bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Above‐ and Belowground Growth, Biomass, and Nitrogen Use in Maize and Reconstructed Prairie Cropping Systems
Authors: Dietzel Ranae , Jarchow Meghann E. , Liebman Matt
Published: February 2015

We studied temporal dynamics of above‐ and belowground growth and N use in three production systems: maize (C4 annual), reconstructed prairie (a mixture of perennial C3 and C4 species) and fertilized reconstructed prairie. Our objectives were to fill knowledge gaps about temporal patterns of growth (especially for roots), inform further experimental research, and provide quantitative datasets for modeling. A 2‐yr field study was conducted near Boone, IA, in which above‐ and belowground plant tissues were sampled repeatedly during each growing season (n = 15 aboveground, n = 4 belowground). Dry weight and tissue N concentration were measured, and growth rates and N productivity were estimated. We found that maize produced more aboveground biomass (18.4 Mg/ha) with higher growth rates that peaked later in the season compared with the two prairie treatments (9.4–14.9 Mg/ha/year). Maize allocated a smaller proportion of its biomass belowground (10%) than both prairie treatments did (20–40%). Overall the N productivity ranged from 11 to 135 kg biomass kg–1 thermal unit–1 for maize and 34 to 344 kg biomass kg–1 thermal unit–1 for both prairie treatments. Our findings provide new, quantitative data that will be useful for predicting system‐level processes of annual and perennial crops evaluated for food and biofuel production.
Nucleolus disassembly and distribution of segregated nucleolar material in prophase of root-tip meristematic cells in Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Wang Jianyue , Zhang Feixiong
Published: February 2015

This paper presents details of the process of nucleolar disassembly, studied by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in wheat root cells. In early prophase, chromatin condensation and irregular nucleolar morphology are observed, with many small particles appearing around the nucleolus. In middle prophase, the nucleolus radiates outwards; in late prophase, the fine structure of the nucleolus disappears and nucleolar material diffuses away. Using ?en bloc? silver-staining to distinguish between nucleoli and chromatin, we observed that the dispersed nucleolar material aggregates around the chromatin, forming a sheath-like perichromosomal structure that coats the chromosomes in late prophase.
Experimental investigations of effects of cooling/non cooling of EGR on two level of compression ratio in a common rail diesel engine
Authors: Gajarlawara Nilesh , Rao Gaddale , Murthy Madhu
Published: February 2015

EGR cooling is followed for many years and proven as an efficient technique
for reducing NOx-PM emissions. EGR cooling helps in emission reduction of NOx
and PM. But, it brings associated issues like cooler fouling; misfiring in
cold condition, if cooling is not bypassed, during cold start. Also, it
increases HC and CO emissions thus leading to increased loading of diesel
oxidation catalyst. In the present study, two engine operating points were
chosen from EUDC part of modified NEDC cycle for India. The two set of
compression ratios were prepared. The NOx-PM along with HC and CO emissions
were measured with 18.5CR. The emissions with cooled EGR were taken first
which form the base optimization. The cooler was removed from the EGR circuit
and same measurements were done. In the third step, the increased NOx due to
non-cooled EGR was brought to the original value by increasing the Injection
rail pressure and EGR rates simultaneously. In this process, the PM emission
was found to be increasing marginally from its optimized value. The same
experimentation was repeated for the 16.5 compression ratio. Both the
compression ratios exhibit the similar trends of emissions. The magnitude of
NOx PM, HC and CO differs for both the compression ratios. In order to meet
the baseline optimized NOx-PM emissions with prime objective to get rid of
EGR cooler and gain cost saving, reduced compression ratio found to be
promising solution. There was marginal increase in CO and HC emission with
this approach.
Statistical analysis of temperature regime change on the example of Sokobanja basin in eastern Serbia
Authors: Radivojevic Aleksandar , Martic-Bursac Natasa , Gocic Milena , Filipovic Ivan , Pavlovic Mila , Radovanovic Milan , Stricevic Ljiljana , Punisic Milan
Published: February 2015

The changes and oscillations in air temperature during the second half of the
20th and in the early 21st century, have become one of the major concerns of
almost all scientific disciplines. Such changes are noticeable both at the
local and global level. The objective of this paper is to point out that the
changes of this climate element can also be detected at the local level. The
research underlying this paper is, in terms of territory, limited to the
Sokobanja basin in Eastern Serbia. The analysis relies on the data on air
temperature for the period 1946-2012 taken from the Meteorological weather
station located in Sokobanja. The obtained data were processed in line with
the recommendations of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The
evidenced statistically significant changes in air temperature were examined
using the following statistical tests: Pettit test, Standard Normal
Homogeneity test, Buishand range test, and von Neumann test.
Impact of North Carolina’s Early Childhood Initiatives on Special Education Placements in Third Grade
Authors: Muschkin Clara G. , Ladd Helen F. , Dodge Kenneth A.
Published: February 2015

