Wavelet analysis of beam-soil structure response for fast moving train

This paper presents a wavelet based approach for the vibratory analysis of beam-soil structure related to a point load moving along a beam resting on the surface. The model is represented by the Euler-Bernoulli equation for the beam, elastodynamic equation of motion for the soil and appropriate boundary conditions. Two cases are analysed: the model with a half space under the beam and the model where the supporting medium has a finite thickness. Analytical solutions for the displacements are obtained and discussed in relation to the used boundary conditions and the type of considered loads: harmonic and constant. The analysis in time-frequency and velocity-frequency domains is carried out for realistic systems of parameters describing physical properties of the model. The approximate displacement values are determined by applying a wavelet method for a derivation of the inverse Fourier transform. A special form of the coiflet filter used in numerical calculations allows to carry out analysis without loss of accuracy related to singularities appearing in wavelet approximation formulas, when dealing with standard filters and complex dynamic systems. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd

Dietary patterns among Vietnamese and Hispanic immigrant elementary school children participating in an after school program

Immigrants in the U.S. may encounter challenges of acculturation, including dietary habits, as they adapt to new surroundings. We examined Vietnamese and Hispanic immigrant children's American food consumption patterns in a convenience sample of 63 Vietnamese and Hispanic children in grades four to six who were attending an after school program. Children indicated the number of times they consumed each of 54 different American foods in the past week using a food frequency questionnaire. We ranked each food according to frequency of consumption, compared the intake of foods to the USDA Healthy Eating Pattern, and performed dietary pattern analysis. Since the data were not normally distributed we used two nonparametric tests to evaluate statistical significance: the Kruskal-Wallis tested for significant gender and ethnicity differences and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test evaluated the food consumption of children compared with the USDA recommended amounts. We found that among USDA categories, discretionary food was most commonly consumed, followed by fruit. The sample as a whole ate significantly less than the recommended amount of grains, protein foods, and dairy, but met the recommended amount of fruit. Boys ate significantly more grains, proteins, and fruits than did girls. Dietary pattern analysis showed a very high sweet snack consumption among all children, while boys ate more fast food and fruit than girls. Foods most commonly consumed were cereal, apples, oranges, and yogurt. Ethnicity differences in food selection were not significant. The high intake of discretionary/snack foods and fruit, with low intake of grains, vegetables, protein, and dairy in our sample suggests Vietnamese and Hispanic immigrant children may benefit from programs to improve diet quality

Protection of Consumer Privacy in E-commerce

Among the negative effects on Internet consumers, the divulgence of personal information to the public has been reported as one of the most serious infringements on consumer rights. Both consumers and sellers around the world have sought to come up with an optimal solution for information privacy. Several incompatible characteristics of regulating consumer privacy in e-commerce between the U.S. and Korea were explored, and curative suggestions were made to establish a new legal framework to protect online consumer privacy. First, Korea’s regulations for protecting online consumer privacy were found to be centrally controlled, while the U.S. authorities have encouraged self-regulation. Considering the long run efficiency of self-regulation, the Korean authorities should seek more self-regulatory measures and establish consensus among the businesses to voluntarily protect consumer online privacy. Second, U.S. regulations on protection of online consumer privacy are for the most part commercially oriented and controlled by the FTC, whereas in Korea, an administrative department, the Ministry of Information and Communication, regulates online consumer privacy as a primary authority, resulting in lack of specialization in the matters of consumer protection. To improve the efficiency and specialization in regulation of online consumer privacy in Korea, it would be necessary to promulgate a directive specially designed for protecting consumer privacy and delegating the regulatory power to the Korea Consumer Protection Agency established by the Consumer Protection Act. Finally, international arbitration is recommended as the best tool to resolve and prevent the intricacies of international litigation brought against violation of online consumer privacy