bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastoplastic Crack Propagation in a Transversely Loaded Unidirectional Composite
Authors: Adams Donald F.
Published: January 2008

A finite element numerical analysis is developed to model crack initiation and subsequent propagation in a unidirectionally reinforced composite incorporating a matrix material exhibiting elastoplastic stress-strain response. A monotonic but otherwise arbitrary stress-strain curve is admissible, along with elastic unloading-reloading behavior. A simple crack representation model is utilized in place of a classical fracture mechanics approach, with octahedral shear stress-octahedral plastic shear strain being the governing criterion for both yielding and failure. Numerical results, which model a specific set of actual experimental data for a 40 volume percent boron/aluminum composite, are presented and discussed.
The Effect of Crack Length and Bond Strength on the Delamination Process in Borsic-Al Composites
Authors: Hoover W.R. , Allred R.E.
Published: January 2008

The effect of crack length and fiber-matrix bond strength on the delamination process in unidirectional Borsic-Al composites has been examined using Single-Edge-Notch specimens. The transverse tensile strength, σT, was used as an indirect measure of the fiber-matrix bond strength, which was altered through variations in hot pressing during composite fabrication. In composites with weak fiber-matrix bonds (σT = 3.2 ksi), the net-section stress at delamination, σ D, was observed to decrease with increasing crack length. Variations in crack length did not significantly alter the basic fracture mechanism in which the delamination process led to notch insensitivity. Increases in the fiber-matrix bond strength (σT increased from 3.2 ksi to 13.2 ksi) caused a marked increase in σD but did not change the general delamination process. Through the use of cross-plied composites, the transverse strength was raised to 16.6 ksi and delamination was suppressed. This led to notch-sensitive fracture behavior and a substantial decrease in the fracture toughness compared to the composites which delaminated prior to failure.
The Use of Artificial Viscosity to Compute One-Dimensional Wave Propagation in Composite Materials
Authors: Curran D.R. , Seaman L. , Austin M.
Published: January 2008

A new and simple numerical method is presented for computing large amplitude, one-dimensional wave propagation in composite materials. The method deals with values of stress, particle velocity, and displacement that are averaged over several unit cells of the composite. The principal advantage of the method over previous macroscopic approaches is that it uses the numerical oscillations and the artificial viscosity already present in one-dimensional hydrocodes to model the geometric and dissipative dispersions of the composite material. The hydrocodes (such as PUFF or WONDY) may be used in their present form without additional dispersion relations. The method is shown to correspond to a definite physical constitutive material model. Comparisons of computational results with this method are made with those from previous models and with experimental measurements.
Analysis of Rain Erosion of Coated Materials
Authors: Springer George S. , Yang Cheng-I. , Larsen Poul S.
Published: January 2008

The behavior of coat-substrate systems subjected to repeated impingements of liquid droplets was investigated. The systems studied consisted of a thick homogeneous substrate covered by a single layer of homogeneous coating of arbitrary thickness. Based on the uniaxial stress wave model, the variations of the stresses with time were determined both in the coating and in the substrate. Employing fatigue theorems, algebraic equations were derived which describe the incubation period and the mass loss of the coating past the incubation period, in terms of the properties of the droplet, the coating and the substrate. The results were compared to available experimental data and good agreement was found between the present analytical results and the data.
Attenuation and Dispersion Characteristics of Various Plastics in the Frequency Range 1-10 MHz
Authors: Felix M.P.
Published: January 2008

It is observed experimentally that PMMA, phenolic and various polyester resins exhibit little dispersion but significant frequency-dependent attenuation for dilatational waves in the frequency range 1-10 MHz. It is also shown that the shape of a low amplitude stress pulse propagating through a material with the above characteristics becomes significantly altered after propagating only a few cm. Thus the stress pulse distortion observed in plastic matrix-type composite materials may not be attributed to geometrical dispersion and attenuation alone; material attenuation in the matrix must be considered. The representation of these plastics by a standard linear viscoelastic solid is shown to provide an adequate model of the experimental data for the stated frequency range.
Fatigue Behavior of Some Filled Polymers
Authors: Nielsen Lawrence E.
Published: January 2008

A Maxwell rotating beam apparatus was used to measure the dynamic mechanical properties as well as the fatigue life of nylon 6 filled with glass beads or fine silica powder, a nylon 66 filled with calcined clay, an epoxy filled with glass beads, and high-impact polystyrene. Attempts to monitor damage by changes in the dynamic mechanical properties failed; the properties remained essentially constant until only a relatively few cycles before failure occurred. The decrease in modulus and increase in damping with increasing maximum cyclic stress were due mostly to heat build-up rather than to any permanent damage. The fatigue life can be drastically decreased by small surface scratches.
Material Characterization on the Fracture of Filament-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Sih George C. , Chen E.P. , Huang S.L. , Mcquillen E.J.
Published: January 2008

