bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripersonal tracking accuracy is limited by the speed and phase of locomotion
Authors: Davidson Matthew J. , Keys Robert Tobin , Szekely Brian , MacNeilage Paul , Verstraten Frans , Alais David
Published: April 2023

Recent evidence suggests that perceptual and cognitive functions are codetermined by rhythmic bodily states. Prior investigations have focused on the cardiac and respiratory rhythms, both of which are also known to synchronise with locomotion – arguably our most common and natural of voluntary behaviours. Unlike the cardiorespiratory rhythms, walking is entirely under voluntary control, enabling a test of how natural and voluntary rhythmic action may affect sensory function. Here, we show that the speed and phase of human locomotion constrains sensorimotor performance. We used a continuous visuo-motor tracking task in a wireless, body-tracking virtual environment, and found that the accuracy and reaction time of continuous reaching movements were decreased at slower walking speeds, and rhythmically modulated according to the phases of the step-cycle. Decreased accuracy when walking at slow speeds suggests an advantage for interlimb coordination at normal walking speeds, in contrast to previous research on dual-task walking and reach-to-grasp movements. Phasic modulations of reach precision within the step-cycle also suggest that the upper limbs are affected by the ballistic demands of motor-preparation during natural locomotion. Together these results show that the natural phases of human locomotion impose constraints on sensory function and demonstrate the value of examining dynamic and natural behaviour in contrast to the traditional and static methods of psychological science.
Agri-food cooperatives: what factors determine their innovative performance?
Authors: Sama-Berrocal Celia , Corchuelo Martínez-Azúa Beatriz
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The agribusiness in Extremadura (Spain) is one of the main economic activities in the region. Within this industry, cooperativism stands out as a strategic component that influences the fixation of the rural population and the development of the territory. Likewise, innovation is fundamental for the competitiveness of companies. The aim of this study is to analyse the existence of a relationship between several business variables: strategy, culture, work climate, management, organisation and market orientation in the innovative performance of agri-food cooperative companies. Differences with other types of agri-food organisations are also analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors proposed a conceptual research model, which aims to determine the influence of several business variables on innovative performance. A qualitative methodology was used through a multiple case study where five Extremaduran agri-food cooperatives were chosen to carry out the research.

Findings

The results show that the business variables are valued positively as factors that enhance innovative performance. Moreover, the peculiarities of cooperatives show several differences with respect to non-cooperative companies.

Originality/value

The results contribute to agri-food cooperatives' managers developing specific actions that improve the competitiveness and sustainability of agribusiness based on innovation.
Waste reduction as ethical behaviour: a bibliometric analysis and development of future agenda
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Dastane Omkar , Mushtaq Rizwan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to map the research landscape on the topic of waste management in the business and management domain, with a particular emphasis on pro-environmental ethical behaviour. The objective is to evaluate publication performance, identify key stakeholders, investigate major clusters, recognise the evolution of themes and offer a research agenda for the future based on bibliometric reflection.

Design/methodology/approach

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis procedure was used to extract and choose a total of 609 publications from the Scopus database from 1985 to 2022. The research then does bibliometric analysis with the open-source R application bibliometrics. The authors used a number of tools and techniques, including a collaboration network, word dynamics, co-occurrence network, thematic map and strategy map.

Findings

The analysis identifies most prolific stakeholders, key clusters and evolving themes in the field. The motor themes, niche themes, basic themes and emerging themes of the field were identified, and future research agenda is proposed based on such identification.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first bibliometric study in the field of waste reduction, providing a comprehensive view of the research landscape by analysing more than 50 years of literature focussing on behavioural aspects. These findings could assist policymakers in identifying waste management/reduction priority regions and developing policy guidelines for a more sustainable waste practise. In addition to providing recommendations and future directions for academic research, this report also includes these elements.
Considering variation in bee responses to stressors can reveal potential for resilience
Authors: Cabirol Amélie , Gómez‐Moracho Tamara , Monchanin Coline , Pasquaretta Cristian , Lihoreau Mathieu
Published: April 2023

Environmental stressors frequently have sublethal consequences for animals, often affecting the mean of phenotypic traits in populations. However, effects on inter‐individual variability are poorly understood. Since phenotypic variability is the basis for adaptation, any change due to stressors may have important implications for population resilience.

Here, we explored this possibility in bees by analysing raw datasets from 23 studies (5618 bees) in which individuals were first exposed to stressors and then tested for cognitive tasks.

While all types of stressors decreased the mean cognitive performance of bees, they increased cognitive variability. Focusing on 14 pesticide studies, we found that the mode of exposure to stressors and the dose were critical. Mean cognitive performance was more affected by a chronic exposure than by an acute exposure. Yet, cognitive variability increased with increasing doses following both exposure durations.

