bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Developments in International Law
Authors: Babanari Gholam Ali Nouri 
Published: July 2017

The fate of law is change. Change is the law of nature. Law goes on changing in accordance with the demands of society. International Law(Jus Gentium) does not form any exception to the above truth. The 20th Century has witnessed an ever-accelerating rhythm of change; the scientific and technological developments have unleashed political, economic, social and cultural forces which are transforming the society at an increasing rate.1 International Law has undergone complete changes after the two World Wars and it has revolutionised itscorpus during the current century. The whole of recorded history of International Law has been a process of revolution or at least of change, for, in no one era has mankind stood completely still.2 International Law has been changing with the facts of international life. Modern International Law has experienced new developments and trends. The new International Law, undoubtedly, has indicated the norms and rules that have evolved since the Second World War and more particularly since the creation of the United Nations. The new International Law has already manifested itself in the Charter of the United Nations. The United Nations Charter marked a significant step forward in the development of International Law. It marked the beginning of a new era in interstate relations. It was a sincere effort to restructure interstate relations with a view to achieving a new world order. It is because of the impact of the United Nations and of its specialized agencies, a number of significant developments have taken place in the field of International Law.
The Effect of Split and Vertically-Inclined Computer Keyboards on Wrist and Forearm Posture
Authors: Marklin Richard W. , Simoneau Guy G. , Monroe John F. 
Published: July 2017

The significant findings from this study of 90 clerical subjects, whose forearm and wrist posture were measured while they typed on three alternative QWERTY computer keyboard designs, are the following: 1) when setup correctly, commercially-available split QWERTY keyboards reduced mean ulnar deviation of the right and left wrists from approximately 12 deg. to within 5 deg. of a neutral position compared to a conventional QWERTY keyboard. 2) with at least a 30 deg. tilt of the keyboard halves, a commercially-available vertically-inclined QWERTY keyboard reduced mean pronation of the forearm by approximately 20 deg. compared to a conventional QWERTY computer keyboard (60 to 40 deg.) The finding that split keyboards place the wrist closer to a neutral posture in the radial/ulnar plane substantially reduces one occupational risk factor of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), namely ulnar deviation of the wrist. The finding that vertically-inclined keyboards reduce forearm pronation substantially is advantageous, at least theoretically, to the keyboard user. However, since the origins of WMSDs, which include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and tenosynovitis, tend to be multifactorial, the extent to which split keyboards or vertically-inclined keyboards could reduce the frequency or severity of WMSDs is unknown.
A Muscle/Ligament Model to Predict Loads on L5/S1 during Three Dimensional Lifting
Authors: Kirking Bryan 
Published: July 2017

A muscle / ligament model was constructed to estimate the spinal load that resulted from both muscle and ligament sources during dynamic, three dimensional lifting tasks. The model was tested using data from ten subjects performing lifts over a range of realistic industrial conditions (velocity: 10, 20, or 30 degrees / second; asymmetry: 0, 15, or 30 degrees; and weight lifted: 13.6 or 22.7 Kg). During the task, three dimensional trunk position, trunk velocity, the reaction forces, the reaction moments, and the electromyography of the major trunk musculature were collected. Ligaments were represented in the model as vectors spanning the lumbar spine, with their stress—strain properties taken from the literature. The muscle components were modeled based on the OSU Biodynamic EMG assisted model but excluded any effect not resulting solely from active force generation. Thus, the trunk muscles were also represented by vectors spanning the lumbar spine. For each subject, the model was calibrated for both muscle and ligament moment generation by comparing the predicted moment to the measured applied moment in regions where the appropriate moment component has been shown to dominate. The muscle / ligament model was found to predict the moment at L5/S1 at least as accurately as the muscle—only model (the previously reported OSU Biodynamic EMG assisted model which indirectly combines ligament effects into the muscle effects). Both models predicted moment with an average R square value of 0.8, and average error of 23 N m (p > 0.05). For symmetric upright postures, there was no influence of ligaments so both models predicted similar compression of about 1675 N m. As asymmetry or flexion angle increased, the muscle / ligament model predicted higher compression as a result of the smaller moment arms of the ligaments. In the most extreme posture (40 degrees flexion with 30 degrees asymmetry), the predicted compression from the muscle / ligament model (4250 N) was significantly larger than the muscle—only model (3680N). Finally, all asymmetric conditions resulted in predictions from the muscle / ligament model that exceeded the NIOSH 3400 N tolerance, but only the most asymmetric condition resulted in predictions from the muscle—only model that exceeded the NIOSH limit. Thus, muscle models that do not account for ligament effects may be ineffective in accurately evaluating compression during certain job tasks.
A Filtering Approach to Ergonomics Surveillance
Authors: Gibson J. Murray , Alexander David C. 
Published: July 2017

