bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Redox Reaction Between Pt(IV) Complex Ions and Sodium Thiosulfate in Aqueous Solution. Part II: Neutral and Alkaline Solution/ Kinetyka I Mechanizm Reakcji Redoks Pomiędzy Jonami Kompleksowymi Pt(Iv) I Tiosiarczanem Sodu W Roztworze Wodnym. Część II: Roztwór Obojętny I Zasadowy
Authors: Pacławski K. , Piwowonska J.
Published: February 2015

In this work, spectrophotometric studies on the kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between [PtCl6]2- complex ions and sodium thiosulfate, in neutral (pH = 7) and alkaline (p = 12) solution, were carried out. Applying different conditions, the influence of initial concentrations of reductant and platinum(IV) complex ions as well as the influence of temperature and ionic strength on the rate constant, was experimentally determined. From the obtained results, the molecularity, the order and the value of enthalpy and entropy of activation of the reaction, were experimentally determined. It was found that in both cases the reduction reaction is relatively slow and in the studied conditions the second-order rate constant changes from 2.92 : 10-2 to 0.40 M-1:s-1 at pH = 7, and from 3.84 : 10-2 to 1.55 M-1s-1 at pH = 12. Additionally, depending on the pH, different mechanism of the reaction is present. However, regardless on the studied system the only platinum(II) chloride complex ions are the final product of the redox reaction.
Numerical Analysis of Diamond Retention in Cobalt and a Copper-Base Alloy/ Analiza Numeryczna Retencji Kryształu Diamentu W Kobalcie I Stopie Miedzi
Authors: Konstanty J. , Romanski A.
Published: February 2015

Why cobalt outperforms other matrix materials in its capacity for diamond retention in cutting tools is considered. To this end diamond loading conditions were modelled to establish the magnitude of stress and strain in the matrix surrounding a working diamond crystal. Only at 315 N did the contact force in Co result in plastic strain of 4-8%, which has a destructive influence on diamond retention. The strain field generated in a poorly performing Cu-40%Co-6%Sn matrix under a load of 190 N closely resembled that generated by 315 N in Co. It is postulated that diamond retention is related to the yield strength and work hardening characteristics of the metallic matrix.
Tests of Steel Rheological Properties at Higher Temperatures for Computer Simulation in Procast Software/ Badania Właściwosci Wytrzymałosciowych Stali W Podwyższonych Temperaturach Na Potrzeby Symulacji Komputerowych W Pakiecie ProCAST
Authors: Sołek K. , Dziarmagowski M.
Published: February 2015

This paper presents the tests of properties of selected steel grades conducted at higher temperatures. The findings of these mechanical tests are presented herein in graphs and in a table. They allow us to mathematically describe a change in the stress values depending on the change in strain within the plastic range in the tested steel grades.

The obtained results may be used for identification of the elasticity modulus and for developing a flow stress model for numerical simulations of the steel continuous casting process.
Typical Failures in the Damaged Rolling Elements Made of Different Materials in the Most Important Vehicle Units/ Typowe Awarie Wynikające Z Uszkodzeń Elementów Tocznych Wazniejszych Zespołów Pojazdów Wykonanych Z Różnych Materiałów
Authors: Stanik Z.
Published: February 2015

Bearings are widely used in motor vehicles. The operations of natural causes wear on the bearing components. However, the rolling bearing wear often results in damage to other elements or components throughout the vehicle. The paper presents examples of typical and untypical consequence damage bearings used in vehicles. Damage are described in elements made ??of different materials.
Application of Non-Destructive Methods to Quality Assessment of Pattern Assembly and Ceramic Mould in the Investment Casting Elements of Aircraft Engines/ Zastosowanie Nieniszczących Metod Do Oceny Jakości Woskowych Zestawów Modelowych Oraz Ceramicznych Form W Procesie Odlewania Precyzyjnego Elementów Silników Lotniczych
Authors: Zaba K. , Nowak S. , Kwiatkowski M. , Nowosielski M. , Kita P. , Sioma A.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this paper is manufacturing of turbocharger engine jet blades made of nickel superalloys. Processes for producing molds and casting realized in a production line are special processes. It means that the results are known only after inspection of the finished product. There is lack of the methods and techniques of effective and efficient quality control of the work in stock, above all molds. Therefore, the unknown is the state ceramic mold for the precision casting, which resulting in risk of referral to a defective mold of the casting process and thus give the product does not comply, is eliminated in the final inspection.

One method of reducing this risk is particularly thorough monitoring of all parameters of each process and keeping them in the desired operating point. Operating point is a set of parameters of processes. Such monitoring is possible with the commitment to the methods and techniques to automatically, without human intervention, data collection and processing methods appropriate for use in operational control.

The paper presents results of research on the attitude to the problem of a special process. This change is the introduction to the process efficient and effective form of quality control tools in the course of its preparation. In this case, the method of photogrammetry, thermal imaging and computed tomography were used.

