Strata In Terms Research Articles

Households’ energy conservation and efficiency awareness practices in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana

AbstractThermal power generation is the main source of power in the energy mix of the country. Erratic rainfall patterns, the high cost of fossil fuel for thermal generation, and increase electricity demand have contributed to rampant power outages in the recent past. This paper examined energy conservation and efficiency awareness practices of households in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. It assessed the level and variability in energy conservation practices and the level of energy-savings awareness education among households. Three hundred and ninety-six households were randomly selected from nine communities using stratified sampling techniques. Five stakeholders from the electricity sector were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews. The data sets were modeled using the utility maximization framework to econometrically estimate socioeconomic factors influencing the energy conservation behaviour of households. The findings reveal that years spent in school by household heads, income levels, expenditure, age of households, and the number of times electricity power triples off daily were among the key factors influencing individual households’ choice of energy-efficient appliances. There was significant variability between existing social strata in terms of income and use of electrical appliances among households that warrants policy direction. Based on the findings, this study recommends a robust energy literacy program to improve households’ energy efficiency practices awareness, and to ensure energy cost savings, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation that will enhance the drive towards achieving sustainable development goals seven.

Alienation and Power in Doris Lessing’s The Fifth Child

In her novel "The Fifth Child", Doris Lessing illustrates the rigidity of a patriarchal society. The analysis of masculinity in this study shows that society as a whole, in addition to its criminal subcultures, are maintained by the masculine law and order, which encourages prejudice against those who do not fit into the norms of society, believe in authoritarian social systems, and favor rational solutions to moral judgments. Therefore, Lessing has fostered the complexities of social relationships between husband and wife from various socioeconomic strata in terms of a crippled child, Ben. Her unbiased insight into the thinking of society’s underprivileged women as well as those who represent the oppressive established society sheds light on various aspects of patriarchy. For this purpose, the current study intends to investigate Lessing’s treatment of women’s alienation and power. It aims to look at psychological conflicts, social alienation, and social status and power through the art of characterization and plot construction.

Forest Structure of Pinus ayacahuite in Southern Mexico

Spatial structure refers to the horizontal and vertical arrangement of individual trees, and the most accurate way to describe it within a community is to characterize tree strata in terms of their dimensions. The aim of this study was to determine the horizontal and vertical structure of pure stands of Pinus ayacahuite Ehrenb. ex Schltdl., in forests of southern Mexico. Forest measurement data from 24 sample plots were used. For analysis of the horizontal structure, diameters within a range of 0.20 cm to 77 cm were used, while for the vertical structure, heights were from 0.09 m to 40.9 m. Non-parametric histograms and Kernel density methods were used in the analysis, and Fisher and Marron multimodality tests were performed. The homogeneity of the forest stands was determined by the coefficient of homogeneity, and the vertical and horizontal structures were described using the stratification proposed by Pretzsch. The results indicate that the horizontal structure corresponds to a diameter distribution with a reversed "J" shape in 79.2% of the sample plots, while 91.8% of the sites were classified as irregular with coefficients of homogeneity of 1.0 to 3.0. In the vertical structure, it was observed that the lower stratum predominated in 75% of the plots, while 25% had a higher concentration of individuals in the middle stratum. The upper stratum had accumulation percentages ranging from 1.3% to 33.3% but did not predominate in any of the plots. According to the multimodality tests, 50% of the plots present multimodality in the horizontal structure, while in the vertical structure this condition is present in 38% of the plots. Knowledge of the spatial structure of Pinus ayacahuite forest stands is essential to define silvicultural strategies that ensure the sustainable functioning of the ecosystem in terms of yield continuity and conservation.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment to pollution using GIS-based DRASTIC and GOD methods in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj district, Bangladesh