This study examines the community-wide effects of investments in two early childhood initiatives in North Carolina (Smart Start and More at Four) on the likelihood of a student being placed into special education. We take advantage of variation across North Carolina counties and years in the timing of the introduction and funding levels of the two programs to identify their effects on third-grade outcomes. We find that both programs significantly reduce the likelihood of special education placement in the third grade, resulting in considerable cost savings to the state. The effects of the two programs differ across categories of disability, but do not vary significantly across subgroups of children identified by race, ethnicity, and maternal education levels.
Tween-20 Modified Acacia nelotica and Oryza sativa Biomass for Enhanced Biosorption of Cr(VI) in Aqueous Environment
Authors: Sharma Lalit , Sharma Subhash Chander
Published: February 2015

In aqueous solution the adsorption of Cr(VI) was examined onto plant based biosorbents viz. Kekar sawdust (Acacia nelotica) and rice husk (Oryza sativa) and their non-ionic surfactant (Tween-20) modified forms. The parameters studied in this work include: contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH and metal concentration. The adsorption capacities of the biosorbents were dependent on the pH of the Cr(VI) solution, and were found to be 96.1 mg/g, 147.1 mg/g, 35.7 mg/g and 37.2 mg/g for raw Acacia nelotica, surfactant modified Acacia nelotica, raw Oryza sativa and surfactant modified Oryza sativa, respectively at optimum pH = 2. The studies revealed that the modification of biomass with Tween-20 enhanced the biosorption capacity of raw Acacia nelotica by 53%. The adsorption process was tested for Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Langmuir isotherm model fitted the data best. Desorption studies were also carried out and revealed the possibility of recycling the adsorbent and adsorbate.
Physico-Chemical Studies of Glycine, L-Alanine, L-Phenylalanine and Glycylglycine in Aqueous Triton X-100 at Different Temperatures
Authors: Ali Anwar , Shahjahan  , Malik Nisar Ahmad , Uzair Sahar , Bhushan Vidhiksha
Published: February 2015

The densities, ρ and viscosities, η of glycine (Gly), L-alanine (Ala), L-phenylalanine (Phe) and glycylglycine (Gly-Gly) in aqueous Triton X-100 (TX-100) solutions have been measured as a function of amino acid/peptide concentration at 298.15, 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15 K. The experimental data have been utilized to evaluate various thermodynamic parameters, viz., apparent molar volumes, V
2, partial molar volumes at infinite dilution, V
0
2, partial molar isobaric expansibilities, ϕ
0
2, partial molar volumes of transfer, Δ
tr

V
0
2 and A and B-coefficients of viscosity, respectively. The hydration numbers have also been calculated. The results have been discussed in terms of interactions taking place in the present systems. The structure-making/-breaking ability of the solute (amino acid/peptide) in the presence of surfactant, Triton X-100 has also been considered.
Effect of Polyacrylic Acid and Polyacrylamide on Clouding Behavior of Triton-X-100 in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Kakuste Anil D. , Borse Mahendra S. , Sonawane Gunvant H.
Published: February 2015

The cloud point (CP) of Triton-X-100 have been studied at various concentration of surfactant in pure and mixed system with water soluble polymers polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM). The CP of Triton-X-100 was found to be increases with increasing surfactant concentration. The CP of Triton-X-100 has found to decrease with increase of mass of the additives PAA and PAM. The same trend was observed for all surfactant concentrations in presence of PAA and PAM. Considering CP as a threshold temperature of the solubility, the thermodynamic parameters of the clouding process (ΔG0
cl, ΔH0
cl and ΔS0
cl) have been evaluated using “Phase Separation Model”. The results indicate that the clouding phenomenon of Triton-X-100 is exothermic and in presence of polymer additives the process is endothermic and non-spontaneous.
Model Based Approach to Study of Release Kinetics of the Drug Chlorhexidine from Hydrogels
Authors: Vitková Zuzana , Oremusová Jarmilla , Herdová Petra , Vitko Anton , Ivanková Olga
Published: February 2015

Knowledge of the release kinetics together with its (mathematical) model is inevitable for prediction of properties and optimization of dosage forms. The ability to optimize the release kinetics is a key factor in the endeavour of increasing pharmaceutical availability. The optimization may be done by a suitable choice of the dosage form or by clever distribution of the drug in the auxiliary substances or even by using an automatically working drug delivery device. This paper describes a model-based analysis and preparation of hydrogels. The following composition was used in the experiment: Chitosan – the gel creating basis; polymer, chlorhexidine – the drug; dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide – the auxiliary substance and surfactant. The release kinetics were studied at three temperatures and were evaluated by using several models (zero order, pseudo-first order, first order, Higuchi, Hixon Crowell, Weibul distribution and Korsmeyer-Peppas). It was found that the best fitting model of the drug release was the Higuchi model. So as to predict character of the release process (exothermic and spontaneous), the activation energy, activation enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs free energy were evaluated.
Assessment of a System for Debris Removal at High Speeds
Authors: Valdes-Vasquez Rodolfo , Lewis Anderson M. , Strong Kelly C.
Published: February 2015

