bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between depression, parameters of adiposity and genetic polymorphisms of pro-inflammatory cytokines: IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6 in subjects over 55 years old.
Authors: Adler Grażyna , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Madlani Agnieszka , Ogonowski Jarosław , Grochans Elżbieta , Pierzak-Sominka Joanna , Brodowski Jacek , Karakiewicz Beata
Published: March 2016

During the last few decades, adiposity has become a relatively common phenomenon worldwide. The available data on the effects of pro-inflammatory factors in both depression and adiposity has been attracting great attention.
We sought to assess the prevalence of -889C>T IL-1α, -31T>C and -511C>T IL-1β, -330T>G IL-2 and -174G>C IL-6 genes and their association with adiposity and depression in Polish subjects.
A cohort study was conducted in 2013/2014, covering a sample of 297 individuals (217 female and 80 male). Anthropometric data was handled using the BIA analysis method, while for genotyping PCR-RFLP techniques were used.
A positive correlation between depression and anthropometric parameters: adipose tissue (in kg) and adipose tissue (in %) (R=0.135 and p=0.02, R=0.114 and p
The Karaṇakesari of Bhāskara: a 17th-century Table Text for Computing Eclipses
Authors: Montelle Clemency , Plofker Kim
Published: March 2016

Critical edition, translation and commentary for the verse instructions accompanying a late seventeenth-century set of eclipse tables in Sanskrit by Bhāskara of Saudāmikā (fl. 1681).
Desapropriação de propriedade rural produtiva para fins de reforma agrária: efetivação de direitos fundamentais a partir de uma perspectiva ambiental constitucional fundada na justiça social
Authors: Vieira Talita Thomaz
Published: March 2016

Visa abordar a possibilidade ou não de desapropriação por interesse social, para fins de reforma agrária, de propriedade rural produtiva quando esta não cumprir a sua função social no que tange à sua perspectiva ambiental, em razão de violações ao meio ambiente, com vistas a promover a justiça social e efetivação de direitos fundamentais. O método empregado para condução do trabalho consistiu na abordagem de conceitos gerais, a fim de se delimitar premissas básicas para, ao final, concluir no sentido da possibilidade de desapropriação de propriedade produtiva quando houver violação ao meio ambiente.
Da efetivação dos direitos fundamentais pela tipificação do crime de desobediência no descumprimento de decisões judiciais em mandado de segurança
Authors: Freire Júnior Américo Bedê
Published: March 2016

O texto busca abordar a importância da criação de tipo penal para as autoridades que deixam de cumprir determinações judiciais em mandado de segurança. Traça uma evolução da doutrina e jurisprudência sobre o tema e reafirma a evolução legislativa brasileira em prol da efetivação de direitos fundamentais.
Effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on milk yield and milk constituents in Murrah buffalo
Authors: Verma M.K. , Sachdeva G.K. , Yadav* Alok Kumar , Gautam S. , Ali M.M. , Kumar Santosh
Published: March 2016

The present study was carried on milk production and milk constituents of 444 lactations of 176 Murrah buffaloes over a period of 10 years from 2001 to 2010 with the objective to find out the effect of various genetic and non-genetic factors on milk yield and milk constituents traits in Murrah buffaloes. Data on total milk yield, milk yield in 305 days or less, lactational average fat per cent and lactational average solid not fat percent (LSA) were collected and compiled purposely and analyzed with suitable statistical tool. Overall least square mean for all lactation traits of total milk yield (TMY), milk yield in 305 days or less (305MY), lactational average fat % (LFA) and lactational average solid not fat % (LSA) were 2253.88 ± 70.15 Kg, 2097.11 ± 59.12 Kg, 7.97 ± 0.02 % and 9.64 ± 0.01 % respectively. The period has significant effect on milk yield and milk constituent traits. Sire and parity affects significantly to TMY and 305MY, however, seasons were affecting to TMY only. Hence it is concluded as milk constituents (LFA and LSA) not affected by sire, parity and season. Although, sire and parity has affect on TMY and 305MY whereas season affects only TMY, therefore, due importance should be given to sire and parity during selection and genetic improvement of Murrah buffalo. Analysis among the parities also revealed that there were no significant (P³0.05) difference among the second, third and fourth parity hence, at the time of selection second lactation (305MY) milk yield is equally important as fourth lactation in which highest milk yield has been reported in present study.
Variability and correlation analysis in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
Authors: Gurjar Mahendra , Naruka I.S. , Shaktawat* R.P.S.
Published: March 2016

