bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epistemic Vigilance, Cautious Optimism and Sophisticated Understanding
Authors: Padilla Cruz Manuel
Published: February 2013

Humans have developed a critical alertness to the believability and reliability of communication: epistemic vigilance (Sperber et al. 2010). It is responsible for trusting interlocutors and believing interpretations. But what is exactly its role in communication? This paper suggests that epistemic vigilance may trigger shifts from a default processing strategy driven by expectations of optimal relevance to more complex processing strategies. These would be enacted when hearers notice speakers’ linguistic mistakes, hearers realise that they have made interpretive mistakes or when hearers discover that speakers seek to mislead them to erroneous or unintended interpretations.
Testing the Limits of Anaphoric Distance in Classical Arabic: A Corpus-Based Study
Authors: Jarbou Samir O. , Migdadi Fathi
Published: February 2013

One of the central aims in research on anaphora is to discover the factors that determine the choice of referential expressions in discourse. Ariel (1988; 2001) offers an Accessibility Scale where referential expressions, including demonstratives, are categorized according to the values of anaphoric (i.e. textual) distance that each of these has in relation to its antecedent. The aim of this paper is to test Ariel’s (1988; 1990; 2001) claim that the choice to use proximal or distal anaphors is mainly determined by anaphoric distance. This claim is investigated in relation to singular demonstratives in a corpus of Classical Arabic (CA) prose texts by using word count to measure anaphoric distance. Results indicate that anaphoric distance cannot be taken as a consistent or reliable determinant of how anaphors are used in CA, and so Ariel’s claim is not supported by the results of this study. This also indicates that the universality of anaphoric distance, as a criterion of accessibility, is defied.
The Pragmatic Functions of Repetition in TV Discourse
Authors: Rabab'ah Ghaleb , AbuSeileek Ali Farhan
Published: February 2013

Since repetition is a natural phenomenon used to perform various functions in interactional discourse, adopting a pragmatic analysis to the discourse of Dr. Phil and his guests on Dr. Phil's TV show, this study attempted to explore the pragmatic functions of such repetitions as used by English native speakers. The data were gathered from conversations between native speakers of English, and based on 7 full episodes of Dr. Phil's TV Show. The researchers watched, and studied these episodes on YouTube. The study revealed that one of the salient features of TV discourse is repetition, which is employed to perform a variety of language functions. Repetition was used to express emphasis, clarity, emotions, highlight the obvious, be questionable, express annoyance, persuasion, express surprise, give instructions, and as a filler in order to take time, when the speaker was searching for a proper word to say what would come next. The study concluded that these findings had significant implications for EFL/ESL teachers and the interlanguage development of EFL/ESL learners.
The mobility performance of the elderly before, during and after crossing over an obstacle
Authors: Uchiyama Masanobu , Demura Shinichi , Sugiura Hiroki
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Tripping over objects is a major cause of fall-related injuries. The elderly feature decreased locomotor velocity with aging and delays in locomotion when encountering obstacles. Numerous studies have analyzed how the mobility performance of the elderly is affected when crossing over an obstacle. However, how is mobility performance affected when performing sequences of various locomotor movements (gait, changing direction, standing up and sitting down) that make up activities of daily living? To answer this question, this study investigated the changes in locomotor velocity when encountering an obstacle during various locomotor movements in both older adults and young adults by using the TUG, a representative mobility test.

Methods

Thirty older adults who were judged to be able to walk independently by the Berg Balance Scale (BSS) (age: 70.0 ± 6.94 yrs; BB S: 54.7 ± 1.78 pts) and seventeen male young adults (age: 21.7 ± 2.37 yrs) participated in the “Timed Up & Go” (TUG) test with and without an obstacle. Using the TUG score (the total time required to complete the test), a rate of the total times (with an obstacle/without an obstacle) was calculated to create an index of the decline in mobility performance by the obstacle.

Results

The decline in the mobility performance of the elderly was significantly larger than the young adults for the following measurements: in the single stance phases just before and after an obstacle, the time needed to change direction 180 degrees, and for level walking after crossing over an obstacle.

Conclusions

The elderly require a longer period of time for stepping over obstacles. Gait and the ability to change direction after encountering an obstacle was found to be slower when compared to the younger male population.
Exposure to concomitant low health-related physical fitness components and associated sociodemographic factors in Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Minatto Giseli , Petroski Edio Luiz , Silva Diego Augusto Santos
Published: February 2013

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of the presence of concomitant low health-related physical fitness components with sociodemographic factors among Brazilian adolescents living in a small town of German colonization.

