bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Institutional and Operational Knowledge in Work
Authors: Bishop James M.
Published: March 2007

A drstinction is made between institutionalized occupational knowledge and operational knowledge applied in work. On this basis, a broadly conceived "sensitizing" framework for the analysis of operational knowledge and its sources is developed. Operational knowledge, based on the practitioner's sense of certaintv concerning objects and events encountered in work, varies in terms of the complex interactive influences of (I) institutionalized knowledge in the occupation and its degree of adequacv, (2) characteristics of formal socialization programs; (3) socialization outcomes; and (4) conditions associated with the workplace. These components combine at the level of the occupational task to produce varied forms of operational knowledge among practitioners in the same occupation.
The Effect of Executive and Professional Membership Values on the Timing and Influence of Structural Innovation in Religious Organizations
Authors: Szafran Robert F.
Published: March 2007

The impact of the values of the executive officer and of the professional membership on structural rnnovation is examined using a sample of U.S. Catholic diocesan organizations in the process of creating clergy personnel boards. The professionals' tolerance for change had a significant positive impact on the timing of the adoption of the innovation, the executive's tolerance for change had a significant positive impact on the new unit's influence during its first year. This consistent division of influence is seen as a mechanism to minimize conflict between the bureaucratic and professional elements in the organization. The professionals obtain the appearance of change while the executive retains control of the power structure.
Antecedents of Organizational Commitment Among Hospital Nurses
Authors: Brief Arthur P. , Aldag Ramon J.
Published: March 2007

Two sets of variables (affective reactions to attributes of the hospital nurse's job and attributes of the nurse) were predicted to be related to organizational commitment. Regression analysis was applied to the statistically significant correlates (satisfaction with work itself, supervision, promotional opportunities, and coworkers; and age, basic nursing education, adherence to Protestant work ethic ideals, and a gauge of family responsibilities) found in a sample of 131 registered hospital nurses. The model was cross-validated in a second sample of 130 nurses; 42% of the variance in commitment was explained by the model. The theoretical and practical significance of the findings is discussed.
Strong Ties and Job Information
Authors: Murray Stephen O. , Rankin Joseph H. , Magill Dennis W.
Published: March 2007

Contrary to Granovetter's hypothesis that salient job information derives from "weak ties" (acquaintances), this study of 299 social and physical scientists at one Canadian and one U.S. university reveals that "strong ties" (intimates) were approximately seven times more prevalent than "weak ties." Furthermore, with only one exception (U.S. graduates who obtained Canadian academic positions), the reliance on "weak ties" for job information declined from 1920 to 1978. Although a greater amount of job information can be obtained through weak ties, the problem is to locate only the few openings for which one would be seriously considered and would consider accepting. Long lists of undesirable unobtainable positions are of little interest. Thus, it is more efficient to rely on a few intimate colleagues (strong ties) in seeking employment.
Sources and Levels of Commitment in Actors' Careers
Authors: LAYDER DEREK
Published: March 2007

This article analyzes the different sources and levels of occupational commitment of professional actors and actresses in England. The sources and levels of commitment are seen to be linked to different segments of the internal labor market in acting, which provides the economic underpinning of actors' careers. The closer actors and actresses move to the apex of the hierarchy, the more positive sources of commitment become available to them.
Structural Relationships among Facets of Work, Nonwork, and General Well-Being
Authors: BERGERMAIER RENÉ , BORG INGWER , CHAMPOUX JOSEPH E.
Published: March 2007

Past research on the spillover, compensatory, and no-relationship models has not helped to discover the structural relationships among facets of work, nonwork, and general well-being. A more comprehensive approach is presented and illustrated with data from three empirical studies of German workers. Work is shown to be a less important contributor to general well-being than other facets of life space. Implications for quality of work life interventions and research are discussed.
Components of Occupational Prestige Evaluations
Authors: ADLER ISRAEL , KRAUS VERED
Published: March 2007

This article addresses perceptual aspects of occupational prestige evaluations. The data presented are based on the evaluation of a set of occupational categories on six dimensions: power and influence, value to society, standard of living, initiative and autonomy, skills and knowledge, and social standing. Based on individual-level data, we present correlations among these dimensions. These correlations are appreciably lower than those previously published, based on aggregate data. Regression equations were estimated for each individual in the sample, predicting social standing from the other five dimensions. The mean R2 in these equations is .760. The highest weight in these equations is assigned to the dimension of skills and knowledge. Value to society is assigned a zero weight. The mean regression coefficients display invariance across various subsamples.
Are Women Workers “Hard to Organize”?
Authors: MOORE THOMAS S.
Published: March 2007

