bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Liquid Ammonia in Functional Textile Finishes
Authors: Lewin M. , Rau R.O. , Sello S.B.
Published: January 2008

The effect of anhydrous liquid ammonia in the durable press and flame-retardant finishing of cotton and polyester/ cotton blends was studied. The liquid ammonia treatment was carried out prior to, simultaneously with, and subsequent to the functional finishing treatments. The manner of the removal of the ammonia determines the morphological structure of the cellulose and thus the effectiveness of the treatment. Liquid ammonia apparently forms a less reactive aminated species with methylol compounds; therefore, liquid ammonia medium cannot be used for the application of such compounds. Liquid ammonia treatment prior to durable press and flame-retarding finishes is a viable approach to attain improved over-all fabric performance.
Catalytic Effects and Selective Hydrolysis of Dimethylol Ethyleneurea and Formaldehyde Crosslinks in Finished Cotton
Authors: Reinhardt Robert M. , Kullman Russell M.H. , Degruy Ines V.
Published: January 2008

Chemical analyses, physical testing, and selective hydrolysis of the finished fabrics were used to determine differences in chemical structure that resulted from treatment of cotton with dimethylol ethyleneurea (DMEU), formaldehyde, and a mixture of the two with strong or moderate catalysts. The strong catalyst was hydroxymethanesulfonic acid, which was produced by reaction of sulfurous acid and free formaldehyde present in the pad bath. Magnesium chloride was the moderate catalyst used. From combinations of the data the number of crosslinks in the treated cottons was calculated. Stability to acidic hydrolysis indicated the nature of the structures present in the crosslinks. Electron micrographs from application of cupriethylenediamine hydroxide (cuene) solubility and layer expansion techniques provided additional evidence to support these findings. Results are in general agreement with present theories of crosslinking to give wrinkle resistance in cellulosic materials. In addition they furnish new information on the treatment of cotton with a combination of agents that exhibit different reactivities and different stabilities of the crosslinks introduced.
Relation of Lubricant Structure to Frictional Properties : Polyoxyalkylene Monoether Lubricants on Filament Yarns
Authors: Park K. , Seefried C.G. , Bryant G.M.
Published: January 2008

The fiber-to-metal frictional behavior of polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene multifilament yarns lubricated with random copoly (oxyethylene-oxypropylene) monoethers having number average molecular weights ranging from 360 to 4200 has been studied over the sliding speed range of 0.01 to 400 m/min and temperatures from 21 to 225°C. It has been found that striking similarities exist between the frequency dependence of dynamic mechanical properties of the bulk lubricant polymers and the speed dependence of dynamic fiber-to-metal friction exhibited by the copolyether lubricants. Plots of yarn tension vs. sliding speed pass through a maximum, and the speed at which friction reaches its maximum value, Umax, is inversely related to the lubricant molecular weight ( Mn). By plotting Umax against the reciprocal average molecular weight, a straight line of positive slope is obtained in agreement with a transformed expression of the Fox-Loshaek equation relating reciprocal molecular weight and the lubricant glass transition temperature. These indications of a fundamental relationship between the maximum in the friction versus sliding-speed curve and the frequency of the maximum for the dynamic mechanical loss modulus of the lubricant polymer are further substantiated by the temperature dependence of Umax, which follows an Arrhenius type equation. At low sliding speeds, below 10 m/min, the fiber-to-metal friction of the copolyoxyalkylene monoether lubricants is largely governed by the hydrodynamic effect of the lubricant film. Thus, the relation between the friction force F, speed U, and the steady state viscosity of the lubricant η can be described by the expression F = k(η U)1/ n, where the constant k is dependent on the fiber polymer, and the constant n is independent of the fiber type.
Flame-Resistant Cellulose Esters
Authors: Isaacs P. , Lewin M. , Sello S.B. , Stevens C.V.
Published: January 2008

The alkaline hydrolytic stability of the phosphate and sulfate esters of cellulose is sufficient to withstand multiple home launderings without saponification of the ester linkage. However, the impairment of the flame resistance by the ion exchange properties of cellulose phosphate and the severe afterglow of cellulose sulfate have hindered the acceptance of such esterification reactions as durable flame-retarding finishes.

A single step method, based upon a combination of the sulfation and phoslohorylation reactions, has been developed to impart flame and glow resistance to cellulosic substrates; it is durable, even to hard water launderings without the necessity of regeneration. Ammonium sulfamate is used as the sulfating agent, and phosphoric triamides, as phosphorylating agents. Optimum performance is obtained at a sulfur content of approximately 2% and a phosphorus/ sulfur ratio greater than 1.3. The incorporation of methylolated amide crosslinkers into the formulation helps to minimize the adverse side effects of the treatment on the physical properties.
Periodate Oxidation of Benzoylated Cotton
Authors: Chatterjee S.M.
Published: January 2008

Purified cotton yarn was partially benzoylated, with and without tension, to three low DS values averaging from 0.2 to 0.6, to retain the fibrous structure of cotton. Benzoylated and untreated yarns were oxidized by sodium metaperiodate at room temperature (32°C) for different periods (4-48 h). The oxidized samples were analyzed for their reducing power in terms of copper number. The percentage accessibility to periodate oxidation was calculated from oxygen consumption values.

