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Showing papers by "Wichita State University published in 2014"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper surveys the state-of-the-art in traffic engineering for SDNs, and mainly focuses on four thrusts including flow management, fault tolerance, topology update, and traffic analysis/characterization.

513 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a review of carbon, aramide, and glass fiber composites is presented, highlighting the possible energy requirements, explaining the product outputs of recycling, and discussing the quality (fiber strength) of recyclates.
Abstract: Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are engineered materials commonly used for many structural applications because of the high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios. Although the service life of these materials in various applications is usually between 15 and 20 years, these often keep the physical properties beyond this time. Recycling composites using chemical, mechanical, and thermal processing is reviewed in this article. In this review of carbon, aramide, and glass fiber composites, we provide, as of 2011, a complete view of each composite recycling technology, highlight the possible energy requirements, explain the product outputs of recycling, and discuss the quality (fiber strength) of recyclates and how each recyclate fiber could be used in the market for sustainable composite manufacturing. This article also includes the new concept of ‘direct structural composite recycling’ and the use of these products in the same or different applications as low-cost composite materials after sm...

170 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A novel design for an RA interface that enables it to interactively demonstrate trade-offs among product attribute values to improve consumers' perceived product diagnosticity and perceived enjoyment is investigated and a theoretical model is developed that proposes two antecedents to improve perceived decision quality and reduce perceived decision effort.
Abstract: That recommendation agents (RAs) can substantially improve consumers' decision making is well understood. Far less understood is the influence of specific design attributes of the RA interface on decision making and other outcome measures. We investigate a novel design for an RA interface that enables it to interactively demonstrate trade-offs among product attribute values (i.e., trade-off transparency feature) to improve consumers' perceived product diagnosticity and perceived enjoyment. We also examine the extent to which the trade-offs among product attribute values should be revealed to the user. Further, based on the stimulus-organism-response model, we develop a theoretical model that extends the effort-accuracy framework by proposing perceived enjoyment and perceived product diagnosticity as two antecedents for perceived decision quality and perceived decision effort, respectively. In an experimental study, we find that (1) the trade-off transparency feature significantly affects perceived enjoyment and perceived product diagnosticity, (2) perceived enjoyment and perceived product diagnosticity follow an inverted U-shaped curve as the level of tradeoff transparency increases, (3) although users spend more time understanding attribute trade-offs with the trade-off transparency feature, they are more efficient in selecting a product, (4) perceived enjoyment simultaneously leads to better perceived decision quality and lower perceived decision effort, and (5) perceived product diagnosticity leads to better perceived decision quality without compromising perceptions of decision effort. Theoretically, this study increases our understanding of how the design of an RA interface can improve consumers' product diagnosticity and enjoyment, and proposes two antecedents to improve perceived decision quality and reduce perceived decision effort. For design practitioners, our results indicate the importance of providing the trade-off transparency design feature to potential consumers.

163 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An optimal multi‒disciplinary approach of combining biomaterials, stem cells, and biomolecules offers a promising treatment for the injured spinal cord.
Abstract: The loss of neurons and degeneration of axons after spinal cord injury result in the loss of sensory and motor functions. A bridging biomaterial construct that allows the axons to grow through has been investigated for the repair of injured spinal cord. Due to the hostility of the microenvironment in the lesion, multiple conditions need to be fulfilled to achieve improved functional recovery. A scaffold has been applied to bridge the gap of the lesion as contact guidance for axonal growth and to act as a vehicle to deliver stem cells in order to modify the microenvironment. Stem cells may improve functional recovery of the injured spinal cord by providing trophic support or directly replacing neurons and their support cells. Neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells have been seeded into biomaterial scaffolds and investigated for spinal cord regeneration. Both natural and synthetic biomaterials have increased stem cell survival in vivo by providing the cells with a controlled microenvironment in which cell growth and differentiation are facilitated. This optimal multi‒disciplinary approach of combining biomaterials, stem cells, and biomolecules offers a promising treatment for the injured spinal cord.

123 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a generic data-driven approach that integrates an artificial neural network with a dual extended Kalman filter (DEKF) algorithm for lithium-ion battery health management is presented.

