bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenging Racial Silences in Studies of Emotion Work: Contributions from Anti-Racist Feminist Theory
Authors: Mirchandani Kiran
Published: July 2003

Little or no attention has been paid to the racialized dimensions of the emotion work done by individuals as part of their paid jobs. I argue that this exclusion of racial analyses is symptomatic of a static conceptualization of the subject underlying many studies of emotion work. While theorists illuminate the different forms of emotion work required by women and men, and by individuals in various professions, there is little understanding of the relationship between the emotion work people do and their social locations within interactive race, class and gender hierarchies. Drawing on feminist anti-racist theory I propose a multidimensional approach to difference and stratification, which would allow us to illuminate new forms of emotion work done by people living in today's heterogeneous social and economic context. The theoretical discussion in this article is complemented by an analysis of the experiences of an ethnically diverse group of women who are small-business owners in Halifax, Canada.
Managing Intersecting R&D Social Communities: A Comparative Study of European `Knowledge Incubators' in Japanese and American Firms
Authors: Lehrer Mark , Asakawa Kazuhiro
Published: July 2003

Georg Simmel's notion of intersecting group affiliations is used to analyze the situation of European R&D personnel employed by Japanese and American corporations. The fact that foreign R&D personnel belong to multiple research communities poses strategic challenges for global firms. One notable finding concerns the issue of `competitive advantage in the basic research lab'. The traditional `ethnocentricity' of Japanese firms, while facilitating intra-firm tacit knowledge flows, may create obstacles in the ability to access and capture critical knowledge embedded in foreign innovation systems outside firm boundaries. In contrast, `explicit' US firms appear to possess a certain advantage for accessing the knowledge embedded in foreign systems of innovation.
Tribal sovereignty and the intercultural public sphere
Authors: James Michael Rabinder
Published: July 2003

While theorists of cultural pluralism have generally supported tribal sovereignty to protect threatened Native cultures, they fail to address adequately cultural conflicts between Native and non-Native communities, especially when tribal sovereignty facilitates illiberal or undemocratic practices. In response, I draw on Jürgen Habermas’ conceptions of discourse and the public sphere to develop a universalist approach to cultural pluralism, called the ‘intercultural public sphere’, which analyzes how cultures can engage in mutual learning and mutual criticism under fair conditions. This framework accommodates cultural diversity within formally universalistic parameters while avoiding four common criticisms of universalist approaches to cultural pluralism. But this framework differs from that of Habermas in two ways. First, it includes ‘subaltern’ publics, open only to members of cultural subgroups, in order to counter relations of ‘cultural power’. Second, it admits ‘strong’ publics, democratic institutions with decision-making powers. Finally, I show how the subaltern, strong institutions of tribal sovereignty contribute to the fair discursive conditions required for mutual learning and mutual critique in an intercultural public sphere.
The Global Politics of Intellectual Property Rights and Pharmaceutical Drug Policies in Developing Countries
Authors: Lanoszka Anna
Published: July 2003

One of the major characteristics of the emerging international economic order is the treatment of intellectual property rights (iprs). Developing country Members are very concerned about the impact that the World Trade Organization (wto) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (trips) will have on their economies. Of particular concern are those aspects of the Agreement that relate to the issue of access to new pharmaceutical inventions. trips emphasizes a property rights approach whereby private “owners” of the inventions can restrict access on the basis of commercial considerations. As a consequence, higher prices for pharmaceuticals and other healthcare inventions can prevent low-income consumers in developing countries from obtaining life-saving medications and equipment. It is true, of course, that exploitative business practices are possible only to the extent that monopoly positions are tolerated. Many developing countries, however, lack the necessary financial resources and have not yet developed appropriate competition rules to deal effectively with the challenges presented by the trips Agreement.
On the Edge: The Fate of Progressive Modernization in Greek Health Policy
Authors: Carpenter Mick
Published: July 2003

The fate of the Greek National Health System (esy) of 1983 is analyzed by placing its development within a dynamic account of the interaction between national policy processes, international pressures from above and mobilizations from below. While Greece, despite limited economic development, laid the foundations for a health system by the end of the interwar period, rightist Greek governments, propped up by the usa, failed to build on this in favorable economic circumstances after World War II. The Greek Socialist Party (pasok) sought late in the day in 1983 to construct the esy in difficult international political-economic circumstances. It experienced considerable resistance from domestic vested interests, and made political errors, which magnified inefficiencies and inequities, and more recently lost another opportunity to reform the system in the mid-1990s.
Examining Control and Autonomy in the Franchisor-Franchisee Relationship
Authors: Pizanti Inbar , Lerner Miri
Published: July 2003

