bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snow-Level Estimates Using Operational Polarimetric Weather Radar Measurements
Authors: Matrosov Sergey Y. , Cifelli Robert , White Allen , Coleman Timothy
Published: January 2017

Scanning polarimetric measurements from the operational Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) systems are evaluated for the retrievals of snow-level (SL) heights, which are located below the 0°C isotherm and represent the altitude within the melting layer (ML) where snow changes to rain. The evaluations are conducted by intercomparisons of the SL estimates obtained from the Beale Air Force Base WSR-88D unit (KBBX) during a wet season 6-month period (from October 2012 to March 2013) and robust SL height measurements hSL from a high-resolution vertically pointing Doppler snow-level profiler deployed near Oroville, California. It is shown that a mean value height measurement hL3 between the estimates of the ML top and bottom, which can be derived from the WSR-88D level-III (L3) ML products, provides relatively unbiased estimates of SL heights with a standard deviation of about 165 m. There is little azimuthal variability in derived values of hL3, which is, in part, due to the use of higher radar beam tilts and azimuthal smoothing of the level-III ML products. Height estimates hrho based on detection of the ML minima of the copolar cross-correlation coefficient ρhv calculated from the WSR-88D level-II products are slightly better correlated with profiler-derived SL heights, though they are biased low by about 113 m with respect to hSL. If this bias is accounted for, the standard deviation of the ρhv minima–based SL estimates is generally less than 100 m. Overall, the results of this study indicate that, at least for closer radar ranges (up to ~13–15 km), the operational radar polarimetric data can provide snow-level estimates with a quality similar to those from the dedicated snow-level radar profilers.
It takes two to tango: The state and organized crime in Russia
Authors: Stephenson Svetlana
Published: January 2017

The article analyses the evolution of the state–organized crime relationship in Russia during the post-Soviet transition. Using a case study conducted in Tatarstan, which included interviews with criminal gang members and representatives of law enforcement agencies and analysis of secondary data, it argues that instead of a pattern of elimination or subjugation of Russian organized crime by the state, we see a mutually reinforcing ensemble which reproduces the existing social order. While both the strengthening of the state and organized crime actors’ own ambitions led to their increasing integration into political structures, a complex web of interdependencies emerged in which actors from criminal networks and political authorities collaborated using each other’s resources. This fusion and assimilation of members of the governing bureaucracy and members of an aspiring bourgeoisie coming from criminal backgrounds were as much the result of consensus and cooperation as of competition and confrontation.
A Follow-up Survey of Human Factors Research in Aircraft, Missiles, and Supporting Industries
Authors: Kraft J. A.
Published: January 2017

A 1957 follow-up of a 1956 survey was made to determine the extent of human factors research in industry. More than 80% of the 56 companies contacted have human factors programs. The size of the human factors groups varied from one to thirty-four, with an average of ten, including professional, technical and administrative personnel. It is estimated that 700 people will be employed in human factors programs by 1960 in the companies surveyed.
Factorial Structure of Impact and Damage Variables in Lightplane Accidents
Authors: Gregg Lee W. , Pearson Richard G.
Published: January 2017

A. conceptual framework, through which accident variables are defined and certain cause-and-effect relationships are established, is confirmed through application of the technique of factor analysis to a set of lightplane accident data. Relationships between aircraft structural damage and injury to the occupant were seen to increase as a function of proximity. Individual measures of the consequences of impact were found to inter correlate higher than the implied cause-effect relations from impact to damage.
The Effect of Various Motion Cycles on Human Power Output
Authors: Harrison John Y.
Published: January 2017

The concept of measuring man's power output is not new, and indeed since about the turn of the century various devices have been used to measure the power man can generate when performing various tasks, such as cycling, hand-cranking, rowing, etc. Perhaps the task most thoroughly investigated is that of cycling, and from experiments, optimum cranking speeds and loads have been established corresponding to maximum power output over a given period of time. However, one important factor has been omitted in the majority of such studies. This factor is the effect of variation of muscle speed during the contraction period in each cycle. It is shown that this effect is marked and that under certain conditions power outputs greater than those currently attainable may be realised, the increase being of the order of 10–15 per cent. To achieve a desired speed-time relation, the motion of the muscle must be forced by external mechanical means, but this is readily accomplished without having to make use of an external power source.
Reducing Wiring Errors by Patchboard Design
Authors: Lincoln Robert S. , Konz Stephan A.
Published: January 2017

The selection of optimal patterning and labeling schemes for patchboards is not as simple as it may seem. Only two of six experimental schemes were an improvement over a standard scheme that was used for comparison. The use of letters above and below each hole in a board substantially reduced one of the most common types of wiring error—the placing of a pin one hole to the left or right of the position in which it should have been placed. This lettered board produced only one-half of the errors made on the standard board, was wired in 8 per cent less time and was highly preferred by the technicians who served as experimental subjects.
Criteria for Human Performance Research
Authors: Uhlaner J. E. , Drucker A. J.
Published: January 2017

The heart of human factors performance research is the development of an appropriate criterion or effectiveness measure. Typical criteria employed in research from 1941 to 1963 by the U.S. Army Personnel Research Office have included grades, ratings, and situational performance measures, each selected for use according to critical methodological, operational, and administrative considerations. Emphasis is placed upon predicting individual effectiveness.

