bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warriors and the State in Early Modern India
Authors: Richards John
Published: September 2004

This essay argues for reconsideration and greater scholarly attention to the insights of Prof. Dirk Kolff as expressed in his 1989 book, Naukar, Rajput and Sepoy and in later writings. Kolff described a fluid, pervasive military labor market in late Mughal and early colonial North India that made vast numbers of armed, largely peasant soldiers available to military contractors, rulers, and rebels alike. His formulation permits us to see that armed Indian peasants in this period had considerable agency and independence within a society that was riven with con flict. Such a reconsideration underscores the magnitude of the changes wrought in Indian society by violent British conquest, pacification and disarmament in rural society — especially after the failed 1857 revolt. L'article plaide pour une reconsidération et une réévaluation des idées du professeur Dirk Kolff, telles qu'elles sont présentées dans son ouvrage paru en 1989, Naukar, Rajput et Sepoy, et dans ses publications ultérieures. Kolff décrit un marché du travail militaire flexible et omniprésent en Inde Mogole et en Inde Septentrionale au début de l'ère coloniale, et qui a rendu disponible aux courtiers militaires, aux dirigeants et aux rebelles un grand nombre de soldats d'origine paysanne. Son exposé nous permet de voir comment, pendant cette période, les paysans indiens armés avaient une importance et une indépendance considérables dans une société fendue par les con flits armés. Une telle reconsidération souligne l'importance des changements dans la société indienne, déclenchés par la soumission violente, la paci fication et le désarmement par les Anglais — surtout après l'échec de la révolte de 1857.
The Social Dynamics of the Mughal Empire: A Brief Introduction
Authors:   Heesterman
Published: September 2004

It is only recently that the study of Indian history since the Muslim conquest, especially the Mughal period (1526-1857), has seen a fundamental change. No longer is this period viewed in the static terms of 'oriental society,' the perennial 'village community' and the unchangeable rigidities of caste and community. Instead full attention is now given to the dynamics of Indian society. Dirk Kolff's work has significantly contributed to this change of perspective. Focussing attention on India's 'armed peasantry' in its various guises of both sedentary 'ryots' and itinerant warriors, Kolff brings out the flexibility and dynamics of the Mughal world that was known to its European contemporaries as the 'flourishing Indies.' Even though traces may still be found in modern India, the price of modernity has been the loss of the flexible dynamics of the ancien régime . Ce n'est que récemment que l'étude de l'histoire de l'Inde depuis la conquête musulmane et particulièrement durant la période de l'empire moghol (1526-1857) a été essentiellement transformée. Au lieu d'utiliser des expressions qui suggèrent des conditions inchangées comme la "société orientale", la sempiternelle "communauté de village," et l'immuable "système des castes", la recherche examine actuellement les aspects dynamiques de la société indienne. A ce changement M. Dirk Kolff a de manière incisive contribué. Focalisant son attention sur la "paysannerie armée", il met en évidence le dynamisme de l'Inde moghole que les contemporains occidentaux appelaient "les Indes florissantes". On en trouve encore des traces dans l'Inde moderne, mais le prix de la modernité a été la perte irréparable de la dynamique flexible de l' ancien régime .
Body size, diet and reproductive ecology of Coluber hippocrepis in the Rif (Northern Morocco)
Authors: Pleguezuelos Juan , Fahd Soumia
Published: September 2004

Although it is generally assumed that the Horseshoe Whip Snake (Coluber hippocrepis) originated in northern Africa, its biology and ecology has been studied mainly in southern Europe. In this paper we report on morphology, feeding, and reproductive ecology of Coluber hippocrepis in the Rif region (northern Morocco). Males attained larger sizes than did females, but there was no body-size difference between populations separated by the Strait of Gibraltar. The species feeds exclusively on vertebrates: mammals (45%), reptiles (28%), birds (17%), and amphibians (10%). There was an ontogenetic dietary shift in terms of frequency of prey consumed and in terms of prey size; moreover, an intersexual difference in prey frequency was found. Sexual maturity was attained at 540 mm snout-vent length (SVL) in males, and 720 mm SVL in females. Males showed a vernal spermatogenic cycle. Oviposition occurred at the beginning of summer, and offspring were observed in the field during September.
Vocal repertoire and calling activity of the mink frog, Rana septentrionalis
Authors: Larson Kristin , Reilly Kelly , Bevier Catherine , Tat Stephanie
Published: September 2004

