The Use of Different Conveyance Calculations for Modelling Flows in a Compact Compound Channel

Flow measurements have been taken for steady and unsteady flows on a reach of a river having a compact compound channel. The 'single channel', 'divided channel' and 'lateral' distribution methods have been used to calculate conveyances for use in a one-dimensional unsteady flow model of the reach. Comparisons with measured flows show that the divided channel method and the lateral distribution method both underestimate floodplain flow depths. The lateral distribution method gives the closest accuracy in the relative depth range 0.15 ≤ Yr < 0.40. For large flow depths the single channel method becomes more accurate and slightly over-estimates flow depths.
The accuracy of unit width discharge distributions, calculated from the lateral distribution method are assessed by comparison with observed distributions for overbank flows.     

The finite element analysis of engineering systems governed by a non-linear quasi-harmonic equation

It is well known that many engineering situations are governed by a quasi-harmonic equation containing coefficients, which are dependent on the unknown variable or its derivatives, resulting in a non-linear problem for which an iterative scheme of solution is essential. A unified treatment of such problems is undertaken and two solution algorithms are presented. The first is based on a simple interation technique whilst the second follows a generalised Newton-Raphson process. The methods are then applied to non-linear problems in heat conduction, diffusion, magnetostatics and Bingham fluid flow.     

The lithium intercalation process in the low-voltage lithium battery anode Li(1+x)V(1-x)O2

Lithium can be reversibly intercalated into layered Li(1+x)V(1-x)O(2) (LiCoO(2) structure) at ~0.1 V, but only if x>0. The low voltage combined with a higher density than graphite results in a higher theoretical volumetric energy density; important for future applications in portable electronics and electric vehicles. Here we investigate the crucial question, why Li cannot intercalate into LiVO(2) but Li-rich compositions switch on intercalation at an unprecedented low voltage for an oxide? We show that Li(+) intercalated into tetrahedral sites are energetically more stable for Li-rich compositions, as they share a face with Li(+) on the V site in the transition metal layers. Li incorporation triggers shearing of the oxide layers from cubic to hexagonal packing because the Li(2)VO(2) structure can accommodate two Li per formula unit in tetrahedral sites without face sharing. Such understanding is important for the future design and optimization of low-voltage intercalation anodes for lithium batteries.     

Above the glass ceiling? A comparison of matched samples of female and male executives.

In this study the authors compare career and work experiences of executive women and men. Female (n?=?51) and male (n?=?56) financial services executives in comparable jobs were studied through archival information on organizational outcomes and career histories, and survey measures of work experiences. Similarities were found in several organizational outcomes, such as compensation, and many work attitudes. Important differences were found, however, with women having less authority, receiving fewer stock options, and having less international mobility than men. Women at the highest executive levels reported more obstacles than lower level women. The gender differences coupled with women's lower satisfaction with future career opportunities raise questions about whether women are truly above the glass ceiling or have come up against a 2nd, higher ceiling. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hydraulic Performance of Environmental Features in Rivers

From 1986 to 1992 a drainage improvement scheme was undertaken on the River Blackwater, Northern Ireland, following which the Department of Agriculture (for Northern Ireland) carried out a programme of fishhabitat reconstruction in an attempt to restore the river's depleted stock. Over three hundred sites were refurbished by introducing pools, spawning and nursery areas.
This paper investigates the hydraulic performance of the refurbished habitats, with particular interest in the roughtness characteristics of the incorporated features.     

Climbing the corporate ladder: Do female and male executives follow the same route?

This study compares the careers of matched samples of 69 female executives and 69 male executives by examining perceived barriers and facilitators of advancement, self-reported developmental experiences, and career histories. Consistent with tokenism theory, women reported greater barriers, such as lack of culture fit and being excluded from informal networks, and greater importance of having a good track record and developing relationships to facilitate advancement than did men. Career success, measured by organizational level and compensation, was positively related to breadth of experience and developmental assignments for both genders, but successful women were less likely than successful men to report that mentoring facilitated their advancement. Developmental experiences and career histories were similar for female and male executives, but men had more overseas assignments and women had more assignments with nonauthority relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Are female managers quitters? The relationships of gender, promotions, and family leaves of absence to voluntary turnover.

This study examined the relationships of gender, promotions, and leaves of absence to voluntary turnover for 26,359 managers in a financial services organization. Using Cox regression analyses and controlling for human capital, the authors found that, contrary to their prediction, female managers' voluntary turnover rates were slightly lower than those of their male counterparts. Managers who had been promoted were less likely to resign than nonpromoted managers only if the promotion had occurred within the past 11 months, and promoted women were less likely to resign than promoted men. The authors also found that managers who had taken family leaves had higher voluntary turnover rates than managers who had not taken leaves, and among family leave takers, managers with graduate degrees were less likely to resign than managers with less education. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Positive affect and suicide ideation in older adult primary care patients.

Suicide is a significant public health problem for older adults. Identification of protective factors associated with reduced risk is important. The authors examined the association of positive affect and suicide ideation in 462 primary care patients ages 65 and older. Positive affect distinguished suicide ideators from nonideators, after controlling for age, gender, depression, negative affect, illness burden, activity, sociability, cognitive functioning, and physical functioning. There was a trend toward age moderation of this relationship. Clinical and theoretical formulations of late-life suicide should consider the role of positive affect, including the possibility that its protective effects grow more pronounced with age. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Personality is associated with perceived health and functional status in older primary care patients.

Using data collected on 265 primary care medical patients 60 years of age and older, the authors examined the personality bases of subjective health (perceived health, functional status) after controlling for observer-rated depression and medical burden. Four hypotheses were tested: High Neuroticism is associated with poorer perceived health, low Extraversion is associated with poorer perceived health, low Openness to Experience is associated with worse functional status, and age moderates the relationships between personality and subjective health. Findings supported the notion that personality is associated with subjective health, moreover, this effect appeared to grow more pronounced with increasing age. This study underscores the conceptual and heuristic value of examining moderators of the links between personality variables and health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)