bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Sight Distance on Crash Rates and Operating Speeds at Low-Volume Single-Lane Roundabouts in the United States
Authors: Zirkel Brian , Park Seri , McFadden John , Angelastro Michael , McCarthy Leslie
Published: February 2014

This paper seeks to investigate further the identified relationship between sight distance parameters, crash rates, and operating speeds at low-volume single-lane roundabouts in the United States. An understanding of the interaction of design, operations, and crash performance would be a step forward in the development and application of performance-based standards for roundabouts. As part of the specific objective of this paper, research was done to update and quantify further the identified relationship between crash rates, sight distance parameters, and operating speeds based on crash, traffic, and geometric data from 72 approaches to 19 single-lane roundabouts in six states. The research findings provided insight into the operational and safety effects of sight distance geometry at roundabouts. The research also identified a methodology that provided guidance for the development of performance-based standards that relied on a better understanding of those relationships. In general, the findings were consistent with previously conducted studies and indicated that exceeding sight distance thresholds increases the risk of a crash occurring. Exceeding sight distance thresholds yielded greater speed differentials between the approach and the entry to the roundabouts.
Roundabout Critical Headway Measurement Based on High-Resolution Event-Based Data from Wireless Magnetometers
Authors: Hainen Alexander M. , Rivera-Hernandez Erick M. , Day Christopher M. , McBride Michael T. , Grimmer Gannon , Loehr Andrew J. , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: February 2014

Critical headway is an important parameter for roundabout design, particularly with regard to analytical modeling approaches. The models that have been developed over the past 30 years were typically based on data obtained from manually reduced video or field observations. This paper reports on the application of wireless magnetometers to collect point presence detection for calculating the rejected critical headways. Data were collected at a single-lane roundabout in Carmel, Indiana. Carmel has had more than 60 roundabouts in operation for several years: it represented a community that was highly experienced with roundabouts. More than 260,000 entering vehicles were observed at one of the single-lane roundabouts over a 2-week period with more than 45,000 rejected headways analyzed. For the roundabout studied, 75% of the rejected headways were found to be less than 3.0 s. The rejected headway values were somewhat lower than the values reported in NCHRP Report 572, perhaps because of the evolving driver familiarity with roundabouts. Although this community had a particularly large number of roundabouts, the rejected headway characteristics observed suggested that as roundabouts became more common throughout the United States, it was appropriate to revisit some of the basic traffic engineering parameters used for analysis, much as the traffic signal community did with saturation flow rate in the 1990s. The techniques presented in this paper could be scaled to several roundabouts with varying geometrics and traffic to diversify the data set necessary to update some of the values developed during the past decade before roundabouts were common in the United States.
Testing and Comparing Neural Network and Statistical Approaches for Predicting Transportation Time Series
Authors: Vlahogianni Eleni I. , Karlaftis Matthew G.
Published: February 2014

Univariate and multivariate neural network (NN) and autoregressive time series models are compared with regard to application to the short-term forecasting of freeway speeds. Statistical tests are used to evaluate the developed models with respect to temporal data resolution, prediction accuracy, and quality of fit. The results indicate that, by and large, NNs provide more accurate predictions than do classical statistical approaches, particularly for finer data resolutions. Evaluation of model fit indicated that, in contrast to vector autoregressive models, NNs may also provide unbiased predictions. Overall, the findings clearly suggest the need to jointly consider statistical and NN models to develop more efficient prediction models.
Stochastic Network Design Problem with Fuzzy Goals
Authors: Xu Xiangdong , Chen Anthony , Cheng Lin
Published: February 2014

The transportation network design problem (NDP) is a high capital investment decision-making problem that inherently involves both subjective and objective uncertainties as well as multiple objectives. Goal programming is a practically useful approach with an explicit consideration of planners’ goal setting and priority structure among the multiple objectives. This paper describes the development of a hybrid goal programming (HGP) approach for modeling both subjective and objective uncertainties simultaneously in the NDP decision-making process. Planners’ subjective uncertainty regarding the linguistic setting of goals and priority structure is characterized as a set of fuzzy variables with nonlinear achievement and satisfaction functions, and the objective travel demand uncertainty is characterized as a set of random variables with predefined probability distributions. The HGP-NDP is formulated as a chance-constrained model in a bi-level programming framework and solved by a genetic algorithm procedure based on random simulation and fuzzy evaluation. The paper provides numerical examples and a real case study to demonstrate the features and applicability of the proposed HGP approach in solving the NDP under an uncertain environment.
Large-Scale Agent-Based Transport Simulation in Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhang Lun , Yang Wenchen , Wang Jiamei , Rao Qian
Published: February 2014

