bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Environment and Experience on Underwater Work Performance
Authors: Weltman Gershon , Christianson Raymond A. , Egstrom Glen H.
Published: January 2017

Five experienced divers and 15 novice divers completed a complex underwater assembly task and sets of written problems in a water-filled tank and in the ocean. Performance measurements included subtask completion times, problem-solving accuracy, activity analysis, and basic physiological variables. Experienced divers showed essentially unchanged performance between tank and ocean. Novice divers performed slower than the experienced divers in the tank and showed a marked decrement in both assembly time and problem-solving accuracy in the ocean. The results suggest that diving experience improves underwater motor skills rather than work strategy, and that psychological stress was a significant factor even at shallow ocean depths for novices.
Studies in Interactive Communication: I. The Effects of Four Communication Modes on the Behavior of Teams During Cooperative Problem-Solving
Authors: Chapanis Alphonse , Ochsman Robert B. , Parrish Robert N. , Weeks Gerald D.
Published: January 2017

Two-man teams solved credible, “real-world” problems for which computer assistance has been or could be useful. Conversations were carried on in one of four modes of communication: (1) typewriting, (2) handwriting, (3) voice, and (4) natural, unrestricted communication. Two groups of subjects (experienced and inexperienced typists) were tested in the typewriting mode. Performance was assessed on three classes of dependent measures: time to solution, behavioral measures of activity, and linguistic measures. Significant and meaningful differences among the communication modes were found in each of the three classes of dependent variable. This paper is concerned mainly with the results of the activity analyses. Behavior was recorded in 15 different categories. The analyses of variance yielded 34 statistically significant terms of which 27 were judged to be practically significant as well. When the data were transformed to eliminate heterogeneity, the analyses of variance yielded 35 statistically significant terms of which 26 were judged to be practically significant.
An Error-Cause Removal Program for Industry
Authors: Swain Alan D.
Published: January 2017

This paper describes a worker-participation program to reduce human errors in an industrial plant to an acceptable minimum. It gives suggestions for initiating and carrying out the program and includes experiences of some industrial plants using worker-participation programs.
Nonadjectival Rating Scales in Human Response Experiments
Authors: Hess Ronald A.
Published: January 2017

Twenty-two subjects participated in two tracking experiments for the purpose of determining the utility of a nonordinal, nonadjectival rating scale. The scale was devised in an effort to allow a human to quantify his subjective opinions of the characteristics of a system in situations where an adjectival scale would be inappropriate. The tracking task in both experiments was a compensatory one in which the human operator attempted to minimize the difference between a random-appearing input signal and the output of an unstable, controlled element. The system dynamics and input signal were mechanized on an analog computer. The error signal was viewed by the operator on an oscilloscope screen. Control was effected by a small isometric manipulator. In the first experiment, ratings were generated by changing the degree of instability of the controlled element. In the second, the manipulator sensitivity was varied. The nonadjectival rating concept shows definite potential for use in a wide variety of situations in which human opinion is elicited.
The Human Factors of Work
Authors: Bennett Corwin A.
Published: January 2017

Two studies were carried out based upon earlier research that suggested four broad categories of work tasks—physical, procedural, social, and cognitive. In the first, students made various judgments about 50 occupations. Factor analysis of the inter correlations among judgments showed a cognitive vs. physical, and a social vs. procedural dimension. Various “prestige” aspects of the occupations fell in the cognitive-social quadrant. In the second study, human factors specialists made judgments about tasks. An “automation” factor included simple tasks, and a “humanness” factor covered complex tasks. Physical and procedural occupations and simple tasks were judged to be most subject to automation. Implications for the field of human factors are suggested.
A Study of Vertical Motion Requirements for Landing Simulation
Authors: Bray Richard S.
Published: January 2017

Tests were conducted to determine the significance of vertical acceleration cues in the simulation of the visual approach and landing maneuver. Landing performance measures were obtained for four subject pilots operating a visual landing simulation mechanized in the Ames Height Control Test Apparatus, a device that provides up to ±40 ft. of vertical motion. Test results indicate that vertical motion cues are utilized in the landing task, and that they are particularly important in the simulation of aircraft with marginal longitudinal-handling qualities. To assure vertical motion cues of the desired fidelity in the landing task, it appears that a simulator must have excursion capabilities of at least ±20 ft.
A Decision-Theoretic Model of the Sampling Behavior of the Human Process Monitor: Experimental Evaluation
Authors: KVÅLSETH TARALD O.
Published: January 2017

Subjective sampling behavior was compared with that of an optimal dynamic decision model for a process monitoring task with and without compensatory actions. The cost structure (ratio of cost of sampling to cost of the process exceeding certain critical threshold limits) and the threshold limit were the two independent variables. The performance of the subjects tended to be suboptimal with significant differences between the subjective and the normative sampling intervals. The extent and direction of these differences depended on the values of the two independent variables. However, for the no-control task, significant correlations existed between the subjective and the normative sampling intervals for all subjects and all experimental conditions, while only three of the eight control cases produced such significant correlations.
Proficiency Maintenance and Assessment in an Instrument Flight Simulator
Authors: WEITZMAN DONALD O. , FINEBERG MICHAEL L. , GADE PAUL A. , COMPTON GEORGE L.
Published: January 2017

