Liberation Process Research Articles

Synthesis and application of hydrophilically-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles in oil sands separation.

Nanoparticles have been reported to be a promising candidate for the separation of heavy oil from its host rock's surface. These nanoparticles (NPs) are often dispersed and stabilized in the solution by some surfactants during the unconventional oil ores processing. Herein, the PEG600–KH560 (PK) has been grafted onto Fe3O4 NP surfaces, obtaining a kind of hydrophilically-modified recyclable nanoparticle. Results show that these NPs (averaged at around 16 nm for single sphere) could be well dispersed in water (no settling in 72 h), forming PK-Fe3O4 nanofluids (NFs) at 0.2 wt%. These PK-Fe3O4 NFs are found to be able to be quickly separated from the dispersions by an external magnetic field, and returning back to stable NFs when the magnetic field disappears and by shaking. The PK-Fe3O4 NFs have been further used for the enhancement of heavy oil recovery from oil sands. The floatation results show that the PK-Fe3O4 NFs could improve oil recovery by at least 12% compared with the traditional hot water extraction process (HWEP). After the extraction, up to 70% of the PK-Fe3O4 NPs could be directly recycled from the solution for further use. The rest of the NPs are left in the oil phase and attached on the residual solid surface. However, the efficiency of the PK-Fe3O4 NPs is found to be decreased when the recycling times exceed 5 due to the adsorption of oil components. A mechanistic study shows that the hydrophilic PK-Fe3O4 NPs could be adsorbed on the mineral surface, making the surface more hydrophilic. The hydrophilic surface and the agitation disturbance helps the liberation process of bitumen from the solid surfaces. On the other hand, when adding the PK-Fe3O4 NPs into the heavy oil–water system, the oil–water interface is found to be highly modified by the NPs, resulting in significant reduction of the oil–water interfacial tension. The above findings suggest that the PK-Fe3O4 NPs combined the surface-active role (surfactant) and the nano-size role (adsorption) together, which facilitates its role in oil sands separation.

Experiences of oppression, liberation, and well-being among Moroccans in Andalusia

This qualitative study explores the settlement experiences of Moroccan migrants living in Andalusia (southern Spain). Taking a liberation psychology approach, we focus on the roles that power relations, oppression, well-being, and liberation play in the newcomers’ adaptation to the host country from a sociopolitical point of view. Based on grounded theory, we analyze the narratives of 28 Moroccan migrants across two different contexts within Andalusia; 15 participated in in-depth interviews and 13 in 2 separate focus groups. A series of theoretical propositions emerged from the analysis, taking into account (a) conditions of oppression, (b) responses to conditions of oppression, and (c) the well-being continuum. These interrelated dimensions were found to shape different migration trajectories, leading to either maintaining the unjust living conditions or choosing to confront them. In the latter case, migrants actively engaged in transformative civic actions promoting social justice and symmetrical power relations between the migrant and native-born populations. The main contribution of this study is to value migrants by defining their migratory experiences and how, in their view, the liberation process is achieved.

Асимметрия интеграции в рамках ЭКОВАС: вклад регионального гегемона и малой страны

This article deals with the role of Nigeria and Ghana in ECOWAS specific fields of integration since its creation in 1975. It showed the relevance of Nigeria as a regional leader and the importance of Ghana as a key factor in ECOWAS integration process, and their respective foreign policy stand towards West African integration process in the present century. In order to evaluate and present the role of Nigeria and Ghana in ECOWAS integration process, the authors set out three main tasks to actualize it. The first task is to identify the main areas of ECOWAS integration process, namely: economic integration, security formation and political reformation using qualitative methodological analysis to achieve this task. The second task is the review of ECOWAS operational structure, which explained how Nigeria was able to exert its hegemony status in ECOWAS, and how Ghana is able to remain useful in ECOWAS despite the overwhelming influence of Nigeria. The third task is using historical analytical method to present facts and explain the various contributions by Nigeria and Ghana in ECOWAS economic liberation process, peacekeeping operations, and political interventions in ECOWAS member states which have brought relative peace and security to the region. The authors draw conclusion based on the result of the research analysis that, in spite of ECOWAS compositions which include the Francophone countries in the region and its leadership structure, Nigeria and Ghana have led by example, by devoting much attention and commitment to the ECOWAS integration process through mediations, peacekeeping, political intervention and economic cooperation.

