bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Measurement Methodologies Used for Establishing Water Retention Characteristic Curve of Fly Ash
Authors: Abhijit D. , Sreedeep S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFly ash (FA) has potential applications in geotechnical and geoenvironmental projects, where its water retention characteristic curve (WRCC) is important. The main objective of this study was to establish the inherent range of measured suction of FAs using four different tools: tensiometer (TM), matric potential sensor, equitensiometer (EQT), and WP4 dew point potentiameter with a varying measurement range. Based on the measured results, the variability of WRCC equation parameters of four FAs collected from different thermal power plants were studied. Further, the sensitivity of a different range of measured suction on WRCC equation parameters of FA was investigated. The study indicated that the possible range of measurable suction for FA is 1 to 1000 kPa, which can be measured conveniently with an EQT. The parameters of FA were not influenced by high suction measurements (&gt;1000 kPa) of WP4. The suction data (&gt;1000 kPa) obtained using the WP4 can be appended with a low-suction-range instrument such as a TM for a better representation of the WRCC of FA. However, the study indicated that WRCC parameterization of FA is influenced more by the low range of suction.
An Assessment of the Quality-Achieving Reliability of Mechanical Products Based on Information-Poor Theory
Authors: Xia Xintao , Shang Yantao , Jin Yinping , Qiu Ming , Zhu Shichao 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Reliable evaluation of a product's quality assurance capability is difficult to quantify due to the intricacies of the quality assurance process and the uncertain relationships between the product quality and its influence factors. To address this problem, with the aid of information-poor theory, a new concept, quality-achieving reliability, is proposed, and a corresponding evaluation model is structured to calculate the probability of achieving product quality as a function of the influence factors. Using the decomposition and composition method, quality classifications of the product evaluation indicator and its influence factors are produced to extract the cumulative distribution of the product quality and its elements. Using the grey relational grade method, a weight analysis of the impacts of the influence factors on the product quality is performed to obtain the status composite values of the influence factors. Under the condition of poor information and relying on the status composite values based on the cumulative distribution, a quality-achieving reliability function is established to reflect the quality assurance capability and quality control level of the product and its elements. An experimental investigation of the vibration acceleration of tapered roller bearings demonstrates the application of the proposed model.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Warm SMA Using Wax-Based WMA Additive in Korea
Authors: Kim Yongjoo , Lim Jaekyu , Lee Moonsup , Kwon Sooahn , Hwang Sungdo , Lee Jaejun 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Conventional stone mastic asphalt (SMA) is being increasingly used in highways and expressways because it provides high rutting resistance, good skid resistance, and noise reduction for heavily trafficked roads. However, the conventional SMA mixture requires high mixing and compacting temperatures to create a suitable coating between the polymer-modified asphalt and large size of aggregate. Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technology is being extended to provide significant economic benefits when applied to heat sensitive mixture, such as polymer-modified mixture, to reduce mixing and compacting temperatures. In this study, the performance characteristics of SMA–WMA mixture using new polyethylene wax-based WMA additive were evaluated against the conventional SMA mixture without additive, in terms of the moisture susceptibility, viscoelastic properties, rutting resistance at high temperature, fatigue resistance, and crack resistance at low temperature. The mix design was carried out in the laboratory for the conventional SMA mixture, and a similar composition was adopted for the SMA–WMA mixture (with the incorporation of 1.5 % WMA additive in the asphalt binder weight), in order to evaluate the influence of the performance characteristics of the resulting SMA mixture. Drain-Down and Cantabro test results of SMA–WMA mixture meet the requirement of the relevant criteria. Compared to the conventional SMA, the mixtures containing WMA additive show superior performance in moisture susceptibility, rutting resistance at high temperature, fatigue resistance at intermediate temperature, and crack resistance at low temperature. Therefore, this implies that the WMA additive is effective in reducing the production temperature, without compromising the performance of the SMA–WMA mixture.
Regression-Based Stiffness Test for Pallets Based on Sample Period Reduction by Trimming
Authors: You Taewoo , Eom Jae Kyun 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis article proposes a regression-based stiffness test for pallets based on sample period reduction by trimming. The deflection data are collected from the stiffness tests for pallets, of which one group is from virgin pallets, produced by a Korean and a European vendor, and the other group is from recycle pallets made by a Korean vendor. The data consist of the test sample in normal as well as high temperature condition. Applying the cumulative sum of residuals (CUSUM) and the likelihood ratio (LR) methods, we identify the exact points of structural breaks, thereby rejecting the time-constancy of regression relationship. Specifically, the regression relationship turns out heavily influenced by the initial period of the tests. We remedy the potential biases stemming from the initial period by trimming the initial period out of the sample. It is shown that forecasting performances are substantially improved by the truncation of the first hour data.