Methods

A cross-sectional epidemiological study on adolescents (10 to 17 years old) from the public schools of São Bonifácio, Santa Catarina, Brazil (N = 277) was conducted. The FITNESSGRAM test battery was applied to assess three physical fitness components (body composition, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness). Data on age (split into two age groups of 10–12 and 13–17 years), gender (male/female), area of residence (rural/urban) and socioeconomic status (low/high) were collected by a questionnaire. Maturity, determined by pubic hair development, was self-assessed. The analyzed physical fitness components were analyzed in terms of the groups of three possible combinations that featured two physical fitness components concomitantly. Adjusted binary and multinomial logistic regression was applied, adopting a confidence level of 95%.

Results

75.4% of boys and 88.5% of girls showed unsatisfactory levels for health in at least one physical fitness component. Girls living in rural areas were more likely to have combinations of excess body fat with low muscular fitness (OR = 5.06, 95% CI [1.31, 19.61]), low muscular fitness with low cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 5.46, 95% CI [1.24, 23.94]) and feature two (OR = 8.82, 95% CI [1.60, 48.49]) low values of the components regardless of which combination. Boys aged 10–12 years were less exposed to lower fitness levels compared to those with satisfactory levels (OR = 0.09, 95% CI [0.01, 0.61]).

Conclusions

More effective measures aimed at promoting physical fitness among adolescents are needed, where special attention should be given to boys aged 10–12 years and girls aged 13–17 years and living in rural areas.
Scoring abilities in the game of tennis – a pragmatic study of unique cases
Authors: Nowak Mariusz , Panfil Ryszard
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Many studies analyzing the game of tennis overlook assessing such variables as the pure ability to play the game or the skill needed to take an opponent by surprise. This can be quantified in terms of a player’s shot flexibility, variability, velocity, or by the conscious or intuitive adaptability one can possess towards anticipating return shots, how best to hit the ball in order to keep it in play, as well as the buildup of delivering a shot or in scoring a point. The aim of the study was to identify the ability to score points in tennis based on an original set of assessment criteria that were used to measure the different effective plays against an opponent. This included measuring the variability, spatial flexibility and variability of shots taken, as well as the willingness to make risky plays.

Methods

The study analyzed the match play of two elite tennis players, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who competed against one another in the final of the 2007 US Open and the semi-final of 2008 Australian Open. Video recording of the two games was used to score and measure the proposed criteria.

Results

The study found numerous quantitative and qualitative aspects that could assess the performance of the players. This included measuring the variety, spatial flexibility and variability of shots taken, as well as the willingness to make risky plays. Shot variety, flexibility and variability, as well as the amount of risk taken during game play, were quantifiable in nature. Taking into account the high sporting level of the players, the obtained results are undoubtedly of considerable educational value.

Conclusion

The results allow for the conclusion that the teaching process in tennis demands the introduction of significant modifications aimed at the rationalization of technique and the introduction of criteria that can measure player effectiveness.
Inter-examiner, within-session and between-session repeatability of kinematic gait parameters among adult subjects
Authors: Leszczewska Justyna , Czaprowski Dariusz , Pawłowska Paulina , Oponowicz Agnieszka
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This research aimed to assess the repeatability of results obtained when analysing gait by means of a system designed for objective gait analysis in a single laboratory setting by a single examiner within-session and between-sessions.

Methods

For the purpose of this research, the BTS Smart-D movement analysis system, produced by Capture Motion System of Italy, was used. Four healthy adults were examined. The subjects took part in three gait analysis testing sessions, with each session separated by a two-day break. During each session, two sets of measurements were taken for each subject. Statistical analysis was performed with StatSoft’s Statistica 7.1 software.

Results

Within each session, all examined temporal and spatial parameters were found to be repeatable. Only in hip and knee joint rotation was repeatability not confirmed within session. Between the sessions, repeatability was confirmed in pelvic rotation, abduction/adduction of the knee joint and for all foot kinematic parameters.

Conclusions

Conducting gait analysis by one researcher does not guarantee obtaining repeatable results for all measured kinematic parameters, either within one session or between sessions; caution ought to be exercised when interpreting results. Among the studied parameters, hip and knee joint rotation provided the most difficulty in obtaining repeatable results. For this reason, diagnostic and therapeutic decisions based on such data require the utmost consideration.
Transition period does not reduce power and work performance parameters in the 15-second maximal power output cycle ergometer test in young male and female sprint athletes
Authors: Grobelna Joanna , Borkowski Jacek , Kosendiak Jan
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine the changes in maximal anaerobic power and work output observed in a 15-second maximal power ergometer test following a four to five week-long transition period in a group of young sprinters.

Methods

Sixteen young sprinters (six women and ten men) were asked to perform a 15-second maximal power output cycle ergometer test (a modified variant of the standard Wingate test). Blood samples were obtained from subjects before the test and three minutes after exercise in order to measure lactate (LA), hydrogen ion (H+) and bicarbonate (HCO3 –) concentrations. The tests were conducted twice, at the beginning (T1) and the end (T2) of the transition period for each of the sprinters.

