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Summer 2007 Newsletter

Dates to Remember

Aug. 31, 2007 (Friday): Deadline for submitting invited speaker suggestions for DMP Focus Topics

Nov. 27, 2007, 5:00 pm EST (Tuesday): APS Abstract deadline submitted via the web at

March 10-14, 2008 (with tutorials, etc., March 9): APS March Meeting in New Orleans, LA

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In this Issue

A Note from the Chair

It a pleasure to welcome you to the current newsletter of the Division of Materials Physics. The organizers for the Focus Topics for the upcoming March meeting in New Orleans have been chosen and are listed in this newsletter, and this is the time to input your suggestions for invited speakers; your input should go directly to the FT organizers who are preparing invited speaker nominations for their topic. DMP also sponsors a few select symposia, and these suggestions should go directly to Ivan Schuller, the DMP Program Chair this year. This is your meeting, so please make the effort to contribute to its organization and help identify the best and most deserving invited speakers in your area of expertise.

In more general terms, this is a particularly exciting time for our area of research because of the strong and increasing support of the Federal Government. The President’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), which grew out of the National Academy Report entitled “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” requested by Congress, has strong bipartisan support. However, Congress did not pass a budget before the election, and then the new Congress decided to postpone any real budget decisions by enacting a year-long continuing resolution. Nevertheless, the strong support of the ACI allowed it to be one of a very few exceptions, and it was enacted this year despite the continuing resolution, a truly phenomenal political result. The ACI calls for doubling the budget, in real terms, over the next several years. The ACI funding has been implemented to a large extent this year, and Congressional support looks quite promising for the coming budget cycle. The Materials Physics community owes a debt of gratitude to the scientists who made the case and to the politicians who heard the plea and acted. This success also highlights the positive effects of contacting your congressional representatives, such as the congressional letter writing campaign organized at the March meeting. Contacting your congressional representatives really helps! And it’s just as important now to continue these efforts, to maintain the momentum that has been developed. Speaking of momentum, there are some noteworthy items and trends contained in the National Academies decadal report just released on the current state of the materials research enterprise and future directions of the field: CMMP 2010: An Assessment of and Outlook for Condensed-Matter and Materials Physics

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the executive committee who have recently completed their service, for the generous donation of their time and expertise in carrying out the work of DMP. These are Art Hebard and Julia Hsu, who have stepped down as Members at Large. And a special thanks to Lynn Boatner, who has completed four years of leadership as Vice-Chair, Chair-Elect, Chair, and Past-Chair of the Division of Materials Physics. Thanks.

Looking forward to seeing you in New Orleans.

Jeff Lynn, Chair

Nominations for DMP Officers and Executive Committee Members

A DMP election will be held in late 2007 to select a Vice Chair, a Secretary-Treasurer, and two new At-Large Members of the Executive Committee. Suggestions for nominees may be sent by 1 September 2007 to DMP Nominating Committee Chair David Vanderbilt ( In addition, DMP bylaws provide that the slate determined by the Nominating Committee can be augmented with additional names by a petition process. Such a petition, expressing the wishes of at least 5% of the DMP membership, must be received by DMP Secretary-Treasurer Ted Einstein ( by 1 October 2007.

Call for Invited Speaker Suggestions

With this issue of the Newsletter, the Division of Materials Physics announces the program of DMP Focus Topics for the 2008 APS March Meeting (New Orleans, LA, March 10-14, 2008). A Focus Topic generally consists of a series of sessions, each of which is typically seeded with one invited talk, the remainder of the session being composed of contributed presentations.

DMP members are encouraged to make suggestions for invited speakers for these Focus Topics. The deadline for submitting such suggestions is August 31, 2007. Suggestions can be made by emailing the suggestion directly to the appropriate focus topic organizers who are listed after the Focus Topic descriptive paragraphs. Please also send a copy to Ivan Schuller ( the main DMP organizer of Focus Topics

Your suggestions should provide the following information: provide the following information:

  • The nominator’s name, affiliation, phone number and e-mail address.
  • The suggested speaker’s name, affiliation, address, phone number, fax, and e-mail.
  • The title of the suggested talk.
  • A brief justification of the nomination (880 character limit).

The web-based nomination form contains fields for all of these items. If you use the web-based form, your invited speaker nomination will be sent automatically to the appropriate Focus Topic organizers when you push the “submit” button at the end of the process. However, it is advisable to send an email to the first-listed organizer asking for confirmation that the nomination has been received.

Finally, note that the contents of this Newsletter will be available electronically on the DMP website at In case of any need for corrections or updates, these will also be posted at this location.

List of DMP-Sponsored or Co-Sponsored Focus Topics and Sorting Categories for the 2008 APS March Meeting

The co-sponsoring units are indicated in between parenthesis.

02.8.2 Dopants and Defects in Semiconductors (DMP)

The properties of semiconductors are determined by the presence of small concentrations of impurities and defects (1011-1019 cm-3). Defects control carrier concentration, mobility, lifetime, and recombination and sometimes act as compensation centers; also they are responsible for processes that involve atomic transport such as migration, diffusion, and precipitation of impurities and host atoms. The control of defects and impurities is the critical factor that enables a semiconductor to be used in electronic and optoelectronic devices as has been widely recognized in the remarkable development of Si-based electronics, the difficulties encountered with II-VI based optoelectronics, and the recent success of the GaN-based blue LED and lasers. The fundamental understanding, characterization and control of defects are proving to be important for the development of novel wide-band gap semiconductors and future solid-state based spintronic devices. The physics of doping and defects in semiconductors is the subject of this focus session. The electronic, structural, optical, magnetic and isotopic properties of dopants and defects in elemental, compound, and wide band-gap semiconductors are of interest. Abstracts on experimental and theoretical investigations are solicited.

03.8.1. Dielectric, Ferroelectric and Piezoelectric Oxides (DMP)

This topic will focus on fundamental advances in the growth, characterization, and experimental as well as theoretical understanding of dielectric, ferroelectric, pyroelectric, piezoelectric, and multiferroic oxides in bulk, thin-film, superlattice, and nanostructured forms. Contributions on functional oxides of all structure types are encouraged. Areas of interest include the physics of structural and ferroelectric phase transitions, lattice dielectric properties, coupling in multiferroics, the impact of disorder on cooperative behavior, progress in theory approaches to ferroelectricity, multiferroicity, and relaxor behavior, as well as understanding of synthesis and growth mechanisms. A major thrust will be to explore how bulk dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric properties and the coupling of order parameters are modified in thin-film, superlattice, or other nanoscale geometries, for example by the effects of strain, surfaces and interfaces, chemical environment, and electrical boundary conditions.

04.14.4 Organic Electronics, Photonics & Magnetics (DM/DPOLY)

The incorporation of organic materials into device architectures has made great strides in recent years.  This symposium will explore the fundamental physics which dictate the performance and behavior of organic electronic, photonic and magnetic systems.  Specific subtopics include, OFETs, OLEDs, organic photovoltaics as well as organic magnets.  Special attention will be given to understanding the organic - inorganic interface.

