bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Advanced Reliability Algorithms in Truss Structures
Authors: Hui-Jun Li , Zeng-Li Peng , Chun-Liang Yu , Yue-Ming Tu
Published: August 2014

Many truss structures have been destroyed and collapsed one by one all over the world due to overloaded snow and wind load, etc. To investigate the mechanical property of truss structures, OpenSees package is utilized to evaluate reliability and sensitivity of three dimensional truss structures. Accuracy and efficiency of several reliability approaches, i.e., First Order and Second Moment, First Order Reliability Method, Second Order Reliability Method, Importance Sampling and Monte Carlo Method, are systematically compared and investigated. Young's modulus, yield strength, strain-hardening ratio, cross-sectional area of members, and concentrated loads and nodal coordinates in the x, y and z directions are treated as random variables. To diminish the computational effort and meanwhile guarantee the computational accuracy, random variables reduction technique (RVT) is employed in the reliability evaluation of truss structures.
Improving the Regularity of Geodesic Domes Using the Concept of Stepping Projection
Authors: Haghnazar Ramtin , Nooshin Hoshyar , Golabchi Mahmood
Published: August 2014

The objective of the present paper is to introduce a new approach in generating the geometry of geodesic domes with the aim of improving their regularity. The key aspect of the proposed technique is that the operation of projection on spherical surfaces, for creation of geodesic domes, is carried out in a number of steps. This is in variance with the normal practice of applying the projection in one go. The application of projection in a series of steps is referred to as the ‘stepping projection’. In the paper, the regularity of a number of geodesic domes generated by the stepping projection is compared with the standard ones. Regularity is examined based on different criteria, making it possible for the regularity to be assessable quantitatively. It will be shown that the use of the concept of stepping projection can improve certain aspects of the regularity of geodesic domes.
A Novel Small Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Using Delta-Wing Blades
Authors: Ji X. N. , Schlüter J. U.
Published: August 2014

We present a novel Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) that uses flat delta-wings instead of aerodynamically shaped blades with airfoil cross-sections. This choice lowers the manufacturing costs significantly. Furthermore, delta-wings have a good aerodynamic efficiency at low Reynolds-numbers compared to conventional blades. This is in particular an advantage, if delta-wings are used in small wind turbines. We have performed wind tunnel measurements at low tip-speed ratio and showed that the power output of the delta-wing turbine is higher than that of a conventional straight-bladed VAWT.
Extreme Response Prediction of a Multi-Column Tension-Leg-Type Floating Wind Turbine under Operating Conditions
Authors: Zhao Yongsheng , Yang Jianmin , He Yanping , Gu Mintong
Published: August 2014

The extreme response of a multi-column tension-leg platform (TLP) floating wind turbine (the WindStar TLP system) is analyzed here under operating conditions. Coupled dynamic response simulations are performed using FAST, a fully coupled aero-hydro-servo-elastic time-domain simulation tool. A land-based system (a U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory offshore 5 MW baseline wind turbine installed on land) is quantitatively compared with the WindStar TLP system. Extreme loads with different return periods are obtained by statistical load extrapolation. Peaks are extracted using peak-over-threshold analysis with time separation between peaks. The WindStar TLP system shows almost similar mean generator power output to the land-based system under operating conditions owing to its small dynamic motion responses to environmental loads. It shows greater characteristic load (blade 1 out-of-plane moment at the blade root and tower base fore-aft bending moment) under operating conditions than does the land-based system, with the characteristic load ratio reaching approximately 1.2. These results will help identify the extreme response differences between the two systems, and thus aid the development of relevant modifications to the initial WindStar TLP design.
Vibration Exposure of Workmen of Coal Preparation Plants – An Exploratory Study
Authors: Mandal B B , Bhattacharya S , Anupam A , Jain P K
Published: August 2014

22 locations in two coal preparation plants in India were evaluated in regard to their vibration characteristics and probable effects on the health of the operators and supervisors of those plants. In some cases notwithstanding the apparently sufficient isolation, vibration was found to be comparatively high. Seven hours as maximum possible exposure duration in any posture in a shift has been adopted in this study. Based on a comparative ranking DMC, vibrating screens, belt conveyors etc, in that order, pose certain health risk to the plant operators in terms of whole body vibration. The hazard potential was found to be related with the make of equipment, nature of installation, operating principles, operating practices, equipment capacity, etc. This exploratory study indicates that epidemiological studies should be conducted in large number of coal preparation plants to ascertain the nature of effects on health due to foot transmitted vibration in tropical climate, though risk assessment models from ISO Standards might not be effectively applied in such cases.
The Application of Ceramic Wear Resistant Materials in Biomass Briquetting Equipment
Authors: Wang Xutao , Zhao Xingtao
Published: August 2014

