bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beauveria bassiana keratitis in bullous keratopathy: antifungal sensitivity testing and management
Authors: Figueira Luís , Pinheiro Dolores , Moreira Raul , Pinto Eugénia , Simões Joana , Camisa Elisa , Torrão Luís , Palmares Jorge , Falcão-Reis Fernando
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Beauveria bassiana is a ubiquitous fungus available as an insecticide. In humans, it has limited virulence; to our knowledge, only 3 cases of invasive disease and 10 cases of keratitis have been documented.

Methods and Results

We report the first case of B bassiana keratitis in a patient with aphakic bullous keratopathy. The fungal keratitis proved to be highly resistant to topical clotrimazole. Molecular identification was based on DNA sequence analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) obtained were 2 µg/mL for voriconazole, 0.250 µg/mL for posaconazole, and >128 µg/mL for fluconazole; amphotericin B MIC was >16 µg/mL. In the absence of clinical improvement, a penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was performed. The patient was discharged on topical and systemic voriconazole and prednisolone 40 mg PO/day. The eye remained calm with a transparent cornea and clear anterior chamber.

Conclusions

B bassiana keratitis is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported. Its risk factors are unknown. We report the first case in a patient with aphakic bullous keratopathy, which proved highly resistant to antifungal therapy (antifungal susceptibility results are presented). A PK was necessary for clinical improvement. A review of the literature is performed in an effort to define therapeutic strategies.
Spiritual Physiologies: The Discernment of Spirits in Medieval and Early Modern Europe
Authors: Caciola Nancy , Sluhovsky Moshe
Published: March 2012

From the later Middle Ages throughout the early modern period, the biblical injunction to “test the spirits” became the subject of an increasing number of treatises and practical case studies. The phrase was understood as an imperative to verify whether the preternatural abilities claimed by some individuals—chiefly women—derived from a divine, or rather from a demonic, spiritual origin. Efforts to locate spirits within the body, to map their interactions with individuals, and to exorcize them if they were determined to be evil in character, all were implicated in this centuries-long effort to distinguish good from evil inspiration. While it is self-evident that such practices had religious implications, this article argues that they also had much broader ramifications for the intellectual history of European culture. As the discernment of spirits grew and flourished, it helped foster the development of a culture of testing unseen dimensions of reality more broadly. The discourse of discernment of spirits represents a form of epistemological inquiry—a concern with verification of assumed truths, and with testing evidence—that challenges conventional narratives about the rise of experimental science.
The Horn and the Relic: Mapping the Contours of Authority and Religiosity in the Late Medieval Crown of Aragon
Authors: Ryan Michael A.
Published: March 2012

In their quests to acquire preternatural objects and exchange them with their social and economic peers, the last two count-kings of the Crown of Aragon, Joan el Caçador, “the Hunter” (r. 1387–96), and Martí l'Humà, “the Humane” (r. 1396–1410), applied the full range of mechanisms available in their courts and bureaucracies. The kings' vigorous participation in a late medieval spiritual economy is evidenced in their choice of quest objects—respectively pieces of unicorn horn and relics of local and transnational Christian saints—and their use of diplomatic means to acquire these tangible pieces of the preternatural. This article investigates the reigns and spiritual proclivities of these sibling sovereigns, Joan and Martí, illuminating to scholars of the medieval past the kings' markedly different personalities and ruling styles.
Quasi-Orthogonal Time Division Multiplexing and Its Performances in Rayleigh Fading Channels
Authors: Sun Enchang , Yi Kechu , Tian Bin , Zhang Dongying
Published: March 2012

This paper proposes an efficient transmission scheme, Quasi-Orthogonal Time Division Multiplexing (QOTDM), which employs the shift orthogonal property of the pulse function with raised-cosine spectral shape, and the signal waveforms are quasi-orthogonal in time domain. Comparing to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), QOTDM is less sensitive to carrier frequency offset and power amplifier nonlinearities while keeping a similar spectral efficiency with OFDM due to single-carrier characteristics. QOTDM is a suitable consideration for the downlink transmission such as in satellite communications. An upper bound of sample error probability (SER) is derived to evaluate the performance of QOTDM. Comparisons of QOTDM and OFDM in Rayleigh fading channels show that the proposed QOTDM system is better than that of OFDM system in terms of bit error rate (BER) in high Eb/No regions.
Modulation of Neutrophil Apoptosis by Antimicrobial Peptides
Authors: Nagaoka Isao , Suzuki Kaori , Niyonsaba François , Tamura Hiroshi , Hirata Michimasa
Published: March 2012

