Systems Theory Based Framework for Competency Models

The purpose of this research was to develop and apply a systems theoretic framework for design, analysis and transformation of competency models using an inductive research design. This research examines the origins and development of competency models from a systems theoretic perspective. Competency models have been largely developed by a comparative method first proposed by McClelland, or the use of Delphi method survey techniques. The assumption that a population containing an exemplar and fully successful members would enable population of a holistic competency model has reported numerous failures. Similarly, reporting on the use of Delphi methods has focused on attempting to refine or augment Delphi methods to fill gaps in the competency models that are already in use. Rothwell and Lindholm called for methods that will reduce the backward looking bias of current competency development models. The literature of systems theory is applied to the concept of competency models via inductive theory building using Whewell\u27s Discoverer\u27s Induction supported by the structure of grounded theory. A competency model framework was developed that represents a distillation and synthesis of systems theory literature. The resulting framework can be used to design, assess and transform new or existing competency models. A single extant model was examined with the competency model framework revealing competency model inconsistencies that can be closed in a transformation effort. This research represents a fundamentally new approach to the construction of competency models, focused on a theoretical outlook rather than the dominant pragmatic approaches in use today. Additionally, the use of Discoverer\u27s Induction as the methodology in conjunction with the methods of grounded theory represents a methodological contribution to theory building due to the rarity of the combination

Dual cathode system for electron beam instruments

An electron beam source having a single electron optical axis is provided with two coplanar cathodes equally spaced on opposite sides from the electron optical axis. A switch permits selecting either cathode, and a deflection system comprised of electromagnets, each with separate pole pieces equally spaced from the plane of the cathodes and electron optical axis, first deflects the electron beam from a selected cathode toward the electron optical axis, and then in an opposite direction into convergence with the electron optical axis. The result is that the electron beam from one selected cathode undergoes a sigmoid deflection in two opposite directions, like the letter S, with the sigmoid deflection of each being a mirror image of the other

Optically Thin Broad-Line Clouds in Active Galactic Nuclei

The broad-line region (BLR) in Seyfert galaxy nuclei exhibits correlated variations in continuum and emission-line luminosity that are qualitatively consistent with photoionization of ionization-bounded (optically thick) clouds. However, evidence is growing that a nonnegligible fraction of the BLR cloud population is optically thin to the Lyman continuum and fully ionized in hydrogen. We consider the implications of this nebular component for observed line emission and find that inclusion of thin clouds in photoionization calculations can resolve several outstanding puzzles of Seyfert variability, notably the behavior of the C IV λ1549/Lyα ratio as a function of continuum luminosity. A similar population of thin clouds located along our line of sight can account for observed ultraviolet absorption features and \u27warm absorber\u27 behavior at X-ray energies. The Baldwin effect for active galaxies, a negative correlation between ultraviolet emission-line equivalent width and continuum luminosity, can also be explained in detail by a decrease in the covering factor of an optically thin component with increasing source luminosity. The luminosity dependence of covering factor may result from outflows of thin clouds that proceed more efficiently in intrinsically brighter sources. The presence of absorption features in active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that are blueshifted and attain the highest velocities in broad absorption line features associated with luminous QSOs would be consistent with this interpretation

Systemic Analysis of Complex System Governance for Acquisition

The purpose of this paper is to explore Complex System Governance (CSG) issues related to systemic analysis of acquisition systems. CSG is an emerging field focused on the design, execution, and evolution of the functions necessary to provide continued system performance (stability) in the midst of incessant turbulence and increasing complexity. Integral to this field is the necessity to engage systems to address behavior or performance that is inconsistent with that which is desired. Systemic analysis for CSG serves to examine a system to discover fundamental system issues (e.g. acquisition). Arguably, system acquisition has an unremarkable record of success, ranging from missing cost, schedule, or performance expectations to outright failure. However, although acquisition has been a continual subject of reform, little emphasis has been placed on a more rigorous systemic exploration of the field. This systemic analysis is aimed at uncovering deeper levels of aberrant behavior/performance as a function of a deficient underlying governance system. To examine systemic analysis of CSG for acquisition, this paper pursues three primary objectives. First, a brief introduction to the acquisition problem domain and CSG are provided. Second, a perspective of systems-based pathologies for CSG is developed. Third, an approach to systemic analysis for CSG is developed (the M-Path Method). This method is introduced as an approach to ‘systemic analysis’ through the identification of pathologies (deviations from healthy system functioning) in CSG. The paper concludes with directions for future development of systemic analysis for CSG in acquisition

Anthrax lethal toxin induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cytosolic cathepsin release is Nlrp1b/Nalp1b-dependent.

