bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Provision of Psychiatric Care in Southern Italy. Results From the 'Psychiatry in Southern Italy's Services' (De Pisis) Survey
Authors: Marino Stefano , Frattura Lucilla , De Luca Luigi Fabrizio , De Francesco Michele , Olivieri Marco , Saraceno Benedetto
Published: January 2017

Objective: To describe structural features, attenders' characteristics and intervention habits in a large sample of Community Mental Health Departments (CMHDs) in Southern Italy.

Design and setting: 1) Survey of resources and organization features of collaborating CMHDs; 2) Unreplicated registration of all attenders and of therapeutic interventions during an index week.

Results: A self-selected sample of 47 CMHDs in Southern Italy recruited 3845 patients during the last week of October 1992. Participating CMHDs were serving a socially deprived and severely ill population: 45.8% of attenders had 8 years or less of formal education; only 18.9% were employed, 30.9% of diagnoses were of the schizophrenia spectrum group and 23% of the affective disorders group. Sixty-eight per cent of patients were being treated with psychotropic drugs, while only 19% received rehabilitative interventions. The activity of CMHDs were oriented more towards the control of active symptomatology than towards rehabilitation. A significantly higher proportion of patients receiving a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder diagnosis were found in contact during the index week with those CMHDs providing both residential and semiresidential (day-hospital, community center) facilities.
General Practitioners' Attitudes Towards Depression: a Study in Primary Care Setting in Brazil
Authors: Botega Neury José , Silveira Guilherme Martins
Published: January 2017

A self-report instrument comprising twenty visual analogue scale statements about attitudes towards depression was sent to all 110 general practitioners working in primary health care centres in the city of Campinas, Brazil. The statements of the Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ) cover three main areas: nature of depression, treatment preferences and professional reactions regarding depressed patients. Seventy-eight (71%) doctors returned the questionnaire. Forty-two percent of the doctors believe "it is difficult to differentiate whether patients are presenting with unhappiness or a clinical depressive disorder that needs treatment". Sixty-three percent believe that "antidepressants usually produce a satisfactory result in the treatment of depressed patients in general practice". However, most doctors would refer patients in need of antidepressants (66%) or psychotherapy (60%) to a specialist. They also view the treatment of depression as "heavy going" (46%) and "unrewarding" (57%). These findings suggest a need for further education of general practitioners on the nature, diagnosis and management of depressive disorders.
Behavioral and Perceptual Differences Between Structurally Equivalent, Two-Person Games
Authors: Young Jerald W.
Published: January 2017

This research primarily examines the effects of “naturalness” of context upon (a) game-related trusting behavior, (b) the cognitive predictors of trusting behavior such as the other's trustworthiness and perceived intentions, and (c) subjects“ attributions of causality within the experimental gaming situation itself. Since reward level and trust-worthy first impressions could possibly moderate the effects of context, a 2 × 2 × 2 (rich versus poor context x 83% versus 50% reward level x good versus bad first impression) factorial design was used in which 60 male Yale undergraduates responded to a series of 12 games (n = 40 for the rich; n = 20 for the poor). The ”rich“ context was created with 12 verbal communication choice dilemmas. The ”poor“ context consisted of 12 numeric outcome games, verified to be structurally equivalent to the verbal games. More trusting behavior was observed in the poor context (83% versus 62%). Negative first impression in the rich context only was a powerful inhibitor of initial, first-trial trusting behavior (5% versus 63%). A rich context produced more overall perceived trustworthiness and less bad intentions. High versus moderate reward and good versus bad first impressions produced more overall trustworthiness and more perceived good and less bad intentions. Subjects in the rich context perceived the experimenter to be biased against competitive subject behavior; subjects in the poor context perceived the experimenter to be biased for cooperative behavior, in particular, and for any activity in general. Additionally, a context by reward interaction indicated that subjects alter their perceptions of the appropriateness of reward/betray responses depending upon the type of context. When the response was appropriate for the context, causality tended to be attributed to the experimenter; when inappropriate, to the hypothetical other with whom the subjects were ”interacting.“ The function of role expectations is discussed. Seven problems to monitor or control in future research are derived.
Their Last Words: A Review of Suicide Notes in the Elderly
Authors: Salib E , Ei-Nimr G , Yacoub M
Published: January 2017

Suicide notes are considered as markers of the severity of a suicide attempt and are said to provide valuable insight into the thinking of suicide victims before the fatal act. However, very few studies have described elderly suicide note-writers and their final thoughts.

In this retrospective review of suicide notes obtained from coroners' records in North Cheshire over a period of 13 years from 1989–2001 we examined the content of suicide notes and their clinical significance.

Suicide note-writers may not be typical of the average suicide and information elicited from the study of suicide notes may only apply to note-writers and not to suicide in general. However, the absence of a suicide note must not be considered an indicator of a less serious attempt.