Peptide antibiotics possess the potent antimicrobial activities against invading microorganisms and contribute to the innate host defense. Human antimicrobial peptides, α-defensins (human neutrophil peptides, HNPs), human β-defensins (hBDs), and cathelicidin (LL-37) not only exhibit potent bactericidal activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, but also function as immunomodulatory molecules by inducing cytokine and chemokine production, and inflammatory and immune cell activation. Neutrophil is a critical effector cell in host defense against microbial infection, and its lifespan is regulated by various pathogen- and host-derived substances. Here, we provided the evidence that HNP-1, hBD-3, and LL-37 cannot only destroy bacteria but also potently modulate (suppress) neutrophil apoptosis, accompanied with the phosphorylation of ERK-1/-2, the downregulation of tBid (an proapoptotic protein) and upregulation of Bcl-xL(an antiapoptotic protein), and the inhibition of mitochondrial membrane potential change and caspase 3 activity, possibly via the actions on the distinct receptors, the P2Y6nucleotide receptor, the chemokine receptor CCR6, and the low-affinity formyl-peptide receptor FPRL1/the nucleotide receptor P2X7, respectively. Suppression of neutrophil apoptosis results in the prolongation of their lifespan and may be advantageous for the host defense against bacterial invasion.
Anti-Ro52 Antibodies and Interstitial Lung Disease in Connective Tissue Diseases Excluding Scleroderma
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Almeida Isabel , Marinho António , Cerveira Conceição , Vasconcelos Carlos
Published: March 2012

Introduction. The presence of anti-Ro52 antibodies has been reported in a wide variety of autoimmune diseases, particularly in myositis, scleroderma, and autoimmune liver diseases. Clinical significance of anti-Ro52 antibodies remains controversial, and studies are lacking for clarifying the association of anti-Ro52 with interstitial lung disease (ILD) in connective tissue diseases (CTD). Objectives. To determine if anti-Ro52 antibodies are associated with ILD in CTD other than scleroderma. Methods. Single-center, retrospective study based on immunoblotting panel analysis and patients clinical records. Results. In our connective tissue disease cohort, 162 patients had immunoblotting panels with anti-Ro52 reactivity analysis, 41 (25,3%) had inclusion criteria. Among the 41 selected sera, 85.4% () had anti-Ro52 reactivity. The prevalence of ILD in the positive anti-Ro52 antibodies was 71.4% (), and 16.7% () in the negative anti-Ro52 group (). Overall sensitivity (96.2%), specificity (83.3%), positive (71.4%) and negative (83.3%) predictive values of anti-Ro52 antibodies to determine ILD in CTD is detailed in this study. Conclusion. Ro52 autoantibodies are associated with ILD in CTD excluding scleroderma. We suggest that the presence of anti-Ro52 reactivity in CTD should increase the clinician curiosity for the search of ILD.
Approximate Analytical Solution of Nonlinear Reaction’s Diffusion Equation at Conducting Polymer Ultramicroelectrodes
Authors: Shanmugarajan Anitha , Alwarappan Subbiah , Lakshmanan Rajendran
Published: March 2012

A theoretical model of reaction/diffusion within conducting polymer microelectrodes is discussed. The model is based on the steady-state diffusion equation containing a nonlinear term related to the Michaelis-Menten kinetic of the enzymatic reaction. An analytical expression pertaining to the concentration of substrate and current is obtained using homotopy perturbation method for all values of diffusion and the saturation parameter. The substrate concentration profile and current response can be used in a large range of concentrations including the non-linear contributions. These approximate analytical results were found to be in good agreement with the previously reported limiting case results.
A Review on Metric Symmetries Used in Geometry and Physics
Authors: Duggal K. L.
Published: March 2012

This is a review paper of the essential research on metric (Killing, homothetic, and conformal) symmetries of Riemannian, semi-Riemannian, and lightlike manifolds. We focus on the main characterization theorems and exhibit the state of art as it now stands. A sketch of the proofs of the most important results is presented together with sufficient references for related results.
What Is the Difference? Using Contextualized Problems
Authors: Tillema Erik S.
Published: March 2012

Real-world situations involving layers of subtraction will help students in their future work with algebra.
Link Capacity Dimensioning Model of ATS Ground Voice Network
Authors: Mrvelj Štefica , Cvitković Miro , Markežić Ivan
Published: March 2012

This paper considers the aspect of dynamic routing in a circuit switched network which is not a full connected network. It also presents the theoretical considerations that affect the selection and definition of routes as well as parameters that affect the link resource capacities. In restrictions set in this way imposed by ground/ground (G/G) voice communication in ATM (Air Traffic Management) the solutions of performance for the suggested dynamic routing scheme have been achieved.
KEY WORDS: ATM, GG voice communication, dynamic routing, link capacity dimensioning
System Dynamic Model of Measures for Reducing the Number of Road Accidents Due to Wrong-way Movement on Motorways
Authors: Topolšek Darja , Lipičnik Martin
Published: March 2012

