bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation Research of Construction Method for Shallow Buried Large Section Tunnel
Authors: Zhu Bin , Kou Weifeng , Xi Jiami , Shen Yanjun
Published: October 2016

The background of this paper is based on Deli tunnel of Xi’an to Chengdu Railway passenger dedicated line. In order to compare and optimize this large section tunnel project under different construction methods, General FEA software ANSYS was utilized to simulate and analyze the stress and deformation in 2-D and 3-D. According to the Deli tunnel engineering case, the preliminary comparison and discussion of mechanical properties and deformation characteristics of the construction of bench cut method and two side-wall pilot tunnel method have been carried out. From this simulation, we made the conclusion for different mechanical properties and deformation characteristics in different construction methods. It shows that the two side-wall pilot tunnel method results in less stress and deformation than the bench cut method. Therefore, it is safer to use the former method. The key step for bench cut method is the upper excavation, and the key step for two side-wall pilot tunnel method is the upper core soil excavation. Monitoring and enhanced support of these key areas is imperative to guarantee the smooth construction.
A Simple Mechanical Model for a Wiper Blade Sliding and Sticking Over a Windscreen
Authors: Barsotti R. , Bennati S. , Quattrone F.
Published: October 2016

From the mechanical standpoint, wiper blades may be thought of as belonging to a category of systems in which some components are forced to slide with friction over each other or over some rough surface. Such systems, which are in widespread use in all areas of modern engineering, exhibit complex dynamic behavior, even when only a small number of degrees of freedom are involved. In this paper we reconsider a well-known, simple mechanical model in which a rigid block connected to a linear spring is free to slide over a rough surface. The surface moves according to a prescribed sinusoidal law. The model, despite its apparent simplicity, proves to be quite useful for studying the main dynamic features of such systems. In particular, herein the equations of motion are solved analytically and the exact sequence of sticking and sliding phases found. The influence on the solution of three dimensionless parameters chosen to describe the system is investigated, and some early indications provided on the set of possible long-term system responses. Lastly, a first evaluation of the different limit cycles for the block’s motion is illustrated.
New Generation Geometrical Product Specification (GPS) Backed Flatness Error Estimation and Uncertainty Analysis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ilyas , Ma Shuyuan
Published: October 2016

Measurement and verification are one of the prime stages in the entire course of geometrical products in new generation of geometrical product specifications (GPS) standard. Like other kinds of form tolerances, flatness error is one of the important characteristics affecting the functionality and quality of machined components; sufficient efforts have long been made to determine the flatness error close to the true value based on the minimum zone method (MZM) and still needs continual improvement. This paper presents real coded genetic algorithms referred as Efficient Genetic Algorithms (EGA) for flatness error based on minimum zone method having good precision, repeatability and fast convergence rate. This paper also presents evaluation procedure for measurement uncertainty in flatness error based on new generation geometrical product specifications (GPS). Uncertainty in flatness error has been determined and evaluation procedure is provided to prove the conformance or non-conformance by taking into account the uncertainty in measurement. The contributing factors in measurement uncertainties have been identified and then quantified. The flatness error and evaluation theory in this paper are in the framework of new generation GPS standard. Two practical examples have been presented to show the effectiveness of EGA and shed some light on the uncertainty evaluation theory based on new generation GPS standard.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study of the Hydrostatic Spindle with Orifice Restrictors
Authors: Qiang He , Lili Li , Fengzhang Ren , Alex Volinsky
Published: October 2016

Based on the theory of hydrostatic bearings, this paper presents a study of replacing the rolling bearings in a cold drawing spindle with the liquid hydrostatic bearings. An unloading mechanism is designed, containing two hydrostatic radial bearings and a thrust bearing, according to the mechanical characteristics of the spindle. In this study, a mathematical model of the hydrostatic bearing oil pad is developed. The effects of the rotating speed on pressure and flow fields of the oil pad are simulated using the finite element analysis and verified experimentally. The pressure in all recesses decreases with the rotation speed. Oil velocity of the radial hydrostatic bearing recess increases with the rotation speed, while the fluid flow velocity has almost no correlation with the rotation speed of the thrust bearing. The numerical and experimental results of the pressure in the recesses are consistent, confirming the validity and feasibility of this design.
A Theoretical Analysis on Bone Drilling Temperature Field of Superhard Drill
Authors: Hou Yali , Li Changhe , Ma Hongliang , Zhang Yanbin , Yang Min , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: October 2016