The mixed mode fracture of unidirectional composites is investigated by application of the strain energy density theory. Two analytical models are used. The first assumes that the composite is an ideal homogeneous anisotropic body, and the second assumes that failure takes place in a layer of matrix material whose edges are bonded to two orthotropic plates. The expressions for the strain energy density factor, S, are derived for both models, and brittle fracture is assumed to occur when the S-factor in an element of material ahead of the crack reaches a critical value, Sc. Results are presented for E-glass fiber reinforced plastics, stainless steel fiber reinforced aluminum and graphite fiber epoxy materials and compared with available experimental data. The latter model is preferred as it accounts for the effect of nonhomogeneity that is inherent in the filament-reinforced composites.
Failure Modes of Angle Ply Laminates
Authors: Rotem Assa , Hashin Zvi
Published: January 2008

Experimental investigation of failure of balanced angle-ply laminates under symmetric uniaxial tension revealed three distinct failure modes. The three different modes were observed for reinforcement angles smaller than ±45°, for the ±45° angle ply and for angles larger than ±45°. Comparison of experimental failure loads with theoretical failure loads based on first laminate failure criteria showed good agreement for certain ranges of reinforcement angle and disagreement for others.
Crack Growth Resistance of Random Fiber Composites
Authors: Gaggar Satish , Broutman Lawrence J .
Published: January 2008

Crack growth resistance of a random glass fiber composite has been studied by applying the concepts of Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics. The crack growth resistance curves ( R-curves) for epoxy and polyester composites have been developed to study the total fracture behavior of these composites. It is shown that the R-curve approach is suitable for these type of materials. An attempt has been made to use the information from the R-curves to predict the fracture strength of plate specimens with a hole at the center and subjected to tensile loading.
Stress Concentrations in Elastic Composites with Limiting Shear Properties
Authors: Theocaris Pericles , Paipetis S.A.
Published: January 2008

A circular elastic inclusion, embedded in an elastic matrix under plane strain or generalized plane stress conditions, produces a particular kind of stress concentration, if the shear moduli of matrix and inclusion are equal. In this case, the state of stress around the inclusion depends solely on a dimensionless parameter, and the sum of principal stresses is constant at all points of the stress field. This sum, in the matrix side in particular, does not depend on the material properties at all, while in the inclusion it depends solely on Poisson's ratio. As a result, lateral contraction of the matrix is not affected by the stress concentration field. Thus, an equal shear modulus, but higher Poisson's ratio, filler material can be dispersed in the matrix, to produce a higher E-modulus composite under conditions of minimal stress concentration.
The Extension of Crack Tip Damage Zones in Fiber Reinforced Plastic Laminates
Authors: Mandell John F. , Wang Su-Su , Mcgarry Frederick J.
Published: January 2008

The size and character of the damage zone at the tip of sharp notches in fiber reinforced plastic laminates have been investigated. The variables studied were the stress intensity factor, specimen size, laminate thickness, ply thickness, ply orientation, and fiber properties. The damage zone consists of subcracks parallel to the fibers of each ply, in some cases accompanied by delamination between plies. The damage zone is found to increase in extent approximately in proportion to K2 I up to fracture for notch-sensitive laminates. For notch-insensitive laminates, a point is reached where the zone spreads rapidly across the entire specimen prior to fracture. A strong dependence of damage zone size and fracture toughness on ply thickness, fiber orientation, and fiber properties is demonstrated and discussed.
CVD/PAN Felt Carbon/Carbon Composites
Authors: Lieberman Morton L. , Curlee Richard M. , Braaten Floyd H. , Noles George T.
Published: January 2008

The preparation and evaluation of a CVD/PAN carbon/carbon frustum are described. The thermal gradient infiltration technique has successfully yielded a matrix composed primarily of the desired rough laminar microstructure. Characterization of the composite includes thermal and mechanical properties as functions of temperature, as well as room temperature crystallographic parameters.
On Buckling of Unidirectional Boron/Aluminum Stiffeners — A Caution to Designers
Authors: Spier E.E. , Wang G.
Published: January 2008

Unidirection boron/aluminum stiffeners have been used to save weight in stiffened panels, where the cross-sections were of such shapes as hats, rs, Z's, channels, etc. The buckling analysis of these structures is usually found to be unconservative when tests are performed. Even so, a weight saving of approximately 50% can be achieved in the stiffeners themselves by replacing their metal counterparts. A no-edge-free crippling test was performed on a unidirectional boron/aluminum laminated plate, where collapse occurred at a compressive load considerably below the theoretical bifurcation buckling point. This premature failure is explained by a numerical analysis of the test by the use of a nonlinear computer code, which revealed the presence of high transverse bending stresses beyond the capacity of the composite.
The Effect of Environmental-Loading History on the Transverse Strength of GRP Laminate
Authors: Ishai Ori , Mazor A.
Published: January 2008

Loaded transverse GRP specimens and epoxy references were exposed to different environmental conditions. Tensile strength measurements conducted under exposure and after a drying period yielded the following main conclusions:

Current and residual transverse strength was not affected much by cold-water and hot dry air during a short exposure period.

