bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of autologous bone marrow buffy coat grafting combined with core decompression in patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head: a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Ma Yuanchen , Wang Tao , Liao Junxing , Gu Honglin , Lin Xinpeng , Jiang Qing , Bulsara Max K , Zheng Minghao , Zheng Qiujian
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Avascular necrosis of femoral head (ANFH) is a progressive disease that often leads to hip joint dysfunction and even disability in young patients. Although the standard treatment, which is core decompression, has the advantage of minimal invasion, the efficacy is variable. Recent studies have shown that implantation of bone marrow containing osteogenic precursors into necrotic lesion of ANFH may be promising for the treatment of ANFH.

Methods

A prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effect of bone-marrow buffy coat (BBC) grafting combined with core decompression for the treatment of ANFH. Forty-five patients (53 hips) with Ficat stage I to III ANFH were recruited. The hips were allocated to the control group (core decompression + autologous bone graft) or treatment group (core decompression + autologous bone graft with BBC). Both patients and assessors were blinded to the treatment options. The clinical symptoms and disease progression were assessed as the primary and secondary outcomes.

Results

At the final follow-up (24 months), there was a significant relief in pain (P <0.05) and clinical joint symptoms as measured by the Lequesne index (P <0.05) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (P <0.05) in the treatment group. In addition, 33.3% of the hips in the control group have deteriorated to the next stage after 24 months post-procedure, whereas only 8% in the treatment group had further deterioration (P <0.05). More importantly, the non-progression rates for stage I/II hips were 100% in the treatment group and 66.7% in the control group.

Conclusion

Implantation of the autologous BBC grafting combined with core decompression is effective to prevent further progression for the early stages of ANFH.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01613612. Registered 13 December 2011.
Ni-Catalyzed C–C Bond Formation with α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds and Alkynes
Authors: Kurahashi Takuya
Published: October 2014

This account reviews the Ni-catalyzed C–C bond-forming reactions of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with alkynes, affording the corresponding trienes, dienes, arenes, bicyclohexenes, and 4H-pyrans. The nickelacycles formed by the oxidative cyclization of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound with an alkyne catalyzed by a Ni(0) complex play important roles as the active intermediates in the reactions. The reactions reported in this review are mechanistically new, and provide new methods for the construction of molecular frameworks using readily available α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and alkynes.
Efficient Synthesis of Tetra-4-pyridylmethane: Pyrolysis of Tri(4-pyridyl)-4-pyridylazomethane
Authors: Inokuchi Daisuke , Matsumoto Kouzou , Kobayashi Kenji , Onishi Koji , Hirao Yasukazu , Kurata Hiroyuki , Kubo Takashi
Published: October 2014

Tetra-4-pyridylmethane (1), a useful tetrahedral bridging ligand molecule, was effectively obtained by the pyrolysis of tri(4-pyridyl)-4-pyridylazomethane, which was easily prepared from tri-4-pyridylmethane (2) in one step. The overall yield was 32%, which was about 10 times higher than the first reported synthesis (3% from 2).
The Extinction Coefficient of N-Methylated Aβ30–40 Depends on the Position of N-Methylation
Authors: Ochiai Hironori , Komuro Tomoyuki , Hiramatsu Hirotsugu
Published: October 2014

The molar extinction coefficient at 210 nm (ε210) of the N-methylated analogs of Aβ30–40 was analyzed. Additive contributions from a 10-residue peptide main chain (ε210CONH) and modulation caused by N-methylation (Δε210) accounted for the observed results. The observed ε210CONH value was concordant with reported values. The difference in the Δε210 value was explained in terms of changes in electronic structure and conformational restriction resulting from N-methylation.
GaBr3-catalyzed Coupling between α-Iodo Esters with Alkynylstannanes under UV Irradiation
Authors: Suzuki Itaru , Esumi Naoto , Yasuda Makoto , Baba Akio
Published: October 2014

A coupling between various alkynylstannanes with α-iodo esters was catalyzed by GaBr3 under UV irradiation conditions, for which a catalytic amount of GaBr3 was essential, and a radical coupling with the generated alkynylgallium species was involved. The desired α-alkynyl esters were selectively obtained even in the presence of an aryl–I bond, which is a reactive site in a conventional palladium-catalyzed system.
Distributionally Robust Convex Optimization
Authors: Wiesemann Wolfram , Kuhn Daniel , Sim Melvyn
Published: October 2014

Distributionally robust optimization is a paradigm for decision making under uncertainty where the uncertain problem data are governed by a probability distribution that is itself subject to uncertainty. The distribution is then assumed to belong to an ambiguity set comprising all distributions that are compatible with the decision maker’s prior information. In this paper, we propose a unifying framework for modeling and solving distributionally robust optimization problems. We introduce standardized ambiguity sets that contain all distributions with prescribed conic representable confidence sets and with mean values residing on an affine manifold. These ambiguity sets are highly expressive and encompass many ambiguity sets from the recent literature as special cases. They also allow us to characterize distributional families in terms of several classical and/or robust statistical indicators that have not yet been studied in the context of robust optimization. We determine conditions under which distributionally robust optimization problems based on our standardized ambiguity sets are computationally tractable. We also provide tractable conservative approximations for problems that violate these conditions.
Discussing the future of school income generation
Authors: Reid Julia
Published: October 2014

