bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking Feminism in Colonial Korea: Kang Kyǒngae and 1930s Socialist Women's Literature
Authors: Park Sunyoung
Published: December 2013

In the early 1930s, a new group of women writers with a leftist inclination emerged on the Korean literary scene. Some critics have questioned the feminist commitment of these writers, suggesting that their works may have subordinated the cause of women's liberation to that of a socialist revolution. In critically assessing this view, this article embeds the works of women writers in their contemporary social and cultural context. The focus of discussion throughout are the works of Kang Kyǒngae, perhaps the most prominent and representative writer of the group. Leftist women such as Kang, it is argued, espoused socialism not as an alternative to feminism but as a variant feminist outlook in order to address the interest of lower-class women. Kang's portraits of proletarian women contested from a class perspective the contemporary cult of domesticity, which was promoted by both colonial authorities and Korean nationalists. And while Kang refrained from openly confronting the socialist patriarchy, she criticized it in its quotidian form, the chauvinism of leftist male intellectuals. Alongside a socialist commitment, the suggestion is that leftist women's literature had a genuinely feminist function within the discursive environment of colonial Korea.
Gefitinib, Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, and Leucovorin (IFOX) Regimen for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Alicia S. , Solimando Dominic A. , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: December 2013

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Adverse Drug Reactions: A Retrospective Review of Hospitalized Patients at a State Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Iuppa Courtney A. , Nelson Leigh Anne , Elliott Ellie , Sommi Roger W.
Published: December 2013

Background

There is a paucity of information regarding adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in psychiatric patients. Information on common and preventable ADRs (pADRs) in psychiatric patients will allow for targeted improvement projects.

Objective

To characterize reported ADRs and pharmacist interventions to prevent ADRs in an extended-care state psychiatric hospital.

Methods

Four years of ADR reports were assessed for probability, reaction severity, pharmacological class of medication involved, preventability, change in therapy, and transfers to a medical facility. The pharmacist intervention database was queried for interventions classified as “prevention of ADR.” The interventions were assessed for type of medication and recommendation acceptance.

Results

Medication classes responsible for ADRs included mood stabilizers (30%), typical antipsychotics (25%), atypical antipsychotics (25%), and antidepressants (8%). Nine percent resulted in transfer to a medical facility. Of all ADRs, 34.4% were pADRs; mood stabilizers (41%) and atypical antipsychotics (27%) were the most common pADRs. The most common causes of pADRs were supratherapeutic serum concentrations, drug-drug interactions, and history of reaction. There were 87 pharmacist interventions that were classified as “prevention of ADR,” and the acceptance rate of pharmacists’ recommendations was 96.5%. Mood stabilizers (20%), atypical antipsychotics (17%), and typical antipsychotics (11%) were commonly associated with prevented ADRs. Lithium accounted for 13.8% of prevented ADRs; these ADRs were most often due to a drug–drug interaction with a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Conclusions

ADRs were most commonly associated with mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, and pADRs were common. There is an opportunity to provide education to medical staff on therapeutic drug monitoring and drug–drug interactions for these classes, particularly lithium.
Prothrombin Complex Concentrate
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: December 2013

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The December 2013 monograph topics are vortioxetine, mechlorethamine gel, brimonidine tartrate topical gel, obinutuzumab, and miltefosine. The DUE/MUE is on vortioxetine.
Revisiting Hospital Readmissions
Authors: Fox Brent I. , Felkey Bill G.
Published: December 2013

Is your hospital addressing the readmission rate? Maybe efforts are underway, but pharmacy is not directly involved. Although many believe the readmission reduction program needs changes to better reflect quality care, the program is in place and likely impacts your institution. We provide a broad overview of the program and try to sensitize you to the technologies that can support medication-related efforts.
Fetal ovarian cyst: 2- and 3-dimensional ultrasound as a new diagnostic method to rule out ovarian torsion
Authors: Triunfo Stefania , Rosati Paolo , Lanzone Antonio , Scambia Giovanni
Published: December 2013

Owing to the improvement in obstetric ultrasound imaging, prenatal diagnosis of ovarian masses has increased considerably. Fetal ovarian cysts can be suspected when an ultrasound scan shows intra-abdominal structures in female fetuses in the presence of normal bowel and urinary structures. The most common complication is the adnexal torsion, causing partial or complete strangulation of blood supply via ovarian vessels, leading ovarian ischemia, or necrosis. Current information regarding the treatment of fetal ovarian cysts is based on personal experiences and some case series. The management is controversial, characterized by dissimilar approaches, such as “wait and see”, prenatal or postnatal aspiration, or neonatal surgery. In more than half of the cases, spontaneous regression occurs in the prenatal or postnatal period, probably due to the small size and simple aspect. Large cysts may cause both local effects (adnexal torsion, ovarian autoamputation), and distant effects (intestinal and urinary obstruction, adhesion with adjacent organs, abdominal and thoracic mass effect, pulmonary hypoplasia, hemoperitoneum, ascites, polyhyramniosis). In the absence of accurate guidelines for management, we must start with the development of more accurate methods for diagnosing associated complications such as torsion. This case report describes the role of three-dimensional (3-D) ultrasonography as potential diagnostic method for ruling out adnexal torsion when an ovarian cyst is present.
Pulp delignification with oxygen and copper(II)-polyimine complexes
Authors: Gueneau Basile , Marlin Nathalie , Deronzier Alain , Lachenal Dominique
Published: December 2013

