bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Victim Impact Testimony and Pennsylvania's Parole Decision Making Process: A Pilot Study
Authors: Parsonage William H. , Bernat Frances P. , Helfgott Jacqueline
Published: January 2017

While several states now permit victim participation in the parole process, little research exists concerning the extent, nature, and consequences of such involvement. During Fall 1991, the authors examined a random sample of 1989 parole cases decided by the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole in which victim testimony was proferred (experimental group), and a random sample of cases in which such testimony was not presented (comparison group). Decisional outcomes were compared between the experimental and comparison groups to determine the impact of victim testimony on the parole decisionmaking process in Pennsylvania. A significant difference was found between the groups—higher refusal rates were found in the victim testimony group despite comparable parole objective guidelines predictions, offender demographics, and offenses.
A Research Agenda for Criminal Justice in Georgia: Consensus across Agencies
Authors: Friedmann Robert R. , Ruback R. Barry , Huang W.S. Wilson
Published: January 2017

The Georgia Statistical Analysis Bureau (SAB), a joint effort of Georgia State University and state criminal justice agencies, was established to integrate and analyze criminal justice data. Its research effort is aimed at providing timely, practical information regarding the criminal justice system to policy analysts, the Governor, legislators, other elected officials, and members of the public interested in criminal justice issues. The SAB's first goal was to develop an empirically-based systematic agenda for criminal justice research in Georgia.

To achieve this initial goal, the SAB conducted a mail survey of criminal justice practitioners. Across criminal justice agencies, there was a consensus regarding the research areas that the SAB should address in its initial years. This survey served as a basis for a systematic research agenda defined by the long-term interests of the entire criminal justice community. The research approach and the results reported here are valuable for criminal justice planners, policy makers, and researchers who are interested in making empirically grounded professional decisions.
Commercialization of university-based research The inventor's perspective
Authors: Skinner Gordon R.B.
Published: January 2017

This article considers different ways by which university inventors can commercialize their research and allow it to develop its full potential towards contributing to the welfare of the national and international community. It also considers some of the good and bad things relating to the various possible approaches from the inventor's perspective.
Distance education in China
Authors: Gao Fuwen , Li Weiwei
Published: January 2017

With the review underway of the development of satellite communications in China, this article introduces the great achievements in the development of TV education via satellite in China, to which Chinese universities have made important contributions. The contributions and the roles of universities are discussed specifically.
The UK Teaching Company Scheme
Authors: Humble S.
Published: January 2017

The UK Teaching Company Scheme provides unique on-the-job training for young graduates that throws them in at the deep end, usually reporting to a senior executive of the company on a most demanding and important project.
Academic Accreditation in European Universities and Industry
Authors: Kelly John
Published: January 2017

This short article summarizes the need for a system of academic credits to be adopted in Europe. The author sets out a proposal for the establishment of such a system, and argues that the European Credit Transfer System, launched in 1989, presents an opportunity to develop a uniform and standardized system of credits for advanced training courses throughout Europe.
Institute Growth through Technology Sale
Authors: Padgett Brian
Published: January 2017

The institutions of higher education need to attract the interest of potential industrial sponsors. This need can be approached by describing the problems to which their research is seeking solutions. For the institutions to retain the initiative for further work they also need to create an element of competition for the rights to utilize the results of their research and to develop the international market for their research and for the teaching programmes which emerge from it. This article suggests one method of creating these market conditions in the UK and describes a pilot programme carried out by The Technology Exchange Ltd to demonstrate that such a strategy can be pursued without diverting research funds into the marketing and protection of intellectual property.
Where Funds Come from and Where They Go to
Authors:   The Council for Industry and Higher Education
Published: January 2017

This article examines the primary sources of funds from business for UK higher education. The preponderance of manufacturing companies over service companies is noted. The article then analyses the recipients of these funds, pointing out that the majority of funds go to universities (rather than polytechnics) and highlights the academic disciplines that are most successful at attracting R&D funding. The relative importance of student support, teacher support, and research and development are outlined.
TTI'94
Authors: Robson E.H.
Published: January 2017

This special issue of Industry and Higher Education is devoted to a selection of papers from TTI'94, an international conference on technology transfer and innovation held in London in July 1994. In this introductory paper, the author provides summaries of the presentations made by the invited keynote speakers, and sets out some of the main points made by participants.
Concurrent Cooperative Education
Authors: Szabo Manfred E.
Published: January 2017

The author discusses the concept of postgraduate cooperative education as a model for creating university–industry partnerships, linking industrial and university research, and increasing industrial productivity and national competitiveness. The model is presented against the background of the current trend in Canada to increase the employability of college and university graduates by blending work and study activities within a formally structured academic curriculum.
Innovation Poles
Authors: Schmidt Karl-Heinz
Published: January 2017

