bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unfired clay bricks: from laboratory to industrial production
Authors: Oti J. E. , Kinuthia J. M. , Bai J.
Published: December 2009

This paper reports on the production of unfired clay masonry bricks at both laboratory and industrial scales. The laboratory-scale bricks were produced at the University of Glamorgan while industrial brick production was carried out at Hanson Brick Company in Stewartby, Bedfordshire. Lime-activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag and Portland cement activated slag was used to stabilise Lower Oxford Clay (LOC) for laboratory and industrial brick production. The engineering performance (strength) of the industrial-scale bricks (blended binder content around 7%) at the end of a 90-day moist curing period tends to be higher than that of the laboratory bricks (blended binder content of 13·1%). It was extremely difficult to make a thorough technical comparison of the overall engineering performance of the laboratory and industrial bricks owing to disparities in test methods, brick format (one solid and the other a frog brick) and mixing and compaction methods. However, a comparison of the strength and other properties required for practical application of unfired clay bricks with those of bricks currently used in mainstream construction was carried out. A comparison of the environmental profile was also conducted. The results suggest that there is potential for using unfired clay bricks for low–medium cost housing and energy efficient masonry wall construction within the UK.
Numerical analysis of geosynthetic-bridged and drilled shafts-supported embankments over large sinkholes
Authors: Wang F. , Han J. , Miao L.-C. , Bhandari A.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: This paper proposes a method to remedy sinkhole problems in highway projects by placing a geosynthetic layer over the drilled shaft walls to support the embankments. Two calibrations were first conducted to verify the numerical model using FLAC2D for this kind of problem. One calibration was based on a field study of a gesosynthetic-reinforced, column-supported embankment. The second calibration was based on a full-scale geosynthetic-bridging over void test. A baseline case representing typical material properties and model geometry in real projects was selected and analyzed, which included a 5-m high embankment over a 20-m wide void supported by a geosynthetic layer over drilled shafts at 3-m spacing. The analysis included the settlement, the tension in the geosynthetic layer, and the total axial force in the shafts. Settlements at the crest and base of the embankment were calculated to evaluate the performance of this embankment system. The numerical results indicate that higher tension in the geosynthetic layer was located at the edges of the shafts. Total axial force in the shafts was used to compute a soil arching ratio. Three key parameters were investigated in a parametric study including the spacing of the shaft walls, the void width, and tensile stiffness of the geosynthetic layer. The parametric study shows that the spacing of the shaft walls greatly influences the performance of the embankment. The void width has limited influence if the drilled shafts are uniformly distributed in the void. The tensile stiffness of the geosynthetic has a more significant influence on the settlement at the base of the embankment than that on the crest.
2D and 3D simulation of geogrid-reinforced geocomposite material embankment on soft Bangkok clay
Authors: Tanchaisawat T. , Bergado D.T. , Voottipruex P.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: A full-scale test embankment, 6.0 m high, was constructed on soft Bangkok clay using a rubber tire chip–sand mixture as a geocomposite material reinforced with geogrid reinforcement with concrete block facing in the middle portion of the embankment. Silty sand backfill with rock-filled gabion facing were utilized at the sloping sides. The vertical and lateral deformations as well as excess pore pressures were monitored for 1 year. This study attempted to simulate the behavior of the full-scale test embankment by two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) numerical analyses. The 2D analysis was performed by PLAXIS software using undrained analysis in the construction stage and, thereafter, consolidation analysis was performed during the service stage. The 3D analysis was investigated by FLAC3Dsoftware using the same constitutive models and properties of foundation soils as published by previous researchers. Owing to the use of geocomposite material as embankment materials, the observed values of the vertical and horizontal deformations, excess pore pressures, and the reinforcement tensions were quite low. Thus, there were no significant differences between the 2D and 3D simulated results in comparison with the corresponding measurements of embankment behavior. As expected, however, the 3D predictions were slightly lower than the corresponding values from the 2D predictions. Consequently, the lower 3D predicted values of vertical and lateral deformations, excess pore pressures and reinforcement tensions in comparison with the 2D predictions were quite consistent and reasonable.
Ageing of HDPE geomembranes in jet fuel A-1
Authors: Rimal S. , Rowe R.K.
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT: The latest findings regarding the ageing of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembrane (GM) exposed to jet fuel are presented. Data from std-OIT and HP-OIT tests both indicate that some component(s) of the antioxidant package are readily leached into the jet fuel but once this component is removed the OIT values remain relatively stable for up to at least 4 years. The std-OIT depletion rates for the readily leachable component of the antioxidant package are estimated from the available data. Based on the jet fuel immersion test at 23°C the depletion time to reach the residual standard oxidative induction time (OIT) is 1.6 years for 1.5 mm thick conventional GM and 5.5 years for the 1.5 mm fluorinated GM. Thus fluorination had a significantly beneficial effect in terms of slowing antioxidant depletion. Arrhenius modelling based on data at three temperatures (23, 9 and −22°C) is used to predict std-OIT depletion times at a temperature (−1°C) applicable to containment of jet fuel spill at Brevoort Island in the Arctic. The estimated depletion time ranged from 14–24 years for 1.5 mm thick untreated GM, 22–33 years for 2 mm untreated GM, and 26–33 years for 1.5 mm fluorinated GM. For GMs with a similar composition, the OIT depletion rate decreased approximately with the square of GM thickness. At 23°C the depletion rate in the diffusion test was only about one-quarter of that in an immersion test. Tensile elongation at yield increased with time of immersion in jet fuel. Tensile yield properties and initial tear resistance of the GM were lower when the GM was wet with jet fuel than when dry. However, no significant change in dry initial tear resistance was observed. No significant change in crystallinity was observed in GM exposed to jet fuel. The immersion data suggest that the 1.5 mm f-HDPE GM liner used to containing the hydrocarbon spill on Brevoort Island is likely to perform well for a period well in excess of 25 years at the average field temperature (−1°C). Based on the findings from the diffusion tests with jet fuel on one side and water on the other (i.e. similar exposure conditions to that in the field), the time to antioxidant depletion is likely to about four times longer than when immersed in jet fuel and so the depletion time in the field under these conditions is projected to be in excess of 100 years. These tests will need to be run for a much longer period of time to allow a better estimate to be made of the depletion rate of remaining antioxidants and service life of GM exposed to jet fuel.
Design of tidal barrage power schemes
Authors: Prandle D.
Published: December 2009

