bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic risks—thinking about them differently
Authors: Allan Neil , Davis John
Published: December 2009

This paper reports on the findings of a UK research programme (STRATrisk) sponsored by the Institution of Civil Engineers, the actuarial profession, the Department of Trade and Industry and over 50 leading construction-related companies and organisations. The programme aims to understand and improve board-level decision-making regarding risks and opportunities. New ways of thinking about strategic risks and opportunities are suggested in light of these findings, which in turn provide insights into their identification and management.
Enterprise risk management and civil engineering
Authors: Lewin Chris
Published: December 2009

This paper discusses enterprise risk management and shows why it is important to civil engineers. Its three component parts are strategic risk management, project appraisal and operational risk management. Enterprise risk management is holistic and complex. It is best carried out within a structured framework, enabling each person involved to play their part. The aim is to accept risk at appropriate levels for the risk tolerance of the business as a whole and to manage risk efficiently in ways which will optimise the chances of overall business success.
Managing safety risk through whole-life competency
Authors: Carpenter John
Published: December 2009

The management of risk is an essential element of all engineering projects. Whereas the elements of risk may vary between projects, the need to have regard to other people—that is, the health and safety risk—is always present and an obligation on us all. In order for this risk to be embedded in an engineer's thinking it is essential that the fundamental concepts are introduced within the education base, built upon with experience during the initial development phase and honed throughout the career span. This paper describes how this is happening and adds some suggestions for strengthening its provision.
A civil engineer's guide to GPS and GNSS
Authors: Cruddace Paul , Fane Colin
Published: December 2009

The US global positioning system (GPS) has transformed many aspects of modern society, from navigation, mapping and monitoring to synchronisation of communications networks. It is already widely used in civil engineering and, with the imminent introduction of other global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), is set to flourish further – especially when combined with other measurement or sensor technology. This paper provides some background to the basic technology, coordinate issues and civil engineering applications of GPS. It then looks to the future of GNSS and its likely impact on civil engineering.
A'Samaliah island, UAE: a case study in sustainability
Authors: Crawford-Brown Douglas
Published: December 2009

The contrast between A'Samaliah heritage island and Abu Dhabi city 12 km to the east could not be more stark. Unlike the degree-perfect conditions maintained inside the city's glass-walled, energy-hungry towers, the island's traditionally designed buildings rely on thermal mass and natural ventilation to keep indoor temperatures within an acceptable range. This paper introduces seven sustainability questions that Middle East infrastructure needs to address if it is to have a viable future, and uses A'Samaliah as a model of how it can be achieved in practice.
Ahead of the game – masonry dam design in the British colonies 1800–1900, part 2: 1872–1900
Authors: Chrimes Mike
Published: December 2009

British dam practice in the nineteenth century was dominated by the use of earth embankments. The theoretical approaches to masonry dam design developed in France in the mid-nineteenth century, although commented on by Rankine, therefore had little immediate impact on British practice. However, British engineers working overseas made more widespread use of masonry structures. Differing geological conditions, geography and cost all played their part, but the overall impression is one of innovation that at times astounded the UK engineering establishment. This paper chronicles the work of the pioneers of colonial dam design in the context of the history of masonry dams. The first part of this paper (Dams and Reservoirs, 2009, 19, No. 2, 55–66) described developments down to the introduction of the ‘rational method’; this part describes how dam design changed in the next 30 years.
Briefing: ASCE history and heritage committee
Authors: Buonopane Stephen
Published: December 2009

This briefing looks at the objectives and current activities of the history and heritage committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
Robert Rawlinson and the UK public health revolution
Authors: Charles J. A.
Published: December 2009

Robert Rawlinson was the acknowledged leader of the UK revolution in public health engineering, which transformed the lives, and particularly the life expectancy, of the people living in the towns and cities of England during the Victorian age. Having grown up in a poor Lancashire family, Rawlinson commenced work as a stonemason. The crucial change to professional work came at the age of 21 years when he obtained employment in the Liverpool dock engineer's office. In 1848, he became an engineering inspector for the newly formed General Board of Health. From that time most of Rawlinson's work was in government service: he was a member of the Crimean sanitary commission, the organiser of public works for relief employment during the Lancashire cotton famine and chairman of the first rivers pollution commission. For many years he was the chief engineering inspector to the Local Government Board. There was a close connection between his work and the activities of many of the influential people of his day including Lord Shaftesbury and Florence Nightingale.
Limit analysis of cantilever retaining walls with spaced piles
Authors: Vrecl-Kojc H. , Škrabl S.
Published: December 2009

