bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Factors that Affect the Frequency of Truck Parking Violations in Urban Areas
Authors: Kawamura Kazuya , Sriraj P. S. , Surat Havan R. , Menninger Martin
Published: February 2015

It has been estimated that the illegal parking of parcel delivery vehicles is the third leading cause of urban nonrecurring congestion, behind vehicle crashes and construction. However, little has been done to investigate the causes of illegal parking by trucks and to develop mitigation strategies. As an exploratory step toward addressing truck parking problems in urban areas, this study analyzed data on truck parking citations in Chicago, Illinois, to identify factors that affected the high density of violations. A geographic information system was used to analyze hot spots. The analysis showed that parking problems were generally worse in or near downtown and became less prevalent toward the outer perimeter of the city. However, truck parking did not seem to be a serious issue in the part of the city that had been home to industrial sites for a long time. Regression analysis revealed that truck parking problems could be exacerbated by concentrations of food businesses in newly developed neighborhoods with a low density of vehicles owned by residents. This finding underscored the importance of land use plans and urban and streetscape designs that took into account trucks in neighborhoods that might not seem to generate intense truck activities. The study also found that alleys could alleviate some truck parking problems.
Urban Freight Delivery Stop Identification with GPS Data
Authors: Yang Xia , Sun Zhanbo , Ban Xuegang J. , Holguín-Veras José
Published: February 2015

Delivery stop identification is a crucial but challenging step in the measurement of urban freight performance. This paper presents the application of a robust learning method, support vector machine (SVM), in identifying delivery stops with GPS data. The duration of a stop, the distance from a stop to the center of the city, and the distance to a stop's closest major bottleneck were extracted as the three features used in the SVM model. A linear SVM with nested K-fold cross validation proved to be highly reliable and robust in identifying delivery stops with relatively long stop duration, such as those made for grocery stores. Second-by-second freight GPS data collected in New York City were used to conduct a case study. The identification accuracy for the case study was higher than 99% for the training and testing data sets.
Characterization of Overweight Permitted Truck Routes and Loads in Wisconsin
Authors: Titi Hani H. , Coley Nicholas , Latifi Valbon , Matar Mohammad
Published: February 2015

This study analyzed 95,000 overweight (OW) single-trip truck permits issued in Wisconsin between May 2007 and June 2013. A geographic information system and relational databases were used to conduct a statewide routing analysis to identify highways that are heavily used by OW permitted trucks, such as WI-140. Field studies at WI-140 confirmed a high proportion of OW trucks. In addition, pavement damage and deterioration caused by heavy truck traffic were investigated by conducting a visual distress survey and determination of the pavement condition index (PCI). The pavement of WI-140 was heavily distressed, with a PCI description of very poor. The Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) was used on WI-140 to evaluate the performance of the pavement under OW truck traffic. The results of the MEPDG analysis showed that the pavement was heavily distressed and deteriorated, a condition that was consistent with field measurements and observations. A primary application of the routing and pavement analyses is to assist the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in developing rehabilitation strategies for deteriorated pavements.
Goal Programming Approach to Allocate Freight Analysis Framework Mode Flow Data
Authors: Rodriguez-Roman Daniel , Masoud Neda , Jeong Kyungsoo , Ritchie Stephen G.
Published: February 2015

Several methods have been proposed to disaggregate Freight Analysis Framework (FAF) commodity flows to zonal structures of greater geographical detail. This disaggregation is usually performed on the basis of explanatory variables related to the supply and demand of goods. This paper studied a complementary procedure to determine the mode splits of disaggregated FAF flows. A goal programming approach was proposed to allocate FAF mode flow data on the basis of mode-related variables. The formulated goal programming problem minimized the deviation between the mode flow decision variables and target mode flow values, subject to given FAF mode flow information. The use of mode split models was proposed to define the problem's target values. In a sample application of the procedure, a method to estimate aggregate mode split models with FAF data was discussed. Mode split models could be used by transportation organizations that did not have access to freight mode choice models to define the goal programming problem's target mode flow values. In addition, an optimization problem was formulated to account for FAF mode flow data in the disaggregation of total commodity flows. Last, validation procedures for FAF disaggregation and mode allocation results were discussed, and an example of a validation approach was presented.
Calibration and Validation of a Comprehensive Constitutive Model for Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: You Taesun , Masad Eyad A. , Al-Rub Rashid K. Abu , Kassem Emad , Little Dallas N.
Published: February 2015

