bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency Loss of Mixed Equilibrium Behaviors with Polynomial Cost Functions
Authors: Yu Xiaojun , Huang Hai-Jun
Published: March 2012

This paper investigates the efficiency loss of selfish routing simultaneously with user equilibrium (UE) player and Cournot-Nash (CN) players. The upper bound of the efficiency loss of UE-CN mixed equilibrium with polynomial cost functions is obtained by the scaling method and the nonlinear programming method, respectively. It is shown that the upper bound of efficiency loss obtained by the scaling method only depends on the polynomial degree of the link travel cost function and the upper bound of efficiency loss obtained by the nonlinear programming method depends on the number of the CN players besides the aforementioned factors. The numerical tests validate our analytical results.
KEY WORDS: efficiency loss, UE-CN mixed equilibrium, variational inequality, selfish routing game
Ergo-assessment of Locomotive Drivers’ Traffic Environment
Authors: Sumpor Davor , Jurum-Kipke Jasna , Petrović Dalibor
Published: March 2012

While operating a locomotive or a railcar the engine drivers are exposed to the action of several simultaneous factors of disturbances from the traffic environment, and therefore their reliability and safety are reduced. The human-determined physical, sensor and cognitive factors are not only the attributes of the engine driver, but also include influences from the traffic environment, due to the interaction in the “engine driver – traffic means – traffic environment” system. Traffic environment is defined in such a way that, among other things, it includes also the working environment of the drivers cab and the recent traffic situation. The action of factors of temporary subjective disturbances and/or permanent psychological and physiological changes, depend not only on the individual endurance of engine drivers, but also significantly on the type of locomotive or railcar operated by the engine driver, as well as on the fact whether the traffic is intended for the transport of passengers and/or freight, or a shunting engine is involved. The ergo-assessment based on a survey of 50 respondents yielded the final results that are almost identical to the results of ergo-assessment obtained during the formation of the methodology of cognitive ergo-assessment on a sample of 31 respondents. In both cases the surveyed respondents were engine drivers who in practice operate all types of locomotives and railcars, who have acquired engine driver secondary school qualifications and have passed vocational testing for all types of locomotives and railcars. Systemic ergo-assessment of the intensity of the overall psychophysical effort is possible by introducing the index of importance which is used in case of all engine drivers to integrally and equally recognise also the influence of the percentage of occurrence of a certain factor of subjective disturbance and influence of the average assessment of the subjective disturbance intensity, thus allowing an insight into the structure of a system of simultaneous ergo-assessment factors and isolation of ten dominant ergo-assessment factors. Partial cognitive ergo-assessment and inter-comparison of the intensity of subjective disturbances have indicated the types of locomotives and/or railcar compositions in which the maximum partial intensity of disturbance is due to the following factors regarding the working ambient of the drivers cab: visibility, intensity of the difficulty of operation, and intensity of disturbance of the audible traffic noise.
KEY WORDS: traffic environment, cognitive ergo-assessment, dominant factors of subjective disturbances, assessment parameters, safety and reliability
Induced Traffic and its Treatment in the Evaluation of Motorway Projects
Authors: Kuzović Ljubiša , Topolnik Dražen , Glavić Draženko
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this paper is to define factors that influence the emergence of induced i.e. generated traffic for experts involved in highway feasibility studies. An explanation of the practical methods for forecasting generated traffic is done by reviewing international experiences in the relevant literature. Also, the idea underlying this paper is to explain the different treatments of generated traffic in evaluating highway projects with no tolls, which is based on socio-economic aspects versus the evaluation of highway projects with tolls, which is based on financial aspects. Finally, we propose that since it is hard to measure the economic benefits from indirect effects (in the evaluation of socio-economic aspects) the evaluators could determine the economic benefits of the generated traffic using the same procedure as for normal traffic.
KEYWORDS: induced traffic (generated traffic), normal traffic, coefficient of elasticity, time savings, vehicle operating cost (VOC) savings, the economic surplus
Technology Transfer and Logistics-distribution Centres
Authors: Petar Saša , Bajor Ivona , Radulović Siniša
Published: March 2012

The capital and technology transfer into a certain region leads also to increased demands for logistic services. The transition to the logistic delivery organisation is very important under the conditions of accelerated technological development, in particular in the field of telecommunications and informatics, which enabled the advent of successful companies having a single employee. Owing to the mentioned technologies these companies get networked with similar companies, thus being able to solve all their needs by outsourcing the services or products of other networked companies.
Higher speed and greater flexibility of operation of such companies has brought the following challenge: larger number of small companies has created a larger number of small orders that have to be delivered within the same unit of time. The logistics and distribution centres can represent a solution which maintains the speed and efficiency, and avoids costs of congestions and delays.
KEY WORDS: capital transfer, technology transfer, logistics and distribution centres, optimisation
Multimodal Transport Operator Liability Insurance Model
Authors: Zelenika Ratko , Lotrič Tomaž , Bužan Ervin
Published: March 2012

