bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Prestress Design and Construction Technique of Cable-Strut Tension Structures with Multi-Overall Selfstress Modes
Authors: Chen Lian-Meng , Dong Shi-Lin
Published: November 2013

This paper carries out investigations into the optimal prestress design and construction technique analysis of the cable-strut tension structure (CSTS) with multi-overall selfstress modes. First, the overall selfstress modes analysis method taking advantage of the symmetry of CSTS is proposed, which is applicable to CSTS with either single or multiple overall selfstress modes. Based on the selfstress modes analysis, the optimal prestress design of CSTS with multi-overall selfstress modes is then carried out and the minimum initial strain energy is selected as the objective function. After that, the construction technique using dynamic relaxation method is discussed, which is applicable not only to the final prestress stable systems but also to the in-slack cable-strut assemblies with insufficient number of structural members during the construction process. Finally, one laboratory model is designed to illustrate the proposed prestress design method and construction technique. The consistence of the measured values and computed results indicate the validity and accuracy of the proposed methods in this paper.
Dynamic Analysis of Wind-Vehicle-Bridge Coupling System during the Meeting of Two Trains
Authors: Li Yong-Le , Xiang Huo-Yue , Wang Bin , Xu You-Lin , Qiang Shi-Zhong
Published: November 2013

In order to investigate the characteristics of the vibration of the wind-vehicle-bridge (WVB) coupling system during two trains meeting each other, the dynamic response of the WVB system has been analyzed when the two trains meeting on a large span suspension bridge using the self-developed software BANSYS. Particularly, the aerodynamic coefficients of the bridge and the two trains before and after the meeting are determined through wind tunnel tests. It is shown that the wind loads and the responses of the leeward vehicle change abruptly in the meeting process compared with the case with a single train. And the responses of the leeward vehicle increase with the growing of wind speed and vehicle speed, and decrease with the enlarging of the lateral distance between the two trains. The processes of two trains meeting each other are the control factors for the WVB coupling system.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Property of Visual Bolt-Ball Joint System
Authors: Wang Xiaodun , Weng Kai , Liu Hongbo , Zhang Yulan , Chen Zhihua
Published: November 2013

Grid structures with bolted spherical joints suffer impairment because of the “fake tightened-up” phenomenon. To prevent the “fake tightened-up” phenomenon, this study presents a new type of visual bolt-ball joint system that visually and effectively estimates the length of threads inserted into the bolt hole after adjusting the position of the fixed trip bolt and the location of the chute. The ultimate bearing capacity of the high-strength bolt and sleeve are studied via experiments. Results show that the failure section of high-strength bolts is the inclined section, which has a 60° angle to the direction of the screw, and a formula for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity is derived. Sleeves are compressed as their bearing failure is strength failure, which is due to yielding of the net section. A design method of the visual bolt-ball joint system is put forward according to the experimental results, and the safety of the visual bolt-ball joint is verified. Finally, the ductility and the fatigue performance of the visual bolt-ball joint are discussed in the paper.
Multi-Type Sensor Placement for Multi-Scale Response Reconstruction
Authors: Zhu Songye , Zhang Xiao-Hua , Xu You-Lin , Zhan Sheng
Published: November 2013

Although various types of sensors are now available to monitor a structure, measurements are usually obtained in only a few locations numbering less than the total degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the structure. The lack of structural responses of the structure at all its critical areas may hamper the effectiveness of structural monitoring. Therefore, multi-scale response reconstruction at those key structural locations where sensors are not available is essential to fully achieving the structural monitoring objectives. This paper addresses a problem of placing multi-type sensors in a structure with the objective of best reconstruction of structural responses. The types of sensors include accelerometers, displacement and strain measurement sensors, all of which are widely used in civil engineering structures. The number and locations of the three types of sensors are determined aiming to best possibly reconstruct the strain, displacement and acceleration responses, in which the Kalman filter algorithm is employed. By minimizing the overall reconstruction error variance at the locations of interest and maintaining reconstruction errors to a desired target level, the initial set of candidate sensor locations is reduced to a smaller set. The key multi-scale structural responses are reconstructed from the fusion of limited multi-type sensor data information. A simply-supported overhanging steel beam is investigated as a sample case in numerical and experimental study to investigate the effectiveness and accuracy of the presented approach. The good response reconstruction results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed optimal placement method for multi-type sensors.
Plasticised cellulose acetate-natural fibre composite
Authors: Pang C. , Shanks R. , Ing K. , Daver F.
Published: November 2013

Due to positive impact on the environment, biodegradable composite materials are of growing interest. This study used cellulose acetate, a derivative of cellulose, as the matrix for its solubility and flexibility. Kenaf composites have been used in furniture, ceiling panels, and fences. The aim is to prepare composites with plasticized cellulose acetate and natural fibre. The kenaf fibres were surface treated to remove impurities, in particular, hemicellulose, wax, and lignin. Chopped kenaf was added to dissolve cellulose acetate and cast on a Petri dish. After solvent has evaporated, the composite was compression moulded. The thermal and mechanical properties of the kenaf cellulose acetate composite were characterised. From thermogravimetry, the composites were shown to be stable until moisture began evaporating. As a hydrophilic material, cellulose is sensitive to moisture. The mechanical properties of the composites were analysed under high humidity. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that these properties changed slightly with humidity.
Stability analysis of thermohaline convection in ferromagnetic fluid in densely packed porous medium with Soret effect
Authors: Sekar R. , Murugan D. , Raju K.
Published: November 2013