This paper describes an exploratory case study and field test for a system for debris removal at high speeds with the aim of identifying effective practices for state departments of transportation. Highway debris represents a traffic safety problem that requires a prompt response from transportation agencies. When drivers come upon road debris, they can make erratic driving decisions to avoid the debris; as a result drivers may compromise control of their vehicles and increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident. Highway debris can also be costly to the road authorities responsible for cleaning it up because they are exposed to safety hazards when removing debris, especially on high-speed and high-volume roadways. Innovative equipment that allows for debris removal at high speeds, such as the Gator Getter, has been introduced to the market. But independent research on the safety and traffic impact of these systems has not been done. To address this gap, this study covers the purchase, installation, and evaluation of debris-removal equipment as well as best practices for its safe use. The results suggest that there are many benefits to proactive debris removal, including mitigation of safety hazards for operations and maintenance crews. However, the preliminary results also indicate some equipment-handling hazards, required modifications to the system, and the need for operator training. Further research should focus on creating guidelines for safely and effectively removing debris from the roadway to minimize the number of crashes related to debris. Transportation agencies can use this study to develop their own formal guidelines for the removal of road debris.
Quantifying the Impacts of Failures of Departments of Transportation Building Systems on Road System Users
Authors: Gatti Umberto C. , El-Anwar Omar , Migliaccio Giovanni C. , Lin Ken-Yu , Medina Yvonne
Published: February 2015

Because of the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008 and the subsequent economic downturn, funding for transportation agencies has been consistently reduced. This lack of funds prevents the building assets of transportation agencies from being efficiently maintained, so failures may occur that discontinue employees’ operations and activities and affect transportation system users. Thus, to maximize the use of available funding, it is compelling to create innovative tools and techniques capable of estimating how potential failures can affect employees’ activities and, eventually, transportation system users. Facility managers and decision makers could use such estimates to make decisions on maintenance of building assets that would minimize the risks of disruptions to employees and transportation system users. Among the capital assets of the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT), transportation equipment fund (TEF) shops are crucial in ensuring timely and effective care and maintenance of the majority of state vehicles and equipment. Therefore, any disruption of the operations of TEF shop facilities could significantly affect not only the Washington State DOT's vehicles and equipment maintenance but also the department's ability to fulfill its core mission. Given the importance of TEF shops, this exploratory case study investigates the failures that have occurred or are likely to occur in these facilities and employs discrete-event simulation to quantify the consequences of such failures on the shop activities and road users.
Recommended Laboratory Test for Predicting the Initial Retroreflectivity of Pavement Markings from Glass Bead Quality
Authors: Smadi Omar , Hawkins Neal , Aldemir-Bektas Basak , Carlson Paul , Pike Adam , Davies Chris
Published: February 2015

Pavement markings contribute to motorist safety by providing much-needed guidance along the roadway in both daytime and nighttime conditions. Basic characteristics of pavement marking, such as color, width, and placement, are defined clearly in the current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; however, nighttime visibility is not. Roadway agencies are left to decide the minimum retroreflectivity thresholds with which they are comfortable—if retroreflectivity is monitored at all—and how they will achieve these thresholds within the ever-expanding market of choices. This paper summarizes the results of an NCHRP project that developed a recommended laboratory test to predict the initial retroreflectivity of pavement markings in the field on the basis of the quality of the glass beads. This effort consisted of two key components: a laboratory test and a field verification. The study considered only AASHTO M 247 Type I glass beads in 15-mil waterborne paint. The research team developed a drawdown laboratory test to determine the potential retroreflectivity in the lab. The test was calibrated and validated with a field test. The drawdown is rapid (preparation and testing takes 24 h), repeatable and reproducible, cost-effective, and easy to use.
Transport Workers’ Perspective on Indigenous Transport and Climate Change Adaptation
Authors: Ames Alicia , Mateo-Babiano Iderlina B. , Susilo Yusak O.
Published: February 2015