Today's military manager desires an evaluation of a system or subsystem as a totality and is likely to give more wholehearted acceptance to that research product expressed in quantitative units reflecting his goals and mission. Examples are given of the roles human factors scientists play today in helping develop the systems output criterion, similar to human factors performance criteria in some respects but which requires more attention to the need for simulation and to decisions with respect to laboratory vs. field experimentation. A framework of human factors oriented systems research is presented.
The DEI Technique for Evaluating Equipment Systems from the Information Transfer Point of View
Authors: Siegel Arthur I. , Miehle William , Federman Philip
Published: January 2017

This paper describes and gives the basis for a Display Evaluative Index (DEI) technique, a calculational method for deriving a figure of merit of the effectiveness of displays of a particular equipment to transfer information to the operator and for the operator to act on that information and perform the appropriate control action. Reliability, validity, and discriminating power results are reported to be satisfactory.
The Revolution of Logistics
Authors: Fiore Michael V.
Published: January 2017

A review of developments in logistics support over the past decade is presented. The concepts of systems engineering, the “system approach,” and the need for system effectiveness in military weapons has created a revolution in the traditional concepts of engineering and logistics. One major problem has been the introduction into the traditional aerospace organizational division, of engineering and logistics of several new disciplines (e.g., reliability, maintainability, personnel subsystem, value engineering, and so forth). Owing in large part to recent Department of Defense specifications, the traditional definitions and concepts of logistics must be changed.
Control Feel and the Dependent Variable
Authors: Burrows Alan A.
Published: January 2017

The definition and effects of “feel” at the control-limb interface are discussed together with some current problems and experiments. The relationship which “feel” bears to the error term used in describing complex tracking behavior, is described and recommendations made for further research.
Experimental Isolation of the Driver's Visual Input
Authors: Gordon Donald A.
Published: January 2017

A technique for isolating the operator's visual input is presented. The method involves decreasing the visual field so that the essential information is obtained by the operator in separate visual fixations. A continuous film record is made to indicate the center of visual aim and the content of each fixation. Using this aperture device, visual positional data were obtained on ten drivers on a two-lane low traffic density road. The essential information was found to be the road edges and center lane marker. The manner in which this information was obtained differed from driver to driver. The film records refute the notion that the driver has a fixed point of forward reference, or that a common pattern of viewing is shared by all drivers. The hypothesis is presented that the persistent pattern of fixation movements forward to the limits of the road, and back again to the vehicle are explained by the contradictory requirements of perceptual anticipation and vehicular alignment with the road.
Note on Detection of Vehicle Velocity Changes
Authors: Hoffmann Errol R.
Published: January 2017

Simple expressions are derived for the time required by an observer in a moving vehicle to detect accelerations and decelerations of a leading vehicle. The expressions, which are derived by the use of dimensional analysis, are in agreement with the experimental results of Braunstein and Laughery. Latency time is shown to vary as the square root of separation distance and as the inverse square root of lead vehicle acceleration.
The Instructional System Approach to Training
Authors: Kaufman Roger A. , Corrigan Robert E. , Nunnelly Charles L.
Published: January 2017

A generalized model for an Instructional System is offered, as well as a model for such a system for use in preparing training and training materials for the U. S. Air Force. The rationale for a systematic approach to training is presented along with a discussion of the relationship between an Instructional System and Programmed Instruction.
Visual Coding Using Flashing Lights
Authors: Goldstein Donald A. , Lamb Jerry C.
Published: January 2017

An investigation of the feasibility of an alarm system employing visual signals was made. Using flash rate, values for four easily discriminable signals were established. In addition, minimum effective intensities for the four signals were obtained for the entire range of ambient illuminations associated with the operational situation. In a separate study, it was shown that little training was required to learn the signal code and once learned the code was maintained with little or no retention loss over the length of the experiment. The alarm system in its final form was used under both simulated work and actual shipboard conditions and was found to be effective as an attention-getting device and as a message source.
Utilization of Multiple Cues in Paired Comparisons
Authors: Bradley James V.
Published: January 2017

Subjects were given one, two, or three cues with which to make an either-or decision. Certain hypotheses were formulated to describe the subject's thought process in utilizing the multiple cues, and mathematical models were constructed to simulate them. The models were then used on data for the single-cue case to predict performance in the multiple-cue case. Predicted performance “data” were then compared with actually observed data for the same multiple-cue case, thus testing the predictive validity of the mathematical model and the tenability of the corresponding hypothesis.
Models, Measures, and Judgments in System Design
Authors: Knowles William B. , Burger William J. , Mitchell Meredith B. , Hanifan Donald T. , Wulfeck Joseph W.
Published: January 2017

