bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four Stories in One: Environmental Protection and Rural Reconstruction in China
Authors: Tiejun Wen
Published: December 2008

Within China, evaluating the experiences of the reform since 1978 is a hot topic among intellectuals. However, the economic theories in today's China are almost all imported from abroad and cannot adequately explain China's economic development. The author, having been long engaged in grassroots research work, tells four cautionary stories in order to expound on the question of the institutional cost induced by the “rural-urban dichotomy” and the fundamental systemic contradictions in China, as well as to discuss the rural reconstruction efforts that he has embarked on as an endeavor to resolve the systemic contradictions.

Story 1. The Story of the Zapatistas, the Masked Army: how the indigenous Indians have changed their ancient tradition of living in harmony with nature and are now “destroying” nature in order to farm and subsist.

Story 2. The Story of the “Straw-Hat Plot of Land”: how the poor peasants in Guizhou Province in southwest China are compelled to farm on steep slopes, showing that China does not have an overall strategy that takes care of the nation's environmental protection and sustainable development.

Story 3. The Story of “Enclosures”: how the grave traffic jams and air pollution in Beijing partly stem from a monopoly by the authorities over land and capital.

Story 4. The Story of Disease from Food: how food security is compromised with the excessive use of pesticide, chemical fertilizer, and heavy metal in farming and husbandry.

From the four cautionary stories is derived the Story of Rural Reconstruction, which the author has been engaged in, together with many volunteers, and which works for the integration of environmental protection and the reconstruction of rural culture. As Western-style modernization is not appropriate for China, which is superpopulous with extremely scarce resources, Chinese peasants should revive traditional patterns of small peasantry in growing grain and raising pigs at the same time and use natural energy conducive to environmental protection. Peasants should also organize themselves and, through collective effort and cooperative labor, transform human resources into social capital and use the surplus rural labor for changing the conditions of the villages. The James Yen Rural Reconstruction Institute (YIRR), set up in a village in Hebei Province, of which the author is the director, has been an experiment on self-reliant ways of development through the contribution of volunteers and villagers. Their production and daily life have been environmentally friendly, ecologically sound, and organically cyclical, in pursuit of sustainability.
The Topology of Post-1990s Historical Revisionism
Authors: Iwasaki Minoru , Richter Steffi
Published: December 2008

This essay aims to reconsider the logic and nature of Japanese historical revisionism, with reference to similar instances in Germany. Attention is paid to the written texts and statements of the Study Group for a Liberal View of History, with particular emphasis on the manga of Kobayashi Yoshinori. This analysis of historical revisionism remains grounded in the many empirical studies on this phenomenon, but it seeks to supplement such research by focusing on the logical inconsistencies and gaps of this discourse.
Sustaining Jouissance: Commercial and Heian Modes of Intertextuality in Tanka by Tawara Machi
Authors: Brink Dean
Published: December 2008

This essay argues that Tawara Machi's poetry both sustains the intertextual bias of classical court poetry and uses it to incorporate some of the most ubiquitous texts of our age: advertising and other consumer discourse. Tawara's reinvention of contemporary tanka is based on the application of the conventional matrices of associations in classical poetic language to contemporary consumer-oriented intertexts. Foregrounding intertextuality provides a means of gauging premodern and modern texts in terms of multiple modes of textuality, canons, and cultural assumptions in Japanese verse.

Roland Barthes's analysis of fashion discourse provides a specific critical apparatus for situating Heian poetics and consumer discourse on common ground. I borrow his insights on how classes of commodities and language concerning their uses enter into creative cross-referencing, in a way that resembles how premodern tanka attributed qualities according to seasonal and other (formally and informally) classifiable associations. While the Heian mode forms the template, Tawara's poetics is shown to operate in precisely this ahistorical consumer mode, passively absorbing and reflecting dominant media-projected attitudes.

While thematically arranged, usually in sequences more or less centered on romantic entanglements, these poems reflect the rational, national, industrial capitalist environment and its totalizing effects. Critical lines of escape are left only in the force of fresh juxtaposition of words and consumer items, thus providing a contained sandbox for aesthetic play without endangering corporate decorum and sponsorship.

A running theme in her tanka is the ever-elusive partner in love, a motif providing the basis for the building up toward an always-deferred satisfaction, jouissance. By alluding to Heian serial relationships, she aestheticizes alienation from her partners on her dates. By echoing classical matrices of seasonal words, poetic places, and conventional associations in all stages of romance, her accounts of consumer objects carry their own advertised associations as well as a reified canonical force.