There is a need in industry for practical surveillance methods to identify ergonomics problems. Most conventional surveillance methods have the following characteristics: • Require completion of a multi-page checklist for every job in the facility. • Identify, in a “single-pass” survey, all jobs presenting a moderate to low level of ergonomic-related risk, resulting in an “unmanageable” list of problems. • Provide job risk scores used to prioritize every ergonomics problem in the facility. The author presents an alternative surveillance methodology which identifies and prioritizes high, moderate, and low risk jobs using a “filtering approach”. This filtering approach actually consists of three separate checklists, each identifying (or filtering) for jobs of different risk levels: High Risk Survey, Moderate Risk Survey, and Low Risk Survey. Each checklist utilizes data from three sources: ergonomic risk factors, loss information, and employee turnover/complaints.
Predictability as a Metric of Automation Complexity
Authors: Vakil Sanjay S. , Hansman R. John 
Published: July 2017

Current advanced commercial transport aircraft rely on Flight Management Systems. The increasing complexity of these systems has caused an increase in errors in interaction with aircraft automation. Previous research has focussed on identification of the elements of automation (mode structure, consistency, command languages and other) which may lead to faulty human-automation interactions. These approaches require the complex system to have underlying structure in an available and communicable form. In contrast, this paper discusses a more easily testable “end-to-end” metric which can be used independent of knowledge of this structure. The concept of predictability is presented as a candidate metric of the complexity of automation and is defined as a measure of how well an operator can anticipate what the system will do at some point in the future. In essence, this is a measure of the complement of how often a system will “surprise” an operator by acting in an unanticipated manner. The goal of this work is to identify areas of Flight Management Systems which have a strong impact on predictability to provide guidance in future designs and in current pilot training.
The Integrated Performance Modeling Environment a Tool for Simulating Human-System Performance
Authors: Dahn David , Laughery Ron , Belyavin Andy 
Published: July 2017

THE INTEGRATED PERFORMANCE MODELING ENVIRONMENT (IPME) The UK Centre for Human Sciences (CHS), DERA and Micro Analysis and Design have collaborated to develop a more complete environment for modeling human performance than has been available in the past. The first version of this tool was released in October 1996 and there are ongoing enhancements. In essence, we are seeking to take advantage of the base of human performance modeling technologies that have evolved over the past ten years, synthesize these technologies, and build significantly from that base. In this paper, we will discuss the base technologies (Micro Saint and Human Operator Simulator (HOS)) that have gone into IPME and then discuss some of the additional human performance modeling features that have been built into IPME to date and some that are planned.
Effects of Key Issues On The Financial Performance of Hospitality Firms
Authors: Heiman Rob 
Published: July 2017

The overall financial objective of publicly-held corporations can be flatly stated as “increasing the price of stock, thereby increasing the wealth of the shareholders.” Therefore as this statement reads, students of hospitality management should have vital and vested interest in the causes, situations, events, trends, and developments that will effect the price of stock. The students' concern would be directed toward those firms which have as its primary business, as the activity of selling food, beverage, lodging, service, or a combination of the above. As partial requirement for an undergraduate senior-level organizational behavior course, an 18 week longitudinal study was conducted to address this topic. The process of the study was to observe and chart weekly stock price activity, and seek events or issues which have shown to influence the “trading stock price” of selected multi-unit food service organizations.
Female Managers: Perspectives on Sexual Harassment and Career Development
Authors: Fernsten Jeffrey A. , Lowry Linda L. , Enghagen Linda K. , Hott David D. 
Published: July 2017

Seventy-eight female managers in the tourism industry were administered a questionnaire containing selected scales of the Personality Research Form (PRF) as well as questions concerning their perceptions of sexual harassment on the job. Our purpose was to investigate the validity of the managerial stereotype while assessing perceptions of harassment in order to aid management in understanding the issue. Results suggest that the managerial stereotype of an achievement-oriented, aggressive, and dominant personality may be changing. Implications for management are discussed. In addition, respondents indicated that sexual harassment is a problem in the tourism industry. Implications for management policy are assessed with a framework for strategically addressing the harassment issue presented.
Preparing A Hospitality Program To Become A Program of Excellence
Authors: Calnan Thomas W. , Chacko Harsha E. , Nebel Eddystone C. , Schaffer Jeffrey D. , Stearns G. Kent 
Published: July 2017