Innovative activities have dual impacts – known as the ‘process of creative destruction’. Innovations ‘destroy’ traditional production opportunities, but ‘create’ new ones. To organize innovation activities into an evolutionary process, it is necessary to investigate how to coordinate them. This includes analysis of the synergistic effects of different technological activities in specific areas or institutions. In this paper, starting from the concept of economic growth poles, the general economic arguments for innovation poles as a means of using synergy and coordinating innovation activities are outlined. The opportunities and problems in applying the concept of innovation poles in practical economic policy are then demonstrated, with empirical data from Japan and Germany. The research on which this paper is based was carried out in light of the promising experiences of R&D and technology transfer in Japan and the need for innovation and risk capital investment in Germany, especially in East Germany.
The Teaching Company Scheme
Authors: Senker Peter , Senker Jacqueline
Published: January 2017

A key challenge for firms is to develop ways of identifying information which can add value to their business, and of disseminating and using such new knowledge effectively within their organization – this often involves changes in attitudes and company cultures. The UK's Teaching Company Scheme has proved a valuable facilitator in the effective application of new knowledge. In this article, the authors first describe the Scheme and its objectives and then review the results of a study undertaken to assess its effectiveness and to make suggestions for its improvement.
Collaboration between France and the UK in R&D and Technology Transfer
Authors: Nicolaon Gilbert
Published: January 2017

Recent analyses in France and the UK of the role of R&D and technology transfer in the national economy have emphasized different problems but the same conclusion. Both governments recognize that the transfer of technology has to be improved to take full advantage of the national R&D effort. The author assesses the extent of collaboration between the two countries and considers activities of ANVAR, the French National Agency for Innovation, and the British Technology Group to enhance interaction and increase the effective commercialization of innovations.
Industry—University Partnerships in the Curriculum
Authors: Skilbeck Malcolm , Connell Helen
Published: January 2017

Relations between industry and universities in the curriculum have expanded and diversified through a growing number of national policy initiatives and individual arrangements between institutions and enterprises. Studies in several countries, in particular England and Australia, are the source of recent information on and appraisal of the varied arrangements, from the common determination of goals and curriculum objectives to shared teaching and assessment, that now exist. Some partnership relationships, are of long standing; many, however, are still in an experimental phase. Significant policy issues arise, for governments, universities and industry, relating to respective roles and responsibilities and the place of industry links in the overall life of the modern university.
UK Learning Alliances
Authors: Biggs Colin , Brighton Robin , Clark Rachel
Published: January 2017

This article provides an overview of recent developments in the UK aimed at building learning alliances between universities and other higher education institutions, and employers. It begins by reviewing briefly the fuller range of types of linkages which can and do exist between higher education and industry, and what is driving them, and then focuses more specifically on teaching and the curriculum. The article exemplifies something of the plethora of effective linkages being developed in the UK, paying particular attention to the University of Warwick model, and discusses the factors which make success more likely. It also discusses the costs and benefits of linkage programmes for the interested parties. The article concludes by raising a variety of key issues which are currently presented by university—industry partnerships, and in the light of this discussion sets out some thoughts on future prospects for linkage programmes. While these latter speculations are made for the UK, it is likely that they will be relevant for many other countries undergoing similar sea-changes concerning the nature of work and training.
What Higher Education Can Learn from Business and Industry
Authors: Hughey Aaron W.
Published: January 2017

Many colleges and universities have traditionally provided local and regional companies with various types of management assistance and employee training programmes. Indeed, consultation with the private sector has long been recognized as one of the primary functions of higher education. In recent years, however, consensus has been growing that this is not a one-way street. Business and industry can also play an important role in the struggle to keep academe viable in the midst of philosophical, cultural and economic turmoil. The management strategies currently being used by many corporations are proving to be instrumental in helping those industries remain vital in terms of both customer satisfaction and overall profitability. Such strategies include more innovative uses of technology, focusing more extensively on quality and customer service, the use of teams and group decision making, better ways of motivating employees, a renewed emphasis on training, and fostering a greater respect for legal and ethical issues as well as diversity. While not all of these ideas and concepts have direct application to higher education, many are at least worth serious consideration. This paper explains how many of the ideas and practices prevalent in the corporate world can be of substantial value to academic administrators as they endeavour to keep higher education responsive to the needs of contemporary society.
Industry and the Academy – a Faustian Contract?
Authors: Packham David , Tasker Mary
Published: January 2017