Future studies of suicide notes need to provide insight into the unique nature of these documents and to allow better understanding of the suicidal mind.
The Intoximeter 3000 and the Four Minute Fallacy
Authors: Denney Ronald C
Published: January 2017

Claims that breath alcohol values measured on the Lion Intoximeter 3000 are invalid if the machine clock is incorrect by more than four minutes have been shown to be technically incorrect. A study involving measurement of simulated breath alcohol levels with various Intoximeter 3000 clock times shows no variation within normal tolerances for breath alcohol values.
Exploration of a Durkheimian Theory of Suicide and Homicide in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Lester David
Published: January 2017

A time-series study of suicide and homicide rates in Australia and New Zealand from 1950–85 provided limited support for Durkheim's theory of suicide and no support for Henry and Short's theory of the relationship between suicide and homicide. The need for rival theories is discussed.
Motoring
Authors: Gott John
Published: January 2017

Our Motoring Correspondent reports upon the Eighth International Police Rally, which was a resounding success for British drivers.
New Equipment
Authors: Gidley D. H.
Published: January 2017

Mr Gidley has for some years been dealing with the business of the Research Committee of the Association of Chief Police Officers
A Model Curriculum for Public Health Bioterrorism Education
Authors: Dembek Zygmunt , Iton Anthony , Hansen Holger
Published: January 2017

Beginning with the spring semester of 2001, a course designed to prepare future public health leaders for potential bioterrorism events has been offered by the University of Connecticut Graduate Program in Public Health. Entitled “The Public Health Response to Bioterrorism,” this popular course was one of the few developed by academic programs in the United States prior to the attack of September 11, 2001. The course utilizes innovative teaching methods and presentations by distinguished guest speakers to educate public health personnel, public health and medical students, and physicians and nurses about the complex issues involved in the public health response to bioterrorism. The instructional methods and curriculum can serve as prototypes for similar efforts.
Chickenpox Exposure and Herpes Zoster Disease Incidence in Older Adults in the U.S.
Authors: Chaves Sandra S. , Santibanez Tammy A. , Gargiullo Paul , Guris Dalya
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Exposure to varicella zoster virus through close contact with people with chickenpox was suggested to boost specific immunity, reducing the risk of herpes zoster (HZ). Since the introduction of the varicella immunization program in the U.S. in 1995, varicella morbidity has decreased substantially. This article examines incidence and risk factors associated with self-reported HZ disease and whether exposure to chickenpox within the previous decade reduces the risk of shingles in this age group.

Methods.

In 2004, a national random-digit dial telephone survey was used to obtain information on self-reported HZ disease, demographic characteristics, and exposure to children with chickenpox in the past decade. National estimates of the incidence of shingles disease were calculated.

Results.

Incidence rate of self-reported HZ was 19 per 1,000 population per year. White individuals were 3.5 times more likely to report shingles than Hispanic individuals ( p<0.01). Previous exposure to chickenpox did not protect against HZ disease in this population. Seven percent of adults ≥65 years of age reported exposure to children with chickenpox in the past decade.

Conclusions.

Incidence of HZ among individuals ≥65 years of age in the U.S. may be higher than previously described in the literature, with whites being at higher risk for the disease. Currently, the potential contribution of exposure to chickenpox as a mechanism for maintaining cell-mediated immunity against HZ may be limited to a small percentage of the population. Vaccination against HZ may represent the best means of decreasing this disease burden.
HIV Behavioral Surveillance in the U.S.: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Lansky Amy , Sullivan Patrick S. , Gallagher Kathleen M. , Fleming Patricia L.
Published: January 2017

This article describes a conceptual framework for HIV behavioral surveillance in the United States. The framework includes types of behaviors to monitor, such as risk behaviors, HIV testing behaviors, adherence to HIV treatment, and care-seeking for HIV/AIDS. The framework also describes the population groups in which specific behaviors should be monitored. Because the framework is multifaceted in terms of behaviors and populations, behavioral data from multiple surveillance systems are integrated to achieve HIV behavioral surveillance program objectives. Defining surveillance activities more broadly to include behavioral surveillance in multiple populations will provide more comprehensive data for prevention planning, and lead to a more effective response to HIV/AIDS in the United States.
Developing an HIV Behavioral Surveillance System for Injecting Drug Users: The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System
Authors: Lansky Amy , Abdul-Quader Abu S. , Cribbin Melissa , Hall Tricia , Finlayson Teresa J. , Garfein Richard S. , Lin Lillian S. , Sullivan Patrick S.
Published: January 2017

