289 research outputs found

    Condensation and Evaporation of Mutually Repelling Particles :Steady states and limit cycles

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    We study condensation and evaporation of particles which repel each other, using a simple set of rules on a square lattice. Different results are obtained for a mobile and an immobile surface layer.A two point limit cycle is observed for high temperature and low pressure in both cases. Here the coverage oscillates between a high and a low value without ever reaching a steady state. The results for the immobile case depend in addition on the initial coverage.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figure

    Experimental study and modelling of the thermal conductivity of sandy soils of different porosities and water contents

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    This paper at first reports an experimental work to test the thermal conductivity of formulated sandy soil specimens of different porosities and water contents. Both needle probe and hot-plate methods were conducted and compared. It has been confirmed that the needle probe method has a better accuracy for the measurement of unsaturated soil thermal conductivity, and that the pore size distribution plays an important role on unsaturated soil thermal conductivity. Secondly, it gives out an extensive review on the modelling work, and investigates two major types of empirical models in detail. Two generalized formulas have been suggested to mathematically characterise the two types of models and tested using the experimental data. Finally, in terms of the intrinsic relation to the pore size distribution and the similarity between the thermal conductivity and water retention characteristics of unsaturated soils, a soil water retention model has been suggested and tested to describe unsaturated soil thermal conductivity

    The Rise and Demise of the New Mexico Environmental Quality Act, Little NEPA

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    The Relationship Between Urban Structure and Human Behaviour: An Exploratory Investigation

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    Recognition of the limitations of previous explanations of urban spatial structure due to their implicit assumptions concerning human behaviour in conjunction with the desire to present a framework more conducive to the answering of socially relevant urban problems, has led to this study’s use of an exploratory methodology within which to investigate the phenomena of urban spatial structure. The overall purpose is to investigate the relationships between both the structural and behavioural components of urban spatial structure which will possibly lead to greater levels of understanding of the complex processes which give rise to our present urban environments. To achieve this objective, both the concepts of urban structure and human behaviour were operationalized using various factor analytic models and analysed with regard to their relationships employing a partial correlation model. Using the major urban centers of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo as a study area, it was found that the structrual type of residential districts has an influence on both the attitudes and perceptions of households living within these residential environments. Although the magnitudes of these identified relationships achieved only low to moderate levels of explanation, in terms of directionality, they were found to offer evidence of the potential of this type of investigation of urban spatial structure which may be of some value in the planning of our urban environment

    Do women have a choice? Nurse\u27s role in decision making regarding vaginal birth after cesarean

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    This presentation introduced women\u27s decision making for vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). The review of literature provides data that highlights the importance of allowing women to verbalize their preference of delivery. Nurses provide knowledge and support for pregnant women about birthing preferences and advocate for their autonomous decision

    The Relationship Between Urban Structure and Human Behaviour: An Exploratory Investigation

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    Recognition of the limitations of previous explanations of urban spatial structure due to their implicit assumptions concerning human behaviour in conjunction with the desire to present a framework more conducive to the answering of socially relevant urban problems, has led to this study’s use of an exploratory methodology within which to investigate the phenomena of urban spatial structure. The overall purpose is to investigate the relationships between both the structural and behavioural components of urban spatial structure which will possibly lead to greater levels of understanding of the complex processes which give rise to our present urban environments. To achieve this objective, both the concepts of urban structure and human behaviour were operationalized using various factor analytic models and analysed with regard to their relationships employing a partial correlation model. Using the major urban centers of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo as a study area, it was found that the structrual type of residential districts has an influence on both the attitudes and perceptions of households living within these residential environments. Although the magnitudes of these identified relationships achieved only low to moderate levels of explanation, in terms of directionality, they were found to offer evidence of the potential of this type of investigation of urban spatial structure which may be of some value in the planning of our urban environment

    Career development at depth: a critical evaluation of career development theory from the perspective of analytical psychology