The values that underlie industry are different from, indeed incommensurable with, those of both science and universities. Consequently, serious problems can arise during collaborative research. These include prevention of the free publication of results and the influence by financial interests of the direction of research agenda and of the conclusions drawn from the results. The unavoidable tension implicit in research collaboration between industry and academy should be explicitly recognized. If the consequences of such a Faustian contract between universities and industry are to be avoided then it is the responsibility of academics to identify the value conflicts and deal with them creatively. The authors draw on experience in the USA and UK and consider what might be done to minimize the potential conflict inherent in such collaboration.
The Role of Research and Reflection in Learning from Experience
Authors: Padfield Christopher J.
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the characteristics of lifelong learning, pointing out that individuals have more to learn, as they rise in seniority, from experience than from taught courses. Experience, though, is not a well-organized teacher, and individuals need to learn skills of ordering such experiential lessons into regular, memorable and understandable patterns, applying appropriate theoretical frameworks for their explanation. Individuals operating at this elevated level of self-motivated learning also need to be able to develop the quality of their professional contribution by pursuing, within the context of their work, appropriate research activity. University professors are extremely good at this process of experimentation, reflection and theorization, and could make a serious contribution by facilitating the learning of professionals, with benefit to both parties.
Continuous Engineering Education through Short Courses
Authors: Durst Franz , Melling Adrian
Published: January 2017

Engineering education at German universities is currently faced with requirements for shortening the course of studies without compromising the quality of education, provision of postgraduate education and continuous learning for engineers in industry, and adaptation to the educational systems in other countries of Europe. This paper considers the factors which have led to the German university education system in its present form, and then proposes solutions to reshape this system for engineering courses. First, a pre-university year is suggested as a replacement for the present final year of secondary schooling. Second, a programme of short courses is proposed for practising engineers to update their education. Finally, it is recommended that successful participation in a short course programme with participating universities across Europe could lead to the award of the degree of European Graduate Engineer.
Creative Education
Authors: Fatt James Poon Teng
Published: January 2017

Most companies today are basking in the workforce benefits of the baby boom. However, the impending crisis in the workforce lies in the fact that the workplace itself is calling for rising levels of competence and a new managerial mindset that are changing the operational methods of companies and diminishing the need for workers with assembly-line mentality. The means of developing a new mindset and enhancing worker creativity and flexibility lie in creative education. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to address the importance of creative education by reference to the conventional systems in Japan and the creativity at work in the industry. The benefits of creative education in the schools, universities, and industry are emphasized, as are the opposing factors that stifle creativity. The paper concludes with suggestions on how to advance creative education in a new wave to enable any government to unleash and empower the creativity and intellect of its educated workforce.
The Bioengineering Design Forum
Authors: Prendergast Patrick J.
Published: January 2017

The author assesses the results of the Bioengineering Design Forum – a collaboration between university researchers, clinicians and industry in Ireland. The aim of the Forum is to initiate, develop and bring to a successful conclusion R&D collaborations that lead to new or improved medical devices. By laying down certain operating procedures for the Forum, an effective ‘meeting ground’ has been developed which serves the objectives of both university engineering departments and the medical device industry in a unique way. The purpose of this paper is to relate our experiences of the Forum; they may be useful to others who would like to attempt similar initiatives in other fields. The author also describes the results that may be expected from this kind of university–industry collaboration in practice.
A Working Model for Augmented Technology Transfer
Authors: Dempster Carol , Goldberg Homer
Published: January 2017

The Long Island Research Institute was set up in 1992 to create and nurture enterprises based on technologies derived from its sponsoring institutions: the University at Stony Brook, Brookhaven and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, and North Shore University Hospital. An account of the organization's conception is followed by descriptions of its comprehensive approach to technology commercialization in three projects: a gene-finding methodology, an organ preservation device, and a wastewater treatment system. These experiences suggest that success for such an organization requires managers combining technical and business expertise, extensive contacts with local business and research communities, variable and ongoing company assistance, access to venture capital, knowledge of company needs, an entrepreneurial champion for each project, and, fundamentally, public and institutional funding.
University–Industry Research and Training Partnerships
Authors: Shattock Michael
Published: January 2017

The author examines the case of the University of Warwick and its institutional strategies for partnership with a variety of external organizations. He argues that universities need to change their missions, and to show strong leadership and an enterpreneurial approach to adapt to their local, national and international markets. In particular, the paper looks at the considerable success of the Warwick Manufacturing Group in developing training programmes and research in partnership with industry.
Development of Entrepreneurial Skills in a Post-Socialist Country
Authors: Jucevicius Robertas , Juceviciene Palmira
Published: January 2017

