bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media best practices in emergency management
Authors: Siskey, MS Ashley , Islam, PhD, CFM Tanveer
Published: June 2016

Social media platforms have become popular as means of communications in emergency management. Many people use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter on a daily basis including during disaster events. Emergency management agencies (EMAs) need to recognize the value of not only having a presence on social media but also actively engaging stakeholders and the public on these sites. However, identifying best practices for the use of social media in emergency management is still in its infancy. The objective of this article is to begin to create or further define best practices for emergency managers to use social media sites particularly Facebook and Twitter in four key areas: 1) implementation, 2) education, 3) collaboration, and 4) communication. A list of recommendations of best practices is formulated for each key area and results from a nationwide survey on the use of social media bycounty EMAs are discussed in this article.
Examining social, physical, and environmental dimensions of tornado vulnerability in Texa
Authors: Siebeneck, PhD Laura
Published: June 2016

Objective: To develop a vulnerability model that captures the social, physical, and environmental dimensions of tornado vulnerability of Texas counties. Design: Guided by previous research and methodologies proposed in the hazards and emergency management literature, a principle components analysis is used to create a tornado vulnerability index. Data were gathered from open source information available through the US Census Bureau, American Community Surveys, and the Texas Natural Resources Information System.Setting: Texas counties.Results: The results of the model yielded three indices that highlight geographic variability of social vulnerability, built environment vulnerability, and tornado hazard throughout Texas. Further analyses suggest that counties with the highest tornado vulnerability include those with high population densities and high tornado risk.Conclusions: This article demonstrates one method for assessing statewide tornado vulnerability and presents how the results of this type of analysis can be applied by emergency managers towards the reduction of tornado vulnerability in their communities.
Precipitation and microphysical processes observed by three polarimetric X-band radars and ground-based instrumentation during HOPE
Authors: Xie Xinxin , Evaristo Raquel , Simmer Clemens , Handwerker Jan , Trömel Silke
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This study presents a first analysis of precipitation and related microphysical processes observed by three polarimetric X-band Doppler radars (BoXPol, JuXPol and KiXPol) in conjunction with a ground-based network of disdrometers, rain gauges and vertically pointing micro rain radars (MRRs) during the High Definition Clouds and Precipitation for advancing Climate Prediction (HD(CP)2) Observational Prototype Experiment (HOPE) during April and May 2013 in Germany. While JuXPol and KiXPol were continuously observing the central HOPE area near Forschungszentrum Jülich at a close distance, BoXPol observed the area from a distance of about 48.5 km. MRRs were deployed in the central HOPE area and one MRR close to BoXPol in Bonn, Germany. Seven disdrometers and three rain gauges providing point precipitation observations were deployed at five locations within a 5 km  ×  5 km region, while three other disdrometers were collocated with the MRR in Bonn. The daily rainfall accumulation at each rain gauge/disdrometer location estimated from the three X-band polarimetric radar observations showed very good agreement. Accompanying microphysical processes during the evolution of precipitation systems were well captured by the polarimetric X-band radars and corroborated by independent observations from the other ground-based instruments.
Global and regional radiative forcing from 20 % reductions in BC, OC and SO4 – an HTAP2 multi-model study
Authors: Stjern Camilla Weum , Samset Bjørn Hallvard , Myhre Gunnar , Bian Huisheng , Chin Mian , Davila Yanko , Dentener Frank , Emmons Louisa , Flemming Johannes , Haslerud Amund Søvde , Henze Daven , Jonson Jan Eiof , Kucsera Tom , Lund Marianne Tronstad , Schulz Michael , Sudo Kengo , Takemura Toshihiko , Tilmes Simone
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In the Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollution Phase 2 (HTAP) exercise, a range of global atmospheric general circulation and chemical transport models performed coordinated perturbation experiments with 20 % reductions in emissions of anthropogenic aerosols, or aerosol precursors, in a number of source regions. Here, we compare the resulting changes in the atmospheric load and vertically resolved profiles of black carbon (BC), organic aerosols (OA) and sulfate (SO4) from 10 models that include treatment of aerosols. We use a set of temporally, horizontally and vertically resolved profiles of aerosol forcing efficiency (AFE) to estimate the impact of emission changes in six major source regions on global radiative forcing (RF) pertaining to the direct aerosol effect. Results show that mitigations in South and East Asia have substantial impacts on the radiative budget in all investigated receptor regions, especially for BC. In Russia and the Middle East, more than 80 % of the forcing for BC and OA is due to extra-regional emission reductions. Similarly, for North America, BC emissions control in East Asia is found to be more important than domestic mitigations, which is consistent with previous findings. Comparing fully resolved RF calculations to RF estimates based on vertically averaged AFE profiles allows us to quantify the importance of vertical resolution to RF estimates. We find that locally in the source regions, a 20 % emission reduction strengthens the radiative forcing associated with SO4 by 25 % when including the vertical dimension, as the AFE for SO4 is strongest near the surface. Conversely, the local RF from BC weakens by 37 % since BC AFE is low close to the ground. The influence of inter-continental transport on BC forcing, however, is enhanced by one third when accounting for the vertical aspect, because long-range transport leads primarily to aerosol changes at high altitudes, where the BC AFE is strong.
Delivery and communication of severe weather events in Basque Country: the Euskalmet case