Policy implications. Current guidelines for the authorization of plant protection products on the European market prioritize acute over chronic toxicity assessments on non‐target organisms. By overlooking the consequences of a chronic exposure, regulatory authorities may register new products or doses that are harmful to bee populations. Our findings call for more research on stress‐induced phenotypic variation and its incorporation into policy guidelines to help identify levels and modes of exposure animals can cope with.
Reduced expression of Il10, Stat3, Hoxa10, and Itgb3 in the embryo implantation site of rat model with prenatal androgen‐induced polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Changaei Mostafa , Javidan Moslem , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Mosaffa Nariman , Noroozzadeh Mahsa , Hosseinzadeh Ramin , Rajaei Samira
Published: April 2023

Aims

Impaired implantation due to the reduced endometrial receptivity considers an etiology for infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this context, we aimed to compare the expression of interleukin 10 (Il10), homeobox A10 (Hoxa10), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), and β3‐integrin (Itgb3) in the embryo implantation site of a prenatally‐androgenized rat model of PCOS before and during gestation.

Materials and Methods

PCOS rat model was created by the injection of testosterone prenatally. The uterine tissues were collected before pregnancy (day 0) and on days 0.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 8.5 of gestation in the PCOS rat model and controls (n = 6; each group). RNA was extracted from the uterine samples and reverse transcribed to cDNA. Expression levels of Il10, Stat3, Hoxa10, and Itgb3 were measured using SYBR Green real‐time RT‐PCR and compared between the two groups.

Findings

PCOS rats showed decreased expression levels of the Il10 on day 8.5 compared to control rats. The mRNA levels of Hoxa10, Itgb3, and Stat3 were significantly decreased in the PCOS group on day 0 as well as on days 0.5, 4.5, 5.5, and 8.5 for Hoxa10, Itgb3, and Stat3.

Significance

The decreased gene expression of Il10, Hoxa10, Stat3, and Itgb3 in the PCOS rat model indicates the importance of the Il10 signaling axis as one of the possible disrupted mechanisms of endometrial receptivity in PCOS.
Safety of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with a cerebrospinal fluid shunt in the peritoneal cavity
Authors: Inaba Daichi , Iguchi Tomohiro , Iseda Norifumi , Sasaki Shun , Honboh Takuya , Okura Akira , Sadanaga Noriaki , Matsuura Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The management of patients with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt located in the peritoneal cavity undergoing laparoscopic surgery is an issue that has not yet been settled. These patients are at risk of increased intracranial pressure caused by peritoneal insufflation, shunt dysfunction, and shunt infection/retrograde meningitis. This study aimed to determine the need for perioperative shunt intervention in CSF shunt patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

We reviewed and analyzed five shunt patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in our institution between 2012 and 2022, as well as 17 patients described in previous reports.

Results

Among the 22 patients, shunt type was ventriculoperitoneal in 14 and lumboperitoneal in eight. The most common indication for CSF shunt was hydrocephalus caused by cerebral vascular accident (50.0%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed for cholecystolithiasis in 13 patients (59.1%), acute cholecystitis in eight (36.4%), and gallbladder polyp in one (4.5%). Shunt clamping or externalization was performed in six patients. Two patients in the group that did not undergo shunt clamping or externalization experienced complications (intra abdominal abscess and subcutaneous emphysema). However, the incidence of short‐term complications (both overall and shunt‐related) and median length of hospital stay did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusion

Routine shunt clamping, externalization, or removal might not be necessarily required in patients with a ventriculoperitoneal or lumboperitoneal shunt undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Reference‐based Screentone Transfer via Pattern Correspondence and Regularization
Authors: Li Zhansheng , Zhao Nanxuan , Wu Zongwei , Dai Yihua , Wang Junle , Jing Yanqing , He Shengfeng
Published: April 2023

Adding screentone to initial line drawings is a crucial step for manga generation, but is a tedious and human‐laborious task. In this work, we propose a novel data‐driven method aiming to transfer the screentone pattern from a reference manga image. This not only ensures the quality, but also adds controllability to the generated manga results. The reference‐based screentone translation task imposes several unique challenges. Since manga image often contains multiple screentone patterns interweaved with line drawing, as an abstract art, this makes it even more difficult to extract disentangled style code from the reference. Also, finding correspondence for mapping between the reference and the input line drawing without any screentone is hard. As screentone contains many subtle details, how to guarantee the style consistency to the reference remains challenging. To suit our purpose and resolve the above difficulties, we propose a novel Reference‐based Screentone Transfer Network (RSTN). We encode the screentone style through a 1D stylegram. A patch correspondence loss is designed to build a similarity mapping function for guiding the translation. To mitigate the generated artefacts, a pattern regularization loss is introduced in the patch‐level. Through extensive experiments and a user study, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of our proposed model.
Evaluation of the cognitive outcome after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest: The role of thalamus
Authors: Carlier Jasmine , Le Goff Floriane , Pouliquen Dorothée , Bliaux Evangéline , Bioux Sandrine , Gerardin Emmanuel , Cruypeninck Yohann , Segobin Shailendra , Savouré Arnaud , Martinaud Olivier
Published: April 2023

