bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Short Time Period of Operation of Horizontal Ground Heat Exchangers
Authors: Selamat Salsuwanda , Miyara Akio , Kariya Keishi
Published: July 2015

Ground source heat pump (GSHP) systems have been proven to have higher efficiency compared to conventional air source heat pump systems for space heating and cooling applications. While vertical ground heat exchangers (GHE) are favorable in GSHP installation, this type of configuration requires higher capital costs as opposed to horizontal configuration. Numerical simulation has been used to accurately predict the thermal performance of GHE. In this paper, numerical analysis of thermal performance for slinky horizontal GHE loops in different orientations and operation modes is discussed. It was found that the loop orientation is not so important due to the little effect it has on thermal performance. While the mean heat exchange rate of copper loop increases 48% compared to HDPE loop, the analysis supports the common claim that heat exchange rate is predominantly limited by the thermal conductivity of the ground. With the same amount of circulation work, the mean heat exchange rate increases by 83%–162% when operated in parallel loops operations. The performance in these operations can be further optimized to 10%–14% increase when spacing between adjacent loops was provided. The spacing helps to minimize interference of heat flow that would penalize the overall thermal performance.
River Detection in Remotely Sensed Imagery Using Gabor Filtering and Path Opening
Authors: Yang Kang , Li Manchun , Liu Yongxue , Cheng Liang , Huang Qiuhao , Chen Yangming
Published: July 2015

Detecting rivers from remotely sensed imagery is an initial yet important step in space-based river studies. This paper proposes an automatic approach to enhance and detect complete river networks. The main contribution of this work is the characterization of rivers according to their Gaussian-like cross-sections and longitudinal continuity. A Gabor filter was first employed to enhance river cross-sections. Rivers are better discerned from the image background after filtering but they can be easily corrupted owing to significant gray variations along river courses. Path opening, a flexible morphological operator, was then used to lengthen the river channel continuity and suppress noise. Rivers were consistently discerned from the image background after these two-step processes. Finally, a global threshold was automatically determined and applied to create binary river masks. River networks of the Yukon Basin and the Greenland Ice Sheet were successfully detected in two Landsat 8 OLI panchromatic images using the proposed method, yielding a high accuracy (~97.79%), a high true positive rate (~94.33%), and a low false positive rate (~1.76%). Furthermore, experimental tests validated the high capability of the proposed method to preserve river network continuity.
Sparse Recovery Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks with a Sub-Nyquist Sampling Rate
Authors: Brunelli Davide , Caione Carlo
Published: July 2015

Compressive sensing (CS) is a new technology in digital signal processing capable of high-resolution capture of physical signals from few measurements, which promises impressive improvements in the field of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In this work, we extensively investigate the effectiveness of compressive sensing (CS) when real COTSresource-constrained sensor nodes are used for compression, evaluating how the different parameters can affect the energy consumption and the lifetime of the device. Using data from a real dataset, we compare an implementation of CS using dense encoding matrices, where samples are gathered at a Nyquist rate, with the reconstruction of signals sampled at a sub-Nyquist rate. The quality of recovery is addressed, and several algorithms are used for reconstruction exploiting the intra- and inter-signal correlation structures. We finally define an optimal under-sampling ratio and reconstruction algorithm capable of achieving the best reconstruction at the minimum energy spent for the compression. The results are verified against a set of different kinds of sensors on several nodes used for environmental monitoring.
Towards the Development of a Smart Flying Sensor: Illustration in the Field of Precision Agriculture
Authors: Hernandez Andres , Murcia Harold , Copot Cosmin , De Keyser Robin
Published: July 2015

Sensing is an important element to quantify productivity, product quality and to make decisions. Applications, such as mapping, surveillance, exploration and precision agriculture, require a reliable platform for remote sensing. This paper presents the first steps towards the development of a smart flying sensor based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The concept of smart remote sensing is illustrated and its performance tested for the task of mapping the volume of grain inside a trailer during forage harvesting. Novelty lies in: (1) the development of a position-estimation method with time delay compensation based on inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors and image processing; (2) a method to build a 3D map using information obtained from a regular camera; and (3) the design and implementation of a path-following control algorithm using model predictive control (MPC). Experimental results on a lab-scale system validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
A Wireless Passive LC Resonant Sensor Based on LTCC under High-Temperature/Pressure Environments
Authors: Qin Li , Shen Dandan , Wei Tanyong , Tan Qiulin , Luo Tao , Zhou Zhaoying , Xiong Jijun
Published: July 2015