This article examines the franchisor-franchisee relationship from two theoretical perspectives - agency theory and exchange theory. Taking the case of the fast-food industry in Israel, the research focuses on control and autonomy in a domestic hamburger chain - Burger Ranch - and two international chains - McDonald's and Burger King. The findings led to the design of a model that illustrates several aspects, such as the concept of franchising, the size and age of the chain, and the range of the contract, that relate to control and autonomy. The combination of agency theory and exchange theory enables us to focus on control and autonomy as multidimensional concepts, and to present various possibilities for judiciously balancing them. The case indicates that in some respects (e.g. master franchisee), the two global chains are more similar to each other than to the domestic chain. However, in other respects (e.g. size, growth rate), the domestic and one of the two global chains show more similarities than differences. The findings indicate different forms of integration of control and autonomy in the three chains.
Strategic Entrepreneurship and Managerial Activities in SMEs
Authors: Messeghem Karim
Published: July 2003

As a notion entrepreneurship has been extensively dealt with in French-speaking research on management during the 1990s. Many studies focused on business creation but entrepreneurship may be considered more generally as the active pursuit of new opportunities. We have chosen this approach which is supported by research work on `corporate entrepreneurship' so as to show that SMEs in the process of building up a framework for their activity can still follow an entrepreneurial orientation. In order to check on this hypothesis, we have carried out an empirical study of a number of SMEs. We have distinguished two categories of businesses by assessing their commitment to an entrepreneurial orientation and we have highlighted significant differences between these firms as far as their organizational structure is concerned.
The Influence of Processing Parameters on Thin-Wall Gas Assisted Injection Molding of Thermoplastic Materials
Authors: Liu Shih-Jung , Chang Chih-Yuan
Published: July 2003

Thin-wall gas assisted injection molding of thermoplastics has become an important process in industry because of its light weight, relatively lower resin cost per part, and faster cycle time. This report is devoted to investigate the effects of different processing parameters on the length of gas penetration in thin-wall gas assisted injection molded parts. The first part of this report is to find ways to optimize the gas penetration of molded parts. An L'18 experimental matrix design based on the Taguchi method was conducted to investigate the processing parameters that affect the length of gas penetration in thin-wall gas assisted injection molded parts. The second part of this report is to identify the relative significance of each processing parameter on the gas penetration of molded products. Two materials were used in the study: an amorphous acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and a semi-crystalline polypropylene (PP). Experiments were carried out on an 80-ton reciprocating injection molding machine equipped with a high pressure gas injection unit. A plate cavity of various thicknesses (0.6, 1.2 and 2.0 mm) with a gas channel across the center was used for the experiments. After molding, the length of gas penetration in the molded parts was determined. For ABS materials, melt temperature and gas pressure were found to be the principal parameters affecting the thin-wall gas assisted injection molded parts, while for PP materials, the gas pressure and gas injection delay time were found to be the key processing parameters. In addition, warpage of molded parts was found to decrease with the length of gas penetration.
Optimized Mechanical Performance of Welded and Molded Butt Joints: Part II - Weld and Knit Lines Integrity
Authors: Kagan Val
Published: July 2003

Recent developments were oriented on the analysis of the mechanical performance at local (knit lines and welds) and bulk (molded part) areas, with the influence of molding and welding conditions. It has been found that for non-reinforced and reinforced nylon, the mechanical performance in the knit planes and welded areas are approximately equal to the mechanical performance of a base resin (matrix).

The observations on similarities and differences in the formation of knit and weld lines are presented in Part I of this paper. Analysis of mechanical performance at weld at knit lines of various nylons is discussed in Part II.
Effects of Surface Flame Spread of Plywood Lining on Enclosure Fire in a Modified ISO Room
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yang Fengke , Shields T. J. , Silcock G. W. H. , Azhakesan M. A.
Published: July 2003

Surface burning areas of plywood lining installed at walls and ceiling of a modified ISO room enclosure were estimated using surface temperatures measured in the full-scale enclosure fire tests. Based on the surface burning areas, the development of surface flame spread at the lining surface has been assessed experimentally. The correlation of the resulting surface flame spread at different burning times was attempted with other important experimental data associated with the enclosure fire growth, including heat release, room temperatures, heat fluxes imposed on the floor, the interface height of the hot and cold gas layer etc. Results showed that for the plywood lining used the surface burning area was a critical factor that significantly influenced the enclosure fire growth and could be reasonably well correlated to many other parameters of the enclosure fire. The study not only investigated the effect of surface flame spread of the lining on the enclosure fire growth in-depth but also produced useful experimental data and analyses for the further development of numerical modeling for enclosure fires lined with combustible materials.
Thermal Degradation of Pinus Pinaster Needles by DSC, Part 2: Kinetics of Exothermic Phenomena
Authors: Leoni E. , Cancellieri D. , Balbi N. , Tomi P. , Bernardini A. F. , Kaloustian J. , Marcelli T.
Published: July 2003