Thus her verses expand the intertextual modality in premodern Japanese poetry seamlessly into consumer culture, and one must examine the subject being reproduced here. Slavoj Žižek is helpful in understanding the appearance of passivity in her positioning. Jouissance, in Žižek's Lacanian usage, is used to understand the mechanism by which Tawara personally and socially excuses herself from having to engage her material in a more critical way that would alter rather than simply reflect her media- and advertising-defined environment. Jouissance is the key to her postponement of personal intimacy as well as public involvement and, ultimately, to understanding her ahistorical poetics.
A Highly Efficient Dye-sensitized Solar Cell Based on a Triarylamine-functionalized Ruthenium Dye
Authors: Jin Zhengzhe , Masuda Hideki , Yamanaka Noriyo , Minami Masaki , Nakamura Tsutomu , Nishikitani Yoshinori
Published: December 2008

A new ruthenium dye with an electron donating triarylamine ligand, J8, has been synthesized as a highly efficient sensitizer for a dye-sensitized solar cell, giving an overall conversion efficiency of 7.2% in the preliminary tests.
Oxidation Mechanism of Diesel Particulate Matter in Plasma Discharges
Authors: Kodama Satoshi , Yao Shuiliang , Yamamoto Shin , Mine Chieko , Fujioka Yuichi
Published: December 2008

The oxidation mechanism of diesel particulate matter (PM, carbon is the main component) in plasma discharges is investigated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetry. XPS analysis results showed that the ratio of sp2 carbon decreased and the ratio of sp3 carbon increased after plasma discharge; while the ratio of sp2 carbon increased and the ratio of sp3 carbon decreased after reacting in O3 atmosphere without plasma discharge.
Identification of Sulfonic Phthalocyaninatozinc Isomers
Authors: Jiang Zhou , He Wenyi , Wang Jian , Chen Naisheng , Huang Jinling
Published: December 2008

A combination of UV–vis, HPLC, and NMR methods was used to identify isomers of mono- and disulfonic phthalocyaninatozinc, which provides a good reference for isomer research of such compounds.
Rapid Formation of Silver Shells on Gold Nanorods in a Micellar Solution of Hexadecyltrimethylammonium Chloride
Authors: Okuno Yoshifumi , Nishioka Koji , Nakashima Naotoshi , Niidome Yasuro
Published: December 2008

Rapid chemical reduction of silver ions forming silver shells on gold nanorods was realized in a micellar solution of hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride. It was shown that the stable bilayers of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide on gold surfaces contributed to retard the chemical reduction of silver ions on the gold surfaces.
Efficient Panchromatic Sensitization of Nanocrystalline TiO2-based Solar Cells Using 2-Pyridinecarboxylate-substituted Ruthenium(II) Complexes
Authors: Funaki Takashi , Yanagida Masatoshi , Onozawa-Komatsuzaki Nobuko , Kasuga Kazuyuki , Kawanishi Yuji , Sugihara Hideki
Published: December 2008

Ruthenium(II) complexes containing a 2-pyridinecarboxylate ligand (1 and 2) were synthesized as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The solar cells containing 2 exhibited efficient panchromatic sensitization over the entire visible wavelength range, extending into the near-IR region. An overall solar light-to-electrical conversion efficiency of 9.66% was achieved under standard air mass (AM) 1.5 irradiation (100 mW cm−2). This efficiency was superior to that of black dye (9.58%) under the same cell fabrication and measuring procedure.
Role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in nucleotide excision repair and genotoxicity in response to As(III) and Pb(II)
Authors: Li Ju-Pi , Wang Chun-Yu , Tang Yen-An , Lin Yun-Wei , Yang Jia-Ling
Published: December 2008

Arsenic and lead can induce genetic injuries and epigenetic signaling pathways in cultured mammalian cells. To test whether signaling pathways affect the extent of genetic injuries, we explored the impacts of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK) on nucleotide excision repair (NER), cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity following sodium arsenite [As(III)] and lead acetate [Pb(II)]. Sustained ERK activation was observed in human cells exposed to As(III) and Pb(II). As(III) inhibited the cellular NER synthesis capability; conversely, Pb(II) stimulated it. ERK activation contributed to the As(III)-induced NER inhibition and micronucleus formation. In contrast, this signal was required for inducing cellular NER activity and preventing mutagenesis following Pb(II). ERK activation by Pb(II) was dependent on protein kinase C (PKCα) that also exhibited anti-mutagenicity. Enforced expression of ERK signaling markedly elevated the cellular NER activity, which was suppressed by As(III). Nonetheless, ERK activation could counteract the cytotoxicity caused by these two metals. Together, the results indicate that pro-survival ERK signaling exhibits dual and opposing impacts on NER process following As(III) and Pb(II) exposures. The findings also suggest that ERK is an important epigenetic signaling in the determination of metal genotoxicity.
Role of ASC in the Mouse Model of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Benoit Bekale N. , Kobayashi Motohiro , Kawakubo Masatomo , Takeoka Michiko , Sano Kenji , Zou Jian , Itano Naoki , Tsutsui Hiroko , Noda Tetsuo , Fukuda Minoru , Nakayama Jun , Taniguchi Shun'ichiro
Published: December 2008

Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a C-terminal caspase recruitment domain (ASC) is an adaptor molecule activating caspase-1 that stimulates pro-interleukin-1β (pro-IL-1β) and pro-IL-18, two pro-inflammatory cytokines with critical functions in host defense against a variety of pathogens. In this study, we investigated the role of ASC in the host defense against Helicobacter pylori utilizing ASC-deficient mice. Mice were orally inoculated with H. pylori; bacterial load, degree of gastritis, and mucosal levels of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed and compared with those obtained from wild-type mice. We found more prominent H. pylori colonization in ASC-deficient mice, as revealed by colony-forming unit counts. Both groups of mice developed gastritis; however, ASC-deficient mice showed significant attenuation of inflammation despite high H. pylori colonization. ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed complete suppression of IL-1β and IL-18, and substantial reduction of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression, in ASC-deficient mice without apparent upregulation of other cytokines, including IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-α. These results as a whole indicate that ASC exerts considerable influence on the host defense, acting through IL-1β/IL-18 and subsequent IFN-γ production, which in turn contributes to continuous chronic inflammatory response and consequent reduction of H. pylori colonization.
Water and Polymer Quenching of Aluminum Alloys: A Review of the Effect of Surface Condition, Water Temperature, and Polymer Quenchant Concentration on the Yield Strength of 7075-T6 Aluminum Plate
Authors: Sarmiento Gustavo Sánchez , Bronzini Carlos , Canale Antonio Carlos , Canale Lauralice C. F. , Totten George E.
Published: December 2008

Cold water is perhaps the most common quenchant used for heat treatable aluminum alloys. In many situations, excessive distortion and cracking problems require the use of a less severe quenchant such as hot water or a Type I aqueous polymer quenchant. However, when these alternative quenching media are used, the distortion improvement achieved is typically accompanied by a corresponding loss of strength. This paper will provide an overview of cold versus hot water quenching and the potential use of Type I polymer quenchants. The potential use of quench factor analysis to aid in quenchant media selection and corresponding property prediction is reviewed and applications are demonstrated. The often dramatic impact of the surface condition of aluminum on quenching performance and properties achieved will also be included in this review.
Comparison of Two Methods Used to Measure Permeation of Glove Materials by a Complex Organic Mixture
Authors: Davis SL , Feigley CE , Dwiggins GA
Published: December 2008

Previous studies measuring permeation of liquid chemicals through glove materials by measurement of radiolabeled phenol in a liquid receiving medium were replicated with a method using a flowing gaseous receiving medium in which permeant was measured by a flame ionization detector (FID). The breakthrough times and permeation rates for liquefied coal and toluene permeating polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nitrile rubber, and natural rubber glove specimens were compared. For liquefied coal, the FID method indicated that all glove types exhibited much greater resistance to steady-state permeation (although earlier breakthrough was detected for PVC and natural rubber). For toluene permeation through natural rubber and the two PVC materials, the radiolabeled tracer method indicated greater resistance. Many of the marked differences in observed results are not attributable to instrument sensitivity. When a challenging substance is a complex mixture, large differences in permeation parameters measured by different techniques can be the result of various constituents permeating at different rates. Methods that do not quantify specifically the compounds of toxicological significance may provide misleading information on the degree of protection provided.
Test Method for Evaluating Adsorptive Fabrics
Authors: Baars DM , Eagles DB , Emond JA
Published: December 2008

Albany International Research Co. has developed a test apparatus and method for evaluating the protection afforded by various textile materials against low levels of toxic vapors. The test apparatus consists of a flow system that provides a constant challenge gas flow rate and concentration to be passed through the test specimen and a detection system that continuously monitors the concentration of the toxic component in the effluent gas stream. In the present apparatus, carbon tetrachloride is used as the challenge material at a concentration of 5.0 × 10-6 g/cm3. The traces of effluent concentration versus time obtained from the tests can be used to quantify total sorption capacity and sorption rate for the sample fabrics. Reproducibility studies have yielded coefficients of variation of 3.4% for total capacity and 5.5% for the sorption rate constant determined by this test method.
Influence of Film Thickness on the Permeation Resistance Properties of Unsupported Glove Films
Authors: Schlatter CN , Miller DJ
Published: December 2008

Permeation data, where available to date, cover only one style in any product line. Most unsupported glove product lines are made in several styles, generally differing in thickness. This is a report on an investigation of the effects of these differences in thickness on measured permeation properties.

Five typical industrial chemicals were tested: aniline, dimethylformamide (DMF), hexane, methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), and toluene. Film specimens were made in thicknesses of about 15 mils and about 25 mils from each of five unsupported glove formulations. Two of these formulations are available commercially as Edmont 29-series neoprene and Sol-Vex nitrile gloves; the other three were experimental butyl latex systems. All the tests were run in duplicate using apparatus and procedures from the ASTM Test for Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Permeation by Hazardous Liquid Chemicals (F 739-81). The collecting medium was a continuous stream of dry nitrogen, sampled at intervals with a gas sampling valve. The samples were passed through the analytical column of a Gow-Mac gas Chromatograph and detected by flame ionization detection (FID).

For 3 of the possible 25 combinations of chemicals and protective films, no break throughs were observed. In 5 others, the chemical did not breakthrough the film soon enough or in sufficient quantity to provide complete data on the effects of film thickness. For 10 combinations, the change in thickness had a much greater effect on breakthrough time than on permeation rate. In only 6 cases did an increase in thickness reduce the measured steady-state permeation rate, and the breakthrough time was increased for 5 of these. One case was an anomaly, since the thicker specimen had a longer breakthrough time but a higher rate measurement. Repeat tests confirmed this anomaly.