A nonlinear thermoviscoelastic, thermoviscoplastic, and thermo-visco damage constitutive model was developed recently to predict the response of asphalt mixtures under loading. This paper presents a systematic approach to determine the parameters of the model. The paper also demonstrates the efficacy of this approach through the calibration and validation of the model through various tests conducted on fine aggregate mixtures (FAM) and full asphalt mixtures. The dynamic modulus test was conducted to obtain linear viscoelastic model parameters while repeated creep-recovery tests were performed to obtain nonlinear visco elastic and viscoplastic parameters. Viscodamage model parameters were obtained through the constant strain rate test. Once the model was calibrated, it was validated through a comparison of the predicted results with measurements from repeated creep-recovery tests conducted at various combinations of recovery times and temperatures. The predicted responses for FAM and full asphalt mixtures on the basis of the model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. Model parameters obtained on the basis of laboratory testing provided useful insights into the relationship between FAM and full asphalt mixture responses and the material properties that affect these responses.
Comparison of Fatigue Damage, Healing, and Endurance Limit with Beam and Uniaxial Fatigue Tests
Authors: Zeiada Waleed Abdelaziz , Souliman Mena I. , Kaloush Kamil E. , Mamlouk Michael , Underwood B. Shane
Published: February 2015

The concept of an endurance limit assumes a strain value below which the net fatigue damage that occurs during a load cycle is zero. The fact that real traffic loads are separated by rest periods may allow for partial or full healing of the microcracks, which can affect this endurance limit. If the asphalt layer thickness is controlled to keep strains below the endurance limit, the fatigue life of the pavement can be extended considerably. In the study reported in this paper, it was hypothesized that the endurance limit in asphalt concrete developed from the interaction and balance of damage and healing during a load cycle. This hypothesis formed the basis of the testing and analysis program, which evaluated the effects of air voids, asphalt content, rest periods, and temperature on the endurance limit. Two types of fatigue tests were conducted: beam (flexural) and uniaxial. A regression model also was developed on the basis of the results of each test and used to obtain the endurance limit values. This paper compares fatigue damage, healing, and endurance limit results from the two tests under similar conditions. The comparison shows that the beam fatigue test yields less overall fatigue damage and less healing than the uniaxial fatigue test. Beam fatigue yields 8 to 14 times longer fatigue lives, while uniaxial fatigue yields higher healing (10.4 times for the only available case). Because damage and healing combined to govern the endurance limit, the two tests produced close values in which the overall uniaxial endurance limit values were 12% less than the beam fatigue endurance limit values.
Numerical–Experimental Approach to Characterize Fracture Properties of Asphalt Mixtures at Low Temperatures
Authors: Aragão Francisco Thiago Sacramento , Hartmann Diego Arthur , Kim Yong-Rak , da Motta Laura Maria Goretti , Haft-Javaherian Mohammad
Published: February 2015

Fracture damage mechanisms are some of the most significant causes of structural failure in asphalt mixtures. Ye t much research is still needed to understand properly the fracture process in such complex materials. The study reported in this paper investigated several experimental testing protocols available in the literature to characterize fracture properties of asphalt mixtures. Two bending tests (i.e., semicircular bending, single-edge notched beam) and one tension test (disk-shaped compact tension) were performed. An integrated approach that combined experimental tests and numerical simulations was applied to characterize fracture properties of a fine aggregate mixture. The experimental tests were simulated with a computational model on the basis of the finite element method, which was incorporated with material viscoelasticity and cohesive zone fracture. Two cohesive zone fracture parameters (i.e., cohesive strength, fracture energy) were determined through a calibration process until a good match between experimental and numerical results was observed. To illustrate the efficiency of the integrated numerical–experimental approach, fracture properties also were determined through a traditional methodology that used globally averaged material displacements far from the actual fracture process zone. The results indicated that different fracture properties at low temperatures might be obtained from simulations of a single test, regardless of the sample geometry or loading configuration. Through further testing and analysis, it is expected that the modeling approach employed in this work can provide meaningful insights into the effects of constituents on an overall mixture's performance, with significant savings in experimental cost and time.
Laboratory Hot-Mix Asphalt Performance Testing
Authors: Walubita Lubinda F. , Zhang Jun , Faruk Abu N. M. , Alvarez Allex E. , Scullion Tom
Published: February 2015

Reliable and repeatable laboratory testing of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixes is of paramount importance to ensure proper HMA mix-design characterization and ultimately to ensure satisfactory field performance. The study reported in this paper was undertaken to evaluate the comparability, repeatability, and reliability of two testing systems, namely, the asphalt mixture performance tester (AMPT) and the traditional universal testing machine (UTM), and to assess if the two systems could be used concurrently or in lieu of one another for dynamic modulus, flow number, and repeated load permanent deformation (RLPD) testing. For the HMA mixes evaluated to accomplish these objectives, the test results from the AMPT and UTM—on the basis of dynamic modulus, flow number, and RLPD testing—were statistically comparable and acceptable at the 95% confidence level. The test repeatability and variability in the AMPT and UTM systems also were statistically acceptable with low coefficient of variation values in the test results. Thus either system could be used confidently in lieu of the other to generate results of similar quality and reliability and with a comparable statistical degree of accuracy with acceptable variability for dynamic modulus, flow number, and RLPD testing. The choice or preference is up to the user, given that each system has its own merits and demerits. However, operator and technician proficiency and equipment calibration are some of the most critical factors never to ignore in laboratory testing work of this nature.
Development and Evaluation of Laboratory Conditioning Procedures to Simulate Mixture Property Changes Effectively in the Field
Authors: Isola Marco , Chun Sanghyun , Roque Reynaldo , Zou Jian , Koh Chulseung , Lopp George
Published: February 2015