In this work, a wireless passive LC resonant sensor based on DuPont 951 ceramic is proposed and tested in a developed high-temperature/pressure complex environment. The test results show that the measured resonant frequency varies approximately linearly with the applied pressure; simultaneously, high temperature causes pressure signal drift and changes the response sensitivity. Through the theoretical analysis of the sensor structure model, it is found that the increase in the dielectric constant and the decrease in the Young’s modulus of DuPont 951 ceramic are the main causes that affect the pressure signal in high-temperature measurement. Through calculations, the Young’s modulus of DuPont 951 ceramic is found to decrease rapidly from 120 GPa to 65 GPa within 400 °C. Therefore, the LC resonant pressure sensor needs a temperature compensation structure to eliminate the impact of temperature on pressure measurement. Finally, a temperature compensation structure is proposed and fabricated, and the pressure response after temperature compensation illustrates that temperature drift is significantly reduced compared with that without the temperature compensation structure, which verifies the feasibility the proposed temperature compensation structure.
Addendum: Pardo, J.; Zamora-Martínez, F.; Botella-Rocamora, P. Online Learning Algorithm for Time Series Forecasting Suitable for Low Cost Wireless Sensor Networks Nodes. Sensors 2015, 15, 9277–9304
Authors: Pardo Juan , Zamora-Martínez Francisco , Botella-Rocamora Paloma
Published: July 2015

This work has been supported by the Consolidación de indicadores CEU-UCH2014-15 program of the Vicerrectorado de Investigación at Universidad CEU-Cardenal Herrera and financed by Generalitat Valenciana through Conselleria de Educación, Cultura y Deporte under project GV/2015/088. [...]
Monocular Vision System for Fixed Altitude Flight of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Huang Kuo-Lung , Chiu Chung-Cheng , Chiu Sheng-Yi , Teng Yao-Jen , Hao Shu-Sheng
Published: July 2015

The fastest and most economical method of acquiring terrain images is aerial photography. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has been investigated for this task. However, UAVs present a range of challenges such as flight altitude maintenance. This paper reports a method that combines skyline detection with a stereo vision algorithm to enable the flight altitude of UAVs to be maintained. A monocular camera is mounted on the downside of the aircraft’s nose to collect continuous ground images, and the relative altitude is obtained via a stereo vision algorithm from the velocity of the UAV. Image detection is used to obtain terrain images, and to measure the relative altitude from the ground to the UAV. The UAV flight system can be set to fly at a fixed and relatively low altitude to obtain the same resolution of ground images. A forward-looking camera is mounted on the upside of the aircraft’s nose. In combination with the skyline detection algorithm, this helps the aircraft to maintain a stable flight pattern. Experimental results show that the proposed system enables UAVs to obtain terrain images at constant resolution, and to detect the relative altitude along the flight path.
Real-Time Personalized Monitoring to Estimate Occupational Heat Stress in Ambient Assisted Working
Authors: Pancardo Pablo , Acosta Francisco , Hernández-Nolasco José , Wister Miguel , López-de-Ipiña Diego
Published: July 2015

Ambient Assisted Working (AAW) is a discipline aiming to provide comfort and safety in the workplace through customization and technology. Workers’ comfort may be compromised in many labor situations, including those depending on environmental conditions, like extremely hot weather conduces to heat stress. Occupational heat stress (OHS) happens when a worker is in an uninterrupted physical activity and in a hot environment. OHS can produce strain on the body, which leads to discomfort and eventually to heat illness and even death. Related ISO standards contain methods to estimate OHS and to ensure the safety and health of workers, but they are subjective, impersonal, performed a posteriori and even invasive. This paper focuses on the design and development of real-time personalized monitoring for a more effective and objective estimation of OHS, taking into account the individual user profile, fusing data from environmental and unobtrusive body sensors. Formulas employed in this work were taken from different domains and joined in the method that we propose. It is based on calculations that enable continuous surveillance of physical activity performance in a comfortable and healthy manner. In this proposal, we found that OHS can be estimated by satisfying the following criteria: objective, personalized, in situ, in real time, just in time and in an unobtrusive way. This enables timely notice for workers to make decisions based on objective information to control OHS.
Contextual Sensing: Integrating Contextual Information with Human and Technical Geo-Sensor Information for Smart Cities
Authors: Sagl Günther , Resch Bernd , Blaschke Thomas
Published: July 2015