The study of ferrothermohaline convection, double diffusive convection with Soret and Dufour effects have drawn the attention of researchers for the past four decades due to their remarkable applications. The Soret-driven ferrothermoconvective instability in a porous medium heated from below and salted from above has been analyzed using Darcy model for various values of parameters. A small thermal perturbation is applied to the basic state and linear stability analysis is used for which normal mode technique is applied. It is found that the presence of porous medium favours the onset of convection. The present work has been carried out both for oscillatory as well as stationary modes with graphical representation.
Some interactive control modes for planar cable-driven robots
Authors: Zaatri Abdelouahab , Bouchemal Billel
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the design and the implementation of a multimodal operator interface dedicated for planar cable-based robots. Three interactive robot control modes which have been implemented are namely point and click based control, gesture-based control and voice based control. Point and click based control enables robot control by simply clicking on features appearing on images of the robot workspace. Gestural-based control enables robot control by means of human operator gestures. Voice based control enables robot control by means of natural speech. Successful experiments have been tested on a homemade planar cable-driven robot. The availability and the combination of these three modes improve greatly the capability of the global system.
A Method of Tracing Particles in Irregular Unstructured Grid System
Authors: Jin Hanhui , He Chao , Chen Sutao , Wang Canxing , Fan Jianren
Published: November 2013

Particle localization is commonly encountered in many areas of numerical computations. A method of tracing particles in irregular unstructured grid system is presented. The method introduced an additional set of indexical grid system to overlap the original irregular unstructured computational grid system. The particle tracing was first conducted in the indexical grid system to obtain which indexical grid cell the particle lies in, and then was carried out among the original irregular computation grid cells which were included in this localized indexical grid cell. The new method is easy to realize in numerical calculations and can apparently improve the efficiency of particle localization.
Prevention of movement disorders based on somatic abstractions of human movement: Principles, computation and reflection
Authors: Coleman Grisha , Turaga Pavan
Published: November 2013

In this article, we describe a framework for creating technology-based experiential systems rooted in somatic movement education for health and well-being applications. The proposed framework starts with principles derived from somatic modalities in general, and three of the major somatic theories in particular: The Alexander Technique™, The Feldenkrais Method™ and Body-Mind Centering®. In building such a system, we consider ways to translate concepts of expanded motor-sensory awareness, function and ease of movement into measurable attributes for action quality, with simple-to-use and easily available sensing/feedback technology. Inspired by the pioneering work of F. P. Jones, a student of F. M. Alexander, whose research looked ‘to scientifically demonstrate the physiological mechanisms underlying its principles’, our framework seeks to build upon this work by leveraging advances in current technologies for motion capture that enable home-based deployment (KINECT, cell phone accelerometers, etc.), as well as advances in pattern classification technologies for distinguishing actions based on attributes that correlate to subjective, kinaesthetic responses. The framework is intended to provide a foundation in the implementation of a real-time, media-based, interactive experiential system. As well, it is intended to engage communities of somatic practitioners, theorists and technologists in extending the scope of the research and development of new applications.
In the Loop Autoscores: Tensions, tangents and topologies
Authors: Emslie Manny , Spies Sarah
Published: November 2013

The following article is a visual essay that gives access to the creative processes used by The Oblique Strategists (Manny Emslie and Sarah Spies) in Autoscores© In the Loop Project (2012). It can be read in a linear fashion or through an intertextual framework. Inherently, an intertextual approach allows for plurality and a continuous re-arrangement of readings, which we would like to encourage. Embedded within the article are a number of key links to our online scores that make the scores open to possible re-appropriation and performative action. Our self-portraits are included in the visual document below and online at: http://theobliquestrategists.wordpress.com.
Excitable tissues in motion capture practices: The improvising dancer as technogenetic imagist
Authors: Sarco-Thomas Malaika
Published: November 2013

This article outlines the potential of dance improvisation practice to function as a technological interface with one’s environment, drawing parallels between the performances of Twig Dances (Sarco-Thomas 2010) and technologies used in the life sciences to map living matter onto still frames. A postphenomenological approach is used to compare improvisation scores with image-making technologies. Scores that invite corporeal responses to the non-human, and kinaesthetic responses to organic matter, are highlighted as technologies which stand further exploration and examination as they mediate our experience of the world. A diversifying field of somatic practices is proposed as a means to investigate the potential knowledges generated by ‘excitable tissues’ enlivened through improvisational practices.
For a methodology of transformation at the crossroads of somatics and technology: Becoming another …
Authors: Choinière Isabelle
Published: November 2013