This paper provides a system dynamic model for reducing the number of motorway accidents due to wrong-way driving. Motorway accidents are often fatal due to high speeds. It is therefore necessary to carry out all the possible countermeasures in order to achieve adequate traffic management. One of the reasons for motorway accidents is driving in the wrong direction. Based on the analysis of the data on motorway accidents caused by driving in the wrong direction and based on the knowledge of individual project elements of junctions and slip roads, this paper will focus on this area. The possible countermeasures, presented here for preventing drivers from driving in the wrong direction on motorways drastically reduce the number of U-turn maneuvers that result in driving in the wrong direction and influence the level of safety on motorways. With the help of this model of system dynamics the countermeasures for reducing the number of such drivers will be confirmed and their effects will be shown.
KEY WORDS: traffic safety, motorway, direction, (road) accidents, measures, system dynamics
Optimizing Track Infrastructure Availability
Authors: Mlinarić Tomislav Josip , Pirnar Miran
Published: March 2012

Failure to realize the schedule which is primarily reflected in train delays is the direct consequence of insufficient availability of capacities of the current railway infrastructure which are generated by low level of usable quality of the track network in general. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to determine the method of optimal interventions of the rail infrastructure managers and traffic control activities on the reduction of the influence of slow runs and line closures thus ensuring a sufficient number of rail routes for the customers’ needs and consequently higher quality realization of the schedule. The paper gives a concrete presentation of the volume of slow runs and line closures, calculation of reducing the level of railway capacities with a simulation and the result of this condition on the capacity of the concrete railway line and the proposal of a model for organizing an expert group within the traffic control activities for the fastest possible elimination of these negative phenomena.
KEY WORDS: liberalization, route leasing, quality deterioration, track availability
Intelligent Transport Systems and Pedestrian Traffic
Authors: Šimunović Ljupko , Bošnjak Ivan , Mandžuka Sadko
Published: March 2012

The paper gives an overview of the past development and implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems in pedestrian traffic. Starting from recent development projects and methodological approaches to the development of ITS, an overview of the existing technologies of implementing ITS in pedestrian traffic is given, and some solutions are proposed that would be feasible in the Republic of Croatia, as well as in other transition countries. As the most significant functions of integrated systems within ITS, the possibilities are presented of locating pedestrians in the network, pedestrian guidance (especially the blind and low-vision persons as well as persons in wheelchairs), provision of on-trip information, etc. Special focus is on the area of pedestrian protection in traffic (avoidance of accidents) using devices fitted onboard vehicles and embedded in road infrastructure. The significance of timely integration of the pedestrian traffic in designing the future ITS architecture has been indicated.
KEY WORDS: intelligent transport systems (ITS), pedestrian traffic, pedestrian guidance, real-time information, traffic safety
Maintenance Interval Adjustment of Significant Ship Propulsion Components
Authors: Šegulja Ivica , Bukša Ante , Tomas Vinko
Published: March 2012

The traditional marine maintenance concept based on individual equipment manufacturer’s recommendations does not represent the most efficient maintenance strategy. Suggested manufacturer’s intervals can be modified due to a great number of factors that influence the condition and the component performance. In work [1] the model for defining and adjustment maintenance strategy onboard ships was developed, assuring the required level of safety and the lowest lifecycle cost. The present model for adjusting the maintenance interval of significant items is part of this model, which has been verified on real data from thirteen years of experience. The results obtained by the model are different from the data suggested by the manufacturer.
KEYWORDS: maintenance, diesel-engine propulsion system, significant items, maintenance interval adjustment, failure rate, time between failures, maintenance interval adjustment of exhaust valve
Reliability of Technological Parameters in Road Infrastructure Maintenance
Authors: Čovo Petar , Baričević Hrvoje , Vukušić Ante
Published: March 2012

It may be well said that the most used indicator of the quality of any technical system is reliability. Basically, this indicator shows the probability of proper technical system functioning within certain time period and under given operating conditions. To ensure that a system under construction possesses adequate given pre-defined characteristics and reliability indicators, it is necessary to plan the reliability and apply suitable methods when new technical systems are developed. Road represents an elementary traffic subsystem, as well as a technical subsystem, constructed by the society in order to meet the communication needs. Its purpose is to enable traffic system functioning. If a road is seen as a system, one can observe the features determining the structure and the principal on which its function is based. The road functioning itself is characterized by a variety of features, the most important being the management characteristic and specific social interest, categorization structure, and roadway condition. To enable smooth and safe traffic, roads should be of prescribed technical and usage levels. Reference is made specifically to road maintenance in the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County.
KEYWORDS: infrastructure, terotechnology, road network, maintenance, theory of benefit
Complementarity of Traffic Flow Intersecting Method with Intersection Capacity Analysis
Authors: Lanović Zdenko
Published: March 2012

