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The clonal materials of Tectona grandis L. f. in fast-growing plantations exhibit faster growth than the seminal materials. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the differences in wood drying to ensure the quality and yield of the final product. This study evaluated the outdoor drying behavior of three genotypes of teak lumber. Two clonal genotypes (G1 and G2) and one of seminal origin (G3) were assessed. Boards measuring 30 × 150 × 1000 mm (thickness × width × length) were produced from the basal logs. The average moisture content (79.3, 64.9, and 60,1%), final moisture content (10.8, 9.8, and 11.6%), and mean drying rate (1.2, 0.97, and 0.85%.day-1) were observed in the wood from genotypes G1, G2 and G3, respectively. The clonal material crooked and bowed below 5 mm.m-1, which is considered the tolerance limit for both warpings. The seminal material had a greater incidence of splitting. The clonal genotypes G1 and G2 had similar qualities and presented higher drying rates, final moisture contents below 11% and a lower incidence of defects, especially splitting, compared to the naturally seeded material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, people with disabilities have been excluded from the decision-making and governance of organisations that provide disability-related services. From a human rights perspective, people with disabilities should be involved in all decisions that affect their lives. This article is exploring the Disability Royal Commission's (the Commission's) findings on the inclusion of people with disabilities in the decision-making and governance of disability service providers, with a particular focus on findings that relate to people with intellectual disabilities. An analysis of the Commission's findings and recommendations was undertaken, with reference to relevant Public Hearing reports and other Commission publications. During the public hearings, the Commission was critical of disability service providers that did not include the perspective of people with lived experience in their decision-making and governance. The Commission recognised the capacity of people with intellectual disabilities to undertake governance roles, provided they receive necessary support. The Commission made several recommendations to increase the leadership of people with disabilities within disability-related organisations, including policy development and co-design roles. While the Commission supported the involvement of people with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, in the governance of disability services, specific recommendations to guarantee, facilitate and resource such inclusion were missing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The American Board of Surgery awards board certification after successful completion of both the Qualifying Exam and Certifying Exam. Although multiple studies have evaluated board performance at the resident level, fewer studies have evaluated board performance at the program level. Methods: Program pass rates, available through the American Board of Surgery, for 2019-2021 were compared to program information through the American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access (FREIDA). Results: A significant positive correlation of Certifying Exam performance to residency length, resident class size, and number of total physician faculty within the program was seen. Greater average hours of didactics per week had a significant positive correlation to improved Qualifying Exam performance but not Certifying Exam. Programs with higher percentages of residents graduating from a United States MD program, compared to international or DO schools, were associated with improved performances. It also appears that more established programs performed better than younger programs <20 years old. Programs in the West and Midwest performed significantly better on the Qualifying Exam than programs in the South and Northeast. Conclusion: Board certification serves as the capstone for surgeons after completing general surgery residency. Multiple program factors demonstrate a significant correlation to board performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talk by members of executive hospital boards influences the organizational positioning of nurses. Talk is a relational leadership practice. Using a qualitative‐interpretive design we organized focus group meetings wherein members of executive hospital boards (7), nurses (14), physicians (7), and managers (6), from 15 Dutch hospitals, discussed the organizational positioning of nursing during COVID crisis. We found that members of executive hospital boards consider the positioning of nursing in crisis a task of nurses themselves and not as a collective, interdependent, and/or specific board responsibility. Furthermore, members of executive hospital boards talk about the nursing profession as (1) more practical than strategic, (2) ambiguous in positioning, and (3) distinctive from the medical profession. Such talk seemingly contrasts with the notion of interdependence that highlights how actors depend on each other in interaction. Interdependence is central to collaboration in hospital crises. In this paper, therefore, we depart from the members of executive hospital boards as leader and "positioner," and focus on talk—as a discursive leadership practice—to illuminate leadership and governance in hospitals in crisis, as social, interdependent processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2019 and 2022, 21 Hungarian public institutions were placed under the control of so-called public interest foundations (trust funds) instead of the state. As a result, the board of each foundation gained considerable power and authority over the institutions and thus paving the way for radical changes in the university management and internal governance. Although the governance reform is in line with international trends in many respects, we identified the unique characteristics of the Hungarian reform, such as the high proportion of politicians among members or their lifetime employment. Based on 38 interviews and document analysis, we examined the rationale behind the reform and the different interpretations of the role of boards. The results show that the perception of the role of boards depends on the level of trust that the board has in the institution and its management. Where boards treat universities as minors, a micro-managerial, supervisory role is more prevalent. Where, on the other hand, the university management is seen by the board as a more responsible, mature grown-up, a more empowering partnership role is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes to the structure of English education because of decentralisation policy, particularly since 2010, have resulted in the creation of large groupings of schools – multi-academy trusts, organisations with multi-level governance structures, set out in schemes of delegation. Although the government has demanded absolute clarity on the role and remit of each part of the structure and the relationship and reporting between them, recent research suggests that there is little