Fire behavior prediction models required for controlling wildland fires can be calculated from a mathematical approach, taking the thermal and chemical properties of forest fuels into account. There is a need for a better understanding of the thermal decomposition of forest fuels. Two steps have been observed during the thermal degradation of Pinus pinaster needles under air sweeping. The two corresponding exothermic peaks showed by DSC curves are superimposed. An original and simple method is proposed to separate each peak from the global exotherm then the kinetic analysis is performed using single peak method (1 scanning rate) and isoconversion method (at least 3 different scanning rates).
Modeling Occupant Evacuation Using Cellular Automata - Effect of Human Behavior and Building Characteristics on Evacuation
Authors: Lizhong Yang , Weifeng Fang , Weicheng Fan
Published: July 2003

This paper presents a microdiscrete evacuation model which emphasizes the human behavior and is focused on studying the generic properties of occupant evacuation from crowded large, open spaces after a fixed premovement stage. By using Cellular Automata (CA) in developing the rules, the model achieves the advantages of effectively capturing the behavior of occupants at the individual-level while attaining realistic collective level activity. The lively demonstration of the evacuation process offers an easy examination of occupant movement on computer. The studies on some important characteristics in evacuation such as the existence of different velocities of people and the different structure of building offer some key factors affecting evacuation efficiency. By studying on evacuation from a corridor, with and without widen part, we found disordered moving states will badly decrease the evacuation efficiency. It enables us to understand the special phenomena in evacuation and is helpful in performance-based building design.
In Vivo Fates of Degradable Poly(β-Malic Acid) and of its Precursor, Malic Acid
Authors: Domurado Dominique , Fournié Philippe , Braud Christian , Vert Michel , Guérin Philippe , Simonnet Françoise
Published: July 2003

To determine whether degradation could influence the in vivo elimination pattern of poly(β-malic acid) in mice, radioactive urinary excretion and 14CO2 expiration were studied after intravenous injection of 14C-radiolabeled poly(β-malic acid) and of its precursor, 14C-malate. The precursor administration led to rapid 14CO2 exhalation, and only negligible urinary elimination. The reverse was observed for the polymer. It was concluded that: (i) the in vivo degradation of poly(β-malic acid) chains, if any during the 24-h period of the study, did not release detectable malate molecules, (ii) the large urinary excretion of poly(β-malic acid) was due to the molar masses being less than the renal filtration threshold, (iii) the degradation of the poly(β-malic acid) chains in blood was slow enough to allow the fraction with higher molar masses to enter the interstitial space of the tissues, and possibly cells.
The Effects of S-Chitosan on the Physical Properties of Calcium Phosphate Cements
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Feng Q. L. , Cui F. Z. , Ma Jianbiao
Published: July 2003

Water-soluble disodium (1→4)-2-deoxy-2-sulfoamino-β-d-glucopyranuronan (S-chitosan) was prepared from chitin by successive N-deacetylation, specific carboxylation at C-6 and sulfonation. Its structure was characterized by IR spectra and elemental analysis. The S-chitosan was added to two easily developed calcium phosphate cements (CPCs). One cement was monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MPCM) with calcium oxide (CaO) in a 1M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4)(CPC-I); the other cement was dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] in a 1M Na2HPO4 solution (CPC-II). In vitro experiments showed that when S-chitosan where added to the liquid phases that the resulting S-chitosan containing CPCs had higher mechanical strengths and slightly prolonged setting times. The polyanion enhanced the mechanical strength of the CPCs by increasing the dissolubility of the cement start materials and binding the calcium ions strongly afterwards. An excess of the polyanion destroys the balances of the formulations of CPCs and lead to very slow setting processes or no setting at all.
Blood Compatibility of Titanium Oxides with Various Crystal Structure and Element Doping
Authors: Maitz Manfred F. , Pham Minh-Tan , Wieser Egbert , Tsyganov Igor
Published: July 2003

BACKGROUND: Titanium oxides are known to be good hemocompatible, therefore they are suggested as coatings for blood contacting implants. But little is known about the influence of physical characteristics like crystal structure, roughness and electronic state on the activation of blood platelets and the blood clotting cascade. METHODS: Titanium oxide films were produced by metal plasma deposition and implantation in the form of rutile, crystalline and nanocrystalline anatase + brookite and amorphous TiO2. The redox potential was reduced by implantation of chromium ions, the Fermi level of the semiconductive oxide was shifted by ion implantation of the electron donor phosphorous. Hemocompatibility was determined by measuring the adhesion of blood platelets, their P-selectine expression, and of the blood clotting time on these samples. RESULTS: The crystalline titanium oxides had a slightly higher activation of the clotting cascade but lower platelet adhesion than nanocrystalline and amorphous titanium oxides. The surface roughness below 50 nm had no obvious effect. Both, implantation of phosphorous or chromium ions, strongly reduced the activation of the clotting cascade, but only the phosphorous implanted surface also showed a reduced platelet activation, whereas platelet adhesion and activation was strongly increased on the chromium implanted surfaces. CONCLUSION: Phosphorous doping of rutile TiO2 can increase its hemocompatibility, both concerning blood platelets and blood clotting cascade, but the biochemical mechanism has to be worked out.
Detection of Impact Damage in Thermoplastic-Based Glass Fiber Composites Using Embedded Optical Fiber Sensors
Authors: Kuang K. S. C. , Cantwell W. J.
Published: July 2003