In most cases oxygen consumed, copper number of oxidized samples, and accessibility of benzoylated cellulose on periodate oxidation were influenced by the DS but unaffected by tensional forces on the yarn during benzoylation. Benzoylated cotton cellulose is shown to undergo oxidation at slower rate (assessed in terms of rate constant and percentage accessibility) than untreated cotton cellulose, indicating blocking of the secondary hydroxyl groups of cellulose by benzoyl groups. Further, the rate of oxidation was slower at higher DS and was independent of the tensional forces.
Reaction of Wool with Zinc Acetate in Dimethylformamide
Authors: Koenig N.H. , Muir Mary W. , Friedman Mendel
Published: January 2008

Wool gains up to 16% in weight when treated with zinc acetate in hot dimethylformamide and extracted with 2-butanone and ethanol. On the basis of concentration and temperature studies we believe there is internal chemical modification of the wool. Relative uptakes for wool and wool pretreated with succinic anhydride suggest that zinc acetate can react with both amino and carboxyl groups, whereas zinc chloride can react with amino groups only. Treated samples are soft, flexible, and slightly yellowed. The fabric is moderately resistant to attack by carpet beetle larvae.
Substituent Effects on the Visible Absorption Spectra of Aininoazobenzene Disperse Dyes in Acidic Solution
Authors: Peters Arnold T.
Published: January 2008

Visible absorption maxima of a range of aminoazobenzene disperse dyes in neutral and acidic media are recorded. Spectral shifts resulting from structural changes in the diazonium and coupling components are related to Hammett σ-constants of substituents and to the pKa values of the dyes.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Cetuximab in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Dirks Nathanae L. , Nolting Arno , Kovar Andreas , Meibohm Bernd
Published: January 2008

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor and is indicated in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The population pharmacokinetics of cetuximab were characterized by nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NONMEM V) using a total of 912 concentrations from 143 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck enrolled in 2 phase I/II studies. Cetuximab pharmacokinetics were best described by a 2‐compartment model with Michaelis‐Menten‐type saturable elimination. Population estimates (between‐subject variability, percent coefficient of variation) of the pharmacokinetic parameters were Vmax 4.38 mg/h (15.4%), Km 74 μg/mL, central compartment volume V1 2.83 L (18.6%), peripheral compartment volume 2.43 L (56.4%), and intercompartmental clearance 0.103 L/h (97.2%). Ideal body weight and white blood cell count were identified as predictors of Vmax and total body weight as a predictor of V1. Clinical dose adjustments beyond the approved body surface area‐based dosing of cetuximab may be warranted in patients with extreme deviations of their actual body weight from ideal body weight. Agreement between simulated and measured concentrations monitored for up to 43 weeks of therapy indicates that cetuximab pharmacokinetic parameters remained constant during prolonged therapy.
The Power of Jesus' Parables: Were They Polemical or Irenic?
Authors: Beavis Mary Ann
Published: January 2008

Parable interpretation is currently dominated by the view that Jesus' parables had a dynamic and life-changing effect on his audiences. This article challenges that view, arguing that it arises from an inappropriate application of the theological view of parables as 'language-events' to historical research. Using J.L. Austin's concept of 'perforrnative language' as a starting point, examples are adduced of instances in which stories and other cultural productions are described as 'doing things' to audiences. These include D. Freedberg's work on the power of images, examples from ancient writers (Plutarch, Augustine) and evidence from traditional (West African) culture where words are attributed with power. An attempt to reconstruct the cultural milieu ('performance arena') of Jesus' parabolic speech is made using K.E. Bailey's work with contemporary Middle Eastern villagers and A. Luria's psychological research on Uzbek peasants in the 1930s; both of which suggest that Jesus' 'Mediterranean Jewish peasant' audiences would have experienced the parables as opaque, rather than as 'earth-shattering'. W.R. Herzog's hypothesis that the parables were used by Jesus in a 'pedagogy of the oppressed' is presented as one plausible 'performance arena', and an alternative model is developed using studies of Eastern European Jewish folklore where parables are used to ameliorate 'problematic social situations'. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mk 12.1-9) is used as a case study of a parable that might have been used for irenic, rather than provocative, purposes.
Free-Riding in Australia
Authors: Haynes Peter , Holland Peter , Pyman Amanda , Teicher Julian
Published: January 2008