We conclude that a change in thickness is more likely to affect breakthrough time than steady-state permeation rate.
Effectiveness of Selected Work Fabrics as Barriers to Pesticide Penetration
Authors: Branson DH , Ayers GS , Henry MS
Published: December 2008

The effectiveness of seven work fabrics as barriers to three volumes of four carbon-14-labeled pesticides was determined in a controlled laboratory study. Significant differences were found for fabric, pesticide, and volume. Three laminate fabrics offered significantly better protection against the pesticides tested than fabrics now worn for pesticide application. The test fabrics were least effective barriers against parathion and Guthion and most effective barriers for paraquat. In general, as the volume increased, the effectiveness of the test fabrics decreased.
Risk Assessment of Chemical Exposure Hazards in the Use of Chemical Protective Clothing—An Overview
Authors: Mansdorf SZ
Published: December 2008

Occupational exposure of the skin to toxic chemicals is a recognized health problem. The magnitude of the problem is evidenced by the fact that dermatitis is the major occupational disease in the United States. Perhaps more important, the occurrence of a dermatitis of unknown etiology may be indicative of a more serious and insidious systemic exposure. Very little research has been published on the significance of dermal exposures as they relate to the incidence of occupational disease from toxic chemicals. This is evidenced by the lack of any published standards or recommendations for “safe” levels of skin exposure to most toxic chemicals.

The majority of workers having a potential for skin contact with hazardous materials are protected by utilizing some form of chemically resistant clothing or gloves. These applications range from simple latex gloves to totally encapsulating suits. However, the selection, use, and maintenance of these protective garments have largely been determined empirically. More important, the commonly accepted belief that most rubber garments are “impermeable” has been recently dispelled through the development and use of standard resistance tests by ASTM and others. It is now known that most chemical protective clothing has some level of permeation to toxic chemicals. Additionally, a steady-state rate of release, with the garment base material acting as a toxic reservoir, is possible. The author has termed this phenomenon “matrix release.” The question therefore arises, “What is an acceptable level of dermal exposure?” Obviously, many variables will distinguish the level of risk to the worker. These include the toxicity of the chemical or chemicals, permeability through the skin, location of the exposure site, rate and extent of contact, synergistic or additive effects of other routes of exposure, and other factors. Confounding the evaluation of an acceptable level of skin exposure to toxic chemicals are the pragmatic questions of the effects of reuse, situations requiring entry into atmospheres in which no dermal contact is acceptable, and the potential effects of garment failure.

Pragmatically, the previously discussed assessment criteria must be scrutinized within cost/benefit constraints. These constraints, plainly expressed, could be the choice between using a $2 glove that leaks a little or a $12 glove that leaks a little less.

This paper suggests a need for 1) a series of recommended dermal exposure levels within the framework of atmospheric exposure limits and 2) a field-validated method to measure exposure quantitatively inside the protective garment or glove.
Permeation of Chemicals Through the Skin
Authors: Schwope AD
Published: December 2008

An overall risk/benefit analysis relative to the use of chemical protective clothing for protection from potentially harmful chemicals must ultimately consider the barrier effectiveness of the skin to the chemicals in question. For example, there may be cases in which some permeation of chemical through the clothing is tolerable if the skin itself is unaffected by and acts as a barrier to the chemical. An overview of the structure of skin, methods for assessing skin permeation, and examples of published data are presented. The article is directed toward those with little or no knowledge of chemical permeation through skin and provides references for further research.
Evaluation of Chemical Protective Garment Seams and Closures for Resistance to Liquid Penetration
Authors: Berardinelli SP , Cottingham L
Published: December 2008

Chemical penetration is defined as bulk flow of liquid through porous materials, closures, pinholes, seams, or imperfections in protective clothing material. The objective of this research was to evaluate bulky seams and closures for resistance to liquid penetration, using the ASTM Test for Resistance of Protective Clothing Materials to Penetration by Liquids (F 903-84). The test cell in this method is a mechanical device which costs less than $1000. A modification of the test cell was used throughout the course of this study. The test cell and cell modification are explained in detail. Penetration of the challenge chemical was determined by visual inspection of the protective clothing material in the cell. The specimen was mounted in the test cell, then charged with a challenge liquid. The specimen was observed after 5 min at atmospheric pressure, and then after 10 min at 13.8 kPa (2 psig). The appearance of a drop of liquid indicated failure. Eight different bulky seams and closures were evaluated against several liquids by this test method. Chemical penetration data for control specimens (specimens without seams or closures), seams, and closures demonstrate the utility of this test method. Problems associated with the sealing of these bulky items into the test cell, as well as with the solutions were critically evaluated.
Polychlorinated Biphenyl Decontamination of Fire Fighter Turnout Gear
Authors: Ashley KC
Published: December 2008

This study addresses two key issues: (1) a decontamination methodology to remove polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contaminants from fire fighter protective clothing and (2) application techniques for various types of protective clothing, so as to minimize damage to the garments subjected to the decontamination process. The occupational exposure situations evaluated include fire fighting, organic chemical manufacturing, and fueling of liquid fuel rockets. Removal efficiencies of up to 99+% for PCBs have been achieved using a Freon solvent technique.

