bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Hamstring Strains in 25 NCAA Sports in the 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 Academic Years
Authors: Dalton Sara L. , Kerr Zachary Y. , Dompier Thomas P.
Published: September 2015

Background:

The epidemiology of hamstring strains among student-athletes has been extensively researched. However, there is a paucity of recent data describing patterns of hamstring strains.

Purpose:

To describe the epidemiology of hamstring strains in 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship sports.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Hamstring strains data were analyzed from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during the 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 academic years. Hamstring strain injury rates, rate ratios (RRs), and injury proportion ratios were reported with 95% CIs.

Results:

During the study period, 1142 hamstring strains were reported, leading to an injury rate of 3.05 per 10,000 athlete-exposures (AEs). Most hamstring strains occurred during practices (68.2%). However, the competition rate (5.24 per 10,000 AEs) was larger than the practice rate (2.56 per 10,000 AEs; RR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.81-2.32). A slight majority occurred during the regular season (52.9%). However, the preseason rate (5.00 per 10,000 AEs) was larger than the regular season/postseason rate (2.34 per 10,000 AEs; RR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.90-2.40). Men’s football, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer contributed the greatest proportion of hamstring strains (35.3%, 9.9%, and 8.3%, respectively). Most hamstring strains were due to noncontact (72.3%). Of all hamstring strains, 12.6% were recurrent, 37.7% resulted in a time loss of <24 hours, and 6.3% resulted in a time loss >3 weeks. Variations in hamstring strain patterns existed by sport. The hamstring strain rate was larger in men than in women in soccer (RR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.22-2.11), baseball/softball (RR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.07-2.59), and indoor track (RR = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.26-2.78). In addition, proportions of hamstring strains that were recurrent were higher among men in most sex-comparable sports, but this difference was not significant.

Conclusion:

Hamstring strain rates were higher in the preseason and in competition. Student-athletes should be acclimatized to the rigors of preseason participation. Meanwhile, further surveillance should investigate the effectiveness of prospective prevention programs in an effort to reduce the prevalence of initial and recurrent hamstring strain injuries.
Family Involvement in Nursing Homes: Are Family Caregivers Getting What They Want?
Authors: Reid R. Colin , Chappell Neena L.
Published: September 2015

The provision of person-centered care for nursing home residents with dementia suggests the need for family caregiver involvement. In this article, we argue that optimal family involvement differs by family caregiver and therefore depends on the degree to which family caregivers consider their own involvement to be important. In this Canadian study, we compare the importance that 135 family caregivers of residents with dementia place on 20 kinds of involvement with the degree to which they perceive opportunities for involvement. Family Involvement Congruence Scores are calculated in three ways: those for whom involvement is important, those for whom involvement is not important, and an overall congruence score. Congruence scores varied by involvement type. These scores show promise for use in future research on family caregiver involvement and as tools for use by facilities as they endeavor to meet family caregiver expectations for involvement.
Study of the explosion characteristics and combustion products of air conditioner using flammable refrigerants
Authors: Zhang Wang , Yang Zhao , Li Jin , Ren Chang-xing , Lv Dong
Published: September 2015

Due to ozone depletion and high global warming potential of chlorofluorocarbon, environmentally benign options such as hydrocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons (such as R290, R32) are under consideration. Since these refrigerants are flammable, they pose additional fire and explosion risks. The explosion pressures of R32 and R290 at different concentrations were studied using 20 L ball explosive test apparatus. The indoor unit combustion, total heat release, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide production were studied in the event of the indoor unit being ignited by an external fire. It is found that the maximum explosion pressures of R32 and R290 are basically the same. Besides, heat and smoke mainly come from the combustion of indoor unit plastic shell and compressor lubricants.
Japanese Students’ Perceptions of Digital Game Use for English-Language Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Bolliger Doris U. , Mills Daniel , White Jeremy , Kohyama Megumi
Published: September 2015

Researchers investigated perceptions of Japanese college students toward the use of digital games in English-language learning. The study was conducted at one large private university in Japan. Undergraduate students who were enrolled in 14 English-language courses were invited to complete a paper-based survey during class time. The survey included the following constructs: ease of use, learning opportunities, experience, preferences, and actual use. Participants were also invited to share potential advantages and disadvantages for digital game use in the classroom. Two hundred and twenty-two students completed the survey. Results indicate that most students viewed the potential integration and utilization of digital games as positive. However, some students expressed concern that the use of games may not be an effective or efficient method of learning.
Means to an end: Pro-government militias as a predictive indicator of strategic mass killing
Authors: Koren Ore
Published: September 2015

