Identity and security in Korea

The summit meeting between the two Korean heads of state, which took place in Pyongyang in June 2000, constitutes a major turning point in the peninsula's history. As the effects of the meeting are gradually unfolding, a period of detente no longer seems impossible. But major difficulties remain unsolved and Korea will continue to be one of the world's most volatile areas. The task of this essay is to identify and analyse some of the entrenched political patterns that will challenge policy-makers in the years ahead. To do so it is necessary to portray the conflict in Korea not only in conventional ideological and geopolitical terms, but also, and primarily, as a question of identity. From such a vantage-point two components are essential in the search for a more peaceful peninsula. Substantial progress has recently been made in the first realm, the need to approach security problems, no matter how volatile they seem. in a cooperative and dialogical, rather than merely a coercive manner. The second less accepted but perhaps more important factor, revolves around the necessity to recognize that dialogue has its limits, that the party on the other side of the DMZ cannot always be accommodated or subsumed into compromise. Needed is an ethics of difference: a willingness to accept that the other's sense of identity and politics may be inherently incompatible with one's own.

Adsorption study of benzene in ink-bottle-like MCM-41

The pore-opening size of MCM-41 is tailored to be in the microporous region using a chemical vapor deposition technique for selective tailoring. Although the pore opening is narrowed, the internal pore body of MCM-41 remains unchanged so the pore volume retains a substantial portion (80%) of its original value. The adsorption equilibrium of nitrogen and benzene in the modified MCM-41 shows a type I isotherm, which significantly improves the adsorption performance of MCM-41 for low-concentration volatile organic compounds. The adsorption kinetics of benzene in the modified MCM-41 is also studied.

Techniques to determine ignition, flame stability and burnout of blended coals in p.f. power station boilers

The blending of coals has become popular to improve the performance of coals, to meet specifications of power plants and, to reduce the cost of coals, This article reviews the results and provides new information on ignition, flame stability, and carbon burnout studies of blended coals. The reviewed studies were conducted in laboratory-, pilot-, and full-scale facilities. The new information was taken in pilot-scale studies. The results generally show that blending a high-volatile coal with a low-volatile coal or anthracite can improve the ignition, flame stability and burnout of the blends. This paper discusses two general methods to predict the performance of blended coals: (1) experiment; and (2) indices. Laboratory- and pilot-scale tests, at least, provide a relative ranking of the combustion performance of coal/blends in power station boilers. Several indices, volatile matter content, heating value and a maceral index, can be used to predict the relative ranking of ignitability and flame stability of coals and blends. The maceral index, fuel ratio, and vitrinite reflectance can also be used to predict the absolute carbon burnout of coal and blends within limits. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Olfaction in the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni. I: Identification of olfactory receptor neuron types responding to environmental odors

The electroantennogram method was used to investigate the number of distinct olfactory receptor neuron types responding to a range of behaviorally active volatile chemicals in gravid Queensland fruit flies, Bactrocera tryoni. Three receptor neuron types were identified. One type responds to methyl butyrate, 2-butanone, farnesene, and carbon dioxide; a second to ethanol; and a third to n-butyric acid and ammonia. The receptor neuron type responding to methyl butyrate, 2-butanone, farnesene, and carbon dioxide consists of three subtypes. The presence of a limited number of receptor neuron types responding to a diverse set of chemicals and the reception of carbon dioxide by a receptor neuron type that responds to other odorants are novel aspects of the peripheral olfactory discrimination process.

Spontaneous-combustion propensity of New Zealand coals under adiabatic conditions

Pulverised New Zealand coal samples have been tested from an initial temperature of 40 degreesC and reacted adiabatisally in an oven with oxygen to provide a full temperature history of auto-oxidation up to the self-sustained process of combustion. This procedure produces a self-heating rate index, R-70, calculated as the ratio of the time taken to reach 70 degreesC (degreesC/h). The R-70 index is a measure of the coal's propensity to spontaneous combustion. R-70 values for New Zealand coals are much higher than any previously published results. They show a rank dependence, whereby subbituminous coals have the highest propensity to spontaneous combustion (14.91-17.23 degreesC/h). A lignite sample has an R-70 value of 7.76 degreesC/h, and high-volatile bituminous B coals have R-70 values of 0.31-2.23 degreesC/h. Samples stored for 2 years show the same rank trend. The nature of this trend is most likely a function of the internal surface area of the coal that governs the available sites for oxidation. Calculating the Suggate rank; for any New Zealand coal can be used to rare its propensity to spontaneous combustion. Resin bodies in the subbituminous coal show no propensity to spontaneous combustion. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The IWA Anaerobic Digestion Model No 1 (ADM1)