Cardiac arrest survivors develop a variety of neuropsychological impairments and neuroanatomical lesions. The goal of this study is to evaluate if brain voxel‐based morphometry and lesional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) analyses performed in the acute phase of an Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) can be sensitive enough to predict the persistence of neuropsychological disorders beyond 3 months. Survivors underwent a prospective brain MRI during the first month after an OHCA and performed neuropsychological assessments at 1 and 3 months. According to the second neuropsychological assessment, survivors were separated into two subgroups, a deficit subgroup with persistent memory, executive functions, attention and/or praxis disorders (n = 11) and a preserved subgroup, disorders free (n = 14). Brain vascular lesion images were investigated, and volumetric changes were compared with healthy controls. Correlations were discussed between brain MRI results, OHCA data and the second neuropsychological assessment. Analyses of acute ischemic lesions did not reveal significant differences between the two subgroups (p = .35), and correlations with cognitive impairments could not be assessed. voxel‐based morphometry analyses revealed a global cerebral volume reduction for the two subgroups and a clear decrease of the right thalamic volume for the deficit subgroup. It was associated with a cognitive dysexecutive syndrome represented by four executive indexes according to the ‘Groupe de Réflexion pour l'Evaluation des Fonctions EXécutives’ criteria. The right thalamus atrophy seems to be more predictive than the vascular lesions and more specific than a global cerebral volume reduction of post‐OHCA neuropsychological executive disorders.
Women's leadership gamut in Saudi Arabia's higher education sector
Authors: Akbar Hammad , Al‐Dajani Haya , Ayub Nailah , Adeinat Iman
Published: April 2023

This paper explores women's leadership in Saudi Arabia's three university settings—gender segregated (women or men‐only), unsegregated (co‐educational) and the majority of partially segregated universities where women's campuses exist within male‐dominated universities. While Saudi Arabia's accelerated reforms are creating new opportunities for women's leadership, these are not reflected in the higher education sector yet. In adopting a feminist institutional theory perspective, this study employed a feminist qualitative approach, including 14 semi‐structured interviews in Saudi Arabia's three university settings. The findings revealed that the barriers to women's leadership were most significant within the partially segregated universities, rendering women leaders as effectively powerless. In contrast, women's leadership flourished in the women‐only university setting. As such, the findings suggest that the dominating partially segregated model is ineffective and problematic for women's leadership, and contradict the dominant view that gender segregation disempowers women. These insights have implications for the transformation of Saudi Arabia's higher education sector, aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 policy.
THE FEDERAL RESERVE'S IMPLICIT INFLATION TARGET AND MACROECONOMIC DYNAMICS: AN SVAR ANALYSIS
Authors: Mumtaz Haroon , Theodoridis Konstantinos
Published: April 2023

This article identifies shocks to the Federal Reserve's inflation target as vector autoregression innovations that make the largest contribution to future movements in long‐horizon inflation expectations. The effectiveness of this scheme is documented via Monte‐Carlo experiments. The estimated impulse responses indicate that a positive shock to the target is associated with a large increase in inflation and long‐term interest rates in the United States. Target shocks are estimated to be a vital factor behind the increase in inflation during the pre‐1980 period and are an important driver of the decline in long‐term interest rates over the last two decades.
Congenital adactyly and oligodactyly with metatarsal hypoplasia in two rhesus monkeys
Authors: Meireles Bárbara C. S. , Goldschmidt Beatriz , Leal Gabriel M. , Dias Fabiano , Cordeiro Natalia F. , Filho Paulo R. F. , Barros Marllus L.
Published: April 2023

Congenital digital defects, particularly adactyly and oligodactyly, have been reported frequently in humans, however, their occurrence in rhesus monkeys is rare, mainly in the hind limbs. We present here for the first time, two female rhesus monkeys with unilateral congenital toe defects with metatarsal involvement. One showing adactyly and the other oligodactyly. In this report, we present the clinical/radiological details of these cases as well as discuss the risk factors possibly involved, such as contact with pesticides and genetic factors.
Timing of RhD‐positive red blood cell administration is associated with D‐alloimmunization in injured patients
Authors: Yazer Mark H. , Spinella Philip C. , Sperry Jason , Triulzi Darrell J. , Leeper Christine
Published: April 2023

Background

The D‐alloimmunization rate in trauma patients does not appear to depend on the number of RhD‐positive units transfused. The effect of the timing and pattern of RhD‐positive transfusions has not been evaluated.