A Multi-Criteria Decision Making for Innovation Services Attributes: An Empirical Study of Mobile Banking System
Authors: Lin Wan-Rung , Wang Yi-Hsien , Shih Kuang-Husn 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation model that adopts an integrated approach for mobile banking service elements selection decision in the banking industry. First, experts are invited to conduct the analytic structure construction for mobile banking service elements selection by identifying necessary criteria and mobile banking service element candidates that can benefit the customer and provide a competitive advantage for banking. Second, the decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method is used to recognize complex relationships and construct a network structure among criteria required by organizations. Third, the analytic network process (ANP) is verified where the criteria are dependent. Finally, the ANP results are applied to the zero–one goal programming (ZOGP) formulation to search out the optimal mobile banking service program portfolio under limited resources and constrained situations. Analysis results indicate that the proposed evaluation model enables a systematic attempt to strengthen banking competitive ability more objectively. The integrated approach can help banking managers to select mobile banking service programs more scientifically and to make decisions more realisticially.
A Novel Method of Measuring Fat Content in Soybean Milk Based on Y-Type Optical Fiber Sensor
Authors: Zhu X. Y. , Zhao Z. M. , Wang L. X. , Zhang L. , Yu Y. S. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A new method of measuring fat content in soybean milk at room temperature (25°C) based on the Y-type optical fiber sensor is presented. The measurement system consists of a light source, Y-type optical fiber sensor, detector, thermoelectric cooler (TEC), preamplifier, second-level amplifier, A/D converter, and microprocessor. Based on the Mie theory, the diffuse reflection light intensity is adopted as the optical parameter representing the fat content in soybean milk. In this way the standard model of the system was established based on the diffuse reflection light intensity (the output voltage) of 40 soybean milk samples with different fat content. A prediction was also made to verify the measurement accuracy of the system (the prediction errors are within ±3 % of results). Results of this study indicate the feasibility of using this technology for soybean milk fat analysis that is suitable for the milk laboratory or field analysis.
Resubmitted Sampling Inspection Plan for Exponentiated Weibull Distribution
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Khan Nasrullah , Ahmad Nisar , Jun Chi-Hyuck 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This paper provides a resubmitted lot inspection plan based on the truncated life test when the failure time of a product is modeled by the exponentiated Weibull distribution. The plan parameters are determined by solving the optimization problem of minimizing the average sample number while satisfying the producer's and the consumer's risks. The proposed plan was found to be more efficient than the single inspection plan when it was applied in the carbon fiber industry.
Maximum Entropy Analysis to the N Policy M/G/1 Queue with Working Breakdowns
Authors: Chen Jia-Yu , Wang Kuo-Hsiung , Sheu Shin-Pyng , Chou Wen-Kuang 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This paper deals with the N policy M/G/1 queue with working breakdowns. In this queueing system, the steady-state probabilities cannot be derived explicitly. Thus, we employ a maximum entropy approach with several constraints to develop the approximate formulae for the steady-state probability distributions of queue length and the expected waiting time in the queue. We perform a comparative analysis between the approximate results with established exact results for different service time distributions, such as exponential, two-stage Erlang, two-stage hyper-exponential, and deterministic. Numerical results demonstrate that the maximum entropy approach is quite accurate for practical purposes and is useful for complex queueing-systems solving.
Investigation of Continuously Welded Rail of Ballastless Longitudinal Stress Distribution of Rail Break
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Chong , Wang Dazhi , Liang Junsheng , Ren Tongqun , Zhang Lihua , Li Liang 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A three-dimensional ballastless track model was established using a finite element method to simulate the rail condition before and after rail break. The distribution of the rail longitudinal stress was analyzed under certain thermal stress. In addition, experiments were also conducted in order to validate the simulation results using rail longitudinal stress test equipment. It was found that the simulation results agreed reasonably well with the experimental results. The tests show that the simulation results could correctly predict the longitudinal stress distribution in the rail. Finally, rail longitudinal stress distributions under different thermal stress were calculated using this model; this is helpful for future application to determine when and where there may be a rail break.
Validation of an Electronic Sensor Network (ESN) Control Chamber for Monitoring the Soil Decomposition Process of Sago Starch-filled Natural Rubber Latex Films
Authors: Misman M. A. , Azura A. R. , Sidek Othman 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Biodegradable sago starch-filled natural rubber latex films were subjected to soil decomposition. Decomposition indicators such as temperature, soil pH and humidity, and volume of carbon dioxide and oxygen were monitored via an electronic sensor network (ESN) control chamber. During the assessment, the environmental temperature was kept constant and a small increase in soil humidity was detected. The ESN control chamber detected the increment of soil pH and carbon dioxide level and a decrease in oxygen content during the biodegradation process. The changes in these parameters confirmed the progress of the biodegradation process. The mass loss retention for films was compared with data obtained from the ESN control chamber to get the coefficient of correlation (r) value, which describes the relationships between the two datasets. Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed the formation and growth of microorganism colonies, and Fourier transform infrared analysis indicated the breakage of double-bonded carbon in sago starch-filled natural rubber latex films and carbonyl group intensification, signifying the formation of aldehyde and ketone groups after the fourth week of soil decomposition.
