bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology, ecology and distribution of the diatom (Bacillariophyceae) species Simonsenia delognei (Grunow) Lange-Bertalot
Authors: Witkowski Andrzej , Żelazna-Wieczorek Joanna , Solak Cüneyt , Kulikovskiy Maxim
Published: January 2015

Simonsenia delognei is a diatom species which is relatively rarely recorded, but apparently widespread in Europe and other continents. This taxon has recently been discovered for the first time in springs of Central Poland, where it was found to occur abundantly. Somewhat later this species has also been identified and photographed in samples from the Eagean Region in Turkey. Light and electron microscopic studies were carried out on S. delognei populations from the Quaternary spring located near Łódź (Central Poland) and from the Porsuk and Felent Rivers and a spring in the Türkmen Mountains in Kütahya and Havuzdere Stream in Yalova (NW Turkey). Morphological studies were accompanied by environmental measurements and determination of changes in the seasonal distribution of S. delognei in a key area, i.e. the Porzeczkowe spring in Central Poland, which are included in the present study. Identification of S. delognei under a light microscope is difficult and hence an electron microscope is required for accurate taxonomic identification.
New localities of rare species Kobayasiella okadae (Skvortzov) Lange-Bert. and K. tintinnus Buczkó, Wojtal & Jahn in Europe — morphological and ecological characteristics
Authors: Noga Teresa , Stanek-Tarkowska Jadwiga , Peszek Łukasz , Pajączek Anita , Kochman Natalia , Zubel Robert
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present work conducted in the area of Międzyrzeki Strict Nature Reserve in the Roztocze National Park was to show new sites of rare and species new to Poland from the Kobayasiella genus (K. okadae (Skvortzov) Lange-Bert., K. tintinnus Buczkó, Wojtal & Jahn) with regard to morphological and ecological characteristics. Chemical parameters show that investigated habitats are poor and oligotrophic with a low content of chlorides, sulfates and nitrates. K. okadae, K. subtilissima (Cleve) Lange-Bert. and K. tintinnus were found in the studied area. The authors suggest the use of synonym Navicula hoeflerii Cholnoky for the Kobayasiella okadae. LM and SEM images were used in the analysis of the material.
Non-indigenous bivalve — the Atlantic rangia Rangia cuneata — in the Wisła Śmiała River (coastal waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk, the southern Baltic Sea)
Authors: Janas Urszula , Kendzierska Halina , Dąbrowska Anna , Dziubińska Anna
Published: January 2015

The present paper reports on the occurrence of the Atlantic rangia Rangia cuneata in the Wisła Śmiała River (coastal waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk, the southern Baltic Sea) from around 2012–2014.
Impact of waterbirds on chemical and biological features of water and sediments of a large, shallow dam reservoir
Authors: Gwiazda Robert , Woźnica Andrzej , Łozowski Bartosz , Kostecki Maciej , Flis Adam
Published: January 2015

Large numbers of Mallard Anas platyrhynchos (max. 10,490 ind.), Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus (max. 3,430 ind.) and Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (max. 1,449 ind.) were recorded on the Goczałkowice Reservoir, Poland (2,754 ha). Most of the waterbirds occurred in the backwater of this reservoir. The amount of phosphorus and nitrogen loaded by the most numerous waterbirds into Goczałkowice Reservoir was estimated at 958 kg and 2,621 kg, respectively in 2011 and 1,043 kg and 2,793 kg, respectively in 2012. In 2011 and 2012, the waterbirds introduced a considerable amount of phosphorus, nitrogen and a large number of coliforms into the backwater of the reservoir. The concentration of different forms of phosphorus and nitrogen, chlorophyll-a and bacteria coli in the water was not greater at the site of birds’ concentration (except dissolved organic nitrogen). The concentration of nitrates in the water at the site near the breeding colony of gulls in comparison with the reference site was not different. The amounts of P-tot and N-tot in the sediment were similar at the site affected by waterbirds and at the reference site. The dynamics of water masses was not the reason for the lack of differences between the studied sites.
Existential Psychology & Buddha Philosophy: It's Relevance in Nurturing a Healthy Mind
Authors: Aich Tapas Kumar
Published: January 2015

