bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application Effect of High Quality Nursing Service in the Painless Gastroscopy Examination
Authors: Guo Jina
Published: January 2016

Objective: To discuss the application effect of high quality nursing service in the painless gastroscopy examination. Methods: Selected 132 cases of patients with gastrointestinal tract disease admitted by my hospital from May 2012 to May 2013 as the research object, 132 cases of patients with gastrointestinal tract disease were all given painless gastroscopy examination, clinically, all of them were given high quality nursing service. Observed and recorded nursing effect. Results: Among 132 cases of patients, there were 3 cases appeared untoward effect such as choking cough, respiratory depression, abdominal pain, low blood pressure and other adverse reactions, the adverse reaction rate was 2.27% (3/132); 0 cases of hospital infection; 132 cases all had side effects of propofol (dizzy giddy, hands and feet became limp, but no case of fell down; 131 patients were satisfied with high quality nursing service, the satisfaction rate was 99.2% (131/132). Conclusion: The application effect of high quality nursing service in painless gastroscopy examination was remarkable.
Cause Analysis and Countermeasures on 40 cases of Nursing Disputes Resulting from the Withdrawal of Needle of Venous Transfusion in Pediatrics Outpatient Department
Authors: Xu Jianying
Published: January 2016

Objective: To enhance the nursing quality and the satisfaction degree of nursing service by analyzing, rectifying and reforming the causes of nursing disputes in 40 cases of venous transfusion in pediatric outpatient department resulting from withdrawal of needle. Methods: In view of the dispute causes, strengthen the training of young nurses, enhance the nurses’ communication skills, establish standard process of withdrawal of needle, encourage the nurses to take early stage psychological assessment and intervention of the patients and their parents who are discontent, and intensify the health communication and education. Results: Strict enforcement of the process of withdrawal of needle, conduct early stage psychological assessment and intervention on the patients and their parents, and effective health communication and education can effectively reduce the occurrence rate of disputes. Conclusion: Enforce the process of withdrawal of needle strictly, take timely psychological assessment and intervention on the patients and their parents, strengthen the nurses’ service awareness, and implement the health communication and education can ensure the safety of patients’ transfusion and the nurses’, thus effectively enhance the nursing quality and the satisfaction degree of nursing services in pediatrics venous transfusion.
The Discussion about Nursing Quality Management in Emergency Department
Authors: Wang Qiaoling
Published: January 2016

To probe into the nursing quality control in Emergency Department and improve the nursing quality in Emergency Department. Strengthen the hardware construction and software construction, standardize the service process, implement the risk management, formulate the prevention countermeasures, and work out quality control index. The service consciousness is improved, service process is standardized and the service quality is improved. The nursing quality control has great significance in the rescue, diagnose, treatment and nursing of emergent patients in Emergency Department.
The Effectiveness Study of Individualized Nursing Intervention on Postoperative Rehabilitation of Patients with Gynecological Tumor
Authors: Chen Ruifang , Chen Yifen , Feng Xueying
Published: January 2016

Objective: to study the effect of individualized nursing intervention on postoperative rehabilitation of patients with gynecological tumor. Methods: 80 cases of patients with gynecological tumor were randomly divided into two groups. The comparative group: 40 cases received the traditional nursing which was according to the conventional gynecologic operation; the observation group: 40 cases received the special and sustainable individualized nursing intervention which was according to the patients’ needs and characteristics in every stage. To compare the life quality, the treatment compliance, and the recurrence rate in 6 and 12 months after operation of patients in these two groups. Results: The life quality of patients in the observation group was obviously better than that in the comparative group, p < 0.05. The treatment compliance of patients in the observation group was obviously higher than that in the comparative group, p < 0.01. The recurrence rate in 6 and 12 months of patients after operation in the observation group was obviously lower than that in the comparative group, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Individualized nursing intervention given to patients with gynecological tumor after operation obviously changes all kinds of passive psychology and bad behavior of patients to the disease, life and outlook on life. Patients can be aroused individual potential, form their own active treatment belief, and lighten the psychological pressure. The individualized nursing intervention helps patients improve their life quality and the treatment compliance, but effectively reduce the recurrence rate after operation. It not only improves patients’ long term effect and prognosis, but also plays an important role in patients’ rehabilitation.
Government Initiatives to Improve SMES through Skill Development
Authors: Rawal Dr. Sugandh , Rani Dr. Neetu
Published: January 2016