This article presents an overview of the motivations behind my artistic approach and a description of current research. My artistic process aims at a transformation of the body based on tactile, kinesthetic and experiential references. It takes the experiential as its raw material. This process inevitably opens up alternative gestural codes, performative modes and behaviours. As a result, it is possible to consider a new relationship between somatics and technology capable of engendering new aesthetic, cognitive and communicational paradigms. Here, technology activates a process that reconfigures sensory-perceptual activity and leads to a change of corporality (corporalité) that in turn generates corporeality (corporéité). This dynamic is based on developing a notion of corporeal potentiality – or interval – and introduces the notion of emergence through which an eventual organization of a new experiential form in the performing arts can appear. Christine Buci-Glucksmann speaks of the interval as the equivalent of the Japanese term Mâ (2003: 89), explaining it as a latent potentiality present within the virtual. I argue that the virtual is part of the physical body and show how these concepts can be linked as the foundations of a methodology that I have developed with dancers. This methodology is one of an evolutive nature and is based on strategies of destabilization of three components of somatics that I have experimented with in order to recreate what Hubert Godard calls ‘an ever fluctuating real’ (Godard in Kuypers 2006: 60).
Academic English is No One’s Mother Tongue: Graduate and Undergraduate Students’ Academic English Language-learning Needs from Students’ and Instructors’ Perspectives
Authors: Huang Li-Shih
Published: November 2013

A research project designed to assess English-as-first-language (EL1) and English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) undergraduate and graduate students’ academic language-learning needs in the context of an academic language-support unit was conducted. This paper reports findings pertaining to 370 EL1 students and 88 instructors at the graduate and undergraduate levels. These participants responded to questionnaires, which requested them to rate the importance of academic language skills, to assess their own or their students’ skill status, and to respond to open-ended questions regarding their own or their students’ academic communication challenges. In addition to reporting EL1 students’ perceived needs and assessments of their skills, a comparison of findings between EL1 and EAL contexts is presented. Findings point to a match between instructors and students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels in their perceptions of important academic language skills, but a great divergence in their assessments of students’ competence in those skills. These findings indicate a need to re-examine the divide often made in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programmes regarding divergent needs of EAL versus EL1 learners as well as to determine whether the convergence of their needs can be considered when planning EAP courses or workshops, especially during challenging economic times, when priorities must be set in response to the rise of international EAL student enrolment in English-speaking countries.
OER? What OER? Integrating Video OER in a Teacher Education Programme
Authors: Nerantzi Chrissi
Published: November 2013

The Food for thought series is an Open Educational Resource (OER) in video format created by teachers and students in Higher Education (HE) for the academic community. The series offers open bite-size just in-time initial and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for teachers in HE. Voices and perspectives from practitioners around the globe are shared and provide a broader perspective on learning and teaching. The series shows how OER can remove barriers to learning and professional development (Butcher, 2011) and be brought into mainstream teaching and the learning landscape in HE through academic development activities.The Food for thought series has been used systematically in a variety of academic development activities within the University of Salford and elsewhere. Within this paper, we focus on how the series has been integrated within the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) and specifically the module Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (LTHE) to promote reflection on own practice and model the use of OER. The evaluation of this integration is shared here. The impact of the Food for thought series on student learning and the role it played in raising awareness and use of OER are explored. Recommendations are made about how this series could potentially enable wider use, re-use and adaptation for local needs (Lane, 2012) within other professional development activities.
Creative Translation Tasks for ELT (English Language Teaching)
Authors: Gohil Sonu
Published: November 2013

This article looks at the function of creative translation tasks for learners in the ELT classroom. It does not advocate the use of L1 (Language 1, first language, mother tongue) as a teaching tool, for classroom management, setting up activities, or for explaining new vocabulary but encourages the use of innovative translation tasks for developing language competence. The article starts by looking at benefits of creative translation as an aid to language learning. It then briefly reviews the current education system. It concludes with some creative translation tasks and observations on how to utilize them in the best possible ways. This paper advocates the effectiveness of using creative translation to develop the communicative competence of a language among the students at tertiary level. English dominates the world as no other language ever has in the world. There is a need to emphasize the conscious acquisition of English as a meaningful system and a creative process. When there is a need there is an urge of finding various mediums to satisfy that need, now this medium should be such as it not only helps in learning a language but also develops competency of the learner. Thus, one of the effective and fairly possible fundamentals of learning a new language is translation. Translation is desirable as it does not undermine the adult learners’ confidence. This paper thus, aims at the development of communicative competence, enabling the learners to discuss the cultures they encounter while translating and eventually helps the learners in deepening their sensitivity to language through heightening their critical ability and creative power. The tasks on translation helps learners make use of the English language while communicating with each other in more realistic situations than what generally happens in the classrooms. They get aware of different cultures while discussing different languages. Thus, translation becomes an intellectually challenging process.
New examples of torsion-free non-unique product groups
Authors: Carter William
Published: November 2013

We give an infinite family of torsion-free groups that do not satisfy the unique product property. For these examples, we also show that each group contains arbitrarily large sets whose square has no uniquely represented element.
Cerebral Arterial Pulsation Drives Paravascular CSF–Interstitial Fluid Exchange in the Murine Brain
Authors: Iliff Jeffrey J. , Wang Minghuan , Zeppenfeld Douglas M. , Venkataraman Arun , Plog Benjamin A. , Liao Yonghong , Deane Rashid , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: November 2013

