THE INFLUENCE OF FOAM DISCONTINUITY IN THE SHEAR ZONE OF STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL BEAMS

The effect of foam discontinuity in the shear zone of structural insulated panel (SIP) beams was investigated in the current research. Two depths of 15.24 cm and 31.11 cm (6.5 in and 12.25 in) (SIPs) were evaluated in 1/3-point bending. Panels were sawn into beams, each approximately 29.84 cm (11.75 in.) wide, for mechanical testing. Half of the panels had joints or discontinuities in the foam layer in a location that was subject to shear stress during the bending tests. Half of the panels had joints or discontinuities in the foam layer in a location that was subject to shear stress during the bending tests. Half of the panels did not have joints or discontinuities in the foam layer in the locations that were subject to shear stress during the bending tests. The specimens with no foam discontinuity, stressed in shear, were approximately twice as strong as the specimens with a foam discontinuity. This finding has implications for routine testing and evaluation as well as for allowable properties. In the case of routine testing, foam discontinuities should purposefully be located in the zone of maximum shear as these appear to be a limiting factor. In cases where a producer manufactures SIPs with zero discontinuities, it may be prudent to seek premium value as those panels would achieve superior properties. Keywords: Structural insulated panels (SIPs), shear stress, bending test, foam, joints and routine testing.

A Historiometric Examination of Machiavellianism and a New Taxonomy of Leadership

Although researchers have extensively examined the relationship between charismatic leadership and Machiavellianism (Deluga, 2001; Gardner & Avolio, 1995; House & Howell, 1992), there has been a lack of investigation of Machiavellianism in relation to alternative forms of outstanding leadership. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship between Machiavellianism and a new taxonomy of outstanding leadership comprised of charismatic, ideological, and pragmatic leaders. Using an historiometric approach, raters assessed Machiavellianism via the communications of 120 outstanding leaders in organizations across the domains of business, political, military, and religious institutions. Academic biographies were used to assess twelve general performance measures as well as twelve general controls and five communication specific controls. The results indicated that differing levels of Machiavellianism is evidenced across the differing leader types as well as differing leader orientation. Additionally, Machiavellianism appears negatively related to performance, though less so when type and orientation are taken into account.Yeshttps://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/manuscript-submission-guideline

BENDING STRENGTH AND STIFFNESS OF NO. 2 GRADE SOUTHERN PINE LUMBER

Southern pine is the most important species group planted and used for lumber products in the United States. Most southern pine trees come from managed forests, with relatively short rotations and excellent growth yields. The accelerated growth volume allows trees to reach merchantable size in 16- 22 yr. However, these trees may contain large amounts of juvenile wood which can negatively impact the bending properties of lumber. In 2010, the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau (SPIB) began to reevaluate the mechanical properties of southern pine lumber, which resulted in changes in design values. The objective of the study herein was to summarize the growth characteristics and bending properties of No. 2 grade 24, 26, 28, and 210 samples collected from across the geographical growing range (southern United States). Each piece met the requirements for No. 2 grade southern pine lumber. Overall, 34.5% of the sample contained pith, averaged 4.6 rings per inch, and contained 43.8% latewood. The sample’s average specific gravity,MOE, and MOR were 0.54, 10.1 GPa, and 41.7 MPa, respectively. The mean MOE found in this study was higher than the current design value required for No. 2 southern pine lumber. For allowable design bending strength (Fb), the results showed that, as dimension stock size increased, the Fb decreased from 11.2 MPa for 2 4 s to 7.1MPa for 2 10 s. The Fb values determined herein exceeded the new published design value and also met the previous SPIB design values. These results suggest that the timber resource quality might have increased since the housing crisis of 2008-2010

Pandémie grippale A/H5N1 et niveau de préparation du Niger : une étude sur les connaissances des soignants et l'organisation générale des soins

Dans les pays industrialisés, l'émergence de virus influenza à potentiel pandémique a suscité des réactions à la mesure de la menace que représentent ces agents infectieux. Cependant, à l'heure de la mondialisation, le contrôle des épidémies repose tout autant sur une coordination mondiale efficace des moyens de lutte que sur une préparation des systèmes de santé nationaux du Nord et du Sud, au centre desquels se trouvent les personnels soignants. Notre étude a pris place dans le principal hôpital nigérien, l'Hôpital national de Niamey. L'objectif était d'évaluer les connaissances des professionnels de soins en matière de pandémie grippale et de contrôle du risque infectieux. Sur la base d'un questionnaire, nous avons interrogé 178 soignants, médicaux et paramédicaux. Cette étude -- la première à notre connaissance à explorer ces questions dans le contexte africain -- a d'abord mis en lumière une certaine maîtrise des connaissances théoriques sur la grippe aviaire par les soignants. Cependant, au-delà des savoirs théoriques, l'enquête a également permis d'identifier des limites importantes compromettant les capacités de prévention et de lutte contre une pandémie grippale, notamment en termes d'organisation des soins et de contrôle du risque infectieux hospitalier