Comparison of Four Different Methods to Determine the Hardness of Plasma-sprayed Cr3C2–NiCr Coating by Nano-indentation
Authors: Zhu Li-na , Xu Bin-shi , Wang Hai-dou , Wang Cheng-biao 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A Cr3C2–NiCr coating with a thickness of 200 μm was deposited on an AISI 1045 steel substrate using a supersonic plasma-spray technique. The hardness of the Cr3C2–NiCr coating was characterized by a nano-indenter equipped with an atomic force microscope (AFM). The AFM images indicated that the nano-indents on the Cr3C2–NiCr coating exhibited significant “pile-up” deformation. Such pile-up behavior needs to be taken into account in hardness determination because the pile-up height accounts for a large proportion of the indentation depth. In this paper, four different methods are compared to determine the hardness of the Cr3C2–NiCr coating: the Oliver–Pharr method, two work-of-indentation methods (total work of indentation and plastic work of indentation), and an AFM analysis method. The results show that the Oliver–Pharr and work-of-indentation methods overestimated the hardness, and the AFM analysis method is considered as a more accurate method for determining the hardness of the Cr3C2–NiCr coating.
Experimental Evaluation of a Variable Shear Modulus Characteristic for Magnetorheological Elastomer Due to Induced Current
Authors: Kim Jin-Su , Yoon Ji-Hyun , Jeong Un-Chang , Oh Jae-Eung 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to fabricate an anisotropic magnetorheological elastomer (MREs) based on natural rubber (NR) that has a more advanced MR effect than isotropic MREs by using an anisotropic mold. We evaluated variation in the shear modulus of the MREs in the frequency domain under a magnetic field with a continuously-variable induced current. An evaluation system is proposed that includes a magnetic flux generator, which generates a magnetic field via a continuously-variable induced current. One of the anisotropic MREs possessing 30 vol. %, 40 vol. %, and 50 vol. % carbonyl iron powder was expected to have the highest shear modulus variation as a function of the variable induced current. With the evaluation system, we identified the variation and maximum variation rate of the shear modulus of MREs with three different volume fractions of carbonyl iron powder (CIP) and continuously-variable induced current. The magnetic flux density generated by the magnetic flux generator (MFG) is optimized by electromagnetic finite element method (FEM) analysis and response surface method techniques. The values of each design factor determined by the response surface method (RSM) were applied to the redesign of the evaluation system, including the MFG. The proposed system is verified for the range in which MFG can generate magnetic flux density in order to determine the existence of magnetic saturation of the MFG by magnetic circuit analysis. Consequently, the appropriate volume fraction of CIP in MREs without inducing currents can be determined for any desired shear modulus. The desired volume fraction of CIP in the anisotropic MREs can be approximated to achieve an appropriate shear modulus variation rate. This study demonstrates that it is possible to obtain an appropriate volume fraction of CIP and induced current to achieve the desired shear modulus variation rate of an anisotropic MRE.
Failure Mode of Pedicle Screw Fixation Depends Upon the Presence, Absence, and Position of Interbody Spacers. A Pilot Study
Authors: Keen Jeffrey , Lissy Christopher , Kirkpatrick John S. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Transpedicular screw fixation permits segmental stabilization to supplement anterior, transforamenal, posterior lumbar interbody, or postero-lateral fusion techniques. This study was designed to evaluate the use of ASTM F1717-14 in determining the failure mode of pedicle screw constructs using these four different fusion constructs. Single level pedicle screw constructs were assembled and tested for axial stiffness and possible failure mode. The constructs included interbody spacers placed anteriorly, unilaterally, posteriorly, and with no spacer. The anterior specimens failed at supraphysiologic loads with rods bending in the sagittal plane. The unilateral specimens failed in physiologic range of loads with expulsion of the spacers and deformation of the constructs in the coronal plane. The posterior specimens failed at supraphysiologic loads and relatively large cycle numbers with screw fatigue fractures and subsequent set screw disengagement. The specimens with no spacers failed at physiologic loads with abutting of the anterior aspect of the test blocks. Failure of lumbar fusion constructs in this laboratory model occur in different modes depending on the fusion construct. In general, when the spacer is placed in line with the load axis, the pedicle instrumentation is “protected” from failure. When the spacer is off the load axis or no spacer is used, the pedicle screw system is subject to potential failure within physiologic loads. Considering the different modes of failure depending on placement of the interbody device, no single testing model is applicable to all clinically used constructs.
Characterizing Compactability of High RAP and Warm Mix Asphalt Mixtures in the Superpave Gyratory Compactor.
