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Influential Factors (influential + factor)
Selected AbstractsEfficient versus Responsive Supply Chain Choice: An Empirical Examination of Influential FactorsTHE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 6 2003Taylor R. Randall Contemporary strategies in operations management suggest that successful firms align supply chain assets with product demand characteristics in order to exploit the profit potential of product lines fully. However, observation suggests that supply chain assets often are longer lived than product line decisions. This suggests that alignment between supply chain assets and demand characteristics is most likely to occur at the time of initial market entry. This article examines the association between product demand characteristics and the initial investment in a supply chain at the time of market entry. We characterize supply chains as responsive or efficient. A responsive supply chain is distinguished by short production lead-times, low set-up costs, and small batch sizes that allow the responsive firm to adapt quickly to market demand, but often at a higher unit cost. An efficient supply chain is distinguished by longer production lead-times, high set-up costs, and larger batch sizes that allow the efficient firm to produce at a low unit cost, but often at the expense of market responsiveness. We hypothesize that a firm's choice of responsive supply chain will be associated with lower industry growth rates, higher contribution margins, higher product variety, and higher demand or technological uncertainty. We further hypothesize that interactions among these variables either can reinforce or can temper the main effects. We report that lower industry growth rates are associated with responsive market entry, but this effect is offset if growth occurs during periods of high variety and high demand uncertainty. We report that higher contribution margins are associated with responsive market entry and that this effect is more pronounced when occurring with periods of high variety. Finally, we report that responsive market entry also is correlated positively with higher technological demand uncertainty. These results are found using data from the North American mountain bike industry. [source] Effect of the preparation conditions on the permeation of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene/silicon dioxide hybrid membranesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Nana Li Abstract Porous ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene/SiO2 membranes were prepared by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) with white mineral oil as the diluent and SiO2 as an additive. Influential factors, including extraction method, SiO2 content, and cooling rate, were investigated. The results suggest that the both porosity and pure water flux of the membranes by extraction of the solvent naphtha in the tension state with alcohol were the best among our research. With increasing SiO2 content, the porosity, pure water flux, and pore diameter increased. However, with excessive SiO2 content, defects formed easily. Moreover, SiO2 improved the pressure resistance of the membranes. The cooling rate directly effected the crystal structure. A slow cooling rate was good for crystal growth and the integration of the diluent. Therefore, the porosity, pure water flux, and bubble-point pore diameter increased with decreasing cooling rate. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] Cagelike polymer microspheres with hollow core/porous shell structuresJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 5 2007Xiaodong He Abstract Submicron-scaled cagelike polymer microspheres with hollow core/porous shell were synthesized by self-assembling of sulfonated polystyrene (PS) latex particles at monomer droplets interface. The swelling of the PS latex particles by the oil phase provided a driving force to develop the hollow core. The latex particles also served as porogen that would disengage automatically during polymerization. Influential factors that control the morphology of the microspheres, including the reserving time of emulsions, polymerization rate, and the Hildebrand solubility parameter and polarity of the oil phase, were studied. A variety of monomers were polymerized into microspheres with hollow core/porous shell structure and microspheres with different diameters and pore sizes were obtained. The polymer microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 933,941, 2007 [source] Genetic Data and the Listing of Species Under the U.S. Endangered Species ActCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007SYLVIA M. FALLON Acta de Especies en Peligro de E. U. A.; decisiones de enlistado; segmento poblacional distinto Abstract:,Genetic information is becoming an influential factor in determining whether species, subspecies, and distinct population segments qualify for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Nevertheless, there are currently no standards or guidelines that define how genetic information should be used by the federal agencies that administer the act. I examined listing decisions made over a 10-year period (February 1996,February 2006) that relied on genetic information. There was wide variation in the genetic data used to inform listing decisions in terms of which genomes (mitochondrial vs. nuclear) were sampled and the number of markers (or genetic techniques) and loci evaluated. In general, whether the federal agencies identified genetic distinctions between putative taxonomic units or populations depended on the type and amount of genetic data. Studies that relied on multiple genetic markers were more likely to detect distinctions, and those organisms were more likely to receive protection than studies that relied on a single genetic marker. Although the results may, in part, reflect the corresponding availability of genetic techniques over the given time frame, the variable use of genetic information for listing decisions has the potential to misguide conservation actions. Future management policy would benefit from guidelines for the critical evaluation of genetic information to list or delist organisms under the Endangered Species Act. Resumen:,La información genética se está convirtiendo en un factor influyente para determinar sí una especie, subespecie y segmentos poblacionales distintos califican para ser protegidos por el Acta de Especies en Peligro de E. U. A. Sin embargo, actualmente no hay estándares o lineamientos que definan como deben utilizar información genética las agencias federales que