Methods

RhD‐negative trauma patients who were transfused with RhD‐positive red blood cells (RBC) or low titer group O whole blood (collectively called RBCs) on at least two separate calendar days and who had antibody detection tests performed at least 14 days after the second RhD‐positive RBC transfusion without receiving RhIg were included in the analysis. Patients whose anti‐D was detected within 14 days of the index RhD‐positive RBC transfusion were excluded. Patient demographics and the dates of RhD‐positive RBC transfusions and results of antibody detection tests performed after the index transfusion were collected on eligible patients.

Results

There were 44/61 (72.1%) patients in whom anti‐D was not detected (non‐alloimmunized) and 17/61 (27.9%) in whom anti‐D was detected (alloimmunized). The patients had similar demographics with trends towards higher median admission heart rates and lower median admission Glasgow Coma Scale values in the alloimmunized group. Both groups received statistically identical median quantities of RhD‐positive RBCs (non‐alloimmunized 5 vs. alloimmunized 4 units, p = .53), however, the alloimmunized group received all their RhD‐positive RBCs over a significantly shorter period of time compared to the non‐alloimmunized (median 4 vs. 15 days, respectively, p = .01).

Conclusion

Receipt of all RhD‐positive RBCs over a shorter period of time was associated with higher D‐alloimmunization rates. These results need to be confirmed in larger studies.
General Maintenance and Suggestions for Lowering Overhead
Authors: Downey H. C.
Published: April 2023

When an airplane crashes, it is easy to set fire to it and write it off, but the author contends that half of the wrecked planes, except where they have been badly burned, may be salvaged and rebuilt. He gives many details of where and how this may be done. The value of constant inspection is emphasized, and the paper describes in detail many points sometimes overlooked. Special tools for difficult repair jobs are outlined.
Altitude Laboratory Tests of Aircraft Engines
Authors: Cummings H. K. , Garlock E. A.
Published: April 2023

This paper gives a concise description of the altitude laboratory and its operation, followed by a discussion of available reports on altitude laboratory testing at the Bureau of Standards during the past 13 years and a summary of conclusions drawn as to engine performance under altitude conditions. Experimental data are presented on a modern 12-cylinder aircraft engine to illustrate (1) the effect of pressure and temperature on power and (2) some theoretical and practical advantages from supercharging. Additional problems to be studied with the present equipment and the need of an altitude laboratory for testing air-cooled aircraft engines are mentioned. Approximate altitude performance data on engines of the latter type are already being obtained by the Navy Department.
Sonic Altimeter for Aircraft
Authors: Rice Chester W.
Published: April 2023

The author describes the development of an aircraft altimeter which works on the sound-echo principle now commonly employed for depth finding at sea. The problem was to devise means and equipment to send a powerful sound from the airplane and receive the echo back from the ground through the intense masking sounds produced by the engine and propeller. It is believed that the use of the sonic altimeter and sonic boundary markers will make fog flying reasonably safe.
Engine Ring Cowlings
Authors: Evers W. H.
Published: April 2023

The fairing of engines, either with the N.A.C.A. or the Townend type of rings, is becoming more and more the general practice with newly designed or revamped planes. There is a possibility of higher speed without increase of power, combined with a reduction of operating cost. The author points out the differences in the two types of cowling, and gives a description of test results and construction and suggestions for new experiments. Latest changes on several engines show accessories that affect installation of ring cowlings.
Design Problems of Controllable-Pitch Propellers
Authors: Heinz W. B.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents analytical studies of the most common problems that are encountered in the design of mechanisms to rotate airplane propeller blades about their axes. It includes (1) a brief discussion of centrifugal thrust-bearing loads, (2) an analysis of the torque created by centrifugal force, (3) an analysis of lateral bearing loads from which their frictional torques can be determined, and (4) an investigation of the centrifugal torque of multiple masses by means of which a counterbalance can be designed to neutralize to any desired extent, at all settings, the centrifugal blade torque. The analyses are carried further than in previous published work, and results are reached by which quantitative design data can be obtained with minimum numerical and graphical labor.
Analysis of Stresses in Circular Plates and Rings: With Application to Cylinders With Rigidly Attached Flat Heads and Flanges
Authors: Holmberg E. O. , Axelson Karl
Published: April 2023

While the fundamental theory for calculating stresses in circular plates is well known, it has not been employed generally by engineers because of its complexity. In the present paper the authors present a simplified method for calculating the stresses in flat, circular plates, with or without a hole in the center, the loads being applied in any manner provided they are uniformly distributed in circles concentric with the edges. They also discuss the stresses in a hollow cylinder having rigidly attached flat heads, and give a method of calculating stresses in cylinders with rigidly attached flanges.
Vibration During Acceleration Through a Critical Speed
Authors: Lewis Frank M.
Published: April 2023

This paper gives an exact solution of the problem of running a system having a single degree of freedom and linear damping through its critical speed from rest at a uniform acceleration. An exact expression is found for the envelope in which are located the maximum amplitudes. The results are plotted for various rates of acceleration and for various dampings.
The Use of Models in Determining the Strength of Thin-Walled Structures
Authors: Saunders Harold E. , Windenburg Dwight F.
Published: April 2023

This paper discusses the status of fundamental theories and explains the circumstances surrounding the use of models to determine the strength of three types of thin-walled structures. The particular types selected represent problems in naval architecture, but their counterparts are frequently encountered in other engineering structures.