The contribution of MSMs in manufacturing sector in terms of GDP, employment and exports of the country is remarkable. Besides lower scope in terms of labour, capital, technology compared with large scale manufacturing enterprises, its contribution towards industrialization in rural and backward areas cant be overlooked. There are more than 6000 products ranging from traditional to hi tech items, which are being manufactured by MSMs in the country. To make the sector a significant player in the global workplace, Government of India has taken number of initiatives during this period. Skills improvement and skill development has great significance in renovating enterprises and fostering core competence. The multiple training schemes and vocational education programmes for the advancement work force and MSMs are lined up by government.
Competition Policy and Consumer Welfare in a Liberalised Economy
Authors: Rahman Dr. Faizanur , Ahmed Dr. Musheer
Published: January 2016

The discourse on competition policy often uses the term 'consumer welfare' but rarely is clear about its meaning or role. Promotion of consumer welfare is the common goal of consumer protection and competition policy. As India's economies move progressively towards increased liberalisation, certain undesirable business practices can emerge which act as a hindrance to development and economic growth. The absence of a competition and consumer protection policy in India has created opportunities for some sectors of the business community to engage in unfair business practices viz., price fixing, speculative hoarding and collusive tendering. Competition policy and consumer policy reinforce one another. In markets that are effectively competitive, producers have internal incentives to further consumer policy objectives, for example, to develop a relationship for quality or to attract customers away from rivals by providing the necessary information to minimise switching costs. At the same time, when consumers are able to exercise their choices effectively, they can act as a competitive discipline upon producers. Thus, there is a strong case to be made for the co-ordination of these two policy areas. In the light of India's commitment to a liberalised economy, there is a need for a fair and equitable environment where producer and consumer can maximise their profit and satisfaction respectively. There is therefore a need for India's Competition and Consumer Protection policy if market oriented policies are to be given the best possible chance of success. In the backdrop of this, it is therefore imperative for India to develop this Policy ensuring the supporting legislation, infrastructure and regulations. In this context, the present paper analysis the standard of consumer welfare required to be taken into consideration while dealing with competition issues, and to what extent is protection accorded to consumers under other legislations.
Critically Evaluate the role of National Security and their relationship with Media
Authors: Seam Ms. Neelam
Published: January 2016

National Security is the main elements in the on- going process of nation building for any country, not limited to the developing and developed countries, An imperative for all countries that need to survive and gain prominence in the community of nations. While nation building is guided and directed by the political leadership, various actors contribute significantly to the process of nation building. Media, which is considered as a fourth pillar of the democracyand proper channel between the public and the government, is one of the major actors which contribute enormously to the exercise of nation building. The objective of this paper is to without national security the motive of nation building will ruin and media is the main instrument to protect national security which is the major step of nation building. My Research question of this Paper is "Whether the media is positively contributing in nation building with keeping in mind the important factor of National Security or The media misguided or obsessed with selfish or partisan interests, can destroy nations.In this paper we will critically analyze the role of media in Nation building, their Scope, functions of the Media, The concept of Nation building and national interests. Media and National security, Examine the factors which influence the role of media in national development. To make the study richer we will make a brief glance on the cases in which media play a positive and negative role. To conduct this research I will adopt the research methodology which is both in nature doctrinal and non-doctrinal. By these methods we can definitely reach towards the most viable and authentic conclusion that how media can effectively contribute in maintaining the National security viz-a-viz Become a voice of the public interest in the front of the government.
Processes of spatial redistribution of population and changes in educational structure of population: case study of the Košice functional urban region
Authors: Novotný Ladislav
Published: January 2016

The paper focuses on the changes in the processes of spatial redistribution of population in connection with the changes in the educational structure of population. The development of both attributes of population is examined by the case study of the urban region of Košice – the second largest city in Slovakia. Similarly with other urban regions of Central European major cities, the process of centralization of population from the region´s ring to its core changed into the decentralization, during the 1990s. While the natural reproduction of population allowed for population growth of the region as whole, the migration was the driving force of the spatial redistribution of population within the region. Along with the general changes in the educational structure of population related to transformation of educational system recorded in all Visegrad countries, research proves close relations between changes in educational structure of population and the processes of spatial redistribution of population at the intra-regional level of the Košice functional urban region. Changes in the proportion of population with elementary education as the highest educational level attained seem to be affected more by the natural reproduction of population, while the changes in the proportion of population with tertiary education indicate stronger relation with the migration development.
Rola czynnika ludzkiego w unowocześnianiu polskiego rolnictwa na przykładzie producentów mleka
Authors: Babuchowska Karolina , Marks-Bielska Renata
Published: January 2016