A group of 20 school leaders from both state and private schools recently met to discuss the role and future of income generation in schools. Julia Reid discusses some of the ideas and issues raised.
Finding sources of ICT funding for your school
Authors: Craven Sophie
Published: October 2014

In this article Sophie Craven investigates some of the ways in which schools can raise funds necessary to keep pace with developments in ICT.
Common bid writing mistakes made by schools
Authors: Ellery John , Bannister Nick
Published: October 2014

Nick Bannister invites school business management experts to share five pieces of advice. This month, John Ellery outlines the common mistakes made in fundraising applications.
Amitriptyline: Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: October 2014

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
Analytic singular value decomposition of a channeled spectropolarimeter
Authors: Sabatke D. S. , Locke A. M. , Descour M. R. , Garcia J. P. , Dereniak E. L. , Hamilton T. K. , McMillan R. W.
Published: October 2014

Channeled spectropolarimetry is a technique for measuring the spectral dependence of the polarization state of light. We treat the technique as a linear operator and study its singular value decomposition (SVD). Analytic computation of the SVD points to heterodyning as a convenient method of data reduction.
Iterative Restoration of Wavefront Coded Imagery for Focus Invariance
Authors: van der Gracht Joe , Nagy James G. , Pauca V. Paul , Plemmons Robert J.
Published: October 2014

One approach for extending depth-of-focus is to insert a phase mask directly into the imaging system to increase the focus invariance of the PSF. Here we consider some linear and nonlinear iterative techniques for restoring imagery blurred by such wavefront coding.
Extended Depth of Focus and Aberration Control
Authors: Dowski Edward R. , Cathey W. Thomas
Published: October 2014

Recent advances are presented in the use of a new paradigm for the design of imaging systems. The concept of wavefront coding is described, and several examples are given where previously unobtainable performance is obtained.
A phase grating to reduce the depth of field of incoherent hybrid imaging systems
Authors: Sherif Sherif S. , Cathey W. Thomas
Published: October 2014

We describe a pupil phase grating to reduce the depth of field of incoherent hybrid imaging systems with a rectangular aperture. We were able to reduce the depth of field by more than a factor of two.
Detection of Tumor Growth from Differential Acoustic Measurements
Authors: Stein Andy , Barbastathis George , Slocum Alexander H.
Published: October 2014

To maximize the probability of tumor detection in the breast using
ultrasound, frequencies in the range of 0.25MHz-1MHz may be better
than the 1MHz-10MHz range used in current imaging technology.
Helena Lumbreras’ Field for Men (1973): Midway between Latin American Third Cinema and the Barcelona School
Authors: Ledesma Eduardo
Published: October 2014

In 1973, Barcelona-based film-makers Helena Lumbreras and Mariano Lisa made a clandestine documentary called Field for Men (El campo para el hombre), which denounced the dismal conditions in rural Spain under Franco’s dictatorship, foregrounding the need for agrarian reform and land redistribution. The film is executed in a style midway between militant Third Cinema and 1960s European experimental and art cinemas. On account of her interstitial position between European ‘Second Cinema’ and Latin American ‘Third Cinema’, Lumbreras articulated a hybridized counter-ideological cinema that integrated experimentalism and political commitment. This article examines how Field for Men bridges both documentary and experimental genres, while expressing the need for economic, political and formal liberation. Additionally, it argues that Lumbreras’ intermediality is a political manoeuvre that associates, on a formal level, the concepts of medium purity and specificity as socially alienating, while aligning medium hybridity with utopian dreams of liberation.
El Paleolítico en los dibujos animados: el universo de ficción prehistórica
Authors: Lombo Montañés Alberto , Catalán Gabarre Tania , Palacios Algueró Silvia , Parrilla-Bel Jara
Published: October 2014

El presente artículo es una indagación en el universo de ficción que en torno al paleolítico se ha transmitido a través de los dibujos animados. Se integran los dibujos animados de prehistoria dentro de las investigaciones presentes sobre cine histórico o prehistórico y se lleva a cabo una clasificación previa de los mismos. Por último, se analizan las películas de dibujos (la saga Ice Age y Los Croods) más relevantes para el periodo paleolítico. Todo ello nos permite reflexionar acerca del papel de la prehistoria en el mundo de las imágenes cinematográficas y concluir que la relación entre ciencia y cine es más compleja de lo que parece. En conclusión se puede decir que el cine ha inventado su propia Edad de Piedra poblada de dinosaurios y Hombres de las cavernas no sin tener en cuenta a veces las investigaciones científicas.
Manuel Tolosa Latour (1857-1919) y Elisa Mendoza Tenorio (1856-1929): precursores de la protección a la infancia en España
Authors: Rodríguez Pérez Juan Félix
Published: October 2014

