bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migración africana y formación social en las Américas, 1500-2000
Authors: Moya José C.
Published: June 2012

Unos 11 millones de africanos llegaron al Nuevo Mundo entre 1500 y 1866 en lo que constituye la primera migración masiva transoceánica en la historia de la humanidad. Este artículo estudia ese movimiento desde la perspectiva de la historia de las migraciones y formaciones socio-raciales en las Américas. La primera parte establece el origen, ritmo temporal y distribución geográfica de las llegadas empleando una base de datos que contiene información sobre unos 35.000 viajes de barcos negreros. Sobre esta base, se analiza el impacto demográfico, el desarrollo socioeconómico, la presencia cultural africana, las estrategias de adaptación y aculturación, y la construcción de taxonomías e identidades raciales en las regiones receptoras.
Corrupción y gestión migratoria en el México posrevolucionario
Authors: Yankelevich Pablo
Published: June 2012

En este trabajo se estudia la naturaleza, extensión y significados de prácticas de corrupción en el Servicio de Migración de México durante las primeras décadas del siglo XX. Se advierten las maneras en que la corrupción creció al amparo de un ensanchamiento de las regulaciones migratorias y el control fronterizo, en un contexto en que la necesidad de ingresar o salir de país por parte de extranjeros y mexicanos era valorada como una oportunidad para enriquecimientos ilícitos. La dimensión alcanzada por estas prácticas permite valorarlas como parte consustancial del orden político antes que como un asunto de carácter moral.
Genealogía de un origen: Túbal, el falsario y la Atlántida en la Historia de los Incas de Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa
Authors: González Díaz Soledad
Published: June 2012

El presente artículo propone una lectura política de dos libros vinculados entre sí: la Historia de los Incas de Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa y la Antiquitatum Variarum de Annio de Viterbo, una colección de textos espurios de fines del siglo XV. Haciendo una síntesis entre la Antiquitatum y el mito platónico de la Atlántida, Sarmiento argumentó que los indios descendían de la estirpe de Túbal, el nieto de Noé y fundador de la monarquía hispánica, que había llegado a las Indias después del Diluvio Universal. Se propone que tanto la Historia de los Incas como la Antiquitatum formaron parte de una corriente oficial de representación del pasado de corte imperial promovida por los Reyes Católicos, que se proyectó a las crónicas hispanas y a las de Indias en el transcurso del siglo XVI.
O Brasil e suas naturezas possíveis (1930-1945)
Authors: Carvalho De Ostos Natascha Stefania
Published: June 2012

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar los discursos de la sociedad civil y del Estado sobre el territorio brasileño, a lo largo de la llamada Era Vargas (1930-1945). Tales discursos, publicados en varias revistas de la época, creían que el mundo natural, en sus diversas partes, representaba la máxima expresión de un territorio lleno de riquezas, que, si administrado de forma racional, sería capaz de desarrollar las fuerzas de producción del país. El gran dilema que impregnó los debates sobre el tema, fue: cómo asegurar la protección de la naturaleza, patrimonio que no tiene precio, y al mismo tiempo promover el desarrollo económico, que dependía, según la opinión predominante, de la explotación generalizada de los recursos naturales.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL MORPHOMETRY OF NATIVE ACETABULUM IN RELATION TO DESIGN AND IMPLANTATION OF CANINE TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENTS
Authors: Wu Ching-Ho , Lin Cheng-Chung , Lu Tung-Wu , Yeh Lih-Seng
Published: June 2012

Total hip replacement (THR) has been one of the main choices in treating dysplasia and other disabling conditions of the coxofemoral joint of large-breed dogs. Quantitative data of the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the native normal acetabulum will be helpful for better design and implantation of prosthetic components. However, 3D orientation and morphological parameters of the native acetabulum in large-breed dogs are rarely reported. The purposes of the study were to measure the values of the 3D morphological parameters of the native acetabulum in Labrador Retriever dogs, namely acetabular orientation in relation to the pelvis, as well as the radius, angle between ventral and dorsal rims, and the distance from the center to the dorsal rim of the acetabulum using a 3D CT-derived model. The data will be useful for developing a more accurate guideline for improving current THR designs and for more accurate placement of the acetabulum component during THR surgery.
Pharmacotherapeuetic Options for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Palmer Alan M.
Published: June 2012

