Deformation restraint and the mechanics of soil behavior

Statistical analysis of data from the literature indicates that variability of natural soil deposits often is a predominant factor contributing to inaccuracy of geotechnical predictions. A review of 46 case histories showed that settlement predictions for shallow foundations by consolidation theory resulted in errors ranging from 100 percent underpredictions to 30 percent overpredictions. Prediction error was also found to be a random process described by the Gaussian probability distribution function. With variability reconciled, consolidation theory was found to underpredict settlements by 22 percent. Although geotechnical design methodologies which include soil variability have been proposed, obstacles to practical application appear to be the absence of well defined probabilistic design goals and the inability of obtaining sufficient data to define variability with existing tests;In this research, probabilistic design targets for ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations were developed from criteria forming the basis of the current American Concrete Institute building code. Deformation restraint testing which involves subjecting cylindrical specimens to variable confining stress dictated by the amount of radial deformation was investigated as a potential method for rapid, single-specimen evaluation of limit strength parameters. The Iowa K-Test is a convenient form of deformation restraint testing where the degree of radial restraint or the restraint function is arbitrarily established by the character of the apparatus. An apparatus which allows imposition of an infinite variety of restraint functions was developed, and tests on loess suggests the existence of a unique, restraint function which allows development of a stress path corresponding to a multispecimen, constant-confining-stress strength envelope. This unique function was also found to be consistent with a theoretical stress-strain relation developed from Drucker\u27s hypothesis;The degree of radial restraint was also found to have significant influence on axial stress-strain response of the soil. A fivefold difference was observed for restraints imposed by previous K-Test apparatus. A methodology in which the restraint function is defined from elastic theory is proposed, and experimentation illustrates that such systematic definition results in deformation response which is in close agreement with that realized from Lambe\u27s stress path method

Supporting the Visual-Cognitive Sciences by Exploring the Application of Photographic Composition to Visual Scene Displays

AAC systems may be accessed via techniques such as touch, eye gaze and switch scanning, which are then translated into communication output. Traditionally, aided AAC displays utilize a grid layout, arranging communication items in a decontextualized manner. In contrast, visual scene displays (VSDs) utilize context rich images (e.g., photographs) that depict events and activities, presenting communication items in a contextualized manner (e.g., a toy in a toy chest; Wilkinson, Light, & Drager, 2012). Recent research focusing on principles of the visual-cognitive sciences has found that even small changes in how we present communication items in a grid or VSD format may positively influence communication outcomes (Light, Wilkinson, Thiessen, Beukelman, & Fager, 2019). For instance, to support access to VSDs, research in the visual-cognitive sciences has identified that including meaningful interactions and human figures may engage individuals in scene content and promote VSD-based AAC success. AAC has a history of benefitting from bringing the perspectives of outside disciplines into conversations related to innovation and service delivery. Although digital photographs are easier than ever to obtain, there is still room for consideration of what makes a “good” photograph and capturing contextually rich photographs can make an enormous difference in the communication interactions these images support. Principles of photographic and art composition may support findings from the visual-cognitive sciences by limiting scene complexity through increased image structure and brining the viewers’ attention to key scene elements (e.g., Peterson et al., 2003) that may be targeted during direct selection or scanning-based paradigms. Therefore, compositional factors may help ensure that an individual is not being distracted or possibly ‘pulled out’ of the scene during VSD viewing. Further, the use of compositional strategies in VSD design may provide avenues for the sorting and categorization of communication content on the AAC device, by allowing image sorting software to identify well composed images that are most likely to support communication success and social participation