En las primeras décadas del pasado siglo, el doctor Manuel Tolosa Latour destacó al desarrollar una campaña dirigida a mejorar la salud y la educación de los niños de las clases populares. Se esforzó para que los legisladores tomaran conciencia de proteger la figura del niño, logrando que se aprobara la Ley de Protección a la Infancia en 1904. Estableció el Sanatorio marítimo infantil de Chipiona en Cádiz para la cura de los niños débiles y predispuestos a enfermar. Participó en infinidad de instituciones y congresos, donde defendió la necesidad de establecer centros dedicados a los niños pobres.La famosa actriz Elisa Mendoza Tenorio, esposa de Manuel Tolosa Latour, abandonó la escena teatral y se unió a la campaña de su marido. Estableció premios de higiene y fundó instituciones dedicadas a divulgar las normas higiénicas domésticas. Junto a Tolosa participó en la Sociedad Protectora de los Niños, él como secretario general y ella como integrante destacada de la Junta de Damas de la institución benéfica.
Bedeutung von Polysemie, Antonymie und Assoziationen im Spracherwerb – Zweisprachigkeit in der Sprachförderung und Sprachtherapie von sprachentwicklungsverzögerten und spracherwerbsgestörten Kindern im Grundschulalter
Authors: Wahn Claudia
Published: October 2014

Von Kindern mit Spezifischer Spracherwerbsstörung (SSES) wird häufig berichtet, dass sie umfangreiche Schwierigkeiten im Sprachverstehen sowie in der Ausdifferenzierung des Lexikons haben (vgl. Bishop 1979; Leonard 1998; McGregor et al. 2002). Diese Schwierigkeiten kommen besonders dann zum Tragen, wenn sie Informationen in einen Kontext einbetten müssen, um beispielsweise implizite Bedeutungen zu erschließen (vgl. Norbury and Bishop 2002) oder um ambige (mehrdeutige) sowie semantisch differenzierte bzw. anspruchsvolle Äußerungen aufzulösen (vgl. Norbury 2004). Die vorliegende Untersuchung knüpft an eine Arbeit zum Erwerb des semantisch- lexikalischen Systems an (vgl. Wahn 2013) und geht der Frage nach, welche Bedeutung mehrdeutigen Wörtern im Zweitspracherwerb sowie der Strukturierung des Lexikons zukommt. Zur Klärung dieser Frage wurde eine Population von zweisprachigen Kindern (N = 19) im Alter von 7;0 bis 10;11 Jahren unter Berücksichtigung der Sprachgenese (sprachunauffällig vs. sprachauffällig / SSES) mit Hilfe eines Arbeitsinstrumentes untersucht (vgl. Wahn 2013). Der t-Test für abhängige Stichproben zeigt, dass sich zweisprachige sprachunauffällige 7–10-Jährige von zweisprachigen sprachauffälligen 7–10-Jährigen hinsichtlich der Fähigkeit zur Nutzung von Kontextinformation und hinsichtlich der Antonymie als wichtiges Organisationsprinzip des Lexikons unterscheiden. Darüber hinaus erbrachten multifaktorielle Varianzanalysen eine signifikante Hauptwirkung für die Sprachgenese bei der Überprüfung des Kontextwissens durch Polyseme, für Antonyme (gegensätzliche sprachliche Ausdrücke) sowie eine signifikante Wechselwirkung für die Sprachgenese und den Spracherwerbstyp hinsichtlich der Fähigkeit zu assoziieren in der Gesamtstichprobe (vgl. Wahn 2013). Die Ergebnisse implizieren, dass der Fokussierung auf Antonyme und mehrdeutige Wörter eine hohe praktische Bedeutung für die sprachspezifische Förderung und Therapie zweisprachiger Risikokinder oder Kinder mit SSES, die einen Schwerpunkt im semantisch-lexikalischen Bereich besitzen, zukommt.
Flexural Characteristic of Rubberized Hybrid Concrete Reinforced With Steel and Synthetic Fibers
Authors: Park Yeonho , Abolmaali Ali , Mohammadagha Mohammad , Lee Swoo-Heon
Published: October 2014

