bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUASI KINERJA BUS JA CONNEXION RUTE BUBULAK–BANDARA SOEKARNOHATTA
Authors: Rosidah Ira
Published: October 2019

Keberadaan JA Connexion diharapkan dapat memenuhi kebutuhan transportasi masyarakat KotaBogor. Mengingat pertumbuhan Kota Bogor yang terus meningkat, dimana hal ini berdampak terhadap tingginya kebutuhan trasnportasi, maka JA Connexion sebagai salah satu jenis transporasi
yang ada diwilayah Kota Bogor diharapkan dapat memberikan pelayan yang baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi kinerja bus JA Connexion di salah satu rutenya yaitu rute BubulakBandara Soekarno-Hatta yang ditinjau dari faktor muat, waktu tunggu, waktu antara, kecepatan dan jumlah armada ideal. Data – data diperoleh melalui survey statis dan dinamis pada hari pengamatan. Hasil evaluasi dengan merujuk pada standar pelayanan angkutan umum antar kota antar propinsi dalam trayek tetap yang diatur dalam Peratuan Mentri Perhubungan dan Keputusan Dirjen Perhubungan Darat menunjukkan bahwa perlu adanya pengurangan waktu antara (headway), ratarata 5 menit dan penambahan kecepatan perjalanan rata-rata sebesar 3 km/jam di kebernagkatan Bandara Soekarno-Hatta menuju Bubulak
KAJIAN TENTANG PENGARUH KEPADATAN LALU LINTAS TERHADAP KEBISINGAN YANG DITIMBULKAN KENDARAAN BERMOTOR
Authors: Syafrudin Dindin , . Rulhendri
Published: October 2019

Setiap kendaraan bermotor baik sepeda motor, mobil pribadi, penumpang umum, mobil pengangkut barang seperti truck yang bergardan 4 akan menimbulkan suara dengan tingkat kebisingan yang bervariatif. Suara yang timbul pada kendaraan dipengaruhi mesin dan model knalpot dari kendaraan
yang bersangkutan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memperoleh seberapa besar tingkat kebisingan yang ditimbulkan oleh kendaraan pada ruas jalan Ciawi-Puncak dan menganalisa apakah
kebisingannya masih dibawah ambang baku tingkat kebisingan yang diizinkan. Berdasarkan pembahasan diatas bahwa peningkatan kepadatan sepeda motor, mobil angkutan pribadi, mobil angkutan umum dan mobil angkutan barang terhadap kebisingan yang di timbulkan, maka diperoleh
hasil sebagai berikut. Kepadatan sepeda motor, mobil angkutan pribadi, mobil angkutan umum dan mobil angkutan barang memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kebisingan, dari semua perhitungan analisis didapatkan persamaan terbesar pada penelitian hari ketiga titik kedua (Sound
Level Meter 2), dengan kontribusi sebesar 23,70%. Didapatkan perhitungan di bawah ini, Y = 63,080 + 0,036x1 + 0,139x2 – 0,129x3 + 0,943x4. Maksudnya jika tidak ada penurunan kepadatan sepeda
motor maka tingkat kebisingan di SLM 2 adalah sebesar 63,080 dB
A . Apabila terjadi penambahan
peningkatan kepadatan sepeda motor sebesar +1,118 kend./jam dan penurunan kepadatan mobil angkutan umum -0,129 kend./jam. Kepadatan sepeda motor, mobil pribadi, mobil angkutan umum dan
mobil angkutan barang juga memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kebisingan didapatkan persamaan kedua terbesar terbesar pada penelitian hari ke empat dititik ke tiga dengan kontribusi
sebesar 21,70%. Didapatkan perhitungan persamaan di bawah ini, Y = 61,101 + 0,054x1 – 0,067x2 + 0,052x3 – 0,286x4. Maksud dari persamaan diatas adalah jika ada peningkatan kepadatan sepeda
motor, mobil angkutan umum maka kebisingan di SLM 3 adalah sebesar 61,101 dBA. Jadi untuk penurunan kepadatan angkutan pribadi dan kepadatan mobil angkutan barang sebesar 0,353 kend./jam dan maka akan terjadi peningkatan kepadatan sepeda motor, peningkatan mobil angkutan
umum sebesar 0,106 kend./jam.

 
ASSESSMENT ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF METHOD ACCELERATED MEASUREMENT EMISSIONS OF PARTICULATE MATTER WITH DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE EXHAUST
Authors: Polivyanchuk A.
Published: October 2019