administran el acta. Examiné las decisiones de enlistado basadas en información genética tomadas en un período de 10 años (febrero 1996,febrero 2006). Hubo una amplia variación en los datos genéticos utilizados para informar las decisiones de enlistado en términos de cuáles genomas (mitocondrial vs. nuclear) fueron muestreados y el número de marcadores (o técnicas genéticas) y los loci evaluados. En general, las agencias federales identificaron diferencias genéticas entre unidades taxonómicas putativas o poblaciones dependiendo del tipo y cantidad de datos genéticos. Los estudios que se basaron en marcadores genéticos múltiples tuvieron mayor probabilidad de identificar distinciones, y esos organismos tuvieron mayor probabilidad de recibir protección, que los estudios basados en un solo marcador genético. Aunque los resultados pueden, en parte, reflejar la disponibilidad de técnicas genéticas para decisiones de enlistado en el período analizado, el uso variable de información genética para la toma de decisiones puede desinformar acciones de conservación. Las políticas de manejo futuras se beneficiarían de directrices para la evaluación crítica de información genética para enlistar o quitar de la lista a organismos bajo el Acta de Especies en Peligro. [source] ,It'll never happen to me': understanding public awareness of local flood riskDISASTERS, Issue 2 2008Kate Burningham Following the severe flood events of 1998 and 2000, the United Kingdom's Environment Agency prioritised the need to increase public flood risk awareness. Drawing on data collected during research undertaken for the Environment Agency, this paper contributes to understanding of one aspect of flood awareness: people's recognition that their property is in an area that is potentially at risk of flooding. Quantitative analyses indicate that class is the most influential factor in predicting flood risk awareness, followed by flood experience and length of time in residence. There are also significant area differences. Our qualitative work explores how those defined as ,at risk' account for their lack of awareness or concern about their risk status. We conclude that the problem is often not simply a lack of awareness, but rather, assessments of local risk based on experience that underestimate the impact of rare or extreme events. We underline the importance of engaging with local perspectives on risk and making local people part of ,awareness-raising' processes. [source] Is water temperature an adequate predictor of recruitment success in cyprinid fish populations in lowland rivers?FRESHWATER BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003A. D. Nunn SUMMARY 1. Higher than average ambient water temperature in the first year of life may be responsible for strong cohorts of adult cyprinid fish. Whilst temperature explains much of the variation in year-class strength (YCS), however, it is not the only influential factor as high temperature does not inevitably yield strong year-classes. Furthermore, years in which a strong year-class is prevalent in one species do not necessarily result in strong year-classes in other coexisting species, suggesting other biotic and abiotic factors are important in regulating recruitment success. 2. The relationships between water temperature, river discharge, the position of the Gulf Stream, 0-group fish growth and recruitment success (YCS) were examined in three cyprinid fish species in an English lowland river, using a 15-year data set. 3. Mean length of 0-group fish at the end of the summer was positively correlated with water temperature (cumulative degree-days >12 °C) and negatively correlated with river discharge (cumulative discharge-days above basal discharge rate). Water temperature was negatively correlated with river discharge. 4. YCS was positively correlated with mean 0-group fish length at the end of the summer and with the position of the North Wall of the Gulf Stream. 5. 'Critical periods' (i.e. periods in the first summer of life when fish may be more susceptible to increases in river discharge) were difficult to discern because of interannual variations in river discharge relative to the timing of fish hatching. YCS of roach and chub was most strongly correlated with discharge in the period from June to September inclusive, while YCS of dace was most significantly correlated with discharge in August. 6. River discharge (rather than water temperature) may be the key factor in determining YCS, either directly (through discharge-induced mortality) or indirectly (via reduced growth at lower water temperatures, discharge-associated increases in energy expenditure or reduced food availability). It could be that, in effect, water temperature determines potential YCS while discharge determines realised YCS. [source] The influence of some different factors on the accuracy of shade selectionJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 9 2004H. Dagg summary, The purpose of this study was to elucidate some of the factors on which accurate shade taking depends. Custom shade tabs (0·5, 1·0 and 1·5 mm porcelain thickness) were fabricated from selected Vita and Shofu porcelains. Four main factors were investigated, namely, the difference between the two types of porcelain used, the effect of light quality, the effect of porcelain thickness and the experience of the observer. The chi-square test for independence at a probability level of P < 0·05 was used to analyse the results. The results indicated that in ideal light there was no difference between the two porcelains (P=0·58). The experienced observers proved better than the novice observers in ideal light conditions (P=0·003). Thickness was also significant in the overall results (P=0·0001), in that thicker samples gave more accurate results. The results indicate that in adverse light, there was an overall difference between the two porcelains (P=0·046), but no difference between the experienced and novice observers. The thickness made no difference to the experienced or the novice observer in adverse light. These results indicate that the most influential factor on shade taking was the light quality (P < 0·0001); better results were obtained overall for the ideal light situation. In ideal light thicker samples gave better results (P=0·0001). [source] Models of influence in chronic liver diseaseLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2010Amnon Sonnenberg Abstract Background & Aims: Liver disease is often characterized by an intricate network of multiple, simultaneously interacting factors with organ-specific, as well as systemic effects. The aim of the present study is to introduce