Regina Mundi: Serving the liberation movement in South Africa

The struggle for ‘non-white’ South Africans to eventually become liberated in this country was a very tough and bloody one. In the struggle the South African Native National Congress – later renamed to African National Congress – as a liberation movement played a decisive role from the beginning of the 20th century, as the mainstream churches failed in the previous three centuries to really contribute to the liberation process. However, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto serves as a good example of a church that did not look the other way during the struggle. This church assisted the liberation movement in promoting freedom for everyone,serving as the platform for many a politician and even, at least once, as a shelter against the raining bullets of the police.

Predictors of help-seeking for gambling disorder from the transtheoretical model perspective

Few gamblers seek treatment despite the severe negative impacts prolonged gambling can have. Research surrounding the predictors of help-seeking for problem gambling is often retrospective in design and inconsistent in findings. This study prospectively investigated whether transtheoretical model (TTM) constructs (readiness to change, ratings of temptations and self-efficacy, decisional balance and processes of change) have utility in predicting help-seeking among disordered gamblers. Community-recruited disordered gamblers (N = 136; 47.06% female; mean age = 44.5 years, SD = 12.8; 80.1% Caucasian) completed three assessments of TTM constructs, help-seeking behaviour, gambling problem severity, and other potential predictors of help-seeking. Informal help-seeking was common (6-month = 71.1%; 12-month = 79.6%); however, formal help-seeking was relatively infrequent (6-month = 22.7%; 12-month = 35.1%). Logistic regression demonstrated that gambling problem severity and the social liberation process of change (i.e. endorsing public awareness of gambling problems or non-gambling role models) consistently predicted formal help-seeking. Helping relationships and counter-conditioning (i.e. engaging in other activities as a replacement for gambling) processes of change uniquely predicted informal help-seeking at 12 months. Individuals most likely to seek formal help have greater problem severity and greater readiness to address problems. Seeking informal help is less predictable but more common.

Early-age heat development in GGBS concrete structures

China accounts for approximately half of global steel production and more than 80 Mt of blast-furnace slag is generated every year as a by-product. About 80% of blast-furnace slag is recycled in China and the majority of this is used as an additive in low-grade composite cement or ‘blast-furnace cement’. This paper discusses the technical feasibility of using ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) in structural concrete for high-value applications in China. The effects of the slag on concrete compressive strengths are investigated experimentally at different curing temperatures. The influence of partial replacement of CEM I with GGBS on the heat development of concrete is investigated through isothermal calorimetry tests. The presence of slag contributes to a reduced heat output rate. The results obtained from the isothermal calorimetry tests are also used to simulate the heat liberation process in suspended concrete slabs using finite-element software. Finite-element modelling results, validated by semi-adiabatic calorimetry tests, indicate that partial replacement of CEM I cement with GGBS contributes to a reduced peak hydration temperature and this has a beneficial effect in hot-weather concreting.

Life Cycle Assessment of a New Technology To Extract, Functionalize and Orient Cellulose Nanofibers from Food Waste

A new technology for the production of cellulose nanofibers from vegetable food waste has been developed. The fibers are liberated enzymatically, given a functionalized coating and oriented using spinning techniques. We performed a laboratory-scale life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the various routes of the entire production process from an environmental perspective. The results indicate that the electrospinning process has a higher impact than the alternative wet spinning process under the conditions described. Furthermore, to improve the liberation process of the microfibrillated cellulose, the enzymatic treatment step requires development; this could be through optimization of energy use in the heating process, mainly by reducing heat loss and water use. A comparative LCA with the results of other published studies, using different starting materials and chemical processes to obtain nanocellulose, provides a deeper understanding of our processes. From this comparison, we conclude that our technolog...

