bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of a product design system and nonlinear finite element
codes via a relational database
Authors: Bergman G. , Oldenburg M. , Jeppsson P.
Published: November 2014

A database for finite element models and related data is developed and
incorporated into a prototype system for integration of non‐linear
finite element codes with a product design system. In the prototype system,
the database is used as a link for integrating commercial, public domain as
well as in‐house codes. In the present system, the public domain
finite element codes NIKE2D, NIKE3D, DYNA2D, DYNA3D and TOPAZ2D are
integrated with the CIM–system I–DEAS. The prototype system is
primarily intended as a platform in research projects for development of
integrated environments tuned for simulations of specific manufacturing
processes such as quenching, welding, hot rolling, metal powder compaction
and hot isostatic pressing.
Inspection of PCB line defects based on directionality measurements
Authors: Huang Jie‐xian , Yang Dong‐tao , Gong Cang‐lai
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new inspecting algorithm for defect detection on PCB circuits.

Design/methodology/approach

PCB circuit images were processed by a radon transformation. A Radon histogram was formed and utilized to establish a texture directional characteristic similarity function. Then, a region of the image which contained the same texture directionality feature was segmented. Furthermore, a directionality estimation method is presented. As the circuit was damaged, the directionality was weakened correspondingly. According to principle, the concept of directional intensity was proposed and then used to measure directionality through analysis of the Radon histogram fluctuation. Finally, the defect was detected based on directional intensity.

Findings

The method has been applied to an inspecting system used in practice and it achieved a higher accuracy and efficiency in comparison with similar methods.

Research limitations/implications

Although work on highly intensive PCB circuitry inspection and flaw detection is presented, defect classification was not involved although this is also a very important requirement of inspection.

Originality/value

The paper provides a new way to detect PCB circuitry defects based on texture directionality and proposes evaluating the similarity between image texture directionalities using a radon transformation to search the inspected area. As the inspected region was located, the concept of directional intensity was defined to measure texture directionality to identify defects. The new algorithm performs stably and efficiently and is fit for practical application.
Effects of High Electrical Stress in PCBs
Authors: Travi C. , Albertini* M. , Gemme* C.
Published: November 2014

The increasing level of integration in PCB technology demands from the designer a new level of
sensitivity to high electrical field problems and to the degradation processes that may be involved. High
electrical fields interacting with thermal and mechanical stresses could lead to the growth of
‘latent defects’, not easily identifiable during final stage acceptance tests, that could lead
the PCB's failure during service. The paper discusses degradation mechanisms which can lead to
dielectric failure, together with first results relevant to a wider research project regarding identification of
latent defects in PCBs and the development of new test procedures.
Relationalism in marketing channels and marketing strategy
Authors: Paswan Audhesh K. , Blankson Charles , Guzman Francisco
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between marketing strategy types – aggressive marketing, price leadership and product specialization strategies – and the extent of relationalism in marketing channels.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a self‐administered survey from managers responsible for marketing and channels management in US pharmaceutical firms. The responses to the questions capturing focal constructs were measured using a five‐point Likert type scale. Data were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling procedures.

Findings

Aggressive marketing strategy and price leadership strategy are positively associated with the level of relationalism in marketing channels. In contrast, product specialization (focus) strategy is negatively associated with the level of relationalism in marketing channels.

Originality/value

The relationship between marketing strategy and the emergent relationalism among marketing channel intermediaries is critical for the firm's ability to meet objectives. This relationship has not been investigated so far and, from a managerial perspective, managing marketing channels is critical for successful implementation of marketing strategies.
Subcutaneous implanted antennas: interaction with biological tissues
Authors: Vidal N. , Lopez‐Villegas J.M. , Sieiro J.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the interaction of electromagnetic fields with biological tissues in the presence of antennas implanted subcutaneously for biotelemetry applications. The authors examined the influence of these radiative devices on energy absorption and also their effects as reflective metal surfaces when incoming radiofrequency energy was present.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was carried out using electromagnetic modeling based on the finite difference time domain method and the calculations were performed to determine the electric field and specific absorption rate. The implanted antenna operated in the Medical Implant Communication Service band. The incoming external electric fields considered included different frequency bands covering most current telecommunications standards.

Findings

Levels of absorbed energy with and without the implanted device.

Practical implications

The paper offers an analysis of results and comparison with current dosimetric standards and guidelines for limiting electromagnetic exposure.