a new mathematical model on how to weigh a variety of factors contributing to chronic liver disease by the relevance of their influence on the overall disease processes. Methods: Liver disease is modelled as the interaction of multiple internal and external factors. Each factor can potentially interact with any of the other factors in the model. The strength of interactions is expressed as per cent. The sum of all interactions contributing to each individual factor adds up to 100%. This model corresponds mathematically to a transposed Markov matrix. The analysis uses the two examples of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Results: Impaired liver function is the most influential factor and increases in relevance as the degree of hepatic fibrosis increases. The relative importance of treating the primary disease process (HCV or AIH) diminishes as fibrosis develops. Similarly, psychosocial factors become less important with disease progression. Liver transplant is most important for Child's C cirrhosis. It is relatively influential for the early phase of AIH but not HCV, reflecting the fact that some cases of non-cirrhotic AIH can progress rapidly to acute liver failure. Conclusion: In a disease process characterized by a large array of multiple interacting factors, the decision tool of a transposed Markov chain helps to sort the contributing factors by the magnitude of their influence. [source] The Effects of Pain and Depression on Physical Functioning in Elderly Residents of a Continuing Care Retirement CommunityPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2000Jana M. Mossey PhD Objective., Explore the relationships between pain, depression, and functional disability in elderly persons. Design.,A cross-sectional, observational study of 228 independently living retirement community residents. Methods., Self-report measures of pain (adaptation of McGill Pain Questionnaire), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS]) and physical functioning (Physical performance difficulties, activities of daily living [ADL], independent activities of daily living [IADL], and 3-meter walking speed) were employed. Outcome Measures.,Physical functioning variables were dichotomized. Individuals in the lowest quartiles of functional performance and of walking speed were contrasted to all others; for ADL and IADL, those needing some help were compared with those independent in activities. Results., Pain and depression levels were strongly related to physical performance; depression levels were related to ADL and walking speed. In multivariate analyses, an interaction effect was observed where the effects of pain were a function of level of depression. Individuals reporting activity-limiting pain and slightly elevated depressive symptom levels, sub-threshold depression, or major depression were significantly more likely (AOR 7.8; 95% CI, 3.07,20.03) than non-depressed persons to be in the lowest quartile of self-reported physical performance. Conclusions., While both pain and depression level affect physical performance, depressive symptoms rather than pain appear the more influential factor. When seeing elderly patients, identifying, evaluating, and treating both pain complaints and depressive symptoms and disorders may reduce functional impairment. [source] Processing characteristics and mechanical properties of metallocene catalyzed linear low-density polyethylene foams for rotational moldingPOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 4 2004E. Archer The object of this work is to assess the suitability of metallocene catalyzed linear low-density polyethylenes for the rotational molding of foams and to link the material and processing conditions to cell morphology and part mechanical properties (flexural and compressive strength). Through adjustments to molding conditions, the significant processing and physical material parameters that optimize metallocene catalyzed linear low-density polyethylene foam structure have been identified. The results obtained from an equivalent conventional grade of Ziegler-Natta catalyzed linear low-density polyethylene are used as a basis for comparison. The key findings of this study are that metallocene catalyzed LLDPE can be used in rotational foam molding to produce a foam that will perform as well as a Ziegler-Natta catalyzed foam and that foam density is by far the most influential factor over mechanical properties of foam. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:638,647, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers. [source] Experimentally generated footprints in sand: Analysis and consequences for the interpretation of fossil and forensic footprintsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, Issue 4 2010K. D'Août Abstract Fossilized footprints contain information about the dynamics of gait, but their interpretation is difficult, as they are the combined result of foot anatomy, gait dynamics, and substrate properties. We explore how footprints are generated in modern humans. Sixteen healthy subjects walked on a solid surface and in a layer of fine-grained sand. In each condition, 3D kinematics of the leg and foot were analyzed for three trials at preferred speed, using an infrared camera system. Additionally, calibrated plantar pressures were recorded. After each trial in sand, the depth of the imprint was measured under specific sites. When walking in sand, subjects showed greater toe clearance during swing and a 7° higher knee yield during stance. Maximal pressure was the most influential factor for footprint depth under the heel. For other foot zones, a combination of factors correlates with imprint depth, with pressure impulse (the pressure-time integral) gaining importance distally, at the metatarsal heads and the hallux. We conclude that footprint topology cannot be related to a single variable, but that different zones of the footprint reflect different aspects of the kinesiology of walking. Therefore, an integrated approach, combining anatomical, kinesiological, and substrate-mechanical insights, is necessary for a correct interpretation. