bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fracture mechanical behaviour of visco‐elastic materials: application to the so‐called dwell‐effect
Authors: Näser B. , Kaliske M. , Dal H. , Netzker Ch. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe material force approach is an efficient, elegant, and accepted means to compute the J‐integral as a fracture mechanical parameter for elastic and inelastic materials. With the formulation of a multiplicative split of the deformation gradient at hand, rate‐dependent (visco‐elastic) materials described for example by the physically based Bergström‐Boyce model can be investigated. For these investigations, the so‐called material volume forces have to be computed in order to separate the driving forces acting on the visco‐elastic zone around the crack tip from the driving forces acting on the crack tip itself, representing the crack driving force. To illustrate the effectiveness of this approach, the so‐called dwell‐effect of elastomeric materials is investigated.
Effects of inbreeding on reproductive success, performance, litter size, and survival in captive red wolves (Canis rufus)
Authors: Rabon David R. , Waddell William 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCaptive‐breeding programs have been widely used in the conservation of imperiled species, but the effects of inbreeding, frequently expressed in traits related to fitness, are nearly unavoidable in small populations with few founders. Following its planned extirpation in the wild, the endangered red wolf (Canis rufus) was preserved in captivity with just 14 founders. In this study, we evaluated the captive red wolf population for relationships between inbreeding and reproductive performance and fitness. Over 30 years of managed breeding, the level of inbreeding in the captive population has increased, and litter size has declined. Inbreeding levels were lower in sire and dam wolves that reproduced than in those that did not reproduce. However, there was no difference in the inbreeding level of actual litters and predicted litters. Litter size was negatively affected by offspring and paternal levels of inbreeding, but the effect of inbreeding on offspring survival was restricted to a positive influence. There was no apparent relationship between inbreeding and method of rearing offspring. The observable effects of inbreeding in the captive red wolf population currently do not appear to be a limiting factor in the conservation of the red wolf population. Additional studies exploring the extent of the effects of inbreeding will be required as inbreeding levels increase in the captive population. Zoo Biol 29:36–49, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of recent stressful experiences on HIV‐risk related behaviors
Authors: Wong Carolyn F. , Kipke Michele D. , Weiss George , McDavitt Bryce 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTLimited research has captured the wide varieties of distinct, but interrelated, life stressors that young men who have sex with men (YMSM) experience as emerging adults. We examined the way recent experiences of a diverse set of stressors predict illicit drug use, alcohol misuse, and inconsistent condom use (i.e., unprotected anal intercourse) among an ethnically diverse cohort of YMSM (N = 526). Results indicated that stress related to financial and health concerns were associated with increased risk for substance use, while health concerns and partner‐related stress were associated with sexual risk‐taking. Additional analyses indicated drug use and alcohol misuse did not significantly mediate the impact that stressors have on sexual risk. Findings show that stressors from different life domains can have impact on different HIV‐risk behavior. Results challenge the way diverse stressful life experiences are conceptualized for this population.
Akebia saponin D, a saponin component from Dipsacus asper Wall, protects PC 12 cells against amyloid‐β induced cytotoxicity
Authors: Zhou Yong‐Qiang , Yang Zhong‐Lin , Xu Lei , Li Ping , Hu Yu‐Zhu 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is regarded as senile dementia, and the etiopathogenesis lies in kidney deficiency during aging. Dipsacus asper Wall (DAW), a well‐known traditional Chinese medicine for enhancing kidney activity, may possess the therapeutic effects against AD. Our objectives were to investigate the protective effects of DAW against the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ)‐induced cytotoxicity and explore its major active components. Injury of PC 12 cells mediated by Aβ25–35 was adopted to assess the cytoprotective effects of DAW aqueous extract and various fractions. Salvianolic acid B, a polyphenol compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, was employed as a positive control agent due to its markedly protective effect against neurotoxicity of amyloid β. Five chemical fractions (i.e. alkaloids, essential oil, saponins, iridoid glucoside and polysaccharides) were prepared for activity test and analyzed by HPLC for active components identification. In addition, Akebia saponin D (the most important compound in DAW saponins) and hederagenin (the mother nucleus of akebia saponin D) were prepared for testing of their activity. DAW water extract, saponins fraction and akebia saponin D had the neuroprotective capacity to antagonize Aβ25–35‐induced cytotoxicity in PC 12 cells. In contrast, other fractions and hederagenin had no cytoprotective action. This research suggests that DAW may represent a potential treatment strategy for AD and akebia saponin D is one of its active components.