05.17.1 MgB2 & Other Novel Superconductors (DMP)

The discovery of phonon-mediated superconductivity with high critical temperature in MgB2 offers significant lessons for the search of high temperature BCS superconductors. Since then other non-cuprate superconductors with novel properties also have been discovered. Meanwhile, new physics arising from the multiband effects in MgB2 has attracted considerable theoretical and experimental efforts. Some of these effects have important implications for high-magnetic-field and electronic applications. This focus topic will cover both theoretical and experimental results on MgB2 and other novel superconductors such as electron-doped (Zr,Hf)NCl, Y2C3, and metals with covalent bonding. The subjects include various aspects of two-band superconductivity such as dependence of the two gaps on disorder and magnetic field, studies of phonons and electron-phonon coupling, vortex dynamics and flux pinning, and the Josephson effect and devices. Theoretical insights and experimental investigations of existing and predicted novel superconductors are important aspects of this focus topic.

05.17.2 Electronic and Vortex Mechanisms for Higher Performing Superconductors (DMP)

There is a growing recognition that in order to exploit superconductors for energy challenges (especially the Electric Grid of the future) transformational breakthroughs are needed in superconductor performance. Further, the need is far more than just higher Tc materials but rather a comprehensive understanding of vortex matter (both from a phenomenological and microscopic perspective). This includes mechanisms and methods for generating and manipulating vortices, so called 'pinscape engineering,' and a microscopic theory of vortex creep dynamics. Directly coupled to this is a clearer understanding of the electronic mechanisms that give rise to unconventional pairing states and novel magnetic field-temperature phase diagrams. Fortunately, remarkable progress is being made in this area, exploiting nanotechnology both produce and characterize these pinning landscapes and the inhomogeneity that appears to be intrinsic in superconductors displaying strong correlation. This focus topic will bring together the leaders who are making these advances and would have as a specific objective of bridging the usually disparate communities that focus on one hand on the epitaxial science for enhancing critical current and on the other hand of exploring fundamental aspects of vortex physics. The recent success of the Department of Energy-Office of Basic Energy Sciences workshop on "Basic Research Needs for Superconductivity" indicates the time is right for bringing these communities together for extended technical discussions.

05.17.3 Hybrid Magnetic-Superconducting Systems (DMP)

The focus session will be dedicated to hybrid superconducting/magnetic structures from the theoretical as well as the experimental point of view. The main subjects include superconducting/magnetic multilayers and nanostructures, magnetic proximity effect and Andreev reflection, and exotic magnetic phases in superconductors. Special attention will be paid to non-centrosymmetric superconductors both with singlet and triplet pairing, Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov states, heterojunctions with non-collinear magnetizations, pi-phase junctions, superconducting/magnetic hybrids with spiral magnetic structures, Josephson effects involving half metallic systems, and complex oxide ferromagnet/superconductor multilayers. Theory & Simulation of Spin Dependent Effects & Properties (DCOMP/DMP/GMAG)

This focus topic centers on recent advances in the theory and numerical simulations of spin-dependent properties of magnetic materials and structures. Covered phenomena include magnetic hysteresis, spin transport, spin relaxation, spin torque, exchange spring, exchange bias, interlayer magnetic coupling, anomalous Hall effect, and dynamics of topological defects. Particular attention will be paid to magnetic systems with a reduced number of spatial dimensions from 0D molecular magnets and nanodots to 1D nanowires and 2D thin films and interfaces. Approaches include material-specific ab-initio techniques (LDA and beyond) as well as a combination of these methods with multi-scale modeling, atomic-scale effective spin Hamiltonians, Monte-Carlo simulations, Langevin dynamics, and micromagnetic modeling. We especially encourage contributions showing the benefits of cross-pollination between analytical and numerical approaches for explaining and predicting specific experimental results and materials or systems properties.

6.11.2    Magnetic Nanostructures: Materials and Phenomena (DMP/GMAG)

This topic focuses on magnetic materials and phenomena at the nanometer-scale. Magnetic nanostructures include thin films, multilayers, nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorings, nanocomposites, core-shell structures, hybrid structures, magnetic point contacts and self-assembled as well as patterned magnetic arrays. This session will cover both experimental and theoretical advances in low dimensional magnetism, proximity effects, interlayer magnetic coupling, exchange spring, exchange bias, magnetic quantum confinement, magnetic anisotropy, glassy dynamics, memory effect and other relaxation phenomena, inter-particle interactions, effects of structural disorder, modeling of hysteresis, thermal and quantum fluctuations, and other nanoscale magnetic phenomena. Of special interest is the fabrication of nanostructures with atomic-scale control using physical and chemical methods, self and directed assembly of nanostructure arrays, high-resolution characterization methods with site and/or element specificity, novel techniques for the creation of nanoscale magnetic features, and other unusual physical phenomena present in these systems.

06.11.3 Complex Oxides (DMP/GMAG)

Transition metal oxides exhibit a wide range of intriguing phenomena which originate from the complexity induced by the close competition of multiple interactions and the presence of various ground states with incompatible order. Associated with this complexity is a tendency for short range order such as the formation of stripes, ladders, checkerboards, dimers, or phase separation, and an enhanced response to external fields that gives rise to giant and colossal effects with potential for applications. This Focus Topic explores the nature of the various ground states observed in these complex oxides and the interactions responsible, the ways in which the spin, charge, orbital, and strain degrees of freedom respond on a variety of length scales, how they interact and compete with each other to produce the unusal phenomena in the bulk and film, and how they change near surfaces and interfaces and in particular near interfaces between two such systems with competing groundstates, where novel phenomena may occur. It provides a forum to discus recent developments and results covering basic and applied aspects from synthesis and fabrication to experiment, theory and simulation of bulk, films, and artificial superlattices of complex oxides, including multiferroics, manganites, nickelates, cobaltites, ruthenates, and their interfaces.

06.11.4+ 16.12.10 Spin Transport & Magnetization Dynamics in Metal Based Systems (GMAG/DMP/FIAP)

This topic will focus on experimental and theoretical investigations of the transport and transfer of spin, as well as magnetization dynamics, in metal-based magnetic systems. Topics of interest include all aspects of spin-dependent transport and scattering, in the diffusive, ballistic, tunneling and hot electron transport regimes as evidenced for example, in giant magnetoresistance (GMR), tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR), tunneling spectroscopy of spin states, spin filtering and related effects. Furthermore, a main focus will be magnetization dynamics in confined geometries investigated both in the time and frequency domain. Also of particular interest are studies of the interplay between spin currents and magnetization dynamics in magnetic nanostructures. Additional topics include, but are not limited to, spin-charge-separation in transport processes including spin-diffusion and spin-relaxation, interfacial spin transport, spin injection and detection, mechanisms for magnetic damping, especially in magnetic nanostructures, spin-current-driven magnetization and domain wall dynamics, and studies in ferromagnetic — normal metal and ferromagnetic — superconductor systems. Studies that emphasize spin phenomena in semiconductor systems will be covered in a separate focus topic.

6.11.5 Spin Dependent Phenomena in Semiconductors (GMAG/DMP/FIAP)

Since the discovery of ferromagnetism in GaMnAs and very long spin lifetimes in semiconductors and semiconducting nanostructures, there has been growing interest in exploring the spin dependent properties of a variety of semiconductors, particularly after the successes of metallic spintronic heterostructures for magnetic storage. This series of sessions solicits contributions focused on ferromagnetism in semiconducting materials, novel effects in semiconductors either because of large spin-orbit interactions or the lack of such interaction, spin injection, spin Hall effect, spin interference, spin filtering, spin lifetime effects, spin dependent scattering, spin torque and domain structure and motion. Also solicited are memory and logic device based structures. We expect that there will be multiple sessions spanning the meeting.

