bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Milwaukee Laboratory System Improvement Program (L-SIP)
Authors: Gradus M. Stephen , Bhattacharyya Sanjib , Murphy Amy , Becker Julie N. , Baker Bevan K. 
Published: January 2017

The Laboratory System Improvement Program (L-SIP) of the Association of Public Health Laboratories aims to improve state public health laboratory (PHL) system performance through continuous quality improvement. We successfully applied this state assessment tool to a local PHL (LPHL) system by tailoring it to reflect local system needs and created an LPHL system definition explaining how a local system differs from, yet complements, a state system. On November 18, 2010, 75 stakeholders from 40 agencies assessed the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, PHL system, capturing themes, strengths and weaknesses of the system, and scores for each of the 10 Essential Public Health Services. A Laboratory Advisory Committee analyzed assessment results to identify a strategic focus of research and workforce development and define an action plan, which is now being carried out. Milwaukee's L-SIP process is effectively improving LPHL system research and workforce development while raising community awareness of the system.
Mechanism of Microbiological Decomposition of Cellulose
Authors: Siu R.G.H. 
Published: January 2017

Knowledge of the mechanism of microbial action on cellulose is important for the solution of problems not only in textile technology but also in agronomy, plant pathology, bacteriology, mycology, medicine, geology, and the wood, paper, photographic, and allied industries. Our present picture concerning the mode of breakdown of the cotton fiber is as follows: Upon germination, the microorganism secretes enzymes which first digest the cuticle. The hyphae of fungi then penetrate the secondary cellulosic wall directly into the lumen, where profuse growth ensues. Bacteria, on the other hand, adhere to the outer surface and pit their way inward. In both cases, digestion of cellulose occurs at the point of immediate contact with the organism. In submicroscopic regions of the fiber, the amorphous cellulose is more rapidly attacked than the crystalline. The native cellulose molecule is first converted by an enzyme (called cellulase by the author) into a linear polysaccharide. Another enzyme then hydrolyzes the linear chain directly into glucose, without the intermediary of cellobiose. The proposed mechanism differs significantly from that of Pringsheim and of Winogradsky. Based on this picture, topochemical modification appears to be very promising as a means of imparting simultaneously two or more properties to cotton fabrics, one of which is mildew proofness.
Fluorescent Whitening Agents
Authors: Holt L. A. , Leaver I. H. , Milligan B. 
Published: January 2017

Ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy have been used to determine the nature and extent of photo-decomposition of fluorescent whitening agents in polymer films and in surface-whitened wool. Irradiation of the coumarin (I) in polymer films at 365 nm gives rise to a mixture of photodimers which rapidly revert to I on irradiation at wavelengths less than 320 nm. Irradiation of the stilbene (II) at 365 nm also gives a photodimer which absorbs strongly around 350 nm, but this reverts only slowly to II on irradiation. Fluorescence studies indicate that there is an increase in the degree of aggregation of I in polymer films with increasing whitener concentration, and that the kinetics of whitener photodecomposition change from first-order at low whitener concentration (0.0025%) to second-order at the higher concentration (2.5%) used in surface-whitening. The coumarin (I) is more stable to light in poly(vinyl acetate) film cast from formic acid than in films cast from less polar solvents, probably because of differences in the degree of whitener aggregation. The photostability of I in poly(vinyl acetate) film is also improved if the film is heated for short periods or stored at room temperature for longer periods.
Anaesthesia in Malawi: Complications and Deaths
Authors: Hansen D , Gausi S C , Merikebu M 
Published: January 2017

The study is a prospective analysis of anaesthesia-associated complications and deaths in Malawi. During a period of 6 months 51 complications and 14 deaths in 3022 anaesthetics were reported. Low blood pressure caused by septicaemia or acute blood loss was responsible for 53% of the complications and 71% of deaths. Intubating difficulties were responsible for 25% of the complications and 14% of the deaths. Eleven of the 14 deaths were identified as avoidable [avoidable mortality rate (AMR) 1:275]. Avoidable factors were classified into three groups. The anaesthetic AMR was 1:504. Poor fluid management and poor airway management were the main avoidable factors. The surgical AMR was 1:3022, and the administrative AMR 1:756. Insufficient or no blood is the only factor responsible for the administrative AMR. The anaesthetic AMR in Malawi is 6–100 times higher than in developed countries such as France, USA or UK. To reduce this very high anaesthetic AMR in Malawi further developing aid programmes should concentrate on training courses for the anaesthetists and setting up blood donation programmes.
Traditional Herbal Medicines Used to Treat Wounds and Injuries in Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Nirmal K 
Published: January 2017

