bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desenvolvimento e avaliação experimental de uma nova técnica para medição de tensões residuais
Authors: Rodrigues L. D. , Freire J. L. , Vieira R. D.
Published: August 2012

Foi desenvolvida uma nova técnica de medição de tensões residuais, baseada em técnicas de seccionamento, remoção de camadas e na técnica do furo-cego. Trata-se de uma técnica destrutiva, proposta para uso em medições de tensões geradas por processos de fabricação. A técnica consiste na colagem de sensores de deformação na peça, seguida da usinagem de cortes longos próximos dos sensores. Os cortes aliviam as tensões existentes no material retirado e provocam variações nas deformações existentes em suas vizinhanças. Tais variações de deformações são medidas por extensômetros de resistência elétrica (strain gages). Para a formulação matemática da técnica, os cortes foram tratados como elipses, o que permitiu o uso das equações de Inglis para descrever os campos de tensão em sua vizinhança. Para avaliar e validar o equacionamento foram realizadas medições com esta técnica em dois espécimes tubulares API 5L X60 e X46 UOE-SAW. Nas medições, foram avaliados parâmetros como profundidade e comprimento dos cortes, e distância dos cortes para os strain gages, buscando estabelecer um procedimento experimental consistente. Os resultados destas medições foram comparados aos de medições realizadas com a técnica do furo-cego, já normalizada e consolidada. Os resultados das comparações foram satisfatórios, sustentando a validade das hipóteses assumidas para a modelagem analítica e a qualidade do procedimento experimental estabelecido para a nova técnica.
Análise de falha em flanges ocasionada por perda ou danos em estojos
Authors: Pacheco R.M. , Riagussoff I.T.I , Donato V.P.G. , Largura C.J.L
Published: August 2012

As uniões flangeadas são amplamente utilizadas na indústria e a sua aplicação em equipamentos sub-sea requer um alto grau de confiabilidade, tendo em vista as condições ambientais e carregamentos, principalmente nas condições de águas profundas. A confiabilidade de uma união flangeada consiste na manutenção da sua característica de vedação, sendo o componente responsável pela vedação a junta. A vedação exercida pela junta é decorrente da ação de deformação ocasionada pela força de aperto dos estojos, sendo estes, elementos críticos das uniões flangeadas. Com o propósito de investigar falhas neste componente, é desenvolvida uma metodologia numérica, utilizando o método de Elementos Finitos, para avaliar o impacto da perda sucessiva de estojos em uma união flangeada. Também é investigado o relaxamento de tensão ocasionado por uma trinca em estojos. O estudo tem como objetivo conhecer os limites de operação segura, e neste trabalho é apresentado a análise de um flange da classe API 17D, de 4 polegadas com 8 estojos, sendo a metodologia desenvolvida aplicável a qualquer outro flange. O estudo numérico foi desenvolvido e simulado no software ANSYS Workbench 12.1 (2010). O resultado indica além do número mínimo de estojos necessários para manter a vedação, o incremento de tensão nos estojos remanescentes do flange, causado pela sucessiva perda de estojos.
Análise da legitimidade sociopolítica e cognitiva da controladoria no Brasil
Authors: Lunkes Rogério João , Schnorrenberger Darci , Souza Claudio Marcio de , Rosa Fabricia Silva da
Published: August 2012

Em diferentes partes do mundo têm sido realizados esforços na busca de legitimidade e identidade para a controladoria, a partir deste contexto emerge a pergunta de pesquisa: Qual a identidade da disciplina Controladoria no Brasil? Para responder esta pergunta, a presente pesquisa baseia-se nos estudos sobre legitimidade e tem como objetivo identificar e analisar a legitimidade sociopolítica (Zimmerman & Zeitz, 2002; Aldrich, 1999) e cognitiva (Scott, 2001; Zimmerman & Zeitz, 2002) da controladoria no Brasil. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, em relação à legitimidade sociopolítica, foram pesquisados documentos, normas e resoluções de órgãos oficiais e de representação de classe, e com a finalidade de analisar a legitimidade cognitiva, as publicações nas principais revistas de contabilidade, congressos e seminários, disciplinas de controladoria, livros e manuais. Os resultados mostram que a controladoria no Brasil apresenta legitimidade sociopolítica, ou seja, possui organismos e normas próprias, contudo, necessita melhorar os níveis de organização e desenvolvimento, assim como ocorre nos Estados Unidos e Alemanha. Observa-se também que a legitimidade cognitiva cresceu na publicação de livros e manuais, a disciplina de controladoria está presente na maioria dos cursos de Ciências Contábeis, e apresenta oportunidades de aperfeiçoamento, principalmente no que se refere a publicações em periódicos.
Analysis of tunnel excavation in London Clay incorporating soil structure
Authors: GONZáLEZ N.A. , ROUAINIA M. , ARROYO M. , GENS A.
Published: August 2012

