Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life-Cycle Assessment for Transportation Decision Making

Life-Cycle Assessment is a framework for evaluating products, processes, services, activities, and the complex systems in which they reside, from cradle-to-grave. When Life-Cycle Assessment is applied to transportation infrastructure, the analysis can evaluate the vehicle manufacturing, fuel production, and infrastructure construction phases not accounted for in a typical environmental analysis. Because a Life-Cycle Assessment can produce additional information about an alternative or set of alternatives, some transportation agencies are interested in pursuing such an analysis in their transportation decision-making. This paper provides guidance for agencies seeking to conduct a Life-Cycle Assessment of various transportation infrastructure options to aid in decision-making. The authors organize frameworks and methods by existing processes and decision points in order to ease the integration of Life-Cycle Assessment methods into the current transit planning and operations environment. Guidance to transit agencies wishing to perform Life-Cycle Assessment of new capital projects is presented, with consideration of policy and data trade-offs that an agency will likely encounter when conducting a Life-Cycle Assessment. Possible energy and emissions implications for land use are discussed. The authors found that many agencies lack data to perform a precise Life-Cycle Assessment at any one stage of the capital planning and delivery process, and that existing planning processes preclude detailed assessment and substantive decision-making in the same stage. The paper concludes with recommendations for California and the U.S. Federal Transit Administration to facilitate local Life-Cycle Assessment, such as producing information on life-cycle energy and emissions impacts for transit vehicles and projects.
ELECTROCHEMICAL CHLORIDE REMOVAL AND PROTECTION OF CONCRETE BRIDGE COMPONENTS: FIELD TRIALS

Electrochemical chloride removal procedures developed in the laboratory for rehabilitation of concrete bridge structures were executed in field validation trials. Field trials were completed on an Ohio bridge deck, a Florida marine column substructure, a New York land column substructure, and an Ontario bridge abutment. All four trials were successful. This report discusses the results of these trials.
SOIL STABILIZATION IN PAVEMENT STRUCTURES-A USER'S MANUAL VOLUME 2: MIXTURE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

This two volume user's manual was developed to provide guidance for pavement design, construction and materials engineers responsible for soil stabilization operations associated with transportation systems. The present volume has been prepared for materials engineers. It describes methods for selection of the type and amount of stabilizers. Methods of estimating stabilizer contents are presented as well as detailed test methods, mixture design criteria and typical mixture criteria.
Hazard anticipation of young novice drivers : assessing and enhancing the capabilities of young novice drivers to anticipate latent hazards in road and traffic situations. Thesis Rijksuniversiteit Groningen.

Driving most of the times, is a self-paced task. Based on their expectations of how things will develop in the near future, drivers proactively influence the road and traffic situation. They do this by looking in particular directions from where possible hazards may materialize (the areas that contain latent hazards) and by adjusting their speed and if possible their lateral position. Young novice drivers are not very good in proactively controlling the road and traffic situation. This is one of the causes they are overrepresented in crashes. Firstly, this thesis aims to clarify why young novice drivers are not very good in hazard anticipation. Is this mainly because their predictions about how things will develop in the near future are not so good or mainly because they accept more risks than older drivers do, as they do not 'feel' the risks so easily and/or are not motivated to accept only low levels of risk? Secondly, this thesis aims to find a practical method to test the skill to detect and recognize latent hazards, and a separate method to test the element of risk acceptance in hazard anticipation. Thirdly, this thesis aims to find an effective method to train hazard anticipation.
Smart Cities : Governing, Modelling and Analysing the Transition