Authors: Gaztelumendi Santiago , Orbe Iñaki , Salazar Onintze , Lopez Ana , Aranda José Antonio , Anitua Pedro
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In this work we briefly introduce some aspects about delivery and communication of severe weather events in Basque Country, explaining what is considered severe weather by the Basque Meteorology Agency (Euskalmet) in the context of Basque Country. We include a short description of some products generated for different purposes during such events, presenting different aspects related with delivery and communication processes in the operational context of Euskalmet. We review some real examples on severe weather communication and message dissemination in Basque Country. Finally, some conclusions about our experience are presented.
The new Euskalmet coastal–maritime warning system
Authors: Gaztelumendi Santiago , Egaña Joseba , Liria Pedro , Gonzalez Manuel , Aranda José Antonio , Anitua Pedro
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This work presents the main characteristics of the Basque Meteorology Agency (Euskalmet) maritime–coastal risk warning system, with special emphasis on the latest updates, including a clear differentiation on specific warning messages addressing sea conditions for navigation purposes in the first 2 nautical miles, and expected coastal impacts. Some details of the warning bulletin for maritime and coastal risk situations are also presented, together with other communication products and strategies used in coastal and maritime severe episodes at the Basque coast. Today, three different aspects are included in the coastal–maritime risk warning system in Basque Country, related to the main potential severe events that affecting coastal activities. – "Galerna" risk relates to a sudden wind reversal that can severely affect coastal navigation and recreational activities. – "Navigation" risk relates to severe sea state conditions for 0–2 miles, affecting different navigation activities. – "Coastal impact" risk relates to adverse wave characteristics and tidal surges that induce flooding events and different impacts in littoral areas.
Abiotic versus biotic controls on soil nitrogen cycling in drylands along a 3200 km transect
Authors: Liu Dongwei , Zhu Weixing , Wang Xiaobo , Pan Yuepeng , Wang Chao , Xi Dan , Bai Edith , Wang Yuesi , Han Xingguo , Fang Yunting
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Nitrogen (N) cycling of drylands under changing climate is not well understood. Our understanding about N cycling over larger scales to date relies heavily on the measurement of bulk soil N, and the information about soil internal N transformations remains limited. The 15N natural abundance (δ15N) of ammonium and nitrate can serve as a proxy record for the N processes in soils. To better understand the patterns and mechanisms of water availability on soil N cycling in drylands, we collected soils along a 3200 km dryland transect at about 100 km intervals in northern China, with mean annual precipitation (MAP) from 36 mm to 436 mm. We analysed N pools and δ15N of ammonium, dual isotopes (15N and 18O) of nitrate, and the microbial gene abundance associated with soil N transformations. We found that the N status and their driven factors were different on the two sides of MAP = 100 mm. In the arid zone with MAP below 100 mm, soil inorganic N accumulated, with a large fraction being of atmospheric origin. Ammonia volatilization was strong because of the higher soil pH. The abundance of microbial genes associated with soil N transformations was also significantly low. In the semiarid zone with MAP above 100 mm, soil inorganic N concentrations were low and controlled mainly by biological processes, e.g., plant uptake and denitrification. The preference of soil ammonium to nitrate by the dominant plant species may enhance the possibility of soil nitrate loss via denitrification. Overall, our study suggest that the shifting from abiotic to biotic controls on soil N biogeochemistry under global climate changes would greatly affect N losses, soil N availability, and other N transformation processes in these drylands in China.
BUILDING CHANGE DETECTION BY COMBINING LiDAR DATA AND ORTHO IMAGE
Authors: Peng Daifeng , Zhang Yongjun
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The elevation information is not considered in the traditional building change detection methods. This paper presents an algorithm of combining LiDAR data and ortho image for 3D building change detection. The advantages of the proposed approach lie in the fusion of the height and spectral information by thematic segmentation. Furthermore, the proposed method also combines the advantages of pixel-level and object-level change detection by image differencing and object analysis. Firstly, two periods of LiDAR data are filtered and interpolated to generate their corresponding DSMs. Secondly, a binary image of the changed areas is generated by means of differencing and filtering the two DSMs, and then thematic layer is generated and projected onto the DSMs and DOMs. Thirdly, geometric and spectral features of the changed area are calculated, which is followed by decision tree classification for the purpose of extracting the changed building areas. Finally, the statistics of the elevation and area change information as well as the change type of the changed buildings are done for building change analysis. Experimental results show that the completeness and correctness of building change detection are close to 81.8% and 85.7% respectively when the building area is larger than 80 m2, which are increased about 10% when compared with using ortho image alone.
A CONVOLUTIONAL NETWORK FOR SEMANTIC FACADE SEGMENTATION AND INTERPRETATION
Authors: Schmitz Matthias , Mayer Helmut
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In this paper we present an approach for semantic interpretation of facade images based on a Convolutional Network. Our network processes the input images in a fully convolutional way and generates pixel-wise predictions. We show that there is no need for large datasets to train the network when transfer learning is employed, i. e., a part of an already existing network is used and fine-tuned, and when the available data is augmented by using deformed patches of the images for training. The network is trained end-to-end with patches of the images and each patch is augmented independently. To undo the downsampling for the classification, we add deconvolutional layers to the network. Outputs of different layers of the network are combined to achieve more precise pixel-wise predictions. We demonstrate the potential of our network based on results for the eTRIMS (Korč and Förstner, 2009) dataset reduced to facades.