Postęp wdrażany w produkcji rolnej uwarunkowany jest wieloma czynnikami, wśród których dużą wagę przypisuje się postawie producentów rolnych. Z tego względu główny cel opracowania skoncentrowano na samoocenie kompetencji posiadanych przez producentów rolnych niezbędnych w procesie unowocześniania ich gospodarstw. Zwrócono także uwagę na wykształcenie rolników, źródła pozyskiwania wiedzy oraz sposoby jej uaktualniania. Podstawowym źródłem informacji były dane pierwotne zgromadzone metodą wywiadu bezpośredniego przeprowadzonego z właścicielami 74 gospodarstw mleczarskich z województwa warmińsko-mazurskiego. Do analizy pozyskanego materiału badawczego wykorzystano statystyki opisowe oraz wskaźnik ważności. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań nie stwierdzono związku pomiędzy realizowaniem lub nierealizowaniem inwestycji a wiekiem i wykształceniem. Dokonana pod względem ważności hierarchizacja kompetencji pozwoliła stwierdzić, że w procesie unowocześniania badanych gospodarstw mleczarskich najważniejsze były chęć do nauki i zorientowanie na wiedzę.
Znajomość idei grup producenckich wśród uczniów szkół rolniczych
Authors: Bała Dawid
Published: January 2016

Celem artykułu jest określenie znajomości idei grup producentów rolnych w Polsce wśród uczniów szkół rolniczych. Pomimo szeregu inicjatyw podejmowanych na rzecz rozwoju grup producenckich, o charakterze promocyjnym czy edukacyjnym, integracja wśród polskich rolników nie jest popularna. Zwrócono uwagę, że tendencja do częstszego integrowania się rolników młodszych i lepiej wykształconych sugeruje, aby zainteresować się systemem kształcenia rolniczego. Stosunkowo dobrze rozbudowana sieć szkół rolniczych stanowi potencjał do upowszechniania idei grup producenckich, jednak w toku badania nie wykazano jednoznacznej zależności pomiędzy działalnością szkół a powstawaniem grup producenckich. Pomimo możliwości realizowania przez szkoły rolnicze modułu edukacyjnego dotyczącego funkcjonowania grup producenckich, znajomość idei wśród uczniów jest słaba.
Wybrane inicjatywy z zakresu wspierania edukacji i ich wpływ na rozwój społeczno-ekonomiczny obszarów wiejskich Pomorza
Authors: Czapiewska Gabriela
Published: January 2016

W niniejszym artykule, na przykładzie Pomorza (województwa pomorskiego i zachodniopomorskiego), zaprezentowano wybrane działania edukacyjne podejmowane przez społeczności lokalne, które wpływają na rozwój społeczno-ekonomiczny pomorskich wsi. Zobrazowano ogólny stan szkolnictwa obszaru badawczego. Uwzględniono aktywność wybranych organizacji w zakresie edukacji dzieci i młodzieży pochodzącej ze środowisk wiejskich, głównie poprzez tworzenie małych szkół i przedszkoli, a także specjalizacji wsi. Ponadto, zwrócono uwagę na kwestię wykorzystania środków unijnych w tym zakresie.
THE TRANSFORMATION OF ENGLISH AS A GLOBAL LANGUAGE IN THE FUTURE
Authors: Pandarangga Salmon
Published: January 2016

Abstract: It is argued that English as a global language has some advantages to people around the world. One of the advantages is that English language is used as a tool of communication, empowerment and unification of people in the global community. In other words, English plays a very important role to unite all the people around the globe regardless their nationalities, cultural backgrounds, or races. However, for some scholars, English is seen as a potential threat to linguistic diversity in the world (Florey, 2010; Graddol, 1997; Tsuda, 2008; Phillipson, 2008). These scholars strongly believed that the dominant and powerful of English use in the global community has destroyed and killed most of the languages in the world. Some of the languages, as Florey claimed, become death languages. These scholars thus believed that English is responsible for the loss and death of thousands of minority native languages around the world. Instead of debating and taking side,  it is argued that non-native speakers will use their own English teaching materials with their own context culturally , English will share the role as a global language with other languages e.g. Arabic, Spanish, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, and there will be more new and various of English (es) forms around the world. 

 
Keywords: a global language, English, communication, linguistic diversity, transformation. 
PENGEMBANGAN BUKU AJAR BAHASA INGGRIS BERBASIS KURIKULUM 2013
Authors: Marsuki Marsuki
Published: January 2016

The purpose of the study is to describe the need analysis rate of English textbook for secondary school based on the character value within the curriculum 13. It also identifies the map of the student’s knowledge on character based education. The research design is need assessment survey, while the data collection techniques involve questionnaire and deep interview. The sample of the study is 6 secondary schools implementing curriculum 13 in Kabupaten Sumenep. The target subject are 6 English teachers and 130 students of secondary schools. The data analysis shows that 6 secondary schools implementing curriculum 13 at present needed an English textbook based on the character value which can be used as a supplement of the required English book from Kemendikbud. It is expected to facilitate the students study and understand English textbook. Besides, out of 130 students, 92.06% indicate excellent level of their knowledge and understanding toward nation character and culture values. Nevertheless, 7.94 students have not been able to answer some questions correctly.
TADRIS MAHARAH AL-KALAM FI MADRASAH TSUNAIYYAH AL-LUGHAH AL-STANAWIYAH
Authors: Nasution Sahkholid
Published: January 2016