While disease surveillance for HIV/AIDS is now widely conducted in the United States, effective HIV prevention programs rely primarily on changing behavior; therefore, behavioral data are needed to inform these programs. To achieve the goal of reducing HIV infections in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in cooperation with state and local health departments, implemented the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) for injecting drug users (IDUs) in 25 selected metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) throughout the United States in 2005. The surveillance system used respondent-driven sampling (RDS), a modified chain-referral method, to recruit IDUs for a survey measuring HIV-associated drug use and sexual risk behavior. RDS can produce population estimates for specific risk behaviors and demographic characteristics. Formative assessment activities—primarily the collection of qualitative data—provided information to better understand the IDU population and implement the surveillance activities in each city. This is the first behavioral surveillance system of its kind in the U.S. that will provide local and national data on risk for HIV and other blood-borne and sexually transmitted infections among IDUs for monitoring changes in the epidemic and prevention programs.
Use of Rapid Behavioral Assessments to Determine the Prevalence of HIV Risk Behaviors in High-Risk Populations
Authors: Gallagher Kathleen M. , Denning Paul D. , Allen Denise R. , Nakashima Allyn K. , Sullivan Patrick S.
Published: January 2017

Rapid HIV Behavioral Assessment (RHBA) is a method for collecting much-needed information about sexual, drug-use, and HIV testing behaviors from people at high risk for HIV infection in areas with low-to-moderate HIV prevalence.

During 2004, RHBAs were conducted in seven small to moderate-sized cities in the United States during Gay Pride events. Anonymous 10-minute interviews were administered to eligible attendees using handheld computers. Depending on the city, between 47% and 97% of individuals approached agreed to hear more about the survey. Enrollment rates exceeded 90% in every location.

RHBAs conducted during 2004 were well received by the gay and public health communities. They were simple to organize and administer, flexible, and cost-efficient, suggesting that this approach holds promise for expansion to additional high-risk groups and geographic locations. RHBAs can provide state and local health departments with demographic and behavioral data that can be used to design, target, and evaluate local HIV prevention programs.
Protecting Poultry Workers from Exposure to Avian Influenza Viruses
Authors: MacMahon Kathleen L. , Delaney Lisa J. , Kullman Greg , Gibbins John D. , Decker John , Kiefer Max J.
Published: January 2017

Emerging zoonotic diseases are of increasing regional and global importance. Preventing occupational exposure to zoonotic diseases protects workers as well as their families, communities, and the public health. Workers can be protected from zoonotic diseases most effectively by preventing and controlling diseases in animals, reducing workplace exposures, and educating workers.

Certain avian influenza viruses are potential zoonotic disease agents that may be transmitted from infected birds to humans. Poultry workers are at risk of becoming infected with these viruses if they are exposed to infected birds or virus-contaminated materials or environments. Critical components of worker protection include educating employers and training poultry workers about occupational exposure to avian influenza viruses. Other recommendations for protecting poultry workers include the use of good hygiene and work practices, personal protective clothing and equipment, vaccination for seasonal influenza viruses, antiviral medication, and medical surveillance. Current recommendations for protecting poultry workers from exposure to avian influenza viruses are summarized in this article.
Swine Health Impact on Carcass Contamination and Human Foodborne Risk
Authors: Hurd H. Scott , Brudvig Jean , Dickson James , Mirceta Jovan , Polovinski Miroslava , Matthews Neal , Griffith Ronald
Published: January 2017

Objective.

This study measured the relationship between lesions suggestive of subclinical pig illness at harvest to carcass contamination and human food-borne risk.

Methods.

Over the course of eight visits (December 2005 to January 2006), we swabbed 280 randomly selected carcasses, during normal slaughter operations, at three points in the slaughter line: skin pre-scald; the bung or pelvic cavity following removal of the distal colon and rectum; and pleural cavity, immediately before the final carcass rinse. Each swab sponge was used on five carcasses in bung and pleural cavity sampling. Swab sponges were cultured quantitatively for Campylobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., and Enterobacteriaceae spp., and qualitatively for Salmonella spp. Data on health indicators were collected for all pigs in the study (2,625 pigs) by experienced plant quality assurance personnel.

Results.

Campylobacter spp. were recovered from the pleural cavity in 58.9% (33/56) of pools (five carcasses/pool), and in 44.6% (25/56) of pools from the bung cavity. Enterococcus spp. were recovered from 66.1% (37/56) and 35.7% (20/56) of pleural and bung pools, respectively. The most common lesion identified was the peel-out (pleuritis or adhesions), with a total of 7.1% (186/2,625 total head). Linear regression showed that for every percentage point increase in peel-outs, Enterococcus spp. contamination increased by 4.4% and Campylobacter spp. increased by 5.1% ( p<0.05).

Conclusions.

This study showed a correlation between animal health and human health risk, as measured by carcass contamination. Therefore, animal management decisions on-farm, such as housing, antibiotic use, environment, and level of veterinary care, may directly impact public health.
ATV and Bicycle Deaths and Associated Costs in the United States, 2000–2005
Authors: Helmkamp James C. , Aitken Mary E. , Lawrence Bruce A.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We determined the rate and costs of recent U.S. all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and bicycle deaths.