Free-riding has long been a contentious issue in Australian industrial relations. This article gauges the nature and location of free-riding in Australian workplaces, drawing on the 2004 Australian Worker Representation and Participation Survey. Of the 39.2 percent of employees who could join a union in their workplace and who do not, 51.7 percent may be characterized as deliberately free-riding. A similar proportion of employees may be described as `passive beneficiaries', for whom the costs of membership are greater than the benefits, or for whom the net benefit is not perceived to be positive. Although free-riding is found to reduce as age and tenure increase, and to increase with higher income, supervisory responsibilities and full-time employment status, when free-riding is regressed against a range of personal and workplace characteristics only tenure and supervisory responsibilities retain significance. In general, instrumental motivations prevail over the ideological, personal, organizational and worker characteristics included in this analysis. The implications of these findings for union renewal in the current context are discussed.
Choreographing a System: Skill and Employability in Software Work
Authors: Marks Abigail , Scholarios Dora
Published: January 2008

While software developers are typically associated with high-status, technical knowledge work, there is evidence of changing skills requirements within the industry. One notable feature is the increasing importance of social competencies, as well as technical skill, which have been proposed as a feature of many new economy occupations. This article examines how this change in skills in software work impacts on employability in the sector. Developers, managers and HR practitioners in four Scottish software organizations provide the empirical focus.
Do Norwegian Companies' Direct Investments in Poland Imply Exports of Labour Relations?
Authors: Kvinge Torunn , Aleksandra Rezanow Ulrichsen
Published: January 2008

This article suggests that the Norwegian model of labour relations is not transferred to Poland as a part of direct investments when it comes to representative participation of the workforce and collective bargaining. The authors suggest several explanations for their findings. One is that Norwegian manufacturing companies mainly locate simple assembling activities in Poland, and, from the employer's point of view, these activities may not call for the same extent of employee involvement in work organization as is the case with more competence-intensive activities. Second, through participation processes employees might be able to take home more of the value added, with lower profits for the Norwegian owners as a result. In addition, there are difficulties in transferring labour relations because of differences in cultural codes and lack of basic institutions, e.g. unionization and membership in employers' associations, which is absent in most of the companies.
Establishing and Sustaining State-of-the-Art Diabetes Patient Education Programs: Research and Recommendations
Authors: Heins Joan M. , Nord Walter R. , Cameron Michele
Published: January 2008

Frequently, diabetes educators in hospitals report meeting severe organizational barriers when attempting to implement advances in diabetes patient education ( DPE ) . This paper reports on how eight successful diabetes patient education programs coped with potential barriers. The results are based on interviews of professionals who played central roles in introducing and sustaining the programs. Many of the identified problems centered around two issues — acquiring needed resources and communicating about the program to a variety of key groups.
Adherence Behaviors in Research Protocols: Comparison of Two Interventions
Authors: Drozda Debra J. , Allen Susan R. , Turner Angela M. , Slusher Joycea. , McCain Gail C.
Published: January 2008

The effectiveness of an enhanced preparation intervention was compared with the staiidard preparation intervention for accuracy in overnight urine specimen collections. The sample consisted of 179 individuals with type I insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Subjects were assigned randomly to an enhanced or standard preparation group. The enhanced preparation included written instructions, a reminder to post instructions in the bathroom, a toilet seat cover with a reminder to save urine, and a nurse-initiated telephone call to review the instnlctions. The standard preparation included written instructions and a telephone number to call with any questions. For subjects without previous collection experience, significantly fewer inaccurate collections were reported in the enhanced preparation group than in the standard group (x2 =4.61, P<.05). There were no differences in collection accuracy between enhanced and standard groups for subjects with collection experience (x 2 =.4598, P>.05).
Evaluation and Comparison of the Nutrition Care Process for Persons with Diabetes Among Inpatient and Outpatient Dietitians
Authors: Meyer Ginger R. , Gates Gail E.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare the problem-solving skills used by dietitians when planning care for inpatient and outpatient persons with type II diabetes. Telephone interviews were conducted with 44 inpatient dietitians and 45 outpatient dietitians. Inpatient dietitians used more information from the medical record to make clinical judgments than outpatient dietitians. Inpatient dietitians reported condensing their assessment more frequently due to time pressure than outpatient dietitians. Inpatient dietilians were more likely to identify nutrition-related problems via information from the medical record while outpatient dietitians reported using diet history information. Outpatient dietitians more frequently identified specific behavioral goals whereas inpatient dietitians recommended general goals. The increased availability of objective, detailed information necessary for a thorough nutritional assessment is an advantage of inpatient care planning. However, outpatient diabetes education may be a preferred setting because of more time available for education and better learning effectiveness.
Dissemination of a Continuing Education Program in Diabetes to Health Care Professionals
Authors: McNabb Wyue L. , Cook Sandy , Fischer Barbara , Quinn Michael T. , Haas Linda
Published: January 2008