This article examines the male-female difference in propensity to unionize. Logit analysis is used to estimate a series of voter predisposition equations for the unorganized employees included in a national survey of working conditions. Measures of employee background, labor force location, and family responsibilities are included as explanatory variables. The results indicate that women are more likely than men to desire union representation, a difference attributable in part to more favorable beliefs and attitudinal valence regarding unions. The tendency of previous analysts to infer the propensities of women workers from union membership differences is criticized, and the implications for unionism of the changing sex composition of the work force are discussed.
Numerical Control Machining and the Issue of Deskilling
Authors: Zicklin Gilbert
Published: March 2007

Empirical research and analytic thinking about the effects of numerical control (NC) machining on the skills of machinists present a mixed view of the issue. Some researchers and analysts report that the operation of NC equipment requires more overall skill than that of conventional machines, while others suggest that only the types of skills may be different. Still others claim that a radical deskilling of machinists has been taking place. Differences in definition of skill account for some divergent views, but the issue is more than semantic. Interviews with a small group of machinists experienced in both conventional and NC matching suggest that seven major factors affect whether the introduction of NC machining leads to a change in overall skill level or in the skill mix. The interview data do not support the deskilling hypothesis.
Age Differences in Work Involvement
Authors: LORENCE JON
Published: March 2007

Utilizing cross-sectional and panel data from the 1972-1973 and 1977 Quality of Employment surveys, this article investigates three explanations of age differences in work involvement. Differences in cohort and job characteristics appear to be more plausible determinants of differences in psychological involvement with a specific job, while overall subjective commitment to the labor force may be more influenced by developmental aging processes. However, the effects of age on the general work role may vary by gender and occupation, thus suggesting that the nature of developmental aging processes are partially a function of an individual's position in the social structure.
Organizational Recruitment as a Two-Stage Process
Authors: MARX JONATHAN
Published: March 2007

A lack of consensus exists on the relationship between modernization and formalization in organizational recruitment. The absence of agreement is partially a product of the failure to examine recruitment as a dual process of information dispersion and selection. After empirically examining recruitment as a two-stage process in Detroit and Yokohama, it was found that the discrepant findings are in part a result of different temporal focus in the recruitment process by researchers. The article points to the necessity of studying the entire recruitment process and the need to isolate the contingencies that shape the character of employee acquisition.
The Instrumentally Oriented Factory Worker
Authors: LOSCOCCO KARYN A.
Published: March 2007

The factory worker has long been identified as instrumentally oriented to work (viewing work as a means to achieve economic ends), yet we still have relatively little understanding of what he or she values from work and why. With work orientation reconceptualized as the extent to which individuals value economic as well as intrinsic job rewards, the joint impact of personal and work-related properties on the extrinsic and intrinsic work values of factory workers are examined systematically. The survey results are consistent with theoretical arguments deriving from different perspectives: The extent to which such workers value each type of reward is affected partially by their general values and their perceptions of needs, which are a result of nonwork social position. In addition, the character of the job has an important impact, since people tend to value what is most available from work. These conclusions are buttressed by information from intensive interviews. The notion that factory workers are instrumentally oriented to work is rejected.
New Organizational Forms
Authors: HEYDEBRAND WOLF V.
Published: March 2007

A definition of organizational form is proposed in terms of labor power, the object, means, and division of labor, and the control of labor at the organizational and institutional level. A number of typological approaches are then reviewed, focusing on the delineation of new organizational forms. The central hypothesis is that new organizational forms are emerging as a result of the transition from industrial to postindustrial capitalism. This hypothesis is elaborated by means of a number of historical and structural subhypotheses specifying the links between corporate dynamics and postbureaucratic organizational forms, the role of computer-integrated production in the internalization and replacement of external, bureaucratic rules by software, and the role of an ideology of responsiveness in service organizations and government agencies. Finally, six characteristics emphasizing the flexibility of postbureaucratic, technocratic organizational forms are examined: informalism, universalism, weak classification and framing of options, loose coupling, interdependence and networking, and the propagation of a corporate culture to counteract the centrifugal and deconstructive tendencies of structural flexibility. In contrast to the technical rationalization of work by computers, these elements of structural flexibility are seen as a form of social rationalization.
Mobility Potential and Job Satisfaction
Authors: MORRIS JOAN M. , VILLEMEZ WAYNE J.
Published: March 2007

Data from a dual employee-employer survey are used to investigate the extent to which employees' predictions of the mobility potential of their jobs affects their job satisfaction. Based on a match between the employee's and employer's assessments of the job's mobility potential, systematic variation by “match” groupings was found. Males more often than females match their employers' assessments of their jobs as providing mobility potential, and those in matched categories, whether mobile or not, have similar levels of job satisfaction. In addition, a great deal more variance in job satisfaction can be explained for workers who say their jobs do not have mobility potential than for others.
Customized Training in the Workplace
Authors: HODSON RANDY , HOOKS GREGORY , RIEBLE SABINE
Published: March 2007