To overcome strong drilling force and over high temperature during orthopedic surgery, the four medical drills with different geometrical shapes by using superhard materials were designed. The bone drilling temperature field of superhard drill was theoretical analyzed. Results showed that brazed step drill has the most ideal drilling temperature. It controls the maximum bone temperature below 47°C even under dry drilling. The maximum bone temperature of brazed twist drill is a little higher than 47°C. With appropriate cooling method, brazed twist drill also could provide ideal effect. On the contrary, drilling temperatures of common twist drill, brazed abrasive drill and brazed PCBN superhard drill increase successively. All of them are far higher than the critical temperature of osteonecrosis. The maximum temperatures of brazed step drill, brazed twist drill, common twist drill, brazed abrasive drill and brazed PCBN superhard drill under steady state at about 45.9°C, 61.5°C, 70.5°C, 101.2°C and 113.2°C, respectively. Brazed step drill shows the lowest drilling temperature, followed by brazed twist drill, standard twist drill, brazed abrasive drill and brazed PCBN superhard drill successively.
Medication-related Self-management Behaviors among Arthritis Patients: Does Attentional Coping Style Matter?
Authors: Geryk Lorie L. , Blalock Susan J. , DeVellis Robert F. , Jordan Joanne M. , Han Paul K. J. , Carpenter Delesha M.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the attentional coping styles (monitoring and blunting) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients and: (a) receipt of medication information; (b) receipt of conflicting medication information; (c) ambiguity aversion; (d) medication-related discussions with doctors and spouse/partners; and (e) medication adherence.

Method:

A sample of 328 adults with a self-reported diagnosis of arthritis (RA n=159; OA n=149) completed an Internet-based survey. Coping style was assessed using the validated short version of the Miller Behavioral Style Scale. Measures related to aspects of medication information receipt and discussion and validated measures of ambiguity aversion and medication adherence (Vasculitis Self-Management Survey) were collected. Pearson correlation coefficients, ANOVA, independent samples t-tests and multiple regression models were used to assess associations between coping style and the other variables of interest.

Results:

Arthritis patients in our sample were more likely to be high monitors (50%) than high blunters (36%). Among RA patients, increased information-receipt was significantly associated with decreased monitoring (b = -1.06, p = .001). Among OA patients, increased information-receipt was significantly associated with increased blunting (b = .60, p = .02).

Conclusion:

In our sample of patients with arthritis, attentional coping style is not in accordance with the characteristic patterns outlined in the acute and chronic disease coping literature.
Constraints on the Active and Sterile Neutrino Masses from Beta-Ray Spectra: Past, Present and Future1
Authors: Dragoun Otokar , Vénos Drahoslav
Published: October 2016

Although neutrinos are probably the most abundant fermions of the universe their mass is not yet known. Oscillation experiments have proven that at least one of the neutrino mass states hasmi> 0.05 eV while various interpretations of cosmological observations yielded an upper limit for the sum of neutrino masses ∑mi< (0.14 ‒ 1.7) eV. The searches for the yet unobserved 0νββ decay result in an effective neutrino massmββ< (0.2 ‒ 0.7) eV. The analyses of measured tritium β-spectra provide an upper limit for the effective electron neutrino massm(ve) < 2 eV. In this review, we summarize the experience of two generations of β-ray spectroscopists who improved the upper limit ofm(ve) by three orders of magnitude. We describe important steps in the development of radioactive sources and electron spectrometers, and recapitulate the lessons from now-disproved claims for the neutrino mass of 30 eV and the 17 keV neutrino with an admixture larger than 0.03%. We also pay attention to new experimental approaches and searches for hypothetical sterile neutrinos.
El papel de la investigación científica en la creación de las áreas naturales protegidas
Authors: Dávalos-Sotelo Raymundo
Published: October 2016

La enorme necesidad de bienes materiales y servicios que tiene la humanidad, únicamente puede ser atendida con el aprovechamiento de los recursos naturales; pero al explotarlos se ejerce un gran impacto sobre ellos y una gran afectación a los ecosistemas. Para poder conservarlos sin que estos sean alterados significativamente, se creó el concepto de áreas naturales protegidas (ANP). En este trabajo se analiza y se discute la situación de las áreas naturales ubicadas en las zonas costeras, específicamente, de las zonas de humedales; que son áreas protegidas por el Convenio de Ramsar. Los manglares son humedales muy vulnerables a la degradación y muchas veces son motivo de conflicto entre las comunidades locales y otros usuarios de los recursos. Ante ello, existe un esquema que ha probado ser el más adecuado para encontrar un equilibrio entre ambas partes; se trata de crear y mantener reservas protegidas. En el tema de manglares y humedales de América tropical, Ariel Lugo y colaboradores han hecho contribuciones relevantes; sus trabajos han servido de referencia para estudios e investigaciones que son el soporte científico para la creación y/o gestión de humedales protegidos bajo el Convenio Ramsar en innumerables países. Los trabajos de conservación que emprenden los gobiernos y las comunidades locales que se basan en información proporcionada por los científicos son la mejor apuesta del mundo para conservar sus recursos naturales y mantener esperanzas de un mejor futuro para los habitantes del planeta.
Paisajes urbanos leñosos en el Neotrópico: Riqueza y composición de especies de árboles y arbustos en Xalapa
Authors: Falfán Ina , MacGregor-Fors Ian
Published: October 2016