Chapter 1: Introduction (to Smart Cities) Mark Deakin Section 1: Governing the Transition Chapter 2: From Intelligent to Smart Cities Mark Deakin Chapter 3: e-Governance as an Enabler of the Smart City Krassimira Paskaleva Chapter 4: The IntelCities Community of Practice Mark Deakin, Patrizia Lombardi and Ian Cooper Chapter 5: What Makes Cities Intelligent? Nico Komninos Chapter 6: The Embedded Intelligence of Smart Cities Mark Deakin Section 2: Modelling the Transition Chapter 7: Smart Cities: A Nexus for Open Innovation? Krassimira Paskaleva Chapter 8: The Triple Helix Model of Smart Cities: A Neo-evolutionary Perspective Mark Deakin and Loet Leydesdorff Chapter 9: SCRAN: the Network Mark Deakin and PeterCruickshank Section 3: Analysing the Transition Chapter 10: Smart Cities in Europe Andreas Caragliu, Chiara Del Bo and Peter Nijkamp Chapter11: An Advanced Triple-Helix Network Framework for Smart Cities Performance Karima Kourtit, Mark Deakin, Andrea Caragliu, Chiara Del Bo, Peter Nijkamp, Patrizia Lombardi and Silvia Giordano Chapter 12: Conclusion (on the State of the Transition) Mark Deakin
Dictionary of Acoustics

The science and technology of acoustics embraces an unusually wide range of disciplines, from aircraft noise reduction to ultrasonics in medicine, from psychoacoustics to signal processing. The student of acoustics has to become familiar with a corresponding range of specialist terms in order to communicate with others and to understand the literature. Here, in one informative dictionary, for the first time, are listed accurate and helpful definitions to provide the student - or the specialist from another discipline - with a point of entry into the world of acoustics. The dictionary's 2,800 entries cover most of the essential concepts and terminology that the practicing acoustician needs to understand, outside the subfields of music and speech communication. The author has drawn on experience gained during a long career spent mostly at Southampton University's multidisciplinary Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, supplemented by the expertise and perspective of a team of subject specialists.
AIRPORT LANDSIDE LEVEL OF SERVICE ESTIMATION: UTILITY THEORETIC APPROACH

The need for research on level of service criteria and standards for the design and evaluation of existing or proposed new landside facilities arises from the requirement that they reflect technical developments, enhanced knowledge of user preference and behavior, the need to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the airport system, and the uncertainties of air travel demand. In air transportation, by and large, reliance has been placed on arbitrary standards with hidden assumptions. This paper reports recent research on the interrelationship between space/service standards, user perceived value or utility of level of service, and cost. A framework is described for the study of level of service, based on the principles of utility and cost-effectiveness theories. Criteria for design and evaluation of landside facilities are discussed, and recommendations for further research are made.
The Longevity and Performance of Diamond-Ground Pavements

Diamond grinding restores a smooth riding surface with desirable friction characteristics on concrete pavements. This technique was first used in 1965 on a 19-year old section of I-10 in southern California, to eliminate excessive faulting. Since then, diamond grinding has become an important element of concrete pavement restoration. This study involved conducting a comprehensive review of existing information on diamond grinding, data collection, data analysis, and documentation of the study findings. Extensive field surveys were conducted to obtain the performance data needed for the analysis. In all, 60 pavement sections in 18 states were surveyed. In addition, performance data for 133 sections were obtained from an earlier study of the performance of diamond-ground pavements. The data from the Long Term Pavement Performance sections (concrete pavement rehabilitation) were also used to conduct direct side-by-side comparisons of the performance of diamond-ground pavement sections and other rehabilitation alternatives. Various analyses were conducted to document the performance of diamond-ground pavements, including an evaluation of faulting performance, longevity of diamond-ground texture, and the effects of diamond grinding on service life. Diamond-ground surfaces were demonstrated to provide several years of service. No evidence of any deleterious effects of diamond grinding was observed at any field site.
Europe’s Migration Experience and Its Effects on Economic Inequality