In rural Nepalese societies, due to the lack of modern health services and facilities, folk herbal preparations are still the dominant method of therapy for common ailments. These remedies are fairly well accepted, easily available, bear a minimal cost and are generally the only available resource. Information on the curative properties of 42 plant species from 40 genera and 23 families that are used to treat wounds and injuries, has been documented. These herbal remedies are based on ancestral knowledge and personal experience. Their successful use indicates that they are alive and functioning in the rural localities. Although the techniques of preparation of drugs or dosage forms employed by traditional healers have generally been observed to be poor and in most cases do not comply with the requirements of modern pharmaceutical practices, there are trends towards the development and modernization of practice including the standardization of specific dosage, storage of drugs, use of specific types of containers and their labelling. A critical evaluation of the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the alleged curative plants and the traditional pharmaceutical practices employed has been strongly recommended. In rural Nepalese societies, the number and distribution of traditional herbal practitioners and faith healers greatly exceed all other health workers. Their influence should be applied to the task of motivating the rural populace to adopt authentic herbal remedies and other health-related hygienic behaviour.
PRC Nuclear Energy — Exploration & Exploitation — past developments and future trends
Authors: Hahn Bradley 
Published: January 2017

Since the 1950's a comprehensive nuclear development program has been in effect. Recently, and especially since 1988 when industrial restructuring brought peaceful uses of nuclear energy into the new Ministry of Energy Resources, there has been increased emphasis on its use for power generating. Proven reserves of uranium are said to be sufficient to fuel pressurized reactors with a total capacity of 15,000 MW for 30 years. By the early 90's China will have 2,100 MWinstalled electrical generating capacity from nuclear sources. Reportedly, capacity is planned to expand to 10,000 MW by the next century. An estimated 25% of the planned output will be with imported equipment. China has comprehensive programs for nuclear materials procressing, enhanced radiation development, irradiation processes, research in physics, aerospace applications and waste processing.
Crude Prices – Is Opec Relevant?
Authors: Verleger Philip K. 
Published: January 2017

The next OPEC meeting will occur on the 20th anniversary of the first oil shock. While the 1993 meeting is unlikely to be as dramatic as the 1973 one, its long-run outcome could be just as great. Indeed, this meeting could mark another anniversary – the end of OPEC's influence on crude oil prices. Oil-exporting nations are in deep trouble. A global recession is suppressing consumption growth and frustrating exporter attempts to boost prices. Financial conditions in exporting nations have deteriorated so much that the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has attempted to lower Saudi Arabia's credit rating. Political stability in at least three OPEC nations is precarious. Future prospects for oil exporters appear even bleaker. New production from several satellites of the former Soviet Union (FSU) will reach the market within a few years, limiting the increase in OPEC sales, and the FSU's incremental output will be augmented by much larger exports from Iraq, where multinational oil companies may once again play a large role in developing Middle Eastern oil. An oil price surge resulting from turmoil in Nigeria will, ironically, only serve to emphasize OPEC's loss of influence. When a cartel-like organization breaks down, the result is usually lower and more volatile prices, and so political or physical production disruptions have a greater impact on volumes supplied. In the future, these disruptions will occur more often because of the worsening financial situation in exporting countries.
Making India Globally Competitive
Authors: Sheth Jagdish 
Published: January 2017

