bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote Sensing of Epibenthic Shellfish Using Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite Imagery
Authors: Nieuwhof Sil , Herman Peter , Dankers Norbert , Troost Karin , Van der Wal Daphne
Published: March 2015

On intertidal mudflats, reef-building shellfish, like the Pacific oyster and the blue mussel, provide a myriad of ecosystem services. Monitoring intertidal shellfish with high spatiotemporal resolution is important for fisheries, coastal management and ecosystem studies. Here, we explore the potential of X- (TerraSAR-X) and C-band (Radarsat-2) dual-polarized SAR data to map shellfish densities, species and coverage. We investigated two backscatter models (the integral equation model (IEM) and Oh’s model) for inversion possibilities. Surface roughness (vertical roughness RMSz and correlation length L) was measured of bare sediments and shellfish beds, which was then linked to shellfish density, presence and species. Oysters, mussels and bare sediments differed in RMSz, but because the backscatter saturates at relatively low RMSz values, it was not possible to retrieve shellfish density or species composition from X- and C-band SAR. Using a classification based on univariate and multivariate logistic regression of the field and SAR image data, we constructed maps of shellfish presence (Kappa statistics for calibration 0.56–0.74 for dual-polarized SAR), which were compared with independent field surveys of the contours of the beds (Kappa statistics of agreement 0.29–0.53 when using dual-polarized SAR). We conclude that spaceborne SAR allows one to monitor the contours of shellfish-beds (thus, distinguishing shellfish substrates from bare sediment and dispersed single shellfish), but not densities and species. Although spaceborne SAR cannot replace ground surveys entirely, it could very well offer a significant improvement in efficiency.
Remotely Sensed Active Layer Thickness (ReSALT) at Barrow, Alaska Using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Schaefer Kevin , Liu Lin , Parsekian Andrew , Jafarov Elchin , Chen Albert , Zhang Tingjun , Gusmeroli Alessio , Panda Santosh , Zebker Howard , Schaefer Tim
Published: March 2015

Active layer thickness (ALT) is a critical parameter for monitoring the status of permafrost that is typically measured at specific locations using probing, in situ temperature sensors, or other ground-based observations. Here we evaluated the Remotely Sensed Active Layer Thickness (ReSALT) product that uses the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar technique to measure seasonal surface subsidence and infer ALT around Barrow, Alaska. We compared ReSALT with ground-based ALT obtained using probing and calibrated, 500 MHz Ground Penetrating Radar at multiple sites around Barrow. ReSALT accurately reproduced observed ALT within uncertainty of the GPR and probing data in ~76% of the study area. However, ReSALT was less than observed ALT in ~22% of the study area with well-drained soils and in ~1% of the area where soils contained gravel. ReSALT was greater than observed ALT in some drained thermokarst lake basins representing ~1% of the area. These results indicate remote sensing techniques based on InSAR could be an effective way to measure and monitor ALT over large areas on the Arctic coastal plain.
Inter-Comparison and Evaluation of the Global LAI Product (LAI3g) and the Regional LAI Product (GGRS-LAI) over the Area of Kazakhstan
Authors: Kappas Martin , Propastin Pavel , Degener Jan , Renchin Tsolmon
Published: March 2015

Long-term global datasets of the Leaf Area Index (LAI) are important for monitoring global vegetation dynamics and are an important input for Earth system models (ESM). The comparison of long-term datasets is based on two recently available datasets both derived from AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) time series. The LAI3g dataset is developed from the new improved third generation Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI3g) from AVHRR sensors and best-quality MODIS LAI data. The second long-term LAI dataset is based on the 8-km spatial resolution GIMMS-AVHRR data (Goettingen GIS & Remote Sensing, GGRS dataset). The GGRS-LAI product uses a satellite-based LAI. This algorithm uses a three-dimensional physical radiative transfer model, which establishes the relationship between LAI, vegetation fractional cover and given patterns of surface reflectance, view-illumination conditions and optical properties of vegetation. The model incorporates a number of site-/region-specific parameters, including the vegetation architecture variables, such as leaf angle distribution, clumping index and light extinction coefficient. For the application of the model to Kazakhstan, the vegetation architecture variables were computed at the local (pixel) level based on extensive field surveys of the biophysical properties of vegetation in representative grassland areas of Kazakhstan. As a main result of our study, we could summarize that the differences between both products are most pronounced at the start and the end of the growing season. During the spring and autumn months, the LAI difference maps showed a considerable difference of LAI GGRS and LAI3g. LAI3g is characterized by a considerably earlier start and a later finish to the growing season than LAI GGRS. Moreover, LAI3g showed LAI > 0 during the winter months when any green vegetation is absent in all land covers of Kazakhstan. A direct cause for this could be a too high base level of the LAI3g during the leafless phase.
Embedding Piezoresistive Pressure Sensors to Obtain Online Pressure Profiles Inside Fiber Composite Laminates
Authors: Moghaddam Maryam , Breede Arne , Brauner Christian , Lang Walter
Published: March 2015