Special emphasis is devoted to the necessity for obtaining geometrical similarity between the model and its original and for using identical materials if consistent and reliable data are to be obtained.

The actual methods used in the fabrication of representative models are described in considerable detail, as an aid in their application to other model research. The limits to which riveting and welding can be duplicated are defined, and the use of soldering and spot welding as alternatives is discussed.

In conclusion, the authors point out that the application of intensive thought and study to model research, commensurate with the care devoted to the design of the full-scale structure, is imperative if reliable results are to be expected from the work.
Resistance of Slender Bodies Moving With Supersonic Velocities, With Special Reference to Projectiles
Authors: von Kármán Theodor , Moore Norton B.
Published: April 2023

The hydrodynamical equations for the steady flow of a compressible fluid with axial symmetry are applied to the case of a slightly disturbed parallel flow with velocity higher than the velocity of sound. The linear equation obtained in this way is integrated by a numerical method, and the solution applied to an approximate calculation of the pressure distribution at the head of a projectile. The question of the drag of projectiles is discussed and the results of the theoretical calculations compared with the values obtained from ballistic experiments. The numerical calculations have been carried out by the junior author, using the methods suggested by the senior author.
Recent Developments in By-Products From Bituminous Coal
Authors: Fieldner A. C.
Published: April 2023

After pointing out that the by-product oven has displaced the beehive oven as a producer of metallurgical coke, the author discusses the increasing value of by-products as compared to that of the coke itself. He then takes up successively the subjects of competitive sources of gas for industrial and domestic use; utilization of the hydrogen in coke-oven gas for the production of synthetic ammonia; competition between synthetic and by-product ammonia; utilization of sulphur in coke-oven gas in the production of ammonium sulphate; processes for the recovery of sulphur in connection with gas purification; recovery of phenols from ammonia still wastes; benzol and light oils; production of resins from coal by-products; tar and tar products; and the hydrogenation of coal tar.
Heat Transfer From Condensing Steam to Flowing Water: Accomplished Through Single Metal Tubes Which Are Completely Surrounded by Air-Free Steam
Authors: Brown A. T.
Published: April 2023

The method developed in this paper correlates in part some of the known experimental data for heat transfer through single tubes at low rates of heat flow with the experiments made by Geo. A. Orrok in 1910. This method may be used at low rates of heat transfer such as occur in condensers to establish an ideal with which to compare the actual performance. Such a comparison indicates how close the performance of the actual condenser approaches the rate of heat transfer which can be secured with a single tube completely surrounded by air-free steam. The formula for the heat transfer through the film on the water side of the tube is taken from a paper presented by Edwin R. Cox at the 1927 Annual Meeting of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and this formula is a development of data prepared by Chester W. Rice. The method given in this paper should prove useful in calculating changes in the rate of heat transfer caused by altering the velocity of the water in the tubes in an actual condenser with the inlet water at the ordinary temperatures, say, above 50 deg. fahr.
Improvements in Missouri-Kansas Coals and Their Burning Equipment
Authors: McDonald E. L.
Published: April 2023

In the producing of Missouri-Kansas steam coals, there always have been certain undesirable qualities, the reduction of which would materially improve the quality of the coal; namely, high ash, high sulphur, low fusion temperature, excessive moisture, and inconsistent quality. While these undesirable qualities exist in most coals, the character of the local coals and the mining method (mostly strip pitting) make them more evident in these fields. The effort put forth in recent years to improve the quality and the results obtained are briefly covered in this paper. During the past 25 years improvements have been made to reduce various operating problems and to increase boiler-room efficiency. The major improvements made in this field and the actual results obtained are also covered.
Hydraulic Butterfly Valves
Authors: Mahon Ross L.
Published: April 2023

This paper describes some of the special features of design found in the modern butterfly valve and which have been adopted within recent years, during which this type of equipment has been developed to meet some of the unusual requirements existing in many modern hydroelectric projects. Means for making this type of valve more effective in limiting leakage are discussed in some detail and attention is given to general considerations affecting the design of disks and bodies. Some interesting types of operating mechanisms are outlined, and various kinds of protective and auxiliary equipment are described. Recent applications of butterfly valves for free-discharge service have broadened their useful field, and the suggestion is made that valves of this type might well find future use for other purposes than those existing in the hydraulic-power industry.
Leakage Loss and Axial Thrust in Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Stepanoff Alexey J.
Published: April 2023

