bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Robust Stereo-PIV System for 3-D Soil Deformation Measurement
Authors: Yuan Bingxiang , Liu Jinyuan , Chen Wenwu , Xia Kaiwen 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
This paper presents a robust stereo-particle image velocimetry (Stereo-PIV) system developed for three-dimensional (3-D) soil deformation measurement in geotechnical engineering. Also known as digital image correlation, PIV is a popular image processing technique to measure two-dimensional (2-D) fluid velocity in fluid dynamics. The Stereo-PIV technique extends 2-D deformation measurement to 3-D based on a binocular vision model, where two cameras with a well posed geometrical setting, are utilized to image the same object. Although commercial Stereo-PIV systems are available in the market, the applications of this technique are still limited by their high cost and special hardware requirements. This study presents a robust Stereo-PIV system, which utilizes two standard complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) cameras and two open software packages to apply this technique to geotechnical engineering testing.
In order to apply this technique, three steps have to be performed: the first step is the calibration for the system to get the parameters of the two cameras with respect to the region of interest (ROI); the second step is to obtain a series of paired images of the ROI during deformation and calculate the corresponding 2-D displacement fields from these images; and the last step is to construct a 3-D displacement field based on the camera parameters calculated in the first step and the corresponding 2-D displacement vector pairs from the second step.
The developed system is applied in a model test to measure 3-D sand deformation around a laterally loaded pile. The results demonstrate that the system can obtain a reasonable result and can be readily adjusted for more advanced 3-D deformation measurement in geotechnical engineering research.
Evaluation of the Long-Distance Conducted Electrical Weapon XREP®
Authors: Kunz Sebastian N. , Graw Matthias , Peschel Oliver , Grove Nico 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe TASER® eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP®) is a self-contained, wireless conducted electrical weapon (CEW), which is shot from a 12-gauge shotgun. On impact it delivers short high-voltage, low current energy pulses to temporarily paralyze a person by causing electrical interruption of the body’s normal energy pulses. The present study analyzes the specific weapon-projectile interaction and accuracy of the XREP® live and training rounds at different distances in order to draw conclusions on mission effectiveness. To evaluate the ballistic features of the XREP® ammunition, a high speed camera, photoelectric barrier, reference scale, and coordinate calculator were used. Thirty live rounds (LR) and 35 training rounds (TR) were fired from the TASERX12™ with a customized 18.5 in. barrel. The shooting distances were 4.5 m, 12.1 m, 19.7 m, and 27.4 m. The average velocity of the XREP® TR was v0 71.8 m/s (range 57.6–84.0 m/s) and of the LR 67.0 m/s (range 58.2–73.5 m/s). The standard deviation in accuracy varied within the live rounds vertically from 7.6 mm at a distance of 4.5 m up to 152.1 mm at 27.4 m. The training rounds showed a vertical standard deviation between 7.5 mm (shooting distance 4.5 m) and 222.8 mm (shooting distance 27.4 m). The standard horizontal deviation was noted the highest at 109.4 mm with the TR and 57.7 mm with the LR, both at a shooting distance of 27.4 m. The maximal vertical variation was at a firing distance of 27.4 m; for the TR it was −649.2 mm and for the LR it was −866.7 mm. The XREP® ammunition showed a remarkable high variation in velocity and accuracy. This effect increased disproportionately at shooting distances over 12 m. Furthermore, a significant variation between the training and the live ammunition was noted.
Evaluation of Air Void Distributions of Cement Asphalt Emulsion Mixes Using an X-Ray Computed Tomography Scanner
Authors: Wang Zhenjun , Xiao Jingjing 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Air void distributions of cement asphalt emulsion mixes are different from those of ordinary asphalt mixes. In order to evaluate a relationship between air voids and aggregate gradations, or binders of the mixes, an x-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner was used to quantify air void ratio, air void area, and air void size in the mixes. A rheometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were adopted to analyze viscosity and microstructures of the asphalt emulsion composites. The results indicate that larger air voids are concentrated on the top and the bottom of the mixes. The middle part of the mixes, which constitutes about 60–70 % of its thickness, has a nearly uniform size of air voids. The demarcation of air void ratio between suspended dense structure and framework dense structure is 6.0 %; and that between framework dense structure and framework void structure is 9.0 %. Adoption of ordinary Portland cement and appropriate increase of asphalt emulsion dosages are beneficial to the decrease of the air void ratio. The binders exert little effect on the increase of the air void sizes than the aggregate gradation types do. Benefits of cement addition are to generate hydrates which are helpful to decrease the air void ratios of the mixes.