With the infrared camera will be possible to determine the temperature field, the disorder in relation to the pattern indicates the type of defect. Computed tomography and will be used to develop patterns of correlated defects associated with thermal imagers. Photogrammetry is the use of a model set of quality control (comparison of the actual state of the model *.CAD). It also allows the designation of a wall thickness of the mold.
Analysis of the Heating of Steel Wires During High Speed Multipass Drawing Process/ Analiza Nagrzewania Się Drutów Stalowych W Procesie Ciągnienia Wielostopniowego Z Dużymi Prędkosciami
Authors: Suliga M.
Published: February 2015

The analysis of the heating of the wire including theoretical studies showed that in the multistage drawing process a increase drawing speed causes intense heating of a thin surface layer of the wire to a temperature exceeding 1100°C, which should be explained by the accumulation of heat due to friction at the interface between wire and die. It has been shown that with increasing of drawing speed the heated surface layer thickness measured at the exit of the wire from the dies is reduced significantly and at drawing speed of 25 m/s is equal to about 68 μm. The decrease in the thickness of this layer can be explained by a shorter time of heat transfer to the wire, which causes additional heat accumulation in the surface layer. Thus fivefold increase in drawing speed caused an approximately 110% increase in the temperature in the surface layer of the wire. Experimental studies have shown that the increase of drawing speed of 5 to 25 m/s will increase the temperature of the wire after coiled on the spool more than 400%.
Brazing of Alloy Based on Fe3al Aluminide/ Lutowanie Twarde Stopu Na Osnowie Aluminidku Fe3al
Authors: Winiowski A. , Rózanski M.
Published: February 2015

Alloys based on the Fe3Al intermetallic phase belong to a new generation of metallic materials intended for operation at higher temperatures and having properties something between those of metals and ceramic materials. They are characterised by relatively high oxidation resistance, high corrosion resistance, high-temperature creep resistance, high electrical resistivity, high abrasion resistance as well as resistance to erosion and cavitation. Although the material costs of these alloys are relatively low, they belong to materials which are very difficult to join by means of welding methods. For this reason, joining such materials remains an important and current research and technological problem. One of the methods used for joining such materials is brazing. This work shows the results of technological tests concerned with vacuum brazing an alloy based on the Fe3Al (Fe86Al14) phase using silver (Ag72Cu28) and copper-nickel (Cu90Ni10, Cu95Ni5) filler metals as well as presents the results of tests on the mechanical and structural properties of obtained joints.
Influence of Mixing Parameters on Homogeneity of Al/Sic Composites/ Wpływ Parametrów Mieszania Na Jednorodność Kompozytów Al/Sic
Authors: Wozniak J. , Kostecki M. , Broniszewski K. , Bochniak W. , Olszyna A.
Published: February 2015

The main aim of this work was to study the effect of time and method of Al, SiC powders mixing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of composites. Moreover, the influence of applicating direct extrusion with a reversibly rotating die on the homogeneity of the composites was examined. Microstructure observations with the use of an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope were applied. A quantitative analysis of composite microstructure was conducted. The density (helium pycnometer method), Vickers hardness and the Young’s Modulus of the composites were also determined. The results show that the homogeneity of Al/SiC composites rises with an increase of mixing time. However, better results were obtained by application of high energy ball milling process.
The Effects of Processing Parameters on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Structural Pm Steels Containing Mn, Cr and Mo/ Wpływ Parametrów Wytwarzania Na Strukturę I Własności Mechaniczne Spiekanych Stali Konstrukcyjnych Zawierających Mn, Cr I Mo
Authors: Sulowski M.
Published: February 2015

The effects of processing parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe-Mn-Cr- Mo-C PM steels are described. Pre-alloyed Astaloy CrM and Astaloy CrL, low-carbon ferromanganese and graphite powders were used as the starting materials. After pressing in rigid die, the compacts were conventionally and high temperature sintered at 1120 and 1250°C, respectively. Sintering was carried out for 60 minutes in atmospheres with different H2/N2 ratios. Cooling rate from sintering temperature was 65°C min-1 (convective cooling). The specimens were subsequently tempered at 200°C for 60 minutes in air. All specimens were tested for tensile strength (UTS), elongation (A), offset yield strength (R0:2), transverse rupture strength (TRS), impact toughness and apparent surface hardness (HV 30). After mechanical tests the microstructure of Fe-Mn-Cr-Mo-C PM steels was studied by optical microscopy. These investigations have shown that, by sintering in inexpensive and safe nitrogen-rich atmospheres, it is possible to achieve mechanical properties similar to those of specimens sintered in pure hydrogen and hydrogen-rich atmospheres.
Sintered Structural Pm Cr and Cr-Mo Steels/ Spiekane Stale Konstrukcyjne Chromowe I Chromowo-Molibdenowe
Authors: Sułowski M. , Kulecki P. , Radziszewska A.
Published: February 2015