Results

Changes in the body weight and the body fat content of the sprinters following the transition period were non-significant. When comparing pre- to post-transition period performance, there were no significant changes in total work output (Wtot) and maximal power (Pmax), however these parameters’ ratios to body weight were found to slightly increase in the group of males. A significant increase in the number of total pedal revolutions in males was also observed. There were no changes in the time of maintaining maximal power (Tm) and time to reach maximal power output (Tr) in both groups. No statistically significant changes in the values of the selected parameters LA, H+, HCO3 – and also the ratio of H+ to Wtot were noted between the tests performed at T1 and T2.

Conclusion

The four to five week-long transition period did not diminish power and work performance in 15-second maximal power output test in young sprint athletes. Moreover, some of the performance parameters increased in the group of male sprinters.
Estimation of VO2max according to the 3'bike test
Authors: Rexhepi Agron M. , Brestovci Behlul
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to derive the regression equation for predicting VO2max of athletes by the relatively new submaximal 3'Bike Test.

Methods

This test was conducted on 1501 active football male players, aged 16÷35 years. A medical anamnesis was administered and then the athletes’ weight was measured. Afterwards, the athletes performed the 3'Bike Test followed by the Astrand Bike Test for comparison reasons.

Results

Linear regression of the data indicated that the produced regression model, as a whole, is statistically significant. In addition, the system of predictive variables was able to explain for 48% of total variability of the criterion variable VO2maxAST. According to the regression coefficients that had been derived, a regression equation that could predict VO2max was created. A significant high correlation (r = 0.688) and a non-significant paired t-test (p = 0.782) found between the measured VO2max (Astrand test) and the predicted VO2max (3'Bike Test) indicates a large similarity between the predicted and measured VO2max values.

Conclusions

The 3'Bike Test was found to be a capable measurement tool of aerobic endurance, more reliable and valid than the Astrand submaximal test, as well as being shorter, more easily executed and a better predictor of VO2max.
Interleukin-6 as an adipokine and myokine: the regulatory role of cytokine in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle metabolism
Authors: Lutosławska Grażyna
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) belongs to the IL-6-type cytokine family, which, besides IL-6, comprises of IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), oncostatin M (OSM), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), cardiotrophin-1 (CT) and cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC). The metabolic effects of IL-6 differ markedly depending on the nature of the target cell with positive action on nerve cells’ differentiation and hematopoesis, but negative in the etiology of autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. In a target cell, IL-6 can simultaneously generate functionally distinct or sometimes contradictory signals depending on the in vivo environment, and the final physiological effect is a consequence of the orchestration of the diverse signals. Thus, its physiological effects are characterized by pleiotropy and redundancy. At present, it has been well documented that in obese individuals, IL-6, as an adipokine secreted into circulation by adipose tissue in proportion to body fat content and an elevated level of the cytokine in the plasma, adversely affects insulin signaling and glucose disposal in skeletal muscles and liver. Moreover, several lines of evidence indicated that IL-6 is a myokine synthesized in skeletal muscle and secreted into the bloodstream in response to exercise. In this way muscular work has a potential to stimulate adipose tissue lipolysis and provides an energy to working muscle. Furthermore, muscle-originated IL-6 acts locally, positively affecting intramuscular fat utilization. It has also been postulated that IL-6 is inevitable for satellite cell stimulation and muscle hypertrophy and repair.
Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Eclipta Alba as a Reversal Agent in Boric Acid Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity
Authors: Nair Pooja , Vora Nidhi , Purandhar Kaveri , Kamle Vishal , Seshadri Sriram
Published: February 2013

Boric acid administration has a detrimental effect on reproductive organs, livers, and kidneys in rats. In the present study, male Wistar rats were orally fed with boric acid at a dose regimen of 350 mg/kg bodyweight for a period of 30 days, followed by oral administration of hydroalcoholic extract of Eclipta alba at a dose regimen of 500 mg/kg body weight orally for 60 days. The boric acid treated group showed signs of toxicity, such as liver damage, nephropathy, and complete damage to the testis, as early as 15 days which became aggravated by 30 days of the boric acid study period. Oxidative stress in all of the vital organs showed a significant increase. Following the plant extract treatment, complete reversal in reproductive toxicity was observed. The hormonal levels viz., testosterone, estrogen, and FSH returned to normal ranges after the 60 days of plant extract treatment. Significant reversal comparable to the control groups was observed in oxidative stress in the vital tissues. The fertility of the rats was found to be restored. The altered tissue morphology showed significant signs or recovery as observed under light microscopic examination. Thus, overall recovery was observed in the boric acid treated rats which received treatment with the plant extract. It can be concluded that Boric acid definitely has detrimental effects on the male reproductive system and the plant extract showed promising results. However, the mode of action and the active components for the same needs to be further investigated.
Determination of the Resilient modulus MR for the lime stabilized clay obtained from the repeated loading CBR tests
Authors: Sas Wojciech , Głuchowski Andrzej , Szymański Alojzy
Published: February 2013

