bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Military landscapes
Authors: Woodward Rachel
Published: June 2013

This paper reviews existing approaches to military landscapes, establishing the field’s breadth and variety. It suggests areas for future military landscape research around virtual military landscapes, and considers the landscape effects of military privatization and outsourcing, landscape issues pertaining to non-state military actors, the endurance and effects of post-military landscapes, and the role of landscapes of peace and reconciliation. The paper discusses practices of military landscape exploration, and the contributions that they bring to emergent critical approaches in military studies. The paper argues for the continued validity and specificity of terminologies associated with the category of ‘military’ in the study of such landscapes.
Perspectives on the assumed causes of land degradation in the rangelands of Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kiage Lawrence M.
Published: June 2013

Soil erosion and land degradation are serious problems in tropical Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, where they are widely recognized as more serious problems than in non-tropical areas. Sub-Saharan Africa experiences deleterious levels of soil erosion, largely due to the interaction between harsh climates of high erosivity, fragile soils of high erodibility, steep slopes, and poor natural resource management. The fundamental challenge is to separate purely background-level soil erosion due to biophysical, geomorphic, topographic, and climatic conditions from what is caused by humans. This review shows that the human-induced causes of soil erosion and land degradation in Sub-Saharan Africa are not fully understood and some of the commonly listed causes may not always stand the test of critical scrutiny. The popular views of human-induced soil erosion and land degradation not only fail to take into consideration the fact that land degradation is primarily a physical process, but also they do injustice to adaptive ecosystem management by the local inhabitants. The review specifically questions the stereotypes of overpopulation, overgrazing, deforestation, overstocking, and general rangeland degradation due to human resource use in Sub-Saharan Africa. Empirical evidence suggests that biophysical factors including soil properties, climatic characteristics, topography, and vegetation can sometimes interact among themselves to yield high soil erosion and degradation rates independent of anthropogenic impacts.
The Artistic Disenfranchisement of Philosophy
Authors: Talon-Hugon Carole
Published: June 2013

After modernist formalism, contemporary artworks are often assigned a critic function: they are said to “question”, “reconsider”, “call for reflection” on the world… Such formulas refer to the Socratic foundation of philosophy, whereas the philosopher was the one who brought to light the fragility of opinions, discovered prejudices, undid ordinary beliefs and convictions that were not grounded in reason.

Thus, after the preeminence of philosophy on art, as in the philosophical systems that dominated the 19 th century, we observe nowadays a predominance of art on philosophy’s very task, that is, critical questioning. This paper attempts to reconstruct the historical origin of this new theoretical attitude, and to evaluate its pertinence through an examination of the conditions under which art can carry out such critical programme.
Personal reflections on the governing of private schools
Authors: Poultney Val
Published: June 2013

Much of what we understand about school governance is generally under-researched, and there has been almost no recent research undertaken into the governing of schools in the non-maintained, private or independent sectors that are financed by the payment of fees. These schools broadly follow a model of governance that is similar to that of the maintained sector in their constitution, with some notable differences around how governors are appointed and their roles are conceived. This article aims to analyse the nature of independent school governance generally, focusing on a case study of a small private school located in the Midlands, England. The context of this school is a fairly unique one, with governance being held accountable to non-executive trustees who have overall control of the school operation, but who devolve that responsibility to the governing body. This article starts with a review of the current governance model in private schools, then looking in more depth at the characteristics of governance in this independent school. An analysis of the findings is then explored, with some thoughts and conclusions around opportunities for further exploration into private school governance.
Frailty and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Kanwar Amrit , Singh Mandeep , Lennon Ryan , Ghanta Kalyan , McNallan Sheila M. , Roger Véronique L.
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and relationship of frailty and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among residents of long-term care [nursing homes (NH) and assisted living (AL)] facilities. Methods: Residents of NH and AL facilities in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, were recruited 1/2009-6/2010 and assessed for frailty (gait speed, unintended weight loss, grip strength), comorbidity (Charlson index), and HRQOL [Short Form (SF)-36]. Results: Among 137 participants, 85% were frail. Frail residents were older, had more comorbidities (2.0 vs. 0, p < .001) and lower mean SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS, 32 vs. 48, p < .001). Following adjustments for age, sex, and comorbidities, compared to nonfrail residents, frail residents had lower SF-36 PCS (mean difference −14.7, 95% CI. −19.3,−10.1, p < .001). Frailty, comorbidity, and HRQOL did not differ between NH and AL facilities. Discussion: Frail residents had lower HRQOL, suggesting that preventing frailty may lead to better HRQOL among residents of long-term care facilities.
The longitudinal association of venue stability with consistent condom use among female sex workers in two Mexico–USA border cities
Authors: Gaines T L , Rudolph A E , Brouwer K C , Strathdee S A , Lozada R , Martinez G , Goldenberg S M , Rusch M L A
Published: June 2013