The term "existentialism" have been coined by the French philosopher Gabriel Marcel in the mid-1940s and adopted by Jean-Paul Sartre. The label has been applied retrospectively to philosophers like Martin Heidegger, Karl Jaspers and Søren Kierkegaard and other 19th and 20th century philosophers who, despite profound doctrinal differences, generally held that the focus of philosophical thought should be to deal with the conditions of existence of the individual person and his or her emotions, actions, responsibilities, and thoughts. The early 19th century philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, posthumously regarded as ‘the father of existentialism’, maintained that the individual solely has the responsibilities of giving one's own life meaning and living that life passionately and sincerely, in spite of many existential obstacles and distractions including despair, angst, absurdity, alienation, and boredom. Over the last century, experts have written on many commonalities between Buddhism and various branches of modern western psychology like phenomenological psychology, psychoanalytical psychotherapy, humanistic psychology, cognitive psychology and existential psychology. In comparison to other branches of psychology, less have been studied and talked on the commonalities between Buddhist philosophy and modern existential psychology that have been propagated in the west. Buddha said that the life is ‘suffering’. Existential psychology speaks of ontological anxiety (dread, angst). Buddha said that ‘suffering is due to attachment’. Existential psychology also has some similar concepts. We cling to things in the hopes that they will provide us with a certain benefit. Buddha said that ‘suffering can be extinguished’. The Buddhist concept of nirvana is quite similar to the existentialists' freedom. Freedom has, in fact, been used in Buddhism in the context of freedom from rebirth or freedom from the effects of karma. For the existentialist, freedom is a fact of our being, one which we often ignore. Finally, Buddha says that ‘there is a way to extinguish suffering’. For the existential psychologist, the therapist must take an assertive role in helping the client become aware of the reality of his or her suffering and its roots. As a practising psychiatrist, clinician, therapist we often face patients with symptoms of depression where aetiology is not merely a reactive one, not an interpersonal conflict, not simply a cognitive distortion! Patients mainly present with some form of personal ‘existential crisis’. Unless we understand and address these existential questions, we probably, will fail to alleviate the symptoms of depression, by merely prescribing drugs, in these patients! DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i3.11836
Symposium
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i3.11841
Workshops
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v3i3.11842
Failure Analysis of a Hydraulic Manifold Plate
Authors: Herz M. , Triesch G.
Published: January 2015

Massive forming requires the use of large costly production facilities. Their degree of utilization plays an important role in price calculation. Direct costs are incurred by disruptions in the production process. Those disruptions should therefore be avoided whenever possible. Any production facility in the field of forming technology aims at maintaining a possibly smooth and efficient operation. Damaged machine parts or components may lead to high consequential costs. However, the costs incurred for the replacement of the defective component merely represent a small fraction of the overall incurred costs.
Synthesis and Quantitative Characterization of Novel Copper-Graphite Composite Materials for Use as Electrical Sliding Contacts
Authors: Klement M. , Guth G. , Lott O. , Nagel A. , Schneider G.
Published: January 2015

This work presents quantitative microstructures and triboelectric properties of melt-infiltrated copper-graphite composites which are characterized by a specific structural composition. It compares them with commercially available carbon brush material. The structural design requires the synthesis of open porous graphite preforms. This work reports on advances in the powder preparation and the production of composites by means of direct squeeze casting. A specially developed tribo-electric testing device is presented. It is used to simultaneously test tribological, thermal, as well as electrical influences.
Seismic Waveform Tomography at Test Site with Open Chimneys
Authors: Tran Khiem T. , McVay Michael , Horhota David , Faraone Michael , Sullivan Brian W.
Published: January 2015

An application of two-dimensional time-domain waveform tomography to map the extent of open chimneys at a variable karstic limestone site is presented. The seismic surface wave fields were measured next to three open chimneys and inverted with a full-waveform inversion technique, which was based on a finite-difference solution of two-dimensional elastic wave equations and the Gauss–Newton inversion method. Both the compression wave (P-wave) and shear wave (S-wave) velocities were inverted independently and simultaneously to increase the credibility of the characterized profiles. The waveform analysis successfully profiled embedded low-velocity zones and highly laterally and vertically variable limestone. The inverted results are consistent with the known open chimneys observed from the ground surface. The Poisson's ratio determined from the inverted P-wave and S-wave velocities is consistent with soil types: high values of 0.3 to 0.5 for silt and clay and low values of 0.1 to 0.2 for limestone. Results show that the full-waveform inversion technique is applicable to both shallow and deep foundation design in which soil stratigraphy and variability are important. The technique is also computationally practical, because the results were all achieved in about 3 h of computer time on a standard laptop computer.
Using Field Data to Evaluate Bottom Ash as Pavement Insulation Layer
Authors: Haghi Negar Tavafzadeh , Nassiri Somayeh , Shafiee Mohammad Hossein , Bayat Alireza
Published: January 2015

A common problem in cold regions is the penetration of frost into susceptible subgrade soils. This study investigated the application of bottom ash in comparison with polystyrene boards as an insulation layer at a test road in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The adjacent normal section was used as the control section. All sections were instrumented at various depths to monitor temperature variation. On the basis of temperature measurements in the base and subgrade layers from October 2012 to June 2013, frost depth and freezing and thawing periods were analyzed for each section. R-values for thermal resistivity were calculated for each layer, considering its thickness and thermal properties, and were used for justifying and comparing the temperature trends. R-values were established at 1.4 and 16.7 m2 • °C/W for the bottom ash and polystyrene board, respectively. The base layer in the polystyrene section experienced higher temperatures in the summer and lower temperatures in the winter in relation to the bottom ash and control sections. On the basis of temperature measurements at depths of 1.61 to 3.27 m, the subgrade in the polystyrene section showed the lowest variation in temperature with respect to time and depth, followed by the bottom ash and then the control section. This behavior indicated that the insulation layers obstructed the heat transfer between the surface and the lower layers. The use of polystyrene boards and bottom ash as insulation materials decreased the frost depth by at least 40% and 28%, respectively, compared with the control section.
Discrete Element Modeling of Effect of Moisture and Fine Particles in Lightweight Deflectometer Test
Authors: Tan Danielle S. , Khazanovich Lev , Siekmeier John , Hill K. M.
Published: January 2015