Methods.

Fatalities were identified from the National Center for Health Statistics Multiple Cause-of-Death public-access file. ATV and bicycle deaths were defined by International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes V86.0–V86.9 and V10–V19, respectively. Lifetime costs were estimated using standard methods such as those used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Results.

From 2000 through 2005, 5,204 people died from ATV crashes and 4,924 from bicycle mishaps. A mean of 694 adults and 174 children died annually from ATV injuries, while 666 adults and 155 children died from bicycle injuries. Death rates increased among adult ATV and bike riders and child ATV riders. Males had higher fatality rates for both ATVs and bicycles. Among children, total costs increased 15% for ATV deaths and decreased 23% for bicycle deaths. In adults, ATV costs increased 45% and bike costs increased 39%.

Conclusions.

Bicycle- and ATV-related deaths and associated costs are high and, for the most part, increasing. Promotion of proven prevention strategies, including helmet use, is indicated. However, enforcement of helmet laws is problematic, which may contribute to observed trends.
Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Trends in Case and Isolate Characteristics from Six Years of Prospective Surveillance
Authors: Como-Sabetti Kathryn , Harriman Kathleen H. , Buck Jessica M. , Glennen Anita , Boxrud David J. , Lynfield Ruth
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

In 2000, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) implemented active, sentinel site surveillance for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA). Data from 2000–2005 were analyzed to determine trends in case characteristics, pulsed-field types (PFTs), and antimicrobial susceptibilities including inducible clindamycin resistance (ICR).

Methods.

Active sentinel site surveillance was initiated in 2000 at 12 hospital laboratories that served inpatients and outpatients. Patient medical records were reviewed to determine if they met the epidemiologic case criteria for CA-MRSA; isolates were obtained from patients meeting these criteria. The MDH Public Health Laboratory performed pulsed-field gel electrophoresis subtyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including ICR.

Results.

The proportion of MRSA cases classified as CA increased from 11% to 33% ( p<0.01). The proportion of cases with skin or soft tissue infections also increased compared with other infection types from 75% to 87% ( p<0.01). During the surveillance period, USA300 replaced USA400 as the dominant PFT. With the change in dominant PFT, the proportion of isolates susceptible to erythromycin (45% to 13%, p<0.01) and ciprofloxacin (80% to 59%, p<0.01) decreased. The proportion of erythromycin-resistant/clindamycin-susceptible isolates with ICR (93% to 14%, p<0.01) decreased. The proportion of susceptible isolates also changed within the USA300 PFT; the proportion of isolates susceptible to erythromycin (33% vs. 3%) and the proportion susceptible to ciprofloxacin (67% to 62%) decreased significantly.

Conclusion.

CA-MRSA increased dramatically from 2000 to 2005. Changes in the predominant PFT have impacted susceptibility profiles of CA-MRSA, including ICR. Continued surveillance is needed to monitor the changing epidemiology of CA-MRSA and to inform clinical decisions.
Are Pentecostals Oblivious to Social Justice? Theological and Ecumenical Perspectives
Authors: Kärkkäinen Veli-Matti
Published: January 2017

Pentecostals, who are known for aggressive mission work, are often accused of being indifferent to social needs of the people to whom they proclaim the gospel. Even though Pentecostals have not had a viable theology of social concern until recently, their mission work has always included care of physical and social needs. The extended ecumenical dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church, especially the fourth phase (1990–1997) that focused on mission and social justice, has given the Pentecostals an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between proclamation and social justice. This article discusses the recent attempts of Pentecostal theologians and the Catholic-Pentecostal dialogue to construct a theology of social concern.1
Poetry, Singing, and Contextualization
Authors: Hatcher Mark J.
Published: January 2017

Poetry and singing provide a powerful tool for contextualizing theology by facilitating the incarnation of Christian meaning into contemporary Christian experience. Clifford Geertz's understanding of religious symbol systems as models of and for reality, and the functional relation of poetry and singing to the experience Victor Turner calls communitas, provide a means for interpreting how poetry and singing can bring the meaning of the gospel into inter-penetration with the cultural world of Christian believers. Historical examples during times of Christian expansion and renewal give evidence of the power of poetry and singing to function in this way.
Mission and Suffering of the Innocent
Authors: Sivalon Father John
Published: January 2017

This article is a theological reflection by the Maryknoll Society in Africa on their ministries. Responding to the major social issues of poverty, AIDS, and refugees, the theme of the suffering of the innocent has emerged as key for understanding the Paschal Mystery and its centrality in the salvific will of our trinitarian God. Through the innocent victim, God's self-sacrificing love is revealed. That love stands in strong protest against social sin and its negative impact on human life. It also manifests God's loving presence to those who suffer persecution, oppression, and discrimination. Our loving God is a God with them.
Kenosis as a Model for Interreligious Dialogue
Authors: Frederiks Martha Th.
Published: January 2017

