bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new class of travelling wave solutions for local fractional diffusion differential equations
Authors: Shi Ziyue , Qi Wei , Fan Jing
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we investigate a 3-D diffusion equation within the scope of the local fractional derivative. For this model, we establish local fractional vector operators and a local fractional Laplace operator defined on Cantor-type cylindrical coordinate and Cantor-type spherical coordinate, respectively. With the help of the spherical symmetry method based on those operators, we obtain exact traveling wave solutions of the 3-D diffusion equation. The results reveal that the proposed schemes are very effective for obtaining nondifferentiable solutions of fractional diffusion problems.
Morphology and features of Cambrian oncoids and responses to palaeogeography of the North China Platform
Authors: Xiao En-Zhao , Mei Ming-Xiang , Jiang Shu , Zafar Tehseen
Published: February 2020

The Cambrian strata in the North China Platform are fully exposed. A wide variety of carbonate oncoids with different shapes occur in the Xuzhuang and Zhangxia formations (Miaolingian Series) from six Cambrian sections in the study area. A comprehensive study involving outcrop description, microscopic observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and carbon and oxygen isotope analysis is conducted to determine the facies, morphology, internal structure, and geochemical properties of the oncoids. The oncoids are divided into six types based on their morphology and internal structure. Microscopic and ultrastructural observations reveal typical microbial fossils (Girvanella) and microbially-related sediments (framboidal pyrite), indicating the biogenicity of the oncoids. Additionally, the XRD and carbon and oxygen isotope analysis results suggest that the formational environments of these oncoids are different due to terrestrial influences. Statistical data on the oncoids from the six sections show that there are obvious differences in the types of oncoids and the proportions of different varieties in each section. The spatial differences in the oncoid morphologies are associated with different palaeogeographic settings. The rough oncoid growth patterns developed in nearshore environments were influenced by terrigenous debris and steep terrain, whereas the delicate oncoid growth patterns developed in offshore environments were less affected by terrestrial factors and were featured by more stable depositional processes related to microbial mats.
Extent and Predictors of Delays in Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Population-Based Prospective Study
Authors: Dereje Nebiyu , Addissie Adamu , Worku Alemayehu , Assefa Mathewos , Abraha Aynalem , Tigeneh Wondemagegnehu , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna , Jemal Ahmedin
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE

A substantial proportion of cervical cancers are diagnosed at advanced stage in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the extent and predictors of delays in cervical cancer diagnosis in Addis Ababa.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively recruited 231 patients with cervical cancer diagnosed from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018, in 7 health facilities in Addis Ababa, representing 99% of all cervical cancers recorded in the Addis Ababa population-based cancer registry. A structured questionnaire on patients’ experience was administered face to face by trained interviewers. Health-seeking intervals > 90 days (date from recognition of symptoms to medical consultation) and diagnostic intervals > 30 days (dates from medical consultation to diagnostic confirmation) were categorized as delayed. Factors associated with these delays were assessed using multivariable binary logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The median health-seeking and diagnostic intervals for patients with cervical cancer in Addis Ababa were 10 and 97 days, respectively. Approximately one quarter of the patients were delayed in seeking medical consultation, and three fourths of the patients had delayed diagnostic confirmation. Factors associated with health-seeking delays included poor cervical cancer awareness, practicing of religious rituals, and waiting for additional symptoms before visiting a health facility. Factors associated with diagnostic delays included first contact with primary health care units and visits to ≥ 4 different health facilities before diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

A considerable proportion of patients with cervical cancer in Addis Ababa have delays in seeking medical care and diagnostic conformation. These findings reinforce the need for programs to enhance awareness about cervical cancer signs and symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis in the community and among health care providers.
Adapting the “Resist Diabetes” Resistance Training Intervention for Veterans
Authors: VanDerBrink Emily , Boshra Soheir , Harden Samantha M. , Oursler Kris Ann K. , Winett Richard , Davy Brenda
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The Resist Diabetes (RD) trial demonstrated that twice-per-week resistance training reduced prediabetes prevalence and improved strength among older adults with prediabetes. Our objectives were to determine initial perceptions of patients and care providers in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) regarding RD and ultimately to inform adaptations to improve uptake of RD in the Veterans Health Administration.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach was utilized. Care providers (n = 20) and veterans with prediabetes (n = 12) were recruited to gauge perceptions of the RD program and identify barriers and facilitators to the program referral process and program implementation. Care provider perceptions of the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were determined using a validated survey. Open-ended questionnaires and interview guides, based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, were utilized to determine major and minor themes within the provider and veteran responses. To identify the dissemination potential of RD, the availability of onsite fitness facilities at VAMC facilities nationally (n = 159) was assessed.

Results

Providers rated (scaled 1–5: 1, completely disagree; 5, completely agree) the RD program as appealing (4.8 ± 0.1), appropriate (4.8 ± 0.0), and feasible (4.6 ± 0.2). Providers reported that prediabetes/diabetes is a significant problem in the VAMC, and that different prevention programs will appeal to different types of VAMC patients. Patients (n = 12 [58% female]; aged 65 ± 10 y; body mass index, 34 ± 6 kg·m−2; hemoglobin A1C, 5.7% ± 1.8%) expressed interest in an exercise-focused diabetes prevention program and defined key barriers: travel, transportation, and time constraints. Among the responding national VAMC sites, 85% (97/114) reported having an onsite fitness facility.