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    In this thesis, it is argued that Jungian and post-Jungian perspectives, in contrast to Freudian and Adlerian, have been neglected in classic and contemporary career development theories. This omission is addressed by undertaking a critical evaluation of career development theory in relation to analytical psychology. The primary research strategy adopted is a systematic and critical comparison of the two literatures. Canonical and contemporary texts from within career studies are selected focusing on seven areas of career theory: cultural systems; personality; career types; career strategies; narrative; life course development; and learning. These are critically evaluated using concepts from analytical psychology. Specifically, the work of Jung and post-Jungian scholars is deployed in relation to individuation and the key themes of: projection; persona; typology; archetypal image; personal myth; vocation; and transformational learning. The original contribution is a post-Jungian evaluation and re-imagination of career development theory. It is suggested that cultural career theory can be enhanced by considering the role of projection. In addition, it is argued that self-concept career theory is enriched by Jung’s structural model of the psyche; and the literature on career types can be broadened to include typology. It is further proposed that individuation offers a more critical take on career strategies; and personal myth extends the narrative turn in career studies. Finally, it is claimed that developmental theory is illuminated by an analytical psychological view of vocation; and career learning augmented by transformational learning theory. Overall, it is argued that career means to carry life, and through personal myth, weave together the golden threads that connect us all

    Fine-scale foraging behaviour and energy expenditure of northern gannets: insights from accelerometry

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    Animal-borne accelerometers allow body movement and behaviours to be recorded and identified. Quantifying these from free-living animals has many ecological applications, from identifying key behaviours in focal aspects of life history to estimating energy expenditure of locomotive patterns, all without direct observation. This is particularly valuable for species that are difficult to observe throughout their daily routines, such as those that utilise marine environments. Many seabirds navigate a three-dimensional landscape in unpredictable environmental conditions to find prey that are often patchy and widely distributed. Consequently, their foraging strategies, and utilisation of time and energy when foraging, are complex. Foraging effort and success determine the net energy gain by an organism and form an essential link between prey availability and reproductive success. Quantifying foraging energetics can be challenging, but aid in delivering sound conservation strategies in an era of intense environmental pressures and uncertainty. By combining multifaceted data, principally accelerometers and GPS loggers, this thesis explored the at-sea movements of northern gannets, Morus bassanus, on a fine-scale individual basis. First, I examined associations between sexual dimorphism and sex differences. Within each sex, different facets of movements and behaviour were significantly related to body mass. However, the observed relationships were not consistent with the notion that sex differences were driven by sexual dimorphism. Secondly, I investigated the consistency in foraging behaviour and energy expenditure of individuals and the energy consequences of individual foraging site fidelity (IFSF). Birds were consistent in space use and energy expenditure but with varying degrees of repeatability among individuals and between sexes. The consequences of individuality were sex-specific, with greater IFSF associated with enhanced foraging success among females and elevated foraging effort among males. Third, I examined the effect of wind on fine-scale foraging behaviour and energy expenditure, finding that wind conditions strongly affected foraging behaviour, with contrasting effects of increasing wind speeds on females (lower take-off rates) and males (greater dive depths). Overall, I demonstrate that not only do sexes and individuals differ in fine-scale behaviours and proxies of energy expenditure, but sex differences extend to the prevalence and consequences of individuality, and sexes respond differently to environmental conditions when foraging. This thesis highlights the need to consider sex differences and individuality when predicting the impacts of environmental change on populations of long-lived central-place foragers

    Osteoclast-Like Giant Cell Carcinoma of the Distal Ureter

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    Extraskeletal osteoclast-like giant cell (OGC) tumors are uncommon and have mainly been found in the breast and pancreas. OGC neoplasms of the urinary tract are extremely rare. Most cases found in the renal pelvis and bladder are associated with either an in situ urothelial malignancy or a conventional high-grade urothelial carcinoma. These malignancies tend to be associated with a poor prognosis and disease course. To our knowledge, no cases of OGC tumors of the distal ureter only have been published. Here, we present the case of a 76-year-old man who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic nephroureterectomy because of painless gross hematuria with right flank pain. Pathologic examination showed OGC carcinoma of the right distal ureter. No local tumor recurrence or distant metastasis was found at the 5-month follow-up
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