A modified method is proposed for designing cantilever retaining walls with spaced piles. The approach used is based on a new translational three-dimensional failure mechanism within the framework of the upper-bound theorem of limit analysis. Numerical optimisation of the mechanism is performed by a minimisation procedure for the critical three-dimensional passive earth pressure coefficient. Internationally accepted analytical methods for designing these types of retaining structure assume a simplified rectilinear earth pressure distribution, not only for non-spaced piles but also for spaced piles, where the earth pressure distribution is multiplied by the pile spacing. The results of the proposed method indicate that the pile-to-pile spacing, depending on the input soil parameters, strongly influences the shape of the three-dimensional failure mechanism and the passive pressure along the embedment depth to the point of moment equilibrium. Distribution of the passive earth pressure is no longer rectilinear, but the earth mass contributing to the soil–pile interaction on the dredged side of the embedment depth is reduced, which leads to longer piles and higher inner forces in the retaining structure.
Influence of rigid base on damping of finite sand stratum
Authors: Ramesh H. N. , Kumar M. T. Prathap , Rao M. V. Raghavendra , Reddy M. Sainath
Published: December 2009

Vertical vibration tests were conducted using model footings of different size and mass resting on the surface of a finite sand layer with different height-to-width ratios underlain by either a rigid concrete base or a natural red-earth base. Comparison of the results of the experimental study showed that the rigidity of the finite base has a significant influence on the damping ratio of the foundation–soil system. The damping ratio of the finite sand stratum underlain by the rigid concrete base is significantly lower than that obtained for the finite sand stratum underlain by the natural red-earth base. The damping ratio in both cases is less than 10%, suggesting that only material damping predominates. Comparison of the predicted damping ratio for a homogeneous sand stratum with the experimental damping ratio obtained corresponding to the height-to-width ratio of 3 of the finite sand stratum underlain by either the rigid concrete base or natural red-earth base indicated a significant reduction in damping ratio of the foundation–soil system, irrespective of the contact area and mass ratio of the model footing.
INTRODUCTION.
Authors: IRWIN E
Published: December 2009

Welcome to this special issue of Civil Engineering, the general journal of Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers. It is the first of two special issues which are intended to provide an overview of the planning, design and construction of Hong Kong's new international airport at Chek Lap Kok and its associated road and rail links. The £12 billion project was completed in July this year on time and within budget and is a testament to Sino-British cooperation.
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS - CONSTRUCTION.
Authors: THOMSON A I , OAKERVEE D E
Published: December 2009

The new Hong Kong International Airport was built on a remote island site at Chek Lap Kok in just seven and a half years. This paper describes how construction progressed from the initial advance works contract awarded in January 1991 to the opening of the completed, state-of-the-art airport and its massive 515 000 m2 terminal building in July 1998. It details the HK$ 44 billion package of contracts let by the main client, the Hong Kong Airport Authority, and the methods of construction management used to ensure safe completion both on time and within budget. It also addresses the unique construction support facilities and services which were provided by the Authority to support the 21 000 people working on site during the peak construction phase.
MANAGEMENT AND PROCUREMENT OF THE HONG KONG AIRPORT CORE PROGRAMME.
Authors: LAM B C L
Published: December 2009

This paper describes the ten main elements of the US$ 20 billion Hong Kong Airport Core Programme, ranging from the 1248 ha airport platform at Chek Lap Kok to the dramatic series of bridges, viaducts and tunnels which make up the 34 km road and rail link to the Central business district. It discusses the formidable problems and constraints which faced the 35 000 construction workers and explains the complex management and control structures which enabled this huge project to be completed on time and within budget. Tendering procedures, conditions of contract and dispute resolution mechanisms are also reviewed.
Marine renewable energy development – research, design, install
Authors: Greaves D. , Attrill M. , Chadwick A. , Conley D. , Eccleston A. , Hosegood P. , Pan S. , Reeve D. , Williams J. , Wolfram J. , Xu J. , Zou Q. , Smith G. , Godley B. , Hor C. L. , Johanning L. , Millar D. , Wolfram J. , Zobaa A. , Belmont M. , Harrington N.
Published: December 2009

The UK government has committed to a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions for England and Wales by 20% below 1990 levels by 2010 and to increase the amount of electrical energy generated by renewable energy sources to 10% by 2010 and 15% by 2015. Wave and tidal energy are likely to contribute significantly to achieving these targets as important renewable energy technologies for the UK. The south-west region in particular has the potential to generate substantial amounts of renewable energy from its wave and tidal stream resources. The South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) recognises the potential of the marine energy industry for the region and is supporting demonstration projects in marine energy through the Wave Hub project and the Peninsular Research Institute in Marine Renewable Energy (Primare). The Wave Hub project provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary research to aid developments in marine renewable energy. In this paper, a description of some of the new ongoing research being undertaken jointly by researchers at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth within Primare is presented.
Briefing: Healthy Spaces & Places project, Australia
Authors: Knox Stephanie
Published: December 2009

