bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Algorithm for Surface Current Retrieval from X-band Marine Radar Images
Authors: Shen Chengxi , Huang Weimin , Gill Eric , Carrasco Ruben , Horstmann Jochen
Published: June 2015

In this paper, a novel current inversion algorithm from X-band marine radar images is proposed. The routine, for which deep water is assumed, begins with 3-D FFT of the radar image sequence, followed by the extraction of the dispersion shell from the 3-D image spectrum. Next, the dispersion shell is converted to a polar current shell (PCS) using a polar coordinate transformation. After removing outliers along each radial direction of the PCS, a robust sinusoidal curve fitting is applied to the data points along each circumferential direction of the PCS. The angle corresponding to the maximum of the estimated sinusoid function is determined to be the current direction, and the amplitude of this sinusoidal function is the current speed. For validation, the algorithm is tested against both simulated radar images and field data collected by a vertically-polarized X-band system and ground-truthed with measurements from an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). From the field data, it is observed that when the current speed is less than 0.5 m/s, the root mean square differences between the radar-derived and the ADCP-measured current speed and direction are 7.3 cm/s and 32.7°, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed procedure, unlike most existing current inversion schemes, is not susceptible to high current speeds and circumvents the need to consider aliasing. Meanwhile, the relatively low computational cost makes it an excellent choice in practical marine applications.
Piezoelectric Sensor to Measure Soft and Hard Stiffness with High Sensitivity for Ultrasonic Transducers
Authors: Li Yan-Rui , Su Chih-Chung , Lin Wen-Jin , Chang Shuo-Hung
Published: June 2015

During dental sinus lift surgery, it is important to monitor the thickness of the remaining maxilla to avoid perforating the sinus membrane. Therefore, a sensor should be integrated into ultrasonic dental tools to prevent undesirable damage. This paper presents a piezoelectric (PZT) sensor installed in an ultrasonic transducer to measure the stiffness of high and low materials. Four design types using three PZT ring materials and a split PZT for actuator and sensor ring materials were studied. Three sensor locations were also examined. The voltage signals of the sensor and the displacement of the actuator were analyzed to distinguish the low and high stiffness. Using sensor type T1 made of the PZT-1 material and the front location A1 provided a high sensitivity of 2.47 Vm/kN. The experimental results demonstrated that our design can measure soft and hard stiffness.
A Cross Structured Light Sensor and Stripe Segmentation Method for Visual Tracking of a Wall Climbing Robot
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Sun Jianguo , Yin Guisheng , Zhao Jing , Han Qilong
Published: June 2015

In non-destructive testing (NDT) of metal welds, weld line tracking is usually performed outdoors, where the structured light sources are always disturbed by various noises, such as sunlight, shadows, and reflections from the weld line surface. In this paper, we design a cross structured light (CSL) to detect the weld line and propose a robust laser stripe segmentation algorithm to overcome the noises in structured light images. An adaptive monochromatic space is applied to preprocess the image with ambient noises. In the monochromatic image, the laser stripe obtained is recovered as a multichannel signal by minimum entropy deconvolution. Lastly, the stripe centre points are extracted from the image. In experiments, the CSL sensor and the proposed algorithm are applied to guide a wall climbing robot inspecting the weld line of a wind power tower. The experimental results show that the CSL sensor can capture the 3D information of the welds with high accuracy, and the proposed algorithm contributes to the weld line inspection and the robot navigation.
Kinematic Skeleton Based Control of a Virtual Simulator for Military Training
Authors: Lee Soyeon , Park Sangjoon , Chung Kyoil , Cho Choongho
Published: June 2015

Virtual simulation technology has been considered as a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for a soldier training system, and evolved into diverse combinations of hardware and software. To maximize the virtual reality effect within a restricted space, a locomotion interface such as an omni-directional treadmill is introduced as a major component of a virtual simulator, therefore real time interaction between human and the virtual simulator becomes very important. Displacement and heading changes of the trainee are crucial information to control the virtual simulator when we implement highly reactive motion control for the omni-directional treadmill and interaction control of the virtual contents. This paper proposes a control parameter estimation algorithm for the virtual training simulator by using two types of motion capture sensors and presents the experimental results. Kinematic joint positions are analyzed to estimate the trainee’s location and velocity for feedback and feedforward control of the omni-directional treadmill. The accuracy of two approaches is evaluated by comparing with the reference system, which gives a ground truth value.
Intranuclear Inclusions in Renal Tubular Epithelium in Immunodeficient Mice Stain with Antibodies for Bovine Papillomavirus Type 1 L1 Protein
Authors: McInnes Elizabeth , Bennett Mark , O'Hara Mandy , Rasmussen Lorna , Fung Peony , Nicholls Philip , Slaven Michael , Stevenson Robert
Published: June 2015