Multimodal transportation means transporting goods from a pickup point, where the operator receives the goods, all the way to the delivery location, using at least two different means of transportation, covered under the same multimodal transport contract and by only one document, regardless of the number or type of transportation vehicles used. The key factor to the optimal operation of multimodal transportation is the multimodal transport operator. It is up to this individual to compensate for various unpredictable circumstances, the complexity of the business processes, nature’s whims and carelessness. He must also organize and execute multimodal transport in all stages. Due to the above mentioned dangers and the fact that the area of liability insurance for multimodal transport operators is still being neglected, this article raises some valid points in favour of a proposal that would cover all of the transportation means as well as all the accompanying activities with a single insurance policy. The model includes 17 elements of liability insurance for a multimodal transport operator and all values which quantify the insurance elements in 2009 as well as the projected values for 2015, when progress is expected in the areas pertaining to the implementation of economical processes concerning transit development, as well as values for 2025, representing a period of innovation, reconstruction, optimization and modernization. With this supposed model for liability insurance of a multimodal transport operator, the foundation is laid for a liability insurance which would be used by a multimodal transport operator.
KEYWORDS: transport insurance, multimodal transport, multimodal transport operator, multimodal transport operator liability systems
Sociotechnical Model of Ship Organization Effectiveness
Authors: Bielić Toni , Mohović Robert , Ivče Renato
Published: March 2012

This article investigates the possibility of optimizing the organization of a ship as a highly complex technical system. In this sense, the existing relationship between technology and the human as a user is considered. Using the socio-technical approach the aim is to identify the weaknesses in the existing technological and organizational ship’s system. Based on research conducted on the navigation simulator, socio-technical components that affect the safety of navigation have been observed. By subsequent comparative analyses of the implementation of technical solutions in accordance with the human requirements certain solutions are proposed and conclusions made.
KEY WORDS: socio-technical model, ship organization, safety, effectiveness, technology indulgence, control systems, automation
Aluminium-based Composite Materials in Construction of Transport Means
Authors: Miloš Katica , Jurić Ivica , Škorput Pero
Published: March 2012

The implementation of the achievements in material science both through history as well as today, is directly indicated in the improvement of the efficiency of transport means which then results in the improvement of the technology of traffic and transport. Today’s requirements in the area of engineering materials intended for the construction of transport means impose reduction of mass as one of the fundamental criterion.
Consideration of the technical and technological societies have been oriented towards light materials and the possibilities of their modification in order to substitute the past traditional heavy monoliths such as iron, steel, copper, etc. The potential has been recognised in the aluminium-based materials. Aluminium and its versions have been already widely used in automotive industry; however, their utility spectrum still avoids the tribologically sensitive purposes. This paper is focused on the possibility of producing such a material. Ceramic particles Al2O3 have been integrated into soft aluminium, various particle sizes and share, by powder metallurgy techniques. The mechanical properties of materials have been studied in dependence on the share, size of particles, type of Al/Al2O3, as well as the graphite addition. Al/Al2O3 composites have been produced without any problems and have shown satisfactory mechanical properties.
KEYWORDS: reduction of transport means mass, aluminium-based composites, Al/Al2O3 composites
Assessing the Impact of Prices Fluctuation on Demand Distortion Within a Multi-echelon Supply Chain
Authors: Campuzano Bolarín Francisco , Guillamón Frutos Antonio , Lisec Andrej
Published: March 2012

Price fluctuation is a practice commonly used by companies to stimulate demand and a main cause of the Bullwhip effect. Assuming a staggered step demand pattern that responds elastically to retailer’s price fluctuation, and by using a supply chain management dynamic model, we will analyse the impact of these fluctuations on the variability of the orders placed along a traditional multilevel supply chain. Subsequently, the results obtained will serve to propose a forecasting model enabling to calculate the potential variability of orders placed by each echelon on the basis of the price pattern used. Finally, under the hypothesis of an environment of collaboration between the different members of the chain, we propose a predictive model that makes it possible to quantify the distortion of the orders generated by each level.
KEYWORDS: Bullwhip effect, systems dynamics, price fluctuation, supply chain management
Determining Inland Waterway Parameters with Application to the Sava River
Authors: Pršić Marko , Carević Dalibor , Brčić Davor
Published: March 2012