Woody neotropical streetscapes: a case study of tree and shrub species richness and composition in XalapaThe urbanization process goes far beyond the replacement of preexisting non-urban systems, transforming the land in such way that represents worrisome ecological threats. In the novel urban systems, original vegetation is removed and/or replaced with a combination of native and exotic species. In this study, our aim was to generate an updated species list of the trees and shrubs that thrive in the streetscape of Xalapa (Veracruz, Mexico), describing their native/exotic ratio. For this, we followed a city-wide approach comprised by a grid of 106 sampling sites. We recorded a total of 140 tree and shrub species, of which 32 had not been previously reported for the city. Exotics represented more than half of the recorded species, which together with native ones were distributed unevenly throughout the city. Most frequent species include: Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina), Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Paperflower (Bougainvillea glabra), Rhododendron (Rhododendron sp.), Mexican Cypress (Cupressus lusitanica), and Little-leaf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla). It is noticeable that sites at which we recorded no trees or shrubs were located near downtown and peripheral areas of the city. Our findings should be considered carefully, as the unequal distribution of plant diversity in urban areas can compromise the benefits that vegetation provides to citizens, as well as their ecological functions.
Proceso de deforestación en el municipio de Cherán, Michoacán, México (2006-2012)
Authors: España-Boquera María Luisa , Champo-Jiménez Omar
Published: October 2016

La devastación de los ecosistemas en los últimos años está aumentando la desigualdad y los conflictos sociales y, en particular, la marginación de los pueblos indígenas, que en muchos casos son los legítimos propietarios de las tierras forestales. En este trabajo se analiza el caso de la población purépecha de Cherán, Michoacán, comunidad que en 2011 organizó un levantamiento armado como protesta por la tala ilegal de sus bosques, frente a la indiferencia de las autoridades. A partir de imágenes satelitales Spot, de alta resolución (10 m) se estimó la pérdida anual de la cubierta forestal, entre 2006 y 2012. Utilizando un criterio basado en el NDVI y la firma espectral, se obtuvieron y validaron los mapas de suelo / vegetación, para cada año del período estudiado; la comparación de los mapas anuales permitió construir el mapa de deforestación anual. En total, fueron deforestadas 9069 hectáreas, lo que equivale a 71% de la superficie vegetal existente en 2006. La mayor parte de la deforestación se produjo entre 2010 y 2011 (2815 ha) y corresponde la zona más cercana al núcleo urbano; muchas zonas taladas también fueron quemadas. Estos resultados permiten dimensionar el problema de la deforestación en Cherán y ayudan a entender la reacción de la comunidad ante la devastación de sus bosques.
Variación longitudinal en densidad, resistencia a flexión y rigidez de la madera 'de seda' persa
Authors: Kiaei Majid , Farsi Mohammad
Published: October 2016

Vertical variation of density, flexural strength and stiffness of Persian silk woodThe aim of this research was to investigate the effects of longitudinal position (stem height) and heart-sapwood on density, modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) in bending for Persian silk wood (Albizzia julibrissin). Five normal trees were selected from the Guilan region, Iran. Samples for testing were prepared at four stem height levels (5%, 25%, 50% and 75% of total stem height) in both positions along radial direction (heartwood and sapwood). Analysis of variance results (Anova) indicated that the effects of longitudinal position (stem height) and heartwood-sapwood on the wood density, MOE and MOR were significant. The mean of wood density, MOE and MOR along longitudinal position from base to top decreased with height. The mean of wood density, MOR and MOE in sapwood are lower compared to the corresponding values for heartwood. The relationship between wood density and mechanical strength properties were analyzed by regression models. A positive correlation was found between wood density with MOE and MOR in both heartwood and sapwood.
Anatomía de la madera de tres especies de Mimosa (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) distribuidas en México
Authors: Montaño-Arias Susana Adriana , Camargo-Ricalde Sara Lucía , Grether Rosaura
Published: October 2016

La diversidad morfológica del género Mimosa y su problemática taxonómica han propiciado la búsqueda de caracteres en otras fuentes de evidencia como la anatomía de la madera. Se realizó un estudio comparativo de la anatomía de la madera de tres especies de Mimosa distribuidas en México: M. arenosa, M. lacerata y M. polyantha (Sección Batocaulon); la primera de amplia distribución en la vertiente del Pacífico en México, Nicaragua, Colombia, Venezuela y Brasil; mientras que las otras dos especies son endémicas de México. Del tallo de tres individuos por especie se colectó una troza de 80 cm de largo, a 80 cm de distancia del suelo. Se hicieron 25 mediciones de 15 caracteres anatómicos por individuo. Los resultados indican que los caracteres distintivos a nivel específico son: el tipo de porosidad, el tipo y la predominancia del parénquima axial y la presencia o ausencia de traqueidas vasicéntricas y de cristales prismáticos.
PELEMBAGAAN WEB-BASED LEARNING PADA JURUSAN KURIKULUM DAN TEKNOLOGI PENDIDIKA FAKULTAS ILMU PENDIDIKAN UNIVERSITAS NEGERI JAKARTA
Authors: Siregar Eveline
Published: October 2016