Transfer effects have been studied to evaluate the suitability of a high fidelity flight simulator (Device 2B24) for maintaining and assessing instrument proficiency among experienced Army helicopter pilots. Evidence in support of positive transfer was obtained by comparing pilots trained in the simulator with pilots trained in the aircraft (UH-1H) and with pilots trained in both. In addition, performance evaluation in the simulator accurately predicted performance in the aircraft. This study suggests that simulators of proven effectiveness can be used both to maintain and assess the proficiency of experienced pilots.
Diminished Responsibility and the Sutcliffe Case: Legal, Psychiatric and Social Aspects (A ‘Layman's' View)
Authors: Prins Herschel A.
Published: January 2017

The issue of diminishment of responsibility is discussed by a ‘layman’ both generally and more specifically in relation to the Sutcliffe case. Legal, psychiatric and social aspects are considered in the context of the present constraints of the law as are some proposals for reform.
Violence and Resources: Factors Determining Admission to an Interim Secure Unit
Authors: Offen Liz , Taylor Pamela J.
Published: January 2017

Nearly 50 per cent of referrals for admission to one medium secure unit were refused a bed. This is probably in line with rates elsewhere in the country, so factors potentially relevant to admission decisions were examined. Violent behaviour was the most powerful patient variable in determining admission. A minority of patients were rejected as clinically unsuitable. Lack of resources was the most likely precipitant of rejection. Unavailability of beds or staff also created long delays in admission.
Personality Disorder and Police Section 136 in Westminster: A Retrospective Analysis of 65 Assessments over Six Months
Authors: Spence Sean A , McPhillips Mike A
Published: January 2017

Section 136 of the 1983 Mental Health Act empowers the police to detain those suspected of being mentally ill in public places. The current study is a retrospective analysis of those occurring within Westminster, London, over a six-month period. A high rate of referral was found. In those individuals assessed, schizophrenia was the commonest diagnosis, but personality disorder provided the largest number of assessments. This was due to the propensity of the latter individuals to present on multiple occasions. Those with personality disorders were significantly less likely to be placed under further sections of the Mental Health Act, less likely to be admitted to hospital and more likely to re-present under a further section 136. The inability of the current system to address these individuals' needs is a cause for concern.
Are Murders and Suicides Committed by Different Methods Intrinsically Different?
Authors: Lester David
Published: January 2017

A time-series study of homicide and suicide rates by each method in England and Wales from 1950 to 1985 showed that the sociological correlates of these rates depended upon the method used for killing. This raises the possibility that murder and suicide may not be unitary phenomena, but rather that murder and suicide by particular methods are distinct deviant acts and should be studied separately.
Evaluation of Three Influenza Neuraminidase Inhibition Assays for Use in a Public Health Laboratory Setting during the 2011–2012 Influenza Season
Authors: Murtaugh William , Mahaman Lalla , Healey Benjamin , Peters Heather , Anderson Barbara , Tran Mandy , Ziese Marci , Carlos Maria Paz
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We evaluated the implementation of three commericially available neuraminidase inhibition assays in a public health laboratory (PHL) setting. We also described the drug susceptibility patterns of human influenza A and B circulating in Maryland during the 2011–2012 influenza season.

Methods.

From January to May 2012, 169 influenza virus isolates were tested for phenotypic susceptibility to oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir using NA-Fluor™, NA-Star®, and NA-XTD™ concurrently. A 50% neuraminidase inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was calculated to determine drug susceptibility. We used the standard deviation based on the median absolute deviation of the median analysis to determine the potential for reduced drug susceptibility. We evaluated each assay for the use of resources in high- and low-volume testing scenarios.

Results.

One of the 25 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic isolates tested was resistant to oseltamivir and peramivir, and sensitive to zanamivir, on all three platforms. Eighty-two influenza A (H3N2) and 62 B isolates were sensitive to all three drugs in all three assays. For a low-volume scenario, NA-Star and NA-XTD took 120 minutes to complete, while NA-Fluor required 300 minutes to complete. The lowest relative cost favored NA-Star. In a high-volume scenario, NA-Fluor had the highest throughput. Reagent use was most efficient when maximizing throughput. Cost efficiency from low- to high-volume testing improved the most for NA-Star.

Conclusions.