In this article we critically discuss the challenge of integrating contextual information, in particular spatiotemporal contextual information, with human and technical sensor information, which we approach from a geospatial perspective. We start by highlighting the significance of context in general and spatiotemporal context in particular and introduce a smart city model of interactions between humans, the environment, and technology, with context at the common interface. We then focus on both the intentional and the unintentional sensing capabilities of today’s technologies and discuss current technological trends that we consider have the ability to enrich human and technical geo-sensor information with contextual detail. The different types of sensors used to collect contextual information are analyzed and sorted into three groups on the basis of names considering frequently used related terms, and characteristic contextual parameters. These three groups, namely technical in situ sensors, technical remote sensors, and human sensors are analyzed and linked to three dimensions involved in sensing (data generation, geographic phenomena, and type of sensing). In contrast to other scientific publications, we found a large number of technologies and applications using in situ and mobile technical sensors within the context of smart cities, and surprisingly limited use of remote sensing approaches. In this article we further provide a critical discussion of possible impacts and influences of both technical and human sensing approaches on society, pointing out that a larger number of sensors, increased fusion of information, and the use of standardized data formats and interfaces will not necessarily result in any improvement in the quality of life of the citizens of a smart city. This article seeks to improve our understanding of technical and human geo-sensing capabilities, and to demonstrate that the use of such sensors can facilitate the integration of different types of contextual information, thus providing an additional, namely the geo-spatial perspective on the future development of smart cities.
Overall Environmental Equipment Effectiveness as a Metric of a Lean and Green Manufacturing System
Authors: Domingo Rosario , Aguado Sergio
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a new metric for describing the sustainability improvements achieved, relative to the company’s initial situation, after implementing a lean and green manufacturing system. The final value of this metric is identified as the Overall Environmental Equipment Effectiveness (OEEE), which is used to analyze the evolution between two identified states of the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and the sustainability together, and references, globally and individually, the production steps. The OEE is a known measure of equipment utilization, which includes the availability, quality and performance of each production step, In addition to these factors, the OEEE incorporates the concept of sustainability based on the calculated environmental impact of the complete product life cycle. Action research based on the different manufacturing processes of a tube fabrication company is conducted to assess the potential impact of this new indicator. The case study demonstrates the compatibility between green and lean manufacturing, using a common metric. The OEEE allows sustainability to be integrated into business decisions, and compares the environmental impact of two states, by identifying the improvements undertaken within the company’s processes.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Heavy Metal Water Pollution in Transitional China
Authors: Li Huixuan , Li Yingru , Lee Ming-Kuo , Liu Zhongwei , Miao Changhong
Published: July 2015

China’s socioeconomic transitions have dramatically accelerated its economic growth in last three decades, but also companioned with continuous environmental degradation. This study will advance the knowledge of heavy metal water pollution in China from a spatial–temporal perspective. Specifically, this study addressed the following: (1) spatial patterns of heavy metal water pollution levels were analyzed using data of prefecture-level cities from 2004 to 2011; and (2) spatial statistical methods were used to examine the underlying socioeconomic and physical factors behind water pollution including socioeconomic transitions (industrialization, urbanization, globalization and economic development), and environmental characteristic (natural resources, hydrology and vegetation coverage). The results show that only Cr pollution levels increased over the years. The individual pollution levels of the other four heavy metals, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, declined. High heavy metal water pollution levels are closely associated with both anthropogenic activities and physical environments, in particular abundant mineral resources and industrialization prosperity. On the other hand, economic development and urbanization play important roles in controlling water pollution problems. The analytical findings will provide valuable information for policy-makers to initiate and adjust protocols and strategies for protecting water sources and controlling water pollution; thus improving the quality of living environments.
Repetitive Treatment with Diluted Bee Venom Attenuates the Induction of Below-Level Neuropathic Pain Behaviors in a Rat Spinal Cord Injury Model
Authors: Kang Suk-Yun , Roh Dae-Hyun , Choi Jung-Wan , Ryu Yeonhee , Lee Jang-Hern
Published: July 2015

The administration of diluted bee venom (DBV) into an acupuncture point has been utilized traditionally in Eastern medicine to treat chronic pain. We demonstrated previously that DBV has a potent anti-nociceptive efficacy in several rodent pain models. The present study was designed to examine the potential anti-nociceptive effect of repetitive DBV treatment in the development of below-level neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury (SCI) rats. DBV was applied into the Joksamli acupoint during the induction and maintenance phase following thoracic 13 (T13) spinal hemisection. We examined the effect of repetitive DBV stimulation on SCI-induced bilateral pain behaviors, glia expression and motor function recovery. Repetitive DBV stimulation during the induction period, but not the maintenance, suppressed pain behavior in the ipsilateral hind paw. Moreover, SCI-induced increase in spinal glia expression was also suppressed by repetitive DBV treatment in the ipsilateral dorsal spinal cord. Finally, DBV injection facilitated motor function recovery as indicated by the Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan rating score. These results indicate that the repetitive application of DBV during the induction phase not only decreased neuropathic pain behavior and glia expression, but also enhanced locomotor functional recovery after SCI. This study suggests that DBV acupuncture can be a potential clinical therapy for SCI management.
Veal Calves Produce Less Antibodies against C. Perfringens Alpha Toxin Compared to Beef Calves
Authors: Valgaeren Bonnie , Pardon Bart , Goossens Evy , Verherstraeten Stefanie , Roelandt Sophie , Timbermont Leen , Vekens Nicky , Stuyvaert Sabrina , Gille Linde , Van Driessche Laura , Haesebrouck Freddy , Ducatelle Richard , Van Immerseel Filip , Deprez Piet
Published: July 2015

