Representations of multicultural identities in British Cinema

This paper explores the transnational and interstitial dimensions of cultural production in Britain today, and the representation of migrant and diasporic identities in contemporary mainstream British cinema. The box office success of films like Gurindha Chadha’s Bhaji on the Beach (1993) and Bend it Like Beckham (2002) and East is East (Daniel O’Donnell 1999) and their precursors My Beautiful Launderette (Stephen Frears 1985), Sammy and Rosie Get Laid (Stephen Frears 1987) and the TV mini-series Buddha of Suburbia (Roger Mitchell 1993) seem to celebrate and articulate a set of values around hybridity and alterity: a discourse of multiculturalism. This paper will engage with a series of key questions. Are there ideological values implicit within and common to all these texts? Can we map a rhetoric or discourse of multiculturalism within popular culture? Do mainstream representations of immigrant identities represent a discourse of resistance, a decolonising global culture or is this Western brand of multiculturalism still located within an Orientalising gaze? In what ways are multiculturalism and postcolonialism overlapping and yet opposing rhetorics? [From the Author]

Evaluation of particle degradation due to high-speed impacts in a pneumatic handling system

Particle degradation can be a significant issue in particulate solids handling and processing, particularly in pneumatic conveying systems, in which high-speed impact is usually the main contributory factor leading to changes in particle size distribution (comparing the material to its virgin state). However, other factors may strongly influence particles breakage as well, such as particle concentrations, bend geometry,and hardness of pipe material. Because of such complex influences, it is often very difficult to predict particle degradation accurately and rapidly for industrial processes. In this article, a general method for evaluating particle degradation due to high-speed impacts is described, in which the breakage properties of particles are quantified using what are known as "breakage matrices". Rather than a pilot-size test facility, a bench-scale degradation tester has been used. Some advantages of using the bench-scale tester are briefly explored. Experimental determination of adipic acid has been carried out for a range of impact velocities in four particle size categories. Subsequently, particle breakage matrices of adipic acid have been established for these impact velocities. The experimental results show that the "breakage matrices" of particles is an effective and easy method for evaluation of particle degradation due to high-speed impacts. The possibility of the "breakage matrices" approach being applied to a pneumatic conveying system is also explored by a simulation example.

Giant resonances in cold electron scattering by CS2

Experimental data are presented for the scattering of cold electrons by CS2, for both integral and backward scattering, between a few meV and a few hundred meV impact energy. Giant resonances with cross sections in excess of 50 Angstrom(2) are observed below 100 meV, associated with the transient formation of CS2- at 15 meV and with the bend and symmetric stretch of CS2 at thresholds of 49 and 82 meV, respectively. The resonance at 49 meV is 2 orders of magnitude greater in cross section than a dipole impulsive model predicts. These structures are superimposed on a sharp rise in the scattering cross section at low energy, which may be attributed to virtual state scattering.

A numerical investigation of the flow structures and losses for turbulent flow in 90 degrees elbow bends

Computational fluid dynamic modelling was carried out on a series of pipe bends having R/r values of 1.3, 5, and 20, with the purpose of determining the accuracy of numerical models in predicting pressure loss data from which to inform one-dimensional loss models. Four separate turbulence models were studied: the standard k-epsilon model, realizable k-epsilon model, k-omega model, and a Reynolds stress model (RSM). The results are presented for each bend in the form of upstream and downstream pressure profiles, pressure distributions along the inner and outer walls, detailed pressure and velocity fields as well as overall loss values. In each case, measured data were presented to evaluate the predictive ability of each model. The RSM was found to perform the best, producing accurate pressure loss data for bends with R/r values of 5 and 20. For the tightest bend with an R/r value of 1.3, however, predictions were significantly worse due to the presence of flow separation, stronger pressure gradients, and high streamline curvature.

Electroconvection in a homeotropic bent-rod nematic liquid crystal beyond the dielectric inversion frequency

We characterize the structural transitions in an initially homeotropic bent-rod nematic liquid crystal excited by ac fields of frequency f well above the dielectric inversion point f(i). From the measured principal dielectric constants and electrical conductivities of the compound, the Carr-Helfrich conduction regime is anticipated to extend into the sub-megahertz region. Periodic patterned states occur through secondary bifurcations from the Freedericksz distorted state. An anchoring transition between the bend Freedericksz (1317) and degenerate planar (DP) states is detected. The BF state is metastable well above the Freedericksz threshold and gives way to the DP state, which persists in the field-off condition for several hours. Numerous +1 and -1 umbilics form at the onset of BF distortion, the former being largely of the chiral type. They survive in the DP configuration as linear defects, nonsingular in the core. In the BF regime, not far from fi, periodic Williams-like domains form around the umbilics; they drift along the director easy axis right from their onset. With increasing f, the wave vector of the periodic domains switches from parallel to normal disposition with respect to the c vector. Well above fi, a broadband instability is found.