115 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed an interpolation software to generate isochrones for arbitrary ages between ≈5 and 15 Gyr and any values of Y, [α/Fe, and [Fe/H] within the aformentioned ranges.
Abstract: Canonical grids of stellar evolutionary sequences have been computed for the helium mass-fraction abundances Y = 0.25, 0.29, and 0.33, and for iron abundances that vary from –2.4 to +0.4 (in 0.2 dex increments) when [α/Fe] =+0.4, or for the ranges –2.0 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤+0.6, –1.8 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤+0.6 when [α/Fe] =0.0 and –0.4, respectively. The grids, which consist of tracks for masses from 0.12 M{sub ⊙} to 1.1-1.5 M{sub ⊙} (depending on the metallicity) are based on up-to-date physics, including the gravitational settling of helium (but not metals diffusion). Interpolation software is provided to generate isochrones for arbitrary ages between ≈5 and 15 Gyr and any values of Y, [α/Fe], and [Fe/H] within the aformentioned ranges. Comparisons of isochrones with published color-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) for the open clusters M67 ([Fe/H] ≈0.0) and NGC 6791 ([Fe/H] ≈0.3) and for four of the metal-poor globular clusters (47 Tuc, M3, M5, and M92) indicate that the models for the observed metallicities do a reasonably good job of reproducing the locations and slopes of the cluster main sequences and giant branches. The same conclusion is reached from a consideration of plots of nearby subdwarfs that have accurate Hipparcos parallaxes and metallicities in themore » range –2.0 ≲ [Fe/H] ≲ –1.0 on various CMDs and on the (log T {sub eff}, M{sub V} ) diagram. A relatively hot temperature scale similar to that derived in recent calibrations of the infrared flux method is favored by both the isochrones and the adopted color transformations, which are based on the latest MARCS model atmospheres.« less

111 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that speech-based text entry disrupts driving, but reduces the level of performance interference compared to text entry with a handheld device, which is an important issue for legislation, automotive interface design and driving safety training.

110 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This work takes a comprehensive look at wireless security in the smart-meter-based home area network scenario and identifies possible vulnerabilities, and some countermeasures are developed that can be used by both the utility company and the customer and are integrated into a common framework called SecureHAN that could be agreed to by both.
Abstract: Compared to the conventional grid, the smart grid requires active participation of consumers to improve the quality and reliability of power delivery. The increase in consumer participation is expected from the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), commonly known as the smart meter, which has the capability of supporting various functions beyond that of recording energy usage. One of the primary objectives of the AMI is to allow load and cost management for the utility. This is envisioned partly through a communication system implemented between the smart meter and consumer equipment, currently deployed using wireless networking solutions such as ZigBee. Due to the shared nature of the wireless medium, however, these deployments face security challenges and interference issues, which must be addressed, taking into account the interests of both the utility company and the consumer. This work takes a comprehensive look at wireless security in the smart-meter-based home area network scenario and identifies possible vulnerabilities. Subsequently, some countermeasures are developed that can be used by both the utility company and the customer and are integrated into a common framework called SecureHAN that can be agreed to by both. In addition, the experiences from implementing the SecureHAN framework using commercial off-the-shelf hardware are described, including possible challenges.

98 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an overview of the aging situation globally and the challenges that result from it, and analyze the implications for businesses, in terms of both opportunities and challenges, and provide insights on how businesses can cope with these changes.
Abstract: The rapid aging of the world's population will bring unprecedented and important changes in the global economic environment, creating unique challenges and opportunities for businesses worldwide. These challenges and opportunities span multiple business areas, including strategy, human resources, cross-cultural management, and marketing, while operating simultaneously at the functional, corporate, and public policy levels nationally and internationally. In this paper, we first present an overview of the aging situation globally and the challenges that result from it. Then we explain some of the reasons behind demographic shifts in different countries, and how a graying population affects macroeconomic systems. Finally, we analyze the implications for businesses, in terms of both opportunities and challenges, and provide insights on how businesses can cope with these changes. We explain our findings through several themes that emerge from our research and discuss their implications for global businesses.

97 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The dogma on antifungal discovery is examined and it is suggested that a major thrust in technologies such as structural biology, homology modeling and virtual imaging is needed to drive discovery.
Abstract: Abstr A ct: New data suggest that the global incidence of several types of fungal diseases have traditionally been under-documented. Of these, mortality caused by invasive fungal infections remains disturbingly high, equal to or exceeding deaths caused by drug-resistant tuberculosis and malaria. It is clear that basic research on new antifungal drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools is needed. In this review, we focus upon antifungal drug discovery including in vitro assays, compound libraries and approaches to target identification. Genome mining has made it possible to identify fungal-specific targets; however, new compounds to these targets are apparently not in the antimicrobial pipeline. We suggest that ‘repurposing’ compounds (off patent) might be a more immediate starting point. Furthermore, we examine the dogma on antifungal discovery and suggest that a major thrust in technologies such as structural biology, homology modeling and virtual imaging is needed to drive discovery.