A simplified approach to the design of impounded estuarine tidal power schemes is described, based on the mean tidal amplitude and the surface area of the enclosed basin. Power outputs of 0·27 and 0·37 of the available energy can be realised for one-way and two-way operations, respectively. Generally good agreement is found between these theoretical designs and engineering schemes constructed at La Rance and proposed in the Bay of Fundy and Bristol Channel. The dimensionless approach described here allows designs to be readily scaled down to the much smaller-scale schemes presently under consideration. The additional energy output, for the same installed capacity, in the two-way operation combined with a flushing regime closer to the undisturbed state appears, on environmental grounds, to recommend this operational mode.
Sewerage treatment in an integrated constructed wetland
Authors: Doody D. , Harrington R. , Johnson M. , Hofmann O. , McEntee D.
Published: December 2009

An integrated constructed wetland was constructed in 2006/2007 to treat combined sewage from the village of Glaslough in North Monaghan, Ireland. With a design capacity of 1750 population equivalent, the plant became operational in October 2007 and the current load is around 800 population equivalent. Untreated influent is pumped directly to a receiving sludge pond; the liquid then flows by gravity through five sequential vegetated ponds and the effluent discharges directly to the Mountain Water River. The banks of the ponds feature equestrian riding trails. Monitoring equipment has been installed in each pond and early results are very encouraging. In the first year of operation, effluent quality consistently surpassed the quality of the receiving river. The system can robustly cope with large variations in volumetric and biological oxygen demand loadings of the influent. The construction and maintenance of the wctland show significant cost savings compared with traditional sewage treatment plants in the county. The extensive monitoring work being undertaken at Glaslough wctland will help promote the wctland concept and its application to a range of water quality management issues such as leachate (from landfills), sewage sludges, drinking water source protection and flood amelioration.
Assessing open space provision using network analysis
Authors: Monteath K.
Published: December 2009

Local authorities are gathering increasing amounts of information relating to open space within the urban environment. Information on extent, type, distribution and quality of spaces has led to more understanding about the spaces themselves. However, this information alone is not enough to ensure that open spaces meet the needs of the communities that they serve. The spatial relationship between an open space and the people it serves must be understood to ensure it meets the needs of the community. There are two main methodologies that can be employed when analysing access to open space – Euclidean (as the crow flies) distances or network analysis, which involves modelling real-world networks and the movement of people through them. Although network analysis is far more accurate, it has been rarely used for open space management because it takes more time to implement. Recent work carried out for two Scottish councils employed network analysis when carrying out quantitative analyses of access to open space. When combined with other data relating to type, quality and population, a clear picture emerges of the state of open space provision within each community.
Ratsaspuisto in Helsinki, Finland: a playground for everyone
Authors: Tujula P. , Juutilainen A.
Published: December 2009