The paper studies the complementarity of the methods from the field of traffic flow theory: methods of traffic flow intersecting intensity and the method for the at-grade intersection capacity analysis. Apart from checking mutual implications of these methods, the proportionality of mutual influences is assessed. Harmonized application of these methods acts efficiently on the entire traffic network, and not only on the intersections that are usually incorrectly represented as the only network operators. Theoretical considerations are illustrated by a practical example.
KEY WORDS: traffic flow theory, theory of organization and direction of traffic flows, intersecting intensity of traffic flows, intersection capacity, optimization
Optimization of Ship Cargo Operations by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Hess Svjetlana , Hess Mirano
Published: March 2012

This paper addresses the optimization possibilities of cargo operations onboard ship in order to minimize the operational costs through optimal structure of resources required. Since the setup model consists of composite objective function with several decision variables whose solution is constrained in the field Z+, the method for direct finding of optimal solution does not lead to satisfactory results. Therefore, for the solution of the problem a genetic algorithm has been developed, which yields an acceptable solution in a short time. In the given area of the possible solutions, the genetic algorithm, with variations of different crossover methods and mutation rates, gives a solution that coincides with the observed and expected results when operations of loading/unloading of general cargo ship are concerned. With the obtained structure of resources allocated in cargo operations, the minimum of operational costs is reached.
KEY WORDS: ship, cargo operations, optimization, genetic algorithm
Maintenance Reliability Program as Essential Prerequisite of Flight Safety
Authors: Marušić Željko , Alfirević Izidor , Pita Omer
Published: March 2012

This article is dealing with airline industry standards regarding reliability reporting and with practical aspects of reliability program deployment within an operator’s organization. Reliability program is a tool for monitoring the effectiveness of aircraft maintenance program. Apart from being an effective tool for maintenance program development, the reliability program can bring to light flaws in aircraft design, discrepant operational procedures, discrepancies in line and base maintenance. Reliability program is also considered to provide very valuable means for achieving better operational performance (through decreased maintenance-related problems in operation) and increased flight safety. For this reason, reliability programs are mandated by the regulations for all commercial operators. Even though there is a general industry standard regarding maintenance reliability programs, it still has to be customized and optimized by each operator in order to gain the most out of it. Organizational procedures will vary significantly from one operator to another, reflecting the size and structure of the monitored fleet, size of the operator and its engineering power. As maintenance reliability program involves the application of statistic methods in finding systematic negative trends, the bigger the size of the fleet, the more accurate and reliable results can be achieved. This work is outlining the existing airline industry standards and good practice in carrying out maintenance reliability program.
KEY WORDS: aircraft maintenance program, maintenance reliability program, flight safety, small airline operator
Safety Management System in Croatia Control Ltd.
Authors: Pavlin Stanislav , Sorić Vedran , Bilać Dragan , Dimnik Igor , Galić Daniel
Published: March 2012

International Civil Aviation Organization and other international aviation organizations regulate the safety in civil aviation. In the recent years the International Civil Aviation Organization has introduced the concept of the safety management system through several documents among which the most important is the 2006 Safety Management Manual. It treats the safety management system in all the segments of civil aviation, from carriers, aerodromes and air traffic control to design, construction and maintenance of aircraft, aerodromes, those who produce instruments, equipment and parts for the needs of civil aviation and others. This paper presents and partly deals with the documents from the safety management system domain and the system implementation in Croatia with special focus on the Croatia air navigation service provider, Croatia Control Ltd.
KEY WORDS: safety management system, safety, air traffic control
Legislative Prospective of the Arrest of Ships in Montenegro
Authors: Marković Savo
Published: March 2012

In the existing legislative process, the Montenegrin judicature faces a series of questions imposed by the practice of arresting ships. Legislation tries to respond to them by innovating the current regulations, based on the 1977, i.e. 1998 Maritime and Inland Navigation Act (MINA), and by taking into consideration the achievements of foreign, similar jurisprudences and legislations, as well as of international conventions. The proposed solutions in the draft of the Maritime Navigation Act represent a certain change in legislative systematization of the legal institute of temporary measure of ships arrest.
KEY WORDS: arrest of ships, national legislation, International Arrest Conventions
Controlling Longitudinal Safe Distance Between Vehicles
Authors: Hoseini Seyyed Mohammad Sadat , Fathi Mahmmood , Vaziri Manouchehr
Published: March 2012

Controlling the safe distances between vehicles on freeways can be used to prevent many accidents. In this research, image-processing techniques have been used to develop an online system that calculates the longitudinal distances between vehicles. This system facilitates controlling safe distances between vehicles without the need for high technology devices. Our approach is real-time and simple, but efficient operations have been used to reduce the image occlusion problem. The main concept of this system is using simple, quick, and effective algorithms for calculating the position of each vehicle in each image. In this way, traffic parameters like speed and distances between vehicles can be calculated for each vehicle in real time. In addition, aggregate parameters like average speed, density, and traffic flow can be calculated using gathered data of single vehicles. As an application of the developed system, controlling the safe distance between vehicles has been introduced. In this system, in case of a driver who does not observe the safe distance, the scene of violation is stored and can be used by the police agencies.
KEY WORDS: image processing, traffic, longitudinal safe distance, real time, occlusion
Long Range Aircraft Trajectory Prediction
Authors: Magister Tone
Published: March 2012