The activity-based model system is being coined as the next-generation demand-forecasting model. The agent-based transport simulation toolkit MATSIM is a fully integrated system that models decisions from the long term to the short term, and these decisions in MATSIM are activity-based models. This paper describes the application of MATSIM in a large-scale multiagent-based transport simulation for Shanghai, China. First, algorithms for integrating new data in Shanghai with MATSIM inputs such as synthetic population, facilities, and network are separately designed according to data characteristics. Then activity-based modeling is introduced to generate population plans, and activity replanning is employed to learn the better travel plans; a utility-based approach is used to model scoring for a plan. Finally, a full MATSIM-based simulation platform for the Shanghai scenario is built in detail. The scenario contains 200,000 synthetic persons simulated on a network with 50,000 links. The relaxed state of the simulation system is reached after 100 iterations of replanning procedures, and the mode choice, route choice, and activity time allocation modules are used to optimize agents’ activity plans. The feasibility of transport simulation in Shanghai by MATSIM is validated against the mode split and the observed counts. Extensive simulation results for the designed Shanghai simulation scenarios indicate that most of the observed counts match quite well with the traffic simulation volumes and demonstrate the potential of MATSIM for large-scale dynamic transport simulation.
Handling Uncertainty in Transit Project Evaluation and Rating Process
Authors: Kronprasert Nopadon , Kikuchi Shinya
Published: February 2014

A fuzzy inference approach that ranks proposals for major transit projects is proposed, and its performance is compared with the existing approach used by the FTA New Starts Program. The FTA approach uses a rigid mathematical process in which 24 attributes of a proposal are scored initially and then aggregated multiple times to obtain a single overall rating for the proposal. The proposal's funding recommendation is based on this rating. In this approach, a small difference in the initial score can make a significant difference in the final score; that is, the final score is not stable with respect to small perturbations in the initial scores of the attributes. In any evaluation, there is always room for subjective judgment and associated uncertainty to enter when the score of an attribute, the break points on the scoring scale, and the value of the weights of the attributes are determined. The proposed fuzzy inference approach incorporates the fuzziness and approximation associated with the evaluation process and preserves them through the calculation process. In this study, data from the 2012 and 2013 reports of the FTA New Starts Program proposal evaluation were used to compare the FTA approach with the proposed approach. The proposed fuzzy inference approach was found to be robust in dealing with evaluator uncertainty in the initial scores. The final score of this method was found to be more stable than that of the FTA method with respect to small changes in initial values, weights, and break points on the performance scale.
Spatial Approach for Assessing Energy-Related Impacts on Transportation Systems
Authors: Li Yingfeng , Quiroga Cesar , Kraus Edgar
Published: February 2014

Like many other states around the country, Texas has experienced a boom in energy-related activities in recent years, particularly in the generation of wind power and the extraction of oil and natural gas. Although energy developments contribute to the state's energy reliability, they also result in many short- and long-term impacts on the state's transportation system. Recently, Texas conducted an evaluation of the effects of energy developments on the state right-of-way, including pavement, roadside, operational and safety, and economic impacts. During the evaluation, the research team developed a spatial approach for the assessment and prediction of energy impacts that used geo-databases of existing energy- and transportation-related data sets. This paper focuses on the development of the geodatabases, their applications in assessing energy-related impacts, and lessons learned during the development and application of the geodatabases. The development of the spatial databases involved significant effort in data collection and processing. The spatial databases that were developed enabled a wide range of queries and reports that helped the research team to understand the distribution and magnitude of energy activities in relation to transportation facilities. In addition to information about data sources and data processing methodologies, the spatial databases provided state transportation officials a useful framework for energy-related transportation planning and assessment of energy impacts and their trends. The valuable lessons and recommended strategies can help other states to fully utilize spatial data sources for understanding energy-related impacts and developing mitigation strategies.
Data Density Requirements as Functions of Design Speed
Authors: Vonderohe Alan , Hollister Brad
Published: February 2014

When designed, horizontal and vertical highway alignment components are parametrically described geometric objects (e.g., smooth curves and straight lines). However, surface models resulting from highway design and for use in construction by automated machine guidance (AMG) are not geometrically smooth. Rather, they are triangulated irregular networks containing straight line segments that serve as edges of contiguous triangular facets. Designers and construction contractors must decide how frequently to discretize parametric design objects for adequate representation by such line segments in surface models. Higher data frequencies, or densities, result in more accurate representations of design. However, high data densities lead to large file sizes, greater storage and data management requirements, and greater data transfer times. This paper presents mathematical derivations that relate minimum required data densities to error tolerances for horizontal and vertical curves. Geometry, physics, and quantifiable human factors are used to couple expressions of tolerable error with parameters of curves and, more fundamentally, with design speeds. An example is provided in which the method was used to produce interim standards for electronic design–AMG for data-sharing pilot projects with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The mathematics should be straightforward for incorporation in design software to ensure that individual design objects, groups of objects, or entire corridors are represented to acceptable levels of accuracy, with minimum data requirements, in surface models used for construction by AMG. The scope of this research is limited to control of discrete errors in representations of smooth curves by straight line segments. Uncertainties resulting from measurements are not addressed.
Feasibility and Advantages of Estimating Local Road Vehicle Miles Traveled on Basis of Global Positioning System Travel Data
Authors: Zhang Lei , He Xiang
Published: February 2014