Determination of the Resilient modulusMR for the lime stabilized clay obtained from therepeated loading CBR tests. The main aim of this paper is to prove that CBR repeated test is useful to give an adequate like unconfi ned cyclic triaxial test parameters for design the pavement and subgrade soils. That parameter is the Resilient modulus (MR) which is the elastic modulus based on the recoverable strain under repeated load. Resilient modulus (MR), is an important parameter which characterizes the subgrade’s ability to withstand repetitive stresses under traffic loadings. The 1993 AASHTO guide for design of flexible pavements recommends the use of MR. The additional aim is connected with the concept of sustainable development. For many countries, where resources are at premium, it is very important that stabilized local soil can be used for road construction. For ensuring that stabilized clay can be used for pavement material standard compaction, CBR and repeated CBR tests were performed. In that paper parameter MRof the subgrade lime stabilized clay soil by laboratory CBR repeated test were determined using for calculation formulas from triaxial cyclic test. Based on AASHTO empirical equation the static CBR values using back analysis was also calculated. Finally both values of CBR determined and calculated were compared.
The Test-Retest Reliability of Anatomical Co-Ordinate Axes Definition for the Quantification of Lower Extremity Kinematics During Running
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Taylor Paul John , Greenhalgh Andrew , Edmundson Christopher James , Brooks Darrell , Hobbs Sarah Jane
Published: February 2013

Three-dimensional (3-D) kinematic analyses are used widely in both sport and clinical examinations.
However, this procedure depends on reliable palpation of anatomical landmarks and mal-positioning of markers between
sessions may result in improperly defined segment co-ordinate system axes which will produce in-consistent joint
rotations. This had led some to question the efficacy of this technique. The aim of the current investigation was to assess
the reliability of the anatomical frame definition when quantifying 3-D kinematics of the lower extremities during
running. Ten participants completed five successful running trials at 4.0 m·s-1 ± 5%. 3-D angular joint kinematics
parameters from the hip, knee and ankle were collected using an eight camera motion analysis system. Two static
calibration trials were captured. The first (test) was conducted prior to the running trials following which anatomical
landmarks were removed. The second was obtained following completion of the running trials where anatomical
landmarks were re-positioned (retest). Paired samples t-tests were used to compare 3-D kinematic parameters quantified
using the two static trials, and intraclass correlations were employed to examine the similarities between the sagittal,
coronal and transverse plane waveforms. The results indicate that no significant (p>0.05) differences were found
between test and retest 3-D kinematic parameters and strong (R2≥0.87) correlations were observed between test and
retest waveforms. Based on the results obtained from this investigation, it appears that the anatomical co-ordinate axes
of the lower extremities can be defined reliably thus confirming the efficacy of studies using this technique.
Kinematic Structure at the Early Flight Position in Ski Jumping
Authors: Vodičar Janez , Čoh Milan , Jošt Bojan
Published: February 2013

The purpose of our research was to establish the variability of correlation between the length of the jumps and
selected multi-item kinematic variables (n=9) in the early flight phase technique of ski jumping. This study was
conducted on a sample of elite Slovenian ski jumpers (N=29) who participated in the experiment on a jumping hill in
Hinterzarten, Germany (HS95m) on the 20th of August, 2008. The highest and most significant correlations (p=0.01)
with the length of the ski jump were found in the multi-item variable height of flying, which was also expressed with the
highest level of stability of the explained total variance (TV) on the first factor (TV=69.13%). The most important
characteristic of the aerodynamic aspect of early flight was the variable angle between the body chord and the horizontal
axis with significantly high correlations (p<0.05). The stability of that aerodynamic factor was very high (TV=65.04%).
The results were essentially similar for the multi-item variable angle between left leg and the horizontal axis
(TV=61.88%). The rest of the multi-item kinematic variables did not have significant correlations with the multi-item
variable length of jump. Only two more variables, the angle between the upper body and the horizontal plane
(TV=53.69%), and the angle between left ski and left leg (TV=50.13%), had an explained common variance on the first
factor greater than 50% of total variance. The results indicated that some kinematic parameters of ski jumping early
flight technique were more important for success considering the length of the jump.
An Evaluation of Symmetry in the Lower Limb Joints During the Able-Bodied Gait of Women and Men
Authors: Forczek Wanda , Staszkiewicz Robert
Published: February 2013