This chapter provides the historical context for the past half-century in Europe, focusing specifically on the link between migration and economic development and inequality. The literature review suggests that there are several channels through which migration affects economic inequality between countries in one or the other direction, and it may decrease inequality within countries. The net effects are an open empirical question and are likely to depend on the institutional and policy context, sources and destinations of migration, and its type. The authors undertake an empirical analysis and find that immigration has contributed to reducing inequality within the 25 European Union (EU) countries over the 2003–2017 period. As the EU has attracted mostly high-skilled immigrants throughout this period, the authors’ results are consistent with the ameliorating effect of high-skilled migration on within-country inequality, as predicted by theory.
Hymovis MO.RE. in the treatment of knee and ankle chondropathy in elite athletes: preliminary results of the CHAMPS (Cohort study about HYADD4-G Administration for Pain relief on Soccer players) prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated single intra-articular injections of Hymovis MO.RE. , a hyaluronic acid hexadecyl derivative (HYADD4-G), to manage post-traumatic or degenerative knee or ankle chondropathy in professional soccer players. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-five players affected by knee (n = 12) or ankle (n = 13) chondropathy were prospectively enrolled and treated by two single Hymovis MO.RE. (32 mg/4 ml) injections at the beginning of the football season (V0, baseline) and at mid-season (V1, 19-20 weeks thereafter), and were followed-up until the end of the season (V2, after further 19-20 weeks). Knee cases were evaluated using the 2000 IKDC knee subjective examination form and the modified Lysholm scoring system. Ankle cases were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. Patients were also evaluated using a VAS Likert scale and a four-category scale recording both the patient's and the doctor's assessment on joint mobility in degrees and overall treatment efficacy. Adverse events, patient withdrawals and local reaction to injections were also assessed. RESULTS In knee patients, the 2000 IKDC subjective score improved from 46.8 ± 11.4 at V0 to 83.1 ± 12.5 at V2. Their modified Lysholm score improved from 58.8 ± 8.9 at V0 to 90.6 ± 8.3 at V2. In the ankle patients, the AOFAS score improved from 52.2 ± 5.6 at V0 to 96.4 ± 4.5 at V2. VAS Likert values and subjective evaluations improved at V1 and were maintained at V2. No side effects were recorded. CONCLUSIONS A single Hymovis MO.RE. (32 mg/4 ml) intra-articular injection, repeated after 19-20 weeks, may be a viable option to improve symptoms and function in professional soccer players suffering from knee and ankle chondropathy.
Protective effect of small peptides from Periplaneta americana on cyclophosphamide‐induced premature ovarian failure

To investigate the protective effect of small peptides from Periplaneta americana (SPPA) on cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced premature ovarian failure (POF) in mice. Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) /tumor‐associated protein 53 (p53) signaling pathway plays an important role in delaying POF. Hematopoietic progenitor cell antigen (CD34) reflects ovarian aging from the side. However, whether SPPA inhibits POF in mice by influencing the SIRT1/p53 pathway and CD34 expression remains to be studied.
Burst control: Synaptic conditions for burst generation in cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons

The output of neocortical layer 5 pyramidal cells (L5PCs) is expressed by a train of single spikes with intermittent bursts of multiple spikes at high frequencies. The bursts are the result of nonlinear dendritic properties, including Na+, Ca2+, and NMDA spikes, that interact with the ~10,000 synapses impinging on the neuron’s dendrites. Output spike bursts are thought to implement key dendritic computations, such as coincidence detection of bottom-up inputs (arriving mostly at the basal tree) and top-down inputs (arriving mostly at the apical tree). In this study we used a detailed nonlinear model of L5PC receiving excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to explore the conditions for generating bursts and for modulating their properties. We established the excitatory input conditions on the basal versus the apical tree that favor burst and show that there are two distinct types of bursts. Bursts consisting of 3 or more spikes firing at < 200 Hz, which are generated by stronger excitatory input to the basal versus the apical tree, and bursts of ~2-spikes at ~250 Hz, generated by prominent apical tuft excitation. Localized and well-timed dendritic inhibition on the apical tree differentially modulates Na+, Ca2+, and NMDA spikes and, consequently, finely controls the burst output. Finally, we explored the implications of different burst classes and respective dendritic inhibition for regulating synaptic plasticity.
Changes in Self-Reported Web-Based Gambling Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study