Authors: Braham Andrew , Lynn Todd , Steger Richard , Pyle Roger 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Compactability of asphalt concrete mixtures is critical for successful long-term performance in the field. Laboratory samples are necessary for volumetric analysis and performance testing during the design process, so the ability to quantify compactability during specimen production in the lab would be highly beneficial. While there has been significant work in defining compaction characteristics of asphalt concrete, most of this work has revolved around traditional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), and little work has been done with Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) or high percentage Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) mixtures. This research examined HMA without RAP (HMA Virgin), HMA with 35 % RAP (HMA RAP), and two WMA technologies with 35 % RAP (WMA 1 and WMA 2). Four compactability metrics were evaluated, including number of gyrations to 92 % density (N92), Construction Densification Index (CDI), the Construction Force Index (CFI), and the newly introduced Normalized Shear Index (NSI). This research found that the WMA technologies improved the compactability of asphalt concrete, as did the addition of RAP. In general, the WMA 1 showed better compactability than WMA 2, but this could be partially attributed to a softer binder grade, higher asphalt binder content, and the potential for a tender mix, as indicated by the normalized shear curve. The HMA RAP mixture also had a higher asphalt binder content compared to HMA Virgin, which could have contributed to the improved compactability. The NSI metric consistently showed the lowest Coefficient of Variation (COV) values and has the potential to distinguish tender mixtures.
Poisson's Ratio of Hot Asphalt Mixtures Determined by Relaxation and Small Amplitude Oscillation Test
Authors: Zak Josef , Stastna Jiri , Vavricka Jiri , Milackova Kristyna , Kasek Lukas , Zanzotto Ludo 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
One of the basic material characteristics of solids is Poisson's ratio. Its exact knowledge, including its dependence on time, allows us to model the effect of load, with given boundary conditions, on the behavior of material under consideration. Poisson's ratio, or rather the relationship between the longitudinal and transverse strain, has an important implication in engineering mechanical applications (assessment of pavement structure performance). Nowadays, Poisson's ratio is usually used as a constant, based on an incorrect assumption that a hot asphalt mix is a linear elastic material. This paper reports Poisson's ratio as a function of time determined from the relaxation and small amplitude oscillation tests on cylindrical specimens. A hot asphalt mix is considered homogeneous isotropic material and linear theory of viscoelasticity is applied for the experimental determination of the lateral contraction ratio.
Carbon Fiber Heating Wire for Pavement Deicing
Authors: Wu Jianmin , Yang Fei , Liu Jianguo 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The use of electric heating technology in pavement deicing has received considerable attention because of its fast and environmentally friendly features. Carbon fiber heating wire (CFHW) buried in concrete slabs is a type of technology that belongs in this category. This study conducts indoor heating tests to analyze and determine the factors that influence the heating rate of CFHW, including depth of installation, layout interval, input current, ambient temperature, and overlying material. A finite element model is established and calibrated by simulating the indoor heating tests. The heating effect of concrete pavement in different environmental conditions is analyzed through finite element simulation. Results show that CFHW is effective for pavement deicing.
Experimental Study on Engineering and Thermal Properties of Mortar and Plaster Produced With Pumice Aggregate
Authors: Eren Özgür , Marar Khaled , İlter Osman , Çelik Tahir 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Now, it is widely accepted by civil engineers and architects that walls and masonry building units, which are made of pumice, can insulate buildings against both heat and sound, and also reduce the dead load of the building compared to traditional buildings. In this study, pumice was used as a fine aggregate in mortar and plaster instead of traditional crushed limestone sand. This study shows that the properties of pumice mortars indicate lower values compared to limestone mortars for workability durations, time of settings, and fresh and hardened unit weights. Other properties of pumice mortars indicate higher values compared to limestone mortars, such as water absorption, coefficient of capillary water absorption, drying shrinkage, flexural strength, and compressive strength. Also, wall systems made with pumice mortar and plaster show significant benefits in terms of thermal conductivity.
Use of Non-Standard Specimens to Study the Compressive Strength of Multi-Coat Renders
Authors: Soares A. , Flores-Colen I. , de Brito J. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
The compressive strength of coating mortars is considered a fundamental property in most standards and is one of the properties most frequently determined in the laboratory. There are as yet only a few studies on evaluating the compressive strength of coating mortar from specimens collected in situ. This paper analyzes the possibility of correlating non-standard specimens, prepared in laboratory with several coats, with cores extracted from prototypes of brick coated with mortar (traditional and premixed) through the pull-off technique. The results enable us to conclude that the use of those non-standard specimens (with different thickness and various layers) instead of standard ones (specimens with 40 × 160 × 160 mm3, with only one mortar) can be a closer-to-reality alternative to study the compressive strength of renders, particularly those that are applied in more than one coat as traditional renders are.