bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
St. Thomas More's Utopia and the Description of Britain
Authors: Morgan-Russell Simon
Published: January 2017

Utopia presents two distinct worlds that occupy the same textual space while insisting upon the impossibility of their doing so. We can neither separate them entirely nor bring them into accord, so that the intellectual gratification of radical discontinuity is as impossible to achieve as the pleasure of wholly integrated form. We are constantly tantalized by the resemblances between England and Utopia… and as constantly frustrated by the abyss that divides them. (Greenblatt, 22)
Clinical Pathology for Preclinical Safety Assessment: Current Global Guidelines
Authors: Hall Robert L.
Published: January 2017

Regulatory guidelines for prelinical safety assessment studies of new drugs, chemicals, and food additives exist in many large industrial countries. Current guidelines include recommendations or requirements for clinical pathology testing. Many of the testing requirements are similar for every country, but others are not. The similarities and differences among several of the guidelines are discussed, and specific instances of ambiguous or inappropriate testing requirements are cited.
Interpreting Clinical Laboratory Data in Safety Assessment Studies
Authors: Carakostas Michael C.
Published: January 2017

Traditionally, clinical laboratory data in safety assessment studies have been analyzed statistically to determine potential treatment-related effects. This has often led to inappropriate and/or controversial conclusions about clinical laboratory findings that are statistically significant but considered biologically unimportant. To overcome these problems, a decision-making process that integrates statistical analyses and sound medical judgment is required. Understanding the reasons why false-positive and false-negative results occur is the first step toward both better test selection and more accurate decisions on test material effects.
Enzymology in Preclinical Safety Evaluation
Authors: Davies Dai T.
Published: January 2017

This short paper will briefly discuss the merits of determining plasma enzyme activities in pre-clinical safety evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the value of selecting the appropriate enzymes and collecting blood samples at the appropriate times during the study, so as to gain the maximum amount of diagnostic information. Examples of actual results will be cited to illustrate some of the points. These examples are drawn from the 2 commonly used toxicology species—the laboratory white rat and the beagle—and serve to demonstrate the importance of enzymology in monitoring the progress or resolution of an adverse drug effect.
Clinical Pathology Testing Recommendations for Nonclinical Toxicity and Safety Studies
Authors: Weingand Kurt , Bloom John , Carakostas Michael , Hall Robert , Helfrich Maria , Latimer Kenneth , Levine Barry , Neptun Douglas , Rebar Alan , Stitzel Katherine , Troup Catherine
Published: January 2017

Clinical pathology testing in nonclinical toxicity and safety studies is an important part of safety assessment. In recent years, clinical laboratory testing has rapidly expanded and improved. Some government regulatory agencies provide guidelines for clinical pathology testing in nonclinical toxicity and safety studies. To improve these testing guidelines and the resultant safety assessments, the American Association for Clinical Chemistry's Division of Animal Clinical Chemistry and the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology formed a joint committee to provide expert recommendations for clinical pathology testing of laboratory species involved in subchronic and chronic nonclinical toxicity and safety studies. These recommendations include technical recommendations on blood collection techniques and hematology, serum chemistry, and urinalysis tests.
Solving Traffic Problems in the State of Kerala, India: Forecasting, Regression and Simulation Models
Authors: Bollapragada Ramesh , Poduval Sudesh , Bingi S Chetty , Brahmbhatt Bhoomi
Published: January 2017

Executive Summary

Indian states have been facing traffic related issues including traffic congestions and accidents for decades. The situation has worsened with time due to the increasing population. This article investigates the causes behind the accidents and provides recommendations and measures that would bring forth an improvement in the traffic conditions.

The research uses forecasting models to confirm the existence of traffic problem in the State of Kerala. The various reasons for the accidents were enumerated and classified. Using regression models, the relationship between the number of accidents, deaths, and injured were obtained. In addition, the relationship between the number of accidents and the number of vehicles on road were examined along with the type of vehicle, design of the roads, the design of traffic, and the design of road network.

In addition, a simulation model is presented to study the effect of the change in design of roads on the traffic situation. As an example, a 15-minute time period can be used to count the number of vehicles of each type (buses, cars, and trucks) travelling in both directions on a major highway. This data can then be categorized into slow and fast moving traffic. The Mean time between arrivals, percentages of slow and fast vehicles, percentages of vehicles travelling in both directions can be calculated and used in ARENA simulation software to perform discrete event simulation. Various scenarios are simulated; and waiting times and potential number of accidents are found for each of the scenarios.