The last decade has witnessed dramatic changes in the whole post-socialist world. The old Communist system in Central and Eastern Europe has been dismantled and free-market economies have been initiated. Despite the fact that Central and Eastern European countries were on different levels of socio-economic development, they had many things in common, including the problems. However, the countries of the former USSR encountered greater obstacles on their way to the free market. This also applies to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. In contrast to East Germany, Poland, Hungary and former Yugoslavia, private property and entrepreneurship did not exist in these countries during the Soviet period. The purpose of this paper is to describe the most important theoretical problems concerning understanding of the phenomenon of entrepreneurship and to discuss different methods of developing entrepreneurial skills.
Synthesis and Properties of New Naphthyl-Pendent Aromatic Polyimides from 1-[di(4-aminophenyl)Aminojnaphthalene and Aromatic Tetracarboxylic Dianhydrides
Authors: Imai Yoshio , Ishida Mina , Kakimoto Masa-Aki , Nishimura Koichi , Kurosaki Toshikazu
Published: January 2017

New naphthyl-pendent aromatic polyimides having inherent viscosities of 0.40-0.93 dl g-1 were synthesized from 1-[di(4-aminophenyl)amino]naphthalene and various aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydrides by the conventional two-step procedure that included ring-opening polyaddition giving polyamic acids and subsequent thermal cyclodehydration. Almost all of the naphthyl-pendent polyimides were readily soluble on heating in organic solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, and m-cresol. Some polyimides gave flexible and tough films with good tensile properties. The glass transition temperatures and 10% weight loss temperatures of the polyimides were in the ranges of 297-319 0C and 530-560 0C, respectively, in nitrogen.
Dielectric Properties of Fluorine-Containing Polymethylsiloxane-Imide Films
Authors: Wang Huimin , Tao Xiaoming , Newton Edward
Published: January 2017

The dielectric properties, dielectric relaxation behavior, electric conduction and kinetic characteristics of fluorine-containing polysiloxane-imide were investigated. The fluorine-containing polyimide [6FDA + p-PDA] has a low dielectric constant of 3.04, compared to normal polyimides such as Upilex-S [BPDA + p-PDA] with a dielectric constant of 3.47, due to the addition of perfluoroalkyl groups into the polymer backbone, while fluorine-containing polysiloxane-imide (6FDA + siloxane) has the lowest dielectric constant of 2.43, which is less than 2.5. The introduction of siloxane groups on the fluoric polyimides provides the possibility of obtaining high-performance polyimides with ultralow dielectric constants. The dielectric relaxation spectra suggest that the fluorine-containing polysiloxane-imide (6FDA + siloxane) has a phase separation structure. As frequency increases, the a relaxation strengths decrease and the;3 relaxation strengths hardly change. The conduction study indicates that the / peak corresponds to the /3 dipolar relaxation whereas the a one is due to the conductive effects in the bulk and the a dipolar relaxation. The activation energy of the a transition decreases with increasing frequency, while the activation energy of the /3 transition does not vary with frequency
Cyanate Ester Composites Co-Cured with a Silicon-Based Thermal Protection System
Authors: Ganguli Sabyasachi , Dean Derrick , Aglan Heshmat , Jordan Kelvin
Published: January 2017

Cyanate esters (CE) have emerged as attractive materials for aerospace applications, due to their ease of processing and excellent high-temperature properties. Using a thermal protection system can increase the service temperature even further. The objective of this research is to develop a co-cure cycle for a cyanate ester/silicon polymer (SM8000) hybrid composite system. The chemorheology and cure kinetics of the CE along with the thermochemical behavior of the SM8000 resin are used to develop a co-cure cycle. Samples prepared by this cure cycle exhibit a 270 'C increase in the onset of thermal decomposition. Interfacial fracture toughness tests reveal a very robust interface, validating the cure cycle.
Miscible Blends of Poly(siloxane Imide) Segmented Copolymers and Polybenzimidazole as Potential High Performance Aerospace Materials
Authors: Arnold C. A. , Chen D. H. , Chen Y. P. , Waldbauer R. O. , Rogers M. E. , McGrath J. E.
Published: January 2017

Compatible blends of high performance engineering thermoplastics have been investigated for aerospace applications, where stability in an aggressive atomic oxygen environment is of significant concern. The blends were comprised of polyimide homopolymers and poly(siloxane imide) segmented copolymers based upon benzophe-none tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and m-diaminodiphenyl sulfone, and polybenzimidazole (PBI). The blends exhibited glass transition temperatures in excess of 300°C, and significantly reduced water sorption relative to PBI. Conversion of the siloxane surface to an inorganic, oxidation resistant silicate in the presence of atomic oxygen accounted for the enhanced stability of siloxane-containing blends to a simulated low earth orbit environment.
Arylidene Polymers VIII. Synthesis, Characterization and Morphology of New Polyesters Based on 2,7-Diarylidenecycloheptanone
Authors: Abd-Alla Mohamed A.
Published: January 2017