With respect to physical damage to the garment, a tumble wash action proved satisfactory for rugged garments (that is, fire fighter turnout gear).

A surface spray-flush action in an enclosed chamber was required for butyl-covered fabric-type construction. The latter type of garment had internal construction and hardware items that tended to cause wear points and fabric gouging when subjected to tumbling action. Some protective clothing fabrics proved unsuitable for the Freon solvent because of plasticizer removal.

These decontamination techniques were originally developed to remove radioactive contaminants from protective clothing worn in the nuclear utility and radioactive materials industries. The Freon-based decontamination system is a closed system that flows solvent across the fabric surfaces; the solvent is “cleaned” using filtration, adsorption, and partial distillation. Removal of solvent and vapors from the garments and cleaning chamber is achieved by mechanical refrigeration.
Do Test Methods Yield Meaningful Performance Specifications?
Authors: Holcombe BV , Hoschke BN
Published: December 2008

There is an urgent need for standards to evaluate the protection against intense heat afforded by textile materials. But there is equally a need to look carefully at where and how they should be applied. In most intense heat exposure accidents in which fires or explosions are involved, the bulk of the energy incident on the victim is in the form of radiant heat. Convective heat tests are subject to a number of problems that create uncertainty in the interpretation of test data, and in many instances, high-intensity radiation tests would provide the information required.

The performance requirements for each application should be carefully considered. In some occupations, it is more important that other risks, such as heat exhaustion, be given higher priority in the setting of garment performance requirements. Protective clothing can reduce the risk of injury but cannot guard against all hazards.

Where the test exposure exceeds about 10 kW/m2, a mandatory pass-fail screening, consisting of a simple mechanical rigidity assessment following exposure, should be included. This eliminates materials that maintain a rigid char until the moment deformation is applied.

It is important not to misinterpret test results. Test methods are essentially a means of ranking performance, whereby the heat transfer of materials can be compared under similar conditions, and a measure of the degradation obtained under those conditions. They ought not to be regarded as duplicating real-life exposures.
New Test Method for Determination of Emissivity and Reflection Properties of Protective Materials Exposed to Radiant Heat
Authors: Schleimann-Jensen A , Forsberg K
Published: December 2008

A new test method has been developed for rapid testing of protective materials' behavior when exposed to infrared IR radiation. The test equipment uses an IR thermometer, which, without contact with the test specimen, calculates the surface temperatures by measuring the IR radiation emitted from the object. The thermometer is updated every ¼ s.

Several protective materials have been studied, and emissivity has been measured from 0.1 to 1.0. Reflection has been calculated from 0.0 to 0.9. Dynamic temperature measurements have been performed on the “cool” side of the protective material when the other side was suddenly exposed to radiant heat. The results show great differences for various protective materials.

The authors conclude that the method has a capacity that makes it possible to select radiant heat protective clothing materials. The method is also useful for dynamic temperature measurements, showing the time required to heat and cool the material. Four types of dynamic heat behavior were observed when the whole heating and cooling phase was measured.

This method should be discussed as a standard method by ASTM Committee F-23 on Protective Clothing.
The Contribution of Wool to Improving the Safety of Workers Against Flames and Molten Metal Hazards
Authors: Benisek L , Edmondson GK , Mehta P , Phillips WA
Published: December 2008

The type of fiber and flame-retardant compound plays an important role in the transfer of heat through clothing when exposed to flames or molten metals. The fiber/flame retardant should preferably form a well-developed char on exposure to heat, without softening or melting, to retain low thermal conductivity of the fabric and also prevent adhesion of molten metal onto the fabric, thereby avoiding excess heat transfer through clothing. Wool performed extremely well in practice and in the draft International Organization for Standardization (ISO) tests evaluated, because of its good char-forming property, which is further enhanced by the Zirpro flame-retardant treatments. Fabric construction parameters—weight, thickness, and density—are important for a given fiber type with regard to protection against flames and molten metal. Also, accumulation of moisture in clothing has a significant effect; in multilayer clothing assemblies, the accumulation of moisture in outer fabric layers as a result of exposure to water increases protection against flame by increasing fabric heat capacity, whereas the accumulation of moisture (body perspiration) in the inner layer when wearing clothing containing a vapor barrier significantly decreases protection against flames by increasing the fabric thermal conductivity. High moisture permeability of wool clothing demonstrably reduces wearer heat stress. Interlaboratory evaluations of two draft ISO test methods for molten metal splashes showed superior repeatability and reproducibility of the test method based on a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) skin simulant as an end-point detection system in comparison with a calorimeter heat sensor. The response and sensitivity of calorimeter heat sensors were significantly affected by the calorimeter construction, contamination, and damage during testing and by the location of the heat sensor vis-á-vis the poured metal.
Advances in Flame-Retardant Safety Apparel
Authors: Mischutin V , Brown D
Published: December 2008

The paper discusses recent advances in fabrics used for flame-retardant work wear in those occupations in which people are exposed to open flames, flammable materials, hot molten substances, and high intensity currents.