Dietary selenium addition improves cerebrum and cerebellum impairments induced by methimazole in suckling rats
Authors: Ben Amara Ibtissem , Fetoui Hamadi , Guermazi Fadhel , Zeghal Najiba 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the improving effects of selenium (Se) on cerebrum and cerebellum impairments induced by methimazole (MMI) in suckling rats. Animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as control which received standard diet; group II received only MMI (250 mg L−1, orally); group III received both MMI (250 mg L−1, orally) and Se (0.5 mg kg−1 of diet); group IV served as a positive control and received Se (0.5 mg kg−1 of diet) as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. In the MMI‐treated group, plasma‐free thyroid hormone levels (FT3 and FT4), protein, DNA and RNA contents in cerebrum and cerebellum decreased when compared to control. Co‐treatment with Se ameliorated these parameters. In the MMI‐treated group, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) significantly decreased, while malonaldialdehyde (MDA) levels in cerebrum and cerebellum increased. Co‐administration of Se through the diet restored these parameters to near normal values. The biochemical modifications are correlated histologically with the abnormal development of an external granular layer, indicating a delay of granular cells migration towards the molecular layer in the MMI‐treated group. Our results showed that Se improved cerebrum and cerebellum MMI‐induced damages in suckling rats. Moreover, we concluded that Se is an important neuroprotective element that may be used as a dietary supplement against brain impairments.
Der Öffentliche Gesundheitsdienst als Prototyp staatlicher Gesundheitsfürsorge
Authors: Wildner Manfred , Zöllner Herbert , Zapf Andreas 
Published: July 2009

Einleitung
Der moderne Staat des 21. Jahrhunderts gewährleistet mit seiner Rechtsordnung heute vor allem Freiheit und Solidarität in einer demokratischen Verfassung. Dabei steht er in einem Spannungsfeld von konkurrierenden Werten: Sicherheit und Freiheit, Ordnung und notwendige Veränderung, Herrschaftsausübung und Demokratie. Aufgabe des Staates ist es unter anderem, die Daseins-Risiken durch kluge Steuerung im Interesse des Allgemeinwohls gerade in den Bereichen, die ein Einzelner nicht bewältigen kann, abzufedern. Gleichzeitig soll er den Bürgerinnen und Bürgern politische Partizipation ermöglichen. Der Öffentliche Gesundheitsdienst (ÖGD) ist der Teil des öffentlichen Gesundheitswesens, welcher mit der Wahrnehmung öffentlich-rechtlicher Aufgaben auf dem Gebiet des Gesundheitswesens einschließlich der damit zusammenhängenden Untersuchungstätigkeit betraut ist. Diese Aufgaben beziehen sich im Wesentlichen auf die Bereiche Gesundheitsschutz, Gesundheitsförderung und Gesundheitsmanagement/Stewardship. Im Beitrag werden anhand von Beispielen unterschiedliche Arten der Wahrnehmung von Aufgaben des ÖGD veranschaulicht; des Weiteren werden einige Gedanken zur zukünftigen Entwicklung des ÖGD entwickelt.
CLOUD CAVITATION DYNAMICS
Authors: WILSON MILES , BLAKE JOHN R. , HAESE PETER M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAn analysis is developed for the behaviour of a cloud of cavitation bubbles during both the growth and collapse phases. The theory is based on a multipole method exploiting a modified variational principle developed by Miles [“Nonlinear surface waves in closed basins”, J. Fluid Mech.75 (1976) 418–448] for water waves. Calculations record that bubbles grow approximately spherically, but that a staggered collapse ensues, with the outermost bubbles in the cloud collapsing first of all, leading to a cascade of bubble collapses with very high pressures developed near the cloud centroid. A more complex phenomenon occurs for bubbles of variable radius with local zones of collapse, with a complex frequency spectrum associated with each individual bubble, leading to both local and global collective behaviour.
Liberty Hyde Bailey, the Country Life Commission and the formalization of farm credit in the USA
Authors: Turvey Calum G. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper reviews the life of Liberty Hyde Bailey and highlights his contributions to the structure of US farm credit 100 years after the Country Life Commission.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a qualitative historical review.FindingsThe paper provides a chronology of life events that led Liberty Hyde Bailey to evolve from botanist/horticulturalists to one of America's most vocal proponents of agricultural and country life, culminating in the recommendation in 1909 that rural credit in the USA be developed along the lines of cooperative principles.Research limitations/implicationsThe biography is limited to issues of social science, culminating in 1915.Practical implicationsThe paper offers a historical perspective on conditions in agriculture in the early twentieth century and provides insights into how the present system of rural credit in the USA evolved.Originality/valueThis paper provides a historical perspective on US rural credit that is of use to students of rural credit in the USA while providing insights to students and scholars outside of the USA with a perspective on the evolution of US credit reform and cooperative credit.
