Downsizing Survivors and their Post-Era Behavior

OpenAIRE

Karjalainen, Petra; Tyynelä, Jonna

2016-01-01

The interest towards managing structural change successfully through downsizing activities has increased as a result of globalization and the recent economic, technological and demographic changes occurring across Europe. As a result of downsizing activities companies often break a Psychological Contract that an employee has established with the organization when starting the employment contract. This results in employees experiencing negative feelings, lack of motivation, inability to re-mot...

Proof firm downsizing and diagnosis-specific disability pensioning in Norway.

Science.gov (United States)

Claussen, Bjørgulf; Næss, Øyvind; Reime, Leif Jostein; Leyland, Alastair H

2013-01-11

We wanted to investigate if firm downsizing is related to an increased rate of disability pensions among the former employed, especially for those with musculoskeletal and psychiatric diagnoses, and for those having to leave the firm. Statistics Norway provided a linked file with demographic information and all social security grants from the National Insurance Administration for 1992-2004 for all inhabitants in Norway. Our sample was aged 30-55 years in 1995, being alive, employed and not having a disability pension at the end of 2000. Downsizing was defined as percent change in number of employed per firm from 1995 to end 2000. Employment data were missing for 25.6% of the sample. Disability pension rates in the next four years were 25% higher for those experiencing a 30-59% downsizing than for those not experiencing a reduction of the workforce. 1-29% and 60-100% downsizing did not have this effect. Stayers following down-sizing had higher disability pension rates than leavers. What we have called complex musculoskeletal and psychiatric diagnoses were relatively most common. Moderate downsizing is followed by a significant increase in disability pension rates in the following four years, often with complex musculoskeletal and psychiatric diagnoses.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Methods of Hospitals' Downsizing: A Narrative Systematic Review

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yalda Mousazadeh

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Background:Hospitals as key actors in health systems face growing pressures especially cost cutting and search for cost-effective ways to resources management. Downsizing is one of these ways. This study was conducted to identify advantages and disadvantages of different methods of hospital' downsizing. Methods: The search was conducted in databases of Medlib, SID, Pub Med, Science Direct and Google Scholar Meta search engine by keywords of Downsizing, Hospital Downsizing, Hospital Rightsizing, Hospital Restructuring, Staff Downsizing, Hospital Merging, Hospital Reorganization and the Persian equivalents. Resulted 815 articles were studied and refined step by step. Finally, 27 articles were selected for analysis. Results: Five hospital downsizing methods were identified during searching. These methods were reducing the number of employees and beds, outsourcing, integration of hospital units, and the combination of these methods. The most important benefits were cost reduction, increasing patient satisfaction, increasing home care and outpatient services. The most important disadvantage included reducing access, reducing the rate of hospital admissions and increasing employees’ workload and dissatisfaction. Conclusion: Each downsizing method has strengths and weaknesses. Using different methods of downsizing, according to circumstances and applying appropriate interventions after implementation, is necessary for promotion.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Methods of Hospitals' Downsizing: A Narrative Systematic Review

Science.gov (United States)

Mousazadeh, Yalda; Jannati, Ali; Jabbari Beiramy, Hossein; AsghariJafarabadi, Mohammad; Ebadi, Ali

2013-01-01

Background: Hospitals as key actors in health systems face growing pres­sures especially cost cutting and search for costeffective ways to resources management. Downsizing is one of these ways. This study was conducted to identify advantages and disadvantages of different methods of hospital' downsizing. Methods:The search was conducted in databases of Medlib, SID, Pub Med, Science Direct and Google Scholar Meta search engine by keywords of Downsizing, Hospital Downsizing, Hospital Rightsizing, Hospital Restructuring, Staff Downsizing, Hospital Merging, Hospital Reorganization and the Persian equivalents. Resulted 815 articles were studied and refined step by step. Finally, 27 articles were selected for analysis. Results: Five hospital downsizing methods were identified during searching. These methods were reducing the number of employees and beds, outsourcing, integration of hospital units, and the combination of these methods. The most important benefits were cost reduction, increasing patient satisfaction, increasing home care and outpatient services. The most important disadvantage included reducing access, reducing the rate of hospital admissions and increasing employees’ workload and dissatisfaction. Conclusion: Each downsizing method has strengths and weaknesses. Using different methods of downsizing, according to circumstances and applying appropriate interventions after implementation, is necessary for promotion. PMID:24688978

"Kiss Dagwood Bumstead Goodbye": A Communication Perspective on Downsizing.

Science.gov (United States)

Hillmer, Barbara Hoehn; Violanti, Michelle T.

Although business organizations consider the financial and strategic implications of "downsizing" (a euphemism for what used to be called "layoffs"), they often neglect to consider the communication and human resource implications. Not only does downsizing affect the operational aspects of the restructured company, but also the…

How Much Is That in Dollars?: Costly International Downsizing

Science.gov (United States)

Renard, Monika; Tracy, Kay

2011-01-01

Economic downturns can lead companies doing business internationally to cut costs by reducing staff and/or closing subsidiaries. Efficiency in downsizing can put people and capital to their most effective use. This exercise educates students about country differences in labor termination practices, costs, legal requirements for downsizing, and…

Coping with Downsizing as a Writing and Editing Group.

Science.gov (United States)

Steve, Mike; Bigelow, Tom

1993-01-01

Maintains that writers and editors are likely candidates for downsizing within an organization. Notes that centralization-decentralization factors are valuable in addressing downsizing, as is knowledge of corporate management's point of view toward its investment in writing and editing. Offers five self-assessment scenarios to help prepare for the…

Organisational restructuring/downsizing, OHS regulation and worker health and wellbeing.

Science.gov (United States)

Quinlan, Michael

2007-01-01

A growing body of international evidence indicates that downsizing and related forms of organisational restructuring are having profound adverse effects on worker safety, health and wellbeing. In particular, evidence links downsizing to poorer mental health outcomes, including bullying and other forms of occupational violence. In Australia federal, state and territory occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation imposes obligations on employers who make changes to the workplace or work processes to identify hazards, undertake risk assessment, consult with employee representatives and take appropriate steps to manage any significant hazards that are identified, including psychosocial hazards. This study shows that while Australian regulators are aware of the problems posed by downsizing they have made only modest efforts to pursue compliance with legislative duties, producing some guidance material that refers to restructuring and workloads and launching a small number of prosecutions. At the same time, there is an increased willingness to address staffing levels and other impacts of downsizing (like working in isolation). Employer and union responses were also examined. The article concludes by identifying a number of initiatives that would enable regulators, unions and employers to address the problems posed by downsizing more effectively.

Firm downsizing and satisfaction among United States and European customers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Lewin, Jeffrey E.; Biemans, Wim; Ulaga, Wolfgang

This study examines the impact that downsizing of suppliers' sales and support personnel has on business customers' satisfaction. The study investigates what influence cultural differences may have on business customers' evaluations of satisfaction with and loyalty toward downsized suppliers. Survey

Aligning the down-sized organization for high performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cort, G.; Holsapple, K.

1997-12-31

The Quality Management Group (QMG) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory provides expert support to the Laboratory`s diverse programs, projects and facilities. Organized as an internal consulting group, the QMG furnishes comprehensive quality management services to requesting organizations throughout the Laboratory. Based upon the needs and expectations of the requester, these services range from classical quality control to regulatory compliance to process characterization and improvement, customer relationship management, information gathering and metrics. In September 1995 the Laboratory Director announced a downsizing effort targeted to reduce the Laboratory`s cost of doing business and thereby improve its competitiveness. The downsizing effort was targeted on support organizations--laboratory divisions, groups, programs, and projects chartered with operating the administrative infrastructure within which Los Alamos` technical programs function. This report discusses the downsizing, its aftermath, strategies for solutions to lower morale, initiatives, and results.

Downsizing: A Necessary Management Evil?

Science.gov (United States)

White, Raholanda

1992-01-01

Discusses the merits and methods of downsizing, the process of eliminating unnecessary costs and unprofitable operations from an organization, and examines commonly used, effective strategies that will minimize the hardship on both employers and employees. (JOW)

All about size? – The potential of downsizing in reducing energy demand

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Huebner, Gesche M.; Shipworth, David

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Building size has huge impact on residential energy consumption. • There is significant underoccupation in English homes, even in cities. • Huge energy savings are possible if people downsize (move into smaller homes). • Lack of alternative, smaller accommodation structural barrier to downsizing. - Abstract: Residential energy consumption is one of the main contributors to CO_2 emissions in the UK. One strategy aimed at reducing emissions is to increase retrofitting rates of buildings. In this paper, an alternative approach is discussed and its potential impact on energy use assessed, that of downsizing (moving to smaller homes). Reviews of previous research show that a wide range of what can be termed psychological barriers exist to downsizing, such as the loss of ownership and independence, concern about what to do with possessions, not having enough space for visitors, and attachment to one’s home. Benefits of downsizing from a personal perspective are economic, with lower bills and/or rent, release of capital, lower maintenance costs, and also potential lifestyle improvements including living in easier-to-maintain and more age-appropriate housing. Wider societal benefits include the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption, and mitigating the housing crisis in cities where not enough properties are available. Empirical analysis on a nationally representative sample in England showed that building size alone accounts for 24% of the variability in energy consumption (compared to 11% of household size). If single-person households with more than two bedrooms downsized by one bedroom, energy-savings of 8% could be achieved, and if single-person households occupied only one bedroom, savings of 27%. Data also showed a significant amount of underoccupation, with almost two-thirds of households having more bedrooms than considered necessary compared to the bedroom-standard. However, analysis also revealed a structural barrier to

Organizational Downsizing and Career Development.

Science.gov (United States)

Bozionelos, Nikos

2001-01-01

A study of 123 "survivors" of corporate downsizing and 13 senior managers indicated that the organization lacked a coherent career development plan and the performance management/appraisal process was inadequate. Managers perceived lateral transfers as effective; some employees felt they undermined career progression. Employees thought…

Strategic Downsizing and Learning Organisations.

Science.gov (United States)

Griggs, Harvey E.; Hyland, Paul

2003-01-01

Downsizing or brain drain may damage the learning capacity of organizations. A case study of an aerospace manufacturing firm shows that appropriate strategies to analyze the impact on formal and informal learning networks may help manage or minimize the damage. (Contains 55 references.) (SK)

Examining the Relationships between Outsourcing and Downsizing to Mishap Rates at NASA (FYs 1985-2011)

Science.gov (United States)

Charles, Sterlin Neil

Outsourcing and downsizing practices within American businesses have been topics of investigation over the past four decades. With the intention of saving diminishing resources, many North American aerospace and governmental organizations have embraced both practices. During the 1990s the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) increased contractor outsourcing and reduced the civil servant population in response to mandated federal budget cuts. Major human capital adjustments were made within NASA as management elected to place the shuttle's operations under a single contract. The problem addressed is increased outsourcing and downsizing has been associated with reduced safety outcomes. The purpose of this quantitative archival study was to examine the relationships of outsourcing and downsizing to mishaps rates at NASA between fiscal year (FY) 1985 and FY 2011. Twenty-seven samples of outsourcing and downsizing data were examined to determine the relationships with high-severity mishaps (HSMs), moderate-severity mishaps (MSMs), and low-severity mishaps (LSMs). A quantitative design utilizing weighted least squares (WLS) regression analysis measured the relationships between predictor and outcome variables. Neither outsourcing nor downsizing predicted HSM rates, adjusted R2 = .32, F (3, 23) = 5.01, p = .53 (outsourcing); adjusted R2 = .49, F (3, 23) = 9.34, p = .41 (downsizing). Both outsourcing and downsizing predicted MSM rates, adjusted R2 = .21, F (3, 23) = 3.24, p = .006 (outsourcing); adjusted R2 = .49, F (3, 23) = 9.55, p = outsourcing); adjusted R2 = .89, F (3, 23) = 68.99, p = outsourcing and downsizing variables, and additional covariates. The added variables would offer a more convincing model for analyzing the impact of outsourcing and downsizing on mishaps. All-in-all, the efficacy of outsourcing and downsizing as a combined practice and its relationship to safety needs.

Survivors' Discursive Construction of Organizational Identification after a Downsizing

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Aggerholm, Helle Kryger; Andersen, Mona Agerholm

of transactional contract, 3) contextual dis-identification due to radical, cultural changes, elimination of networks and poor corporate reputation, and 4) procedural dis-identification caused by lack of procedural credibility, disrespect and responsibility avoidance. The results of this study indicate...... that a strong identification with the pre-downsized organization seems to foster a strong sense of dis-identification with the post-downsized organization. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are provided....

Effects of Downsizing Strategies on Survivors' Organizational ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Journal of Business and Administrative Studies ... Effects of Downsizing Strategies on Survivors' Organizational Commitment: The Case of Ethio Telecom ... do human resource planning industriously, set clear selection criteria, make the ...

Potentials and limits of downsizing a diesel engine; Potenziale und Grenzen des Downsizings beim Dieselmotor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mauch, Andreas; Tophoven, Jens; Trzebiatowski, Tobias; Raatz, Thorsten [Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart (Germany). Bereich Forschung und Vorausentwicklung

2011-07-15

In order to reach lowest CO{sub 2} emissions, Bosch modified a three-cylinder diesel engine regarding its turbo-charging and fuel injection system and integrated it into a mid-size luxury car. So it is possible to determine both, the potentials concerning fuel consumption and emissions of this downsizing approach as well as its limits. (orig.)

Downsizing of a provincial department of health--causes and implications for fiscal policy.

Science.gov (United States)

Blecher, Mark

2002-06-01

To analyse the financial basis for downsizing of a provincial health department and suggest implications for fiscal policy. Analysis of relevant departmental, provincial and national financing and expenditure trends from 1995/96 to 2002/03. Western Cape (WC) Department of Health (DOH). Downsizing involving 9,282 health workers (27.9%) and closure of 3,601 hospital beds (24.4%) over 5 years. Total aggregate provincial transfers (all provinces) remained fairly constant in real terms. The WC's share decreased from 11.8% in 1996/97 to 9.8% in 2002/03. This was offset by the DOH's share of the WC budget increasing from 25.6% to 29.6%, mainly because of an increase in national health conditional grants. The net effect of financing changes was that the DOH's allocation in real terms was similar in 2002/03 and 1995/96, which suggests that financing changes are not the major cause of downsizing. Expenditure analysis revealed a 39.7% real rise in the average cost of health personnel. Substantial interprovincial inequities remain. The major cause of downsizing was wage growth, particularly following the 1996 wage agreement. Disjointed fiscal and wage policy has affected health services. Simultaneous application of policies of fiscal constraint, redistribution and substantial real wage growth has resulted in substantial downsizing with limited inroads into inequities. Inequities will continue to call for further redistribution, reduction in conditional grants and downsizing, much of which could have been avoided if fiscal and wage policy choices had been optimal.

Risk of psychological ill health and methods of organisational downsizing: a cross-sectional survey in four European countries.

Science.gov (United States)

Andreeva, Elena; Brenner, M Harvey; Theorell, Töres; Goldberg, Marcel

2017-09-29

The manner in which organizational downsizing is implemented can make a substantial difference as to whether the exposed workers will suffer from psychological ill health. Surprisingly, little research has directly investigated this issue. We examined the likelihood of psychological ill health associated with strategic and reactive downsizing. A cross-sectional survey included 1456 respondents from France, Sweden, Hungary and the United Kingdom: 681 employees in stable workplaces (reference group) and 775 workers from downsized companies. Reactive downsizing was exemplified by the exposures to compulsory redundancies of medium to large scale resulting in job loss or surviving a layoff while staying employed in downsized organizations. The workforce exposed to strategic downsizing was represented by surplus employees who were internally redeployed and supported through their career change process within a policy context of "no compulsory redundancy". Symptoms of anxiety, depression and emotional exhaustion were assessed in telephone interviews with brief subscales from Hospital Anxiety Scale (HADS-A), Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-CD 6 ) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-GS). Data were analyzed using logistic regression. We observed no increased risk of psychological ill health in the case of strategic downsizing. The number of significant associations with psychological ill health was the largest for the large-scale reactive downsizing: surviving a layoff was consistently associated with all three outcome measures; returning to work after the job loss experience was related to anxiety and depression, while persons still unemployed at interview had elevated odds of anxiety. After reactive medium-scale downsizing, unemployment at interview was the only exposure associated with anxiety and depression. The manner in which organizational downsizing is implemented can be important for the psychological wellbeing of workers. If downsizing is unavoidable, it should be

Risk of psychological ill health and methods of organisational downsizing: a cross-sectional survey in four European countries

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Elena Andreeva

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The manner in which organizational downsizing is implemented can make a substantial difference as to whether the exposed workers will suffer from psychological ill health. Surprisingly, little research has directly investigated this issue. We examined the likelihood of psychological ill health associated with strategic and reactive downsizing. Methods A cross-sectional survey included 1456 respondents from France, Sweden, Hungary and the United Kingdom: 681 employees in stable workplaces (reference group and 775 workers from downsized companies. Reactive downsizing was exemplified by the exposures to compulsory redundancies of medium to large scale resulting in job loss or surviving a layoff while staying employed in downsized organizations. The workforce exposed to strategic downsizing was represented by surplus employees who were internally redeployed and supported through their career change process within a policy context of “no compulsory redundancy”. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and emotional exhaustion were assessed in telephone interviews with brief subscales from Hospital Anxiety Scale (HADS-A, Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-CD6 and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-GS. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results We observed no increased risk of psychological ill health in the case of strategic downsizing. The number of significant associations with psychological ill health was the largest for the large-scale reactive downsizing: surviving a layoff was consistently associated with all three outcome measures; returning to work after the job loss experience was related to anxiety and depression, while persons still unemployed at interview had elevated odds of anxiety. After reactive medium-scale downsizing, unemployment at interview was the only exposure associated with anxiety and depression. Conclusions The manner in which organizational downsizing is implemented can be important for the psychological

Organizational downsizing and alcohol use: A national study of U.S. workers during the Great Recession.

Science.gov (United States)

Frone, Michael R

2018-02-01

Organizational downsizing, which represents the reduction of an organization's workforce, results in a stressful work environment for those who survive the downsizing. However, we know little about the association between surviving an organizational downsizing and employee alcohol use. This study explored the association between exposure to organizational downsizing and four dimensions of alcohol use during the Great Recession. Also explored were the moderating influences of length of recession exposure, state drinking culture, gender, age, education, family income, and financial demands. Data for this study came from a national telephone survey of U.S. workers that was conducted from December 2008 to April 2011 (N=2296). The results revealed that exposure to organizational downsizing was positively associated with usual frequency of drinking, number of drinks consumed per usual drinking occasion, and both the frequency of binge drinking and drinking to intoxication. Length of exposure to the recession moderated the association between organizational downsizing exposure and usual number of drinks consumed. The conditional effects revealed that this association became stronger as length of exposure to the recession increased. Furthermore, age moderated the associations between organizational downsizing exposure and the usual number of drinks consumed and the frequency of binge drinking and intoxication. The conditional effects revealed that these associations were positive and significant among young survivors (ages 40 or younger), but were nonsignificant among middle-aged survivors (over 40years of age). State drinking culture, gender, education, family income, and financial demands did not moderate the associations between organizational downsizing exposure and alcohol use. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ethical downsizing. Managers must focus on justice and human dignity.

Science.gov (United States)

Weber, L J

1994-01-01

It is vital that leaders and managers focus on justice and human dignity in the workplace when faced with the possible need to downsize. First, administrators should clearly identify the goals of work force reduction, evaluate their importance, and consider whether they could be achieved through other means. Once they have made the decision to downsize, top managers must clearly communicate the reasons and the goals to those responsible for identifying the employees affected. Employees selected for layoff should be identified on the basis of the articulated goals for work force reduction, whenever possible. When this is not clear, the tough decisions can be based on a variety of factors: "across-the-board" reductions; employee abilities, qualifications, and performance; diversity goals; seniority; or multiple criteria. It is also important to respect human dignity in the layoff process. Affected employees should be informed in advance and given an honest explanation for the layoff. Ordinarily, they should be encouraged to work until the effective date. All employees need a clear and honest explanation of the reasons for and the expected effects of the layoff. There should be a stress on the free flow of information, without an effort to control it. How downsizing is handled says a lot about the nature of an organization and its leadership. Ethical downsizing is, first of all, a refusal to deny the complexity of the issues and evidence of the organization's commitment to justice and human dignity.

Simulation of a Downsized FDM Nozzle

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hofstätter, Thomas; Pimentel, Rodrigo; Pedersen, David B.

2015-01-01

This document discusses the simulat-ion of a downsized nozzle for fused deposition modelling (FDM), namely the E3D HotEnd Extruder with manufactured diameters of 200-400 μm in the nozzle tip. The nozzle has been simulated in terms of heat transfer and fluid flow giving an insight into the physical...

Enhancing Productivity: A Structured Approach to Downsizing.

Science.gov (United States)

Oehm, J. Kent

1991-01-01

Organizations that downsize in a rational and orderly manner can increase productivity. School districts can initiate a cost-reduction and restructuring program with an analysis of the responsibilities of each employee followed by communicating with, and renewing the commitment of, remaining employees. (MLF)

Downsizing and the Impact of Job Counseling and Retraining on Effective Employee Responses

Science.gov (United States)

Tzafrir, Shay S.; Mano-Negrin, Rita; Harel, Gedalihau H.; Rom-Nagy, Daphna

2006-01-01

Purpose: Downsizing is a very pervasive organizational process. At these critical junctures many organizations do little to prepare their employees for a mass layoff. The main purpose of this study is to examine how the incorporation of job counseling and professional retraining programs during a period of downsizing affected the responses of both…

The Impact of Downsizing on the Socio-Economics Condition on Affected Employees. The Case of Pakistan International Airline

OpenAIRE

Naveed Saif; Khalid Rehman; Shafiq ur Rehman; Muh Saqib Khan; Zia-Ur-Rehman; Bakhtiar Khan

2013-01-01

This research study examines the process of downsizing and is impact on the socio-economic condition of affected employee. It was conducted in September 2008 in different areas of NWFP namely district Bannu, Tank, Lakki Marwat and D.I. Khan. A sample of 40 people was taken for this purpose. The average score of the respondent on the instruction of downsizing in the organization show s that mostly affected employees did not like the downsizing process. In particular they responded that downsiz...

Downsizing and productivity growth : Myth or reality?

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Baily, Martin Neil; Bartelsman, Eric J.; Haltiwanger, John

1996-01-01

The conventional wisdom is that the rising productivity in the U.S. manufacturing sector in the 1980s has been driven by the apparently pervasive downsizing over this period. Aggregate evidence clearly shows falling employment accompanying the rise in productivity. In this paper, we examine the

An examination of individual level effects of downsizing in a foodservice organization

OpenAIRE

Joe, Hutchinson

1994-01-01

This research examined the effect of downsizing on the stress-related perceptions and work-related attitudes and behaviors of employees of a school food service organization. A major purpose of this study was to investigate individual level responses according to the severity of the downsizing. The research also examined the relationships between employees' stress-related perceptions and their work-related attitudes and behaviors, and the moderating effect of demographic factor...

Catalysis and Downsizing in Mg-Based Hydrogen Storage Materials

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jianding Li

2018-02-01

Full Text Available Magnesium (Mg-based materials are promising candidates for hydrogen storage due to the low cost, high hydrogen storage capacity and abundant resources of magnesium for the realization of a hydrogen society. However, the sluggish kinetics and strong stability of the metal-hydrogen bonding of Mg-based materials hinder their application, especially for onboard storage. Many researchers are devoted to overcoming these challenges by numerous methods. Here, this review summarizes some advances in the development of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials related to downsizing and catalysis. In particular, the focus is on how downsizing and catalysts affect the hydrogen storage capacity, kinetics and thermodynamics of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials. Finally, the future development and applications of Mg-based hydrogen storage materials is discussed.

Career adaptability, turnover and loyalty during organizational downsizing

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Klehe, U.-C.; Zicik, J.; van Vianen, A.E.M.; de Pater, I.E.

2011-01-01

During organizational restructuring and downsizing, employees often worry about being redundant, actually are redundant, and/or feel unsatisfied with their jobs. Employees, in turn, often react with poor loyalty to and high voluntary exit from the organization. The current study addresses this

The impact of downsizing on knowledge sharing in an airline company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nuril Kusumawardhani Soeprapto Putri

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Companies are becoming more proactive towards changes in face of the turbulent environment. As the market becomes increasingly unpredictable, people are forced to develop their individual potentials for the sake of survival. Besides personal development, interaction among people through sharing of knowledge is equally critical. This paper discusses the impact of downsizing on knowledge sharing environment in an airline company. The findings reveal that employees had different views on the impact of downsizing on knowledge sharing. Their views were influenced by self-enthusiasm towards knowledge sharing. The availability of media for sharing also had an influence on knowledge sharing.

Downsizing, reengineering, and restructuring: long-term implications for healthcare organizations.

Science.gov (United States)

Leatt, P; Baker, G R; Halverson, P K; Aird, C

1997-01-01

This article provides a framework for analyzing how downsizing and reengineering have affected healthcare organizations. These approaches are reviewed, and key tools that have been used, such as across-the-board cuts, reorganizing, and redesigning, are described. Examples are drawn from healthcare as well as other business sectors. The consequences of cost reduction strategies for an organizations's performance in terms of costs, quality of services, and satisfaction of consumers and employees are explored. The case is made that an organization's context--that is, its culture, level of trust, and leadership--is an important factor that influences the effect of cost-cutting strategies. Characteristics of organizations where downsizing has a better chance of succeeding also are described.

Downsizing. Impacts on the thermal management; Downsizing. Auswirkungen auf das Waermemanagement

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zuck, Bernhard [BMW AG, Muenchen (Germany)

2012-11-01

Modern charging technologies are the basis for the ever increasing specific power of internal combustion engines. This provides the possibility to achieve the same engine power with less displacement or even less cylinders. This downsizing is one essential contribution to reduce the fuel consumption of future power-trains. These modern engines increasingly require optimized peripheries to maintain their full functionality. One main parameter is the thermal management system, especially the charge air cooling. This requires even more integrated development approaches and system understanding. The cooling system needs to meet the engine's and the vehicle's demands. At the same time the engine and the vehicle have to be adapted to the cooling systems requirements. The most significant example gives the comparison between direct and indirect charge air cooling. (orig.)

Career Adaptability, Turnover and Loyalty during Organizational Downsizing

Science.gov (United States)

Klehe, Ute-Christine; Zikic, Jelena; Van Vianen, Annelies E. M.; De Pater, Irene E.

2011-01-01

During organizational restructuring and downsizing, employees often worry about being redundant, actually are redundant, and/or feel unsatisfied with their jobs. Employees, in turn, often react with poor loyalty to and high voluntary exit from the organization. The current study addresses this process from a careers' perspective, showing that…

Medical library downsizing administrative, professional, and personal strategies for coping with change

CERN Document Server

Schott, Michael

2005-01-01

Learn how to stay ahead of the game when budgets and staff are cut Medical Library Downsizing: Administrative, Professional, and Personal Strategies for Coping with Change explores corporate downsizing and other company-wide events as they relate to medical librarians in their organization. This training manual is designed to help librarians prepare for a new era where shrinking budgets, inflated journal costs, and the increasing demand for new and expensive services now put salaries and jobs at risk. While focused on health care issues, this book will appeal to a general library audience and

Supply chain downsizing under bankruptcy : A robust optimization approach

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ashayeri, J.; Ma, N.; Sotirov, R.

Research on supply chain network design has mainly pursued efficiency oriented objectives for boosting service level and profit. However, the priority of an enterprise facing bankruptcy pressure shifts to fulfill debt obligation with limited financial resources and survive downsizing. In this paper,

Downsizing Technical Communication Staff: The Risk to Corporate Success.

Science.gov (United States)

Smudde, Peter M.

1993-01-01

Notes that companies responding to the struggling economy are downsizing staff, including technical communicators. Maintains that such cutbacks affect not only employee confidence and productivity but also product quality, customer satisfaction, and future sales. States that technical communicators' critical knowledge is an asset that companies…

Artificial urinary sphincter revision for urethral atrophy: comparing single cuff downsizing and tandem cuff placement

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Brian J. Linder

Full Text Available ABSTRACT Objective To compare outcomes for single urethral cuff downsizing versus tandem cuff placement during artificial urinary sphincter (AUS revision for urethral atrophy. Materials and Methods We identified 1778 AUS surgeries performed at our institution from 1990-2014. Of these, 406 were first AUS revisions, including 69 revisions for urethral atrophy. Multiple clinical and surgical variables were evaluated for potential association with device outcomes following revision, including surgical revision strategy (downsizing a single urethral cuff versus placing tandem urethral cuffs. Results Of the 69 revision surgeries for urethral atrophy at our institution, 56 (82% were tandem cuff placements, 12 (18% were single cuff downsizings and one was relocation of a single cuff. When comparing tandem cuff placements and single cuff downsizings, the cohorts were similar with regard to age (p=0.98, body-mass index (p=0.95, prior pelvic radiation exposure (p=0.73 and length of follow-up (p=0.12. Notably, there was no difference in 3-year overall device survival compared between single cuff and tandem cuff revisions (60% versus 76%, p=0.94. Likewise, no significant difference was identified for tandem cuff placement (ref. single cuff when evaluating the risk of any tertiary surgery (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.32-4.12, p=0.94 or urethral erosion/device infection following revision (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.20-5.22, p=0.77. Conclusions There was no significant difference in overall device survival in patients undergoing single cuff downsizing or tandem cuff placement during AUS revision for urethral atrophy.

The Incredible Shrinking Institution: A Five-Component Downsizing Model.

Science.gov (United States)

Dawson, Bradley L.

1991-01-01

Most colleges and universities need to reduce expenditures and downsize. Such a project is difficult and emotionally charged. Many immediate remedies can ba applied to reduce and better control expenditures, but a more thorough analysis of the institution's organizational structure, operating procedures, automated systems, strategic planning, and…

Career Anchors and the Effects of Downsizing: Implications for Generations and Cultures at Work. A Preliminary Investigation.

Science.gov (United States)

Marshall, Verena; Bonner, Dede

2003-01-01

The relationships among career anchors, age, culture, gender, employment experience, and the impact of career planning on downsizing were examined with data from 423 management students (49% had been downsized). Lifestyle was the most valued anchor across age groups, stability/security the least; compared with Schein's earlier anchors research,…

Downsizing-initiated job transfer of hospital nurses: how do the job transferees fare?

Science.gov (United States)

Armstrong-Stassen, M; Cameron, S J; Horsburgh, M E

2001-01-01

In this longitudinal panel study, the authors compared the reactions to hospital amalgamation of 66 nurses who had been transferred to a different unit for a downsizing-related reason (bumped/displaced, unit closed, redundancy) with the reactions of 181 nurses who remained on their same unit. Prior to any job transfers, the two groups perceived comparable levels of support and held similar attitudes towards their job and the hospital. Two years later, after job transfers had taken place, transferred nurses perceived significantly lower coworker support. They also reported a significantly greater decrease in organizational commitment than nurses who were not transferred. However, both groups reported a significant decrease between time a and time 2 in perceived organizational support, satisfaction with amount of work and career future, hospital identification, and organization trust. Overall, the results indicate that the downsizing associated with the amalgamation of the hospitals had a highly negative effects not only on those nurses who were transferred because of the downsizing but also on those nurses who remained on their original unit.

The CO{sub 2} challenge. Aggressive downsizing for HSDI diesel - engine concept definition; Herausforderung CO{sub 2}. Aggessives Downsizing fuer HSDI-Diesel - Motorkonzeptdefinition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sorger, Helfried; Howlett, Michael; Schnider, Wolfgang; Ausserhoffer, Norbert; Bartsch, Peter; Weissbaeck, Michael [AVL List GmbH, Graz (Austria); Soustelle, Olivier [Le Moteur Moderne, Palaiseau (France); Ragot, Patrick; Mallet, Philippe [Renault S.A.S., Rueil Malmaison (France)

2010-07-01

Against a background of consumer demand for low fuel consumption vehicles, as well as legislative pressure to reduce CO{sub 2} emissions, the automotive industry is currently developing solutions to significantly improve the efficiency of ICE-based powertrains. One answer to this challenge is the engine downsizing approach. A clear trend can be observed on the market already today: engines of 2.0L swept volume are replaced by engines with a size of about 1.6L. This paper describes the concept for an even more extreme downsizing approach for the next generation of powertrains by further reducing the engine size to 1.0L using a 3 cylinder concept with a specific power rating of 80 kW/L. AVL and Renault worked closely together to define a suitable diesel hybrid powertrain concept for EU6 emission limits. The consequences for the base engine design of such an aggressive downsizing approach were established by means of a design study supported by simulation. Key criteria for such a powertrain are to satisfy customer expectations for performance and driveability, as well as keep the NVH behaviour of the selected 3 cylinder engine configuration close to that of the traditional 4 cylinder engine reference base. The structural concept of this high power engine is based on a peak firing pressure limit of 190 bar. 2- and 4-valve per cylinder concepts are evaluated with regard to their effects on performance, emissions, fuel consumption and cost. The combustion- and EGR-system is defined with respect to EU6 emission compliance, taking into consideration DPF and NOx aftertreatment technologies. (orig.)

The influence of nonconscious processes on perceptions of downsizing and terminations.

Science.gov (United States)

Walker, Sean; Karau, Steven

2016-01-01

Although social and cognitive psychologists have developed a large body of research on priming and other nonconscious processes, relatively little research has focused on how these issues influence organizationally relevant phenomena. The current research sought to partially fill this void by examining the influence of nonconscious processes on perceptions of organizational downsizing. In three studies, individuals were primed with traits of self-reliance or employer-reliance either supraliminally (Study 1) or subliminally (Studies 2 and 3). Studies 1 and 2 found that individuals primed with self-reliance had less negative views of downsizing. Experiment 3 found that those primed with self-reliance reported greater perceptions of fair treatment, respect for their boss, and decreased levels of anger in response to a termination scenario. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Downsizer - A Graphical User Interface-Based Application for Browsing, Acquiring, and Formatting Time-Series Data for Hydrologic Modeling

Science.gov (United States)

Ward-Garrison, Christian; Markstrom, Steven L.; Hay, Lauren E.

2009-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey Downsizer is a computer application that selects, downloads, verifies, and formats station-based time-series data for environmental-resource models, particularly the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System. Downsizer implements the client-server software architecture. The client presents a map-based, graphical user interface that is intuitive to modelers; the server provides streamflow and climate time-series data from over 40,000 measurement stations across the United States. This report is the Downsizer user's manual and provides (1) an overview of the software design, (2) installation instructions, (3) a description of the graphical user interface, (4) a description of selected output files, and (5) troubleshooting information.

A Necessary Evil: The Experiences of Managers Implementing Downsizing Programmes

Science.gov (United States)

Noronha, Ernesto; D'Cruz, Premilla

2006-01-01

This paper presents the findings of a phenomenological study, which describes the experiences of human resource (HR) managers implementing a downsizing program in a steel manufacturing organization in India. Data were collected through conversational interviews. Following van Manens sententious analytic approach, the core theme of a necessary…

Downsizings, Mergers, and Acquisitions: Perspectives of Human Resource Development Practitioners

Science.gov (United States)

Shook, LaVerne; Roth, Gene

2011-01-01

Purpose: This paper seeks to provide perspectives of HR practitioners based on their experiences with mergers, acquisitions, and/or downsizings. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative study utilized interviews with 13 HR practitioners. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method. Findings: HR practitioners were not involved in…

A comparison between Miller and five-stroke cycles for enabling deeply downsized, highly boosted, spark-ignition engines with ultra expansion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Tie; Wang, Bin; Zheng, Bin

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Deeply downsized, highly boosted SI engine with ultra-expansion cycle is studied. • The Miller and five stroke cycles are compared on BSFC improvements and WOT performance. • The mechanism of fuel conversion efficiency improvement at various loads is discussed. • Performance of the two-stage boosting system for the downsized SI engine is investigated. • A unique strategy using the bypass for the five-stroke engine is proposed. - Abstract: It has been well known that the engine downsizing combined with intake boosting is an effective way to improve the fuel conversion efficiency without penalizing the engine torque performance. However, the potential of engine downsizing is not yet fully explored, and the major hurdles include the knocking combustion and the pre-turbine temperature limit, owing to the aggressive intake boosting. Using the engine cycle simulation, this paper compares the effects of the Miller and five stroke cycles on the performance of the deeply downsized and highly boosted SI engine, taking the engine knock and pre-turbine temperature into consideration. In the simulation, the downsizing is implemented by reducing the combustion cylinder number from four to two, while a two stage boosting system is designed for the deeply downsized engine to ensure the wide-open-throttle (WOT) performance comparable to the original four cylinder engine. The Miller cycle is realized by varying the intake valve timing and lift, while the five stroke cycle is enabled with addition of an extra expansion cylinder between the two combustion cylinders. After calibration and validation of the engine cycle simulation models using the experimental data in the original engine, the performances of the deeply downsized engines with both the Miller and five stroke cycles are numerically studied. For the most frequently operated points on the torque-speed map, at low loads the Miller cycle exhibits superior performance over the five-stroke cycle in terms

The dynamical fate of self-gravitating disc fragments after tidal downsizing

Science.gov (United States)

Forgan, Duncan; Parker, Richard J.; Rice, Ken

2015-02-01

The gravitational instability model of planet/brown dwarf formation proposes that protostellar discs can fragment into objects with masses above a few Jupiter masses at large semimajor axis. Tidal downsizing may reduce both the object mass and semimajor axis. However, most studies of tidal downsizing end when the protostellar disc disperses, while the system is embedded in its parent star-forming region. To compare disc fragment descendants with exoplanet and brown dwarf observations, the subsequent dynamical evolution must be explored. We carry out N-body integrations of fragment-fragment scattering in multi-object star systems, and star systems embedded in substructured clusters. In both cases, we use initial conditions generated by population synthesis models of tidal downsizing. The scattering simulations produce a wide range of eccentricities. The ejection rate is around 25 per cent. The ejecta mass distribution is similar to that for all objects, with a velocity dispersion consistent with those produced by full hydrodynamic simulations. The semimajor axis distribution after scattering extends to parsec scales. In the cluster simulations, 13 per cent of the objects are ejected from their planetary system, and around 10 per cent experience significant orbit modification. A small number of objects are recaptured on high-eccentricity, high-inclination orbits. The velocity distribution of ejecta is similar to that produced by fragment-fragment scattering. If fragment-fragment scattering and cluster stripping act together, then disc fragmentation should be efficient at producing free-floating substellar objects, and hence characterizing the free-floating planet population will provide strong constraints on the frequency of disc fragmentation.

Downsizing, reengineering and patient safety: numbers, newness and resultant risk.

Science.gov (United States)

Knox, G E; Kelley, M; Hodgson, S; Simpson, K R; Carrier, L; Berry, D

1999-01-01

Downsizing and reengineering are facts of life in contemporary healthcare organizations. In most instances, these organizational changes are undertaken in an attempt to increase productivity or cut operational costs with results measured in these terms. Less often considered are potential detrimental effects on patient safety or strategies, which might be used to minimize these risks.

Exploring the limits of a down-sized ethanol direct injection spark ignited engine in different configurations in order to replace high-displacement gasoline engines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Baêta, José Guilherme Coelho; Pontoppidan, Michael; Silva, Thiago R.V.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • The limits of a highly boosted down-sized ethanol engine was investigated. • 28% of fuel consumption reduction was achieved by means of an extreme down-sizing. • 53% of down-sizing was reached by means of cutting-edge technologies implementation. • Engine efficiency at partial load was also investigated. • A significant decrease in engine-out emissions was achieved. - Abstract: The paper presents a layout of a highly boosted Ethanol Direct Injected engine in order to explore the limits of down-sizing for replacing high-displacement gasoline engines, which represents a powerful means of reducing fuel consumption and engine-out emissions at reduced production costs. The substitution of high-displacement engines (2.4- or 3.0-l) by a down-sized turbocharged Ethanol Direct Injected engine is studied. This document describes the detailed layout of all engine hardware and in particular, the cylinder head structure including the optimized intake and exhaust manifolds as well as implemented direct injection injectors. The work continues with a presentation of the experimental data obtained at the engine test rig. A series of experimental data is also presented for the down-sized engine mounted in a car as a replacement for its original high-displacement engine. Substantial fuel consumption gains are obtained as well as values of engine torque for the down-sized, down-speeded prototype engine, which makes it possible to replace engines with much higher displacements. As a result the maximum obtained efficiency of the 1.4 l prototype engine with twin-stage compressor reaches a value of 3250 kPa brake pressure at 44% efficiency. The present work is a very new and different approach compared to previous published studies on ethanol and down-sized engines due to the fact that the Brazilian hydrated ethanol fuel (7% water content) has a major charge effect compared to North American and European Gasoline and alcohol fuels (consult Table 1). This means that

Avoiding the Ax: How to Keep from Being Downsized or Outsourced.

Science.gov (United States)

Bates, Mary Ellen

1997-01-01

Gives guidance in preventing library staff downsizing or outsourcing: remember the competition, read financial reports and periodicals, identify key library executives and patrons, define the library as a "profit center," market the library, make yourself essential and indispensable, remind users of the library's resources, embrace the…

Six hospitals describe decentralization, cost containment, and downsizing.

Science.gov (United States)

Lineweaver, L A; Battle, C E; Schilling, R M; Nall, C M

1999-01-01

Decentralization, cost containment, and downsizing continue in full force as healthcare organizations continue to adapt to constant economic change. Hospitals are forced to take a second and third look at how health care is managed in order to survive. Six Northwest Florida hospitals were surveyed in an effort to explore current changes within the healthcare delivery system. This article provides both managers and staff with an overview of recent healthcare changes in an area of the country with implications for staff development.

Computing Services Planning, Downsizing, and Organization at the University of Alberta.

Science.gov (United States)

Beltrametti, Monica

1993-01-01

In a six-month period, the University of Alberta (Canada) campus computing services department formulated a strategic plan, and downsized and reorganized to meet financial constraints and respond to changing technology, especially distributed computing. The new department is organized to react more effectively to trends in technology and user…

Burnout in health-care professionals during reorganizations and downsizing. A cohort study in nurses

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hall-Lord Marie-Louise

2010-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Burnout is a psychological reaction triggered by interaction between personal characteristics and stress factors. Reorganizations and downsizing with increased workload imply stress for health-care professionals. This is a study of burnout in nurses during a period with two comprehensive reorganizations. Methods In this quasi-experimental retrospective cohort study, burnout was assessed in nurses with long work experience in three surveys during a 30 months' period with two comprehensive reorganizations and downsizing of a hospital unit with mostly seriously ill patients with cancer. Burnout was measured with Bergen Burnout Indicator (BBI at each survey, and "Sense of Coherence" (SOC with Antonovsky's questionnaire at the last survey. Results One man and 45 women aged 30 to 65 years were invited to the surveys. There was a significant increase in burnout during the study period, the mean increase in BBI-score was 12.5 pr year (p Conclusions There was a significant development of burnout in a group of nurses during a period with two reorganizations and downsizing. Burnout was associated with low SOC. Working with seriously ill patients with cancer has probably made the nurses exceptionally vulnerable to the stress and workload related to the reorganizations.

Downsizing Treatment with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Patients with Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Improved Resectability

Science.gov (United States)

Sjölund, Katarina; Andersson, Anna; Nilsson, Erik; Nilsson, Ola; Ahlman, Håkan

2010-01-01

Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) express the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT. Most GISTs have mutations in the KIT or PDGFRA gene, causing activation of tyrosine kinase. Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is the first-line palliative treatment for advanced GISTs. Sunitinib was introduced for patients with mutations not responsive to imatinib. The aim was to compare the survival of patients with high-risk resected GISTs treated with TKI prior to surgery with historical controls and to determine if organ-preserving surgery was facilitated. Methods Ten high-risk GIST-patients had downsizing/adjuvant TKI treatment: nine with imatinib and one with sunitinib. The patients were matched with historical controls (n = 89) treated with surgery alone, from our population-based series (n = 259). Mutational analysis of KIT and PDGFRA was performed in all cases. The progression-free survival was calculated. Results The primary tumors decreased in mean diameter from 20.4 cm to 10.5 cm on downsizing imatinib. Four patients with R0 resection and a period of adjuvant imatinib had no recurrences versus 67% in the historical control group. Four patients with residual liver metastases have stable disease on continuous imatinib treatment after surgery. One patient has undergone reoperation with liver resection. The downsizing treatment led to organ-preserving surgery in nine patients and improved preoperative nutritional status in one patient. Conclusions Downsizing TKI is recommended for patients with bulky tumors with invasion of adjacent organs. Sunitinib can be used for patients in case of imatinib resistance (e.g., wild-type GISTs), underlining the importance of mutational analysis for optimal surgical planning. PMID:20512492

The Effect of Downsizing on Attrition Rates in the Department of Defense (DoD)

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Broas, Tina M

2007-01-01

.... Downsizing has been shown to have an affect on the employees the organization retains, often termed survivors, and has been linked to increased turnover and decreased productivity and effectiveness...

DOWNSIZING TO CORPORATE ANOREXIA WHILE DISMANTLING THE MIDDLE CLASS: ARE WE IN DANGER OF RECREATING THE 1920S?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thomas R. Winpenny

1999-01-01

Full Text Available Corporate downsizing has run rampant on the American scene during the 1990s. Indeed, Business Week claimed it had become a fad. Ironically, the new “lean and mean” look did not apply to CEO compensation packages. More critically, corporate downsizing hurt middle class purchasing power. The Big Lie that emerged from this was that America could dismantle the middle class and have a booming economy. Much of this reasoning sounds, sadly enough, like the thinking so prevalent in the 1920s.

Supply chain network downsizing with product line pruning using a new demand substitution

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ashayeri, J.; Ma, N.; Sotirov, R.

2015-01-01

This paper presents an optimization model for downsizing a multi-product supply chain facing bankruptcy risk, where multi-functional production facilities are shared for producing a group of substitutable products. In order to determine the potential demand after discontinuation of certain product

Simulation research on the effect of cooled EGR, supercharging and compression ratio on downsized SI engine knock

Science.gov (United States)

Shu, Gequn; Pan, Jiaying; Wei, Haiqiao; Shi, Ning

2013-03-01

Knock in spark-ignition(SI) engines severely limits engine performance and thermal efficiency. The researches on knock of downsized SI engine have mainly focused on structural design, performance optimization and advanced combustion modes, however there is little for simulation study on the effect of cooled exhaust gas recirculation(EGR) combined with downsizing technologies on SI engine performance. On the basis of mean pressure and oscillating pressure during combustion process, the effect of different levels of cooled EGR ratio, supercharging and compression ratio on engine dynamic and knock characteristic is researched with three-dimensional KIVA-3V program coupled with pressure wave equation. The cylinder pressure, combustion temperature, ignition delay timing, combustion duration, maximum mean pressure, and maximum oscillating pressure at different initial conditions are discussed and analyzed to investigate potential approaches to inhibiting engine knock while improving power output. The calculation results of the effect of just cooled EGR on knock characteristic show that appropriate levels of cooled EGR ratio can effectively suppress cylinder high-frequency pressure oscillations without obvious decrease in mean pressure. Analysis of the synergistic effect of cooled EGR, supercharging and compression ratio on knock characteristic indicates that under the condition of high supercharging and compression ratio, several times more cooled EGR ratio than that under the original condition is necessarily utilized to suppress knock occurrence effectively. The proposed method of synergistic effect of cooled EGR and downsizing technologies on knock characteristic, analyzed from the aspects of mean pressure and oscillating pressure, is an effective way to study downsized SI engine knock and provides knock inhibition approaches in practical engineering.

Transformation of an academic medical center: lessons learned from restructuring and downsizing.

Science.gov (United States)

Woodard, B; Fottler, M D; Kilpatrick, A O

1999-01-01

This article reviews management literature on health care transformation and describes the processes, including restructuring, job redesign, and downsizing, involved in one academic medical center's experience. The article concludes with lessons learned at each of the stages of the transformation process: planning, implementation, and process continuation. Managerial implications for similar transformation efforts in other health care organizations are suggested.

Reactions of older employees to organizational downsizing: the role of gender, job level, and time.

Science.gov (United States)

Armstrong-Stassen, M

2001-07-01

This panel study examined the reactions of 187 federal government employees aged 45 and older during the initial phase of a large-scale downsizing and 20 months later. There were few significant differences in the reactions of older men and women. Respondents in management positions reported significantly more positive attitudes toward their job and the organization than did respondents in nonmanagement jobs. Compared with the initial phase of the downsizing, respondents reported a significant decrease in commitment to the organization 20 months later. For the two dimensions of job insecurity, perceived threat of job loss decreased, whereas sense of powerlessness over decisions affecting the future of one's job increased. A major area of concern for management is the low level of organizational trust and morale reported by the respondents at both time periods.