Thirty genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) were evaluated for genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis at College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh) during rabi 2012-13. The highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variances were observed for dry weight per plant at flower initiation (g) followed by straw yield per plant. The highest genetic advance was observed for dry matter content per plant (g) followed by number of pods per plant, biological yield per plant (g) and plant height (cm). The highest heritability was observed for protein content (%) followed by number of pods per plant, dry weight per plant at flower initiation (g), and chlorophyll content in leaves. Seed yield per plant showed significant and positive correlation with dry matter content per plant (g), biological yield per plant (g) and 1000 seed weight (g). Path coefficient analysis indicated the highest positive direct effect of biological yield (g) on seed yield per plant (g) followed by dry matter content per plant (g) and number of seeds per pod. It was concluded that improvement of seed yield in fenugreek is possible through selection for dry weight per plant at flower initiation (g), protein content (%), biological yield per plant (g), number of seeds per pod and 1000 seed weight (g).
Online Privacy Concerns Of Indian Consumers
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Soumava
Published: March 2016

This paper describes an empirical study that investigates the factors that influence consumers’ online privacy concerns and their outcomes in the rapidly growing Indian online market. Indian consumers’ online privacy concerns are found to be positively impacted by their perceived vulnerability to unauthorized gathering and use of personal information, and negatively impacted by their perceived ability to control the manner in which their personal information is collected and used online. The consumers’ perceived vulnerability is negatively affected by their level of Internet literacy and their perceived ability to control the collection and use of information. In turn, the perceived ability to control information collection and use is positively influenced by both the Internet literacy level and the social awareness of the consumer. The privacy concerns of Indian consumers are found to negatively impact both their willingness to provide personal information to Websites, and their willingness to engage in e-commerce transactions.  The implications of the findings for Websites targeting the Indian audience are discussed.
Debt Repayment: A Typology
Authors: Watson John J. , Barnao Joseph
Published: March 2016

This research paper presents a four-category typology of the debt market based on attitudinal and behavioral data associated with the repayment of student loans. Qualitative interviews incorporating the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET) as well as a quantitative survey were used to obtain the data so the typology could be created. The four groups identified were the Life Indebted, the Traditionalist, the Entrepreneur, and the Expedient Payee.
Can Increased Trade Prevent Conflict With China?
Authors: Rush Stephen , Mirmirani Sam
Published: March 2016

China is a salient subject in U.S. trade policy debates as a result of its growing world influence and national interests that sometimes conflict with those of the United States. Often the focus on a sustainable current account deficit and the impact of increased financial integration is overlooked in favor of more emotional issues such as Chinese labor conditions and the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. This paper explores the increasing current account deficit with China, its impact on the Dollar, and the effects of integration on economic growth.
International Financial Accounting Standards And The Continent Of Africa
Authors: Mwaura Muroki F. , Nyaboga Andrew B.
Published: March 2016

In response to the increased globalization of both commercial and financial markets and increased frequency of corporate scandals, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has spearheaded an international initiative to standardize corporate financial reporting. This effort involves setting the standards, creating a process of adopting the standards that is tailored to the needs of each nation, overcoming the challenges of implementation that many countries face and ensuring continued observance of the standards once they are adopted. This paper focuses on the implementation of IFAC standards in the African Continent. An examination of IFACs mission, its membership requirements and ongoing compliance program, and its assistance to developing nations will illustrate the current status of African nations in the standardization process. The countries representing the African continent possess many promising opportunities for growth and prosperity in the global economy and also present many distinct obstacles in their effort to embrace and implement the IFAC initiative. The approach used in this paper is to examine broadly the challenges faced by the different regions within Africa. This approach takes into account political, economic, cultural and religious differences found in distinct regions within the continent.
Impact Of Financial Reforms On The Banking System In Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Antwi George
Published: March 2016

The pre-reform policies, coupled with an acute and prolonged economic crisis which severely damaged the financial system in Ghana, caused policymakers to address the institutional deficiencies of the financial system through the Financial Sector Adjustment Program. This paper investigated the pre- and post-reforms policies to determine whether those policies have helped to eradicate problems that have hindered the effectiveness of the financial system. The liberalization of Ghanas financial system has included the relaxation of interest rate controls, credit ceiling, partial privatization of the governments own banks, restructuring of public sector banks, capital markets developments, and deregulation of the prudential system. The performance of the financial sector has been substantial and healthy since the reforms. Overall, the financial liberalization strategy pursued in Ghana has been supportive of wider economic development.
Dividend Smoothing And The Long-Run Stability Between Dividends And Earnings In Korea
Authors: Jeong Jin-Ho
Published: March 2016

