Effects of repeated examinations on the ability to detect guilt with a polygraphic examination: A laboratory experiment with a real crime.

18 male undergraduates who scored high on the MMPI Pd scale and 16 who scored low on the Pd scale took a written intelligence test on which they were urged to cheat by confederates posing as other Ss. Approximately 50% of the Ss cheated. The Ss were then given a guilty knowledge polygraphic examination concerning their possible cheating behavior, during which 3 physiological measures (heart rate, finger pulse volume, and skin resistance) were recorded. The examination was given to each S twice. Results indicate that (a) only skin resistance was effective for detecting guilt, thus suggesting that other physiological measures employed by examiners may introduce errors; (b) the procedure was only effective for detecting guilt the first time it was used, thus indicating that repeated examinations may be invalid; and (c) there was no difference in the detection rates for Ss with high or low Pd scores. (26 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Tedlar bag sampling technique for vertical profiling of carbon dioxide through the atmospheric boundary layer with high precision and accuracy

Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas other than water vapor, and its modulation by the biosphere is of fundamental importance to our understanding of global climate change. We have developed a new technique for vertical profiling of CO2 and meteorological parameters through the atmospheric boundary layer and well into the free troposphere. Vertical profiling of CO2 mixing ratios allows estimates of landscape-scale fluxes characteristic of approximately100 km2 of an ecosystem. The method makes use of a powered parachute as a platform and a new Tedlar bag air sampling technique. Air samples are returned to the ground where measurements of CO2 mixing ratios are made with high precision (< or =0.1%) and accuracy (< or =0.1%) using a conventional nondispersive infrared analyzer. Laboratory studies are described that characterize the accuracy and precision of the bag sampling technique and that measure the diffusion coefficient of CO2 through the Tedlar bag wall. The technique has been applied in field studies in the proximity of two AmeriFlux sites, and results are compared with tower measurements of CO2.     

Vermicompost extracts influence growth,mineral nutrients,phytonutrients and antioxidant activity in pak choi (Brassica rapa cv. Bonsai,Chinensis group) grown under vermicompost and chemical fertiliser

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have been reported on the effect of compost tea on suppression of certain plant diseases. However, relatively little work has been done to investigate the effect of vermicompost tea on yield and nutritional quality of vegetable crops. In this study, experiments were conducted to determine the effect of extraction method on vermicompost tea quality and subsequent effects on growth, mineral nutrients, phytonutrients and antioxidant activity of pak choi plants grown under organic (vermicompost) and synthetic (Osmocote) fertilisation. Three vermicompost teas obtained by different extraction methods, namely non‐aerated vermicompost tea (NCT), aerated vermicompost tea (ACT) and aerated vermicompost tea augmented with microbial enhancer (ACTME), were applied to the plants. Aerated water served as control. RESULTS: Mineral nutrients were significantly higher in ACTME compared with other teas, but total microbial population and activity did not differ with extraction method. All vermicompost teas similarly enhanced plant production, mineral nutrients and total carotenoids, and this effect was most prominent under organic fertilisation. Antioxidant activity and total phenolics were higher under organic compared with synthetic fertilisation. Vermicompost teas generally decreased phenolics under organic fertilisation and increased them under synthetic fertilisation compared with the control. CONCLUSION: The effect of vermicompost tea on crop growth is largely attributable to mineral nutrient, particularly N, uptake by plants. Non‐significant differences among extraction methods on plant response within fertiliser regimes suggest that aeration and additives are not necessary for growth promotion and nutrient quality under the conditions reported here. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Sensory characteristics and storage quality indicators of surimi franks nutritionally enhanced with omega‐3 rich flaxseed oil and salmon oil

Surimi franks were fortified with flaxseed or salmon oil at 2 g/100 g sample, franks without added oil served as a control. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values were highest (P < 0.001) in salmon oil franks; however, these values did not change over the 21‐day storage period regardless of frank type (P > 0.05). Frank pH decreased over time (P = 0.011) for all frank types. There were differences in textural properties between frank types (P < 0.05), with the flaxseed franks being softer and less gummy, cohesive and chewy than the control franks. Participants (n = 79; age 18–35) evaluated visual appeal, colour, aroma, texture, flavour and acceptability on a hedonic scale; there were no differences (P > 0.05) between franks. Fifty‐four panellists reported consuming sausage on a weekly to monthly basis, and most (50/79) indicated interest in purchasing this type product. The surimi franks were accepted by young adult consumers, which may indicate market potential of these types of products.     

Microbial and chemical assessment of regions within New Orleans, LA impacted by Hurricane Katrina

The city of New Orleans, LA was severely impacted by flooding and wind damage following landfall of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The city's drinking water infrastructure was severely compromised and massive amounts of sediment were redeposited throughout the flooded region. Thousands of homes were water-damaged resulting in the rapid growth of mold. In September and October 2005 a convenience sample of selected homes, tap water, surface water, and sediment within New Orleans was assessed for mold contamination, microbial contamination, and heavy metal concentrations. At selected sites, indoor mold spore concentrations were compared to outdoor concentrations. The purpose of this study was to conduct a baseline environmental assessment in an effort to identify public health threats caused by wind and flood damage. Surface waters contained high concentrations of bacterial indicators whereas no bacteria were detected in tap water, even from taps containing no chlorine residual. Sediment samples contained concentrations of lead and arsenic similarto pre-Katrina concentrations. Outdoor total spore (sp) concentrations ranged from >6500 to 84 713 sp/m(3). Indoor concentrations ranged from 6142 to 735 123 sp/m(3). For the 13 locations with matched indoor/ outdoor samples, the mean indoor/outdoor spore ratio was 4.11 (ranging from 0.27 to >11.44). Inside 5 of the 13 homes, total spore counts/m(3) exceeded 100 000, with measurements in the moldiest home exceeding 700 000 sp/ m(3). In conclusion, surface waters had high concentrations of bacterial contamination but no bacterial indicators were present in tap water. Sediment samples did not have appreciable increases in lead or arsenic. Flooded homes, however, contained substantial concentrations of mold which could present a public health exposure route to individuals repopulating and restoring the City of New Orleans.