This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Explore further Superconductors for electrical, defense, space, medical applications (PhysOrg.com) — A group of researchers in Japan have succeeded for the first time in superconducting power transmission of direct current over two hundred meters. The researchers, from Nano-Optonics Energy Inc., and Chubu University’s Superconductivity and Sustainable Energy Center conducted their experiment as part of Nano-Optics Energy’s Superconducting DC Power Transmission Project. The transmission loss of superconducting DC (alternating current) power transmission is ten times less than that of superconducting AC power transmission, and thirty times less than the transmission loss of ordinary AC power transmission. Since superconducting DC power reduces transmission loss, it could significantly reduce the amount of electricity that needs to be generated, if it could be used to replace normal AC power. With the current emphasis on lower carbon emissions, the idea is attracting a great deal of attention, not only because less electricity would be needed, but also because alternative electricity generation methods such as solar and wind power generate direct current, which in the present system has then to be converted to alternating current. Using direct current would also reduce the losses that occur during the conversion process.The system being developed uses a liquid nitrogen circulation system, an adiabatic double tube, and a newly developed type of superconducting cable. Other new technologies developed by the researchers for the new system include a new method of thermally insulating the ends of the cable. This method, called the Peltier Current Lead (PCL), drastically cuts heat transfer between the liquid nitrogen cooling system and the ambient temperature section.Direct current power transmission also has the advantage over AC of being cheaper and more efficient when transmitted over distances of 300 km and above. Superconducting power transmission theoretically has zero energy loss, and larger current power transmission is possible and over much longer distances, with transmission over distances as great as 10,000 km being feasible.Nano-Optonics Energy collaborates with Chubu University on a number of basic technology projects and research into developing more efficient batteries. Their aim is to develop the most efficient and largest current transmission system in the world, using high-temperature DC superconductors. More information: Nano-Optonics Energy — www.nano-opt.jp/en/superconductor.html © 2010 PhysOrg.com Superconducting cable. Image credit: Nano-Optics Energy Citation: World first superconducting DC power transmission system a step closer (2010, March 8) retrieved 18 August 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2010-03-world-superconducting-dc-power-transmission.html
More information: thesoundoffootball.com/ (PhysOrg.com) — In a show of just how far Smartphone technology has come, a new group funded by the Pepsi Refresh Project, has put together various technologies that allow blind people to play football using nothing but sounds that come to them from headphones connected to an iPhone mounted on their helmet. The idea, developed by Akestam Holst and Society 46, is to use surround sound technology to allow someone who cannot see, to move around and interact in an unknown and constantly changing real world environment. To demonstrate their technology, they set up a match between a group of sighted, but blindfolded former pro footballers, and a group of blind players on a small portion of a real stadium. © 2011 PhysOrg.com Immersive Game System Allows Physical Interaction Between Players In the end, each side had its own advantages. The ex pros obviously had far superior ball skills, while the blind players had far more experience moving around the real world without benefit of sight. And it appears things worked out rather evenly, as the final score was 1-1. Explore further
In short, the whole system allows each individual player to “hear” where everyone else is, where the ball is, where on the field they are, and where the goal posts are. Based on that information, each player can then move about as they would were they able to do so using vision. Granted, the system can’t possibly offer anywhere near the same sensory experience as those who can see, but it is enough to allow the teams to both play and compete. To create the sounds that guide the players, the team used 3D camera systems provided by Tracab mounted on the stadium walls. The cameras are connected to computers with tracking software that allows for the tracking of each player, the ball and the location of the goal posts. Each tracked entity is assigned a unique sound which is modified based on its relative location to each player then broadcast to the iPhone on the player’s helmet. Thus, when a player on the field approaches another, the sound that is generated not only gets louder, but is “projected” in three-dimensional space, which means, the player can tell where the other player is relative to them, just as people can tell where someone is relative to them who is walking on a tiled floor with hard soled shoes, by the direction of the sound waves coming at them. Because of this effect, the sound can be adjusted in real time when the player listening moves on the field. And because of the gyroscope and the compass in their iPhone, the effect can be adjusted as the player turns their head, providing a continuous perspective. Citation: ‘Sound of Football’ project allows blind to play football (w/ video) (2011, November 11) retrieved 18 August 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2011-11-football-video.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.