The physical properties of the aggregate base of a pavement system have a significant influence on the bulk mechanical properties of that system. Simulations based on the discrete element method provide a powerful method to investigate the mechanics of granular materials, but they are limited, particularly when it comes to representing moisture and finer particles. Established discrete element method simulations were adapted with additional terms to account for moisture and finer particles to model established tests of the aggregate base of a pavement system. The presence of moisture in unsaturated granular material was modeled by using published experimental work with consideration of the form of the standard liquid bridge model, and the finer particle content was modeled through an effective friction coefficient. This combined model was used to simulate the lightweight deflectometer test, an established in situ test for a measure of the modulus of an aggregate base, and the results were compared with estimated target values of aggregate bases for Minnesota roads. When either the model moisture content or model fines content was increased systematically, there was a decrease in the elastic modulus computed from the simulations, similar to trends seen in existing experimental data.
Relationship between Traffic Loading and Environmental Factors and Low-Volume Road Deterioration
Authors: Henning Theunis F. P. , Alabaster David , Arnold Greg , Liu Wei
Published: January 2015

Many countries use some form of model to determine road user charges. Trucks are expected to pay for most of the cost because heavy vehicles are responsible for most of the deterioration of roads. This research documents findings that will ultimately be used to refine the New Zealand road user charge models. The research was undertaken on data from the Long-Term Pavement Performance Program with the specific aim of determining the relative damage caused by heavy-vehicle loading alone compared with the combined effects of loading and environmental impacts. As part of the overall research process, a cluster analysis was undertaken. The results from this analysis also emphasized the importance of drainage. The cluster analysis resulted in a recommended stratification of low-volume roads on the basis of their urban or rural location, traffic loading, and climatic area. This stratification could be used for a more detailed implementation of a user charge model if needed. On similar low-volume roads, an approximate 0.1-mm/year higher rut rate was observed in areas that had a wetter climate in combination with sensitive in situ soil conditions. The results also illustrated that adequate drainage was vital for limiting environmental impacts. Roads with inadequate drainage had a rut rate 2.5 times as high as that of roads with the necessary provision for drainage.
Economic Impact of Closing Structurally Deficient or Functionally Obsolete Bridges on Very Low-Volume Roads
Authors: Fitzsimmons Eric J. , Mulinazzi Thomas E. , Schrock Steven D.
Published: January 2015

The state of Kansas has approximately 25,464 bridges located on state, county, and city roadway networks. As of May 2012 approximately 1,229 bridges on very low-volume roads were determined to be structurally deficient and candidate structures to be potentially closed, replaced, or repaired. This study was designed to provide such critical information for county commissioners or practicing engineers as (a) where structurally deficient or functionally obsolete bridges on low-volume roads were located, (b) what distance was the shortest drivable detour if these bridges were to be closed, and (c) whether to recommend closing or to repair or replace the structurally deficient bridges on the basis of both potential detour length and average daily traffic (ADT). The results of the study indicated that many of the structurally deficient bridges on very low-volume roadways had detours of 2 mi or less, were steel bridges, and had ADT values of fewer than eight vehicles. On the basis of the analysis, bridge closure was recommended for a low-volume roadway with an ADT value less than eight and a detour length of less than 9 mi.
Time–Space Diagram Revisited
Authors: Anwar Afian , Zeng Wei , Arisona Stefan Müller
Published: January 2015

Widely used in the design and analysis of transportation systems, time–space diagrams were developed in an era of data scarcity, when it was necessary to obtain data by means of driver logs, human observers, and aerial photographs. This paper shows how time–space diagrams remain relevant today, in an era of data abundance. An application efficiently encodes the trajectories of bus GPS data in a time–space cube and uses simple geometric methods to calculate and to visualize the headways and separation of buses on a bus route. These methods are discussed in detail. How they can be used as the basis of a software package that monitors performance measures for a variety of applications is explored.
Relationship between Travel-Related Feelings, On-Trip Activities, and use of various Transport Means in Urban Areas
Authors: Diana Marco
Published: January 2015