The Highway Performance Monitoring System and the reporting of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on different levels of roadways are critical parts of the U.S. national transportation data program. Although the amount of travel on higher-level roads can often be reliably estimated from traffic counts and other data sources, existing heuristic methods for estimating lower-level and local road VMT suffer from the lack of ground truth data. This paper reports the development of a novel method for estimating local road VMT on the basis of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other supplemental data sources and investigates the associated statistical issues. The proposed method is applicable at the national, state, and local levels and is demonstrated in a case study in Maryland. The size and duration of the GPS survey sample required for reliable VMT estimation were also analyzed. The case study and statistical analysis showed that a 30-day GPS survey would reduce the required sample size by approximately 50% to 60% as compared with a single-day survey and that a 15-day GPS survey with 670 participating drivers could provide local road VMT estimates with a 5% margin of error at the 95% confidence level. Survey designers can either reduce sample size by lengthening the duration of surveys or recruit more participants for a shorter survey. These findings suggest GPS-based surveys are feasible and cost-effective options for VMT estimation on different levels of roadways, including local roads. Federal, state, and local agencies may use GPS surveys already planned for other purposes (e.g., travel demand modeling and planning applications) for VMT estimation.
Translating Transportation Data between Linear Referencing Systems of Dissimilar Resolution
Authors: Graettinger Andrew J. , Morrison A. Lane , Parker Steven T. , Forde Susie , Qin Xiao
Published: February 2014

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation uses two linear referencing systems (LRSs) for complete mapping of crashes statewide: the State Trunk Network (STN), which represents only state routes, and the Wisconsin Information System for Local Roads (WISLR), which includes all roads but gives specific detail for local routes. A functional link between the two systems was developed; this link allows data to be translated from the STN, a higher-resolution representation, to the WISLR, a lower-resolution representation. Although data are easily translated from high to low resolution, ambiguities arise when data are moved from low resolution to high resolution. The research presented in this paper identifies common problems associated with translation of data from low to high resolution and provides some rules and guidelines to accommodate these issues.
Translation, Diplomacy, and Espionage: New Insights into James Mabbe's Career
Authors: Pérez Fernández José María
Published: February 2014

James Mabbe is best known today as a translator of early modern Spanish prose, but this biographically oriented contribution concentrates on other aspects of his life and work: his intellectual background in Oxford, his acquaintance with court life in London and Madrid, the activities of his patrons, and his translations of religious and political texts. Mabbe can be seen as an agent of exchange, one of those who helped link together the cultures of early modern Europe.
Antioxidative Polyphenols from Defatted Oilseed Cakes: Effect of Solvents
Authors: Teh Sue-Siang , Bekhit Alaa , Birch John
Published: February 2014

Defatted hemp, flax and canola seed cakes were extracted with different solvent systems namely methanol, ethanol, acetone, methanol 80%, acetone 80% and mixed solvent of methanol:acetone:water (MAW, 7:7:6, v/v/v). Each extract was analyzed for antioxidant capacity using ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. MAW exhibited the highest extraction of phenolic and flavonoid contents in the seed cakes, followed by acetone 80% and methanol 80%. The antioxidant capacity was proportional to the polyphenols recovery in the extracts. Canola seed cakes possessed the highest recovery of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity, followed by hemp and flax seed cakes. MAW extract of canola contained total phenolic content, 2104.67 ± 2.52 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight; total flavonoids, 37.79 ± 0.04 mg LUE/100 g fresh weight; percentage inhibition of DPPH•, 33.03 ± 0.38%; FRAP assay, 8.78 ± 0.07 μmol Fe (II)/g fresh weight. Identification of individual polyphenol compounds were performed HPLC. MAW extract of canola had the highest (P < 0.05) concentration of all individual polyphenols except gallic acid and catechin. Highest concentration of quercetin and luteolin in MAW extract of hemp was obtained among all solvent systems.
Effect of Dielectric Properties of a Solvent-Water Mixture Used in Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidants from Potato Peels
Authors: Singh Ashutosh , Nair Gopu , Liplap Pansa , Gariepy Yvan , Orsat Valerie , Raghavan Vijaya
Published: February 2014