The object of the study was the evaluation of the effect of production parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr and Cr-Mo PM steels. The steels were processed from commercial Höganäs pre-alloyed powders: Astaloy CrA, Astaloy CrL and Astaloy CrM with carbon, added in the form of grade C-UF graphite powder in amounts of 0.4 and 0.8 wt. %. Following Turbula mixing for 30 minutes, green compacts were single pressed at 660 MPa according to PN-EN ISO 2740 standard. Sintering was carried out in a laboratory horizontal furnace at 1120°C and 1250°C for 60 minutes in a 5%-95% hydrogen-nitrogen atmosphere. After sintering, the samples were tempered at 200°C for 60 minutes in air. Mechanical tests indicate that the steel based on Astaloy CrA pre-alloyed powder could be an alternative material to steels based on Astaloy CrM. Steels sintered at the higher temperature revealed better mechanical properties.
Manufacturing with Application of Gpi Method and Selected Properties of Al Matrix Composites Reinforced Unidirectionally and Three-Directionally with Carbon Fibres/ Wytwarzanie Metodą Infiltracji Gazowej I Wybrane Własności Kompozytów Na Osnowie Aluminium, Umocnionych Jedno I Trójkierunkowo Włóknami Węglowymi
Authors: Wojtaszek M. , Czulak A.
Published: February 2015

The discussion of the possibility of application of the GPI (gas pressure infiltration) process to the manufacturing of composites based on selected aluminium alloys reinforced with carbon fibres coated with nickel protective layer, as well as the determination of selected properties of materials obtained using this technique, is presented in the article. The composites reinforced unidirectionally (UD) were produced, the suitable volume fraction of fibres was determined and the proper forming parameters were established. Basing on the obtained results, with application of the same components, the composites reinforced three-directionally (3D) were subjected to infiltration. The preforms were designed and prepared using plaiting and joining methods. The GPI process parameters were verified for the assumed fibre arrangement. Thermal expansion of matrix alloys and composites obtained with application of most favourable parameters was determined and the influence of fibre arrangement and chemical composition of the matrix on the obtained results was analysed. The comparative abrasion tests with application of different velocities were performed for the selected alloy and the composite reinforced unidirectionally. In order to evaluate the changes taking place in the matrix during infiltration, the analysis of chemical composition of composites was performed for materials reinforced unidirectionally, as an example. The correctness of distribution of fibres in the composite matrix was also evaluated by means of microstructure observation as well as non-destructive testing with application of computed tomography technique. The results obtained during the investigations provide information concerning suitability and limitations of the GPI method to the manufacturing of light structural parts from the proposed components.
Determination of Flow Curves on Selected Steel Grades in Their Liquid State/ Wyznaczanie Krzywych Płynięcia Wybranych Gatunków Stali W Stanie Ciekłym
Authors: Korolczuk-Hejnak M.
Published: February 2015

Issues of viscosity and rheological properties of liquid ferrous solutions are important from the perspective of modelling, along with the control of actual production processes related to the manufacturing of metals, including iron and steel. Conducted analysis within subject literature indicates that there are many theoretical considerations concerning the effects of viscosity of liquid metal solutions. The objective of this study was to perform rheological measurements of liquid ferrous solutions, the results of which may be used as the basis for developing viscosity models as a function of chemical composition, temperature, and a selected rheological parameter. The study contains the results of rheological tests of ferrous solutions - six chemical compositions with a carbon content from 0.15 to 0.39% and which were tested with applied shear rates from 40 to 180 s-1. The obtained values of dynamic viscosity coefficient are within the range of 0.002 - 0.018 Pa s.
Fatigue Tests and Metallographic of Explosively Cladded Steel-Titanium Bimetal/ Badania Zmęczeniowe I Metalograficzne Bimetalu Stal-Tytan Zgrzewanego Wybuchowo
Authors: Kurek A. , Wachowski M. , Niesłony A. , Płocinski T. , Kurzydłowski K.J.
Published: February 2015

The paper contains a description of fatigue life tests of titan-steel bimetal. The study involved specimens made of bimetal which was a combination of S355J2 steel and SB G1 265 titanium, which was imposed in the material by explosive cladding method. The research shows that the fatigue life of specimens made of native material, derived from cladded plate is less than the life of specimens of titanium-steel bimetal
Enhancement of Explosive Welding Possibilities by the Use of Emulsion Explosive/ Rozwój Mozliwości Łączenia Wybuchowego Przez Użycie Emulsji Wybuchowych
Authors: Zlobin B. , Sil’Vestrov V. , Shtertser A. , Plastinin A. , Kiselev V.
Published: February 2015