The study reported here involved the development and evaluation of laboratory conditioning methods and testing protocols to consider heat oxidation and moisture that would simulate more effectively asphalt mixture aging in the field and thereby help to assess asphalt mixture property changes properly over time. In this study, “aging” was defined as any detrimental effect on asphalt mixture properties during the pavement life. Three laboratory conditioning procedures were identified and further developed to evaluate the effects of heat oxidation and moisture: heat oxidation conditioning (HOC), cyclic pore pressure conditioning (CPPC), and a combination of HOC and CPPC. Cores from aged field pavements were used in the energy ratio approach, which could integrate various factors that affected cracking performance, including key mixture properties and pavement structure, to evaluate the effectiveness of the conditioning procedures. HOC was accomplished with the Superpave® long-term oven aging (LTOA) procedure, and CPPC was employed to induce moisture damage to the asphalt mixtures. Results indicated that asphalt mixtures subjected only to oxidative aging did not exhibit drops in mixture fracture energy (FE) comparable to the level observed in the field. The inclusion of CPPC was able to induce additional damage effectively through simulation of long-term moisture intrusion and repeated internal water pressure under traffic load. Further, the combination of LTOA followed by CPPC led to the most relevant changes in fracture properties with a level of reduction in FE consistent with field observation.
American and European Mix Design Approaches Combined
Authors: Florio Eugenio , Berti Carlo , Kasbergen Cor , Villani Mirella M. , Scarpas Athanasios , Erkens Sandra M. J. G. , Sangiorgi Cesare , Lantieri Claudio
Published: February 2015

This paper describes a project that is part of NL-LAB, a larger, long-term program at Delft University of Technology, Netherlands, which aims to establish the predictive capacity of the current European functional tests for Dutch asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures. In this NL-LAB program, the functional characteristics of resistance to rutting (EN 12697–25), fatigue (EN 12679-24), stiffness (EN 12697–26), and moisture sensitivity (EN 12697-12 and EN 12697–23) are determined for specimens that are (a) mixed and compacted in the lab, (b) mixed in the plant and compacted in the lab, and (c) mixed in the plant and compacted in the road. Eventually, these tests will provide insight into the effect of mixing and compaction on the functional characteristics. The project described in this paper focused on the indirect tensile strength (ITS) and the triaxial cyclic compression test for two AC mixes. The properties found for all three stages of preparation were analyzed with the use of formalistic expressions from the NCHRP Design Guide 1–37A, Level 2, for the estimation of performance indicators. This project aimed to see if these relations remained valid for the Comité Européen de Normalisation tests, especially for mixes with high recycled asphalt pavement content. In the Netherlands, 50% reclaimed asphalt pavement is standard. It was found that the NCHRP Design Guide 1–37A expressions fit the Comité Européen de Normalisation test data quite well for the reclaimed asphalt pavement that contained mixes, especially for the ITS. Currently, another two construction projects are being sampled, and the results will be used to validate and improve the relations.
Characterization of Microdamage Healing in Asphalt Concrete with a Smeared Continuum Damage Approach
Authors: Underwood B. Shane , Zeiada Waleed Abdelaziz
Published: February 2015

The fatigue of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures is a major source of distress in pavement structures. In most laboratory fatigue studies, testing is carried out by means of continuously repeating load cycles. However, under real traffic conditions, AC is subjected to a succession of load pulses as the traffic passes. Between these loads the material is not subjected to external forces and undergoes changes related to relaxation and healing, which together act to increase the overall fatigue life relative to what is observed under continuous loading. In the study reported in this paper, the effects of a rest period on the fatigue response in uniaxial, on-specimen, displacement-controlled loading was studied at 4.48C, 21.18C, and 388C. Loading consisted of a sinusoidal pulse–rest history with rest periods of 1, 5, or 10 s. Mixtures were used with the same aggregate structure and constituent materials but different asphalt and air void (AV) contents. It was found that the introduction of even short rest periods substantially improved the fatigue response of AC. A viscoelastic damage model for smeared healing was derived and characterized with the measured data. This model was compared with a damage-only continuum formulation and used to identify the impacts of healing, apart from any viscoelastic relaxation effects. It was found that greater AC and lower AV content yielded more favorable healing behaviors. The findings also suggested differences in the active healing mechanisms in pulse–rest and block–rest loading, typically used to study healing in AC. These differences are discussed.
Calibration and Validation of Condition Indicator for Managing Urban Pavement Networks
Authors: Osorio Alelí , Chamorro Alondra , Tighe Susan , Videla Carlos
Published: February 2015