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh gambaran tentang bagaimana proses implementasi dan pelembagaan web-based learning berlangsung di Jurusan Kurikulum danTeknologi Pendidikan Fakultas Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Negeri Jakarta. Target khusus penelitian ini adalah mengembangkan suatu model pengadopsian suatu inovasi pembelajaran oleh suatu lembaga, dalam hal ini inovasi belajar berbasis jaringan. Tujuan dari suatu implementasi inovasi adalah menjamin penggunaan yang benar oleh individu dalam organisasi. Tujuan pelembagaan adalah mengintegrasikan inovasi tersebut ke dalam struktur dan kehidupan organisasi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah studi kasus dimana peneliti menyelidiki suatu gejala dalam konteks yang sebenarnya. Seiring dengan itu digunakan juga “Model Keputusan Adopsi Inovasi dalam Organisasi” oleh Everett M. Rogers, dalam rangka memahami tahapan-tahapan proses implemantasi dan pelembagaan. Sumber data dari penelitian ini terdiri dari pemrakarsa dan para pioner web-bali. Hasil dari penelitian ini berupa suatu Model Pelembagaan web-based learning indonesia (web-bali) yang meliputi tahap pencanangan agenda, tahap pencocokan, penstrukturan, klarifikasi dan rutinisasi. Kata kunci: inovasi, implementasi, pelembagaan, web-based learningINSTITUTIONALIZATION WEB-BASED LEARNING DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CURRICULUM AND STATE UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF EDUCATION JAKARTA Abstract The general purpose of this research is to observe implementation and institutionalization of web-based learning in Curricullum and Educational Technology Program, Faculty of Education, State University of Jakarta. The specific purpose of this research is to model the adoption of an innovation by an institution where web-based learning is the innovation. Implementation of innovation ensures correctness of individual usage in an organization. While institutionalization integrates innovation to organization structure and activities. The chosen research method is case-study where researchers study of a phenomenon in rea-life context. This research also uses the "Model of Innovation Adoption Decision in Organization" (Everett M. Rogers) to understand steps of implementation and institutionalization. The sources of information for this research are founders and pioneers of Web-Bali. The product of this research is an Indonesian web-based learning institutionalization model (Web-Bali) which consists of agenda setting, matching, redefining/restructuring, clarifying and routinizing. Keywords: innovation, implementation, institutionalization, web-based learning
Nova governança na educação e na dinâmica de melhorias: a pressão contra o compromisso
Authors: Bolívar Antonio
Published: October 2016

O artigo defende a tese de que, na segunda modernidade, estamos diante de novos modos pós-burocráticos de governança da educação para conseguir melhorias. O que se convencionou em chamar de “reestruturação educacional” supõe, de fato, uma nova “governança” da educação, que inclui —entre outros— uma desregulamentação, mercantilização e introdução de princípios de gestão do âmbito empresarial. Analisam-se duas vias de desenvolvimento para provocar a melhoria: uma que privilegia a competição, recorrendo à imagem mercantil como dispositivo regulador, e outra dirigida ao compromisso e colaboração dos atores (SAHLBERG, 2011). A primeira pressiona de fora, e a segunda procura uma implicação desde dentro. As pressões performativas têm suas limitações intrínsecas, por isso, se requer a constituição de uma cultura favorável à aprendizagem (HARGREAVES e FULLAN, 2014). Há outras vias alternativas, que Hargreaves e Shirley (2012) qualificam como a “quarta via”, onde assegurar boas aprendizagens para todos não pode ser somente objeto de imposição. Uma lógica de compromisso e autonomia profissional é uma via alternativa, apoiada por meios de participação de pessoas às quais é reconhecida a profissionalidade para tomar decisões.
A Universidade Latino-americana do futuro que sua sociedade está construindo
Authors: Dagnino Renato
Published: October 2016

A concepção de um novo projeto para a universidade brasileira, neste momento em ela vem se expandindo e mantendo um estilo pouco aderente ao cenário da democratização em curso e às restrições e oportunidades colocadas pelos contextos nacional e mundial, é tarefa urgente do segmento de esquerda da comunidade universitária. Contrapondo-se à síndrome do produtivismo-cientificismo-inovacionismo, e privilegiando o canal da Extensão que pode vir a diminuir sua disfuncionalidade e insulamento, revisitando o anátema da qualidade versus relevância, e provocando uma alteração na sua agenda de Pesquisa e Ensino, o argumento proposto tem como eixo o questionamento da concepção dogmática da Neutralidade e do Determinismo da tecnociência ainda predominante naquele segmento. Reconhecendo a necessidade de disputar a hegemonia com os que defendem uma política de alianças com o setor empresarial, cada vez mais “financeirizado”, desnacionalizado, desindustrializado, mimético e ambientalmente irresponsável, se sugere uma aproximação com a Economia Solidária e seus empreendimentos. A Adequação Sociotécnica e o desenvolvimento de Tecnologia Social passariam a ser um vetor da práxis universitária (re)unindo “inexatos” e “desumanos” em torno de um projeto orientado à construção de uma sociedade inclusiva.
O Plano Nacional de Educação como articulador da democratização do acesso à universidade e empoderamento da classe trabalhadora
Authors: Jung Hildegard Susana , Cauduro Tharles Gabriele , Sudbrack Edite Maria
Published: October 2016

