bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affective Communication between ECAs and Users in Collaborative Virtual Environments: The REVERIE European Parliament Use Case
Authors: Doumanis Ioannis , Economou Daphne
Published: February 2019

This paper discusses the enactment and evaluation of Embodied Conversational Agents (ECA) capable of affective communication in Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVE) for learning. The CVE discussed is a reconstruction of the European Parliament in Brussels developed using the REVERIE (Real and Virtual Engagement In Realistic Immersive Environment) framework. REVERIE is a framework designed to support the creation of CVEs populated by ECAs capable of natural human-like behaviour, physical interaction and engagement. The ECA provides a tour of the virtual parliament and participates in the learning activity as an intervention mechanism to engage students. The ECA is capable of immediacy behaviour (verbal and non-verbal) and interactions to support a dialogic learning scenario. The design of the ECA is grounded on a theoretical framework that addresses the required characteristics of the ECA to successfully support collaborative learning. In this paper, we discuss the Heuristic Evaluation of the REVERIE ECA which revealed a wealth of usability problems that led to the development of a list of design recommendations to improve their usability, including its immediacy behaviours and interactions. An ECA capable of effectively creating rapport should result in more positive experiences for participants and better learning results for students in dialogic learning scenarios. Future work aims to evaluate this hypothesis in real-world scenarios with teachers and students participating in a shared virtual educational experience.
Correlation and Similarity between Cerebral and Non-Cerebral Electrical Activity for User’s States Assessment
Authors: Borghini Gianluca , Aricò Pietro , Di Flumeri Gianluca , Sciaraffa Nicolina , Babiloni Fabio
Published: February 2019

Human tissues own conductive properties, and the electrical activity produced by human organs can propagate throughout the body due to neuro transmitters and electrolytes. Therefore, it might be reasonable to hypothesize correlations and similarities between electrical activities among different parts of the body. Since no works have been found in this direction, the proposed study aimed at overcoming this lack of evidence and seeking analogies between the brain activity and the electrical activity of non-cerebral locations, such as the neck and wrists, to determine if i) cerebral parameters can be estimated from non-cerebral sites, and if ii) non-cerebral sensors can replace cerebral sensors for the evaluation of the users under specific experimental conditions, such as eyes open or closed. In fact, the use of cerebral sensors requires high-qualified personnel, and reliable recording systems, which are still expensive. Therefore, the possibility to use cheaper and easy-to-use equipment to estimate cerebral parameters will allow making some brain-based applications less invasive and expensive, and easier to employ. The results demonstrated the occurrence of significant correlations and analogies between cerebral and non-cerebral electrical activity. Furthermore, the same discrimination and classification accuracy were found in using the cerebral or non-cerebral sites for the user’s status assessment.
Technological Ecosystems in Care and Assistance: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Marcos-Pablos Samuel , García-Peñalvo Francisco José
Published: February 2019

Applying the concepts of technological ecosystems to the care and assistance domain is an emerging field that has gained interest during the last years, as they allow to describe the complex relationships between actors in a technologically boosted care domain. In that context, this paper presents a systematic review and mapping of the literature to identify, analyse and classify the published research carried out to provide care and assistance services under a technological ecosystems’ perspective. Thirty-seven papers were identified in the literature as relevant and analysed in detail (between 2003–2018). The main findings show that it is indeed an emerging field, as few of the found ecosystem proposals have been developed in the real world nor have they been tested with real users. In addition, a lot of research to date reports the proposal of platform-centric architectures developed over existing platforms not specifically developed for care and services provision. Employed sensor technologies for providing services have very diverse natures depending on the intended services to be provided. However, many of these technologies do not take into account medical standards. The degree of the ecosystems’ openness to adding new devices greatly depends on the approach followed, such as the type of middleware considered. Thus, there is still much work to be done in order to equate other more established ecosystems such as business or software ecosystems.
A Review of NDT/Structural Health Monitoring Techniques for Hot Gas Components in Gas Turbines
Authors: Mevissen Frank , Meo Michele
Published: February 2019

The need for non-destructive testing/structural health monitoring (SHM) is becoming increasingly important for gas turbine manufacturers. Incipient cracks have to be detected before catastrophic events occur. With respect to condition-based maintenance, the complex and expensive parts should be used as long as their performance or integrity is not compromised. In this study, the main failure modes of turbines are reported. In particular, we focus on the turbine blades, turbine vanes and the transition ducts of the combustion chambers. The existing monitoring techniques for these components, with their own particular advantages and disadvantages, are summarised in this review. In addition to the vibrational approach, tip timing technology is the most used technique for blade monitoring. Several sensor types are appropriate for the extreme conditions in a gas turbine, but besides tip timing, other technologies are also very promising for future NDT/SHM applications. For static parts, like turbine vanes and the transition ducts of the combustion chambers, different monitoring possibilities are identified and discussed.
Fast Radio Map Construction by using Adaptive Path Loss Model Interpolation in Large-Scale Building
Authors: Bi Jingxue , Wang Yunjia , Li Zengke , Xu Shenglei , Zhou Jiapeng , Sun Meng , Si Minghao
Published: February 2019