The regional accessibility plan of Helsinki, Finland, provides for a playground with a special level of accessibility to be situated in all city districts. One of the criteria for special-level accessibility is that the playground must include a tactile map suitable for people with impaired vision. It was identified that no suitable products for outdoor use were available. Research was thus carried out to define the textual requirements for tactile maps, devise the symbols to be employed, and investigate the feasibility of various materials and manufacturing techniques. Two user tests were arranged and the resultant feedback led to selection of the first prototype designed specifically for outdoor use. More user tests were conducted prior to further development. A working group was set up to implement the design work, including representatives of those involved in design and construction, as well as product manufacturers. The help of experts from various associations for the disabled was also enlisted. The first playground rated at the special level of accessibility, Ratsaspuisto, was opened in 2007. The design of the play park paid particular attention to the adaptability of playground equipment to all children. The newly manufactured playground equipment has built-in accessibility features and complies with European Union safety standards.
Urban green spaces in Buenos Aires and Christchurch
Authors: Faggi A. , Ignatieva M.
Published: December 2009

Even though New Zealand and Argentina are situated in different geographical regions, are of dissimilar size and have different histories of development, their urban open green spaces share some similarities. Argentina and New Zealand both have prototypes of design styles and planting design choices from Europe. Most green spaces in Argentina have developed from French, Spanish and Italian prototypes, while New Zealand adopted mostly English models. This article considers two case studies—Buenos Aires in Argentina and Christchurch in New Zealand—to analyse and compare philosophical and design trends in the development of local green spaces in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The paper also critically evaluates current globalisation flows in landscape design, particularly the influences of Western landscape consumerism that have resulted in the acceptance of particular urban green area elements such as public parks with vast lawns and scattered trees, and special ‘tropical paradise’ landscapes of hotels and shopping malls. The growing opposition to this globalisation process in urban green spaces (for example reassessment of native plant communities and new landscape designs that address local identity) is also discussed.
Maxima and minima of moments in hyperstatic spans
Authors: Sebastian W.
Published: December 2009

When a distributed load is applied to a hyperstatic (statically indeterminate) beam span of two distinct and given section flexural stiffnessses, maxima or minima of the critical moments within the span arise when a physically meaningful coincidence exists between the moment diagram and the flexural stiffness diagram for the span. In this paper, an insightful geometric argument is employed to identify that physically meaningful phenomenon for a span with both ends encastered. Symbolic analysis is then used to derive the coincidence for spans with rotational springs of any stiffness between zero (free rotation) and infinity (encastered) at one end or both ends. The vital role of implicit differentiation in enabling serendipitous discovery of the result is highlighted. Examples are used to show how the phenomenon and associated theory may be used to obviate iterative computations, thereby providing rapid and useful insight into the process of optimising fibre-reinforced polymer/steel plate layouts which create two section stiffnesses when connected to timber or steel beams. For reinforced concrete or steel–concrete composite spans it is shown that the phenomenon automatically occurs, and the effects on steel-to-concrete shear transfer of uncertainties in the flexural stiffness distribution are discussed again by recourse to the underlying theory.
Building liveable major urban streets: Begin Road, Tel-Aviv
Authors: Rofè Yodan , Ishaq Robert
Published: December 2009

This paper reports on the struggle to create a major urban street that will help liveability and sustainability in the city of Tel-Aviv, Israel. Begin Road used to be a major inter-urban road linking the centre of Tel-Aviv with its eastern and northern suburbs. With the construction of the Ayalon Freeway running parallel to it, the new suburban rail system and the planned light rail subway that will run underneath, Begin Road is in the process of being transformed into the future main street of the Tel-Aviv central business district. The paper follows the development of the design from a criticism of an auto-oriented artery proposed for the street, through the development of alternatives based on different types of boulevard, to the design development of a multi-way boulevard. While the boulevard vision was generally accepted, existing difficulties with the current regulatory and professional context, as well as an auto-oriented city policy and lack of coordination of land use and transportation planning, still hinder the realisation of a great street.
Development of the Exercise Motivation Questionnaire With Mexican American Adults
Authors: Keele Rebecca
Published: December 2009

Prevalence of physical inactivity is the highest among Mexican Americans (40%) as compared to only 18% among Whites. The purpose of this study was to test a culturally relevant exercise motivation instrument with 269 Mexican Americans living along the southern New Mexico border area. Construct validation was supportive with items clustering into five factors consistent with reversal theory constructs explaining 54% of the variance. Further support was achieved with a positive correlation between the Exercise Motivation Questionnaire—Mexican American (EMQ-MA) and the Motives for Activity Participation Questionnaire (r = .10−.77) and with regular exercisers scoring higher on all subscales. Internal consistency values for the subscales ranged from .80 to .90. There is potential for developing individualized exercise interventions based on exercise motivation as measured by the EMQ-MA.
Validation of Diabetes Health-Related Quality-of-Life Instruments Using Cognitive Interviewing With Older African Americans
Authors: Magwood Gayenell S. , Jenkins Carolyn , Zapka Jane
Published: December 2009