Originality/value

The paper studies the interactions of implanted antennas with biological tissues, taking into account two behaviors: radiative and passive.
Analysis and evaluation of good practices in the design of internet sites dedicated to electromagnetic fields and health
Authors: Giliberti Claudia , Bedini Angelico , Salerno Silvana
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a dedicated checklist for the evaluation of good practice information in the design of Italian internet sites on electromagnetic fields (emf) and health.

Design/methodology/approach

The “Guidelines on the collection, evaluation and dissemination of good practice information on the Internet” by European Occupational Safety and Health Agency (EU‐OSHA) and the criteria of effective health communication, by the American National Institute of Health (NIH), have been reoriented to the issue “emf and health”. In total, 100 Italian internet sites, provided by the search engine GoogleItalia, have been analysed.

Findings

The results show how Italian official sources of information on “emf and health”, mainly affiliated to public institutions, apply good practice criteria in the design of internet sites, in terms of Identity card of the provider, quality of information, usability, interactivity and content of the sites.

Practical implications

In recent years, the internet has become a powerful tool for information, especially concerning health issues. Internet users need to find a trusted source providing accurate, balanced, evidence‐based, reliable, understandable information. This research provides practical criteria for selecting good practice information in the internet sites dedicated to “emf and health”.

Originality/value

The authors' effort in collecting and evaluating main criteria for an ergonomic design of internet sites dedicated to “emf and health”, confirms the need to implement usability of the internet sites and enhance the quality of information provided in the web in terms of “good practice”.
Impact of static electric field on prooxidant‐antioxidant balance in rats
Authors: Cieslar Grzegorz , Malyszek‐Tumidajewicz Justyna , Sowa Pawel , Sieron Aleksander
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the influence of long‐term, whole‐body exposure of rats to strong, static electric field with physical parameters generated nearby high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines on the intensity of reactive oxygen species generation analyzed indirectly, basing on the measurement of malone dialdehyde level, as well as on the activity of enzymatic antioxidant defence system.

Design/methodology/approach

In rats exposed to static electric field with intensity of 16, 25 and 35 kV/m, respectively, or sham‐exposed eight hours daily for 56 days, in the obtained plasma, erythrocytes lysates and liver homogenates the activity of some antioxidant enzymes as well as the concentration of malone dialdehyde were determined with use of spectrophotometric and kinetic methods.

Findings

It was observed that long‐term exposure of rats to static electric field causes only temporary compensatory changes in the concentration of malone dialdehyde and transient changes in the activity of enzymatic antioxidant system, both in blood and in liver tissue in the form of temporary inhibition of activity of most antioxidant enzymes during exposure cycle, with subsequent compensatory increase in this activity after the end of exposure cycle, enabling maintenance of prooxidant‐antioxidant balance in the organism of experimental animals and inhibition of peroxidation process.

Practical implications

Presented data indicate that construction of air HVDC transmission lines, according to actual compulsory regulations, enables serious health hazards related to persistent disturbances of prooxidant‐antioxidant balance to be avoided.

Originality/value

In the experiment it was confirmed, for the first time, that long‐term exposure to strong static electric field causes transient compensatory changes of prooxidant‐antioxidant balance in living organisms.
The policy/procedure manual, part III: organizing the manual
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This article's purpose is to show how to go about developing a scheme for organizing a policy/procedure manual that will also make a good electronic and paper filing system.

Design/methodology/approach

The article describes the problem of organizing large bodies of information, argues for a hierarchical format, and then shows how to formulate that kind of organizational scheme.

Findings

The finding is that hierarchical schemes are useful for organizing policy and procedure manuals as well as for filing systems.

Practical implications

Having policies and procedures well organized saves time each time they are subsequently used.

Social implications

Efficiency and good public relations demand that libraries have well‐organized policy and procedure manuals.

Originality/value

The value of the article is in offering the theoretical organizational framework for the manual.
Higher earning – for‐profit institutions as a revenue stream for non‐profit institutions
Authors: Steele Kirstin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider establishing relationships between the author's college's library and the libraries at for‐profit schools in the area.

Design/methodology/approach

The author examines literature, talks with David Moore at the University of Alabama‐Huntsville's library, and reviews websites of local proprietary schools.

Findings

The paper finds that libraries do not appear to be as integral to proprietary institutions of higher learning as they are to traditional colleges and universities, but students and faculty appreciate any efforts. Proprietary schools could save money and infrastructure by outsourcing library services to nearby traditional schools. Traditional schools could use an additional revenue stream.