To enhance the low strain capacity and brittleness of concrete, several researchers have already reported on the mechanical properties of rubberized concrete, which lead to reduced environmental concerns, direct cost reduction, low unit weight, high toughness, and improved absorption of impact. However, to overcome the drawbacks of low flexural strength and the low stiffness of rubberized concrete and to improve the crack resistance, steel, or synthetic (polypropylene) fibers, or both, were added into the rubberized concrete in this study. Based on the flexural performance test according to ASTM C1018 and ASTM C1609, this study investigates the combination of crumb rubber, steel or synthetic fibers, or both, in zero-slump concrete mixtures used in the dry-cast production method for concrete pipes. A series of concrete mixes were examined with the variation of the fiber volume fraction (Vf) (steel: 0.17 % and 0.33 %/synthetic-polypropylene: 0.17 %, 0.33 %, and 0.52 %), and crumb rubber with different replacement ratios of 3 % to 20 % (by volume) for sand (fine aggregate) in the concrete mixture. Seventeen rubberized mixtures were developed by incorporating different dosages of steel and polypropylene fibers and their combinations. The influence of fiber type, dosages of fibers, and rubber are analyzed on the basis of experimental results. Results indicate that the effect of hybrid reinforcement using both steel and polypropylene fiber in rubberized concrete is considerable in terms of increase in both peak load and toughness. The specimen of hybrid fiber-reinforced rubberized concrete (HYFRC) with 44 lb/yd3 (0.33 %:Vf) of steel fiber, 8 lb/yd3 (0.33 %: Vf) of polypropylene fiber and 3 % of crumb rubber (replacement with fine aggregates) showed higher peak load, modulus of rupture, and toughness than other mixtures. However, excessive replacement of rubber into the specimens had a negative effect on the flexural properties (strength and toughness).
Measuring Stress Fields in Connecting Rods Using Laser Interferometry (ESPI)
Authors: Vaz Bruno F. , Ferracini Elcio , Santos Auteliano A. , Gonçalves Raquel
Published: October 2014

Connecting rods often fail when subjected to stresses greater than their yield limits. They are designed to support both compressive (usually more intense) and tractive forces. Engineers have used finite element simulations to create new conrod shapes, but the original design still follows the one developed several decades ago. The validation of the results is usually performed through experimental destructive tests or through field evaluations. Thus, a cheaper, non-destructive tool that could expedite the validation process would benefit test engineers and designers. The stress field of a part might be obtained from several methods, the most common of which is through the use of strain gages. In this work, we evaluate the application of electronic speckle pattern interferometry (ESPI) to measure stresses in conrods. The measurements were performed on the flat surface in the conrod web and the results were compared with those from finite element simulations. The region examined corresponds to the inner portion of the rod body, excluding only its slightly thicker edges. To eliminate or at least reduce the influence of the uncontrollable factors (noise) on the results, an experimental design was developed, based mainly on the concepts of the design of experiments (DOE). The tests were performed with a conventional forged connecting rod submitted to compressive stresses. The measurements of the stress and strain fields obtained by the ESPI technique were in accordance with the simulations, showing that this technique is a useful tool for design engineers, improving the safety of engine applications.
A Closer Look at Effects of the Loading Rate on Fracture Toughness in the Ductile-to-Brittle Transition Regime of a Ferritic Steel
Authors: Schindler Hans-Jakob , Kalkhof Dietmar
Published: October 2014

An increased loading rate causes not only a shift of the ductile-to-brittle transition curve, but also a slight change of the shape of this curve. The latter tends to become steeper as the loading rate increases. This effect was observed even at loading rates that are considered to be quasi-static according to ASTM E1921-13: Standard Test Method for Determination of Reference Temperature, T0, for Ferritic Steels in the Transition Range, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2013. Actually, the coefficient 0.019 in the exponent of the MC turned out to be substantially higher at elevated loading rates. This means that a basic assumption of the evaluation procedure of ASTM E1921 is not met, which leads to an increased uncertainty of T0 or T0,x, respectively. This effect of is most pronounced in testing at elevated loading rates using the single-temperature option. An improved method to determine the reference temperature is proposed, where the exponent in the median transition curve in ASTM E1921 is considered to be an open parameter. The resulting reference temperatures, denoted as T100 andT100,x, respectively, are expected to be more accurate than standard T0, which is confirmed by comparison with experimental data. Furthermore, the validity requirements for T100 are less restrictive and more suitable than those in ASTM E1921, since they do not depend on the outcome of the tests. Based on the improved data, an improved estimation formula for the rate-induced shift of T0 is derived. Suggestions are made for improvement of ASTM E1921.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Buried Dielectric Cylinders by Asynchronous Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Lee Wei-Tsong , Sun Chi-Hsien , Chiu Chien-Ching , Li Jyun-Fu
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the study of time domain inverse scattering for a two-dimensional inhomogeneous dielectric cylinder buried in a slab medium via the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method and the asynchronous particle swarm optimization (APSO) method. For the forward scattering part, the FDTD method was employed to calculate the scattered E fields. Base on the scattering fields, these inverse scattering problems were transformed into optimization problems. The APSO method was applied to reconstruct the permittivity of the two-dimensional inhomogeneous dielectric cylinder. In addition, the effects of Gaussian noise on the reconstruction results were investigated. Numerical results show that even when the measured scattered fields were contaminated with Gaussian noise, APSO was able to yield good reconstructed quality.
Method of Processing Ultrasonic In-line Monitoring Signals in Polymer Mixing Extrusion to Determine Mixing State
Authors: Zhao Xia , Chen Youxing , Wang Zhaoba , Jin Yong , Liu Bin
Published: October 2014