Our evaluation showed that both chemiluminescent and fluorescent neuraminidase inhibition assays can be successfully implemented in a PHL setting to screen circulating influenza strains for neuraminidase inhibitor resistance. For improved PHL influenza surveillance, it may be essential to develop guidelines for phenotypic drug-resistance testing that take into consideration a PHL's workload and available resources.
Trends and Differences among Three New Indicators of HIV Infection Progression
Authors: An Qian , Song Ruiguang , Hernandez Angela , Hall H. Irene
Published: January 2017

Objective.

This study proposes three indicators of, and assesses the disparities and trends in, the risk of HIV infection progression among people living with diagnosed HIV infection in the United States.

Methods.

Using data reported to national HIV surveillance through June 2012, we calculated the AIDS diagnosis hazard, HIV (including AIDS) death hazard, and AIDS death hazard for people living with diagnosed HIV infection for each calendar year from 1997 to 2010. We also calculated a stratified hazard in 2010 by age, race/ethnicity, mode of transmission, region of residence at diagnosis, and year of diagnosis.

Results.

The risk of HIV infection progression among people living with diagnosed HIV infection decreased significantly from 1997 to 2010. The risks of progression to AIDS and death in 2010 were higher among African Americans and people of multiple races, males exposed through injection drug use (IDU) or heterosexual contact, females exposed through IDU, people residing in the South at diagnosis, and people diagnosed in 2009 compared with white individuals, men who have sex with men, females with infection attributed to heterosexual contact, those residing in the Northeast, and those diagnosed in previous years, respectively. People aged 15–29 years had the highest AIDS diagnosis hazard in 2010.

Conclusion.

Continued efforts are needed to ensure early HIV diagnosis as well as initial linkage to and continued engagement in HIV medical care among all people living with HIV. Targeted interventions are needed to improve healthcare and supportive services for those with worse health outcomes.
Measurement of torsional rigidity of yarns with different crimps
Authors: Peiffer Julie , Kim KyoungOk , Yoshida Hiroaki , Takatera Masayuki
Published: January 2017

The effect of crimp on torsional rigidity of monofilament and cotton spun yarns was studied. Two kinds of polymeric monofilament yarns and four kinds of cotton spun yarns were examined. Different crimps were applied to the yarn using original crimp setting equipment. To fix the crimp, the polymeric monofilaments were treated with heat, and the cotton spun yarns were treated with steam. The test samples were then produced following two protocols: with or without the application of weight. The yarn torsional rigidities with crimp were measured using a torsional measurement device, and were compared with those without crimp. Almost no weight was applied to the cotton spun yarns to preserve the crimp during testing. The results with and without the application of weight were compared. For the monofilament yarns, the torsional rigidities of the crimped yarns had a linear relationship with the crimp ratio. For the cotton spun yarns, the torsional rigidities of the crimped yarns were smaller than those of the straight yarns. The smaller the yarn count, the smaller the yarn torsional rigidity. The effect of crimp on torsional rigidity differed according to the yarn counts. There was almost no difference in crimped yarn torsional rigidity between the straightened and non-straightened yarns after crimp setting. Therefore, there is a possibility that the change in yarn properties could have resulted from the bending of the fiber during crimp setting, and not from the shape of the crimp afterwards.
Wax Content as Related to Surface Area of Cotton Fibers
Authors: Marsh Paul B. , Barker Henry D. , Kerr Thomas , Butler Mary L.
Published: January 2017

Among a group of 62 essentially unweathered fiber samples from American upland cotton plants of different inherent and environmental background, percent wax was found to be rather closely proportional to surface area per unit weight of fiber as determined by the air-flow method of Sullivan and Hertel [22]. The weight of wax per unit of fiber surface was thus a relatively constant quantity, although not an absolutely constant one, among these samples. Results of melting-point determinations did not suggest the probability of important qualitative differences in wax composition at the time of boll opening among the several American upland cottons studied, the sole exception encountered being the high-melting-point wax from the green-lint high-wax cotton previously reported by Conrad [6].

In a group of twelve Sea Island hybrids, both the amount of wax per unit fiber surface and the wax melting points were similar to the results obtained for American upland types. Five Indian cottons all had very low wax percentages; their surface areas were below the normal range of the method for surface-area determination.

Weathering of cotton in the field before harvest resulted in higher wax contents as measured by the Conrad [7] method and lower wax melting points than were found for similar but un weathered samples. Further work is required to indicate the nature of the causal factors in volved in this change which occurs during weathering.
Civil society and democracy in Bangladesh
Authors: Huq Parvaz Azharul
Published: January 2017

It was a strong, concerted civil society resistance to the military Ershad regime that set the stage for the emergence of democracy in Bangladesh. The country's ethics and value-based cultural and literary traditions too have been a rallying point. In general, though, civil society groups in the country are divided. Ironically, the divisions got exacerbated after the restoration of democracy in 1991. It was then, when their mentor political parties got aligned into government and opposition camps, that these groups lost vibrancy and cohesion. Opposition-linked civil society groups, under these circumstances, had to bear the brunt of governmental high-handedness. Such a civil society-State relationship is not democracy-friendly.
A failed revolt against the Raj: The rebellion of the Berad, a Criminal Tribe, under the leadership of Umaji Naik
Authors: Draxe Prabhakar B.
Published: January 2017