The article provides a definition of inland waterway parameters with the emphasis on the international waterway classes IV, Va and Vb relevant to the Sava River. The parameters have been defined through the comparative analysis based on international classification of inland waterways, the available theoretical assumptions, and available and published physical model researches. The channel parameter problems have not been considered herein.
The philosophy of the applicable UN/ECE classification of 1992 consists in defining the relevant waterway structures and navigable water levels only. The waterway parameters are then determined in compliance therewith for each individual waterway based on the navigable channel morphology, through the morphological, technical and economic analysis. Through such an iterative procedure, a detailed standardization of the Sava River waterway parameters was created for the international classes IV, Va and Vb, serving as basis for the current analysis of the Sava River navigability for the purpose of gaining informative concept of the scope of water works to be executed and the financial dimension of requested works for short-term and long-term periods.
KEY WORDS: inland waterway, the Sava River, waterway class, standardization, river bed morphology
Occupational Stress Perception and Healthy Lifestyle in Railroad Workers
Authors: Ostan Iztok , Poljšak Borut , Podovšovnik Axelsson Eva
Published: March 2012

A survey was performed in 2008 on a representative stratified sample of 245 railroad employees in Slovenia (168 blue-collar and 77 white-collar workers) with the aim of exploring different dimensions of workers’ lifestyle health. For this purpose a special questionnaire was developed.
The intensity of perceived job stress was measured with one general index based on a 4-point ordinal scale. There were 54.3% of employees who perceived their work as stressful or very stressful. No significant differences between blue- and white-collar workers were found.
Twenty-six dimensions of lifestyle were measured. There were 66.9% of interviewed employees who were found to be overweight or obese (BMI 25 or higher). Differences in lifestyle between blue- and white-collar workers were not significant at the level of 0.05, except for some dimensions: blue-collar workers spend more time in the open air and sunlight and consume lunch as the main meal more regularly.
In general, lifestyle was not confirmed as statistically significant (at 0.05 level) moderator of perceived job stress, explaining just 11% of variance. However, there are some dimensions that are significantly (P
Private Finance Initiative (PFI) for Road Projects in UK: Current Practice with a Case Study
Authors: Akbiyikli Rifat , Dikmen Seyyit Umit , Eaton David
Published: March 2012

The long-term sustainable provision of new and high quality maintained road stock is vitally important, especially in times of economic constraint such as Europe is currently experiencing. The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is one method of financing such large-scale, capital intensive projects. An important aspect of this form of financing projects is that the risks are borne not only by the sponsors but are shared by different types of investors such as equity holders, debt providers, and quasi-equity investors. Consequently, a comprehensive and heuristic risk management process is essential for the success of the project. The proposition made within this paper is that the PFI mechanism provides a Value-for-Money and effective mechanism to achieve this. The structure of this PFI finance and investment on a particular road project therefore enables all project stakeholders to take a long-term perspective. This long-term perspective is reflected in the mechanism of a case study of UK – Class A trunk roads which are examined in detail. This paper presents a novel solution to a modern dilemma.
Criteria of Categorizing Logistics and Distribution Centres
Authors: Babić Darko , Šćukanec Anđelko , Rogic Kristijan
Published: March 2012

Logistics and distribution centres represent very significant infrastructure elements of the macro-logistic system. The creation of the logistics and distribution centres and their connection into a wide (global) network have resulted in the creation of conditions for an adequate distribution of labour and significant increase in the productivity of all the logistics elements and processes, noting that the logistics and distribution centres in this concept have a superregional significance.

This paper represents the summary (results) of the research that was carried out on a large number of logistics and distribution centres with the aim of considering the complexity and the issues related to the logistics and distribution centres and the distribution network, their elements and action of the subsystems according to the following criteria: spatial, technical, technological, and organizational, with the aim of defining the categorisation model of the logistics and distribution centres.

The analysis of the selected data collected during the research has resulted in defining of the categorisation model of the logistics and distribution centres which foresees six categories. Each of the foreseen categories has been defined according to the set model by the mentioned traffic, technical and technological, and organisational characteristics and the level of service. This is precisely where the application of the categorisation model of the logistics and distribution centres can be found, which will define the relevant categories of the centres applicable in the creation of effective distribution
Hybrid Approach for Urban Roads Classification Based on GPS Tracks and Road Subsegments Data
Authors: Ćavar Ivana , Kavran Zvonko , Petrović Marjana
Published: March 2012

Official road classification is used for general purposes but for deep traffic analysis this classification is not sufficient. Today there are efficient ways to collect large amounts of data from multiple sources that can be used for different causes. These large amounts of data cannot be analysed with traditional methods and new state-of-the-art algorithms should be used.

