bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iridium-Catalysed ortho-Directed Deuterium Labelling of Aromatic Esters—An Experimental and Theoretical Study on Directing Group Chemoselectivity
Authors: Devlin Jennifer , Kerr William. , Lindsay David , McCabe Timothy , Reid Marc , Tuttle Tell
Published: June 2015

Herein we report a combined experimental and theoretical study on the deuterium labelling of benzoate ester derivatives, utilizing our developed iridium N-heterocyclic carbene/phosphine catalysts. A range of benzoate esters were screened, including derivatives with electron-donating and -withdrawing groups in the para- position. The substrate scope, in terms of the alkoxy group, was studied and the nature of the catalyst counter-ion was shown to have a profound effect on the efficiency of isotope exchange. Finally, the observed chemoselectivity was rationalized by rate studies and theoretical calculations, and this insight was applied to the selective labelling of benzoate esters bearing a second directing group.
The Emergence of Quinone Methides in Asymmetric Organocatalysis
Authors: Caruana Lorenzo , Fochi Mariafrancesca , Bernardi Luca
Published: June 2015

Quinone methides (QMs) are highly reactive compounds that have been defined as “elusive” intermediates, or even as a “synthetic enigma” in organic chemistry. Indeed, there were just a handful of examples of their utilization in catalytic asymmetric settings until some years ago. This review collects organocatalytic asymmetric reactions that employ QMs as substrates and intermediates, from the early examples, mostly based on stabilized QMs bearing specific substitution patterns, to more recent contributions, which have dramatically expanded the scope of QM chemistry. In fact, it was only very recently that the generation of QMs in situ through strategies compatible with organocatalytic methodologies has been realized. This tactic has finally opened the gate to the full exploitation of these unstable intermediates, leading to a series of remarkable disclosures. Several types of synthetically powerful asymmetric addition and cycloaddition reactions, applicable to a broad range of QMs, are now available.
Factors Affecting 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentration in Response to Vitamin D Supplementation
Authors: Mazahery Hajar , Von Hurst Pamela
Published: June 2015

Sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D. Due to many lifestyle risk factors vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is becoming a worldwide health problem. Low 25(OH)D concentration is associated with adverse musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal health outcomes. Vitamin D supplementation is currently the best approach to treat deficiency and to maintain adequacy. In response to a given dose of vitamin D, the effect on 25(OH)D concentration differs between individuals, and it is imperative that factors affecting this response be identified. For this review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify those factors and to explore their significance in relation to circulating 25(OH)D response to vitamin D supplementation. The effect of several demographic/biological factors such as baseline 25(OH)D, aging, body mass index(BMI)/body fat percentage, ethnicity, calcium intake, genetics, oestrogen use, dietary fat content and composition, and some diseases and medications has been addressed. Furthermore, strategies employed by researchers or health care providers (type, dose and duration of vitamin D supplementation) and environment (season) are other contributing factors. With the exception of baseline 25(OH)D, BMI/body fat percentage, dose and type of vitamin D, the relative importance of other factors and the mechanisms by which these factors may affect the response remains to be determined.
Congregational Size and Attitudes towards Racial Inequality among Church Attendees in America
Authors: Cobb Ryon , Dougherty Kevin , Park Jerry , Perry Samuel
Published: June 2015

Research suggests that congregational characteristics are associated with the racial attitudes of American churchgoers. This study examines the relationship between congregational size and beliefs about the Black/White socioeconomic gap among religious adherents. Method. Drawing upon data from the General Social Survey and the National Congregations Study, we fit binary logistic regression models to estimate the association between congregational size and Americans’ explanations of Black/White economic inequality. Results. Findings reveal that attendees of larger congregations are less likely than attendees of smaller congregations to explain racial inequality as the result of the racial discrimination. The likelihood of explaining racial inequality in terms of personal motivation does not vary by congregation size. Conclusion. Despite the growing diversity in larger congregations in America, such congregations may steer attendees’ views about racial inequality away from systemic/structural factors, which may attenuate the ability of such congregations to bridge racial divisions.
Designing a New Framework Using Type-2 FLS and Cooperative-Competitive Genetic Algorithms for Road Detection from IKONOS Satellite Imagery
Authors: Nikfar Maryam , Zoej Mohammad , Mokhtarzade Mehdi , Shoorehdeli Mahdi
Published: June 2015