The kidneys from six immunodeficient mice examined by Cerberus Sciences and the Animal Resources Centre, displayed karyomegaly with pale eosinophilic, intranuclear inclusions upon histopathological examination. Electron microscopy performed on kidney tissue from 5/6 mice demonstrated margination of the chromatin in large nuclei. Laboratory tests were used to detect nucleic acid of papillomaviruses, polyomaviruses, circoviruses and anelloviruses (4/6 mice), a specific PCR was used to detect murine polyomavirus (1/6), and a panel of serological tests was used to detect seroconversion to major murine pathogens (1/6). All molecular and serological tests were negative. Immunohistochemistry using polyclonal anti-bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) L1 antibody, Camvir monoclonal anti-papillomavirus antibody (directed against the seven amino acids GFGAMDF found in human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 L1 protein), a commercially available mixture of two monoclonal antibodies, anti-BPV-1 L1/1H8 + Camvir antibodies, and a monoclonal anti-Hsc70 antibody revealed specific, positive staining of murine renal tubular epithelial intranuclear inclusions in 6/6 mice using the anti-BPV-1 L1 containing antibodies only. Methyl pyronin green, PAS and Feulgen histochemical reactions revealed that the intranuclear inclusions did not consist of RNA, DNA or carbohydrate. An immunohistochemical method now exists that can be used to confirm and evaluate suspected cases of murine inclusion body nephropathy.
Réflexions sur la notion de stress en bioclimatologie humaine (About the stress in human bioclimatology)
Authors: Escourrou Gisèle
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Les variations des conditions climatiques provoquent des stress susceptibles de causer des troubles ou d'augmenter la mortalité. La notion de stress et d'indice climatique est commentée. La méthodologie de l'étude des stress d'origine climatique doit tenir compte de l'adaptation de l'homme à son milieu et du phénomène de changement brutal des conditions physiques.
Les observations médico-météorologiques au dix-huitième siècle (Medico-meteorological observations in the 18th century)
Authors: Rofort Marie-Françoise
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The 18th century was the era of aerist medicine and experienced a great development of medico-meteorological observations. The present paper tries and explain what it is, at both daily and seasonal time scales. Then the author presents a methodological and epistemological analysis of some observations and summarizes their main results. Thus the study states clear the failure of a true medical geography that would rely on medico-meteorological observations.
Internet en Tunisie (Internet in Tunisia)
Authors: Ben Hassine Adel
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - En Tunisie, l'accès à Internet et des services offerts par les sites web correspondent à une expansion très différenciée à travers le territoire. Cette diffusion vient se calquer sur les disparités spatiales existantes.
Télédétection, systèmes d'information géographique et suivi de l'étalement périurbain dans l'aire métropolitaine de Lisbonne (Remote sensing and geographical information systems : monitoring the urban fringe expansion of the Lisbon metropolitan area)
Authors: Antonio González José
Published: June 2015