Forecasting models of state-led mass killing are limited in their use of structural indicators, despite a large body of research that emphasizes the importance of agency and security repertoires in conditioning political violence. I seek to overcome these limitations by developing a theoretical and statistical framework that highlights the advantages of using pro-government militias (PGMs) as a predictive indicator in forecasting models of state-led mass killing. I argue that PGMs can lower the potential costs associated with mass killing for a regime faced with an internal threat, and might hence “tip the balance” in its favor. In estimating a series of statistical models and their receiver–operator characteristic curves to evaluate this hypothesis globally for the years 1981–2007, focusing on 270 internal threat episodes, I find robust support for my expectations: including PGM indicators in state-led mass killing models significantly improves their predictive strength. Moreover, these results hold even when coefficient estimates produced by in-sample data are used to predict state-led mass killing in cross-validation and out-of-sample data for the years 2008–2013. This study hence provides an introductory demonstration of the potential advantages of including security repertoires, in addition to structural factors, in forecasting models.
Pediatric Malnutrition
Authors: Beer Stacey S. , Juarez Marisa D. , Vega Molly W. , Canada Nicki L.
Published: September 2015

In recent years, much effort has been directed at redefining malnutrition in the pediatric population to include the acute clinical population in addition to the more traditional ambulatory populations. In 2013, an expert panel convened to perform a critical review of available literature to craft a new approach to malnutrition. Closely thereafter, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition published recommended indicators for the identification and documentation of malnutrition in pediatric populations. The purpose of this article is to review the domains within the new definition of malnutrition in pediatric practice, describe populations in which the recommended indicators for identification and management are problematic in clinical practice, give case studies that apply the new definition, and finally describe the implementation of a malnutrition identification program within a large tertiary care children's hospital.
Fabrication of interconnected pore forming α-tricalcium phosphate foam granules cement
Authors: Shariff Khairul Anuar , Tsuru Kanji , Ishikawa Kunio
Published: September 2015

Interconnected pore forming calcium phosphate cement is useful for the reconstruction of bone defects as well as scaffold fabrication in tissue engineering. In this study, interconnected pore forming calcium phosphate cement was fabricated using α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) foam granules. When α-TCP foam granules were mixed with acidic calcium phosphate solution prepared from monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) and phosphoric acid solution, brushite crystals were precipitated. These crystals bridged the α-TCP foam granules immediately upon mixing. As a result of the brushite bridge between the α-TCP foam granules, fully interconnected macroporous α-TCP was obtained. The amount of brushite precipitate and the mechanical strength of the set cement increased with acidic calcium phosphate concentration.
One-to-One Assistant Engagement in Autism Support Classrooms
Authors: Azad Gazi F. , Locke Jill , Downey Margaret Mary , Xie Ming , Mandell David S.
Published: September 2015

Classroom assistants and one-to-one assistants are an important part of the staffing structure of many autism support classrooms. Limited studies, however, have examined how one-to-one assistants spend their time in the classroom. The purpose of this article was to examine the percentage of time one-to-one assistants were engaged in instruction or support of students with autism and to determine the factors associated with their engagement. Direct observations were conducted in 46 autism support classrooms. Teachers and classroom assistants were engaged in instruction or support 98% and 91% of the time, respectively. One-to-one assistants were engaged in instruction or support 57% of the time. Classroom assistants’ and one-to-one assistants’ engagement was significantly correlated. The low rate of one-to-one assistants’ engagement suggests an inefficient use of an important resource.
Environment factor–based equipment hazard rate prognosis for maintenance scheduling
Authors: Tao Xinyang , Xia Tangbin , Xi Lifeng
Published: September 2015

In recent years, condition-based maintenance has been increasingly considered for improving system reliability and cost effectiveness. Equipment hazard rate prognosis plays an important role in condition-based maintenance scheduling. Thus, this article focuses on evaluating and extracting environment factors that reflect environmental effects on the equipment hazard rate. Better condition-based maintenance schedules can be designed through the use of equipment hazard rates considering environmental influences. An innovative methodology is proposed in this article: first, statistical pattern recognition is used to extract environment factors; a method combining rough sets and an analytic hierarchy process is used to obtain the different weighting factors for the different environmental elements, and then they can be used to extract future environment factors; and finally, the environment factors are dynamically applied in an improved condition-based maintenance model. The results of a case study show that this methodology can be used to develop comprehensive and optimal maintenance schedules. Furthermore, compared with traditional models, the improved model is proved to be more effective and realistic because of the evaluation and application of environment factors.
Effect of Al2O3 film on the mechanical properties of a welded high-strength (AW 7020) aluminium alloy
Authors: Olabode Muyiwa , Kah Paul , Hiltunen Esa , Martikainen Jukka
Published: September 2015

