bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Electron Radiation on the Tensile Properties and Glass Transition Temperatures of Polyamideimide and Polyphenylenesulfide
Authors: Long E. R. , Long S. A.T.
Published: July 2017

The changes in the values of glass transition temperatures and the tensile properties of neat-resin specimens of a polyamideimide and a polyphenylenesulfide caused by energy absorbed from 1 MeV electrons have been studied. The total absorbed doses were from 106 to 108 Gy at an absorbed dose rate of 5 × 105 Gy/h. Three experimental methods were used to determine glass transition temperatures: dielectric property analysis, thermomechanical analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis.
Development of a Toughened Bismaleimide Resin Matrix for use in Advanced Composites
Authors: Konarski M. M.
Published: July 2017

A high performance toughened bismaleimide resin formulation suitable for use in advanced composites has been developed. The material, coded V391, exhibits high levels of toughness not previously demonstrated with high temperature resin matrices. When combined with intermediate modulus carbon fibers, such as Hitex 46-8B, composite laminates yield a post impact compression strength of 35 Ksi (after an impact of 1500 in lb/in). The resin system posesses excellent processability using epoxy-like cure cycles. Prepreg exhibits good tack and drape, and the resulting composite laminates show an excellent balance of mechanical properties including resistance to microcracking from thermal cycling. This paper outlines the properties of this resin system and describes the effect of cure and post-cure variations on composite properties.
India's Energy Security of Supply and the Gulf
Authors: Prabhakar Akhilesh Chandra
Published: July 2017

From the bulge of Africa to Indonesia via West Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, the Gulf has been of vital interests to the Western Powers, since time immemorial for multiple reasons. Situated at this junction of three continents-namely, Asia, Africa and Europe, the Gulf region provides linkages over land and across sea between Europe and the Indian subcontinent on the one side and Africa and India on the other side. It offers the shortest and cheapest trade and transit routes between the West and the East. It commands a vast reservoir of oil, about 60 per cent of the world's proven reserves of oil, which enormously contributes to the affluence of the Western World, especially the United States.
Theory of International Politics: Limitations of Political Realism
Authors: Basrur Rajesh M.
Published: July 2017

In the increasingly uneasy world of today, when the notion of a “balance of terror” no longer seems a jaded and unlikely description of the human condition, the concerned thinker, fearful of the future, must pause to reconsider the relevance of the dominant mode of thought in international retations. This paper seeks to examine the fundamental question whether political realism, for long the dominant mode of thought in international politics, can any longer serve as a useful guide to understanding and action in world affairs. Given the dangerous direction in which the world is all too evidently heading in the 1980s, it is necessary to enquire whether the realist outlook, however useful in the past, provides any ground for optimism regarding the future. The task is all the more important because the “future” we are concerned with involves the question of the survival of life on this planet.
Sino-Soviet Detente in the Making
Authors: Hussain T. Karki
Published: July 2017

Increasingly, the trend in Sino-Soviet normalization has acquired the kind of high visibility which compels serious attention within India. There are several valid reasons for our interest in the matter. Historically, both the Sino-Indian dispute and the Sino-Soviet split occurred in the fifties when the parties concerned had appeared to the outside world as friends and allies. In subsequent developments, the sixties began with a border war between India and China and ended with another border war between China and the Soviet Union. Although the nature of China's bilateral controversies, leading to actual confrontation with India and Soviet Union, were not identical in their origin and evolution, chronologically, its durability with either protagonist has spanned more than a quarter of a century.

More recently, an almost parallel movement towards arapprochement is taking place, formally signified by an ongoing process of seven rounds of Sino-Soviet consultations and six meetings between the Indian and the Chinese representatives till date. Although their initial differences concerning some political issues persist, China and the Soviet Union have been interacting with each other at a frequency which was unimaginable barely a couple of years ago. In 1985, for example, more than 70 visits were exchanged between the two erstwhile adversaries. Following the 27th Congress of the CPSU which ended on 3 March 1986, in the forthcoming weeks sometime, Soviet First Vice-Premier Arkhipov is scheduled to visit Beijing to review bilateral, economic, scientific and cultural relations. Later, in the summer of 1'86, Soviet and Chinese Foreign Ministers will hold important talks with each other which are expected to contribute further towards normalization. Similarly, Sino-Indian contacts at several levels have also grown considerably.