Based on forecasting, regression and simulation models, this article provides several recommendations and managerial insights, which are believed to alleviate the traffic problems in the State of Kerala. The solution approaches from this research could be used for addressing similar traffic situations in other states of India, which could result in saving millions of lives over the next decade.
Study on the Effects of Infra- and Low Frequency Sound on the Sleep by EEG Recording
Authors: Inaba R. , Okada A.
Published: January 2017

This study was performed to investigate the effects of infra- and low frequency sound on sleep. Healthy students were periodically exposed to sound stimuli with frequencies of 10, 20, 40 and 63 Hz throughout their sleep while EEG was continuously recorded. The effects were evaluated by the reaction rate and the changes of sleep pattern which consisted of the sleep efficiency index, numbers of changes in sleep stage and the proportion of each sleep stage to time in bed.

The reaction rate was highest in sleep stage 1 and lowest in sleep stages 3 & 4. As concerns the exposures at sound pressure levels under 85 dB, there were no significant differences in the reaction rates for the four frequencies used. On the other hand, for sound pressure levels over 85 dB, the reaction rates observed at 40 and 63 Hz were significantly higher than those observed at 10 and 20 Hz. The sleep pattern was not significantly affected by exposure to the sounds used in this experiment.
The Effects of Infrasound on Pituitary Adrenocortical Response and Gastric Microcirculation in Rats
Authors: Nishimura K.
Published: January 2017

To clarify the effects of infrasound on the body, rats were exposed acutely to infrasound. Responses of the pituitary adrenocortical system of the rats to infrasound were evaluated with their frequency characteristics according to changes of the plasma ACTH and corticosterone (corti.) concentrations. The gastric mucosal blood flow of rats was determined by the inhaled hydrogen gas clearance method, and changes in the microcirculation of the gastric mucosa by infrasound were evaluated.

The frequency characteristics of the responses of the rat pituitary adrenocortical system were parallel to, and about 30 dB above, the threshold of sensation in the humans, and corresponded to about 80 phon on the equal-loudness curves. The gastric mucosal blood flow of the rats exposed to 16 Hz infrasound at 120 dB for 20 minutes was significantly reduced by 19.1% (p<0.01) 10 minutes after the beginning of the exposure as compared with the pre-exposure level. The percent changes of the bood flow were significantly smaller (p<0.01) in the exposure group 10 minutes after the beginning, and 10 minutes after the end, of the exposure than in the control group.

From the results above, it seems probable that exposure to infrasound might influence the endocrine system and even autonomic nervous system.
Identification of Infrasound Generation Mechanisms in a Bus
Authors: Sandberg Ulf
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the results of experiments conducted to investigate infrasound generation in a bus. The bus was driven on a smooth road, both upwind and downwind, and with and without damping of window vibrations. It was also run on an uneven road for comparison. The results show that by damping the window vibrations it was possible to reduce the infrasound levels significantly. It is also concluded that higher air turbulence around the bus slightly increases the infrasound outside the frequency range of the axle resonance. Finally, it is concluded that road roughness as well as tyre “roughness” (unbalance or run-out) excite vibration and infrasound.
Heats of Adsorption of Aliphatic Alcohols on α-Al2O3 at 25–200°C. I. Variations with Experimental Temperature
Authors: Rossi Pier Francesco , Rossi Paola
Published: January 2017

The process of adsorption of five aliphatic alcohols (C1–C5) on α-Al2O3 in the temperature range 25–200°C has been studied by means of a Calvet microcalorimeter (moderately high temperature) equipped with a volumetric ramp. The calorimetric and volumetric isotherms indicate that the integral heats released and the amounts of alcohols adsorbed decreased as the experimental temperature increased. All the volumetric isotherms follow the Langmuir isotherm trend, i.e. type I isotherms. The differential heats of the five alcohols on α-alumina were very high (>250 kJ/mol) at very low coverages at all temperatures and decreased rapidly towards the heat of vaporization of the alcohols at higher coverages. The trends in the differential heats of adsorption as a function of the number of μmol of MeOH, EtOH, and 1-PrOH adsorbed appear to be different from those for 1-BuOH and 1-PeOH (1-pentanol) at the different temperatures studied. Increasing the adsorption temperature made the trends in the differential heats more pronounced, with the alumina surface requiring smaller amounts of adsorbed alcohol to effect its saturation.
Adsorption of Thallium(I), Lead(II), Copper(II), Bismuth(III) and Chromium(III) by Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide
Authors: Dahal Madhav P. , Lawrance Geoffrey A.
Published: January 2017