The paper reports on experiments performed by the author at the Hydraulic Laboratory of the University of California with the equipment furnished by the Byron Jackson Company, Berkeley, Calif. Factors governing leakage loss and means to reduce leakage loss were studied. With a special pump, leakage was measured under actual operating conditions, using wearing rings of various types, width, and clearances. Tests were performed at four speeds and different heads. The results are presented in the form of curves, the coefficient of discharge through the clearances being plotted as ordinates against pressures at the wearing ring as abscissas. To facilitate the calculation of the pressure at the wearing ring the pressure distribution in the pump case was studied and an approximate formula was developed. The axial thrust in single- and multi-stage pumps was measured with a specially designed thrust bearing which indicated the thrust directly in pounds under actual operating conditions. New sources of thrust were established—those caused by unequal pressures on the impeller shrouds from the inside due to various causes, the most important of which are an uneven radial velocity distribution and cavitation. In multi-stage pumps, with impellers mounted back to back, generally considered balanced on account of symmetry, it was discovered that there is considerable axial thrust produced by unequal pressures in adjacent stages acting upon the shaft shoulders and impeller hubs extending through the walls of the adjacent stages. Means to eliminate this thrust were found.
Variations in Maintenance Costs and Procedure
Authors: Stoody E. V. , Ross G. I.
Published: April 2023

The paper treats in a new way the important function of maintenance in industry. It is an analysis of the ratio of the maintenance forces in 20 industrial plants. The authors give reasons for the discrepancies shown by the analysis. The paper should be of assistance to managers wishing to conduct their maintenance activities economically. The charts indicate by the wide dispersion of ratios that there is a large field for improvement in the general treatment of the maintenance problem.
Coordination of Research, Sales, and Production
Authors: Wilder Richard F.
Published: April 2023

This paper seeks to demonstrate how the various research activities are coordinated one with another, and then as a unit with sales and production, so as to consider related factors in the instigation and carrying forward of research projects. Likewise it aims to bring out how definite mechanisms of coordination may be established whereby the greatest benefits may be derived from the research activities through the development and manufacture of products which are both commercially and technically sound.
Influence of Chemical Composition and Heat Treatment of Steel Forgings on Machinability With Shallow Lathe Cuts
Authors: Digges T. G.
Published: April 2023

The tests described in this report were made primarily as a study of lathe-tool performance with shallow cuts as affected by variations in chemical composition and heat treatment of the steels cut. The cutting tests were made dry with high-speed-steel tools of a selected size, form, composition, and heat treatment, with a feed of 0.0115 in. per rev. and 0.010 in. depth of cut. Comparisons were made of the Taylor speeds on the basis of equal tensile strengths when cutting 0.4 per cent carbon (S.A.E. 1040), chromium-vanadium (S.A.E. 6140), nickel-chromium (S.A.E. 3140 and 3435), chromium-molybdenum (S.A.E. 4140), and 3½ per cent nickel (S.A.E. 2340) steel forgings heat treated to give tensile strengths between 75,000 and 220,000 lb. per sq. in.

The study also included consideration of the surface finishes of the various steel forgings as affected by the test conditions, the microstructures of the steels cut, and tool performance as affected by the additions of 3.5 to 11.7 per cent cobalt to the customary 18 per cent tungsten type of high-speed tool steel.

If machinability is measured by the cutting speed permitting the tools to last a definite time, then measurable differences were observed between the various steels cut in the lathe test with shallow cuts. The fact, however, that some given steel permits a higher cutting speed than another steel for some tensile strength which is the same for both materials does not necessarily indicate that the two steels maintain the same relationship for another tensile strength.

Of the different steels cut in the lathe tests, the plain carbon steel was the most difficult to machine other than an annealed nickel-chromium steel.

The surface finish on the plain carbon steel was also considered to be inferior to the surface finish of the alloy steels.

The results showed that the effect of changes in chemical composition of steel forgings upon their cutting speeds was dependent upon the tensile strength at which the comparisons were made. In the different steels cut with shallow cuts the most effective special alloying elements for improving machinability were the combinations of nickel and chromium or chromium and vanadium for the high tensile strengths in the neighborhood of 180,000 lb. per sq. in., while chromium and molybdenum were the most effective in the lower range of about 90,000 lb. per sq. in.
Fuel-Spray Formation
Authors: Lee Dana W.
Published: April 2023