Ten Cu(II)-polyimine complexes were tested as potential catalysts in oxygen delignification of softwood kraft pulps. The ligands were chosen from the terpyridine and the phenanthroline families, including several neocuproines. One diamine-phenanthrene (daphen) was also investigated. The main purpose was to examine whether the presence of methyl or phenyl substituents would direct the oxidation toward lignin. As a catalyst for comparison, unsubstituted 1,10-phenanthroline was selected, which is known to activate both delignification and carbohydrate degradation during oxygen bleaching of kraft pulp. The variation of ligands was aiming at the complex solubility and redox potential of the parameters. The experiments were performed on a mixture of mechanical pulp and fully bleached kraft pulps, a fully bleached pulp alone, and an industrial unbleached pulp. Concerning the oxygen activation in delignification of kraft pulp, 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline was as good as 1,10-phenanthroline, but appeared to be more selective, which resulted in a higher DPv of cellulose after treatment. This was interpreted by the structural similarities between the ligand and the kraft lignin and by a better stability of the intermediate complex with lignin. Two Cu(II)-phenanthroline derivatives complexes (4,7- and 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) were also identified as effective oxygen activators for the removal of native lignin.
Off-axis tensile strength and evaluation of the in-plane shear strength of paper
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi , Yoshinobu Masahiro
Published: December 2013

The off-axis tensile strength (OATS) of copy paper, filter paper, and sack paper was obtained from dog-bone specimens. The relationship between OATS and the off-axis angle (OAA) was predicted under several failure conditions. Additionally, the shear strengths (SS) of these papers were evaluated based on the results of OAT tests. The OATS could be accurately predicted under several Hill-type failure conditions. An equation for deriving the in-plane SS of these papers was proposed based on the tensile strength of the specimen with a 35° OAA, in which the contribution of the shear stress component was maximum.
Fatty acid metabolism, energy expenditure and insulin resistance in muscle
Authors: Turner Nigel , Cooney Gregory J , Kraegen Edward W , Bruce Clinton R
Published: December 2013

Fatty acids (FAs) are essential elements of all cells and have significant roles as energy substrates, components of cellular structure and signalling molecules. The storage of excess energy intake as fat in adipose tissue is an evolutionary advantage aimed at protecting against starvation, but in much of today's world, humans are faced with an unlimited availability of food, and the excessive accumulation of fat is now a major risk for human health, especially the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Since the first recognition of the association between fat accumulation, reduced insulin action and increased risk of T2D, several mechanisms have been proposed to link excess FA availability to reduced insulin action, with some of them being competing or contradictory. This review summarises the evidence for these mechanisms in the context of excess dietary FAs generating insulin resistance in muscle, the major tissue involved in insulin-stimulated disposal of blood glucose. It also outlines potential problems with models and measurements that may hinder as well as help improve our understanding of the links between FAs and insulin action.
The Wsc1p Cell Wall Signaling Protein Controls Biofilm (Mat) Formation Independently of Flo11p in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sarode Neha , Davis Sarah E , Tams Robert N , Reynolds Todd B
Published: December 2013

Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains of the ∑1278b background generate biofilms, referred to as mats, on low-density agar (0.3%) plates made with rich media (YPD). Mat formation involves adhesion of yeast cells to the surface of the agar substrate and each other as the biofilm matures, resulting in elaborate water channels that create filigreed patterns of cells. The cell wall adhesion protein Flo11p is required for mat formation; however, genetic data indicate that other unknown effectors are also required. For example, mutations in vacuolar protein sorting genes that affect the multivesicular body pathway, such as vps27∆, cause mat formation defects independently of Flo11p, presumably by affecting an unidentified signaling pathway. A cell wall signaling protein, Wsc1p, found at the plasma membrane is affected for localization and function by vps27∆. We found that a wsc1∆ mutation disrupted mat formation in a Flo11p-independent manner. Wsc1p appears to impact mat formation through the Rom2p-Rho1p signaling module, by which Wsc1p also regulates the cell wall. The Bck1p, Mkk1/Mkk2, Mpk1p MAP kinase signaling cascade is known to regulate the cell wall downstream of Wsc1p-Rom2p-Rho1p but, surprisingly, these kinases do not affect mat formation. In contrast, Wsc1p may impact mat formation by affecting Skn7p instead. Skn7p can also receive signaling inputs from the Sln1p histidine kinase; however, mutational analysis of specific histidine kinase receiver residues in Skn7p indicate that Sln1p does not play an important role in mat formation, suggesting that Skn7p primarily acts downstream of Wsc1p to regulate mat formation.
Unusual Foreign Body in the Nasal Cavity of an Adult with Repaired Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Ravikumar Nagabhairava , Shekhar M. Guna , Prasad S. Raghavendra , Lalitha N. , Raju P. Ramanjaneya , Natesh Y.A.
Published: December 2013