For many years, mainly to simplify data analysis, scientists assumed that during a gait, the lower limbs
moved symmetrically. However, even a cursory survey of the more recent literature reveals that the human walk
is symmetrical only in some aspects. That is why the presence of asymmetry should be considered in all studies
of locomotion. The gait data were collected using the 3D motion analysis system Vicon. The inclusion criteria
allowed the researchers to analyze a very homogenous group, which consisted of 54 subjects (27 women and 27
men). Every selected participant moved at a similar velocity: approximately 1,55 m/s. The analysis included
kinematic parameters defining spatio-temporal structure of locomotion, as well as angular changes of the main
joints of the lower extremities (ankle, knee and hip) in the sagittal plane. The values of those variables were
calculated separately for the left and for the right leg in women and men. This approach allowed us to determine
the size of the differences, and was the basis for assessing gait asymmetry using a relative asymmetry index,
which was constructed by the authors. Analysis of the results demonstrates no differences in the temporal and
phasic variables of movements of the right and left lower limb. However, different profiles of angular changes in
the sagittal plane were observed, measured bilaterally for the ankle joint.
The Effect of Fatigue on Kicking Velocity in Soccer Players
Authors: Ferraz Ricardo , Van Den Tillaar Roland , Marques Mário C.
Published: February 2013

Soccer is a game in which fatigue can negatively influence players’ performance. Few studies have examined
the practical effects of fatigue on soccer performance skills. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect
of fatigue, acutely induced by means of a soccer specific circuit on ball velocity. Ten amateur soccer players (age 27.3 ±
5.25 yr; experience 16,8 ± 6.05 yr; level secondary division; body height 1,80 m ± 0,06; body mass 75,7 kg ± 5,78),
participated in this study and performed maximal instep kicks before and after the implementation of an intensive,
intermittent and repeated exercise protocol. Analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated a significant
decrease (p<0.05) in ball velocity after just one round of the fatigue circuit. However, after the third circuit ball velocity
increased and after the fifth circuit maximal ball velocity increased yet again (compared to the second circuit) and was
not significantly different from before commencement of the fatigue protocol. The results partly confirmed the
hypothesis of the negative influence of fatigue upon ball velocity in soccer kicking, demonstrating also some variability
in the presented values of ball velocity perhaps theoretically accounted for by the general governor model.
Effect of Various Warm-Up Protocols on Jump Performance in College Football Players
Authors: Pagaduan Jeffrey C. , Pojskić Haris , Užičanin Edin , Babajić Fuad
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of warm-up strategies on countermovement jump
performance. Twenty-nine male college football players (age: 19.4 ± 1.1 years; body height: 179.0 ± 5.1 cm; body mass:
73.1 ± 8.0 kg; % body fat: 11.1 ± 2.7) from the Tuzla University underwent a control (no warm-up) and different
warm-up conditions: 1. general warm-up; 2. general warm-up with dynamic stretching; 3. general warm-up, dynamic
stretching and passive stretching; 4. passive static stretching; 5. passive static stretching and general warm-up; and, 6.
passive static stretching, general warm-up and dynamic stretching. Countermovement jump performance was
measured after each intervention or control. Results from one way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant
difference on warm-up strategies at F (4.07, 113.86) = 69.56, p < 0.001, eta squared = 0.72. Bonferonni post hoc
revealed that a general warm-up and a general warm-up with dynamic stretching posted the greatest gains among all
interventions. On the other hand, no warm-up and passive static stretching displayed the least results in
countermovement jump performance. In conclusion, countermovement jump performance preceded by a general warmup
or a general warm-up with dynamic stretching posted superior gains in countermovement jump performance.
The boundary integral method for the D.C. geoelectric problem in the 3-layered earth with a prismoid inhomogeneity in the second layer
Authors: Hvoždara Milan
Published: February 2013

The paper presents algorithm and numerical results for the boundary integral equations (BIE) method of the forward D.C. geoelectric problem for the three-layered earth which contains the prismoidal body with sloped faces in the second layer. This situation occurs in the sedimentary basins. Although the numerical calculations are more complicated in comparison with faces orthogonal to the x, y, z axes, the generalization to the sloped faces enables treatment of the anomalous fields for the bodies of more general shapes as rectangular prisms. The graphs with numerical results present isoline maps of the perturbing potential as well as the resistivity profiles when the source field is due to the pair of D.C. electrodes at the surface of the earth. Also presented apparent resistivity curves for the Schlumberger array AMNB sounding.
Access Pricing Under Imperfect Competition Reconsidered
Authors: Staněk Rostislav , Kvasnička Michal
Published: February 2013

