Review of Le choc de l'informatique: Les répercussions psychosociales et le r?le des attitudes.

Reviews the book, ILe choc de l'informatique: Les répercussions psychosociales et le r?le des attitudes by Serge Guimond and Guy Bégin (1987). This monograph is concise and easy to read. The reader knows immediately that technological questions will be explored, as well as the psychological and human questions being attached to the new use of information technology. Three fields are covered, each one the subject of a chapter: 1) computers in the educational circle; 2) computers and work; and 3) computers in the house. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Game strategies in network security

This paper presents a game-theoretic method for analyzing the security of computer networks. We view the interactions between an attacker and the administrator as a two-player stochastic game and construct a model for the game. Using a nonlinear program, we compute Nash equilibria or best-response strategies for the players (attacker and administrator). We then explain why the strategies are realistic and how administrators can use these results to enhance the security of their network.     

Physical workload on neck and upper limb using two CAD applications

The aim was to evaluate (1) the physical workload on neck and upper limb in computer-aided design (CAD) work; (2) the impact of two applications (PROFESSIONAL-CADAM and PRO/Engineering) and (3) two input devices (computer mouse and keyboard), as well as (4) sitting and standing work positions. Fifteen CAD operators were interviewed and examined physically. For nine subjects, the physical workload was measured: electromyography (EMG) of trapezius and forearm extensor muscles, inclinometry of the head, the upper back and upper arms, as well as wrist goniometry. The muscular load was low in CAD work, but the inter-individual variation was considerable. Neither the positions were extreme, nor the movements. The applications, per se, did not have a large impact on the workload, but because of the need for different input devices the effect was strong. Using a keyboard meant higher angular velocities than using a mouse. Hence, when choosing a new software, which requires mainly a mouse as input device, this has to be balanced against the risk of disorders.     

Hot dry rock: a new geothermal energy source

A project being conducted by the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory is attempting to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of extracting energy from the hot, dry rock geothermal resource. The system being tested is composed of two deep boreholes drilled into hot, impermeable rock and connected by a hydraulically produced fracture. In September 1977, the circulation loop was closed for the first time and water was circulated through the downhole reservoir and through a pair of 10-MW (thermal) heat exchangers. A series of long-term experiments is planned for 1978 in order to evaluate the thermal, chemical and mechanical properties of the energy extraction system.     

Behavioral laterality in captive bonobos (Pan paniscus).

Behavioral laterality was studied in a captive group of 11 bonobos (Pan paniscus). In an observational method a significant left lateral bias in carrying and a right lateral bias in leading limb were found. Direction of lateral bias in carrying and leading limb was enhanced when Ss maintained a bipedal posture. Analysis of bimanual feeding behavior revealed a significant right-hand bias for eating when the Ss were holding food with their left hand. In an experimental method a significant shift toward greater right-hand use was found when Ss were required to maintain a bipedal, rather than a quadrupedal, posture. There was no evidence of lateral bias for measures of face touching, self-touching, or gestures. The results are discussed in the context of previous reports of primate laterality. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Does precontemplation represent a homogeneous stage category? A latent class analysis on German smokers.

The authors examined the subtype structure of smokers classified in the precontemplation stage of change within the transtheoretical model. From a general practice-based sample of 1,499 daily smoking patients from Germany (participation rate 80%), they used a subgroup of 929 smokers who were classified in the precontemplation stage and applied latent class analysis, using the pros and cons of nonsmoking and smoking cessation self-efficacy as the defining variables. Cross-sectional validation of the emerging classes was based on smoking behavior and processes of change variables. For longitudinal validation, generalized estimation equation analyses were used on motivational and abstinence criteria from 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month follow-ups. A 4-class model best represented the data. Three subtypes (labeled progressive, immotive, and disengaged pessimistic) were similar to clusters identified in U.S. studies. The 4th (disengaged optimistic), by contrast, was reminiscent of a type that had previously only emerged in a Dutch study. Cross-sectional and longitudinal validation results confirmed the distinctiveness and predictive power of the classes. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring interventions for smoking behavior change to the needs of different subgroups of precontemplating smokers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hydrogenation of Citral Over a Polymer Fibre Catalyst

A polymer-supported Pd catalyst was investigated in hydrogenation of citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal), which is a stereoisomer with an isolated and a conjugated double bond as well as a carbonyl group. The catalyst was a fibrous polymer-supported catalyst modified with functional groups and immobilized metals. A comparison of the polymer-supported catalyst with conventional catalysts was made.