This paper assumes increasing use of analytical models in system design. Some characteristics of such models and requirements for human performance data compatible with them are discussed. Methods of obtaining human performance data for use in design models are considered. The use of expert judges to generate performance measures is reviewed. Two new studies are reported in support of the proposition that expert judgments may offer a practical method of obtaining performance measure with potentially wide application in analytical modeling efforts.
Human Factors Engineering within the Legal-Judiciary System
Authors: Rudov Melvin H.
Published: January 2017

The human factors engineer will find that most of his interactions with the legal establishment will involve tort law. He may expect to serve in one of the following capacities: as an expert witness in giving professional opinions, as an expert witness giving testimony concerning testing he has performed, or as a consultant to manufacturers with regard to the legal liability incurred from their products. Each of these roles is discussed with respect to the technological and ethical difficulties that can arise.
Color Perception Underwater
Authors: Behan Frances L. , Behan Richard A. , Wendhausen Herbert W.
Published: January 2017

Twelve SCUBA divers were assigned in groups of four to depths of 30, 60, and 90 ft. in the ocean to examine 13 plates of a standard diagnostic color perception test. In clear water, under conditions of low illumination, colors in the full range of the visible spectrum were detectable at 90 ft. In a few instances, low saturation greens and reds were not identified. All colors seemed somewhat faded due to reduced contrast and low illumination.
Educational Programs for Engineering Psychologists: That Depends a Good Deal on Where You Want to Get to
Authors: Hunt Darwin P. , Howell William C. , Roscoe Stanley N.
Published: January 2017

Two points of view concerning desirable goals of effective educational programs for engineering psychologists are discussed. One view emphasizes the production of first-rate experimental psychologists who hope to see their efforts contribute to the improvement of man-machine systems. The other view expresses the need for true hybrid scientist-engineers or system scientists who possess a command of the facts and methods of the behavioral and biological sciences as well as the physical sciences. The rationale and implications of these views relative to educational programs for engineering psychology are explored.
Combined Effects of Altitude and High Temperature on Complex Performance
Authors: Chiles W. D. , Iampietro P. F. , Higgins E. A.
Published: January 2017

Nine well-trained subjects were tested on a complex-performance device involving tracking, monitoring, and mental arithmetic during exposure to altitude (14,000 ft.) and heat (60° C) both singly and in combination. Several physiological measures were taken. Exposure durations were 30 min. for each condition with both pre- and posttesting. The only clear-cut effects of the conditions were significant differences across the environmental conditions on the tracking task. Altitude was clearly a more powerful variable than temperature in this study. This was evidenced by the fact that performance under the temperature-plus-altitude and the altitude-only conditions were approximately the same; performance under the temperature-only condition was significantly better than performance for either of the other two conditions. There was some evidence that the two environments in combination produced a persistent effect on performance that did not dissipate with return to normal conditions. Measured physiological functions of the subjects were within the tolerable range.
Conspicuity of Motorcycles
Authors: Williams Martin J. , Hoffmann Errol R.
Published: January 2017

Accident studies have shown that a major cause of daytime motorcycle accidents is poor frontal visibility. Laboratory experiments are reported which were aimed at investigating the detectability of four devices (high-beam headlight, low-beam headlight, a white triangular wind fairing, and a bright red fluorescent jacket) relative to a standard motorcycle, in both “cluttered” and “clean” environments in daylight. Combinations of these devices were not tested. It was found that the high-beam headlight was superior to other devices in both environments.
Autobiography and Organizations: Theoretical and Methodological Issues
Authors: Sjoberg Gideon , Kuhn Kathryn
Published: January 2017

This essay provides a general theoretical and methodological framework for understanding autobiographies. The authors argue that the autobiographies of applied behavioral scientists are useful research tools, particularly for clarifying the presuppositions underlying applied behavioral science endeavors. The autobiographies and biographies of both social scientists and nonscientists are a much neglected source of data for examining social issues, and a means of advancing our knowledge of everyday life and its organizational and cultural context. The essay concludes with the major themes of the autobiographies presented in this special issue of the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science.
Working for the Segregationist Establishment
Authors: Killian Lewis M.
Published: January 2017

While teaching race relations at Florida State University, the author was asked by Florida Attorney General Richard Ervin to direct a sociological study for a brief to be submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court in response to its ruling on Brown versus the Board of Education. The author confronted political realities influencing the research design and use of the findings. He also heard criticism of the brief and his role in it from liberals and segregationists alike. The author was further disillusioned by the response to the court's decision that desegregation should occur “with all deliberate speed,” especially when Ervin compromised his position to win re-election, and when a follow-up study was conducted in the same way as the initial one. In reflecting on his experience, the author expresses concern that, despite his principles and intentions, his efforts may have actually delayed desegregation.
Client Empowerment in the Human Services: Personal and Professional Agenda
Authors: Hasenfeld Yeheskel , Chesler Mark A.
Published: January 2017