The use in motor vehicles of lightweight metals such as aluminium and titanium provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, thereby lowering overall weight and reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Aluminium alloys have thus become an important structural material especially high strength and ultra-high strength alloys such as AW 7020. Many studies have shown that the presence of an aluminium oxide (Al2O3) thin film formed naturally on aluminium alloys is detrimental to welding. This article further investigates the specific effect of the Al2O3 thin film on welding AW 7020 alloy. An analytical experiment of welded AW 7020 alloy using a pulsed metal inert gas (MIG) robotic weld machine is carried out. Four specimens were cut, butt welded, and examined. The weld parameters included pre-weld cleaning of the Al2O3, pre-, and post-weld heat treatment. Al2O3 was removed by wire brushing; preheating was conducted at a temperature of 130 °C; and natural ageing was conducted by post-weld heating at 480 °C for 2 h, followed by quenching in water at 90 °C for 8 h, reheated, and sustained at 145 °C for 15 h. The result shows that the presence of Al2O3 layer appears not to be detrimental to the weld with new welding technologies, therefore suggesting that it is not necessary to grind off the Al2O3 layer before welding. This finding implies that welding costs can be lowered and weld quality improved when new welding technologies are applied in the welding of high-strength aluminium alloys.
Quality assured tightening of screw joints
Authors: Hermansson Thomas O
Published: September 2015

Assembly of critical threaded connections such as safety belt and steering wheel screw joints must be quality assured to 100%. Not only the screw needs to be in position but the strength of the joint must also be guaranteed. To accomplish this, classical process surveillance is combined with angle monitoring and screws with special features. A plant system that keeps track on cars of various variants sends information to a screw joint controller that in turn sends a unique parameter set to the screw joint equipment. Together with so-called socket trays and balancing rules, the process arrangement can be made in such a way that the wrong screw can never be assembled without detection. To provide sufficient strength of joints, different kinds of angle monitoring are used. For example, entering/down running angle monitoring that are used to secure sufficient thread engagement with static high strength joints. Angle monitoring is also used to control that all parts are in position before the joint is tightened. For clamp load critical joints, final angle monitoring is used. Together with standard torques and standard assembly friction given by standard fasteners, sufficient clamping force can be guaranteed. With clamp load critical chassis joints, gradient-controlled yield point tightening has shown to be a successful assembly technique with the all new Volvo XC90. Furthermore, screws with special thread geometries are used to avoid cross threading, and in many cases hand entering can be taken away. Altogether, it can be concluded that the Volvo Cars assembly technology not only is very safe but also at a relatively low cost.
Jacobian-based stiffness analysis method for parallel manipulators with non-redundant legs
Authors: Hoevenaars Antonius GL , Lambert Patrice , Herder Just L
Published: September 2015

Stiffness is an important element in the model of a parallel manipulator. A complete stiffness analysis includes the contributions of joints as well as structural elements. Parallel manipulators potentially include both actuated joints, passive compliant joints, and zero stiffness joints, while a leg may impose constraints on the end-effector in the case of lower mobility parallel manipulators. Additionally, parallel manipulators are often designed to interact with an environment, which means that an external wrench may be applied to the end-effector. This paper presents a Jacobian-based stiffness analysis method, based on screw theory, that effectively considers all above aspects and which also applies to parallel manipulators with non-redundant legs.
Vibration isolation characteristics of finite periodic tetra-chiral lattice coating filled with internal resonators
Authors: Zhu Dawei , Huang Xiuchang , Hua Hongxing , Zheng Hui
Published: September 2015

Owing to their locally resonant mechanism, internal resonators are usually used to provide band gaps in low-frequency region for many types of periodic structures. In this study, internal resonators are used to improve the vibration attenuation ability of finite periodic tetra-chiral coating, enabling high reduction of the radiated sound power by a vibrating stiffened plate. Based on the Bloch theorem and finite element method, the band gap characteristics of tetra-chiral unit cells filled with and without internal resonators are analysed and compared to reveal the relationship between band gaps and vibration modes of such tetra-chiral unit cells. The rotational vibration of internal resonators can effectively strengthen the vibration attenuation ability of tetra-chiral lattice and extend the effective frequency range of vibration attenuation. Two tetra-chiral lattices with and without internal resonators are respectively designed and their vibration transmissibilities are measured using the hammering method. The experimental results confirm the vibration isolation effect of the internal resonators on the finite periodic tetra-chiral lattice. The tetra-chiral lattice as an acoustic coating is applied to a stiffened plate, and analysis results indicate that the internal resonators can obviously enhance the vibration attenuation ability of tetra-chiral lattice coating in the frequency range of the band gap corresponding to the rotating vibration mode of internal resonators. When the soft rubber with the internal resonators in tetra-chiral layers has gradient elastic modulus, the vibration attenuation ability and noise reduction of the tetra-chiral lattice coating are basically enhanced in the frequency range of the corresponding band gaps of tetra-chiral unit cells.
Motorized vehicle active suspension damper control with dynamic friction and actuator delay compensation for a better ride quality
Authors: Shin Donghoon , Lee Geesu , Yi Kyongsu , Noh Kihan
Published: September 2015