The subject of the paper is the improvement of the aircraft future trajectory prediction accuracy for long-range airborne separation assurance. The strategic planning of safe aircraft flights and effective conflict avoidance tactics demand timely and accurate conflict detection based upon future four–dimensional airborne traffic situation prediction which is as accurate as each aircraft flight trajectory prediction. The improved kinematics model of aircraft relative flight considering flight crew intention, aircraft true airspeed variability, and atmosphere conditions is introduced in the paper. The study is focused on improved kinematics model of aircraft relative flight position error estimation. Operational airborne separation capabilities are outlined based on the comparison between the improved and simple model of aircraft relative flight.
KEY WORDS: aircraft trajectory prediction, trajectory prediction error, aircraft position prediction error, flight safety
Specifics of Shafting Alignmentfor Ships in Service
Authors: Komar Ivan , Vulić Nenad , Antonić Radovan
Published: March 2012

Modern ships are means of transport which, during their entire operational lifespan, need to convey cargo and/or passengers in a safe and reliable way, without jeopardising their safety, and with least possible adverse impacts on the marine environment. The ship’s safety and functionality directly depend on the reliability of her propulsion system, the shafting being the essential unit of the system. The functionality of the ship’s shafting considerably depends on its correct installation. Installation of the ship propulsion shafting is an integral part of the overall positioning (alignment) procedure. Shafting alignment is performed in several stages, starting with the shaft line design, and includes calculating the elastic line and bearing loads, installation of shafting parts onboard ship in compliance with the calculation results, and verifying the alignment results. Procedures are different for ships in service and newly built ships. This paper deals with specific features of the propulsion shafting alignment that is carried out while a ship in service is being converted for a general reason. Unlike a newly built ship, an existing ship imposes additional constraints that should be dealt with in the calculation stage of the process as well as during shafting installation and alignment verification. A calculation approach for ships in service is always different, having specific features from case to case, depending on what is changed and what remains unchanged during the conversion of the ship. The same goes for the implementation and verification of the achieved results. The purpose of this paper is to underline the difference, its contribution being in suggesting the procedure to be followed in case of conversion of an existing vessel.
KEY WORDS: ship in service, shafting, alignment, GAP, SAG
A Note on Boundary Conditions for the LWR Model
Authors: Marušić Sanja
Published: March 2012

The paper studies the boundary conditions for the standard LWR model describing the traffic flow. The notion of the BLN (Bardos, Leroux and Nédélec) condition is described. In the context of traffic flow the BLN conditions have some natural interpretation. The conditions on the density and on the flow and their meaning in real-life situations are discussed.
KEY WORDS: LWR model, traffic flow, hyperbolic conservation law, boundary conditions
Designing Postal Network Units
Authors: Gracin Josip , Stipetić Antun
Published: March 2012

The existing postal infrastructure cannot efficiently support the requirements of new technologies and the supply of services on the open market of postal services. Post offices do not meet the new needs, therefore requiring an adjustment to new traffic and service requirements. The functioning of the postal system in the Republic of Croatia was carried out in order to adjust the functional equipment of the system to the introduction of the new technologies and services. At the same time a requirement was set to the public postal operator for more efficient performing of the universal postal service. Based on the analyses of the postal system functioning, a modular procedure of designing the postal network units was proposed and it provides the possibility of adjustment to the new technological, organizational and safety requirements of the postal system.
KEY WORDS: postal units, module designing, postal traffic efficiency
GPS Data-based Non-parametric Regression for Predicting Travel Times in Urban Traffic Networks
Authors: Marković Hrvoje , Dalbelo Bašić Bojana , Gold Hrvoje , Dong Fangyan , Hirota Kaoru
Published: March 2012

A model for predicting travel times by mining spatio-temporal data acquired from vehicles equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers in urban traffic networks is presented. The proposed model, which uses k-nearest neighbour (kNN) non-parametric regression, is compared with models that use historical averages and the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model.
The main contribution is provision of a methodology for mining GPS data that involves examining areas that cannot be covered with conventional fixed sensors. The work confirms that the method that predicts traffic conditions most accurately on motorways and highways (namely seasonal ARIMA) is not optimal for travel time prediction in the context of GPS data from urban travel networks. In all the examined cases, kNN approach yields a mean absolute percentage error that is twice as good as ARIMA, while in some cases it even yields a mean absolute percentage error that is an order of magnitude better.
The merit of the model is demonstrated using GPS data collected by vehicles travelling through the road network of the city of Zagreb. To evaluate the performance, the models mean absolute percentage error, mean error, and root mean square error are calculated. A non-parametric ranked Friedman ANOVA to test groups of three or more models, and the Wilcoxon matched pairs test to test significance between two models are used. The alpha levels are adjusted using the Bonferroni correction.
Today’s commercial fastest-route guidance systems can readily incorporate the proposed model. Since the model yields travel times that are dependent on dynamic factors, these commercial systems can be made dynamic. Furthermore, the model can also be used to generate pre-trip information that will help users to save time.
KEYWORDS: travel time prediction, urban traffic, GPS data, k-nearest neighbour, seasonal ARIMA, non-parametric regression
Travel Time Reduction Due to Infrastructure Development in Hungary
Authors: Berta Tamas , Török Ádám
Published: March 2012