There have been no empirical attempts to estimate and verify the dividend-earnings relation reflecting both the signaling and dividend smoothing hypotheses. This study proposed a cointegration model to test both hypotheses in an integrated framework in order to provide better insight into the dividend and earning relation. We are particularly interested in the issue of whether the model can detect a presence of inter-temporal relations between dividends and earnings. The implications of the signaling model and smoothing model of dividends were empirically tested using the recent 26 annual series data of dividends and earnings up to year 2006 for 226 firms listed on the Korea Stock Exchange. The results of t-test and logistic regression show that the presence of cointegration is positively related to the degree of information asymmetry, a result consistent with the dividend signaling hypothesis. In addition, dividend smoothing is identified as an underlying force to make dividends and earnings cointegrated.
Instant Messenger Friends? Social Relationship Behavior Differences Between Two Countries
Authors: Hermans Charles M. , Haytko Diana L. , Matulich Erika , Shanahan Kevin J.
Published: March 2016

Canadian and U.S. respondents social behavior resulting from communication tools is examined. Results suggest that Canadians are less likely to use social communication tools to develop new relationships.
Dyads Versus Groups: Using Different Social Structures in Peer Review to Enhance Online Collaborative Learning Processes
Authors: Pozzi Francesca , Ceregini Andrea , Ferlino Lucia , Persico Donatella
Published: March 2016

The Peer Review (PR) is a very popular technique to support socio-constructivist and connectivist learning processes, online or face-to-face, at all educational levels, in both formal and informal contexts. The idea behind this technique is that sharing views and opinions with others by discussing with peers and receiving and providing formative feedback enriches the quality of learning. In this study, a class of trainee teachers conducts an online PR. The resulting interactions are analyzed and evaluated by the researchers through the application of an evaluation model based on both quantitative and qualitative data. In particular, two conditions are studied, namely the PR in groups versus the PR in dyads. Results show that students who carried out the PR in groups were less active from the cognitive point of view, while they devoted more effort to deal with organizational matters and discourse facilitation.
E-learning in Mongolian Higher Education
Authors: Tuul Suvdmaa , Banzragch Otgontugs , Saizmaa Tsogzolmaa
Published: March 2016

This paper reviews the e-learning course development in selected universities of Mongolia and attempts to classify the e-learning programs that are in practice at the tertiary education level in the country. The given paper uses both secondary and primary sources.

The authors determined what factors influence e-learning type classification and how time consuming is e-learning in course development stage in comparison to that of face-to-face learning? Methods such as computation using threshold values, k-means clustering, and comparison of means using paired t tests were used. Furthermore, comparison of means was used to validate the factors.

In conclusion, authors deliver recommendations based on analysis lessons learned for further development. This research has practical implications for higher education managers to make informed decisions.
Desain Iklan Layanan Masyarakat Pemerintah
Authors: Runtiko Agus Ganjar
Published: March 2016

Public service advertising is one of the government strategies to promote the development program. At the national level, the government prefers television as a medium for advertising. As for the local level, the government usually tend to choose lower-cost ads. In Banyumas, many public service announcements using outdoor media such as billboards, banners, or posters. Characteristics of outdoor media that promotes design in attracting the attention of an audience became a challenge for designers. On the other hand, the messages also require the space in public service announcements. This study wants to know about how the execution of the design of outdoor advertising services in the community in efforts to combine the design with a message to be delivered. The study, sought to examine aspects of the design using the composition interpretation methods and verbal composition of outdoor advertising with discourse analysis methods.This research concludes that the government public service announcements desain still needs to be improved according to the rules of visual communication design.
Kepercayaan Klien terhadap Konsultan Humas
Authors: Priandono Tito Edy
Published: March 2016

The aim of this research is understand the process of building the trust based on  client experience. Business relationship was related to the risk of profit or loss, so the decision of going the trust to the business partners is driven by a rational considerations. The conceptual framework that had been used are primary factors of trust consist of reputation, performance, and appearance while the secondary factors of trust consist of accountability, pre commitment, and communication atmosphere. The research used qualitative approach using rational choice theory.  The respondent of this research is public relations consultant whose client include both corporate profit organization and  non profit institutions  of national and international organization background. The result of this research showed that the reputation is the most significant of primary aspect in the formation process of client’s  trust to the consultant on pre relations stage. While  the secondary pre commitment as secondary factors. On relationship stage, the performance consultant is primary factor that determined the client trust of consultant rather than other aspects such as appearances, the situations of communication and accountabilities.
Literasi Internet pada Siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama
Authors: Sumiaty Noneng , Sumiaty Neti
Published: March 2016