Giving the name Bilingual of the Madrasah Aliyah Bilingual Batu this a characteristic of this madrasah among madrasah-madrasah aliyah especially in Batu City. Bilingual in question is the use of the Arabic language and English as the language of instruction in these madrasah. Pay attention to the peculiarities of the madrasah, the writer wanted to dig further information about the development process of learning the Arabic language at the school, especially in the field of speaking skills (Maharah Kalam). Therefore, the approach used in writing this article is a qualitative approach with descriptive - evaluative method. It can be concluded that in general the process of the development of the Arabic language at the school has been following the principles of the development of the Arabic language to non-Arabs, but there are still many shortcomings and problems were found, including the media, environment and human resources are inadequate.
An Equation-of-State Model To Predict Surfactant/Oil/Brine-Phase Behavior
Authors: Ghosh S.. , Johns R. T.
Published: January 2016

Surfactant/polymer (SP) floods have significant potential to recover waterflood residual oil in shallow oil reservoirs. A thorough understanding of surfactant/oil/brine-phase behavior is critical to design SP-flood processes. Current practices involve repetitive laboratory experiments of dead crude at atmospheric pressure in a salinity scan that aims at finding an “optimum formulation” of chemicals for targeted oil reservoirs. Although considerable progress has been made in developing surfactants and polymers that increase the potential of a chemical enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) project, very little progress has been made to predict phase behavior as a function of formulation variables such as pressure, temperature, and oil equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN). The empirical Hand (1930) plot is still used today to model the microemulsion-phase behavior with little predictive capability because these and other formulation variables change. Such models could lead to incorrect recovery predictions and improper SP-flood designs.

In this research, we develop a new predictive-phase-behavior model and introduce a new factor β to account for pressure changes in the HLD equation. This new HLD equation is coupled with the net-average-curvature (NAC) model to predict phase volumes, solubilization ratios, and microemulsion-phase transitions (Winsor II–, Winsor III, and Winsor II+). The predictions of key parameters are compared with experimental data and are within relative errors of 4% (average 2.35%) for measured optimum salinities and 17% (average 10.55%) for optimum solubilization ratios. This paper is the first to use the HLD/NAC model to predict microemulsion-phase behavior for live crudes, including optimal solubilization ratio and the salinity width of the three-phase Winsor III region at different temperatures and pressures. Although the effect of pressure variations on microemulsion-phase behavior is generally thought to be small compared with temperature-induced changes, we show here that this is not necessarily the case. The predictive approach relies on tuning the model to limited experimental data (such as at atmospheric pressure) similar to what is performed for equation-of-state (EOS) modeling of miscible gasfloods. This new EOS-like model could significantly aid the design of chemical floods where key variables change dynamically, and in screening of potential candidate reservoirs for chemical EOR.
Treatment of natural rubber processing wastewater using a combination system of a two-stage up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket and down-flow hanging sponge system
Authors: Tanikawa D. , Syutsubo K. , Hatamoto M. , Fukuda M. , Takahashi M. , Choeisai P. K. , Yamaguchi T.
Published: January 2016

A pilot-scale experiment of natural rubber processing wastewater treatment was conducted using a combination system consisting of a two-stage up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) and a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactor for more than 10 months. The system achieved a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 95.7% ± 1.3% at an organic loading rate of 0.8 kgCOD/(m3.d). Bacterial activity measurement of retained sludge from the UASB showed that sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), especially hydrogen-utilizing SRB, possessed high activity compared with methane-producing bacteria (MPB). Conversely, the acetate-utilizing activity of MPB was superior to SRB in the second stage of the reactor. The two-stage UASB–DHS system can reduce power consumption by 95% and excess sludge by 98%. In addition, it is possible to prevent emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as methane, using this system. Furthermore, recovered methane from the two-stage UASB can completely cover the electricity needs for the operation of the two-stage UASB–DHS system, accounting for approximately 15% of the electricity used in the natural rubber manufacturing process.
Asymmetric Reporting
Authors: Armstrong Christopher S. , Taylor Daniel J. , Verrecchia Robert E.
Published: January 2016

We extend the CAPM to a setting where a firm reports earnings prior to selling shares to investors. We show that an entrepreneur, as representative of a firm's initial owners, will choose to report earnings that asymmetrically reflect future cash flow. In modeling the entrepreneur's reporting choice, we deliberately abstract away from the stewardship role of accounting. In our model, the sole purpose of reported earnings is to facilitate valuation by the firm's equity investors. Nevertheless, we show that a firm's earnings will reflect future cash flow to a greater (lesser) extent in bad states (good states) when that cash flow is anticipated to be low (high). Importantly, we also show that the asymmetry in reporting generates asymmetry in the firm's systematic risk. When a firm's earnings reflect future cash flow to a greater extent in bad states, the firm's covariance with the market portfolio will be lower in bad states.