It may be explained that it does not lie within the scope of this article to examine the derivative triangular linkages present in the Sino-Indian and the Sino-Soviet issues or to argue that the apparent dynamic of the Sino-Soviet thaw would weaken India's bargaining positionvis-a-vis China and therefore a border settlement should be precipitated in order to match the pace of the evolving pattern in Sino-Soviet relations. Rather, the following presentation precludes any juxtaposition with the Sino-Indian problems and focuses almost entirely on certain initiatives taken by the Chinese leadership which have rendered its earlier posturing somewhat obsolete and created an opportunity for it to weigh the Soviet factor afresh in the immediate perspective. Finally, the article seeks to analyse the imperatives behind Beijing's current moves within the larger framework of the primary objective of removing once for all the backward economic status of the country. However, to the extent that the process of Sino-Soviet normalization flows from the shifts in China's foreign and domestic policies, its implications for India are self-evident and for that very reason worthy of our deep interest.
United Nations' Role in South Africa: Constraints and Possible Options
Authors: Ali Shanti Sadiq
Published: July 2017

The principle of the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, of which apartheid is an institutionalised form, has become one of the cornerstones of the international community's concerns. As the community's watchdog, the United Nations has accorded, a high priority to this principle. Article 56 of the United Nations Charter stipulates thatbn ‘all members pledge themselves to take joint action in cooperation with the Organisation for the achievement of the purposes set forth in Article 55’, which includes ‘universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.’ Equally, the concern of the international community has been evident in the progressive evolution of the General Assembly's recommendations, resolutions and decisions, of the relevant international instruments, of its policy of sanctions, albeit by no means satisfactory, and the prominence this principle receives in various UN organs and activities, in particular the programmes undertaken under the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination.

However, the supportive role of the United Nations in the struggle being waged against apartheid within South Africa and Namibia, highly commendable though it is, has unfortunately been considerably weakened by the lack of consensus in dealing with systematic violations of international norms by the Pretoria regime for the maintenance of apartheid, as well as over the strategies to be adopted to resist this unjust and oppressive system. In the specific context of the present structure of the United Nations, particularly the powers given to the Security Council, these divergencies are found to be major constraints as they have the inevitable impact of impeding enforcement measures. As a consequence today, the continuing gulf between international law and reality threatens the very credibility of the world organisation especially as far as its human rights policies with regard to South Africa are concerned.

The struggle within the United Nations system against apartheid, inevitably slow moving, nonetheless continues as can be seen from the evolution of measures taken. It will also be seen that the world body, undeterred by persistent disagreements over principle, its interpretation and enforcement, continues to explore possible options in shaping policies to be able to deal more effectively with the scourge of apartheid and thereby strengthen the ethical foundations of the international community and a civilised system of peaceful coexistence. The situation, therefore, though highly complicated, is not entirely hopeless. On the contrary there is room for optimism that meaningful consequences will emerge from these efforts of the United Nations to eliminate apartheid as well as to bring about a qualitative change in and protection of a whole range of human rights.
Rationalising India-Africa Economic Relations: The Role of Production Cooperation
Authors: Ramchandani R. R.
Published: July 2017

A group of Indian parliamentarians, cutting across party lines, organised on 24–25 July 1986 a two-day national seminar on “Parliamentarians Action for Removal of Apartheid.” The seminar constituted yet another milestone in underscoring India's unflinching commitment to stand firmly united with the African countries in their fight against the pernicious system of apartheid and the removal of the remaining remnants of colonialism that still persist in parts of Southern Africa. It is because of India's principled stand and considerable sacrifice in this respect, and the unwavering appreciation of that standby the African leadership, that ever since their independence India and African countries have forged the most cordial and constructive political ties. Apart from sharing common ideals of the Non-aligned Movement, they have often expressed common concern on crucial world issues such as peace moves and nuclear disarmament, security and development issues, “South-South” cooperation and the establishment of the New International Economic Order. But, despite close political understanding, their economic relations have yet to develop sufficient depth to register a sustained forward thrust to record a lasting impact on the global production structure. India's trade with African states, for instance, has shown an uneven pattern for the last two decades and a half, and depicted a falling trend in recent years.
United States-India Relations: Obstacles and Opportunities
Authors: Travis Thom A.
Published: July 2017

The United States-India relationship began with great promise, that later dissipated as the two states adopted contrasting positions on many key world issues. US-India disagreements have centred on the Soviet Union, Pakistan and North-South matters, and hare led to frictions that will not easily disappear. In this essay, the main manifestations and sources of these nagging differences would be discussed. Then, an attempt would be made to show how greater mutual understanding of one another's perspectives could lead to policy modifications that could promote the closer ties desired by each government.
The Pharmacokinetics of Drug Delivery Systems in Hormone Replacement Therapy
Authors: Watkinson Adam C
Published: July 2017