Reliability in standardization of sodium thiosulfate with potassium dichromate

Sodium thiosulfate is often standardized with potassium dichromate. In the standardization, iodine (triiodide) liberated by potassium dichromate in an acidic potassium iodide solution is titrated with a sodium thiosulfate solution. The iodine liberation process significantly affects the titration results. In the present study, the accuracy of the liberation process was examined by assaying potassium dichromate through two different paths: assaying directly by coulometric titration with electrogenerated Fe(II), and assaying by gravimetric titration through the iodine liberation reaction with a sodium thiosulfate solution of which concentration was standardized by coulometric titration with electrogenerated iodine. The accuracy of the standardization of a sodium thiosulfate solution by potassium dichromate was discussed from the apparent assays of potassium dichromate under different measurement conditions.

Effect of surface modifications on the thermal and moisture behavior of wool fabric

Thermal and moisture behavior is crucial in determining the comfort of clothing. Surface modification of fibers brings new functions and properties to fibrous materials, but the comfort of the as-made clothing changes accordingly due to different thermal and moisture behaviors. In this study, physical and chemical modifications have been conducted to wool fabric to investigate their effects on the thermal and moisture behaviors of clothing. Surface wettability, wicking properties, thermal and moisture resistance together with surface temperature and humidity of the microclimate have been tested. It has been found that the wettability of wool fabric is greatly improved and wicking properties are granted to the fabric. Higher thermal and moisture resistance have been noticed for the treated wool fabric. The treated fabric shows longer moisture liberation process and the surface temperature and humidity varies in a different way compared with untreated fabric. Understanding the thermal and moisture behaviors of fabric after surface modification would benefit the further development of surface functionalizing technology and design of next to skin clothing.

Damage Modeling, Scaling and Momentum Enhancement for Asteroid and Comet Nucleus Deflection

In the previous symposium, it was demonstrated that extrapolation of momentum enhancement β data from small laboratory tests to larger asteroid and comet nucleus deflection scenarios predicts large β values due to the fact that β does not scale with size. The big question in the extrapolation to larger scales is whether the damage process in the crater formation saturates at some scale – i.e., is there a size beyond which the momentum enhancement does scale, and thus the large scale large β values are not realized. In this work we take the data from the NASA Ames gun in the 1960s by Denardo and Nysmith [1] and examine its clear lack of scaling in more detail. We determine the behavior of the ejecta mass. We show that the amount of ejecta mass is proportional to the impact velocity squared times the square root of the projectile diameter, a quantity which has the dimensions of fracture toughness. Thus, it is likely that the mass liberation process depends on fracture toughness, which contrasts with the fact that the crater size depends on target material strength. Thus, a small fracture toughness leads to large ejecta mass, and that in turn leads to large momentum enhancement. The appearance of the dimensions of fracture toughness implies that classical failure scaling is at work. Classical fracture mechanics is a damage process that likely will not saturate and that we then are able to extrapolate to large sizes. We discuss impactors that would be used to deflect asteroids or comet nuclei for planetary defense or for engineering and exploration purposes, and what expected momentum enhancements would be for impacts into asteroids or comet nuclei comprised of consolidated materials.

Study on the surface temperature of fabric in the process of dynamic moisture liberation

The changes of surface temperature of textiles during movement affect the sensation and comfort of wearer. In this study, the surface temperature of fabric has been tested during the process of moisture liberation by a novel dynamic testing unit under simulated windy conditions. Effects of simulated wind speed, moisture regains and fabric materials on the surface temperature of fabric have eventually been investigated. It has been found that the temperature-runtime curve exhibits a concave shape, indicating different stages of temperature changing during the process. Moisture regain of fabric and the simulated wind speed affect the time of the moisture liberation greatly. Fiber materials of fabric determines the time of the moisture liberation process and the surface temperature during the moisture evaporation stage. Understanding the surface temperature would further benefit the design and application of clothing used in sports conditions in which sweating is greatly involved in the movement.