The polymer mixing status along a screw channel has significant impacts the quality of the polymer extrusion process. The development of the techniques for monitoring the polymer mixing status is highly desirable for controlling polymer extrusion results. Therefore, we developed a system equipped with ultrasonic probes for fast data acquisition capability and carried out extrusion experiments on different polymers. Results show that the amplitude of the resulting ultrasonic signals is affected by the mixing status of the polymers; these results can be used to monitor the polymer mixing process along the extruder channel. In this study, we use both rank and low pass filtering to correct amplitude differences in acquired raw signals that arise due to the influence of temperature. We employ the correlation coefficient method to ensure that our comparison of the amplitudes of the acquired signals is reflected from the same screw position. Subsequently, we define signal fluctuation coefficients to investigate the polymer's mixing state. The results show that this method is highly effective for monitoring the inline mixing processes of polymers.
Numerical Study on the Effect of Coarse-Aggregate Morphology on Shear Performance
Authors: Zhang Dong , Huang Xiaoming , Zhao Yongli
Published: October 2014

The effect of coarse-aggregate morphology on shear performance was investigated by the discrete element modeling in this paper. An algorithm was developed first to compact aggregates without the need to know the void content. This algorithm uses four steps (aggregate generation, gravity compaction, wall accelerated compaction, and wall uniform compaction) to compact a coarse-aggregate sample. The triaxial shear test was then simulated to evaluate the shear performance of coarse aggregates. Effects of the aggregate angularity, surface texture, flat and elongated ratio, and flat and elongated particle content on the shear performance of coarse aggregates were finally studied based on the results of the triaxial shear test.
Viscous Fingering in LAPONITE® and Mud
Authors: Maleki-Jirsaraei N. , Erfani M. , Ghane-Golmohamadi F. , Ghane-Motlagh R.
Published: October 2014

We have studied the Saffman–Taylor instability for LAPONITE® and mud in a rectangular Hele–Shaw cell. The experiments showed several fingering patterns that did not obey the classical theory of Saffman–Taylor instability. LAPONITE® fingers at high and low shear rates showed shear thinning and shear thickening behavior, respectively. This result is in agreement with rheological analyses. The results of both rheology and Hele–Shaw experiments show a diversion point in the shear viscosity diagram at a specific shear rate. The generalized Darcy’s law for shear thinning fluid in which the viscosity is a function of shear rate can be used to measure viscosity. The validity of this approach was tested using three Newtonian fluids (detergent, oil, and clothing conditioner) and one non-Newtonian fluid (LAPONITE®). These analyses on LAPONITE® as a non-Newtonian fluid verified that the generalized Darcy’s law is in good agreement with rheological analysis in the shear thinning region. In contrast, the mud suspension showed Newtonian behavior at all pressure gradients.
Cohesive Zone Property Measurement by a Hybrid Experimental and Numerical Method Using Ball Indentations
Authors: Harris J. T. , Segall A. E. , Robinson D. , Carter R.
Published: October 2014

Although there are several techniques available for the evaluation of various interfacial cohesive zone properties of coatings, each has difficulties and limitations. For instance, the four-point bend method is often plagued by excessive deformation and plasticity without any coating delamination, and the button test is limited by the constant stress distribution assumption. Given such issues, a new hybrid numerical/experimental technique has been developed that is based on ball indentations, which can usually induce delamination regardless of the materials used. Using this method, indentations were first made on coated samples (nickel-on-steel and aluminum-on-aluminum for the current study) to intentionally create localized, circular delaminations, the initiation and dimensions of which were functions of the applied loads. Numerical models using finite element analysis were then used with the known indentation loads to inversely evaluate the cohesive zone properties, which reproduced the experimental results. The technique was validated based on the successful prediction of the indentation results evaluated using properties from four-point bend results.
Developing an Integrated ANP and Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS Model for Supplier Selection
Authors: Rouyendegh Babak Daneshvar
Published: October 2014

This paper provides an overview of the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and Intuitionistic Fuzzy TOPSIS (IFT) methods for the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) problem under uncertain environments. The study employs an evaluation methodology based on the ANP–IFT where uncertainty and subjectivity are handled with linguistic values. First, the supplier selection problem is formulated using ANP and then used to determine the weights of the criteria by considering the effects of interference and the relationship among the selection criteria. Later, IFT is used to obtain full-ranking of the alternatives based on the opinion of the decision-makers (DMs). The present model provides an accurate and easy classification of supplier attributes using a hybrid model. A numerical example is given to clarify the main results developed in this paper.
Evaluation of Rut-Depth Accuracy and Precision Using Different Automated Measurement Systems
Authors: Serigos Pedro A. , Murphy Michael , Prozzi Jorge A.
Published: October 2014

Collecting accurate rutting data is important to assess network-level pavement conditions and to determine maintenance and rehabilitation needs and funding levels to optimize the use of available economic resources. The technical objective of this study was the assessment of the rut-depth (RD) accuracy and precision of different continuous automated systems (CASs), which represent the state-of-the-art for the automated data collection of rutting and discrete automated systems (DASs), which are still used by several departments of transportation in the United States. The RD values analyzed in this study were obtained by: (1) field measurements at highway speeds using five different optical CASs, and (2) calculation simulating the use of DASs with different configurations. The analysis of the first type of values assessed the closeness of the RD produced by the different CASs to the RD manually measured for this study. The analysis of the second type of values assessed the effects of the number of sensors and the width of measurement on the accuracy and precision of the DASs. In addition, the impact of the RD accuracy and precision on the assessed pavement condition at the network level was analyzed for both the CAS that participated in the experiment and the simulated DAS.
Field and Laboratory Evaluation of Environmental Effects on Chip Seal Performance: Freeze-Thaw and Asphalt Aging
Authors: Wasiuddin Nazimuddin M. , Wilson Kisler , Islam Mohammad Readul , Parker Phillip , Abadie Christopher , Mohammad Louay N.
Published: October 2014