The problem of increasing the cost of environmental testing of diesel locomotives is considered, associated with the beginning of the normalization of the average operational emission of particulate matter from the exhaust gases of a diesel engine - an indicator of PM. The requirements of regulatory documents on the procedure for determining the PM indicator in the course of environmental tests of diesel locomotives are analyzed. In order to increase the economic efficiency of environmental tests of diesel locomotives, it is proposed to use the method of accelerated measurement (MАМ) of the PM indicator, which is characterized by a maximum allowable sample filtration rate of 100 cm/s and a minimum allowable mass of particulate matter on filters of 0,25 during certification tests and 0,14 mg - during research trials of a diesel engine. Developed: a methodology for evaluating the economic efficiency of using MAM and a methodology for experimental testing of MAM during diesel engine tests. The economic efficiency of MAM is proved. Computational studies have shown that the use of this method allows to reduce the cost of certification testing of a locomotive by 9 ... 28%, research tests - by 43 ... 53%. With decreasing levels of particulate emissions from diesel locomotives, the efficiency of the use of MAM is growing. On the basis of the 4CHN12/14 diesel engine, the experimental development of the proposed method was carried out, which confirmed the practical suitability of the MAM for the implementation of ISO 8178-F and DSTU 32.001-94 test cycles. It has been established that a decrease in the mass of the sample to the minimum allowable value leads to some decrease in the accuracy of the measurements of the PM index. However, it has been experimentally proved that the error in the reproducibility of the measurement results of the PM indicator during the implementation of MIE does not exceed the permissible value of ± 8.5%, and, therefore, this method can be applied in practice.
Menyewakan Dinding Masjid yang Telah Diwakafkan Bagi Pengiklanan Komersial
Authors: Ahmad Al Jafari Sharifah Nadirah Nasibah
Published: October 2019

Advertising has enormous power in determining the success of a company. Effective advertising can attract consumers to a certain product. Good ads are ads that are accessible to most societies and easily viewed. In addition to the use of technology and media in achieving effective advertising, strategic site selection in advertising is also a big part of building a business. Among the places most targeted by business and service providers today are the mosques. They rent the walls of mosques to incite the products and services they provide. This paper seeks to see the extent of the need for the mosque administrators to prepare the walls of the mosque to be rented to a commercial advertising company. The writer will collect opinions from the four major school of thoughts in the need to take advantage of the donated property and then discuss these opinions with close references before making a choice of opinion which is closest to the purpose of building a mosque. The results of this study found that renting a mosque wall in a iktikaf area for commercial advertising is not permitted as it goes against the purpose of building a mosque and there is a prohibited sale and purchase within the area, while renting a wall other than those in the iktikaf area is allowed provided that the rent is used for the benefit of mosques and advertisements do not defame the appearance and beauty of the mosque.
Destination Marketing and Policies Attracting High-Skilled Individuals in Germany and Singapore
Authors: Přívara Andrej , Rievajová Eva
Published: October 2019

High skilled individuals (HSIs) bring valuable knowledge, skills, talent, and experience which are crucial to enhance innovation capacity and productivity. HSIs rarely compete with nationals in terms of access to public services and welfare systems. Their integration is usually not a major concern. Despite a growing anti-immigration climate, many countries still compete in attracting HSIs. Although they cannot change the physical environment, traditions, culture and location, policies affecting HSIs are of governments’ responsibility. Particularly migration policies are part and parcel of marketing efforts to attract HSIs. In this article, we compare approaches and programmes of Germany and Singapore, targeting HSIs. These two countries often lead the list of most attractive HIS destinations. This study highlights the main points of policymaking for attracting HSIs.
Breast cancer statistics, 2019
Authors: DeSantis Carol E. , Ma Jiemin , Gaudet Mia M. , Newman Lisa A. , Miller Kimberly D. , Goding Sauer Ann , Jemal Ahmedin , Siegel Rebecca L.
Published: October 2019

This article is the American Cancer Society’s biennial update on female breast cancer statistics in the United States, including data on incidence, mortality, survival, and screening. Over the most recent 5‐year period (2012‐2016), the breast cancer incidence rate increased slightly by 0.3% per year, largely because of rising rates of local stage and hormone receptor‐positive disease. In contrast, the breast cancer death rate continues to decline, dropping 40% from 1989 to 2017 and translating to 375,900 breast cancer deaths averted. Notably, the pace of the decline has slowed from an annual decrease of 1.9% during 1998 through 2011 to 1.3% during 2011 through 2017, largely driven by the trend in white women. Consequently, the black–white disparity in breast cancer mortality has remained stable since 2011 after widening over the past 3 decades. Nevertheless, the death rate remains 40% higher in blacks (28.4 vs 20.3 deaths per 100,000) despite a lower incidence rate (126.7 vs 130.8); this disparity is magnified among black women aged <50 years, who have a death rate double that of whites. In the most recent 5‐year period (2013‐2017), the death rate declined in Hispanics (2.1% per year), blacks (1.5%), whites (1.0%), and Asians/Pacific Islanders (0.8%) but was stable in American Indians/Alaska Natives. However, by state, breast cancer mortality rates are no longer declining in Nebraska overall; in Colorado and Wisconsin in black women; and in Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia in white women. Breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer death in women (surpassing lung cancer) in four Southern and two Midwestern states among blacks and in Utah among whites during 2016‐2017. Declines in breast cancer mortality could be accelerated by expanding access to high‐quality prevention, early detection, and treatment services to all women.
The Consequence of Human Resource Planning on Organizational Performance: An Ephemeral Review
Authors: Elsan Mansaray Hasan
Published: October 2019