The authors juxtapose autobiographical accounts of their personal and professional lives to examine the interplay of their personas and work in the social sciences. Chesler is an action researcher and change agent who focuses primarily on young people and their parents and on those providing them human services. Hasenfeld is an academic who focuses primarily on relations between clients and human service providers and on the systemic changes needed to improve these relations. They share domain assumptions, particularly a belief in the “good” society based on justice, social equality, and respect for diversity, are committed to improving the life chances of the oppressed and disadvantaged, and believe that empowering the clients of human service agencies is crucial to improving the effectiveness and responsiveness of such organizations.
Rare Poisoning with Cerebra Thevetia (Yellow Oleander): A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Ahlawat Sushil Kumar , Agarwal A K , Wadhwa Sunil
Published: January 2017

The common oleanders, Thevetia peruviana (Pila Kaner) and Nerium-oleander contain a mixture of poisons including glycosides and are extremely toxic. They are widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub in the plains of India and have been used for the purpose of suicide, homicide, and as an abortifacient. We have come across three cases of suicidal poisoning with Pila Kaner in the last 9 months, an uncommon occurrence even for a major referral hospital such as ours.
Intraosseous Access Using Butterfly Needle
Authors: Daga S R , Gosavi D V , Verma Bela
Published: January 2017

Butterfly needle (18 G) was used for intraosseous administration of fluids and drugs in 22 children with shock. All except one patient could be stabilized successfully. Fifteen children had severe dehydration because of diarrhoea. The intraosseous route needs to be popularized as an option for rehydration in areas, where diarrhoeal dehydration continues to be an important cause of child mortality.
Deep Gas Theory as an Exploratory Tool
Authors: Bardin David J.
Published: January 2017

Deep earth gas theory, as propounded by Professor Thomas Gold or adapted from his ideas, can supplement other models considered by explorationists, even if the theory is accepted only in part or viewed skeptically and selectively. We trace the background of the theory and outline its elaboration, respecting source rocks, migration and indicators of hydrocarbons, which bear on different aspects of exploration. We then show how implications of the theory, or portions of it, can be applied as an additional tool for hydrocarbon exploration, as well as for addressing the hydrocarbon potentials of unexplored or little-explored areas.
A Historical Review of Petroleum Exploration in New Zealand
Authors: Katz H.R.
Published: January 2017

Active exploration for petroleum in New Zealand is over 120 years old. While some sporadic, commercial production was obtained already in the earliest part of this century, exploration until 1920 was entirely guided by the occurrence of natural seepages. 1925–1944 was the first period of scientifically-oriented exploration, spurred particularly by the requirements of the second World War.

In 1955 began the present period of more intensified prospecting, which in 1965 extended to New Zealand's very large ofshore area. The onshore Kapuni gas/condensate field was discovered in 1959, and the giant offshore Maui field in 1969. Production started in 1970 and 1979, respectively.

Exploration enormously increased and expanded all over the country in the late 1960's and early 1970's, with concession holdings reaching a record high in 1970/71:131,673 km2 onshore and 1,003,669 km2 offshore. But a sharp decline followed in the mid-late 1970's, which was partly Government-induced and political, partly due to a prolonged lack of success.

A change of Government policy in 1980 started a new cycle of intense exploration, with enthusiasm rapidly fuelled by a string of new, though small discoveries in Taranaki onshore, and, in 1986/87, by what is believed to be a large oil and gas discovery in Taranki offshore. Drilling activity has reached record levels over the last years, while exploration in general is branching out again to many other areas and basins, outside Taranaki.

Total production in 1986 amounted to 4,546 million m3 of gas (plus 744 million m3 re-injected), 1.208 million m3 of condensate, 186,700 m3 of LPG and smaller amounts of natural gasoline and butane, and 0.501 million m3 of oil.
Reconnaissance 3-D Seismic as a Modern Exploration Tool
Authors: Norris D.J.
Published: January 2017

TCPL has recently carried out ‘reconnaissance or exploration’ 3-D surveys, in three different blocks, each designed to solve a different type of problem. In each case a considerable improvement in data quality and the resulting structural/stratigraphic interpretation was achieved.

The Kupe South structure is a wrench-induced feature cross-cut by numerous small-medium faults. Stratigraphic changes across the prospect produce a variable quality seismic event at the top reservoir level.

The Pataka Prospect comprises a narrow horst block trend within the Oakura fault zone, offshore New Plymouth. Accurate determination of potential reserves required a reliable interpretation of the fault configuration, and the amount of displacement of the reservoir horizon by the critical faults.

The Waitara Prospect is affected by a ‘no-data’ zone possibly associated with volcanics in the near surface. It was necessary to define the extent and nature of the no-data zone and to calculate the effect of the interpreted volcanics on the time structure map.