07.11.1 Carbon Nanotubes & Related Materials (DMP)

Interest in the fundamental properties and applications of carbon allotropes, including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and patterned graphene, continues to grow. The reason for this interest lies in the unique combination of chemical, mechanical, thermal, optical, opto-electronic, spectroscopic, electrical and magnetic properties of these systems.

This focus topic addresses recent developments in (i) the fundamental understanding of nanotubes and graphene, including characterization, synthesis, processing, purification, chemical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, opto-electronic and magnetic properties, and (ii) in their potential applications as nanosensors, nanoprobes, field emitters, displays, field-effect transistors, composite materials, high surface-area storage media, superconducting and magnetic devices, and others.

Experimental and theoretical contributions are solicited in the following areas:

  1. synthesis and characterization of pure and doped nanostructures of carbon and boron nitride, including nanotubes, nanohorns, and graphene;
  2. purification, separation and chemical functionalization of these nanostructures;
  3. the structure and properties of hybrid systems, including filled carbon nanotubes, nanotube peapods, and chemically modified graphene;
  4. mechanical and thermal properties of these nanostructures and their composites;
  5. electrical and magnetic properties of these systems; and
  6. their spectroscopic (angle resolved photoemission and scanning tunneling microscopy), optical (Raman scattering), structural (atomic force microscopy),  opto-electronic, mesoscopic, and transport properties.

Also, the symposium will cover the broad range of unique applications of these nanosystems, including their use for:

  1. gas adsorption and storage;
  2. multifunctional nanotube composites;
  3. chemical and bio-sensing applications;
  4. field emission; and
  5. a new generation of magnetic and electronic devices.

07.11.3 Computational Nanoscience (DMP/DCOMP)

When the size of a physical system is reduced to the nanometer scale, many novel physical phenomena emerge. Computational studies can be used to interpret experimental observations of these phenomena, provide much-needed insight into their underlying physical origin, and thus enable the design nanomaterials with desired properties. Recent advances in computational methodologies for studying nanoscale materials have made it possible to reliably predict many physical and chemical properties of nanostructures that span multiple time and length scales. This session will provide an overview of recent computational work in the field of nanoscale materials with particular emphasis on techniques that allow for an efficient multi-scale integration from the micro- to the nanoscale. Subjects to be covered include, but are not limited to, computational studies of the growth, structural, mechanical, vibrational, electronic, opto-electronic and catalytic properties of nanoscale structures and materials and the interplay between functionality and local structural environment.

07.11.4 Probing and Modifying Materials with Lasers: Fundamentals and Applications (DMP)

This session focuses on materials physics issues involved in laser-materials interactions including those relevant to a variety of laser-driven techniques used for material removal, processing, and deposition. Also, we wish to consider laser based diagnostics techniques that probe transient atomic and molecular dynamics as well as electronic and vibrational phenomena in materials and at surfaces. The session aims to bring together researchers involved in experimental, theoretical, and computational investigations in the general area of laser-materials interactions to facilitate active broad-ranging interdisciplinary discussions. Topics of interest include but not limited to time-resolved x-ray and electron diffraction pump-probe techniques; laser interactions with "soft materials" (molecular and polymer systems and biological tissue); effects of pulse duration, wavelength and pulse repetition frequency; generation of nanoparticles, laser nano-patterning, micro- and nano-fabrication; theory and simulations of laser-materials interactions.

12.7.1 Friction, Fracture & Deformation (DMP/GSNP)

Friction, fracture and plastic deformation represent strongly non-equilibrium responses of solids to mechanical perturbations. Common behavior is observed in a wide range of materials and on length scales ranging from the atomic to the tectonic. This focus topic will explore recent advances in the fundamental and mechanistic understanding of these processes using theory, experiment and computer simulation. Subjects of interest include dislocation plasticity, grain boundary and interface effects, indentation, nanoscale mechanics, friction of smooth or fractal surfaces, tribochemistry, crack nucleation and propagation, and earthquake fault structure and dynamics. Materials include metals, polymers and ceramics with local structures ranging from crystalline to amorphous and large scale structures that are granular, microfabicated or nanostructured.

13.6.1 Optical Properties of Nanostructures (DMP)

Advances in synthesis and material processing bring us many new nanostructures, each has its own unique optical properties that are usually different from those of the bulk counterpart. The principal aim of this symposium is to bring together colleagues from different disciplines who are interested in the characterization of optical properties of nano-structures and the understanding of the exotic phenomena at a microscopic level. The symposium will cover the theoretical and experimental research on the optical properties of a broad range of nano-structures such as nanotubes, graphene, quantum wires and quantum dots. Also, the symposium will cover the optical properties of artificial nano-structures which can be used to manipulate light at the nanoscale length through the excitation of plasmonic or structural resonances. These structures can realize useful properties such as enhanced local field, resonant transmission, reduced cross-section, enhanced near-field resolution and stronger light-matter interactions; and these exotic properties may have impact in many areas such as optical storage, lithography and sensing.

13.6.2 Fundamental Challenges in Transport Properties of Nanostructures (DMP)

This focus topic will address the fundamental issues that are critical to our understanding, characterization and control of electronic transport in electronic, optical, or mechanical nanostructures. Contributions are solicited in areas that reflect recent advances in our ability to synthesize, characterize and calculate the transport properties of individual quantum dots, molecules and self-assembled functional systems. Resolving open questions regarding transport in nanostructures can have a huge impact on a broad range of future technologies, from quantum computation to light harvesting for energy. Specific topics of interest include: fabrication or synthesis of nanostructures involved with charge transport; nanoscale structural characterization of materials and interfaces related to transport properties; advances in the theoretical treatment of electronic transport at the nanoscale; and experimental studies of charge transport in electronic, optical, or mechanical nanostructures.

13.6.3 Materials Issues for Quantum Computing & Quantum Engineering (DMP)

Quantum computing requires extreme control of two level quantum systems where it is important to have both long coherence times and the ability to act on the quantum states.  While there are many different qubit implementations currently being studied, solid state systems are particularly attractive due the flexibility allowed by a wide range of nanolithography techniques.  The price, however, is the strong interaction between the qubit and the material system.  In this Focus Session, we will explore issues related fabrication and measurement of solid state qubits.  The impact of inherent material properties such as coupling to nuclear spin and bandstructure effects will be discussed.  In addition, more generic material quality issues such as oxides limitations, charge traps, and various impurity states will be considered.  One goal of the focus session is to bring researchers together and identify where material improvements in one system can benefit other systems.