The production of large and complex parts using fiber composite materials is costly due to the frequent formation of voids, porosity and waste products. By embedding different types of sensors and monitoring the process in real time, the amount of wastage can be significantly reduced. This work focuses on developing a knowledge-based method to improve and ensure complete impregnation of the fibers before initiation of the resin cure. Piezoresistive and capacitive pressure sensors were embedded in fiber composite laminates to measure the real-time the pressure values inside the laminate. A change of pressure indicates resin infusion. The sensors were placed in the laminate and the resin was infused by vacuum. The embedded piezoresistive pressure sensors were able to track the vacuum pressure in the fiber composite laminate setup, as well as the arrival of the resin at the sensor. The pressure increase due to closing the resin inlet was also measured. In contrast, the capacitive type of sensor was found to be inappropriate for measuring these quantities. The following study demonstrates real-time monitoring of pressure changes inside the fiber composite laminate, which validate the use of Darcy’s law in porous media to control the resin flow during infusion.
NFC Internal: An Indoor Navigation System
Authors: Ozdenizci Busra , Coskun Vedat , Ok Kerem
Published: March 2015

Indoor navigation systems have recently become a popular research field due to the lack of GPS signals indoors. Several indoors navigation systems have already been proposed in order to eliminate deficiencies; however each of them has several technical and usability limitations. In this study, we propose NFC Internal, a Near Field Communication (NFC)-based indoor navigation system, which enables users to navigate through a building or a complex by enabling a simple location update, simply by touching NFC tags those are spread around and orient users to the destination. In this paper, we initially present the system requirements, give the design details and study the viability of NFC Internal with a prototype application and a case study. Moreover, we evaluate the performance of the system and compare it with existing indoor navigation systems. It is seen that NFC Internal has considerable advantages and significant contributions to existing indoor navigation systems in terms of security and privacy, cost, performance, robustness, complexity, user preference and commercial availability.
Quartz Enhanced Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Based Trace Gas Sensors Using Different Quartz Tuning Forks
Authors: Ma Yufei , Yu Guang , Zhang Jingbo , Yu Xin , Sun Rui , Tittel Frank
Published: March 2015

A sensitive trace gas sensor platform based on quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy (QEPAS) is reported. A 1.395 μm continuous wave (CW), distributed feedback pigtailed diode laser was used as the excitation source and H2O was selected as the target analyte. Two kinds of quartz tuning forks (QTFs) with a resonant frequency (f0) of 30.72 kHz and 38 kHz were employed for the first time as an acoustic wave transducer, respectively for QEPAS instead of a standard QTF with a f0 of 32.768 kHz. The QEPAS sensor performance using the three different QTFs was experimentally investigated and theoretically analyzed. A minimum detection limit of 5.9 ppmv and 4.3 ppmv was achieved for f0 of 32.768 kHz and 30.72 kHz, respectively.
On the Routing Protocol Influence on the Resilience of Wireless Sensor Networks to Jamming Attacks
Authors: Del-Valle-Soto Carolina , Mex-Perera Carlos , Monroy Raul , Nolazco-Flores Juan
Published: March 2015

In this work, we compare a recently proposed routing protocol, the multi-parent hierarchical (MPH) protocol, with two well-known protocols, the ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) and dynamic source routing (DSR). For this purpose, we have developed a simulator, which faithfully reifies the workings of a given protocol, considering a fixed, reconfigurable ad hoc network given by the number and location of participants, and general network conditions. We consider a scenario that can be found in a large number of wireless sensor network applications, a single sink node that collects all of the information generated by the sensors. The metrics used to compare the protocols were the number of packet retransmissions, carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) inner loop retries, the number of nodes answering the queries from the coordinator (sink) node and the energy consumption. We tested the network under ordinary (without attacks) conditions (and combinations thereof) and when it is subject to different types of jamming attacks (in particular, random and reactive jamming attacks), considering several positions for the jammer. Our results report that MPH has a greater ability to tolerate such attacks than DSR and AODV, since it minimizes and encapsulates the network segment under attack. The self-configuring capabilities of MPH derived from a combination of a proactive routes update, on a periodic-time basis, and a reactive behavior provide higher resilience while offering a better performance (overhead and energy consumption) than AODV and DSR, as shown in our simulation results.
Organizational Challenges in the Adoption of Building Applied Photovoltaics in the Swedish Tenant-Owner Housing Sector
Authors: Muyingo Henry
Published: March 2015

Sweden has committed itself to comply with EU-directive 2009/28/EC on energy from renewable sources and 2012/27/EU on improvement in the efficiency of energy. Measures in the existing housing stock, such as installing photovoltaics (PV), provide a means of contributing to the goals above. The purpose of this paper is to study how the organization of property management and the decision-making structure in tenant-owner cooperatives (TOCs) in Sweden facilitates or hampers the adoption of large-scale residential building applied photovoltaics (BAPV) in this housing sector. Data collected through seven semi-structured interviews of executive board members in seven housing cooperatives were descriptively analyzed and the results indicate that the decision to adopt BAPV in TOCs does not follow the common frameworks of adoption of innovations. The choice by TOCs to adopt BAPV depends more on the wish to lower operating costs than on efforts to promote a sustainable environment and various principal-agency problems during the decision-making process, as well as during the implementation phase create challenges to the adoption of BAPV. There is a need to strengthen the quality and management of knowledge, as well as procurement proficiency in the TOCs in order to harness the potential for BAPV in the sector.
Corporate Brand Trust as a Mediator in the Relationship between Consumer Perception of CSR, Corporate Hypocrisy, and Corporate Reputation
Authors: Kim Hanna , Hur Won-Moo , Yeo Junsang
Published: March 2015