The drive for human resource planning in every single organization is to necessitate perfect use of human resource currently employed as well as, making provision for the future human resource needs regarding skills, quantities and ages. The purpose of this review is to ascertain the practices of HRP that can increase organizational performance. Consequently, the review discovered that HR planning ensures that organizations at all times have the right number of people, with the correct level of skills to do the right activities at the right time for the achievement of organizational objectives. Besides, human resource planning determines the right numerical strength of individuals that own these skills that are needed by organisations to meet the present and future business requirements. Based on this reality, organisations nowadays need to have employees that possess the right skills that could be place in the right places and at the right time they would be needed in organizations. In order to fulfill this condition, the study found out that HR planning ought to be part of any organization’s objective. Incredibly, many organizations have the tendency of overlooking the side of HR planning and more or less, organizations are even not totally conscious of it. Hence, it is essential to recognize that because of the high knowledge requirements in the global market, most organizations are determine to stimulate performance, which can engender surplus profit through the application of HRP philosophy.
Disability and Capacity Building of Rehabilitation Health Workforce in Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: Rahman Md Shahidur
Published: October 2019

Abstract not available

J Enam Med Col 2019; 9(3): 148-150
Isolated Gastro-Duodenal Tuberculosis Mimics Peptic Ulcer Disease in a Young Female
Authors: Hasan Mohammad Quamrul , Mondal Nelson Taposh , Rashid Md Haroon Ur , Parvin Rukhsana , Perveen Irin
Published: October 2019

Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) most commonly affects ileo-caecal region. Isolated gastric and duodenal involvement without pulmonary infection is rare. The presentation of these patients varies. Patients may present with haematemesis, non-healing chronic ulcer, mimicking malignancy, gastric perforation and gastric outlet obstruction. High degree of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis of gastro-duodenal TB. A young female patient who was being treated as a case of nonhealing chronic ulcer was referred for treatment. Histopathological examination of endoscopic biopsy specimen of the patient showed presence of granulomas composed of epitheloid cells and Langhan’s giant cells with caseation with no evidence of tuberculosis at pulmonary or other body sites. After anti-tubercular chemotherapy there was resolution of symptoms and healing of ulcers. This case of isolated gastro-duodenal TB is reported for its rarity.

J Enam Med Col 2019; 9(3): 189-192
FINANCING THE PATRONIZED GOODS IN THE HUMANITARIAN SECTOR OF ECONOMY (Experience of Institutional Research)
Authors: Rubinshtein A. Ya.
Published: October 2019

The article presents the rationale for the investment activity of the state, directly aimed at the realization of the society’s interests, as well as for the reform activities, the task of which is to modernize the institutional environment in order to maximally harmonize the interests of society and economic agents. Within the framework of the first direction, an original approach and a corresponding method of determining the volume of public investment to producers of patronized goods in the humanitarian sector are proposed, based on an assessment of the necessary compensation of the deficit in their income, arising as a result of objective economic patterns and social norms, established by the state. Within the framework of the second direction the need for institutional changes is discussed, which pushes the state to reform existing institutions in order to generate additional motivation for expanding the production of patronized goods, as a result of the maximum possible convergence of interests of economic agents and society as a whole. It is about creating economic incentives and generally favorable conditions for attracting to the humanitarian sector, including non-governmental non-profit organizations, as well as commercial organizations that have their own interests, sometimes far from the public goals of increasing human capital. As a general vector of institutional modernization of the conditions of cultural, educational and scientific activities, it was recommended to use institutions of individual budget assignments, tax benefits, marked taxes and endowment funds. The final part of the research is devoted to analyzing the consequences of the “flaw in public choice” – the proclamation of a growing number of journal publications and the peculiarities of institutional modernization of science, including the “journal reform”, as a public interest. It was recommended to develop a Federal program of state support to the scientific journals, ensuring their efficient operation, including paying fees to authors and reviewers, as well as allocating targeted subsidies to university and academic research libraries to pay for subscriptions to major scientific journals.
Determinants of Corporate Investment Decisions: The Case of Vietnam
Authors: Dinh Nguyen Phan , Phan Thi Anh Dong
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine determinants of corporate investment decisions. By adopting a static approach, the findings show that cash-flow, fixed capital intensity, business risk, leverage, and firm size are the key elements in making investment activities. Additionally, by using a dynamic approach, the results reveal that past investment also affects investment decisions at the firm level.
Banking Relationship and Bank Financing: The Case of Vietnamese Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
Authors: Le Thi Bich Ngoc
Published: October 2019

Banking relationship is seen as a critical factor for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in getting bank financing. In this study, I develop a model that examines the relative importance of inter-organizational and inter-personal banking relationships on firm bank financing, and report an empirical test from a sample of SMEs in the transition economy of Vietnam. The results support the central hypothesis that close banking relationships play an important role in getting bank financing. However, inter-organizational and inter-personal banking relationships are not equally important in helping SMEs access bank loans. The study provides theoretical and managerial implications.
Vaikutusvaltaa vain suurille?
Authors: Isopahkala-Bouret Ulpukka
Published: October 2019

