bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keratoconus: Current perspectives
Authors: Narayen Nitesh , MS Sridhar
Published: August 2015

Keratoconus is a corneal thinning disorder in which the inferior paracentral cornea thins and protrudes forwards. The onset is usually during the second decade. Blurred vision and frequent changes of spectacle power are the common presenting symptoms. In addition to heredity, there seems to an association of eye rubbing and development of keratoconus. Slit lamp examination and topographic evaluation helps to us detect early keratoconus, assess severity of keratoconus and decide management options. Keratoconus seems to be associated with other eye conditions like eye allergy, retinitits pigmentosa, Leber’s optic atrophy and also with systemic conditions like Marfan’s syndrome and Ehler Danlos syndrome. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are recomended contact lenses in keratoconus patients with mild to moderate astigmatism. Piggy back contact lens, softperm lens and scleral lens RGP lenses can be used in large ectasia. Implatation of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) intracorneal rings into the paracentral cornea has been found successful to reduce the spherical power and astigmatism. Since endothelium is relatively healthy, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty is becoming the surgery of choice for patients who are not having good vision with contact lens or are not able to tolerate contact lens. Full thickness corneal transplantation (PK) is suggested in patients with dense central scar which is deeper and involving the Descemet’s membrane. Toric implantable contact lens (ICL) is useful if the keratoconus is stable or is the progression is arrested by doing collagen cross- linking or the irregular astigmatism is reduced following implantation of intracorneal ring. Keywords: keratoconus; keratoplasy; management; DALK surgery
Intentional patterns in replicas of interlocutors
Authors: Afinogenova V.A. , Pavlova N.D.
Published: August 2015

Intentional characteristics of dialogue and their modification in the process of interaction are studied on the basis of authentic conversations of the students. Using the method of intent-analysis the authors describe the various intentional patterns of speech interaction. Such factors of dialogue organization as the types of response actions of partners (direct, delayed, combined) are characterized. Factors determining the cases of ignoring of communicative partners’ intentions are also investigated.
Incidência de Lombalgia nos Alunos do Oitavo Período do Curso de Odontologia da UNIG Campus V e a Sua Real Interferência na Qualidade de Vida
Authors: Frauches Rhobert Gomes , Moura Walace Érick Medeiros , Campos Júlio Corrêa , Cardoso Silvani Barreto Assumpção , França Juliano Silva
Published: August 2015

Esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar de maneira quantitativa o índice de lombalgia nos acadêmicos do oitavo período do curso de odontologia da UNIG campus V em Itaperuna RJ, e avaliar a qualidade de vida dos mesmos, a fim de chegar a esses objetivos foi aplicado um questionário contendo questões como, sexo, idade, altura, peso, hábitos de vida, tipos de instrumentos usados durante as intervenções odontológicas, se sentem dores constantes ou não, e um quadro para relatar com precisão onde se localiza essa dor, também foram aplicados mais dois instrumentos de auto-avaliação são eles o questionário de Roland-Morris com o objetivo de avaliar a real gravidade e o nível de incapacidade física causada pela lombalgia, e o questionário SF-36 para avaliar o impacto causado pela lombalgia na qualidade de vida dos alunos estagiários, também foram realizadas tomadas fotográficas a fim de analisar as posturas adotadas por esses alunos estagiários durante o atendimento odontológico, essas fotos foram analisadas por um profissional fisioterapeuta. A lombalgia é uma das principais causas de afastamento do trabalho para tratamento médico, e um dos principais fatores que levam o profissional da odontologia a aponsentar-se precocemente. De acordo com a interpretação dos dados alcançados nessa pesquisa de campo, fica concluído que a lombalgia não tem interferido de maneira significativa nas atividades de vida diárias dos acadêmicos de odontologia.
Perfil Epidemiológico dos Casos de Leishmaniose no Município de Itaperuna - RJ: de Janeiro de 2006 a Outubro de 2009
Authors: Oliveira Alair Ignácio , Paula Paula Hocayen
Published: August 2015

A Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana é uma zoonose que representa um problema de saúde pública. Tal doença é causada por protozoários do gênero Leishmania e transmitida por insetos vetores pertencente a várias espécies de Flebotomíneos. Este trabalho teve objetivo de traçar um perfil epidemiológico da Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana no município de Itaperuna, localizado a noroeste do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Para tanto, foi realizado o levantamento de dados nas principais unidades de saúde do município de janeiro 2006 a outubro 2009. Durante o referido período foram notificados e confirmados 05 casos em 2006 e 04 casos em 2007. No ano de 2008 não houve casos notificados. Os dados analisados até o mês de outubro 2009 revelaram apenas 01 caso notificado. As notificações foram relacionadas principalmente à pacientes de zona rural do município de Itaperuna e adjacentes.  A maioria dos casos relatados ocorreu em moradores ou trabalhadores da zona rural. A visita in locu revelou a necessidade de um trabalho preventivo através de campanhas de combate ao inseto vetor.
Retinopathy of Prematurity: Pathogenesis and Current Treatment Options
Authors: Quimson Socorro Kintanar
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative retinal disorder that continues to be the major cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide.1 Its incidence is inversely proportional to gestational age and birth weight. Approximately 65 percent of neonates with <1,250 g birth weight and 80 percent of those with 1,000 g birth weight will develop some degree of ROP.2 ROP can cause mild retinal disease without major visual defects or can adversely progress to retinal detachment and blindness through aggressive vascular proliferation.3 The purpose of this article is to raise awareness about the history of ROP, pathogenesis, normal retinal vascular development, international classification of ROP, and risk factors. Conventional ROP treatment and the promising antivascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy will also be explored.
Neuro-NICUs: Nurturing the Tiniest of Brains
Authors: Discenza Deborah
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Neuro-NICUs are the latest in NICU programs, with a focus on nurturing tiny brains using the latest in research, technology, and common sense. In this column, we talk with expert Kathi Randall, RN, CNS, NNP, who has helped NICUs incorporate this new program into their units.
Yields and Nitrogen Dynamics in a Rice–Wheat System Using Green Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer
Authors: Aulakh Milkha S. , Khera Tejinder S. , Doran John W. , Kuldip-Singh  , Bijay-Singh
Published: August 2015

Integrating fertilizer N (FN) with legume green manures (GM) can foster sustainable and environmentally sound agricultural systems in subtropical, semiarid soils low in organic matter. A 4‐yr replicated field experiment with irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotations was conducted on a sandy loam soil in the Punjab of India to evaluate the effects of incorporating cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) or sesbania (Sesbania aculeata L.) GM on crop productivity, N‐use efficiency, and NO3 leaching. Rice grain yields with pretransplant incorporation of 20 and 40 Mg GM ha−1 (GM20 and GM40) ranged from 5.18 to 5.81 Mg ha−1, which were equivalent to the 5.40 Mg ha−1 obtained with 120 kg FN ha−1 (FN120). Rice yield with 60 kg FN ha−1 (FN60) and GM20 was double the control yield and 6% greater than the FN120 treatment. Nitrogen utilization by rice was greater for GM20 than FN, as indicated by greater fertilizer N equivalents and an apparent N recovery by rice of 79 vs. 63%. While FN had no residual effects, residual GM produced greater wheat yields, indicating that FN applied to wheat could be reduced by 25%. Soil NO3–N leaching to 60 cm in the rice crop was apparently used by the subsequent wheat crop, which has a deeper and more extensive rooting system. After 4 yr, use of FN120 for both crops resulted in 35 kg of residual NO3–N ha−1 in the 150‐cm soil profile (74% below 90 cm), whereas only 19 kg NO3–N ha−1 remained with GM20 plus FN60. Use of GM20 with FN60 for a rice–wheat rotation demonstrated greater yields of rice and wheat, 25 to 50% reduction in fertilizer N use, and decreased potential for groundwater NO3 contamination.
Modelling Mechanical Response of Geological Fault Structures and their Interaction Analysis with Surrounding Rock
Authors: Yuting Zhang , Xiuli Ding , Qitao Pei , Zhiguo Zhang
Published: August 2015

The mechanical response of geological fault structure and its interaction with surrounding rock are crucial for the stability of caverns in hard rocks. Geological fault structure exhibits unique mechanical response subjected to rock excavation. Potential failure patterns and their corresponding criterions of geological faults, including open failure, slip failure and block instability, are summarized. Corresponding numerical models and proper supporting measures are recommended for open and slip failures, respectively. Rock damage model is adopted to better illustrate the interaction of rockmass and geological faults. Safety factor for anti-sliding is introduced to quantify the safety extent of caverns subjected to open and slip failures caused by geological faults. Case study shows that the presented methods are effective to describe the mechanical response of geological faults and also to provide quantitative references for reinforcement design of rock caverns.
Types of Diagenetic Facies of Tight Sandstone Reservoir and Its Quantitative Identification by Well Log Data
Authors: Peng Zhu , Chengyan Lin , Xiaolei Liu , Weicong He , Yulei Wang , Hualian Zhang
Published: August 2015

According to the features of clastic mineral components, diagenesis, diagenetic mineral combination, etc., the
tight sandstone reservoir of Esx in block Zhuang62-66 is classified into 5 types of diagenetic facies by the analysis of
thin sections, casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy and core description. Natural gamma (GR), true formation
resistivity (Rt), flushed zone formation resistivity (Rxo), compensated neutron (CNL), density (DEN), acoustic (AC)
and spontaneous potential (SP) are selected on the basis of comprehensively analyzing the log response mechanism of different
diagenesis. The effective log recognition model of diagenetic facies is established on the basis of principal component
analysis, five comprehensive variables F~F are built, while F and F account for 91.4% of the total variance,
which could replace primitive multi-dimension information. The method is verified through processing of coring wells,
thus providing a geological basis for the high quality reservoir prediction of the oilfield in the future.
Review of Well Logs and Petrophysical Approaches for Shale Gas in
Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Yuanzhong , Jin Sicheng , Jiang Hao , Wang Yuwei , Jia Pengyu
Published: August 2015