The paper presents the methodology for urban road classification based on GPS (Global Positioning System) vehicle tracks and data on infrastructural characteristics of road subsegments. The process of defining road categories includes data collection and analysis, data cleansing and fusion, multiple regression, principal component analysis (PCA) as well as cross-validation and k-nearest neighbour (kNN) classification procedure. Results of such continuum can be used as base for further traffic analysis as travel time prediction, optimal route detection etc.
New Type of Roundabout: Roundabout with “Depressed” Lanes for Right Turning – “Flower Roundabout”
Authors: Tollazzi Tomaž , Renčelj Marko , Turnšek Sašo
Published: March 2012

Recently, many of the foreign traffic-safety analyses point out the low level of traffic safety in multi-lane roundabouts. This problem is resolved in several ways in different countries; however, the solution, whereby the number of conflict points is diminished (e.g. turbo roundabout) has proven to be the most successful. However, the turbo roundabout also has its deficiencies: it has conflict crossing points and larger reconstruction of the existing two-lane roundabout is needed when the turbo roundabout is to be implemented instead of the existing one. In the paper a new type of roundabout has been introduced; the roundabout with “depressed” lanes for right turning (“the flower-roundabout”). Financially speaking, the main advantage of the new type of roundabout is that it can be implemented within the dimensions of the already existing “normal” two-lane roundabout. From the traffic-safety point of view, the main advantage of the new type of roundabout is that it has no crossing conflict points.
KEYWORDS: traffic safety, roundabout, turbo roundabout, roundabout with “depressed” lanes for right turn
Impact of Mobile Telecommunications Traffic on the Development of Postal Traffic
Authors: Kljak Tomislav , Bolarić Marijan , Binički Marijan
Published: March 2012

The key hypothesis of the paper is the existence of a particular impact occurring between the development of mobile telecommunications traffic and the development of postal traffic. The objective of the paper is to ascertain the strength of the impact as well as the nature (type) of the impact in the case of the state of the art in the Republic of Croatia. Relevant data have been collected regarding the number of postal services realised (letters and parcels), minutes referring to duration of the voice conversations within, from and towards mobile networks as well as the number of text messages (SMSs) sent. The interrelations between the postal traffic and mobile telecommunications traffic have been determined following the multi-regression linear modelling which has been statistically tested after having been determined.
KEY WORDS: postal traffic, multi-regression modelling, mobile telecommunications traffic
Zagreb Terminal Airspace Capacity Analysis
Authors: Juričić Biljana , Škurla Babić Ružica , Francetić Ivana
Published: March 2012

The paper deals with the Zagreb Terminal Airspace capacity. The basic scenario has been modelled using the RAMSPlus simulator and capacity has been calculated by using the WMSE method which takes into account the peak-hour workload based on air traffic controllers’ tasks. The problem of traffic congestion has been analyzed and several case study scenarios have been simulated. The conducted simulations have demonstrated that in the conditions of increased traffic loads (traffic demand amounting to 6% annually) the working technology and the airspace organization of Zagreb Terminal Airspace will become a restricting factor at peak-hour workloads. The new technologies in Zagreb Terminal Airspace (P-RNAV routes and airspace sectorization) will enable the reduction in air-traffic controller’s workload regarding radar vectoring, radio-telephony and coordination tasks. This should increase the airspace capacity and thus enhance the safety and orderly flow of air traffic.
KEY WORDS: terminal airspace, capacity, simulation, workload, task, sectorization
Tribological Phenomenon and Heat Generation in the Railway Wheel - Rail Contact
Authors: Beneš Libor , Kaloč Rudolf
Published: March 2012

The paper provides a description of tribological aspects and the latest type of laboratory equipment which is expected to offer particular new knowledge in the field of railway wheel - rail contact phenomena diagnostics. The main considerations stated in this work imply that the coefficient of adhesion is among others dependent on contact temperature, and therefore it is possible to theoretically predict the value of the coefficient of adhesion. This fact has not been considered in the theory of adhesive contact so far. The entirely credible prognosis of the studied unfavourable effects is hardly satisfactorily solvable in theory. Hence, the authors present a new testing device by which the predicted effects will be verified. At the same time, the oscillation effect on the state of surface will be observed in the attached formulas. The work also implies that the effects evaluating possible initiations and local degradations of the contact area of railway wheel and rail are closely bound to the tribological effects that are comprehended here as dynamic processes.
KEY WORDS: contact fatigue, railway wheel - rail contact, tribology, safety of transport
Model of Ship Management in Emergencies
Authors: Bielić Toni , Mandžuka Sadko , Tomas Vinko
Published: March 2012

The paper investigates conditions and circumstances of the occurrence of emergencies during ship exploitation. The concept and different forms of emergencies are defined while conditions of their occurrence are simulated, as well as possible modes of prevention of their occurrence or development. On the basis of the results of the investigation covering 240 professional seamen an appropriate organisational algorithm of participative ship management is defined as foundation for the application of the management algorithm in emergencies. On this basis the method of Risk and Hazard Assessment is applied. Also, the algorithm of Decision Making Process is derived from the related investigations. The proposed algorithm is not based only on the organisational presuppositions of participative management but also on complex human relationships as well as acting in stressful circumstances through all the phases of emergencies. The appropriate decision support system to help decision-makers during the emergencies is described.
KEY WORDS: emergencies, algorithm, team work, participative management, hierarchical acting, scenario, communication
Analysis of Vehicle Vibrations – New Approach to Rating Pavement Condition of Urban Roads
Authors: Lakušić Stjepan , Brčić Davor , Tkalčević Lakušić Višnja
Published: March 2012