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Genetic variants in cell cycle control pathway confer susceptibility to bladder cancerCANCER, Issue 11 2008Yuanqing Ye PhD Abstract BACKGROUND Cell cycle checkpoint regulation is crucial for the prevention of carcinogenesis in mammalian cells. METHODS To test the hypothesis that common sequence variants in the cell cycle control pathway may affect bladder cancer susceptibility, the effects of a panel of 10 potential functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 7 cell cycle control genes, P53, P21, P27, CDK4, CDK6, CCND1, and STK15, were evaluated on bladder cancer risk in a case-control study of 696 bladder cancer cases and 629 healthy controls. RESULTS Overall, on individual SNP analysis only individuals with the p53 intron 3 16-bp duplication polymorphism variant allele had a significantly reduced bladder cancer risk (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56,0.96). This effect was more evident in former smokers and younger subjects. We then applied the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) statistical approach to explore the high-order gene-gene and gene-smoking interactions. In the CART analysis, smoking status was identified as the most influential factor for bladder cancer susceptibility. The final decision tree by CART contained 6 terminal nodes. Compared with the second-lowest risk group the ORs for terminal nodes 1 and 3 to 6 ranged from 0.46 to 6.30. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that cell cycle genetic polymorphisms may affect bladder cancer predisposition through modulation of host genome stability and confirm the importance of studying gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in bladder cancer risk assessment. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society. [source] Emotional issues after kidney transplantation: a prospective psychotherapeutic studyCLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2002Lyndsay S Baines Abstract:,Background:, Negative emotional states are the single most influential factor in determining quality of life after a successful kidney transplant. We designed a prospective study using psychotherapeutic principles to understand and intervene in emotional issues in adult recipients of first cadaver kidney transplants. Methods:, Forty-nine recipients of first cadaver kidney transplants were subjected to 12 sessions (at weekly intervals) of psychotherapy within 3 months of receiving their transplant. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was utilized as a measure of change in emotional state, pretherapy, at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. A higher score on BDI was suggestive of psychological dysfunction. In the first instance, data was analysed within a quantitative framework, by virtue of the BDI. In the second instance, data was considered in terms of recurring themes described by patients during psychotherapy and was analysed qualitatively. In the third instance, both qualitative and quantitative data was considered in terms of individual patient's ability to achieve some feeling of having implemented some social, relational and vocational equilibrium into their everyday life. Recipients of live kidneys, paediatric transplants and patients who received more than one transplant were excluded, as emotional issues are different in this cohort of patients. All patients have completed 1 yr of follow up. None of the patients were on antidepressant medication before or after therapy. Results:, This is an ongoing study in which we are comparing individual vs. group therapy vs. controls (who receive no therapy). The total number of patients recruited will be 120 and the final report will be available in 2003,04. The results reported in this paper form the 49 patients in the individual arm of the study. All the patients in our study happened to be white people. There was significant improvement in the BDI scores following therapy. The mean score was 26.3 ± 7.9 before and 20.5 ± 8.8 after therapy (p = 0.001); the lowering of the scores remained sustained at 12 months. Multivariate analysis of age, gender, employment status, duration of dialysis (if in dialysis for more than 3 yrs) and psychotherapy given before transplantation did not affect the results of our study. For the qualitative aspect of the study, we grouped the emotional problems as expressed by the patients into three recurring themes (i) fear of rejection, (ii) feelings of paradoxical loss post-transplant despite having received a successful transplant and (iii) the psychological integration of the newly acquired kidney. Conclusions:, Psychotherapeutic intervention was an effective means of addressing emotional problems in recipients of kidney transplants. The recurring themes as identified above provided a baseline for psychotherapeutic exploration and resolution of these issues. Successful resolution of these issues was associated with lower BDI scores and the redefinition of normality in daily living post-transplant. [source] Capturing Flow in the Business ClassroomDECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 2 2008Yi Maggie Guo ABSTRACT This study focuses on the flow experience in business education. Flow experience, characterized by concentration, control, and enjoyment, can lead to better learning outcomes. Leading preconditions of flow include the balance of challenge and skill, feedback, and goal clarity. Other situational factors affect the flow experience through the mediating effects of these three factors. In this article, we extend an existing framework linking flow and learning. Using the model as a guide, we start our research effort of flow in business education by conducting a field survey of student learning experience in terms of flow and influential factors. Data were collected using business students taking an introductory Operations Management course. The analysis reveals that flow does exist in classroom learning. Its key dimensions are concentration, sense of control, and enjoyment. The more important leading factor is having clear feedback. Characteristics of both the instructor and students play a role in the flow experience of students during lecture. It is evident that flow theory offers a useful framework for business education research. Suggestions for future research are made. [source] Fish assemblages as influenced by environmental factors in streams in protected areas of the Czech RepublicECOLOGY OF FRESHWATER FISH, Issue 1 2006M. Humpl Abstract,,, Three streams of comparable size located in different landscape-protected areas were selected for studying the effect of environmental factors on fish assemblages using indirect (detrended correspondence analysis, DCA) and direct (canonical correspondence analysis, CCA) gradient analysis. DCA of species showed well a gradient of assemblage changes in the longitudinal profile. DCA of sites stressed the variability between the fish assemblages of the three streams. This pattern was then confirmed by the highly significant between-stream CCA. In the within-site CCA, environmental factors explained 50.7% variability for