A key issue in contemporary transport research is how to achieve a better balance in the use of various travel means in urban areas, in particular, how to promote the use of both transit and active modes (feet, bicycle). However, such behavioral changes cannot be achieved fully through acting only on the relative performances of the means themselves, for example, in terms of travel times and costs. This study considered some dimensions of the traveling experience–-whether the trip was important only for reaching a destination, whether it was tiring, whether it was pleasant or unpleasant–-and related these aspects to the completion of activities during the trip and to the use of various transport modes. Correspondence analysis and association analysis were jointly developed for some categorical variables of the French National Travel Survey. Such a combined technique uses the strengths of each method and has proved its effectiveness. The method potentially could be used with unstructured and dispersed data sets such as so-called big data sets. The results show that, all else being equal, evaluations often depend more on a person traveling alone or with others than on the travel means used. Previous research results related to the symbolic and affective value of driving were confirmed for traveling alone, whereas the experience of traveling with others as a driver or a passenger was more similar to the use of transit services.
Applying the General Transit Feed Specification to the Global South
Authors: Eros Emily , Mehndiratta Shomik , Zegras Chris , Webb Kevin , Ochoa Maria C.
Published: January 2015

A combination of open data tools and methods, facilitated by data format standardization, has started changing business as usual in the transit industry. The general transit feed specification (GTFS) has become the de facto standard for releasing public transit route and schedule data. This study analyzed this rapidly evolving transit information sector through the Mexico City, Mexico, experience. The case study illustrated that even a megacity with several transit providers could create a fully functional GTFS feed in a few weeks and obtain the benefits of work done elsewhere. Because of the global open data ecosystem, a range of free or low-cost applications–-customer-facing applications and planning tools–-can immediately capitalize on these data. However, the Mexico experience revealed a limitation of GTFS in its current form: its inability to easily accommodate semi-structured public transit services common in many cities in the developing world. An adaption to GTFS developed in Mexico City to address this limitation is described. The case study revealed significant untapped potential to maximize the value of the open data ecosystem, particularly for planning and regulatory tools.
Stochastic Volatility Modeling Approach that Accounts for Uncertainties in Travel Time Reliability Forecasting
Authors: Zhang Yanru , Haghani Ali , Sun Ranye
Published: January 2015

Travel time effectively measures freeway traffic conditions. Easy access to this information provides the potential to alleviate traffic congestion and to increase the reliability of road networks. However, it is a challenging task to model and estimate travel time because traffic often reveals irregular fluctuations. Traditional point prediction methods often underestimate the irregular fluctuations and provide results that may be uncertain. To capture travel time fluctuations and uncertainties associated with prediction, this paper proposes the ARIMA–stochastic volatility (ARIMA-SV) model, which generates the expected value of travel time (a point value) as well as a prediction interval. An advanced Monte Carlo Markov chain estimation method is used to fit the stochastic volatility model. Experiment results based on travel time data collected from Bluetooth detectors along an I-95 segment in Connecticut suggest that the proposed ARIMA-SV model outperforms the ARIMA–generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model in both congested and noncongested situations. The proposed method has shown its advantages in capturing traffic fluctuations and has the potential to disseminate more reliable traffic information to travelers through advanced traveler information systems.
Hybrid Model for Motorway Travel Time Estimation considering Increased Detector Spacing
Authors: Bhaskar Ashish , Qu Ming , Chung Edward
Published: January 2015

Travel time estimation and prediction on motorways has long been a topic of research. Prediction modeling generally assumes that the estimation is perfect. However good the modeling, errors in estimation can significantly weaken the accuracy and reliability of the prediction. Models have been proposed for estimating travel time from loop detector data. Generally, detectors are closely spaced (say, 500 m), and travel time can be estimated accurately. However, detectors are not always perfect, and even during normal running conditions a few detectors malfunction, with a resultant increase in the spacing between functional detectors. Under such conditions, an error in the travel time estimation is significant and generally unacceptable. This research evaluated the in-practice travel time estimation models during various traffic conditions. Existing models fail to estimate travel time accurately under large detector spacing and during shoulder congestion periods. To address this issue, an innovative hybrid model that considered loop data for travel time estimation was proposed. The model was tested with simulation and was validated with real Bluetooth data from the Pacific Motorway in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Results indicate that during non-free-flow conditions and larger detector spacing, the proposed model provides significant improvement in the accuracy of travel time estimation.
Travel Time Reliability Using the Hasofer–Lind–Rackwitz–Fiessler Algorithm and Kernel Density Estimation
Authors: Yang Shu , Malik Arif , Wu Yao-Jan
Published: January 2015

Travel time reliability has emerged as an indicator of roadway performance. Estimation of travel time distribution is an important starting input for measuring travel time reliability. This study used kernel density estimation to estimate travel time distribution. The Hasofer–Lind–Rackwitz–Fiessler algorithm, widely used in the field of reliability engineering, was used in this work to compute the reliability index of a system based on its previous performance. The computing procedure for travel time reliability of corridors on a freeway was introduced, then network travel time reliability was developed. Given probability distributions estimated by the kernel density estimation technique and an anticipated travel time from travelers, the two equations of corridor and network travel time reliability can be used to address the question, “How reliable is my perceived travel time?” The definition of travel time reliability was in the sense of on-time performance, and this study was conducted from the perspective of travelers. The major advantages of the proposed method are as follows: ( a) it demonstrates an alternative way to estimate travel time distributions when the choice of probability distribution family is still uncertain and ( b) it shows its flexibility for application to levels of roadways (e.g., individual roadway segment or network). A user-defined anticipated travel time can be input, and travelers can use the computed travel time reliability information to plan their trips so that they can better manage trip time, reduce costs, and avoid frustration.
Virtual Sensors
Authors: Morgul Ender Faruk , Yang Hong , Kurkcu Abdullah , Ozbay Kaan , Bartin Bekir , Kamga Camille , Salloum Richard
Published: January 2015