Prior to the surveys we modelled the effects of such critical parameters as sail-line separation, final interpolation spacing and the dimensions of the 3-D grids using existing 2-D data.

Good results were obtained with a wider line spacing than is strictly required for true 3-D. Whilst the Reconnaissance 3-D method has not removed all of the difficulties with interpretation, a considerable improvement was obtained in data quality and ease of interpretation.
Photovoltaic Developments in East Africa: BP Solar's Applications and Installations
Authors: Evans R.
Published: January 2017

Photovoltaic or solar electrical systems are a small but important and growing part of energy supplies in East Africa. BP Solar East Africa, based in Nairobi, supplies a range of photovoltanic powered equipment in Kenya and throughout East Africa. Typical applications are listed.
Natural Gas, An Essential Source of Energy in The Romanian Economy
Authors: Coconea Gabriel
Published: January 2017

Romanian natural gas production and use, starting in 1912 reached 35 BCM/year in the mid eighties and by 1990 was supplemented by imports of 40 BCM/year from the Soviet Union. ROMGAZ is responsible for most aspects of the Romanian gas industry (exploration, production and distribution). Restructuring and modernization of the industry, with help from the World Bank and USAID, is taking place and growing foreign participation is planned.
Environmental Liability Information and Bond Ratings
Authors: Graham Allan , Maher John J. , Northcut W. Dana
Published: January 2017

This research examines whether analysts' credit ratings of new bond issues reflect environmental liability information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. Because environmental obligations provide no future economic benefits, we expect a negative relation between credit ratings and proxies for off-balance-sheet environmental obligations. To test this relation, we utilize a bond rating prediction model with a sample of new bond issues over the period 1990-1992. Our environmental liability estimates vary in size according to assumptions concerning the allocation of costs across responsible parties. Results indicate that environmental information is a significant negative factor in explaining bond ratings and increases the model's classification accuracy. Based on the overall analysis, the larger monetary measures of the firm's environmental liability are more consistent with bond rating analysts' assessment of the obligation. The general results are reinforced by additional analysis utilizing a model of bond rating changes over the period 1986-1997. This analysis indicates being named a potentially responsible party on additional environmental Superfund sites is associated with deterioration in a firm's credit rating when the firm has not previously been associated with a large number of these sites. This research establishes the value relevance of environmental information in debt markets and adds to prior studies that examine equity market effects.
The Implications of Long-Term Performance Plans and Institutional Ownership for Firms' Research and Development (R&D) Investments
Authors: Eng Li Li , Shackell Margaret
Published: January 2017

This study examines whether long-term performance plans and institutional holdings are associated with the level of R&D spending in firms. This paper contributes to the growing literature on the impact of mechanisms to mitigate the short-term focus of managers and investors. This study, unlike prior work, examines two mechanisms simultaneously, long-term performance plans and institutional investor holdings. We find no evidence that the adoption of long-term performance plans has implications for R&D spending. We do find evidence that holdings by institutional investors are positively associated with the level of R&D spending in the firm. These results indicate that the horizon of institutional investors may influence managers' planning horizons and how they decide on long-term investments, but managers' decisions on R&D investments are not affected by the introduction of performance plans. When examining the influence of R&D spending on institutional holdings, the simultaneous equations show that holdings by banks and insurance companies are lower in firms that have higher R&D. In contrast, holdings by “other” institutions are higher in firms that have higher R&D.
The Association between Market-Based Merger Premiums and Firms' Financial Position Prior to Merger
Authors: Haw In-Mu , Pastena Victor , Lilien Steven
Published: January 2017

This paper tests the association between firms' prior financial performance and the magnitude and timing of merger premiums. The basic finding is that both financially healthy firms and financially troubled firms, as classified by the Altman Z score, earn merger premiums of 25%. However, the troubled firms experience market price increases earlier than healthy firms. Further analysis indicates that the early market price recovery of the troubled firms is consistent with the notion that tax loss carryforwards make acquisition attractive. In fact, the troubled firms with tax loss carryforwards experience merger premiums of 33.7% as opposed to 19.6% for troubled firms without tax loss carryforwards. These results indicate that the availability of the tax loss carryforwards may have facilitated mergers for troubled firms.
Rethinking Pension Fund Investment Strategies
Authors: Brownlee E. Richard , Marsha S. Brooks
Published: January 2017

This paper addresses the need for companies to reexamine their pension fund investment strategies because of certain changes that occurred during the 1980s that enhanced the attractiveness of fixed-income securities. Of primary importance was the issuance of a new pension accounting standard that substantially changed the determination of annual pension expense, pension plan asset and liability recognition, and pension footnote disclosures. Both the concepts and the information resulting from the pension standard have promoted a more integrative perspective of the relationship between pension funds and their corporate sponsors. This broadened perception of companies and their pension funds comprising a single economic entity has important financial consequences for corporate managements and capital providers. One such consequence pertains to pension portfolios. Fixed-income securities become a more desirable pension fund investment for two principal reasons: they reduce financial reporting risk without increasing economic risk and they are an integral component of corporate tax arbitrage, a strategy initially proposed by Fischer Black in the early 1980s.
Involuntary Benchmarking and Quality Improvement: The Effect of Mandated Public Disclosure on Hospitals
Authors: Evans John H. , Hwang Yuhchang , Nagarajan Nandu , Shastri Karen
Published: January 2017