The Bedar, a nomadic tribe of hunter-gatherers, found on a large scale in the Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Solapur districts of Maharashtra, had established many empires, and served the Marathas as a fighting force. In the early nineteenth century, the commercial British National Forest Policy and the conflicts it created over forest use forced the Berad, drawing on their traditions of force of arms, into criminal livelihoods. Consequently, along with other tribal groups that lived on thefts, dacoities, plunder or similar activities, the Bedar were declared a ‘criminal tribe’ under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871. A confrontation simmered also between, on the one hand, the Berad leader, Umaji Nayak, and on the other, the Peshavas and their successors, the British, on account of the withdrawal of lands allotted at an earlier point in history to the Berad for military service under the Marathas. This proved to be the spark that ignited rebellion. As a ruling king of the Berad, Umaji Naik declared war on the British and issued a proclamation, demanding of ‘all the inhabitants of Hindustan’ that they revolt against the Raj. Umaji was martyred when he was hanged by the British on 3rd February, 1832.
Role of female literacy in maternal and infant mortality decline
Authors: Kateja Alpana
Published: January 2017

A strong relationship exists between a woman's literacy and her use of reproductive and maternal health services. Literacy is directly related to the status of a woman, her age at marriage, her decision power and to mention especially, capability to access health care services. Literacy not only increases women's self-confidence but also makes them more exposed to information and thereby altering the way others respond to them. Female literacy improves the chances that women will obtain meaningful employment, reduces their demand for children and improves health-seeking behaviour, makes them aware of nutritional requirements-all these combined improve the chances of survival of both-the mother and the baby. The present paper focuses on the relationship between the female literacy and mortality rates (IMR and MMR) and establishes an inverse relationship between them. The study also finds a positive correlation between infant mortality and maternal mortality
Development, displacement, and resistance: The law and the policy on land acquisition
Authors: Saxena K. B.
Published: January 2017

Peasants across the country are opposing development projects which displaced them from their land, habitat, livelihood and environment. They are questioning the paradigm of development itself which is so heavily loaded against them. The law on land acquisition is central to the understanding of this hostility to development. Their resistance is rooted in the conceptual frame and design of the land acquisition act which empowers the government to acquire land of citizens without their consent on payment of meagre financial compensation and creates no obligation to provide alternative land, assured employment and a dignified rehabilitation to rebuild their broken lives. The recent changes proposed by the government in the law to undo this injustice would fail to persuade the agitating peasants to part with their land willingly.
New agro-technology and its impact on rural institutions in Orissa
Authors: Mishra Niharranjan
Published: January 2017

India's rural socio-cultural scenario was at the crossroads in the 1960s with the introduction of the new agricultural revolution, popularly known as the Green Revolution. One of the protracted debates that ensued during this period was regarding the economic gains and social costs of the Green Revolution. Although agrarian social structure could not retain the central place in the post-1970s period, there is no second thought that the technological revolution in agriculture has largely influenced many rural social institutions in India. The present paper is a modest attempt in re-evaluating empirically the bearing of this technological revolution on the socio-cultural scenario, and particularly on the agro-based rural institutions in Orissa. Taking the anthropological techniques like participant observations, interview and case study, the present paper tries to examine the impact of new-agro technology on the traditional inter jati relations, rural family andpower structures in a multi jati village of Bhadrak district in coastal Orissa.

The study reveals that while the day-to-day relations between the jajmans and the kamins might have undergone changes this does not imply the erosion of the spirit of reciprocity wrapped with a ritual fervour, which is the characteristic of jajmani relations. It found that the ideology of jajmani as an inter jati exchange relationship continues to hold good in rural India with its usual processual changes in all its permutations and combinations just to adapt itself to the changing socio-economic realities but without rejecting the ideology behind such relations. In the case of family extensive changes have occurred in the structure, function and inter and intrn family relations pertaining to the kin labour system. The patriarchal dominance has come down giving a place to the rural women. In the context of political structure it is seen that the traditional dominance of Khandayat castes has declined due to the intervention of new technology, higher education, adult franchise. It has also strengthened the class feeling weakening the traditional caste sensibilities in the village.
Traditional Health Practitioners as Primary Health Care Workers
Authors: Hoff Wilbur
Published: January 2017

The author conducted a field study in 1993 to evaluate the effectiveness of four projects that were training traditional health practitioners (THPs) to provide primary health care (PHC) services in Ghana, Mexico, and Bangladesh. The study, funded by a grant from the World Health Organization, Division of Strengthening Health Services, concluded that incorporating trained THPs in PHC programmes can be cost effective in providing essential and culturally relevant health services to communities.

The main objective of the study was to evaluate how effective the training projects were and to determine what impacts they might have upon the communities served.