Step-index multi-mode optical fibers have been embedded in a thermoplastic glass fiber polypropylene (GF/PP). Three types of commercially available optical fibers have been investigated to evaluate their potential for detecting impact-induced damage in thermoplastic-based composite structures. Preliminary findings have confirmed the feasibility of using these inexpensive multi-mode optical fibers as damage sensors in high-performance composite materials. When embedded between the uppermost ply of a cross-ply unidirectional [0/90] s laminate, impact energies as low as 0.8 J have been detected using these optical fibers. The optical fibers have been embedded at different locations within the composite structure to investigate the effect of embedment locations on their sensitivity for detecting impact loading and damage.
Electrorheological Damper Analysis Using an Eyring Constitutive Relationship
Authors: Bitman Lionel , Choi Young-Tai , Wereley Norman M.
Published: July 2003

We validate and assess the applicability of an Eyring constitutive model. The Bingham plastic model has a zero shear rate discontinuity, which leads to inaccuracies in modeling and simulation, and is characterized by two rheological constants for a constant field: yield stress and postyield viscosity. The Eyring model has a smooth transition through the zero shear rate condition, and also has two rheological constants for a constant field. An electrorheological (ER) damper having a damping level comparable to a shock absorber for a small-sized passenger car damper is manufactured, and its performance is predicted using the Eyring model. To accurately identify the rheological parameters of the Eyring model, a parameter identification method was used. The damping force versus piston displacement and velocity behaviors of the ER damper are experimentally measured with respect to applied electric field and excitation frequency. To validate the Eyring model, the experimental results are compared with predictions in the damping force versus piston displacement and velocity behaviors.
A Bearing Application Using Magnetorheological Fluids
Authors: Agrawal Ashish , Ciocanel Constantin , Martinez Tony , Vieira Sheila L. , Naganathan Nagi G. , Robb Scott , Duggan Jim
Published: July 2003

A conventional automotive driveline center bearing (CB) consists of a roller bearing that rests on a U-shaped support, which includes a bladder formed by an elastomer, providing damping for radial vibrations between the roller bearing and the housing. In order to improve the vibration and force handling characteristics for a driveline CB, use of magnetorheological (MR) fluids has been envisioned in place of the traditional elastomer. In this work, expressions for the forces acting on a vehicle center bearing have been derived along with a simulation of the magnetic field in a MR-CB. Experimental studies have been conducted on a MR-CB prototype. It is seen that such a system can be effectively used in vehicle center bearings to improve the vibration and force handling characteristics for the automotive drivelines.
A Coupled Magnetomechanical Model for Magnetostrictive Transducers and its Application to Villari-Effect Sensors
Authors: Dapino Marcelo J. , Smith Ralph C. , Calkins Frederick T. , Flatau Alison B.
Published: July 2003

A coupled magnetomechanical model for the design and control of Villarieffect magnetostrictive sensors is presented. The model quantifies the magnetization changes that a magnetostrictive material undergoes when subjected to a dc excitation field and variable stresses. The magnetic behavior is characterized by considering the Jiles-Atherton mean field theory for ferromagnetic hysteresis. This theory is constructed from a thermodynamic balance between the energy available for magnetic moment rotation and the energy lost as domain walls attach to and detach from pinning sites. The effect of stress on magnetization is quantified through a law of approach to the anhysteretic magnetization. Elastic properties are incorporated by means of a wave equation that quantifies the strains and stresses which arise in magnetostrictive materials in response to moment rotations. This yields a nonlinear PDE system for the strains, stresses and magnetization state of a magnetostrictive transducer as it drives or is driven by external loads. Because the model addresses the magnetomechanical coupling, it is applicable to both magnetostrictive sensors and actuators. Properties of the model and approximation method are illustrated by comparison with experimental data collected from a Terfenol-D sensor.
A Simplified Multivariant SMA Model Based on Invariant Plane Nature of Martensitic Transformation
Authors: Gao Xiujie , Brinson L. Catherine
Published: July 2003

The Multivariant model describing shape memory alloy (SMA) constitutive behavior is further developed in this paper for improved prediction of thermomechanical response. In the original formulation of the Multivariant model, an interaction energy, representative of the incompatibility of an inclusion to the matrix, was calculated by a micromechanics model in which every variant group (inclusion) was embedded in the austenite phase with numerous other inclusions. However, experiments show that martensite variants tend to form large plates most of which have an invariant plane interface with the austenite and reach the grain boundary. Hence, to better simulate material behavior, in the revised model the micromechanical interaction energy is replaced by a small, constant term. The predictions by the new model for different uniaxial tension directions on a single CuAlNi crystal have excellent agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the counterintuitive results for a polycrystal CuZnAl under triaxial loading are also well captured by the new model. As the revised model removes an iterative procedure for interaction energy, calculations are simplified, making the Multivariant model more suitable for larger scale computations.
Macroscopic Modeling of Shape Memory Alloys Under Non-Proportional Thermo-Mechanical Loadings
Authors: Juhász L. , Schnack E. , Hesebeck O. , Andrä H.
Published: July 2003