Recent advances in mobile networks and an increase in the number of GPS-equipped vehicles have led to exponential growth in real-time data generation. In the past decade, several online mapping and vehicle tracking services have made their data available to third-party users. This paper explores opportunities for use of real-time traffic data provided by online services and introduces a virtual sensor methodology for collecting, storing, and processing large volumes of network-level data. To assess the validity of the collected data with the proposed methodology, this paper compares these data with data from physical loop detectors and electronic toll tag readers. Statistical analyses show a strong correlation between the travel time measurements from infrastructure-based sensors and virtual sensors. A travel time reliability analysis is then conducted with the virtual sensor data methodology. The results are promising for future research and implementation.
Laboratory Mix Design Procedure for Foamed Bitumen Mixtures
Authors: Kuna Kranthi , Airey Gordon , Thom Nick
Published: January 2015

The primary objective of this study was to propose a practical and consistent mix design procedure for foamed bitumen mixture (FBM). The main focus of the proposed methodology was the use of the gyratory compaction method. The study maximized the mix design parameters, such as mixing water content (MWC) and compaction effort. The study was initially carried out on FBMs with virgin limestone aggregate without reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) material, and a mix design procedure was proposed. The proposed methodology was validated on FBMs with 50% RAP and 75% RAP. Efforts were also made to optimize the foamed bitumen (FB) content in FBMs with and without RAP. Optimum MWC was achieved by optimizing mechanical properties such as indirect tensile stiffness modulus and indirect tensile strength (ITS-dry and ITS-wet). A rational range of 75% to 85% optimum water content was obtained by the modified Proctor test and found to be the optimum range of MWC that gave optimum mechanical properties for FBMs. The study used a gyratory compactor for FBM compaction and found that a unique, mixture-specific number of gyrations that was independent of the FB content could be established. The study also found that the presence of RAP influenced the design's FB content: treating RAP as black rock in FBM mix design was not appropriate.
Investigation of Tack Coat Failure in Orthotropic Steel Bridge Deck Overlay
Authors: Jia Xiaoyang , Huang Baoshan , Bowers Benjamin F. , Rutherford Tyler E.
Published: January 2015

The failure of tack coat on orthotropic steel bridge decks is of concern because the loss of bonding ability between layers jeopardizes the deck overlay. This study investigated tack coat failure on an orthotropic steel bridge deck overlay. A field survey on overlay distress was first conducted on a regular double-layered epoxy asphalt concrete overlay to identify the major distresses. A follow-up survey was conducted by using infrared spectroscopy to detect the changes in chemical functional groups that may respond to distress. Contact analysis in a finite element platform was used to analyze the influence of the tack coat on the mechanistic characteristics of the deck overlay. Finally, shear clamps were used to evaluate the shear resistance performance of the tack coat. Comparisons of tack coat materials were made to support maintenance strategies for deck overlays.
Innovative Testing Protocol for Evaluation of Binder-Reclaimed Aggregate Bond Strength
Authors: Canestrari Francesco , Ferrotti Gilda , Cardone Fabrizio , Stimilli Arianna
Published: January 2015

The durability of asphalt mixtures is strongly related to the adhesion properties developed at the interface between binder and aggregates. The loss of adhesion implies a rapid deterioration (e.g., stripping or raveling) of pavement layers under traffic loads, especially when the pavement is affected by the presence of moisture. Adhesion is a complex phenomenon related to the mineralogical and morphological nature of aggregates as well as to the chemical binder composition and the environmental conditions. The evaluation of adhesion has become even more complicated as an increasing percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is used in the production of new asphalt mixes. Therefore, adhesion properties are also related to the mechanisms developed at the interface between virgin binder and aged binder that coats the RAP aggregate surface. An innovative procedure to evaluate the compatibility of the system virgin binder–RAP aggregate was proposed in this study. This procedure allowed the substrate of a RAP aggregate to be simulated in the laboratory and could integrate the binder bond strength test currently used to investigate bonding properties and water sensitivity of the system binder and virgin aggregates. Tests were performed with various aggregate sources, several modified binders, and two conditioning types (dry and wet). It was found that the procedure was able to discriminate different test configurations and variables. In particular, the artificial reclaimed aggregate substrate ensured higher adhesion performance compared with the virgin aggregate, especially in the wet condition, regardless of the modification level of the virgin bitumen.
Application of Diffusion Mechanism
Authors: Rad Farhad Yousefi , Sefidmazgi Nima Roohi , Bahia Hussain
Published: January 2015