The growing availability of high-resolution satellite imagery provides an opportunity for identifying road objects. Most studies associated with road detection are scene-related and also based on the digital number of each pixel. Because images can provide more details (including color, size, shape, and texture), object-based processing is more advantageous. Therefore, in this paper, to handle the existing uncertainty of satellite image pixel values, using type-2 fuzzy set theory in combination with object-based image analysis is proposed. Because the main challenges of the type-2 fuzzy set are parameter tuning and extensive computations, a hybrid genetic algorithm (GA) consisting of Pittsburgh and cooperative-competitive learning schemes is proposed to address these problems. The most prominent feature of our research in this work is to establish a comprehensive object-based type-2 fuzzy logic system that enables us to detect roads in high-resolution satellite images with no training data. The validation assessment of road detection results using the proposed framework for independent images demonstrates the capability and efficiency of our method in identifying road objects. For more evaluation, a type-1 fuzzy logic system with the same structure as type-2 is tuned. Evaluations show that type-1 fuzzy logic system quality in training is very similar to that of the proposed type-2 fuzzy framework. However, in general, its lower accuracy, as inferred by validation assessments, makes the type-1 fuzzy logic system significantly different from the proposed type-2.
Vision and Control for UAVs: A Survey of General Methods and of Inexpensive Platforms for Infrastructure Inspection
Authors: Máthé Koppány , Buşoniu Lucian
Published: June 2015

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained significant attention in recent years. Low-cost platforms using inexpensive sensor payloads have been shown to provide satisfactory flight and navigation capabilities. In this report, we survey vision and control methods that can be applied to low-cost UAVs, and we list some popular inexpensive platforms and application fields where they are useful. We also highlight the sensor suites used where this information is available. We overview, among others, feature detection and tracking, optical flow and visual servoing, low-level stabilization and high-level planning methods. We then list popular low-cost UAVs, selecting mainly quadrotors. We discuss applications, restricting our focus to the field of infrastructure inspection. Finally, as an example, we formulate two use-cases for railway inspection, a less explored application field, and illustrate the usage of the vision and control techniques reviewed by selecting appropriate ones to tackle these use-cases. To select vision methods, we run a thorough set of experimental evaluations.
Observed Thermal Impacts of Wind Farms Over Northern Illinois
Authors: Slawsky Lauren , Zhou Liming , Roy Somnath , Xia Geng , Vuille Mathias , Harris Ronald
Published: June 2015

This paper assesses impacts of three wind farms in northern Illinois using land surface temperature (LST) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments onboard the Terra and Aqua satellites for the period 2003–2013. Changes in LST between two periods (before and after construction of the wind turbines) and between wind farm pixels and nearby non-wind-farm pixels are quantified. An areal mean increase in LST by 0.18–0.39 °C is observed at nighttime over the wind farms, with the geographic distribution of this warming effect generally spatially coupled with the layout of the wind turbines (referred to as the spatial coupling), while there is no apparent impact on daytime LST. The nighttime LST warming effect varies with seasons, with the strongest warming in winter months of December-February, and the tightest spatial coupling in summer months of June-August. Analysis of seasonal variations in wind speed and direction from weather balloon sounding data and Automated Surface Observing System hourly observations from nearby stations suggest stronger winds correspond to seasons with greater warming and larger downwind impacts. The early morning soundings in Illinois are representative of the nighttime boundary layer and exhibit strong temperature inversions across all seasons. The strong and relatively shallow inversion in summer leaves warm air readily available to be mixed down and spatially well coupled with the turbine. Although the warming effect is strongest in winter, the spatial coupling is more erratic and spread out than in summer. These results suggest that the observed warming signal at nighttime is likely due to the net downward transport of heat from warmer air aloft to the surface, caused by the turbulent mixing in the wakes of the spinning turbine rotor blades.
Sustainability Assessment in Wine-Grape Growing in the New World: Economic, Environmental, and Social Indicators for Agricultural Businesses
Authors: Santiago-Brown Irina , Metcalfe Andrew , Jerram Cate , Collins Cassandra
Published: June 2015

Indicators have been used in many sustainability assessment methods, however, disagreements over a common definition and scope for the sustainability concept have led to many distinct assessment methods, which are not often directly comparable. Before developing a sustainability assessment, it is essential to: define sustainability and specify the viewpoint of the assessor, the purpose of the assessment, and the context and time frame of the assessment. This article presents a short list of indicators and a method that can be readily adopted by any agricultural business or region to assess sustainability, making any organization, region or crop qualitatively comparable. These indicators were proposed by 83 top-level executives in 14 group interviews conducted using our adapted nominal group technique (ANGT). Executives were sourced from wine-grape growing organisations from New World wine-producing countries that also owned vineyards, and they considered everyday management practices of farms. These indicators, grouped within three categories (economic, environmental, and social) were ranked by their importance. The method defines qualitative indicators that, in the context of distinct wine regions or crops should be quantified to maintain their relevance and usefulness.
Experimental Inoculation of Egyptian Rousette Bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus) with Viruses of the Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus Genera
Authors: Jones Megan , Schuh Amy , Amman Brian , Sealy Tara , Zaki Sherif , Nichol Stuart , Towner Jonathan
Published: June 2015