A new continuum model for the description of the general mechanical behavior of polycrystalline Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) is introduced in order to represent some particular 3D-effects not described by usual plasticity-like macroscopic models (e.g., reorientation under general loadings). The model describes the one-way and the pseudoelasticity shape memory effects as well as their transient behavior under reorientation of the martensite by arbitrary thermo-mechanical loadings. The main idea for the description of phase change and martensite reorientation consists of the assumption that the driving forces of the phase transformation depend on both the actual stress state and the transformation induced strain (TIS) tensor. In order to describe the change of the martensite structure both, the TIS as a tensorial internal variable together with a scalar valued variable which describes the phase fraction of thermally induced martensite, are used. The evolution of the TIS tensor is described by a new evolution equation without plastic analogy. The problem of modeling the evolution direction and the thermodynamical consistency are discussed in details.
Processing and Characterization of NiTi Porous SMA by Elevated Pressure Sintering
Authors: Lagoudas Dimitris C. , Vandygriff Eric L.
Published: July 2003

Currently, three methods are commonly used for producing porous NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) from elemental powders. These include conventional sintering, Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis (SHS), and sintering at elevated pressure via a Hot Isostatic Press (HIP). Conventional sintering requires long heating times and samples are limited in shape and pore size. SHS is initiated by a thermal explosion ignited at one end of the specimen, which then propagates through the specimen in a self-sustaining manner. One of the difficulties with SHS is the inability to control intermetallic phases. This work will focus on the fabrication and characterization of porous NiTi SMA material produced from elemental powders via HIPping.

Porous NiTi SMA was produced from elemental Ni and Ti powders at elevated temperature and pressure using a HIP. Small and large pore specimens containing average pore sizes ranging from 20 μm up to 1 mm have been produced by slightly varying the HIPping sintering temperatures and times.

Quasi-static and dynamic loading experiments are conducted on various samples produced using the presented methodology and their shape recovery and energy absorption characteristics are measured during the forward and reverse phase transformation and detwinning. Their phase transformation characteristics were found using calorimetric measurements and their composition has been studied using optical and electron microscopy and microprobe X-ray analysis.
Effects of Electrode Geometry on the Performance of Electrorheological Fluid Valves
Authors: Georgiades G. , Oyadiji S. O.
Published: July 2003

One of the key factors affecting the performance of electrorheological (ER) fluid devices is the geometry of the electrodes, which also affects the geometry of the device itself. For an ER fluid valve, the pressure drop and the flow rate characteristics dictate the performance and efficiency of the device. The geometrical configurations considered in applications up to now mainly involve two parallel surfaces, most of these being parallel flat electrodes and annular electrode configurations. However, there are other electrode configurations that may be potentially more efficient than the traditional parallel flat electrode configurations. The more complicated the geometry, the more complicated is the flow profile, the electric field and the modelling of the valve. In this paper, the performance of ER fluid valves based on the traditional parallel flat electrode configurations is compared with those of ER fluid valves based on square teeth and tapered electrode configurations. In the tests conducted, the pressures at the inlet and outlet of the valves were recorded and used to give an indication of the performance of the valves. The static and dynamic yield pressures of different ER valve geometrical configurations were characterised. From the experimental data, the characteristic operating curves for the different electrode configurations were obtained.
Semiactive Vibration Control of Train Suspension Systems via Magnetorheological Dampers
Authors: Liao W. H. , Wang D. H.
Published: July 2003

This paper is aimed to show the feasibility for improving the ride quality of railway vehicles with semiactive secondary suspension systems using magnetorheological (MR) dampers. A nine degree-of-freedom railway vehicle model, which includes a car body, two trucks and four wheelsets, is proposed to cope with vertical, pitch and roll motions of the car body and trucks. The governing equations of the railway vehicle suspension systems integrated with MR dampers are developed. To illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the controlled MR dampers on railway vehicle suspension systems, the LQG control law using the acceleration feedback is adopted as the system controller, in which the state variables are estimated from the measurable accelerations with the Kalman estimator. In order to make the MR dampers track the optimal damping forces, a damper controller to command the voltage to the current drivers for the MR dampers is proposed. The acceleration responses of the car body of the train vehicle with semiactive secondary suspension system integrated with MR dampers are evaluated under random and periodical track irregularities. This semiactive controlled system is also compared to the conventional passive suspension system using viscous dampers without MR dampers, and the secondary suspension system integrated with MR dampers in passive on and passive off modes. The simulation results show that the vibration control of the train suspension system with semiactive controlled MR dampers is feasible and effective.
Application of a Damage Model to an Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Castagne Sylvie , Habraken Anne Marie , Cescotto Serge
Published: July 2003

