bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Service Integration to Enhance Research Data Management: RSpace Electronic Laboratory Notebook Case Study
Authors: Macdonald Stuart , Macneil Rory
Published: March 2015

Research Data Management (RDM) provides a framework that supports researchers and their data throughout the course of their research and is increasingly regarded as one of the essential areas of responsible conduct of research. New tools and infrastructures make possible the generation of large volumes of digital research data in a myriad of formats. This facilitates new ways to analyse, share and reuse these outputs, with libraries, IT services and other service units within academic institutions working together with the research community to develop RDM infrastructures to curate and preserve this type of research output and make them re-usable for future generations. Working on the principle that a rationalised and continuous flow of data between systems and across institutional boundaries is one of the core goals of information management, this paper will highlight service integration via Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN), which streamline research data workflows, result in efficiency gains for researchers, research administrators and other stakeholders, and ultimately enhance the RDM process.
Microshear Bond Strength of Adhesives to Enamel Remineralized Using Casein Phosphopeptide Agents
Authors: Mobarak EH , Ali N , Daifalla LE
Published: March 2015

Objective

This study was carried out to evaluate the difference between bonding to demineralized enamel and remineralized enamel using casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate with fluoride (CPP-ACFP) or without fluoride (CPP-ACP) compared to normal enamel. Another aim was to test if the newly introduced Single Bond Universal adhesive system would show better bonding to any enamel condition in comparison to the other tested adhesive systems.

Methods

The lingual enamel surfaces of 40 non carious human third molars were divided into four main groups according to the enamel condition (ground normal enamel [negative control]; demineralized enamel [positive control]; and remineralized enamel with CPP-ACP or with CPP-ACFP, respectively). Within each main group, the lingual enamel surface of each tooth was sectioned into three slabs, resulting in 30 slabs that were distributed into three subgroups according to the adhesive system utilized (Clearfil S3 Bond Plus, Single Bond Universal, or G-aenial Bond). Two resin composite microcylinder buildups were made on each enamel slab using Filtek Z350 XT. The μSBS was evaluated at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Modes of failure were detected using an environmental scanning electron microscope at 300× magnification.

Results

The two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures revealed a significant effect for the enamel condition. However, there was no significant effect for the type of adhesive system. The interaction between the enamel condition and the type of adhesive system was also not significant. Modes of failure were mainly adhesive except for the demineralized enamel. It showed a mixed type of failure, in which cohesive failure in enamel was recorded.

Conclusions

All single-step self-etch adhesives revealed comparable μSBS values to ground enamel and enamel remineralized with CPP-ACP or CPP-ACFP. Bonding to demineralized enamel was ineffective. With any enamel condition, no tested single-step self-etch adhesive was superior in its bonding.
Determination of the effective thermal conductivity of solid fuels by the laser flash method
Authors: Kosowska-Golachowska Monika , Gajewski Władysław , Musiał Tomasz
Published: March 2015

In this study, a new laser flash system was proposed for the determination of the thermal conductivity of brown coal, hard coal and anthracite. The main objective of the investigation was to determine the effect of coal rank, composition, physical structure and temperature on thermal conductivity. The solid fuels tested were medium conductors of heat whose determined thermal conductivities were in the range of 0.09 to 0.23W/(mK) at room temperature. The thermal conductivity of the solid fuels tested typically increased with the rank of coal and the measurement temperature. The results of this study show that the physical structure of solid fuels and temperature have a dominant effect on the fuels’ thermal conductivity.
Comparative study of heat transfer and pressure drop during flow boiling and flow condensation in minichannels
Authors: Mikielewicz Dariusz , Andrzejczyk Rafał , Jakubowska Blanka , Mikielewicz Jarosław
Published: March 2015

In the paper a method developed earlier by authors is applied to calculations of pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient for flow boiling and also flow condensation for some recent data collected from literature for such fluids as R404a, R600a, R290, R32,R134a, R1234yf and other. The modification of interface shear stresses between flow boiling and flow condensation in annular flow structure are considered through incorporation of the so called blowing parameter. The shear stress between vapor phase and liquid phase is generally a function of nonisothermal effects. The mechanism of modification of shear stresses at the vapor-liquid interface has been presented in detail. In case of annular flow it contributes to thickening and thinning of the liquid film, which corresponds to condensation and boiling respectively. There is also a different influence of heat flux on the modification of shear stress in the bubbly flow structure, where it affects bubble nucleation. In that case the effect of applied heat flux is considered. As a result a modified form of the two-phase flow multiplier is obtained, in which the nonadiabatic effect is clearly pronounced.
The effect of applied control strategy on the current-voltage correlation of a solid oxide fuel cell stack during dynamic operation
Authors: Szmyd Janusz S. , Komatsu Yosuke , Brus Grzegorz , Ghigliazza Francesco , Kimijima Shinji , Ściążko Anna
Published: March 2015