We studied the calling behavior of male mink frogs, Rana septentrionalis, and how their calling activity varied through nightly calling periods. We observed focal males during their summer breeding season for 1 h periods during chorus activity, which extends from midnight until 0900h, and recorded call types and rates. During this period, male R. septentrionalis produced a repertoire of single and multi-note calls composed of one or two note types, referred to as cuk and rumble notes. Calls that included series of both note types were most frequent between 0100 and 0330h, while single cuks were primarily produced early and late in the chorus period. Call rate peaked between 0200h and 0300h, declined until dawn, then increased until 0900h. Call properties were analyzed from recordings of male vocalizations; temporal properties, such as call and note duration, were the most variable, both within and among males, whereas spectral properties, such as dominant frequency, varied the least. In general, males produced the most complex and variable calls during a peak period of calling activity.
Breeding ecology of Scinax trapicheiroi (Anura, Hylidae) at a creek in the Atlantic Rainforest of Ilha Grande, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Borges Vitor Nelson , Van Sluys Monique , Rico Miguel , Rocha Carlos
Published: September 2004

We analyzed the breeding biology in a population of the hylid Scinax trapicheiroi and evaluated how some environmental and structural factors affect the temporal and spatial distribution of the clutches. Fieldwork was carried out at a small stream running inside the Atlantic Rainforest at Ilha Grande, an island in Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil, from October 2000 to September 2001. Breeding occurred all year round, but the presence of females and clutches was affected by rain from the previous days. Clutches had an aggregate distribution, because they were mainly laid on lentic waters (with slow water flow). Rain affected the availability, stability and size of ponds. The high numbers of eggs per clutch, and the fast development of eggs and larvae are influenced by an unpredictable environment.
Cloacal anatomy of the palmate newt, Triturus helveticus (Amphibia, Salamandridae)
Authors: Delfino Giovanni , Tanteri Gianfranco , Brizzi Rossana
Published: September 2004

The cloacal anatomy of the palmate newt, Triturus helveticus, was studied in both sexes using light and scanning electron microscopes. The female cloaca is characterized by the occurrence of rugae and folds. Two folds are especially prominent in the region where the spermathecal tubules open into the cloaca. In addition to sperm storage structures, vent glands are obvious in the connective tissue around the cloacal orifice. Their pores occur externally to the cloacal borders, thus suggesting that these glands are a possible source of mating pheromones. Typical features of the male cloaca are: a ciliated epithelium; a cloacal tube dorsal and separate from the anterior cloacal chamber; a broad pseudopenis and wide lateral recesses in the cloacal chamber. Four main types of cloacal glands are recognized in males (dorsal, pelvic, Kingsbury's, and ventral gland). Quite unusual is the occurrence of two distinct types of dorsal glands, possibly related to the production of different pheromonal substances. These glands in the male, together with the occurrence of vent glands in the female, are proposed as cloacal specializations for the production of unequivocal species-specific sex attractants.
Taking it from the Top: How CEOs Influence (and Fail to Influence) their Boards
Authors: Maitlis Sally
Published: September 2004

This article examines how chief executive officers (CEOs) influence their boards in symphony orchestra governance. Traditional governance research has studied the impact of structural factors on the CEO-board relationship, but less attention has been paid to the ways in which influence in these relationships is enacted, and to the role of the CEO in particular. Drawing on two intensive, longitudinal case studies, this article investigates the behavioural dynamics of the CEO-board relationship, identifying four key processes that underpin successful CEO influence: exploiting key relationships, managing impressions, managing information, and protecting formal authority. It concludes with an examination of the interrelated and embedded nature of these processes, and considers the implications for theory and research in organizational governance.
Emergent Strategy and the Measurement of Performance: The Formulation of Performance Indicators at the Microlevel
Authors: Lowe Alan , Jones Angela
Published: September 2004

This article presents some evidence on an aspect of the design of a strategic control system, at the microlevel, within a single organization. The research we report used an ethnographic approach to provide an understanding of strategy formulation. Our aim is to contribute to an area of literature which is of increasing significance, but relatively underdeveloped in terms of the application of in-depth, field-research techniques. We take an intensive look at the manner in which performance measures are formulated, at the microlevel, within a single organization. The article presents, as an in-depth case analysis, the experience of a fisheries holding company in New Zealand. The article recounts the experiences of managers within the organization of the process of identification of such things as critical success factors and key performance indicators (KPIs) and, more broadly, the formulation of a strategic performance measurement system.
From Freemasons to the Employee: Organization, History and Subjectivity
Authors: Newton Tim
Published: September 2004

This paper uses historical studies as a means to explore the relation of organizations to subjectivity. The first part of the paper illustrates this relation through exploring the work of Elias, Kieser and Brewer. It focuses on the interrelation between 18th-century freemasonry, the emergence of complex financial credit networks and figurational shifts in power relation. The second part of the paper uses the prior analysis in order to engage with recent debate concerning history, organizations and subjectivity. First, the issue of whether we can ascribe continuity, closure and unity to subjectivity is examined. Second, the ‘default’ assumption of historical continuity is debated, drawing on studies by Baert, Jacques, Halttunen and Morgan. In contrasting between ‘traditional’ history and the alternative assumptions contained in post-structural and Foucauldian work, the paper argues for openness rather than rebuttal of particular positions. It suggests that subjectivity, such as that of employees, should be thought of as mobile, yet selectively continuous. It also argues that it is unnecessary to choose between historical positions, such as that which prioritizes historical discontinuity over continuity (or vice versa).
Process Transformation: Limitations to Radical Organizational Change within Public Service Organizations
Authors: McNulty Terry , Ferlie Ewan
Published: September 2004