Rapid changes in manufacturing technology and procedures have created a need for additional training for workers. Traditional postsecondary school vocational training is generally perceived as not adequately meeting this need because vocational training programs quickly become obsolete. Customized labor training, typically implemented at the workplace, is a possible alternative to vocational training. Such training programs are frequently oriented toward specific organizational needs rather than general skill development. In-depth interviews with personnel directors, trainers, and worker-students in 20 organizations using customized labor training programs specified three different settings that entail different background conditions and outcomes for customized training: large, unionized monopoly sector firms that have developed intensive training programs; smaller, periphery sector firms that use state support for training largely as a subsidy to underwrite initial orientation costs for workers; and new starts, many of them Japanese owned, that substitute training in communication skills and group processes for training in specific job skills. The implications of these different settings for the future of customized labor training are discussed.
Work Careers and Organizational Careers
Authors: KRECKER MARGARET L.
Published: March 2007

The tendencies for older workers and more senior workers to exhibit lower rates of job mobility than their counterparts who are, respectively, younger and less senior, have a long history in labor market research. Yet little attention has been given to the distinct career processes underlying these observed patterns. Drawing on perspectives from life-course and organizational sociology, the author argues that age and tenure are markers of the temporal structures, or timetables, that underlie individual and organizational work careers. These timetables provide incentives for maintaining the employment relationship by allocating organizational rewards over time or by defining normative points of entry into and exit from the labor force. They also intersect as workers initiate new organizational careers at different ages. This “loose-coupling” between individual and organizational career patterns and its effects on job mobility can be represented empirically by the interaction between age and tenure. Using data from the 1977 Quality of Employment Survey, the author shows that short- and long-term seniority consistently strengthen attachment among older workers, but tenure has weaker effects at younger ages. Additional analyses show that similar patterns prevail among men, but the relationship between individual and organizational careers is less consequential for women's attachment behavior.
Causes and Consequences of Women's Employment Discontinuity, 1967-1973
Authors: FELMLEE DIANE H.
Published: March 2007

Using a sample of young White women from 1967 to 1973, this research finds support for the hypothesis that a single break in employment has immediate, adverse effects on occupational attainment. Job changes that were interrupted by an employment break yielded significantly lower gains in wages and job status than did uninterrupted job shifts and had relatively higher rates of downward job mobility. A critical factor was marital status, with married women having significantly higher rates of interrupted job mobility and significantly lower rates of uninterrupted job mobility. Structural explanations for the negative consequences of employment discontinuity are contrasted with a human capital explanation.
Labor and Post-Fordist Industrial Restructuring in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: DEYO FREDERIC C.
Published: March 2007

By a variety of measures, East Asian trade unionism remains numerically weak and politically ineffectual despite continuing industrial deepening in the region. Although political explanations go some distance in explaining this weakness, the new competitive strategies of firms have played an increasingly important role in undercutting and preempting organized labor. This article explores the impact of new strategies of flexible production, and of their developmental timing, for emergent labor movements across the region.
To Cut or Not to Cut
Authors: van den BERG AXEL , MASI ANTHONY C. , SMITH MICHAEL R. , SMUCKER JOSEPH
Published: March 2007

This article provides an empirical assessment of the social psychological underpinnings of arguments that link labor market security to wage flexibility. We employ data from two surveys of blue-collar manufacturing workers, one from Canada and the other from Sweden, that were conducted by the respective national statistics agencies. The dependent variable is a dichotomy tapping respondents' willingness to take a wage cut to save their jobs. Independent variables index a variety of objective and subjective labor market conditions and experiences. We test two hypotheses. The first, that Canadians should be more willing than Swedes to accept a pay cut, is amply supported. The second, that observed differences between Swedes and Canadians should be due to higher levels of anxiety about labor market prospects among the latter, found no support whatsoever in our logistic regression analyses. We conclude with speculative alternative explanations and suggestions for additional comparative research.
The Technological Foundations of Task-Coordinating Structures in New Work Organizations
Authors: ZETKA JAMES R.
Published: March 2007

The significance of the movement to decentralize workplace authority is hotly debated. Drawing from a case study of the impact of video technology on surgical work, this article provides conceptual clarity to the debate by specifying the technological determinants of two distinct task-coordinating structures found in decentralized work units. The first involves unilateral control by the dominant actor in the work team. It is effective when tasks are segmented and when coordination occurs in a natural, face-to-face context. The second structure involves the formation of teams with particularistic, group-based coordination skills. This team-based structure is demanded when outputs are produced collectively in tightly coupled units, and the task unit coordinates its collective actions through complex information-mediating technology.
Delamination Fatigue Crack Growth in Unidirectional Graphite/Epoxy Laminates
Authors: Gustafson Claes-Göran , Hojo Masaki
Published: March 2007

