The general thermodynamic analysis of the quantum vacuum, which is based on our knowledge of the vacua in condensed-matter systems, is consistent with the Einstein earlier view on the cosmological constant. In the equilibrium Universes the value of the cosmological constant is regulated by matter. In the empty Universe, the vacuum energy is exactly zero, λ = 0. The huge contribution of the zero...

Annual degradation rates of PV modules are important in the yield prediction. For a high-quality module, these lower than measurement uncertainty nominal power performed todays most advanced certified photovoltaic reference laboratory. Therefore, analysis requires well thought out methodology that can compare data relative to each other or an unused module stored dark on annual base. Over past ...

The problem of cosmological constant and vacuum energy is usually thought of as the subject of general relativity. However, the vacuum energy is important for the Universe even in the absence of gravity , i.e. in the case when the Newton constant G is exactly zero, G = 0. We discuss the response of the vacuum energy to the perturbations of the quantum vacuum in special relativity, and find that...

The first string of 70 in the IceCube neutrino observatory was deployed at the South Pole site in January 2005 and is now taking data. An IceCube string is composed of 60 digital optical modules (DOMs) each of which is an integrated package of a large area photomultiplier tube, high voltage unit, LED flasher calibration board, and embedded digital data acquisition system encased inside a glass ...

Traffic safety is a major concern in the temporary one-lane, two-way highway work zones due to the increasing of construction and maintenance operations. To prevent rear-end crashes and to mitigate the severity of these crashes caused by the inattentive driving, the utilization of the Emergency Flasher Traffic Control Device (EFTCD) was under consideration by government agencies, in addition to...

The mechanical design for both the insulating vacuum system and the cavity vacuum system of the APT ED&D Cryomodule is summarized. The pre-cooldown pressure limits for the insulating vacuum and the cavity vacuum are 10 -5 Torr and 10 -6 Torr, respectively. In addition, the cold cavity operating pressure limits are 10 -6 Torr for the insulating system and 10 -8 Torr for the cavity system. The de...