Originality/value

There is quite a bit of research comparing proprietary and traditional colleges in general, but very little comparing their libraries.
Social reading and the creation of customer loyalty clubs or communities to improve communication with our users and reduce costs in marketing and advertising
Authors: Romero Nuria
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The so‐called customer loyalty clubs or communities are a proven marketing strategy used by companies to create positive commercial and emotional relationships between companies and their actual or potential customers. In the world of libraries the use of social networks has become institutionalized as a communication tool, and alongside the library's website and its profiles on Facebook and Twitter, the library has reduced costs on marketing and advertising to a minimum. However, the use of the so‐called loyalty clubs and communities as well as social and collaborative reading is still not widespread in libraries worldwide. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines social or collaborative reading, a practice that has always existed, but it has become particularly relevant given the digitization of texts and the rising popularity of e‐readers. In essence, social reading consists of sharing recommendations, dates, notes and comments, and highlighting the important parts of books together with other people. What previously took place in meetings with friends or in public readings, can now be done at any time on the internet, and is extended to include readers that we do not know and perhaps even the author of the work. Not only is this a new reading experience, it is also a tool which can be used by the library to greatly increase loyalty.

Findings

Despite the enormous potential of the practice of social reading at present, a serious problem has to be faced: the quagmire of closed and mutually incompatible devices, platforms and formats. Unfortunately, companies such as Amazon, Apple, and many others have decided to partition knowledge and deliberately limit the functions of their equipment to maintain control and attempt to monopolize the book business. Any technician with global management knowledge is aware of the benefits represented by the articulation and maintenance of one of these clubs for the purpose of expanding or diversifying the group of users who choose to make use of such services.

Originality/value

This paper highlights that fact that, without doubt, social networks can be an excellent alternative or an effective complement to traditional loyalty clubs, which in the area of libraries could be associated with the so‐called reading clubs of yesteryear. Moreover such clubs do not necessarily have to be replaced, because they can support their operation by maximizing their impact and minimizing costs. After all, a traditional loyalty club is no more than a social network that uses traditional communication media. Regardless of whether they are considered as an alternative or exclusively, the initial advantages offered by online social networks may be their lower overall cost, ease of management and high growth potential.
Using Value Reengineering to Implement Breakthrough Solutions for Customers
Authors: Holmström Jan , Hoover William E. , Eloranta Eero , Vasara Antti
Published: November 2014

It is evident from examples such as Dell that successful shapers of the supply chain really do change the game, but how can your company do it? Value reengineering is a new approach for how a company can systematically implement breakthrough solutions for its customers. The key is finding the right value offering point in the customer:s demand chain. A company can then carve‐out a new business model that offers better value to the customer in a way that also helps lower costs.
Factors predicting staying in school to eat lunch
Authors: Beaulieu Dominique , Godin Gaston
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Easy access to fast‐food restaurants in the immediate environment of a high school is such that a high proportion of students do not remain in school for lunch. Hence, the probability that they will eat a healthy meal is reduced. The aim of this study is to identify the behavioral determinants of “staying in school to eat lunch” among high school students.

Design/methodology/approach

The Theory of Planned Behavior has been applied to the development of a questionnaire self‐administered among 153 randomly selected high school students.

Findings

Overall, 52.3 percent of students remained to eat at school every day during a follow‐up period of two weeks. Logistic regression analyses showed that intention (OR: 16.22; 95 percent CI 7.08‐37.21) was the sole predictor of behavior and that intention was determined by the descriptive norm (OR: 12.67; 95 percent CI 3.39‐47.27), perceived behavioral control (OR: 11.46; 95 percent CI 4.53‐29.04) and attitude (OR: 2.70; 95 percent CI 1.06‐6.85).

Practical implications

These findings suggest that a combination of interventions targeting both various individual determinants and environmental factors increases the likelihood that youngsters will remain at school to eat their lunch.

Originality/value

To the best of one's knowledge, this is the first study applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand why high school students do not stay in school to eat lunch. This information should be very useful to those interested in developing interventions to promote the policy that students should stay in school to eat their lunch instead of going out to fast food restaurants in the nearby environment.
Operationalising children's rights: lessons from research
Authors: Kilkelly Ursula
Published: November 2014

This article considers ways in which the implementation of children's rights can be measured in law, policy and practice. It identifies best practice and lessons to be learnt when undertaking the process of auditing the implementation of children's rights. It draws on the author's experience of four different research projects whose task was to measure the extent to which children's rights were being protected and promoted. The article highlights the value of rights‐based research, which attempts to operationalise children's rights by measuring their practical implementation with regard to international standards including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). It sets out the lessons to be learnt from such research, including how to develop appropriate and effective benchmarks, how to maximise existing standards to this end, and how to apply them in line with the general principles of the CRC.
The impact of housing on children's life chances
Authors: Harker Lisa
Published: November 2014