The Egyptian rousette bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) is a natural reservoir for marburgviruses and a consistent source of virus spillover to humans. Cumulative evidence suggests various bat species may also transmit ebolaviruses. We investigated the susceptibility of Egyptian rousettes to each of the five known ebolaviruses (Sudan, Ebola, Bundibugyo, Taï Forest, and Reston), and compared findings with Marburg virus. In a pilot study, groups of four juvenile bats were inoculated with one of the ebolaviruses or Marburg virus. In ebolavirus groups, viral RNA tissue distribution was limited, and no bat became viremic. Sudan viral RNA was slightly more widespread, spurring a second, 15-day Sudan virus serial euthanasia study. Low levels of Sudan viral RNA disseminated to multiple tissues at early time points, but there was no viremia or shedding. In contrast, Marburg virus RNA was widely disseminated, with viremia, oral and rectal shedding, and antigen in spleen and liver. This is the first experimental infection study comparing tissue tropism, viral shedding, and clinical and pathologic effects of six different filoviruses in the Egyptian rousette, a known marburgvirus reservoir. Our results suggest Egyptian rousettes are unlikely sources for ebolaviruses in nature, and support a possible single filovirus—single reservoir host relationship.
Initial Characterization and Water Quality Assessment of Stream Landscapes in Northern Mongolia
Authors: Hofmann Jürgen , Karthe Daniel , Ibisch Ralf , Schäffer Michael , Avlyush Saulyegul , Heldt Sonja , Kaus Andrew
Published: June 2015

A comprehensive monitoring project (2006–2013) provided data on hydrology, hydromorphology, climatology, water physico-chemistry, sedimentology, macroinvertebrate community and fish diversity in the Kharaa River basin in northern Mongolia, thus enabling, for the first time, a detailed characterization of the stream landscapes. Surface waters were categorized into separate “water bodies” according to their identifiable abiotic and biocoenotic features, subsequently creating the smallest management sub-units within the river basin. Following the approach of the European Water Framework Directive (EC-WFD), in order to obtain a good ecological status (GES), four clearly identifiable water bodies in the Kharaa River main channel and seven water bodies consisting of the basin’s tributaries were delineated. The type-specific undisturbed reference state of various aquatic ecosystems was identified in the assessment and used to set standards for restoration goals. With regards to water quality and quantity, the upper reaches of the Kharaa River basin in the Khentii Mountains were classified as having a “good” ecological and chemical status. Compared with these natural reference conditions in the upper reaches, the initial risk assessment identified several “hot spot” regions with impacted water bodies in the middle and lower basin. Subsequently, the affected water bodies are at risk of not obtaining a level of good ecological and/or chemical status for surface waters. Finally, a matrix of cause-response relationships and stressor complexes has been developed and is presented here. The applicability of management approaches is discussed to better foster the development of a sustainable river basin management plan. The application of natural references states offers a sound scientific base to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities across the Kharaa River basin.
Determination of Algae and Macrophyte Species Distribution in Three Wastewater Stabilization Ponds Using Metagenomics Analysis
Authors: Wallace Jack , Champagne Pascale , Hall Geof , Yin Zhaochu , Liu Xudong
Published: June 2015

This study involved the evaluation of algae and macrophyte species distributions in three wastewater stabilization ponds (WSPs) at a wastewater treatment plant in Ontario, Canada, which has experienced high pH levels at the final effluent and excessive algae growth during the summer since 2003. From samples collected from the system, the relative abundances of specific algae and aquatic plant (macrophyte) taxa were assessed and correlated to water chemistry data. A strong shift from the dominance of green algae, chlorophyceae, in WSP#2, to the dominance of aquatic macrophytes, embryophyta, in WSP#4, was observed and corresponded to field observations. Correlation of the abundances to nutrient parameters suggested that the macronutrient rich conditions in WSP#2 allowed floating green algae to proliferate against macrophytes. In WSP#1 and WSP#4, macrophytes competed against algae and thrived, due to their adaptability to lower nutrient conditions. The pH increases occurred primarily in WSP#2 and were not buffered or reduced in WSP#1 and WSP#4. Two alternatives strategies for pH control were recommended for the system: decreasing algae growth in WSP#2 through duckweed seeding or macronutrient loading reduction; or designing and implementing a constructed wetland (CW) in WSP#4 with soil and vegetation to buffer pH prior to release.
EXPERIMENTAL INSIGHTS OF USING WASTE MARBLE FINES TO MODIFY THE GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF A LATERITIC SOIL
Authors: AKINWUMI Isaac I. , BOOTH Colin A.
Published: June 2015

