bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synoptic climatology of fog in selected locations of southern Poland (1966–2015)
Authors: Łupikasza Ewa , Niedźwiedź Tadeusz 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This paper investigates fog frequency in southern Poland in relation to various topography (concave and convex forms) and atmospheric circulation types. It also discusses long-term variability in the annual and seasonal number of days with fog. Daily information on fog occurrence was taken from three high quality synoptic stations representing various landforms: Kraków-Balice (bottom of the hollow), Katowice-Muchowiec (Silesian Upland) and Bielsko-Aleksandrowice (summit of Carpathian Foothill). In the central part of southern Poland during the last 50 years (1966-2015) fog occurred on average during 53-67 days a year. The annual number of foggy days in Kraków (67 days) located in a structural basin was by 14-15 days higher than in Bielsko (53 days) situated in the Silesian Foothills. In the annual course, high fog occurrence (above 6 days per month) was observed from September to January, with the maximum in Kraków (10 days in October). At every station the monthly minimum of fog occurrence fell in July (2 days). In summer and spring the highest probability of fog occurrence was found on days with anticyclonic types and air advection from the northeastern (Na, NEa) and eastern (Ea, SEa) sectors. In autumn, a high probability was also found for the anticyclonic types with advection of air mass from the eastern and southern sectors. In the Carpathian Foothills (Bielsko) the probability of fog occurrence in winter was significantly enhanced only for the cyclonic types with air advection from the eastern sector (NEc, Ec, SEc) and nonadvective types Cc (cyclone centre) and Bc (cyclonic trough). Trends in the fog frequency were mostly insignificant. The only significant decreasing trend was found in Kraków on the annual scale and in summer when fog frequency was low.
An Approach of XML Query Evaluation Based Model Checking
Authors: Yan-Mei Li , Shao-Bin Huang , Ya Li , Li Xu 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
In this paper, we show the process inspired by model checking which integrate temporal logic to the application of semi-structured data query. We investigate the potential ofatechnique based on CTL (Computation Tree Logic) model checking for evaluating queries expressed in (a subset of) XPath. Our research consists of query algebra, constraint understanding and expression mapping. The core of research is mapping the XMLquery algebra to an expression collection of temporal logic. We tryanew kind of query execution strategy to enhance the accuracy of semantic description of the XMLquery. For the purpose of supporting the generation of the formal specifications and reducing the mapping processing, the XMLquery constraint can be converted toaspecification of SPS (Specification Pattern System) through which we get the formula set to evaluate path queries directly on CTLformula.
Evaporation from water surfaces in urban environments, using Prague and Pilsen (Czech Republic) as examples
Authors: Knozová Gražyna , Brzezina Jáchym , Rožnovský Jaroslav , Kohut Mojmír 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The subject of this study is an evaluation of the amount of evaporation from water surfaces (VVH), measured using EWM devices in two cities of different sizes, and located approximately 80 km from each other – Prague and Pilsen. The results were analyzed in the context of urban phenomena, which are pronounced especially in Prague, and also in the context of meteorological and morphological conditions in those locations. It was found that higher amounts of evaporation were measured at the meteorological station in Pilsen. The difference between the average sum of VVH per season (1st May to 30th September) between 2005 and 2014 for the two locations is 33.3 mm. The difference between daily average values was 0.2 mm. Given the suburban nature of the two locations where measurements were taken, it was not possible to draw any conclusions about the effect of the urban heat island on the rate of evaporation and values of VVH. Factors significantly influencing VVH are surface roughness, which is higher in urban environments than in open landscapes. Based on the results it was concluded that at both a regional and a local scale, the rate of evaporation is more affected by wind speed than thermal conditions. The measured VVH values differ, not just because of the urban dimension of the two cities compared, but especially as a result of different topoclimatic location of the two stations.