Aikuiskasvatus on rajoja ylittävä tiede, mutta syövätkö lähtökohdat sen yhteiskunnallista vaikuttavuutta? Kuinka ratkaistaan yhtälö pienen mittakaa­van, näkymättömien aikuiskasvatuksen tutkijoiden ja kaventuvien yhteiskunnallisten vaikutusmahdol­lisuuksien välillä?
Uraohjaajien osaaminen ja haasteet työelämän murroksessa
Authors: Lampi Emilia , Vähäsantanen Katja , Rantanen Johanna
Published: October 2019

Artikkelissa tutkitaan uraohjaajien kokemuksia heidän tarvitsemastaan osaamisesta ja kohtaamistaan haasteista työelämän murroksessa. Osaamisen ja haasteiden tutkimuksella voidaan tunnistaa uraohjauksen kriittisiä kysymyksiä sekä lisätä ohjauksen laatua ja tehokkuutta. Aineisto koostuu yhdeksästä avoimesta asiantuntijahaastattelusta, jotka analysoitiin luokittelevalla sisällönanalyysillä. Uraohjaajien kokemukset tarvitsemastaan osaamisesta jakautuivat kahteen pääluokkaan: 1) uraohjauksen tuntemus ja soveltaminen, 2) uraohjaajien resilienssi ja metakognitiiviset kyvyt. Kokemukset työn haasteista jakautuivat kolmeen pääluokkaan: asiakasrajapinta, uraohjaajien toiminta ja yhteiskunnallinen viitekehys. Tulokset myötäilevät olemassa olevia uraohjauksen normatiivisia osaamisviitekehyksiä, mutta tutkimuksessamme erityisesti korostunut psykologinen osaaminen on heikosti läsnä näissä viitekehyksissä. Teeman korostuneisuus uraohjaajien kokemissa osaamistarpeissa ja haasteissa heijastelee heidän asiakkaidensa tilanteita sekä alati muuttuvaa, kiivastahtista työelämää, josta tarpeet kumpuavat. Olennaista on, miten uraohjaajat pystyvät tulevaisuudessa tukemaan merkityksellistä ja kestävää ura- ja elämänsuunnittelua sekä samalla vastaamaan yhteiskunnan ja yksilöiden muuttuviin tarpeisiin.
”Mitä piilee yrittäjyyttä painottavien kasvatustavoitteiden takana?”
Authors: Laakkonen Erja
Published: October 2019

Tohtorikoulutettava Hanna Laalo, 31, tarkastelee kriittisesti akateemista koulutusta uudistavaa yrittäjyyseetosta.
Aikuiskasvatus on tulevaisuudessa avoin koko historialtaan
Authors: Kouvo Terhi
Published: October 2019

Kansanvalistusseura digitoi Suomen tiedekustantajien liiton apurahalla Aikuiskasvatuksen vanhat numerot. Esko Clarke Sario on palkattu tehtävään konsultiksi.
The effectiveness of mathematical learning PBL model based on ethnomathematics sasirangan motives of towards student solving ability
Authors: Hidayati Rahmi , Restapaty Ratna
Published: October 2019

Salah satu model pembelajaran matematika yang dapat diterapkan untuk mengasah kemampuan pemecahan masalah adalah problem based learning (PBL). Dalam hal ini kemampuan pemecahan masalah dapat dikolaborasikan dengan budaya lokal yang ada. Tujuan dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui keefektifan model PBL berbasis etnomatematika motif kain sasirangan terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah siswa yang dilihat dari ketuntasan individual (KKM) dan ketuntasan klasikal. Populasi pada penelitian ini siswa kelas VII SMP Muhammadiyah Banjarbaru tahun ajaran 2018/2019. Sampel penelitian diambil dengan teknik cluster random sampling, dimana VII E sebagai kelas eksperimen dan VII F sebagai kelas kontrol. Pengumpulan data dengan metode dokumentasi, observasi dan tes. Uji hipotesis yang digunakan adalah uji rata-rata dan uji proporsi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa model PBL berbasis etnomatematika motif kain sasirangan terhadap efektivitas kemampuan pemecahan masalah peserta didik, ditunjukkan dengan kemampuan pemecahan masalah peserta didik mencapai ketuntasan individual di atas KKM dan ketuntasan klasikal 75%. Dapat dilihat dari rata-rata kemampuan pemecahan masalah peserta didik kelas eksperimen adalah 83,33 dan kelas kontrol adalah 73. Ketuntasan klasikal untuk kelas eksperimen sebesar 77% dan kelas kontrol 40%.
Interrogating the Projection of Fiction-as-Facts: Appropriation of the Spaces of Caste in Sindhi Short Stories and in Everyday Politics in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Ghulam
Published: October 2019