Recent studies on London Clay have identified a number of different units in the geological profile, and have highlighted the role of soil structure in mechanical behaviour. In fact, structure is the dominant factor determining the differences in the mechanical response of different units. In the paper, numerical analyses simulating the undrained excavation of a tunnel in St James's Park are presented. London Clay behaviour is characterised by a kinematic-hardening structured soil model incorporating structure and stiffness degradation. The parameters and initial conditions are based on a careful calibration that takes into account the presence of different units within the London Clay formation and the different degrees of soil structure. The analyses performed result in a very satisfactory reproduction of the magnitude and patterns of short-term surface and subsurface displacements, as well as pore pressures. The paper concludes with a discussion of the results in the context of other analyses performed previously, and puts forward some considerations concerning design issues.
Water resources management under future development and climate change impacts in the Upper Srepok River Basin, Central Highlands of Vietnam
Authors: Van Ty Tran , Sunada Kengo , Ichikawa Yutaka
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to assess the impacts of future development and climate change on the water balance in the Upper Srepok River Basin, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. A hydrological model was calibrated and validated to model the rainfall-runoff process. Estimates of the water demand of different water sectors were based on the functional relationships between water and productive uses. The estimates were input into a calibrated basin management model for simulation. The climate projections were downscaled to the studied basin. Future land use was predicted using a geographic information system (GIS)-based logistic regression approach. The water balance was examined under various developed scenarios. The results show a relatively high current annual irrigation water deficit at a basin scale; some sub-basins suffer from water shortage, especially during dry seasons and dry years. All water use sectors will be affected to some extent under the impacts of future development and water supply policies. When the new water policy is introduced, the deficits of irrigation and environmental flow are reduced while the power deficit is increased. Considering climate change impact, the annual water deficits are reduced. However, the temporal and spatial variations of rainfall make future water deficits more severe during the dry seasons and dry years.
Measuring the efficiency of water utilities: a cross-national comparison between Portugal and Italy
Authors: Ferreira da Cruz Nuno , Marques Rui Cunha , Romano Giulia , Guerrini Andrea
Published: August 2012

All over the world, governments are compelling water utilities to improve their efficiency and productivity through reforms and tougher regulatory tools. Despite the different strategies and approaches, the goals remain the same: to make the whole sector more efficient, to curb the profits and ‘quiet life’ of water utilities and pass the productivity gains to customers through reduced prices or better environmental protection and quality of service. The water sectors in Portugal and Italy underwent deep reforms in the 1990s, in pursuit of higher levels of performance. Therefore, there is added interest in measuring the performance of water utilities in these two Mediterranean countries. We assess their performance using composite (global) indicators on a sample of 88 water utilities, for the year 2007. While we compare the performance of the two countries in this sector we also try to identify the impact of the ownership structure on efficiency. Finally, this paper discusses the benchmarking results of our research and draws some policy implications.
Tariffs and efficient performance by water suppliers: an empirical approach
Authors: Hernández-Sancho F. , Molinos-Senante M. , Sala-Garrido R. , Del Saz-Salazar S.
Published: August 2012

Water leaks are an environmental and sustainable issue as well as an economic issue. The objective of this paper is to analyse the efficiency of a sample of Spanish urban water systems by considering water leaks in a network as undesirable outputs. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), an analytical benchmarking methodology, is used to calculate technical and economic efficiency. We also discuss the possible relationship between efficiency and tariffs charged to users. Results show that the possibilities for reducing water leaks in networks are high, thus demonstrating that there is room for savings from an economic and environmental point of view. The assessment of efficiency performance could usefully assist local authorities and water suppliers in the task of optimising urban water management.
Playing Industrial Hygiene to Win
Authors: Tarlau Eileen Senn
Published: August 2012

ITEM — Numerous workers become sensitized to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) at a plant manufacturing foam automobile seats. Personal air sampling conducted by corporate industrial hygienists consistently shows levels of TDI to be within all legal and recommended standards.

ITEM — Dozens of workers in a new office building suffer eye, nose and throat irritation. Vendors who supplied the furniture, partitions and carpeting all reveal that they used formaldehyde in their products. Air samples collected by an indoor air quality consultant, however, show formaldehyde levels in compliance with the new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard.

ITEM — Workers at a construction site become ill and bulk samples of the soil reveal high levels of phenols and many other chemicals. Industrial hygienists from OSHA collect personal air samples but can find no violations of OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs).