The dielectric properties of a methanol-water mixture were measured at different temperatures from 20 to 80 °C at two frequencies 915 MHz and 2450 MHz. These frequencies are most commonly used on industrial and domestic scales respectively. In this study, the dielectric properties of a methanol-water mixture were found to be dependent on temperature, solvent concentration, and presence of plant matrix. Linear and quadratic equations were developed to establish the dependency between factors. At 2450 MHz, the dielectric constant of methanol-water mixtures was significantly affected by concentration of methanol rather than by temperature, whereas the dielectric loss factor was significantly affected by temperature rather than by methanol concentration. Introduction of potato peel led to an increase in the effect of temperature on the dielectric properties of the methanol fractions. At 915 MHz, both the dielectric properties were significantly affected by the increase in temperature and solvent concentration, while the presence of potato peel had no significant effect on the dielectric properties. Statistical analysis of the dissipation factor at 915 and 2450 MHz revealed that both temperature and solvent concentration had a significant effect on it, whereas introduction of potato peels at 915 MHz reduced the effect of temperature as compared to 2450 MHz. The total phenolic yield of the microwave-assisted extraction process was significantly affected by the solvent concentration, the dissipation factor of the methanol-water mixture and the extraction time.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Arts in 2013
Authors: Arts Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Arts would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Climate in 2013
Authors: Climate Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Climate would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Coatings in 2013
Authors: Coatings Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Coatings would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Crystals in 2013
Authors: Crystals Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Crystals would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Entropy in 2013
Authors: Entropy Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Entropy would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013 [...]
One Antimatter— Two Possible Thermodynamics
Authors: Klimenko Alexander , Maas Ulrich
Published: February 2014

Conventional thermodynamics, which is formulated for our world populated by radiation and matter, can be extended to describe physical properties of antimatter in two mutually exclusive ways: CP-invariant or CPT-invariant. Here we refer to invariance of physical laws under charge (C), parity (P) and time reversal (T) transformations. While in quantum field theory CPT invariance is a theorem confirmed by experiments, the symmetry principles applied to macroscopic phenomena or to the whole of the Universe represent only hypotheses. Since both versions of thermodynamics are different only in their treatment of antimatter, but are the same in describing our world dominated by matter, making a clear experimentally justified choice between CP invariance and CPT invariance in context of thermodynamics is not possible at present. This work investigates the comparative properties of the CP- and CPT-invariant extensions of thermodynamics (focusing on the latter, which is less conventional than the former) and examines conditions under which these extensions can be experimentally tested.
Multi-Objective Structural Optimization Design of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine Blades Using the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II and Finite Element Method
Authors: Zhu Jie , Cai Xin , Pan Pan , Gu Rongrong
Published: February 2014

A multi-objective optimization method for the structural design of horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) blades is presented. The main goal is to minimize the weight and cost of the blade which uses glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) coupled with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials. The number and the location of layers in the spar cap, the width of the spar cap and the position of the shear webs are employed as the design variables, while the strain limit, blade/tower clearance limit and vibration limit are taken into account as the constraint conditions. The optimization of the design of a commercial 1.5 MW HAWT blade is carried out by combining FEM analysis and a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm under ultimate (extreme) flap-wise load and edge-wise load conditions. The best solutions are described and the comparison of the obtained results with the original design is performed to prove the efficiency and applicability of the method.
Anticipating and Coordinating Voltage Control for Interconnected Power Systems
Authors: Moradzadeh Mohammad , Boel René , Vandevelde Lieven
Published: February 2014

This paper deals with the application of an anticipating and coordinating feedback control scheme in order to mitigate the long-term voltage instability of multi-area power systems. Each local area is uniquely controlled by a control agent (CA) selecting control values based on model predictive control (MPC) and is possibly operated by an independent transmission system operator (TSO). Each MPC-based CA only knows a detailed local hybrid system model of its own area, employing reduced-order quasi steady-state (QSS) hybrid models of its neighboring areas and even simpler PV models for remote areas, to anticipate (and then optimize) the future behavior of its own area. Moreover, the neighboring CAs agree on communicating their planned future control input sequence in order to coordinate their own control actions. The feasibility of the proposed method for real-time applications is explained, and some practical implementation issues are also discussed. The performance of the method, using time-domain simulation of the Nordic32 test system, is compared with the uncoordinated decentralized MPC (no information exchange among CAs), demonstrating the improved behavior achieved by combining anticipation and coordination. The robustness of the control scheme against modeling uncertainties is also illustrated.
Energies Best Paper Award 2014
Authors: Sciubba Enrico
Published: February 2014

Last year, Energies (ISSN 1996-1073) decided to award a prize to outstanding papers in the area of energy technologies and applications published in Energies. In 2014, the Prize Awarding Committee has decided to also grant awards in the category of “best review papers”. [...]
A Review of Thermal Co-Conversion of Coal and Biomass/Waste
Authors: Tchapda Aime , Pisupati Sarma
Published: February 2014