JEL Classifications: G11; G12; G14; G31.
Do Compustat Financial Statement Data Articulate?
Authors: Casey Ryan J. , Gao Feng , Kirschenheiter Michael T. , Li Siyi , Pandit Shailendra
Published: January 2016

Using the Financial Statement Balancing Model (FSBM) from Compustat, we examine whether financial statement data articulate for 10,681 U.S. nonfinancial firms for 24 years, a total of 92,951 firm-years. We accomplish three research goals. First, we build the first formal model of financial statement articulation, providing a benchmark for subsequent discussions of articulation. Second, we show how to handle missing data to ensure articulation, by either filling in zeros or inferring the missing data using other variables in the equations. Third, we produce modified variables that resolve exceptions in the articulating equations, so that these variables form relations that are consistent across time and firms. We then compare the “modified database” (MDB) using these updated variables with the original Compustat data, and find significant differences in many commonly used financial variables, such as Altman's Z-score. We believe that our MDB has the potential to help researchers increase sample size and data quality in empirical studies.
An Overview of Novel Surfactants for Formulation of Cosmetics with Certain Emphasis on Acidic Active Substances
Authors: Lukic Milica , Pantelic Ivana , Savic Snezana
Published: January 2016

Novel surfactants which are nowadays available for incorporation into various formulations of personal care and cosmetic products are numerous, implying a permanent need for their classification. This overview provides essential information relating to synthesis, basic physicochemical characteristics, application and other relevant data on surfactants currently used in cosmetic products. In the second part of the paper an outline of acidic active substances with significant application in cosmetic products is given, as well as the problems that arise during preparation/manufacture of the containing formulations, accompanied with the review of scientific publications and other available reliable data dealing with the incorporation of these actives in the cosmetic formulations stabilized with novel (mainly natural) surfactants.
Investigation of Scale Inhibition Mechanisms Based on the Effect of HEDP on Surface Charge of Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Ji-jiang Ge , Yang Wang , Gui-cai Zhang , Ping Jiang , Mingqin Sun
Published: January 2016

1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid is a widely used CaCO3 scale inhibitor. To probe its inhibition mechanisms, the effect of 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid on surface charge and crystalline form of CaCO3 scale was investigated. The results show that CaCO3 originated from the equimolar mixture of Ca2+ and CO3
2
− is negatively charged and 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid has no obvious effect on the zeta potential of CaCO3. Analysis of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction indicated that the crystalline form of CaCO3 was altered in presence of 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid. With the increase of the scale inhibition efficiency, more vaterite appeared in the particle. So a conclusion was drawn that the formation and transformation of the metaphase was inhibited by 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, then the whole process of CaCO3 precipitating was slowed greatly.
Mix Design of Polymer-Modified and Fiber-Reinforced Warm-Mix Asphalts with High Amount of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Giustozzi Filippo , Crispino Maurizio , Toraldo Emanuele , Mariani Edoardo
Published: January 2016

The global desire to move toward sustainable transportation systems encouraged road authorities to adopt warm-mix asphalt technologies and to increase the amount of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in asphalt mixtures. The reduction of mixing and compaction temperatures through the adoption of specific additives has exhibited several downsides, including low resistance to high temperatures (rutting), incomplete drying of the aggregates, moisture damage, and low durability. However, high RAP percentages provided aging of the asphalt binder, variability in the aggregate gradation and asphalt binder content, and some limitations during plant production. The authors conducted a comprehensive laboratory investigation on several warm-asphalt mixes, including those with high RAP percentages, to evaluate volumetric, mechanical, and long-term performance. A new compound of a polymer-modified and fiber-reinforced system was added to provide comparable performance with respect to polymer-modified hot mixes. The laboratory study evaluated the influence of mixing and compaction temperatures, compaction properties, dynamic modulus and master curves, fatigue behavior, and rutting resistance, among other things. Results showed that warm-mix technologies could be adopted together with high RAP percentages and provide consistent performance in durability similar to that attributed to polymer-modified hot mixes. Recycling materials and lowering emissions while providing long-term performance can therefore be considered a tangible objective; however, a correct mix design was demonstrated to be fundamental.
Effect of Proportion of Missing Data on Application of Data Imputation in Pavement Management Systems
Authors: Farhan Javed , Setiadji Bagus H. , Fwa Tien Fang
Published: January 2016