Despite the significant amount of time that children spend in the home, relatively little attention has been paid to the direct impact of housing conditions on children's development. A literature review of over 100 research studies was undertaken to examine evidence of a ‘housing effect’ on children's health, learning, safety and behaviour. The results found strong evidence of a relationship between poor housing conditions and children's health and some evidence that growing up in sub‐standard housing affects children's performance at school. While children's safety is clearly linked to the quality of their home environment, further research is necessary to understand the apparent link between poor housing conditions and children's behavioural problems. The review suggests that growing up in poor housing has a profound and long‐term effect on children's life chances and that public policy should play closer attention to this relationship. Nevertheless, the volume of high‐quality research in this area is surprisingly limited and there is a need for more comprehensive studies.
Interview with Katherine Zappone: Freedom and prevention: developing effective children's services in Tallaght, Ireland
Authors: Little Michael
Published: November 2014

Ireland has suddenly become a hub of activity around children's services ‐ at central and local government levels, involving the primary statutory and voluntary agencies, and engaging some of the more disadvantaged communities. In the first article in the series, Sylda Langford (2007) described the origins and work of the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC), of which she is Director General. In the second article, Michael Little and Ali Abunimah (2007) considered the role of $200 million philanthropic investment in the reforms, specifically a 10‐year programme of work funded by Atlantic Philanthropies to encourage strategy development and service design to improve outcomes for children on the island of Ireland. Part of that investment is being made in what are called ‘community engagement sites’ ‐ economically disadvantaged communities with a child population of between 3,000 and 7,000. In this article, Katherine Zappone examines the reform process at local level as the leader in one of the community engagement sites. She describes the approach they took and products of the work so far and discusses problems and opportunities that have been encountered along the way. The next (and last) article in the series (by a leading figure in the voluntary sector) will put the reforms into the context of the evolution of children's services in Ireland over the last 20 years.The first section of this article draws on the Tallaght Strategy document, written by Katherine in dialogue with a research team, followed by an edited transcript of Katherine's interview.
Big bets, small wins? Entrepreneurial behavior and ROI
Authors: Gilinsky Armand , Lopez Raymond H. , Santini Cristina , Eyler Robert
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Researchers into entrepreneurial strategy have overlooked the impact of small vs big investments on a venture's return on investment (ROI). The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent does entrepreneurial behavior impact initial investment size and the return on that investment?

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation summarizes research into entrepreneurial leadership behavior and uses data from longitudinal case studies of four innovative start‐up wine businesses in California, India, and Italy.

Findings

Investment size and ROI appear to be related to entrepreneurial behavior.

Practical implications

Lead entrepreneurs must develop both technical competence and social networking skills to achieve small wins, i.e. early if only modest ROI.

Originality/value

This paper develops a model consisting of several testable propositions to measure the impact of entrepreneurial behavior on ROI.
So much policy, so little change!
Authors: Holland Ken
Published: November 2014

This article provides a brief historical perspective and describes recent policy guidance relating to the mental health needs of people with learning disabilities in England. It also highlights the role that health and social care services have played turning the policies into practice. Finally it will suggest why people with learning disabilities continue to be one of the most excluded and discriminated groups within our society and how our drive towards social inclusion remains the key challenge for all of us.
Policy implementation in England: developments to meet the mental health needs of people with learning disabilities
Authors: Chaplin Eddie , O'Hara Jean
Published: November 2014

In the last decade we have witnessed much debate and activity around the provision of mental health services for people with learning disabilities in England. This article looks not only at current initiatives to improve mental health care from around England, but also places them within a policy context. Unfortunately there are areas that still fail to provide a basic care standard, some of which has been reported throughout the media from recent investigations. Where this is the case, we outline the responses and actions that have been put in place to address these issues.To maintain a momentum for positive change for the mental health care of people with learning disabilities, there now needs to be cooperation between services that traditionally have not worked together for the benefit of this client group. Before an equality of mental health service provision, in line with national standards, can be realised the traditional views and values of service providers and commissioners will need to be challenged and tuned to the needs of this group of people.
Service provision for people with learning disabilities and psychiatric disorders in Northern Ireland
Authors: Taggart Laurence
Published: November 2014