Drifting periodic structures in a degenerate-planar bent-rod nematic liquid crystal beyond the dielectric inversion frequency

We report on the electric-field-generated effects in the nematic phase of a twin mesogen formed of bent-core and calamitic units, aligned homeotropically in the initial ground state and examined beyond the dielectric inversion point. The bend-Freedericksz (BF) state occurring at the primary bifurcation and containing a network of umbilics is metastable; we focus here on the degenerate planar (DP) configuration that establishes itself at the expense of the BF state in the course of an anchoring transition. In the DP regime, normal rolls, broad domains, and chevrons (both defect-mediated and defect-free types) form at various linear defect-sites, in different regions of the frequency-voltage plane. A significant novel aspect common to all these patterned states is the sustained propagative instability, which does not seem explicable on the basis of known driving mechanisms.

Development of the nervous system in Dugesia tigrina during regeneration after fission and decapitation

In the present study of Dugesia tigrina the development of the nervous system is followed and compared during regeneration after fission and after decapitation. Immunocytochemistry was used, with antisera raised against the biogenic amine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the two neuropeptides, neuropeptide F (NPF), and FMRF amide. The results indicate that two processes are involved in the formation of the new cerebral ganglion. First, new processes sprouting from the original main longitudinal nerve cords bend transversely, indicating the position of the developing horseshoe-shaped anterior cerebral commissure. Then new nerve cells in front of the commissure differentiate from neoblasts and their growth cones fasciculate with the fibres from the old main longitudinal nerve cords. In the cerebral ganglion, 5-HT-IR cells appear before NPF-IR cells, in contrast to the pharynx where NPF-IR cells differentiate before the 5-HT-IR cells. In the peripheral nervous system, NPF-IR fibres and cells appear at a very early stage and dominate the whole regeneration process. A role for the PNS in early pattern formation is suggested.

An investigation of Mode I and Mode II fracture toughness enhancement using aligned carbon nanotubes forests at the crack interface

A novel approach for introducing aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a carbon-fibre composite pre-impregnated (prepreg) laminate, to improve the through-thickness fracture toughness, is presented. Carbon nanotube (CNT) 'forests' were grown on a silicon substrate with a thermal oxide layer, using a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process. The forests were then transferred to a pre-cured laminate interface, using a combination of pressure and heat, while maintaining through-thickness CNT alignment. Standard Mode I and four-point bend end-notched flexure Mode II tests were undertaken on a set of specimens and compared with pristine specimens. Mode I fracture toughness for T700/M21 laminates was improved by an average of 31% while for T700/SE84LV specimens, an improvement of 61% was observed. Only T700/M21 specimens were tested in Mode II which yielded an average fracture toughness improvement of 161%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed good wetting of the CNT forest as well as evidence of penetration of the forest into the adjacent plies. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Estudo da degradação do tempo de vida das fibras óticas e o seu impacte no desempenho das redes de comunicações

Este trabalho focou-se no estudo do impacte das condições ambientais, de instalação e de utilização na degradação da fibra ótica, que frequentemente resultam na redução do desempenho das fibras óticas. Entre este fatores, foram estudados os efeitos de ambientes agressivos para o revestimento da fibra, nomeadamente no tempo de vida e resistência. Foi também estudado o efeito da propagação de sinais óticos de elevadas potências em curvaturas apertadas e a sua influência na degradação do desempenho da fibra ótica. Ainda neste âmbito, foi também estudado o desempenho de fibras óticas insensíveis a curvtura e fibras dopadas com Érbio, sendo analisada a dinâmica do efeito rastilho nestas fibras. Como parte integrante das redes óticas, os conetores óticos são de extrema importância na sua estrutura. O seu desempenho será refletido na qualidade do serviço da rede, e por isso é determinante estudar os fatores que contribuem para a sua degradação e mau funcionamento. Assim, este trabalho apresenta um estudo do comportamento de conetores óticos perante situações de mau manuseamento (como são limpeza insuficiente e degradação física da face final). Em adição foi também dado ênfase à reutilização de fibra danificada pelo efeito rastilho no desenvolvimento de sensores, passíveis de serem utilizados na monitorização de índice de refração, pressão hidrostática, tensão ou alta temperatura. Este procedimento surge como uma solução de baixo custo para o desenvolvimento de sensores em fibra ótica a partir de fibra danificada e inutilizável para as suas habituais aplicações em transmissão e/ou reflexão de sinais óticos.