A groundwater vulnerability map is a preliminary way to assess the risk of groundwater pollution from a variety of sources and across a range of geological and hydrological contexts. With rapid urbanization and industrialization, the possibility of groundwater contamination has greatly increased in Bangladesh. The focus of this study is on an industrialized peri-urban area in Bangladesh, where the regional aquifer has already been depressurized owing to pumping to fulfill the ascending municipal and industrial water demand of the Dhaka megacity and adjacent areas. Two vulnerability index maps were created utilizing a Geographic Information System (GIS) and the contamination risk indices DRASTIC (Depth to water table (D), Net recharge (R), Aquifer media (A), Soil media (S), Topography (T), Impact of vadose zone (I) and hydraulic Conductivity of the aquifer (C)) and GOD (Groundwater or hydraulic confinement in the aquifer under consideration (G), Overlying strata in terms of lithological characters that determine the pollutant attenuation capacity (O) and Depth to groundwater (D)). Vulnerabilities varied greatly over the study area. The DRASTIC analysis identified three vulnerability classes: one-fifth of the area exhibited high vulnerability, more than half of the study area showed moderate vulnerability and rest of the area is low in vulnerability. In contrast, GOD analysis was somewhat conservative, showed two classes where vulnerability was negligible in 58% of the study area and low in the rest of the area. The study also generated hot-spot maps of potential surface contamination for each vulnerability map by overlapping the potentially hazardous activity layer which corresponds to areas with higher industrial clusters. Human activities that commonly cause groundwater pollution need to be constrained by utilizing groundwater protection strategies in the identified vulnerable areas to ensure sustainable development.

Gas Hydrates, Subsurface Structures and Tectonic Features of the Tuaheni Landslide Complex in the Northern Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand, Revealed by Seismic Attribute Analysis

The Tuaheni Landslide Complex, located on the upper slope of the northern Hikurangi Margin in New Zealand, is a unique place to research on slow slip creep-like deformation and seabed failure, as well as their possible relationship with the presence of gas hydrates, cold seeps, and fluid migration. Based on the visual interpretation of seismic data, it is sometimes very difficult to identify various subsurface structures and tectonic features. We study certain seismic attributes, namely the reflection strength, instantaneous frequency, instantaneous phase, and the Hilbert transform, in the Tuaheni Landslide Complex and observe that these attributes play a very important role in identifying and interpreting various subsurface geological features and bed boundaries that are not clearly visible in the seismic sections. In general, these seismic attributes are studied to identify hydrocarbons such as oil and gas. However, in this present study these seismic attributes nicely illustrate the fluid migration pathways, the decollement of the sediment slide, the base of the debris flow, the base of the deformed sediment and gas migration, etc., along two perpendicular seismic profiles crossing the Site U1517 of IODP Expedition 372. The instantaneous phase and Hilbert transform attribute depict the bed boundaries and discontinuities, whereas the reflection strength and instantaneous frequency attributes characterize the various strata in terms of whether they are associated with fluid at their bases. The possible role of tectonic activity and seafloor slope failure due to gas hydrate dissociation and vice versa is clearly visible through fluid-filled weak zones in the seismic attribute volumes. Gas hydrates are dissociating and BSRs are abruptly pinching out towards the seafloor due to the movement of hot fluid and free gas, enhancing seafloor sliding and local tectonic activities together.

Ordovician carbonate factory turnover tracked by its depositional, diagenetic, and carbon and oxygen isotope record