Estimation of Optimum Compaction Temperature for PMA and WMA Mixtures by Volumetric Property Evaluation
Authors: Lee Moon-Sup , Kim Sungun , Kim Kwang W. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The optimum compaction temperature (OCT) is defined as the temperature at which asphalt provides proper viscosity in an asphalt mixture. For normal asphalt, the proper viscosity level has been suggested as 280 ± 30 mm2/s by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). This suggestion has been effectively utilized in selecting the OCT of normal hot-mix asphalt (HMA). However, because polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) and warm-mix asphalt (WMA) have been used recently, it is difficult to apply this method in general. This study evaluates important volumetric properties (air void ratio and void filled with asphalt) of HMA and WMA mixes. The three binders evaluated included 64-22 and 76-22 for HMA and 70-22 for WMA for dense-graded asphalt mixtures compacted using a Superpave gyratory compactor. The OCT at which the optimum asphalt content could be obtained was determined for the three binders. The OCTs obtained via volumetric property evaluation were 20 °C and 38 °C lower than the values determined via the AASHTO method for PMA and WMA. In mechanical performance comparisons, the mixture compacted at the lower OCT was not inferior to the mixture compacted at a higher OCT. It is therefore concluded that the OCT should be determined based on the volumetric property of mixtures, because compaction is not solely a function of viscosity, especially for PMA and WMA mixtures.
Non-contact and Non-destructive Analysis of the Quality of Phenolic Resin by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Dong Y. , Qu S. Y. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The traditional analytical methods used to determine phenolic resin are slow and produce environmentally unfriendly waste. In this work, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been applied for resin content of phenolic resins. The partial least-squares regression was used to develop the calibration model of the resin content. Eight samples were withdrawn at different time stages for analysis with the proposed quantitative models; the data thus obtained were compared with those provided by reference methods. The maximal predicted error and the standard deviation of the differences were 0.96% and 0.51% for resin content. The results of the paired t test revealed that there was no significant difference between the NIR method and the reference method. NIR spectroscopy is an effective choice for the accurate, expeditious analyzing quality of phenolic resin.
Evaluation of Bentonite-Fly Ash Mix for Its Application in Landfill Liners
Authors: Younus M. M. , Sreedeep S. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Compacted landfill liners are required to minimize the migration of harmful contaminants to the surrounding geoenvironment and groundwater. This is mainly achieved by restricting hydraulic conductivity of the compacted liners within a permissible limit of 10−7 cm/s. For geomaterials used in liners, it is important to determine the appropriate range of compaction parameters (water content and dry unit weight) that would ensure hydraulic conductivity and strength characteristics within safe limits. There are not many studies in the literature for specifying such a range for bentonite-fly ash mixes. The addition of cohesionless fly ash would improve the strength and reduce the shrinkage behavior of bentonite but at the same time would increase the hydraulic conductivity. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to determine the ranges of water content and dry unit weight for different bentonite-fly ash mixes that would satisfy the desired ranges of hydraulic conductivity and strength. The objective is to identify the bentonite-fly ash mix that enables maximum use of fly ash, which is advantageous from an environmental perspective. The performance evaluation of different compacted mixes has been done using hydraulic conductivity and unconfined compressive strength as the two reference parameters. The study clearly demonstrates the utility of a bentonite-fly ash mix as a compacted landfill liner. On the basis of the results, it can be noted that up to 70 % by weight of fly ash can be mixed with bentonite for satisfying the requirements of compacted landfill liners.
Constructing an Evaluation Model for Agenting Online Games
Authors: Chueh Hao-En , Chang Che-Wei 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this research is to construct a software evaluation model for online games. Online games require players to link to a computer game manufacturer server. This study applies the grey situation decision making (GSDM) method to measure player degrees of satisfaction from playing online games by addressing their involved psychological needs. This evaluation model can assist a commercial agent in marketing online games. Finally, a case study demonstrates the high satisfaction degree of massive multiple on-line role play games (MMORPGs).
Computer-Controlled Stable Crack Growth as a Reliable and Fast Method to Determine Subcritical Crack Growth
Authors: Özcoban Hüseyin , Fett Theo , Schneider Gerold A. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Subcritical crack growth of synthetic fused silica glass is investigated using the single-edge-V-notched-beam method. The measurement was performed in a very stiff four-point bending device, which is equipped with a computer-aided control system. This technique enables several loading cycles of controlled crack growth with one measurement and sample. The control system is based on an online compliance measurement that enables an automatic measurement routine without much operation of the user and without the necessity of the optical observation of the crack. The crack velocity as a function of the applied stress intensity factor was determined by analysing the measured specimen compliance. The presented method allows determining a large number of v–KI curves under identical conditions by measuring only one sample.
