bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Canadian Regulatory Changes on Cross-Border Trade
Authors: Priddle R.
Published: January 2017

In the year following oil deregulation Canada's crude oil productive capacity grew by 5%, but production was unchanged due to a lack of pipeline capacity, the effects of prorationing and a lack of price flexibility.

While Canadian oil demand remained stable, exports of crude oil increased by one-third and imports by one-half. Export prices followed world trends with light crude oil export prices declining from $C 40/bl to $C 15 in July 1986.

Natural gas exports were down by 17% in the first nine months of the 1986 contract year. This period coincides with the implementation of the Agreement on Natural Gas Markets and Prices, but was also a period marked by declines in US gas prices, declining US gas demand, and significant changes in US gas industry regulation.

Prices for gas exports by licence have been renegotiated and some short-term interruptible sales have been made. Export prices approached those for interprovincial sales, which typically offered a better load factor.

Licence holders have been able to average export prices over all sales under a licence to satisfy the minimum export price requirement in relation to the domestic reference price. As a result, since the Agreement of 31 October 1985, all renegotiated prices for exports of gas by licence have been approved.

The factors having the most impact on gas exports by licence appear to be the 6% decline in US gas demand, limitations on pipeline access during the period of transition in US pipeline regulation, priority given by US pipelines to managing lower-48 take-or-pay obligations, and the changing role of US pipelines to being transporters rather than merchants of gas to the detriment of some Canadian gas export contracts.

Exports by licence were at a level of 42% of authorized volumes for most of 1986. Volume authorizations were therefore, not an impediment to exports by licence. There was no volume restriction for short-term exports by order.

Gas exports by short-term interruptible order faced US pipeline access restrictions but were affected by the domestic reference price floor. Short-term interruptible exports grew rapidly after the Agreement, peaking in January 1986 and then declined as US competitive prices fell below comparable Canadian domestic prices. Short-term interruptible exports have accounted for only 3% of total exports in the first nine months of the current contract year.

Canada's disappointing 1985–6 gas export performance was attributable to weak US gas markets, changing US market structures, and delayed US regulatory change. Although there has been some impact on short-term interruptible sales, the overall decline in gas exports was not significantly relatable to Canadian gas export regulation.
The Status of Nuclear Energy in France
Authors: Carle Remy
Published: January 2017

In 1989 75% of French electrical generation was nuclear representing 289 GWh largely from pressurized water reactors. The French nuclear industryis integrated: EdF is the sole owner and operator of plants;CEA does research; Framaton is the major engineering group; Alsthrom turbogeneration; Gogema nuclearfuel. Maintenance of an effective nuclear system in the future will need technological developments for the continuing performance of installedunits, building the next series and the development of fast breeder reactors.
Salient Multiculturalism Enhances Minority Group Members’ Feelings of Power
Authors: Vorauer Jacquie D. , Quesnel Matthew S.
Published: January 2017

The present research examined how messages advocating different intergroup ideologies affect outcomes relevant to minority group members’ ability to exert power in exchanges with dominant group members. We expected that salient multiculturalism would have positive implications for minority group members’ feelings of power by virtue of highlighting essential contributions they make to society, and that no such empowering effect would be evident for them in connection with alternative ideologies such as color-blindness or for dominant group members. Results across four studies involving different participant populations, operationalizations of ideology, ethnic minority groups, and experimental settings were consistent with these hypotheses and further indicated that the effects of salient multiculturalism on feelings of power had downstream implications for expectations of control in an ostensibly upcoming intergroup interaction and general goal-directed cognition.
On Accounting and Economics Methods of Depreciation
Authors: Peles Yoram C.
Published: January 2017

This paper studies the reliability of the accounting methods of depreciation in the automobile industry. It finds that in this industry the behavior of the market depreciation is similar to the depreciation functions used by accountants for the firms' financial statements. Some rationale is supplied to support the empirical findings.
Accounts Receivable Policy Under Stochastic Inflation
Authors: Giaccotto Carmelo
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the problem of managing accounts receivable under uncertain inflation. In particular, we derive expressions for the cash discount and the length of the credit period under the assumption that the inflation rate can be modeled by a general autoregressive moving-average (ARMA) process. A number of examples illustrate the size of the change required to keep the real rate of interest, implicit in the terms of sale, constant.
Financial Instrument Fair Values and Nonfinancial Firms
Authors: Simko Paul J.
Published: January 2017