Throughout Earth's history, carbonate factories have been production systems which appeared, declined and re-appeared (in modified form) in function of biotic evolution and systemic stability. Reconstructing the history of these intricate systems requires a combined assessment of sedimentological, paleoecological, geochemical and diagenetic criteria. Here, the Ordovician of the western Tarim Basin (Darriwilian to Katian, ramp-platform to basin settings) is used as the case example to test a multiproxy approach, including statistical analysis of proxy data. We identify stratigraphic segmentation of these strata in terms of facies/mineralogy, diagenesis and a first comprehensive data set of component-specific carbon and oxygen isotope values. The published bulk carbon and oxygen isotope data are analysed in the second step to extract marine diagenetic versus burial/meteoric signatures (virtual bulk values, Monte-Carlo simulation). Finally, a synoptic chemo-chronostratigraphic plot for the Ordovician of the western Tarim Basin with segments lasting from tens of Myrs down to several 100 kyrs is proposed. A long-term trend of increasing δ13C values culminates in the early Katian at 3.2 ‰ followed by a steady decrease. A baseline shift, arguably due to the initiation of a bahamite-type factory, blurs the globally reported Guttenberg carbon-isotope excursion (GICE). A medium-term (Darriwilian to earliest Sandbian) negative δ13C isotope excursion coincides with the demise of the Darriwilian sponges-pelmatozoa factory (suecicus Event, term proposed in this study) and a positive δ18O excursion. This event might represent the effects of volcanism/SO2 outgassing during the switch from a passive to an active continental arc. The suecicus Event masquerades the middle Darriwilian carbon-isotope excursion (MDICE).

Comparative assessment of homogeneity differences in multi-temporal NDVI strata and the currently used agricultural area frames in Rwanda

This study compared two methods used for agricultural statistics generation in Rwanda. The first method is area frame sampling, which is also the currently used method in Rwandan seasonal agricultural surveys; while the second method is the application of remote sensing technique using multi-temporal Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) classes to stratify land into homogenous agriculture land classes. The analysis of the methodological flow of Rwanda area frames and the estimated homogeneity in the resulting frames was mainly based on literature review. For the delineation of homogeneous NDVI classes, the study used 10 years data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor (2004 – 2014). The NDVI data were classified using ISODATA clustering technique, and the focus was put on agriculture-dominated classes, obtained through the intersection with 2010 national land use and land cover data. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) statistical methods were applied to investigate significant differences between and within NDVI classes and the currently used Rwanda strata in terms of area coverage of four (4) dominant crops in Rwanda – banana, maize, cassava, and beans. The results of the analysis revealed homogeneity of 85% within NDVI classes, and 69% within the current Rwanda strata, at p = 0.05. The NDVI classes were also used to improve the Rwanda strata, and the homogeneity has increased by 5%; reaching 74% after NDVI-based reclassification.

Socio-economic disparities in patients who present to hospital for self-harm: patients' characteristics and problems in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

BackgroundWe examined disparities in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and in problems preceding self-harm across levels of socio-economic deprivation (SED) in persons who presented to hospital for self-harm. Method108,092 presentations to hospitals (by 57,306 individuals) following self-harm in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England (1/1/2000–31/12/2016). Information on area-level SED was based on the English Index of Multiple Deprivation. Information about patients' characteristics and problems was obtained from self-harm monitoring systems in the hospitals. We assessed the association of SED with the characteristics of interest using descriptive statistics. ResultsOverall, 45 % of the presentations were by individuals from areas ranked nationally as most deprived, while 13 % of episodes were by individuals from the least deprived areas. Males and non-white ethnic groups were over-represented in the most deprived SED stratum. Previous self-harm was more prevalent in the two most deprived groups. Relationships difficulties with partners and other family members were reported more commonly by individuals from less socio-economically deprived areas, as were problems pertaining to finances and employment or studies. Problems in relationships with friends were more prevalent in the most deprived group relative to other groups. LimitationsInformation about problems which preceded self-harm was available only for patients who received psychosocial assessment. ConclusionsPatients vary considerably across area-level SED strata in terms of gender, ethnicity, and the problems which preceded their self-harm. These findings emphasise the need to use an individualised approach to patients in understanding the unique circumstances which contribute to their self-harm and their specific care needs.

