Dual Process Models and Information Engagement: Testing Effects of Seeking, Scanning, and Trust in Sources on Attitudes Toward Marijuana

This study uses a three-wave prospective longitudinal survey (at 6-month intervals) to test effects of information seeking and scanning on attitudes toward marijuana among college students in Israel (N = 700). We integrate constructs from the elaboration likelihood model to contrast processes of attitude change among individuals who vary in moderators of information processing depth (motivation and ability). In addition, we test whether trust in the information source moderates these processes, and use propensity score matching to reduce bias. Results of autoregressive cross-lagged structural equation models show that scanning from interpersonal sources predicted attitudes toward marijuana among individuals who were low in elaboration motivation or ability. Seeking and scanning information about marijuana from interpersonal sources were positively associated with attitudes toward marijuana among individuals higher in elaboration motivation and ability, who had greater trust in the source. Implications for information processing models, seeking and scanning, and campaigns are discussed.

Nanosecond-Fiber Laser Cutting and Finishing Process for Manufacturing Polycrystalline Diamond-Cutting Tool Blanks

This paper presents a nanosecond-fiber-laser-based method for manufacturing polycrystalline-diamond (PCD) tool blanks. The effects of variations in the process path and operating parameters on the cut-surface morphology and surface-quality of the processed PCD workpieces have been analyzed. The results obtained in this study reveal the reactive fusion cutting mechanism to yield a processing depth of 155.2 µm at 30-W average laser power, 200-ns pulse width, and 30-kHz pulse frequency. The successful cutting of a 1.2-mm-thick PCD workpiece via implementation of the horizontal-shifting and vertical layer–by-layer processing methods is reported. Compared to the wire-electrical-discharge machining (WEDM), the proposed approach yields superior cut-surface roughness (Ra = 0.378 µm). Moreover, the laser processing was performed on a single-axis curved stage, on which the workpiece placed at an inclination during laser cutting and finishing. Thus, a PCD insert with an orthogonally cut edge, flat and pit-free finishing surface, and excellent tool-surface roughness (Ra = 0.202 µm) was obtained, thereby verifying the feasibility of the proposed approach. Furthermore, it is evident that the nanosecond-fiber laser can be used to not only cut and finish PCD inserts but also produce PCD workpieces oriented at different rake and clearance angles.

IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE FUNCTIONING OF GAS PIPELINES, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF GAS FLOWS

The multi-phase and different composition of gas flows during the development of offshore oil and gas-condensate fields leads to high costs of energy in the system of in-field storage and transportation of well products. The analysis of the existing storage and transportation systems of gas-condensate mixtures shows that the geophysical nature and complexity of the internal structure of the transported fluids must be taken into account when choosing the mode parameters and calculation schemes of the pipelines. High-speed gas lines can be operated in a so-called "dry" mode, in which the liquid is carried along with the gas, the pipeline profile is relatively straight, without ups and downs. In this case, the formation of so-called "stagnant zones" in the pipeline is excluded. However, if the processing depth of the gas does not allow it to be transported in a single-phase state, then the condensing gas factor manifests itself. The hydraulic characteristics of vertical ups and downs on offshore pipelines are complicated, and pipelines are often filled with water and condensate. As a result, the pressure in the pipeline increases and the location of the collection point for condensing gases away from the production site can cause major problems. If we characterize oil and gas-condensate flows as a dynamic system in which alternating structural changes take place, the question of whether these systems are fractal is of great scientific interest. Based on the change in the fractal value, it is possible to diagnose structural changes during the transportation of various systems, including condensing gases in the pipelines. In this article the modes of change of basic parameters of a gas flow (pressure, flow rate and temperature) on various lines of a gas pipeline for the purpose of the producing of diagnostic criterion for revealing of liquid inclusions as a part of transported gas are investigated in this article. It is established, that in the presence of liquid inclusions at movement of gas flows there are the structural changes peculiar to fluid systems, systems which can be identified by variations of fractal dimensions of flowcharacteristics. Studies have shown that the study of the dynamics of structural changes in gas flows can play a role in diagnosing the formation of liquid phase embryos in gas pipelines. For this purpose, diagnostics for the movement of gas streams accompanied by liquid deposits in the pipelines has been proposed.

Integrated processing and interpretation to image and derisk a carbonate reservoir clouded by shallow gas — A case study from offshore Vietnam

Carbonate reservoirs are increasingly becoming an important resource for hydrocarbon production because they contain the majority of remaining proven oil and gas reserves. In this context, carbonate reservoirs could represent new opportunities; however, there is still a lack of understanding of their subsurface status and characterization. Carbonate reservoirs are more difficult to evaluate than their siliciclastic counterparts because many aspects of carbonate rocks make their seismic image signature complex and difficult to interpret. Moreover, the presence of complex overburden such as shallow gas accumulation can exacerbate amplitude and phase fidelity at the reservoir, which introduces an additional imaging challenge. This makes field development of carbonate reservoirs extremely difficult because field development requires detailed delineation of characteristic karst features to avoid drilling hazards and sudden water breakthrough. In this paper, we demonstrate that a tight integration of signal processing, depth model building, and imaging, as well as near-real-time seismic interpretation feedback, is the key to success for imaging complex carbonate reservoirs with overburden challenges. Our findings show that such an integrated approach can result in a substantially better image, reduced depth uncertainty, and better delineation of karst and fractures. It can also aid in well placement and improve reservoir property modeling.