Potentials of spray-guided combustion systems in combination with downsizing concepts; Potenziale strahlgefuehrter Brennverfahren in Verbindung mit Downsizing-Konzepten

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lueckert, Peter; Breitbach, Hermann; Waltner, Anton; Merdes, Norbert; Weller, Ralph [Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)

2011-07-01

In 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the world's first manufacturer to introduce a spray-guided lean-burn combustion system to the gasoline engine, combining high specific engine output with exceptional fuel consumption values. After presenting the technology in the M272 DE six-cylinder engine in 2006, the spray-guided combustion system was introduced in 2010, starting with the new 4.6l biturbo V8 engine as a homogeneous application, followed by the new M276 DE six-cylinder engine with an enhanced lean-burn combustion process as part of the new BlueDIRECT engine generation [3,4]. In the future, the technology will be rolled out with all new 4-cylinder engines. The advantages of the spray-guided lean-burn combustion system are clearly apparent during part load operation of the gasoline engine, both from reduction of throttling losses as well as the improved efficiency of the thermodynamic process. Early on, Mercedes- Benz investigated, whether in conjunction with downsizing the advantages of this combustion system could be retained, if downsizing led to reduction of throttling losses through an increase of the specific output of the engine in the NEDC. Clarification was also required regarding the extent to which turbocharging the engine would create new challenges for the combustion process. This question is discussed on the basis of combustion and emissions investigations. The paper also focuses in particular on the requirements pertaining to the components in the injection system and to the turbocharger in order to achieve the optimum efficiency of the overall system. Likewise, attention is devoted to the challenges regarding the stability and accuracy of the components. As the investigations show, downsizing by means of turbocharging is ideally suitable for combination with the spray-guided lean-burn combustion system. The use of evolved concepts has made it possible to extend the operating range of the stratified combustion system to higher loads, such that even

Energy efficient drive technologies. Hybridization - downsizing - software and IT; Energieeffiziente Antriebstechnologien. Hybridisierung - Downsizing - Software und IT

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Siebenpfeiffer, Wolfgang (ed.)

2013-02-01

The prior two years were characterized by enormous advances in the development of automobiles. The editor of the book under consideration reports on the most exciting contributions from the journal ATZ, MTZ and ATZelektronik. New approaches in the development of components (especially of drives, ventilation systems and aerodynamics) of electric-powered vehicles as well as hybrid electric-powered vehicles are presented. Simultaneously, the author considers the rapid developments in the conventional motorization: actual downsizing engines for passenger cars as well as the potential of new concepts of combustion with regard to the conservation of CO{sub 2} emissions are considered. The new fuel saving developments in the motorization overcompensate the increasing consumption of current consuming components. Information technology and communication technology discover the automobile. Car-to-X themes take o a concrete shape. Since 2012 it is clear that the dual-voltage network formerly being reputed to be dead with an electric power of 48 Volt will appear.

Staff downsizing on the decline for organizations trying to cut overall health care costs.

Science.gov (United States)

1998-04-01

Data Benchmarks: Don't look to downsizing as a major cost-cutting strategy this year. This industry study identifies staffing strategies at hospitals nationwide, plus other important human resource issues for 1998. Not surprisingly, controlling organization-wide costs is a top priority. Here are the details.

The U.S. utility experience: Is there life after mergers and downsizing?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Warkentin, D.

1997-01-01

Deregulation has pervaded the ranks of many different industries in the US. The electric utility industry, which has been often thought of as an untouchable industry to the likes of deregulation or reregulation, is undergoing a change from being considered a monopoly industry to one that is market-based. The electric utility industry is undergoing deregulation, or perhaps it is more fitting to say re-regulation since some regulation will remain, for much the same reasons that many other industries before it have. These reasons include major shifts in the nation's economy and the resultant need for more competitive pricing. Impending re-regulation of the industry is having several ripple effects on the energy industry as a whole, particularly in the area of merger activity and also with respect to reengineering, which more often than not includes a degree of downsizing, or if you prefer, reducing the workforce. And, yes, despite the fact that these truly are difficult and trying times, there is life after mergers and downsizing albeit a different kind of life. Certainly it is the case that the industry will not just come to a halt because restructuring activities are under way

Beyond corporate-style downsizing: a better way for medical schools to succeed in a changing world.

Science.gov (United States)

Bland, C J

1997-06-01

There is a critical need for medical schools and universities to consider strategies beyond corporate-style downsizing to address revenue needs and reposition their organizations. The author presents considerable evidence and three reasons to reject downsizing as a way to facilitate long-term organizational success. Instead, she recommends that institutions use a comprehensive approach to individual and organizational development to assure a flexible, enduring organization. Specifically, medical schools and universities should take an institution-wide perspective and approach to continually training, retraining, or reassigning faculty and should continually adapt their organizational structures and procedures as necessary to achieve changing institutional goals. The result will be the retention of able and dedicated faculty, who will be crucial in helping their schools continue to be successful while adapting to a changing world.

Downsizing information systems : framing the issues for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI)

OpenAIRE

Hutson, Peter M.

1994-01-01

Downsizing information systems from large and centralized mainframe computing architectures to smaller and distributed desktop systems is one of the most difficult and critical strategic decisions facing both corporate and government organizations. Vendor advertisements and media hype often boast of huge cost savings and greater flexibility while retaining mainframe-strength performance. Cryptic terminology, biased vendor assistance, and rapidly changing technology complicate already difficul...

Downgrading, downsizing, degazettement, and reclassification of protected areas in Brazil.

Science.gov (United States)

Bernard, E; Penna, L A O; Araújo, E

2014-08-01

Protected areas (PAs) are key elements for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. Brazil has the largest PA system in the world, covering approximately 220 million ha. This system expanded rapidly in the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s. Recent events in Brazil, however, have led to an increase in PA downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD). Does this reflect a shift in the country's PA policy? We analyzed the occurrence, frequency, magnitude, type, spatial distribution, and causes of changes in PA boundaries and categories in Brazil. We identified 93 PADDD events from 1981 to 2012. Such events increased in frequency since 2008 and were ascribed primarily to generation and transmission of electricity in Amazonia. In Brazilian parks and reserves, 7.3 million ha were affected by PADDD events, and of these, 5.2 million ha were affected by downsizing or degazetting. Moreover, projects being considered by the Federal Congress may degazette 2.1 million ha of PA in Amazonia alone. Relaxing the protection status of existing PAs is proving to be politically easy in Brazil, and the recent increase in frequency and extension of PADDD reflects a change in governmental policy. By taking advantage of chronic deficiencies in financial and personnel resources and surveillance, disputes over land tenure, and the slowness of the Brazilian justice, government agencies have been implementing PADDD without consultation of civil society. If parks and reserves are to maintain their integrity, there will need to be investments in Brazilian PAs and a better understanding of the benefits PAs provide. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology.

Downsizing concept with two-cylinder CNG engine; Downsizingkonzept mit Zweizylinder-Erdgasmotor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bey, Ralf; Ohrem, Carsten [Meta Motoren- und Energie-Technik GmbH, Herzogenrath (Germany); Biermann, Jan-Welm; Buetterling, Patrick [RWTH Aachen Univ. (Germany). Inst. fuer Kraftfahrzeuge

2013-09-15

Meta Motoren- und Energie-Technik, ika and fka have jointly developed a new downsized engine concept to reduce CO{sub 2} emissions specifically in subcompact and small cars. The power unit combines a two-cylinder engine running on natural gas and using an innovative piston supercharger with a newly developed, active system to ensure smooth running of the drivetrain. On the vehicle side, the concept is rounded off by optimisation of driving resistances, the integration of a start/stop function and energy recovery. (orig.)

The Norwegian Downsizing Approach in Terms of the Insider Threat - An interpretive study

OpenAIRE

Benjaminsen, Terje

2017-01-01

This research examined how the Norwegian organizations approach a downsizing in terms of the insider threat. Ten subject matter experts in large Norwegian enterprises were interviewed. These subject matter experts serve in various industry sectors such as; petroleum and energy, climate and environment, agriculture and food, defense, finance, and maritime. The size of the organizations varies from around 400 to more than 10,000 employees. The results of these interviews have been discussed and...

BUSINESS BUZZWORDS: RIGHTSIZING, DOWNSIZING, RE-ENGINEERING, DE-LAYERING

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pop Anamaria Mirabela

2011-07-01

Full Text Available The paper attempts to analyse the rise and use of a new vocabulary (economic buzzwords related to staff dismissal in the new economy of the world. In this new economy, the organizational boundaries between states and firms become unclear and a new vocabulary has been conceived in order to express the changes the firms are undergoing. The new rhetoric includes buzzwords like privatization, de-regulation, re-engineering, rightsizing, downsizing, de-layering, quality service or global sourcing. The research is based on the conclusions of bibliographical and direct research of the literature relevant in the field, trying to emphasise the importance of strategic language when it comes to human resources management. Concepts like freedom of speech, politically correct language or non-discriminatory language are brought to attention and analysed focusing on their importance during periods of change and uncertainty characterising the economic environment nowadays. Two trends are depicted in the paper: the first is that of the supporters of political correctness who attempt to homogenize the language and thought to enhance the self-esteem of minorities. One approach to reaching this goal is to eliminate discriminatory or offensive words and phrases and the substitutions of harmless vocabulary at the expense of economy, clarity, and logic. Another approach is to deconstruct a word or phrase into its component parts, treat the component parts as wholes, and focus on secondary meanings of the component parts. On the other hand, reflecting upon the nature of large-scale organizational restructuring, there are the critics arguing that this type of language is a euphemistic form of phraseology. The analysis starts with the assumption that the economic lexis is not a rigid system of terms. Morphologically, there is a high degree of variety in productive types of compounding which exceeds the possibilities that exist in the common English vocabulary. In this

Organizational downsizing and age discrimination litigation: the influence of personnel practices and statistical evidence on litigation outcomes.

Science.gov (United States)

Wingate, Peter H; Thornton, George C; McIntyre, Kelly S; Frame, Jennifer H

2003-02-01

The present study examined relationships between reduction-in-force (RIF) personnel practices, presentation of statistical evidence, and litigation outcomes. Policy capturing methods were utilized to analyze the components of 115 federal district court opinions involving age discrimination disparate treatment allegations and organizational downsizing. Univariate analyses revealed meaningful links between RIF personnel practices, use of statistical evidence, and judicial verdict. The defendant organization was awarded summary judgment in 73% of the claims included in the study. Judicial decisions in favor of the defendant organization were found to be significantly related to such variables as formal performance appraisal systems, termination decision review within the organization, methods of employee assessment and selection for termination, and the presence of a concrete layoff policy. The use of statistical evidence in ADEA disparate treatment litigation was investigated and found to be a potentially persuasive type of indirect evidence. Legal, personnel, and evidentiary ramifications are reviewed, and a framework of downsizing mechanics emphasizing legal defensibility is presented.

Worker Satisfaction Following Employment Restructuring: Effects of Nonstandard Workers and Downsizing on Job Satisfaction in Taiwan

Science.gov (United States)

Ko, Jyh-Jer Roger; Yeh, Ying-Jung Yvonne

2013-01-01

Since the 1980s, many employment relationships in Taiwan have evolved from regular and long-term to contingent and short-term, with widespread downsizing adding a considerable amount of instability. Since these changes are part of a global trend, there is a growing literature concerning their influences on worker attitudes and work life quality.…

Factors associated with a positive attitude towards change among employees during the early phase of a downsizing process.

Science.gov (United States)

Svensen, Erling; Neset, Gunnar; Eriksen, Hege R

2007-04-01

Most research on organizational changes in working life, including downsizing, focuses on the negative attitudes and negative consequences of the change. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the employee's previous learning experience and characteristics of the working environment were associated with positive attitudes towards organizational change. The 467 employees (73.5% males) working in a global oil company in the early phases of a downsizing process were asked to answer a questionnaire with demographic variables, perception of the working environment, and attitude to change (93% response rate). Corporate social responsibility (CSR), involvement and participation, team leadership and team effectiveness were important factors related to positive attitudes towards organizational change. Non-leaders and older employees were positive to change. We conclude that employees' perceptions of their psychosocial working environment, in particular the CSR, were highly related to their attitude to organizational change.

What to Wear to a Severance Party: A Former Corporate Executive Reflects on Her Own Downsizing Experience

Science.gov (United States)

Cumberland, Denise M.

2013-01-01

A corporate executive provides an amusing and reflective account on her experience of being downsized. This "day in the life" perspective documents the feelings of an individual who found herself served with "divorce papers" from a job that had, in many ways, defined her identity. Her personal story shines the spotlight on…

Flexing and downsizing the femoral component is not detrimental to patellofemoral biomechanics in posterior-referencing cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Marra, Marco A.; Strzelczak, Marta; Heesterbeek, Petra J.C.; van de Groes, Sebastiaan A.W.; Janssen, Dennis; Koopman, Bart F.J.M.; Verdonschot, Nico; Wymenga, Ate B.

2018-01-01

Purpose: When downsizing the femoral component to prevent mediolateral overhang, notching of the anterior femoral cortex may occur, which could be solved by flexing the femoral component. In this study, we investigated the effect of flexion of the femoral component on patellar tendon moment arm,

Downsizing and reorganization: demands, challenges and ambiguity for registered nurses.

Science.gov (United States)

Hertting, Anna; Nilsson, Kerstin; Theorell, Töres; Larsson, Ullabeth Sätterlund

2004-01-01

The 1990s were characterized by substantial financial cuts, and related staff redundancies and reorganizations in the Swedish health care sector. A large hospital in Sweden was selected for the study, in which downsizing had occurred between 1995 and 1997. The number of staff in the hospital was reduced by an average of 20%, and 10% were relocated to other departments. The aims of this study were to explore registered nurses' experiences of psychosocial 'stressors' and 'motivators', and how they handled their work situations, following a period of personnel reductions and ongoing reorganization. Interviews were undertaken with 14 nurses working in one Swedish hospital. Nurses were interviewed in 1997 about the recent and last round of redundancies, and were followed up 1 year later in 1998 and again in 2001. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed for thematic content. Five themes emerged in relation to nurses' perceived stressors, motivators, and coping options: 'distrust towards the employer', 'concurrent demands and challenges', 'professional ambiguity, 'a wish for collaboration', and 'efforts to gain control'. A common feature was duality and ambiguity in nurses' descriptions of the phenomena studied, meaning that identified themes had underlying sub-themes with both negative and positive dimensions. The concurrence of 'ever-growing job demands' and 'work going unrewarded' contributed to a feeling of being taken advantage of by the employer. The 'waste of human resources' and 'competence drain' that followed redundancies provoked anger. Unfulfilled collaboration with doctors was a major stress producer, which related to both the downsized work organization, and the complex 'deference-dominance' doctor-nurse relationship. The well-being of nurses depends on being an equal/parallel health professional in a comprehensive team that shares knowledge and improves collaborative care of patients. A consciously formulated nursing philosophy emerged as a

Goodbye or Identify: Detrimental Effects of Downsizing on Identification and Survivor Performance

Science.gov (United States)

van Dick, Rolf; Drzensky, Frank; Heinz, Matthias

2016-01-01

Research shows that after layoffs, employees often report decreased commitment and performance which has been coined the survivor syndrome. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain underexplored. The purpose of the paper is to show that reduced organizational identification can serve as an explanation for the survivor syndrome. We conducted a laboratory experiment, in which participants work as a group of employees for another participant who acts as employer. In the course of the experiment, the employer decides whether one of his or her employees should be laid off or not. Mediation analysis supports a social identity-based explanation for the emergence of the survivor syndrome: downsizing causes lower identification with the employer which in turn relates to lower performance of employees. PMID:27252674

Legitimacy of hospital reconfiguration: the controversial downsizing of Kidderminster hospital.

Science.gov (United States)

Oborn, Eivor

2008-04-01

This paper examines the contested organizational legitimacy of hospital reconfiguration, which continues to be a central issue in health care management. A qualitative study which focuses on the controversial downsizing of Kidderminster Hospital, a highly publicized landmark case of district general hospital closure. Rhetorical strategies are analysed to examine how legitimacy was constructed by stakeholder groups and how these strategies were used to support or resist change. Stakeholders promoting change legitimized re-organization pragmatically and morally arguing the need for centralization as a rational necessity. Stakeholders resisting change argued for cognitive and moral legitimacy in current service arrangements, contrasting local versus regionalized aspects of safety and provision. Groups managed to talk past each other, failing to establish a dialogue, which led to significant conflict and political upheaval. Stakeholders value hospitals in different ways and argue for diverse accounts of legitimacy. Broader discourses of medical science and democratic participation were drawn into rhetorical texts concerning regionalization to render them more powerful.

Carbonized Micro- and Nanostructures: Can Downsizing Really Help?

Science.gov (United States)

Naraghi, Mohammad; Chawla, Sneha

2014-01-01

In this manuscript, we discuss relationships between morphology and mechanical strength of carbonized structures, obtained via pyrolysis of polymeric precursors, across multiple length scales, from carbon fibers (CFs) with diameters of 5–10 μm to submicron thick carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Our research points to radial inhomogeneity, skin–core structure, as a size-dependent feature of polyacrylonitrile-based CFs. This inhomogeneity is a surface effect, caused by suppressed diffusion of oxygen and stabilization byproducts during stabilization through skin. Hence, reducing the precursor diameters from tens of microns to submicron appears as an effective strategy to develop homogeneous carbonized structures. Our research establishes the significance of this downsizing in developing lightweight structural materials by comparing intrinsic strength of radially inhomogeneous CFs with that of radially homogeneous CNF. While experimental studies on the strength of CNFs have targeted randomly oriented turbostratic domains, via continuum modeling, we have estimated that strength of CNFs can reach 14 GPa, when the basal planes of graphitic domains are parallel to nanofiber axis. The CNFs in our model are treated as composites of amorphous carbon (matrix), reinforced with turbostratic domains, and their strength is predicted using Tsai–Hill criterion. The model was calibrated with existing experimental data. PMID:28788651

Flexing and downsizing the femoral component is not detrimental to patellofemoral biomechanics in posterior-referencing cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty.

Science.gov (United States)

Marra, Marco A; Strzelczak, Marta; Heesterbeek, Petra J C; van de Groes, Sebastiaan A W; Janssen, Dennis; Koopman, Bart F J M; Verdonschot, Nico; Wymenga, Ate B

2018-03-20

When downsizing the femoral component to prevent mediolateral overhang, notching of the anterior femoral cortex may occur, which could be solved by flexing the femoral component. In this study, we investigated the effect of flexion of the femoral component on patellar tendon moment arm, patellofemoral forces and kinematics in posterior-referencing CR-TKA. Our hypothesis was that flexion of the femoral component increases the patellar tendon moment arm, reduces the patellofemoral forces and provides stable kinematics. A validated musculoskeletal model of CR-TKA was used. The flexion of the femoral component was increased in four steps (0°, 3°, 6°, 9°) using posterior referencing, and different alignments were analysed in combination with three implant sizes (3, 4, 5). A chair-rising trial was analysed using the model, while simultaneously estimating quadriceps muscle force, patellofemoral contact force, tibiofemoral and patellofemoral kinematics. Compared to the reference case (size 4 and 0° flexion), for every 3° of increase in flexion of the femoral component the patellar tendon moment arm increased by 1% at knee extension. The peak quadriceps muscle force and patellofemoral contact force decreased by 2%, the patella shifted 0.8 mm more anteriorly and the remaining kinematics remained stable, with knee flexion. With the smaller size, the patellar tendon moment arm decreased by 6%, the quadriceps muscle force and patellofemoral contact force increased by 8 and 12%, and the patellar shifted 5 mm more posteriorly. Opposite trends were found with the bigger size. Flexing the femoral component with posterior referencing reduced the patellofemoral contact forces during a simulated chair-rising trial with a patient-specific musculoskeletal model of CR-TKA. There seems to be little risk when flexing and downsizing the femoral component, compared to when using a bigger size and neutral alignment. These findings provide relevant information to surgeons who wish to

Consumers' behavioural intentions after experiencing deception or cognitive disonance caused by deceptive packaging, package downsizing or slack filling

OpenAIRE

Wilkins, SJK; Beckenuyte, C; Butt, MM

2016-01-01

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to discover the extent to which consumers are aware of air filling in food packaging, the extent to which deceptive packaging and slack filling – which often result from package downsizing – lead to cognitive dissonance, and the extent to which feelings of cognitive dissonance and being deceived lead consumers to engage in negative post purchase behaviours. Design/methodology/approach – The study analysed respondents’ reactions to a series of images of a...

Organizational change, restructuring and downsizing: The experience of employees in the electric utility industry

Science.gov (United States)

Korns, Michael T.

This research examines the experience of employees working in the electric utility industry during a time when it was undergoing significant transformation. It was undertaken to examine this phenomenon in the context of how the history and nature of the industry's environment, and specifically regulatory effect of regulation, led to an organizational form characterized by stability, structure and inertial resistance to change. A case study approach was used to examine the effect of deregulation on an organization in the industry, and specifically how their actions impacted employees working there. A phenomenological approach was used to explore employee perceptions of the organizational culture and employment relationship there both prior to and after implementation of a reorganization and downsizing that resulted in the first significant employee layoffs in the history of the organization. Data gathering consisted of conducting semi-structured interviews with current and former employees of the company who experienced the phenomena. Analysis of the data show that employees in this organization perceived an unusually strong psychological contract for stable employment and the expectation that it would continue, despite the prevalence of corporate downsizing and restructuring at the time. This psychological contract and the importance of career employment was found to be particularly significant for women who were hired during a period of time when gender and pregnancy discrimination was prevalent. Findings demonstrate that, given the historical stability and strong inertial resistance in the organization, company leadership did not effectively communicate the need, or prepare employees sufficiently for the significance of the changes or the effect they had on the organization. Findings also revealed that employees perceived the methods used to select individuals for layoff and exit from the company violated principles of organizational justice for distributional

The Novel Application of Optimization and Charge Blended Energy Management Control for Component Downsizing within a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ravi Shankar

2012-11-01

Full Text Available  The adoption of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs is widely seen as an interim solution for the decarbonization of the transport sector. Within a PHEV, determining the required energy storage capacity of the battery remains one of the primary concerns for vehicle manufacturers and system integrators. This fact is particularly pertinent since the battery constitutes the largest contributor to vehicle mass. Furthermore, the financial cost associated with the procurement, design and integration of battery systems is often cited as one of the main barriers to vehicle commercialization. The ability to integrate the optimization of the energy management control system with the sizing of key PHEV powertrain components presents a significant area of research. Contained within this paper is an optimization study in which a charge blended strategy is used to facilitate the downsizing of the electrical machine, the internal combustion engine and the high voltage battery. An improved Equivalent Consumption Method has been used to manage the optimal power split within the powertrain as the PHEV traverses a range of different drivecycles. For a target CO2 value and drivecycle, results show that this approach can yield significant downsizing opportunities, with cost reductions on the order of 2%–9% being realizable.

Genome size evolution in Ontario ferns (Polypodiidae): evolutionary correlations with cell size, spore size, and habitat type and an absence of genome downsizing.

Science.gov (United States)

Henry, Thomas A; Bainard, Jillian D; Newmaster, Steven G

2014-10-01

Genome size is known to correlate with a number of traits in angiosperms, but less is known about the phenotypic correlates of genome size in ferns. We explored genome size variation in relation to a suite of morphological and ecological traits in ferns. Thirty-six fern taxa were collected from wild populations in Ontario, Canada. 2C DNA content was measured using flow cytometry. We tested for genome downsizing following polyploidy using a phylogenetic comparative analysis to explore the correlation between 1Cx DNA content and ploidy. There was no compelling evidence for the occurrence of widespread genome downsizing during the evolution of Ontario ferns. The relationship between genome size and 11 morphological and ecological traits was explored using a phylogenetic principal component regression analysis. Genome size was found to be significantly associated with cell size, spore size, spore type, and habitat type. These results are timely as past and recent studies have found conflicting support for the association between ploidy/genome size and spore size in fern polyploid complexes; this study represents the first comparative analysis of the trend across a broad taxonomic group of ferns.

Downsizing of acute inpatient beds associated with private finance initiative: Scotland's case study

Science.gov (United States)

Dunnigan, Matthew G; Pollock, Allyson M

2003-01-01

and increase in clinical activity in acute specialties in Lothian hospitals had not been achieved by 2000-1There is evidence of an independent “PFI effect” on hospital downsizing and bed reductions, which in Lothian has resulted in severe capacity constraints across all acute specialties with a need for immediate expansion in acute and community provisionFurther hospital and community service downsizing may be required to meet the financial deficit, which is principally due to the high costs of PFI PMID:12714469

Cosmetics or Radical Surgery? What’s Right For the Top Levels of the U.S Defense Establishment as it Downsizes?

Science.gov (United States)

1993-04-15

1992. Thompson, W. Scott, and Donaldson D. Frizzell, ed. The Lessons of Viet Nam . New York: Crane, Russak & Company, 1977. Thurman, General Maxwell R...Depuftt .f Deawss. w SOY Or qifMade Thk 4amest may wt be IS-ýi ft 1W 0Mp•"s u ftbwsbee.demadby lbs appespdAdks Of enls COSMETICS OR RADICAL SURGERY...Classification) Cosmetics or Radical Surgery? What’s Right for the Top Levels of the U.S. Defense Establishment as It Downsizes? 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) LTC

The perceived impact of downsizing and organisational transformation on survivors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. Ndlovu

2005-10-01

Full Text Available Change is a way of life and the ability to manage change is a key factor in organisational survival and effectiveness. This article evaluates the ‘survivor syndrome’ and assesses the impact of the process of downsizing and transformation on communication, trust, survivor commitment and loyalty, morale and career advancement opportunities. The study was conducted using a stratified random sample of 361 employees/survivors in a branch of a motor manufacturer that had undergone major transformation. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study generates a framework/model of critical change implementation factors and recommendations that will enable change managers to sense, adjust, respond and implement change timeously so as to gain strategic and competitive advantage. Opsomming Verandering is ’n lewenswyse en die vermoë om te verander is ’n kernaspek in organisasieverandering en -oorlewing. In hierdie artikel word die ‘oorlewingsindroom’ beoordeel en word die impak van die afskalingsproses en transformasie op kommunikasie, vertroue, ‘oorlewende’ toewyding en lojaliteit, moraal en loopbaanvorderingsgeleenthede takseer. Die studie is uitgevoer, met die gebruik van ’n gestratifiseerde ewekansige steekproef van 361 werknemers/’oorlewendes’ in ’n afdeling van ’n motorvervaardiger wat ingrypende transformasie ondergaan het. Data is ingesamel by wyse van ’n selfontwikkelde vraelys en ontleed aan die hand van beskrywende en inferensiële statistiek. Die studie het ’n raamwerk/model van kritieke veranderingsimplementeringsfaktore en aanbevelings gegenereer wat veranderingsbestuurders in staat sal stel om die gewaarwording, aanpassing, reaksie en implementering van verandering tydig te doen sodat strategiese en mededingingsvoordeel behaal kan word.

Downsizing of lean body mass is a key determinant of Alzheimer's disease.

Science.gov (United States)

Ingenbleek, Yves; Bernstein, Larry H

2015-01-01

Lean body mass (LBM) encompasses all metabolically active organs distributed into visceral and structural tissue compartments and collecting the bulk of N and K stores of the human body. Transthyretin (TTR) is a plasma protein mainly secreted by the liver within a trimolecular TTR-RBP-retinol complex revealing from birth to old age strikingly similar evolutionary patterns with LBM in health and disease. TTR is also synthesized by the choroid plexus along distinct regulatory pathways. Chronic dietary methionine (Met) deprivation or cytokine-induced inflammatory disorders generates LBM downsizing following differentiated physiopathological processes. Met-restricted regimens downregulate the transsulfuration cascade causing upstream elevation of homocysteine (Hcy) safeguarding Met homeostasis and downstream drop of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) impairing anti-oxidative capacities. Elderly persons constitute a vulnerable population group exposed to increasing Hcy burden and declining H2S protection, notably in plant-eating communities or in the course of inflammatory illnesses. Appropriate correction of defective protein status and eradication of inflammatory processes may restore an appropriate LBM size allowing the hepatic production of the retinol circulating complex to resume, in contrast with the refractory choroidal TTR secretory process. As a result of improved health status, augmented concentrations of plasma-derived TTR and retinol may reach the cerebrospinal fluid and dismantle senile amyloid plaques, contributing to the prevention or the delay of the onset of neurodegenerative events in elderly subjects at risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Intra-specific downsizing of frugivores affects seed germination of fleshy-fruited plant species

Science.gov (United States)

Pérez-Méndez, Néstor; Rodríguez, Airam; Nogales, Manuel

2018-01-01

The loss of largest-bodied individuals within species of frugivorous animals is one of the major consequences of defaunation. The gradual disappearance of large-bodied frugivores is expected to entail a parallel deterioration in seed dispersal functionality if the remaining smaller-sized individuals are not so effective as seed dispersers. While the multiple impacts of the extinction of large bodied species have been relatively well studied, the impact of intraspecific downsizing (i.e. the extinction of large individuals within species) on seed dispersal has rarely been evaluated. Here we experimentally assessed the impact of body-size reduction in the frugivorous lizard Gallotia galloti (Lacertidae), an endemic species of the Canary Islands, on the seed germination patterns of two fleshy-fruited plant species (Rubia fruticosa and Withania aristata). Seed germination curves and the proportions of germinated seeds were compared for both plant species after being defecated by large-sized individuals and small-sized individuals. The data show that seeds of W. aristata defecated by larger-sized lizards germinated faster and in a higher percentage than those defecated by small-sized lizards, while no differences were found for R. fruticosa seeds. Our results suggest that disappearance of the largest individuals of frugivorous species may impair recruitment of some plant species by worsening seed germination. They also warn us of a potential cryptic loss of seed dispersal functionality on defaunated ecosystems, even when frugivorous species remain abundant.

EDITORIAL: Towards the next node in downsized devices Towards the next node in downsized devices

Science.gov (United States)

Demming, Anna

2010-02-01

Over the past 50 years, one notable trend in the progress of electronics technology has been the steady scaling down in physical size, widely known as Moore's Law. Over the next ten years the ability to continue miniaturizing devices within the existing technological framework faces some fundamental obstacles, and alternatives to traditional CMOS architectures are being investigated. Carbon nanotubes, the wonder material first discovered by Iijima in 1991 [1], have been proposed as a possible means of continuing the trend to down-size devices. This has initiated research into the thermal properties of carbon nanotubes that may affect device performance [2], as well as new synthesis techniques that allow control over the diameter and chirality [3], which are physical characteristics of carbon nanotubes that influence their electronic properties. Carbon nanotubes have been touted as a host of device challenges since their discovery, but an application with truly commercial benefits is yet to be devised. Although the vast potential in carbon nanotube applied research may not yet have tapped into the cashflow from mainstream commerce, the role they have played so far in advancing our understanding of the fundamental properties of systems at the nanoscale remains priceless. Germanium and silicon nanowires are also possible candidates to infiltrate electronic devices. Means of refining fabrication processes and enhancing transport properties in these materials [4, 5] is already a hot topic of research. Electron-beam-induced deposition is one approach that is now widely adopted for fabricating three-dimensional structures for nanoscale devices. However, despite the merits of convenience and versatility, the potential applications of electron-beam-induced deposition are still limited by the problem of impurities introduced by the process. The review published in Nanotechnology [6] at the end of last year presents a user-oriented overview of electron

The downside of downsizing: lessons from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Severson-Baker, C.

1999-03-01

Budget and staff cuts at the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (AEUB) beginning with 1994, and coinciding with the largest increases in oil industry activity in the province, have seriously impaired the ability of the Board to effectively monitor the oil and gas industry. Oil and gas applications at the AEUB have increased from 4,000 in 1993 to 12,000 in 1997. During the same period AEUB reduced staff levels by slashing field staff positions by over 60 per cent and in-the-field time for the remaining regional staff from 70 per cent to 35 per cent. Inability to keep pace with oil and gas activity in the face of budget cuts and staff reductions is evidenced by procedural breakdowns in several areas including oilfield waste management. The questionable application process for an oil field waste treatment facility and the past practice of burying oilfield waste in roadbeds are cited. There is also emerging evidence of industry impacts on human and animal health. Similar downsizing and deregulation is reported to have taken place at Alberta Environmental Protection, which since 1992 suffered a 37 per cent reduction in its funding and a 31 per cent decrease in staff positions. In addition, the government has committed to cut environmental regulations by 50 per cent. Public tolerance for the oil and gas sector in many areas of the province is decreasing. One indication of this is the estimated 160 incidents of acts of sabotage against oil and gas installations and the murder of an oil company executive early in 1998. An upgrading of enforcement capability is urgently needed. A bona-fide Environmental Advocate independent of government control and oil and gas industry funding would be a good start.

Quantifying the extent of protected-area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement in Australia.

Science.gov (United States)

Cook, Carly N; Valkan, Rebecca S; Mascia, Michael B; McGeoch, Melodie A

2017-10-01

The use of total area protected as the predominant indicator of progress in building protected area (PA) networks is receiving growing criticism. Documenting the full dynamics of PA networks, both in terms of the gains and losses in protection, provides a much more informative approach to tracking progress. To this end, documentation of PA downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) has increased. Studies of PADDD events generally fail to place these losses in the context of gains in protection; therefore, they omit important elements of PA network dynamics. To address this limitation, we used a spatially explicit approach to identify every parcel of land added to and excised from the Australian terrestrial PA network and PAs that had their level of protection changed over 17 years (1997-2014). By quantifying changes in the spatial configuration of the PA network with time-series data (spatial layers for nine separate time steps), ours is the first assessment of the dynamics (increases and decreases in area and level of protection) of a PA network and the first comprehensive assessment of PADDD in a developed country. We found that the Australian network was highly dynamic; there were 5233 changes in area or level of protection over 17 years. Against a background of enormous increases in area protected, we identified over 1500 PADDD events, which affected over one-third of the network, which were largely the result of widespread downgrading of protection. We believe our approach provides a mechanism for robust tracking of trends in the world's PAs through the use of data from the World Database on Protected Areas. However, this will require greater transparency and improved data standards in reporting changes to PAs. © 2017 Society for Conservation Biology.

Application of Karasek's demand/control model a Canadian occupational setting including shift workers during a period of reorganization and downsizing.

Science.gov (United States)

Schechter, J; Green, L W; Olsen, L; Kruse, K; Cargo, M

1997-01-01

To apply Karasek's Job Content Model to an analysis of the relationships between job type and perceived stress and stress behaviors in a large company during a period of reorganization and downsizing. Cross-sectional mail-out, mail-back survey. A large Canadian telephone/telecommunications company. Stratified random sample (stratified by job category) of 2200 out of 13,000 employees with a response rate of 48.8%. Responses to 25 of Karasek's core questions were utilized to define four job types: low-demand and high control = "relaxed"; high demand and high control = "active"; low demand and low control = "passive", and high demand and low control = "high strain." These job types were compared against self-reported stress levels, perceived general level of health, absenteeism, alcohol use, exercise level, and use of medications and drugs. Similar analyses were performed to assess the influence of shift work. Employees with "passive" or "high strain" job types reported higher levels of stress (trend test p Karasek and Theorell was validated in this setting with respect to stress and some stress-associated attitudes and behaviors.

Neoadjuvant Down-Sizing of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma with Photodynamic Therapy—Long-Term Outcome of a Phase II Pilot Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Andrej Wagner

2015-11-01

Full Text Available Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (CC is non-resectable in the majority of patients often due to intrahepatic extension along bile duct branches/segments, and even after complete resection (R0 recurrence can be as high as 70%. Photodynamic therapy (PDT is an established palliative local tumor ablative treatment for non-resectable hilar CC. We report the long-term outcome of curative resection (R0 performed after neoadjuvant PDT for downsizing of tumor margins in seven patients (median age 59 years with initially non-resectable hilar CC. Photofrin® was injected intravenously 24–48 h before laser light irradiation of the tumor stenoses and the adjacent bile duct segments. Major resective surgery was done with curative intention six weeks after PDT. All seven patients had been curatively (R0 resected and there were no undue early or late complications for the neoadjuvant PDT and surgery. Six of seven patients died from tumor recurrence at a median of 3.2 years after resection, the five-year survival rate was 43%. These results are comparable with published data for patients resected R0 without pre-treatment, indicating that neoadjuvant PDT is feasible and could improve overall survival of patients considered non-curatively resectable because of initial tumor extension in bile duct branches/segments—however, this concept needs to be validated in a larger trial.

Friction Reduction Tested for a Downsized Diesel Engine with Low-Viscosity Lubricants Including a Novel Polyalkylene Glycol

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

David E. Sander

2017-04-01

Full Text Available With the increasing pressure to reduce emissions, friction reduction is always an up-to-date topic in the automotive industry. Among the various possibilities to reduce mechanical friction, the usage of a low-viscosity lubricant in the engine is one of the most effective and most economic options. Therefore, lubricants of continuously lower viscosity are being developed and offered on the market that promise to reduce engine friction while avoiding deleterious mixed lubrication and wear. In this work, a 1.6 L downsized Diesel engine is used on a highly accurate engine friction test-rig to determine the potential for friction reduction using low viscosity lubricants under realistic operating conditions including high engine loads. In particular, two hydrocarbon-based lubricants, 0W30 and 0W20, are investigated as well as a novel experimental lubricant, which is based on a polyalkylene glycol base stock. Total engine friction is measured for all three lubricants, which show a general 5% advantage for the 0W20 in comparison to the 0W30 lubricant. The polyalkylene glycol-based lubricant, however, shows strongly reduced friction losses, which are about 25% smaller than for the 0W20 lubricant. As the 0W20 and the polyalkylene glycol-based lubricant have the same HTHS-viscosity , the findings contradict the common understanding that the HTHS-viscosity is the dominant driver related to the friction losses.

Provider perceptions of the social work environment and the state of pediatric care in a downsized urban public academic medical center.

Science.gov (United States)

Tataw, David Besong

2011-05-01

The author's purpose through this study was to document and analyze health provider perceptions of their social work environment and the state of pediatric care at Los Angeles County King/Drew Hospital and Medical Center in 2000, after the restructuring and downsizing of the hospital and its community clinics. The research results showed nurses and physicians reporting that both the quality of pediatric care and the provider social work environment were poor. Negative factors in the social work environment included: low employee morale, poorly staffed clinical teams, lack of professional autonomy, perceptions of low quality of care for pediatric patients, and interpersonal issues of poor communication and collaboration among providers. Providers also perceived a non-supportive work environment, sense of powerlessness, poor quality of work, lack of goal clarity from leadership, lack of fairness in leadership behavior, and an organizational leadership that is abandoning its core mission and values, thereby making it difficult for providers to carry out their professional functions. The author's findings in this study suggest a relationship between intra-role conflict, social employment environment and quality of care at King/Drew Medical Center in 2000. Lessons for practice are presented.

Combined effects of cooled EGR and a higher geometric compression ratio on thermal efficiency improvement of a downsized boosted spark-ignition direct-injection engine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Su, Jianye; Xu, Min; Li, Tie; Gao, Yi; Wang, Jiasheng

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Experiments for the effects of cooled EGR and two compression ratios (CR) on fuel efficiency were conducted. • The mechanism for the observed fuel efficiency behaviors by cooled EGR and high CR was clarified. • Cooled EGR offers more fuel efficiency improvement than elevating CR from 9.3 to 10.9. • Combining 18–25% cooled EGR with 10.9 CR lead to 2.1–3.5% brake thermal efficiency improvements. - Abstract: The downsized boosted spark-ignition direct-injection (SIDI) engine has proven to be one of the most promising concepts to improve vehicle fuel economy. However, the boosted engine is typically designed at a lower geometric compression ratio (CR) due to the increased knock tendency in comparison to naturally aspirated engines, limiting the potential of improving fuel economy. On the other hand, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) has drawn attention due to the potential to suppress knock and improve fuel economy. Combing the effects of boosting, increased CR and cooled EGR to further improve fuel economy within acceptable knock tolerance has been investigated using a 2.0 L downsized boosted SIDI engine over a wide range of engine operating conditions from 1000 rpm to 3000 rpm at low to high loads. To clarify the mechanism of this complicated effects, the first law of thermodynamics analysis was conducted with the inputs from GT-Power® engine simulation. Experiment results indicate that cooled EGR provides more brake thermal efficiency improvement than increasing geometric CR from 9.3 to 10.9. The benefit of brake thermal efficiency from the higher CR is limited to low load conditions. The attributes for improving brake thermal efficiency by cooled EGR include reduced heat transfer loss, reduced pumping work and increased ratio of specific heats for all the engine operating conditions, as well as higher degree of constant volume heat release only for the knock-limited high load conditions. The combined effects of 18–25% cooled EGR

Report of the results of the fiscal 1997 regional consortium R and D project. Regional consortium field / R and D on downsizing technology of machine tools (first fiscal year); 1997 nendo chiiki consortium kenkyu kaihatsu jigyo. Chiiki consortium energy bun`ya / kosaku kikai no downsizing gijutsu ni kansuru kenkyu kaihatsu (daiichi nendo) seika hokokusho

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

The R and D were conducted aiming at downsizing machine tools by combining microfactory technology owned by Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology of MITI with fundamental element technology owned by industrial groups of machine tools. In fiscal 1997, as to the study of spindle drum indexing mechanism in making main spindle multiaxial, the following have been finished: the basic study through openness of controller and networks, confirmation of function of the equipment acquired, and initialization of the driver software. Relating to the study on machining conditions of dry machining processing, delivery and installation of cold air machining instrument have been finished. Concerning the optical measurement of spindle radial run-out vectors, a system to make optical no contact measurement of radial direction components of rotation error was constructed with high accuracy pin gauge attached to the work spindle clamp mechanism as a medium. About the study on sensor-based state recognition technology, specifications for various kinds of sensor were decided on. 5 refs., 67 figs., 3 tabs.

GALAXY DOWNSIZING AND THE REDSHIFT EVOLUTION OF OXYGEN AND NITROGEN ABUNDANCES: ORIGIN OF THE SCATTER IN THE N/H-O/H DIAGRAM

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pilyugin, Leonid S.; Thuan, Trinh X.

2011-01-01

The oxygen and nitrogen abundance evolutions with redshift of emission-line galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey are considered for four intervals of galaxy stellar masses, ranging from 10 11.3 M sun to 10 10.2 M sun . We have measured their line fluxes and derived the O and N abundances using recent calibrations. The evolution of O and N abundances with redshift clearly shows the galaxy downsizing effect, where enrichment (and hence star formation) ceases in high-mass galaxies at earlier times and shifts to lower-mass galaxies at later epochs. The origin of the scatter in the N/H-O/H diagram has been examined. The most massive galaxies, where O and N enrichment and star formation have already stopped, occupy a narrow band in the N/H-O/H diagram, defining an upper envelope. The less massive galaxies which are still undergoing star formation at the current epoch are shifted downward, toward lower N/H values in the N/H-O/H diagram. This downward shift is caused by the time delay between N and O enrichment. This time delay together with the different star formation histories in galaxies is responsible for the large scatter in the N/H-O/H diagram.

Why do we lose protected areas? Factors influencing protected area downgrading, downsizing and degazettement in the tropics and subtropics.

Science.gov (United States)

Symes, William S; Rao, Madhu; Mascia, Michael B; Carrasco, L Roman

2016-02-01

Protected areas (PAs) are an essential tool for the conservation of biodiversity globally. Previous studies have focussed on the effectiveness of PAs and the design of optimal PA networks. However, not all PAs remain intact permanently; many PAs undergo downgrading, downsizing and/or degazettement (PADDD), a fact largely ignored until recently. The drivers of enacted PADDD events and the factors influencing its spatial occurrence are poorly understood, potentially undermining the efficacy of PAs and PA networks. Here we examine the spatial relationship between PADDD and economic, demographic and structural variables, using a 110-year data set of 342 enacted PADDD events across 44 countries in the tropics and subtropics. We find that the probability of an enacted PADDD event increases with the size of the PA and through a synergistic interaction between PA size and local population densities. Our results are robust to the under-reporting of enacted PADDD events that occur among smaller PAs and in regions with lower population density. We find an economic motive for PADDD events, given that the opportunity costs associated with larger PAs are higher, on average, than smaller PAs. Our findings suggest a need for conservation practitioners to better consider PA characteristics, as well as the social, economic and political context in which PAs are situated, to aid the creation of more efficient and sustainable PA networks. In particular, the dynamics of enacted PADDD events highlight the need to explicitly consider PA robustness as a core component of systematic conservation planning for PA networks. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Perceptions of justice and extra-role behaviours of survivors after organisational restructuring at a consolidated bank in Nigeria

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Queen Omoruyi

2011-07-01

Research purpose: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between employees’ perceptions of justice and their organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB after organisations downsize. Motivation for the study: Many organisations that are downsizing do not seriously consider the unintended consequences of downsizing on the behaviour of survivors. This study intends to draw the attention of organisations that are downsizing to this oversight. Research design, approach and method: The researchers used a quantitative research design and survey method for the study. They distributed a self-administered questionnaire to 130 employees from a population of 180 survivors at the head office of a commercial bank that recently downsized in Lagos, Nigeria. Main findings: The research results showed that there was no fairness in the downsizing exercise. This resulted in low morale amongst survivors and unwillingness to engage in extra- role behaviours. Practical/managerial implications: It is important for organisations that are downsizing to use a participative approach in order to achieve organisational efficiency and improve productivity after restructuring. Contribution/value-added: The results of the study will give the managers of organisations, which are planning to downsize, a useful insight into how to plan the exercise, how to implement the plans, and how to manage the employees they will retrench and those they will retain after concluding the downsizing exercise.

Towards a population synthesis model of self-gravitating disc fragmentation and tidal downsizing II: the effect of fragment-fragment interactions

Science.gov (United States)

Forgan, D. H.; Hall, C.; Meru, F.; Rice, W. K. M.

2018-03-01

It is likely that most protostellar systems undergo a brief phase where the protostellar disc is self-gravitating. If these discs are prone to fragmentation, then they are able to rapidly form objects that are initially of several Jupiter masses and larger. The fate of these disc fragments (and the fate of planetary bodies formed afterwards via core accretion) depends sensitively not only on the fragment's interaction with the disc, but also with its neighbouring fragments. We return to and revise our population synthesis model of self-gravitating disc fragmentation and tidal downsizing. Amongst other improvements, the model now directly incorporates fragment-fragment interactions while the disc is still present. We find that fragment-fragment scattering dominates the orbital evolution, even when we enforce rapid migration and inefficient gap formation. Compared to our previous model, we see a small increase in the number of terrestrial-type objects being formed, although their survival under tidal evolution is at best unclear. We also see evidence for disrupted fragments with evolved grain populations - this is circumstantial evidence for the formation of planetesimal belts, a phenomenon not seen in runs where fragment-fragment interactions are ignored. In spite of intense dynamical evolution, our population is dominated by massive giant planets and brown dwarfs at large semimajor axis, which direct imaging surveys should, but only rarely, detect. Finally, disc fragmentation is shown to be an efficient manufacturer of free-floating planetary mass objects, and the typical multiplicity of systems formed via gravitational instability will be low.

Job insecurity during recessions: effects on survivors' work stress.

Science.gov (United States)

Modrek, Sepideh; Cullen, Mark R

2013-10-06

Previous studies show a variety of negative health consequences for the remaining workforce after downsizing events. This study examined self-reported work stress from 2009-2012 in the context of a large multi-site aluminum manufacturing company that underwent severe downsizing in 2009. This study examined the association between work stress and working at a work site that underwent severe downsizing. We assessed the level of downsizing across thirty plants in 2009 and categorized seven as having undergone severe downsizing. We linked plant-level downsizing information to individual workers' responses to an annual work engagement survey, which included three work stress questions. From 2009 to 2012 over 14, 000 employees were asked about their experience of work stress. Though the surveys were anonymous, the surveys captured employees' demographic and employment characteristic as well as plant location. We used hierarchical logistic regressions to compare responses of workers at severely downsized plants to workers at all other plant while controlling for demographic and plant characteristics. Responses to the work stress questions and one control question were examined. In all yearly surveys salaried workers consistently reported having more work stress than hourly workers. There was no differential in work stress for workers at severely downsized plants in 2009. In 2010 to 2012, salaried workers who remained at severely downsized plants reported significantly higher work stress than salaried workers at all other plants across multiple work stress questions. Examination of the 2006 survey confirmed that there were no pre-existing differences in work stress among salaried employees working at plants that would eventually experience severe downsizing. In addition, there was no difference in responses to the control question at severely downsized plants. Salaried workers at plants with high layoffs experienced more work stress after 2009 than their counterparts at

Create a translational medicine knowledge repository--research downsizing, mergers and increased outsourcing have reduced the depth of in-house translational medicine expertise and institutional memory at many pharmaceutical and biotech companies: how will they avoid relearning old lessons?