Biomass is relatively cleaner than coal and is the only renewable carbon resource that can be directly converted into fuel. Biomass can significantly contribute to the world’s energy needs if harnessed sustainably. However, there are also problems associated with the thermal conversion of biomass. This paper investigates and discusses issues associated with the thermal conversion of coal and biomass as a blend. Most notable topics reviewed are slagging and fouling caused by the relatively reactive alkali and alkaline earth compounds (K2O, Na2O and CaO) found in biomass ash. The alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEM) present and dispersed in biomass fuels induce catalytic activity during co-conversion with coal. The catalytic activity is most noticeable when blended with high rank coals. The synergy during co-conversion is still controversial although it has been theorized that biomass acts like a hydrogen donor in liquefaction. Published literature also shows that coal and biomass exhibit different mechanisms, depending on the operating conditions, for the formation of nitrogen (N) and sulfur species. Utilization aspects of fly ash from blending coal and biomass are discussed. Recommendations are made on pretreatment options to increase the energy density of biomass fuels through pelletization, torrefaction and flash pyrolysis to reduce transportation costs.
Telemedicine Workplace Environments: Designing for Success
Authors: Krupinski Elizabeth
Published: February 2014

When designing a facility for telemedicine, there are several things to consider from a human factors point of view, as well as from a practicality point of view. Although the future practice of telemedicine is likely to be more of a mobile-based practice and centered more in the home than it is now, it is still very important to consider ways to optimize the design of clinic-based telemedicine facilities. This is true on both ends of a consultation—where the patient is and where the consultant is. On the patient side, the first thing to realize is that most telemedicine clinics are not going to be newly designed and built. In all likelihood they will be existing rooms converted to telemedicine clinic rooms. Quite often the former room will not even have been used for clinical purposes, but may have simply been a storage area cleared out for telemedicine use. Therefore, design is often a challenge but there are a few basic principles that can be followed to create a workable clinical space. This paper will review some of the basic human factors principles to take into account when designing a working telemedicine environment.
Genotoxic Anti-Cancer Agents and Their Relationship to DNA Damage, Mitosis, and Checkpoint Adaptation in Proliferating Cancer Cells
Authors: Swift Lucy , Golsteyn Roy
Published: February 2014

When a human cell detects damaged DNA, it initiates the DNA damage response (DDR) that permits it to repair the damage and avoid transmitting it to daughter cells. Despite this response, changes to the genome occur and some cells, such as proliferating cancer cells, are prone to genome instability. The cellular processes that lead to genomic changes after a genotoxic event are not well understood. Our research focuses on the relationship between genotoxic cancer drugs and checkpoint adaptation, which is the process of mitosis with damaged DNA. We examine the types of DNA damage induced by widely used cancer drugs and describe their effects upon proliferating cancer cells. There is evidence that cell death caused by genotoxic cancer drugs in some cases includes exiting a DNA damage cell cycle arrest and entry into mitosis. Furthermore, some cells are able to survive this process at a time when the genome is most susceptible to change or rearrangement. Checkpoint adaptation is poorly characterised in human cells; we predict that increasing our understanding of this pathway may help to understand genomic instability in cancer cells and provide insight into methods to improve the efficacy of current cancer therapies.
Lubricants for Metal Belt Continuously Variable Transmissions
Authors: Narita Keiichi
Published: February 2014

This paper reviews the effects of lubricant additives and base stock used in metal belt continuously variable transmissions (CVT) fluids on the CVT transmission torque capacity. Additive formulation composed of phosphorus anti-wear agent, calcium detergent, and dispersant improved the friction coefficient between the metals. The analysis on the post-test surface suggests that the friction behavior strongly depends on the local morphology of the tribofilms derived from lubricant additives. Examining the effect of base stock on the torque capacity in actual belt CVTs revealed that SN (synthetic naphthene) exhibited 10% higher torque capacity than that of PAO (polyalphaolefin). It is believed that the difference in the torque capacity is due to the difference in the oil-film shearing force generated by the relative sliding between the belt and pulley.
2,3-Bis(4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirin-3-yl)phenyl)oxirane
Authors: Wang Lei , Yoshida Takuma , Okamoto Masashi , Sakihama Yasuko , Hashidoko Yasuyuki , Hashimoto Makoto
Published: February 2014

The title compound, which has two photoreactive groups in a molecule, was synthesized by the coupling reaction of 3-(4-(bromomethyl)phenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirine in the presence of silver oxide in DMSO.
The Effects of Annealing Temperatures on Composition and Strain in SixGe1−x Obtained by Melting Growth of Electrodeposited Ge on Si (100)
Authors: Abidin Mastura , Morshed Tahsin , Chikita Hironori , Kinoshita Yuki , Muta Shunpei , Anisuzzaman Mohammad , Park Jong-Hyeok , Matsumura Ryo , Mahmood Mohamad , Sadoh Taizoh , Hashim Abdul
Published: February 2014