Urban road infrastructure is daily burdened by heavy traffic volume. Pavement structure roughness observations are significantly more difficult in urban agglomerations than on roads in unpopulated areas. Roughness, expressed by IRI (International Roughness Index), directly affects the quality and safety of road traffic. Within the framework of the pavement management in relation to safety and the achievement of the best possible ride comfort, it is very important to foresee when a road should be reconstructed. The method for quality evaluations of safety and ride comfort on urban roads presented in this paper is based on vehicle vibrations measurements. In the article, measuring of vehicle vibrations was performed on the main urban roads in Zagreb (Croatia). Measurements covered roads with different pavement surface roughness. This method can be simply and very easily used in pavement management aimed at achieving road safety and better ride comfort. The results of measurements according to this method could be used by traffic and civil engineering experts as an indication for the roads that require reconstruction or maintenance.
KEY WORDS: urban roads, traffic flow, safety, vehicle vibrations, road surface roughness (IRI)
Activity-based Management of Logistic Costs in a Manufacturing Company: A Case of Increased Visibility of Logistics Costs in a Slovenian Paper Manufacturing Company
Authors: Krajnc Julijana , Logožar Klavdij , Korošec Bojana
Published: March 2012

Both the transparent reporting of logistics costs and the related accounting of their cost drivers present a significant factor for the successful management of material flows and the related logistics activities in production companies. These costs, which are mainly reported as part of overhead (indirect) costs in such companies, usually remain hidden or are not explicitly visible when the traditional method of accounting is applied. The aim of this research is to create a model of activity-based accounting of logistics costs in a production company, and to test its efficiency in the disclosure of logistics costs compared with traditional cost accounting. The application of the model in a production company shows that an activity-based approach discloses as much as 108% more logistics costs at the level of a group of products than the traditional cost-accounting approach. Further, detailed information on logistics costs obtained in this way enables their more efficient management. Key words: logistics costs; activity-based costing; cost allocation; cost visibility; cost management
Distribution Channel Reengineering: A Case Study
Authors: Maslarić Marinko , Groznik Aleš , Brnjac Nikolina
Published: March 2012

For the last few decades there has been growing interest in making more integrated business decisions across larger segments of the logistic and distribution networks. Modern information technology is allowing this idea to be implemented, but there is need to develop a way of effective use of information technologies that support this business direction. In this paper a methodology to assist distribution networks reengineering with the aim of integrating logistic processes within the distribution supply chain has been promoted. The emphasis of methodology is on the business processes modelling and reengineering in the distribution network. Finally, this paper presents an oil company case study to illustrate how the methodology can be applied in practice. Keywords: distribution process, business process modelling, reengineering, information sharing, logistics
DEA Window Analysis for Measuring Port Efficiencies in Serbia
Authors: Pjevčević Danijela , Radonjić Aleksandar , Hrle Zlatko , Čolić Vladeta
Published: March 2012

The aim of the paper is to apply Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method in measuring and analyzing the efficiencies of ports on the river Danube. DEA window analysis is used to determine the efficiency of ports and to observe the possibility of changes in the port efficiency over time. A study is conducted to evaluate the efficiencies of ports on the territory of Serbia in order to identify the sources of inefficiencies and formulate proposals for improving the services of those ports and their operations through a four-year window analysis with port efficiency trends and average efficiencies. The progress is made in the measurement of port efficiency in relation to port productive activities - total area of warehouses, quay length, number of cranes and port throughput, for the Serbian river ports. Keywords: river ports, total area of warehouses, quay length, number of cranes, port throughput, port efficiency, DEA window analysis
Model of Investment in Road Maintenance as Preservation of Road Infrastructure Value
Authors: Luburić Grgo , Miljković Gordana , Buntak Krešimir
Published: March 2012

The aim of research is to indicate the failure to use information on road depreciation in the process of making decisions about investment into road maintenance. Depreciation as accountancy category has not been sufficiently used as managerial information and its status has been marginalised. A big problem is also the non-defined status of “emergency” maintenance which some legal subjects responsible for road management book as investment maintenance which is used to compensate for the road value, and some as expenditure, in which case the mentioned investments do not even enter the base for depreciation calculation. In writing this paper the data about the book road value were taken into consideration, the amount of depreciation as well as the data about investments into the maintenance on state roads in the period from 2001 to 2008. In data analysis the methodology of descriptive statistics and regression analysis have been implemented. The results of the study of correlation between the value of depreciation and the investment into emergency maintenance have shown that the investment amount is at the level of 74% of the depreciation amount, which indicates the underestimated depreciation rate regarding the fact that roadway condition evaluations are not in harmony with such investment.Key words: road depreciation, periodic maintenance, road value, road management
A green solvent approach to the chemistry of 1,2‐diaryl‐1,2‐disodioethanes
Authors: Azzena Ugo , Kondrot Florian , Pisano Luisa , Pittalis Mario
Published: March 2012