Intranasal foreign bodies arising from dental clinical practice, especially in patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) occur rarely and are very scarce in the literature. This article reports an unusual case of a dental impression material presenting as a foreign body in the nasal cavity of an adult with repaired CLP who presented for dental prosthetic rehabilitation. To our knowledge, this is only the second report presenting nasal foreign body in a cleft patient arising due to a dental impression procedure.
Curvilinear Transformation of Z-Shaped Upper Lip Scar by Diamond-Shaped Excision in Secondary Cleft Lip Deformities: A Photogrammetric Evaluation
Authors: Han Kihwan , Jeong Hoijoon , Hyun Choi Tae , Hyung Kim Jun , Son Daegu
Published: December 2013

Purpose

The visible Z-shaped upper lip scar that occurs after the Tennison and Randall triangular flap technique remains a cleft stigma. Herein, we present our curvilinear transformation technique for the Z-shaped upper lip scar by diamond-shaped excision and evaluate the results using photogrammetric analyses.

Patients and Methods

From 1997 to 2006, 23 patients with secondary cleft lip deformity with the visible Z-shaped upper lip scar underwent correction with the technique. The scar was excised in the diamond shape above the muscle. After curvilinear closure, the elongated length of the upper lip was excised just below the nostril sill, as the measured Cupid's bow height discrepancy. The result was assessed by the authors' standardized photogrammetry technique.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease between the preoperative central limb of the Z-shaped scar and the width of the postoperative curvilinear upper lip scar. The pre- and postoperative Cupid's bow height differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The curvilinear transformation of the Z-shaped scar is an efficient procedure that provides (1) a significant decrease in the width of an upper lip scar to make it less conspicuous, (2) incorporation of the scar into the philtral column, (3) a biconcave natural philtral column shape in frontal view, and (4) formation of the natural concave philtral contour in profile view.
Nasal Profile Changes with Le Fort I Maxillary Advancement Surgery
Authors: Marşan Gülnaz , Hocaoğlu Emre , Cura Nil , Emekli Ufuk
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to quantify anteroposterior facial soft tissue changes with respect to underlying skeletal movements after Le Fort I maxillary advancement surgery by using lateral cephalograms taken before and after the operation.

Materials and Methods

The study group consisted of 20 patients (10 women, 10 men; mean age 23.4 ±1.4 years) having a Class III skeletal deformity caused by a retrognathic maxilla. All patients were treated by Le Fort I maxillary advancement osteotomy. Lateral cephalograms were taken before and 1.6 ± 0.4 years after surgery.

Results

The anteroposterior position of A-point and anteroposterior position of maxillary incisor were significantly protracted (–2.69 ± 3.34 and 2.68 ± 3.21, respectively; P < .01). The nasal anteroposterior and superoinferior positions (NASALAP and NASALSI, respectively) were significantly changed (–2.70 ± 6.81, P < .01, and 2.55 ± 5.80, P < .05, respectively) and nasal elevation and protraction were observed after Le Fort I maxillary advancement surgery.

Conclusions

The changes in anteroposterior and superoinferior positions of A-point were correlated with the nasal superoinferior position (r = −0.71, P < .05; r = 0.72, P < .05) after Le Fort I maxillary advancement surgery.
Native American College Student Persistence
Authors: Mosholder Richard , Goslin Christopher
Published: December 2013

Native American students are the most likely racial/ethnic group tracked in post-secondary American education to be affected by poverty and limited access to educational opportunities. In addition, they are the most likely to be required to take remedial course work and are the least likely to graduate from college. A review of the literature was undertaken to analyze the research and opinions directed toward improving Native American student persistence and academic success at the post-secondary level. Five factors emerged during this review that support Native American student post-secondary persistence. These are skill development, family and peer support, appropriate role-models, awareness and use of financial aid, and a culturally sensitive school environment.
The impact of postoperative pain on early ambulation after hip fracture
Authors: Dubljanin-Raspopovic E. , Markovic-Denic L. , Zivkovic K. , Nedeljkovic U. , Tomanovic S. , Kadija M. , Tulic G. , Bumbasirevic M.
Published: December 2013