This paper explores the potential role of indigenous transport for increasing the adaptive capacity of selected cities in developing Asia. Indigenous transport drivers were surveyed face-to-face in Bandung, Indonesia, and in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to gain an understanding of how transport workers, specifically drivers–operators, characterize transport modes considered as indigenous and perceive their potential role in increasing the adaptive capacity of these cities. The main finding was that indigenous transport modes in the two cities in the case study had evolved to fit a niche market influenced by differing urban scales and divergent demographic and geographic characteristics. Thus, the experiences and the perceptions of transport workers on indigenous transport were highly contextualized in relation to service and route characteristics. Operating conditions for drivers were indicative of the regulatory status of indigenous transport modes in the informal landscape. This analysis contributes to an increased understanding of the role and the operation of indigenous transport modes within the transport system. The analysis also contributes policy-relevant insights to improve an understanding of the potential role of indigenous transport in climate change adaptation, as well as to increase awareness and to anticipate a shift to a more environmentally sustainable transport mode.
Automobility in Brazil, Russia, India, and China
Authors: Kuhnimhof Tobias , Rohr Charlene , Ecola Liisa , Zmud Johanna
Published: February 2015

This paper introduces an innovative methodology to answer the question, Toward which levels of automobility are the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) headed? The authors applied this methodology as an aid to understanding why long-term saturation levels for car travel differed across the countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development study and what this difference meant for the saturation levels that the BRIC countries might attain. This approach factored out development of the gross domestic product (GDP) to focus on the ways in which other factors influenced specific paths of automobility in individual countries. The focus was on this question: Why were the long-term automobility saturation levels so much higher for some countries than for others, even at similar levels of GDP? The methodology drew on quantitative analysis of historical developments in four industrialized countries (the United States, Australia, Germany, and Japan) that served as case studies representing prototypical paths of automobility with extremely different levels of per capita automobility, in combination with qualitative data derived from an expert-based approach. The qualitative approach was used to transfer historical experiences about the ways in which (a) automobility evolution was shaped in industrialized countries and (b) these experiences might affect the future of automobility in the BRIC countries. On the basis of this analysis, Brazil proved the most car-oriented country of the BRICs, with a potential long-term level of automobility between those of Germany and Australia. Russia was the second most car-oriented country, also with a likely long-term level of automobility above that of Germany. China and India, in contrast, were heading toward lower levels of automobility, below that of Germany but higher than that of Japan.
Influence of Accessibility to Emergency Medical Services on Fatality Rate in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Noda Yusuke , Hagiwara Toru , Hirasawa Masayuki , Hara Hisaya
Published: February 2015

This study focused on trends in the fatality rate for severe crashes in Hokkaido, Japan. The study examined the effect of distance between crash site and the location of the life-saving emergency center (distance2EMC) on the fatality rate. The distance2EMC could show accessibility to emergency medical services (EMSs) and the hazard potential of crash sites further from seven central cities in Hokkaido prefecture. The authors determined the shortest route and its distance as measured by the Google Maps route search function. From 1989 to 2009, 20,390 severe crashes were recorded for all national roads in Hokkaido. The study indicated that EMS systems in Hokkaido were becoming important components in reducing fatality rates.
Constructing an Optimal Orthogonal Choice Design with Alternative-Specific Attributes for Stated Choice Experiments
Authors: Tang Li , Luo Xia , Cheng Yang , Yang Fei , Ran Bin
Published: February 2015

The stated choice (SC) experiment is generally regarded as an effective way to obtain data for discrete choice analysis. The SC experimental design method, which determines the rule for allocating different levels to each attribute in choice situations, has a great impact on parameter estimation. The optimal orthogonal choice (OOC) design is one of the most efficient SC designs, and its use can achieve more reliable parameter estimates with an equal or lower sample size than other methods. However, the OOC design can be applied only to utility models with generic attributes, as using it to assign alternative-specific attribute levels is not discussed fully in literature. This paper provides a method for extending the use of the OOC design to alternative-specific attributes. Column vectors for alternative-specific attributes were introduced, and the value of each vector was forced to be orthogonal with other generic attributes in the same alternative. In this way, orthogonality of the OOC design was kept within an individual alternative but not necessarily across alternatives. The proposed method was compared with traditional orthogonal design and with D-efficient design (another state-of-the-art efficient design method). Three experiments using field data on mode choice were conducted. The results showed that both the proposed method and the D-efficient design had a higher efficiency than the orthogonal design. In addition, under the complex experimental setting in the real world, the proposed method outperformed the D-efficient design in the sense that almost the same efficiency could be obtained while multiple iterations for an optimal solution were avoided.
Evaluation of Mobility Performance with Toll Data for Jingshen Expressway in China
Authors: Qu Tongbin Teresa , Li Ding , Wikander John P.
Published: February 2015