CSF from the subarachnoid space moves rapidly into the brain along paravascular routes surrounding penetrating cerebral arteries, exchanging with brain interstitial fluid (ISF) and facilitating the clearance of interstitial solutes, such as amyloid β, in a pathway that we have termed the “glymphatic” system. Prior reports have suggested that paravascular bulk flow of CSF or ISF may be driven by arterial pulsation. However, cerebral arterial pulsation could not be directly assessed. In the present study, we usein vivotwo-photon microscopy in mice to visualize vascular wall pulsatility in penetrating intracortical arteries. We observed that unilateral ligation of the internal carotid artery significantly reduced arterial pulsatility by ∼50%, while systemic administration of the adrenergic agonist dobutamine increased pulsatility of penetrating arteries by ∼60%. When paravascular CSF–ISF exchange was evaluated in real time usingin vivotwo-photon andex vivofluorescence imaging, we observed that internal carotid artery ligation slowed the rate of paravascular CSF–ISF exchange, while dobutamine increased the rate of paravascular CSF–ISF exchange. These findings demonstrate that cerebral arterial pulsatility is a key driver of paravascular CSF influx into and through the brain parenchyma, and suggest that changes in arterial pulsatility may contribute to accumulation and deposition of toxic solutes, including amyloid β, in the aging brain.
Longitudinal Growth Curves of Brain Function Underlying Inhibitory Control through Adolescence
Authors: Ordaz Sarah J. , Foran William , Velanova Katerina , Luna Beatriz
Published: November 2013

Neuroimaging studies suggest that developmental improvements in inhibitory control are primarily supported by changes in prefrontal executive function. However, studies are contradictory with respect to how activation in prefrontal regions changes with age, and they have yet to analyze longitudinal data using growth curve modeling, which allows characterization of dynamic processes of developmental change, individual differences in growth trajectories, and variables that predict any interindividual variability in trajectories. In this study, we present growth curves modeled from longitudinal fMRI data collected over 302 visits (across ages 9 to 26 years) from 123 human participants. Brain regions within circuits known to support motor response control, executive control, and error processing (i.e., aspects of inhibitory control) were investigated. Findings revealed distinct developmental trajectories for regions within each circuit and indicated that a hierarchical pattern of maturation of brain activation supports the gradual emergence of adult-like inhibitory control. Mean growth curves of activation in motor response control regions revealed no changes with age, although interindividual variability decreased with development, indicating equifinality with maturity. Activation in certain executive control regions decreased with age until adolescence, and variability was stable across development. Error-processing activation in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex showed continued increases into adulthood and no significant interindividual variability across development, and was uniquely associated with task performance. These findings provide evidence that continued maturation of error-processing abilities supports the protracted development of inhibitory control over adolescence, while motor response control regions provide early-maturing foundational capacities and suggest that some executive control regions may buttress immature networks as error processing continues to mature.
A Novel Hap1–Tsc1 Interaction Regulates Neuronal mTORC1 Signaling and Morphogenesis in the Brain
Authors: Mejia Luis A. , Litterman Nadia , Ikeuchi Yoshiho , de la Torre-Ubieta Luis , Bennett Eric J. , Zhang Chi , Harper J. Wade , Bonni Azad
Published: November 2013

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a leading genetic cause of autism. The TSC proteins Tsc1 and Tsc2 control the mTORC1 signaling pathway in diverse cells, but how the mTORC1 pathway is specifically regulated in neurons remains to be elucidated. Here, using an interaction proteomics approach in neural cells including neurons, we uncover the brain-enriched protein huntingtin-associated protein 1 (Hap1) as a novel functional partner of Tsc1. Knockdown of Hap1 promotes specification of supernumerary axons in primary hippocampal neurons and profoundly impairs the positioning of pyramidal neurons in the mouse hippocampusin vivo. The Hap1 knockdown-induced phenotypes in primary neurons andin vivorecapitulate the phenotypes induced by Tsc1 knockdown. We also find that Hap1 knockdown in hippocampal neurons induces the downregulation of Tsc1 and stimulates the activity of mTORC1, as reflected by phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6. Inhibition of mTORC1 activity suppresses the Hap1 knockdown-induced polarity phenotype in hippocampal neurons. Collectively, these findings define a novel link between Hap1 and Tsc1 that regulates neuronal mTORC1 signaling and neuronal morphogenesis, with implications for our understanding of developmental disorders of cognition.
D1Dopamine Receptor Coupling to PLCβ Regulates Forward Locomotion in Mice
Authors: Medvedev Ivan O. , Ramsey Amy J. , Masoud Shababa T. , Bermejo Marie Kristel , Urs Nikhil , Sotnikova Tatyana D. , Beaulieu Jean-Martin , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Salahpour Ali
Published: November 2013