This study examines whether financial instrument fair values help explain the cross-sectional variation in nonfinancial firms' equity values. Regressions of equity values on recognized financial statement components and SFAS No. 107 fair value disclosures are estimated for a random sample of 1992 through 1995 nonfinancial firms. Full sample results indicate that for 1993 and 1995 liability fair values are associated with equity values, years in which fair and book value differences are substantial and in average loss positions. Further analysis reveals that in each year explanatory power is consistently lower for industries whose returns exhibit low covariation with observed interest rate changes. This latter finding is consistent with concerns that the value-relevance of nonfinancial firms' SFAS No. 107 financial instrument fair values is limited in the absence of consideration of nonfinancial instrument fair values.
An Empirical Examination of Factors Affecting the Timing of Environmental Accounting Standard Adoption and the Impact on Corporate Valuation
Authors: Li Yue , McConomy Bruce J.
Published: January 2017

This paper assesses factors associated with firms' adoption of a new Canadian accounting standard promulgated in 1990, which requires disclosure of future removal and site restoration costs. Empirical analysis shows that adoption of the new standard by mining and oil and gas companies was influenced by a variety of factors and that disclosure of provisions for future removal and site restoration costs is valuation-relevant. More specifically, firms with a strong environmental commitment and in better financial health and those with less inherent uncertainty regarding future removal and site restoration costs were more likely to voluntarily adopt the new standard early. In addition, firms that adopted the new standard by the mandatory adoption date were more likely to have been audited by a Big 6 audit firm and to have raised capital during the year. Valuation analysis based on Ohlson (1995) suggests that disclosure of the provisions is valuation-relevant as it may enable capital markets to proxy for future removal and site restoration liabilities.
Serum Concentration of Cobalamines during Total Parenteral Nutrition in Crohn's Disease
Authors: Jacobson Stefan
Published: January 2017

The vitamin B12 status was assessed by measuring the fasting serum (S‐) concentration of cobalamines in a consecutive series of 12 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) given total parenteral nutrition (TPN)—nil per os—for between 21 and 97 days (mean, 49 days). At introduction of TPN the S‐cobalamine concentration was less than 300 pmol/liter in four patients (group I) and more than 300 pmol/liter in eight (group II). Each day during TPN fat‐ and water‐soluble vitamins, including 2 μg of cyanocobalamin, were given. In group I there was a small increase in the S‐cobalamine level during the first 2 to 4 weeks of TPN, whereas in group II the values approached the middle of the reference range (190–680 pmol/ liter) after 6 to 8 weeks of TPN. It would thus appear that the vitamin regimen studied, including 2 μg of cyanocobalamin per 24 hr, is able to maintain the S‐cobalamine concentration within the reference range during 6 to 8 weeks of TPN in CD patients with no evidence of vitamin B12 deficiency, and to prevent the development of vitamin B12 deficiency during 2 to 4 weeks of TPN in CD patients with a S‐cobalamine level initially below 300 pmol/liter. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 10:223–226, 1986)
The Future of Computer-Based Interactive Technology for Teaching Individuals with Moderate to Severe Disabilities: Issues Relating to Research and Practice
Authors: Langone John , Clees Tom J. , Rieber Lloyd , Matzko Michael
Published: January 2017

There are a number of community adjustment and transition models that indicate individuals with disabilities will require instruction across numerous domains that represent skills such as community literacy, mobility, purchasing, social interactions, and safety. To accomplish the instruction of such skills, community-based activities have been increasingly employed to teach these transition skills. However, the amount of time and the number of community-based learning trials needed for students with moderate to severe disabilities to acquire targeted skills can be in excess of the fiscal resources allotted. To overcome many of the logistical and fiscal problems associated with community-based instruction, educators have developed simulated activities that involve training in non-target environments with materials that simulate the targeted, or natural, settings. These simulated activities may or may not be successful depending on the attention given to strategies that promote generalization. These strategies are well known and have been extensively discussed in the literature. One method of instruction that can potentially expose learners to numerous stimuli designed to promote generalization of learned functional skills is computer-based multimedia. The purpose of this article is to identify and discuss the salient features of multimedia instructional tools that may be able to provide students with more effective and efficient simulated instructional activities in the area of transition skills. Also presented is information related to a federally funded project designed to develop a multimedia environment for providing this type of instruction as well as a vision for developing a research agenda designed to test the effectiveness of such instruction.
The Comprehensive Evaluation of Professional Development Software: A Critique of Methodology
Authors: Liaupsin Carl J.
Published: January 2017

Training for pre-service and in-service teachers that is delivered through distance education methods solves various problems of traditional professional development. These problems include issues such as providing a consistent message, training large numbers of personnel, and overcoming scheduling and funding problems. As with other forms of instruction, professional development training materials should be subjected to a level of evaluation that increases the likelihood of successful implementation. However, it is unclear how this need for evaluation of professional development software is being met. Commercial software companies have been found to eschew evaluation of their products and classroom teachers can be expected to conduct only limited software evaluations of the software. This article contends that educational researchers are well positioned to conduct comprehensive evaluations of the professional development software they create. This purpose of this review of the literature is to (a) consolidate the database of literature with regard to professional development software, (b) examine the degree to which the software described in the literature has been comprehensively evaluated, and (c) provide suggestions for future research.
Diversity and Technology: Classroom Implications of the Digital Divide
Authors: Kalyanpur Maya , Kirmani Mubina H.
Published: January 2017