ITEM — Machinery noise levels at a carburetor rebuilding factory create stressful working conditions and damage workers' hearing. An OSHA industrial hygienist measures noise levels high enough for management to require workers to wear ear plugs but not high enough to require management to quiet the machinery.
Remembering the Past, Acting for the Future
Authors: Silverstein Michael
Published: August 2012

Michael Silverstein, Director of Policy for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, made these remarks at a Workers' Memorial Day observance held in April by the Philadelphia Area Project on Occupational Safety and Health (PHILAPOSH).
Quercetin oxidation by horseradish peroxidase: The effect of UV-B irradiation
Authors: Savic Sasa , Stanojevic Jelena , Markovic Dejan , Petronijevic Zivomir
Published: August 2012

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP), a highly-investigated member of the peroxidase
family has been known, among many other biological activities, to catalyze
the oxidation of flavonoids and phenolic substrates overall, including
quercetin. On the other hand, quercetin is very well known for its
antioxidant activities, which in the case of UV external radiation is
exibited partly in a preventive manner since it is an excellent UV-absorber.
Therefore the aim of this investigation is to study quercetin oxidation by
HRP in phosphate buffer under the conditions of UV-stress, i.e. continuous,
prolonged UV-B irradiation. The results show that while UV-B irradiation
affects the activity of HRP, and the overal rate of quercetin oxidation by
HRP, it probably has very little effect on it for longer UV-B-irradiation
periods (>30 min).
Diabetogenic T-Cell Clones Recognize an Altered Peptide of Chromogranin A
Authors: Delong Thomas , Baker Rocky L. , He Jing , Barbour Gene , Bradley Brenda , Haskins Kathryn
Published: August 2012

Chromogranin A (ChgA) has been identified as the antigen target for three NOD-derived, diabetogenic CD4 T-cell clones, including the well-known BDC-2.5. These T-cell clones respond weakly to the peptide WE14, a naturally occurring proteolytic cleavage product from ChgA. We show here that WE14 can be converted into a highly antigenic T-cell epitope through treatment with the enzyme transglutaminase (TGase). The WE14 responses of three NOD-derived CD4 T-cell clones, each with different T-cell receptors (TCRs), and of T cells from BDC-2.5 TCR transgenic mice are increased after TGase conversion of the peptide. Primary CD4 T cells isolated from NOD mice also respond to high concentrations of WE14 and significantly lower concentrations of TGase-treated WE14. We hypothesize that posttranslational modification plays a critical role in the generation of T-cell epitopes in type 1 diabetes.
Highly Purified Eicosapentaenoic Acid Increases Interleukin-10 Levels of Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Obese Patients With Dyslipidemia
Authors: Satoh-Asahara Noriko , Shimatsu Akira , Sasaki Yousuke , Nakaoka Hidenori , Himeno Akihiro , Tochiya Mayu , Kono Shigeo , Takaya Tomohide , Ono Koh , Wada Hiromichi , Suganami Takayoshi , Hasegawa Koji , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

It has recently been highlighted that proinflammatory (M1) macrophages predominate over anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages in obesity, thereby contributing to obesity-induced adipose inflammation and insulin resistance. A recent clinical trial revealed that highly purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) reduces the incidence of major coronary events. In this study, we examined the effect of EPA on M1/M2-like phenotypes of peripheral blood monocytes in obese dyslipidemic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Peripheral blood monocytes were prepared from 26 obese patients without and 90 obese patients with dyslipidemia. Of the latter 90 obese patients with dyslipidemia, 82 patients were treated with or without EPA treatment (1.8 g daily) for 3 months.

RESULTS

Monocytes in obese patients with dyslipidemia showed a significantly lower expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10), an M2 marker, than those without dyslipidemia. EPA significantly increased serum IL-10 and EPA levels, the EPA/arachidonic acid (AA) ratio, and monocyte IL-10 expression and decreased the pulse wave velocity (PWV), an index of arterial stiffness, compared with the control group. After EPA treatment, the serum EPA/AA ratio was significantly correlated with monocyte IL-10 expression. Only increases in monocyte IL-10 expression and serum adiponectin were independent determinants of a decreased PWV by EPA. Furthermore, EPA significantly increased the expression and secretion of IL-10 in human monocytic THP-1 cells through a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)γ-dependent pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to show that EPA increases the monocyte IL-10 expression in parallel with decrease of arterial stiffness, which may contribute to the antiatherogenic effect of EPA in obese dyslipidemic patients.
HbA1c Diagnostic Categories and β-Cell Function Relative to Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight/Obese Adolescents
Authors: Sjaarda Lindsey A. , Michaliszyn Sara F. , Lee SoJung , Tfayli Hala , Bacha Fida , Farchoukh Lama , Arslanian Silva A.
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

The recommended HbA1c diagnostic categories remain controversial and their utility in doubt in pediatrics. We hypothesized that alterations in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of type 2 diabetes may be evident in the American Diabetes Association recommended at-risk/prediabetes category (HbA1c 5.7 to <6.5%).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We compared in vivo hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity by [6,6-2H2] glucose and a 3-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and β-cell function by a 2-h hyperglycemic clamp (∼225 mg/dL) in overweight/obese (BMI ≥85th percentile) adolescents with prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7 to <6.5%) (n = 160) to those with normal HbA1c (<5.7%) (n = 44). β-Cell function was expressed relative to insulin sensitivity (i.e., the disposition index = insulin sensitivity × first-phase insulin).