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between consumer perception of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), corporate brand trust, corporate hypocrisy, and corporate reputation. Based on the one-to-one interview method using a structured questionnaire of 560 consumers in South Korea, the proposed model was estimated by structural equation modeling analysis. The model suggests that consumer perception of CSR influences consumer attitudes toward a corporation (i.e., perceived corporate hypocrisy and corporate reputation) by developing corporate brand trust. This in turn further enhances corporate reputation while decreasing corporate hypocrisy. The findings of our study demonstrate that consumer perception of CSR is an antecedent to corporate brand trust, which fully mediates the relationship between consumer perception of CSR and corporate reputation. In addition, corporate brand trust has the role of partial mediator in the relationship between consumer perception of CSR and corporate hypocrisy. These results imply that to better understand the relationship between consumer perception of CSR and consumer attitudes toward a corporation, it is necessary to consider corporate brand trust as an important mediating variable. The theoretical and practical implications of this study are discussed, together with its limitations and potential for future research.
Research on Acute Toxicity and the Behavioral Effects of Methanolic Extract from Psilocybin Mushrooms and Psilocin in Mice
Authors: Zhuk Olga , Jasicka-Misiak Izabela , Poliwoda Anna , Kazakova Anastasia , Godovan Vladlena , Halama Marek , Wieczorek Piotr
Published: March 2015

The pharmacological activities and acute toxicity of the psilocin (PC) and dried residues of the crude extracts of psychotropic mushrooms were investigated in mice. The hallucinogenic substances were effectively isolated, by using methanol, from the species of Psilocybe semilanceata and Pholiotina cyanopus, that were collected in the north-east region of Poland. The chemical analysis of these extracts, which was performed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS), indicated the presence of psilocin and other hallucinogenic substances, including indolealkylamines and their phosphorylated analogues. When the pure psilocin or fungal extracts were used, slight differences in determined LD50 values were observed. However, the application of PC evoked the highest level of toxicity (293.07 mg/kg) compared to the activity of extracts from Ph. cyanopus and P. semilanceata, where the level of LD50 was 316.87 mg/kg and 324.37 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the behavioral test, which considered the head-twitching response (HTR), was used to assess the effects of the studied psychotropic factors on the serotonergic system. Both, the fungal extracts and psilocin evoked characteristic serotoninergic effects depending on the dose administered to mice, acting as an agonist/partial agonist on the serotonergic system. A dose of 200 mg/kg 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) induced spontaneous head-twitching in mice (100% effect), as a result of the formation of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the brain. Compared to the activity of 5-HTP, the intraperitoneal administration of 1mg/kg of psilocin or hallucinogenic extracts of studied mushrooms (Ph. cyanopus and P. semilanceata) reduced the number of head-twitch responses of about 46% and 30%, respectively. In contrast, the administration of PC exhibited a reduction of about 60% in HTR numbers.
Acute Cardiotoxicity Evaluation of the Marine Biotoxins OA, DTX-1 and YTX
Authors: Ferreiro Sara , Carrera Cristina , Vilariño Natalia , Louzao M. , Santamarina Germán , Cantalapiedra Antonio , Botana Luis
Published: March 2015

Phycotoxins are marine toxins produced by phytoplankton that can get accumulated in filter feeding shellfish. Human intoxication episodes occur due to contaminated seafood consumption. Okadaic acid (OA) and dynophysistoxins (DTXs) are phycotoxins responsible for a severe gastrointestinal syndrome called diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Yessotoxins (YTXs) are marine toxins initially included in the DSP class but currently classified as a separated group. Food safety authorities from several countries have regulated the content of DSPs and YTXs in shellfish to protect human health. In mice, OA and YTX have been associated with ultrastructural heart damage in vivo. Therefore, this study explored the potential of OA, DTX-1 and YTX to cause acute heart toxicity. Cardiotoxicity was evaluated in vitro by measuring hERG (human èter-a-go-go gene) channel activity and in vivo using electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and cardiac damage biomarkers. The results demonstrated that these toxins do not exert acute effects on hERG channel activity. Additionally, in vivo experiments showed that these compounds do not alter cardiac biomarkers and ECG in rats acutely. Despite the ultrastructural damage to the heart reported for these toxins, no acute alterations of heart function have been detected in vivo, suggesting a functional compensation in the short term.
Harmful Algal Bloom Characterization at Ultra-High Spatial and Temporal Resolution Using Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Authors: Van der Merwe Deon , Price Kevin
Published: March 2015