Summary

We examined the relationship between venue stability and consistent condom use (CCU) among female sex workers who inject drugs (FSW-IDUs; n = 584) and were enrolled in a behavioural intervention in two Mexico–USA border cities. Using a generalized estimating equation approach stratified by client type and city, we found venue stability affected CCU. In Tijuana, operating primarily indoors was significantly associated with a four-fold increase in the odds of CCU among regular clients (odds ratio [OR]: 3.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44, 9.89), and a seven-fold increase among casual clients (OR: 7.18, 95% CI: 2.32, 22.21), relative to FSW-IDUs spending equal time between indoor and outdoor sex work venues. In Ciudad Juarez, the trajectory of CCU increased over time and was highest among those operating primarily indoors. Results from this analysis highlight the importance of considering local mobility, including venue type and venue stability, as these characteristics jointly influence HIV risk behaviours.
Biochemical and biological analysis of Philodryas baroni (Baron’s Green Racer; Dipsadidae) venom
Authors: Sánchez MN , Timoniuk A , Maruñak S , Teibler P , Acosta O , Peichoto ME
Published: June 2013

Philodryas baroni—an attractively colored snake—has become readily available through the exotic pet trade. Most people consider this species harmless; however, it has already caused human envenomation. As little is known about the venom from this South American opisthoglyphous “colubrid” snake, herein, we studied its protein composition by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), as well as its effects on the hemostatic system. Both reducing and nonreducing SDS-PAGE analysis demonstrated that the venom exhibits greatest complexity in the range of 50–80 kDa. The venom displayed proteolytic activity toward azocollagen, with a specific activity of 75.5 U mg−1, and rapidly hydrolyzed the Aα-chain of fibrinogen, exhibiting lower activity toward the Bβ- and γ-chains. The venom from P. baroni showed no platelet proaggregating activity per se, but it inhibited collagen- and thrombin-induced platelet aggregation. Prominent hemorrhage developed in mouse skin after intradermal injection of the crude venom, and its minimum hemorrhagic dose was 13.9 μg. When injected intramuscularly into the gastrocnemius of mice, the venom induced local effects such as hemorrhage, myonecrosis, edema, and leucocyte infiltration. Due to its venom toxicity shown herein, P. baroni should be considered dangerous to humans and any medically significant bite should be promptly reviewed by a qualified health professional.
Responding to discriminatory requests for a different healthcare provider
Authors: Anstey Kyle , Wright Linda
Published: June 2013

Patient requests for a healthcare provider of a particular race or sexual orientation create a conflict of obligations. On the one hand, providers have a duty to deliver clinically indicated care consistent with patient preferences. On the other hand, providers have legal, professional, and organizational assurances that they should not suffer workplace discrimination. Protecting healthcare providers from harm while maintaining obligations to patients requires unambiguous messaging to both parties. Providers need to be clear that their organization will not be complicit in discrimination against them, instead supporting their needs and preferences for management of the situation. In a context of patient-centered care, harm principle-based boundaries of respect for autonomy must be defined. A Caregiver preference guideline developed and used at University Health Network, Toronto provides a standardized way for the organization to decide when it will honor patient requests for providers of a particular background. This process stresses dialogue, assessment of clinical feasibility, and empowerment and support for affected care providers.
Implementing Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana: Experience from Delhi
Authors: Nair K.S. , Nandan Deoki , Piang Lam Khan , Tiwari V.K. , Raj Sherin , Goel Tarun , Singh Bacchu
Published: June 2013

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana aims to improve access to quality health care and relieve the burden of health care costs of the poor population. This article, based on interviews conducted with different stakeholders of the scheme during October–December 2010, looks at the implementation of the scheme in Delhi. A large proportion of the beneficiaries were unaware about the features and benefits of the scheme. A significant proportion of the families availing benefits had incurred the out-of-pocket expenses. The coverage of population was very low. The empanelled hospitals/nursing homes were hesitant in admitting patients with chronic ailments requiring continuous treatment at the hospital. Low package rates and delay in settlement of claims were reported as the major issues by the empanelled hospitals.
Job Satisfaction, Burnout and Quality of Life of Nurses from Mangalore
Authors: Abraham Anish Kumar , D’silva Fatima
Published: June 2013

Background

Nursing, though considered a noble profession, is quite stressful and challenging in India, as the nurses are the most undervalued staff despite their round-the-clock services to patients with intense health and emotional needs. This, in turn, hampers their will to perform, leading to huge burnout, job dissatisfaction as evidenced by several studies.

Methodology

A descriptive co-relational design was adopted to assess and compare the level of Job satisfaction, burnout and Quality of Life (QOL) among nurse educators and staff nurses from Mangalore. Through sample random technique, 50 nurse educators and 50 staff nurses were selected. Demographic proforma, job satisfaction inventory, Shirom Melamed Burnout Inventory and WHOQOL-BREF were the instruments utilized for the study. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 16.