The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration at the University of New Orleans was declared a Center of Excellence on Nov. 22,1987 by Chancellor Gregory M. St. L. O'Brien. The faculty of the School were asked to prepare adetailed proposal for a plan of action that would propel the University of New Orleans' hospitality education program into national prominence. In a review of the nation's 10 leading hospitality programs itwas determined, that in order to acquire a national reputation three missions must be met. These are: 1) alumni success, 2) academic recognition, and 3) industry recognition. The high visibility of a program that has been declared a center of excellence results in many benefits to a program. The most important benefit is budgetary priority. However, other benefits that accrue include recruitment of excellent students, increased industry support, community recognition and attracting quality faculty.
The Female Business Customer: An Analysis of Provision And Consumption Patterns In The U.S. Lodging Industry
Authors: Crawford-Welch Simon 
Published: July 2017

The business market accounts for over 50 percent of the customers of all U.S. lodging establishments. The term ‘business market’ is misleading in that it implies a degree of homogeneity when in reality the market is becoming increasingly heterogeneous in nature. This paper demonstrates the severe limitations of current strategies used in the lodging industry in its attempt to cater to the needs of the female business traveler and suggests a more appropriate framework from which to evolve strategies. There is a distinct lack of statistical data pertinent to the actual and potential size of the female business market. What little evidence there is suggests the market has grown dramatically. Current strategies used by lodging organizations to cater to the needs of this market fail in two fundamental aspects: in identifying the needs of this market segment and in attempting to provide for these needs. Organizations currently fall back on facility type strategies. The paper shows, through the adoption of an historical perspective, that such strategies only serve to reinforce social barriers to consumption. It is argued that until it is realized that the problem of female customers is a socio-cultural one, the demands of female customers will always be couched in terms of stereotypes despite the fact that these initiatives do not produce success. Lodging organizations have made the mistake of accommodating women within the confines of their prescribed gender roles. The paper demonstrates how the adoption of a cultural studies perspective can go some way to providing a basic theory of consumption that is able to relate the varied tastes and activities of the consumer into a single conceptual scheme.
Immigration Reform And Control Act And The Hospitality Industry
Authors: Kwansa Francis A. 
Published: July 2017

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of November 1986, was designed to eliminate the attraction posed by jobs in the United States to potential illegal immigrants through employer participation. The hospitality industry, along with agriculture, has been one of the industries that have traditionally depended on foreigners as a source of labor due to its low starting wages which have typically repelled native-born labor. This research investigates the human resource implications of the Act through a supply of and demand for low-skilled labor analysis, implications for labor union activity in the industry, and further recommends employer strategies to cope with the effects of the Act. As a result of the 1986 Act, regions that tend to attract many illegal aliens will experience wage increases and this wage effect will spread throughout the country. However, wage rate increases will begin to attract more native as well as legal immigrants who were hitherto repelled by the low wages, and this will partially offset the labor shortage. These newcomers, some of whom are displaced workers from traditional manufacturing industries will present ideal targets for the unions who see the service sector as the new frontier and answer to their declining membership. An employee-driven approach to human resource management together with a strategic perspective to human resource planning is more crucial now than ever to improve employee tenure. Reduction in hours of operation, scaling down corporate expansion plans, and support of a minimum wage hike are recommended.
Impact of star performance ratings in English acute hospital trusts
Authors: Mannion Russell , Davies Huw , Marshall Martin 
Published: July 2017

Objective To explore some of the impacts of star performance ratings in acute hospital trusts in England. Methods A multiple case study design was used which incorporated purposeful sampling of ‘low’ and ‘high’ performing trusts using the star rating system. In each case study site, data collection comprised semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. Between eight and 12 senior managers and senior clinicians were interviewed in each organisation. Results There was a general view that the star ratings as presently constituted did not represent a rounded or balanced scorecard of their own organisation's performance and a widespread belief that the information used to calculate the ratings was often incomplete and inaccurate. The star ratings were viewed by some managers as useful, in that they gave added weight to their trust's modernisation agenda. In addition to driving beneficial change, the ratings were also sometimes reported to have inadvertently induced a range of unintended and dysfunctional consequences, including tunnel vision and a distortion of clinical priorities, bullying and intimidation, erosion of public trust and reduced staff morale, and ghettoisation. Conclusions Set in the context of an international body of research, this study highlights some important gaps in knowledge and failings in current policy and practice. In particular, the many dysfunctional consequences of publishing star ratings indicate a need for a re-examination of performance management policies.
Variation in requests for imaging investigations by general practitioners: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Verstappen Wim , Riet Gerben Ter , Van Der Weijden Trudy , Hermsen Jan , Grol Richard 
Published: July 2017