Healthy Spaces & Places is a landmark Australian project that takes a national approach to managing environments. Its focus is on the physical characteristics of where Australians live, work and play and how these influence physical and mental health and wellbeing. Australia has an unprecedented level of preventable disease, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. Research shows that the built environment can significantly affect people's desire to be active, as well as their actual levels of physical activity. The Healthy Spaces & Places project shows how planners, engineers and other built environment professionals can help improve health and wellbeing through their everyday work decisions. It also fosters collaborative partnerships and supports social connectiveness. Funded by the Department of Health and Ageing, it is a unique collaboration between the Australian Local Government Association, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Planning Institute of Australia.
Climate change, politics and the civil engineering profession
Authors: Dixon M.
Published: December 2009

Civil engineers, by nature of their work, have a sound understanding of the environment, are experienced in problem solving and are expert in risk management. Arguably, they are thus more suited to forming public policy than most politicians. After reviewing reasons for the current political under-representation of the profession, this paper identifies how this situation could be changed and the barriers preventing such change. The paper concludes that, in order for the world to adapt to the challenges presented by climate change, governments worldwide must make use of engineers and scientists to provide technical expertise and help politicians produce effective policies. In the case of civil engineering, this requires greater self-promotion by individuals and governing institutions, a change in educational syllabuses, and realisation and cooperation from governments.
A proposal for the cadastral system in Turkey
Authors: Cay T. , Adibelli S. , Iscan F.
Published: December 2009

Cadastral and title deed services constitute the basic information for the design and implementation of any aspect of land use. This includes: taxation; judicial; urbanisation; development; nationalisation; plot and landscape planning; the preparation and implementation of engineering projects; social, tourism and economic planning. Cadastral systems are therefore crucial for the proper administration of land and property in any modern country by public institutions and organisations. This paper describes the current state of the Turkish cadastral system and, through the use of a case study of a rural village near Konya, proposes methods by which it can be improved.
Eurocodes, 1970–2010: why 40 years?
Authors: Johnson R. P.
Published: December 2009

The European codes of practice for the design of structures have no precedent. The complex task of creating and implementing a replacement for national codes has taken far longer than anyone foresaw. This account of the process is based on involvement with one code, EN 1994, throughout its history and on interactions with work on the four other codes, ENs 1990 to 1993, required for buildings and bridges of concrete, steel or composite construction. The conclusions have relevance to the planning and management of future work of this type.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Nurses Professional Values Scale—Revised
Authors: Weis Darlene , Schank Mary Jane
Published: December 2009

The Nurses Professional Values Scale—Revised (NPVS-R) is an instrument derived from the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses designed to measure nurses’ professional values. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the NPVS-R in a random sample of baccalaureate and master’s students and practicing nurses. The NPVS-R, a 26-item Likert-scale format instrument, was tested on 782 subjects. Responses to the NPVS-R were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation and Kaiser normalization resulted in a five-factor solution explaining 56.7% of the common variance. Findings supported internal consistency reliability of five factors with alpha coefficients from .70 to .85 and a total scale alpha coefficient of .92. Construct validity was supported with an overall factor loading range of .46 to .79 across the five factors labeled Caring, Activism, Trust, Professionalism, and Justice. The NPVS-R is a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring professional nurses’ values and enhancing professional socialization.
Formation of canker lesions on stems and black scurf on tubers in experimentally inoculated potato plants by isolates of AG2-1, AG3 and AG5 of Rhizoctonia solani: a pilot study and literature review
Authors: LEHTONEN M.J. , WILSON P.S. , AHVENNIEMI P.
Published: December 2009

Development of black scurf on potato tubers (cv. Nicola) was compared in plants inoculated with isolates of Rhizoctonia solani of three anastomosis groups (AG2-1, AG3 and AG5) which occur in potato crops in Finland. All isolates induced stem canker lesions but only isolates of AG3 formed efficiently black scurf on progeny tubers. Among the AG2-1 and AG5 isolates tested, only one AG2-1 isolate formed a few sclerotia on 13.5 % of the progeny tubers in one experiment. The data indicate that isolates of AG3 differ from those of AG2-1 and AG5 in having a higher ability to form sclerotia on tubers. Therefore, while AG2-1 and AG5 isolates have a broader host range, AG3 is more efficient in producing black scurf, which provides this anastomosis group with more efficient means of dissemination on seed potatoes. These differences probably explain the predominance of AG3 (98.9 % of isolates) in potato crops in Finland and other northern potato production areas.;
Relationship Between the Stress-Coping Levels of University Students and their Probability of Committing Suicide
Authors: Uğurlu Nezihe , Ona Neslihan
Published: December 2009