Under hot-water exposure, transverse strength showed a significant drop with time, especially beyond 2 days of exposure and above 25% of the preload level.

Based on earlier studies, the transverse-strength degradation of GRP specimens is attributable to attack by water molecules on the fiber-glass surfaces and the fiber-matrix interfacial bonds. This process is triggered and accelerated by heat and external loading.

1 Based on strength of reference specimens of Series B-0.
A Survey and Critique of the Literature on Crosslinking Agents and Mechanisms as Related to Wool Keratin
Authors: Hinton Everett H.
Published: January 2008

This paper presents a survey and critique of the literature on the crosslinking of wool keratin with brief summaries of testing procedures used to detect crosslinking. Major observations are presented in tabular form. Tables and references are arranged in classes by reactive position in the reagent, by reaction mechanism, or by primary elements.
Phase Transformations in Cotton Cellulose During Mercerization
Authors: Lal Gulzari
Published: January 2008

Phase transformations in cotton cellulose during "two-stage mercerization" with 32% and 10% caustic soda solutions have been investigated using X-ray diffraction methods. The studies show that Cell II, obtained by treating cotton with higher concentration of caustic soda solution, does not revert to Cell I when treated with lower concentrations of caustic soda solutions.
A New High Temperature Fiber
Authors: Shivers J.C. , Hentschel R.A.A.
Published: January 2008

Nomex® has found extensive application in protective clothing and high temperature industrial uses because of the excellent flame resistance, chemical and high temperature inertness of the fiber. Protection from flame by Nomex is a result of unique fiber and fabric behavior, which produces a thick protective char on exposure to flame. In certain catastrophic exposures (e.g., total immersion in burning fuel in a lightweight garment) char formation does not occur, and protection beyond that offered by Nomex is desired. Fiber and fabric properties required to meet this new level of performance have been defined, and laboratory tests to simulate the exposure conditions have been formulated. A new high temperature fiber (HT-4) has been developed to meet these new requirements while retaining satisfactory textile performance.
Effect of Itraconazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Imidafenacin in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ohno Tomoya , Nakayama Kazuki , Nakade Susumu , Kitagawa Junsaku , Ueda Shinya , Miyabe Hiroyuki , Miyata Yasuyuki , Ohnishi Akihiro
Published: January 2008

The effect of itraconazole, a potent inhibitor of the CYP3A isoenzyme family, on the pharmacokinetics of imidafenacin, a novel synthetic muscarinic receptor antagonist, was investigated. Twelve healthy subjects participated in this open–label, self‐controlled study. In period I, subjects received a single oral dose of 0.1 mg imidafenacin. In period II, they received multiple oral doses of 200 mg itraconazole for 9 days and a single oral dose of 0.1 mg imidafenacin on day 8. Plasma concentrations of imidafenacin and M‐2, the major metabolite of imidafenacin metabolized by CYP3A4, were determined. Analytes were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Following coadministration with itraconazole, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of imidafenacin increased 1.32‐fold (90% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.12–1.56), and the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐∞) increased 1.78‐fold (90% CI: 1.47–2.16). In conclusion, itraconazole increases the plasma concentrations of imidafenacin by inhibiting CYP3A4. Therefore, itraconazole or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors should be carefully added to imidafenacin drug regimens.
Pharmacokinetics of Sirolimus (Rapamycin) in Subjects With Severe Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Zimmerman Jame J. , Patat Alain , Parks Virginia , Moirand Romain , Matschke Kyle
Published: January 2008

Nine subjects with severe hepatic impairment (Child‐Pugh grade C) and 9 healthy matched control subjects were given a single 15‐mg dose of sirolimus by oral solution. Increases (P≥ .002) in mean whole‐blood sirolimus t1/2(168%), AUC0‐∞(210%), and MRToral(261%), together with a decrease (P= .001) in CL/F (−67%), were observed in subjects with severe hepatic impairment compared with healthy matched controls. Sirolimus pharmacokinetic data in Child‐Pugh grade A (n = 13, mild) and B (n = 5, moderate) subjects from a previous identically designed study were available for an inter‐study comparison. Overall, mean t1/2, weight‐normalized AUC, and MRToralincreased steadily, whereas mean CL/F decreased steadily, with increasing degrees of hepatic impairment. CL/F showed large intersubject variabilities within subject types and extensive overlap among the subject types. The results of this study suggest that an initial sirolimus dose reduction of approximately 60% is appropriate in patients with acute severe hepatic impairment; this should be followed by further dose adjustment, based on therapeutic drug monitoring, until the trough concentrations have stabilized at sirolimus levels existing prior to the onset of acute liver failure.
A Mechanistic Study to Assess Whether Isoproterenol Can Reverse the Negative Chronotropic Effect of Fingolimod
Authors: Kovarik Joh M. , Riviere Gilles‐Jacques , Neddermann Daniel , Maton Steve , Hunt Thoma L. , Schmouder Rober L.
Published: January 2008

The sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor modulator fingolimod (FTY720) elicits a negative chronotropic effect at treatment initiation that attenuates thereafter. The authors determined whether isoproterenol can counteract this effect. In this randomized, crossover study, 14 healthy subjects received 5 infusions of isoproterenol (titrated to increase heart rate to 100–120 bpm) or intravenous placebo. The first infusion was 2 hours before and the other 4 infusions were between 3 and 6 hours after a 5‐mg oral dose of fingolimod. Telemetry and pharmacokinetic data were collected for 24 hours. During isoproterenol infusion 1 (before fingolimod administration), heart rate was increased 80% from preinfusion 68 ±9 bpm to a maximum 122 ± 15 bpm. Administration of fingolimod decreased heart rate from 73 ± 11 bpm predose to a nadir of 57 ± 8 bpm. The subsequent isoproterenol infusion 2 in the presence of fingolimod increased mean heart rate by 85% to a maximum 105 ±21 bpm. A 41% higher total isoproterenol dose was needed to increase heart rate to the target range with fingolimod (97 ± 6 mcg) compared with isoproterenol alone (69 ± 27 mcg). Isoproterenol infusions 3 to 5 had similar effects on heart rate as infusion 2. Fingolimod had no significant influence on blood pressure responses to isoproterenol. Isoproterenol did not alter the pharmacokinetics of fingolimod. The pure beta‐agonist isoproterenol can reverse the heart rate reduction that occurs transiently after initiating fingolimod treatment.
Paul's Appeal To the Emotions in 2 Corinthians 1.1-2.13; 7.5-16
Authors: Welborn L.L.
Published: January 2008

The essay focuses attention on a neglected aspect in rhetorical analysis of Paul's epistles: the pathetic proofs, or appeals to the emotions. Following a sketch of the role of emotional appeals in the ancient theory of composition, criteria are delineated for identifying the pathetic proofs of a portion of canonical 2 Corinthians, the portion chosen according to the principle of style. The body of the essay consists of an exegetical analysis of Paul's appeals to the emotions of pity, anger and zeal in 2 Cor. 1.1-2.13 and 7.5-16 in light of the treatment of these emotions by ancient rhetorical theorists. A survey of ancient letters demonstrates that appeals to these three emotions were deemed appropriate to the function of the conciliatory style. A concluding section reflects upon Paul's attempt to bring about a christophoric transformation of the emotions aroused by his letter.
Paul's Principalities and Powers: Demythologizing Apocalyptic?
Authors: Forbes Chris
Published: January 2008

Paul's description of the 'spiritual world' combines elements familiar from the rest of the New Testament (angels and demons, etc.) with his own less personal, more abstract concept of 'principalities and powers'. However, Paul shows relatively little interest in angels and demons conventionally understood, either in terms of frequency of usage, or in terms of theological development. His focus is far more strongly on the 'principalities and powers', closely related in his thought to 'the Law, Sin and Death', and the 'elements of this world'. Contrary to scholarly consensus, there is little evidence to suggest that Paul is drawing here on his apocalyptic heritage, or that he is engaging in 'demythologizing' apocalyptic ideas. A new hypothesis is needed to explain his characteristic understanding of the 'spiritual world'. Such a hypothesis will be offered in a subsequent article.
Once a Slave, Always a Slave? Slavery, Manumission and Relational Patterns in Paul's Letter To Philemon
Authors: de Vos Craig S.
Published: January 2008

The Graeco-Roman world was a strongly collectivist, authoritarian and patriarchal society that understood people in terms of fixed stereotypes. As such, manumission per se would not have fundamentally changed the relationship between slaves and masters. Therefore, Paul's intention in his letter to Philemon was not to persuade Philemon to manumit Onesimus, but to bring about a fundamental change in their relationship, such that the master would treat his slave no longer as a slave, but as a brother or an honoured guest. As such, Paul was actually asking for something far more radical than manumission.
'As for Prophecies, They Will Come To an End': 2 Peter, Paul and Plutarch On 'the Obsolescence of Oracles'
Authors: Green Gene L.
Published: January 2008

Christianity began as a religious movement alive with prophetic activity. As a counterpoint to the Christian affirmation of prophecy, the issue of cessation of prophetic activity is addressed in the New Testament. Paul and the author of 2 Peter responded to a growing climate of skepticism of their day concerning the validity of prophetic speech and other forms of divination. A number of biblical texts should be read against that background, including Paul's statement about the cessation of the charismata. Despite the general approbation of the belief in divine communication, the ancient question remained whether the oracles and other forms of divination had any abiding validity.
Deliberation, Employment Relations and Social Partnership in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Donaghey Jimmy
Published: January 2008

This article discusses the potential role of deliberation as an alternative to bargaining in industrial relations. This is carried out through the examination of a case study of a working group designed to formulate mechanisms to encourage workplace financial participation in the Republic of Ireland. It suggests that a specific set of circumstances are required for effective deliberation and that the reality of achieving these in industrial relations contexts is unlikely. In particular, the inability of parties to take an impartial stance hinders them from taking a more detached perspective. In conclusion, the article questions the usefulness of the deliberation concept in industrial relations.
Is Wages Policy on the Agenda of Trade Unions Again? Voluntary Wage Moderation in Spain
Authors: Ferreiro Jesús , Gómez Carmen
Published: January 2008