Deterioration indexes that may combine types of surface distresses, serviceability, and structural indicators are commonly used for pavement management at the network level. These indexes differ in the types of deterioration and criteria considered to quantify severity and density of distresses. Most of these indexes were developed for interurban road networks; therefore, their application to urban networks is complex and not representative. For this reason, there is a need for a better understanding of urban pavement behavior to enable collection of the distresses relevant to these types of pavements and development of an overall condition index for urban pavements that represents the mix of the more relevant distresses for use in network analysis. This study is part of a 3-year project developed in Chile: Research and Development of Solutions for Urban Pavement Management in Chile. The main objective of this study was to calibrate and to validate an urban pavement condition index (UPCI) representative of the overall condition of these pavements, according to objective measures of surface distresses and evaluations of an expert panel. The scope of this study included the development of distress evaluation guidelines for asphalt and concrete pavements considering manual and automated surveys, the application of these guidelines in different types of urban networks, and the assessment of these networks by an expert panel. Finally, three UPCI equations were obtained with satisfactory validation for asphalt pavements with manual and automated data collection and for concrete pavements with manual data collection.
Investigating Consistency in Highway Performance Monitoring System and Pavement Management Reporting
Authors: Zimmerman Kathryn A. , Smadi Omar
Published: February 2015

An NCHRP study was conducted to evaluate the comparability of pavement condition data submitted to FHWA under the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) and the information reported by state highway agencies as part of their pavement management program. As part of the study, a statewide survey of both HPMS and pavement management practitioners was conducted to identify issues associated with HPMS submittal requirements and to evaluate the impact these issues have on the quality of the data submittal. After the survey, eight states were invited to participate in a more detailed comparison of HPMS and pavement management data. The analysis compared the data in a number of ways, including the availability of comparable information in the pavement management and HPMS data sets, differences in pavement conditions reported using HPMS and pavement management data, and the impact of the reporting length (e.g., segment or route) on pavement condition statistics. The results indicate fairly good consistency in the international roughness index values reported to HPMS and used in pavement management. However, there are much greater inconsistencies in the pavement distress information reported to HPMS and used in pavement management. This paper summarizes the findings from the analysis and presents the implications of these findings on the performance management requirements outlined in the current law, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP-21.
Three- or Four-Section Displays for Permissive Left Turns?
Authors: Hurwitz David S. , Monsere Christopher M. , Marnell Patrick , Paulsen Kirk
Published: February 2015

Many jurisdictions are using the flashing yellow arrow (FYA) to control protected and permissive left turns. For cost and other reasons, some jurisdictions have or are considering implementing FYA with a three-section vertical head, displaying the flashing yellow indication in the same signal face as the protected green arrow. The current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices permits the operation of a three-section vertical head only for permissive turns in locations where heights are restricted. This paper summarizes a comparison of driver performance with three- and four-section FYA signal configurations gathered in a high-fidelity, motion-based driving simulator with mobile eye-tracking equipment. The experiment controlled for the effects of the opposing traffic, the presence and walking direction of pedestrians, and the signal head arrangement. A 24-intersection simulated environment was created, and 27 subjects completed the course, producing 620 permissive left-turn maneuvers for further analysis. Driver performance was measured from the (a) average total eye glance durations at specific areas of interest and (b) the position of the pedestrian in the crosswalk when the driver initiated the left turn. No statistically significant differences between the average fixation duration when the FYA was presented with a three- or four-section signal head were identified. The pedestrian's position in the crosswalk when the driver began the left turn was not statistically significantly different for three of the four pedestrian walking directions presented. Overall, measurable driver performance does not seem to be sensitive to the vertical positioning of the FYA display in the permissive interval.
Safety and Operational Impacts of Optional Flashing Yellow Arrow Delay
Authors: Appiah Justice , Cottrell Benjamin H.
Published: February 2015

Considerable debate exists over whether to delay the start of the flashing yellow arrow (FYA) signal indication (e.g., with a red arrow signal indication) during the transition from a protected movement to a permissive movement in a leading left protected–permissive left turn. The 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices is silent on this topic. This paper reviews the state of the practice on the use of the optional FYA delay through a literature review, a survey of state departments of transportation, and consultations with practitioners and national experts. A simulation study was also used to assess the potential impacts of the optional FYA delay on traffic safety and operations. The state-of-the-practice review indicated some preference for the use of the red arrow signal indication because of the perceived safety benefit. For example, 71% of the responding state departments of transportation that use the FYA also delayed the start of the FYA. The simulation analysis showed significant safety benefits in a delay to the start of the FYA signal indication for all scenarios except the scenario with a low opposing through traffic volume, with no significant negative impacts on average delay, average queue length, or average stopped delay for either left-turning traffic or the intersection as a whole being found.
Driver Yielding at Traffic Control Signals, Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons, and Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons in Texas
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kay , Brewer Marcus A. , Avelar Raul
Published: February 2015

