. [Citation.] Each branch must in some degree exercise some of the functions of others; it is only when one branch exercises the complete power constitutionally delegated to another that the action violates the constitutional distribution of powers. [Citation.]" (74 Cal. App.3d at p. 178.)
In Younger v. Superior Court (1978) 21 Cal.3d 102 [145 Cal. Rptr. 674, 577 P.2d 1014], the Supreme Court approved the rationale and result of Way v. Superior Court, supra, and expressed the principle invoked in the following language: "As we recently reiterated, that doctrine [separation of powers], `although enshrined in the Constitution and fundamental to the preservation of our civil liberties, "does not mean that the three departments of our government are not in many respects mutually dependent."' [Citations.] This court has often recognized that each department of government `for its own existence must in some degree exercise some of the functions of the others.' [Citation.] The purpose of the doctrine is to prevent one branch of government from exercising the complete power constitutionally vested in another [citation]; it is not intended to prohibit one branch from taking action properly within its sphere that has the incidental effect of duplicating a function or procedure delegated to another branch. [Citation.]" (21 Cal.3d at p. 117.)
(7) The sentencing of a criminal defendant is clearly a judicial function; the sound exercise of the discretion conferred by section 1385 is a judicial power conferred to assist the court in an appropriate performance of that function. (4c) The fact that exercise of section 1385 discretion may occur long after sentence was originally imposed, and may precede rather than follow vacating the original sentence for purposes of resentencing, in no way alters the fact that sentencing considerations govern the trial court's section 1385 choices. Moreover, there is no reason to conclude that the court's consideration of postconviction behavior, in the exercise of its section 1385 discretion, violates the separation of powers provision in the context of a resentencing. Consideration of postconviction behavior is not an act of mercy, grace or forgiveness as respondent implies. Rather, consideration of such evidence merely strengthens the court's ability to fit the punishment to the crime and the particular defendant.
Respondent has focused on the way the trial court framed the issue for consideration of postconviction behavior; namely, whether a violation of the separation of powers doctrine would result if the court were to strike a special circumstances finding "based solely or in substantial part on a defendant's amenability to parole as demonstrated by defendant's conduct and performance in prison following conviction." In concluding that it would, respondent misconstrues the true thrust of the court's question. The issue *693 is not whether the trial court should consider only postconviction behavior to the exclusion of circumstances of the offense and circumstances applicable to the defendant at the time of the original sentencing; rather, the question is one of the weight to be accorded by the court to the various relevant factors properly considered in a decision as to what action is truly "in furtherance of justice." The trial court is not in such a case exercising its discretion to strike special circumstances findings solely on post-conviction behavior to the exclusion of other facts. It is instead making a choice in the exercise of judicial discretion as to which factors in a given sentencing situation should be controlling. Such conduct in no way infringes upon the executive powers or prerogatives of the Governor.
Respondent also contends the practical result of adopting the position advanced by appellant would be to encourage "limitless applications to the trial courts by defendants whose judgments have long since been final based on a yearly, or perhaps monthly, change in prison behavior." There is no authority to support such a dire prediction. Williams does not authorize repeated motions for the trial court to exercise section 1385 discretion. It merely authorizes the exercise of such discretion where at the time of the original sentencing the record demonstrates that the trial court believed it did not possess such discretion. (See People v. Williams, supra, 30 Cal.3d 470.)
For the foregoing reasons, we conclude that the trial court erred in refusing on separation-of-powers grounds to consider appellant's postoriginal sentencing conduct while in prison in deciding whether to grant or deny appellant's motion to have the special circumstance findings stricken so that she might be eligible for parole. Having so determined, we must deal with a final procedural argument raised by appellant.
(8) Because of the reasons given by the trial court in its written decision wherein it refused to strike the special circumstance findings, appellant now contends that a remand for a reconsideration of the decision is unnecessary and that this court should simply strike the special circumstance findings and give effect to what was the manifest desire and intent of the trial court had it not erroneously believed it lacked the constitutional power to act. For at least two reasons, we conclude such a procedure would be undesirable and procedurally improper.
First, in its written ruling declining to exercise its discretion in favor of striking the special circumstance findings, the trial court made the following cogent statements: "No doubt these mitigating circumstances [defendant's lack of prior criminal record, lack of prior history of violence, drug addiction and need for money to care for her young child] influenced the jury to *694 impose a penalty of life imprisonment without possibility of parole rather than the penalty of death. In my view these circumstances are not sufficiently mitigating to support a grant of further leniency by dismissing the finding of special circumstances.
".... .... .... .... .... .... .
"It is quite apparent that if I should grant defendant's motion to dismiss the finding of special circumstances, such a decision could only be justified by defendant's exemplary record as a prisoner following conviction.
"I am persuaded that such a decision would go beyond the scope of a dismissal in the furtherance of justice under ... section 1385 and would instead constitute a commutation of sentence. Only the Governor of the State of California has the power to commute a sentence...." The statement of the trial court indicates that the decision to strike the special circumstance findings could only be justified, if at all, by reliance on defendant's postconviction behavior. The trial court did not explicitly state it would strike the special circumstance findings if it were able to consider postconviction behavior. The conclusion is readily inferable from the foregoing statements that the trial court concluded its consideration of appellant's postconviction behavior was prohibited by the doctrine of separation of powers and did not in fact, nor did it need to, reach the determination of whether such evidence would cause it to strike the special circumstance findings. The other portion of the trial court's ruling which indicates it would grant appellant's request if it "were Governor and could exercise executive power of commutation," upon which appellant places great reliance, is preceded by the following conditional statement: "Because of the serious consequences of this decision, I may be permitted a few gratuitous remarks." (Italics added.) Such gratuitous remarks are wholly unsatisfactory as a basis for reviewing a sentencing court's exercise of discretion and concluding that remand is unnecessary. (See, e.g., People v. Sanders (1983) 145 Cal. App.3d 218, 225 [193 Cal. Rptr. 331].) For this reason alone the matter should be remanded to permit the trial court to exercise its discretion in conformity with the opinions expressed herein.
Second, the analysis in support of the recommendation to hold postoriginal sentencing behavior admissible in the exercise of section 1385 discretion, together with the practical effect of such a holding, negates the proposition that the reviewing court may circumvent the remand procedure and directly modify the judgment by striking the special circumstance findings. This conclusion follows from the fact that appellant's postoriginal sentencing behavior between the time of the instant appeal and this court's decision may negate the so-called exemplary record of appellant in prison between *695 the time of the original sentencing and the filing of the instant appeal. Consistency in logic and analysis requires that the trial court be apprised of all the circumstances of appellant's postoriginal sentencing behavior both good and bad. Appellant should not be permitted to benefit from desirable postconviction behavior while avoiding the detriment of undesirable postconviction behavior.
The order of the trial court denying appellant's request that the court dismiss the jury's finding of special circumstances pursuant to the discretionary power conferred by section 1385 is reversed. The cause is remanded to the trial court for a reconsideration of appellant's motion in light of this court's opinion and with directions to obtain a new probation report and/or report from the Director of Corrections as to the conduct of appellant since May 1984.
Franson, Acting P.J., and Hamlin, J., concurred.
NOTES
[*] Assigned by the Chairperson of the Judicial Council.
[1] At oral argument, counsel for respondent argued that the record of the proceedings on January 19, 1984, failed to establish that the trial court had in fact vacated the sentence. Instead, counsel argued that all the trial court did was to set the matter for hearing on appellant's motion to strike the special circumstances. The record indicates otherwise. The petition for the writ prayed that the writ issue "vacating the convictions and sentence in Case No. 19210, and allow trial counsel to move this court to strike the special circumstances...." At the outset of the January 19th hearing, appellant's counsel advised the court "as the petition indicates we are at this point simply asking the court to vacate the sentence that was imposed in this matter originally for the purpose of allowing us to make a motion to strike the special circumstances that were found true by the jury" and, in ruling on this request, the court said, "I'm going to grant the petition for writ of habeas corpus, and I will set the matter for a hearing to [consider] the issue of whether the special circumstance should be stricken...." Clearly, by granting the petition for writ of habeas corpus in this context, the court intended to, and did, vacate the sentence.
[2] Penal Code section 1385 provides as follows: "The judge or magistrate may, either of its own motion or upon the application of the prosecuting attorney, and in furtherance of justice, order an action to be dismissed. The reasons of the dismissal must be set forth in an order entered upon the minutes. No dismissal shall be made for any cause which would be ground of demurrer to the accusatory pleading."
[3] All further statutory references are to the Penal Code unless otherwise noted.
[4] Section 1170, subdivision (b), pertaining to the trial court's imposition of one of three possible terms as a judgment of imprisonment, states in part: "In determining whether there are circumstances that justify imposition of the upper or lower term, the court may consider the record in the case, the probation officer's report, other reports including reports received pursuant to Section 1203.03 and statements in aggravation or mitigation submitted by the prosecution, the defendant, or the victim, or the family of the victim if the victim is deceased, and any further evidence introduced at the sentencing hearing."
[5] Rule 418 provides: "Regardless of the defendant's eligibility for probation, the sentencing judge should refer the matter to the probation officer for a presentence investigation and report."
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The Basel Sinfonietta is a full symphonic orchestra specializing in contemporary music – and is thus a unique ensemble worldwide. The Principal Conductor of the Basel Sinfonietta is Baldur Brönnimann.
Driven by its commitment to performing cutting edge music through commissioned works, world premieres and Swiss premieres, the Basel Sinfonietta has been transcending classical concert conventions since its founding in 1980 and embraces an exploratory approach to other genres and cultures in its programming.
In addition to its own series of six subscription concerts, the Basel Sinfonietta is a regular guest at local festivals such as ZeitRäume Basel and Culturescapes. The Basel Sinfonietta is also one of the cooperation partners of the Theater Basel, the Kaserne Basel and the Kunstmuseum Basel.
The Basel Sinfonietta's growing international profile has been demonstrated in recent seasons by appearances at the Vienna Konzerthaus, the International Summer Courses for New Music, the Dialoge Festival of the Salzburg Mozarteum Foundation and at Warsaw Autumn.
Recordings of Basel Sinfonietta concerts are regularly broadcast by Swiss radio SRF 2 Kultur as well as by international radio stations.
Highlights of the 2021/22 season include guest performances at Art Basel, the Bern Music Festival and Theater Basel; collaborations with composer Unsuk Chin and composers Jonathan Bepler, Dieter Ammann and Hèctor Parra; with pianist Joonas Ahonen, the chamber ensemble of the Orquesta Experimental de Instrumentos Nativos (OEIN), the NDR Bigband and the VEIN Trio; and with conductors Pablo Rus Broseta and Jörg Achim Keller.
The Basel Sinfonietta is a self-governing orchestra. As the orchestra is organized as an association, all musicians can participate in the democratic decision-making process on the orientation and programming of the ensemble.
The Basel Sinfonietta is financially supported by the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, among others. | https://www.muvac.com/en/inst/basel-sinfonietta |
Adjunct Professor,
Graduate School of Security Studies,
National Defense Academy,
Lieutenant General (Retired)
The participation of a Japanese prime minister in the June 29 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, the first case of a Japanese leader joining the meeting, attracted a great deal of domestic attention as a symbol of Japan's solidarity with Ukraine. However, the main focus was not only on the alliance's response to Russia’s military invasion, but also on the first revision in 12 years of the "NATO Strategic Concept." NATO's Strategic Concept defines the Alliance's priorities, key missions, and approaches for the next decade. NATO has been undergoing major changes as a multilateral collective security organization, and efforts have been made to clarify the Alliance’s raison d’être through the revision of the Strategic Concept.
Noteworthy items in the Strategic Concept adopted at the summit include: 1) the need to further strengthen the deterrence and defense capabilities that form the foundation of the Alliance; 2) the wariness of an increasingly unstable Middle East, Africa, and an ambitious China, in addition to Russia as a Significant and Direct Threat; and 3) the importance of strengthening relations with partner countries and institutions to address global challenges. These have been presented as an agreement by all member countries. In this aritcle, I would like to consider the future direction of NATO and Japan's ideal response based on the above three points.
Further strengthen deterrence and defense
The summit focused on strengthening defense capabilities in the eastern part of NATO. Until now, based on the NATO-Russia Founding Act, which states that neither NATO nor Russia regard the other as an enemy, there have been no battle groups stationed in the eastern flank of the Alliance. Following the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO has established eight new battlegroups (totaling 9,641 troops) in the Baltic states, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Bulgaria.
In addition, U.S. President Joe Biden has now announced that the number of U.S. Navy destroyers stationed at the Rota Naval Base in Spain will be increased from the current four to six, and that a permanent headquarters of the U.S. 5th Army Corps will be established in Poland, committing the United States to strengthening military capabilities in eastern NATO as well.
Since 2004, NATO has developed the NATO Response Force (NRF), a multinational element of land, air, sea, and special operations forces (SOF), to address the diversity of threats and the rapid pace of change. The Alliance has used the NRF in a wide range of fields, including training, exercises, and disaster relief. In order to further enhance deterrence and defense, it has been decided that the NRF will be replaced by a 100,000-strong rapid response force that can be deployed within 10 days of the occurance of a situation, and a 200,000-strong semi-response force that can be activated within 10 to 30 days.
This means that not only will the readiness force be increased to 300,000 by 2023, but also NATO will further strengthen its leadership in collective defense planning, command, and control by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). As a result, while each country's own command and control authority will be relatively reduced, NATO is expected to be able to respond more flexibly and accurately than ever before to the increasingly diverse and rapidly changing threats. This will lead to an improvement in the timeliness of the Alliance's operational actions and an increase in the effectiveness of its deterrence and defense capabilities.
Concerns about China
At this summit meeting, Russia was regarded as the “most significant and direct threat,” and China, while not an enemy of NATO, was labeled a "systemic challenge" affecting the entire alliance system. NATO is a political alliance that can move forward only after it has obtained unanimous consensus among member countries on everything, and it is undeniable that the subtle differences in the diplomatic stances of member nations toward China may have influenced the way China was described. Although China, like Russia, is not expected to exert direct military influence on NATO and provoke war in Europe, it is not compatible with the Western common values of freedom, equality, and respect for human rights and, along with Russia, does not try to hide its ambition to change the existing international order based on the rule of law. In fact, the Chinese Communist Party calls NATO a relic of the “Cold War” ethos and seeks to deny Western values and increase the influence of authoritarian state regimes through disinformation and other means, forcing NATO to maintain a strong sense of caution.
In addition, cyber attacks by China and Russia, illegal activities in outer space, and attacks on the cognitive domain through disinformation and other means transcend physical borders and are carried out regardless of time constraints. NATO perceives these asymmetric attacks as a violation of Article 5 (collective self-defense) and Article 3 (member states' resilience obligations) of the North Atlantic Treaty, and has made it clear that as an alliance it is responsible for ensuring that the cyber and space domains, as global commons, are freely accessed and peacefully co-managed.
If member countries continue to hold this view of China, then the "Dual Track" approach, which is based on dialogue and deterrence, should be adopted. It is conceivable that NATO, as it might consider a similar approach for China that it has taken with Russia. As "NATO 2030" suggests, while a "NATO-China Council" (tentative name) is being prepared as a framework for constructive dialogue with China in the future, a move to establish a specialized advisory body within NATO to monitor and defend against Chinese military moves may become a reality.
Addressing global issues (climate change)
NATO has also moved to actively address the impacts of climate change. Namely, it has accepted the NATO Secretary General's Report "Climate Change and Security Impact Assessment" and has decided on a specific goal of a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. As a result, NATO has officially acknowledged climate change as a security issue and has committed itself to adapting as a military force to the impacts of climate change and to reducing it as a greenhouse-gas emitting entity. For some time, continuity and stability have been of paramount importance in military operations and actions, and renewable energy sources, unlike fossil fuels, have been difficult to accept in terms of their versatility and acquisition stability
The Ukrainian military, which is fighting valiantly against the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, continues to fight asymmetrically against the heavy Russian forces by actively incorporating drones and civilian assets in addition to conventional equipment systems, such as tanks and armored vehicles. The lessons learned from the intensive attacks against vulnerable supply capabilities, including fossil fuels, by both armies, have led to a shared battlefield challenge of energy transformation of the armed forces to become less dependent on fossil fuels. At the recent NATO summit, 30 NATO members agreed to address climate change, confirming the need for an irreversible commitment to the efficiency and decarbonization of energy-consuming equipment, which will hopefully give impetus to the military's efforts to address the effects of climate change.
On the other hand, there are concerns that the recent situation in Ukraine has triggered a global upsurge in oil and natural gas prices and confusion over new sources of supply through Russia's bargaining over energy, and that long-term interest in climate change, with its theme of a decarbonized society, is declining. In this context, NATO's recognition of a situation that demands urgent action on increasingly serious climate change and its rapid moves to address global warming as a matter of urgency should be priased as responsible.
Conclusion: Meeting NATO's expectations
There is no doubt that Prime Minister Kishida's visit to NATO was uniformly welcomed by the 30 member countries for its demonstration of deepening solidarity with Ukraine and high-level engagement in Europe's security affairs.
But for NATO, which invited Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand as global partners for the first time, the challenges of acting as a security platform with shared threats and values are not limited to China's growing influence beyond regional boundaries. Partner countries have a wide range of possibilities for cooperation, including securing public security goods in the cyber, outer space, and cognitive domains, and coordinated action on the effects of climate change, as well as the implementation of emerging and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing, which will have major impacts on future equipment systems. A number of possibilities for broad cooperation have been identified. It is expected that Japan, along with other partner countries, will prepare a roadmap for expanding cooperation with NATO in the future, but what will the Japanese government do? On March 27, 2022, Prime Minister Kishida, in his graduation speech at the National Defense Academy, clearly indicated that the three security-related documents (National Security Strategy, National Defense Program Guidelines, and Mid-Term Defense Program) will be revised at the end of the year, but Japan should take the initiative in activating cooperation mechanisms with NATO while taking account of the direction of the new security strategy. Although there is no collective security organization like NATO in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan believes that the network of bilateral alliances led by the U.S. could be further strengthened by guiding the engagement of partner countries that share common values that transcend regional boundaries.
However, since NATO is a defensive organization and a consensus-based regional organization, it is unlikely that NATO will take a more proactive approach toward Japan, which is located outside Europe. As a result, Japan requires an active stance to strengthen its approach to NATO, to elicit further NATO interest and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, and to proactively strengthen Japan-NATO relations. To this end, it is essential for Japan to send a strategic message globally, and the three revised documents are expected to play an important role as a communication tool for Japan's security.
Translated from an article originally published on the Japanese IINA website on July 20.
(2022/08/18)
Notes
- 1 NATO, ” STRATEGIC CONCEPT – NATO,” June 29.
- 2 NATO, ”Factsheet: NATO’s Forward Presence,” June, 2022.
- 3 The White House, “Remarks by President Biden and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg | Madrid, Spain,” JUNE 29, 2022.
- 4 NATO, “NATO Response Force,” June 23, 2022.
- 5 NATO, “New NATO force model,” June 29, 2022.
- 6 Rita Cheng, “China steps up anti-NATO rhetoric ahead of Madrid summit, citing 'Cold War' ethos,” Radio Free Asia, June 24, 2022.
- 7 NATO, “Speech by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the event: NATO's outlook towards 2030 and beyond,” November 30, 2021.
- 8 NATO, “News: NATO will defend itself, Article by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg published in Prospect’s new cyber resilience supplement,” August 29, 2019.
- 9 NATO,” Remarks by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on launching #NATO2030 - Strengthening the Alliance in an increasingly competitive world,” June 08, 2020.
- 10 NATO, NATO 2030: United for a New Era, November 25, 2020.
- 11 NATO, “News: NATO releases its Climate Change and Security Impact Assessment,” June 28, 2022.
- 12 Andy Kessler, “Ukraine’s Asymmetric War,” WSJ, March 27, 2022.
- 13 Alex Gatopoulos, “Russia-Ukraine war: How Moscow’s tactics are evolving in Ukraine,” Aljazeera, March 15, 2022.
- 14 IPCC, “Climate change widespread, rapid, and intensifying – IPCC,” August 09, 2021.
- 15 Noriyuki Suzuki, “Japan PM seeks major upgrade of NATO partnership after Russia's war,” Kyodo News, June 30, 2022.
- 16 Cabinet Public Affairs Office, “Address by Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio at the Graduation Ceremony of the National Defense Academy,” March 27, 2022.
- 17 In regard to the issue of Finnish and Swedish membership in NATO, the NATO Secretary General said that the Alliance will adhere to a neutral position toward non-member countries, stating that "We will respect whatever decision they make, because all sovereign nations have the right to choose their own path … we respect their decision making processes without trying to interfere or to give them advice." NATO, “Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (remote from Brussels) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Annalena Baerbock following the informal meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs,” May 15, 2022, NATO - Opinion: Joint press conference by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (remote from Brussels) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Annalena Baerbock following the informal meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 15-May.-2022. | https://www.spf.org/iina/en/articles/nagashima_13.html |
The way we talk about our weight has changed so much in my family over the years, and it has definitely been a change for the better. Weight seemed like such a private matter, and it could be considered rude to discuss or hurtful. That’s the way we all are used to thinking, but I think that’s only holding us back.
My mom and I, for example, have regular conversations about our health, and I don’t mean just updates on doctors appointments out of curiosity. We talk about recipes, we talk new healthy cooking hacks and swap ideas, brainstorm new workout routines when I get in a rut, celebrate our successes weekly or even daily… Health is not an “bad” topic in our family, even when we fall off the wagon and haven’t been making the healthiest choices; those times are most important to communicate so we can get help and motivation to keep going.
That said, there are a few important ways the conversations have changed that make these most beneficial to us. Use these 3 tips to have more positive discussions around weight and our health, whether in our families, friendship circles, or an online support group of like-minded friends. Here’s a few rules to keep it positive:
Judgement Is Not Invited
The discussions we have aren’t judgmental; they are supportive and encouraging. We do our best to compliment each other and celebrate wins, as well as help overcome the battles and struggles along the way too. It feels a lot more possible and real in your mind when you have a team of support behind you, starting with your family or those closest to you. When there is no judgement or feel of embarrassment, the conversations are better all around and more productive.
This is most important on the bad days especially. We need to be supportive of each other, and so whether we are having a bad day or our friend is having a bad week, those are the most important times to hold all judgement. Things happen, life can change, and it’s okay to not be perfect all the time. Just support one another all the same.
Honesty Supports Succcess
If the whole idea of positive health talk in your family is new, everyone has to start somewhere. It can be hard and feel personal to talk about your weight, and it can feel really hard to admit your inner thoughts, even to the most cherished loved one. However, you need to know you are in a supportive environment and can say anything without judgement. Be honest and don’t tell lies about your journey.
The only person you are doing a disservice to when you lie about your health is you. Think about that! Whether your doctor, your mom, or your significant other knows you’re still eating junk food, skipping the gym, or lying about your weight, you’re only hurting yourself at the end of the day. Use honesty and their support to help motivate you in your weight loss endeavors.
Share And Learn As You Go
Not only has this completely shaped the way our family talks about health, but I think the biggest impact has been sharing everything we’ve learned as we go. My sister will call me with a new healthy cooking hack, my mom will email me a new recipe, my dad will unwillingly sign me up for a 5k at random. Not only do we support each other, but we can provide more support for one another when we are involved. Even if I can’t go to the gym with my mom due to conflicting schedules and I can’t have dinner with my sister every day, we still share our successes and lessons so we can all benefit from it.
No matter what, taking any steps, big or small, toward achieving your weight loss goals is going to push you further along. Having support from home or around you changes your own mindset and helps you believe in yourself.
Not to mention, there are so many benefits to having a workout buddy too! It doesn’t have to be about sharing your own journey with someone on the same path. If there is anyone you can talk to about your weight and health goals, it should be your gym buddy, and if you don’t have one yet, there’s too many reasons why you should. | https://justyourbest.com/tag/changing-your-lifestyle/ |
The Master Plan (Hyperion, 2006)
In 1935, Heinrich Himmler founded a Nazi research institute called the Ahnenerbe, whose mission was to search for the lost civilization of an ancient master race. The Ahnenerbe was Himmler’s pet project, and under his close direction, it came to play a key role in the Final Solution.
The Master Plan was published in 7 languages in addition to English. (Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish).
The Mummy Congress (Hyperion, 2001)
When Heather Pringle was dispatched to a remote part of northern Chile to cover a little-known scientific conference, she found herself in the midst of the most passionate gathering of her working life – dozens of mummy experts lodged in a rambling seaside hotel, battling over the implications of their research.
The Mummy Congress was published in 7 languages in addition to English. (French, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Korean.)
In Search of Ancient North America (Wiley, 1996)
Journeying to nine of North America’s most fascinating archaeological sites, Heather Pringle chronicles the joy and wonder of life in the field. Chatting late into the night with the researchers, she listens to their theories and shares their deep desire to span the gulf of time and connect with those who are now little more than rag and bones.
Waterton Lakes National Park (Douglas and McIntyre Ltd, 1986). Now out of print. | https://heatherpringle.com/books/ |
Joan Martí-Frasquier has premiered more than fifty works of different genres of music (as a soloist, with piano, electronics, chamber music, opera and orchestra) by composers from all over the world, such as Joan Bagés i Rubí, José Luis Campana, Timothy Harenda, Enric Riu and Hans Peter Stubbe Teglbjaerg, among others. Of particular note was the Concerto for baritone saxophone, piano and string orchestra by Albena Petrovic-Vratchanska, at the Luxembourg Philharmonie in June 2018.
He has performed in Andorra, Austria, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland and the United States, in festivals such as Mixtur Barcelona (2018), New York City Electroacoustic Music Festival (USA, 2017), Tallinn Music Week (Estonia, 2015), Rc4 (Brazil, 2015) and Classical:NEXT (Austria, 2014).
His varied music projects focus mainly on new music, but also extend to some Early music and improvisation, in addition to electronics and visual arts.
Before starting his solo career in 2011, he was a member of several chamber music groups such as the saxophone quartet SAX 3+1 (1994-2013) or Sigma woodwind trio (2004-2007) and other ensembles of contemporary music. Currently, he collaborates with Morphosis and Barcelona Modern ensembles, and also with the Symphonic Orchestra Camera Musicae.
Photo credits: Anna Guardiola - Jesús Llungueras
The 'Series III' Alto is no doubt the most performing of our catalogue. It is a very accurate model in terms of tuning and emission. It offers a great richness of tone.
Developed in collaboration with Gilles Tressos (Quatuor Hanabera), the 'Series III' baritone is a very well tuned instrument, rich in overtones, consistent over the whole register with fluid transfers.
This instrument with a warm tone 'unfolds' a centered, flexible and subtle sound, which suits each type of repertoire in the lineage of the 'Series III' saxophones.
Its perfectly mastered ergonomics gives an impression of stupendous agility unique to the baritone. It weighs 300 grammes less than the 'Series II'.
The Concept range has quickly established itself as a new benchmark. Ease of response, with a round and rich sound, the Concept mouthpiece is characterized by its exterior design, which is above all for the comfort of the musician. | https://www.selmer.fr/en/artist/joan-marti-frasquier |
South Africa’s private healthcare industry is patiently awaiting news or findings from the Competition Commission’s (CompCom) health market inquiry (HMI).
Following concerns about how private healthcare functions in South Africa, given healthcare expenditure and prices rising above headline inflation, the CompCom began an inquiry into the sector.
The HMI was meant to have started on January 6 2014, but only got going in August 2014. The deadline was extended from November 2015 to December 2016. However, due to the size and complexity of the report, and delays from stakeholders in providing data, it was extended by another year.
Chair of the South African Medical Association (Sama) Dr Mzukisi Grootboom, told Moneyweb some outstanding issues still needed to be addressed and the HMI had to look at data submitted by certain parties.
Aside from some updates provided in December 2016, relating to claims data and a summary of consumer survey results among other items, no detailed recommendations or findings have been released as yet.
The only recent feedback from the HMI is that it’s considering granting “a restricted group of external advisors” access to confidential information from medical schemes that was used to construct expenditure analysis reports.
The revised timetable, published in December, reads as follows:
- there should be public hearings in May and June this year;
- the provisional findings report and conditional recommendations should be published on September 1;
- during September stakeholder comments on the provisional report and recommendations are to be received;
- and the final report and recommendations are to be published on December 15 2017.
This is in addition to the expectation of several specific reports.
Esmé Prins-Van den Berg, HealthCare Navigator consultant, writing for Anglo Medical Scheme here, says the following issues were, among others, raised by stakeholders in written submissions and at the public hearings:
- PMBs: too restrictive on the one hand, but also too open-ended on the other hand regarding reimbursement;
- no transparency in selection of designated service providers (DSPs) by medical schemes;
- lack of information on quality of care provided by providers;
- absence of tariff benchmarks and an oversight mechanism for clinical coding;
- imbalance of bargaining power among stakeholders;
- disadvantage by small players in various relationships regarding bargaining power and appointment as DSPs;
- hospital licensing;
- provider and funder relationships; and
- uncertainty regarding NHI.
Expectations and concerns
Says Sama’s Grootboom: “While we are in support of the process, as we believe it will once and for all give us an indication of the real cost drivers in the private health sector, we have great concerns that it might just be a smoke screen for a predetermined outcome.
“We are waiting, with keen interest, for the release of the final report.