Preoperative intraperitoneal oxaliplatin for unresectable peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin: a pilot study
Authors: Sgarbura Olivia , Samalin Emmanuelle , Carrere Sébastien , Mazard Thibault , Forges Hélène de , Alline Mathias , Pissas Marie-Hélène , Portales Fabienne , Ychou Marc , Quenet François 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundPeritoneal carcinomatosis in colorectal cancer is an advanced stage of the disease where improved survival can be attained whenever the resection associated with hyperthermic intreperitoneal chemotherapy is possible. In unresectable cases, systemic chemotherapy is administered to obtain conversion to resectability but results have not yet been clearly evaluated. Local chemotherapy in this setting has been proven useful in several similar situations. The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of pre-operative intraperitoneal chemotherapy with oxaliplatin in these patients.MethodsSix patients with unresectable peritoneal disease of colorectal origin were included in the study. An intraperitoneal implantable chamber catheter was inserted during the laparotomy that evaluated the extent of the peritoneal disease (peritoneal carcinomatosis index 25 to 39). Patients then underwent intraperitoneal chemotherapy with oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 in combination with systemic chemotherapy (FOLFIRI or simplified LV5FU) and a targeted therapy every 2 weeks.ResultsTwo catheter perfusion incidents were reported due to the abdominal wall thickness. Two patients completed the four intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy cycles without major toxicity. One patient developed grade 3 or 4 diarrhea requiring a short intensive care unit (ICU) stay, though it is not clear whether the event was induced by intravenous irinotecan, IP oxaliplatin or the combination of both. Grade 3 fatigue and abdominal pain were also recorded. For one patient with aggressive disease, best supportive care was initiated after the first course of chemotherapy.ConclusionsOur study is the first to assess intraperitoneal oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in the preoperative setting for patients with unresectable peritoneal metastases. The tolerance was acceptable for 85 mg/m2 IP oxaliplatin combined with systemic therapy in these patients. Our results justify carrying on with a phase I/II trial to determine the recommended dose of oxaliplatin in this clinical context and its efficacy.
Authenticité ou opportunisme? La crédibilité des communications en matière de responsabilité sociale de l’enterprise
Authors: Desgagné-Éthier Flavie , Yates Stéphanie 
Published: December 2016

La responsabilité sociale de l’entreprise (RSE) est devenue monnaie courante dans le discours corporatif. Toutefois, le cynisme des consommateurs, exacerbé par les nombreuses tentatives d’écoblanchiment, en fait un territoire communicationnel risqué. L’objectif de cette recherche qualitative qui rassemble les apprentissages clés d’une douzaine de communicateurs-praticiens est de répertorier les critères qui permettent de maximiser les chances de succès d’une communication sur la RSE en matière de crédibilité perçue. Les entrevues semi-directives qui ont été menées auprès de ces communicateurs-praticiens ont permis d’établir les bases d’un modèle multifactoriel en matière de crédibilité des communications en RSE, ancré dans la pratique. Ce modèle regroupe deux catégories de facteurs d’influence que nous avons nommés les facteurs primaires, ayant une influence sur la perception de « crédibilité spontanée », et les facteurs secondaires, liés à des stratégies communicationnelles ayant une influence sur la « crédibilité rationalisée ».
Super Air Meter for Assessing Air-Void System of Fresh Concrete
Authors: Tanesi J. , Kim H. , Beyene M. , Ardani A. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
A key factor for freeze-thaw durability of concrete is the air void system; nevertheless, the current test methods for fresh concrete only allow for determination of total air content. There is a need for a fresh concrete test method capable of indicating that air void size and distribution are adequate. In an attempt to address this need, a new test method based on the super air meter (SAM) was developed by Ley and Tabb. This paper presented an investigation of the air void system of 64 mixtures, employing standard fresh and hardened concrete test methods, as well as the SAM test method. The study focused on mixtures with three different coarse aggregates, three air entraining admixtures, different total air contents levels, and slumps below 3 in. (75 mm), typical of paving concrete. Freeze-thaw tests were carried out on some of the mixtures with marginal air content. Data from this study at the Federal Highway Administration's Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center Laboratory showed that the SAM test of fresh concrete was able to provide an indication of air void adequacy in low-slump air entrained concrete; a SAM number of 0.20 psi (1.4 kPa) or above identified mixtures with poor spacing factor. However, a limit of 4.0 % fresh air content was also able to identify these mixtures as a good correlation between air content and spacing factor was found.