The wear status of the parts used in biomass briquetting in China has demonstrated that rapid wear is one of the major challenges in the development of biomass briquetting equipment. In this paper, we propose the use of ceramic wear resistant materials as a solution to the problem, and list and compare the performance of equipment that mainly used ceramic material. Our tests show that ceramic material has only one-tenth the wear of conventional alloys. The product quality can meet the high standard of biomass briquetting fuel, so it is technically feasible to replace the high-performance alloy with ceramic material. The reasonable scheme, both in theory and in practice, to solve the rapid wear problem is the application of ceramics instead of metal materials, because it can extend the maintenance cycle significantly and can also comply with the machinery manufacturing requirements for development.
Biomass Energy for Rural Cooking in China: The Semi- Gasification Stove
Authors: Bo Yang , Fei-Ling Shen
Published: August 2014

Biomass energy as a renewable energy increasingly attracts global attention. An in-depth applied research was made on biomass energy for cooking in China's rural areas in this paper. And a novel biomass semi-gasification technology was proposed. This technology does not produce tar which causes serious environmental pollution compared with the biomass gasification technology, and has higher efficiency than the biomass direct combustion technology. This technology has a strong theoretical and practical significance in optimizing the rural energy structure, improving the rural ecological environment, and improving the production and living quality of the farmers in China.
Air Conditioning — Optimizing Performance by Reducing Energy Consumption
Authors: Chen Chun-Wei , Lee Cheng-Wen , Lin Yu-Wei
Published: August 2014

In response to the needs of energy policy in Taiwan, it is important and urgent to promote energy efficiency in energy-intensive systems and equipment, especially air conditioning. Conventional refrigeration systems rely on experienced human beings to operate the load of components. This method is inefficient and non-reliable and causes excessive energy consumption. The present study applies the equal marginal utility theory (EMUT) from economics to a typical refrigeration system for energy saving analysis. The result of the analysis suggests that energy consumption in part-load conditions of the system was reduced by 4.74% by optimising the load on online components without significantly modifying the configuration (replacement of equipment or resetting of parameters) of the equipment. Therefore, optimising the energy use on the basis of the EMUT is highly recommended for decreasing energy consumption in air-conditioning systems.
The Potential of Wind Energy in Malaysian Renewable Energy Policy: Case Study in Kudat, Sabah
Authors: Ibrahim M.Z. , Albani A.
Published: August 2014

Recently, a study of wind energy potential at selected areas in Malaysia was completed by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). One of selected sites is at Kudat, Sabah. The wind atlas analysis and application Program (WAsP) was used to investigate the wind energy potential by developing the regional wind diagram in the considered site at Kudat. Different types of data have been collected about climate, topography, obstacles and surface roughness of the land. The observed wind climates (OWC) of the wind mast had been created. The wind atlas and the resource grid have been calculated and analyzed, especially in the high wind resource areas and using criteria based on proximity, similarity and ruggedness index (RIX). The 22kW rated power wind turbine was selected due to it's best capacity factor. Then, the annual energy production of wind farms were evaluated by taking the turbine wake losses into account. The obtained results showed that the optimal place for single units of wind energy production is located in the farm zone 2 with a potential varying from 37.5–43.1 MWh per year. In economic aspect, the predicted FiT rates in between RM0.30 and RM1.30 were tested by using net present value (NPV) and payback period (PBP) approach. Finally, the conducive FiT rates for wind projects with secured investment were identified, and the rates were in between RM0.46 and RM0.80 per kWh.
Regional Pilot Carbon Emissions Trading and its Prospects in China
Authors: Lo Shih-Fang , Chang Mei-Ching
Published: August 2014

As the world's largest CO2 emitting country, China may become the largest carbon trading market in the future. While building an emissions trading scheme (ETS) is becoming one of the major policies being adopted to reduce CO2 emissions in most developed countries, the government of China has declared and implemented regional pilot emissions trading schemes in seven municipalities and provinces. This study reviews the history of the emissions trading policy and discusses the lessons learned. From an economic perspective, we further estimate the potential structure of the pilot jurisdictions in China, including overall trading emissions, the number of enterprises included, and the industrial structure across the pilot ETSs. It is speculated that challenges arise from the inherent size and highly-concentrated industrial structure of the pilot ETSs. Inter-pilot trading and regulatory harmonization are necessary to boost trading and liquidity in the future.
Trends and Spatial Distribution of Embedded Carbon Footprints in China
Authors: Tao Zhao Ding , Tao Guo , Jin Hong , Yi Xu , Jin Fan
Published: August 2014