83 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the factors that may put youth at risk for domestic minor sex trafficking and explored the promotion of protective factors through a 10-session group intervention to counteract against such risks.
Abstract: This exploratory study represents one of the preliminary phases in a larger study conducted in efforts to develop the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) Risk and Resiliency Assessment. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that may put youth at risk for DMST. Because of Social Works ethical responsibility to marginalized populations, the promotion of protective factors through a 10-session group intervention to counteract against such risks was also explored. Thus, over a three-month period, 10 psychoeducational group interventions were facilitated with 23 runaway, homeless, and street youth (RHSY) at an urban drop-in center with the primary goals of: (a) increasing awareness of healthy versus unhealthy relationship patterns, (b) increasing knowledge on how to set healthy relationship boundaries, (c) increasing the desire and expectation of mental, physical, and sexual respect, and (d) assisting in safe exits from abusive and/or exploitive relationships. Results of the pre-test post-test design indicate a myriad of risk factors for DMST. Findings also support that when provided a psychoeducational intervention within a safe, encouraging, and youth friendly environment, RHSY are able to define and develop protective factors against sex trafficking. Implications are relevant to practitioners and researchers in the field.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results suggest that student engagement is a key element of program impact, though implementation is influenced by both school-level demographics and classroom contexts.
Abstract: Steps to Respect: A Bullying Prevention Program (STR) relies on a social-ecological model of prevention to increase school staff awareness and responsiveness, foster socially responsible beliefs among students, and teach social-emotional skills to students to reduce bullying behavior. As part of a school-randomized controlled trial of STR, we examined predictors and outcomes associated with classroom curriculum implementation in intervention schools. Data on classroom implementation (adherence and engagement) were collected from a sample of teachers using a weekly on-line Teacher Implementation Checklist system. Pre-post data related to school bullying-related outcomes were collected from 1,424 students and archival school demographic data were obtained from the National Center for Education Statistics. Results of multilevel analyses indicated that higher levels of program engagement were influenced by school-level percentage of students receiving free/reduced lunch, as well as classroom-level climate indicators. Results also suggest that higher levels of program engagement were related to lower levels of school bullying problems, enhanced school climate and attitudes less supportive of bullying. Predictors and outcomes related to program fidelity (i.e., adherence) were largely nonsignificant. Results suggest that student engagement is a key element of program impact, though implementation is influenced by both school-level demographics and classroom contexts.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper found that teachers found the site highly usable, appreciated the choice and influence afforded them through the medium, and grew as teacher-candidates from peer-to-peer interactions.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Results of this study are promising, as balance score derived from the Smartphone accelerometers were consistent with balance scores obtained from a previously validated balance system, however, further investigation is necessary as this version of the mobile software only assessed balance in the anterior/posterior direction.
Abstract: Purpose/Background: A number of different balance assessment techniques are currently available and widely used These include both subjective and objective assessments The ability to provide quantitative measures of balance and posture is the benefit of objective tools, however these instruments are not generally utilized outside of research laboratory settings due to cost, complexity of operation, size, duration of assessment, and general practicality The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the value and validity of using software developed to access the iPod and iPhone accelerometers output and translate that to the measurement of human balance Methods: Thirty healthy college-aged individuals (13 male, 17 female; age = 261 ± 85 years) volunteered Participants performed a static Athlete’s Single Leg Test protocol for 10 sec, on a Biodex Balance System SD while concurrently utilizing a mobile device with balance software Anterior/posterior stability was recorded using both devices, described as the displacement in degrees from level, and was termed the “balance score” Results: There were no significant differences between the two reported balance scores (p = 0818 Mean balance score on the balance platform was 141 ± 090, as compared to 138 ± 072 using the mobile device Conclusions: There is a need for a valid, convenient, and cost-effective tool to objectively measure balance Results of this study are promising, as balance score derived from the Smartphone accelerometers were consistent with balance scores obtained from a previously validated balance system However, further investigation is necessary as this version of the mobile software only assessed balance in the anterior/posterior direction Additionally, further testing is necessary on a healthy populations and as well as those with impairment of the motor control system Level of Evidence: Level 2b (Observational study of validity) 1