Shear Behavior of Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Mostafazadeh M. , Abolmaali A. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This paper presented a comprehensive experimental study on the shear capacity of zero-slump, dry-cast synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete (SYN-FRC) by using Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) G-553 test method. In adjacent with shear test, flexural and compression behavior of concrete determined based on ASTM C1609/C1609M-12 and ASTM C39/C39M-16b, respectively. In order to investigate the effect of different concrete compressive strengths on material properties of synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete, two different compressive strengths, 28 MPa (4000 psi) and 34 MPa (5000 psi), were selected. The test results demonstrated that the application of synthetic fibers in concrete yielded to significant improvements in material properties of concrete such as shear strength, shear toughness, flexural strength and flexural toughness. These enhancements were greater at higher synthetic fiber dosage rates.
Laboratory and Economic Evaluations of Thin Lift Asphalt Overlay for Pavement Preservation
Authors: Habbouche J. , Hajj E. Y. , Sebaaly P. E. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The overall objective of this study was to assess the use of locally available materials in Nevada for the development of two durable fine-graded thin lift hot-mix asphalt overlay mixtures for pavement preservation. The investigation considered establishing two mix designs using typical local materials for the northern and southern part of the state. An optimal asphalt binder content was selected for each mixture based on the volumetric properties and following the Nevada Department of Transportation volumetric requirements. For each mixture, the optimal asphalt binder content was varied within the allowable tolerances to simulate the potential variation in asphalt binder content during plant production. The performance of the designed mixtures were evaluated at the various asphalt binder contents in terms of their resistance to moisture damage using indirect tensile strength, resistance to surface raveling and abrasion, dynamic modulus |E*| property, resistance to rutting using the flow number test, resistance to reflective cracking using the IPC overlay jig, workability, and the developed interlayer bond strength using the Louisiana interlayer shear strength tester (LISST). Overall, both designed fine-graded mixtures showed a very good performance and are expected to perform well when used as a thin lift hot-mix asphalt overlay. In particular, good stability, very good resistance to surface raveling and abrasion, and excellent resistance to reflective cracking were observed for both thin lift hot-mix asphalt overlay mixtures at all evaluated asphalt binder contents. A preliminary life cycle cost analysis was also conducted between the thin lift asphalt overlay and a typically used pavement surface treatment for Nevada: the chip seal. Based on the findings from this study, conclusions and recommendations were provided for implementing thin lift hot-mix asphalt overlay as a pavement preservation technique for the state of Nevada.
Effect of Surface Preparation on the Deicing Salt-Scaling Resistance of Concrete With and Without SCM: Laboratory and Field Performance in the Presence of Sodium Chloride Deicing Salt
Authors: Yi H. , Thomas M. D. A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDeicing salt scaling is a form of surface deterioration of concrete, which describes the progressive raveling of mortar, sometimes even coarse aggregate, from the surface. This paper presents findings from both laboratory and field studies on the deicing salt-scaling resistance of concrete incorporating various proportions of fly ash (25 % and 50 %) and slag (30 % and 60 %). In the laboratory study, concrete slabs finished with different methods as well as concrete with non-finished surfaces were tested for deicing salt-scaling resistance. For the field study, larger concrete slabs were cast and cured in the laboratory and then placed outdoors. Deicing salt solution was applied on the slabs following each snowfall during the winter seasons to maintain an ice-free condition on the surface of the slabs. The results from the laboratory study indicate that the reduced salt-scaling resistance of concrete incorporating supplementary cementing materials is not solely depended on the mechanical strength of the concrete itself. It is also shown that concrete containing high levels of fly ash and slag maybe more sensitive to finishing techniques.