13.6.4 Thermoelectric Materials & Phenomena (FIAP/DMP)

About 90 percent of the world’s power (approximately 10 TW) is generated by heat engines that convert heat to mechanical motion, which can then be converted to electricity when necessary. Such heat engines typically operate at 30-40 percent efficiency, such that ~ 15 TW of heat is lost to the environment.  If even a fraction of this low-grade thermal waste can be converted to electricity in a cost-effective manner, the potential impact on energy could be enormous, amounting to massive savings of fuel and reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. Thermoelectric energy converters can directly convert low-grade heat to electricity using semiconducting materials via the Peltier effect.  The performance depends on the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of a material, which is defined as ZT = S2T/rk where S, r, k, and T are the Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity and absolute temperature, respectively.  To be competitive compared to current engines and refrigerators (efficiency 30-40 percent of Carnot limit), one must develop materials with ZT > 3.  Yet, over the last 50 years, the ZT of materials has increased only marginally, from about 0.6 to 1, resulting in performance less than 10 percent of Carnot limit[i].  While there is no fundamental upper limit to ZT, progress has been extremely hard to come by, mainly due to the coupling between S, r, and k – changing one alters the others.  It has been shown recently that nanostructuring allows one to either use quantum confinement of carriers or spectrally-dependent scattering of phonons to manipulate S, r, and k in ways that can increase ZT beyond the bulk values.   The underlying reasons for this increase are, however, not yet fully understood.  The goal of this session is to bring together scientists and engineers focused on quantum and classical transport and coupling of charge and heat in thermoelectric materials in order to increase ZT.

14.9.1 Controlled Self-Organization of Functional Thin Film Nanostructures (DMP)

Exploiting growth and kinetic instabilities to form surface nanostructures and patterns with desirable functionality has emerged as a key element in strategies for nanoscale fabrication. The success of this approach hinges on a fundamental understanding of the evolution of thin-film morphology, atomic composition, and electronic structure. This focus session will highlight recent experimental and theoretical developments associated with the formation and stability of nanostructures, surfaces, interfaces, and thin films of both hard and soft condensed matter.

Theoretical and experimental studies of phenomena such as diffusion and surface kinetics, templated and self-assembly, interactions between adsorbed species, phase transitions at surfaces, as well as prediction/characterization of nanostructures with novel properties will be emphasized. Particular emphasis will be placed on tailoring functional (i.e., mechanical, electrical, optical and magnetic) properties of thin-film nanostructures. Novel hybrid nanostructures with potential relevance to biology, catalysis, and energy research will be addressed.

14.9.3 Engineering interfaces for new materials: Modeling and Experiments (DMP)

Interfaces, including both grain boundaries and heterophase interfaces, appear in almost all material applications. The macroscopic behavior of many materials and devices follow from the structure, composition, and bonding of the interfaces. This focus topic will highlight innovative concepts of engineering interfaces for materials with new functionalities and recent theoretical and experimental advances in the understandings of interfaces. It will cover recent developments in the areas of: heteroepitaxial film growth, structural, mechanical, thermal and electronic properties of interfaces, transport phenomena at interfaces, wetting, role of interfaces in material processing, and nano-structured materials with novel physical properties. We welcome experimental, computational, and analytical studies of all properties of solid-solid and liquid-solid interfaces at various length and time scales.

16.12.5 Hydrogen Storage; Materials, Measurements & Modeling (FIAP/DMP)

Developing safe and reliable hydrogen storage technologies that meet performance and cost requirements is critical to the realization of the future hydrogen economy. Method to store hydrogen at low pressures and near room temperature are inherently more efficient than high-pressure or liquid storage technologies in principle. The challenge is to develop materials that have high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities at moderate temperature and pressure conditions. The current focus on materials-based hydrogen storage includes adsorption in high surface area adsorbents such as metal organic frameworks and various carbon-based materials, absorption in complex metal hydrides, chemical hydrogen storage in chemical hydrides such as light metal borohydrides, and other, more novel approaches.

Many challenges still exist in achieving acceptable densities, kinetics, and reversibility, despite substantial progress in developing new hydrogen storage materials. This focus topic will bring researchers together to discuss current developments in novel hydrogen storage materials, accurate measurement techniques, and advances in modeling and theory.

16.12.6 Materials & Application for Solar Energy (DMP/FIAP)

Research on suitable absorber materials for efficient solar energy conversion and their effective application to photovoltaic devices, constitutes a key element in the reduction of the cost of solar energy production to competitive prices. This is especially true as the balance of systems cost drop with scale-up. This session will cover the latest advances in this area including topics such as: advances in high efficiency solar cell devices (multi-junction solar cells, crystalline silicon, etc.) and the development of low cost large area devices (thin films, organics, dyes, etc). In addition to commercial or near-commercial approaches, the session will cover relevant novel concepts including (nanostructures, multiple carrier generation, intermediate band solar cells, etc.).

16.12.12 Photocatalysis and photovoltaic: Excitation, trapping, and transport of charge carriers at surfaces and interfaces (DMP)

Development of renewable energy sources, and in particular solar energy, are necessary to sustain the global economic growth and to minimize impact of these human activities on the environment. In recent years, this realization has resulted in increased federal funding and research for developing new approaches to harvest sun-light more efficiently. In addition to ‘classical’ semiconductor photovoltaic devices new concepts and materials are being investigated that enable conversion of light into electrical or chemical energy. In order to increase the efficiency of solar energy conversion devices the material’s properties need to be tuned to increase light absorption, minimize the trapping of charge carriers in the material and subsequent recombination of excitons, and maximize the charge carrier separation and transport. In addition, for feasible devices the materials have to be long-lived under operation conditions that require chemical and photo stability of the material. These requirements ask for a better understanding of defect-structures, interface properties, quantum confinement effects, electronic structures, photo-excitation mechanisms, etc. in potential materials for these applications. Fundamental issues such as hot charge carrier injections and multiple charge carrier formation by single photons are also of interest to advance energy conversion. This focus session is intended to bring together research expertise that describes advances made in the photosensitization of materials and outlines the challenges that need to be addressed to make these novel materials feasible for solar energy conversion devices.

19.3.1. Earth & Planetary Materials (DMP/DCOMP)

Recent discoveries in Earth materials research have highlighted the important synergy between experimental and computational mineral physics approaches to solving problems and understanding processes in the Earth's deep interior. Examples include the discovery of a new phase of magnesium orthosilicate at pressures in the vicinity of the core-mantle boundary [depths of 2900 km] and high-spin to low-spin transitions in iron-bearing minerals at pressures within the lower mantle [660 to 2900 km].  This focus topic will illustrate new work on these topics as well as other scientific and technological advances in the exploration of the behavior of Earth materials using both experimental and computational techniques.


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Opelika, Alabama Area Code

Opelika, AL Area Codes are

Opelika, AL is currently using one area code which is area code 334.

In addition to Opelika, AL area code information read more about area code 334 details and Alabama area codes.

Opelika, AL is located in Lee County and observes the Central Time Zone.
View our Times by Area Code tool.

Alabama Area Code Map

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text:
Scottdale school information

Average Test Scores87%72%68%
Student/Teacher ratio18:116:116:1
Total public schools12,56379,235
Total private schools11,62624,875
Total post-secondary schoolsn/a4067,965

Did you know?

  • The average school test scores in Scottdale are 27% higher than the national average.
  • There are approximately 1 public schools in Scottdale.
  • 90.9% of people in Scottdale have completed 8th grade.
  • 89.7% of people in Scottdale have completed high school.
  • 15.5% of people in Scottdale have completed a bachelors degree.