This article analyses the Spanish experience with voluntary wage moderation, focusing on the differences between the current model of wage moderation that began in 1997 and the traditional model of wages policies and social pacts implemented between 1977 and 1986. The article stresses the importance of changes in the economic and political environment and in the attitudes of unions towards the effectiveness and suitability of wage moderation as a tool to solve micro- and macroeconomic problems, to explain the abandonment of wages policies and then their renaissance in the late 1990s.
Understanding Young Children's Health Beliefs and Diabetes Regimen Adherence
Authors: Charron-Prochownik Denise , Becker Marshall H. , Brown Morton B. , Liang Wen-Mn , Bennett Scarlett
Published: January 2008

Previous studies of chronic illness management in children have focused mainly on parents' health beliefs. However, children's health beliefs also can be an important factor in predicting adherence. Indeed, children 6 to 10 years old spend most waking hours away from home, are under less parental supervision, and are becoming more responsible for their own care. The purpose of this study was to develop a pictorial, multi-item instrument to measure dimensions of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and self-efficacy (SE), designed specifically for children with diabetes, thus making it possible to examine both the parent's and child's health beliefs; to explore the relationship between their beliefs; and to examine the extent to which these beliefs are predictors of adherence and metabolic control.
Ingredients That Replace Fat: Their Role in Today's Foods and Challenges in Educating People With Diabetes
Authors: Warshaw Hopes. , Powers Margaret A.
Published: January 2008

This article reviews the three categories of fat replacers and characteristics of the individual products. Most importantly, this update provides strategies for staying abreast of current and future foods, and stimulates considerations for diabetes educators when advising clients about fat-modified foods. Creative techniques and tools also are presented for educating clients about these foods.
Technocratic Organization and Control
Authors: Burris Beverly H.
Published: January 2008

Technocracy, a new type of organizational control structure, is defined and analyzed. The culmination of a dialectical process of organizational rationalization, technocracy transcends and integrates earlier forms of organizational control, particularly technical control, bureaucratic control, and professional control.

Technocratic organizations are characterized by a flattening of bureaucratic hierarchies, a polarization into 'expert' and 'non-expert' sectors, a substitution of expertise for rank position as the primary basis of authority, a de-emphasis on internal job ladders in favour of external credentialing and credential barriers, flexible configurations of centralization/decentralization, and other related organizational changes.

Technocracy is analyzed with regard to its theoretical background, historical development, contemporary manifestations, and socio-political implications.
Work-Unit Task Uncertainty, Design and Morale
Authors: Gresov Christopher , Drazin Robert , Van de Ven Andrew H.
Published: January 2008

Unit morale is an important but little researched criterion of work-unit performance. Data from 382 employment security agency work-units were used to test a task-contingent model of work-unit design and morale. Universal and contingent effects of unit task and design on unit morale were examined. After controlling for the main effects of task uncertainty and individual dimensions of design, a multivariate measure of fit was found to be the only significant predictor of unit morale. These findings differ from previous research and show that a systems'approach to the examination of fit may be better at detecting contingency relationships than the pairwise approaches that have been attempted previously.
Strategy, Size and Performance
Authors: Smith Ken G. , Guthrie James P. , Chen Ming-Jer
Published: January 2008

Miles and Snow's four different types of strategy are discussed and operationally defined in terms of three recurring organizational problems. A field study of 47 firms was conducted to investigate the typology and the relationship between the typology, size and performance. Support is provided for the analyzer and prospector strategies but there is less evidence for defenders. Results demonstrate the importance of contingency research and indicate that firm size can explain differences in the relationship between strategy and performance.
Rejoinder to Clegg and Higgins
Authors: Shenkar Oded
Published: January 2008

This paper is a response to criticism raised by the 'radical' school against an 'orthodox' science of organizations. By focussing the debate on an empirical case used by the 'radicals', that of Chinese organizations during the Cultural Revolution, the paper rejects the 'radical' argument as having no empirical support. A 'radical fallacy' which attempts to delegitimize macro-organizational analysis outside the Marxist framework is highlighted.
Chinese Conflict Preferences and Negotiating Behaviour: Cultural and Psychological Influences
Authors: Kirkbride Paul S. , Tang Sara F. Y. , Westwood Robert I.
Published: January 2008

This paper analyzes the extent to which both traditional Chinese cultural values and Chinese psychology influence Chinese perceptions and approaches to conflict resolution and thus affect Chinese negotiating behaviour. An attempt is made to illustrate salient cultural values and orientations, and empirical data is used to identify Chinese conflict preferences. The extent to which both these cultural values and conflict preferences have shaped a distinctive Chinese negotiation style is then examined.
In Search of Explanations for Bank Performance — Some Finnish Data
Authors: Tainio Risto , Korhonen Pekka J. , Santalainen Timo J.
Published: January 2008

In this paper, our purpose is to discover the processes which generate bank performance. The study was carried out in two phases among banks of the SKOPBANK Group in Finland.

