Relationships between school taxes and town taxes in Vermont local government

Occasional paper (University of Vermont. Center for Research on Vermont) ; no. 8

Reclaimed asphalt test specimen preparation assisted by image analysis

This paper presents a laboratory investigation aimed at establishing a protocol for the production of homogeneous asphalt mixtures test specimens, incorporating reclaimed asphalt by using a gyratory compactor with coring and trimming works. Stone mastic asphalt specimens were compacted at the previously identified target densities with the final aim of obtaining specimens with a fixed and homogeneous air void distribution. A microstructural study was conducted to characterize the homogeneity in the air void distribution using X-ray computed tomography (CT) combined with image analysis techniques. The study concluded that the gyratory compactor is suitable for producing homogeneous test specimens for the specified mixtures and a set of detailed procedures has been proposed for the production of the compacted specimens and to perform the microstructural study

Mechanical and structural assessment of laboratory- and field-compacted asphalt mixtures

Compaction forms an integral part in the formation of the aggregate orientation and structure of an asphalt mixture and therefore has a profound influence on its final volumetric and mechanical performance. This article describes the influence of various forms of laboratory (gyratory, vibratory and slab-roller) and field compaction on the internal structure of asphalt specimens and subsequently on their mechanical properties, particularly stiffness and permanent deformation. A 2D image capturing and image analysis system has been used together with alternative specimen sizes and orientations to quantify the internal aggregate structure (orientation and segregation) for a range of typically used continuously graded asphalt mixtures. The results show that in terms of aggregate orientation, slab-compacted specimens tend to mimic field compaction better than gyratory and vibratory compaction. The mechanical properties of slab-compacted specimens also tend to be closer to that of field cores. However, the results also show that through careful selection of specimen size, specimen orientation and compaction variables, even mould-based compaction methods can be utilised with particular asphalt mixtures to represent field-compacted asphalt mixtures

Who\u27s Driving You? Driver Data Remains Unprotected Under COPPA and Shine the Light

As our lives become more driven by technology, California’s privacy laws fall short of protecting our personally identifiable information. Vehicles in particular present an increasing privacy concern, as our automobiles become more computer and less car. Cars today have increasingly sophisticated capabilities, stemming from connected technology and sensors, and their ability to capture geolocation and biometric data. This data can be used to make inferences about drivers’ behavioral patterns and daily habits. This Article analyzes whether California’s privacy laws—California Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) and Shine the Light—adequately address privacy concerns regarding driver data collected by the connected car. This Article considers how notice and consent can effectively protect connected car drivers, and concludes that consumers need a more effective way to manage how connected car data is collected, retained, and used

Qasr al-Bint Temple “Sanctuary of the Nabataeans”

Qasr al-Bint Temple is one of the best-preserved freestanding structures in Petra beside it is the main temple of the ancient city. The Nabataeans built this Temple at about the same time as the famous Al-Khazneh (Treasury) was built, in the second half of the reign of King Aretas IV (ruled 9 BC–40 AD). I can surely say that this Temple is an outstanding and unique example of the fusion of Greco-Roman and Eastern elements in Nabataean architecture, which motivates scholars to study and write about it. The Nabataean’s architecture, culture and religion still fascinate every scholar whenever they discover something new about them. Unfortunately, the Nabataeans did not leave many inscriptions that reveal all details of their life, but they left the most amazing archeological remains that will always be impressive and provide the motivation to learn and dig more to reveal more about their mysteries. In this paper, I will write in general about the Nabataeans origin, their settlement and location and their temples. Then I will write in detail about Qasr al-Bint Temple which I will focus on in my paper, regarding its location, most important features and function

A spatial analysis of public transit routes in Amman, Jordan

Public transport is a basic service that must be provided to any society. An effective public transport system is the system that can provide adequate service coverage to all community groups, especially the low-income group, the elderly and the disabled. For performance evaluation, performance metrics are widely implemented; for this purpose transit accessibility is used in this study as it reflects the ease of reaching transit service and its convenience as a mode choice. This study aims to assess transit accessibility in Wadi Al-Seer, one of the main districts in Amman. Accessibility was measured on the basis of the percentage of service coverage area and served population. The analytical framework included the use of geographic information systems (GIS) software, through the creation of buffer areas representing the limits of pedestrians walking distance to public transit stations. The results shows that the overall accessibility is significant, but concentrated in the center of the district, while the outskirt is not properly served, in addition to a high percentage of overlapping routes. Thus improvements on the route distribution and increasing its numbers in low access areas are required

“Silver and Gold” and the Main Metals that were Mentioned in the Hebrew Bible

Using metals to produce objects to be used was not introduced to the land of Israel before the Chalcolithic period. This resulted in an enormous revolution in the culture, along with the technological method of processing these metals, this development helped with evolving the techniques of extracting it, exporting or importing smelting, and forming it into usable objects. Metals were used in everyday objects, as well as in making idols -This was a forbidden practice the Jews-, and buildings. The malleable metals that have been processed in the land of Israel were gold, silver, iron, copper, bronze, tin, and lead (Ezek 27,12)

Measuring and Understanding CSR performance on Social Media

In recent years, business decisions and investment strategies have increasingly incorporated concerns of social issues. With increasing public attention on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), companies doing “harm” or “good” to society have eminently impacted the brand image, consumer perception, and employee retainment. To gain public awareness of companies’ improvement on CSR, companies share sustainable and ethical practices and business strategies on social media, such as Twitter. In this study, we aim to analyze the impact of social media as a moderator on the association between strengths and weaknesses of corporate social actions, and investigate whether the negative performance of CSR in the past leads to exemplary performance in one lag year