A goal of the Diabetes Research and Training Centers (DRTCs) is to translate advances in diabetes research into irnproved patient care by providing innovative, state-of the-art training for health care professionals. This paper is a report on a collaborative DRTC-AADE training project. A 2-day diabetes program developed by the Chicago DRTC was packaged as a Workshop Instructor's Guide with accompanying slides and materials. AADE faculty observed the workshop presented by DRTC faculty and subsequently presented the workshop themselves. The evaluation design involved coinparitig a workshop presented by the DRTC faculty with a workshop presented by faculty from AADE. Three components were included in the evaluation: the participants' evaluation, a commitment-to-change evaluation, and the faculty observations. When cottiparitig workshops, few differences were observed in participants' or faculty observers' evaluations. Moreover, participants at both workshops were equally successful at meeting goals related to improving their diabetes education practice behaviors. Dissemination of the program has been expanded and the workshop has become part of AADE's national continuing education efforts.
Traditional vs Anchored Instruction for Diabetes-Related Nutritional Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior
Authors: Pichert James W. , Smeltzer Christopher , Snyder Gabriele M. , Gregory Rebecca P. , Smeltzer Rebecca , Kinzer Charles K.
Published: January 2008

This paper describes a nutrition education experiment in which traditional direct instruction was compared with a problem-solving method called anchored instruction (AI). Participants were 69 children ages 9 to 15 years, with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), who attended a diabetes camp. Following pretesting, campers were assigned to AI or direct instruction control classes. Posttests involved evaluating diabetes knowledge, personal meal plan knowledge, ability to choose an appropriate meal from a buffet line, and ability to pack appropriate meals for an overnight campout. AI and direct instruction both produced significant knowledge gains in this study. However, because the scores for the two groups did not differ, this study was unsuccessful in replicating results of other studies or extending the findings to selected measures of actual behavior.
The Impact of a Diabetes Nurse Educator on Nurses' Knowledge of Diabetes and Nursing Interventions in a Home Care Setting
Authors: Adams Carolyn E. , Cook David L.
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare nurses' knowledge of diabetes and nursing interventions in a home health care agency (HHCA) that employed a diabetes nurse educator (DNE) and an agency that did not employ a DNE. Nurse knowledge of diabetes mellitus was measured using the Ditibetes: Basic Knowledge Test (DBKT). Nursing care interventions for patients with diabetes were measured using a researcher-developed tool, the Nursing Care Intervention Tool (NCIT). The data analysis showed that the nurses in the agency with the diabetes nurse educator were significantly more knowledgeable about diabetes. The data also showed that the nurses in the HHCA with a diabetes nurse educator provided a significantly higher standard of patient care than the nurses in the agency without a diabetes nurse educator.
Why Some Awards Are More Effective Signals of Quality Than Others: A Study of Movie Awards†
Authors: Gemser Gerda , Leenders Mark A. A. M. , Wijnberg Nachoem M.
Published: January 2008

In this article, the authors develop and empirically test a conceptual framework that predicts which types of awards have the biggest impact on the competitive performance of the award winners. The empirical setting is an industry where awards proliferate, namely, the U.S. motion picture industry. Overall, their results suggest that awards granted by a jury composed primarily of end consumers, peers, or experts each have a different effect on consumer behavior, which can be explained in terms of differences in source credibility and award salience.
The Value of Human Capital Specificity Versus Transferability
Authors: Sturman Michael C. , Walsh Kate , Cheramie Robin A.
Published: January 2008

Human capital is a key resource for which firms compete intensely. Human capital theory suggests that firms value both transferable and specific human capital. Yet as transferability increases, specificity decreases. This article examines the value firms place on acquiring executives'human capital as a function of its transferability versus specificity. Using longitudinal data from more than 9,000 executives, this article shows that executives moving to more similar firms receive greater increases to pay than nonmovers and those moving to less similar firms. This article suggests these increases reflect the differential value associated with various types of human capital.
Radical Revisions: Power, Discipline and Organizations
Authors: Clegg Stewart R.
Published: January 2008

Typically, organization theorists have defined 'power' against 'authority' around the axis of 'legitimacy'. Power, thus regarded, is a 'capacity' grounded outside the authoritative structure of the organization. Organizations have typically been regarded as coherent and homogenous entities in which these capacities occur. Against these views, organizations are defined here as comprising locales, cross-cut by arenas, in which agencies, powers, networks and interests are constituted. Power is not a thing but a process constituted within struggles. Power is always embedded within rules: these cannot provide for their own interpretation independently of those agencies whose interpretations instantiate, signify or imply them. Specific disciplinary practices within organization studies prescribe these interpretations, but it is argued, they can provide no general theory of the organization.
The Organization Shadow
Authors: Bowles Martin L.
Published: January 2008

The paper explains the nature of the Shadow Concept in relation to the management of organizations. Organization Shadow is understood as facts which organizations wish to deny about themselves, due to the threat posed to self-image and self-understanding and, more generally, the need to be viewed in a favourable light by others. The Shadow is repressed, and, as unconscious content, is projected onto others, often those who are incapable of resisting it. Three studies of organizations are used to highlight the potentially grave consequences, in practice, of the Organization Shadow. The need for management to assimilate the Organization Shadow is discussed, together with the essential difficulties of the assimilation process.
Meaning, Self and Motivation in Organizations
Authors: Shamir Boas
Published: January 2008