NOD-like receptors (NLRs) are a group of cytoplasmic molecules that recognize microbial invasion or 'danger signals'. Activation of NLRs can induce rapid caspase-1 dependent cell death termed pyroptosis, or a caspase-1 independent cell death termed pyronecrosis. Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LT), is recognized by a subset of alleles of the NLR protein Nlrp1b, resulting in pyroptotic cell death of macrophages and dendritic cells. Here we show that LT induces lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP). The presentation of LMP requires expression of an LT-responsive allele of Nlrp1b, and is blocked by proteasome inhibitors and heat shock, both of which prevent LT-mediated pyroptosis. Further the lysosomal protease cathepsin B is released into the cell cytosol and cathepsin inhibitors block LT-mediated cell death. These data reveal a role for lysosomal membrane permeabilization in the cellular response to bacterial pathogens and demonstrate a shared requirement for cytosolic relocalization of cathepsins in pyroptosis and pyronecrosis

The Expanding Role of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals in the Review of Workmen\u27s Compensation Appeals

The November elections of 1976 brought about a major change in the composition of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Three new justices, a majority of the court, were elected. The consequences of the election have been widely felt throughout the State. In no area has its impact been greater, however, than in the area of workmen\u27s compensation law. The court has shown a great willingness to hear workmen\u27s compensation appeals. In reviewing such appeals, the court has chosen to play an active role in the review of evidence, something generally avoided by prior courts. There has been little reluctance to substitute the majority\u27s assessment of the evidence for the factual findings of the Workmen\u27s Compensation Appeal Board. In substantive law the court has likewise had great impact, and in certain areas has taken action which would normally be considered within the purview of the legislature. Most significantly, the statutory immunity to suit granted to employers by the West Virginia Workmen\u27s Compensation Act, except in cases of intentional injury, has been altered to an extent which will only be finally determined by later cases. Other decisions have: liberalized the continuous exposure requirements of the occupational pneumoconiosis provisions of the Act; removed the requirement of demonstrating aggravation of an existing occupational pneumoconiosis condition with a particular employer in order to be entitled to benefits; extended the protection of a legislatively lengthened statute of limitations to claimants whose occupational pneumoconiosis claims were not yet barred when the new limitation period became effective; permitted concurrent recovery of benefits in separate claims even though the total amount of benefits paid exceeded statutory limits; liberalized requirements for reopening claims; and provided protection for innocent victims of horseplay. This article will assess the new court\u27s role in reviewing both substantive and procedural aspects of workmen\u27s compensation law. The discussion is divided into two broad areas: substantive changes in West Virginia workmen\u27s compensation law; and scope of the court\u27s review

Design of a unidirectional composite momentum wheel rim

A preliminary study comparing twelve unidirectional-fiber composite systems to five metal materials conventionally used in momentum wheels is presented. Six different fibers are considered in the study: E-Glass, S-Glass, Boron, AS, T300, and Kevlar. Because of the possibility of high momentum requirements, and thus high stresses, only two matrix materials are considered: a high-modulus (HM) and a intermediate-modulus-high-strength (IMHS) matrix. Each of the six fibers are coupled with each of the two matrix materials. In an effort to optimize the composite system, each composite is considered while varying the fiber volume ratio from 0.0 to 0.7 in increments of 0.1. For fiber volume ratios above 0.2, all twelve unidirectional-fiber composite systems meet the study's requirements with higher factors of safety and less mass than the five conventional isotropic (metal) materials. For example, at a fiber volume ratio of 0.6, the Kevlar/IMHS composite system has a safety factor 4.5 times greater than that of a steel (maraging) system and an approximately 10 percent reduction in weight