Science.gov (United States)

Littman, Bruce H; Marincola, Francesco M

2011-05-10

Pharmaceutical industry consolidation and overall research downsizing threatens the ability of companies to benefit from their previous investments in translational research as key leaders with the most knowledge of the successful use of biomarkers and translational pharmacology models are laid off or accept their severance packages. Two recently published books may help to preserve this type of knowledge but much of this type of information is not in the public domain. Here we propose the creation of a translational medicine knowledge repository where companies can submit their translational research data and access similar data from other companies in a precompetitive environment. This searchable repository would become an invaluable resource for translational scientists and drug developers that could speed and reduce the cost of new drug development.

Synthesis of Hα absorption in old stellar systems: formation of the cluster red sequence by `downsizing'

Science.gov (United States)

Smith, Russell J.

2005-05-01

steep age-mass relation supports a `downsizing' formation scenario: fainter red-sequence galaxies became quiescent at lower redshifts, z<~ 0.5. This picture accords with recent observations of truncated red sequences in clusters at z~ 0.7.

Create a translational medicine knowledge repository - Research downsizing, mergers and increased outsourcing have reduced the depth of in-house translational medicine expertise and institutional memory at many pharmaceutical and biotech companies: how will they avoid relearning old lessons?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marincola Francesco M

2011-05-01

Full Text Available Abstract Pharmaceutical industry consolidation and overall research downsizing threatens the ability of companies to benefit from their previous investments in translational research as key leaders with the most knowledge of the successful use of biomarkers and translational pharmacology models are laid off or accept their severance packages. Two recently published books may help to preserve this type of knowledge but much of this type of information is not in the public domain. Here we propose the creation of a translational medicine knowledge repository where companies can submit their translational research data and access similar data from other companies in a precompetitive environment. This searchable repository would become an invaluable resource for translational scientists and drug developers that could speed and reduce the cost of new drug development.

Preoperative Y-90 microsphere selective internal radiation treatment for tumor downsizing and future liver remnant recruitment: a novel approach to improving the safety of major hepatic resections.

Science.gov (United States)

Gulec, Seza A; Pennington, Kenneth; Hall, Michael; Fong, Yuman

2009-01-08

Extended liver resections are being performed more liberally than ever. The extent of resection of liver metastases, however, is restricted by the volume of the future liver remnant (FLR). An intervention that would both accomplish tumor control and induce compensatory hypertrophy, with good patient tolerability, could improve clinical outcomes. A 53-year-old woman with a history of cervical cancer presented with a large liver mass. Subsequent biopsy indicated poorly differentiated carcinoma with necrosis suggestive of squamous cell origin. A decision was made to proceed with pre-operative chemotherapy and Y-90 microsphere SIRT with the intent to obtain systemic control over the disease, downsize the hepatic lesion, and improve the FLR. A surgical exploration was performed six months after the first SIRT (three months after the second). There was no extrahepatic disease. The tumor was found to be significantly decreased in size with central and peripheral scarring. The left lobe was satisfactorily hypertrophied. A formal right hepatic lobectomy was performed with macroscopic negative margins. Selective internal radiation treatment (SIRT) with yttrium-90 (Y-90) microspheres has emerged as an effective liver-directed therapy with a favorable therapeutic ratio. We present this case report to suggest that the portal vein radiation dose can be substantially increased with the intent of inducing portal/periportal fibrosis. Such a therapeutic manipulation in lobar Y-90 microsphere treatment could accomplish the end points of PVE with avoidance of the concern regarding tumor progression.

Reverberations from Downsizings.

Science.gov (United States)

Journal of Career Planning & Employment, 1995

1995-01-01

High costs have made most organizations adjust their workforces. Students are responding with new attitudes toward work. Discusses three trends: (1) recruiting of graduates is down, of experienced workers is up; (2) focus is on internships and work experience; and (3) limited-term hiring is on the rise. (JBJ)

Career Issues in Organizations.

Science.gov (United States)

1997

This document contains four papers from a symposium on career issues in organizations. "Learning During Downsizing: Stories from the Survivors" (Sharon J. Confessore) describes a study to demonstrate that survivors of corporate downsizings undertake learning activities and use many resources to accomplish the learning tasks.…

Financial crisis and collapsed banks: psychological distress and work related factors among surviving employees--a nation-wide study.

Science.gov (United States)

Snorradóttir, Ásta; Vilhjálmsson, Rúnar; Rafnsdóttir, Guðbjörg Linda; Tómasson, Kristinn

2013-09-01

The study considered psychological distress among surviving bank employees differently entangled in downsizing and restructuring following the financial crisis of 2008. A cross-sectional, nationwide study was conducted among surviving employees (N = 1880, response rate 68%). Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess factors associated with psychological distress. In the banks, where all employees experienced rapid and unpredictable organizational changes, psychological distress was higher among employees most entangled in the downsizing and restructuring process. Being subjected to downsizing within own department, salary cut, and transfer to another department, was directly related to increased psychological distress, controlling for background factors. The associations between downsizing, restructuring, and distress were reduced somewhat by adding job demands, job control, and empowering leadership to the model, however, adding social support had little effect on these associations. Employees most entangled in organizational changes are the most vulnerable and should be prioritized in workplace interventions during organizational changes. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Job Insecurity and Remuneration in Chinese Family-Owned Business Workers

Science.gov (United States)

Hu, Qiao; Schaufeli, Wilmar B.

2011-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of job insecurity (past job downsizing and anticipated job downsizing) and current remuneration--via wellbeing (burnout and work engagement)--on organizational outcomes (organization commitment and low turnover intention) of Chinese family-owned business. Design/methodology/approach: The…

Size effect for phase stability on Au–Cd–Ag of phase boundary composition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Matsuoka, Yuki; Suzuki, Keiko; Kudo, Natsuko

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► Size and heat treatment effects of phase boundary composition Au 52.5−x Cd 47.5 Ag x were studied. ► The transformation temperature T 0 increases by quench. It is investigated that disordering of atoms and lattice defects make β-phase unstable. ► Downsizing sample decreased T 0 in β-phase, showed a tendency of increase in coexistent phase. ► Downsizing is supposed to make difficult nucleation for martensitic transformation. ► Increasing of surface ratio by downsizing of powder sample is estimated to make easy to transform from unstable β-phase to martensite phase. -- Abstract: Size and heat treatment effects on martensitic transformation of phase boundary composition Au 52.5−x Cd 47.5 Ag x were studied. Au 52.5−x Cd 47.5 Ag x has coexistent phase of β-phase and α-phase of fcc structure at x > 42 at.%. The transformation temperature T 0 decreases as Au is substituted on Ag over phase boundary. T 0 increases by quench in both case of bulk and powder. This behavior is investigated that disordering of atoms and lattice defects make β-phase (L2 1 , B2 or bcc) unstable. Size effect was also inspected. Downsizing sample decreased the transformation temperature in β-phase. On the contrary, the transformation temperature of the coexistent phase showed a tendency of increase. Downsizing is supposed to make difficult nucleation for martensitic transformation because of reduction of β-phase ordered volume. Increasing of surface (disorder structure) ratio by downsizing of powder sample is estimated to make easy to transform from unstable β-phase to martensite phase

Decreasing size of radiosensitive capsules from micro to nano, and its increased antitumor effect and decreasing adverse effect

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Harada, S.; Ehara, S.; Ishii, K.; Yamazaki, H.; Matsuyama, S.; Sato, Takahiro; Kamiya, Tomihiro; Sera, K.; Saito, Y.

2012-01-01

We have been developing microcapsules that release anticancer drug with response to radiation. We attempted to decrease the diameter of capsules. Then, two categories were tested in VIVO in C3He mice: (1) the antitumor effect in combination with radiation and subcutaneously injected nanocapsules, (2) the kidnetics of nanocapsules when they were injected intravenously. Microcapsules were produced by spraying a mixture of 3.0 % hyaluronic acid, 2.0 % alginate, 3.0 % H 2 O 2 , and 0.3 mmol carboplatin (Pt containing anticancer drug) onto a mixture of vibrated 0.3 mol FeCl 2 and 0.15 mol CaCl 2 . The antitumor effect was measured by measuring tumor diameter every day. The kinetics of microcapsules were expressed as the numbers of capsules in 5 views (25 x 25 μm) of micro PIXE camera and Pt concentration of quantiative PIXE. The generated microcapsules 752 ± 64 nm, which were significantly downsized relative to previous capsules. The accumulations of capsules in lungs, liver, and kidneys were decreased by downsizing, whereas those of tumors were increased. By adjusting Pt concentration in tumor, there were no significant differences in antitumor effect between not downsized and downsized microcapsules with combination with radiation. Decreased trapping of downsized microcapsules to lungs, liver, and kidneys, also increased trapping in tumors will lead to new targeted chemoradiotherapy via intravenous injection of microcapsules. (author)

76 FR 38642 - Meeting of the Defense Business Board

Science.gov (United States)

2011-07-01

... Downsizing Applications for DoD'' Task Groups. The Board will also receive updates from the ``New Ways to... --Corporate Downsizing Applications for DoD 11:45-12 Task Group Updates --New Ways to Execute the Joint... organizations may submit written comments to the Board about its mission and topics pertaining to this public...

Contrôle des systèmes rapides non linéaires - Application au moteur à allumage commandé turbocompressé à distribution variable

OpenAIRE

Colin , Guillaume

2006-01-01

Spark ignition engine control has become a major issue for the compliance with emissions legislation while ensuring driving comfort.Engine downsizing is one of the promising ways to reduce fuel consumption and resulting CO2 emissions. Combining several existing technologies such as supercharging and variable valve actuation, downsizing is a typical example of the problems encountered in Spark Ignited (SI) engine control : nonlinear systems with saturation of actuators ; numerous major physica...

Short- and long-term performance of a tripolar down-sized single lead for implantable cardioverter defibrillator treatment: a randomized prospective European multicenter study. European Endotak DSP Investigator Group.

Science.gov (United States)

Sandstedt, B; Kennergren, C; Schaumann, A; Herse, B; Neuzner, J

1998-11-01

A new, thinner (10 Fr) and more flexible, single-pass transvenous endocardial ICD lead, Endotak DSP, was compared with a conventional lead, Endotak C, as a control in a prospective randomized multicenter study in combination with a nonactive can ICD. A total of 123 patients were enrolled, 55 of whom received a down-sized DSP lead. Lead-alone configuration was successfully implanted in 95% of the DSP patients vs 88% in the control group. The mean defibrillation threshold (DFT) was determined by means of a step-down protocol, and was identical in the two groups, 10.5 +/- 4.8 J in the DSP group versus 10.5 +/- 4.8 J in the control group. At implantation, the DSP mean pacing threshold was lower, 0.51 +/- 0.18 V versus 0.62 +/- 0.35 V (p < 0.05) in the control group, and the mean pacing impedance higher, 594 +/- 110 omega vs 523 +/- 135 omega (p < 0.05). During the follow-up period, the statistically significant difference in thresholds disappeared, while the difference in impedance remained. Tachyarrhythmia treatment by shock or antitachycardia pacing (ATP) was delivered in 53% and 41%, respectively, of the patients with a 100% success rate. In the DSP group, all 28 episodes of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation were converted by the first shock as compared to 57 of 69 episodes (83%) in the control group (p < 0.05). Monomorphic ventricular tachycardias were terminated by ATP alone in 96% versus 94%. Lead related problems were minor and observed in 5% and 7%, respectively. In summary, both leads were safe and efficacious in the detection and treatment of ventricular tachyarrhythmias. There were no differences between the DSP and control groups regarding short- or long-term lead related complications.

Consequent downsizing. Combined heat, cold and power generation; Konsequentes Downsizing. Kraft-Waerme-Kaelte-Kopplung

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schmid, Wolfgang

2010-11-15

The combined heat, cold and power generation particularly is worthwhile if electricity, warmth and cold are used during the year. During the reconstruction of a furniture store in a financial centre of the Volksbank and Raiffeisenbank Schweinfurt country (Federal Republic of Germany) the planner succeeded in an optimal coordination of the highly thermal insulated building envelope, the cogeneration plant for the own power generation, the absorption refrigerator as well as a free cooling equipment by means of a thermal building simulation and variational calculus.

Public and Public Utility Enterprises Restructuring: Statistical and Quantitative Aid for Ensuring Human Resource Sustainability

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mladen Čudanov

2014-04-01

Full Text Available This article presents a quantitative approach to restructuring public and public utility enterprises, particularly during downsizing requests. The large number of employees in the public sector can be one of the causes for economic instability at country level. That is particularly visible in the context of the euro zone crisis and economic/political instability in countries like Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Italy. Our approach is based on the statistical analysis of productivity oscillation and setting of performance standards in public and public utility enterprises based on the aforementioned productivity. Data background is given through job descriptions, organizational charts, salary reports and monthly performance reports, in most cases part of organizational information systems. It is recommended for quantitative data to be analyzed on a monthly basis, during a period of 30 or more months. Our method increases procedural fairness and accuracy, because quantitative, statistical, impartial and objective approach is applied for estimating parameters which could be related to downsizing. However, the application of this method is not limited to downsizing, as during its application in more than 20 public and public utility enterprises it was sometimes applied to increase output or reduce costs not necessarily connected to labour. Although it finally refers to downsizing, this method can provide fairer and more impartial approach than the subjective estimate of employee surplus, and its arbitral distribution within the enterprise.

Ensemble computing for the petroleum industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Annaratone, M.; Dossa, D.

1995-01-01

Computer downsizing is one of the most often used buzzwords in today's competitive business, and the petroleum industry is at the forefront of this revolution. Ensemble computing provides the key for computer downsizing with its first incarnation, i.e., workstation farms. This paper concerns the importance of increasing the productivity cycle and not just the execution time of a job. The authors introduce the concept of ensemble computing and workstation farms. The they discuss how different computing paradigms can be addressed by workstation farms

KÜÇÜLMEYE GİDEN İŞLETMELERDE GERİ KALANLARIN YAŞADIKLARI TÜKENME SENDROMUNUN ÖRGÜTE BAĞLILIK ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİ-THE BURN OUT SYNDROME EXPERIENCED BY THE REMAINING EMPLOYEES IN DOWNSIZING COMPANIES AND ITS EFFECT ON ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nevzat DEMİR

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Ekonomik krizin şiddetini arttırdığı günümüz koşullarında işletmeler küçülmeye giderken, hızla işçi çıkarımına gitmektedirler. Bu halen işini kaybetmemiş çalışanlar üzerinde bir yandan aynı olayın kendi başlarına da gelebileceği korkusu yaşatırken bir yandan da gidenlerin işlerini yapmaktan dolayı bir iş yükünün artması sebebiyle bir sıkıntı, tükenmişlik yaşamaktadırlar. Bu çalışmada işten atılmayan ancak geri kalanlar sendromu yaşan çalışanların içinde bulundukları koşullardaki tükenmişlik düzeyleri ile örgüte olan bağlılıkları arasındaki etki inceleme konusu yapılmıştır. Bu amaçla bir anket çalışması yapılmıştır. Otomotiv sektöründe küçülmeye giden beş işletmedeki beyaz yakalı çalışanlar üzerinde yapılan analizlerde, tükenmişliğin örgüte bağlılık üzerinde açıklayıcı katkısı olduğu ve geri kalanlar sendromunun yaşanmasının bu ilişkiyi güçlendirdiği ortaya çıkmıştır.-Nowadays, as the economic recession gains momentum, establishments rapidly lay off employees in order to downsize. This creates a fear among the remaining employees who think the same thing might happen to them along with the distress of increasing workload due to the decreasing number of employees. This study investigates the correlation between the levels of the burn out syndrome experienced by the remaining employees and its effects on their commitment to the organization. A survey has been carried out with this goal. According to the results of the analyses performed on the white collar employees of five downsizing establishments in the automotive industry, being a remaining employee has revealing input on commitment to the organization and that this input is reinforced with the level of the burn out syndrome experience

Ethanol and its potential for downsized engine concepts; Ethanol und sein Potenzial fuer Downsizing-Motorenkonzepte

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schwaderlapp, Markus; Adomeit, Philipp; Kolbeck, Andreas [FEV GmbH, Aachen (Germany); Thewes, Matthias [RWTH Aachen (Germany). Lehrstuhl fuer Verbrennungskraftmaschinen

2012-02-15

The intense discussion of e-mobility has withdrawn the public attention from alternative fuels - which appears inadequate when the properties and potentials of ethanol fuels for combustion engines are considered. FEV and RWTH Aachen University investigated to which extent this alternative fuel could be conducive to CO{sub 2} reduction. (orig.)

Proceedings of workshop on 'future in HEP computing'

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karita, Yukio; Amako, Katsuya; Watase, Yoshiyuki

1993-12-01

The workshop was held on March 11 and 12, 1993, at the National Laboratory for High Energy Physics (KEK). The large flow from the conventional system centering around large versatile computers to the down-sizing taking distributed processing systems in it is formed, but its destination is not yet seen. As the concrete themes of 'future in HEP computing', problems toward down-sizing and the approach, future perspective of the networks, and adaptation of software engineering and pointing to object were taken up. At the workshop, lectures were given on requirements in HEP computing, possible solutions from Hitachi and Fujitsu, and network computing with work-stations regarding down-sizing and HEP computing; approaches in INS and KEK regarding future computing system in HEP laboratories; user requirement for future network, network service available in 1995-2005, multi-media communication and network protocols regarding future networks; object-oriented approach for software development, OOP for real time data acquisition and accelerator control; ProdiG activities and future of FORTRAN, F90 and HPF regarding OOP and physics, and trends in software development methodology. (K.I.)

Control of fast non linear systems - application to a turbo charged SI engine with variable valve timing; controle des systemes rapides non lineaires - application au moteur a allumage commande turbocompresse a distribution variable

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Colin, G.

2006-10-15

Spark ignition engine control has become a major issue for the compliance with emissions legislation while ensuring driving comfort. Engine down-sizing is one of the promising ways to reduce fuel consumption and resulting CO{sub 2} emissions. Combining several existing technologies such as supercharging and variable valve actuation, down-sizing is a typical example of the problems encountered in Spark Ignited (SI) engine control: nonlinear systems with saturation of actuators; numerous major physical phenomena not measurable; limited computing time; control objectives (consumption, pollution, performance) often competing. A methodology of modelling and model-based control (internal model and predictive control) for these systems is also proposed and applied to the air path of the down-sized engine. Models, physicals and generics, are built to estimate in-cylinder air mass, residual burned gases mass and air scavenged mass from the intake to the exhaust. The complete and generic engine torque control architecture for the turbo-charged SI engine with variable cam-shaft timing was tested in simulation and experimentally (on engine and vehicle). These tests show that new possibilities are offered in order to decrease pollutant emissions and optimize engine efficiency. (author)

Technical developments in other industries and right-sizing of organizations. A retrospective view of corporate down sizing in the U.S

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kragness, M.E.

1994-01-01

The conference paper deals with the Amoco sweeping plan to boost profits and expand operations in US. The company refocused its oil exploration strategy and sought a cultural transformation within the organization in addition to cutting payroll. The paper offers background to help understanding why corporate downsizing has become a popular and perhaps necessary management strategy using the collective experience of many U.S. companies to examine how downsizing has occurred and its human and financial consequences. The paper offers several approaches to workforce management, which address the need to increase employee productivity and corporate profits while minimizing the human and financial costs of layoffs. 40 refs

Criticality safety engineering at the Savannah River Site - the 1990s

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chandler, J.R.; Apperson, C.E. Jr.

1996-01-01

The privatization and downsizing effort that is ongoing within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is requiring a change in the management of criticality safety engineering resources at the Savannah River Site (SRS). Downsizing affects the number of criticality engineers employed by the prime contractor, Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC), and privatization affects the manner in which business is conducted. In the past, criticality engineers at the SRS have been part of the engineering organizations that support each facility handling fissile material. This practice led to different criticality safety engineering organizations dedicated to fuel fabrication activities, reactor loading and unloading activities, separation and waste management operations, and research and development

Technical developments in other industries and right-sizing of organizations. A retrospective view of corporate down sizing in the U.S

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kragness, M E [ROI Consultants, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (United States)

1994-12-31

The conference paper deals with the Amoco sweeping plan to boost profits and expand operations in US. The company refocused its oil exploration strategy and sought a cultural transformation within the organization in addition to cutting payroll. The paper offers background to help understanding why corporate downsizing has become a popular and perhaps necessary management strategy using the collective experience of many U.S. companies to examine how downsizing has occurred and its human and financial consequences. The paper offers several approaches to workforce management, which address the need to increase employee productivity and corporate profits while minimizing the human and financial costs of layoffs. 40 refs.

Downsizing assessment of automotive Stirling engines

Science.gov (United States)

Knoll, R. H.; Tew, R. C., Jr.; Klann, J. L.

1983-01-01

A 67 kW (90 hp) Stirling engine design, sized for use in a 1984 1440 kg (3170 lb) automobile was the focal point for developing automotive Stirling engine technology. Since recent trends are towards lighter vehicles, an assessment was made of the applicability of the Stirling technology being developed for smaller, lower power engines. Using both the Philips scaling laws and a Lewis Research Center (Lewis) Stirling engine performance code, dimensional and performance characteristics were determined for a 26 kW (35 hp) and a 37 kW (50 hp) engine for use in a nominal 907 kg (2000 lb) vehicle. Key engine elements were sized and stressed and mechanical layouts were made to ensure mechanical fit and integrity of the engines. Fuel economy estimates indicated that the Stirling engine would maintain a 30 to 45 percent fuel economy advantage comparable spark ignition and diesel powered vehicles in the 1984 period.

Downsizing and the Willingness to Mentor

Science.gov (United States)

Bear, Stephen E.; Hwang, Alvin

2017-01-01

Purpose: This paper aims to examine how employee perceptions of organizational context relate to willingness to mentor. This research will help organizations to understand the relationship between organizational context and willingness to mentor to encourage mentoring. Design/methodology/approach: This study used a survey approach. Employees who…

Influence of nanosizing on hydrogen electrosorption properties of rhodium based nanoparticles/carbon composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cachet-Vivier, Christine; Bastide, Stéphane; Zlotea, Claudia; Oumellal, Yassine; Laurent, Michel; Latroche, Michel

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Rh nanohydride (1.3–2.3 nm) investigated by cyclic voltammetry in the hydrogen domain. • An isopotential point characteristic of surface dehydrogenation is observed on cycling. • Upon cycling, the nanoparticle surface converts from RhH x to Rh. • The amount of sorbed H increases with nanoparticle downsizing, H/Rh = 0.47 at 1.3 nm. • Nanoparticle downsizing creates new multi-fold adsorption (sub)surface sites for H upd - Abstract: Composites made of ultra-small Rh hydride nanoparticles (NP) with controlled average sizes of 1.3, 1.9 and 2.3 nm dispersed in high surface area graphite powders were synthesized. The hydrogen electrosorption properties of the Rh nanohydride that is stable under ambient conditions were characterized by cyclic voltammetry under various scan rates in the hydrogen potential domain with the help of a cavity microelectrode. During the first cycles, an evolution of the voltammograms, characterized by an isopotential point, is observed that corresponds to a surface conversion of RhH x into Rh, the core of the NP remaining in the hydride phase. After stabilization, the voltammograms exhibit the classical hydrogen electrosoprtion peaks of Rh, but a shift to positive potentials indicates that H is more weakly bounded to the surface as the NP size decreases. The onset of the HER follows the same trend. Interestingly, it is observed that the quantity of electrosorbed hydrogen strongly increases when downsizing the NPs, with the H/Rh ratio reaching 0.47 ± 0.11 for NPs with an average size of 1.3 nm. This enhancement cannot be explained just by the increase in surface area by NP downsizing. It may arise from the creation of new multi-fold adsorption surface and sub-surface sites due to the presence of many corner and edge atoms in ultra-small NPs with strong surface curvature.

Centrifugal Separation Device Based on Two-Layer Laminar Flow in Microchannels for High-Throughput and Continuous Blood Cell/Plasma Separation

Science.gov (United States)

Taizo Kobayashi,; Taisuke Funamoto,; Makoto Hosaka,; Satoshi Konishi,

2010-07-01

This paper presents a novel type of centrifugation device that is based on the two-layer laminar flow in micro flow channels for continuous blood cell/plasma separation. We propose to rotate the flow channels which are arranged along the circumference around the rotational axis. Downsizing the channel width reduced both the cell sedimentation time and the required centrifugal force, because the channel width corresponds to the centrifugal sedimentation length. First, plasma and cells were continuously extracted from pig blood in each of the branch channels using a milled acrylic prototype device (channel width = 800 μm, volume = 150 μl). Next, the relationship between the channel width (125, 250, and 500 μm) and the sedimentation time taken for various centrifugal forces (2.3, 9, 36, and 145 G) was evaluated using the downsized microchannels fabricated by hot-embossing and thermal bonding technologies. Using downsized microchannels with a width of 125 μm successfully reduced the sedimentation time to 85 s as compared to the sedimentation time of 270 s for a channel of a width of 500 μm, when a centrifugal force of 2.3 G was applied. The use of the proposed device did not result in obvious hemolysis at the centrifugal forces lower than 335 G.

Rational Design of Mini-Cas9 for Transcriptional Activation.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Dacheng; Peng, Shuguang; Huang, Weiren; Cai, Zhiming; Xie, Zhen

2018-04-20

Nuclease dead Cas9 (dCas9) has been widely used for modulating gene expression by fusing with different activation or repression domains. However, delivery of the CRISPR/Cas system fused with various effector domains in a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) remains challenging due to the payload limit. Here, we engineered a set of downsized variants of Cas9 including Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 (SaCas9) that retained DNA binding activity by deleting conserved functional domains. We demonstrated that fusing FokI nuclease domain to the N-terminal of the minimal SaCas9 (mini-SaCas9) or to the middle of the split mini-SaCas9 can trigger efficient DNA cleavage. In addition, we constructed a set of compact transactivation domains based on the tripartite VPR activation domain and self-assembled arrays of split SpyTag:SpyCatch peptides, which are suitable for fusing to the mini-SaCas9. Lastly, we produced a single AAV containing the mini-SaCas9 fused with a downsized transactivation domain along with an optimized gRNA expression cassette, which showed efficient transactivation activity. Our results highlighted a practical approach to generate down-sized CRISPR/Cas9 and gene activation systems for in vivo applications.

Educating Our Workforce

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Curry, Cynthia

1999-01-01

The workplace is changing rapidly. Technological advancements, downsizing, and contracting out to specialized companies demand that we continue to develop our adult workers to meet the rising competition...

Tweaking NATO: The Case for Integrated Multinational Divisions

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Millen, Raymond

2002-01-01

.... Insufficient military spending and investment as well as significant downsizing have resulted in an ever-widening capabilities and interoperability gulf between the United States and the Alliance partners...

Motivating Customer Service Employees to Deliver Service Quality

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Whisnant, Andre

1999-01-01

Motivating employees is one of a manager's greatest challenges. In today's complicated workplace where issues such as competition, technology, downsizing, and reengineering are dominant, organizations must do more than pay well...

Military Base Closures: A Historical Review from 1988 to 1995

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Lockwood, David E; Siehl, George

2004-01-01

.... The mismatch between real estate assets and defense requirements grew with the military downsizing that began late in the Reagan Administration and continued under Presidents George H. W. Bush and Clinton...

Contractors In The Theater: Implications For Joint Operational Planning And Execution

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Binder, Jeanne

2003-01-01

The use of contractors in the theater of operations is nothing new. However downsizing efforts and outsourcing as well as the increasing complexity of military equipment has increased military reliance on contractors...

Reserve Component Members: A Report from the 1992 Reserve Components Survey

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Perry, Shelley

1997-01-01

...: amount of compensation and benefits, impact of service on civilian jobs and family life, quality of unit leadership, downsizing of Reserves, and perceptions about skill development and its relationship to civilian jobs...

Army ROTC: A Strategy for Developing Tomorrow's Army Leadership in an Era of Diminishing Resources

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

Betoney, Charles

1997-01-01

The end of the Cold War has caused a massive restructuring of the Armed Forces and has precipitated nearly unprecedented force structure downsizing based upon the perceived reduced threat to national security...

National Conversion Pilot Project Waste Management Program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Engelmann, G.G.; Simmons, M.S.

1995-01-01

The U.S. Department of Energy facilities are in the process of downsizing. Most plans for downsizing focus on the decontamination and decommissioning of excess production facilities. A different approach for downsizing is taken at Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS), which has four production buildings. These buildings were used for the production of weapons components from uranium and beryllium and contain unique and valuable equipment, such as rolling mills, furnaces, and high-capacity presses, which could be utilized for stage-III metal recycling. The mission of this National Conversion Pilot Project (NCPP) open-quotes is to explore and demonstrate, at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS), the feasibility of economic conversion at Department of Energy facilities.close quotes The NCPP has been divided into three stages: 1. Stage I-planning and feasibility determination 2. Stage II-facility cleanup for reuse and operational assessment 3. Stage III-metals recycling. The NCPP has recently been approved to begin stage II. The objective of the NCPP stage II is to prepare the four NCPP buildings for stage III, to remove unwanted equipment, and to decontaminate buildings and essential equipment to levels consistent with those that commercial industrial operations must meet pursuant to applicable Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and state workplace regulations

Hige Compression Ratio Turbo Gasoline Engine Operation Using Alcohol Enhancement

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Heywood, John [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States); Jo, Young Suk [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States); Lewis, Raymond [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States); Bromberg, Leslie [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States); Heywood, John [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)

2016-01-29

The overall objective of this project was to quantify the potential for improving the performance and efficiency of gasoline engine technology by use of alcohols to suppress knock. Knock-free operation is obtained by direct injection of a second “anti-knock” fuel such as ethanol, which suppresses knock when, with gasoline fuel, knock would occur. Suppressing knock enables increased turbocharging, engine downsizing, and use of higher compression ratios throughout the engine’s operating map. This project combined engine testing and simulation to define knock onset conditions, with different mixtures of gasoline and alcohol, and with this information quantify the potential for improving the efficiency of turbocharged gasoline spark-ignition engines, and the on-vehicle fuel consumption reductions that could then be realized. The more focused objectives of this project were therefore to: Determine engine efficiency with aggressive turbocharging and downsizing and high compression ratio (up to a compression ratio of 13.5:1) over the engine’s operating range; Determine the knock limits of a turbocharged and downsized engine as a function of engine speed and load; Determine the amount of the knock-suppressing alcohol fuel consumed, through the use of various alcohol-gasoline and alcohol-water gasoline blends, for different driving cycles, relative to the gasoline consumed; Determine implications of using alcohol-boosted engines, with their higher efficiency operation, in both light-duty and medium-duty vehicle sectors.

Space Shuttle: Human Capital Challenges Require Management Attention

National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

2000-01-01

.... NASA budget data shows that, since 1995, shuttle workforce levels have decreased from about 3,000 to about 1,800 full time equivalent employees NASA based its downsizing efforts on optimistic programmatic assumptions...

South African Medical Journal - Vol 92, No 6 (2002)

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Downsizing of a provincial department of health - Causes and implications for fiscal policy · EMAIL FREE FULL TEXT EMAIL FREE FULL TEXT · DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT DOWNLOAD FULL TEXT. Mark Blecher, 449-455 ...

Risk and uncertainty.

Science.gov (United States)

Carter, Tony

2010-01-01

Volatile business conditions have led to drastic corporate downsizing, meaning organizations are expected to do more with less. Managers must be more knowledgeable and possess a more eclectic myriad of business skills, many of which have not even been seen until recently. Many internal and external changes have occurred to organizations that have dictated the need to do business differently. Changes such as technological advances; globalization; catastrophic business crises; a more frantic competitive climate; and more demanding, sophisticated customers are examples of some of the shifts in the external business environment. Internal changes to organizations have been in the form of reengineering, accompanied by structural realignments and downsizing; greater emphasis on quality levels in product and service output; faster communication channels; and a more educated, skilled employee base with higher expectations from management.

Using public relations/marketing communications to gain a competitive advantage in the US power market

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Katzman, L.R. [Full Spectrum Communications, Loudonville, NY (United States)

1996-12-31

For many industries throughout the United States, deregulation will make or break a company. In the power generation and transmission arena, deregulation is currently underway. Many utilities and power generation equipment suppliers alike are being forced to compete very differently in this new market due to legislative changes. Also, as many companies reorganize, cut costs and downsize, public relations and marketing communications (PR/marcom) is often one of the first programs to be cut. This paper will offer some solid public relationships that can enhance a company`s image, help it generate sales leads and assist it in staying healthy in this competitive power area. Also provided will be a discussion of marketing communications and why PR/marcom efforts should not be discarded but stepped up during downsizing.

Constraints to Agricultural Mechanization in Sub-Saharan Africa

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Adeyinka Odunsi

Key words: food, constraints, mechanization, Sub-Saharan Africa, food security. Introduction ... ensure all-year-round food production. Agricultural .... her citizens to travel to the United States to ... downsize in the intake of students into these.

Envera Variable Compression Ratio Engine

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Charles Mendler

2011-03-15

Aggressive engine downsizing, variable compression ratio and use of the Atkinson cycle are being combined to improve fuel economy by up to 40 percent relative to port fuel injected gasoline engines, while maintaining full engine power. Approach Engine downsizing is viewed by US and foreign automobile manufacturers as one of the best options for improving fuel economy. While this strategy has already demonstrated a degree of success, downsizing and fuel economy gains are currently limited. With new variable compression ratio technology however, the degree of engine downsizing and fuel economy improvement can be greatly increased. A small variable compression ratio (VCR) engine has the potential to return significantly higher vehicle fuel economy while also providing high power. Affordability and potential for near term commercialization are key attributes of the Envera VCR engine. VCR Technology To meet torque and power requirements, a smaller engine needs to do more work per stroke. This is typically accomplished by boosting the incoming charge with either a turbo or supercharger so that more energy is present in the cylinder per stroke to do the work. With current production engines the degree of engine boosting (which correlates to downsizing) is limited by detonation (combustion knock) at high boost levels. Additionally, the turbo or supercharger needs to be responsive and efficient while providing the needed boost. VCR technology eliminates the limitation of engine knock at high load levels by reducing compression ratio to {approx}9:1 (or whatever level is appropriate) when high boost pressures are needed. By reducing the compression ratio during high load demand periods there is increased volume in the cylinder at top dead center (TDC) which allows more charge (or energy) to be present in the cylinder without increasing the peak pressure. Cylinder pressure is thus kept below the level at which the engine would begin to knock. When loads on the engine are low

Browse Title Index

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Items 1 - 40 of 40 ... Vol 5, No 2 (2013), Effects of Downsizing Strategies on Survivors' ... graduate employability for enhancing the role of higher education in poverty ... Tax Administration System: emphasis on taxpayer compliance, Abstract PDF.

Nurse entrepreneurship: an alternative career choice worth considering.

Science.gov (United States)

Sanoshy, J

1998-07-01

With consistent downsizing in today's healthcare arena, many nurses are considering alternative careers. Several ONS members have found creative ways to parlay their nursing education and experience into successful careers that are both fulfilling and profitable.

Development of a miniaturized watch-type dosimeter using a silicon printed-circuit board

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ishikura, Takeshi; Sakamaki, Tsuyoshi; Matsumoto, Iwao; Aoyama, Kei; Nakamura, Takashi

2008-01-01

The electrical personal dosimeter using a silicon semiconductor sensor has the advantage of real time response and alarm function, which can prevent unexpected over-exposure. We tried to develop a miniaturized watch-type dosimeter by incorporating the silicon semiconductor sensor on a silicon printed-circuit board. Thin film resistors, capacitors and wiring patterns are formed on a downsized printed-circuit board. Electronic parts including transistors are mounted by soldering on the silicon printed-circuit board. The dosimeter is further miniaturized by downsizing the amplifier circuit, the semiconductor radiation sensor, the power supply circuit, setting parts and alarm part. The performance of the developed dosimeter was evaluated with respect to the gamma-ray spectra, angular dependence and linearity to dose equivalent rate, and it was confirmed that this dosimeter has the performance equivalent to a commercially available electrical personal dosimeter. (author)

Cooperative processing data bases

Science.gov (United States)

Hasta, Juzar

1991-01-01

Cooperative processing for the 1990's using client-server technology is addressed. The main theme is concepts of downsizing from mainframes and minicomputers to workstations on a local area network (LAN). This document is presented in view graph form.

Sentinel node biopsy before neoadjuvant chemotherapy spares breast cancer patients axillary lymph node dissection

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Rijk, Maartje C.; Nieweg, Omgo E.; Rutgers, Emiel J. T.; Oldenburg, Hester S. A.; Valdés Olmos, Renato; Hoefnagel, Cornelis A.; Kroon, Bin B. R.

2006-01-01

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is a valuable method to determine the efficacy of chemotherapy and potentially downsize the primary tumor, which facilitates breast-conserving therapy. In 18 studies published about sentinel node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy,

Know Your Personal Computer

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

easily developed. A device that does not plug ... them and this is what we will study in this article and the ones to follow. Personal computers .... General, Control Data, Texas Instruments and Cray Research attempted downsizing their popular ...

Small-scale hydropower in the Netherlands : problems and strategies of system builders

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Manders, T.N.; Höffken, J.I.; van der Vleuten, E.B.A.

2016-01-01

Small-scale hydroelectricity (hydel) currently receives worldwide attention as a clean, green, and socially just energy technology. People generally assume that downsizing hydel plants reduces harmful impacts. However, recent debates call for careful circumspection of small hydel’s environmental,

Total Quality Management and the System Safety Secretary

Science.gov (United States)

Elliott, Suzan E.

1993-01-01

The system safety secretary is a valuable member of the system safety team. As downsizing occurs to meet economic constraints, the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach is frequently adopted as a formula for success and, in some cases, for survival.

A New Wave in Training Funding.

Science.gov (United States)

Barron, Tom

1996-01-01

Trainers must be creative, use technology, and look outside the organization in dealing with the financial constraints of a downsizing environment. Trainers must link their program to the company's strategic plan and be prepared to do more with less. (JOW)

5 CFR 410.101 - Definitions.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

... organizational needs in response to human resource plans and re-engineering, downsizing, restructuring, and/or... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS TRAINING General Provisions... and performance objectives; (2) Improves an employee's current job performance; (3) Allows for...

Engine Downsizing and Electric Hybridization Under Consideration of Cost and Drivability Réduction de taille moteur et hybridation électrique avec considérations de coût et de performance de conduite

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ebbesen S.

2012-09-01

Full Text Available Automotive manufacturers of hybrid electric vehicles are confronted with the multi-objective non-trivial optimization problem of engine downsizing and electric hybridization under consideration of cost and drivability. Solutions to this sizing problem are typically reached by heuristic design methodologies. However, a design approach formalized in an optimization theoretical setting is necessary in order to obtain globally optimal solutions. In this paper, we present a framework for optimal sizing of hybrid electric drivetrain components. This framework is cast within standard optimization theory. Moreover, it is flexible in order to easily include any number of objectives, such as minimization of fuel consumption, cost of hybridization, emission levels and (or maximization of acceleration performance. Based on this framework, we demonstrate a number of techniques and tools to analyze, accept, improve, or reject the proposed solutions to the optimal sizing problem. Les constructeurs de véhicules automobiles électriques hybrides sont confrontés au problème délicat de l’optimisation multiobjectifs de la réduction de taille moteur et de l’hybridation électrique, tout en considérant le coût et la performance de conduite. Les solutions à ce problème de dimensionnement moteur sont généralement obtenues par des méthodes de conception de type heuristique. Cependant, afin d’obtenir des solutions optimales globales, il est nécessaire de recourir aux formalismes théoriques d’optimisation. Dans cet article, nous présentons une méthodologie de travail, qui s’appuie sur les théories classiques d’optimisation, pour le dimensionnement optimal des composants d’une chaîne de traction électrique hybride. En outre, cette approche est flexible afin de permettre l’ajout d’un nombre quelconque d’objectifs, comme la minimisation de la consommation d’essence, le coût de l’hybridation, les niveaux d’émission et (ou la

Powertrain sizing of electrically supercharged internal combustion engine vehicles

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Murgovski, N.; Marinkov, S.; Hilgersom, D.; de Jager, B.; Steinbuch, M.; Sjöberg, J.

2015-01-01

We assess the concept of electrically supercharged internal combustion engines, where the supercharger, consisting of a compressor and an electric motor, draws electric power from a buffer (a battery or a supercapacitor). In particular, we investigate the scenario of downsizing the engine, while

Developing Partnerships To Meet Clients' Needs in Changing Government Organizations: A Consultative Process.

Science.gov (United States)

Borgen, William A.

2000-01-01

Outlines the development of partnerships across three employment-related government ministries, in a context of organizational restructuring and downsizing. Describes a consultation process regarding effective collaboration to assess unemployed clients' employability needs. In meetings, the workers developed a process that involved the cooperation…

Leaning on lean: the reception of a management fashion in Germany

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Benders, J.G.J.M.; Bijsterveld, M.J.L. van

2000-01-01

The ‘fashionable’ concept of lean production has been discussed more intensively in Germany than elsewhere in Europe but has resulted not only in rationalisation measures such as downsizing and delayering but also in implementing ‘Gruppenarbeit’. Through interpretation processes at different levels,

How sensors might help define the external exposome

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Loh, M.; Sarigiannis, D.; Gotti, A.; Karakitsios, S.; Pronk, A.; Kuijpers, E.; Annesi-Maesano, I.; Baiz, N.; Madureira, J.; Fernandes, E.O.; Jerrett, M.; Cherrie, J.W.

2017-01-01

The advent of the exposome concept, the advancement of mobile technology, sensors, and the “internet of things” bring exciting opportunities to exposure science. Smartphone apps, wireless devices, the downsizing of monitoring technologies, along with lower costs for such equipment makes it possible

Virtual Libraries: Meeting the Corporate Challenge.

Science.gov (United States)

DiMattia, Susan S.; Blumenstein, Lynn C.

1999-01-01

Discusses virtual libraries in corporate settings from the viewpoint of five special librarians. Highlights include competitive advantage, space and related collection issues, the use of technology, corporate culture, information overload, library vulnerability and downsizing, and the importance of service over format. (LRW)

Water recycling from mixed chromic acid waste effluents by membrane technology

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Frenzel, I.; Frenzel, I.; Stamatialis, Dimitrios; Wessling, Matthias

2006-01-01

Approaching zero discharge waste on site requires economical treatment technologies for the plating industry, recovering high quality rinse water for reuse. The combination of membranes and evaporation could be an efficient way to downsize the cost and the energy intensive evaporation equipment. In

Morphing into a 21st Century Trainer.

Science.gov (United States)

Mager, R. F.

1996-01-01

Forces that will affect trainers into the next century include rapid change, information overload, globalization, downsizing, empowerment, and remote worksites. Key characteristics of a 21st-century trainer include performance orientation, technical skills, social skills, self-employability, bilingualism, and international competence. (JOW)

SLA Looks Globally.

Science.gov (United States)

Mark, Linda

1992-01-01

Summarizes the 1992 Special Libraries Association (SLA) Annual Conference. Topics discussed include emphasizing internationalism; competing in a global economy; the competitive importance of information; downsizing because of financial constraints; Internet and NREN (National Research and Education Network); recruitment; ethics; standards; and the…

The OPL Sourcebook: A Guide for Solo and Small Libraries.

Science.gov (United States)

Siess, Judith A.

Taking an international approach to reflect the growing number of one-person libraries (OPLs) worldwide, this handbook and directory for OPLs covers organizational culture, customer service, time management and planning, budgeting, accounting, technology, collection development, education, downsizing, outsourcing, and many other key management…

Technological growth of fuel efficiency in european automobile market 1975–2015

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu, Kejia; Chen, Yuche

2016-01-01

This paper looks at the technological growth of new car fleet fuel efficiency in the European Union between 1975 and 2015. According to the analysis results, from1975 to 2006 the fuel efficiency technology improvements were largely offset by vehicles' increased weight, engine size, and consumer amenities such as acceleration capacity. After 2006, downsizing in weight and engine capacity was observed in new car fleet, while fuel consumption decreased by 32% between 2006 and 2015. We adopt a statistical method and find that from 1975 to 2015, a 1% increase in weight would result in 0.3 to 0.5% increments in fuel consumption per 100 km, and a 1% reduction in 0–100 km/h acceleration time would increase fuel consumption by about 0.3%. Impacts of other attributes on fuel consumption are also assessed. To meet the European Union's 2021 fuel consumption target, downsizing of cars, as well as at least maintaining fuel efficiency technology growth trend observed between 2005 and 2015, are needed. Government policies on controlling improvement in acceleration performance or promoting alternative fuel vehicles are also important to achieve European Union 2021 target. - Highlights: • We evaluated fuel efficiency technological growth trends in European cars. • We quantified trade-offs between vehicle attributes and fuel consumption using statistical methods. • Technology development was offset by upsizing and upgrading of cars in 1975–2006. • Technology development and downsizing enabled large improvements in efficiency in 2006–2015. • Maintaining historical trend of efficiency improvement is not enough to achieve EU 2021 target.

Anti-hierarchical evolution of the active galactic nucleus space density in a hierarchical universe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Enoki, Motohiro; Ishiyama, Tomoaki; Kobayashi, Masakazu A. R.; Nagashima, Masahiro

2014-01-01

Recent observations show that the space density of luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs) peaks at higher redshifts than that of faint AGNs. This downsizing trend in the AGN evolution seems to be contradictory to the hierarchical structure formation scenario. In this study, we present the AGN space density evolution predicted by a semi-analytic model of galaxy and AGN formation based on the hierarchical structure formation scenario. We demonstrate that our model can reproduce the downsizing trend of the AGN space density evolution. The reason for the downsizing trend in our model is a combination of the cold gas depletion as a consequence of star formation, the gas cooling suppression in massive halos, and the AGN lifetime scaling with the dynamical timescale. We assume that a major merger of galaxies causes a starburst, spheroid formation, and cold gas accretion onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH). We also assume that this cold gas accretion triggers AGN activity. Since the cold gas is mainly depleted by star formation and gas cooling is suppressed in massive dark halos, the amount of cold gas accreted onto SMBHs decreases with cosmic time. Moreover, AGN lifetime increases with cosmic time. Thus, at low redshifts, major mergers do not always lead to luminous AGNs. Because the luminosity of AGNs is correlated with the mass of accreted gas onto SMBHs, the space density of luminous AGNs decreases more quickly than that of faint AGNs. We conclude that the anti-hierarchical evolution of the AGN space density is not contradictory to the hierarchical structure formation scenario.

Anti-hierarchical evolution of the active galactic nucleus space density in a hierarchical universe

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Enoki, Motohiro [Faculty of Business Administration, Tokyo Keizai University, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8502 (Japan); Ishiyama, Tomoaki [Center for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577 (Japan); Kobayashi, Masakazu A. R. [Research Center for Space and Cosmic Evolution, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577 (Japan); Nagashima, Masahiro, E-mail: enokimt@tku.ac.jp [Faculty of Education, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Nagasaki 852-8521 (Japan)

2014-10-10

Recent observations show that the space density of luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs) peaks at higher redshifts than that of faint AGNs. This downsizing trend in the AGN evolution seems to be contradictory to the hierarchical structure formation scenario. In this study, we present the AGN space density evolution predicted by a semi-analytic model of galaxy and AGN formation based on the hierarchical structure formation scenario. We demonstrate that our model can reproduce the downsizing trend of the AGN space density evolution. The reason for the downsizing trend in our model is a combination of the cold gas depletion as a consequence of star formation, the gas cooling suppression in massive halos, and the AGN lifetime scaling with the dynamical timescale. We assume that a major merger of galaxies causes a starburst, spheroid formation, and cold gas accretion onto a supermassive black hole (SMBH). We also assume that this cold gas accretion triggers AGN activity. Since the cold gas is mainly depleted by star formation and gas cooling is suppressed in massive dark halos, the amount of cold gas accreted onto SMBHs decreases with cosmic time. Moreover, AGN lifetime increases with cosmic time. Thus, at low redshifts, major mergers do not always lead to luminous AGNs. Because the luminosity of AGNs is correlated with the mass of accreted gas onto SMBHs, the space density of luminous AGNs decreases more quickly than that of faint AGNs. We conclude that the anti-hierarchical evolution of the AGN space density is not contradictory to the hierarchical structure formation scenario.

The importance of career insecurity for turnover intentions in the Dutch military

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Eetveldt, M.W.; van de Ven, N.; van den Tooren, M.; Versteeg, R.C.

2013-01-01

The effects of two dimensions of job insecurity (job loss insecurity and career insecurity) on turnover intentions were tested in a sample from the Dutch armed forces (N = 3,580) after a major downsizing operation was announced. Results suggested that especially perceptions of career insecurity

Convex modeling and optimization of a vehicle powertrain equipped with a generator-turbine throttle unit

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Marinkov, S.; Murgovski, N.; de Jager, A.G.

2017-01-01

This paper investigates an internal combustion (gasoline) engine throttled by a generator-turbine unit. Apart from throttling, the purpose of this device is to complement the operation of a conventional car alternator and support its downsizing by introducing an additional source of energy for the

Workplace flexibility.

Science.gov (United States)

Scordato, C; Harris, J

1990-01-01

Whether your organization is in a growth pattern or downsizing, you are probably facing change. To gain some insight into your options, here is an in-depth look at the problems and benefits of some flexible work arrangements from a just published study by Catalyst.