An energy-based isotropic elastoplastic model coupled to damage is implemented in the finite element code LAGAMINE developed for more than fifteen years in the M&S department. In this model, based on the local approach of ductile fracture, effective stresses associated to damage variables are introduced. The damage law allows a continuous description of crack appearance. After a brief description of the model, its identification and its validation for an aluminum alloy are presented. Finally, the research of a global rupture criterion associated to this model is introduced.
Fracture of Reinforced Concrete Beams Subjected to Three Point Bending
Authors: Sumarac Dragoslav , Sekulovic Miodrag , Krajcinovic Dusan
Published: July 2003

The present paper investigates deformation of three point bent reinforced concrete (RC) beams analytically (using fracture mechanics), computationally (using finite element method) and experimentally. As the applied force increases the crack is initially trapped by the reinforcement. The debonding of the reinforcement is attributed to the horizontal crack. Simultaneously, the vertical crack propagates driven by the externally applied force. The reinforcement behaves as elasto-plastic spring that decreases the stress intensity factor. The developed analytic model provides estimates of the collapse load, crack length and crack opening displacement. The ultimate loading is estimated by the numerical smeared crack model, incorporated in nonlinear finite element code DIANA. Experimental measurements are used to verify theoretically and numerically obtained results. Special attention is focused on the determination of vertical crack size using graphite and optical fibers.
Saturation of Transverse Cracking with Delamination in Polymer Cross-Ply Composite Laminates
Authors: Dharani L. R. , Wei J. , Ji F. S. , Zhao J. H.
Published: July 2003

Delamination along the 0°/90° interface following transverse cracking in the 90° plies of a cross-ply composite laminate is analyzed based on the principle of minimum potential energy. The laminate is subjected to longitudinal applied tensile loading and internal residual thermal stresses. The strain energy release rate criterion has been employed to evaluate the critical applied stresses for transverse cracking and interface delamination. The effect of delamination along the 0°/90° interface on laminate stiffness and thermal property is presented for E-glass/epoxy and graphite/epoxy composite laminates. The longitudinal tensile stress in the 90° plies decreases gradually as the transverse crack density increases and thereby decreasing the tendency for transverse crack multiplication. For a given laminate configuration there exists a saturation (limit) crack density. Continued loading beyond this limit, delamination at the 0°/90° interface would occur. The analytical results are compared with the available experimental data.
Exchanging STEP Data through XML-Based Mediators
Authors: Chan Stephen C. F. , Dillon Tharam , Ng Vincent T. Y.
Published: July 2003

Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data (STEP) provides a systematic approach for user communities to model and exchange data on specific types of products and manufacturing technologies. With the increasing popularity of the Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) on the Internet, mapping STEP data into XML seems a logical way to make STEP data more accessible through the Internet. On the other hand, Internet-based information systems generally consist of data sources and clients that access the data sources; and mediators have been proposed as a middle layer that provides added value by converting the basic data into information required by the clients. To work effectively, mediators require machine-readable data models and standardized interfaces, which can be developed based on XML. In this paper we discuss the ways of automated conversion from STEP into XML, and the exchange of STEP data through the XML-based mediator architecture.
Prototype Instruments for Laboratory and On-Line Measurement of Lipoxygenase Activity
Authors: De Corcuera J. I. Reyes , Cavalieri R. P. , Powers J. R.
Published: July 2003

A laboratory bench-top and a continuous prototype for measurement of lipoxygenase activity was developed. Lipoxygenase activity determination was based on the measurement of the rate of oxygen consumption by the enzyme using a polarographic sensor for the bench-top prototype and fibre optic sensors for the continuous prototype. The bench-top and the continuous sensors were compared against the standard spectrophotometric method. The range of LOX activity according to the spectrophotometric assay was from 0 to 0.163 μmol/L s. Accuracy and precision were 0.009 and 0.005 μmol/L s respectively for the bench top prototype and 0.007 and 0.006 μmol/L s for the on-line prototype. Correlation coefficients ( R2) were 0.99 for both prototypes with respect to the spectrophotometric method.
Reduction of Free Fatty Acid Content of Olive-Pomace Oil by Enzymatic Glycerolysis
Authors: Fadiloğlu S. , Çiftçi O. N. , Göğüş F.
Published: July 2003