According to Prins-Van den Berg, the report is expected to make recommendations on aspects such as:
- collective bargaining mechanisms and/or the determination of benchmark tariffs for the sector;
- establishing a process or authority to deal with clinical coding-related issues;
- mechanisms to address information asymmetry;
- publication of data on quality, especially regarding providers; and
- other recommendations to enhance competition e.g. regarding oligopolies.
“There is competition where there shouldn’t be and none where there should be – which results in high costs and indifferent quality,” says Dr Brian Ruff, CEO of PPO Serve, and Discovery Health’s former head of clinical risk. Ruff presented at the HMI last year.
“That is, we currently have destructive competition between individual clinicians who should instead be collaborating in teams organised around the patient needs. Competition should be between local teams in systems, based on the quality of their outcomes and costs.”
Ruff explains that ideal outcomes from the HMI would be for mandatory data and interoperability (IT information exchange and use) standards throughout. Schemes should compete in regions (not nationally), with size caps to prevent dominance and guarantee competition; scheme licences should be reviewed every five years; and ‘for-profit’ schemes should be allowed, with a regulated claims pay-out ratio.
Regarding healthcare providers, a new supply-side regulator should be created with policy that maximises efficiency. There should also be incentives and support for new team-based delivery models, he adds. | https://bhfglobal.com/2017/05/19/slow-going-for-compcoms-health-market-inquiry/ |
Task estimation is a critical challenge that software developers constantly face in their jobs. No matter what team size is, they need to estimate and distribute work throughout their teams.
It’s rather beneficial to evolve good habits around planning and estimating work. If you have weak planning and estimating processes, you loosen relationships between the team and the business, decrease confidence and make development harder.
However, if you don’t like to evaluate tasks “by eye” and want to get transparent and accurate results, try Planning Poker. Here we will briefly describe how to do it.
Many Agile teams use the Planning Poker concept for their Agile estimation. What does this exactly mean?
Planning poker in software development is a gamified consensus-based method for estimating that is predominantly used to estimate effort or relative size of development goals. You may also find it in some sources as Scrum poker.
There are many other interesting estimation techniques (Bucket System, T-Shirt Sizes, Affinity Mapping, Dot Voting, and more), however, estimation with Planning Poker is one of the most popular solutions.
Sometimes it may not work because features are too large, there is not enough detailed information on the items to be estimated or there is not enough time to do estimation on the full backlog. However, in most cases, the technique looks rather powerful.
Trying to find the origins of Planning Poker, it’s worth defining the following milestones:
All the people involved use numbered Playing Poker cards for estimating the items. As voting is performed anonymously, it may lead to many discussions when there are large differences. The voting process is repeated until the entire team reached a consensus about the clear estimation.
The best way to apply Planning Poker is the case when you have to estimate a relatively small number of items in a small team (for example, 10 items with 6-8 people).
So, the process bases on consensus. It actually works on the use of the Fibonacci sequence for assigning a point value to an item or feature.
Fibonacci sequence is a mathematical series of numbers. This concept with century-old history is now widely used to explain particular formative aspects of nature. According to the algorithm, you add the two previous numbers together to get the next value in the sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20, and so on.
Product owners should read a particular user story or describe a feature to the estimators before starting the Planning Poker process.
Every estimator has a deck of cards with values like 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 40 and 100 (the sequence that is recommended). The values represent the number of story points that the team estimates (there can also be ideal days or other units).
Here are the steps of Planning Poker:
Applying this technique, you’ll face some special cards:
How do you evaluate tasks, the complexity and the time of their completion? Feel free to comment and share your experience. | https://cuspy.io/blog/what-is-planning-poker-in-agile/ |
Health law is a complex and rapidly-changing topic, and students studying health information management (HIM) or health informatics require the most current information to be prepared to achieve legal compliance in a professional context. This third edition of Fundamentals of Law for Health Informatics and Information Management contains new chapters on ethics and patient rights and responsibilities. It also includes updates to topics contained in earlier editions, including expanded HIPAA privacy and security chapters and new content on patient safety and legal proceedings.
This book is ideal for courses specific to health informatics and information management education, but can also be used as a key resource for health professionals, providers, and organizations, all of whom must comply with laws for protecting the privacy, confidentiality, and security of patient information. The logical structure of the text walks the reader through the United States legal system, from basic legal proceedings to evidence, consent to treatment, corporate law, and ethical issues, and includes an emphasis on the importance of health information privacy and security requirements.
Key Features
"Overall, this is a necessarily recurring update on the complex topic of laws surrounding health information management in the United States. Given the clear nature of the chapters, along with a glossary, this is a useful reference for students entering this field. For established professionals, it may provide a refresh on selected topics, although access to real-time updates on the status of any pending regulations would be a helpful addition."
-- David Liebovitz, MD (University of Chicago Medicine)Doody's Review
It is intended for students in fields related to health information management. Nice examples, potential workflow diagrams, and cases are used to highlight important concepts. This book meets the needs of the intended audience, with the caveat that access to updated resources as laws related to health information management evolve would be a useful addition. The authors are credible experts based on their work on prior editions and professional roles in directly related fields. | https://www.tetondata.com/TitleInfo.cshtml?id=758 |
Watching movies outdoors is a summer highlight.
Enjoy snacks before the movie.
Coco is a story about a 12-year-old boy named Miguel Rivera, an aspiring young musician who is accidentally transported to the land of the dead There he finds his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer, and learns how to gain his family’s support for following his dream.
Coco won two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song (“Remember Me”). Additionally, it also won the Best Animated Film at the BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Critic’s Choice Movie Awards, and Annie Awards.
Colorful, beautifully animated, and culturally sensitive, “Coco” is an affecting, multilayered coming-of-age drama.
The film is set in 1937 rural Mississippi during the Great Depression, and its story is a modern satire loosely based on Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey that incorporates mythology from the American South. The title of the film is a reference to the 1941 film Sullivan’s Travels, in which the protagonist is a director who wants to film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, a fictional book about the Great Depression.
For the lovers of stupid . . . | https://oacc.us/programs/movies-at-the-o/ |
Elafonissi Island on the extreme west coast of Crete is known world wide for the fine pink sands on its eastern, landward, side and every day during the summer thousands of holidaymakers flock to enjoy it.
However, the less visited west side of the island is a totally different scene: 40 metre high sheer cliffs falling into a rock-strewn sea. It was on these rocks that the Austro Hungarian Lloyds Steam Ship “Imperatrix” was driven during a severe storm on the night of 21/22 February 1907.
The ship, at over 4000 tons one of the two largest ships in the Austro Lloyd fleet at that time, was en route from Trieste, her homeport, to Bombay with a mixed cargo, 20 passengers and a crew of 120. A modern, steel built, vessel, she had been laid down in 1888 and specially designed for high speed service on the route from Trieste to India via the Suez Canal, a journey she had made many times.
On her final voyage, the Imperatrix, under Captain G Ghezzo, had been experiencing difficulties rounding the west of Crete due to the severe weather and, owing to what were later deemed to be navigational errors, was some 60 miles off course. As a result, at about 03:00 she ploughed into the rocks on the western side of Elafonissi, bow first.
The initial order to passengers and crew was to stand fast and not to attempt to evacuate, it being considered that the seas were too rough and she was too near the shore to attempt to launch the lifeboats safely. Unfortunately it appears that this order either did not reach, or was ignored by, a number of the crew. They launched one of the lifeboats and attempted to make for the shore. The boat capsized in the rough seas and all within, 39 or 40 depending on the account read, were lost.
Those remaining on board the Imperatrix mustered on the bow section as the stern started to break away from the vessel. By now a crowd had gathered on the shore, seemingly in response to emergency rockets being launched from the ship, and attempts were made to get a line to the vessel. Eventually one of the ships officers and 11 others managed to get ashore and a messenger was sent off to Chania to report the wreck and request assistance.
The news reached Chania some 15 hours later, after what must have been a very uncomfortable journey over the mountains, and a number Russian, French and Italian warships, stationed in Chania as part of the international force guaranteeing the status of Crete, were despatched to the rescue. The Austro Hungarian Lloyd steamer Castore was also immediately diverted to the scene.
Those remaining on the Imperatrix now were crowded onto the bow of the vessel and in spite of the valiant efforts of the locals it proved impossible to get them ashore for a further 24 hours because of the severity of the storm and the state of the sea. By early morning on 23 February though, a local villager managed to get a line and a makeshift raft out to the vessel. A bridge of sorts was constructed from wreckage and all managed to get to the shore over it.
The aid and comfort of the survivors of the Imperatrix was organised by the Abbot and monks of the monastery at Chrysocalatissa and later that day rescue ships started to arrive from Chania led by a gunboat from the Imperial Russian Navy. Over the next two days the survivors were collected and transported initially to Chania and then back to Trieste. The Imperatrix herself rolled on her side and sank shortly afterwards.
The monument to the Imperatrix
Currently the only monument to the Imperatrix is the lighthouse on Elafonissi. Following the wreck of the Imperatrix, and that of an Italian ship a year or so previously, it became clear that some warning device was required to advise ships of the danger of the island and as a result, a lighthouse was constructed. The original lighthouse was destroyed in 1945 but was replaced shortly after the war by the current light.
However, in spite of the existence of the lighthouse and the advent of modern navigational aids, the rocks on the west of Elafonissi continue to take their toll of shipping. The most recent incident being the wrecking of an unnamed, 12 metre long, wooden ship carrying about 120 illegal immigrants. The ship ran aground in the early hours of the morning during a severe storm on 1 Sept 2006 not far from the site of the wreck of the Imperatrix 99 years earlier. One person is known to have lost his life on this occasion.
Of the Imperatrix herself, after 100 years in an exposed position, little is left other than some metal plates, ribs and a few scattered remains. None of her is visible above the water and the few identifiable parts of the ship, though in relatively shallow water at approx 15 metres deep, are only accessible by boat and then only when there are favourable winds; another reminder of the danger that lies not far behind the deceptive beauty of Elafonissi. | https://www.cretegazette.com/2007-03/imperatrix_wreck.php |
Sector hopes to catch a break as Brexit bites
Sector hopes to catch a break as Brexit bites
Climate for Change
With bureaucracy and red tape causing exports of salmon to fall dramatically, the fish farming industry is highlighting the risk to 2500 sector jobs and the need for immediate political action. By Colin Cardwell.
WHEN Tavish Scott, chief executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO), speaks of the twin challenges posed to the sector by the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, it’s with both concern and frustration. “Excessive bureaucracy” and “unacceptable red tape” are the recurring themes.
The reasons are quickly apparent: HMRC data recently published by the SSPO showed that exports of salmon have fallen by 23 per cent, with export sales of whole, fresh salmon down by £168 million in 2020, at £451m.
With farmed salmon Scotland’s number one export food export and demand remaining high both in the UK and overseas, a dramatic reduction in air transport has cut down valuable markets in the US, China and other distant destinations while exports to Europe are hampered by a burden of documentation that the SSPO believes is not fit for purpose.
In short, the ‘new normal’ is not working well enough in a sector for which freshness and delivery in one to two days is a basic and crucial requirement.
“It’s very important to both our customers and consumers and we cannot maximise this under the current system which is affecting the attractiveness of our product,” Scott points out.
“We expected that the impact of the worldwide pandemic would result in figures being down but the big concern is the significant fall in the value of exports and the underlying pressures that the sector is facing,” he says.
“While the opportunity is there for salmon farming in Scotland to be part of the recovery as the worldwide economy emerges from the Covid pandemic we need the right conditions and the right environment in which to operate.
“So we need the support of government and we need regulators to be understanding of our needs as a sector to provide healthy, nutritious food for the international marketplace and the protein that the world needs as the economies of the wider world start to pick up again.”
This sense of urgency is impelled by the dilemma faced by a sector that has 2,500 direct employees in fish farms with are another 10,000 people working in the industry right across Scotland.
Importantly, as Scott highlights, these farms range from the Northern Isles through the north coast and Western Highlands to the Outer Hebrides and Argyll and the Clyde, in rural and island areas with some 3,500 supply companies receiving £6m-£7m pounds of investment from the sector every year.
“We bring a great deal of value to Scotland, both in terms of employment by creating jobs, in the taxes that we all pay and the support that we give to government by being the country’s number one food exporter,” he says.
The sector, he believes, is also at the forefront of the Scottish Government’s sustainability ambitions: last November the SSPO published A Better Future For Us All, a charter that sets the sustainability standards the sector will meet over the coming decades with commitments to be net zero in greenhouse gas emissions before 2045, highlighting the importance of the ‘blue economy’.
Meanwhile however, flying salmon around the world, as with any other commodity, has been much more costly and much more difficult during the pandemic which is a situation that is continuing and in Europe, references to “teething problems” at new border checkpoints he says minimises and disparages the challenge of any export industry operating into the EU at the moment.
“Fundamentally we are using a system of documentation that’s designed for New Zealand lamb, not a perishable product such as salmon that needs to be out of the water, into the market and on to a plate within 48-72 hours and salmon farmers are experiencing a variety of issues getting fish to market in good time.”
Yet another issue is the fact that while the system is starting to manage with current volumes, those will rise from spring onward with fears about what that will entail as many SSPO members have delayed or reduced harvests, meaning those fish will have to be harvested soon which will rapidly increase volume.
To help address this, a new Scottish Seafood Exports Taskforce, chaired by UK Government Minister for Scotland David Duguid, met for the first time two weeks ago to discuss ongoing problems with exports, attended by UK Environment Secretary George Eustice and Fergus Ewing, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Tourism with the Scottish Government emphasising that it “is not a talking shop and we will provide evidence of delivery”.
Scott welcomes its establishment: “Paperwork – the burden of documentation and red tape – is causing endless delays in delivering salmon into the marketplace. And while we can try to overcome those problems as hard as we can, the basic issue is that this paperwork is completely inappropriate for the type of product and the timescales in which we are operating so that’s what are now seeking to address through the task force – because if we continue with the current documentation, the uncertainty of delivery times and all the problems that brings will continue.”
With the EU’s currently inflexible application of new customs regulations, however, is Scott confident that there is the potential for movement?
“I think the EU will start to become more flexible when their own companies exporting into the UK have to put up with exactly the same paperwork, which will start to happen at Easter time,” he says. “That is when we hope to begin to see a more sensible approach emerging from the European Commission because that is when it will come under pressure from member state governments – because by then they will be dealing with the same ludicrous paperchase as we are.”
Scott says that the SSPO has suggested to the new task force that both the UK and Scottish Governments work together to initiate immediate discussions with the European Commission over existing export documentation.
“That would not only simplify things for Scottish and UK exporters, but it would also assist importers from the EU into the UK domestic market which seems to me to be a win-win for producers and consumers across Europe.
“We hope that instead of playing politics with all of us, the governments will start to sort these problems out,” he says.
He is optimistic that progress can be made: “We have an excellent working relationship with government and with our partners in the regulatory sphere, with a shared agenda of moving the sector forward in a very positive way, both in terms of producing food for the marketplace and doing so by utilising the pristine marine environment in which we operate – and going forward that is the basis for a productive and sensible relationship for everybody.”
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Need to adapt inspired creation of brand where consumer comes first
WHEN global consultancy firm McKinsey and Company published its latest briefing earlier this month on how to prepare for the “next normal”, the obvious target audience might have been the financial, technical and manufacturing sectors but the implications of adapting swiftly to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic go far beyond that.
In the north west Highlands, Wester Ross Fisheries has sites at Loch Kannaird, Loch Broom and Little Loch Broom. When the company, founded in 1977 as Scotland’s oldest independent, owner-operated salmon farm was confronted by the first coronavirus lockdown last year it faced a massive loss of business as the food service sector, including the premium restaurants it supplied, was forced to shut down.
The problem extended beyond the UK, explains Managing Director Gilpin Bradley: “There was a staged global lockdown and as 70 per cent of our sales are exported we had to be very resourceful and adaptable virtually overnight.”
Then, at the end of the year, came Brexit and with countless other small companies Wester Ross Salmon had to innovate, modernise and stay resilient on two new, daunting fronts.
“We had to implement change quickly,” recalls Bradley. “Our ethos has always been to work with privately-owned, independent retailers and restaurateurs but these were suffering significantly so we had to look beyond B2B (business-to-business) to establish a B2C (business-to-consumer) sales model.”
This quickly led to the launch of Osprey Artisan Co, a new company and brand focused on online retail with a website and app at the end of summer 2020, originally tested on family and friends and noting the growing tendency of customers to order from mobile devices. Going directly to consumers required a fresh approach: “The processing team, used to loading pallets on to a truck were now being asked to make sure that they put a ‘thank you’ card or a special note into the box. That takes a very different mindset so we’ve dedicated couple of days a week to putting serious resource behind the B2C work,” he says.
The venture was underpinned by existing social media activity and Osprey Artisan as a separate brand brings the opportunity sell other Highland produce alongside salmon.
“We hope to grow our offering by diversifying our product range, collaborating with other Scottish artisan producers to build a truly premium range for our customers in the UK and internationally. There’s great produce here but it’s not always easy to get it to market – so if we can add it to a basket of other products we’re selling it helps others to generate some trade,” he says.
Highland businesses, he adds, often work quite closely together for the greater good.
“We share many of the same challenges and there’s a long history of businesses cooperating.”
Despite the pandemic, the company has increased its headcount owing to existing plans for growth. “Covid-19 certainly presented a challenge but with the exception of a few office staff, almost our entire team spends their working day at sea, which is the lowest risk environment in terms of social distancing.
“Even so, we’ve set up bubbles for each site, with minimal transfer of people between sites. You’ve just got to follow the guidelines and be careful,” says Bradley.
Despite the rapid innovations of the past year, he says the company’s culture remains the same.
“We take a real pride in the fish we are rearing. Both we and our customers are very particular about the end product that we want; namely a slow-growing, hand-reared salmon.
“That means that we, not machines or cameras, are on the water every day to feed and observe the fish.”
The article was brought to you in partnership with the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation, as part of The Herald's Climate for Change campaign.
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FORTUM CORPORATION ONLINE NEWS 30 May 2018
Fortum has signed an agreement with Swedish light electric vehicles manufacturer Clean Motion to jointly develop a battery swap system tailored specially for light electric vehicles. The primary target market for the initiative are the major taxi companies in India and other organizations with large fleets of vehicles that are in need of high uptime in their operations.
"We believe that utilizing a battery swap system will further increase the market share for electric vehicles in India. We see India as an important market. The Indian Government's vision to achieve full electric mobility by 2030 is well aligned with Fortum's vision", says Heli Antila, Fortum's CTO.
Leveraging its expertise in e-mobility solutions Fortum plans to transform the mobility scenario in India. In 2017 we agreed with NBCC on developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure across India. Being a pioneer in providing charging solutions for electric vehicles in the Nordics, Fortum plans to extend their service and be a prominent enabler towards the achievement of this vision in India as well.
Fortum Corporation
Group Communications
Further information: | https://www.fortum.com/media/2018/05/fortum-collaborates-clean-motion-accelerate-electrification-three-wheelers-india |
A bicyclist was riding along the side of a St. Johns County road on Wednesday afternoon, April 13, when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver, according to Channel 4. The station reports the collision occurred on County Road 214 between Interstate 95 and County Road 13A just before 4 p.m. where the bicyclist’s body was found on the side of the road. Troopers believe the man was riding westbound along the side of the road when he was hit by a westbound traveling motorist.
Our condolences are extended to the friends and family of this man for his sudden and tragic death.
The public is being asked to come forward with any information about who may have caused this tragic and fatal collision. The preliminary description is that the vehicle was a Nissan Xterra SUV or Nissan Frontier pickup. Witnesses also say the vehicle could be a dark blue Ford Ranger pickup.
Leaving the scene of an accident becomes a criminal act punishable by up to 30 years in state prison. If you have information about this accident, call the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office at 904-824-8304 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277- TIPS (8477), or call Traffic Homicide Investigator, Deputy J.D. McGinnis at 904-829-6595.
The Farah & Farah personal injury law firm is a member of Hit-and-Run Reward, a national program financed exclusively by U.S. personal injury attorneys who believe if you report a hit-and-run driver you will not only feel good by keeping a dangerous driver off the road, but you could receive a financial reward of $1,000 for anyone you turn in who is later convicted of the hit-and-run. This program is offered in addition to the Crime Stoppers reward program, so doing the right thing could yield you $2,000. The number for is Hit-and-Run Reward is 1-800-644-8678. The Florida bicycle crash lawyers at Farah & Farah believe fewer offenders will leave the scene of an accident if they know they will be turned in by a witness. | https://www.foryourprotection.com/bicyclist_killed_in_st_johns_county_hit_and_run_crash/ |
Study of organization chart dynamics
The service ‘Study of Organization chart Dynamics’ is offered both in person and online.
Organization chart – The effects of the cases where the schematic depiction of the organic structure or functions of a business does not always meet the actual depiction.
As known, the organization chart is necessary for the proper operation of a company, considering that it defines roles, responsibilities, as well as the extent and the limits of every role depending his position in the hierarchy. However, there are often conflicts, confusions, tensions and sometimes irregularities that lead to misunderstandings and unexplained delays or gaps in work and communication, to mention some common malfunctions.
Apart from the proper briefing of roles and responsibilities and the high motive of each employee which are the first data to be confirmed, there is often no apparent cause of tension or unpleasant climate. What happens most of the times is that the obvious responsibilities are involved with other informal and often indistinct ones that result from good intentions, friendly relationships, seniority, visible and invisible assignments, etc.
Our contribution
The study of the dynamics of the organization chart includes the investigation and study of the informal roles and responsibilities that arise from the above conditions and often collide with the obvious responsibilities of the roles in the organization chart.
The ultimate goal of this study is to align the good intentions and limit the over-involvement within the boundaries of the roles of the organization chart, and sometimes to propose its redefining so that it may utilize dynamics that already ‘catch up’ and sometimes predict developments. Consequently, any malfunctions are suppressed and new indications are given the opportunity to be taken into consideration.
In the above service, which we provide mainly through personal interviews in compliance with rules of confidentiality for better collection of information, it is necessary cooperating closely with the Management. | https://morfogenesis.eu/en/visa/study-of-organization-chart-dynamics/ |
According to the Population Reference Bureau, Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is defined as, “the average number of children a women would have assuming that current age-specific birth rates remain constant throughout her childbearing years.” Simply put, total fertility rate is the average number of children a woman would have if a she survives all her childbearing (or reproductive) years. Childbearing years are considered age 15 to 49.
The total fertility rate can be calculated using age-specific birth rates. An age-specific birth rate is the number of babies born within a 5-year increment during reproductive years. The TFR is the calculation of adding up all the age-specific birth rates for a population and multiplying by five. (The sum is multiplied by five because the age-specific birth rates are in 5-year increments.) While the TFR gives a good picture of current fertility rates of a place or a population, the TFR won’t actually predict how many children a woman will have because it’s an average; different things will factor into this for different women – location, decisions to wait to have children, etc.
As with any average, one should keep in mind outliers, both very high and very low TFRs that influence the total average for a specific population. The current total fertility rate for the world is 2.5. Influencing this are countries that have TFRs of 6 and higher such as Niger (7.6), Democratic Republic of the Congo (6.3), and Uganda (6.2). But on the other end of the spectrum are countries such as the United Kingdom (2.0), Brazil (1.8), or Japan (1.4) that have lower total fertility rates, averaging 2 or below.
Check out the World Population Data Sheet to see total fertility rates around the world, by region and country. | https://populationeducation.org/what-total-fertility-rate/ |
Inter-joint coupling strategy during adaptation to novel viscous loads in human arm movement.
When arm movements are perturbed by a load, how does the nervous system adjust control signals to reduce error? While it has been shown that the nervous system is capable of compensating for the effects of limb dynamics and external forces, the strategies used to adapt to novel loads are not well understood. We used a robotic exoskeleton [kinesiological instrument for normal and altered reaching movements (KINARM)] to apply novel loads to the arm during single-joint elbow flexions in the horizontal plane (shoulder rotation was allowed). Loads varied in magnitude with the instantaneous velocity of elbow flexion, and were applied to the shoulder in experiment 1 (interaction loads) and the elbow in experiment 2 (direct loads). Initial exposure to both interaction and direct loads resulted in perturbations at both joints, even though the load was applied to only a single joint. Subjects tended to correct for the kinematics of the elbow joint while perturbations at the shoulder persisted. Electromyograms (EMGs) and computed muscle torque showed that subjects modified muscle activity at the elbow to reduce elbow positional deviations. Shoulder muscle activity was also modified; however, these changes were always in the same direction as those at the elbow. Current models of motor control based on inverse-dynamics calculations and force-control, as well as models based on positional control, predict an uncoupling of shoulder and elbow muscle torques for adaptation to these loads. In contrast, subjects in this study adopted a simple strategy of modulating the natural coupling that exists between elbow and shoulder muscle torque during single-joint elbow movements.
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Allow Yourself to Start Over
Many of us feel stuck in the wrong job, relationship, or lifestyle because we fear that if we try something different, it will lead to even worse results.
This attitude prevents us from finding what’s best for us, but it’s also a significant cause of stress and anxiety.
“If you’re not allowed to fail, how are you ever going to learn how to succeed?” – John Wheeler
Instead of staying bogged down by how things turned out in the past, allow yourself to reset and begin anew!
Stop the Blame Game
The first step is to stop blaming yourself (or anyone else) for how your life has turned out so far—for all those things you wish were different.
Instead, acknowledge all that is good and right about your life now.
Learn to embrace the positive by practicing gratitude. And release the negativity, so it no longer holds you back.
Learning to let go of the past, whether mistakes, anger, sadness, embarrassment, or regrets, is crucial in moving on to something better.
Become more aware of your present and embrace what is before you instead of what’s behind you.
“The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence; the past is a place of learning, not a place of living.” — Denis Waitley
Hitting the Reset Button
Once you let go of the past, you can make a fresh start.
Allow yourself to be open to new possibilities, and don’t let your past dictate your future.
“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” – Albert Einstein
You might need to spend time thinking about how you’re going to do this in a balanced way that works for you.
Take your time and allow yourself to start over whenever and however it feels right for you.
Here are some ideas of how you can begin:
1. Change how you think about how things turned out.
And look for ways you can use what you’ve learned along the way to ensure better results in the future.
Instead of thinking, “I failed,” or “I made a terrible decision,” and then beating yourself up, acknowledge:
- “I’m doing the best I can.”
- “I made the best decision I could with the information I had.”
- “Things didn’t happen as I had planned, but that’s okay. I’m okay.”
- “Mistakes were made, and here is what I learned from them.”
2. Ask yourself how you can use what you’ve learned from your past to get you where you want to be in the future.
- “What did I learn from that experience?”
- “What could I have done differently?
- “How can I apply what I learned to ensure a better outcome this time?”
3. Visualize what success looks like for you, and take small steps each day to get closer to that vision.
- Picture yourself already in possession of the thing you desire. See it, feel it, believe in it.
- Create a vision board for a constant visual reminder
- Develop a daily mantra to help shift your mindset
4. Start making different choices that are more in line with how you want your life to look and feel.
This may mean making some tough decisions, such as leaving a job or relationship that’s no longer serving you.
5. Focus on your goals, and let go of the need to control how things play out.
Have faith that if you keep moving in the right direction, things will work out as they’re supposed to.
6. Release the need to be perfect, and permit yourself to make mistakes.
Cut yourself some slack; you’re human-and trying, failing, and getting back up to try again is how you learn and grow.
7. Spend time doing something that makes your heart sing.
This positive energy spills over into other parts of your life!
8. Learn to lean into your intuition.
Trust that it will guide you to making the best decisions for your life.
9. Connect with supportive people.
They will encourage you to pursue your dreams and help you overcome the challenges you’ll face.
10. Remember, you’re the only one who can decide how your life turns out.
So, if you’re not happy with how things are going, you can choose to hit reset, make adjustments, and create the life you want.
The Future Awaits You
Allow yourself a new beginning, learn how to handle things differently, and make room for more joy and fulfillment in all areas of your life.
You have nothing to lose by taking a new path and everything to gain from living a more fulfilling life.
The universe has a funny way of working things out when we allow ourselves to close one door and open another, or another still.
But it’s up to you to enjoy the journey! | https://findmorebalance.com/allow-yourself-to-start-over/ |
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Build Engineer based in Hatfield. You will be responsible for development of customer software builds to a high standard of quality and consistency within designated timescales covering but not limited to New Build Creation, New Hardware models and Build Updates.
Role Responsibility
Build Implementation - (70%)
- Provide assistance to the Build Coordinator to determine and document technical specifications for a given build
- Maintain technical specification documentation and customer-specific technical process documentation.
- Installation and configuration of Microsoft Operating Systems
- Effective delegation of build work where appropriate to 2nd Line Analysts
- Performance of Non-Standard Technical Request activity, as directed by the Build Management Team Leader
- Validation testing and subsequent report generation for customer builds presented to Build Management Team representatives
- Management of hardware and source media required for build creation
- Incident and Problem management and troubleshooting
- Maintain the highest level of working practice, with an emphasis on self-monitoring plus offering guidance
- Produce procedural documentation of build processes for the benefit of knowledge sharing and improved efficiency
- QA / Test builds and documentation
- Look to Innovate and develop existing build procedures / methods to enhance and streamline Build Management Service
Communication and Reporting - (10%)
- Liaison with Internal ISPs
- Liaison with Clients
- Adhere to escalation procedures
- Assist with technical escalations for other team members
- Monitor call queue and follow up with specialist support teams for resolution
- Adhere to customer and Computacenter Security Policies
- Report verbally and via process documentation project progress / issues to line management
- Undertake knowledge transfer to customer or third party personnel
- Work as part of a team on larger solutions
- Pro-actively share technical knowledge and advice with colleagues
- Deliver presentations to customers, as required.