Abtract. - This article presents a methodology that, though the integration of satellite data, aerial photographs, orthophotomaps and cartographic information in a geographical information system, detects, in a systematic way, the changes of land use in urban and urban fringe areas. Importance has been given to the presentation of the development of the CARTUS-AML project, a computerised inventory to create a land use model for the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon.
Les forêts historiques (The historical forests)
Authors: Degron Robin , Husson Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Écosystème complexe soumis aux aléas naturels, la forêt actuelle est aussi une construction bâtie aux rythmes très irréguliers de l'Histoire. Les massifs du Grand Plateau Lorrain gardent la marque des plus représentatives orientations et bifurcations de la période contemporaine.
Construction nationale et déplacements forcés au Laos (Building a nation and forcing relocation in Laos)
Authors: Mignot Fabrice
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Les déplacements forcés de population vers l'étranger ont contribué à détruire l'ancien royaume hindouisé du Laos. Les grandes migrations liées aux guerres d'Indochine et à l'instauration d'un régime marxiste-léniniste ont incité l'Etat à tenter de consolider une nation par le mélange des groupes ethniques. Pourtant, le mitage ethnique de l'espace culturel dominant et la crise financière asiatique menacent la construction nationale.
Indonésie : crise identitaire, développement touristique et autonomie régionale (Indonesia : identity crisis, tourist development and regional autonomy)
Authors: Cabasset Christine
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Une des raisons essentielles du malaise que connaît l'Indonésie provient des efforts incessants que l'Etat, sous Sukarno et Suharto, a toujours fait pour maîtriser la diversité culturelle. Une sélection de cultures et de spécificités culturelles «autorisées» constitue les bases de la «culture nationale» tout comme elle sert le tourisme, menant de fait à une concentration de l'activité. En ce sens, l'activité touristique apparaît comme étant un prolongement direct de la politique culturelle de l'Etat, pouvant même traduire, tant au niveau spatial qu'au niveau promotionnel, une reconnaissance ou une exclusion par l'Etat de tel ou tel groupe ethnique. En dépit (ou à cause) des moyens déployés, l'Etat indonésien a donc raté son objectif unitaire. L'entrée en application en janvier dernier des lois sur l'autonomie régionale devrait permettre aux nouvelles instances régionales et locales de présider au développement, y compris touristique, de leur territoire.
Les batailles de quartier à Jakarta (Neighbourhood battles in Jakarta)
Authors: Tadié Jérôme
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - This essay addresses the issues raised by urban violence focusing on battles between inhabitants from different neighbourhoods in Jakarta. Through sn analysis of the patterns of violence, it shows the importance of such a phenomenon, not only on urban control and the constitution of new types of territories and new types of cloistering, but also on the community as such, on how it is redefined.
Quelle place pour la nature à Singapour ? Insularité et développement urbain majeur sous les tropiques (Which place for nature in Singapore ?)
Authors: Spica François
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Singapour est une île recouverte par la ville. Depuis son indépendance en 1968, la nature a été prise en compte comme un élément à la fois décoratif, éducatif et fonctionnel. Cela a permis à la ville d'éviter une explosion sociale, malgré des contraintes d'urbanisme très fortes. Singapour tente ainsi de se poser comme un modèle international de réussite en la matière. Pourtant une série de limitations à ce modèle sont à souligner, tant dans les réalisations que dans les projets. L'article tentera de mettre en évidence de manière synthétique comment ces efforts se sont traduits dans la réalité urbaine et sociale de l'Etat.
La problématique générale (The general problematics)
Authors: Wackermann Gabriel
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Le mouvement de mise en réseaux des villes qui contribue de manière croissante à la restructuration de l'Europe met en cause les hiérarchies urbaines traditionnelles et la conception des lieux centraux peaufinée dans le sillage des approches loeschiennes ou christallériennes. Il relativise le rôle des grandes métropoles dans la mesure où la taille démographique est devenue moins importante dans la civilisation des services que la qualité des ressources humaines valorisée par des firmes de pointe dégagées partiellement des contraintes physiques imposées par les carrefours historiques, les solidarités immatérielles aidant. La recherche de perspectives de déploiement à long terme confère également à cette réorganisation du territoire une orientation plus durable.
Réseaux de villes : la position de l'Union européenne (Towns networks : the position of the European Community)
Authors: Hyzy Violette
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Par-delà les effets de langage, les réseaux de villes sont susceptibles de devenir de véritables instruments d'aménagement du territoire européen. Dépassant la logique du marché et la culture politico-administrative, ils doivent permettre aux villes de concevoir et réaliser des projets communs s'inscrivant dans une perspective de développement durable. L'évolution du concept à la réalité - en passe de devenir nécessité - dépend du choix des moyens.
Ville et développement socio-spatial en Russie (Town and socio-spatial development in Russia)
Authors: Marchand Pascal
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - La ville fut le grand absent de l'histoire russe. Les soviets ont créé un réseau urbain à base de villes industrielles et administratives. Dans la Nouvelle Russie, les villes de province sont le foyer du blocage des réformes.
Commerce et centralité dans les très grandes villes : effets et enjeux de la mondialisation de la distribution (Retailing and centrality in the world large towns : the globalisation's effects)
Authors: Metton Alain
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The development of the recent retailing trends based on motorised transport have broken up the traditional link between centre and periphery already blurring as the complex and ubiquitous consumers' behaviour. This transformation is an effect of the retailing and consumption globalisation initiated in America and throughout the media of the metropolis had reached Europe and the Merging Countries.
La centralité commerciale dans une municipalité périphérique de l'aire métropolitaine de Buenos Aires (Pilar) : un rôle de recomposition ? (Commercial centrality in a peripherical town of Buenos Aires' metropolitan area : a role of recomposition ?)
Authors: Capron Guénola
Published: June 2015

Résumé. La révolution commerciale de Buenos Aires a bien eu lieu, entraînant une recomposition importante des rapports entre le centre et la périphérie urbaine, entre le public et le privé. A l'échelle municipale, les tensions entre la centralité «historique» et les «nouvelles» polarités développées autour des grands équipements commerciaux sont parfois très sensibles, comme dans la municipalité de Pilar, située dans la lointaine périphérie de l'aire métropolitaine. Là, l'opposition entre deux formes différentes de centres se cristallise sur la querelle entre les Anciens et les Modernes, et surtout sur les modèles de ville véhiculés par eux : d'un côté, la ville à l'européenne, où prédomine l'espace public, et de l'autre, la ville à la nord-américaine, largement privatisée. Mais une agrégation d'équipements et de fonctions fait- elle nécessairement centre ? En quoi l'action publique et privée conforte-t-elle la ségrégation urbaine ? Comment commencer à contrer la «déchéance» des centres- villes ? Telles sont les questions auxquelles cet article se propose de répondre, tout en esquissant une réflexion sur les rapports entre centralité et commerce.
Les nouveaux territoires de la gouvernance : le cas de Saint-Denis (The new urban governances, the case of St Denis)
Authors: Montagné Villette Solange , Lebeau Boris
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Depuis la décentralisation, de nouveaux espaces de gouvernance locale sont apparus en France. A la commune, ancien territoire de gouvernance, s'ajoutent désormais des structures infracommunales, les «démarches de quartiers» encore expérimentales et des regroupements supracommunaux tels les communautés d'agglomération créées officiellement en 2000. Nous étudierons ici le cas de Saint-Denis où la gouvernance urbaine s'exerce à trois niveaux différents.
Le réseau des collèges dans le Nord de la France en 1789 : les origines
Authors: Marchand Philippe
Published: June 2015

"The school net in Northern France in 1789 : the origins".