Chip seals generally deteriorate as a result of asphalt oxidation, wear and polishing of aggregates, bleeding, and raveling (loss of aggregates). In this study, two major environmental effects on chip seal performance, freeze-thaw, and asphalt aging were investigated based on laboratory tests and field distress survey. For freeze-thaw evaluation, laboratory chip seal samples were prepared for 18 combinations (6 aggregates X 3 asphaltic materials). A simple freeze-thaw protocol was developed and evaluation of freeze-thaw effect on aggregate types reveals that both the precoated and uncoated expanded shale lightweight aggregates perform comparatively very well against freeze-thaw. Evaluation of freeze-thaw effect on asphaltic material types reveals that CRS-2P, an emulsion performs significantly better than hot asphalts, namely PAC-15 and AC20-5TR. For aging evaluation, asphaltic materials were extracted from 15 (5 aggregates X 3 asphaltic materials) field test sections and increase in stiffness due to aging were determined using a dynamic shear rheometer. For each of the five aggregates, CRS-2P shows the lowest G*/sinδ, indicating minimum field aging susceptibility among the three asphaltic materials while AC20-5TR shows slightly higher G*/sinδ than PAC-15, indicating maximum field aging susceptibility. Overall field distress ratings of the CRS-2P sections (sum of distress ratings of all the CRS-2P sections) are better than those of PAC-15 and AC20-5TR. The overall distress ratings of PAC-15 sections are better than overall distress ratings of AC20-5TR. In case of aggregate types, precoated expanded shale lightweight test sections performed the best, while expanded clay lightweight sections performed very poorly. Both freeze-thaw and asphalt aging tests closely reflect field performances and it can be concluded that the freeze-thaw and aging performances can be used as effective tools for predicting long term chip seal performances.
Determination of Effective Ply-level Properties of Filament Wound Composite Tubes Loaded in Compression
Authors: Henry Todd C. , Bakis Charles E. , Smith Edward C.
Published: October 2014

Flexible matrix composites are a class of fiber-reinforced polymers characterized by a low modulus of elasticity and high ultimate strain of the matrix material. Such composites are attractive for power transmission shafts, which are commonly made via processes that cause undulation (waviness) along the path of the reinforcement fibers, such as filament winding and braiding. Fiber undulations can be expected to reduce the in situ modulus and strength of the composite material in the fiber direction. The reported investigation proposes and evaluates a method for determining the effective in situ properties of the plies in filament wound tubes so that classical lamination theory (CLT) can be used to calculate effective ply-level stresses and to predict the overall modulus and strength of tubes loaded in axial compression. An experimental method is proposed to back-calculate the undulation-influenced ply properties from representative filament wound tubes using CLT together with other required ply properties determined via simpler conventional tests. This approach, along with an interactive failure criterion proposed to predict fiber microbuckling in the presence of combined compression and shear on the fibers, is able to accurately predict the axial compressive modulus and strength of a variety of tubes made with different winding angles and matrix moduli. In general, the fiber-direction compressive strength of the composites increased with increasing matrix modulus and decreased in the presence of undulation. The reduction in strength due to undulation was more apparent with increasing matrix modulus. The fiber-direction modulus of elasticity was not very sensitive to matrix modulus in undulated composites. Undulation reduced the fiber-direction modulus significantly relative to unidirectional composites, although the percent reduction could not be correlated with matrix modulus.
Improvement of Permeability Measurement Precision of Pervious Concrete
Authors: Cui Xinzhuang , Zhang Jiong , Zhang Na , Gao Zhijun , Sui Wei , Wong Cong
Published: October 2014

Pervious concrete is used as the material for drainage structure in roads, buildings, and water facilities due to its excellent permeability. Existing devices for testing the permeability of pervious concrete do not consider the fluid leakage through the specimen-container interface induced by the large numbers of open pores on the surface of molded specimen. This may significantly affect the precision of the results. In this study, a new permeability test device for pervious concrete was developed and a modified permeability testing method is described. The modified method and currently used test methods were employed to measure the permeability of molded specimens with different porosities, graded aggregates, and admixtures. In order to calibrate the modified method, the permeabilites of the cored specimens were measured using the method and currently used test methods. The comparisons show that the permeabilities of the molded specimens measured using the modified method are lower than the two existing methods, and are approximate to the results of cored specimens. This indicates that for the molded specimens, the modified method can give better precision and more accuracy than the two existing methods.
Probing Organization Performance Using a New Hybrid Dynamic MCDM Method Based on the Balanced Scorecard Approach
Authors: Chen Fu-Hsiang , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung
Published: October 2014