AUTOMATIC ROAD SIGN INVENTORY USING MOBILE MAPPING SYSTEMS
Authors: Soilán M. , Riveiro B. , Martínez-Sánchez J. , Arias P.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The periodic inspection of certain infrastructure features plays a key role for road network safety and preservation, and for developing optimal maintenance planning that minimize the life-cycle cost of the inspected features. Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) use laser scanner technology in order to collect dense and precise three-dimensional point clouds that gather both geometric and radiometric information of the road network. Furthermore, time-stamped RGB imagery that is synchronized with the MMS trajectory is also available. In this paper a methodology for the automatic detection and classification of road signs from point cloud and imagery data provided by a LYNX Mobile Mapper System is presented. First, road signs are detected in the point cloud. Subsequently, the inventory is enriched with geometrical and contextual data such as orientation or distance to the trajectory. Finally, semantic content is given to the detected road signs. As point cloud resolution is insufficient, RGB imagery is used projecting the 3D points in the corresponding images and analysing the RGB data within the bounding box defined by the projected points. The methodology was tested in urban and road environments in Spain, obtaining global recall results greater than 95%, and F-score greater than 90%. In this way, inventory data is obtained in a fast, reliable manner, and it can be applied to improve the maintenance planning of the road network, or to feed a Spatial Information System (SIS), thus, road sign information can be available to be used in a Smart City context.
Irregular Morphing for Real-Time Rendering of Large Terrain
Authors: Kalem Sid'Ali , Kourgli Assia
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The following paper proposes an alternative approach to the real-time adaptive triangulation problem. A new region-based multi-resolution approach for terrain rendering is described which improves on-the-fly the distribution of the density of triangles inside the tile after selecting appropriate Level-Of-Detail by an adaptive sampling. This proposed approach organizes the heightmap into a QuadTree of tiles that are processed independently. This technique combines the benefits of both Triangular Irregular Network approach and region-based multi-resolution approach by improving the distribution of the density of triangles inside the tile. Our technique morphs the initial regular grid of the tile to deformed grid in order to minimize approximation error. The proposed technique strives to combine large tile size and real-time processing while guaranteeing an upper bound on the screen space error. Thus, this approach adapts terrain rendering process to local surface characteristics and enables on-the-fly handling of large amount of terrain data. Morphing is based-on the multi-resolution wavelet analysis. The use of the D2WT multi-resolution analysis of the terrain height-map speeds up processing and permits to satisfy an interactive terrain rendering. Tests and experiments demonstrate that Haar B-Spline wavelet, well known for its properties of localization and its compact support, is suitable for fast and accurate redistribution. Such technique could be exploited in client-server architecture for supporting interactive high-quality remote visualization of very large terrain.
ROAD NETWORK GENERALIZATION BASED ON FLOAT CAR TRACKING
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Li Wenjing , Jia Hongguo
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Road generalization is not only helpful to simplify complicated road networks but can also satisfy the needs of reasonable display of roads under varying scales, thus offering basis for updating and grading urban roads. This paper proposes a selection method for road network generalization by integrating road-associated vehicle trajectory dynamic properties and road features and calculating the importance of urban roads. First of all, the location and motion information of floating vehicles are associated to relevant roads to generate the dynamic properties of roads. Then, the dynamic and static properties of roads are analyzed, and the cluster analysis is conducted to the trajectory points at road intersections to obtain the importance of some road intersections there are vehicles passing by. Afterwards, the weights of roads are calculated using the dominance rough set, the roads are ranked by weight and the practical significance of ranking results is analyzed. Finally, the selection rules for the basic framework of road network are determined to meet with different requirements and guarantee both connectivity and completeness of road networks. The results show that the relative importance of roads is made clear by taking advantage of the rough set and the generalized road network highlights the distribution and connection of urban main roads.
AN AUTOMATIC UAV MAPPING SYSTEM FOR SUPPORTING UN (UNITED NATIONS) FIELD OPERATIONS
Authors: Choi K. , Cheon J. W. , Kim H. Y. , Lee I.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The United Nations (UN) has performed field operations worldwide such as peacekeeping or rescue missions. When such an operation is needed, the UN dispatches an operation team usually with a GIS (Geographic Information System) customized to a specific operation. The base maps for the GIS are generated mostly with satellite images which may not retain a high resolution and the current situation. To build an up-to-date high resolution map, we propose a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) based automatic mapping system, which can operate in a fully automatic way from the data acquisition of sensory data to the data processing for the generation of the geospatial products such as a mosaicked orthoimage of a target area. In this study, we analyse the requirements for UN field operations, suggest a UAV mapping system with an operation scenario, and investigate the applicability of the system. With the proposed system, we can construct a tailored GIS with up-to-date and high resolution base maps for a specific operation efficiently.
La ciencia de los principios y de las causas primeras en el libro primero de la Metafísica
Authors: García-Lorente José Antonio
Published: June 2016