The radio map construction is usually time-consuming and labor-sensitive in indoor fingerprinting localization. We propose a fast construction method by using an adaptive path loss model interpolation. Received signal strength (RSS) fingerprints are collected at sparse reference points by using multiple smartphones based on crowdsourcing. Then, the path loss model of an access point (AP) can be built with several reference points by the least squares method in a small area. Afterwards, the RSS value can be calculated based on the constructed model and corresponding AP’s location. In the small area, all models of detectable APs can be built. The corresponding RSS values can be estimated at each interpolated point for forming the interpolated fingerprints considering RSS loss, RSS noise and RSS threshold. Through combining all interpolated and sparse reference fingerprints, the radio map of the whole area can be obtained. Experiments are conducted in corridors with a length of 211 m. To evaluate the performance of RSS estimation and positioning accuracy, inverse distance weighted and Kriging interpolation methods are introduced for comparing with the proposed method. Experimental results show that our proposed method can achieve the same positioning accuracy as complete manual radio map even with the interval of 9.6 m, reducing 85% efforts and time of construction.
An Interdigital Capacitor for Microwave Heating at 25 GHz and Wideband Dielectric Sensing of nL Volumes in Continuous Microfluidics
Authors: Markovic Tomislav , Bao Juncheng , Maenhout Gertjan , Ocket Ilja , Nauwelaers Bart
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes a miniature microwave-microfluidic chip based on continuous microfluidics and a miniature interdigital capacitor (IDC). The novel chip consists of three individually accessible heaters, three platinum temperature sensors and two liquid cooling and mixing zones. The IDC is designed to achieve localized, fast and uniform heating of nanoliter volumes flowing through the microfluidic channel. The heating performance of the IDC located on the novel chip was evaluated using a fluorescent dye (Rhodamine B) diluted in demineralized water on a novel microwave-optical-fluidic (MOF) measurement setup. The MOF setup allows simultaneous microwave excitation of the IDC by means of a custom-made printed circuit board (connected to microwave equipment) placed in a top stage of a microscope, manipulation of liquid flowing through the channel located over the IDC with a pump and optical inspection of the same liquid flowing over the IDC using a fast camera, a light source and the microscope. The designed IDC brings a liquid volume of around 1.2 nL from room temperature to 100 °C in 21 ms with 1.58 W at 25 GHz. Next to the heating capability, the designed IDC can dielectrically sense the flowing liquid. Liquid sensing was evaluated on different concentration of water-isopropanol mixtures, and a reflection coefficient magnitude change of 6 dB was recorded around 8.1 GHz, while the minimum of the reflection coefficient magnitude shifted in the same frequency range for 60 MHz.
Improved Convolutional Pose Machines for Human Pose Estimation Using Image Sensor Data
Authors: Qiang Baohua , Zhang Shihao , Zhan Yongsong , Xie Wu , Zhao Tian
Published: February 2019

In recent years, increasing human data comes from image sensors. In this paper, a novel approach combining convolutional pose machines (CPMs) with GoogLeNet is proposed for human pose estimation using image sensor data. The first stage of the CPMs directly generates a response map of each human skeleton’s key points from images, in which we introduce some layers from the GoogLeNet. On the one hand, the improved model uses deeper network layers and more complex network structures to enhance the ability of low level feature extraction. On the other hand, the improved model applies a fine-tuning strategy, which benefits the estimation accuracy. Moreover, we introduce the inception structure to greatly reduce parameters of the model, which reduces the convergence time significantly. Extensive experiments on several datasets show that the improved model outperforms most mainstream models in accuracy and training time. The prediction efficiency of the improved model is improved by 1.023 times compared with the CPMs. At the same time, the training time of the improved model is reduced 3.414 times. This paper presents a new idea for future research.
Acute Effect of Kettlebell Swings on Sprint Performance
Authors: Kartages Kishen , Wilson Guy C. , Fornusek Che , Halaki Mark , Hackett Daniel A.
Published: February 2019

Previous research has shown that kettlebell swings (KBS), utilizing the hip-hinge technique, exhibit similar lower-limb muscle activation patterns to sprint running. This study investigated whether the inclusion of KBS in the warm-up enhances sprint performance. Moderately trained males (n = 12) and females (n = 8) performed KBS and a control (CON) condition (passive rest) in random order before performing three 20-m sprint trials separated by 4 min. No condition (KBS versus CON) effects, time effects or condition by time interactions were found for sprint times at 5-m and 10-m. A significant time effect was found for sprint time at 20-m with faster sprint time at 12 min compared to 4 min (p = 0.022). No condition effect or condition by time interaction was found for sprint time at 20-m. Small to moderate correlations were found for change in sprint time (CON minus KBS) and KBS load at 4, 8, and 12 min. It appears the KBS is not effective for potentiating 20-m sprint performance; however, any potential benefit from the inclusion of KBS as a preconditioning exercise for sprinting may be influenced by individual strength capabilities with KBS.
Potential Intermediate Hosts for Coronavirus Transmission: No Evidence of Clade 2c Coronaviruses in Domestic Livestock from Ghana
Authors: El-Duah Philip , Sylverken Augustina , Owusu Michael , Yeboah Richmond , Lamptey Jones , Oppong Frimpong Yaw , Burimuah Vitus , Antwi Christopher , Folitse Raphael , Agbenyega Olivia , Oppong Samuel , Adu-Sarkodie Yaw
Published: February 2019