A qualitative field evaluation was performed using data collected from project documents, observations, and field interviews with a selection of health agency staff, THPs, and community members. A summary of results is presented from the four field studies. For details refer to the full report1.
A Clinico-Epidemiological Study of Snake Bite in Nepal
Authors: Hansdak Samuel George , Lallar Kuldeep Singh , Pokharel Paras , Shyangwa Pramod , Karki Prahlad , Koirala Shekhar
Published: January 2017

Envenoming from snake bite is an important medical condition, frequently encountered at the emergency department of BPKIHS hospital (Dharan, Nepal). This is a retrospective study of 52 cases of suspected snake bite who presented at the department from August 1993 to November 1994.

Analysis of the data showed that snake bite was more frequent between the ages of 11 to 20 years (36.7%) and 2.5 times more common in males. Fifty-seven per cent of the bites occurred between 1600 h and midnight with highest incidence (51%) occurring during the monsoon (August–October). Twenty per cent of the patients were able to identify the snake species as venomous and 90% of them presented to the hospital within 3 h of being bitten. Sixty per cent of the bites were in the lower limb. Neurotoxicity due to envenoming was recorded in nine patients (17%). No case of coagulopathy was recorded. The overall case fatality was 3.8% but mortality amongst those exhibiting signs of neurotoxicity was 22%.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Understanding Perpetrators
Authors: Foster Don
Published: January 2017

This paper provides an analysis of perpetrators of gross violations of human rights based on material drawn from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). After reviewing broad trends in the literature, it analyses perpetrators' actions in terms of four broad areas: Contexts, perspectives, motives and causes, and neglected factors. Arguing for a primarily political understanding, and critical of psychological reductionism, the paper also covers other important factors notably social identities, language and ideology, the dynamics of situations and authoritarianism. It touches on the neglected areas of masculinity, special organisations, secrecy and emotions. Arguments are illustrated with quotations from TRC material.
Crime, Cops, and Context
Authors: Rengifo Andres F. , Pater Morgan , Velazquez Brenda J.
Published: January 2017

This study documents perceptions of victimization risk and other neighborhood dangers drawing on 43 in-depth interviews with youth residing in high-crime neighborhoods of New York City. More specifically, it relates lived experiences of crime and police encounters to perceptions of local threats and identifies the role of gender, race/ethnicity, and neighborhood in the configuration of these assessments. We also highlight the role of various analytical frames employed by youth as sensemaking devices to map risks and chart risk-mitigation strategies. Our findings indicate that many interview participants see the police more as a distinct environmental risk rather than a resource for risk mitigation or coping, with specific domains of risk and risk responses varying in terms of demographics, networks, and frames of interpretation.
An Assessment of the Effects of Climate Warming on Energy Developments in the Mackenzie River Valley and Delta, Canadian Arctic.
Authors: Lonergan Stephen , Young Kathy
Published: January 2017

Climate warming is expected to have its greatest impact in Arctic regions, with predictions being made of temperature increases in summer months as high as ten degrees Celsius under a doubling of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Such changes would have significant impacts on energy operations in this region and on future energy developments.

This paper presents an overview of the types of impacts that might occur under conditions of climate warming with specific concern for those impacts that would affect energy operations. It also discusses the variations in the predictions provided by general circulation models of the atmosphere, which provide us with the only source of information on temperature and precipitation changes that might accompany the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases. Present work on the impacts of climate change by the author is centred on the Mackenzie Valley, and this region is used as a setting to illustrate the types of impacts that may occur.
Geochemical Inversion - A Modern Approach to Inferring Source-Rock Identity from Characteristics of Accumulated Oil and Gas
Authors: Bissada K.K. , Elrod L.W. , Robison C.R. , Darnell L.M. , Szymczyk H.M. , Trostle J.L.
Published: January 2017

In recent years, petroleum geochemists have been re-focusing their efforts on developing practical means for inferring, from hydrocarbon chemistry and geologic constraints, the “provenance” of hydrocarbon accumulations, seeps or stains. This capability, referred to here as “Geochemical Inversion”, can be invaluable to the explorationist in deriving clues as to the character, age, identity, maturity and location of an accumulation's source rocks and evaluating a petroleum system's hydrocarbon supply volumetrics. Geochemical inversion is most useful where pertinent source-rock information may be absent because exploratory drilling focused strictly on structural highs and failed to penetrate the deeply buried, effective basinal source facies. Advances in chemical analysis technology over the last decade have facilitated the development of powerful geochemical methods for unravelling of complex chemistries of crude oil and natural gas at the molecular and subatomic levels to extract specific information on the hydrocarbons' source. Inferences on such factors as organic matter make-up, depositional environment, lithology, age and maturity of the source can frequently be drawn. These inferences, together with a sound analysis of the geologic and architectural constraints on the system, can supply clues as to the identity and location of the probable source sequence. This paper describes the principles underlying geochemical “inversion” and provides applications in exploration and exploitation settings. In addition, this paper demonstrates inversion of geochemical characteristics of migrated hydrocarbon fluids to specific attributes of the source. The paper also illustrates the use of systematic variations in fluid chemistry within a geologic setting to infer source location, degree of hydrocarbon mixing and relative migration distance.
World Oil Prices Flat to Declining
Authors: Adelman M.A.
Published: January 2017