This paper develops an environment input-output (EIO) model to calculate embedded carbon footprints (ECF) from a consumption perspective, based on which an analysis is conducted on the trends and spatial distribution of urban households' ECF in China. The results demonstrate that energy efficiency improvements might not definitely result in a reduction of China's ECF, which is consistent with the Jevons paradox. Survival-oriented emissions account for over 35% of China's ECF, but the percentage is declining gradually. Although development-oriented emissions only take up 15% of the total ECF, the recent years has witnessed a dramatic increase of the percentage. These findings indicate the broad scope of China's ECF. Furthermore, a significant discrepancy on the spatial distribution of ECF is observed and is attributed to the diversity of economic development stages, consumptive policies, and consumption patterns among regions. Finally, relevant policy implications are derived and discussed.
Recent Topics in Acoustic Scattering Coefficient Determination for Wall Surfaces
Authors: Sakuma Tetsuya , Lee Hyojin
Published: August 2014

Three recent topics in acoustic scattering coefficient determination for wall surfaces are briefly presented: 1) validation of the reverberation room method of ISO 17497-1, 2) a new method of measuring normal-incidence coefficients, and 3) alternative determination by numerical simulation. First, the ISO method is reconsidered regarding unclear requirements of two approaches with stepwise and continuous rotation. It is theoretically and experimentally verified that the stepwise approach has a minimum number of angular steps, whereas the continuous approach has a minimum revolution period if using MLS signals, however if using swept sine signals, in the same way as the stepwise approach. Furthermore, the minimum requirements increase as the sample's scattering coefficient is higher, and unexpectedly, as the room's absorption area is smaller. Second, a new laboratory method is introduced for measuring normal-incidence coefficients, which would be useful to evaluate suppression of flutter echoes. The measurement is done in a rectangular room where installing highly absorbent materials on all vertical walls, and a test sample on the floor. In the one-dimensional field, normal-incidence coefficients of the sample can be determined by measuring the change in reverberation time with and without it. Third, as the alternative to measurement, numerical determination of scattering coefficients is demonstrated and further practical applications are discussed.
Locally or Non-Locally Reacting Boundaries: Does it Make a Significant Acoustic Difference?
Authors: Opdam Rob , de Vries Diemer , Vorländer Michael
Published: August 2014

As an alternative for the common geometric room acoustical models, a wave theory-based model has been developed derived from the so-called WRW scheme, often used in seismic modelling [1, 2]. In this model, the wave properties of sound are appropriately taken into account. The proposed model is similar to the Boundary Element Method (BEM). Other than in BEM, in the WRW scheme non-locally reacting room boundaries can be included in the modelling process using only the fluid domain. The results of sound field modelling in rooms with locally as well as non-locally reacting boundaries are presented. The differences are analysed and their relevance is discussed.
Comparison of Hanging Panels and Boundary Diffusers in a Reverberation Chamber
Authors: Bradley David T. , Müller-Trapet Markus , Adelgren Jacob , Vorländer Michael
Published: August 2014

Achieving a diffuse sound field in a reverberation chamber is crucial for measurements of acoustic quantities such as sound absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, and sound power level. Toward this aim, diffusing elements such as hanging panels or rotating diffusers are typically installed in the chamber. However, previous research has suggested that hanging panels violate certain theoretical assumptions regarding diffusivity. Also, rotating diffusers cause the chamber to be a time-variant system, precluding the use of some measurement approaches such as sine-sweep integrated impulse response techniques. Boundary diffusers are offered as an alternative in the current study. The effects of both hanging panels and boundary diffusers on sound field diffusivity in a scale reverberation chamber are systematically and comparatively analyzed. The field diffusivity is characterized based on the guidelines set forth in American and international standards, including ISO 354, ASTM C423, and ASTM E90. Resulting data suggests that these standardized methods do not adequately or rigorously quantify diffusivity. The relative effectiveness of hanging diffusers vs. boundary diffusers will be discussed.
In-situ Measurements of Surface Reflection Properties
Authors: Müller-Trapet Markus , Vorländer Michael
Published: August 2014

In order to characterize surfaces with respect to their sound reflecting properties, the absorption and the scattering or diffusion coefficient can currently be measured under standardized laboratory conditions. However, it is questionable whether the data from measurements performed under such laboratory conditions can be used to accurately model the actual sound field in rooms. Additionally, it is not always possible to obtain a transportable sample of a material.