Marble spoil waste is an environmental nuisance. The effects of adding waste marble fines (WMF) on the plasticity, strength and permeability of a lateritic clay have been investigated for its potential use as a soil modifier or stabilizer of road pavement layer materials or earth-building materials. The chemical compositions of the WMF and soil were determined using X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. The specific gravity, Atterberg limits, compaction, strength and permeability characteristics of the soil were determined for varying proportions of the soil-WMF blends. The properties of the natural soil – classified as clay of low plasticity (CL) andA-7-6(7), according to unified soil classification and AASHTO classification systems, respectively – were improved after the addition of 10% WMF such that it behaves like a silt of low plasticity. Therefore, WMF is recommended as a low-cost soil modifier or stabilizer for lateritic soil and well-suited for road construction applications.
SOUNDSCAPE DESIGN IN CITY PARKS: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN SOUNDSCAPE COMPOSITION PARAMETERS AND PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOACOUSTIC PARAMETERS
Authors: LIU Jiang , KANG Jian
Published: June 2015

Soundscape design in city parks is important for a better visiting experience. The aim of this research is to find a more effective way to design soundscapes in city parks, by exploring the relationships between certain physical and psychoacoustic parameters and soundscape composition parameters as proposed in this study, including perceived loudness of individual sound (PLS), perceived occurrences of individual sound (POS), and soundscape diversity index(SDI). The parameters were based on soundscape information gathered with a specifically designed soundwalk method in five city parks in Xiamen, China. The results showed that the soundscape composition parameters play important roles as soundscape parameters. LCeq–LAeq, LA10–LA90 and sharpness showed more explanatory power to the soundscape composition parameters of individual sound categories than other physical and psychoacoustic parameters. PLS of human sounds was the most frequently introduced variable for nearly all the other objective parameters, followed by SDI. Some of the soundscape composition parameters were found to be mutually explainable, including PLS of human sounds with LA10, LCeq–LAeq and sharpness, respectively, POS of traffic sounds with LA10, and PLS of both mechanical and geophysical sounds with sharpness, which supply important information for soundscape design in city parks.
ON CONNECTION OF VARIATIONS BETWEEN HARD COSMIC RAY FLUX, TEMPERATURE AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES IN VILNIUS AND SUNSPOT NUMBER DURING 2001–2012
Authors: STYRO Dmitrijus , USOVAITE Ana
Published: June 2015

The connection has been found between the course of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and the hard cosmic ray flux (HCRF) near the ground surface in Vilnius. The course of air temperature and number of sunspot was simultaneously considered. The investigation was carried out for the average annual and average monthly values in the period of solar cycle 2001–2012. The course of average annual data is most identical for HCRF and number of sunspot: whereas, it significantly differs from CVD and temperature course. The stable connection between a course of average monthly values of HCRF and CVD is found. Such a connection for temperature and CVD had a negative correlation with coefficient of correlation –0.9. A rather weak correlation was between the change in the number of sunspots another characteristics. Values of correlation coefficient between them were less than 0.4 during all of the solar cycle2001–2012. The exception had taken place at the maximum solar activity, i. e. in 2001 and 2012 when values of correlation coefficient exceeded 0.5. For the short-term prognosis of CVD leaps exceeding average monthly value by 10%in 1–3 days after HCRF decrease according to the proposed criterion, the high efficiency of the results 68–79% was obtained. The variation of sunspot number isn’t connected with these data. A short-term connection between the change in air temperature, the change in the sunspot number and CVD leaps has not been found. The human factor has an additional influence on CVD leaps, which was considered in these studies.
SOME TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH CONCENTRATION FINE SUSPENSIONS TO AVOID ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS
Authors: FAITLI József , GOMBKÖTŐ Imre
Published: June 2015

The behavior of slurries and suspensions made by mixing solid particles and liquids is very important for various industrial applications. The latest accidental failure events at tailings facilities (Kolontár, Baia Mare) have focused public interest into this field. Nowadays, environmental practice is turning to use dry deposition techniques or at least as high concentration slurries or pastes as possible, to avoid large spills in case of an accidental failure of an embankment. High concentration slurries are becoming widely accepted in many environmentally related operations such as underground backfilling or simple tailings deposition. However, the hydraulic transport of pastes or high density slurries requires higher energy input via pumps, and, in addition, the energy requirement or pressure loss calculation methods are also different because the rheology of pastes differs from that of dilute slurries. At the University of Miskolc, Institute of Raw Materials Preparation and Environmental Processing, Miskolc, Hungary, this topic has been studied for many decades. The fine suspension – coarse mixture flow model was introduced, and it has been determined that the flow behavior of fine suspensions made of solid particles smaller than a limit particle size can be measured and interpreted in almost the same way as for single phase clear liquids. Based on these measured rheological parameters of fine suspensions, the frictional energy loss can be calculated. The aim of this paper is to give a summary and data base about the rheological behavior of different industrial materials based on pilot scale hydraulic loop measurements. An Anton-Paar rotational viscometer and a tube viscometer with three measuring pipe sections,– developed by our institute – were used for testing. The results of measurements of various granular materials, such as sands, fly ashes, perlite, tailings and red mud are presented in connection with environmental applications. Based on these results, empirical relationships are presented, where the parameters are determined by simple function fitting into the data of measurements carried out at discrete concentration values. The rheology of fine suspensions of any concentration up to the measured maximum can be calculated by these relationships.
CORRIGENDUM
Authors: Turskis Zenonas , Lazauskas Marius , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras
Published: June 2015