Explosive welding is an effective method of joining of various metals and alloys. However, when the materials with very different strength and thermo-physical properties are welded or thin-layer cladding is performed, the difficulties occur which call for extra investigations. In the present paper, with the couples of steel / carbide composite and copper / hardened steel used as examples, under study were the peculiarities of bonding formation by the explosive welding of metals with highly differing properties. The experiments were carried out with emulsion explosive containing hollow micro-spheres and detonating in thin layers with the low (2 - 3 km/s) detonation velocity. Obtained results show that the emulsion explosives enable to extend the explosion welding potentiality.
Structure and Mechanical Properties of Explosive Welded Mg/Al Bimetal/ Struktura I Właściwości Mechaniczne Połączenia Uzyskanego Metodą Zgrzewania Wybuchowego Bimetalu Mg/Al
Authors: Balga D. , Ostroushko D. , Saksl K. , Mazancová E. , Milković O.
Published: February 2015

In the article we analyzed shape, local mechanical properties, chemical and phase composition of Magnesium/Aluminium cladded material prepared by explosion welding. In particular we focus our investigation on Mg/Al interface and areas close to the joint. Hardness of the joined materials measured far from their interface is similar for both materials, however in the region of interface the hardness drops down by 40%. Phase transformations in the interface was examined by a hard X-ray micro-diffraction experiment performed at beamline P07 at PETRA III at the energy of 99 keV which helped us identify in Al: fcc-Al, Al2Cu tetragonal and Al7Cu2Fe tetragonal and in Mg: hcp-Mg, Mg2Si cubic phases. In the interface we haven’t observed any new intermetallics, but computation of lattice parameters and profiles of Al and Mg peaks proved an existence of solid solution with different gradient of chemical composition.
Dynamics of Laser-Induced Shock Wave in Silica/ Dynamika Laserowa Indukowana W Fali Uderzeniowej W Krzemionce
Authors: Efremov V.P. , Frolov A.A. , Dianov E.M. , Bufetov I.A. , Fortov V.E.
Published: February 2015

The study of detonation-like mode of laser induced damage propagation was considered. Velocity of this propagation is two orders of magnitude faster than known published data on burning fiber glass. The condition of optical fiber and enough long laser pulse let us obtain laser induced damage propagation passing near hundred own core diameters during pulse. The using as target the core of silica-based optical fiber has some diagnostic advantages. It allows spatially splits “start” and “stop” points and to supply the same form of energy deposition in every cross section of optical fiber. Tested regime demonstrates near constant velocities during 250 ns in the range of laser intensity 2-4.5 GW/cm2.
Joint Hydrogen Susceptibility of 304 SS Welded with Titanium/ Podatność Połczenia Na Wodorowanie W Układzie Plateru Stal 304 Ss Zgrzewanym Wybuchowo Z Tytanem
Authors: Mazancová E. , Ostroushko D. , Saksl K. , Niesłony A.
Published: February 2015

Welds of thick plates (304 SS) clad with Ti of commercial purity in as-received state and also after subsequent heat treatment and/or after hydrogen charging were investigated. Fatigue tests were carried out at amplitude of 20 Hz and in case of bimetal without hydrogen charging also at amplitude of 40 Hz. After heat treatment, charged welds showed higher threshold level than the welds without heat treatment. Energy dispersed analyses (EDA) of fracture surfaces showed that failure predominantly occurred in joint. Hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) response of bimetal samples demonstrated favourable results both after welding and after subsequent heat treatment. Short and thin cracks were observed, exclusively located in mixed zone, where approx. 16-20 at. % of Ti using EDX (energy dispersed analyser) was revealed. By application of monochromatic synchrotron radiation Ti-α , Fe-fcc, Fe-bcc and intermetallic phase Fe2Ti were detected.
Disk Laser Welding of Armor Steel/ Spawanie Laserem Dyskowym Stali Pancernej
Authors: Janicki D.
Published: February 2015

The paper describes the application of an Yb:YAG disk laser with a maximum output of 3.3 kW for the butt welding of armor steel plates ARMOX 500T 3.6 mm thick. The influence of laser welding parameters such as laser power beam, welding speed, focal point position on weld quality and mechanical properties of joints was studied. A proper selection of disk laser welding parameters provides non-porous and cracks free fully-penetrated welds with the aspect ratio up to 6.4. There was approx. 40% reduction in the hardness of heat affected zone (HAZ) in comparison to hardness of the base material (BM). The hardness values at the weld metal and the BM were similar. The joints exhibited about 15% lower ultimate tensile strength when compared with that of the BM. Charpy absorbed energy of the joints was approx. 30% lower than that of the BM.
The investigation of Microstructures and Properties of High Speed Steel HS6-5-2-5 after Laser Alloying
Authors: Bonek M.
Published: February 2015