The adsorption of thallium(I), lead(II), copper(II), bismuth(III) and chromium(III) by electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) has been followed between pH 2–5 [except for bismuth(III)), where a single pH of 1.5 was employed] at 20°C and an ionic strength of 0.5, employing a wide range of initial metal ion concentrations from 5 × 10−5 mol/dm3 to 5 × 10−2 mol/dm3. The adsorption isotherms all fitted a simple Langmuir adsorption equation quite well. The amount of metal ion adsorbed increased with pH for lead and copper ion. However, for both thallium and chromium, a significant drop in adsorption between pH 3 and 4 was observed, associated with the dominant presence of lower-charged hydroxy species at higher pH values. At pH 4, adsorption was in the order PbII > CuII > TII >> CrIII, whereas at pH ≤ 2 the order was BiIII ≤ PbII > TlI > CrIII > CuII. In the low pH range, which is largely free of hydrolysis species, the adsorption of the isoelectronic bismuth, lead and thallium series appears to be dominated by charge, and charge appears a dominant factor with the transition metal pair also. The adsorption of lead (at pH 4 and 5) and bismuth (at pH 1.5) to samples of EMD subjected to prolonged heat treatment at 110, 400 and 650°C were also examined. Samples dried at 110°C mainly lost only surface water, and showed adsorption characteristics similar to untreated samples. Samples heated at 400°C lost all their combined water but still showed significant adsorption, whereas samples heated at 600°C were converted to Mn2O3, and showed very small though measurable metal ion adsorption.
Exchange of Some Divalent Metal Cations and Their Effect on the Dissociation of Iron(III) Phosphate
Authors: Mustafa S. , Naeem A. , Rehana N. , Hussain T.
Published: January 2017

Potentiometric titrations of iron(III) phosphate have shown an apparently weak monobasic acid behaviour towards alkali, alkaline earth and divalent transition metal ions. The selectivity sequence and dissociation of the exchanger was found to increase in the order Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+ > Ca2+ > K+. The dissociation constants of iron(III) phosphate have been determined from Potentiometric titration data in the temperature range 303–323 K. In addition, the exchange of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Co2+ on iron(III) phosphate and the effect of these ions on dissociation were also studied as a function of concentration, temperature and solution pH value. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH0, ΔS0 and ΔG0 for the dissociation of iron(III) phosphate are also presented.
Cation-Exchange Properties of Aluminium(III) Phosphate
Authors: Mustafa S. , Naeem A. , Rehana N. , Samad H.Y.
Published: January 2017

Potentiometric titrations of aluminium(III) phosphate have been performed in the presence of aqueous electrolyte solutions containing Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+ and K+ ions as a function of the concentration of the latter, the pH and the temperature. The sorption of Zn2+ ions has also been studied and the data for metal ion sorption shown to correlate with the Potentiometric titration data, indicating that the process responsible for metal ion uptake is ion exchange. The pKa value of the exchanger and its thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated.
Adsorptive and Membrane-Type Separations: A Bibliographical Update (1995)
Authors: Ray Martyn S.
Published: January 2017

This paper provides a bibliography of the 1995 journal literature for adsorptive and membrane-type separations. The references are taken from the 50 most important chemical engineering journals. This paper provides an update to the literature as provided in previous bibliographic papers (Ray 1990a, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996). A bibliography of the chemical engineering journal literature from 1967–1988 has been published by the author (Ray 1990b), and can provide access to a wider range of topics. A complete bibliographic listing of the chemical engineering journal literature from 1989 to 1995 (with subsequent six-monthly updates) is available on a CD-ROM database and full details can be obtained from the author.

The papers included have been divided into the following subject groups: theory; design data; adsorbents; PSA and cyclic systems, and applications; liquid-phase adsorption; ion exchange, chromatography, etc.; membranes; and membrane-type separations.
Structure, Texture and Catalytic Properties of CuO/Fe2O3 and CuFe2O4
Authors: Youssef A.M. , Badr G.E. , El-Nabarawy Th.
Published: January 2017

CuO/Fe2O3 (1:1) was prepared by co-precipitation. Six thermal products (I–VI) were obtained by calcination in the temperature range 300–800°C. The structures of I–VI were determined from XRD patterns and they were also identified from electrical conductivity measurements in the temperature range 313–523 K. The textural properties were determined from nitrogen adsorption at 77 K and the acidities of the thermal product were measured by pyridine chemisorption at 423 K. The decomposition of H2O2 over the catalysts I–VI was followed in the temperature range 303–323 K. Conversion of 2-propanol was investigated at 523 K.

Calcination of CuO/Fe2O3 at 600°C resulted in partial transformation to CuFe2O4, this transformation predominating at 700°C and being complete at 800°C. Two mechanisms of electrical conduction are involved for catalysts calcined at 600–800°C depending on the temperature at which σ is measured. The surface area decreases and the average pore radius increases with increasing calcination temperature due to sintering and spinel formation. A mechanism is suggested for H2O2 decomposition and the activity and selectivity of the catalysts towards the conversion of 2-propanol are discussed.
Carbon Monoxide Adsorption Studies on an Ru:Mn Bimetallic Alloy System for the Determination of Active Metal Sites
Authors: Hussain S. Tajammul
Published: January 2017