China, experiencing an unprecedented growth in transportation development, has been building toll highways since the early 1990s. The enclosed toll system in China provides an opportunity for toll data to be used for monitoring mobility performance. However, quality control of such toll data is challenging. The toll data from the Jingshen Expressway in China were analyzed and assessed for evaluation of mobility performance. Quality control criteria were developed to eliminate erroneous data and off-network stops. The mobility performance measures, namely, the travel time index, congestion duration, and planning time index, were calculated for the Jingshen Expressway network. The research shows that toll data, which are essentially origin and destination (O-D) data, can be used for overall evaluation of mobility performance with sufficient quality control. However, a limitation is that the toll data are based on O-Ds. Mobility performance was assumed to be consistent within an adjacent O-D. The research team suggests that toll data combined with spot speeds from other data sources, such as fixed-point sensors or surveillance cameras, be used for detailed mobility monitoring.
Reverification of an Activity-Based Microsimulation of Travel Demand during a Transition in the Transportation Environment in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Yagi Sadayuki , Nobel Deo , Kawaguchi Hirohisa
Published: February 2015

Following the analyses of household auto–motorcycle ownership and joint mode and destination choice models presented at previous TRB annual meetings, this paper offers the results of reverification of an activity-based microsimulation of travel demand for the Jakarta, Indonesia, metropolitan area that was developed from 2002 surveys. Comprehensive household and household member data from a large-scale commuter travel survey in 2010 were used as inputs to the microsimulation. This paper first presents the overall microsimulation processes and model validation, along with several activity scheduling decision rules and intrahousehold interaction rules, including joint tour–activity generation and household maintenance tour allocation. For model reverification, the microsimulation outcomes of the new base year of 2010 were investigated both internally and externally. The internal investigation involved comparison with the detailed activity-related data from a person-tracking survey that was able to catch all the trips made by the respondents carrying a GPS logger. The external investigation involved the comparison with the observed traffic counts on two major screen lines in the region. The paper also discusses the results and secondary or emerging effects and trends caused by the changing transportation environment. Overall, the activity-based microsimulation model developed from the 2002 surveys provides only travel estimates of limited accuracy. Thus, the authors’ further effort includes reestablishment of comprehensive activity-based models resulting from the latest abundant and accurate travel data source so as to make a powerful, practical decision-making tool useful for policy applications not only in Jakarta but also in other metropolitan regions.
Joint Disaggregate Modeling of Car and Motorcycle Ownership
Authors: Gómez-Gélvez Julián Andrés , Obando Catalina
Published: February 2015

This paper analyzes the determinants of household car and motorcycle ownership and the relationship between them in Bogotá, Colombia. The basis of the analysis was disaggregate household data from a cross-sectional household travel survey undertaken in 2011. Ordered probit models were developed independently for car and motorcycle ownership by considering explanatory variables related to income, household size, distance to work, age, gender, and access to public transportation. The relationship between car and motorcycle ownership was evaluated by considering correlation and substitution effects. The results show that, in accordance with previous empirical findings, income has an unequivocal positive effect on car ownership. Meanwhile, households with medium- to low-income levels present the higher levels of motorcycle ownership. Furthermore, even though negative correlation and substitution effects exist, they are not highly significant, and therefore independent modeling of car and motorcycle ownership would not generate important biases. Suggestions for further research indicate the need to replicate the analysis in cities with higher levels of motorcycle ownership.
Cost–Benefit Analysis of Incentive Systems Rewarding Compliance with Speed Limits
Authors: Elvik Rune
Published: February 2015

The paper presents a cost–benefit analysis of schemes rewarding drivers for not speeding. Three levels of the reward were defined: €20 per year, €300 per year, and €1,200 per year (corresponds to US$26, US$396, and US$1,586 at June 2013 exchange rate). It was estimated that these rewards would reduce the rate of speeding by 20%, 70%, and 95%, respectively. It was assumed that drivers would join a reward system voluntarily. Three groups of drivers were defined: one group, making up 50% of drivers, with an annual per driver accident rate 20% below the average for all drivers; a second group, 40% of drivers, with a per driver accident rate 10% below the average; and a third group, 10% of drivers, with a per driver accident rate 140% above average (i.e., a relative accident rate of 2.4). It was assumed that the safest drivers would be the first to join the program and that the least-safe drivers would be the last. Official Norwegian monetary valuations of the prevention of traffic fatalities and injuries were applied. The prevention of a fatality was valued at €3.46 million (2009 prices; equivalent to US$4.8 million in 2009). Benefits were found to be smaller than costs for all versions of the reward system and all groups of drivers except high-risk drivers in the system who were offered a €20 or €300 annual reward for not speeding.
Oil County Traffic Safety
Authors: Kubas Andrew , Vachal Kimberly
Published: February 2015