The reliability and validity of two diabetes-specific quality-of-life instruments were examined with aging African Americans with limited literacy. Cognitive interviews with 15 persons and content analysis were conducted. Participants’ mean age was 72 years, and 40% had less than a high school education. Most observed problems with the surveys related to comprehension and response categories. Respondents had difficulty distinguishing between certain functional limitations and/or level of satisfaction as being associated with chronic illness or aging. This study underscores the need for research with special populations on the appropriateness of instruments previously validated and shown reliable for more general populations. While cognitive interviewing is resource intensive, ignoring this investment may result in inappropriate interpretations about the effectiveness of interventions to improve care and outcomes, understand differences, and eliminate disparities.
New Opportunities for the Management and Therapy of Hepatitis C in Correctional Settings
Authors: Martin C. Kent , Hostetter Jeffrey E. , Hagan John J.
Published: December 2009

Hepatitis C in prison populations is now a major public health problem, and large numbers of correctional facilities have no comprehensive management program, often because of formidable projected costs and tightening budget constraints. The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has operated a management and therapy program since 2002 using consensus interferon and ribavirin with 45% cost savings. The program has provided excellent sustained viral responses: 54.2% for genotype 1 hepatitis C, 75% for genotypes 2 and 3, and 63.6% overall.
Improved Hydrogeophysical Parameter Estimation from Empirical Mode Decomposition Processed Ground Penetrating Radar Data
Authors: Addison Adrian D. , Battista Bradley M. , Knapp Camelia C.
Published: December 2009

Various techniques have been designed to maximize the use of ground penetrating radar (GPR) as an exploration tool. Improvements in signal processing are expected to further facilitate the accuracy of parameters derived from using GPR in certain geologic environments. Common-offset GPR data were collected at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Beaufort, South Carolina, and dielectric constants were calculated following the application of the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) for dewowing GPR traces. Conventional signal processing is applied to the GPR traces to provide hydrogeophysical parameter estimates such as volumetric water content, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity. The results are validated using a coincident vertical radar profile, existing hydraulic data from direct measurements, and comparing EMD derived parameters with those non-EMD derived. The results of the comparison between the EMD and non-EMD methods show improved hydrogeophysical estimations from the EMD processed data. Dielectric constant [Formula: see text] values from the non-EMD method are outside the range of the values for all geologic materials [Formula: see text]. The subsequent parameter estimates using dielectric constants derived from non-EMD processed data yield erroneous results therefore justifying the use of EMD as a method in dewowing GPR data for quantitative analyses.
Are there indications of climate change induced increases in variability of major field crops in the northernmost European conditions?
Authors: PELTONEN-SAINIO P. , JAUHIAINEN L. , HAKALA K.
Published: December 2009

As the northern hemisphere will experience the greatest increases in temperature and indications of climatic change are already visible in the north (in the 2000s average temperatures exceeded the long-term mean), we sought to establish if there are already signs of increased variability in yield and quality of the major field crops grown under the northernmost European growing conditions: spring and winter cereals (barley Hordeum vulgare L., oat Avena sativa L., wheat Triticum aestivum L., rye Secale cereale L.), spring rapeseed (turnip rape Brassica rapa L., oilseed rape B. napus L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). We used long-term yield datasets of FAO for Finland (1960s to date) and MTT Agrifood Research Finland (MTT) Official Variety Trial datasets on yield and quality of major field crops in Finland since the 1970s. Yield variability was exceptionally high in the 1980s and 1990s, but previously and subsequently national yields were clearly more stable. No progressive increase in yield variability was recorded. No marked and systematic changes in variability of quality traits were recorded, except for rapeseed, which exhibited reduced variability in seed chlorophyll content. This may at least partly attribute to the differences in intensity of input use and thereby responsiveness of the crops before and after 1980 and 1990 decades. We also noted that in the 2000s average temperatures were higher than in earlier decades and this was the case for all months of the growing season except June, which represents, however, the most critical phase for yield determination in most of the field crops in Finland. Also in the 2000s precipitation increased in the first three months of the growing season and thereafter decreased, but without signs of significantly increased numbers of heavy showers (extreme rain events). Hence, in general constant, increased average temperatures during the growing seasons of the 2000s were identified, but with reduced yield variability, which was partly attributable to the diminished use of inputs, especially fertilisers.;
Formic acid treated whole crop barley and wheat silages in dairy cow diets: effects of crop maturity, proportion in the diet, and level and type of concentrate supplementation
Authors: JAAKKOLA S. , SAARISALO E. , HEIKKILÄ T.
Published: December 2009