Conclusion

Salem VAMC care providers and veteran patients demonstrated positive perceptions of the RD program. Program adaptations are needed to address barriers to patient participation including travel, transportation, and time constraints.
Nondogmatic Social Discounting
Authors: Millner Antony
Published: February 2020

The long-run social discount rate has an enormous effect on the value of climate mitigation, infrastructure projects, and other long-term public policies. Its value is however highly contested, in part because of normative disagreements about social time preferences. I develop a theory of “nondogmatic” social planners, who are insecure in their current normative judgments and entertain the possibility that they may change. Although each nondogmatic planner advocates an idiosyncratic theory of intertemporal social welfare, all such planners agree on the long-run social discount rate. Nondogmatism thus goes some way toward resolving normative disagreements, especially for long-term public projects. (JEL D61, H43)
Fiscal Rules, Bailouts, and Reputation in Federal Governments
Authors: Dovis Alessandro , Kirpalani Rishabh
Published: February 2020

Expectations of transfers by central governments incentivize overborrowing by local governments. In this paper, we ask if fiscal rules can reduce overborrowing if central governments cannot commit to enforce penalties when rules are violated. We study a model in which the central government’s type is unknown and show that fiscal rules increase overborrowing if the central government’s reputation is low. In contrast, fiscal rules are effective in lowering debt if the central government’s reputation is high. Even when the central government’s reputation is low, binding fiscal rules will arise in the equilibrium of a signaling game. (JEL E62, H62, H63, H77, H81)
The Race to the Base
Authors: Bernhardt Dan , Buisseret Peter , Hidir Sinem
Published: February 2020

We study multi-district legislative elections between two office-seeking parties when one party has an initial valence advantage that may shift and even reverse during the campaign; and, each party cares not only about winning a majority, but also about its share of seats. When the initial imbalance favoring one party is small, each party targets the median voter. For moderate imbalances, the advantaged party maintains the centre-ground, but the disadvantaged party retreats to target its core supporters; and for large imbalances, the advantaged party advances toward its opponent, raiding its moderate supporters in pursuit of an outsized majority. (JEL D72)
Energia em DOBRO: os desafios de uma startup no varejo brasileiro
Authors: Ferreira Viviane Moura Rocha , Comper Victor Sampaio , Ferreira Carlos Ronaldo Paes
Published: February 2020

A DOBRO, empresa de alimentos naturais e energéticos, iniciou suas atividades em dezembro de 2017 e, desde então, vem registrando expressivo crescimento na produção e comercialização de suas barras energéticas de café. Com apenas 2 anos de atuação no mercado, o produto já pode ser encontrado em mais de 530 pontos de venda no Brasil. Seus três sócios – Victor, Lucas e Pedro – dividem entre si as principais responsabilidades da gestão da DOBRO no seu dia-a-dia (Produção, Distribuição, Marketing e Finanças). O desafio de maior relevância para os três sócios, atualmente, é como levar adiante um modelo de distribuição do produto, em escala nacional, preservando uma margem operacional satisfatória sem prejudicar o forte ritmo de crescimento mensal que a DOBRO vem alcançando, desde o seu lançamento.
Patterns of synthetic cathinones use and their impact on depressive symptoms and parafunctional oral behaviors
Authors: Więckiewicz Gniewko , Smardz Joanna , Wieczorek Tomasz , Rymaszewska Joanna , Grychowska Natalia , Danel Dariusz , Więckiewicz Mieszko
Published: February 2020

Cel pracy

Syntetyczne katynony (znane również jako "sole do kąpieli") to nowe substancje psychoaktywne wprowadzone na rynek globalny w ciągu ostatnich 10 lat jako zamienniki nielegalnej amfetaminy. Ze względu na łatwą dostępność szybko stały się popularne. Celem pracy było określenie związku stosowania syntetycznych katynonów z objawami depresyjnymi i zachowaniami ustnymi wśród użytkowników rekreacyjnych.

Metoda

Użytkownicy forów internetowych związanych z narkotykami zostali poproszeni o wypełnienie ankiety za pośrednictwem platformy Google Forms. Kwestionariusz zawierał pytania dotyczące schematów używania środków psychoaktywnych, Inwentarz Depresji Becka II (BDI II) oraz Kwestionariusz Zachowań Ustnych (OBC) oraz podstawowe dane demograficzne (wiek, płeć).

Wyniki

150 uczestników (75 w grupie badanej, 75 w grupie kontrolnej) wzięło udział w badaniu. W grupie badanej (w wieku od 15 do 28 lat) wszyscy uczestnicy korzystali z katynonów i innych substancji psychoaktywnych. 42 respondentów korzystało z katynonów w ciągu ostatniego miesiąca. Analiza statystyczna wykazała korelację między liczbą zażywanych substancji psychoaktywnych i poziomem depresji w obu grupach (badanej i kontrolnej), a także statystycznie istotnie wyższą średnią wartościąwyników OBC w grupie użytkowników katynonów w porównaniu z grupą kontrolną. Korelacja między depresją a OBC była statystycznie istotna zarówno dla grupy badanej, jak i kontrolnej.