En este trabajo se presenta la concepción aristotélica de la filosofía primera como ciencia de los principios y de las causas primeras según el libro primero de la Metafísica. Para ello, se distinguen tres momentos sucesivos que constituyen el análisis de la naturaleza y la meta que debe alcanzar esta ciencia: 1) la concepción de la sabiduría como ciencia que se ocupa de ciertos principios y causas; 2) la sabiduría como ciencia de los primeros principios y de las causas; 3) la determinación de las cuatro causas primeras como tarea de la filosofía primera. De este modo, se pretende mostrar que la Metafísica de Aristóteles es un intento para explicar las últimas cuestiones, el último porqué, indicando cuatro géneros diferentes de respuesta.
La redención del pasado. Sobre un motivo central del pensamiento de Walter Benjamin
Authors: Delgado José Luis
Published: June 2016

El presente trabajo examina la reflexión de Walter Benjamin en torno a la categoría de “redención”, desarrollada principalmente en las tesis Sobre el concepto de historia. Para ello, en primer lugar llevaremos a cabo una reconstrucción de la crítica del “destino”, que Benjamin proyecta en los años veinte sobre el ámbito del derecho, la economía y, especialmente, la historia. La crítica a la lógica expiatoria del “destino” – elaborada en ensayos como Destino y carácter, Hacia la crítica de la violencia o Capitalismo como religión – nos ofrecerá entonces una vía privilegiada para mostrar la estructura “dialéctica” de la redención, con la que Benjamin moviliza su anterior teoría del conocimiento contra la doctrina del progreso.
El Estado de derecho y la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Authors: Candia Falcón Gonzalo
Published: June 2016

El artículo aborda la concepción de Estado de derecho, su aplicabilidad a nivel internacional y la visión que la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos tiene respecto de este. Mediante un análisis crítico de la jurisprudencia interamericana, el autor reconoce cómo la Corte ha promovido los valores del Estado de derecho al interior de los Estados partes de la Convención Americana. Sin embargo, el trabajo también identifica áreas jurisprudenciales donde la propia Corte ha generado ciertas tensiones con los mismos estándares dispuestos por ella en relación con la idea de Estado de derecho en diversos ámbitos (doctrina de derechos implícitos, protección del derecho a la vida, reapertura de procesos penales, control de convencionalidad, recurso de revisión). Para superar estas tensiones se sugiere reforzar la comprensión de la noción de Estado de derecho a nivel interamericano y, con ello, la relación virtuosa de reciprocidad que dicha noción implica.
El derecho a la objeción de conciencia: criterios para su interpretación
Authors: Didier María Marta
Published: June 2016

Se plantea que el principio de razonabilidad constituye una vía posible para determinar cuándo la objeción de conciencia consiste en el ejercicio regular de un derecho, fundamentándose para ello en la filosofía jurídica, en la teoría de los derechos fundamentales y en la práctica jurisprudencial. Finalmente, se propone un test de constitucionalidad aplicable a las reglamentaciones del derecho a la objeción de conciencia en el ordenamiento jurídico argentino.
La cientificidad del derecho procesal mercantil
Authors: Pérez Cázares Martín Eduardo
Published: June 2016

En este artículo se pretende demostrar que el derecho procesal mercantil es una disciplina científica, y se propone que el avance que se obtenga como tal sea aplicado en la impartición de justicia, a fin de generar nuevas figuras procesales que permitan un desarrollo jurídico del procedimiento mercantil acorde a este nuevo milenio. Como ciencia es un subsistema científico que cambia por su propia naturaleza —al igual que el comercio—, evoluciona y se desarrolla como producto de la globalización y formas del mercado moderno, por tanto, existe la necesidad de renovación e innovación del procedimiento mercantil.
The Impact of IFRS Adoption on Accounting Conservatism in the European Union
Authors: Zeghal Daniel , Lahmar Zouhour
Published: June 2016

Purpose –The purpose of this study is to analyze mandatory IFRS adoption’s impact on accounting conservatism. Design/methodology/approach – Our empirical study is conducted on a sample of 15 European countries, observed from the year 2000 to 2010. We analyze both conditional and unconditional conservatism, which we measured, respectively, by timely bad news recognition as compared to recognition of good news and discretionary accruals. Findings – The results of the empirical study confirm a significant reduction of accounting conservatism in the IFRS adoption period. This reduction is affected by the accounting model prevailing in a particular country. Moreover, the study shows a reduction of the gap between the two accounting models in the post-IFRS adoption period. Practical implications – The results obtained would be relevant for many decision makers such as investors, standard setters, IASB, European Union countries as well as those wishing to adopt International Standards. Originality/value – Our study complements and enriches the existent literature about the impact of the International Standards adoption. It dresses an important issue in a relatively long period to better assess the impact of IFRS.
Carbon Leakage and Competitiveness of Cement and Steel Industries Under the EU ETS: Much Ado About Nothing
Authors: Branger Frederic , Quirion Philippe , Chevallier Julien
Published: June 2016

