192 research outputs found
Trilacuna clarissa Eichenberger, n. sp.
No full textTrilacuna clarissa Eichenberger n. sp. (Figs. 7–9) Type material: Holotype male (PBI_OON 00012418): Sumatra: West Sumatra Province: Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve, about 30 km N of Lubuksikaping, 0° 20 ' 46 "N, 100 °04'09"E, 300–400 m, primary forest, 11 / 13 June 2006, leg. P. Schwendinger, deposited in MHNG. 1 male paratype (PBI_OON 00031971), collected with holotype, deposited in MHNG. 1 male paratype (PBI_OON 00031972), collected with holotype, deposited in MHNG. 1 male paratype (PBI_OON 00031973), collected with holotype, deposited in NMBE. Etymology: The species epithet refers to the name of Agatha Christie, born as Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller, who was a brilliant and famous English author of novels, short stories and plays. Diagnosis: This species can be distinguished from all other Trilacuna species by the sternum surface with relatively small, ovoid pits (figs. 7. D, F, H) and abundant, evenly scattered, plumose setae (fig. 7. H). Description: Description based on 4 males (plus 2 males for SEM). MALE: Body length 1.1 mm, proportion carapace length:abdominal length 1: 1. Uniformly orange-brown species (figs. 7. A–C). Carapace broadly oval, strongly elevated, surface smooth, without spikes, lateral margin straight, with blunt denticles, with second, strongly rebordered, straight margin below (figs. 7. E, G; 8. B). Eyes posterior row straight from above, procurved from front (figs. 7. E; 8. B). Sternum with radial furrows of small pits between coxae, anterior margin with transverse groove. Mouthparts: Chelicerae promargin with row of flattened hairs (fsh) in combination with feather-like hairs (flh), (see fig. 2. E); labium triangular, not fused to sternum, anterior margin deeply incised (ldi), (figs. 8. C–D); endites slender, distally only slightly branched, with distal patch of fork-like serrated setae (coh), outer part with some broadish, funnel shaped, distally serrated setae (fuh), (fig. 8. E). Abdomen: Broadly-ovoid, dorsal scutum not fused to epigastric scutum, postepigastric scutum short, almost circular, with short, posteriorly directed lateral apodemes, posterior spiracles not connected by groove or dark belt (fig. 8. H), booklung covers roundish. Legs: Ventral apex of tibiae III and IV with one or few specialized hairs with fine, plumose, curved hair tip (see fig. 16. H); metatarsi III, IV and tarsus IV with harpoon-like hairs (see fig. 2. G); tibiae I and II ventral surface with smooth stripes containing pores (figs. 8. F–G), less distinct stripes also observed on femora I–IV and metatarsi III– IV, pores not observed but absence unproved. Femora without spines. Male genitalia: Male palp (figs. 9. A–I) embolus (emb) light, short and straight; retrolateral-dorsally framed by a brush of thickened hairs (bsh) (figs. 9. E–I); conductor-complex about as long as embolus, divided in a prolateral, broadish branch (pbb) and in a ventral branch (vb), both surrounded by numerous setae (figs. 9. E–I). Bulb about twice as long as cymbium, stout, tapering apically (figs. 9. A–C). Femur elongated, slender (figs. 9. A–B). FEMALE: unknown. Distribution: Known only from the type locality, the Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve on Sumatra.Published as part of Eichenberger, Beata & Kranz-Baltensperger, Yvonne, 2011, New Trilacuna species from Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra (Araneae, Oonopidae), pp. 1-31 in Zootaxa 2823 on page 10, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.27724
Hydromechanical behaviour of a volcanic ash
No full textThis paper presents experimental analysis and numerical modelling aimed at improved understanding and prediction of the hydromechanical behaviour of volcanic ash at various states of saturation. Results from a comprehensive experimental programme are presented in order to characterise the response of the material in terms of matric suction and confining stress changes. The evolution of the yield stress at different suction levels has been quantified. The volumetric response with suction variations allowed the analysis of the collapse-upon-wetting behaviour. Water retention and permeability are also addressed. Tests results are used to calibrate a constitutive model based on the effective stress concept extended to partially saturated conditions. The ability of the model to reproduce and anticipate the ash behaviour is tested with an articulated stress path
Early warning thresholds for partially saturated slopes in volcanic ashes
No full textRainfall-induced landslides in steep soil slopes of volcanic origin are a major threat to human lives and infrastructure. In the context of constructing early warning systems in regions where extensive data on landslide occurrences and associated rainfall are inexistent, physically-based tools offer the possibility to establish thresholds for measurable field quantities. In this paper, a combined finite element infinite slope model is presented to study the transient hydraulic response of volcanic ash slopes to a series of rainfall events and to estimate seasonal safety factors. Furthermore, analytical considerations of partially saturated infinite slopes are made to define capillary stress thresholds for a landslide early warning system. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd
One-Dimensional Transient Analysis of Rainfall Infiltration in Unsaturated Volcanic Ash
No full textThe paper presents a one-dimensional hydro-mechanical analysis of rainfall infiltration in a loose volcanic ash and the utilisation
of a factor of safety for the implementation of an early-warning system. Three different rainy seasons with different rainfall patterns were analysed . The analysis aims to understand the influence of the antecedent rainfall on the wetting front, the pore-water pressures and the factor of safety. The analysis was carried out in the context of a Master project of the first author at the Laboratory for Soil Mechanics of EPFL
Effect of climate change on landslide behaviour
No full textLandslides represent a major threat to human life, constructed facilities, and infrastructure in most mountainous regions of the world. Considering future climate scenarios and modified precipitation patterns, landslide activity will most probably change too. Shallow slips and debris flows will likely take place more frequently as a consequence of more extreme weather events
Hydro-mechanical analysis of volcanic ash slopes during rainfall
No full textRainfall-induced landslides in volcanic ashes represent a major natural hazard in many regions around the world. Owing to their loose structure, volcanic ash slopes are prone to rainfall-induced landslides. The paper presents a continuum modelling approach for the analysis of wetting-induced instability phenomena at the onset of failure in loose volcanic ash slopes. A numerical simulation of a landslideprone volcanic slope in Costa Rica is carried out with a two-dimensional hydro-mechanical finiteelement slope model. A constitutive model based on the effective stress concept extended to partially saturated conditions is used to reproduce the volcanic ash hydro-mechanical behaviour. The model parameters were calibrated through a previous extensive laboratory testing campaign. Simulation results allow the behaviour of the slope during rainfall infiltration to be anticipated and the development of the failure mechanism to be analysed. Results of the coupled numerical model demonstrate the important role of wetting and drying cycles, slope geometry and bedrock on the timely evolution of matric suctions and wetting-induced deformations. Moreover, it is observed that the pore collapse upon wetting enhances the development of a localised shear failure mechanism in unsaturated conditions
Reiner Eichenberger Recommends “Self-Interest Through Delegation: An Additional Rationale for the Principal-Agent Relationship” by John Hamman, George Loewenstein, and Roberto Weber
No full textCommunio et Progressio: "Entgegenstehendes ist hiermit außer Kraft gesetzt."
No full textIm Hinblick auf die rasanten und teilweise unübersichtlichen Entwicklungen, vor allem im Bereich der sog. neuen Medien, kann es geradezu einen anachronistischen Eindruck machen, wenn man sich zur "Feier" eines Mediendokumentes zusammenfindet, das bereits vor 20 Jahren entstanden ist.1 Technologiesprünge im Bereich der Mikroelektronik, ständig ansteigende Datenübertragungsgeschwindigkeiten, das relativ neue duale System von öffentlich- rechtlichen und privaten Anbietern usw. haben neue Szenarien und Paradigmen geschaffen, deren Auswirkungen auf Kultur und Kreativität, aber auch auf den Alltag, die Arbeitswelt und die Freizeitgestaltung der Menschen noch gar nicht abzusehen sind. Man kann dementsprechend belegen, daß das, was am Anfang der 80er Jahre über die technischen und gesellschaftlichen Auswirkungen neuer Medien veröffentlicht wurde, in den meisten Fällen heute kaum noch das Papier wert ist, auf dem es geschrieben wurde. (...) EnglishThe author puts into question whether the statements of "Communio et Progressio" of 1971 arestill relevant after the impetous development of communications technology. In his answer he points out that even if some single Statements do not appear to be up to date, the generat part did not loose its importance. The generat declarations of CP concerning the meaning of social communications and the way in which the Church has to live with modern massmedia are still valid. There is, however, a great deficit in accepting an acting according to these Statements especially within the Church itself. Eichenberger refers as an example to the Instruction for theologians of 1990. Instead of a prevailing mentality of defensive attitudes, an open Investigation of Consciousness and a new describing of our position are required. We have to push CP again to new life. This would include to work out convincing theological roots in order to make apparent the theological and ethic meanings of masscommunications and to inspire the activities of the Church from these sources. AB two examples for fields of action, the author mentions a stronger engagement of the Church for minorities and for a "New World Order of Information and Communication" as it is asked for by the Third World peoples since long.