Internet literacy can be used to acknowledge the world's growth in many sectors as quickly and accurately , as well as in education. The focus of this research is what level of internet literacy in students of SMPN 8 Purwakarta? This purposes of this research is to obtain information about the level of internet literacy in students of SMPN 8 Purwakarta. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. The study population was all students in grade 8, while the sample was two students taken from each classes. There are 7 classes of grade 8 . So the overall sample was 14 informants . The theory used is adopted from Ciolek, Matthew (2003) on the understanding of internet  which consists of: basic skills , moderate skill, and advanced skills. The results showed that only a few informants have extensive knowledge of the overall level of mastering the internet. Most of the students of SMP 8 only master and understand the basic rate only. Students of SMP 8 are expected to master and understand all levels of understanding of the Internet gradually.
Literasi Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi
Authors: Syarifuddin Syarifuddin
Published: March 2016

Development of information and communication technology (ICT) has brought changes for the people of Indonesia. With ICT, community can easily access a variety of information and support jobs. But the problem that arises is the uneven penetration of ICT in all parts of Indonesia, including in South Sulawesi. Giving rise to the digital divide as well as the weakness of ICT literacy. Therefore, this study aims to determine the ICT literacy community in South Sulawesi. The method used in this study is a survey with a quantitative approach. The results show that ICT (computer, mobile phone, and internet) has been used by communities in South Sulawesi. Among the three media, mobile phone has the highest number of penetration followed by computer and the internet. The majority of respondents have also entered into 5 levels of ICT literacy mobile phones and computers as an integral part of daily activities. While the internet was still in level 3 where they have been used but not significantly.
Relationship between Financial Compensation and Organizational Commitment among Malaysian Bank Workers
Authors: Kee Low Bee , Ahmad Rusli bin , Abdullah Siti Mariam
Published: March 2016

This research examines the relationship between financial compensation and organizational commitment among workers in the banking industry, Malaysia. This research is significant in addressing the preceding gap on the types of financial compensation such as salaries, bonuses and merit pay with a stronger relationship with organizational commitment. Although these variables have been widely studied, few studies have explored their relationship to organizational commitment. Quantitative methodology is utilized to explore the relationship between financial compensation and organizational commitment. In data collection, a questionnaire was administered among 150 workers working in several selected banks in Bera; a town situated in the state of Pahang, Malaysia. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents in the survey. The research findings showed that there is a significant relationship between financial compensation such as salaries, bonuses and merit pay and organizational commitment. Besides that, merit-based pay is identified as the dominant factor in influencing the organizational commitment among the bank workers under study. The research findings contribute to a better understanding for all related parties on the application of theories and model in relation with financial compensation aspects and organizational commitment. 
The Seventh Finance Commission and Its Fault Lines
Authors: Misra S. N. , Ghadai Sanjaya Ku.
Published: March 2016

Bureaucracy is a vital institutional cog to foster Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and promote Human Development Index (HDI) in India. Of late its dysfunctionality and sub-serving character has been dismaying discerning sociologists like Merton & Parsons. The Seventh Finance Commission has also lamented this aspect while providing a bonanza to all, extending One Rank One Pension (OROP) to all categories of pensioners and improving the living conditions of the Group “C” employees. The paper brings out the novel aspects of the report like its emphasis on Skill India but laments about its inadequate attention to aspects like burgeoning Fiscal Deficit (FD) and lack of concern to improve productivity. The paper calls upon bureaucracy to follow the Weberian approach of being apolitical, rational and foster the process of shared prosperity through Rule of Law. 
Book Review: Our Necessary Shadow: The Nature and Meaning of Psychiatry. Tom Burns. UK: Penguin Books 2013. ISBN 978-1-846-14465-3
Authors: Yang Que-ping , Tsui Man C.M. , Zhang Guofu
Published: March 2016

Psychiatry is a “special” specialty (comparing with other specialties) in a sense that it raises queries and even criticisms on its existence and hence diagnosis and interventions. 
Treatment of Head and Neck Injuries in the Helmeted Athlete
Authors: Diduch B. Kent , Hudson Korin , Resch Jacob E. , Shen Francis , Broshek Donna K. , Brady William , Cole Steven L. , Courson Ron , Castens Titus , Shimer Adam , Miller Mark D.
Published: March 2016

➢ Sport-related concussion treatment includes three major phases: initial evaluation at the time of the injury, treatment while the patient is symptomatic, and evaluation of the readiness for a gradual return to participation.

➢ Each concussion evaluation should include similar elements: assessment of symptoms, assessment of cognitive ability, assessment of coordination (of the eyes, upper extremities, and lower extremities), and assessment for additional injuries.

➢ The spine-boarding recommendations from the American College of Emergency Physicians, National Association of EMS Physicians, and National Athletic Trainers’ Association have changed. These recommendations include both decreased use of spinal immobilization and removal of the helmet and shoulder pads prior to securing the athlete to the board when sufficient numbers of trained providers are present.