This paper claims that current work motivation theories are restricted in certain respects due to their overreliance on individualistic-hedonistic assumptions and their over-emphasis of cognitive-calculative processess. It is suggested that a self-concept based theory should be added to the existing core of theories in order to overcome their limitations. Certain assumptions about the relationships between the self-concept and behaviour are presented, followed by a series of theoretical propositions and some research suggestions. The implications of the theory for organizational commitment, collective work behaviour, transformational leadership and symbolic management are briefly discussed.
Inform
Authors: Vernon Dick
Published: January 2008

Describes an information system for the management of agricultural research, INFORM, developed by the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR). The system takes data on researchers, experiments and the research budget and provides managers, and researchers, with a range of outputs for use in research planning, priority setting, monitoring and evaluation. A recent review of its performance in several countries has led to updated guidelines on implementation. These include the need: to carry out a series of interventions rather than one isolated training; to involve both top management and researchers; and to restrict the system to the minimum information needed.
Market Structure and Marketing Behavior in LDCs: The Case of Venezuela
Authors: Dominguez Luis V. , Vanmarcke Cristina
Published: January 2008

This article examines the relationship between competitive market structure and marketing organization and strategy of private-sector manufacturers in LDCs.1 A survey of industrial firms in Venezuela sheds new light on the debate as to whether marketing activity hinders or promotes greater competition and consumer welfare in LDCs.
The Economic Efficiency of Channels of Distribution in a Developing Society: The Case of the Guatemalan Retail Sector
Authors: Ortiz-Buonofina Marta
Published: January 2008

This article proposes to analyze the economic and societal circumstances which affected the development process of the Guatemalan retail sector from the mid-1960s to the present. The purpose is to examine the relative contribution of marketing institutions to the development process during the implementation of import substitution industrialization policies. It suggests that channels of distribution reflect the economic and social circumstances of a society; therefore, a particular structure of retailing activities, while not "modern" in a technological sense, may still be beneficial to the society and, in a larger sense, economically efficient.
The Evaluation of Marketing in a Society: The Han Dynasty of Ancient China
Authors: Kaufman Carol J.
Published: January 2008

Issues which are now considered to come within the scope of macromarketing thought actually were the subject of analysis by Chinese scholars during the third century B.C. A review of the work of these scholars adds to the evidence which suggests that macromarketing issues arise in the development of most societies. General Systems Theory provides a useful framework for analyzing this case of the interaction of marketing and society.
Changes in U.S. Distribution System Output, 1947-1977: The Effects of Changes in Structure and Final Demand
Authors: Pirog Stephen F.
Published: January 2008

The separate effects of change in structure and final demand upon distribution's output are isolated and measured. Two dimensions of change in final demand, change in level and change in composition, are identified; these effects on distribution's output are isolated and measured. Changes in both the level and the composition of final demand increase wholesaling output, but they have conflicting effects on retailing's output. While changes in final demand tend to increase distribution's output, changes in the interindustry structure simultaneously reduce output. Interaction effects further complicate the observed relationships between the distributive sector and its environments. The measurements are derived from trade flow tables for 1947 and 1977.
Reviews and Communications: 1991 Macromarketing Seminar Abstracts
Authors: Nason Robert W.
Published: January 2008

The 16th Annual Macromarketing Conference was held at Simon Fraser University, 11-15 August 1991. The program was chaired by Marye Tharp, University of Texas, and hosted by Stanley J. Shapiro, Simon Fraser University Abstracts of the papers presented at the conference appear below in the order in which they were given.
Design, Control and Performance ofRiceWrist:A Force Feedback Wrist Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation and Training
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , O'Malley Marcia K. , Patoglu Volkan , Burgar Charles
Published: January 2008

This paper presents the design, control and performance of a high fidelity four degree-of-freedom wrist exoskeleton robot, RiceWrist, for training and rehabilitation. The RiceWrist is intended to provide kinesthetic feedback during the training of motor skills or rehabilitation of reaching movements. Motivation for such applications is based on findings that show robot-assisted physical therapy aids in the rehabilitation process following neurological injuries. The exoskeleton device accommodates forearm supination and pronation, wrist flexion and extension and radial and ulnar deviation in a compact parallel mechanism design with low friction, zero backlash and high stiffness. As compared to other exoskeleton devices, the RiceWrist allows easy measurement of human joint angles and independent kinesthetic feedback to individual human joints. In this paper, joint-space as well as task-space position controllers and an impedance-based force controller for the device are presented. The kinematic performance of the device is characterized in terms of its workspace, singularities, manipulability, backlash and backdrivability. The dynamic performance of RiceWrist is characterized in terms of motor torque output, joint friction, step responses, behavior under closed loop set-point and trajectory tracking control and display of virtual walls. The device is singularity-free, encompasses most of the natural workspace of the human joints and exhibits low friction, zero-backlash and high manipulability, which are kinematic properties that characterize a high-quality impedance display device. In addition, the device displays fast, accurate response under position control that matches human actuation bandwidth and the capability to display sufficiently hard contact with little coupling between controlled degrees-of-freedom.
Design and Control of a Powered Transfemoral Prosthesis
Authors: Sup Frank , Bohara Amit , Goldfarb Michael
Published: January 2008