Several studies have reported the coupling of dopamine signaling to phospholipase C β (PLCβ) bothin vitroandin vivo. However, the precise physiological relevance of this signaling pathway in mediating dopamine behaviors is still unclear. Here we report that stimulation of dopamine receptor signalingin vivowith systemic administration of apomorphine, amphetamine, and cocaine leads to increased production of inositol triphosphate (IP3) in the mouse striatum. Using selective antagonists and dopamine D1and D2receptor knock-out animals, we show that the production of IP3is mediated by the D1receptor, but not the D2receptor. A selective blocker of PLCβ, U73122, was used to assess the physiological relevance of D1-mediated IP3production. We show that U73122 inhibits the locomotor-stimulating effects of apomorphine, amphetamine, cocaine, and SKF81297. Furthermore, U73122 also suppresses the spontaneous hyperactivity exhibited by dopamine transporter knock-out mice. Importantly, the effects of U73122 are selective to dopamine-mediated hyperactivity, as this compound does not affect hyperactivity induced by the glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist MK801. Finally, we present evidence showing that an imbalance of D1- and D2-mediated signaling following U73122 treatment modifies the locomotor output of animals from horizontal locomotor activity to vertical activity, further highlighting the importance of the PLCβ pathway in the regulation of forward locomotion via dopamine receptors.
Synapsin II and Rab3a Cooperate in the Regulation of Epileptic and Synaptic Activity in the CA1 Region of the Hippocampus
Authors: Feliciano Pedro , Andrade Rodrigo , Bykhovskaia Maria
Published: November 2013

Some forms of idiopathic epilepsy in animals and humans are associated with deficiency of synapsin, a phosphoprotein that reversibly associates with synaptic vesicles. We have previously shown that the epileptic phenotype seen in synapsin II knock-out mice (SynII(−)) can be rescued by the genetic deletion of the Rab3a protein. Here we have examined the cellular basis for this rescue using whole-cell recordings from CA1 hippocampal pyramidal cells in brain slices. We find that SynII(−) neurons have increased spontaneous activity and a reduced threshold for the induction of epileptiform activity by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Using selective recordings of glutamatergic and GABAergic activity we show that in wild-type neurons low concentrations of 4-AP facilitate glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission in a balanced way, whereas in SynII(−) neurons this balance is shifted toward excitation. This imbalance reflects a deficit in inhibitory synaptic transmission that appears to be secondary to reduced Ca2+sensitivity in SynII(−) neurons. This suggestion is supported by our finding that synaptic and epileptiform activity at SynII(−) and wild-type synapses is similar when GABAergic transmission is blocked. Deletion of Rab3a results in glutamatergic synapses that have a compromised responsiveness to either low 4-AP concentrations or elevated extracellular Ca2+. These changes mitigate the overexcitable phenotype observed in SynII(−) neurons. Thus, Rab3a deletion appears to restore the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance observed in SynII(−) hippocampal slices indirectly, not by correcting the deficit in GABAergic synaptic transmission but rather by impairing excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission.
Meditation und Psychiatrie
Authors: Huppertz Michael
Published: November 2013

Die Anwendung meditativer Praktiken bei schweren psychischen Erkrankungen wird in der Psychiatrie skeptisch betrachtet. Der vorliegende Text wirft die Frage auf, ob dies berechtigt ist. Er sieht eine Ursache für diese Skepsis in einem zu engen, kognitivistischen Verständnis sowohl von psychiatrischen Erkrankungen als auch von Meditation. Meditation wird oft einseitig als Veränderung des subjektiven Erlebens und als Bewusstseinserweiterung interpretiert. Wenn Meditation dem - gemeinhin akzeptierten - Anspruch gerecht werden soll, eine existenzielle Bereicherung zu sein, ist es sinnvoll, sie auch als Übungsweg zu einem differenzierteren praktisch-sinnlichen Kontakt mit der Umwelt und Mitwelt zu verstehen und zu gestalten. Damit eröffnet sich eine neue Perspektive für die psychotherapeutische Behandlung von Lebensformen, die ein Scheitern dieser Interaktivität und eine reduzierte und verschobene Wirklichkeitserfahrung beinhalten.
„Geschehen lassen“
Authors: Westphal Kristin
Published: November 2013

Tun und Lassen, Aktivität und Passivität spannen für eine Theorie des Performativen einen Bogen, der die aktivische Dimension einer Handlungstheorie um eine passivische und wahrnehmende Seite erweitert. Diese betrachtet die Grundlage des Handelns vor einem Selbst, das nicht allein als Akteur tätig ist, sondern auch als „Patient“ oder „Respondent“ verschiedene Weisen des Selbstwerdens durchläuft. Diese These soll vor dem Hintergrund neuerer Verfahrensweisen insbesondere in Tanz und Bewegung im Zusammenhang fernöstlicher Meditationstechniken betrachtet und in Beziehung gesetzt werden.
Der Körper der Perzepte
Authors: Schulze Holger
Published: November 2013

Dieser Beitrag bietet einen Zugang zur Meditation anhand des Phänomens und der Theorie der Resonanz. Die Meditation wird zunächst als eine monistisch geprägte Körpertechnik gedeutet in Referenz zu Deleuze/Guattaris Bestimmung des Begriffs des Perzepts und beider Kritik eines dualistischen Konzepts des Sinneserlebens. In einem weiteren Schritt werden Praktiken der Resonanz als solche der Schwingungsfähigkeit und Anrührbarkeit im Anschluss an den Medienbegriff von Fritz Heider analysiert, die dabei helfen, die individuellen Techniken der Wahrnehmung, der perceptual techniques (Sterne), aus einer dualistischen in eine monistische zu transformieren. Abschließend wird das gesellschaftskritische und systemsprengende Potenzial der Meditation diskutiert anhand einer wahrnehmungsbezogenen Gesellschaftskritik durch Rudolf zur Lippe und Mario Perniolas Konzept der Sensologien.
Meditation als soziale Erfahrung
Authors: Althans Birgit
Published: November 2013