W pracy przedstawiono wyniki badań laserowego stopowania na strukturę i własności warstwy wierzchniej stali szybkotnącej HS6-5-2-5, przetapianej za pomocą lasera diodowego dużej mocy (HPDL). Jako materiał stopujący użyto proszków WC, VC, TiC, SiC, Si3N4 i AI2O3. Stwierdzono, że do przetopienia i stopowanie laserowe twardymi cząstkami powoduje poprawę własności warstwy wierzchniej w całym zakresie mocy lasera. Odpowiedni dobór warunków pracy lasera jak również jakość wiązki ma wpływ na wyniki przetopienia co potwierdzono badaniami twardości, mikrotwardości, mikroanalizy rentgenowskiej i rentgenowskie analizy fazowej. W strefie przetopionej i stopowanej stwierdzono występowanie drobnoziarnistej oraz dendrytycznej struktury z kierunkiem krystalizacji związanym z dynamicznym przepływem ciepła ze strefy oddziaływania wiązki laserowej. Drobnoziarnista struktura martenzytu jest odpowiedzialna za wzrost twardości warstwy stopowanej. Zmiany mikrotwardości ściśle zależą od efektów oddziaływania wiązki laserowej na obrabianą powierzchnię. Wyniki badań pozwalają na lepsze zrozumienie mechanizmów strukturalnych towarzyszących przetapianiu i stopowaniu laserowemu. Laserowa obróbka powierzchniowa stanowi szczególnie obiecujące narzędzie do rozwiązywania problemów inżynierii powierzchni dzięki wykorzystaniu własności fizycznych wiązki lasera umożliwiających precyzyjną obróbkę cieplną w warstwie wierzchniej.
The Role of Operational Factors in Shaping of Wear Properties of Alloyed Austempered Ductile Iron Part I. Experimental Studies Abrasive Wear of Austempered Ductile Iron (Adi) in the Presence of Loose Quartz Abrasive/ Rola Czynników Eksploatacyjnych W Kształtowaniu Właściwości Zużyciowych Stopowych Żeliw Sferoidalnych Ausferrytycznych Część I. Eksperymentalne Badania Zużycia Sciernego W Obecności Lużnego Scierniwa Kwarcowego Żeliw Adi
Authors: Wieczorek A.N.
Published: February 2015

The paper presents the results of the wear tests of alloyed austempered ductile iron performed on a specially designed test rig simulating real operating conditions for chain wheels which were selected for testing due to their complex rolling and sliding form of contact between elements. The chain wheels subjected to tests were operated with the use of loose quartz abrasive and without it. The studies involved the determination of strength and plastic properties, hardness distributions, microstructure and linear wear of the ADI in question considered as a function of the austempering temperature. Based on the results obtained, the following was found: phase transition of austempered ductile iron can take place for combinations typical of industrial applications, a non-linear increase in the wear as a function of the austempering temperature occurs, an increase in the hardness of all the analysed types of ADI takes place during the operation without the presence of abrasive, the phase transition of austenite into martensite in ADI with a lower content of austenite requires higher loads as compared with cast iron containing 40% of austenite.
The Role of Operational Factors in Shaping of Wear Properties of Alloyed Austempered Ductile Iron Part II. an Assessment of the Cumulative Effect of Abrasives Processes and the Dynamic Activity on the Wear Property of Ausferritic Ductile Iron/ Rola Czynników Eksploatacyjnych W Kształtowaniu Właściwości Zużyciowych Stopowych Żeliw Sferoidalnych Ausferrytycznych Część II. Ocena Skumulowanego Działania Scierniwa I Wymuszeń Dynamicznych Na Właściwości Zużyciowe Sferoidalnych Żeliw Ausferrytycznych
Authors: Wieczorek A.N.
Published: February 2015

The study presents results of the second part of wear tests of austempered ductile irons on a specially designed test rig that allows simulating the real operating conditions of chain wheels. The chain wheels subjected to testing were operated in conditions characterized by combined action of loose quartz abrasive and an external dynamic force. The studies involved the determination of the hardness, microstructure and linear wear of the ADIs in question considered as a function of the austempering temperature and the austenite content. Based on the results obtained, the following was observed: a decrease in the wear as a function of the austempering temperature and thus in the content of austenite in ADIs; a slight deformation of graphite after completing the wear test involving external dynamic forces; a negative linear dependence between the linear wear and the impact resistance. It was found that the increased wear of cast irons with a lower content of austenite may be caused by the propagation of cracks initiated by damage to graphite nodules, while in the conditions characterized by combined action of abrasive wear and dynamic load the cast irons with a higher content of austenite and higher impact resistance have better wear properties.
Effect of Heat Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Two-Phase Titanium Alloy Ti6al7nb/ Wpływ Obróbki Cieplnej Na Własności Mechaniczne Dwufazowego Stopu Tytanu Ti6al7nb
Authors: Dąbrowski R.
Published: February 2015