The aim of this paper is to provide readers with an overview of service provision for people with learning disabilities and psychiatric disorders in Northern Ireland. The first part of this paper briefly describes how learning disability services are structured, and highlights how service provision across Northern Ireland is set to dramatically change as a result of Equal Lives (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, 2005) and overall healthcare modernisation. Second, this paper will explore the prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders in people with learning disabilities in light of recent Northern Irish studies. Third, a review of current psychiatric service provision is provided, this is followed by an examination of recent hospital and community developments. Finally, this paper describes some educational and research developments that have focused on the mental health of people with learning disabilities.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities
Authors: Bailey Nicola
Published: November 2014

Widely varying rates for the prevalence of psychiatric disorder have been reported in the previous published literature. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in a random sample of adults with moderate to profound learning disabilities living in the community, and to explore the socio‐clinical factors associated with psychiatric disorders.A process of active case finding was undertaken to identify adults with learning disabilities. A random sample of 240 was taken of whom 121 were found to have moderate to profound learning disabilities at interview. Information was collected on socio‐demographics, service use, physical health, medication use, and life events. Standardised instruments were used to assess psychiatric symptoms, problem behaviour, and severity of learning disabilities. Diagnoses were generated using four diagnostic systems: clinical, DC‐LD, DCR‐10 and DSM‐IV.Higher rates of psychiatric disorder are reported than in previous published studies in the general population and in studies with people with learning disabilities living in the community. Further investigation of the effect of diagnostic system on prevalence rates, and associations of psychiatric disorder are warranted.
Assessment of mental health problems in people with autism
Authors: Xenitidis Kiriakos , Paliokosta Elena , Maltezos Stefanos , Pappas Vangelis
Published: November 2014

The general public and professionals from a range of backgrounds have increasingly become interested in autism spectrum disorders. This interest is particularly relevant to learning disability practitioners. Both autism and learning disabilities are independently associated with increased risk of mental health problems. Thus, when a person has learning disabilities and an autism spectrum disorder, a comprehensive assessment for mental health problems is of paramount importance. This paper provides an overview of the assessment of mental health problems in adults and children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The general assessment principles are outlined followed by assessment issues related to specific conditions such as psychoses, mood disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Finally conclusions on the clinical implications are drawn.
Tryptophan‐responsive challenging behaviours in persons with Down's syndrome
Authors: McCreary Bruce
Published: November 2014

This article describes the use of tryptophan in treating challenging behaviours in persons with Down's syndrome in case studies with four subjects. In each case, challenging behaviours such as hitting, kicking, slapping and hair‐pulling, previously unresponsive to other pharmacologic and behavioural interventions, were reported by care givers to be significantly reduced during treatment with tryptophan 2000 mg to 3000 mg daily. No apparent side effects were noted. Should the observations made here be confirmed in additional cases, persons with Down's syndrome and challenging behaviours can be offered a trial of treatment with tryptophan.
Alcohol and illicit drug misuse in people with learning disabilities: implications for research and service development
Authors: Taggart Laurence , Huxley Adam , Baker Gill
Published: November 2014

This paper offers readers a review of the literature on alcohol and illicit drug misuse in people with learning disabilities, focusing on six key areas. First, clarity is provided on the definition of ‘misuse’. Second, prevalence rates are examined along with the methodological difficulties involved in such studies, the authors arguing that prevalence rates are higher than current estimates. Third, the authors explore the relationship between the intra‐ and inter‐personal risk factors. Fourth, the nature of the substance misuse is explored, with a focus on offending behaviour. Fifth, a range of treatment modalities are described with a series of recommendations for more robust evidence‐based interventions. Last, the authors explore the gaps in policy that lead to a dearth in service provision as well the barriers which people with learning disabilities face on entering treatment services. The paper cites four innovative projects that address this population's needs in England, and illustrates how Northern Ireland has positioned the needs of this hidden population within the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Northern Ireland).
Equality and access to human rights for people with both learning disability and mental illness needs
Authors: Lawson Annette , Francis Renee , Russell Philippa , Veitch Janet
Published: November 2014