Results

The findings revealed that nurse educators had more burnout and they required assistance (4 per cent, 44 per cent) than staff nurses (2 per cent, 16 per cent). QOL was comparably low among staff nurses (Phy QOL 14 per cent, Psy QOL 4 per cent, Soc QOL 16 per cent, Envt QOL 18 per cent) than nurse educators. The study findings unveiled a significant difference in job satisfaction (t = 2.571, p<0.05) between staff nurses and nurse educators.

Conclusion and Recommendations

In the last two decades, considerable evidence has been found related to stress among nurses. If nurses are not handled in a proactive manner it may result in serious stress reactions, leading further to job dissatisfaction, burnout and poor QOL. It is, therefore, important to create a platform to share concern of workers and to incorporate complementary therapies in work place which would help them to relieve of the negatives.
A Sustainability Evaluation of Slum Rehabilitation Authority Housing Development at Nanapeth, Pune, India
Authors: Cronin Victoria
Published: June 2013

This article presents a sustainability evaluation of the in-situ rehabilitation of Nanapeth’s slum-dwellers in Pune, India. The first Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) project in the city has been visited five years after initial occupation to assess the impact of the new housing upon the residents and development planning policy. The influence and design of the private developer’s delivery model upon the upgrading sustainability has been investigated via stakeholder perception. The top down approach delivered at Nanapeth has resulted in a financially sustainable scheme which has also enabled urban regeneration in a previous slum area. The project could benefit from a more socially conscious design and implementation. Appropriate building design and building services supply & management have been highlighted by stakeholders as areas for improvement. Residents have expressed disappointment with the impact the housing has had on community cohesion and lifestyle despite benefitting from being re-housed in-situ with no separation from livelihoods and amenities. The residents’ sense of ownership and pride has been limited due to a lack of participation, financial contribution and communication between the development team and residents. This early SRA project has resulted in positive lessons learned which have beneficially impacted newer housing projects in the city. The long term impact of Transfer Development Rights brought about by SRA private development schemes further enforces the need for coordinated infrastructure and master planning for Pune.

[Formula: see text]
Analysis Moving Towards Sustainable Development of a City with Emphasis on the Quality of Urban Life: The Case of Noor
Authors: Azami Ali Sheikh , Razavian Mohamadtaghi
Published: June 2013

The article investigates the role played by factors generally associated with achieving sustainable development in urban areas including quality of life, productivity, infrastructure, justice and environmental sustainability. The paper uses statistical methods to test the correlation of these aspects on the overall development of the city of Noor. Three hypotheses have been used to achieve research objectives including Bogardus range, sample T test, and description spatial analysis accompanied with charts and graphs. Key findings demonstrate that citizens perceive jobs and income, and access to public services and security as critical to achieving sustainable development, while housing, access to information technology, etc. are not considered critical to achieving sustainable development in the city.

[Formula: see text]
Revisit the Debate on Issues of Metropolitan Governance and Service Delivery: A Trajectory of Efficient Service Delivery Model for Water Supply in Bangalore, India
Authors: Kumara H. S.
Published: June 2013

The pattern of urbanization in India is characterized by continual concentration of population and activities in large cities; this is manifested in a high percentage of urban population being concentrated in the large cities. This research article attempts to revisit the debate on ‘metropolitan governance’ and ‘service delivery concepts’ in the context of efficient service delivery model for water supply and comparative analysis of efficient service delivery model in Bangalore Metropolitan Center and Metropolitan region. The service delivery model for water supply was framed using various water utility indicators to know the service delivery index, operational efficiency index and performance index within the Bangalore Metropolitan Center and Metropolitan Region. This research article concludes that Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board stands good in position while comparing to other Water Boards (local bodies) within Metropolitan region.

[Formula: see text]
Stabilization of the pendulum system by coupling with a heat equation
Authors: Zhao Dong-Xia , Wang Jun-Min
Published: June 2013

In this work, we study the stabilization of a pendulum system by coupling with a heat equation through the left boundary observation of the heat equation, while a velocity feedback of the pendulum system is designed to affect the same side heat flux of the heat equation. Based on the semigroup approach and Riesz basis method, the well-posedness and exponential stability of the system is deduced. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of this feedback control design.
A Service Climate Synthesis and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Bowen David E. , Schneider Benjamin
Published: June 2013