The OPEC cartel failed to keep prices above the competitive level because, among other reasons their market sharing mechanism failed. Their best future seems to indicate a trade-off-by relinquishing some market share for a higher price. Slow demand growth and expansion of the natural gas market should restrict OPEC sales. Non-OPEC is likely to expand but the price will be under downward pressures.
The Ohlson Model: Contribution to Valuation Theory, Limitations, and Empirical Applications
Authors: Lo Kin , Lys Thomas
Published: January 2017

The work of Ohlson (1995) and Feltham and Ohlson (1995) had a profound impact on accounting research in the 1990s. In this paper, we first discuss this valuation framework, identify its key features, and put it in the context of prior valuation models. We then review the numerous empirical studies that are based on these models. We find that most of these studies apply a residual income valuation model without the information dynamics that are the key feature of the Feltham and Ohlson framework. We find that few studies have adequately evaluated the empirical validity of this framework. Moreover, the limited evidence on the validity of this valuation approach is mixed. We conclude that there are many opportunities to refine the theoretical framework and to test its empirical validity. Consequently, the praise many empiricists have given the models is premature.
A League of Their Own? Financial Analysts' Responses to Restatements and Corrective Disclosures
Authors: Griffin Paul A.
Published: January 2017

This study examines the response of First Call financial analysts to company restatements and corrective disclosures that lead to an allegation of securities fraud and compares this with the response of three other informed investor groups—insiders, short sellers, and institutions. The sample comprises 847 companies that have been sued in a federal securities class action from 1994 through 2001 with requisite stock price and company data. I document that the number of analysts covering a firm declines significantly in the months following a corrective disclosure. I also document that analysts are more likely to revise their forecasts down in the month of or up to six months following a corrective disclosure but not before. Similarly, analyst forecast error decreases significantly in the corrective disclosure month but not before. On the other hand, informed groups such as insiders, short sellers, and institutional managers are unusually active several months ahead of a corrective disclosure event. These individuals, apparently, take positions in anticipation of the news that may lead to such an event. Finally, a regression analysis indicates that after controlling for size, coverage, and other variables, analyst forecast error just prior to a corrective disclosure is reliably greater when predisclosure net insider selling and institutional holdings are higher and when the market reacts more negatively to the announcement.
Home Parenteral Nutrition: An Alternative Approach to the Management of Complicated Gastrointestinal Fistulas Not Responding to Conventional Medical or Surgical Therapy
Authors: Byrne William J. , Burke Merrie , Fonkalsrud Eric W. , Ament Marvin E.
Published: January 2017

>Twelve patients, 9 with enterocutaneous fistulas and 3 with enterovaginal fistulas, were placed on a home parenteral nutrition (HPN) program after conventional inpatient total parenteral nutrition with bowel rest and/or surgical attempts at fistula closure failed. Fistula closure was achieved (in 66%) after from 28 to 400 days on the program. Six closed spontaneously while 2 were closed surgically. Underlying inflammation in the bowel and the persistence of fistula drainage beyond 180 days were indicative of a poor prognosis for closure. Number, location, and volume of drainage were not useful prognostic indices. HPN offers an alternative approach in the management of “intractable” gastrointestinal fistulas.
Assistive and Instructional Technology for College Students with Disabilities: A National Snapshot of Postsecondary Service Providers
Authors: Michaels Craig A. , Prezant Fran Pollock , Morabito Stephen M. , Jackson Kent
Published: January 2017

This study systematically addresses the perceptions of postsecondary service providers to students with disabilities—referred to as Disabled Student Service (DSS) providers—about assistive and instructional technology accessibility and delivery throughout postsecondary institutions in the United States. Results from this study indicate that DSS providers feel that both faculty and DSS providers have achieved a degree of awareness and knowledge of assistive technology (AT). However, the achievements in developing AT expertise are significantly lower than the importance assigned to possessing this knowledge. Costs of technology and upgrades were perceived as the greatest barriers while the expertise of DSS staff, student awareness/knowledge of AT, and administration's support and funding of AT were perceived as potential factors that might facilitate AT access. Recommendations and strategies are proposed for addressing these issues.
Assistive Technology: Legal Issues for Students with Disabilities and Their Schools
Authors: Day Janice Neibaur , Huefner Dixie Snow
Published: January 2017