China has vast reserves of shale gas. Currently, shale gas is one of the focuses of the unconventional reservoir.
Well logs play an import role in shale gas production, and it is the bridge connecting geology, geophysics and petroleum
engineering. In the exploration stage, well logs are used to identify lithology, evaluate the parameters of mineral types and
compositions, total organic carbon (TOC), porosity, permeability, gas content, and the potential resources quantity. In the
development stage, well logs offer various parameters of geological and engineering for horizontal drilling and production,
evaluate the mechanical properties and calculate the magnitude and orientation of the in-situ stress for hydraulic fracturing
stimulation. We reviewed current well logs for shale gas in China and discussed the development trend in the paper.
A case history in Sichuan Basin presented to analyze the logs response characteristics and parameters calculation for a
shale gas well. The difficulty and the future attention focus are also discussed.
Recognition of Oil Shale Based on LIBSVM Optimized by Modified Genetic
Algorithm
Authors: Hu Qihua , Wang Cong , Zhang Xin , Fan Jingjing
Published: August 2015

In order to improved the speed, accuracy and generalization of oil shale recognition model with log dada, considering
parameters of traditional SVM were chosen by experience, a LIBSVM recognition model with optimized parameters
was proposed based genetic algorithm. First of all, all the samples data were processed to double type as
LIBSVM tool needing, and the best normalization way was chosen through comparing different accuracies of various
normalization ways. Secondly, the fitness value was calculated by the traditional LIBSVM. Finally, parameters C and g
were optimized by genetic algorithm according the fitness value. The optimized LIBSVM oil shale recognition model was
applied in northern Qaidam basin to identify oil shale, the results show that optimized recognition model is a tool of better
generalization ability and the recognition accuracy reaches as much as 97.2806%. According to the popularization effects
in the well area of same geology background, this optimized LIBSVM model is the best for now.
Research on Levying of Extending VAT Tax of Transportation Industry Based on Fuzzy TOPSIS
Authors: Du Wei
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we endorsed expending in VAT should be implemented step by step. Then we select the transportation
industry as the breakthrough point, by combining qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis methods and analyze
tax pass-through effect, enterprise behavior effect and resource allocation effect between sales tax and VAT. It is made
some correction based on the traditional measurement indicators and analyzed the current situation of our transportation
industry's tax burden, description the necessity of changing transportation industry form business tax to VAT and the feasibility
of this change. It is analyzed the taxpayer identity, tax rate and tax preference after the reform in the basis of
TOPSIS. On the basis of simulation and transportation industry characteristics, we get a logical VAT rate. We analyze the
economic effects and financial income because of transportation industry business tax into VAT.
Virtual Scanning Algorithm Based on Additional-area in Road Surveillance
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Li Fang
Published: August 2015

The road surveillance based on wireless sensor network nowadays has received great attention and its
application has been extensively used in practice. In this application, when the invasion target moves from road entrance
to system protection points in road network, the nodes in wireless sensor network could detect the target timely and give
an alarm before the target reaches the protection points.There are three main types of algorithms for nodes awake in road
surveillance application presently, namely AAU(Always Awake-Up) algorithm, DC(Duty-Cycling) algorithm and Virtual
Scanning Algorithm (VISA). VISA, which tailored and optimized for road network surveillance, has better performance
than the others.This paper puts forward Virtual Scanning Algorithm based on Additional-area(VISAA), which introduces
the more sleep time of the nodes based on the Additional Communication Area, to ensure the surveillance more reliability
and effectively.The simulation results show that our algorithm has positive significance to improve the performance of
road surveillance.
Cohousing and Sustainability Rating Systems: Opportunities for Planning Groups and Developers
Authors: Wei Lv , Allen April D. , Davis Lee
Published: August 2015

To identify specific priorities of existing cohousing residents with regard to sustainable building design and
practice as outlined in the LEED for Homes design protocol. This article examined the level of importance of various sustainability
features have with residents for cohousing residents in cohousing communities and Having an understanding of
the environmental priorities of existing cohousing groups will give some direction to future residents and developers to
focus on areas that are most appealing to those who choose to live in a socially connected community. Knowing that generations
of users may have different priorities helps to target decisionmaking within a group so that consensus can be reached.
Exploring Guide Context in City Scenario Using Color and Gradient Features
Authors: Bian Zhuo
Published: August 2015