This paper draws on a study of the implementation of business process reengineering (BPR) in a UK National Health Service (NHS) hospital to examine the challenge of effecting a transformatory shift to a new form of process organization in a large and complex public service organization. The paper’s theoretical and empirical interests go beyond BPR by bringing together literatures about organizational transformation, new organizational forms and the new public management (NPM) in a novel way. Data reveal important limits to intended organizational transformation and develop findings about sedimented rather than transformational change and the limitations of radical top-down change strategies in professionalized public service organizations. Within the domain of public service organizations, the paper also advances a new argument about why intended moves to post-NPM forms may remain contained in scope.
Innovation and Organization: Value and Competition in Selection Systems
Authors: Wijnberg Nachoem M.
Published: September 2004

New definitions are proposed for the concepts ‘innovation’ and ‘organization’ by looking at the concepts in terms of value and competition and using the framework of the selection system. Also, new definitions are proposed for ‘importance of an innovation’ and ‘stylistic innovation’. Some results can be directly derived from the definitions, such as that economic entities can exist that are organizations in the perception of the individual members and groups of competing actors in the perception of others. Together the new definitions provide a foundation for a better understanding of not just the concepts themselves but also of the relationships between the type and importance of innovations and the most likely characteristics of successful innovators.
Discursive Psychology and the Boundaries of Sense
Authors: Harré Rom
Published: September 2004

There are problems in applying the methodology of the natural sciences to problems in psychology. This has led to a rethinking of psychology as the study of discursive practices, including the semantics of working vocabularies and the rules governing orderly thought and action. This has an affinity with analytical philosophy. At the same time it suggests a reinterpretation of older psychological research. First-order experiments study psychological phenomena, but second-order experiments, now very common, study how people describe imaginary situations, and their reactions to them, so that it is essentially a study of discursive practices. Wittgenstein’s use of the word ‘grammar’ suggests a convenient term for clusters of working rules. Philosophers have identified similar clusters of propositions, as a priori but synthetic propositions, expressing principles of order imposed on raw material by human beings. Psychologists have identified contingent universals which have such an ordering function. The revelation of the historical and cultural variability of such grammars opens up the possibility of richer self-understanding and of the repatterning of life systems.
Revolutionary Politics in France, 1788-91: the Case of Languedoc
Authors: Miller Stephen
Published: September 2004

Scholars generally assume that the nobility and bourgeoisie came into conflict in 1789. Yet in many regions, the nobility and bourgeoisie jointly rallied to the banner of Revolution. Nobles gained prestige for having led opposition to arbitrary government in 1788 and 1789. They also seemed to have the wherewithal to contend with popular unrest, which threatened all those who enjoyed a certain ease. Nobles thus won free elections throughout the nine departments of Old Regime Languedoc. They could have led by consent. Yet many nobles provoked enmity by their unwillingness to lead in this consensual manner, dependent on the approval of other property owners. The nobles’ intransigence was a legacy of political and economic relations of the absolutist state that had maintained these nobles’ pre-eminence against possible challenges. The economy and society of the Old Regime thus had a bearing on revolutionary politics.
War, Totalitarianism and ‘Deep Belief’ in Fascist Italy, 1935-43
Authors: Bosworth Richard
Published: September 2004

In this article material is used from the Italian archives about so-called ‘defeatists’ to illuminate ‘deep beliefs’ among the Italian populace about war and empire. To a perhaps surprising degree, these beliefs embrace views that are widely separate from the fascist norm and were often hostile to it. Thus, at least some Italians resisted propaganda about the glory of Ethiopian conquest in 1935-6 and the virtue of the Italian presence in the Spanish Civil War. They remained even more sceptical about many aspects of Italy’s ‘special’ Second World War. Some thought Britain, France and the United States rich and powerful compared with Italy. Others disliked Nazism, or the Germans, or both. A number simply recalled that aggression was sinful and in the past had been generally unproductive for the Italian people anyway. By this evidence some Italians continued to a considerable degree to make their own imaginings, for all the fascists’ attempts to impose a cultural revolution on the nation.
Specters of the Secular: Spiritism in Nineteenth-century Spain
Authors: Abend Lisa
Published: September 2004