Theory and research on service climate are synthesized, and an extensive agenda for future research is proposed. The service climate construct is first differentiated from conceptually related but distinct constructs, such as job satisfaction, service culture, and service orientation. Then a framework is presented based on prior research that displays service climate’s antecedents and consequences and the linkages among them. The synthesis draws heavily upon organizational behavior/human resource management (OB/HRM), but service climate has also received significant interdisciplinary attention. In particular, past work has integrated OB/HRM’s focus on the internal organization and marketing’s focus on the external world of the customer. The future research agenda includes further specification of the framework’s variables and linkages (e.g., the relative roles of individual and contextual attributes in creating service climate) as well as recommended research methods (e.g., profile analysis to assess interactions among multiple climates in a setting). Finally, the utility of the service climate framework for analyzing four key issues in service management is demonstrated: service infusion in manufacturing; the cocreation of value; sustainable competitive advantage; and the fostering of additional interdisciplinary research.
Are the latter-day saints too latter day? Perceived age of the Mormon Church and attitudes toward Mormons
Authors: Warner Ruth H. , Kiddoo Kristin L.
Published: June 2013

Two studies examine how social distance toward Mormons is affected by the relative recency of the Mormon religion. In Study 1, we found that the perceived age of the Mormon religion predicted social distance toward Mormons such that people who perceived Mormonism as more recent wanted more social distance from Mormons. In Study 2, we manipulated the antiquity or recency of the Mormon religion. We found that emphasizing the long history of the religion reduced social distance from Mormons (relative to emphasizing the religion’s newness), an effect that was mediated by perceived legitimacy of the Mormon religion. These findings support past research showing that the longevity of a practice implies its goodness and that this inference extends to practitioners as well.
The fickle forerunner: The rise of bylines and authorship in the French press
Authors: Reich Zvi , Boudana Sandrine
Published: June 2013

Credit attribution for journalists represents a crucial development in journalism, with numerous organizational, legal, political and literary implications. This article explores the rise of bylines and authorship in the French press during the last 250 years, as an alternative to the Anglo-American model, on which studies have focused. Findings show that bylines not only emerged much earlier in France but also represent different driving forces, functions and dynamics. While the Anglo-American rise of bylines reflected an occupational and organizational phenomenon, in which bylines were considered professional rewards, in the French case, the evolution of bylines was dependent on exogenous factors, mostly political forces that tried to discipline adversarial writers. Thus, in contrast with the quasi-linear progress of Anglo-American bylines, the French case is characterized by ebbs and flows, due to the continuous power struggle between the emerging journalistic field and the literary and political fields.
Unpacking insight: How consumers are qualified by advertising agencies
Authors: Ariztia Tomas
Published: June 2013

By describing how consumers are qualified and mobilised in advertising agencies, this paper aims to contribute to this increasing body of literature that explores ordinary marketing and advertising practices, knowledge and devices. This is done by unpacking and analysing a particular aspect of routine advertising work, which is the production and circulation of insights about consumers in advertising agencies. We argue that producing insight involves performing a particular type of qualification of the consumer that relates to two specific processes. Firstly, we describe these practices in terms of an a extensive process of mediation that involves the deployment of progressive definitions of products and consumers that pass by different actors in the agency and through which production and consumption are connected in the very local and specific space of the advertising agency. Secondly, we argue that this process of mediation goes together with a process of ‘purification’ that involves performing a specific version of the consumer aligned with creative advertising work. Furthermore, we describe how this process involves considering some specific consumer qualities and descriptions (mostly interpretations about possible connections between goods and consumers) and leaving others asides. We identify this last operation as a particular type of cultural calculation. This argument is empirically supported by evidence collected from 40 interviews with advertising professionals and ethnographic fieldwork carried out at eight advertising agencies based in Santiago, Chile.
Differential Lexical and Semantic Spreading Activation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Foster Paul S. , Drago Valeria , Yung Raegan C. , Pearson Jaclyn , Stringer Kristi , Giovannetti Tania , Libon David , Heilman Kenneth M.
Published: June 2013

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is known to be associated with disruption in semantic networks. Previous studies examining changes in spreading activation in AD have used a lexical decision task paradigm. We have used a paradigm based on average word frequencies obtained from the words generated on the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) and the Animal Naming (AN) test. The COWAT and AN tests were administered to a group of 25 patients with AD and 20 control participants. We predicted that the patients with AD would have higher average word frequencies on the COWAT and AN tests than the control participants. The results indicated that the AD group generated words with a higher average word frequency on the AN test but a lower average word frequency on the COWAT. The reasons for the discrepancy in average word frequencies on the AN test and COWAT are discussed.
Multiple Learning Approaches in the Professional Development of School Leaders – Theoretical Perspectives and Empirical Findings on Self-assessment and Feedback
Authors: Huber Stephan Gerhard
Published: June 2013