This paper documents the responses of Pennsylvania hospitals to the public dissemination by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) in 1990 of mandated hospital disclosures of financial and nonfinancial performance information. We find that PHC4's relative performance disclosures had an effect in that hospitals that performed poorly on patient quality of care, as measured by mortality outcomes, reacted by making significant improvements in this measure by 1992, although this was accompanied by lower reductions in length of stay. Further, we find that the improvements in mortality outcomes were more marked for DRGs in more competitive environments and for hospitals that ranked higher on financial condition in the year of disclosure. Additionally, the rationale for these costly quality improvements in the period following the disclosure appears to be related to market share, that is, poorly performing hospitals lost, whereas better performing hospitals gained in market share.
Effects of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition on Appetite in Monkeys
Authors: Hansen Barbara Walike , DeSomery Cynthia H. , Hagedorn Patricia Kribbs , Kalnasy Lynne W.
Published: January 2017

Varied clinical observations of the presence of either hunger or anorexia during intragastric or intravenous alimentation have led to the current experiments. Nine rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were involved in studies of the long‐term effects of enteral and parenteral nutrition on appetite as assessed by feeding behavior and gastric motility. The monkeys received either intragastric infusions of glucose or a complete liquid diet, or intravenous infusions of glucose or glucose/amino acid solutions. Oral intake was accurately adjusted to account for the calories administered by the intragastric route. Oral intake was also reduced in a calorically equivalent amount to account for the calories received during intravenous glucose. When glucose/amino acid solutions were administered parenterally, adjustments were less accurate, with resultant overeating and weight gain in some monkeys during parenteral nutrition, followed by prolonged suppression of appetite after cessation of the infusions. Further studies of the effects of varied compositions of parenteral nutrition, and varied methods of weaning from infusions, are indicated.
Continuous Pump/Tube Enteric Hyperalimentation—Use in Esophageal Disease
Authors: Dobbie Robert P. , Butterick Orin D.
Published: January 2017

A safe simple and reliable method for ensuring adequate nutritional support for catabolic patients is described which has most of the advantages of “parenteral hyperalimentation” and few of the risks. The technique requires a functionally competent gastrointestinal tract, utilization of a special, small feeding tube the tip of which is easily positioned distal to the pylorus, and continuous controlled pump feeding of a balanced, lactose‐free, liquid diet of near normal osmolarity which provides 1 calorie/cc. Use in over 250 adult patients has uniformly resulted in weight gain with good patient tolerance, minimal problems, and great simplicity. There has been no sepsis, glucosuria, aspiration, or diarrhea, and only minimal metabolic monitoring. Of special interest has been the use of this method of nutritional support during the treatment of esophageal lesions, before and after surgery and during irradiation which has resulted in early return to anabolism. Esophageal fistulas have closed, wound healing promoted, and progressive weight gain established during intensive cobalt therapy. If the GI tract is intact and functioning, it can and should be used as a site of alimentation. With this technique continuous pump infusion of liquid diets through a small caliber feeding tube into the distal duodenum or proximal jejunum is superior to previous methods of bolus tube feedings through a large tube into the stomach. In addition, expensive elemental diets requiring a period of patient adaptation to their hyperosmolality are not needed for routine enteric alimentation.
Complications of Essential Amino Acid Hyperalimentation in Children with Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Motil Kathleen J. , HARMON WILLIAM E. , GRUPE WARREN E.
Published: January 2017

The metabolic effects of intravenous hyperalimentation, using an essential amino acid (EAA) and glucose solution, were evaluated in 2 children with acute renal failure. Hyperammonemia and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis associated with elevated plasma methionine and depressed plasma citrulline, ornithine, arginine, and histidine levels complicated the nutritional therapy. Initial infusion of a complete amino acid (CAA) solution was not associated with these aberrations and reintroduction of a CAA solution after the EAA trial resulted in a progressive amelioration of or complete recovery from these metabolic disturbances. It is likely that the hyperammonemia was due to an arginine deficiency, while excess methionine and presumably sulfate production may have contributed to the hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis in these two children.
Unit trusts in Singapore: Consistency of funds’ objectives
Authors: Chong James
Published: January 2017