RESULTS

In the prediabetes versus normal HbA1c category, fasting glucose, insulin, and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) area under the curve for glucose and insulin were significantly higher; hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity were lower; and β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity was lower (366 ± 48 vs. 524 ± 25 mg/kg/min; P = 0.005). A total of 27% of youth in the normal HbA1c category and 41% in the prediabetes HbA1c category had dysglycemia (impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance) by a 2-h OGTT.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight/obese adolescents with HbA1c in the at-risk/prediabetes category demonstrate impaired β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity, a metabolic marker for heightened risk of type 2 diabetes. Thus, HbA1c may be a suitable screening tool in large-scale epidemiological observational and/or interventional studies examining the progression or reversal of type 2 diabetes risk.
In Vitro Shear Bond Strength of Three Self-adhesive Resin Cements and a Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement to Various Prosthodontic Substrates
Authors: Sabatini Camila , Patel Manthan , D'Silva Eric
Published: August 2012

Objective

To evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of three self-adhesive resin cements and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to different prosthodontic substrates.

Materials and Methods

The substrates base metal, noble metal, zirconia, ceramic, and resin composite were used for bonding with different cements (n=12). Specimens were placed in a bonding jig, which was filled with one of four cements (RelyX Unicem, Multilink Automix, Maxcem Elite, and FujiCEM Automix). Both light-polymerizing (LP) and self-polymerizing (SP) setting reactions were tested. Shear bond strength was measured at 15 minutes and 24 hours in a testing device at a test speed of 1 mm/min and expressed in MPa. A Student t-test and a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to evaluate differences between setting reactions, between testing times, and among cements irrespective of other factors. Generalized linear regression model and Tukey tests were used for multifactorial analysis.

Results

Significantly higher mean SBS were demonstrated for LP mode relative to SP mode (p<0.001) and for 24 hours relative to 15 minutes (p<0.001). Multifactorial analysis revealed that all factors (cement, substrate, and setting reaction) and all their interactions had a significant effect on the bond strength (p<0.001). Resin showed significantly higher SBS than other substrates when bonded to RelyX Unicem and Multilink Automix in LP mode (p<0.05). Overall, FujiCEM demonstrated significantly lower SBS than the three self-adhesive resin cements (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Overall, higher bond strengths were demonstrated for LP relative to SP mode, 24 hours relative to 15 minutes and self-adhesive resin cements compared to the RMGICs. Bond strengths also varied depending on the substrate, indicating that selection of luting cement should be partially dictated by the substrate and the setting reaction.
On the formation of the keyhole and its temperatures
Authors: Metzbower E. A.
Published: August 2012

A thermodynamically based model has been developed to calculate the size and temperature of the ‘keyhole’ through the thickness of the weldment. The model is based on calculating the power loss resulting from evaporation of an element in the chemistry of the plate and a minimum power density required to produce a keyhole. The evaporative power loss is set equal to the Gaussian power density, which is used to represent the laser beam. The result is a temperature distribution across the keyhole. Absorption of the laser power in the keyhole is calculated based on inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption, which can be calculated based on Sana's equation and the average Gaunt factor. The results indicate that peak powers below the minimum peak power density yield temperatures that are indicative of melting only; peak powers equal to a minimum power density yield temperatures that reach the evaporation temperature of the element; and that peak powers greater than the minimum power density yield temperatures greater than the evaporation temperature of the element. The results are used to explain the ‘nail head’ appearance of the fusion zone which is quite common in laser beam welds. The results also explain some visual observations of laser beam welds.
Laser cladding of Al-Sn alloy on a mild steel
Authors: Liu Z. , Sun J. L. , Steen W. M. , Watkins K. G. , Lee C. , Brown W. P.
Published: August 2012

Direct laser cladding of Al alloy on mild steel produces continuous brittle intermetallic FexAly layers at the interface resulting in weak bonding of the clad and the substrate. To overcome this problem, both Ni and Al were investigated as intermediate coatings. Although a Ni coating with a thickness of 70 μm was successful in eliminating the formation of continuous Al-Fe intermetallics, the bonding at the Al alloy/Ni interface was not strong enough to survive a bending test. A pure Al coating was found to be a better barrier layer. In both cases the optimization of processing parameters for Al alloy cladding was realized via microstructural screening and mechanical property testing including hardness, preliminary wearing and bending tests. Operating windows were established in terms of low dilution, freedom from cracks and porosity, coating-substrate bonding and chemical homogeneity. The results of a comparative study indicated that the laser clad layers showed superior wear resistance to the conventional alloy. The morphology of the rapid solidification clad was investigated by means of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The alloying element distribution was analyzed using electron probe microanalysis. A simplified model based on the calculation of the clad/substrate interface temperature was developed to provide a guideline for choosing the processing parameters for successful cladding.
Kinematic compensation of repetitive errors for non-circular laser shaping
Authors: Sheng P. , Liu K.
Published: August 2012

