bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective Assessment of the Vibration Discomfort Produced by Different Hand Held Machines
Authors: Broyde M. , Donati P. , Bitsch J. 
Published: January 2017

A subjective method of paired comparisons was developed to compare the discomfort caused by the vibration from hand-held power tools with the predictions obtained using the procedures recommended by standards for the evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. Fiteen trained subjects were exposed in the laboratory to seven different vibration exposures produced by five hand-held tools (one of the tools was used in two positions) and an electrodynamic vibrator. The good agreement observed between and within subjects shows that they can reliably rank vibration dicomfort produced by different hand-held tools. For five vibration exposures out of seven, the rank deduced from the subjective assessments was in accord with the rank of the predicted evaluations derived from the frequency-weighted acceleration values measured. An exposure with highly impulsive vibration was rated as being much more annoying than it was foreseen by the current procedures of evaluation. The operator's position proved to be an important factor in the perception of the discomfort.
Low Frequency Hearing Thresholds in Pressure Field and in Free Field
Authors: Watanabe Toshio , Møller Henrik 
Published: January 2017

Thresholds of hearing Were determined in pressure field at frequencies from 4 Hz to 125 Hz. At the frequencies 4–25 Hz hearing thresholds were found that are in the lower middle of the range already reported by other investigators. At frequencies from 25 Hz to 1 kHz thresholds have already been determined in free field by the same method and using the same subjects. The two investigations overlap at frequencies from 25 Hz to 125 Hz, and in this range the results were almost identical. The differences were below 1 dB, except at 63 Hz where the difference was 2.5 dB. None of the differences was significant in a t-test.
The Susceptability of Computers to Vibration
Authors: Buijs J.H.N. 
Published: January 2017

The computer is now used in many kinds of building. When building contractors are constructing nearby, the vibration sensitivity of disk drives can be a problem. If computers are of vital importance in a production process, the consequences of a possible break-down and information loss because of vibrations cannot be neglected or underestimated. In this paper the information needed to judge the possible risks of damage in practice is discussed The information given by computer manufacturers is, in general, neither complete nor unequivocal. Furthermore, results of vibration measurements in buildings are presented and discussed. Exposure to low frequency vibrations caused by different building activities such as demolition by means of pneumatic drills, driving in sheet piles and last, but not least, driving in piles made of concrete or steel using impact driving techniques are considered. The most sensitive parts of a computer mainframe, the disk drives, in general produce more vibration themselves during read or write operations than that permitted by the computer manufacturer. Although the vibrations caused by building activities are in most cases significantly lower than the computer limits, several cases of breakdown or information loss have occurred. Who is responsible for computer damage?
Adsorption/Desorption of H2 and O2 at a p-Cr2O3 Surface: Electrical Conductivity Studies
Authors: Khader Mahmoud M. , Saleh Mahmoud M. , Mohammad Ahmad M. 
Published: January 2017

The behaviour of H2 and O2 flows over a porous p-Cr2O3 pellet have been studied by means of an in situ electrical conductivity technique. Changes in the electrical conductivity associated with such gas flows were attributed to changes in the concentration of positively charged holes in the material studied. In the presence of an H2 flow, the electrical conductivity of the p-Cr2O3 surface first increased and then decreased sharply. The initial increase was attributed to the chemisorption of H2 leading to surface hydroxylation. The formation of O–H bonds during this process resulted in a decrease in the electron density at the surface and thereby increased the contribution of positively charged holes towards the total conductivity. In contrast, the subsequent sharp decrease in conductivity was explained by the elimination of chemisorbed oxygen which had originally been adsorbed dissociatively at the surface. During this process, elimination of chemisorbed oxygen atoms led to the presence of electrons in the chromia lattice which generated a sharp decrease in the hole concentration via an electron–hole recombination process. In an O2 atmosphere, the conductivity of the deoxygenated chromia increased exponentially to a maximum value and then decreased until it reached a value similar to that for stoichiometric chromia. The increase in conductivity observed in this case was assigned to the adsorption of oxygen on the chromia surface while the subsequent decrease was attributed to hydrogen desorption. The kinetics of the four processes observed, i.e. hydrogen adsorption, oxygen desorption, oxygen adsorption and hydrogen desorption, have been analyzed.
Studies of Lanthanum(III) Nitrate Complex Sorption on the Strongly Basic Anion Exchanger Wofatit SBW Possessing Various Degrees of Crosslinking
Authors: Hubicki Z. , Olszak M. 
Published: January 2017