➢ Preseason training and pregame meetings or “medical time outs” should become standard practice for the sidelines medical team (including the athletic trainer, team physician, emergency response personnel, and possibly others).
Assessment of rainfall aggregation and disaggregation using data-driven models and wavelet decomposition
Authors: Kim Sungwon , Kisi Ozgur , Seo Youngmin , Singh Vijay P. , Lee Chang-Joon
Published: March 2016

The objective of this study is to develop hybrid models by combining data-driven models, including support vector machines (SVM) and generalized regression neural networks (GRNN), and wavelet decomposition for aggregation and disaggregation of rainfall. The wavelet-based support vector machines (WSVM) and wavelet-based generalized regression neural networks (WGRNN) models are obtained using mother wavelets, including db8, db10, sym8, sym10, coif6, and coif12. The developed models are evaluated in the Bocheong-stream catchment, an International Hydrological Program representative catchment, Republic of Korea. WSVM and WGRNN models with mother wavelet db10 yield the best performance as compared with other mother wavelets for estimating areal and disaggregated rainfalls, respectively. Among 12 rainfall stations, SVM, GRNN, WSVM (db10 and sym10), and WGRNN (db10 and sym10) models provide the best accuracies for estimating the disaggregated rainfalls at Samga (No. 7), and the worst accuracies for estimating the disaggregated rainfalls at Yiweon (No. 11) stations, respectively. Results obtained from this study indicate that the combination of data-driven models and wavelet decomposition can be a useful tool for estimating areal and disaggregated rainfalls satisfactorily, and can yield better efficiency than data-driven models.
Redox conditions and groundwater quality issues of selected alluvial aquifers in Serbia
Authors: Majkić-Dursun B. , Tončić J. , Petković A. , Čolić J.
Published: March 2016

Redox conditions are an important regulator of aqueous biogeochemistry and knowledge about them is crucial for an understanding of the fate and occurrence of nitrates, emerging substances, and organic compounds in shallow groundwater. The aim of this paper is to determine redox categories, along with prevailing redox processes, and the differences in groundwater quality between shallow alluvial aquifers of Serbia's major rivers. The research was conducted on public water-supply wells in the alluvial plain of the Velika Morava River, the Danube River, the Tisa River and the alluvial aquifer of the Sava River. The study period is 2010–2014 and the number of collected and analysed samples 243. The redox categories and processes are characterised by concentrations of aqueous redox species (dissolved oxygen, nitrate, dissolved iron, manganese, and sulphate and sulphide concentrations). Parameters such as Eh, total organic carbon, HCO3−, pH, total iron concentrations, temperature and specific conductivity were also analysed. Different geological and hydrogeological settings, groundwater abstraction, distances between the wells and the river, well depths, and anthropogenic impacts result in diverse redox conditions. Groundwater in selected alluvial aquifers is mostly defined as anoxic, with one predominant process, or mixed anoxic, with various redox processes occurring simultaneously.
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons and Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons: Pedestrian and Driver Behavior before and after Installation
Authors: Brewer Marcus A. , Fitzpatrick Kay , Avelar Raul
Published: March 2016

As part of a recent research project on countermeasures for pedestrian crashes in Texas, researchers conducted a before-and-after field study to identify changes in driver yielding and selected pedestrian behaviors that resulted from the installation of rectangular rapid-flashing beacons at four sites and a pedestrian hybrid beacon at one site at previously untreated crosswalks. The installations resulted in noticeable improvement in the proportion of yielding vehicles, with increases of 35 to 80 percentage points at the study sites. Most (94%) of the nonstaged pedestrians activated the treatment at treated sites. An increase in the number of nonstaged pedestrian crossings was observed after the pedestrian hybrid beacon was installed at the study site. Nearside yielding rates were higher for nonstaged pedestrians who waited at the edge of the travel lane than for those who waited at the top of the curb ramp. Pedestrian searching behavior for crossings not controlled by a crossing guard was common, with 92% of pedestrians looking at least in one direction and 68% looking in both directions at least once.
Microscopic Pedestrian Interaction Behavior Analysis Using Gait Parameters
Authors: Hussein Mohamed , Sayed Tarek
Published: March 2016