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although cognitive load disrupts driver performance in a variety of ways, it produces a performance gain in lane keeping, which appears to reflect drivers’ efforts to protect lateral control against the risk of distraction, at the apparent neglect of other elements of driving performance.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: A pair of simulated driving experiments studied the effects of cognitive load on drivers' lane-keeping performance. BACKGROUND: Cognitive load while driving often reduces the variability of lane position. However, there is no agreement as to whether this effect should be interpreted as a performance loss, consistent with other effects of distraction on driving, or as an anomalous performance gain. METHOD: Participants in a high-fidelity driving simulator performed a lane-keeping task in lateral wind,with instructions to keep a steady lane position. Under high load conditions, participants performed a concurrent working memory task with auditory stimuli. Cross-spectral analysis measured the relationship between wind force and steering inputs. RESULTS: Cognitive load reduced the variability of lane position and increased the coupling between steering wheel position and crosswind strength. CONCLUSION: Although cognitive load disrupts driver performance in a variety of ways, it produces a performance gain in lane keeping.This effect appears to reflect drivers' efforts to protect lateral control against the risk of distraction, at the apparent neglect of other elements of driving performance. APPLICATION: Results may inform educational efforts to help drivers understand the risks of distraction and the inadequacies of compensatory driving strategies. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a broad strokes perspective on the evolution for the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, mainly focusing on the challenges faced to produce the needed inventory data and using the resulting LCA output in decision making.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The construct validity of the TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire (T-TPQ), a self-report survey that examines multiple dimensions of perceptions of teamwork within healthcare settings, is examined.
Abstract: Background TeamSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety) is a team-training intervention which shows promise in aiding the mitigation of medical errors. This article examines the construct validity of the TeamSTEPPS Teamwork Perceptions Questionnaire (T-TPQ), a self-report survey that examines multiple dimensions of perceptions of teamwork within healthcare settings. Method Using survey-based methods, 1700 multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and support staff were measured on their perceptions of teamwork. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between the five TeamSTEPPS dimensions: Leadership, Mutual Support, Situation Monitoring, Communication, and Team Structure. Results The analysis indicated that the T-TPQ measure is more reliable than previously thought (Cronbach's α=0.978). Further, our final tested model showed a good fit with the data (x2 (df) 3601.27 (546), p<0.0001, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI)=0.942, Comparative fit index (CFI)=0.947, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.057), indicating that the measure appears to have construct validity. Further, all dimensions correlated with one another, but were shown to be independent constructs. Conclusions The T-TPQ is a construct-valid instrument for measuring perceptions of teamwork. This has beneficial implications for patient safety and future research that studies medical teamwork.

