Double-track microstructures were induced in the bulk of a z-cut lithium niobate crystal by 1030 nm 240 fs ultrashort laser pulses with repetition rate 100 kHz at variable pulse energies exceeding critical Kerr self-focusing power. The microstructure topography was characterized atomic force microscopy piezoelectric response mode. spatial positions laser-induced modification regions inside case...

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and f u z z y logic are complementary technologies. A N N s extract information f rom systems to be learned or controlled, while fuzzy techniques most often use verbal information f rom experts. Ideally, the two sources o f information should be combined. For example, one can learn rules in a hybrid fashion and then calibrate them f o r better whole-system perf...

We show that for every n there are two simple curves on the torus intersecting at least n times without the two curves folding or spiralling with respect to each other. On the other hand, two simple curves in a punctured plane that intersect at least n times (and do not create any empty bigons) must either form a spiral of depth d or a fold of width cn/(d + 1) − 1, where c only depends on the n...

The prevalence and characteristics of mentorship among junior faculty in clinician-scientist and clinician-educator tracks were evaluated. Comprehensive improvement strategies are needed.

Various barriers for the uptake of energy-efficiency measures in the domestic sector have been identified. Projects try to quantify the effect of individual barriers like transaction costs, information lack, access to technologies or convenience. We propose to use the ‘consumer choice chain’ as a wider framework to understand energy-efficiency choices by domestic consumers. This allows comparis...