This paper discusses the transient characteristics of the planar type SOFC cell stack, of which the standard output is 300 W. The transient response of the voltage to the manipulation of an electric current was investigated. The effects of the response and of the operating condition determined by the operating temperature of the stack were studied by mapping a current-voltage (I-V) correlation. The current-based fuel control (CBFC) was adopted for keeping the fuel utilization factor at constant while the value of the electric current was ramped at the constant rate. The present experimental study shows that the transient characteristics of the cell voltage are determined by primarily the operating temperature caused by the manipulation of the current. Particularly, the slope of the I-V curve and the overshoot found on the voltage was remarkably influenced by the operating temperature. The different values of the fuel utilization factor influence the height of the settled voltages. The CBFC has significance in determining the slope of the I-V characteristic, but the different values ofthe fuel utilization factor does not affect the slope as the operating temperature does. The CBFC essentially does not alter the amplitude of the overshoot on the voltage response, since this is dominated by the operating temperature and its change is caused by manipulating the current.
Experimental investigation of the ecological hybrid refrigeration cycle
Authors: Cyklis Piotr , Kantor Ryszard , Ryncarz Tomasz , Górski Bogusław , Duda Roman
Published: March 2015

The requirements for environmentally friendly refrigerants promote application of CO2 and water as working fluids. However there are two problems related to that, namely high temperature limit for CO2 in condenser due to the low critical temperature, and low temperature limit for water being the result of high triple point temperature. This can be avoided by application of the hybrid adsorption-compression system, where water is the working fluid in the adsorption high temperature cycle used to cool down the CO2 compression cycle condenser. The adsorption process is powered with a low temperature renewable heat source as solar collectors or other waste heat source. The refrigeration system integrating adsorption and compression system has been designed and constructed in the Laboratory of Thermodynamics and Thermal Machine Measurements of Cracow University of Technology. The heat source for adsorption system consists of 16 tube tulbular collectors. The CO2 compression low temperature cycle is based on two parallel compressors with frequency inverter. Energy efficiency and TEWI of this hybrid system is quite promising in comparison with the compression only systems.
Condensation enhancement by means of electrohydrodynamic techniques
Authors: Butrymowicz Dariusz , Karwacki Jarosław , Trela Marian
Published: March 2015

Short state-of-the-art on the enhancement of condensation heat transfer techniques by means of condensate drainage is presented in this paper. The electrohydrodynamic (EHD) technique is suitable for dielectric media used in refrigeration, organic Rankine cycles and heat pump devices. The electric field is commonly generated in the case of horizontal tubes by means of a rod-type electrode or mesh electrodes. Authors proposed two geometries in the presented own experimental investigations. The first one was an electrode placed just beneath the tube bottom and the second one consisted of a horizontal finned tube with a double electrode placed beneath the tube. The experimental investigations of these two configurations for condensation of refrigerant R-123 have been accomplished. The obtained results confirmed that the application of the EHD technique for the investigated tube and electrode arrangement caused significant increase in heat transfer coefficient. The condensation enhancement depends both on the geometry of the electrode system and on the applied voltage.
Contributions to Persistence Theory
Authors: Du Dong
Published: March 2015

Persistence theory discussed in this paper is an application of algebraic topology (Morse Theory [29]) to Data Analysis, precisely to qualitative understanding of point cloud data, or PCD for short. PCD can be geometrized as a filtration of simplicial complexes (Vietoris-Rips complex [25] [36]) and the homology changes of these complexes provide qualitative information about the data. Bar codes describe the changes in homology with coefficients in a fixed field. When the coefficient field is ℤ
Occurrence of the silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) butt rot in protected areas
Authors: Niemtur Stanisław , Chomicz Elżbieta , Kapsa Mariusz
Published: March 2015

The aim of the study was to analyse butt rot incidences in silver fir stands of selected nature reserves and national parks. The study included 11 stands in Carpathian forests and for comparison 4 stands outside the Carpathians. To identify butt rot in fir trees, we used the non-invasive method of acoustic tomography. We tested 30 randomly selected fir trees in each of the 15 stands using Picus Sonic tomography to determine butt rot occurrence and to assess the proportion (%) of healthy wood in cross-sections of the tree trunk. The results indicate significant differences in the frequency of butt rot in silver fir at the individual level as well as the population level. This variability in frequency was not dependent on geographical location of the investigated stands
Afforestation and secondary succession
Authors: Krawczyk Robert
Published: March 2015

Secondary succession is a long and complicated natural process returning forests to post agricultural lands, whereas afforestation is an attempt to speed up this process by planting trees. Massive afforestation in the twentieth century brought an increase in forest area in Poland along with management problems in these areas due to disturbances caused by root diseases. Therefore it appears necessary to employ successional processes more fully in order to create sustainable forest ecosystems.
Recruitment and Hiring Strategies of Private Practitioners and Implications for Practice Management Training of Veterinary Students
Authors: Kogan Lori R. , Hellyer Peter W. , Stewart Sherry M. , Dowers Kristy L.
Published: March 2015