Multiple sclerosis is the most common progressive and disabling neurological condition in young adults. Neuro-inflammation is an early and persistent change and forms the basis of most pharmacotherapy for this disease. Immunomodulatory drugs are mainly biologies (β-interferons, a four amino acid peptide, and a monoclonal antibody to a cell adhesion molecule on the blood-CNS barrier) that either attenuate the inflammatory response or block the movement of immune cells into the CNS. They reduce the rate of relapse, but have little or no effect on the progression of disability. The market landscape for MS drugs is in the midst of major change because the patent life of many of these medicines will soon expire, which will lead to the emergence of biosimilars. In addition, new small molecule immunomodulatory and palliative drugs have entered the market, with more in the pipeline; a number of monoclonal antibodies and other immunomodulatory drugs are also in clinical development.
Thermal structure of intense convective clouds derived from GPS radio occultations
Authors: Biondi R. , Randel W. J. , Ho S.-P. , Neubert T. , Syndergaard S.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Thermal structure associated with deep convective clouds is investigated using Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation measurements. GPS data are insensitive to the presence of clouds, and provide high vertical resolution and high accuracy measurements to identify associated temperature behavior. Deep convective systems are identified using International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) satellite data, and cloud tops are accurately measured using Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIPSO) lidar observations; we focus on 53 cases of near-coincident GPS occultations with CALIPSO profiles over deep convection. Results show a sharp spike in GPS bending angle highly correlated to the top of the clouds, corresponding to anomalously cold temperatures within the clouds. Above the clouds the temperatures return to background conditions, and there is a strong inversion at cloud top. For cloud tops below 14 km, the temperature lapse rate within the cloud often approaches a moist adiabat, consistent with rapid undiluted ascent within the convective systems.
No statistically significant effect of a short-term decrease in the nucleation rate on atmospheric aerosols
Authors: Dunne E. M. , Lee L. A. , Reddington C. L. , Carslaw K. S.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Observed correlations between short-term decreases in cosmic ray ionisation and cloud and aerosol properties have been attributed to short-term decreases in the ion-induced nucleation rate. We use a global aerosol microphysics model to determine whether a 10-day reduction of 15% in the nucleation rate could generate a statistically significant response in aerosol concentrations and optical properties. As an upper limit to the possible effect of changes in the ion-induced nucleation rate, we perturb the total nucleation rate, which has been shown to generate particle concentrations and nucleation events in reasonable agreement with global observations. When measured against a known aerosol control state, the model predicts a 0.15% decrease in global mean cloud condensation nucleus concentrations at the surface. However, taking into account the variability in aerosol, no statistically significant response can be detected in concentrations of particles with diameters larger than 10 nm, in cloud condensation nuclei with diameters larger than 70 nm, or in the Ångström exponent. The results suggest that the observed correlation between short-term decreases in cosmic ray ionisation and cloud and aerosol properties cannot be explained by associated changes in the large-scale nucleation rate.
Detection in the summer polar stratosphere of air plume pollution from East Asia and North America by balloon-borne in situ CO measurements
Authors: Krysztofiak G. , Thiéblemont R. , Huret N. , Catoire V. , Té Y. , Jégou F. , Coheur P. F. , Clerbaux C. , Payan S. , Drouin M. A. , Robert C. , Jeseck P. , Attié J.-L. , Camy-Peyret C.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. The SPIRALE and SWIR balloon-borne instruments have been launched in the Arctic polar region (near Kiruna, Sweden, 67.9° N, 21.1° E) during summer on 7 and 24 August 2009 and on 14 August 2009, respectively. The SPIRALE instrument performed in situ measurements of several trace gases including CO and O3 between 9 and 34 km height, with very high vertical resolution (~5 m). The SWIR-balloon instrument measured total and partial column of several species including CO. The CO stratospheric profile from SPIRALE on 7 August 2009 shows some specific structures with strong abundance of CO in the low levels (potential temperatures between 320 and 380 K, i.e. 10–14 km height). These structures are not present in the CO vertical profile of SPIRALE on 24 August 2009, for which the volume mixing ratios are typical from polar latitudes (~30 ppb). CO total columns retrieved from the IASI-MetOp satellite sounder for the three dates of flights are used to understand this spatial and temporal CO variability. SPIRALE and SWIR CO partial columns between 9 and 34 km are compared, allowing us to confirm that the enhancement of CO is localised in the stratosphere. The measurements are investigated also in terms of CO:O3 correlations and with the help of several modelling approaches (trajectory calculations, potential vorticity fields, results of chemistry transport model), in order to characterize the origin of the air masses sampled. The emission sources are qualified in terms of source type (fires, urban pollution) using NH3 and CO measurements from IASI-MetOp and MODIS data on board the TERRA/AQUA satellite. The results give strong evidence that the unusual abundance of CO on 7 August is due to surface pollution plumes from East Asia and North America transported to the upper troposphere and then entering the lower stratosphere by isentropic advection. This study highlights that the composition of low polar stratosphere in summer can be affected by anthropogenic surface emissions through long range transport.