This paper presents an approach for kinematic compensation of the laser shaping process which is capable of achieving improved dimensional accuracy for non-circular profiles. In this approach, a plug-in repetitive controller is added into the existing position servo loop to improve tracking of the desired sinusoidal trajectory and subsequently reduce tracking errors. The effect of tracking errors on different dimensional error modes in the non-circular shaping process is identified. Simulation models are developed for testing the performance of the repetitive controller in shaping various non-circular profiles with different operating parameters such as oscillating amplitudes and sampling time. Simulation results show that better tracking performance can be obtained with the addition of the repetitive controller. Experimental results include fabrication of single-harmonic-term profiles such as triangular, square, hexagonal and octagonal profiles and multiple-harmonic-term profiles such as diamond-shaped profiles in polymethyl methacrylate with both control algorithms. The non-circular profiles are measured through optical CMM to determine the dimensional accuracy in edge straightness, angularity, parallelism and feature size.
High power laser welding in hyperbaric gas and water environments
Authors: Shannon G. J. , McNaught W. , Deans W. F. , Watson J.
Published: August 2012

A hyperbaric laser welding facility has been constructed and the feasibility of high power CO2 and Nd:YAG laser welding in both high pressure gas and water environments, to simulated water depths of 500 m, has been established. From initial trials on welding through water at atmospheric pressure, it was found that the different absorption characteristics of water to 10.6 μm (CO2 laser) and 1.06 μm (Nd:YAG laser) radiation proved crucial. The Nd:YAG laser was totally unsuitable as the beam was largely diffused in the water, whereas the CO2 beam was readily absorbed and, using high speed video equipment, was found to form a high irradiance channel and a dry region around the weld area. Welding under a high pressure gas environment produced a highly energized plume which prevented keyhole welding at pressures over 1 × 106 Pa. An investigation carried out into the efficacy of a gas jet delivery system to alleviate the extent of the plume showed that argon blown horizontally across the weld was the optimum configuration, extending the welding range up to 5 × 106 Pa. A limited investigation into high pressure underwater welding showed porosity to be a problem although sound welds were produced at pressures up to 2 × 106 Pa.
The application of external feedback in the laser spectroscopy of nonlinear media
Authors: Anikeev B. V. , Sin'ko D. V.
Published: August 2012

A new spectroscopic technique to gain information on the nonlinear constants of optical materials is presented. This technique is made possible due to the point that the application of an external controlled negative feedback (CNF) circuit to an intracavity nonlinear cell results in the generation of extended boundaries of the stability for the laser beam. This effect is analyzed using a semiclassical set of equations that govern laser oscillation. Measurements are made on systems containing either an instantaneous CNF circuit or an integrating CNF circuit. The integrating CNF circuit produces a maximum in the measurement accuracy. The suitability of the technique is experimentally verified with a KD*P multicomponent photorefractive medium. The method has been generalized for application to nonlinear-optic and photorefractive materials including cases when the effect is a product of several subsystem actions.
The drilling of slate tiles by a Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Lusquiños F. , Pou J. , Soto R. , Pérez-Amor M.
Published: August 2012

We have undertaken a series of experiments to investigate the feasibility of using a Nd:YAG laser to drill slate tiles. Slate is used primarily as a roof building material after it is split into thin flat layers. The traditional fixation system of slate tiles in Europe consists of clamping the slate pieces by means of metallic clamps and overlapping the different tiles in order to form an impervious roof. An alternative to this clamping technique, is the use of nails to fix the slate tiles to a wooden frame. This method improves the fixation of the slate tiles and reduces the costs related to roof repair by extending the period between maintenance. However, the use of nails requires the production of holes in the slate pieces, which is currently achieved by a mechanical route that results in large holes and an extended manufacturing time. The aim of this work is to explore the capabilities of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser to drill tiny holes in slate tiles in order to produce a better quality drilled slate tile in a reduced time. Shallow holes were produced in slate samples using a 1 kW Nd:YAG pulsed laser focused onto the slate surface by an 80 mm fused silica lens. The results obtained in this study shows the enormous potential of Nd:YAG lasers in the production of slate tiles.
Effect of nozzle orientation on the gas dynamics of inert-gas laser cutting of mild steel
Authors: Brandt Aaron D. , Settles Gary S.
Published: August 2012

This investigation applies sonic and supersonic coaxial and off-axis nozzles to the cutting of mild steel sheet of 1–4 mm thickness. A 1.5 kW CW CO2 laser is used with nitrogen as the assist gas. Sonic coaxial cutting is compared to that of off-axis nozzles, which vary in orientation from 20–60° behind the laser axis and in exit Mach number from 1 to 2.4. Results show a 50% increase in maximum cutting speed at approximately a 40° off-axis nozzle angle. In comparison, variations in off-axis nozzle exit Mach number have little effect. A scale-model kerf was used to visualize the kerf gas dynamics, revealing that nozzle angles of 0–20° cause a shock wave/boundary layer interaction with flow separation inside the kerf. Angles of 20–45° alleviate this interaction, producing a uniform supersonic flow throughout the kerf, which yields high cutting speeds due to uniformly high shear forces. For nozzle angles greater than 45°, the assist gas is diverted away from the kerf, reducing cutting speed. Cut edge quality observations were also conducted to verify the results of the model tests.
Attachment style, relationship status, gender and relational competences among young adults
Authors: Adamczyk Katarzyna , Pilarska Aleksandra
Published: August 2012