In recent years, the balanced scorecard (BSC) approach has become an important performance evaluation tool. However, in order to find ways to ensure that the model more accurately reflects the interdependence and feedback problems related to each factor that occurs in real world situations, a hybrid dynamic Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) BSC model is developed. The goal is to establish an evaluation and relationship model of organization performance that is based on the BSC approach. In this approach, the DEMATEL technique is used to explore how various factors influence each other while the basic concept of analytic network process (ANP) with DEMATEL (known as DANP, DEMATEL-based ANP) is used to yield the influential weights for the dimensions/criteria. Finally, the VIKOR method is used to evaluate gaps in the performance matrix. Empirical analysis helps to determine performance gaps and improve the scores for achieving the aspiration levels for each factor which have been determined based on influential network relationship mapping using the DEMATEL technique. The results show that this method can be used to extract the major factors that can enhance an organization's management performance, leading to continuous improvement. The method can be used to help an organization to evaluate and revise its strategies, and generally to adopt modern management approaches in every day practice.
Enhancement of Inventory Management for the Wafer Manufacturing Industry by Combining Market Demand Forecast and Demand-Pull Replenishment
Authors: Chang Yung-Chia , Chang Kuei-Hu , Sun Wei-Chan
Published: October 2014

Theory of constraints (TOC) uses a demand-pull replenishment strategy with buffer management (DPBM) to effectively manage inventory. This strategy has been demonstrated to perform better than traditional inventory strategies, such as (s, S), (s, Q), (R, S), (R, s, S) policies. However, the replenishment lead time is long, and demand changes rapidly in the semiconductor industry. These characteristics cause problems in managing semiconductor inventory and complicate the inventory replenishment strategy. In order to effectively solve the issue of inventory management, this paper proposes a novel approach to improve the classical DPBM by using market demand forecast information and demand-pull replenishment to effectively manage inventory in the semiconductor industry. In numerical verification, this paper used real data provided by a wafer foundry in Taiwan to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach. Simulated scenarios that account for different patterns of demand and different degrees of accuracy of the demand forecasts were generated to test the performance of the proposed approach. After comparing the result that was obtained from the proposed approach with the one from the classical DPBM, it was found that the proposed approach can reduce the average inventory and does not adverse the level of service as long as the demand forecasts are not too far from the real demand.
Tool Replacement for Photovoltaic Industry Processes With Multiple Characteristics Based on Capability Index
Authors: Hsu Ya-Chen , Jane Amber , Pearn W. L.
Published: October 2014

In the photovoltaic industry, measuring efficiency is an important process for manufacturing silicon wafers. The cutting tool gradually wears during the measuring efficiency process. Consequently, the fraction of defectives would gradually become significant. When the fraction defective reaches a certain level, the tool must be replaced. Therefore, it is essential to find out the optimal time to replace the cutting tool for minimizing the fraction defective and reducing the manufacturing cost. In this research, we consider the replacement problem in the photovoltaic industry to obtain the optimal replacement time for the measuring efficiency process. The measuring efficiency process involves multiple product quality characteristics, including the Isc, Voc, and Rsh. In order to maintain the high wafer process quality and to minimize the production cost, we first develop a method for measuring the manufacturing capability of measuring efficiency process. Then, a tool replacement policy is proposed to assess the true capability at each time period of measuring efficiency process and to find out the optimal time for tool replacement.
Estimation of J-resistance Curves for CT Specimen Based on Unloading Compliance Method and CMOD Data
Authors: Bao Chen , Cai Li-xun , Shi Kai-kai , Yao Yao
Published: October 2014

The unloading compliance method is one of the most widely used methods in laboratory testing for J-resistance estimation. A specimen configuration including compact tension (CT) is recommended by almost all the standard test procedures for evaluating fracture toughness, such as ASTM E1820-11, ISO 12135-2002, and GB/T 21143-2007. In the unloading compliance method, key techniques including instantaneous crack size measurement, correction of specimen rotation, and J-integral computation can be used for a CT specimen when using load line displacement (LLD) but not when using crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) from those standard test procedures. However, a CT specimen with CMOD measurement is also used for J-resistance estimation under certain severe environments because of the convenience of measuring displacement. This study proposes a simplified linear formula for crack size calculation for a CT specimen with CMOD data, discusses the rotation correction in detail based on the equivalence of work, and develops reasonable incremental expressions for J-integral computation and a CMOD-to-LLD conversion equation. By measuring the LLD and CMOD data of a CT specimen simultaneously, we carried out experiments on J-resistance curve estimation for four different types of materials. According to the developed procedure of the unloading compliance method in this study, J-resistance curves for all materials determined from LLD and CMOD data of the CT specimen are clearly exhibited.
Measurement of High Rotating Speed of Ring Spinning Frame
Authors: Jihong Liu , Xiaoliang Song , Yi Yang , Mingxia Zhang
Published: October 2014