This research effort explored the factors associated with higher driver yielding rates at pedestrian crossings with traffic control signal (TCS), pedestrian hybrid beacon (PHB), and rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) treatments in Texas. The percentages of drivers yielding to a staged pedestrian were collected at 7 TCS sites, 22 RRFB sites, and 32 PHB sites. Overall, TCSs in Texas had the highest driver yielding rates, with an average of 98%. The average driver yielding rate for RRFBs in Texas was 86%, whereas the average for PHBs was 89%. The RRFB results for Texas were slightly higher than those found in other studies, perhaps because all RRFB sites included in this analysis had “School Crossing” signs and were located near a school. The number of devices within a city may have an impact on driver yielding. Those cities with a greater number of a particular device (i.e., Austin, Texas, for the PHBs and Garland, Texas, for the RRFBs) had higher driver yielding rates than cities where the device was used at only a few crossings. A comparison of the number of days since installation revealed statistically significantly higher driver yielding rates for those devices that had been installed longer. For PHBs, the results support the use of PHBs on roadways with multiple lanes or a wide crossing. For RRFBs, a lower rate of compliance was observed for longer crossing distances and indicated that for a certain crossing distance width, a device other than the RRFB should be considered.
Evaluation of Overhead-Mounted Sign Alternatives for Lane Use and Destination Information on Multilane Conventional Roads
Authors: Katz Bryan J. , Golembiewski Gary , Dagnall Erin E. , O'Donnell Cara C. , Shurbutt Jim
Published: February 2015

The essential elements of signs with lane use and destination information combined were evaluated to determine the element or combination of elements best comprehended by road users. The sign elements in this study were evaluated only for overhead-mounted guide signs on approaches to multilane conventional intersections. The research team identified existing standards in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for similar signs or related sign elements that might already have been applied by states to communicate lane use and destination information combined. The team also identified any elements that might have been relevant but were not yet included in MUTCD. This information was used to select the following variables for use in combination on signs with lane use and destination information: lane designation, construction type, destination direction, arrow type, and vertical separator lines. Combinations of these variables were then used to develop 18 experimental signs. Most alternatives were well understood by the research participants. Signs with single-lane designations were understood significantly better than signs with shared-lane designations. The study shows that when overhead-mounted guide signs with lane use and destination information combined are designed for approaches to multilane conventional road intersections, the amount of information and sign complexity must be kept low, especially for signs with information on shared lanes, in which information for multiple shared lanes can be confusing to drivers. The study shows no difference in comprehension on the basis of the use of vertical separator lines, arrow type, or construction type; however, in some situations these designs can quickly become complex.
Between Waterway and Railway – Industry along the Danube Riverside in Budapest
Authors: Garay Márton , Benkő Melinda
Published: February 2015

The most significant current discussions regarding Budapest’s urban development are the restructuring of former industrial areas and redesigning the Danube riverbank. The research approaches this complex question by giving a historical overview of the industrialisation and deindustrialisation of the Danube zone, analysing the changing relationships among river, city, industry and railway. This urban area, situated between the waterway and railway, could be the first to develop to achieve sustainability. The paper highlights the importance of the re-use of urbanised sites and buildings, a green mobility concept based on the existing railway system and the natural and historic values of the riverbank. Moreover, in this time of increasing globalisation, the recognised local identity becomes a principal component of urban development.
An Improved Shuffled Frog-Leaping Algorithm for Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem
Authors: Lu Kong , Ting Li , Keming Wang , Hanbing Zhu , Makoto Takano , Bin Yu
Published: February 2015

The flexible job shop scheduling problem is a well-known combinatorial optimization problem. This paper proposes an improved shuffled frog-leaping algorithm to solve the flexible job shop scheduling problem. The algorithm possesses an adjustment sequence to design the strategy of local searching and an extremal optimization in information exchange. The computational result shows that the proposed algorithm has a powerful search capability in solving the flexible job shop scheduling problem compared with other heuristic algorithms, such as the genetic algorithm, tabu search and ant colony optimization. Moreover, the results also show that the improved strategies could improve the performance of the algorithm effectively.
On Physical Aeroacoustics with Some Implications for Low-Noise Aircraft Design and Airport Operations
Authors: Campos Luís
Published: February 2015