Rare earth elements of high purity including lanthanum play an important role in many fields of modern technology. This paper presents possibilities of the selective removal of lanthanum(III) nitrate complexes from the 90% v/v CH3OH–10% v/v 1 and 7 M HNO3 systems as well as the 90% v/v C2H5OH–10% v/v 1 and 7 M HNO3 systems by frontal analysis on the strongly basic anion exchanger Wofatit SBW crosslinked with 2–16% DVB. The weight and bed distribution coefficients as well as the number of theoretical plates were determined from the breakthrough curves. It has been shown that the sorption of lanthanum(III) nitrate complexes in both methanol and ethanol systems increased as the degree of crosslinkage increased from 2% to 8% DVB, and then decreased with further increase in crosslinking. This can be interpreted in terms of a ‘sieve action’ arising from the partial removal of large complex ions from the anion-exchanger phase [not all the ion-exchange centres are accessible to La(NO3)3-nn species].
Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis in the Vicinity of Critical Points by the Generalized Inverse
Authors: Hangai Yasuhiko , Lin Xiao-Guang 
Published: January 2017

In the geometrically nonlinear analysis for equilibrium paths, the determinant of the tangent stiffness matrix at the critical point becomes zero so that a numerically unstable situation appears in the vicinity of critical points. To avoid such a situation, many numerical methods including the arc-length method and the perturbation method have been developed. In this paper, an analytical method to pursue the geometrically nonlinear equilibrium paths in the vicinity of critical points such as limit point and bifurcation point is presented by using the generalized inverse. In the first part, the perturbation equations for the incremental equilibrium equations are derived. Then, critical points on the equilibrium path are classified into limit point and bifurcation point by using the existence condition of solution. In the second part, an analytical method for post-critical paths beyond critical points is presented by means of the generalized inverse. In the final part, the application of the present method to the post-buckling analysis of a shallow arch and cable domes subjected to the symmetrical loads is shown.
Structure, Form and Meaning in Microgravity — The Integral Space Habitation
Authors: Meurant Robert C. 
Published: January 2017

There will likely be an intensive colonization movement into Space within the foreseeable future. Presupposing eventual adaptation to the microgravitational environment, the structural, habitable, and meaningful environment of Space Architecture will be fundamentally redefined. The primary shift in spatial conception will be from a two-dimensional decentralized horizontal schema with singular up-down vertical axis, to a three-dimensional centralized polyaxial schema with in-out the primary existential axis. Mega-structures are proposed, which provide ample habitable space in Space. Their structure is provided by means of centralized tensile lattices stressed by pneumatic enclosures. These are envisaged to be large-scale, of about 13 kilometers in diameter each, with Primary Tensile Lattice ties of 1 km length. The geometry of the tensile lattice is given by the author's centralized polyaxial zonahedral expansions. Secondary tensile assemblages are then stressed by means of the primary tensile lattice, with tertiary and subordinate assemblages as desired. This permits a “soft” non-rigid architecture to be developed. Principles of Traditional Architecture are relevant to Space Habitation studies, and indicate Space Habitation theory should seek to integrate metaphysical, psychic, and physical human needs appropriate to dwelling in microgravity. Ideally the Space Habitation should integrate structure, form and meaning. This paper encapsulates ideas presented in the author's book, The Integral Space Habitation — Towards an Architecture of Space.
The Use of Membrane Structures in Space
Authors: Szyszkowski W. , Glockner P.G. 
Published: January 2017