Learning from nature : Biologically-inspired sensors

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wicaksono, D.H.B.

2008-01-01

New emerging sensing applications demand novel sensors in micro-/nano-scale to enable integration and embedding into higher level structures or systems. Downsizing the structure will usually decrease the sensitivity of the sensors, since the sensitivity is a function of geometrical parameters, e.g.

The Kept-On Workforce.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaye, Beverly L.

1998-01-01

In the aftermath of downsizing, managers must deal with the attitudes of the surviving employees. Some will offer an example of a bright future and are valuable contributors to employee morale. Others may experience sadness, anger, mistrust, and a psychological uncoupling from the organization. (JOW)

Preventing a Hollow Army: 20th Century Lessons for the 21st Century

Science.gov (United States)

2012-06-08

Watergate scandal additionally provided challenges for the United States government as the nation reduced forces in Vietnam and looked to downsize the...levels and test scores among recruits, recruiting scandals to achieve required minimums in addition to an increase in bad discharges and peacetime

Tempering of martensitic steel for fasteners : Effects of micro-alloying on microstructure and mechanical property evolution

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Öhlund, C.E.I.C.

2015-01-01

The research presented in this thesis aims to deepen our understanding of the effect of micro-alloying on the microstructure and mechanical property evolution during tempering of martensitic steel for fasteners. The ongoing trend of engine down-sizing has led to the need for stronger and more

Experiential Training for Empowerment of the Workforce.

Science.gov (United States)

Cook, John A.

As downsizing of government and business organizations has become widespread, many managers are seeking to increase productivity by empowering the workforce. When effectively and appropriately implemented, empowered workforce structures can cut costs and improve quality and safety. Yet resistance to such changes arises from a patriarchal…

Teacher Pension Plans in Canada: A Force to Be Reckoned With.

Science.gov (United States)

Lawton, Stephen B.

1999-01-01

Summarizes the status of teacher pension plans in Canada's 10 provinces and considers their current role in renewing and downsizing educational systems in some provinces. Discusses pensions' use as economic instruments for provincial and national development and questions assumptions underlying the rhetoric celebrating their contribution to the…

Educational Technology during Economic Downturns: Sailing the Winds of "Creative Destruction"

Science.gov (United States)

Bernardez, Mariano

2009-01-01

While most organizations react to economic downturns by downsizing and cutting training and educational "costs," a few others thrive under adversity by engaging in innovative practices supported by extensive and creative uses of educational technology. This article examines how diverse organizations benefit from the cycles of "creative…

A Methodology for Distributing the Corporate Database.

Science.gov (United States)

McFadden, Fred R.

The trend to distributed processing is being fueled by numerous forces, including advances in technology, corporate downsizing, increasing user sophistication, and acquisitions and mergers. Increasingly, the trend in corporate information systems (IS) departments is toward sharing resources over a network of multiple types of processors, operating…

State Sector Strategies: The New Workforce Development in the USA

Science.gov (United States)

Lakes, Richard D.

2012-01-01

Neoliberal governments consider global business competitiveness to be thwarted by costly bureaucratic regulation and programme duplication. In an effort to downsize the costs of operating a state, the governors now streamline job training functions via a coordinated workforce and economic development effort known as sector strategies, with…

Measuring Institutional Performance in Higher Education.

Science.gov (United States)

Meyerson, Joel W., Ed.; Massy, William F., Ed.

This collection of seven essays from the Stanford Forum for Higher Education Futures focuses on how downsizing, quality management, and reengineering have are affecting higher education. An introductory paper, "Introduction: Change in Higher Education: Its Effect on Institutional Performance," (Joel W. Meyerson and Sandra L. Johnson)…

Limits, modeling and design of high-speed permanent magnet machines

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Borisavljevic, A.

2011-01-01

There is a growing number of applications that require fast-rotating machines; motivation for this thesis comes from a project in which downsized spindles for micro-machining have been researched (TU Delft Microfactory project). The thesis focuses on analysis and design of high-speed PM machines and

National conversion pilot project: A creative approach to recyling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gandee, K.R.; Taylor, R.A.; Cornils, K.N.

1995-01-01

As a result of the Bush-Yeltsin summit in 1991, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has undergone a significant downsizing of its defense mission. In July 1992, the Rocky Flats site in Colorado was the first DOE site to be closed. Its mission was changed from defense to environmental cleanup and economic development. Recognizing the need to assist displaced workers and affected communities and to conduct cost-effective cleanup of DOE sites, Congress initiated two legislative provisions in the 1994 National Defense Authorization Act that required DOE to (a) provide local impact assistance to communities that are affected by the defense downsizing and (b) conduct at least One waste recycling project within the 1994 fiscal year. At the Rocky Flats site, the National Conversion Pilot Project represents an innovative approach in which both Congressional requirements are achieved simultaneously, and the strategy for meeting these requirements was developed through the active participation of all stakeholders of the project

The 1994 College Relations and Recruitment Survey.

Science.gov (United States)

Journal of Career Planning & Employment, 1995

1995-01-01

Presents results of a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers of its employer members. Responding organizations (n=422) rated on-campus recruitment as the most effective method of attracting college graduates. General trends are analyzed in terms of diversity, downsizing, company growth, competition, and selectivity. (JPS)

Counselling Remaining Employees in Redundancy Situations.

Science.gov (United States)

Vinten, Gerald; Lane, David A.

2002-01-01

Interviews with 50 managers in organizations that had experienced downsizing or restructuring elicited three themes: sense of loss, sense of realism, and sense of support. The experience changed their concept of organizational mission and required an organizational response. It was recommended that management of restructuring and layoff include…

Balanced Management: A Key Component of Managerial Effectiveness

Science.gov (United States)

Liccione, William J.

2005-01-01

The employee-employer relationship has changed. Previously, employees believed that their employers would recognize their loyalty and good work with steady compensation increases and job security. Since the mid-1980s, however, a steady stream of events has eroded this relationship: globalization, unfriendly takeovers, downsizing, and the efforts…

Getting Over Method: Literacy Teaching as Work in "New Times."

Science.gov (United States)

Luke, Allan

1998-01-01

Shifts the terms of the "great debate" from technical questions about teaching method to questions about how various kinds of literacies work within communities--matters of government cutbacks and institutional downsizing, shrinking resource and taxation bases, and of students, communities, teachers, and schools trying to cope with rapid and…

Outsourcing Cataloging, Authority Work, and Physical Processing: A Checklist of Considerations.

Science.gov (United States)

Kascus, Marie A., Ed.; Hale, Dawn, Ed.

Due to automation technology, financial restrictions, and resultant downsizing, library managers have increasingly relied on the services of contractors, rather than in-house staff, to accomplish different technical services operations. Contracted services may range from a small project for a selected group of materials to a large project for…

Methodologies, languages and tools

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Amako, Katsuya

1994-01-01

This is a summary of the open-quotes Methodologies, Languages and Toolsclose quotes session in the CHEP'94 conference. All the contributions to methodologies and languages are relevant to the object-oriented approach. Other topics presented are related to various software tools in the down-sized computing environment

Learning about Learning: Action Learning in Times of Organisational Change

Science.gov (United States)

Hill, Robyn

2009-01-01

This paper explores the conduct and outcomes of an action learning activity during a period of intense organisational change in a medium-sized vocational education and training organisation in Victoria, Australia. This organisation was the subject of significant change due to government-driven and statewide amalgamation, downsizing and sector…

Restructuring health services in Canada: challenges for policy makers, planners and managers in the eighties.

Science.gov (United States)

Crichton, A

1985-11-01

Is downsizing the latest jargon word applied to rationalization, a new concept or a different manifestation of a long term trend in health services management? At present, Canada is struggling to implement feasible reductions of expansionary pressures in the health care system. While provincial governments tend to see the issue as one of controlling chronic excess demand, federal government is still concerned to ensure free access to care on an equitable basis. Thus the problems of downsizing can be expressed by the provinces in terms of an ideological struggle with an unfeeling central government which does not understand their problems; although all know they are really about the feasibility of continuing to provide a service to meet demand. The present economic recession enables provincial governments to appeal to their voters for supporting a new way. Earlier, the appeal was to consumers to become involved in health service organization management and this policy succeeded, to a degree, where there were fluorishing grass roots communities; albeit that the service continued to be driven by professionals. Now the appeal is to taxpayers for their strong support in cost cutting. This has been more successful. Provincial governments are now permitted to 'touch the untouchables', that is to downsize the medical profession and previously sacrosanct health care institutions. They also are exploring the feasibility of introducing a two-tier system which would provide basic care for everyone and extra care for those able to pay, thus side-stepping federal conditions. By reorganizing support in this way, provincial governments have extended the range of policy choices, and two types of planning, the rational and the political, have now become combined into strategic management activity.

Examining USDA Forest Service recreation partnerships: institutional and relational interactions

Science.gov (United States)

Erin Seekamp; Lee K. Cerveny

2010-01-01

Since the 1980s, the USDA Forest Service budget has experienced limited growth. Downsizing and outsourcing characterize the agency's response to constrained appropriations. The agency increasingly works with partners to meet targets that otherwise could not be achieved. Partnerships may take many structural forms (e.g., memorandums of understanding, joint venture...

Consequences for people from changed economic requirements and implementations of new technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Myhre, L.A.

1994-01-01

The offshore oil and gas business has reached mature levels where improvements and efficiency, optimisation and down-sizing are necessary to achieve required economic performance. The paper discusses the oil worker in future with the focus on manning and safety as a consequence of new technologies and cost reduction. 1 fig

The Death of the Organization Man.

Science.gov (United States)

Bennett, Amanda

This book, the result of hundreds of interviews with chief executive officers and consultants, academics, economists, and government officials, relates what happened at many large American companies when corporate restructuring/downsizing began to occur during the 1980s. The book is mainly constructed from the vantage points of the many middle…

How Small School Districts Can Organize to Afford Their Small Schools

Science.gov (United States)

Burton, Christine

2010-01-01

While the research continues to mount on the benefits of school downsizing and decentralizing efforts in urban areas, there exists a paradox for small school Administrators who continue to struggle against forces of consolidation. Small schools in rural and suburban districts have fought for their existence against the pressures of consolidation…

Surviving Troubled Times: Five Best Practices for Training Professionals

Science.gov (United States)

Villachica, Steven W.; Stepich, Donald A.

2010-01-01

With the current economic downturn and signs of an emerging recovery, executives are trying to determine how to best use their organizations' funds and resources. This may mean downsizing human resource departments and eliminating positions for training personnel. The authors offer five strategies drawn from the professional literature to survive…

Rightsizing the Right Way.

Science.gov (United States)

Effron, Robert C.; Concannon, John P.

1995-01-01

Describes how the Cincinnati (Ohio) Public Schools reorganized to achieve a 50% reduction of central-office jobs. Downsizing aims to reduce the organization's size and create a new organizational culture that is more efficient, leaner, and more responsive. Superintendents must set institutional goals, create a new organizational chart, decide who…

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

African Journals Online (AJOL)

To analyse the financial basis for downsizing of a provincial health department and suggest implications ... accounts and audited financial statements since these reflected final budgets. The figures from the latter were .... expenditure was a declining share of the vertical split going to the provinces but a small increase in total ...

487--19 Ocotober 2009 [ Final version version].indd

African Journals Online (AJOL)

2009-10-19

Oct 19, 2009 ... emotions, low morale, depressive moods and anxiety caused by the transformation and downsizing. The second ... have the potential to cause a variety of psychological reactions, ..... as well as low morale, as a result of the person's self-esteem .... correlate with those made in Rosenberg's (1999) study. He.

A Quantitative Risk Analysis Framework for Evaluating and Monitoring Operational Reliability of Cloud Computing

Science.gov (United States)

Islam, Muhammad Faysal

2013-01-01

Cloud computing offers the advantage of on-demand, reliable and cost efficient computing solutions without the capital investment and management resources to build and maintain in-house data centers and network infrastructures. Scalability of cloud solutions enable consumers to upgrade or downsize their services as needed. In a cloud environment,…

The case of Gauteng, South Africa

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Adele

patients and downsizing of hospitals, but also the develop- ment of alternative ... certain minimum number of chronic beds and the resources to adequately care ... pressed despite evidence of extreme deficiencies in the qual- ity of institutional ... health care inherited by the new South African administration in 1994, as well ...

From Admin to Strategy: The Changing Face of the HR Function. IES Report 332.

Science.gov (United States)

Tamkin, Penny; And Others

Evidence from academic research and management experts in the United Kingdom and elsewhere confirms that the recent focus in work organizations on cost reductions through downsizing has changed the roles and structures of many human resources (HR) units. HR units have had to prove their contribution to the organization's bottom line, raise their…

Author Details

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Blecher, Mark. Vol 92, No 6 (2002) - Articles Downsizing of a provincial department of health - Causes and implications for fiscal policy. Abstract PDF · Vol 106, No 6 (2016) - Articles Guest Editorial: Health financing lessons from Thailand for South Africa on the path towards universal health coverage. Abstract PDF · Vol 86, ...

From a Formalist to a Practical Aesthetic in Undergraduate Theatre Studies: Becoming Relevant in the Twenty-First Century

Science.gov (United States)

Berkeley, Anne

2011-01-01

As a new century unfolds, the "downsizing" and continuing marginalization of the humanities, including theatre, in American higher education correspond to three trends in the academy. First, in response to the fiscal crises that began in the late 1970s, universities have increasingly turned to the private sector for financial support as federal…

Preoperative Therapy for Lower Rectal Cancer and Modifications in Distance From Anal Sphincter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gavioli, Margherita; Losi, Lorena; Luppi, Gabriele; Iacchetta, Francesco; Zironi, Sandra; Bertolini, Federica; Falchi, Anna Maria; Bertoni, Filippo; Natalini, Gianni

2007-01-01

Purpose: To assess the frequency and magnitude of changes in lower rectal cancer resulting from preoperative therapy and its impact on sphincter-saving surgery. Preoperative therapy can increase the rate of preserving surgery by shrinking the tumor and enhancing its distance from the anal sphincter. However, reliable data concerning these modifications are not yet available in published reports. Methods and Materials: A total of 98 cases of locally advanced cancer of the lower rectum (90 Stage uT3-T4N0-N+ and 8 uT2N+M0) that had undergone preoperative therapy were studied by endorectal ultrasonography. The maximal size of the tumor and its distance from the anal sphincter were measured in millimeters before and after preoperative therapy. Surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after therapy, and the histopathologic margins were compared with the endorectal ultrasound data. Results: Of the 90 cases, 82.5% showed tumor downsizing, varying from one-third to two-thirds or more of the original tumor mass. The distance between the tumor and the anal sphincter increased in 60.2% of cases. The median increase was 0.73 cm (range, 0.2-2.5). Downsizing was not always associated with an increase in distance. Preserving surgery was performed in 60.6% of cases. It was possible in nearly 30% of patients in whom the cancer had reached the anal sphincter before the preoperative therapy. The distal margin was tumor free in these cases. Conclusion: The results of our study have shown that in very low rectal cancer, preoperative therapy causes tumor downsizing in >80% of cases and in more than one-half enhances the distance between the tumor and anal sphincter. These modifications affect the primary surgical options, facilitating or making sphincter-saving surgery possible

Downsizing of single crystalline high aspect ratio tungsten nanowires

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Milenkovic, Srdjan; Drensler, Stefanie; Hassel, Achim Walter

2015-01-01

Directional solidification of eutectic NiAl-W alloys offers an intuitive method to produce tungsten nanowires. Through the use of two different methods, the well-established Bridgman method and a newer type floating zone method, the direct influence of process parameters, like the withdrawal rate and the temperature gradient, onto the sample microstructure were studied. The sharp temperature gradient, built up using a four mirror system focusing the light emitted by halogen lamps inside the optical floating zone furnace allows producing nanowires with a diameter as small as 75 nm. Differences in the solid/liquid interface morphology depending on the solidification method used are discussed. (copyright 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

A Study of Organizational Downsizing and Information Management Strategies.

Science.gov (United States)

1992-09-01

Projected $100,000 at plants. per month savings from using miniframes . Networked Standardized "Best practices." 3 mainframes and applications. Whatever worked...The projected $1.2 million savings realized from going from mainframes to miniframes is to avoid having to reduce the budget by that amount in other...network hardware Turned in mainframe and replaced it with two miniframes ; networked new minis with systems at plants Networked mainframes and PCs Acquired

Refinery profitability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tobin, G.

1998-01-01

Recently there has been considerable shutting down of oil refinery capacity in response to the increasing pressures on profitability. This article examines the situation and the industry's response to it, including the drive for mergers, disposal of fuel oil, downsizing of workforces and strategic alliances. Future trends and their implications are also discussed. (UK)

75 FR 18725 - Organization; Eligibility and Scope of Financing; Funding and Fiscal Affairs, Loan Policies and...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-04-12

... Part V Farm Credit Administration 12 CFR Parts 611, 613, 615 et al. Organization; Eligibility and... ADMINISTRATION 12 CFR Parts 611, 613, 615, 619 and 620 RIN 3052-AC43 Organization; Eligibility and Scope of... downsizing of the continuing board of directors. A commenter asked us to clarify the language in Sec. 611.110...

Pulling Museum Education Purse Strings

Science.gov (United States)

Raiguel, Faith

2010-01-01

The economic downturn has hit everyone hard. The author's organization, the Los Angeles Opera, has completed two years of downsizing, resulting in an almost 25% reduction in staff and overall budget cutting. Change that is not "nipping and tucking," but changing the dynamic and culture of the institution. However, if the organization hadn't done…

Under Pressure: Tackling Pension and Health Care Costs

Science.gov (United States)

Friery, John

2010-01-01

Fueled by declining revenue from the housing crisis, skyrocketing energy costs, and an economy in general disarray, the public is pressuring school administrators to make broader and deeper cuts in their operating budgets. As the baby boomers retire, put their houses on the market, and downsize, one will see more downward price pressure on home…

An assessment of educational needs in the Alaskan forest products industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Jon Thomas; Eric Hansen; Allen M. Brackley

2005-01-01

Major changes in federal forest policy in Alaska have resulted in a dramatic downsizing of the state's forest industry. These changes have driven efforts for economic restructuring and improved support for Alaskan communities. The University of Alaska Sitka Forest Products program at the University of Alaska Southeast is one example of efforts to better support...

The electric supercharger. Improved transient behavior and reduced CO{sub 2} as well as NO{sub x} emissions at the same time?; Die elektrische Zusatzaufladung. Verbessertes transientes Verhalten sowie reduzierte CO{sub 2} und NO{sub x}-Emissionen zur gleichen Zeit?

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Forissier, Michel; Zechmair, Derrick; Weber, Olaf; Criddle, Mark; Durrieu, David; Picron, Vanessa; Menegazzi, Pascal; Surbled, Kevin; Wu, Yiming [Valeo Powertrain Systems, Creteil (France)

2013-08-01

The Valeo Electric Supercharger allows improved engine transient behavior and fuel consumption as well as lower NO{sub x} emissions. The extra electric boosting enables an improvement in the air loop response time by an accelerated boost pressure build-up in both diesel and gasoline engines. This improved dynamic behavior can be converted into fuel consumption through extreme engine downsizing or/and downspeeding. Extreme downsizing and very long transmission gear ratios degrade vehicle driveability. The electric supercharger is a key enabler to overcome this issue and even provide far better dynamics. On Diesel engines, control of the NO{sub x} emissions and the EGR system in transient operation will have to be addressed particularly with the new driving cycle regulation (WLTC, RDE). The boosting of the air loop in combination with the EGR in transient operation improves NO{sub x} emissions while maintaining driveability. The presented benefits can be realized with an evolved 12V electrical architecture and are fully compliant with more capable, higher voltage architectures. (orig.)

Sophistication of 14C measurement at JAEA-AMS-MUTSU. Attempt on a small quantity of sample

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tanaka, Takayuki; Kabuto, Shoji; Kinoshita, Naoki; Yamamoto, Nobuo

2010-01-01

In the investigations on substance dynamics using the molecular weight and chemical fractionation, the utilization of 14 C measurement by an accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) have started. As a result of the fractionation, sample contents required for AMS measurement have been downsized. We expect that this trend toward a small quantity of sample will be steadily accelerated in the future. As 14 C measurement by AMS established at Mutsu office require about 2 mg of sample content at present, our AMS lags behind the others in the trend. We try to downsize the needed sample content for 14 C measurement by our AMS. In this study, we modified the shape of the target-piece in which the sample is packed and which is regularly needed to radiocarbon measurement by our AMS. Moreover, we improved on the apparatus needed to pack the sample. As a result of the improvement, we revealed that it is possible to measure the 14 C using our AMS even by the amount of the sample of about 0.5 mg. (author)

Development of an automated remote inspection system for the interior of the primary containment vessel of a nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Senoo, Makoto; Yoshida, Tomiharu; Omote, Tatsuyuki; Tanaka, Keiji; Koga, Kazunori

1996-01-01

An automated remote inspection system has been developed for the interior of the primary containment vessel of a nuclear power plant. This system consists of an inspection robot and an operator's console. The inspection robot travels along a monorail provided in the interior of the primary containment vessel. The operator's console is located in the central control room of the power plant. We have made efforts to downsize the robot and automate the inspection and monitoring machinery. As for downsizing the robot, a 152 mm wide, 290 mm high cross-sectional area and 15 kg weight can be realized using commercially available small sensors and rearranging the parts in those sensors. As for automating the inspection and monitoring, several monitoring functions are developed using image processing, frequency analysis and other techniques applied to signals from sensors such as an ITV camera, an infrared camera and a microphone, which are mounted on the robot. Endurance tests show resistance of the robot to radiational and thermal conditions is adequate for actual use in actual power plants. (author)

The study on the adaptation for regulation - the permission of a radioisotope

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, Byoung Il; Choi, Won Seok; Jung, Yong Moon [Gallup Korea, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2003-08-15

The restriction -the permission of a radioisotope keeps satisfaction with almost parts for example, awareness, observance and so on. Moreover two concepts are considered fully -too strict about certain specific control rules and needed more discriminated application standards to each organization related to KINS, it's preserved and controlled properly even if the penalties are downsized.

Breaking Bad News in Healthcare Organizations: Application of the Spikes Protocol

Science.gov (United States)

VonBergen, C. W.; Stevens, Robert E.; Loudon, David

2011-01-01

Organizational downsizing has increased exponentially worldwide and is also affecting the healthcare industry. It is one thing to speak abstractly of the need to reduce costs and quite another to actually tell a worker the bad news that he or she has been laid off. This paper offers practical advice to healthcare managers on conducting unpleasant…

Take Charge of Your Career

Science.gov (United States)

Brown, Marshall A.

2013-01-01

Today's work world is full of uncertainty. Every day, people hear about another organization going out of business, downsizing, or rightsizing. To prepare for these uncertain times, one must take charge of their own career. This article presents some tips for surviving in today's world of work: (1) Be self-managing; (2) Know what you…

Objective parameters for engine noise quality evaluation; Objektive Parameter zur Bewertung der Motorgeraeuschqualitaet

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Graf, Bernhard; Brandl, Stephan [AVL List GmbH, Graz (Austria); Sontacchi, Alois [Univ. fuer Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Graz (Austria). Inst. fuer Elektronische Musik und Akustik; Girstmair, Josef [Kompetenzzentrum Das Virtuelle Fahrzeug, Graz (Austria). Gruppe Antriebsstrang Dynamik und Akustik

2013-06-01

Due to ongoing downsizing efforts and more stringent emission regulations, relevance of sound quality monitoring during engine and vehicle development is strongly increasing. Therefore AVL developed new sound quality parameters like CKI (Combustion Knocking Index) and HI (Harshness Index). Using these parameters sound quality can be objectively monitored, without subjective evaluations, online throughout the complete development process. (orig.)

The new Hyundai-Kia 1.0 l three-cylinder gasoline engine; Der neue 1,0-L-Dreizylinder-Ottomotor von Hyundai/KIA

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Sunghoon; Gu, Youngsam; Kim, Taechung [Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Hahn, Joachim [Hyundai Motor Europe (HMETC), Ruesselsheim (Germany)

2011-07-15

In order to reach lowest CO{sub 2} emissions, Bosch modified a three-cylinder diesel engine regarding its turbo-charging and fuel injection system and integrated it into a mid-size luxury car. So it is possible to determine both, the potentials concerning fuel consumption and emissions of this downsizing approach as well as its limits. (orig.)

A wonderful gift

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Burman, Jeremy Trevelyan

2017-01-01

“Special children have special things,” said my mum as she handed me an old-looking book. I had returned to Canada for the summer, after my first year as a tenure-track assistant professor in the Theory and History of Psychology Department, and she had just downsized from her suburban half-acre to a

Abrakadabra, hokuspokus filiokus simsalabim - OAI-PMH!

CERN Document Server

Vigen, Jens

2003-01-01

The paper describes in a popular manner the history of the scientific communication process, the serials crisis and the new technologies leading to a paradigm change in the communication pattern between scholars. If librarians play their cards properly now, publishers will soon experience a downsizing while the role of the libraries in Academia will be even more strongly justified than before.

Implications and effectiveness of information management while restructuring an organisation

OpenAIRE

2008-01-01

This research paper undertakes to outline factors of Information Management that organisations should consider when attempting a restructuring process. Conversely, valuable information and knowledge are often mislaid, overlooked or discarded to the eventual detriment of an organisation during the processes of downsizing, rightsizing, restructuring, reorganisation, reengineering, transformation or change. In the global economy organisations are always striving to keep ahead of competition and ...

Communication: an ophthalmic practice issue.

Science.gov (United States)

Whitton, S J

1995-12-01

In the 1990's communication becomes an ophthalmic practice issue. The present ophthalmic climate of cost containment, downsizing, budget cuts, and lack of appreciation of contributions, results in a low staff morale. Recognition of the effects of job satisfaction and productivity led one group to seek solutions. A communication task force was formed to identify problems and the appropriate interventions.

UNIX at high energy physics Laboratories

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silverman, Alan

1994-03-15

With more and more high energy physics Laboratories ''downsizing'' from large central proprietary mainframe computers towards distributed networks, usually involving UNIX operating systems, the need was expressed at the 1991 Computers in HEP (CHEP) Conference to create a group to consider the implications of this trend and perhaps work towards some common solutions to ease the transition for HEP users worldwide.

Paving the road to maximum productivity.

Science.gov (United States)

Holland, C

1998-01-01

"Job security" is an oxymoron in today's environment of downsizing, mergers, and acquisitions. Workers find themselves living by new rules in the workplace that they may not understand. How do we cope? It is the leader's charge to take advantage of this chaos and create conditions under which his or her people can understand the need for change and come together with a shared purpose to effect that change. The clinical laboratory at Arkansas Children's Hospital has taken advantage of this chaos to down-size and to redesign how the work gets done to pave the road to maximum productivity. After initial hourly cutbacks, the workers accepted the cold, hard fact that they would never get their old world back. They set goals to proactively shape their new world through reorganizing, flexing staff with workload, creating a rapid response laboratory, exploiting information technology, and outsourcing. Today the laboratory is a lean, productive machine that accepts change as a way of life. We have learned to adapt, trust, and support each other as we have journeyed together over the rough roads. We are looking forward to paving a new fork in the road to the future.

The value of co-locating energy storage with wind resources

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fox, C. [Victoria Univ., BC (Canada). Inst. for Integrated Energy Systems

2010-07-01

This PowerPoint presentation discussed the value of wind energy storage systems. The systems can be used to downsize transmission requirements and to minimize reliability and forecast uncertainty. Revenue factors in relation to wind power energy storage are determined by the amount of wind power produced each hour with the wind farm capacity and hourly electricity price. Case studies of a wind farm in Ontario over a period of 20 years were used to determine capacity and revenue factors as well as gross revenues. The maximum revenue factor was determined by multiplying the greatest wind energy output by the highest electricity prices. A hybrid wind farm energy storage system was designed to determine energy storage discharges and charges to and from the grid at pool prices. The method allowed for time-shifts in wind generation resources and downsized transmission requirements for remote resources. The mixed integer linear program model co-optimized revenues from the wind farm and the energy storage facility. Combined output was constrained to the transmission capacity. Transmission losses were neglected, and capital costs were considered. Future studies are needed to determine levelized electricity costs under different load growth scenarios. tabs., figs.

Development of remote controlled blasting system for tunnels; Tunnel yo enkaku seigyo happa system no kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Suzuki, S.; Kawamura, M.; Hirosaki, Y. [NOF Corp., Aichi (Japan)

1997-06-30

A downsized wireless blasting system has been developed for tunnel construction in the mountainous districts. This system consists of an oscillator, loop antenna, and initiator. The ac magnetic field is generated in the loop antenna using 550 Hz ac generated by the oscillator, to induce the electro motive force between both ends of receiver coil in the initiator. It is stored in the capacitor after rectification, to initiate the detonator by discharging with the firing signal. This system has been developed by downsizing the conventional RCB (remote controlled blasting system) for underwater blasting, and unmanned operation is planned in future. An oscillation frequency, 550 Hz with an actual result has been adopted. The arm length of loop antenna is 3 m, which can be installed in the tunnel. Various receiver initiators were fabricated as a trial. A convex type was adopted due to its excellent receiving performance. The receiving performance was improved by increasing the magnetic induction and decreasing the power loss. After receiving voltage of the receiver initiator was confirmed, field initiation tests were conducted. Initiating and blasting were successfully carried out. 5 refs., 15 figs., 3 tabs.

Finding the Energy Efficient Curve: Gate Sizing for Minimum Power under Delay Constraints

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yoni Aizik

2011-01-01

Full Text Available A design scenario examined in this paper assumes that a circuit has been designed initially for high speed, and it is redesigned for low power by downsizing of the gates. In recent years, as power consumption has become a dominant issue, new optimizations of circuits are required for saving energy. This is done by trading off some speed in exchange for reduced power. For each feasible speed, an optimization problem is solved in this paper, finding new sizes for the gates such that the circuit satisfies the speed goal while dissipating minimal power. Energy/delay gain (EDG is defined as a metric to quantify the most efficient tradeoff. The EDG of the circuit is evaluated for a range of reduced circuit speeds, and the power-optimal gate sizes are compared with the initial sizes. Most of the energy savings occur at the final stages of the circuits, while the largest relative downsizing occurs in middle stages. Typical tapering factors for power efficient circuits are larger than those for speed-optimal circuits. Signal activity and signal probability affect the optimal gate sizes in the combined optimization of speed and power.

Information Systems and Corporate Memory: design for staff turn-over

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Colin Sharp

1993-11-01

Full Text Available The "information age" is reliant upon the information skill-base of people and the storage and access of complete data. Staff turn-over and "down-sizing" as well as the rate of organisational change places increased pressure on the designers of corporate information systems to keep up with the organizational demands. Especially relevant are the "soft" aspects of the corporate information needs of organizations. The term "corporate memory" is introduced to explain the relatively informal collective and individual knowledge of employees gained through their experience and position in the organization. This paper elaborates the issues concerned with the "corporate soft data", and makes suggestions for research, as well as for planners of corporate information systems in organizations facing major down-sizing or related changes. It is concluded that there are a number of readily obtainable sources of soft data in the organization and these data should be analysed for inclusion in system development. If organizations are to become learning systems and not just keep repeating the same mistakes, they need to review all aspects of corporate memory, especially the soft data sources and losses.

Advance Warning and Risk Evaluator (AWARE): Background, Preliminary Findings, and Way Ahead

Science.gov (United States)

2013-02-12

balanced personnel decisions. In the scenario described above, the retention period of counseling statement records would be extended (e.g., for 5...forthcoming downsizing of the force. It will be critical to balance the constructive aspects of the Army’s longstanding tradition of giving personnel an...www.opm.gov/employment_and_benefits/ worklife /officialdocuments /handbooksguides/WorkplaceViolence/index.asp ESPIONAGE Army Regulation 381-12

An examination of the Marine Operating and Support Information System (MOSIS) as a mechanism for linking resources to readiness for Marine Operating Forces

OpenAIRE

Cucinotta, Paul D.

1997-01-01

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited Continued downsizing efforts have imposed increasingly stringent restrictions on Department of Defense budgetary resources. Program and activity managers are expected to justify their budgets based on well defined quantitative measures of performance, activity level and readiness. This thesis examines the resources to readiness issues in DoD, specifically focusing on Marine Corps Operating Forces. Additionally, this thesis evaluates th...

Swiss Armed Forces Reform: Doctrinal and Organizational Challenges

Science.gov (United States)

2016-06-10

conservatism and military innovation since this is where the essence of the Armed Forces resides. Sound doctrine and coherent organizations enables the...established doctrine can become part of the conservatism of the military institution. So the innovative capabilities of the military organization affect...in other fields. They challenged the inherent conservatism of the military institution. The down-sizing of the Armed Forces, the reduction of

UNIX at high energy physics Laboratories

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silverman, Alan

1994-01-01

With more and more high energy physics Laboratories ''downsizing'' from large central proprietary mainframe computers towards distributed networks, usually involving UNIX operating systems, the need was expressed at the 1991 Computers in HEP (CHEP) Conference to create a group to consider the implications of this trend and perhaps work towards some common solutions to ease the transition for HEP users worldwide

Implantation technique of the 50-cm3 SynCardia Total Artificial Heart: does size make a difference?

Science.gov (United States)

Spiliopoulos, Sotirios; Guersoy, Dilek; Dimitriou, Alexandros Merkourios; Koerfer, Reiner; Tenderich, Gero

2015-01-01

Despite downsizing, implantation technique of the 50-cm(3) SynCardia Total Artificial Heart and settings of the Companion driver remain unchanged. Owing to the absence of de-airing nipples, de-airing procedure is even more crucial and has to be performed carefully. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.

Compact and Accurate Turbocharger Modelling for Engine Control

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sorenson, Spencer C; Hendricks, Elbert; Magnússon, Sigurjón

2005-01-01

With the current trend towards engine downsizing, the use of turbochargers to obtain extra engine power has become common. A great díffuculty in the use of turbochargers is in the modelling of the compressor map. In general this is done by inserting the compressor map directly into the engine ECU...... turbocharges with radial compressors for either Spark Ignition (SI) or diesel engines...

Stockpile stewardship and management programmatic environmental impact statement data for the no action and phase-out alternatives at the Oak Ridge Reservation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1996-07-01

Alternatives for the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant are being considered under the Stockpile Stewardship and Management Program (SSM). The three alternatives under consideration include: continuing the secondary manufacturing operations in a down-sized footprint; no action; and phasing out the secondary manufacturing operations at Y-12. This report provides specific environmental data requested for the Y-12 Plant alternatives of no action and phase out

Reduction of mesqa improvement costs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohamed Ahmed Saad ElFetyany

2017-10-01

Results show that using the revised approach brings down the cost of mesqa improvement from nearly 10,000LE/fed at present to about 6000LE/fed. These reductions based on the analyses of different mesqa modelling through the adoption of certain parameters such as feasibility of the revised design, effective application of continuous flow for water distribution, and downsizing of the capacity of improved mesqas.

The Slippery Slope of Air Force Downsizing: A Strategy Connection

Science.gov (United States)

2013-02-14

reductions. 1 Introduction The military is required to manage its force posture based on resources, threats, and objectives defined by the...Defense Task Force on DoD Nuclear Weapons Mangement , 2008. 54. Grever, “AF officials reestablish squadron commander support staffs,” 2012. 55

Downsizing a database platform for increased performance and decreased costs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Miller, M.M.; Tolendino, L.F.

1993-06-01

Technological advances in the world of microcomputers have brought forth affordable systems and powerful software than can compete with the more traditional world of minicomputers. This paper describes an effort at Sandia National Laboratories to decrease operational and maintenance costs and increase performance by moving a database system from a minicomputer to a microcomputer.

Spin wave isolator based on frequency displacement nonreciprocity in ferromagnetic bilayer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shichi, Shinsuke, E-mail: shinsuke-shichi@murata.com; Matsuda, Kenji; Okajima, Shingo; Hasegawa, Takashi; Okada, Takekazu [Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Kyoto 617-8555 (Japan); Kanazawa, Naoki; Goto, Taichi, E-mail: goto@ee.tut.ac.jp; Takagi, Hiroyuki; Inoue, Mitsuteru [Department of Electrical and Electronic Information Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibari-Ga-Oka, Tempaku, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580 (Japan)

2015-05-07

We demonstrated the spin wave isolator using bilayer ferromagnetic media comprising single crystalline and poly-crystalline yttrium iron garnet films, which can control the propagation frequency of magnetostatic waves by the direction of applied magnetic field. This isolator's property does not depend on their thickness then this can be downsized and integrated for nano-scale magnonic circuits. Calculated dispersion relationship shows good agreement with measured one.

Pre-ignition and glow-ignition of gasoline biofuels; Vorentflammung und Gluehzuendung von Ottokraftstoffen mit Bioanteilen

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guenther, Marco; Kremer, Florian; Pischinger, Stefan [RWTH Aachen Univ. (Germany). Lehrstuhl fuer Verbrennungskraftmaschinen; Uygun, Yasar [RWTH Aachen Univ. (Germany). Stosswellenlabor

2013-12-01

Due to their specific fuel properties alternative fuels from biomass allow to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and increase the thermal efficiency of gasoline combustion systems. Both enhanced downsizing and new fuels lead to challenges due to irregular combustion phenomena. Within the scope of a FVV research project new test methodologies and possible characteristic numbers characterising irregular combustion phenomena of various alternative fuels have been developed at RWTH Aachen University. (orig.)

Stand Up and Fight! The Creation of U.S. Security Organizations, 1942-2005

Science.gov (United States)

2015-04-01

of possibilities and outcomes. Ultimately, this diverse and broadened perspective should alle- viate concerns that there is one “right” way, even as...and made a large push to downsize and streamline the military to deal with rising com- bat budget deficits and the nation’s overall economic...War, soldiers as- sumed these responsibilities in the Philippines , Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Most recently, and only a generation 165 before World War

Management and Organization Influences in PRA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gertman, D.I.; Hallbert, B. P.; Blackman, H. S.

1998-01-01

The authors present a research program which aimed at increasing the quality of comprehensiveness of contemporary PRA (Probability Risk Assessment) by providing a tool that allows for incorporating M and O in PRA, at improving the quality of NRC assessments, at conducting research to support the risk informed regulation process, at identifying impact of management and organization, safety culture, workplace environment, down-sizing and deregulation on human performance and reliability

Are Large Headquarters Unproductive? Evidence from a Panel of Japanese Companies (Japanese)

OpenAIRE

MORIKAWA Masayuki

2014-01-01

This paper, using large panel data of Japanese companies (2001-2011), empirically analyzes the determinants of the size of headquarters and their effect on productivity. Headquarters functions, the core service sector within companies, play important roles in supporting strategic decision making in modern companies. However, it is often advocated that the downsizing of headquarters improves organizational efficiency. The size of headquarters is closely related to the issue of centralization/d...

Privatized Military Operations

Science.gov (United States)

2006-01-01

environment such as that in Abu Grahib prison , where military personnel tasked with similar duties to that of contractors have been held legally accountable... Grahib Prison . The Washington Post. Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76. (August 4, 1988. Revised 1999). Performance of Commercial...downsizes the military after the Global War on Terror as it did after the Cold War. Private contractors depend largely upon former service members to

MAJOR GALAXY MERGERS ONLY TRIGGER THE MOST LUMINOUS ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Treister, E.; Schawinski, K.; Urry, C. M.; Simmons, B. D.

2012-01-01

Using multiwavelength surveys of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) across a wide range of bolometric luminosities (10 43 bol (erg s –1 ) 46 ) and redshifts (0 bol -f merger relation suggests that downsizing, i.e., the general decline in AGN and star formation activity with decreasing redshift, is driven by a decline in the frequency of major mergers combined with a decrease in the availability of gas at lower redshifts.

Targeting Functional Biomarkers in Schizophrenia with Neuroimaging

OpenAIRE

Wylie, Korey P.; Smucny, Jason; Legget, Kristina T.; Tregellas, Jason R.

2016-01-01

Many of the most debilitating symptoms for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia remain poorly treated. As such, the development of novel treatments is urgently needed. Unfortunately, the costs associated with high failure rates for investigational compounds as they enter clinical trials has led to pharmaceutical companies downsizing or eliminating research programs needed to develop these drugs. One way of increasing the probability of success for investigational compounds is to incorp...

Possession divestment by sales in later life.

Science.gov (United States)

Ekerdt, David J; Addington, Aislinn

2015-08-01

Residential relocation in later life is almost always a downsizing, with many possessions to be divested in a short period of time. This article examines older movers' capacities for selling things, and ways that selling attenuates people's ties to those things, thus accomplishing the human dis-possession of the material convoy. In qualitative interviews in 79 households in the Midwestern United States, older adults reported their experience with possession sales associated with residential relocation. Among this group, three-quarters of the households downsized by selling some belongings. Informal sales seemed the least fraught of all strategies, estate sales had mixed reviews, and garage sales were recalled as laborious. Sellers' efforts were eased by social relations and social networks as helpers and buyers came forward. As selling proceeded, sentiment about possessions waned as their materiality and economic value came to the fore, easing their detachment from the household. Possession selling is challenging because older adults are limited in the knowledge, skills, and efforts that they can apply to the recommodification of their belongings. Selling can nonetheless be encouraged as a divestment strategy as long as the frustrations and drawbacks are transparent, and the goal of ridding is kept in view. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development and matching of double entry turbines for the next generation of highly boosted gasoline engines; Entwicklung und Auslegung von zweiflutigen Turbinen fuer hochaufgeladene Ottomotoren der naechsten Generation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Uhlmann, Tolga; Aymanns, Richard; Scharf, Johannes [FEV GmbH, Aachen (Germany); Lueckmann, Dominik; Hoepke, Bjoern [RWTH Aachen Univ. (Germany). VKA Lehrstuhl fuer Verbrennungskraftmaschinen; Scassa, Mauro [FEV Italia S.r.l., Rivoli (Italy); Schorn, Norbert; Kindl, Helmut [Ford Forschungszentrum Aachen GmbH, Aachen (Germany)

2013-08-01

Downsizing in combination with turbocharging represents the main technology trend for meeting climate relevant CO{sub 2} emission standards in gasoline engine applications. Extended levels of downsizing involve increasing degrees of pulse charging. Separation of cylinder blow downs, either with double entry turbines or valve train variability, is key for achieving enhanced rated power and low-end-torque targets in highly boosted four-cylinder engines. However, double entry turbines feature specific development challenges: The aerodynamic design via 3D CFD calculations presents a difficult task as well as the engine performance modeling and matching process in 1D gas exchange simulations. From a manufacturing standpoint, casting of the turbine housing is complex especially for small displacement applications below 1.6 l due to e.g. thermo-mechanical boundaries. This paper demonstrates how to design and model double entry turbine performance characteristics within 1D gas exchange simulations, requiring special measured and processed turbine data, which is experimentally assessed on a hot gas test bench using a double burner setup. It is shown how the collective of the described development strategies can be used in assessing the potential of different turbine design concepts. This allows the turbocharger to be designed exactly to specific engine requirements. (orig.)

Transition management as an intervention for survivor syndrome.

Science.gov (United States)

Rogers, K A

2000-01-01

In today's health care environment of merged organizations, downsizing and restructuring, employees can be experiencing a debilitating syndrome called "layoff survivor syndrome." This syndrome can have a crippling effect on workers and organizations as employees struggle to adapt to the changed working environment. This article represents my self-reflection as a nursing unit manager who personally experienced survivor sickness and witnessed its impact on the unit staff that I was leading at the time. The work of Noer (1993) is explored to clarify the syndrome and describe how the nursing staff and I manifested the syndrome. The writings of Bridges (1991), Brockner (1992) and Noer (1993) provide timely and relevant insights into managing the impact of layoffs and downsizing on those left behind to carry on. Noer (1993) sees the adaptation to the change as the ability to make the psychological shift from the old business paradigm that perpetuated codependency to the new business paradigm of fostering empowered employees. Bridges (1991) takes us a step further in making this psychological shift to adapt to the new work environment by providing a three phase process he calls transitions. The works of these three authors hold an important message for organizations and employees working in environments that abound with constant change.

The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the surgical management of women with breast cancer in a middle-income country

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cheng-Har Yip

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC in women with large breast tumours can downsize tumours to allow for breast conservation surgery (BCS. The aim of this study is to compare the BCS rate between those who had NAC versus those who underwent surgery first and to determine the factors affecting response rate. 1,183 patients, who had surgery for breast cancer in a single institution from December 2012 to December 2015, were included in this study. 80 (6.8% patients had NAC. Patient and tumours characteristics, and type of surgery were compared between those who had surgery first or surgery after NAC. Variables affecting the response rate were analyzed. The BCS rate between the surgery first and the NAC group were similar (34.2% versus 35%. The pathological complete response (PCR rate, partial response rate and stable disease rate was 22.5%, 65% and 12.5%, respectively. PCR rate was not significantly affected by subtype of breast cancer, although there was a tendency for PCR to be higher in ER-negative (32.4%, PR-negative (26.1% HER2-positive (28.6%, HER2 overexpressing (37.5% and TNBC (22.7% tumours. NAC is able to downsize tumour to achieve BCS rate that is similar to those without NAC.

Lucky or Unlucky people: Layoff Survivors

OpenAIRE

Muhammad Imran Malik; Dr. Mehboob Ahmad

2011-01-01

Perceived workloads after downsizing eradicate the commitment and productivity among layoff survivors. Up to some extent provision of work - life balance opportunities can save the situation. The current study is carried out among layoff survivors of the two giant organizations in Pakistan. A cross - sectional study based on a stratified random sample of 450 survivors assisted to test the relationship. In the first step the relationship of perceived work load increase (WLI), commitment of lay...

Nickel-hydrogen battery design for the Transporter Energy Storage Subsystem (TESS)

Science.gov (United States)

Lapinski, John R.; Bourland, Deborah S.

1992-01-01

Information is given in viewgraph form on nickel hydrogen battery design for the transporter energy storage subsystem (TESS). Information is given on use in the Space Station Freedom, the launch configuration, use in the Mobile Servicing Center, battery design requirements, TESS subassembley design, proof of principle testing of a 6-cell battery, possible downsizing of TESS to support the Mobile Rocket Servicer Base System (MBS) redesign, TESS output capacity, and cell testing.

Dispositional factors, experiences of team members and effectiveness in self-managing work teams / Susanna Catherina Coetzee

OpenAIRE

Coetzee, Susanna Catherina

2003-01-01

Changes in South Africa's political and economic sphere demand the democratisation of the workplace, participation and empowerment of the work force. Flatter hierarchical structures, as a result of downsizing, enhance involvement but also demand that workers function in a more autonomous manner. The use of self-managing work teams has increased in response to these competitive challenges. Self-managing work teams are groups of employees who are fully responsible for a well-d...

Modeling and analysis of flow and heat transfer in a large PEM fuel cell suitable for automotive applications

OpenAIRE

Yiğinsu, Berk; Yiginsu, Berk

2016-01-01

Based on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) targets, automotive manufacturers realize the necessities to develop new technologies that replace the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). Nowadays there are two major trends in the automotive industry; First, hybrid vehicles which combine hydrogen energy with combustion energy, and second there is a down-sizing trend. By using hybrid technologies auto makers can obtain a significant drop in emission levels and the efficiencies increase up to 80%. Reachi...

Are Large Headquarters Unproductive? Evidence from a panel of Japanese companies

OpenAIRE

MORIKAWA Masayuki

2014-01-01

Headquarters play an important role in modern companies, but the downsizing of headquarters is often advocated as a way to improve organizational efficiency. The size of headquarters is closely related to the centralization/decentralization of decision making, and a theoretically optimal level of (de)centralization depends on various conditions. Using a panel of more than 40,000 Japanese companies for the period 2001-2011, this paper empirically analyzes the determinants of the size of headqu...

Relations between job insecurity and job satisfaction, subjective health complaints, and organizational attitudes among industrial workers in Norway

OpenAIRE

Hauge, Lars Johan

2004-01-01

In order to stay vital and competitive in a changing labour market, organizations engage in various adaptive strategies such as downsizing and mergers. Adaptation strategies may vary but they all have one ting in common; they expose the workforce to feelings of uncertainty and job insecurity. The aim of the thesis was to investigate the relationships between job insecurity and job satisfaction, subjective health complaints, and organizational attitudes. The definition of job insecurity used i...

Tempering of martensitic steel for fasteners: Effects of micro-alloying on microstructure and mechanical property evolution

OpenAIRE

Öhlund, C.E.I.C.

2015-01-01

The research presented in this thesis aims to deepen our understanding of the effect of micro-alloying on the microstructure and mechanical property evolution during tempering of martensitic steel for fasteners. The ongoing trend of engine down-sizing has led to the need for stronger and more temperature resistant fasteners than currently available according to international standards. A new martensitic fastener steel called KNDS4 has been developed, that combines higher strength with improve...