Air traffic is growing at a steady rate of 3% to 5% per year in most regions of the world, implying a doubling every 15–25 years. This requires major advances in aircraft noise reduction at airports, just not to increase the noise exposure due to the larger number of aircraft movements. In fact it can be expected, as a consequence of increased opposition to noise by near airport residents, that the overall noise exposure will have to be reduced, by bans, curfews, fines, and other means and limitations, unless significantly quieter aircraft operations are achieved. The ultimate solution is aircraft operations inaudible outside the airport perimeter, or noise levels below road traffic and other existing local noise sources. These substantial noise reductions cannot come at the expense of a degradation of cruise efficiency, that would affect not just economics and travel time, but would increase fuel consumption and emission of pollutants on a global scale. The paper reviews the: (i) current knowledge of the aircraft noise sources; (ii) the sound propagation in the atmosphere and ground effects that determine the noise annoyance of near-airport residents; (iii) the noise mitigation measures that can be applied to current and future aircraft; (iv) the prospects of evolutionary and novel aircraft designs towards quieter aircraft in the near term and eventually to operations inaudible outside the airport perimeter. The 20 figures and 1 diagram with their legends provide a visual summary of the review.
New Cosmetic Contact Allergens
Authors: Goossens An
Published: February 2015

Allergic and photo-allergic contact dermatitis, and immunologic contact urticaria are potential immune-mediated adverse effects from cosmetics. Fragrance components and preservatives are certainly the most frequently observed allergens; however, all ingredients must be considered when investigating for contact allergy.
Reliability Evaluation of a Distribution Network with Microgrid Based on a Combined Power Generation System
Authors: Bai Hao , Miao Shihong , Zhang Pipei , Bai Zhan
Published: February 2015

Distributed generation (DG), battery storage (BS) and electric vehicles (EVs) in a microgrid constitute the combined power generation system (CPGS). A CPGS can be applied to achieve a reliable evaluation of a distribution network with microgrids. To model charging load and discharging capacity, respectively, the EVs in a CPGS can be divided into regular EVs and ruleless EVs, according to their driving behavior. Based on statistical data of gasoline-fueled vehicles and the probability distribution of charging start instant and charging time, a statistical model can be built to describe the charging load and discharging capacity of ruleless EVs. The charge and discharge curves of regular EVs can also be drawn on the basis of a daily dispatch table. The CPGS takes the charge and discharge curves of EVs, daily load and DG power generation into consideration to calculate its power supply time during islanding. Combined with fault duration, the power supply time during islanding will be used to analyze and determine the interruption times and interruption duration of loads in islands. Then the Sequential Monte Carlo method is applied to complete the reliability evaluation of the distribution system. The RBTS Bus 4 test system is utilized to illustrate the proposed technique. The effects on the system reliability of BS capacity and V2G technology, driving behavior, recharging mode and penetration of EVs are all investigated.
Research “Values” in the Humanities: Funding Policies, Evaluation, and Cultural Resources. Some Introductory Remarks
Authors: Ferrini Cinzia
Published: February 2015

In her capacity as guest editor, the author introduces a set of essays examining the trends, risks, needs, pressures, and prospects of the humanities after recent reforms to tertiary education throughout Europe. By focusing on the educational, cultural, and social value of research in the humanities, which also provide economic and democratic benefits, this special issue focuses on three key topics: “funding policies”, “evaluation”, and “cultural resources”. This article provides the background to the subject matter (Section 1); a reflection on the controversial issues of quality control, measures of research productivity, and funding decisions as key drivers changing the humanities (Section 2); an overview of the current difficulties and prospects for “modernizing” the humanities (Section 3); the rationale for this special issue (Section 4); the context and a synopsis of the contributions, showing how and why these position papers by members of the humanities cluster of the Academia Europaea can provide this debate with new tools of analysis and diagnosis (Section 5). Finally, the concluding remarks highlight the Academia Europaea’s actions for the humanities (Section 6).
Integrity and Quality in Universities: Accountability, Excellence and Success
Authors: O'Neill Onora
Published: February 2015

The essay focuses on the tension between the integrity of a university’s ideal or mission (academic freedom, innovation, excellence in research and teaching) and approaches to accountability that are used to monitor performance and to establish criteria for university funding. The paper examines evaluation systems and the distorting effects of the incentives some of them create, especially when different metrics are combined in order to rank academic institutions. Such league tables prioritise comparative success rather than excellence, which is not a positional good. Yet better forms of accountability are possible. Some simple aspects of academic and educational achievements can be measured reasonably accurately and are less open to manipulation. These include hours of study, standards of writing, and the amount of feedback on written work received by students.
No Future without Humanities: Literary Perspectives
Authors: Larsen Svend , Bassnett Susan , Segal Naomi , Thomsen Mads , Baetens Jan , Lombardo Patrizia , D'haen Theo
Published: February 2015