presence,absence data and 58.3% for the relative abundance data. The analysis revealed that number of ponds and land use are the most influential factors of the strongest environmental gradient. However, in the partial CCAs, factor substratum type explained the largest proportion of the variability affecting fish in their habitat choice. Generally, presence,absence and relative abundance data of fish gave similar results in both DCA and CCA analyses; the same environmental factors proved to be important in both data type analyses. The environmental factors explain more variability than the regional (between-stream) one. The total proportion of variability explained by the presence,absence data analysis was 71.9% and in the relative abundance analysis even 80.8%. The environmental factors measured during the field survey explain 2.1- and 3.4-times more assemblages' variability than factors measured from a hydrological map. Resumen 1. Tres ríos de tamaño comparable localizados en diferentes áreas de paisaje protegido de la República Checa fueron seleccionados para estudiar el efecto de factores ambientales sobre los ensamblajes de peces. Para ello, utilizando análisis de gradientes indirectos (DCA) y directos (CCA). 2. El DCA para las especies enfatizó la variabilidad entre los ensamblajes de peces de los tres ríos. Este patrón fue confirmado por un CCA altamente significativo. Para la variabilidad dentro de la localidad, un CCA reveló que los factores ambientales explicaron un 50.7% para datos de presencia-ausencia y un 58.3% para las abundancias relativas. 3. Los análisis revelaron que el número de pozas y el uso del suelo fueron los factores de mayor influencia en el gradiente ambiental. Sin embargo, en el CCA parcial, el tipo de sustrato explicó la mayor proporción de la variabilidad que afecta a los peces en la elección de hábitat. 4. Generalmente los datos de presencia-ausencia y abundancia relativa produjeron resultados similares tanto en los análisis DCA como en los CCA; los mismos factores ambientales probaron ser importantes en los análisis de ambos tipos de datos. Los factores ambientales explicaron mas variabilidad que los regionales (entre ríos). La proporción total de variabilidad explicada por el análisis de los datos de presencia-ausencia fue 71.9% mientras que para las abundancias relativas fue de 80.8%. Los factores ambientales medidos durante los muestreos de campo explicaron 2.1 y 3.4 veces mas variabilidad que los factores medidos sobre mapas hidrológicos. [source] Two variable semi-empirical and artificial neural-network-based modeling of peptide mobilities in CZE: The effect of temperature and organic modifier concentrationELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 5 2009Stefan Mittermayr Abstract This work was focused on investigating the effects of two separation influencing parameters in CZE, namely temperature and organic additive concentration upon the electrophoretic migration properties of model tripeptides. Two variable semi-empirical (TVSE) models and back-propagation artificial neural networks (ANN) were applied to predict the electrophoretic mobilities of the tripeptides with non-polar, polar, positively charged, negatively charged and aromatic R group characteristics. Previously published work on the subject did not account for the effect of temperature and buffer organic modifier concentration on peptide mobility, in spite of the fact that both were considered to be influential factors in peptide analysis. In this work, a substantial data set was generated consisting of actual electrophoretic mobilities of the model tripeptides in 30,mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.5, at 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C and at four different organic additive containing running buffers (0, 5, 10 and 15% MeOH) applying two electric field strengths (12 and 16,kV) to assess our mobility predicting models. Based on the Arrhenius plots of natural logarithm of mobility versus reciprocal absolute temperature of the various experimental setups, the corresponding activation energy values were derived and evaluated. Calculated mobilities by TVSE and back-propagation ANN models were compared with each other and to the experimental data, respectively. Neural network approaches were able to model the complex impact of both temperature and organic additive concentrations and resulted in considerably higher predictive power over the TVSE models, justifying that the effect of these two factors should not be neglected. [source] Physiological costs of the hearing due to noise exposure, additional physical stress, and combined exposure to alcohol and cigarette smokeHUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES, Issue 3 2002H. Strasser In 2 studies, each with 5 test series, physiological costs of the hearing due to legally tolerable noise exposures of 94 dB (A) for 1 hr have been measured audiometrically. The temporary threshold shifts (TTS) and their restitution time, as well as cardiovascular responses in work-related heart rate increases, of 10 and 8 subjects (Ss), respectively, could be shown to be modulated by additional physical stress and combined exposure to alcohol (Study 1) and cigarette smoke (Study 2). Moderate dynamic muscle work (50 W) administered via a bicycle ergometer either immediately after noise, or simultaneous to the noise exposure, significantly reduced restitution time as well as the integrated restitution temporary threshold shift (IRTTS). A physical stress to 100 W,which exceeded the endurance level when demanded simultaneously to the noise exposure,did not show any favorable effects. However, if the same physical stress succeeded the noise exposure, and when it was interrupted several times for the audiometric measurements, it also brought about significant accelerations of the restitution processes. Some reductions in physiological costs of the hearing were found due to an intervening alcohol consumption (blood alcohol concentration , 0.08%) prior to the noise exposure and a simultaneous physical load of 50 W. Smoking 10 cigarettes instead of the consumption of alcohol was associated with a reduced TTS, but a prolonged restitution time. IRTTS as total physiological costs of the most unfavorable combination of noise, simultaneous high physical workload, and preceding smoke exposure was increased. The results of the test series with cigarette smoke,probably due to the small group of just 8 Ss and the counteracting effects of the agents carbon monoxide (CO) and nicotine,were not statistically significant, but these exposures were associated with a substantial activation of