Delamination fatigue crack growth experiments were carried out on unidirectional T300/914 C Graphite/Epoxy laminates. Both mode I and mixed mode (mode I and mode II in combination) situations were investigated for the stress ratios R = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5. Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) specimens were used for the pure mode I tests and Cracked Lap Shear (CLS) specimens were used for the mixed mode tests. The initial delaminations were produced by inserting 0.03 mm thick PTFE films during laminate layup. The cyclic loading of the specimens was carried out at a frequency of 5 Hz and with a constant stress ratio maintained throughout the test. It was found that the mode I cyclic crack growth rate yielded a power law relationship between da/dN and the cyclic variation in the energy release rate ΔGI. This relation was virtually independent of the stress ratio, at least for 0.1 < R < 0.5. The mixed mode results showed a similar power law relation between da/dN and Δ(G I + GII). Here a small stress ratio dependence was observed. The data were fitted to two alternative power law crack growth relations. Knowing the ratio of GIlGII and with the assumption that the mode I and mode II contributions of crack growth were additive, it was possible to formulate a crack growth relationship of:
Moisture Absorption Characteristics of Aramid-Epoxy Composites
Authors: Verpoest Ignaas , Springer George S.
Published: March 2007

Tests were conducted measuring the changes in weight of aramid fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites during exposure to humid air. Composites containing surface treated fibers and composites containing fibers without surface treatment were tested. In addition, for the purpose of comparison, the weight changes of glass fiber reinforced epoxy com posites and pure epoxy were measured. From the weight change data the values of the maximum moisture contents and diffusivities were determined. The effects of fiber surface treatment on the moisture absorption characteristics of the aramid fiber reinforced com posite were assessed. An expression was developed for estimating the transverse diffu sivities of composites from the known resin and fiber properties when fibers absorb a sig nificant amount of moisture.
Dynamic Dielectric Analysis for Nondestructive Cure Monitoring and Process Control
Authors: Kranbuehl D. , Haverty P. , Hoff M. , Hoffman R.D. , Godfrey J.J.
Published: March 2007

A rapid, convenient and accurate experimental technique has been devel oped for evaluating continuously, in-situ and on-line, the cure process of thermoset resins. The technique is based on the development of a small inert sensor which is used to make continuous, uninterrupted measurements of the frequency dependence of the resin's im pedance in the Hz to 10 MHz region throughout the entire cure process. This technique is used to monitor the viscosity and the rate of cure of unsaturated polyester and epoxy resins both in a laboratory and a production environment. In particular, the effect of resin thickness and initiator concentration are discussed.
An Analytical Model for Estimating the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of Random Fiber Reinforced Composites
Authors: Yalvaç S. , Tatistcheff E.M.
Published: March 2007

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of random glass fiber rein forced polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) composites prepared using the patented aqueous wet laid process has been measured over a temperature range of 150°C (from -40°C to 110°C). It was found that there were two CTE values for both PE and PP/glass fiber filled composites in this range, namely a low temperature value (from —40°C to a transition value) and a high temperature value (from the transition temperature to 110°C). Predictions were calculated from a model based on Halpin-Pagano laminate analogy, the Halpin-Tsai equations, and Schapery's energy method. Excellent estimates were obtained for the CTE values of PE and PP matrix random fiber composites with varying length and volume fraction of short glass fibers. A computer program developed for the analysis of the data significantly reduced the analysis time.
Modified One-Dimensional Fickean Solution for Moisture Absorption in Composites
Authors: Upadhyay P.C. , Mishra A.
Published: March 2007

In this paper an empirical modification in the one-dimensional Fickean solution of moisture absorption by composites has been suggested. Certain physical factors due to which actual process of moisture diffusion in composites differs from the classical diffusion descnbed by Fick's law have been discussed. It is shown that most of the factors which attnbute to the differences between the theoretical prediction and the observed be havior can be accounted for, just by incorporating some parameters in the Fickean solution itself.
Impact Behavior of Hybrid-Fiber and Hybrid-Matrix Composites
Authors: Wang C.J. , Jang B.Z. , Panus J. , Valaire B.T.
Published: March 2007