There are many concerns about the blending between virgin and aged binders in reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Determining the extent of the blending and identifying the main factors affecting the blending between two binders have gained great interest in recent years. Viscosity as a function of temperature, exposure time, and film thickness have been mentioned as the main factors controlling the blending between two binders that are in contact. The in-contact blending between two binders is hypothesized to be governed by a diffusion phenomenon in which material is transferred through a medium because of the Brownian motion of molecules. This study aimed to estimate the rate of diffusion of virgin binder (as the diffusing matter) into the RAP binder, which controls the blending of two binders during exposure. The effect of temperature, which was considered as the main factor influencing the diffusion rate, was evaluated at varying levels. Fick's law calculations and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) measurements were fitted to estimate the diffusion rate. The results showed a high dependency of diffusion on the temperature (viscosity) of binders. The blending development was also found to be a function of the diffusion rate and exposure time. A DSR test method was applied to RAP mortars (mix of RAP fine particles and fresh binder) to verify the effect of time and temperature on the blending level between fresh and actual RAP binders. The results of mortar testing verified the factors affecting the diffusion phenomenon.
Emulsified Asphalt Residue Recovery and Characterization
Authors: Motamed Arash , Salomon Delmar , Sakib Nazmus , Bhasin Amit
Published: January 2015

A new procedure has been developed for residue recovery of emulsified asphalt. The procedure uses a moisture analyzer balance (MAB). The MAB recovery method is quick and simple compared with traditional recovery procedures such as distillation or oven evaporation. Although the MAB procedure has become an ASTM procedure, there have been a limited number of studies on the rheological properties of the emulsion residues recovered by MAB. This research used a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) to investigate the rheological properties of MAB specimens. The MAB method was used for several types of emulsions, including cationic and anionic emulsions with several modifications. The MAB method developed in this study addresses the issue of breakdown of polymers during recovery of modified emulsions at high temperatures. The study evaluated the effect of recovery temperature on the recovery time and rheological properties of emulsion residues and proposed a new recovery-characterization procedure. The results show that a preliminary performance grade classification of the emulsified asphalt can be made with the combined MAB-DSR procedure. Furthermore, the study quantified the effect of aging that might occur during the recovery and emulsification process on the rheological properties of the emulsion residues. The combined MAB-DSR procedure is proposed to be a cost-effective alternative method to evaluate the performance of emulsified asphalts.
Effect of Waste Engine Oil Residue on Quality and Durability of SHRP Materials Reference Library Binders
Authors: Johnson Kelli-Anne N. , Hesp Simon A. M.
Published: January 2015

This paper discusses the effects of widely used waste engine oil (WEO) residue on asphalt binder properties. Five SHRP Materials Reference Library binders and one commercial material from Ontario, Canada, were modified with 15% WEO. Materials were aged according to a standard rolling thin film oven protocol followed by 20 and 40 h of pressure aging vessel (PAV). Binder quality was determined according to AASHTO specification M 320 as well as dynamic shear characterization. Durability was assessed after additional conditioning at high temperature in the PAV and at low temperature in the bending beam rheometer. All but one of the WEO-modified materials transitioned to a gel-type state more readily upon chemical and physical conditioning; this result explains the poor thermal cracking performance seen for such binders on Ontario roads.
Effects of Interaction Conditions on Internal Network Structure of Crumb Rubber–Modified Asphalts
Authors: Ragab Mohyeldin , Abdelrahman Magdy
Published: January 2015

Investigation of the effect of interaction conditions on the development of the internal network structure of crumb rubber–modified asphalt (CRMA) was carried out. Enhancements in the CRMA physical properties, such as stiffness, expressed in the complex modulus ( G*), and elasticity, expressed in the phase angle (δ), as a result of the development of three-dimensional (3-D) entangled network structure were achieved. These results came from controlling the interaction conditions of CRMA synthesis to regulate the crumb rubber–modified (CRM) components that were responsible for the formation of the 3-D entangled network structure. Dissolution tests and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed on the extracted CRM particles after inter action with asphalt. A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy investigation was performed on the liquid phase asphalt after separation of CRM. FTIR was used to investigate the state of the released CRM components, previously calculated by TGA, which were responsible for the formation of the 3-D network structure. Use of rheological, TGA, and FTIR tests confirmed that the enhancement of the CRMA's G* and δ was dependent on the dissolution or release of CRM components under specific interaction conditions that led to the existence of a 3-D network structure within the liquid phase of the CRMA. The development of the 3-D entangled network structure in CRMA was found to be attributable to the release of most of the CRM natural and synthetic rubber components under specific interaction conditions. Enhancements in the CRMA G* and δ provided improved rutting resistance and alleviated permanent deformation problems.
Development and Preliminary Validation of Integrated Local Microclimate Model for Numerical Evaluation of Cool Pavement Strategies
Authors: Li Hui , Harvey John , Jones David
Published: January 2015