clarity or consistency in the role and function of board structures, with members often confused about their roles. This study draws on data from a funded project to examine: What level of consistency there is in multi-academy trust schemes of delegation, and what evidence is there that schemes of delegation align with sensemaking models of board members? The article concludes with a discussion on what the findings imply for use of schemes of delegation as useful tools for board member sensemaking in multi-academy trusts; revealing that although they can be useful tools for sensemaking, their usage varies a great deal between boards and board members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work had the objective to study the bending strength of 6 Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels produced in the laboratory using reactive polyurethane structural adhesive and Pinus taeda lumber. The test methodology was based on the recommendations of the British standard BS EN 16351 (2015), with samples measuring 140 x 100 x 4.7 cm. An average value of 9,640 MPa was obtained for the modulus of elasticity, 30.24 MPa for the characteristic bending strength and 0.79 MPa for the characteristic shear strength. Production costs showed a value of R$ 100.93 per m², below the cost of masonry panels in ceramics and concrete blocks. The preliminary tests with CLT panels partially attended the standard requirements, with the mechanical classification of the lumber with a modulus of elasticity above 12,000 MPa being necessary in the production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy PointsHospital executives posit a number of rationales for system mergers which lack any basis in academic evidence. Decades of academic research question whether system combinations confer public benefits. Antitrust authorities need to continue to closely scrutinize these transactions.Recently, mergers of hospital systems that span different geographic markets are on the rise. Economists have alerted policymakers about the potential impacts such cross‐market mergers may have on hospital prices. We suggest there are other reasons for concern that scholars have not often confonted. Cross‐market mergers may be conducted for purely self‐serving reasons of organizational growth that increases executive compensation. Combinations of sellers should have clear advantages to consumers. System executives and their boards should bear the burden of proof.Federal regulators and state attorney generals should be cognizant that rationales for cross‐market systems advanced by merging parties are unlikely to be operative or dominant in merger decision making.Policymakers should be careful about passing legislation that encourages hospitals to consolidate. Context: There is a growing trend of combinations among hospital systems that operate in different geographic markets known as cross‐market mergers. Economists have analyzed these broader systems in terms of their anticompetitive behavior and pricing power over insurers. This paper evaluates the benefits advanced by these new hospital systems that speak to a different set of issues not usually studied: increased efficiencies, new capabilities, operating synergies, and addressing health inequities. The paper thus "looks under the hood" of these emerging, cross‐market systems to assess what value they might bestow and upon whom. Methods: The paper examines recently announced cross‐market mergers in terms of their supposed benefits, as expressed by the systems' executives as well as by industry consultants. These presumed benefits are then evaluated against existing evidence regarding hospital system outcomes. Findings: Advocates of cross‐market hospital mergers cite a host of benefits. Research suggests these benefits are nonexistent. Additional evidence suggests other motives may be at play in the formation of cross‐market mergers that have nothing to do with efficiencies, synergies, or community benefits. Instead these mergers may be self‐serving efforts by system chief executive officers (CEOs) to boost their compensation. Conclusions: Cross‐market hospital mergers may yield no benefits to the hospitals involved or the communities in which they operate. The boards of hospital systems that engage in these cross‐market mergers need to exercise greater diligence over the actions of their CEOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to explore leadership within nonprofit sport governance. As an outcome, the authors present a preliminary working model of leadership in nonprofit sport governance based on existing literature and our new empirical evidence. Leadership in nonprofit sport governance has received limited attention to date in scholarly discourse. The authors adopt a case study approach involving three organizations and 16 participant interviews from board members and Chief Executive Officers within the golf network in Australia to uncover key leadership issues in this domain. Interviews were analyzed using an interpretive process, and a thematic structure relating to leadership in the nonprofit sport governance context was developed. Leadership ambiguity, distribution of leadership, leadership skills and development, and leadership and volunteerism emerged as the key themes in the research. These themes, combined with existing literature, are integrated into a preliminary working model of leadership in nonprofit sport governance that helps to shape the issues and challenges embedded within this emerging area of inquiry. The authors offer a number of suggestions for future research to refine, test, critique, and elaborate on our proposed working model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with an increasingly hostile environment, organizations defending and advancing rights need to maximize their strength. Assessing their internal health and understanding the ways in which weak systems and practice make them vulnerable should be a priority. In discussions among rights leaders at o project to build strength and solidarity in the human rights field, three particular oreas show up as needing more attention and better approaches: board governance, executive leadership transitions and internal organizational culture. In eoch case, the experience shared suggests that capacity for self-reflection, learning and trust is likely to support better organizational health and ability to withstand negative conditions. While organizations are responsible for their own health, donor practice can sharply affect their experience and has an impact on the health of the field. Attention to organizational health is a critical point of departure for building resilience and strength but for a stronger human rights field, organizations and movements also need to focus outwards, on building greater solidarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medications may be specially prepared, or "compounded," to meet the needs of patients who cannot use standard formulation. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Convention is a private, nongovernmental organization which independently develops guidelines for pharmaceuticals. The purpose of this survey study is to better understand the extent to which state boards of pharmacy currently incorporate relevant USP guidelines into their compounding regulations. Methods and findings: Executive directors or other administrative representatives of each state board of pharmacy were invited to respond to six open-ended questions. Their free text responses were analyzed by two reviewers (KR, SI) using qualitative research techniques. The response rate was 71% (36/51). Almost all (35/36, 97%) indicated that they implement USP compounding standards at least in part. Eighteen boards (18/28, 64%) reported that 'some, but not all standards' are enforced, most commonly < 795 > and < 797 > , but not < 800 > (9/28, 32%). Ten (10/28, 36%) indicated that 'all' USP compounding standards are enforced. Eighteen (18/21, 86%) only implement finalized USP standards, whereas three consider newly proposed chapters (3/21, 14%). Over half (22/36, 61%) employ a committee or similar process to select standards. Conclusions: Almost all responding state boards of pharmacy incorporate finalized USP compounding standards into their regulations, usually via a formal rulemaking process, with boards commonly implementing some standards but not all. Chapters < 795 > and < 797 > are implemented more commonly than < 800 >. Since Congress passed the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA), pharmacy boards are becoming increasingly observant of USP compounding standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how governance in the further education (FE) sector in Northern Ireland (NI) has been shaped by policy frameworks implemented at local, regional, national and UK levels. Despite the unique ways in which FE policy has developed alongside the other devolved nations, very little research has considered the NI context and its complexity. In this paper we first examine the history of FE provision in NI, and the development of FE in NI in relation to the rest of the United Kingdom (UK). Following this, we examine the impact of recent FE policy on governance structures and governing practices across the six regionalised colleges operating in NI today by presenting some insights gained from ethnographic observations of governing boards in action and interviews with key policy actors. Our analysis of the empirical data reveals key challenges facing FE governing bodies in NI in relation to financial and budgetary concerns, the multiple relationships between colleges and the various government departments, and the uncertainty presented by the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Stormont and the EU Exit (Brexit). We conclude by offering reflection on these analyses in relation to FE governance in NI going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates whether corporate governance and corporate foundations have any influence on corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting practices in the context of a developing country - Mauritius. Data were collected from Mauritian listed companies for the period of 2007-2014. Content analysis was used to assess the extent of CSR reporting. Multivariate regression was used to investigate the three research hypotheses. It was found that firms which contribute to a CSR foundation, generally report a higher level of CSR information provision. Conversely, state ownership has a negative influence on the level of CSR reporting while board independence had no significant influence on CSR reporting. This study contributes to the literature by shedding light on less explored intrinsic drivers of CSR reporting. While the role of extrinsic drivers (e.g. institutional obligations) remains relevant, it is only through an organizational/management commitment to ethical and social issues that substantive embedding of positive managerial attitudes toward CSR and stakeholder will occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article synthesises and highlights outcomes from a governance and risk forum that identified emerging risks for businesses and organisations. A governance framework is first presented followed by a discussion of recent developments in relation to elements of the framework as part of a mini-review of the literature. Emerging risks and opportunities around the changing nature of work, corporate culture, blockchain and cyber security were highlighted, with a particular emphasis on climate-related risks. Key questions to ask as a non-executive director or governance and risk committee members regarding these risks include could our sector or organisation be impacted by these emerging risks and opportunities? What could be the implications if these risks were to materialise and to what extent will our current business and operating model be impacted? How could our organisation be seizing the opportunity created by the pending changes in these areas? The findings and implications of the governance and risk issues are highlighted for the extractives sector and are especially important as the extractive sector faces challenges in its transformation. The study is novel as it highlights insights from the practitioner perspective of governance which is not captured in the literature. Recommended remedies for each risk are provided, and businesses are advised to undertake a focused review of non-financial risks, including corporate or organisational culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wooden shingles have been known in Europe and other regions worldwide for several thousands of years. They are usually split, and according to handicraft rules, as well as historical literature, a split surface has many advantages. It is more flexible, more elastic, stronger, and less exposed to cupping than a sawn surface because no fibers have been cut. It also follows wood rays; it is more durable than a sawn surface because cut fibers absorb more moisture, creating good conditions for fungal growth. However, because sawing is the main procedure for dividing logs into timber, sawn boards are currently used for roofing. The short life span of such roofing has often been discussed by craftsmen. In this study, a 37-year-old roofing was evaluated to determine the important parameters of high-durability sawn boards. Results showed that the presence of juvenile wood, fiber deviations, and knots reduced the durability of these boards. Therefore, sawn boards of the same wood quality as split shingles may have the same durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increasing gender-equality in many areas, corporate power is still strongly male-dominated. Prevailing research often relies on the cognitive, demand-side mechanism of in-group favoritism based on single-country studies to produce generalized explanations of men's dominance in top management and to recommend remedies, such as gender quotas on boards. However, existing research findings are mixed. We contribute to the research field by analyzing original data from 457 large companies in Norway and the US, examining associations of the gender-composition on boards and in the actual Executive Committees. The predictions of in-group favoritism are partly supported in the US, but largely not supported for Norwegian companies with gender-balanced boards due to quotas. We