The effects of annealing temperatures on composition and strain in SixGe1−x, obtained by rapid melting growth of electrodeposited Ge on Si (100) substrate were investigated. Here, a rapid melting process was performed at temperatures of 1000, 1050 and 1100 °C for 1 s. All annealed samples show single crystalline structure in (100) orientation. A significant appearance of Si-Ge vibration mode peak at ~400 cm−1 confirms the existence of Si-Ge intermixing due to out-diffusion of Si into Ge region. On a rapid melting process, Ge melts and reaches the thermal equilibrium in short time. Si at Ge/Si interface begins to dissolve once in contact with the molten Ge to produce Si-Ge intermixing. The Si fraction in Si-Ge intermixing was calculated by taking into account the intensity ratio of Ge-Ge and Si-Ge vibration mode peaks and was found to increase with the annealing temperatures. It is found that the strain turns from tensile to compressive as the annealing temperature increases. The Si fraction dependent thermal expansion coefficient of SixGe1−x is a possible cause to generate such strain behavior. The understanding of compositional and strain characteristics is important in Ge/Si heterostructure as these properties seem to give significant effects in device performance.
Influence of Rapid Freeze-Thaw Cycling on the Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Strain-Hardening Cement Composite (2SHCC)
Authors: Jang Seok-Joon , Rokugo Keitetsu , Park Wan-Shin , Yun Hyun-Do
Published: February 2014

This paper provides experimental results to investigate the mechanical properties of sustainable strain-hardening cement composite (2SHCC) for infrastructures after freeze-thaw actions. To improve the sustainability of SHCC materials in this study, high energy-consumptive components—silica sand, cement, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers—in the conventional SHCC materials are partially replaced with recycled materials such as recycled sand, fly ash, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, respectively. To investigate the mechanical properties of green SHCC that contains recycled materials, the cement, PVA fiber and silica sand were replaced with 10% fly ash, 25% PET fiber, and 10% recycled aggregate based on preliminary experimental results for the development of 2SHCC material, respectively. The dynamic modulus of elasticity and weight for 2SHCC material were measured at every 30 cycles of freeze-thaw. The effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical properties of sustainable SHCC are evaluated by conducting compressive tests, four-point flexural tests, direct tensile tests and prism splitting tests after 90, 180, and 300 cycles of rapid freeze-thaw. Freeze-thaw testing was conducted according to ASTM C 666 Procedure A. Test results show that after 300 cycles of freezing and thawing actions, the dynamic modulus of elasticity and mass loss of damaged 2SHCC were similar to those of virgin 2SHCC, while the freeze-thaw cycles influence mechanical properties of the 2SHCC material except for compressive behavior.
Glycosylation of a Newly Functionalized Orthoester Derivative
Authors: Kawa Kohei , Saitoh Tsuyoshi , Kaji Eisuke , Nishiyama Shigeru
Published: February 2014

Tandem glycosylation of the 6-O-Fmoc-substituted benzyl orthoester derivative 2a was carried out in moderate yields by electrogenerated acid (EGA). The Fmoc group was effectively removed under mild basic conditions, and the product was submitted to the subsequent glycosylation.
Characteristics, Composition and Oxidative Stability of Lannea microcarpa Seed and Seed Oil
Authors: Bazongo Patrice , Bassolé Imaël , Nielsen Søren , Hilou Adama , Dicko Mamoudou , Shukla Vijai
Published: February 2014

The proximate composition of seeds and main physicochemical properties and thermal stability of oil extracted from Lannea microcarpa seeds were evaluated. The percentage composition of the seeds was: ash (3.11%), crude oil (64.90%), protein (21.14%), total carbohydrate (10.85%) and moisture (3.24%). Physicochemical properties of the oil were: refractive index, 1.473; melting point, 22.60°C; saponification value, 194.23 mg of KOH/g of oil; iodine value, 61.33 g of I2/100 g of oil; acid value, 1.21 mg of KOH/g of oil; peroxide value, 1.48 meq of O2/kg of oil and oxidative stability index, 43.20 h. Oleic (43.45%), palmitic (34.45%), linoleic (11.20%) and stearic (8.35%) acids were the most dominant fatty acids. Triacylglycerols with equivalent carbon number (ECN) 48 and ECN 46 were dominant (46.96% and 37.31%, respectively). The major triacylglycerol constituents were palmitoyl diolein (POO) (21.23%), followed by dipalmitoyl olein (POP) (16.47%), palmitoyl linoleyl olein (PLO) (12.03%), dipalmitoyl linolein (PLP) (10.85%) and dioleoyl linolein (LOO) (9.30%). The total polyphenol and tocopherol contents were 1.39 mg GAE g−1 DW and 578.56 ppm, respectively. γ-Tocopherol was the major tocopherol (437.23 ppm). These analytical results indicated that the L. microcarpa seed oil could be used as a frying oil and in the cosmetic industry.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Polymers in 2013
Authors: Polymers Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Polymers would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Intrinsic Embedded Sensors for Polymeric Mechatronics: Flexure and Force Sensing
Authors: Jentoft Leif , Dollar Aaron , Wagner Christopher , Howe Robert
Published: February 2014