Experiments are described in which the diameters of the fuel drops in sprays from different types of nozzles were measured and the effects of fuel-injection pressure, nozzle dimensions, and the density of the chamber air on the atomization of the sprays were determined. A simple method of determining the size and form of the high-velocity parts of sprays is also described. High-speed spark photographs of fuel sprays are shown that were made with lens systems having magnifying powers of 0.5, 2.5, and 10. These photographs reveal the process by which the fuel is transformed from the solid jet to the atomized spray, and also show the effect of several factors on spray dispersion.
New Development of Chromium-Tungsten Steel for Oil-Refining Service
Authors: Malcolm V. T.
Published: April 2023

Apparatus used in oil-refining service has been designed mostly from practical experience instead of experimental research, and the experience gained from operation over long periods gives notable results, among them being that certain alloys are resistant to corrosive conditions, and that if these alloys are used the so-called limiting creep stresses can be more than doubled over carbon steel. Other factors besides the strength of metals and corrosion resistance that must be considered are thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, resistance to abrasion, scaling, and oxidation. The search for an alloy steel that would resist the severe service in oil refining resulted in the development of chromium-tungsten steel. A series of tests are described in the development of properties required of a steel for high-temperature construction and service.
Suggested Specifications for Testing Tubular Heat-Transfer Equipment for Oil Refineries
Authors: Samans Walter
Published: April 2023

This is a draft of specifications for testing tubular heat-transfer equipment after it has been installed in the refinery, this draft to serve as the basis for a more complete and general specification to apply to any equipment of this character which may be used by the refiner in oil processing. Points are enumerated that must be considered by the designer, and some mechanical details are listed which the purchaser’s inspection must assure as being right, to avoid difficulties due to leakage of equipment, cleaning, and replacements in service.
Effect of Vacuum on Lubricating-Oil Distillation
Authors: Danforth R. S.
Published: April 2023

Vacuum distillation of lubricating oils possesses many advantages, and the paper brings out some of its basic features. The benefits of the vacuum process are mainly in the reduction of cracking, in the improved separation of fractions, and the reduction of heat input and condensing requirements. The author mentions a possible fractionator design and suggests a condenser design.
Flow of Steam Through Square-Edged Orifices in a 4-In. Line
Authors: Frymoyer W. W. , Herschel A.
Published: April 2023

The flow of steam through square-edged orifices has little in the way of available data. Tests were therefore run to secure the necessary data on steam-flow measurement. The objects were to determine coefficients for steam flow through square-edged orifices under conditions favorable to securing basic coefficients; to determine effects of various types of disturbances, both upstream and downstream, on basic coefficients; to determine effects of straightening vanes with 0.5 pipe diameter from the upstream edge of the orifice plate on coefficients. The general statement of the results may be made that, for the disturbances covered in the report, and with the orifices installed with vanes ½D from the upstream edge of the orifice plate, the actual coefficients will be near to 1 per cent of the 0.99 standard coefficient, for d/D ratios not over 0.75.
Development of Wood Adhesives and Gluing Technique
Authors: Truax T. R.
Published: April 2023

Study of adhesives used in furniture and other relics of earlier civilizations yields little of value to present-day craftsmanship. This paper therefore discusses only the more recent developments in glues and the technique of using them. While some glues were of ancient origin, the modern large-scale production and the more precise controlled methods have resulted in glues of higher and more uniform quality than the ancient glues from the same sources. Standardization of tests and testing methods is important. Joint tests constitute the principal means for determining the suitability of glues for woodworking. Tests that can be made directly upon the glues rather than upon glued joints may be developed.
Casein Glue
Authors: Leicester W. F.
Published: April 2023

Casein glue, made from soured skim milk, then dried, ground, and blended, has been in use in Germany for 50 years and in the United States for 30 years, but it was not until the World War period that it came into general commercial use. It was then that easy-to-use formulas of standard type were developed for the production of waterproof plywood in airplane construction. It now has general use in the woodworking industry. Casein glue in the past has relied upon harsh alkalis as a waterproofing agent. The casein glue of the future for veneering will be relatively only slightly alkaline, but will be high in water resistance through the addition to the dissolved glue of a chemical solution. The smaller user will have a glue that will carry overnight without loss of strength, will be quick setting and strong, and that will have sufficient water resistance for ordinary needs.
Some Observations on Raised Grain
Authors: Koehler Arthur
Published: April 2023

Woodworkers and finishers are confronted with certain difficulties classed under the category of “raised grain” which, so far, have resisted satisfactory solution. This paper describes some observations on raised grain that may lead to a better understanding of the problems and which may suggest approaches toward overcoming them. Casual investigations made of raised grain suggest some remedial measures, and indicate that there is a large field for research connected with the surfacing of lumber, both as to the cause of the objectionable features encountered and methods of overcoming them. A microscopical study of the way that present-day woodworking tools and machinery cut wood and the development of new equipment which would give more nearly ideal results seem to offer possibilities which would go a long way in improving wood products or reducing their costs.
Lightning Investigation as Applied to the Airplane
Authors: Austin A. O.
Published: April 2023