Evaluation of turbulent dissipation rate retrievals from Doppler Cloud Radar
Authors: Shupe M. D. , Brooks I. M. , Canut G.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Turbulent dissipation rate retrievals from cloud radar Doppler velocity measurements are evaluated using independent, in situ observations in Arctic stratocumulus clouds. In situ validation data sets of dissipation rate are derived using sonic anemometer measurements from a tethered balloon and high frequency pressure variation observations from a research aircraft, both flown in proximity to stationary, ground-based radars. Modest biases are found among the data sets in particularly low- or high-turbulence regimes, but in general the radar-retrieved values correspond well with the in situ measurements. Root mean square differences are typically a factor of 4–6 relative to any given magnitude of dissipation rate. These differences are no larger than those found when comparing dissipation rates computed from tethered-balloon and meteorological tower-mounted sonic anemometer measurements made at spatial distances of a few hundred meters. Temporal lag analyses suggest that approximately half of the observed differences are due to spatial sampling considerations, such that the anticipated radar-based retrieval uncertainty is on the order of a factor of 2–3. Moreover, radar retrievals are clearly able to capture the vertical dissipation rate structure observed by the in situ sensors, while offering substantially more information on the time variability of turbulence profiles. Together these evaluations indicate that radar-based retrievals can, at a minimum, be used to determine the vertical structure of turbulence in Arctic stratocumulus clouds.
Are small mountainous tropical watersheds of oceanic islands important for carbon export?
Authors: Lloret E. , Dessert C. , Lajeunesse E. , Crispi O. , Pastor L. , Gaillardet J. , Benedetti M. F.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. In the tropic, the small watersheds are affected by intense meteorological events playing an important role on the erosion of soils and therefore on the associated organic carbon fluxes. We studied the geochemistry of three small watersheds around the Basse-Terre volcanic Island (FWI) during a four years period, by measuring DOC, POC and DIC concentrations. The mean annual yields ranged 8.1–15.8 t C km−2 yr−1, 1.9–8.6 t C km−2 yr−1 and 8.1–25.5 t C km−2 yr−1 for DIC, DOC and POC, respectively. Floods and extreme floods represent 45 to 70 % of the annual DOC flux, and more than 80 % of the annual POC flux. The DIC flux occurs essentially during the low water level, only 43 % of the annual DIC flux is exported during floods. The distribution of the dissolved carbon between the inorganic and the organic fraction is correlated to the hydrodynamic of rivers. During low water level and floods, the dissolved carbon is exported under the inorganic form (DIC/DOC = 2.6 ± 2.1), while during extreme floods, the dissolved carbon transported is mostly organic (DIC/DOC = 0.7 ± 0.2). The residence time of the organic carbon in Guadeloupean soils may vary from 381 to 1000 yr, and is linked to the intensity of meteorological events than the frequency of meteorological events. Looking at the global carbon mass balance, the total export of organic carbon coming from small tropical and volcanic mountainous rivers is estimated about 2.0–8.9 Tg C yr−1 for DOC and about 8.4–26.5 Tg C yr−1 for POC, emphasizing that these carbon fluxes are significant and should be included in global carbon budgets.
Ocean acidification mediates photosynthetic response to UV radiation and temperature increase in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Li Y. , Gao K. , Villafañe V. E. , Helbling E. W.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration is responsible for progressive ocean acidification, ocean warming as well as decreased thickness of upper mixing layer (UML), thus exposing phytoplankton cells not only to lower pH and higher temperatures but also to higher levels of solar UV radiation. In order to evaluate the combined effects of ocean acidification, UV radiation and temperature, we used the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a model organism and examined its physiological performance after grown under two CO2 concentrations (390 and 1000 µatm) for more than 20 generations. Compared to the ambient CO2 level (390 µatm), growth at the elevated CO2 concentration increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) of cells and partially counteracted the harm to PSII caused by UV-A and UV-B. Such an effect was less pronounced under increased temperature levels. As for photosynthetic carbon fixation, the rate increased with increasing temperature from 15 to 25 °C, regardless of their growth CO2 levels. In addition, UV-induced inhibition of photosynthesis was inversely correlated to temperature. The ratio of repair to UV-induced damage showed inverse relationship with increased NPQ, showing higher values under the ocean acidification condition against UV-B, reflecting that the increased pCO2 and lowered pH counteracted UV-B induced harm.
Development of tsunami early warning systems and future challenges
