On the required connection strength of geosynthetically reinforced walls

The use of geosynthetics for the reinforcement of retaining walls, bridge abutments, and wing walls has progressed rapidly over the past 10 years. Design of the reinforcement, along with the requisite testing, has also advanced in a parallel manner. There is, however, an issue that has been raised over the required connection strength of the reinforcement to the wall facing. Theoretically it is felt, and shown numerically herein, that the required force is very small. Essentially all known wall systems can mobilize such forces.

What is of concern is a number of short- and long-term issues during and after the wall is constructed which can possibly add to the theoretically required connection strength. They are individually described herein. Furthermore, they are grouped into three types of stress mobilizing situations: uniform settlement, localized asymmetric deformation and localized symmetric deformation. A parametric evaluation of each situation is offered illustrating the possible magnitude of increase of connection stresses beyond the theoretical value under a hypothetical set of conditions. While the values can become high, all scenarios can (and should) be avoided.

Clearly, there should be no pressing concern over connection strength with proper design followed by proper construction practice.     

Diagnosis of personality disorder: A radical behavioral alternative.

From a radical behavioral perspective, a single diagnostic system is unlikely to serve diverse purposes. Instead, ideal diagnostic systems should be developed to serve specific purposes. For example, the crucial proof required of a classification system designed to improve the outcome of psychosocial intervention would be that it enhance the clinician's influence on processes associated with client change. This means, in turn, that the change processes must be known or theoretically specified. As an illustration of this general approach to diagnostic classification, a specific behavioral theory is used to articulate processes of change in psychotherapy. The Axis II of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) is then evaluated with respect to its ability to enhance clinicians' influence of these processes, found problematic, and an alternative classification criterion is proposed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Porous Cathodes for Implantable Hybrid Cells

The in vivo power output of implantable power sources using porous platinum- or palladium-black cathodes is approximately four to five times greater than ones using commercially available cathodes of platinum black dispersed in Teflon. Porous electrodes produce a much lower foreign-body reaction than electrodes with plastic binders. Comparison of BET surface-area measurements for the powders and compacted electrodes illustrate that there is an approximate 20-percent decrease in surface area following compaction. The particle size, distribution, and shape of the powders were studied with the aid of scanning electromicrographs. In vitro galvanostatic measurements were made on the implantable power sources to study the electrochemical activity before implantation.     

Emerging methods for geomembrane seaming

Selected geomembrane sheet seaming methods which are not widely used at the present time are discussed in this paper. These include ultrasonic bonding, electrical conduction bonding and electromagnetic induction bonding methods.

The physical principles of each of these techniques are discussed, as well as their current degree of development and implementation. The potential advantages and disadvantages of the methods are discussed.     

Testing the integrity of a psychotherapy protocol: assessment of adherence and competence

Manipulation checks should be used in psychotherapy trials to confirm that therapists followed the treatment manuals and performed the therapy competently. This article is a review of some strategies that have been used to document treatment integrity; also, their limitations are discussed here. Recommendations for improving these checks are presented. Specific guidelines are offered regarding when and how to assess both therapist adherence to treatment protocols and competence.     

The identification and location of buried containers via non-destructive testing methods

The problem of identifying and locating containers of hazardous materials located beneath the ground surface or under water can be solved by either somThe conclusions section gives recommendations as to where each method is most applicable, as well as a comparison of each method on the basis of cost,     

Instrumentation for monitoring field performance of the Cincinnati GCL test plots

Fourteen full-scale cover systems were constructed at a site in Cincinnati, Ohio, to understand better the strength capability of various GCLs as a component in cover systems. Four different geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) products were installed in full-scale cover systems on two different slopes. The main objective of the project was to monitor the internal shear strength of the GCLs over time. This required in-situ yet economic instrumentation. Instruments were designed, calibrated and installed in the test plots in order to monitor the moisture content of the subsoil and moisture content within the bentonite component of the GCL. In addition, total and differential deformations of the GCLs were monitored. The focus of'this paper is to report the details of instrumenting the GCLs rather than to report on specific GCL performance.