In-situ measurement methods can overcome these shortcomings, as they measure the desired quantities at the location where the material is installed. For this purpose, a portable setup was built that allows for a complete hemispherical measurement of the sound pressure distribution using less than 30 sensors. This contribution will present the setup together with the challenges for post-processing of the acquired data. First measurement results will be presented and discussed.
Damage Identification of Frame Structures with Joint Damage under Earthquake Excitation
Authors: Lei Ying , Li Qing , Chen Feng , Chen Zhiwei
Published: August 2014

Previous damage detection of frame structures mainly focuses on the detection of beam and column element damage. It has been shown that beam-column joints in frame structures are more susceptible to damage than the other members in the structure. Joint damage may be represented by the reduction of beam-column connection rigidity. Therefore, damage detection of a frame structure with joint damage includes the identification of joint connection stiffness in additional to those of beam and column stiffness, which involves the difficulty of identifying a large number of unknown structural parameters. In this paper, an algorithm based on a two-step Kalman filter approach is presented for the damage detection of frame structures with joint damage under earthquake excitation using partial measurements of structural acceleration responses. Recursive solutions for unknown structural parameters and structural state vector are derived by a two-step Kalman filter, respectively. Therefore, the number of unknown variables to be estimated in each step is reduced compared with the conventional Extended Kalman filter (EKF) approach. Structural damage is detected from the degradation of the identified stiffness values of joints, beam and column elements of frame structures. A numerical example and a lab experiment test data are used to validate the performances of the proposed algorithm for damage identification of various joint damage scenarios in frame structures under earthquake excitation.
Locate Damage in Long-Span Bridges Based on Stress Influence Lines and Information Fusion Technique
Authors: Zhu Songye , Chen Zhiwei , Cai Qinlin , Lei Ying , Chen Bo
Published: August 2014

To ensure bridge safety and functionality under in-service conditions, detecting local abnormalities of a long-span bridge at the early stage is always a desirable but challenging task. Stress influence lines (SIL) or its derivatives are recognized as very promising indices for damage detection. Compared with bridge global responses (such as displacement and acceleration), stress/strain can be more conveniently measured and is often more sensitive to local damages. This paper explores a novel damage localization approach by synthesizing SIL measurements from multiple locations, in which Dempster-Shafer data fusion technique is utilized. Compared with the measurement from a single sensor, more reliable damage-related information with the improved sensitivity and capability in damage localization can be obtained by synthesizing the measured SILs from a number of sensors. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through a numerical case study of the Tsing Ma Suspension Bridge. Different hypothetical scenarios, including single-damage case, double-damage, and no-damage cases, are considered in the validation. The comparison with the damage detection results using single-sensor data clearly indicates that the data fusion technique effectively enhance the consistency in the information (e.g., damage-induced structural change) and minimize non-consistent information (e.g. “noise” effect) from multiple sensors installed close to damage. The increasing number of sensors benefits the damage detection results. Excellent damage detection accuracy can be achieved, if different types of bridge components are properly selected for the monitoring. Therefore, it is promising to use the proposed approach in this study in the damage localization of real-world long-span bridges. Parametric studies are conducted to examine the effects of parameter selections and noise levels in this approach.
Sensor Placement Optimization in Structural Health Monitoring Using Cluster-In-Cluster Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Guang-Dong , Yi Ting-Hua , Li Hong-Nan
Published: August 2014

The determination of the optimal sensor placement (OSP) is a significant task that must be completed before a structural health monitoring (SHM) system is implemented on a real structure. The firefly algorithm (FA) is a recently developed nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm for continuous optimization problems. This paper proposes a cluster-in-cluster firefly algorithm (CiCFA) for the optimum SHM sensor deployment. First, the code defining position coordinates in basic FA is replaced with a one-dimensional binary coding system, and the Euclidean distance is replaced by the Hamming distance. Then, a movement scheme for a darker firefly approaching a lighter firefly is developed. Last, a cluster-in-cluster strategy is employed to improve the convergence speed. In addition, a self-adaptive dynamic penalty function is introduced to convert the constraint imposed by the limited wireless data transmission range in the optimal wireless sensor placement (OWSP) problem to an unconstrained optimization problem. To demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed optimization method, numerical examples of wired sensor placement and wireless sensor placement are carried out. The results reveal that the CiCFA provides a better sensor configuration than the genetic algorithm with high efficiency and high stability and can be applied in the OWSP problem. The proposed CiCFA provides a promising alternative for solving the OSP problem in practical SHM systems.
Structural Identification by Processing Dynamic Macro Strain Measurements
Authors: Guo S.L. , Zhang J.
Published: August 2014

In contrast to traditional modal identification methods processing structural accelerations for modal parameter identification, a multiple reference impact testing method using long-gauge fiber optical sensors and the related data processing approach are proposed. First, macro strains of key structural elements during the impact testing are measured through long-gauge fiber optic sensors, which subsequently are used to estimate the strain frequency response functions (FRFs) of the structure. Second, an approach is proposed to estimate strain mode shapes from the strain FRFs, and corresponding displacement mode shapes are calculated by applying an improved conjugate beam method. Finally, the strain flexibility character of the structure is identified by using the identified strain and displacement mode shapes with normalization. The advantage of long-gauge fiber optic sensors measuring averaged strains in a long length (e.g., 1 meter) provides the opportunity for strain modal analysis. The output of the proposed method, strain flexibility, is meaningful for static strain prediction and structural capacity evaluation. Examples investigated successfully verified the effectiveness of the proposed method for structural strain flexibility identification.
Vibration Performance Assessment of a Long-Span Concrete Floor Using Field Measurements over a Five-Year Period
Authors: Chen Jun , Yan Shixin , Zhang Mengshi
Published: August 2014