Technology - (10%)
- Attend appropriate technical and personal development training courses
- Self-develop technical knowledge within applicable Technology stream
- Maintain high level of industry awareness
- Keep up-to-date with current and future technologies, products and strategies
Administration Activites - (10%)
- Management of build and document libraries
- Participate in team and sector meetings
- Utilise the Remedy tool suite to monitor progress of all incidents
- To monitor and update the call management system (Remedy & JIRA) as required
- Mentor junior members of team
- Maintain all technical documentation/Design as requested
The Ideal Candidate
Key Requirements
- More than 3 years’ experience of installation and configuration of the following Operating Systems:
- Vista & Windows 7/8/10 & respective components;
-
Windows Server 2003 / 2008 / 2012 / 2016 / 2019 & respective components
-
Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) / SCCM 2007 / 2012 experience
Knowledge of the following:
- Microsoft PowerShell and Visual Basic Script, or other object orientated programming language
- Installation and configuration of key business applications, i.e. Microsoft Office, Outlook etc.
- Operating System Registry Hives & MSI technologies
Interpersonal and professional skills:
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Demonstrable time management and negotiation skills
- Provide support and guidance to junior members of the team
- Well-presented and ability to project professional competence
- Presentation skills to technical audience
- Ability to work extensively in isolation and to tight timescales
- Ability to lead a small technical team to drive resolution of incidents and projects
- Ability to manage process and project tasks under high pressure situations
- Ability to create and QA technical documentation
Package Description
Competitive and Benefits
Location - Hatfield
About the Company
Computacenter is Europe’s leading independent IT provider, with about 15,000 employees worldwide. We work at the heart of digitalisation, advising organisations on IT strategy, implementing the most appropriate technology, optimising its performance, and managing our customers’ infrastructures. | https://jobsearch.computacenter.com/jobs/job/3rd-Line-Build-Analyst/2868 |
The protein syncytin, which is essential for formation of the placenta, originally came to the genome of our ancestors, and those of other mammals, via a retrovirus infection. Placental structures have also developed in non-mammalian vertebrates. The Mabuya lizard (pictured: image credit), which emerged 25 million years ago, has a placenta very much like those in mammals, and its development was likely driven by capture of a retroviral gene.
The genetic material of retroviruses is RNA, but during infection it is converted to DNA which then integrates into the chromosome of the cell. If the infected cell happens to be a germ cell, then the viral DNA, now called called an endogenous retrovirus, becomes a permanent part of the animal and its offspring. One of the retroviral genes, env, encoding the viral glycoprotein, has been repurposed by mammals to become the syncytin genes. These encode fusogenic proteins that are involved in the formation, by cell-cell fusion, of the syncytiotrophoblast.
Syncytins are present in all placental mammals, leading to the hypothesis that retroviral infection has driven the evolution of placental mammals from egg laying species.
Placentas are not limited to mammals – they emerged in other vertebrates, including in certain lizards in the family Scincidae. In one genus, Mabuya, (pictured), the placenta is structurally similar to the mammalian placenta.
Examination of placental RNA from the Mabuya lizard revealed the presence of transcripts from retroviral-like env genes. They are part of ancient retroviral genomes integrated in the lizard genome. The encoded proteins are synthesized in the placenta, and are fusogenic – they can cause fusion cells in which they are produced. The receptor for these lizard syncytins was identified, and shown to be also present in the placenta.
The first placenta-like structures probably arose in egg-laying vertebrates, around 400 million years ago in fish, 150 million years ago in mammals, and 25 million years ago in Mabuya lizards. It seems likely that these events took place after retrovirus infection followed by capture of env genes, which allowed fusion of cells in the placenta. This repurposing of a retroviral gene occurred randomly and rarely in evolution, but it clearly imposed an advantage, as placental-mediated live birthing has endured.
Without retroviruses, many species might still be laying eggs – and that includes humans. | https://www.virology.ws/2017/12/14/a-retrovirus-gene-drove-emergence-of-the-placenta/ |
The overall objective is to elucidate the nature and mechanism(s) of action of those host and viral encoded/induced factors which regulate the transcription of both viral and cellular genes in human cells infected with adenovirus 2 and adenovirus 2-transformed cells. We have recently shown the accurate transcription of a variety of purified genes in cell systems reconstituted with purified RNA polymerases, crude extracts or partially purified factors, and purified DNA. These include adenovirus 2 early, intermediate, and late transcription units (encoding mRNAs and VA RNAs) as well as other viral and cellular transcription units (encoding mRNAs and tRNA and 5S RNAs). We have also identified several discrete host factors which are sufficient for the transcription of host and viral genes by polymerase III and discrete factors sufficient for the transcription of host and viral genes (encoding mRNAs) transcribed by polymerase II. In a further analysis of this problem we propose (1) to purify the various host factors to homogeneity, (2) to investigate their sites and mechanisms of action, including interactions with specific DNA sites, (3) to identify viral encoded/induced factors involved in the regulation of viral gene transcription, (4) to investigate the sites and mechanisms of action of these components, (5) as part of the preceding studies, to investigate the transcription of viral nucleoprotein templates (containing cellular histones or viral core proteins) and their possible role(s) in transcriptional regulation, and (6) as part of the preceding studies, to use site-specific mutagenesis and recombinant DNA technology to determine specific DNA sequences/nucleotides important for transcription.
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Kuala Lumpur – South East Asia’s first and longest-running environmental film festival, the Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival (KLEFF) announces that its 2018 theme is “Forest, Water and Climate Change”, and will be presented in partnerships with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), River of Life (ROL), Publika Shopping Gallery, Tanamera Tropical Spa Products and Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce (KLMCC).
This year’s theme will explore the vital roles of our forests and rivers on our planet. By protecting and conserving forests and rivers, the nation’s ecological integrity will be maintained and therefore maintaining global ecological balance, connecting communities to the natural world and reducing contribution to climate change.
In its 11th year, the annual KLEFF will take place from 22nd – 28th October 2018 and will select and present close to 60 documentaries, narratives, animations, children’s films, short films and short documentaries to provide fun, entertaining, and informative fresh perspectives on a variety of environmental issues facing the Earth.
At the launch, the founder and past festival director of KLEFF, Yasmin Rasyid said, “Every year, we are impressed with the quality of environmental films that are submitted to the festival. Last year itself, films from 35 countries were screened including local premieres. And we hope that this year’s theme would encourage more film makers, local and international, to share inspiring stories around this theme, to mobilize the audience to take positive actions for the planet.”
She also added that, “All the film screenings at KLEFF will include discussions with visiting filmmakers, scientists and policy makers. We hope to engage with companies and organisations who are keen to host film screenings in venues across the country, including museums, embassies, libraries, universities and theatres so that the essence of KLEFF – the films – will be able to reach more audience and we hope this year, we can reach out to at least 30,000 viewers.
Present at today’s launch to celebrate the 11th installation of the film festival were Gayathri Velayutham (Outreach & Engagement Manager, ASEAN 9 from RSPO), Don Nazwim Don Najib (President of KLMCC), and partners from Publika, ROL and Tanamera.
Festival Director Fadly Bakhtiar said, “At KLEFF, our mission is to enhance the public’s understanding of the environment through the power of film. This year’s theme furthers that goal by highlighting the importance of forests and rivers in reversing or slowing down climate change. We are looking forward to the local and global submissions to illustrate the need and urgency to protect our planet from further environmental degradation.”
RSPO representative, Gayathri Velayutham said, “RSPO’s mission to transform the market comes with a responsibility to raise awareness and encourage the use of products that contain certified sustainable palm oil. By launching a new special category at KLEFF, we are leveraging film as a creative means to relate to more consumers and positively influence how they choose what goes into their shopping carts.”
“We are pleased with our partnership with EcoKnights and are very excited to receive and showcase films that will help shed light on environmental issues that the palm oil industry faces,” she said.
“KLMCC is proud to be supporting KLEFF this year as Commercial Partner with our hope to expand the Festival’s commercial outreach to a higher level. This is a continuation from last year’s KLMCC Malaysia Business Awards which EcoKnights was one of the proud recipients, and we are committed with this collaboration.” said Don Nazwim Don Najib, President of KLMCC.
Highlights of the Festival include:
- A Green Market featuring planet-friendly product and services by local and international NGOs, social enterprises and charities. Application to be an exhibitor at the Green Market is will be open at kleff.my
- Festival Poster Competition aims to bring about all talents in visualizing their creativity and pouring it onto a canvas, in which the best poster will be featured as the main face for KLEFF collaterals on an international platform.
- Act for SDGs Application are open and we invite organisations to host various activities in relation with environmental, culture and social, by utilizing this platform to reach out a more diversify crowd throughout the festival week.
- Free Workshops for University Partners of KLEFF, unlike previous years of engagement, this year we will be inviting existing film makers to mentor the participants in starting their own films, together with special guests to share insights on the special film category.
About the Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival (KLEFF)
KLEFF is the country’s largest and longest-running environmental film festival. The 2018 Festival theme is “Forests, Water and Climate Change” and will take place from 22nd to 28th October 2018 at Publika Mall and various other locations in the city centre. Close to 60 films will be screened over the festival weekend, including a wide range of fun and entertaining programs and activities promoting sustainable living. For more information about KLEFF, do visit www.kleff.my or its Facebook (Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival) and Instagram (@KLEFF_MY) page.
About the EcoKnights
EcoKnights is a not for profit organization that aims to build a nation of ecologically conscious businesses, individuals, and communities who engage in sustainable living practices. It promotes Sustainable Consumption and Production under the United Nation Development Program pillars Sustainable Development Goals. It serves the community through development-led interventions from education and awareness programs to research; and public participation programs to consultation.
About the Kuala Lumpur Malay Chambers of Commerce (KLMCC)
KLMCC is a business-driven leadership organization aimed to improve the quality of business community through the development of regional economic prosperity and directly benefitting the members and the community.
About the Round table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
RSPO is a not for profit organization that aims to transform the market to make sustainable palm oil the norm through development and implementation of the Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO) global standards for sustainable palm oil.
About the River of Life (ROL)
ROL is a public outreach program that aims to foster partnerships and improve attitudes and behaviours of target groups to reduce pollution in the Klang River. The main objective of ROL is to generate evidential improvement in attitudes and behaviours of target groups within the Project Area towards river care and preservation in order to improve water quality and reduce pollution within the project area.
About Tanamera Tropical Spa Products (Tanamera)
Tanamera means Red Earth in the Malay language; a fitting name for our range of products as each one is carefully made from raw materials sourced from rich and luscious tropical rainforests. This product range is created based on Asian tropical spa treatments and is conveniently packaged to be used at home, while travelling, or for use in professional spas. Tanamera’s logo also personifies everything we represent – natural remedies, eco- friendly products and packaging, traditional Asian treatments and the healing power of tropical herbs and essences. | https://kleff.my/environmental-film-festival-launches-in-kuala-lumpur-with-forest-water-and-climate-change-theme/ |
If you're just starting out in a career as a social worker, you may have heard the term graduated disengagement spoken by some of your co-workers. It's the last step in the seven core helping principles practiced by social workers, and it's designed to give clients the self-reliance to become functional members of society again after receiving help.
The Seven Core Principles of Social Work
The first step is engagement, which is simply the process of becoming familiar with a client and fostering an active relationship of support and advocacy. The role of advocate is actually a fundamental part of every step in the process. After becoming acquainted with a client, the social worker then begins an assessment of his or her needs as an individual. An assessment is also an opportunity to prepare the client for the stage of self-reliance when the social worker gradually becomes disengaged and checks on progress only periodically.
See: What is the History of the Social Work Profession?
After conducting a thorough assessment and writing down any observations or concerns, the social worker begins treatment planning with the client to discuss the best options for the situation. Treatment planning can take into consideration doctor's visits, job interviews, drug rehabilitation, visits with children or any other activities that help the client get to the final stage of disengagement. Advocacy is especially important in this stage and the next one to ensure that the client has the proper motivation and necessary support to get through the process.
Implementation, Monitoring and Disengagement
After planning the treatment strategy, the social worker begins implementing the process with the client. This step can take a few weeks for some cases or several years for others. When there are children involved, they can end up in foster care for the remainder of their childhood, and the social worker will remain involved until the child becomes an adult. In these cases, the graduated disengagement phase can begin early and last until the child graduates from high school and leaves the foster care system.
By this point, the child will be ready to enter college or begin working full-time and taking care of himself. However, the therapy and monitoring phases can continue as long as necessary. These stages are the last two steps before gradually becoming disengaged, but monitoring doesn't suddenly stop when the client stops receiving support from the case worker. Therapy and monitoring continue after disengagement, but the client is no longer dependent on the social care system.
Managing Risks
All of these steps in the process present their own sets of risks and opportunities, and social workers need to be protected against the risks of working with vulnerable people. There are malpractice and general liability risks involved in all the early stages of the process, and lawsuits against social workers often arise after the client has become disengaged with the system. Although most social workers do their job out of a sense of altruism, they're still liable for mental and physical injuries suffered by the client. A person who receives help from a social worker may be advised by an attorney to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for an injury.
Social work is a noble profession, and it helps the most vulnerable people get acclimated to society. If you're a social worker, you'll become very familiar with the seven helping functions of social work, and as you work with clients, you'll ultimately want to focus all your effort on their graduated disengagement. | https://www.socialworkdegreeguide.com/faq/what-is-graduated-disengagement/ |
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G. M. Richter, D. A. Bateman, J. T. Flynn, M. F. Chiang; Accuracy of Vermont Oxford Network Database for Retinopathy of Prematurity Data. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2008;49(13):1449.
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© ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)
Purpose: :
Large-scale administrative databases, such as those operated by Medicare and health maintenance organizations, are often used to support clinical research and process improvement in ophthalmology and other fields. Clinical databases, such as the Vermont Oxford Network (VON), contain data from chart review by trained health professionals and have a higher level of quality control. These databases represent secondary sources of original medical data and are therefore subject to error. The purpose of this study was to measure the accuracy of the VON database (http://www.vtoxford.org), a widely used research and quality assurance collaborative network among over 700 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) throughout the world, for characterization of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examination findings among hospitalized premature infants at one participating center.
Methods: :
Retrospective chart review was performed to identify all unique infants hospitalized at the Columbia University NICU from 1/1/2002 to 12/31/2005 who received ROP screening exams. Data were collected on ROP parameters in the format used by the VON database: most severe stage in either eye, and whether laser photocoagulation or other surgical treatment was performed in either eye. Chart review findings were compared to patient-matched VON entries.
Results: :
445 patients received ROP screening exams at the study center during this period, of whom 414 met criteria for VON participation based on birth weight and age at hospital admission. Among these 414 study infants, 293 (70.8%) had accurate ROP exam data recorded in the VON database, and 121 (29.2%) had errors in ROP exam data. Of these errors, 79 (19.1%) involved ROP stage, 13 (3.1%) involved ROP treatment, and 35 (8.5%) involved complete absence of ROP exam data.
Conclusions: :
There were substantial inaccuracies regarding ROP exam data from the study center in the VON database. This raises potential concerns about the use of administrative and clinical databases for medical research, quality management, and process review involving ROP and other diseases. Further work is required to determine whether this finding is generalizable across multiple study centers. | https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2376903&resultClick=1 |
This is the third of a series of articles discussing various tests done to compare the efficiency of different approaches to coding.
Example databases are provided in each case so the same tests can be done on your own workstations
This was written in response to a side issue raised by Access World Forums member The_Doc_Man in the dbEngine(0)(0) vs Currentdb thread.
Both of the methods can be used to pause code giving the processor time to complete the previous task before continuing
The_Doc_Man wrote:
The difference between DbEngine.Idle dbRefreshCache and DoEvents is that the former is a DBEngine-only event, whereas DoEvents allows any pending Windows events from ANY PROCESS a shot at the system resources.
Stated another way, the .Idle method waits for a specific and narrowly-crafted event to occur whereas the DoEvents action allows even lower priority processes a shot at the CPU resource. As such, even if nothing is pending, it involves an O/S non-I/O call. To be clear, the difference is the nature of the O/S process scheduler event. The .Idle call is a voluntary wait state based on your process priority but the DoEvents is not.
Granted, on any multi-CPU or multi-threaded system, the odds of having to wait very long will drop significantly with the number of CPU threads. I have almost NEVER seen my system with 3 CPUs busy at once. (It has four CPU threads.)
Therefore, the .Idle method is faster because less can happen while you are waiting AND because less code has to execute to get to and then back out of the wait state.
I mainly use DoEvents to build in a processing delay to allow the display to update progress.
This can be in the form of a progress bar and/or a message like 'Test 3 ; Loop 4 of 10'.
Doing either is useful to show users something is happening but it does create a performance 'hit'. In other words it makes the processing a bit slower.
Until now, I've rarely used DbEngine.Idle dbRefreshCache so I adapted my speed test database to do so.
Once again, I used 6 tests to compare the effect of using:
1. DoEvents after each record added
2. DoEvents after each loop
3. dbEngine.Idle dbRefreshCache after each record
4. dbEngine.Idle dbRefreshCache after each loop
5. Using the Sleep API to build in a fixed 10 millisecond delay after each loop
6. No delay between events
I used Set db=CurrentDB and db.Execute for each test.
Each test was repeated 10 times and average times calculated.
These are the average results on a slow desktop PC with 4 GB RAM:
These are the same results as a report
Summary:
Using DoEvents after each record created a significant delay. Unless you need that level of progress detail it is detrimental.
Using Idle dbRefreshCache after each record produced a smaller performance hit (for the reasons explained so clearly by The_Doc_Man)
Using Idle dbRefreshCache after each loop was the fastest of all BUT both tests 3 & 4 made the progress indicator perform erratically - the CPU just didn't have time to keep up.
Using DoEvents after each loop was almost as fast and the progress indicator behaved perfectly.
As expected, having a fixed delay using the Sleep API was much slower as it means the processor may be paused longer than needed.
Perhaps surprisingly, having no delay wasn't the fastest method even though I switched off the progress indicator for that test.
I also tested this on a laptop (faster as 8GB RAM) & a tablet (slow - 2GB RAM).
Whilst the times were different, the relative order was the same on each device.
Conclusions:
If you want a progress indicator, use DoEvents at appropriate intervals (e.g. after each loop) which allow the display to be updated without a significant performance hit.
If progress displays aren't important, use dbEngine.Idle dbRefreshCache instead ... at suitable intervals. You can always use the hourglass and/or a fixed message 'Updating records....' so the user knows something is happening.
NOTE:
The attached example database also includes code to give detailed computer information. | https://isladogs.co.uk/speed-comparison-tests-3/index.html |
Masi received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Conservation of Natural Resources and a Master’s degree in Wildlife, Aquatic, and Wildlands Science and Management from Texas Tech University. While attending Texas Tech University, she conducted research on the factors that influence natural resource professionals and students to pursue careers in the field. Additionally, Masi served as a mentor for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Idaho.
Masi currently serves as an Ambassador for Latino Outdoors and is a Diversity and Inclusion Council Member for the Aldo Leopold Foundation. She is knowledgeable in the factors that hinder individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation and is excited to work with the East Foundation to have a meaningful impact on the youth of South Texas. Masi and her husband Joseph reside in Encinal Texas. | https://eastfoundation.net/news/2016/august/east-foundation-welcomes-contract-educator/ |
The utility model discloses an asphalt and aggregate adhesiveness test device. A water tank is formed on a base; a temperature control electric furnace which is positioned on the outer surface of the bottom of the water tank is arranged on the base; an asbestos gauze is arranged between the temperature control electric furnace and the water tank; a wire gauze is arranged on the upper side wall of the water tank; at least two sample cups are arranged on the wire gauze; aggregate particles which are coated by asphalt are arranged in the sample cups; a water pump which is communicated with the inner part of the water tank is arranged on the base; rainwater is filled in the water tank; a water spraying pipe which is positioned right above the water tank is arranged on a water outlet pipe of the water pump; sprayers which are communicated with the inner part of the water spraying pipe are arranged on the lower surface of the water spraying pipe; the number of the sprayers is equal to that of the sample cups; and a thin wire is arranged at the lower end of each sprayers, and the lower end of the thin wire is connected to the aggregate particles which are coated by the asphalt. The asphalt and aggregate adhesiveness test device has the advantages that the defect of repeated parallel test is overcome, at least two aggregates are prepared under the same condition, experiment errors are reduced, experiment accuracy is ensured, time is saved, experiment efficiency is improved, and test cost is reduced. | |
Wikipedia,
Chandrayaan-1, (Sanskrit: चंद्रयान-१, lit: Moon-vehicle pronunciation (help·info)) is India's first mission to the Moon launched by India's national space agency the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The unmanned lunar exploration mission includes a lunar orbiter and an impactor. India launched the spacecraft by a modified version of the PSLV, PSLV C11 on 22 October 2008 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh about 80 km north of Chennai at 06:22 IST (00:52 UTC). The mission is a major boost to India's space program, as India competes with Asian nations China and Japan in exploring the Moon. The vehicle was successfully inserted into lunar orbit on 8 November 2008.
On November 14, 2008, the Moon Impact Probe separated from the Moon-orbiting Chandrayaan at 20:06 and impacted the lunar south pole in a controlled manner, making India the fourth country to place its flag on the Moon. The MIP impacted near the crater Shackleton, at the lunar south pole, at 20:31 on 14 November 2008 releasing subsurface debris that could be analysed for presence of water ice.
The estimated cost for the project is Rs. 386 crore (US$ 80 million).
The remote sensing lunar satellite had a weight of 1,380 kilograms (3,042 lb) at launch and 675 kilograms (1,488 lb) in lunar orbitand carries high resolution remote sensing equipment for visible, near infrared, and soft and hard X-ray frequencies. Over a two-year period, it is intended to survey the lunar surface to produce a complete map of its chemical characteristics and 3-dimensional topography. The polar regions are of special interest, as they might contain ice. The lunar mission carries five ISRO payloads and six payloads from other international space agencies including NASA, ESA, and the Bulgarian Aerospace Agency, which were carried free of cost.
Objectives
The stated scientific objectives of the mission are:
Specifications
Specific areas of study
Payloads
The scientific payload has a total mass of 90 kg and contains six Indian instruments and five foreign instruments.
Indian Payloads
Payload from Other countries
Space flightThis video entitles the launch of Indian Lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-1 by PSLV C11.
Chandrayaan-1 was launched on 22 October 2008 at 6.22 am IST from Satish Dhawan Space Centre using ISRO's 44.4 metre tall four-stage PSLV launch rocket, and it took 21 days to reach final lunar orbit. ISRO's telemetry, tracking and command network (ISTRAC) at Peenya in Bangalore, will track and control Chandrayaan-1 over the next two years of its life span.
Chandrayaan-1 was sent to the Moon in a series of orbit-increasing manoeuvres around Earth instead of a direct shot to the Moon. At launch the spacecraft was inserted into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) with an apogee of 22,860 km and a perigee of 255 km. The apogee was increased with a series of five orbit burns conducted over a period of 13 days after launch.
100 days of Chandrayaan-1 launch
Scientists from India, US and Europe conducted high-level review of Chandrayaan-1 on January 29, 2009 after the Chandrayaan-1 completed its 100 days in space.
Earth orbit burns
The first orbit-raising manoeuvre of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was performed at 09:00 hrs IST on 23 October 2008 when the spacecraft’s 440 Newton Liquid Engine was fired for about 18 minutes by commanding the spacecraft from Spacecraft Control Centre (SCC) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Peenya, Bangalore. With this Chandrayaan-1’s apogee was raised to 37,900 km, and its perigee to 305 km. In this orbit, Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft took about 11 hours to go around the Earth once.
The second orbit-raising manoeuvre of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was carried out on 25 October 2008 at 05:48 IST when the spacecraft’s engine was fired for about 16 minutes, raising its apogee to 74,715 km, and its perigee to 336 km, thus completing 20 percent of its journey. In this orbit, Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft took about twenty-five and a half hours to go round the Earth once. This is the first time an Indian spacecraft has gone beyond the 36,000 km high geostationary orbit and reached an altitude more than twice that height.
The third orbit raising manoeuvre was initiated on 26 October 2008 at 07:08 IST when the spacecraft’s engine was fired for about nine and a half minutes. With this its apogee was raised to 164,600 km, and the perigee to 348 km. In this orbit, Chandrayaan-1 took about 73 hours to go around the Earth once.
The fourth orbit raising manoeuvre was carried out on 29 October 2008 at 07:38 IST when the spacecraft’s engine was fired for about three minutes, raising its apogee to 267,000 km and the perigee to 465 km. This extended its orbit to a distance more than half the way to the Moon. In this orbit, the spacecraft took about six days to go around the Earth once.
The fifth and final orbit raising manoeuvre was carried out on 4 November 2008 04:56 am IST when the spacecraft’s engine was fired for about two and a half minutes resulting in Chandrayaan-1 entering the Lunar Transfer Trajectory with an apogee of about 380,000 km.
Lunar orbit insertion
Chandrayaan-1 successfully completed the lunar orbit insertion operation on 8th Nov 2008 at 16:51 IST. This manoeuvre involved firing of the liquid engine for 817 seconds (about thirteen and half minutes) when the spacecraft passed within 500 km from the Moon. The satellite was placed in an elliptical orbit that passed over the polar regions of the Moon, with 7502 km aposelene (point farthest away from the Moon) and 504 km periselene (nearest to the Moon). The orbital period was estimated to be around 11 hours. With the successful completion of this operation, India became the fifth nation to put a vehicle in lunar orbit.
First Lunar Orbit Reduction Manoeuvre of Chandrayaan-1 was carried out successfully on 9 November 2008 at 20:03 IST. During this, the engine of the spacecraft was fired for about 57 seconds. This reduced the periselene from 504 km to 200 km while aposelene remained unchanged at 7,502 km. In this elliptical orbit, Chandrayaan-1 took about ten and a half hours to circle the Moon once.
This manoeuvre, which resulted in steep decrease in Chandrayaan-1’s aposelene from 7,502 km to 255 km and its periselene from 200 km to 187 km, was carried out on 10 November 2008 at 21:58 IST. During this manoeuvre, the engine was fired for about 866 seconds (about fourteen and half minutes). Chandrayaan-1 took two hours and 16 minutes to go around the Moon once in this orbit.
Third Lunar Orbit Reduction was carried out by firing the on board engine for 31 seconds on 11 November 2008 at 18:30 IST. This reduced the periselene from 187 km to 101 km, while the aposelene remained constant at 255 km. In this orbit Chandrayaan-1 took two hours and 9 minutes to go around the Moon once.
Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft was successfully placed into a mission-specific lunar polar orbit of 100 km above the lunar surface on 12 November 2008. In the final orbit reduction manoeuvre, Chandrayaan-1’s aposelene was reduced from 255 km to 100 km while the periselene was reduced from 101 km to 100 km. In this orbit, Chandrayaan-1 takes about two hours to go around the Moon once. Two of the 11 payloads – the Terrain Mapping Camera (TMC) and the Radiation Dose Monitor (RADOM) – have already been successfully switched on. The TMC has successfully taken pictures of both the Earth and the Moon.
Injection of MIP on lunar surface
The Moon Impact Probe (MIP) crash-landed on the lunar surface on 14 November 2008, 15:01 UTC (20:31 Indian Standard Time (IST)) near the crater Shackleton at the south pole. The MIP was one of eleven scientific instruments (payloads) onboard Chandrayaan-1.
The MIP separated from Chandrayaan at 100 km from lunar surface and began its nosedive at 14:36 UTC (20:06 IST) going into a free fall for thirty minutes. As it fell, it kept sending information back to the mother satellite which, in turn, beamed the information back to Earth. The altimeter then also began recording measurements to prepare for a rover to land on the lunar surface during a second Moon mission planned for 2012. When the MIP was closer to the surface, rockets were fired to slow down its speed and to soften impact.
Following the successful deployment of MIP, the other scientific instruments were turned on one-by-one starting the next phase of the two-year mission.
Rise in space craft temperature
ISRO had reported on 25 November, 2008 that Chandrayaan-1's temperature had risen above normal to 50°C, they said that it had occurred due to higher than normal temperatures in lunar orbit. The temperature has been brought down by about 10°C by rotating the space craft by 20 degrees and switching off some of the instruments. Subsequently ISRO reported on 27 November, 2008 that the space craft was operating under normal temperature conditions. In subsequent reports ISRO says, since the space craft is still recording higher than normal temperatures, it will be running only one instrument at a time until January 2009 when lunar orbital temperature conditions are said to stabilise. The space craft was experiencing these high temperatures because it is currently over the sunlit side of the Moon, where it will be receiving energy both from the Sun and infrared radiation given off by the Moon.
Mapping of minerals
The mineral content on the lunar surface has been mapped with Moon Mineralogy Mapper(M3), a NASA instrument on board the orbiter. The presence of iron has been reiterated and changes in rock and mineral composition has been identified. Orientale Basin region of the Moon has been mapped, indicating abundance of iron-bearing minerals such as pyroxene.
