An automated composite table algorithm considering zero liquid discharge possibility in water regeneration–recycle network

In this study, a novel Automated Composite Table Algorithm (ACTA) is developed for targeting the water regeneration–recycle network of single contaminant problem. The ACTA is based on Pinch Analysis, but is automated by taking into consideration the possibility of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) for the water network. In the existing literature, the targeting procedure for ZLD network is based on the graphical tool of Limiting Composite Curve (LCC). However, identification of key parameters (i.e. freshwater, wastewater, regenerated water flowrates, along with pre-regeneration concentrations) is very tedious for highly integrated water network system. The magnification around the turning point of LCC is required to identify the correct pinch points and targeting procedure is done iteratively until the reliable network targets can be determined. These limitations are now overcome by the ACTA, which is an improved version of Composite Table Algorithm that is capable of identifying key parameters algebraically for a given post-regeneration concentration. The newly developed ACTA is capable of handling a wide range of problems including ZLD and non-ZLD network, for both fixed load and fixed flowrate problems.     

The Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale: An empirical investigation

Current approaches to measuring people’s everyday usage of technology-based media and other computer-related activities have proved to be problematic as they use varied outcome measures, fail to measure behavior in a broad range of technology-related domains and do not take into account recently developed types of technology including smartphones. In the present study, a wide variety of items, covering a range of up-to-date technology and media usage behaviors. Sixty-six items concerning technology and media usage, along with 18 additional items assessing attitudes toward technology, were administered to two independent samples of individuals, comprising 942 participants. Factor analyses were used to create 11 usage subscales representing smartphone usage, general social media usage, Internet searching, e-mailing, media sharing, text messaging, video gaming, online friendships, Facebook friendships, phone calling, and watching television in addition to four attitude-based subscales: positive attitudes, negative attitudes, technological anxiety/dependence, and attitudes toward task-switching. All subscales showed strong reliabilities and relationships between the subscales and pre-existing measures of daily media usage and Internet addiction were as predicted. Given the reliability and validity results, the new Media and Technology Usage and Attitudes Scale was suggested as a method of measuring media and technology involvement across a variety of types of research studies either as a single 60-item scale or any subset of the 15 subscales.     

A hierarchical approach to simulate the packing density of particle mixtures on a computer

In many fields of materials science it is important to know how densely a particle mixture can be packed. The “packing density” is the ratio of the particle volume and the volume of the surrounding container needed for a random close packing of the particles. We present a method for estimating the packing density for spherical particles based on computer simulations only, i.e. without the need for additional experiments. Our method is particularly suited for particle mixtures with an extremely wide range of particle diameters as they occur e.g. in modern concrete mixtures. A single representative sample from such mixtures would be much larger than can be handled on present standard computers. In our hierarchical approach the diameter range is therefore divided into smaller intervals. Samples from these limited diameter intervals are drawn and their packing density is estimated from a simulated packing. The results are used to “fill” the interstices in the sample from the next larger particle interval. To account for the interaction between particles of different sizes we include larger particles into the sample of smaller ones. The larger ones act as part of the boundary during the packing. Thus we obtain more realistic estimates of how dense a fraction of particles can be packed within the whole mixture. The focus of this paper is on the divide-and-conquer approach and on how the simulation results from the fractions can be collected into an overall estimate of the packing density. We do not go into details of the simulation technique for the single packing. We compare our results to some experimental data to show that our method works at least as good as the classical analytical models like CPM without the need for any experiments.     

The effect of difference oriented communication on the subjective validity of an in-group norm: Doc can treat the group.

