Product development of a nickel-plated fire fighting helmet : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MTech in Product Development at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

This thesis describes the development of a fire fighting helmet for the French market for manufacture by Pacific Helmets (NZ) Ltd, including the major technical development of a process for electroplating unsaturated polyester resin (UP resin). The need for this study arose from an opportunity identified by PHNZ to enter into the French fire fighting market. The major technical problem was that the helmet shell must be manufactured from nickel-plated UP resin. However, no current technology existed for plating UP resin with a suitably high quality or durability that would withstand the user conditions of a fire fighting helmet. Literature from existing technologies for plating of similar materials, and attempts at plating UP resin for decorative purposes were reviewed, along with advice from Industry experts in order to understand plastics plating technology and to develop potential methods for plating UP resin for this application. An iterative hypothesis generation and trial process was used to test potential plating methods in a laboratory on samples of UP resin. A successful methodology was identified. Following this an electroplating pilot plant was constructed and the successful plating methods were used to plate full UP resin helmet shells. Works-like prototypes were constructed using helmet shells that had been successfully applied with a quality and durable electroplated coating suitable for fire fighting helmets. The prototypes were successfully tested against the required product safety standards. The project concluded with the successful development of a works-like prototype of a Nickel-plated fire-fighting helmet for the French market that met all consumer and technical requirements identified. Going forward, Pacific Helmets (NZ) Ltd plan to showcase the product at the next annual International Fire-fighting trade show. Plans are currently underway to expand the production facility in Wanganui in order to accommodate the additional helmet production

China Employment Law Update - December 2016

In this issue: • Government Further Signals Intent to Reduce Labour Costs for Employers • China Aims to Enhance Data Privacy Protections • Supreme People’s Court Issues Clarification on Three Employment Matters • Supreme People\u27s Court Issues Guidance Stating Attorney\u27s Fees May Be Imposed on Parties Bringing Frivolous Lawsuits • Further Clarification Issued by Various Local Authorities Regarding New Work Permit System • China and France Sign Social Security Totalization Treaty • Guangdong Province People’s Courts and Unions to Work Together in Solving Labor Dispute

Providing services in the United Kingdom to people with an intellectual disability who present behaviour which challenges: A review of the literature

There is ongoing debate about the best model of service provision for people with an intellectual disability who present severe behavioural challenges. The present paper reviewed research which evaluated a range of UK service provision in terms of impact on challenging behaviour and other quality of life indices. A literature search was carried out for English language papers from 1990 to 2010 using a range of databases. Secondary searches were carried out from references of relevant papers. Very few evaluations were found. The available research indicates that, on the whole, specialist congregate services for individuals with challenging behaviour appear to use more restrictive approaches which have limited effect on reducing challenging behaviour. The evidence for peripatetic teams is somewhat unclear. The two studies reviewed showed positive outcomes, but both had limitations that made it difficult to generalize the results. A similar limitation was found with the sole evaluation of a community based service. It is unlikely that one model of service provision will meet the needs of all individuals, however, more robust evaluations are required of existing service models to allow commissioners, service users, their families and carers to make fully informed choices about effective services for those who challenge

The Role of Higher Protein Diets in the Regulation of Mood and Sleep in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is becoming a more prevalent health issue within the United States, currently affecting 22% of adults (Capuron et al., 2008). Several factors contribute to the diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome, including obesity, high levels of triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Metabolic Syndrome puts those who have it at an increased risk for numerous diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer (Jennings et al., 2007). Several studies have shown that Metabolic Syndrome plays a negative role in sleep and mood of those with the disease. Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome often have poor sleep quality, which could contribute to worsening of the risk factors associated with the disease (Hung et. al 2013). Metabolic Syndrome has also been linked to obstructive sleep apnea and is prevalent in those with the disease (Parish et al., 2007). There is also evidence that short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with obesity, one of the risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome (Jennings et al., 2007)

The Global Employer: Showcasing New Developments for Multinational Employers

Baker & McKenzie’s Global Employment Practice Group is pleased to present its 54th issue of The Global Employer™ entitled “Showcasing New Developments for Multinational Employers.” This issue contains a collection of articles on legal developments from nine jurisdictions that examine changes to employment and labour laws and practices and explore developments in compensation and benefits. Included, you will find information pertaining to a new collective redundancy procedure in France aimed at providing for a more secure labor market; new measures in Spain intended to promote employment among young people under 30; the codification of requirements for the negotiation of social plans in Switzerland; effects on UK redundancy laws in light of being found in breach of EU directives; emboldened labor agency agendas in the US; a discussion from Argentina on the rights of employees and employers when it comes to monitoring in the workplace; new developments for stock option plans in Brazil; changes to the calculation of payroll taxes in Colombia; and the promotion and protection of labor rights in Peru

Reductions in Force and Plant Closings

[Excerpt] This chapter summarizes the provisions of federal and California law that are implicated by reductions in force (RIFs), plant closings, and plant relocations. Two statutes that come into play under such circumstances are the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) (29 USC §§2101–2109) and the California-specific mass layoff provisions of Lab C §§1400–1408. See §§18.20–18.44. If the employer’s workforce is organized, provisions of the National Labor Relations Act (29 USC §§141–187) are relevant. See §§18.57–18.74. If the workforce reduction or plant closing is necessitated by the employer’s failing financial health, bankruptcy issues must be considered. See §§18.75–18.84. Finally, a RIF often brings in its wake employee claims of discrimination, particularly age discrimination. Senior members of the workforce may be protected by the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990 (OWBPA) (Pub L 101–433, 104 Stat 978). See §§18.3–18.10. In preparing for and dealing with litigation following a RIF, plant closing, or plant relocation, the employer should give each of these subjects careful consideration