Due to their special characteristics, inflatables and membrane structures are ideally suited for space applications. They are lightweight and consequently easily placed into earth orbit, are flexible with resulting ease in erection and dismantling and use the material's strength to its maximum in a natural way. The shape of enclosures formed by pneumatic structures will depend primarily on the service function of the structure and the economics of the material and its transportation into outer space. Although some terrestrial response characteristics of these structures will be useful in their design for space applications, new studies, both analytical and experiemental, will likely be required. This paper briefly summarizes some available results concerning the response of membrane/inflatable structures to various loading conditions, suggests methods of transferring terrestrial experience with these structures to space applications and discusses general design concepts/problems likely to be encountered in possible applications of pneumatic and membrane structures in outer space.
A hypothesis: self-propulsion in a wheelchair early after stroke might not be harmful
Authors: Pomeroy V M , Mickelborough J , Hill E , Rodgers P , Giakas G 
Published: January 2017

Background: There is often strong clinical resistance to patients self-propelling a wheelchair post stroke as this is believed to produce immediate increases in abnormal posture and movement. Research to support this viewpoint is limited. Objective: To begin investigation of the immediate effects of self-propulsion on symmetrical sitting. Design: Replicated single-case studies ABABA. Setting: Movement analysis laboratory. Subjects: Four patients, a maximum of eight weeks post stroke and six age-matched healthy volunteers. Interventions: Subjects sat in the wheelchair during the A phases and self-propelled forwards during the B phases. The Manchester Active Position Seat (consists of 68 force transducers which transmit data at 10 Hz) measured the magnitude of peak force and the position of peak force on both sides of the seat. The mean symmetry index and standard deviation for each study phase were calculated and graphed for each subject. Interpretation was by visual inspection. Results: Only one stroke patient and one volunteer increased asymmetry of magnitude of peak force following the two periods of self-propulsion. Only one of the stroke patients increased asymmetry of position of peak force following self-propulsion compared with three of the healthy volunteers. Conclusions: These results raise the hypothesis that self-propulsion early post stroke might not produce immediate detrimental effects on seated symmetry.
Acceptability, reliability, and validity of the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 (SAQOL-39) across languages: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmadi Akram , Tohidast Seyed Abolfazl , Mansuri Banafshe , Kamali Mohammad , Krishnan Gopee 
Published: January 2017

Objectives:This systematic review aimed to explore the acceptability, reliability, and validity of the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life-39 (SAQOL-39) scale across languages.Data sources:We employed a systematic search of the online databases including MEDLINE (Pubmed), Science direct, Web of science, Psychinfo, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library published between 2003 and 2016.Review methods:We used PRISMA guidelines for conducting and reporting this review. Subsequently, screening of the titles and abstracts, extraction of data as well as the appraisal of the quality of relevant studies were carried out.Results:The initial search returned 8185 studies. Subsequent screening and study selection processes narrowed them to 20, needing detailed review. Forward-backward translation scheme was the preferred method for translation of the SAQOL-39 from English to other languages. Mainly, the socio-cultural and linguistic adaptations were performed in the translated versions. Most versions of the SAQOL-39 showed high test-retest reliability and internal consistency. However, several psychometric properties including the validity and responsiveness were seldom reported in these versions.Conclusion:The SAQOL-39 scale showed high acceptability, and reliability across the languages reviewed in this study. Future translations may additionally focus on reporting the validity and responsiveness of the instrument.
Acceptability and Efficacy of Locally Produced Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food Nutreal in the Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition in Comparison With Defined Food
Authors: Thapa Babu Ram , Goyal Pooja , Menon Jagadeesh , Sharma Ajay 
Published: January 2017