Three trials in dairy cows were carried out to study the effects of replacing grass silage (GS) with wholecrop silage (WCS) made of barley (BS) or wheat (WS) harvested at dough stage with a dry matter (DM) concentration of 300-450 g kg-1. All silages were ensiled using a formic acid based additive 5 l t-1. Milk production responses to energy and protein supplementation of diets were studied. In Exp. 1, BS replaced GS at the rates of 0, 200, 400 or 600 g kg-1 forage DM. Also 10 kg of concentrate containing 0 or 2 kg of rape seed meal was fed. In Exp. 2, barley was harvested at three times (BS1, BS2, BS3) at one week intervals. Barley silages were fed as a mixture with GS (40:60) and in addition BS2 and GS alone. Silages were supplemented with a cereal based farm-made concentrate (FC) or a commercial compound having a lower concentration of starch than FC. In Exp. 3, barley and wheat were harvested at two week intervals, fed as a mixture with GS (40:60) and supplemented with low or high amount of concentrate. The fermentation quality of whole crop silages was good. Weather conditions and maturity affected the proportion of ear in the crop and subsequently the ratio of non-structural carbohydrates to NDF in the silage. The inclusion of WCS depressed diet OM digestibility depending on the digestibility of GS and the proportion of WCS in the diet. However, mixing GS and WCS did not depress intake. Subsequently the use of mixtures maintained or even increased milk yield as compared with GS diet in Exp. 2 and 3. In Exp. 1, higher proportions (400, 600 g kg-1) of BS decreased milk yield. Minor effects of growth stage on milk production were observed with barley whereas delaying wheat harvest increased milk yield. Different types and levels of concentrate induced mainly similar intake and milk yield responses with diets based on GS alone or on mixtures of GS and WCS. The synergistic effect of mixing GS and WCS was more positive in experiments where the protein concentration of concentrate was high (200 g kg-1 DM).;
Legumes in Finnish agriculture: history, present status and future prospects
Authors: STODDARD F. L. , HOVINEN S. , KONTTURI M.
Published: December 2009

Legumes are important in world agriculture, providing biologically fixed nitrogen, breaking cereal disease cycles and contributing locally grown food and feed, including forage. Pea and faba bean were grown by early farmers in Finland, with remains dated to 500 BC. Landraces of pea and faba bean were gradually replaced by better adapted, higher quality materials for food use. While grain legumes have been restricted by their long growing seasons to the south of the country, red, white and alsike clovers are native throughout and have long been used in leys for grazing, hay and silage. Breeding programmes released many cultivars of these crops during the 1900s, particularly pea and red clover. A.I. Virtanen earned the 1945 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on both nitrogen fixation and silage preservation. Use of crop mixtures may appear modern, but farmers used them already in the early 1800s, when oat was used to support pea, and much effort has been devoted to improving the system and establishing its other benefits. Although international cultivars have been easily accessible since Finlands 1995 entry into the European Union, the combination of feed quality and appropriate earliness is still needed, as < 1% of arable land is sown to grain legumes and an increase to 910% would allow replacement of imported protein feeds. Climate change will alter the stresses on legume crops, and investment in agronomy, physiology and breeding is needed so that farmers can gain from the many advantages of a legume-supported rotation.;
Optimization of an Intermittent Slug Injection System for Sawdust Biomass Pyrolysis
Authors: Berruti Federico M , Ferrante Lorenzo , Berruti Franco , Briens Cedric
Published: December 2009

Among many other potential applications, intermittent solid slug feeders can be used to effectively inject biomass materials into fluidized bed reactors for pyrolysis. In particular, these feeders can be used to convey biomass materials that are highly cohesive to prevent plugging or undesirable reaction in the feeding tube. Although feeders of this design have been shown to work very effectively, they have not been studied in detail or optimized for the pyrolysis process. In addition, the operating conditions required to obtain predictable and consistent mass flow rates and slugs of desirable characteristics need to be established.The purpose of this work was to design, build and demonstrate the operation of a horizontal intermittent solid slug feeder and to test it with sawdust as the feed material. Sawdust is an extremely cohesive and difficult biomass to inject, but one that holds great potential as an important renewable feedstock for pyrolysis.The intermittent feeder designed for this work consisted of a pressurized vertical solids storage silo leading to a pneumatic pinch valve. The pinch valve, controlled by solenoid valves connected to a relay timer, released the feed into a horizontal feeding tube at a ninety degree angle. Within the silo, a rotating mixer prevented the bridging of solids. Intermittent pulses of gas from a control volume were fed into the horizontal feeding tube, as well as, in some cases, a continuous gas flow. The timing of the pulses was controlled by solenoid valves with a relay timer. While the pinch valve is opened, solids fall into the horizontal feeding tube forming a plug, which is then propelled by the pulsating gas into the reactor. The solid mass flow rate was experimentally measured by collecting the solids and continuously measuring the mass using a digital balance.Several variables were tested in order to optimize the performance of the feeder and the consistency of the feeding rate. They included the silo pressure, mixing rate, gas pulse pressure and volume, continuous gas mass flow rate, and the open pinch-valve time interval. The goals of this optimization were (a) to maximize the solid-to-gas ratio of mass flow rates, since the gas mass flux must be minimized to avoid wasting energy, and (b) to define operating conditions required to inject consistent biomass mass flow rates suitable for a laboratory scale pyrolysis reactor, and (c) to propose initial design criteria and a calibration procedure for intermittent solid slug feeders.The results demonstrated that the intermittent solid slug feeder system successfully achieved the desired objectives and showed how to efficiently select its optimum operating conditions.
Effect of the Amount of Task-Relevant Information on Shared Mental Models in Computer-Mediated and Face-to-Face Teams: Is More Always Better?
Authors: Xie Xiao-yun , Zhu Yan , Wang Zhong-Ming
Published: December 2009