In 1789, the Northern Provinces of France, i.e. the present "departements du Nord et du Pas-de- Calais", counted 35 secondary schools. In these few pages we try to make out the origins of such an outstanding density. We may see two main origins. First, the Catholic reconquest, which was pursued by the means of preaching but also of teaching, explains the opening of numerous colleges and above all of Jesuits colleges. Yet considering the movement of Catholic reconquest as the single explanation for this swarming of colleges is not sufficient. These colleges multiplied because they answered a request of the families who sought for their children the certificate of latinity which prepared for the "Employs". The municipal bodies encouraged this request without worrying if the recruiting areas would be wide enough to fill the schools then created. Thus many of these secondary schools are but vegetating on the eve of the Revolution.
L'évolution de la propriété immobilière à Roubaix : 1884-1974
Authors: Cornuel Didier , Duriez Bruno
Published: June 2015

"The evolution of real estate in Roubaix".

The rebuilding of the industrial textile town of Roubaix has been carried on for a few years now. Hundreds of lodgings have been demolished. A study of the evolution of the ownership of these lodgings will tell us of the reason of their existence and of their architectural design, it will also allow us to throw a light on one essential signification of urban rebuilding,

The building of working-class lodgings in the Roubaix "courees" was ensured by a whole class of little landlords who found thus a means of subsistence. Under the influence of many different factors this building has stopped. In spite of attempts by certain organizations such as the "P.A.C.T." the ownership was gradually scattered to become nowadays a refuge-property for some categories of population having very little financial means.

The present rebuilding brings a conclusion to this evolution and to the gradual vanishing of the little landlords class by the replacing of the "courees" by subsidized flats and of individual initiative by the intervention of the State and of the "H.L.M. "organizations.
L'officine gallo-romaine de la Calotterie (Pas-de-Calais)
Authors: Couppe Jean , Tuffreau-Libre Marie , Vincent Frédéric
Published: June 2015

J. Couppe, M. Tuffreau-Libre, F. Vincent, The Gallo-Roman site of La Calotterie (P.-de-C.)

The Gallo-Roman site of La Calotterie was excavated in 1973, which allowed the discovery of 1 5 furnaces and 3 refuse dumps with a great deal of common pottery : plates and round or carinate bowls, cooking pots, truncated cone-shaped vases, and bottles essentially. Ornaments are numerous and made of smoothed and combed bands, of incisions and excisions, of guilloche. All these items seem to follow precise rules corresponding to different sizes. All this pottery, representative of the regional pottery of this time was essentially dated in the IInd century, with some datations in the beginning of the Illrd.
Vieil-Hesdin : L 'exploration archéologique d'une ville disparue
Authors: Petit Christophe
Published: June 2015

Ch. Petit, Vieil-Hesdin : Archaeological exploration of a vanished city.

The present village of Vieil-Hesdin has replaced the mediaeval city of Hesdin destroyed by Charles Quint in 1553. This city, famous in the XHth century for its cloth was still more highly reputed for its castle which the Dukes of Burgundy established as one of the most important halting- places for the nobility of the Occident in the XIV and XV centuries.

Apparently this important city (the 3rd in Artois after Arras and St. Omer) has a very ancient origin, probably Gallo-roman and its archaeological exploration has been going on since 1971 (Club Archéologique de l'Hesdinois). In the Carlovingian times a feudal mound must have been erected along the river Canche and later abandoned for a hillside castle.
L'enjeu des discussions autour du concept de "proto-industrialisation"
Authors: Deyon Pierre
Published: June 2015

Cette introduction résume la discussion autour de ce concept. D'une part, elle souligne l'importance des travaux de F. Mendel, et montre la signification des problèmes qu'ils soulèvent. D'autre part, l'auteur s'efforce d'établir une nette distinction entre les points sur lesquels existe un accord général et ceux qui nécessitent recherches et discussions ultérieures.
Une fontaine publique à Bavay
Authors: Adam Jean- Pierre
Published: June 2015

La découverte à Bavay (Nord), d'une fontaine publique d'époque augustéenne, en dépit de la banalité de ce programme, est un fait assez exceptionnel. Bien que certainement répandus, ces édicules modestes, faciles à détruire et à récupérer (quatre dalles dressées constituant le bassin), ont presque toujours disparu. Il est heureux d'avoir pu trouver dans cette province du Nord de l'Empire, un monument correspondant aux modèles conservés intacts dans les villes de Campanie et particulièrement à Pompéi. La comparaison avec une fontaine de cette ville, sur la via Stabiana, est particulièrement significative et permet très aisément de se faire une idée de l'aspect et du fonctionnement de l'exemplaire bavaisien. En effet cette dernière a été retrouvée avec ses dalles de chancel abattues sur et à proximité du fond du bassin et sa restitution graphique a pu être établie à partir du modèle pompéien.
Le site gallo-romain de Château-1'Abbaye : habitat et voirie
Authors: Florin Bernard , Schrevel Marc
Published: June 2015

B. Florin et M. Schrevel, "The Gallo-Roman site of Château l'Abbaye, "housing and road system".

Situated near the junction of the Scheldt and Scarpe rivers, at the borders of the "civitates" of the Menapians, the Nervii, and the Atrebates, the site of Château-1'Abbaye has been known since the XVIIth century. The importance of ancient discoveries (a collection of funerary pottery, monetary treasury), the name of "Castellum" given to the temporal of the near-by Carlovingian Abbey of Saint-Amand, all these facts led to anticipate the existence of a vast Gallo-Roman archaeological field .