Evaluation of Photosynthetic Roles of Different Canopy Strata and Capitulum on Seed Yield and its Components of Spring Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

The main source of seed filling results from the photosynthesis of the green tissue closest to the seed sinks in the capitula. To evaluate the role of different leaf strata and capitula in seed yield and its components of Safflower genotypes, a field study was performed as a factorial experiment based on RCBD in 3 replicates in East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center in 2008. The used factors in this experiment were: two Safflower genotypes including (Mahalli Esfahan and Goldasht) and defoliation in five levels: defoliation of plants in lower 1/3, middle 1/3, upper 1/3 of the stem, capitulum covered with aluminum paper and control (without defoliation). The results showed that defoliation did not affect plant height and number of pods. But, there was a highly significant difference between strata in terms of number of seeds per pod, number of seeds per plant, 1000 seeds weight, oil percentage and oil yield. The interaction of genotype×strata treatments in seeds yield and harvest index was significant. Among the defoliation treatment levels in both genotypes, the highest decrease in the seed yield compared to the control were observed in the upper 1/3 defoliation levels, whereas the lowest decrease was observed in the lower 1/3 defoliation level. The rate of seed yield reduction in Mahalli Esfahan was higher than Goldasht. The change in Goldasht seed yield was mostly due to changes in the number of seeds per plant and the number of seeds in the head. In addition, net photosynthesis, strata leaf area, and photosynthesis contribution of the upper strata compared to the lower ones were higher, and removal of the upper strata had the highest effect on seed yield through the reduction in the total photosynthesis of the whole plant. Also, covering the capitulum caused a significant decrease in the seed yield. So, head photosynthesis has a major contribution to Safflower seed yield.

Pseudoholomorphic curves relative to a normal crossings symplectic divisor: compactification

Inspired by the log Gromov-Witten (or GW) theory of Gross-Siebert/Abramovich-Chen, we introduce a geometric notion of log J-holomorphic curve relative to a simple normal crossings symplectic divisor defined in [FMZ1]. Every such moduli space is characterized by a second homology class, genus, and contact data. For certain almost complex structures, we show that the moduli space of stable log J-holomorphic curves of any fixed type is compact and metrizable with respect to an enhancement of the Gromov topology. In the case of smooth symplectic divisors, our compactification is often smaller than the relative compactification and there is a projection map from the latter onto the former. The latter is constructed via expanded degenerations of the target. Our construction does not need any modification of (or any extra structure on) the target. Unlike the classical moduli spaces of stable maps, these log moduli spaces are often virtually singular. We describe an explicit toric model for the normal cone (i.e. the space of gluing parameters) to each stratum in terms of the defining combinatorial data of that stratum. In [FT2], we introduce a natural set up for studying the deformation theory of log (and relative) curves and obtain a logarithmic analog of the space of Ruan-Tian perturbations for these moduli spaces. In a forthcoming paper, we will prove a gluing theorem for smoothing log curves in the normal direction to each stratum. With some modifications to the theory of Kuranishi spaces, the latter will allow us to construct a virtual fundamental class for every such log moduli space and define relative GW invariants without any restriction.