Mechanical properties of the two-phase titanium alloy Ti6Al7Nb, after the heat treatment based on soaking this alloy in the α + β range, cooling in water or oil and ageing at two selected temperatures, were determined in the hereby paper. The alloy mechanical properties were determined in tensile and impact tests, supported by the fractographic analysis of fractures. In addition, its hardness was measured and the analysis of changes occurring in the microstructure was performed for all variants of the alloy heat treatment. Regardless of the applied cooling rate of the alloy, from a temperature of 970°C followed by ageing at 450 and 650°C, none essential changes were noticed in its microstructure. It was shown that applying less intensive cooling medium (oil) instead of water (before tempering) decreases strength properties indicators, i.e. tensile strength and yield strength as well as hardness (only slightly). The decrease of the above mentioned indicators is accompanied by an increase of an elongation and impacts strength. Fractures of tensile and impact tests are of a ductile character regardless of the applied heat treatment.
Women's Participation in Politics: Ukrainian Case
Authors: Alexey Skovikov
Published: February 2015

The international practices takes into account the question of women's participation in the political life of modern Ukraine. The selection of the state was due to the dynamic process of democratic transformation - the separation of powers, the formation of multi-party competition among political actors in the electoral process, the activity women in the various institutions of civil society. The position was claimed on the basis of empirical data range of academic institutions and reputable sociological centers, and also interviews with experts who said that the creation of real conditions for self-realization by women's interest in politics is only possible for long term. The process is controversial and caused by political culture, traditions and interests of the ruling class represented mainly by men.
Local Government Capacity and Citizen Co-production: A Review of Theory and Evidence
Authors: Tu Xuan
Published: February 2015

Government capacity is an important topic in the study of public administration (Burgess 1975; Honadle 1981). The terms capacity, capability or ability have become a concern of government agencies because of the need to develop policies and programs (Gargan 1981). More recently failures of public programs and the increasing demands of the public have also brought attention to this important topic (Ingraham 2003; Andrews and Boyne 2010). Despite the common use of capacity, the term is not well defined in the current public administration literature. In this paper the focus is upon the implementation capacity in local government. They are largely responsible for service delivery, whereas higher levels of government are more removed and have coordination and policy development responsibilities. In this study, the researcher undertakes a comprehensive approach to investigate what is currently known about government capacity by integrating the empirical research that has been published in the past fifty years. It reviews 43 articles that rigorously discuss capacity or capacity building at the local level and 62 articles on citizen co-production. The analysis suggests that government capacity only perceived within organizations is limited. The majority of attention has been paid to management capacity particularly policy formulation capacity, leaving implementation capacity less touched. Sub-analyses reveal different dimensions of government capacity which are dominantly studied in western literature. The evidence points to an association between government capacity and citizen co-production. This paper enriches the literature by developing a new relationship of government capacity and citizen co-production at the local level.
Respiratory function of workers at a construction company in Bangalore Urban district
Authors: Ramesh Naveen
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Construction sector is one among the largest employers in India. Most of the construction workers are migrants susceptible to occupational health hazards. Construction workers are exposed to a variety of dust and chemicals that may pose a risk to the respiratory system.  There is paucity of data on the respiratory function of construction workers in India. Objectives: The objectives were to assess the respiratory function of construction workers and to study possible factors associated with the respiratory function of these construction workers. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 197 workers in a construction company in Bangalore Urban district from November - December 2010. The study tools were an interview schedule to study the respiratory function and possible associated factors and clinical examination which included anthropometry (height, weight) and Wright’s mini peak flow meter to measure peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The data was analyzed using standard statistical software. Results: Among male workers, the mean PEFR was 457.43 l/min (SD 65.38 l/min) while among female workers, the mean PEFR was 326 l/min (SD 46.95 l/min). Respiratory function as measured by peak flow meter was decreased in 127 (64.5%) workers. The current reported tobacco smoking was 41.2% (77) among 187 males. Only 3 (1.5%) workers reported to use of face mask. There was no significant association (p>0.05) between respiratory function, and duration of work more than a year at construction company, use of face mask or smoking.  Conclusion: This preliminary study revealed that the respiratory function among the workers was decreased. More precise studies with population control matched for age using pulmonary function tests are needed to assess the findings of the study.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.10000
Evolving Connection of Transit, Agglomeration, and Growth of High-Technology Business Clusters
Authors: Weisbrod Glen , Duncan Chandler , Moses Susan Jones
Published: February 2015

Although much literature on spatial agglomeration, public transit, and the economy has focused on broad analyses and generalized relationships, this study focuses on one specific element of the economy: the development of high-technology, knowledge-based industries that account for a disproportionate share of the national economic growth. The study examines how these industries are clustering in large metropolitan areas and specific suburban and urban locations within those metropolitan areas. This research shows how the growing levels of employment in these industries are challenging the capacity constraints of local road networks and how leading businesses in these industrial clusters are turning to private and public transit to enable their continued growth. The evidence indicates that (a) the advantages of concentration in metropolitan areas and highly localized clustering for these specific business sectors continue to exist and (b) although public transportation is not the cause of clustering, most high-technology business clusters are evolving so that bus and rail solutions are supporting the clusters’ continuing growth and will support their future growth.
Commuting, Job Clusters, and Travel Burdens
Authors: Schleith Daniel , Horner Mark W.
Published: February 2015