Mapping of Apollo landing sites
The landing sites of the Apollo Moon missions have been mapped by the orbiter using multiple payloads. Six of the sites have been mapped including that of Apollo 11, the first mission that put humans on the Moon.
Chandrayaan beams back 40,000 images in 75 days
Chandrayaan-1 has transmitted more than 40,000 images of different types since its launch on October 22, 2008, which many in ISRO believe is quite a record compared to the lunar flights of other nations. ISRO officials estimated that if more than 40,000 images have been transmitted by Chandrayaan's cameras in 75 days, it worked out to nearly 535 images being sent daily. They are first transmitted to Indian Deep Space Network at Byalalu near Bangalore, from where they are flashed to ISRO's Telemetry Tracking And Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bangalore.
They said some of these images have a resolution of up to 5-metre providing a sharp and clear picture of the Moon's surface. On the other hand, they said many images sent by some of the other missions had a 100-metre resolution.
On November 26, the indigenous Terrain Mapping Camera, which was first activated on October 29, 2008, took shots of peaks along with craters. This came as a surprise to ISRO officials because the Moon consists mostly of craters.
Detection of X-Ray signals
The X-ray signatures of aluminium, magnesium and silicon were picked up by the C1XS X-ray camera. The signals were picked up during a solar flare that caused an X-ray fluorescence phenomenon. The flare that caused the fluorescence was weaker that the minimum the C1XS was designed to sense but was still picked up, highlighting its sensitivity.
Full Earth image
On March 25, 2009 Chandrayaan beamed back the first images of the Earth in its entirety. These images were taken with the TMC. Previous imaging has been done on only part of the Earth. The new images show Asia, parts of Africa and Australia with India being in the center.
Chandrayaan-1 orbit raised to 200 km from moon
After the successful completion of all the major mission objectives, the orbit of Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, which was at a height of 100 km from the lunar surface since November 2008, has now been raised to 200 km. The orbit raising manoeuvres were carried out between 0900 and 1000 hours IST on May 19, 2009. The spacecraft in this higher altitude will enable further studies on orbit perturbations, gravitational field variation of the Moon and also enable imaging lunar surface with a wider swath.
Team
The scientists considered instrumental to the success of the Chandrayaan-1 project are:
Chandrayaan-2
ISRO is also planning a second version of Chandrayaan named Chandrayaan II. According to ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair, "The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) hopes to land a motorised rover on the Moon in 2012, as a part of its second Chandrayaan mission. The rover will be designed to move on wheels on the lunar surface, pick up samples of soil or rocks, do on-site chemical analysis and send the data to the mother-spacecraft Chandrayaan II, which will be orbiting above. Chandrayaan II will transmit the data to Earth."
NASA Lunar Outpost
According to Ben Bussey, senior staff scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, Chandrayaan's imagery will be used to decide the future Lunar outpost that NASA has recently announced. Bussey told SPACE.com, "India's Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter has a good shot at further identifying possible water ice-laden spots with a US-provided low-power imaging radar." Bussey advised — one of two US experiments on the Indian Moon probe. "The idea is that we find regions of interest with Chandrayaan-1 radar. We would investigate those using all the capabilities of the radar on NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter", Bussey added, "a Moon probe to be launched late in 2008." (The LRO was launched June 18th, 2009).
Images and Video Obtained by Chandrayaan-1
See also
External links
Text from Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Published - July 2009
Please see some ads intermixed with other content from this site: | https://www.airports-worldwide.com/articles/article0102.php |
An apparatus for simulating the environment at the surface of Mars has been developed. Within the apparatus, the pressure, gas composition, and temperature of the atmosphere; the incident solar visible and ultraviolet (UV) light; and the attenuation of the light by dust in the atmosphere can be simulated accurately for any latitude, season, or obliquity cycle over the entire geological history of Mars. The apparatus also incorporates instrumentation for monitoring chemical reactions in the simulated atmosphere. The apparatus can be used for experiments in astrobiology, geochemistry, aerobiology, and aerochemistry related to envisioned robotic and human exploration of Mars. Moreover, the apparatus can be easily adapted to enable similar experimentation under environmental conditions of (1) the surfaces of moons, asteroids, and comets, and (2) the upper atmospheres of planets other than Mars: in particular, it can be made to simulate conditions anywhere in the terrestrial atmosphere at altitudes up to about 100 km.
The apparatus (see figure) includes a cylindrical stainless-steel chamber, wherein the simulated atmospheric pressure is maintained between set points by means of a vacuum pump and a throttle valve controlled by an electronic pressure controller. The pressure can be set at any level from ambient down to 0.1 mb (100 Pa). A commercially available Martian-atmosphere-simulating mixture of gases (95.54% CO2 + 2.7% N2 + 1.6% Ar + 0.13% O2 + 0.03% H2O) is delivered from a tank to the chamber through a mass-flow controller. The primary temperature-control system is a commercially available unit that includes a cold plate in the chamber and that utilizes liquid nitrogen to reach the lowest temperatures. The temperature-control system can be programmed to maintain any temperature between –100 and +160 °C and/or to impose diurnal heating and cooling cycles.
Ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), and near-infrared light (IR) are supplied to the inside of the chamber through fused-silica glass ports. In the original Mars version of the apparatus, the UV light is generated by a xenon-arc lamp and can be adjusted to any realistic current or ancient Martian UV flux density. To suppress spurious thermal IR radiation, a water filter between the xenon-arc lamp and the chamber attenuates near- and mid-infrared light. The light-attenuating effects of dust in the atmosphere are simulated by means of a series of neutral-density filters, ranging from an optical depth of 0.1 (representing a dust-free sky) to an optical depth of 3.5 (representing a global dust storm). | https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/techbriefs/physical-sciences/5542 |
Decorative Book Lamp in Charcoal Shagreen (VH-LAMP-CHAR-SHAG)
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A unique home accessory - Can be used as a table or bookshelf lamp.
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Overall height 23"
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Book dimensions: 6" wide x 10" tall x 7" deep.
Shade: 6" x 7.5" x 9" | https://vellumhome.com/products/book-lamp-in-charcoal-shagreen-vh-lamp-char-shag |
What is a One-sided Limit?
A one-sided limit is either of the two limits of a function of a variable as the variable approaches a specified point from either above or below. The picture below graphs out the two one-sided limits of a function.
Image from mathwarehouse.com
The limit of a function f(x) of a real variable x is the value l which f(x) approaches as x approaches some value x0. Formally:
Sometimes f(x) approaches different values when x approaches x0 from different directions; this happens in the case of a jump discontinuity. [Steal the image we use for Jump Discontinuity, and re-use it here.] In this case, f(x) can't be said to have a unique limit at x0, but it may well have two one-sided limits: one as x approaches from the left, and one as x approaches from the right.
One-sided vs. Two Sided
Two-sided limits exist and are equal if the limit of a function of a variable as it approaches a specified point exists. Occasionally, one of the two-sided limits exists and the other does not, or sometimes neither limit exists. Referring to limits as two-sides distinguishes it from the one-sided limits from the right and/or the left. | https://deepai.org/machine-learning-glossary-and-terms/one-sided-limit |
Hello,
Eric and I are looking for a farm/ranch sitter as we have not been able to travel together for several years....
Our "kids" (four leggeds) are all rescues, each with their unique story and baggage and all in different phases of their rehabilitation. I am a nurse, working in Portland during the week while Eric is home-based, garlic farming and running the ranch. We enjoy horseback riding, cycling, hiking, and paddling. We would simply like to find the right person or persons, to entrust our kids too so that we might travel together once in a while. + More info
Our Home & Location
We live in a forested transition zone - between the Cascade Mtns and the high desert, approximately one hour from Hood River, Oregon and a half hour from Goldendale, Washington. We purchased 28 raw acres 16 years ago, salvaged a gambrel barn, rebuilt it on the property and called it home. We live entirely off-grid, via solar and wind power with a generator for back up. There are two seasonal creeks that run through the swale with riding and footpaths throughout. The property is on a 2000 foot plateau above the Klickitat River Canyon, in the foothills of Mt Adams, as the crow flies. We are 30 minutes from the Scenic Columbia River Gorge which is a sport's enthusiast's paradise of hiking, cycling, windsurfing, kite-boarding, and paddling.
Responsibilities & Pets
Our place is not for the feign of heart. While comfortable, the house is a work in progress and our life is quite rustic......if you need a TV or dishwasher, this is not the place. Daily chores would include feeding & watering wild birds, horses, goats, dogs, and cats twice daily, as well as manure and waste management. The AM & PM chores take approximately 90 minutes to two hours each. Following the AM feeding and mucking, you would take dogs and goats on a 40 minute to hour-long hike through the woods where they enjoy grazing, hunting ground squirrels, games of keep away and fetch. Grooming and pets are always welcome and you can expect a couple of bed buddies at night. Some of the kids require daily medications and since they are rescues, you may need to break up the occasional dog squirmish. You would also need to be knowledgable of horses, able to recognize signs of colic or other distress, dress a wound and medicate orally as needed. Depending on the time of year, there may be some watering of outdoor vegetable, herb, and flower gardens. Since we are off-grid, you will have to pay cursory attention to the house's operating power system, the well's solar system and the water levels in the reservoir. Ideally, you would arrive a few days in advance of our departure dates to learn all of this. We would only be traveling during the easier months - excluding snow and fire seasons - and would be in touch with you daily by phone to answer any questions that arise. | https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-assignments/united-states/washington/goldendale/l/367252/ |
This article applies to: all versions of AOMEI Partition Assistant.
Introduction:
Error description: Failed to update BCD file. Please use Windows Installation CD to amend it.
BCD(Boot Configuration Data) file is used to save the boot information and partition parameters for the systems. Partition Assistant will update BCD file after having changed the system partition’s or boot partition’s position, either when the disk ID has been changed after copying and migrating system. You will be given this error code when the process of updating BCD fails.
Solutions:
Situation 1: If the system is able to boot after receiving the error, then you can pay no attention to it. Otherwise you should redo the partition operation by WinPE boot media created by AOMEI Partition Assistant with Make Bootable Media function.
Situation 2: If your system failed to start, you may try to amend BCD with Windows 7/8 installation CD or with a third-party tool like EasyBCD. If you knows the bcdedit command line inside out, you may also try to rebuild BCD file with the command line from Windows 7 System Repair Disc.
If there is still any problem, please feel free to contact our AOMEI Support Team. | https://www.aomeitech.com/kb/partitionassistant/error-code-37-1031.html |
With the latest Lilly Pulitzer scandal caused by inappropriate fat-shaming drawings in their office space, the discussion opens again about how much fashion industry really cares about plus size women. Is “overweight” a taboo in the fashion world or are we ready to let “plus size” enter the glamorous fashion world?
Ted Baker
Pastel Petals Part II
Time to open the secret garden’s gate again to walk around the charming ponds and admire the blooming flowers. So come in and follow me!
Pastel Petals Part I
Pastels: soft, delicate, light hues of color, so loved by Eugène Boudin and Claude Monet. Petals: romantic allegory of fragility, softness and bloom of woman’s skin.
Welcome to the secret garden of floral pattern and pastel palette. | https://pursefixation.com/tag/ted-baker/ |
TeslaCon 5 takes a Journey to the Center of the Earth November 7, 8 and 9th, 2014. The well-attended (and sold out!) con provides an immersive experience for steampunks. There will be live music, maker panels, dinosaurs and subterranean mystery. TeslaCon 5 will be held at the Marriott Hotel at 1313 John Q Hammons Drive, Middleton, WI.
For those remaining in the Chicago, there are two bands making rare appearances. Gloomy troubadour Eli August specializes in capturing heartbreak, but the addition of his backing band the Abandoned Buildings adds a bounce to his blues. They play the Elbo Room at 2871 N Lincoln, Chicago, on November 8th. The $5 show is 21+.
Grammy-nominated cult band the Tiger Lillies bring their songs of blood and blasphemy to the Portage Theatre for two nights. They will be playing creepy cabaret and punked-up polkas on November 7 & 8th. The Portage Theatre is at 4050 N Milwaukee, Chicago. Tickets are available through http://www.theportagetheater.com/event/672439-tiger-lillies-grammy-chicago/. | http://steampunkchicago.com/articles/a-journey-to-teslacon-5-or-chicago/ |
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Our locations are just as diverse and international as our teams. A total of around 2,000 colleagues work in Germany, Portugal and India. | https://www.vwgis.de/en/unternehmen/standorte.html |
Examples:
(Audio generated by Sibelius/NotePerformer)
Johann Nepomuk Hummel was born in Pressburg (now in Hungary) in November 1778. He was something of a prodigy, starting his musical tuition at the age of three and was able to play the piano so well by the age of six that he became a member of Mozart's household for two years. In parallels with Mozart's life he and his father made a successful tour of several European countries, returning to Vienna in 1793.
He continued his studies there with composers such as Haydn and Salieri, eventually becoming one of the most celebrated virtuoso pianists of the time. It is probable that the professional rivalry between Beethoven and Hummel started during his early years in Vienna as they both had the same tutors. Opinion was divided on who was the better performer: Hummel, known for his open and modest character, was probably more exact in his playing than the more complex character of Beethoven — although the record of the rivalry is coloured by the clearly partisan approach of the writers of the time. Despite this there was a respectful friendship between the two composers and Hummel played at Beethoven's memorial concert, fulfilling the latter's wishes.
Hummel was a prolific composer for piano, but he also wrote chamber, concerti, orchestral and choral music, including operas and masses. His style is classical and when he died in 1837 a musical era that started with Haydn and Mozart came to an end.
This Notturno (Op. 99) was originally written for piano (four hands) with a pair of optional French horns. Hummel himself arranged it for flute (or oboe) and orchestra (Op. 102); later Glinka arranged it for 2 violins and orchestra. The arrangement here is by J.D. Rose about whom we have no information. It was probably arranged for a military band style of ensemble during the mid to late 19th Century. The original cover indicates that it was arranged for Piccolo, Clarinet in F, 3 Clarinets in B flat, 2 Horns, 2 Bassoons Trumpet and Trombone. However the parts are clearly marked for Flautino in F (Piccolo) and Bass Trombone (Trombone).
Flautino in F
During the 19th Century wind bands consisting entirely of flutes of various sizes were popular. These sizes and, therefore, pitches were named and written according to a different scheme to that which is common today. Instruments were named according to the lower note that was produced when all six fingers were down. For example on bassoons this is G, on a clarinet it is g, and on flutes (and oboes, cor anglais and saxophones) it is d. However only on a modern orchestral flute and oboe does it actually sound as d. For example, within this scheme an orchestral piccolo produces a d when all six fingers are down; however the note is written as d meaning that it sounds an octave above the flute for the same written note. This is why a Flautino in F is written in E flat.
The Flautino in F for which this Notturno is scored would seem to be the F Piccolo instrument. However the part indicates several instrument changes that may make this uncertain:
The Soprano or F Flute sounds a minor third higher than the concert flute and has, at times, been referred to as the Terzflöte, Flauto 3tio, or Third flute. It is difficult to know whether this was a term used interchangeably with Flautino in F or whether it was a separate instrument (thus requiring the use of three instruments within the single part). The current edition reproduces the original part, together with a suggested part using modern orchestral piccolo and flute.
Clarinetto in F
This clarinet was popular amongst bands of the early to middle 19th Century but has now completely disappeared from use. This edition gives an E-flat part (as well as the original F) for this clarinet. | http://www.hopvine-music.com/hv7/HV065.html?lang=en |
What separates a successful digital transformation implementation from a recipe for disaster? These 14 tips will help ensure your DX efforts result in business improvement.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, digital transformation, or DX, continues unabated. Many digital transformation efforts gained momentum during the pandemic in the push to support remote working and customers living through extended quarantines. Other companies were forced to quickly adopt digital business models in order to keep operating.
Whether your company is in the midst of a digital transformation initiative, nearing completion or just starting out on its digital transformation journey, it must have a clear sense of what it hopes to achieve by this effort.
The latter is probably the acid test, as the primary reason for migrating to a digital transformation environment must ultimately be to improve the business -- by delivering a better customer experience, improving productivity, eliminating inefficiencies, ensuring compliance and so on.
14 tips for digital transformation success
Realizing these business benefits does not happen overnight and depends on many factors, from the dedicated involvement of business leaders to a solid understanding of how digital tools and advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, can be utilized.
1. Conduct research into digital transformation
Digital business transformation is a complex undertaking for most organizations. Begin the process by learning as much as possible about digital transformation and the systems and technologies under the DX umbrella. Searching the internet can produce a wealth of data on DX -- what it is, how to plan for it, vendors that provide DX products and how to develop project plans. DX technologies include, for example, the following:
cloud technology, which supports a wide variety of advanced managed services, such as SaaS and PaaS;
AI and machine learning, which facilitate the development of sophisticated applications that extend and enhance human capabilities;
IoT, which enables the integration of a wide variety of intelligent devices via the internet into a suite of components that supports DX requirements.
2. Identify and analyze the specific ways DX could improve the business
Analyze how the business currently operates. For example, examine the interface between customers and the business: What kind of customer information is currently being gathered? How is the data formatted, e.g., written notes, spreadsheets? What does the company do with this information? What improvements could be made to enhance the customer experience?
If the goals are to improve collaboration and productivity, your DX team will need to observe how employees currently interact with each other and how this affects their productivity. Carefully examine and map workflows, and analyze how existing technology facilitates -- or hinders -- workflows. Next, identify changes to these activities that result in improved collaboration and productivity.
Insights on these changes in business operations will come from business unit leaders and senior management. The analysis will be used to establish a new set of metrics and to identify new technologies and/or enhancements to existing technologies that will help the organization plan its digital transformation initiative.
3. Brief senior management on results of the initial research
Once you've gathered and analyzed research on DX technologies and business performance issues, brief senior management to ensure they understand the scope of the undertaking, including the following:
business opportunities and risks;
strategies to achieve the desired objectives;
investments likely to be needed;
time needed to complete a business transformation;
impact of such DX activities on employees and the company's culture; and
how the new approaches will be rolled out to customers and key stakeholders.
4. Obtain senior management support to prepare the budget and strategic plan
The next step is to obtain authorization from senior management to prepare a strategy, budget and plan for implementing a business transformation program. Consider a three-year to five-year planning horizon as part of the overall strategy.
5. Collaborate with key stakeholders to create a DX strategy and vision
Senior management can identify the company goals the DX initiative needs to achieve.
Business unit leaders are the most knowledgeable about how their organizations support company goals. They also can identify members of their leadership teams who know business process intimately and who can identify ways to improve them.
The CIO, CTO and their teams are typically the primary players in implementing the DX initiative. Chief digital officers, a relatively new position, can identify the systems and technologies needed to achieve the DX project goals.
A DX vision statement describes the aspirations of your transformation project -- e.g., "becoming the premier source for X technology in the country." Knowing the endgame will serve as a rallying point for employees. The DX strategy captures numerous specific activities and aims them toward a final goal, which, in turn, fulfills the vision statement. The strategy will be based on the investigative work performed by the DX team and on the information from the CIO and CTO regarding available DX technologies and how they can be introduced to the organization. This last point is critical: When developing a DX strategy, it's important to consider the impact of the new environment on employees.
6. Create a project plan and budget that is adaptable to changing business activities
Remember that the business does not cease operations while the next-generation technology is deployed. The ideal project plan recognizes the nuances of business processes and does not negatively impact them during the migration. If unanticipated costs, such as the need for additional components and upgraded software, emerge, be sure the budget can be tweaked as needed, and ensure that senior management is quickly made aware of any unplanned changes.
7. Choose technologies that align with business priorities
Many different systems, applications and network resources will need to be examined and evaluated before making a recommendation to senior management for a DX program. A business transformation initiative is not a "try it and see" kind of activity. Due diligence should be performed well in advance so that the best possible solution can be implemented. It's important to implement technology that will:
8. Enlist the support of employees as part of the collaborative process
While it's true that digital transformation requires the support of senior management, employee support and cultural acceptance of the business transformation program are just as important, as employees will use the new DX resources to improve the customer experience, among many other activities. It becomes a joint effort across all parts of the company. Be prepared to demonstrate how the next-generation systems will make it easier for employees to assist customers, to quickly adapt to changing customer needs and to provide greater value to customers than previous methods.
9. Develop methods of tracking and validating performance
Consider issues such as potential investments, time needed to implement, cultural impacts, operational changes and customer responses when developing metrics to analyze various aspects of DX performance and demonstrate its value to the company. Simply implementing an advanced CRM system, for example, without the necessary support activities -- e.g., employee training, system testing, documentation, performance measurement, data analysis, management support and emergency response activities -- is a recipe for failure.
10. Train, train, train
Support from employees during a business transformation can be made easier with plenty of training and awareness activities. Conduct in-person -- and remote, depending on the impact of the pandemic -- training to all employees, including senior management and others who might be the frontline users of the new technology. This ensures that employees will be comfortable with the DX systems and even eager to get started using them. From a cultural perspective, technology acceptance equals success.
Learn more about digital transformation
11. Test, test, test
Before the new systems are officially put into production, test them extensively to make sure all possible glitches are identified and remediated. Have employees participate in testing activities, as they will be using the systems. If possible, invite key customers to participate in testing, as their inputs could be important.
12. Be prepared for unplanned events
As with any technology, it's essential to have emergency and disaster recovery plans in place to minimize any business disruptions caused by a technology outage. Work with the DX vendor(s) to ensure their systems are properly protected, network services are available and backup components are available. If the new systems are cloud-based, ensure that all systems and data can be backed up and securely stored for emergency use.
13. Make adjustments to the new systems based on user inputs
Employees using the new systems are the best resources for ensuring that the systems are performing properly and identifying changes that will improve system performance and customer experiences.
14. Regularly review system performance against company business objectives
Once your digital transformation program has been completed, the work has just begun. Analyze all available performance and financial data from the systems against established performance metrics, and report those results to senior management. Be sure to also regularly report system performance and successes to employees as a way to reinforce the system's value and, more importantly, their value. | |
The unpaved Rock Creek Multi-Use Trails are open for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use and total nine miles altogether. The diverse terrain includes forest and prairie, hills and flat areas, and the trail crosses streams along the way. The north trailhead is located just west of Veterans Lake, and the south trailhead is located just north of Cedar Blue Road .
Trail 1: At 4.4 miles, this is the longest trail in the system, and the other trails are offshoots of this route. Starting from the north trailhead, Trail 1 runs south. Soon after entering the trail, you'll see Rock Creek on the right. At this point, the terrain is somewhat flat, but after crossing a shallow stream it transforms into rock-lined hills. After a while, the trail evens out again and leads into flat tallgrass areas. You'll continue on in this environment for most of the trail, and go past the point where Trail 4 intersects. Near the end, the trail turns into a gravel road, then concludes at the south trailhead.
Trail 2: The shortest of the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trails is Trail 2. At 0.5 miles, this trail is accessible via Trail 1 about 1/2 mile south of the north trailhead. Trail 2 runs east from Trail 1, where it meets Trail 3 - this is a great route to check out the eastern boundary of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
Trail 3: From the north trailhead, Trail 3 veers off to the southeast. This trail is a total of two miles long, and starts off as flat and grass-covered. The Veterans Lake dam will be visible on the left during the first part of the trail. About halfway down, Trail 3 intersects with Trail 2. Along the way, the landscape transitions into wooded hills, and the trail ends where it meets Trail 1.
Trail 4: From the south trailhead, the 2.1-mile-long Trail 4 leads west. The trail turns back to the north, and after about a mile and a half, you'll enter dense forest areas and run into some rocky terrain. Curving back around to the east, Trail 4 ends where it meets Trail 1. | https://www.travelok.com/gb/listings/view.profile/id.18007 |
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abstract: 'We consider a strongly interacting quasi-one dimensional Bose gas on a tight ring trap subjected to a localized barrier potential. We explore the possibility to form a macroscopic superposition of a rotating and a nonrotating state under nonequilibrium conditions, achieved by a sudden quench of the barrier velocity. Using an exact solution for the dynamical evolution in the impenetrable-boson (Tonks-Girardeau) limit, we find an expression for the many-body wavefunction corresponding to a superposition state. The superposition is formed when the barrier velocity is tuned close to multiples of integer or half-integer number of Coriolis flux quanta. As a consequence of the strong interactions, we find that (i) the state of the system can be mapped onto a macroscopic superposition of two Fermi spheres, rather than two macroscopically occupied single-particle states as in a weakly interacting gas, and (ii) the barrier velocity should be larger than the sound velocity to better discriminate the two components of the superposition.'
author:
- 'C. Schenke'
- 'A. Minguzzi'
- 'F.W.J. Hekking'
title: Nonadiabatic creation of macroscopic superpositions with strongly correlated 1D bosons on a ring trap
---
Introduction
============
Macroscopic superpositions are at the heart of quantum information devices as they realize quantum two-level systems (Qubits). Qubits can either be of single particle nature (single atom, single spin), or realized using collective degrees of freedom whose low-energy spectrum reduces to two discrete states (eg collective internal state transitions for Rydberg atoms [@BriMolSaf07], and current states in superconducting SQUIDs [@Orl99]). Collective-mode superpositions are expected to be better protected against some forms of decoherence such as particle losses, since quantum correlations are spread over several single particle modes and the loss of one particle does not imply the destruction of the collective mode, hence allowing the superposition to survive. On the other hand, multimode superpositions imply the use of several different single particle states, and hence typically have a limited degree of entanglement.
Ultracold atomic gases are interesting candidates for the realization of macroscopic superpositions due to their high purity and tunability. Most of the current proposals are based on two-mode Bose-Josephson junctions [@Mic03; @PiaPezSme08; @Ferrini08]. Experimental advances in the realization of ring traps [@SauBarCha01; @Gup05; @ArnGarRii06; @Mor06; @Paint; @Ram11; @She11] make it realistic to consider other macroscopic superpositions, eg the (collective-mode) superposition of superflow states carrying different values of angular momentum [@HalBurDun06; @SolMoz10a; @SolMoz10b; @HalErnBra10], where the coupling between angular-momentum states is provided by a localized barrier which breaks translational invariance; an artificial gauge field (or rotation) [@DalGer10] gives rise to tunability equivalent to magnetic flux in a SQUID. As a consequence of the ring periodicity, the energy levels of the many-particle system as a function of the flux $\Phi$ associated with the artificial gauge field are periodic with period $\Phi_0=2 \pi \hbar /m$, $m$ being the atomic mass. In an adiabatic protocol, equally-weighted superposition states can be realized by tuning the flux near a half-integer value of the ratio $\Phi/\Phi_0$, in correspondence to an avoided level-crossing [@HalErnBra10].
In the case of a quasi-1D tightly-confining ring trap the possibility of creating macroscopic superpositions has been considered in detail, both for lattice and continuum models [@HalBurDun07]. With respect to an ideal Bose gas, weak repulsive interactions induce small energy-level splittings which are harmful to the superpositions. Quite interestingly, in the strongly-interacting limit of impenetrable bosons (or Tonks-Girardeau limit) this drawback is overcome. Due to its fermionized character [@Gir1960], the Tonks-Girardeau (TG) gas displays the same energy splittings as for noninteracting bosons [@HalErnBra10]. Moreover, due to its impenetrability, two- and three-body losses are suppressed in a TG gas [@GanShlyap03], thus eliminating one of the main sources of decoherence in ultracold gases. The TG gas is therefore a very promising candidate for the realization of macroscopic superpositions of current states, as can be obtained, eg, by setting into motion a localized barrier potential. In the TG limit, creation of stationary superposition states with velocity $0$ and $2\pi \hbar /mL$, $L$ being the ring circumference can be obtained by an adiabatic switching on of the barrier to a velocity $\pi \hbar /mL$ corresponding to half a Coriolis flux quantum [@HalErnBra10]. Such superpositions have maximal useful correlations for interferometry [@CooHalDun10; @CooHalBra11], with applications to ultra-precise atomic gyroscopes.
We focus in this work on a sudden switch on of the barrier motion to velocity $v$ multiple of $\pi \hbar /mL$. We find that it gives rise to Rabi-like oscillations between states with velocity components $0$ and $2v$, similarly to what has been observed for a superlattice ring [@NunReyBur08]. At specific times, we find an equally-weighted macroscopic superposition of two multiparticle states with velocity components $0$ and $2v$. In view of the multimode aspects of the strongly correlated TG state, several questions are open regarding such a novel superposition, in particular on its nature and on its degree of entanglement. For example, similarly to a Fermi gas, impenetrable bosons cannot occupy the same single particle state, hence, different from Ref.[@NunReyBur08], the macroscopic superposition is not expected to be close to the usual “NOON” state, $|NOON\rangle\propto [(b^\dagger_0)^N+(b^\dagger_{q_0})^N]|vac\rangle$ where all the $N$ atoms occupy the $q=0$ or the $q_0=2 m v/\hbar$ single particle level, $b^\dagger_q$ being the creation operator of a boson with momentum $q$.