Background The COVID‑19 pandemic has affected not only somatic health with over 3.7 million deaths worldwide, but also has had a huge impact on psychological health, creating what amounts to a mental health crisis. The negative effect of the pandemic on traditional addictions is well described and concerning, and the same has been seen for gambling. Objective This study explores self-reported web-based gambling behavior during the COVID‑19 pandemic in Sweden. We investigated overall changes, but also changes in specific web-based gambling types, and whether they are associated with certain risk factors or lifestyle changes. Methods Our study is based on an anonymous web-based survey of web panel participants in Sweden (N=1501) designed to study a range of behavioral changes during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Increases in gambling were analyzed using logistic regression models against sociodemographic data and psychological distress. Results The majority of the respondents who gambled reported no changes in their gambling habits during the COVID‑19 pandemic. We found significant associations with the problem gambling severity index (PGSI), the Kessler score (indicating psychological distress), employment status, changes in alcohol habits, and self-exclusion when looking at overall changes in gambling activity in the pandemic. In the subgroup that reported an increase in gambling activity, we found an association with both the PGSI and Kessler scores. The PGSI score was also an independent predictor for all specific web-based gambling (horses, sports, poker, and casino) whereas the Kessler score only had a significant impact on changes in casino gambling. In addition, male gender was an independent predictor for gambling on sports and casino gambling. Conclusions The majority of respondents who gambled reported no changes in their gambling activity during the COVID‑19 pandemic. The group that reported an increase in overall gambling activity during the COVID-19 pandemic represent a group with gambling problems and psychological distress. The group that reported increased sports and casino gambling were often male, and this group seemed to experience more psychological distress.
Patient satisfaction with medication consultations and medicines information provided by nurses working autonomously in sexual health services: A questionnaire study.

AIM To compare the satisfaction of patients managed by independent nurse prescribers with that of patients managed by nurses using PGDs with respect to experience of the consultation and information received about the medication. DESIGN Survey. METHODS Patients receiving medications from nurses in five urban sexual health services in the United Kingdom completed validated questionnaires immediately after the consultation, September 2015-August 2016. Scores of independent nurse prescribers and nurses using patient group directions were compared about consultation experience (5 items) Satisfaction with Information about Medicines (SIMS 16 items scale). RESULTS Of 808 patients receiving medications, 393 (48.6%) received questionnaires and 380 were returned (independent nurse prescribers 180 of 198, 90.9%; patient group directions 173 of 195, 88.7%). Patients in both groups reported high levels of satisfaction. About the consultation experience, patients found nurses friendly/ approachable (>99%), instilling confidence and trust (>99%) and explaining reasons for medications clearly (97%). Satisfaction with medication information: Of 348 (92%) respondents completing SIMS, the overall mean score was 13.4 of maximum 16 (no difference between groups, t-test, p = .63). CONCLUSIONS Patients were highly satisfied with nurse consultations and information around medications regardless of whether they were managed by independent nurse prescribers or nurses using patient group directions. IMPACT Findings provide evidence in support of autonomous provision of medications by nurses in sexual health clinics.
Measuring Serious Injuries in Traffic Crashes