The impact of board of director characteristics on Farm Credit Association performance
Authors: Gunderson Michael , Gloy Brent , Rodgers Chris 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify how board size and board member compensation impact the operating performance of Farm Credit Associations. Cooperatives are a unique business structure that might not have profit maximization as a goal. Thus measures of performance other than return on equity are used to establish the link.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses regression to explain the relationship between board characteristics and performance.FindingsThe results of the models of return on assets and equity indicated that board size and compensation explain little of the variability in performance in these profitability measures. The results of the models of operating efficiencies explained a greater proportion of the variability in the operating efficiency and operating expenses‐to‐average assets ratios. In both models the relationship exhibited diminishing returns to board size and per member compensation.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are based on just one year of performance, limiting the generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the size of boards of directors and director compensation.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study the impacts of boards of directors for cooperatives.
Factors affecting financial performance of new and beginning farmers
Authors: Mishra Ashok , Wilson Christine , Williams Robert 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors (farm, operator and household characteristics, along with farm type and regional location of the farm) affecting financial performance of new and beginning farmers and ranchers.Design/methodology/approachReturns on assets (ROA), a measure of financial performance widely used in the farm management literature, is the ratio of net farm income plus interest payment to total assets. This measure has been used by Gloy and LaDue and Gloy et al. to measure financial performance of farmers in New York. ROA is hypothesized to be a function of operator/farm characteristics and management strategies used to manage the farm. The independent variables hypothesized to affect the farm's financial performance encompass the following three areas: farm operator characteristics, farm characteristics such as production and marketing efficiency measures, and management strategies. All standard errors were adjusted for heteroscedasticity using the Huber–White sandwich robust variance estimator based on algorithms contained in STATA.FindingsResults from this study show that although there is an inverted U‐shaped relationship between age of the operator and financial performance, management strategies such as increasing the number of decision makers, engaging in value‐added farming, and having a written business plan can lead to higher financial performance.Originality/valueMore than 50 percent of current farmers are likely to retire in the next five years. US farmers over age 55 control more than half the farmland, while the number of new farmers replacing them has fallen since the Farm Crisis period, 1982‐1987. Paralleling this shift in production, agriculture is in a decline in overall farm numbers. Concern in many states arises because the loss adversely affects the future of family farms, the farm economy and healthy rural communities. Additionally, the rapid decline in the entry of new and young farmers is an indication of rising barriers to entry, resulting in calls from within the farming community for public policy measures designed to aid new and beginning farmers.
Agricultural, recreational and urban influences on agricultural land prices
Authors: Guiling Pamela , Doye Damona 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to determine the effects of agricultural, recreational and urban variables on Oklahoma land prices.Design/methodology/approachAn econometric model is estimated using price of agricultural land parcels as the dependent variable and independent variables representing agricultural, recreational and urban uses. Recreational variables include county‐level recreational income from Agricultural Census data as well as deer harvest for each county. Urban variables are functions of population and income for each county. The agricultural variables include rainfall as well as crop returns for cropland and cattle prices for pasture.FindingsAgricultural variables are the most important, followed by urban and then recreational variables. Transaction prices are higher than commonly used land‐value survey data. The major recreational variable is deer harvest, which is more important in small tracts. The value of pasture is now greater than cropland. Small tract sizes receive substantial premiums.Research limitations/implicationsAgriculture is still an important part of the Oklahoma economy, so the findings might differ in more densely populated states. As with most econometric models, there are possible biases due to errors in measurement or missing explanatory variables.Practical implicationsThe paper provides information that could be used by those wanting to estimate land value or wanting to manage land to increase its value.Originality/valueThe paper differs from previous work in both variables considered and the data used. Also, most previous work has not as directly addressed the issue of the relative importance of agricultural, recreational and urban variables.
Developing the leaders of tomorrow in Abbey, part of the Santander Group
Authors: Dytham‐Ward Michele 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to focus on the development of senior leaders within Abbey, part of the Santander Group. A strong leadership pipeline is essential to feed the succession plans into the executive roles; it is a critical strategic goal to ensure the continued health and strength of the bank. The paper aims to examine the introduction of a development and mobility process designed to achieve this goal and maximise the internal talent at the senior leader level (the “Band D” population).Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the six stages of the Band D development and mobility process. It covers how each stage is implemented within the organisation, from one‐to‐one interaction with line managers, through to the provision of targeted development opportunities. It explores the critical vehicle of the development and mobility committee; in which Band D leaders are individually “presented” by a sponsoring director. The potential outputs of the committee include on‐job and formal development opportunities and functional or geographic role moves across the bank. The paper also examines the critical next steps.FindingsThe paper highlights the qualitative successes of key elements of the new process. It also shows how the process is tracked through key performance indicators to measure the link between the investment and the delivery of tangible business benefits.Originality/valueThe paper gives a practical insight into a structured process for developing talent.