Hiring new employees is one of the most important and difficult decisions all veterinary practice managers and owners face. In an effort to improve hiring decisions, many employers are choosing to screen potential employees more thoroughly through the use of interviews, background checks, personality assessments, and online research including social and professional networking websites. The current study reports results from an anonymous online survey created to evaluate practicing veterinarians' attitudes and practices related to the use of recruitment and hiring tools. Results suggest that, compared to those in other professions, veterinarians underutilize these evaluative tools. The profession could benefit from more opportunities for both practitioners and veterinary students to learn how to utilize a broader range of hiring and recruitment techniques. One area of particular and growing concern is the use of Internet social media for evaluation of potential employees. Despite the fairly low number of participants who indicated they currently research applicants online, a significant number plan to implement this practice in the future. Many students are unaware of how their online postings can affect their future job possibilities and career. It is therefore important to designate time within continuing education programs and professional veterinary curricula to educate these populations about hiring and recruitment tool options and about how to manage their personal Internet interactions (especially social media) to enhance and maintain their professional image (e-professionalism).
The Use of a Shelter Software a to Track Frequency and Selected Risk Factors for Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
Authors: Kommedal Ann , Wagner Denae , Hurley Kate
Published: March 2015

Objective—Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is a common, multi-factorial infectious disease syndrome endemic to many animal shelters. Although a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in shelter cats, URI is seldom formally monitored in shelter cat populations. Without monitoring, effective control and prevention of this often endemic disease is difficult. We looked at an integrated case management software system a for animal care organizations, widely used in shelters across the United States. Shelter staff routinely enter information regarding individual animals and disease status, but do not commonly use the software system to track frequency of disease. The purpose of this study was to determine if the software system a can be used to track URI frequency and selected risk factors in a population, and to evaluate the quality and completeness of the data as currently collected in a shelter. Design (type of study)—Descriptive Survey. Animals (or Sample)—317 cats in an animal shelter. Procedures—Reports from the software system a containing data regarding daily inventory, daily intake, animal identification, location, age, vaccination status, URI diagnosis and URI duration were evaluated. The reports were compared to data collected manually by an observer (Ann Therese Kommedal) to assess discrepancies, completeness, timeliness, availability and accuracy. Data were collected 6 days a week over a 4 week period. Results—Comparisons between the software system a reports and manually collected reports showed that 93% of inventory reports were complete and of these 99% were accurate. Fifty-two percent of the vaccination reports were complete, of which 97% were accurate. The accuracy of the software system’s age reports was 76%. Two-hundred and twenty-three cats were assigned a positive or negative URI diagnosis by the observer. The predictive value of the URI status in the software system a was below 60% both for positive and negative URI diagnosis. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—data currently collected and entered into the software systems in the study shelter, was not useful for tracking URI frequency and risk factors, due to issues with both data quality and capture. However, the potential exists to increase the practicality and usefulness of this shelter software system to monitor URI and other diseases. Relevant data points, i.e., health status at intake and outcome, vaccination date and status, as well as age, should be made mandatory to facilitate more useful data collection and reporting.
Information Recovery in a Dynamic Statistical Markov Model
Authors: Miller Douglas , Judge George
Published: March 2015

Although economic processes and systems are in general simple in nature, the underlying dynamics are complicated and seldom understood. Recognizing this, in this paper we use a nonstationary-conditional Markov process model of observed aggregate data to learn about and recover causal influence information associated with the underlying dynamic micro-behavior. Estimating equations are used as a link to the data and to model the dynamic conditional Markov process. To recover the unknown transition probabilities, we use an information theoretic approach to model the data and derive a new class of conditional Markov models. A quadratic loss function is used as a basis for selecting the optimal member from the family of possible likelihood-entropy functional(s). The asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators are demonstrated, and a range of potential applications is discussed.
Sintered Nickel Powder Wicks for Flat Vertical Heat Pipes
Authors: Hansen Geir , Næss Erling , Kristjansson Kolbeinn
Published: March 2015

The fabrication and performance of wicks for flat heat pipe applications produced by sintering a filamentary nickel powder has been investigated. Tape casting was used as an intermediate step in the wick production process. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the burn-off of the organic binder used and to study the oxidation and reduction processes of the nickel. The wicks produced were flat, rectangular and intended for liquid transport in the upwards vertical direction. Rate-of-rise experiments using heptane were used to test the flow characteristics of the wicks. The wick porosities were measured using isopropanol. The heat transfer limitation constituted by the vapour static pressure and the capillary pressure was discussed. The influence on wick performance by using pore former in the manufacturing was studied. When Pcap/Psat > 1, the use of a pore former to increase the wick permeability will always improve the wick performance. When Pcap/Psat < 1, it was shown that if the effective pore radius and the permeability increase with an equal percentage the overall influence on the wick capacity is negative. A criterion for a successful pore former introduction is proposed and the concept of a pore former evaluation plot is presented.
Sex-Specific Diurnal Immobility Induced by Forced Swim Test in Wild Type and Clock Gene Deficient Mice
Authors: Li Ningyue , Xu Yanhua , Chen Xiaojuan , Duan Qing , Zhao Mei
Published: March 2015