This article investigates the use of multiple learning approaches and different modes and types of learning in the (continuous) professional development (PD) of school leaders, particularly the use of self-assessment and feedback. First, formats and multiple approaches to professional learning are described. Second, a possible approach to self-assessment and feedback is explored including the ‘Competence Profile School Management (CPSM)’, which is one component of the modularized four-phase-PD program of three German states. Third, the quality and the impact of self-assessment and feedback is examined using quantitative as well as qualitative measures. The participants experience it as an enriching learning opportunity which promotes reflection and the motivation to gather more information about one’s own behavior in day-to-day practice, supports other learning opportunities and promotes the participants’ professional competencies in areas they identify as beneficial to improving their practice. Moreover, participants change the way they approach career planning after participating in this PD program. They seem to have developed a more differentiated subjective theory of leadership and identified different leadership career possibilities or career steps to principalship than they had before participating in the program. Overall, there are more participants willing to apply for different types of leadership position at schools and in the school system.
Understanding the Impact of Leadership in Nigeria
Authors: Ejimabo Nichodemus O.
Published: June 2013

This critical ethnographic study focused on identifying the leadership practices of past and present leaders involved in the operation of the Nigerian government, with emphasis on the Eastern Region. The author was committed and determined to discovering a pattern of meaning through its natural setting, was equally interested in the process rather than outcomes, in context rather than specific variables, and in discovery rather than confirmation in order to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the issues and problems associated with the leadership situation in the country. For clarity, the investigator used Northouse leadership approach to understand the leadership in the current Nigerian leadership situation. Twelve past and present leaders in the government operations of the Eastern Region of Nigeria participated in the study, and the leadership assessment instrument survey questionnaire was used to support the study. While the study showed a great need for change in leadership, the results of the study revealed that most of the leaders and policy makers in the Eastern Region of the country lack effective leadership skills for the positions they hold. The study also suggested some recommendations for improving the current leadership situation in Nigeria.
Captioning and Indian Sign Language as Accessibility Tools in Universal Design
Authors: Poothullil John Mathew Martin , Sahasrabudhe Sujit , Chavan Prashant D. , Toppo Deepak
Published: June 2013

Universal Design in Media as a strategy to achieve accessibility in digital television started in Spain in 1997 with the digitalization of satellite platforms (MuTra, 2006). In India, a conscious effort toward a strategy for accessible media format in digital television is yet to be made. Advertising in India is a billion dollar industry (Adam Smith, 2008) and digital television provides a majority of the space for it. This study investigated the effects of advertisement in accessible format, through the use of captioning and Indian sign language (ISL), on hearing and deaf people. “Deaf (capital letter ‘D’ used for culturally Deaf) and hearing” viewers watched two short recent advertisements with and without accessibility formats in a randomized order. Their reactions were recorded on a questionnaire developed for the purpose of the study. Eighty-four persons participated in this study of which 42 were deaf persons. Analysis of the data showed that there was difference in the effects of accessible and nonaccessible formats of advertisement on the “Deaf and Hearing” viewers. The study showed that accessible formats increased the comprehension of the message of the advertisement and use of ISL helped deaf persons to understand concepts better. While captioning increased the perception of the hearing persons to correlate with listening and understanding the concept of the advertisement, the deaf persons correlated watching the ISL interpreter with understanding the concept of the advertisement. Placement of the ISL interpreter in the screen and color of the fonts used for captioning were also covered under the study. However, the placement of the ISL interpreter and color of fonts in the screen and their correlation with comprehension of the advertisement by hearing and deaf persons did not show much of significance in the result of the study.
The Diversity Policy Model and Assessment of the Policy
Authors: McCann Kim P.
Published: June 2013

Diversity is a central policy goal in achieving democracy, which has guided the Federal Communications Commission’s action in media ownership regulation. Although the role of diversity in sustaining democracy is presumable, the diversity principle and regulatory concepts applied to communications policy seem far from reaching a practical consensus. Among the regulatory challenges to achieving diversity goals are controversy on a theoretical level, inconsistent measurement, the interplay of conflicting public interest motivations, and the changes in the media system. This article investigates the diversity policy within a broad context of legal, political, economic, and sociocultural grounds: It proposes an integrative policy model that offers a platform for the analysis of the policy implications and decisions, analyzes the existing policy imposed to achieve diversity goals, and suggests alternative ways of responding to current regulatory challenges for strengthening policymaking.
Land Grabbing, Agribusiness and the Peasantry in Brazil and Mozambique
Authors: Clements Elizabeth Alice , Fernandes Bernardo Mançano
Published: June 2013

This article examines the expansion of agribusiness and the evolution of land grabbing in Brazil and Mozambique. The modernization of Brazil’s agricultural sector, which began in the 1960s, successfully expanded into the cerrado region in the 1980s under the state-led PRODECER project. Modernization and state-led programmes such as PRODECER gave new rise to different forms and practices of land grabbing, creating spaces for investment by foreigners. Over the last three decades the production of soybeans in the cerrado has come under substantial foreign control and in recent years, sugarcane production and foreign investment in the ethanol industry has grown markedly in the region; the social and environmental effects of this have been devastating. In this article we will also examine the recent interest of Brazilian agribusinesses in investing in Mozambican land and in particular, the ProSAVANA programme modelled on PRODECER. We argue that while Brazil is subject to land grabbing by foreign capital, it has also become a promoter of land grabbing in Mozambique.
Copper Use, Cultural Change and Neolithization in North-Eastern Europe (c. 5500–1800 BC)
Authors: Nordqvist Kerkko , Herva Vesa-Pekka
Published: June 2013