Hip fractures are the most serious consequence of falling in older people
with osteoporosis. Early ambulation is one of the main goals of inpatient
rehabilitation aimed at reducing negative effects of immobilization, and
promoting functional recovery. Recognizing the role of different factors that
are associated with time to ambulation time after hip fracture surgery may
help decrease morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to
examine the impact of postoperative pain time to ambulation following hip
fracture surgery. A total of 96 patients who consecutively presented at the
Clinic for Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Clinical Center Serbia
during a 6 month period were included in the study. Subjects were assessed
regarding socioedemographic characteristics, prefracture functional status,
cognitive status, general health status, fracture type, type of anaesthesia,
and waiting time for surgery. The VAS scale (0-100) was used to measure pain
intensity on the first postoperative day. Our results revealed that patients,
whose time to ambulation was =48h postoperatively were of worse physical
health, and had significantly higher VAS score on the first postoperative
day. Unrelieved pain in geriatric hip fracture patients is associated with
delayed ambulation. Future research should confirm the positive effects of
aggressive pain management programs on early functional outcome in elderly
patients who sustain hip fractures.
Deterministically guided differential evolution for constrained power dispatch with prohibited operating zones
Authors: Jasper J. , Aruldoss Albert Victoire T.
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a new approach to solve economic load dispatch (ELD) problem in thermal units with non-convex cost functions using differential evolution technique (DE). In practical ELD problem, the fuel cost function is highly non linear due to inclusion of real time constraints such as valve point loading, prohibited operating zones and network transmission losses. This makes the traditional methods fail in finding the optimum solution. The DE algorithm is an evolutionary algorithm with less stochastic approach to problem solving than classical evolutionary algorithms.DE have the potential of simple in structure, fast convergence property and quality of solution. This paper presents a combination of DE and variable neighborhood search (VNS) to improve the quality of solution and convergence speed. Differential evolution (DE) is first introduced to find the locality of the solution, and then VNS is applied to tune the solution. To validate the DE-VNS method, it is applied to four test systems with non-smooth cost functions. The effectiveness of the DE-VNS over other techniques is shown in general.
Canonical correlation analysis for functional data
Authors: Krzyśko Mirosław , Waszak Łukasz
Published: December 2013

Classical canonical correlation analysis seeks the associations between two data sets, i.e. it searches for linear combinations of the original variables having maximal correlation. Our task is to maximize this correlation, and is equivalent to solving a generalized eigenvalue problem. The maximal correlation coefficient (being a solution of this problem) is the first canonical correlation coefficient. In this paper we propose a new method of constructing canonical correlations and canonical variables for a pair of stochastic processes represented by a finite number of orthonormal basis functions.
Performance Study of Solar Power Source for Wireless Systems
Authors: Mazurek Gustaw
Published: December 2013

Photovoltaic (PV) technology is an attractive power source for systems with no wired connections to any network. Because of seasonal variations of solar irradiation, designing such a system requires careful analysis in order to provide required level of reliability. In this paper we present results of 16-month measurements of experimental PV system located in Poland. Obtained irradiation values have been verified with reference data from independent sources. The results of this work may be helpful in forecasting the performance of similar PV systems in the same region and allow to make more precise forecasts of power system performance than based only on average monthly irradiation tables.
Noncircularity of Demodulated Radar Signal
Authors: Rytel-Andrianik Rafał
Published: December 2013

The output of the quadrature demodulator is generally regarded as a complex signal that is circular if only the demodulator is well balanced. In the paper we analyze properties of quadrature demodulators, particularly digital one, and show that the output is noncircular also if the input signal is nonstationary. Then we find sources of this noncircularity and show that they stem from transients of the low-pass demodulator filter. This is quite important because nonstationary inputs are quite typical in radar where power of echoes depends strongly on range. In the first sections we also review complex random signals and properties of circularity and properness.
The northernmost occurrence of the Lower Berriasian ammonite Pseudosubplanites grandis (Štramberk Limestone, Outer Western Carpathians, Czech Republic)
Authors: Vašíček Zdeněk , Skupien Petr , Jirásek Jakub
Published: December 2013

The first finding of the index ammonite Pseudosubplanites grandis (Mazenot, 1939) in the Lower Berriasian Štramberk Limestone (Outer Western Carpathians, northeastern Czech Republic) is important from the point of view of both the paleogeographical distribution of this species and of more precisely defining the upper boundary of the Štramberk Limestone (Early Berriasian Berriasella jacobi Zone) formerly regarded as Late Tithonian in age. From the taxonomical point of view, new data on a non-deformed cross-section of the adult whorl and above all on the shape of the adult suture line of this species have been obtained.
Hardware Techniques for Improving the Calibration Performance of Direct Resistive Sensor-to-Microcontroller Interface
Authors: Kokolanski Zivko , Gavrovski Cvetan , Dimcev Vladimir , Makraduli Mario
Published: December 2013