Traditionally, hormone replacement therapy products have administered systemic doses of hormones utilising simple oral delivery. The major disadvantage of oral delivery is that it can lead to deviations from therapeutic targets and, especially if the therapeutic window is narrow, may lead to either reduced efficacy or unwanted side effects. There are now several alternatives to oral delivery of hormones such as transdermal, intrauterine, vaginal, intranasal which are available. These options are usually based on either controlled release or pulsatile delivery. Whilst the benefits of the former are often clear, the physician should always weigh the obvious benefits of controlled drug delivery against those of compliance and patient acceptability. Although sound design principles have been applied to achieve the elegant drug delivery systems now available, many have practical difficulties associated with their chronic use. The methods available will be described.
The Mechanism of Action of Drugs Affecting the Lower Urinary Tract in the Treatment of Female Urinary Incontinence
Authors: McMurray Gordon , Brading Alison F
Published: July 2017

Urinary incontinence (UI) is thought to affect more than one in ten women in the UK. Despite its prevalence the pathology of UI is poorly understood and its pharmacological treatment largely ineffective, surgical intervention remaining the most conventional treatment for many forms of incontinence. However, the possibility of effective drug therapy is an attractive alternative. The present review summarises the mechanisms by which drugs used to treat UI evoke direct effects on the organs of the lower urinary tract, and describes their clinical efficacy. The majority of these drugs act primarily by either reducing bladder pressure, inhibiting unstable contractions, or increasing outlet resistance during the filling process. The most commonly used drugs are anti-muscarinics, although the high incidence of side effects (including an increased residual volume) and the low level of improvement achieved, has heightened the need for the development of other drug therapies. However, due to the lack of information concerning the pathological causes of unstable detrusor contractions and other changes present in UI sufferers, no drugs are available which are specifically targeted at either treating the causative factors or the changes involved in UI. As pathological understanding increases, more effective pharmacological management may be achieved.
Urogenital Ageing
Authors: Milsom Ian , Molander Ulla
Published: July 2017

Urogenital complaints such as vaginal discomfort, dysuria, dyspareunia, recurrent lower urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence are more common in women after the menopause. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that more than 50% of postmenopausal women suffer from at least one of these symptoms. They cause not only discomfort, but may also negatively influence sexual health. Many women are so embarrassed that they are unable to discuss their dilemma with other women or their doctor. Embryologically the female genital tract and urinary systems develop in close proximity, both arising from the primitive urogenital sinus. Animal and human studies have shown that the urethra is oestrogen sensitive, and oestrogen receptors have been identified in the urethra, urinary bladder, the vagina and the pelvic floor muscles. There is now a wealth of evidence to support the efficacy of exogenous oestrogens in the treatment of urogenital symptoms caused by postmenopausal ovarian insufficiency.
Will the Route of Administration Influence the Potential Cardiovascular Benefits of Postmenopausal HRT?
Authors: Crook David
Published: July 2017

A widely held, though as yet unproven, belief is that HRT will reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke in postmenopausal women, in contrast to the slight increase in risk of venous thrombotic events. As oral HRT induces an unphysiological peak in the concentrations of oestrogen in the liver, hepatic protein synthesis is over-stimulated, leading to increased plasma levels of many of the proteins involved in vascular disease, such as apolipoproteins, coagulation factors and components of the renin-angiotensin system. Non-oral HRT minimises hepatic first-pass and so avoids these effects. This has led to a belief that the excess risk of venous thrombo-embolism seen in users of oral HRT will be negated. Non-oral HRT may also have less impact on aspects of the renin-angiotensin system; it may also reduce insulin responses to glucose and improve insulin sensitivity. However, plasma levels of PAI-1, are lowered by oral but not transdermal oestradiol. It is even more difficult to predict whether non-oral HRT will be better or worse in terms of the effect on lipoprotein risk markers for CHD. Non-oral oestrogens are less able to reduce plasma levels of LDL and Lp(a), but may protect these lipoproteins from oxidation. The increased HDL levels typical of oral therapy are not seen, but neither are the elevated triglycerides. Experimental studies, especially those using animal models of atherosclerosis, indicate that non-oral therapies will reduce the risk of arterial disease. It would seem unlikely that there will be any substantial differences between the effects of oral and non-oral HRT on CHD risk.
Calibration of Design Procedures for Steel Plate Girders
Authors: Nethercot D.A. , Byfield M.P.
Published: July 2017

Test data for plate girders failing in shear have been used as the basis for a calibration of the two design procedures given in Eurocode 3 (EC3). The shear buckling resistances predicted by the simple post-critical and tension field methods were used in a modification of the Annex Z method for determining the numerical values of partial safety factors on resistance to achieve the target reliability of the Code. The analyses demonstrated that plate girder design falls well short of the recommended target reliability and an adjustment to the design methods is therefore proposed.
Elastica of Cantilever Beam under Two Follower Forces
Authors: Hartono Wibisono
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a nonlinear elastic analysis of cantilever beam subjected to two follower forces. Those two proportional forces are always perpendicular to the beam axis. The solution of differential equations based on the large displacement theory, known as elastica is obtained with the help of principle of elastic similarity. For comparison purpose, numerical results using the finite element method are also presented and the results show good agreement.
A Synthetic Discrete Method for Analyzing the Elasto-plastic Seismic Response of Tall Steel Framed-tube Systems
Authors: Shen Zu-Yan , Lai Chao-Xu , Zhao Xian-Zhong
Published: July 2017