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) degrade water quality and produce toxins. The spatial distribution of HAbs may change rapidly due to variations wind, water currents, and population dynamics. Risk assessments, based on traditional sampling methods, are hampered by the sparseness of water sample data points, and delays between sampling and the availability of results. There is a need for local risk assessment and risk management at the spatial and temporal resolution relevant to local human and animal interactions at specific sites and times. Small, unmanned aircraft systems can gather color-infrared reflectance data at appropriate spatial and temporal resolutions, with full control over data collection timing, and short intervals between data gathering and result availability. Data can be interpreted qualitatively, or by generating a blue normalized difference vegetation index (BNDVI) that is correlated with cyanobacterial biomass densities at the water surface, as estimated using a buoyant packed cell volume (BPCV). Correlations between BNDVI and BPCV follow a logarithmic model, with r2-values under field conditions from 0.77 to 0.87. These methods provide valuable information that is complimentary to risk assessment data derived from traditional risk assessment methods, and could help to improve risk management at the local level.
Chlorotoxin: A Helpful Natural Scorpion Peptide to Diagnose Glioma and Fight Tumor Invasion
Authors: Dardevet Lucie , Rani Dipti , Aziz Tarek , Bazin Ingrid , Sabatier Jean-Marc , Fadl Mahmoud , Brambilla Elisabeth , De Waard Michel
Published: March 2015

Chlorotoxin is a small 36 amino-acid peptide identified from the venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. Initially, chlorotoxin was used as a pharmacological tool to characterize chloride channels. While studying glioma-specific chloride currents, it was soon discovered that chlorotoxin possesses targeting properties towards cancer cells including glioma, melanoma, small cell lung carcinoma, neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma. The investigation of the mechanism of action of chlorotoxin has been challenging because its cell surface receptor target remains under questioning since two other receptors have been claimed besides chloride channels. Efforts on chlorotoxin-based applications focused on producing analogues helpful for glioma diagnosis, imaging and treatment. These efforts are welcome since gliomas are very aggressive brain cancers, close to impossible to cure with the current therapeutic arsenal. Among all the chlorotoxin-based strategies, the most promising one to enhance patient mean survival time appears to be the use of chlorotoxin as a targeting agent for the delivery of anti-tumor agents. Finally, the discovery of chlorotoxin has led to the screening of other scorpion venoms to identify chlorotoxin-like peptides. So far several new candidates have been identified. Only detailed research and clinical investigations will tell us if they share the same anti-tumor potential as chlorotoxin.
Locating Leaks with TrustRank Algorithm Support
Authors: Ribeiro Luísa , Sousa Joaquim , Marques Alfeu , Simões Nuno
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a methodology to quantify and to locate leaks. The original contribution is the use of a tool based on the TrustRank algorithm for the selection of nodes for pressure monitoring. The results from these methodologies presented here are: (I) A sensitivity analysis of the number of pressure transducers on the quality of the final solution; (II) A reduction of the number of pipes to be inspected; and (III) A focus on the problematic pipes which allows a better office planning of the inspection works to perform atthe field. To obtain these results, a methodology for the identification of probable leaky pipes and an estimate of their leakage flows is also presented. The potential of the methodology is illustrated with several case studies, considering different levels of water losses and different sets of pressure monitoring nodes. The results are discussed and the solutions obtained show the benefits of the developed methodologies.
Optimal Systemic Therapy for Early Breast Cancer in Women: A Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Eisen A. , Fletcher G.G. , Gandhi S. , Mates M. , Freedman O.C. , Dent S.F. , Trudeau M.E.
Published: March 2015

The Breast Cancer Disease Site Group of Cancer Care Ontario identified the need for new guidelines for the adjuvant systemic therapy of early-stage breast cancer. The specific question to be addressed was “What is the optimal adjuvant systemic therapy for female patients with early-stage operable breast cancer, when patient and disease factors are considered?” A systematic review was prepared based on literature searches conducted using the medline and embase databases for the period January 2008 to March 5, 2012, and updated to May 12, 2014. Guidelines were located from that search, from the Standards and Guidelines Evidence directory of cancer guidelines, and from the Web sites of major guideline organizations. The literature located was subdivided into the broad categories of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and therapy targeted to her2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). Although several of the systemic therapies discussed in this guideline can be considered in the neoadjuvant setting, the review focused on trials with rates of disease-free and overall survival as endpoints and thus excluded several trials that used pathologic complete response as a primary endpoint. Based on the systematic review, the working group drafted recommendations on the use of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy; based on their professional experience, they also drafted recommendations on patient and disease characteristics and recurrence risk. The literature review and draft recommendations were circulated to a consensus panel of medical oncologists who had expertise in breast cancer and who represented the regions of Ontario. Items without initial consensus were discussed at an in-person consensus meeting held in Toronto, November 23, 2012. The final recommendations are those for which consensus was reached before or at the meeting. Some of the key evidence was revised after the updated literature search. Evidence reviews for systemic chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy for her2- positive disease are reported in separate articles in this supplement. The full three-part 1-21 evidencebased series, including complete details of the development and consensus processes, can be found on the Cancer Care Ontario Web site at https://www. cancercare.on.ca/toolbox/qualityguidelines/disease site/breast-ebs.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Early Female Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Evidence for the 2014 Cancer Care Ontario Systemic Therapy Guideline
Authors: Gandhi S. , Fletcher G.G. , Eisen A. , Mates M. , Freedman O.C. , Dent S.F. , Trudeau M.E.
Published: March 2015

