An assessment of façade coatings against colonisation by aerial algae and cyanobacteria

An accelerated water-streaming test method was used to evaluate several types of façade coatings regarding their behaviour to colonisation by algae and cyanobacteria, by closely reproducing the phenomenon of natural biological soiling. A set of materials with defined physical characteristics was thus investigated vs. the colonisation by algal and cyanobacterial strains isolated from natural façade biofilms. Porosity and roughness of the materials showed to be factors of influence in the establishment of those micro-organisms.     

Strategy planning in cats (Felis catus) in a progressive elimination task.

Domestic cats (Felis catus) were administered a progressive elimination task in which they had to visit and deplete 3 baited sites. Cats were brought back to the starting point after each visit to any site whether the visit represented a correct or an incorrect choice. The results revealed that cats organized search as a function of the least distance principle whether they had to assess starting point to target distances (Experiment 1, n=12) or adjacent bowl distances (Experiment 2, n=12). The results also revealed that the starting point to target distance factor was the most influential in determining the initial choice (Experiment 3, n=6) and in producing errors. Errors were also linked to the antero-posterior bodily axis of the cat. Results are discussed in terms of the predatory behavior of the cat. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Morphology and electrochemistry of spinel Li–Mn–O optimized by composite technology

This paper presents a composite technology, which combines doping and modifying to optimize the performance of spinel Li–Mn–O. Co ion-doped Li–Mn–O was synthesized by a wet chemical process. The homogeneously distributed C layer was chemically grown on the surface of LiCo_0.1Mn_1.9O₄ by the hydrothermal method. The products were analyzed and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Their electrochemical performances were tested with the Arbin instruments. The results showed that a different concentration of C influenced both the morphologies and the cycling performances of the cathode materials greatly.     

Genetic and environmental influences on positive and negative affect: Support for a two-factor theory.

Studied genetic and environmental etiologies of positive and negative affect, as measured by the Bradburn Affect Balance Scale, to gain understanding of a 2-factor theory of well-being. It was hypothesized that negative affect would demonstrate significant genetic and environmental variance and positive affect would be explained primarily by environmental influences. Data were combined from 105 pairs of twins (aged 18–72 yrs) and 220 multigenerational families (aged 16–98 yrs). Simultaneous model fitting indicated significant heritable effects for negative affect and a significant effect of common environment for twins. Significant effects for positive affect included common environment (for parents and offspring and for twin pairs) and assortative mating. These results, documenting differential genetic and environmental influences on positive and negative affect, provide further support for their being separate components of well-being. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Small-angle neutron scattering by semicrystallized chains: Evaluation of the mean dimensions

The mean dimensions of semicrystallized chains having long crystallized sequences are calculated as functions of the crystallinity. Models of chain incorporated in the monocrystal are defined and their mean dimensions are expressed as functions of the molecular weight of the chain, taking into account the crystalline parameters. The effects of introducing amorphous sequences in the chain are then examined. Finally, the case of a real semicrystallized polymer containing pure amorphous regions is considered. The results are discussed as functions of crystallinity, molecular weight and crystalline parameters of two different polymers: polyethylene and isotactic polystyrene. In particular, it is shown that conformation with long crystallized sequences can lead to a non-variation of the radius of gyration as in Flory's model.     

Evidence for the amphiphilic structure of partially hydrogenolyzed poly(β-malic acid benzyl ester)

Summary Acidic copolymers of the poly(-hydroxy-acid) type containing -malic acid (hydrophilic) and -malic acid benzyl ester (hydrophobic) repeating units in various proportions are prepared by two differentes routes : — catalytic hydrogenolysis of the benzyl ester bonds of homopoly(-malic acid benzyl ester) and — chemical coupling of benzyl alcohol to poly(-malic acid). In attempts to account for the route-dependence of the physico-chemical properties of resulting copolymers, GPC in aqueous medium and measurements of the solubility of Yellow OB, a lipophilic dye, in aqueous solutions have been carried out. The results are discussed in regard to the sequence distributions of hydrophilic and hydrophobic repeating units.     

The space between us: Stereotype threat and distance in interracial contexts.

Four studies investigate the role that stereotype threat plays in producing racial distancing behavior in an anticipated conversation paradigm. It was hypothesized that the threat of appearing racist may have the ironic effect of causing Whites to distance themselves from Black conversation partners. In Study 1, participants distanced themselves more from Black partners under conditions of threat, and this distance correlated with the activation of a "White racist" stereotype. In Study 2, it was demonstrated that Whites' interracial distancing behavior was not predicted by explicit or implicit prejudice. Study 3 provides evidence that conceiving of interracial interactions as opportunities to learn may attenuate the negative consequences of threat for Whites. Study 4 found that Whites have conscious access to their experience of stereotype threat and that this awareness may mediate the relationship between threat and distance. These results are discussed within a broader discourse of racial distancing and the possibility that certain identity threats may be as important as prejudice in determining the outcomes of interracial interactions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Combining ergonomics, culture and scenario for the design of a cooperation platform

Analyzing the way computer technologies are used is crucial for their development. Such analyses make it possible to evaluate these technologies and enhance their evolution. The present article presents some ideas drawn from the development of a cooperation platform for elementary school children (10–11 years old). On the basis of an obvious ergonomic requirement, we worked on two other dimensions: cultural aspects and the teaching scenario. The goal was to set up observation situations and analyze the conversations produced during those situations, in order to understand what using the platform meant to both the pupils and their teachers.