The Latin American reconceptualisation movement

This article looks at some characteristics of the reconceptualisation movement that took place in the mid-1960s in Latin American social work. It focuses on the social, historical, political and theoretical influences that allowed a turning point in social work, in both academic and professional practice, marked mainly by the ideological-political debate about the role of social workers within the national liberation process and the commitment to people on a low income. The article sets out the changes from the entry of modernisation ideas in the mid-1950s and the emphasis on community development, prolegomena to the questionings of the current social assistance model as well as the teaching that was being developed in schools and institutes. Finally, it pays special attention to the role played by the social work publisher Editorial ECRO in Argentina in the diffusion of these ‘new ideas’ in the Americas.

Releyendo la metodología de la Investigación-Acción Participativa (IAP). Pedagogía de las ausencias, Pedagogía de la traducción y Pedagogía de la articulación

This work tries to do a critical review of the methodology of the Participative Action-Research and the Paulo Freire’s conscientization pedagogy, from the contributions provided by the lacanian Psychoanalysis and the sociology of the absences at the expense of the portuguese sociologist Boaventura de Sousa Santos. It’s not a question of renouncing the emancipating possibilities of the IAP, but, for against, to revitalize it across the reflection of twice mythologies: on the one hand, the naturalization of a position (it of the critical educator or it the critical theorems) that, in many times, have denied the possibility that other experiences should arise because of it be anchored to the ideological model of false conscience; on the other hand, considering the conscientization dialogue a transparent meeting, which has led to not considering the heterogeneity, the assumption of different subjective positions from which begin a liberation process of the reality.

Religious Revival and the Political Activity of Religious Communities in Estonia During the Process of Liberation and the Collapse of the Soviet Union 1985–1991

ABSTRACTThis article examines the activity of Estonian religious communities in the period of perestroika and the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1991 the Republic of Estonia regained its independence. This coincided with an upsurge in churchgoing and church activity in society, often referred to as a national and religious awakening. This article, based on archival material, focuses on the changes in church–state relations, on the growing influence of religion and the activity of representatives of religious organisations, and on the development of and attitudes towards new religious movements which emerged in Estonian society in the period from 1985 to 1991. We view these developments in a wider context of social changes in the Soviet Union, with a special emphasis on Estonia, to describe the role that religious communities played in the Estonian liberation process.

Liberation of projections

We study the liberation process for projections: (p,q)↦(pt,q)=(utput⁎,q) where ut is a free unitary Brownian motion freely independent from {p,q}. Its action on the operator-valued angle qptq between the projections induces a flow on the corresponding spectral measures μt; we prove that the Cauchy transform of the measure satisfies a holomorphic PDE. We develop a theory of subordination for the boundary values of this PDE, and use it to show that the spectral measure μt possesses a piecewise analytic density for any t>0 and any initial projections of trace 12. We us this to prove the Unification Conjecture for free entropy and information in this trace 12 setting.

Experimental investigation on the surface humidity of fabric during the process of dynamic moisture liberation

Purpose – In this study, a novel dynamic testing method was established to measure the moisture variation of fabric surface during the process of moisture liberation in simulated windy condition. The paper aims to discuss these issues Design/methodology/approach – In this method, the samples were rotating during the test process so as to simulate the external windy environment. Effects of simulated wind speed, moisture regains and fabric materials on the surface moisture of fabric were investigated. Findings – Experimental results showed that the surface moisture presented a trapezoidal moisture liberation curve, it increased at first, then kept stable for a while, and decreased finally with the increase of time. It took longer time for the fabric to complete the liberation process when the moisture regain of the fabric increased or the simulated wind speed decreased. The fiber materials of the fabric affected the time for the moisture liberation process under a specific windy condition. Practical implications – This study will benefit the designing and development of clothing such as sportswear. Originality/value – A dynamic testing method was proposed to characterize the surface humidity of textiles under simulated windy conditions.