Field tests were conducted on a unique long-span post-tensioned concrete floor between 2008 and 2013. The measurements cover the important construction stages including completion of the structural floor, installation of the false floor, completion of the whole building and opening the building to the public. This paper assesses the vibration performance of the floor using field measurements. Natural frequencies, damping ratios, mode shapes and modal masses of the floor were identified from ambient vibration measurements for eight different stages. A clear decreasing trend of the natural frequencies has been observed since 2009 when the building was opened to the public. Moreover, the natural frequencies decrease while the damping ratio increases with increasing vibration amplitude. It is found that, in this case, the false floor provides no contribution to the stiffness or the damping of the structural floor. Peak responses of the floor under controlled excitation, such as a single person walking and a group of people walking, are compared. Peak responses of the floor under operational excitation are presented, including the annual maximum response for four continuous years and the maximum responses for different numbers of occupants.
Isogeometric-Meshfree Coupled Analysis of Kirchhoff Plates
Authors: Zhang Hanjie , Wang Dongdong , Liu Wei
Published: August 2014

An isogeometric-meshfree coupled analysis is presented for Kirchhoff plates. This approach rationally couples the isogeometric basis functions and the meshfree shape functions under the consistency condition, which makes the present method capable of unifying the exact geometry and flexible model refinement properties simultaneously. Moreover, higher order smoothing approximation can be readily constructed in a straightforward way which is very desirable for the Galerkin analysis of Kirchhoff plate problems that necessitates a C1 approximation. Particular attention is placed on the coupling of cubic isogeometric and meshfree approximations which are frequently used for the numerical solutions of Kirchhoff plates. The cubic consistency for the coupled approximation is studied in detail. Subsequently the coupled approximation is introduced to the plate weak form to obtain the coupled discrete equations in which both static and free vibration formulations are considered. The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated through a set of benchmark examples in which the deflectional convergence for static analysis and the frequency convergence for free vibration analysis are measured. The results show that optimal convergence behaviors for Kirchhoff plate problems can be uniformly achieved by the proposed method.
An Energy-Based Assessment on Dynamic Amplification Factor for Linear Static Analysis in Progressive Collapse Design of Ductile RC Frame Structures
Authors: Li Yi , Lu Xinzheng , Guan Hong , Ye Lieping
Published: August 2014

Progressive collapse is a mechanical process that exhibits nonlinear and dynamic characteristics. The nonlinear dynamic effect on the progressive collapse resistance demand can be accurately evaluated by the nonlinear dynamic (ND) method. In engineering practice, however, the simplified and easy-to-use linear static (LS) method is often adopted. That is accomplished by using a dynamic amplification factor (DAF) to correct the LS resistance demand to approximate the true ND resistance demand. In this paper, the analytical expression of the DAF is established based on the energy conservation principle. The collapse-resisting substructure is firstly simplified as a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) equivalent. Then the energy conservation equation and the static balance equation of the SDOF equivalent are established to obtain the ND and LS demands. Finally, the DAF is obtained by dividing the ND demand by the LS demand. The DAF is validated through a series of the numerical examples including a SDOF system, a 3-storey planar frame and an 8-storey 3-D RC frame model structures.
The Difficulty of Talent Identification: Inconsistency among Coaches through Skill-Based Assessment of Youth Hockey Players
Authors: Wiseman Alexandra C. , Bracken Nathan , Horton Sean , Weir Patricia L.
Published: August 2014

Talent identification is the process of recognizing participants with the potential to excel in a particular sport. Coaches and scouts are responsible for making an accurate attempt at identifying talent to select athletes for a team roster. The current study used a multi-step approach to assess coaches' perceptions of talent within a local high school. Part 1 consisted of two steps: a) Eight hockey coaches ranked the skills they felt were important when selecting an athlete for a hockey team, b) video clips showcasing the identified skills found in part a) were developed from 13 high school hockey players. In Part 2 seven coaches and two scouts viewed the video clips and generated a list of the top five and bottom five players. Overall, the most frequently identified skills were skating, speed/agility, puck handling, positional play, and shooting. Ranking the players proved challenging with nine of the 13 players being placed in both the top and bottom groups of five. These findings outline the lack of agreement among the coaches/scouts in selecting players which highlights the difficulty in identifying talent. Despite the heterogeneity of the sample of players, even experienced coaches and scouts disagree about what constitutes a skilled hockey player.
The Transition from Elite Junior Track-and-Field Athlete to Successful Senior Athlete: Why Some Do, Why others Don't
Authors: Hollings Stephen C. , Mallett Clifford J. , Hume Patria A.
Published: August 2014