This paper is an attempt to understand the intersected nature of the appropriation of the spaces, events and acts of oppressed castes (and gender) in the ‘Progressive’ Sindhi short stories and in everyday politics. I specifically discuss the three popular short stories that are projected as having exceptional emancipatory potential for the Dalits and women. Mounting the Ambedkarian critique of the Progressive writers’ political agenda premised on Sindhi nationalism, I interrogate the short-story writer’s caste location and the content of short stories having empirical consequences for Dalit (women) in everyday life. I contend that even these seemingly pro-Dalit and pro-woman fictional narratives and their empirical interpretations, do not pass the test of Ambedkarian epistemology as they do not show any commitment to the annihilation of caste/casteism and gender disparities, and rather suggest objectification of Dalit bodies instead of emancipation through Dalit agency.
Packing Committees in the US House: Strategic Use of the Territorial Delegates after 1970
Authors: DeHart Cameron
Published: October 2019

Non-voting delegates have represented territories in Congress since 1797, but have only been able to vote in committees in the last half century. The institutional changes that expanded delegates’ rights coincided with rising polarization and partisanship in Congress, but we know little about the relationship between these reforms and these trends. I argue that these changes can be best understood through the lens of partisan conflict. The paper’s main finding is that the addition of delegates to standing committees in the 1970s, as well as the Committee of the Whole in the 1990s, increased Democrats’ seat share relative to the margin on the floor. This paper places delegates’ rights into the context of increasing polarization and partisanship, and explains why conflict over these marginal legislators has become a regular feature of American politics over the last half century.
Using Non-Invasive Monitoring Technologies to Capture Behavioural, Physiological and Health Responses of Dairy Calves to Different Nutritional Regimes during the First Ten Weeks of Life
Authors: Scoley Gillian , Gordon Alan , Morrison Steven
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to examine the use of non-invasive monitoring technologies as a means of capturing behavioural, physiological and health responses of calves allocated to different nutritional regimes. Seventy-four Holstein Friesian calves were individually penned and allocated to receive either high (HML) or conventional (CML) milk replacer (MR) levels between 5–70 days of age. Additionally calves were allocated to one of four forage treatments: (i) chopped straw offered between 14–70 days of age (CS14), (ii) chopped straw offered between 56–70 days of age (CS56), (iii) grass silage offered between 56–70 days of age (GS56), and (iv) no forage in the pre-wean period (NF). A representative sample of calves from each treatment were fitted with activity sensors and heart rate monitors throughout the experimental period to examine lying behaviour and heart rate variability, respectively. Thermal images of the eye and rectal area of each calf were taken 5 days/week between 5–77 days of age. Faecal and respiratory scoring of each individual calf was carried out on a daily basis throughout the experimental period. Milk replacer feeding level had limited effects on measures of calf health, although HML calves tended to have an increased likelihood for receiving treatment for scour than CML calves. Daily lying time (min/d) was lower in HML calves following reduction in MR feeding frequency at 43 days of age and weaning at 71 days of age when compared with CML calves. Additionally, HML calves displayed a lower heart rate variability following weaning, this suggestive of increased stress load. There were limited effects of forage treatment, however, CS14 calves displayed a greater daily lying time following MR step-down at 68 days of age, this potentially indicating increased rumination. Results of the present study highlight the benefits of using remote monitoring technologies as a means of detecting behavioural and physiological changes as a result of nutritional management strategy in individually housed dairy calves.
A New Concept of Instantaneous Whirling Speed for Cracked Rotor’s Axis Orbit
Authors: Xie Jingsong , Chen Jinglong , Peng Yizhen , Zi Yanyang
Published: October 2019

At present, the axis orbit (whirling) and the instantaneous angular speed (spinning) are important symptoms in the condition monitoring of rotor systems. However, because of the lack of research of the transient characteristics of axis orbit within a whirl cycle, the axis orbit cannot reflect the instantaneous characteristics of the rotation during one whirling cycle like the instantaneous angular speed. Therefore, in this paper, a new concept of instantaneous whirling speed of axis orbit within a whirling cycle is proposed and defined. In addition, the transient characteristics of instantaneous whirling speed are studied. Meanwhile, the response mechanisms are qualitative analyzed through the study of the work of the additional stiffness excitation and the conversion relationship between the kinetic energy and the potential energy. Then, the minimum of the relative instantaneous whirling speed (RWS) is proposed as a potential monitoring index for crack severity. The instantaneous whirling speed is a new attribute of axis orbit and a new perspective for the vibration analysis of cracked rotors. The addition of this new attribute significantly increases the effect of axis orbit for distinguishing normal and cracked rotors. The new analysis perspective and the new diagnosis index are potential supplements for crack diagnosis.
Sensitivity Analysis and Technology Evaluation for a Roadable Personal Air Vehicle at the Conceptual Design Stage
Authors: Kim Seok-Beom , Yun Ju-Yeol , Hwang Ho-Yon
Published: October 2019