"Corrigendum." Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, 22(7), p. |
AUTOMATIC MAPPING OF FOREST DENSITY FROM AIRBORNE LIDAR DATA
Authors: Trier Øivind due
Published: June 2015

This paper presents new methods for the automatic mapping of vegetation from airborne lidar data. The methods are developed specifically for orienteering maps, which are detailed maps in scale 1:15,000 or 1:10,000 of forested areas. However, the methods may be modified to be used for automatic mapping of vegetation for national topographic map series in various scales, e.g., 1:25,000 or 1:50,000.

We introduce the normalized difference vegetation density (NDVD) as an indicator of vegetation density in airborne lidar data. A modified version of NDVD is used for reduced runability mapping.

By comparing pixel-by-pixel the automatic mapping with the manual survey in four different forest areas in Oslo, Norway, the correct classification rate varies from 71% to 75%. However, close investigation reveals that the automatic mapping is better than manual survey for open areas. On the other hand, the automatic mapping of reduced runability remains a difficult problem. In many cases, the automatic method is able to identify the major areas of reduced runability, while in other areas the correspondence is low between the automatic mapping and manual survey of reduced runability. Still, the automatic method may be used to quickly produce an initial mapping of reduced runability, or in the production of orienteering maps in remote areas where a full manual survey cannot be afforded.
SELECTED LEGAL ISSUES OF LAND CADASTRAL SURVEYING IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Aksamitauskas Vladislovas Česlovas , Grinevičiūtė Kristina
Published: June 2015

This study is limited to the selected problematic aspects of cadastral surveys of land plots. Special attention is paid to the problem of on-site marking of the land plot boundaries. Authors have found that it determine imperative and complicated legal regulations. Cases where the act of marking-demonstration of the land plot boundaries is declared faulty in judicial practice are discussed. The problems of establishing the land plot boundaries are considered. Theoretical analysis is based on judicial practice. The advanced judicial practice demonstrates that immovable object cadastral surveys cannot correct legal ownership relationships.
Graph-based multi-attribute decision making: impact of road fencing on ecological network
Authors: Kučas Andrius
Published: June 2015

Conservation and transport decision makers must deal with many competing criteria in order to find the optimal connectivity of habitat patches in order to maximize organisms’ ability to traverse the landscape successfully. Thus, there is an increasing interest in prioritization of habitat patches by their contribution to overall landscape connectivity. Many different indices can be used to quantify structural and functional landscape connectivity. However, landscape connectivity indices alone do not clearly define conservation priorities for habitat patches. In this study priority values for each available habitat patch were calculated using multiple criteria spatial decision support techniques. As criteria for prioritization, spatial graph-based element properties (habitat patch size, number of corridors connected to a habitat patch, etc.) were characterized for each habitat patch. Graph-based connectivity rules for each habitat patch within a landscape (in conjunction with largest patch size, maximum number of corridors with a minimum length connected to a habitat patch, etc.) were defined and applied. Each criterion’s importance was assessed. Criteria-based ranking of habitat patches within a graph better indicated exact critical habitat patches than connectivity index alone, especially when changes in network occur. Simulations in the case study of Lithuania showed that barriers (road fences to keep animals off the road) without prompt establishment of animal crossings may realign complexes of an ecological networks by reducing the importance of adjacent and increasing the importance of more distant patches. Such distant patches may become essential, and can sometimes be the only elements preserving the realigned ecological network.
Evaluation of polyaminoamide as a surfactant additive in hot mix asphalt
Authors: Haritonovs Viktors
Published: June 2015

The phenomenon of breaking the bond between the aggregates and the bitumen is known as stripping. Strip-ping of asphalt films from the surface of aggregate particles results in premature failure of asphalt pavement. This causes weakening of pavement resistance to rutting and fatigue. Furthermore, moisture damage increases the susceptibility of pavement to reveling, a distress that causes the loss of skid resistance on surface of the road and deterioration of pavement. Surfactant additive or adhesive agent is a surface-active agent that changes (lowers) the surface tension of rock materials. Introduction of surfactant additive results in increased strength of adhesive bond between bitumen and the rock materials surface preventing stripping throughout the service life of the asphalt concrete. Polyaminoamide is an organic water soluble compound that allows waterproofing mineral aggregate surfaces and acts as a bonding agent to bitumen. The objective of this research is to study the effect of polyaminoamide based and pholiphosphoric acid based liquid additives on stripping, moisture susceptibility, rutting and fatigue performance of asphalt concrete. In this paper, boiling water test was used to determine the percentage of stripped aggregates after boiling. The moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures was investigated by means of testing the retained indirect tensile strength after water immersion using Marshal stability test method. Wheel tracking test was also conducted on asphalt slabs prepared in the laboratory to determine rut resistance. Asphalt concrete with commonly used mineral filler was chosen as a control mixture. It was found that the adhesion additive not only improves stripping resistance, but also slightly improves asphalt rut resistance.
A combined control strategy for vibration mitigations of a suspension bridge induced by vehicle braking force
Authors: Yang Meng-Gang , Cai Chun-Sheng , Wei Biao
Published: June 2015