The IWA Anaerobic Digestion Modelling Task Group was established in 1997 at the 8th World Congress on,Anaerobic Digestion (Sendai, Japan) with the goal of developing a generalised anaerobic digestion model. The structured model includes multiple steps describing biochemical as well as physicochemical processes. The biochemical steps include disintegration from homogeneous particulates to carbohydrates, proteins and lipids; extracellular hydrolysis of these particulate substrates to sugars, amino acids, and long chain fatty acids (LCFA), respectively; acidogenesis from sugars and amino acids to volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and hydrogen; acetogenesis of LCFA and VFAs to acetate; and separate methanogenesis steps from acetate and hydrogen/CO2. The physico-chemical equations describe ion association and dissociation, and gas-liquid transfer. Implemented as a differential and algebraic equation (DAE) set, there are 26 dynamic state concentration variables, and 8 implicit algebraic variables per reactor vessel or element. Implemented as differential equations (DE) only, there are 32 dynamic concentration state variables.

Analysis of the microbial community structure and function of a laboratory scale enhanced biological phosphorus removal reactor

A laboratory scale sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operating for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) and fed with a mixture of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) showed stable and efficient EBPR capacity over a four-year-period. Phosphorus (P), poly-beta-hydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and glycogen cycling consistent with classical anaerobic/aerobic EBPR were demonstrated with the order of anaerobic VFA uptake being propionate, acetate then butyrate. The SBR was operated without pH control and 63.67+/-13.86 mg P l(-1) was released anaerobically. The P% of the sludge fluctuated between 6% and 10% over the operating period (average of 8.04+/-1.31%). Four main morphological types of floc-forming bacteria were observed in the sludge during one year of in-tensive microscopic observation. Two of them were mainly responsible for anaerobic/aerobic P and PHA transformations. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and post-FISH chemical staining for intracellular polyphosphate and PHA were used to determine that 'Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis' was the most abundant polyphosphate accumulating organism (PAO), forming large clusters of coccobacilli (1.0-1.5 mum) and comprising 53% of the sludge bacteria. Also by these methods, large coccobacillus-shaped gammaproteobacteria (2.5-3.5 mum) from a recently described novel cluster were glycogen-accumulating organisms (GAOs) comprising 13% of the bacteria. Tetrad-forming organisms (TFOs) consistent with the 'G bacterium' morphotype were alphaproteobacteria , but not Amaricoccus spp., and comprised 25% of all bacteria. According to chemical staining, TFOs were occasionally able to store PHA anaerobically and utilize it aerobically.

Comparative evaluation of juvenoids for control of cat fleas (Siphonaptera : Pulicidae) in topsoil

The efficacy of a photostable formulation of methoprene and two photostable juvenoids, fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen, and their residual activity in inhibiting the emergence of adult cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche), was studied in topsoil. Nursery pots composed of clay, peat, and plastic, and wooden flats were used to hold soil samples. Treated soil samples were exposed to sunlight during the 63-d study period. Methoprene was as effective as fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen against cat fleas for up to 42 d in clay, peat, and plastic pots at a concentration of 64.56 mg (AI) /m(2) (6 mg [AI] /ft(2)), but its activity declined significantly thereafter. In contrast, fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen showed strong residual activity for the entire 63 d. The activity of methoprene declined even more rapidly over time in wooden flats, while at the same concentrations the other two juvenoids showed significant residual activity for 63 d. Clay, peat, and plastic pots were therefore considered to be equally effective for evaluating the outdoor efficacy of juvenoids in comparison to the wooden flats. However, results obtained with wooden flats may be more realistic when testing residual activity of volatile chemicals such as methoprene. Fenoxycarb and pyriproxyfen showed strong efficacy and residual activity at concentrations of 8.07, 16.14, and 32.28 mg (AI) /m(2), whereas methoprene did not cause a significant reduction of adult emergence at levels below 64.56 mg (AI) /m(2). LC50 values for methoprene, fenoxycarb, and pyriproxyfen needed for preventing flea emergence when applied to topsoil were estimated to be 0.643, 0.031, and 0.028 ppm, respectively.