This article explores the ways in which spiritists forged a political identity in late nineteenth-century Spain. Although distinguished by their belief in the possibility of communicating with the dead, spiritists also shared characteristics — a concern for Spain’s regeneration, an embrace of rationalism and a demand for Catholic reform — with other dissident groups at the time, and like those groups, found themselves pushed into the political arena when the Restoration-era church refused to tolerate religious difference. Debates over the secularization of cemeteries in particular granted spiritists a degree of public legitimacy and brought them into the circle of freethinkers who embraced republicanism.
Elasto-plastic Stress Analysis in a Thermoplastic Composite Laminated Plate with Open Circular Hole Loaded Transversely
Authors: OkumuŞ F.
Published: September 2004

In the present study an elastic-plastic stress analysis is carried out for long stainless steel fiber-reinforced homogeneous polyethylene thermoplastic composite laminated plates with open circular hole by using finite element technique.The thermoplastic composite layer reinforced by long stainless fiber is manufactured using molds under a pressure of 15 MPa and heating up to 170 C by electrical resistance. The laminated plates with open hole consist of four layers and bonded symmetrically and antisymmetrically. Each layer with constant thickness is meshed into 48 elements and 228 nodes with simply supported. The expansion of plastic zone and residual stress are determined in the symmetric and antisymmetric cross-ply and angle-ply laminated plates for small deformations. The load is increased by 0.01 N/mm at each step. Iteration numbers are chosen as 150, 300, and 600. The intensity of the residual stress is maximum near the open circular hole and the yield points in symmetric laminates are higher than those in antisymmetric laminates.
Design and Testing of a New Injection Approach for Liquid Composite Molding
Authors: Lawrence Jeffrey M. , Devillard Mathieu , Advani Suresh G.
Published: September 2004

Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) is used to manufacture advanced fiber-reinforced composite parts. In this process, a fiber preform is placed into the mold cavity and sealed shut. Then, a liquid thermoset resin is injected into the mold through the injection gates and the gates are not closed until the resin arrives at the vent locations. One expects the resin to arrive last at the vents after having saturated the complete preform to obtain a successful part. However, the resin path to impregnate the preform is usually not repeatable due to the inherent nature of not being able to place the fiber preform exactly in the same location in the mold. A micron-size gap between the preform and the mold edge will introduce flow deviations and alter the flow pattern causing the resin to arrive prematurely at the vent locations. Thus, it is desirable to have multiple gate and vent locations, to aid in distributing the resin throughout the mold effectively and efficiently. In this paper, we present the design and validations of an automated RTM intelligent workstation. The workstation will have distributed injection gates and vents that will be triggered by the control methodology selected based on the on-line flow pattern of the resin during the impregnation process. Point sensors placed in the mold walls that will monitor the arrival of the resin will detect the on-line flow pattern. To automate and control the fluid flow during the RTM process it is also necessary to individually open or close various injection locations. A new method, which can deliver the resin to various locations within the mold, while still allowing any individual gate to be opened or closed at any time during the filling, was designed and tested. Development of such versatile injection scheme provides the potential to have better control on the distribution of the resin during impregnation and will lead to successful mold filling without any dry regions despite the presence of disturbances created by the quality and the placement of the perform.
Plastics Part Design: Low Cycle Fatigue Strength of Glass-fiber-reinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
Authors: Kagan Val A. , Palley Igor , Jia Nanying
Published: September 2004

This paper summarizes our extensive investigation on the low cycle (up to Nf1/4 5 10 4, where Nf is the number of cycles to failure) fatigue behavior of short glass-fiber-reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate), or PET, thermoplastic [PET - Thermo plastic polyester for injection molding]. The modes of fatigue test include tension-tension, compression-compression, four-point bending (flexural) - all at frequency f 1/4 1-3 Hz, and flexural fatigue at f 1/4 30 Hz (ASTM D-671). All tests were stress-controlled with stress ratio R 1/4 Smin/Smax1/4 0.1, except for flexural fatigue at f 1/4 30 Hz where stress ratio R 1/4 1. The fracture surfaces of tested specimens were analyzed using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM).

The results from this investigation provide comprehensive, up-to-date information and recommendations concerning methods for fatigue testing of injection-molded specimens and models, prediction and optimization of low cycle fatigue properties that play a key role in determining a highly stressed plastic parts life and end-use performance, preselection of PET-based plastic for various industrial applications.
Determination of Energy Release Rate in Carbon Fiber-Thermoplastic Composites and Comparison of Crack Propagation in Amorphous and Crystalline Interface By Single Fiber Pullout Test
Authors: Ramanathan T. , Schulz E. , Subramanian K.
Published: September 2004