Guide signs provide us with a remarkable amount of information about our surroundings and enables us to interact
efficiently with the environment. In this paper, guidance system in a difined city scenario are explored in the image
domain employing both color and gradient features. Specifically, color impression is exploited statistically based on a
color difference model fusing human visual sensation and psychological perception of the designers and the guide-users.
Furthermore, a gradient feature followed by a dimensionality reduction process is proposed for the deep feature extraction
of signs. Our two sign features are complimentary, also of great potential for both designers and users to accomplish interaction
with environment efficiently. Experiments are illustrated and the results validate our approach.
Dynamic Detection of Thicknesses in Polymer Deformation Based on the Optical Coherence Interferometry Technique
Authors: Morel Eneas N , Torga Jorge R
Published: August 2015

We describe the implementation of the optical coherence interferometry (OCT) technique in the dynamic measurement of the deformation of polymers. The experimental set-up of the interferometer system and the signal processing used are also described. Theories and methods for measuring polymer film thickness are presented and the results are shown. In this work, the technique does not account for the determination of the refractive index.The study found that the dynamic estimation of the thickness of thin polymer films is possible and very accurate.
Interval partial least squares and moving window partial least squares in determining the enantiomeric composition of tryptophan by using UV-Vis spectroscopy
Authors: Jiao Long , Bing Shan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Hua
Published: August 2015

The application of interval partial least squares (IPLS) and moving window
partial least squares (MWPLS) to the enantiomeric analysis of tryptophan
(Trp) was investigated. A UV-Vis spectroscopy method for determining the
enantiomeric composition of Trp was developed. The calibration model was
built by using partial least squares (PLS), IPLS and MWPLS respectively.
Leave-one-out cross validation and external test validation were used to
assess the prediction performance of the established models. The validation
result demonstrates the established full-spectrum PLS model is impractical
for quantifying the relationship between the spectral data and enantiomeric
composition of L-Trp. On the contrary, the developed IPLS and MWPLS model
are both practicable for modeling this relationship. For the IPLS model, the
root mean square relative error (RMSRE) of external test validation and
leave-one-out cross validation is 4.03 and 6.50 respectively. For the MWPLS
model, the RMSRE of external test validation and leave-one-out cross
validation is 2.93 and 4.73 respectively. Obviously, the prediction accuracy
of the MWPLS model is higher than that of the IPLS model. It is demonstrated
UV-Vis spectroscopy combined with MWPLS is a commendable method for
determining the enantiomeric composition of Trp. MWPLS is superior to IPLS
for selecting spectral region in UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis.
BMP-7 Induces Adult Human Pancreatic Exocrine-to-Endocrine Conversion
Authors: Klein Dagmar , Álvarez-Cubela Silvia , Lanzoni Giacomo , Vargas Nancy , Prabakar Kamalaveni R. , Boulina Maria , Ricordi Camillo , Inverardi Luca , Pastori Ricardo L. , Domínguez-Bendala Juan
Published: August 2015

The exocrine pancreas can give rise to endocrine insulin-producing cells upon ectopic expression of key transcription factors. However, the need for genetic manipulation remains a translational hurdle for diabetes therapy. Here we report the conversion of adult human nonendocrine pancreatic tissue into endocrine cell types by exposure to bone morphogenetic protein 7. The use of this U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved agent, without any genetic manipulation, results in the neogenesis of clusters that exhibit high insulin content and glucose responsiveness both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro lineage tracing confirmed that BMP-7–induced insulin-expressing cells arise mainly from extrainsular PDX-1+, carbonic anhydrase II− (mature ductal), elastase 3a (acinar)−, and insulin− subpopulations. The nongenetic conversion of human pancreatic exocrine cells to endocrine cells is novel and represents a safer and simpler alternative to genetic reprogramming.
Effect of ascorbic acid on storage of Greyhound erythrocytes
Authors: Fontes Jorge A. , Banerjee Uddyalok , Iazbik M. Cristina , Marín Liliana M. , Couto C. Guillermo , Palmer Andre F.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE To assess changes in biochemical and biophysical properties of canine RBCs during cold (1° to 6°C) storage in a licensed RBC additive solution (the RBC preservation solution designated AS-1) supplemented with ascorbic acid.

SAMPLE Blood samples from 7 neutered male Greyhounds; all dogs had negative results when tested for dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1.

PROCEDURES Blood was collected into citrate-phosphate-dextrose and stored in AS-1. Stored RBCs were supplemented with 7.1mM ascorbic acid or with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control samples). Several biochemical and biophysical properties of RBCs were measured, including percentage hemolysis, oxygen-hemoglobin equilibrium, and the kinetic rate constants for O2 dissociation, carbon monoxide association, and nitric oxide dioxygenation.

RESULTS Greyhound RBCs stored in AS-1 supplemented with ascorbic acid did not have significantly decreased hemolysis, compared with results for the control samples, during the storage period.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, ascorbic acid did not reduce hemolysis during storage. Several changes in stored canine RBCs were identified as part of the hypothermic storage lesion.
Assessment of in vitro oxalate degradation by Lactobacillus species cultured from veterinary probiotics
Authors: Cho Jenny G. , Gebhart Connie J. , Furrow Eva , Lulich Jody P.
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVE To culture Lactobacillus spp from veterinary probiotics and measure their in vitro oxalate-degrading capacity.