Direct sensor-to-microcontroller is a simple approach for direct interface of passive modulating sensors to a microcontroller without any active components in between the sensor and the microcontroller and without an analog to digital converter. The metrological performances of such interface circuits are limited by certain microcontroller parameters which are predetermined by the manufacturing technology. These limitations can be improved by specific hardware-related techniques and can improve the accuracy, speed and resolution of the measurements. Such hardware solutions as well as proper selection of the electrical components are addressed in this paper. It has been shown that employment of only a few MOSFET transistors can reduce the maximal relative error of single point calibration more than fifteen times and can increase the measuring speed around 30 % in all calibration techniques in the measurement range of PT1000 resistive temperature sensors. Moreover, the effective number of resolution bits increases by more than 1.3 bits when using an external comparator.
Correction of the Refraction Phenomenon in Photogrammetric Measurement Systems
Authors: Samper David , Santolaria Jorge , Majarena Ana Cristina , Aguilar Juan José
Published: December 2013

This paper presents a method of correcting the effects caused by refraction phenomena in an optical measurement system. The correction algorithm proposed can be applied in many different photogrammetric applications affected by these effects. To validate this algorithm, a foot sole optical measurement system that uses several cameras to build a mesh of a foot sole has been used. This measurement system has six cameras that are protected by a safety glass that separates the cameras from the foot to be measured. The safety glass produces an air-glass-air interface that causes the refraction phenomena, producing deformations in the images. Due to the deformations it is impossible to obtain reliable metric information of the images captured using the measurement system. The developed correction algorithm is based on a grid layout and associated polynomials and makes it possible to correct the deformations and extract accurate metric information.
Ars Vitae and Sport
Authors: Bednář Miloš
Published: December 2013

Our study aims to contribute to the approach of leading an optimal life and especially to the role of sport and physical activities in this life.

First, we have tried to find the optimal personal qualities which may be proper for the ars vitae (the art of life). Five of them (creativity, calculation, cooperation, concentration, and credibility) were chosen (on the empirical bases of long-time ethical seminars with students studying physical education) and annotated. This was done taking into account the practical applicability in sport.

Further, we have focused on proper biodromal projects, which are based on some traditional models. We judge sport can significantly contribute to the study three of these; at the same time, they are very useful in the sphere of sport. Thus the opposites of the Dionysian and Apollonian tendency of life, and the authentic and inauthentic one, were chosen for closer analysis. The third proper model (hedonism versus asceticism) was examined in an earlier study. More attention has been paid to antagonistic and integrative models of authenticity, and our conclusion was that we ought to consider them in mixed form when periods of antagonistic authenticity are replaced with periods of integrative authenticity in real life. Concrete examples have been taken from the field of sport. Kretchmar’s structural model of the good life is connected with this field more firmly and has been critically examined in the last chapter.

In conclusion, we name four conditions for the creation of optimal biodromal projects and for forming the real ars vitae.
Sports and Recreational Activities of the Disabled From Eastern Regions of Poland
Authors: Bergier Barbara , Kubińska Zofia , Bergier Józef
Published: December 2013

The primary objective of the study was recognition of the forms of sports and recreational activities of the disabled living in the regions of Rzeszów, Lublin and Białystok, and determination of the benefits drawn by them from participation in these activities. A total number of 750 were examined. The representative group was selected by the stratified random sampling method. The study was conducted by the method of a diagnostic survey. Research material was collected by means of mutually supplementary research techniques: questionnaire, interview, observation, and analysis of documentation.

A detailed analysis of the results obtained allowed the presumption that more than half of the people with disabilities from the eastern regions of Poland participate in sports-recreational activities, with the largest number of respondents with a mild degree of disability.

The majority of respondents approach their participation in sports-recreational activities not simply as a form of therapeutic rehabilitation. Respondents most frequently participated in walks, marches, and rehabilitation gymnastics. The largest percentage of respondents had never participated in hydrobics, horseback riding, hippotherapy, and swimming.

A considerable number of the respondents would like to participate in - apart from walks, marches, and rehabilitation gymnastics - team games and swimming. According to the respondents’ opinions, forms of sports-recreational activities that are most recommended with respect to the degree and type of disability are: rehabilitation gymnastics, walks, marches, and swimming.