THE IMPACT OF THE PANDEMIC ON HUMAN CAPITAL. HUMAN CAPITAL INDEX

In the first half of 2020, as a result of the spread of coronavirus in the world and the implementation of preventive measures, the volume of production was sharply reduced, there were shortages in the supply of goods the service sector was limited. Additional difficulties for Georgia and many other developing countries have been created by the sharp decline in remittances from our citizens in other countries, which has become one of the reasons for the decline in retail trade. Countries whose tourism accounts for a significant share of their economy have been particularly hard hit. In countries where restrictions were delayed, more massive pandemic outbreaks occurred, with high mortality rates and severely restricted business activities. As a result, unemployment and poverty rates have risen. After the "repulsion" of the first wave of the virus, in many countries, including ours, there was a certain revival of the economy. However, this increased mobility has led to an even more devastating second and subsequent waves of the virus and the world is currently fighting yet another wave. The pandemic factor in Georgia, in parallel with the second, third and subsequent waves, was accompanied by an unstable political situation. This has become an additional pressure and impacted the economic downturn and the devaluation of the Georgian Lari. As in the rest of the world, the coronavirus pandemic in Georgia has had a direct impact on human capital, with a negative impact on education and human health. Unlike natural disasters, devastating effects of which on physical capital are far greater than on human, the pandemic has left factories, plants, infrastructure intact, but has had an extremely negative impact on human health, disrupting the learning process of pupils and students. The closure of schools and colleges and the transition to distance learning have resulted in the loss of much of the school year. A separate problem is the less efficiency of the distance learning process and the difficulties associated with knowledge testing. At the same time, the current situation exacerbates the divergence between different social strata in terms of access to full-fledged education. Pandemic kills thousands of people. Many of those who recovered from the pandemic suffer from both health and psychological problems. In the current situation the health sector is not given the full opportunity to deal with other diseases. Once the pandemic is over, significant investments will need to be made in both education and healthcare. The level of human capital development is an important factor for the economies of all countries. Differences between countries in GDP by 10-30% are caused by differences in the level of human capital development. It is noteworthy that the current shortcomings caused by the pandemic in the development of human capital will have a negative impact on many in the coming years. Since 2018, the World Bank has been implementing the Human Capital Development Project. Within the framework of this project, a so-called The Human Capital Index (HCI) was developed, which shows the productivity of the next generation of workers compared to the standard of complete education and perfect health. Due to the pandemic, this index has deteriorated in all countries of the world, including Georgia.

Similarity Simulation on the Movement Characteristics of Surrounding Rock and Floor Stress Distribution for Large-Dip Coal Seam.

The question of how to mine safely in close multi coal seams is the main concern for coal operators, in particular for large-dip coal seams with complex geological and mechanical conditions. This paper presents a detailed similarity simulation on the movement characteristics of the overburden and the stress distribution of underlying strata in terms of a specific coal mine in the Tielieke mining area of the Kubai coalfield via a three-dimensional photogrammetry system and a high-speed static resistance analyzer. The results show that the overburden strata are asymmetrically deformed around the coal pillar and the fracture area is perpendicular to the longwall with an “M” shape when deeper coal is mined. Moreover, the asymmetric movement of overburden results in the non-uniform distribution of stress on the floor of the coal pillar and ribs. In particular, stress is closely related to the location of the longwall, and stress of the coal pillar is much larger when it is closer to the deep side. The floor stress relief degree of the longwall in the deep zone is higher than that of its counterparts, providing a theoretical foundation for a reasonable layout and a support technique for roadways. The main contribution of this research that it can be used as a reference in maintaining the integrity of surrounding rock for large-dip coal seams with close distances.

The duality of urban mobility as a heterogeneous phenomenon in the construction of sustainable living space in cities: a look at the inference of poverty in the city of Campina Grande, Brazil

The use of statistical and geo-referenced tools helps to explain the differentiation of urban mobility given the pre-existing urban configuration in cities. The city of Campina Grande-PB, object of this study, is characterized by the prevalence of dualist elements such as the growing demographic explosion and the new layout of urban strata in terms of the smart cities concept. That said, the analysis on screen comprises the existing mobility system, demonstrating how the current space influences the potential of movement in different social strata through the Theory of Spatial Syntax. The research used the Geographic Information System-GIS, processed through Depthmap® and QGIS, in the production of spatial syntactic measures in neighborhoods combined with socioeconomic variables. In this study, it was concluded that the method identified in central areas, with a high concentration of middle and high income, a format more conducive to car use, while in neighborhoods with a higher concentration of vulnerable population, a system that favors the walkability and the use of bicycles and motorcycles. The public transport system presented a more efficient coverage, as it presents itself as a restrictive factor in the circular causation of local poverty, although it has the potential to be a driver of local economic dynamism to favor increased income in the most vulnerable and segregated locations spatially.

Quantification of disparities in the distribution of lifestyle and metabolic risk factors, prevalence of non-communicable diseases and related mortality: the Belgian Health Interview Surveys 1997–2018

ObjectivesComprehensively measure the trends in health disparities by sociodemographic strata in terms of exposure to lifestyle and metabolic risks, and prevalence and mortality of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during the last...