Objective: The link between alterations in circadian rhythms and depression are well established, but the underlying mechanisms are far less elucidated. We investigated the circadian characteristics of immobility behavior in wild type (WT) mice and mice with mutations in core Clock genes. Methods: All mice were tested with forced swim test (FST) at 4 h intervals. Results: These experiments revealed significant diurnal rhythms associated with immobility behavior in both male and female WT mice with sex-different circadian properties. In addition, male mice showed significantly less immobility during the night phase in comparison to female mice. Female Per1Brdm1 mice also showed significant rhythmicity. However, the timing of rhythmicity was very different from that observed in female wild type mice. Male Per1Brdm1 mice showed a pattern of rhythmicity similar to that of wild type mice. Furthermore, female Per1Brdm1 mice showed higher duration of immobility in comparison to male Per1Brdm1 mice in both daytime and early night phases. Neither Per2Brdm1 nor ClockΔ19 mice showed significant rhythmicity, but both female Per2Brdm1 and ClockΔ19 mice had lower levels of immobility, compared to males. Conclusions: This study highlights the differences in the circadian characteristics of immobility induced by FST in WT, ClockΔ19, Per1, and Per2 deficient mice.
The Potential of Vitamin D-Regulated Intracellular Signaling Pathways as Targets for Myeloid Leukemia Therapy
Authors: Gocek Elzbieta , Studzinski George
Published: March 2015

The current standard regimens for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are curative in less than half of patients; therefore, there is a great need for innovative new approaches to this problem. One approach is to target new treatments to the pathways that are instrumental to cell growth and survival with drugs that are less harmful to normal cells than to neoplastic cells. In this review, we focus on the MAPK family of signaling pathways and those that are known to, or potentially can, interact with MAPKs, such as PI3K/AKT/FOXO and JAK/STAT. We exemplify the recent studies in this field with specific relevance to vitamin D and its derivatives, since they have featured prominently in recent scientific literature as having anti-cancer properties. Since microRNAs also are known to be regulated by activated vitamin D, this is also briefly discussed here, as are the implications of the emerging acquisition of transcriptosome data and potentiation of the biological effects of vitamin D by other compounds. While there are ongoing clinical trials of various compounds that affect signaling pathways, more studies are needed to establish the clinical utility of vitamin D in the treatment of cancer.
Occurrence of Lipophilic Marine Toxins in Shellfish from Galicia (NW of Spain) and Synergies among Them
Authors: Rodríguez Laura , González Virginia , Martínez Aníbal , Paz Beatriz , Lago Jorge , Cordeiro Victoria , Blanco Lucía , Vieites Juan , Cabado Ana
Published: March 2015

Lipophilic marine toxins pose a serious threat for consumers and an enormous economic problem for shellfish producers. Synergistic interaction among toxins may play an important role in the toxicity of shellfish and consequently in human intoxications. In order to study the toxic profile of molluscs, sampled during toxic episodes occurring in different locations in Galicia in 2014, shellfish were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), the official method for the detection of lipophilic toxins. The performance of this procedure was demonstrated to be fit for purpose and was validated in house following European guidelines. The vast majority of toxins present in shellfish belonged to the okadaic acid (OA) group and some samples from a particular area contained yessotoxin (YTX). Since these toxins occur very often with other lipophilic toxins, we evaluated the potential interactions among them. A human neuroblastoma cell line was used to study the possible synergies of OA with other lipophilic toxins. Results show that combination of OA with dinophysistoxin 2 (DTX2) or YTX enhances the toxicity triggered by OA, decreasing cell viability and cell proliferation, depending on the toxin concentration and incubation time. The effects of other lipophilic toxins as 13-desmethyl Spirolide C were also evaluated in vitro.
Evaluation of Uranium Concentration in Soil Samples of Central Jordan
Authors: Xoubi Ned
Published: March 2015

Naturally occurring radionuclides such as uranium, thorium and their decay products (226Ra, 222Rn) are present in a number of geological settings in Jordan. Motivated by the existence of uranium anomalies ‎coupled with its lack of conventional ‎‎energy ‎‎resources, Jordan decided that the development of ‎this indigenes ‎resource (uranium) is the first step in introducing nuclear power as part of its energy mix. Uranium deposits in Central Jordan were perceived not only as a secured resource that will ‎fulfill Jordan’s energy needs, but also as an economic asset that will ‎finance Jordan’s nuclear program. The average uranium concentration of 236 soil samples using ICP-Mass (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) was found to be 109 parts per million (ppm). Results analysis revealed a wide range of 1066 ppm for uranium concentration, and a median of 41 ppm uranium. The measurements frequency distribution indicates that 72% of samples measured had a uranium content of less than 100 ppm, a concentration that characterizes overburden and tailings quality, rather than minable reserves. This paper presents and evaluates the concentration of uranium in central Jordan, being the most promising area with the highest radioactive anomalies in Jordan.
Separator Membrane from Crosslinked Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) and Poly(Methyl Vinyl Ether-alt-Maleic Anhydride)
Authors: Rohatgi Charu , Dutta Naba , Choudhury Namita
Published: March 2015