The multiple antibiotic resistance regulator MarR is a copper sensor in Escherichia coli

The widely conserved multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR) family of transcription factors modulates bacterial detoxification in response to diverse antibiotics, toxic chemicals or both. The natural inducer for Escherichia coli MarR, the prototypical transcription repressor within this family, remains unknown. Here we show that copper signaling potentiates MarR derepression in E. coli. Copper(II) oxidizes a cysteine residue (Cys80) on MarR to generate disulfide bonds between two MarR dimers, thereby inducing tetramer formation and the dissociation of MarR from its cognate promoter DNA. We further discovered that salicylate, a putative MarR inducer, and the clinically important bactericidal antibiotics norfloxacin and ampicillin all stimulate intracellular copper elevation, most likely through oxidative impairment of copper-dependent envelope proteins, including NADH dehydrogenase-2. This membrane-associated copper oxidation and liberation process derepresses MarR, causing increased bacterial antibiotic resistance. Our study reveals that this bacterial transcription regulator senses copper(II) as a natural signal to cope with stress caused by antibiotics or the environment.

Islamic radicalisation and violence in Liberia

In the last two to three decades, Liberia's image in Africa has oscillated from one extreme to the other. Historically, the country was seen as a beacon of hope as Africa's first Independent Republic and it played its role in the African liberation process. However, 14 years of civil war have punctured this image and the attendant political and economic difficulties have removed the country from the list of countries to be envied. Importantly, the country's political past is complex and its ethnic composition is diverse but what is often neglected as an identity issue is religion. Although Liberia is widely held as a ‘Christian nation’, largely because of the historical fact that those who established it were Christians, there is now emerging the critical dimension of Islamic concerns in the country. Such concerns could become critical to the national security of Liberia, especially if it connects to the wider sub-regional dimension of Islamic radicalisation. The central argument of this article is that the issue of Islamic radicalisation in Liberia is somewhat peculiar as it never manifested itself in the form in which others have in the sub-region. In this sense, what is referred to as radicalisation in Liberia is more the protests and advocacy of Muslims for their rights on a number of specific issues. While these can serve as triggers of radicalisation, they cannot be equated with it.

Evaluating the effect of radio-frequency pre-treatment on granite rock samples for comminution purposes

The international mining industry needs to enhance its mineral liberation process and reduce its enormous amount of power consumption, thereby increasing its overall efficiency. Current research studies have found that the mineral liberation process can be enhanced through the use of pulsed power, ultrasound pre-treatment and microwave pre-treatment of run of mine ore. The purpose of this article is to present empirical results of treating specific granite rock samples with RF power within the VHF range. These results indicate that RF treatment of granite rock samples within the VHF range does not significantly weaken the mineral grain boundaries. These results prove that RF pre-treatment of these rock samples will not benefit the mineral liberation process. However, different results may be obtained from samples that contain mineral species that are more absorbent of electromagnetic radiation.

The Ventilator Liberation Process: Update on Technique, Timing, and Termination of Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the ICU. Despite the frequency of the procedure, there remains controversy regarding selection of patients who should undergo tracheostomy, the optimal technique, timing of placement and decannulation, as well as impact on outcome associated with the procedure. A growing body of literature demonstrates that percutaneous tracheostomy performed in the ICU is a safe procedure, even in high risk patients. Advances in techniques, together with adjuncts to improve visualization, seem promising and likely to further improve the safety of the technique. Although there was initial enthusiasm in support of early tracheostomy to improve patient outcomes, repeated studies have been unable to produce robust benefits. The question of optimal timing and location of decannulation has not been answered, but there is some reassurance that in aggregate, across a variety of ICUs, patients do not appear to be harmed by transfer to ward with tracheostomy. Future research into techniques, timing, and termination of tracheostomy is warranted.