Decision tree rating scales for workload estimation: Theme and variations

The Modified Cooper-Harper (MCH) scale which is a sensitive indicator of workload in several different types of aircrew tasks was examined. The study determined if variations of the scale might provide greater sensitivity and the reasons for the sensitivity of the scale. The MCH scale and five newly devised scales were examined in two different aircraft simulator experiments in which pilot loading was treated as an independent variable. It is indicated that while one of the new scales may be more sensitive in a given experiment, task dependency is a problem. The MCH scale exhibits consistent senstivity and remains the scale recommended for general use. The MCH scale results are consistent with earlier experiments. The rating scale experiments are reported and the questionnaire results which were directed to obtain a better understanding of the reasons for the relative sensitivity of the MCH scale and its variations are described

Toward the Understanding of Organizational Flexibility

Contingency planning is widely touted as a method of preparing for and confronting disruptions to organizational activity; its attributes are proposed to promote organizational flexibility. This study examines the relationship between information sharing, internal and external collaboration, and information technology use and organizational flexibility and develops a model that will provide both academicians and practitioners with a means of determining the attributes with the highest relationship to organizational flexibility. This knowledge will allow for prioritization of resources in the planning process. A survey of 50 professionals from various sectors of the government is used to test the hypotheses developed

Nest-defense Behavior of Mississippi Kites in Urban and Exurban Areas

Mississippi kites (Ictinia mississippiensis) have become an abundant raptor in many urban and exurban areas throughout the Southern Great Plains of the United States. Unfortunately, human–wildlife conflicts have resulted from this juxtaposition of suitable breeding areas for kites and areas that humans frequent, with some kites responding aggressively to humans near nests. To date, there are no data describing the prevalence of aggressive nest defense in the species, making informed management of human and kite conflicts difficult. We assessed and compared the prevalence of aggressive nest-defense by Mississippi kites in an urban area and an exurban area by simulating nest disturbance with a trial pedestrian. Additionally, we examine the relationships between physical features of the nest tree where aggressive behaviors were and were not recorded. Individual kites breeding in the exurban area responded to the trial pedestrian by taking flight from the nesting area, circling overhead, swooping at the pedestrian, or remaining on the nest. In the urban area, kites displayed a more limited suit of responses and either remained on the nest or swooped at the pedestrian. Additionally, kites breeding in the exurban area appeared to respond to experimental disturbance at a greater distance than did urban breeding kites, but not with more attacks on pedestrians. Physical characteristics of the nest tree did not explain aggressive behaviors, thereby suggesting that aggression in Mississippi kites is caused by factors other than nesting location features

The Moderating Effect of Information Technology on the Relationship between Comprehensive Planning Processes and Flexible Responsiveness

Uncertainty and disruptions often cause significant effects on businesses worldwide. As part of ever increasing efforts to combat these issues, many businesses often seek to improve their flexibility. This study examines two antecedents of flexible responsiveness – information technology and comprehensive planning processes. A model was developed and then tested using survey data collected from supply chain managers and analyzed using partial least squares techniques. Based on the sample used, information technology moderates the effect of comprehensive planning on flexible responsiveness

Characterisation and Tribological Testing of Recycled Crushed Glass as an Alternative Rail Sand

In the UK Network Rail Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2020–2050, minimal waste and the sustainable use of materials are highlighted as core priorities. The ambition is to reuse, repurpose or redeploy all resources. In low adhesion conditions, sand particles are used to enhance traction throughout the network. However, sand is in danger of becoming scarce as many applications demand it. In this study, an alternative adhesion enhancing particle system made of recycled crushed glass is examined in terms of density, size, shape distribution, mineralogy, mechanical properties, and bulk behaviour to better understand their characteristics in comparison with the typical Great British rail sand currently in use and reported in the literature. Their effects on tribological behaviour and surface damage are also investigated using the High-Pressure Torsion test in dry, wet, and leaf-contaminated conditions. Both particle characterisation and tribological testing show promising results. Recycled glass particles provide an acceptable level of traction with a similar level of rail damage as typical rail sand. It is suggested to perform full-scale laboratory and field tests to further confirm the suitability of this material

Energy conservation for the Euler equations on T2×R+\mathbb{T}^2\times \mathbb{R}_+ for weak solutions defined without reference to the pressure

We study weak solutions of the incompressible Euler equations on $\mathbb{T}^2\times \mathbb{R}_+$; we use test functions that are divergence free and have zero normal component, thereby obtaining a definition that does not involve the pressure. We prove energy conservation under the assumptions that $u\in L^3(0,T;L^3(\mathbb{T}^2\times \mathbb{R}_+))$, $$\lim_{|y|\to 0}\frac{1}{|y|}\int^T_0\int_{\mathbb{T}^2}\int^\infty_{x_3>|y|} |u(x+y)-u(x)|^3\mathrm{d} x\, \mathrm{d} t=0,$$ and an additional continuity condition near the boundary: for some $\delta>0$ we require $u\in L^3(0,T;C^0(\mathbb{T}^2\times [0,\delta])))$. We note that all our conditions are satisfied whenever $u(x,t)\in C^\alpha$, for some $\alpha>1/3$, with H\"older constant $C(x,t)\in L^3(\mathbb{T}^2\times\mathbb{R}^+\times(0,T))$.Comment: 21 page

Investigating the effect of different adhesion materials on electrical resistance using a high pressure torsion rig

This paper presents an assessment of newly-developed conductive adhesion materials (Products A-D) in comparison to standard rail sand used in Britain. The particles were characterised to assess their densities, and size and shape distributions. Bulk behaviour was assessed through three characteristics: angle of repose, bulk shear strength, and particle breakage index. Materials were then assessed using a high pressure torsion approach to measure their effects on adhesion and electrical resistance in dry, wet, and leaf contaminated conditions. It was resolved that all products produced better conductivity than GB rail sand and Product D should be considered for future field testing