Because no one can predict which parts on a spacecraft might fail during a long trip, tons of spare parts would need to be carried along to ensure a safe and productive trip, unless most of those parts could be created on the fly by the astronauts themselves. That’s what the engineers working in several NASA facilities are working on right now. The trick is to build an additive processing machine that is small enough to take on a space flight mission, yet versatile enough to allow for adding materials of many different types while fashioning just one part, i.e. metal, plastic, rubber, etc. Thus far, engineers have tested additive technologies on planes that simulate zero gravity and have found their machines work just as well as when used here on Earth. The next step is to put together a program to test the machines by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. © 2012 Phys.org The world’s smallest 3D printer Additive manufacturing refers to using techniques to add material to a beginning base of nothing to create something new as opposed to the way things have generally been done up to now, i.e. creating a big chunk of something and then removing the bits that are not wanted, generally by cutting and then machining. Besides the obvious reduction in material costs, there is also a reduction in machining costs if the part is made nearly perfect in the first step. Some additive processing technologies are referred to as 3D printing because the process is very similar to that used in inkjet printers. If an inkjet printer used thicker ink and repeatedly passed over a page, for example, eventually the ink would build up, producing a three dimensional object and that is what is at the heart of additive processing. More information: www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videog … ml?media_id=29574541 Engineers at NASA are currently testing something they call EBF3 for Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication, which marries inkjet technology with welding techniques. In this process, a wire is heated to the melting point using an electron beam, similar to when two pieces of metal are welded together. But instead of joining pieces, the EBF3 adds new layers of material building up three dimensional objects. The result is a process that produces no waste and that can be preconfigured and run in the same fashion as robots that weld parts together when making cars. A structural metal part fabricated from EBF3. Image credit: NASA Explore further Citation: NASA researchers looking to take additive manufacturing into space (2012, July 24) retrieved 18 August 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2012-07-nasa-additive-space.html NASA Chief Technologist Bobby Braun gets up close and personal with the EBF3 system. Credit: NASA/Sean Smith Electron beam freeform fabrication process. Image credit: NASA This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. (Phys.org) — Over the past several years, additive manufacturing has become the golden child of process engineering. This is because it allows parts to be made faster, more cheaply and in some cases to be made at all. Now space engineers are looking at additive processing technology as a means for allowing astronauts on extended missions to build their own replacement parts during their trek, rather than relying on carrying tons of spare parts with them.
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. More information: Guijie Zhang et al. Redox chemistry changes in the Panthalassic Ocean linked to the end-Permian mass extinction and delayed Early Triassic biotic recovery, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1610931114AbstractThe end-Permian mass extinction represents the most severe biotic crisis for the last 540 million years, and the marine ecosystem recovery from this extinction was protracted, spanning the entirety of the Early Triassic and possibly longer. Numerous studies from the low-latitude Paleotethys and high-latitude Boreal oceans have examined the possible link between ocean chemistry changes and the end-Permian mass extinction. However, redox chemistry changes in the Panthalassic Ocean, comprising ∼85–90% of the global ocean area, remain under debate. Here, we report multiple S-isotopic data of pyrite from Upper Permian–Lower Triassic deep-sea sediments of the Panthalassic Ocean, now present in outcrops of western Canada and Japan. We find a sulfur isotope signal of negative Δ33S with either positive δ34S or negative δ34S that implies mixing of sulfide sulfur with different δ34S before, during, and after the end-Permian mass extinction. The precise coincidence of the negative Δ33S anomaly with the extinction horizon in western Canada suggests that shoaling of H2S-rich waters may have driven the end-Permian mass extinction. Our data also imply episodic euxinia and oscillations between sulfidic and oxic conditions during the earliest Triassic, providing evidence of a causal link between incursion of sulfidic waters and the delayed recovery of the marine ecosystem. Approximately 252 million years ago, the Earth experienced the largest die-off in its history, with approximately 90 percent of all life on the planet going extinct. Scientists have put forth a number of theories regarding the cause, but to date, a consensus has not been reached. In this new effort, the research team suggests that a type of shoaling began to occur for unknown reasons, which stirred up sulphides resting on the seafloor causing them to mix with seawater and making it impossible for most life in the ocean to survive.The team’s theory came after studying rocks found in parts of Canada and Japan—parts of the planet that once were under the Panthalassic Ocean. They found sulphur oxide mixed with other types of sulphur, which suggested that the ocean had been subjected to mixing of sulphur types, leading to toxic levels that made it nearly impossible for sea life to survive. They note that mixing occurred just before the great die-off, as it occurred, and then for some time thereafter, which, they note, also explains why it took nearly 10 million years for sea life to recover.The researchers suggest the mixing in the oceans was likely due to shoaling, which is when waves grow taller as they encounter shallower water while moving toward a shoreline. Because the process causes changes in both density and velocity, water can become stirred up.The researchers do not address the possible reason for the sudden change in shoaling, nor the possibility that it could have somehow contributed to the massive die-out that occurred on land, as well. Map of Pangaea showing where today’s continents were at the Permian–Triassic boundary. Credit: Wikipedia © 2017 Phys.org Explore further
Citation: Evidence of uncharacteristic shoaling found to play a role in great die-off 250 million years ago (2017, February 7) retrieved 18 August 2019 from https://phys.org/news/2017-02-evidence-uncharacteristic-shoaling-role-great.html Rock samples suggest oxygen levels during ‘Lomagundi Event’ were high enough to support life development progress Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Phys.org)—A team of researchers with members from several institutions in China and the U.S. has found evidence of uncharacteristic shoaling before, during and after the great die-off 250 million years ago and suggest it could be the cause of so many species going extinct. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team describes evidence they found in rocks in Canada and Japan that suggests at least part of the great die-off was due to excess toxic sulphides permeating the world’s oceans.