Fracture behavior of advanced interlaminar hybrid composites has been investigated. Single-matrix/double-fiber, double-matrix/single-fiber, and double-matrix/ double-fiber hybrids as well as their single-fiber/single-matrix control versions were stud ied. The addition of glass fiber-PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) laminas in graphite fiber-PPS composites was found to be effective in improving the impact resistance of the material. As the percentage of glass fibers increased, so did the maximum load tolerated and impact energies absorbed by the material. The intermixing of glass- and graphite-fiber plies also helped decrease the sudden catastrophic failure mode, which is usually associated with graphite-fiber composites. This was due to the extra strain energy dissipated by massive delamination and the subsequent crack blunting mechanism. Adding thermoplastic PPS fiber laminas in epoxy/graphite fiber plies was also found to enhance the impact energy ab sorption capability of the otherwise brittle thermoset composites. Different extents of delamination and thickness-direction cracking were observed with different combinations of fibers and matrices. In comparison to the epoxy-based composites, the PPS-based materials, with poorer fiber-matrix bonding, generally showed a greater level of interfacial debonding and fiber pull-out. Visual and SEM examination of the double-matrix hybrid samples also showed large amounts of ply- and fiber-matrix debonding. The bonding be tween dissimilar laminas was not as strong as that between similar matrix plies, resulting in excessive delamination. This was confirmed in post-impact three-point bending tests where the damage tolerance of the double-matrix hybrids was inferior to that of the single- matrix composites.
The Influence of Layer Waviness on the Stress State in Hydrostatically Loaded Cylinders: Failure Predictions
Authors: Telegadas H.K. , Hyer M.W.
Published: March 2007

This paper extends the work of two previous papers by using the stress analysis techniques described in those papers to predict the failure pressure of imperfect thick multilayer composite cylinders, the imperfection being due to layer waviness. The past work is briefly reviewed and then the discussion focuses on failure predictions. The maximum stress failure criterion is used. Waves of varying length and amplitude are con sidered. Failure pressures in the presence of waviness are compared with failure pressures for perfect cylinders. Failure mode and location are predicted. Residual thermal stresses due to curing are included in the analysis. The results indicate that the primary modes of failure are fiber compression or interlaminar shear. Fiber compression stresses are aggravated due to the eccentricities associated with waviness. Interlaminar shear stresses occur due both to the geometry of the wave, and to the shear-extension coupling associated with local anisotropy of the material. A third failure mode, interlaminar normal tension, is also possible. Residual thermal stresses influence failure to some degree. Finally, it is shown that because of the higher stresses at the inner radial location of a thick cylinder, mild levels of waviness occurring away from the inner radial location have no influence on failure.
Optimum Design of Composite Laminates against Delamination by Ranking
Authors: Issac Jason Cherian , Rao K.P.
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we describe a method for the optimum design of fibre rein forced composite laminates against delamination. The software developed based on this method designs laminates so that they are not susceptible to delamination when subjected to a bi-cubic distribution of inplane and/or bending loads. The laminated plate which is made of repeated sublaminates is assumed to be thin and of symmetric construction. Various layup schemes are evaluated based on the classical plate theory and quadratic delamination criterion for the interlaminar stresses developed in the laminate under load ing conditions. The optimum layup sequence which exhibits the least propensity to delaminate and the number of sublaminates required are obtained Further, a ply-drop round-off scheme is adopted to arrive at an optimum laminate thickness. As an example, a family of 0/90/45/—45 bi-directional lamination schemes are examined for different types of loads and the gains in optimising the ply orientations in a sublaminate are demon strated.
A Plate Finite Element for Modeling Delaminations
Authors: Sankar B.V. , Rao V.S.
Published: March 2007

Laminate constitutive relations are derived for a composite plate, the midplane of which is offset from the reference x-y plane. The equations are similar to the conventional laminates except that the definition of the [ A], [ B], and [ D] matrices are dif ferent. This offsetting procedure is convenient for finite element modeling of delamina tions. Starting with the three-dimensional J-integral, an expression for strain energy release rate for delaminations is derived. Unlike the crack closure method, the G can be derived with one single computation; further, the distribution of G along the delamination front can also be obtained. The method is illustrated for an anisotropic DCB specimen.
Large Deflection Elastic and Inelastic Transient Analyses of Composite and Sandwich Plates with a Refined Theory
Authors: Kommineni J.R. , Kant T.
Published: March 2007

A C° continuous finite element formulation of a higher order displacement theory is presented for predicting linear and non-linear transient responses of composite and sandwich plates. The geometric non-linearity is accounted for in the sense of von Kar man assumptions and the material behaviour is assumed as elasto-perfectly plastic. The elasto-perfectly plastic material behaviour is incorporated using the flow theory of plastic ity. In particular, the modified version of Hill's initial yield criterion with amsotropic pa rameters of plasticity is used. The layered approach is adopted to account for the plasticity through the thickness of the plate. The displacement model accounts for non-linear cubic variation of tangential displacement components through the thickness of the laminate and the theory requires no shear correction coefficients. In the time domain, the explicit cen tral difference integrator is used in conjunction with the special mass matrix diagonaliza tion scheme which conserves the total mass of the element and includes effects due to rotary inertia terms. The parametric effects of the time step, finite element mesh, lamina tion scheme and orthotropy on the linear and non-linear responses are investigated. Nu merical results are presented for composite and sandwich plates under various boundary conditions and loadings and these are compared with the results from other sources. Some new results are also presented for future reference.
The Effect of Polymer Structure on the Gas Permeability of Model Polyurethanes
Authors: Kaplan W.A. , Tabor R.L.
Published: March 2007