The hazard to aircraft from lightning is very small, but has received much attention. Lightning itself has caused but few fatalities, and many cases of trouble have been unjustly charged to it. Once the effect of lightning upon the pilot or plane is recognized, steps can be taken to materially reduce the hazard, if not to eliminate it. Some interesting information has been gathered from tests as to protection for free balloons and planes and other equipment.
Artificial Pay Load for Coming Commercial Airships
Authors: Blakemore T. L.
Published: April 2023

The most prominent field for the lighter-than-air vessel is across long stretches of water. The “Graf Zeppelin” confirms this by selecting as its first commercial venture the route between Germany and Brazil. There is a question whether the seagoing airship will merely be a high-speed, extra-fare auxiliary to the steamship or whether by radical improvement over present limited pay-load capacity it can be developed as a direct competitor to passenger-carrying ocean vessels at somewhat near to existing rates. The author suggests a number of means for artificially increasing pay load.
Possibilities of Cabin-Type Autogiros
Authors: Larsen A. E.
Published: April 2023

The development of the Autogiro has virtually been made on the open-cockpit type, one to three place, weighing from 1000 to 3000 lb, and with an engine of 80 to 400 hp. The question has often arisen if it could be adapted to passenger transport. The author asserts that the cabin-type Autogiro is entirely possible. Three cabin Autogiros have been built, markedly different as to type, size, power, and general construction. The trial flights in this country suffered because of lack of mechanical starting units, not then available. Detail studies have been made of various sizes of cabin-type Autogiros, and the author gives an idea of the possibilities in this development.
Steam and Power in the Bleached-Sulphite-Pulp Mill
Authors: Gibson W. R.
Published: April 2023

Methods of effecting economies in the use of steam in the paper industry are given, together with possibilities of water saving. After a brief description of the processes in a sulphite mill, a table is given of the probable requirements in steam and power for a 150-ton mill. The possibilities of combining the operations of a pulp mill and a sawmill are stated, the sawmill having a surplus of waste wood for fuel and of low-grade wood for pulping and usually exhausting large quantities of steam to atmosphere. The effect on refractories of hog-fuel ash is related.
Recent Developments in Merchant-Bar Mills
Authors: Fisk G. L.
Published: April 2023

After first discussing trade demands on merchant-mill products, the author points out the value of research and records in the making and rolling of steel. He then proceeds to discuss the factors affecting the quality of product in the merchant mill, and the items to be considered when selecting the type of merchant mill for a given range of products in a given plant. He next takes up the use and arrangement of vertical mills and the application of roller bearings to mill rolls, in case of existing and new mills, discussing also the economic and practical considerations involved. He then gives particulars of a new transfer-table design, and points out the uses and advantages of electric-driven flying shears. Finally, cooling-bed requirements to meet the needs of various merchant-mill products are then considered, as well as cooling-bed design and operation, objections to the double cooling bed, and double cold shearing from a single bed.
Management Policies and Practice in a Continuous-Production Gray-Iron Foundry
Authors: Reichert W. G.
Published: April 2023

In a continuous-production gray-iron foundry with a capacity of 250 tons daily, chiefly making small castings, the management policies and practice have been directed toward obtaining maximum results by the continuous molding-pouring method with the minimum expenditure of time and effort. The operation of this continuous foundry is described in detail, through all the processes from handling the raw materials to the final inspection of the product.
Metallurgical Problems of the Diesel Engine
Authors: Allen R. J.
Published: April 2023

The metallurgical problems of the Diesel engine consist more in selecting the most suitable material for a given application than in trying to find the solution for a chronic condition. Most of the problems encountered in operation are ones of design, but for economical reasons they often become metallurgical. It is believed that a more careful study of the details of design, with a view to eliminating localized overstress and providing better lubrication, will end most of the troubles. Where such consideration is given, the performance of the Diesel engine is most reliable, and many engines are building up records which rival those of the older reciprocating types of steam engines.
Inertia Supercharging of Engine Cylinders
Authors: Dennison E. S.
Published: April 2023

A theory is developed for the supercharging effect produced in an engine cylinder when a long suction pipe is attached. As a preliminary to this theory, equations are given for suction and exhaust flow where no inertia effects are present. Results of the theory are compared with experiment, and some data are given on engine performance when supercharged in this manner.
Some Phases of Light-Weight Diesel-Engine Design
Authors: Jackson P. B.
Published: April 2023

The paper analyzes the economics of light-weight Diesel-engine design. This is justified if these points are satisfied: Lower cost per unit (cost per horsepower), lower cost of operation for the unit, reduction in time of work accomplished, and reduction in engine size. The proper coordination of three principles will produce an engine very much under conventional weights, these being increased mean effective pressure, increased piston speeds, and intelligent use of material having a high ratio of strength to specific gravity.