In the context of northern Europe, copper use started early in eastern Fennoscandia (Finland and the Republic of Karelia, Russia), sometime after 4000 BC. This article explores this Stone Age copper use in eastern Fennoscandia in relation to broader cultural developments in the region between the adoption of pottery (c. 5500 BC) and the end of the Stone Age (c. 1800 BC). Stone Age copper use in north-eastern Europe has conventionally been understood in terms of technology or exchange, whereas this article suggests that the beginning of copper use was linked to more fundamental changes in the perception of, and engagement with, the material world. These changes were associated with the Neolithization of eastern Fennoscandia, which started earlier than has traditionally been thought. It is also argued that the adoption, use, and manipulation of new materials played an active role in the emergence of the Neolithic world in north-eastern Europe and beyond. Also, issues related to the Finno–Russian border dividing up eastern Fennoscandia and its effects on the study of early metal use and other prehistoric cultural processes are discussed.
The Tournemire industrial analogue: reactive-transport modelling of a cement–clay interface
Authors: Watson C. , Savage D. , Wilson J. , Benbow S. , Walker C. , Norris S.
Published: June 2013

In the post-closure period of a geological disposal facility for radioactive waste, leaching of cement components is likely to give rise to an alkaline plume which will be in chemical disequilibrium with the host rock (which is clay in some concepts) and other engineered barrier system materials used in the facility, such as bentonite. An industrial analogue for cement-clay interaction can be found at Tournemire, southern France, where boreholes filled with concrete and cement remained in contact with the natural mudstone for 15–20 years. The boreholes have been overcored, extracted and mineralogical characterization has been performed. In this study, a reactive-transport model of the Tournemire system has been set up using the general-purpose modelling tool QPAC. Previous modelling work has been built upon by using the most up-to-date data and modelling techniques, and by adding both ion exchange and surface complexation processes in the mudstone. The main features observed at Tournemire were replicated by the model, including porosity variations and precipitation of carbonates, K-feldspar, ettringite and calcite. It was found that ion exchange needed to be included in order for C-S-H minerals to precipitate in the mudstone, providing a better match with the mineralogical characterization. The additional inclusion of surface complexation, however, led to limited calcite growth at the concrete-mudstone interface unlike samples taken from the Tournemire site that have a visible line of crusty carbonates along the interface.
Mineralogical investigations of the first package of the alternative buffer material test – II. Exchangeable cation population rearrangement
Authors: Dohrmann R. , Olsson S. , Kaufhold S. , Sellin P.
Published: June 2013

Bentonites are candidate materials for the encapsulation of radioactive waste. In the ‘Alternative Buffer Material test’ (ABM), compacted ring-shaped blocks of eleven different buffer materials (mainly bentonites) were packed vertically on top of each other with an iron tube as heater in the centre. These buffer materials started with various exchangeable cation populations (ECpopulation). The first ‘ABM package’ was terminated 28 months after installation and the bentonites had been exposed to the maximum temperature (130°C) for about one year. The aim of the present study is first: to describe modification of the cation exchange population, and second to understand the influence of the groundwater on cation exchange at different scales. No significant horizontal variation of any exchangeable cation (EC) was detected between 1 and 7 cm distance from contact with the iron tube. Large total differences of the ECpopulations, however, were observed for the individual blocks after the field experiment (n = 21 blocks) with respect to the composition of the reference materials. The average cation exchange capacity (CEC) values of the analysed bentonites (n = 9 blocks) decreased by 5.5 meq/100 (1.1 – 8.8 meq/100 g) after the experiment. Exchangeable Na+ and Mg2+ decreased on average, whereas Ca2+ increased. This trend was pronounced in the top region of the parcel (upper seven blocks). Although most changes occurred on the large scale of the whole test parcel, small but important changes were also recorded in the vertical direction on the centimetre scale. The observed differences cannot be explained assuming simply that a bentonite reacts only with neighbouring blocks, which would mean that the system was more or less closed. The differences are much larger and the only conclusion from this observation is that the whole package seems to be influenced by the groundwater which was added from a water tank at the experiment site, enabling at least partial equilibration between the different blocks.
Bentonite reactivity in alkaline solutions: interim results of the Cyprus Natural Analogue Project (CNAP)
Authors: Alexander W. R. , Milodowski A. E. , Pitty A. F. , Hardie S. M. L. , Kemp S. J. , Rushton J. C. , Siathas Andreas , Siathas Avrim , Mackenzie A. B. , Korkeakoski P. , Norris S. , Sellin P. , Rigas M.
Published: June 2013