The relationship between the stress-coping levels of students studying at Muğla University Health School, and their likelihood of committing crime to help them cope more effectively with stress generators and the number of suicide attempts reduced was explored. Participants were
350 students studying to be nurses and health officers and they completed the information form developed by the researcher. The questionnaire consisted of a Personal Information Form, Stress-Coping Styles Scale (SCSS), and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS). A significant relationship was found
to exist between gender, department at the school, class, education level of the mother, existence of a person among the family members with a suicidal history, place of residence in Muğla, sources of stress, level of satisfaction about the students' department, and stress-coping levels
and probability of committing suicide.
Seasonal variations of metal concentrations in periphyton and taxonomic composition of the algal community at a Yenisei River littoral site
Authors: Anishchenko Olesya , Gladyshev Michail , Kravchuk Elena , Ivanova Elena , Gribovskaya Iliada , Sushchik Nadezhda
Published: December 2009

The concentrations of metals K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co and Cr, in the water and periphyton (epilithic algal communities) were studied at a site in the middle stream of the Yenisei River (Siberia, Russia) during three years using monthly sampling frequencies. Despite considerable seasonal variations in aquatic concentrations of some metals, there was no correlation between metal contents in the water and in periphyton. Seasonal concentration variations of some metals in periphyton were related to the species (taxonomic) composition of periphytic microalgae and cyanobacteria. Enhanced levels of Ni and Co in periphyton in late autumn, winter, and early spring were likely caused by the predominance of cyanobacteria in the periphytic community, and annual maximum levels of K in periphyton in late spring and early summer were attributed to the domination of Chlorophyta, primarily Ulothrix zonata.
The Organisational and Personnel Aspects of Introducing ICT into Grammar Schools
Authors: Zakrajšek Srečko
Published: December 2009

The Organisational and Personnel Aspects of Introducing ICT into Grammar Schools

This article presents the results of comparisons between investment into ICT and the current state of equipment in Slovenian high schools compared to similar schools in the EU member states. Extensive research is based on surveying and interviews with the headmasters of 10 Slovenian high schools, jointly representing a typical sample of schools, as well as the different aspects of using ICT in their schools. The research results have shown that Slovenian high schools are substantially worse equipped with ICT than similar schools in the developed countries of the EU. This is evident in the lack of modern forms of organization, operation and education based on ICT. Slovenian high schools can only modernize their organization and operations if the Slovenian government starts investing substantially more into purchasing equipment, teacher training and the promotion of the knowledge, skills and competences that can only be developed using ICT.
Torsion Points of Abelian Varieties with Values in Infinite Extensions over a $p$-adic Field
Authors: Ozeki Yoshiyasu
Published: December 2009

Let

A

be an abelian variety over a

p

-adic field

K

and

L

an algebraic infinite extension over

K

. We consider the finiteness of the torsion part of the group of rational points

A(L)

under some assumptions. In 1975, Hideo Imai proved that such a group is finite if

A

has good reduction and

L

is the cyclotomic

ℤ_p

-extension of

K

. In this paper, first we show a generalization of Imai’s result in the case where

A

has good ordinary reduction. Next we give some finiteness results when

A

is an elliptic curve and

L

is the field generated by the

p

-th power torsion of an elliptic curve.
Comments on Coulter and Smith: The Issue of Authorial Surplus in Narrative Research
Authors: Smith Michael W.
Published: December 2009

Advocates of narrative research often contend that it is superior to nonnarrative research, both qualitative and quantitative, because they believe it is better able to represent multiple perspectives and foster multiple interpretations. The author of this comment article on Coulter and Smith (2009) draws on literary theory and an analysis of the cultural expectations of narratives to argue that, although narratives have the capacity to represent multiple perspectives, many do not. As a consequence, he urges narrative researchers to work to reveal the constructedness of their stories so that readers have the information they need to question the researchers’ perspectives and construct their own.
Prevalence and Correlates of Depression with Atypical Symptoms in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Sing , Ng King Lam , Tsang Adley
Published: December 2009

Objective: Previous studies of atypical depression have been conducted in Western communities. There has been no community-based epidemiological study of atypical depression that covers the entire spectrum of bipolar disorders. The aim of the present study was to examine the 12 month prevalence of atypical depression and the differences in demographic and clinical profiles between depressed patients with and without atypical symptoms in the Chinese adult population of Hong Kong.

Method: A random sample of 3016 Chinese adults completed a telephone-based structured interview that examined their 12 month prevalence of major depressive episode. Atypical depression was defined as major depressive episode with hypersomnia and increased weight or appetite. Major depressive episode with and without atypical symptoms were compared on sociodemographic variables, number of depressive and manic/hypomanic symptoms, proportion of having lifetime mania/hypomania, suicidality, family psychiatric history, help-seeking behaviour, level of distress and role impairment.