The main scope of this paper is to present the formulation and visualization of shortening travel time in road transport due to the improvement of road network in Hungary. The formulation of the travel time based model has been developed by the authors. The paper also presents the demonstration of the results. The approach followed is quite innovatory in terms of visualization. The travel times were taken into account as opposed to geographical distances. Also, graph theory is used in order to calculate the matrix of “travel time” distances. The data from more than 30 cities were included in the model so as to make it quite representative for Hungary.
KEYWORDS: road transportation, reduction of travel time, positive external effect
Selecting Optimal Pedestrian Crossing Using Multi-criteria Decision-making
Authors: Šimunović Ljupko , Grgurević Ivan , Pašagić Škrinjar Jasmina
Published: March 2012

Pedestrian crossings are the critical points in the traffic network that need to enable pedestrians to safely cross the road. The safety level depends on the type of pedestrian crossing. The differences between individual types of pedestrian crossings can be noted also in relation to other criteria such as the price, energy, environmental impact, accessibility, etc. Besides, various groups of users assess the quality service differently, even when this refers to the same type of pedestrian crossing. Therefore, optimal solution of a pedestrian crossing has to be selected based on a comprehensive and rational analysis and application of adequate software tools.
The selection methodology of an optimal pedestrian crossing is defined using a multi-criteria analysis. In order to view the problem as a whole, four scenarios of evaluating alternatives are foreseen. Four different groups of stakeholders: traffic experts, investors, groups of persons with disabilities and healthy persons (persons not included in the previous three stakeholder groups), who use a pedestrian crossing (according to different age, disability, perception of personal safety, etc.), assessed the importance of the offered criteria. Different groups of users have different preferences in relation to individual groups of criteria, depending on their interests and needs. One group finds the criterion of pedestrian safety the most important one, others think that finances are most important (the cost of construction), some think that accessibility is the most important issue, etc. The solutions obtained in this manner provide insight into the advantages and drawbacks of individual versions. This makes it easier for the decision-makers to select only one variant / alternative from a group of the offered solutions in compliance with the defined criteria and sub-criteria with the aim of defining an optimal pedestrian crossing for a certain spatial and traffic location.
KEY WORDS: pedestrian crossing, multi-criteria decision-making, analytical hierarchy process
Challenges of Green Logistics in Southeast Europe
Authors: Beškovnik Bojan , Jakomin Livio
Published: March 2012

This paper describes the trends towards green logistics in global aspect and challenges of adopting green logistics in the region of Southeast Europe. Modern logistics with supply chain management is experiencing a period of important evolution. From reversible logistics, we came to green logistics, which is a wider concept of environmentally friendly thinking. Reverse logistics includes processes of movements and transportation of waste from users to recycling plants; meanwhile, green logistics deals also with environmental issues such as pollution and environmental degradation caused by improper logistics processes and utilisation of old and environmentally unfriendly transport technology. The case of Southeast Europe was analysed, and in this context, a development model for green logistics implementation was proposed. A vast number of different challenges in the logistics sector are still open in this region; therefore, systematic analyses and proposals should be subject of additional scientific work in the logistics sector. All parties, including manufacturing industry, logistics providers and governments should take an active part in such researches, as the pressure from green thinking will become even stronger in the coming period.
KEY WORDS: reverse logistics, green logistics, logistics providers, Southeast Europe, green logistics model
Reliability Analysis of Operation for Cableways by FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) Method
Authors: Težak Sergej , Toš Zdravko , Jurić Ivo
Published: March 2012

This paper examines the reliability of the operation of cableway systems in Slovenia, which has major impact on the quality of service in the mountain tourism, mainly in wintertime. Different types of cableway installations in Slovenia were captured in a sample and fault tree analysis (FTA) was made on the basis of the obtained data. The paper presents the results of the analysis. With these results it is possible to determine the probability of faults of different types of cableways, which types of faults have the greatest impact on the termination of operation, which components of cableways fail most, what is the impact of age of cableways on the occurrence of the faults. Finally, an attempt was made to find if occurrence of faults on individual cableway installation has also impact on traffic on this cableway due to reduced quality of service. KEYWORDS: cableways, aerial ropeways, chairlifts, ski-tows, quality, faults, fault tree analysis, reliability, service quality, winter tourism, mountain tourist centre
Traffic Safety of Older Drivers in Various Types of Road Intersections
Authors: Tollazzi Tomaž , Renčelj Marko , Rodošek Vlasta , Zalar Borut
Published: March 2012