O objetivo deste estudo, de caráter teórico e documental, é refletir sobre o(s) conceito(s) de empoderamento da classe trabalhadora, no qual esta se investe de poder, mas com uma importante ressalva: este processo não poderá ser individual e sim coletivo, através do diálogo cooperativo, onde a educação – principalmente a Educação Superior - é a grande protagonista, como articuladora do processo. Nesta esteira, apresenta uma comparação entre o Plano Nacional de Educação (PNE) 2001-2010 e o PNE 2014-2024 com relação às metas voltadas à democratização do acesso à universidade, encontrando que, neste momento, o que de fato podemos afirmar é que não houve muitos avanços no Ensino Superior. Ainda assim, o PNE constitui um importante instrumento jurídico para a democratização do acesso à universidade, que poderá servir como articulador do empoderamento da classe trabalhadora. Repensar a educação significa repensar todo o Estado, uma vez que a política educacional sofre injunções das esferas política, econômica e social. Aprimorando o Estado Brasileiro, se estará avançando para uma concepção mais ampla, que traduzirá uma correlação de forças entre sociedade civil e política, o que significa maior participação social, maior democratização do acesso à universidade e, por consequência, maior empoderamento da classe trabalhadora através, (por que não?) do Ensino Superior. Para tanto, situa-se o importante papel da academia no sentido de preparar educadores e educadoras disseminadores da prática reflexiva, que levará à autonomia e à emancipação.
Smart tourist information points by combining agents, semantics and AI techniques
Authors: Garrido Piedad , Barrachina Javier , Martinez Francisco , Seron Francisco
Published: October 2016

The tourism sector in the province of Teruel (Aragon, Spain) is increasing
rapidly. Although the number of domestic and foreign tourists is continuously
growing, there are some tourist attractions spread over a wide geographical
area, which are only visited by a few people at specific times of the year.
Additionally, having human tourist guides everywhere and speaking different
languages is unfeasible. An integrated solution based on smart and
interactive Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) tourist guides combined
with ontologies would overcome this problem. This paper presents a smart
tourist information points approach which gathers tourism information about
Teruel, structured according to a novel lightweight ontology built on OWL
(Ontology Web Language), known as TITERIA (Touristic Information of TEruel
for Intelligent Agents). Our proposal, which combines TITERIA with the Maxine
platform, is capable of responding appropriately to the users thanks to its
Artificial Intelligence Modeling Language (AIML) database and the AI
techniques added to Maxine. Preliminary results indicate that our prototype
is able to inform users about interesting topics, as well as to propose other
related information, allowing them to acquire a complete information about
any issue. Furthermore, users can directly talk with an artificial actor
making communication much more natural and closer.
Hierarchical vs. flat n-gram-based text categorization: Can we do better?
Authors: Graovac Jelena , Kovacevic Jovana , Pavlovic-Lazetic Gordana
Published: October 2016

Hierarchical text categorization (HTC) refers to assigning a text document to
one or more most suitable categories from a hierarchical category space. In
this paper we present two HTC techniques based on kNN and SVM machine
learning techniques for categorization process and byte n-gram based document
representation. They are fully language independent and do not require any
text preprocessing steps, or any prior information about document content or
language. The effectiveness of the presented techniques and their language
independence are demonstrated in experiments performed on five
tree-structured benchmark category hierarchies that differ in many aspects:
Reuters-Hier1, Reuters-Hier2, 15NGHier and 20NGHier in English and
TanCorpHier in Chinese. The results obtained are compared with the
corresponding flat categorization techniques applied to leaf level categories
of the considered hierarchies. While kNN-based flat text categorization
produced slightly better results than kNN-based HTC on the largest
TanCorpHier and 20NGHier datasets, SVM-based HTC results do not considerably
differ from the corresponding flat techniques, due to shallow hierarchies;
still, they outperform both kNN-based flat and hierarchical categorization on
all corpora except the smallest Reuters-Hier1 and Reuters-Hier2 datasets.
Formal evaluation confirmed that the proposed techniques obtained
state-of-the-art results.
Gamification of learning activities with the Odin service
Authors: Paiva José , Leal José , Queirós Ricardo
Published: October 2016

Existing gamification services have features that preclude their use by
e-learning tools. Odin is a gamification service that mimics the API of
state-of-theart services without these limitations. This paper presents Odin
as a gamification service for learning activities, describes its role in an
e-learning system architecture requiring gamification, and details its
implementation. The validation of Odin involved the creation of a small
e-learning game, integrated in a Learning Management System (LMS) using the
Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) specification. Odin was also integrated
in an e-learning tool that provides formative assessment in online and hybrid
courses in an adaptive and engaging way.
Synthesis of silver doped hydroxyapatite nanospheres using Ouzo effect
Authors: Prekajski Marija , Jokic Bojan , Kalijadis Ana , Maletaskic Jelena , Stankovic Nadezda , Lukovic Jelena , Matovic Branko
Published: October 2016