The sharp increase in travel volumes, the shift in traffic mix, and the large increases in traffic crashes have transformed the travel environment in the oil region of western North Dakota. Roads once used only for local access and agricultural purposes are now being used at high volumes to serve expanding oil production. Oil companies, oil workers, commercial trucks, and industrial equipment associated with gas and oil development all use these roads to access oil drilling and production sites. This change has led to an increase in traffic volume and a larger number of overweight and oversized vehicles on the road. A survey questionnaire was sent to drivers to understand better the perceptions and behaviors of road users in this region. County-level crash data were gathered for the state of North Dakota to understand changes in driving conditions during the latest oil boom, specifically between 2004 and 2011. This study addresses two key goals related to improving traffic safety in the region: first, to examine public perceptions of traffic safety issues and priorities and, second, to address crash trends and possible intervention strategies with a focus on the interaction between large trucks and passenger vehicles. Survey results indicate that drivers perceive the region to be dangerous and that driving improvements can be made. Crash data reveal that most crash statistics are growing at exponential rates. One safety initiative, ProgressZone: Moving Forward Safely, appears to be beneficial, but further improvements must take place.
Cluster Modeling of Driving Behavior under Fatigue
Authors: Adamos Giannis , Nathanail Eftihia , Kapetanopoulou Paraskevi
Published: February 2015

A road safety campaign, as one of the measures used to influence road user behavior to follow the driving regulations and to safeguard safety on the road network, may contribute to the reduction of the number of people killed on the roads. This study aimed to develop prediction models for the assessment of the impact on driving behavior of a fatigue road safety communication campaign based on the health belief model. This behavioral model took into account the behavior and the objectives of the campaign, as defined in the measurement variables of the evaluation, which were composed of self-reported data collected through a face-to-face questionnaire survey conducted before, during, and after the campaign implementation. Linear regression analyses were used to define the causal relationships between the dependent variables, intention and behavior, and other constructs. Results showed that the models developed for predicting drivers’ intention to stop and rest when they became tired and drivers’ behavior toward stopping and resting when they became tired varied significantly, depending on the characteristics of the sample tested (i.e., nonprofessional drivers versus professional drivers, younger versus older drivers, etc.). Also, it was observed that behavioral beliefs and risk comprehension were weak for the predictability of intentions and behavior; however, the inclusion of past behavior increased the predictability of the models predicting intentions, and the inclusion of past behavior and intentions (as observed also in similar studies) increased the predictability of the models predicting behavior.
Safety Effect of Missouri's Strategic Highway Safety Plan
Authors: Mohammadi Mojtaba A. , Samaranayake V. A. , Bham Ghulam H.
Published: February 2015

This study systematically evaluated the changes in motor vehicle crashes that occurred on the Missouri Interstate highway system following the implementation of the Missouri Strategic Highway Safety Plan (MSHSP) between 2004 and 2007. The MSHSP implemented crash injury reduction strategies in enforcement, education, engineering, and public policy. Empirical Bayesian methods were commonly used to evaluate the effects of any change in safety as a result of countermeasures. This paper presents a simple new approach to evaluating the effects of Missouri's safety plans on roadway crashes. For crash data associated with traffic and roadway characteristics, negative binomial regression models were developed for the before-through-change conditions using a variable that was set to zero for preimplementation years and gradually increased over the implementation years to reach a plateau at the conclusion of the safety plans. The models developed for the various collision types and crash severities were used to estimate the expected number of crashes at roadway segments in 2008, assuming with and without the implementation of MSHSP. This procedure estimated significant reductions of 10% in the overall number of crashes and a 30% reduction for fatal crashes. Reductions in the number of collision types were estimated to be 18% to 37%. The theoretical results indicated that the MSHSP was a successful policy in reducing the number of crashes and decreasing fatalities by reducing the most severe collision types such as head-on crashes. The results are also consistent with many international studies and suggested that the safety strategic plans should be promoted as an effective treatment for highways.
Road Safety Conditions and Estimated Economic Cost of Traffic Fatalities in Medium-Size Colombian Cities
Authors: Victoria Isabel C. , Galvis Oscar
Published: February 2015

The Colombia Ministry of Transport, by Resolution 001282 of March 30, 2012, adopted the National Road Safety Plan 2011–2016, which consists of five lines of action, including institutional aspects, strategies on human behavior, strategies on motor vehicles, strategies on road infrastructure, and the attention and rehabilitation system of victims of traffic accidents, for achieving national objectives. In late 2012, the national government (through the Ministry of Transport) subscribed agreements with 10 medium-size Colombian cities to advance their local road safety plans. These 10 cities are among the 25 cities with the highest crash fatality rates per 100,000 inhabitants. The paper presents an overview of the safety conditions in the study cities, which included valuable input provided by the Municipal Road Safety Committee, coupled with data collected in field inspections, spatial analysis, and a review of secondary data sources. This analysis shows that motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users, followed by pedestrians and cyclists. These road users accounted for between 57.7% and 98.5% of the total traffic fatalities in 2011. This statistic suggests the urgent need for government policies and actions to protect the lives of the most vulnerable road users. The investment of the cities in road safety and related projects is low compared with their gross domestic product and crash fatality costs. This analysis indicates that an effective traffic fine collection system would provide the cities with the money they need to increase their annual investment on road safety projects by 50%, 100%, or even 200%.
The EPICA Dronning Maud Land deep drilling operation
Authors: Wilhelms Frank , Miller Heinrich , Gerasimoff Michael D. , Drücker Cord , Frenzel Andreas , Fritzsche Diedrich , Grobe Hannes , Hansen Steffen Bo , Hilmarsson Sverrir Æ. , Hoffmann Georg , Hörnby Kerstin , Jaeschke Andrea , Jakobsdóttir Steinunn S. , Juckschat Paul , Karsten Achim , Karsten Lorenz , Kaufmann Patrik R. , Karlin Torbjörn , Kohlberg Eberhard , Kleffel Guido , Lambrecht Anja , Lambrecht Astrid , Lawer Gunther , Schärmeli Ivan , Schmitt Jochen , Sheldon Simon G. , Takata Morimasa , Trenke Marcus , Twarloh Birthe , Valero-Delgado Fernando , Wilhelms-Dick Dorothee
Published: February 2015