Different mineralization styles in a volcanic-hosted ore deposit: the fluid and isotopic signatures of the Mt Morgan Au-Cu deposit, Australia

Quantitative laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS analyses of fluid inclusions, trace element chemistry of sulfides, stable isotope (S), and Pb isotopes have been used to discriminate the formation of two contrasting mineralization styles and to evaluate the origin of the Cu and Au at Mt Morgan. The Mt Morgan Au-Cu deposit is hosted by Devonian felsic volcanic rocks that have been intruded by multiple phases of the Mt Morgan Tonalite, a low-K, low-Al2O3 tonalite-trondhjemite-dacite (TTD) complex. An early, barren massive sulfide mineralization with stringer veins is conforming to VHMS sub-seafloor replacement processes, whereas the high-grade Au-Cu. ore is associated with a later quartz-chalcopyrite-pyrite stock work mineralization that is related to intrusive phases of the Tonalite complex. LA-ICP-MS fluid inclusion analyses reveal high As (avg. 8850 ppm) and Sb (avg. 140 ppm) for the Au-Cu mineralization and 5 to 10 times higher Cu concentration than in the fluids associated with the massive pyrite mineralization. Overall, the hydrothermal system of Mt Morgan is characterized by low average fluid salinities in both mineralization styles (45-80% seawater salinity) and temperatures of 210 to 270 degreesC estimated from fluid inclusions. Laser Raman Spectroscopic analysis indicates a consistent and uniform array Of CO2-bearing fluids. Comparison with active submarine hydrothermal vents shows an enrichment of the Mt Morgan fluids in base metals. Therefore, a seawater-dominated fluid is assumed for the barren massive sulfide mineralization, whereas magmatic volatile contributions are implied for the intrusive related mineralization. Condensation of magmatic vapor into a seawater-dominated environment explains the CO2 occurrence, the low salinities, and the enriched base and precious metal fluid composition that is associated with the Au-Cu. mineralization. The sulfur isotope signature of pyrite and chalcopyrite is composed of fractionated Devonian seawater and oxidized magmatic fluids or remobilized sulfur from existing sulfides. Pb isotopes indicate that Au and Cu. originated from the Mt Morgan intrusions and a particular volcanic strata that shows elevated Cu background. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Kinetic parameters associated with self-heating of New Zealand coals under adiabatic conditions

Adiabatic self-heating tests were carried out on five New Zealand coal samples ranging in rank from lignite to high-volatile bituminous. Kinetic parameters of oxidation were obtained front the self-heating curves assuming Arrhenius behaviour. The activation energy E (kJ mol(-1)) and the pre-exponential factor A (s(-1)) were determined in the temperature range of 70-140 degreesC. The activation energy exhibited a definite rank relationship with a minimum E of 55 kJ mol(-1) occurring at a Suggate rank of similar to6.2 corresponding to subbituminous C. Either side of this rank there was a noticeable increase in the activation energy indicating lower reactivity of the coal. A similar rank trend was also observed in the R-70 self-heating rate index values that were taken from the initial portion of the self-heating curve front 40 to 70 degreesC. From these results it is clear that the adiabatic method is capable of providing reliable kinetic parameters of coal oxidation.

Voluntary disclosure of forward-looking earnings forecasts in Australia

This study examines the voluntary disclosure of future earnings information in annual reports for Australian listed companies. We find that most Australian companies in our sample do not provide quantitative earnings, forecasts in their annual reports, although more than half of the sample do disclose forward-looking information relating to earnings, without specifically disclosing point estimates for the future. These companies mostly supply qualitative information with a positive bias, while the remainder of the sample discloses no forward-looking information relating to earnings. Our findings also suggest that larger companies with less volatile earnings tend to provide more future earnings information than smaller companies with relatively volatile earnings.

Surface stickiness of drops of carbohydrate and organic acid solutions during convective drying: Experiments and modeling

Drying kinetics of low molecular weight sugars such as fructose, glucose, sucrose and organic acid such as citric acid and high molecular weight carbohydrate such as maltodextrin (DE 6) were determined experimentally using single drop drying experiments as well as predicted numerically by solving the mass and heat transfer equations. The predicted moisture and temperature histories agreed with the experimental ones within 6% average relative (absolute) error and average difference of +/- 1degreesC, respectively. The stickiness histories of these drops were determined experimentally and predicted numerically based on the glass transition temperature (T-g) of surface layer. The model predicted the experimental observations with good accuracy. A nonsticky regime for these materials during spray drying is proposed by simulating a drop, initially 120 mum in diameter, in a spray drying environment.