The subjective group dynamics model predicts that in-group deviants who violate in-group norms that differentiate between the in-group and the out-group threaten the in-group's public image and its sense of validity. Previous research has shown that, to reduce this threat, group members attempt to symbolically marginalize in-group deviants through negative evaluation. In the current study (N = 107), the effect of another form of symbolic marginalization (difference oriented communication) is investigated. The findings support the subjective group dynamics model by showing that group members whose communications to deviants highlighted differences experienced a subsequent increase in subjective validity of in-group norms. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Surface Chemical Characterization of Ceramic Materials: Adsorption and Degradation of 3,6,9-Trioxadecanoic Acid on Nano-ZrO2

This paper deals with the specific interaction of the dispersant 3,6,9-trioxadecanoic acid (TODA) with nano-ZrO₂ surfaces. Special interest was directed towards degradation behavior of the adsorbates and its influence on dispersant capabilities of TODA regarding stabilization of ethanolic nano-ZrO₂ suspensions. ZrO₂ adsorption sites and the adsorbates formed are examined by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, thermal analysis, ¹H-, and ¹³C-cross polarization magic angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. ¹H as well as ¹³C-chemical shifts and the configurations of the corresponding adsorbed TODA species on zirconia sites are predicted by means of density functional theory quantum chemical calculations for supporting the interpretation of the experimental spectral data obtained. This work shows that combination of analytical and theoretical methods is an effective approach characterizing surface chemical properties of ceramic materials, determining sorption properties of organic process additives, investigating correspondent elementary and degradation reactions as well as clarifying cause-effect relationships in ceramic processes.     

Radiochemical Investigation of Blade Cleaning Lubricants

Operation of an elastomeric blade requires the use of a boundary lubricant to remove residual xerographic toner from the photoreceptor efficiently. A radioactive tracer technique was used to study the behaviour of a number of lubricants used in the xerographic process. Both filming and nonfilming type lubricants were investigated using this technique. The results indicated that the lubricant film deposited on the photoreceptor must be in the thickness range of from 1 to 3 molecular layers for acceptable xerographic development and cleaning. Film thickness was shown to be dependent on the class of lubricant, the concentration of lubricant in toner, and the inclusion of a silica compound in the toner. Films are dynamic in nature, continuously being formed and removed during the xerographic process. Parameters affecting the filming mechanism are discussed.     

Comparison of prostatic electro-vaporization and transurethral resection in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy

The objectives of this study was to compare electrovaporization (EVAP) of the prostate to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). A prospective evaluation of 60 patients treated for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) was carried out between November 1994 and November 1996. Twenty five patients were treated with TURP and 35 patients with EVAP. All patients had a minimum 12 month follow-up. The results obtained were comparable in terms of surgical procedure time with a bloodless surgical field using EVAP. EVAP was advantageous in reducing the time with indwelling urinary catheter postoperatively and reducing hospital stay. At 12 month follow-up results of flow rates and symptom scores were similar for both TURP and EVAP. Reoperation rate for residual BPH in the EVAP group was higher than for TURP, suggesting that EVAP should probably be limited to smaller sized glands. This study suggests that EVAP is a viable alternative to TURP in selected patients. It requires no specialized equipment and may allow a reduction in catheterization and hospital stay.     

Automated targeting for inter-plant water integration

Apart from in-plant water recovery, inter-plant water integration (IPWI) offers another promising mean for the reduction of fresh water and wastewater flowrates for process plants. This paper extends the automated targeting technique that was developed for single water network into IPWI. This optimisation-based technique is based on the concept of pinch analysis, which enables the setting of various network targets prior to detailed design. The automated targeting technique is formulated as a linear programming model for which global optimum is guaranteed. The proposed technique is demonstrated using several industrial and literature examples.     

Brian Mullen (1955-2006).

Presents an obituary for Brian Mullen. In a field that values empirical precedent and established paradigms, Brian Mullen's career was one of passion and originality. He was motivated by pure intellectual curiosity; the recognition he received for his pioneering work in archival methodology, meta-analysis, and group processes and relations was secondary. His contributions to the field of social psychology were unique and will be enduring. His 1985 book with Robert Rosenthal, BASIC Meta-Analysis: Procedures and Programs, is a classic. In 2006, he was identified as the 15th most cited scholar in social psychology textbooks. Brian died of cancer on May 4, 2006. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)