In this work, we report separator membranes from crosslinking of two polymers, such as poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) with an ionic polymer poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride) (PMVE-MA). Such interpolymer-networked systems were extensively used for biomedical and desalination applications but they were not examined for their potential use as membranes or separators for batteries. Therefore, the chemical interactions between these two polymers and the influence of such crosslinking on physicochemical properties of the membrane are systematically investigated through rheology and by critical gel point study. The hydrogen bonding and the chemical interaction between PMVE-MA and PVA resulted in highly cross-linked membranes. Effect of the molecular weight of PVA on the membrane properties was also examined. The developed membranes were extensively characterized by studying their physicochemical properties (water uptake, swelling ratio, and conductivity), thermal and electrochemical properties using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The DSC study shows the presence of a single Tg in the membranes indicating compatibility of the two polymers in flexible and transparent films. The membranes show good stability and ion conductivity suitable for separator applications.
Detection of Sialic Acid-Utilising Bacteria in a Caecal Community Batch Culture Using RNA-Based Stable Isotope Probing
Authors: Young Wayne , Egert Markus , Bassett Shalome , Bibiloni Rodrigo
Published: March 2015

Sialic acids are monosaccharides typically found on cell surfaces and attached to soluble proteins, or as essential components of ganglioside structures that play a critical role in brain development and neural transmission. Human milk also contains sialic acid conjugated to oligosaccharides, glycolipids, and glycoproteins. These nutrients can reach the large bowel where they may be metabolised by the microbiota. However, little is known about the members of the microbiota involved in this function. To identify intestinal bacteria that utilise sialic acid within a complex intestinal community, we cultured the caecal microbiota from piglets in the presence of 13C-labelled sialic acid. Using RNA-based stable isotope probing, we identified bacteria that consumed 13C-sialic acid by fractionating total RNA in isopycnic buoyant density gradients followed by 16S rRNA gene analysis. Addition of sialic acid caused significant microbial community changes. A relative rise in Prevotella and Lactobacillus species was accompanied by a corresponding reduction in the genera Escherichia/Shigella, Ruminococcus and Eubacterium. Inspection of isotopically labelled RNA sequences suggests that the labelled sialic acid was consumed by a wide range of bacteria. However, species affiliated with the genus Prevotella were clearly identified as the most prolific users, as solely their RNA showed significantly higher relative shares among the most labelled RNA species. Given the relevance of sialic acid in nutrition, this study contributes to a better understanding of their microbial transformation in the intestinal tract with potential implications for human health.
Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Plant Cell Walls
Authors: Vogler Hannes , Felekis Dimitrios , Nelson Bradley , Grossniklaus Ueli
Published: March 2015

The size, shape and stability of a plant depend on the flexibility and integrity of its cell walls, which, at the same time, need to allow cell expansion for growth, while maintaining mechanical stability. Biomechanical studies largely vanished from the focus of plant science with the rapid progress of genetics and molecular biology since the mid-twentieth century. However, the development of more sensitive measurement tools renewed the interest in plant biomechanics in recent years, not only to understand the fundamental concepts of growth and morphogenesis, but also with regard to economically important areas in agriculture, forestry and the paper industry. Recent advances have clearly demonstrated that mechanical forces play a crucial role in cell and organ morphogenesis, which ultimately define plant morphology. In this article, we will briefly review the available methods to determine the mechanical properties of cell walls, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and microindentation assays, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. But we will focus on a novel methodological approach, called cellular force microscopy (CFM), and its automated successor, real-time CFM (RT-CFM).
Performance and Stress Analysis of Metal Oxide Films for CMOS-Integrated Gas Sensors
Authors: Filipovic Lado , Selberherr Siegfried
Published: March 2015