In order to cater to the different risks and return preferences of investors, various types of funds have been set up, which are usually classified in accordance with the stated objectives found in their prospectuses. This study examines the consistency (or inconsistency) of the local funds’ stated objectives with their actual risk and return characteristics. The findings obtained suggest that most of the funds have failed to deliver their promises and hence, investors are discouraged to place their reliance on these promises in selecting their investments.
Modeling of multicomponent and multitemperature adsorption equilibria of water vapor and organic compounds on activated carbons
Authors: Nastaj Józef , Witkiewicz Konrad , Chybowska Małgorzata
Published: January 2017

Adsorption equilibria of the pure component and binary gaseous mixtures of water vapor and organic compound (toluene or n-butanol) on two selected activated carbons: Sorbonorit 4 and BPL 4×6 were studied. A mathematical model of the adsorption equilibrium for binary systems with the virial mixture coefficients has been developed based on the two-dimensional virial equation of state. In the modeling, the experimental adsorption equilibrium data of pure components were correlated by the Toth isotherm for organic compounds, and Talu–Meunier or Qi–LeVan models for water vapor. Additionally, multitemperature isotherms for pure component were calculated to determine virial mixture coefficient of the two-dimensional virial equation of state depending on temperature. Adsorption isotherms determined for two-component systems were compared with multicomponent adsorption equilibrium data obtained experimentally by a dynamic method at relative humidities of the carrier gas set at 25, 50, 75, and 90%. A fairly good agreement between simulations and experimental results was obtained using expansion of the two-dimensional virial equation of state through D terms.
The uptake of metal elements into poly(1-methylpyrrol-2-ylsquaraine) particles and a study of their porosity
Authors: Lynch Daniel E , Bennett Joy B , Bateman Mark J , Reeves Colin R
Published: January 2017

The article reports an experimental study of the metal uptake properties of poly(1-methylpyrrol-2-ylsquaraine) particles, in the context of 51 elemental metal complexes. Vagaries of the experimental results meant that the final analysis took place for 43 of these metals. After an initial descriptive analysis, an Analysis of Variance model was fitted. This revealed that several factors, some intrinsic to the metals themselves, others relating to the experimental conditions, have an important influence on the adsorption characteristics of the poly(1-methylpyrrol-2-ylsquaraine) particles. Of these, the most important is the ratio of the number of moles of the metal to the number of moles of the adsorbent particles. X-ray mapping of the poly(1-methylpyrrol-2-ylsquaraine) particles treated with contrast agent revealed that, although adsorption was all throughout the particles, the majority of the agent was adsorbed within 10–15% (diameter distance) of the surface of the particles.
Charge Heterogeneity and the Calorimetry of K-Ca Exchange-Adsorption in Clays and Soils
Authors: Talibudeen O.
Published: January 2017

Current evidence for surface heterogeneity of the permanent negative charge in some soils and phyllosilicates, which is based on the thermodynamic interpretation of K-Ca exchange isotherms and on other methods, is summarized and reviewed. The relationship between differential heats of K-Ca exchange and K-saturation of the permanent negative charge in the phyllosilicates, especially the Smectites and the Kaolins, is described and related to their known interlayer expansion with ethylene glycol intercalation. From these descriptions, their surface charge heterogeneity and new definitions of ‘pure’ phyllosilicates, especially ‘pure’ montmorillonite and ‘pure’ kaolinite are inferred. The heterogeneity of cation-exchange sites in some English soils is compared with those of the 2:1 phyllosilicates. Differences in the ‘differential heat:fractional K saturation’ relationships between soil phyllosilicates before and after treatment with potassium salts and with farmyard manure illustrate the effects of such treatments on site heterogeneity.
Characterization of Hydrous Zirconia Gels: Adsorption and Related Studies
Authors: Ragai Jehane
Published: January 2017

A series of zirconia gels has been prepared at different pH values by the addition of aqueous ammonia to aqueous solutions of zirconyl chloride. The gels were air dried at 110°C and their surface characteristics and structure studied with the aid of infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption and simultaneous DTA, TGA and DTG methods.

Infrared studies suggest the formation of compounds of the type ZrO2 · xH2O · yNH3. Preparation pH values of 8.02 and 10.01 produced high area gels with considerable pore volumes, whereas pH values of 4.50 and 7.01 led to unpredictable areas with ill-defined textures reflecting the metastability of the systems.

Differential thermal analysis curves revealed two distinctive endotherms allowing the separate identification of interstitial and cordinatively bound water. As the pH of precipitation increased, the amount of coordinated water decreased.
Abnormal Mode of Chromate Adsorption on Ignited Sulphates as Carrier Surfaces
Authors: Bhutani M.M. , Santosh M.M. , Mitra AK.
Published: January 2017