This paper analyzes the intersection of technology and diversity in classrooms with reference to the implications of the inequity of access and usage for under-represented groups including low-income, minority students, students from culturally diverse backgrounds, students with disabilities, and female students. Strategies at national and individual levels to facilitate a process of digital inclusion for all children are identified.
Multimedia Effectiveness in an AAC Preservice Setting
Authors: Beck Ann R. , Parette Phil , Bailey Rita L.
Published: January 2017

This study investigated the effectiveness of the CD, Families, Culture and AAC, as a culturally sensitive teaching tool for students enrolled in a speech-language pathology AAC course. Students enrolled in the course were divided into three learning format groups that (a) viewed the CD and engaged in learning challenges independently, (b) viewed the CD in class, and (c) had lecture only. Students took objective pre-post tests and also answered essay questions over the material after it was presented. Results indicated that the independent group made significantly smaller gains in pretest-posttest scores related to cultural content than did either the in-class viewing or the lecture group. No significant differences were found by learning group to answers to essay questions. Results are discussed and suggestions are given for appropriate classroom use of the CD.
A Developmentally-Based Functional Mathematics Program for Retarded and Autistic Persons
Authors: McClennen Sandra , Harrington Linda
Published: January 2017

Basic mathematics skills are essential to the performance of many functional activities. The characteristics of a curriculum to teach these skills to moderately and severely retarded and autistic persons are described. The authors explain the relevant differences between retarded and non-retarded persons of the same cognitive level, describe the program and how it was developed from interactions with 72 moderately and severely retarded and autistic students, describe the studies of validation of effectiveness of the program, and discuss the particular problems of teaching these skills to students who have autism.
Evaluation of Teacher Training: Issues and an Example
Authors: Rule Sarah , Fiechtl Barbara , Bourgeois Michelle , Harrison Linnea
Published: January 2017

Evaluative data on the results of teacher training efforts are scarce relative to the volume of literature on the topic. A search of recent volumes of several journals located 676 articles concerning training. Only 18% reported outcome data and these reflect a lack of consensus about the choice of evaluation measures. The use of both trainee and child performance measures is proposed as a strategy to secure a valid evaluation. One example of a program evaluation for inservice and preservice training is presented.
Evaluating Educational Software for the Microcomputer
Authors: Test David W.
Published: January 2017

If microcomputers are to survive as educational tools, microcomputer software must be evaluated to determine its effectiveness. This article extends previous microcomputer software evaluation forms by: (a) providing an evaluation instrument based on research-based instructional techniques, (b) providing a step-by-step approach for evaluating software, and (c) adding a student evaluation component to the overall review.
Developmental Changes in Micro-Educational Environments for Learning Handicapped and Non-Learning Handicapped Elementary School Students
Authors: Cosden Merith A. , Semmel Melvyn I.
Published: January 2017

A longitudinal study of the development of Micro-Educational Environments (MEEs) and microcomputer use by learning handicapped and nonhandicapped students was initiated This report describes current MEEs and microcomputer-use patterns and changes in these programs and patterns over a 2-year period. Focus is on the differences in the types of microcomputer instruction provided to special and regular education students and their response to that instruction. The design and use of instructional programs once the novelty of the technology has worn off will be explored.
Knowledge Acquisition and Technology-Supported Projects in the Social Studies for Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Okolo Cynthia M. , Ferretti Ralph P.
Published: January 2017

All citizens are expected to participate in the processes of democratic decision making in the postschool years, and the goals of social studies education have long included the preparation of an informed citizenry. However, surveys show that social studies instruction is often not provided for students with disabilities, and those that receive instruction do poorly compared to their nondisabled peers. Students' poor performance is exacerbated by the reliance on “inconsiderate” textbooks that are often poorly organized, lacking in content, and devoid of important background information. Project-based instruction is an alternative to the exclusive reliance on textbook-based instruction in the social studies. Students investigate a problem or question and develop artifacts based on these investigations.