In the face of impending CFC elimination, a large variety of low-boiling alternate blowing agents have come under scrutiny for use in rigid foam insulation applica tions. The permeability of both the alternate blowing agent and atmospheric gases through the rigid foam thermoset polymer contributes to the rate at which the k-factor of the result ing foam deteriorates.
Performance of Pultruded FRP Connections under Static and Dynamic Loads
Authors: Mosallam Ayman S. , Abdelhamid Mohamed K. , Conway Jerroled H.
Published: March 2007

The objective of this paper is to introduce a new design concept for con necting structural pultruded shapes. In this study, evaluation of the performance of a new class of pultruded fiber reinforced plastic (PFRP) beam-to-column connections under both static and dynamic loading conditions is presented. The connecting elements are com posed of newly developed FRP universal connectors (UC), PFRP threaded rods and nuts with and without high-strength epoxy adhesives. Experimental and analytical studies on the rotational stiffness and the ultimate flexural strength are presented. A simple linearized expression for each connection is given along with the corresponding flexural ultimate capacity. Average flexural stiffness coefficients, for design purpose, are also provided. Discussion on the different ultimate modes of failure is also provided. For the dynamic part of this study, results of experimental dynamic tests of PFRP structural shapes and connections is presented. The thin-walled elements used in this study were standard "off- the-shelf" pultruded 4 " × 4 " × 1/4 " H-beam and 2 " × 2 " × 1/2 " square tube. The test specimens were excited dynamically using both impact loading and shaking loads. Ex perimental modal analysis was used to extract the natural frequencies, modal damping, and mode shapes of the test specimens.
Stress-Softening Effects in Elastomeric Networks
Authors: Kontou E.
Published: March 2007

The stresses observed during retraction are usually lower in magnitude than can be accounted for from considerations such as irreversible alteration of structure due to fracture of chains or their detachment from filler particles. The mechanism underlying this hysteresis has been modeled empirically by the introduction of irreversibil ity into the damping function.

In this work a modification of the damping function is proposed in terms of the reduc tion of the Mooney-Rivlin constants, during the retraction of the strain. A good agreement with the experimental data, obtained for four different networks, has been verified.
Fracture Mechanical Characterization of a Glass Fiber Mat-Reinforced Polypropylene by Instrumented Impact Bending
Authors: Fejes-Kozma ZS , Karger- Kocsis J.
Published: March 2007

The fracture mechanical response of a glass fiber (GF) mat-reinforced polypropylene (GMT-PP) was studied by instrumented Charpy impact testing. The GMT- PP was produced by hot pressing a needle-punched composite textile preform consisting of non-woven PP and continuous GF swirl mat layers. It was established that fracture mechanical values strongly depend on the width of the specimens. The free ligament width of the Charpy specimens (W-a, where W is the specimen width and a is the notch length) should exceed ca. 15 mm due to the inherent material flaw and the large damage zone de veloped. For the size of the inherent flaw, caused by the local arrangement of the GF-mat and its dislodgement due to machining, ca. 2 mm was deduced. This inherent flaw size should be considered when dynamic fracture toughness ( Kd) and initiation fracture energy (Gd,1) values are calculated. It was shown that Kd was unaffected, whereas Gd,1 decreased with increasing fiber fraction (Vf) in the range of Vf ~ 0.2 to 0.3. Contrary, the ductility index (DI), indicating the energy absorption ratio in the crack propagation stage, and the overall impact resistance increased with V f. The pressing conditions (temperature in the range of 190 to 200°C and pressure from 4 to 6 MPa) of the textile preform did not affect the fracture mechanical data which showed always a big scatter.
Mandating Family Responsibility for Elderly Members: Costs and Benefits
Authors: Gilliland Nancy
Published: March 2007

