Effect of thermo-pressing temperature on the functional properties of bioplastics made from a renewable wheat gliadin resin

In this work a new methodology based on thermo-pressing a resin made from gliadins and glycerol has been developed to obtain water resistant films. The effect of processing temperature was studied on the functional properties of the films. The results of SDS-PAGE analysis of the molecular weight profiles of the resulting films were indicative of disulfide/sulfhydryl interchange reactions giving rise to the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds between the gliadin units. These reactions augmented the degree of cross-linking of the matrix, which increased with thermo-pressing temperature, as evidenced by the residual reaction enthalpy values determined by MDSC as well as by cross-linking density values determined from tensile tests. In consequence the films produced at high temperature had better water resistance upon immersion, greater maximum tensile strength and Young's modulus values, and lower water vapor and oxygen permeabilities compared with cast films. Based on the analytical test results, thermo-pressing the resin in successive time/force steps along with a temperature of 130 °C produced gliadin films with improved properties.     

Digital hermeneutics: an outline

The purpose of this paper is to give an outline of digital hermeneutics understood as the encounter between hermeneutics and digital technology, particularly the Internet. In the first part, I want to raise the attention of IT researchers and hermeneuticists to the theoretic and practical relevance of the encounter of their areas of research that are sometimes considered as incompatible to each other. There is still a lot of translation work to be done in order to get these two cultures come closer to and profit from each other. The second part of the paper deals with the foundation of digital hermeneutics on what I call—following Heidegger’s and Vattimo’s paths—digital ontology as opposed to digital metaphysics.     

A geometric approach to remote eye tracking

This paper presents a principled analysis of various combinations of image features to determine their suitability for remote eye tracking. It begins by reviewing the basic theory underlying the connection between eye image and gaze direction. Then a set of approaches is proposed based on different combinations of well-known features and their behaviour is evaluated, taking into account various additional criteria such as free head movement, and minimum hardware and calibration requirements. The paper proposes a final method based on multiple glints and the pupil centre; the method is evaluated experimentally. Future trends in eye tracking technology are also discussed.     

Capacity estimation of a minihydro plant based on time series forecasting

A procedure to estimate the capacity of minihydro plants based on water flow time series forecasting is presented. First, the classic method used for this purpose is introduced and then a set of methodologies to assess the feasibility of minihydro generation and to determine system capacity based on time series forecast is described. The water flow time series is processed to determine the theoretical power generation and to assess if a minihydro plant can be installed. Finally the characteristics of each of the electro-mechanical components for the proposed minihydro plant are selected.     

Maneuver prediction for road vehicles based on a novel neuro-fuzzy dynamic architecture

Collision avoidance systems for road vehicles may benefit from timely predictions of vehicle maneuvers. This article presents a novel approach for the prediction of maneuvers that copes with noisy measurements and is based on a supervised version of a dynamic FasArt method (SdFasArt). Additionally, the use of size-dependent scatter matrices to compute the activation of the neurons makes the algorithm more adaptable to different data distributions. The results obtained in real tests confirm the goodness of the method.     

Linguistic considerations in the treatment of bilinguals.

Language is intimately connected with most aspects of human development. Because of this pervasive quality, language is incorporated as part of the individual's coping mechanisms, and at times it may even serve a definite defensive role. This investigation examines research and clinical data regarding the language independence phenomenon as it relates to the treatment of bilingual patients. Attempts are made to describe the way the bilingual individuals mobilize (shift) their languages under anxiety-producing conditions and how this shifting of languages can be utilized by these individuals as part of their coping mechanisms. There can be both positive and negative implications for treatment. In this regard, the article illustrates how the linguistic shifting may further reinforce defenses such as intellectualization, splitting, and isolation of affect. Linguistic shifting can also be technically introduced by monolingual clinicians to advance the therapeutic process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Atypical antipsychotic medications: Pharmacological profiles and psychological implications.

Advances in psychopharmacology and the development of new antipsychotic medications may represent increased opportunities for psychologists to provide expanded psychosocial services to patients with schizophrenia. The new agents, referred to as the atypical antipsychotics, are as efficacious as the older conventional antipsychotics but demonstrate a more favorable side effect profile. Preliminary data suggest improvements in cognitive deficits and negative symptoms typically associated with schizophrenia, which may enhance long-term outcome. Psychologists may be increasingly called on to provide psychosocial services to this population, thereby requiring that they have a sound working knowledge of the pharmacological and psychological properties of these agents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)