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Sep 2014
TL;DR: This study compared the eye-tracking data of two SERP layouts (grid vs. list) with two types of tasks (informational vs. navigational) to observe differences in gaze patterns and indicated that users viewed the top left quadrants of the grid layout the most.
Abstract: Previous research has shown that users scan traditional text-based web pages using an “F-shaped” pattern. Evidence of this pattern exists because of the hierarchical structure of search engine result pages (SERP). With the recent implementation of Windows 8, search results are presented as a horizontal grid rather than a list. Due to the structural differences between the list and grid layouts, it is reasonable to postulate that users would exhibit dissimilar scanning patterns between layouts. This study compared the eye-tracking data of two SERP layouts (grid vs. list) with two types of tasks (informational vs. navigational) to observe differences in gaze patterns. Results indicated that users viewed the top left quadrants of the grid layout the most. However, there was little consensus as to how the results were ordered in the grid, unlike the list layout.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Better utilization of light energy in generating the long-lived charge-separated state with the help of the present "antenna-reaction-center" model system has been successfully demonstrated.
Abstract: A novel photosynthetic-antenna-reaction-center model compound, comprised of BF2 -chelated dipyrromethene (BODIPY) as an energy-harvesting antenna, zinc porphyrin (ZnP) as the primary electron donor, ferrocene (Fc) as a hole-shifting agent, and phenylimidazole-functionalized fulleropyrrolidine (C60 Im) as an electron acceptor, has been synthesized and characterized. Optical absorption and emission, computational structure optimization, and cyclic voltammetry studies were systematically performed to establish the role of each entity in the multistep photochemical reactions. The energy-level diagram established from optical and redox data helped identifying different photochemical events. Selective excitation of BODIPY resulted in efficient singlet energy transfer to the ZnP entity. Ultrafast electron transfer from the (1) ZnP* (formed either as a result of singlet-singlet energy transfer or direct excitation) or (1) C60 * of the coordinated fullerene resulting into the formation of the Fc-(C60 (.) (-) Im:ZnP(.) (+) )-BODIPY radical ion pair was witnessed by femtosecond transient absorption studies. Subsequent hole migration to the ferrocene entity resulted in the Fc(+) -(C60 (.) (+) Im:ZnP)-BODIPY radical ion pair that persisted for 7-15 μs, depending upon the solvent conditions and contributions from the triplet excited states of ZnP and ImC60 , as revealed by the nanosecond transient spectral studies. Better utilization of light energy in generating the long-lived charge-separated state with the help of the present "antenna-reaction-center" model system has been successfully demonstrated.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An 8-week WBV-based intervention in a nursing home setting is effective in reducing fall risk factors and quality of life in nursing home residents aged 80+.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the structural and micro structural evolutions of the nanophase have been studied using X-ray powder diffraction and the Rietveld method, and the results showed that the type of the cationic distribution over the tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the nanocrystalline lattice is partially an inverse spinel.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A gamelike system of points and sound effects that rewarded participants for fast and accurate responses led to positive intrinsic motivation, while the sound effects led to attentional capture for rewarded colors.
Abstract: In psychology research studies, the goals of the experimenter and the goals of the participants often do not align. Researchers are interested in having participants who take the experimental task seriously, whereas participants are interested in earning their incentive (e.g., money or course credit) as quickly as possible. Creating experimental methods that are pleasant for participants and that reward them for effortful and accurate data generation, while not compromising the scientific integrity of the experiment, would benefit both experimenters and participants alike. Here, we explored a gamelike system of points and sound effects that rewarded participants for fast and accurate responses. We measured participant engagement at both cognitive and perceptual levels and found that the point system (which invoked subtle, anonymous social competition between participants) led to positive intrinsic motivation, while the sound effects (which were pleasant and arousing) led to attentional capture for rewarded colors. In a visual search task, points were awarded after each trial for fast and accurate responses, accompanied by short, pleasant sound effects. We adapted a paradigm from Anderson, Laurent, and Yantis (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 108(25):10367-10371, 2011b), in which participants completed a training phase during which red and green targets were probabilistically associated with reward (a point bonus multiplier). During a test phase, no points or sounds were delivered, color was irrelevant to the task, and previously rewarded targets were sometimes presented as distractors. Significantly longer response times on trials in which previously rewarded colors were present demonstrated attentional capture, and positive responses to a five-question intrinsic-motivation scale demonstrated participant engagement.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the analysis of revolute joint clearance is formulated in terms of a Hertzian-based contact force model and a polynomial function Kriging meta-model is established instead of the actual simulation model.
Abstract: Over the past two decades, extensive work has been conducted on the dynamic effect of joint clearances in multibody mechanical systems. In contrast, little work has been devoted to optimizing the performance of these systems. In this study, the analysis of revolute joint clearance is formulated in terms of a Hertzian-based contact force model. For illustration, the classical slider-crank mechanism with a revolute clearance joint at the piston pin is presented and a simulation model is developed using the analysis/design software MSC.ADAMS. The clearance is modeled as a pin-in-a-hole surface-to-surface dry contact, with an appropriate contact force model between the joint and bearing surfaces. Different simulations are performed to demonstrate the influence of the joint clearance size and the input crank speed on the dynamic behavior of the system with the joint clearance. In the modeling and simulation of the experimental setup and in the followed parametric study with a slightly revised system, both the Hertzian normal contact force model and a Coulomb-type friction force model were utilized. The kinetic coefficient of friction was chosen as constant throughout the study. An innovative design-of-experiment (DOE)-based method for optimizing the performance of a mechanical system with the revolute joint clearance for different ranges of design parameters is then proposed. Based on the simulation model results from sample points, which are selected by a Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method, a polynomial function Kriging meta-model is established instead of the actual simulation model. The reason for the development and use of the meta-model is to bypass computationally intensive simulations of a computer model for different design parameter values in place of a more efficient and cost-effective mathematical model. Finally, numerical results obtained from two application examples with different design parameters, including the joint clearance size, crank speed, and contact stiffness, are presented for the further analysis of the dynamics of the revolute clearance joint in a mechanical system. This allows for predicting the influence of design parameter changes, in order to minimize contact forces, accelerations, and power requirements due to the existence of joint clearance.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