In the past Christians have used various models in relating to people of other faiths. Most are still in use. Four dominant models immediately come to mind: those of expansion, of diakonia, of presence, and of interreligious dialogue. This article discusses the pros and cons of these models and then proposes a fifth model: the model of kenosis. The model of kenosis calls for imitation of the self-emptying act of Jesus in his Incarnation in relation to people of other faiths, based on a shared humanity. Kenosis demands, on the one hand, a total openness for the other, as a fellow human being and a religious person, while, on the other hand, it offers the possibility to be authentically different from the other, in religion, culture, etc. Thus is seems to offer a model for interreligious living and relating, which honors religious differences, give guidelines for relating to each other, and is firmly based in a shared humanity.
The Forgotten “Grandfather” of Protestant Mission
Authors: Smith David
Published: January 2017

The abortive French Protestant mission to Brazil in 1556 has been noted by historians but has generally been treated as, at best, a footnote to the story of Protestant missionary work. A major factor in the neglect of what was almost certainly the first effort at cross-cultural mission overseas on the part of European Protestants is found in the fact that the classic work of Jean de Lery describing this mission in detail has, until recently, remained untranslated from its original French. This article describes Lery's contribution to the history and theology of mission and argues that his book deserves recognition as one of the classic missiological texts. Furthermore, it is suggested that Jean de Lery's work demands a revision of our understanding of the nature of the relationship between Calvinism and mission, and that it offers a contemporary challenge to faithfulness in the era of full-blown globalization.
‘My Shakespeare, rise’
Authors: Baxter John
Published: January 2017

Ben Jonson played a seminal role in establishing the contours of Shakespeare criticism, but discussion of his relationship to his great contemporary is fraught with difficulty. His dedicatory poem to the Shakespeare First Folio (1623) is filled with praise, elevating its subject to mythic status. But his comments on Shakespeare in Discoveries are more acerbic, and they raise questions about exactly where Jonson’s sympathies lie and what they mean. This essay explores the way his principles and his sympathies are grounded in the Aristotelian theory of tragedy that Jonson got from the Dutch humanist Daniel Heinsius.
Shaking up Shakespeare in Europe – Two new festivals
Authors: March Florence , Valls-Russell Janice
Published: January 2017

This article considers two relatively new European Shakespeare festivals, Nice and York, both of which had their first season in 2015. The annual Nice Festival owes its birth to Irina Brook, appointed as director of the Théâtre national de Nice in September 2014, and has just held its second edition. The biennial York International Shakespeare Festival celebrated its first season in 2015, with its next season planned for 2017. Both festivals are members of the European Shakespeare Festivals Network (ESFN).
Looking at China: Emerging Corporate Compulsions
Authors: Bhargava Philip S
Published: January 2017

China ‘watching,’ China ‘worship,’ and China ‘bashing,’ are the favourite agenda of our politicians, bureaucrats, thinkers, and industry captains. This is because of the re-emergence of China in the global canvas after many years of being encircled in the ‘Great Wall.‘ India has special reasons to look at China seriously not just because it is emerging as a competitor, but because of its size, population, and demography, it appears to be the only country with which India could ‘benchmark.’

The economic indicators of China are baffling not only because they are outstanding but also because China is the only country in the world which has shown consistency in the last decade or so. The size of its GDP, its growth and dispersion, massive impact in the global trade, and the admirable manner in which it has contained its inflation merits acknowledgement and admiration. Such consistent results are possible due to well-thought out and carefully orchestrated strategies.

The Chinese economy was planned by looking at the world as the market. China has clear priorities and focus (both in terms of geography as well as sectors when it comes to allocating resources). It is interesting to note the consistency with which China is unleashing the ‘enterprise’ in the ‘private domain.’

This brings us to the role of the government. In China, it is the solemn responsibility of the state to provide outstanding and comprehensive infrastructure to the nation�a job it is doing with amazing speed and efficiency. The government is everywhere but it shows ‘integrity’ and what is more important ‘flexibility.’ This makes them most friendly to foreign investments and investors who are racing to be there.

There are some popular myths that we attribute to China. We like to label China as having capabilities at the low-end of intellectual spread, we suspect the quality of its goods, and above all we associate inefficiency with a Communist regime. They are at best wishful thinking by those who struggle to compete. China, however, has its concerns, for instance, the contrast between the east and the west part of the country and rural-urban divide (conscious results of the planned growth). This is dangerous in a country where revolutions are not uncommon. Despite the concerns, China has done very well as far as its society and its economy is concerned.