Authors: Wächter J. , Babeyko A. , Fleischer J. , Häner R. , Hammitzsch M. , Kloth A. , Lendholt M.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. Fostered by and embedded in the general development of information and communications technology (ICT), the evolution of tsunami warning systems (TWS) shows a significant development from seismic-centred to multi-sensor system architectures using additional sensors (e.g. tide gauges and buoys) for the detection of tsunami waves in the ocean. Currently, the beginning implementation of regional tsunami warning infrastructures indicates a new phase in the development of TWS. A new generation of TWS should not only be able to realise multi-sensor monitoring for tsunami detection. Moreover, these systems have to be capable to form a collaborative communication infrastructure of distributed tsunami warning systems in order to implement regional, ocean-wide monitoring and warning strategies. In the context of the development of the German Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System (GITEWS) and in the EU-funded FP6 project Distant Early Warning System (DEWS), a service platform for both sensor integration and warning dissemination has been newly developed and demonstrated. In particular, standards of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) and the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) have been successfully incorporated. In the FP7 project Collaborative, Complex and Critical Decision-Support in Evolving Crises (TRIDEC), new developments in ICT (e.g. complex event processing (CEP) and event-driven architecture (EDA)) are used to extend the existing platform to realise a component-based technology framework for building distributed tsunami warning systems.
Using an integrated method to estimate watershed sediment yield during heavy rain period: a case study in Hualien County, Taiwan
Authors: Hsu S. M. , Wen H. Y. , Chen N. C. , Hsu S. Y. , Chi S. Y.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. A comprehensive approach estimating sediment yield from a watershed is needed to develop better measures for mitigating sediment disasters and assessing downstream impacts. In the present study, an attempt has been made to develop an integrated method, considering sediment supplies associated with soil erosion, shallow landslide and debris flow to estimate sediment yield from a debris-flow-prone watershed on a storm event basis. The integrated method is based on the HSPF and TRIGRS models for predicting soil erosion and shallow landslide sediment yield, and the FLO-2D model for calculating debris flow sediment yield. The proposed method was applied to potential debris-flow watersheds located in the Sioulin Township of Hualien County. The available data such as hourly rainfall data, historical streamflow and sediment records as well as event-based landslide inventory maps have been used for model calibration and validation. Results for simulating sediment yield have been confirmed by comparisons of observed data from several typhoon events. The verified method employed a 24-h design hyetograph with the 100-yr return period to simulate sediment yield within the study area. The results revealed that the influence of shallow landslides on sediment supply as compared with soil erosion was significant. The estimate of landslide transport capacity into a main channel indicated the sediment delivery ratio on a typhoon event basis was approximately 38.4%. In addition, a comparison of sediment yields computed from occurrence and non-occurrence of debris flow scenarios showed that the sediment yield from an occurrence condition was found to be increasing at about 14.2 times more than estimated under a non-occurrence condition. This implied watershed sediment hazard induced by debris flow may cause severe consequences.
ICT approaches to integrating institutional and non-institutional data services for better understanding of hydro-meteorological phenomena
Authors: Bedrina T. , Parodi A. , Quarati A. , Clematis A.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. It is widely recognised that an effective exploitation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is an enabling factor to achieve major advancements in Hydro-Meteorological Research (HMR). Recently, a lot of attention has been devoted to the use of ICT in HMR activities, e.g. in order to facilitate data exchange and integration, to improve computational capabilities and consequently model resolution and quality. Nowadays, ICT technologies have demonstrated that it is possible to extend monitoring networks by integrating sensors and other sources of data managed by volunteer's communities. These networks are constituted by peers that span a wide portion of the territory in many countries. The peers are "location aware" in the sense that they provide information strictly related with their geospatial location. The coverage of these networks, in general, is not uniform and the location of peers may follow random distribution. The ICT features used to set up the network are lightweight and user friendly, thus, permitting the peers to join the network without the necessity of specialised ICT knowledge. In this perspective it is of increasing interest for HMR activities to elaborate of Personal Weather Station (PWS) networks, capable to provide almost real-time, location aware, weather data. Moreover, different big players of the web arena are now providing world-wide backbones, suitable to present on detailed map location aware information, obtained by mashing up data from different sources. This is the case, for example, with Google Earth and Google Maps. This paper presents the design of a mashup application aimed at aggregating, refining and visualizing near real-time hydro-meteorological datasets. In particular, we focused on the integration of instant precipitation depths, registered either by widespread semi-professional weather stations and official ones. This sort of information has high importance and usefulness in decision support systems and Civil Protection applications. As a significant case study, we analysed the rainfall data observed during the severe flash-flood event of 4 November 2011 over Liguria region, Italy. The joint use of official observation network with PWS networks and meteorological radar allowed for the making of evident finger-like convection structure.
Sea ice inertial oscillation magnitudes in the Arctic basin
Authors: Gimbert F. , Marsan D. , Weiss J. , Jourdain N. C. , Barnier B.
Published: June 2012