In order to mitigate the excessive longitudinal displacement responses of suspension bridge girders induced by vehicle braking force, as one of the possible dynamic loadings, a combined control strategy consisting of viscous dampers and friction pendulum bearings is developed in this paper. Firstly, the vehicle composition and the braking force models of the Pingsheng Bridge are obtained by traffic survey and testing results, respectively. Then, the vibration response analysis for the bridge under the braking force is implemented using the MIDAS finite element model. Furthermore, viscous dampers and friction pendulum bearings are separately employed to reduce the vibration responses. The influence matrix method is first used to determine the optimal parameters of viscous dampers. Finally, the effect of the combined control strategy for the vibration control is investigated. The numerical analysis results indicate that utilizing the influence matrix method for the parameter optimization of viscous dampers is feasible and effective. It is also shown that the longitudinal displacement response of the Pingsheng Bridge subjected to the vehicle braking force can be effectively mitigated by viscous dampers, friction pendulum bearings or the combined control with the optimized parameters, and the combined control outperforms the viscous dampers or the friction pendulum bearings alone.
Road Safety and Pavement Management: a case study of Tanzania
Authors: Amador-Jimenez Luis , Pooyan Afghari Amir
Published: June 2015

The implementation of pavement management seems to ignore road safety, with its focus being mainly on infrastructure condition. Safety management as part of pavement management should consider various means of reducing the frequency of vehicle crashes by allocating corrective measures to mitigate accident exposure, as well as reduce accident severity and likelihood. However, it is common that lack of accident records and crash contributing factors impedes incorporating safety into pavement management. This paper presents a case study for the initial development of pavement management systems considering data limitations for 3000 km of Tanzania’s national roads. A performance based optimization utilizes indices for safety and surface condition to allocate corrective measures. A modified Pareto analysis capable of accounting for annual performance and of balancing resources to achieve good surface condition and low levels of safety was applied. Tradeoff analysis for the case study found the need to assign 30% relevance to condition and 70% to road safety. Safety and condition deficiencies were corrected within 5 years with the majority of improvements dedicated to surface treatments and some geometric corrections. Large investments for correcting geo-metric issues were observed in years two and three if more money was made available.
Analysis of rigid flange of bridge truss girder
Authors: Siekierski Wojciech
Published: June 2015

Contemporary bridge truss girders have usually “W” bracing and spacing of cross beams smaller than spacing of truss nodes. The flange at deck level is loaded at its nodes and between them. It acts as a truss member and as a beam simultaneously. An analysis of the rigid flange in two stages is presented. The first stage of the analysis is aimed at computation of axial forces. Equivalent loading applied at truss nodes and truss member hinged connections are assumed. Ritter’s method is used to compute axial forces in rigid flange members. The second stage of analysis is aimed at computation of bending moments. A model of the rigid flange as a continuous beam on elastic supports with imposed settlements is assumed. In this stage additional model of truss girder as simply supported beam of equivalent moment of inertia is considered as well. Working example of application of presented analysis is given. Two computational models of rigid flange are analysed: model of rigid flange as member of truss girder and model of isolated rigid flange as continuous beam. Data recorded during test loading of two truss bridge spans are used for verification. Modelling isolated rigid flange as continuous beam and classical modelling of truss girder as plane frame provide similar accuracy of assessment of internal forces and vertical displacements distribution in rigid flange.
Research on the operation of roundabouts based on the sustainable development principles
Authors: Sivilevičius Henrikas , Paliulis Gražvydas , Klibavičius Antanas , Palevičius Vytautas
Published: June 2015

The main elements of urban transport infrastructure include: the street network with intersections, bridges, viaducts, flyovers, vehicular traffic tunnels. Unsignalized four-leg intersections and roundabouts is the largest “saturated transport flow” of the street network. Roundabouts which were designed as far back as 1970–1980 were well-functioning when the car ownership level was 180–200 veh/1000 inhabitants. Currently, when the level of car ownership comes to 520–560 veh/1000 inhabitants, unsignalized roundabouts operate in the “oversaturated flows” regime. The research results of the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and other universities showed that when designing new or reconstructing existing intersections the indicators of territorial planning, transport planning, environmental protection, traffic safety should be considered. As a common indicator for assessing all other indicators a monetization (estimation in monetary terms) should be used. When preparing projects for intersection reconstruction it is recommended to apply a new method of intersection analysis and evaluation based on the principles of sustainable development of urban transport infrastructure.
Speed bumps impact on motor transport noise
Authors: Januševičius Tomas , Akelaitytė Rasa
Published: June 2015