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a salient health problem in India. Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Research and Analysis Centre, New Delhi, prepared nutreal equivalent to ready-to-use therapeutic food by World Health Organization (WHO) for the management of SAM and defined food like homemade diet. Objective: To compare acceptability and efficacy of nutreal over defined food for the management of SAM. Methods: One hundred twelve children aged less than 5 years with SAM were enrolled as per the standard of WHO. Children were randomized into 2 groups to receive nutreal (n = 56) and defined food (n = 56) in unlimited amounts for 42 consecutive days and extended by 2 weeks as per demand. Calorie and protein intake, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were recorded daily. Results: Age range was 8 to 45 months. Ninety-three percent of children eagerly accepted nutreal but 7% does not. Whereas in the defined food group, 68% accepted eagerly, 30% did not accept eagerly, and 1.8% accepted poorly ( P = .004). At enrollment, mean weight in the nutreal group was 6.44 ± 1.60 kg and in the defined food group was 8.69 ± 1.76 kg, with MUAC in the nutreal group being 11.12 ± 0.47 cm and in the defined food group being 11.54 ± 0.34 cm. Mean weight in the nutreal and defined food groups at eighth week of intervention was 7.97 ± 1.8 kg and 9.71 ± 1.8 kg ( P < .001), respectively. Mid-upper arm circumference at eighth week was 12.10 ± 0.29 cm in the nutreal group and 12.49 ± 0.50 cm in the defined group ( P < .001). Conclusion: Acceptability, mean weight gain, and MUAC in the nutreal group are greater than the defined food.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Completion Among Individuals With and Without Mental Illnesses: A Comparison of 2 Screening Methods
Authors: Yarborough Bobbi Jo H. , Hanson Ginger C. , Perrin Nancy A. , Stumbo Scott P. , Green Carla A. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Cancer mortality is worse among people with psychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study was to compare facilitators and rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening between people with and without mental illnesses. Design: We conducted a secondary analysis using data from a general population cohort study (N = 92 445) that assessed effects of 2 types of CRC screening test kits—guaiac fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT)—on CRC screening completion. Setting: The setting was a health system that served approximately 485 000 members in urban and suburban Oregon and Washington. Participants: Participants were health system members, categorized by mental illness diagnosis (psychotic disorders, non-psychotic unipolar depression, and no mental illness), who were age-eligible, at average risk of CRC, and were at least 366 days past their last gFOBT with no evidence of other CRC screening. Measures: The outcome was time until completion of CRC screening. Analysis: We used Cox proportional hazard models. Results: FIT reduced CRC screening barriers for all the groups. Compared to people without mental illness diagnoses, those with psychotic disorders were equally likely to screen using FIT (hazard ratio [HR] = .95, p = .679) and those with depression were more likely (HR = 1.17, p = .006). Conclusions: FIT can improve CRC screening rates among people with mental illnesses, particularly depression.
Dose–Response Association Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Function in a National Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Edwards Meghan K. , Crush Elizabeth , Ikuta Toshikazu , Del Arco Alberto 
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Previous research demonstrates a favorable effect of physical activity on cognitive function among older adults. The potential dose–response relationship between physical activity and cognitive function in this population is less understood, which was the purpose of this study. Setting: Data from the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were employed. Participants: A total of 2157 older adults aged 60 to 85 years. Measures: Cognitive function was assessed from the Digit Symbol Substitution Test. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), expressed as metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-min-month (MET-min-month = days × duration × MET level), was assessed via self-report, with 5 MVPA categories evaluated: (1) <2000 MVPA MET-min-month, (2) 2000 to 3999 MVPA MET-min-month, (3) 4000 to 5999 MVPA MET-min-month, (4) 6000 to 7999 MVPA MET-min-month, and (5) 8000+ MVPA MET-min-month. Analysis: Weighted multivariable linear regression. Results: An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed. Consistent across several adjusted models, those who engaged in 6000 to 7999 MVPA MET-min-month had the highest cognitive function score. Conclusion: The results suggest an optimal amount of physical activity to prevent the cognitive decline associated with aging.
Factors Influencing Corporate Environmental Performance in India
Authors: Jaikumar Geetha , Karpagam M , Thiyagarajan S 
Published: January 2017