argue that in-group favoritism is an incomplete explanation. We call for research examining the organizational and societal processes curtailing the supply of qualified women for top-executive positions, across national and regulatory contexts and organizational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-academy trusts are groups of schools in England led by an Executive Head Teacher and a Board of Trustees. High profile failures of these organisations raise questions over the way they are strategically led. Leadership studies argue that the absence of strategic thinking is a major detractor from performance & sustainability. However, creating strategy for a single organisation is very different to creating it for a collaboration. This article adopts a schema-based approach to examine the ways in leadership boards approach strategy as learning. Drawing on 42 qualitative interviews it asks: What evidence is there that strategy is a learning activity; What organisational implications are there for this? What are the implications of this for Trustee and CEO development in this area? And what theoretical contribution does this study make to what is known about strategy learning in multi-level organisations? The paper concludes that there is evidence to suggest that respondents view strategy as learning, whilst also suggesting areas for professional development for school leaders. From a theoretical perspective, the paper adds to knowledge on the role of metacognition in a strategy as learning approach to strategic decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong corporate governance requires legal, regulatory, and structural frameworks to be relevant and efficient. Poor corporate governance mechanisms, a lack of knowledge of the importance of good corporate governance and, often, a poor institutional structure were major impediments to the growth of effective financial markets and establishment of a stable investment environment in South-Eastern European Countries (SEE). In this paper, we comparatively analyse corporate governance practices and their legal frameworks in SEE countries. The study results show, on the one hand, that Albania has the lowest scores in corporate governance practices and, on the other hand, that Croatia and Slovenia have the highest scores in these practices. Overall, corporate governance is a significant subject for organizations of all sizes and has drawn interest from policy, corporate executives, stakeholders, and academic researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the roles of nonprofit boards? We reflect critically on the leadership and management activities of boards to understand the implications of the current crisis on governance. Employing a contingency approach to governance, we present a model of boards of directors' leadership and management roles under four governance configurations as organizations navigate through the stages of the pandemic. We suggest that organizations with governance configurations that are more suited to predictable environments will generally experience greater shifts between management and leadership activities as they move through the stages of the COVID-19 crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Palliative medicine (PM) has gained subspecialty recognition in many countries during the past two decades. Jordan is one of the first Arab countries to gain accreditation for the specialty.Objectives: To outline the process undertaken by leaders in palliative care in Jordan to have PM recognized as a subspecialty and the development of a two-year fellowship training program. To contextualize the Jordanian experience with the experience from other countries and assess the need for PM specialty programs in Jordan.Methods: A thorough review of all documentations, letters, correspondence, and proposals exchanged between the palliative care department at King Hussein Cancer Center and the Jordanian Medical Council from 2011 to 2017. An assessment of the number of certified physicians and fellowship posts required to meet the current palliative care needs in Jordan, using population-based need for palliative care.Results: The process of gaining subspecialty status for PM in Jordan was complex, lengthy, and dependent on the collaboration of many officials and health sector organizations working together on a national strategy to achieve it. Ultimately, PM was recognized as a subspecialty in 2017, a two-year fellowship program was accredited by the Jordanian Medical Council in 2018, with a recognized subspecialty board examination, which can be accessed by many medical and surgical specialties. It is estimated that 185-235 full-time equivalent palliative care specialist physicians are needed to meet the demand of patients in Jordan.Conclusion: Key factors enabling accreditation to happen in Jordan were strong leadership, persistence, collaboration with major stakeholders, and seeking out opportunities to promote the specialty. Our experience and lessons learnt are transferable to other countries and may prove beneficial to others aiming to gain subspecialty recognition for PM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the choice to interlock as a strategic decision. The choice to invite an executive from a rival company to sit on the board is analyzed within a duopoly where firms with hidden marginal costs of production compete in the product market. Interlocking directorates may emerge as an equilibrium outcome whenever firms gain by disclosing information on their private costs. The degree of efficiency of the companies together with the type of competition, either quantity or price, affects the occurrence and the form of the interlocking. The equilibrium outcome can take different forms: unilateral, bilateral interlocking or no interlocking. We also derive the welfare implications of the different equilibria and show that interlocking directorates are detrimental for the consumers even without assuming collusive behavior in the market. In addition we extend the analysis to three firms to explore the dynamic of networks formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses across the nation are stepping forward as leaders in response to the rapid and continuous change in health care and the acute needs of vulnerable populations. Caring for vulnerable populations is inherent in the nurse's role. However, caring for those in vulnerable states goes beyond the bedside. Nurses are in a unique position to bring their experiences and knowledge in patient care, quality, safety, cost containment, and wellness, as members of boards, elected officials, and nonprofit directors. Their impact is significant, as they balance critical thinking skills, financial knowledge, and compassion in order to influence executive decision-making. This article describes the importance of nurses serving on boards from evidence-based as well as personal perspectives, and presents specific examples of nurses' impact on vulnerable populations and those on the brink of vulnerability, in schools, communities, health-care institutions, and beyond. Will you also rise to the call to serve? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the achievements gained towards increased gender diversity in corporations, the issue is far from being settled. Today, the pursuit for increased gender diversity extends to tackle who should sit on the board of directors. In fact, this debate is not country specific. There has been an increasing debate about policy mandating women participation on boards (WOB) worldwide. And the recent period has witnessed growing research examining the impact of female board membership on firm value, but the evidence remains inconclusive. In a market whereby women's presence in top positions remains lesser socially acceptable, the importance of investigating the impact of such policy mandates is even greater. Egypt is unique context to investigate, because despite its institutional barriers to women roles, it is on the verge of change post the aftermath of the "Arab Spring". Using a unique dataset, we investigate the impact of women board diversity on firm performance on a sample of 114 Egyptian firms, which represent active Egyptian nonfinancial publicly listed firms with data available for the year 2013. After accounting for firm size, board size, industry, and CEO duality, our findings reveal a positive significant association between percentage of women on board (WOB) members and firm value (ROE). For robustness, we also use Tobin Q as an alternative measure. We find this direct effect to be positively moderated by industry (service sector). The results highlights the positive impact of female board membership on firm value as measured by ROE and Tobin Q, despite social barriers to female leaders, indicating a positive direction to the perceived legitimacy of increased WOB at a unique time in Egypt's history. The paper provides implications for management policies to prepare more females for senior roles and address the false preconceptions about expected market reactions to the appointment of females on boards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides analysis and insight into the views and experiences of 12 top executives of FTSE 350 companies about appointing women to their boards, against background growth in the number of female non-executive directors but the number of female executive director appointments showing no progress. Findings showed that the idea of women on boards as non-executive directors is well embedded, yet many barriers to increasing the numbers of women executive directors remain. Lack of robust selection processes, negative views of executive search companies, and views about the shortage of suitably qualified women are reported while most participants did not view the development of the female executive pipeline as a top priority. Findings suggest that public focus on increasing the number of non-executive directors has been effective, attention should be shifted to galvanise efforts in FTSE companies to develop their female talent and increase executive director numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How should the governance system in a non-membership non-profit organization be designed? This organizational form has no shareholders; instead, donors provide funds. Thus, at the organizational level, the board of directors could have all the power. Under this legal form, who controls the board? If too powerful, boards could misuse resources or distract the organization from its foundational goals. We examine the case of private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Colombia and the balance of power in university governance systems which feature this organizational form. Most HEIs in our sample have a kind of assembly of representatives as the governance body with the highest authority and able to appoint and control the board. We specifically discuss the assemblies’ reason for being, structure, and functions in private HEIs in Colombia. We analyze a total of 204 HEI governance structures and find governance arrangements with the characteristics of an assembly of representatives in 154 (75.9%). Our analysis highlights features in some of these governance bodies that could lead to overly powerful assemblies (e.g., founder donors with tenure for life). Clearly, a proper balance of power is required to avoid rent-seeking behaviors or the pursuit of harmful private non-monetary benefits from assembly members as well as boards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the potential for digital, online information and electronic voting to improve shareholder surplus by facilitating a new governance structure, owner-governance, which shifts control of the takeover decision from the board to shareholders. We compare analytical models of owner-governance to the current practice of delegated-governance in the context of increasing availability of online information, which increases public informedness. Our analysis shows that shareholders of the target firm and the acquirer both prefer owner-governance to delegated-governance when informedness is sufficiently high. Interestingly, we find a region where owner-governance offers a higher probability of takeover but delegated-governance offers higher shareholder surplus. Under delegated-governance, the board endogenously sets an entrenchment level that is always greater than the entrenchment level preferred by the shareholders and increasing informedness reduces the probability of a takeover. Our results suggest that owner-governance should be considered because of increasing informedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the development and the evaluation under industrial conditions of a fingerprint traceability system for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies L.). It was found that 99% correct matches could be obtained while tracing 89% of all pine boards and 87% of all spruce boards. This method can be used to connected production data along the whole production chain and will provide new information on the relationship between raw material properties and final product properties. The paper also elaborates on how such information will form the basis of the adaptive production control in the digital sawmills of the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Their objective is to evaluate the treatments madeto the raw material for the manufacture of plastic wood panel shelp improve the technological process; expand know ledgerelated to the optimization of was te before beingused. Treatments were performed to sawdust of Pinuscaribaea: analysis of moisture content, particlesizeandextractionstudyofwoodresin, which were taken from the sawmill "Battle of the tanneries" in Guane. Plasticwasteweresorted, cleaned and crushed, weas sessed the availability of each of the min the province of PinardelRío, Cuba. It also shows the technological design for the production of this type of board, as well as the use of additives. This materialis developed by extrusion enabling get alook similar tore constituted wood, with many applications related to construction, givenits resist anceto weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the use of a novel new renewable resource in acoustic absorption applications. The new material being tested is based on a fungi that is grown on semi-hydrophobic agricultural by-product substrates