Enterotoxaemia is a disease with a high associated mortality rate, affecting beef and veal calves worldwide, caused by C. perfringens alpha toxin and perfringolysin. A longitudinal study was conducted to determine the dynamics of antibodies against these toxins in 528 calves on 4 beef and 15 veal farms. The second study aimed to determine the effect of solid feed intake on the production of antibodies against alpha toxin and perfringolysin. The control group only received milk replacer, whereas in the test group solid feed was provided. Maternal antibodies for alpha toxin were present in 45% of the veal calves and 66% of the beef calves. In beef calves a fluent transition from maternal to active immunity was observed for alpha toxin, whereas almost no veal calves developed active immunity. Perfringolysin antibodies significantly declined both in veal and beef calves. In the second study all calves were seropositive for alpha toxin throughout the experiment and solid feed intake did not alter the dynamics of alpha and perfringolysin antibodies. In conclusion, the present study showed that veal calves on a traditional milk replacer diet had significantly lower alpha toxin antibodies compared to beef calves in the risk period for enterotoxaemia, whereas no differences were noticed for perfringolysin.
Partial Least Squares Regression for Determining the Control Factors for Runoff and Suspended Sediment Yield during Rainfall Events
Authors: Fang Nufang , Shi Zhihua , Chen Fangxin , Wang Yixia
Published: July 2015

Multivariate statistics are commonly used to identify the factors that control the dynamics of runoff or sediment yields during hydrological processes. However, one issue with the use of conventional statistical methods to address relationships between variables and runoff or sediment yield is multicollinearity. The main objectives of this study were to apply a method for effectively identifying runoff and sediment control factors during hydrological processes and apply that method to a case study. The method combines the clustering approach and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models. The case study was conducted in a mountainous watershed in the Three Gorges Area. A total of 29 flood events in three hydrological years in areas with different land uses were obtained. In total, fourteen related variables were separated from hydrographs using the classical hydrograph separation method. Twenty-nine rainfall events were classified into two rainfall regimes (heavy Rainfall Regime I and moderate Rainfall Regime II) based on rainfall characteristics and K-means clustering. Four separate PLSR models were constructed to identify the main variables that control runoff and sediment yield for the two rainfall regimes. For Rainfall Regime I, the dominant first-order factors affecting the changes in sediment yield in our study were all of the four rainfall-related variables, flood peak discharge, maximum flood suspended sediment concentration, runoff, and the percentages of forest and farmland. For Rainfall Regime II, antecedent condition-related variables have more effects on both runoff and sediment yield than in Rainfall Regime I. The results suggest that the different control factors of the two rainfall regimes are determined by the rainfall characteristics and thus different runoff mechanisms.
Accuracy of three pre- and intraoperative measurement techniques for osteotomy positioning in the tibial plateau levelling procedure
Authors: Mossman H. , Nicholson M. , Phelps H. , Morris E. , Bradley R. , Taylor J. , Langenbach A. , von Pfeil D.J. F.
Published: July 2015

Objectives: To prospectively compare the accuracy of three preoperative measurement techniques in tibial plateau levelling osteo -tomy (TPLO) planning.

Methods: Fifty-nine dogs were randomly assigned to one of three measurement techniques; A, B or C. Surgeons measured the intended osteotomy location on preoperative radiographs according to the assigned technique. Measurements were used intra-operatively during osteotomy placement. Postoperative measurements were made by a single blinded observer and compared to preoperative measurements.

Results: Fifty-one dogs were included for final statistical analysis. The mean absolute differences between pre- and postoperative measurements was 1.72 mm ± 0.958, 1.79 mm ± 1.010, and 3.56 mm ± 1.839, for techniques A, B and C, respectively. No significant differences were identified for patient age, gender, limb or surgeon. Techniques A and B were not significantly different (p = 0.8799). Techniques A and B were significantly more accurate than C (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Weight was significantly different among the groups (p = 0.047) but the statistical results did not change when an adjustment was made for bodyweight (p = 0.4971, p <0.001 and p = 0.0007, respectively).

Clinical significance: Preoperative measuring for planning a TPLO osteotomy is recommended. Techniques A and B in the current study were clinically practical and significantly more accurate compared to technique C.
Novel microsatellites for Calibrachoa heterophylla (Solanaceae) endemic to the South Atlantic Coastal Plain of South America
Authors: Silva‐Arias Gustavo Adolfo , Mäder Geraldo , Bonatto Sandro L. , Freitas Loreta B.
Published: July 2015

Premise of the study:

Calibrachoa heterophylla (Solanaceae) is a petunia species restricted to the South Atlantic Coastal Plain of South America and presents a recent history of colonization from continental to coastal environments and diversification following the formation of the Coastal Plain during the Quaternary period.

Methods and Results:

This study reports a suite of 16 microsatellite loci for C. heterophylla. The applicability of these markers was assessed by genotyping 57 individuals from two natural populations. Of the 16 described loci, 12 were found to be polymorphic. Successful cross‐amplification tests were obtained using 12 Calibrachoa species.