In this study, the technology identification, evaluation, and selection (TIES) method was implemented to explore an optimum design space appropriate for a personal air vehicle (PAV) at the conceptual design stage. A morphological matrix was employed to identify possible alternative configurations and performance targets. The Microsoft Excel add-in JMP, a commercial statistical tool, and a PAV sizing tool developed for this study were used for modelling and simulation. After the screening test, seven design variables having significant impacts on the design were finally chosen, specifically the range, maximum speed, cruise speed, cruise altitude, passengers, takeoff ground roll, and stall speed. Response surface equations (RSEs) were created as a function of the seven design variables. The generated RSEs were then used to perform a Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) to explore a feasible design space. As a result, it was confirmed that all seven design variables can be employed for an optimization process. In addition, k-factor and technology sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate applicable technologies quantitatively. Consequently, the selected set includes a flow circulation flap, leading edge blowing, a nanocoating, liquid metal, and an advanced composite material, which are technologies that greatly influenced the target criteria. Furthermore, the target value variations were analyzed as the k factors changed.
Characterization of Air Voids Distribution in the Open-Graded Asphalt Mixture Based on 2D Image Analysis
Authors: Xu Guangji , Chen Xiao , Huang Xiaoming , Ma Tao , Zhou Wei
Published: October 2019

The air voids distribution has a significant effect on the pavement performance related distresses such as rutting, cracking, moisture damage and permeability. However, most studies only quantified the air voids by average content, ignoring the heterogeneity inside the materials. This study focuses on the heterogeneity of air voids distribution inside the open-grade asphalt mixture based on 2D image analysis. Equivalent aperture is proposed to measure the area of each air void. Results showed that along both vertical and horizontal sections inside the open-grade asphalt mixture, the number of voids with 0~2 mm equivalent aperture would have a great impact on the total number of voids, while large amounts of small voids would not significantly affect the total voids number. Additionally, voids with 0~4 mm equivalent aperture account for the largest proportion, and when the equivalent aperture is beyond 4 mm, the number of voids would decrease as the equivalent aperture increases, regardless of the void areas. Furthermore, in both vertical and horizontal sections, as the equivalent aperture increases, the speed to accumulate voids area would firstly increase and then decrease. As the equivalent aperture increases, the contribution to the total voids area would increase accordingly, and it would approach the peak when the equivalent aperture reaches about 8 mm.
Motivation for Heat Adaption: How Perception and Exposure Affect Individual Behaviors During Hot Weather in Knoxville, Tennessee
Authors: Hass Alisa L. , Ellis Kelsey N.
Published: October 2019

Heat is the deadliest meteorological hazard; however, those exposed to heat often do not feel they are in danger of heat-health effects and do not take precautions to avoid heat exposure. Socioeconomic factors, such as the high cost of running air conditioning, might prevent people from taking adaption measures. We assessed via a mixed-methods survey how residents of urban Knoxville, Tennessee, (n = 86) describe and interpret their personal vulnerability during hot weather. Thematic analyses reveal that many respondents describe uncomfortably hot weather based on its consequences, such as health effects and the need to change normal behavior, which misaligns with traditional heat-communication measures using specific weather conditions. Only 55% of those who perceived excessive heat as dangerous cited health as a cause for concern. Respondents who have experienced health issues during hot weather were more likely to perceive heat as dangerous and take actions to reduce heat exposure. Social cohesion was not a chief concern for our respondents, even though it has been connected to reducing time-delayed heat-health effects. Results support using thematic analyses, an underutilized tool in climatology research, to improve understanding of public perception of atmospheric hazards. We recommend a multi-faceted approach to addressing heat vulnerability.
Vulnerabilities of the European Union’s Economy to Hydrological Extremes Outside its Borders
Authors: Ercin Ertug , Chico Daniel , Chapagain Ashok K.
Published: October 2019

Climate change is leading to increased water scarcity and drought in many parts of the world. This has implications for the European Union (EU) because a lot of the water intensive goods consumed or used there are produced abroad. This makes the EU’s economy dependent on water resources well beyond its borders since when a country imports water intensive goods, indirectly it also imports virtual water (water needed to produce the imported goods). This study maps the EU’s global dependency on water resources outside its borders in terms of virtual water imports and assesses how water scarcity and drought may disrupt supplies of key food crops that it imports. The EU uses approximately 668 km3 of water for all of the goods it produces, consumes and exports, annually. Around 38% of that water comes from outside its borders, which means that the EU’s economy is highly dependent on the availability of water in other parts of the world. In the near future, supplies of certain crops to the EU could be disrupted due to water scarcity in other parts of the world; a large portion of the water used in producing soybeans, rice, sugarcane, cotton, almonds, pistachios and grapes for import to the EU comes from areas with significant or severe levels of water scarcity. Although the immediate risks to the EU’s economy are due to current water scarcity levels, any disruption to rainfall patterns that occur in the future, due to the effects of climate change in the countries of origin of key crops, could have a far greater impact. This is because as much as 92% of the EU’s total external water demand from agriculture is attributed to green water use, availability of which has relatively higher vulnerability to drought.
Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosol Optical Properties in the Northeast Brazilian Atmosphere with Remote Sensing Data from MODIS and CALIOP/CALIPSO Satellites, AERONET Photometers and a Ground-Based Lidar
Authors: de Oliveira Aline M. , Souza Cristina T. , Oliveira Nara P. M. de , Melo Aline K. S. , Lopes Fabio J. S. , Landulfo Eduardo , Elbern Hendrik , Hoelzemann Judith J.
Published: October 2019