In industrialized countries people over 50 years of age represent a rapidly growing part of population. Their lifestyle is also becoming more active, which means that the percentage of older drivers in the population of all drivers is also increasing. Many different studies have shown that elderly drivers are more frequently involved in specific types of accidents, especially at intersections. In the past 15 years there was a trend of increasing popularity of roundabouts in Slovenia. Their introduction was generally supported by the arguments of increased traffic-flow capacity and traffic safety as well. The studies on which these arguments are based were performed with an “ideal” type of driver in mind; the one that fully understands new rules and reacts correctly in all situations that may occur at such intersections, where there are no light signals to guide them. An elderly person does not necessarily conform to that ideal and if the percentage of elderly drivers became significant, the premises of the above mentioned studies may not be correct anymore which in turn implies that their results could also be questioned. The present study concentrated on the evaluation of traffic safety of elderly drivers, at various types of intersection, from their own perspective. Various statistical analyses of obtained data were performed. The most important finding was that we may claim, with high degree of probability, that the average person of the age of over 60 feels more unsafe at double-lane roundabouts than they would feel had the same intersection been equipped with traffic lights. Elderly traffic participants will always cause more accidents or participate in them due to hazardous factors. Challenge, arising from many different studies and researches, is in studying what measures and solutions can reduce the risk for elderly participants. KEYWORDS: traffic safety, road intersections, roundabouts, elderly people, older drivers
Microscopic Model of Automobile Lane-changing Virtual Desire Trajectory by Spline Curves
Authors: Pei Yulong , Wang Yonggang , Zhang Yin
Published: March 2012

With the development of microscopic traffic simulation models, they have increasingly become an important tool for transport system analysis and management, which assist the traffic engineer to investigate and evaluate the performance of transport network systems. Lane-changing model is a vital component in any traffic simulation model, which could improve road capacity and reduce vehicles delay so as to reduce the likelihood of congestion occurrence. Therefore, this paper addresses the virtual desire trajectory, a vital part to investigate the behaviour divided into four phases. Based on the boundary conditions, β-spline curves and the corresponding reverse algorithm are introduced firstly. Thus, the relation between the velocity and length of lane-changing is constructed, restricted by the curvature, steering velocity and driving behaviour. Then the virtual desire trajectory curves are presented by Matlab and the error analysis results prove that this proposed description model has higher precision in automobile lane-changing process reconstruction, compared with the surveyed result. KEY WORDS: traffic simulation, lane-changing model, virtual desire trajectory, β-spline curves, driving behaviour
Impact of Disturbing Factors on Cooperation in Logistics Outsourcing Performance: The Empirical Model
Authors: Križman Andreja , Ogorelc Anton
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this paper is to present the research results of a study conducted in the Slovene logistics market of conflicts and opportunism as disturbing factors while examining their impact on cooperation in logistics outsourcing performance. Relationship variables are proposed that directly or indirectly affect logistics performance and conceptualize the hypotheses based on causal linkages for the constructs. On the basis of extant literature and new argumentations that are derived from in-depth interviews of logistics experts, including providers and customers, the measurement and structural models are empirically analyzed. Existing measurement scales for the constructs are slightly modified for this analysis. Purification testing and measurement for validity and reliability are performed. Multivariate statistical methods are utilized and hypotheses are tested. The results show that conflicts have a significantly negative impact on cooperation between customers and logistics service providers (LSPs), while opportunism does not play an important role in these relationships. The observed antecedents of logistics outsourcing performance in the model account for 58.4% of the variance of the goal achievement and 36.5% of the variance of the exceeded goal. KEYWORDS: logistics outsourcing performance; logistics customer–provider relationships; conflicts and cooperation in logistics outsourcing; PLS path modelling
Competitiveness by Requisitely Holistic and Innovative Logistic Management
Authors: Knez Matjaž , Rosi Bojan , Mulej Matjaž , Lipičnik Martin
Published: March 2012

In the age of global expansion of business operations and contemporary way of life the material and information flows in and between different companies are growing rapidly; they are thus becoming more and more difficult to manage. Had business functions in companies been dealt with separately until now (purchase, production, finances, sale, etc.), today the emphasis is placed on their integration due to their interdependence. By studying supply chains inside and between business partners, companies can gain competitive advantage and become more adjustable, taking the increasingly changing market circumstances into account. This enables them to meet consumers’ demands and expectations requisitely holistically. Taking all the crucial activities into account, the logistics management plays a key role in the companies facing the challenges of the new millennium. Based on the numerous megatrends, which influence each and every business entity, this article aims to explain the increasing strategic importance of logistics management. The latter may not be dealt with one-sidedly as a cost; moreover, the key aspects such as competitiveness as well as long–term existence of a company must also be considered. Innovation and systemic thinking in it and about it are needed. KEY WORDS: logistics management, logistics strategy, supply chains, megatrends, innovation, systemic thinking
More Competitiveness of the Port of Koper Through Supply Chain Integration
Authors: Trupac Igor , Twrdy Elen
Published: March 2012