The fracture toughness in the fiber-matrix composite by means of the single fiber pull-out test can be achievable, if it is possible to measure the compliance of partial debonded fiber, which necessitates a stable crack propagation and the determination of the corresponding crack length. A combination of high stiff test equipment and a simultaneous monitoring of the photo-elastic pattern of the embedded fibers with the help of polarization microscope enables to measure crack length and determination of Gc [Hampe, A and Marotzke, C. (1997). The Energy Release Rate of the Fiber/Polymer Matrix Interface: Measurement and Theoretical Analysis, J. Reinf. Plast. and Compo., 16: 341-352.]. This method is well-known for glass fiber-amorphous polymer composite. In this investigation, we tried to implement the same technique to C-fiber with amorphous and semi-crystalline polymer composites. The energy release rate (ERR) of the fiber-matrix interface was evaluated for the carbon fiber-reinforced in polycarbonate (PC) by interfacial crack propagation arising in the single fiber pullout test. Further, the crack propagation at the fiber-matrix interface with different matrix morphology was discussed with the use of photo-elastic pattern observed with the aid of polarization microscope.
Mechanical Properties and Tribology Performance of the Ekonol-PEEK Composite
Authors: Long Chun-Guang , Wang Xia-Yu
Published: September 2004

Ekonol-PEEK composites were prepared by the mechanical mixture and compression molding method, and their hardness, compression strength, impact strength, and bending strength have been tested. The tribology behavior has also been investigated by the friction and wear experiment. The worn surface of the composite has been studied by the SEM technique, and on the basis of it, the wear mechanism has been analyzed. Results show that it is possible to prepare Ekonol-PEEK composites of good tribology performance by the compression molding method, and their mechanical properties can meet the requirement for use. With the rise of Ekonol contents, the wear mechanism has been changed from microcutting, skin wear, transfer wear to fatigue wear.
The Tensile and Fatigue Properties of Carbon Fiber-reinforced PEEK-Titanium Fiber-metal Laminates
Authors: Cortes P. , Cantwell W. J.
Published: September 2004

This paper investigates the tensile and fatigue properties of a novel fiber-metal laminate (FML) based on a titanium alloy and carbon fiber-reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK). Tensile tests on unidirectional unnotched laminates have shown that their mechanical properties follow the predictions offered by a simple law of mixtures approach. Tension-tension fatigue tests on notched unidirectional FMLs have shown that these laminates offer fatigue lives up to fifty times greater than those offered by a notched monolithic titanium alloy. An examination of the failed FMLs highlighted the presence of delamination between the titanium alloy and the fiber-reinforced composite. The experimental evidence suggests that this form of damage is harmful during fatigue loading conditions. It has also been shown that delamination is more widespread in FMLs based on thick composite layers than in laminates containing thin composite layers.
Low-velocity Impact Characterization of Glass, Carbon and Kevlar Composites Using Repeated Drop Tests
Authors: Sugun B. S. , Rao R. M. V. G. K.
Published: September 2004

Low-velocity (≅ 1.2-2.4 m/s) repeated drop weight impact tests were carried out on advanced composites (glass, carbon, kevlar in epoxy matrix - LY 556, HT 972) using an instrumented impact test machine (DYNATUP 8250). The incident energies ranged from 3.5 to 15 J (constant impactor mass 5.42 kg). Number of drops to failure (Nf) data were obtained for the above with simultaneous recording of the load-time and energy-time traces. The extent of impact damage for glass and kevlar composites was interpreted using final delamination area maps (tracings).

Results for all the three composites showed that with an increase in drop numbers, the peak load (PL) steadily decreased while the total energy (Et) increased, until failure. Also, as the incident energy (Ein) was varied in arithmetic progression, the number of drops to failure (Nf) varied in harmonic progression. Finally it was concluded that repeated drop tests with final delamination area maps assist in understanding the impact damage tolerance of polymer composites.
Hygrothermal Properties of Stitched and Unstitched Uniweave T300/QY9512 Laminates (With a Hole)
Authors: Chen Gang , Cheng Xiaoquan , Li Zhengneng , Kou Changhe
Published: September 2004

Experimental investigation was conducted in order to understand the hygrothermal properties of stitched and unstitched uniweave T300/QY9512 laminates (with a hole) in this paper. The tests were conducted in a hygrothermal environment and a normal environment, respectively. Experimental results for compression, transverse impact and compression after impact of stitched and unstitched laminates were presented in this paper. The results showed that a hygrothermal environment degrades the compression properties of stitched and unstitched laminates (with a hole), and hygrothermal environment had a beneficial effect on low-velocity impact property.
The Effect of Lamina Material Properties on Hygrothermal Expansion Coefficients of Angle-ply Laminates
Authors: Yeh Hsien-Liang , Yeh Hsien-Yang
Published: September 2004

In this paper, a study of the coefficients of hygrothermal expansion for the [30]4s, [45]4s and [60]4s angle-ply laminates is presented. From the classical hygrothermal-elastic lamination theory, a simple dimensionless analysis has been used to evaluate the coefficients of hygrothermal expansion in the angle-ply laminates. Also, the influence of the various lamina material properties such as Young0s modulus, shear modulus, Poisson’s ratio and hygrothermal expansion coefficients on the coefficients of hygrothermal expansion behavior of the angle-ply laminates is studied. The results from this dimensionless analysis provide a set of general guidelines for designing the values of the coefficients of hygrothermal expansion of the angle-ply laminates to meet different environment conditions in engineering applications.
Determination of the initial exothermic reaction of shredded tyres with wire content
Authors: Sellasie Kassahun G. , Moo-Young Horace K. , Lloyd Thomas
Published: September 2004