New polyesters have been synthesized via interfacial polycondensation of 2,7-bis(p-hydroxybenzylidene)cycloheptanone I with 4,4′-diphenic, isophthaloyl, tere-phthaloyl, adipoyl and sebacoyl dichlorides at ambient temperature. In order to characterize these polyesters a model compound II was prepared from I and benzoyl chloride. The resulting polyesters were characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, elemental analyses, viscometry, solubility measurements, DSC and thermogravimetric analyses. The crystallinity of the polymers was examined by X-ray analysis. The morphology of a high performance polyester namely poly[oxyisophthaloxy-p-phenylenemethylidyne (2-oxy-l,3-cycloheptanediylidene)methylidyne-p-phenylene] has been investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
The Fracture Toughness and Morphology Spectrum of Bismaleimide/Polyetherimide Moulding Compounds
Authors: Rakutt D. , Fitzer E. , Stenzenberger H. D.
Published: January 2017

Thermoplastic modified bismaleimides (BMI) have found interest as matrix materials for advanced composites with improved damage tolerance. This paper describes the fracture toughness of a bismaleimide/thermoplastic polyetherimide (PEI) system. PEI concentration was varied between 0 and 100% by weight. The stress intensity factor K***ic was found to increase with increasing thermoplastic content. Up to 20% PEI there was a good agreement between the experimental data and values calculated from a simple rule of mixtures. For higher thermoplastic concentrations fracture toughness was significantly lower than expected by the rule of mixtures. Morphology changes between 20 and 40% by weight caused a local maximum in fracture toughness. BMI/PEI blends were also mechanically characterized. Studies also showed that mini-compact tension test specimens could be used to measure fracture toughness. This results in a significant material saving.
Meta-analysis of the efficacy of moxifloxacin in treating Mycoplasma genitalium infection
Authors: Li Yang , Le Wen-Jing , Li Sai , Cao Yu-Ping , Su Xiao-Hong
Published: January 2017

Mycoplasma genitalium is an important pathogen that is transmitted through sexual contact. For patients diagnosed with M. genitalium infection, the current guidelines recommend 1 g of azithromycin as the first-line treatment. Moxifloxacin is used as a second-line drug due to its remarkable efficacy; however, increased use of moxifloxacin to treat M. genitalium infections has caused the emergence of cases of moxifloxacin treatment failure. This meta-analysis aims to estimate the treatment efficacy of moxifloxacin for M. genitalium infection. Electronic databases were searched for articles published from 1983 to the end of May 2016 using the following search terms: ( Mycoplasma genitalium) AND (moxifloxacin OR 1-cyclopropyl–7-(2,8-diazabicyclo(4.3.0)non-8-yl)-6-fluoro-8-methoxy-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinoline carboxylic acid OR Proflox OR moxifloxacin hydrochloride OR Octegra OR Avelox OR Avalox OR Izilox OR Actira OR [treatment efficacy]). All included studies were published in English; all participants were diagnosed with M. genitalium infection, and microbial cure times were measured within 12 months after treatment. Treatment efficacy was measured as microbial cure at the final follow-up after treatment. In total, 17 studies including 252 participants met the inclusion criteria. The majority of these studies were observational. The random-effects pooled microbial cure rate was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90%–99%; I2 = 28.59%, P = 0.13). For studies with sample collection deadlines prior to 2010, the pooled microbial cure rate was 100% (95% CI, 99%–100%; I2 = 0.00%, P = 1.00). For studies with sample collection deadlines of 2010 and later, the pooled microbial cure rate was 89% (95% CI, 82%–94%; I2 = 0.00%, P = 0.59). The elimination rate of moxifloxacin for M. genitalium infection has decreased from 100% to 89% since 2010. This decline merits considerable attention. We suggest close follow-up to investigate the efficacy of moxifloxacin for treating M. genitalium infections. Additionally, sentinel points should be established to detect mutations in the gyrA/B and parC/E genes, which are associated with moxifloxacin resistance.
Policy Instruments for Abating Industrial Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the UK
Authors: Skea Jim
Published: January 2017

This paper assesses the merits and effectiveness of various policy instruments in securing carbon dioxide abatement from the industrial sector. The analysis refers to the UK situation. Particular attention is paid to the potential use of market-based regulatory instruments such as a carbon tax or tradeable emission permits. The background against which the different policy instruments might be implemented is assessed. Taking into account energy decision-making structures in industry and recent trends in energy prices, it is concluded that both fiscal measures and more traditional policy instruments have a role to play in developing future policies.
A Modified Model for Prediction of India's Future Energy Requirement
Authors: Suganthi L. , Jagadeesan T.R.
Published: January 2017

A modified model has been projected in this paper which links environmental quality and technological efficiency with energy and economic factors. A comparison is made between the results obtained from the modified model with a time series and an econometric model using Ordinary Least Square Error (OLSE), square of the correlation coefficient R2 and Durbin Watson statistic.