A 12-year analysis, from 2005 to 2016, of atmospheric aerosol optical properties focusing for the first time on Northeast Brazil (NEB) was performed based on four different remote sensing datasets: the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET), the Cloud-Aerosol LIDAR with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and a ground-based Lidar from Natal. We evaluated and identified distinct aerosol types, considering Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Angström Exponent (AE). All analyses show that over the NEB, a low aerosol scenario prevails, while there are two distinct seasons of more elevated AOD that occur every year, from August to October and January to March. According to MODIS, AOD values ranges from 0.04 to 0.52 over the region with a mean of 0.20 and occasionally isolated outliers of up to 1.21. Aerosol types were identified as sea spray, biomass burning, and dust aerosols mostly transported from tropical Africa. Three case studies on days with elevated AOD were performed. All cases identified the same aerosol types and modeled HYSPLIT backward trajectories confirmed their source-dependent origins. This analysis is motivated by the implementation of an atmospheric chemistry model with an advanced data assimilation system that will use the observational database over NEB with the model to overcome high uncertainties in the model results induced by still unvalidated emission inventories.
High Efficiency Video Coding Compliant Perceptual Video Coding Using Entropy Based Visual Saliency Model
Authors: Zeeshan Muhammad , Majid Muhammad
Published: October 2019

In past years, several visual saliency algorithms have been proposed to extract salient regions from multimedia content in view of practical applications. Entropy is one of the important measures to extract salient regions, as these regions have high randomness and attract more visual attention. In the context of perceptual video coding (PVC), computational visual saliency models that utilize the charactertistics of the human visual system to improve the compression ratio are of paramount importance. To date, only a few PVC schemes have been reported that use the visual saliency model. In this paper, we conduct the first attempt to utilize entropy based visual saliency models within the high efficiency video coding (HEVC) framework. The visual saliency map generated for each input video frame is optimally thresholded to generate a binary saliency mask. The proposed HEVC compliant PVC scheme adjusts the quantization parameter according to visual saliency relevance at the coding tree unit (CTU) level. Efficient CTU level rate control is achieved by allocating bits to salient and non-salient CTUs by adjusting the quantization parameter values according to their perceptual weighted map. The attention based on information maximization has shown the best performance on newly created ground truth dataset, which is then incorporated in a HEVC framework. An average bitrate reduction of 6.57 % is achieved by the proposed HEVC compliant PVC scheme with the same perceptual quality and a nominal increase in coding complexity of 3.34 % when compared with HEVC reference software. Moreover, the proposed PVC scheme performs better than other HEVC based PVC schemes when encoded at low data rates.
A Low-Complexity and Asymptotically Optimal Coding Strategy for Gaussian Vector Sources
Authors: Zárraga-Rodríguez Marta , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Jesús , Insausti Xabier
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we present a low-complexity coding strategy to encode (compress) finite-length data blocks of Gaussian vector sources. We show that for large enough data blocks of a Gaussian asymptotically wide sense stationary (AWSS) vector source, the rate of the coding strategy tends to the lowest possible rate. Besides being a low-complexity strategy it does not require the knowledge of the correlation matrix of such data blocks. We also show that this coding strategy is appropriate to encode the most relevant Gaussian vector sources, namely, wide sense stationary (WSS), moving average (MA), autoregressive (AR), and ARMA vector sources.
Thermal Transitions of Cocoa Butter: A Novel Characterization Method by Temperature Modulation
Authors: Gouveia Julia Rocha , de Lira Lixandrão Kelly Cristina , Tavares Lara Basílio , Lixandrão Fernando Paulo Henrique , Garcia Guilherme Elias Saltarelli , dos Santos Demetrio Jackson
Published: October 2019

For the first time, the novel experimental technique Temperature Modulated Optical Refractometry (TMOR) was employed for cocoa butter thermal transitions characterization. The average refractive index (NMEAN), the volume (v) change, and the volumetric expansion coefficient ( β q ) as well as the dynamic quantities β ′ and β ″ (real and imaginary volumetric expansion coefficient, respectively) were monitored during cooling and heating and compared to the heat flow curves obtained via the standard technique dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC). The investigation of these quantities showed that TMOR analysis can yield not only thermal transitions temperatures that are comparable to DSC results, but also some new thermal events that are not detected by DSC. This outcome suggests that TMOR might provide some additional insights on cocoa butter melting and crystallization by means of frequency-dependent measurements due to temperature modulation. This new information that can be accessed during temperature ramps might provide a deeper insight into thermal behavior of fat-based foods, evidencing TMOR value as a tool for thermal transitions investigation.
UK Postal Delivery Workers’ Occupational Sun Safety: Using Behavior Change Theories to Identify Intervention Pathways
Authors: Houdmont Jonathan , Randall Raymond , Cheyne Alistair , Davis Shaun , Evans Hannah , Faichney Joanne
Published: October 2019