such as cotton burs, switch-grass, rice straw, sorghum stalks, corn stalks and kenaf; to form a light-weight all-natural bio-composite board. The study examines the impact of a new post-processing technique that converts the raw light-weight board into a much higher density compressed board that requires no additional glue or binder. The material traits of interest to this study are the acoustical absorption properties of this new high density variant. The study tested the boards over a range of compressed densities that resulted by increasing the compression force in a laboratory board press with a fixed temperature of 205° Celsius for the following applied pressures {0, 2644, 3051, 3661, 4678 N/m 2 } to achieve the following five density levels that were tested, {0.042 (uncompressed), 0.057, 0.086, 0.120, 0.169 g/cc}. Also included in the study were three reference materials {commercial acoustic ceiling tile, a cork flooring under-layment and birch plywood}. The acoustic properties of the material were characterized for acoustic absorption, in reflection and for through-transmission. The results of the study indicate this new class of densified mycelium based boards are a promising bio-based composite alternative for through-transmission acoustic shielding boards. Results show a progressive increase in sound shielding up to 0.087 g/cc after which further increases in density are statistically insignificant. This new material provides an all-natural, sustainable alternative to modern composite boards such as medium density fiber boards, “MDF” and oriented strand boards, “OSB”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universities are institutions dedicated to create, disseminate and manage knowledge. The Intellectual relationalcapitals) is an example of it. On the other hand, the existence of Corporate Governance in Universities makes sense in the way that it fits as a solution for the agency problem often seen in these institutions with the groups of interest involved. Universities, in order to have a good performance to the public, must have good governance. In order to do so, it must practice some mechanisms, one of them is the reduction of the existence of asymmetric information between Universities and their groups of interest, and to achieve that, there must be transparency. Therefore, the organization must assume the disclosure of its endeavors. It is then when the dissemination of Intellectual Capital gains importance. This article answers the question about the relation between the composition of the Boards of the Universities and the dissemination of Intellectual Capital (IC), proposing a positive relation on the size, independence, and diversity of the Board in the dissemination of IC. This investigation is confirmatory, synchronic and quantitative. It uses data from 219 universities placed among the 500 first universities in the SCImago ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sows and boars that have reached the end of their productive lives have a greater risk for welfare problems. This paper reviews literature on culling reasons that may affect the animals' fitness for transport. The top two reasons identified for culling boars were: obesity and reproductive problems. Sows are most often culled due to lameness, low body condition, or failure to rebreed. The OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) fitness for transport guidelines that would apply to sows and boars were compared with documents from the Canadian Code of Practice, Northern American Meat Institute (NAMI), EU-UK-DEFRA (European Union-United Kingdom, Dept. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), U.S. National Pork Board, European Practical Guidelines to Assess Fitness for Transport of Pigs, and U.S. Pork Trucker Quality Assurance. The guidelines had the greatest agreement on the following fitness for transport issues: non-ambulatory, severely injured animals, sows in the last ten percent of pregnancy and sows with uterine prolapses were not fit for transport. There was less agreement on low body condition. One of the reasons for the lack of agreement is that there were stakeholders who specialized in transporting and processing extremely thin animals. A standard that would severely restrict the transport and slaughter of these animals could hinder the business practices of these stakeholders. Many welfare specialists would agree that some of these animals would be unfit for transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliability specifications for solder joints, as well as for all electronic components, have become a fundamental feature in the qualification of an electronic product. The relevance of these reliability features increases if new components or materials are considered. In this research activity, an accelerated thermal test on customized electronic boards was implemented for an early reliability evaluation; we therefore proposed a study on the reliability behavior of a solder joint by considering different surface finishes, and several component packages. A comparative study was carried out through the application of statistical methods. To this end, Weibull distributed data and non-linear mixed models were evaluated. More precisely, Weibull random-effects models were applied to compare different combinations of surface finishes, (e.g. Hot Air Solder Leveling, Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold, Immersion Tin) and alloys, (e.g. tin-silver-copper, tin-lead), connected to four types of components, also to evaluate how the type of package or the geometry of the joint may affect the reliability of the soldering. Therefore, the aim of this research is a statistical study of the reliability of solder alloys subjected to thermal aging tests by also taking different surface finishes of the printed circuit boards and different types of packaging into account. The study was carried out with two-by-two comparisons of alloy-surface finishes. By evaluating the statistical results, the tin-silver-copper alloy, with the considered finishes, demonstrates a higher reliability with respect to the boards soldered by the traditional combination of soldering alloy and surface finish. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Foundations are often considered paradigms of the exercise of corporate responsibility of the companies that create them to develop activities with social and environmental flare. They are usually clasified within the Non profit sector. However, within their own internal configuration it is common to identify practices that are not always consistent with a socially responsible attitude. One example is the proportion of underrepresented gender, women in the boards of some of the main foundations of Spain. There are currently proposals to promote equality in the field of major corporate and commercial enterprises. It is surprising that there are no developed clear initiatives in the área of foundations. Combining tools used in information science reseach with techniques from the field of Law, we propose ways to advance the internal Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in foundations, from the stand point of power and balance between genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of different fuzzy neural network (FNN) learning control methods for brushless dc (BLDC) motor drives. The FNN combines fuzzy logic (FL) with the learning capabilities of an artificial neural network. The study designs an FNN structure and defines four different training algorithms for the FNN, namely, backpropagation (BP), extended Kalman filter (EKF), genetic (GEN), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). These algorithms are examined in the simple application of pattern matching an input set to an output set and determine the strengths and weaknesses of each algorithm. Tests of each learning algorithm by a pattern matching benchmark are achieved via dSPACE DSP MATLAB/Simulink environment and allows for the capability for adaptive self-tuning of the weights and memberships of the input parameters. Thus, this adds a self-learning capability to the initial fuzzy design for operational adaptively and implements the solution on real hardware using a BLDC motor drive system. The success of the adaptive FNN-controlled BLDC motor drive system is verified by experimental results. Testing results show that the EKF method is the superior method of the four for this specific application. The BP method was also somewhat successful, nearly matching the pattern but not to the accuracy of the EKF. The GEN and PSO methods did not demonstrate success. Demonstrating the proposed self-learning FNN control on real hardware realizes the solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Global integration strengthens the collective voice of diverse constituencies. • Governance structures: federation, confederation, network, constituency backbone. • Formal and informal authority by headquarters helps integrate diverse interests. • Governance decision rights help to secure commitments to global goals. We examine the design of governance in international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) engaged in global advocacy. A central governance challenge facing INGOs is how to integrate their global advocacy efforts across diverse country units and memberships, in the face of limited authority and weak ownership over those units. Through a qualitative multi-case study of ten organizations, we analyze governance reforms intended to enhance global integration. We identify and discuss: a) four distinct governance structures for enabling more coherent global decision making (federation, confederation, network, constituency backbone); b) various mechanisms of formal and informal authority employed by headquarters in order to integrate the diverse interests and actions of their units; and, c) decision rights allocated to units or members to secure commitment to global goals. We synthesize these findings to offer a contingency perspective on designing governance for global integration. We hope this research will not only help to advance scholarship on governance in complex global organizations, but will also be useful to the leadership and boards of international organizations in strengthening the collective voice of their diverse constituencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new data acquisition system under development for the next upgrade of the LHCb experiment at CERN. We focus in particular on the design of a new common readout board, the PCIe40, and on the viability of PCI-Express as an interconnect technology for high speed readout. We describe a new high-performance DMA controller for data acquisition, implemented on an FPGA, coupled with a custom software module for the Linux kernel. Lastly, we describe how these components can be leveraged to achieve a throughput of 100 Gbit/s per readout board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the implementation of a load voltage observer into the control algorithms of a Rapid Capacitor Charger controlled by a digital signal controller (DSC) with a fast DSP core. A hybrid peak current mode control algorithm with digital control of the PWM signal and high speed analog current sensing is used to control the inverter of the charger. The DSC controller keeps the current loop stable using adaptive slope compensation. In addition to providing fast adaptive digital control of the current loop, the DSC can perform additional functions such as estimation of the voltage level of the load capacitor. This avoids the cost, bandwidth limitations and insulation challenges of a conventional HV-sensor. To evaluate the performance of the load voltage observer, we measured the output voltage with a laboratory grade HV probe to establish a reference to test the results of the digital algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Hospital boards, those executive members charged with developing appropriate organisational strategies and cultures, have an important role to play in safeguarding the care provided by their organisation. However, recent concerns have been raised over boards' ability to enact their duty to ensure the quality and safety of care. This paper offers critical reflection on the relationship between hospital board oversight and patient safety. In doing so it highlights new perspectives and suggestions for developing this area of study. Methods: The article draws on 10 interviews with key informants and policy actors who form part of the 'issue network' interested in the promotion of patient safety in the English National Health Service. Results: The interviews surfaced a series of narratives regarding hospital board oversight of patient safety. These elaborated on the role of trust and intelligence in highlighting the potential dangers and limitations of approaches to hospital board oversight which have been narrowly focused on a risk-based view of organisational performance. In response, a need to engage with the development of trust based organisational relationships is identified, in which effective board oversight is built on 'trust' characterised by styles of leadership and behaviours that are attentive to the needs and concerns of both staff and patients. Effective board oversight also requires the gathering and triangulating of 'intelligence' generated from both national and local information sources. Conclusions: We call for a re-imagination of hospital board oversight in the light of these different perspectives and articulate an emerging research agenda in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research provides detailed descriptive information about decision-making behaviors and processes of community foundation boards. Our study responds to Graddy and Morgan’s (2006) call for research that examines how community foundation leadership (board and staff) affects strategic direction. We provide an understanding of how community foundation boards interpret organizational and environmental realities while balancing what has been described in the literature as “competing” mission-related objectives among donors, recipients, and the community. We find decision making to be influenced by three powerful forces; fear, tradition, and serendipity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable research has asked what job skills are needed for human services administrators and which