Wnioski

Biorąc pod uwagę łatwy dostęp do syntetycznych katynonów, częste zatrucia i młody wiek użytkowników tego badania, temat powinien zostać szerzej przebadany. Substancje psychoaktywne mogą predysponować do rozwoju depresji i różnych form parafunkcyjnych zachowań ustnych.
Non-uniformity correction for medium wave infrared focal plane array-based compressive imaging
Authors: Wu Zimu , Wang Xia
Published: February 2020

As a super-resolution imaging method, high-resolution medium wave infrared (MWIR) images can be obtained from a low-resolution focal plane array-based (FPA) sensor using compressive imaging (CI) technology. As a common problem in MWIR FPA imaging, the non-uniformity reduces image quality, which is turning worse in MWIR FPA CI. This paper investigates the source of the non-uniformity of MWIR FPA CI, both in the captured low-resolution MWIR images and in the reconstructed high-resolution ones. According to the system model and the image super-resolution computation process of FPA CI, we propose a calibration-based non-uniformity correction (NUC) method for MWIR FPA CI. Based on the actual MWIR FPA CI system, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed NUC method are verified, obtaining better results than the traditional method. According to the theoretical analysis and experimental results, the particularities of the non-uniformity in MWIR FPA CI are discovered and discussed, which have certain great guiding significance and practical value.
Reducing feature size in femtosecond laser ablation of fused silica by exciton-seeded photoionization
Authors: Zhou Boyang , Kar Aravinda , Soileau M. J. , Yu Xiaoming
Published: February 2020

We demonstrate a method of laser ablation with reduced feature size by
using a pair of ultrashort pulses that are partially overlapped in
space. By tuning the delay between the two pulses, features within the
overlapping area are obtained on the surface of fused silica. The
observed dependence of the feature position on delays longer than the
free-carrier lifetime indicates an ionization pathway initiated by
self-trapped excitons. This method could be used to enhance the
resolution of laser-based lithography.
Young, free and biased: A comparison of mainstream and right-wing media coverage of the 2015–16 refugee crisis in German newspapers
Authors: von Nordheim Gerret , Müller Henrik , Scheppe Michael
Published: February 2020

Right-wing media have been growing in terms of readership and impact in recent years. However, comparative analyses that gauge linkages between mainstream and right-wing media in Europe are virtually missing. We pursued an algorithm-based topic-modelling analysis of 11,420 articles concerning the question of whether reporting of the leading German right-wing newspaper Junge Freiheit differed from that of mainstream media outlets in the context of the refugee crisis of 2015–16. The results strongly support this notion. They show a clear-cut dichotomy with mainstream media on one side and Junge Freiheit on the other. A time lag could be found, pointing to a reporting pattern that positioned Junge Freiheit relative to the journalistic and political mainstream. Thus, Junge Freiheit can be characterised as a ‘reactive’ alternative media outlet that is prone to populism: it stresses the national dimension of the crisis, embraces the positions of the right-wing party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and largely neglects complex international, and particularly European, implications.
Siringoma Condroide: desafio na prática dermatológica / Chondroid Syringoma: a challenge in dermatological practice
Authors: Gonçalves William Douglas Pereira , Pires Andrea Marques da Silva , Silva Igor Marcelo Castro e
Published: February 2020

Siringoma condroide ou tumor misto da pele é um tipo de tumor benigno, raro e que caracteristicamente se manifesta com crescimento lento, de apresentação subcutânea, em pessoas de meia idade (predileção pelo sexo masculino). Geralmente, localiza-se em região couro cabeludo, face e nariz. Neste artigo, relata-se um caso de uma lesão na região de lobo de orelha esquerda.
Conhecendo os antecedentes do Comportamento Frugal de Compras: Um estudo utilizando Análises Estatísticas Bivariadas / Knowing the background to frugal Shopping Behavior: A study using Bivariate Statistical Analyzes
Authors: Marquetto Matheus Frohlich , Bulé Anieli Ebling , Santos Letícia Gomes dos , Battistella Luciana Flores , Löbler Mauri Leodir
Published: February 2020

O consumidor exercita a frugalidade na medida que é cuidadoso com o seu dinheiro. Compreender o perfil destes consumidores é de suma importância para os varejistas, pois o comportamento daquele que compra de maneira frugal pode ser influenciado também por motivações externas, ou seja, pode oscilar de acordo com a economia, por exemplo, e pode se manifestar como parte relevante do público alvo do varejo. O Modelo Conceitual utilizado neste estudo busca explicar o comportamento frugal de compra por meio de um conjunto de características do consumidor. Este artigo buscou acrescentar ao esforço de melhor compreender o consumidor quanto às características que podem incentivar a pratica da frugalidade no consumo. O estudo realizado, então, pôde demonstrar diferenças entre consumidores por meio de características nem sempre abordadas ou tratadas em estudos do comportamento de consumo. A relevância dessas características e os grupos que as possuem evidencia diferenças no comportamento frugal.
Análise da Insolvência das Empresas Devedoras da Previdência Social / Analysis of the Insolvency of Companies Borning the Social Security
Authors: Silva Mariana Costa , Lima Filho Raimundo Nonato
Published: February 2020