Conclusions:

The development of microsatellite markers will be useful to recover the contemporary history of the colonization of the Coastal Plain and to provide information for the conservation of this endemic species.
Continuum models of focused electron beam induced processing
Authors: Toth Milos , Lobo Charlene , Friedli Vinzenz , Szkudlarek Aleksandra , Utke Ivo
Published: July 2015

Focused electron beam induced processing (FEBIP) is a suite of direct-write, high resolution techniques that enable fabrication and editing of nanostructured materials inside scanning electron microscopes and other focused electron beam (FEB) systems. Here we detail continuum techniques that are used to model FEBIP, and release software that can be used to simulate a wide range of processes reported in the FEBIP literature. These include: (i) etching and deposition performed using precursors that interact with a surface through physisorption and activated chemisorption, (ii) gas mixtures used to perform simultaneous focused electron beam induced etching and deposition (FEBIE and FEBID), and (iii) etch processes that proceed through multiple reaction pathways and generate a number of reaction products at the substrate surface. We also review and release software for Monte Carlo modeling of the precursor gas flux which is needed as an input parameter for continuum FEBIP models.
Reactions of nitroxides 15. Cinnamates bearing a nitroxyl moiety synthesized using a Mizoroki–Heck cross-coupling reaction
Authors: Zakrzewski Jerzy , Huras Bogumiła
Published: July 2015

Cinnamic acid derivatives bearing a nitroxyl moiety (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-oxyl-4-piperidyl 3-E-aryl acrylates) were synthesized in 30–100% yield using a Mizoroki–Heck cross-coupling reaction between 4-acryloyloxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl and iodobenzene derivatives in the presence of palladium(II) acetate coordinated with a tri(o-tolyl)phosphine ligand immobilized in a polyurea matrix.
A possible worlds semantics for Cuzco Quechua evidentials
Authors: Faller Martina T
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes an analysis of Cuzco Quechua evidentials within the possible worlds framework developed by \citet{kratzer-catmod,kratzer,kratzer10}, and explores how the tools provided by this framework can be used to best capture their evidential and epistemic modal aspects. In particular, it will be discussed how differences between evidentials can be accounted for by different restrictions on the modal base and ordering source.
On the Non-Optionality of Certain Modifiers
Authors: McConnell-Ginet Sally
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
The Role of Negative Polarity and Concord Marking in Natural Language Reasoning
Authors: Dowty David
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
The Semantics and Pragmatics of Weak and Strong Polarity Items in Assertions
Authors: Krifka Manfred
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
Thetic and Categorical, Stage and Individual, Weak and Strong
Authors: Ladusaw William A.
Published: July 2015

No abstract.
A Taxonomy of Integration Interventions Between Health Care and Public Health
Authors:   RTI International, Porterfield Deborah , Rojas Smith Lucia , Lewis Megan , McCormack Lauren , Hoerger Thomas , Holden Debra
Published: July 2015

Integration among health care professionals, health care systems, and public health organizations to improve population health has recently emerged as a policy priority for federal health and public health agencies. A large gap exists, however, between current policy and program implementation efforts and the existing evidence for integration interventions. The challenges of research into integration effectiveness include lack of a standardized definition of integration and lack of a taxonomy to allow grouping of similar interventions that helps to facilitate an understanding of their effectiveness. We address these challenges and advance research into integration. Drawing from prior evidence syntheses of integration interventions, we provide a recommended definition and a classification scheme for describing and grouping like interventions. Our work can benefit researchers engaged in generating evidence for integration interventions and policy makers; it will help to ensure that the integration policy promoted by health and public health agencies is supported by science.
New pricing theory of intelligent flexible transportation
Authors: Andrejszki Tamás , Török Árpád
Published: July 2015

In the paper, possible pricing structures of flexible transport systems have been investigated. After a brief introduction into demand responsive systems, the currently used pricing systems have been analysed. Having reviewed the conventional pricing methodologies – in line with the average cost and marginal cost based methods – the advantages and the disadvantages of particular systems are presented. What is more, that traditional pricing theory enabled to order costs of flexible transportation systems only approximately to passengers in proportion to their demanded transportation performance, thus traditional pricing framework is not able to fully meet the principle of fairness. For reaching the highest level of fairness loops a fictive unit of individual trips is introduced as the base of pricing. When applying individual loops is gives a unique approach to describe unit cost of the operators especially considering that empty runs are taken into account in a fair way. Beside fairness, it is also an essential objective to represent economies of scale and the preference of early bookings in the pricing methodology. Accordingly, the below presented ‘mixed price system’ had good results in the reduction of average fares related to new travellers and also in the improvement of attraction related to ‘early birds’. Therefore, the goal of this research was to define the direction and the aspects of the development process related to the pricing methods of flexible transportation.
TRANSPORTATION SUSTAINABILITY INDEX FOR TABUK CITY IN SAUDI ARABIA: AN ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS
Authors: Al-Atawi Attiyah M. , Kumar Ravindra , Saleh Wafaa
Published: July 2015