Some of these work wear needs are currently satisfied by fabrics made of inherently flame-resistant fibers or topically treated 100% cotton or wool. However, these fabrics do not fully satisfy the requirements of some critical professions.

New technology has now been developed to economically flame retard 100% cotton fabrics suitable for use by foundry workers and polyester/cotton fabrics for use in other occupations.

In addition to fire retardancy, fabrics can also be made water-repellent and oil-repel-lent with good properties for easy care and shrinkage resistance, which makes them attractive to some fashion-conscious professions.
Functional Integration of Fire Fighters' Protective Clothing
Authors: Veghte JH
Published: December 2008

System integration of fire fighters' protective clothing requires the harmonious design of the coat, pants, helmet, boots, gloves, and breathing apparatus. Similarly, all clothing layers require a functional integration of characteristics such as resistance to cuts and punctures, mobility, waterproofness, fit, and durability. Thermal protective performance (TPP) rating analyses of several hundred protective clothing combinations have also shown the importance of thermally matching the vapor barrier and thermal liner under the outer protective shell. Inappropriate vapor barrier or thermal liner materials will melt under a Nomex III (95% Nomex 1/5% Kevlar) or polybenzimida-zole (PBI) outer shell if the thermal load is sufficient. TPP instrumentation permits moisture to be added to ensemble materials in order to assess the thermal merits of clothing combinations under operationally relevant fire fighting conditions. TPP data are presented to illustrate the protective merits of thermally integrating the clothing materials in structural fire fighters' clothing.
Efficacy of Heat Exchange by Use of a Wettable Cover over Chemical Protective Garments
Authors: Gonzalez RR , Breckenridge JR , Levell CA , Kolka MA , Pandolf KB
Published: December 2008

A continuing effort is being made to reduce the dangers of heat exhaustion for persons working in heat with impermeable chemical protective garments (CPGs). One approach that appears feasible is the use of a wettable cover surrounding the CPG. The efficacy of evaporation of the heat extracted is a function of the evaporative heat transfer coefficient, he (in watts per square metre per torr), and the gradient, ΔPsk, of the saturation vapor of pressures (in torrs) between the wettable cover surface, Pc, and the ambient air, Pw. The he value is dependent on wind movement [based on a convective heat transfer coefficient, (in watts per square metre kelvin)], the appropriate Lewis numbers for air, La (2.2 K/torr), and the layers of wettable covers, Llay. Copper manikin and experimental studies showed that (1) when ΔPsk is reduced, as in severe hot and humid conditions, evaporative heat removal is minimal; (2) model predictions for CPG gave supplementary cooling (increased skin heat loss) ranging from 40 W at 35°C, Pw = 29.5 torr, and low air movement, to almost 200 W for a hot and dry environment of 50°C, 18 torr, with a 5-m/s wind. The predicted water requirements to maintain the cover at 100% wetness under these conditions ranged from 3 to 32 g/min, respectively.
Anthropometric Sizing and Fit Testing of a Single Battledress Uniform for U.S. Army Men and Women
Authors: Gordon CC
Published: December 2008

Women in the U.S. Army currently wear field uniforms that were designed and sized for men. Downsizing the male patterns to fit women has accentuated the fitting problems caused by sexually dimorphic body proportions. Thus, female body dimensions must be considered in the design and sizing of Army field clothing. The integrated sizing system for men and women presented here was derived mathematically from the U.S. Army's anthropometric data base. Key sizing dimensions were established by selecting those variable pairs which minimize within-size variations of other body dimensions important to garment design. Design values for additional body dimensions critical to garment fit were calculated from regression equations that used the key sizing variables to predict the dimensions of the largest individual who will wear each size. Appropriate ease was added to these nude body dimensions to arrive at an empirically defined grading system. Fitting trials will test the hypothesis that this anthropometric sizing program can provide an adequate fit for both Army men and women.
Incendiary Behavior of Electrostatic Spark Discharges from Human Beings
Authors: Wilson N
Published: December 2008

An examination has been made of the critical voltages on the body for the ignition of the most easily ignitable mixtures of methane and air and of hydrogen and air by electrostatic spark discharges from the body to earthed electrodes of optimum dimensions.

At normal temperatures, the critical body voltages for the ignition of methane and hydrogen are 5.5 and 1.3 kV, respectively. The effects on the critical body voltage of increasing the temperature of the gas and the electrode independently to up to 80°C indicate that the primary factor controlling the ignition of methane is the temperature of the electrode, which in the present work is the cathode. An increase in the temperature of the electrode generally causes a fall in the critical body voltage. With the electrode at 80°C, the lowest voltage on the body for an ignition is 4.8 kV.