In this paper, a synthetic discrete method, which combines the merits of both finite element method and Ritz method, is presented for the analysis of elasto-plastic seismic response of tall steel framed-tube systems. The generalized column element and generalized beam element are correspondingly established. Using this proposed method, the computing degree of freedom of the system is considerably reduced and the calculating efficiency is greatly increased so that the method is able to be implemented on both desktop and notebook computers and possesses extremely high precision.
Investigation of the Failure of a Space Truss Subjected to Earthquake
Authors: Lan Tien T.
Published: July 2017

A space truss, which was used as the roof of a theater in west China, suffered serious damage during strong earthquakes. An investigation was done on the cause of failure of the space truss. Both static and dynamic analyses were carried out to find the forces in the space truss under actual loads. Computer analysis based on Response Spectrum Method was carried out by assuming three types of calculating schemes. It is found that the supporting condition as well as the additional inertial effect of the supporting structure should not be ignored in seismic analysis.
Large Thermal Deflection Analysis of Composite Plates Using Finite Strip Method
Authors: Cheung M.S. , Akhras G. , Li W.C.
Published: July 2017

In the present study, the large deflection behavior of antisymmetric angle ply laminates under combined transverse loading and temperature rise is simulated using the finite strip method based on the higher order shear deformation theory. The modified Newton-Raphson iteration is implemented for the nonlinear solution process, and a relaxation coefficient is introduced to eliminate possible divergence.

The effects of transverse loading, temperature gradient, fiber orientation, number of plies, length to thickness ratio and matrix compressive strength are investigated through numerical examples.
Free Vibration Analysis of Shear-Type Buildings
Authors: Li Q.S.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, an analysis of free vibrations of shear-type buildings is presented and discussed. The differential equations for the free vibration of shear-type buildings with variably distributed mass and stiffness are established and reduced to Bessel's equations or differential equations with constant coefficients by selecting suitable expressions, such as power functions and exponential functions, for the distribution of shear stiffness and mass. An approach to determining the natural frequencies and mode shapes for shear-type buildings with variably distributed mass and stiffness is proposed. The derived general solutions are expressed in terms of Bessel functions and triangular functions. A numerical example shows that the selected expressions are suitable for describing the distributions of stiffness and mass of typical shear-type buildings and the methods proposed in this paper are convenient to engineering application.
Theory of Stochastically Excited and Dissipated Hamiltonian Systems — Some New Developments in Nonlinear Stochastic Structural Dynamics
Authors: Zhu W.Q.
Published: July 2017

Some new developments in nonlinear stochastic structural dynamics recently made by the present author and his co-workers are reviewed. A nonlinear structure under random loading is modeled as a stochastically excited and dissipated Hamiltonian system of finite degree-of-freedom (DOF). The functional form of the exact stationary solution, the equivalent nonlinear system and the stochastic averaging equations of a stochastically excited and dissipated Hamiltonian system are constructed based on the integrability and resonance of the associated Hamiltonian system, and thus the response of the system is predicted. The stochastic stability, stochastic bifurcation and optimal nonlinear feedback control of the system are treated by using the stochastic averaging method for quasi-Hamiltonian systems. It is pointed out that the theory is promising and deserves further development.
Evolutionary Structural Optimisation Incorporating Tension and Compression Materials
Authors: Guan Hong , Steven Grant P. , Xie Yi-Min
Published: July 2017

The Evolutionary Structural Optimisation (ESO) method is based on the simple concept that by slowly removing inefficiently used material from an over-designed structure, the residual shape of the structure evolves towards an optimum. The conventional ESO method has proven to be successful in generating optimum topologies, shapes and sizes for all kinds of structures. However, it mainly deals with isotropic and homogeneous materials. In optimum design of engineering structures, to efficiently use the available materials taking into account their behaviour in tension and compression, an extension of the conventional ESO method to the incorporation of tension/compression material has been proposed. The algorithms based on the principal stress criteria for optimisation of two-dimensional continuum structures are presented in this paper. In addition, two performance indices for tension- and compression-dominated designs are also developed. They can be used effectively to evaluate the structural efficiency of the various designs and to determine the optimum design topology. Practical design problems are solved using the proposed algorithms, including cable-stayed and arch bridge models. Numerical results indicate that the incorporation of tension/compression material is very effective in achieving tension- and compression-dominated designs. The optimum design has produced the structural shapes that make the best utilisation of the available materials.
HCCI/SCCI Load Limits and Stoichiometric Operation in a Multicylinder Naturally Aspirated Spark Ignition Engine Operated on Gasoline and E85
Authors: Dahl D , Denbratt I
Published: July 2017