Estudo da cinética de extração alcoólica durante o processamento de licor de banana

O licor é uma bebida obtida a partir da mistura de álcool, água, açúcar e compostos aromáticos que podem ser extraídos de ervas, frutas, chocolates entre outros, dando origem a vários tipos e sabores de bebida. A banana é uma fruta perecível, que é produzida durante o ano todo e destaca-se no setor do agronegócio capixaba, sendo, portanto, uma boa alternativa para produção de licor, de cor e sabor bem característicos. O aroma é formado por uma mistura complexa de substâncias e que desempenha papel importante na aceitação do licor. Sua caracterização é feita por técnicas cromatográficas avançadas, como o emprego de GC/MS, e constitui um procedimento indispensável para o desenvolvimento da bebida em destaque. Este estudo teve como objetivo principal analisar o processo de extração dos compostos da banana durante a etapa de infusão para a produção de licor de banana e caracterização química de voláteis do extrato. Foram testadas cinco formulações: 200 g, 400 g, 600 g, 800 g e 1000 g de banana para 1 L de álcool de cereais com graduação alcoólica de 92,8 °GL, para obtenção do extrato hidroalcoólico de banana. Na etapa de extração foram realizadas análises físico-químicas de cor, °Brix, índice de refração, pH e atividade de água. Essas análises permitem determinar a cinética de extração dos compostos, bem como o tempo necessário para sua estabilização. A partir dos extratos, foram produzidos licores misturando-se água, extrato e xarope de açúcar, em proporções para que o licor tivesse 30% (m.v-1) de açúcares adicionados e 18 °GL, e foram realizadas análises físico-químicas no licor recém-preparado e após 60 dias de armazenamento. A análise dos compostos voláteis foi realizada no extrato hidroalcoólico após 21 dias do tratamento 2 (400 g.L-1), tendo a extração desses compostos ocorrido por meio do SPME e injetado no GC/MS. Foi observado que a cinética de extração variou para cada concentração e com o tipo de composto extraído. O tratamento 2 foi o que possuiu melhores características comparado aos demais, pois nessa concentração foi percebida a estabilização da coordenada de cor b* e não foi observado aglomeração de banana. O tempo de estabilização foi de 11 dias e a coordenada de cor b* foi o parâmetro utilizado para determinar o final da extração. Houve variações nos valores das análises físico-químicas entre o tempo 0 e após 60 dias, que podem ter ocorrido devido a reações no processo de maturação. Não foram detectados compostos voláteis de interesse, necessitando de adaptação da metodologia utilizada para avaliação de aroma de extrato hidroalcoólico de banana.

Herbicidal activity of volatiles from coriander, winter savory, cotton lavender, and thyme isolated by hydrodistillation and supercritical fluid extraction

The volatiles from Coriandrum sativum L., Satureja montana L., Santolina chamaecyparissus L., and Thymus vulgaris L. were isolated by hydrodistillation (essential oil) and supercritical fluid extraction (volatile oil). Their effect on seed germination and root and shoot growth of the surviving seedlings of four crops (Zea mays L., Triticum durum L., Pisum sativum L., and Lactuca sativa L.) and two weeds (Portulaca oleracea L. and Vicia sativa L.) was investigated and compared with those of two synthetic herbicides, Agrocide and Prowl. The volatile oils of thyme and cotton lavender seemed to be promising alternatives to the synthetic herbicides because they were the least injurious to the crop species. The essential oil of winter savory, on the other hand, affected both crop and weeds and can be appropriate for uncultivated fields.

Composition and antioxidant activity of thymus vulgaris volatiles: comparison between supercritical fluid extraction and hydrodistillation

Supercritical fluid extraction (SEE) of the volatile oil from Thymus vulgaris L. aerial flowering parts was performed under different conditions of pressure, temperature, mean particle size and CO2 flow rate and the correspondent yield and composition were compared with those of the essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation (HD). Both the oils were analyzed by GC and GC-MS and 52 components were identified. The main volatile components obtained were p-cymene (10.0-42.6% for SFE and 28.9-34.8% for HD), gamma-terpinene (0.8-6.9% for SFE and 5.1-7.0% for HD), linalool (2.3-5.3% for SFE and 2.8-3.1% for HD), thymol (19.5-40.8% for SFE and 35.4-41.6% for HD), and carvacrol (1.4-3.1% for SFE and 2.6-3.1% for HD). The main difference was found to be the relative percentage of thymoquinone (not found in the essential oil) and carvacryl methyl ether (1.0-1.2% for HD versus t-0.4 for SFE) which can explain the higher antioxidant activity, assessed by Rancimat test, of the SFE volatiles when compared with HD. Thymoquinone is considered a strong antioxidant compound.