The concept of sustainability has grown to include concerns about social equity, as well as economic and environmental issues. Under this framework, this study investigated commuting through a jobs–housing balance and excess commuting approach. Excess commuting has been widely researched for more than 30 years. However, a set of data from the Bureau of the Census offers new opportunities, as the set is highly spatially disaggregated and available annually for the years 2002 to 2011. Taking Leon County, Florida, as a case study, this research analyzed local jobs–housing balance measures to determine whether commuters with different incomes experienced divergent outcomes during the recent U.S. recession (2006 to 2011). Regional job clusters were identified, and levels of commuting into these areas were compared with broader averages. Last, a relative commuting burden metric was introduced to contextualize monetarily what these commuting patterns mean for different income groups. The results showed that commuting distances have increased over time and have increased the most for low-income workers.
Willingness-to-Pay Method to Estimate Effect of Accessibility on Property Prices
Authors: Kalantari Navid , Ssadjedi S. Jusseph , Khavarzadeh Ramin , Mohammadian Abolfazl (Kouros)
Published: February 2015

The economic evaluation and the financing of transportation projects require comprehensive estimation and determination of all transportation-related external costs. The effect of accessibility on property values and the hedonic price of environmental attributes related to the transportation system are among the most important external effects. In this study, the willingness to pay (WTP) for improved accessibility and environmental quality was determined by the use of a stated preference (SP) technique. With SP data collected in Tehran, Iran, a multinomial logit model was developed, and WTP was estimated with this model. Because the WTP for environmental attributes was estimated with qualitative measures, a fuzzy transformation was used to estimate the WTP for a unit increase in environmental quality.
Accessibility for Low-Income Workers in New Orleans, Louisiana, after Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Lowe Kate
Published: February 2015

Existing research has identified the transportation challenges that low-income workers face, including a spatial mismatch between suburban entry-level jobs and urban low-income earners. Because most studies rely on travel models and secondary data, such studies may not capture the experiences of low-income workers. To understand better the mobility patterns and accessibility as they are experienced, this analysis explored commute choices and accessibility from the perspectives of low-income workers. The findings were based on open-ended surveys with 50 low-income workers in New Orleans, Louisiana, and its inner suburbs. For many workers (40%), transportation problems did not limit job opportunities. African-American and centrally located respondents most commonly did not perceive transportation as a barrier to employment. Almost all respondents cited transportation problems for some locations or activities, particularly shopping. The loss of a functional automobile was a common reason to change commute mode after Hurricane Katrina; this situation indicates that low-income workers may shift in and out of car ownership, as well as change home and job locations. The interviewees most frequently reported that automobile ownership would improve their mobility, and some interviewees desired increased bus frequency and reliability. The mixed findings on perceived job accessibility demonstrate the need to integrate transportation and workforce research and policy better, perhaps with special attention to race. In addition, more transportation research on perceptions and actual challenges, including the role of rigid work schedules, is needed. Finally, given the dynamic auto ownership status, employment sites, and residential patterns, more longitudinal study is needed.
Use of Health Impact Assessment for Transportation Planning
Authors: Dannenberg Andrew L. , Ricklin Anna , Ross Catherine L. , Schwartz Michael , West Julie , White Steve , Wier Megan L.
Published: February 2015

A health impact assessment (HIA) is a tool that can be used to inform transportation planners of the potential health consequences of their decisions. Although dozens of transportation-related HIAs have been completed in the United States, the characteristics of these HIAs and the interactions between public health professionals and transportation decision makers in these HIAs have not been documented. A master list of completed HIAs was used to identify transportation-related HIAs. Seventy-three transportation-related HIAs conducted in 22 states between 2004 and 2013 were identified. The HIAs were conducted for projects such as road redevelopments, bridge replacements, and development of trails and public transit. Policies such as road pricing, transit service levels, speed limits, complete streets, and safe routes to schools were also assessed. Five HIAs in which substantial interactions between public health and transportation professionals took place during and after the HIA were examined in detail and included HIAs of the road pricing policy in San Francisco, California; a bridge replacement in Seattle, Washington; new transit lines in Baltimore, Maryland, and Portland, Oregon; and the BeltLine transit, trails, and parks project in Atlanta, Georgia. Recommendations from the HIAs led to changes in decisions in some cases and helped to raise awareness of health issues by transportation decision makers in all cases. HIAs are now used for many topics in transportation. The range of involvement of transportation decision makers in the conduct of HIAs varies. These case studies may serve as models for the conduct of future transportation-related HIAs, because the involvement of transportation agencies may increase the likelihood that an HIA will influence subsequent decisions.
Assessments of Health Impacts of Transportation Projects in an Urban Indian Context
Authors: Conti Veronica , Mahendra Anjali
Published: February 2015

