[en] It has been calculated the electronic band structure, density of states, band gap, total energy of the ideal and defective semi magnetic semiconductors Cd1-xMnxSe (0.01≤x≤0.06) by ab-initio method using the Functional Density Theory. It has been established that, with an increase in the concentration of Mn atoms, the band gap decreases. Vacancy-type defects lead to an increase in the band gap, a change in the total energy, and the formation of local levels in the band gap. It has been defined, that Mn atoms form magnetic moments, and the ferromagnetic state is more stable.

[en] Lateral-flow assays (LFAs), with its convenience and low cost, promise to become the in-home test format for early diagnosis and monitoring of tumor marker. However, the insufficient signal intensity was generated by signal reporters reducing the sensitivity of this format. In this study, a novel nanoscale signal reporter capable of amplifying the fluorescence signal is fabricated by encapsulating quantum dots (QDs) into modified tri-copolymer (poly(tert-butyl acrylate-co-ethyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid)) (ODA-g-tri-copolymer). The amplified signal varied by simply adjusting the ratio of QDs to the ODA-g-tri-copolymer for obtaining QD nanospheres with high QD loading. They exhibits outstanding stability compared to the individual QDs both in the biological buffer and strong acid solutions. Here, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) is employed as the model protein of LFAs. The results show that the detection limit of the QD nanospheres is pushed down to 0.016 IU/L, which is about ~ 38.5 times enhanced compared to the individual QD-based LFAs without any signal amplifying. The ultrasensitive LFAs were attributed to the signal amplification strategy, and their efficiency and robustness demonstrated the great potential in clinical applications.

[en] The policy of the Flemish region (Belgium) with regard to the total energy principle are presented. An overview of the main policy instruments to support energy saving and environmental-friendly investments as well as the development of new technologies is given. The total energy policy of the Flanders Region forms part of the general Flemish (energy) policy. (A.S.)

[en] The significance and the integration of an energy saving project, based on the total energy principle in an oil refinery are outlined. In addition, the general criteria for the cooperation with power producers are summarized. (A.S)

[en] The issue of whether the proposed merger between Superior Propane and ICG is in the best interest of the consumer was discussed. Petro-Canada, one of Canada's largest integrated oil and gas companies owns ICG. Norcen, a Canadian producer now owned by Union Pacific Resources, used to own Superior Propane. The merger of the two operations, which was driven by a rush to decrease competition, represents a total Canadian market share of 70 per cent or almost 2.5 billion litres of propane per year. Proponents of the merger argue that increased buying power will mean better prices at the plant gate, which will benefit the consumer. Opponents, on the other hand, argue that with low margins to combat, any savings realized will stay in the hands of the newly merged company. The bright side is that despite a huge market share of the newly merged company, there is still a potential to create small companies which understand their local market and which can provide customers with the kind of service they want

[en] The combined production of heat and power by the total energy principle contributes to a considerable saving of primary energy and the reduction of greenhouse gases such as CO₂. The policy of the Belgian power producer, Electrabel, with regard to the total energy principle and the general criteria for cooperation between Electrabel and power distribution or production companies are summarized. (A.S.)

[en] In the Netherlands, a considerable amount of electric power is produced by total energy plants. It is now planned to increase the capacity of electric energy, produced by combined heat and power plants to 4500 MV_e in 2000. The energy policy of the national government as well as the forms of cooperation between the energy sector and small to large energy consumers with regard to energy production by total energy plants are reviewed. (A.S.)

[en] A review of competitive retail electricity markets in Argentina, New Zealand, Australia and California were discussed, highlighting lessons for Alberta policy makers, market designers and electricity retailers. Some of the emerging strategies in the retail electricity marketplace such as horizontal integration, generation retailing, defensive retailing and virtual vertical integration were explored. Emphasis was on showing that electricity retailing is not an easy business. It is a business for large and existing players, and although horizontal and vertical integration have growth and profit potential, there are also risks

[en] First-principles total-energy calculations have been performed for the Mo(001) surface. Subsequent tight-binding calculations of the surface-phonon dispersion curves for the reconstructed surface show that Fermi-surface nesting of surface states leads to a softening of surface modes near M-bar, with the maximum instability very close to the wave vector of the observed incommensurate reconstruction. Our results disagree strongly with the prevailing short-ranged force models for the incommensurate reconstruction on Mo

[en] The results of seven years of total energy policy in the Netherlands are presented and the main objectives of the dutch energy policy are reviewed and evaluated. The reduction of energy consumption by making use of the total energy principle will contribute to the reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO₂. The objective of the dutch energy saving policy for the time -period 1990-2000 is to improve the annual efficiency with 2 percent. An interim evaluation of the energy saving policy indicates that in practice, efficiency will be improved by 1.8 percent per year. In the short-term, the total energy principle remains the main tool for energy saving. The expected total amount of energy, produced by the total energy principle (including district heating) varies from 3285 Mw e in 1990 to 4085 MW e in 1995 and 55000 Mw e in 2000. (A.S.)