In a world of uneven climate policies, concerns about carbon leakage and competitiveness for heavy industries are the main arguments against the implementation of ambitious climate policies. In this paper we investigate a potential competitiveness-driven operational carbon leakage due to the European Union Emissions Trading scheme (EU ETS). We focus on two energy-intensive sectors, cement and steel, and phases I and II of the EU ETS. From a simple analytical model, we derive an equation linking net imports of cement and steel to local and foreign demand along with carbon price. We then econometrically estimate this relation both with ARIMA regression and Prais-Winsten estimation, finding that local and foreign demand are robust drivers of trade flows. We find no significant effect of the carbon price on net imports of steel and cement. We conclude that there is no evidence of carbon leakage in these sectors, at least in the short run.
Retinal detachments after Boston Keratoprosthesis: incidence, predisposing factors, and visual outcomes
Authors: Jardeleza Maria Stephanie R. , Rheaume Marc-Andre , Chodosh James , Lane Anne Marie , Dohlman Claes H.
Published: June 2016

PurposeTo determine the rates, predisposing factors, and visual outcomes of retinal detachment (RD) after Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro) implantation.

MethodsIn this noncomparative, interventional case series, the medical records of 170 patients (205 eyes) who underwent Boston type 1 and type 2 KPro implantation at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary between April 1993 and June 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Incidence and annual rates of RD were calculated, and the roles of possible predictive factors for RD after KPro were investigated. Main outcome measures were rates of and risk factors for RD, visual acuity after RD, and surgical outcomes after repair.

ResultsSterile vitritis and autoimmune systemic disease significantly predisposed patients to RD after KPro placement. Of patients who developed RD after implantation, 50% progressed to visual acuity of no light perception despite surgical repair.

ConclusionsInflammation plays a major role in RD development after KPro implantation. Patients with predisposing factors should be advised of the high rates of RD and comanaged with a vitreoretinal specialist.
Cobb Syndrome: New Case and Historical Review
Authors: Bejjani Ghassan Khalil , Malik Ghaus M
Published: June 2016

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/30-1-16290Cobb syndrome is a combination of a skin nevus and a spinal angioma in the same segmental distribution. Although this syndrome originally was thought to be rare, its prevalence has been reported to be as high as 20% of patients with spinal angiomas in some series. We report on a case and provide an historical review of the literature to emphasize the importance of recognizing Cobb syndrome, which can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of spinal angiomas, helping to improve the prognosis.
Louis LeBel et la société distincte
Authors: Grammond Sébastien
Published: June 2016

Pendant les quinze années où le juge Louis LeBel a siégé à la Cour suprême du Canada, celle-ci a rendu des décisions où elle a tenu compte du caractère distinct du Québec. Cela a été notamment le cas dans certaines affaires impliquant la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, de même que dans des dossiers de droits linguistiques. Ainsi, bien que le Québec n’obtienne pas toujours gain de cause, la Cour suprême reconnaît la légitimité de la politique linguistique québécoise et, dans les faits, accorde au Québec un contrôle plus serré sur l’admission à l’école anglaise qu’il n’y paraît à première vue. C’est toutefois en ce qui a trait à la formule de modification de la Constitution que la prise en considération de la spécificité québécoise est la plus remarquable. Par exemple, dans certaines décisions majeures, la Cour suprême adopte une vision « contractuelle » de l’origine de la Constitution canadienne et donne à celle-ci une interprétation qui a explicitement pour objet de protéger les intérêts des provinces, notamment les intérêts spécifiques du Québec.
Le dilemme de la poursuite pénale ou de l’expulsion : réflexions sur une justice universelle alternative pour les victimes de crimes internationaux
Authors: Lafontaine Fannie
Published: June 2016

Entre la responsabilité du Canada de punir les auteurs de crimes internationaux et sa responsabilité de refuser l’asile aux mêmes personnes, le droit international pénal pénètre le droit canadien par deux voies distinctes, celles du droit des réfugiés et du droit criminel. L’art de juger ce droit nouveau et complexe, qui se déploie ainsi sur deux scènes sous les feux du droit international, réside dans le développement croisé, mais cohérent, des principes relatifs aux définitions des crimes, aux modes de participation aux infractions et aux défenses. Le juge LeBel a contribué de façon importante à ce développement harmonieux. Cela étant, au-delà du strict droit applicable, la pénétration des obligations du droit international dans le droit canadien appelle une réflexion d’un autre ordre sur le recours aux outils juridiques disponibles en présence de présumés criminels de guerre sur le territoire. L’auteure se livre ici à une réflexion sur les obligations et les responsabilités des États tiers comme le Canada, c’est-à-dire les États autres que ceux où des crimes internationaux ont été commis ou dont l’auteur présumé est ressortissant, quant à la lutte contre l’impunité des crimes internationaux. Après un exposé desdites obligations, l’auteure présente le dilemme auquel les États font face au regard d’obligations internationales incohérentes et incomplètes et de la complexité des poursuites extraterritoriales et elle offre une réflexion sur ce qui pourrait être appelé une « justice universelle alternative », ou des formes innovantes de justice pour résoudre ce dilemme apparemment insoluble.
Control of lateral divergence in high-power, broad-area photonic crystal lasers
Authors: Rong Jiamin , Xing Enbo , Wang Lijie , Shu Shili , Tian Sicong , Tong Cunzhu , Wang Lijun
Published: June 2016