Abstract. An original method to quantify the amplitude of inertial motion of oceanic and ice drifters, through the introduction of a non-dimensional parameter M defined from a spectral analysis, is presented. A strong seasonal dependence of the magnitude of sea ice inertial oscillations is revealed, in agreement with the corresponding annual cycles of sea ice extent, concentration, thickness, advection velocity, and deformation rates. The spatial pattern of the magnitude of the sea ice inertial oscillations over the Arctic basin is also in agreement with the sea ice thickness and concentration patterns. This argues for a strong link between the magnitude of inertial motion on one hand, the dissipation of energy through mechanical processes, and the cohesiveness of the cover on the other hand. Finally, a significant pluri-annual evolution towards greater magnitudes of inertial oscillations in recent years, in both summer and winter, is reported, thus concomitant with reduced sea ice thickness, concentration and spatial extent.
A Message from the JTRF Co-General Editors
Authors: Obeng Kofi , Babcock Michael W.
Published: June 2012

A Message from the Editors
Evaluation of Football Shaped Rumble Strips Versus Rectangular Rumble Strips
Authors: Rys Margaret J. , Gardner Lucas , Russell Eugene
Published: June 2012

Shoulder and centerline rumble strips have become predominantly used safety measures along American highways in almost all states and in Canadian provinces. Milled shoulder rumble strips are cut indentations along the shoulder of a highway to warn drivers with an audible and tactile alert if they start drifting off the road. Centerline rumble strips are similar, but are placed between lanes, usually on undivided two-way, two-lane highways, to warn drivers who may start drifting into oncoming traffic. Researchers at Kansas State University (KSU) have conducted research on a new football-shaped highway rumble strip designed by an independent firm in Kansas. Test strips were installed along a Kansas highway, and the KSU research team conducted several tests to evaluate the new football shaped rumble strip versus the rectangular rumble strip. The comparison consisted of water and debris collection, interior sound and vibration production, and the opinions of bicyclists.Based on the literature review, the limited tests performed, and the surveys conducted, it can be concluded that no significant difference was found between the two types of rumble strips.
Modeling the Relationship Between Travelers' Level of Satisfaction and Their Mode Choice Behavior Using Ordinal Models
Authors: Gebeyehu Mintesnot , Takano Shin-ei
Published: June 2012

Travelers' level of satisfaction is an important performance measure for transport service providers and a determinant of mode choice. However, its computation is not easy because of the complicated and unique characteristics of travelers. The traditional method of comparing yearly satisfaction percentages has been implemented in several places; however, it does not include the interrelationships between variables that determine satisfaction. This study estimates travelers' level of satisfaction using an ordered logit model and then uses the results in a binary mode choice model. The results show that the level of satisfaction has a significant influence on the modal choice characteristics of travelers.
An Update on Airline Financial Condition and Insolvency Prospects Using the Altman Z" Score Model
Authors: Gritta Richard D. , Adrangi Bahram , Adams Brian , Tatyanina Nina
Published: June 2012

Stricken by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and by increases in fuel prices, a key cost which has spiked upward as the price of oil has risen to more than $130 per barrel, the airlines find themselves, once again, in fragile financial shape. The purpose of this article is to measure the financial condition of the industry, given this situation, using a popular financial stress model, the Altman Model.
A Message from the Editor
Authors: Hough Jill
Published: June 2012

Message from the Editor
Some Computational Insights on the Optimal Bus Transit Route Network Design Problem
Authors: Fan Wei (David) , Machemehl Randy B.
Published: June 2012

The objective of this paper is to present some computational insights based on previous extensive research experiences on the optimal bus transit route network design problem (BTRNDP) with zonal demand aggregation and variable transit demand. A multi-objective, nonlinear mixed integer model is developed. A general meta-heuristics-based solution methodology is proposed. Genetic algorithms (GA), simulated annealing (SA), and a combination of the GA and SA are implemented and compared to solve the BTRNDP. Computational results show that zonal demand aggregation is necessary and combining metaheuristic algorithms to solve the large scale BTRNDP is very promising.
Perceived Satisfaction with Public Transport Service in Nine European Cities
Authors: Fellesson Markus , Friman Margareta
Published: June 2012

The present study provides a transnational comparison of the perceived service satisfaction with public transport in eight European countries. Data was collected from 9,542 respondents in Stockholm, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Geneva, Helsinki, Vienna, Berlin, Manchester, and Oslo. The respondents rated their agreement with 17 attribute-related statements regarding local public transport services. Using factor analysis, this study identifies the four satisfaction dimensions of system, comfort, staff, and safety, which were present in most, but not all of the cities. These findings indicate that there are differences in how public transport is perceived. This needs to be addressed in order to make comparison meaningful. Different explanations for these diverse findings are discussed.
Hedonic Value of Transit Accessibility: An Empirical Analysis in a Small Urban Area
Authors: Cao Xinyu , Hough Jill A.
Published: June 2012

Many programs of the SAFETEA-LU have pointed to improving transit services and individuals' accessibility in small urban areas. Urban economic theory suggests that improving accessibility by investing in transportation has the potential to drive up bids for land. However, will the improved transit accessibility in small urban areas increase property values? A number of studies have investigated the impact of rail transit on home sales but produced mixed results. Further, few studies have explored how transit influences the lease rate of apartments. This question is more relevant because transit accessibility tends to have a greater impact on apartment dwellers than home owners. Using about 400 apartment dwellers in Fargo, North Dakota, this study developed a hedonic price model to determine implicit price of proximity to bus routes. We found a negative impact of bus transit on apartment rent after controlling for other factors, however. We speculated that in a small urban area, this negative relationship could be mainly attributable to spurious relationships from other causal factors, as well as nuisance effects of bus transit itself.
Comparing Approaches to Winter Highway Maintenance Operations Through User Mobility Performance
Authors: Thill Jean-Claude , Sun Hai
Published: June 2012

