“No-background” maximum likelihood analysis in HBT interferometry

We present a new “no-background” procedure, based on the maximum likelihood method, for fitting the space-time size parameters of the particle production region in ultra-relativistic heavy ion collisions. This procedure uses an approximation to avoid the necessity of constructing a mixed-event background before fitting the data.     

Making urban real estate markets work for the poor: Theory, policy and practice

This paper explores the relationship between theory, policy and practice, linking urban real estate markets and poverty alleviation. The paper argues that the contribution of urban real estate markets to poverty alleviation has not been optimised due, in part, to inadequate or inappropriate policy. The article attributes this to conceptual and methodological problems arising from the traditional neoclassical analysis of urban real estate markets, ambivalence to the idea that freer markets in real estate are a good thing for the urban poor and insufficient regard to lessons of experience from years of implementing urban anti-poverty land projects. Based on new analytical perspectives provided by institutional economics, this paper proposes specific policy interventions more likely to facilitate pro-poor outcomes in urban real estate markets.     

Processing and 3D printing of SiCN polymer-derived ceramics

Preceramic polymer resins are attractive for the 3D printing of net-shaped ceramic components. Recently various processes have been demonstrated for 3D printing of polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs). Ultimately in these processes, the process outcomes strongly depend on the process parameters. In particular, for PDCs the ceramic density, and ceramic yield are affected by the catalyst concentration and cross-linking duration. Here, we use thermal analysis and FTIR to quantify the interrelation of the process parameters on the process outcome for polysilazanes and demonstrate 3D printing of PDC components based on the best-identified process parameters. The results of this work can be used as guidelines for future additive manufacturing of PDCs.     

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food: downstream contamination in the food chain caused by honey and pollen

In recent years, there has been a steadily growing number of published data on pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in honey and pollen. This raises the question whether honey and/or pollen used as ingredients in food processing might provoke a downstream contamination in the food chain. Here we addressed two different facets in connection with PAs in honey and pollen. First, we analysed the PA content of several food types such as mead (n = 19), candy (n = 10), fennel honey (n = 9), soft drinks (n = 5), power bars and cereals (n = 7), jelly babies (n = 3), baby food (n = 3), supplements (n = 3) and fruit sauce (n = 1) that contained honey as an ingredient in the range of 5% to approximately 37%. Eight out of 60 retail samples were tested as being PA-positive, corresponding to 13%. Positive samples were found in mead, candy and fennel honey, and the average PA content was calculated to be 0.10 μg g(-1) retronecine equivalents (ranging from 0.010 to 0.484 μg g(-1)). Furthermore, we investigated the question whether and how PAs from PA pollen are transferred from pollen into honey. We conducted model experiments with floral pollen of Senecio vernalis and PA free honey and tested the influence of the quantity of PA pollen, contact time and a simulated honey filtration on the final PA content of honey. It could clearly be demonstrated that the PA content of honey was directly proportional to the amount of PA pollen in honey and that the transfer of PAs from pollen to honey was a rather quick process. Consequently, PA pollen represents a major source for the observed PA content in honey. On the other hand, a good portion remains in the pollen. This fraction is not detected by the common analytical methods, but will be ingested, and it represents an unknown amount of 'hidden' PAs. In addition, the results showed that a technically and legally possible honey filtration (including the removal of all pollen) would not be an option to reduce the PA level of the final product significantly.     

Efficiency improvements in US office equipment: Expected policy impacts and uncertainties

We create a business as usual scenario for office equipment electricity use from industry forecasts of equipment sales, surveys of equipment densities by building type, measured data on wattage and usage by equipment type and projected lifetimes for equipment. We then calculate electricity used by building type and equipment type for Energy Star and advanced scenarios and explore the sensitivity of these results to variations in key input parameters. According to our analysis, the Energy Star programme will save the US almost US$1 billion annually starting in the year 2000, with minimal expenditure of public funds.     

Reductive dechlorination of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane

Products of the transformation of organic pollutants in the environment are often predicted based on the structure of the parent compounds. In some cases, however, multiple products may result from the same reaction pathway. In this study, the reduction of 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (1,1,2,2-TeCA) is investigated both experimentally and computationally. Experimental results and data available in the literature reveal that the ratio of Z-1,2-dichloroethylene (Z-DCE) to E-1,2-dichloroethylene (E-DCE) produced from the reductive beta-elimination of 1,1,2,2-TeCA is approximately 2:1, and this ratio is independent of the reductant used. The exception is iron metal, which results in a ratio of 4.5:1. Computational results reveal that the 1,2,2-trichloroethyl radicals (1,1,2-TCA*) formed upon the transfer of the first electron are nearly isoenergetic and are in rapid equilibrium. Thus, the conformer population of the 1,1,2,2-TeCA does not dictate the product distribution. Using Marcus theory, it is demonstrated that the Z:E ratio of 2:1 reflects the relative rates of the two possible electron transfer steps to the two radical conformers. Further analysis of the thermochemistry of the reaction reveals that this ratio of rate constants should be essentially independent of the thermodynamic driving force, which is consistent with the experimental results. The different observed product distribution when iron metal is the reductant is hypothesized to result from an organometallic intermediate. The reduction of the 1,1,2,2-TeCA is an overall two-electron process, but the fact that the radicals equilibrate at a rate more rapid than the transfer of the second electron suggests that reductants employed act as decoupled single electron-transfer agents.