Guiding athletes to become senior international athletes is consistent with the brief of talent development programmes. The transition from junior to senior athlete might be viewed as a normative transition. Nevertheless, this transition is likely to be a complex process and some understanding of that complexity is necessary to inform those responsible for developing talent. This study aimed to determine why some elite junior athletes make the transition to become successful senior athletes, while others of similar ability did not. Five male and six female New Zealand athletes who made a final for their event at a World Junior Athletics Championships (WJC) between 1992 and 2006 were interviewed. Five athletes subsequently went on to win a medal or make the final of their event at an Olympic Games or World Athletics Championships or win a medal at a Commonwealth Games, while the other six continued in the sport for six to ten years as a senior athlete but did not go on to represent New Zealand internationally at the senior track-and-field international level. The data were examined using hierarchical content analysis. Athletes who progressed to become successful senior athletes displayed: i) a significant commitment to a clearly defined and realistic goal; ii) achieved early international success at the senior grade; and iii) had a single dominant identity and key strength. The athletes who did not go on to be a senior international athlete were characterised as having: i) competing demands and tensions in their social, academic/career lives, and ii) a lack of progression.
Barefoot Training Improved Ankle Stability and Agility in Netball Players
Authors: de Villiers Johanna E. , Venter Rachel E.
Published: August 2014

The primary aim of the study was to determine the effects of an eight-week barefoot training programme on ankle stability, agility and speed in 20 competitive female netball players (age 20 ±2 years). Before and after the intervention, all players were assessed for stability, agility and speed. The barefoot training group (n = 10) significantly improved their overall stability of the right leg ( p = 0.01; d = 1.62), anterior-posterior stability of the right leg ( p = 0.01; d = 1.63), the medial-lateral stability of the right leg ( p = 0.04; d = 1.14) and performance in the 505-Agility test to the left ( p = 0.01; d = 1.04) and right ( p = 0.002; d = 1.4). The shod or control group (n=10) showed no statistically significant improvements in any of the performance tests. A large practical significant difference between the barefoot and control group was found in their 10 m ( d = 1.01) and 20 m sprint ( d = 0.8) performances after the intervention period. It could be concluded that barefoot training had a positive effect on agility and ankle stability, which could possibly enhance netball performance and play a role in the prevention of ankle injuries.
A Consistency Adjusted Measure for the Success of Prediction Methods in Cricket
Authors: Lemmer Hermanus H. , Bhattacharjee Dibyojyoti , Saikia Hemanta
Published: August 2014

Two models are used to predict the outcomes of matches in a Twenty20 cricket series. The success of prediction methods is hampered by the fact that if two teams play two or more matches against each other and each team wins some of the matches, such inconsistent outcomes cannot all be predicted correctly. The challenge was to find a procedure which could compensate for inconsistent results. The consistency adjusted measure of the success of prediction is defined and shown to give a fair assessment of prediction results. For the first model the success rate of 56.8% is increased to 76.4% and for the second model from 52.7% to 70.9%. The same method can be used in any sports series where teams play against each other more than once.
Ruck-Play as Performance Indicator during the 2010 Six Nations Championship
Authors: Kraak Wilbur J. , Welman Karen E.
Published: August 2014

The contest for possession has resulted in ball release delays. Accordingly the International Rugby Board amended the laws surrounding the ruck area in 2009. The study objective was to determine if a relationship exists between the ruck outcomes and ranking of the 2010 Six Nations Championship teams, establish differences between locations, compare the top to the bottom ranked teams and if the number of players involved influences ruck outcome. Fifteen 2010 Six Nations Championship matches were analysed by a performance analyst. Of the 1479 rucks, 92% retained the ball successfully, with no difference between the ruck success rate and team ranking, regardless if teams were attacking (p=0.74) or defending (p=0.95). Generally four players were involved during rucks. The players involved during unsuccessful and successful retention of the ball differed (p=0.03, d=0.21). Attackers involved mostly two players (50%), whereas defenders had typically one player (68%). Attacking teams were particularly successful, in retaining possession, if they had one more attacker involved than the defenders (p<0.05). Most rucks formed in zone B and fewer rucks were formed by top teams. Training programs should adapt to accommodate law changes.
Offensive Agility Techniques Performed during International Netball Competition
Authors: Fox Aaron , Spittle Michael , Otago Leonie , Saunders Natalie
Published: August 2014