01 Dec 2014
TL;DR: An analytical channel model is developed for underwater MI communication system with Tri-directional coil (TD coil), which is derived based on the rigorous electromagnetic field analysis and confirms the feasibility and lays the foundation of reliable MI underwater communications.
Abstract: While underwater wireless communications have been investigated and implemented for decades, existing solutions still have difficulties in establishing reliable and low-delay wireless underwater links among small-size devices. The Magnetic Induction (MI) communication technique is among the promising solutions due to its advantages in low propagation delay and less susceptibility to the transmission environments. To date, existing MI models cannot accurately characterize the complex underwater MI channels, especially in the shallow water with omnidirectional antennas. In this paper, an analytical channel model is developed for underwater MI communication system with Tri-directional coil (TD coil), which is derived based on the rigorous electromagnetic field analysis. The MIMO channel between the tri-directional coil antennas are characterized under the complex influences from the water absorption as well as the surface reflection and lateral waves. To validate the channel model, we compare the theoretical results with simulations derived by the COMSOL Multiphysics simulation tool. The developed channel model confirms the feasibility and lays the foundation of reliable MI underwater communications.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The unique work environment of long-haul truckers is delineated, and comprehensive, multi-level strategies with potential to protect and promote the health, safety, and well-being of truckers are proposed, while reducing adverse consequences for companies and highway safety are proposed.
Abstract: Long-haul truck drivers in North America function in a work context marked by excess physical and psychological workload, erratic schedules, disrupted sleep patterns, extreme time pressures, and these factors’ far-reaching consequences. These work-induced stressors are connected with excess risk for cardiometabolic disease, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal and sleep disorders, as well as highway crashes, which in turn exert enormous financial burdens on trucking and warehousing companies, governments and healthcare systems, along with working people within the sector. This article: 1) delineates the unique work environment of long-haul truckers, describing their work characteristics and duties; (2) discusses the health hazards of long-haul trucking that impact drivers, the general population, and trucking enterprises, examining how this work context induces, sustains, and exacerbates these hazards; and (3) proposes comprehensive, multi-level strategies with potential to protect and promote the health, safety, and well-being of truckers, while reducing adverse consequences for companies and highway safety.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Hypo-glycosylated hFSH(21/18) was isolated from hLH preparations by immunoaffinity chromatography followed by gel filtration and bound rat FSHRs more rapidly, suggesting that more ligand binding sites are available to hFSI in FSHR than to fSH(24).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is shown that both polycaprolactone nanofibers as well as polycaproactone and gelatin copolymer nanofIBers can support oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) growth and differentiation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A Copula-based sampling method for data-driven prognostics and health management (PHM) is developed to first build statistical relationship between failure time and the time realizations at specified degradation levels on the basis of off-line training data sets, then identify possible failure times for on-line testing units based on the constructed statistical model and available on- line testing data.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Model of Online Service Technologies MOST is proposed to theorize that the capacity of a service provider to accommodate the variability of customer inputs into the service process is the key difference among various types of service technologies, and empirically investigates the impact ofservice technologies that possess different capacities to accommodate input variability on efficiency and personalization, the two competing goals of service adoption.
Abstract: Online retailers are increasingly providing service technologies, such as technology-based and human-based services, to assist customers with their shopping. Despite the prevalence of these service technologies and the scholarly recognition of their importance, surprisingly little empirical research has examined the fundamental differences among them. Consequently, little is known about the factors that may favor the use of one type of service technology over another. In this paper, we propose the Model of Online Service Technologies MOST to theorize that the capacity of a service provider to accommodate the variability of customer inputs into the service process is the key difference among various types of service technologies. We posit two types of input variability: Service Provider-Elicited Variability SPEV, where variability is determined in advance by the service provider; and User-Initiated Variability UIV, where customers determine variability in the service process. We also theorize about the role of task complexity in changing the effectiveness of service technologies. We then empirically investigate the impact of service technologies that possess different capacities to accommodate input variability on efficiency and personalization, the two competing goals of service adoption. Our empirical approach attempts to capture both the perspective of the vendor who may deploy such technologies, as well as the perspective of customers who might choose among service technology alternatives. Our findings reveal that SPEV technologies i.e., technologies that can accommodate SPEV are more efficient, but less personalized, than SPEUIV technologies i.e., technologies that can accommodate both SPEV and UIV. However, when task complexity is high vs. low, the superior efficiency of SPEV technologies is less prominent, while both SPEV and SPEUIV technologies have higher personalization. We also find that when given a choice, a majority of customers tend to choose to use both types of technologies. The results of this study further our understanding of the differences in efficiency and personalization experienced by customers when using various types of online service technologies. The results also inform practitioners when and how to implement these technologies in the online shopping environment to improve efficiency and personalization for customers.