This paper describes motorized active suspension damper control with dynamic friction and actuator delay compensation for an enhanced ride quality. The control algorithm consists of a supervisory controller, an upper-level controller and a lower-level controller. The supervisory controller determines the control modes, such as the passive control modes and the active control mode. The upper-level controller, which incorporates the existing actuator delay, computes the damping force using linear quadratic control theory. The actuator input is determined by the lower-level controller by compensating the dynamic friction torque. To estimate the sprung-mass displacement, the sprung-mass velocity, the unsprung-mass displacement and the unsprung-mass velocity, two state estimators are proposed. An adaptive observer is developed for the non-linear dry friction to estimate the ball-screw dynamic friction caused by the axial movement of the actuator and the viscosity. The performance of the proposed control algorithm was evaluated from simulations. It was shown from simulations that the proposed motorized active suspension damper control with a friction and delay compensation algorithm can improve the ride quality.
A finite element stratification method for a polyurethane jounce bumper
Authors: Wang Yuanlong , Ma Zheng-dong , Wang Liangmo
Published: September 2015

The primary problem in the finite element analysis of polyurethane jounce bumpers, bumper stops, or similar structures is the identification of a mathematical model for the constitutive material. The densities of the exterior polyurethane area and the interior polyurethane area usually differ owing to the manufacturing process. This difference results in inaccuracy when predicting the mechanical behavior of the jounce bumper and bumper stop if a homogeneous material model is used. Thus, this work proposes a stratification method for finite element analysis of a polyurethane jounce bumper. The polyurethane structure was divided into three regions (the ‘skin layer’, the ‘transition layer’, and the ‘core area’) with different material properties. A foam model was utilized as the constitutive relationship. The foam model coefficients of the core area were obtained by a curve-fitting process using uniaxial compression test results. Subsequently, the material properties of the skin layer and the transition layer were also obtained. The finite element analysis results show that the proposed stratification strategy improves the prediction of the deformed shapes of the polyurethane jounce bumper. Furthermore, the calculated load–displacement curve is reliable for small to medium strains (0–0.4). Therefore, the proposed stratification method can be applied to enhance the reliability of jounce bumper simulations and to simplify the design process.
Modelling and attitude control of a miniature ducted fan UAV
Authors: Zhao Hong , Sheng Shou-Zhao , Li Jian-Bo , Sun Chen-Wu
Published: September 2015

Ducted fan UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) has broad application prospective. To study flight dynamics and flight control problems of ducted fan UAV, this paper developed a refined aerodynamic model for the ducted fan UAV by wind tunnel test. Based on that, the flight dynamic model of ducted fan UAV was built, which showed features as being nonlinear and unstable and of strong coupling and, therefore, inspired this paper to adopt a strong adaptive control approach based on decoupling to perform attitude control on the ducted fan vehicle. The approach combined model tracking control and reference model adaptive control together, which highly reduced attitude tracking error and improved stability margin of the closed-loop system, and was successfully applied in flight control simulation and flight tests of the vehicle.
Influence of a micro-thread at cervical position and a cylindrical intermediate zone on the mechanical behaviour of dental implants: A three-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Garitaonaindia Ugutz , Alcaraz José Luis
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this work is to analyse the influence on the biomechanical behaviour of dental implants of a micro-thread at their cervical part as well as of a cylindrical geometry at an intermediate zone. Stresses and strains in the elements involved, that is, bone, implant, screw and abutment, have to be considered in detail. Three different three-dimensional finite element models are generated to analyse the behaviour of the various components under the so-called tightening and operating conditions. For the modelling, material specifications for the cancellous bone and cortical bone, on one hand, and titanium properties for the implant, screw and abutment, on the other, are implemented. The tightening condition was fixed according to the stresses in the screw. The operating conditions were simulated by applying a force of 150 N, taking into account ISO 14801:2007 standard. The maximum stress under tightening conditions occurs always in the screw, while under operating conditions it is produced at the screw or the abutment, although considerable stress values are also present in the implant. In all the models, the maximum stress at the junction between the implant and the bone occurs within the cortical bone. Implants provided with micro-thread at the cervical position are advantageous over homogeneously threaded implants since lower stresses in both the implant and the adjacent bone are produced. A cylindrical intermediate portion on the implant surface does not present special advantage over the implants with continuous external thread under tightening and operating conditions.
Wearable Virtual White Cane Network for navigating people with visual impairment
Authors: Gao Yabiao , Chandrawanshi Rahul , Nau Amy C , Tse Zion Tsz Ho
Published: September 2015