What might Humanities have to offer to the current big societal and technological challenges? The nine short position papers presented here were collected by Svend Erik Larsen from colleagues and members of the Academia Europaea Section for Literary and Theatrical Studies who have been actively involved in the changes within their discipline in the areas they introduce. They show emerging interdisciplinary fields, provide new insights, indicate significant cultural achievements and forge new collaborations in order to shape the outlines of the research landscape of the 21st century. Their main concern is not the future of Humanities, but the future with Humanities.
On-Line Monitoring of Escherichia coli in Raw Water at Oset Drinking Water Treatment Plant, Oslo (Norway)
Authors: Tryland Ingun , Eregno Fasil , Braathen Henrik , Khalaf Goran , Sjølander Ingrid , Fossum Marie
Published: February 2015

The fully automated Colifast ALARMTM has been used for two years for daily monitoring of the presence/absence of Escherichia coli in 100 mL raw water at Oset drinking water treatment plant in Oslo, Norway. The raw water is extracted from 35 m depth from the Lake Maridalsvannet. E. coli was detected in 18% of the daily samples. In general, most samples positive for E. coli were observed during the autumn turnover periods, but even in some samples taken during warm and dry days in July, with stable temperature stratification in the lake, E. coli was detected. The daily samples gave useful additional information compared with the weekly routine samples about the hygienic raw water quality and the hygienic barrier efficiency of the lake under different weather conditions and seasons. The winter 2013/2014 was much warmer than the winter 2012/2013. The monitoring supported the hypothesis that warmer winters with shorter periods with ice cover on lakes, which may be a consequence of climate changes, may reduce the hygienic barrier efficiency in deep lakes used as drinking water sources.
The Relation between Past Flows and Future Performance: Simple Investment Strategies in the Mutual Fund Sector
Authors: Rohleder Martin
Published: February 2015

In the mutual fund literature, it is an established fact that investors “chase past performance”. However, the opposite impact of flows on performance is widely discussed. Mainly, liquidity costs are held responsible for short-term erosion of performance, while high inflows enhance performance over longer horizons. I investigate this relation for various groups of equity, bond, and money market funds and find significant outperformance in high inflow funds over several months, especially for specific bond fund groups. In addition, I test whether this information can be exploited using simple investment strategies but find that the abnormal returns are too low to offset associated costs.
Expression and Significance of CD44, CD47 and c-met in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Huimin , Tan Mingzi , Zhang Song , Li Xiao , Gao Jian , Zhang Danye , Hao Yingying , Gao Song , Liu Juanjuan , Lin Bei
Published: February 2015

Aims: The aim of the present study is to investigate the differential expression of CD44, CD47 and c-met in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC), the correlation in their expression and their relationship with the biological behavior of OCCC. Methods: We used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of CD44, CD47 and c-met in OCCC (86 cases) and investigated the effects of the expression and interaction of these molecules on the development of OCCC. Results: CD44, CD47 and c-met expression was significantly high in OCCC. Expression of CD44 and CD47 correlated with patient surgical stage, chemotherapy resistance and prognosis (all p < 0.05), and expression of c-met correlated with chemotherapy resistance and prognosis (all p < 0.05), but did not correlate with lymph node metastasis (all p > 0.05). The surgical stage, CD44, CD47 and c-met expression were independent risk factors for OCCC prognosis (all p < 0.05). Patients with low levels of CD44, CD47 and c-met showed better survival than those with high levels (all p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between CD44 (or CD47) and c-met, as well as between CD44 and CD47 (the Spearman correlation coefficient rs was 0.783, 0.776 and 0.835, respectively, all p < 0.01). Additionally, pairwise correlation analysis of these three markers shows that the high expression of CD44/CD47, CD44/c-met and CD47/c-met were correlated with patient surgical stage, chemotherapy resistance and prognosis (all p < 0.05), but did not correlate with lymph node metastasis (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Expression of CD44, CD47 and c-met was upregulated in OCCC and pairwise correlation. CD44, CD47 and c-met may have synergistic effects on the development of OCCC and are prognostic factors for ovarian cancer.
Chemical Modeling of Acid-Base Properties of Soluble Biopolymers Derived from Municipal Waste Treatment Materials
Authors: Tabasso Silvia , Berto Silvia , Rosato Roberta , Marinos Janeth , Ginepro Marco , Zelano Vincenzo , Daniele Pier , Montoneri Enzo
Published: February 2015