Lowering Sperm Dose Rates in Frozen Semen for Bovine Artificial Breeding

The New Zealand Dairy industry relies on artificial breeding to produce high genetic merit replacement stock. Proven bull semen is extended and preserved as either ambient temperature product or as frozen doses. High fertility is essential to maintain synchronicity of lactation with the spring surge of grass growth. To improve efficiency in the utilization of the very best bulls producers try to lower sperm dose rates without compromising fertility. Livestock Improvement Corporation's (LIC) Long Last Liquid ™ (LLL) is most commonly used during the peak season and is their most important product. However, shortfalls and specifically targeted matings are met with frozen semen. Lowering sperm dose rates in both liquid and frozen semen maximises the usage of elite sires increasing genetic gain, lowering overheads and garnering premium prices for the semen producer. A product for improving frozen semen technology was developed whereby a discrete quantity of pretreated semen was placed alongside a beneficial post-thawing redilution medium in a standard semen straw. This emulated a larger-scale process developed to freeze semen in times of low demand and redilution into the LLL form for use as an ambient temperature product. This rediluted product has been proved to enhance semen survival and to allow fertility to be maintained at sperm dose rates lower than the widely accepted standard for frozen semen. The physical packaging of the semen into the industry standard single dose straw in a configuration that separated incompatible components was novel. This configuration was essential to prevent damage to the sperm during the freezing process from low solubility components in the post-thaw redilution medium. Separation between the semen and diluent within the straw was achieved by the introduction of a gas partition or air bubble between the two liquids. A large-scale field trial showed that the new product could produce savings of up to 25% of the sperm needed for a semen dose to achieve equivalent fertility. Furthermore, the production cost per dose was lowered in comparison to the standard semen processing system used at LIC

The Capital Market as a Growth Engine

Internationaler Finanzmarkt, Wirtschaftswachstum, Markteffizienz, International financial market, Economic growth, Market efficiency

What’s in a Photograph? The Perspectives of Composition Experts on Factors Impacting Visual Scene Display Complexity for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Strategies for Improving Visual Communication

Purpose: Visual scene displays (VSDs) can support augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) success for children and adults with complex communication needs. Static VSDs incorporate contextual photographs that include meaningful events, places, and people. Although the processing of VSDs has been studied, their power as a medium to effectively convey meaning may benefit from the perspective of individuals who regularly engage in visual storytelling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of individuals with expertise in photographic and/or artistic composition regarding factors contributing to VSD complexity and how to limit the time and effort required to apply principles of photographic composition. Method: Semistructured interviews were completed with 13 participants with expertise in photographic and/or artistic composition. Results: Four main themes were noted, including (a) factors increasing photographic image complexity and decreasing cohesion, (b) how complexity impacts the viewer, (c) composition strategies to decrease photographic image complexity and increase cohesion, and (d) strategies to support the quick application of composition strategies in a just-in-time setting. Findings both support and extend existing research regarding best practice for VSD design. Conclusions: Findings provide an initial framework for understanding photographic image complexity and how it differs from drawn AAC symbols. Furthermore, findings outline a toolbox of composition principles that may help limit VSD complexity, along with providing recommendations for AAC development to support the quick application of compositional principles to limit burdens associated with capturing photographic images. Includes Supplemental Materials (2

Values, axial currencies, and computational axiology: digital currencies can do more than buy stuff

Eleven to twelve thousand years ago, early humans lived in small communities with no discernible hierarchy. The "agrarian revolution" resulted in communities growing on such a scale that mechanisms of self-organization - e.g., for monitoring, keeping order, and ensuring a "satisfactory" allocation of resources - were no longer efficient or effective. However, the concurrent "cognitive" revolution resulted in the faculty of imagination, in particular, the imagination of rules, to solve such problems

Aspergillus species and mycotoxins: occurrence and importance in major food commodities

Aspergillus species produce important mycotoxins, in particular aflatoxins, produced by A. flavus and related species, and ochratoxin A, produced by A. ochraceus and related species and also A. carbonarius and (less commonly) A. niger. In this review we briefly discuss the distribution of toxigenic Aspergillus species in nuts, coffee and cocoa beans, dried fruits, grapes, maize, rice and small grains. Future perspectives of distribution of Aspergillus species in foods are briefly discussed taking into account the impacts of climate change and the resilience of these mycotoxigenic species

Misdiagnosing Melioidosis

Melioidosis is endemic in southern and Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Although relatively few indigenous cases are recognized in the Indian subcontinent, a substantial proportion of cases imported into the United Kingdom originate there, probably reflecting patterns of immigration and travel, and underdiagnosis within the Indian subcontinent

Forum: On the limited utility of KAP-style survey data in the practical epidemiology of AIDS

This issue of Forum presents a debate on Herbert L. Smith’s, ‘On the limited utility of KAP-style survey data in the practical epidemiology of AIDS, with reference to the AIDS epidemic in Chile’, Health Transition Review 3,1,1993. His response to issues raised in this debate will appear in Health Transition Review 4,1,1994