We investigated the generation and the reactivity of selected 1,2‐diaryl‐1,2‐disodioethanes employing cyclopentyl methyl ether and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran as green solvent alternatives to tetrahydrofuran. Both solvents proved suitable for the generation of these vic‐diorganometals, as well as for their employment as single‐electron transfer reagents. On the other hand, 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran appears as the solvent of choice in reactions involving the employment of these diorganometals as nucleophiles or bases. Accordingly, our results disclose an environmentally more sustainable approach to the chemistry of these diorganometals and, in a wider sense, to reductive metalation reactions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity determination of ferrocenyl urea derivatives
Authors: Liu Wei , Tang Yanting , Guo Yu , Sun Bo , Zhu Hemin , Xiao Yanyan , Dong Dandan , Yang Cheng
Published: March 2012

Fourteen new ferrocene derivatives containing urea linker were synthesized from the reaction of ferrocenecarbonyl azide with aromatic amines. The structures of the synthetic compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. These organometallic compounds were evaluated by in vitro protease assay using fluorogenic substrate peptide, and several showed potent inhibition against HIV‐1 protease. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrocatalytic and selective determination of d‐penicillamine in the presence of tryptophan using a benzoylferrocene‐modified carbon nanotube paste electrode
Authors: Mirrahimi Fatemeh , Taher Mohammad Ali , Beitollahi Hadi , Hosseinzadeh Rahman
Published: March 2012

Two amino acids – d‐penicillamine (D‐PA) and tryptophan (TRP) – could be simultaneously determined in an aqueous solution (pH 7.0) using a novel benzoylferrocene‐modified carbon nanotube paste electrode. The results indicate that the electrode is efficient in terms of its electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of D‐PA, leading to an overpotential reduction by more than 155 mV. Using square wave voltammetry, measurement of D‐PA and TRP in one mixture could be done independently from each other with a potential difference of about 205 mV. The proposed electrochemical sensor exhibited a linear calibration plot ranging from 1.0 × 10−6 to 8.0 × 10−4  m with a detection limit of 1.3 × 10−7  m for D‐PA. Finally, the proposed method was applied to the determination of D‐PA in a D‐PA capsule. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrophilicities of Bissulfonyl Ethylenes
Authors: Asahara Haruyasu , Mayr Herbert
Published: March 2012

Kinetics of the reactions of bissulfonyl ethylenes with various carbanions, a sulfur ylide, and siloxyalkenes have been investigated photometrically at 20 °C. The second‐order rate constants have been combined with the known nucleophile‐ specific parametersNandsNfor the nucleophiles to calculate the empirical electrophilicity parametersEof bissulfonyl ethylenes according to the linear free energy relationship logk(20 °C)=sN(N+E). Structure‐reactivity relationships are discussed, and it is shown that the electrophilicity parametersEderived in this work can be employed to define the synthetic potential of bissulfonyl ethylenes as Michael acceptors.
Sodium 1‐Naphthalenesulfonate‐Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide Stabilizes Silver Nanoparticles with Lower Cytotoxicity and Long‐Term Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Cai Xiang , Tan Shaozao , Yu Aili , Zhang Jinglin , Liu Jiahao , Mai Wenjie , Jiang Zhenyou
Published: March 2012

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly used in daily life for their antibacterial properties, but their low stability and high cytotoxicity hamper practical applications. In this work, sodium 1‐naphthalenesulfonate‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (NA‐rGO) was used as a substrate for AgNPs to produce a AgNP‐NA‐rGO hybrid. This hybrid showed substantially higher antibacterial activity than polyvinyl pyrrolidone(PVP)‐stabilized AgNPs, and the AgNPs on NA‐rGO were more stable than the AgNPs on PVP, resulting in long‐term antibacterial effects. More importantly, this hybrid showed excellent water solubility and low cytotoxicity, suggesting the great potential application as sprayable reduced graphene oxide based antibacterial solutions.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Annulation of 1,2‐Diborylalkenes and ‐Arenes with 1‐Bromo‐2‐[(Z)‐2‐bromoethenyl]arenes: A Modular Approach to Multisubstituted Naphthalenes and Fused Phenanthrenes
Authors: Shimizu Masaki , Tomioka Yosuke , Nagao Ikuhiro , Kadowaki Tsugumi , Hiyama Tamejiro
Published: March 2012