Instances of missing data are common in pavement condition–performance databases. A common practice today is to apply statistical imputation methods to replace the missing data with imputed values. Pavement management decision makers must know the uncertainty and errors involved in the use of data sets with imputed values in their analysis. Equally important information of practical significance is the maximum allowable proportion of missing data (i.e., the level of missing data) that can still produce results with an acceptable magnitude of error or risk when the imputed data are used. This paper proposes a procedure for determining such useful information. A numerical example analyzing pavement roughness data is presented to demonstrate the procedure through evaluating the error and reliability characteristics of imputed data. The roughness data of three road sections were obtained from the Long-Term Pavement Performance database. From these data records, data sets with different proportions of missing data were randomly generated to study the effect of level of missing data. The analysis shows that the errors of imputed data tend to increase with the level of missing data and that their magnitudes are significantly influenced by the effect of pavement rehabilitation. On the application of data imputation in pavement management systems, the study suggests that, at a 95% confidence level, 25% of missing data appears to be a reasonable allowable maximum limit for analyzing time series data on pavement roughness that include no rehabilitation within the analysis period. When pavement rehabilitation occurs within the analysis period, the maximum proportion of imputed data should be limited to 15%.
Effective Systems for Rating Pavement Condition
Authors: Musunuru Gopikrishna , Baladi Gilbert , Dawson Tyler , Jiang Jane , Prohaska Michael
Published: January 2016

Existing systems for rating pavement condition are primarily based on current pavement conditions, distresses, or both. These systems do not account for the pavement's deterioration rates. For instance, two pavement sections rated fair this year may or may not have similar ratings next year. A balanced and comprehensive system for rating pavement condition should be based on the pavement's conditions, distresses, and deterioration rates. In a research study sponsored by FHWA, dual systems of rating pavement condition were developed on the basis of the pavement's functional and structural aspects and rates of deterioration. These rating systems account for current and future pavement conditions and distresses. Therefore, the systems provide more accurate information to decision makers about management of the pavement network while being simple enough for communication with legislators and the general public. The functional rating is based on ride quality (international roughness index) and safety (skid resistance and rutting) and is expressed by the remaining functional period (RFP). The structural rating is based on cracking, faulting, and rutting and is expressed by the remaining structural period (RSP). The RFP is defined by the shortest time in years between now and the year when one of the conditions reaches its threshold value. Similarly, the RSP is the shortest period in years between now and when a threshold is reached. The main advantage of the RFP and RSP is that both are proportional to the elapsed time. Their values decrease by 1 year for each calendar year.
Grouping Pavement Segments to Form Realistic Projects
Authors: Lea Jeremy D.
Published: January 2016

The problem of selecting suitable segments for treatment in a pavement management system is complex because pavements exhibit considerable spatial variability in performance. This paper presents an algorithm for grouping small segments with uniform performance into large segments that are appropriate for a construction project. The algorithm works across lanes and along the traveled way and uses multiple years of predicted treatments rather than raw information on condition. A series of subprocedures is used to do the grouping, which is centered on a statistical approach to joining adjacent segments. A final treatment that is based on the treatments that were merged into the group is recommended, although the larger segments can also be used in the pavement management system, with aggregated performance, for optimization and project selection.
Process and Data Needs for Local Calibration of Performance Models in the AASHTOWARE Pavement ME Software
Authors: Haider Syed Waqar , Brink Wouter C. , Buch Neeraj , Chatti Karim
Published: January 2016

Local calibration of the performance models in the AASHTOWARE Pavement ME software (Pavement ME) is a challenging task, especially if the data are limited. This paper summarizes the local calibration process for flexible and rigid pavements in Michigan. Other agencies can learn from the steps needed to accomplish a more streamlined local calibration. The local calibration process includes several sequential steps. An adequate number of pavement sections needs to be identified from the pavement management system (PMS) database on the basis of pavement type, age, geographical location, and number of collection cycles for performance data. The selection of the final set of pavement sections is based on distress magnitude over time. The selected pavement sections must be categorized on the basis of measured distresses because the local calibrated models are typically used to predict normal pavement performance at the design stage. For the selected pavement sections, the as-constructed input variables are collected from construction records. However, when such input information is unavailable, the best estimates are used to represent the pavement design and construction practices of the Michigan Department of Transportation. Finally, the typical steps for local calibration by using various resampling techniques are demonstrated for the rutting (flexible) and transverse cracking (rigid) models. The techniques are compared through use of the standard error of the estimate (SEE). The SEE of a technique shows how much variance is explained by the model. The main advantage of using resampling is to quantify the variability associated with the model predictions and parameters. The quantification of the variability will also help in determining more robust design reliability in the Pavement ME.
Crack Recognition and Segmentation Using Morphological Image-Processing Techniques for Flexible Pavements
Authors: Yun Hae-Bum , Mokhtari Soroush , Wu Liuliu
Published: January 2016