Rotating status of the traveler of a ring spinning system has previously been analyzed by many researchers with emphasis primarily on the property of the mechanism, twist propagation in a yarn, and theoretical analysis of the result. Little attention has been paid to physical measurements of rotating parameters and other validation tests. In this paper, we put forward a measurement method of rotating speed to investigate the traveler’s speed variations and other dynamic behaviors. Spinning yarn experiments are conducted by normal, exceptional subjects, and spinning position for comparison in which associated rotating speed is measured and analyzed. The results indicated that in the traverse of the ring bar of a spinning process, system signal after noise filtering fluctuated about 0 V, while the range of signals produced by the traveler was about 1.5 V for all of statuses and the distance of pulse was stability. The maximum amplitudes of signals increased gradually along with the ring bar went up. On the contrary, the maximum amplitudes of signals decreased gradually along with the ring bar, which also went down.
A Novel Approach Based on Performance Influence for Evaluating Criteria of Service Quality
Authors: Chen Kuen-Suan , Wang Kung-Jeng , Chang Tsang-Chuan
Published: October 2014

Service quality is becoming increasingly important, largely determining whether customers patronize a company. However, each customer has a particular level of demand for a service, which requires that companies provide services with diverse characteristics to satisfy the needs of customers. This shows that customer satisfaction is the overall appraisal of companies, performed by customers after experiencing the services. Thus, to improve service quality, companies first understand the influence between individual satisfaction and overall satisfaction. Based on this concept, this study employees the SERVQUAL questionnaire to gauge the satisfaction of customers toward individual service items as well as their overall satisfaction and constructed a performance influence matrix to evaluate poor service performance. We further proposed a priority improvement evaluation index to confirm critical issues affecting service quality. Our proposed approach can aid companies to improve service quality effectively. Managers can also achieve the objective of management and development by understanding evaluation index. A case study involving a long-term care institution is discussed to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework in practice.
An Extended Algorithm of Similarity Measures and Its Application to Radar Target Recognition Based on Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Hung Kuo-Chen , Lin Jennifer , Chu Peterson
Published: October 2014

The main purpose of this study was to extend an algorithm proposed by Liang and Shi in 2003 for the measurement of similarity in pattern-recognition problems. The third measure of similarity in their algorithm fails to satisfy the necessary criteria, thereby invalidating their claims. In this study we developed two new approaches that satisfy the four axioms associated with the measurement of similarity. We then implemented these measures in a new algorithm and used numerical examples to examine the problem encountered by Liang and Shi. Finally, we evaluated the applicability of the proposed algorithm in a problem involving radar target recognition. Our findings provide a solid foundation for the development of a logical framework with which to select an appropriate measure of similarity for pattern-recognition problems.
Difference in Setting Behavior between Prepared and Sieved Mortars in the ASTM C403 Time of Setting Test
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Hover Kenneth Clark , Lee Anna
Published: October 2014

The setting time of concrete as measured by ASTM C403-08 is determined from the penetration resistance of mortar extracted from concrete by removing coarse aggregates larger than the 4.75 mm (#4) sieve. Tests by the authors and others have shown a difference in penetration resistance obtained from mortars extracted from concrete compared with penetration resistance of mortar intentionally mixed to represent the mortar fraction of the concrete of interest, as is noted qualitatively in ASTM C403. The authors report this difference quantitatively, having observed or discovered in the literature prepared mortars with an initial setting time up to 6 %–16 % greater than that of sieved mortar, and final setting time that is up to 3 %–16 % greater than that of sieved mortar. In general, these differences are 1 to 3 times greater than the single operator precision for acceptable range of test results, and are thus significant in the context of ASTM C403.
Application of Intelligent Compaction Technology for Estimation of Effective Modulus for a Multilayered Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Singh Dharamveer , Beainy Fares , Commuri Sesh , Zaman Musharraf
Published: October 2014

In this paper, a procedure for estimation of effective modulus of a multilayered hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement using intelligent compaction (IC) is investigated. The study is conducted during the construction of an interstate highway (I-35) in Norman, OK. A complete coverage of the level of compaction of each of the asphalt pavement layers was recorded using the intelligent asphalt compaction analyzer (IACA). The collected IACA data allow determination of the level of compaction (density) at any selected location, for each layer, and provided a set of global positioning system (GPS) coordinates. Calibration procedures have previously been tested and validated by the authors to estimate the density of different types of pavements from IACA data. In this paper, a different calibration procedure is used to measure the dynamic modulus instead of the density of a pavement using IACA. Considering the IACA estimated density, the dynamic modulus of each of the selected locations for an individual pavement layer was measured from laboratory developed master curves. Thereafter, an effective modulus of the three-layer pavement system was calculated for all of the selected locations using Odemark's method. The proposed technique was verified by conducting falling-weight deflectometer (FWD) tests at these selected locations. Analyses of the results show that the proposed intelligent compaction technique may be promising in estimating the effective modulus of the pavement layers in a non-destructive manner. In addition, the Witczak model was used to estimate moduli of each of the pavement layers. The comparison of the Witczak model with FWD revealed that the model over-predicted the modulus significantly.