Background: The Program in Evidence-Based Care (pebc) of Cancer Care Ontario recently created an evidence-based consensus guideline on the systemic treatment of early breast cancer. The evidence for the guideline was compiled using a systematic review to answer the question “What is the optimal systemic therapy for patients with early-stage, operable breast cancer, when patient and disease factors are considered?” The question was addressed in three parts: cytotoxic chemotherapy, endocrine treatment, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (her2)–directed therapy. Methods: For the systematic review, the medline and embase databases were searched for the period January 2008 to May 2014. The Standards and Guidelines Evidence directory of cancer guidelines and the Web sites of major oncology guideline organizations were also searched. The basic search terms were “breast cancer” and “systemic therapy” (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted agents, ovarian suppression), and results were limited to randomized controlled trials (rcts), guidelines, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Results: Several hundred documents that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved. The Early Breast Cancer Trialists’ Collaborative Group meta-analyses encompassed many of the rcts found. Several additional studies that met the inclusion criteria were retained, as were other guidelines and systematic reviews. Chemotherapy was reviewed mainly in three classes: anti-metabolite–based regimens (for example, cyclophosphamide–methotrexate–5-fluorouracil), anthracyclines, and taxane-based regimens. In general, single-agent chemotherapy is not recommended for the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer in any patient population. Anthracycline–taxane-based polychemotherapy regimens are, overall, considered superior to earlier-generation regimens and have the most significant impact on patient survival outcomes. Regimens with varying anthracycline and taxane doses and schedules are options; in general, paclitaxel given every 3 weeks is inferior. Evidence does not support the use of bevacizumab in the adjuvant setting; other systemic therapy agents such as metformin and vaccines remain investigatory. Adjuvant bisphosphonates for menopausal women will be discussed in later work. Conclusions: The results of this systematic review constitute a comprehensive compilation of the high-level evidence that is the basis for the 2014 pebc guideline on systemic therapy for early breast cancer. Use of cytotoxic chemotherapy is presented here; the results addressing endocrine therapy and her2-targeted treatment, and the final clinical practice recommendations, are published separately in this supplement.
DETERMINATION OF THE DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FREIGHT WAGONS WITH VARIOUS BOGIE
Authors: Myamlin Sergey , Lingaitis Leonas Povilas , Dailydka Stasys , Vaičiūnas Gediminas , Bogdevičius Marijonas , Bureika Gintautas
Published: March 2015

In most cases, dynamic characteristics determine the wagon maintenance cycle, traffic safety, reliability and durability performance. The main dynamic indicators include the vertical Kvd and horizontal Khd dynamic coefficients as well as the stability coefficient Ks, which determines the wheel flange resistance to derailment. The article compares dynamic indications for three different types of bogies. There were no tangible differences observed for all the three different types of bogies running at a speed of 40 to 120 km/h on a direct tangent rail section. Nevertheless, there is a realistic potential to improve the dynamic indicators of a freight wagon by rationalising suspension unit parameters.
THE METHODOLOGY FOR CALCULATION OF ROAD ACCIDENT COSTS
Authors: Pukalskas Saugirdas , Pečeliūnas Robertas
Published: March 2015

The presented methodology for accounting the costs caused by road accidents is based on the fact that a person who died or was injured in a traffic accident will not contribute to the economic wealfare of the country anymore or his/her contribution will reduce. Broken vehicles, damaged cargoes or defected road constructions cause huge losses to the state. A financial assessment of material losses caused by road accidents enables providing a feasibility report in respect of efficiency of newly introduced traffic safety measures. The aim of the presented methodology is an establishment of the road accident costs that would conform to the todays economic level of Lithuania. The developed methodology for accounting road accident costs will enable more precise assessment of a necessity, perspectives and priorities of investment projects in the transport system as well as an accomplishment of funding allocation tasks.
BI-LEVEL PROGRAMMING MODEL AND ALGORITHMS FOR STOCHASTIC NETWORK WITH ELASTIC DEMAND
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Wang Hao , Wang Wei
Published: March 2015

Based on a state-of-the-art review of the Road Network Design Problem (RNDP), this paper proposes a bi-level programming model for the RNDP as well as algorithms for it. In the lower level of the proposed model, the elastic-demand Stochastic User Equilibrium (SUE) model is adopted to coincide well with characteristics of users behavior, and additionally, the parameter calibration method for the model is developed based on the Logit path choice model. In the upper level of the proposed model, the consumer surplus is maximized to improve the social benefit of a network in consideration of the travel demand, the construction cost, the off-gas emissions and the saturation level. The algorithm for the lower-level model is developed based on the descent iteration method, Dijkstra’s algorithm and linear search technology. A modified Genetic Algorithm (GA) is developed as the algorithm for the whole bi-level model, which takes designed elitist selection operator, adaptive cross operator, mutation operator and niche technology into consideration. The proposed model and algorithms are applied to a numerical example. The results demonstrate the validity and efficiency of the model and algorithms, which shows a bright prospect of the application in RNDP.
PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE MODIFIED BY AMORPHOUS ALUMINA SILICATE
Authors: Nagrockienė Džigita , Girskas Giedrius , Skripkiūnas Gintautas , Daugėla Aurelijus
Published: March 2015