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo a efetiva análise das principais empresas devedoras da Previdência Social, utilizando, para tanto, os índices: do endividamento, imobilizado, rentabilidade e retorno de investimento. Estas informações foram obtidas por meio da junção entre informações do site Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (B3), somadas ao balanço patrimonial e a Demonstração do Resultado do Exercício (DRE) das instituições escolhidas para estudo, no período de 2010 a 2016, tentando, dessa forma, obter e evidenciar respostas aos fatores que levaram à insolvência das maiores devedoras da dívida ativa da Previdência Social. Para executar a pesquisa, foram utilizados os métodos qualitativo e quantitativo, apresentando-se então as contribuições dos estudos aplicados na análise feita, buscando compreender o que está acontecendo com a dívida, a realidade em que o país se encontra e as consequências da falta desse dinheiro. Entretanto, é preciso salientar desde já que as limitações de informações de algumas das empresas escolhidas, que acabaram declarando falência ou estão com processo judicial em andamento, foram fatores impeditivos para a obtenção das informações desejadas. Para trabalhos futuros, sugere-se adotar outros modelos para análise da estrutura de capital das empresas.
Qualidade e Gestão em Enfermagem: Gerenciamento da Segurança do Paciente / Nursing Quality And Management: Patient Safety Management
Authors: Pereira Arthur Silva , Coelho José Leonardo Gomes , Almeida Natália Dos Santos , Arrais Teresa Maria Siqueira Nascimento , Luz Dayse Christina Rodrigues Pereira , Santana Willma José de
Published: February 2020

Com o objetivo de analisar a equipe de enfermagem quanto ao gerenciamento e procedimentos realizados para promoção da segurança paciente. Trata-se de uma Revisão Integrativa da Literatura com abordagem qualitativa, onde a busca dos artigos se deu pelas seguintes bases de dados: SciELO; LILACS e MEDLINE, utilizando-se os descritores: Gerenciamento; Segurança do paciente e Enfermagem. Os critérios de inclusão estabelecidos ocorreram no início da pesquisa, quando foi definido o tema, optou-se por incluir estudos no período de 2009 a 2019, idiomas português e inglês, e apresentassem em formato de artigos originais, excluindo dissertações, monografias e estudos inconclusivos ou que não apresentassem eixo temático. Observou-se que o gerenciamento para a segurança do paciente tem se mostrado uma melhoria considerável, preservando assim a integridade e o bem-estar do paciente. Portanto o profissional de enfermagem faz-se necessário para que esses protocolos sejam executados de forma efetiva, trazendo uma melhor qualidade e do paciente.
Tumor fibroso solitário de pleura e Schwanoma: uma tênue linha entre o normal e o anormal / Solitary fibrous tumor of pleura and Schwanoma: A line between normal and anormal
Authors: Cech Lorrana Carvalho , Pires Andrea Marques da Silva , Silva Igor Marcelo Castro e
Published: February 2020

O Tumor Fibroso Solitário de Pleura é uma neoplasia primária da pleura, rara, que corresponde a 5% dos tumores pleurais. O curso da doença, geralmente, é assintomático, no entanto, sintomas inespecíficos, como tosse, hemoptise e dispneia podem estar associados. O diagnóstico se dá pela análise histopatológica concomitante ao estudo imunohistoquímico, que evidencia positividade para os marcadores CD34 e Bcl-2. O tratamento ouro é a exérese do tumor. Neste artigo, é relatado o caso de um paciente, masculino, previamente hígido, cursando com perda ponderal expressiva e massa tumoral de 24 cm em base pulmonar direita.
Hemangioendotelioma Epitelioide Hepático: Relato de Caso de uma rara Neoplasia /
Authors: Medeiros Ana Maria Rodrigues Lima , Freitas Heliofábia Gomes
Published: February 2020

O hemangioendotelioma epitelioide é um raro tumor vascular, composto por um estroma fibroso hialinizado e células epitelioides. É marcado por um crescimento lento, que pode levar à insuficiência hepática e consequentemente à morte. Em alguns casos  porém, a regressão espontânea também pode ser observada. Relata-se o caso de um paciente de 26 anos, sexo masculino, com tumor diagnosticado após dor abdominal de forte intensidade. O paciente foi submetido à videolaparoscopia, com anátomopatológico e imunohistoquímica compatíveis com hemangioendotelioma epitelioide hepático.
A mentalidade hitlerista: como se formou o ideário político nazista / The hitlerist mentality: how the nazi ideology was formed
Authors: Medeiros Gabriel Saldanha Lula de
Published: February 2020

A ideologia nazista surgiu após a Primeira Guerra Mundial a partir de características políticas, econômicas, sociais e até mesmo científicas singulares da Alemanha naquele período. Por isso, o presente artigo tem como objetivo responder a seguinte questão-problema: “como se formou o ideário político nazista?”. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa em livros e artigos científicos avaliados por pares e indexados, constituindo um trabalho de revisão bibliográfica de cunho qualitativo, que levará em conta também experiências vividas por Hitler antes deste se tornar político. Conclui-se, ao fim, que o ideário nazista foi construído a partir de alguns fatos como a humilhação alemã pós-guerra, a rejeição ao comunismo, a popularização de teorias pseudocientíficas pautadas no darwinismo social e a crença na superioridade da raça ariana.
Uso de psicotrópicos entre os estudantes de medicina: um olhar na educação médica / Use of psychotropics among medical students: A look at the medical education
Authors: Nassar Yuri Lopes , Pires Andrea Marques da Silva , Silva Igor Marcelo castro e
Published: February 2020