In light of recent interest at the federal and state levels in requiring financial contributions from adult children of parents who are Medicaid recipients, this article examines advantages and disadvantages of states'enactingfamily responsi bility statutes. Past and recent experience with these laws are described, as well as impacts on families. From the evidence reviewed, it is concluded that mandated family responsibility does result in saving of public monies, but may not be a desirable route to reducing public expenditures for nursing home care.
Leisure Patterns and Attitudes of the Rural Elderly
Authors: Mobily Kenneth E. , Leslie David K. , Lemke Jon H. , Wallace Robert B. , Kohout Frank J.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the leisure practices and attitudes of a population of rural, midwestern elderly. Trained interviewers surveyed 3097 subjects in their homes. Data were analyzed at individual and activity cluster levels. Individual activity participation rates portrayed present subjects as regular gar deners, walkers, and media users. They also seemed to be fairly regular participants in games of chance. Those 75 years of age or older participated less than subjects 65-74 years old. Some sex-related patterns emerged; women were more apt to participate in home-centered activities, men more likely to report outdoor recreation pursuits. Analysis of activity clusters reflected remarkably high involvement by subjects. Taken together, individual and activity cluster analyses indicated that subjects were more active in leisure than has been suggested in past studies and that their leisure attitudes were generally positive.
Religiosity and Loneliness Among the Elderly
Authors: Johnson Doyle Paul , Mullins Larry C.
Published: March 2007

Based on a deprivation model of religiosity we analyze the relationship between two dimensions of religiosity and loneliness among the elderly with the effects of involvement in various types of family and friendship relations controlled and compared with the effects of religiosity. Data were collected through interviews with 131 residents of a 199-unit apartment facility for the elderly. Results of the regression analysis showed that greater involvement in the social aspects of religion was significantly related to less loneliness more consistently than involvement in the variousfamily andfriendship relations. In contrast, the subjective dimension of religiosity was not significantly related to loneliness with the social contact variables controlled, even though the direction was as hypothesized
Effectiveness of Writing Groups in Nursing Homes
Authors: Supiano Katherine P. , Ozminkowski Ronald J. , Campbell Ruth , Lapidos Carole
Published: March 2007

We examine the effect of participation in an 8-week writing group in six nursing homes. Pretest and posttest assessments of cognitive and affective functional status were administered to 62 participants and 54 control subjects. We asked writing-group participants about previous writing experience and perceived ability to convey feelings, ideas, life experiences, and memories to others. Weekly assessments were conducted on eight group process measures. Findings suggest that participation in writing groups may reduce depression, particularly among residents with higher cognitive ability and greater depression. Significantly more participants than control subjects report an ability to relate feelings and ideas to other residents and staff. Improvement in group process measures is greatest for cognitively impaired participants and those with high physical function scores. There is considerable improve ment in residents for whom writing-group participation frequently is considered inappropriate: those without writing experience, the depressed, and the cognitively impaired.
Foundation Support for Aging in the 1990s: The Emerging Picture
Authors: Gutheil Irene A. , Chernesky Roslyn H.
Published: March 2007

This survey of grantmakers and experts in the field of aging gives a picture of where grantmakers say their funds will be targeted in the first half of the 1990s and where experts believe these funds should go. A review of the similarities between grantmakers and experts indicates that community-based support services geared toward traditional populations are a priority among both groups. The most dramatic difference is in how best to package these services. We discuss implications of the findings.
On the Nesting of Snowbirds: A Question About Seasonal and Permanent Migrants
Authors: Longino Charles F. , Marshall Victor W. , Mullins Larry C. , Tucker Richard D.
Published: March 2007

This essay asserts that seasonal and permanent migration may be connected, although there is no direct evidence for this relationship in the current research literature. We draw circumstantial and incomplete evidence for this proposition from findings of a recent survey of Canadian snowbirds in Florida and a parallel study of Canadian-Americans using the 1980 census public use sample migrant file. Other researchers are encouraged to settle the issue by including appropriate items in surveys of snowbirds that would determine whether or not some of the permanent migrants from the same origin serve as an unofficial reception committee for winter visitors, providing for them a socially receptive place to "nest" for the season.
Daily Illness Characteristics and Health Care Decisions of Older People
Authors: Hickey Tom , Akiyama Hiroko , Rakowski William
Published: March 2007

Although investigations of health care decision making typically deal with patterns of health service use, increasing attention has focused on lay- and self-care actions in response to illness symptoms. This study examined the health care actions of a community sample of 142 older adults, who recorded illness symptoms and corresponding health care actions in daily health diaries for a 14-day period. Self-treatment and no-action decisions were found to be the most frequent response to illness symptoms. Professional-care decisions were associated with greater health care need, such as multiple symptoms and increased pain. Lay-care decisions were significantly related to symptoms of shorter duration. Women were also more likely than men to self-treat their illness symptoms. Results suggest that older people deal with a greater number of recurrent chronic symptoms than previously thought and that they make most treatment decisions without consulting their doctors or other health care providers. This investigation underscores the importance of a prospective diary methodology for studying the daily complex ities of chronic illness experiences and for validating and conducting useful interventions.
Measuring Satisfaction With Care in the Nursing Home Setting: The Nursing Home Resident Satisfaction Scale
Authors: Zinn Jacqueline S. , Lavizzo-Mourey Risa , Taylor Lynne
Published: March 2007