This paper compares the winter maintenance performances of sections of two limited access highways operated by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA). Performance is assessed by two user mobility indicators: speed reduction during snowstorms and speed recovery duration following the end of snow events. Multivariate linear regressions are estimated to model these mobility indicators. The results show major discrepancies in level of service between the two agencies, particularly in the early stages of snowstorms. Another result is that speed recovery is indistinguishable in the hour following the end of snow events. It also found that NYSTA's higher outlay of resources appears to be effective only during short storms and in the early stages of storms.
Transportation Model Validation Using Extreme-World Method Scenario Construction
Authors: Shar Heather , Componation Paul , Anderson Michael , Youngblood Alisha
Published: June 2012

The Alabama Transportation Infrastructure Model (ATIM) is a discrete event simulation of major transportation routes. The model is currently being validated; however, due to limited data and projected changes in traffic patterns, common validation methods (comparison to real-world figures and utilizing historical data to forecast future trends) are impractical. Therefore, an alternative validation approach was developed, using a scenario planning technique known as extreme-world view that allows model developers to test a wider range of model inputs than using limited current or historical data. The model's response to a range of scenarios indicates it tracks expected real-world performance well.
Railroad Economies of Scale, Scope, and Density Revisited
Authors: Bereskin C. Gregory
Published: June 2012

The movement of freight on railroads is subject to a number of technological characteristics that make costing of specific traffic a complex process. Among these restrictions are conditions of joint production, economies of scale, scope, and density, and a lack of data on specific expenditures related to individual freight movements.

In this paper, an econometric cost model using publicly available data and methodology is developed for the examination of average and marginal costs in the industry. The model is decomposed into individual elasticity estimates for operating parameters to examine economies of scope. Finally, the size of the firm is varied through multiplying the capital stock measurements and estimating the cost behavior as firm capital stock is varied between one-quarter and two times the level of 2005.

Results indicate that the railroad industry has effectively exhausted the possible economies of scale but can still gain from economies of density and scope. In addition, there appears to be little economic justification for mergers creating transcontinental railroad systems.
Study of Driver’s Behavior at Passive Railroad-Highway Grade Crossings
Authors: Rys Margaret J. , Shah Harshit D. , Russell Eugene E.
Published: June 2012

Railway highway grade crossing safety has always been a concern for railroads, state DOTs, and the driving population. This paper presents an overview of drivers' behavior at different passive warning sign systems present at a selected number of Kansas railroad-highway grade crossings. Emphasis in this study was on drivers' stopping behavior at the STOP signs, as that has been a major concern of Kansas DOT (KDOT). A field study was conducted on nine grade crossings with selected warning devices to determine driver's approach behavior, particularly stopping behavior at STOP signs. Various statistical analysis and comparisons are done for stopping of heavy trucks, school buses and other vehicles at crossings with both poor and good sight distance on their approaches. Based on the field tests conducted it was found that the majority of drivers did not stop at the STOP signs at the grade crossings. A higher percentage of drivers actually stopped at crossings with poor sight distance on the approach than on approaches with good sight distance. The use of the STOP sign at passive grade crossings has been controversial for several decades. This paper presents a brief history of their use and the controversy. Based on this limited study, the authors recommended that a STOP sign should not be used at grade crossings without a valid engineering study that includes an evaluation of the sight distance.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Grain Traffic on the St. Lawrence Seaway
Authors: Fuller Stephen , Millerd Frank , Fraire Francisco , Alfonso Maria do Carmo
Published: June 2012

The St. Lawrence Seaway links central regions of North America to the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes navigation system. Harmful non-indigenous aquatic invasive species have increasingly been introduced into the Great Lakes largely through the ballast water of inbound ships involved in international commerce. A variety of solutions have been proposed, with some advocating closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway to international shipping. Historically, it was an important artery linking grain surplus regions in Canada and the United States with international markets. However, during the past two decades the Seaway's role has diminished as a grain transport artery. The objective of this paper is to develop an increased understanding of this decline and to offer thoughts regarding the likely reversal of the forces that may have caused it. Analysis indicates declining imports by selected world regions and domestic transportation legislation is central to the decline.
State Variation in the Determinants of Motor Vehicle Fatalities
Authors: Babcock Michael W. , Gale Philip G.
Published: June 2012

Research on motor vehicle safety has involved virtually all modes of transportation. Most of these have been national in scope with relatively few studies focused on the determinants of motor vehicle fatalities at the state level. This paper investigates the determinants of motor vehicle fatalities across the states of California, Illinois, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas, which collectively account for 27% of U.S. motor vehicle fatalities in 2006. An important finding is that fatalities vary significantly by state even after controlling for commonly cited fatality determinants.
A Time-Saving Approach to Simulation Modeling for Traffic Incident Management Program Evaluation
Authors: Chou Chih-Sheng , Miller-Hooks Elise
Published: June 2012