Results: The 12 month prevalence of atypical depression was 1.3%. Compared to non-atypical depression, atypical depression was associated with female gender, soft (subthreshold) bipolar II disorder, family psychiatric history, higher suicidality, more help-seeking from psychiatrists, and more depressive and manic/hypomanic symptoms. There was no difference in levels of distress or impairment.

Conclusions: Although limited by the lack of detailed information on comorbidity, bipolar family history, and age of onset, the findings support the hypothesis that atypical depression among Chinese people in Hong Kong exhibited prevalence and correlates similar to those found in Western epidemiological and clinical studies. Further research is warranted to examine its association with hypomania and how atypical depression may occupy a nosological position between typical unipolar depression and bipolar spectrum disorders.
Is Lithium in a Class of Its Own? A Brief Profile of Its Clinical Use
Authors: Malhi Gin S. , Adams Danielle , Berk Michael
Published: December 2009

Lithium is a unique and effective psychotropic agent with a long-standing history of clinical use yet it is increasingly overlooked in lieu of newer agents. The purpose of the present paper was to succinctly review the therapeutic profile of lithium particularly with respect to the treatment of mood disorders and consider its unique properties and clinical utility. A comprehensive literature review pertaining to lithium was undertaken using electronic database search engines to identify relevant clinical trials, meta-analyses and Cochrane reviews. In addition articles and book chapters known to the authors were carefully reviewed, and the authors appraised published guidelines. The evidence from these sources was rated using National Health and Medical Research Council evidence levels and synthesized according to phenotype and mood states. In addition, the authors have drawn upon published guidelines and their own clinical experience. Lithium has specificity for mood disorders with proven efficacy in the treatment of both unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. The recommendations are based predominantly on Level I evidence, but its clinical use has to be tempered against potential side-effects and the need for ongoing monitoring. In practice, lithium should be considered a first-line option in bipolar disorder, especially in prophylaxis and when onset of action is not an imperative. Lithium has been in use in modern medicine for 60 years and as such has been tried and tested across the full range of mood disorders. Arguably, lithium is the only true mood stabilizer and because of its unique properties is in a class of its own.
Efficacy of plain radiography and computer tomography in localizing the site of pelvic arterial bleeding in trauma patients
Authors: Dormagen Johann B. , Tötterman Anna , Røise Olav , Sandvik Leiv , Kløw Nils-E.
Published: December 2009

Background: Immediate angiography is warranted in pelvic trauma patients with suspected arterial injury (AI) in order to stop ongoing bleeding. Prior to angiography, plain pelvic radiography (PPR) and abdominopelvic computer tomography (CT) are performed to identify fracture and hematoma sites.

Purpose: To investigate if PPR and CT can identify the location of AI in trauma patients undergoing angiography.

Material and Methods: 95 patients with pelvic fractures on PPR (29 women, 66 men), at a mean age of 44 (9–92) years, underwent pelvic angiography for suspected AI. Fifty-six of them underwent CT additionally. Right and left anterior and posterior fractures on PPR were registered, and fracture displacement was recorded for each quadrant. Arterial blush on CT was registered, and the size of the hematoma in each region was measured in cm2. AIs were registered for anterior and posterior segments of both internal iliac arteries. Presence of fractures, arterial blush, and hematomas were correlated with AI.

Results: Presence of fracture in the corresponding skeletal segment on PPR showed sensitivity and specificity of 0.86 and 0.58 posteriorly, and 0.87 and 0.44 anteriorly. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.77 and 0.69, respectively. Fracture displacement on PPR >0.9 cm posteriorly and >1.9 cm anteriorly revealed specificity of 0.84. Sensitivities of arterial blush and hematoma on CT were 0.38 and 0.82 posteriorly, and 0.24 and 0.82 anteriorly. The specificities were 0.96 and 0.58 posteriorly, and 0.79 and 0.53 anteriorly, respectively. For hematomas, the AUC was 0.79 posteriorly and 0.75 anteriorly. Size of hematoma >22 cm2 posteriorly and >29 cm2 anteriorly revealed specificity of 0.85 and 0.86, respectively.