Modelling of thermoelectric generator with heat pipe assist for range extender application

OpenAIRE

Brito, F. P.; Martins, Jorge; Gonçalves, L. M.; Sousa, R.

2011-01-01

Recent trends towards electrification of vehicles favour the adoption of waste energy recovery into electricity. Battery-only Electric Vehicles (BEV) need a very large energy storage system so the use of a Range Extender (RE) may allow a significant downsizing of these bulky components. The Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) have two major discarded energy fluxes, engine cooling and exhaust gas. In Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREV) and hybrids the potential for heat conversion into elect...

High load performance and combustion analysis of a four-valve direct injection gasoline engine running in the two-stroke cycle

OpenAIRE

Dalla Nora, M; Zhao, H

2015-01-01

With the introduction of CO2 emissions legislation or fuel economy standards in Europe and many countries, significant effort is being made to improve spark ignition gasoline engines because of their dominant market share in passenger cars and potential for better fuel economy. Amongst several approaches, the engine downsizing technology has been adopted by the automotive companies as one of the most effective methods to reduce fuel consumption of gasoline engines. However, aggressive engine ...

The restructuring of institutional long-term care in St. John's: impact of supply-induced demand on planning.

Science.gov (United States)

Wilson, Robert C; McDonald, Jacqueline; Barrett, Brendan; Parfrey, Patrick S

2011-01-01

Restructuring of institutional long-term care was undertaken using predictions of future bed need with assumptions made on incidence rates of clients defined by type of disability, survival, and demographic changes. Recent substantial increase in the population rate of clients seeking placement across all degrees of disability, coincident with new facilities for those with modest disability, occurred. Consequently, more appropriate housing and supervised care beds, and more limited downsizing of nursing homes will be required.

Financial Cooperatives: Problems and Challenges in the Post-Crisis Era

OpenAIRE

Alexopoulos, Yiorgos; Goglio, Silvio

2011-01-01

The last years have witnessed a wide reshaping of the banking scene, the aftermath of which includes an increased risk of operative downsizing of the banking system towards certain customer segmentations, marginal areas and activities. Recently the banking scene has deteriorated, especially at the local level, as the financial crisis increased the scarcity of readily available, sufficient and reliable services. The present paper argues that this new reality creates new opportunities for finan...

Bankruptcy and Product-Market Competition: Evidence from the Airline Industry

OpenAIRE

Ciliberto, Federico; Schenone, Carola

2010-01-01

We investigate the effects of Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings on product market competition using data from the US airline industry. We find that bankrupt airlines permanently downsize their national route structure, their airport-specific networks, and their route-specific flight frequency and capacity. We also find that bankrupt airlines lower their route-specific prices while under bankruptcy protection, and increase them after emerging. We do not find robust evidence of significant changes ...

Communicating Organizational Change Reactions: Downsizing Survivors' Discursive Constructions of Flexible Identities

Science.gov (United States)

Aggerholm, Helle Kryger

2014-01-01

The aim of this article is to study employees' discursive construction of disparate survivor responses. The analysis reveals how employees position themselves simultaneously within different types of categories by use of discursive actions. Drawing on various discourses, the actors reject having one solid core of identity and instead signal the…

Job Motivation and Self-Confidence for Learning and Development as Predictors of Support for Change

OpenAIRE

Vithessonthi, Chaiporn; Schwaninger, Markus

2008-01-01

For the most part, studies on change management have attempted to determine the factors that influence employee resistance to change. The focus of the present study is to test whether job motivation and self-confidence for learning and development influence employee support for downsizing. Data were gathered from a sample of 86 teachers at one private school in Bangkok, Thailand. The analysis was carried out using multinomial ordered probit regression. The results suggest that the level of jo...

Job insecurity, organisational commitment and job satisfaction of engineers in a parastatal / by Mantombi Eldah Tshabalala

OpenAIRE

Tshabalala, Mantombi Eldah

2004-01-01

Fierce competition and re-allocation of firms on a global scale, including processes of substantial downsizing have come to the forefront of attention. The concern is that the global scale of actions cannot be controlled on a local level and may therefore pose a threat to a wide variety of workers. Many of the changes taking place in the economies and labour markets of the industrialised countries may have increased structural job insecurity. Cutbacks and dismissals give ris...

A Study of Major Projects and Contractual conditions: A Framework for Performance Improvement

OpenAIRE

Sangesland, Jon Sigbjørn

2016-01-01

Master's thesis in Industrial economics The oil price has experienced a significant decline since the second half of 2014. In combination with the high cost level, many field developments in the Norwegian petroleum sector entail marginable profit. As a counter measure to cope with the challenging market conditions, both oil companies and service suppliers are making various efforts such as substantial downsizing internal staff, as well as reducing costs in all phases of the project. Moreov...

PERCEPTION OF SUPERVISOR SUPPORT, PERSONALITY TRAITS OF EMPLOYEES AND THEIR SATISFACTION WITH WORK-RELATED FACETS

OpenAIRE

Olga Hadzic; Nebojsa Majstorovic; Milena Nedeljkovic

2009-01-01

The planned downsizing in many organizations which are under the state ownership in Serbia produce a high level of uncertainty and a very specific organi-zational environment. Investigation of the satisfaction with work-related facets of the employees at the beginning of organizational changes is a very important step toward the building of an appropriate strategy for human resource management. We investigate the moderating effect of the variable “supervisor support“ on the correla-tions betw...

The Effects of Enzalutamide Monotherapy on Multiparametric 3T MR Imaging in Prostate Cancer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rosanne CV. Van der Roest

2016-07-01

Full Text Available The effects of enzalutamide monotherapy on prostate tumor downsizing and multiparametric MRI are currently unknown. Here we present the first case in literature of a patient with high-grade prostate cancer who underwent 3 months of neoadjuvant enzalutamide, for which the effects on mpMRI and histology were determined. Tumor size reduction and downstaging were noted. Neoadjuvant enzalutamide resulted in an increase in ADC value on the DWI-MRI sequences. Histological changes were also observed.

Lubricant induced pre-ignition in an optical spark-ignition engine

OpenAIRE

Dingle, Simon Frederick

2014-01-01

This thesis was submitted for the award of Doctor of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel University London This work focuses on the introduction of lubricant into the combustion chamber and the effect that this has on pre-ignition. Apparently for the first time, the work presented provides detailed full-bore optical data for lubricant induced pre-ignition and improves understanding of the super-knock phenomena that affects modern downsized gasoline engines. A new single-cylinder optical r...

Fueling the Gig Economy: A Case Study Evaluation of Upwork.com

OpenAIRE

Daryl D. Green; Craig Walker; Abdulrahman Alabulththim; Daniel Smith; Michele Phillips

2018-01-01

With recent downsizing of talented professionals and the power of globalization to provide opportunities for more underdeveloped countries, the gig economy is a source of influence in today’s generation of professionals. Online outsourcing media have shown to be valuable resources for companies who need a specific set of skills for a limited period. This case study evaluates Upwork.com, one of the leading freelance websites in the gig economy; this article provides insights on how others shou...

Optimizing transient processes with AVL-GCA for a highly flexible gasoline engine; Optimierung transienter Vorgaenge mit AVL-GCA an einem Otto-Motor hoher Flexibilitaet

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Leifert, Thomas; Moreno Nevado, Fernando; Fairbrother, Robert; Prevedel, Kurt [AVL List GmbH, Graz (Austria)

2011-07-01

Optimizing the dynamic operation of a gasoline engine with high flexibility by means of AVL-GCA. Downsizing and Downspeeding are considered being the most promising approaches to significantly reduce CO{sub 2} emission. Because of synergy effects between its technologies, downsized Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDI) engines have the highest potential for fuel economy. The key for high market penetration of such concepts requires customer acceptance and this is closely linked to driver satisfaction. For the drivability rating of vehicles fitted with turbocharged engines, tip-in behavior is of paramount importance. A combined combustion analysis and gas-exchange analysis was performed with AVL GCA (Gas exchange and Combustion Analysis) on a ''beyond-state-of-the-art'' TGDI engine, namely a variable compression ratio engine featuring MCE-5 VCRi technology. With variable compression ratio and 2-stage boosting this engine features an unusually high level of flexibility. Therefore the analysis is used to examine the thermodynamic processes taking place in the cylinders not only in steady state operation but also under highly transient boundary conditions and on a ''cycle-by-cycle'' basis in order to examine hints for optimizing transient response. An established numerical approach for analysis was applied to measurement data acquired on an engine dynamometer thanks to a dedicated measurement chain that will be described in detail. (orig.)

Report on survey for high-performance industrial furnace introduction field test project in fiscal 1999. Activities to promote proliferation of the introduction to subject project related business entities; 1999 nendo koseino kogyoro donyu field test jigyo chosa hokokusho. Taisho jigyosha eno fukyu sokushin katsudo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2000-03-01

This paper reports the survey on high-performance industrial furnace introduction field test project in fiscal 1999. The development of a high-performance industrial furnace having been performed by NEDO since fiscal 1993 has completed the fundamental development research in fiscal 1998, and the planned achievements were verified (large energy saving, reduction of NOx emission, and down-sizing). Upon the result, the introduction field test project has started in fiscal 1998 for three years until fiscal 2000. The number of research items adopted in fiscal 1998 was 58, and those in fiscal 1999 was 51, which are progressing smoothly at the present. Reduction in CO2 emission of 50,000 tons was demonstrated as the achievement in fiscal 1998, and NOx emission realized the regulation value or lower in cities wherein each operator is executing the project. Several cases of down-sizing were also reported. In the proliferation promoting project in fiscal 1998, activities were made mainly to the subject project related business entities in relation with the development achievements and general technologies for the high-performance furnace. In fiscal 1999, communication transmission was continued by using information tools on introduction of the achievements and technologies. Attempts will be made on promoting the proliferation of the field test project in the future through a number of technology lecture meetings performed by specialists. (NEDO)

Review of Issues Associated with Safe Operation and Management of the Space Shuttle Program

Science.gov (United States)

Johnstone, Paul M.; Blomberg, Richard D.; Gleghorn, George J.; Krone, Norris J.; Voltz, Richard A.; Dunn, Robert F.; Donlan, Charles J.; Kauderer, Bernard M.; Brill, Yvonne C.; Englar, Kenneth G.;

On Gas Dynamics of Exhaust Valves

OpenAIRE

Winroth, Marcus

2017-01-01

With increasing effects of global warming, efforts are made to make transportation in general more fuel efficient. When it comes to internal combustion engines, the most common way to improve fuel efficiency is through ‘downsizing’. Downsizing means that a smaller engine (with lower losses and less weight) performs the task of a larger engine. This is accomplished by fitting the smaller engine with a turbocharger, to recover some of the energy in the hot exhaust gases. Such engine systems nee...

Particle number emissions of gasoline hybrid electric vehicles; Partikelanzahl-Emission bei Hybridfahrzeugen mit Ottomotor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Porter, Scott [Horiba Instruments Inc., Ann Arbor, MI (United States)

2012-04-15

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) are commonly reputed to be environmentally friendly. Different studies show that this assumption raises some questions in terms of particle number emissions. Against the background that upcoming emission standards will not only limit particle matter emissions but also particle number emissions for gasoline engines, the exhaust behaviour of downsized gasoline engines used in HEV should be investigated more extensively. A Horiba study compares the particle number emissions of a gasoline vehicle to those of a gasoline powered HEV. (orig.)

AWQAF IN HISTORY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MODERN ISLAMIC ECONOMIES

OpenAIRE

ÇIZAKÇA, MURAT

1998-01-01

This paper aims at analysing the relevance of the historical awqaf system for modern Islamic economies. The main argument focuses on the fact that the awqaf system has provided throughout Islamic history all the essential services at no cost to the state. Thus, a successful modernisation of the system implies a significant cut in government expenditure and all the associated benefits; including downsizing the state sector and a reduction and even an eventual elimination of riba. As far as the...

Analysis and simulation of centrifugal pendulum vibration absorbers

OpenAIRE

Smith, Emma

2015-01-01

When environmental laws are constricted and downsizing of engines has become the reality of the vehicle industry, there needs to be a solution for the rise in torsion vibrations in the drivetrain. These increased levels of torsion vibrations are mostly due to excitations from the firing pulses, which in turn have become increased due to higher cylinder pressures. One of the solutions for further dampening the system is to add a centrifugal pendulum absorber to the flywheel, and predicting the...

Possibilities of reduction of the on-board energy for an innovative subway

OpenAIRE

Allègre, A-L.; Barrade, P.; Delarue, P.; Bouscayrol, A.; Chattot, E.; El-Fassi, S.

2009-01-01

An innovative subway has been proposed using supercapacitors as energy source. In this paper, are presented different possibilities to reduce on-board stored energy in order to downsize the on-board energy storage subsystem. Special attention is paid to the influence of a feeding rail extension or a downward slope at the beginning of the interstation on the on-board stored energy. A map is built to facilitate the selection of the solution which leads to reduce the on-board energy.

Civil Society and Distributional Conflicts in Southeast Asia

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Schmidt, Johannes Dragsbæk

2010-01-01

focuses on the competing theoretical definitions and assumptions about civil society, democratization and social change; the second part explores the attempts by civil society actors to impact conflicts over resources and distribution of welfare in Southeast Asia; the third section focuses...... on the conflictual relationship between civil society organizations (CSOs) and the state and various types of social and labour market regulations, laws and contractual relationships, and finally the need for progressive social reform is emphasized as one important type of social resistance against the downsizing...

New modular engine platform from Volvo; Neue modulare Motoren-Plattform von Volvo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Crabb, Derek; Fleiss, Michael; Larsson, Jan-Erik; Somhorst, Joop [Volvo Cars Corporation, Goeteborg (Sweden)

2013-09-15

Volvo Cars Corporation is to launch a completely new four-cylinder engine family and architecture in autumn 2013 for worldwide application. The gasoline and diesel engines of the platform have the same cylinder spacing and identical bore and stroke. The common characteristics of the new engines are distinct downsizing, consistent modularity, high power density and low fuel consumption. In the past, Volvo has used engines with four, five, six and eight cylinders, but now the number of cylinder has been reduced to a maximum of four. (orig.)

The Transformation of European Airpower

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

, France, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden have faced similar requirements and have recently made, or will soon make, similar decisions. These countries have modernized, reorganized, downsized, restructured, adapted, and transformed their airpower capabilities in ways that can inform Danish decisions...... for their use. These could require changes in the organization of the RDAF, the number and type of its personnel, their training, education, and career development, ethos, the support and maintenance structure, and basing. Furthermore, a valuable lesson from the F-16 program is that international collaboration...

The reproduction of gender norms through downsizing in later life residential relocation.

Science.gov (United States)

Addington, Aislinn; Ekerdt, David J

2014-01-01

Using data collected from qualitative interviews in 36 households, this article examines people's use of social relations based on gender to perform tasks associated with residential relocation in later life. Without prompting, our respondents addressed the social relations of gender in the meanings of things, in the persons of gift recipients, and in the persons of actors accomplishing the tasks. They matched gender-typed objects to same-sex recipients, reproducing circumstances of possession and passing on expectations for gender identity. The accounts of our respondents also depicted a gendered division of household labor between husbands and wives and a gendered division of care work by daughters and sons. These strategies economized a big task by shaping decisions about who should get what and who will do what. In turn, these practices affirmed the gendered nature of possession and care work into another generation. © The Author(s) 2012.

Dilemmas of downsizing during the great recession: crisis strategies of European employers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Dalen, H.P.; Henkens, K.

2013-01-01

The present paper analyzes the choices faced by European employers when threatened with the prospect of the mass lay-off of their employees as a result of the Great Recession. By means of a representative survey among employers in Italy, Germany, Denmark, Poland, theNetherlands and Sweden in 2009,

Dilemmas Of Downsizing During the Great Recession : Crisis Strategies of European Employers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Dalen, H.P.; Henkens, K.

2013-01-01

Summary The present paper analyzes the choices faced by European employers when threatened with the prospect of the mass lay-off of their employees as a result of the Great Recession. By means of a representative survey among employers in Italy, Germany, Denmark, Poland, the Netherlands and Sweden

Dilemmas of downsizing during the Great Recession : Crisis strategies of European employers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Dalen, H.P.; Henkens, C.J.I.M.

2013-01-01

The present paper analyzes the choices faced by European employers when threatened with the prospect of the mass lay-off of their employees as a result of the Great Recession. By means of a representative survey among employers in Italy, Germany, Denmark, Poland, the Netherlands and Sweden in 2009,

Dilemmas of downsizing during the great recession: crisis strategies of European employers

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Dalen, H.P.; Henkens, K.

2013-01-01

The present paper analyzes the choices faced by European employers when threatened with the prospect of the mass lay-off of their employees as a result of the Great Recession. By means of a representative survey among employers in Italy, Germany, Denmark, Poland, the Netherlands and Sweden in 2009,

Downsized Boosted Engine Benchmarking Method and Results (SAE Paper 2015-01-1266)

Science.gov (United States)

Light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) and fuel economy (FE) standards for MYs 2012 -2025 are requiring vehicle powertrain to become much more efficient. One key technology strategy that vehicle manufacturers are using to help comply with GHG and FE standards is to replace natu...

Mergers and acquisitions: A comparative review of literature

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ghosh Sohini

2016-01-01

Full Text Available The paper aims to review scholastic research on the effect of M&As on firm performance and present a comparative analysis of Indian M&As vis­a-vis those occurring in other nations. 108 articles in referred journals published between 2005 and 2015 have been surveyed with a focus on comparing firm performance parameters prior and post the M&A. Firm performance has been inspected via three measures i.e. accounting measures, stock market performance measures and qualitative measures. On the basis of these three measures, literature on mergers in India with those occurring in another 23 countries was compared. The review has shown that irrespective of the nation, M&As may impact the accounting and stock market performance measures of the acquirer and target firms in a positive, negative or mixed manner. M&As in nations other than India have received more academic attention with respect to the effect on qualitative issues like cultural compatibility, downsizing and innovation. Cultural incompatibility and downsizing are problems of M&As in India as well as other nations. Indian domestic M&As have resulted in greater market share whereas majority of the M&As in other nations have lost customer base. Although literature studying the outcomes of M&As on firm performance from a pre-post perspective are multifarious, a comparative assessment of the studies on M&As occurring in India with those carried out in other nations of the world is a novel attempt.

Managing your engineering consultants: Steps for simultaneously improving operations, project implementation, and your bottom line

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kirchen, E.R.; Perilloux, B.L.

1997-01-01

The domestic oil and gas industry has responded to depleting reserves and increasing operating costs by downsizing the overhead required to maintain production and processing facilities. For many companies this downsizing has resulted in a reduced in-house engineering staff and a greater reliance on consulting engineering services. To get the most benefit from consulting engineering companies, the partnership between consultants and the oil and gas company needs to be carefully considered. Unfortunately, these partnerships are often developed at the home office with visionary goals in mind, only to be implemented reluctantly on a local level. A better strategy is to implement partnering tools on the local level and allow these partnerships to develop naturally, and at times, uniquely, at each location. The following such tools detailed in this paper are: manpower leveraging -- using field-trained consulting engineers to address project design/implementation and field/construction support so that the operating company's engineers may focus on management and detailed development of high-return projects; enhanced project scope and design review -- developing and reviewing project scope(s) and preliminary engineering designs to minimize engineering/construction costs as well as optimize the operability and constructability of the project; and consulting rate standardization -- understanding and structuring the consultant's rates so that neither side is exploited and so that the project is staffed in the interest of project execution and not maximum profits for the consultant

A Car Transportation System in Cooperation by Multiple Mobile Robots for Each Wheel: iCART II

Science.gov (United States)

Kashiwazaki, Koshi; Yonezawa, Naoaki; Kosuge, Kazuhiro; Sugahara, Yusuke; Hirata, Yasuhisa; Endo, Mitsuru; Kanbayashi, Takashi; Shinozuka, Hiroyuki; Suzuki, Koki; Ono, Yuki

The authors proposed a car transportation system, iCART (intelligent Cooperative Autonomous Robot Transporters), for automation of mechanical parking systems by two mobile robots. However, it was difficult to downsize the mobile robot because the length of it requires at least the wheelbase of a car. This paper proposes a new car transportation system, iCART II (iCART - type II), based on “a-robot-for-a-wheel” concept. A prototype system, MRWheel (a Mobile Robot for a Wheel), is designed and downsized less than half the conventional robot. First, a method for lifting up a wheel by MRWheel is described. In general, it is very difficult for mobile robots such as MRWheel to move to desired positions without motion errors caused by slipping, etc. Therefore, we propose a follower's motion error estimation algorithm based on the internal force applied to each follower by extending a conventional leader-follower type decentralized control algorithm for cooperative object transportation. The proposed algorithm enables followers to estimate their motion errors and enables the robots to transport a car to a desired position. In addition, we analyze and prove the stability and convergence of the resultant system with the proposed algorithm. In order to extract only the internal force from the force applied to each robot, we also propose a model-based external force compensation method. Finally, proposed methods are applied to the car transportation system, the experimental results confirm their validity.

The Dependence of galaxy colors on luminosity and environment at z~0.4

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yee, H.K.C.; /Toronto U., Astron. Dept.; Hsieh, B.C.; /Taiwan, Natl. Central U. /Taipei, Inst. Astron. Astrophys.; Lin, Huan; /Fermilab; Gladders, M.D.; /Carnegie Inst.

2005-08-01

The authors analyze the B-R{sub c} colors of galaxies as functions of luminosity and local galaxy density using a large photometric redshift catalog based on the Red-Sequence Cluster Survey. They select two samples of galaxies with a magnitude limit of M{sub R{sub e}} < -18.5 and redshift ranges of 0.2 {le} z < 0.4 and 0.4 {le} x < 0.6 containing 10{sup 5} galaxies each. they model the color distributions of subsamples of galaxies and derive the red galaxy fraction and peak colors of red and blue galaxies as functions of galaxy luminosity and environment. The evolution of these relationships over the redshift range of x {approx} 0.5 to z {approx} 0.05 is analyzed in combination with published results from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. They find that there is a strong evolution in the restframe peak color of bright blue galaxies in that they become redder with decreasing redshift, while the colors of faint blue galaxies remain approximately constant. This effect supports the ''downsizing'' scenario of star formation in galaxies. While the general dependence of the galaxy color distributions on the environment is small, they find that the change of red galaxy fraction with epoch is a function of the local galaxy density, suggesting that the downsizing effect may operate with different timescales in regions of different galaxy densities.

Two-stage supercharging of a passenger car diesel engine; Zweistufige Aufladung eines Pkw-Dieselmotors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wittmer, A.; Albrecht, P.; Becker, B.; Vogt, G.; Fischer, R. [Erphi Elektronik GmbH, Holzkirchen (Germany)

2004-07-01

Two-stage supercharging of internal combustion engines with specific capacities beyond 70 kW/l opens up new options for smaller charge volumes. A low-pressure and a high-pressure supercharger are connected in series, with by-passes. The control strategy is described in this contribution using a model of exhaust counterpressure. The potential of a two-stage supercharged diesel engine with CR injection was proved in two engines and in dynamic driving tests. The new concept offers optimum chances for downsizing provided that the driving performance is not affected. (orig.) [German] Die zweistufige Aufladung von Verbrennungsmotoren eroeffnet mit spezifischen Leistungen jenseits von 70 kW/l weitere Moeglichkeiten der Hubraumverkleinerung. Dabei werden ein Niederdruck- und ein Hochdrucklader mit Umgehungsleitungen in Reihe geschaltet. Die erforderliche Regelungsstrategie zum kontrollierten Uebergang von einer Stufe auf die naechste erfolgt in dem hier vorliegenden Beitrag anhand eines Modells fuer den Abgasgegendruck. Hierbei wird das Regelorgan so angesteuert, dass sich der gewuenschte Druck vor den Turbinen einstellt. An zwei Motoren konnten stationaere Ergebnisse das Leistungspotential eines zweistufig aufgeladenen Dieselmotors mit 'Common Rail' Einspritzung nachgewiesen werden. Die dynamischen Fahrversuche belegen eindrucksvoll den schnellen Ladedruckaufbau auch aus tiefen Drehzahlbereichen bei gleichzeitig gutem Uebergangsverhalten von der Hochdruck- auf die Niederdruckstufe. Damit bietet der zweistufig aufgeladene Dieselmotor mit dem hier dargestellten Regelungsverfahren optimale Voraussetzungen fuer 'Downsizing' unter der Randbedingung, dass moeglichst keine Einbussen bei den Fahrleistungen hinzunehmen sind. (orig.)

Production of raw starch-degrading enzyme by Aspergillus sp. and its use in conversion of inedible wild cassava flour to bioethanol.

Science.gov (United States)

Moshi, Anselm P; Hosea, Ken M M; Elisante, Emrode; Mamo, Gashaw; Önnby, Linda; Nges, Ivo Achu

2016-04-01

The major bottlenecks in achieving competitive bioethanol fuel are the high cost of feedstock, energy and enzymes employed in pretreatment prior to fermentation. Lignocellulosic biomass has been proposed as an alternative feedstock, but because of its complexity, economic viability is yet to be realized. Therefore, research around non-conventional feedstocks and deployment of bioconversion approaches that downsize the cost of energy and enzymes is justified. In this study, a non-conventional feedstock, inedible wild cassava was used for bioethanol production. Bioconversion of raw starch from the wild cassava to bioethanol at low temperature was investigated using both a co-culture of Aspergillus sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and a monoculture of the later with enzyme preparation from the former. A newly isolated strain of Aspergillus sp. MZA-3 produced raw starch-degrading enzyme which displayed highest activity of 3.3 U/mL towards raw starch from wild cassava at 50°C, pH 5.5. A co-culture of MZA-3 and S. cerevisiae; and a monoculture of S. cerevisiae and MZA-3 enzyme (both supplemented with glucoamylase) resulted into bioethanol yield (percentage of the theoretical yield) of 91 and 95 at efficiency (percentage) of 84 and 96, respectively. Direct bioconversion of raw starch to bioethanol was achieved at 30°C through the co-culture approach. This could be attractive since it may significantly downsize energy expenses. Copyright © 2015 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Labour and Segmentation in Value Chains

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hammer, Nikolaus; Riisgaard, Lone

2015-01-01

In order to understand the linkages between labour process analysis and global value chains (GVCs) it is important to investigate the particular factory regimes at the upstream end of GVCs. Social relations of production were integrated into the global economy along different trajectories...... of production out of craft traditions; formal firms (and MNCs) either recruiting informal labour directly, or through labour-only contractors; and cases in which downsizing in the formal sector pushes workers into the informal sector. Each case results in different lines of segmentation, links into GVCs...

Interchip link system using an optical wiring method.

Science.gov (United States)

Cho, In-Kui; Ryu, Jin-Hwa; Jeong, Myung-Yung

2008-08-15

A chip-scale optical link system is presented with a transmitter/receiver and optical wire link. The interchip link system consists of a metal optical bench, a printed circuit board module, a driver/receiver integrated circuit, a vertical cavity surface-emitting laser/photodiode array, and an optical wire link composed of plastic optical fibers (POFs). We have developed a downsized POF and an optical wiring method that allows on-site installation with a simple annealing as optical wiring technologies for achieving high-density optical interchip interconnection within such devices. Successful data transfer measurements are presented.

PROSPECTIVE THINKING OF DIRECTORS IN THE YEAR 2040 ORGANIZATIONS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Antonio Francisco Díaz García

2015-04-01

Today after having lived a downsizing organizations result of the geopolitical changes Breakdown of social and cultural patterns of human behavior, overregulation in fiscal, economic provisions and human rights as well as the reality in the supply and administration of two fundamental material resources in the operation of organizations such as water and energy coupled with the reality that exists in the highly permissive social field, injuring the dignity of the person and his freedom. Profile presenting the management thought should contain vision multifaceted professional activities required for an effective performance in the organization

Twenty-first century metadata operations challenges, opportunities, directions

CERN Document Server

Lee Eden, Bradford

2014-01-01

It has long been apparent to academic library administrators that the current technical services operations within libraries need to be redirected and refocused in terms of both format priorities and human resources. A number of developments and directions have made this reorganization imperative, many of which have been accelerated by the current economic crisis. All of the chapters detail some aspect of technical services reorganization due to downsizing and/or reallocation of human resources, retooling professional and support staff in higher level duties and/or non-MARC metadata, ""value-a

Test of hybrid power system for electrical vehicles using a lithium-ion battery pack and a reformed methanol fuel cell range extender

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andreasen, Søren Juhl; Ashworth, Leanne; Sahlin, Simon Lennart

2014-01-01

is delivered by a lithium ion battery pack. In order to increase the run time of the application connected to this battery pack, a high temperature PEM (HTPEM) fuel cell stack acts as an on-board charger able to charge a vehicle during operation as a series hybrid. Because of the high tolerance to carbon...... a down-sized version of the battery pack used in the Mitsubishi iMiEV, which is subjected to power cycles derived from simulations of the vehicle undergoing multiple New European Drive Cycles (NEDC)....

AGN feedback in galaxy formation

CERN Document Server

Antonuccio-Delogu, Vincenzo

2010-01-01

During the past decade, convincing evidence has been accumulated concerning the effect of active galactic nuclei (AGN) activity on the internal and external environment of their host galaxies. Featuring contributions from well-respected researchers in the field, and bringing together work by specialists in both galaxy formation and AGN, this volume addresses a number of key questions about AGN feedback in the context of galaxy formation. The topics covered include downsizing and star-formation time scales in massive elliptical galaxies, the connection between the epochs of supermassive black h

Challenge

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schwitters, R.F.

1996-01-01

The design of new and upgrades of existing high energy particle accelerators is reviewed in light of the current knowledge of the standard model determined from existing and past machines and funding factors. Current financing of science will delay determining unknowns, such as CP violation, proton decay, neutrino properties, and dark matter. Three options are given: (1) obtain more funding, (2) downsize scientific personnel as are private enterprises or (3) develop new technology which will reduce the high cost of building current designs of high energy accelerators. (AIP) copyright 1996 American Institute of Physics

Comparing Performance of Public and Cooperative Health Centers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mostafa Farahbakhsh

2012-04-01

Full Text Available Background: Health cooperatives in similar structure of health network in Iran, give primary health cares to defined population with supervisory of public sector. Materials and method: This study compares health system performance between public (PHC and cooperative (CHC health centers. Results: Client's satisfaction was 4.14 in CHC and 3.9 in PHC in 5 point Likert scale. The mean for daily health services of CHC and PHC were 110.8 and 85 respectively. Conclusion: Health cooperatives are appropriate strategy for downsizing of government in health sector

The new 'Earth Dreams Technology i-DTEC' 1.6 l diesel engine from Honda

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yamano, J.; Ikoma, K.; Matsui, R.; Ikegami, N.; Mori, S.; Yano, T. [Honda R and D Co., Ltd., Tochigi (Japan)

2013-08-01

Honda has developed a 3rd-generation diesel engine, seeking to balance further CO{sub 2} reductions with dynamic performance. This development focused on downsizing the engine and succeeded in developing a compact, lightweight and high-efficiency 1.6 L in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged i-DTEC diesel engine. Optimization of engine rigidity in the newly developed 1.6 L diesel engine has made it possible to use an aluminum cylinder block with an open-deck structure. Furthermore, weight could be reduced by means of an efficient structure and engine layout. In addition, mechanical friction has been minimized via reducing weight of the reciprocating components and downsizing auxiliary equipment. These innovations made it possible for the engine to achieve the same level of friction as a Honda petrol engine of the same displacement. Thermal management has also been optimized by enhancement of the engine cooling system. In addition, low-pressure loop exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) was applied to achieve increased thermal efficiency. These measures have helped the engine to realize a high level of boost and high EGR, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions across a wide range of operating conditions. Like the 2.2 L model, the Civic fitted with this 1.6 L diesel engine uses idle-stop and deceleration energy regeneration control. With all these measures, the Civic achieved CO{sub 2} emissions of 94 g/km (3.6 L/100km) in NEDC, a reduction of 14.5% in CO{sub 2} emissions against the 110 g/km recorded by the 2.2 L model. (orig.)

Expert communication link management: overview and progress

Science.gov (United States)

Dunkelberger, Kirk A.

1998-08-01

Consider the downsizing of our forces, the increasing complexity of our tactical platforms, and the ever widening array of communication options and the conclusion is inevitable. The need for automated support to reduce communication-related workload is critical to continued task force effectiveness. In a previous era, communication management expertise resided solely in the form of human experts. These experts flew with the pilots, providing the most effective means of communication in real time; they have since been removed from a great number of platforms due to force downsizing and real estate value in the cockpit. This burden has typically been shifted to the pilot, providing another set of tasks in an environment which is already far too taxing. An Expert Communication Link Manger (ECLM) is required -- a trusted, reliable assistant which can determine optimal link, channel, and waveform data for the communication requirements at hand and translate those requirements transparently into communication device control. Technologies are at hand which make ECLM possible; the mixture of these elements in the correct proportions can provide a capable, deployable, and cost effective ECLM in the near term. This paper describes specific applied ECLM research work in progress funded by the USAF under a four year effort. Operational objectives, technical objectives, a reference design, and technical excursions within the broad ECLM scope will be discussed in detail. Results of prototypes built to date in the area of communication inference from speech understanding, dynamic adaptive routing, and packet switching networks in the tactical environment will be presented.

U.S. Field Artillery after World War I: Modernizing the Force While Downsizing

Science.gov (United States)

2014-06-13

included Russia, France, the United Kingdom and its Commonwealth, Serbia, Belgium, Montenegro , and later Italy, Portugal, Romania, Greece, and the United...and artillery headquarters of all Allied armies and visited manufacturing plants in 48 France, Great Britain, and Italy. In addition, a board chaired

Graft downsizing during ex vivo lung perfusion: case report and technical notes.

Science.gov (United States)

Nosotti, M; Rosso, L; Mendogni, P; Tosi, D; Palleschi, A; Righi, I; Froio, S; Valenza, F; Santambrogio, L

2014-09-01

Among patients with respiratory insufficiency awaiting lung transplantation, small adult patients have a lower opportunity of receiving size-matched pulmonary grafts, because of the shortage of donors, particularly those of small size. Reducing the size of an oversized graft is one of the methods to increase the donor pool; similarly, ex vivo lung perfusion is an emerging technique aimed toward the same purpose. We describe how we combined the 2 techniques (lobar transplantation plus contralateral nonanatomic graft reduction during ex vivo lung perfusion) to overcome graft shortage in a clinical case. For the 1st time, this case report demonstrates that surgical manipulation during ex vivo lung perfusion does not affect the functional improvement in a lung previously judged to be not suitable for transplantation. The 6-month follow-up results are similar to those of standard bilateral lung transplantation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Downsizing, Competition, and Organizational Change in Government: Is Necessity the Mother of Invention?

Science.gov (United States)

Kelman, Steven

2006-01-01

One answer to the question of why government organizations don't perform better - common in academic "public choice" literature but also in folk wisdom--is that resources come too easily, independent of performance. Some business management literature suggests that a crisis in resource flows can force successful change--"necessity is the mother of…

Downsizing Prisons in an Age of Austerity? Justice Reinvestment and Women’s Imprisonment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Julie Stubbs

2016-03-01

Full Text Available Justice Reinvestment is being actively promoted as one means of reducing high levels of incarceration through diverting expenditures from prisons to fund services intended to provide support and supervision for offenders within the community and to prevent crime. At a time of financial stringency, the huge expenditure necessitated by high incarceration rates is being re-examined. There is growing recognition that high levels of incarceration are ineffective in reducing recidivism and may be criminogenic and damaging in other ways for individuals and communities. Based on claims that Justice Reinvestment schemes in the US have produced promising results, some activists and politicians in Australia have urged the adoption of Justice Reinvestment. This advocacy has emphasised the need to find mechanisms to reduce the very high levels of incarceration of Indigenous people. Women’s imprisonment rates have increased substantially in recent years and to a greater extent than rates for men. This pattern has been observed in several jurisdictions and is even more pronounced for Indigenous women. This paper critically examines features of Justice Reinvestment, such as its endorsement of ‘evidence based policy’ and risk assessment tools, to question whether these features are likely to promote the interests of women. Se está promoviendo activamente la reinversión en justicia como un medio para reducir las altas tasas de encarcelamiento, dedicando gastos destinados a prisiones para financiar servicios dentro de la comunidad que presten apoyo y supervisión a los delincuentes y que prevengan el delito. En un momento de restricciones financieras, se está revisando el enorme gasto que generan las altas tasas de encarcelamiento. Existe un creciente reconocimiento de que una alta tasa de encarcelamiento no es eficaz para reducir la reincidencia y, de diversas maneras, puede aumentar la criminalidad y ser perjudicial para individuos y comunidades. Basándonos en que en EE UU los proyectos de reinversión en justicia han dado resultados prometedores, algunos activistas y políticos han instado a la adopción de la reinversión en justicia en Australia. Este apoyo ha hecho hincapié en la necesidad de encontrar mecanismos para reducir las tasas muy altas de encarcelamiento de indígenas. Las tasas de encarcelamiento de mujeres han aumentado sustancialmente en los últimos años y en un grado mayor que las tasas de hombres. Este patrón se ha observado en diferentes jurisdicciones y es aún más acusado en el caso de mujeres indígenas. Este artículo analiza de forma crítica las características de la reinversión en justicia, como su apoyo a una “política basada en pruebas” y las herramientas de valoración de riesgo, para plantearse si estas características pueden promover los intereses de las mujeres. DOWNLOAD THIS PAPER FROM SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=2636756

RCRA Part B permit modifications for cost savings and increased flexibility at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jierree, C.; Ticknor, K.

1996-10-01

With shrinking budgets and downsizing, a need for streamlined compliance initiatives became evident at the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS). Therefore, Rocky Mountain Remediation Services (RMRS) at the RFETS successfully and quickly modified the RFETS RCRA Part B Permit to obtain significant cost savings and increased flexibility. This 'was accomplished by requesting operations personnel to suggest changes to the Part B Permit which did not diminish overall compliance and which would be most. cost beneficial. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) subsequently obtained approval of those changes from the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE)

Magnetic design of a FFAG superconducting magnet

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Obana, T.; Ogitsu, T.; Nakamoto, T.; Sasaki, K.; Yamamoto, A.; Yoshimoto, M.; Mori, Y.; Orikasa, T.

2005-01-01

A superconducting magnet for a Fixed Field Alternating Gradient (FFAG) accelerator has been proposed. The required magnetic field is static and proportional to the k-th power of the orbit radius where k is the geometrical field index of the accelerator. In 2D, the required magnetic field can be generated with the optimized cross section of the coil. The cross section of the coils is a left-right asymmetry to simplify the cross section and ellipse to downsize the magnet. Local and integral 3D fields along the beam trajectory are evaluated with using new type of 3D coil configuration

Categorizing the Growth Strategies of Small Firms

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mika Westerlund

2012-05-01

Full Text Available This study investigates the link between a small firm’s investment in R&D and its growth strategy. A firm’s growth strategy refers to the means by which the organization plans to achieve its objective to grow in volume and turnover. We categorize firm growth strategies into eight distinctive clusters: opportunity explorers, radical innovators, business developers, business expanders, profit makers, business rebuilders, stagnators, and downsizers. We argue that understanding a firm’s growth orientation provides a way to assess the returns of its R&D investments, because an organization’s intangible growth strategies and tangible inputs are connected.

Evolution of the mass-metallicity relations in passive and star-forming galaxies from SPH-cosmological simulations

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Velonà, A. D Romeo; Sommer-Larsen, J.; Napolitano, N. R.

2013-01-01

at high redshift, whose scatter increases with time alongside the consolidation of the passive sequence. We also confirm the anti-correlation between sSFR and stellar mass, pointing at a key role of the former in determining the galaxy downsizing, as the most significant means of diagnostics of the star...... formation efficiency. Likewise, an anti-correlation between sSFR and metallicity can be established for the SF galaxies, while on the contrary more active galaxies in terms of simple SFR are also metal-richer. Finally, the [O/Fe] abundance ratio is presented too: we report a strong increasing evolution...

Automotive NVH technology

CERN Document Server

Nijman, Eugenius; Priebsch, Hans-Herwig

2016-01-01

This book presents seven chapters examining selected noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) topics that are highly relevant for automotive vehicle development. These include applications following the major trends toward increased passenger comfort, vehicle electrification and lightweight design. The authors of the seven chapters, all of which are experts from the automotive industry and academia, present the foremost challenges and potential solutions in this demanding field. Among others, applications for sound optimization in downsized engines, noise optimization in electric powertrains, weight reduction options for exhaust systems, porous materials description, and the vibro-acoustic analysis of geared systems are discussed.

Said another way. Is the ADN graduate prepared to practice in community settings?

Science.gov (United States)

Percoco, T A

1998-01-01

The downsizing and closing of acute care facilities and the movement to community-based healthcare services are decreasing the need for RNs in acute care facilities. In the past, the associate-degree nurse (ADN) has filled the majority of positions in acute care. With the trend to provide health services in community setting, will the ADN be prepared for positions in community facilities? ADN educators must reevaluate how they are educating students for practice. The author reviews the 1995 recommendations from the Pew Health Professions Commission and relevant current directives from the National League for Nursing.

Nano-CMOS gate dielectric engineering

CERN Document Server

Wong, Hei

2011-01-01

According to Moore's Law, not only does the number of transistors in an integrated circuit double every two years, but transistor size also decreases at a predictable rate. At the rate we are going, the downsizing of CMOS transistors will reach the deca-nanometer scale by 2020. Accordingly, the gate dielectric thickness will be shrunk to less than half-nanometer oxide equivalent thickness (EOT) to maintain proper operation of the transistors, leaving high-k materials as the only viable solution for such small-scale EOT. This comprehensive, up-to-date text covering the physics, materials, devic

INSURGENT WAR, NEGOTIATION OF CONFLICT AND HISTORCAL MEMORY IN COLOMBIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

ARIEL ÁLVAREZ RUBIO

2017-09-01

Full Text Available This article reports an analysis based on the insurgent war and the process of negotiations undertaken between the government and the FARC. This study covers both conflict negotiation theories applied to the Colombian case as well as the results of these negotiations. Finally, some insights are made regarding the complex post-conflict scenario, covering issues such as the possible downsizing of the Armed Forces (Public Forces, demobilization and integration into society of the guerrillas of the FARC and the construction of the historical memory of the internal armed conflict in Colombian. Key words:  ·

Fuel conservation and GHG (Greenhouse gas) emissions mitigation scenarios for China’s passenger vehicle fleet

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hao, Han; Wang, Hewu; Ouyang, Minggao

2011-01-01

Passenger vehicles are the main consumers of gasoline in China. We established a bottom-up model which focuses on the simulation of energy consumptions and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions growth by China’s passenger vehicle fleet. The fuel conservation and GHG emissions mitigation effects of five measures including constraining vehicle registration, reducing vehicle travel, strengthening fuel consumption rate (FCR) limits, vehicle downsizing and promoting electric vehicle (EV) penetration were evaluated. Based on the combination of these measures, the fuel conservation and GHG emissions mitigation scenarios for China’s passenger vehicle fleet were analyzed. Under reference scenario with no measures implemented, the fuel consumptions and life cycle GHG emissions will reach 520 million tons of oil equivalent (Mtoe) and 2.15 billion tons in 2050, about 8.1 times the level in 2010. However, substantial fuel conservation can be achieved by implementing the measures. By implementing all five measures together, the fuel consumption will reach 138 Mtoe in 2030 and decrease to 126 Mtoe in 2050, which is only 37.1% and 24.3% of the consumption under reference scenario. Similar potential lies in GHG mitigation. The results and scenarios provided references for the Chinese government’s policy-making. -- Highlights: ► We established a bottom-up model to simulate the fuel consumptions and GHG (Greenhouse gas) emissions growth by China’s passenger vehicle fleet. ► Five measures including constraining vehicle registration, reducing vehicle travel, improving fuel efficiency, vehicle downsizing and promoting EV penetration were evaluated. ► The fuel conservation and GHG emissions mitigation scenarios for China’s passenger vehicle fleet were provided as references for policy-making.

Characterisation, control, and energy management of electrified turbocharged diesel engines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao, Dezong; Winward, Edward; Yang, Zhijia; Stobart, Richard; Steffen, Thomas

2017-01-01

Highlights: • A real-time energy management framework for electrified engines is proposed. • A multi-variable robust controller is designed. • Characterisation on the air system of electrified diesel engines is given. • Reliable for engine downsizing because of the promising transient performance. - Abstract: The electrification of engine components offers significant opportunities for fuel efficiency improvements. The electrified turbocharger is one of the most attractive options since it recovers part of the engine exhaust gas mechanical energy to assist boosting. Therefore, the engine can be downsized through improved transient responsiveness. In the electrified turbocharger, an electric machine is mounted on the turbine shaft and changes the air system dynamics, so characterisation of the new layout is essential. A systematic control solution is required to manage energy flows in the hybrid system. In this paper, a framework for characterisation, control, and energy management for an electrified turbocharged diesel engine is proposed. The impacts of the electric machine on fuel economy and air system variables are analysed. Based on the characterisation, a two-level control structure is proposed. A real-time energy management strategy is employed as the supervisory level controller to generate the optimal values of critical variables, while a model-based multi-variable controller is designed as the low level controller to track the values. The two controllers work together in a cascade to address both fuel economy optimisation and battery state-of-charge maintenance. The proposed control strategy is validated on a high fidelity physical engine model. The tracking performance shows the proposed framework is a promising solution in regulating the behavior of electrified engines.

Spin masters how the media ignored the real news and helped reelect Barack Obama

CERN Document Server

Freddoso, David

2013-01-01

The biggest story of the election was how the media ignored the biggest story of the election.Amid all the breathless coverage of a non-existent War on Women, there was little or no coverage of Obama's war on the economy?how, for instance, part-time work is replacing full-time work; how low-wage jobs are replacing high-wage ones; how for Americans between the ages of 25 and 54 there are fewer jobs today than there were when the recession officially ended in 2009, and fewer, in fact, than at any time since mid-1997.The downsizing of the American economy wasn't the only stor

“Medicine 4.0”

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wolf Bernhard

2017-09-01

Full Text Available Not only in the technological world (“Industry 4.0”, but also in medicine, a paradigmatic change is taking place: We are already on the threshold of “Medicine 4.0”. Molecular biology has long played a leading role in life sciences. Scientists now realise that, with increasing miniaturisation, microelectronic systems downsized to the dimensions of cellular systems will facilitate new therapeutic approaches. But conventional telecommunications systems can also be equipped with sensors and transformed into intelligent medical monitoring devices that can help patients become part of the diagnostic and therapeutic process. This article illustrates development trends that will lead to modern, electronically supported healthcare concepts.

THE DESIGN AND PRODUCT OF NATIONAL 1:1000000 CARTOGRAPHIC DATA OF TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

G. Wang

2016-06-01

Full Text Available National administration of surveying, mapping and geoinformation started to launch the project of national fundamental geographic information database dynamic update in 2012. Among them, the 1:50000 database was updated once a year, furthermore the 1:250000 database was downsized and linkage-updated on the basis. In 2014, using the latest achievements of 1:250000 database, comprehensively update the 1:1000000 digital line graph database. At the same time, generate cartographic data of topographic map and digital elevation model data. This article mainly introduce national 1:1000000 cartographic data of topographic map, include feature content, database structure, Database-driven Mapping technology, workflow and so on.

Surgical center: challenges and strategies for nurses in managerial activities.

Science.gov (United States)

Martins, Fabiana Zerbieri; Dall'Agnoll, Clarice Maria

2017-02-23

Analyze the challenges and strategies of nurses performing managerial activities in a surgical center. Exploratory, descriptive study with a qualitative approach, involving six nurses by means of the Focus Group Technique, between April and August 2013. Data were submitted to thematic content analysis. The main challenges noted were deficiency of material resources, communication noise, adequacy of personnel downsizing, and relationships with the multidisciplinary team. Key strategies include construction of co-management spaces to promote integration among professionals, conflict resolution and exchange of knowledge. Managerial activities involve the promotion of dialogic moments to coordinate the different processes in the surgical center to provide inputs to expand safety and quality of services provided.

TRENDS OF ROMANIAN BANKING NETWORK DEVELOPMENT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nicoleta Georgeta PANAIT

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Since 2009, two trends occurred in the banking world: downsizing of personnel, on the one hand and the reduction of retail units held, on the other hand. The first trend was most notable in countries with unstable or weak economy. The effects were seen immediately. Reducing of the operating costs and more applied of the territorial structure and staff was a decision that credit institutions in Romania took relatively late. Worldwide banks began a restructuring otherwise dictated by this time not so economic crises new market trends - increasing access to the internet for the population and use of the internet in a growing proportion of internet banking

Fundamental understanding and rational design of high energy structural microbatteries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Yuxing; Li, Qiuyan; Cartmell, Samuel; Li, Huidong; Mendoza, Sarah; Zhang, Ji-Guang; Deng, Zhiqun Daniel; Xiao, Jie

2018-01-01

Microbatteries play a critical role in determining the lifetime of downsized sensors, wearable devices and medical applications, etc. More often, structural batteries are required from the perspective of aesthetics and space utilization, which is however rarely explored. Herein, we discuss the fundamental issues associated with the rational design of practically usable high energy microbatteries. The tubular shape of the cell further allows the flexible integration of microelectronics. A functioning acoustic micro-transmitter continuously powered by this tubular battery has been successfully demonstrated. Multiple design features adopted to accommodate large mechanical stress during the rolling process are discussed providing new insights in designing the structural microbatteries for emerging technologies.

