Phase Equilibria in the Na2O-Cs2O-SiO2 System

The Na₂O-Cs2O-SiO₂ system has been investigated by means of a new differential thermal analysis apparatus. Two compounds have been observed for the first time in the metasilicate and disilicate joins. The CsNaSi₂O₅ disilicate melts congruently at 1217 K and the peritectic fusion of the CsNaSiO₃ metasilicate occurs at 1120 K.     

Three-dimensional simulation with a CFD tool of the airflow phenomena in single floor double-skin facade equipped with a venetian blind

Nowadays different kinds of double-skin facades are developed and used in new architectural projects. The aim of these facades is, on the one hand, to increase internal comfort and, on the other hand, to decrease energy consumption. In order to optimise the overall performance of the double-skin façades, their detailed behaviour needs to be better understood. The prediction of the airflow within the channel (between the two glazings) is very important for understanding of the double-skin facades behaviour, especially in summer conditions. A comprehensive modelling of a compact double-skin facade equipped with a venetian blind and forced ventilation is proposed here. The modelling is done using the CFD (computational fluid dynamics) approach to assess the air movement within the ventilated facade channel. Three-dimensional airflow is modelled using a homogeneous porous media representation, in order to reduce the size of the mathematical model. A parametric study is proposed here, analysing the impact of three parameters on the airflow development: slat tilt angle, blind position and air outlet position. The distance between the blind and the external glazing was found to have a major impact on the velocity profiles inside the double-skin facade channel.     

A Composite Index of Compliance for Chronic In‐Center Hemodialysis Patients

We developed a composite compliance index as the sum of the compliance scores for interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), pre‐dialysis serum potassium and phosphorus concentrations (each scored from zero to 3, with 3 indicating the poorest compliance), and skipping hemodialysis sessions (scored from zero to 9, with 9 indicating the poorest compliance). We used this composite score to prospectively evaluate compliance in 25 prevalent hemodialysis patients over a period of 1 year. We then followed these patients for another 3.5 years. The patients studied were divided into two groups: group A (poor compliance) consisted of 9 subjects with composite score ≥ 9 (13.2 ± 3.2); group B (better compliance) consisted of 16 subjects with composite score < 9 (4.7 ± 1.8). Age, duration of hemodialysis, and frequency of diabetes mellitus did not differ between the groups. Group A contained higher fractions of subjects with history of alcoholism (66.7% vs 12.5%, p = 0.010), other substance addiction (44.4% vs 0%, p = 0.010), and severe psychosocial problems (88.9% vs 18.8%, p = 0.002). Mean survival from the beginning of observation, estimated by actuarial life‐table survival analysis, was 1.19 years in group A and 2.60 years in group B (p = 0.0265). A composite compliance index incorporating domains indicating adherence to diet, medications, and dialysis schedule identified other behavioral problems in poorly compliant patients. Hemodialysis patients characterized by this composite index as poorly compliant had shortened survival.     

Thirty years later: Attitudes toward the employment of older workers.

Replicated W. K. Kirchner and M. D. Dunnette's (see record 1955-03161-001) study on attitudes toward older workers with 71 male and 5 female hourly employees (aged 18–61 yrs) and 22 male supervisors (aged 27–63 yrs) of a nonunion manufacturing plant. Ss completed a questionnaire that was nearly identical to the one administered in the Kirchner and Dunnette study. Results are similar to those obtained in the earlier study: Hourly workers held more positive attitudes toward older employees than did supervisors, and attitude score correlated strongly with the age of hourly workers but not with the age of supervisors. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An Analytical Solution to Circular Touch Mode Capacitor

In this paper, a simple but accurate analytical solution is presented to model the flexion of a circular diaphragm with clamped edges under an uniform load. The touch down effect and the evolution of touch radius are considered in this model, making it useful for touch down capacitor devices such as pressure sensors. This model is then compared to results obtained from Coventor, a finite elements analysis program designed for microelectromechanical systems     

Prediction of Undrained Sinkhole Collapse

Sinkholes are surface depressions or shafts resulting from the collapse of a submerged cavity in soil. The cavities that lead to sinkholes form as a result of underlying geology in limestone areas, or as a result of human activity such as mining or leakage from a sewer. The formation of sinkholes is often sudden and can lead to extensive damage and loss of life, especially in urban areas. Much of the literature on the subject of sinkhole formation is empirical in nature, often being associated with specific locations. This paper presents the results of a study, using numerical modeling, of the undrained stability of the submerged cavities that lead to sinkhole formation. Finite-element limit analysis techniques (using programs developed at the University of Newcastle) are used to obtain upper and lower bound values of a suitable load parameter, which bracket the exact solution. The results are compared to analytical solutions, both from literature and derived independently.     

One Hundred Years of Social Psychology Quantitatively Described.

This article compiles results from a century of social psychological research, more than 25,000 studies of 8 million people. A large number of social psychological conclusions are listed alongside meta-analytic information about the magnitude and variability of the corresponding effects. References to 322 meta-analyses of social psychological phenomena are presented, as well as statistical effect-size summaries. Analyses reveal that social psychological effects typically yield a value of r equal to .21 and that, in the typical research literature, effects vary from study to study in ways that produce a standard deviation in r of .15. Uses, limitations, and implications of this large-scale compilation are noted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Slip and Twinning in Polycrystalline Alumina (α-Al2O3) Deformed under Hydrostatic Pressure between 600° and 1000°C

The microstructure of polycrystalline alumina deformed under hydrostatic pressure and at low temperature is investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Deformation occurs mainly by prism plane slip and rhombohedral twinning. Introduction of hydrogen leads to a significant decrease in the yield stress. In large grain size alumina deformed with hydrogen, accommodation of twinning involves dislocation reactions in the twin boundary and in the grains rather than by cracking. Prism plane dislocations decompose into basal dislocations by cross slip probably due to a decrease of Peierls stress for basal slip in the presence of hydrogen.     

WAIS-R Information subtest item bias for Canadian high school students.

The WAIS-R Information subtest was combined with 21 potential substitute Canadian content items and group-administered to 119 high school students ranging in age from 16 to 19 years. Seven acceptable substitute items were identified. Mean scores on the American items for the 16-17 and 18-19 age groups suggested that Canadians of these ages are not penalized by American content with respect to either Verbal or Full Scale IQ. Nevertheless, the research identified eight Information items, four easier and four more difficult than the standard WAIS-R implies. Similar results were noted in two previous studies of the WAIS-R, and indicate the extreme caution required for the clinical interpretation of intra test scatter. There is also evidence that item difficulty within the Information subtest may vary with the age of the subject. These results were considered indicative of the necessity for Canadian content Information items and the development of Canadian norms for an adapted WAIS-R Information subtest. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)