MorphLink-C is a novel image-processing algorithm to connect crack fragments that are a common problem in crack recognition applications. The algorithm consists of two subprocesses: ( a) the grouping of fragments by using a morphological dilation transform and ( b) the connection of fragments by using a morphological thinning transform. MorphLink-C can be used with various crack extraction methods to connect crack fragments in crack line paths and for complicated crack shapes, such as single cracks, branched cracks, block cracks, and alligator cracks. MorphLink-C also provides a simple but accurate way to estimate an averaged crack width that is important in measuring cracking severity. The proposed method was validated by using realistic road surface images in different pavement cracking conditions. The results of the statistical hypothesis test showed that the proposed method could improve crack detection accuracy with the proposed crack defragmentation algorithm.
Identifying Deficient Pavement Sections by Means of an Improved Acceleration-Based Metric
Authors: Zeng Huanghui , Park Hyungjun , Fontaine Michael D. , Smith Brian L. , McGhee Kevin K.
Published: January 2016

Transportation agencies devote significant resources toward the collection of highly detailed and accurate pavement roughness data by using profiler vans to support pavement maintenance decisions. However, these agencies often cannot afford to measure roughness annually for the whole pavement network. This study introduced an improved acceleration-based metric, an index normalized by vehicle operating speed, to be used on a regular basis to screen pavement segments that are likely to be deficient; then a profile van can be sent to accurately measure the roughness condition. A profile van collected pavement profile data on 50 mi (80 km) of roadway; these data were then used to calculate the international roughness index (IRI). Meanwhile, two tablet computers were placed on the vehicle floor to collect data, including three-way accelerations, GPS coordinates, and vehicle speeds. A normalized acceleration-based index was created by incorporating a speed factor. Furthermore, logistic regression models were created to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed index in identifying deficient pavement sections [IRI ≥ 140 in./mi (2.21 m/km)]. The proposed acceleration-based metric was able to identify between 80% and 93% of all deficient pavement sections. This research points to the feasibility of using a cost-effective acceleration-based application for network screening, a process that will reduce the total mileage of pavement sections needing to be measured and meanwhile still identify locations for which maintenance work is necessary.
Development of a Fuel Consumption and Mileage Allocation Model to Support Mileage-Based User Fee Research in Washington State
Authors: Matteson Mark , Crocker Noah , Martin-Mahar Lizbeth , See Carl
Published: January 2016

In 2012, concerned with a stagnating transportation revenue stream, policy makers in Washington State began exploring a per mile road usage charge (RUC) to replace the current fuel tax. In 2014, the legislature directed the development of a concept of operations for a RUC, including a long-term financial analysis. This directive required determination of a regional estimate of the effective fuel economy of the light-duty fleet. At the same time, the legislature called for an evaluation of the distributional impacts of the RUC, specifically for urban and rural drivers. To respond, a model for allocation of fuel consumption and the number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) was developed. Information from national data sets on fuel economy and on numbers of VMT was assigned to state vehicle licensing records by use of a statistical matching process. After calculation of the fuel consumption of individual vehicles, the model was calibrated with institutionally reported estimates of statewide fuel consumption and numbers of VMT. The completed model estimated the fuel economy for the statewide light-duty fleet for calendar year 2014 to be 19.5 mpg, more than 10% less than corresponding national estimates. Application of the completed model to the distributional analysis results showed that drivers would tend to pay more in user fees than fuel taxes for classes of vehicles that are more fuel efficient than the statewide average. Virtually no differences in impacts to urban and rural drivers as classes statewide were found; however, a county-level analysis revealed that certain rural counties benefit from a change to a RUC.
New RFID pick-to-light system: Operating characteristics and future potential
Authors: Andriolo Alessandro , Battini Daria , Calzavara Martina , Gamberi Mauro , Peretti Umberto , Persona Alessandro , Pilati Francesco , Sgarbossa Fabio
Published: January 2016

The recent changes in customers’ orders, which on one hand are becoming more frequent and on the other require smaller quantities of several products, inevitably impact the job of warehouse picking managers, who find themselves in the necessary position to satisfy a high pick volume in a short time window. Moreover, warehouse manual picking is traditionally characterized by a high human factor impact; which derives that improving such a system requires a reduction of both orders processing time and human possible errors. In this sense, a possible strategy can be the development and employment of technological systems able to support operators during their picking tours. The aim of this study is to present a new pick-to-light design solution capable of driving different operators through their activities, preventing or reducing errors by a new real-time control and alert system, based on the main potentialities of the RFID technology. After the description of the technical characteristics and of the operation of the new solution, a qualitative comparison with other existing paperless picking systems is also proposed.
American Joint Committee on Cancer acceptance criteria for inclusion of risk models for individualized prognosis in the practice of precision medicine
Authors: Kattan Michael W. , Hess Kenneth R. , Amin Mahul B. , Lu Ying , Moons Karl G.M. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Gimotty Phyllis A. , Guinney Justin H. , Halabi Susan , Lazar Alexander J. , Mahar Alyson L. , Patel Tushar , Sargent Daniel J. , Weiser Martin R. , Compton Carolyn ,   members of the AJCC Precision Medicine Core
Published: January 2016