This paper presents the cause of exothermic reactions in shredded tyre with exposed wire content in shredded tyre piles. Data indicate that the oxidation of exposed steel wires is the exothermic reaction in shredded tyre embankments. This would lead to spontaneous combustion. Reaction of the steel with the sulphur or the carbon black appears not to be the source of the exothermic. Laboratory tests have been conducted to determine the heat transfer properties of the materials that compose tyres (i.e., tyre rubber and wires) by using a hot-plate apparatus. In addition, one-dimensional heat conduction experiments were conducted to compare the flow of heat through the materials while varying the physical and environmental conditions. The physical conditions were the size of tyre shred, water content, and wire contents. An exothermic reaction occurred when exposed wire was present but not when it was absent. A one-dimensional heat transfer equation was developed, and parametric studies were conducted to verify the laboratory model. Exothermic reaction was found to increase linearly with temperature, size and shape of the shredded tyres, density, amount of wire in shredded tyres, and water content.
Exposure to bioaerosols and noise at a Finnish dry waste treatment plant
Authors: Tolvanen Outi K.
Published: September 2004

Repeated measurements were carried out during two different campaigns between 1998 and 2001 to assess the occupational hygiene at a Finnish dry waste treatment plant. The analytical determinations were done in four different places within the processing hall of the plant: near a conveyor belt, near a jigger screen, near an after-crusher and near a bailer. Measurements were also carried out in a coffee room for employees. Concentrations of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were determined by two methods (six-stage impactor and Camnea method) and levels of endotoxins, dust and noise were also investigated. High concentrations of microbes and endotoxins and the noise level were found to be a real problem in the waste processing hall. Microbe concentrations were highest during management of the dry waste fraction. Endotoxin concentrations all exceeded the threshold value of 200 EU m-3 irrespective of the measurement place, with the only exception near the after-crusher where the average concentration was always as low as 60 EU m-3. The noise level exceeded the Finnish threshold value of 85 dBA. Problems were not easily solved through technical modifications and more radical improvements are needed. Improvements in reliability are also required in the measuring methods before their application in waste treatment plants. In particular, a new method of dust collection is recommended.
Medical waste management in Trachea region of Turkey: suggested remedial action
Authors: Uysal Füsun , Tinmaz Esra
Published: September 2004

The main objective of this paper was to analyse the present status of medical waste management in the Trachea region of Turkey and subsequently to draw up a policy regarded with generation, collection, on-site handling, storage, processing, recycling, transportation and safe disposal of medical wastes. This paper also presents the results of study about awareness on how to handle expired drugs. Initially all health-care establishments in Tekirda, Edirne and Kýrklareli provinces in Trachea region were identified and the amounts of hospital wastes generated by each of them were determined. Current medical waste-management practices, including storage, collection, transportation and disposal, in surveyed establishments were identified. Finally, according to results, remedial measurements for medical waste management in these establishments were suggested. Unfortunately, medical wastes are not given proper attention and these wastes are disposed of together with municipal and industrial solid wastes. The current disposal method is both a public health and environmental hazard. When landfill sites are visited, many scavengers can be seen sorting for recyclable materials, a practice which is dangerous for the scavengers. In addition, it was found that some staff in health-care establishments are unaware of the hazard of medical wastes. It is concluded that a new management system, which consists of segregation, material substitution, minimization, sanitary landfilling and alternative medical waste treatment methods should be carried out. For the best appropriate medical waste management system, health-care establishment employers, managers and especially the members of house-keeping divisions should be involved in medical waste management practice.
Integrated geophysical surveys on waste dumps: evaluation of physical parameters to characterize an urban waste dump (four case studies in Italy)
Authors: Cardarelli Ettore , Di Filippo Gerardina
Published: September 2004

Geophysical surveys were carried out on different waste dumps to evaluate key geometric and physical parameters. Depending on the dump dimensions and physical characteristics different geophysical techniques were used. Vertical electrical sounding, electrical resistivity tomography, induced polarization and seismic refraction techniques were integrated to eliminate the non-uniqueness of solutions and for a better understanding of the results. Physical parameters inside and outside the dumps were compared. The change of physical parameters such as resistivity, chargeability, and P-wave velocity allowed evaluation of waste dump geometry, leachate saturation levels, and thickness of waste. Furthermore, in illegal dumps, the size and waste type disposed could be evaluated. Calculated results were compared with plans and bookkeeping from the dumps investigated
Processing of copper converter slag for metals reclamation: Part II: mineralogical study
Authors: Deng Tong , Ling Yunhan
Published: September 2004