Concrete is the most widely used building material obtained by hardening the mix made of coarse and fine aggregates, cement as the binding material, and water. The basic properties of concrete depend on the quality and properties of cement, w/c ratio and the homogeneity of compaction. Compressive strength is one of the most important properties of concrete. Materials used: Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R, 0/4 fraction sand, 4/16 fraction gravel, amorphous alumina silicate admixture, polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticizer Muraplast FK 63.30, and tap water. Five compositions of concrete mixes containing 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% of amorphous alumina silicate admixture by mass of cement were produced. The article analyses the effect of amorphous alumina silicate on the properties of concrete depending on the admixture content. The results revealed that the compressive strength of concrete after 7 days of curing increased by 7.1%, after 28 days of curing increased by 13.3% when the amorphous aluminum oxide doped silicate content was increased to 10%. Amorphous alumina silicate admixture added in quantities of up to 10%, increased the density of hardened concrete by 0.75%, and ultrasonic pulse velocity in specimens with the admixture increased up to 2.63%.
De part et d’autre de la frontière libano-syrienne : les mutations de l’agriculture du Haut Oronte
Authors: Blanc Pierre , Hamadé Kanj , Jaubert Ronald , Saadé-Sbeih Myriam
Published: March 2015

Tout en développant une analyse ancrée sur des dynamiques historiques, cet article propose d’étudier les récentes transformations agricoles dans la zone frontalière du Haut-Oronte. Du côté Libanais, l’analyse se fait sur la zone de la Bekaa-nord qui, bien que marginalisée et soumise à une forte aridité, a connu durant les vingt dernières années un développement agricole spectaculaire. Du côté syrien, l’article se penche sur la situation actuelle dans la plaine de Qusayr, une région humainement et économiquement fortement liée à la Bekaa-nord. A travers l’étude des changements agricoles dans ces confins frontaliers, les auteurs proposent une clé de lecture complémentaire, permettant non seulement de comprendre les bases socio-économiques de la crise syrienne, mais aussi d’appréhender l’agriculture comme un des facteurs à considérer lors de la reconstruction de la future Syrie.
Les réfugiés syriens au Liban : l’émergence progressive d’un discours de neutralité ?
Authors: Pesquet Jean-Baptiste , Dot-Pouillard Nicolas
Published: March 2015

Les réfugiés syriens au Liban sont souvent assignés, par les partisans du régime syrien comme par ses opposants, à prendre parti. Cet article s’intéressera au contraire à l’émergence d’un discours de neutralité, entre le régime syrien et l’opposition, exprimé par certains réfugiés syriens au Liban. Ce discours de neutralité est un produit du temps long du conflit : des réfugiés ne se retrouvent plus dans l’offre politique à l’œuvre en Syrie, entre le régime et les oppositions armées. Ils parlent désormais plus de « guerre civile » que de « révolution ». Au Liban, leur précarité sociale leur fait parfois regretter l’état passé, antérieur à la révolution. Le discours de neutralité est enfin un produit de la situation intérieure libanaise elle-même : certains réfugiés syriens, se méfiant des affidés libanais du régime syrien, se retrouvent parfois aussi rejetés par les opposants libanais à ce même régime.
Crise du logement et fin du contrôle des loyers à Beyrouth : la poursuite d’une production urbaine exclusive
Authors: Marot Bruno
Published: March 2015

Le Parlement libanais a voté le 1er avril 2014 la suppression du contrôle des loyers. Mis en place en 1939 et renouvelé en 1992 à la sortie de la guerre civile, ce système de régulation du marché immobilier constituait l’un des principaux filets de protection sociale pour les ménages à revenu modeste face à une crise structurelle du logement, et assurait une mixité sociale, relative mais réelle, dans de nombreux quartiers de Beyrouth. Cet article analyse le contexte, les mécanismes, et les conséquences potentielles de cette réforme socialement exclusive, tout en éclairant le rôle des pouvoirs publics dans la fabrique urbaine et la domination des intérêts de l’industrie bancaire et immobilière, dans la période de l’après-guerre au Liban.
Public sector mobilisation despite a dormant workers’ movement
Authors: Bou Khater Léa
Published: March 2015

La mobilisation des travailleurs du secteur public au Liban illustre la possibilité d’une renaissance du mouvement ouvrier malgré les divisions confessionnelles et les interventions politiques. Après la guerre, les syndicats ont été affaiblis et hautement politisés. Cependant, on a observé dans la dernière période des signes de reprise de la mobilisation des travailleurs. Celle-ci est avant tout le fait du Comité de coordination syndicale (Union Coordination Committee, UCC), créé en mai 2012, qui regroupe la Ligue des fonctionnaires, les ligues d’enseignants des écoles publiques primaires et secondaires, et le syndicat des enseignants des écoles privées. La principale revendication est une nouvelle échelle des salaires. Après d’imposantes manifestations et de longues actions de grève, le gouvernement a cédé et a approuvé une nouvelle échelle des salaires, qu’il a soumise au parlement. Mais les commissions parlementaires ont modifié le projet de loi. Bien que le mouvement n’ait pas encore été couronné de succès, l’UCC s’est montré capable de rassembler les travailleurs autour de leurs revendications de façon unitaire, en dépit de la prédominance des affiliations politiques dans un système fortement confessionnel.
L’intégration des élèves syriens dans les écoles libanaises : trois témoignages
Authors: Compain Delphine , Grappe Isabelle , Salamé Feyrouz
Published: March 2015