Characterizing Profiled Fibers by Multiscale Shape Representations
Authors: Wang RongWu , Tang LiPing , Zeng PeiFeng , Xu BuGao 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
This paper presents a multiscale shape representation approach for measuring the metrological characteristics of profiled fibers. From closed edge chains of a fiber cross section, three points are selected with evenly spaced indices to form a triangle, and the triangle area representation (TAR) is calculated with the determinant of a coordinate array of the three points. The bend direction of two consecutive lines drawn with the three vertices determines the sign of the TAR. Negative and positive TARs, denoted as TARN and TARP, respectively, are used to detect concave and convex segments on the boundary. The size of objects in a TARN or TARP graph reflects the degree of concaveness or convexness. If the index spacing is changed, a series of TARs with different scales can be obtained. Multiscale TARNs and TARPs can be used to recognize the basic shapes of profiled fibers, assess concavity, and detect fiber conglutinations for precise separation.
A Green Purchasing Model by Using ANP and LP Methods
Authors: Lin Chin-Tsai , Chen Chie-Bein , Ting Ying-Chan 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Economic growth and development bring not only prosperity but also environmental degradation to the earth. In recent years, people have changed their views on traditional supply chain management (SCM). Green purchasing is a current trend in today’s business process management. Green purchasing is a purchasing behavior for buying goods that emphasizes environmental protection. Due to governments’ environmental regulations, such as WEEE and RoHS, directives have been formed and personal consciousness concerning the environment has been raised; therefore, green purchasing is strongly emphasized in SCM. In some high-tech industries, environmental consciousness may dominate the whole purchasing process, since vendors are asked to use environmentally-friendly materials. Customers thereby influence the component providers toward supplying environmentally-friendly products. For instance, in the PC board industry, the customers influence the suppliers’ product manufacturing process with the aim of reducing the negative environmental impact of the materials used by vendors. This study models a green purchasing system by applying the analytic network process (ANP) and linear programming (LP) methods. The ANP provides the solution for green supplier selection and LP resolves the problem of order allocation for each vendor.
Middle School Science and Items of High School Entrance Examination: Examining the Gap in Turkey
Authors: Cepni Salih , Kara Yilmaz , Cil Emine 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
This study presents findings from an analysis of the Turkish Science and Technology Curriculum Guidelines and their alignment to the university entrance examination. The analysis of the Science and Technology Curriculum focused on various related aspects: content areas and learning outcomes in terms of scientific process skills, science technology society and environment, attitudes and values, and cognitive objectives. The level determination examination (LDE) questions, which would allow for enrollment at elite high schools and would inevitably affect middle school students’ university choices, were analyzed in an alignment study regarding the contents of the science and technology program. In order to investigate the relationship between high school science teaching and high school entrance examination, all relevant documents were analyzed by ten science teachers, who have been teaching science and technology courses at middle schools and are concurrently doctoral students at the science education department. The results indicated that the LDE questions and standards were not fully aligned because the first two alignment criteria have a high consistency while a range of knowledge and balance of representation criteria have a low consistency.
Effects of Additives for Warm Mix Asphalt on Performance Grades of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Wu Chaofan , Zeng Menglan 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Laboratory tests were carried out on a neat asphalt binder and a styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) asphalt binder containing Sasobit and Aspha-min as warm mix asphalt (WMA) additives to quantitatively evaluate the effects of the additives on the continuous grading temperatures and grades of asphalt binders in the framework of the performance grading system. Test results and data analyses indicate that the significances of the effects of WMA additives depend on the asphalt binder type, additive type, additive content, and rolling thin film oven (RTFO) aging temperature. The wax-type additive Sasobit has a stiffening effect on the grading temperatures. At typical 3 % content, the upper temperatures can be increased by up to 13.5 °C, the lower temperatures can be increased by up to 6.9 °C, and the intermediate temperatures can be increased by up to 5.0 °C. In the commonly used content range, the zeolite-type additive Aspha-min has little effects on the upper, lower, and intermediate grading temperatures. Although there is a special case, in which the upper grading temperature increase is canceled out by 3.8 °C, the reduction in RTFO aging temperature from 163 °C to 133 °C does not generally result in notable changes in the grading temperatures.