Best Schools in Scottdale

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  • Southmoreland El Sch100 Scottie WayGrades: 02 - 05Students: 568 · Ratio: 15:187
  • Southmoreland Ms200 Scottie WayGrades: 06 - 08Students: 465 · Ratio: 15:1n/a

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Education level achieved in Scottdale

Completed 8th grade90.9%86.5%83.8%
Completed high school89.7%85.0%82.4%
Completed some college44.3%52.2%58.4%
Completed associate degree27.0%35.8%37.2%
Completed bachelors15.5%28.1%29.3%
Completed masters3.3%11.0%11.0%
Completed professional degree0.9%3.2%3.2%
Completed doctorate0.0%1.3%1.3%

Highest level of education achieved in Scottdale (high school & post-secondary)

Nearby cities with high average school scores

City, StatePopulationAvg. Test ScoresNational Avg.
West Newton, PA2,59989%30%
Greensburg, PA14,72685%24%
New Stanton, PA2,51083%22%
Latrobe, PA8,23781%19%
Perryopolis, PA1,87780%18%
Scottdale, PA4,33687%27%

Cities with similar population

City, StatePopulationAvg. Test ScoresNational Avg.
Sparta, IL4,33881%18%
Jersey Shore, PA4,33979%15%
Medina, TX4,33293%36%
Minersville, PA4,33268%0%
Bondurant, IA4,33286%25%
Scottdale, PA4,33687%27%
Source: The Scottdale, PA education data displayed above is derived from the United States Census Bureau and from the National Center for Education Statistics. The average school test scores are based on all schools that completed test scores within the state. Average test scores are conducted by each state independently and the type of tests may change from one state to another. Test scores were not available for all schools within the state, but were available for the vast majority.


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The Security of Southern Asia.

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Price: $17.50

Description: 8vo, cloth, d.w. N.Y., (1965).

Comments: Studies in International Security: 8.

Jacket: Y
Binding: hardcover
Condition: very good(+)
Language: English
Type: Books

Book ID: 103428

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K'ang-hsi and the Consolidation of Ch'ing Rule, 1661-1684.

KESSLER, Lawrence D.

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Place Published: Chicago
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Date Published: 1976

Description: xi + 251pp., 8vo, cloth; a few minor spots of discoloration on the bottom edge of front and rear cover.. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, (1976). A near fine copy.

Binding: hardcover
Condition: near fine
ISBN: 0226432033
Language: English
Type: Books

Book ID: 231951

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By This Author: KESSLER, Lawrence D.
By This Publisher: University of Chicago Press
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You've got yourself one happy customer at this end, folks. I've been looking for another copy of "West of the Indus" for nearly twenty years (I know, it's such a cultural wasteland out here in the provinces), and I never expected to find one with a dust jacket. I am amazed. Thank you so much. I've enjoyed many books over the years, but this one has always been one of my favorites. Now if I can just figure out how to share it with my friends without losing it... - Paul B.
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Monday, March 27, 2017, 1:55 a.m.

Vandals target Detroit Sikh temple STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — An advocacy group has asked authorities to investigate the vandalism of a Sikh house of worship under construction in suburban Detroit.

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  • Publication: Religion, Pages 14 on 02/11/2012
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Monday, March 27, 2017, 2 a.m.

William Harrison: Author, mentor, supporter, friend

Athletes, they say, die twice once when they retire, then again when they draw their last breath. Authors, by contrast, are thought to be immortal and live on through their books.

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  • Headline: William Harrison: Author, mentor, supporter, friend
  • Publication: Perspective, Pages 84 on 11/10/2013
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West Indian whistling-duck (Dendrocygna arborea)

West Indian whistling-ducks
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West Indian whistling-duck fact file

West Indian whistling-duck description

GenusDendrocygna (1)

The West Indian whistling-duck is a large, upright, long-necked duck. Adults are deep brown in colour, with black-and-white markings on the flanks, a whitish abdomen and black bill (2). This species can also be identified by its shrill 'chiriria' whistle (5).

Also known as
Black-billed wood-duck, Cuban tree-duck.
Pato Silbón de Cuba, Suirirí Yaguaza.
Length: 48-56 cm (2)

West Indian whistling-duck biology

The West Indian whistling-duck is considered a non-migratory bird and is active at night and at dusk and dawn. By day, single birds, pairs or flocks with up to 100 individuals come together to roost and occasionally feed in mangroves and swampy areas. At dusk they fly to other areas to feed in small flocks and return to their roost-sites just before dawn (2).

Nests are made between palm fronds, in clumps of bromeliads, on branches or in tree-cavities, though in Antigua they are built by scraping a shallow ditch in the ground and lining it with leaves (5). Pairs breed throughout the year, but there are peaks in the summer months (2).

West Indian whistling-duck range

As the name suggests this bird is found in the West Indies. Historically, this bird occurred throughout the Bahamas, Turks, Caicos Islands, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, and Guadeloupe. At present, breeding populations are known to exist in the Bahamas (at least 1,500 birds), Turks and Caicos, Cuba (possibly more than 10,000 with at least 6,000 in the east), Cayman (1,000 and increasing), Jamaica (500 and declining), Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico (100 and declining), Antigua (400) and Barbuda (possibly 2,000) (2).

West Indian whistling-duck habitat

Inhabits mangrove and swamp areas, brackish ponds, wetlands and tidal flats (5).

West Indian whistling-duck status

Classified as Vulnerable (VU B1+2abcde) on the IUCN Red List 2003 (1), listed on Appendix II of CITES (3), and on Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) (4).

IUCN Red List species status – Vulnerable

West Indian whistling-duck threats

This large duck is threatened by poorly regulated and excessive hunting for food, eggs and sport (2). It depends on wetland habitats for food sources, protection and breeding, and so has suffered serious population losses following the rapid development of coastal areas in the Caribbean for development and agriculture (5). Of the remaining wetland habitats, 50% are severely degraded due the removal of mangroves and swamp-forest, pollution (especially over-use of pesticides) and natural catastrophes such as droughts and hurricanes (2). The populations of the West Indian whistling-duck are now small and fragmented (2).

West Indian whistling-duck conservation

The listing of this species on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) legally protects it throughout much of its range (3) (4). However, law enforcement is inadequate. To improve conservation measures, in 1997 The West Indian Whistling-duck Working Group was set up. At present this vulnerable duck does exist in several protected areas, but it is thought that suitable habitat for it is insufficient (2). Conservation aims are now focussing on conducting extensive population and habitat surveys, monitoring current populations, enforcing better protection and increasing public awareness of this species’ fragile status (5).

To learn more about a Whitley Award-winning conservation project for this species, click here.
View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

Find out more

For more information on the West Indian whistling-duck see:

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:

Slightly salty water.

  1. IUCN Redlist 2003 (January 2004)
  2. Birdlife International (2000) Threatened birds of the World. Lynx Edicions and Birdlife International. Barcelona and Cambridge.
  3. CITES (February 2004)
  4. Convention on Migratory Species (February 2004)
  5. BirdLife International 2003 BirdLife's Online World Bird Database: the site for bird conservation. Version 2.0. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International (accessed 17/2/2004). Available at:

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West Indian whistling-ducks
West Indian whistling-ducks

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Tim Gaither at the Loony Bin

Also, the Andrew Christian Trophy Boys at Sway.

FRIDAY 12/26

Comedian Tim Gaither performs at The Loony Bin Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ($7) and 10 p.m. ($10). Ramona and Soul Rhythms play at Cajun's Wharf at 9 p.m. Tyrannosaurus Chicken headlines at the Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7-$12.