The time series model is built using seven regression equations and the best fit is selected from among them. The econometric model is built with consumption, price and gross national product. In the modified model, two more variables, technological efficiency and carbon dioxide emission are included, which help to determine the impact of these variables on energy consumption. It is found that the modified model gives least squared error and higher correlation coefficient for coal, oil and electricity. Also the Durbin Watson statistic ‘DW’ is found to be higher in two out of the three cases - coal and oil. The requirement of coal, oil and electricity in the year 1995–96 and 2000–01 is determined using the data for the period 70–89.
The Role of Renewable Energy Sources in a Sustainable World
Authors: Pleune Ruud
Published: January 2017

Present energy use - largely dependent on fossil fuels - is incompatible with the sustainable world concept. In a sustainable world, energy sources are renewable and used in a way that damage to the environment is minimalized. This study investigates the possibility of a sustainable world using renewable energy sources. It appears that - when strict energy conservation is applied - such a sustainable world seems to be attainable. This requires, however, drastic changes in most parts of society.
Who Plugged the Gap? Re-Examining The Woodfuel Crisis in Zimbabwe
Authors: Bradley P.N. , Campbell B.M.
Published: January 2017

The woodfuel gap theory emerged in the 1980s and gave rise to a development push which targeted aid towards woodfuel production and the alleviation of the woodfuel crisis. A close inspection of the situation in Zimbabwe indicates that gap theory fails to encompass the dynamics of rural production, wood use and management, or deforestation. It provided a poor basis for the Rural Afforestation Programme, which ultimately failed to identify and address woodfuel problems. It is argued that woodfuel problems are localised, complex in their origins and dynamics; and collectively do not amount to a woodfuel “crisis”. Woodfuel shortages are not necessarily linked to deforestation, nor can they be addressed simply by planting trees. Gap theory simplifies and obscures the individuality of woodfuel supply and demand balances and should be abandoned.
The Development of Wind Power in Denmark and The Uk
Authors: Brunt Andrew , Spooner Derek
Published: January 2017

Renewable energy technologies are attracting increasing support in the European Union, with wind power particularly favoured. The growth of wind power capacity has proceeded at variable rates in different countries. This paper focuses upon the contrasting experiences of two countries both blessed with abundunt wind resources: Denmark, a leader both in wind turbine installation and manufacture, and the UK, where development has been slow until the 1990's. The recent energy histories of the two countries are explored as the context for wind power development. Denmarks success has been based on a combination of local and co-operative ownership with government encouragement and support, whereas the UK, despite the impetus provided by the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation since 1989, has largely failed to ensure the involvement of people at the local level.
Energy Supply Measures to Reduce Regional Carbon Intensity: Opportunities and Constraints
Authors: Mcevoy D. , Gibbs D.C. , Longhurst J.W.S.
Published: January 2017

The perceived threat of 'enhanced' global warming has become a widespread public concern since the late 1980s, with the balance of informed opinion urging world-wide collaboration on combating the causes of global warming. The increasingly globalised status of the majority of late twentieth century economies ensures that remedial action will ultimately require a degree of international cooperation. Although the formulation of environmentally friendly energy policies, including carbon reduction strategies, can be framed at international and national levels, recent trends are for CO2 reduction measures to be instigated by regional, or local, authorities.This paper focuses on the city-region of Greater Manchester, U.K., and reviews both existing and potential energy supply options for reducing regional CO2 emissions, highlighting the benefits and obstacles facing carbon reduction measures implemented at a 'local' scale1. Mitigation action at this level is considered desirable as remedial measures have most chance of success when accompanied by the supportive involvement of local people.
Social Cost–Benefit Analysis of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana
Authors: Das Naba Kumar , Sarma Tridib Ranjan
Published: January 2017

This study aims to examine the economic and social aspects of villages under the rural electrification scheme launched by the Government of India in the context of Sonitpur district of Assam (India). The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) method is used to find out the economic benefits of the project in terms of economic (shadow) pricing of the area under study and the impact of the project on savings and investments in Sonitpur district. Primary data such as questionnaire and interaction with villagers and secondary data from various reliable sources are used to fulfil the objectives. The study finds that apart from financial viability, the project is viable from a social perspective as people’s standard of living, income and government savings increased from the past years.
Adventure Education and Resilience Enhancement
Authors: Beightol Jesse , Jevertson Jenn , Carter Susan , Gray Sky , Gass Michael
Published: January 2017