The rapid motorization of Indian cities has led to a public health crisis with increased traffic injuries and fatalities, increased air pollution, and decreased physical activity. There is an urgent need to assess the health impacts of transportation to inform decision makers better about how to maximize the benefits and to minimize the negative impacts on health. Health impact assessment (HIA) methodologies and tools are used extensively in the developed world primarily to support broader environmental impact assessments of projects, programs, and policies, but only recently in the transportation sector. The concept of HIAs is gaining traction in the developing world. However, much of the methodology and many of the indicators are specific to the context of the developed world. Through a review of the literature and expert input from transportation planners and public health professionals in India, this study aims to develop the appropriate methodology for assessing the myriad health impacts from urban transportation projects, plans, and policies within the Indian context. The study develops a framework for conducting HIAs, as it focuses on modal shift and the number of kilometers traveled, to fit a city in which the measurement of health outcomes can be difficult and resource intensive. Future studies should look to expand the evidence base on health impacts and India-specific measurement tools, especially for physical activity, which will become an increasing health issue as incomes and consumption continue to grow in India.
Rural Communities and Transportation Equity in California's San Joaquin Valley
Authors: Karner Alex , London Jonathan
Published: February 2015

Smart growth policy and planning have tended to emphasize urban centers and regions, yet rural communities can also be important sites of innovation. Recent work demonstrated that these communities had surprisingly high levels of current and potential nonmotorized travel. Legislation in California mandates reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all of the state's metropolitan planning organization (MPO) regions, including the heavily rural San Joaquin Valley. Advocates for rural communities are finding common cause with more traditional environmental organizations around the vision of investing in and enhancing extant rural places as an alternative to leapfrog patterns of urban and suburban sprawl. Because of existing patterns of extreme disparity and legion underserved unincorporated communities, analyses that can help integrate social equity within regional planning are needed to serve and empower rural residents. This paper presents the results of several new analyses of the social equity dimensions of regional transportation plans in the San Joaquin Valley. Activity-based travel model data were used to analyze equity, with a particular focus placed on eight disadvantaged unincorporated communities identified by community advocates to be important demonstration sites. The investigators showed how improvements to traditional equity analysis could enhance the consideration of equity in the planning process and compared the results developed by innovative techniques with those obtained by use of their traditional counterparts. The methods outlined here can make substantial contributions to reduce disparities in rural communities, which would likely be overlooked in typical regional equity analyses because of their small size, and offer lessons for MPOs serving rural areas across the country.
Assessing Mediators in the Relationship between Commute Time and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Kroesen Maarten
Published: February 2015

This study aimed to identify and assess empirically the various pathways through which commute time may influence subjective well-being. On the basis of a literature review, possible pathways and their underlying mechanisms were identified. A structural equation model was specified to assess the relative strengths of these pathways. Commuting mode (car and bicycle) was taken into account as a moderating variable. Data used to estimate the models were drawn from the Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences Panel, a representative sample of Dutch individuals. The results of the analysis indicated that, insofar as commute time had an effect on subjective well-being (only for bicycle commuters could a significant effect be established), this effect was likely mediated by a person's satisfaction with his or her social contacts. No effects between commute time and perceived health, body mass index (BMI), and job satisfaction were found, even though such effects have been reported in previous studies. In addition, commuting mode (car or bicycle) itself had no effect on any of the endogenous variables (except for BMI). In contrast to the findings of previous research, the results indicated that, at least for the Dutch population, commuting patterns (mode and commute time) mattered little in how people subjectively evaluated various aspects of their lives. From a practical point of view, the results of the analysis do not warrant policy intervention. In addition, insofar as policy intervention is desirable, extreme commute behavior should be addressed as a social problem and not a health problem.
Exploring Future Transport Demand in the United States
Authors: Zmud Johanna , Phleps Peter , Ecola Liisa
Published: February 2015

This paper presents two scenarios for mobility in the United States in 2030 and describes the rigorous qualitative and quantitative methodology used to develop them. This research should be of interest to transportation agencies at all levels–-federal, state, and local–-because innovative approaches to dealing with uncertainty about the future of mobility in the United States are necessary for long-term strategic transportation planning. Decision makers in transportation policy and planning need robust information about how and how much Americans will travel; such information can be used to determine whether the U.S. roadway infrastructure will be adequate, whether existing funding sources will be sufficient, and how new circumstances will change mode shares (percentages of travelers using various types of transportation). Instead of trying to predict these situations, or extrapolate from existing trends, the research team used a scenario approach to explore probable mobility futures. Two scenarios, no free lunch and fueled and freewheeling, resulted. Data were based on expert opinions about the long-term future in five areas: demographics, economics, energy, transportation funding, and technology. These data were analyzed with cross-impact and cluster analysis to produce scenario frameworks from which scenario narratives were constructed. The scenarios allow legislators, public agencies, and private-sector entities to assess and understand how today's decisions might play out in the future.