Netball is a sport characterised by sharp changes-of-direction to break free from opponents. The ability of players to use changes-of-direction to evade opponents is, therefore, an important aspect of attacking play. The purpose of this study was to examine the performance and outcomes of offensive agility techniques utilised by netball players. Offensive agility techniques were assessed for the type of manoeuvre performed and performance outcome using video footage of three international matches. Mid and attacking playing positions performed a greater frequency of manoeuvres than defensive playing positions. The type of manoeuvre was found to have no influence on the performance outcome. The performance outcome is likely influenced by additional factors, such as location on the court, time constraints, or features of defensive opponents. Overall, the use of offensive agility manoeuvres was identified as an important aspect of attacking play in netball, particularly for the mid and attacking playing positions.
Statistical Analysis for the Soccer Matches of the First Bundesliga
Authors: Yue Zengyuan , Broich Holger , Mester Joachim
Published: August 2014

Statistical analysis for the soccer matches of the First Bundesliga; i.e., the first national soccer league of Germany, during the period Aug. 5 to Nov. 27, 2011 is made in order to see which parameters are more important for the result of a match. It is found that the goal efficiency, defined by the number of goals divided by the number of shots, is by far the most important parameter. The parameters of the second to the fourth importance are the number of shots, the number of passes and the number of ball contacts respectively. The present analysis shows that the quality of shots, represented by the goal efficiency, is more important than the quantity of shots for winning a soccer game. Regarding the long time dispute over the issue whether “direct play” or “possession play” is more effective, the present result favours “direct play” because it has higher goal efficiency compared to “possession play” according to the literature. Nevertheless, the length of passing sequence may not be the major factor related to the goal efficiency. Effective use of team possessions to create favourable shooting conditions may be more important for raising the goal efficiency. Much further analysis remains to be carried out in this direction.
Ecological implications of reduced pollen supply in the alpine: a case study using a dominant cushion plant species
Authors: Reid Anya , Hooper Robyn , Molenda Olivia , Lortie Christopher J.
Published: August 2014

The reproductive assurance hypothesis states that self-incompatible female plants must produce twice the number of seeds relative to their self-compatible hermaphroditic counterparts to persist in gynodioecious populations. This is a viable life-history strategy, provided that pollination rates are sufficiently high. However, reduced pollination rates in alpine plants are likely due to climate induced plant-pollinator mismatches and general declines in pollinators. Using a gynodioecious population of the dominant plant Silene acaulis (Caryophyllaceae), we tested the reproductive assurance hypothesis and also the stress gradient hypothesis with a series of pollinator exclusion trials and extensive measurements of subsequent reproductive output (gender ratio, plant size, percent fruit-set, fruit weight, seeds per fruit, total seeds, seed weight, and seed germination). The reproductive assurance hypothesis was supported with female plants being more sensitive to and less likely to be viable under reductions in pollination rates. These findings are the first to show that the stress gradient hypothesis is also supported under a gradient of pollen supply instead of environmental limitations. Beneficiary abundance was negatively correlated to percent fruit-set under current pollen supply, but became positive under reduced pollen supply suggesting that there are important plant-plant-pollinator interactions related to reproduction in these alpine plant species.
Role of Culture and Education in Strengthening Unity and Accord and in the Civic and Patriotic Education of the Younger Generation
Authors: Виноградова  , Vinogradova Natalya
Published: August 2014

Vladimir Putin chaired a meeting of the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations on July 3, 2014 in the Kremlin. The meeting participants

examined the role of culture and education in strengthening unity and accord and in the civic and patriotic education of the younger generation.
Regulations for Сontemporary Methods of Educational Guality Assessment
Authors: Скрипова  , Skripova Nadezhda
Published: August 2014

The article considers state regulations for systems of internal control and assessment of primary students’ achievements. It states the necessity of

modern approach to assessment process, which is a key factor of promoting second-generation Federal State Educational Standard of Primary

General Education.
Assessment of the current level of supply in the sphere of public services in urban and rural areas (Case study: selected constituent entities of the Russian federation)
Authors: Погребова Елена , Pogrebova Elena
Published: August 2014

The article is devoted to research into the public service industry in constituent entities of the Russian Federation which demonstrate different levels of social and economic development as well as different levels of urbanization. The author presents the results of a detailed analysis of the quantitative differentiation of public service providers in terms of the types of services provided in the territories under consideration, the employment in the public service sector, the rate of public service consumption in urban and rural areas, and public service availability and accessibility for the consumers. Based on the results of the analysis, the author assesses the current level of public service supply in urban and rural areas in eight sample constituent entities of the Russian Federation (Moscow, Moscow Region, Vladimir Oblast, Tambov Oblast, Tula Oblast, Tver Oblast, Murmansk Oblast, Astrakhan Oblast), and identifies the trends of and challenges to public service sector development in the given regions.
Collaboration between the hotel industry business entities and industry-specific higher education institutions as a contributor to improved competitiveness of graduates
Authors: Духовная Лилия , Dukhovnaya Liliya
Published: August 2014

With the hotel industry developing through a replanning and a redesign of existing hotels, a construction of new hotels, a development and promotion of the high-profile hotel sector, an increase in the hotel room capacity, and creating new jobs in the sector, the demand for tourism- and hospitality-related professions sees a rapid and significant growth.