Navigating the world with visual impairments presents inconveniences and safety concerns. Although a traditional white cane is the most commonly used mobility aid due to its low cost and acceptable functionality, electronic traveling aids can provide more functionality as well as additional benefits. The Wearable Virtual Cane Network is an electronic traveling aid that utilizes ultrasound sonar technology to scan the surrounding environment for spatial information. The Wearable Virtual Cane Network is composed of four sensing nodes: one on each of the user’s wrists, one on the waist, and one on the ankle. The Wearable Virtual Cane Network employs vibration and sound to communicate object proximity to the user. While conventional navigation devices are typically hand-held and bulky, the hands-free design of our prototype allows the user to perform other tasks while using the Wearable Virtual Cane Network. When the Wearable Virtual Cane Network prototype was tested for distance resolution and range detection limits at various displacements and compared with a traditional white cane, all participants performed significantly above the control bar (p < 4.3 × 10−5, standard t-test) in distance estimation. Each sensor unit can detect an object with a surface area as small as 1 cm2 (1 cm × 1 cm) located 70 cm away. Our results showed that the walking speed for an obstacle course was increased by 23% on average when subjects used the Wearable Virtual Cane Network rather than the white cane. The obstacle course experiment also shows that the use of the white cane in combination with the Wearable Virtual Cane Network can significantly improve navigation over using either the white cane or the Wearable Virtual Cane Network alone (p < 0.05, paired t-test).
Dynamic modelling and control of a cubic flying blimp using external motion capture
Authors: St-Onge David , Gosselin Clément , Reeves Nicolas
Published: September 2015

This article presents results on the dynamic modelling of a cubic flying robot referred to as the Tryphon. Four identical prototypes of the Tryphon are currently available, in addition to numerous earlier prototypes. They are used for artistic performances in museums, art galleries or theatres. Unique in the airship realm, the Tryphons are difficult to control because of the limited knowledge of their behaviour. Hence, the development of a dynamic model has the potential to significantly improve the control performances. In this article, a previously proposed model is shown to adapt to the experimental data obtained from a motion capture system. Experiments with this system also lead to a simple closed-loop control of the blimp. From the data sets, a more accurate nonlinear auto-regressive with exogenous input model is developed. Furthermore, controllability issues and applications are also discussed.
Direct and flexible marginal inference for semicontinuous data
Authors: Smith Valerie A , Preisser John S
Published: September 2015

The marginalized two-part (MTP) model for semicontinuous data proposed by Smith et al. provides direct inference for the effect of covariates on the marginal mean of positively continuous data with zeros. This brief note addresses mischaracterizations of the MTP model by Gebregziabher et al. Additionally, the MTP model is extended to incorporate the three-parameter generalized gamma distribution, which takes many well-known distributions as special cases, including the Weibull, gamma, inverse gamma, and log-normal distributions.
Natural interpretations in Tobit regression models using marginal estimation methods
Authors: Wang Wei , Griswold Michael E
Published: September 2015

The Tobit model, also known as a censored regression model to account for left- and/or right-censoring in the dependent variable, has been used in many areas of applications, including dental health, medical research and economics. The reported Tobit model coefficient allows estimation and inference of an exposure effect on the latent dependent variable. However, this model does not directly provide overall exposure effects estimation on the original outcome scale. We propose a direct-marginalization approach using a reparameterized link function to model exposure and covariate effects directly on the truncated dependent variable mean. We also discuss an alternative average-predicted-value, post-estimation approach which uses model-predicted values for each person in a designated reference group under different exposure statuses to estimate covariate-adjusted overall exposure effects. Simulation studies were conducted to show the unbiasedness and robustness properties for both approaches under various scenarios. Robustness appears to diminish when covariates with substantial effects are imbalanced between exposure groups; we outline an approach for model choice based on information criterion fit statistics. The methods are applied to the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) cohort study to assess associations between obesity and cognitive function in the non-Hispanic white participants.
Mapping science communication scholarship in China: Content analysis on breadth, depth and agenda of published research
Authors: Xu Linjia , Huang Biaowen , Wu Guosheng
Published: September 2015

This study attempted to illuminate the cause and relation between government, scholars, disciplines, and societal aspects, presenting data from a content analysis of published research with the key word “science communication”（科学传播）in the title or in the key words, including academic papers published in journals and dissertations from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database. Of these, 572 articles were coded using categories that identified science topics, theory, authorship, and methods used in each study to examine the breadth and depth that Science Communication has achieved since its inception in China. This study explored the dominance of History and Philosophy of Science scholars rather than Communication scholars. We also explored how science communication research began from theories and concepts instead of science report analysis and the difficulties of the shift from public understanding of science to public engagement in China.
A Model for Industry Attractiveness with Two Case Analyses
Authors: Roy Dilip , Lahiri Isita
Published: September 2015