Conclusion: CT findings of arterial blush and hematoma predicted site of arterial bleeding on pelvic angiography. Also, PPR predicted the site of bleeding using location of fracture and size of displacement. In the hemodynamically unstable patient, PPR may contribute equally to effective assessment of injured arteries.
A University Press Enters Cyberspace: Developing an On-line Catalogue
Authors: Duxbury Nancy
Published: December 2009

Scholarly presses are pioneering theuse of the Internet as a vehicle for promoting their publications. There are currently more than thirty university press catalogues accessible on-line. To construct an on-line catalogue effectively, publishers must develop a clear set of objectives and procedures that go beyond a simple listing of titles.
Marketing Electronic Products
Authors: Coleman Mary
Published: December 2009

Publishers entering the world of electronic publishing with titles on floppy disk and CD-ROM must be receptive to new ideas and adapt their traditional marketing techniques in order to promote electronic products. Publicity campaigns may focus on scholarly journals but also branch out into educational, technical,and consumer-oriented magazines. Detailed direct mail pieces, while they may not generate results as quickly as for print media, can uncover a wealth of sales leads. Non-traditional marketing opportunities must be developed as well, such as capitalizing on good technical support, distributing a newsletter, maintaining a listserv, and offering demonstration versions of the product. These provide the tools to help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
Electronic Scholarly Publishing and the World Wide Web
Authors: Trealor Andrew
Published: December 2009

Scholarly publishing on the Internet has evolved in a short period of time from listserv, simple file transfer, and Gopher, to the World Wide Web. An overview of scholarly publishing in the Internet environment underscores similarities and dissimilarities within the various means of electronic delivery, as well as with the print publishing process. Areas of review include production and formatting, notification, access, permanence, location, revision, durability of the medium, design, multi-media, references to source materials, copyright, and citations.
Re-engineering Scholarly Communication: A Role for University Presses?
Authors: Thatcher Sanford G.
Published: December 2009

The challenge posed by Scott Bennett to consider how we can better organize our system of scholarly communication recognizes the interdependence of the many components of the process: scholars, publishers, librarians, and learned societies. However, the solution Bennett outlines doesn't take into account the stake university presses have in rethinking our system of scholarly communication or their expertise in helping that process along. His concern that the supply of scholarly materials is disassociated from market demand ignores the fact that university presses were founded specifically to meet the intellectual demand for valuable scholarship, even when that demand is decidedly uncommercial. University presses have an important role to fill in the scholarly communication process, now and under any re-engineered scheme: providing content that is certified, edited, and presentable, all in a cost-effective manner.
Digital Structure, Digital Design: Issues in Designing Electronic Publications
Authors: Jensen Michael
Published: December 2009

Digital presentation of scholarly works introduces a new design challenge: whereas in print publications, content elements are to be representable only in visual form, in digital presentation function may be made manifest through hypertext. Although we have little cultural experience with digital design, we must remember that good design must still be a tool to illuminate content, not an arbitrary add on. Digital designers must enrich the content appropriately, let the market guide the design, know when to stop, not recreate paper in digital form, and provide appropriate products and utilities for their audiences. Consideration of the purpose of the publication, the use of the publication, the audience, and the market will help to identify appropriate design choices.
Contemporary Publishing and the Challenges for Publishing Education
Authors: Curtain John
Published: December 2009

How does one keep up with the stateof book publishing in order to teach its practice? During the Traditional era of book publishing, entrants to the 'accidental profession' received their training through informal apprenticeship. The Traditional era gave way in the 1960s to the Modern era, whose onset required a new formalization in education for publishing: training in business, finance, and more structured management. Short courses and then postgraduate programs flourished. Technological advances, and consequent shifts in the ways knowledge is gathered and shared, have prompted the publishing industry to rethink the nature of its business. The new challenge is balancing the excitement at the opportunities of the new technologies with the best traditions of book publishing: initiating and promoting quality content, constructive and compassionate editing, imaginative design, and courageous gatekeeping.
A Journal Publishing Hybrid: Creating Electronic Pages for Pediatrics
Authors: Anderson Kent
Published: December 2009

When extending an existing print journal on to the Internet, publishers have a number of options and face the challenges of managing unfamiliar types of change. New forms of scholarly communication must be learned or invented, unique potentialities constantly arise to test ingenuity and judgement, and rapid developments in technologies and standards disallow staid contemplation. This article is a case study of a unique approach to online journal publishing, one that showcases the complex interplay between a print journal and a Web-based extension and discusses some of the practical matters that publishers may encounter when moving all or part of a journal on to the Web. The purpose of this article is to detail the ramifications the development of the site had on an existing print biomedical journal, describe the problems encountered and decisions made as the site was developed, review the refinements made to both the Web site and the print journal as the model evolved, and explore the opportunities and risks inherent in this model and in Web-based journal publishing in general.
Competition and Cooperation: Libraries and Publishers in the Transition to Electronic Scholarly Journals
Authors: Odlyzko Andrew
Published: December 2009

The conversion of scholarly journals to digital format is proceeding rapidly, especially those of large commercial and learned society publishers. This conversion offers the best hope for survival for such publishers. The infamous 'journal crisis' is more of a library cost crisis than a publisher pricing problem, with internal library costs much higher than the amount spent on purchasing books and journals. Therefore publishers may be able to retain or even increase their revenues and profits while providing superior service. To do this, they will have to take over many of the functions of libraries, and they can do that only in the digital domain. This paper examines publishers' strategies, how they are likely to evolve, and how they will affect libraries.
Changing Author Relationships and Competitive Strategies of University Publishers
Authors: Jones Barbara G.
Published: December 2009