Safety of women in the Capital has long been an issue. Keeping that in mind, an FM channel launched a campaign in the city that encourages acceptance and celebration of the girl child. With that theme in mind, Euphoria frontman Palash Sen launched a new song Main Hoon in the city on Thursday. Millennium Post caught up with Sen on the campaign, safety of women in the Capital and more. ‘It is not a sexist problem, it’s a social problem. Women are not just an object,’ he told us. Here are excerpts: Also Read – ‘Playing Jojo was emotionally exhausting’What made you direct and sing the song Main Hoon…?A woman according to me is ‘beauty’. Main Hoon.. depicts the strong presence of women around us. We are celebrating women empowerment, so this initiative marks the beginning of a series of initiatives which aim to create a safer society for women in India. All my earlier videos showcase women as protagonists, and even in this song, my mother, sister and my daughter along with some students of Lady Shri Ram College are seen. Also Read – Leslie doing new comedy special with NetflixHow do you think this song will help the audience take the initiative for a better society?In the past few weeks things have drastically changed in our society, and it’s about time that as individuals we come together to bring about a change in the general perception of women and girl children. There are various ways to reach out to the mass, and as I am into music, I feel it is the best means to reach the audience, the sweetest medium which will linger in the audience’s mind and heart. What do you think is the scenario of the Capital now in terms of safety of women since your Delhi University days when you were a student?The negative mindset of the society needs to be changed towards the female gender. We are the biggest hypocrites of the society. India is the oldest culture in the world, where on one hand we worship Ma Durga, her power, and on the other hand these gruesome incidents take place. Women are not only emotionally strong, they are physically strong too by carrying a baby for nine months. Earlier, we did not get to see and hear Munni and Sheila or Fevicol, which degrades a woman’s morality. Why do we have to see Bipasha Basu or Sunny Leone every day?…It’s time to put an end to these discriminations, and give them a chance to achieve their full potential.Many will say this is likely to be a publicity stunt, as the gang rape incident has been in the news lately….I simply don’t bother about publicity. I am an orthopaedic Surgeon too, I do music straight from my heart and people love my music. Euphoria is a band with no Bollywood ties. We are blessed to have this amount of fan following. If you are calling this a publicity stunt, I would say it is a positive initiative to nurture the society. I did not take a single penny for this song. Publicity is important, as far as it is a positive one.What is your message to the society?A woman is like the morning sunshine. Look up on her and value her. Look beyond movies which have taken over the idiot box. Learn to respect, to gain respect . Galvanise actions to ensure that every girl child is able to realise her full potential. And for those in the media, make the pen your sword, for a good cause.