This paper highlights the need for evaluating industry attractiveness in the context of strategic planning. In this process the requirement of a measure for the degree of competition has been pointed out and a measure based on entropy has been introduced. Based on that entropy measure of degree of competition, a multiplicative model for describing industry attractiveness has been suggested. Two case studies, one on the soap market and the other on the cigarette market, have been made for demonstrating the merit of the proposed model.
The Strategic Link
Authors: Sadri Sorab
Published: September 2015

The argument put forward in this brief paper is threefold. Firstly, it treats the impact of globalisation on corporate culture building exercises and shows how externalities affect internal organisational behaviour. It emphasises the fact that globalisation is neither a chimera nor is it a novel phenomenon. Secondly, it examines the behavioural context in which managements operate and extends the analysis of some authors who have worked in this field. Thirdly, it highlights some of the characteristics of change that need to be followed if organisations have to thrive on the cutting edge of competition. In doing so, the paper presents a political economy of HR Interventions on the one hand and offers constructive suggestions on corporate culture building exercises on the other. The paper argues for creating value-based corporate cultures that are a precondition for building learning organisations.
A Road Map Towards Establishing a Successful Electronic Market Exchange
Authors: Sehgal Kartik , Gupta Twinkle , Jain Aditya , Zalpuri Gaurav , Malik Kamna
Published: September 2015

Post “dot com bust” and “US economic slowdown”, companies are hopping on to the B2R bandwagon . These organisations can be broadly categorised as members of the B2B market exchange as suppliers or buyers, owners of 3rd party exchanges or B2B product-providers . B2B ventures already represent a major chunk of online business and are increasing their share in the pie even; year. Though many organisations are keen on getting involved in B2B ventures, it is imperative that they know what exactly does B2B represent, who can be a part of it - how, and what are the risks and success factors involved. A pool of literature exists that gives a variety of approaches and guiding criteria towards the same. This paper attempts to answer the aforesaid issues based on a study of the major B2B players to identify the common approaches adopted by them.
Characterization of Mannheimia haemolytica in beef calves via nasopharyngeal culture and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis
Authors: Capik Sarah F. , White Brad J. , Lubbers Brian V. , Apley Michael D. , Mosier Derek A. , Larson Robert L. , Murray Robert W.
Published: September 2015

Mannheimia haemolytica is a major bacterial component of bovine respiratory disease (BRD); unfortunately, very little is known about M. haemolytica transmission dynamics among cattle. Identifying potential variation in M. haemolytica populations over time and induction of nasopharyngeal colonization and subsequent shedding are 2 areas where knowledge is lacking. In our study, 2 separate loads of 20 mixed-origin, male calves were purchased through an order buyer on different dates. Deep nasopharyngeal cultures (NPC) were performed on all calves on arrival and, if M. haemolytica–negative, a second screening culture was obtained. Calves that were negative on 2 initial NPCs (NEG; n = 4) were subsequently challenged with a previously isolated field strain of M. haemolytica in both the upper and lower respiratory tract, individually housed, and then monitored for M. haemolytica shedding via NPCs at 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days postchallenge. Naturally M. haemolytica–positive calves (2 per load) were kept for additional daily cultures (POS; n = 4). Individual calf M. haemolytica status for both the POS and NEG groups was inconsistent between study days. Additionally, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis performed on isolates from the positive cultures showed that the NEG calves did not shed the M. haemolytica challenge strain, but rather 2 distinct clusters of M. haemolytica were shared among POS and NEG calves regardless of their initial status. Although sample sizes were small, these findings illustrate how variable the results of a single nasopharyngeal swab can be and the challenges of using an individual culture to truly represent animal M. haemolytica status.
Use of serologic tests to predict resistance to Canine distemper virus–induced disease in vaccinated dogs
Authors: Jensen Wayne A. , Totten Janet S. , Lappin Michael R. , Schultz Ronald D.
Published: September 2015

The objective of the current study was to determine whether detection of Canine distemper virus (CDV)-specific serum antibodies correlates with resistance to challenge with virulent virus. Virus neutralization (VN) assay results were compared with resistance to viral challenge in 2 unvaccinated Beagle puppies, 9 unvaccinated Beagle dogs (4.4–7.2 years of age), and 9 vaccinated Beagle dogs (3.7–4.7 years of age). Eight of 9 (89%) unvaccinated adult dogs exhibited clinical signs after virus challenge, and 1 (13%) dog died. As compared to adult dogs, the 2 unvaccinated puppies developed more severe clinical signs and either died or were euthanized after challenge. In contrast, no clinical signs were detected after challenge of the 9 adult vaccinated dogs with post-vaccination intervals of up to 4.4 years. In vaccinated dogs, the positive and negative predictive values of VN assay results for resistance to challenge were 100% and 0%, respectively. Results indicate that dogs vaccinated with modified live CDV can be protected from challenge for ≤4.4 years postvaccination and that detection of virus-specific antibodies is predictive of whether dogs are resistant to challenge with virulent virus. Results also indicate that CDV infection in unvaccinated dogs results in age-dependent morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of age-dependent morbidity and mortality, duration of vaccine-induced immunity, and the positive and negative predictive values of detection of virus-specific serum antibodies are useful in development of rational booster vaccination intervals for the prevention of CDV-mediated disease in adult dogs.
Giant axonal neuropathy–like disease in an Alexandrine parrot (Psittacula eupatria)
Authors: Stent Andrew , Gosbell Matthew , Tatarczuch Liliana , Summers Brian A.
Published: September 2015