O uso de drogas psicotrópicas na sociedade brasileira mostra-se uma verdadeira epidemia Estima-se que 12,3% da população seja dependente de álcool e 10,1% de tabaco, evidenciando, também, que o uso de outras drogas corresponde a 22,8% da população, índice bem superior a outros países da América do Sul. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura do uso de drogas psicotrópicas em meio acadêmico médico, com enfoque em nas diversas pesquisas realizadas pelo Centro Brasileiro de Informações de Drogas Psicotrópicas. Os estudos sobre os hábitos de consumo de drogas psicoativas por estudantes de medicina tornam-se fundamental para estabelecer medidas em prevenção de agravos, promoção de saúde e transformação de mentalidade desses estudantes.
A Educação em Saúde no Brasil / Health Education in Brazil
Authors: Alves Maria Nizete Tavares , Rolón Julio César Cardozo , Videira Márcia Cristina Moraes Cotas
Published: February 2020

A presente investigação objetivou evidenciar a Educação em Saúde no Brasil, programas de prevenção e erradicação de doenças desenvolvidas para a população brasileira, de maneira a contribuir com a comunicação da qualidade de vida necessária ao bem estar do cidadão. Também se propõe apresentar os principais programas e ações promovidos pelo Ministério da Saúde desde a criação do Sistema Único de Saúde.  O contexto em que se desenvolve é no Brasil. O estudo foi realizado a partir da análise dos documentos do Ministério de Saúde e de vários autores brasileiros que tratam o tema da saúde. O enfoque dessa investigação é o qualitativo. Nível de conhecimento alcançado é o descritivo. O desenho foi o não experimental. As principais conclusões encontradas pela pesquisadora é que, existe um grande número de ações que são desenvolvidas no país, com resultados positivos, mas ainda faltam trabalhar sobre várias dificuldades nesta matéria.
Focus 23 - Février 2020
Authors: Dehez Pierre , Ginsburgh Victor
Published: February 2020

Face aux difficultés rencontrées dans la formation d'une majorité gouvernementale, le Ministre Koen Geens a proposé en décembre dernier de modifier notre mode de scrutin en donnant plusieurs voix à chaque électeur, celui-ci étant libre de répartir ses voix entre les partis qu'il souhaite soutenir. Il s'agit d'une méthode qui s'apparente au vote par approbation. Les auteurs analysent la proposition de Koen Geens à la lumière des études théoriques récentes sur ce mode de scrutin et donnent des exemples. Ils arrivent à la conclusion que la méthode proposée par Koen Geens serait utile et intéressante pour autant qu'on la modifie en ne permettant pas aux électeurs de donner plus d'une voix à un parti et en limitant le nombre de voix dont chaque électeur dispose, par exemple à trois.
MINIMIZING THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES IDLING AT AN INTERSECTION
Authors: Srisurin Punyaanek , Singh Amarjit
Published: February 2020

The objective of this project is to find an optimal solution minimizing the number of vehicles idling at the Kapiolani-McCully intersection during the evening peak period (6 pm-8 pm), by assigning appropriate traffic signal times for each direction. This duration would also take into account pedestrian safety constraints, set by the US Federal Highway Administration, i.e., that standard walking rates for pedestrians should be 4 feet per second for safe crosswalk countdown times. Signal times for four directions, i.e., McCully straight turn, McCully left turn, Kapiolani straight turn, and Kapiolani left turn, were determined using linear programming based on queue length, crosswalk countdown time, and vehicle arrival rates. Average vehicle arrival rates for each direction were measured to calculate the cumulative number of vehicles waiting. Since all vehicles in all directions can use the “right on red” rule for right turns without waiting for a green signal, the study focused on the number of vehicles waiting in the left-turn and straight-turn lanes. The study found that, in order to minimize the number of vehicles waiting under the constraints, a green-light time assigned for straight turns on McCully should be 23 seconds, a green-light time for straight turns on Kapiolani should be 20 seconds, and a green-light time of 9 seconds for all the left turns.
EFFECT OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON CONSTRUCTION TIME
Authors: Ifte Choudhury
Published: February 2020

Studies indicate that there is a relationship between project cost and construction time for different construction markets. The purpose of this study was to validate the time-cost relationship model developed by Bromilow et al. (1980) in the context of commercial, residential, and industrial construction projects in India. The model was extended to include the magnitude of the projects in terms of gross floor area and construction types, to determine whether these variables also have an effect on project duration. Data related to 99 construction projects from all over India were obtained. The SPSS® program and the General Linear Model were used for analysis. The results show a statistically significant relationship between construction time and magnitude of the project, measured by gross floor area, at the level of significance (p-value) of < 0.0001. This variable, when introduced the model, presumably acts as a proxy for actual construction cost. Construction type did not have a statistically significant relationship with construction time. A prediction model of construction time has been developed based on the results of the study. This model will be useful to constructors who work at an international level.
OPTIMUM CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FLEETS FOR ROAD SURFACE OPERATIONS
Authors: Gomaa Tarek , Georgy Maged , Ibrahim Moheeb
Published: February 2020