Nanoemulsion technique, based on Ouzo effect, was applied for synthesis of
the pure and silver doped (2.5 and 5mol%) calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp). After
calcination at 500?C fully crystallized powders were obtained. X-ray powder
diffraction analysis accompanied with Rietveld refinement revealed that the
synthesized powders were single-phase hydroxyapatite. Raman spectroscopy also
confirmed that the synthesized powders were single-phase. The obtained HAp
particles were spherical in shape and their sizes were in the nanometer range
which was revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis
(FESEM). The successful synthesis of the single-phase Ag doped HAp showed
that nanoemulsion method is a simple technique for obtaining pure and doped
hydroxyapatite nanospheres.
Degradation of crystal violet over heterogeneous TiO2-based catalysts: The effect of process parameters
Authors: Vasic Marija , Randjelovic Marjan , Momcilovic Milan , Matovic Branko , Zarubica Aleksandra
Published: October 2016

In this study, modified sol-gel method was employed to synthesize the pure
and Zr-doped titania catalysts. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method was
applied to determine porosity, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to
study crystal structure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to
investigate morphology and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was
used to examine surface properties/total acidity of the obtained catalysts
samples. Photocatalytic activity was tested in the reaction of crystal violet
(CV) dye decolourization/degradation under UV light irradiation. The effects
of several photocatalysis operational parameters were considered, such as
catalyst dosage, initial dye concentrations, duration of UV irradiation
treatment, as well as catalysts calcination temperatures and dopant amounts.
The obtained results indicated faster dye decolourization/degradation with
the increase of the catalyst dosage and the decrease of initial CV
concentrations. The Zr-doping affects photocatalytic properties, i.e. CV
decolourization/degradation of the prepared catalytic materials. Thus,
addition of 5 wt.% of ZrO2 to titania increases photocatalytic effect for
~15% and addition of 10 wt.% of ZrO2 improves the photocatalytic efficiency
of titania for nearly 30%.
A Model of Aggregate Reporting Quality
Authors: Nagar Venky , Petacchi Paolo
Published: October 2016

We characterize firms' aggregate reporting quality in an economy where a rational capital market, as well as a regulator, discipline firms' reporting choices. When the regulator is resource-constrained, multiple aggregate reporting choices are possible in equilibrium. This multiplicity is driven not just by the regulatory constraint, but also by how this constraint interacts with managerial incentives and the level of reporting discretion available to firms. The model offers concrete explanations for empirical findings linking aggregate reporting quality to underlying institutions, and suggests new empirical approaches that can exploit multiplicity to create more powerful tests.
Effect of occlusal plane control procedure on hyoid bone position and pharyngeal airway of hyperdivergent skeletal Class II patients
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zhao Qing , Zhao Rui , Gao Meiya , Gao Xiaolei , Lai Wenli
Published: October 2016

Objective: To evaluate the effect of occlusal plane control on the hyoid bone position and pharyngeal airway of hyperdivergent skeletal Class II patients during orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods: Cephalograms of 47 hyperdivergent skeletal Class II subjects with occlusal plane control (OPC), and another 50 subjects without occlusal plane control (NOPC) were selected to compare the effects of the occlusal plane control procedure. Lateral cephalograms before treatment (T1), immediately after treatment (T2), and an average of 12 months after treatment (T3) were obtained, and 17 measurements were analyzed in each group and compared between groups.

Results: With respect to the T2−T1 changes, the sagittal discrepancies in both groups were alleviated. In the OPC group, both the occlusal and mandibular plane angles decreased, accompanied by anterior and superior movement and counterclockwise rotation of the hyoid bone. The overall changes from T3 to T1 in each group exhibited trends similar to that induced by treatment. As for pharyngeal airway space alterations, no significant difference in OPC group was presented throughout treatment or retention periods.

Conclusions: The customized occlusal plane control procedure was effective for hyperdivergent skeletal Class II patients: The occlusal plane rotated counterclockwise, followed by a counterclockwise rotation of the mandibular plane. The hyoid bone moved anteriorly and superiorly, accompanied by its counterclockwise rotation. However, this procedure did not induce significant alteration of the pharyngeal airway space.
Improved Representation of the Self-Perception Profile for Children Through Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Arens A. Katrin , Morin Alexandre J. S.
Published: October 2016

This study illustrates an integrative psychometric framework to investigate two sources of construct-relevant multidimensionality in answers to the Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC). Using a sample of 2,353 German students attending Grades 3 to 6, we contrasted: (a) first-order versus hierarchical and bifactor models to investigate construct-relevant multidimensionality related to the hierarchical nature of multidimensional self-conceptions and (b) confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and exploratory structural equation models (ESEM) to investigate construct-relevant multidimensionality related to the assessment of conceptually related constructs. The bifactor-ESEM solution provided the best fit, suggesting the presence of both sources of construct-relevant psychometric multidimensionality. The results supported measurement invariance of the SPPC across gender and grade level and showed latent mean differences mostly supporting results from previous research.
Making Use of Big Data to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Selective Law Enforcement in Reducing Crashes
Authors: Simandl Jenna K. , Graettinger Andrew J. , Smith Randy K. , Jones Steven , Barnett Timothy E.
Published: October 2016