SAMPLE 2 commercial veterinary probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp.

PROCEDURES Lactobacillus spp were cultured anaerobically on selective deMan, Rogosa, Sharpe agar medium and subcultured for speciation by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Isolates were inoculated into broth containing sodium oxalate (5 mg/L) and incubated anaerobically for 72 hours. An oxalate-degrading isolate of Lactobacillus acidophilus (American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] 53544) was the positive control sample; sterile broth containing a known quantity of sodium oxalate was the negative control sample. Oxalate concentrations were detected with ion chromatography. Oxalate degradation was assessed with Dunnett tests to detect differences in mean oxalate concentration for each isolate, compared with results for the negative control.

RESULTS Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus zeae (too closely related to differentiate) were isolated from probiotic 1, and L plantarum was isolated from probiotic 2. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene confirmed 100% homology to type species. Lactobacillus acidophilus (ATCC 53544) and L acidophilus from probiotic 1 significantly decreased oxalate concentrations by 85.3 and 161.9 mg/L, respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum from probiotics 1 and 2 significantly increased oxalate concentrations by 56.1 and 36.1 mg/L, respectively. Lactobacillus casei did not alter oxalate concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Lactobacillus acidophilus isolates significantly reduced oxalate concentrations. In vivo studies are needed to determine whether probiotics containing L acidophilus decrease urine oxalate concentrations and reduce risk of urolith recurrence in dogs with a history of calcium oxalate urolithiasis.
Syntactic Complexity as an Aspect of Text Complexity
Authors: Frantz Roger S. , Starr Laura E. , Bailey Alison L.
Published: August 2015

Students’ ability to read complex texts is emphasized in the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and Literacy. The standards propose a three-part model for measuring text complexity. Although the model presents a robust means for determining text complexity based on a variety of features inherent to a text as well as considerations outside the text, the grammar used in a text is not an overt component of the model. In this essay, we argue that the grammar of a text—especially, the syntactic complexity of sentences in a text—should be included as an explicit and distinct component in a text complexity model due to the fact that grammar contributes to the meaning of text and grammatical meaning impacts reading comprehension. We summarize findings from linguistics research on academic English to support this argument.
An Exploration of the Unprecedented Decline in the Prevalence of Household Food Insecurity in Newfoundland and Labrador, 2007–2012
Authors: Loopstra Rachel , Dachner Naomi , Tarasuk Valerie
Published: August 2015

From 2007 to 2011, the prevalence of household food insecurity in Newfoundland and Labrador fell from 15.7 to 10.6 percent. Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey, we undertook exploratory analyses to identify potential drivers of this unprecedented decline. We found that the decrease could in part be attributed to shifts in household income, but it also reflected a dramatic decline in food insecurity among social assistance recipients. While food insecurity rose in the province overall in 2012, it continued to decline among households receiving social assistance, possibly reflecting the cumulative impact of changes introduced through the province's poverty reduction strategy.
Efficient Insertion Heuristics for Multitrip Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows and Shift Time Limits
Authors: Karoonsoontawong Ampol
Published: August 2015

The modified efficient insertion heuristic that allows multiple trips per vehicle (MEIH-MT) and one that allows a single trip per vehicle with a postprocessing greedy heuristic (MEIH-ST-GH) to construct a multitrip solution are proposed to solve the multitrip vehicle routing problem with time windows and shift time limits. The modifications to the original heuristic enforce the bounds of the forward shift of the earliest departure time of the vehicle and the backward shift of the latest completion time of the vehicle due to an insertion to guarantee a consistent and feasible solution. The overall complexities of both heuristics are the same as those of the original heuristic, O(n3). MEIH-MT and MEIH-ST-GH are performed on 280 instances based on Solomon's test problems. There is no clear winner on the basis of the number of vehicles and total travel time, whereas MEIH-MT is worse than MEIH-ST-GH on computer processing time in all instances. For cluster instances, MEIH-MT should be preferred because it is on average better than MEIH-ST-GH by two criteria: 1.91% on number of vehicles and 0.77% on total travel time. For random-cluster instances, MEIH-MT should be preferred because it is better than MEIH-ST-GH by two criteria: 9.02% on number of vehicles and 5.56% on total travel time. For random instances, MEIH-ST-GH should be preferred because MEIH-MT is outperformed by MEIH-ST-GH by two criteria: 70.92% on processing time and 12.41% on number of vehicles. Thus, MEIH-MT should be preferred over MEIH-ST-GH for the problem instances with clustered customer locations, and MEIH-ST-GH should be preferred for the problem instances with random customer locations.
Application of Minimum-Cost Flow Problem for Shuttle Tanker Transportation Planning
Authors: Shi Yifan , Hu Hao , Jiang Fangrong
Published: August 2015