At Sway, the Andrew Christian Trophy Boys (underwear models, not a band) headlines, featuring go-go dancing, entertainment, prizes and more, all kicking off at 8 p.m., $20-$30. Local alt-country favorites Mulehead play at the Afterthought, 9 p.m., $7-$12.

SUNDAY 12/28

Vino's hosts a tribute to TC Edwards featuring a performance by his former bandmates, the original Eddies. Other special guests are likely as well. The 34th anniversary of local music publication Nightflying is at Revolution, with performances by The Schwag, Weakness for Blondes, Jason Hale, Jason Greenlaw, FreeVerse, Stella Luss and more, 5:30 p.m., $10.

MONDAY 12/29

Dallas psychobilly trio Reverend Horton Heat plays at Juanita's at 8 p.m., $12. Local metal group Cavort Usurp plays at Vino's. Country singer-songwriter Bonnie Montgomery is at White Water Tavern, 9:30 p.m.

Vino's Brewpub Cinema screens "Teenage Zombies" for free, 7:30 p.m. The Joint holds an end-of-the-year Hogg Roast for their Tuesday night stand-up comedy hosted by Adam Hogg, 9 p.m., $5.

1 oz. Jig presents a tribute to WAR at Stickyz, $5. Juanita's hosts Chrono Flux, music and arts showcase featuring live painters, free baked goods, dancers and live music by Wolf-e-Wolf, Fractal Sky, MidiGator and more, 5 p.m., $15. Texas Hippie Coalition plays at Revolution, 8:30 p.m., $12 adv., $15 day of, and Milton Patton plays at Another Round Pub, 9 p.m. Eva plays at The Lightbulb Club in Fayetteville with Weed Needles and Mudlung, 9 p.m.

Former Congressman (and Marine Corps serviceman, and FBI special agent) Ed Bethune delivers his "Arkansas autobiography" at the Main Library's Darragh Center at noon, free. The Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain band performs at South On Main as part of the Local Live series, 7:30 p.m., free. Local improv comedy group The Joint Venture is at The Joint at 8 p.m., $7.

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Armature Studio 2017-03-24T15:39:54Z WordPress admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[ReCore – Sept 13, 2016]]> 2016-08-29T19:32:54Z 2016-08-08T16:38:41Z
91BMjyx-4XL._AC_SL1500_     91lN6ACwT7L._AC_SL1500_     71-rCtcFOxL._AC_SL1200_

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[ReCore Collector’s Edition]]> 2016-08-08T18:17:58Z 2016-08-08T16:29:28Z Continue Reading]]> 91lN6ACwT7L._AC_SL1500_

TriForce proudly presents the officially licensed ReCore Collector’s Edition, masterfully sculpted and painted by their in house artisans. The end result is the most authentic representation of Joule and Mack available! The Joule and Mack statue is hand-finished and painted, to precision quality, measuring in at 14 inches tall and weighing 6 pounds.

ReCore Collector’s Edition Includes:

– Full game physical disc of ReCore.

– Hand painted and finished Joule and Mack Premium Statue (14 inches Tall, 6 lbs heavy).

– Exclusive metal case.

– Exclusive Lithograph and Corebot Alphabet Decoder Dial.

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[The Art of ReCore]]> 2016-08-29T19:31:54Z 2016-07-29T19:29:06Z Continue Reading]]>

From the legendary creator Keiji Inafune and the makers of the Metroid Prime saga comes the hotly anticipated action-adventure game ReCore! On the distant planet Far Eden, humanity’s fate rests in the hands of one brave survivor, Joule Adams, and her courageous group of robotic “Corebot” companions, each with their own unique abilities and powers.

Dark Horse Books is pleased to present this comprehensive volume, examining the art and inspiration behind this epic adventure through a mysterious, dynamic world with The Art of ReCore!

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[Dead Star – April 5, 2016]]> 2016-08-08T18:16:04Z 2016-03-09T19:14:01Z Continue Reading]]>

Armature Studio today announced that team-based space shooter Dead Star will officially launch for PlayStation®4 and PC on April 5, 2016. Players ready to jump into the action can pre-order Dead Star on Steam® right now for $19.99 and begin playing immediately via the Early Access Beta currently underway as well as receive additional post-launch bonuses to be detailed soon:

Combining the beauty of space combat, the fast-paced nature of arcade classics with the depth of team-based gameplay plus loads and loads of awesome loot, Dead Star is a twin-stick shooter built around a deep multiplayer experience. Engage in objective-based skirmishes of up to 10v10 as you pilot a variety of unique ships, each with their own distinct advantages and roles in combat. As you fight and scavenge your way through a procedurally-generated battlefield, you’ll earn player levels and loot to further customize your experience– including the ability to invade other matches with a massive warship.

For more on Dead Star, visit and follow @DeadStarGame.

About Armature Studio

Founded by key members of the Metroid Prime team, Armature Studio is dedicated to the creation and development of video games for all major platforms from its headquarters in Austin, TX. Since its inception in 2008, Armature Studio has worked on numerous blockbuster video game franchises (including Borderlands, Metal Gear Solid and the Batman: Arkham series) and is currently cultivating multiple original properties (including Dead Star and ReCore, a collaboration with Mega Man series veteran Keiji Inafune, Comcept and Microsoft Studios) with an all-star staff credited on numerous industry-leading franchises including Metroid Prime, Call of Duty, Darksiders, The Elder Scrolls, Star Wars: The Old Republic and more.

In addition, Armature Studio is also working with Castlevania series veteran Koji Igarashi and Inti Creates on the development of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night.

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[ReCore is coming!]]> 2015-06-19T20:30:15Z 2015-06-19T20:30:15Z Continue Reading]]> Armature teams up with Comcept’s Keiji Inafune and Microsoft Studios to bring you the world of ReCore! This exciting new action-adventure Xbox exclusive release was announced to the world on June 15 during the  Xbox E3 Briefing, and it’s already causing quite a stir of anticipation and garnering new fans around the globe!

You can view the official announcement and ReCore trailer here:

Keep tuned to for continuing news about ReCore!

And follow ReCore at:

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[Bloodstained UE4 Code Clarification]]> 2015-06-12T14:00:19Z 2015-06-12T14:00:19Z Continue Reading]]> We announced via the Bloodstained Kickstarter page that we would be releasing the code for our UE4 WiiU/Vita modifications.

We didn’t provide very many details, and there’s been some confusion, so we just wanted to clear a few things up.

What we are planning to do is share the WiiU and Vita modifications to UE4 for Bloodstained after the game ships with authorized developers for the respective platforms (and we’re not sure how we’ll deliver the code, it’s a bit complicated because of all the parties involved).

Neither us nor Epic will be providing any support for this code. What developers will get will be a snapshot of the platform-specific code that ships with Bloodstained on the version of UE4 that Bloodstained ships with. Nobody will be keeping the code up-to-date with newer versions of UE4.

We are not planning to take external contributions from individuals, do any co-development, or release the code prior to Bloodstained’s release.

Our intent is to give people a great jumping-off point on those platforms. We hope this clears things up, and we’re excited to provide more specifics as we have them!

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[Armature goes goth!]]> 2015-05-27T22:05:53Z 2015-05-27T20:17:42Z Continue Reading]]> Armature is teaming up with Koji Igarashi of Castlevania fame on his latest project, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night! We are super excited to be porting this latest game in the Igavania vein onto WiiU! If gothic, exploration-focused action platformers are your thing, you’re going to love this! Bloodstained is being funded via Kickstarter – so head on over there and help a ghoul out!