A better understanding of pedestrian behavior is needed to enhance existing pedestrian simulation models. A study was conducted on microscopic pedestrian behavior during several interactions, with pedestrian walking speed and gait parameters (step frequency and length) as variables. Pedestrian trajectories at a signalized intersection in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, were extracted from video recordings by means of computer vision techniques. Walking speed and gait parameters were estimated by analyzing pedestrian speed profiles. The study provided detailed analysis of seven interactions. The variations in walking speed and gait parameter values across group size and gender during the seven interactions were also investigated. Results showed that, for some of the studied interactions, pedestrian speed alone may not be adequate to describe pedestrian behavior and that gait parameters can help to provide better understanding of pedestrian behavior in these particular interactions. Furthermore, a specific set of parameters was identified that can be extracted from the results and can be used to calibrate a microscopic pedestrian behavior-modeling platform currently being developed.
Determining the Most Suitable Pedestrian Level of Service Method for Dhaka City, Bangladesh, through a Synthesis of Measurements
Authors: Hasan Tanweer , Siddique Ashfia , Hadiuzzaman M. , Musabbir Sarder Rafee
Published: March 2016

In this paper, five pedestrian level of service (PLOS) methods are outlined in brief with respect to their assets and their limitations: (a) the Australian method, (b) the Highway Capacity Manual 2010 method, (c) the trip quality method, (d) the Landis method, and (e) the Tan Dandan method. In this study, each method was implemented to consider its suitability for use in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, through the integration of objective measurement and subjective assessment. The objective measurement consisted of a determination of the PLOS of five study locations in Dhaka City and the adoption of field data on traffic, geometric, and environmental factors. The subjective assessment had its basis in a user perception rating by 50 individuals of the service quality of pedestrian facilities in the selected study areas. A separate survey of 415 individuals was conducted to identify the most favored of 25 service quality attributes extracted from the five PLOS methods. The perception ratings were scrutinized to identify any potential deviations that arose from participant age and gender. In the ratings, the Australian method prevailed over the other four methods with a score of 18. The trip quality method scored second best with 16 points. The separate survey substantiated the adequacy of the Australian method for use in Dhaka City and included seven of the eight most desired and popular PLOS attributes selected by the survey respondents. Future research should be devoted to the development of a new PLOS method that uses the factors identified in this paper.
Differences between Walking and Bicycling over Time: Implications for Performance Management
Authors: Schoner Jessica , Lindsey Greg
Published: March 2016

This study analyzed travel behavior inventories conducted by the Metropolitan Council in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota, metropolitan area in 2001 and 2010 to illuminate differences between walking and bicycling over time and to illustrate the implications for performance measurement. The study focused on pedestrians and bicyclists: where they went and why, when they traveled, and what factors were associated with their trips. As measured by summer mode share, walking and bicycling increased, but differences between the modes overshadowed their similarities. The results of analysis with descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and multinomial logistic models showed that walkers were different from bicyclists, that walking trips were shorter and were made for different purposes, that walking and bicycling trips differed seasonally, and that different factors were associated with the likelihood of a walking or a bicycle trip. The study also showed that the journey to work question in the Census Bureau's American Community Survey tended to underestimate commuting by bicycle by a factor of 1.75 to 3.3, while it slightly overestimated commuting by walking. The increase in mode share was greater for walking than for bicycling. Walking and bicycling remained mainly urban transportation options. Older age reduced the likelihood of biking trips more than it did of walking trips, and biking remained associated with gender but walking did not. These differences called into question the common practice of treating nonmotorized transportation as a single mode. Managers can use these results to develop performance measures to track progress toward system goals in a way that address the unique and different needs of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Calibration of a Pedestrian Route Choice Model with a Basis in Friction Forces
Authors: Werberich Bruno Rocha , Pretto Carlos Oliva , Cybis Helena Beatriz Bettella
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a pedestrian route choice model and its calibration with real data. The model explicitly represents interaction between pedestrians as an impedance force influences their route choice. This model approach was inspired by friction force equations and considered efforts by pedestrians to avoid passing near other pedestrians with high relative velocity. The route choice process was a function of impedance force and route length. A social force model was used to model pedestrian walking behavior. The calibration had its basis in data acquired from a real experiment developed in a simplified network. Data collection had its basis in video analysis. The paper presents and discusses results from the calibration processes. The model presented in this paper differs from other pedestrian route choice models because it seamlessly incorporates a pedestrian social force model into the route choice decision process.
Can Good Walkability Expand the Size of Transit-Oriented Developments?
Authors: Park Sungjin , Deakin Elizabeth , Jang Kitae
Published: March 2016