These questions can be addressed by our fully microscopic, analytical solution for the dynamical evolution by mapping onto a Fermi gas [@GirWri00]. We obtain the exact expression for the wavefunction of the superposition state, which schematically reads $|\Psi\rangle\propto \tilde {\cal A}
\Pi_{-k_F<k<k_F}[c^\dagger_k+c^\dagger_{k+q_0}+c^\dagger_{-k+q_0}]|vac\rangle$, where $c^\dagger_k$ is the creation operator of a fermion with momentum $k$, $ \tilde {\cal A}$ is the mapping function from fermions to bosons and $k_F=\pi N/L$ is the Fermi wavevector of the mapped Fermi gas. Such an entangled, correlated many-body superposition is only accessible through an out-of-equilibrium drive. Furthermore, our microscopic approach allows to obtain the time of formation of the superposition, and to set constraints on the excitation process. Finally, it allows to simulate the time-of-flight signal which is the standard probe used in experiments.
Exact dynamical solution for nonadiabatic stirring
==================================================
We consider $N$ impenetrable bosons on a ring of circumference $L$ at zero temperature, subjected to the stirring delta-barrier potential $U(x,t)=U_0 \delta(x-vt)$. The Hamiltonian is $$\hat{H}_B=\sum_{j=1}^{N}\left[-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m}\frac{\partial^2}{\partial x_{j}^2}
+U(x_{j},t)\right]+\sum_{j<\ell}g \delta (x_j-x_\ell)$$ where in particular the Tonks-Girardeau regime corresponds to the limit $g\to\infty$ and the interaction term can be replaced by the condition that the many-body wavefunction vanishes at contact between each pair of bosons, $\Psi_B(...x_j=x_\ell...)=0 $. As we want to describe the ring geometry, we impose periodic boundary conditions ie $\Psi_B(...x_j...)=\Psi_B(...x_j+L...)$ for any $j=1...N$. The exact solution for the many-body wavefunction is obtained by the time-dependent Bose-Fermi mapping [@GirWri00], $$\label{psi_manybody}
\Psi_B(x_1,...x_N,t)= {\cal A} (1/\sqrt{N!})\det[\psi_l(x_m,t)]$$ where ${\cal A}=\Pi_{j<\ell}{\rm sgn}(x_j-x_\ell)$ is the mapping function, with ${\rm sgn}(x)=1$ for $x>0$ and ${\rm sgn}(x)=-1$ for $x<0$. The orbitals $ \psi_l(x,t)$ are obtained from the solution of the time-dependent Schroedinger equation $$\label{tdstirring}
i\hbar \partial_t \psi_l(x,t)=\left(-\frac{\hbar^2}{2m} \partial_x^2 + U_0 \delta(x-vt)\right) \psi_l(x,t).$$ We choose as initial condition for the TG gas its ground state in the presence of a nonmoving barrier, ie a Fermi sphere for the mapped Fermi gas built with the orbitals $\psi_l(x,0)=\phi^{(0)}_l(x)$, eigenvectors of the Schroedinger equation for a nonmoving barrier with eigenvalues $E_l^{(0)}=\hbar^2 {k_l^{(0)}}^2/2m$, for $l=1...N$. The barrier is then suddenly set into motion at time $t=0^+$. The use of two unitary transformations ${\cal U}_1=e^{-i p v t/\hbar}$, ${\cal U}_2=e^{i m v x/\hbar}$ maps the problem onto a stationary one with twisted boundary conditions, enabling to express the solution of Eq.(\[tdstirring\]) as $$\label{eq:orbitals}
\psi_l(x,t)=e^{i q x} e^{-i q^2 t/2m}\sum_j c_{jl}e^{-i E_j t} \phi_j(x-vt),$$ where we have defined the quasimomentum $q=mv/\hbar$. The orbitals $ \phi_j(x)$ are the solutions of $E_j \phi_j(x)=(-(\hbar^2/2m) \partial_x^2 + U_0 \delta(x)) \phi_j(x)$ with twisted boundary conditions $ \phi_j(x+L)=e^{-iqL} \phi_j(x)$, and read $$\label{eq:phij}
\phi_j(x)=\frac{1}{{\cal N}_j}
\begin{cases}
e^{iq\frac{L}{2}}(e^{i(k_j(x+\frac{L}{2})}+A_{j} e^{-i k_j(x+\frac{L}{2})}) \!\!\!\!\!\!
&\mbox{in}\, [-\frac{L}{2},0) \\
e^{-iq\frac{L}{2}}(e^{i(k_j(x-\frac{L}{2})}+A_{j} e^{-i k_j(x-\frac{L}{2})}) \!\!\!\! & \mbox{in}\, [0,\frac{L}{2}], \end{cases}$$ with normalizations $ {\cal N}_j=\sqrt{L(1+ A_j^2+ 2 A_j \frac{\sin(k_jL)}{k_jL})}$, amplitudes $A_j=\sin[(k_j+q)L/2]/\sin[(k_j-q)L/2]$, and wavevectors $k_j$ given by the solution of the transcendental equation $k_j=\lambda \sin(k_jL)/(\cos(qL)-\cos(k_jL))$, which determines the energy eigenvalues $ E_j=\hbar^2 k_j^2/2m$, with $\lambda= mU_0/\hbar^2$. Information about the initial condition enters Eq.(\[eq:orbitals\]) through the time independent overlaps $c_{jl}=\langle \phi_j|e^{-iqx}|\phi_l^{(0)}\rangle$.
![(Color online) Single-particle excitation spectrum $k_j L/\pi$ versus stirring momentum $qL/\pi$. The color code denotes the branches of given angular momentum in the zero barrier limit. The inset shows the short-time evolution (time in units of $t_0=mL^2/\pi\hbar$) of the integrated particle current (in units of $\pi \hbar N/mL^2$).[]{data-label="fig1"}](fig1.super.eps){width="40.00000%"}
State of the system under the stirring drive
============================================
We first consider a velocity close to a special value $v=\hbar n \pi/ mL$ with integer $n$, which corresponds to half integer values of the Coriolis flux ratio $\Phi/\Phi_0$, with $\Phi=vL$. We focus on the small barrier limit $\lambda L \lesssim 1$. As is seen in Fig.\[fig1\], this choice of $v$ corresponds to several avoided level crossings of single particle states. As a consequence of the sudden quench of the barrier velocity, we find that the TG gas, which initially occupies the zero-momentum Fermi sphere of the mapped Fermi system, oscillates between two $N$-particle Fermi spheres, one centered at $k=0$ and the other at $k=2 q$, realizing at half oscillation an equally weighted macroscopic superposition of the two Fermi spheres.
The derivation reads as follows. According to the expression for the overlaps $c_{jl}$, the states excited under the effect of the stirring drive are fixed by quasimomentum conservation $k_j= k_l^{(0)} \pm q$ for $v<v_F$, or $k_j= \pm k_l^{(0)}+q$ for $v>v_F=N\hbar\pi/mL$. In detail, taking for simplicity $v>v_F$ which will turn out to be the most favourable situation, we find that to leading order in $\lambda L$ only four states $j$ are coupled to each single-particle level $l$ of the initial-state Fermi sphere, with coefficients $|c_{jl}|=1/2$ for $j=n\pm 2 {\rm Int}[l/2]$ and $j=n+1\pm 2 {\rm Int[l/2]}$, Int$[..]$ denoting the integer part; with the exception of the lowest state $l=1$, where $|c_{jl}|=1/\sqrt{2}$ for $j=n$ and $j=n+1$. For each level $k_j$ we know its momentum (hence angular momentum) components from the analysis of the zero-barrier limit, where a true level crossing occurs of two states of well defined angular momentum. For example, for $v=4\pi \hbar/mL$ and $N=3$, the level $l=1$ is coupled by the stirring barrier to the states with $j=4$ and 5 which are both an equal-weight superposition of states with momentum $k=0$ and $k=8\pi/L$. Similarly, the levels $l=2$ and 3 yield an equal-weight superposition of states with $k=2\pi/L$ and $6\pi/L$ for the lowest-energy doublet and of $k=-2\pi/L$ and $10 \pi/L$ for the highest-energy doublet. Summing up all the contributions, we find that each momentum state has the same occupation, and the momentum occupation distribution is a superposition of the two Fermi spheres $\{-2\pi/L,0, 2\pi/L\}$ and $\{6\pi/L,8\pi/L, 10\pi/L\}$. A similar reasoning holds for arbitrary barrier velocities and particle numbers (chosen odd to ensure proper boundary conditions on the mapped Bose gas), leading to the occupation of two Fermi spheres centered at $0$ and $2 q$. From Eqs.(\[psi\_manybody\]) and (\[eq:orbitals\]), the many-body wavefunction of the superposition is finally obtained by mapping onto a Fermi gas where each atom occupies a different superposition of a few (typically four, in the weak barrier limit) single particle orbitals.
The detailed dynamics of the system is also simply described, according to the values of the overlaps $c_{jl}$, in terms of the occupation of a few momentum states for each single-particle state $l$. Using Eq. (\[eq:orbitals\]), the time dependence eg of the particle current density $j(x,t)=(\hbar/m){\rm Im}\sum_l \psi^*_l(x,t) \partial_x \psi_l(x,t)$ is fixed by the time-evolution factors $e^{-i(E_j-E_{j'})t/\hbar}$. The typical time scale is fixed by the energy level splitting associated to the highest two levels occupied through the stirring drive. The short-time behaviour of the integrated current $I(t)=(1/L) \int dx j(x,t)$ is illustrated in the inset of Fig.\[fig1\]; the time evolution is not purely sinusoidal due to the multimode nature of the superposition.
Consider now the off-resonant case $\hbar (n-1) \pi/ mL<v< \hbar n \pi/ mL$. In this case a weak barrier does not transfer angular momentum to the gas and the momentum occupation distribution is a single Fermi sphere centered at $k=0$. This is readily derived by inspecting the overlaps $c_{jl}$, yielding $|c_{j,1}|=1$ for $j=n$, and $|c_{jl}|=1/\sqrt{2}$ for $l>1$ with $j=n \pm 2 {\rm Int} [l/2]$.
We note that the state of the system found under a sudden switching on of the barrier velocity is very different from the one obtained by an adiabatic turning on, where the lowest $N$ single particle energy levels are populated and the momentum occupation distribution is either a single Fermi sphere centered at $k=q$ for even $n$, or a superposition of two Fermi spheres centered at $k=q-\hbar \pi/L$ and $k=q+\hbar
\pi/L$ for odd $n$.
As a partial summary, we find that the creation of macroscopic superpositions is efficient only in the vicinity of $v\simeq \hbar n \pi /mL$. Fluctuations on the barrier velocity might degrade the quality of the superposition, leading in particular to a different weight for the two components of the superposition. The velocity window useful for the excitation depends on the details of the barrier, eg on the barrier height. We find that an increase of the barrier height improves the robustness of the superposition state with respect to barrier velocity fluctuations.
![(Color online) Time-dependent momentum distribution (left panels, in units of $L$), as a function of the wavevector $kL/\pi$, and corresponding Wigner function (right panels, dimensionless) as a function of $X/L$ and $kL/\pi$ at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46 and 4.92 for N=9 particles and stirring velocity $v=14 \hbar \pi/mL$. The inset of the third panel shows the momentum distribution at the time of an equally-weighted superposition for stirring velocity $v=\hbar \pi/mL$[]{data-label="fig2"}](fig2a.super.eps "fig:"){width="20.00000%"}![(Color online) Time-dependent momentum distribution (left panels, in units of $L$), as a function of the wavevector $kL/\pi$, and corresponding Wigner function (right panels, dimensionless) as a function of $X/L$ and $kL/\pi$ at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46 and 4.92 for N=9 particles and stirring velocity $v=14 \hbar \pi/mL$. The inset of the third panel shows the momentum distribution at the time of an equally-weighted superposition for stirring velocity $v=\hbar \pi/mL$[]{data-label="fig2"}](fig2d.super.eps "fig:"){width="25.00000%"} ![(Color online) Time-dependent momentum distribution (left panels, in units of $L$), as a function of the wavevector $kL/\pi$, and corresponding Wigner function (right panels, dimensionless) as a function of $X/L$ and $kL/\pi$ at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46 and 4.92 for N=9 particles and stirring velocity $v=14 \hbar \pi/mL$. The inset of the third panel shows the momentum distribution at the time of an equally-weighted superposition for stirring velocity $v=\hbar \pi/mL$[]{data-label="fig2"}](fig2b.super.eps "fig:"){width="20.00000%"}![(Color online) Time-dependent momentum distribution (left panels, in units of $L$), as a function of the wavevector $kL/\pi$, and corresponding Wigner function (right panels, dimensionless) as a function of $X/L$ and $kL/\pi$ at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46 and 4.92 for N=9 particles and stirring velocity $v=14 \hbar \pi/mL$. The inset of the third panel shows the momentum distribution at the time of an equally-weighted superposition for stirring velocity $v=\hbar \pi/mL$[]{data-label="fig2"}](fig2e.super.eps "fig:"){width="25.00000%"} ![(Color online) Time-dependent momentum distribution (left panels, in units of $L$), as a function of the wavevector $kL/\pi$, and corresponding Wigner function (right panels, dimensionless) as a function of $X/L$ and $kL/\pi$ at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46 and 4.92 for N=9 particles and stirring velocity $v=14 \hbar \pi/mL$. The inset of the third panel shows the momentum distribution at the time of an equally-weighted superposition for stirring velocity $v=\hbar \pi/mL$[]{data-label="fig2"}](fig2c.super.eps "fig:"){width="20.00000%"}![(Color online) Time-dependent momentum distribution (left panels, in units of $L$), as a function of the wavevector $kL/\pi$, and corresponding Wigner function (right panels, dimensionless) as a function of $X/L$ and $kL/\pi$ at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46 and 4.92 for N=9 particles and stirring velocity $v=14 \hbar \pi/mL$. The inset of the third panel shows the momentum distribution at the time of an equally-weighted superposition for stirring velocity $v=\hbar \pi/mL$[]{data-label="fig2"}](fig2f.super.eps "fig:"){width="25.00000%"}
One-dimensional momentum distribution and Wigner function
=========================================================
We illustrate the formation of the macroscopic superposition by following the dynamical evolution of the 1D momentum distribution, $n(k,t)=\int dx \int dy e^{i k(x-y)} \rho_1(x,y,t)$. It is defined in terms of the (time-dependent) one-body density matrix $\rho_1(x,y,t)$, which can be efficiently calculated according to [@PezBul07] $$\rho_1(x,y,t)=\sum_{l,l'=1}^N \psi_l^*(x,t) A_{l,l'}(x,y,t) \psi_{l'}(y,t),$$ with $A_{l,l'}(x,y,t)=[\det P] (P^{-1})^T_{l,l'}$ and $P_{l,l'}(x,y,t)=\delta_{l,l'}-2 \int_x^y dx'\psi_l^*(x',t) \psi_{l'}(x',t)$. As shown in Fig.\[fig2\], during the time evolution induced by a stirring velocity close to an integer multiple of $\hbar \pi/ mL$ the momentum distribution evolves from a single peak at $k=0$ to a single peak at $k=2q$, displaying at intermediate times a double peak structure, reflecting the superposition of the two Fermi spheres of the mapped Fermi gas. The peaks in the momentum distribution, associated with the bosonic nature of the gas, allow to well identify the two components. However, since the width of the TG momentum distribution is the same as the fermionic one, in order to better resolve the superposition one needs stirring velocities larger than twice the Fermi velocity ie the sound velocity of the TG gas (see the inset in Fig.\[fig2\] for an exemple of momentum distribution for a superposition state in the case of a small velocity $v=\pi\hbar/mL$).
The observation of a double peak structure in the momentum distribution does not necessarily imply the existence of quantum correlations between the two Fermi spheres [@note]. In order to evidence the nonclassical nature of the macroscopic superposition we compute its Wigner function, $$f_W(X,k,t)=\int dr e^{i kr} \rho_1(X+r/2,X-r/2,t).$$ At the time of the equally-weighted superposition, the Wigner function displays some negative regions, see again Fig.\[fig2\]. This illustrates the quantum correlations between the two Fermi spheres, which could be quantified eg following [@LeeJeo11].
![(Color online) TOF images in the $k_x$ $k_y$ plane (in units of $\pi/L)$ for $N=9$ bosons stirred at velocity $v=14\pi\hbar /mL$, at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46, 4.92, from top to bottom.[]{data-label="fig3"}](fig3a.super.eps "fig:"){height="25.00000%" width="35.00000%"} ![(Color online) TOF images in the $k_x$ $k_y$ plane (in units of $\pi/L)$ for $N=9$ bosons stirred at velocity $v=14\pi\hbar /mL$, at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46, 4.92, from top to bottom.[]{data-label="fig3"}](fig3b.super.eps "fig:"){height="25.00000%" width="35.00000%"} ![(Color online) TOF images in the $k_x$ $k_y$ plane (in units of $\pi/L)$ for $N=9$ bosons stirred at velocity $v=14\pi\hbar /mL$, at times $t/t_0=0$, 2.46, 4.92, from top to bottom.[]{data-label="fig3"}](fig3c.super.eps "fig:"){height="25.00000%" width="35.00000%"}
Observability in ultracold atomic gases
=======================================
Current experimental detection techniques are based on time-of-flight (TOF) images, obtained by releasing the confining potential. Neglecting the effects of interactions after the release from the trap, we describe the spatial distribution of the atomic cloud after expansion as the momentum distribution of the gas before expansion. In the case of the ring we have $$n_{TOF}({\mathbf k})=\int d^3x \int d^3x' e^{i {\mathbf k}\cdot ({\mathbf x}-{\mathbf x'})} \rho_1^{ring}({\mathbf x},{\mathbf x'},t)$$ where the expression in cylindrical coordinates of the 3D one-body density matrix on a tight ring trap of radius $R$ is $\rho_1^{ring}(r,\theta,z;r',\theta',z';t)=\delta(r-R)\delta(r'-R)\delta (z) \delta (z') \rho_1(R\theta,R\theta',t)$. Figure \[fig3\] shows the TOF images corresponding to various stirring times, illustrating the transition between a zero-current state at initial time to a state of angular momentum ${\cal L}/N=2m v R$. The initial peak at ${\mathbf k}=0$ deforms spirally and finally tends to a ring, the latter in agreement with the predictions of [@SolMoz10a] for a state with well-defined current. Note that the TOF image of the equal-weight macroscopic superposition, represented in the second panel in Fig.\[fig3\], is not simply obtained as a combination of the TOF images of well-defined current states (first and last panel in Fig.\[fig3\]), due to interference between the zero-current state and the state at velocity $2v$.
Summary and perspectives
========================
We have studied the nonadiabatic excitation of strongly interacting bosons on a ring by a sudden set into motion of a localized barrier potential at velocity $v$. If the velocity is suitably chosen, the state of the system oscillates between a zero-current state and a state of velocity $2v$, displaying a superposition of the two states at intermediate times. Due to the strong interactions, the nature of the superposition state is very different from the one of a weakly interacting gas; we find a superposition of two Fermi spheres rather the superposition of two macroscopically occupied single-particle levels. The superposition of current states is evidenced by a double-peak structure in the momentum distribution. Due to the underlying multimode nature of the state, the two peaks are resolved at best for stirring velocities larger than twice the sound velocity. We have also verified the nonclassical nature of the superposition by the study of the Wigner function. Our results confirm the TG gas as a promising candidate for applications to quantum-limited metrology and seem accessible to state of the art experiments on ultracold gases. In perspective, it will be important to develop detecting techniques capable to estimate the relative weight of the two components of the superposition. A measure of their coherence could be inferred by extending the full-counting method proposed in [@Ferrini09].
We acknowledge discussions with Edouard Boulat, Roberta Citro, Leonid Glazman, Vincent Lorent and Helene Perrin. We thank the PEPS-PTI project “Quantum gases and condensed matter”, the MIDAS STREP project and the Handy-Q ERC project for financial support.
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| |
As we move closer to another crop year, it is always interesting to review how things turned out during the previous cropping season. USDA's 2011 Farm Income Forecast, has forecast overall net farm income at $97.3 billion for 2014, down $31.7 billion or 25% from 2013.
Locally we benefitted from near normal rainfall last year, though we had marginal deep soil moisture at planting due to the prior years of drought and extended dry periods during the growing season. The result was crops producing yields that were respectable in 2014, in most cases, the resulting total Ag income in Nueces County was $95 million increase from last year only 19% below 2011. Local ag income was up due to crop yields being nearer expected norms and strong price bases at the port. However, total production expenses are forecast to be 5.1% higher in 2014, which would be the fifth consecutive increase since last falling in 2009.
One of the things that I do annually this time of year is project crop yields and income for the county, so here goes my best estimations, with the help of farmers and USDA professionals.
Traditionally Nueces County is the top grain sorghum producing county in Texas. This year we harvested about 147,258 acres with an average yield of 3,976 pounds of grain per acre that generated a crop value of approximately $44 million.
In looking at other grains produced in Nueces County, one finds that we harvested about 16,000 acres of corn with an average yield of 98 bushels per acre with a crop value of $6 million. We had just over 1,802 acres of sesame harvested with an average yield of 500 pounds per acre valued at $43,510. We had a small amount of sunflower per acre valued at $460,000. Wheat harvested acres totaled 7,456 with yields averaging 35 bushels per acre with an estimated value of $2,479,120.
The cotton crop for the most part performed well with the limited rainfall during the growing season. There were about 110,904 acres of cotton harvested that produced an average yield of 750 pounds of lint per acre and with the cottonseed was valued at $66.3 million.
Overall, when accounting for all Ag income, including Farm Program payments, crop insurance, livestock sales, and value of hay produced, the Ag Income projections for Nueces County in 2014 are about $150 million. This is a $3 million increase over 2013.
Individuals with disabilities, who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in any of the mentioned activities, are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office eight days before all programs for assistance. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. | https://www.recordstar.com/article/20150127/News/301279879 |
Sciatica and Neck Pain Research
As Chiropractic Physicians, we are masters at juggling a busy schedule. Against all odds, we somehow find the time to be a good husband or wife, take our children to their practices and events, run a busy office and ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care. Unfortunately, because we maintain such a busy schedule, we must prioritize tasks throughout the day and selectively sacrifice others. I have found that it is very difficult to stay on top of current research.
In the world of Evidence-Based Medicine, it is necessary that we seek out and understand the current literature regarding the chiropractic profession. In this and future articles to come, I will provide brief summaries of the research that has implications on our profession and our clinical decision making.
Centralization: Its Prognostic Value in Patients with Referred Symptoms and Sciatica1
Centralization is the process by which pain radiating from the spine is abolished in response to therapeutic positions and movements2. This phenomenon was first described by Robin McKenzie in the 1950s. As chiropractic physicians, many of us see patients with radicular pain from the lumbar spine, but is centralization of symptoms a prognostic indicator to determine if surgical or conservative treatment is required?
In this study, a total of 114 patients were considered. 54 of these were excluded from the study for a variety of reasons (pain greater than 14 weeks in duration, previous back surgery, serious pathology, cauda equina syndrome, pregnancy, language and refusal to participate) leaving the total number of participants at 60. Each participant was then mechanically evaluated using multiple direction end-range lumbar spinal movements. Following the evaluation, the participants were classified ascentralization group (CG) or noncentralization group (NCG).
Treating providers were then blinded to the prior classification as determined from the medical examination. Participants underwent an initial medical assessment, then a follow up medical assessment 2 weeks later. Those participants with neurologic deficits were advised with bed rest, those without neurologic deficits were advised light mobilization (light strengthening exercises). At the follow up medical evaluation, those patients that were improving were discharged, those who were not showing improvement were sent for further evaluation. During the further evaluation, if a disc herniation was present, those patients underwent surgery.
25 patients were classified as CG, 35 were classified as NCG. A total of 19 participants underwent surgery during the follow-up, 3 from the CG, 16 from the NCG. The odds ratio of the patients from the NCG was 6.2.
Take Home Points
- Patients whose symptoms did not centralize upon initial evaluation were 6 times more likely to undergo surgery.
- The phenomenon of centralization is an excellent predictor of a nonsurgical outcome.
- Lack of centralization identified participants who resolved more slowly.
- Whether we perform mechanical evaluations described by McKenzie2 or not, we should look for the process of centralization of symptoms in our treatments to determine if the patient is likely to have a positive outcome.
Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain3
In this study, a total of 272 individuals were treated for neck pain with spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercises. Patients were then randomized and treated for nonspecific mechanical neck pain that was 2-12 weeks in duration and rated as a 3 or greater on the VAS.
Spinal Manipulation Group
In the spinal manipulation group, participants were treated by an experienced chiropractic physician with diversified technique to hypomobile regions of the spine (cervical and thoracic). Additional therapy utilized in the treatment included light soft-tissue massage therapy, gentle stretching, and application of cold and hot packs. The number of sessions was left to the discretion of the treating provider.
Medication Group
Participants in the medication group received NSAID’s, acetaminophen, or both as a first-line treatment from the medical provider. In the case in which the NSAIDs or acetaminophen were not effective, the participants were prescribed narcotics with the optional use of muscle relaxants.
Home Exercise Group
Members of the home exercise group were treated two times, 1-2 weeks apart with gentle self-mobilization techniques as determined by the treating therapist. Patients in this group were taught movements that included: retraction, extension, lateral bending, rotation, and scapular depression. The participants were then provided with a booklet, “Treat Your Own Neck” by Robin McKenzie with additional advice.
The primary measure of this study was the participants rating of their pain. This measure was taken every 2 weeks during the 12 study period, with an additional measure at 26 and 52 weeks. Results indicated that there was a significantly greater improvement in the SMT group as compared to the medication group. However, differences between the SMT and HEA group were smaller and not significant, and there was no significant difference between the HEA and medication group. At the 26 and 52-week follow-ups, the SMT maintained a significant positive difference between the medication and HEA groups.
Take Home Points
- SMT was more effective than both medication and home exercise with advice.
- Medication alone was the least effective of all treatment interventions.
- Participants were most satisfied with SMT and least satisfied with medication.
References
- Skytte L, May S, Peterson P. Centralization: Its Prognostic Value in Patients With Referred Symptoms and Sciatica. Spine 2005;30:E293-299.
- McKenzie RA. The Lumbar Spine. Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. Waikanae, New Zealand: Spinal Publications; 1981.
- Bronfort G, Evans R, Anderson A, et al. Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain. Annals of Internal Medicine 2012;156:1-10. | https://ilchiro.org/sciatica-and-neck-pain-research/ |
OUR MANY SPOKES
Back then we called it ONE WHEEL – MANY SPOKES, a unicycle ride through all 50 states. Lars pedaled the unicycle. Along with our two young kids, Anne supported the six-month ride from a very old motor home. Since then we’ve settled in to growing most of our own food, creating a chicken farm, and developing our work as healers. Our daughter Kari grew up to be a farmer, and has returned to farm with us this year.
Lars Clausen
Creator of the ICE Method and Chicken Farmer
- Producing “The Tastiest Eggs from the Happiest Hens.”
- Eliminating food waste from restaurants, groceries, bakeries, and breweries.
- Training interns to have their own Good Egg / Good Planet farms.
Anne Clausen
Empathic Intuitive Healer and Artist
Let me partner with you in search of your unique path of healing and thriving. My Intuitive Healing Sessions are based on your needs and involve looking at your energetic body to find any blocks keeping you from living your full potential. | https://www.manyspokes.com/lars/ |
Q1.How is an aggregate demand curve derived? What would cause theaggregate demand curve to shift to the right?
Inan economy, aggregate demand is the total demand for goods andservices. Therefore, an aggregate demand curve is derived from thequality of goods and services and their prices. It graphicallyrepresents prices versus gross domestic produce (GDP) at differentprice level (McEachern,2012).The aggregate demand curve shifts to the right when total good andservices bought at the same price has increased. This phenomenon isdue to several factors such as interest rates, change in investordemand, and change in government spending, among others. Forinstances, if the government choose to increase spending with the aimto boost economy then, the aggregate demand curve will automaticallyshift to the right. In addition, decrease of interest rate would alsomake the aggregate demand curve to shift to the right.
Q2.For each of the following, explain whether its shits the short-runaggregate supply curve, the long-run aggregate supply curve, or theaggregate demand curve
Households decide to save a smaller share of their disposable income
Thischanges the aggregate demand by increasing it. This is because thereis more money used to buy goods and services. In addition, householdsget money that they can either save or spend. In essence, when theysave less, they spend more hence, the aggregate demand increases.
There is an 8-week strike in the steel industry
Thischanges the short-run aggregate supply curve. A strike in steelindustry means that in a short term, less steel is produced. As aresult, it will reduce aggregate supply for the economy.
A drought in the Midwest causes poor wheat harvest.
Thischanges the short-run aggregate supply curve. Poor wheat harvest islikely to reduce the supply of wheat. However, this will not reduceeconomy capacity in the long term.
The labour force participation rate increases
Thisincreases both the short-run and long-run aggregate supply curves.Increase in labour forces means more goods are produced hence, theaggregate supply increases.
Q3.Explain what would cause the government purchases function toincrease. Will a change in social security spending affect governmentpurchases?
Governmentpurchases function increases only under special circumstances(McEachern,2012).For instance, in case of a terrorist attack that can cause thegovernment to increase spending on security matters. The governmentpurchases in regardless of income in the economy or the tax revenuethey correct. It is always willing to borrow for it to spend makingits purchases independent of tax revenues and income. A change insocial security spending do not affects the government purchases.Social security payments are not payment for work done, but transferpayments. However, transfer payments are not government purchases.
Q4.Suppose MPC is 0.8 initially. Households then change their behavioursso that the MPC falls to 0.75. What happens to aggregateexpenditures? Why?