The emergence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), nearly a decade ago with worldwide distribution, was believed to be of zoonotic origin from bats with dromedary camels as intermediate hosts. There is a likelihood of other domestic livestock serving as intermediate hosts for this virus. The presence of coronaviruses, closely related to MERS-CoV in Ghanaian bats, presented the opportunity to test the hypothesis of transmissibility of this virus through domestic livestock species. The possible interactions between livestock and bats in 31 household farms were accessed by observation and interviews with farmers. Rectal swabs and serum from cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, and swine from commercial and household farms were tested for MERS-CoV and a Nycteris sp. bat coronavirus, previously detected in Ghana. A pan-PCR assay to detect clade 2c viruses and recombinant immunofluorescence assay to detect anti-spike IgG antibodies against the target viruses were used. Likely contact between livestock and bats was determined for 13 farms (41.9%) that reported confining their livestock and also observing bats in their homes. Livestock were left unconfined on eight farms (25.8%) that also observed bats roosting in trees close to their homes. No viral RNA or antibodies against the two coronaviruses were detected in any of the livestock species tested. Cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys, and swine are not likely hosts of clade 2c coronaviruses.
Management of depression and referral of older people to psychological therapies: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Frost Rachael , Beattie Angela , Bhanu Cini , Walters Kate , Ben-Shlomo Yoav
Published: February 2019

Background

Depressive symptoms are common in later life and increase both the risk of functional and cognitive decline and the use of healthcare services. Despite older people expressing preferences for talking therapies, they are less likely to be referred than younger adults, particularly when aged ≥80 years.

Aim

To explore how healthcare professionals (HCPs) manage older people in relation to depression and referrals to psychological therapies.

Design and setting

Systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Method

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Social Sciences Citation Index (inception–March 2018) were searched for studies exploring HCPs’ views regarding management of late-life depression across all settings. Studies of older people’s views or depression management across all ages were excluded.

Results

In total, 27 studies, were included; these predominantly focused on the views of GPs and primary and community care nurses. Many HCPs felt that late-life depression was mainly attributable to social isolation and functional decline, but treatments appropriate for this were limited. Clinicians perceived depression to have associated stigma for older adults, which required time to negotiate. Limited time in consultations and the complexity of needs in later life meant physical health was often prioritised over mental health, particularly in people with frailty. Good management of late-life depression appeared to depend more on the skills and interest of individual GPs and nurses than on any structured approach.

Conclusion

Mental ill health needs to be a more-prominent concern in the care of older adults, with greater provision of psychological services tailored to later life. This may facilitate future identification and management of depression.
Hypertension as a Predictor of Advanced Colorectal Cancer Outcome and Cetuximab Treatment Response
Authors: Sud S. , O’Callaghan C. , Jonker C. , Karapetis C. , Price T. , Tebbutt N. , Shapiro J. , Van Hazel G. , Pavlakis N. , Gibbs P. , Jeffrey M. , Siu L. , Gill S. , Wong R. , Jonker D. , Tu D. , Goodwin R.
Published: February 2019

Background Adrenergic receptor stimulation is involved in the development of hypertension (htn) and has been implicated in cancer progression and dissemination of metastases in various tumours, including colon cancer. Adrenergic antagonists such as beta-blockers (bbs) demonstrate inhibition of invasion and migration in colon cancer cell lines and have been associated with decreased mortality in colorectal cancer (crc). We examined the association of baseline htn and bb use with overall (os) and progression-free survival (pfs) in patients with pretreated, chemotherapy refractory, metastatic crc (mcrc). We also examined baseline htn as a predictor of cetuximab efficacy. Methods Using data from the Canadian Cancer Trials Group co.17 study [cetuximab vs. best supportive care (bsc)], we coded baseline htn and use of anti-htn medications, including bbs, for 572 patients. The chi-square test was used to assess the associations between those variables and baseline characteristics. Cox regression models were used for univariate and multivariate analyses of os and pfs by htn diagnosis and bb use. Results Baseline htn, bb use, and anti-htn medication use were not found to be prognostic for improved os. Baseline htn and bb use were not significant predictors of cetuximab benefit. Conclusions In chemorefractory mcrc, neither baseline htn nor bb use is a significant prognostic factor. Baseline htn and bb use are not predictive of cetuximab benefit. Further investigation to determine whether baseline htn or bb use have a similarly insignificant impact on prognosis in patients receiving earlier lines of treatment remains warranted.
Building an Oncology Community of Practice to Improve Cancer Care
Authors: Fingrut W. , Beck L. A. , Lo D.
Published: February 2019