Agrotechnical and Energy Performance of Tillage Tools

Introduction. One of the areas of agricultural production is crop production. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account all available possibilities of reducing the energy consumption and labor required for tillage operations that can be achieved by using energy efficient tillage tools. Materials and Methods. In the course of the research, an agrotechnical and energy assessment of the technological process of soil cultivation performed by tillage tools was carried out. The agrotechnical assessment includes identifying the indicators of unevenness of the tillage tool travel depth, soil pulverization, ridging, and the content of erosion threatening particles. As an energy assessment, the indicator of draught created by a tillage tool was taken. The researches were carried out for various configurations of the chisel cultivators with flat and curved hoes, and elements made of polymer. Results. The data of agricultural assessment and draught of chisel cultivators were obtained for various agricultural backgrounds: winter wheat stubble with preliminary disking in one track, winter barley stubble with preliminary disking in one track, and autumn fallow on the background. Discussion and Conclusion. According to the results of the research, it was found that, in terms of quality indicators, the tillage tools meet the agrotechnical requirements for a given processing depth of 25–35 cm. The operation of the chisel equipped with a curved hoe is characterized by the highest presence of clods up to 5 cm (91–96%). The ridge height was 6.8–8.0 cm for all tillage tools. It has been established that the tillage tools are advisable to be uses for anti-erosion soil cultivation. In terms of preserving plant and crop residues, a chisel with a curved hoe providing their content by 9.5–28.6% more than with a polymer of 13.2–14.3%. The chisel with polymer has the smallest draught of 7.6 kN, which is 18.28% lower in comparison with tillage tools equipped with a flat hoe.

Shape-Based Alignment of the Scanned Objects Concerning Their Asymmetric Aspects

We introduce an integrated method for processing depth maps measured by a laser profile sensor. It serves for the recognition and alignment of an object given by a single example. Firstly, we look for potential object contours, mainly using the Retinex filter. Then, we select the actual object boundary via shape comparison based on Triangle Area Representation (TAR). We overcome the limitations of the TAR method by extension of its shape descriptor. That is helpful mainly for objects with symmetric shapes but other asymmetric aspects like squares with asymmetric holes. Finally, we use point-to-point pairing, provided by the extended TAR method, to calculate the 3D rigid affine transform that aligns the scanned object to the given example position. For the transform calculation, we design an algorithm that overcomes the Kabsch point-to-point algorithm’s accuracy and accommodates it for a precise contour-to-contour alignment. In this way, we have implemented a pipeline with features convenient for industrial use, namely production inspection.

Processability of Different Polymer Fractions Recovered from Mixed Wastes and Determination of Material Properties for Recycling

To achieve future recycling targets and CO2 and waste reduction, the transfer of plastic contained in mixed waste from thermal recovery to mechanical recycling is a promising option. This requires extensive knowledge of the necessary processing depth of mixed wastes to enrich plastics and their processability in polymer processing machines. Also, the selection of a suitable processing method and product application area requires appropriate material behaviour. This paper investigates these aspects for a commercial processed, mixed waste, and two different mixed polyolefin fractions. The wastes are processed at different depths (e.g., washed/not washed, sorted into polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene/unsorted) and then either homogenised in the extruder in advance or processed heterogeneously in the compression moulding process into plates. The produced recyclates in plate form are then subjected to mechanical, thermal, and rheological characterisation. Most investigated materials could be processed with simple compression moulding. The results show that an upstream washing process improves the achievable material properties, but homogenisation does not necessarily lead to an improvement. It was also found that a higher treatment depth (recovery of plastic types) is not necessary. The investigations show that plastic waste recovery with simple treatment from mixed, contaminated wastes into at least downcycling products is possible.

Front-mounted plow for smooth, non-furrow plowing with offsets

The purpose of the study was the development of a front plow with angle clamps, which performs, smooth plowing. The authors have developed an improved front plow with angle clamps. The constructive scheme of the plow has been given. The basic principles and methods of classical mechanics, mathematical analysis and statistics were used in this study. Experimental studies have justified the processing depth within the limits of 10-12. 5 cm and the width of the capture of the angle is within the range of 7.5-10 cm. Economic tests have established that the developed front plow reliably performs the specified technological process and its performance indicators meet agrotechnical requirements. The use of a frontal plow for smooth, plowing provides a reduction in direct costs for processing 1 hectare of area compared to the technical means used by 26.8%.

Family of universal high-speed cultivators UKS

At present, when cultivating various agricultural crops, there is an increased load of machine-tractor units on the soil horizon, due to the use of multi-operational tillage technology. The family of universal high-speed cultivators UKS of 10-, 12- and 14-meters working width simultaneously performs the following technological operations: loosening without turning the layer with cutting and combing out weeds, as well as compacting and mulching the soil surface. UKS cultivators include the following structural elements: a frame with a hitch, a hydraulic system, a disc bar, a frame consisting of the middle and side sections and wings on the transverse bars of which there are five rows of duckfoot paws, support-running wheels, and a scraper frame with seals. In the course of field research of the developed universal high-speed cultivators, it was established that their quality indicators correspond to the agrotechnical requirements: the deviation of the processing depth from the average does not exceed 1.5 cm; the presence of ridges on the surface of the field less than 3 cm high; the number of fractions less than 25 mm in size (crumbling) was more than 80%; crop and plant residues remained on the surface of the field by at least 80%.