A chronic progressive neurological condition in an Alexandrine parrot ( Psittacula eupatria) was manifest as intention tremors, incoordination, and seizure activity. Histology revealed large eosinophilic bodies throughout the central nervous system, and electron microscopy demonstrated that these bodies were greatly expanded axons distended by short filamentous structures that aggregated to form long strands. The presence of periodic acid–Schiff-positive material within the neuronal bodies of Purkinje cells and ganglionic neurons is another distinctive feature of this disease. The histological features of this case display some features consistent with giant axonal neuropathy as reported in humans and dogs. Based on investigation of the lineage in this case, an underlying inherited defect is suspected, but some additional factor appears to have altered the specific disease presentation in this bird.
The Lived Experience of Caring for an Australian Military Veteran With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Waddell Elaine , Pulvirenti Mariastella , Lawn Sharon
Published: September 2015

There is limited literature on the experience of caring for an intimate partner with a mental health condition. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition for military veterans; yet, little is known about how partners experience and cope with these caring relationships. Using an interpretive phenomenological approach, we collected data through individual interviews with 20 female partners of male veterans diagnosed with PTSD living in South Australia. We found the emotional features of caring to be directly derived from the strength of commitment these carers had to their relationships. We show that lack of understanding of carers’ lives, particularly by health providers and government, has resulted in a sense of social disconnect and invisibility that has contributed to stress and is a barrier to coping. Of vital importance to these carers was that partners of younger veterans should not have to suffer the same experiences.
Vibration and damping analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite shell structures
Authors: Thomas Benedict , Roy Tarapada
Published: September 2015

The present article deals with the vibration and damping analysis of functionally graded carbon nanotubes reinforced hybrid composite (FG-CNTRHC) shell structure which consists of conventional carbon fiber as reinforcing phase and single-walled carbon nanotubes based polymer as matrix phase. The Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka approach in conjunction with strength of material approach is implemented to obtain the material properties of FG-CNTRHC structures. The material properties of FG-CNTRHCs are assumed to be graded through the thickness direction according to power law distributions of the volume fraction of carbon fibers and fiber orientations. An eight node shell element considering transverse shear effect according to Mindlin’s hypothesis has been formulated for finite element modelling and analysis of such functionally graded hybrid composite shell structures. The formulation of shell midsurface in an arbitrary curvilinear coordinate system based on the tensorial notation also presented. The Rayleigh damping model has been implemented in order to study the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on damping capacity of such hybrid shell structures. Different types of spherical shell panels have been analyzed in order to study the time and frequency responses. The influences of CNTs, carbon fiber, geometry of the shell, power law index and material distributions on the vibration damping characteristics of FG-CNTRHC shell structures have also been presented and discussed. Various types of FG-CNTRHC shell structures (such as spherical, ellipsoidal, doubly curved and cylindrical) have been analyzed and discussed in order to comparative studies in terms of settling time, first resonant frequency and absolute amplitude corresponding to first resonant frequency and the effects of CNTs on vibrations responses of such shell structures are also presented.
Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction Among Agency-Employed Home Health Aides
Authors: Yoon Seokwon , Probst Janice , DiStefano Christine
Published: September 2015

To examine the predictors of job satisfaction by home health aides, we conducted structural equation modeling to identify how the predicting variables directly and indirectly influence job satisfaction by home health aides. A total of 3,274 female home health aides working in home health care industry were selected for this study from the nationally representative sample. Support from organizations and supervisors, and personal support have positive direct effects on the job satisfaction of home health aides. Organizational support and supervisor support have important roles in weakening the negative relationship between job-related stressors and job satisfaction. We conclude that support from organizations and supervisors might improve job satisfaction by home health aides through reducing stress.
An accurate discrete model for web-core sandwich plates
Authors: Pydah Anup , Bhaskar K
Published: September 2015