The enzymatic glycerolysis of free fatty acids in olive-pomace oil was carried out by immobilised Candida antarctica lipase. The effects of time, molecular sieve, enzyme concentration and reaction temperature on free fatty acids content were investigated. The initial acidity of the olive-pomace oil (32%) was reduced to 2.36% in the presence of 750 mg of molecular sieve in the reaction mixture. The effectiveness of glycerolysis was directly related to the amount of molecular sieve present. As the amount of molecular sieve increased, the conversion of free fatty acids also increased at a defined time. In the absence of molecular sieve, the esterification reaction forced to reverse reaction that is the hydrolysis. The greater conversion of free fatty acids into glycerides was observed at an enzyme concentration of 27.2 mg/mL within 60 min. ANOVA showed that the effects of temperature on fatty acid content was significant ( p < 0.05). Results obtained from non-linear regression analysis indicated that reaction order was 1.3 for fatty acid reduction in the olive-pomace oil. Calculated activation energy for fatty acid reduction was 32.89 kJ/mol.
Note: Effect of Barley Flour, Wet Gluten and Ascorbic Acid on Bread Crumb Texture
Authors: Gujral Hardeep Singh , Gaur S. , Rosell C. M.
Published: July 2003

Barley flour (0, 10 and 20% w/w), wet gluten (0, 7.5 and 15% w/w) and ascorbic acid (0, 10 and 20 ppm) were incorporated into wheat flour to prepare bread. The addition of barley flour alone tended to reduce bread volume whereas wet gluten and ascorbic acid improved loaf volume. Effect of staling on bread crumb texture was studied over a period of 72 h using an Instron universal testing machine. It was found that barley flour, ascorbic acid and wet gluten have antistaling effects and a synergistic effect was also observed since in combination the three ingredients had a greater antistaling effect. A regression model ( R2 > 0.8) is presented to predict the bread volume, cohesiveness and firmness of bread crumb.
Influence of Composition of Emulsifier Blends on the Rheological Properties of Salad Dressing-Type Emulsions
Authors: Riscardo M. A. , Franco J. M. , Gallegos C.
Published: July 2003

This paper deals with the influence that composition of emulsifier blends exerts on the rheological properties of low-in-fat salad dressing-type emulsions. Binary blends of egg yolk and different types of amphiphilic molecules (low-molecular weight and macromolecules) were used in several proportions to stabilize emulsions by keeping constant the total amount of emulsifier. The different emulsifiers added to egg yolk were pea protein, sodium caseinate, polyoxyethylene(20)-sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20) and sucrose distearate. Steady state flow tests and small-amplitude oscillatory measurements within the linear viscoelasticity region were carried out. Rheological tests were complemented with droplet size distribution measurements and observation of physical stability against creaming of these emulsions. It was pointed out that rheological properties, droplet size and physical stability of the emulsions studied depended on the weight ratio of emulsifiers in the binary blends, although the emulsifier total concentration remained constant, as well as the nature of the substance blended with egg yolk. These results have been explained on the basis of the relationship among rheological properties, droplet size distribution, continuous phase characteristics and interactions among different emulsifier molecules.
Towards an Engineering Model of Material Characteristics for Input to Ham Transport Simulations - Part 1: An Approach
Authors: Grunewald John , Häupl Peter , Bomberg Mark
Published: July 2003

Heat, Air and Moisture (HAM) modelling of building performance is a quite young research subject but the experimental determination of material properties is often based on classical methods. One should review the manner in which we define characteristic material parameters and there is a need to develop an approximation used to generate the required material functions for input to HAM-transport simulations. The paper presents such an approach, called an engineering model for hygrothermal material characterisation.

The paper poses the question, how to arrive at input data that can be used for a model based on thermodynamically defined potentials (Only such a model allows introduction of new potential components (freezing depression, osmotic pressure, air pressure, overburden envelope pressure)) (e.g., Grunewald, J. (1997) and Grunewald, J. (1999)) and yet the respective functions used to describe changes in the material response as a function of the variables of state. Such functions should have a reasonable precision and goodness of fit while the number of measured points must be reduced to a minimum. Those measurements should be relatively easy to perform (i.e., they would not require determination of temporal and spatial profiles of moisture).

This discussion paper highlights steps already taken (Part 1), and lists issues that need to be resolved before reaching this goal (Part 2).
Extended Present, Faltering Future
Authors: Oinonen Eriikka
Published: July 2003

Marriage and parenthood have traditionally been the primary indicators of adulthood in Western societies: marriage used to be the only socially and morally acceptable way of forming a household of one's own and having an intimate relationship. Today, there is a tendency among young people in Western countries to postpone or even reject family formation, especially marriage and parenthood. Financial independence and self-reliance have taken over from marriage and parenthood as the principal markers of adulthood. However, prolonged periods of education and erratic labour markets tend to complicate the attainment of such independence. The more difficult it is for people to achieve independence, the longer they will postpone family formation and parenthood. In spite of the common trends, there still remain national and regional differences, particularly between northern and southern Europe. In southern countries such as Spain, marriage is still the principal avenue to an independent adult life, whereas in northern countries like Finland, it is common for young people to live independently on their own before they set up a family. How easy or difficult it is to gain independence and to form a family and how salient the role of the family institution is for attaining adult status, depend on various social and cultural factors.
Unlimited ICT Jobs for a Limited Number of Young People
Authors: Glott Rüdiger , Paul Gerd
Published: July 2003

