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A storm that occurred close to the spring tidal maxima in March 2013 resulted in beach lowering and cliff recession of c. 5 m along a 110 m frontage at Hopton-on-Sea, UK and threatened the static caravan park of Bourne Leisure Ltd. This paper reports a study using XBeach and MIKE21 models to assist with the design of new coastal defences to reduce cliff and beach erosion. Two schemes are examined here: three fishtail rock groynes (Scheme 1); and ten 'double-head' curved rock groynes (Scheme 2). The selected design must provide acceptable level of protection and, to be granted consent, no adverse environmental impact must be demonstrated. Current practice using a single numerical model can provide a cost-effective tool for coastal defence assessments. However, the work presented here show that when good agreement between complementary models can be demonstrated, greater confidence can be given to model results. Specifically, refinements to the present scheme design were made possible by the use of the XBeach model, which allowed identification of the cross-shore limits of sediment transport in storm conditions, and by the MIKE21 model which allowed quantification of alongshore scheme impacts. Together, the model results have assisted the development of an improved final scheme design which minimizes potential environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the microstructure properties of a novel Pb-free solder composite were examined. A binary nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (SMA) fiber was used to reinforce the Sn-rich matrix, to take advantage of the superelastic properties of the fiber. The objective of this study was to understand long-term, high-temperature interfacial growth in a model NiTi fiber-reinforced Sn matrix composite solder system. The microstructure was quantified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS). The mechanical properties of the interfacial zone, e.g., Young’s modulus and hardness, were characterized by nanoindentation. The evolution of the reaction products with time and the relationship between composition and local mechanical properties are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes a mathematical hydraulic model of the River Nene in East Anglia, England. This river, which is typical of many in that predominantly flat region, is canalized and subsequently heavily controlled. The routing model has been developed in order to investigate the effect of improvements that could be made to the river to reduce the frequency of flooding. The model is in its final stage of development and results are presented of a flood that was monitored in March 1982. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and construction of a high resolution modular x-ray computed tomography (XCT) system is described. The approach for meeting a specified set of performance goals tailored toward experimental versatility is highlighted. The instrument is unique in its detector and x-ray source configuration, both of which enable elevated optimization of spatial and temporal resolution. The process for component selection is provided. The selected components are specified, the custom component design discussed, and the integration of both into a fully functional XCT instrument is outlined. The novelty of this design is a new lab-scale detector and imaging optimization through x-ray source and detector modularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents observations on the biology and control of stem eelworm on hydrangea. The life cycle of Ditylenchus dipsaci in hydrangea is similar to that in other plants. The eelworms infesting hydrangea were shown to be of an oat-onion race. Hot-water treatment killed the plants before achieving complete control. Thionazin soil drenches at 0.02 percent and 0.03 percent gave good control of eelworm but 0.005 percent and 0.01 percent failed to give satisfactory control in some experiments. The higher the rates caused some phytotoxicity particularly to rooted cuttings and forced plants. Thionazin 10 percent granules at 2 ounce per bushel of compost caused very severe phytotoxicity.

This article presents the results of a study on the biology of the cabbage stem flea beetle, Psylliodes chrysocephala L., found in East Anglia, England. From 1950 to 1958, adult cabbage stem flea beetles were found to emerge in June, feed for some weeks and then undergo a period of aestivation from late July until mid-August, when they dispersed on to young brassica crops and recommenced feeding. Oviposition started in late August or September and continued throughout the autumn into winter. Larvae were found from September until the following April and pre-pupae and pupae from February until June. The larvae were killed in the plants by a single application of gamma-BHC miscible liquid at 6 oz active ingredient per acre in 30-100 gal water.