Der Artikel beschreibt die Meditationspraxis des Zazen als körperliche und soziale Erfahrung unter Bezugnahme auf die Arbeiten von George Bataille, Jean-Luc Nancy, Jacques Lacan sowie die Schriftsteller Janwillem de Wetering, J. D. Salinger und Peter Handke. Es wird dabei die These vertreten, dass der „inneren Erfahrung“ der Meditation das Gewahrwerden des eigenen Körpers als entfremdeter Körper, als Erfahrung des Anderen vorausgeht. Damit gleichzeitig verbunden ist die Erfahrung, während der Meditation mit den anderen Körpern, die die gleiche Praxis vollziehen, körperlich zu kommunizieren, zu „sprechen“ (Jean-Luc Nancy). Die Erfahrung der Meditation, so eine zweite These, bedarf der Vergewisserung der geteilten Praxis mit den anderen Körpern, aber auch der verbalen Reflexion der Erfahrung mit einem Lehrer, Meister. Dieser Dialog über die innere Erfahrung wird im Text mit dem Dialog zwischen Analysand und Analytiker in der Psychoanalyse Lacans verglichen. Darüber hinaus wird der mit der Meditationspraxis verbundenen Erfahrung des Rückzugs und der Rückkehr ins Soziale anhand der Texte Salingers und Handkes nachgegangen.
Meditation als Erkundung von Bewusstseinsformen
Authors: Böhme Gernot
Published: November 2013

Dieser Artikel ist eine Art Querblick auf Meditation: Es geht nicht um Erleuchtung oder andere Ziele des Meditierens, sondern um die Erfahrungen, die in meditativer Übung gemacht werden. Dabei ist der Ausgangspunkt das durchschnittliche Alltagsbewusstsein eines Teilnehmers der mitteleuropäischen Zivilisation. Die Meditationspraxis, um die es geht, ist das Zazen. Die besprochenen Bewusstseinsformen sind: a) Nicht-Intentionales Bewusstsein b) Leeres Bewusstsein, Nicht-Denken c) Präsenzbewusstsein, Leibbewusstsein d) Nondualität e) Selbstbewusstsein.
Coach McKeever: Unorthodox Leadership Lessons from the Pool
Authors: Schroth Holly A.
Published: November 2013

The case explores the remarkable rise of Coach Teri McKeever to the top of a sport traditionally dominated by male coaches. Her success is driven by an unorthodox leadership and motivational style that emphasizes a growth mindset of self-improvement. She is an influential innovator, mentor, and trailblazer who challenged long entrenched methods of training and overcame criticisms and setbacks to change the face of swim training today. This case examines McKeever's leadership philosophy and controversial motivational strategies that she uses to develop and sustain high-level performers. McKeever's leadership and motivational strategies can be applied to organizations today and managers can use similar tools to develop high-performing employees in their organizations.
Do assédio moral à violência interpessoal: relatos sobre uma empresa júnior
Authors: Pinto Renata de Almeida Bicalho , Paula Ana Paula Paes de
Published: November 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a violência interpessoal vivenciada por sujeitos que atuam ou atuaram profissionalmente em uma empresa júnior (EJ). Para tanto, desenvolvemos um referencial teórico que apresenta e pondera sobre a teoria relativa ao assédio moral no trabalho. De modo sucinto, o assédio moral geralmente é caracterizado, nos Estudos Organizacionais, como condutas hostis, impróprias, repetitivas e prolongadas por meio de posturas, palavras, gestos e/ou situações humilhantes que envolvem o trabalhador, ou um grupo, durante a jornada de trabalho. Neste artigo, questionamos o conceito de assédio moral, que é intimamente relacionado à intencionalidade dos sujeitos, e, em contrapartida, propomos o conceito de violência interpessoal, isto é, o ato de agredir o sujeito física e/ou discursivamente e/ou por atitudes e/ou comportamentos prejudiciais, sejam propositais ou não. Em seguida, analisamos alguns relatos de violência interpessoal experienciadas por atuais ou ex-empresários juniores à luz desse conceito; realizamos uma pesquisa empírica de cunho qualitativo, na qual utilizamos a metodologia da história oral e analisamos os dados de acordo com a técnica hermenêutica/dialética. Constatamos que os tipos de violência relatados são, na maioria dos casos, naturalizados pelas próprias vítimas e pelo corpo social em decorrência de uma práxis tida como necessária para a incorporação do sujeito. Destacamos, ainda, o nítido imbricamento das categorias violência interpessoal e violência simbólica.
Geophysical Imaging of Subsurface Earthquake-induced Liquefaction Features at Christchurch Boys High School, Christchurch, New Zealand
Authors: Nobes David C , Bastin Sarah , Charlton Gemma , Cook Rowan , Gallagher Max , Graham Hamish , Grose Daniel , Hedley Joanne , Sharp-Heward Scott , Templeton Sean
Published: November 2013

On February 22, 2011, a magnitude Mw 6.2 earthquake affected the Canterbury region, New Zealand, resulting in many fatalities. Liquefaction occurred across many areas, visible on the surface as “sand volcanoes”, blisters and subsidence, causing significant damage to buildings, land and infrastructure.