This paper provides an analysis of federal policy, legislation, and adjudication related to assistive technology for students with disabilities. The authors review the expanded mandate for assistive technology in IDEA 1997 and its implications, including associated costs and benefits of assistive technology. Recent federal court decisions, hearing decisions, and Section 504 rulings that address assistive technology are discussed. School district responsibilities are explored, and recommendations are offered to special education professionals and parents who have children who may benefit from assistive technology devices and services.
Form versus Function: Using Technology to Develop Individualized Education Programs for Students with Disabilities
Authors: Wilson Gloria Lodato , Michaels Craig A. , Margolis Howard
Published: January 2017

This article discusses the use of IEP software applications from the perspectives of form (i.e., legally correct documents) and function (i.e., educationally appropriate individualized programs). The article provides an overview of the basic components of two fairly comprehensive IEP software programs and discusses the general strengths and weaknesses of IEP software. Suggestions and strategies are offered to help educators become involved in software evaluation and purchasing decisions. Lastly, we offer some optimistic yet cautionary notes about the form versus function aspects of using software to develop IEPs.
Organizational Readiness for Performance-Related Pay: Focus on Government of India Employees
Authors: Maheshwari Mridul , Singh Manjari
Published: January 2017

In the recent zeitegist of competitiveness and drive for productivity enhancement, most organizations are experiencing challenges to revamp their existing systems. One such mechanism increasingly practised by organizations these days to enhance the performance of their employees is linking their pay to their performance. However, implementation of performance-related pay (PRP) is a challenging task for any organization and organizations need to check their readiness for it before implementing PRP. Besides, readiness in terms of various systems in the organizations, it also includes the psychological preparedness of employees. The study provides a framework to analyse the organizational readiness in the case of Government of India employees to implement PRP systems. The readiness analysis includes the following:

Push factors: Push factors can include environmental, organizational, and individual issues. Right to Information Act, citizens demanding more accountability of the work of their elective representatives, etc., have given impetus to have systems to measure the work done by government employees. Competition for talent from corporate sector has made these organizations think about systems needed to be the employer of choice for the country�s youth. Rewarding excellence has also become important in order to attract and retain Generation Y.

Pre-requisites: Successful implementation requires involvement and participation of the employees. The commitment and support of top management are very critical for the transformation process involving change in work culture and employee mindset.

Challenges: Identification of proper parameters to assess performance and accurate measurement of performance has always been a major constraint in the successful implementation of PRP systems. People management skills of bosses are very important in providing timely and effective feedback to the employees. Expectations of employees also need to be handled carefully so that PRP systems do not end up engaging a few but demotivating the majority. The quantum and division of rewards play an important role in maintaining the interest of employees in the PRP system.

The paper also presents a framework designed to understand the variations in the PRP system for the managerial and operative level employees. Employee participation, delegation, transparency, and accountability are some of the key factors essential for the successful implementation of PRP. In addition, it is also important that employees have trust in the PRP system and are receptive to building a performance culture in the organization.
The FHH Multilayer Expression: Effects of Particle Size
Authors: Adkins B. D. , Reucroft P. J. , Davis B. H.
Published: January 2017

Frenkel-Halsey-Hill (FHH) plots are presented using the adsorption data from eleven silicas with surface areas between 40 and 1200 m2 g−1. These materials consist of regular nonporous primary particles which have been approximated as monomodal size distributions of spheres. Two models (semi-infinite slab and spherical particle) were used to make the FHH plots. The results from these plots indicate that the FHH coefficient and exponent vary with particle size. A model is proposed for a particle having a featureless Lennard-Jones surface which predicts (a) that the actual variation is in the coefficient alone, which depends upon coverage as well as particle size, but (b) on a ‘spherical particle’ FHH plot, this variation will manifest itself as a particle size dependence of both coefficient and exponent. However, the model predicts that the exponent should decrease with particle size; experimental results show it to increase. The model also predicts that ‘flat surface’ FHH plots should be less linear than the ‘spherical particle’ plots, and should deviate downwards at high coverage, when in fact the ‘flat surface’ plots are more linear. Predictions obtained by recalculating the model in the absence of the surface energy term are in much better agreement with the experimental results, indicating that the surface energy correction is possibly excessive, e.g. if the particles were actually polyhedral instead of spherical.
Dependence of the Adsorption Capacity and Thermal Stability of Y Zeolites upon Si/Al Ratio
Authors: Lohse U. , Engelhardt G. , Alsdorf E. , Kölsch P. , Feist M. , Patzelová V.
Published: January 2017

Three series of dealuminated Y zeolites have been prepared by different procedures. The adsorption of n-hexane and water and the thermal stability have been studied with respect to their dependence on the content of framework aluminium. The reduction of their micropore volume can be calculated from the loss of framework aluminium. The water uptake decreases strongly below an aluminium content of 30 atoms per unit cell. At an aluminium content ≤8 atoms the zeolitic micropore structure is hydrophobic. Two ranges of thermal stability can be distinguished with decreasing aluminium content.
Adaptation of the Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich Equations to Describe Adsorption on Microporous Solids from Binary Non-Electrolyte Solutions with Limited Miscibility of the Components
Authors: Garbacz J. K. , Cysewski P. , Biniak S. , Świαtkowski A.
Published: January 2017