Attachment style, relationship status, gender and relational competences among young adults

The seeking of a lifetime partner/spouse, establishing and maintaining close relationships are central developmental tasks in young adulthood. In successful achievement of these tasks relational competences may play a crucial role, thus making it reasonable to study their conditions. This article provides a theoretical and empirical analysis of the relationship between relational competences and attachment style, relationship status, and gender. It presents a study of a normal sample of 423 young adults, aged 20-35, who completed The Questionnaire of Relational Competences in Intimate Relationships, Revised Adult Attachment Scale, and Demographic Questionnaire. The analysis of the data revealed that in the description of various relational competences all three factors play an important role. It has also turned out that the association between relational competences and attachment style is influenced by the circumstances pertaining to relationship status.
Mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between anxiety and health behaviors of obese adolescents
Authors: Ziarko Michał , Kaczmarek Łukasz , Mojs Ewa
Published: August 2012

Mediating role of coping styles in the relationship between anxiety and health behaviors of obese adolescents

Obesity is one of the major health problems in adolescents. Health-detrimental lifestyle (i.e. lack of physical activity, inappropriate nutrition) as well as maladaptive styles of coping with stress are regarded as belonging among determinants of obesity. The aim of the study was to establish factors mediating between anxiety and diet-related health behaviors. Participants in the study were 113 adolescents with obesity whose body weight was over 97th centile. They were examined using a set of self-report questionnaires to measure anxiety, coping styles and health behaviors. Emotion-focused coping and seeking social contacts (social diversion) were found to act as mediators between adolescents' trait anxiety and their health behaviors. The findings suggest that to enhance obese adolescents' health-promoting behaviors appropriate conditions should be ensured that would not only enable them to express their emotions, but also promote their socializing with peers.
Psychiatrists' accounts of clinical significance in depression
Authors: Galasiński Dariusz
Published: August 2012

Psychiatrists' accounts of clinical significance in depression

Clinical significance is a crucial element in the diagnosis of mental illness, yet, it is practically untheorised and significantly under-researched. This article takes up the question of how the criterion of clinical significance is translated into psychiatric practice. More particularly, it examines how psychiatrists account for the threshold between health and depression. The paper is anchored in the constructionist view of discourse underpinned by the assumptions of critically oriented discourse analysis. It is based upon a convenience sample of 39 semi-structured interviews with specialist-psychiatrists in south-western Poland. There is no discursive space for clinical significance in psychiatrists' accounts. There is no boundary, no decision to be taken as to whether the symptoms are clinically significant. Depression, invariably constructed in terms of diagnostic criteria, is always represented as fully developed, appearing out of thin air, with no period of falling ill. The article raises the issue of the validity and usefulness of psychiatric diagnosis.
Socially oriented preferences in decision making and their relation with work and home environment
Authors: Hełka Anna
Published: August 2012

Socially oriented preferences in decision making and their relation with work and home environment

The aim of this paper was to create a psychometric instrument for the measurement of socially oriented preferences in economic decisions made in professional and private life as well as at scrutinizing the effects of various environmental variables on these preferences. For this purpose, two surveys were carried out on a group of adult working Poles (N=348+487=835). The idea of the new questionnaire and the results of factor analysis are described herein, along with the other examinations confirming the accuracy of the new instrument. A significant correspondence between eight situational factors: five in professional life (goal setting strategy, work style, role and responsibility, position, non-financial rewards) and three in private life (frequency of family meeting, marital status, parenthood), and the intensity of socially oriented preferences in economic decisions was confirmed. Both surveys showed that these preferences undergo significant alterations along with each slightest change in situational factors, even ones not directly connected with the decision at hand. Moreover, the studies indicate that the intensity of socially oriented preferences vary with respect to gender and age. Practitioner Points: (1) Team goal setting strategy, work style, responsibility and non-financial rewards intense socially oriented preferences. (2) Financial rewards are irrelevant for socially oriented preferences.
Attentional bias and emotion in older adults: Age-related differences in responses to an emotional Stroop task
Authors: Dunajska Magdalena , Szymanik Anna , Trempała Janusz
Published: August 2012

Attentional bias and emotion in older adults: Age-related differences in responses to an emotional Stroop task

The purpose of the study was to examine whether older adults show an emotional interference effect in a Stroop task, and whether their RTs differ with regard to age, gender and tendencies of mood regulation (to improvement and/or deterioration). The sample consisted of 60 participants at the age from 65 to 85. Emotional version of Stroop task and the Mood Regulation Scales were used. The results showed no significant differences in RTs to emotional and neutral words. Unexpectedly, a speeding effect was observed with the age of women. It appeared also that the effect of mood regulation tendencies was not significant for RTs. The last two effects are not consistent with the literature on cognitive and emotional aging.
The strength of emotions in moral judgment and decision-making under risk
Authors: Tyszka Tadeusz , Zaleskiewicz Tomasz
Published: August 2012