This paper claims that Onemli’s results published in “Access Pricing under Imperfect Competition”, Review of Economic Perspectives, 2012, are incorrect. Contrary to Onemli, we claim that in an industry, where a monopoly incumbent produces a key input used by itself and its competitors on a downstream market which is Cournot oligopoly, the regulator should set the second-best access charge such that the incumbent’s total profit is zero if the first-best access charge is not feasible. The competitors’ ability to produce the key input themselves does not change the outcome since no competitor chooses to use this option under this regulation. We also discuss some limitations of the Onemli’s model.
Study on Customer Satisfaction with Facilities Management Services in Lithuania
Authors: Lepkova Natalija , Žūkaitė-Jefimovienė Giedrė
Published: February 2013

The article introduces the concept and content of facilities management (FM) services. Thepaper presents the concept of customer satisfaction and discusses the key factors whichinfluence the opinions of customers and their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with theservices provided. The article presents two studies: a brief survey of several FM serviceproviders and a survey of customer satisfaction with FM services in Lithuania. Theconclusions are given at the end of the article.
Estimation of Modal Dampings for Unmeasured Modes
Authors: Pápai Ferenc , Adhikari Sondipon , Wang Bor-Tsuen
Published: February 2013

Damping effects are of great interest for structural analysis and evaluations. Structuralmodal damping characteristics can be obtained from experiments. This paper introducesnew possibilities for the modelling of the damping of a dynamic system with classical normalmodes and provides an overview of the known methods for formulating a damping matrixbase with experimental modal damping values. The proposed method offers an opportunityto extrapolate modal damping values for unmeasured modes by a regression method basedon the measured modal properties. The points of view on the choice of an analytical formfor damping regression functions are examined. An analytical form of regression functionscan be chosen as the modal decay rate versus the square of the frequency or the modaldamping ratio versus the frequency. Damping regressions can be performed based ona group of typical vibration modes, such as bending, torsion and lateral, symmetrical oranti-symmetrical modes. The regression data obtained for the damping constants can thenbe applied in a finite element model for further structural analysis.
An exploratory prospective study of young people's drinking during a holiday
Authors: Hesse Morten , Tutenges Sébastien , Pedersen Mads Uffe , Kofoed Pernille Bouteloup
Published: February 2013

Background

Heavy drinking and drug use is increasingly recognised as a problem in relation to holidays at nightlife resorts. However, studies conducted on the subject to date have relied on retrospective accounts of drinking, and little is known about the course of drinking, consequences and experiences during such holidays.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, of 112 Danish tourists aged 16 to 25 years, 68% of whom were male. Participants completed questionnaires within one day of arrival at the resort, and subsequently on days 3 and 5 of the holiday.

Results

The response rate was adequate, with 81% providing complete data on all three occasions, and 93% providing complete data on at least two of the three occasions. During the holiday, participants cut down on their drinking significantly. Men drank more than women. The group of people with whom individuals travelled had a significant influence on their drinking. We also analysed predictors of several adverse outcomes. Individuals who travelled for the purpose of socialising drank more, whereas those who travelled to participate in sports activities drank less.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the efficaciousness of prospective surveys as a methodology for onsite monitoring of substance use and other behaviours of young people during holidays. The study showed that young people drink like the members of the group they are with, but experience the consequences of drinking independently.
Marginal-Cost Vehicle Mileage Fee
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lu Yijing
Published: February 2013

The vehicle mileage fee is a strong candidate to mitigate the funding gap in surface transportation caused by the declining purchasing power of fuel tax revenue, the emergence of hybrid and electric vehicles, and more restrictive corporate average fuel economy standards. This study computes the vehicle mileage fee on the basis of the marginal cost of travel and internalizes various externalities such as congestion, infrastructure deterioration, pollution emissions, and greenhouse gas emissions. Multiple regression models and discrete choice models are developed on the basis of the 2009 National Household Travel Survey data to analyze the impacts of the proposed marginal-cost vehicle mileage fee on vehicle ownership, fuel efficiency, vehicle miles traveled, energy consumption, emissions, and equity. In addition, the sensitivity of these impacts to exogenous fuel price volatility is estimated quantitatively. Results show that with consideration of all aforementioned externalities, the marginal-cost vehicle mileage fee by vehicle make and model would range from 7.7 to 9.1 cents/mi, which is much higher than the per mile equivalent of the current fuel taxes (about 1.2 cents/mi). Household vehicle use behavior is much more sensitive to the marginal-cost vehicle mileage fee than vehicle ownership decisions, with a significant (27.1%) reduction in vehicle miles traveled, but a minor increase in vehicle fuel efficiency (up to 4.2%). Nevertheless, the marginal-cost vehicle mileage fee can reduce energy consumption and pollution or greenhouse gas emissions by about a fourth. These sustainability benefits are even more significant if fuel prices continue to increase. Without consideration of the benefits from revenue redistribution, lower-income households, as expected, would be hurt more than higher-income households (1.3%).
Role of Context in Equity Effects of Congestion Pricing
Authors: Franklin Joel P.
Published: February 2013