Chemical and mineralogical characterizations of a copper converter slag, and its products obtained by curing with strong sulphuric acid and leaching with hot water, were carried out using ore microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry, wave-length dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry and chemical phase analysis, which provided necessary information to develop a new process for treating such slag and further understanding of the chemical and mineralogical changes in the process.
Foamed lightweight materials made from mixed scrap metal waste powder and sewage sludge ash
Authors: Wang Kuen-Sheng , Chiou Ing-Jia
Published: September 2004

The porous properties and pozzolanic effects of sewage sludge ash (SSA) make it possible to produce lightweight materials. This study explored the effects of different metallic foaming agents, made from waste aluminium products, on the foaming behaviours and engineering characteristics, as well as the microstructure of sewage sludge ash foamed lightweight materials. The results indicated that aluminium powder and mixed scrap metal waste powder possessed similar chemical compositions. After proper pre-treatment, waste aluminium products proved to be ideal substitutes for metallic foaming agents. Increasing the amount of mixed scrap metal waste by 10-15% compared with aluminium powder would produce a similar foaming ratio and compressive strength. The reaction of the metallic foaming agents mainly produced pores larger than 10 [.mu]m, different from the hydration reaction of cement that produced pores smaller than 1 [.mu]m mostly. To meet the requirements of the lightweight materials characteristics and the compressive strength, the amount of SSA could be up to 60-80% of the total solids. An adequate amount of aluminium powder is 0.5-0.9% of the total solids. Increasing the fineness of the mixed scrap metal waste powder could effectively reduce the amount required and improve the foaming ratio.
Use of life cycle assessment as decision-support tool for water reuse and handling of residues at a Danish industrial laundry
Authors: Jørgensen Kim Riisgaard , Villanueva Alejandro , Wenzel Henrik
Published: September 2004

This analysis presents the results of a life cycle assessment (LCA) carried out on six alternative options for the recycling of water at a Danish industrial laundry for workwear. The study focuses on the handling and disposal of the wet residues generated when wastewater is treated for recycling, and in accounting for long-term potential toxicity impacts. The analysed options are a combination of two water-upgrading technologies: biofilter and ultrafiltration, and three residue disposal alternatives: biogas followed by incineration of sludge at local wastewater treatment plant, thermal vitrification treatment for production of vitrified sand, and mineralization in a sludge bed. It is concluded from the results that with the current Danish environmental policy priorities, the environmental impacts of highest priority are the toxicity effects derived from the presence of heavy metals in the residues. Heavy metals originate from the dirt in the workwear that is washed in the laundry. It is further concluded that the studied water treatment technologies satisfy both the need of clean water for recycling and simultaneously help controlling a safe disposal of pollutants by concentration of the residues. The results of the study also confirm the potential of LCA as a decision-support tool for assisting water recycling initiatives and for residue handling management. The handling of residues has been identified as a stage of the water recycling strategy that bears important environmental impacts. This holistic perspective provided by LCA can be used as input for the definition of environmental management strategies at an industrial laundry, and the prioritization of investments to the environmental profile of laundry processes. In this case-study, the results of the LCA are made operational by, for example, selecting the water treatment technology which is associated wih a safe disposal of the wet residue. It is important to bear in mind that such prioritization depends on national boundary conditions. In the case study analysed, the boundary conditions steer the weighing of the environmental impacts, following the current Danish environmental policy priorities.
Use of mix of clay/solid waste from steel works for civil construction materials
Authors: Oliveira Geiza E. , Holanda José Nilson F.
Published: September 2004

The present study focuses on the use of solid waste generated by the steel works in Brazil for manufacturing clay-based structural products. The waste sample was characterized regarding chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, particle size, morphology, specific surface and plastic properties. The waste was added in gradual proportions to a kaolinitic clay from zero up to 3 wt.%. Ceramic bodies were formed by vacuum extrusion and fired at 950° C. The physical-mechanical properties (linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent density and flexural strength) of the resulting clay/solid waste mixtures were determined. In addition, leaching tests were performed according Brazilian Standards as well as a preliminary analysis of gases evolved during the thermal process. It was found that the solid waste is formed by irregular particles, ranging in size from 1 to 500 μm. The test results indicate that solid wastes generated by steel works can be used as filler in construction materials, thereby increasing reuse in an environmentally safe manner.
Removal of ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) from municipal solid waste leachate by using activated carbon and limestone
Authors: Aziz Hamidi Abdul , Adlan Mohd Nordin , Zahari Mohd Shahrir Mohd , Alias Salina
Published: September 2004