The effect of the amount of task-relevant information on shared mental models in computer-mediated and face-to-face settings was examined. A 3 × 2 factorial design combining the amount of information with communication modes was administered through a simulated experiment. Results
showed that the effects of the amount of information on the formation of shared mental models were discrepant. In the computer-mediated setting, the sharedness of mental models increased as the amount of information increased; in the face-to-face setting, the sharedness of mental models declined
as the amount of information increased. The reversed results under the two communication settings extend the shared mental models theory into more contingent facets. Theoretical interpretations and limitations are discussed.
The Effects of Homosexual Imagery in Advertisements on Brand Perception and Purchase Intention
Authors: Hooten Mary Ann , Noeva Kristina , Hammonds Frank
Published: December 2009

This study was aimed at examining the effects of homosexual imagery in print advertisements on consumers' perceptions of the brand and intentions to purchase the product. Brand perceptions and purchase intentions were measured before and after participants were exposed to various advertisements
including gay, lesbian, and heterosexual imagery. Results indicated that homosexual imagery had a negative effect on brand perceptions and purchase intentions. This effect was mediated by the salience of the homosexual imagery. Further research recommendations are made.
An Investigation of Group Interaction Functioning Stimulated by Transformational Leadership on Employee Intrinsic and Extrinsic Job Satisfaction: An Extension of the Resource-Based Theory Perspective
Authors: Yang Yi-Feng
Published: December 2009

Resource-based theory (RBT) has long been used to gain a perspective for understanding the relationship between human resource management and the attainment of effective organizational leadership. In this study, we investigate the effect of transformational leadership (TL) on employee
intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction. In addition, we examine whether mediators in employee group interaction behaviors act as mediators in the TL process. Overall, we attained significant results which were consistent with the RBT predictions but we moved beyond previous RBT studies,
offering new findings and insights. It was found that TL has a significant influence on both interaction behaviors and employee job satisfaction, interaction behaviors have a significant influence on satisfaction, and the interaction behaviors act as mediators to enhance the effect of TL on
satisfaction. It is suggested that interaction behaviors should be incorporated with TL to increase employee satisfaction because interaction behaviors are highly dependent on TL to support the integration of information, resources, and technology in group goal attainment, which helps to increase
satisfaction.
CLERC and centrosomal leucine-rich repeat proteins
Authors: Muto Yoshinori , Okano Yukio
Published: December 2009

The centrosome functions as the microtubule-organizing center and plays a vital role in organizing spindle poles during mitosis. Recently, we identified a centrosomal protein called CLERC (Centrosomal leucine-rich repeat and coiled-coil containing protein) which is a human ortholog of Chlamydomonas Vfl1 protein. The bibliography as well as database searches provided evidence that the human proteome contains at least seven centrosomal leucine-rich repeat proteins including CLERC. CLERC and four other centrosomal leucine-rich repeat proteins contain the SDS22-like leucine-rich repeat motifs, whereas the remaining two proteins contain the RI-like and the cysteine-containing leucine-rich repeat motifs. Individual leucine-rich repeat motifs are highly conserved and present in evolutionarily diverse organisms. Here, we provide an overview of CLERC and other centrosomal leucine-rich repeat proteins, their structures, their evolutionary relationships, and their functional properties.
Zooplankton communities of two lake outlets in relation to abiotic factors
Authors: Czerniawski Robert , Domagała Józef
Published: December 2009