Strategies for achieving sustained competitive advantage.

Science.gov (United States)

Schlosser, J R

1987-06-01

Sound strategic planning, even in the midst of unprecedented uncertainty and turmoil, is a critical element of every successful health care organization's action plan. The author examines how one organization has responded to the changing demands of the marketplace and a dramatically changed reimbursement system through appropriate strategic planning, selective downsizing on certain fronts and new product development expansion on others. The result is an organization molded to the new environment. It is no longer based on an illness-model hospital but rather focuses on a vertically integrated multi-health cluster intent on capturing market share by providing a single source continuum of health care.

HVAC optimization as facility requirements change with corporate restructuring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rodak, R.R.; Sankey, M.S.

1997-06-01

The hyper-competitive, dynamic 1990`s forced many corporations to {open_quotes}Right-Size,{close_quotes} relocating resources and equipment -- even consolidating. These changes led to utility reduction if HVAC optimization was thoroughly addressed, and energy conservation opportunities were identified and properly designed. This is true particularly when the facility`s heating and cooling systems are matched to correspond with the load changes attributed to the reduction of staff and computers. Computers have been downsized and processing power per unit of energy input increased, thus, the need for large mainframe computer centers, and their associated high intensity energy usage, have been decreased or eliminated. Cooling, therefore, also has been reduced.

Familial hypercholesterolaemic downsized pig with human-like coronary atherosclerosis: a model for preclinical studies

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Thim, Troels; Hagensen, Mette; Drouet, L.

2010-01-01

while preserving their hypercholesterolaemic trait ascribed to a mutation in the low density lipoprotein receptor. We accelerated coronary plaque development by atherogenic diet feeding whereby plasma total cholesterol rose to >20 mmol/l (>800 mg/dl). We further accelerated coronary plaque development...

Downsizing a long-term precipitation network: Using a quantitative approach to inform difficult decisions.

Science.gov (United States)

Green, Mark B; Campbell, John L; Yanai, Ruth D; Bailey, Scott W; Bailey, Amey S; Grant, Nicholas; Halm, Ian; Kelsey, Eric P; Rustad, Lindsey E

2018-01-01

The design of a precipitation monitoring network must balance the demand for accurate estimates with the resources needed to build and maintain the network. If there are changes in the objectives of the monitoring or the availability of resources, network designs should be adjusted. At the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire, USA, precipitation has been monitored with a network established in 1955 that has grown to 23 gauges distributed across nine small catchments. This high sampling intensity allowed us to simulate reduced sampling schemes and thereby evaluate the effect of decommissioning gauges on the quality of precipitation estimates. We considered all possible scenarios of sampling intensity for the catchments on the south-facing slope (2047 combinations) and the north-facing slope (4095 combinations), from the current scenario with 11 or 12 gauges to only 1 gauge remaining. Gauge scenarios differed by as much as 6.0% from the best estimate (based on all the gauges), depending on the catchment, but 95% of the scenarios gave estimates within 2% of the long-term average annual precipitation. The insensitivity of precipitation estimates and the catchment fluxes that depend on them under many reduced monitoring scenarios allowed us to base our reduction decision on other factors such as technician safety, the time required for monitoring, and co-location with other hydrometeorological measurements (snow, air temperature). At Hubbard Brook, precipitation gauges could be reduced from 23 to 10 with a change of <2% in the long-term precipitation estimates. The decision-making approach illustrated in this case study is applicable to the redesign of monitoring networks when reduction of effort seems warranted.

Preparing for the Downsizing and Closure of Letterman Army Medical Center: A Case Study

Science.gov (United States)

1991-06-17

and closure of Lieutenant Colonel F. William Brown believed in the value of this project, encouraged , and guided me during conceptualization , design...issues dirocled Sn the RW docnent repository were coded within this framwork . The muiaion category was coded 1 if primary or secmonay care waM affected

Downsizing a long-term precipitation network: Using a quantitative approach to inform difficult decisions

Science.gov (United States)

Mark B. Green; John L. Campbell; Ruth D. Yanai; Scott W. Bailey; Amey S. Bailey; Nicholas Grant; Ian Halm; Eric P. Kelsey; Lindsey E. Rustad

2018-01-01

The design of a precipitation monitoring network must balance the demand for accurate estimates with the resources needed to build and maintain the network. If there are changes in the objectives of the monitoring or the availability of resources, network designs should be adjusted. At the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire, USA, precipitation has been...

Upside to downsizing : Acceleware's graphic processor technology propels seismic data processing revolution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smith, M.

2009-11-15

Accelware has developed a graphic processor technology (GPU) that is transforming the petroleum industry. The benefits of the technology are its small-footprint, low-wattage, and high speed. The software brings supercomputing speed to the desktop by leveraging the massive parallel processing capacity to the very latest in GPU technology. This article discussed the GPU technology and its emergence as a powerful supercomputing tool. Accelware's partnering with California-based NVIDIA was also outlined. The advantages of the technology were also discussed including its smaller footprint. Accelware's hardware takes up a fraction of the space and uses up to 70 per cent less power than a traditional central processing unit. By combining Accelware's core knowledge in making complex algorithms run in parallel with an in-house team of seismic industry experts, the company provides software solutions for seismic data processors that access the massively parallel processing capabilities of GPUs. 1 fig.

Design definition of the Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS), phase 2. Volume 1: Executive summary

Science.gov (United States)

1992-01-01

The LAWS phase 1 and phase 2 studies have been completed on schedule and have led to significant advances in CO2 laser development. The Phase 2 Design Definition Study has shown that a large scanning mirror/high pulse energy laser LAWS Instrument is feasible and within the existing technology. The capability to monitor wind velocities with backscatter ratios of 10(exp 11) m(exp -1) SR(exp -1) is feasible. The weight budget allocated for the baseline LAWS is adequate, and sufficient reserves exist with the potential downsized configuration. With the possible decrease in available power from the baseline of 2.2 kW guideline, power and shot management is critical for the baseline configuration (15 to 20 J). This is particularly true during the 100 day occultation period each year. With the downsized configurations (5 to 7 J), power management is still necessary during the occultation but is primarily limited to shot management over the polar regions. The breadboard effort has produced significant laser advances for a tight 18 month schedule and the minimum budgets available from NASA, Lockheed, and TDS. Using the NASA funds and Lockheed and TDS fixed assets budgets, the breadboard was designed, fabricated, and brought on-line with first laser light within 16 months after ATP. First laser beam was obtained on 21 April 1992 at a 5 J power level. Tests since then have been conducted at sustained, repetitive pulse levels of over 7 J and 20 Hz. This is an increase of over two or three times greater than any system previously developed from this type laser. Increased power levels and additional life tests will be accomplished in the next LAWS phase. The Lockheed LAWS design will operate in the gravity gradient mode on-orbit, and all possible instrument vibration and jitter modes have been considered. Adequate pointing stability and control is state-of-the-art technology for the critical time periods, frequency rates, and control responses required by LAWS. Lockheed

The galaxy cluster mid-infrared luminosity function at 1.3 < z < 3.2

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wylezalek, Dominika; Vernet, Joël; De Breuck, Carlos [European Southern Observatory, Karl-Schwarzschildstr.2, D-85748 Garching bei München (Germany); Stern, Daniel [Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109 (United States); Brodwin, Mark [Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri, 5110 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110 (United States); Galametz, Audrey [INAF-Osservatorio di Roma, Via Frascati 33, I-00040, Monteporzio (Italy); Gonzalez, Anthony H. [Department of Astronomy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 (United States); Jarvis, Matt [Astrophysics, Department of Physics, Keble Road, Oxford OX1 3RH (United Kingdom); Hatch, Nina [School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD (United Kingdom); Seymour, Nick [CASS, P.O. Box 76, Epping, NSW, 1710 (Australia); Stanford, Spencer A. [Physics Department, University of California, Davis, CA 95616 (United States)

2014-05-01

We present 4.5 μm luminosity functions for galaxies identified in 178 candidate galaxy clusters at 1.3 < z < 3.2. The clusters were identified as Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) color-selected overdensities in the Clusters Around Radio-Loud AGN project, which imaged 420 powerful radio-loud active galactic nuclei (RLAGNs) at z > 1.3. The luminosity functions are derived for different redshift and richness bins, and the IRAC imaging reaches depths of m* + 2, allowing us to measure the faint end slopes of the luminosity functions. We find that α = –1 describes the luminosity function very well in all redshift bins and does not evolve significantly. This provides evidence that the rate at which the low mass galaxy population grows through star formation gets quenched and is replenished by in-falling field galaxies does not have a major net effect on the shape of the luminosity function. Our measurements for m* are consistent with passive evolution models and high formation redshifts (z{sub f} ∼ 3). We find a slight trend toward fainter m* for the richest clusters, implying that the most massive clusters in our sample could contain older stellar populations, yet another example of cosmic downsizing. Modeling shows that a contribution of a star-forming population of up to 40% cannot be ruled out. This value, found from our targeted survey, is significantly lower than the values found for slightly lower redshift, z ∼ 1, clusters found in wide-field surveys. The results are consistent with cosmic downsizing, as the clusters studied here were all found in the vicinity of RLAGNs—which have proven to be preferentially located in massive dark matter halos in the richest environments at high redshift—and they may therefore be older and more evolved systems than the general protocluster population.

Cell size, genome size and the dominance of Angiosperms

Science.gov (United States)

Simonin, K. A.; Roddy, A. B.

2016-12-01

Angiosperms are capable of maintaining the highest rates of photosynthetic gas exchange of all land plants. High rates of photosynthesis depends mechanistically both on efficiently transporting water to the sites of evaporation in the leaf and on regulating the loss of that water to the atmosphere as CO2 diffuses into the leaf. Angiosperm leaves are unique in their ability to sustain high fluxes of liquid and vapor phase water transport due to high vein densities and numerous, small stomata. Despite the ubiquity of studies characterizing the anatomical and physiological adaptations that enable angiosperms to maintain high rates of photosynthesis, the underlying mechanism explaining why they have been able to develop such high leaf vein densities, and such small and abundant stomata, is still incomplete. Here we ask whether the scaling of genome size and cell size places a fundamental constraint on the photosynthetic metabolism of land plants, and whether genome downsizing among the angiosperms directly contributed to their greater potential and realized primary productivity relative to the other major groups of terrestrial plants. Using previously published data we show that a single relationship can predict guard cell size from genome size across the major groups of terrestrial land plants (e.g. angiosperms, conifers, cycads and ferns). Similarly, a strong positive correlation exists between genome size and both stomatal density and vein density that together ultimately constrains maximum potential (gs, max) and operational stomatal conductance (gs, op). Further the difference in the slopes describing the covariation between genome size and both gs, max and gs, op suggests that genome downsizing brings gs, op closer to gs, max. Taken together the data presented here suggests that the smaller genomes of angiosperms allow their final cell sizes to vary more widely and respond more directly to environmental conditions and in doing so bring operational photosynthetic

Lifecycle optimized ethanol-gasoline blends for turbocharged engines

KAUST Repository

Zhang, Bo

2016-08-16

This study presents a lifecycle (well-to-wheel) analysis to determine the CO2 emissions associated with ethanol blended gasoline in optimized turbocharged engines. This study provides a more accurate assessment on the best-achievable CO2 emission of ethanol blended gasoline mixtures in future engines. The optimal fuel blend (lowest CO2 emitting fuel) is identified. A range of gasoline fuels is studied, containing different ethanol volume percentages (E0–E40), research octane numbers (RON, 92–105), and octane sensitivities (8.5–15.5). Sugarcane-based and cellulosic ethanol-blended gasolines are shown to be effective in reducing lifecycle CO2 emission, while corn-based ethanol is not as effective. A refinery simulation of production emission was utilized, and combined with vehicle fuel consumption modeling to determine the lifecycle CO2 emissions associated with ethanol-blended gasoline in turbocharged engines. The critical parameters studied, and related to blended fuel lifecycle CO2 emissions, are ethanol content, research octane number, and octane sensitivity. The lowest-emitting blended fuel had an ethanol content of 32 vol%, RON of 105, and octane sensitivity of 15.5; resulting in a CO2 reduction of 7.1%, compared to the reference gasoline fuel and engine technology. The advantage of ethanol addition is greatest on a per unit basis at low concentrations. Finally, this study shows that engine-downsizing technology can yield an additional CO2 reduction of up to 25.5% in a two-stage downsized turbocharged engine burning the optimum sugarcane-based fuel blend. The social cost savings in the USA, from the CO2 reduction, is estimated to be as much as $187 billion/year. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Energy management in a domestic microgrid by means of model predictive controllers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bruni, G.; Cordiner, S.; Mulone, V.; Sinisi, V.; Spagnolo, F.

2016-01-01

The need to increase renewable energy sources deployment and to reduce consumption of fossil fuels has led to the diffusion of small-scale DG (Distributed Generation) systems, which may be effectively integrated in micro-grids. The role of control logic in defining microgrid performances and reliability is predominant and can be improved by using advanced control logics such as the ones based on MPC (Model Predictive Control). In a previous paper, a MPC logic, based on the use of weather forecasts to improve the performances, has been applied to the analysis of power management in a domestic micro-grid system composed by: PV (Photovoltaic panels), FC (Fuel Cells) and a battery pack; in that case, the system was not affected by real uncertainties. In this paper the same system has been considered for domestic microgrid applications. The system control logic has been implemented by assuming real weather forecast as input data. DMPC and SMPC (Deterministic and Stochastic Model Predictive Control) concepts have been applied to the system and results have been compared to both MPC and to a standard RBC (Rule Based Control) logic. The impact of forecast uncertainties has been evaluated showing the advantages of a stochastic approach. In that case, the SMPC showed encouraging performances compared to standard control logics, primarily in terms of primary energy savings and downsizing potential of the power-delivering sub-systems using programmable energy sources. - Highlights: • A Model Predictive Controller has been used to optimize the behaviour of a microgrid. • A stochastic approach has been used to model weather forecast uncertainties. • 10% savings of HVAC required energy have been demonstrated. • Savings in primary fossil energy range between 10% and 30%. • Power sub-systems using programmable sources can be consistently downsized.

The galaxy cluster mid-infrared luminosity function at 1.3 < z < 3.2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wylezalek, Dominika; Vernet, Joël; De Breuck, Carlos; Stern, Daniel; Brodwin, Mark; Galametz, Audrey; Gonzalez, Anthony H.; Jarvis, Matt; Hatch, Nina; Seymour, Nick; Stanford, Spencer A.

2014-01-01

We present 4.5 μm luminosity functions for galaxies identified in 178 candidate galaxy clusters at 1.3 < z < 3.2. The clusters were identified as Spitzer/Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) color-selected overdensities in the Clusters Around Radio-Loud AGN project, which imaged 420 powerful radio-loud active galactic nuclei (RLAGNs) at z > 1.3. The luminosity functions are derived for different redshift and richness bins, and the IRAC imaging reaches depths of m* + 2, allowing us to measure the faint end slopes of the luminosity functions. We find that α = –1 describes the luminosity function very well in all redshift bins and does not evolve significantly. This provides evidence that the rate at which the low mass galaxy population grows through star formation gets quenched and is replenished by in-falling field galaxies does not have a major net effect on the shape of the luminosity function. Our measurements for m* are consistent with passive evolution models and high formation redshifts (z f ∼ 3). We find a slight trend toward fainter m* for the richest clusters, implying that the most massive clusters in our sample could contain older stellar populations, yet another example of cosmic downsizing. Modeling shows that a contribution of a star-forming population of up to 40% cannot be ruled out. This value, found from our targeted survey, is significantly lower than the values found for slightly lower redshift, z ∼ 1, clusters found in wide-field surveys. The results are consistent with cosmic downsizing, as the clusters studied here were all found in the vicinity of RLAGNs—which have proven to be preferentially located in massive dark matter halos in the richest environments at high redshift—and they may therefore be older and more evolved systems than the general protocluster population.

Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation plus prostatectomy for stage T3 disease: lack of PSA-based benefit even among patients with negative lymphadenectomy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hyslop, T; Corn, B; Werner-Wasik, M; Gomella, L

1995-07-01

Objective: Urologists have attempted to treat stage T3 prostate cancer by neoadjuvant total androgen deprivation (TAD) and prostatectomy. This approach has been disappointing because of the inability of ultrasonography to predict pathological disease status and frequent upstaging due to nodal positivity. Moreover, no reports give PSA-based outcome data among patients treated with TAD and prostatectomy. We therefore instituted a pilot study for T3 disease based on non-invasive staging (endorectal coil MRI), mandatory negative laparoscopic nodal dissections prior to hormonal manipulation, and prostatectomy followed by pathological and PSA-based outcome determinations. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients had negative laparoscopic lymphadenectomy followed by 4 months of neoadjuvant hormonal treatment (Lupron, Flutamide) prior to radical prostatectomy. Endorectal coil MRI was performed at the time of diagnosis and following hormonal treatment. Serum PSA was determined at 3 month intervals. Prostatectomy specimens were evaluated by 3 mm whole mount step sections. Results: Median age was 63 (range: 51-68). Karnofsky performance status was 90-100 in all patients. The median number of nodes sampled was 10 (range: 2-60). Prior to prostatectomy, downsizing was observed by MRI in 57% and biochemical response was documented in all patients. However, pathological downstaging to a lower state ({<=}T2c) was achieved in only 48%. The actuarial 3 year freedom from biochemical relapse was only 24%. Conclusion: Neither serum PSA response nor MRI downsizing predicted pathological disease status after pre-operative androgen deprivation. Even in the setting of pathologically negative lymph nodes, TAD decreased the pathological stage of disease in the minority of patients. The present approach appeared to offer no advantage when compared with PSA-based benchmarks achieved with conformal irradiation (Urology 45: 484, 1995) or TAD followed by external beam treatment (IJROBP 27: 246

The DOE/EM facility transition program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bixby, W.

1994-01-01

The mission of EM-60 is to plan, implement, and manage receipt of surplus facilities resulting from downsizing of the DOE Weapons Complex facilities and DOE operating program offices to EM, and to ensure prompt deactivation of such facilities in order to reach a minimum surveillance and maintenance condition. The revised organizational structure of EM-60 into four offices (one at headquarters, and the other three at field sites), reflects increased operating functions associated with deactivation, surveillance, and maintenance of facilities. EM-60's deactivation and transition role concerns technical, socioeconomic, institutional, and administrative issues. The primary objective of the deactivation process is to put facilities in the lowest surveillance and maintenance condition safely and quickly by driving down the open-quotes mortgageclose quotes costs of maintaining them until final disposition. EM-60's three key activities are: (1) Inventory of surplus facilities - The 1993 Surplus Facility Inventory and Assessment (SFIA) serves as a planning tool to help the Department and EM-60 determine optimal transition phasing, with safety and cost-effectiveness remaining a priority. (2) Management of accelerated facility life cycle transition - Transitions currently underway illustrate site issues. These include addressing the interests of federal and state regulatory agencies as well as interests of local stakeholders, safe management of large amounts of production residues, and options for treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal. Of equal importance in the transition process is planning the optimal transition of the labor force. (3) Economic development - to address the socio-economic impacts on affected communities of the severe and rapid downsizing of the DOE Weapons Complex, DOE is pursuing an approach that uses the land, equipment, technology assets, and highly skilled local workforces as a basis for alternative economic development

Neoadjuvant androgen deprivation plus prostatectomy for stage T3 disease: lack of PSA-based benefit even among patients with negative lymphadenectomy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hyslop, T.; Corn, B.; Werner-Wasik, M.; Gomella, L.

1995-01-01

Objective: Urologists have attempted to treat stage T3 prostate cancer by neoadjuvant total androgen deprivation (TAD) and prostatectomy. This approach has been disappointing because of the inability of ultrasonography to predict pathological disease status and frequent upstaging due to nodal positivity. Moreover, no reports give PSA-based outcome data among patients treated with TAD and prostatectomy. We therefore instituted a pilot study for T3 disease based on non-invasive staging (endorectal coil MRI), mandatory negative laparoscopic nodal dissections prior to hormonal manipulation, and prostatectomy followed by pathological and PSA-based outcome determinations. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients had negative laparoscopic lymphadenectomy followed by 4 months of neoadjuvant hormonal treatment (Lupron, Flutamide) prior to radical prostatectomy. Endorectal coil MRI was performed at the time of diagnosis and following hormonal treatment. Serum PSA was determined at 3 month intervals. Prostatectomy specimens were evaluated by 3 mm whole mount step sections. Results: Median age was 63 (range: 51-68). Karnofsky performance status was 90-100 in all patients. The median number of nodes sampled was 10 (range: 2-60). Prior to prostatectomy, downsizing was observed by MRI in 57% and biochemical response was documented in all patients. However, pathological downstaging to a lower state (≤T2c) was achieved in only 48%. The actuarial 3 year freedom from biochemical relapse was only 24%. Conclusion: Neither serum PSA response nor MRI downsizing predicted pathological disease status after pre-operative androgen deprivation. Even in the setting of pathologically negative lymph nodes, TAD decreased the pathological stage of disease in the minority of patients. The present approach appeared to offer no advantage when compared with PSA-based benchmarks achieved with conformal irradiation (Urology 45: 484, 1995) or TAD followed by external beam treatment (IJROBP 27: 246

A review of bear farming and bear trade in Lao People's Democratic Republic

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

E. Livingstone

2018-01-01

Full Text Available This study reviews the bear farming industry in Lao PDR with the objective of documenting the current number of commercial bear facilities (i.e. captive bear facilities judged to be trading in bear bile and/or bears and bear parts and the number of bears contained within these facilities, noting changes since it was last examined between 2000 and 2012 by Livingstone and Shepherd (2014. We surveyed all known commercial bear facilities and searched for previously unrecorded facilities. We compared our records with Livingstone and Shepherd (2014 and corrected some duplicate records from their study. In 2017, we recorded seven commercial facilities; four dedicated bear farms, and three tiger farms that were reportedly also keeping bears. We found that between 2012 and 2017 the recorded number of dedicated bear farms reduced by two, and the recorded number of tiger farms also keeping bears increased by one. Within the same period, the total number of captive bears among all facilities in Lao PDR hardly changed (+one, but the number of bears within each facility did. The northern facilities, owned by ethnic Chinese, have expanded since 2012, and central and southern facilities have downsized or closed. While bear farming appears to be downsizing in Lao PDR overall, efforts to phase it out are undermined by the expansion of foreign owned facilities in the north, within Special and Specific Economic Zones that largely cater to a Chinese market, and where the Lao government's efforts to enforce laws and protect wildlife appear to be lacking. Closing the facilities in the north will require political will and decisive law enforcement. Keywords: Bear farms, Bear bile, Gall bladder, Urso-deoxycholic acid, Bear bile extraction facilities, Lao PDR, Ursus thibetanus

Modeling of Temperature-Dependent Noise in Silicon Nanowire FETs including Self-Heating Effects

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

P. Anandan

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Silicon nanowires are leading the CMOS era towards the downsizing limit and its nature will be effectively suppress the short channel effects. Accurate modeling of thermal noise in nanowires is crucial for RF applications of nano-CMOS emerging technologies. In this work, a perfect temperature-dependent model for silicon nanowires including the self-heating effects has been derived and its effects on device parameters have been observed. The power spectral density as a function of thermal resistance shows significant improvement as the channel length decreases. The effects of thermal noise including self-heating of the device are explored. Moreover, significant reduction in noise with respect to channel thermal resistance, gate length, and biasing is analyzed.

Nuclear engineering technology's role in providing a multitalented workforce

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sherrard, J.R.; Pascal, D.D. Jr.

1996-01-01

In today's very competitive economic climate, all businesses are reassessing every aspect of their operations to remain economically viable. One of the most costly factors remaining is personnel costs. Substantial downsizing and restructuring have been a universal result. Nuclear utilities have had to undertake these same actions, primarily to remain competitive in the near term with inexpensive fossil-fuel-fired plants. In assessing personnel needs, nuclear utilities have determined that their nuclear operations employee of the future will be a multitalented individual with a diverse, quality education. Industry can no longer afford to have numerous specialists but instead needs fewer generalists. The success of a nuclear engineering associates degree program at Three Rivers Community College is discussed

Education, poverty and income inequality in the Republic of Croatia

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nada Denona Bogović

2006-05-01

Full Text Available Contemporary researches on economic inequality and poverty are pointing out that their key causes appear in the field of tax policy, workforce policy, policy of employment and more recently in education and educational quality of population.The authors are therefore examining the level and quality of education of Croatian population as one of the most important terms of poverty. In compliance with findings that submit theoretical and empirical evidence of their connection, they highlight education as the most important influential area of economic and social policy in purpose of long-term downsizing of poverty and economic inequality, as well as reaching the level of development of the most successful CEE and EU countries.

Variation-Tolerant and Low-Power Source-Synchronous Multicycle On-Chip Interconnect Scheme

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maged Ghoneima

2007-01-01

The proposed multicycle bus scheme also leads to significant energy savings due to eliminating the power-hungry flip-flops and efficiently designing the source synchronization overhead. Moreover, eliminating intermediate flip-flops avoids the timing overhead of the setup time, the flip-flop delay, and the single-cycle clock jitter. This delay slack can then be translated into further energy savings by downsizing the repeaters. The significant delay jitter due to capacitive coupling has been addressed and solutions are put forward to alleviate it. Circuit simulations in a  65-nm process environment indicate that energy savings up to 20% are achievable for a 6-cycle 9 mm long 16-bit bus.

Microlaparoscopic vs conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized double-blind trial

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bisgaard, T; Klarskov, B; Trap, R

2002-01-01

cholecystectomy using two 10-mm and two 5-mm trocars (LC). Incisional pain at each port incision and overall pain were recorded for 1 week after the operation. Fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pulmonary function, and cosmetic results were also measured. RESULTS: Data from 52 patients were analyzed; eight patients......BACKGROUND: Downsizing the port incisions may reduce pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: In a double-blind controlled study, 60 patients were randomized to undergo either microlaparoscopic cholecystectomy using one 10-mm and three 3.5-mm trocars (3.5-mm LC) or traditional laparoscopic.......01). In both groups, pain scores at the supraumbilical 10-mm port were significantly higher compared with other port sites (p

Fundamental understanding and rational design of high energy structural microbatteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Yuxing; Li, Qiuyan; Cartmell, Samuel; Li, Huidong; Mendoza, Sarah

2017-01-01

We present that microbatteries play a critical role in determining the lifetime of downsized sensors, wearable devices, medical applications, and animal acoustic telemetry transmitters among others. More often, structural batteries are required from the perspective of aesthetics and space utilization, which is however rarely explored. Herein, we discuss the fundamental issues associated with the rational design of practically usable high energy microbatteries. The tubular shape of the cell further allows the flexible integration of microelectronics. A functioning acoustic micro-transmitter continuously powered by this tubular battery has been successfully demonstrated. Finally, multiple design features adopted to accommodate large mechanical stress during the rolling process are discussed providing new insights in designing the structural microbatteries for emerging technologies.

Directions of ICF research in the United States

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hogan, W.J.; Campbell, E.M.

1997-01-01

Inertial confinement fusion (ICF) research in the United States is in a dramatic upswing. Technical progress continues at a rapid pace and with the start of the construction of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) this year the total U.S. budget for ICF for fiscal year 1997 stands at $380 million. The NIF is being built as an essential component of the U.S. Stockpile Stewardship and Management Program which has been formulated to assure the continued safety, reliability, and performance of the downsized nuclear weapons stockpile in the absence of nuclear tests. This paper will discuss some of the directions that the ICF research is now taking. (AIP) copyright 1997 American Institute of Physics

The orientation to the marketing like road to strengthen the commercial administration of the cooperative company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Liana Padrón Carmona

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Cooperatives are one of the forms of business organization in response to its operating principles can become involved in local development. However in order to realize this aspiration is required to adapt to market demands to boost its productive supply of goods and services without losing its essence. It is in this context that the marketing orientation is offered as a way to promote the downsizing of the business of cooperative enterprises, thus contributing to meet the demands of its customers and achieve sustained profitability. With the development of this work is meant to briefly highlight the advantages of adopting marketing approach in business management of cooperatives as guarantor of achieving economic and social objectives.

Overview of the changing environment for decommissioning at the US Department of Energy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Murphie, W.E.; Fulner, J.; Perotti, D.

1995-01-01

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is redefining its mission as a result of the end of the Cold War and the significantly revised mission for nuclear weapons. The downsizing of the nation's defense complex, as well as the nuclear energy research complex, has resulted in a dramatic increase in the inventory of facilities surplus to DOE's mission. At the same time that the surplus facility inventory is growing rapidly, the recent annual increase in the nation's budget for environmental cleanup has ended. This paper will discuss the Decommissioning Program's re-evaluation of its future and the strategies necessary to meet the responsibilities of the expanding inventory of surplus facilities. (Author)

Building America Case Study: Assessment of a Hybrid Retrofit Gas Water Heater

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

M. Hoeschele, E. Weitzel, C. Backman

2017-06-01

This project completed a modeling evaluation of a hybrid gas water heater that combines a reduced capacity tankless unit with a downsized storage tank. This product would meet a significant market need by providing a higher efficiency gas water heater solution for retrofit applications while maintaining compatibility with the half-inch gas lines and standard B vents found in most homes. The TRNSYS simulation tool was used to model a base case 0.60 EF atmospheric gas storage water, a 0.82 EF non-condensing gas tankless water heater, an existing (high capacity) hybrid unit on the market, and an alternative hybrid unit with lower storage volume and reduced gas input requirements.

The Corporate Marketing Department

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ritter, Thomas; Eggert, Andreas; Münkhoff, Eva

Corporate marketing has been downsized or eliminated in many firms. At the same time, firms that still own a corporate marketing department struggle with organizing and positioning their commercial front‐end. The question arises whether firms need a corporate marketing department, and if so, how...... it can best add value to the firm. Based on a qualitative study among B2B companies, we develop a conceptual framework highlighting the various parental roles through which corporate marketing can contribute to overall firm and business unit performance. In addition, we identify five gaps that restrain...... successful outcomes of corporate marketing activities. In sum, our framework provides important insights on how to successfully organize corporate marketing activities....

The Dynamics of Corporate Brand Charisma

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hatch, Mary Jo; Schultz, Majken

2013-01-01

managers who selected and systematized the set of brand beliefs taken up within the CIT project, and how employees accommodated these beliefs to their everyday work life. Accommodation was found to take place within four subdomains of activity: subculture, communication, technology, and hierarchical...... constitutes our contribution to corporate branding theory. The article also offers empirical evidence in support of extending Weberian scholarship further into the field of brand management......This article describes how Carlsberg Group's IT unit (CIT) made use of Carlsberg's corporate brand to develop its identity following centralization and downsizing of the IT function. Our observations suggested using the concept of brand charisma and thereafter we framed our analysis with Weber...

Instituting organizational learning for quality improvement through strategic planning nominal group processes.

Science.gov (United States)

White, D B

2000-01-01

Healthcare managers are faced with unprecedented challenges as characterized by managed care constraints, downsizing, increased client needs, and a society demanding more responsive services. Managers must initiate change for quality, efficiency, and survival. This article provides information and strategies for (a) assessing the change readiness of an organization, (b) conducting an organizational diagnosis, (c) instituting a team culture, (d) developing a change strategy, (e) integrating the strategy with a quality improvement process, and (f) identifying the leadership skills to implement organization renewal. Nominal group processes, namely, SWOT and the Search Conference, are described, and case examples are provided. The implementation strategies have been used successfully in a variety of milieus; practical advice for success is described in detail.

The performance of Hospital Corporation of America and Healthtrust hospitals after leveraged buyouts.

Science.gov (United States)

Clement, J P; McCue, M J

1996-07-01

The authors examine performance changes after two leveraged buyouts (LBOs) in the hospital industry, one an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and the other a managed buyout (MBO). The findings show that hospitals owned by HCA, the MBO firm, and Health Trust, the ESOP firm, did not increase revenues, decrease operating expenses, or improve profitability after the LBOs, relative to other hospitals in their local markets. Nor were the numbers or salaries of employees at these facilities decreased. Although performance incentives associated with LBOs did not change performance at the hospital level, incentives to meet debt payments did result in corporate changes. More specifically, the LBOs led to corporate downsizing through the sale of hospitals and subsidiaries.

STAR FORMATION AND DUST OBSCURATION AT z ∼ 2: GALAXIES AT THE DAWN OF DOWNSIZING

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pannella, M.; Carilli, C. L.; Owen, F. N.; Strazzullo, V.; Daddi, E.; Aussel, H.; McCracken, H. J.; Mellier, Y.; Renzini, A.; Civano, F.; Koekemoer, A. M.; Schinnerer, E.; Scoville, N.; Smolcic, V.; Salvato, M.; Taniguchi, Y.; Kneib, J. P.; Ilbert, O.; Thompson, D.; Willott, C. J.

2009-01-01

We present first results of a study aimed to constrain the star formation rate (SFR) and dust content of galaxies at z ∼ 2. We use a sample of BzK-selected star-forming galaxies, drawn from the Cosmic Evolution Survey, to perform a stacking analysis of their 1.4 GHz radio continuum as a function of different stellar population properties, after cleaning the sample from contamination by active galactic nuclei. Dust unbiased SFRs are derived from radio fluxes assuming the local radio-IR correlation. The main results of this work are: (1) specific star formation rate (SSFR)s are constant over about 1 dex in stellar mass and up to the highest stellar mass probed, (2) the dust attenuation is a strong function of galaxy stellar mass with more massive galaxies being more obscured than lower mass objects, (3) a single value of the UV extinction applied to all galaxies would lead to a gross underestimate of the SFR in massive galaxies, (4) correcting the observed UV luminosities for dust attenuation based on the Calzetti recipe provides results in very good agreement with the radio derived ones, (5) the mean SSFR of our sample steadily decreases by a factor of ∼4 with decreasing redshift from z = 2.3 to 1.4 and a factor of ∼40 down the local universe. These empirical SFRs would cause galaxies to dramatically overgrow in mass if maintained all the way to low redshifts; we suggest that this does not happen because star formation is progressively quenched, likely starting from the most massive galaxies.

Plug-in vs. wireless charging: Life cycle energy and greenhouse gas emissions for an electric bus system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bi, Zicheng; Song, Lingjun; De Kleine, Robert; Mi, Chunting Chris; Keoleian, Gregory A.

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: In this study, plug-in and wireless charging for an all-electric bus system are compared from the life cycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions perspectives. The comparison of life cycle GHG emissions is shown in the graph below. The major differences between the two systems, including the charger, battery and use-phase electricity consumption, are modeled separately and compared aggregately. In the base case, the wireless charging system consumes 0.3% less energy and emits 0.5% less greenhouse gases than plug-in charging system in the total life cycle. To further improve the energy and environmental performance of the wireless charging system, key parameters including grid carbon intensity and wireless charging efficiency are analyzed and discussed in this paper. - Highlights: • Compared life cycle energy and GHG emissions of wireless to plug-in charging. • Modeled a transit bus system to compare both charging methods as a case study. • Contrasted tradeoffs of infrastructure burdens with lightweighting benefits. • The wireless battery can be downsized to 27–44% of a plug-in charged battery. • Explored sensitivity of wireless charging efficiency & grid carbon intensity. - Abstract: Wireless charging, as opposed to plug-in charging, is an alternative charging method for electric vehicles (EVs) with rechargeable batteries and can be applicable to EVs with fixed routes, such as transit buses. This study adds to the current research of EV wireless charging by utilizing the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to provide a comprehensive framework for comparing the life cycle energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions associated with a stationary wireless charging all-electric bus system to a plug-in charging all-electric bus system. Life cycle inventory analysis of both plug-in and wireless charging hardware was conducted, and battery downsizing, vehicle lightweighting and use-phase energy consumption were modeled. A bus system in Ann Arbor

Producer flexibility answers market forces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Von Flatern, R.

1996-01-01

The petroleum industry was revolutionized in the 1980s when oil became a commodity and rising prices no longer ensured profits. Alliancing, partnering, integration and operator cooperation became economic responses to the 1990s market reality. The industry has long been a bastion of free-marketeering; competition among producers and service providers continues to control prices. But new, more efficient ways of doing business control costs in an industry buffeted by stagnant prices, a prolonged period of downsizing and increasingly difficult and remote operating environments. How long the new business atmosphere will last depends on industry needs and how well things work out. But based on the successes of the immediate past and the foreseeable future, the new cross-company business practices seem destined only to multiply

Controlling hospital library theft.

Science.gov (United States)

Cuddy, Theresa M; Marchok, Catherine

2003-04-01

At Capital Health System/Fuld Campus (formerly Helene Fuld Medical Center), the Health Sciences Library lost many books and videocassettes. These materials were listed in the catalog but were missing when staff went to the shelves. The hospital had experienced a downsizing of staff, a reorganization, and a merger. When the library staff did an inventory, $10,000 worth of materials were found to be missing. We corrected the situation through a series of steps that we believe will help other libraries control their theft. Through regularly scheduling inventories, monitoring items, advertising, and using specific security measures, we have successfully controlled the library theft. The January 2002 inventory resulted in meeting our goal of zero missing books and videocassettes. We work to maintain that goal.

US Energy Industry Financial Developments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1992-09-01

In the second quarter of 1992, the financial performance of the US petroleum industry continued to deteriorate, as weakening domestic economic growth slowed the demand for refined petroleum products. Net income for 119 petroleum companies--including 19 major oil and gas producers--declined 2 percent between the second quarter of 1991 and the second quarter of 1992, and was down 35 percent for the first 6 months of 1992. Unless otherwise stated, all quarterly comparisons relate to the second quarter of 1992 versus the second quarter of 1991. Weak margins reduce downstream earnings; higher prices increase oil and gas production earnings; industry downsizing improves financial results; oil and gas drilling remains depressed; cool spring helps gas companies but disappoints electric utilities

The Cold War is Over. What Now?

Science.gov (United States)

Hecker, S. S.

1995-04-01

As you might imagine, the end of the Cold War has elicited an intense reexamination of the roles and missions of institutions such as the Los Alamos National Laboratory. During the past few years, the entire defense establishment has undergone substantial consolidation, with a concomitant decrease in support for research and development, including in areas such as materials. The defense industry is down-sizing at a rapid pace. Even universities have experienced significant funding cutbacks from the defense community. I view this as a profound time in history, bringing changes encompassing much more than just the defense world. In fact, support for science and technology is being reexamined across the board more completely than at any other time since the end of World War II.

Operational realities of the '90s

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wardt, J.P. de

1996-01-01

The upstream oil and gas industry has tried to apply traditional remedies to relieve cost-cutting stresses that started with oil price drops. But it's not a cycle that the industry will come out of, and a new approach is needed. This article describes new organizational terms and introduces a new model for profitable hydrocarbon development. Preliminary discussions include topics of: the tight financial environment, what happened when oil became a commodity and prices declined--operator margins, life cycle costs, Capex and Opex; how oil companies reorganized; why typical cycles of reacting to low margins by bundling/unbundling, consolidating and downsizing are not applicable; how the new industrial era will be different--the change to lean enterprises, with examples from the automobile industry

THE WHIQII SURVEY: METALLICITIES AND SPECTROSCOPIC PROPERTIES OF LUMINOUS COMPACT BLUE GALAXIES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tollerud, Erik J.; Barton, Elizabeth J.; Cooke, Jeff; Van Zee, Liese

2010-01-01

As part of the WIYN High Image Quality Indiana-Irvine (WHIQII) survey, we present 123 spectra of faint emission-line galaxies, selected to focus on intermediate redshift (0.4 ∼ 23 -O 32 plane that differs from luminous local galaxies and is more consistent with dwarf irregulars at the present epoch, suggesting that cosmic 'downsizing' is observable in even the most fundamental parameters that describe star formation. These properties for our sample are also generally consistent with lying between local galaxies and those at high redshift, as expected by this scenario. Surprisingly, our sample exhibits no detectable correlation between compactness and metallicity, strongly suggesting that at these epochs of rapid star formation, the morphology of compact star-forming galaxies is largely transient.

The Cold War is over. What now?

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hecker, S.S.

1995-05-01

As you might imagine, the end of the Cold War has elicited an intense reexamination of the roles and missions of institutions such as the Los Alamos National Laboratory. During the past few years, the entire defense establishment has undergone substantial consolidation, with a concomitant decrease in support for research and development, including in areas such as materials. The defense industry is down-sizing at a rapid pace. Even universities have experienced significant funding cutbacks from the defense community. I view this as a profound time in history, bringing changes encompassing much more than just the defense world. In fact, support for science and technology is being reexamined across the board more completely than at any other time since the end of World War II.

Application of pervaporation to IS process (Joint research)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kanagawa, Akihiro; Fukui, Hiroshi; Nishibayashi, Toshiki; Iwatsuki, Jin; Tanaka, Nobuyuki; Onuki, Kaoru

2007-12-01

Separation of hydrogen iodide from HIx solution (HI-I 2 -H 2 O mixture) is one of the technical issues in the development of thermochemical IS process. Application of pervaporation (PV) to the concentration of HIx solution in the IS process pilot test plant was discussed from the viewpoints of process heat mass balance, conceptual design of the apparatus, and the corrosion resistance of the membrane module. Compared with the electro-electrodialysis system, the PV system enables the downsizing of apparatus by using hollow fiber membranes, although it does not improve the thermal efficiency of IS process. Immersion tests of commercially available Nafion hollow fiber membrane module in the HIx solution at 100degC indicated the necessity of improving the corrosion resistance of bundle materials. (author)

A place for the heart: A journey in the post-asylum landscape. Metaphors and materiality.

Science.gov (United States)

Larsen, Inger Beate; Topor, Alain

2017-05-01

The downsizing of psychiatric hospitals has created a new institutional landscape in the local community to support people with severe mental problems in their daily living. This study explores meeting places in Norway from the users' perspectives. The users used four metaphors to describe these meeting places: "like a home", "like a family", "like a landing ground" and "like a trampoline". The users have decorated the interiors of the meeting places with hearts made from various materials, and these could be considered as symbols of the places. The metaphors used: the hearts and the rooms and interiors, reflect old ideas about calmness and dignity rather than new ideas based on New Public Management. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Meeting the challenge of managed care - Part II: Designing a radiation oncology department and setting up a clinical practice program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Halman, Marc A.; Szerlag, Chester

1997-01-01

Objective: Identify the business practices necessary to develop a successful radiation oncology department in the current health care environment. Course content will be of interest to new practitioners establishing first time programs or joining existing groups as well as experienced radiation oncologists who are challenged with redesigning programs to be competitive. Course Content: During this session, the following topics will be discussed: 1) Space planning and equipment selection 2) Personnel; creating efficiencies while promoting productivity 3) Professional and Technical Billing; establishing proper fee structures and coding procedures 4) Utilizing benchmarking as a tool to improve operations 5) Information technology in radiation oncology 6) Current and Future Trends: a) Oncology networks b) Reimbursement: managed care and capitation c) Downsizing d) Relative Value Units

Coherent, Short-Pulse X-ray Generation via Relativistic Flying Mirrors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Masaki Kando

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Coherent, Short X-ray pulses are demanded in material science and biology for the study of micro-structures. Currently, large-sized free-electron lasers are used; however, the available beam lines are limited because of the large construction cost. Here we review a novel method to downsize the system as well as providing fully (spatially and temporally coherent pulses. The method is based on the reflection of coherent laser light by a relativistically moving mirror (flying mirror. Due to the double Doppler effect, the reflected pulses are upshifted in frequency and compressed in time. Such mirrors are formed when an intense short laser pulse excites a strongly nonlinear plasma wave in tenuous plasma. Theory, proof-of-principle, experiments, and possible applications are addressed.

A narrative review on the effect of economic downturns on the nursing labour market: implications for policy and planning

Science.gov (United States)

2012-01-01

Economic downturns and recession lead to budget cuts and service reductions in the healthcare sector which often precipitate layoffs and hiring freezes. Nurses, being the largest professional group in healthcare, are strongly affected by cost reductions. Economic downturns destabilize the nursing labour market with potential negative outcomes, including serious shortages, extending beyond the recessionary period. The objectives of this manuscript are to provide an overview of the potential short- and long-run impact of economic downturns on the supply and demand of nurses, and present healthcare decision makers with a framework to enhance their ability to strategically manage their human resources through economic cycles. A narrative review of the literature on the effects of economic downturns on the nursing labour market in developed countries was carried out with a special focus on studies offering a longitudinal examination of labour force trends. Analysis indicates that economic downturns limit the ability of public payers and institutions to finance their existing health workforce. As salaried healthcare workers, nurses are especially susceptible to institutional budget cuts. In the short run, economic downturns may temporarily reduce the demand for and increase the supply of nurses, thereby influencing nursing wages and turnover rates. These effects may destabilise the nursing labour market in the long run. After economic downturns, the market would quickly display the pre-recessionary trends and there may be serious demand–supply imbalances resulting in severe shortages. Potential long-term effects of recession on the nursing labour market may include a downsized active workforce, difficulty in retaining younger nurses, a decreased supply of nurses and workforce casualisation. Lack of understanding of labour market dynamics and trends might mislead policy makers into making misinformed workforce downsizing decisions that are often difficult and expensive

Regionalised tertiary psychiatric residential facilities.

Science.gov (United States)

Lesage, Alain; Groden, David; Goldner, Elliot M; Gelinas, Daniel; Arnold, Leslie M

2008-01-01

Psychiatric hospitals remain the main venue for long-term mental health care and, despite widespread closures and downsizing, no country that built asylums in the last century has done away with them entirely--with the recent exception of Italy. Differentiated community-based residential alternatives have been developed over the past decades, with staffing levels that range from full-time professional, to daytime only, to part-time/on-call. This paper reviews the characteristics of community-based psychiatric residential care facilities as an alternative to long-term care in psychiatric hospitals. It describes five factors decision makers should consider: 1. number of residential places needed; 2. staffing levels; 3. physical setting; 4. programming; and 5. governance and financing. In Italy, facilities with full-time professional staff have been developed since the mid-1990s to accommodate the last cohorts of patients discharged from psychiatric hospitals. In the United Kingdom, experiments with hostel wards since the 1980s have shown that home-like, small-scale facilities with intensive treatment and rehabilitation programming can be effective for the most difficult-to-place patients. More recently in Australia, Community Care Units (CCUs) have been applying this concept. In the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC), Tertiary Psychiatric Residential Facilities (TPRFs) have been developed as part of an effort to regionalise health and social services and downsize and ultimately close its only psychiatric hospital. This type of service must be further developed in addition to the need for forensic, acute-care and intermediate-level beds, as well as for community-based care such as assertive community treatment and intensive case management. All these types of services, together with long-term community-based residential care, constitute the elements of a balanced mental health care system. As part of a region's balanced mental health care plan, these Tertiary

New Trends in Forging Technologies

Science.gov (United States)

Behrens, B.-A.; Hagen, T.; Knigge, J.; Elgaly, I.; Hadifi, T.; Bouguecha, A.

2011-05-01

Limited natural resources increase the demand on highly efficient machinery and transportation means. New energy-saving mobility concepts call for design optimisation through downsizing of components and choice of corrosion resistant materials possessing high strength to density ratios. Component downsizing can be performed either by constructive structural optimisation or by substituting heavy materials with lighter high-strength ones. In this context, forging plays an important role in manufacturing load-optimised structural components. At the Institute of Metal Forming and Metal-Forming Machines (IFUM) various innovative forging technologies have been developed. With regard to structural optimisation, different strategies for localised reinforcement of components were investigated. Locally induced strain hardening by means of cold forging under a superimposed hydrostatic pressure could be realised. In addition, controlled martensitic zones could be created through forming induced phase conversion in metastable austenitic steels. Other research focused on the replacement of heavy steel parts with high-strength nonferrous alloys or hybrid material compounds. Several forging processes of magnesium, aluminium and titanium alloys for different aeronautical and automotive applications were developed. The whole process chain from material characterisation via simulation-based process design to the production of the parts has been considered. The feasibility of forging complex shaped geometries using these alloys was confirmed. In spite of the difficulties encountered due to machine noise and high temperature, acoustic emission (AE) technique has been successfully applied for online monitoring of forging defects. New AE analysis algorithm has been developed, so that different signal patterns due to various events such as product/die cracking or die wear could be detected and classified. Further, the feasibility of the mentioned forging technologies was proven by means

Perceived effects of organizational downsizing and staff cuts on the stress experience: the role of resources.