This pilot study challenged two pieces of conventional wisdom related to transit-oriented development: ( a) the popular but unproven principle of a 0.5-mi radius threshold and ( b) its concentric circular shape. On the basis of a detailed literature review, the current research traced the origins of the ideas of a 0.5-mi radius and a 0.25-mi radius and explored the concept of acceptable access distance as an alternative to the current rule-of-thumb threshold distance. An acceptable walking distance was hypothesized to be positively influenced by microlevel walkability. A case study was undertaken to test the impact of microlevel walkability on the acceptable walking distance to a station. On the basis of a station user survey and walkability audit administered in the station area of Mountain View, California, a regression analysis was performed to estimate a transit user acceptable access walking distance. A second analysis was conducted to test the existence of a critical walkability zone in which microlevel walkability was more influential within the zone than outside it. Two access mode choice logit models were built with different sets of travelers selected on the basis of their home origins, and the explanatory powers of the two models were compared. On the basis of these two analyses, the major findings were the following: the acceptable walking distance to a station could be extended through improvements in the microlevel walkability along the major pedestrian corridors that led to the station and a donut-shaped critical walkability zone might exist.
Do as I Say, Not as I Do: Observed Compliance versus Stated Understanding of Pedestrian Crossing Laws
Authors: Kourtellis Achilleas , Cruse Lucas , Lin Pei-Sung
Published: March 2016

Florida has consistently had one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. NHTSA data indicate that Florida has had one of the four highest pedestrian fatality rates since 1994. In response, the Florida Department of Transportation launched the Bicycle–Pedestrian Focused Initiative to increase awareness of and decrease fatalities among bicyclists and pedestrians in Florida. A study conducted by the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida tracked the crossing behavior of individuals at high crash locations and then asked them about their understanding of pedestrian traffic laws. The results showed that most of the people surveyed about the traffic laws knew the correct answer and followed the law. The study found that 82% of the people interviewed crossed at the crosswalk and correctly answered the question about whether it was illegal to cross midblock; 57% said that they pressed the pedestrian push button when it was available and also were observed to press it; 64% of people were observed to start to cross on green pedestrian time and also said they did so when asked. Further, the study compared the behavior of people exposed to the safety campaign before the survey and also how their behavior changed when they were first asked the questions and then were observed during their crossing. The data showed that people exhibited safer behavior when they were asked the questions first and observed to cross afterward. The study showed results for several attributes, including crossing location, pedestrian signal indication while crossing, pedestrian push button use, and distraction.
Reshaping the Region
Authors: Pollack Stephanie , Gartsman Anna , Reardon Timothy , Hari Meghna
Published: March 2016

The American Public Transportation Association's use of a “land use multiplier” as part of its methodology for calculating greenhouse gas reduction from transit has increased interest in methodologies that quantify the impact of transit systems on land use and vehicle miles traveled. Such transit leverage, however, is frequently evaluated for urbanized areas, although transit systems serve only a small proportion of those areas. If transit leverage is stronger in areas closer to transit stations, studies based on larger geographies may underestimate land use and travel behavior effects in transit-served areas. A geographic information system–based data set was developed to understand better the leverage effects associated with the mature and extensive Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority transit system in areas proximate to its stations throughout Metropolitan Boston. The region was divided into the subregion that was transit-proximate (within a half mile of a rapid transit station or key bus route), the portion that was commuter rail–proximate, and the remaining 93.3% of the region that was not proximate to high-frequency transit. Households in the transit-proximate subregion were significantly more likely to commute by transit (and walking or biking), less likely to own a car, and drove fewer miles than households in the non-transit-served areas of the region. Commuter rail–proximate areas, although denser than the region as a whole, exhibited more driving and car ownership than regional averages. Given these spatial and modal variations, future efforts to understand transit leverage should separately evaluate land use and travel effects by mode and proximity to transit stations.
Potentials of Online Media and Location-Based Big Data for Urban Transit Networks in Developing Countries
Authors: Lantz Kelsey , Khan Sakib , Ngo Linh B. , Chowdhury Mashrur , Donaher Sarah , Apon Amy
Published: March 2016

Big data, collected in the form of social media posts and mobile phone location tracking, have great potential to inform and manage the planning and operation of transit networks in developing countries. Data are widely available, but the challenge, as with developed countries, is figuring out how best to use it. A case study method was used to consider approaches in Nairobi, Kenya; Istanbul, Turkey; and Dhaka, Bangladesh. In Nairobi, GPS location data were collected to generate the first map of the complex Matatu transit network. In Istanbul, automated fare collection systems were processed to understand better the usage of a bus rapid transit system. In Dhaka, researchers were collecting GPS positioning data to manage the city bus networks. Residents of these developing cities were frequent users of online media, as in many cities in the developing countries. This study revealed that integration of online media with location-based data provided a big data scenario that had the potential for supporting transit operations while posing challenges to the management of data mobility. It is not realistic to apply a one-size-fits-all approach to any problem in the developing world, but together the case studies show that with the right approach, technical capacity in transitional cities has the potential to grow to support higher-level data processing and make more efficient and more sustainable policy decisions for crucial urban transit networks in developing countries.
Map-Matching Algorithm for Applications in Multimodal Transportation Network Modeling
Authors: Perrine Kenneth , Khani Alireza , Ruiz-Juri Natalia
Published: March 2016