The presence of ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) in leachate is one of the problems normally faced by landfill operators. Slow leaching of wastes producing nitrogen and no significant mechanism for transformation of N-NH3 in the landfills causes a high concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen in leachate over a long period of time. A literature review showed that the removal of ammoniacal nitrogen from leachate was not well documented and to date, there were limited studies in Malaysia on this aspect, especially in adsorption treatment. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the suitability of activated carbon, limestone and a mixture of both materials as a filtering medium, in combination with other treatments capable of attenuating ammoniacal nitrogen which is present in significant quantity (between 429 and 1909 mg L-1) in one of the landfill sites in Malaysia. The results of the study show that about 40% of ammoniacal nitrogen with concentration of more than 1000 mg L-1 could be removed either by activated carbon or a mixture of carbon with limestone at mixture ratio of 5: 35. This result shows that limestone is potentially useful as a cost-effective medium to replace activated carbon for ammoniacal nitrogen removal at a considerably lower cost.
Model simulations for describing water transport in a landfill with bottom ash from a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI): model validation and scenarios
Authors: Hartmann Frank , Bader Hans-Peter , Scheidegger Ruth
Published: September 2004

In the present study the water movement in a bottom ash landfill from a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) was investigated. The pore regime of such landfills consists of macropores (with diameter > 50 [.mu]m), which make up about two-thirds of the total porosity and micropores. The program MACRO, which describes flow through porous media and takes both macro- and micropore flows into account, was applied. The model was calibrated with a time series from the landfill Riet, near Winterthur in Switzerland. In the present study the model was recalibrated at a time series for 1 year. With this scenario the influence of an expected reduction or increase of the porosity on leachate behaviour of such landfills over a long time (> 100 years) was studied (‘long-term behaviour’). It has been shown that reliable information about water percolation can only be provided by obtaining more information about the hydraulic structure of such landfills. In particular, the number of macropores and the porosity exert great influence on the water movement.
Integrated Structural and Control Optimization
Authors: Fonseca Ijar M. , Bainum Peter M.
Published: September 2004

This paper focuses on the integrated structural/control optimization of a large space structure with a robot arm subject to the gravity-gradient torque through a semi-analytical approach. It is well known that the computer effort to compute numerically derivatives of the constraints with respect to design variables makes the process expensive and time-consuming. In this sense, a semi-analytical approach may represent a good alternative when optimizing systems that require sensitivity calculations with respect to design parameters. In this study, constraints from the structure and control disciplines are imposed on the optimization process with the aim of obtaining the structure’s minimum weight and the optimum control performance. In the process optimization, the sensitivity of the constraints is computed by a semi-analytical approach. This approach combines the use of analytical derivatives of the mass and stiffness matrices with the numerical solution of the eigenvalue problem to obtain the eigenvalue derivative with respect to the design variables. The analytical derivatives are easy to obtain since our space structure is a long one-dimensional beam-like spacecraft.
Periodic Solutions and Controls of Tethered Systems in Elliptic Orbits
Authors: Takeichi Noboru , Natori M. C. , Okuizumi Nobukatsu , Higuchi Ken
Published: September 2004

In this paper we study the periodic solution of the librational motion of a tethered system in elliptic orbit and clarify its mechanical characteristics. Basic libration control toward the periodic solution is also presented. A tethered system is modeled as a rigid body, and a set of nonlinear equations of motion about the librational and the orbital motions is formulated. An approximated analytical solution is obtained through the Lindstedt perturbation method. The total mechanical energy is formulated, and it is shown that it has the minimum value when the librational and orbital motions coincide with the periodic solution. This means that the periodic solution is the minimum energy solution, and that the periodic solution in an elliptic orbit has the same significance as the equilibrium state in a circular orbit from the mechanical point of view. A libration control toward the periodic solution is also investigated, and the effectiveness of this control strategy is demonstrated by using the periodic on-off control through a thruster installed on the subsatellite.
Dynamics and Trajectory Tracking Control of a Two-Link Robot Manipulator
Authors: Green Anthony , Sasiadek Jurek Z.
Published: September 2004

Operational problems with robot manipulators in space relate to several factors, most importantly, structural flexibility and subsequent difficulties with their position control. In this paper we present control methods for endpoint tracking of a 12.6 × 12.6m2 trajectory by a two-link robot manipulator. Initially, a manipulator with rigid links is modeled using inverse dynamics, a linear quadratic regulator and fuzzy logic schemes actuated by a Jacobian transpose control law computed using dominant cantilever and pinned-pinned assumed mode frequencies. The inverse dynamics model is pursued further to study a manipulator with flexible links where nonlinear rigid-link dynamics are coupled with dominant assumed modes for cantilever and pinned-pinned beams. A time delay in the feedback control loop represents elastic wave travel time along the links to generate non-minimum phase response. A time delay acting on control commands ameliorates non-minimum phase response. Finally, a fuzzy logic system outputs a variable to adapt the control law in response to elastic deformation inputs. Results show greater endpoint position control accuracy using a flexible inverse dynamics robot model combined with a fuzzy logic adapted control law and time delays than could be obtained for the rigid dynamics models.