The fast-paced economic and political changes across the world are forcing India to be more globally-oriented. This paper traces these global changes in a historical perspective and examines how India can be integrated into the global economy. It discusses the primary growth engines at different phases of the world growth cycle and suggests the main area around which there is a need to reengineer the country for global competitiveness. While Western Europe and the US/Canada engineered the 18th and the 19th century growth respectively, the author sees the large emerging nations as the 21st century growth engines and purchasing power parity (PPP) as the new measure of economic growth. As India integrates into the world economy, there is a need for it to reposition itself as a country. From the domestic-oriented, self-sufficient license raj, it has come a long way to become a globally-oriented economy focusing on those key sectors of the economy where it has a resource advantage over other nations. The objective is to offer better products at lower prices. Exports to the most demanding markets, after all, are the key to success for a globally competitive economy. To achieve this objective, India needs to reengineer itself in the following areas: Industrial policy through ideology-free policy; privatization of public enterprises; incentives for quality; innovation and productivity; employment through growth; intellectual property rights; and environment policy. International trade through convertible currency anchored to dollar; target exports to selective markets; balanced trade with anchor partners; and focus on selective exports based on comparative advantage. Domestic industry through industry consolidation for scale efficiency; globalization of domestic markets; investment in quality and innovation; process reengineering; and reduction in unorganized sector. National infrastructure through upgradation of transport and logistics; information infrastructure capital markets; financial institutions; special economic zones and energy reliability. Of these, domestic infrastructure is the weakest link. The Indian industries must reposition themselves from the diversified domestic corporations to focused global enterprises. To be a global hub, they need quality and reputation and must, therefore invest in design and research, create brand equity, increase productivity, leverage human capital, get access to low cost capital, and organize global supply chain. The author concludes with the following observations: India is destined to become a major economic power in the 21s century. India's future, however, will depend on the geopolitical realignment of nations and the emergence of ‘triad’ markets. Design is a very strong competitive advantage for India. Public enterprises should not be disinvested and should instead be encouraged to go global along with the private enterprises not just through exports but through mergers and acquisitions. The Indian industries must reposition themselves from the diversified domestic corporations to focused global enterprises.
Brand Relationships and Switching Behaviour for Highly Used Products in Young Consumers
Authors: Sahay Arvind , Sharma Nivedita 
Published: January 2017

Consumer-brand relationships is an evolving area of study. The purpose of this study is to: establish that brand relationships postulated in the literature exist along all dimensions for young consumers in the emerging market context investigate the influence of peers, family, and brand relationships on switching intentions amongst young consumers examine the impact of price changes on switching intentions in the context of brand relationships. This is an empirical study focusing on the brand relationships amongst young consumers in the age range of 13 to 25 years in an emerging economy. Data were collected from 214 respondents from the SEC A and B categories in a city in Western India through a questionnaire administered in the presence of the researchers. The results indicate that: young consumers do form relationships with brand(s) on all the six dimensions of consumer brand relationship that have been postulated in the literature love and passion dimension of brand relationship is stronger amongst teenagers as compared to young adults. The second part of the paper looks at the influence of the social groups like family and peers on the switching behaviour in presence of brand relationship dimensions where, we found that family has a relatively stronger influence than peers. Finally, it looks at the effect of price comparison on brand relationship. It is found that consumers do compare price irrespective of how strong the brand relationship is. This may be an artifact of the higher price consciousness in the Indian environment that is found amongst consumers across income groups. The future directions and limitations are discussed at the end.
Establishing A Framework of Transformational Grassroots Military Leadership: Lessons from High-Intensity, High-Risk Operational Environments
Authors: Bangari Ravindra Singh 
Published: January 2017

Today's institutions and organizations, especially, the military in the recent security scenario, are faced with complex, dynamic, and turbulent environments. This empirical study, based on operational military environments, draws upon contextual learning through grounded research, which could hold prescriptive guidelines for leaders required to operate in extreme contexts. The research specifically studies junior and middle level military leadership in “high-intensity, high-risk operational combat environments” over extended time duration, as they go about establishing transformational paradigms to face up to their professional demands. From this empirical research-in-progress, a nine-factor leader framework emerges, which defines successful grassroots transformational leadership appropriate for this emerging environment, characterized by increasing complexity of work-environment, changing nature of team-/collaborative- work, and the followers� needs for affiliation, achievement, and empowerment. The emergent leader framework enumerates the following characteristics for a successful leader: Strive for professional excellence and competence in team-building �Grounded� visionary Lead by personal example Empower the subordinates Sincerity of purpose Impeccable moral integrity Genuine care and concern for the command Compassionate approach towards all in general Self-sacrificing and self-effacing personal qualities. The findings incorporate a large variety of converging and overlapping behaviours at multiple levels, seeking to engage the followers continuously towards professional excellence, greater empowerment, and self-leadership. The paper concludes that both leadership and followership are in the process of being fundamentally redefined, egged on by the curious mix of technological progress and social change, emerging environmental turbulence, and increasing individual selfawareness. It also proposes a measurement instrument for further operationalization of the leader framework. One promising direction for future investigation is the study of emerging leader frameworks in the context of wider social and cultural change.
Impact of Organizational Culture on Commitment of Employees: An Empirical Study of BPO Sector in India
Authors: Dwivedi Sulakshna , Kaushik Sanjay , Luxmi  
Published: January 2017