Science.gov (United States)

Boyd, Carolyn M; Tuckey, Michelle R; Winefield, Anthony H

2014-02-01

In response to global financial pressures, retail companies have introduced measures to reduce costs by cutting staff allocations to individual outlets. On the basis of interview data from four employees of a large retail organization, this paper employs an ideographic case-study approach to illustrate how the processes linking job characteristics to job-related strain and well-being (e.g. appraisal, action regulation, coping, resource utilization) unfold within four individual workers, as they attempt to manage perceived increases in demands resulting from staff cuts. We highlight the importance that these employees place on their own psychological resources (e.g. self-efficacy) and coping mechanisms (e.g. disengagement) in dealing with these changes, as well as how the perceived availability or absence of job resources (e.g. social support, decision authority, organizational justice) influences their ability to cope with increased demands. We use the insights gained from the case studies to illustrate the value of integrating multiple theoretical perspectives towards achieving a nuanced understanding of the intricacies involved in these experiences and to suggest ways in which the coping capacities of individual employees might be increased. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

17. Aachen colloquium automobile and engine technology. Proceedings; 17. Aachener Kolloquium Fahrzeug- und Motorentechnik. Kolloquiumsband

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2008-07-01

The Proceedings of the '17th Aachener Colloquium - Automobile and Engine Tecnology', held 6. - 8.October 2008 in Aachen/Germany, contains effectively 104 papers. These contributions deal with the following main subjects:new diesel engines I and II; hybrids I and II; CAE-methods; friction estimation by sensor fusion; ADAS for increased traffic safety I and II; new spark ignition engines I-III; exhausat aftertreatment diesel engines; FVV-project reports; integrated chassis control systems; driver assistance in commercial vehicles; si engines with alternative fuels; engine acoustics; steering systems I and II; detection traffic environment for ADAS; combustion concepts EGR and VVT; engine mechanics; development of safe vehicle systems; supercharging - downsizing; emission concepts diesel engines I and II; automotive strategy concepts; suspension systems; vehicle development; integrated safety;chasis systems. (org.)

A NEW SCALING RELATION FOR H II REGIONS IN SPIRAL GALAXIES: UNVEILING THE TRUE NATURE OF THE MASS-METALLICITY RELATION

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rosales-Ortega, F. F.; Diaz, A. I. [Departamento de Fisica Teorica, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, E-28049 Madrid (Spain); Sanchez, S. F.; Iglesias-Paramo, J.; Vilchez, J. M.; Mast, D. [Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia (CSIC), Camino Bajo de Huetor s/n, Aptdo. 3004, E-18080 Granada (Spain); Bland-Hawthorn, J. [Sydney Institute for Astronomy, School of Physics A28, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 (Australia); Husemann, B., E-mail: frosales@cantab.net [Leibniz-Institut fuer Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP), An der Sternwarte 16, D-14482 Potsdam (Germany)

2012-09-10

We demonstrate the existence of a local mass, metallicity, star formation relation using spatially resolved optical spectroscopy of H II regions in the local universe. One of the projections of this distribution-the local mass-metallicity relation-extends over a wide range in this parameter space: three orders of magnitude in mass and a factor of eight in metallicity. We explain the new relation as the combined effect of the differential distributions of mass and metallicity in the disks of galaxies, and a selective star formation efficiency. We use this local relation to reproduce-with a noticeable agreement-the mass-metallicity relation seen in galaxies, and conclude that the latter is a scale-up integrated effect of a local relation, supporting the inside-out growth and downsizing scenarios of galaxy evolution.

The flexibilization of employment relationships in the health sector: the reality in a Federal University Hospital in Brazil.

Science.gov (United States)

Alves, Sheila Maria Parreira; Coelho, Maria Carlota de Rezende; Borges, Luiz Henrique; Cruz, César Albenes de Mendonça; Massaroni, Leila; Maciel, Paulete Maria Ambrósio

2015-10-01

This was a socio-historical study that aimed to analyze the repercussions of the flexibilization of labor relationships within a University hospital (UH) using the thematic oral history method and triangulation of sources made up of workers' statements, institutional documents and relevant literature. It was observed that flexibilization, driven by state reform in the 1990s, had a structural impact on the trajectory of this institution, that, due to government downsizing policy, adopted outsourcing to maintain staff, leading to high staff turnover, various types of conflicts, and discontinuity and lack of organization of work processes. We conclude that the flexibilization of employment relationships became a handicap for this UH, disrupting services, negatively affecting students and service users, contributing to the deterioration of working conditions and lack of protection of workers.

Advanced Accelerators for Medical Applications

Science.gov (United States)

Uesaka, Mitsuru; Koyama, Kazuyoshi

We review advanced accelerators for medical applications with respect to the following key technologies: (i) higher RF electron linear accelerator (hereafter “linac”); (ii) optimization of alignment for the proton linac, cyclotron and synchrotron; (iii) superconducting magnet; (iv) laser technology. Advanced accelerators for medical applications are categorized into two groups. The first group consists of compact medical linacs with high RF, cyclotrons and synchrotrons downsized by optimization of alignment and superconducting magnets. The second group comprises laser-based acceleration systems aimed of medical applications in the future. Laser plasma electron/ion accelerating systems for cancer therapy and laser dielectric accelerating systems for radiation biology are mentioned. Since the second group has important potential for a compact system, the current status of the established energy and intensity and of the required stability are given.

International Conference on Innovative Design and Development Practices in Aerospace and Automotive Engineering

CERN Document Server

Chandrasekhar, U

2017-01-01

The book presents the best articles presented by researchers, academicians and industrial experts in the International Conference on “Innovative Design and Development Practices in Aerospace and Automotive Engineering (I-DAD 2016)”. The book discusses new concept designs, analysis and manufacturing technologies, where more swing is for improved performance through specific and/or multifunctional linguistic design aspects to downsize the system, improve weight to strength ratio, fuel efficiency, better operational capability at room and elevated temperatures, reduced wear and tear, NVH aspects while balancing the challenges of beyond Euro IV/Barat Stage IV emission norms, Greenhouse effects and recyclable materials. The innovative methods discussed in the book will serve as a reference material for educational and research organizations, as well as industry, to take up challenging projects of mutual interest.

A NEW SCALING RELATION FOR H II REGIONS IN SPIRAL GALAXIES: UNVEILING THE TRUE NATURE OF THE MASS-METALLICITY RELATION

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rosales-Ortega, F. F.; Díaz, A. I.; Sánchez, S. F.; Iglesias-Páramo, J.; Vílchez, J. M.; Mast, D.; Bland-Hawthorn, J.; Husemann, B.

2012-01-01

We demonstrate the existence of a local mass, metallicity, star formation relation using spatially resolved optical spectroscopy of H II regions in the local universe. One of the projections of this distribution—the local mass-metallicity relation—extends over a wide range in this parameter space: three orders of magnitude in mass and a factor of eight in metallicity. We explain the new relation as the combined effect of the differential distributions of mass and metallicity in the disks of galaxies, and a selective star formation efficiency. We use this local relation to reproduce—with a noticeable agreement—the mass-metallicity relation seen in galaxies, and conclude that the latter is a scale-up integrated effect of a local relation, supporting the inside-out growth and downsizing scenarios of galaxy evolution.

Intermetallic compounds in 3D integrated circuits technology: a brief review.

Science.gov (United States)

Annuar, Syahira; Mahmoodian, Reza; Hamdi, Mohd; Tu, King-Ning

2017-01-01

The high performance and downsizing technology of three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D-ICs) for mobile consumer electronic products have gained much attention in the microelectronics industry. This has been driven by the utilization of chip stacking by through-Si-via and solder microbumps. Pb-free solder microbumps are intended to replace conventional Pb-containing solder joints due to the rising awareness of environmental preservation. The use of low-volume solder microbumps has led to crucial constraints that cause several reliability issues, including excessive intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formation and solder microbump embrittlement due to IMCs growth. This article reviews technologies related to 3D-ICs, IMCs formation mechanisms and reliability issues concerning IMCs with Pb-free solder microbumps. Finally, future outlook on the potential growth of research in this area is discussed.

Experiences with decontaminating tritium-handling apparatus

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maienschein, J.L.; Garcia, F.; Garza, R.G.; Kanna, R.L.; Mayhugh, S.R.; Taylor, D.T.

1992-01-01

Tritium-handling apparatus has been decontaminated as part of the downsizing of the LLNL Tritium Facility. Two stainless-steel glove boxes that had been used to process lithium deuteride-tritide (LiDT) slat were decontaminated using the Portable Cleanup System so that they could be flushed with room air through the facility ventilation system. In this paper the details on the decontamination operation are provided. A series of metal (palladium and vanadium) hydride storage beds have been drained of tritium and flushed with deuterium, in order to remove as much tritium as possible. The bed draining and flushing procedure is described, and a calculational method is presented which allows estimation of the tritium remaining in a bed after it has been drained and flushed. Data on specific bed draining and flushing are given

Railroad infrastructure adequacy for safe transportation of spent nuclear fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fisher, A.C.; Furber, C.P.

1992-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the railroad industry's concerns on the movement of spent nuclear fuel including the magnitude of thermal and mechanical forces in train accidents, emergency response capability, railroad's liability for non-breach-of-cask accidents, and the importance of using dedicated trains to improve public perception of these movements; summarize the current status of the condition of the American railroads' equipment, facilities, track structure, and right-of-way; outline the continuing efforts of the railroad industry to improve customer service and profitability through downsizing and shifting of branch lines to more customer-oriented and efficient short-line carriers; and discuss potential problems of government subsidization of private railroads to enable upgrading of tracks and structures to handle rights-of-way in the future

Design of a compact synchrotron light source for medical applications at NIRS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Torikoshi, M.; Endo, M.; Kumada, M.; Noda, K.; Yamada, S.; Kawachi, K.

1998-01-01

A synchrotron light source dedicated to medical applications is required to be compact for installation in limited spaces at hospitals. The NIRS storage ring, with a circumference of 44.8 m, is designed to accelerate electrons up to 1.8 GeV and to store a beam of 400 mA. The ring is composed of superconducting bending magnets for downsizing. A beam of 300 MeV is injected into the ring from a microtron operated at an L-band RF frequency. There are two superconducting multipole wigglers with nine poles and a maximum field of 8 T, which can produce a photon flux of about 1.4 x 10 13 photons s -1 mrad -1 (0.1% bandwidth) -1 at 33 keV used for coronary angiography

Intermetallic compounds in 3D integrated circuits technology: a brief review

Science.gov (United States)

Annuar, Syahira; Mahmoodian, Reza; Hamdi, Mohd; Tu, King-Ning

2017-12-01

The high performance and downsizing technology of three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D-ICs) for mobile consumer electronic products have gained much attention in the microelectronics industry. This has been driven by the utilization of chip stacking by through-Si-via and solder microbumps. Pb-free solder microbumps are intended to replace conventional Pb-containing solder joints due to the rising awareness of environmental preservation. The use of low-volume solder microbumps has led to crucial constraints that cause several reliability issues, including excessive intermetallic compounds (IMCs) formation and solder microbump embrittlement due to IMCs growth. This article reviews technologies related to 3D-ICs, IMCs formation mechanisms and reliability issues concerning IMCs with Pb-free solder microbumps. Finally, future outlook on the potential growth of research in this area is discussed.

Innovative design, analysis and development practices in aerospace and automotive engineering

CERN Document Server

Chandrasekhar, U; Arankalle, Avinash

2014-01-01

The book presents the best articles presented by researchers, academicians and industrial experts in the International Conference on “Innovative Design, Analysis and Development Practices in Aerospace and Automotive Engineering”. The book discusses new concept designs, analysis and manufacturing technologies, where more swing is for improved performance through specific and/or multifunctional linguistic design aspects to downsize the system, improve weight to strength ratio, fuel efficiency, better operational capability at room and elevated temperatures, reduced wear and tear, NVH aspects while balancing the challenges of beyond Euro IV/Barat Stage IV emission norms, Greenhouse effects and recyclable materials. The innovative methods discussed in the book will serve as a reference material for educational and research organizations, as well as industry, to take up challenging projects of mutual interest.

Evolution of the Atomic Energy Corporation of South Africa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fouche, K.F.

2001-01-01

In order to understand the AEC in its present form and its strategic positioning for the next century, it is essential that cognisance be taken of its evolution over the past 40 years and, in particular, also the external forces which triggered major strategic re-orientation actions in the past. These resulted in a fundamentally downsized organization (by about 80%) which will in the new millennium be judged on its ability to make nuclear technology available for the needs of a developing country, discharge the nuclear liabilities of the past and commercially exploit its technology base to contribute to national economic growth. The Corporation has a strong programme in isotope applications and nuclear waste management. For the future it is looking forward to develop a Pebble Bed Modular Reactor for safe nuclear energy production. (author)

A review of chemical decontamination systems for nuclear facilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, L.; Chamberlain, D.B.; Conner, C.; Vandegrift, G.F.

1996-01-01

With the downsizing of the Department of Energy (DOE) complex, many of its buildings and facilities will be decommissioned and dismantled. As part of this decommissioning, some form of decontamination will be required. To develop an appropriate technology for in situ chemical decontamination of equipment interiors in the decommissioning of DOE nuclear facilities, knowledge of the existing chemical decontamination methods is needed. This paper attempts to give an up-to-date review of chemical decontamination methods. This survey revealed that aqueous systems are the most widely used for the decontamination and cleaning of metal surfaces. We have subdivided the aqueous systems by types of chemical solvent: acid, alkaline permanganate, highly oxidizing, peroxide, and proprietary. Two other systems, electropolishing and foams and gels, are also described in this paper

On-tip sub-micrometer Hall probes for magnetic microscopy prepared by AFM lithography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gregusova, D.; Martaus, J.; Fedor, J.; Kudela, R.; Kostic, I.; Cambel, V.

2009-01-01

We developed a technology of sub-micrometer Hall probes for future application in scanning hall probe microscopy (SHPM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM). First, the Hall probes of ∼9-μm dimensions are prepared on the top of high-aspect-ratio GaAs pyramids with an InGaP/AlGaAs/GaAs active layer using wet-chemical etching and non-planar lithography. Then we show that the active area of planar Hall probes can be downsized to sub-micrometer dimensions by local anodic oxidation technique using an atomic force microscope. Such planar probes are tested and their noise and magnetic field sensitivity are evaluated. Finally, the two technologies are combined to fabricate sub-micrometer Hall probes on the top of high-aspect ratio mesa for future SHPM and MFM techniques.

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND LABOUR MARKET IMPACTS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Liana SON

2012-10-01

Full Text Available The research aims to identify and analyse the impact of labour emigration on labour markets within the European Union. The analysis is based on developing double-log macroeconometric models that combine cross-section and time series in a panel structure, by using a set of indicators specific for the emigration process and labour market, as main explanatory variables. The results show that an intense emigration process has extremely negative effects on the size and structure of the labour force, generating its significant reduction, especially regarding the highly skilled labour. At the same time, we identified a relaxation of the labour market pressures generated by high unemployment, through a downsize of this rate and a slight increase in employment, mainly due to a general improvement of the local employment opportunities.

A simulated annealing approach for redesigning a warehouse network problem

Science.gov (United States)

Khairuddin, Rozieana; Marlizawati Zainuddin, Zaitul; Jiun, Gan Jia

2017-09-01

Now a day, several companies consider downsizing their distribution networks in ways that involve consolidation or phase-out of some of their current warehousing facilities due to the increasing competition, mounting cost pressure and taking advantage on the economies of scale. Consequently, the changes on economic situation after a certain period of time require an adjustment on the network model in order to get the optimal cost under the current economic conditions. This paper aimed to develop a mixed-integer linear programming model for a two-echelon warehouse network redesign problem with capacitated plant and uncapacitated warehouses. The main contribution of this study is considering capacity constraint for existing warehouses. A Simulated Annealing algorithm is proposed to tackle with the proposed model. The numerical solution showed the model and method of solution proposed was practical.

Establishing and maintaining instructional skills through initial and continuing training: A common sense approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoder, J.A.; Hall, J.D.; Betz, T.L.; Stoupe, P.J.

1996-01-01

Using this common sense approach to determining initial and continuing training for instructional staff members helped XYZ facility to develop a training program that will meet the specific needs of its staff. From the results of the analysis, XYZ can now provide the right training at the right time. THe competency-to-training matrix will assist XYZ in accomplishing this training. This matrix also groups the competencies into the five phases associated with the Systematic Approach to Training methodology. From this common sense approach, XYZ facility has a report detailing many solutions that go beyond training. Awareness of problems, causes, and solutions are the keys to successful facility management. Sharing these issues with the right facility personnel, XYZ will be able to meet and/or exceed the changing expectations placed on them due to ''downsizing'', ''rightsizing'', or ''reengineering''

Marine Diesel Engine Control to meet Emission Requirements and Maintain Maneuverability

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nielsen, Kræn Vodder; Blanke, Mogens; Eriksson, Lars

2018-01-01

International shipping has been reported to account for 13% of global NOx emissions and 2.1% of global green house gas emissions. Recent restrictions of NOx emissions from marine vessels have led to the development of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) for large two-stroke diesel engines. Meanwhile......, the same engines have been downsized and derated to optimize fuel efficiency. The smaller engines reduce the possible vessel acceleration, and to counteract this, the engine controller must be improved to fully utilize the physical potential of the engine. A fuel index limiter based on air/fuel ratio...... was recently developed [1], but as it does not account for EGR, accelerations lead to excessive exhaust smoke formation which could damage the engine when recirculated. This paper presents two methods for extending a fuel index limiter function to EGR engines. The methods are validated through simulations...

Rendezvous effects in the diffusion process on bipartite metapopulation networks.

Science.gov (United States)

Cao, Lang; Li, Xun; Wang, Bing; Aihara, Kazuyuki

2011-10-01

Epidemic outbreaks have been shown to be closely related to the rendezvous-induced transmission of infection, which is caused by casual contact with infected individuals in public gatherings. To investigate rendezvous effects in the spread of infectious diseases, we propose an epidemic model on metapopulation networks bipartite-divided into two sets of location and rendezvous nodes. At a given transition rate γ(kk')(p), each individual transfers from location k to rendezvous p (where rendezvous-induced disease incidence occurs) and thereafter moves to location k'. We find that the eigenstructure of a transition-rate-dependent matrix determines the epidemic threshold condition. Both analytical and numerical results show that rendezvous-induced transmission accelerates the progress of infectious diseases, implying the significance of outbreak control measures including prevention of public gatherings or decentralization of a large-scale rendezvous into downsized ones.

Metasurface optics for full-color computational imaging.

Science.gov (United States)

Colburn, Shane; Zhan, Alan; Majumdar, Arka

2018-02-01

Conventional imaging systems comprise large and expensive optical components that successively mitigate aberrations. Metasurface optics offers a route to miniaturize imaging systems by replacing bulky components with flat and compact implementations. The diffractive nature of these devices, however, induces severe chromatic aberrations, and current multiwavelength and narrowband achromatic metasurfaces cannot support full visible spectrum imaging (400 to 700 nm). We combine principles of both computational imaging and metasurface optics to build a system with a single metalens of numerical aperture ~0.45, which generates in-focus images under white light illumination. Our metalens exhibits a spectrally invariant point spread function that enables computational reconstruction of captured images with a single digital filter. This work connects computational imaging and metasurface optics and demonstrates the capabilities of combining these disciplines by simultaneously reducing aberrations and downsizing imaging systems using simpler optics.

Coping with the open-quotes Dclose quotes word

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Poteat, E.L.

1995-01-01

There can be little doubt that downsizing is one of the major events occurring at every company in America. If your company has not begun this effort, you can believe it, that it is only a matter of time. At Duke Power Company, this effort began in earnest in 1988. Since then, the changes have been considerable in the Chemistry department at McGuire, and especially significant in the Radwaste department. This paper will discuss the benefits and the problems that we have encountered, as well as the steps that we took, good and bad, to meet the challenges that we faced. Some of the processes that we used have worked out very well. Some have been very disappointing. Still others are in an indeterminate state. Time will tell if we have truly open-quotes copedclose quotes

Work stress and burnout among physicians and nurses in Internal and Emergency Departments

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paola Gnerre

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Burnout has been defined as loss of enthusiasm for work, feelings of cynicism, and a low sense of personal accomplishment. Work environment and working conditions exposes the individual to numerous factors of stress. Stress-related diseases are defined as burnout. The increased workload, the repeated reorganizations in the hospital with iterative downsizing suggestions and budget cuts, without any perspective of career progression, with a social culture of bureaucracy and blame, resulting both in subtracting direct care time with patients and in the fear by healthcare professionals from the burden of their responsibility, are the backgrounds on which more and more frequent cases of burnout may develop. We need to establish homogenous standards all over the national territory on workload and about the procedures that have to be implemented for the prevention of burnout in our wards.

Flexible work schedules, older workers, and retirement.

Science.gov (United States)

Siegenthaler, J K; Brenner, A M

2000-01-01

Older workers in the United States indicate that they would prefer flexible work arrangements rather than abrupt retirement, yet management has done very little to make this possible. A review of two bodies of literature from the late 1980s is presented: social science writings including sociological, gerontological, and economic literature, and business and management literature. There is a clash between the way jobs are traditionally scheduled and the needs of growing numbers of older workers. Workers continue to be subject to obstacles to phased retirement due to the structuring of health care and pension benefits, downsizing, organizational inflexibility, and "corporate culture." Thus, general views among social scientists regarding the desirability of flexible schedules toward retirement will not produce real changes unless management becomes committed to such changes and they are securely embedded in company policies.

Energy efficiency measures for offshore oil and gas platforms

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Nguyen, Tuong-Van; Voldsund, Mari; Breuhaus, Peter

2016-01-01

. They include: (i) the installation of multiple pressure levels in production manifolds, (ii) the implementation of multiphaseexpanders, (iii) the promotion of energy and process integration, (iv) the limitation of gas recirculation around the compressors, (v) the exploitation of low-temperature heat from...... the gas cooling steps, (vi) the downsizing or replacement of the existing gas turbines, and (vii) the use of the waste heat from the powerplant. The present study builds on four actual cases located in the North and Norwegian Seas, which differ by the type of oil processed, operating conditions...... and strategies. The benefits and practical limitations of each measure are discussed based on thermodynamic, economic and environmental factors. Signiffcant energy savings and reductions in CO2-emissions are depicted, reaching up to 15-20 %. However, they strongly differ from one facility to another, which...

An evaluation of small businesses in Iran

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Seyed Mohammad karimi

2013-05-01

Full Text Available As one of the most important and fundamental issues, employment is an indicator of development and welfare in any country. Due to the rapid growth of population over the past decades in Iran, investigating unemployment and the obstacles hindering employment is of paramount importance. In this study, a questionnaire was used and a group of experts were interviewed in order to identify four groups of legal, economic, social as well as individual factors, which could improve or hinder the growth of small businesses and self-employment. In this paper, having determined the factors influencing the expansion or downsizing the small businesses, the entrepreneurs, agents supporting small businesses, and the members of employment groups in Mazandaran Province, Iran rated the four categories. Finally, the most important growth factors or challenges faced by small businesses from the three aforementioned perspectives were compared.

Study notes separability of oil company profitability, efficiency

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thompson, R.G.

1993-01-01

In recent years, the large publicly traded oil companies have been restructuring and downsizing to improve efficiency. Newly developed decision theory forces one to question the widely held singular focus on efficiency because improving efficiency will not necessarily improve profits. This is especially likely in the oil industry, where price volatility is the norm. Because its products are so basic, its price volatility typically ripples widely throughout the economy. In light of this, efficiency and profitability in the oil industry require separate treatment. More specifically, the efficient are not necessarily the most profitable; conversely, the most profitable are not necessarily the most efficient. Such a decoupling of efficiency and profitability requires a totally new look at business strategy. In the face of highly variable prices, firms can no longer depend on the long-accepted duality norm between profits and efficiency

PET/CT in cancer: moderate sample sizes may suffice to justify replacement of a regional gold standard

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gerke, Oke; Poulsen, Mads Hvid; Bouchelouche, Kirsten

2009-01-01

PURPOSE: For certain cancer indications, the current patient evaluation strategy is a perfect but locally restricted gold standard procedure. If positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can be shown to be reliable within the gold standard region and if it can be argued that PET...... of metastasized prostate cancer. RESULTS: An added value in accuracy of PET/CT in adjacent areas can outweigh a downsized target level of accuracy in the gold standard region, justifying smaller sample sizes. CONCLUSIONS: If PET/CT provides an accuracy benefit in adjacent regions, then sample sizes can be reduced....../CT also performs well in adjacent areas, then sample sizes in accuracy studies can be reduced. PROCEDURES: Traditional standard power calculations for demonstrating sensitivities of both 80% and 90% are shown. The argument is then described in general terms and demonstrated by an ongoing study...

Methanol oxidation catalysis and substructure of PtRu bimetallic nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nitani, Hiroaki; Nakagawa, Takashi; Ono, Takahiro; Honda, Yusuke; Koizumi, Akiko; Seino, Satoshi; Yamamoto, Takao A. [Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 (Japan); Daimon, Hideo; Kurobe, Yukiko [Development and Technology Division, Hitachi Maxell Ltd., 6-20-1 Kinunodai, Tsukubamirai, Ibaraki 300-2496 (Japan)

2007-07-15

Catalytic material of PtRu nanoparticles supported on carbon (PtRu/C) for direct methanol fuel cells was synthesized by a polyol reduction method. Addition of phosphorus was effective for downsizing PtRu particles and improving their catalytic activity. The activity obtained was six times of that of a commercial catalysis. The samples were analyzed by techniques of X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) at Pt L{sub III}-edge and Ru K-edge, transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). These results indicated a core-shell structure consisting of a Pt-rich core and Ru-rich shell. By examining coordination numbers determined by XAFS analysis, we found a clear correlation between the catalytic activity and the Pt-Ru atomic pair frequency occurring on the particle surface, which supports the 'bi-functional mechanism'. (author)

Complex data modeling and computationally intensive methods for estimation and prediction

CERN Document Server

Secchi, Piercesare; Advances in Complex Data Modeling and Computational Methods in Statistics

2015-01-01

The book is addressed to statisticians working at the forefront of the statistical analysis of complex and high dimensional data and offers a wide variety of statistical models, computer intensive methods and applications: network inference from the analysis of high dimensional data; new developments for bootstrapping complex data; regression analysis for measuring the downsize reputational risk; statistical methods for research on the human genome dynamics; inference in non-euclidean settings and for shape data; Bayesian methods for reliability and the analysis of complex data; methodological issues in using administrative data for clinical and epidemiological research; regression models with differential regularization; geostatistical methods for mobility analysis through mobile phone data exploration. This volume is the result of a careful selection among the contributions presented at the conference "S.Co.2013: Complex data modeling and computationally intensive methods for estimation and prediction" held...

Labor markets and employment insecurity: impacts of globalization on service and healthcare-sector workforces.

Science.gov (United States)

Ostry, Aleck S; Spiegel, Jerry M

2004-01-01

Global changes in the economies of most developed nations have impacted the way healthcare is organized, even within largely public systems, and the working conditions of healthcare workers. Since the acceleration of globalization in the 1970s, service-sector workers in developed nations have faced high unemployment, increased skill requirements for most jobs, and a rise in non-traditional work arrangements. These secular shifts in service-sector labor markets have occurred against the background of an erosion of the welfare state and growing income inequality. As well, many healthcare systems, including Canada's, were severely downsized and restructured in the 1990s, exacerbating the underlying negative secular trends in the service sector, and worsening the working conditions for many healthcare workers. Globalization has altered the labor market and shifted working conditions in ways that have been unfavorable to many healthcare workers.

A modal-based reduction method for sound absorbing porous materials in poro-acoustic finite element models.

Science.gov (United States)

Rumpler, Romain; Deü, Jean-François; Göransson, Peter

2012-11-01

Structural-acoustic finite element models including three-dimensional (3D) modeling of porous media are generally computationally costly. While being the most commonly used predictive tool in the context of noise reduction applications, efficient solution strategies are required. In this work, an original modal reduction technique, involving real-valued modes computed from a classical eigenvalue solver is proposed to reduce the size of the problem associated with the porous media. In the form presented in this contribution, the method is suited for homogeneous porous layers. It is validated on a 1D poro-acoustic academic problem and tested for its performance on a 3D application, using a subdomain decomposition strategy. The performance of the proposed method is estimated in terms of degrees of freedom downsizing, computational time enhancement, as well as matrix sparsity of the reduced system.

National project : advanced robot for nuclear power plant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsunemi, T.; Takehara, K.; Hayashi, T.; Okano, H.; Sugiyama, S.

1993-01-01

The national project 'Advanced Robot' has been promoted by the Agency of Industrial science and Technology, MITI for eight years since 1983. The robot for a nuclear plant is one of the projects, and is a prototype intelligent one that also has a three dimensional vision system to generate an environmental model, a quadrupedal walking mechanism to work on stairs and four fingered manipulators to disassemble a valve with a hand tool. Many basic technologies such as an actuator, a tactile sensor, autonomous control and so on progress to high level. The prototype robot succeeded functionally in official demonstration in 1990. More refining such as downsizing and higher intelligence is necessary to realize a commercial robot, while basic technologies are useful to improve conventional robots and systems. This paper presents application studies on the advanced robot technologies. (author)

"The Killing Fields" of Innovation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ingerslev, Karen

2014-01-01

to clustering of ideas, a design strategy which seemed to kill unique ideas. The reframing of innovation as a radical endeavor killed learning from others for being not innovative. The findings of this paper supplement theories of deliberate killing of ideas by suggesting framing, design and facilitation......This paper points to seemingly contradicted processes of framing innovation, idea generation and killing ideas. It reports from a yearlong innovation project, where health care professionals explored problems and tested ideas for solutions, regarding a future downsizing of the case hospital....... Theories in various ways describe the opening and closing phases of innovation. Exploration and idea generation opens a field of interest, which is then closed by making choices of ideas to further explore in the next opening phase. These choices deliberately kill a lot of ideas. In the innovation project...

Workplace restructurings in intervention studies - a challenge for design, analysis and interpretation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Olsen, Ole; Albertsen, Karen; Nielsen, Martin

2008-01-01

Background Interventions in occupational health often target worksites rather than individuals. The objective of this paper is to describe the (lack of) stability in units of analysis in occupational health and safety intervention projects directed toward worksites. Methods A case study approach...... was observed, and in all four cases at least one company/worksite experienced two or more re-organizations during the project period. If individual worksites remained, ownership or (for publicly owned) administrative or legal base often shifted. Forthcoming closure led employees and managers to seek employment...... is used to describe naturally occurring organizational changes in four, large, Nordic intervention projects that ran 3-5 years, covered 3-52 worksites, cost 0.25 mill-2.2 mill €, and involved 3-7 researchers. Results In all four cases, high rates of closing, merging, moving, downsizing or restructuring...

Numerical analysis of a downsized spark-ignition engine fueled by butanol/gasoline blends at part-load operation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scala, F.; Galloni, E.; Fontana, G.

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Bio-fuels will reduce the overall CO_2 emission. • The properties of butanol/gasoline–air mixtures have been determined. • A 1-D model of a SI engine has been calibrated and validated. • The butanol content reduces the combustion duration. • The optimal ignition timing slightly changes. - Abstract: In this paper, the performance of a turbocharged SI engine, firing with butanol/gasoline blends, has been investigated by means of numerical simulations of the engine behavior. When engine fueling is switched from gasoline to alcohol/gasoline mixture, engine control parameters must be adapted. The main necessary modifications in the Electronic Control Unit have been highlighted in the paper. Numerical analyses have been carried out at partial load operation and at two different engine speeds (3000 and 4000 rpm). Several n-butanol/gasoline mixtures, differing for the alcohol contents, have been analyzed. Such engine performances as torque and indicated efficiency have been evaluated. Both these characteristics decrease with the alcohol contents within the mixtures. On the contrary, when the engine is fueled by neat n-butanol, torque and efficiency reach values about 2% higher than those obtained with neat gasoline. Furthermore, the optimal spark timing, for alcohol/gasoline mixture operation, must be retarded (up to 13%) in comparison with the correspondent values of the gasoline operation. In general, engine performance and operation undergo little variations when fuel supplying is switched from gasoline to alcohol/gasoline blends.

Facing the nuclear power phaseout - Swedish experiences of enterprise shutdown and organisational development; Infoer kaernkraftavveckling - svenska erfarenheter av foeretagsnedlaeggningar och foeraendringsarbete

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lundqvist, K. [Castor AB, Stockholm (Sweden)

1998-02-01

The aim of this study is to make an overview of problems and experiences connected to decommissioning and organisational changes of Swedish enterprises and public agencies from a safety perspective. The central point is the view of decommissioning of nuclear power plants as a process of change. In practice decommissioning includes both downsizing and organisational development. The question is which problems can arise and which strategy of change is most adequate from the standpoint of safety. The report starts with a summary of the most important experiences of the process of decommissioning of enterprises during the sixties to eighties concerning the consequences for the individuals and the labour market. After that follows the main results from earlier investigations of shut-down of nuclear power plants regarding the staff. The restructuring and downsizing of the public sector during the nineties have given rise to a large amount of material on staffing issues. The knowledge and experiences drawn from the organisational change processes of Swedish working life during the nineties are then summarised. At last some conclusions for decommissioning of nuclear power plants are discussed. The period before and after the termination of power generation is connected with great strain. The vulnerability of the staff increases and the faith in management can easily be destroyed, which can affect safety and the decommissioning work. The feeling of security increases if the staff continuously is kept informed and within certain limits can influence the course of events. A learning strategy is preferable in comparison to an expert oriented strategy because it is impossible to gain complete control over the technically and socially complex process of decommissioning. Instead of detailed and central planning of the process it will be safer to work in a participative way and to include all the staff in the preparations from the very beginning. By a learning way of working is

Facing the nuclear power phaseout - Swedish experiences of enterprise shutdown and organisational development

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lundqvist, K.

1998-02-01

The aim of this study is to make an overview of problems and experiences connected to decommissioning and organisational changes of Swedish enterprises and public agencies from a safety perspective. The central point is the view of decommissioning of nuclear power plants as a process of change. In practice decommissioning includes both downsizing and organisational development. The question is which problems can arise and which strategy of change is most adequate from the standpoint of safety. The report starts with a summary of the most important experiences of the process of decommissioning of enterprises during the sixties to eighties concerning the consequences for the individuals and the labour market. After that follows the main results from earlier investigations of shut-down of nuclear power plants regarding the staff. The restructuring and downsizing of the public sector during the nineties have given rise to a large amount of material on staffing issues. The knowledge and experiences drawn from the organisational change processes of Swedish working life during the nineties are then summarised. At last some conclusions for decommissioning of nuclear power plants are discussed. The period before and after the termination of power generation is connected with great strain. The vulnerability of the staff increases and the faith in management can easily be destroyed, which can affect safety and the decommissioning work. The feeling of security increases if the staff continuously is kept informed and within certain limits can influence the course of events. A learning strategy is preferable in comparison to an expert oriented strategy because it is impossible to gain complete control over the technically and socially complex process of decommissioning. Instead of detailed and central planning of the process it will be safer to work in a participative way and to include all the staff in the preparations from the very beginning. By a learning way of working is

Pride and confidence at work: potential predictors of occupational health in a hospital setting

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Petterson Inga-Lill

2005-09-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background This study focuses on determinants of a healthy work environment in two departments in a Swedish university hospital. The study is based on previously conducted longitudinal studies at the hospital (1994–2001, concerning working conditions and health outcomes among health care personnel in conjunction with downsizing processes. Overall, there was a general negative trend in relation to mental health, as well as long-term sick leave during the study period. The two departments chosen for the current study differed from the general hospital trend in that they showed stable health development. The aim of the study was to identify and analyse experiential determinants of healthy working conditions. Methods Thematic open-ended interviews were carried out with seventeen managers and key informants, representing different groups of co-workers in the two departments. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and an inductive content analysis was made. Results In the two studied departments the respondents perceived that it was advantageous to belong to a small department, and to work in cooperation-oriented care. The management approaches described by both managers and co-workers could be interpreted as transformational, due to a strain of visionary, delegating, motivating, confirmative, supportive attitudes and a strongly expressed solution-oriented attitude. The daily work included integrated learning activities. The existing organisational conditions, approaches and attitudes promoted tendencies towards a work climate characterised by trust, team spirit and professionalism. In the description of the themes organisational conditions, approaches and climate, two core determinants, work-pride and confidence, for healthy working conditions were interpreted. Our core determinants augment the well-established concepts: manageability, comprehensiveness and meaningfulness. These favourable conditions seem to function as a buffer against

The triumph and decline of the "squares": Grumman Aerospace engineers and production workers in the Apollo era, 1957--1973

Science.gov (United States)

Onkst, David Hugh

This dissertation is a social, cultural, and economic history of the men and women of the Grumman Aerospace Company of Bethpage, New York from 1957 through 1973. These "Grummanites" were the engineers and production workers who designed and built the Apollo Lunar Modules that allowed humans to land on the Moon. This study provides unique insights into the impact that the Apollo Program---a large state-initiated and -supported program---had on those "squares," people whom many contemporaries saw as a vital part of mainstream 1960s American society. By the beginning of the Space Age in 1957, Grumman, Long Island's single largest employer, had firmly established a workplace culture of paternalism that Grummanites largely embraced. Company officials believed strongly in worker retention and had established a policy of providing every sort of benefit their employees seemingly desired, including a highly personal and participatory form of management. Many Grummanites had joined the firm during the early years of the Apollo Program because they believed in the promise of permanent employment on exciting projects that would explore the endless frontier of space. But, as many of these mainly self-reliant, individualistic "squares" would bitterly discover, their dedication to Grumman did little to secure their livelihoods during the aerospace industry's early 1970s downsizing; their individual successes were too largely tied to federal spending and declined when Americans grew disenchanted with space exploration. This dissertation demonstrates how the cultural bond of paternalism between aerospace workers and their company unraveled in the 1960s, and then ended in the early 1970s, because of forces within the company, the economy, and the American state. The word "triumph" in this study's title not only applies to Grummanites' triumphs with the Lunar Modules, but also their individual socioeconomic victories. The term "decline" refers to the early 1970s downsizing of more

An investigation of volute cross-sectional shape on turbocharger turbine under pulsating conditions in internal combustion engine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Mingyang; Martinez-Botas, Ricardo; Rajoo, Srithar; Yokoyama, Takao; Ibaraki, Seiichi

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Cycle averaged efficiency is higher for the volute A (low aspect ratio). • More distorted flow in volute B is the reason for performance deterioration. • Flow in volute B (high aspect ratio) is more sensitive to pulsating flow. - Abstract: Engine downsizing is a proven method for CO_2 reduction in Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). A turbocharger, which reclaims the energy from the exhaust gas to boost the intake air, can effectively improve the power density of the engine thus is one of the key enablers to achieve the engine downsizing. Acknowledging its importance, many research efforts have gone into improving a turbocharger performance, which includes turbine volute. The cross-section design of a turbine volute in a turbocharger is usually a compromise between the engine level packaging and desired performance. Thus, it is beneficial to evaluate the effects of cross-sectional shape on a turbine performance. This paper presents experimental and computational investigation of the influence of volute cross-sectional shape on the performance of a radial turbocharger turbine under pulsating conditions. The cross-sectional shape of the baseline volute (denoted as Volute B) was optimized (Volute A) while the annulus distribution of area-to-radius ratio (A/R) for the two volute configurations are kept the same. Experimental results show that the turbine with the optimized volute A has better cycle averaged efficiency under pulsating flow conditions, for different loadings and frequencies. The advantage of performance is influenced by the operational conditions. After the experiment, a validated unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was employed to investigate the mechanism by which performance differs between the baseline volute and the optimized version. Computational results show a stronger flow distortion in spanwise direction at the rotor inlet with the baseline volute. Furthermore, compared with the optimized volute, the flow

From expert data collectors to interventionists: changing the focus for infection control professionals.

Science.gov (United States)

Murphy, Denise M

2002-04-01

The current economic and political environments challenge health care organizations in the United States to provide affordable, accessible, and comprehensive health services. However, changes in reimbursement to health care providers can affect their ability to offer access to cutting-edge services while reducing costs. Consequently, organizations are restructuring, re-engineering, right-sizing, downsizing, and redesigning, all in an effort to save money while also hoping to maintain a reputation for quality and customer service. Dr Vicky Fraser, in her keynote address at the APIC conference in 2000, reminded us that ICHE programs are cost centers rather than revenue generators, and are often targets for budget cuts. Although Haley's Study on the Efficacy of Nosocomial Infection Control (SENIC), published in 1985, was a landmark event demonstrating the importance of our profession's mission, it is becoming dated. Infection control professionals (ICPs) must continue Haley's work, finding innovative ways to market or demonstrate the value of ICHE programs to health care executives. Closing the 1999 APIC conference with a symposium entitled "Breaking Out of the Box," Jackson and Massanari challenged ICPs to educate themselves about the changing health care environment, to be proactive, and constructively help organizations "re-engineer" more efficiently, rather than feel victimized and helplessly await being re-engineered out of existence. The threat of downsizing prompted ICPs at BJC HealthCare to realize that the time had come to change their own culture and attitudes and to focus on the business of infection control. This change required challenging the traditional roles of solo practitioner, data collector, and keeper of infection control data and knowledge. The goals now include leading intervention teams committed to reducing health care-associated infections, partnering rather than accepting sole responsibility for lowering infection rates, and learning to

High mobility and quantum well transistors design and TCAD simulation

CERN Document Server

Hellings, Geert

2013-01-01

For many decades, the semiconductor industry has miniaturized transistors, delivering increased computing power to consumers at decreased cost. However, mere transistor downsizing does no longer provide the same improvements. One interesting option to further improve transistor characteristics is to use high mobility materials such as germanium and III-V materials. However, transistors have to be redesigned in order to fully benefit from these alternative materials. High Mobility and Quantum Well Transistors: Design and TCAD Simulation investigates planar bulk Germanium pFET technology in chapters 2-4, focusing on both the fabrication of such a technology and on the process and electrical TCAD simulation. Furthermore, this book shows that Quantum Well based transistors can leverage the benefits of these alternative materials, since they confine the charge carriers to the high-mobility material using a heterostructure. The design and fabrication of one particular transistor structure - the SiGe Implant-Free Qu...

The new 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection and turbocharging for all passenger cars with standard drivetrains from Mercedes-Benz; Der neue 1,81 4-Zylinder Turbo-Direkteinspritz-Ottomotor fuer alle PKW mit Standardantrieb von Mercedes-Benz

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lueckert, Peter; Kreitmann, Fritz; Merdes, Norbert; Weller, Ralph; Rehberger, Andreas; Bruchner, Klaus; Schwedler, Klaus; Ottenbacher, Hermann; Keller, Thomas [Daimler AG, Stuttgart (Germany)

2009-07-01

In the past years, the 4-cylinder gasoline engine from Mercedes-Benz (Stuttgart, Federal Republic of Germany) with the internal designation M 271 worked in the best way in the vehicles of the C, E and SLK class. The 4-cylinder engine M 271 evo introduced here represents the consistent advancement for many years of downsizing concepts in series. The emphasis was the conversion of consumption-reducing measures. At the same time also the power ratings and torque values were increased. Substantial properties of change are the conversion of the suction tube channel injection to a homogeneous direct injection procedure as well as the disappearance of the compressor and the substitution by a single-step Wastegate supercharger. The configuration of the basic engine with 1.8 L capacity was maintained. Thus, in opposite to the precursor engine a distinct improvement in the fuel consumption could be achieved in the balance.

The challenges of science journalism: The perspectives of scientists, science communication advisors and journalists from New Zealand.

Science.gov (United States)

Ashwell, Douglas James

2016-04-01

The news media play an important role in informing the public about scientific and technological developments. Some argue that restructuring and downsizing result in journalists coming under increased pressure to produce copy, leading them to use more public relations material to meet their deadlines. This article explores science journalism in the highly commercialised media market of New Zealand. Using semi-structured interviews with scientists, science communication advisors and journalists, the study finds communication advisors and scientists believe most media outlets, excluding public service media, report science poorly. Furthermore, restructuring and staff cuts have placed the journalists interviewed under increasing pressure. While smaller newspapers appear to be printing press releases verbatim, metropolitan newspaper journalists still exercise control over their use of such material. The results suggest these journalists will continue to resist increasing their use of public relations material for some time to come. © The Author(s) 2014.

Turnaround strategies for companies in crisis: Watch out the causes of decline before firing people

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Monica Santana

2017-07-01

Full Text Available When a company goes into crisis, the first and most typical response is the dismissal of people, even before considering the sources of the decline. Although the reduction of costs may seem a quick and reasonable measure in this context, downsizing is not the only possibility, nor the most advisable response when facing decline. In turn, by identifying and understanding the sources of decline in time, a company may want to decide on human resource (HR alternatives to layoffs. This research shows how the HR responses of declining companies should be in line with the sources of the decline. Adopting a configurational perspective, we propose a model of analysis that links sources of decline, turnaround strategy, and HR strategy (HRS and practices. This model identifies four basic HRS for organizations in decline, according to its sources: flexibility-oriented, efficiency-oriented, niche-oriented, and maintenance-oriented HRS.

The impact of non-IPA HMOs on the number of hospitals and hospital capacity.

Science.gov (United States)

Chernew, M

1995-01-01

Concentration in the hospital market could limit the success of health care reform strategies that rely on managed care to constrain costs. Hospital market capacity also is important because capacity affects both costs and the degree of price competition. Because managed care plans, particularly non-individual practice association (non-IPA) model HMOs, practice a less hospital-intensive style of care, consolidation and downsizing in the hospital market potentially will accompany managed care growth, influencing the long-run effectiveness of managed care cost-containment strategies. Using Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) data from 1982 and 1987, a 10-percentage point increase in non-IPA HMO market share is estimated to reduce the number of hospitals by about 4%, causing an approximate 5% reduction in the number of hospital beds. No statistically significant relationship is found between non-IPA HMO penetration rates and hospital occupancy rates.

Technology enabled evolutions in liquids marketing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Manning, S.

1998-01-01

Deregulation, mergers, changing economic conditions, and downsizing have captured the headlines in the energy industry in recent times. To say that companies have struggled to react to these changes would be an understatement. Huge trading organizations have grown from nothing in a few years, while entire industry segments have been forced to restructure themselves. Information technology has enabled much of this change. By bringing information management out of the back office and onto the trading floors, companies have radically redesigned their work processes. The future promises even faster change, with business focus turning to innovative packaging of services with products, expanding asset bases, and reducing costs. Information technology will fuel this transformation by providing enterprise-wide trading solutions and, ultimately, linking the entire industry into a virtual supply chain. To remain competitive, companies need a strategy to manage information technology as a core asset

SPITZER INFRARED LOW-RESOLUTION SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF BURIED ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI IN A COMPLETE SAMPLE OF NEARBY ULTRALUMINOUS INFRARED GALAXIES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Imanishi, Masatoshi; Maiolino, Roberto; Nakagawa, Takao

2010-01-01

We present the results of Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph low-resolution infrared 5-35 μm spectroscopy of 17 nearby ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) at z 12 L sun , are found in eight sources. We combine these results with those of our previous research to investigate the energy function of buried AGNs in a complete sample of optically non-Seyfert ULIRGs in the local universe at z < 0.3 (85 sources). We confirm a trend that we previously discovered: that buried AGNs are more common in galaxies with higher infrared luminosities. Because optical Seyferts also show a similar trend, we argue more generally that the energetic importance of AGNs is intrinsically higher in more luminous galaxies, suggesting that the AGN-starburst connections are luminosity dependent. This may be related to the stronger AGN feedback scenario in currently more massive galaxy systems, as a possible origin of the galaxy downsizing phenomenon.

Dose Estimates from Irrigation with Tritiated Water at the Savannah River Site

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, P.L.

2000-01-01

The Savannah River Site (SRS) is part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex. It was constructed in the early 1950's to produce special nuclear materials (such as plutonium-239 and tritium) used in the production of nuclear weapons. The 310-square-mile site is located in South Carolina, about 15 miles southeast of Augusta, Georgia. The production of nuclear materials at SRS continued for more than 40 years. However, the end of the Cold War caused a downsizing of this original national defense mission. Current missions are focused on: (1) nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship which emphasizes science-based maintenance of the country's nuclear weapons stockpile; (2) nuclear materials stewardship for management of excess nuclear materials, including transportation, stabilization, storage, and safe and secure disposition; and (3) environmental stewardship involving management, treatment, and disposal of radioactive and nonradioactive wastes resulting from past, present, and future operations

Design study of fusion Demo plant at JAERI

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tobita, K.; Nishio, S.; Enoeda, M.

2006-01-01

Three options of fusion Demo plant are proposed characterized by functions of the center solenoid (Cs). The prime option uses a downsized CS, which does not provide sufficient V-s for plasma current ramp-up but supplies enough coil current for plasma shaping. This option produces a fusion output of 3 GW with a major radius of 5.5 m, aspect ratio of 2.6, normalized beta of 4.3 and maximum field of 16.4 T. The estimated reactor weight is lighter than that of other conventional tokamak reactors, suggesting an economic advantage. The plant uses rather conservative technologies such as Nb 3 Al superconductor, water-cooled solid breeder blanket, low activation ferritic steel as the structural material and tungsten monoblock divertor plate. The design philosophy and key issues related to the constituent technologies of the plant are described in the present paper

Energy service contracting in DOD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dahle, D.E.

