State-of-the-art of the Australian thin bed concrete structural masonry

With a view to minimising the spiraling labour costs, the concrete masonry industry is developing thin layer mortar technology (known as thin bed technology) collaboratively with Queensland University of Technology. Similar technologies are practiced in Europe mainly for clay brick masonry; in the UK thin layer mortared concrete masonry has been researched under commercial contract with limited information published. This paper presents numerous experimental data generated over the past three years. It is shown that this form of masonry requires special drymixed mortar containing a minimum of 2% polymer for improved workability and blocks with tighter height tolerance, both of which might increase the cost of these constituent materials. However, through semiskilled labour, tools to dispense and control the thickness of mortar and the associated increase in productivity, reduction to the overall costs of this form of construction can be achieved. Further the polymer mortar provides several advantages: (1) improved sustainability due to dry curing and (2) potential to construct mortar layers of 2mm thickness and (3) ability for mechanisation of mortar application and control of thickness without the need for skilled labour.

The art of the positive pas de deux : putting positive psychology into dance!

Performance psychology has more recently included a focus on applied practice within the performing arts, and specifically the dance industry. Whilst the use of psychology within this field has been occurring for a number of years, it has primarily taken its cues from the area of sport psychology or clinical psychology when dealing with ‘problems’ (e.g. eating disorders). What has been evident with the more recent introduction of positive psychology concepts with this population is the observed responsiveness from dancers towards a strengths-based approach. The aim of the inclusion of these frameworks has been to assist in increasing the empowerment, personal responsibility and effectiveness of the dancers’ psychological preparation and skills in the area of performance – whether on stage or off.

Compilation of documents for the development of a state of art of the investigation of perdurability

A través del estudio y la investigación basados en bibliografía de diversas nacionalidades que data desde la década de los setenta hasta la actualidad, ha sido posible analizar la tendencia académica de las investigaciones acerca la Perdurabilidad. Esta recolección de estudios es una fuente de información para todos aquellos que deseen tener un entendimiento más profundo acerca de la teoría que sostiene el concepto de Perdurabilidad. A lo largo de esta investigación, el lector encontrará un conjunto de varios autores de distintas nacionalidades que abordaron el tema de la Perdurabilidad bajo alguna de sus concepciones (longevidad, resistencia, supervivencia); lo que permite tener una visión más amplia acerca de la importancia de ciertos estudios de acuerdo a su origen y contexto cultural. Es importante resaltar que esta investigación es netamente teórica con el propósito de aclarar el concepto de Perdurabilidad y facilitar futuras investigaciones acerca de este tema