With the increasing demand for crude oil, offshore oil exploration has become a prevailing industry. Shuttle tankers, the watercraft for offshore oil transportation, play a key role in ensuring the safety of the offshore oil supply. Transportation cost is a critical consideration for offshore oil companies. The shuttle tanker transportation problem is formulated here as a network flow model with the objective of improving the efficiency of transportation as well as reducing the cost for offshore oil companies. The proposed model is converted to the typical minimum-cost network flow problem and is solved by the classical minimum-cost path algorithm. A real-world example is presented to demonstrate the application of the model. Results show that the proposed model and the corresponding algorithm can provide guidance to minimize the transportation cost of shuttle tankers.
Freight Traffic Assignment Methodology for Large-Scale Road–Rail Intermodal Networks
Authors: Uddin M. Majbah , Huynh Nathan
Published: August 2015

A methodology is proposed for freight traffic assignment in large-scale road–rail intermodal networks. To obtain the user–equilibrium freight flows, a path-based assignment algorithm (gradient projection) was proposed. The developed methodology was tested on the U.S. intermodal network by using the 2007 freight demand for truck, rail, and road–rail intermodal from the Freight Analysis Framework, Version 3 (FAF3). The results indicate that the proposed methodology's projected flow pattern is similar to the FAF3 assignment. The proposed methodology can be used by transportation planners and decision makers to forecast freight flows and to evaluate strategic network expansion options.
International Freight and Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions by 2050
Authors: Martínez L. Miguel , Kauppila Jari , Castaing Marie
Published: August 2015

A new method to project the impacts of global trade scenarios on international freight flows is presented. The model uses international trade scenarios developed by the Economics Department of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development for the period 2004–2060 with alternative liberalization scenarios. A global freight network model is developed, and current exports data from Eurostat and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean are used to calibrate a model converting trade in value into freight volumes (in tonne-kilometers) assigned to a routable transport network for the period 2010–2050. The results highlight the impact of changes in global trade flows and carbon dioxide emissions related to international trade and raise several policy implications. The outputs suggest that increases in transport flow will be significant, especially within Asia and on routes used for export–import activities from and to this region.
Logistics Spatial Patterns in Paris
Authors: Heitz Adeline , Dablanc Laetitia
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study is to consider the spatial distribution of freight and logistics facilities in both the Paris region and the Paris megaregion (the Paris basin) between 2000 and 2012. A major rise in the number of warehousing and logistics facilities has been documented since the beginning of the 2000s in both areas. In terms of spatial characteristics, this growth illustrates both centrifugal processes, from the urban core to the suburban and exurban areas of the region, and centripetal processes, from the margins of the Paris basin to the edges of the Paris region. The logistics system is a global distribution process from international supply chains to urban supply chains. In this process, freight hubs serve as switches connecting these two scales of the logistics system. This role explains part of the locational patterns of logistics and warehousing facilities in Paris, both at the metropolitan scale of the Ile-de-France region and at the megaregional scale of the Paris basin. Areas of further research are provided; these could help establish and better specify the megaregional nature of the Paris basin as far as freight and logistics facilities are concerned.
Border Crossing Choice Behavior of Trucks along Trade Corridor between Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Chicago, Illinois
Authors: Gingerich Kevin , Maoh Hanna , Anderson William
Published: August 2015

Canada and the United States are heavily dependent on a few border crossing locations to facilitate international trade between the two countries. These crossings cost firms extra time and uncertainty in their supply chains that reduce the effectiveness of trade. Therefore, a great need exists to study the movement of vehicles traversing these border locations and identify characteristics that make these locations attractive. To this end, this study utilizes GPS data to study trucks traveling between the transportation hubs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Chicago, Illinois. Two feasible choices are available for these trucks to cross the international border: Blue Water Bridge and Ambassador Bridge. Although most route choice decisions are based primarily on reducing travel time, a unique aspect of this corridor is that the total trip time by route is relatively even. A logit model was estimated to identify other factors that may influence the route choice decisions of trucks in the Toronto–Chicago corridor. The results suggest that a higher average crossing delay for a given time of the day has a negative influence on the selection of a given border crossing. Such an effect is more pronounced for the Blue Water Bridge. Other factors influencing the choice of crossing include the type of industry served by the truck, the carriers operating the trucks, time of the day, and day of the week.
Modeling Commodity Value–Weight Trends between the United States and Its Trading Partners
Authors: Ong Ghim Ping , Sou Weng Sut
Published: August 2015

International freight transportation has grown rapidly in the past decade. Economic, technical, and market changes (such as increased Internet usage, rapid advances in information and communication technologies, and the globalization of supply chains) have been observed around the world. These changes are likely to affect the demand for freight transportation as well as the type of products shipped. International trade is conventionally expressed in terms of monetary value, but this measure cannot represent the physical nature of transportation. There is a need to relate the monetary nature of international trade to the physical nature of international freight transportation. This study considers the value–weight trends for commodity trade between the United States and her trading partners and compares the value–tonnage trends for commodities carried by different transport modes. Statistical models are developed for key commodity groups to determine value–tonnage ratio trends in different international trade routes. Value–tonnage ratios are important in identifying trends in freight generation and commodity flow. Implications of the obtained modeling results are also discussed.
Genotyping a new, national household panel study: White paper prepared for NSF-sponsored Conference, May 2014
Authors: Conley Dalton
Published: August 2015