The threat of an imminent widening of the Scarpe river hastened the beginning of the excavations. Though unfinished yet, they already provide us with non-negligible results. Already occupied in proto-historical times, these damp grounds reveal the construction in the first and second centuries of a vast group of cellared buildings (a villa ?) replaced by a puzzling burying ground with graves showing no funeral material. A few hundred meters away, a section across the Bavay to Tournai road shows important wooden structures and above all the beginning of a powerful Lower Empire wall. An important study of the pottery findings is appended to this article.
Le site gallo-romain des "Terres Noires" à Lewarde (Nord)
Authors: Demolon Pierre , Tuffreau-Libre Marie , Vadet Alain
Published: June 2015

Des fouilles effectuées en 1967 et 1968 sur le site gallo-romain des "Terres Noires" à Lewarde (Nord) ont révélé l'existence d'un établissement important pouvant être considéré comme un vicus. Celui-ci avait de nombreuses activités : l'élevage, attesté par l'étude de la faune, l'artisanat du fer. L'étude du mobilier (bijoux, fibules, céramiques) indique aussi une certaine richesse. D'autre part, ce vicus était en liaison commerciale avec le reste de la région. Ce site déjà occupé à la fin de la période gauloise semble avoir été utilisé jusqu'à la fin de la période gallo-romaine, avec une occupation principale au IIème siècle.
La description du paysage rural par les scribes et les paysans du Hainaut à la fin du Moyen Age
Authors: Sivéry Gérard
Published: June 2015

De klerken van de heren en de rurale gemeenschappen, de intendanten van de domeinen, de boeren en de inwoners van dorpen beschrijven elementen van het landschap in hun antwoorden op vragenlijsten. Oorkonden, handvesten, huurboeken, grondboeken huurkon- trakten, rekeningen en processtukken bevatten de visie op de grond, de velden, de weiden, de bossen, de wegen, de riviertjes, en het landhuis. Deze fragmentarische getuigenissen laten toe de verschillende Henegouwse landschappen weer samen te stellen. Beboste gebieden waar de rurale gemeenschappen sterk zijn en open landschappen, waar in elk punt het landstuk van de heer de toon aangeeft, zijn de meest voorkomende typen.
De la protohistoire au Haut Moyen Age : le paysage des "terpen" le long des côtes de la mer du Nord, spécialement dans l'ancienne Frise
Authors: Lebecq Stéphane
Published: June 2015

Cette étude veut faire la synthèse des travaux plus ou moins récents publiés par les archéologues allemands et surtout néerlandais sur ce que l'on appelle aux Pays-Bas les terpen, à savoir les buttes artificielles créées par l'homme pour porter l'habitat dans les régions bordières de la Mer du Nord où, avant la construction des premières digues, la menace des eaux était presque constante (depuis 500 av. J.-C. jusqu'à 1000/1 100 ap. J.-C). En outre, chaque fois que cela était possible, on a confronté les données archéologiques avec les données des textes, forcément rares et peu loquaces. Du moins l'impression qui se dégage est-elle celle d'une occupation dense compte tenu des difficultés naturelles, notamment entre l'actuel Zuiderzee et l'embouchure de l'Elbe ; cette densité contribue à expliquer, avec le voisinage omniprésent de la mer et des grands estuaires, la vocation marchande des Frisons du haut Moyen Age.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SHEAR BOND STRESS FOR DESIGN OF COMPOSITE SLABS USING AN IMPROVED PARTIAL SHEAR CONNECTION METHOD
Authors: Abdullah Redzuan , Hong Kueh Ahmad Beng , Ibrahim Izni S. , Easterling W. Samuel
Published: June 2015

Eurocode 4 design provisions specify two methods for the design of composite slabs, namely the m-k and the partial shear connection (PSC) methods. Currently, the m-k method includes the concrete thickness and the shear span of the slab as variables while the PSC method does not. This has resulted in a better accuracy for the m-k method when slabs with varying dimensions are considered. It is demonstrated in this paper that the horizontal shear bond stress varies with the ratio of shear span to effective depth of slab, defined as the slenderness. To include such an effect, a linear shear bond-slenderness equation is proposed. Using the proposed relationship, a linear interpolation of shear bond strength based on two configurations, determined from the outcomes of the bending tests for compact and slender slabs, has been satisfactorily performed. The shear bond strength obtained from this interpolation can be used in collaboration with the existing PSC method, such that the accuracy of the prediction of the composite slab capacity can be considerably improved, the validity of which has been verified with published results from literatures.
If You Build It, They Will Come
Authors: Donnellan Elizabeth G.
Published: June 2015

Students attending traditional or online universities will benefit from membership in a virtual club. This chapter provides specific information about tools used to create, administer, and motivate participation in virtual college clubs. To enhance the club experience, suggestions are offered for creating interactive clubrooms, utilizing specific social media tools, and providing unique club events all as a virtual experience. A case study is included to demonstrate how students of a major online university participate in virtual club events. Results of this case study indicate a correlation between students who can easily access club tools and events and participation. Further, students who participate in events report greater satisfaction with their overall university experience.
Second Life for Assessing Postgraduate Learning
Authors: Huber Elaine , Blount Yvette
Published: June 2015