Liquefaction occurred at a number of sites across the Christchurch Boys High School sports grounds; one area in particular contained a piston ground failure and an adjacent silt volcano. Here, as part of a class project, we apply near-surface geophysics to image these two liquefaction features and determine whether they share a subsurface connection. Hand auger results enable correlation of the geophysical responses with the subsurface stratigraphy.

The survey results suggest that there is a subsurface link, likely via a paleo-stream channel. The anomalous responses of the horizontal loop electromagnetic survey and electrical resistivity imaging highlight the disruption of the subsurface electrical properties beneath and between the two liquefaction features. The vertical magnetic gradient may also show a subtle anomalous response in this area, however the results are inconclusive. The ground penetrating radar survey shows disruption of the subsurface stratigraphy beneath the liquefaction features, in particular sediment mounding beneath the silt ejection (“silt volcano”) and stratigraphic disruption beneath the piston failure.

The results indicate how near-surface geophysics allow the characteristics of liquefaction in the subsurface to be better understood, which could aid remediation work following liquefaction-induced land damage and guide interpretation of geophysical surveys of paleoliquefaction features.
Factors affecting the performance of a single-chamber microbial fuel cell-type biological oxygen demand sensor
Authors: Yang Gai-Xiu , Sun Yong-Ming , Kong Xiao-Ying , Zhen Feng , Li Ying , Li Lian-Hua , Lei Ting-Zhou , Yuan Zhen-Hong , Chen Guan-Yi
Published: November 2013

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are devices that exploit microorganisms as biocatalysts to degrade organic matter or sludge present in wastewater (WW), and thereby generate electricity. We developed a simple, low-cost single-chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC)-type biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) sensor using carbon felt (anode) and activated sludge, and demonstrated its feasibility in the construction of a real-time BOD measurement system. Further, the effects of anodic pH and organic concentration on SCMFC performance were examined, and the correlation between BOD concentration and its response time was analyzed. Our results demonstrated that the SCMFC exhibited a stable voltage after 132 min following the addition of synthetic WW (BOD concentration: 200 mg/L). Notably, the response signal increased with an increase in BOD concentration (range: 5–200 mg/L) and was found to be directly proportional to the substrate concentration. However, at higher BOD concentrations (>120 mg/L) the response signal remained unaltered. Furthermore, we optimized the SCMFC using synthetic WW, and tested it with real WW. Upon feeding real WW, the BOD values exhibited a standard deviation from 2.08 to 8.3% when compared to the standard BOD5 method, thus demonstrating the practical applicability of the developed system to real treatment effluents.
Assessing the potential of a UV-based AOP for treating high-salinity municipal wastewater reverse osmosis concentrate
Authors: Umar Muhammad , Roddick Felicity , Fan Linhua
Published: November 2013

The UVC/H2O2 process was studied at laboratory scale for the treatment of one moderate (conductivity ∼8 mS/cm) and two high salinity (∼23 mS/cm) municipal wastewater reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) samples with varying organic and inorganic characteristics. The process efficiency was characterized in terms of reduction of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), colour and absorbance at 254 nm (A254), and the improvement of biodegradability. The reduction of colour and A254 was significantly greater than for DOC and COD for all samples due to the greater breakdown of humic compounds, as confirmed by fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectra. Fairly small differences in the reduction of DOC (26–38%) and COD (25–37%) were observed for all samples, suggesting that the salinity of the ROC did not have a significant impact on the UVC/H2O2 treatment under the test conditions. The biodegradability of the treated ROC samples improved markedly (approximately 2-fold) after 60 min UVC/H2O2 treatment. This study indicates the potential of UVC/H2O2 treatment followed by biological processes for treating high-salinity concentrate, and the robustness of the process where the characteristics of the secondary effluent (influent to RO) and thus resultant ROC vary significantly.
Effect of the rotifer Lecane inermis, a potential sludge bulking control agent, on process parameters in a laboratory-scale SBR system
Authors: Kocerba-Soroka Wioleta , Fiałkowska Edyta , Pajdak-Stós Agnieszka , Sobczyk Mateusz , Pławecka Małgorzata , Fyda Janusz
Published: November 2013