In this paper, I demonstrate that existing social surveys that include genotypic markers are all limited on at least one of the following dimensions: national representativeness (versus targeted sample), genotyping platform (candidate genes v. genome-wide measures), data structure (i.e. individuals v. pedigrees), or measured phenotypes (lack of rich longitudinal socioeconomic and developmental measures). Given this, I argue that the U.S. either needs a novel, nationally representative household panel study that includes genome-wide marker data or to genotype all respondents of the existing Panel Study of Income Dynamics. I conclude by showing that such a study would be adequately powered to deploy Genetic Risk Score analysis and that, in turn, such scores could be deployed to model gene-environment interaction effects.
Wealth, pensions, debt, and savings: Considerations for a panel survey
Authors: Bucks Brian , Pence Karen
Published: August 2015

Several U.S. panel surveys measure household wealth. At the same time, our understanding of many important aspects of household wealth accumulation remains incomplete. We argue that measurement error is one factor that limits the usefulness of the existing longitudinal surveys for research on wealth and savings. We review the features of wealth data that make it difficult to collect and assess which assets and debts households are more likely to report accurately. An examination of data from the Survey of Consumer Finances suggests that households find it particularly difficult to report the values of their pensions and businesses. We suggest several considerations in choosing between improving existing surveys and starting a new one.
Household consumption: Research questions, measurement issues, and data collection strategies
Authors: Pistaferri Luigi
Published: August 2015

In this essay I summarize what I see as the most important academic and policy issues related to the study of consumption behavior in the US (and elsewhere). I discuss the type of data researchers working on these topics have available, the problems they encounter, and how the ``big data revolution'' is rapidly changing access and availability of data on household spending. Finally, I discuss the arguments in favor and against starting a new national panel survey collecting consumption-related information as opposed to enhancing or improving the existing surveys.
Measuring disability, physical functions and cognitive abilities of adults: Survey enhancements and options for a new panel study
Authors: de Leon Carlos F. Mendes , Freedman Vicki A.
Published: August 2015

This paper reviews measures of the physical and cognitive abilities of adults in the context of a national household panel survey and considers whether a new household panel survey is needed to answer scientific and policy questions related to disability. To address this topic, we first review illustrative scientific and policy issues related to disability and functioning and review gaps in the nation's disability-related data system. Next, we offer a set of key domains to be measured, review several additional covariates of interest, and describe existing summary measures to identify the population living with disability. Finally, we take up the challenging issue of tradeoffs in starting a new household survey versus enhancing existing studies or developing specialized studies with a focus on disability to address these issues.
Intergenerational family support processes from young adulthood through later life: Do we need a new national survey?
Authors: Seltzer Judith A.
Published: August 2015

I argue that the United States needs new survey data on intergenerational relationships in light of the dramatic demographic changes in parent-child and couple relationships that were not anticipated when many major family datasets were designed. Increases in nonmarital childbearing, the instability of parents' relationships and high rates of repartnering challenge conventional approaches to data collection on families. Large race-ethnic and socioeconomic differences in the extent of these changes and their impact on intergenerational support may contribute to growing inequality. A new study must collect data on both household relationships and relationships among family members who live apart because most U.S. parents and adult offspring do not co-reside. The survey should obtain information on the timing of family transitions and include multiple cohorts to take account of differences in societal conditions that influence family experiences. A longitudinal design would show how parent-child relationships unfold over time and build on past histories. The paper identifies the dimensions of intergenerational ties that should be measured and explains why existing data cannot address the need for a new study.
Human capital, education, achievement and learning
Authors: Robinson Chris
Published: August 2015

This paper reviews the most important scientific and policy research in the area of human capital, education achievement and learning and discusses the need for a new nationally representative household panel for the United States to provide the research resources necessary to keep the United States at the forefront of scientific and policy research in this area. Excellent panel data incorporating recent advances in panel design and innovative measures are required for addressing the most important policy issues.
Housing and neighborhoods and a new national household panel
Authors: Quillian Lincoln , Ludwig Jens
Published: August 2015

This paper considers the potential value of a new household panel to help understand issues related to housing and neighborhood conditions in the United States. The key scientific and policy issues that a panel study would be particularly valuable for addressing are primarily descriptive and include evaluating durations of exposures to housing and neighborhood conditions, and understanding factors determining household mobility that in turn determines the conditions that households experience and neighborhood compositions. For these purposes a national household panel has important advantages over existing data sources, and we offer several suggestions for key data elements to collect to maximize the information available for research in this area. We are agnostic about whether the creation of a new national household panel would be more valuable than devoting resources to enhancing the existing Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID).
Assessing the need for a new nationally representative household panel survey in the United States
Authors: Moffitt Robert , Schoeni Robert F. , Brown Charles , Chase-Lansdale P. Lindsay , Couper Mick P. , Diez-Roux Ana V. , Hurst Erik , Seltzer Judith A.
Published: August 2015