To meet demands for improvements in the CO2 emissions and fuel economy of gasoline passenger car engines advanced combustion strategies, to replace (or combine with) conventional spark ignition, must be developed and implemented. One possible strategy is homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) achieved using negative valve overlap (NVO). However, several issues need to be addressed before this combustion strategy can be fully implemented in a production vehicle, one being to increase the upper load limit. One constraint at high loads is that the combustion becomes too rapid, leading to excessive pressure-rise rates and large pressure fluctuations (ringing), causing noise. A potential solution to this is to use charge stratification, but charge stratification normally gives rise to increased NO x emissions.

Tests with a multicylinder engine reported here confirmed that there is significant potential to increase the upper load limit using charge stratification. In addition, the possibility of operating the engine in stoichiometric conditions, using a combination of NVO and external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) (thus allowing the increased NO x emissions to be countered using a three-way catalyst) was investigated. Stoichiometric operation was found to be possible for both homogeneous and stratified modes, across a wide operating range, with small compromises in maximum load and fuel consumption. Nevertheless, delaying the need for a mode shift, and operating in stoichiometric conditions when entering a mode shift, should be beneficial in a drive cycle.
Imide-aryl Ether Phenylquinoxaline Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Hedrick J.L. , Labadie J.W.
Published: July 2017

Imide-aryl ether phenylquinoxaline triblock copolymers were investi gated. A key feature of the copolymer systems is the preparation of a mono-functional amine-terminated aryl ether phenylquinoxaline oligomer via nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The oligomer was co-reacted with various compositions of 4,4'-oxydianiline (ODA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) diethyl ester diacyl chloride in an N- methylpyrrolidone/N-cyclohexylpyrrolidone (NMP/CIIP) solvent mixture in the pres ence of N-methylmorpholine. The resulting amic ester-aryl ether phenylquinoxaline copolymers were isolated and washed to remove homopolymer contamination. Co polymer compositions, analyzed by 1H-NMR, showed good agreement with that charged. Solutions of the copolymers were cast and cured (350°C) to effect imidization, affording tough and clear films. Multiphase morphologies were observed for the copolymers prepared, and the ordered morphology characteristic of the polyimide homopolymer was retained in the copolymers. In addition, significant improvements in the adhesion characteristics were observed.
Chemistry and Properties of 4,4'-Oxydiphthalic Anhydride Based Polyimides
Authors: Mundhenke Robert F. , Schwartz Willis T.
Published: July 2017

A series of polyimide films prepared from 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and selected diamines were compared with those from pyromellitic anhydride (PMDA), 3,4,3',4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and benzophenonetet racarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). Mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, as well as the chemical resistance of these films, were measured. The data presented in the following paper demonstrate the excellent properties characteristic of ODPA polyimides and the versatility obtainable through the careful selection of the diamine.
Propargyl-terminated Resins—A Hydrophobic Substitute for Epoxy Resins
Authors: Dirlikov Stoil K.
Published: July 2017

Propargyl derivatives of biphenols and phenol-formaldehyde resins (propargyl-terminated resins—PTRs) are being evaluated as non-polar matrices for advanced polymeric composites. The dipropargyl ether of bisphenol A and its B-staged materials are the most attractive candidates. PTR monomers are available in a one-step, easy preparation in quantitative yield from inexpensive starting materials. They are suitable for industrial production in large scale at a potentially low price. PTR thermosets based on different biphenols have a glass transition temperature above 300°C (572°F), and excellent isothermal thermo-stability in air and nitrogen which corresponds to that of the acetylene-terminated resins. In addition, they have low water absorption, low dielectric constant and dissipation factor, excellent physico-mechanical properties, etc. B-staging of PTR proceeds with a rearrangement of the propargyl group into a chromene ring. The final thermosets cure through polymerization of the chromene group. PTRs are a potential low cost substitute for epoxy resins for composites, adhesives, coatings and electronic applications.
Panel Session: “The Wave of Innovation for an Aging Society: Enhancing Independent Living”
Authors: Meadows Susan
Published: July 2017

“The Wave of Innovation for an Aging Society” encompasses serious concerns for all who envision an independent, healthy, and functioning society in the future. By the year 2000, one in five Americans will be over the age of 55. In order to address the challenges facing society for continued functioning, technological innovations of today must be explored as viable strategies. This panel will discuss the application of human factors principles in safety, healthcare, and technology toward the enhancement of work and independent living for the future.
Age-Related Effects of Stimulus-Specific Context on Perceptual Learning
Authors: Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: July 2017