1993-01-01

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) annually consumes about $3 Billion in energy to operate facilities at military installations worldwide, representing about 80% of utility operating expense for all Federal facilities. Recent legislation and a Presidential Executive Order have directed DOD by Fiscal Year 2000 to reduce facility energy consumption by 20%, from the level of energy used in Fiscal Year 1985. To achieve this goal it is estimated that energy efficiency improvement investments between $2-3 billion would be required. Considering the competition for resources within DOD as it experiences downsizing and restructuring, DOD will need to seek opportunities to tap alternative investment strategies through energy service contracting to leverage Federal resources. Shared Energy Savings and Operations and Maintenance Energy Services contracting activities in the Department of the Navy will be used to address how such acquisition methods can contribute to achieving DOD energy efficiency goals

Mass Functions of the Active Black Holes in Distant Quasars from the Large Bright Quasar Survey, the Bright Quasar Survey, and the Color-Selected Sample of the SDSS Fall Equatorial Stripe

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Vestergaard, Marianne; Osmer, Patrick S.

2009-01-01

We present mass functions of distant actively accreting supermassive black holes residing in luminous quasars discovered in the Large Bright Quasar Survey, the Bright Quasar Survey, and the Fall Equatorial Stripe of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). The quasars cover a wide range of redshifts (0...... functions at similar redshifts based on the SDSS Data Release 3 quasar catalog presented by Vestergaard et al. We see clear evidence of cosmic downsizing in the comoving space density distribution of active black holes in the LBQS sample alone. In forthcoming papers, further analysis, comparison......, and discussion of these mass functions will be made with other existing black hole mass functions, notably that based on the SDSS DR3 quasar catalog. We present the relationships used to estimate the black hole mass based on the MgII emission line; the relations are calibrated to the Hbeta and CIV relations...

Optical wireless link between a nanoscale antenna and a transducing rectenna.

Science.gov (United States)

Dasgupta, Arindam; Mennemanteuil, Marie-Maxime; Buret, Mickaël; Cazier, Nicolas; Colas-des-Francs, Gérard; Bouhelier, Alexandre

2018-05-18

Initiated as a cable-replacement solution, short-range wireless power transfer has rapidly become ubiquitous in the development of modern high-data throughput networking in centimeter to meter accessibility range. Wireless technology is now penetrating a higher level of system integration for chip-to-chip and on-chip radiofrequency interconnects. However, standard CMOS integrated millimeter-wave antennas have typical size commensurable with the operating wavelength, and are thus an unrealistic solution for downsizing transmitters and receivers to the micrometer and nanometer scale. Herein, we demonstrate a light-in and electrical signal-out, on-chip wireless near-infrared link between a 220 nm optical antenna and a sub-nanometer rectifying antenna converting the transmitted optical energy into direct electrical current. The co-integration of subwavelength optical functional devices with electronic transduction offers a disruptive solution to interface photons and electrons at the nanoscale for on-chip wireless optical interconnects.

Development of the method to measure vibrational stress of small-bore piping with contactless displacement sensor. Accuracy confirmation by vibrational experiment using branch pipe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsuji, Takashi; Maekawa, Akira; Takahashi, Tsuneo

2013-01-01

In nuclear power plants, vibrational stress of piping is measured to prevent its fatigue failures. Easier handling and more efficient performance is desirable for the measurement of vibrational stress. The authors have proposed a method to measure vibrational stress using optical contactless displacement sensors, and have developed a device based on the method. In addition, they downsized the device and improved the method to allow its use for measurements even in narrow spaces in the plants. In this study, vibrational experiment using branch pipes and the device was conducted to confirm the measurement accuracy of the improved method. It was found that the improved method have sufficient accuracy for screening to evaluate the vibrational stress. It was also found that this measurement method was thought to be susceptible to the vibration of main pipe. So a technique was proposed to improve the accuracy of the measurement in this paper. (author)

[A case of sigmoid colon cancer invading urinary bladder treated with preoperative mFOLFOX6 and urinary bladder conserving surgery].

Science.gov (United States)

Nishino, Takeshi; Katayama, Kazuhisa; Takahashi, Yuji; Tanaka, Takashi

2012-02-01

A 69-year-old man visited our hospital because of melena and anemia. Colonoscopy revealed a type 3 tumor at sigmoid colon, and by abdominal CT, we detected a sigmoid colon cancer invading the urinary bladder with a single liver metastasis. The patient required sigmoidectomy with partial hepatectomy and total urinary bladder resection. Preoperative chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 was initiated as a part of multidisciplinary therapy. After the 6th course was completed, CT revealed a reduction in the primary tumor's size and the disappearance of liver metastasis. After the 8th course was completed, we performed urinary bladder conserving sigmoidectomy. The pathological diagnosis of the surgical specimen was tub1, pSS, ly0, v0, pN0, and pStage II. Down-sizing chemotherapy might improve the quality of life(QOL)of colon cancer patients with extensive invasion of the urinary bladder.

Mitigating Physiological Responses to Layoff Threat: An Experimental Test of the Efficacy of Two Coping Interventions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tahira M. Probst

2016-03-01

Full Text Available The purpose of the current study was to assess real-time physiological reactions to the threat of layoffs and to determine whether the use of an emotion-focused vs. problem-focused coping intervention would be more efficacious in attenuating these physiological reactions. A 2 (coping intervention × 4 (within-subjects time points mixed experimental design was used to test the hypotheses. Eighty-four undergraduates participated in this laboratory experiment during which their galvanic skin response (GSR and heart rate (HR were continuously monitored. Analyses indicate that individuals instructed to utilize an emotion-focused coping strategy experienced a significantly greater decline in their GSR compared to those utilizing the problem-focused coping method. Results suggest organizations conducting layoffs might focus first on dealing with the emotional aftermath of downsizing before focusing on problem-solving tasks, such as resume writing and other traditional outplacement activities.

Analysis of an Increase in the Efficiency of a Spark Ignition Engine Through the Application of an Automotive Thermoelectric Generator

Science.gov (United States)

Merkisz, Jerzy; Fuc, Pawel; Lijewski, Piotr; Ziolkowski, Andrzej; Galant, Marta; Siedlecki, Maciej

2016-08-01

We have analyzed the increase of the overall efficiency of a spark ignition engine through energy recovery following the application of an automotive thermoelectric generator (ATEG) of our own design. The design of the generator was developed following emission investigations during vehicle driving under city traffic conditions. The measurement points were defined by actual operation conditions (engine speed and load), subsequently reproduced on an engine dynamometer. Both the vehicle used in the on-road tests and the engine dynamometer were fit with the same, downsized spark ignition engine (with high effective power-to-displacement ratio). The thermodynamic parameters of the exhaust gases (temperature and exhaust gas mass flow) were measured on the engine testbed, along with the fuel consumption and electric current generated by the thermoelectric modules. On this basis, the power of the ATEG and its impact on overall engine efficiency were determined.

Study on the Decision-Making Process in Selecting Rail Infrastructure Managers

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dăneci-Pătrau Daniel

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The current economic context led to a significant decline in job vacancies in parallel with the downsizing numerous organizations were forced to make. Some of them ceased the hiring process as in the case of the national company CFR SA, while those with available positions focus on multiple skills and abilities and expertise exhibited in certain fields. In the context of the research concluded by the author, the identified issue circled around the decision to select the most suitable manager possessing the necessary qualities to participate in a scientific activity within the railway sector. To deliver a scientifically based solution also objectively determined, we built a specific multicriterial tree pattern with utility functions for the professional performances assessment and used the DEXi expert system in view of reaching the optimum version and making the selection decision. This method is our own contribution for the assessment of managers' professional.

Life cycle cost analysis changes mixed waste treatment program at the Savannah River Site

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pickett, J.B.; England, J.L.; Martin, H.L.

1992-01-01

A direct result of the reduced need for weapons production has been a re-evaluation of the treatment projects for mixed (hazardous/radioactive) wastes generated from metal finishing and plating operations and from a mixed waste incinerator at the Savannah River Site (SRS). A Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis was conducted for two waste treatment projects to determine the most cost effective approach in response to SRS mission changes. A key parameter included in the LCC analysis was the cost of the disposal vaults required for the final stabilized wasteform(s) . The analysis indicated that volume reduction of the final stabilized wasteform(s) can provide significant cost savings. The LCC analysis demonstrated that one SRS project could be eliminated, and a second project could be totally ''rescoped and downsized.'' The changes resulted in an estimated Life Cycle Cost saving (over a 20 year period) of $270,000,000

A DEA-TOPSIS approach for ranking credit institutions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammad Ehsani

2014-09-01

Full Text Available Measuring the relative efficiency of financial units plays essential role for making strategic decisions such as business development, downsizing, etc. This paper presents an empirical investigation to rank different branches of a credit institution named Samen in city of Semnan, Iran. The proposed study uses data envelopment analysis (DEA for measuring the relative efficiency of 17 units. The results indicate that five units were efficient and using Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS, the efficient units are ranked based on some inputs/outputs. The results of this study indicate that most branches of this financial unit performed poorly and a restructure in their businesses is necessary. In addition, the study has provided some evidences that considering employee wage, bank deposit and administration expenses as inputs for DEA implementation seems to provide better results than using total assets and equities.

Cosmological evolution of supermassive black holes in galactic centers unveiled by hard X-ray observations.

Science.gov (United States)

Ueda, Yoshihiro

2015-01-01

We review the current understanding of the cosmological evolution of supermassive black holes in galactic centers elucidated by X-ray surveys of active galactic nuclei (AGNs). Hard X-ray observations at energies above 2 keV are the most efficient and complete tools to find "obscured" AGNs, which are dominant populations among all AGNs. Combinations of surveys with various flux limits and survey area have enabled us to determine the space number density and obscuration properties of AGNs as a function of luminosity and redshift. The results have essentially solved the origin of the X-ray background in the energy band below ∼10 keV. The downsizing (or anti-hierarchical) evolution that more luminous AGNs have the space-density peak at higher redshifts has been discovered, challenging theories of galaxy and black hole formation. Finally, we summarize unresolved issues on AGN evolution and prospects for future X-ray missions.

Analysis of the magnetic properties nanoscale barium hexaferrite (BHF) prepared by milling and ultrasonic method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Novizal; Edie, Sasito; Manawan, Mykel T.E.

2016-01-01

Barium hexaferrite (BHF) is well established material which widely used respectively as permanent magnets. In this research, we report our recent investigation on magnetic properties analysis of barium hexaferrite (BHF) compounds with a ratio of Fe/Ba: 11 prepared by a mechanical alloying process and high power ultrasonic destruction to promote the soft magnetic properties. The investigation carried out by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) shows the grain size between 500-1500 nm, it indicates that each grain is composed of several crystallites or polycrystalline. By mean of X-ray diff raction revealed the phase composition and the mean crystallite size <70 nm. The Characterization of the magnetic properties of the effects of downsizing the particle size of ∼ 200 nm to ∼ 50 nm by the ultasonik method provide saturation value of 0.35 T, remanent 0.24 T and the coercivity is 115 kA / m. (paper)

Straightforward Downsizing of Inclusions in NiTi Alloys: A New Generation of SMA Wires with Outstanding Fatigue Life

Science.gov (United States)

Coda, Alberto; Cadelli, Andrea; Zanella, Matteo; Fumagalli, Luca

2018-03-01

One of most debated aspects around Nitinol quality is microcleanliness, nowadays considered as the main factor affecting fatigue life. Recent results demonstrate that fatigue is undoubtedly associated with inclusions which can act as crack initiators. However, type, size, and distribution of such particles have been observed to strongly depend on Ni/Ti ratio as well as melting and thermo-mechanical processes. Therefore, if a general reduction of non-metallic inclusions is expected to generate a beneficial effect in improving lifetime of Nitinol, on the other hand this necessarily involves a hard review of both material melting and processing. In this work, the characterization of the fatigue behavior of SMA wires with diameter below 100 µm is presented. The wires were prepared by a peculiar, non-standard combination of melting and thermo-mechanical processes (Clean Melt technology). Thermo-mechanical cycling was carried out and the fracture surfaces of all failed wires were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. A robust set of data was collected and analyzed by using the statistics of extremes. Results clearly demonstrate that in the new NiTi Clean Melt alloy the maximum inclusion size and area fraction are significantly reduced compared to standard Nitinol. This offers meaningful improvement in fatigue resistance over standard wires.

Staggered work shifts : a way to downsize and restructure an emergency department workforce yet maintain current operational performance

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Jabali, O.; Sinreich, D.

2007-01-01

Starting from the last decade of the twentieth century, most hospital Emergency Department (ED) budgets did not keep up with the demand for ED services made by growing populations and aging societies. Since labor consumes over 50% of the total monies invested in EDs and other healthcare systems, any

Workforce Downsizing and Restructuring in the Department of Defense: The Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment Program Versus Involuntary Separation

Science.gov (United States)

2016-01-01

percentage of the pay bill for the force, consistent with OPM’s actuarial practice. This gives an amount—an accrual charge—sufficient to cover the...assigns to the FERS basic plan to reflect the actuarial liability included in govern- ment financial statements for FERS. For fiscal year 2015, OPM...bachelor of science degree BLS U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics CBO Congressional Budget Office CPI-U Consumer Price Index for All

Efficiency disparities among community hospitals in Tennessee: do size, location, ownership, and network matter?

Science.gov (United States)

Roh, Chul-Young; Moon, M Jae; Jung, Kwangho

2013-11-01

This study examined the impact of ownership, size, location, and network on the relative technical efficiency of community hospitals in Tennessee for the 2002-2006 period, by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure technical efficiency (decomposed into scale efficiency and pure technical efficiency). Data envelopment analysis results indicate that medium-size hospitals (126-250 beds) are more efficient than their counterparts. Interestingly, public hospitals are significantly more efficient than private and nonprofit hospitals in Tennessee, and rural hospitals are more efficient than urban hospitals. This is the first study to investigate whether hospital networks with other health care providers affect hospital efficiency. Results indicate that community hospitals with networks are more efficient than non-network hospitals. From a management and policy perspective, this study suggests that public policies should induce hospitals to downsize or upsize into optional size, and private hospitals and nonprofit hospitals should change their organizational objectives from profit-driven to quality-driven.

Exponential Sensitivity and its Cost in Quantum Physics.

Science.gov (United States)

Gilyén, András; Kiss, Tamás; Jex, Igor

2016-02-10

State selective protocols, like entanglement purification, lead to an essentially non-linear quantum evolution, unusual in naturally occurring quantum processes. Sensitivity to initial states in quantum systems, stemming from such non-linear dynamics, is a promising perspective for applications. Here we demonstrate that chaotic behaviour is a rather generic feature in state selective protocols: exponential sensitivity can exist for all initial states in an experimentally realisable optical scheme. Moreover, any complex rational polynomial map, including the example of the Mandelbrot set, can be directly realised. In state selective protocols, one needs an ensemble of initial states, the size of which decreases with each iteration. We prove that exponential sensitivity to initial states in any quantum system has to be related to downsizing the initial ensemble also exponentially. Our results show that magnifying initial differences of quantum states (a Schrödinger microscope) is possible; however, there is a strict bound on the number of copies needed.

Exterior Insulation Implications for Heating and Cooling Systems in Cold Climates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Herk, Anastasia [IBACOS Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States); Poerschke, Andrew [IBACOS Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)

2015-04-09

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is interested in finding cost-effective solutions for deep energy retrofits (DERs) related to exterior wall insulation in a cold climate, with targets of 50% peak load reduction and 50% space conditioning energy savings. The U.S. Department of Energy Building America team, IBACOS, in collaboration with GreenHomes America, Inc. (GHA), was contracted by NYSERDA to research exterior wall insulation solutions. In addition to exterior wall insulation, the strategies included energy upgrades where needed in the attic, mechanical and ventilation systems, basement, band joist, walls, and floors. Under Building America, IBACOS is studying the impact of a “thermal enclosure” DER on the sizing of the space conditioning system and the occupant comfort if the thermal capacity of the heating and cooling system is dramatically downsized without any change in the existing heating and cooling distribution system (e.g., size, tightness and supply outlet configurations).

Exterior Insulation Implications for Heating and Cooling Systems in Cold Climates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Herk, Anastasia; Poerschke, Andrew

2015-04-01

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is interested in finding cost-effective solutions for deep energy retrofits (DERs) related to exterior wall insulation in a cold climate, with targets of 50% peak load reduction and 50% space conditioning energy savings. The U.S. Department of Energy Building America team, IBACOS, in collaboration with GreenHomes America, Inc. (GHA), was contracted by NYSERDA to research exterior wall insulation solutions. In addition to exterior wall insulation, the strategies included energy upgrades where needed in the attic, mechanical and ventilation systems, basement, band joist, walls, and floors. Under Building America, IBACOS is studying the impact of a “thermal enclosure” DER on the sizing of the space conditioning system and the occupant comfort if the thermal capacity of the heating and cooling system is dramatically downsized without any change in the existing heating and cooling distribution system (e.g., size, tightness and supply outlet configurations).

Maintenance culture and management of change - Intermediate report 2004

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reiman, T.; Oedewald, P.; Kettunen, J.; Rollenhagen, C.; Kahlbom, U.

2005-04-01

Change management has emerged as an important topic in safety-critical organisations. A lot of knowledge on change management exists, but still lot of projects fail and the safety consequences of various changes are unclear. It seems that the problems of change management are interdisciplinary, but still solutions tend to only from one perspective (e.g. technical or personnel management). There also exists empirical evidence that change has been experienced as stressful in the nuclear power plants. The cultural perspective taken in this paper strives to combine technical approaches to human resources approaches. It raises new questions that are not usually explicitly taken into account in change management. Financial pressures, change of generation and other changes in the environment have forced many organisations to reorganise their practices (e.g. downsize, outsource, and develop team-based organisations). These changes have had an impact on the culture of the organisation (and the organisational culture has mediated these changes in the first phase). (au)

Continuous epitaxial growth of extremely strong Cu6Sn5 textures at liquid-Sn/(111)Cu interface under temperature gradient

Science.gov (United States)

Zhong, Y.; Zhao, N.; Liu, C. Y.; Dong, W.; Qiao, Y. Y.; Wang, Y. P.; Ma, H. T.

2017-11-01

As the diameter of solder interconnects in three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs) downsizes to several microns, how to achieve a uniform microstructure with thousands of interconnects on stacking chips becomes a critical issue in 3D IC manufacturing. We report a promising way for fabricating fully intermetallic interconnects with a regular grain morphology and a strong texture feature by soldering single crystal (111) Cu/Sn/polycrystalline Cu interconnects under the temperature gradient. Continuous epitaxial growth of η-Cu6Sn5 at cold end liquid-Sn/(111)Cu interfaces has been demonstrated. The resultant η-Cu6Sn5 grains show faceted prism textures with an intersecting angle of 60° and highly preferred orientation with their ⟨ 11 2 ¯ 0 ⟩ directions nearly paralleling to the direction of the temperature gradient. These desirable textures are maintained even after soldering for 120 min. The results pave the way for controlling the morphology and orientation of interfacial intermetallics in 3D packaging technologies.

Modeling fabrication of nuclear components: An integrative approach

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hench, K.W.

1996-08-01

Reduction of the nuclear weapons stockpile and the general downsizing of the nuclear weapons complex has presented challenges for Los Alamos. One is to design an optimized fabrication facility to manufacture nuclear weapon primary components in an environment of intense regulation and shrinking budgets. This dissertation presents an integrative two-stage approach to modeling the casting operation for fabrication of nuclear weapon primary components. The first stage optimizes personnel radiation exposure for the casting operation layout by modeling the operation as a facility layout problem formulated as a quadratic assignment problem. The solution procedure uses an evolutionary heuristic technique. The best solutions to the layout problem are used as input to the second stage - a simulation model that assesses the impact of competing layouts on operational performance. The focus of the simulation model is to determine the layout that minimizes personnel radiation exposures and nuclear material movement, and maximizes the utilization of capacity for finished units.

The Kresna earthquake of 1904 in Bulgaria

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. N. Ambraseys

2001-06-01

Full Text Available The Kresna earthquake in 1904 in Bulgaria is one of the largest shallow 20th century events on land in the Balkans. This event, which was preceded by a large foreshock, has hitherto been assigned a range of magnitudes up to M S = 7.8 but the reappraisal of instrumental data yields a much smaller value of M S = 7.2 and a re-assement of the intensity distribution suggests 7.1. Thus both instrumental and macroseismic data appear consistent with a magnitude which is also compatible with the fault segmentation and local morphology of the region which cannot accommodate shallow events much larger than about 7.0. The relatively large size of the main shock suggests surface faulting but the available field evidence is insufficient to establish the dimensions, attitude andamount of dislocation, except perhaps in the vicinity of Krupnik. This downsizing of the Kresna earthquake has important consequences for tectonics and earthquake hazard estimates in the Balkans.

Challenges of executing heavy oil projects in today's market

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brunka, G.

2001-01-01

Alberta's industrial project scene from 1981 to 2000 was presented in this power point presentation with particular focus on proposed bitumen recovery projects and heavy oil project challenges. A graph depicting GTG world orders by region (Americas, Asia and Europe) showed that U.S. market continues to drive global growth. Major industrial projects in Alberta were highlighted and employment requirements by sector were outlined. In addition, mitigation measures that are needed to successfully deal with the unique challenges of today's market were described. It was noted that in recent years lower capital expenditure by the industry in general has resulted in corporate downsizing or mergers which in turn have resulted in lower technical and operational knowledge. Some of the current challenges facing the industry are new demands for water treatment expertise and an aging workforce. It was concluded that effective mitigation will require a disciplined approach within a flexible framework.1 tab., 7 figs

Organizational restructuring, government control and loss of legitimacy following an organizational crisis: the case of Israel's nonprofit human services.

Science.gov (United States)

Mano, Rita; Rosenberg, Dennis

2014-01-01

The study explores organizational restructuring following the occurrence of a crisis. Restructuring activities following an intervention are considered here to be indicators of an organization's loss of legitimacy because they have lost their independent status, a basic characteristic of nonprofit human settings. The study shows that according to the Resource Based View of organization restructuring--experienced as downsizing, neglecting and abandoning of projects--organizations are affected by (a) government intervention in decision making; (b) higher demands for accountability; and (c) higher evaluations of performance gaps. On the basis of the study of a sample of 138 Nonprofit Human Services in Israel, the results show that the higher the level of restructuring, the higher the level of legitimacy. However, organization location in metropolitan areas moderates the link between restructuring and legitimacy loss. We conclude that Israel's nonprofit human services being overly dependent on goverhment funding are more prone to restructuring and losing legitimacy following organizational crisis.

Medicaid managed care for mental health services: the survival of safety net institutions in rural settings.

Science.gov (United States)

Willging, Cathleen E; Waitzkin, Howard; Nicdao, Ethel

2008-09-01

Few accounts document the rural context of mental health safety net institutions (SNIs), especially as they respond to changing public policies. Embedded in wider processes of welfare state restructuring, privatization has transformed state Medicaid systems nationwide. We carried out an ethnographic study in two rural, culturally distinct regions of New Mexico to assess the effects of Medicaid managed care (MMC) and the implications for future reform. After 160 interviews and participant observation at SNIs, we analyzed data through iterative coding procedures. SNIs responded to MMC by nonparticipation, partnering, downsizing, and tapping into alternative funding sources. Numerous barriers impaired access under MMC: service fragmentation, transportation, lack of cultural and linguistic competency, Medicaid enrollment, stigma, and immigration status. By privatizing Medicaid and contracting with for-profit managed care organizations, the state placed additional responsibilities on "disciplined" providers and clients. Managed care models might compromise the rural mental health safety net unless the serious gaps and limitations are addressed in existing services and funding.

Restoration of nuclear-import failure caused by triple A syndrome and oxidative stress

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kiriyama, Takao; Hirano, Makito; Asai, Hirohide; Ikeda, Masanori; Furiya, Yoshiko; Ueno, Satoshi

2008-01-01

Triple A syndrome is an autosomal recessive neurological disease, mimicking motor neuron disease, and is caused by mutant ALADIN, a nuclear-pore complex component. We recently discovered that the pathogenesis involved impaired nuclear import of DNA repair proteins, including DNA ligase I and the cerebellar ataxia causative protein aprataxin. Such impairment was overcome by fusing classical nuclear localization signal (NLS) and 137-aa downstream sequence of XRCC1, designated stretched NLS (stNLS). We report here that the minimum essential sequence of stNLS (mstNLS) is residues 239-276, downsized by more than 100 aa. mstNLS enabled efficient nuclear import of DNA repair proteins in patient fibroblasts, functioned under oxidative stress, and reduced oxidative-stress-induced cell death, more effectively than stNLS. The stress-tolerability of mstNLS was also exerted in control fibroblasts and neuroblastoma cells. These findings may help develop treatments for currently intractable triple A syndrome and other oxidative-stress-related neurological diseases, and contribute to nuclear compartmentalization study

Project Management Framework to Organizational Transitions

Science.gov (United States)

Kotnour, Tim; Barton, Saul

1996-01-01

This paper describes a project management framework and associated models for organizational transitions. The framework contains an integrated set of steps an organization can take to lead an organizational transition such as downsizing and change in mission or role. The framework is designed to help an organization do the right work the right way with the right people at the right time. The underlying rationale for the steps in the framework is based on a set of findings which include: defining a transition as containing both near-term and long-term actions, designing actions which respond to drivers and achieve desired results, aligning the organization with the external environment, and aligning the internal components of the organization. The framework was developed based on best practices found in the literature, lessons learned from heads of organizations who have completed large-scale organizational changes, and concerns from employees at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The framework is described using KSC.

A novel use of LIMS for surveillance activities at the Savannah River Site

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rogier, W.J.

2000-01-01

The current mission of the Savannah River Site is focused primarily on cleanup and disposal of waste associated with more than 40 years of nuclear material production. However, SRS continues to provide tritium processing for the Department of Energy. Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen gas, is used to boost the explosive power of nuclear weapons. The tritium container, processed by SRS, is known as a reservoir. Part of the SRS tritium mission is to assure the safety and reliability of tritium reservoirs by conducting a series of thorough surveillance tests on a sampling of fielded reservoirs. Data from these tests have historically been stored in a database archive and reporting system known as QUADSTAR. This system was developed at the Mound Facility in the mid-1980s when Mound performed the reservoir surveillance mission for DOE. The surveillance mission and the QUADSTAR database were transferred to SRS during the downsizing of the Nuclear Weapon Complex in the mid-1990s

Remote handling in the Plutonium Immobilization Project: Puck handling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brault, J.R.

2000-01-01

Since the break up of the Soviet Union at the end of the Cold War, the US and Russia have been negotiating ways to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. Economics is one of the reasons behind this, but another important reason is safeguarding these materials from unstable organizations and countries. With the downsizing of the nuclear stockpiles, large quantities of plutonium are being declared excess and must be safely disposed of. The Savannah River Site (SRS) has been selected as the site where the immobilization facility will be located. Conceptual design and process development commenced in 1998. SRS will immobilize excess plutonium in a ceramic waste form and encapsulate it in vitrified high level waste in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) canister. These canisters will then be interred in the national repository at Yucca Mountain, New Mexico. The facility is divided into three distinct operating areas: Plutonium Conversion, First Stage Immobilization, and Second Stage Immobilization. This paper will discuss the first two operations

An Exploratory Study on Implementation of Lean Manufacturing Practices(With Special Reference to Automobile Sector Industry(Yalın İmalat Faaliyetine Yönelik Bir Uygulama (Otomobil Endüstrisi Örneği

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Er. Rajesh Kumar MEHTA

2012-01-01

Full Text Available At present scenario, Lean Manufacturing has become a world wide phenomenon. It is quite successful in drawing the attention of companies of all sizes. A large number of organizations are following Lean technologies and experiencing vast improvements in quality, production, customer service, and profitability. Lean Manufacturing is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste through continuous improvement. The manufacturing industry in India must also look to leverage its advantages, its large domestic market, good conditions in terms of raw materials and skilled labour, and the quality focus. In India at the state level, there are few companies that are implementing Lean manufacturing techniques. In Dewas city, the industrial town of Madhya Pradesh, some of the automobile companies are vigorously following the Lean manufacturing techniques to eliminate waste and downsize the cost. Hence, all these factors prompted the researchers to analyze and study the implication of Lean Manufacturing Practices in Automobile Industries.

Rightsizing LISA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stebbins, R T

2009-01-01

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) science requirements and conceptual design have been fairly stable for over a decade. In the interest of reducing costs, the LISA Project at NASA has looked for simplifications of the architecture, at downsizing of subsystems and at descopes of the entire mission. This is a natural activity of the formulation phase and one that is particularly timely in the current NASA budgetary context. There is, and will continue to be, enormous pressure for cost reduction from both ESA and NASA, reviewers and the broader research community. Here, the rationale for the baseline architecture is reviewed, and recent efforts to find simplifications and other reductions that might lead to savings are reported. A few possible simplifications have been found in the LISA baseline architecture. In the interest of exploring cost sensitivity, one moderate and one aggressive descope have been evaluated; the cost savings are modest and the loss of science is not.

Remote handling in the Plutonium Immobilization Project: Plutonium conversion and first stage immobilization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brault, J.R.

2000-01-01

Since the break up of the Soviet Union at the end of the Cold War, the United States and Russia have been negotiating ways to reduce their nuclear stockpiles. Economics is one of the reasons behind this, but another important reason is safeguarding these materials from unstable organizations and countries. With the downsizing of the nuclear stockpiles, large quantities of plutonium are being declared excess and must be safely disposed of. The Savannah River Site (SRS) has been selected as the site where the immobilization facility will be located. Conceptual design and process development commenced in 1998. SRS will immobilize excess plutonium in a ceramic waste form and encapsulate it in vitrified high level waste in the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) canister. These canisters will then be interred in the national repository at Yucca Mountain, New Mexico. The facility is divided into three distinct operating areas: Plutonium Conversion, First Stage Immobilization, and Second Stage Immobilization. This paper will discuss the first two operations

Y-12 Development Organization technical progress report: Part 3 -- Metal processing, period ending March 1, 1994

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Northcutt, W.G. Jr.

1994-01-01

As part of the effort to downsize its uranium processing facilities, the Y-12 Plant has supported an investigation to identify extraction solvents that would both work efficiently in centrifugal contactors and be disposed of easily. Various organic ethers, hydroxy ethers, ether ketones, acids, amides, and diketones were studied for their ability to extract uranyl nitrate from aqueous solutions. Although many of these solvents were obtained commercially, others had to be synthesized in-house. The authors found a large range of extraction coefficients for these solvents. Because of steric hindrance or some other factor, certain ethers performed poorly. On the other hand, various mono- and diethers of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol exhibited excellent extraction and stripping coefficients for uranyl nitrate, justifying purchase of a pilot plant batch of one of this family of solvents. Likewise, the authors determined the extraction coefficient for one of the two amides synthesized in-house to be quite high

Evaluation of Cloud Computing Hidden Benefits by Using Real Options Analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pavel Náplava

2016-12-01

Full Text Available Cloud computing technologies have brought new attributes to the IT world. One of them is a flexibility of IT resources. It enables effectively both to downsize and upsize the capacity of IT resources in real time. Requirements for IT size change defines business strategy and actual market state. IT costs are not stable but dynamic in this case. Standard investment valuation methods (both static and dynamic are not able to include the flexibility attribute to the evaluation of IT projects. This article describes the application of the Real Options Analysis method for the valuation of the cloud computing flexibility. The method compares costs of the on-premise and cloud computing solutions by combining put and call option valuation. Cloud computing providers can use the method as an advanced tool that explains hidden benefits of cloud computing. Unexperienced cloud computing customers can simulate the market behavior and better plan necessary IT investments.

Managing preventive occupational health and safety activities in Danish enterprises during a period of financial crisis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andersen, Hans H. K.; Bach, Elsa

2017-01-01

The onset of the financial crisis in 2008 has put pressure on enterprises that in turn have downsized and reorganized. Research has shown that economic recession has an effect on psychological and behavioral health that is attributed to working environment problems. The objective of this study is...... focus on the management of preventive workplace health and safety activities in enterprises during a period of economic recession....... is to unravel whether the onset of a general economic recession has had an impact on companies’ and public institutions’ preventive occupational health and safety activities. Hypotheses of the role of pro-cyclical and countercyclical effects are presented. This study is based on a survey of enterprise...... preventive occupational health safety activities. The baseline for the survey was established, in 2006 before the onset of the recession, with a follow up in 2011. Findings are discussed that support both the pro-cyclical and the countercyclical hypotheses. It is concluded that there is a need for a special...

Particulate emission abatement for Krakow boiler houses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wysk, S.R.; Surowka, J.

1995-01-01

Environmental clean-up and pollution control are considered top priorities in Poland. The magnitude of environmental problems and public awareness of it has forced the Polish government to implement more aggressive regulatory controls. The extent of this condition has in fact prompted the government to designate pollution control a a top priority for foreign investment. During the past five years, Poland has also made significant progress in reorienting its central-planned economy to one based on open market principals. Efforts to decentralize has led to the privatization of many government-owned businesses with a concomitant shift in buying decisions to privately-owned enterprises. This movement toward privatizing the economy along with cleaning and protecting the environment has created numerous business opportunities for both Polish and foreign companies. As a result, there has been a drastic downsizing of large formerly state-owned companies. And, new startups and small businesses have become the main hope in reviving the Polish economy

Earth's nuclear future: what difference does ethics make?

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maxey, M.N.

1998-01-01

The deliberate exclusion of the nuclear option from the official Protocol issued at the Kyoto conference on global warming demands a credible explanation. A fundamental conflict in visions between Green Crusaders versus Wealth Creators is one explanation. But it may also be explained by a political agenda for Global Governance requiring strategies for substituting global environmental pollution as an alternative to a war system with the ultimate goal of supranational control over divergent sources of geopolitical power. Although the more palatable rhetoric of 'sustainable development' has replaced 'limits to growth' slogans of the 1970s, this shift only masks the intransigent anti-natalist objective of downsizing the human population to fit a mythical 'carrying capacity' for planet earth. Crisis entrepreneurs have short-circuited public understanding of how energy resources are being held hostage by an unelected, elitist, unrepresentative global bureaucracy. Nuclear energy advocates must adopt an aggressive strategy that can decisively counteract decades of regulatory ratcheting driven by bureaucratic vested interests. (author)

Assessing the Battery Cost at Which Plug-In Hybrid Medium-Duty Parcel Delivery Vehicles Become Cost-Effective

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ramroth, L. A.; Gonder, J. D.; Brooker, A. D.

2013-04-01

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) validated diesel-conventional and diesel-hybrid medium-duty parcel delivery vehicle models to evaluate petroleum reductions and cost implications of hybrid and plug-in hybrid diesel variants. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are run on a field data-derived design matrix to analyze the effect of drive cycle, distance, engine downsizing, battery replacements, and battery energy on fuel consumption and lifetime cost. For an array of diesel fuel costs, the battery cost per kilowatt-hour at which the hybridized configuration becomes cost-effective is calculated. This builds on a previous analysis that found the fuel savings from medium duty plug-in hybrids more than offset the vehicles' incremental price under future battery and fuel cost projections, but that they seldom did so under present day cost assumptions in the absence of purchase incentives. The results also highlight the importance of understanding the application's drive cycle specific daily distance and kinetic intensity.

Submillimeter Stacking in Overdense Environments at z>2: Exploring Galaxies’ ISM Content in the COSMOS Field

Science.gov (United States)

Seifert, Richard; Hung, Chao-Ling; Casey, Caitlin M.; Chiang, Yi-Kuan

2018-01-01

A galaxy’s evolution is affected by its environment. Today, we see quiescent elliptical galaxies preferentially in the high-density environments of galaxy clusters, while star-forming galaxies are found only in lower density environments. However, this trend is less clear at z > 2, with some works arguing for a possible reversal of star formation with environmental density. While star formation is quenched in the cores of today's galaxy clusters, their progenitors likely had ongoing star formation in line with cosmic downsizing. In order to better understand when and how the cores of galaxy protoclusters formed their stars, We search for a dependence between environment and gas content in galaxy protoclusters at z > 2. To do this, we utilize the 2deg^2 COSMOS survey and SCUBA2 850 micron maps of the COSMOS field to trace galaxy gas content and environment. We conduct a stacking analysis with the code SIMSTACK to aide in our search for a relationship between environment and gas content.

CFD analysis of heat transfer performance of graphene based hybrid nanofluid in radiators

Science.gov (United States)

Bharadwaj, Bharath R.; Sanketh Mogeraya, K.; Manjunath, D. M.; Rao Ponangi, Babu; Rajendra Prasad, K. S.; Krishna, V.

2018-04-01

For Improved performance of an automobile engine, Cooling systems are one of the critical systems that need attention. With increased capacity to carry away large amounts of wasted heat, performance of an engine is increased. Current research on Nano-fluids suggests that they offer higher heat transfer rate compared to that of conventional coolants. Hence this project seeks to investigate the use of hybrid-nanofluids in radiators so as to increase its heat transfer performance. Carboxyl Graphene and Graphene Oxide based nanoparticles were selected due to the very high thermal conductivity of Graphene. System Analysis of the radiator was performed by considering a small part of the whole automobile radiator modelled using SEIMENS NX. CFD analysis was conducted using ANSYS FLUENT® for the nanofluid defined and the increase in effectiveness was compared to that of conventional coolants. Usage of such nanofluids for a fixed cooling requirement in the future can lead to significant downsizing of the radiator.

[Modularization by the open standard. (I)].

Science.gov (United States)

Hirano, H

2000-10-01

We are proceeding with the project called "Open LA21 Project" in the course of the clinical laboratory automation toward the 21st century. With the modular system that realizes integration, downsizing, a reasonable price, and is the future course in the clinical testing automation system as well, we aim to establish common standards among manufacturers as the only way to create user friendly market environments where the proper competition exists among the manufacturers. The common standards which are in preparation by the participating companies as "Open module system standards" are the standards which are going to be made public. They are intended to guarantee connection, compatibility of the products in conformity with the standards. In this project, we intend to realize the modular system that integrates each field, such as chemistry, hematology, coagulation/fibrinolysis, immunology, urinalysis in an early stage, and contribute positively to restructuring and upgrading the "raison d'etre" of the 21st century clinical testing.

Satisfaction with early retirement: making choices in the auto industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Hardy, M A; Quadagno, J

1995-07-01

In recent decades, the expanded availability of early retirement incentive plans has allowed an increasing number of workers to retire at an age younger than normally allowed by their pension plans. On the surface, these retirement incentives appear to offer older workers more flexibility in deciding when to retire. However, the offer of early retirement incentives frequently occurs when employers are attempting to reduce employment; therefore, the opportunity for early retirement may be counterbalanced by downsizing goals that place older workers' continued employment in jeopardy. Early retirement incentive programs are thereby characterized by an unusual combination of inducement and coercion. In this study, we examined how the structure of the early retirement program shapes the way older male auto workers evaluate their retirement transitions. We conclude that the structure of the early retirement program, the timing of the retirement decision, and job security are important in framing the retirement transition and in distinguishing levels of satisfaction with the retirement experience.

Review of 5kW wave energy LOPF buoy design study and test

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Margheritini, Lucia

The purpose of this project was to document the mechanical power production against a target power curve of a 5kW grid connected wave energy buoy in Nissum Bredning at Helligsø. This test site is typically used for open sea testing of scale 1:10 devices in irregular waves. In order to better adapt...... to the moderate wave height, the buoy was down sized by a factor of 3 and a new lower target power curve for the buoy was agreed to. Downsizing the project also had the advantage that it is more cost effective and fast to experiment with small wave energy devices than with big devices, at an early development...... stage, in line with the TRL and four phases development (proof of concept, design and feasibility study, field trials and half or full‐scale trials) promoted by AAU and supported by the marine renewable energy sector. To complement this, the IEC 114 standards define 3 stages of testing (1=small scale...

Teenagers as a Moving Target: How Can Teenagers Be Encouraged to Accept Treatment?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jean-Michel Cardot

2012-12-01

Full Text Available Pediatric patients exhibit their own needs and problems and are now considered as a real patient group in which downsizing the adult formulation is not the best choice and may result in problems. Adolescence (between 12 and 18 years is a transitional period of life from puberty to adulthood and, in this pediatric subgroup population, complex problems are observed in compliance with chronic treatments. Heterogeneity exists in this group which follows very different and sometimes short trends and tendencies and where illness can be a problem leading to stigmatization. Influence of social environment as well as friends is complex in this period of life. Teenagers have to take care of themselves and be part of the treatment including all the features of the social code of this group. Particular attention has to be paid to formulation and packaging in order to increase compliance and to suit the specific needs of this pediatric subgroup. Some examples are given for different drug forms.

Hybrid Vehicle Technologies and their potential for reducing oil use

Science.gov (United States)

German, John

2006-04-01

Vehicles with hybrid gasoline-electric powertrains are starting to gain market share. Current hybrid vehicles add an electric motor, battery pack, and power electronics to the conventional powertrain. A variety of engine/motor configurations are possible, each with advantages and disadvantages. In general, efficiency is improved due to engine shut-off at idle, capture of energy during deceleration that is normally lost as heat in the brakes, downsizing of the conventional engine, and, in some cases, propulsion on the electric motor alone. Ongoing increases in hybrid market share are dependent on cost reduction, especially the battery pack, efficiency synergies with other vehicle technologies, use of the high electric power to provide features desired by customers, and future fuel price and availability. Potential barriers include historically low fuel prices, high discounting of the fuel savings by new vehicle purchasers, competing technologies, and tradeoffs with other factors desired by customers, such as performance, utility, safety, and luxury features.

The role of the fuel injection system for combustion process optimization of highly turbocharged PC diesel engines; Die Rolle des Einspritzsystems bei der Brennverfahrensoptimierung von hochaufgeladenen Pkw-Dieselmotoren

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gerhardt, Juergen; Leonhard, Rolf; Krueger, Michael; Naber, Dirk; Pitt, J. [Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart (Germany)

2008-07-01

In order to comply with continuously rising requirements from emission legislation and fuel economy enhancement, modern Diesel engines for passenger cars still offer a variety of measures. Focus of this paper is the importance of a highly flexible fuel-injection system and an optimized injection strategy as direct measures to improve both, tail-pipe emission as well as vehicle fuel economy. An integrated system approach of high pressure pump, injector and nozzle provides the latest injection patterns combined with an increased rail pressure level with a best-in-class hydraulic efficiency. The resulting improvement in the injection system and thus in the combustion also enables the introduction of additional indirect, very effective measures for fuel consumption reduction, such as downsizing and downspeeding. In order to fully utilize the potent of the mentioned approaches, the application of advanced boosting technology is an additional key factor. Bosch Diesel injection technology and optimized combustion systems pave the way to achieve the goal of efficient emission reduction. (orig.)

Particulate emission abatement for Krakow boiler houses

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wysk, S.R. [LSR Technologies, Inc., Acton, MA (United States); Surowka, J. [Polish Foundation for Energy Efficiency, Katowice (Poland)

1995-11-01

Environmental clean-up and pollution control are considered top priorities in Poland. The magnitude of environmental problems and public awareness of it has forced the Polish government to implement more aggressive regulatory controls. The extent of this condition has in fact prompted the government to designate pollution control a a top priority for foreign investment. During the past five years, Poland has also made significant progress in reorienting its central-planned economy to one based on open market principals. Efforts to decentralize has led to the privatization of many government-owned businesses with a concomitant shift in buying decisions to privately-owned enterprises. This movement toward privatizing the economy along with cleaning and protecting the environment has created numerous business opportunities for both Polish and foreign companies. As a result, there has been a drastic downsizing of large formerly state-owned companies. And, new startups and small businesses have become the main hope in reviving the Polish economy.

Measures for instantaneous voltage drop and UPS market (activities of individual companies). Technology development of large-capacity UPS system; Shunji den`atsu teika taisaku to UPS shijo. Daiyoryo UPS system no gijutsu kaihatsu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Motoki, Y. [Fuji Electric Co. Ltd., Tokyo (Japan)

1998-07-01

This paper describes development of large-capacity UPS (uninterruptive power source) for large-capacity computer systems by Fuji Electric. This UPS is composed of a rectifier, inverter, transformer, and ac filter. The rectifier and inverter are composed of the same IGBT power modules. The IGBT power module has an integrated structure consisting of IGBT, gate driving circuit, snubber circuit, electrolytic capacitor, cooling fin, and fuse. Downsizing of snubber circuit and improvement of mounting efficiency were realized by developing a large current substrate with small wiring inductance. Advanced input/output performance and control characteristics of USP were realized by the digital control using RISC and DSP of high-speed processor. For the inverter control algorithm, PWM pulse can be calculated using parameters derived from the state equation of the main circuit constants. The output voltage distortion factor less than 5% was realized at the nonlinear load of 100%. The UPS systems in the out-sourcing business and large-scale business center are illustrated as examples. 6 figs.

Improving Sustainability of Ion Implant Modules

Science.gov (United States)

Mayer, Jim

2011-01-01

Semiconductor fabs have long been pressured to manage capital costs, reduce energy consumption and increasingly improve efforts to recycle and recover resources. Ion implant tools have been high-profile offenders on all three fronts. They draw such large volumes of air for heat dissipation and risk reduction that historically, they are the largest consumer of cleanroom air of any process tool—and develop energy usage and resource profiles to match. This paper presents a documented approach to reduce their energy consumption and dramatically downsize on-site facilities support for cleanroom air manufacture and abatement. The combination produces significant capital expenditure savings. The case entails applying SAGS Type 1 (sub-atmospheric gas systems) toxic gas packaging to enable engineering adaptations that deliver the energy savings and cost benefits without any reduction in environmental health and safety. The paper also summarizes benefits as they relate to reducing a fabs carbon emission footprint (and longer range advantages relative to potential cap and trade programs) with existing technology.

Sequential structural and optical evolution of MoS2 by chemical synthesis and exfoliation

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Ju Hwan; Kim, Jungkil; Oh, Si Duck; Kim, Sung; Choi, Suk-Ho

2015-06-01

Various types of MoS2 structures are successfully obtained by using economical and facile sequential synthesis and exfoliation methods. Spherically-shaped lumps of multilayer (ML) MoS2 are prepared by using a conventional hydrothermal method and were subsequently 1st-exfoliated in hydrazine while being kept in autoclave to be unrolled and separated into five-to-six-layer MoS2 pieces of several-hundred nm in size. The MoS2 MLs are 2nd-exfoliated in sodium naphthalenide under an Ar ambient to finally produce bilayer MoS2 crystals of ~100 nm. The sequential exfoliation processes downsize MoS2 laterally and reduce its number of layers. The three types of MoS2 allotropes exhibit particular optical properties corresponding to their structural differences. These results suggest that two-dimensional MoS2 crystals can be prepared by employing only chemical techniques without starting from high-pressure-synthesized bulk MoS2 crystals.

New directions in gas processing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anon.

1996-01-01

Papers presented at the Insight conference held on January 30, 1996 in Calgary, Alberta, were contained in this volume. The conference was devoted to a discussion of new directions in the gas processing business, the changing business environment, new processing technologies, and means by which current facilities agreements can be adapted to the new commercial reality. High operating costs which have resulted in the downsizing and restructuring of the industry, and partnering with a third party in the gathering and processing operations, with apparently beneficial result both to plant owners, as well to third party processors, received the most attention. The relationship between the gas processor and the gas producer as they relate to the Petroleum Joint Venture Association (PJVA) Gas Processing Agreement, which defines the obligations of third parties, was the center of discussion. Regulatory changes and the industry's response to the changes was also on the agenda. Refs., tabs., figs

On the effect of pulsating flow on surge margin of small centrifugal compressors for automotive engines

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Galindo, J.; Climent, H.; Guardiola, C.; Tiseira, A. [CMT-Motores Termicos, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain); Camino de Vera s/n, E 46022, Valencia (Spain)

2009-11-15

Surge is becoming a limiting factor in the design of boosting systems of downsized diesel engines. Although standard compressor flowcharts are used for the selection of those machines for a given application, on-engine conditions widely differ from steady flow conditions, thus affecting compressor behaviour and consequently surge phenomenon. In this paper the effect of pulsating flow is investigated by means of a steady gas-stand that has been modified to produce engine-like pulsating flow. The effect of pressure pulses' amplitude and frequency on the compressor surge line location has been checked. Results show that pulsating flow in the 40-67 Hz range (corresponding to characteristic pulsation when boosting an internal combustion engine) increases surge margin. This increased margin is similar for all the tested frequencies but depends on pulsation amplitude. In a further step, a non-steady compressor model is used for modelling the tests, thus allowing a deeper analysis of the involved phenomena. Model results widely agree with experimental results. (author)