The influence of a high density of rotifers, which is known to be able to control filamentous bacteria, on the parameters of an activated sludge process was examined in four professional laboratory batch reactors. These reactors allow the imitation of the work of a wastewater treatment plant with enhanced nutrient removal. The parameters, including oxygen concentration, pH and temperature, were constantly controlled. The experiment showed that Lecane rotifers are able to proliferate in cyclically anaerobic/anoxic and aerobic conditions and at dissolved oxygen concentrations as low as 1 mg/L. In 1 week, rotifer density increased fivefold, exceeding the value of 2,200 ind./mL. The grazing activity led to an improvement in settling properties. Extremely high numbers of rotifers did not affect the main parameters, chemical oxygen demand (COD), N-NH4, N-NO3, P-PO4 and pH, during sewage treatment. Therefore, the use of rotifers as a tool to limit the growth of filamentous bacteria appears to be safe for the entire wastewater treatment process.
Tracking of arsenics during the thermal stabilization of an AsH3 scrubber sludge
Authors: Liao Chang-Yu , Chang Fang-Chih , Wang H. Paul , Wei Yu-Ling , Jou Chih-Ju G.
Published: November 2013

Toxic arsenics in an AsH3 scrubber sludge were thermally stabilized in the temperature range of 973–1,373 K. To better understand how the high-temperature treatments can stabilize arsenics in the sludge, their synchrotron X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra of arsenics were determined. It is found that the reduced arsenic leachability may be associated with the formation of As2O5 (51–59%) and embedded As(V) within the Ca3(PO4)2 matrix (41–49%) in the stabilized sludge. In addition, the As-O bond distances in the stabilized As2O5 are much less than that of normal As2O5 by 0.05–0.07 Å. The shorter As-O bond distances accompanied with the higher bonding energy also have a contribution to the thermal stabilization of arsenics.
Neurological Assessment Scores in Rabbit Embolic Stroke Models
Authors: Brown Aliza , Woods Sean , Skinner Robert , Hatton Jeff , Lowery John , Roberson Paula , Hennings Leah , Culp William C
Published: November 2013

Background:

Neurological outcomes and behavioral assessments are widely used in animal models of stroke, but assessments in rabbit models are not fully validated. The wryneck model of neurological assessment scores (NAS) was compared to percent infarct volume (%IV) values (infarct volume is a proven clinical indicator of stroke severity) and arterial occlusion localization in three rabbit angiographic stroke models.

Hypothesis:

NAS values will correlate with percent infarct volume values.

Methods:

Anesthetized New Zealand White rabbits (N=131, 4-5 kg) received internal carotid artery emboli by angiographic catheter introduced into the femoral artery and occlusions were characterized. Rabbits were evaluated at 24 hours post embolism using the NAS test of 0 (normal) to 10 (death). Deficit criteria included neck twist, righting reflex, extension reflex in hind paw and forepaw, and posture. Brain sections stained with triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) were analyzed for %IV. Volume of the infarct was measured and calculated as a percent of the total brain volume.

Results:

The aggregate correlation for NAS values vs. %IV values was R=0.61, p<0.0001, a strong positive relationship, while correlations of the NAS components ranged from R=0.28-0.46. Occlusionsof the posterior cerebral artery vs. the middle cerebral artery alone produced significantly greater deficit scores at p<0.0001.

Conclusions:

These positive results validate the NAS system in the rabbit angiographic embolic stroke model.
Optimization of micro combined heat and power gas turbine by genetic algorithm
Authors: Yazdi Behnam , Yazdi Behdad , Ehyaei Mehdi , Ahmadi Abolfazl
Published: November 2013

In this paper, a comprehensive thermodynamic modeling and multi-objective
optimization of a micro turbine cycle in combined heat and power generation,
which provides 100KW of electric power. This CHP System is composed of air
compressor, combustion chamber (CC), Air Preheater, Gas Turbine (GT) and a
Heat Recovery Heat Exchanger. In this paper, at the first stage, the each
part of the micro turbine cycle is modeled using thermodynamic laws. Next,
with using the energetic and exergetic concepts and applying economic and
environmental functions, the multi-objectives optimization of micro turbine
in combined heat and power generation is performed. The design parameters of
this cycle are compressor pressure ratio (rAC), compressor isentropic
efficiency (?AC), GT isentropic efficiency (?GT), CC inlet temperature (T3),
and turbine inlet temperature (T4). In the multi-objective optimization three
objective functions, including CHP exergy efficiency, total cost rate of the
system products, and CO2 emission of the whole plant, are considered.
Theexergoenvironmental objective function is minimized whereas power plant
exergy efficiency is maximized usinga Genetic algorithm. To have a good
insight into this study, a sensitivity analysis of the result to the fuel
cost is performed. The results show that at the lower exergetic efficiency,
in which the weight of exergo-environmental objective is higher, the
sensitivity of the optimal solutions to the fuel cost is much higher than the
location of the Pareto Frontier with the lower weight of exergo-environmental
objective. In addition, with increasing exergy efficiency, the purchase cost
of equipment in the plant is increased as the cost rate of the plant
increases.
An approach to obtain the heat transfer coefficient of aqueous sucrose solutions in agitated boiling vessels
Authors: Özdemir Mustafa , Durmaz Ufuk
Published: November 2013

In this study, the heat transfer mechanism under agitated pool boiling was
examined experimentally. Aqueous sugar solutions were used in a centrically
agitated vessel. The effects of the gap which is between the impeller edge
and the flat bottom of the agitated vessel, the rotational impeller speed and
impeller size were studied on the boiling heat transfer coefficient. A new
Nusselt function depending on the Peclet number was suggested for the heat
transfer mechanism.