One-dimensional photonic bandgap crystal (PBC) lasers have demonstrated ultra-low vertical divergence and record brightness; however, their future development is limited by their lateral beam quality. In this paper, a fishbone microstructure is proposed to control the lateral modes in broad-area PBC lasers. The findings reveal that the introduction of the microstructure improves the full width at half maximum of the lateral far field by 22.2% and increases the output power to a small extent. The detailed measurements show that the lateral beam parameter product decreases by 15.9%.
Surgical Management of Glaucoma: Newer Concept
Authors: Harvyasi Shashidhar , Verma Gargi , Kumar Kishor
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

Comparative study of combined Viscocanalostomy-trabeculectomy (VISCO-TRAB) with mitomycin C (MMC) to Trabeculectomy (TRAB) with mitomycin C for management of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

The study comprised of 25 subjects with bilateral POAG who underwent VISCO-TRAB + MMC surgery in one eye and TRAB + MMC in fellow eye. VISCO-TRAB constituted lamellar scleral flap, deep scleral flap, deroofing of schlemm’s canal (SC), viscodilation of SC, penetrating trabeculectomy, peripheral iridectomy and tight flap closure. Success criteria included intraocular pressure (IOP) < 14 mmHg and complications if any. P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Mean IOP was significantly lower after VISCOTRAB compared to TRAB at 1 week and 3 months post operatively (P<0.001). Target IOP was achieved in 96% in VISCOTRAB group compared to 84% in TRAB group.

Conclusion:

Combined VISCOTRAB is effective in reducing IOP to the target level for advanced glaucoma with lower postoperative complications.
A Randomised Comparison of Two Laser Iridotomy Techniques in Patients of Primary Angle Closure Disease with Absent Iris Crypts
Authors: Singh Manav Deep , Aggarwal Pradeep , Sharma Nidhi
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

Patients with absent iris crypts are the most challenging cases for performing laser peripheral iridotomy. This study was conducted on patients of primary angle closure disease belonging to this group to find out the difference in the quantum of energy and number of attempts required to achieve optimum peripheral iridotomy by sequentially using double frequency Nd:YAG and Nd:YAG laser versus Nd:YAG laser alone.

Methods:

Forty eyes of 40 patients of 35 years or more, with primary angle closure disease and absent iris crypts, in whom laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) was indicated, were prospectively randomized into two groups. Patients in group one sequentially underwent double frequency Nd:YAG & Nd:YAG laser and group two underwent Nd:YAG laser alone. Follow up was done one hour, three hours, one day and one week post laser. Any rise of IOP of > 8 mmHg from base line or an absolute figure of 30 mmHg at any visit was considered significant. Post laser topical loteprednol etabonate 4 times per day for one week and pilocarpine nitrate 2% eye drops twice a day for five days were used in all cases. Statistical testing was conducted with the statistical package for the social science system (SPSS) version 17.0.

Results:

Group one had 3 male and 16 female patients whereas group two had 9 and 12 male and female patients respectively. Nd:YAG energy required in group one (n=19) was 48.79 ± 19.41 mJ and in group two (n=21) was 88.81 ± 37.36 mJ (p=<0.001). In group one, an optimum LPI could be achieved in single sitting in 18 out of 19 patients. In group two, out of a total of 21 patients, 8 (38.1%) required one sitting, 11 (52.4%) required two sittings and two (9.5%) required three sittings to achieve patent PI. The difference was highly significant (p<0.001). The reasons for multiple sittings included haemorrhage (n=8) and iris chafing (n=8).

Conclusion:

Sequential use of the double frequency Nd:YAG followed by Nd:YAG laser is superior to YAG laser alone in terms of required energy and number of sittings for the purpose of doing laser peripheral iridotomy among patients with absent iris crypts.
Accessory Lacrimal Duct Cyst
Authors: Babitha Valiyaveettil , Prasannakumary Chellappan , Raju Kuzhippally Vallon
Published: June 2016

Accessory lacrimal duct cyst is a very rare disease, however it needs to be kept in the differential diagnosis of orbital mass lesions and lid swellings. This is especially important because lacrimal duct cyst has to be excised completely to prevent recurrence and malignant transformation.
Developmental Glaucoma with Central Diabetes Insipidus: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Ramavat Piyush Kumar R , Dewan Taru , Vashisht Shashi , Chawla Harshika , Singhania Renu , Kapoor Kanika , Saha Abhijeet
Published: June 2016

