Reaction steady states and stationary states in modelling semi-batch enzyme hydrolysis

Dimensionless material balance equations describing an uninhibited enzyme hydrolysis process in a semi-batch reactor (i.e. fed-batch reactor) are formulated; numerical solution of these equations provided concentration profiles of the enzyme-substrate complex by using published kinetic parameters. The unrestricted values obtained are compared with estimates based separately on the reaction steady state and stationary state assumptions. Results are discussed in terms of the enzyme/substrate inventory used and it is found that the reaction steady state is a satisfactory approximation only when this ratio is sufficiently small. The stationary state may be a better approximation at other values, particularly when enzyme is added to substrate or when an empty tank is being filled. Reaction yields from semi-batch and batch operations are compared. Processing takes longer in the semi-batch operations and complete conversions are only practical in this mode when enzyme is added to substrate.     

Developing competency-based methods for near-real-time air combat problem solving assessment

Air combat scenarios present unique problems where the solution is not obvious. An advanced networked simulation environment can be used to train high-level cognitive air combat skills such as problem solving. A problem in the development of principled and construct oriented assessment is related to determining the level of specificity of the assessment. We present a detailed discussion of the definition of critical competencies associated with combat mission problem solving performance, and we describe our approach to develop and implement an embedded performance assessment system that maps outcomes to these competencies. Finally, we discuss the implications for our approach for comprehensive assessment and discuss our goals for an evaluation of the competency-based approach to assessment.     

Modelling thermal degradation of composite materials

A one–dimensional, transient thermal degradation heat transfer model for the response of composite materials when exposed to fire is presented. The model can handle layers of different materials. Material properties are functions of temperature. The reaction can be specified using Arrhenius‐type parameters or by inputting a density–temperature relationship determined by any experimental technique such as thermogravimetric analysis. The model is validated against the experimental data presented in Boyer's 1984 dissertation. Overall, the model provides excellent agreement with the experimental data. It is shown that very little difference is found between results arrived at by Arrhenius kinetics and results obtained by specifying the easier to measure density–temperature relationship. From this it is concluded that this technique is a viable alternative to Arrhenius‐type models. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The value of certification: an empirical assessment of the perceptions of end-users of local area networks

Abstract. Certification is one criterion that employers seek when hiring network professionals. Many employers assume a certified network professional is better able to manage networked resources than is a non-certified counterpart. Therefore, employers often offer a monetary premium to attract certified network professionals. By measuring end-user perceptions, the current study empirically assesses the popular industry assumption that certified network professionals are more adept managers of network resources than those individuals who are not certified network professionals. Analyses of a data derived from 299 end-users of 11 separate local area networks indicate no statistically significant difference exists between the capabilities of certified network professionals and non-certified network professionals.     

Web-based systems design: a study of contemporary practices and an explanatory framework based on “method-in-action”

This paper reports the findings of a detailed study of Web-based systems design (WBSD) practices in Ireland based on data collected over a 3-year period (2002–2005), the objectives of which were to (1) contribute towards a richer understanding of the current “real-world” context of WBSD by characterising the profile of a typical project (team size, timeframe, nature of requirements, etc.) and identifying the key challenges, constraints, and imperatives (i.e. “mediating factors”) faced by Web-based system designers, and (2) understand how those contextual parameters and mediating factors influence the activity of WBSD as regards the selection and enactment of whatever design practices are therefore engaged (i.e. the use of methods, procedures, etc.). Data was gathered through a survey which yielded 165 usable responses, and later through a series of semi-structured qualitative interviews. Using grounded theory, an explanatory conceptual framework is derived, based on an extension of the “method-in-action” model, the application of which to WBSD has not been previously investigated in depth. It is proposed that this framework of WBSD issues is valuable in a number of ways to educators, researchers, practitioners, and method engineers.     

A behavioral analysis of effective teaching.

Characterizes classroom instruction (CRI) from a behavior analytic perspective. It is argued that effective teaching strategies also serve managerial functions through the development of stimulus control and the management of behavioral choice. The stimulus control properties of CRI are discussed, and research concerning the effects of antecedent events on children's academic performance is reviewed. A theory for predicting choices in behavior, known as matching theory, is presented that evolved out of experimental operant research. The characteristics of CRI that make it particularly suited to matching theory analysis are identified, and research applying matching theory to children's classroom behavior is reviewed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The heroic cancer patient: A critical analysis of the relationship between illusion and mental health.

Examines, in the context of cancer illness, S. E. Taylor and J. D. Brown's (see record 1988-16903-001) claim that mental health is to a degree predicated on illusory beliefs about the self, one's control, and the future. The Heroic Model (HM), a stance toward cancer characterized by belief that positive thoughts and feelings, a fighting spirit, and an optimistic outlook will promote cancer remission, is presented as paradigmatic of Taylor and Brown's thesis. Strong and weak formulations of the HM (the former affirming a direct influence of mental states over physical processes, and the latter affirming indirect effects only) are examined with respect to their potential adaptive value as true or false beliefs, with different consequences for well-being. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Political orientation and modern versus aversive racism: Tests of Dovidio and Gaertner's (1998) integrated model.

According to J. F. Dovidio and S. L. Gaertner's (1998) integrated model of racism, politically liberal European Americans tend to express racism differently than conservative European Americans, with liberals demonstrating aversive racism and conservatives, symbolic or modern racism. In support of the model, in Experiment 1 liberals showed bias in favor of a twice-prosecuted African American relative to a European American in their judgment of double jeopardy, whereas conservatives did the reverse. Experiment 2 replicated these effects while eliminating a confound in the design of Experiment 1. Experiment 3 found evidence for the intrapsychic conflict hypothesized to underlie aversive racism. Specifically, only liberals displayed greater physiological arousal to the touch of an African American versus a European American experimenter. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Controversy and consensus regarding the use of cognitive ability testing in organizations.

Seven hundred three members of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology indicated agreement or disagreement with 49 propositions regarding cognitive ability tests in organizations. There was consensus that cognitive ability tests are valid and fair, that they provide good but incomplete measures, that different abilities are necessary for different jobs, and that diversity is valuable. Items dealing with the unique status of cognitive ability were most likely to generate polarized opinions. A 2-factor model, classifying items as those reflecting societal concerns over the consequences of ability testing and those reflecting an emphasis on the unique status of "g," fit the data well, and these factors proved especially important for predicting responses to the more controversial items. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)