This work reports a study of the proton-binding capacity of biopolymers obtained from different materials supplied by a municipal biowaste treatment plant located in Northern Italy. One material was the anaerobic fermentation digestate of the urban wastes organic humid fraction. The others were the compost of home and public gardening residues and the compost of the mix of the above residues, digestate and sewage sludge. These materials were hydrolyzed under alkaline conditions to yield the biopolymers by saponification. The biopolymers were characterized by 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and potentiometric titration. The titration data were elaborated to attain chemical models for interpretation of the proton-binding capacity of the biopolymers obtaining the acidic sites concentrations and their protonation constants. The results obtained with the models and by NMR spectroscopy were elaborated together in order to better characterize the nature of the macromolecules. The chemical nature of the biopolymers was found dependent upon the nature of the sourcing materials.
Current Status of Photodynamic Therapy in Digestive Tract Carcinoma in Japan
Authors: Nanashima Atsushi , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: February 2015

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective local treatment modality as a cancer-specific laser ablation in malignancy of some organs including digestive tracts or bile duct. In Japan, PDT has been applied at the early period after the first clinical induction in 1980’s. Although the useful efficacy was clarified, PDT has not been fully applied because of the phototoxicity of the porfimer sodium. The next generated talaporfin-sodium was used for PDT, in which phototoxicity was reduced and, however, the clinical efficacy for digestive tract malignancy has not yet been clarified. By proceeding the experimental and clinical trials, it is necessary to clarify the evidence of efficacy as a local powerful treatment with the conventional surgery, brachiotherapy and chemotherapy in the future step.
Starting to Gel: How Arabidopsis Seed Coat Epidermal Cells Produce Specialized Secondary Cell Walls
Authors: Voiniciuc Cătălin , Yang Bo , Schmidt Maximilian , Günl Markus , Usadel Björn
Published: February 2015

For more than a decade, the Arabidopsis seed coat epidermis (SCE) has been used as a model system to study the synthesis, secretion and modification of cell wall polysaccharides, particularly pectin. Our detailed re-evaluation of available biochemical data highlights that Arabidopsis seed mucilage is more than just pectin. Typical secondary wall polymers such as xylans and heteromannans are also present in mucilage. Despite their low abundance, these components appear to play essential roles in controlling mucilage properties, and should be further investigated. We also provide a comprehensive community resource by re-assessing the mucilage phenotypes of almost 20 mutants using the same conditions. We conduct an in-depth functional evaluation of all the SCE genes described in the literature and propose a revised model for mucilage production. Further investigation of SCE cells will improve our understanding of plant cell walls.
Transcriptome Profiling and Identification of Transcription Factors in Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) in Response to PEG Treatment, Using Illumina Paired-End Sequencing Technology
Authors: An Xia , Chen Jie , Zhang Jingyu , Liao Yiwen , Dai Lunjin , Wang Bo , Liu Lijun , Peng Dingxiang
Published: February 2015

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud), commonly known as China grass, is a perennial bast fiber plant of the Urticaceae. In China, ramie farming, industry, and trade provide income for about five million people. Drought stress severely affects ramie stem growth and causes a dramatic decrease in ramie fiber production. There is a need to enhance ramie’s tolerance to drought stress. However, the drought stress regulatory mechanism in ramie remains unknown. Water stress imposed by polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a common and convenient method to evaluate plant drought tolerance. In this study, transcriptome analysis of cDNA collections from ramie subjected to PEG treatment was conducted using Illumina paired-end sequencing, which generated 170 million raw sequence reads. Between leaves and roots subjected to 24 (L2 and R2) and 72 (L3 and R3) h of PEG treatment, 16,798 genes were differentially expressed (9281 in leaves and 8627 in roots). Among these, 25 transcription factors (TFs) from the AP2 (3), MYB (6), NAC (9), zinc finger (5), and bZIP (2) families were considered to be associated with drought stress. The identified TFs could be used to further investigate drought adaptation in ramie.
Connected Car: Quantified Self becomes Quantified Car
Authors: Swan Melanie
Published: February 2015

The automotive industry could be facing a situation of profound change and opportunity in the coming decades. There are a number of influencing factors such as increasing urban and aging populations, self-driving cars, 3D parts printing, energy innovation, and new models of transportation service delivery (Zipcar, Uber). The connected car means that vehicles are now part of the connected world, continuously Internet-connected, generating and transmitting data, which on the one hand can be helpfully integrated into applications, like real-time traffic alerts broadcast to smartwatches, but also raises security and privacy concerns. This paper explores the automotive connected world, and describes five killer QS (Quantified Self)-auto sensor applications that link quantified-self sensors (sensors that measure the personal biometrics of individuals like heart rate) and automotive sensors (sensors that measure driver and passenger biometrics or quantitative automotive performance metrics like speed and braking activity). The applications are fatigue detection, real-time assistance for parking and accidents, anger management and stress reduction, keyless authentication and digital identity verification, and DIY diagnostics. These kinds of applications help to demonstrate the benefit of connected world data streams in the automotive industry and beyond where, more fundamentally for human progress, the automation of both physical and now cognitive tasks is underway.