Bentonite is one of the more safety-critical components of the engineered barrier system in the disposal concepts developed for many types of radioactive waste. It is used due to its favourable properties (including plasticity, swelling capacity, colloid filtration, low hydraulic conductivity, high retardation of key radionuclides) and its stability in relevant geological environments. However, bentonite is unstable under alkaline conditions and this has driven interest in low-alkali cements (leachate pH of 10–11). To build a robust safety case, it is important to have supporting natural analogue data to confirm understanding of the likely long-term performance of bentonite. In Cyprus, the presence of natural bentonite in close proximity to natural alkaline groundwaters permits the zones of potential bentonite/alkaline water reaction to be studied as an analogy of the potential reaction zones in the repository. Here, the results indicate minimal volumetric reaction of bentonite, with production of a palygorskite secondary phase.
CO2 effect on the pH of compacted bentonite buffer on the laboratory scale
Authors: Itäla A. , Järvinen J. , Muurinen A.
Published: June 2013

Disposal of Finnish spent nuclear fuel is planned to be based on the KBS-3 repository concept. The role of the bentonite buffer in this concept is essential, and thus the behaviour of the bentonite has to be known. The experiments in this paper concentrated on providing information about the effects of carbon dioxide CO2(g) partial pressure on compacted sodium bentonite, giving an insight into the buffering capacity. The experimental setup consisted of a hermetic box which had a CO2-adjusted atmosphere, and the bentonite was in contact with this atmosphere through water reservoirs. The results indicated that it is possible to measure online the changing pH in the porewater inside compacted bentonite using IrOx electrodes. It was found that the pH fell if the CO2 partial pressure increased above atmospheric conditions. The experimental results indicated a greater fall in pH than in our model in the test cases where CO2 was present. The pH in the experiment with 0 PCO2 remained nearly constant throughout the 5 month period. On the other hand, the pH dropped to near 6 with 0.3 PCO2 and to 5.5 with 1 PCO2.
Dissolution of compacted montmorillonite at hyperalkaline pH and 70°C: in situ VSI and ex situ AFM measurements
Authors: Satoh H. , Ishii T. , Owada H.
Published: June 2013

In situ measurements were carried out to quantify montmorillonite dissolution rates at a compaction pressure ranging from 0.04 to 10.00 MPa and temperature of 70°C in 0.3 M NaOH solution (pH 12.1 at 70°C) using vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) and an auto-compaction cell. Ex situ measurements of the reacted samples using atomic force microscopy (AFM) were performed to quantify the ratio of edge surface area (ESA) to total surface area (TSA) (XESA = ESA/TSA). Accordingly, the actual ESA for the montmorillonite examined by in situ VSI could be estimated. The XESA value increases as a function of run duration or compaction pressure. At atmospheric pressure, XESA is approximately 0.0054 and converges to ∼0.0107 at 10 MPa, An expression that relates reactive surface area and montmorillonite compaction (XESA/XESA initial = kXESA, k: variable factor) is kXESA = 1.0 + 0.64628 P0.1527 where P is in MPa. Using the calculated XESA, dissolution rates from the in situ VSI measurements are obtained. The early dissolution (<1500 min) at less compaction pressure tends to show faster rates (>1.0 × 10-11 mol/m2/s) than that at higher compaction pressure. The rates after >1500 min are slower, with values of less than 3×6 10-12 mol/m2/s, but there is no significant dependency on the density in the range from 1.0 to 1.7 Mg/m3. These observed rates for compacted montmorillonite are two-orders of magnitude slower (2.63×10-13 mol/m2/s) than dissolution rates in the suspended state.
Characteristics of variably saturated granular bentonite after long-term storage at near-field relevant temperatures
Authors: Valter M. , Plötze M.
Published: June 2013

Bentonite is a potential material for use in the engineered barrier of radioactive waste repositories because of its low hydraulic permeability, self-sealing capability and retention capacity. It is expected that bentonite would react at the elevated temperatures accompanying the radioactive decay in the nuclear waste. The presented study was started in order to improve understanding of the coupled influence of temperature and (pore) water on the physicochemical and mineralogical properties of bentonite during thermal treatment under near-field relevant conditions. Granular Na-bentonite MX-80 was differently saturated (Sr= 1–0.05) and stored at different temperatures (50–150°C) in a closed system. Upon dismantling after different periods of time (3 to 18 months), mineralogical characteristics, cation exchange capacity and content of leachable cations, as well as physicochemical properties such as surface area and water adsorption were investigated.