The strength of emotions in moral judgment and decision-making under risk

The focus of this paper is the role of emotions in judgments and choices associated with moral issues. Study 1 shows that depending on the strength of emotions when making a moral decision, people become sensitive to the severity and the probability of harm that their decisions can bring to others. A possible interpretation is that depending on the strength of emotions, people in their moral judgments choose to be either utilitarian or deontologist. In Study 2, following the priority heuristic model, we found that in situations in which the violation of moral norms does not evoke strong negative emotions, people are sensitive to quantitative risk parameters (probabilities and outcomes), and the decision-making process requires a relatively longer time. In moral situations in which a violation of the moral norm evokes strong emotions, decision-making is based on arguments other than quantitative risk parameters, and the process takes a shorter time.
Le district krasnostawski sous l'occupation autrichienne dans les années 1915-1918. (partie I)
Authors: Maleszyk Ryszard
Published: August 2012

Powiat krasnostawski pod okupacją austriacką w latach 1915-1918 część I

L'offensive des armées des Empires centraux en été 1915 a provoqué la perte totale du territoire du Royaume de Pologne appartenant à la Russie et le début d'un nouveau chapitre dans l'histoire du Royaume, c'est-à-dire l'occupation. Parmi les 27 districts qui se sont trouvés sous l'occupation autrichienne, il y avait aussi le district krasnostawski. Cet article présente le déroulement des combats du front menés là-bas en août et au début du septembre 1914 ainsi qu'en juillet 1915 et des pertes qui en ont résulté. Dans la partie suivante, l'article démontre la création et le fonctionnement de l'administration autrichienne d'occupation dans le district krasnostawski et décrit la présence militaire des forces armées et de la gendarmerie, responsables de la protection des intérêts de la monarchie et de l'ordre public sur le territoire occupé.
The testament of Andrzej Wolski, subjudge of Chełm, from 1739. A page from the history of careers of nobility and Sarmatian foundations
Authors: Bondyra Wiesław
Published: August 2012

Testament Andrzeja Wolskiego, podsędka ziemskiego chełmskiego, z 1739 roku. Karta z dziejów karier szlacheckich i sarmackich fundacji
Lost in translation: Ever changing and competing purposes for national examinations in the Czech Republic
Authors: Greger D. , Kifer E.
Published: August 2012

Lost in translation: Ever changing and competing purposes for national examinations in the Czech Republic

In reaction to central control of schooling by the Soviet Union, the Czech Republic countered with what some say was the most decentralized system in Europe. While the political move to democracy was extraordinarily successful, there were numerous governments between 1989 and the present. The combination of the decentralized control of schooling and lack of continuity in the political realm in regard to education lengthened substantially the amount of time it has taken to mount national assessments. Those assessments, 5th and 9th grade and a high school leaving examination, are now on track but not without political and technical barriers.
Development and Training of Operational Staff in the Retail Segment in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ježovít Rastislav , Kosmály Peter
Published: August 2012

Rozvoj a vzdělávání provozních pracovníků v retailovém segmentu v ČR
The Assess Model of Intellectual Capital and a Company's Value Added Cohesion
Authors: Mačerinskienė Irena , Survilaitė Simona
Published: August 2012

The Assess Model of Intellectual Capital and a Company's Value Added Cohesion

Nowadays intangible assets are especially important in every company and can help to increase a company's value added. The importance is so huge that many companies invest more money in intellectual capital than in material assets. Why has this happened? Scientists answer this question very quickly and easily - many companies have already been disappointed and damaged by their materials, goods, equipment, buildings, cars, machinery that cost a lot of money but do not give effective productivity. On the contrary, intellectual capital that usually costs only the salary of an employee brings significant benefits.The research purposeis to evaluate the cohesion between intellectual capital and a company's value added and to provide the model of this cohesion.The methods usedare analysis of scientific literature, GBN matrix method, expert evaluation, average comparison method, and Kendall's coefficient of concordance.Scientific aims:to reveal the cohesion between intellectual capital and a company's value added; to introduce a model of a company's value added and its intellectual capital; to demonstrate the results of expert evaluation on the model of intellectual capital and a company's value.The findingsare as follows: intellectual capital is considered as a unit of social capital, communicational capital, and psychological capital; intellectual capital has a huge influence for the growth of a company's value added; employee motivation is the most important factor either for the growth of intellectual capital or a company's value added.Conclusions:expert evaluation was performed in order to investigate the importance of intellectual capital factors for the growth of intellectual capital itself and a company's value added. Experts were taken from two areas: business environment and academic environment. It is possible that experts from other environments could answer the questions in a completely different way, and this model could be improved even more.
Authenticity, Reception and Media Reality
Authors: Kosmály Peter
Published: August 2012