In this study, students with learning disabilities, working under two different conditions, developed projects about factors that precipitated the American Revolutionary War. Students in both conditions worked cooperatively to learn about some aspect of the Revolutionary War, and they then contributed to the construction and presentation of a group report about the topic. However, students in one group had access to word processing tools, and the other had access to word processing and multimedia presentation tools in developing their projects. Analyses of students' knowledge revealed a substantial improvement in both conditions after the completion of the projects.
Evaluation of Pepsinogen I as a Biomarker of Drug-induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Ennulat Daniela , Lynch Karen M. , Kimbrough Carie L. , Mirabile Rosanna C. , Rehm Sabine
Published: January 2017

Gastric mucosal injury is frequently observed in nonclinical studies of nonhuman primates. Because microscopic evaluation of stomach is generally a terminal procedure, our objective was to determine whether serum pepsinogen I (PG I) could serve as a noninvasive biomarker for detection of gastric mucosal injury in monkey. Serum PG I was measured using a commercial human immunoassay in cynomolgus monkeys ( n = 166) prior to dosing and/or terminally in 11 studies of up to 1 month duration. Mean ( SD) PG I values (ug/L) for monkeys with ( n = 59) and without ( n = 100) gastric mucosal degeneration were 101 (215) and 28 (12.6), respectively. For monkeys with baseline and terminal PG I data, mean ( SD) fold change (ratio of terminal to baseline PG I) for monkeys with ( n = 57) and without ( n = 76) glandular degeneration were 4.1 (11.3) and 1 (0.28). Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) data demonstrated moderate diagnostic accuracy for serum PG I for glandular degeneration, AUC ( SE) 0.789 (0.04), with improved diagnostic accuracy as a fold change of baseline, AUC ( SE) 0.816 (0.04), consistent with the large interindividual but low intraindividual variability of serum PG I values in control monkeys. These data demonstrate that serum PG I is a useful biomarker of drug-induced gastric mucosal injury in the cynomolgus monkey.
Deciphering Sources of Variability in Clinical Pathology—It’s Not Just about the Numbers
Authors: Everds Nancy E.
Published: January 2017

Preanalytical variables can have significant impacts on clinical pathology parameters evaluated during the conduct of a nonclinical safety or toxicity study. These preanalytical variables can be controlled by careful attention to factors such as animal dietary status (diet composition, fasted, and fed state), restraint and anesthesia, intercurrent procedures, timing of clinical pathology collections, and proficiency of animal technicians. The impact of preanalytical variables on test results can be significant enough to result in difficult interpretations and/or regulatory questions or can obfuscate the effects of a test article. Control of preanalytical variables starts with knowledge of what processes and procedures impact test results. Minimizing these effects improves the quality of results and maximizes the value of the study.
Dystrophic Mineralization of Costal Cartilage in Hartley Guinea Pigs
Authors: Schauer Alexandria M. , Schucker Adrienne , Carlson Cathy S.
Published: January 2017

Hartley guinea pigs are widely used animal models of disease, particularly in studies of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to investigate lesions in the costal cartilage from 16 male, 5- to 6-month-old Hartley guinea pigs. Routine histological sections from the costal cartilage and costochondral junction (longitudinal and cross sections) and sternum (for evaluation of bone marrow) were examined. All 16 (100%) animals had histological lesions involving the costal cartilage that included matrix degeneration and mineralization, reduced cellularity, and evidence of chondrocyte necrosis. Of the 16, 4 (25%) of the lesions contained blood vessels and 3 (19%) contained central osseous metaplasia. The cartilage lesions were accompanied by degeneration (sometimes with regeneration and/or fibrosis) in adjacent skeletal muscle in 15 of the 16 (94%) animals. The lesions in the costal cartilage were interpreted as dystrophic mineralization of unknown cause and appear to be incidental findings, although they bear some resemblance to lesions occurring in Tietze’s disease in humans. The significance of the lesions in skeletal muscle is unclear. Histological lesions of cartilage matrix degeneration and mineralization in these sites have not, to our knowledge, been reported previously.
Mainstreaming an Unorganized Industry: The Case of Suguna Poultry
Authors: Ramesh G
Published: January 2017

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework is quite rich with its concepts like sustainability, mainstreaming, stakeholders and their inclusiveness, citizenship, etc. The debate in CSR is increasingly about making it a part of core business process rather than treating it as a compliance function. In this context, the business model of Suguna Poultry was studied and it was observed that it can help in understanding the deeper meanings of these concepts in a concrete way.

Suguna Poultry was started by two brothers, Soundararajan and Sundararajan with 200 birds 25 years back in Udumalpet, a small town in Tamil Nadu. After a lot of struggle and persistence, it scaled to reach a turnover of Rs.30,180 million in 2009, with presence in 11 states. The case is about how it managed to mesh its Business Model and Revenue Model with a Sustainable Development Model. The CSR theme is closely linked to their growth strategies and the entrepreneurs� basic philosophy towards business and stakeholders. The contribution of Suguna in the context of mainstreaming poultry industry, which belonged to unorganized sector in India are: It converted a commodity market into a product market It converted a neighbourhood market into a national market It pioneered several process innovations which changed the character of the industry itself.

The business model is based on contract farming. It contributed mainly through (i) risk mitigation for the farmers which is their major bane and (ii) by providing integrated service which reduced the stages of intermediation and cost of transaction. Their process model emerges as a combination of (a) choice of appropriate technology, (b) extended organizational processes, and (c) value creating processes.