Governments mediate, through their architecture of machinery and policy, access to rights and, by extension, to services. There is limited but growing recognition in both the UK and other European governments that individuals' power to negotiate this access is limited by the structural inequality of groups in certain named categories of disadvantage (inter alia, people with disabilities), and they are adapting their machinery to provide the support they require to ‘level the playing field’. However, intersectionality (identities which cut across these recognised categories of disadvantage) prevents those affected from using such mechanisms effectively. Those whose disability impairs their mental awareness and understanding face an additional barrier. The paper explores how this limits the rights of those with both learning disabilities and mental illness, and looks at some of the ways in which this problem is being addressed.
Research on construction and application of the GM(1,1) forecast model of Olympics track and field achievements
Authors: Chang Mei Huang , Wei Hua Shen , Xiao Cong Xiao
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The paper attempts to establish GM(1,1) grey prediction model group for the top three Olympic track and field sports performance, and to predict the 30th London Olympic track and field results and its tendency using grey systems theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Athletics sports achievements are influenced by many factors, such as the physical quality, athletes individual growth cycle, and injuring or retirement of excellent athletes, the outstanding performance of some athletes, the using of high‐tech sports training instrument, the implementation plan of scientific training guidance, the introduction of advanced technology, facilities and improvement, and so on. Those aspects can make the match result uncertain, which are running in a uncertain and continually changing environment, so sports achievements have obviously grey features. Combined with grey modeling methods, and aimed at the top three Olympic track and field sports performance, this paper established GM (1,1) grey prediction model group and analysed the trend of Olympic track and field. And in the end of the paper, the 30th Olympic men's and women's the top three athletic achievements prediction intervals are also predicted.

Findings

The results show that forecasting model group has high‐precision. In the 46 champions prediction models, three models have the forecast accuracy of 100 percent; 27 models' forecast accuracy are greater than 99.5 percent, and the rest of the models forecast accuracy are greater than 98.58 percent. In the 46 silver medalists prediction models, five models have the forecast accuracy of 100 percent; 33 models' forecast accuracy are greater than 99.5 percent and the rest of the models' forecast accuracy is greater than 98.48 percent. In the 46 bronze medalist prediction models, four models have the forecast accuracy of 100 percent; 25 models' forecast accuracy is greater than 99.5 percent and the rest of the models forecast accuracy is greater than 98.76 percent. The essay deeply analyzes the top three achievements' trend of Olympic Games Track and field. In the end, the paper predicts the 30th Olympic track and field results.

Practical implications

The method exposed in the paper can be used for the short‐term or long‐term prediction of sports scores metering in international competition (such as track and field, swimming, rowing, etc.), and also for personal athletic performance prediction.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in realising both grey prediction model group for the top three Olympic track and field performance in all projects, and prediction of the 30th London Olympic track and field results by using the newest developed theories: grey systems theory.
Grey relational analysis between firm's current situation and its possible causes
Authors: Delcea Camelia , Scarlat Emil , Mărăcine Virginia
Published: November 2014

Purpose

By making an analogy with the human body, the purpose of this paper is to underline the relations between a firm's failure causes and its current situation, in terms of the syndrome that can be identified at its level.

Design/methodology/approach

For this reason, some elements taken from medicine, such as symptoms, causes and syndromes are presented and characterized from the point of view of the firm.

Findings

It is shown that knowing the type of syndrome and the relation between it and the causes that determined its occurrence, a firm's situation can be improved and its life can be lengthened. The study was conducted on 19 firms and the results are conclusive.

Practical implications

By knowing the main causes that determine a certain type of bankruptcy syndrome, the firm's management can properly intervene to establish a new order and a new equilibrium, which can “save” the firm from an imminent collapse, bringing it to a normality situation and even leading it, in future, to increased performance.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in shaping the relation between a firm's situation, its symptoms, the bankruptcy syndrome and the causes that led to a certain situation. Using one of the newest developed theories – the grey systems theory – and one of the newest concept used in firms' diagnosis – the bankruptcy syndrome – the paper extends the characteristics of this term and uses it in determining the causes that generate anomalies at firm level.
The grey relational analysis of influential factors for Chinese medicine in general hospital
Authors: Li‐zhong Duan , Gu‐na Duan , Guang‐Qian Zhai , Ying Zhang , Chun‐Yu Xuan , Hao Geng
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to strengthen and standardize general hospital use of traditional Chinese medicine, strengthen the inner construction, highlight the characteristics and advantages of Chinese medicine and improve Chinese medicine services' capacity and competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Through data analysis and face‐to‐face interviews, the influential factors for Chinese medicine use in general hospitals are found and the extent and impact of these factors are researched. Based on survey results, grey relational analysis is used to analyze the actual factors.

Findings

Based on the results of grey relational analysis, a clear order of these factors on the degree of influence is obtained and suggestions are offered which can promote the development of traditional Chinese medicine in general hospitals.