Association of developmental glaucoma with diabetes insipidus is a rare condition with only single citation as a part of DIDMOAD syndrome. However it has never been previously reported as an association with isolated diabetes insipidus. Thus, we report this case along with the review of literature. A 7 year old male patient with the chief complaint of polyuria and polydipsia since birth was found to have central diabetes insipidus (CDI) on detailed investigation. Ophthalmological examination revealed developmental glaucoma. Genetic sequencing of CYP1B1 gene showed c.1063 C>T; p.R355X mutation. Central diabetes insipidus was also confirmed in the two younger siblings of the patient. However their ophthalmological examination was normal. Association of developmental glaucoma with CDI in our case can be coincidental or there can be a common pathogenetic mechanism for this. We recommend glaucoma examination in cases with congenital CDI to show more evidence for this association.
Rajendra Prasad’s Terminal Chop: New Technique For Full Thickness Nuclear Segmentation in Hard Cataract
Authors: Prasad Rajendra , Badhani Anurag , Badhani Geetika
Published: June 2016

‘Direct chop’ has become the procedure of choice in hard cataracts but is still fraught with incomplete cracks and difficult instrument manipulation. We describe a new technique, ‘Terminal Chop’ for full thickness nuclear segmentation in hard cataract. A short, shallow, central trench is sculpted in the central nucleus, the phaco tip is engaged at the distal end of the trench and impaled into the nucleus, keeping the tip directed towards the equator parallel to the pupillary plane within the superficial layers of the nucleus. Equator of the nucleus is then slightly lifted vertically and brought out at the capsulotomy edge. A specially designed blunt tipped chopper is then simply passed around the lens equator and hooked. A small full thickness nick is created adjacent to the phaco tip using a blunt chopper. With a firm grip of the nucleus at the equator, lateral separation of the 2 instruments is initiated to create a vector force of 90 degrees, splitting the entire nucleus from equator to equator through the centre, into two complete clean halves. Direction of splitting follows the cleavage plane through the lens fibres thus causing minimal trauma.
Advances in Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Garg Arushi , Jain Rishika , Yadava Usha
Published: June 2016

Currently popular glaucoma filtration surgeries which include trabeculectomy and glaucoma drainage devices have their share of vision-threatening complications. Lately less invasive and safer devices have been developed to be used alone or in conjunction with cataract surgery for lowering the intraocular pressure. These microscopic implants utilize the trabecular pathway, suprachoroidal pathway or subconjunctival route for drainage. The term ‘Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery’ includes surgical procedures that use an ab-interno approach, such as iStent, Trabectome, Hydrus Scaffold shunt, Excimer laser trabeculotomy and CyPass suprachoroidal shunt. Implants which utilize ab-externo approach are canaloplasty with microcatheter, Ex-PRESS glaucoma microshunts, SOLX Gold shunt and Aquashunt. Studies are ongoing to evaluate their efficacy alone or in combination with phacoemulsification and have found encouraging results in early to moderate glaucoma.
Recent Developments in Retinoblastoma
Authors: Rao Raksha , Honavar Santosh G
Published: June 2016

Retinoblastoma represents 3% of all childhood cancers, and is the most common intraocular malignancy of childhood. It is fatal if untreated. The management of retinoblastoma has gradually evolved over the past few decades, with an aim to not only preserve life and eye, but also optimize residual vision. The treatment of retinoblastoma is multimodal, with chemotherapy, focal treatment including trans-pupillary thermotherapy (TTT), cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation, radiation therapy and surgery, all playing a vital role. Intravenous chemotherapy has been the mainstay of treatment for the past two decades, and still continues to be the most extensively used eye-saving modality of treatment. Periocular and intravitreal chemotherapy have specific indications in the management of retinoblastoma. Intra-arterial chemotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative for advanced and refractory retinoblastoma, both as a primary and secondary therapy. Recent advances in genetics of retinoblastoma have also helped in improving the overall clinical management of this malignancy.
A New System of Axis Marking for Toric Intraocular Lenses - The Toric Max System
Authors: Sivagnanam Subbaiah , Arunkumar G. L , Srinivasan Uma , Praveena S. A , Kathirvel Karthik , Gurubaran Kumara
Published: June 2016

There are a number of systems in the market that are used for toric IOL(intraocular lens) implantation. Many of these require expensive paraphernalia. In this article a new system of axis marking, the Toric Max system (Appasamy Associates) is discussed. It is a cost effective, non-contact digital Toric marking video overlay system with a high level of accuracy. It minimizes too much automation and acquisition of additional equipment. It uses operating surgeon`s skill and facilitates the documentation of captured images of toric IOL placement in the designated axis in real time during the surgical procedure.
Southern Ocean biological impacts on global ocean oxygen
Authors: Keller David P. , Kriest Iris , Koeve Wolfgang , Oschlies Andreas
Published: June 2016