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) has increasingly recognized the need for more personalized probabilistic predictions than those delivered by ordinal staging systems, particularly through the use of accurate risk models or calculators. However, judging the quality and acceptability of a risk model is complex. The AJCC Precision Medicine Core conducted a 2‐day meeting to discuss characteristics necessary for a quality risk model in cancer patients. More specifically, the committee established inclusion and exclusion criteria necessary for a risk model to potentially be endorsed by the AJCC. This committee reviewed and discussed relevant literature before creating a checklist unique to this need of AJCC risk model endorsement. The committee identified 13 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria for AJCC risk model endorsement in cancer. The emphasis centered on performance metrics, implementation clarity, and clinical relevance. The facilitation of personalized probabilistic predictions for cancer patients holds tremendous promise, and these criteria will hopefully greatly accelerate this process. Moreover, these criteria might be useful for a general audience when trying to judge the potential applicability of a published risk model in any clinical domain. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:370–374. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Casticin treatment inhibits squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation and arrests cell cycle in S phase
Authors: Song Yong-Bin , Zhou Shao-Hui , Cui Hong-Shang , Liu Hui-Ning , Liu Li-Jun
Published: January 2016

The present study demonstrates the effect of casticin on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, TE-1 and TE-15. The cells were treated with various concentrations (10-50 μM) of casticin for different time periods. The results revealed that casticin treatment significantly inhibited the rate of cell proliferation in both TE-1 and TE-15 cell lines after 48 hours. Casticin treatment induced cell cycle arrest in S phase, enhanced the expression of proapoptotic gene, Bax and activation of caspase-3. Moreover, the morphological features of the cells were altered resulting in apoptosis. Casticin also inhibited the migration potential of TE-1 cells. Thus, casticin exhibits inhibitory effect on the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines by inhibiting cell proliferation, arresting cell cycle, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting migration. Therefore, casticin can be of therapeutic importance for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

 
Calibrating the Medical Council of Canada’s Qualifying Examination Part I using an integrated item response theory framework: a comparison of models and designs
Authors: De Champlain Andre F. , Boulais Andre-Philippe , Dallas Andrew
Published: January 2016

Purpose: The aim of this research was to compare different methods of calibrating multiple choice question (MCQ) and clinical decision making (CDM) components for the Medical Council of Canada’s Qualifying Examination Part I (MCCQEI) based on item response theory. Methods: Our data consisted of test results from 8,213 first time applicants to MCCQEI in spring and fall 2010 and 2011 test administrations. The data set contained several thousand multiple choice items and several hundred CDM cases. Four dichotomous calibrations were run using BILOG-MG 3.0. All 3 mixed item format (dichotomous MCQ responses and polytomous CDM case scores) calibrations were conducted using PARSCALE 4. Results: The 2-PL model had identical numbers of items with chi-square values at or below a Type I error rate of 0.01 (83/3,499 or 0.02). In all 3 polytomous models, whether the MCQs were either anchored or concurrently run with the CDM cases, results suggest very poor fit. All IRT abilities estimated from dichotomous calibration designs correlated very highly with each other. IRT-based pass-fail rates were extremely similar, not only across calibration designs and methods, but also with regard to the actual reported decision to candidates. The largest difference noted in pass rates was 4.78%, which occurred between the mixed format concurrent 2-PL graded response model (pass rate= 80.43%) and the dichotomous anchored 1-PL calibrations (pass rate= 85.21%). Conclusion: Simpler calibration designs with dichotomized items should be implemented. The dichotomous calibrations provided better fit of the item response matrix than more complex, polytomous calibrations.
Islam, Consciousness and Early Cinema: Said Nursî and the Cinema of God
Authors: Balan Canan
Published: January 2016

The early 20thcentury works of Kurdish Islamic thinker Said Nursî explore how cinema can provide access to the divine. Yet, considering the periods of Nursî’s life that were spent in prison, or in exile in remote locations, it is likely that the cinema he was discussing was, very specifically, the early silent cinema of attractions. Thus the distinctive format of this cinema can be uncovered in, and seen to structure, Nursî’s formulation of ‘God's cinema’. With this proposition in mind, this article indicates something of the potential that an engagement with Nursî’s cinematic writing offers for reconsidering topics already much discussed in film-philosophy, such as that of time in the works of Gilles Deleuze.