We report on the EPICA Dronning Maud Land (East Antarctica) deep drilling operation. Starting with the scientific questions that led to the outline of the EPICA project, we introduce the setting of sister drillings at NorthGRIP and EPICA Dome C within the European ice-coring community. The progress of the drilling operation is described within the context of three parallel, deep-drilling operations, the problems that occurred and the solutions we developed. Modified procedures are described, such as the monitoring of penetration rate via cable weight rather than motor torque, and modifications to the system (e.g. closing the openings at the lower end of the outer barrel to reduce the risk of immersing the drill in highly concentrated chip suspension). Parameters of the drilling (e.g. core-break force, cutter pitch, chips balance, liquid level, core production rate and piece number) are discussed. We also review the operational mode, particularly in the context of achieved core length and piece length, which have to be optimized for drilling efficiency and core quality respectively. We conclude with recommendations addressing the design of the chip-collection openings and strictly limiting the cable-load drop with respect to the load at the start of the run.
A study on Antimicrobial Resistance: recent trend in Armed Forces of Bangladesh
Authors: Azad Md Abul Kalam , Rahman Zaheedur , Amin Md Nurul
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance has increased dramatically & to be a serious threat to the treatment of infectious disease on a global basis. As a result morbidity, mortality & economic burden of infections with multiple drug resistance organisms for which there are no effective therapies. Over use of antibiotics in developed nations of paradoxically both misuses of under use in developing nations have contributed to the burden. Objectives: The objective of the study is to identify common microorganisms and to assess their sensitivity to three selected antibiotics. Methods: This observational study was conducted in Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Dhaka, Bangladesh among samples of urine, blood, pus, sputum and throat swab. All of the samples of urine (173), Blood (31), pus (63), sputum (28) and throat swab (14) were tested for culture and sensitivity at AFIP over a period from January 2012 to February 2013. Selected antibiotics were ciprofloxacin, cephradine and cefixime. Results: Commonest organisms found in different samples were Escherichia coli in urine (57.8%), Salmonella typhi in blood (54.8%), Staphylococcus aureus in pus (42.9%), klebsiella in sputum (67.9%) and Streptococcus pyogens in throat swab 03 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 9, No 2 (December) 2013 (78.6%). In urine samples, microorganisms were found resistant to cephradine in 95% cases but sensitive to cefixime in 30.4% cases. Microorganisms in blood samples were sensitive to cefixime in 83.3% and Ciprofloxacin in 80.6% cases. Ciprofloxacin, cephradin and cefixime all three antibiotics encountered resistance in 63.5%, 82.5% and 75.8% samples of pus respectively. Among sputum samples organisms were sensitive to ciprofloxacin in 71.4% and cefixime in 64.3% cases whereas resistant to cephradin in 92.9% cases. In organisms of throat swab Cephradine Showed sensitivity in 71.4% cases but cefixime encountered resistance in 57.1% cases. Conclusion: The study reveals an alarming picture of antimicrobial resistance pattern in Bangladesh Armed Forces. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21818 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
Pattern of injuries amongst armed forces personnel received during military activities
Authors: Khan Nazmul Huda , Ahmad Mushtaq , Rahman Farial Naima , Ali Mohammad , Rahman Mahbubur
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Armed Forces personnel suffer from various patterns of injuries during their military training activities which may lead to considerable mortality & morbidity. The high incidence of injuries places a substantial burden on the health care delivery system. Successful treatment outcome and modifications can reduce the operational, fiscal, and health impact of these problems. Objective: To find out the types, causes and morbidity pattern of common injuries received by the members of Bangladesh Armed Forces during their military activities. Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study carried out to explore the injuries amongst Bangladesh Armed Forces personnel due to military duties. The study population (193) included all injured indoor cases treated in Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka during the period of January 2009 to December 2009. Data was collected by reviewing the case sheets of patients and analyzed with the help of SPSS Version 11.5. Results: Numbers of Injured subjects amongst the Army personnel were 132(68.4%) followed by 34(17.6%) in Navy and 27(14%) in Air Force. Among them 82(42.5%) belonged to fighting group, 50(25.9%) supporting and 61(31.6%) service group. Knee injury constituted the highest number of patients i.e. 43(22%), followed by 43 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 9, No 2 (December) 2013 33(17%) Armand 25(13%) foot injuries. About one fourth, 53(27.5%) cases sustained injury in sports ground followed by 50(25.9%) in operation area and 28(14.5%) in training ground. Physical training events PT/Drill caused maximum injury 7(3.6%) followed by crossing 6ft wall 5(2.6%), horizontal rope 4(2.1%). Maximum duration of hospital stay among the cases were 1-2 weeks in 65(33.7%) followed by 3-4 weeks in 56(29%) and 1-3 months in 41(21.2%) cases. Eighty two (42.5%) injured cases suffered for 3 to 6 months followed by 43(24.4%) for 6 months to1 year. Out of all cases 72(37.3%) were recommended for medical category C, 2(1%) for category B, 11(5%) were Medically Boarded Out (MBO). Conclusion: The study revealed that musculoskeletal injuries especially in knee, foot, shoulder, forearm, ankle, lower leg and patella are prevalent in armed forces personnel. The high incidence of injuries places a substantial burden on the health care delivery system and leads to many lost training days. Careful study and analysis in this regard definitely will explore new dimension to prevent and combat this preventable health burden. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21825 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
A comparative study of split thickness skin graft take on chronic wounds with and without surgical removal of granulation tissue from the recipient bed
Authors: Hasan Masroor , Khundkar Shafquat Hussain , Kabir Md Enamul , Hossain SM Shakwat
Published: February 2015