The influence of pH and of added lattice and certain non-lattice ions has been studied towards the instantaneous sorption of tracer 51CrO42– species on ignited lead sulphate and barium as carrier surfaces. As expected, an increase in the carrier capacity is observed with increasing pH and lattice cation concentration. However, non-lattice cations (Ba2+ and Sr2+ ions) with a similar charge and ionic dimensions exhibit abnormal behaviour on the surface of PbSO4, and Sr2+ ions behave in a similar fashion on the surface of BaSO4. This adverse effect can be overcome by increasing the pH or lattice cation concentration in the suspension medium. An attempt has been made to explain this abnormality as arising from masking of the active adsorption centres on PbSO4 and BaSO4 surfaces under the experimental conditions employed.
Sorption and Radiochemical Study of CrVI Ions at a Stannic Oxide/Solution Interface
Authors: Bhutani M.M. , Mitra A.K. , Kumari Ramesh
Published: January 2017

The ability of stannic oxide to remove CrVI ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption has been investigated. The mechanism of sorption of Chromate ions on SnO2 is discussed in terms of specific anion adsorption. The influence of pH and some cations and anions on the sorption of Chromate species has also been studied. A kinetic study made over a wide range of concentration (10−6-10−2 M) and temperature (303–323 K) has demonstrated the applicability of the Freundlich isotherm, with a first-order rate law being followed by adsorption as well as desorption processes. The values of the activation energy and other thermodynamic parameters have been calculated. An infrared study has shown that the surface compound formed by the interaction of the adsorbate ions and SnO2 is stable.
Surface and Charge Characteristics of the Oxide/Solution Interface Towards Chromium(VI) Sorption
Authors: Bhutani M.M. , Kumari Ramesh
Published: January 2017

The interfacial properties of zirconium oxide, titanium oxide and bismuth oxide have been studied under various experimental conditions. The oxides were characterized by means of their pH titration curves, intrinsic dissociation constants [pKai*(intr.), i = 1, 2) and point of zero charge (pHpzc) in varying concentrations of KNO3 and Na2CrO4 solutions. The pHpzc values of all the oxide samples tended to shift to higher pH values in the presence of Na2CrO4 solution and remain the same in the presence of KNO3 solution. A mechanism for the sorption process is proposed proceeding through an exchange with surface OH– or H2O groups and is interpreted as a case of specific adsorption.
Electrokinetic Properties of Cassiterite and Quartz Particles in the Presence of Cationic, Anionic and Non-ionogenic Surfactants
Authors: Taha Fouad , Saleh M.B. , Attyia K.M.E. , Khalaf M.M.R.
Published: January 2017

The surface charge properties of cassiterite and quartz particles in primary amine hydrochloride, sodium oleate, sodium dodecyl sulphate, phenyl disodium orthophosphate, 4-nitrophenyl disodium orthophosphate and starch solutions have been monitored using particle microelectrophoresis. The zeta potentials of the oxides and their isoelectric points (IEPs) were determined as a function of pH in the presence of different surfactant concentrations.

In general, cassiterite and quartz particles acquired a negative charge in the various aqueous solutions and were dramatically influenced by both pH and the presence of surfactants. The magnitude of the surface charge varied considerably and could adopt positive or negative values. The IEPs also varied depending on the solution properties.
Preclinical Principles of the Investigation of New Drugs
Authors: Sanen F J
Published: January 2017

From this presentation it becomes apparent that preclinical investigation of new drugs is a multi-disciplinary endeavour. The need for close team work between the various scientists is necessary to meet this complex research challenge successfully.

With the development of an ever-increasing number of potent drugs, it is mandatory that the physician responsible for monitoring new drug trials broaden his understanding of preclinical investigations. In doing so, he will soon learn the need for consistent interplay between the preclinical scientist and clinician.
Anxiety with Depressed Mood in General Practice: A survey of 3,000 Patients treated with Benzoctamine: A Report of a Monitored Release Study
Authors: Forrest W A
Published: January 2017

A total of 3,000 patients in general practice, with a diagnosis of moderate to severe anxiety with depressive overtones were treated with benzoctamine 10 mg tid for two weeks.

During this period 75 % of the group obtained symptomatic relief, and 45 % were symptom free after two weeks.

The profile of patients responding significantly well to this treatment was studied in detail.

In this group of patients the drug was well tolerated, 11 % of the patients reporting no side effects. Drowsiness was the most commonly reported adverse reaction with an incidence of 9 %.
Cephapirin in Acute Lung Diseases in Children
Authors: Trujillo Hugo , Manotas Rafael , Salazar Cecilia , Rodriguez Alfonso , Uribe Alvaro , Agudelo Nancy , de Vidal Ester Luisa
Published: January 2017

Parenteral administration, intravenous followed by intramuscular, or intramuscular alone, cured thirty children with pneumonia and empyema caused by S. aureus, D. pneumoniae, Klebsiella sp. and other gram-negative bacteria, within one to three weeks. Pathogens disappeared from pleural pus in all empyema cases within the first forty-eight hours of treatment. Following intravenous administration peak plasma levels ( 117 mcg/ml) were obtained in five minutes, and following intramuscular injections peak plasma levels ( 55 mcg/ml) were obtained in one hour. High concentration levels were observed in pleural pus ( 23-37 mcg/ml) in two hours. The drug was very well tolerated both locally and systemically.