A supported ruthenium:manganese bimetallic alloy system dispersed on a high surface area alumina support was prepared by the co-impregnation method. The adsorption of CO at atmospheric pressure was carried out in order to determine the number of active metal sites present. The data indicate that manganese was present as a covering layer on the surface of the ruthenium. With increasing manganese loading decreasing adsorption of CO was observed, indicating that the presence of manganese masked the active ruthenium sites responsible for CO adsorption. No CO adsorption occurred on isolated manganese sites. The data were interpreted in terms of the geometric and possible electronic effects caused by the addition of manganese.
Sorption Properties of Aluminas in Relation to Adsorbate—Adsorbent Interaction
Authors: El-Nabarawy Th. , El-Hakam S.A. , Youssef A.M.
Published: January 2017

Five calcination products AI–AV were obtained by the calcination of alumina gel in the temperature range 673–1473 K. The adsorption of nitrogen at 77 K on these products was determined volumetrically. The chemisorption of H2, CO, CO2 and CH4 at 300, 320 and 340 K was also determined for each alumina sample.

Increasing calcination temperature caused phase changes with formation of the most stable phase α-Al2O3 starting at 1273 K and predominating at 1473 K. Chemisorption depends on the nature of the adsorbent and the adsorbate molecules. The amount adsorbed was related to the critical temperature of the gas involved while the heat of adsorption was related to the strength of the interaction between the adsorbent and the adsorbate. The polarizability of the adsorbed gas molecule is a determining factor in its chemisorption, particularly on polar surfaces.
Binary Adsorption of Vapours in Active Carbons Described by the Dubinin Equation
Authors: Lavanchy A. , Stöckli M. , Wirz C. , Stoeckli F.
Published: January 2017

It is shown that the use of the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm within the framework of the Myers–Prausnitz theory provides a satisfactory description of the adsorption of mixtures of chlorobenzene + carbon tetrachloride vapours by active carbons. This approach can be extended to other systems and full use can be made of the advantages of Dubinin's theory. The experimental data was obtained by Headspace-GC, a rapid and reliable technique.
Studies of the Separation of Palladium(II) Microquantities from Macroquantities of Salts of other Elements on Selective Ion Exchangers
Authors: Hubicki Zbigniew , Hubicka Halina , Lodyga Bozena
Published: January 2017

The applicability of selective ion exchangers for the removal of palladium(II) from solutions of copper(II), nickel(II), aluminium(III) salts, hydrochloric acid, a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acids as well as a mixture of hydrochloric acid and ammonium chloride has been studied by frontal analysis. The best results were obtained in the purification of copper(II) and nickel(II) salts on Chelite S with functional thiol groups, Duolite ES-346 with functional amidoxime groups and Lewatit TP-214 with functional thiourea groups. A decrease of palladium(II) content below 5 × 10−5% was obtained in the process of purification of macroquantities of these salts. In addition, these ion exchangers possess a considerable ion-exchange capacity (e.g. 3.18 mequiv. Pd/g for Lewatit TP-214) and a high resistance to mineral acids.
Thermal Analysis in Studies of Structural Heterogeneity in Active Carbons
Authors: Goworek Jacek , Stefaniak Wojciech
Published: January 2017

The thermal desorption of benzene and methanol was measured using a derivatograph. Pore size distributions of active carbons were determined on the basis of thermogravimetric curves using the Kelvin equation. Total pore volumes and volumes of mesopores were compared with those derived from adsorption isotherms of benzene vapour.
Application of Activated Carbon for the Sorption of Some Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution and Their Determination by Atomic Spectroscopy
Authors: Gierak A.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents investigations on the possible application of Polish active carbons, obtained by the carbonization of plum stones, in the sorption and preconcentration of selected heavy metal ions, i.e. FeIII, PbII, NiII, ZnII, CoII and CdII, from aqueous solution. The effect of modifying the active carbon surface with oxidizing (HNO3, H2O, air and steam) and reducing (H2) agents on the sorption and ion-exchange capacity of the carbon was examined. The basic characteristics of the porous structure of the tested adsorbents, as well as their ion-exchange capacities towards cations and anions, were determined. In addition, the sorption isotherms of individual ions in the concentration range 10−4–10−2 mol/1, as well as the effect of the pH of the solution on the sorption of the ions, were investigated. As far as the utilization of the prepared sorbents to isolate and preconcentrate trace amounts of tested ions is concerned, the best results were obtained for active carbons thermally treated at 800°C in a hydrogen atmosphere.
Description of an Active Carbon Micropore Size Distribution Based on the Horvath—Kawazoe Equation Adapted to Benzene Adsorption Isotherms
Authors: Światkowski A. , Trznadel B.J. , Zietek S.
Published: January 2017

The Horvath–Kawazoe equation has been used for the determination of the pore size distribution (PSD) of four fractions of active carbon separated by elutriation on the basis of their different degrees of activation. A comparison of the pore size distribution functions for argon and benzene as adsorbates has been undertaken. For both adsorbates, correction factors including the adsorption in mesopores have been evaluated. The influence of these corrections on the PSD functions has been discussed. Quantitative evaluations of the PSD functions for these two different adsorbates and a comparison with the results of small-angle X-ray scattering measurements leads to the conclusion that it is possible to use the benzene isotherm as well as those of other adsorbates.
Partially Mobile Adsorption of Single Gases on Graphitized Carbon Black Surfaces
Authors: Garbacz J.K. , Kowalczyk-Dembińska H. , Dabrowski A.
Published: January 2017