This study assessed the effect of an experiential, adventure-based program on levels of resilience in fifth-grade Latino students. A mixed methods, quasi-experimental design was used to measure the impact of the Santa Fe Mountain Center's Anti-Bullying Initiative on internal assets commonly associated with resilient individuals. Results indicated this adventure education program positively affected certain resilience traits, although concerns with research methodology are raised. Female students demonstrated greater gains than male students. Suggestions for practitioners include the following: clearly defining intended outcomes, developing a safe and supportive learning environment, establishing tools and strategies that students can use in a variety of settings, and connecting the adventure experience to the school or home setting. Future research could use a more recent and reliable survey, look at varying outcomes based on gender, and assess how levels of resilience correlate with improved educational and social outcomes.
Reflections on a Trip: Two Decades Later
Authors: Davis-Berman Jennifer , Berman Dene
Published: January 2017

This article reports on a longitudinal qualitative study that involves the interviews of four adults who participated in one of two 10-day wilderness therapy trips 25 years ago. Using qualitative data collection techniques, we conducted in-depth interviews. Respondents were asked to reflect on their lives, the wilderness therapy trip, and the trip's impact on them. Analysis of the interviews identified the following themes for discussion: Sense of Time, Importance of Relationships, Sense of Place, and Lessons for Life. Themes were discussed and implications were suggested.
Student-Centered Course Design: Empowering Students to Become Self-Directed Learners
Authors: Hains Bryan J. , Smith Brittany
Published: January 2017

With the recent promotion of learner-centered philosophies, educators are beginning to accept the idea that learning is a constructive process. But this philosophical shift has been met with some resistance from both students and faculty. This case study examines the development of a student-designed experiential course from both student and faculty perspectives. Seven undergraduate students developed and implemented a 12-day experiential learning course with eight learning outcomes. Discussion revolves around faculty and student hesitation, student motivation, faculty selection, course evaluation, and interpersonal development.
Demonstrating the Application of Q Methodology for Fieldwork Reporting in Experiential Education
Authors: Pruslow John T. , Owl R. H. Red
Published: January 2017

Experiential education programs seek meaningful ways to connect field experiences to classroom instruction. To illustrate one way to make this connection, the authors drew on Q methodology, a systematic approach for identifying clusters of people who share common viewpoints. Q methodology was employed in a two-year demonstration project with graduate students in teacher education. Students were provided with a list of varied statements reflecting potential aspects of their fieldwork experiences and indicated their level of agreement or disagreement by sorting their responses on an online quasi-normal template. Q-factor analysis was then applied to develop models of shared field experiences from the card sorts. Those models were useful for whole-group and small-group discussions that systematized student reflections on, and interpretations of, their fieldwork experiences. The findings offer three principal ways that facilitators can implement Q methodology in an effort to help participants make more meaningful connections between the field and the classroom: one requires no electronic technology; a second is a free, automated program; and a third, more advanced approach uses standard statistical software.
Effect of fragment dispersion on damage assessment of a directional fragment generator
Authors: Dhote KD , Deodhar RS
Published: January 2017

Effective neutralisation of an offensive target missile can be accomplished by a defensive missile system carrying a potential kill mechanism. A directional fragment generator warhead is one of the kill mechanisms for such an application. It projects fragments in a designed beam angle. Few researchers have attempted to quantify fragment dispersion on explosion, which revealed that the fragment projection angle follows a normal distribution with wide range in standard deviation value of 0.75° and 3°. In this paper, an attempt has been made to analyse the importance of knowing the standard deviation value for assessing damage in terms of fragment hit density and kill probability. By altering the standard deviation value between 0 and 3°, the fragment spray distribution for the fragment generator warhead is generated and compared with the distribution that corresponds to a standard deviation value of 0.75°. It is observed that the hit density variation varies by −51% to 40% from the actual. On comparing the effect of standard deviation on kill probability, it is observed that it depends on the proportionate area of vulnerable component in the fragment beam. For the vulnerable area of 0.5 times (50%) of annular fragment beam area, more than or equal to eight fragments can achieve kill probability close to 1. However, for vulnerable area of 0.02 (2%) and 0.1 times (10%) of annular fragment beam area, the kill probability depends on standard deviation value.
Influence of Prescribed Blood Products on the Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Surgical Patients
Authors: Marušič Alenka Premuš , Locatelli Igor , Mrhar Aleš , Caprnda Martin , Gaspar Ludovit , Adamek Mariusz , Kruzliak Peter , Petrovič Daniel
Published: January 2017