This case describes how an assessment task for a postgraduate unit (Information Systems in Business) was developed and delivered using the virtual world platform Second Life. Students investigated and reflected upon the appropriateness of particular technologies for organizations and in particular for an insurance company. The assessment task was undertaken twice during 2010 and reflections from the students on their learning in relation to this task are included. The lecturer also reflected on the students' learning and application of technology skills, and these two sets of reflections were triangulated with data collected in a survey of the two student cohorts. Emergent themes from the data included graphics and interface, ease of use, game versus virtual world, business context usefulness, and social network characteristics, and these are discussed. Implications for designing authentic learning and assessment tasks with virtual worlds in a higher education context are explored in this chapter. The authors conclude that virtual worlds are a suitable application to support students learning of content knowledge, providing the technology is constructively aligned with the curriculum.
How Social Media Tools are used in Research
Authors: Mesquita Anabela , Correia Ana Ramalho , Vieira Diana Aguiar
Published: June 2015

Social media tools are being widely used. Every day we witness new tools appearing or new features being added to already existing tools. Their characteristics allow us to communicate and collaborate without time and space constraints. Moreover, they also help us in the development and creation of new content as well as in the sharing and publishing of it. Since they are so popular, can it be that researchers are also using them in the research workflow process? If they use them, what are the most commonly used tools and their reasons for use? These are some of the questions addressed in this chapter. The authors analyse responses given by a higher education institution to a questionnaire on the use of social media tools. These findings contribute to a greater understanding of the importance of these tools for research purposes.
Social Media in Political Public Relations
Authors: Sebastião Sónia Pedro , Trindade Alice Donat
Published: June 2015

This chapter demonstrates how Web social media can be used in different ways to create more personalized or more impersonal messages in political public relations campaigns. When everyone is awakening to the potential of these social media for political communication campaigns, it is necessary to find alternative strategies to spread our word and distinguish ourselves from our competition. At this point, it is important to define the targets of persuasion and public relations; in addition, the manner in which a public relations campaign can be helpful is yet to be established, as well as the most adequate social media to be used.
#OccupyWallStreet
Authors: Gismondi Adam
Published: June 2015

The Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement, when viewed within proper historical context, can be considered part of an American tradition of higher education activism. The movement's pioneering use of social media, which was in part inspired by activists within the Arab Spring, allowed OWS to organize and disseminate information with efficiency. Social media also helped to build the connections that were made between OWS activists and those within higher education, while subsequently providing documentation of these same connections in online forums. This chapter's analysis of OWS tactics provides evidence that social media will be integral to the organization and promotion of future activist movements within higher education and beyond.
Knowledge Management and Hurricane Katrina Response
Authors: Murphy Tim , Jennex Murray E.
Published: June 2015

This article explores the use of knowledge management with emergency information systems. Two knowledge management systems that were utilized during the Hurricane Katrina response are described and analyzed. The systems specified were developed by federal agencies as well as grass root efforts without the support or mandate of government programs. These programs, although developed independently, were able to share data and interact in life-saving capacities, transcending traditional geopolitical boundaries. We conclude that emergency information systems are enhanced by incorporating knowledge management tools and concepts.
Evaluation of A Transient Noise Reduction Algorithm in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Dyballa Karl-Heinz , Hehrmann Phillipp , Hamacher Volkmar , Nogueira Waldo , Lenarz Thomas , Büchner Andreas
Published: June 2015

Dealing with environmental noises presents a major issue for cochlear implant (CI) users. Hence, digital noise reduction (DNR) schemes have become important features of CI systems. Many noises like for example clinking glasses or slamming doors, have impulsive onsets and decay quickly. Common DNR algorithms cannot handle this type of noise in an appropriate way. In this study, we investigated the effect of an algorithm specially designed for such noises with 12 CI users (age range: 45 to 75 years). Speech scores in noise and quiet as well as subjective ratings of speech clarity, comfort and overall preference were measured. The main finding was a significant improvement of up to 1.7 dB of the speech reception threshold in noise as well as increased speech clarity. Speech in quiet was not negatively affected by the algorithm. The study revealed that the tested algorithm has the potential to improve CI listening. However, further research is needed regarding the effectiveness and suitability of the algorithm in daily use.
Muscle Reaction Time During a Simulated Lateral Ankle Sprain After Wet-Ice Application or Cold-Water Immersion
Authors: Thain Peter K. , Bleakley Christopher M. , Mitchell Andrew C. S.
Published: June 2015

Context

Cryotherapy is used widely in sport and exercise medicine to manage acute injuries and facilitate rehabilitation. The analgesic effects of cryotherapy are well established; however, a potential caveat is that cooling tissue negatively affects neuromuscular control through delayed muscle reaction time. This topic is important to investigate because athletes often return to exercise, rehabilitation, or competitive activity immediately or shortly after cryotherapy.