In this paper, a three-stage time-saving process for conducting traffic incident management (TIM) program benefit evaluation is proposed. This process relies on a developed property-based incident generation (P-BIG) procedure designed to assist in generating a set of incident scenarios that are representative of the historical incident data set and simultaneously not overly large in number so as to induce extensive computational burden. The proposed procedure was applied in evaluating the benefits of an existing TIM program for the purpose of assessing the proposed procedure's predictive power. Results of experiments show that the procedure results in benefit estimates within 5% of the value derived employing all historical incidents, while requiring only 18% of the computational effort.
On the Impact of HOT Lane Tolling Strategies on Total Traffic Level
Authors: Sibdari Soheil , Jeihani Mansoureh
Published: June 2012

This paper shows how tolling (or pricing) strategies can be used to control the congestion levels of both untolled and high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. Using a user-equilibrium method, the paper calculates the number of travelers on each route during the peak period and provides a numerical analysis that determines the distribution of travelers for different tolling strategies. It shows that with the right tolling strategy some travelers who initially plan to use the untolled lane during the peak period will change both their routes (i.e., select the HOT lane) and departure times (i.e., depart earlier or later). Using this result, the paper compares static and dynamic pricing strategies and shows that with a dynamic strategy a larger profit can be earned and congestion reduced in the untolled lane.
Changes in the Upper and Lower Pharyngeal Airway Spaces Associated with Rapid Maxillary Expansion
Authors: Aloufi Fitin , Preston Charles B. , Zawawi Khalid H.
Published: June 2012

Objectives. The primary objectives of this retrospective study were first to compare the upper and lower pharyngeal airway spaces between orthodontic patients with and without maxillary constriction and second to evaluate the effect of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on these airway spaces. A secondary objective was to compare the mode of breathing between groups. Materials and Methods. The experimental (RME) group consisted of 30 patients (mean age, years, 16 boys and 14 girls) with maxillary constriction who were treated with hyrax-type RME. The control group comprised the records of age- and gender matched patients (mean age, years, 16 boys and 14 girls) with no maxillary constriction but requiring nonextraction comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Cephalometric measurements in the sagittal dimension of upper and lower airway spaces for the initial and final records were recorded. Mode of breathing and length of treatment were also compared. Results. The sagittal dimension of the upper airway increased significantly in the RME group ( mm) compared to the control group ( mm), . However, there was no significant difference in the lower pharyngeal airway measurement between the RME group () and the control group (), . There was no significant difference with respect to mode of breathing between the two groups (). Conclusion. Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) during orthodontic treatment may have a positive effect on the upper pharyngeal airway, with no significant change on the lower pharyngeal airway.
A Review of Outcome Data concerning Children Born following Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Dupont Charlotte , Sifer Christophe
Published: June 2012

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTS) are used for more than 30 years to help infertile couples. Concerns about long-term health of children conceived following ART have led to start follow-up studies. Despite methodological limitations and discrepant results, many of the studies and meta-analyses have reported an increased risk of birth defects after ART. Etiologies may be multiple births, a major drawback of ART, parents' subfertility, or technologies themselves. Prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) seem to cause most of the pathologies reported in ART children. Nevertheless, epigenetic disorders need to be followed up since increases of imprinting diseases were reported. Consequently, alteration of gametes and early embryo development with ART may have consequences on children health since periconceptional period is critical for long-term development. Yet general condition of most of children conceived with ART is reassuring, but long-term followup is still strongly needed.
Demographic Changes and Their Implications in a Nonacademic Emergency Department in Switzerland: An 11-Year Trend Analysis (2000–2010) of 104,510 Patients
Authors: Businger Adrian P. , Kaderli Reto , Burghardt Larissa R. , Osinga Rik , Liesch Martin , Furrer Markus
Published: June 2012

Background. Recent demographic developments outline a worldwide increase in the older population. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the sociodemographic characteristics of patients with emergency department (ED) admissions have changed over time.Methods. This study utilized the database of a level I accident and emergency unit in eastern Switzerland, a prospective database of consecutive patients aged ≥16 admitted between 2000 and 2010. Sociodemographic data were extracted as well as date and time of admission, instances of referral, diagnosis, time needed for ED treatment, and nursing effort.Results. Data from 104,510 patients were utilized. There was a significant increase in the percentage of patients aged ≥65 years (from 25.7 per cent (1,775/6,905) to 29.6 per cent (3,845/12,340);Ptrend<0.01). The mean length of stay in the ED was significantly longer (from 140.3 minutes, SD 91.9 to 169.5 minutes, SD 101.1;Ptrend<0.01) and the percentage of illness as the cause of admission was significantly higher over time (from 58.3 per cent to 59.4 per cent;Ptrend<0.01).Conclusions. The change in patients’ demographics found and the resulting considerably increasing workload in EDs might be helpful for planning purposes, future training of ED personnel, and allocating resources.
Ischemic Time as a Predictor of Physical Recovery in the First Months after Heart Transplantation
Authors: Buendía-Fuentes Francisco , Almenar-Bonet Luis , Martínez-Dolz Luis , Sánchez-Lázaro Ignacio , Rodríguez-Serrano María , Domingo-Valero Diana , Sancho-Tello de Carranza María José , Salvador-Sanz Antonio
Published: June 2012