While polymeric fabrication processes, including recent advances in additive manufacturing, have revolutionized manufacturing, little work has been done on effective sensing elements compatible with and embedded within polymeric structures. In this paper, we describe the development and evaluation of two important sensing modalities for embedding in polymeric mechatronic and robotic mechanisms: multi-axis flexure joint angle sensing utilizing IR phototransistors, and a small (12 mm), three-axis force sensing via embedded silicon strain gages with similar performance characteristics as an equally sized metal element based sensor.
A Tensor-Based Subspace Approach for Bistatic MIMO Radar in Spatial Colored Noise
Authors: Wang Xianpeng , Wang Wei , Li Xin , Wang Junxiang
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a new tensor-based subspace approach is proposed to estimate the direction of departure (DOD) and the direction of arrival (DOA) for bistatic multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar in the presence of spatial colored noise. Firstly, the received signals can be packed into a third-order measurement tensor by exploiting the inherent structure of the matched filter. Then, the measurement tensor can be divided into two sub-tensors, and a cross-covariance tensor is formulated to eliminate the spatial colored noise. Finally, the signal subspace is constructed by utilizing the higher-order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) of the cross-covariance tensor, and the DOD and DOA can be obtained through the estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance technique (ESPRIT) algorithm, which are paired automatically. Since the multidimensional inherent structure and the cross-covariance tensor technique are used, the proposed method provides better angle estimation performance than Chen’s method, the ESPRIT algorithm and the multi-SVD method. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness and the advantage of the proposed method.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Symmetry in 2013
Authors: Symmetry Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Symmetry would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Using Symmetries (Beyond Geometric Symmetries) in Chemical Computations: Computing Parameters of Multiple Binding Sites
Authors: Ortiz Andres , Kreinovich Vladik
Published: February 2014

We show how transformation group ideas can be naturally used to generate efficient algorithms for scientific computations. The general approach is illustrated on the example of determining, from the experimental data, the dissociation constants related to multiple binding sites. We also explain how the general transformation group approach is related to the standard (backpropagation) neural networks; this relation justifies the potential universal applicability of the group-related approach.
La piraterie maritime : quels enjeux pour le golfe de Guinée ?
Authors: Dussey Robert
Published: February 2014

La piraterie et l’insécurité maritime constituent des menaces persistantes à la stabilité et à l’exercice des activités marines des États riverains des côtes en général et ceux du Golfe de Guinée en particulier. Comment expliquer la recrudescence de ce phénomène depuis quelques années ? Au regard de son ampleur, aucun pays de la région ne peut à lui seul résoudre le problème de l’insécurité maritime. Quelles approches de solutions préconisent les différents acteurs internationaux, régionaux et nationaux, face à ce fléau ?
Classes sociales, pauvreté et inégalités dans les années de l'alternance présidentielle
Authors: Solís Patricio , Benza Gabriela
Published: February 2014

Malgré l’institutionnalisation croissante des politiques sociales sous la présidence du PAN (2000-2012), la pauvreté a conservé ses niveaux antérieurs et les inégalités de revenus ne se sont réduites que marginalement. Comprendre ces contradictions revient à identifier les composantes structurelles de la pauvreté et des inégalités qui n’ont pu être modifiées pendant cette période. Nous analyserons plus particulièrement l’une de ces composantes, la structure de classes, au sens d’un ensemble de positions hiérarchiques occupées au sein du marché du travail. Or cette structure est restée inchangée tout au long de l’alternance, démontrant qu’il existait des freins puissants à la mobilité ascendante. En même temps, si les inégalités se sont effectivement réduites entre 2000 et 2006, débouchant sur une légère amélioration du niveau de vie des classes laborieuses et rurales, la chute des inégalités qui suivit, entre 2006 et 2012, a été contrebalancée par un appauvrissement des classes moyennes et un manque de perspectives d’amélioration pour les classes laborieuses et rurales. Pour autant on ne saurait interpréter ces phénomènes comme un signe de progrès social.
Les politiques publiques en faveur des citoyens à l'étranger : la gestion de la souffrance des migrants mexicains
Authors: Lestage Françoise
Published: February 2014

Au Mexique, depuis la fin des années 1990, les gouvernements de l’État fédéral et des États régionaux mexicains ont mis en place des politiques publiques pour aider financièrement et administrativement les migrants mexicains aux États-Unis et leurs familles dans les démarches d’une vie quotidienne transnationale. Cet article postule qu’une partie importante de ces aides constitue un système structuré d’assistance que l’auteur qualifie de « gestion publique de la souffrance en migration ». Ce système d’aide a des fonctions spécifiques, notamment celle de maintenir les migrants dans le corps politique de leur pays d’origine. Il a aussi des effets sur la conception de la nation et du citoyen au Mexique, en particulier parce qu’il fait des migrants résidant hors du pays des bénéficiaires de politiques publiques spécifiques.
Bilan et perspectives de la politique chinoise de la France
Authors: Heng-Lim Yves
Published: February 2014