We examined the quantitative and qualitative zooplankton community structure in two small rivers flowing out from lakes differing in trophic conditions. Within each river, three sites were chosen for the collection of drifted zooplankton: one at the outflow, and two at distances of 0.2 km and 1 km from the outflow. The most significant difference in zooplankton community between the outflow and the lower course of the river occurred in the first section directly after the outflow. These differences in the zooplankton community were driven largely by crustaceans, which declined faster in the river flowing out from the mesotrophic lake. Physical parameters mainly impacted the zooplankton community found in the river flowing from the mesotrophic lake; however, chemical parameters also had an impact in the river discharging from the strongly eutrophic lake.
The effects of intravitreally injected bevacizumab on the retina and retina pigment epithelium: experimental in-vivo electron microscopic study in intact versus vitrectomized eyes
Authors: Kocak Nilufer , Ozogul Candan , Kaynak Suleyman , Sonmez Ulker , Zengin Mehmet , Karti Omer , Ozturk Taylan , Ergin Mehmet
Published: December 2009

To analyze the retinal toxicity of bevacizumab at various doses both in vitrectomized and non-vitrectomized rabbit models. Twenty- eight rabbits were included in the study. Twenty- four rabbits were assigned to six groups, with 4 of the rabbits in the control group. The animals in Groups 1, 2 and 3 received bevacizumab at a dose of 0.3 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.5 mg /eye, respectively. The rabbits in Groups 4, 5 and 6 received intravitreal bevacizumab of 0.3 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.5mg/eye, respectively, after gas compression vitrectomy. Two weeks after the procedure, the rabbits were euthanized. Retina tissue samples were then obtained and examined with both light and electron microscopes. In Groups 1, 2 and 3 after bevacizumab injection, toxic degeneration in the photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelium cells was observed via electron microscopic examination. The findings in Groups 4 and 5 were normal as compared to the control group. In Group 6, toxicity in the bipolar neurons and photoreceptor cells was noticed. Increased toxicity and retinal penetration were noticed in all administered doses of bevacizumab in the presence of vitreous. In addition, ocular toxicity occurred through the injection of the highest dose of bevacizumab after vitrectomy. It is possible that the bevacizumab dose and the, vitreous are as important as the drug half-life in the vitreous.
Insight into precursor kinetics using an infrared gas analyser
Authors: Kłos K. , Piotrowski A. , Gawron W. , Piotrowski J.
Published: December 2009

Precursor kinetics and its influence on MOCVD growth was investigated using an infrared absorption gas analyser. After several refinements, the analyser was able to be used to measure time dependent concentrations of precursors in the growth zone. Changes were induced by periodic switching of corresponding bubbler valves. It was proved that precursor transport could be accurately described by the combined plug flow and perfectly mixed tank model. The studies of the precursor trans-port are strategically important for the growth of multilayer structures, when growth time of particular layers becomes comparable to delays and time constants. One example is quantum wells or interdiffused multilayer process (IMP) used in the growth of Hg1-xCdxTe heterostructures, where knowledge of precursor transport characteristics is vital for understanding and properly designing that growth. The model parameters, sc. the delays and time constants for DIPTe and DMCd, were evaluated for various growth conditions and then successfully used to optimise the growth of complex Hg1−xCdxTe heterostructures.
On Adjectival Connotations
Authors: Kjellmer Göran
Published: December 2009

On Adjectival Connotations

Connotations are elusive semantic elements. Although they are often specific to individual speakers, many of them are sufficiently general to serve as general communicative elements. The paper suggests a device by means of which adjectival connotations, whether of the individual or the general type, can be pinpointed. The device is simply the sequence "ADJ1 but not ADJ2", where ADJ2 is seen to enrich the connotational semantics of ADJ1. Thus for example the use of a phrase like desirable but not essential may indicate that desirable normally contains an element of essential, though perhaps not in the situation where it is used. It is pointed out that ADJ2 often represents an intensification of the semantic content of ADJ1.
"The Dread of Something After Death" - The Relationship Between Shakespeare's Hamlet and Some Medieval Dream Visions and Ghost Stories
Authors: Wicher Andrzej
Published: December 2009

"The Dread of Something After Death" - The Relationship Between Shakespeare's Hamlet and Some Medieval Dream Visions and Ghost Stories

The present article tries to answer the question whether it is possible to think of William Shakespeare's Hamlet as a dream vision in which the Ghost plays the role analogous to the Dreamer's supernatural guide, which is the situation we meet with in medieval dream visions, such as Chaucer's The book of the Duchess, or The Pearl. It seems that such an interpretation is possible, even though it should be approached cautiously because medieval ghosts and dead souls, and other supernatural phenomena, not only in dream visions, usually function as a means to solve, or at least alleviate, a crisis, whereas in Hamlet the Ghost comes rather to exacerbate it, and make it more tragical. To prove this point, the author makes comparisons not only between Hamlet and dream visions, but also some medieval ghost stories, and the thirteenth century romance Havelok the Dane, which is based on a narrative pattern not very different from that of Hamlet. Another problem examined in this article is that of the extent to which we can talk of the motif of reduplication and monstrous double as a leitmotif in Hamlet, and also in some of its analogues. Some comments and ideas by Frank Kermode and Harold Bloom are made use of in this context.
Review
Authors: Wicher Andrzej
Published: December 2009