The CSR aspects that emerge from the Suguna case are: Its Sustainable business model, which works for the benefit of the immediate as well as stakeholders at large. They achieved this through their entire value chain over a vast area. Achieving CSR within a ‘for profit’ objective and a ‘commercial orientation’ rather than through �charitable orientation. It offered a market relationship to farmers and not a benign or charitable relationship. This made the debt-ridden farmers self-confident entrepreneurs. Embedding CSR concerns in their core business processes and in the value system of management. The promoters as well as managers closely identify themselves with the contract farmers. Ensuring inclusive value chain model wherein all its stakeholders like growers, retailers, and customers are benefitted, and so one segment gains at the cost of another.
Indian Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Evidence on Investment Risks, Fund Mandates and Funding Levels
Authors: Ankolekar Mayur , Shenoy Ramnath , Nadkarni Nandan , Shah Rajendra
Published: January 2017

Indian companies are to move towards an International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)-adapted regime for accounting pension costs. The Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS) 19 on Employee Benefits has been adapted from International Accounting Standard (IAS) 19. As the new regime provides greater forbearance to the volatility of asset returns by including these as a balance sheet item in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI), we take stock of the investment practice of the defined benefit pension plans of leading Indian companies, namely, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) 50 companies. We present evidence on (i) investment risks, (ii) fund mandates and (iii) funding levels using information from the companies’ financial statements for the financial years (FY) ending 2014 and 2015. We employ non-parametric statistical tests, namely, the Mann–Whitney U test (Mann and Whitney, 1947) and the chi-squared test, to evaluate the linkage between investment risks, fund mandates and funding levels of the NSE 50 companies’ defined benefit pension plans.
Changes in Wakefulness during Exposure to Noise at 42 Hz, 1000 Hz and Individual EEG Frequencies
Authors: Landström Ulf , Byström Marianne , Nordström Bertil
Published: January 2017

This report includes two investigations. Investigation 1 was carried out in order to study the correlation between changes in wakefulness and exposure to low frequency and high frequency noise. The investigation included 20 subjects. Changes in wakefulness were analysed through EEG- and EKG-recordings. The results of the experiment indicate a reduction in wakefulness during exposure to a repeating 42Hz, 70dB signal and an increase in wakefulness during a repeating 1000Hz, 30dB signal.

Investigation 2 was made in order to analyse the correlation between the tiring effect of low frequency noise and the individual EEG signals. Special interest was thus directed towards the question whether drowsiness is influenced by a synergetic effect between sound and EEG frequencies. The design of the experiment was made in order to obtain a noise exposure continuously regulated by the EEG of the subject. Changes in wakefulness were analysed through spectral analysis of the EEG and ECG. The results of the investigation did not show any significant proofs for the theory that drowsiness is influenced by a synergetic correlation between sound waves and sound coordinated EEG. Further conclusions should be based on larger experiments.
Effects of Ventilation Noise Due to Frequency Characteristic and Sound Level
Authors: Holmberg Kjell , Landstrom Ulf , Kjellberg Anders
Published: January 2017

In two studies twelve subjects were exposed to different types of ventilation noise in a simulated office. In Study 1, a ventilation noise with a gradually falling frequency/level spectral character, was considered as more annoying than a ventilation noise with a band of raised levels around 43 Hz and in particular a tone at 43 Hz. The differences in acceptable comfort levels were aproximately 7 dB when comparing the tonal and gradually falling frequency/level ventilation noise. The frequency character thus has to be considered when evaluating the annoyance due to ventilation noise. The result from Study 2 gives support to the suggested lowering of the highest acceptable level of ventilation noise from 40 to 35 dB(A) and that the level should be reduced even more in environments designed for intellectual work.
Dynamic Response of Coupled Structural-Acoustic Systems
Authors: Freymann R. , Stryczek R. , Spannheimer H.
Published: January 2017

A new approach, based on Lagrange's energy equations, is described for the derivation of the generalized equations of motion of coupled structural-acoustic systems. Furthermore attention is given to consideration of the acoustic properties of sound absorbing materials and damping pads in the generalized formulation of the coupled equations of motion.
Modification of Silicas and Their Investigation by Dye Adsorption
Authors: Khokhlova T.D. , Nikitin Yu.S. , Detistova A.L.
Published: January 2017

Various silicas (silica gel, silochrome, alumosilica, Aerosil and quartz) were modified by dehydroxylation, calcium hydroxide, aluminium chloride and organosilanes with hydrophobic and aminopropyl groups. The surface characteristics of the modified materials were evaluated by means of basic and acid dye adsorption from aqueous solution. The degree of modification, the hydrolytic stability of the organosilyl silicas and the rehydroxylation rate of the dehydroxylated silicas were determined via the kinetics of dye adsorption and their respective isotherms.
Adsorption of UO22+ Ions on Activated Charcoal: pH Effect
Authors: Qadeer Riaz , Saleem M.
Published: January 2017