The integration of gas sensor components into smart phones, tablets and wrist watches will revolutionize the environmental health and safety industry by providing individuals the ability to detect harmful chemicals and pollutants in the environment using always-on hand-held or wearable devices. Metal oxide gas sensors rely on changes in their electrical conductance due to the interaction of the oxide with a surrounding gas. These sensors have been extensively studied in the hopes that they will provide full gas sensing functionality with CMOS integrability. The performance of several metal oxide materials, such as tin oxide (SnO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3) and indium-tin-oxide (ITO), are studied for the detection of various harmful or toxic cases. Due to the need for these films to be heated to temperatures between 250°C and 550°C during operation in order to increase their sensing functionality, a considerable degradation of the film can result. The stress generation during thin film deposition and the thermo-mechanical stress that arises during post-deposition cooling is analyzed through simulations. A tin oxide thin film is deposited using the efficient and economical spray pyrolysis technique, which involves three steps: the atomization of the precursor solution, the transport of the aerosol droplets towards the wafer and the decomposition of the precursor at or near the substrate resulting in film growth. The details of this technique and a simulation methodology are presented. The dependence of the deposition technique on the sensor performance is also discussed.
High-Speed Incoming Infrared Target Detection by Fusion of Spatial and Temporal Detectors
Authors: Kim Sungho
Published: March 2015

This paper presents a method for detecting high-speed incoming targets by the fusion of spatial and temporal detectors to achieve a high detection rate for an active protection system (APS). The incoming targets have different image velocities according to the target-camera geometry. Therefore, single-target detector-based approaches, such as a 1D temporal filter, 2D spatial filter and 3D matched filter, cannot provide a high detection rate with moderate false alarms. The target speed variation was analyzed according to the incoming angle and target velocity. The speed of the distant target at the firing time is almost stationary and increases slowly. The speed varying targets are detected stably by fusing the spatial and temporal filters. The stationary target detector is activated by an almost zero temporal contrast filter (TCF) and identifies targets using a spatial filter called the modified mean subtraction filter (M-MSF). A small motion (sub-pixel velocity) target detector is activated by a small TCF value and finds targets using the same spatial filter. A large motion (pixel-velocity) target detector works when the TCF value is high. The final target detection is terminated by fusing the three detectors based on the threat priority. The experimental results of the various target sequences show that the proposed fusion-based target detector produces the highest detection rate with an acceptable false alarm rate.
Application of HFCT and UHF Sensors in On-Line Partial Discharge Measurements for Insulation Diagnosis of High Voltage Equipment
Authors: Álvarez Fernando , Garnacho Fernando , Ortego Javier , Sánchez-Urán Miguel
Published: March 2015

Partial discharge (PD) measurements provide valuable information for assessing the condition of high voltage (HV) insulation systems, contributing to their quality assurance. Different PD measuring techniques have been developed in the last years specially designed to perform on-line measurements. Non-conventional PD methods operating in high frequency bands are usually used when this type of tests are carried out. In PD measurements the signal acquisition, the subsequent signal processing and the capability to obtain an accurate diagnosis are conditioned by the selection of a suitable detection technique and by the implementation of effective signal processing tools. This paper proposes an optimized electromagnetic detection method based on the combined use of wideband PD sensors for measurements performed in the HF and UHF frequency ranges, together with the implementation of powerful processing tools. The effectiveness of the measuring techniques proposed is demonstrated through an example, where several PD sources are measured simultaneously in a HV installation consisting of a cable system connected by a plug-in terminal to a gas insulated substation (GIS) compartment.
L'hydrologie continentale (Continental hydrology)
Authors: Dacharry Monique , Bomer Bernard
Published: March 2015

Résumé - L'hydrologie classique s'est développée en France sous l'impulsion de Maurice Pardé, en collaboration avec les ingénieurs. Les développements récents portent sur l'étude détaillée de la circulation de l'eau dans les bassins-versants, sur la notion d'hydrosystème, sur l'examen de l'impact des équipements, de l'urbanisation, des pollutions, sur l'étude de la dynamique et de la géomorphologie fluviales.
La recherche française en géomorphologie (French research in Geomorphology)
Authors: Dufaure Jean-Jacques
Published: March 2015

Abstract - French geomorphologists are still prompted by their traditional propensity towards long-term evolution, with a special regard to the importance of structural control on landforms development. Indeed, the revolution of climatic geomorphology resulted, above all in shifting the focus out of the davisian cycle of evolution to the study of pa leoforms generated by environmental agents (morphoclimatic inheritances, developed mainly during the Pleistocene). But nowadays, the analysis of structural control is largely renewed by taking into account the major role of neotectonics and the differential shaping of rocks - especially the cristalline ones - according to their varying susceptibility to weathering, whereas the survey and interpretation of inheritances are about to reach some limits. So a new shifting of focus can be observed towards very short-term evolution, at recent periods (Holocene, Historical Times, Present) with two new series of problems at issue : to what extent societies are geomorphic agents and what are the dynamics of processes (but always according to a naturalistic approach).
Importance de la bioturbation naturelle dans les zones climato-botaniques des hautes et moyennes latitudes (The importance of natural bioturbation in climato-botanic zones of higher and mid-latitudes)
Authors: Brochu Michel
Published: March 2015

Résumé - Le but de cette note est de présenter une appréciation sur l'importance comparée de la bioturbation animale dans les cinq zones climatobotaniques de haute et moyenne latitude : désert froid, toundra, taïga, forêts froides et tempérées, pampas-prairies-steppes. Les deux dernières zones citées, de latitudes moyennes, apparaissent comme les plus bioturbées.
Termites et termitières dans le sud-ouest malgache (Termites and termitaries in the south-west of Malagasy Island, some geographical aspects)
Authors: Petit Michel
Published: March 2015