Review
Comments on Coulter and Smith: Narrative Researchers as Witnesses of Injustice and Agents of Social Change?
Authors: Barone Tom
Published: December 2009

In commenting on Coulter and Smith (2009) , the author explores issues related to the place of the political in education research and in literature, but especially in forms of narrative research that possess both scientific and literary dimensions. More specifically, the author examines four sets of issues related to the researching and writing of forms of narrative composition that exhibit an overtly progressivist orientation. These issues involve (a) the fundamental purposes for which the research is undertaken, (b) the role of opposing tropisms operating through textual design elements that tend to promote or discourage multiple perspectives, (c) ethical issues related to assumed privileges of authorship by the researcher, and (d) the political prerogatives and responsibilities of readers of literary forms of narrative research in education.
Response to Comments: Finding the Narrative in Narrative Research
Authors: Coulter Cathy A.
Published: December 2009

The author responds to comments by Barone (2009) , Clandinin and Murphy (2009) , and M. W. Smith (2009) on “The Construction Zone: Literary Elements in Narrative Research” ( Coulter & M. L. Smith, 2009 ). She clarifies issues regarding point of view, authorial surplus, narrative coherence, and the relational qualities of narrative research. She maintains that the relational, the ethical, and the aesthetic are not mutually exclusive. Literary elements can function to support collaborative processes while attending to the aesthetic qualities that invite the reader into the storied account.
Subjective Effects of Cannabis Before the First Psychotic Episode
Authors: Peters Bart D. , de Koning Pelle , Dingemans Peter , Becker Hiske , Linszen Don H. , de Haan Lieuwe
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of the present study was to gain more insight into the positive and negative effects of cannabis in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia and in the ultra-high-risk (UHR) state for psychosis.

Method: A theory-driven questionnaire was used to examine subjective effects in the prodromal phase in male subjects with a recent onset of schizophrenia or related disorder (n = 52) and in the UHR state in help-seeking male subjects screened for being at UHR for psychosis (n = 17); both groups were compared to cannabis-using controls from the general population (n=52).

Results: Recent-onset patients and UHR subjects reported feeling more anxious, depressed and suspicious immediately after cannabis use. Some patients also reported feeling less depressed after cannabis use. Recent-onset patients reported increased visual and acoustic hallucinations, and confusion after cannabis use. Of the recent-onset patients 37% reported that their very first psychotic symptoms occurred during cannabis intoxication. Long-term effects of cannabis reported more often by both patient groups were depression, less control over thoughts and social problems.

Conclusions: These results suggest that schizophrenia patients in the prodromal phase and subjects at UHR for psychosis are more sensitive to some negative effects of cannabis, in particular psychotic effects, compared to cannabis users from the general population. Although limited by the retrospective design in the recent-onset patients, the present study adds qualitative evidence to longitudinal studies that suggest that cannabis is a component cause in the onset of the first psychotic episode. Further studies are needed on the objective and subjective effects of cannabis in UHR subjects.
Use of Administrative Data for the Surveillance of Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Kisely Stephen , Lin Elizabeth , Gilbert Charles , Smith Mark , Campbell Leslie-Anne , Vasiliadis Helen-Maria
Published: December 2009

Objective: There is increasing interest in the use of administrative data for surveillance and research in Australia. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of such data for the surveillance of mood and anxiety disorder using databases from the following Canadian provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Method: A population-based record-linkage analysis was done using data from physician billings and hospital discharge abstracts, and community-based clinics using a case definition of ICD-9 diagnoses of 296.0–296.9, 311.0, and 300.0–300.9.

Results: The prevalence of treated mood and/or anxiety disorder was similar in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Ontario at approximately 10%. The prevalence for Quebec was slightly lower at 8%. Findings from the provinces showed consistency across age and sex despite variations in data coding. Women tended to show a higher prevalence overall of mood and anxiety disorder than men. There was considerably more variation, however, when treated anxiety (300.0–300.9) and mood disorders (296.0–296.9, 311.0) were considered separately. Prevalence increased steadily to middle age, declining in the 50s and 60s, and then increased after 70 years of age.

Conclusions: Administrative data can provide a useful, reliable and economical source of information for the surveillance of treated mood and/or anxiety disorder. Due to the lack of specificity, however, in the diagnoses and data capture, it may be difficult to conduct surveillance of mood and anxiety disorders as separate entities. These findings may have implications for the surveillance of mood and anxiety disorders in Australia with the development of a national network for the extraction, linkage and analysis of administrative data.