Functional results after heart transplantation range from modest to spectacular improvement. Little is known about factors to predict functional result. This study aimed to identify these factors. We present a prospective study including all consecutive transplant recipients (n=55) in a two-year period whose survival was greater than two months. Perioperative, donor, and recipient issues were systematically analyzed. Exercise capacity was assessed by symptom-limited treadmill exercise testing two months after transplantation. Exercise capacity was classified as satisfactory or poor depending on achieving or not 4.5 METs (metabolic equivalents), respectively. Thirty-three patients (60%) showed a good exercise capacity (>4.5 METs), whereas the remaining twenty-two patients (40%) were unable to exceed this threshold. The variables which correlated with exercise capacity in univariate analysis were recipient age, inotropic treatment, ischemic time, ventricular assist device, etiology, urgent transplant, and INTERMACS score. Among them only recipient age and ischemic time were proved to be correlated with exercise capacity in the multiple regression analysis. Thus, younger patients and those who had received an organ with shorter ischemic time showed greater exercise capacity after transplant. These findings strengthen the trend toward reducing ischemic time as much as possible to improve both survival and clinical recovery.
Combined structural interventions for gender equality and livelihood security: a critical review of the evidence from southern and eastern Africa and the implications for young people
Authors: Gibbs Andrew , Willan Samantha , Misselhorn Alison , Mangoma Jaqualine
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Young people in southern and eastern Africa remain disproportionately vulnerable to HIV with gender inequalities and livelihood insecurities being key drivers of this. Behavioural HIV prevention interventions have had weak outcomes and a new generation of structural interventions have emerged seeking to challenge the wider drivers of the HIV epidemic, including gender inequalities and livelihood insecurities.

Methods

We searched key academic data bases to identify interventions that simultaneously sought to strengthen people's livelihoods and transform gender relationships that had been evaluated in southern and eastern Africa. Our initial search identified 468 articles. We manually reviewed these and identified nine interventions that met our criteria for inclusion.

Results

We clustered the nine interventions into three groups: microfinance and gender empowerment interventions; supporting greater participation of women and girls in primary and secondary education; and gender empowerment and financial literacy interventions. We summarise the strengths and limitations of these interventions, with a particular focus on what lessons may be learnt for young people (18–24).

Conclusions

Our review identified three major lessons for structural interventions that sought to transform gender relationships and strengthen livelihoods: 1) interventions have a narrow conceptualisation of livelihoods, 2) there is limited involvement of men and boys in such interventions, 3) studies have typically been done in stable populations. We discuss what this means for future interventions that target young people through these methods.
Higher, Stronger, Better…︁ A Review of 5 Volt Cathode Materials for Advanced Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kraytsberg Alexander , Ein‐Eli Yair
Published: June 2012

The ever‐increasing demand for high‐performing, economical, and safe power storage for portable electronics and electric vehicles stimulates R&D in the field of chemical power sources. In the past two decades, lithium‐ion technology has proven itself a most robust technology, which delivers high energy and power capabilities. At the same time, current technology requires that the energy and power capabilities of Li‐ion batteries be ‘beefed up’ beyond the existing state of the art. Increasing the battery voltage is one of the ways to improve battery energy density; in Li‐ion cells, the objective of current research is to develop a 5‐volt cell, and at the same time to maintain high specific charge capacity, excellent cycling, and safety. Since current anode materials possess working potentials fairly close to the potential of a lithium metal, the focus is on the development of cathode materials. This work reviews and analyzes the current state of the art, achievements, and challenges in the field of high‐voltage cathode materials for Li‐ion cells. Some suggestions regarding possible approaches for future development in the field are also presented.
Middle and inner ear malformations in mutation‐proven branchio‐oculo‐facial (BOF) syndrome: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Carter Melissa T. , Blaser Susan , Papsin Blake , Meschino Wendy , Reardon Willie , Klatt Regan , Babul‐Hirji Riyana , Milunsky Jeff , Chitayat David
Published: June 2012

Hearing impairment is common in individuals with branchio‐oculo‐facial (BOF) syndrome. The majority of described individuals have conductive hearing impairment due to malformed ossicles and/or external canal stenosis or atresia, although a sensorineural component to the hearing impairment in BOF syndrome is increasingly being reported. Sophisticated computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone has revealed middle and inner ear malformations in three previous reports. We present middle and inner ear abnormalities in three additional individuals with mutation‐proven BOF syndrome. We suggest that temporal bone CT imaging be included in the medical workup of a child with BOF syndrome, in order to guide management. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.