LRT2010 is the third workshop in the series on low radioactivity materials and techniques, which is the most fundamental part of rare-event physics detectors, such as for solar neutrinos, dark matter, double-beta decay, and long half-life phenomena. Topics include global surveys of low background facilities, detectors and shielding techniques, ultra-low background purification techniques, cleaning and contamination control, low background construction and fabrication, and background calculations and simulations.
The main purpose of the 2nd Topical Workshop on Low Radioactivity Techniques was to share the knowledge on techniques and developments aimed at ultra-low level backgrounds. Extremely low backgrounds are needed for searches looking for rare events such as dark matter or solar neutrinos. The articles gathered in this proceeding are unique since they provide technical details on low radioactivity techniques developments.
The work presented in this book is a major step towards understanding and eventually suppressing background in the direct search for dark matter particles scattering off germanium detectors. Although the flux of cosmic muons is reduced by many orders of magnitude in underground laboratories, the remaining energetic muons induce neutrons through various processes, neutrons that can potentially mimic a dark matter signal. This thesis describes the measurement of muon-induced neutrons over more than 3 years in the Modane underground laboratory. The data are complemented by a thorough modeling of the neutron signal using the GEANT4 simulation package, demonstrating the appropriateness of this tool to model these rare processes. As a result, a precise neutron production yield can be presented. Thus, future underground experiments will be able to reliably model the expected rate of muon-induced neutrons, making it possible to develop the necessary shielding concept to suppress this background component.
The determination of the properties of the neutrino is one of the most pursued goals of physics. The series of MEDEX Conferences, which started ten years ago, is devoted to the update of the experimental and theoretical information related to the nuclear double beta decay, which is the process that may, if observed, be the tool to answer the fundamental questions related to the neutrino mass scale. MEDEX is a unique forum for theoreticians and experimentalists active in the field.
This workshop examined the state-of-the-art of all techniques for measuring radioactivity at ultra-low activity levels as well as all aspects of the development of low-background detectors. Such detectors are needed to study physical processes that can only be observed when all sources of interfering background are reduced to a very low level. These techniques are essential to develop next generation detectors for neutrino research, solar neutrino physics, and neutrino astrophysics, as well as measurement of the double beta-decay process and the search for dark matter in the universe. Topics covered include experimental radio-purity requirements, methods for shielding detectors from cosmic rays and local radioactivity, methods for the measurement of impurities in bulk materials, in gases, and on surfaces, techniques for materials purification, and related subjects. The workshop marked the beginning of excavation for the new international facility for deep underground particle astrophysics (SNOLAB), located in Sudbury, Canada.
This unique textbook provides a concise and practical approach to clinical dilemmas involving the liver, pancreas, and biliary tree. Six major sections encompass (1) Hepatic, (2) Biliary, (3) Pancreas, (4) Transplantation, (5) Trauma, and (6) Innovative Technology. Each topic is written by recognized experts from an "e;experiential"e; viewpoint combined with evidence-based medicine. The book contains over 170 chapters and over 350 contributors. It is relevant to Surgical Oncologists, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeons, Transplant Surgeons, Traumatologists, HPB Interventionalists, General Surgeons, and trainees and students. The title of each chapter is in a form of a clinical scenario and each chapter begins with a Case Scenario and ends with Salient Points. Special debates are included in each section. There are numerous compelling images, detailed illustrations, comprehensive tables, thorough algorithms, and other adjunctive tools that enhance learning. The authors emanate from different corners of the world. The book is a valuable resource for faculty, students, surgical trainees, fellows, and all health care providers in the HPB/Trauma/Transplant/Oncology fields.
Principles of Economics in Context lays out the principles of micro- and macroeconomics in a manner that is thorough, up to date, and relevant to students, attuned to the economic realities of the world around them. It offers engaging treatment of important current topics such as new thinking in behavioral economics, financial instability and market bubbles, debt and deficits, and policy responses to the problems of unemployment, inequality, and environmental sustainability. This new, affordable edition combines the just-released new editions of Microeconomics in Context and Macroeconomics in Context to provide an integrated full-year text covering all aspects of both micro and macro analysis and application, with many up-to-date examples and extensive supporting web resources for instructors and students. Key features include: An eye-opening statistical portrait of the United States; Clear explanation of basic concepts and analytical tools, with advanced models presented in optional chapter appendices; Presentation of policy issues in historical, institutional, social, political, and ethical context--an approach that fosters critical evaluation of the standard microeconomic models, such as welfare analysis, labor markets, and market competition; Issues of human well-being, both domestic and global, are given central importance, enriching the topics and analytical tools to which students are introduced; The theme of sustainability--financial, social, and ecological--is thoroughly integrated in the book, with chapters on alternatives to standard GDP measurement, the environment, common property, public goods, and growth and sustainability in the twenty-first century; Full complement of instructor and student support materials online, including test banks and grading through Canvas.
