SWELLING OF ASPHALTENES

We report x-ray scattering measurements on asphaltenes and bitumen solutions, with attention to the concentrated regimes. We characterize the data in terms of a correlation length which is indicative of proximity to phase separation in a mixture, rather than the radius-of-gyration more indicative of individual colloids. By studying the behavior of the low-angle asphaltene peak on dilution, we show that asphaltenes swell. These results allow the drawing of a phase diagram with two regimes separated by a critical point: a colloidal regime, and a“ swollen asphaltene” regime, the latter being much larger.     

Experimental investigation of hydride hydrogen accumulator

The article describes an experimental hydride hydrogen accumulator. Processes of its charging and discharging were experimentally investigated. The obtained characteristics are described fairly accurately by equations. Dependences of the charging and discharging rates on the diameter of the hydride accumulator are presented.Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 60, No. 6, pp. 937–942, June, 1991.     

Facial muscle patterning and lateralization during elation and depression imagery.

26 18–30 yr old female Ss read a standard set of self-referent statements and imagined scenes with elated, depressed, and neutral content. The dependent measures were subjective mood ratings (Self-Rating Depression Scale) and left and right zygomatic- and corrugator-muscle activity. The self-statements elicited feelings of elation and depression in approximately 70% of Ss. Among these Ss, elation was accompanied by immediate increases in zygomatic activity, especially on the right side of the face in pure right-handed Ss. Depression was accompanied by bilateral increases in corrugator activity that grew over time. In the remaining 30% of Ss who reported experiencing little or no subjective differences between the elation and depression self-statements, similar though smaller facial patterns of zygomatic and corrugator activity were found that reliably differentiated the affective conditions. Data support the hypothesis that facial EMG patterning is a sensitive psychophysiological indicator of mood. (39 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An experimental case study of the successes and failures of job enrichment in a government agency.

An experimental job enrichment program was introduced in 3 clerical work units ( N = 1,000 workers) of a federal agency. Matched control groups were selected for each experimental unit. The program was introduced after careful diagnosis of the work situation and thorough training of the personnel involved. Within the limits imposed by the field situation, before-after measures of both behavior and attitudes suggested that changes in behavior (e.g., productivity, absences) occurred in favor of the experimental groups. Job enrichment apparently had no effect on attitudes, however. On the basis of interviews and observations, the productivity changes were attributed mainly to more efficient use of manpower, elimination of unnecessary operations, and feedback and competition, while the absence changes were attributed mainly to initial changes in morale based on the expectation of extrinsic rewards. It is concluded that attitudes did not improve because the expectations and desire for such rewards had not been met. The problem and limitations of job enrichment are discussed. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)