Cet article présente trois témoignages d’actions en cours depuis 2013. Ceux-ci montrent comment les actions de formations pour l’intégration des élèves réfugiés syriens dans les établissements scolaires libanais ont transformé la résistance à l’accueil de ces enfants en une prise de conscience des problèmes des élèves libanais. L’approche sociolinguistique couplée à une approche globale ainsi adoptée a permis de prendre en compte le profil linguistique et socioculturel des élèves et a renforcé les techniques des enseignants et des encadrants. Ceci a contribué à faire émerger une conscience des Droits à l’Education et des Droits des Enfants.
La réponse humanitaire à la crise syrienne : et si une autre action, citoyenne et engagée, était possible ?
Authors: Mohanna Kamel
Published: March 2015

Le Liban accueille aujourd’hui environ un million et demi de réfugiés syriens, soit l’équivalent d’un tiers de sa population. Dans cette situation, l’absence de solidarité des pays du nord est criante. Mais surtout, le glissement de l’humanitaire solidaire vers le « charity business », et la marginalisation des acteurs locaux qui en découle, traduisent une forme de néo-colonialisme insupportable. Les sommes astronomiques consacrées à la coordination, aux frais de gestion, à la communication, représentent un gaspillage scandaleux, inversement proportionnel à l’efficacité de l’action. L’expérience de l’association Amel, association libanaise créée en 1979, pendant la guerre civile, offre un exemple à contre-courant de cette logique en s’appuyant sur la société civile locale et en ciblant son action en direction de tous les démunis.
Adaptations of the Shoulder to Overhead Throwing in Youth Athletes
Authors: Astolfi Matthew Michael , Struminger Aaron H. , Royer Todd D. , Kaminski Thomas W. , Swanik, Charles B.
Published: March 2015

Context

The high number of repetitions and high forces associated with overhead throwing lead to anatomical adaptations, such as humeral retrotorsion and posterior-capsule thickness, in elite and professional baseball athletes. However, little is known about the origin and progression of these changes that may account for the increasing trend of chronic shoulder injuries in youth baseball and precipitate subsequent pathologic conditions throughout a young athlete's lifetime.

Objective

To investigate the relationship of age and upper extremity dominance on humeral retrotorsion, posterior-capsule thickness, and glenohumeral range of motion.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Research laboratory, local baseball fields, and training facilities.

Patients or Other Participants

Thirty-six boys (mean age = 10.94 ± 1.34 years, height = 151.31 ± 12.17 cm, mass = 42.51 ± 10.32 kg) ranging in age from 8 to 12 years and involved in organized youth baseball.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Diagnostic ultrasound was used to determine humeral retrotorsion and posterior-capsule thickness. Glenohumeral internal rotation and external rotation were measured using a handheld inclinometer. We used 2 × 2 mixed-model analyses of variance to compare the influence of limb dominance and age on the dependent variables of humeral retrotorsion, posterior-capsule thickness, internal rotation, and external rotation.

Results

The dominant shoulders of youth throwers exhibited less glenohumeral internal rotation but greater humeral retrotorsion, posterior-capsule thickness, and glenohumeral external rotation than the nondominant shoulders. Dominant internal rotation was greater in the 8- to 10-year-old group than in the 11- to 12-year-old group, and results trended toward a difference (F1,33 = 4.12, P = .05). Correlations existed between humeral retrotorsion and range of motion (P < .05).

Conclusions

The structural adaptations in the dominant shoulders of younger baseball players were similar to adaptations observed in older baseball athletes, indicating that more examination is needed in younger athletes. We are the first to demonstrate greater posterior-capsule thickness in the dominant shoulders of youth baseball athletes.
Metaplastic Breast Cancer in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis
Authors: Chaudhry Umar Shafique , Yang Limin , Askeland Ryan W , Fajardo Laurie L
Published: March 2015

Metaplastic breast cancer is a rare malignancy in the breast. Neurofibromatosis Type 1 is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder associated with multiple neoplasms such as optic gliomas and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. The association of breast cancer with neurofibromatosis is very rare. We present a case of a metaplastic breast cancer in a patient with Type 1 neurofibromatosis. The patient presented with a palpable mass in her left breast with suspicious findings on mammogram and ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy showed metaplastic breast carcinoma with metastasis to an axillary lymph node. This is the third case report in the English literature to show metaplastic breast carcinoma in a patient with Type 1 neurofibromatosis. In this report we review recent literature and discuss the association between these two entities.
Sedimentary and tectonic setting of a mass-transport slope deposit in the Halifax Group, Halifax Peninsula, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Waldron John W.F. , Jamieson Rebecca A. , Pothier Hayley D. , White Chris E.
Published: March 2015