The paper describes the design and control of a transfemoral prosthesis with powered knee and ankle joints. The initial prototype is a pneumatically actuated powered-tethered device, which is intended to serve as a laboratory test bed for a subsequent self-powered version. The prosthesis design is described, including its kinematic optimization and the design of a three-axis socket load cell that measures the forces and moments of interaction between the socket and prosthesis. A gait controller is proposed based on the use of passive impedance functions that coordinates the motion of the prosthesis with the user during level walking. The control approach is implemented on the prosthesis prototype and experimental results are shown that demonstrate the promise of the active prosthesis and control approach in restoring fully powered level walking to the user.
Trajectory Optimization using Reinforcement Learning for Map Exploration
Authors: Kollar Thomas , Roy Nicholas
Published: January 2008

Automatically building maps from sensor data is a necessary and fundamental skill for mobile robots; as a result, considerable research attention has focused on the technical challenges inherent in the mapping problem. While statistical inference techniques have led to computationally efficient mapping algorithms, the next major challenge in robotic mapping is to automate the data collection process. In this paper, we address the problem of how a robot should plan to explore an unknown environment and collect data in order to maximize the accuracy of the resulting map. We formulate exploration as a constrained optimization problem and use reinforcement learning to find trajectories that lead to accurate maps. We demonstrate this process in simulation and show that the learned policy not only results in improved map building, but that the learned policy also transfers successfully to a real robot exploring on MIT campus.
Learning to Control in Operational Space
Authors: Peters Jan , Schaal Stefan
Published: January 2008

One of the most general frameworks for phrasing control problems for complex, redundant robots is operational-space control. However, while this framework is of essential importance for robotics and well understood from an analytical point of view, it can be prohibitively hard to achieve accurate control in the face of modeling errors, which are inevitable in complex robots (e.g. humanoid robots). In this paper, we suggest a learning approach for operational-space control as a direct inverse model learning problem. A first important insight for this paper is that a physically correct solution to the inverse problem with redundant degrees of freedom does exist when learning of the inverse map is performed in a suitable piecewise linear way. The second crucial component of our work is based on the insight that many operational-space controllers can be understood in terms of a constrained optimal control problem. The cost function associated with this optimal control problem allows us to formulate a learning algorithm that automatically synthesizes a globally consistent desired resolution of redundancy while learning the operational-space controller. From the machine learning point of view, this learning problem corresponds to a reinforcement learning problem that maximizes an immediate reward. We employ an expectation-maximization policy search algorithm in order to solve this problem. Evaluations on a three degrees-of-freedom robot arm are used to illustrate the suggested approach. The application to a physically realistic simulator of the anthropomorphic SARCOS Master arm demonstrates feasibility for complex high degree-of-freedom robots. We also show that the proposed method works in the setting of learning resolved motion rate control on a real, physical Mitsubishi PA-10 medical robotics arm.
Conservative Treatment for Osteochondrosis of the Humeral Capitellum
Authors: Matsuura Tetsuya , Kashiwaguchi Shinji , Iwase Takenobu , Takeda Yoshitsugu , Yasui Natsuo
Published: January 2008

Background

Conservative treatment is recommended for the early stage of osteochondrosis of the humeral capitellum. However, the outcome of conservative treatment has not been well documented.

Hypothesis

Osteochondrosis of the humeral capitellum detected at an early stage responds well to conservative treatment.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 176 patients with osteochondrosis of the humeral capitellum. There were 134 lesions that were stage I (radiolucent area) in patients with a mean age of 11.5 years and 42 lesions that were stage II (nondisplaced fragments) in patients with a mean age of 13.9 years based on anteroposterior radiographs of the elbow in 45° of flexion. Conservative treatment was performed on 101 patients. The remaining 75 patients did not follow the authors’ advice. Conservative treatment consisted of discontinuation of heavy use of the elbow for at least 6 months. Follow-up radiographs were taken at 1 -month intervals. At a mean follow-up of 24 months, all patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically.

Results

Conservative management produced healing in 90.5% of stage I lesions and 52.9% of stage II lesions. The mean period required for healing was 14.9 months in stage I and 12.3 months in stage II. Sixty-six of 84 (78.6%) stage I patients and 9 of 17 (52.9%) stage II patients returned to competitive-level baseball. Of the 75 patients who did not follow our advice, healing was observed in 17 (22.7%). The healing rate was higher for the 101 patients who followed our advice as opposed to the 75 patients who did not.