While we in India cannot replicate these models and policies, we can certainly take inspiration from the Chinese and evolve our own clear agenda which can be spelt as follows: focus on infrastructure think �big� and plan �globally� prioritize key sectors/issues of development create a niche for ourselves by leveraging on our strengths.
Impact of Merger Announcements on Shareholders' Wealth: Evidence from Indian Private Sector Banks
Authors: Anand Manoj , Singh Jagandeep
Published: January 2017

This study analyses five mergers in the Indian banking sector to capture the returns to shareholders as a result of the merger announcements using the event study methodology (Brown and Warner, 1980, 1985; and MacKinlay, 1997). These are mergers of the Times Bank with the HDFC Bank, the Bank of Madura with the ICICI Bank, the ICICI Ltd. with the ICICI Bank, the Global Trust Bank with the Oriental Bank of Commerce, and the Bank of Punjab with the Centurion Bank. The Fama and Miller (1972) market model and Cox and Portes. (1998) twofactor model form the theoretical framework of this study. The aim is to understand the shareholder wealth effects of bank mergers. Using the single-factor model, the study finds that the average cumulative abnormal return (CAR) of the bidder banks is positive and substantial. These results are also statistically significant. Thus, the bidder banks got significant positive abnormal returns. The two-factor model results reveal that the merger announcement in the Indian private sector banks generated a positive and statistically significant CAR of 5.24 per cent, 7.83 per cent, and 8.59 per cent in a one-day, two-day, and three-day run-up window respectively to the shareholders of the bidder banks. The single-factor model finds that the combined CAR for all the target banks is positive, significant, and substantial. The combined CAR has been propped up due to very high CAR registered by the Bank of Madura. The bidder banks created a wealth of Rs 4,117.98 million in a one-day window (singlefactor model) as a result of the merger announcements. In the case of target banks, the shareholders of the Global Trust Bank and the Bank of Punjab appear to be the losers; they lost Rs 382.55 million in a one-day run-up window (single-factor model) and Rs 128.74 million in a one-day window (single-factor model) respectively. The Oriental Bank of Commerce and the Global Trust Bank combined lost 14.78 per cent in value on a weighted average basis in a 11-day period (-5, 5) window. This merger was the first major move to bail out a sick bank.

The merger announcements in the Indian banking industry have positive and significant shareholder wealth effect both for bidder and target banks. The market value weighted CAR of the combined bank portfolio as a result of merger announcement is 4.29 per cent in a threeday period (-1, 1) window and 9.71 per cent in a 11-day period (-5, 5) event window.
Fit between Organizational Culture and Business Excellence: A Case Study of Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant, BHEL
Authors: Sinha Ashish , Arora Bindu
Published: January 2017

The Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant (HEEP) of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) at Hardwar, is the manufacturer and exporter of power generation equipments for hydro, thermal, gas-based and nuclear power plants of the country. HEEP-Hardwar has been engaged in excellence efforts for quite some time, having bagged the ISO certification in 1993. TQM was launched in HEEP in 1995. The plant got OHSAS accreditation in 2002. Along with these quality efforts, HEEP embarked upon its journey to excellence by adopting the European Foundation for Quality in Management (EFQM) model for business excellence. It continuously went for CIIEXIM Bank excellence award evaluation which in turn used the EFQM model for evaluation. In 2006, HEEP was declared as the best manufacturing plant in the country in CII evaluation. While HEEP�s results so far have been commendable, it has to go some way before becoming a truly world class organization. And organizational culture has to play an important role in it.

This study basically is an attempt to assess whether HEEP has a strong excellenceoriented culture or not. The deciphered strength of culture shall indicate the strong areas as well as the areas which need improvement and thus help HEEP to inculcate a strong excellence oriented culture in its organization. The specific objectives of the study are to: identify a suitable culture for business excellence assess and measure the culture identify the gray areas in BHEL's culture.

An exploratory study was done to determine the dimensions of culture required for achieving excellence. After literature survey and discussions with experts from BHEL and academia, Broadfoot and Ashkansay�s organizational culture profile (OCP) was found to be the best suited culture framework with certain modifications, keeping in mind the scope of the current study. A 16-dimension framework was thus formed, out of which 15 were selected for assessment of HEEP�s culture. The dimensional framework was then developed into a questionnaire/inventory and empirically tested. With the help of OC survey and in-depth interviews, HEEP�s culture was deciphered along the selected dimensional framework. The value of total OC was found to be just strong indicating scope of improvement in several areas.
Measuring Environmental Performance across a Green Supply Chain: A Managerial Overview of Environmental Indicators
Authors: Rao Purba H
Published: January 2017

The concept of green supply chains is now accepted in many corporate organizations in Asia. Since the early nineties, when industry became aware of the increasing relevance of sustainable development, many business enterprises in Asia have adopted environmental initiatives as an integral part of their business practices. In time these organizations came to realize that the environmental initiatives needed to encompass not only the organization's own business practices but also the entire stretch of operations across the supply chain. In other words, they felt the need to include the employees, suppliers, customers, waste handlers, and other business partners in the greening process (Bacallan, 2000). Thus, an integrated supply chain approach was called for. Such an approach should be able to identify the environmental aspects at every stage, assess the environmental impacts associated with these aspects, prioritize them, and design action plans to mitigate their adverse effects on the environment if any. An integrated green supply chain approach would take into consideration the inbound logistics phase of the supply chain, the production or internal supply chain, the outbound logistics phase, and the reverse logistics phase (Rao & Holt, 2005; Sarkis, 1999; Seuring & Muller, 2007). For many organizations in Asia, the green supply chain approach has also emerged as a way to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability (Seuring et al., 2008).