A new description of physical adsorption on microporous solids from binary non-electrolyte solutions with limited miscibility of the components is described. Equations are formulated which are equivalent to the Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich equations; these have been used to describe experimental isotherms of excess adsorption on active carbon from iodine (component 1) solutions in nine organic solvents. It is shown that in every case the adsorbed phase in equilibrium with the saturated solution is essentially free from component 2.
Effect of Carbon–Oxygen and Carbon–Nitrogen Surface Complexes on the Adsorption of Cations by Activated Carbons
Authors: Rivera–Utrilla J. , Ferro–García M. A.
Published: January 2017

Adsorption studies of Na+, Cs+, Ag+, Sr2+ and Co2+ from aqueous solutions by surface-treated activated carbons are reported. Carbon–oxygen and carbon–nitrogen surface complexes were formed on an activated carbon from almond shells by treating it with either oxidizing reagents or ammonia. In order to discover the surface acidity and/or basicity of each carbon, selective neutralization techniques were carried out. Both Na+ and Cs+ are adsorbed by only those carbons containing strong acidic functional groups; however, Ag+, Sr2+ and Co2+ are adsorbed not only by these latter carbons but also by those with predominance of basic groups. The results suggest that some of these carbons can be used to remove, separate and pre-concentrate all the cations studied.
Temperature Effect on the Surface Properties of ZnO(am)
Authors: Mustafa S. , Parveen Shahida , Ahmad Aftab , Begum Dilara
Published: January 2017

The point of zero charge and surface acidity constants of zinc oxide were determined over the temperature range 293–323 K. Both the point of zero charge (pzc) and the surface acidity constants (pKa1 and pKa2) were found to decrease with increasing temperature. The values of the dissociation constants (pKa1 and pKa2) determined from the Henderson-Hasselbach equation agreed very well with those determined using the Gaines-Thomas equation. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH0 and ΔS0 for the processes were also evaluated.
Complex Spectral Method for Dynamic Analysis of Gable Frames: Undamped Systems
Authors: Horr A.M. , Schmidt L.C.
Published: January 2017

Non-prismatic tapered members have been used extensively in modern steel structures. Economical design of such structures may be gained by reducing the member section in the low moment regions. In order to analyse and design a tapered I-beam member, it is necessary to develop an accurate and reliable analysis method. The conventional finite element method can be used to analyse structures with tapered I-beams. However, the number of elements and the computer memory and time in this method in order to obtain accurate results∼ especially under dynamic loading, can be large. This paper shows how the mathematical spectral theory can be used to formulate a matrix methodology in which the dynamic response of steel structures with tapered members can be obtained accurately with a lesser number of elements. A computer program based on this complex spectral element method is described, and numerical examples have been solved to demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
Canine Malignant Mammary Tumours I. Sarcomas
Authors: Misdorp W. , Cotchin E. , Hampe J. F. , Jabara A. G. , von Sandersleben J.
Published: January 2017

Forty-five canine mammary sarcomas that had metastasized were pooled from several institutes, studied, and classified. The classification was based on morphology and did not include any histogenetic interpretation. In addition, one case was studied by histochemical and electron microscopic methods.

Canine mammary sarcomas often have multidifferentiation (bone, cartilage, and fat) which is not unusual in human mammary sarcomas. Sarcomas resembling (malignant) cystosarcoma phyllodes in women appear to be very rare in the dog. Canine fibrosarcomas had a morphological resemblance to ‘stromal’ sarcoma or ‘fibrosarcoma’ in the woman.

Five sarcomas without infiltrative growth, anaplasia, or mitotic activity had metastasized. In dogs and women the lungs are often involved by metastases, but, unlike in the human, metastases in the regional lymph nodes are also relatively common in the dog.

There is need for further studies on the histogenesis and biological behaviour of mammary sarcomas.
Structure of Cultured Fibroblasts from Dermatosparaxic Calves
Authors: Yaeger J. A. , Church R. L. , Tanzer M. L.
Published: January 2017

Clonal cell lines from the dermis of a dermatosparaxic calf were grown in tissue culture. After fixation in a mixture of glutaraldehyde and osmium, they were prepared for electron microscopy. Most cells contained a well-developed Golgi region, lysosomes, mitochondria, and dilated cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. They also contained numerous, large bundles of intracellular filaments, many lipid droplets and extensive arrays of vesicles. Cultures accumulated substantial amounts of extracellular fibrillar material. The fibrils were loosely packed and indistinctly cross-banded. Bundles of intracellular filaments were commonly parallel in adjacent cells and also parallel to extracellular fibrils. These cytoplasmic features may result from the inability of the secreted collagen to form normal fibrils.