The booming ICT sector, with new job profiles and more and more young start-up companies, and its hunger for young people with a technical background seems to guarantee a well-paid job and promises rapid job-insertion and personal challenge. Yet these glamorous opportunities do not increase the interest of students in ICT-relevant technical subjects. Why do young people not enrol in these courses more frequently or at least follow short training courses to become web-masters, multimedia experts, etc.? Does the ICT industry only attract a certain type of person? Why are women still under-represented? The article reflects these questions in the light of the German discussion of this issue.
Norwegian-Pakistani Adolescents
Authors: ØSTBERG SISSEL
Published: July 2003

The article discusses how Norwegian-Pakistani young people experience and reflect upon changes in their lives from childhood to adolescence, i.e. it presents their life courses with a special focus on their attitudes to religion, ethnicity, gender and social boundaries. The presentation is based on a longitudinal study (1994-2001) of 14 Norwegian-Pakistani children and young people. The move from childhood to adolescence and early grown-up status is characterized by negotiations at different levels and within different social contexts. The concept of negotiation is used to underline the dynamic linkages between traditions and individuality in the open-ended processes of constructing identities and life worlds. Who am I? What does it mean to be a Muslim woman and a Norwegian citizen? Which boundaries can be negotiated, and which are impossible to cross? Negotiations are going on between parents and adolescents, within peer groups and among siblings, between boys and girls. Negotiations occur at an institutional and political level between majority and minorities, between local attachments and global networks, between schooling and media. Negotiations are also going on within each individual, in the form of reflexivity, compromises, creativity, and the management of plural identities. Some of these negotiations and processes are found to be general and typical for the age group, and some may be specific to being Muslims in a non-Muslim society or belonging to an ethnic minority.
The `Disruptive Consequences' of Introducing a Critical Management Perspective onto an MBA Programme
Authors: Hagen Roulla , Miller Susan , Johnson Marie
Published: July 2003

The article focuses on an area of the critical management literature that has received minimal attention. It addresses the `disruptive consequences' experienced by a team of three lecturers that surfaced during the design and introduction of a critical pedagogy onto a part-time MBA elective. The article examines the specific contradictions and tensions encountered and how they impacted on the teaching staff during this process, and discusses the wider personal implications for those attempting to introduce a critical management agenda.
Cultural and Language Mismatch: Clinical Complications
Authors: Minnis Helen , Kelly Eileen , Bradby Hannah , Oglethorpe Rachel , Raine Wendy , Cockburn Deborah
Published: July 2003

The catchment area of the South Glasgow Child Psychiatry Team includes a high proportion of families of South Asian origin, yet few are referred for services. For those who are referred, team members, all white British, have found that there is often a gulf between their understanding of the child’s problems and that of the family, which makes provision of an adequate service difficult. We made a review of all available case notes of South Asian families attending the service in the preceding year with the aim of identifying barriers to referral, assessment and treatment. Assessments were complex and often unsatisfactory, although around half of families eventually reached consensus on diagnosis and treatment with the clinician(s). A larger proportion of South Asian children were diagnosed with and treated for ADHD compared with the general population of children being seen at that time. A minority of families did not receive the treatment of choice because of language mismatch or lack of consensus over the child’s diagnosis. The implications of the difficulties with shared language and other aspects of communication for practice and for further research are discussed.
Using Friends to Combat Anxiety and Adjustment Problems among Young Migrants to Australia: A National Trial
Authors: Barrett Paula M. , Sonderegger Robi , Xenos Sophia
Published: July 2003

The primary objectives of this study were: (i) to evaluate the capacity of a well- validated anxiety prevention and emotional resiliency program (FRIENDS) to reduce psychological distress in young culturally diverse migrants of non-English speaking background (NESB), and (ii) to determine whether any change in psychological symptoms and emotional resilience would be maintained over time. Three hundred and twenty-four students differentiated by cultural origin (former- Yugoslavian, Chinese, and mixed-ethnic) and educational level (elementary and high school), were recruited from different Australian states and allocated to either an intervention or wait-list condition. All students completed standardized measures of self-esteem, internalizing symptoms, and future outlook both before and after a 10-week FRIENDS intervention or wait period. One hundred and thirty-nine participants from Queensland were also assessed six months following completion of the FRIENDS program to determine its long-term effects. Consistent with previous trials involving culturally diverse populations, NESB participants who underwent FRIENDS training exhibited significantly greater self- esteem, fewer internalizing symptoms, and a less pessimistic future outlook than wait-list participants at both post- and six months follow-up assessment intervals. This study provides empirical evidence for the utility of the FRIENDS program as a resource for therapists and schools working with young culturally diverse migrant populations.