Ifthe MPC decreases from 0.8 to 0.75, it means that the aggregateexpenditure will also decrease. This is due to the fact that peoplewill spend less on consumption and save more of their money.According to McEachern(2012),if the marginal propensity to consume (MPC) is high, people spendmore on the money they earn within marginal income. For instance, ifthe MPC is 0.8, people will spend 80% from marginal income they make.If MPC drops to 0.75, the spending will also decrease. If peopleconsume less and save more, the consumption rate decreases. As aresult, there is less economic activity. Therefore, an increase ofMPC leads to a decrease in consumption rate hence, a decrease inaggregate expenditure.
Q5.What is a consumption function? Describethe graph of a consumption function and explain its shape. If totalspending is consumption plus investment spending, how does anincrease in the interest rate affect total spending?
Theconsumption function is the connection between disposable income andconsumption rate of a household sector of an economy (McEachern,2012).The graph of a consumption function derived from a linear equationhence, linear graph with a straight line. It is expressed in aslope-intercept form as
Autonomousconsumption+MPC*disposable income= consumption
Therefore,autonomous consumption and MPC affects consumption.
Anincrease in interest rate decreases total spending. Increase ofinterest rates means that people will reduce their spending to stayaway from high interest payments. At low interest rates, people willincrease their spending because they pay relatively low interest.
References
McEachern,W. A. (2012). ECON Macro 3 (3rd ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western. | https://www.sifounderregion.org/unit-iv-questions/ |
We returned from a very successful trip to Kenya on Thursday having done eye tests on over 150 people and given out 140 pairs of recycled spectacles. Rosemary took three groups of girls, teaching them how to make washable reusable sanitary wear, and another group of women from Samburu who travelled for 2 hours to get to the school for a day of tuition.
On the way to the airport the huge destruction of houses ,shops and other building brought us to tears. It looked like a war zone, many houses cut in half ,even an appartment block left hanging dangerously. We had seen some of this in Ukunda town near our hotel and had been told that the ministry of transport had in the 70'S earmarked the road for expansion and apparently compensated people. There is no dispute that the road needs to be built and in the long term will bring jobs but it is sad that no one thought to make sure no one built within the 25 foot road edge. The buildings were marked with a cross and within 24 hours demolished ,not giving the occupants time to remove the walls themselves so blocks could be reused.
We were told on Wednesday our Nursery school would have its boundary wall and trees removed which was expected . It had been built in the year 2000 a considerable distance from the road edge so we were safe or so we believed. Late Thursday afternoon ,after we had arrived home,in the UK, Harrison our headmaster, informed us that a cross for demolition had been put on the classroom nearest the road. This was quite different to what had been previously told. Early in the morning Harrison went to the school to move desks and the blackboard and pleaded with the constructors to give us 24 hours to remove the floor ( newly tiled recently ) and the walls and roof so they could be reused for rebuilding. This was refused and the bulldozer destroyed the school which had been used for 18 years.
The other 2 classrooms are more or less intact, and we will have to use them next week when the school goes back . In the long term, however, it is clearly unsafe for a Nursery School to be next to a widened major road. We have therefore decided to rebuild the Nursery School on the Primary site which is well away from the road and where it is quieter and safer. This will cost approximately £10,000.
We are happy to announce that we have already got pledges of over £1,000 but there is still a long way to go.
As you can imagine any donations would be appreciated and immediately put to use.
The church building was saved . Look at how much land was taken. They left the foundations and a large tree in front of the building. They have now started to build the new road and it goes no where near even the wall they demolished. This was done with no compensation leaving 3 and 4 year olds exposed to a busy road.
GOOD NEWS
Thanks to the very generous donations from friends and sponsors a new 3 classroom nursery was built in 3 months on the site of the primary School well away from the road.
Prayers at the foundations of new Nursery School
Graduation takes place each November when children in kindergarten class 3 graduate to Primary School. Also children who are in class 8 take Kenyan exams to proceed to Secondary School and they leave KAG School and so graduate. This is a great celebration and gowns are hired a cake is bought and certificates given. Some years important people are invited and in 2016 the local politicians came.
APRIL 2019
We returned from a very successful trip to Kenya in April This year we travelled with 2 Rotarian friends Gill and Bob. This year we did 4 sessions of eye testing on over 190 people and gave away nearly 200 pairs of recycled spectacles. Rosemary and Gill took one group of 25 girls, teaching them how to make washable reusable sanitary wear. This was in a local Secondary school where 3 of our former students were attending. Each girl were thrilled to go home with a rucksack, flannel, bags to put in clean and soiled items and a full kit plus what they had made. All these items had been made or donated by sponsors in the UK and USA. We were pleased to receive thanks from the headmistress who said we were an inspiration to her girls.
After the sad situation of the demolition of 1 of our Nursery classrooms in order to widen the road, we can inform you that, as expected, the road is going no where near the classroom destroyed and the church has not had to remove its porch. We have however started to adapt the 2 remaining classrooms into accomodation blocks for the older boys who board. This will avoid the school paying rent and a new toilet, washroom and well have been built. The whole site has now been fenced. see photo.
Thanks to the amazing generosity of many friends and sponsors a new 3 classroom Nursery opened in September last year on the Primary site. This was able to be done thanks to a parent of a child at KAG School who sold the school some land at a very good price which gave enough room for the Nursery to be built.
It is looking very good with a tiled floor and new desks thanks to Horbury and Ossett Rotary Club.
The government in Kenya has just introduced a new curriculum in Nursery Schools and has said that no formal teaching should be done until Kindergarten 1 and 2. The youngest class should just play. This seemed strange to the Kenyan teachers but they were very fortunate because Gill is a consultant teacher in the UK specialising in Early learning and she was able to give expert advice. We tried to move the teachers away from the TV and get the children to learn through play. We all went shopping in Mombasa to buy what we could to help. Gill with our help set up play stations in the classroom. She set up sand, water, paint, play dough, jigsaw and games, skittles stations and we had taken out a hopscotch some balls bean bags and skipping ropes. Unfortunately the quality of toys in Kenya was poor , chinese plastic and will not last long we will have to take out better quality next year. To complete the play facilities a sponsor had donated money for some swings a roundabout and a slide to be built while we were there in Ukunda and they were delivered before we came home. | https://emleyafricanschools.co.uk/index.php/about/school/news-items |
Updated: 06/08/2021 - School Year: 2021-2022 - Grade(s): 4th Grade - Fourth Grade Teachers
Here are the required fourth grade school supplies for the 2021-2022 school year. Reminder to please label all items with your child's first and last name.
#2 Yellow/Wood Pencils Sharpened with Erasers, 12 Pack
Ticonderoga preferred.
Backpack
Pencil Bag/Pouch
Cloth Zipper
Composition Notebook Wide Ruled
For Spanish Class
Crayons, 12 Count
Colored Pencils, 12 Count+
EXPO Dry Erase Markers, Low Odor, Thin/Fine Tip, 4 Pack
Expo brand preferred, thin markers are easier for students to write with
Eraser(s), Pink
Elmer's Glue Stick
Elmer's brand preferred
Hand Sanitizer, Bottle(s)
2 for the classroom, 2 for special area teachers
Headphones
For STEM/Technology Class; No ear buds, microphone preferred; Removed from packaging and placed in a large Ziplock-type storage bag. | https://app.teacherlists.com/schools/165841-collegium-charter-school-468_486-building/2868365-grade-4-supply-list/fourth-grade-teachers/supply-list |
To square a number on a calculator, simply type the equality symbol and press Enter. For example, 2^4 equates to 16.
But square roots are not the only roots you can have. You can also have cube, or third, roots. When calculating the cube root of a number, you're looking for a number that, when multiplied by itself three times, results in the given number. For example, the cube root of 8 is 2 because 2 * 2 * 2 = 8. For the cube root, you'll write a little three in the upper left corner of your root symbol. You can also have fourth, fifth, sixth, or other integer roots, as long as they're a positive real number.
To calculate a square root, you'll use the square root button on your scientific calculator. To use this button, you'll need to know how your calculator operates. Some calculators have you input the number first and then push the square root button. Others have you push the square root button first followed by your number. So to find the square root of 5, for example, you'll push these buttons if your calculator has you input the number first. (Source: study.com)
For example, 4.5X4.5 = 20.25, so logically you should try a smaller number, probably 4.4. 4.4X4.4 = 19.36. Thus, the square root of 20 must lie in between 4.5 and 4.4. How about 4.445X4.445. That’s 19.758. It’s closer. If you keep trying different numbers using this process, you will eventually get to 4.475X4.475 = 20.03. Rounding off, that’s 20. | https://www.futurestarr.com/blog/mathematics/how-to-square-a-number-on-calculator-or |
You have converted 1 🇦🇴 Angolan Kwanza to 🇿🇦 South African Rand. Amount in words: one (Angolan Kwanza). To show you the most accurate result, we use the international exchange rate. Convert currency 1 AOA to ZAR. How much is Kz1 Angolan Kwanza to South African Rand? — R0.0249 ZAR.Look at the reverse course ZAR to AOA.Perhaps you may be interested in AOA ZAR Historical Chart, and AOA ZAR Historical Data of exchange rate. Feel free to try convert more...
By rate:
R0.0249 ZAR
Inverse: Kz40.179 AOA
Did you know? A year ago, on that day, the currency rate Angolan Kwanza to South African Rand was: R0.0274. Since then, the exchange rate has decreased by -0.00256 ZAR (-9.33%). | https://currencyconvert.online/aoa/zar |
When creating an activity: Copy content between the Student Template and the Multimedia Example
Sometimes teachers want to copy their hard work from a student template over to the multimedia example for students to see. As a work around I usually put my instructions on page 1 of the student template.
However... Sometimes teachers accidentally create a template under the multimedia example, and then realize it should be in the student template instead.
Could you develop an easy way to copy the content to the other section of the activity?
Comments
43 comments
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PLEASE HELP FIND A SOLUTION TO THIS ASAP!!
I worked so hard creating choice boards with links and I did them in "example" instead of "student templates" and now I have to start from scratch because I can't copy and paste them.16
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I agree! This feature would be so helpful!12
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I agree! I am trying to support my teachers (I'm an assistant principal) and there have been many times that a teacher created an activity in the example section rather than the template section. Please add!11
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Seems like a rather silly oversight that you can't just use the student template to create an example. Nine times out of ten, the multi-media example is me modeling the activity, so I kinda need the template. Up to now I haven't made use of drag and drop labels in my templates. However now that I have, I have to reproduce the work in the example that I just did to make the student template. That really limits either the interactivity of the template or the ability to create a an example.11
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Please add the capability to copy slides from both the student slides and the example slides. We spend a significant amount of time making lessons and when we make this mistake, it adds a lot of stress. Please?9
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100% agree. Just came across this same issue and was surprised there wasn't a solution already!8
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PLEASE! This would be incredibly helpful!7
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This would be a HUGE benefit....I can't understate this! I have come across many comments and suggestions from teachers on-the-ground in these "feature request" and I wonder how often they get looked at. It doesn't seem like a big ask, but it would be incredibly helpful! PLEASE!7
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I think we have all got excited about what we are creating and done this at some point.....6
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I agree! I would love to have this feature as well! I also want to know if another teacher makes a template for a student I cannot then change it to multimedia.6
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Tanya, totally feeling your pain!! I wonder how we can bring more attention to this quicker...I'm sure the computer scientists/engineers behind Seesaw could do something to fix this!
My school uses Macbook and there is an app you can download to your Mac called "Snip" ...I'm sure Microsoft/PC has a version of this...What I did was snip & save pictures of each of my student template slides, then uploaded them above to the example part & completed them as an example. You could probably do the same thing vice versa, if your issue is wanting to use your student template to make your own example.
Not sure if that makes sense? It's a temporary solution that worked for me last night!6
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I am having this same problem. A solution would be helpful.6
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YES PLEASE!!!6
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I also have just done this very thing! I am gathering from this thread that there is not a way I can copy and paste my example into the student template. Please fix this asap! Thank you!6
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Just did the same! Please create a fix for this!!6
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Please please PLEASE create a fix for this. It is the worst when you have spent over an hour creating a template with video content, only to find that it was accidentally an example.6
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I use the example to teach my lesson so students have a reference back to what we learned. The student template is almost identical to my example when I teach this way. It takes double the time to create my activities and I am using the basically the same template. This would be so helpful and save me so much time.6
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Please, Seesaw! It would be SO HELPFUL!6
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Yes, please! It would really make our work much more efficient.5
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ONE MILLION PERCENT THIS - please make this a feature! I get super frustrated when I mess up and start making my example in the wrong spot (or, more often, finding someone else's awesome activity but I want to tweak it just a bit, but can't because it's been made in the wrong section).5
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Yes please!! I just spent almost 30 min creating a template in the wrong place accidentally... if I could just copy it wouldn't feel like I wasted all my time! Please and thank you!5
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surely it's SIMPLE and obviously it's NEEDED
--what are you waiting for?4
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And here we are..... STILL NO RESPONSE FROM SEESAW ON THIS MATTER!!!!
SEESAW, you have created an AMAZING Platform. You know how hard we are working to ensure we are engaging our students. PLEASE HELP US MAKE GOOD USE OF OUR TIME !!! INSTEAD OF WASTING IT~!!!!!
SEESAW TECH SUPPORT!!! It seems this would be a matter of a few clicks on your side VS HOURS of lost productivity on hours!!! Please make this fix happen!!!4
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:'( I just spent 40 minutes working on an assignment to realize I made it in the instructions and not the template. Please make this fix/update!4
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This is incredibly frustrating. I just sent an activity out to all of my classes not realizing the activity I copied and edited had originally made this mistake. Why is there not a simple copy and paste!?3
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Please fix this, ASAP. How is this still an issue? I get that it's my mistake, I made it, but I feel like I'm being punished for it! LOL!2
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SeeSaw Tech Help please HELP! I was loving SeeSaw until I found out that there is no option enabled to fix this. This is still an issue over the past 6 months? Hmmm? well, seems I may not get the help I was looking for. I guess another 2 hours on SeeSaw to recreate what I made in Example to Student Template.2
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Yes please! I just scrolled to the bottom of this thread desperately hoping it had been resolved2
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PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE! I get this request from my teachers all the time. I keep telling them that I'm sure Seesaw is working on this.2
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Please tell us when something is going to be done about this problem. In these days of virtual teaching and learning, which many of us are still going through, the last thing we need is to have to create an activity twice because we put it in the example instead of in the student template. A sign of a tired teacher at the end of a long week that we make these mistakes but I shouldn't have to spend another hour recreating it!2
Please sign in to leave a comment. | https://help.seesaw.me/hc/en-us/community/posts/360072695212-When-creating-an-activity-Copy-content-between-the-Student-Template-and-the-Multimedia-Example?sort_by=votes |
Our menu caters to big appetites and light grazers alike. With the majority of seasonal, free range of organic ingredients coming straight from the Queen Vic Market.
Join us for Happy Hour from 4PM to 6PM daily!
Breakfast - 7.00am to 11:30am weekdays, 07:00am to 11:00am weekends & public holidays
Lunch - 11:30am to 3:00pm weekdays, closed weekends & public holidays
Happy Hour - 4:00pm to 6:00pm daily
Please note that Jasper Kitchen is closed for lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday, however the full bar menu is available.
Room service is also available as per the above hours for guests staying in-house who wish to dine in the privacy and comfort of their room. | https://www.jasperhotel.com.au/dining/jasper-kitchen |
How many courses to enrol in
As a new student, you need to be aware of the structure and requirements of your programme of study.
In your first year of study, your recommended full-time workload is 120 points. In most programmes, this will be eight 15-point courses.
If you are taking a conjoint degree, you will need to take 135 points each year to complete your programme in the minimum timeframe.
We advise you not to take on a heavier workload unless you achieved 16 credits in each of three Level 3 subjects in NCEA. If you’re already studying at university, you need a GPA of 5.5 (B to B+ average) from your most recent year of study.
How many courses you can take in one semester
- You can enrol in a maximum of 80 points for each of Semesters One and Two.
- You can enrol in a maximum of 30 points in Summer School.
- Many courses are weighted at 15 points, so it may not be possible to reach the maximum allowance each semester.
Points you need to be considered full-time
To be considered a full-time student, you must enrol in a minimum of either:
- 100 points over two semesters
- 50 points in any one semester
- 25 points at Summer School.
Fewer points than this will classify you as a part-time student. Being a part-time student will have implications on your eligibility for a student loan or allowance.
For more information on what is considered full-time, see Eligibility for student loans and allowances.
Enrolment under Academic Restriction
If you are under Academic Restriction, you are limited to:
- 45 points in the first semester of enrolment (other than Summer School).
- 25 points in Summer School.
For more information, see the Enrolment and Programme Regulations in the University Calendar - Section 44. | https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/applications-and-admissions/enrolment/choosing-your-courses/how-many-courses-to-enrol-in.html |
Pennsylvania State University East Halls: McKean Hall
DLA+ was selected by The Pennsylvania State University to renovate three existing residence halls - Stuart, McKean, and Pennypacker - as part of the East Halls Phase 1 project. Phase 1B included renovations to McKean Hall with an estimated construction cost of $18 million.
Project Team
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- TOP PROJECTS
- Pennsylvania State University East Halls
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- TOP PROJECTS
- Valley Medical Offices
- Owner
- Pennsylvania State University
- Contractor
- Clayco Corp
- Teaming Partners
- Design Architect - Mackey Mitchell Architects
- MEP Engineer - Barton Associates
- Structural Engineer - Hope Furrer Associates
- Landscape Architect - Forum Studio
- Civil Engineer - Sweetland Engineering
- Services
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Construction Administration
- Completion Date
- August 2018
- Project Size
- 273 renovated beds
- 67,000 SF
- Project Cost
- $18 Million
Project Challenges and Outcomes
Challenges
The goal of the renovation was to transform the existing 1960s building into a modern residence life facility for incoming Penn State freshman. Additionally, the exterior design had to blend in with the surrounding East Halls, so all the buildings look uniform.
Outcomes
This existing eight-story residence hall was renovated as part of Phase 1B of the East Halls Project. McKean Hall’s main floor includes a meeting room, large common area with a kitchen, knowledge room, laundry room, quiet room, and study room. It is home to one Res Life staff member’s office. The Hall has double occupancy rooms, some Resident Assistant single rooms, and a RD apartment on the main floor for a total of 273 beds. Each floor has lounge areas that can be used as supplemental housing spaces should the need arise. Additionally, students will have access to both single user bathrooms with a shower and toilet to allow for privacy and additional toilet only restrooms on each floor.
Learn more about the entire East Halls Project. | https://dlaplus.com/pages/penn-state-mckean-hall |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
This invention relates generally to a keypad assembly, and more particularly to a keypad assembly in which each of the keys have a pair of contacts through which a discrete electrical circuit is established in response to depressing the key.
2. History of Related Art
Keypads are commonly used in telecommunication instruments such as cellular phones, integrated pager/telephones, and mobile radios. Typically, the keypad is incorporated in a handset containing both a speaker and a microphone, and frequently, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Heretofore, multiple versions of the same basic handset require multiple printed wiring boards (PWB) to support different keypad arrangement or configurations. Multiple printed wiring boards increase the number of parts that are required to be carried in stock, and contribute to higher initial costs for a handset. Also, additional time is required to develop each printed wiring board to support each new handset arrangement. Currently, a new handset requires a new printed wiring board layout, a new frame, and a new keypad.
The present invention is directed to overcoming the problems set forth above. It is desirable to have a keypad assembly which requires only modification of the keys and the frame supporting the keys for varying handset arrangements. It is also desirable to have such a keypad assembly in which the discrete electrical circuits established to identify specific keys are not dependent upon a wiring board specifically designed for each key arrangement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a keypad assembly includes a frame, a base disposed in a fixed relationship with the frame and has an electrically conductive surface disposed thereon, and a plurality of keys that are movably supported within the frame. Each of the keys have a pair of spaced apart electrical contacts disposed on a lower surface of the keys which are movable between a first position at which the pair of contacts are spaced from the electrically conductive surface of the base, to a second position at which the contacts are disposed in common electrical communication with the electrically conductive surface. The keypad assembly also includes a plurality of electrical circuits, each of which extend between one contact of the pair of contacts on each of the keys and a predetermined one of a plurality of electrical terminals that are spaced from the electrically conductive surface of the base. The electrical circuits are arranged such that each member of the pair of electrical contacts on one of the keys is in separate electrically conductive communication with a different one of the terminals. Furthermore, the electrical circuits are arranged such that when one of the keys is depressed, electrical communication is established between a preselected pair of electrical terminals that is different for each one of the keys.
Other features of the keypad assembly embodying the present invention include the base of the assembly having an electrically conductive metallic foil disposed on a nonconductive substrate. Another feature includes the base having a plurality of apertures extending between an external surface of the foil and an external surface of the substrate, and a plurality of light-emitting diodes each of which are positioned to direct emitted light through at least one of the apertures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete understanding of the structure and operation of the present invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a telecommunication instrument having a keyboard assembly embodying the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the electrical circuits between each of the keys and a preselected terminal, as viewed from the bottom side of the keys;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the base portion of the keypad assembly embodying the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the keypad assembly embodying the present invention, taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the keypad assembly embodying the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
The term "keypad assembly" as used herein means a structure having a plurality of separately operable keys and a means for delivering electrical signals to a decoder to determine which of said keys was operated. Such assemblies are typically found on telecommunications instruments which include cellular telephones, mobile radios, personal digital assistants (PDA) and the like, and in other instruments such as control panels, remote controllers, toys, and calculators. In the present invention, the keys may be arranged in any desired configuration, or pattern, without changing the underlying printed wiring board conventionally used to determine which of the keys are actuated.
The present invention reverses the traditional way of designing keypads having rubber pads, or keys, and printed wiring boards (PWB), by putting two conductors for each key on the key itself, and shorting the conductors on a conductive surface provided on the PWB. The interconnection of the circuit identifying which key is actuated takes place on the key itself, so that the interface to the keypad decoding logic does not require change for a different keypad layout or arrangement.
In the exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention, a telecommunication instrument 10 has a keypad assembly 12 that comprises a frame 14, a base member 16 disposed in a fixed relationship with respect to the frame 14, a plurality of keys 18 movably supported in the frame 14, and a plurality of electrical circuits 20. The base member 16 has an electrically conductive surface 22 disposed on a nonconductive substrate 24. Desirably, the base member 16 is a printed wiring board which may have a plurality of internally disposed electrical circuits supporting specific functional operations of the telecommunication instrument 10. The electrically conductive surface 22 disposed on the PWB may advantageously comprise a single large conductor area formed by a sheet of copper foil, or alternatively may be formed by a number of differently- shaped conductor islands. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the electrically conductive surface 22 of the base member 16 is a uniform, planar surface.
Each of the keys 18 have an upper surface 26 that is adapted for tactile contact by an operator of the instrument 10, and a lower surface 28 that is spaced from the upper surface 26. In the exemplary preferred embodiment, the individual keys 18 are interconnected by relatively thin webs 30 that extend between the keys 18 and around the outer periphery of the interconnected key structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the keys 18 are arranged in a conventional twelve-key telephone configuration. An important advantage of the present invention is the ability to change the number and arrangement of the keys 18, for example adding additional function keys or even separate keys for each of the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet, without changing the printed wiring board. Also, the twelve-key arrangement may be arranged in a pattern other than that shown without changing any other components of the instrument 10, except for the keys 18 and the frame 14.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keys 18 are preferably formed by molding a substantially clear or translucent resiliently compressible material, such as silicone rubber. The light- transmitting properties of clear or translucent materials enables light to be directed through the keys 18 from a source of light in the manner described below. Desirably, a premolded interconnected network of keys 18 and webs 30 is centreliably positioned in a mold cavity, and the frame 14 formed by injection molding around the interconnected key structure, thereby providing a single integral structure comprising the keys and a substantially rigid frame 14. In this construction, the webs 30 are retained in substantially fixed relationship within the frame 14.
The frame 14 is desirably constructed of a conventional thermoplastic or thermoset plastic material having a molding temperature of less than the melting temperature of the keypad material. Suitable materials for the frame 14 include, but are not limited to, ABS resins, cellulosic plastics, phenolic resins, phenylene oxide resins, polycarbonate, polyester, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, or blends of such materials.
Importantly, each of the keys 18 has a pair of electrically conductive contacts 34 disposed on the lower surface 28 and are normally spaced from the electrically conductive surface 22 of the base member 16. As best shown in FIG. 4, the frame 14 has a spacing ridge 32 that extends at least partially around the lower peripheral edge of the frame 14 and has a thickness sufficient to assure a controlled clearance between the bottom surface 28 of the keys 18 and the electrically conductive surface 22 of the base member 16. When integrally formed with the frame, the keys 18 are desirably formed of an elastomeric material having sufficient deflection characteristics so that when the top of a key 18 is depressed by a finger, the bottom surface 28 of the key 18 will downwardly. Downward movement of the lower surface 28 of the key 18 causes the electrically conductive contacts 34 to come into physical contact with the electrically conductive surface 22 of the base member 16, resulting in an establishment of an electrical connection between the pair of contacts 34.
Alternatively, the keypad assembly 12 may comprise a plurality of separately formed keys 18. For example, the keys 18 may be spherically- shaped domes, often called Poplars, which pop under contact pressure and deflect the bottom surface 28 of the key 18 downwardly whereby the contacts 34 are brought into electrical contact with the conductive surface 22 on the base member 16. Other materials and constructions of the keys 18 may also be used, including mechanical or spring-biased arrangements, provided that they have an extendable and retractable bottom surface and, desirably, provide a positive tactile feedback to the operator when depressed by the operator's finger.
The electrical circuits 20 are arranged, for example as shown in FIG. 2 wherein the electrical circuits 20 are viewed schematically from beneath the keys 18, to provide electrical communication between each of the contacts 34 disposed on the lower surfaces 28 of each of the keys 18 and a predetermined one of a plurality of electrical terminals, which are identified by numbers 1 through 6 in the schematic drawing. The terminals 1-6 represent interconnection sites between the circuits conductors 20 on the keypad with conductive contacts, or pads, on the printed wiring board, thereby providing connection with the decoding logic circuits of the instrument. Importantly, each member of a pair of contacts 34 on any single one of the keys 18 is in separate electrically conductive communication with a different one of the terminals. The electrical circuits 20 are arranged such that when one of the keys 18 is depressed, electrical communication is established between a preselected pair of the electrical terminals 1-6 such that the preselected pair of terminals 1-6 is different for each of the keys. As shown schematically in FIG. 2, the keys 18, identified by letters of the alphabet, are electrically connected by the circuits 20 to the respective pair of terminals as listed below.
______________________________________
KEY TERMINALS
______________________________________
A 1-2
B 1-4
C 1-5
D 1-3
E 2-3
F 3-4
G 2-4
H 4-5
J 3-6
K 4-6
L 5-6
M 1-6
______________________________________
Thus, it can be seen that upon being depressed, both of the contacts 34 on a key 18 are brought into electrically conductive contact with the surface 22 of the base member 16, and establishes a closed electrical circuit between a discrete pair of the terminals 1-6. It should be noted that the terminal combinations of 2-5, 2-6, and 3-5 are not used in the above layout, permitting the addition of three additional keys without adding additional terminals. The number of keys 18 that can be separately identified by a unique two-terminal combination is represented by the equation: ##EQU1## wherein n equals the number of terminals. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, six terminals will provide 15 separate combinations whereby each key can be separately identified by the instrument decoding circuitry. In like manner, seven terminals will support 21 keys, eight terminals will support 28 keys, and ten terminals will support 45 keys.
The electrical terminals 1-6 are spaced from the electrically conductive surface 22 of the base member 16 and provide electrical communication between the plurality of electrical circuits 20 disposed on the keypad assembly 12 and a conventional decoding logic chip, not shown, disposed in the internal electrical circuitry of the instrument 10. The electrical circuits 20, may be conveniently formed on the lower surface of the interconnected keys 18 by printing with an electrically conductive ink or formed by etching using a full additive process or subtractive etching, in the manner used in forming printed wiring boards. In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical lead extends from each of the contacts 34 disposed on the lower surface 28 of each of the keys 18, across the adjacent lower surface of the key, then up the side of the key to the web section 30 and thence along the web section to the appropriate terminal 1-6. If desired, selected ones of the electrical leads may extend through the web section 30 and then follow a selected path along the upper surface of the web section to the appropriate terminal 1-6.
Desirably, the keypad assembly 12 includes a means for providing illumination of the keys 18 under low light conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of aligned apertures 36 extend between the electrically conductive surface 22 and the external surface of the substrate 14 of the base member 16. The apertures 36 are arranged in a pattern such that at least one of the apertures 36 will be positioned below each of the keys 18 regardless of the configuration or arrangement of the keys. A small fight-emitting diode 38 (LED) is positioned below each of the apertures 36 and provides a source of emitted light through the respective aperture 36. Alternatively, larger LEDs or a single liquid crystal display (LCD) panels may be used to provide a source of light through plural apertures 36.
Therefore, it can be seen that the keypad configuration, number of keys, and arrangement of the keys 18 can be changed for different models of a telecommunication instrument or other keypad-operated device, without changing the printed wiring board and internal circuitry of the instrument. Thus, a single base model of an instrument can be readily adapted for various applications. The keypad assembly 12 described above is also applicable to other keypad-operated instruments such as control panels, remote controllers, toys, calculators, and the like.