An expression for the isosteric heat of partially mobile monolayer adsorption of a single gas on a heterogeneous adsorbent surface has been derived. Optimizations of the model parameters have been performed for selected experimental systems containing graphitized carbon black as an adsorbent.
Impact of Carbon Dioxide on the Activity and Selectivity of Supported Palladium Catalysts for Carbon Monoxide Hydrogenation
Authors: Filonenko G.V.
Published: January 2017

The introduction of 1.5 vol.% carbon dioxide into the reaction mixture (CO/H2 = 1:2) is shown to accelerate the rate of formation of methanol and the selectivity towards oxygen-containing products over palladium catalysts supported on oxides of various chemical natures. The maximum degree of impact of CO2 was observed over palladium supported on magnesia and zirconia.
Surface Chemistry in Modern Nanotechnologies
Authors: Ogenko V.M.
Published: January 2017

A review of the properties of fine oxide surfaces at the nano level is given based on the author's work. It includes a scheme related to the structure of pyrogenic silica and the changes induced by dehydroxylation as studied by quantum chemical and spectroscopic methods. The application of non-linear optical methods has appeared to be useful for the investigation of disperse solid structures. Quantitative measurements of intermolecular interaction have been obtained by light scattering.

Alteration of the surface activity due to gas-phase electron–donor molecule action on chemisorbed complexes or functional groups on the surface is considered. It is also shown how the physicochemical properties of a solid surface can be changed as a result of chemical modification.

The investigations discussed could lead in practice to the creation of new lightweight ceramic materials, adsorbents, catalyst supports, hollow-body microspherical fillers and medicinal preparations. Some of these are useful for nano electronics and instrument design as well as for the solution of some meteorological problems.
Temperature-Programmed Desorption Mass Spectrometry (TPDMS) of Dispersed Oxides
Authors: Pokrovskiy Valeriy A.
Published: January 2017

Temperature-programmed desorption mass spectrometry (TPDMS) is discussed with reference to studies of modified pyrogenic oxides. Simple theoretical models are presented in order to allow an approximate analytical treatment of TPDMS data. The ‘unimolecular’ decomposition of alkoxide groups was studied. The rate constants of the reactions were derived from TPDMS measurements.

The kinetics of thermal transformations of phosphorous and phosphoric acids on a pyrogenic silica surface were investigated by TPDMS. Oxidation–reduction reactions in samples containing phosphorous acid resulted in the removal of molecular phosphorus (P4). Two stages of phosphorus evolution were observed which were attributed to the disproportion of phosphorus in the surface monolayer (high-temperature stage) and in the bulk layers (low-temperature stage).

The biologically active samples obtained by adsorption of cyanocobalamine, glucose and raffinose on ultrafine oxide surfaces were studied via a combination of temperature-programmed desorption and solid-state thermal analysis mass spectrometry (TPD/TA MS). The role of the charged cobalt atom and of the propionamide and benzimide groups in the adsorption mechanism is discussed. It was shown that the adsorption of cyanocobalamine on the silica surface transformed the propionamide group to a weakly bound form. TPD/TA MS data were obtained confirming the stable adsorption of glucose and raffinose on an ultrafine pyrogenic silica surface modified by amino groups.
Surface Properties of Carbonaceous Solids as Examined by 1H NMR Spectroscopy Using the Bulk Freezing Procedure
Authors: Turov V.V. , Leboda R. , Bogillo V.I. , Skubiszewska-Zieba J.
Published: January 2017

It has been established that the type of adsorption sites on the surface of different carbonaceous materials [graphite oxide, thermo-expanded graphite, graphitized and non-graphitized carbons, carbon black, carbonated silicas (Carbosils)] can be determined using a chemical shift in the 1H NMR spectra of adsorbed test compounds possessing different donor–acceptor properties and polarizability. This is due to the existence of local magnetic anisotropy regions near the carbon surface. The 1H NMR measurements on adsorbent/adsorbed water/inert solvent interfaces provide an effective procedure for the differentiation of NMR signals from molecules bound with various types of surface sites. Variations in the free energy of water in the adsorption layer of Carbosils having different carbon contents on the silica surface and their free surface energy have been determined from measurements of the temperature dependence of the NMR signal for non-freezing water in the cooling process. A low degree of carbonization for the initial silica surface leads to a drastic increase in the aqueous interlayer thickness structurized by the surface.
Relaxation Processes of Water Molecules on Surfaces of Highly Dispersed Silica and Titania/Silica
Authors: Zarko V.I. , Gun'ko V.M.
Published: January 2017