Background Communities of practice (cops) have been shown to be effective models for achieving quality outcomes in health care. Objective Here, we describe the application of the cop model to the Canadian oncology context. Methods We established an oncology cop at our urban community hospital and its networks. Goals were to decrease barriers to access, foster collaboration, and improve knowledge of guidelines in cancer care. We hosted 6 in-person multidisciplinary meetings, focusing on screening, diagnosis, and management of common solid tumours. Health care providers affiliated with our hospital were invited to attend and to complete post-meeting surveys. Likert scales assessed whether cop goals were realized. Results Meetings attracted a mean of 57 attendees (range: 48–65 attendees), with a mean of 84% completing the surveys and consenting to the analysis. Attendees included family physicians (mean: 41%), specialist physicians (mean: 24%), nurses (mean: 10%), and allied health care providers (mean: 22%). Repeat attendance increased during the series, with 85% of attendees at the final meeting having attended 1 or more prior meetings. Across the series, most participants agreed or strongly agreed that the cop reduced barriers (mean: 76.0% ± 7.9%) and improved access to cancer care services (mean: 82.4% ± 8.1%) and subject matter experts (mean: 91.7% ± 4.2%); fostered teamwork (mean: 84.5% ± 6.8%) and a culture of collaboration (mean: 94.8% ± 4.2%); improved knowledge of cancer care services (mean: 93.3% ± 4.8%), standards of practice (mean: 92.3% ± 3.1%), and quality indicators (mean: 77.5% ± 6.3%); and improved cancer-related practice (mean: 88.8% ± 4.6%) and satisfaction in caring for cancer patients (mean: 82.9% ± 6.8%). Participant feedback carried a potential for bias. Conclusions We demonstrated the feasibility of oncology cops and found that participants perceived their value in reducing barriers to access, fostering collaboration, and improving knowledge of guidelines in cancer care.
Impact of High-Fidelity E-Learning on Knowledge Acquisition and Satisfaction in Radiation Oncology Trainees
Authors: Gillan C. , Papadakos J. , Brual J. , Harnett N. , Hogan A. , Milne E. , Giuliani M. E.
Published: February 2019

Background e-Learning is an underutilized tool in education for the health professions, and radiation medicine, given its reliance on technology for clinical practice, is well-suited to training simulation in online environments. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge impact and user interface satisfaction of high- (hf) compared with low-fidelity (lf) e-learning modules (e-modules) in radiation oncology training. Methods Two versions of an e-module on lung radiotherapy (lf and hf) were developed. Radiation oncology residents and fellows were invited to be randomized to complete either the lf or the hf module through individual online accounts over a 2-week period. A 25-item multiple-choice knowledge assessment was administered before and after module completion, and user interface satisfaction was measured using the Questionnaire for User Interaction Satisfaction (quis) tool. Results Of 18 trainees, 8 were randomized to the lf module, and 10, to the hf module. Overall, knowledge assessment performance increased (11%, p < 0.05), with hf-group participants reporting a 13% improvement (p = 0.02), and senior participants reporting an almost 15% improvement (p < 0.01). Scores on the quis indicated that participants were satisfied with various aspects of the user interface. Conclusions The hf e-module had a greater impact on knowledge acquisition, and users expressed satisfaction with the interface in both the hf and lf situations. The use of e-learning in a competency-based curriculum could have educational advantages; participants expressed benefits and drawbacks. Preferences for e-learning integration in education for the health professions should be explored further.
Adjuvant Treatment in Older Patients with Rectal Cancer: A Population-Based Review
Authors: Liu S. L. , O’Brien P. , Zhao Y. , Hopman W. M. , Lamond N. , Ramjeesingh R.
Published: February 2019

Background Little is known about the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy (adj) in the older population with locally advanced rectal cancer (larc). We evaluated use of adj, survival outcomes, and adj-related toxicity in older patients with larc. Methods Our retrospective review included 286 patients with larc (stages ii and iii) diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2013 in Nova Scotia who underwent curative-intent surgery. Baseline patient, tumour, and treatment characteristics were collected. The survival analysis used the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression statistics. Results Of 286 identified patients, 152 were 65 years of age or older, and 92 were 70 years of age or older. Median follow-up was 46 months, and 163 patients (57%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Although adj was given to 81% of patients (n = 109) less than 65 years of age, only 29% patients (n = 27) 70 years of age and older received adj. Kaplan–Meier analysis suggested a potential survival advantage for adj regardless of age. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, T stage, and adj were significant predictors of overall survival (p < 0.04); age was not. Similarly, N stage, neoadjuvant chemoradiation, and adj were significant predictors of disease-free survival (p < 0.01). Poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was the most common cause of adj omission. In patients 70 years of age and older, grade 1 or greater chemotherapy-related toxicities were experienced significantly more often by those treated with adj (85% vs. 68% for those not treated with adj, p < 0.05). Conclusions Regardless of age, patients with larc seem to experience a survival benefit with adj. However, older patients are less likely to receive adj, and when they do, they experience more chemotherapy-related toxicities.
The Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic: A Biopsychosocial Clinic for Sexual Dysfunction after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Matthew A. , Lutzky-Cohen N. , Jamnicky L. , Currie K. , Gentile A. , Mina D. Santa , Fleshner N. , Finelli A. , Hamilton R. , Kulkarni G. , Jewett M. , Zlotta A. , Trachtenberg J. , Yang Z. , Elterman D.
Published: February 2019