Fine-grained metasedimentary rocks of the Halifax Group in southern mainland Nova Scotia can be subdivided into mappable units. In Halifax Peninsula, sulphide-rich hornfels, black slate, metasiltstone, and metasandstone of the Cunard Formation are overlain by grey metasedimentary rocks with abundant cross-laminations and local carbonate and calc-silicate concretions, assigned to the Bluestone Quarry Formation. No fossils are known from the Bluestone Quarry Formation but lithological correlatives elsewhere are Tremadocian. The Bluestone Quarry Formation is here divided into four members. The lowest (Point Pleasant member) contains thin parallel-laminated and cross-laminated metasandstone beds with Bouma Tbcde and Tcde structures, and thicker beds with Bouma ‘a’ divisions. The Black Rock Beach member lacks the thicker massive beds and is dominated by rippled and cross-laminated metasedimentary rocks. The overlying Chain Rock member, an erosion-resistant ridge-forming unit, is disrupted by folds and boudinage. Bedding is truncated at the upper contact, and the internal structures are overprinted by (and therefore predate) the Neoacadian cleavage. They are interpreted as products of synsedimentary mass transport. Scarce folds in the Chain Rock member and current ripples in the underlying unit are consistent with a N or NW transport direction. The overlying Quarry Pond member consists of thinly bedded coherent metasedimentary rocks that generally resemble those of the Black Rock Beach member. Although there are indications of upward shallowing in equivalent successions elsewhere in the Halifax Group, the presence of a major mass transport deposit in the Bluestone Quarry Formation shows that this part of the Halifax Group was deposited on a submarine paleoslope. The failure of geologists to identify this feature in much-visited outcrops testifies to the difficulty of identifying synsedimentary deformation features that have been overprinted by later tectonic deformation.
Five Key Leadership Actions Needed to Redesign Family Medicine Residencies
Authors: Kozakowski Stanley M. , Eiff M. Patrice , Green Larry A. , Pugno Perry A. , Waller Elaine , Jones Samuel M. , Fetter Gerald , Carney Patricia A.
Published: March 2015

Background

New skills are needed to properly prepare the next generation of physicians and health professionals to practice in medical homes. Transforming residency training to address these new skills requires strong leadership.

Objective

We sought to increase the understanding of leadership skills useful in residency programs that plan to undertake meaningful change.

Methods

The Preparing the Personal Physician for Practice (P4) project (2007–2014) was a comparative case study of 14 family medicine residencies that engaged in innovative training redesign, including altering the scope, content, sequence, length, and location of training to align resident education with requirements of the patient-centered medical home. In 2012, each P4 residency team submitted a final summary report of innovations implemented, overall insights, and dissemination activities during the study. Six investigators conducted independent narrative analyses of these reports. A consensus meeting held in September 2012 was used to identify key leadership actions associated with successful educational redesign.

Results

Five leadership actions were associated with successful implementation of innovations and residency transformation: (1) manage change; (2) develop financial acumen; (3) adapt best evidence educational strategies to the local environment; (4) create and sustain a vision that engages stakeholders; and (5) demonstrate courage and resilience.

Conclusions

Residency programs are expected to change to better prepare their graduates for a changing delivery system. Insights about effective leadership skills can provide guidance for faculty to develop the skills needed to face practical realities while guiding transformation.
Use of Emergency Medicine Milestones as Items on End-of-Shift Evaluations Results in Overestimates of Residents' Proficiency Level
Authors: Dehon Erin , Jones Jonathan , Puskarich Michael , Sandifer John Petty , Sikes Kristina
Published: March 2015

Background

The emergency medicine milestones were developed to provide more objective resident assessment than current methods. However, little is known about the best practices for applying the milestones in resident assessment.

Objective

We examined the utility of end-of-shift evaluations (ESEs) constructed using the milestones in resident assessment.

Methods

We developed 14 daily ESEs, each of which included 9 or 10 emergency medicine milestones. Postgraduate year (PGY)-1 and PGY-2 residents were assessed on milestone levels 1 through 3; PGY-3 and PGY-4 residents were assessed on levels 3 through 5. Each milestone was rated on a nominal scale (yes, no, or not applicable). The Clinical Competency Committee combined the ESE data with data from other assessments to determine each resident's proficiency level for the emergency medicine subcompetencies. We used descriptive statistics to summarize resident ESEs and milestone levels. We analyzed differences in ESE score across PGY levels using t tests and analyses of variance.

Results

Faculty completed 763 ESEs on 33 residents with a range of 2 to 54 (median = 22) ESEs per resident. Faculty rarely (8%, 372 of 4633) rated a resident as not achieving a milestone on the ESEs. Analyses of variance revealed that ESE scores on level 3 milestones did not differ significantly by PGY level. There was poor agreement between ESE scores and Clinical Competency Committee ratings.

Conclusions

The ESEs constructed using the milestones resulted in grade or milestone inflation. Our results do not support using milestones as a stand-alone assessment tool.