Face à une Chine dont la puissance et le statut ont considérablement évolué au cours des deux dernières décennies, la politique chinoise de la France se distingue par une remarquable stabilité. Les principes directeurs de la position française peuvent ainsi être regroupés selon trois axes – économique, idéationnel et politico-stratégique –, définis lors de la signature du partenariat global en 1997. Mesurée selon ces trois axes, la politique chinoise de la France apparaît cependant profondément sous-optimale, la distribution des fruits de la coopération étant clairement asymétrique. Une réorientation de politique française est donc nécessaire autour d’une realpolitik comprise comme restauration d’un rapport de force faisant plein usage des leviers à la disposition de la France.
Le désamour franco-allemand et l'Europe de la défense
Authors: Hertling Caroline
Published: February 2014

Un demi-siècle après la signature du traité de l’Élysée, le couple franco-allemand ne joue plus son rôle de moteur dans le domaine de la défense. Malgré l’affichage politique consistant à lancer des initiatives communes, les différences de politique industrielle, de culture stratégique et d’ambition internationale freinent le développement d’une défense européenne ambitieuse et efficace. Les querelles franco-allemandes ont un coût pour l’Europe de la défense, qui pourrait se voir fortement affaiblie en l’absence d’impulsion nouvelle et de leadership.
Sustainability-related innovation adoption: the case of the Dutch pig farmer
Authors: Kemp R.G.M. , Nijhoff-Savvaki R. , Ruitenburg R. , Trienekens J.H. , Omta S.W.F.
Published: February 2014

This paper explores the process of adoption of innovations in pig husbandry systems in the Netherlands, related to sustainability challenges that the pig sector is facing. It investigates the factors that influence farmers’ decisions to build a new stable, as well as the choice to build either a conventional or a more sustainable stable. It demonstrates the impact of the adopter characteristics (such as age and knowledge), operation characteristics (such as type, size and location of the farm) and institutional setting (such as influence of government and other stakeholders) on these decisions. Jointly these represent the factors that shape the farmer's perception of the adoption of a more sustainable pig husbandry system. In the current policy context there is much interest in knowing how farmers respond to sustainability-oriented policies. Seen in this light it is reassuring that the present study shows that next to profit orientation, a positive attitude (based on knowledge about the environmental impact of farming) towards the environment is needed for the decision to build a more sustainable stable.
Closer to You
Authors: Börner Dirk , Kalz Marco , Specht Marcus
Published: February 2014

This paper presents results from a recent literature review on ambient displays. While the main background of the authors is education and technology-enhanced learning, the review starts more generic with a broader view on ambient displays and their interactional, instructional, and informational characteristics. Beside depicting characteristics and classifying prototypical designs, the review also sheds light on the actual use of the covered ambient displays, their application context and addressed domains as well as the type of studies conducted, including the used methodologies and evaluation approaches to measure their effectiveness and impact. The review concludes with a discussion of the presented results emphasising the derived implications for the user when interacting with ambient displays.
Establishing a Just-in-Time and Ubiquitous Output System
Authors: Chen Toly , Huang Michelle
Published: February 2014

Just-in-time (JIT) is an important topic of lean manufacturing and services, focusing on the reduction of the waiting time. In this study, a JIT ubiquitous output system is established based on the application of a hand-held intelligent device. The system can be regarded as a location aware service (LAS). The JIT ubiquitous output system starts from the detection of the user’s location and speed using the global positioning system (GPS) on the hand-held intelligent device. The detection results and the document to be printed are sent to the server with a reasoning module that searches for the nearby service locations to determine the output location, so that the document can be printed out just before the user reaches the output location, i.e. just in time. To this end, the fuzzy Dijkstra’s algorithm is proposed.
Securing Ambient Agents Groups by Using Verification, Judgment and Surveillance
Authors: Bouchemal Nardjes , Maamri Ramdane , Chihoub Mohammed
Published: February 2014

Ubiquitous computing and ambient intelligence (or AmI) models raise the need for secured systems, due to increased heterogeneity, intelligence and dynamism. Information in such environments is managed by systems formed mostly of devices with limited capabilities. Indeed, AmI characteristics, difficult to handle by traditional computing concepts, are making the agent paradigm to gain impetus and increasing the interest of researchers and industry in this concept. However, the inherent complexity of information security is bigger in agent-based AmI systems built by gathering distributed information and services that are not under the control of a single entity, and introduce new security and privacy concerns. In fact, securing these systems requires protecting any element from every other. This paper proposes a mechanism for enhancing security and privacy while using agents in AmI environments, based on three main building blocks: verification, judgment and surveillance. Furthermore, the key idea is based on cooperation and collective decision.