Purpose The most prevalent intervention for localized prostate cancer (pca) is radical prostatectomy (rp), which has a 10-year relative survival rate of more than 90%. The improved survival rate has led to a focus on reducing the burden of treatment-related morbidity and improving the patient and partner survivorship experience. Post-rp sexual dysfunction (sdf) has received significant attention, given its substantial effect on patient and partner health-related quality of life. Accordingly, there is a need for sdf treatment to be a fundamental component of pca survivorship programming. Methods Most research about the treatment of post-rp sdf involves biomedical interventions for erectile dysfunction (ed). Although findings support the effectiveness of pro-erectile agents and devices, most patients discontinue use of such aids within 1 year after their rp. Because side effects of pro-erectile treatment have proved to be inadequate in explaining the gap between efficacy and ongoing use, current research focuses on a biopsychosocial perspective of ed. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of literature describing the components of a biopsychosocial program designed for the post-rp population and their partners. Results In this paper, we detail the development of the Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic (pcrc), which emphasizes multidisciplinary intervention teams, active participation by the partner, and a broad-spectrum medical, psychological, and interpersonal approach. Conclusions The goal of the pcrc is to help patients and their partners achieve optimal sexual health and couple intimacy after rp, and to help design cost-effective and beneficial rehabilitation programs.
Conflict of Interest: “Be Rigorous in Judging Ourselves and Gracious in Judging Others”
Authors: Basulaiman B. , Awan A. , Hilton J.F. , Clemons M.
Published: February 2019

The recent New York Times article with the banner headline Top Cancer Researcher Fails to Disclose Corporate Financial Ties in Major Research Journals and the subsequent discussion about Dr. Jose Baselga [...]
SOME METHODS OF IMPROVING FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION IN SHORT HAULS
Authors: Bagdonienė Danutė
Published: February 2019

The results obtained in the investigation aimed to improve the transportation of commercial freight for short hauls in the city are presented. The performed tasks included the statistical analysis of freight flows; the forecast of the freight flows; a synthesis of a topological stmcture of the urban system of freight transportation and the description of the optimal structure of the truck stock. The conclusions have also been drawn and some recommendations provided.
INVESTIGATION OF INFORMATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES IN FREIGHT FORWARDING
Authors: Batarlienė Nijolė
Published: February 2019

This article examines types of informational technologies application problems, shows their scheme, observes basic data structures of technological problems, principles and methods of modeling these structures. It is noted that the solution of transport technology problems is based on the improvement of technological supply, the rational usage of informational modeling methodology of the whole transportation process. There are informational search and presentation computerized technologies when indexation and coding system are used to create them. As an example, dangerous freight forwarding resolution codification is shown, which is used for searching the most important resolutions and for their presentation to all the dangerous freight-forwarding participants. The present informational search and presentation programs that improve the possibilities of the presented search are observed as well.
THE MODELLING OF FACTORS DETERMINING THE GOODS AND TRAFFIC FLOWS MOVEMENT IN A LOGISTICAL SYSTEM
Authors: Jaržemskis Andrius
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this atticle is to model the factors determining the goods traffic along the logistical channels located in various geopolitical regions on the basis of the transport network. The attention is focused on theoretical presumption of logistical channels formation in a logistical system. In this modeling the factors which determine the formation of the goods flow along the subsystems of the entire logistical system from the geopolitical point of view are defined. In this model the competitiveness of a logistical channel is determined by its technological, economical, legal characteristics as well as the length of the entire channel. The states, having the model provided, can evaluate the characteristics of the elements of the logistical channel and seek for the optimum ways to improve them. While planning the allocation of investments to improve the characteristics of separate elements of a logistical channel, it is a matter of utmost impmtance to consider the characteristics and their prospects of the entire logistical channel, a part of which stretches along the other states. It is very important for the Baltic States which are situated at the intersection of transit goods flows and logistical channels.
THERMAL CONDITIONS OF ROAD PAVEMENTS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON MOTOR TRAFFIC
Authors: Laurinavičius Alfredas , Ďygas Donatas
Published: February 2019