A sustainable transport strategies for Tabuk City in the Saudi Arabia has been developed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) using travel data collected from Tabuk City. A number of transport policies and strategies have been tested for inclusion in the developed system. The top five strategies which were ranked highest amongst these by the respondents are policies that are targeting: clean environment, altering travel behaviour, shifting to more sustainable modes of transport, charging motorists for entering the city centre and charging motorists to enter the city if the revenue raised was spent on tackling environmental pollution caused by transport. The population have been classified according to gender, age, income and family structure groups. The strategy of promoting clean environment policies were high priority while for example, charging motorists to enter the city if the revenue raised was spent on tackling environmental pollution policies were not popular for any group. Priority ranking of transport sustainability at pre- and post-implementation stages of the transportation measure are important to provide recommendations for implementation. The strength of this approach is mainly in its ability to perform decision making under limited, heterogeneous data coming from multiple stakeholders which is presented in terms of different types of user group in our case study. This research can be further enhanced by testing further population groups and increasing the sample size.
OPTIMIZE WIDTH OF NAVIGATIONAL CHANNELS AND SHIPS TURNING BASINS IN PORTS
Authors: Paulauskas Vytautas , Paulauskas Donatas , Plačienė Birutė , Lukauskas Valdas
Published: July 2015

A number of ports are located close to cities or have other limitations on approaching areas of water. The optimization of the port and the use of possible areas of water are linked with the maximum number of the ships that could enter the port. The main factor considered in the presented study is the potential possibilities of water areas used for the ships entering the port as well as manoeuvring, turning, mooring and unmooring operations performed by the largest ships.
DYNAMIC QUEUING TRANSMISSION MODEL FOR DYNAMIC NETWORK LOADING
Authors: Raovic Nevena , Nielsen Otto Anker , Carlo Giacomo Prato Carlo Giacomo Prato
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a new macroscopic multi-class dynamic network loading model called Dynamic Queuing Transmission Model (DQTM). The model utilizes ‘good’ properties of the Dynamic Queuing Model (DQM) and the Link Transmission Model (LTM) by offering a DQM consistent with the kinematic wave theory and allowing for the representation of multiple vehicle classes, queue spillbacks and shock waves. The model assumes that a link is split into a moving part plus a queuing part, and p that traffic dynamics are given by a triangular fundamental diagram. A case-study is investigated and the DQTM is compared with single-class LTM, single-class DQM and multi-class DQM. Under the model assumptions, single-class models indicate that the LTM and the DQTM give similar results and that the shock wave property is properly included in the DQTM, while the multi-class models show substantially different travel times for two vehicle classes. Moreover, the results show that the travel time will be underestimated without considering the shock wave property.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE THEORIES OF ROAD TRANSPORT SAFETY AND EMISSION
Authors: Török Ádám
Published: July 2015

In this paper, author’s aim is to investigate the tendencies of EU27 countries based on road transport safety and road transport-related CO2 emission. On EU level huge efforts have been made in order to reduce the number of fatal road accidents and to reduce the CO2 emission as well. There is a strong revealed driving force behind the connection of road fatalities and social mortalities. The main research question is if there is such a tendency behind the time-series of road transport-related CO2 reduction? Author has used the tools of mathematical statistics in order to investigate the phenomena and to reveal the interdependencies.
Seismic Vulnerability of Historic and Monumental Structures and Centers
Authors: Guney Deniz
Published: July 2015

Earthquakes are the most destructive natural phenomena on the earth. Unfortunately, the most historical part of the World is under seismic risk. Seismic activities result in significant damages, even collapse on the historical and monumental structures and centers. In order to evaluate and decide the vulnerability level of any building, first visual and fast nondestructive methods and preliminary evaluation are to be carried out at the beginning for preventing damages. According to this concept, an engineer or an architect can decide whether the building is safe or needs further detailed evaluation to assess its adequacy. Based on these investigations, the best rehabilitation and retrofit method can be chosen. The aim of this chapter is to produce useful framework and easy applicable assumptions to not only the practicing engineer or architect but also to an ordinary person who can broadly understand and note the absence or presence of seismic-resistant features in the building and also the possibilities of further steps like seismic retrofit or rehabilitation.
Seismic Performance of a Mixed Masonry-Reinforced Concrete Building
Authors: Gattulli Vincenzo , Potenza Francesco , Valvona Filippo
Published: July 2015