The focus of the present study was the investigation of age-related differences in perceptual learning under conditions of consistent mapping (CM), varied mapping (VM), and context-specific training. Context-specific training involved conditions where specific target and distractor sets were paired consistently within a condition but were inconsistent across conditions. Eight young (mean age 25) and eight old (mean age 67) subjects participated for 8000 trials of training and 3200 trials of various transfer conditions. The transfer conditions were designed to ascertain the extent to which the subjects had automatized their performance in each of the training conditions. The training results yielded significant differences between young and old adults only under CM training. Performance in the context conditions for young adults mimicked that of the old subjects in the CM condition. The training results suggest that manipulations which disrupt the development of attention-calling strength of stimuli lead to equivalent performance for young and old adults. The transfer results provide similar information. It is proposed that the ability to “strengthen” target information is disrupted in older adults. Based on our previous and the present findings, processing principles are presented which outline important differential considerations for training young and/or older adults.
Effects of Age, Gender, Activation, Stimulus Degradation and Practice on Attention and Visual Choice Reaction Time
Authors: Vercruyssen Max , Cann Michael T. , McDowd Joan M. , Birren James E. , Carlton Barbara L. , Burton Jane , Hancock P. A.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents research conducted by the authors and others investigating the interaction of a variety of variables which are presumed to affect reaction time in hopes of obtaining much needed information on factors influencing age effects on attention and information processing. Reported is progress to date on an experiment which shows that the effects of age on central nervous system speed, as measured by visual choice reaction time, depends on many factors, including the gender, neural activation level, and skill of the subject as well as the stimulus quality and type of reaction task employed.
Ergonomics Awareness Training for Industry
Authors: Schmidt John K. , Katchan John
Published: July 2017

Many manufacturing firms across the United States are introducing basic ergonomic principles into their production lines. The rationale for this stems from two basic sources: 1) promote higher quality workmanship through reduced worker fatigue and 2) increase occupational health and safety through improved job design. Several firms have opted to include ergonomics awareness training for their employees as part of this effort. The inherent challenge of this undertaking is to design a course of instruction which can effectively disseminate enough background material to achieve ergonomics awareness. The intention of this paper is to discuss the process which was used in developing, conducting, and evaluating such a course of instruction.
Student Initiated Research: One Student's Perspective from Rice University
Authors: Desaulniers David R.
Published: July 2017

This article describes issues which are particularly relevant to students attempting to initiate an independent research program. The assumption is made that students will have to implement their research with very limited funding. Several techniques for minimizing costs and procuring necessary resources are presented. Alternative methods of research are discussed as well as problems associated with obtaining the professional guidance often necessary for such ventures.
Measuring Association for Nominal Data: Alternative Derivation and Interpretation of Lambda
Authors: Kvålseth Tarald O.
Published: July 2017

Using the deviation-from-the-mode index of variation for categorical data, a measure of association for nominal variables is derived. This measure (R2) gives exactly the same numerical results as the popular lambda (λ) measure, but their derivations and operational interpretations differ. While λ is based on a proportional-reduction-in-error logic, R2 is based on a proportional-reduction-in-variation logic analogous to the coefficient of determination for quantitative variables. Both asymmetric and symmetric R2 are considered.
Development of an Air Combat Performance Measure
Authors: Thomas Gary S. , Miller David C.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this research was to formulate a unitary measure of performance for simulated one-versus-one, within visual range, air-to-air combat. The measure will serve as a criterion for the development and validation of specific measures of ACM skill that can be used to provide diagnostic performance feedback to pilots. Two experiments were conducted in which fighter pilots served as judges and rank-ordered, from most to least desirable, hypothetical ACM engagement outcomes. Outcome variables included (1) whether or not the hypothetical pilot achieved a “kill,” (2) whether or not he survived the mission, (3) the percent of time the pilot was in an offensive, defensive, or neutral posture, (4) length of engagement, and (5) posture at the beginning and end of the engagement (offensive, defensive, or neutral). In order to determine inter-rater agreement among judges in Experiment I, their rankings were correlated. Correlations ranged from .93 to .99. Pilots' rankings of engagement outcomes were subjected to linear regression analyses to derive equations that could be used as a unitary measure of ACM success. The regression equation in Experiment I accounted for 95% of the variance in rankings, and the composite regression model calculated in Experiment II accounted for more than 70% of the variance.
Computer-Based Job Aids Which Adapt to Technician's Skill Level
Authors: Kincaid J. Peter , Braby Richard , Mears John E. , Babu A.J.G.
Published: July 2017