the cardiovascular system. Significant heart rate increases are evidence that CO and nicotine must not be neglected as influential factors in the context of physiological costs that the organism, and especially the hearing, has to pay for noise exposures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] A quadrilateral thin shell element based on area co-ordinate for explicit dynamic analysisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2003Zhu Yaqun Abstract The mechanism of explicit dynamic finite element method for shell deformation analysis and the key influential factors on computation precision and efficiency are briefly described. A new area co-ordinate-based quadrilateral thin shell element is put forward and combined with the co-rotational theory and velocity strain formulation in the shell stress and strain analysis. A new local co-ordinate system is constructed in which normal vector is much closer to the material axis. The more accurate integration can be obtained and the hourglass control is avoided. Therefore simulation precision and efficiency of thin shells are improved. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An MDE modeling framework for measurable goal-oriented requirementsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, Issue 8 2010Fernando Molina It is a proved fact that the appropriate management of requirements is one of the most influential factors in the success of software development projects. With the advent of the model-driven engineering (MDE) development paradigm, the need for formal gathering mechanisms, which provide the necessary degree of nonambiguity and detail, has led to the proposal of a myriad of requirements metamodels. However, a great disparity exists, both in the concepts/relationships and in the underlying semantics involved in each metamodel. Moreover, most existing proposals lack backward (e.g., alignment with business goals) or forward (e.g., connection with validation methods) traceability. In view of this situation, this article proposes a "measurable requirements metamodel" that offers support to the elicitation of measurable requirements. This support is based on the explicit connection of goals, requirements, and measures, thus fostering a goal-driven measurable requirements engineering (RE) perspective. Additionally, since it is well known that metamodels only reflect the abstract syntax of the modeling language, the proposed metamodel also includes a notation (concrete syntax) which, for reasons of understandability, is based on the goal-oriented requirements language (GRL) notation. This notation is supported by a unified modeling language (UML) profile that facilitates its adoption by RE analysts in the context of any UML-based software engineering process. To support this proposal, an Eclipse tool has been developed. This tool permits the integration of measurable requirements as a driving force in the context of a given MDE development process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Facilitating best practice in aged care: exploring influential factors through critical incident techniqueINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OLDER PEOPLE NURSING, Issue 3 2009Nadine Janes GNC(C) Aim., The focus of this study is on the perspective of facilitators of evidence-based aged care in long-term care (LTC) homes about the factors that influence the outcome of their efforts to encourage nursing staff use of best practice knowledge. Design., Critical incident technique was used to examine facilitators' experiences. Methods., Thirty-four participants submitted critical incident stories about their facilitation experiences through face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, and/or a web-based written questionnaire. The resultant 123 stories were analysed using an inductive qualitative approach. Results., Factors at individual and contextual levels impacted the success of facilitators' work. The approaches and traits of facilitators as well as the emotionality and intellectual capacity of nursing staff were the individual factors of influence. On a contextual level, the inherent leadership, culture, and workload demands within LTC homes, as well as externally imposed standards were influential. Conclusions., Primary factors influencing the facilitation of best aged care in LTC homes appear to be largely relational in nature and intimately connected to the emotionality of those who work within these settings. Enhancing the interactional patterns amongst staff and leaders as well as promoting a positive emotional climate may be particularly effective in promoting better aged care nursing practice. [source] Determination of %polyvinyl alcohol in vinyl acetate-alcohol resins by quantitative near infrared spectroscopic analysisADVANCES IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY, Issue 1 2010S. H. Patel Abstract A number of vinyl acetate-alcohol resins (VAAR) samples were collected during partial hydrolysis of poly(vinyl acetate) at different conversions levels (<30%). Using these VAAR samples with known OH (hydroxyl) content, it has been demonstrated that near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic data produced a near perfect fit for the calibration of OH content. A 4-factor partial least-squares method was employed and gave the best results. Further work also confirmed that NIR, operating at a well-controlled environment, is able to quantify, with great precision, the OH content of the selected model compound. In the case for the OH content analysis of VAAR resins, solvent mix ratio (methyl acetate: methanol) and temperature have been identified to be the two most influential factors on the analytical results. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 29:1,10, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20166 [source] Development of a correlation to study parameters affecting nitrification in a domestic wastewater treatment plantJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2008Gulnur Coskuner Abstract BACKGROUND: Nitrification performance of an activated sludge reactor treating weak domestic wastewater was investigated for 11 months. Ammonia nitrogen removals were investigated as a function of wastewater composition and operational conditions. Backward elimination experimental design was used to determine the influence of the most important independent variables on NH3 -N removal efficiencies. Influent ammonia and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) concentrations, hydraulic retention time (HRT), mixed liquid suspended solids (MLSS), temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration were considered as independent variables. This study aimed to find the most important parameters to describe nitrification performance. RESULTS: The presence of nitrification was confirmed by ammonia and nitrate variations throughout the reactor; ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) populations were determined using a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method. MLSS concentration, influent BOD5 concentration and temperature were found to be the most influential factors on nitrification performance. The empirical correlation using multiple linear regressions was statistically significant and produced an adjusted coefficient of multiple determinations (R2adj) of 92.5%. CONCLUSION: Correlation provides a good understanding of the various parameters that affect the nitrification process, and could be extended to other case studies. Using these results, operators can apply proper operational strategies to maintain nitrification in wastewater treatment plants. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Decision-making needs of patients with depression: a descriptive studyJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 4 2008D. STACEY rn mscn phd The study's purpose was to explore the decision-making needs of patients considering treatment options for their depression. Semi-structured interviews were guided by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework. Of 94 participants, 67 were uncertain about their decision. Common decisions identified were whether or not to take medications, attend support groups, undergo electroconvulsive therapy, and location of care. Those feeling certain were more likely to have made a decision (RR 1.37; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.78). However, 40 patients who had ,made a decision' in the recent past were uncertain about their decision. Compared with those who were certain, the uncertain group felt less informed (2.65 vs. 1.64; P < 0.001), less supported (2.63 vs. 1.88; P < 0.001) and less clear about how they valued the benefits and risks of options (2.57 vs. 1.69; P < 0.001). Other influential factors included concerns about confidentiality, distress from depression, embarrassment, panic attacks and lack of energy. Few patients wanted to defer decision making to their physician (n = 8) or family (n = 1). To support decision making, participants identified the need for: discussions with their psychiatrist, nurse or family doctor; access to printed information; and information provided by health professionals and health societies. [source] Extensive reading in English: habits and attitudes of a group of Italian university EFL studentsJOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN READING, Issue 2 2001Belinda Crawford Camiciottoli Although extensive reading is now recognised as an important element of language instruction, it appears that EFL students specialising in business studies do little reading in English beyond course requirements. This study illustrates the findings of a survey of reading frequency and attitudes related to extensive reading in English. A questionnaire administered to 182 Italian EFL students at the University of Florence showed that even if frequency of reading in English is quite low, attitude towards it is clearly favourable. In addition, multiple regression analysis was used to determine potentially influential factors. Reading in Italian and experience abroad were significantly correlated with both reading frequency and attitude. The correlation between past access to English books and reading attitude approached the significance level. A negative correlation was found instead between the number of years of past English study and reading attitude. These findings are useful for defining appropriate instructional actions and identifying areas for further research, with the aim of more effectively promoting extensive reading in English. [source] Demographic Issues in Longevity Risk AnalysisJOURNAL OF RISK AND INSURANCE, Issue 4 2006Eric Stallard Fundamental to the modeling of longevity risk is the specification of the assumptions used in demographic forecasting models that are designed to project past experience into future years, with or without modifications based on expert opinion about influential factors not represented in the historical data. Stochastic forecasts are required to explicitly quantify the uncertainty of forecasted cohort survival functions, including uncertainty due to process variance, parameter errors, and model misspecification errors. Current applications typically ignore the latter two sources although the potential impact of model misspecification errors is substantial. Such errors arise from a lack of understanding of the nature and causes of historical changes in longevity and the implications of these factors for the future. This article reviews the literature on the nature and causes of historical changes in longevity and recent efforts at deterministic and stochastic forecasting based on these data. The review reveals that plausible alternative sets of forecasting assumptions have been derived from the same sets of historical data, implying that further methodological development will be needed to integrate the various assumptions into a single coherent forecasting model. Illustrative calculations based on existing forecasts indicate that the ranges of uncertainty for older cohorts' survival functions will be at a manageable level. Uncertainty ranges for younger cohorts will be larger and the need for greater precision will likely motivate further model development. [source] INFLUENCES OF WATERSHED URBANIZATION AND INSTREAM HABITAT ON MACROINVERTEBRATES IN COLD WATER STREAMS,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 5 2003Lizhu Wang ABSTRACT: We analyzed data from riffle and snag habitats for 39 small cold water streams with different levels of watershed urbanization in Wisconsin and Minnesota to evaluate the influences of urban land use and instream habitat on macroinvertebrate communities. Multivariate analysis indicated that stream temperature and amount of urban land use in the watersheds were the most influential factors determining macroinvertebrate assemblages. The amount of watershed urbanization was nonlinearly and negatively correlated with percentages of Ephemeroptera-Plecoptera-Trichoptera (EPT) abundance, EPT taxa, filterers, and scrapers and positively correlated with Hilsenhoff biotic index. High quality macroinvertebrate index values were possible if effective imperviousness was less than 7 percent of the watershed area. Beyond this level of