The article presents the analysis of climatic conditions in the Republic of Lithuania and describes their influence on road asphalt concrete pavement. Dependence of the main properties of asphalt concrete mixtures on tempera~re is described with the help of carried out experiments. Research findings show that the probability of plastic defomations (rutting and corrugation) in asphalt concrete pavement is higher when the pavement temperature IS 20-40 C. Ptactical application of the presented conclusions and recommendations will enable to reduce the occurrence of undesirable deformations in asphalt concrete pavements and to improve traffic conditions on the roads.
THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ENGLISH AND LITHUANIAN TERMS OF TRANSPORT ENGINEERING
Authors: Marina Valerija
Published: February 2019

The article presents the analysis of transport terms contained in the English — Lithuanian Dictionary of Automobile Transport and special texts. English terms are compared with their Lithuanian equivalents from the perspective of the theory of language relativity to identify universal and different patterns of expressing the same reality. All terms are classified into various groups according to this principle. It is also shown that an object expressed in Lithuanian by a single word may be denoted by multiple English words. Problems arising due to different approaches of speakers of different languages to objects of reality in giving names and classifying them are identified and some recommendations for their solution are given.
TRAFFIC SAFETY STRATEGIES
Authors: Sadauskas Vigilijus , Sadauskas Vigilijus
Published: February 2019

Fast development of the number of vehicles is closely related not only to large benefit for the public but also to certain undesirable social and economic consequences. Firstly — large numbers of injured and killed people are involved into the accidents.

The target to improve traffic safety situation in Lithuania can be reached only after the detailed evaluation of transport system, environment, traffic participants, road and vehicle.

Taking into consideration the accident situation in Lithuania and its causes the followings priority trends are suggested: The improvement of the coordination of road traffic safety system, the training and education of road users, the explanation of the importance of traffic safety and its propagation, the improvement of traffic conditions. Recommendations and proposals for differentiated criterion of maximum speed limit selection taking into account different factors are provided in the work.
THE RESEARCH IN TO PASSENGERS' TRANSPORTATION BY LAND TRANSPORT AND THE FORMATION OF FORMALIZED MODELS
Authors: Butkevičius Jonas , Žvirblis Algis
Published: February 2019

The analysis of the Lithuanian passengers' Transportation market has been carried out as well as the analysis of passengers'Transportation by land transport, on the basis of which the most important problems causing areas of local, intercity as well as international Transportation have been identified.

Systematically evaluating passengers' Transportation market on the city's scale as well as the complex character of passengers' Transportation by urban public transport, formalized models enabling us to solve the entire complex of tasks related to the problems of passengers' Transportation have been worked out. Identifying a necessary summative effect in terms of social and economic factors a model for railway transport market which would correspond to that market specificity has been formed.

These models can be employed to carry out the calculations needed to determine internal and international routes.
IMPROVEMENT OF TECHNICAL PARAMETERS OF FIRE VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
Authors: Suslavičius Vladimiras , Bogdevičius Marijonas
Published: February 2019

The improvement of the technical parameters of the fire vehicle implemented in a few groups is presented. Each parameter of these groups has a respective impact on the following features of the fire vehicle. The deficiencies of the main fire vehicles under operation, the improvement of the fire vehicles vacuum systems and extinguishing systems are presented.
THE APPLICATION OF A FUZZY ALGORITHM FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE SHORTEST CHAIN TO CORRECT DISORGANIZED TRAIN TRAFFIC
Authors: Stadalius Robertas , Bagdonas Vaclovas
Published: February 2019

The problem of the correction of the disorganized train traffic schedule is analyzed (aiming to minimize general costs related to the expenditure of energy and time wasted by people and equipment). Disorganized a train traffic is named an event when you should insert one more train route in the already created train traffic schedule. This problem can be solved applying the algorithms for the search of the shortest chain The fuzzy algorithm for the determination of the shortest chain, the key operators and their specific features are also analyzed.
THE SOLUTION OF CUSTOMS POSTS MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AT RAILWAY BORDER STATIONS
Authors: Jarašūnienė Aldona
Published: February 2019

The Identification and solution of transportation problems related to customs posts at railway border stations enable successful functioning of international freight transport, thus guaranteeing its reliability, punctuality and high quality. Perfection of the complex work is necessary in order to meet the requirements as well as to preserve goods during their transportation process. For the solution of the problems at the stations it is important to analyse fundamental principles, to assess an environmental impact, to formulate and evaluate the issues of wagon management by means of complicated technical systems, and to optimise the process of problems on the basis of research methods.
RESEARCH INTO RAIL SIDE WEARING ON CURVES
Authors: Povilaitienė Inesa , Podagėlis Igoris
Published: February 2019

Factors influencing rail side wearing in the curves are described in the article. All of them are divided into uncontrolled, partially controlled and controlled. An experiment was carried out on Lithuanian railway line curves. The experiment proceeding conditions and the obtained results are presented. The object of the experimental research is 19 curves. The investigations of dynamic changes in rail wearing and in rail track geometrical parameters on curves were being carried out for one and a half year.