The 6th of April 2009, a quite strong earthquake of magnitude ML =5.8 (Mw=6.3), struck in the city of L'Aquila. The seismic event caused serious injure to several masonry buildings, compromising a large part of the valuable historical and architectural heritage. The present work deals with seismic performance evaluation of an existing mixed masonry-reinforced concrete building in downtown L'Aquila city. A comprehensive discussion on the current limit capacity of the building based on the visual inspections of the occurred seismic damage, the experimental data from a wide campaign of on-site tests on the material properties, the results of numerical simulations from different naturally discrete models of the mixed masonry-reinforced concrete structure are presented. The seismic performance is evaluated through well-recognized N2 nonlinear static procedure. The Frame by Macro-Elements method is used to define an equivalent 3D frame representation of the structure. The obtained numerical results are directly compared with the surveyed damages.
A Case Study for Seismic Assessment and Restoration of Historic Buildings
Authors: Donmez Cemalettin , Erberik Murat Altug
Published: July 2015

This chapter focuses on seismic assessment and restoration of one of the numerous historical buildings in Turkey; the Arditi Residence in Urla, Izmir. It is a 150 years old two story masonry building located in a seismically active region. From the structural point of view, the building can be regarded as a mixed system since three different techniques had been used during the construction. The Arditi Residence has been investigated in three stages: preliminary evaluation, seismic performance assessment and intervention. The building has been observed to possess serious deficiencies, which are not easy to handle due to the complexity of the construction system. On the other hand, the proposed intervention strategies should have the minimal impact on the historic information building carrying and provide a certain level of safety against the seismic demands. Overall, the chapter presents a contribution to seismic assessment and restoration of historical structures on the basis of Arditi Residence, a unique historical building with serious problems in an earthquake-prone region.
Non-Destructive Testing for Assessing Structural Damage and Interventions Effectiveness for Built Cultural Heritage Protection
Authors: Moropoulou Antonia I. , Labropoulos Kyriakos C.
Published: July 2015

Non-destructive techniques - NDT are used in the field of built cultural heritage protection, as they are applied in-situ and do not require destructive sampling. Infrared thermography is used for materials/decay mapping, assesses the compatibility and effectiveness of restoration materials and interventions, and reveals moisture transfer phenomena within structures. Ultrasonic testing assesses the residual properties of historic materials, reveals the decay layers and evaluates the effectiveness of consolidation treatments. Ground penetrating radar reveals the internal structure of masonries, identifies and locates subsurface voids, structural cracks and incontinuities. Portable imaging systems, in conjunction with digital image processing, are used for in-situ materials characterization, and for the study of the decay typologies. Data management systems correlate data from NDTs, from other methods and from seismic/environmental impact assessment analyses to evaluate the preservation state of a historic structure and to plan interventions.
A Multi-Level Approach for the Numerical Modelling of Complex Monumental Buildings
Authors: Casolo Siro , Fiore Andrea , Porco Francesco , Raffaele Domenico , Sanjust Carlo Alberto , Uva Giuseppina
Published: July 2015

Monumental buildings are characterized by elements (such as columns, vaults, arches …) that can suffer significant damage even under moderate earthquakes. Unfortunately, the available modeling approaches require a huge amount of computing resources. The chapter presents a multi-level strategy that is able to overcome these difficulties by a rational adoption of different computational approaches. As a case study, the non-linear seismic assessment of the medieval “Maniace Castle”, in Syracuse (Sicily, Italy) is developed, by using different numerical models. First, the linear behavior of the building is studied by means of two 3D Finite Element models. Then, results are used to calibrate a 2D plane Rigid Body and Spring Model (RBSM), specifically formulated for approximating the macroscopic behavior of masonry texture with a small number of degrees of freedom. In order to account for the variability of the material characteristics, parametric non-linear analyses have been performed and compared.
Emerging Technologies and Materials for the Seismic Protection of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Chrysostomou C.Z. , Kyriakides Nicholas , Roussis P.C. , Asteris Panagiotis G.
Published: July 2015

Cultural heritage artifacts and buildings are under a constant thread of destruction during devastating earthquakes. Any intervention should be such that it neither violates their form nor changes drastically their structural behavior and should be reversible. In addition, the materials to be used must be compatible with the ones the monument is constructed of. Traditional seismic retrofitting techniques have the disadvantage that most of them violate the above conditions. An alternative approach is the use of innovative seismic-protection systems to enhance the seismic resilience of cultural heritage against the effects of earthquakes, which is reported in this chapter. The potential of seismic-isolation strategy to mitigate the seismic risk of museum artifacts will be first exploited. Subsequently, the state of the art of the use of energy-dissipation devices, such as viscous dampers and shape memory alloys, as well as innovative materials such as FRPs, for the protection of monuments and historic structures will be presented.
Historical Earthquake Damages to Domed Structures in Istanbul
Authors: Bal İhsan E. , Gülay F. Gülten , Vatan Meltem , Smyrou Eleni
Published: July 2015