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PEs) are common complications after surgical procedures. The influence of prescribed blood products on the occurrence of DVT and PE was evaluated in postsurgical patients in this retrospective case–control study. The records of 286 surgical patients were analyzed: DVT (n = 52), PE (n = 92), and a control group (n = 142). The amounts of prescribed blood, blood products, and vitamin K were reviewed, together with appropriate prescribing of low-molecular-weight heparins. The influence of prescribed blood products on the occurrence of DVT or PE was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. We demonstrated a significant difference between the test and control groups ( P < .05) in relation to receiving packed red blood cells. Treatment with red blood cells was associated with an increased risk of PE but not DVT. Patients who developed PE after surgery were hospitalized for longer (median 10 days) than patients with DVT (median 6 days). There was no difference between the test and control groups concerning treatment with fresh frozen plasma. Inadequate thromboprophylaxis significantly increased the likelihood of DVT. There is a connection between receiving packed red blood cells and occurrence of postoperative PE in surgical patients. Thus, patients receiving red blood cells should be monitored more closely after surgery, as they are more likely to develop PE postoperatively.
Environmentally Preferable Procurement
Authors: Rahm Dianne , Coggburn Jerrell D.
Published: January 2017

Since passage of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) in 1992, the U.S. federal government has imposed procurement restrictions on state government fleets. Regulations, overseen by the Department of Energy (DoE), require that a high percentage of new state fleet acquisitions be “green” alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). This article first reviews AFV technologies, advanced technology designs, and alternative fuels. A discussion of the EPAct mandates and other policy incentives for state fleets follows. The next section presents findings of a survey of state fleet managers regarding their compliance obligations. The article concludes with a discussion of the recently passed EPAct of 2005 and how its provisions may affect the continued greening of state fleets.
Potential Users' Perspectives on Managed Lanes
Authors: Jianling Li
Published: January 2017

Managed lanes are considered a means to meet rapidly increasing travel demand with limited resources. This study examines potential users' perspectives on managed lanes through focus group interviews of single-occupancy-vehicle users, high-occupancy-vehicle users, commercial vehicle users, and transit users in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, where the concept of managed lanes is being introduced. It uncovers potential users' awareness of managed lanes, their propensity and motivation to use managed lanes, and their perceived issues and concerns about managed-lane implementation. The findings have implications for developing appropriate outreach strategies and operational policies to gain public support for managed lanes.
When Service Customers Do Not Consume in Isolation
Authors: Colm Laura , Ordanini Andrea , Parasuraman A.
Published: January 2017

In many service contexts, customers share the service setting with other customers. However, knowledge about the influences of fellow customers’ copresence remains largely fragmented. We address this deficiency by introducing the integrative concept of customer copresence influence modes (CCIMs) and investigate its potential consequences for service perceptions and evaluations. Following a grounded theory approach and drawing on in-depth, qualitative interviews with both managers and customers of a leading service company, we develop a typology of CCIMs, categorizing the various ways— interactions (reactive/proactive and social/instrumental), observations (information-seeking/comparative), and spillovers (spatial/behavioral)—in which fellow customers might influence the focal customer. Building on this typology, we propose a conceptual framework with a set of testable propositions about consequences of CCIMs for the focal customer’s service experience and the service provider’s image. The CCIM typology and propositional inventory, in addition to offering directions for further research, emphasize the need for service managers to pay special attention to customer copresence because (1) its influence on service experience is contingent on a variety of factors, including some within the managers’ control, and (2) customers might assign responsibility to the service provider for both desirable and detrimental effects of customer copresence.
How Queensland newspapers reported public sector information reform
Authors: Breit Rhonda , Fitzgerald Richard , Liu Shuang , Neal Regan
Published: January 2017

This article explores the role of media in Freedom of Information (FOI) policy transfer, using a case study of Queensland’s 2009 FOI reforms. A multi-dimensional analysis was used to discover how newspapers reported changes in Queensland’s public sector information (PSI) policy to identify whether stories on PSI policy were reframed over time. At a quantitative level, the text analytics software Leximancer was used to identify key concepts, issues and trends in 786 relevant articles from national, metropolitan and regional newspapers. At a qualitative level, discourse analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns from the newspaper articles. Both qualitative and quantitative shifts in the media reporting of Right to Information (RTI) and FOI were revealed across three time periods representing the periods before, during and after the reform implementation. The findings offer insights into the role of newspapers in policy diffusion, revealing how Queensland media reports framed the shift in PSI policy from pull model FOI to push model RTI.