Western Carolina University

About: Western Carolina University is a education organization based out in Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 1660 authors who have published 3192 publications receiving 69454 citations.

Computational and Experimental Investigation of Micro-Hardness and Wear Resistance of Ni-Based Alloy and TiC Composite Coating Obtained by Laser Cladding.

Abstract: The influence of processing parameters on the micro-hardness and wear resistance of a Ni-based alloy and titanium carbide (TiC) composite cladding layer was studied. Mathematical models were developed to predict the micro-hardness and wear resistance of the cladding layer by controlling the laser cladding processing parameters. Key processing parameters were the laser power, scanning speed, gas flow, and TiC powder ratio. The models were validated by analysis of variance and parameter optimization. Results show that the micro-hardness is positively correlated with laser power and TiC powder ratio, where the TiC powder ratio shows the most significant impact. The wear volume decreased with an increasing TiC powder ratio. The targets for the processing parameter optimization were set to 62 HRC for micro-hardness and a minimal volume wear. The difference between the model prediction value and experimental validation result for micro-hardness and wear volume were 1.87% and 6.33%, respectively. These models provide guidance to optimize the processing parameters to achieve a desired micro-hardness and maximize wear resistance in a composite cladding layer.

Unmet Assistance Need Among Older American Indians: The Native Elder Care Study

Abstract: PURPOSE We examined the prevalence and correlates of unmet assistance need with respect to activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) among older American Indians. DESIGN AND METHODS Data for our analyses were collected in 2006-2008 as part of the Native Elder Care Study, a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling American Indians aged ≥55 years. In-person interviewer-administered surveys were used to collect data on demographic characteristics, physical functioning, mental and physical health, personal assistance needs, and psychosocial resources. RESULTS Among those with an assistance need, 47.8% reported an unmet need with one or more ADLs or IADLs. Significant adjusted correlates of unmet assistance need included greater number of ADL and IADL difficulties and lower levels of social support. IMPLICATIONS Initiatives and programs aimed at increasing social support and augmenting informal care networks can support efforts to meet American Indian adults' personal assistance needs.

Improving WCET by applying worst-case path optimizations

Abstract: It is advantageous to perform compiler optimizations that attempt to lower the worst-case execution time (WCET) of an embedded application since tasks with lower WCETs are easier to schedule and more likely to meet their deadlines. Compiler writers in recent years have used profile information to detect the frequently executed paths in a program and there has been considerable effort to develop compiler optimizations to improve these paths in order to reduce the average-case execution time (ACET). In this paper, we describe an approach to reduce the WCET by adapting and applying optimizations designed for frequent paths to the worst-case (WC) paths in an application. Instead of profiling to find the frequent paths, our WCET path optimization uses feedback from a timing analyzer to detect the WC paths in a function. Since these path-based optimizations may increase code size, the subsequent effects on the WCET due to these optimizations are measured to ensure that the worst-case path optimizations actually improve the WCET before committing to a code size increase. We evaluate these WC path optimizations and present results showing the decrease in WCET versus the increase in code size.

Sexist Humor in the Workplace: A Case of Subtle Harassment

Abstract: Humor is an integral part of interaction in the workplace. As Duncan, Smeltzer, and Leap (1990, p. 263) stated, “When a group of people are assembled to accomplish a task, there is always some form of joking behavior and work group humor.” In fact, it has been suggested that humor is embedded in a group’s culture (Fine, 1983; Fine & De Soucey, 2005; Sev’er & Ungar, 1997). Fine and De Soucey (2005) contended that through interaction and the development of ongoing relationships, groups naturally develop a joking culture-a set of shared humorous experiences or references-that provide a basis for further interaction. Similarly, Sev’er and Ungar (1997) proposed that humor in the workplace provides a basis for dynamic social interaction in which the humorist and the recipient negotiate changes in the social context according to their perceptions of the underlying meaning of the humor. As such, Sev’er and Ungar suggested that jokes themselves are not funny or offensive events. Rather, joking represents a process whereby the joke teller and audience interact with one another according to their respective understandings of the embedded meaning of the material.

Addressing the Communication and Other Needs of Persons With Severe Disabilities Through Engaged Interprofessional Teams: Introduction to a Clinical Forum.

Abstract: Purpose Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) is introduced as a viable and preferred clinical methodology for speech-language pathologists and others serving persons with severe disabili...