Damping of Glass Structures and Components

In this paper, the dynamic properties of a glass structures and glass components will be discussed. A short introduction to dynamic load will be presented as well as the basic principles of calculus used behind the widely understood finite elementanalysis. A comprehensive review of the various damping concepts, coefficients and physical backgrounds will be summarized. The mathematical model is analyzed by Finite Element Method and by STRAND 7 software system. In this paper, the consideration of various damping concepts using FEM for the harmonic and transient dynamic analysis is addressed. Several key points are summarized

The role of the Cape Fear River discharge plume in fisheries production : aggregation and trophic enhancement

Estuarine habitats have long been valued as critical nurseries for estuarine dependent species of finfish and shellfish. The role of nearshore coastal habitats, particularly river discharge plumes, in fisheries production is less clear. Past researchers have suggested that discharge plumes may enhance fisheries production by: 1) aggregating larval fishes and crustaceans, and 2) providing them with a trophic advantage compared to adjacent ocean habitats. I tested these hypotheses through sampling in the Cape Fear River discharge plume (CFR), North Carolina. Physicochemical conditions were described for plume and adjacent ocean habitats to compare their relative suitability for ichthyoplankton. Temperature and salinity were significantly different between ocean and plume habitats and between the surface and bottom for 2002. In contrast, temperature was not significantly different between ocean and plume habitats but salinity was for 2003. Monthly ichthyoplankton sampling was conducted at stations inside and outside the CFR plume during 2002 and 2003. Ichthyoplankton were sampled using 60cm plankton nets (705µm mesh) towed at the surface, 1 meter, and bottom depths during daylight hours on ebbing tides to: 1) compare larval concentrations and diversities, and 2) examine vertical distribution. Thirty-three taxa of fishes from twenty-two families were collected in 2002 and eighteen taxa from eleven families were collected in 2003 with a total of 1,497 larval fishes collected. Dominant families for 2002 were Sciaenidae, Blenniidae, and Gobiidae. The dominant families differed slightly for 2003 and were Engraulidae, Gobiidae, and Sciaenidae. Seasonal transitions in taxonomic composition occurred in the fall and spring of both years. Total ichthyoplankton concentrations and diversities were generally higher inside of the plume than at ocean stations. Within the plume, ichthyoplankton concentrations were higher at the bottom than at surface and 1 meter depths, suggesting that larvae may be utilizing selective tidal stream transport to facilitate estuarine ingress. Larval diversities for the ocean habitat were highest at the depth of 1 meter. Biochemical assays (cytochrome c oxidase and hexokinase activities) and otolith microstructural analysis were used as condition indices to examine Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) and brown shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus) collected from plume versus estuarine habitats. No significant differences in enzyme activities or recent growth rates were observed, suggesting that the plume habitat may promote levels of physiological condition comparable to those of estuarine habitats. Future studies to examine the function of river discharge plumes in fisheries production should focus on habitat suitability and compare physiological condition of fishes and crustaceans in these habitats to surrounding waters. Improved understanding of the influence of discharge plumes is needed to determine whether these areas may be designated as Essential Fish Habitat

Return to work after stroke: feasibility six year follow-up

Background: In a feasibility trial of early occupational therapy vocational rehabilitation (VR), more VR participants were in work at 12 months compared to those who received usual NHS rehabilitation after stroke (UC) (11 [65%] v 6 [35%]) (Radford et al., 2013). However, the longer-term is unknown. Aim: To follow up and explore work status six years post stroke. Method: Postal questionnaires measuring employment, income, mood, functional ability and quality of life (QoL) were sent to participants in an earlier feasibility trial by the lead stroke clinician. Respondents were invited to participate in interviews exploring working six years after stroke. Ethical and HRA approvals obtained (REC 16/EM/0423) Results: Of 48 identified participants, five (10.4%) had died; 19/43 (44.2%) responded. Fourteen were men; mean age 62 (24-78) years. Respondents classified themselves as in paid work 10/19 (53%), voluntary work 3/19 (16%), full time education 1/19 (5%) and solely retired 5/19 (26%). Six respondents were working over the age of 65 (26.3%). Most remained with preinjury employers (11/13). Half (8/15 53%) reported a decrease in income since stroke. Compared to one year, mean functional ability improved marginally from 56.6 (SD 12) to 59.4 (SD 9) but quality of life reduced from mean 77.4 (SD 11) vs 70.7 (SD14). Six interviewees felt working was the correct decision but lacked support with invisible impairments (fatigue, memory) which impacted workability.Conclusion: Work remains important to stroke survivors. Vocational rehabilitation should address hidden disabilities. Response bias may have influenced these findings

Banks' risk assessment of Swedish SMEs

Building on the literatures on asymmetric information and risk taking, this paper applies conjoint experiments to investigate lending officers' probabilities of supporting credit to established or existing SMEs. Using a sample of 114 Swedish lending officers, we test hypotheses concerning how information on the borrower's ability to repay the loan; alignment of risk preferences; and risk sharing affect their willingness to grant credit. Results suggest that features that reduce the risk to the bank and shift the risk to the borrower have the largest impact. The paper highlights the interaction between factors that influence the credit decision. Implications for SMEs, banks and research are discussed

Barossa Night: cohesion in the British Army officer corps

Contrasting the classical explanation of military group cohesion as sustained by interpersonal bonds, recent scholars have highlighted the importance of ritualized communication, training and drills in explaining effective military performance in professional armies. While this has offered a welcome addition to the cohesion literature and a novel micro-sociological method of examining cohesion, its primary evidential base has been combat groups. Indeed, despite their prominent role in directing operations over the past decade, the British Army's officer corps has received relatively little attention from sociologists during this period. No attempt has been made to explain cohesion in the officer corps. Using a similar method to recent cohesion scholars, this paper seeks to address this imbalance by undertaking a micro-sociology of one ritual in particular: ‘Barossa Night’ in the Royal Irish Regiment. Firstly, it draws on the work of Durkheim to examine how cohesion amongst the officer corps is created and sustained through a dense array of practises during formal social rituals. It provides evidence that the use of rituals highlights that social solidarity is central to understanding officer cohesion. Secondly, following Hockey's work on how private soldiers negotiate order, the paper shows how this solidarity in the officer corps is based on a degree of negotiated order and the need to release organizational tensions inherent in a strictly hierarchical rank structure. It highlights how the awarding of gallantry medals can threaten this negotiated order and fuel deviancy. In examining this behaviour, the paper shows that even amongst an officer class traditionally viewed as the elite upholders of organizational discipline, the negotiation of rank and hierarchy can be fluid. How deviant behaviour is later accepted and normalized by senior officers indicates that negotiated order is as important to understanding cohesion in the British Army's officer corps as it is amongst private soldiers