This paper describes current developments in automating the processes to author technical information (TI) and deliver it using microcomputers. It describes desirable characteristics which support the presentation of TI for technicians varying in skill levels. Addressed are human factors issues relating to information access, user acceptance, and display formats. Programming is being done in Smalltalk/V, an object oriented language, on a Zenith 248 computer, which is compatible with the IBM PC/AT. The project emphasizes low cost authoring and delivery of information which traditionally has been contained in paper technical manuals. Our intent is to support the Department of Defense initiative to shift from paper to paperless technical manuals.
Manpower, Personnel, Training and Safety in Air Force Weapon Systems Acquisition
Authors: Potempa Kenneth W. , Gentner Frank C.
Published: July 2017

Manpower, personnel, training and safety (MPTS) analysis is currently inconsistent and incomplete in its application to Air Force acquisitions. While many problems are managerial, MPTS analysis also suffers from a lack of adequate tools and data bases to analyze weapon system design, project MPTS requirements and suggest trade-offs. These problems are particularly acute in the early phases of the weapon system acquisition process (WSAP), making it difficult to influence design during this critical period. To improve MPTS analysis, a study is being conducted by the Air Force to define a comprehensive and integrated MPTS analytic system for use in the WSAP. The study is identifying what MPTS decisions need to be made in the WSAP, when they need to be made, and how they are interrelated. Current capabilities are then being determined by analyzing the tools and data bases available to support each MPTS decision. The analysis will identify needed improvements to existing tools and data bases and whether new ones need to be developed. This paper discusses the requirement for an improved MPTS system and then describes a variety of managerial and technical initiatives being undertaken to satisfy the requirement. The last section identifies the desired characteristics of an effective MPTS system.
Remembering Causal Systems: Effects of Systematicity and Surface Similarity in Delayed Transfer
Authors: Schumacher Robert M. , Gentner Dedre
Published: July 2017

Transfer between functionally isomorphic devices can be viewed as a kind of analogical mapping. In this research subjects learned to operate a computer-simulated device and then transferred to a functionally-equivalent device, either immediately or after a delay of one week. Two factors were varied: the systematicity, or causal coherence, of the original device model; and the transparency, or degree of surface similarity between corresponding components in the two devices. The results showed effects of delay, systematicity and transparency. Transfer performance was better in the immediate than in the delayed condition. Both systematicity and transparency improved performance in both immediate and delayed conditions.
Relationship of Strength and Precision in Shooting Activities
Authors: Vercruyssen Max , Grose Eric M. , Christina Robert W. , Muller Ellen
Published: July 2017

Reported is an experiment which was designed to (1) test the strength-precision relationship of grip and shoulder strength with competitive pistol shooting scores using a nationally ranked collegiate pistol team and (2) determine the effects of a very brief, specifically focused, intense grip and shoulder strength training program (10 min, 3 times per week for 8 weeks) on strength and shooting performance. All members of the Pennsylvania State University Navy ROTC Pistol Team (n = 12) were divided into two matched groups according to pre-test shooting scores. Both groups received identical shooting instruction and practice, but the training group participated in an eight-week strength development program while the control group did not. Maximum isometric strength (peak and 4-sec average force) measures were obtained from electronic output of a hand dynamometer and strain gauge (deltoid contraction from a lateral horizontal shooting position against an arm cuff). Shooting scores (slow fire, timed fire, rapid fire, and total) were used as performance measures.

The 24 intense but brief exercise bouts did not produce group training effects, despite painstaking efforts to use (1) exercises documented to produce training effects, (2) subjects who were highly motivated, (3) accurate and reliable strength testing equipment, and (4) a program which exercised to fatigue each day the target muscles. This finding is particularly alarming because of the strong body of literature suggesting the effect should have occurred. It also suggest that the time spent in strength training might better be spent in shooting. Nonetheless, robust strength-performance correlations were obtained, particularly in two areas: (1) slow fire shooting scores with grip strength and (2) timed and rapid fire with deltoid strength. Furthermore, individual subject analysis revealed that those that improved in strength also improved in shooting skill. This training was effective for improving strength and scores in some subjects, especially in producing increases in deltoid strength concomitant with improvements in timed and rapid fire scores. This work has implications for all types of free-limb shooting activities, for military and civilian populations, and for novice and elite performers.
A User Interface for Computer Mediated Conferencing: Bridging the Gap between Needs and Expectations
Authors: Hallbert Bruce P.
Published: July 2017

As part of a computer mediated conferencing research project, a user interface was developed for the software database management programs. A process of identifying an appropriate interface is discussed as well as the factors which the researchers used to develop the interface. User needs and expectations are identified as the major factors for interface design, and methods of evaluating needs and expectations are discussed. Limitations of designing the interface to suit the particular computer conferencing course are also presented.
A Methodological Taxonomy for Warnings Research
Authors: Ayres Thomas J. , Gross Madeleine M. , Horst Donald P. , Robinson J. Neil
Published: July 2017