Evaluation of Modifications to the ASTM C672 Deicer Salt Scaling Test for Concrete Containing Slag Cement
Authors: Hooton R. D. , Vassilev D. G. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The standard ASTM C672/C672M-12 deicer salt scaling resistance test has been found to be overly aggressive to concretes containing slag cement or fly ash. It was compared to the recently adopted CSA A23.2-22A test method, based on the Quebec BNQ test, as well as several modifications, including use of an accelerated curing regime developed by Virginia (VADOT). Sixteen concrete mixtures were studied using high-alkali cement, low-alkali cement, grade 100 slag and grade 120 slag with slag contents of 0, 20, 35, and 50 %. Vinsol resin air-entraining admixture (AEA) was compared to a synthetic AEA. Modifications to the test method used in this study resulted in improved deicer scaling performance of concretes containing slag and many of these modifications have been incorporated into the CSA A23.2-22A test method. While it was found that increasing the level of slag replacement resulted in increased scaling, it was found that for slag mixtures, the synthetic AEA provided an improved air void spacing factor, higher hardened air content, and improved scaling resistance compared to Vinsol resin AEA.
Effect of Fast Constant Loading Rates on the Global Behavior of Sand in Triaxial Compression
Authors: Suescun-Florez Eduardo , Iskander Magued 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Loading rate effects on the global stress-strain behavior of sand were investigated by performing triaxial compression tests on air-dried sand specimens. Siliceous and calcareous sands were subjected to triaxial compression at various constant strain rates to investigate the rate effects, initial density, confining pressure, shape and size of grains, as well as type of sand on the mechanical behavior of granular materials. The results indicate that silica sand and coral sand exhibit different rate dependency in terms of stiffness and peak normal stress. In general, strain rate effects are highly dependent on confining stress and relative density, with dense samples subjected to the highest employed confining stress exhibiting the most pronounced effects to variation in strain rates. Calcareous sand also exhibited a higher strain rate dependency than silica sand.
Sorptive Response of Chromium (Cr+6) and Mercury (Hg+2) From Aqueous Solutions Using Chemically Modified Soils
Authors: Moghal A. A. B. , Reddy K. R. , Abu Sayeed Mohammed S. , Ali Al-Shamrani M. , Zahid W. M. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The presence of xenobiotic (human induced) chemicals from mining, refining and electroplating industries causes significant damage to the natural soil system, altering its physico-chemical geochemistry. Most of these chemicals contain metal pollutants that are non-biodegradable and the only way to contain or limit their movement is through sorption. In this study, the sorptive response of two most commonly found metal contaminants, hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) and mercury (Hg+2), were studied using two semi-arid soils from Saudi Arabia. To enhance their retention capacity, these soils were amended with lime. The response to sorption at varying initial contaminant concentrations, pH conditions, temperature levels, and dilution ratios was investigated. Relying on empirical models (Langmuir and Freundlich), the nature of sorption (monolayer or heterogeneous) was ascertained. Furthermore, kinetic models were employed to validate the type and nature of sorption occurring (whether pseudo first-order or second-order). It was found that the experimental results correlated well with the selected empirical models for both the Al-Ghat and Al-Qatif soils when amended with lime and attenuate Cr and Hg to satisfactory levels. The R2 values were close to 1 for all the tested models. The order of sorption was Cr &gt; Hg for heavy metals considered, and also for soils and soil mixtures considered Al-Qatif soil amended with 6 % lime &gt; Al-Ghat soil with 6 % lime &gt; Al-Qatif &gt; Al-Ghat. Lime treated soils sorbed 69 % and 63 % more than the untreated soils for Cr and Hg, respectively.