Poor subgrade soil condition which is very sensitive to moisture presents a construction challenge for all pavement engineers. One of the case histories which became a dilemma for the Azadegan freeway in Tehran is the presence of waste material in subgrade soil. This paper discusses the site investigation to gather some useful information about the principal causes of these problems and deals with some in-depth Laboratory tests which have been done in the soil and asphalt laboratory of Tehran municipality. The pavement condition index known as PCI has been calculated to address all the deteriorations and causes to make a good decision. After analyzing all the gathered data, several methods has been discussed, for example, deep mixing, short concrete piles, shredded tires, and injection. Finally based on the lack of facilities and budget shortage, a retaining wall with geogrids has been chosen for this very special case which is right now under traffic flow. The optimum selection of equipment fleets in surface work operations is a key element to the success of any road construction project. For years, computer simulations have been used to predict the performance of construction operations based on process flows and resources utilized. However, simulations in essence are not a resource optimization platform, since all possible resource combinations should be examined within the simulation process itself. This paper proposes a hybrid mechanism that integrates discrete event simulation and genetic algorithms to efficiently determine the best resource combination for the surface work operations in road construction. The paper employs genetic algorithms (GAs) for minimizing the total cost of surface work operations examined. A dynamic link utilizes a simulation engine, which models a road’s surface work operations, to calculate the fitness of the generated chromosomes. An actual case study is further utilized to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of this hybrid mechanism.
WIND LOADS AND WIND-INDUCED BUCKLING OF OPEN-TOPPED OIL-STORAGE TANKS IN VARIOUS ARRANGEMENTS
Authors: Uematsu Yasushi , Yasunaga Jumpei , Koo Choongmo
Published: February 2020

Wind force coefficients for designing open-topped oil-storage tanks in various arrangements have been investigated under experiments involving a wind tunnel and a buckling analysis of the tanks. In the wind tunnel experiment, the wind pressures were measured simultaneously at many points both on the external and internal surfaces of a rigid model for various arrangements of two to four tanks. The effects of arrangement and gap spacing of tanks on the pressure distribution are investigated. The buckling of tanks under static wind loading is analyzed by using a non-linear finite element method. A discussion of the effect of wind force distribution on the buckling behavior follows. The authors provided a model of circumferential distribution of wind force coefficient on isolated open-topped tanks in their previous paper. This paper proposes a model of wind-force coefficient for plural tanks in various configurations by modifying the model for isolated tanks.
BOND STRENGTH OF STEEL-CONCRETE COMPOSITE ELEMENTS USING A CEMENTITIOUS ADHESIVE
Authors: Asada Yoshihiro , Yoshitake Isamu , Ogawa Atsushi , Fujimoto Yuji
Published: February 2020

Steel-concrete composite slabs have been used for bridge deck construction in Japan because of several advantages, e.g., safety construction and high fatigue durability. On the other hand, these slabs may cause negative influences such as overweight, increasing costs and low constructability, due to many mechanical shear connectors. The quantities of shear connectors may be reduced by gluing steel-plate and concrete with a cementitious adhesive. The present study aims at examining shear bond strength and quantifying the dispersion of the strength. To investigate the dispersion, a double-lap shear test is conducted, in addition to a simple direct shear test, to examine surface treatment. A Monte Carlo Simulation using the Weibull distribution of the strength is performed to evaluate the effect of dispersion. The simulation implies that the shear stress due to the traffic load may be negligible, indicating the applicability of the composite system for highway bridge decks.
TYPES, CAUSES, AND EFFECTS OF DEFECTIVE CONSTRUCTION WORKS
Authors: Jareanvanun Pornsak , Sutheerawatthana Pitch
Published: February 2020

Reviews of performance after construction completion is an important task for enhancing the sustainability of engineering solutions for social needs. This research reviewed and investigated defects in some construction projects of a university. The article analyzed types, causes, and effects of defects in terms of both time and cost dimensions. It collected data through the investigation of how completion certificates and contract documents are issued. It also gathered information on the causes of defects by interviewing project supervisors and those involved projects. The result showed that the majority of defects were in the architectural work, accounting for 57.1% of the total. The chance of having defects depends on the type of project. The main causes were foremen, workers, and working procedures. In the defective projects, defects caused delay in obtaining payment, averaging approximately 26 days. Defects also caused cost increases, averaging 3.3% of the initial contract value. These findings are vital for the construction department of the university to continuously improve and find more sustainable solutions in monitoring and supervising construction projects, so that fewer defects occur.
LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSIS OF SOEKARNO-HATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT RAIL LINK (SHIARL) USING VALUE-ENGINEERING METHOD
Authors: Ali Berawi Mohammed , Susantono Bambang , Dikun Suyono , Ilyas Tommy , Zetha Rahman Herawati , Yuri Zagloel Teuku , Rohim Boy Berawi Abdur , Indah Susilowati Suci
Published: February 2020