However, there is a continuous need to measure and monitor the extent to which environmental performance is actually achieved. To assess this performance, a system of indicators across the supply chain is proposed, which is computationally easy to implement at the industry level. To demonstrate that the system of environmental indicators does measure performance, an empirical approach is adopted to test whether the system correlates with the four constructs of environmental sustainability: resource conservation, energy efficiency, reduction of hazardous waste, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Vachon & Mao, 2008).

In order to check these linkages of environmental indicators to the constituents of environmental performance, four multiple regression models were run. In the first model, the dependent variable was resource conservation, the independent predictor variables being the 20 environmental indicators grouped under the four constructs: Inbound logistics, production or internal logistics, outbound logistics, and reverse logistics. In the second, third, and fourth models, the dependent variables were energy efficiency, reduction of hazardous waste, and minimization of emission of greenhouse gases, respectively.

Upon running the regression models, the models for resource conservation, reduction of hazardous waste, and reduction of emission of greenhouse gases were found to be significant at 5 percent significance level while the model for energy efficiency was significant at 10 percent level.
Pile-driving Induced Vibration and its Transmission to Buildings
Authors: Ko J.M. , Luk S.T. , Cheng C.Y.
Published: January 2017

The paper reports a case study of pile-driving induced vibration and its transmission to buildings which was carried out in the construction site of the Phase IV development of the Hong Kong Polytechnic. Ground vibration caused by driving prestressed concrete tubular piles using a diesel hammer in the. reclaimed site are measured and analysed. Vibrations transmitted from the driving source to a concrete pavement, a two-storey building with shallow foundation and an eight-storey building with deep foundation are also measured and analysed The results are discussed and compared with those given by other researchers.
Successive Strain Aging Effects on Member Strength and Ductility
Authors: Schmidt L.C. , Morgan P.R.
Published: January 2017

Tubular test specimens were fabricated by an electric resistance welding process from a rimmed steel with a low strain hardening ratio (1.16). These specimens were tested in tension with the purpose of highlighting the effects on member strength and ductility of successive cycles of straining and aging on the same specimen. The results from the various tests, which had different cyclic patterns, were used to indicate the importance of these effects. The overall effect is that successive straining and strain aging cycles incrementally increase strength and reduce ductility up to a limit. The pattern of the cycles is of secondary importance.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of a Shallow Geodesic Dome
Authors: Meek J.L. , Loganathan S.
Published: January 2017

This paper presents the nonlinear analytical and experimental study of a shallow geodesic dome comprising thin walled circular hollow sections where the large displacement theory is applicable. The numerical formulation is based on the updated Lagrangian method incorporating geometric and material nonlinearities. The strain unloading is included in the present numerical analysis. Warping effects are ignored. A 156-member shallow geodesic dome that has a rise to span ratio of 1:10 (i.e., a rise of 600 mm to span of 6000 mm) was constructed and tested experimentally to validate the proposed numerical method. The analytical nonlinear analysis of this dome compares well with the experimental results. Both results show a considerable difference with the large displacement analysis in which the material nonlinearity is not considered.
Space Frames and Span-over Buildings
Authors: Friedman Yona
Published: January 2017

Space frame structures can be used both in industrial countries and in countries where labor is inexpensive. Such frameworks can be used as “containing structures” wherein the void between bars is converted into usable space. Frameworks containing usable spaces can span over large areas on the ground, also usable.

“Spatial urbanism” thus consists of a rigid and airy framework forming patterns of easily transformable volumes. The framework is raised high above the ground and the ground itself is used for commercial, cultural and business, purposes, circulation, and green areas for which sunlight is provided by the gaps in the framework.