The first phase is based on cross-sectional data consisting of a sample of 79 banks at the beginning of the 1980s. In this phase we have identified three different performance groups and found specific features characterizing them.

The second phase is based on sixteen case banks representing these three performance groups. The data there comprise the documented development of the studied banks, and the interview data on the work histories of their managers. Our aim is to broaden and understand the findings based on the analysis of the cross-sectional data, and to develop more dynamic explanations for the variations in bank performance.

The major finding of the statistical part of the study is that despite significant differences, there is no combination of environmental and organizational variables leading directly to superior or inferior performance. Based on the case analysis it was concluded, instead, that the performance of the banks studied is highly 'path-dependent'. The four distinct performance paths outlined turned out to have their own particular cycle of events, which was responsible for the observable performance variations and differences. Thus this study suggests that explanations of bank performance are more dynamic and context dependent than most of the previous studies indicate.
A World of Change for CAB International
Authors: Dextre Clarke Stella G.
Published: January 2008

A detailed account of recent changes in the organization, products and services of CAB International (CABI). Describes the background to the changes and the origins of CABI. Assesses the impact of the changes on its biological control and biosystematic services, development activities and information services. Describes changes in the production system for the bibliographic database, CAB ABSTRACTS and related information products and services, including the new CAB HEALTH database, databases on CD-ROM and a new document delivery service, CAB ACCESS. Focuses on attention to customer needs, quality enhancement, diversification of information products and services, collaboration with other organizations, efforts to achieve greater efficiency and the exploitation of new technology. Outlines a phased implementation plan for the introduction of the changes, and discusses the lessons learned from its implementation.
Library Orientation at the University of Mala wi
Authors: Matenje Flossie Alinawo
Published: January 2008

Describes the library orientation programme given to first year students at Chancellor College Library, University of Malawi. Lists the techniques used to provide instruction, and examines the success of the programme and the problems encountered.
International Issues in School Librarianship: the IFLA Pre-Session Seminar, 1993
Authors: Johnson Ian M. , Johnson Ian M.
Published: January 2008

Report on the IFLA Pre-Session Seminar on international issues in school librarianship, held in Caldes de Montbui, Spain, 15-20 August 1993. Summarizes papers dealing with the role of school libraries in developing countries, school library stocks, management issues and financial support, and country reports on the current school library situation. Includes the full text of the seminar resolutions.
Ten Years of Information Development in East, Central and So u th ern Africa
Authors: Raseroka H. Kay , Raseroka H. Kay
Published: January 2008

A review of developments in school libraries, public libraries and rural information services, academic libraries, education and training for library and information work, and professional library and information associations, in the East, Central and Southern Africa region during the past ten years.
The Consumer Dream in the United States: Aspirations and Achievements in a Changing Environment
Authors: Dholakia Ruby Roy , Levy Sidney J.
Published: January 2008

An empirical study was designed to examine the relationship between consumer aspirations and achievements defined primarily in terms of ownership of the ideal home. The characteristics of consumers who differ in their achievement of home ownership were analyzed, along with their aspirations and behavior. It was found that the changing economic environment has negatively affected the achievement of home ownership rather than the aspirations to it.
1987 Macromarketing Seminar Abstracts
Authors: Ingene Charles A.
Published: January 2008

The twelfth annual Macromarketing Conference was held at Concordia University, Montreal, August 6-9. The 65 attendees heard the 27 presentations and one panel discussion that are abstracted below. Also presented were tutorials by Roger Layton ("Tradeflows Modelling") and Robert Mittelstaedt ("STELLA"), and research in progress presentations by Al Alton, Labdhi Bhandari, Norm Kangun and Les Carlson, Tom Klein, Ed Popper, and Jim Stirling. The 1988 Conference will be held August 11-14 in San Jose.
Marketing Structure and the Theory of Economic Interdependence: Early Analytical Developments
Authors: Dixon Donald F.
Published: January 2008

The elements of an economic system are interdependent, and the structure formed by system interrelationships is crucial to the survival of an economy. Attempts to identify and measure structure are traced from the mid-eighteenth century to the publication of Distribution in a High-Level Economy The first major study including the marketing sector of an economy, Does Distribution Cost Too Much?, does not provide structural inferences because parts of the economic system were omitted, and system inputs were not specified. The often repeated estimate that marketing costs represent 59% of the consumer's dollar is overstated because system output is underestimated. Structural inferences can be developed with data presented in Distribution in a High-Level Economy, using the analytical framework provided by the Leontief input-output table.
The Output of Distributive Systems: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Sybrandy Arthur , Pirog Stephen F. , Tuninga Ronald S. J.
Published: January 2008