Analyses of dielectric spectra and theoretical simulation results demonstrate that the most probable sites for water cluster adsorption are the B-sites at the TiO2/SiO2 (TS) phase boundary regions and the SiOH groups on the SiO2 phase in TS. The amount of water on SiO2 in TS is lower than for pure SiO2 for the same content of water at the TiO2/SiO2 and SiO2 surfaces. The energy necessary for the rotation of a water molecule is a maximum for molecules linked via one electron-donor bond M←OH2 and three hydrogen bonds with other water molecules.
Studies of the Effects of Aerosilogel Modification by Organic Acids under High Pressures
Authors: Sidorchuk V.V. , Tertykh V.A. , Leboda R. , Charmas B.
Published: January 2017

Preliminary studies of silica surface modification by means of some organic acids under high reagent pressures were carried out. The reaction took place in a steel autoclave. Suitably granulated aerosilogel and acetic, mono- and trichloro-acetic as well as sulphosalicylic acids were used. Physical and chemical adsorption processes were checked by infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and Potentiometric titration. The specific surface area and total volume of pores of the prepared samples were determined.

The studies showed some possibilities of attaching organic radicals containing an acid group to the silica surface. This process can be accomplished in one stage.
A Study of the Brönsted Site Acidity of Crystalline and Amorphous Aluminosilicates: 2. Thermal Decomposition of Grafted Acetyl Groups
Authors: Brei V.V. , Brichka A.V.
Published: January 2017

A study has been made by desorption mass spectrometry of the destruction of grafted acetyl groups on the surface of H-mordenite, H-ZSM-5, H-Y-faujasite, Al-containing aerosil and aluminosilicate compounds layered on an aerosil surface. It has been established that the thermal decomposition of acetyl groups attached through Brönsted acid sites proceeds with the formation of ketene over the same temperature range (320–360°C) for all the samples. The implications of this result for the strength of acid sites are discussed.
Some Aspects of the Absorption of Electromagnetic Radiation by Heterogeneous Systems
Authors: Grechko L.G. , Levandovskii V.G. , Motrich V.V. , Volokh V.N.
Published: January 2017

This paper describes the results of studies of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation and a heterogeneous system (HS) where the relevant accounting interfaces are generalized. The results obtained have been used for the calculation of the dielectric loss in a matrix disperse system (MDS) consisting of an aggregate of SiO2 particles (particle size ∼10−7 m) covered with hydrate. It has been shown that the dielectric loss in such systems occurs on the level of the imaginary part [Formula: see text] ∼0.1 at a frequency of 107 Hz.

The absorption mechanism of electromagnetic radiation caused by the surface modes of an MDS with metallic inclusions of a spherical and ellipsoidal shape has been studied. It is shown that resonance absorption of the electromagnetic radiation is observed at the frequencies of the surface modes. The spectral characteristics of [Formula: see text] as a function of the parameters of the MDS have also been considered.
A New Approach for Modelling Heterogeneous Surfaces
Authors: Goncharuk V.V. , Gorchev V.F. , Karakhim S.A.
Published: January 2017

In present work, the scope of a new approach for modelling heterogeneous surface isotherms and differential adsorption heats for a discrete heterogeneous surface with three kinds of sites has been examined. All the various kinds of experimentally observed dependencies of the differential adsorption heats on the surface coverage described in the literature have been reproduced. The increase in differential adsorption heat with surface coverage of a heterogeneous surface has been shown to be possible when the pre-exponential factor changes in moving from one kind of site to another. In this connection, it has been proposed that the heterogeneous surface should be characterized not only by the dependence of the adsorption heats on the distribution of active sites but also by the adsorption coefficient. The parameters for the adsorption of propan-2-ol on γ-aluminium oxide have been calculated from adsorption/calorimetric data.
Media coverage of climate change: An international comparison
Authors: Barkemeyer Ralf , Figge Frank , Hoepner Andreas , Holt Diane , Kraak Johannes Marcelus , Yu Pei-Shan
Published: January 2017

We present an international comparison of broadsheet newspaper coverage of climate change. We employ two complementary theoretical lenses, multiple streams theory and institutional theory, to explore why climate change has become headline news in some countries but has received comparatively little coverage in others. The study utilises a worldwide sample across 41 different countries for the year 2008, covering 113 leading national broadsheet newspapers. A cross-sectional regression model is used to identify whether and how a range of contextual factors impact coverage of climate change. To a certain extent, a country’s direct exposure to climate change and the measures that have been taken to combat global warming influence the position of climate change on the media agenda. Crucially, however, we identify a number of contextual factors that impact climate change-related media coverage in different national contexts. In particular, we find a significantly positive relationship between regulatory quality and levels of media coverage. At the same time, unemployment trends are significantly negatively related to media attention to climate change. Gross domestic product per capita does not help to explain levels of climate change-related media coverage. In other words, climate change appears to have moved beyond simply being a ‘rich country issue’.
Growing centralization in China’s farmland protection policy in response to policy failure and related upward-extending unwillingness to protect farmland since 1978
Authors: Zhong Taiyang , Mitchell Bruce , Scott Steffanie , Huang Xianjin , Li Yi , Lu Xiao
Published: January 2017