degree is the “best” one to acquire those skills. This study extends previous research by adding another stakeholder group, Board Chairs, in a mixed methods study. Implications are presented for policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article examines some of the main limitations of research on the governance of nonprofit organizations. It argues that there are limitations in both the way governance has been conceptualized and the ways in which it has been researched. It suggests that research has focused too narrowly on the boards of unitary organizations, and ignored both the wider governance system and the more complex multilevel and multifaceted governance structures that many organizations have evolved. It also argues that the dominant research designs employed have been cross-sectional and positivist in orientation. As a result, too little attention has been paid to board processes and change and how they are influenced by contextual and historical factors. Based on this analysis, some new directions for nonprofit governance research are briefly mapped out. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recognizing gender as a social construction, in this article we explore the complex, and in many ways contradictory, 'doing' of gender on regional development boards in Australia. While the number of women on these boards has risen over the past decade, the overwhelming sense of these organizations is one of homogeneity. The individuals on these ministerially appointed boards are awarded institutional privilege. Their roles provide them with status and benefits and their membership positions them as leaders within the (masculine) hegemony. This space is not, however, uniformly masculinized. With the limited resources at their disposal and little public recognition of their roles, the boards have limited agency. These poorly resourced boards are populated by women and men board members, while vested with important titles, are relatively powerless and are expected to undertake duties and display behaviour that is more consistent with a feminized role. The doing of gender can also be seen in the primacy of the economic over the social in regional development, where the economic is strongly associated with creating employment, especially in industries where men have traditionally dominated, rather than in the more feminized domains of services. This doing of gender points to the persistence of conservative gender patterns reinforcing a masculinized model of business. The contradiction here is that while they subscribe to this masculinized model, they are unable to deliver on outcomes because they do not have direct control over resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apologies are known to play an important role in the resolution of discrimination and harassment complaints brought under equal opportunity legislation. Sometimes parties agree on an apology as a term on the basis of which a complaint is settled. Occasionally, where a complaint is not settled, a respondent will be ordered to apologize. The ability to order an apology is a distinctive feature of equal opportunity law in Australia. The aim of the researchers was to gather information on the role of apologies in the equal opportunity jurisdiction in Western Australia. Twenty-four complainants and respondents took part in semi-structured interviews. Qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts revealed that participants placed a positive value on apologies in the settlement process. They believed apologies serve a number of functions and have the potential to play a valuable role in the resolution of discrimination and harassment complaints. It appears that respondents may be more inclined to offer apologies if they have their legal position clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One element of the recent reforms of higher education sectors across Europe is the formation of new governance structures in universities. Supervisory boards are part of these reform processes. However, despite the importance of these boards, surprisingly little is known about their actual work. This article discusses the situation of boards in three European countries: the Netherlands, Austria and the UK. It compares the boards' constitutions with respect to composition, independence, accountability and transparency. Several problems and dilemmas come to the fore. The article concludes by indicating potential areas for improvement in the current board structure and working practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to the emerging empirical studies on roles and responsibilities of boards in nonprofit organizations by identifying competencies of volunteer board members. We identified how two types of constituents-volunteer board members and sports members-perceived competencies of volunteer board members in community sports clubs. We used the repertory grid technique to draw cognitive maps and to reveal the perceived reality of these constituents. Our results suggest that constituents within a group share similar perceptions of competencies of outstanding performing board members, whereas they agree less on perceptions of poor performing board members. This study reveals that cognitive (e.g., having a long-term vision, having professionalism), emotional intelligence (e.g., being reliable, being honest), and social intelligence (e.g., listening to others, being jovial/nice to be with) competencies are necessary to be perceived as an outstanding performing board member. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governance structures in central government departments are poorly articulated. Departmental boards were imported from the private sector; in central government their remit and accountability are obscure, as is their role in relation to Permanent Secretaries and Ministers—whose leadership roles are also muddled. This brings costs for Ministers, departments and the public. Improvements have proved elusive, in part because an underlying confusion has been neglected—about how bodies subject to the almost unlimited democratic accountability of Ministers are to be governed. The confusion can be cleared up, principles of governance formulated, and concrete improvements proposed. These include: better articulation of Permanent Secretaries' presumptive leadership role; strengthened lines of external accountability; and more coherent provisions for the role and accountabilities of boards, and their relationship with Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and the centre of government. Such changes should improve accountability, leadership, capability and delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Governance of state wildlife management has been under scrutiny with respect to its ability to change to reflect the values, norms, and cultural beliefs of contemporary society. This article reviews the existing model of governance for state wildlife management; outlines concerns about this model in light of a changing social context; discusses alternative approaches; and offers considerations for how governance could be reformed to meet societal needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]