State departments of transportation across the nation fund selective enforcement campaigns aimed at intensifying law enforcement at certain locations to improve traffic safety. At the same time, many states passively collect large data sets, such as officer GPS location tracks. To evaluate the effectiveness of selective enforcement, an approach was developed to employ structured query language (SQL) and geographic information system (GIS) technology to mine and integrate police patrol patterns, citations issued, crash occurrences, and selective enforcement periods. This information was analyzed in a relational database within a spatial and temporal analysis framework. The intent was to use solely GIS technology; however, the size of the data sets was prohibitive, and SQL was used as a big data analytic. The SQL techniques successfully turned more than 37 million points of GPS data into 1.3 million points of selective enforcement location information, enabled the geolocation of 72.6% of electronic citations, and identified 21 selective enforcement areas across the state of Alabama. With big data analytics, GIS technology was reestablished as useful for the evaluation of changes in crash and citation frequencies before and during selective enforcement. Paired difference t-tests confirmed the decrease of crash frequency with 85% confidence at urban and rural locations. The analysis of the number of citations at the locations confirmed that citations increased during selective enforcement by an average of 254%. The developed methodology is a successful approach using large data sets for an unintended purpose to make valuable engineering conclusions and data-driven discoveries.
Impact of Red Light Enforcement Cameras on Safety Performance at Signalized Intersections in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sahnoon Iyad , Sarhan Mohamed , Hassan Hany M. , Garib Atef , Al Harthei Hussain
Published: October 2016

Red light running crashes have always been a major concern to both researchers and practitioners. In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the red light crashes contribute to about 60% of the total severe crashes at signalized intersections. This fact called for a project in 2013, for which new red light cameras (RLCs) were planned to cover 150 intersections in Abu Dhabi City. With the completion of the second stage of this project, 36 signalized intersections have been covered either fully (all intersection approaches) or partially (only major approaches) with a total of 108 RLCs. These RLCs are now in place and have been fully functioning since January 2014. The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of the installed RLCs on the traffic safety performance in the city. To waive the effects of other factors, two groups were created; they include a study group (36 signalized intersections with RLCs) and a comparison group (36 similar intersections without RLCs). The results indicate a reduction of about 40% to 52% for the number of crashes and 48% to 60% for the number of fatalities and injuries. The majority of at-fault drivers were young male drivers from Asian countries with read-and-write educational level. Moreover, crashes, fatalities, and injuries were modeled using the negative binomial technique. Among 13 tested variables describing the traffic exposure, traffic violations, number of lanes, and coverage of intersections by RLCs, only the number of lanes was found significant in two significant models.
Evaluation of Confirmation Lights on Red Light Running Violations by Time-into-Red Phase
Authors: Lindheimer Tomás E. , Fitzsimmons Eric J. , Schrock Steven D.
Published: October 2016

Red light running (RLR) crashes at urban signalized intersections continue to be a serious safety concern for many communities across the United States. Recent national crash data indicated that 676 fatalities were caused by RLR in 2009, which represents approximately 10% of all intersection crashes and 2% of all roadway fatalities. This research studied confirmation lights and their effect on RLR violations’ time into red. Two sets of confirmation lights were installed at two busy urban intersections in Overland Park, Kansas. With the use of a binomial test of proportions, the study found that there was a significant increase in violations within the first second of the red indication 1 month after deployment. Three months after deployment, there was a decrease in violations over 1 s, but this decrease was statistically not significant. Although there was an observed increase in violation rate, the increase did not translate into violations occurring later in the red cycle. In the 3-month after-period, there was a decrease in the violation rate but an increase in violations within the first second of the red indication and a decrease in violations between 1.0 and 3.0 s. The results for this period were statistically not significant and which suggest that the confirmation light had little effect on a violation’s time into the red. In all periods after deployment, there were no violations occurring after 3 s into the red. This finding means that drivers did not use the confirmation lights to traverse the intersection during the all-red cycle.
Aging Population–Focused Accessibility Assessment of Multimodal Facilities in Florida
Authors: Ozel Hidayet , Ozguven Eren Erman , Kocatepe Ayberk , Horner Mark W.
Published: October 2016

A significant responsibility of officials involved in transportation planning is ensuring people’s accessibility to multimodal facilities. This challenging task depends on the available transportation infrastructure as well as the overall population, traffic, roadway, and regional characteristics. Such planning takes on additional complexity when aging populations are considered because any extra time that they incur in reaching these facilities can be especially confounding in light of their potential health and other safety concerns. As such, there is a need for transportation plans to have a multimodal transportation assessment component that specifically focuses on the accessibility of aging people to critical facilities. To accomplish this goal, this paper describes a geographic information systems–based methodology for measuring the aging population–focused accessibility to multimodal facilities in Florida. Spatially detailed population block- and county-based accessibility scores are calculated with respect to key intermodal facility types (airports, bus stations, and railway and ferry stations) and visually assessed by geographic information system maps. The knowledge obtained from this accessibility analysis can successfully contribute to the development of more reliable aging population–focused multimodal transportation plans, as the analysis points to specific areas where accessibility could be improved.
Traffic Crash History of Cognitively Impaired Drivers in Missouri
Authors: Sveinbjörnsdóttir Guðrún Edda , Ulfarsson Gudmundur F. , Meuser Thomas M. , Carr David B.
Published: October 2016