A means of measuring the effect of final demand variations and structural changes on the output of the distributive trades is developed. A review of the marketing literature finds conceptual shortcomings that limit the results ofprevious work. General systems theory serves as the basis for trade-flow table analysis, which addresses some of these shortcomings. This type of analysis can be applied in cross-sectional and longitudinal comparative studies.
A Comparative Study of Distributive System Structure: Australia, The Netherlands, and West Germany
Authors: Sybrandy Arthur , Tuninga Ronald S. J.
Published: January 2008

The methodology developed in a preceding article, "The Output of Distributive Systems: A Conceptual Framework," is applied to a comparison of the Australian, Dutch, and West German distributive systems. System output is affected by the level and composition of final demand and by the structure of that system. Final demand and structure, in turn, are affected by the environment in which the system exists. No theory linking the distributive system and particular environmental fields currently exists, however. Such a theory needs to be developed before causal statements regarding this relationship can be made.
Structure and Dynamics in Tirade Flows Models
Authors: Layton Roger A.
Published: January 2008

7)-ade flows modelling has its origin in the empirical work of Cox, Goodman, and Fichandler (1965) in estimating dollar flows between sectors in the U.S. macromarketing system in 1947. Subsequently, similar estimates have been published forAustralia, provincial Java, and, in this issue of the Journal, for the United States, The Netherlands, and West Germany. This article is concerned with alternative specifications of structure in trade flows models and then with exploring the possibilities opened up by alternative structural specifications in building dynamic variation into an otherwise static or equilibrium model. After an initial examination of system stability in the face of external shocks, a tentative conclusion is reached that for most highly interconnected systems of the kind being studied there is a considerable degree of stability in system behavior.
Toward A Unified Theory of Macromarketing: A Systems Theoretic Approach
Authors: Meade William K. , Nason Robert W.
Published: January 2008

This article explores the analytic nature and domain of macromarketing from a systems theoretic perspective. Macromarketing is developed as the study of the complex coordination and control processes underpinning growth, evolution, and design of exchange systems. This approach provides a rich conceptual framework in which to unify the traditional themes of macromarketing and, potentially, to accelerate empirical research.
Reviews and Communications: A Note From the Book Review Editor
Authors: Dholakia Nikhilesh
Published: January 2008

Some phenomena in marketing systems are such that micro actions have wildly disproportionate macro impact or vice versa. Rumors are clearly in this category of phenomena. In this issue's book review, Jonathan Schroeder presents a lucid review of Rumors: Uses, Interpretations, & Images, a fascinating book by Jean-Noel Kapferer. The review illustrates how a discipline such as psychology, traditionally associated with the study of micro-level marketplace phenomena, can be employed gain-fully to understand a macro-level phenomenon like the spread of rumors.
Environmental and Managerial Factors in Export-led Development: An Explorative Test of Porter's Competitive Advantage of Nations
Authors: Dominguez Luis V. , Rose Patricia B. , Sequeira Carlos G.
Published: January 2008

Traditional economic theory predicts that factor cost advantages, coupled with an open economy, are crucial to the development of an efficient export sector. Porter's recent work has offered a more coherent hypothesis. This study of nontraditional exporters from Central America finds support for Porter's work. External environmental factors per se do not translate into competitive advantage; they do so only insofar as they translate into managerial competencies and appropriate marketing strategies. Policy guidelines are developed from these findings.
The Consumption Culture and Its Critiques: A Framework for Analysis
Authors: Dröge Cornelia , Calantone Roger , Agrawal Madhu , Mackoy Robert
Published: January 2008

A framework is proposed for analyzing the consumption culture, including its micro/personal and macrolexternal covariates and critiques. Two main questions emerge: (1) Are goods assigned excess meaning, such that their pursuit distracts an individual from achieving true meaning in life? (2) Does the consumption culture destroy collective values and detract from issues in the public domain?
Model-mediated Telemanipulation
Authors: Mitra Probal , Niemeyer Günter
Published: January 2008

This paper presents a user-centered, model-mediated approach to bilateral telemanipulation under large communication delays. Assuming that the environment is only slowly or infrequently changing, it mitigates user perception difficulties and allows stable motion and force interactions with the remote environment. Rather than directly sending slave sensory data to the user, the method abstracts the data to form a very simple model of the environment. The model is transmitted to the master, where it is haptically rendered for user feedback without any lag. In return, the slave only executes force or motion commands consistent with the model. This effectively mediates the master—slave interaction. Particular attention is placed on the system behavior as it adjusts to unexpected environment interactions and as the model updates. The basic principles of the approach are demonstrated on a simple one degree-of-freedom telerobotic system operating with four seconds of round-trip delay.
Learning CPG-based Biped Locomotion with a Policy Gradient Method: Application to a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Endo Gen , Morimoto Jun , Matsubara Takamitsu , Nakanishi Jun , Cheng Gordon
Published: January 2008