The equity effects of congestion pricing have come into focus as a potential hindrance to its acceptability in implementation around the world. Both theoretical arguments and empirical evidence about how the burden of the toll should fall on demographic groups have been mixed, depending on a variety of contextual factors such as automobile access, work schedule, flexibility, and spatial distribution of activities. Yet the evidence so far for implemented congestion pricing systems has not examined explicitly the role of such contextual factors. With the congestion pricing trial in Stockholm, Sweden, as a case study, this paper uses structural equation modeling to estimate a model of the role of age, income, and gender as independent variables; contextual factors as endogenous variables; and the change in automobile trips after congestion pricing as dependent variables. The findings indicated that gender was a significant factor in terms of the total effects and that three of the four contextual variables—access to a car, possession of a long-term transit pass, and having a workplace on the same side of the cordon as home—played significant mediating roles in the indirect effects of the demographic variables on trips by automobile. Moreover, it was found that gender was significant only when the contextual factors were included in the model. This finding suggested that a significant variable could be missed when such factors were omitted.
Willingness to Pay for High-Occupancy Toll Lanes
Authors: Burris Mark , Nelson Scott , Kelly Pete , Gupta Partha , Cho Youngjae
Published: February 2013

This research examined the willingness of travelers to pay for travel time savings (TTS) on the I-394 MnPASS express lanes in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the I-15 express lanes in San Diego, California. The findings from both facilities indicate that many travelers are willing to pay a toll for a small TTS. The revealed preference values of time for the I-394 paying customers averaged $73/h in the morning and $116/h in the afternoon. Travelers on the I-15 express lanes received slightly higher TTS than on the I-394 and typically had a lower willingness to pay. Their revealed preference values of time averaged $49/h in the morning and $54/h in the afternoon. On the basis of the magnitude of these values, it is likely that travelers are paying for more than just TTS, possibly travel time reliability also. This finding means that these lanes likely have added value to travelers beyond time savings. The variability of the dynamic toll prices on the I-394 MnPASS express lanes in Minnesota and the I-15 express lanes in San Diego was also examined. Toll rates during the morning and afternoon peak hours varied considerably, with tolls ranging from $0.50 to $8.00. Conversely, off-peak times showed little to no variation. These trends were similar for different days of the week, and even from year to year. These trends were common across both I-394 and I-15 express lanes, although more variation was found on I-15. Tolls varied little during off-peak periods.
Do Travelers Pay for Managed-Lane Travel as They Claimed They Would?
Authors: Devarasetty Prem Chand , Burris Mark , Shaw W. Douglass
Published: February 2013

This study examined whether travelers are using the new Katy Freeway managed lanes (MLs) in Houston, Texas, as people stated that they would in their responses to a survey conducted in 2008, before the MLs opened. To check the veracity of intended behaviors, a new stated preference survey was given to Houston's Katy Freeway travelers in 2010. The 2010 survey yielded 3,325 respondents, of whom approximately 869 respondents had likely been participants in the 2008 survey. Mixed logit models were developed from the 869 responses, and their value of travel time savings were compared with the 2008 survey estimates. The implied mean value of travel time savings based on the 2010 survey was found to be about 48% of the sample mean hourly wage rate, similar to values estimated for the 2008 surveys. The value of travel time reliability was estimated as 56% of the sample mean hourly wage rate. Combining both the value of time and the value of reliability for these travelers results in a combined value of $61/h. This value is close to the value travelers are giving their travel time for their actual recent trips on the Katy Freeway (an average of $51/h). Thus it appears that travelers are factoring in (consciously or subconsciously) some additional value for the reliability of MLs when they choose to use these lanes. The percentage of travelers from the 2010 survey who actually used the MLs was similar to the percentage of 2008 survey respondents who indicated that they might or would definitely use MLs. These findings suggest that travelers are actually using and paying for MLs as they said they would. The results also suggest that the maximum willingness to pay for travel did not change much from before to after the opening of the MLs.
Managed Arterials
Authors: Poole Robert W. , Swenson Chris R.
Published: February 2013

Priced managed lanes have been proposed and implemented exclusively on limited-access roadways. Yet major arterials handle a large fraction of urban traffic and account for a significant portion of traffic congestion. This paper proposes a way to apply priced congestion relief to major arterials (six or more lanes) and builds on research from the early Value Pricing Pilot Program on tolled queue jumps (grade separations) at signalized intersections, carried out in Lee County, Florida. A “managed arterial” (MA) is defined as an arterial retro fitted with a series of electronically tolled grade separations (overpasses or underpasses) that provide an alternative to the signalized intersection for through traffic. Bus rapid transit is an important element of the concept, and the MA provides an alternative to arterial bus-only lanes, similar to high-occupancy toll lanes providing an alternative to bus-only lanes on freeways. The study addresses issues and trade-offs in integrating bus rapid transit into the design and operation of MAs. The study includes conceptual designs of overpasses and underpasses for use in MAs and estimates the throughput increase obtained by converting a six-lane arterial to the MA configuration compared with that provided by widening it to eight lanes. Sketch-level estimates of financial feasibility are included.
Valuing Public-Sector Revenue Risk Exposure in Transportation Public–Private Partnerships
Authors: Aldrete Rafael , Bujanda Arturo , Valdez Gabriel A.
Published: February 2013