This pilot study describes the development and evaluation of a 10-item survey instrument designed to measure nursing home residents' satisfaction with the care they receive. The instrument, consisting of three domains with three items in each (evaluating physician services, nursing services, and environment) and a global satisfaction item, was administered to 168 residents at four nursing homes within a 50-mile radius of Philadelphia. The test-retest and interrater reliability of the instrument was evaluated at both the item and group levels. Results indicate that this instrument measures satisfaction reliably over time by different interviewers. Few significant correlations were found between the level of reported satisfaction and resident characteristics such as age, cognitive functioning, gender, or facility of residence.
Reusable Versus Disposable Incontinent Briefs: A Multiperspective Crossover Clinical Trial
Authors: Harper Dan W. , O'Hara Patricia A. , Lareau Jonathan , Cass Jane , Black Elsa K. , Stewart Anne , Sigouin Jeannine
Published: March 2007

A crossover clinical trial was conducted comparing reusable and disposable incontinent briefs in a chronic care setting. Information from patients, families, and nursing staff was gathered before and after the study, which included 3 weeks experience with each product type. Skin condition and opinions concerning fit, leakage, odor control, ease of use, perceived cost, perceived environmental effects, and overall preference were outcome variables. No differential effect was found concerning skin condition. At the end of the study, 80% of respondents preferred the reusable product overall. Perceived advantages for the reusable product included cost and environmental friendliness.
The Rural Nursing Home Industry: A National Description
Authors: Coward Raymond T. , Duncan R. Paul , Uttaro Robert
Published: March 2007

Although the rural component of the nursing home industry is an $11 billion per year enterprise, very little is known about the unique character and structure of rural nursing homes. Using data from a 1991 national census of nursing homes, this investigation compares facilities (N = 13,081) in nine different county types. Significant variation by geographic location was observed in the availability, size, and character of long-term care facilities. Such differences have important implications for the role rural nursing homes may assume in a health care system that m the future will be dominated by managed care principles and the creation of integrated health care systems that include a wide range of patient care services.
Demographic Predictors of Nutritional Risk in Elderly Persons
Authors: Nickols-Richardson Sharon M. , Johnson Mary Ann , Poon Leonard W. , Martin Peter
Published: March 2007

This study examined aspects of nutritional risk among community-dwelling elders (N = 240) to identify age cohort differences in nutritional risk. It was hypothesized that advanced age, female gender, minority status, low income, and low socioeconomic status would increase nutritional risk. Chi-square analyses identified demographic differences in the Nutritional Risk Index Compared to octogenarians (n = 86) and sexagenarians (n = 79), centenarians (n = 75) were at nutritional risk for oral and bowel problems. Compared to Whites (n = 171), Blacks (n = 69) were at nutritional risk from illnesses that interfered with eating and appetite, from oral problems, and from weight changes. For the total sample, advanced age was associated with increased nutritional risk. Cohort analyses revealed, however, that age was an inverse predictor of nutritional risk among centenarians; Black centenarians were at greater nutritional risk than White centenarians. Community-based nutrition screening and intervention programs must target the oldest-old and minority elders
Perspectives in Criminology and Criminal Justice: The Implications for Higher Education Programs
Authors: Gibbons Don C. , Blake Gerald F.
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses the recent emergence of "Criminal Justice" as a multidisciplinary field of study which draws much of its intellectual sustenance from such established disciplines as sociology-criminology, economics, political science, and history. Criminal Justice is characterized as an applied field which stresses administrative skills, policy and planning analysis, program evaluation, and kindred topics. Emphasis is placed in the paper on major competing perspectives on criminality now existing in criminology, namely, conservative, liberal-cynical, and radical or Marxist viewpoints. The essay also draws attention to theoretical variations within radical or critical criminology. Although a relatively harsh critique of existing radical thoughtways is offered, the paper concludes by arguing that criminological analysis must begin to respond to some of the political-economic trends that are hinted at in radical theorizing.
Trial Courts in the Modern System of Criminal Justice
Authors: Forst Martin L.
Published: March 2007

The Criminal Justice system has been criticized recently because of the lack of coordination among its parts. The current system is viewed by some to be operating in such a haphazard and unplanned fashion that it could more properly be characterized as a "nonsystemr." Because of this situation, trial court judges are being called upon to assume new responsibilities in the modern system of Criminal Justice. There have been calls for greater integration of the activities of the trial courts with those of the other segments of the Criminal Justice System. This greater coordination and closer interrelationship among the segments of the Criminal Justice System is supposed to alleviate the inefficiency in the current nonsystem and lead to smoother functioning, and a less expensive, Criminal Justice System. Though the benefits to be derived from the current evolution of Criminal Justice relationships is obvious, the potential hazards are in need of further study. After describing some of the current proposals for integrating the Criminal Justice System, this article will present and analyze some of the problems resulting from such proposals.