Southern Ocean (SO) physical and biological processes are known to have a large impact on global biogeochemistry. However, the role that SO biology plays in determining ocean oxygen concentrations is not completely understood. These dynamics are investigated here by shutting off SO biology in two marine biogeochemical models. The results suggest that SO biological processes reduce the ocean's oxygen content, mainly in the deep ocean, by 14 to 19%. However, since these processes also trap nutrients that would otherwise be transported northward to fuel productivity and subsequent organic matter export, consumption, and the accompanying oxygen consumption in midlatitude to low‐latitude waters, SO biology helps to maintain higher oxygen concentrations in these subsurface waters. Thereby, SO biology can influence the size of the tropical oxygen minimum zones. As a result of ocean circulation the link between SO biological processes and remote oxygen changes operates on decadal to centennial time scales.
Radiation belt electron acceleration during the 17 March 2015 geomagnetic storm: Observations and simulations
Authors: Li W. , Ma Q. , Thorne R. M. , Bortnik J. , Zhang X.‐J. , Li J. , Baker D. N. , Reeves G. D. , Spence H. E. , Kletzing C. A. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Blake J. B. , Fennell J. F. , Kanekal S. G. , Angelopoulos V. , Green J. C. , Goldstein J.
Published: June 2016

Various physical processes are known to cause acceleration, loss, and transport of energetic electrons in the Earth's radiation belts, but their quantitative roles in different time and space need further investigation. During the largest storm over the past decade (17 March 2015), relativistic electrons experienced fairly rapid acceleration up to ~7 MeV within 2 days after an initial substantial dropout, as observed by Van Allen Probes. In the present paper, we evaluate the relative roles of various physical processes during the recovery phase of this large storm using a 3‐D diffusion simulation. By quantitatively comparing the observed and simulated electron evolution, we found that chorus plays a critical role in accelerating electrons up to several MeV near the developing peak location and produces characteristic flat‐top pitch angle distributions. By only including radial diffusion, the simulation underestimates the observed electron acceleration, while radial diffusion plays an important role in redistributing electrons and potentially accelerates them to even higher energies. Moreover, plasmaspheric hiss is found to provide efficient pitch angle scattering losses for hundreds of keV electrons, while its scattering effect on > 1 MeV electrons is relatively slow. Although an additional loss process is required to fully explain the overestimated electron fluxes at multi‐MeV, the combined physical processes of radial diffusion and pitch angle and energy diffusion by chorus and hiss reproduce the observed electron dynamics remarkably well, suggesting that quasi‐linear diffusion theory is reasonable to evaluate radiation belt electron dynamics during this big storm.
Strain rate dependency of oceanic intraplate earthquake b‐values at extremely low strain rates
Authors: Sasajima Ryohei , Ito Takeo
Published: June 2016

We discovered a clear positive dependence of oceanic intraplate earthquake (OCEQ) b‐values on the age of the oceanic lithosphere. OCEQ b‐values in the youngest (<10 Ma) oceanic lithosphere are around 1.0, while those in middle to old (>20 Ma) oceanic lithosphere exceed 1.5, which is significantly higher than the average worldwide earthquake b‐value (around 1.0). On the other hand, the b‐value of intraplate earthquakes in the Ninety East‐Sumatra orogen, where oceanic lithosphere has an anomalously higher strain rate compared with normal oceanic lithosphere, is 0.93, which is significantly lower than the OCEQ b‐value (about 1.9) with the same age (50–110 Ma). Thus, the variation in b‐values relates to the strain rate of the oceanic lithosphere and is not caused by a difference in thermal structure. We revealed a negative strain rate dependency of the b‐value at extremely low strain rates (<2 × 10−10/year), which can clearly explain the above b‐values. We propose that the OCEQ b‐value depends strongly on strain rate (either directly or indirectly) at extremely low strain rates. The high OCEQ b‐values (>1.5) in oceanic lithosphere >20 Ma old imply that future improvement in seismic observation will capture many smaller magnitude OCEQs, which will provide valuable information on the evolution of the oceanic lithosphere and the driving mechanism of plate tectonics.
Malvinas Current variability from Argo floats and satellite altimetry
Authors: Artana Camila , Ferrari Ramiro , Koenig Zoé , Saraceno Martin , Piola Alberto R. , Provost Christine
Published: June 2016

The Malvinas Current (MC) is an offshoot of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). Downstream of Drake Passage, the northern fronts of the ACC veer northward, cross over the North Scotia Ridge (NSR) and the Malvinas Plateau, and enter the Argentine Basin. We investigate the variations of the MC circulation between the NSR and 41°S and their possible relations with the ACC circulation using data from Argo floats and satellite altimetry. The data depict meandering and eddy shedding of the northern ACC jets as they cross the NSR. The altimetry fields show that these eddies are trapped, break down, and dissipate over the Malvinas Plateau, suggesting that this region is a hot spot for dissipation of mesoscale variability. Variations of sea level anomalies (SLA) across the NSR do not impact the MC further north, except for intra‐seasonal variability associated with coastal trapped waves. Altimetry and float trajectories show events during which a large fraction of the MC is cut off from the ACC. Blocking events at around 48.5°S are a recurrent feature of the MC circulation. Over the 23 year altimetry record, we detected 26 events during which the MC surface transport at 48.5°S was reduced to less than half its long‐term mean. Blocking events last from 10 to 35 days and do not present any significant trend. These events were tracked back to positive SLA that built up over the Argentine Abyssal Plain. Future work is needed to understand the processes responsible for these blocking events.