An increase in the gas and electrode temperatures has little effect on the critical body voltage at which hydrogen is ignited, the lowest value remaining at 1.3 kV.

The author suggests that the importance of the electrode rather than the gas temperature on the critical body voltage, particularly with methane, arises from the effects of electron emission at the electrode on the incendiary behavior of the gas, but this needs to be confirmed.
Manufacturing of Welded Polyblock Turbine Rotors for Pressurized Water Reactor Nuclear Plants; Optimization of the Steel Grade; Effect of Impurities
Authors: Pisseloup J , Poitrault IS , de Badereau A , Bocquet PG
Published: December 2008

Le Creusot Heavy Forge has been manufacturing low-pressure (LP) disks and shaft ends for 1300-MW nuclear power plants. These forgings, in weldable 1.8Cr-1Ni-0.8Mo steel, are welded by Alsthom Atlantique.

With the aim of improved quality, homogeneity of mechanical properties, hardenability, and weldability, this metallurgical research has been carried out: 1. Optimization of the steel grade (the effect of silicon, manganese, and molybdenum). 2. The influence of tempering and stress relief treatment parameters. 3. The effect of impurities.

These studies have led the Steel Melting Shop of Creusot-Loire Factory to invest in a high-performance process of steelmaking: the heating ladle refining process. This new process has had spectacular results that have been confirmed by investigations on cut-up industrial forgings.
The Fracture Toughness of Actual and Simulated Large Rotor Forgings Made from 3.5Ni Steel
Authors: Albrecht J , Bertilsson J-E , Scarlin B
Published: December 2008

The present work is aimed at determining the properties of 3.5Ni steels simulated to a condition in which they would be used for the manufacture of large turbine rotors. Samples were subjected to heat treatment schedules, particularly cooling rates, that would be experienced during manufacture. With increasing size, the cooling rate from the austenitizing temperature is reduced, leading to the formation of bainite with a coarse distribution of carbides. Since brittle fracture from the center of large forgings must be avoided, special emphasis has been placed on the fracture toughness and fracture mode and the way in which both are determined through the microstructure, particularly the carbide form and distribution.
Integrity of Full-Integral, Low-Pressure Nuclear Turbine Forgings
Authors: Kawaguchi S , Kanno N , Iwadate T , Ohhashi T
Published: December 2008

Internal properties of disks from the body of a full-integral, low-pressure (LP) rotor forging were investigated. Segregation of alloying elements in forgings from 570-ton ingots is similar to that in forgings from 400-ton ingots, which have been used widely for the production of large rotors for more than 15 years. Distribution of tensile properties is quite uniform throughout the forging. Fracture Appearance Transition Temperature (FATT) is very low in the vicinity of the peripheral surface, increases with increasing depth into midradius, and remains almost constant from midradius to the center of the forging. Distribution of FATT along the length of the body was found, KIc-values converted from JIc are reported at several locations in the forging. Fracture toughness is in the upper shelf region even in the center of the rotor. The discrepancy between the KIc-value converted from valid JIc and valid KIc is discussed.
Seamless Shell Course Forgings For Heavy-Wall Reactor Vessels: A Forgemaster's Critical Review
Authors: Bernabei P , Callegari L , Scepi M , Salinetti T
Published: December 2008

A review of current international specifications for forged pressure vessel (PV) components has shown that the steelmaking requirements are sometimes in conflict with the reality of worldwide installed facilities. A comparative investigation of three melts of SA-508 Class 3 steel has proven that vacuum carbon deoxidation offers toughness properties, even in the heat-affected zone, that are at least comparable with those obtained with the conventional fine-grain practice. Manufacturing experience with large hollow ingots, up to 181 metric tons, yielded quality results definitely comparable to those achieved with conventional hot pierced ingots. A review of specified post-weld heat treatments (PWHTs) has suggested that during PWHT some zones of a pressure vessel could undergo temperatures never reached either during the previous tempering treatments or during the simulated PWHT of acceptance test coupons. PWHTs at relatively high temperatures, therefore, should be avoided, especially for the 2.25Cr-1Mo steel.
Evaluation of Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel Forging
Authors: Khare AK , Sikka VK
Published: December 2008

A new 9Cr-1Mo steel with significant improvement in elevated-temperature mechanical properties and toughness over 2 l/4Cr-1Mo and standard grade 9Cr-1Mo steel has been developed jointly by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Combustion Engineering. The new alloy obtains its elevated-temperature strength from small additions of niobium, vanadium, and nitrogen. The alloy has been melted commercially in the United States and Japan. It also has been fabricated into tubes, pipes, plates, bars, and forgings.

National Forge saddle-forged a heavy-walled cylinder from a billet produced from an electroslag remelted ingot of this modified alloy. The 781-mm-outside diameter by 67-mm-thick wall by 762-mm-long cylinder was normalized at 1050°C and tempered at 760°C.