Conclusion

Osteochondrosis of the humeral capitellum can be successfully treated conservatively if treatment is begun in an early stage of the disease.
Current Concepts Review
Authors: Lubowitz James H. , Bernardini Brad J. , Reid John B.
Published: January 2008

A careful history and physical examination are the cornerstones of orthopaedic sports medicine. When evaluating a patient for ligamentous instability of the knee joint, an understanding of the contribution of anatomic structures to stability enhances a practitioner's ability to achieve an accurate clinical diagnosis. This article reviews the various types of knee instability and the associated anatomic structures. Ultimately, information must be obtained from multiple tests to reach the final diagnosis. We describe in detail the pathologic and biomechanical basis of the tests for both tibiofemoral and patellofemoral instability of the knee joint and provide recommendations for performance and interpretation of these physical examinations.
Optimal Service for Solid Waste Facilities
Authors: Wenger R.B. , Rhyner C.R.
Published: January 2008

An empirical method to determine the optimal size of a service region for a solid waste facility is presented. Population data from a region surrounding Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A. and published cost data are used to illustrate the use of the method and to provide insight into the optimal values of the radius of the region when the facility is a landfill or an incinerator.
Time Studies as a Tool for Analyses and of Collection Economy
Authors: Nilsson P.
Published: January 2008

During the 1970's collection of household waste in the City of Copenhagen was modernized by the introduction of plastic bins and 300- to 800-1 containers. In some areas an increase in crew-size from two to three men per collection vehicle took place in the same period.

Particularly, the increase in crew-size gave rise to disputes with the trade union and led to the execution of a comprehensive time study programme. As a result of the time studies a system of standard times was obtained, which, by simple formulae, enables the calculation of the nominal time necessary for any collection route. Collection of household waste in Copenhagen is done from the yard and the formulae take into account the distance from the kerb as well as stairs and other possible obstacles. The primary aim of the time studies has been to design a wage system that ensures a proportionality between wage and working hours, In addition to this, the time studies have formed a basis for comparisons between the total economy of collection schemes based on different types and sizes of receptacles and different frequencies of collection. Further, the time studies have yielded data for calculating the economic effect of increasing the crew-size from two to three men.
Leaching From Land Municipal Composts: 3. Inorganic Ions
Authors: Christensen T.H.
Published: January 2008

The leachates from 17 lysimeters containing compost of varying origin, age (3 and 12 months), and packing depths (15—50 cm) were monitored for a 2.5-year period. This paper reports on the results on Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cl, SO4 and to a lesser extent specific conductivity, total dissolved solids, F, B and P. High initial leachate concentrations exceeding the drinking water standards several-fold were observed for all constituents except B and F. Sulphate and K were identified as the most serious pollutants of the ions studied but they were found to be less critical than N compounds and organic matter previously reported in the leachate. The leaching of most constitutents increased with increasing amounts of compost per square metre. The origin of the compost affected the leaching of K, Mn, Fe, Cl, Mg and SO4. The first year of leaching released significant parts of the Na, K, Mg, Cl and SO 4 but only minor parts of the Mn, Fe, F and P present in the compost.
Utilization of Landfills as Building Sites
Authors: Stearns R.P. , Petoyan G.S.
Published: January 2008

Landfill gas (LFG) control measures and operating experience are described for two landfill sites which have been developed in the City of Carson, California. Investigations began in 1975 to develop a completed 10.5-ha Class II landfill site (household and commercial wastes) as a six-screen drive-in theatre including projection and concession facilities. LFG control facilities include 30 extraction wells for on-site protection, 19 perimeter extraction wells for migration control, blower/flare facilities and a subslab membrane and automatic gas detection system for backup protection during active system downtime.

Investigations for the second site began in 1977 to develop 3.8 ha of a 7.2-ha Class II landfill site as a truck sales and service centre. LFG control facilities include 14 extraction wells, blower/flare facilities and a subslab membrane.

Ongoing operation and maintenance of LFG control facilities is required at both sites to permit continued site occupancy. Activities include blower/flare maintenance, well field monitoring and adjustment, site settlement inspection and repair, monitoring system calibration and maintenance, etc.

Buildings at both locations are supported on foundation piles driven through the former landfilied materials.
Volatile Organic Compounds as Indicators of Municipal Solid Waste Leachate Contamination
Authors: Sabel Gretchen V. , Clark Thomas P.
Published: January 2008

Due to their apparent mobility in many soil types and the analytical sensitivity of tests used for their detection, volatile organic compounds (VOC) may prove to be useful indicators of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill leachate contamination. Data were collected from the analysis of leachates and from monitoring wells at sites where ground water was contaminated by MSW landfill leachates.