‘The tiger skin shone brilliantly in the pre-lunch Jabalpur sun. Of the two men who spread it in front of the chai-shop, Ramchandra Prasad—the older one with a shaved head and gentle, hesitating hands, had a natural poise establishing his higher position in life. That he had come from the United States was evident from his elegant, though creased, Hilfiger jacket and the airline-tag on the Hartmann bag by his side… The gleaming skin on the bench also cast its spell on the chaiwallah, who begged to feel it. He turned down the radio and quickly jumped off his shop on stilts before Ram could say a word. ‘Tiger is truly king of the jungle.’ ‘ Also Read – ‘Playing Jojo was emotionally exhausting’ Scent of a Game is set against the backdrop of wildlife conservation and draws together several themes extending from tiger poaching, big game hunting and illegal trade of endangered species. These themes are woven into place, in a fast paced and gripping story line that draws the reader’s attention to pressing environmental issues whilst contributing to a transformation in their understanding of not just the tiger and it’s environment, but lends new perspective on their take on life itself. Also Read – Leslie doing new comedy special with Netflix Speaking on the launch of the book, Chief Guest, Dr. SY Quraishi said, ‘Environment and Tigers are deeply interrelated topics. Protection of one is necessary for the other. Books like Scent of a game contributes greatly in garnering interest in the people and raising awareness’ Following an enthusiastic reception from the audience, Chandra, who is not only passionate about the subject but has considerable primary experience in handling issues related to Tiger conservation, narrated his experience of writing a book. The fictional book, with its fast-paced and engaging plot, interweaves a fascinating story about a lost tiger skin. It draws the reader’s attention to various different but related issues like tiger poaching, illegal trade, big game hunting, criminal tribes and touches upon the need for environmental management. Read it to know more! Book: Scent of a Game (394 Pages) Publisher: Rupa Publications India Price: Rs 395
Ebola vaccine trials are set to start in Switzerland this week after receiving the green light from the country’s authorities, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday.Swiss regulators announced they would allow trials of an experimental vaccine made by Britain’s GlaxoSmithKine, and tests on some 120 individuals were set to get under way at the CHUV hospital in Lausanne this week, the WHO said.‘This marks the latest step towards bringing safe and effective Ebola vaccines for testing and implementation as quickly as possible,’ the UN’s health agency said in a statement. There is no licensed treatment or vaccine for the deadly Ebola virus, which has killed nearly 5,000 people in the outbreak centred in west Africa.The experimental GSK vaccine is one of two considered particularly promising by WHO. Called ChAd3, it is based on a genetically modified chimpanzee adenovirus and trials have already begun in Mali, Britain and the United States, the WHO said.‘The trial will test the safety of the vaccine and its capacity to induce an immune response,’ it said.
Australia pledged its support for Ukraine during a visit by the nation’s President Thursday, with Australia’s Prime Minister calling for an end to the bloody conflict in Eastern Europe and Ukraine’s leader urging Russia to withdraw.Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, a sharp critic of Russia since Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down in July over rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine, said Russia must honor a little-respected cease-fire agreement signed in September.Asked by a journalist if Australia was taking sides in a European war, Abbott replied: “The side we take is the side of freedom.”
Kolkata: The popularity of electric buses in New Town is growing fast with more than 20,000 people having travelled in the same in the past one and a half months.New Town is the only area in Bengal where air-conditioned electric buses have been introduced. There are three buses, two for Action Area I and one for Action Area II.The buses cover the routes that have not been covered by other buses. The buses go up to Unitech and Karigari Bhavan after the St. Xavier’s University campus. The fare is Rs 10 and stations have been set up to charge the batteries. Also Read – Rain batters Kolkata, cripples normal lifeThe buses strictly observe the guidelines of Safe Drive Save Life and the maximum speed of the vehicles is 40-50 km per hour. Before introduction of the buses, the drivers were given special training as they have to give tickets to the passengers as there are no conductors.The coaches of the 32 seater buses have been built by Eicher Motors, while the electrical systems have been installed by Karnataka-based KPIT. The introduction of electric buses is a big step towards a greener and cleaner city. Taking cue from the success of the electric buses, Zoomcar has proposed to introduce electric vehicles that can be hired and used by the people inside New Town.New Town has also introduced the cycle-sharing scheme, the only of its kind available in the country. There are graded roads and the cycles are fitted with GPS. The scheme has become immensely popular. In New Town, the street lights are being replaced by LED lamps in phases to conserve energy.
KOLKATA: It has been two years since the Supreme Court made a landmark judgment on the return of acquired land in Singur in Bengal, that gained momentum and reached its logical culmination under Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee.Tweets in Hindi, dedicating her anti-land acquisition movement victory as a “victory of the farmers of India”, showed her passion and dedication for the same. According to sources, Banerjee is also keen to organise a national farmers’ rally where she would address the farmers, raise the issues of farmer distress under the Modi government and highlight the schemes she has implemented in Bengal for them. Also Read – Rain batters Kolkata, cripples normal lifeHailed as the champion of the farmers’ cause, she is the only politician who had spoken about the adverse effects of demonetisation on farmers within half-an-hour of the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From implementing loan waiver schemes to criticising farmer suicides, the Chief Minister has been extremely vocal about landless labourers and their plight throughout the country. Time and again, she has taken up measures to provide relief to the farmers, introduced schemes for them to be covered under Kisan credit cards and directed average loans to be given to credit card holders, starting from Rs 2 lakh. Also Read – Speeding Jaguar crashes into Mercedes car in Kolkata, 2 pedestrians killed”On August 31, 2016, the SC, in a historic judgment declared that the land acquisition made by the erstwhile Left government in Singur was illegal. On the second anniversary of the historic judgment, (I extend) my best wishes to all the farmers of the country. We are always committed to their struggle and cause,” she tweeted on Friday. Sources added that Banerjee is likely to address a mass meeting with “Hindi-speaking people” at Netaji Indoor Stadium on September 7.