Objective

To compare the effects of wet-ice application, cold-water immersion, and an untreated control condition on peroneus longus and tibialis anterior muscle reaction time during a simulated lateral ankle sprain.

Design

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting

University of Hertfordshire human performance laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 54 physically active individuals (age = 20.1 ± 1.5 years, height = 1.7 ± 0.07 m, mass = 66.7 ± 5.4 kg) who had no injury or history of ankle sprain.

Intervention(s)

Wet-ice application, cold-water immersion, or an untreated control condition applied to the ankle for 10 minutes.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Muscle reaction time and muscle amplitude of the peroneus longus and tibialis anterior in response to a simulated lateral ankle sprain were calculated. The ankle-sprain simulation incorporated a combined inversion and plantar-flexion movement.

Results

We observed no change in muscle reaction time or muscle amplitude after cryotherapy for either the peroneus longus or tibialis anterior (P > .05).

Conclusions

Ten minutes of joint cooling did not adversely affect muscle reaction time or muscle amplitude in response to a simulated lateral ankle sprain. These findings suggested that athletes can safely return to sporting activity immediately after icing. Further evidence showed that ice can be applied before ankle rehabilitation without adversely affecting dynamic neuromuscular control. Investigation in patients with acute ankle sprains is warranted to assess the clinical applicability of these interventions.
Impacts of 20th century aerosol emissions on the South Asian monsoon in the CMIP5 models
Authors: Guo L. , Turner A. G. , Highwood E. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Comparison of single-forcing varieties of 20th century historical experiments in a subset of models from the Fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) reveals that South Asian summer monsoon rainfall increases towards the present day in Greenhouse Gas (GHG)-only experiments with respect to pre-industrial levels, while it decreases in anthropogenic aerosol-only experiments. Comparison of these single-forcing experiments with the all-forcings historical experiment suggests aerosol emissions have dominated South Asian monsoon rainfall trends in recent decades, especially during the 1950s to 1970s. The variations in South Asian monsoon rainfall in these experiments follows approximately the time evolution of inter-hemispheric temperature gradient over the same period, suggesting a contribution from the large-scale background state relating to the asymmetric distribution of aerosol emissions about the equator. By examining the 24 available all-forcings historical experiments, we show that models including aerosol indirect effects dominate the negative rainfall trend. Indeed, models including only the direct radiative effect of aerosol show an increase in monsoon rainfall, consistent with the dominance of increasing greenhouse gas emissions and planetary warming on monsoon rainfall in those models. For South Asia, reduced rainfall in the models with indirect effects is related to decreased evaporation at the land surface rather than from anomalies in horizontal moisture flux, suggesting the impact of indirect effects on local aerosol emissions. This is confirmed by examination of aerosol loading and cloud droplet number trends over the South Asia region. Thus, while remote aerosols and their asymmetric distribution about the equator play a role in setting the inter-hemispheric temperature distribution on which the South Asian monsoon, as one of the global monsoons, operates, the addition of indirect aerosol effects acting on very local aerosol emissions also plays a role in declining monsoon rainfall. The disparity between the response of monsoon rainfall to increasing aerosol emissions in models containing direct aerosol effects only and those also containing indirect effects needs to be urgently investigated since the suggested future decline in Asian anthropogenic aerosol emissions inherent to the representative concentration pathways (RCPs) used for future climate projection may turn out to be optimistic. In addition, both groups of models show declining rainfall over China, also relating to local aerosol mechanisms. We hypothesize that aerosol emissions over China are large enough, in the CMIP5 models, to cause declining monsoon rainfall even in the absence of indirect aerosol effects. The same is not true for India.
Quantifying methane and nitrous oxide emissions from the UK and Ireland using a national-scale monitoring network
Authors: Ganesan A. L. , Manning A. J. , Grant A. , Young D. , Oram D .E. , Sturges W. T. , Moncrieff J. B. , O'Doherty S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The UK is one of several countries around the world that has enacted legislation to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we present top-down emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) for the UK and Ireland over the period August~2012 to August~2014. These emissions were inferred using measurements from a network of four sites around the two countries. We used a hierarchical Bayesian inverse framework to infer fluxes as well as a set of covariance parameters that describe uncertainties in the system. We inferred average UK total emissions of 2.09 (1.65–2.67) Tg yr−1 CH4 and 0.101 (0.068–0.150) Tg yr−1 N2O and found our derived UK estimates to be generally lower than the a priori emissions, which consisted primarily of anthropogenic sources and with a smaller contribution from natural sources. We used sectoral distributions from the UK National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) to determine whether these discrepancies can be attributed to specific source sectors. Because of the distinct distributions of the two dominant CH4 emissions sectors in the UK, agriculture and waste, we found that the inventory may be overestimated in agricultural CH4 emissions. We found that annual mean N2O emissions were consistent with both the prior and the anthropogenic inventory but we derived a significant seasonal cycle in emissions. This seasonality is likely due to seasonality in fertilizer application and in environmental drivers such as temperature and rainfall, which are not reflected in the annual resolution inventory. Through the hierarchical Bayesian inverse framework, we quantified uncertainty covariance parameters and emphasized their importance for high-resolution emissions estimation. We inferred average model errors of approximately 20 and 0.4 ppb and correlation timescales of 1.0 (0.72–1.43) and 2.6 (1.9–3.9) days for CH4 and N2O, respectively. These errors are a combination of transport model errors as well as errors due to unresolved emissions processes in the inventory. We found the largest CH4 errors at the Tacolneston station in eastern England, which may be due to sporadic emissions from landfills and offshore gas in the North Sea.
