Mathematical modeling of a vehicle crash test based on elasto-plastic unloading scenarios of spring-mass models

This paper investigates the usability of spring which exhibit nonlinear force-deflection characteristic in the area of mathematical modeling of vehicle crash. We present a method which allows us to obtain parameters of the spring-mass model basing on the full-scale experimental data analysis. Since vehicle collision is a dynamic event, it involves such phenomena as rebound and energy dissipation. Three different spring unloading scenarios (elastic, plastic, and elasto-plastic) are covered and their suitability for vehicle collision simulation is evaluated. Subsequently we assess which of those models fits the best to the real car’s behavior not only in terms of kinematic responses but also in terms of energy distribution.     

Environmental values and attitudes among farmers in China – a case study in the watershed of Yuqiao reservoir of Tianjin Municipality,China

Failure to curb water pollution in China brings to the fore the issue of environmental values and attitudes among Chinese farmers. Applying the New Ecological Paradigm Scale this study finds that the pro-environmental value of New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) Worldview has a stronger standing among the studied Chinese farmers than the Dominant Social Paradigm (DSP) Worldview.     

A new automatic probe for measuring triaxial rock stresses in deep bore holes

Researchers at the Swedish State Power Board have developed a new computerized probe for triaxial in-situ stress measurement. The new probe, called “Borre”, permits measurements to be performed as close as possible to the overcoring moment. The authors discuss the principles of the measurement method, and describe the way in which the probe works. Results of measurements performed using the new probe at the Sikfors hydro project are given.     

从圩田排水系统到多元化景观的转变

荷兰的圩田景观将再次被重新定义——这一次不是 通过围垦使三角洲适合居住,也不是通过土地整理更有效地组 织农业。取而代之的是,这次转型是为了应对当今极端气候变 化、人口增长带来的挑战,为人类、动植物群形成更具弹性、 宜居和包容性的景观,讨论了圩田景观的代表鹿特河人工流域 的形成过程、现状、潜力、挑战和可能的未来。设计提案背后 的抽象的设计原则对世界上其他地区的圩田景观亦有启发。     

Global coal production outlooks based on a logistic model

A small number of nations control the vast majority of the world’s coal reserves. The geologically available amounts of coal are vast, but geological availability is not enough to ensure future production since economics and restrictions also play an important role. Historical trends in reserve and resource assessments can provide some insight about future coal supply and provide reasonable limits for modelling. This study uses a logistic model to create long-term outlooks for global coal production. A global peak in coal production can be expected between 2020 and 2050, depending on estimates of recoverable volumes. This is also compared with other forecasts. The overall conclusion is that the global coal production could reach a maximum level much sooner than most observers expect.     

A multivariate analysis of the early dropout process.

Performed principal-component factor analyses on patient input (demographic and pretherapy expectations), therapist input (demographic), and patient perspective therapy process variables that significantly differentiated 71 early dropout from 110 nondropout outpatients at 2 community mental health centers. At 1 setting results confirm (a) the presence of selection factors in the intake process whereby the more disturbed patients, who subsequently drop out, are assigned to lower level trained therapists and (b) the proposition that many patients unilaterally terminate despite the perception of the initial session as being an overall positive experience. Findings at the 2nd setting support the more traditionally held view of "dropout" as related to patient dissatisfaction with received services. Differences in the dropout process at the 2 settings were attributed to empirically demonstrated differences in the therapists' theoretical approach to the initial interview. The proclivity of earlier investigators to conceptualize dropouts as being characteristic of a single type of patient seems to be another unfounded homogeneity myth. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

SEX-ROLE STEREOTYPES AND SELF-CONCEPTS IN COLLEGE STUDENTS.

EXAMINED THE RELATIONSHIP OF SELF-CONCEPT TO DIFFERENTIALLY VALUED SEX-ROLE STEREOTYPES. ON A QUESTIONNAIRE CONSISTING OF 122 BIPOLAR ITEMS, 74 MALE AND 80 FEMALE STUDENTS INDICATED WHAT TYPICAL ADULT MALES, FEMALES, AND THEY, THEMSELVES, WERE LIKE. RESULTS INDICATE (1) STRONG AGREEMENT BETWEEN SEXES ABOUT DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN, (2) SIMILAR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE SELF-CONCEPTS OF THE SEXES, AND (3) MORE FREQUENT HIGH VALUATION OF STEREOTYPICALLY MASCULINE THAN FEMININE CHARACTERISTICS IN BOTH SEXES. CONTRARY TO EXPECTATIONS, DIFFERENTIATIONS BETWEEN SELF-CONSEPTS AND STEREOTYPIC CONCEPTS OF MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY, AS A FUNCTION OF SOCIAL DESIRABILITY, WERE NOT FOUND. (25 REF.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relation of attitudes toward women's roles and occupational behavior to women's self-esteem.

Investigated the relation of stereotypic role behavior and women's self-esteem in a group of 456 female college alumnae (aged early 20's to mid 50's) by administering a questionnaire to assess attitudes toward women's roles, labor force attachment, type of present and preferred occupation, and self-esteem. Results show no support for the prediction that women's roles mediate occupational behavior and have a differential effect on self-esteem. Occupational congruence was found to have a positive relation to self-esteem. Attitudes toward women's roles were found to be associated with amount of labor force attachment and were a factor distinguishing homemakers, job holders, and careerists. It is suggested that counselors should help clarify clients' own occupational aspirations and encourage them to explore ways to actualize their aspirations. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Neonatal Amygdala Lesions Affect Appetitive Motivational and Consummatory Aspects of Social Behavior in the Rat.

In the present study, rats received amygdala lesions (AMX) on either Postnatal Day 7 (PD 7; immature brain) or PD 21 (almost mature brain), and adult social activity was studied after short-term isolation housing. Sham-operated rats demonstrated increased following and approaching behavior after 7 days of isolation compared with after 4 days of isolation, an effect that was absent in AMX-PD 7 and AMX-PD 21 rats. Furthermore, AMX-PD 7 rats, but not AMX-PD 21 rats, displayed a reduction in investigatory behavior after prolonged isolation. This indicates that in AMX-PD 21 rats, mainly appetitive motivational aspects of social behavior were affected, whereas in AMX-PD 7 rats both motivational and consummatory aspects were disturbed. Finally, the reported deficits in AMX-PD 7 rats may reflect neurodevelopmental deficits of structures connected with the amygdala. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)