Using Continuous Wavelet Transform to Construct the Dispersion Image for Soil Layers
Authors: Tsai P.-H. , Feng Z.-Y. , Ni S.-H. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This study used a time-frequency domain analysis for estimating the dispersion curve of a Rayleigh wave by using two receivers. The signals were first transformed using continuous wavelet transform. A similar slant stack procedure was used to analyze the wavelet transform signals and extract a dispersion image. This method is advantageous because it requires no empirical judgment in phase unwrapping and few receivers. To examine the applicability of the method for evaluating the dispersion curve for soil layers with lateral heterogeneity, three synthetic examples and an experience example were investigated. In these examples, numerical simulations of the surface wave seismic test were performed using the finite difference FLAC code. The results revealed that the estimates of the surface wave dispersion curve, obtained using the method, coincide with those of the theoretical values. A high-resolution dispersion image is generated by increasing the spacing of receivers. The method is applicable for extracting a dispersion image for lateral heterogeneous soil layers.
Mechanical Testing and Application of Steel-plastic Geogrid Instead of Metal Mesh in Supporting Engineering
Authors: Wang Q.-B. , Xu L. , Zhang J.-X. , Lv R.-S. , Wang T.-T. , Hu Z.-J. , Bai Y. , Kong Y.-C. , Xie F. , Tang L.-Y. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The theory of the steel-plastic geogrid employed in supporting engineering is behind the practice, seriously affecting its popularization and application in engineering. Thus the tensile strength and deflection of steel-plastic geogrid and its control of surrounding rock deformations were studied and analyzed using laboratory and engineering field tests. We have contrasted the tensile strength of steel-plastic geogrid to that of metal mesh. We have also contrasted the deflection deformation of the steel-plastic geogrid concrete slabs to that of the mesh concrete slabs. In the tensile strength test, we have tested the tensile properties of three different types of steel-plastic geogrid. In the defection deformation test, two kinds of steel-plastic geogrid concrete slabs and the mesh concrete slabs are made to investigate the load and displacement they bear. By combining with the experimental application of the Wohu Mountain iron mine, we summarized the process of steel-plastic geogrid construction and monitored the surrounding rock deformation of test section. Thus, we drew the following conclusions: (1) the tensile strength of the steel-plastic geogrid was greater than metal mesh; (2) compared with metal mesh concrete slabs, steel plastic grille with concrete slab had a larger deflection and its stress tolerance ability was better; (3) the use of the steel-plastic geogrid supporting in roadway can control the deformation of its bottom and sidewalls.
Mineral Aggregate Morphological Evaluation With MATLAB Fourier Radial Gradient Transform Analysis
Authors: Gong F. , Liu Y. , You Z. , Shun Y. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The objective of this paper was to present a newly-developed approach through MATLAB-based Fourier analysis on X-ray CT images for more directly, accurately, and efficiently characterizing the morphological features of aggregates. This newly-developed approach consisted of two parts: a small library of aggregate images from X-ray CT scanning and a MATLAB program for processing those X-ray images. One key output of the MATLAB-based imaging process was the Fourier functions, which represented the surface morphological features of aggregate particles. The Fourier radial gradient transform (FRGT) was developed based on the existing concept of radial gradient transform (RGT) and employed for analyzing the main features of those Fourier functions. Through analyzing the FRGT data of various aggregate particles, a new method was developed to characterize aggregate shape, angularity, and texture. Instead of using ellipses, polygons that were determined through vertices of angularities were used to represent mineral aggregate shapes. The angularities of aggregate surfaces were determined with the newly-developed MATLAB program through analyzing the FRGT data. After the angularities and shapes were determined, the surface textures were characterized through the newly developed texture indices namely TAD (texture abundant degree) and TRD (texture roughness Degree). Based on the research findings, the following two conclusions were made: (1) the newly developed method had a highly accuracy and efficiency; (2) through FRGT, aggregate shape, angularity, and texture could be accurately calculated and evaluated in a new manner. Since the main focus of this paper was to develop and introduce the newly-developed approach, the detailed analysis and comprehensive validation of this new method will be presented in the future publications.