The adsorption of UO22+ ions on activated charcoal was studied as a function of pH. The adsorption mechanism of UO22+ ions has been discussed in terms of hydrolyzed species formed in aqueous solution at different pH values.
Effect of Li2O Doping on the Surface and Catalytic Properties of NiO Solid
Authors: El-Shobaky Hala G. , Fagal Gehan A. , Attia Amina A. , Hassan Neven A.
Published: January 2017

The influence of Li2O treatment (0.19–0.75 mol%) on the surface and catalytic properties of NiO were investigated using nitrogen adsorption at −196°C and the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 at 30–50°C. Pure and treated solid samples were subjected to thermal treatment at 300°C, 500°C and 700°C, respectively. The results obtained revealed that Li2O treatment of NiO solid brought about a measurable decrease (30–63%) in its BET surface area, SBET, and a decrease of 20–44% in its total pore volume, Vp, especially for the solid samples calcined at 700°C. The observed decrease in the SBET value of NiO due to treatment with Li2O was attributed to transformation of some of the Ni2+ ions into Ni3+ ions with a subsequent contraction in the lattice and also to pore widening.

The catalytic activities of all the doped catalyst samples investigated showed that their catalytic activity was smaller than that measured for the untreated samples. The catalytic activity, expressed as the reaction rate constant per unit surface area (k), was effectively decreased by the doping process. Although this process increased the number of Ni3+ ions, it decreased the activity of the treated solids because of the formation of Li+–Ni3+ ion pairs which could not readily exchange electrons with the reacting substrate (H2O2). The formation of such ion pairs may take place at sites associated with the most active Ni2+ ions. The doping process did not modify the mechanism of the catalytic reaction but decreased the concentration of active sites involved in the catalysis of H2O2 decomposition without changing their energetic nature.
The Representation of Cables Subjected to General Loading
Authors: Ahmadi-Kashani K. , Bell A. J.
Published: January 2017

This paper is concerned with the development of a general 3D cable element suitable for use in the analysis of cable structures such as guyed masts and underwater cable systems. The element can adequately model structural cables subjected to completely general loading. The loading may be specified as a function of a Lagrangian coordinate along either the strained or the unstrained length of the cable, and/or as a function of the deformed geometry of the cable. This element is particularly suitable for use in situations where there is a strong interaction between the loading and cable profiles. Examples of structures in which such situations arise are subsea cable systems subjected to current loading and guyed masts under the action of wind and ice loading.

In the development of the general cable element, two sets of quantities, i.e. equivalent nodal forces and the tangent stiffness relationships, need to be evaluated. Consideration of equilibrium and compatibility conditions together with the constitutive relationship for a single hanging cable subjected to external loading has led to the development of three simultaneous non-linear equations. The unknowns in these equations are determined using the Newton-Raphson technique to obtain the equivalent nodal forces. Initial estimates are found using simple but accurate formulae which have been developed for this purpose. Based on these equations a method for the determination of the tangent stiffness relationship for the general cable element is described. This method is shown to be particularly efficient in terms of computation.

In order to demonstrate the versatility of the general cable element it has been used in the analysis of a stay of a guyed mast and an undersea guyed tower.
Wind Pressure Distribution on a Multiple Hyperbolic Paraboloid Shell Roof Building
Authors: Dutt A. J.
Published: January 2017

Wind pressure distribution was investigated on a multiple hyperbolic paraboloid (HP) shell roof building by model test in the wind tunnel. The roof of the model was a grouping of four similar HP shells in a ‘normal’ array forming a square in plan. Wind tunnel experiments were carried out; wind pressure distribution and the contours of wind pressure on shell roof and walls were determined for various wind directions. The average suctions on roof were computed and compared with those on a single HP shell roof and on a multiple HP shell roof having a ‘sawtooth’ array. The highest point suction encountered was −4·12 q whilst the maximum average suction on the roof was −0·61 q.
Moments and Deflections of Simply Supported Rectangular Grids — An Exact Method
Authors: Chan H.C. , Cai C.W. , Cheung Y.K.
Published: January 2017

An exact method for obtaining the solutions for the bending moments, twisting moments and deflections of simply supported rectangular grids subjected to static concentrated loads applied at the nodes is presented in this paper. It is developed by employing the cyclic periodicity in two directions of the equivalent systems of the original grid structure. A simple example is worked out to demonstrate the accuracy of this method which is applicable to orthogonal grids subjected to nodal loads only at this stage but will be further developed to extend its applicability to other types of grids such as diagonal grids subjected to arbitrary loading.
Design and Construction of a Reinforced Concrete Dome
Authors: Kobielak Sylwester
Published: January 2017