Soekarno-Hatta Airport is the main gateway for international flights, particularly to Greater Jakarta. Currently, it serves more than 44 million passengers per year, which causes accessibility problems due to the high volume of vehicles. A toll road still remains the main access to the airport, and in peak hours there is congestion and time-travel uncertainty. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Rail Link (SHIARL) is an alternative mass-transportation project to provide accessibility and mobility for people and goods to the airport. So far, the project is still unable to attract private investors due to a lack of technical and financial feasibility. This research aims to develop a conceptual design of SHIARL by using the value-engineering approach for a comprehensive study to realize this project. This research used quantitative and qualitative methods through questionnaire surveys distributed to various stakeholders related to the project, and focus group discussion (FGD). The results identified additional functions for innovation through the integration of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), flood control, telecommunications, and development in the downtown area of the station. These functions were then analyzed by using life-cycle cost analysis to show the value for money of the project.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS’ WILLINGNESS TO FOLLOW INDEPENDENT SAFETY INSURANCE BASED ON THEIR SAFETY COMPREHENSION
Authors: Sunarjito
Published: February 2020

Construction workers should be protected against the risk of workplace accidents through insurance programs, with premiums paid for by the contractor company they work for. But the fact that there are still many companies that do not provide this protection has led to the idea of independent safety insurance for construction workers. This paper presents the results of a survey of construction workers’ willingness to follow independent safety insurance programs, where they have to pay their own insurance premiums, based on their understanding of the principles of safety. Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) analysis of 151 construction workers surveyed in the city of Bandung, Indonesia, showed that the variable “has implemented Health and Safety” to be a good predictor for their decisions associated with the value of the premium and its coverage. A group of construction workers that tends to follow independent safety insurance program is a group of workers that often implements safety principles when performing work tasks. Meanwhile, workers that stated that they did not implement the safety principles have a tendency not to subscribe to this program. This paper concludes that at least some construction workers are willing to subscribe to the independent safety insurance program and pay premiums comparable to the coverage.
IDENTIFYING THE EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE DEFLECTION IN REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS
Authors: Ogbeifun E. , Pretorius J. H. , Mbohwa C.
Published: February 2020

In framed reinforced concrete structures, the beams transfer the dead and live loads to the column and then to the foundation. When there are observed structural failures in systems supported by the beam, the functional state of the beams should be ascertained before any further detailed investigations are initiated. The correct diagnosis of the source of the problem is essential to design an effective rehabilitation scheme. Simple visual inspections corroborated with field tests for true beam horizontality can provide the lead information that will guide the clients’ scope of further investigations. Case studies addressed the research questions; the research data was collected by reviewing previous investigation reports on a three-story building, then conducting physical inspections and simple site experiments to identify the lead information. The results reveal that multiple cracks observed in the partition walls, especially in the second floors, were as a result of excessive deflections in the beams supporting the first and second floors. Subsequent investigations confirmed this lead information and appropriate rehabilitation schemes were adopted.
INTEGRATED MULTIPLE TUNED MASS DAMPERS FOR TALL BUILDINGS
Authors: Moon Kyoung Sun
Published: February 2020

As tall buildings become taller and more slender, wind-induced vibration is a serious design issue. Installing auxiliary damping devices, such as tuned mass dampers (TMD), is a very reliable solution. TMDs are usually large and located near the top of tall buildings for their effective performance. As a result, very valuable occupiable space near the top of tall buildings is sacrificed to contain large TMDs, and installing TMD systems results in adding additional masses to tall buildings. In order to address these issues, more integrated TMD systems for tall buildings are studied. First, distributing multiple small TMDs to multiple upper floors of tall buildings is investigated. The study results suggest this can be done without substantial loss of the effectiveness of the system. Second, designing existing masses in tall buildings to provide damping mechanism is studied. An emphasis is placed on studying the potential of double skin façades (DSF) as an integrated damping system. For this, the connectors between the inner and outer skins of the DSF system are designed to have very low axial stiffness, and the outer skin masses of the DSF system is utilized as damping mass. Wind-induced vibration of tall building structure can be substantially reduced through this design. Finally, TMD/DSF interaction system is studied to synergistically enhance the performance of the TMD and DSF damping systems.
LIQUEFACTION COUNTERMEASURE METHODS USING A COMBINATION OF PILES AND RAFT FOUNDATIONS
Authors: Yamamoto Haruyuki , Huang He , Kojima Rihito
Published: February 2020

Saturated loose sandy ground is easily liquefied and damaged during earthquake shaking. In recent years, seismic design that takes into account liquefaction has become required in various kinds of standard specifications. Some countermeasures for liquefaction have been developed, including soil improvement techniques and seismic reinforcement using piles. This paper reports on liquefaction countermeasure methods using a combination of piles and raft foundations. Raft foundations with sallow soil improvement could reduce the differential settlement of building. The piles could share parts of lateral loading during sand liquefaction and reduce the shear deformation of the ground surrounded by piles. The purpose of this research is to understand the lateral-loading share ratio of piles and shear-deformation reduction rate of ground with different pile spacings. It will attempt to solve engineering questions on designing piles foundations against sand liquefaction, both in simplified terms and in terms of providing a basic understanding for appropriate analytical platforms. The performance of piles in liquefying ground under lateral loading is a complex problem, so to simplify it, our research is two-fold: 1) the lateral-loading share ratio of piles, and 2) shear deformations reduction rate of ground. This paper focuses on the first part: the lateral-loading share ratio of piles.
WIND TUNNEL TEST FOR CALCULATING WIND FORCES ON SCAFFOLDS WITH BASEBOARD HEIGHT AS A PARAMETER
Authors: Takahashi Hiroki , Ohdo Katsutoshi , Takanashi Seiji
Published: February 2020