The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) legislates highway safety performance metrics that consider serious injuries in addition to fatalities in crashes. To assess serious injuries, states will need better ways of measuring seriously injured occupants than are typically available. The best method of assessing injury level is direct linkage between crash, EMS, and hospital databases. However, in the near term states have to rely on existing crash data, which typically have limited injury severity information. This paper summarizes work on injury severity coding systems, measures of injury severity, and definitions of serious injury. Ideal metrics have three characteristics: 1) predictive of threat-to-life, 2) wide availability, and 3) easy of use. Three injury-coding systems are discussed, including the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), the police-reported injury coding system (KABCO), and the International Classification of Disease (ICD). The crash community has general consensus that the maximum AIS score of 3 or more (MAIS 3+) is the preferred definition of serious injury. Because state crash datasets lack detailed injury coding, the authors explored using KA (killed and incapacitating) injuries as a near-term substitute for MAIS 3+. The relationship between KABCO and both fatality and serious injury is strong, but KA overestimates the number of serious injuries by about 3 times. Adding information about EMS transport did not improve performance, but hospitalization information did. The authors conclude that while direct linkage systems are being developed at the state level, KA adjusted for overcounting is a reasonable estimator of serious injuries in crashes.
Simplified Approach for Quantifying Effect of Significant Input Variables and Designing Rigid Pavements Using Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide

The adoption and implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (M-E PDG) by various states highway agencies require validation and calibration of its performance models. However, to facilitate the use of the guide, sensitivity analyses are warranted as a preliminary step. Such an analysis will identify significant input variables required for the design process. The results from the sensitivity analysis will also highlight the needs for resources required to quantify the input variables. The calibration of performance models will assist the state highway agencies to customize the design process to reflect local practices. The results of sensitivity analyses showed that effect of Portland cement concrete (PCC) slab thickness, joint spacing and edge support on performance were significant among design variables while the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), modulus of rupture (MOR), base and subgrade characteristics played an important role among material-related properties. The significant variables identified by sensitivity analyses can only be used to determine their relative effects on the pavement performance. For quantifying the impact of input variables on the pavement performance, simplified jointed plain concrete pavement (JPCP) performance models are presented in this paper. The use of simplified models is demonstrated by quantifying the impact of design-related input variables on expected performance at the initial design stage. It is useful to quantify the influence of variations in the levels of design inputs on JPCP predicted performance. While such information can help in reducing initial construction costs, it may also assist design engineers to estimate future maintenance and rehabilitation expenditures. Furthermore, comparison of different design alternates can be assessed using life cycle cost analyses to finalize the most cost-effective design alternative.
Novel Discoveries of Anterior Segment Parameters in Fellow Eyes of Acute Primary Angle Closure and Chronic Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma

Purpose To investigate the biometric differences of anterior segment parameters between fellow eyes of acute primary angle closure (F-APAC) and chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (F-CPACG) to get information about differences between APAC and CPAC. Methods Patients with F-APAC and F-CPACG without prior treatment were enrolled from glaucoma clinics. Parameters were measured on ultrasound biomicroscopy images, including pupil diameter, lens vault (LV), anterior chamber depth, anterior chamber width, iris area, iris thickness (IT 750 and 2000), angle-opening distance (AOD 500 and 750), trabecular-iris space area (TISA 500 and 750), trabecular iris angle (TIA 500 and 750), trabecular–ciliary angle, and ciliary process area. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the most important parameters associated with F-APAC compared with F-CPACG. Results Fifty-five patients with APAC and 55 patients with CPACG were examined. The anterior chamber depth, IT 750, AOD 750, trabecular iris angle 750, and trabecular–ciliary angle were smaller, and LV and ciliary process area were greater in F-APAC as compared with F-CPACG (P ≤ 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression showed that thinner IT 750, smaller AOD 750, and larger LV were significantly associated with F-APAC (P < 0.01). IT 750 (area under the curve, 0.703) performed relatively better than AOD 750 (area under the curve, 0.696) in distinguishing F-APAC from F-CPACG, with the best cutoff of 0.404 mm and 0.126 mm, respectively. Conclusions Compared with F-CPACG, F-APAC had thinner peripheral iris, narrower anterior chamber angle, shallower anterior chamber depth, greater LV, larger and anteriorly positioned ciliary body. IT 750, AOD 750, and LV played important roles in distinguishing eyes predisposed to APAC or CPAC.