The paper presents the design and construction of a reinforced concrete dome covering the rectangular nave of a church in Wroclaw. The design was developed in the years 1978–79 and the construction started in July 1979. At present the finishing work is under way. The designers are: Waclaw Kamocki (architecture) and Sylwester Kobielak (structure).
The Method of Secondary Grid Deformation
Authors: Rebielak Janusz
Published: January 2017

The type of spherical grid plays a significant role in dome coverings realized as bar constructions. Triangular spherical grids should resemble the sphere surface as far as possible. For technological reasons the grid should be formed of the lowest number of edges of different lengths. The range of the necessary changes in the edge lengths should be as low as possible. It would be advantageous to have a grid consisting of the lowest number of triangular faces included between the grid segments. This paper presents a method which makes it possible to determine relatively regular spherical grids. The examples of the dimension relations of triangular spherical grids determined by this method on the basis of the selected group of regular polyhedrons were provided. The characteristics of the polyhedrons of a great number of faces, obtained in this way, were also given. In this paper is shown only the basic shape of the method of secondary grid deformation.
Dome-Type Space Structures of Ellipsoidal Form
Authors: Huybers Pieter
Published: January 2017

A dome structure is usually spherical. This means, that it has the same radii in all directions. This shape can be altered by compressing or stretching it in any of the three main axes of the co-ordinate system. In that case a tri-axial ellipsoid is obtained. A horizontal cross-section in the XY-plane (see Fig. 1) then has the form of an ellipse. Any vertical cross-section through the Z-axis is an ellipse also, having its foot points in opposite positions on the horizontal ellipse. The equation of an ellipse is usually of the second power, but to this equation can be given a more general character if this power can be chosen freely – possibly individually in both directions. This offers a method to alter the shape of the sphere substantially. Another way to influence the appearance - and hence the structural characteristics – of a spherical structure is by varying its subdivision pattern. This can be done from various view points. The effects of both approaches are treated in the following sections.
Self-Tensioning Spherical Structures: Single and Double Layer Spheroids
Authors: Emmerich David
Published: January 2017

A self-tensioning framework is made up of bars and ties, where the compression bars are isolated from each other, and the tension ties form a continuous polyhedric network. Every regular and semiregular polyhedron can be realised in such a manner, thus giving as many regular single layer spheric structures.

Some basic self-tensioning simplexes can be connected together to form double layer frameworks. Thus using the composite polyhedra as building patterns larger spherical structures can be realised.

In all these configurations, compression members are “floating” in a continuous tensional network, all components being rigidly spread out and at the same time united together under the effect of prestress, without the necessity of anchorage or other forces external to the system – the same as in a self-supporting structure – hence our term: self-tensioning.
Techniques of Compositional Geometrical Shape Forming for Crystalline Dome Shells
Authors: Golov G.M.
Published: January 2017

This paper considers compositional-geometrical-shape forming of crystalline dome shells (CDS) examined by investigating objective properties of basic shapes, vis. regular crystalline polyhedra and their derivatives.

The analysis of these properties reveals the main techniques for defining, constructing and exposing CDS forms proposed for use in designing dome structures.
A Stabilized Cuboctahedron Frame
Authors: Loeb Arthur L. , Varney William
Published: January 2017

When one quarter of the vertices and half the edges of an octet truss are removed systematically, the remaining vertices form a lattice complex known among crystallographers as the J-complex, because their spatial configuration resembles that of jackstones. The residual network corresponds to a space filling system of octahedra and cuboctahedra, having 8-valent vertices. This network has few degrees of freedom, which may be removed by means of only one pair of tension members or a single compression member in each cartesian plane. In principle, the number of such stabilizers is independent of the number of units in each plane. This frame has practical implications, as all compression and tension members lie in an orthogonal set of planes; hence it combines the features of the octet truss with traditional architectural forms.
Space Structures — Proposals for Shaping
Authors: Rebielak Janusz
Published: January 2017

The tendency to the individual shaping of an architectural view of space structures leads sometimes to the search for new arrangements of component parts of these structures and their reciprocal juxtapositions. The merger procedure of these elements determines a geometric form of the inner construction of a given space structure and technical conditions connected with its application. This paper presents, having in mind architectural advantages, some examples of geometrical shaping of the inner construction of multi-layer space structures and some proposals of their application as structures for large span covers. The systems presented of the proposed space frameworks were obtained by help of modification of a bar arrangement within chosen symmetric modular sets of a certain group of space structures. The application proposals of the presented group of space structures were shown mainly on examples of spherical covers.
Load Transfer in a Space Frame Connection
Authors: Murtha-Smith Erling , Hwang Sun-Hee , Bean John E.
Published: January 2017