Characterization of trace metals with the SP-AMS: detection and quantification
Authors: Carbone S. , Onasch T. , Saarikoski S. , Timonen H. , Saarnio K. , Sueper D. , Rönkkö T. , Pirjola L. , Worsnop D. , Hillamo R.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. A method to detect and quantify mass concentrations of metals by the Aerodyne Soot Particle – Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (SP-AMS) was developed and evaluated in this study. The generation of monodisperse Regal black (RB) test particles with trace amounts of 13 different metals (Na, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr and Ba) allowed the determination of the relative ionization efficiency of each metal (RIEmeas). The ratio RIEtheory / RIEmeas presented values larger than the unity for Na, Rb, Ca, Sr and Ba due to the thermal surface ionization (TSI) on the surface of the RB particles. Values closer to the unity were obtained for the transition metals Zn, Cu, V and Cr. Mn, Fe and Ni presented the lowest RIEtheory / RIEmeas ratio and highest deviation from the unity, which was most likely related to different losses. The RIEmeas values obtained in this study were applied to the data of emission measurements in a heavy fuel oil fired heating station. Emission measurements revealed various fragmentation patterns for sulfate, probably because sulfate was mainly in the form of metallic salts (vanadium sulfate, calcium sulfate, iron sulfate and barium sulfate), which were also identified in the high-resolution mass spectrum. The response of the metals to the laser power was also investigated and the results indicated that a minimum current of 0.6 A was needed in the laser in order to vaporize the metals and the rBC. Isotopic pattern of metals was resolved from high-resolution mass spectra and the mass size distribution information of each individual ion was obtained using the high-resolution particle time-of-flight (HR-PToF).
Twelve thousand years of dust: the Holocene global dust cycle constrained by natural archives
Authors: Albani S. , Mahowald N. M. , Winckler G. , Anderson R. F. , Bradtmiller L. I. , Delmonte B. , François R. , Goman M. , Heavens N. G. , Hesse P. P. , Hovan S. A. , Kang S. G. , Kohfeld K. E. , Lu H. , Maggi V. , Mason J. A. , Mayewski P. A. , McGee D. , Miao X. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Perry A. T. , Pourmand A. , Roberts H. M. , Rosenbloom N. , Stevens T. , Sun J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Mineral dust plays an important role in the climate system by interacting with radiation, clouds, and biogeochemical cycles. In addition, natural archives show that the dust cycle experienced variability in the past in response to global and local climate change. The compilation of the DIRTMAP (Dust Indicators and Records from Terrestrial and MArine Palaeoenvironments) paleodust data sets in the last 2 decades provided a benchmark for paleoclimate models that include the dust cycle, following a time slice approach. We propose an innovative framework to organize a paleodust data set that builds on the positive experience of DIRTMAP and takes into account new scientific challenges by providing a concise and accessible data set of temporally resolved records of dust mass accumulation rates and particle grain size distributions. We consider data from ice cores, marine sediments, loess–paleosol sequences, lake sediments, and peat bogs for this compilation, with a temporal focus on the Holocene period. This global compilation allows the investigation of the potential, uncertainties, and confidence level of dust mass accumulation rate reconstructions and highlights the importance of dust particle size information for accurate and quantitative reconstructions of the dust cycle. After applying criteria that help to establish that the data considered represent changes in dust deposition, 45 paleodust records have been identified, with the highest density of dust deposition data occurring in the North Atlantic region. Although the temporal evolution of dust in the North Atlantic appears consistent across several cores and suggests that minimum dust fluxes are likely observed during the early to mid-Holocene period (6000–8000 years ago), the magnitude of dust fluxes in these observations is not fully consistent, suggesting that more work needs to be done to synthesize data sets for the Holocene. Based on the data compilation, we used the Community Earth System Model to estimate the mass balance of and variability in the global dust cycle during the Holocene, with dust loads ranging from 17.2 to 20.8 Tg between 2000 and 10 000 years ago and with a minimum in the early to mid-Holocene (6000–8000 years ago).
Review and classification of indicators of green water availability and scarcity
Authors: Schyns J. F. , Hoekstra A. Y. , Booij M. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Research on water scarcity has mainly focused on blue water (surface- and groundwater), but green water (soil moisture directly returning to the atmosphere as evaporation) is also scarce, because its availability is limited and there are competing demands for green water. Crop production, grazing lands, forestry and terrestrial ecosystems are all sustained by green water. The implicit distribution or explicit allocation of limited green water resources over competitive demands determines which economic and environmental goods and services will be produced and may affect food security and nature conservation. We need to better understand green water scarcity to be able to measure, model, predict and handle it. This paper reviews and classifies around 80 indicators of green water availability and scarcity and discusses the way forward to develop operational green water scarcity indicators that can broaden the scope of water scarcity assessments.