Behaviour of a large-diameter shield tunnel through multi-layered strata

In engineering practice, a large-diameter shield tunnel frequently extends through multi-layered strata. The behaviour of tunnels is more complex in multi-layered strata, but many designs are still constructed with the assumption that the soil is uniform. In this study, centrifuge tests and FEM analysis are conducted to investigate the mechanical behaviour of a large-diameter shield tunnel through multi-layered strata in terms of tunnel inner force and convergence. Two-layer strata and three-layer strata with different positions, inclinations, and thicknesses of the soft interlayer are considered, along with the relative stiffness of different layers. Both centrifuge tests and numerical simulation indicate that the relative stiffness of different layers and the position of the soft interlayer are the main factors affecting the behaviour of the tunnel in multi-layered strata. An increase in the relative stiffness leads to a significant reduction in the bending moment at the crown and springline. The maximum bending moment tends to appear in the soft layer. The distribution of inner force and convergence are asymmetrical owing to the inclination of the soil interface. Based on the results, some design suggestions are presented for large-diameter shield tunnels in multi-layered strata. Segment joints are discouraged near the soil interface and the ground around the tunnel can be considered to be soft soil when the interface is below the springline. In addition, the bending moment should be concerned carefully when the tunnel extends through the soft interlayer.

Electronic medical records: Taking young generations of patients and physicians through innovative technology and change management

Billions of dollars have been invested in developing, implementing, and promoting an electronic medical records system that Canadian physicians (EMR) and patients (electronic personal records) would use to manage healthcare files. Barriers have been identified in the literature and there is a wide range of them. The main research objectives of the study aimed to assess EMR adoption by physicians based on their age and to determine the preferences of patients in using the EMR system. Secondary data were tapped from the National Physicians' Survey respondents encompassing close to 10,000 physicians from across Canada, 4,000 from Ontario, and 316 from Northern Ontario as well as 325 patients who were directly surveyed to obtain primary data. Significant differences were found across geographical jurisdictions and age strata in terms of electronic adoption by physicians and patients. The general trend leads to younger physicians using more exclusively electronic records than their senior colleagues do.

Средний класс в фокусе экономического и социологического подходов: границы и внутренняя структура (на примере России)

Цитирование: Тихонова Н.Е. (2020) Средний класс в фокусе экономического и социологического подходов: границы и внутренняя структура (на примере России) // Мир России. Т. 29. № 4. С. 34–56. DOI: 10.17323/1811-038X-2020-29-4-34-56
 Основные подходы к изучению среднего класса – экономический и социологический – исходят из разных теоретических предпосылок и используются для решения различных исследовательских задач. Если экономический подход важен прежде всего для целей социальной политики, то социологический позволяет лучше понять сущность определенного социума и характер его социальной структуры, выявить основные противоречия в развитии последней. Каждый из них существует во множестве вариантов, однако выделенный в рамках экономического подхода средний класс – это всегда средние по их благосостоянию или текущим доходам слои, включающие нижний средний и собственно средний классы. В России понимаемый таким образом средний класс составляет около двух третей населения. Выделенный в рамках социологического подхода средний класс, напротив, объединяет индивидов, занимающих срединные позиции в основных иерархиях социальных статусов, различающихся престижностью различных позиций в них. Ключевыми из них являются иерархии власти, собственности, текущих экономических возможностей/образа жизни и определяемого ими престижа. Как всякая социальная группа, средний класс характеризуется наличием в нем ядра и периферии этого ядра, но может быть структурирован и по слоям (в рамках вертикальной модели стратификации). В статье показано, что срединные позиции сразу во всех основных статусных иерархиях сейчас занимает сравнительно небольшая (около 8%) часть массовых слоев российского общества. В силу консистентности их статусов можно говорить о них как о ядре среднего класса. Однако более типичной для современной России является ситуация, когда эти позиции в большей или меньшей степени не совпадают (неконсистентны). В этом случае важно понять, какие из групп с неконсистентными статусами могут быть отнесены к среднему классу и почему. Пример такого анализа, приведенный в статье, демонстрирует, что в России численность среднего класса составляет сейчас около 40% населения.