The final townscape is arrived at through multiple decisions involving the population. This townscape is called “mobile architecture” and is the most democratic and convivial form of architecture possible.
A Space-Frame as a Home
Authors: Satterwhite R.G.
Published: January 2017

Having studied space structures and the possibility of living within one, the author felt that it was important to actually design, fabricate and live in a space-frame house of his own design. The needs of his family provided the program and he provided the design, fabrication, and erection of a wooden space frame house in a remote part of Canada. A description of life in the structure is included together with a critique of this first experiment. A description of the need for the next experimental structure is given.
The Symbolism of Polyhedra in Space Structures
Authors: Motro R.
Published: January 2017

The aim of this paper is to give some symbolic elements on Space Structures and more precisely on Polyhedra and Space Structures. This specific, non scientific approach needs to recall some few notions on symbol concept, before developing some aspects of the symbolism of Polyhedra in Space Structures. The Plato's cosmogony which is the subject of the Timaeus is based on the symbolic constitution of regular polyhedra: description of their interrelations, notions on duality, ternary and harmony are given in the second part of this contribution. It can be shown that duality is the basis of the works of Maxwell, Cremona, Le Ricolais when they established their theory for determining forces in reticulated structures. Among the whole family of polyhedra two of them, the cuboctahedron and the icosahedron have been used by the designers: multiplication of the first one and/or its derivatives, division of the faces of the second one are the fundamental operations used by designers for achieving some famous Space Structures.
Geodesic Domes: Natural And Man-Made
Authors: Tarnai Tibor
Published: January 2017

In this paper a brief account is devoted to structural forms related to geodesic domes appearance in nature. It is shown how geodesic domes helped researchers outside engineering, in various branches of science, to develope new ideas. The influence of geodesic domes on different fields like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and golf ball design is also mentioned.
Structures Proposed For Two Adaptive Buildings
Authors: Johansen John M.
Published: January 2017

This paper is prompted by the search for better solutions to architectural problems by investigations into adaptive buildings. The building types considered are the Multi-Purpose theater and the Exhibit Hall. This proposal, the Flexstruct System, is a motorized lattice of struts, whose adjustable length and altitude will allow deformations of a basic geometry. Such adjustment of the struts would result in convexities and concavities along the surface of this lattice as deformations from an initialgeometry to any number of configurations. The space enclosed by this lattice can be adaptable to varied use requirements of theatre performance and exhibit display.
The Space Of Experience
Authors: Robbin Tony
Published: January 2017

The paper suggests a provocative idea: in making engineering decisions, aesthetics play a more important part than is generally realized, and that, consequently, engineers should study four-dimensional geometry and other new geometries to expand their aesthetic sense. Wall reliefs and architectural art by the artist are offered as examples.
Patterns On The Spherical Surface
Authors: Wenninger Magnus J. , Messer Peter W.
Published: January 2017

This article is a sequel to that which the first author presented in Vol. 5, Nos. 3 & 4 (1990), of this Journal. In that article he displayed his work on patterns derived from skew networks. Here he extends this to patterns derived from subdivisions of the faces of other regular and semiregular polyhedra as these are projected onto the spherical surface. Some mathematical formulas are presented by the second author which can readily be used in a programmable calculator to obtain arcs, chord factors and radian measures for any frequency of subdivision and any suitable spherical radius. The first author made the papercraft models shown in the photos. The article ends with words of encouragement for artists, architects and engineers to use patterns in ornamental designs and in architectural projects.

Since the appearance of the article1 in this Journal the first author has been extensively engaged in developing new ways for making spherical models. He has also taken up an interest in using geometric patterns in a variety of designs. In his efforts to achieve some artistically beautiful effects, he has developed better ways to construct models still using only paper card stock for material as described in his published works2,3. A good successful model, however, can only be made when all the mathematical calculations have preceded the construction. Hence careful planning and preparatory drawings must be done before actual construction begins. The geodesic mathematics has all been done and is available for applications by anyone who wishes to study it. See the reference sources at the end of this article. The mathematics can often be very involved and hence often difficult to use.
Concepts Of The Golden Diamond
Authors: Verheyen Hugo F.
Published: January 2017

The regular diamond whose diagonals are in the golden proportion is commonly known as rhombus aureus or the golden diamond.a

Situated in the geometric realm of polytopes, this diamond is the constituent face of a thirty-faceted zonohedron (a polyhedron composed of diamond faces), namely the rhombic triacontahedron, which has a dual relationship with an Archimedean solid and is illustrated in this article.

To complete theoretical preliminaries, the triacontahedron is here derived in a new way by a particular group-theoretical approach in order to provide a generalized understanding of regularity with polyhedra.

Following this, the golden diamond is observed from an artistic angle since it seems to appear particularly attractive. An explanation of this special aspect is suggested.

Further, the golden diamond reveals remarkable geometrical properties, some of which are not so commonly known. These are given closer consideration.

And at last, from a constructive point of view, the golden diamond proves to be well applicable to all kinds of design, going from architecture to interior design.

The morphological and main part of this article supplies information on some constructive capacities of the golden diamond, in addition to unpublished applications. Two major kinds of examples concerning exterior and interior Architecture are thus presented and richly illustrated. These are: the Great Pyramid on a macro-scale, and personnally constructed art objects (with light within) on a micro-scale.