The experimental results, associated with the railway gauge influence on rail wearing on curves are analyzed more precisely. Measurement results are described using mathematical dependences. According to the dependences it is possible to estimate the influence of gauge on rail side wearing on curves.
TECHNICAL AND ECONOMICAL PROBLEMS OF INTEGRATION OF IX B AND XI D INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY TRANSPORT CORRIDORS INTO EUROPEAN RAILWAY TRANSPORT NETWORK
Authors: Černiauskaitė Laura , Sakalauskas Kazys
Published: February 2019

Technical and economical problems of train speed increment up to 160 km/h in existing IX B and IX D international railway transport corridors are analysed. Train speed restriction reasons, values of restrictions and their locations are estimated according to technical parameter characteristics of existing railway line infrastructure and according to the requirements for high-speed trains. The concept railway lines technical shape includes: plan, longitudinal profile, road upper construction and subgrade, besides quantitative and qualitative indices of elements. The most important indicator of railway lines technical shape is the permissible speed of trains. The radius oflying curves is taken as the most important investigation object in the analysis of geometry of railway lines plan. Computer programme „Trauka“ („Traction“) is used for the solution of problems of train speed increase. The programme is intended to calculate train speed and train driving time by evaluating the technical level of existing railway lines infrastructure. Great attention is paid to a complex analysis of road plan, longitudinal profile and upper road structure elements when railway lines infrastructure reconstruction is carried out. The application of these methods in practice allows the exact estimation of train speed increment possibilities when speed restriction reasons are eliminated.
THE METHODOLOGY OF MODELLING TAXI RANK SERVICE
Authors: Butkevičius Jonas , Juozapavičius Algimantas
Published: February 2019

The operation of a taxi rank as a passengers' transportation service was not researched till now by means of scientific methods. Authors of this article are suggesting the methodology for the analysis and evaluation of a taxi rank as a passengers' transportation system, when passengers pick up a taxi at taxi ranks. According to the analysis of the collected data the assumption has been made that the number of passengers coming to a taxi rank, as well as the number of taxis arriving to take passengers at a rank are distributed by Poisson distribution law controlled by specific values of parameters. This observation enables us to consider a taxi rank as a queueing system, having behavior controlled by two parameters: the expected number of taxis arriving to the rank at a time period and the expected number of passengers picking up a taxi at a rank at the same period of time. Usually values of these parameters do not coincide what makes the modelling of a taxi rank a valuable queueing system.

Theoretical considerations as well as practical formulas of this at1icle lead us to the methodology of modelling the demand for taxis at a taxi rank.

The methodology suggested enables to estimate the efficiency of taxi rank functioning from different points of view. A taxi company may evaluate the costs related to the outage time of a taxi, as well as the amount of taxis in a rank satisfying the demand of passengers for transportation.
MODELLING RELATIONS BETWEEN TRANSPORTATION OBJECTS USING DISTRIBUTED ATTRIBUTE SETS
Authors: Griškevičius Rolandas
Published: February 2019

Relational sets with distributed attributes (RSDA), described in this paper, are used to model relationships between transportation objects. RSDA is a data storage and management model, extending traditional model of E. F. Codd. It has a richer attribute semantics and intersection effect. Because relationships between transportation objects have rich semantics (i.e. relationship between a cargo and a means of transport), special methodology is required to capture relation singularities.
THE INVESTIGATION AND PECULIARITIES OF CALCULATION OF TRANSPORT MACHINE ELEMENTS MADE OF AUSTEMPERED DUCTILE IRON
Authors: Leonavičius Mindaugas , Krenevičius Algimantas , Šukšta Marijonas , Posa Jukka
Published: February 2019

In this article the statical and cyclical strength investigations of austempered ductile cast iron (ADI) are presented. ADI material becomes more and more popular. Ductile iron is lighter than steel and its mechanical properties are better. ADI has good resistance to fatigue, high tensile strength, toughness and ductility. The fatigue crack initiation generally occurs in the graphite matrix. In the work the kinetic fatigue diagrams, longevity distributions laws and the mathematical model of crack growth ratio are described.

The blanks of material were cut from a tooth of gear. Structure of the material consists of bainite and spherical graphite. The mechanical properties of ADI were obtained with assessment of chemical composition. The detennined statical mechanical properties of two different ADI materials are presented. The compact specimen was produced in order to detennine a threshold stress intensity factor. According to the investigations the stress intensity factor (threshold) is ΔK th = 9,8 MPa√m for the ADI 6.2.02 and ΔK th = 8,6 MPa√m for the ADI 9.4.02. The carried out investigations are insufficient for the complete evaluation of austempered ductile iron for the production of transport equipment elements.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW CARRIAGE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE LITHUANIAN RAILWAY TRANSPORT AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROSPECTIVE MARKETS FOR RAILWAY AND ROAD TRANSPORT
Authors: Butkevičius Jonas
Published: February 2019

This article provides the analysis of the possibilities to instal new technologies in the Lithuanian railways the building of a high speed railway line I in Kreta corridor. It is advisable to project this line as a mixed one, i.e. intended for both passenger and goods traffic.