Cool pavement strategies can help mitigate the heat island effect and improve the outdoor thermal environment in hot climates. This study developed a framework for a general integrated local microclimate model that included the pavement structure and near-surface air and considers coupled processes of radiation, convection, conduction, shading, and evaporation. A simplified numerical model based on heat transfer was developed to simulate the thermal behavior of pavements with a focus on the pavement surface. The model was used to simulate the temporal and spatial distribution and variation of pavement temperature during the summer in a hot region (Sacramento, California). Preliminary validation of the model was accomplished with field measurements from experimental test sections on asphalt and concrete pavements (of various materials and structures) and under various weather conditions during summer. The simulated results agreed well with the measurements recorded on the test pavements, but further validation will be required before the use on any pavement under any climatic condition can be considered. The results indicated that the model could be used after further validation to simulate temperature changes on asphalt and concrete pavement surfaces under various climatic conditions. The model could also be used for simulation-based sensitivity analysis of key factors when identifying potential effective strategies for cool pavements, evaluating the thermal behavior of cool pavement strategies, and examining the impacts of cool pavements on near-surface heat island effects (such as human thermal comfort and air quality issues associated with ground-level ozone) over time and climates.
Designing New Scaffolds Consisting of Hepta-annulated Heterocycles
Authors: Ameen Mohamed A.
Published: January 2015

The syntheses of hexa and tetra-propargylated pyrido[4′,3′:4,5]thieno[2,3- d]-pyrido[4″’,3″’:4″,5″]thieno[2″,3″:4′,5′] pyrimido[1′,2′:4,5]pyrazino[1,2- a]pyrimidines, are described by the reaction of hepta-annulated heterocyclic systems with propargyl bromide. Multiple alkyne-azide click reaction of these alkyne cores established them as a scaffold for six and four functionalised 1,2,3-triazoles and attached biomolecules.
A Green Synthesis of Indolo[2,3-b]Quinoxaline Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Hong
Published: January 2015

A simple, efficient and eco-friendly synthesis of a series of structurally new indolo[2,3- b]quinoxaline derivatives has been developed. The synthesis mainly relies on the condensation reaction of various isatins with o-phenylenediamine in water with the use of benzyltriethylammonium chloride as catalyst. The protocol is very simple, avoids toxic solvents and catalysts, is easy to work-up and is thus especially ‘green’.
Improved Sommelet Reaction Catalysed by Lanthanum Triflate
Authors: Xu Wenhao , Su Weike
Published: January 2015

An improved Sommelet reaction for the synthesis of araldehydes from benzyl halides and hexamethylenetetramine was achieved employing lanthanum triflate (3 mol%) as catalyst in water with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, 2 wt%) as solubiliser. Good to excellent yields were obtained in most of the 18 examples.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Properties of Two-dimensional Complexes Constructed by Dicarboxylate and Bis(Imidazole) Co-ligands
Authors: Jiu-Fu Lu , Suo-Tian Min , Hong-Guang Ge
Published: January 2015

The complexes {[Zn(1,3-bip)(3,5-pdc)]·2H2O}n and {[Cu(1,3-bip)(1,3-bdc)]·H2O}n, [1,3-bip=1,3-bis(imidazole)propane, 3,5-pdc=pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid, 1,3-bdc=isophthalic acid], have been synthesised under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterised. Their thermogravimetric and photoluminescence properties were also investigated.
Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Functionalised Sinomenine Derivatives by Reducing the C-6 (Ring C)
Authors: Zheng Xingliang , Zhu Weihua , Han Liqiong , Zhang Kecui , Pan Tong
Published: January 2015

Sinomenine ether derivatives at C-4 (ring A) were reduced by LiAlH4 at the C-6 (ring C) to provide the corresponding hydroxyl derivatives with highly stereoselectivity. The desired products were obtained in excellent yields and fully characterised by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS spectra, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction. The mild reaction conditions, readily available sinomenine ether derivatives, simple operation and high stereoselectivity make such a reaction highly attractive.
Fabrication of Nanoperovskite Type Oxides and Its Efficient Usage on Removal of Trypan Blue Dye
Authors: Tavakkoli Haman , Gandomi Narjes
Published: January 2015

A1-xAxBO3 belongs to the perovskite oxide, ABO3, structure. In this study, nanoparticles of La0.5Ca0.5FeO3 were fabricated by the sol–gel citrate technique. The family of perovskite-type oxides could be considered as an adsorbent material for the removal of dyes. This study has investigated the efficiency of La0.5Ca0.5FeO3, as an adsorbent for the removal of diazo dye Trypan Blue (TB), from an aqueous solution. The adsorption studies were carried out at different pH values, various adsorbent dosages and contact times in a batch experiment. The kinetic studies indicate that the removal process obeys a pseudo-first-order kinetic equation. Also, the isotherm evaluations reveal that the adsorption of TB by the nanoparticles follows the Langmuir model. This nanoparticle material, with good specific affinity towards dye molecules, is a promising adsorbent for dye removal from natural water.
Ammonium Chloride Catalysed One-pot Multicomponent Synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes and N-aryl-1,8-dioxodecahydroacridines Under Solvent Free Conditions
Authors: Banerjee Bubun , Brahmachari Goutam
Published: January 2015