Barbara G. jones studies the influences of the restructuring of scholarly publishing on thirty university presses in the United States. In a climate of both economic restraint and academic pressure to publish, library acquisitions have been dramatically reduced at the same time as scholars are producing increasing numbers of manuscripts. In this environment, university presses are forced to re-evaluate their lists and reconsider their relationships with authors. jones presents data based on a questionnaire and a series of interviews thatfollow up on Sanford Thatcher's 1979 survey ofcompetitive practices among acquisitions editors. jones concludes that larger scholarly presses are more aggressive in acquiring titles in new areas and in charging authors with jobs formerly performed in-house, including seeking permissions for illustrations andproducingindices.Smalleruniversitypressesfocus their resources on the development ofcore subject areas, but are lessaggressive in their acquisition oftrade titles.
Road Capacity at Bus Stops with Mixed Traffic Flow in China
Authors: Yang Xiaobao , Gao Ziyou , Zhao Xiaomei , Si Bingfeng
Published: December 2009

In many Chinese cities, traffic streams near bus stops differ from those of bus stops in developed countries. There are usually two lanes at a Chinese curbside stop: a nonmotorized lane and a motorized lane. Bus stops are often located on the nonmotorized lane. When a bus dwells at a curbside stop, nonmotorized vehicles, mainly bicycles, will move to the motorized lane. Thus, the presence of a stopped bus creates a temporary conflict between bicycles and cars, reducing road capacity. A road capacity model based on gap acceptance theory and queuing theory is presented for mixed traffic flow at the curbside stop. Traffic conditions are classified into two types: no stopped bus and presence of stopped bus at the curbside stop. The probabilities of no bus and presence of bus at a stop can be obtained by using the queuing model of bus streams. Under the former condition, the bicycle stream and the car stream have no conflict, and car capacity is not affected by the bicycle stream. Under the latter condition, the conflict between bicycles and cars on the motorized lane leads to an effect on car capacity by the bicycle stream. The effect on car capacity can be derived through gap acceptance theory. Car capacity at the curbside stop is a function of three types of traffic stream–-buses, cars, and bicycles–-and it may be applicable in traffic analysis and the design of bus stops in other developing Asian cities.
Assessing a Model for Optimal Bus Stop Spacing with High-Resolution Archived Stop-Level Data
Authors: Li Huan , Bertini Robert L.
Published: December 2009

With increasing attention given to performance and financial issues related to the operation of public transportation systems, tools are needed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service offerings. High-resolution archived stop-level bus performance data can be used to generate and test a bus stop spacing model with the goal of minimizing operating cost while maintaining a high degree of transit accessibility. Two cost components are considered in the spacing model: passenger access cost and in-vehicle passenger stopping cost. These are combined and optimized to minimize total cost. A case study was made of a bus route in Portland, Oregon, by using 1 year of stop-level archived data from the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, the regional transit provider of the Portland metropolitan area. The case study indicates that the theoretical optimized bus stop spacing is 1,200 ft, compared with the current value of 950 ft. Trade-offs are discussed, and an estimate is presented of transit operating cost savings based on optimized spacing. It is shown that because of availability of high-resolution archived data, this modeling tool can be applied routinely across multiple routes as part of an ongoing service-planning and performance-measurement process.
Performance Measurements on Mass Transit
Authors: Cramer Anthony , Cucarese John , Tran Minh , Lu Alex , Reddy Alla
Published: December 2009

For all organizations, public or private, it is essential to establish measurements to ensure that the services provided are being done well and, when they are not, that the organization can diagnose problems. The mission of New York City Transit (NYCT) is to provide timely and reliable mass transit to more than 7 million daily riders. NYCT has established three main performance indicators (PIs) to ascertain how closely this mission is being met: en route schedule adherence, headway regularity, and wait assessment. Whereas en route schedule adherence (-1 to +5 min) and wait assessment are easily explained, regularity (±50%) is a useful diagnostic for operations management. NYCT selected 23 subway routes and 42 borough-representative principal bus routes for performance analysis. A stratified sample, designed to prevent undesirable sample bias, is generated by using a fully automated system and achieves an accuracy of 95 ±5% at the route level. Computerized data processing and analysis were implemented in 1995. Recently, paperless data collection was initiated; this further decreases reporting lag and improving data quality. Indicators are reported semiannually to the public, and detailed internal diagnostic reports are issued frequently to help operations management improve service performance. PI statistics are now used by senior management for setting goals and by rider advocacy groups to assess agency performance. A partnership and spirit of cooperation has developed between operating areas and analytical staff in troubleshooting delay issues and continuous quality improvement. The PI infrastructure is tapped by a pilot program to assess performance of operations improvement initiatives.
Variability in Comparable Performance of Urban Bus Operations
Authors: Trompet Mark , Anderson Richard J. , Graham Daniel J.
Published: December 2009