Résumé - Cette étude présente quelques grands aspects de l'activité des termites au plan morphologique et pédagogique et tente une évaluation quantitative de leur impact sur les milieux.
Population(s) : le singulier et le pluriel (Population(s). In the singular and in the plural)
Authors: Pailhé Joël
Published: March 2015

Abstract - Population geography is not a geography of populations, or an anthropogeography. The word is used to-day in the plural with a new acceptation. Subjects of studies about questions of ethnicity, like others subjects about spatial approach of demography and society, must be analysed in words of population.
L'humanité agglomérée (The agglomerated population)
Authors: Moriconi-Ebrard François
Published: March 2015

Résumé - L'article livre un aperçu général sur l'évolution de la population urbaine dans le monde de 1950 à 1990 (population vivant dans des agglomérations de 10 000 habitants et plus), à partir de la base de données geopolis que l'auteur a constituée.
Le développement local par le tourisme rural : enjeux et conditions (Community development by rural tourism : stakes and conditions)
Authors: Mamdy Jean-François
Published: March 2015

Abstract - St-Bonnet-le-Froid, a small commune in Haute-Loire, offers an interesting experience of development by rural tourism. This small village is really driven by a dynamism of development, which stimulates local actors : contractors, elected members, and villagers. The greater part of the population live here thanks to rural tourism. If it is possible here, wouldn't it be everywhere else ? Yes probably ; but it would suppose to create private projets, to help them locally, to integrate them into the country side, according to a global prospect that might last. It is a bet for less-favoured areas.
Systémique et espace touristique rural (Systemic and rural tourist areas)
Authors: Delignières Valérie
Published: March 2015

Résumé - L'article a pour axe de recherche l'application du concept de la systémique à la notion d'espace touristique rural, travail qui se situera exclusivement à un niveau théorique et «qualitatif». Un premier point retrace la définition et les intérêts de cette méthode qui se veut globalisante. Après avoir présenté les différents éléments constituant le système, il convient de les mettre en relation afin d'en dégager la structure, la fonctionnalité et la dynamique. Celles-ci dépendent étroitement des interactions observées entre tous les éléments dont les innombrables combinaisons définissent les spécificités d'un espace donné. L'étape suivante fait référence aux modèles de simulation qui permettent la mise en évidence des forces et des faiblesses d'un espace en fonction des buts recherchés, tant actuels que futurs. Un exemple précis est abordé, mais il demeure volontairement théorique et qualitatif. En effet, ces outils performants restent difficiles d'accès (sans sous- entendre obligatoirement une impossibilité de résultat) car leur utilisation suppose une «mise en équation» de l'activité touristique, opération rendue complexe lorsque l'on connaît l'importance des phénomènes qualitatifs ou abstraits entrant enjeu (telle que la psychologie de l'espace vis-à-vis des visiteurs et des «visités»).
Tourisme rural en milieu périurbain : l'exemple de la Campanie (Rural tourism in suburban areas : the case study of Campanie)
Authors: Vallat Colette
Published: March 2015

Abstract - Attempting to create a green tourism in Campanie is an illusion, countries are still too densely populated and too intensely productive ; moreover, in a context in which public and private investments were polarized on the coasts, tourism never appeared as an alternative source of income, but always as the mainspring of a local economy. However, the inland Campanie owns indisputable assets at a time when the consumer requires other sorts of spare time activities : it is rich with its history, with its monuments, with its natural, unique and fascinating places of interest. There is, here, a touristic wealth which is just waiting for beeing worked up : one could imitate ancient practices : the excursion (religious one to Montevergine, cultural one with the Miglio d'Oro itinerary), because heat in the plain, earthquakes of the mountain don't incite people to stay for a long time. This new pleasant approach of Campanie would "rub out" the border between the town (residence place) and rural space (relaxing place) including, in a natural and cultural itinerary, places and stories.
La promotion touristique des espaces ruraux en Auvergne (The promotion of tourism in rural areas of Auvergne)
Authors: Mazuel Luc
Published: March 2015