In this paper we describe a learning framework for a central pattern generator (CPG)-based biped locomotion controller using a policy gradient method. Our goals in this study are to achieve CPG-based biped walking with a 3D hardware humanoid and to develop an efficient learning algorithm with CPG by reducing the dimensionality of the state space used for learning. We demonstrate that an appropriate feedback controller can be acquired within a few thousand trials by numerical simulations and the controller obtained in numerical simulation achieves stable walking with a physical robot in the real world. Numerical simulations and hardware experiments evaluate the walking velocity and stability. The results suggest that the learning algorithm is capable of adapting to environmental changes. Furthermore, we present an online learning scheme with an initial policy for a hardware robot to improve the controller within 200 iterations.
Traumatic Proximal Tibiofibular Dislocation
Authors: Van Seymortier Peter , Ryckaert Alexander , Verdonk Peter , Almqvist Karl Fredrik , Verdonk Rene
Published: January 2008

Traumatic proximal tibiofibular dislocation is a rare injury that is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed at the initial presentation because of a lack of clinical suspicion. When diagnosed, the injury should be promptly reduced. Missed injuries or late presentations are a potential source of chronic morbidity. This article describes the relevant anatomy, classifications, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The authors stress the importance of evaluating the distal syndesmotic ligaments and the interosseous membrane because the mechanism of trauma can also cause a disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. In the presence of syndesmotic instability, prompt stabilization is advocated. Whether syndesmotic stabilization is indicated in cases of a syndesmotic sprain is controversial. An illustrative case is also presented of a 28-year-old male soccer player who sustained a proximal tibiofibular dislocation after a violent twisting motion of the right knee.
Human Waste Recycling Under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Polprasert C.
Published: January 2008

The stabilization of human nightsoil mixed with water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and vegetable leaves by a simple composting method was found to be effective. This composting method does not require mechanical aeration or pile turning, but does retain most of the vaulable nutrients and inactivates a large portion of the microorganisms present in the compost piles. A considerable yield of Tilapia was obtained when the composted product was applied as feed to fish ponds. The technical feasibility together with the microbiological aspects of the integrated scheme of compost-fed fish ponds is discussed.
Cysticercosis and Salmonellosis in Cattle Caused By Sludge On Danish Farmland
Authors: Haugaard Per
Published: January 2008

Three cases of infection in which beef tapeworms were transferred to cattle exposed to sewage sludge or septage applied to grass fields are reviewed together with an epizooty of salmonellosis, caused by infected latrine tankwagon used to irrigate a field. Mention is made of proposals on Danish regulations concerning the application of sewage sludge to agricultural soils, and the preventive measures with regard to epidemiological risks which are being discussed.

It is concluded that it is possible to apply sewage sludge to agricultural soils without serious infection risks when appropriate preventive measures are taken. In particular raw latrine contents and septage from septic tanks appear to be particularly dangerous when spread on agricultural land.
Fuel in Sewage Sludge Incineration
Authors: Wall H. , Waltz E. , Verdouw A.
Published: January 2008

As a result of a demonstration project partly sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation with the Indianapolis Center for Advanced Research, the City of Indianapolis, Indiana, realized a 34% fuel savings for sewage sludge incineration. At the same time, sludge throughput was increased 10%. In addition to these proven savings, operational downtime for repairs was reduced, maintenance costs were reduced, and air pollution was reduced. The air pollution reduction allowed Indianapolis to cancel a $3,000,000 construction program for air pollution abatement.

Other cities incinerating sewage sludge in the United States that have initiated the fuel efficient mode of operation have saved even more fuel than Indianapolis. Nashville, Tennessee, reduced its fuel usage 40%; Buffalo, New York, reduced its fuel usage 47% from design expectations; Hartford, Connecticut, reduced its fuel usage 51%; and Jacksonville, Florida has reduced its fuel usage over 50%.

These savings result from installing additional instrumentation and controls (often not required at newer facilities), modifying the incinerator operating methods, and training the operators to operate the facilities more efficiently. At Indianapolis, it cost $20,000 per incinerator for instrumentation and operator training. This was ah older plant and required a maximum amount of new controls and instrumentation; however, the payback for this $20,000 was less than three months due to the reduction in fuel use based on an oil price of $0.264 per litre ($1.00 per gallon). In the other cities where instrumentation controls were adequate, the cost for developing the now operating mode and training the operators averaged $75,000 per city.
Identifying and Controlling Landfill Fires
Authors: Stearns Robert P. , Petoyan Galen S.
Published: January 2008

Factors leading to subsurface landfill fires and fire identification and control techniques are discussed. The paper is oriented towards completed sanitary landfill sites containing active landfill gas (LFG) extraction systems for either recovery or migration control purposes. The fire identification and control techniques discussed can be applied to both developed and undeveloped former landfill sites.

The ignition and propagation of subsurface landfill fires are a function of factors which include waste composition and moisture content, available oxygen, and ambient pressure in the area of combustion.

Identification and size of a subsurface landfill fire can be determined by unusual or rapid site surface settlement, surface venting of smoke, detection of carbon monoxide in extracted LFG, accumulation of combustion residue in LFG collection header lines, and elevated LFG temperatures.

Subsurface landfill fire control techniques include excavation, smothering, and extinguishing with injections of water or inert gas.