This chapter discusses the domed structures in Istanbul, which are reported damaged during strong historical earthquakes. The attention is focused mostly to their domes, the most important component of the Byzantine and the Ottoman architecture. The significant shakings, together with their estimated epicenters and magnitudes, have been defined and the spatial distribution of the reported damages in the domed structures has been examined. It is underlined once more that the Historical Peninsula, which is where once Constantinople was located, has several vulnerable structures and high seismic hazard level at the same time. Certain structures are quite vulnerable to strong shakings and received significant damages multiple times. The chapter discusses the possible effects of the future seismic events on the historical buildings in Istanbul, based on the recorded damages occurred during the past seismic events.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Masonry Building from Ottoman Period in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Hrasnica Mustafa , Čaušević Amir , Rustempašić Nerman
Published: July 2015

Traditional art of building in Bosnia and Herzegovina comprises brick or stone masonry structures. Most historical buildings belonging to national cultural heritage were made of stone-masonry. The country is situated in seismic active region of South-East Europe. In the case of strong earthquake motion such buildings could suffer heavy damages. Some structural elements of historical buildings, as domes and arches, cracked already by moderate earthquake but without the loss of stability. Substantial damages were caused by recent war disaster. Damages could be accumulated through the history as well. Generally, stone-masonry buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina can be classified in vulnerability classes between A and C according to European Macroseismic Scale. Design and construction procedures for rehabilitation are presented here with examples of repair and strengthening of mosques, which present historical stone masonry structures dating from the Ottoman period in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Traditional and contemporary materials were used for their rehabilitation. It is important to preserve original forms, especially those of damaged elements. The challenge for structural engineers and architects was to find equilibrium between aesthetical and structural demands.
BIM and Interoperability for Cultural Heritage through ICT
Authors: Osello Anna , Acquaviva Andrea , Dalmasso Daniele , Erba David , Del Giudice Matteo , Macii Enrico , Patti Edoardo
Published: July 2015

This chapter presents a methodology based on Building Information Modelling (BIM) and interoperability to convert existing buildings, even historical, into smart buildings. The chapter starts describing the main concepts of BIM and interoperability in the Architecture, Engineer and Construction (AEC) industry with special attention on integrating information from heterogeneous devices deployed in the building. Then, it details the SEEMPubS (Smart Energy Efficient Middleware for Public Buildings) middleware, which consists on three layers: (i) Integration Layer, (ii) Middleware Layer, and (iii) Application Layer. The validation of the most significant results is presented using both gamification and technical approaches involving different end-users. Finally, Apps for data management are introduced with a Community Portal and an Android Application for real-time data visualization. Future works introduce the integration of smart building into smart district context.
Using Advanced Approaches in Urban Design Researches
Authors: Shakibamanesh Amir , Ghorbanian Mahshid
Published: July 2015

A lot of scientific studies have investigated virtual reality, the technological phenomenon of the modern world. However, there is no comprehensive study about the practical use of this technology in the urban design field. The aim of this chapter is to investigate this subject. The first step is to outline the 3D digital models discussed as a context for the formation of virtual reality. Then summarizing experts view in the field of virtual reality technology; the study presents components, conditions and requirements necessary to create a virtual environment in its real scientific sense. Since the chapter aims at utilizing virtual reality in the context of urban design studies, it focuses on virtual reality applications in urban design projects, and advantages and limitations of this technique in this area. Finally, at the end of this chapter most common devices needed for equipping a VR Lab and experiencing the sense of presence in virtual environment have been studied in three main categories including non-immersive, immersive, and full-immersive.
The Landscape Cultural Construction
Authors: Rosa Isabel Sousa , Lopes Joana C. , Ribeiro Ricardo J.
Published: July 2015

The interdependent relation between urban settlements and their environment has been broadly neglected over the last two centuries, particularly near major urban centers. This reflects in an unbalanced and often inadequate occupation of the territory, leading to the deterioration of quality of human life by loss of ecological and cultural diversity. In this sense, it was carried out a research to develop a Potential Land-Use Plan for the Portuguese territory to assess the land suitability for the installation of multiple human activities. The concept proposed for this chapter, will be based on a reinterpretation of tradition, following the current concepts of ecological and cultural sustainability, concerning the historical occupation of the Portuguese territory focusing on the Roman period using a GIS environment.
Changing Children's Stance towards Mathematics through Mobile Teaching
Authors: Kyriakides Andreas O. , Meletiou-Mavrotheris Maria , Prodromou Theodosia
Published: July 2015

In this chapter, we argue for the importance of embedding computer programming into existing mathematics curricula through the use of educational games apps. We illustrate the apps' opportunities by showing how programming was incorporated into a task undertaken by a group of 10-11 year old students. This was their first experience of computer programming at the primary level. The results of this study contribute to understanding a) the development of students' reasoning about mathematical concepts and procedures throughout the participants' engagement with A.L.E.X. app, and b) students' articulated impressions about educational games apps with mathematical content, including students' acknowledgment of the pedagogical role that an iPad could play.