Introduction: In most of the patients with chronic granulating wounds split skin grafting is the preferred option for coverage of the wounds. Split skin grafts may be applied directly on the granulation tissue or it may be applied after complete removal of granulation tissue. Opinions are divided on this issue. Objectives: To compare the skin take between the split thickness skin grafting on chronic wounds after removal and without removal of granulation tissue in the same patient. Methods: This is a longitudinal type of follow up and comparative study and was carried out in the Department of Plastic Surgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka between the periods of January 2008 up to December 2009. The study population included the patients with chronic wounds attending the Department of Plastic Surgery of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and in the Plastic Surgery Department of Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka. In this study a total of 57 patients with clinically non infected chronic granulating wounds requiring skin graft were selected. Among which 50 patients were from Dhaka Medical College Hospital and 7 patients were from Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka. In the same patient wounds were divided into Group A and B. In Group A granulation tissue were removed before skin grafting and in Group B the granulation tissues were not removed before skin grafting and skin graft was applied directly on the granulation tissue. 49 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 9, No 2 (December) 2013 Results: In the final skin take assessment it was found that in Group A, 49 (86.0%) patients had a take between 91-100% and 8 (14.0%) patients had a take between 81-90%. None of the patients in this group had a take <80%. In Group B, 30(52.6%) patients had a take between 91-100% and 18(31.6%) patients had a take between 81-90%. There were 9 (15.8%) patients who had a take of <80% and among them 02 patients had a take <70%. Statistically this was significant. Conclusion: Whenever the granulation tissue is removed, the recipient bed has a better chance of skin take as far as infection is concerned. But it must be ensured that haemostasis is achieved before application of the graft. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21826 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
Electrophoretic pattern of hereditary haemoglobin disorders in a referral centre: a one year study
Authors: Karim Md Mostafil , Yousuf AKM Abu , Akhter Shahina , Ahmad Mushtaq , Sultana Sharmeen , Al-Azad Md Abdus Samad , Karim Md Iqbal
Published: February 2015

Introduction: The inherited disorders of haemoglobin are the commonest single-gene disorders with an estimated carrier rate of 7% among the world population. They occur at particularly high frequencies in population of the tropical and subtropical belt. Objective: To find out the electrophoretic pattern of haemoglobin disorders and to evaluate and compare the diseases in study population. Methods: A total number of 1370 subjects of both sexes with age range from 6 months to 73 years were included in the study. The study was conducted in Haematology Department of Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Dhaka. It was carried out from January to December 2012. Patients were selected on the basis of morphological blood film examination and electrophoresis on cellulose acetate at PH 8.6. Results: Among the 1370 subjects, Beta thalassaemia trait was observed in 532(38.83%) cases, HbE trait in 313(22.85%), HbE-Beta thalassaemia in 282(20.58%), HbE disease in 146(10.66%) and Beta thalassaemia major in 97(7.08%) cases. Conclusion: The study reveals that, hereditary haemoglobin disorders are common in Bangladesh and are inherited as autosomal recessive Mendelian pattern affecting both male and female. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21827 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013