Swept along by the winds of change, corporations are now moving towards environmentally friendly production processes partly to ensure compliance with rules and regulations, and partly to reduce potential liabilities, exploit opportunities in new and emerging markets, and to respond effectively to competitive pressures. Today companies tend to be ranked not only on the basis of their financial performance but also on the basis of their environmental track record. Thus, while a defi nite trend in the direction of greening of corporate activities is clearly apparent, the present study seeks to identify the organizational factors which infl uence and contribute to the environmental performance of companies. Environmental performance for this purpose was evaluated with respect to the company's track record vis-à-vis the following components: existence of a separate environmental policy, concrete environmental action plan in the areas of energy saving, air pollution control, effluent treatment before discharge, solid waste management, ongoing environmental education programs for employees, giving priority to environmental impact in the selection of new technology, conducting life cycle analysis study on products, disclosure of environmental information relating to its products and services, availability of emission and material usage data, practice of environmental accounting, green supply chain management, green procurement policy and involvement of the company in local community activities.
Expanding Responsibilities of Corporate Governance: The Incorporation of CSR and Sustainability
Authors: Lawrence Stewart , Collins Eva , Roper Juliet 
Published: January 2017

Traditionally, directors’ responsibilities have been to the members (shareholders) of the company. But in the 21st century a view has arisen that they have responsibilities to a wider group of interested parties. Different philosophical approaches support the alternative views about corporate governance. These philosophical underpinnings will be examined. Also, evidence of directors’ responsibilities to the wider community will be illustrated through a national survey of directors in New Zealand. Increasingly, it seems that good corporate governance will involve an expanded view of the responsibilities of company directors. The laissezfaire, free market philosophy has been tempered by a realization that the firm is a part of a wider environment. It is becoming accepted by a large proportion of business firms that the well being of the firm is tied to the well being of the environment, at least in the longer term perspective.
Determinants of Directors' Remuneration in Malaysian Public Listed Companies
Authors: Haron Hasnah , Akhtaruddin M 
Published: January 2017

The aim of this paper is to investigate the determination of directors' remuneration in Malaysian Listed companies. In particular, it investigates whether corporate governance structure and firm-specific characteristics have an influence over the directors' compensation. Using a sample of 120 companies listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia, our analysis documents that firms with a greater numbers of members on the board are more inclined to increase their remuneration. It also reports that as ownership concentration increases, the amount of directors' remuneration decreases due to the effective monitoring by the external block-holders. This study supplements the compensation literature by providing unique insights into drivers of excessive directors' compensation. The sole determinant of variation in directors' remuneration appears to be the firm-specific attributes in term of firm size, leverage and performance indicating a positive sign on Malaysia's corporate culture as directors' remuneration is dependent on the economic factors rather than being controlled by the board itself. This study offers insights to policy makers and regulatory agencies in designing executive compensation and corporate governance structure in emerging economies.
Rajat Gupta: An American Dream Upturned - A Case Study
Authors: Rawat Surya Rashmi , Raj Vignesh , Manoharan Arvind , Vineet Shubham 
Published: January 2017

A glittering career of over 35 years whose inspirational story has been a fairy tale to many aspiring management graduates and entrepreneurs across the globe, this case study revolves around the corporate journey travelled by the Indian American businessman, Rajat Gupta. The objective of this case study is to track the rise and fall of one of the most celebrated corporate executives of the present era, tracing his miraculous journey from an orphan in Kolkata to his success at McKinsey & Company through sheer hard work and determination and finally his corporate demise on account of conviction for conspiracy and securities fraud. The case study critically analyses Rajat Gupta through the ups and downs of his corporate career.