Characterizations of Bamboo Succus And Alkaline Peroxide Mechanical Pulping (APMP) Brightness of Bambusa Chungii
Authors: Song Xueping , Luo Lianxin , Wang Qing , Wang Shuangfei 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The effects of pre-extraction and of the main components of bamboo succus on the alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP) pulp brightness of bambusa chungii are investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and infrared spectroscopy analysis. The results show that the chromophore and auxochrome groups of unsaturated bonds are plentiful in the bamboo succus. The contents of methyl benzene, xylene, and hydroquinone (75.88%, 0.98%, and 0.41%, respectively) are high in bamboo succus, and the three materials have great effect on APMP brightness, especially the hydroquinone. For the APMP with the bamboo chip by 60% ethanol pre-extracting, the brightness of unbleached pulp is higher about 5% ISO, the brightness of bleached pulp is higher about 4.2% ISO, and the p.c value is lower. If methyl benzene, xylene, and hydroquinone are added into the pulp, the CH3, CH2, acetyl, conjugated carbonyl C = O and C-O can be increased. The XPS analysis indicates that on the surface of pulp, the content of non-carbohydrate and the C = O, O - C - O and O = C - O increases, but the content of carbohydrate decreases if such additives are added.
Evaluating the Entry Mode for Taiwan Insurance Companies by Using AHP Sensitivity
Authors: Ho Elaine , Lin Chun Yueh 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
This work presents an evaluation model that adopts several important criteria, enabling the Taiwan insurance industry to enter into the Chinese market in the most appropriate way. Major criteria weights are analyzed using an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and sensitivity analysis. The results of the analysis indicate that the proposed evaluation model enables the Taiwan insurance industry to enter into the Chinese market more objectively by allowing companies to deploy effectively. Importantly, the proposed model can provide Taiwan’s insurance industry accreditation policy with reference material, making it highly applicable for academic and commercial purposes.
Sam Cooke as Pop Album Artist—A Reinvention in Three Songs
Authors: Burford Mark 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThough African American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur Sam Cooke (1931–1964) is commonly celebrated as a pioneering soul singer, the preponderance of Cooke recordings suggesting to many critics a “white” middle-of-the-road pop sound has troubled this reception. From June 1957 until the end of 1959, Cooke recorded for the independent label Keen Records, where he charted a course for realizing his professional and socioeconomic aspirations, including his determination to harness the prestige attached to the long-playing album and the “album artist.” This article explores relationships between the repertory, performances, and production on three Keen album tracks: “Danny Boy,” “My Foolish Heart,” and “I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues.” These recordings reveal Cooke's seldom-noted proximity to contemporaneous figures and concerns: “Irish tenor” Morton Downey, who built a career on the fluidity between ethnic identity and pop's transparent “whiteness”; Billy Eckstine, who struggled to navigate the racial and sexual politics of the pop balladeer; and the black studio musicians whose campaign for employment equity in 1950s Los Angeles found resonance with Cooke's vision. Taking Cooke's endeavor seriously positions us to assess freshly Cooke's skills as a vocalist, the processes through which “pop” becomes racialized as white, and intractable methodological challenges in black music studies.
Predictors of morbidity and mortality in acromegaly: an Italian survey
Authors: Arosio M , Reimondo G , Malchiodi E , Berchialla P , Borraccino A , De Marinis L , Pivonello R , Grottoli S , Losa M , Cannavò S , Minuto F , Montini M , Bondanelli M , De Menis E , Martini C , Angeletti G , Velardo A , Peri A , Faustini-Fustini M , Tita P , Pigliaru F , Borretta G , Scaroni C , Bazzoni N , Bianchi A , Appetecchia M , Cavagnini F , Lombardi G , Ghigo E , Beck-Peccoz P , Colao A , Terzolo M , _ _ 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo describe demographic and hormonal characteristics, comorbidities (diabetes mellitus and hypertension), therapeutic procedures and their effectiveness, as well as predictors of morbidity and mortality in a nationwide survey of Italian acromegalic patients.DesignRetrospective multicenter epidemiological study endorsed by the Italian Society of Endocrinology and performed in 24 tertiary referral Italian centers. The mean follow-up time was 120 months.ResultsA total of 1512 patients, 41% male, mean age: 45±13 years, mean GH: 31±37 μg/l, IGF1: 744±318 ng/ml, were included. Diabetes mellitus was reported in 16% of cases and hypertension in 33%. Older age and higher IGF1 levels at diagnosis were significant predictors of diabetes and hypertension. At the last follow-up, 65% of patients had a controlled disease, of whom 55% were off medical therapy. Observed deaths were 61, with a standardized mortality ratio of 1.13 95% (confidence interval (CI): 0.87–1.46). Mortality was significantly higher in the patients with persistently active disease (1.93; 95% CI: 1.34–2.70). Main causes of death were vascular diseases and malignancies with similar prevalence. A multivariate analysis showed that older age, higher GH at the last follow-up, higher IGF1 levels at diagnosis, malignancy, and radiotherapy were independent predictors of mortality.ConclusionsPretreatment IGF1 levels are important predictors of morbidity and mortality in acromegaly. The full hormonal control of the disease, nowadays reached in the majority of patients with modern management, reduces greatly the disease-related mortality.