(Z)‐1,2‐Diaryl‐1,2‐bis(pinacolatoboryl)ethenes underwent double‐cross‐coupling reactions with 1‐bromo‐2‐[(Z)‐2‐bromoethenyl]arenes in the presence of [Pd(PPh3)4] as a catalyst and 3 M aqueous Cs2CO3 as a base in THF at 80 °C. The double‐coupling reaction gave multisubstituted naphthalenes in good to high yields. Annulation of 1,2‐bis(pinacolatoboryl)arenes with bromo(bromoethenyl)arenes in the presence of a catalyst system that consisted of [Pd2(dba)3] (dba=dibenzylideneacetone) and 2‐dicyclohexylphosphino‐2′,6′‐dimethoxybiphenyl (SPhos) under the same conditions produced fused phenanthrenes in good to high yields. The first annulation coupling occurred regiospecifically at the bromoethenyl moiety. This procedure is applicable to the facile synthesis of polysubstituted anthracenes, benzothiophenes, and dibenzoanthracenes through a double annulation pathway by using the corresponding dibromobis[(Z)‐2‐bromoethenyl]benzenes as diboryl coupling partners.
Observer‐based fault diagnosis and self‐restore control for systems with measurement delays
Authors: Li Juan , Tang Gong‐You , Zhang Peng , Zou Jian
Published: March 2012

The problems of fault diagnosis and fault‐tolerant control are considered for systems with measurement delays. In contrast to the present fault diagnosis and fault‐tolerant control approaches, which consider only the input delay and/or state delay, the main contribution of this paper consists of proposing a new observer‐based reduced‐order fault diagnoser construction approach and a design approach to dynamic self‐restore fault‐tolerant control law for systems with measurement delays. First, the time‐delay system is transformed into a delay‐free system in form by a special functional‐based delay‐free transformation approach for measurement delays. Then, the fault diagnosis is realized online via the proposed reduced‐order fault diagnoser. Using the results of fault diagnosis, two dynamic self‐restore control laws are designed to make the system isolated from faults. A numerical example demonstrates the feasibility and validity of the proposed scheme.

© 2012 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
A parsimonious stochastic model for forecasting gamers' revenues in casinos
Authors: Hui Sam K.
Published: March 2012

The gaming industry is the largest entertainment industry in the United States, with more than $80 billion in revenue annually. Because of the stochasticity of gambling outcomes and the complexity of the casino context, forecasting individual‐level revenues in a casino setting is extremely challenging, and yet crucial for customer relationship management. Current approaches for customer base analysis are usually too general to handle the unique context of the casino setting. To fill this gap between research and practice, this paper develops a stochastic model that incorporates visitation, wagering, and gambling outcomes to forecast gamers' revenues for a major casino operator. The proposed model is parsimonious and can be scaled to handle massive casino customer databases. Despite its parsimony, a holdout prediction test shows that the proposed model provides more accurate individual‐level revenue predictions than other forecasting methods that are based only on the observed data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity analysis of optimization models for isolated intersections with short left‐turn lanes on approaches
Authors: Yao Ronghan
Published: March 2012

Short left‐turn lanes are often channelized to improve capacity and level of service at signalized intersections. On the basis of previous achievements, this paper improves the joint optimization models for isolated signalized intersections with short left‐turn lanes and aims to analyze the sensitivity of the optimization results to the parameters (critical cycle length and maximum short‐lane length). To further clarify the effects of these models on traffic flow operations, several better optimization scenarios are simulated together with the existing one. The models and the methods are illustrated via the field data from Dalian, China. According to the analysis results, the optimum models and parameter values or ranges are recommended. Finally, the procedure of the model application is also proposed to apply in practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green Buildings and Organizational Changes in Italian Case Studies
Authors: Albino Vito , Berardi Umberto
Published: March 2012

International policies indicate the building sector as one of the most promising for sustainable development. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), it has the greatest and cheapest potential for delivering significant greenhouse gas emission reduction. However, early experiences of sustainable construction have shown that both a social and a technical transition are required. Consequently, the changes in organizational aspects of firms involved in construction represent an urgent research theme. This paper investigates how inter‐firm relationships are changing as the sector moves towards green building. The organizational model between firms is described at the integration level with suppliers, the integration level between the general contractor and the design team, the degree of specialization of involved firms and their sustainability certifications. These features have been analyzed in case studies collecting data through interviews. This paper compares organizational aspects in traditional and green buildings. Results suggest that green buildings are associated with inter‐firm relationships of comakership with suppliers and with the design team, and with firms with a portfolio focused on sustainable projects. Finally, among the case studies, sustainability related certifications are scarcely related to the greenness level of the building. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Developing and Implementing an Appreciative ‘Quality of Care’ Approach to Child Neglect Practice
Authors: Carter Bernie
Published: March 2012