RX for excessive turnover: lessons in communicating a vision (part 1)
Authors: Appelbaum Steven H. , Carrière David , Abi Chaker Marwan , Benmoussa Kamal , Elghawanmeh Basim , Shash Suzanna 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate causes of high staff turnover among production workers at a large‐scale retail case meat processor.Design/methodology/approachThree hypotheses were developed to investigate six independent variables as possible factors of high job turnover. The research is based on a two‐step process consisting of a literature review and field research. The literature review served to establish empirical links among the variables and construct an appropriate questionnaire for the field research. The field research consisted of 38 employees (out of 475) completing a 41‐question survey. Individual interviews were also conducted with 20 of the 38 respondents. The paper is an empirically based case analysis.FindingsThe results demonstrate that the employees' organizational commitment affects employee turnover. The findings also suggest that organizational commitment can be improved through increased effective communication between management and employees and ensuring that the organization's vision is shared and understood by employees. The link between job satisfaction and turnover was not supported by the research.Research limitations/implicationsSample size was affected due to the limited availability of employees during production hours. Increased sample size would allow further investigation within specific departments and shifts. Additional research could also have been done on how the company's HR policy mandated from their US head office fits the needs of a Canadian based workforce.Originality/valueThe paper provides insight on the causes of employee turnover and low organizational commitment. The paper recommends four actions to address communication and vision sharing to improve organizational commitment and ultimately turnover.
Business administration training seminar for public sector executives: implementation and evaluation
Authors: Katharaki M. , Prachalias C. , Linardakis M. , Kioulafas K. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe paper aims to define the mission, characteristics, objectives and evaluation processes concerning a specific training seminar entitled “Business administration for public sector executives”. Furthermore, the research intends to underline the evaluation criteria, set by trainees and training officers as necessary in order to maximize the seminar's overall impact on all those involved.Design/methodology/approachThe seminar was organized by the University of Athens, Greece, in order to contribute to the continuing education of public sector executives in the field of business administration. The educational methodology was based on adult education principles and the evaluation included the preparation, development, and delivery phases. The seminar's effectiveness was assessed based on predetermined criteria and parameters using methods such as questionnaires, comments, observation and team discussions.FindingThrough this process the seminar's strengths and weaknesses were revealed by making use of quantitative analysis methodological tools, such as statistics and econometric prototypes. The trainees' overall response to the seminar was “measured” and the results proved the high‐calibre structure and content of the seminar sessions. The trainees stated that the seminar offered key essential knowledge and aided in skill development; furthermore, they expressed their willingness to attend further lifelong‐learning seminars.Practical implicationsThe criteria set forth by trainees and training officers alike could pave the way for a new approach to lifelong learning/training seminar design, implementation, and evaluation in the short‐term future.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the assessment criteria that offer meaningful insight into the participants' perceived level of seminar‐related satisfaction and can potentially be utilised for the design of future seminars.
Green management and financial performance: a literature review
Authors: Molina‐Azorín José F. , Claver‐Cortés Enrique , López‐Gamero Maria D. , Tarí Juan J. 
Published: July 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to carry out a literature review of the quantitative studies that have analyzed the impact of green management on financial performance.Design/methodology/approachAn examination of the literature was undertaken to review the quantitative studies that analyze the influence of environmental management on financial performance. A total of 32 studies were identified, examining the environmental variables used, the financial performance variables, the statistical analyses, and the main findings obtained by these studies.FindingsResults are mixed, but studies where a positive impact of environment on financial performance is obtained are predominant. In addition, the findings show that the set of firms, industries and countries are varied. Some studies use environmental management variables and other works employ environmental performance variables, and regression analysis prevails.Research limitations/implicationsThe study does not consider studies that analyze the influence of environmental management on environmental performance. Implications for future research are suggested.Practical implicationsThe paper offers interesting implications for managers, pointing out that a real commitment to green management may result in a positive influence on financial performance.Originality/valueThe findings are derived from an exhaustive literature review of quantitative studies that have studied the green management‐financial performance link. In addition, ideas for improving future research in this field are provided.