A simple, straight for ward and highly efficient protocol has been developed for the one-pot multicomponent synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes from the reaction of aromatic aldehydes and dimedone, and also N-aryl-1,8-dioxodecahydroacridines from aromatic aldehydes, dimedone and aromatic amines in excellent yields using ammonium chloride as a low-cost and non-toxic eco-friendly catalyst under solvent-free conditions. The salient features of the present protocol are the operational simplicity, clean reaction profiles, excellent yields, high atom-economy, relatively short reaction-time as well as the use of inexpensive and environmentally benign catalyst.
In ‘The Dark Regions of the Mind’ A Reading for the Indecent Assault in Ernest Jones's 1908 Dismissal from the West End Hospital for Nervous Diseases
Authors: Kuhn Philip
Published: January 2015

Following a medical examination, in late March 1908, Rebecca Levi, a young in-patient in the West End Hospital for Nervous Diseases, made a serious allegation against Jones. Having discussed the matter, behind closed doors, the hospital Committee called upon Jones to resign. Many years later Jones wrote up his account of the 1908 Affair, which his biographers and historians of psychoanalysis have accepted more or less without question. Such uncritical readings raise questions as to how the psychoanalytic community chooses to engage with the allegations of indecent (child) assault levelled against Jones. Reading the contemporaneous documents, including Ian Malcolm's letters to Jones, Dr Savill's account of Rebecca Levi together with various other texts, reveals serious discrepancies in Jones's narrative, thereby suggesting a far more disturbing scenario than Jones ever allowed. The paper concludes by examining the distinctions to be drawn around Jones's sexual relationships with his adult patients as opposed to his treatment of prepubescent girls.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Cancers in 2014
Authors: Cancers Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Cancers would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Entropy in 2014
Authors: Entropy Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Entropy would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Life in 2014
Authors: Life Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Life would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
LC-MS-Based Metabolomics Study of Marine Bacterial Secondary Metabolite and Antibiotic Production in Salinispora arenicola
Authors: Bose Utpal , Hewavitharana Amitha , Ng Yi , Shaw Paul , Fuerst John , Hodson Mark
Published: January 2015

An LC-MS-based metabolomics approach was used to characterise the variation in secondary metabolite production due to changes in the salt content of the growth media as well as across different growth periods (incubation times). We used metabolomics as a tool to investigate the production of rifamycins (antibiotics) and other secondary metabolites in the obligate marine actinobacterial species Salinispora arenicola, isolated from Great Barrier Reef (GBR) sponges, at two defined salt concentrations and over three different incubation periods. The results indicated that a 14 day incubation period is optimal for the maximum production of rifamycin B, whereas rifamycin S and W achieve their maximum concentration at 29 days. A “chemical profile” link between the days of incubation and the salt concentration of the growth medium was shown to exist and reliably represents a critical point for selection of growth medium and harvest time.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Marine Drugs in 2014
Authors: Marine Drugs Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Marine Drugs would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Photonics in 2014
Authors: Photonics Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of Photonics would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Remote Sensing in 2014
Authors: Remote Sensing Editorial Office
Published: January 2015

The editors of the Remote Sensing office would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2014:[...]
PFO-DBT:MEH-PPV:PC71BM Ternary Blend Assisted Platform as a Photodetector
Authors: Zafar Qayyum , Ahmad Zubair , Sulaiman Khaulah
Published: January 2015

We present a ternary blend-based bulk heterojunction ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PFO-DBT: MEH-PPV:PC71BM/LiF/Al photodetector. Enhanced optical absorption range of the active film has been achieved by blending two donor components viz. poly[2,7-(9,9-di-octyl-fluorene)-alt-4,7-bis(thiophen-2-yl)benzo-2,1,3-thiadiazole] (PFO-DBT) and poly(2-methoxy-5(2'-ethylhexyloxy) phenylenevinylene (MEH-PPV) along with an acceptor component, i.e., (6,6)-phenyl-C71 hexnoic acid methyl ester. The dependency of the generation rate of free charge carriers in the organic photodetector (OPD) on varied incident optical power density was investigated as a function of different reverse biasing voltages. The photocurrent showed significant enhancement as the intensity of light impinging on active area of OPD is increased. The ratio of Ilight to Idark of fabricated device at −3 V was ~3.5 × 104. The dynamic behaviour of the OPD under on/off switching irradiation revealed that sensor exhibits quick response and recovery time of ∼800 ms and 500 ms, respectively. Besides reliability and repeatability in the photoresponse characteristics, the cost-effective and eco-friendly fabrication is the added benefit of the fabricated OPD.