A vast majority of employers frequently face qualified personnel shortages, thus, the quality of specialist knowledge and skills as demonstrated by graduates is coming to the forth. The most urgent issue to be deal with at the current stage of the establishment and reformation of industry-specific higher education is the process of a comprehensive adaptation of the skills and competences that students acquire as part professional education to the demands and requirements of today’s labour market.

The article covers different approaches to the definition of “competitiveness on graduation”, considers the key criteria of a graduate’s competitiveness evaluation, and substantiates the need for a more synergetic and productive collaboration between industry-specific HE institutions and the hotel-industry professional community in developing and implementing personnel training. The author identifies the best theoretical and practical aspects of the collaboration, which must significantly contribute to graduates’ competitiveness in the sphere of hospitality.
Push, Pull, or Both? A Behavioral Study of How the Allocation of Inventory Risk Affects Channel Efficiency
Authors: Davis Andrew M. , Katok Elena , Santamaría Natalia
Published: August 2014

In this paper we experimentally investigate how the allocation of inventory risk in a two-stage supply chain affects channel efficiency and profit distribution. We first evaluate two common wholesale price contracts that differ in which party incurs the risk associated with unsold inventory: a push contract in which the retailer incurs the risk and a pull contract in which the supplier incurs the risk. Our experimental results show that a pull contract achieves higher channel efficiency than that of a push contract, and that behavior systematically deviates from the standard theory in three ways: (1) stocking quantities are set too low, (2) wholesale prices are more favorable to the party stocking the inventory, and (3) some contracts are erroneously accepted or rejected. To account for these systematic regularities, we extend the existing theory and structurally estimate a number of behavioral models. The estimates suggest that a combination of loss aversion with errors organizes our data remarkably well. We apply our behavioral model to the advance purchase discount (APD) contract, which combines features of push and pull by allowing both parties to share the inventory risk, in a separate experiment as an out-of-sample test, and we find that it accurately predicts channel efficiency and qualitatively matches decisions. Two practical implications of our work are that (1) the push contract performs close to standard theoretical benchmarks, which implies that it is robust to behavioral biases, and (2) the APD contract weakly Pareto dominates the push contract; retailers are better off and suppliers are no worse off under the APD contract.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.1940 .

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Choice-Based Demand Management and Vehicle Routing in E-Fulfillment
Authors: Yang Xinan , Strauss Arne K. , Currie Christine S. M. , Eglese Richard
Published: August 2014

Attended home delivery services face the challenge of providing narrow delivery time slots to ensure customer satisfaction, while keeping the significant delivery costs under control. To that end, a firm can try to influence customers when they are booking their delivery time slot so as to steer them toward choosing slots that are expected to result in cost-effective schedules. We estimate a multinomial logit customer choice model from historic booking data and demonstrate that this can be calibrated well on a genuine e-grocer data set. We propose dynamic pricing policies based on this choice model to determine which and how much incentive (discount or charge) to offer for each time slot at the time a customer intends to make a booking. A crucial role in these dynamic pricing problems is played by the delivery cost, which is also estimated dynamically. We show in a simulation study based on real data that anticipating the likely future delivery cost of an additional order in a given location can lead to significantly increased profit as compared with current industry practice.
Interface Properties of Synthetic Rock Specimens: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Smith S. E. , MacLaughlin M. M. , Adams S. L. , Wartman J. , Applegate K. , Gibson M. , Arnold L. , Keefer D.
Published: August 2014

To support the development of centrifuge models to simulate seismic rock slope failures, potential model materials were subjected to direct shear tests to characterize the properties of the interfaces. Three synthetic rock materials were investigated: blocks cast out of a commercially available gypsum cement, blocks cast out of a Nevada sand/gypsum mix, and rock blocks with sandpaper glued to the shear surfaces. The materials were evaluated primarily on the consistency of the measured properties and the observed shear failure behavior. The laboratory direct shear tests were modeled numerically with the software package UDEC to observe how well the numerical results using joint constitutive models available in the software compare to the experimental results. The Coulomb slip joint model predicts the interface behavior well for the gypsum and sand/gypsum materials, which displayed basic elastic-plastic behavior during shear, and the Coulomb slip with residual strength model captured the peak to residual behavior observed in the tests on the sandpaper interfaces. The use of a different joint shear stiffness value for each simulation, corresponding to the measured laboratory value associated with each applied normal stress, clearly contributed to this excellent match; more general models utilizing a constant joint shear stiffness value applied to blocks that are subjected to different normal stresses may not display such close agreement with observed behavior.