The results showed a high mineralogical stability. A slight conversion from the sodium to an earth alkali form of the bentonite was observed. However, considerable changes in the physicochemical properties of the bentonite were observed, particularly by treatment above the critical temperature of 120°C. The cation exchange capacity decreased during heating at 150°C by approximately. 10%. The specific surface area dropped by more than 50%. The water uptake capacity under free swelling conditions showed a slight tendency to lower values especially for samples heated for more than 12 months. The water vapour adsorption ability in contrast drops by 25% already within three months at T = 120°C. These changes are mostly related to the variations in the interlayer cation composition and to smectite aggregation processes. The observed alterations are rather subtle. However, temperatures ⩾ 120°C had a remarkable negative influence on different properties of MX-80.
The experimental study of bentonite swelling into fissures
Authors: Svoboda J.
Published: June 2013

The geological disposal of radioactive waste, based on a multi-barrier concept wherein the first barrier consists of the metal waste container and the final barrier the host rock, is widely considered the only viable solution to this issue. The bentonite-based seal around the canister forms one of the barriers. The unique swelling and sealing capabilities of bentonite play a major role in repository safety concepts in that they allow the bentonite barrier to withstand serious mechanical damage without its function being compromised.

This paper presents experimental research focusing on the dynamics and mechanics of the sealing of cracks and joints using bentonite-based materials. Physical models were used to simulate the contact point of bentonite-based sealants with cracks in the rock mass. The models examined the ability of the tested material to fill the crack thus preventing the creation of a preferential water pathway. The results show that in most cases total bentonite advance (for the same material) into fissures is, primarily, linearly dependent on fissure width. The absolute value of advance could be related to the overall swelling ability of the material characterized by its swell index or swelling pressure.
Micro-scale experimental investigation of the swelling anisotropy of the Callovo-Oxfordian argillaceous rock
Authors: Wang L. L. , Bornert M. , Chanchole S. , Yang D. S. , Héripre E. , Tanguy A. , Caldemaison D.
Published: June 2013

An experimental study of the swelling anisotropy of the Callovo-Oxfordian argillaceous rock under hydration is presented. The investigation, which combines environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and digital image correlation techniques, has been carried out at the micrometric scale of the composite microstructure of the rock. Specimens were hydrated in the ESEM over a wide range of relative humidity and observations conducted on two planes: plane 1 parallel to the bedding plane, and plane 2 perpendicular to it. The observations reveal that the local swelling (which can be quantified at a local gauge length of about 5 μm) is strongly anisotropic in both planes. The global swelling, measured over areas of about 500 μm in width, is also clearly anisotropic in plane 2 (with major swelling direction normal to the bedding plane), but not in plane 1. The global isotropy in plane 1 arises from the uniform distribution of the orientation of anisotropic local strains, while the anisotropic swelling in plane 2 is due to a preferred local orientation.
Changes in hydraulic conductivity of sand-bentonite mixtures accompanied by alkaline alteration
Authors: Yamaguchi T. , Sawaguchi T. , Tsukada M. , Kadowaki M. , Tanaka T.
Published: June 2013

Highly alkaline environments induced by cementitious materials in radioactive waste repositories are likely to alter montmorillonite, the main constituent of bentonite buffer materials, and are likely to cause the physical and/or chemical properties of the buffer materials to deteriorate. The deterioration may cause variation in hydraulic conductivity of the buffer. However, empirical data on the variation of hydraulic conductivity are scarce, mainly because the alteration of compacted buffer materials, sand-bentonite mixtures, is extremely slow. In this study, laboratory experiments were performed to observe changes in hydraulic conductivity of sand-bentonite mixtures, accompanied by their alkaline alteration, using NaOH-based solutions at 80–90°C. Series-1 multi-step alteration/water conduction experiments resulted in an increase in the hydraulic conductivity by one order of magnitude over a 200 day period. Series-2 single step alteration/water conduction experiments revealed a decrease in the montmorillonite contents with time and a resulting increase in the hydraulic conductivity by 30 times over the 67 day period. Series-3 simultaneous alteration/water conduction experiment also demonstrated an increase in the hydraulic conductivity by 30 times over the 150 day period. The results proved that the alkaline alteration of the bentonite buffer can increase the hydraulic conductivity. The data obtained in this study are useful for verification of the code that will be used for assessing the alteration.
Alloantibodies to a paternally derived RBC KEL antigen lead to hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn in a murine model
Authors: Stowell Sean R. , Henry Kate L. , Smith Nicole H. , Hudson Krystalyn E. , Halverson Greg R. , Park Jaekeun C. , Bennett Ashley M. , Girard-Pierce Kathryn R. , Arthur C. Maridith , Bunting Silvia T. , Zimring James C. , Hendrickson Jeanne E.
Published: June 2013

Key Points

Anti-KEL alloantibodies generated after exposure to paternally derived RBC antigens during pregnancy result in fetal anemia. This is the first animal model of pregnancy associated HDFN, with transfusion and pregnancy resulting in boostable anti-KEL alloantibodies.