Although the present invention is described in terms of a preferred exemplary embodiment, with specific illustrative key constructions and circuit arrangements, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in those arrangements and constructions, and in the specifically identified materials, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such changes are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings, along with the appended claims. | |
Organisms with dichromacy are called dichromats. Dichromats can match any color they see with a mixture of no more than two pure spectral lights. By comparison, a trichromat requires three pure spectral lights to match all colors in their visual spectrum.
Contents
Classification[edit | edit source]
There are various kinds of color blindness:
- Protanopia is a severe form of red-green color-blindness, where there is impairment in perception of very long wavelengths, such as reds. To these sufferers, reds are "perceived" * as beige and greens tend to "look" * beige like reds. Protanomaly is a less severe version.
- Deuteranopia consists of an impairment in perceiving medium wavelengths, such as greens. Deuteranomaly is a less severe form of deuteranopia. Those living with deuteranomaly cannot see reds and greens like those without this condition; however, they can still distinguish them in most cases.
- A more rare form of color blindness is tritanopia, where there exists an inability to perceive short wavelengths, such as blues. Sufferers have trouble distinguishing between yellow and blue. They tend to confuse greens and blues and yellow can "appear" pink.
Animals that are dichromats[edit | edit source]
It is currently believed that most mammals are dichromats. The straightforward exceptions are primates closely related to humans, which are usually trichromats, and sea mammals (both pinnipeds and cetaceans) which are cone monochromats. New World Monkeys are a partial exception: in most species, males are dichromats, and about 60% of females are trichromats, but the owl monkeys are cone monochromats, and both sexes of howler monkeys are trichromats.
Recent research suggests that trichromacy may be widespread among marsupials.
Dichromats are capable of seeing 10,000 different colors[edit | edit source]
According to color vision researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin (including Jay Neitz), each of the three standard color-detecting cones in the retina of trichromats – blue, green and red – can pick up about 100 different gradations of color. Since each detector is independent of the others, the total number of colors discernible by an average human is their product, or about 1 million. Similarly, a dichromat (such as a human with red-green color blindness) would be able to distinguish about 10,000 different colors.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Cassin, B. and Solomon, S. Dictionary of Eye Terminology. Gainsville, Florida: Triad Publishing Company, 1990.
- ↑ "Guidelines: Colour Blindness." Tiresias.org. Accessed September 29, 2006.
- ↑ Jacobs, G. H., & Deegan, J. F. (2001). Photopigments and colour vision in New World monkeys from the family Atelidae. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B, 268, 695-702.
- ↑ Jacobs, G. H., Deegan, J. F., Neitz, J., Crognale, M. A., & Neitz, (1993). Photopigments and colour vision in the nocturnal monkey, Aotus. Vision Research, 33, 1773-1783
- ↑ Mollon, J. D., Bowmaker, J. K., & Jacobs, G. H. (1984). Variations of colour vision in a New World primate can be explained by polymorphism of retinal photopigments. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B, 222, 373-399.
- ↑ Sternberg, Robert J. (2006): Cognitive Psychology. 4th Ed. Thomson Wadsworth.
- ↑ Arrese, C. A., Oddy, A. Y., Runham, P. B., Hart, N. S., Shand, J., Hunt, D. M., * Beazley, L. D. (2005). Cone topography and spectral sensitivity in two potentially trichromatic marsupials, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) and quenda (Isoodon obesulus). Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series B, 272, 791-796.
- ↑ Mark Roth. Some women who are tetrachromats may see 100,000,000 colors, thanks to their genes. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. | https://psychology.wikia.org/wiki/Dichromacy |
Question:
We are 4 brothers and 5 sisters. My eldest brother passed away about 5 years back. But he has his wife and 3 children. We are now 3 living brothers and 5 sisters. My mother passed away few days back. My father passed away about 24 years back. Please guide us as to how we should share the inheritance left behind by our mother.
Answer:
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
The total assets of the deceased will be distributed in the following way:
11_____________Decesed_______________________________________________
(6) 3 SONS 5 DAUGHTERS
6 (2 shares each) 5
Your mother’s estate will be distributed amongst her remaining three sons and five daughters into 11 shares with each of the son receiving 2 shares and the daughters 1 share each.
Your brother who passed away five years ago will not receive anything. Similarly, your father would not be entitled to a share. Only those siblings or relatives who are alive at the time of the deceased’s death will inherit. | http://daruliftabirmingham.co.uk/home/how-to-distribute-the-estate-of-a-mother-who-passed-away/ |
Activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase and expression of PMA1 and PMA2 genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells grown at optimal and low pH.
Cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in media with an initial pH of 2.5-6.0, acidified with a strong acid (HCl), exhibited the highest plasma membrane H+-ATPase-specific activity at an initial pH of 6.0. At a lower pH (above pH 2.5) ATPase activity (62-83% of the maximum level) still allowed optimal growth. At pH 2.5, ATPase activity was about 30% of the maximum value and growth was impaired. Quantitative immunoassays showed that the content of ATPase protein in the plasma membrane was similar across the entire pH range tested, although slightly lower at pH 2.5. The decrease of plasma membrane ATPase activity in cells grown at low pH was partially accounted for by its in vitro stability, which decreased sharply at pH below 5.5, although the reduction of activity was far below the values expected from in vitro measurements. Yeast growth under acid stress changed the pattern of gene expression observed at optimal pH. The level of mRNA from the essential plasma-membrane-ATPase-encoding gene PMA1 was reduced by 50% in cells grown at pH 2.5 as compared with cells grown at the optimal pH 5.0, although the content of ATPase in the plasma membrane was only modestly reduced. As observed in response to other kinds of stress, the PMA2 promoter at the optimal pH was up to eightfold more efficient in cells grown at pH 2.5, although it remained several hundred times less efficient than that of the PMA1 gene.
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Q:
Find $\det A$ and $\operatorname{Tr} A$ if $\det(A-\sqrt[n]{3}I_n)=0$
$A \in M_{n}(\mathbb{Q})$ and I have to find $\det A$ and $\operatorname{Tr} A$ if $\det(A+\sqrt[n]{3}I_n)=0$. I observed that $\sqrt[n]{3}$ is an eigenvalue of $A$,but I don't know how to continue.
EDIT : My bad,the matrix has rational entries.
A:
$\det (A+\lambda I_n)$ is a monic polynomial of degree $n$ in $\lambda$. Note that if $n$-th root of $3$ is a root of a degree $n$-polynomial, the polynomial must be a multiple of $\lambda^n-3$, hence $\det$ and Tr must be $(-1)^n\cdot -3$ and $0$ respectively (by using the fact that Tr is the coefficient of $\lambda^{n-1}$ in the characteristic polynomial and $\det$ is the constant term times $(-1)^n$ in the characteristic polynomial).
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The names of common objects are part of the vocabulary you’ll need to know for day-to-day communication.
Now you may be thinking…but there’s so much to learn!
Don’t stress; we’ll give you some ideas for tackling this vocabulary and we’ll list 50 words you’re sure to learn quickly.
Household objects in English
When a child learns to speak, the first words he pronounces are the names of people and the objects nearby that make up his daily environment.
Similarly, our first list of objects will be focused on objects in the home. Of course there are many things in a house; but remember, we’re sticking to short lists.
Are you ready?
- Cupboard
- Pillow
- Coffee maker
- Bed
- Spoon
- Blanket
- Knife
- Stove
- Sink
- Washing machine
- Pot
- Dish
- Fridge
- Sofa
- Stool
- Cup
- Fork
- Glass
These words will certainly be easy for you to remember, because they’re things you use at home every day. Now we’ll move on to another environment that’s also common: the classroom.
Classroom objects
Whether you study virtually or in person, it’s always important to know the names of classroom objects.
Of course, if you attend classes in person, you’ll need to refer to many objects, whereas the list could probably be reduced a bit if you study online.
Either way, we’ve chosen a list of the words that seemed most useful.
- Pen
- Computer
- Notebook
- Desk
- Pencil
- Bookcase
- Book
- Chair
- Backpack
- Paper
- Glue
- Door
- Ruler
- Clock
- Whiteboard
- Window
As you can see, this list isn’t exhaustive. What other words would you add?
Other objects or common things in English
We’re down to our last 16 words for objects! In this list, we’ve included vocabulary you’ll need to know in your everyday environment.
- Car
- Bicycle (bike)
- Banknote
- Wallet
- Blouse
- Bag
- Shirt
- Helmet
- Toothbrush
- Key
- Table
- Coin
- Trousers (UK) / Pants (US)
- Sweater
- Shoe
And, to finish, we’re going to suggest some simple strategies that will help you remember this vocabulary and put it into practice.
Advice for learning vocabulary for everyday objects
Next, we’ll share some tips for learning the names of objects efficiently:
- Create an environment for learning. How can you do that? One of the most-used techniques is to label things so that every time you see them, you’ll remember their name.
- Focus on the vocabulary you need the most depending on where you are or what job you’re doing. You can also learn vocabulary related to your hobbies or the activities you like to do most. This will ensure you don’t get bored, since you can combine your vocabulary with the things you like to do.
- Make lists of vocabulary by groups. An effective form of studying words and their pronunciation is to create lists by group and tackle them little by little. For example, you can start with all the household objects, then move on to classroom objects, then food, and so on.
- Create a daily routine. It’s important that you dedicate time to learn new vocabulary every day. As we’ve shown, it’s not necessary to learn a lot at one time; it’s more important to learn at a steady pace.
- Go at your own pace. You don’t have to memorise a list of 100 words at a time. Start with one or two words, try to use them frequently and later add more vocabulary onto those words.
- Learn vocabulary in context. For example, when you’re making coffee in the morning you can say:
I’m using the coffee maker to prepare coffee.
I need a cup to serve the coffee.
I need a spoon for the sugar.
We hope that these tips and the vocabulary we’ve included in this article will help you continue on your path of improving your language abilities.
ABA English is a digital language academy that enables you to learn vocabulary in a natural and immersive manner.
With our course in English, you’ll not only have access to all our lessons, but you can also take advantage of conversation classes that allow you to achieve the level of communication you desire. Also, ABA English is available on any device, which allows you to take your course whenever you want and wherever you find yourself. | https://blog.abaenglish.com/objects-in-english/ |
Interaction of droplets with vortical structures is ubiquitous in nature ranging from raindrops to gas turbine combustors. In this work, we try to elucidate a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of interaction of a droplet with a co-axial vortex ring. We have focussed on the droplet and vortex dynamics that evolve in Spatio-temporal fashion during different stages of the interaction. Experimental techniques such as high-speed particle image velocimetry measurement (PIV), planner laser fluorescence imaging, and high-speed shadowgraphy are used in this work. We have covered the Reynolds number range (Rec = 5135-18095) between laminar and turbulent regimes of the vortex ring. In droplet dynamics, we have identified different regimes of interaction, including deformation, stretching, engulfment and breakup. We were able to explain each of the interaction regimes using analytical models which closely matched the experimental data. In vortex dynamics, we have compared the effect of the interaction on different characteristics of vortex rings, such as pressure distribution, vorticity distribution, circulation strength, total energy, and total enstrophy. It was found that interaction (during stretching and engulfment) with the droplet leads to a decrease in convection speed, circulation strength, maximum pressure difference, total energy and total enstrophy of the vortex ring.
We believe that this study is crucial for the fundamental understanding of the vortex-droplet interaction phenomena. It can also play a vital role in designing various practical devices (injector in gas turbine and IC engines, blade in under-water drilling, wings and propeller blades in aircraft) and forecasting (shift in temperature, humidity, and aerosol concentration of clouds due to stirring and mixing of droplets caused by turbulence, loss in strength and energy of tropical cyclone, tornado or dust devil due to presence of droplets).
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Any reuse must credit the author(s) and provide a link back to this page. | https://gfm.aps.org/meetings/dfd-2020/5f5f9fa3199e4c091e67beec |
Table of Contents
Although wire rope has been in use for over 100 years, it is a complex structure that is still not well understood. Wire ropes are made in diameters from less than 1/32 to more than 7 in and can have as many as 900 individual wires. The mining industry uses a lot of wire rope, not only for hoists for shafts and slopes, but also for elevators, cranes, draglines, and haulage cables. This report is limited to a discussion of the kinds of wire ropes used for hoists in coal mines and in metal-nonmetal mines.
Wire rope consists of three basic components; while few in number, the components may vary in both complexity and configuration to produce ropes for a specific purpose or characteristic. The three basic components of a standard wire rope design are (1) wire that forms the strand, (2) multiwire strands laid helically around a core, and (3) the core (fig. 1).
Wire for rope is made in several materials and types, such as steel, iron, stainless steel, morel, and bronze. By far, the most widely used material is high-carbon steel. This is available in a variety of grades, each of which has properties related to the basic curve for steel rope wire. The most common grades used in mining are improved plow steel (IPS) and extra improved plow steel (EIPS). The wire type and grade are selected based upon the rope’s service requirements.
Strands are made up of two or more wires, laid in any one of many specific geometric arrangements, or in a combination of steel wires with some other materials, such as natural or synthetic fibers. It is conceivable that a
strand can be made up of any number of wires, or that a rope can have any number of strands.
The core is the foundation of a wire rope; it is made of materials that will provide proper support for the strands under normal bending and loading conditions. It is important to the strength of a rope that the original configuration of the components are maintained throughout the service cycle. Core materials include fibers (hard vegetable or synthetic) or steel. A steel core consists either of a strand or an independent wire rope. The three most commonly used cores are fiber core (FC), independent wire rope core (IWRC), and wire strand core (WSC).
In a wire rope, the wires and strands are “laid” in a variety of patterns to obtain different rope characteristics. Typical lays are shown in figure 2. In figures 2A through 2C, strands are shown as normally laid into the rope to the right, in a fashion similar to the threading in a right-hand bolt. Conversely, the “left lay” rope strands in figures 2B and 2D are laid in the opposite direction.
In regular lay ropes (figs. 2A-B), the wires lay in the strand opposite the strand lay in the rope, causing the wires to appear to align parallel to the rope axis. In lang lay ropes (figs. C-D), the strand lay and the rope lay are in the same direction, causing the wires to appear to be at an angle to the rope axis. Alternate lay (fig. 2E) consists of alternating regular and lang lay strands. Compared with other types, the superiority of lang lay rope in certain applications derives from the fact that these ropes are more resistant to abrasion and have greater fatigue resistance.
A variety of wire configurations, called the construction, are also used to achieve the best combination of wear and flexibility for the particular application. The wire rope cross sections, illustrated in figure 3, show the classification
of some commonly used constructions. The rope constructions listed in this report are arranged under their respective classification groups.
Rotation-resistant rope is a specialized wire rope category; in this category, the selection of the right rope requires more than ordinary care. Because wires and strands are laid in a helical shape, there is a tendency for a rope to try to unwind under tension. When rotation is restrained, as by the shaft guides, a torque force is developed. In a rotation-resistant rope construction, the outside strands are laid in one direction (left or right) and the inside strands are laid in the opposite direction. This construction creates counteracting torques and helps prevent the rope from rotating in either direction when a load is applied. Some typical rotation-resistant wire rope cross sections are shown in figure 4.
Mine Safety and Health Administration Data Bank
MSHA maintains a data bank that contains a comprehensive amount of detail on about 80% of the hoist and elevator systems used in mines in the United States. For this report, only hoist data are considered. The format of data collected by MSHA for hoist systems is shown in figure 5.
The data compiled by MSHA on hoist systems are divided into two categories: (1) coal mine hoist systems and (2) metal-nonmetal mine hoist systems.
As can be seen, the data consist of a large volume of information related to use, electrical equipment, mechanical systems, and ropes. From this information, specific data were extracted that included the rope diameter, construction type, and lay type. The easiest and most efficient method to extract these data was to use a DMS. The DMS was used to establish the format illustrated in figure 6.
Data Base Management System
A data base is an organized collection of related information or data. Data base management is a very powerful tool that provides the capability to manipulate and quickly organize a large mass of data for a specific purpose. The most important feature, however, is the capability to quickly select and rearrange the data in any order or format desired.
Many DMS’s exist that incorporate important features. These features may include—
- Editing.—Correcting and updating file information.
- Searching— Finding specific information quickly.
- Indexing.–Rearranging specific data in a specific format.
- Storing—Saving edited and indexed files for recall.
- Creating documents—Making finished reports.
Other features are available, depending on the system that fits the user’s requirements. One disadvantage of using a DMS with the MSHA data is that wire rope sizes are nominal and are expressed in inches and fractions. For manipulation by computer, these sizes must be converted to decimals, which incorrectly implies great precision of diameter measurements.
Results
The information contained in the tables of this report represents specific data that were extracted from the large data base provided by MSHA. Of particular interest is the distribution of hoist ropes throughout U.S. mines. Using the MSHA data detailed in figure 6, the hoist rope inventory was sorted initially by three rope characteristics considered separately: (1) rope diameter (table 1), (2) construction type (table 2), and (3) lay type (table 3). This was an attempt to determine whether or not there is a dominant wire rope used in U.S. mines for hoisting. The criterion used for sorting the data was total rope footage.
By utilizing a DMS to construct the tables in this report, the task of identifying the most popular ropes was greatly simplified. Wire rope with a diameter of 1¼ in has the largest percentage of use at 14.57%, as indicated in table 1, by individual characteristic. A 6×27 wire rope construction is most prevalent at 32.50%, as indicated in table 2. Right lang lay (RLL) is the most common lay type at 43.44%, as indicated in table 3. Many of the left lang lay ropes, which comprise 18.27% of the total, are paired with right lang lay ropes on friction hoists for torque balance.
The first step aided significantly in determining the most prevalent ropes by individual characteristic. The next step was to sort the hoist rope inventory by rope characteristics considered in pairs. The relationships of rope diameter to construction type, rope diameter to lay type, and construction type to lay type are shown in tables 4, 5, and 6, respectively. The information contained in these tables confirms the information in tables 1 through 3. However, the total footage of each rope is drastically reduced when rope characteristics are paired. As shown in table 4, 1-¼ in, 6×27 rope is only 8.48% of the total footage. As indicated in table 5, 1-¼ in, right lang lay rope is 7.46% of the total footage. As shown in table 6, 6×27, right lang lay is 23.85% of the total footage. The second step using a DMS confirmed the information assembled during the first step and illustrated how dominance of a hoist rope is reduced when characteristics are paired.
Finally, all three characteristics were considered together. The data are displayed in table 7. Again, a DMS simplifies this task. The earlier data were verified. But, once again, the total footage is reduced. Ropes with the combination of 1-¼ in, 6×27, right lang lay characteristics represent 5.25% of the total rope footage for hoisting in use in U.S. mines.
The total number of ropes at each rope diameter contained in the MSHA data is illustrated in figure 7. From this figure, many of the ropes have diameters between 1 and 1-¾ in. Furthermore, it is graphically displayed in figures 8, 9, and 10 how each rope diameter is divided into its prevalent construction types. The graphs only display ropes with the combination of diameter and construction totaling at least 1% of the total footage or has a diameter that is a multiple of 1/8 in. About 80% of the MSHA hoist inventory for rope footage is incorporated in figures 7 through 10.
A more detailed listing of data is provided in the appendix, which is arranged by rope diameter, construction type, and lay type for individual mine information reported by MSHA.
Conclusions
The data analyzed in this report deal only with data presented in the MSHA data base. The small percentage (5.25), representing the largest footage of ropes and containing the three characteristics of 1-¼ in diam, 6×27 construction, and right lang lay, reflects the data base. Information pertaining to ropes for specific mine applications should be made after careful evaluation of rope properties produced by the manufacturers. No attempt is made in this report to generalize rope properties.
A DMS is a powerful computer tool for extracting, organizing, and correlating large amounts of information. A DMS is useful for analyzing specific data contained in a large volume of data. Information from other sources can be combined for additional analyses.
The total rope footages contained in the MSHA data base do not necessarily represent the total rope footage used at a mine. For hoisting ropes, mines are categorized as having slope or vertical shafts. The slope shaft rope footage accurately accounts for rope footage. The footage reported for vertical shafts may not be totally accurate. Vertical mine shaft footage is measured from the surface to the loading level. This footage does not include the rope used from the head sheave to the drum and dead wraps. However, increasing the amount of wire rope to account for the hoisting system would not alter the prevalence of wire rope usage. The percentage of mines in the United States that are vertical and slope is illustrated in table 8.
Summary
Analyzing wire rope data by individual characteristics could lead to the erroneous conclusion that one type of wire rope used in U.S. mines for hoisting is dominant. However, when characteristics are combined, the information yields a different conclusion. Although one set of characteristics is greater than all other combinations, the use of wire rope varies widely, with no dominant combination. As indicated, a 1-¼ in, 6×27, right lang lay rope combination is greatest, but only represents 5.25% of the total footage.
A DMS is most useful in handling large amounts of data and extracting and organizing the information. This report is concerned only with the rope parameters of diameter, construction type, and lay type. However, by using a DMS with the data base information supplied by MSHA, it is possible to correlate mine data by factors such as the State and county of the mine location, the depth of the mine, and the type of mine. Examples of other information obtainable with a DMS using the MSHA data are (1) all mines that are greater than 1,000 ft in Colorado, (2) vertical shaft mines and slope mines, (3) mine operators from any State or county, and (4) MSHA number and page number so that the original files can be searched. Other useful information can be generated with a DMS by performing mathematical calculations, such as determining sheave diameter to rope diameter (SD/RD) or drum diameter to rope diameter (DD/RD) ratios. Also, all of the data on the MSHA report plus any calculated data can be stored in a file. No attempt is made in this report to correlate the MSHA data with data from other sources, such as diameter versus breading strength or shaft depth versus life expectancy. No correlation is made to relate the type of rope to safety factors. Each manufacturer produces different properties in their ropes. Specific manufacturers should be consulted to determine fitness for service of their particular rope. | https://www.911metallurgist.com/wire-ropes-hoisting/ |
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42 2009 Product Proliferation in Indias Cotton Seed Market: Are There Too Many Varieties?. (2009). Ramaswami, Bharat ; Murugkar, Milind ; Shelar, Mahesh . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:1:n:2.
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47 2009 Buyer Power in U.K. Food Retailing: A First-Pass Test. (2009). Rayner, Anthony ; Morgan, Wyn ; Lloyd, Tim ; McCorriston, Steve ; Weldegebriel, Habtu . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:1:n:5.
48 2007 European Union Policy on Bioenergy and the Role of Sustainability Criteria and Certification Systems. (2007). Schlegel, Stephanie ; Kaphengst, Timo . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:5:y:2007:i:2:n:7.
49 2006 Choices of Marketing Outlets by Organic Producers: Accounting for Selectivity Effects. (2006). Park, Timothy ; Lohr, Luanne. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:4:y:2006:i:1:n:4.
50 2006 Market Segmentation Analysis of Preferences for GM Derived Animal Foods in the UK. (2006). KONTOLEON, ANDREAS ; Yabe, Mitsuyasu. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:4:y:2006:i:1:n:8.
1 2007 Potential Land Use Implications of a Global Biofuels Industry. (2007). Reilly, John ; Gurgel, Angelo ; Paltsev, Sergey. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:5:y:2007:i:2:n:9.
2 2007 Got Organic Milk? Consumer Valuations of Milk Labels after the Implementation of the USDA Organic Seal. (2007). Villas-Boas, Sofia ; Kiesel, Kristin . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:5:y:2007:i:1:n:4.
4 2004 Risk and Transactions Cost in Contracting: Results from a Choice-Based Experiment. (2004). Lusk, Jayson ; Hudson, Darren. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:2:y:2004:i:1:n:2.
5 2004 Economics of Private Labels: A Survey of Literature. (2004). Réquillart, Vincent ; Bontems, Philippe ; Berges-Sennou, Fabian ; Requillart, Vincent. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:2:y:2004:i:1:n:3.
6 2010 The Demand for Seafood Eco-Labels in France. (2010). Salladarré, Frédéric ; Guillotreau, Patrice ; Perraudeau, Yves ; Monfort, Marie-Christine . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:8:y:2010:i:1:n:10.
7 2008 The Economics of Biofuel Policy and Biotechnology. (2008). Zilberman, David ; Sexton, Steven ; Hochman, Gal. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:6:y:2008:i:2:n:8.
8 2012 Consumer Preferences for Eco, Health and Fair Trade Labels. An Application to Seafood Product in France. (2012). Salladarré, Frédéric ; Lucas, Sterenn ; Brécard, Dorothée ; Brcard, Dorothe ; Pichot, Nathalie . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:10:y:2012:i:1:n:3.
9 2007 Ethanol Expansion in the Food versus Fuel Debate: How Will Developing Countries Fare?. (2007). Hart, Chad ; Elobeid, Amani ; el Obeid, Amani. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:5:y:2007:i:2:n:6.
10 2008 Consumer Preferences for Detailed versus Summary Formats of Nutrition Information on Grocery Store Shelf Labels. (2008). McCluskey, Jill ; Chouinard, Hayley ; Berning, Joshua. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:6:y:2008:i:1:n:6.
11 2010 Prices as Quality Signals: Evidence from the Wine Market. (2010). Storchmann, Karl ; Schnabel, Hubert . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:8:y:2010:i:1:n:2.
12 2009 Multiplicity of Eco-Labels, Competition, and the Environment. (2009). BEN YOUSSEF, Adel ; Abderrazak, Chema . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:2:n:7.
13 2010 The Effect of Proposition 2 on the Demand for Eggs in California. (2010). Lusk, Jayson. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:8:y:2010:i:1:n:3.
14 2013 The Cooperative Yardstick Revisited: Panel Evidence from the European Dairy Sectors. (2013). Rommel, Jens ; Hanisch, Markus ; Markus, Hanisch ; Jens, Rommel ; Malte, Muller . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:11:y:2013:i:1:p:151-162:n:11.
15 2005 Price Rigidity in the German Grocery-Retailing Sector: Scanner-Data Evidence on Magnitude and Causes. (2005). Herrmann, Roland ; Moeser, Anke ; Weber, Sascha Alexander . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:3:y:2005:i:1:n:4.
16 2010 Prices, Promotions, and Supermarket Mergers. (2010). Davis, David. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:8:y:2010:i:1:n:8.
17 2009 Buyer Power in U.K. Food Retailing: A First-Pass Test. (2009). Rayner, Anthony ; Morgan, Wyn ; Lloyd, Tim ; McCorriston, Steve ; Weldegebriel, Habtu . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:1:n:5.
18 2005 Price Effects of Private Label Development. (2005). Réquillart, Vincent ; orozco, valérie ; Bontemps, Christophe ; Trevisiol, Audrey ; Requillart, Vincent. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:3:y:2005:i:1:n:3.
19 2015 Visual Attention and Choice: A Behavioral Economics Perspective on Food Decisions. (2015). Roosen, Jutta ; Grebitus, Carola ; Claudia, Seitz Carolin ; Jutta, Roosen ; Carola, Grebitus . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:13:y:2015:i:1:p:73-81:n:3.
20 2006 Choices of Marketing Outlets by Organic Producers: Accounting for Selectivity Effects. (2006). Park, Timothy ; Lohr, Luanne. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:4:y:2006:i:1:n:4.
21 2007 Fuel Ethanol Subsidies and Farm Price Support. (2007). Gardner, Bruce. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:5:y:2007:i:2:n:4.
22 2009 Vertical Economies of Scope in Dairy Farming. (2009). Balagtas, Joseph ; Alexander, Corinne ; Mayen, Carlos D.. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:1:n:8.
23 2006 Market Power and European Competition in the Swedish Food Industry. (2006). Wilhelmsson, Fredrik . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:4:y:2006:i:1:n:7.
24 2007 European Union Policy on Bioenergy and the Role of Sustainability Criteria and Certification Systems. (2007). Schlegel, Stephanie ; Kaphengst, Timo . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:5:y:2007:i:2:n:7.
25 2009 Organic Food Consumption Patterns. (2009). simioni, michel ; Monier-Dilhan, Sylvette ; Hassan, Daniel ; Nichele, Veronique. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:2:n:12.
26 2009 Asymmetric Price Transmission, Market Power, and Supply and Demand Curvature. (2009). Xia, Tian. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:1:n:6.
27 2006 Less Choice is Better, Sometimes. (2006). Norwood, Bailey. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:4:y:2006:i:1:n:3.
28 2010 An Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of Marketing Contract Structures for Corn and Soybeans. (2010). Paulson, Nicholas ; Lence, Sergio ; Katchova, Ani. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:8:y:2010:i:1:n:4.
29 2011 Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting: A Literature Review and Synthesis of Related Market Information Research. (2011). Ward, Clement ; Koontz, Stephen R.. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:9:y:2011:i:1:n:9.
30 2008 Will Recreation Demand for Land Limit Biofuels Production?. (2008). Reilly, John ; Gurgel, Angelo ; Antoine, Blandine . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:6:y:2008:i:2:n:5.
31 2011 Willingness to Pay for Fair Trade Coffee: A Conjoint Analysis Experiment with Italian Consumers. (2011). Rotaris, Lucia ; Danielis, Romeo. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:9:y:2011:i:1:n:6.
32 2014 Quantitative Price Tests in Antitrust Market Definition with an Application to the Savory Snacks Markets. (2014). Tsionas, Mike ; Katsoulacos, Yannis ; Ioanna, Konstantakopoulou ; Efthymios, Tsionas ; Eleni, Metsiou . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:12:y:2014:i:1:p:33:n:6.