An accurate discrete model is presented here for the analysis of simply supported web-core sandwich plates. In this model, the face plates are analysed using the equations of 3D elasticity and for the webs a plane stress idealization is used to model the kinematics of transverse bending while simple one-dimensional classical models are employed for lateral bending and torsion. Thus, this model accounts for the non-classical effects of transverse shear deformation and transverse thickness-stretch in the face-plates and the webs. It is shown that this model is capable of accurately capturing the effects of secondary local bending of the face-plates between the webs on the displacement and stress fields. Results obtained by this rigorous approach are used to highlight the errors of the commonly used model based on the classical hairbrush hypothesis for the face-plates.
Creep ruptures of AISI 347 austenitic stainless steel foils at elevated temperature of 750 ℃
Authors: Osman H , Nor FM , Hamdan YM , Tamin MN
Published: September 2015

The creep rupture properties of AISI 347 austenitic stainless steel foil used in compact recuperators have been evaluated at 750 ℃ in the stress range of 54–221 MPa to establish baseline behavior for its extended use. The creep curve of the foil shows that the primary creep stage is brief and creep life is dominated by tertiary creep deformation with rupture lives in the range 3–433 h. Power law relationship was obtained between the minimum creep rate and the applied stress with stress exponent value of n = 4.25. The creep damage tolerance parameter for specimen tested at 750 ℃ and 54 MPa indicates that creep fracture takes place by precipitate coarsening mechanism. Nucleation of voids mainly occurs at second-phase particles (Cr23C6 carbides). The improvement in strength is attributed to the precipitation of fine niobium carbides in the matrix which prevents dislocation movement of the microstructure.
What’s in a word? The framing of health at the regional level: ASEAN, EU, SADC and UNASUR
Authors: Amaya Ana B , Rollet Vincent , Kingah Stephen
Published: September 2015

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the European Union, the Southern African Development Community and the Union of South American Nations have increasingly been involved in health diplomacy in the past decade, yet little is known about how they frame health as a foreign policy issue and how this has an impact on their prioritisation of policies. For this, we conducted a review of existing grey and peer-reviewed literature that address regional integration and health, as well as a documentary review according to security, development, trade, human rights, moral/ethical reasonings and global public goods frames identified in the literature. The policy frames identified responded to the challenges these regions currently face. The Association of Southeast Asian Nation’s struggle with re-emerging diseases has led to favouring a securitisation approach to health, the European Union approaches health as a cross-cutting policy issue, the Southern African Development Community presents health as a driver for development, and while the Union of South American Nations emphasises health as a human right and addresses the social determinants of health as an ethical imperative. Overall, these policy frames were useful in analysing the framing of health in foreign policy at the regional level. However, within our analysis, we identified a new frame that approaches health as an intersectoral issue. The impact of regional organisations’ forward will depend on their ability to harness their convening power and speak in a coherent voice on health matters.
Regional and inter-regional economic rules and the enforcement of the right to health: The case of Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Liliana Lizarazo , De Lombaerde Philippe
Published: September 2015

The regional policy level is often seen as a (potential) source of progressive policy-making in health (and in social policy more widely), complementing or substituting national policy levels, which are perceived as underperforming. While it can certainly be argued that there are important opportunities to adopt regional approaches to tackle border-crossing health issues, this article draws the attention to the fact that the linkage between (inter-)regional and national policy levels is not uni-directional. While in some instances the regional level may indeed take the lead in the promotion of (the right to) health, in other instances it may well be the other way round. This article focuses on the case of Colombia, where international economic rules have deeply permeated public policies in the health sector. On one hand, Colombia has been opening markets through the conclusion of regional integration arrangements (e.g. Andean Community and the Pacific Alliance) and the new generation of Free Trade Agreements. On the other hand, Colombia has been one of the most active emerging countries in promoting the right to health as a justiciable fundamental right, in line with the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights of the United Nations mainly due to the judicial activism of the Colombian Constitutional Court with interesting implications for regional social governance. The article shows that national courts can play an important role in the protection of the right to health in a context of economic integration and the absence of regional balancing policies.
Sociocultural and institutional contexts of social cash transfer programs: Lessons from stakeholders’ attitudes and experiences in Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Felix K , Kaplowitz Michael D , Kerr John M , Lupi Frank , Thorp Laurie G
Published: September 2015

As conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs spread in African countries, there is a need for well-designed programs that reflect their economic, institutional, political, and sociocultural circumstances. Using both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, this article examines the perspectives of beneficiaries, program managers, and community leaders regarding Ghana’s CCT program. It addresses sociocultural attitudes toward poverty, perceptions of CCT as a poverty reduction strategy, and experiences with CCT implementation. Findings indicate favorable views of CCT but little support for giving money to the poor as a long-term poverty-alleviation strategy. Ghana’s CCT program is seen as fair and popular, but current payment levels are viewed as inadequate, impractical, and unreliable.