Objectives To describe the variation in the numbers of imaging investigations requested by general practitioners (GPs) and to find likely explanations for this variation. Methods Cross-sectional survey of the use of eight imaging investigations by 229 GPs collaborating in 40 local GP groups from five regions in the Netherlands during 1997. A multivariable, multilevel regression analysis was used to link these data with survey data on professional characteristics such as knowledge about and attitude towards test ordering, and with data on contextual factors such as practice type or experience with feedback on test-ordering data. Results Data for 221 GPs (97%) were available. After adjustment for practice size and working time, the median number of imaging investigations ordered per GP was 148 (interquartile range 71 to 300), with large differences (up to twofold) between the regions (P<0.001). Overall, chest X-rays were the largest single category (median =48; interquartile range 17 to 100). GPs working in a group practice requested, on average, 34% fewer investigations than their colleagues working in single-person practices (95% confidence interval 17 to 48%). Conclusions Only practice type was found to be associated with the number of imaging investigations requested, adjusted for practice size and working time factor. No further explanations were found for the inter-regional differences. Future studies on the ordering of imaging investigations by GPs should attempt to delineate contextual from regional factors.
Do Personal Medical Services contracts improve quality of care? A multi-method evaluation
Authors: Campbell Stephen , Steiner Andrea , Robison Judy , Webb Dale , Raven Ann , Richards Sally , Roland Martin 
Published: July 2017

Objectives To assess whether the new contractual arrangements of first-wave Personal Medical Services (PMS) practices in England improved their quality of care, compared with changes in care provided in a control sample of General Medical Services (GMS) practices. Methods Controlled ‘before’ (at or near 1 April 1998) and ‘after’ (at or near 31 March 2001) quantitative observational study in a sample of 23 PMS and 23 GMS practices. Quantitative data focused on access, chronic disease management, mental health care, primary care of older people, costs and patient evaluation using the General Practice Assessment Survey. Case studies were also undertaken in all PMS pilots, involving interviews with general practitioners, nurses, practice managers and Health Authority and Primary Care Group/Trust managers, documentation review, and analysis of site-specific data. Results There were improvements in quality of care in PMS sites in all areas of care evaluated, but improvements in care over and above those found in GMS sites (the ‘PMS effect') were only statistically significant for angina care (P =0.05) and elderly care (P =0.04). Teamwork, shared culture, clear objectives and leadership were important catalysts for quality improvement in PMS sites. Improvements in PMS practices came at additional financial cost. There were concurrent improvements in GMS practices. No PMS site succeeded in meeting its aims without successfully introducing effective leadership and management, and changing relationships within the practice (e.g. equalising power between nurses and doctors). Conclusions Small but steady improvements were observed in English primary care. PMS contracts facilitated quality improvements in specific areas over and above these broad improvements (the ‘PMS effect') during the study period. New contractual arrangements for health care can be used to improve quality of care. However, the mechanisms that resulted in quality gains, while facilitated by the new contractual arrangements, were not specific or unique to the PMS experiment. Factors such as effective management, clear objectives and flexible professional relationships within practices are likely to be important in determining whether new contractual arrangements result in improved outcomes. The context within which care and services are provided is as important for quality innovations as specific contractual arrangements.
Use of an HBV-DNA Hybridization Assay in the Evaluation of Equivocal Hepatitis B Virus Tests in Solid Organ Donors
Authors: Domen Ronald E. , Yen-Lieberman Belinda , Nelson Kristine A. , Chua Jimmy , Sholtis William , Tyus Henry , Isada Carlos M. 
Published: July 2017

Context Serological markers for the hepatitis B virus are routinely used in the evaluation of potential organ donors. However, serological tests can be associated with significant false or equivocal results and may not be indicative of the true risk of hepatitis B infection. Studies have recently questioned the significance of an isolated hepatitis B core antibody test in evaluating the suitability of solid organs for transplantation. The ability to detect hepatitis B virus DNA may prove useful when the diagnosis of hepatitis B infection is in doubt. Design Serum samples from 16 donors with equivocal or positive hepatitis B core antibody and/or hepatitis B surface antigen serological screening tests were retrospectively tested for the presence of hepatitis B DNA. Any available follow-up data on the placement of organs from these donors was obtained. Results One of the 16 (6.3%) donors tested positive for the presence of hepatitis B DNA, but organs from this donor were not recovered or transplanted. Follow-up on 14 organs recovered and transplanted from 6 donors in this group did not show clinical and/or laboratory evidence of hepatitis B infection in the recipients. Conclusions In our donor population, there was a low incidence (6.3%) of donors with equivocal or positive hepatitis B core antibody and/or hepatitis B surface antigen serological screening tests who subsequently demonstrated the presence of detectable hepatitis B DNA. Posttransplantation follow-up of the recipients of 14 recovered organs failed to demonstrate any cases of posttransplant hepatitis B infection.