К вопросу о герменевтических механизмах функционирования конспирологического мифа

This article studies the hermeneutic and semiotic specifics of modern conspiracy theories. The conspiracy myth is a collection of mythological narratives that interpret socio-historical processes andphenomena as the result of a deliberate action by powerful forces carefully concealing their existence or any relation to these phenomena and processes. Today, conspiracy theories are turning into one of the mass ideologies, gaining supporters among various social, age, professional, and religious communities. The golden age of conspiracy myths is the postmodern era. The postmodern ideologeme of the plurality of truths and the equivalence of discourses turned out to be the paradigmatic basis for conspiracy theories. The analysis of the discursive conspiracy environment allows us to distinguish the following types of conspiracy theories: parascientific, religious, political, medical, technogenic, and fantastic. The agents and actors of a conspiracy and their opponents form hierarchical strata in terms of power, initiation into secret knowledge, and influence on social processes. Hierarchical models in conspiracy theories reinforce the illocutionary potential of discourse. The research concludes that the conspiracy myth is a special hermeneutic system that allows one to form competitive discourses claiming the ability to fulfil an etiological function and at the same time introduce sacredness into everyday life, interpreting it as a space of “sacred struggle” with powerful enemies. Being largely a product of archaic culture, the conspiracy myth preserves a special type of rationality inherent in the archaic, which is easily compatible with the epistemological ideas of contemporary mass culture.

Interpersonal functions of interjections

Abstract Motivated by the frequent omission of interjections from film subtitles, this study investigates the interpersonal functions of interjections, and seeks to disentangle their meaning relations. Based on the analysis of interjections from six English language films under the theoretical framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), the study primarily classifies the functions of interjections in terms of whether the interjections independently realize moves in exchange. The function of the interjection which realizes a move on its own is described at the semantic stratum in terms of a minor speech function, and the function of the interjection which realizes a move together with a clause is described at the lexicogrammatical stratum in terms of an optional clausal function referred to as a ‘latched function’. The study highlights the distinction between latched functions and their agnate minor speech functions, and offers more delicate accounts of the functions of interjections. It proposes a system network of the minor speech functions, which can facilitate a more systematic analysis of the functions realized by interjections. This study contributes to the SFL description of English interjections, and can offer methodological insights into further research on the functionality of interjections.

Hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity driven CO2 solubility in kaolinite nanopores in relation to carbon sequestration

CO2 sequestration into underground aquifers is a viable option to alleviate greenhouse gas emissions. CO2 solubility trapping in nanoporous media saturated with saline water may play an important role. In this process, CO2 solubility in nanoporous media is determined by the mutual interactions among CO2, water, and nano-confinement, which ultimately determines the CO2 sequestration amount. However, the effects of nano-confinement surface characteristics are not studied yet. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulations to study the effects of surface characteristics on CO2 solubility under nano-confinement by deploying kaolinite nanopores as a model under typical geological conditions (373 K and up to 400 bar). We find that, compared to the bulk solubility, CO2 under-solubility is observed in hydrophilic kaolinite nanopores, while over-solubility is seen in hydrophobic kaolinite nanopores. From the microscopic view, in the hydrophilic kaolinite nanopores, water forms strong adsorption layers on the pore surfaces, which repel CO2 molecules. However, CO2 and water can co-adsorb on the pore surfaces in the hydrophobic kaolinite nanopores. In addition, CO2 molecules align parallel to the pore surface in hydrophobic kaolinite nanopores, while water molecules align perpendicular to the hydrophilic one. CO2 is less hydrated under the nano-confinement than in bulk, especially under the hydrophobic one. In conclusion, hydrophobic strata are more capable to sequestrate CO2 than hydrophilic strata in terms of solubility trapping mechanism.