Whether comparing the performance of urban bus operators through a benchmarking exercise is useful and justifiable is examined. Benchmarking can be deemed useful if performance comparisons exhibit sufficient significant variability in performance between operators such that lessons can be learned from one another. The exercise can be viewed as justifiable if different external conditions do not affect performance to the extent that the variability of the results can be judged as incomparable. The data used for the study were collected by the International Bus Benchmarking Group, facilitated by Imperial College London, and related to 10 medium to large bus operators from nine countries for 2001 to 2007. After data stratification and normalization, especially for differences in vehicle size, demand profile, and commercial speed, the results suggest that comparing performance of urban bus operations through benchmarking is both useful and justifiable as long as there is a sufficient number of operators in the comparison that exhibit similar operating characteristics and urban environments.
Analysis of Short-Duration Unscheduled Absences of Transit Operators
Authors: Strathman James G. , Broach Joe , Callas Steve
Published: December 2009

Factors that contribute to short-duration (1 to 3 days) unscheduled absences of operators at the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), the transit provider for the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan region, are analyzed. The analysis draws on a wide array of operator-specific information recovered by the technologies of transit intelligent transportation systems in combination with information from the agency's human resources, scheduling, incident, and customer relations databases. The likelihood of an absence is estimated in relation to personal characteristics, employment status, aspects of assigned work, service delivery, performance indicators, temporal factors, and customer feedback. The findings can be used directly to support extraboard planning practices. More generally, the findings point to changes in policies and practices that could reduce the incidence of short-duration absences.
Understanding Speed Concepts
Authors: Donnell Eric T. , Himes Scott C. , Mahoney Kevin M. , Porter Richard J.
Published: December 2009

The relationships between design speed, operating speed, and posted speed limits are important considerations in the geometric design of highways and streets. Highway designers establish geometric design criteria by using a designated design speed. The ultimate objective is compatibility between design speed, operating speed, and posted speed limit–-or speed harmony. The design speed concept is intended to result in operating speeds that are consistent with the intended function of the highway or street and are therefore favorable with respect to safety and mobility. Because AASHTO's A Policy on Geometric Design of Highway Streets recommends using design values greater than the minimum for a designated design speed and because drivers choose to operate their vehicles according to perceived physical and operational limitations present along a roadway, higher than minimum design values may result in operational inconsistencies–-or speed discord. Speed discord is a condition in which the design speed is lower than the posted speed limit, lower than various operating speed measures, or both. Highway designers may not necessarily perceive such a relationship as problematic, but the public and enforcement personnel may express compliance or safety concerns for highway segments that experience speed discord. This paper provides key definitions of speed concepts used in the geometric design process and presents several case studies that demonstrate the concepts of speed harmony and speed discord.
Improved Sight Distance Model for Sag Vertical Curves with Overpasses
Authors: Easa Said
Published: December 2009

On sag vertical curves underpassing a structure, the fascia of the structure may cut the line of sight and limit the available sight distance. The current AASHTO model for symmetric sag curves with overpasses is intended for those that lie close to the point of vertical intersection on long sag curves. This paper presents an improved model that provides the exact minimum sight distance ( Sm) for any conditions including non-centered overpasses and short sag curves, which are typical in urban areas. The model explicitly includes as variables the overpass location, the overpass width, and the configuration of the first and second grades of the sag vertical curve. The model is formulated by using mathematical optimization that involves an objective function and constraints. The objective function minimizes the available sight distance subject to constraints involving the geometry of the curve and the overpass. The model is spreadsheet based and is solved with powerful optimization software. Application of the model is illustrated with some examples and the results show that the AASHTO model may underestimate Sm by 10% to 30%. A closed-form model for Sm on single-arc asymmetric sag curves is also presented for Sm > L. The proposed model provides a friendly, flexible, and accurate tool for sight distance analysis and should be of interest to highway designers and practitioners.
Lessons to Live (2): Deleuze
Authors: Baross Zsuzsa
Published: December 2009

Part of a series on the question of what is the good life, the essay is structured as a montage. Part 1 contests the received notion that death is exterior to the work of Deleuze. To this end, it gathers together a telegraphic collection of examples – ‘corpses’ in his corpus – that invariably show up whenever the question is raised. Part 2 attempts a Deleuzian move: it puts death to work. If death is not nothing, it argues, it must be productive of something absolutely new. Drawing upon Blanchot's seminal essay, ‘The Two Versions of the Imaginary’, it makes the case that this creation is the cadaver: the first time-image.