Child neglect has a higher incidence than child abuse. Many practitioners and services are challenged by the ambiguity of determining what constitutes adequate care. In a strategic approach to child neglect, Blackburn with Darwen implemented appreciative working practices to support the introduction of the Graded Care Profile (GCP) − a tool for supporting judgements about child neglect. Alongside this initiative, an independent evaluation study using Appreciative Inquiry was undertaken to explore existing practice and to investigate what, if any, changes occurred in practice. Qualitative data were collected at two time points (a) during the training workshops and (b) in the implementation period. The target population was all workshop attendees (n = 200). Iterative thematic data analysis was undertaken. Despite some initial reservations, both appreciative practice and the GCP shifted the focus from a review of neglect to a consideration of care. The GCP added greater criticality to the practitioners' observations (in situations of both mild and intense neglect), illuminated the parents' strengths and particularly helped less experienced practitioners. Concerns raised about the tool were generally overcome through increased familiarity, although embedding is ongoing. The resulting appreciative discourse has engendered more meaningful ways of engaging with families and other practitioners. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Many practitioners and services are challenged by the ambiguity of determining what constitutes adequate care’

‘Shifted the focus from a review of neglect to a consideration of care’
Operatic flash mob: Consumer arousal, connectedness and emotion
Authors: Grant Philip Stanley , Bal Anjali , Parent Michael
Published: March 2012

This study examines the influence of an operatic flash mob on consumer behaviour and consumer experience in a public market. A field experiment was conducted to assess the impact of operatic music on consumers' emotions and connectedness in three conditions: spontaneous live music (flash mob), recorded music, and no music. We analyse audience responses to the shopping experience in all three conditions, with particular focus on temporary group formation and felt emotion. Results show that the flash mob enhanced consumer arousal, connectedness and positive emotions, as well as consumer‐to‐consumer interaction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous intracardiac baffle stenting after a scimitar vein correction
Authors: Budts Werner , Rega Filip , Gewillig Marc
Published: March 2012

A typical scimitar vein was surgically corrected in a female patient of 35 years old. The postoperative course was uneventful and in the first months after the functional capacity normalized. Six months after the correction, the patient developed progressive dyspnea. Kinking and distal stenosis of the intracardiac baffle which connected the scimitar vein to the left atrium were diagnosed. Balloon dilatation and stenting could normalize the blood flow through the baffle. The patient remains symptom‐less up to six months after the procedure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A meta‐analysis of proximal occlusion device outcomes in carotid artery stenting
Authors: Bersin Robert M. , Stabile Eugenio , Ansel Gary M. , Clair Daniel G. , Cremonesi Alberto , Hopkins L. Nelson , Nikas Dimitrios , Reimers Bernhard , Sievert Horst , Rubino Paolo
Published: March 2012

Background

The clinical risk predictors for adverse events in carotid stenting using distal embolic protection devices are well established and include patient age and symptomatic status. The risk predictors for adverse events with proximal occlusion devices are not as well established. This study is a meta‐analysis of available data on proximal occlusion devices to determine the risk predictors of adverse events in carotid stenting.

Methods

Study‐specific results on 2,397 patients from six independent databases of two different proximal occlusion devices were meta‐analyzed by an independent statistical analysis organization for predictors of 30‐day major adverse clinical events including stroke, myocardial infarction, and death using random effects models. The primary endpoint was the composite of total stroke, myocardial infarction, and death at 30 days.

Results

The incidence of stroke was 1.71%. The incidence of myocardial infarction was 0.02%. The incidence of death was 0.40%. The composite primary endpoint at 30 days was 2.25%. Age and diabetic status were found to be the only significant independent risk predictors; however, total stroke rates remained below 2.6% in all subgroups, including symptomatic octogenarians. The other baseline demographic variables including patient gender, symptomatic status, and contralateral carotid occlusion were not found to be independent risk predictors.

Conclusions

A meta‐analysis of CAS procedures performed with proximal occlusion devices demonstrated a very low incidence of adverse events at 30 days. The only independent risk predictors were age and diabetes. Patient gender, symptomatic status, and other baseline characteristics were not found to be risk predictors for CAS using proximal occlusion devices. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ag Nanobelts: Synthesis, Morphological Evolution, and Their Use as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Wang Ning , Cao Xia , Chen Quanjing , Lin Guo
Published: March 2012

The recent development of 1D nanomaterials of controllable size, composition, and structure has opened up enormous possibilities for engineering catalysts with enhanced activity and selectivity. Herein, we report a one‐step strategy for the fabrication of versatile silver nanomaterials. Tailored structures, such as nanobelts, nanowires, and nanocables, were conveniently synthesized by adjusting the reaction conditions. The novelty of this synthesis is in a one‐pot procedure that combines the sequential formation of precursor nucleation, in situ polymerization, and crystal shaping under mild conditions. The as‐synthesized cables consisted of a metallic core (Ag) and an organic outer shell (poly(o‐anisidine), POA). Control experiments demonstrated that the introduced organic monomer (OA) not only acted as the nanoreactor and capping agent, but also a modest reducer for controlled crystal growth at the hydrophilic interface. Electrocatalytic tests showed enhanced stability and activity towards the reduction of oxygen, which was believed to be closely associated with the core–shell structural characteristics of the nanomaterials. Their electrocatalytic performance and tunable structure makes such silver nanobelts promising candidates for applications in catalysis and as sensors in nanoelectrochemical devices.