Most accidents are caused by excessive speed or aggressive driver behavior. One of the most popular speed regulation implement is speed bumps. However, there are some problems with speed bumps as well – it has been noticed that speed bumps increase motor vehicle-induced noise. This article presents investigation on how speed bumps increase motor vehicle-induced noise. The investigations were carried out on Klaipėda and Vilnius streets during different time of the day and year. Brüel&Kjær sound level meters type 2260 and 2270 were used to investigate how much noise is caused by vehicles passing different types of speed bumps.
Hepatitis C Cure with Antiviral Therapy – Benefits beyond the Liver
Authors: Soriano Vincent , Labarga Pablo , Fernandez-Montero José V , de Mendoza Carmen , Esposito Isabella , Benítez-Gutiérrez Laura , Barreiro Pablo
Published: June 2015

Liver disease is the major complication of chronic HCV infection. However, extrahepatic complications are common (50–75%), including mixed cryoglobulinaemia and B-cell lymphomas. Given that chronic hepatitis C has become curable using expensive oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), it seems worth revisiting the whole spectrum and burden of disease in HCV carriers.

Herein, we update the most clinically significant medical complications associated with chronic hepatitis C and the evidence of benefits that would derive from a wide use of curative DAA therapies.

Chronic HCV infection is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical conditions, including distinct rheumatic disorders (polyarthritis, sicca syndrome), lymphoproliferative conditions (mixed cryoglobulinaemia, monoclonal gammapathies and B-cell lymphomas) and damage at other organs due to persistent systemic inflammation, leading to renal, bone, neurological and/or cardiovascular disease. Eradication of HCV with DAAs is associated with amelioration and/or resolution of most liver-related and extrahepatic complications. Ultimately, gains in quality of life and survival favour treating everyone with hepatitis C regardless of liver fibrosis stage.
Evaluating the Potential of Aerial Infrared as a Lek Count Method for Prairie Grouse
Authors: Gillette Gifford L. , Reese Kerry P. , Connelly John W. , Colt Chris J. , Knetter Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2015

Wildlife biologists use counts of birds attending traditional breeding grounds (i.e., leks) to develop indices of population trends in several grouse species. Standardized lek counts for sage-grouse Centrocercus spp. provide information about population trends by allowing comparison of counts across their range. In contrast, biologists lack a standard lek-count method for prairie grouse Tympanuchus spp.. The lack of a standard lek-count method limits our ability to make rigorous spatial and temporal comparisons or to estimate population trends. Recent use of cooled infrared cameras in aerial surveys and their increased affordability make this technology attractive for monitoring prairie grouse populations. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of aerial infrared (AIR) technology for estimating abundance of prairie grouse by comparing AIR lek counts with ground-based lek counts of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse T. phasianellus columbianus in Idaho. We used both methods simultaneously to count sharp-tailed grouse at 25 leks to compare method consistency. We also used both methods to count sharp-tailed grouse at 88 other leks to quantify and compare the resources required for both methods. The average count obtained with the AIR method (12.3 grouse ± 1.5 SE) and the ground-based method (12.9 grouse ± 1.8 SE) was similar, and we were unable to detect a statistical difference between methods when conducting a negative binomial regression (z = 0.165, P = 0.87). Aerial infrared was twice the cost of the ground-based method, but AIR surveyed more leks in less time (88 leks during 4 d) compared with the ground-based method (88 leks during 29 d). Aerial infrared improves population monitoring by counting leks inaccessible by ground. The time efficiency of AIR and the ability to obtain counts consistent with ground-based methods suggests that AIR may be an effective and efficient lek-count method.
Shaping the Roles of Academic Librarians to Meet Emerging Demands of DH Scholarship
Authors: Aarsvold Nancy , Gonnerman Kasia , Paul Jason N.
Published: June 2015

As digital technologies permeate research, teaching, and learning on academic campuses, librarians are increasingly expected to be conversant in the tools and resources used in digital humanities (DH) scholarship. They are also expected to play a role in managing DH projects and promoting them to their campus communities and beyond. This growing niche of support calls not only for expanding librarians' DH toolkits and knowledge, but also for novel and energetic collaborations with other college staff, particularly information technologists. This chapter considers ways to create and sustain partnerships between faculty, instructional technologists, and librarians in support of DH activities at a liberal arts college. By focusing on collaborative approaches to DH training, events, and project planning and management, the chapter provides a blueprint for creating a DH Team that capitalizes on the existing skills of librarians and instructional technologists and for fostering a culture in which librarians can acquire new skills to support DH scholarship.
Models for Partnering with Faculty and Supporting Digital Scholarship
Authors: Courtney Angela , Dallis Diane
Published: June 2015