Due to the participation in sports-recreational and tourism activities, those with disabilities have a good general well being, their state of health improves, they make new acquaintances and social contacts, make new friends, and elevate their physical efficacy and endurance. The respondents also indicated a change from sedentary lifestyle as well as satisfaction from overcoming both imperfections of own body and anxiety resulting from disability.
Reliable analysis for time-fractional nonlinear differential difference equations
Authors: Singh Mithilesh , Prajapati R.
Published: December 2013

In this study, we used HPM to determine the approximate analytical solution of nonlinear differential difference equations of fractional time derivative. By using initial conditions, the explicit solutions of the coupled nonlinear differential difference equations have been derived which demonstrate the effectiveness, potentiality and validity of the method in reality. The present method is very effective and powerful to determine the solution of system of non-linear DDE. The numerical calculations are carried out when the initial condition in the form of hyperbolic functions and the results are shown through the graphs.
Lay-Out and Spatial Development of Towns from Great Poland in the 13th Century – Preliminary Research
Authors: Kustra Maurycy
Published: December 2013

This paper deals with the problem of shaping landscape. The examples of towns of Great Poland from the 13th century were implemented and used. Their layout was not accidental. Towns were created with a substantial dose of accuracy. A market square was precisely laid out; roads were turned straight to the nearby towns, and plots were created for townsmen. It tended to be the final product of human thought and idea. The comparison of towns’ sizes shows that the same measures and similar schemes were used. In a medieval town each and every aspect was carefully planned and wellthought- out, but sometimes it was modified due to the terrain. Subsequent generations interpreted landscape on their own and occasionally changed the layout of a town. The contemporary appearance of towns is a product of thought materialisation in the living space. That is why the landscape of towns can be analysed and read.
Suburbs, Immigrants and Ethnicity. Autobiographical Novels of Algerian Immigrants in France as an Attempt of Emancipation from Ethnic Discrimination Discourse
Authors: Kubera Jacek
Published: December 2013

The article applies to three autobiographical novels written in the 1980s and 1990s by citizens of France, second generation Algerian immigrants. The authors of these novels widely relate to their own experience of life in the suburbs of French cities. The protagonists are young people who on the one hand feel French and demand acceptance, and on the other experience acts of discrimination. Moreover, their relationship to traditional Algerian culture is also ambivalent. The place with which they identify themselves is not France, in spite of the citizenship, nor Algeria, in spite of the origin, but their own district, which is a place where they live their everyday life. The author of the article analyzes the chosen novels through the perspective of the republican model of integration which excludes recognition of ethnic origin of the citizens. The article, referring to M. Foucault’s theory of heterotopia, argues that although the novels in question sensitize French readers to the various social questions, they, paradoxically, support the typical thinking of the republican model.
City as a Potential Source of Stress
Authors: Kuświk Justyna
Published: December 2013

This article will present an analysis of a psychological reaction which may occur in people living in big cities, the so-called urban stress. The paper will concentrate mainly on describing the influence of strong sensory input (e.g. noise and pollution), which is characteristic of a big city, as well as social issues on the cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning of individuals. What is more, various consequences of the emergence of stress will be discussed. The summary of the article includes conclusions drawn from a review of research and theories.
Agrophysics - physics in agriculture and environment
Authors: Gliński Jan , Horabik Józef , Lipiec Jerzy
Published: December 2013

Agrophysics is one of the branches of natural sciences dealing with the application of physics in agriculture and environment. It plays an important role in the limitation of hazards to agricultural objects (soils, plants, agricultural products and foods) and to the environment. Soil physical degradation, gas production in soils and emission to the atmosphere, physical properties of plant materials influencing their technological and nutritional values and crop losses are examples of such hazards. Agrophysical knowledge can be helpful in evaluating and improving the quality of soils and agricultural products as well as the technological processes.
Surface and Bulk Characterization of Metallic Powders
Authors: Chasoglou D.
Published: December 2013

Metallic components manufactured via the Powder Metallurgy route require more attention in terms of adjusting the process parameters in order to control the chemistry during production. Therefore the first step towards a robust production through the Powder Metallurgy route is the characterization of the chemical features of the metal powder both on the surface and in the bulk. This review is an assortment of examples of characterization studies used for investigating different features observed in metallic powders.
Flagger Effects in Reducing the Likelihood of Rear-End Collisions for In-Platoon Vehicles in Work Zones
Authors: Avrenli K. A. , Benekohal R. , Ramezani H.
Published: December 2013

Rear-end collisions are among the most dominant crash types in work zones. Three factors may increase the potential of rear-end collisions in work zones: following too closely, speeding, and faster trailing. This study explores the effectiveness of flaggers in reducing the frequency of these three factors. Eleven data sets were collected from five single-lane work zones with no lane change opportunity. Time gap and speed data for around 4,600 in-platoon vehicles were used. Statistical analyses were based on the frequency of the three factors. According to the results, during flagger presence and a 45 mph speed limit, the probability that a vehicle in platoon would follow too closely was reduced by 60% to 69% compared with a 45 mph or 55 mph speed limit and no flagger. The probability that a vehicle would speed by at least 5 mph at short time gaps was reduced by 28% to 72% during flagger presence and a 45 mph speed limit compared with a 55 mph speed limit and no flagger and by 85% to 95% during flagger presence and a 45 mph speed limit compared with a 45 mph speed limit and no flagger. Work zones with a 45 mph speed limit and no flagger were also found to be more hazardous for speeding at short time gaps than work zones with a 55 mph speed limit and no flagger. Only two of the vehicles were found to faster trail at short time gaps. Because of the low frequency, no statistical analysis was conducted for faster-trailing vehicles.
Motorists' Understanding of Automated Flagger Assistance Devices in Work Zones
Authors: Trout Nada D. , Finley Melisa D. , Ullman Brooke R.
Published: December 2013

Automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs) are designed to be operated remotely by a flagger positioned outside the travel lanes and thus to reduce their exposure to vehicular traffic. There are two types of AFADs: one type uses a remote-controlled stop and slow sign to alternate the right-of-way and the other uses remote-controlled red and yellow lenses to alternate the right-of-way. A gate arm is required only with the latter. Although AFADs may have increased the safety of flaggers, there were concerns that motorists might have misunderstood AFADs and proceeded before it had been safe to do so. As part of a recent Texas Department of Transportation project, Texas A&M Transportation Institute researchers conducted surveys to assess motorists' understanding of both types of AFADs. For the stop–slow AFAD, a newly designed “Wait on Stop–Go on Slow” symbol sign resulted in the highest percentage of participants who understood that they should stop and remain stopped until the AFAD indicated that it was safe to proceed. However, for all of the stop–slow AFAD treatments, a portion of the participants indicated that they would have stopped and then proceeded instead of waiting until the AFAD displayed the slow sign. Thus researchers recommend that a gate arm be required with stop–slow AFADs. For the red–yellow lens AFAD, participants understood the stop phase. However, there was evidence of a lack of understanding of the difference between the proceed and transition phases. Even so, the use of the gate arm appeared to inform motorists when to proceed and when to stop.
Assessment of Durability of Wet Night Visible Pavement Markings
Authors: Gibbons Ronald B. , Williams Brian , Cottrell Benjamin
Published: December 2013

This paper describes the visibility experiment conducted as part of a research effort to establish the durability of pavement markings in an on-road installation. Six marking technologies were installed on a portion of Route 460 in Blacksburg, Virginia. A human factors experiment in natural rain conditions was performed to establish the visibility needs of the driver. The retroreflectivity of the markings was measured at intervals of 2 to 5 months, with six measurements over the course of 23 months (these data are discussed in a separate paper). Previous research suggested that a minimum retroreflectivity of 150 mcd/m2/lx should be maintained to meet drivers' visibility needs. As part of this research, a human factors experiment was conducted to test the validity of this recommendation. The distance at which participants could detect the end of a pavement marking was measured as well as the retroreflectivity of the marking at those points. The relationship of detection distance and retroreflectivity found in this study suggests that as retroreflectivity increases beyond 150 mcd/m2/lx, there are diminishing returns on detection distance. This finding suggests that the recommended minimum is appropriate for providing increased visibility for drivers, while keeping retroreflectivity requirements at a reasonable level for marking manufacturers.
Analysis of Sign Damage and Failure
Authors: Boggs Wesley , Heaslip Kevin , Louisell Chuck
Published: December 2013

Since the establishment of minimum retroreflectivity levels, agencies and researchers alike have focused on determining the service life of different sheeting type and color combinations. Although deterioration curves and measured retroreflectivity are viable methods for maintaining retroreflectivity compliance, they do not ensure that a traffic sign will convey its intended message. Retroreflectivity efficiency ensures only visibility but does not properly describe the legibility of the sign. In 2011, a data collection effort was conducted by researchers at Utah State University to assess the performance of traffic signs under the Utah Department of Transportation's (DOT) jurisdiction. At its completion, 1,716 traffic signs had been recorded. The researchers determined that the sample sign population was 93% compliant with the minimum retroreflectivity levels. Even though the majority of traffic signs were performing above the minimum retroreflectivity levels, 28% were so damaged that the legibility of the sign could be questioned. Because signs under the Utah DOT's jurisdiction had rates of damage higher than rates of failure, analysis was conducted to determine the contributing factors that led to increased damage rates. Climate and location data were combined with the known location of each traffic sign with the use of geographic information system software. It was determined that average annual precipitation, elevation, seasonal temperature swing, and the exposure of the sign were all contributing factors to higher damage rates.
Development of Texture Measurement System Based on Continuous Profiles from Three-Dimensional Scanning System
Authors: Huang Yaxiong (Robin) , Copenhaver Todd , Hempel Phillip , Mikhail Magdy
Published: December 2013