John M. Martinis
No full textJohn M. Martinis
Inducted: 2008
Citation: For establishing world-leading research efforts based on new insights into quantum phenomena in areas including quantum qubits, X-ray detectors, single-electron pumps, SQUIDs, and Johnson-noise thermometry.
Tenure: 1987-2004
Birth: 1958, San Pedro, California
Education:
University of California, Berkeley, BA (Physics), 1980
University of California, Berkeley, PhD (Physics), 1985
Positions held:
Research Physicist, Electromagnetic Technology Division (Boulder), 1987 - 2001
NIST Fellow (Boulder), 2001 - 2004
Honors:
NIST Stratton Award (1996)
US Department of Commerce Silver Medal (1996) and Gold Medal (1998)
Fellow, American Physical Society (1997)
NIST Applied Research Award (1998) and NIST Condon Award (2000)
Memberships:
American Physical Society (Fellow)
Publications:
More than 130 papers and 6 patents including:
Martinis, John M., Nam, Sae Woo, Aumentado, Jose, and Urbina, Jose, “Rabi Oscillations in a Large Josephson-Junction Qubit,” Phys. Rev. Lett., Vol. 89, No. 11, 117901 (Sept 9, 2002)
Keller, Mark W., Martinis, John M., Zimmerman, N.N., and Steinbach, A.H., “Accuracy of Electron Counting Using a 7-Junction Electron Pump,” Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol. 69, No. 12, pp. 1804-1806 (Sept 16, 1996)
Wollman, David A., Irwin, Kent D., Hilton, Gene C., Dulcie, Laura L., Newbury, Dale E., and Martinis, John M., “High-resolution, Energy-dispersive Microcalorimeter Spectrometer for X-ray Microanalysis,” Journal of Microscopy, Vol. 188, pp. 196-223 (Dec 3, 1997)
Nahum, Michael, Eiles, Travis M., and Martinis, John M., “Electronic Microrefrigerator Based on a Normal-Insulator-Superconductor Tunnel Junction,” Appl. Phys. Lett., Vol. 65, No. 24, pp. 2123 - 2125 (Dec 1, 1994)
Martinis, John M., Zimmerman, N.M., Keller, Mark W., and Eichenberger, A.L., “A Capacitance Standard Based on Counting Electrons,” Science, Vol. 285, pp. 1706 – 1709 (Sept 1, 1999)
Hilton, Gene C., Martinis, John M., Wollman, David A., Irwin, Kent D., Dulcie, L. L., Gerber, D., Gillevet, P.M., and Twerenbold, D., “Impact Energy Measurement in Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry with Cryogenic Microcalorimeters,” Nature, Vol. 391, pp. 672 - 675 (Feb 1, 1998
Rainfall thresholds for shallow landslides based on a numerical analysis
No full textShallow landslides in Alpine regions frequently occur during heavy precipitation events or extremely fast snow melting processes. Early-warning is mostly based on simple empirical rainfall intensity and duration curves indicating probable critical climatic conditions for slope stability. However, the occurrence of weather-induced landslides depends not only on the immediate action of rain and snow melt, but also on different predisposition factors. An example of application of numerical analyses for the establishment of rainfall thresholds is presented. A coupled hydro-mechanical formulation is used in order to analyse the triggering of shallow landslides in initially partially saturated slopes induced by different rainfall patterns. The numerical simulations on soil slopes for which the soil parameters have been calibrated from field and laboratory measurements enable associating different failure mechanisms to the observed failures in the field.LM
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