Results of the leachate analyses show some volatiles to be ubiquitous in leachates. Commonly detected compounds include the priority pollutants toluene; methylene chloride ; 1,1,2-trichloroethylene; 1,1-dichloroethane; ethylbenzene; benzene and trans-1,1-dichloroethylene. The non-priority pollutant parameters acetone, 2-propanol and xylene were also common in leachate.
Treatment of Sanitary Landfill Leachate : Biological Treatment
Authors: Ehrig H.-J.
Published: January 2008

In most cases leachates from sanitary landfills are highly polluted (COD, BOD5, ammonium) and must be treated before discharge. Treatment experiments with aerated lagoons, activated sludge plants and rotating biological contactors in laboratory and technical scale are described. Treatment with full degradation of organics and oxydation of ammonium (nitrification) are possible with attention to some special problems of leaching treatment such as high ammonium concentrations, the BOD5/N-ratio, precipitation of inorganics, cooling, foaming etc. From aerated lagoons BOD5-effluents ≤ 50 mg l-1 could be obtained at volumetric loadings ≤ 20 g BOD5 m -3 day-1. Shorter retention times in activated sludge plants result in lower BOD levels (≤ 25 mg l-1) at loading rates between 0.02 and 0.05 kg BOD5 kg MLSS- 1 day-1 provided that the BOD5/N-ratio > 1. In all other cases the dimension parameter for activated sludge plants is ammonium load ≤ 0.03 kg N kg MLSS-1 day- 1. Similar results are obtained with rotating biological contactors also with ammonium as the critical loading value, here as an area loading ≤2 g N m-2 day-1. In all cases ammonium is the dominate parameter and careful operation is necessary because nitrification is a very sensitive process. Operation problems could result in serious water pollution problems with discharges of high concentrations of ammonium or nitrite.
Municipal Sewage Sludge Use in Forests of the Pacific Northwest, U.S.a.: Environmental Concerns
Authors: Zasoski R.J. , Edmonds R.L. , Bledsoe C.S. , Henry C.L. , Vogt D.J. , Vogt K.A. , Cole D.W.
Published: January 2008

Forest applications of dewatered municipal sludge in Washington State, U.S.A. were monitored for heavy metals, pathogens, and nitrates, Heavy metals did not leach from the sludge in significant quantities and remained associated with the sludge for at least four years. Tree seedlings grown in sludge-amended soil and compost accumulated moderate metal levels, but growth was not adversely affected. Populus seedlings took up more metal than coniferous seedlings. Some coniferous seedlings grown directly in unamended sludge had reduced growth and developed symptoms of nutrient imbalances. Fecal coliform and total coliform levels in sludge were initially high, but decreased to background levels in 1.0—1.5 years, suggesting that site access should be limited for a time after application. Bacterial movement in the soil was limited and very few viable bacteria reached the groundwater. Aerosols may be generated during sludge applications. Nitrogen leaching is a major environmental concern or sludge application. Heavy applications resulted in high NO3 - levels in soils and groundwater. A significant fraction of the nitrogen loss was in gaseous form. Sludge applications in forests can be environmentally sound if application rates are matched to site characteristics.
Soil Attenuation of Acid Phase Landfill Leachate
Authors: Kjeidsen P. , Christensen T.H.
Published: January 2008

Groundwater contamination is the major environmental risk related to landfilling of wastes. In order to evaluate the migration of leachate from uncontrolled dumps and to establish efficient groundwater monitoring systems at sanitary landfills, basic information about the behaviour of pollutants in soil-groundwater systems is needed. A series of saturated laboratory soil columns loaded with acid phase leachate under anaerobic CO2-saturated conditions were studied in terms of solute breakthrough curves and final pollutant soil profiles. The four soils studied exhibited significantly different capacities for attenuating leachate pollutants. In general, ammonia, sodium and boron were attenuated only by adsorption and organic matter by a combination of adsorption and degradation. Dissolved solids, specific conductivity, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and manganese were, besides adsorption, subject to precipitation-dissolution processes. For iron and manganese the latter process was in combination with redox processes. Zinc and cadmium were extensively attenuated probably due to a combination of adsorption and sulphide precipitation. With a few exceptions, chloride, dissolved solids, specific conductivity, organic matter (COD) and sodium are the most mobile constituents of the leachate exhibiting migration velocities of 80-100% of the water flow velocity,
Waste Recovery the Tanning Industry
Authors: Collivignarelli C. , Barducci G.
Published: January 2008

The tanning of hides is a traditional and important sector of Italian industry. Recovery operations of raw materials and energy in this sector range from operations which have been tested through years of industrial practice to experimental initiatives with promising prospects. One of the most interesting forms is the recovery of chrome from exhausted tanning baths: this process allows cost saving of up to 50% and is about to be applied in a large centralized plant at S. Croce Valdarno in Tuscany. Another operation is the recovery of sodium sulphide from the lime pit bath, carried out by means of ultrafiltration, Energy can be recovered with the anaerobic digestion of chrome-free tanning sludges (mixed with pulverized shreds): the yield in biogas can be comparable with that obtained with domestic sludges. The composting technique can be applied to digested tanning sludge and shreds, in some cases mixed with pre-sorted domestic waste.

All the processes described have the important effect of reducing the pollution load connected with liquid and solid wastes from the tanning industry, as well as the recovery of economical resources.