33 2005 A Simple Test of Oligopsony Behavior with an Application to Rice Milling. (2005). Peterson, Hikaru ; Gao, Zhifeng ; Crespi, John. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:3:y:2005:i:2:n:6.
34 2012 Can Labeling and Information Policies Harm Consumers?. (2012). marette, stéphan ; Lusk, Jayson ; Lusk Jayson L., . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:10:y:2012:i:1:n:7.
35 2009 Labeling Policies and Market Behavior: Quality Standard and Voluntary Label Adoption. (2009). Ibanez, Lisette ; Delacote, Philippe ; Bottega, Lucie. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:2:n:3.
36 2003 Information Pooling and Collusion: Implications for The Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act. (2003). Njoroge, Kenneth . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:1:y:2003:i:1:n:14.
37 2003 Inventory Constraints in a Dynamic Model of Imperfect Competition: An Application to Beef Packing. (2003). Aadland, David ; Hunnicutt, Lynn . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:1:y:2003:i:1:n:12.
38 2013 Identification of Market Power in the Hungarian Dairy Industry: A Plant-Level Analysis. (2013). Perekhozhuk, Oleksandr ; FertÅ, Imre ; Bakucs, Zoltán ; Zoltan, Bakucs Lajos ; Oleksandr, Perekhozhuk ; Heinrich, Hockmann ; Imre, Fert . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:11:y:2013:i:1:p:1-13:n:1.
39 2011 Impact of Country-of-Origin Labeling on Bovine Meat Trade. (2011). Matsumoto, Shigeru. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:9:y:2011:i:1:n:3.
40 2007 Technical and Financial Feasibility Analysis of Distributed Bioprocessing Using Regional Biomass Pre-Processing Centers. (2007). Dale, Bruce E. ; Joshi, Satish V. ; Carolan, Joseph E.. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:5:y:2007:i:2:n:10.
41 2011 Measuring Consumers Attachment to Geographical Indications. (2011). orozco, valérie ; Monier-Dilhan, Sylvette ; Hassan, Daniel. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:9:y:2011:i:1:n:5.
42 2009 Wasteful Labeling. (2009). MAHENC, PHILIPPE. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:2:n:6.
43 2004 Effects of Information on Consumers Willingness to Pay for GM-Corn-Fed Beef. (2004). Wahl, Thomas ; McCluskey, Jill ; Li, Quan. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:2:y:2004:i:2:n:9.
44 2014 Analysing Farmersâ Use of Price Hedging Instruments: An Experimental Approach. (2014). Musshoff, Oliver ; Friederike, Anastassiadis ; Philipp, Schilling ; Oliver, Musshoff ; Jan-Henning, Feil . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:12:y:2014:i:1:p:12:n:10.
45 2008 Understanding Consumer Interest in Organics: Production Values vs. Purchasing Behavior. (2008). Diamond, Adam ; Hallman, William K. ; Onyango, Benjamin ; Bellows, Anne C.. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:6:y:2008:i:1:n:2.
46 2010 Protected Designation of Origin Revisited. (2010). Mechemache, Zohra ; Chaaban, Jad ; Bouamra-Mechemache, Zohra. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:8:y:2010:i:1:n:5.
47 2008 The Role of Farmers Risk aversion for Contract Choice in the US Hog Industry. (2008). Zheng, Xiaoyong ; Vukina, Tomislav ; Shin, Changmock . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:6:y:2008:i:1:n:4.
48 2006 Imperfect Competition and Strategic Trade Theory: Evidence for International Food and Agricultural Markets. (2006). Stiegert, Kyle ; Reimer, Jeffrey. In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:4:y:2006:i:1:n:6.
49 2009 Complementarity among Alternative Procurement Arrangements in the Pork Packing Industry. (2009). Zheng, Xiaoyong ; Vukina, Tomislav ; Shin, Changmok . In: Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization. RePEc:bpj:bjafio:v:7:y:2009:i:1:n:3.
2017 Collective Reputation in Online Platforms and Private Quality Standards. (2017). Winfree, Jason ; McCluskey, Jill J. In: 2018 Allied Social Sciences Association (ASSA) Annual Meeting, January 5-7, 2018, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. RePEc:ags:assa18:266302.
2017 Examining the relationship between visual attention and stated preferences: A discrete choice experiment using eye-tracking. (2017). Fraser, Iain ; Balcombe, Kelvin ; McSorley, Eugene ; Williams, Louis. In: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:144:y:2017:i:c:p:238-257.
2017 Change is good!? Analyzing the relationship between attention and nutrition facts panel modifications. (2017). Grebitus, Carola ; Davis, George C. In: Food Policy. RePEc:eee:jfpoli:v:73:y:2017:i:c:p:119-130.
2017 When does real become consequential in non-hypothetical choice experiments?. (2017). Nayga, Rodolfo ; Palma, Marco A ; Chavez, Daniel E. In: 2018 Annual Meeting, February 2-6, 2018, Jacksonville, Florida. RePEc:ags:saea18:266327.
2017 Market Responses to Information Conveying Mixed Messages â Prediction of Informational Impacts on Consumer Willingness to Pay for Eggs from Welfare Enhanced Cage Systems using Discrete Choice Experi. (2017). Cranfield, John ; Widowski, Tina ; Chen, Chen ; Cao, Ying. In: 2017 Annual Meeting, July 30-August 1, Chicago, Illinois. RePEc:ags:aaea17:258545.
2014 On the economics of labels : how their introduction affects the functioning of markets and the welfare of all participants. (2014). Constantatos, Christos ; Bonroy, Olivier. In: Working Papers. RePEc:gbl:wpaper:2014-03. | http://citec.repec.org/s/2017/bpjbjafio.html |
FORT LORAMIE — Kateri Sherman and Julian Gaier won the STEM project challenge in Jordan Pleiman’s eighth-grade physical science class.
Students were challenged to build a tower out of spaghetti sticks and marshmallows. The towers had to hold a golf ball above 30 centimeters and survive two seismic waves created from a shaking table to simulate an earthquake.
To complete this task, students used a pretend budget of $400 million and needed to be as efficient as possible with their materials. A spaghetti stick cost $10 million and a marshmallow cost $5 million.
Sherman, daughter of Matt and Jenny Sherman, and Gaier, daughter of Bruce and Angela Gaier, set a new class record by having 180 million dollars remaining after their impressive tower completed its tests. | https://www.sidneydailynews.com/news/education/188096/fort-loramie-stem-project-winners-named |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0001 1. Field of the Invention
0002 This invention relates to aquatic rescue devices used by individuals for buoyancy in water. The new device incorporates a deployable tether with a flotation cushion.
0003 2. Description of the Related Art
0004 1. There are many known types of aquatic flotation devices for use by individuals. Examples include life vests, which may be inflatable, flotation rings commonly associated with boating and flotation cushions, which may also be used as seat cushions in a boat or other craft. Flotation cushions may or may not have holding straps or handles for use by an individual in holding or through which arms may be inserted to aid in retaining the cushion while being used in the water. Flotation rings may have a coiled rope or tether that is stored with the ring. This tether is retained at one end by the person throwing the flotation ring to a person in the water for use in rescue. The tether allows the individual in the water to be pulled to a boat or other location.
0005 2. The present invention incorporates a tether and means for storage therewith in combination with a flotation cushion. The tether and attachment mechanism are storable in a pocket formed as part of the flotation cushion cover or structure. When the flotation cushion is thrown to a person in need of rescue in an aquatic environment, the rescuer can hold the free end of the tether for use in retrieving the cushion and a person grasping the cushion.
0006 One object of the present invention is ease of retrieval of a deployed flotation cushion. Another object is simple storage of a tether with a flotation cushion.
0007 In accordance with the description presented herein, other objectives of this invention will become apparent when the description and drawings are reviewed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
0008FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a flotation cushion with pocket and tether.
0009FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view.
0010FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view with pocket opened and tether deployed.
0011FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate top perspective view of the flotation cushion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
0012 1. Floatation cushions are generally rectangular in shape although other shapes may be used as for example circular. Variations in shape are usually used to fit the structure of the element into which the device will be incorporated or stored as a cushion. Flotation cushions usually have a flotation element contained in a cover which cover may also incorporate straps for use as handles to hold the cushion.
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0013 2. Referring to FIG. 1 through , a flotation cushion () has a pocket () formed in the cover (). The pocket () may have an internal element (). The pocket () is formed to conform as closely as possible to the contour of the flotation cushion () when a tether () is stored therein.
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0014 3. The pocket () has opening () with closure elements (), such as, hook and loop, snaps, zippers and the like. The pocket () may also be constructed with material overlay of the opening such that the closure elements () are not required. The tether () is illustrated as a coiled line or rope stored in the pocket () in a manner to minimize the bulging of the pocket (). This method allows the cushion () with stored tether () to generally retain the original contour or shape.
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0015 4. The tether () is attached at one end () to the flotation cushion () and has free end (). The attached end () may be retained by fixing the end in a patch (), which is then sewn to internal element (). The pocket () may have no internal element () and the tether () may be attached directly to the flotation element ().
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0016 6. When it is desired to use the flotation cushion () for rescue the pocket () is opened and the free end () of the tether is grasped by the user. The flotation cushion () is then thrown to the person to be rescued and the tether () used to retrieve that person. The free end () may also have a fastener () attached, which may be used to engage the tether with an element of the boat or other structure from which the flotation cushion is being deployed.
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0017 7. Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate location for the pocket () in the flotation cushion () is illustrated. In this instance the pocket is formed in an edge () rather than in the top () or bottom (). The pocket () has an opening () with a closure element (). In this embodiment a strip of hook and loop material may be used to close the opening (). The tether () has a connecting ring () at the attached end () which may be retained by a loop (), hook or the like attached to the flotation cushion () structure. Again the tether () is folded to minimize the size of the pocket () and any bulging thereof.
0018 8. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to the illustrated and preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. | |
1. Eat a variety of foods
For good health we need over 40 different nutrients and no food can supply them all. It’s not a single meal, it’s a balanced choice of food over time that will make the difference!
A high-fat lunch can be followed by a low-fat dinner.
After a big serving of meat for dinner, maybe fish should be your choice the next day?
2. Base your diet on many foods that are rich in carbohydrates
About half of the calories in our diet should come from foods high in carbohydrates, such as grains, rice, pasta, potatoes and bread. It is a good idea to include at least one for each meal. Whole grain foods, such as whole grain breads, pastas and cereals, increase our fiber intake.
3. Replace saturated fat with unsaturated fat
Fat is important for good health and proper functioning of the body. However, too much can negatively affect our weight and cardiovascular health. Different types of fats have different effects on your health, and some of these tips can help us maintain the right balance:
It is necessary to limit the consumption of total and saturated fats (which often come from foods of animal origin) and to completely avoid trans fats; reading labels helps identify sources.
Eating fish 2-3 times a week along with at least one serving of fatty fish will contribute to our proper intake of unsaturated fats.
When cooking, it is necessary to cook, steam or bake in the oven, instead of frying, remove the fatty part of the meat, use vegetable oils.
4. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are among the most important foods to provide enough vitamins, minerals and fiber. We should try to eat at least 5 servings a day. For example, a glass of fresh juice for breakfast, maybe an apple and a piece of watermelon for snacks and a good serving of different vegetables for each meal.
5. Reduce your salt and sugar intake
High salt intake can cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. There are different ways to reduce salt in your diet:
When buying, we could choose products with a low sodium content.
When cooking, salt can replace spices, increasing the range of flavors and tastes.
At meals, it is helpful not to have salt on the table or at least not to add salt before tasting.
Sugar provides sweetness and an appealing taste, but sugary foods and beverages contain a lot of energy and are best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. Instead, we could use fruit, even to sweeten our food and drink.
6. Eat regularly, see the portions
Eating a variety of foods regularly and in the right amounts is the best way to eat healthy.
Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can lead to uncontrolled hunger, which often leads to overeating without being able to do anything. Snacks between meals can help control hunger, but snacks should not replace good meals. For snacks, we could opt for yogurt, a handful of fresh or dried fruits or vegetables (like carrot sticks), unsalted nuts or maybe cheese bread.
Being aware of portion sizes helps us not to consume too many calories and it will allow us to eat all the foods we enjoy without having to cut out.
Cooking the right amount helps you not to overeat.
Some reasonable portions are: 100 g of meat; a piece of medium fruit; half a cup of raw pasta.
Using smaller plates helps with smaller portions.
Packaged foods with calorie values on the package can help with portion control.
If you go out to eat, we can share a portion with a friend.
7. Drink plenty of fluids
Adults should drink at least 1.5 liters of fluid a day! Or more if it is very hot or if they are physically active. Water is of course the best source and we can use tap water or mineral water with or without gas, plain or flavored. Fruit juices, teas, sodas, milk and other beverages can be fine from time to time.
8. Maintain a healthy body weight
The right weight for each of us depends on factors like our gender, height, age and genes. Being affected by obesity and being overweight increases your risk of a wide range of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Excess body fat comes from eating more than what we need. The extra calories can come from any calorie content: protein, fat, carbohydrate or alcohol, but fat is the most concentrated source of energy. Physical activity helps us burn energy and feel good. The message is pretty simple: if we are gaining weight, we need to eat less and be more active!
9. Get moving, make it a habit!
Physical activity is important for people with all weights and health conditions. It helps us burn extra calories, is good for the heart and circulation, maintains or increases our muscle mass, helps us focus and improves overall health. We do not have to be the best athletes to move! 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity is recommended, which can easily become part of our daily routine. We could all:
take the stairs instead of the elevator,
take a walk during the lunch breaks (and stretch out between our offices)
take time for a family activity on the weekends
At the top of the page
10. Start now! And that is gradually changing.
Gradual changes in our lifestyle are easier to maintain than major changes made at once. For three days, we could write down the foods and beverages we eat throughout the day and record the amount of movement we performed. It will not be difficult to discover where we could improve:
Skip breakfast? A small bowl of muesli, a piece of bread or a piece of fruit, could help introduce it gradually into our routine.
Too few fruits and vegetables? To begin with, we can introduce an extra coin a day.
Favorite food with a high fat content? If you abruptly remove them, it can re-ignite the fire and bring us back to old habits. Instead, we can choose low-fat options, eating them less frequently and in smaller portions.
Too little activity? Taking the stairs every day can be a great first step. | https://www.buywithvoucher.com/demopost1/ |
On February 1, the NPR show Fresh Air broadcast an interview with Mei Fong, author of the book One Child: The Story of China’s Most Radical Experiment.
Here’s the introduction to the interview:
Fong explores the wide-ranging impact of what she calls the world’s “most radical experiment” in her new book, One Child. She says that among the policy’s unintended consequences is an acute gender imbalance.
“When you create a system where you would shrink the size of a family and people would have to choose, then people would … choose sons,” Fong says. “Now China has 30 million more men than women, 30 million bachelors who cannot find brides. … They call them guang guan, ‘broken branches,’ that’s the name in Chinese. They are the biological dead ends of their family.”
Fong says the policy also led to forced abortions and the confiscation of children by the authorities. Looking ahead, China is also facing a shortage of workers who can support its aging population.
Go here to listen to (or read) the entire conversation. It’s a fascinating look at the background and consequences of China’s 30 year experiment in population control.
And if you’re like me, you’ll add it to your reading wish list! | https://joannpittman.com/chinese-society/2016/ripples-of-the-population-policy/ |
Stand-Up comedy is an art form that has developed over the years. Originally it was a slapstick and vaudeville style of comedy, but has evolved into a more sophisticated form of performance. It is performed in front of a live audience. The comedian may use material written in advance or improvised. They also practice their routines in front of a mirror and in front of friends or family.
During the 1950s and 1960s, stand-up comics were mostly male, Jewish, and heterosexual. Some comedians were known for their racial and ethnic stereotypes. In the 1980s, observational humor became popular. This type of comedy often relied on political and social content.
Bob Hope was a former vaudeville song-and-dance man who hired a team of writers for his radio monologues. His show paved the way for more comedians to come on the scene. He based his jokes on local gossip and his show business friends.
Comedy clubs sprouted in cities like New York and Los Angeles. Many young comics documented their own lives, relationships, and trials of everyday urban life. One of the first members of this new generation of comedians was Alan Bennett.
Comedy clubs were a safe place for comedians to practice their craft, hone their talents, and develop their audiences. A great benefit of being a comedian is the fact that it is your job to entertain people. By interacting with your audience, you can learn what they appreciate, and what they do not.
A stand-up comedian works hard to create a 45 minute routine of original material. To do this, they work on their material for years. Sometimes they rely on pre-written bits, but more often than not they use their own material. Whether they use one-liners, jokes, or an entire act, a stand-up comedian needs to be a professional.
Stand-Up comedy is an art form that is a mix of humor, drama, and personal insight. There are many styles of stand-up, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. But if you have a good knowledge of the history of comedy, you will be better equipped to avoid making common mistakes.
Having a strong knowledge of the history of stand-up comedy can help you prevent common errors. You will not only be able to keep your routine on track, but you will also be more prepared for an actual live performance.
One of the defining characteristics of stand-up comedy is the fascination with the abject. According to John Limon, “All comedians are abject.” So the more you know about your own stand-up comedy, the more likely you are to be able to avoid embarrassing yourself.
Whether you’re a professional comedian or a hobbyist, learning the basics of stand-up comedy is essential. Practicing in front of an audience and learning the rules of the craft is a great way to start. Keep a notebook on you and write down your jokes. Also, read up on other comedians to get a feel for their style. | http://thelisaskye.com/stand-up-comedy/ |
Projects per year
Fingerprint Dive into the research topics where Clinical Pathology is active. These topic labels come from the works of this organization's members. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Network
Recent external collaboration on country level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots.
Profiles
Roni Jacob Bollag
Person: Academic
19882020
Nikhil Patel
Person: Academic
20032020
20082020
Projects
- 2 Finished
DEVELOPMENT AND DIFFERENTIATION OF AIRWAY EPITHELIUM
9/30/86 → 9/29/90
Project: Research project
BRONCHIOLOALVEOLAR CARCINOMA DIAGNOSIS AND PATHOBIOLOGY
8/1/83 → 7/31/87
Project: Research project
Research Output
Research Output per year
College of American Pathologists (CAP) microbiology committee perspective: The need for verification studiesWojewoda, C. M., Anderson, N. W., Humphries, R. M., Martin, I. W., Mathison, B. A., McMullen, A. R., Nolte, F. S., Peaper, D. R., Pillai, D. R., Rauch, C. A., Rhoads, D. D., Sharp, S. E., She, R. C., Simner, P. J., Sullivan, K. V., Theel, E. S., Theiss, A. M., Thomson, R. B. & Pritt, B. S., Jan 1 2020, In : Journal of clinical microbiology. 58, 4, e02105-19.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Letter
Communication of Critical Laboratory Values: Optimization of the Process through Secure MessagingClavijo, A., Fallaw, D., Coule, P. & Singh, G., Jan 2 2020, In : Laboratory medicine. 51, 1, p. e6-e11
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
DIAPH1 Mutation as a Novel Cause of Autosomal Dominant Macrothrombocytopenia and Hearing LossKarki, N. R., Ajebo, G. H., Savage, N. & Kutlar, A., 2020, (Accepted/In press) In : Acta Haematologica. | https://augusta.pure.elsevier.com/en/organisations/clinical-pathology |
The invention relates to the technical field of energy storage, in particular to a negative electrode material and an electrochemical device and electronic equipment comprising the same. The negative electrode material comprises negative electrode active particles, including: a first region including a region extending 0 [mu] m to 0.5 [mu] m from an intersection of a diameter of a circumcircle of a cross section of the negative electrode active particles and a boundary of the cross section to a center of the circumcircle; and a second area comprising a concentric circle of the circumcircle, wherein the radius of the concentric circle is smaller than or equal to 0.5 [mu] m; in the Raman spectrum of the negative electrode active particles, when the ratio of the peak intensity Id1 at 1350 cm <-1 > to the peak intensity Ig1 at 1575 cm <-1 > in the first region is defined as R1 and the ratio of the peak intensity Id2 at 1350 cm <-1 > to the peak intensity Ig2 at 1575 cm <-1 > in the second region is defined as R2, the negative electrode material satisfies R1 > = R2, R1 > = 0.2, and R2 < = 0.35. The negative electrode material provided by the invention has good dynamic performance, and can improve the low-temperature discharge performance of the electrochemical device and improve the low-temperature discharge rate. | |
While our physical health is important, our mental health is critical. Our daily lives are filled with the type of stress that leaves us anxious, leading us to shift our positive thoughts into worry. Before we know it, we’ve converted molehills into mountains.
Without a healthy mind, all other areas of our lives start to wane. In fact, research suggests that poor mental health increases the chances of non-communicative and communicative diseases. Poor physical health also plays a key role in affecting an individual’s mental state.
Social Indicators Research points out the connection between personal happiness and mental health issues.
In essence, the average person content with his or her life is less likely to feel “both satisfied with life and depressed.” This is a telling conclusion. As stated, the study proposes that depression sufferers are typically discontent with their lives. However, the study further clarifies that one can be satisfied and still experience anxiety. Most who are depressed can have everything on a personal and professional level, yet still have a chemical imbalance.
Scientific America reiterates that low serotonin and neurotransmitter levels contribute to depression. The confirmation is in the results of psychotropic medication, antidepressants specifically, that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Conflicting studies also suggest that low levels of serotonin are not the reason; case in point, Stablon (Tianeptine), which decreases serotonin levels and helps with major depressive disorder.
Anyone taking medication should consult with his or her doctor and never terminate medication without a physician’s consent. There are holistic opportunities to remedy anxiety or reduce the burden of stress.
First of all, getting on a sleep and wake-up routine is imperative. Some people are early risers, while others are not. The important thing is to get to bed at a specific time and wake up at a consistent time.
Consistency with sleep is key to healthier sleep and wake patterns. Thus, if you do not stick to a routine sleep schedule, there’s a chance you can oversleep or not get enough rest. The bottom line: mental health issues are made worse because routine lack of quality sleep can lead to depression.
Consistency is important when taking vitamin supplements and also eating vitamin-rich foods.
Studies show that there is a link between poor mental health and lack of nutrients. Eating healthy can and does help improve your mood.
You can try eating good mood foods, foods that support a healthy body and mind. Unhealthy eating habits or poor diet often lead to weight and physical health issues as well as mental health problems.
It might sound silly, but journaling does help with the cognitive process in dealing with stressful events.
Having gratitude can be as simple as reminding yourself of the little and big things in life to be grateful for. As a matter of fact, according to Psychology Today, there are seven key scientific benefits to having gratitude.
Gratefulness helps build better relationships.
Being grateful improves psychological health.
Gratitude enhances one’s ability to be empathetic.
Being grateful helps with sleep.
Having gratitude improves low self-worth and boosts self-esteem.
Physical health improves your gratitude.
If you write down the three most important tasks (MITs) that demand your attention, then you’ll likely feel better. I like to use a whiteboard and have it in the living room where I can visually see my goals. Sometimes it seems like everything is important, which often makes us feel bombarded. No need to get overwhelmed by the number of things to do. Simply break down what needs to get done. Prioritizing is the biggest step in taking some things off your plate. Studies show that there are health benefits to writing down goals.
Admittedly, there is limited scientific evidence to back the health benefits of essential oils and how your brain responds to inhaling vapors. However, according to National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, fragrance inhalation acts as a mild sympathetic nervous system regulator.
Meditation has lasting effects on our brain and body. According to research, mindful meditation does alter brain and immune function. This is good news because it means the simple act of quietly meditating can produce lasting benefits. Meditating often helps with stress, sleep issues, and can help shift perspective.
Fitness is vital when it comes to mental health and adds to a healthy sleep routine. Likewise, exercise helps our minds and our bodies. Regular exercise can contribute to a reduction in depressive mood in conjunction with antidepressants.
Friendships provide a sense of belonging.
Having companions gives us a boost in self-confidence.
Friends help us cope with loss and traumatic events.
Who else can hold us accountable but our friends who want the best for us? Friends can assist in helping us to avoid bad habits.
Finally, try to practice loving yourself and being kind to yourself. You can reduce negative moods and boost your energy level by practicing loving kindness. Instead of being hard on yourself, try and reward yourself for all of the things you do right. Celebrate both large and small wins no matter how inconsequential they might seem. Practicing loving kindness by either meditating or making a conscious effort to be more loving towards yourself and others has benefits. Further research and studies indicate that practicing loving kindness helps to boost positive emotion.
In conclusion: our focus should not only be on our physical body but on our overall health. Therefore, we cannot overlook our mental health. Lack of good mental health results in low performance rather than functioning at your peak. This is true if exercising or trying to accomplish something at work. So, be kind to yourself and try a few holistic methods to boost your mental health.
This is so true! I am working on nutrition & exercise for my mental health!
I am following proper time for sleeping and getting up.
Mental and physical health are important. The sleep and wake up routine is not easy for me.
Yes to journaling! Writing it out helps so much!
Thank you for the tips even though I am not following most of them (such as posting this comment at 3 am ;D). But, these are good ideals to strive for. Getting good food is expensive though. If you don’t have money, you can’t eat good nutritious food.
Love this article. I totally agree on everything. Our mental health is a consistent part of our physical health, we must take good care of it.
Thank you, Daniela, for reading and responding. We always appreciate and love to hear from our readers. There is so much research and study behind the link between good physical health and mental health. We definitely must maintain both. The necessity of a sound mind and body is key.
So well written. Mental and physical health are important. Thank you for the tips!
I feel so much better when I pay attention to these things. When my sleep cycle gets off, I really feel the impact.
Oh, I know exactly what you mean. Balance is key especially when it comes to sleep. Lack of sleep can cause all sorts of issues.
Nicely articulated, the balance between the mind and the body is extremely critical. It makes a huge difference in not only the person’s life but the lives of people around them.
This is true and something I didn’t even get into in the article. Why is your mental state so important? Is it just for you or is it also for the benefit of others? It’s for both. When we ignore our mental health it doesn’t only taint our personal lives but the lives of others too.
What a great post! I really need to get a better sleep/wake schedule and get back to a healthier diet.
Great tips to boost one’s inner peace. Among these, I practice almost all . And my favorites are journaling, loving kindness and gratitude list. Your blog is radiating positivity and hope.
I think working on sleep and wake routine is very important for mental peace. Great article.
Thanks for this wonderful content, I’ve been going through a lot of stressful circumstances and yours article is the best therapy I could have got. Going to work on it. Thanks so much.
Absolutely helpful tips! Can’t agree more on the journaling point, it helped me once in my life to overcome a deep stress.
Sleep, nutrition, gratitude, meditation..all these are so important for mental peace!
yes! I’m a huge “eating healthy” person — i mean, yes i indulge but i really try and put as much whole foods in my body as possible, then eat reputable cupcakes, brownies, donuts, and ice creams.. yum yum yum.
also, essential oils are my fav!
oh essential oils works wonders 🙂 Keeps your mind and soul relaxed.
They definitely do, I’m going to start using more oils from now on.
Nutrition definitely helps the overall health! Yess!
Yep, I notice a difference if I go off and eat poorly. But, when I get the proper nutrition through a healthier diet I feel much better and have more energy. | https://blog.310nutrition.com/10-holistic-ways-to-boost-your-mental-health/ |
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AP PHOTOS: Lion dance in Singapore ahead of Lunar New Year
In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, the lion heads of costumes are lined up on stage during the 11th International Lion Dance Competition in Singapor
In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, the lion dance troupe from Malaysia competes in the 11th International Lion Dance Competition in Singapore. This
CORRECTS TO TROUPE - In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, a member of a lion dance troupe from Hong Kong waits to compete in the 11th International Li
CORRECTS TO TROUPE- In this Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, photo, a member of a lion dance troupe from Hong Kong practices while waiting to compete in the 11
CORRECTS TO TROUPE - In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, members of a lion dance troupe in Singapore are airborne as they compete in the 11th Interna
CORRECTS TO TROUPE - In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, members of a lion dance troupe from Singapore compete in the 11th International Lion Dance C
CORRECTS TO TROUPE - In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, spectators watch as members of a lion dance troupe from Indonesia compete in the 11th Intern
CORRECTS TO TROUPE - In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, members of a lion dance troupe from Hong Kong compete in the 11th International Lion Dance C
CORRECTS TO TROUPE - In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, members of a lion dance troupe from Hong Kong compete in the 11th International Lion Dance C
CORRECTS TO TROUPE - In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, competitors sit in front of lion costumes as they watch fellow competitors perform during th
CORRECTS TO TROUPE- In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, members of a lion dance troupe from Indonesia undress after falling during their routine whil
CORRECTS TO TROUPE- In this Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, photo, the beard of a lion costume hangs over the stage during the 11th International Lion Dance Com
SINGAPORE (AP) — Performers from Southeast Asia took part in an international lion dance competition in Singapore ahead of the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar.
The traditional dance includes performers dressed in a lion's costume and mimicking the animal's movements. It is believed to bring good fortune.
The participants at the 11th International Lion Dance Competition came from Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysia. They were judged according to their skills, grace and music.
This year's winner was a team from Vietnam.
"Lion dancing is a fading tradition as we are seeing less interest among the younger generation, which is more interested in spending time on their electronic devices indoors," said Joseph Low, the head judge and member of the Singapore Wushu Dragon and Lion Dance Federation. |
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