With the European Union growing eastwards and with the establishment of important production facilities in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the hinterland potential is bound to grow even more. The strategic goal of the Port of Koper is to become one of the best ports in the Southern Europe, to develop from a handling port into a commodity distributional centre. Penetrating and exploiting these markets demands cooperation (integration) with the existing inland terminals (logistic centres) and establishing of new ones positioned between Eastern and Western Europe.
This paper aims to present and analyse: (I) supply chains of the flow of goods through the Port of Koper to/from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, (II) the current state and strategies to optimize the flow of goods, (III) market potential, investments in new terminals and capacities.
KEY WORDS: Port of Koper, strategies, goals, supply chains, integration, new terminals, market potential, investments
Method of Light Bulbs Analysis on Vehicles Damaged in Traffic Accidents
Authors: Horvat Rajko , Barišić-Jaman Berislav , Mršić Gordan , Špoljarić Igor , Vrdoljak Andro , Pehar Ivan
Published: March 2012

One of the measures to increase road traffic safety in Croatia is the introduction of obligatory use of daily lights on vehicles in road traffic during driving, regardless of the visibility and the time of day. The paper describes the new original technical and technological procedure of analysing automotive light bulbs in order to find the traces of glass particles of the broken glass balloon in the marginal cases of action of small inertia forces generated as result of a traffic accident. Investigations of light bulbs in traffic accidents had been rarely done before; therefore the subject of this scientific research is the analysis of the light bulb filament used in automobiles to light the road ahead and to give light signals, i.e. all the light signalling devices on the automobile using the new technical and technological procedure by means of SEM/EDX method. The scientific research has improved the investigation procedure in analysing the light bulbs on automobiles in determining whether at the moment of the traffic accident the regulatory lights were switched on. In determining the responsibility of participants for causing the traffic accident, such a fact may sometimes be of crucial significance.
KEY WORDS: traffic accident, light bulb, technical and technological procedure, lights in traffic, microscope, molten glass particles
Prospects of Air Traffic Management in South Eastern Europe
Authors: Steiner Sanja , Mihetec Tomislav , Božičević Ana
Published: March 2012

In the forthcoming period the European air traffic management will handle double flight operations than today – from 1.7 to 2.1 higher traffic level in 2025 than in 2005 [1]. The problem of the European airspace fragmentation should be solved by the comprehensive dynamic harmonization programs, which can contribute to effective increase of airspace capacity and increase of air transport efficiency. The main objective of the development strategy refers to the implementation of reformation processes of the European air traffic management system through functional ATM1 regionalization. Encouraged by the Single European Sky project, and through airspace de-fragmentation, numerous projects have been initiated by Eurocontrol in cooperation with the European Commission. One of them is establishing of the Functional Airspace Block in South Eastern Europe. The implementation of regulatory, institutional and legal framework of the Single European Sky FAB2 would ensure the expansion of the European air traffic market to South Eastern Europe, counting over 500 million potential users [2]. Croatia and all the other countries in the region have to adopt the provisions of ECAA3 Agreement and EU air transport acquis in their national legislation.
This paper specifies the main determinants of the strategic development as well as the key factors which influence the European air traffic dynamics. The paper elaborates the indicators and significant elements of the required ATM reforms in South Eastern Europe on the samples of six ANSPs according to ECAA Agreement and EU acquis.
KEYWORDS: Single European Sky, European Common Aviation Area, Air Traffic Management, South Eastern Europe, Functional Airspace Block
EU Postal Directives and Croatian Regulatory Frame
Authors: Tabak Pero , Kaštela Slobodan
Published: March 2012

The paper compares the EU Postal Directives (97/67/EZ and 2002/39/EZ) in a consolidated text and the respective parts of the Croatian legislative frame with the aim of harmonising the national postal system with EU. Both regulatory frames are presented, as well as objectives and scopes, types of postal services (particularly the universal ones), reserved area, necessary conditions governing the provision of services, tariff principles, insurance of market competition through transparency of financing and separation of the accounting system, desired quality of universal services, harmonisation of technical standards and obligations of national regulatory authorities. By presenting individual chapters of the Post Directives, some specific solutions of the Croatian regulatory framework have been indicated and uncertainties which result from the comparison analysis of the European Postal Directives and the Croatian legislation as well as the influence of these documents on the postal traffic technology.
KEY WORDS: EU Postal Directives, Croatian postal regulatory frame, universal services