The production of the saddle forging and its mechanical properties and microstructure are described. A comparison between the mechanical properties of this forging with the results on plates, bars, and tubes fabricated from the same alloy is presented. Data show the forging to be highly isotropic in its properties and a strong promise for the use of modified 9Cr-1Mo alloy in hydrocrackers for operation at 500°C and higher temperatures.
Evaluation of the Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel Forging by French Laboratories
Authors: Gelpi A
Published: December 2008

The use of Oak Ridge National Laboratory's (ORNL) modified 9Cr-1Mo steel in liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) steam generators (SGs) could present significant advantages as compared with the other ferritic steels envisaged or used for this application.

Novatome (France) received from ORNL a specimen of this steel obtained from a National Forge Co. (NF) saddle forging.

The evaluation of this specimen by French laboratories covers the topics deemed the most significant to confirm the advantages of this steel for a LMFBR-SG application. Namely: tensile, creep, impact properties, tensile and impact behavior after heat treatment performed to simulate very thick forgings, fatigue, stress corrosion cracking, fracture mechanics, and aging behavior.

Our results confirm that the impact properties of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel are excellent, at least up to a simulated thickness of 300 mm (12 in.), even after step cooling. They also confirm that this steel has among the highest mechanical properties and creep resistance, as compared with other ferritic steels envisaged or used for LMFBR-SG applications.

On the basis of these first satisfactory results, we are encouraged to continue the characterization of this steel in France. This work is proceeding, on the one hand, on the NF forging and, on the other hand, on a forged-rolled thick plate manufactured in France. This characterization program will last 5 years.
Application of New Types of Ingots to the Manufacturing of Heavy Pressure Vessel Forgings
Authors: Bocquet PG , Saint-Ignan J-C , Blondeau RP
Published: December 2008

Forging components for pressure vessels issued from conventional ingots may present some inconveniences, such as an important waste of metal and metallurgical problems induced by segregation.

Le Creusot Heavy Forge has developed three new types of ingots specially adapted to these components: Type 1. Ingots with vertical-oriented solidification and low height/diameter ratio for manufacturing flat components. Type 2. Ingots with horizontal-oriented solidification for manufacturing hollow forgings with a noncladded inner surface. Type 3. Cylindrical hollow ingots for hollow forgings, the inner face of which has to be cladded.

The mode of solidification and the location of macrosegregation areas of each new ingot type are described.

Three examples of components manufactured from these new ingot types are presented: 1. A head for a 1300-MW pressurized water reactor (PWR) pressure vessel forged from a Type 1 ingot. 2. A prototype shell forging in 2¼Cr-1Mo steel for the petrochemical industry issued from a Type 2 ingot. 3. A B shell for a 1400-MW French nuclear reactor issued from a hollow ingot.
Best Possible Heat Treatment of Steel SA 336 F22 for the Production of Forged Shells with Heavy Walls
Authors: Badeau JP , Poitrault IS , de Badereau A , Blondeau RP
Published: December 2008

The manufacturing of thick-wall components, such as shells, for petrochemical reactors normally requires the 2.25Cr-1Mo (SA 336 F22) steel. This paper deals with: 1. Experienced difficulties in producing thick-wall forgings up to a thickness of 500 mm with standard 2.25Cr-1Mo steel. 2. The solutions offered by Le Creusot Heavy Forge.

The studies discussed are: (1) the effect of the structure; (2) the effect of the chemical composition on hardenability and temper embrittlement in steel making; and (3) the effect of austenitization conditions.

Some examples concerning industrial forgings are presented, among them: 1. The manufacturing of shells for the petrochemical industry. 2. A thick-wall shell from a 146-metric ton hollow ingot.
Forging of Long-Stroke Crankshafts by the TR Method
Authors: Rut T
Published: December 2008

The manufacture of long-stroke crankshafts lends itself to new methods of forging and equipment. Lately, at the Metal Forming Institute in Poznan, Poland, a very efficient method and the necessary equipment have been developed for single throws for semibuilt, shrink-fitted crankshafts. Furthermore, the method also is well-adapted for forging single crank throws carrying a half main journal on each side. The method enables the forging of single crank throws with the optimal shape of crank webs and with minimum weight. Thanks to a special design development, the horizontal upsetting force is about 2.5 times larger than the nominal press capacity. Such a very high-efficiency forging device permits the forging of large crank throws on a relatively small forging press. Furthermore, with a background of accumulated experience, a new forging method for fully forged, long-stroke crankshafts has been developed at the Metal Forming Institute. By this method, each crank arm is formed separately in new, specially designed forging equipment.
Steel Forgings for a Tension Leg Platform Anchoring System—The Design and Management Contractor's Experience of Their Manufacture and Testing
Authors: Whitehouse PJ
Published: December 2008

The specification and manufacture of a number of special forgings against severe schedule constraints for a novel offshore application provided an interesting experience of coordination between forging works, machine shops, and a design and management contractor. The two major types of HY80 forgings and their significant design and service features are described. The background to the material and manufacturing route selection procedure is outlined. The findings of investigative work to determine the influence of post heat treatment cooling rates on the toughness of the material are briefly presented. Procedural aspects of the fabrication processes used to complete the components are included. Comparative data on the surface and midsection toughness of other thick-walled HY80 forgings at different testing temperatures are presented.