Driving is a complicated process whose consequences can be serious and irreversible if medical impairments affect key functional abilities. Dementia and cognitive decline from other etiologies (e.g., stroke, brain injury) can also impair driving abilities, so it is important to understand their potential consequences. The crash histories of 1,691 drivers from Missouri reported to state authorities from various sources in 2001 to 2005 as having cognitive impairment and 11,615 age- and gender-matched controls were compared. The results showed that about 30% of the cognitively impaired drivers had been in a crash in the 3 years before being reported to state authorities, compared with only 7% of controls in the same period. Cognitively impaired drivers who crashed were also found to be more often involved in multiple crashes [19.8% Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 21.5% cognitive impairment, 30.3% brain injury] than the controls (8%). Cognitively impaired drivers were in significantly more fatal and disabling injury crashes (4.7% AD, 4.3% cognitive impairment, 7% brain injury) than controls (2.7%). Earlier identification of cognitive impairment and intervention for driver fitness may reduce the frequency of crashes for older drivers. The challenges of those who turn out to be medically unfit to drive must be addressed with improved transportation support.
Longitudinal Associations Between Changes in Physical Function and Driving Mobility Behaviors of Older Adults
Authors: Phillips Christine B. , Sprague Briana N. , Freed Sara A. , Ross Lesley A.
Published: October 2016

The objective of this longitudinal study was to examine time-varying correlations between multiple indexes of physical function and driving mobility in older adults across 5 years. The participants were older drivers aged 65 to 91 ( M = 73.6 ± 5.78) who were randomly assigned to the no-contact control arm of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly Study ( N = 598). The driving mobility outcomes were self-reported driving space, driving exposure, driving frequency, and weekly mileage assessed at baseline and first, second, third, and fifth follow-up visits. Physical functioning measures included grip strength, the turn 360 test, and self-reported physical function. Multilevel models examined relationships between changes in physical functioning and driving mobility outcomes over 5 years. The results indicated that driving space and driving frequency decreased over time, especially for older individuals. Changes in physical function were positively related to changes in driving mobility after controlling for demographics, attrition, baseline cognitive function and visual acuity, and changes in general health. Patterns of associations varied depending on the specific physical function measure and mobility outcome. The findings highlight the time-varying nature of the relationships between physical functioning and driving mobility. Further research is needed to understand fully the dynamic associations between driving mobility and key components of mobility that vary over time.
Effects of Alcohol and Fatigue on Driving Performance in Different Roadway Geometries
Authors: Du Hongji , Zhao Xiaohua , Zhang Guohui , Rong Jian
Published: October 2016

Experiments were conducted with a driving simulator to examine how different blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and fatigue levels influenced driver safety performance in various roadway geometries. Each of the 22 participants completed five drives. The control condition, serving as the benchmark in the five drives, refers to driving under sober conditions. The four testing conditions included drives with three BAC levels (0.02%, 0.05%, and 0.08%) and drives in a fatigued state. The experimental test scenarios covered both straight and curved roads. The tangent straight roadway segments were used to connect the curved ones of three different radii (200, 500, and 800 m) in both travel directions. Statistical analysis of result variance was used to quantify the effectiveness of measures of vehicle longitudinal speeds and lane positions. The averages and standard deviations of speeds and lane positions, indicated as SP_AVG, SP_SD, LP_AVG, and LP_SD, were all significantly affected by drivers’ states. Experimental test results indicated that different levels of BAC and fatigue imposed different influences on driver safety performance. Road geometric characteristics, such as radii and curvature directions, had significant impacts on drunk and fatigued drivers’ capability of manipulating vehicles for safe operations. The research findings provide reference information to identify hazardous driving status, such as drunk and fatigued driving under different geometric conditions.
A Priori Evaluation of Policy Measures Against Alcohol-Impaired Driving: French Case Study
Authors: Christoforou Zoi
Published: October 2016

On one hand, drinking and driving is an ever-growing concern for decision makers. On the other hand, stated preference (SP) surveys have rarely been used to assess the effectiveness of legislative road safety measures. The objective of this paper was to explore the potential impact of an intended safety measure on the behavior of French drivers. In particular, this study investigated the obligation of all drivers always to keep in their vehicles an individual one-use breath alcohol test device. For this purpose, an SP survey was designed and undertaken to elicit individuals’ preferences. Ordered probit models were specified on the responses of 240 young drinkers and drivers in the Paris region. Results indicate two factors as being the most influential: ( a) unemployment and ( b) believing that the new legislation is proposed on public revenue grounds. In particular, both factors cause individuals to reject the legislation, which therefore has a trivial impact on their stated behavior. Targeted communication campaigns should be designed to grow awareness and convince drivers of the beneficial road safety outcomes.