Generalized Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) files have gained wide acceptance by transit agencies, which now provide them for most major metropolitan areas. The public availability GTFSs combined with the convenience of presenting a standard data representation has promoted the development of numerous applications for their use. Whereas most of these tools are focused on the analysis and utilization of public transportation systems, GTFS data sets are also extremely relevant for the development of multimodal planning models. The use of GTFS data for integrated modeling requires creating a graph of the public transportation network that is consistent with the roadway network. The former is not trivial, given limitations of networks often used for regional planning models and the complexity of the roadway system. A proposed open-source algorithm matches GTFS geographic information to existing planning networks and is also relevant for real-time in-field applications. The methodology is based on maintaining a set of candidate paths connecting successive geographic points. Examples of implementations using traditional planning networks and a network built from crowdsourced OpenStreetMap data are presented. The versatility of the methodology is also demonstrated by using it for matching GPS points from a navigation system. Experimental results suggest that this approach is highly successful even when the underlying roadway network is not complete. The proposed methodology is a promising step toward using novel and inexpensive data sources to facilitate and eventually transform the way that transportation models are built and validated.
Public Engagement in Public Transportation Projects
Authors: Casello Jeffrey M. , Towns Will , Bélanger Julie , Kassiedass Sanathan
Published: March 2016

Public participation for transit projects faces a number of unique challenges compared with many other similar public investments. For example, a smaller subset of the community uses transit on a daily basis as compared with highways; moreover, public transit is seen to be limited—both spatially and demographically—in its appeal. Combined, these factors can limit the widespread engagement of the public in the development and evaluation of transit projects. Further, given the lack of direct benefits from transit, it is often more difficult to garner public support for public transport projects. Specific considerations and techniques are demonstrated that can be undertaken by planners and policy makers to actively engage the community beyond those strongly in favor of or opposed to a transit project. Strategies employed in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, in the context of public engagement before the introduction of light-rail transit are explored. In light of these strategies and the experiences of planners in Waterloo and in conjunction with evidence from the literature, a number of conclusions are drawn regarding an effective framework for engaging a wide spectrum of community members in transit planning.
Direct Ridership Model of Rail Rapid Transit Systems in Canada
Authors: Durning Matthew , Townsend Craig
Published: March 2016

A direct ridership model for Canadian rail rapid transit systems is presented. The goal of the study was to produce a ridership model to evaluate the specific context of Canadian rapid transit: no comprehensive model existed. Data were collected for Canada's five largest cities, including 342 stations with an average weekday ridership of more than 3 million passengers. Using bootstrapped ordinary least squares regression with station boardings as the dependent variable and 44 socio economic, built environment, and system attributes as potential explanatory variables, which were chosen after a review of the direct ridership model literature, the study yielded one model with an adjusted R2 value of .8033. The results are similar to those of models constructed in the United States with respect to densities, land uses, and station amenities, and socioeconomic variables do not appear to be significant. The absence of socioeconomic variables in the final model indicates that planners and policy makers have significant scope to exert influence over transit use through land use planning, design, and service features.
Understanding Travel Plan Effectiveness for New Residential Developments
Authors: De Gruyter Chris , Rose Geoffrey , Currie Graham
Published: March 2016

Travel plans can be required for new or expanded buildings as part of the process of land use planning and approval. The purpose of these plans is to manage car use of future building occupants and support access by more sustainable forms of transport. Although the effectiveness of travel plans is generally well established at preexisting sites, there is very little evidence of the impacts when they are applied to new developments, particularly residential sites. In response to this situation, a series of multimodal person trip counts and parking surveys was undertaken at four case sites (residential developments with travel plans) and four control sites (similar residential developments without travel plans) in Melbourne, Australia. Results indicated that the average weekday (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.) mode share for car driver trips was 14 percentage points lower at the case sites than at the control sites. The findings also highlighted issues with relying solely on comparisons with secondary data sources, such as published vehicle trip generation rates and regional travel survey data, to assess travel plan effectiveness. Such reliance was shown to lead to an overestimation of travel plan impacts because of inconsistencies in the geographical locations and data collection periods of the secondary data sources. This finding highlights the importance of using suitable control sites to account for such factors. Further work is needed to strengthen the evidence base through evaluating travel plans at other residential developments and also accounting for residential self-selection effects.