Pavement texture is an important indicator of road serviceability. Pavement texture is directly linked to pavement and tire skid resistance and to traffic safety for the public. Therefore, most transportation agencies require texture data for their pavement management information systems. Current methods for measuring pavement texture that use high-speed distance sensors or three-dimensional line scan devices have shown limitations for data stability. Problems caused by vehicle vibration, bad data from optical sensors, and, most important, speed dependency related to the sensor sampling time or exposure time either make the texture results unreliable or reveal noticeable errors. The influence of speed on network-level texture data collection was studied, and a highspeed, high-precision three-dimensional texture system was developed. The experiment confirmed that improper selection of a sensor with large exposure time would result in speed dependency on measured texture data. Because the system developed in the study adopted a very small exposure time for each sampling, it could produce accurate texture data that are largely independent of vehicle speed.
Mobile Cross-Slope Measurement Method Using Lidar Technology
Authors: Tsai Yichang (James) , Ai Chengbo , Wang Zhaohua , Pitts Eric
Published: December 2013

An effective cross slope facilitates drainage on highways and prevents hydroplaning. There is a need for transportation agencies to identify and measure road sections that have noneffective cross slopes so that timely corrective maintenance can be performed. However, the traditional manual methods used by transportation agencies to measure cross slopes with a digital level are time-consuming and labor intensive; these methods are not feasible for conducting a network-level cross-slope measurement. A proposed mobile cross-slope measurement method uses emerging mobile lidar technology that can accurately and effectively conduct network-level cross-slope measurement at highway speeds. The proposed mobile cross-slope measurement method uses emerging lidar technology (lidar calibration, data acquisition, region of interest extraction, and cross-slope computation). A sensitivity study was conducted to determine the key parameter (i.e., the region of interest interval) for the proposed method. The accuracy and the repeatability of the proposed method were critically validated through testing in a controlled environment. A case study demonstrated the capability of the proposed method. The results from the controlled test show that the proposed method can achieve desirable accuracy with an average measurement difference of 0.088 from the digital-level measurements and a desirable level of repeatability with a standard deviation of less than 0.038 in three runs. The results of the case study show that the proposed method can be operated at highway speed and is promising for the assessment of network-level cross-slope adequacy.
Evaluation of Structural Response of Cracked Pavements at CEDEX Transport Research Center Test Track
Authors: Mateos Angel , Ayuso Javier P. , Jáuregui Belen Cadavid
Published: December 2013

The structural response of a flexible pavement typically is modeled with the multilayer linear elastic theory. This theory is applicable to almost all mechanistic–empirical design procedures but is also used in other fields of pavement engineering, such as in the interpretation of deflection data for assessing a pavement's structural condition. The applicability of this theory, even with some limitations, has been validated for new or undamaged pavements when the hypothesis of continuity is realistic. However, for modeling the structural response of damaged pavements, the presence of discrete cracks is not compatible with continuum mechanics theories. Three flexible sections at the CEDEX Transport Research Center test track were instrumented with sensors. The structural response under moving vehicles was systematically measured for different response variables during a full-scale experiment in which 1.3 million loads were applied. The structural response measured at the beginning of the experiment, when asphalt damage was null, was used as a reference for comparison of the evolution of response during the test. The test showed that the evolution of the response variables could be explained by continuum mechanics, in particular by linear elasticity, as soon as asphalt damage was uniformly distributed in the material. When discrete cracking appeared, the response started to deviate from the response predicted by multilayer linear elastic models. Adoption of a rational approach for determination of the modulus of the asphalt layers is shown to be important.
Cracking Behavior of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements in Belgium
Authors: Ren Dongya , Houben Lambert , Rens Luc
Published: December 2013

Continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCPs) have been used in Belgium on a large scale for more than 40 years. Under the initial standard design concept, an apparently unfavorable cracking pattern develops with a high probability of clusters of closely spaced cracks. The standard design underwent several changes addressing longitudinal reinforcement rate, depth of the reinforcement layer, presence of an asphalt interlayer, pavement thickness, concrete mix, surface finishing, and lane width. The current concept has been used since 1995, and no major distresses have occurred since then. Research was undertaken to investigate crack spacing and crack width characteristics of CRCPs under the current design concept with a focus on the influence of the differing reinforcement percentages on early-age cracking behavior of CRCPs. Several approaches were used for analysis of crack spacing, especially the probability of clusters of closely spaced cracks. Crack width data including the movement of the slab were obtained with linear variable differential transformer measurements.
A Convenient Synthesis of 4,6-Dimethyl-2-(Methylsulfonyl)Pyrimidine
Authors: Xu Defeng , Zhu Zhiling , Wang Ziqiao
Published: December 2013

A convenient and efficient three-step synthesis of 4,6-dimethyl-2-(methylsulfonyl) pyrimidine can be achieved by cyclocondensation of acetylacetone and thiourea in the presence of hydrochloric acid to yield 4,6-dimethyl-1-merc aptopyrimidine, methylation with dimethyl carbonate and tetrabutylammonium bromide to give 4,6-dimethyl-2-methyl thiopyrimidine, and oxidation with hydrogen peroxide, sodium tungstate and tetrabutylammonium bromide to afford the title compound in an overall yield of 75%.