Postal delivery workers have substantial sun exposure. In the United Kingdom (UK) a high proportion of workers possesses a sun sensitive skin type. This population is at elevated risk for skin cancer, yet uptake of sun safety practices is low. Studies are needed to identify the underlying factors that contribute to the uptake of occupational sun safety practices that may be targeted during behavior change interventions. This study integrated the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Transtheoretical Model’s stages of change (SoC) as guiding frameworks to identify underlying beliefs that influence UK postal delivery workers’ uptake of occupational sun safety practices. Thirty-four workers participated in semi-structured interviews that used the SoC to establish current receptiveness to and adoption of two sun safety practices (using sunscreen of at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30 on exposed skin and wearing a wide-brimmed hat when working outdoors in the summer). Beliefs underlying current practices were elicited in accordance with the TPB and stratified by the SoC. For sunscreen use and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, 64% and 3% of participants were in the action or maintenance SoC, respectively. Behavioral and control beliefs differed by SoC, with those in the earlier stages more likely than those in the latter stages to report negative attitudes to, and difficulty enacting, sun safety practices. Normative beliefs concerning the views of colleagues and employers towards sunscreen were relatively consistent across the SoC. This study highlights the need for tailored and targeted behavior change interventions. The SoC-stratified accounts of the influence of TPB components on behavior provide a basis for bespoke interventions that reflect inter-individual and inter-practice differences in their working mechanisms.
Association of Low Sputum Smear Positivity among Tuberculosis Patients with Interferon-Gamma Release Assay Outcomes of Close Contacts in Japan
Authors: Ogata Tsuyoshi , Nagasu Natsuki , Uehara Ritei , Ito Kunihiko
Published: October 2019

Risk prediction and response measures may differ in tuberculosis (TB) patients with low sputum smear positivity for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) compared to those who are smear negative. However, previous studies using the tuberculin skin test (TST) did not show that differences in measures are important. This study compared results of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) between contacts of pulmonary TB patients with AFB smear positivity and those with smear negativity using QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT) assays. Close contacts of TB patients with culture-confirmed infections between April 2010 and December 2012 in Ibaraki, Japan, were enrolled, and 439 Japanese contacts of 129 index TB patients were examined. Adjusted odds ratios of QFT in contacts were 0.68 (95% confidence interval: 0.17–2.8) for AFB scanty patients, 1.12 (0.45–2.8) for AFB 1+, 1.20 (0.48–3.0) for AFB 2+, and 4.96 (1.9–12.9) for AFB 3+, compared to those who were smear negative. Differences in IGRA positivity were not significant between close contacts of TB patients with low positive and negative smears.
The Value of Local Heatwave Impact Assessment: A Case-Crossover Analysis of Hospital Emergency Department Presentations in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Campbell Sharon L. , Remenyi Tomas A. , Williamson Grant J. , White Christopher J. , Johnston Fay H.
Published: October 2019

Heatwaves have been identified as a threat to human health, with this impact projected to rise in a warming climate. Gaps in local knowledge can potentially undermine appropriate policy and preparedness actions. Using a case-crossover methodology, we examined the impact of heatwave events on hospital emergency department (ED) presentations in the two most populous regions of Tasmania, Australia, from 2008–2016. Using conditional logistic regression, we analyzed the relationship between ED presentations and severe/extreme heatwaves for the whole population, specific demographics including age, gender and socio-economic advantage, and diagnostic conditions that are known to be impacted in high temperatures. ED presentations increased by 5% (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.09) across the whole population, by 13% (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.24) for children 15 years and under, and by 19% (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04–1.36) for children 5 years and under. A less precise association in the same direction was found for those over 65 years. For diagnostic subgroups, non-significant increases in ED presentations were observed for asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. These findings may assist ED surge capacity planning and public health preparedness and response activities for heatwave events in Tasmania, highlighting the importance of using local research to inform local practice.
A Community-Based Participatory Action Research for Roma Health Justice in a Deprived District in Spain
Authors: Miranda Daniela E. , Garcia-Ramirez Manuel , Balcazar Fabricio E. , Suarez-Balcazar Yolanda
Published: October 2019

Addressing health disparities and promoting health equity for Roma has been a challenge. The Roma are the largest disadvantaged ethnic minority population in Europe and have been the victims of deep social and economic injustices, institutional discrimination, and structural antigypsyism over many centuries. This has resulted in a much worse health status than their non-Roma counterparts. Current strategies based on ameliorative and top-down approaches to service delivery have resulted in paradoxical effects that solidify health disparities, since they do not effectively address the problems of vulnerable Roma groups. Following a health justice approach, we present a community-based participatory action research case study generated by a community and university partnership intended to address power imbalances and build collaboration among local stakeholders. This case study involved a group of health providers, Roma residents, researchers, Roma community organizations, and other stakeholders in the Poligono Sur, a neighborhood of Seville, Spain. The case study comprises four phases: (1) identifying Roma health assets, (2) empowering Roma community through sociopolitical awareness, (3) promoting alliances between Roma and community resources/institutions, and (4) building a common agenda for promoting Roma health justice. We highlighted best practices for developing processes to influence Roma health equity in local health policy agendas.