Beginning with several empirical papers in the late 1970's, there has been considerable research concerned with assessing the effectiveness of such attempted safety interventions as on-product warnings and safety signs. The focus of research on warnings has shifted from a debate on whether warnings work to systematic investigation of the factors that do or could influence safety-related product-user behavior. From the perspective of safety, the logical test of a warning must be reduction of the frequency and/or severity of accidents and injuries. A taxonomy of available research methods is described; strengths and problems associated with each method are discussed. Although research on topics related to warnings may legitimately address a wide variety of psychological issues, informed safety policymaking should rely primarily on well-controlled real-world studies. Within the restricted aim of making unambiguous contributions to generalizations that can inform safety policy, some methodological cautions are appropriate for both researchers and practitioners.
Effects of Two Type Density Characteristics on the Legibility of Print
Authors: Young Stephen L. , Laughery Kenneth R. , Bell Marilyn
Published: July 2017

A great deal of research exists regarding the likelihood that warning information will be noticed, but much less research has examined the conditions under which warnings are likely to be read. One variable that may influence the ability and willingness of people to read text is legibility. Poor legibility may result in the information being more difficult to read and thus be a deterrent to reading it. An important determinant of legibility is print density. The present study examined the effect of two print density manipulations, type width and inter-character spacing, on the ease with which warnings could be read. Subjects selected the more “readable” of two choices in a paired comparison task involving all possible combinations of type width (35% of normal, 60% of normal and 100%) and inter-character spacing (10% of normal, 50% and 90%). Results demonstrated that subjects preferred the 100% type width followed by the 60% and then the 35% widths. There was no main effect of inter-character spacing, although spacing did interact with type width. In a subsequent reading-speed task, it was shown that, the smallest print condition (with the 35% width and 10% inter-character spacing) produced significantly longer reading times than either the intermediate or larger print conditions. Overall, these results suggest that type width is a strong determinant of print legibility, and that it can be manipulated to increase the ease with which warning information is accessed.
Effectiveness of the C-Sharp for Reducing Ergonomic Problems at VDT Workstations
Authors: Gallimore Jennie J. , Brown Michael E. , Clarkston Timothy P. , Petachi Paul A.
Published: July 2017

The C-Sharp was designed to help reduce some of the ergonomic problems associated with long-term use of visual display terminal (VDT) workstations. The C-Sharp projects the viewed image at a farther distance than typical VDTs to reduce the amount of muscular work involved in accommodation and convergence to near targets. This may help to reduce or eliminate visual strain and temporary myopia. It was also designed to eliminate glare. The present study was conducted to evaluate the C-Sharp from a human factors standpoint and to assess its ability to reduce problems related to VDT use. Results indicate that the C-Sharp meets many of the recommendations of the American National Standard for Human Factors Engineering of Visual Display Terminal Workstations. The C-Sharp also allows bifocal wearers to keep their necks in natural postures rather than tilted backwards. In general, the C-Sharp has potential to reduce problems associated with VDT use.
Shoe Cushioning and Related Material Properties
Authors: Goonetilleke Ravindra S. , Himmelsbach Jennifer A.
Published: July 2017

This study investigated the effect of dynamic material properties on the Perceived Level of Cushioning (PLC) in shoes. An Impact Tester was used to characterize the material properties. Three pairs of shoes were used in the two experiments conducted. Experiment 1 was aimed at establishing the effects during standing while experiment 2 was an attempt to relate the effects during walking. A 7-point scale was used to rate PLC. The results showed that during standing, PLC may be related to stiffness of the material, compression, and the time to reach maximum deceleration. However, during walking, PLC appears to be related to the maximum deceleration as measured by the Impact Tester.
Human Factors and Educational Quality
Authors: Caldwell Barrett S.
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the demands on and by universities to update and improve educational delivery in an increasingly difficult economic context The actions of a number of universities consider the criteria of Total Quality Management (TQM) as a strategy for improving educational quality. However, from a human factors approach, the most immediately obvious types of quality interventions may prove inadequate to address the complexity of the instructional space setting. Drawing on a combination of previous and current work in the field of educational quality improvement, the author addresses the need for an integrated human factors approach that includes ergonomic, aesthetic, and facilities management issues. Such an approach is largely absent from the research and applications literature. Much of the existing knowledge applicable from a human factors standpoint is isolated and fragmented, and does not address the classroom as a complex system. The author also presents the concept of a Classroom and Laboratory Instructional Quality (CLIQ) evaluation facility which can contribute a realistic and effective educational experience for future generations of human factors professionals. The CLIQ facility, while providing important research and training experience, can also serve large numbers of undergraduate students by identifying quality improvement strategies to enhance current and future classrooms and other instructional spaces.