Since 1978, China has experienced a rapid loss of arable land, leading to centralizing of farmland protection policies. To understand the growing centralization, this paper has used the lens of the interactions among (1) unwillingness to protect farmland among diverse actors, (2) policy failure and (3) policy change. The growing centralization is an adaptive response to the unwillingness to protect farmland from local up to provincial government levels, and its associated policy failure. The article suggests that gradual centralization over the last almost 40 years has gone through three phases: centralization to county-level, centralization to provincial-level, and intensifying technical supervision from central government. In the first phase, the unwillingness to preserve farmland appeared at the levels of the rural household, village and township; in the second phase, county- and prefecture-level governments began to lose willingness to preserve farmland; and, in the third phase, provincial governments’ willingness to preserve farmland weakened. The current centralized system has succeeded, for the most part, in addressing the problem of asymmetric information about farmland preservation between central and local governments, but the basic planning problem regarding loss of farmland remains a challenge.
Democratization and inequality: Empirical evidence for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries
Authors: Ille Sebastian , Risso Adrian , Sanchez Carrera Edgar J
Published: January 2017

The correlation between democracy and income inequality, as well as the direction of causation is still debated. In this paper, we conduct a dynamic panel data analysis for all 34 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member states over the period 1960–2012 and illustrate a nonmonotonic relationship between inequality and democracy, as well as test the direction of causation by employing a noncausal homogeneity test in a panel Granger framework and the Dumitrescu and Hurlin noncausal heterogeneity test. We provide an explanation for the inverted U-shaped relation. In addition, we illustrate individual regression results for 12 exemplary Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries and provide a concise illustration of the economic and political changes to which countries have been subjected while elaborating the effect of the underlying policies on democracy and income equality.
The challenge of implementing European Union environmental law in the new member states: The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive in the Czech Republic and Poland
Authors: Marek Dan , Baun Michael , Dąbrowski Marcin
Published: January 2017

This article examines the problematic implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) in the Czech Republic and Poland from the perspective of the scholarly debate on European Union (EU) and post-accession compliance, focusing on the competing ‘goodness of fit’ and administrative-legal approaches to explaining variations in compliance with EU rules. It finds that administrative shortcomings of various kinds are a major reason for implementation problems in both countries, and that problems have also stemmed from the multilevel nature of the implementation process, which places a heavy administrative and financial burden on municipalities, and requires cooperation between national and local government authorities. In the Czech case, however, the ‘misfit’ between EU standards and contracting and regulatory practices in the Czech water sector has also undermined UWWTD compliance, through its negative impact on the country's ability to access EU funding.
Intensive group speech therapy with language-delayed children
Authors: Lomax Sandy
Published: January 2017

The article describes the methods of assessment and treatment used in planning, carrying out, and evaluating a four-week Summer School for language-delayed and language-disordered children of primary school age. It includes a discussion of the criteria used for admission; problems of assessment; a comparison of non-standard and standard tests and test results; a description of a locally devised informal assessment; the use made of the Bloom and Lahey expressive language assessment; the use of assessments in planning the Summer School; and the role of 'teaching themes'. There is also a discussion and interpretation of follow-up results, and an evaluation of course design.
Teaching adverbial connectivity: implications from current research
Authors: Scott Cheryl M. , Rush Dathan
Published: January 2017

This article reviews current research about discourse connectivity using 'adverbial conjuncts' in the language of children from 6 to 12 years. Results from both naturalistic samples and contrived tasks are discussed, revealing a substantial gain in the child's knowledge of these forms around the age of ten. The results have implications for regular and remedial language education where discourse devices are a teaching goal. General and specific suggestions are offered about the teaching of conjuncts. Problems encountered within the more general realm of discourse (e.g. spoken vs. written form, genre, and register) are discussed in relation to these specific adverbial forms.
The development and application of Blissymbolics
Authors: Davies Ena
Published: January 2017

Blissymbolics Communication is a visual, meaning-based system used as a supplement to speech; the symbols ate arbitrary, pictographic, and ideographic (conveying abstract ideas) representations accompanied by the written word to aid interpretation by the 'receiver' and provide visual reinforcement for the user of the system. Symbols may be presented on a chart, wheelchair tray or on a screen. Indication may be by direct lmeans -finger, fist or foot, or by indirect selection via eye-coding or appropriate switches. The paper outlines the development and application of the system in Britain between 1977 and 1984.
Linguistic interaction in the clinic - how do therapists do therapy?
Authors: Letts Carolyn
Published: January 2017