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[Borderlands: The Handsome Collection gets even handsomer!]]> 2015-05-27T20:08:20Z 2015-05-27T19:49:57Z Continue Reading]]> Armature Studio has been working with Gearbox and publisher 2K to bring the world the definitive Borderlands collection, and it’s quite handsome! The collection includes Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, both updated for highest performance and highest fidelity graphics on next-gen consoles, and includes a four player split screen option! This package was great fun to work on, and the subsequent updates and patches from Armature have gained some great reviews for upgrading games performance, with Eurogamer raving “It’s not often that a patch arrives that truly provides a game-changing experience.” With reviews like this, Armature is quickly gaining a reputation as “The Best Little Port House in Texas”!

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[WBID Verification Email Workaround]]> 2014-04-02T19:26:39Z 2014-04-02T14:35:33Z Continue Reading]]> It appears that many of you are enjoying Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Deluxe Edition, but are having trouble getting WBID verification emails on PS3 and PC. Logging in to WBID will get you the Zero Year batsuit.

While a fix is being prepared, we have a workaround for one of the WBID failure cases. This workaround is only if you have successfully created a new WBID, are awaiting the verification email, and are told, when logging in, that you have logged in but need the verification to succeed.

If the above describes your situation, please go here:

Log in with your WBID and create a community account. This will trigger the verification email to be sent to you. After you click the verification link, you’ll be able to log into your WBID account from within the game, and unlock the Zero Year batsuit.

Thanks for playing!

admin_TraXUCr4sajucHe7 <![CDATA[Blackgate Pickup Map]]> 2013-11-20T22:12:20Z 2013-11-20T22:10:47Z We have released a pickup map detailing the locations of all of the items in Blackgate Prison, in spoiler-tastic glory!

It’s here!


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Ben Bagdikian

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Ben_Bagdikian&chld=H_100&junk=junk.png Ben Bagdikian Mars symbol.svg
Birthplace Marash
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Dialects Western Armenian

Ben Haig Bagdikian (born 1920, Marash, Ottoman Empire; now in Turkey) is an American educator and journalist of Armenian descent. Bagdikian has made journalism his profession since 1941. He is a significant American media critic and the dean emeritus of the University of California at Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism. He is considered one of the most respected figures in American journalism. In 1983 Bagdikian published The Media Monopoly, which revealed the fast-moving media conglomeration that was putting more and more media corporations in fewer and fewer hands with each new merger. This work has been updated through six editions (through 2000) before being renamed The New Media Monopoly, and is considered a crucial resource for knowledge about media ownership.

Books by Bagdikian

  • In the Midst of Plenty: A New Report on the Poor in America, Boston: Beacon Press, 1964.
  • The Information Machines: Their impact on Men and the Media, New York: Harper, 1971, ISBN 0060902582
  • The Effete Conspiracy and Other Crime by the Press, New York: Harper, 1974. ISBN 0060903430
  • Caged: Eight Prisoners & Their Keepers, New York: Harper, 1976. ISBN 0060101741
  • The Media Monopoly, Boston: Beacon Press, 1983. ISBN 0807061794
    • New Edition with extensions The New Media Monopoly, Boston: Beacon Press, 2004. ISBN 0807061875
  • Double Vision: Reflections on My Heritage, Life, and Profession, Boston: Beacon Press, 1995. ISBN 0807070661

As editor

  • "Man's Contracting World in an Expanding Universe", Proceedings of the Brown University Convocation held in Providence, RI October 21-23, 1959, Brown University, 1960.
  • "The Shame Of The Prisons", The Washington Post national report, with Leon Dash, 1972.
  • The Memoir of Lydia Bagdikian, by Lydia Bagdikian, Berkeley, California: Private printing. Based on notebook diaries of Ben Bagdikian's older sister Lydia, 1997.

External links

External links

This article contains content from Wikipedia, used here under the GNU Free Documentation License.

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“Wasted” money on the NBN unrecoverable: Turnbull

“Wasted” money on the NBN unrecoverable: Turnbull

Communications minister highlights advancements in compression techniques as a broadband enabled.

The money that has been “wasted” on the NBN can not be recovered, according to communications minister, Malcolm Turnbull.

The Federal Member of Parliament for Wentworth made the observation during a Slimtel event in Sydney, adding that the Government is going to “get the job done” regardless.

“We would have never set up the NBN as a Government-owned business,” he said.

“Many of my friends in the Labor Party would agree with that, though we are where we are and we’re going to complete the job as effectively as we can.”

Turnbull said the focus now is on ensuring everybody in Australia will have access the “very fast broadband,” including people in remote areas.

“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring all Australians have access to broadband as quickly and affordably as possible,” he said.

People in the middle of the outback are expected to have access to a 25 Mbit/s connection, which Turnbull said is more than enough to meet everyday needs.

“Some people may tell you need one Gbit/s or other big numbers, but that is fanciful,” he said.

Instead of focusing on throughput, Turnbull pointed to how compression techniques are continually improving.

“The amount of bandwidth you need to deliver high definition video or even 4K television is getting less every year,” he said.

“So the options available to us over the Internet are only going to get greater and greater.”

A slim arrangement

Turnbull spoke about the value of the Internet during the announcement of Slimtel’s partnership with IPTV company, Fetch TV.

Slimtel has been operating in Australia for a decade, and Turnbull commended the telco for succeeding in the “very competitive telco market.”

“One of the things Slimtel has always understood is being a very forward thinking player in the telco space, and recognising the Internet as the uber-platform of the future,” he said.

“If you cast your mind back not very long ago, the world of teleco, broadcasting, and media was composed of all different sorts of platforms, many of which were licensed and others not.”

Turnbull highlights how everything has now converged onto the Internet.

“The idea that you can have all of the choice that you can have via Fetch TV over the Internet, the idea of that being possible only a few years ago, would have seemed fantastic,” he said.

Patrick Budmar covers consumer and enterprise technology breaking news for IDG Communications. Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrick_budmar.

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Arrant Pedantry

Recently I received an e-mail from my bank informing me that they had experienced some system outages. What struck me was that the e-mail kept referring to “impacted systems,” and it conjured up some strange mental images.

A lot of people hate the verb impact because they say that it should only be a noun or a participial adjective (impacted). The verb seems to be a fairly recent innovation, and it’s often stigmatized because it’s strongly associated with business-speak. (Though it’s worth pointing out that the verb contact is also a relatively recent business-speak derivation from a noun, and nobody gets up in arms about that one.)

I’m not a big fan of impact meaning “affect,” but as far as crimes against the language go, I think it’s pretty inconsequential. I think it waters down the original sense of “impinge upon” or “strike,” but such is the way language goes—words change, and there’s not a whole lot we can do to stop it.

But the participial adjective impacted is something different, at least in my mind. I don’t think it has really gained the “affected” sense that the verb impact has. It seems to me that impacted is only ever used to refer to two things: wisdom teeth and feces lodged in someone’s colon.

These are, to say the least, not exactly the associations one wants to evoke when referring to computer systems. Now, I just want to point out that this association in no way hindered my understanding of the e-mail from my bank; I knew exactly what they meant and did not have to spend any extra time figuring it out. I did, however, do a mental double-take when I read it, and that’s presumably not the reaction they were hoping for.