Authenticity, Reception and Media Reality

This article deals with the reception of media reality, which is meant to be an alternative mode of consciousness, and with the phenomenon of authenticity and its understanding within media reality. It is also pointed out the distortion in the reception of media reality. As an unifying concept for media education and for the treatment of reception defects it is mentioned media anthropology - an interdisciplinary, respectively trans-disciplinary science, which can provide more consistent re-analyzing of the relationship between man and media as tools for improving his skills. From the methodological point of view the method of epistemological anarchism, Paul Feyerabend's "anything goes" is explained as an epistemological translation tool for developing reviewing competences and reception skills as a whole (organic reception). We propose to deal the distortion of media reception in different therapeutic ways: from sensory deprivation, through media substitution, organic reception, to transcendence of the observer and imitation of media - meta-creation. In the sense of organic, systemic reception we in fact propose to "copy" the communication strategy of media system(s) in order to extend or set appropriate "epistemic" competences. In the related illustration of this mechanism, the theory of A. Weinstock is applied for setting a research indifference point in the middle of a fictive reception continuum of polarities sympathy and antipathy with media. This paper represents a part of activities, which summarize author's dissertation thesis Reception instruction in the media reality, where there are presented not only analyses and attempted typology of reception instructions, but also case studies with specific proposals for teaching and researching within areas of media ethics and media education.
The abundance of the little owl (Athene noctua) in Podunajská rovina lowland in 2009 and 2010
Authors: Dobrý Martin
Published: August 2012

The abundance of the little owl (Athene noctua) in Podunajská rovina lowland in 2009 and 2010

This paper outlines the results of the mapping of the little owl and its abundance in selected areas in Podunajská rovina lowland, Slovakia, in 2009 and 2010. From a total area of 3,500 km2, 11.6% was monitored and 26 occupied localities identified. Average abundance was 0.6 occupied localities per 10 km2.
Molecular Interactions of First and Second Tier Dendrimers, Anticancer Molecules, Analyzed with Densities and Viscosities of Their Aqueous Mixtures
Authors: Singh Man , Bhattarai Ajaya , Kale R. K. , Gutpa Shalini , Chatterjee Sujeet Kumar , Gupta K. C.
Published: August 2012

Densities and viscosities of Tridiethymalonatetriazine (2,4,6) (TDEMTA) 1st (G1) and Hexadiethylmalonatetriazine (2,4,6) (HDEMTA) 2nd (G2) tier dendrimers for 0.62 to 10 mg % aqueous solutions are reported at 298.15 K and 303.15 K temperatures. Their data were compared with those of Trichlorotriazine (TCT), Triacetotrizine (TAT) and Trihydroxytrizine (THT) used as markers in the study. The densities for G2 are higher values than of G1 but both the dendrimers showed higher densities than those of the solvent with stronger heteromolecular forces due to stronger solvation and Intramolecular multiple force theory (IMMFT).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6440 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 46-52Uploaded date: 16 July, 2012
Synthesis of 4-Aryl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene: An Imporant Frame Work in Lignan Family
Authors: Singh Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2012

4,4-diaryl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-3-butenoic acid (2a-d, Scheme 1) has been synthesized by Stobbe condensation of substituted benzophenones 1a-d with t-potassium butoxide and diethyl succinate. Compounds 2a-d on reduction with sodium amalgum furnished 4,4-diaryl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-3-butanoic acid 3a-d, which on intramolecular cyclization with polyphosphoric acid gave target compounds 4-aryl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-1-oxo--1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene 4a-d.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6666 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 86-93
Kush - A Potential Biosorbent in the removal of Cd (II) and Zn (II) from aqueous solution
Authors: Kour Jagjit , Homagai P. L. , Pokherel M. R. , Ghimire K. N.
Published: August 2012

The industrial discharge of heavy metals into waters' course is one of the major pollution problems affecting water quality. Therefore, they must be removed prior to their discharge into waste streams. An efficient and low-cost bioadsorbent has been investigated from Desmostachya bipinnata (Kush) by charring with concentrated sulphuric acid and functionalized with dimethylamine.It was characterised by SEM, FTIR and elemental analysis. The effect of pH, initial concentration and contact time of the metal solution was monitered by batch method. The maximum adsorption capacities were determined for Cd and Zn at their optimum pH 6. The equilibrium data were analysed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Langmuir isotherm model fitted well and the rate of adsorption followed the pseudo second order kinetic equation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jncs.v27i1.6669 J. Nepal Chem. Soc., Vol. 27, 2011 107-114
Voice from Rikers: Spirituality in Hip Hop Artist Lil' Wayne's Prison Blog
Authors: Lauricella Sharon , Alexander Matthew
Published: August 2012

Abstract:

While incarcerated on Rikers Island, Grammy award-winning rapper Lil’ Wayne posted letters to a blog to maintain contact with fans. The blog entries and comments from fans express gratitude, positivity, encouragement, and a pervasive sense of spirituality and religiousness. This paper considers the content of Lil’ Wayne’s letters from Rikers, together with posted comments to the blog, in the context of spiritual communication and participatory media.