The connection of the Unistrut “System 1” double layer grid space frame transfers loads statically indeterminately from a member to the connection plate through two lugs and a bolt. The connection is studied by Finite Element analysis, design code analysis and a series of experimental tests. There is quite good agreement between the analysis methods and fair agreement with the tests. The test series isolates the contributions of the individual load paths showing quite good correspondence. The failure of the lugs in an unpredicted shear mode is the major cause for discrepancies. However, analysis of that shear mode is consistent with the tests.
Geometry of Expandable Space Structures
Authors: Escrig F. , Valcarcel J.P.
Published: January 2017

Expandable Structures are a special kind of mechanism that can be used in several different geometries. The geometry of structures based on scissors is introduced to explain concepts necessary to design a wide range of forms like masts, archs, plane spatial structures, cylindrical and spherical bar structures.
Geometric Design of Deploybale Structures with Discrete Joint Size
Authors: Gantes C.J. , Logcher R.D. , Connor J.J. , Rosenfeld Y.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents further developments in the geometric design of deployable structures that are self-standing and stress-free in both the deployed and collapsed configurations. The basic geometric design philosophy of these structures has been explained in previous publications. Furthermore, guidelines for the geometric design of polygonal and trapezoidal units for flat and curved structures have been proposed. The size of the joints has been assumed to be infinitesimally small.

In reality however, the joints have certain discrete dimensions that have to be taken into account. This paper presents a more realistic geometric design procedure allowing for discrete joint sizes. First, a simple but accurate model is adopted for the joints that treats them as a grid of bars that are hinged to the members of the structure. Then, the geometric constraints and deployability conditions derived earlier are modified to account for joint size. Regular polygonal units for flat and curved structures, and trapezoidal units for flat structures are covered. An example of a medium size model is presented, where adjustments for the joint size had to be made during geometric design. Finally, the influence of joint size in the structural response during deployment is illustrated.
Numerical Modelling of the Collapse Mechanisms of Thin R.C. Shells
Authors: Borri Claudio , Chiarugi Andrea , Foraboschi Paolo
Published: January 2017

The present work aims at modelling the collapse mechanisms and the related limit loads of thin R.C. shells. A numerical approach is developed, in order to model both the buckling and the bending collapse mechanisms within the framework of the finite element technique. The mechanical behaviour of R.C. is modelled with an elasto-plastic-fracturing formulation including a special tension-stiffening approach along with a smeared cracks mode. Doubly curved elements are used in order to describe the shape of the shell. The proposed method of modelling is applied to an R.C. shell of large span and small thickness. Results provided by the model are compared with observed response quantities, and the accuracy as well as the efficiency of the model are proved. The actual safety margin of the reference shell, represented by the collapse load multipliers and the related mechanisms, are assessed before and after its rehabilitation.
Buckling of Reticulated Shells: State-of-the-Art
Authors: Gioncu Victor
Published: January 2017

In spite of spectacular development of reticulated shells, at least one problem has not yet been solved satisfactorily and that is the problem of buckling. The instability of isolated members is still an open question, while the instability of continuous shells is one of the most instricate problems of structural mechanics. Since reticulated shells have common feature with both lattice structures and shells, the characteristic difficulties of both types of structures are cumulated and amplified.

The purpose of this report is to present the state-of-the-art of the buckling problems and the up-to-date bibliography for the reticulated shells. Many valuable theoretical and experimental studies have been carried out. However, from the designer's point of view, the situation cannot be considered satisfactory. It is of prime importance to have information concerning the essential factors influencing the behaviour, presented in the simplest possible form, emphasizing the essence of the phenomena.
In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Buckling of Triangulated Grids
Authors: Raskin Igor , Roorda John
Published: January 2017

The stability of plane, triangulated, uniformly compressed grids with rigid nodes is considered. The lowest critical loads for grids of hexagonal, triangular and rhombic overall layout are calculated for the case of in-plane buckling and associated modes are obtained. The lower and upper bounds for these critical loads related to the behaviour of a single triangular cell are given. The connection between symmetry of the buckled configurations and the multiplicity of corresponding critical points is discussed and illustrated by the example of out-of-plane buckling of hexagonal grid.
A Non-Linear Model for Stability Analysis of Reticulated Shallow Shells with Imperfections
Authors: Nie G.H. , Cheung Y.K.
Published: January 2017

A non-linear stability problem of imperfect reticulated shallow shells with distorted rectangular meshes is investigated in this paper. The fundamental governing equations are deduced by adopting an equivalent model and the principle of the virtual work. For the reticulated shallow spherical shell under uniform vertical load, an axisymmetrical case is considered and the analytical solution of the coupled equations is given with the help of the asymptotical iteration method. Meanwhile, non-linear characteristic relations concerning load, deflection and imperfection factor are numerically analyzed. In particular, the corresponding solution degenerates to that of a reticulated circular plate when the radius of curvature of the structure R → ∞.