The research carried out by the author has shown that light transport dominates in passenger transportation among four cities of Lithuania Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda and Siauliai, which transports even 81,3% of direct passengers. Buses carry 14,9% and only 3,8 % of passengers are carried by railway transport. Therefore the main problem public transport is facing is to“get the passengers back” from light transport means, i.e. cars. The prospective railway and road transport markets in local, intercity and international passengers' transportations are also established in this work.
CONSISTENTS OF CAR'S PARKING IN LITHUANIAN TOWNS
Authors: Burinskienė Marija , Paliulis Gražvydas
Published: February 2019

Large towns of Lithuania should especially focus on the solution of the parked cars; and modem technologies should be employed for that. The research methods have been substantiated and the recommendations for the technical regulations of the short-term and long-term car parking near different objects of attraction have been worked out on the basis of selective natural research, which is significant when issuing technical specifications to investors on the way the surroundings of the objects being built should be arranged and on what rearrangement of the urban streets is necessary. With a high level of motorization, the organization of the car parking process is a complicated problem of urban planning. The accumulated experience and the carried out analysis show that car parking problems can be positively solved even with a high level of motorization by: making use of the urban area as reasonably as possible so that the spaces could take the greatest possible number of cars; limiting the duration of parking so that the greater number of cars could use the same parking space; promoting car sharing; differentiating the entrance possibilities for different vehicles with regard of time, space and fee size. Solutions related to the determination of the parking space should be achieved in the context of the strategy of total urban development, area and traffic planning, traffic safety improvement and preservation of unique environment.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN VILNIUS
Authors: Griškevičienė Daiva , Griškevičius Algirdas
Published: February 2019

To determine the demand for public transport on the market, a survey was conducted in 2001 — 2002 concerning the situation in the suburban zones of newly-built up districts where public transport is either inaccessible or poorly developed. The analysis was based on major social and economic factors determining the demand for transport. They are: demographic structure and development, restructuring of productive forces and space planning; employment and unemployment; income and poverty; social insurance, pensions and welfare; the household structure; income and expenditures; mobility of the inhabitants and motorization. The accessibility of transport services to passengers and the choice of transport facilities is closely related to their purchasing power.

The offer of public transport services is lower than the demand, especially in the suburbs. As a result, the competition of automobiles is very strong there: the preference given to a car is determined by inaccessibility of public transport on the route for 22 % of the inhabitants, while for 20 % the reason was long way to a bus stop or large intervals in the schedule of public transport facilities.

Based on the results obtained, the public transport system in Vilnius should be developed along three main lines: 1) raising the quality of public transport provided on fixed routes; 2) revising and updating the system of fares; 3) integrating the suburban public transport system into the central city transport system. These are the priority tasks associated with general goals of improving the system of public transport so that it could satisfy the needs of the passengers in the city.
ANALYSIS OF THE TRANSPORT FLOWS SERVICE TIME OF THE VEIDCLES AND THE ASSESSMENT OF THE IDETERMINANCY OF EXTERNAL IMPACT
Authors: Jarašūnienė Aldona
Published: February 2019

To increase the attraction of Lithuania as a transit country striving to promote carriers' border crossing activities and facilitate customs clearance procedures as well as freight delivery to clients it is necessary to identify the main obstacles, to analyse them and to select adequate measures and means for their elimination. Therefore, on the basis of the analysis of the transport flows service time, as well as basing on the assessment of indeterminacy of external impacts, it would be possible to deduce the main causes of idle time of transport means at customs, to estimate the dependence of service time in proportion to transport flows. Basing on theoretical estimation in this article the estimation of service time of international transport and the management of transport flows are described.
THE POSSFFIILITIES OF PORT INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTIGATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Paulauskas Vytautas , Paulauskas Donatas
Published: February 2019

Transport infrastructure development is based on cargo and passenger flows and the use of new technologies and technique can increase transport safety, optimize time of construction and decrease costs. Some of the new technologies of port infrastructure development and quality control technique and methods are presented in the paper.
NONLINEAR DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF ROTATING PIPE CONVEYING FLUID BY THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Bogdevičius Marijonas
Published: February 2019

The rotating pipe conveying fluid is considered. Non-linear (geometrical non-linearity) equation of the motion of the pipe is derived using the finite element method. The equation of motion is derived based of the following assumptions: fluid is incompressible and inviscid; rotory inertia and shear deformation of the pipe are neglected. The sources of parametric vibration are: fluid velocity and pressure, angular speed of pipe. The possibility to solve a nonlinear response problem including sub-and/or super-harmonic using the finite element method is shown. Numerical results are derived considering the rotating cantilevered pipe conveying fluid. All matrices and vectors of the finite element method are derived by the symbolic computation system Maple.