Speech therapists' use of language when conducting conventional one-to-one therapy with children is described in terms of communicative acts. Therapists draw on a selection of possible acts in order to set up, maintain and conduct structured activities. Spontaneous acts from patients are limited in relation to those of the therapist. Reasons for this are discussed, as is the role that the more traditional one-to-one therapy should play in the treatment of language-impaired children, as compared with other therapy approaches.
Normal reading processes: a universal framework for the study of dyslexia
Authors: Funnell Elaine
Published: January 2017

Researchers and therapists from many fields have worked intensively on the problem of dyslexia. An almost endless series of publications has resulted from this. But the concepts and hypotheses concerning the question of where the core of the reading difficulties is situated, reveal a multiplicity which comes across as confusing rather than enlightening.
Importance versus practice of knowledge management constructs in manufacturing companies
Authors: Tan Li Pin , Wong Kuan Yew
Published: January 2017

With the growing popularity of knowledge management (KM), many studies concentrating on KM have been carried out by researchers and practitioners. However, little attempts have been made to empirically investigate its status quo in manufacturing organizations. Thus, this article presents the results of an exploratory KM survey conducted in Malaysia’s manufacturing industry. The perception of importance and extent of practice of a set of KM constructs among manufacturing companies were investigated and the important findings obtained from the survey were highlighted. It is hoped that the survey results will give valuable insights to help practitioners in strategizing their KM efforts effectively and serve as a guideline for further research and development.
Researching leveraged finance part 1
Authors: Hunter Ian
Published: January 2017

Leveraged finance is an important market for professional advisory firms such as investment banks, financial sector law firms and the ‘Big 4’ consultancies. As such, researchers and information professionals in these firms are often asked to research the market. This may be to produce a list of leveraged finance deals in a particular industry or jurisdiction, to find the size or composition of the market or to find expert commentary, including predictions for the future. In this article, Ian Hunter explains the ways in which leverage finance is defined, describes the leading sources and highlights some caveats to bear in mind when relying on the sources.
A comparative analysis of knowledge retention strategies at selected banks in South Africa
Authors: Chigada Joel , Ngulube Patrick
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to analyse knowledge retention strategies at selected banks in South Africa. A comparative analysis of knowledge retention strategies at two leading South African banks underpinned the focus of this study. The importance of retaining organizational knowledge assets is highlighted in this study. A survey research design was used to collect quantitative data from middle-level managers at selected banks. All usable quantitative data were collected from middle-level managers through the use of Survey Monkey and Zoomerang – an online survey platform. The quantitative data were analysed through the use of Microsoft Excel 2010. One of the shortcomings of using the quantitative research methodology was failure to ask probing questions where questionnaires were used. The study established that selected banks did not have formal knowledge retention strategies. From the findings, there was no specific knowledge management (KM) policy guideline to inform selected banks on how to retain organizational knowledge; however, there is was an acknowledgement of the presence of communities of practice, mentoring and apprenticeship, subject matter experts, leveraging retirees, knowledge portals and storytelling. In this study, originality was premised on setting down a major piece of new information utilizing the General Knowledge Model premised on four KM practices, namely, CREATION, SHARING, TRANSFER and RETENTION. These four KM practices should be recognized as fundamental pillars of KM.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in affective disorders — I. Basic pharmacology
Authors: Goodnick Paul J. , Goldstein Burton J.
Published: January 2017

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertraline, are the result of rational research to find drugs that were as effective as the tricyclic antidepressants but with fewer safety and tolerability problems. The SSRIs selectively and powerfully inhibit serotonin reuptake and result in a potentiation of serotonergic neurotransmission. The property of potent serotonin reuptake appears to give a broad spectrum of therapeutic activity in depression, anxiety, obsessional and impulse control disorders. However, despite the sharing of the same principal mechanism of action, SSRIs are structurally diverse with clear variations in their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles. The potency for serotonin reuptake inhibition varies amongst this group, as does the selectivity for serotonin relative to noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibition. The relative potency of sertraline for dopamine reuptake inhibition differentiates it pharmacologically from other SSRIs. Affinity for neuroreceptors, such as sigma1, muscarinic and 5-HT 2c, also differs widely. Furthermore, the inhibition of nitric oxide synthetase by paroxetine, and possibly other SSRIs, may have significant pharmacodynamic effects. Citalopram and fluoxetine are racemic mixtures of different chiral forms that possess varying pharmacokinetic and pharmacological profiles. Fluoxetine has a long acting and pharmacologically active metabolite. There are important clinical differences among the SSRIs in their pharmacokinetic characteristics. These include differences in their half-lives, linear versus non-linear pharmacokinetics, effect of age on their clearance and their potential to inhibit drug metabolising cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes. These pharmacological and pharmacokinetic differences underly the increasingly apparent important clinical differences amongst the SSRIs.