This is the point where a die-hard prescriptivist would rail against the abomination that is impacted meaning “affected,” but I’m not going to do that. My only point is this: feel free to use whatever words you think are best, but be aware of how they will impact your readers.

6 Responses to Impacted

  1. goofy says:

    I think “impact” as a figurative verb is recent, but AIUI, the verb “impact” meaning “to fix firmly” is attested earlier than the noun “impact”.

  2. The Ridger says:

    But how can it be a participial if it wasn’t a verb first?

    You might object to the new transitive meaning of “affect” but you have to accept it as a verb if you’re going to accept it as an adjective derived from a participle, don’t you?

  3. Jonathon says:

    Goofy: That’s what the OED says, but all their early quotations for the alleged verb impact look like participial adjectives to me, with one isolated example from 1791. Their earliest quotation for the noun is 1781, and regular use of the verb doesn’t appear until the early 1900s. Of course, it’s always possible that there are earlier quotations that haven’t been added.

    The Ridger: I believe that in the heyday of Latin borrowing, new coinages were not always terribly systematic. People would take a Latin root and slap an English suffix on it to form a new word, bypassing the step of borrowing the root itself first and then deriving new words from it.

    The figurative use of impact strikes me as somewhat inflated business speak, but I don’t really object to it. I just prefer not to use it myself. I have no problems with the existence of the verb or the participle; I just associate them much more with the meaning of “strike” or “impinge,” especially the participle.

  4. I cheer impact as a verb, when it is used as a powerful alternative to synonyms that don’t have the same (excuse me) impact. Affect, impinge upon, strike, impact–all have their nuances.

    And, if you’ll allow me a link, here’s an essay in which I stick my neck out even further by declaring that, in the right circumstances, impact is a perfect verb:

  5. Jonathon says:

    Good post, Bill. Thanks for sharing. And I have to confess that I’m jealous of the name of your blog and book—I wish I’d thought of it first.

  6. Henry says:

    The latest edition of the Chicago Manual of Style has a section entitled “Good Usage Versus Common Usage” (Section 5.202). They suggest that we avoid the use of impact as a verb, except in a physical context. They say that the use of impact as a verb to mean affect is hyperbolic, as well as being widely regarded as a solecism.

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3D Lettering – A Youtube Video.

Chrome moulded lettering for business signs.
Shops need shop front signs for their fascia, also vinyl lettering for the window advertising not forgetting pavement signs for fixed message advertising or poster holders. There are a wide range of choices such as vinyl lettering onto a rigid panel for the shop front sign or you can have 3D letters in brushed or polished stainless steel or moulded acrylic letters available in a range of colours. Poster holder pavement signs are now available in a range of coloured frames to suit a colour scheme or in the standard anodised aluminium colour.
Industrial signs
Businesses on industrial sites all require branding, internal informational signs, safety signs, notice boards and on occasions, prestigious opening plaques or presentation plaques that are given to staff or distributors. Depending on the position of the unit the business may also require post mounted aluminium signs or large forecourt signs which stay in situ.
Office signs
Office blocks and businesses within the blocks all require signs. The office block will have its property name often in built up stainless steel along with the property number. Alternatively a prestigious stainless steel plaque or brass plaque can be used. A changeable directory on the ground floor to show who occupies each floor can be supplied in many formats and sizes. Each business on the relevant floor will need its branding/signage to reflect its business impress clients who visit. Again safety signs will be required. Window graphics are also a good way to advertise if you are a business that is not on the ground floor and you want your presence known.
Builders, plumbers, gas engineers, garden maintenance, decorators, plasterers in fact any trade will need signs. Vehicle graphics for mobile advertising or magnetic signs if you don’t want the vehicle permanently sign written. Correx boards are the way to advertise when on site or when working at different properties. These boards are an economical way to advertise your business and are very sturdy and can survive being thrown around in the back of a van. If you’re in a service industry then advertising stickers that you leave behind on the appliance so that your customer remembers to contact you if they need help again (and not your competitors).
Schools, Councils, Government
Any school or council or government building will have some type of branding. Individual cut out letters, post mounted aluminium signs, prestigious brass plaque or stainless steel plaque, wall mounted alupanel signs – there is always a system available to suit your particular requirements or budget. Directional signs either wall or post mounted are a must as there is usually a large amount of pedestrian traffic around these buildings who need to know where everything is located. Safety signs will be in evidence. Lockable notice boards for exterior or interior use which can also be post mounted and are available in different colours to suit the colour scheme of the building. Directory signs to indicate where various departments are located – interchangeable as these departments are often rebranded or moved around. Anti vandal signs using clear polycarbonate with reverse printed graphics apart from having the anti vandal properties also have a modern and clean look to them. PVC banners which are used for temporary events such as fetes, polling stations at election time, advertising or recruitment drives. Correx boards again for the same advertising but in a smaller format for placing around the area or grounds.
Professional Businesses – Architects, Solicitors, Dentist Practices, Doctors, Accountants.
Most professionals have plaques that show their credentials to clients in either stainless steel or brass mounted onto solid timber bases. These are usually mounted at the entrance to the business property. If the business is on the high street then a shop front sign reflecting the business is required. Interchangeable directories listing the partners in a prominent position again normally mounted at the entrance to the business or property is a must.
Hotel and Resturants
Signage for hotels and restaurants is very important as it is often what draws the clientèle into the business off the street or attracts them from a website image. An old or dishevelled sign will not bring in the bookings. Signs can be supplied as flat panels with graphics applied or with 3D letters with or without illumination – or the illumination can be external as in overhead lights. An exterior lockable illuminated menu board outside the premises advertising the wares and prices of the restaurant or hotel is a standard way of advertising. Internal signs for hotels as directional signs can be produced in various formats. Engraved laminate or engraved acrylic for door names and room names. Printed text laminated onto acrylic or standard vinyl text applied to panels. Individual cut out letters for reception signage. Safety signs and other relevant informational signs can be provided as printed stickers or semi rigid sign panels printed to order.
Home, Domestic and private signs
More and more people are using signs in their home life. Common requests are for `No Parking` signs as with the increase in cars on the road driveways are being blocked more frequently. Private roads in newly built developments require road signs that match the standard council signs or can be supplied as traditional die pressed metal signs. House numbers in contemporary or traditional styles/fonts supplied with concealed fixings for D.I.Y fitting in stainless steel or acrylic. House names supplied as individual cut out letters or engraved plaques in brass or stainless steel or again in acrylic. Interior decorating now incorporates individual cut out letters in stainless steel either flat cut or built up and supplied with concealed fixings for a modern and contemporary look. Used in the kitchen as a decoration or in a bedroom with a personalised name. 3D letters can also be supplied in a dense foam which can be fixed directly to the wall and then painted over in the same colour as the wall giving a subtle relief effect design- all letters are cut to order and to the size /design required.
Exhibition and Display
All around the country exhibitions are held for various types of industries. The stand will require branding and a good way to do this is to have cut out polystyrene letters in the companies font and colour scheme. 3D polystyrene letters are cut to order to the size required and can be supplied either painted all over or card and vinyl faced with painted or natural white sides. Polystyrene letters are lightweight and are an economic way to produce large, thick letters which stand out. They can be fixed to a panel ( if not too large) or fixed direct to the stand wall using Velcro.