Libraries have grown with Digital Humanities and they have evolved their support structures and developed the expertise required to partner with faculty. This chapter explores the library models that have been established at major research universities by surveying directors of public services of libraries who are members of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC). The results of a survey of CIC Libraries are discussed and the findings are shared. The chapter offers a literature review of digital humanities which the authors refer to as digital scholarship or DS, discusses and describes models for partnering and supporting digital scholarship, and illustrates how large academic libraries at research universities are meeting challenges associated with DS services.
An Assessment of Readiness for Supporting Digital Humanities in Hong Kong Academic Libraries
Authors: Wong Rebekah Shun Han , Li Haipeng
Published: June 2015

This book chapter will assess the state of digital humanities across Hong Kong academic libraries and evaluate the potential for international collaborations. A survey was administered to the eight member institutions of the University Grants Committee in Hong Kong to examine the level of engagement in digital humanities, support structure at their institutions, partnership opportunities, etc. Survey respondents indicated the importance of supporting digital humanities, but this importance has not been fully reflected on the institutional level. Hong Kong libraries have undertaken a range of activities to support digital humanities, and they embrace intra-institutional partnerships. Surveyed institutions also indicated that the potential for international collaborations, in particular, exists and is worth the efforts of further exploration. Their major challenges are building a strong faculty-librarian partnership, getting adequate financial and personnel resources, and enhancing staff experience and skills in this area.
Social Annotation
Authors: Stern Lauren
Published: June 2015

Annotative social reading is an interactive form of reading that is performed either synchronously or asynchronously by multiple users who access and annotate the same source text. This mode of online reading has the potential to advance metaliteracy in the digital humanities by supporting critical student conversations by design. This chapter explores how faculty, librarians, and technologists can collaborate to manage emerging technologies and develop online learning communities that maximize learning opportunities. Challenges related to collaboration, metaliteracy, and online learning are explored, and resources for content and technology, including social reading and digital humanities software, are provided.
A Review of the 2014 Gulf of Mexico Wave Glider® Field Program
Authors: Fitzpatrick Patrick J. , Lau Yee , Moorhead Robert , Skarke Adam , Merritt Daniel , Kreider Keith , Brown Chris , Carlon Ryan , Hine Graham , Lampoudi Teri , Leonardi Alan P.
Published: June 2015

AbstractSustained observations of oceanographic and atmospheric boundary layer conditions are imperative for the investigation of tropical cyclone genesis, for numerical model input to predict track and intensity, and in general, for many environmental monitoring needs. We
present preliminary results of a Fall 2014 100-day deployment of Wave Glider platforms in the eastern Gulf of Mexico designed to dynamically collect surface weather, water temperature, wave, and ocean current profile data within tropical cyclones. Data were collected and retransmitted near
real time through a Liquid Robotics interface to regional and national data portals such as the National Data Buoy Center, and secondarily also used by the private sector. Accomplishments include buoy loitering for validation exercises, data gap filling, platform redeployments, and an interception
of the fringes of Tropical Storm Hanna. Preliminary buoy loitering assessments using bias and absolute error metrics showed reasonable agreement with buoys for atmospheric pressure, wave, and height-adjusted wind data but that the temperature hardware requires an improved sensor. A full assessment
of the potential for the sustained collection and real-time dissemination of environmental data for Wave Glider platforms is presented including lessons learned.
Spilled Oil Autonomous Tracking Using Autonomous Sea Surface Vehicle
Authors: Rathour Swarn Singh , Kato Naomi , Tanabe Naoto , Senga Hidetaka , Hirai Yukino , Yoshie Muneo , Tanaka Toshinari
Published: June 2015

Abstract Over the past several decades, a concerted scientific effort has been made to estimate the drift and spread of spilled oil on the ocean surface. However, tracking spilled oil in open water remains challenging. This research focuses on the problem of autonomous oil
spill tracking in oceanic marine environments. We describe a sensor-based guidance, navigation, and control system (GNCS) for oil spill tracking by an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) in unsteady and uncertain environments. First, we describe the design and development of a yacht-shaped ASV
that can track spilled oil on the sea surface using data supplied by onboard sensors to control rudder angle and sail area for navigation. Second, we evaluate the performance of a Ultraviolet/fluorometry-based optical sensor for use as an oil detection sensor. Third, we describe an autonomous
ASV decision-making algorithm for target speed and direction based on a complete time history of the scanned area around the ASV by the oil detection sensor. Finally, we describe field experiments conducted at the Osaka University pond to validate the performance of the ASV with regard to
autonomous oil spill tracking using GNCS based on onboard sensors data for tracking artificial oil targets. This technology has profound implications for oil spill disaster recovery operations.