Originality/value

The grey system theory was applied in medical management. The influential factors for Chinese medicine use in general hospitals was analyzed by using grey relational analysis, to offer the relevant departments several operational recommendations which can accelerate the development of general hospital use of traditional Chinese medicine.
San Antonio: assessing the key account management system
Authors: Silva Javier Jorge O. , Zerboni Fernando , Prado Maricruz , Moscardi Natalia
Published: November 2014

Subject area

This case illustrates the differences between customers and the occasions when conditions change and buyer-seller relationships fail. The key issue is to find ways to anticipate this problem with other clients.

Study level/applicability

It may be used in second-year courses of MBA marketing programs as well as in specific executive education programs dealing with key account management (KAM) systems, business strategy, industrial marketing and/or sales management courses. This case can also be used at undergraduate programs and courses dealing with sales, sales management, international business, and organizational behavior.

Case overview

In 2003, after Carlos Etcheverry joined San Antonio (SA) as Latin American Region Vice President, the company implanted a KAM System. SA's relationships with its two key clients, Vintage and Chevron, seemed to progress nicely until mid 2004, when Chevron's newly hired Purchasing Manager decided to change the company's commercial structure, rendering its purchasing process more bureaucratic and extremely competitive. In March 2005, Etcheverry was to meet Chevron's purchasing manager, since Chevron had decided to reassign a service contract through a new invitation to bid, leaving San Antonio out. The case puts forth the questions faced by Etcheverry at the time of the meeting: How had San Antonio come to jeopardize a key account? Would SA's organization need a change? Was this the only solution available? What other factors should be considered?

Expected learning outcomes

This case may help students to: understand the complexity of key account management (KAM) system implementation, sales force concepts and business-to-business relationships; and analyze the difficulties faced by companies upon implementing a change in their sales strategies and the effects of this change on the sales force, corporate culture and the organization as a whole management system.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes and a Technical note are available; also access to audio visual support with an interview to Carlos Etcheverry.
Technical Courses in Secondary Modern Schools
Authors: Adams P.G.
Published: November 2014

Mr Adams continues the discussion introduced by Mr Howard's article in our first issue by examining the place which technical subjects can have in the secondary modern school. These are the author's personal views, based on his experience in a modern school where technical subjects form an integral part of the curriculum.
Technical Education in New South Wales — and Great Britain
Authors: Wood J.F.D.
Published: November 2014

Professor Wood was recently on sabbatical leave visiting university engineering schools and colleges of technology in the United Kingdom and on the Continent to study mechanical engineering courses. As well as being a member of the Council of NSW University of Technology, he is on the Technical Education Advisory Council of New South Wales and the Board of Examiners of the Institution of Engineers, Australia.
Technical Subjects in a Comprehensive School
Authors: Butcher E.T.
Published: November 2014

Mr Butcher outlines the places which technical subjects have in a comprehensive school such as his own. It is planned to introduce courses in agriculture at the school in the future. The possible development of advanced technical studies at sixth form level is not touched on here.
Applied Science for the Able Student
Authors: Ward A.E.H.
Published: November 2014

How should the more able grammar school pupils best be guided on courses and careers? Mr Ward discusses some of the problems brought out by Mr Merriman's article in our last issue, particularly in relation to pupils whose subsequent careers strongly suggest that they should not have taken largely theoretical courses.
Aspects of apprenticeship — 8
Authors: MacLennan A.
Published: November 2014

Continuing his discussion on some of the practical problems of apprenticeship, the author expresses serious doubts about the desirability of final tests for apprentices however useful they may be in the different circumstances on the Continent. Nevertheless, on the subject of syllabuses and schemes of work he finds that a closer approach to the system in France, for instance, is urgently required. The quality of the instructor's work, and the reality and usefulness of liaison between college and firm are among other questions examined.
A Study of Ionomers of Polyethylene‐acrylic Acid Copolymer (PEAA)
Authors: Hall David M. , Broughton Roy M.
Published: November 2014

Describes a study in which three fabric samples containing 50 per cent to 100 per cent cotton were treated with various wettable latex dispersions of Polythylene Acrylic Acid (PEAA) copolymer having 20 per cent acrylic acid content. Additionally, 100 per cent cotton yarn (25's cc) were sized with the dispersions at add‐ons of 2 per cent to about 14 per cent. Some of the alkali PEAA was subsequently converted to aluminium and aluminium/magnesium (1:3) ionomers. In both the yarn and fabrics the abrasion resistance could be significantly improved. The abrasion resistance of the ionomer forms was not as good as the alkali form. Yarn tensile strengths were improved but gave lower elongation at break. The fabric tensile properties were lowered by the treatments. Concludes that the treatments offer potential improvements in the wear life of fabrics which are laundered infrequently, such as outerwear for apparel, shoe canvas and upholstery.
REPORT ON AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY AND PRACTICE SURVEY
Authors: Cockman  , Bacon  , Woodrow
Published: November 2014