Abstract - The promotion of tourism reveals, in an original way, the superposing of new zones onto pre-existent administrative zones. Both of these types of zone wish to establish contact with a clientele of tourists coming fron wider and more and more diverse backgrounds, this without always respecting the rigourous rules of marketing. The right correspondance between a zone and its promotion presupposes the establishment, on a geographical scale, of a division of roles between «inferior» and other "superior" zones, within which the regional structure of touristic communication defines the global image. However, in reality it represents a real kaleidoscope of images. In concrete terms, two types of promotion reveal two types of new zones. To begin with, some zones will promote their places of destination, their identity. Their promotion often becomes the excuse for a phenomenon of resurrection of the «pays». The touristic public image serves at the same time the internal cohesion of the zone as well as attracting customers. These zones are characterized by their roots anchored in territoriality and rusticity, a real probalisation which leads them to rivaly amongst themselves. In other zones, however, the point of departure will be the motivation of the tourist, his desires. His ideas and his dreams, which may be defined in relation to a place as well as what he expects of it, will be associated with the inherent qualities of the zone in order to create a touristic product whose promotion is closer to commercialisation. This presupposes a zone where the professionalisation of all the actors will be optimized. This second type of zone would seem to be the more suited to integration on the scale of reference of regional touristic promotion.
Les gîtes ruraux en Creuse et dans le Puy-de-Dôme (The "gîtes ruraux" in Creuse and Puy-de-Dôme)
Authors: Tinardon M.
Published: March 2015

Résumé - A un moment où le tourisme est présenté comme une solution possible aux difficultés du monde rural, il est opportun de s'interroger sur la réalité de sa dynamique spatiale. L'exemple des gîtes ruraux en Creuse et dans le Puy-de- Dôme montre les limites du développement touristique en espace rural : le tourisme rural ne peut exister de façon durable, et donc devenir un véritable levier économique, qu'en appui d'un pôle touristique structurant et sous réserve de l'existence d'une volonté affirmée.
Effect of locally injected autologous platelet-rich plasma on second intention wound healing of acute full-thickness skin defects in dogs
Authors: Psalla D. , Kazakos G. , Loukopoulos P. , Giannakas N. , Savvas I. , Kritsepi-Konstantinou M. , Chantes A. , Papazoglou L. G. , Karayannopoulou M.
Published: March 2015

Objectives: Second intention wound healing may be impaired by wound and host factors and thus more advanced therapies are required for a fast and satisfactory outcome. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), rich in growth factors and cytokines essential for tissue repair, could improve wound healing. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of locally injected autologous PRP on second intention healing of acute full-thickness skin defects in dogs.

Methods: Three 2x2 cm full-thickness skin defects were created bilaterally on the dorso-lateral area of the trunk of six Beagle dogs. The wounds of one randomly selected side received PRP treatment, whereas the contra-lateral wounds were left untreated (controls). Wound healing was evaluated by planimetry, laser-Doppler flowmetry measurements of tissue perfusion, and histo-logically.

Results: The rate of wound healing did not differ significantly between the two groups. Tissue perfusion was significantly higher in the PRP-treated group (p = 0.008) compared to controls on day 10. Histological evaluation revealed a trend towards greater collagen production and a significantly better collagen orientation (p = 0.019) in PRP-treated wounds on day 20.

Clinical significance: Locally injected auto-logous PRP does not accelerate the healing process, but increases tissue perfusion and may promote the formation of organized collagen bundles in acute full-thickness skin defects in dogs.
Les négociations et les interactions informelles dans le budget national : Analyse du cas israélien sous l’angle de la théorie des jeux
Authors: Cohen Nissim
Published: March 2015

Dans le présent article, nous analysons, sous l’angle de la théorie des jeux, l’interaction entre les politiciens et les bureaucrates israéliens en ce qui concerne le processus budgétaire national depuis les années 80. Dans les années 70 et 80, les nouvelles conditions structurelles ont donné naissance à de nouvelles règles formelles et informelles, qui ont affaibli la position de négociation des politiciens par rapport au ministère des Finances (MF). Le Plan israélien de stabilisation économique de 1985 modifiait non seulement les institutions politiques, mais créait aussi de nouvelles institutions informelles. Dans ces nouvelles circonstances, les politiciens israéliens n’ont que rarement la possibilité d’aller à l’encontre du MF dans le processus de négociation politique. Étant donné que les agents du MF sont sensibles aux processus internes israéliens et à l’opinion publique nationale, les politiciens israéliens ont peu de chances de donner l’impression qu’ils sont disposés à aller à l’encontre des agents du MF. Nous allons voir que cette situation peut entraîner au final un équilibre imparfait pour le bien-être collectif en Israël étant donné que l’équilibre des pouvoirs entre les acteurs privilégie le côté qui domine – les agents du MF. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Dans le présent article, nous examinons l’évolution du changement institutionnel et de différentes stratégies politiques formelles et informelles dans le processus décisionnel budgétaire. À partir du moment où les conditions structurelles ont donné naissance à de nouvelles règles formelles et informelles, qui affaiblissaient la position de négociation des politiciens par rapport au ministère des Finances, les politiciens ont commencé à avoir beaucoup de mal à aller à l’encontre des agents du ministère des Finances. Cela peut se traduire par l’apparition d’un décalage considérable entre l’opinion publique et la politique socioéconomique dans la pratique. Pour éviter de tels scénarios, la solution consiste à s’assurer, au moyen d’institutions solides, que l’équilibre des pouvoirs entre les acteurs ne risque pas de privilégier l’un des deux côtés.