Argonauta Video Database: Spectrography experiment. Scene 1 (Right câmera)

Scenes for Spectrography experiment Scenes were recorded following the tasks involved in spectrography experiments, which are carried out in front of "J9" output radiadion channel, the latter in open condition. These tasks may be executed by one or two persons. One person can do the tasks, but requiring him to crouch in front of "J9" to adjust the angular position the experimental appartus (a crystal to bend the neutron radiation to the spectograph), and then to get up to verify data in a computer aside; these movements are repeated until achieving the right operational conditions. Two people may aid one another in such a way one remais crouched while the other remains still in front of the computer. They may also interchange tasks so as to divide received doses. Up to now, there are available two scenes with one person and one scene with two persons. These scenes are described in the sequel: - Scene 1: Comprises one of the scenes with one person performing spectography experiment. Video file labels: "20140327181335_IPCAM": recorded by the right camera

Argonauta Video Database: Spectography experiment. Scene 1 (Left camera)

Scenes for Spectrography experiment Scenes were recorded following the tasks involved in spectrography experiments, which are carried out in front of "J9" output radiadion channel, the latter in open condition. These tasks may be executed by one or two persons. One person can do the tasks, but requiring him to crouch in front of "J9" to adjust the angular position the experimental appartus (a crystal to bend the neutron radiation to the spectograph), and then to get up to verify data in a computer aside; these movements are repeated until achieving the right operational conditions. Two people may aid one another in such a way one remais crouched while the other remains still in front of the computer. They may also interchange tasks so as to divide received doses. Up to now, there are available two scenes with one person and one scene with two persons. These scenes are described in the sequel: - Scene 1: Comprises one of the scenes with one person performing spectography experiment. Video file labels:"20140327181336_IPCAM": recorded by the left camera.

Argonauta Video Database: Spectography experiment. Scene 2 (Right camera)

Scenes for Spectrography experiment Scenes were recorded following the tasks involved in spectrography experiments, which are carried out in front of "J9" output radiadion channel, the latter in open condition. These tasks may be executed by one or two persons. One person can do the tasks, but requiring him to crouch in front of "J9" to adjust the angular position the experimental appartus (a crystal to bend the neutron radiation to the spectograph), and then to get up to verify data in a computer aside; these movements are repeated until achieving the right operational conditions. Two people may aid one another in such a way one remais crouched while the other remains still in front of the computer. They may also interchange tasks so as to divide received doses. Up to now, there are available two scenes with one person and one scene with two persons. These scenes are described in the sequel: - Scene 2: Another take similat to Scene 1. Video file labels: "20140327180749_IPCAM": recorded by the right camera.

Argonauta Video Database: Spectography experiment. Scene 2 (Left camera)

Scenes for Spectrography experiment Scenes were recorded following the tasks involved in spectrography experiments, which are carried out in front of "J9" output radiadion channel, the latter in open condition. These tasks may be executed by one or two persons. One person can do the tasks, but requiring him to crouch in front of "J9" to adjust the angular position the experimental appartus (a crystal to bend the neutron radiation to the spectograph), and then to get up to verify data in a computer aside; these movements are repeated until achieving the right operational conditions. Two people may aid one another in such a way one remais crouched while the other remains still in front of the computer. They may also interchange tasks so as to divide received doses. Up to now, there are available two scenes with one person and one scene with two persons. These scenes are described in the sequel: - Scene 2: Another take similat to Scene 1. Video file labels: "20140327180750_IPCAM": recorded by the left camera.

Argonauta Video Database: Spectography experiment. Scene 3 (Right camera)

Scenes for Spectrography experiment Scenes were recorded following the tasks involved in spectrography experiments, which are carried out in front of "J9" output radiadion channel, the latter in open condition. These tasks may be executed by one or two persons. One person can do the tasks, but requiring him to crouch in front of "J9" to adjust the angular position the experimental appartus (a crystal to bend the neutron radiation to the spectograph), and then to get up to verify data in a computer aside; these movements are repeated until achieving the right operational conditions. Two people may aid one another in such a way one remais crouched while the other remains still in front of the computer. They may also interchange tasks so as to divide received doses. Up to now, there are available two scenes with one person and one scene with two persons. These scenes are described in the sequel: - Scene 3: Comprises the scene with two persons performing spectography experiment. Video file labels: "20140327182905_IPCAM": recorded by the right camera.