We introduce this special issue on the critical matter of whether the existing household panel surveys in the U.S. are adequate to address the important emerging social science and policy questions of the next few decades. We summarize the conference papers which address this issue in different domains. The papers detail many new and important emerging research questions but also identify key limitations in existing panels in addressing those questions. To address these limitations, we consider the advantages and disadvantages of initiating a new, general-purpose omnibus household panel in the U.S. We also discuss the particular benefits of starting new panels that have specific targeted domains such as child development, population health and health care. We also develop a list of valuable enhancements to existing panels which could address many of their limitations.
Social networks and social capital: New directions for a household panel survey
Authors: Tach Laura , Cornwell Benjamin
Published: August 2015

This paper highlights the importance of the social networks perspective in social science research and describes the main approaches to measuring social networks and closely related phenomena - including social capital and kin networks - in existing household panel surveys. It then identifies cutting-edge techniques for collecting new data on social networks within the context of a household panel survey design. We focus in particular on possible extensions to traditional egocentric network data collection, the proper enumeration of kin networks and social support in unstable and complex families, measurement of communication via information and communication technology, and identification of the social network properties of social media participation.
Measuring time use in household surveys
Authors: Hurst Erik
Published: August 2015

This paper considers whether the U.S. needs a new national survey to measure time use. The paper begins by discussing the ways that time use is measured within the U.S; as a part of that discussion, the pros and cons of the different methods are highlighted. Next, the paper highlights why time use data is essential to addressing many questions in social sciences. The paper then turns to outlining the current gaps in our measurement of household time use. Finally, the paper discusses whether a new national dataset is needed to address these gaps. The paper concludes that a new national survey is not needed to fill the gaps - however, some guidance is provided as to how existing surveys can be modified to improve time use measurement.
Limiting Approach to Generalized Gamma Bessel Model via Fractional Calculus and Its Applications in Various Disciplines
Authors: Sebastian Nicy
Published: August 2015

The essentials of fractional calculus according to different approaches that can be useful for our applications in the theory of probability and stochastic processes are established. In addition to this, from this fractional integral, one can list out almost all of the extended densities for the pathway parameter q < 1 and q → 1. Here, we bring out the idea of thicker- or thinner-tailed models associated with a gamma-type distribution as a limiting case of the pathway operator. Applications of this extended gamma model in statistical mechanics, input-output models, solar spectral irradiance modeling, etc., are established.
Facial Feedback Affects Perceived Intensity but Not Quality of Emotional Expressions
Authors: Lobmaier Janek , Fischer Martin
Published: August 2015

Motivated by conflicting evidence in the literature, we re-assessed the role of facial feedback when detecting quantitative or qualitative changes in others’ emotional expressions. Fifty-three healthy adults observed self-paced morph sequences where the emotional facial expression either changed quantitatively (i.e., sad-to-neutral, neutral-to-sad, happy-to-neutral, neutral-to-happy) or qualitatively (i.e. from sad to happy, or from happy to sad). Observers held a pen in their own mouth to induce smiling or frowning during the detection task. When morph sequences started or ended with neutral expressions we replicated a congruency effect: Happiness was perceived longer and sooner while smiling; sadness was perceived longer and sooner while frowning. Interestingly, no such congruency effects occurred for transitions between emotional expressions. These results suggest that facial feedback is especially useful when evaluating the intensity of a facial expression, but less so when we have to recognize which emotion our counterpart is expressing.
A Power System Optimal Dispatch Strategy Considering the Flow of Carbon Emissions and Large Consumers
Authors: Yang Jun , Feng Xin , Tang Yufei , Yan Jun , He Haibo , Luo Chao
Published: August 2015

The carbon emissions trading market and direct power purchases by large consumers are two promising directions of power system development. To trace the carbon emission flow in the power grid, the theory of carbon emission flow is improved by allocating power loss to the load side. Based on the improved carbon emission flow theory, an optimal dispatch model is proposed to optimize the cost of both large consumers and the power grid, which will benefit from the carbon emissions trading market. Moreover, to better simulate reality, the direct purchase of power by large consumers is also considered in this paper. The OPF (optimal power flow) method is applied to solve the problem. To evaluate our proposed optimal dispatch strategy, an IEEE 30-bus system is used to test the performance. The effects of the price of carbon emissions and the price of electricity from normal generators and low-carbon generators with regards to the optimal dispatch are analyzed. The simulation results indicate that the proposed strategy can significantly reduce both the operation cost of the power grid and the power utilization cost of large consumers.