A methodological framework can be used to evaluate public revenue financial risk exposure when transportation infrastructure is delivered through public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the United States. Transportation agencies worldwide and across the United States are increasingly using PPPs as a mechanism to deliver infrastructure. An analysis of international experience conducted for this research shows that countries with more extensive experience in PPPs than the United States have devised sophisticated methodologies to value and manage risk exposure in the context of value for money and optimum allocation of project risks. However, a review of major U.S. transportation PPP transactions reveals that U.S. states currently lack a well-documented methodology to quantify and incorporate the cost of public-sector risk into the evaluation of PPP projects. This evidence suggests that U.S. transportation agencies might benefit significantly from implementing more systematic approaches to incorporate the cost of risk in the evaluation of PPP projects. The framework proposed in this research provides a step-by-step methodology to quantify revenue risk exposure and is aimed at facilitating the estimation of the risk-adjusted costs of delivering a project as a PPP. The methodology is based on the concept of contingent liabilities and uses option pricing techniques. The application of the methodology is demonstrated by two U.S. transportation PPP case studies.
Generating Revenue to Fund Public–Private Partnerships for Reconstruction of Freeway Systems in Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Arnold Robert , Ankner William D. , DeCorla-Souza Patrick
Published: February 2013

The multimodal expressway concept proposed in this study involves creating a network of high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes and managing traffic at greater distances from the congested hot spots to relieve the flow-exacerbating impacts on the hot spots. Modal choices for customers are created along with pricing and parking strategies. HOT lanes would not only serve cars but would also become bus rapid transit lanes. Managers would be able to use real-time pricing, speed controls, modal shifts, and information systems to regulate traffic flows throughout the region. The HOT-lane network would be created by reconfiguring the existing freeway footprint to accommodate new HOT lanes by using a portion of the left and right shoulders and restriping of regular lanes into narrower lanes if needed, along with creation of emergency pull-off areas. To encourage transit, the HOT lanes would have a progressively increasing passenger mile performance measure in a public–private partnership agreement. Sketch-planning analysis is used to assess the potential of this strategy to address funding needs for public–private partnerships for freeway reconstruction in a prototypical large U.S. metropolitan area. Potential public concerns about tolls and ways to address them are also discussed. The results from the case study sketch-planning analysis suggest that revenue from the HOT-lane network, when supplemented with revenue generated through gas taxes and other fees paid by users of the highway network, would be sufficient to pay for the reconstruction of the freeway system in the case study area.
Nonpublic Funding Options Available to Virginia Department of Transportation for Interstate Safety Rest Areas
Authors: Fitch G. Michael , Moruza Audrey K. , Perfater Michael A.
Published: February 2013

In 2009, 19 Virginia Interstate safety rest areas (SRAs) were closed for a savings of approximately $9 million per year for the Virginia Department of Transportation. These closures were opposed by those concerned with the possible effects on traveler safety, tourism dollars, and the commonwealth's business reputation. Virginia's SRAs were reopened in the spring of 2010, but not before the Virginia General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution 126 and Senate Joint Resolution 99 in early 2010 to investigate new and feasible nonpublic funding options for the continued operation of Virginia's SRAs. Federal law (Title 23, U.S. Code, Section 111: agreements relating to use of and access to rights-of-way on the Interstate system) prohibits federal-aid highways from offering any type of commerce for “serving motor vehicle users” at SRAs located on the Interstate Highway System right-of-way unless the establishment was in existence before 1960 and is owned by a state. Accordingly, commercial enterprises in Virginia and elsewhere are located at Interstate interchanges, and changes to the aforementioned federal code are consistently opposed. The nonpublic funding options presented were identified through a review of state and federal law, surveys of Virginia rest area users, interviews with industry groups, an assessment of initiatives by state departments of transportation for Interstate SRA funding, and questionnaires distributed to these state agencies. In the short term, simple options include the expansion of vending items, indoor advertising, and facility sponsorship. Complex options include relocating facilities under regional management and commercial facilities outside the Interstate right-of-way. In the long term, modification of the provisions of Title 23, U.S. Code, Section 111, or the repeal of Title 23, U.S. Code, Section 301: Freedom from tolls, would allow states additional nonpublic funding for Interstate SRAs.