The Japanese Industrial Safety and Health Law was revised in March 2009 to introduce new measures concerning accidental falls in the construction industry. This revision mandates the use of guard rails, handrails, and other scaffold components. The wind load criteria and structural specifications of scaffolds are regulated by current design codes. Nevertheless, these provisions do not necessarily comply with the newly incorporated legal requirements because they apply to old-style scaffolds. This study examined the wind force on scaffolds by wind tunnel test, with baseboard height used as a parameter. The wind force coefficient of one story of scaffolds was calculated. Wind force coefficient increased as baseboard height increased. The wind force on the scaffolds equipped with baseboards is 9.2 times that on the scaffolds without baseboards. The baseboard must be greater than or equal to 15 cm to satisfy regulation requirements. The wind force coefficient of scaffolds with a 15 cm baseboard is 1.5 times that of the scaffolds without a baseboard. In scaffold design, baseboard height should be considered to guarantee a suitable wind force coefficient.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WARM MIX ASPHALT CONCRETE APPLICATION USING ADVERA
Authors: Suanpaga Weerakaset , Witayakul Watcharin , Chotichanathawewong Somsak , Piti-khunpongsuk Thaweesak
Published: February 2020

The article presents the study of physical characteristics of warm mix asphalt cement concrete (WMA), components designed by the Marshall Method. Stability, flow rate, strength index, air void, and percent voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) of a total of 77 specimens were examined as a general standard specification test of the Department of Highways, Thailand. Limestone was used as aggregate. Adhesive mixtures of asphalt grade 60/70 were mixed with admixture “ADVERA” to the ratios of 0.20%, 0.25%, and 0.30% by weight of aggregate. WMA-mixing and compaction temperatures were controlled at 115°C, 120°C, and 125°C. The results were that the asphalt cement mixed with 0.25% of ADVERA (by total mixed) at 125°C shows the best mechanical properties standard, with higher value of stability (2,200lbs, i.e., more than the standard 1,800lbs), flow rate, air void, VMA and hardness index. Finally, this study indicates that asphalt concrete added with admixture ADVERA (WMA) could reduce the mixing and compaction temperature during production processes from >160°C to ≤ 125°C.
SODIUM SILICATE ACTIVATED SLAG-FLY ASH CEMENT
Authors: Vermeulen Jan Pieter , Lloyd Natalie
Published: February 2020

This research examines an alternative binder, Alkali Activated Cement (AAC), examining the fresh and hardened mechanical properties of twelve AAC mortar mixes with varying mixture proportions of blast-furnace slag, fly ash, sodium silicate (the alkali activator), and additional water. In addition to the Slag-Fly Ash mortars, nine mixtures with blast-furnace slag, silica fume, aluminum hydrate, sodium silicate, and water were tested. For all mortars, the compressive strength was exponentially related to the water/activator-solids ratio. Mortar strengths at 28 days ranged from 5 MPa to 20 MPa. Increasing the slag to binder-solids ratio from 0.1 to 0.2 increased the strength with water to binder ratios from 0.2 to 0.4. However, rapid or almost instantaneous setting times were observed for a slag to binder-solids ratio of 0.2. The research concluded that using a carefully chosen mix design can prevent quick setting while still achieving high strength and acceptable workability. It is suggested the CaO to binder-solids ratio remain below 0.07; a sodium silicate to binder solids ratio of around 0.25 is optimal; a water to binder-solids ratio should be around 0.3. When replacing fly ash, a Si/Al ratio above 2 is recommended. This research concluded that other solids (Silica Fume and Aluminum Hydrate) could replace Slag and/or Fly Ash if the overall chemical balance of the system is maintained.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF GEOPOLYMER CONCRETE WITH MINERAL ADMIXTURES
Authors: Pham Khoa Vo Anh , Kang Hyemi , Ahn Namshik
Published: February 2020

Concrete has contributed to the development of modern architectural culture, but the cement as an adhesive agent for concrete produces large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions into the air during the manufacturing process. This study researches the practical use of structure, through the verification of structural stability, for geopolymer concrete. This is part of the development of core technology for greenhouse gas emission reduction by reducing energy consumption in construction, an industry that occupies 25% of the total energy consumption in South Korea. According to the experimental results of chemical reaction (i.e., acid reaction, sulfate resistance reaction and corrosion caused by sodium chloride) of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete, the theory and SEM analysis demonstrated that geopolymer concrete was acid resistant, sulfate resistant, and resistant to corrosion caused by sodium chloride. The basic properties were understood through qualitative analysis of a geopolymer concrete specimen using SEM, and through a study on the practical use of structure by verifying structural stability for geopolymer concrete, as part of development of technology. After future experiments and tests, the best geopolymer concrete ratio and curing method will provide a guideline.