Retention of employees has become a critical issue in the corporate arena. With the increasing trend of frequent job switching among employees, it is a big challenge for HR Managers today to fulfill the aspirations of each and every employee and to bring congruence between organizational and individual goals. In the BPO sector of India where attrition rate is as high as 55 percent (ASSOCHAM, 2011), the situation is even more difficult for HR Managers. But the big question is how to make employees feel committed to their organizations especially in such a dynamic work environment where attrition rate is so high and job poaching is the order of the day. An extensive review of literature reveals that employees' ‘commitment‘ to the organization is a function of their interaction and relationship with that organization and, to a great extent, a manifestation of the attitude of management towards the employees. This belief is based on the premise that member's identity with the organization is a result of a set of carefully designed policies within the cultural pattern of the organization. An attempt has been made in this research to study the BPO sector to see whether the organizational culture and commitment level of employees differ across the different strata of employees in the BPO sector and finally to explore the relationship between organizational culture and commitment. The research was carried out in 15 BPO units in and around Chandigarh — Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali which covered three strata of BPO units based on the number of employees and from all the three level of employees, i.e. top, middle, and lower level of employees. Results reveal that employees of smaller BPOs perceive their culture a shade better than medium or larger BPOs. And, as far as overall commitment is concerned, employees of smaller BPOs have significantly more commitment level than employees of medium or larger BPOs. As organizational culture is better in smaller BPOs and so is the commitment, these findings give us a cue that organizational culture has definite impact on commitment of employees. Further results reveal that commitment of employees is particularly sensitive to six dimensions of organizational culture viz. proaction, confrontation, trust, authenticity, experimentation, and collaboration. But, the results failed to support the relationship between autonomy and openness with commitment. Further, findings reveal that the focal point in the development of any strategy is directed towards impacting the commitment of employees towards their organizations
Coping with a Vibration Exposed Workforce
Authors: McGeoch Kenneth L. 
Published: January 2017

In view of legislation, including European Community Directives and Health and Safety Guidance Notes, companies with vibration exposed workforce require to have a policy to meet these demands. It is important to have a clear order of priorities when instituting such a policy. The introduction of medical surveillance should not be the first action. A written policy should include several sections. These are:- identification and assessment of the hazard, steps which can be taken to obviate or mitigate the risk, creation of awareness of this risk and finally medical surveillance of exposed workers to monitor the effectiveness of the policy. Each of these sections is examined. The Stockholm Classification is discussed and the use of objective tests, to aid accurate staging of employees with symptoms, is considered in detail.
Serial Notching of the Platysma Bands, Updated
Authors: Saylan Ziya 
Published: January 2017

Introduction: A traditional platysmaplasty almost always results in hardening and scarring at the submental region. In an attempt to avoid these complications, the author has developed a technique for serially notching the platysma bands. Materials and Methods: Patients demonstrate their platysma bands so that they can be marked with a distance of 3–4 cm between every incision. After injecting local anesthesia with epinephrine 1 mL to each incision site, a stab incision is made with a number 11 blade horizontal to the platysma band. Multiple incisions are necessary for a better result. The skin must be pinched together with the muscle between the thumb and index finger. The notching is done with an electrocautery and needle and repeated at the sites marked along the muscle. The wounds are covered with sterile dressings. Results: Serial notching of platysma bands was performed on 102 patients (10 men [9.8%] and 92 women [90.2%]). Only 5 hematomas (5%) were observed. Apart from the cases of hematoma, the other 97 cases were satisfactory (98%). In 78 cases (76.5%), the doctors also performed an S-lift or a facelift and witnessed better results. In most of the cases (80 cases, 81%), a submental liposuction was also necessary. Discussion: This technique alone, or combined with liposuction of the neck and with surgeries of the mid to lower face such as posterior necklift, S-lift, short scar facelift, or a conventional facelift, will eliminate platysma bands, especially in older patients. Since using this technique, we have not been required to perform platysma plication (platysmaplasty). This kind of notching of the platysmal bands is mainly done with liposuction. No special and expensive instruments are required, recovery time is very short, scarring is minimal and the sutures can be removed after a few days. If multiple and serial incisions and notching are done, no depressions and retracted muscles will be palpable or visible. It causes no major swelling and bruising of the neck. Also, only 1 case of hematoma was observed and there were no other complications. This technique is a very good adjuvant to a neck or lower facelift in older patients and in some younger patients Type I, II, and III).