This article contains the findings and conclusions from a survey of current policy and practice relating to the employment of women in companies and other organisations across a range of industries and service sectors. The survey participants were drawn from clients and other contacts of Cockman, Consultants & Partners Limited (CC&P) and organisations who were represented at a seminar organised by Cockman, Bacon & Woodrow Limited (CB&W), Remuneration and Benefits Consultants.
Marketing's Emergence in the New Banking Environment
Authors: Laird Landon E. , Donnelly James H.
Published: November 2014

The authors examine marketing's traditional relationship to banking in the US banks and discuss why this role will change in the future. In particular, they outline a new role for marketing in banking and identify five changes which they believe will occur in relation to the marketing function, organisation structures, selling skills, pricing analysis and channels of distribution.
Shipper‐Carrier Contract Negotiation:
Authors: Rinehart Lloyd M. , Cadotte Ernest R. , Langley C. John
Published: November 2014

Contract negotiation demands the deliberate exercise of professional skills which extend well beyond simple bargaining.
Invigorating the Teaching of Electrical Power Engineering
Authors: Brosan G.S.
Published: November 2014

This study of certain difficulties affecting the teaching of an important subject includes some interesting suggestions for improving what amounts to that subject's public relations aspect—its attractiveness to students.
Brighton College Science Laboratories — some interesting features
Authors: Lloyd W.H.
Published: November 2014

IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR Sir Vivian Fuchs returned to his old school to open the new science building which has since attracted attention because of the new design features incorporated in it.
The Technical College Library — Some Suggested Standards
Authors: McColvin E.R.
Published: November 2014

Taking a backward look at the development of libraries in technical colleges, the writer describes some of the causes of a highly unsatisfactory situation. However—there is hope for the future.
The Technical High School Approach
Authors: Semper E.
Published: November 2014

The author's school, which was illustrated in our May issue, provides the basis for this statement of the aims and methods of a secondary technical school, the balance of its curriculum and its relations with the outside world.
Business for Technologists
Authors: Selby Edge W.V.
Published: November 2014

The technologist with aspirations to high‐level management and administration is going to need more than cost‐consciousness to back up his specialist studies. In the author's view, the best place for him to gain the financial understanding he will need is the CAT. Further articles considering management studies from a quite different viewpoint will discuss what should be taught and how it can be taught.
Introducing the Transistor into HNC Courses
Authors: Gray B.F.
Published: November 2014

THE TRANSISTOR is today a firmly established electronic device which is challenging the thermionic valve in many fields. The pace at which the transistor has been developed has presented a number of problems in the sphere of technical education — not the least of which is sorting through the mass of literature on the subject — but it should now be introduced as a most important section in ‘light current’ electrical engineering syllabuses.
The Organisation of Laboratory Work
Authors: Easton W.A.G.
Published: November 2014

Having described the list of suggested experiments for Engineering Science S.1 and S.2 in his last two articles, Mr Easton now considers the experiments for the third year Applied Mechanics course. Attention is given to the sequence in which the experiments are performed and to correlation with other teaching.
A Ram Jet Instructional Test‐rig
Authors: Hilton P.A.
Published: November 2014

A LOW‐SPEED ramjet engine mounted in a static test‐rig makes an unusually versatile educational aid in the teaching of such subjects as thermodynamics, gas dynamics, jet propulsion, combustion and heat transfer. This article describes such a rig, in which the engine, which is 15in in length and 5in in diameter, is suspended in an air stream on a hydraulically‐damped linkage enabling thrust and drag to be measured (see figures 1 and 3).
Flexibility in Electrical Machines Laboratories
Authors: Williams D.L.
Published: November 2014

This article describes an electrical machines laboratory, where important advantages have been gained by ensuring that a high proportion of the machines are easily movable.
Rivet and Weld Systems —a review of their educational value
Authors: Pallett G.
Published: November 2014

The design of simple riveted joints has held a place, for longer than most of us can remember, in the early mechanics courses of the ONC. It provides useful examples of shearing and bearing stresses and, along with other examples, helps to lay the foundations for later mechanics of materials and stress analysis. With honourable exceptions, welded joints are left for the ‘advanced’ structures or materials course, or, perhaps, omitted completely.