imperviousness, index values tended to be consistently poor. Land uses in the riparian area were equal or more influential relative to land use elsewhere in the watershed, although riparian area consisted of only a small portion of the entire watershed area. Our study implies that it is extremely important to restrict watershed impervious land use and protect stream riparian areas for reducing human degradation on stream quality in low level urbanizing watersheds. Stream temperature may be one of the major factors through which human activities degrade cold-water streams, and management efforts that can maintain a natural thermal regime will help preserve stream quality. [source] Association of the C677T polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene with sudden sensorineural hearing loss,,§THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 4 2010Yasue Uchida MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: To investigate the recently reported association of the C677T polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), we analyzed data from a community-based Japanese population. Study Design: Nested case-control study. Methods: Among 2,174 adults (1,096 males and 1,078 females) aged 40 to 79 years old who participated in the National Institute for Longevity Sciences,Longitudinal Study of Aging, we compared 33 cases of prevalent SSNHL, defined as a self-reported otolaryngologist diagnosis, with the other cases. Multiple logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) for SSNHL in subjects with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, with adjustment for other possibly influential factors under additive, dominant, and recessive genetic models. Results: The per-allele ORs for SSNHL risk were 1.687 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.023,2.780) in model 1, with adjustment for age and sex, and 1.654 (CI, 1.003,2.728) in model 2, with adjustment for smoking status, body mass index, histories of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, in addition to the factors in model 1. In model 3, a significant association between SSNHL and the C677T polymorphism was observed under all genetic models independent of factors including folic acid and homocysteine, although there were only 25 cases and 1,677 controls due to the addition of moderating factors. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the T allele of MTHFR C677T could be associated with susceptibility to SSNHL, and even imply that this mutation could be a risk factor that is independent of blood folic acid and homocysteine. Laryngoscope, 2010 [source] Influence of anaesthesia resident training on the duration of three common surgical operationsANAESTHESIA, Issue 6 2009R. Hanss Summary We investigated the influence of resident training on anaesthesia workflow of three standard procedures , laparoscopic cholecystectomy, diagnostic gynaecological laparoscopy and transurethral prostate gland resection (TURP) , comparing 259 non-emergency resident vs 341 consultant cases from 20 German hospitals. Each hospital provided 10 random cases for each procedure, yielding 600 cases for analysis. Standard time intervals as documented in the hospital information system were: ,Case Time' (the time from the start of anaesthesia induction to discharge of the patient to the recovery area) and ,Anaesthesia Control Time' (which was the Case Time minus the time from the start of surgery to the end of surgical closure). Case Time was significantly shorter for consultants in all three procedures (p < 0.05, analysis of variance) and Anaesthesia Control Time shorter for consultants only in gynaecological laparoscopy and TURP. Patient comorbidity, patient age and geographical location of the hospital were not influential factors in the analysis of variance. We conclude that resident training significantly increases duration of elective operative times. [source] Applicant Considerations Associated with Selection of an Emergency Medicine Residency ProgramACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009Sara Laskey MD Abstract Objectives:, The primary objective of this study was to assess variables that residency applicants ranked as influential in making residency choices. The secondary objective was to determine if residents were satisfied with their residency choices. Methods:, A secondary analysis was performed on a cohort database from a stratified, random sampling of 322 emergency medicine (EM) residents collected in 1996,1998 and 2001,2004 from the American Board of Emergency Medicine Longitudinal Study on Emergency Medicine Residents (ABEM LSEMR). Residents rated the importance of 18 items in response to the question, "How much did each of the following factors influence your choice of residency program location?" The degree to which residents' programs met prior expectations and the levels of satisfaction with residency programs were also assessed. All analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics. Results:, Three-hundred twenty-two residents participated in the survey. Residents considered the following to be the most important variables: institutional reputation, hospital facilities, program director reputation, and spousal influence. Several geographic and gender differences were noted. Ninety percent (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86% to 93%) of residents surveyed in their final year answered that the residency program met or exceeded expectations. Seventy-nine percent (95% CI = 76% to 82%) of residents identified themselves as "highly satisfied" with their residency choice. Conclusions:, The most influential factors in residency choice are institutional and residency director reputation and hospital facilities. Personal issues, such as recreational opportunities and spousal opinion, are also important, but are less influential. Significant geographic differences affecting residency choices exist, as do minor gender differences. A majority of residents were highly satisfied overall with their residency choices. [source] Treatment decisions: A qualitative study with women with gynaecological cancerAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Milica MARKOVIC This qualitative study investigated women's participation in decisions regarding treatment of gynaecological cancer. Thirty women, receiving health care in two tertiary hospitals in Australia, were interviewed face-to-face. For women with gynaecological cancer, the most influential factors in treatment decisions are still the surgeon's recommendation and fear of dying from cancer. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||