bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Shopping Malls Accessibility: Case Study of Krakow
Authors: Pashkevich Anton , Puławska Sabina
Published: October 2016

The main aim of presented study was to analyze and to assess accessibility of shopping malls as traffic generators in the city of Krakow (Poland) as well as to compare calculated results in the perspective of the whole amount of shopping centers. The scope of research work includes the calculation of two kinds of accessibility measures: distance measures based on the straight line (Euclidean distance) and real distances and potential accessibility measures also based on the same distances and, additionally, weighted by characteristics of shopping malls and transport districts. The data from the OpenStreetMap project was used to get information concerning transport network and two kinds of above-mentioned distances. At the end of article a possible usage of obtained results and the further development of topic are described.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4117
MODELO CUASI-DINÁMICO EN AIMSUN. COMPARATIVA CONTRA MODELOS ESTÁTICOS Y DINÁMICOS
Authors: Casas Jordi
Published: October 2016

Traditionally traffic demand models require as input the impedance of a demand with respect to the network supply; mode choice or departure choice for example, take into account the travel time for each option. Bearing this in mind, the main criticism of using static models to evaluate travel times is that the estimated travel time could diverge considerably because these models have no capacity constraints. On the other hand, dynamic models, such as mesoscopic models, have a level of detail that is sometimes unnecessarily high for the final requirements. The Quasi-dynamic model developed in Aimsun could contribute to a more realistic estimate of the travel time while avoiding the need for a full dynamic model. This paper presents the integration of a Quasi-dynamic model inside the integrated framework of Aimsun and evaluates a comparison of all models in terms of travel time estimation. The evaluation is performed using real networks validated with real data sets.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4127
Incorporación de atributos intangibles en modelos de elección discreta
Authors: Melero Gustavo García
Published: October 2016

La principal herramienta en la modelación de la demanda de transporte durante muchos años ha sido el Logit Multinomial (MNL), pero sus limitaciones, fundamentalmente el supuesto de independencia de alternativas irrelevantes, han motivado diferentes mejoras, destacando entre ellas el Logit Mixto (ML). El ML permite mayor flexibilidad en las preferencias individuales, aunque no por ello ha colmado las expectativas de los modeladores, ya que el objetivo es representar la realidad de la forma más veraz posible. De este modo, se ha planteado la inclusión de elementos subjetivos, a través de modelos de utilidad híbridos que consideran atributos tangibles, fácilmente identificables para cada alternativa, así como elementos intangibles asociados a las percepciones y actitudes de los individuos, expresados a través de variables latentes. El principal objetivo de este trabajo es identificar las variables latentes relevantes en la modelación de la elección modal en el ámbito urbano, así como la estimación de MNL y ML con y sin variables latentes, con el fin de determinar si la inclusión de variables latentes mejora los resultados en la estimación de los modelos. La aplicación empírica se efectúa con datos obtenidos a partir de una encuesta de Preferencias Reveladas realizada en Santander (España), a la que se incorporó un cuestionario con indicadores de percepción, que permiten captar las variables latentes. La principal conclusión es que los modelos ML se muestran superiores a los MNL y, en ambos casos, la incorporación de variables latentes permite obtener mejores resultados. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4142
Inter-terminal transfer between port terminals. A continuous mathematical programming model to optimize scheduling and deployment of transport units.
Authors: Morales Fusco Pau , Pedrielli Giulia , Zhou Chenhao , Lee Loo Hay , Chew Ek Peng
Published: October 2016

In most large port cities, the challenge of inter-terminal transfers (ITT) prevails due to the long distance between multiple terminals. The quantity of containers requiring movement between terminals as they connect from pre-carrier to on-carrier is increasing with the formation of the mega-alliances. The paper proposes a continuous time mathematical programming model to optimize the deployment and schedule of trucks and barges to minimize the number of operating transporters, their makespan, costs and the distance travelled by the containers by choosing the right combination of transporters and container movements while fulfilling time window restrictions imposed on reception of the containers. A multi-step routing problem is developed where transporters can travel from one terminal to another and/or load or unload containers from a specific batch at each step.The model proves successful in identifying the costless schedule and means of transportation. And a sensibility analysis over the parameters used is provided.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4149
Simulation Study of the Effect of Decreasing Truck Traffic Flow on Safety on Almeria-Barcelona Corridor
Authors: Dadashova Bahar
Published: October 2016

In this paper the effect of truck traffic on road safety has been analyzed through simulation study. The main objective of the study is to quantify the effect of the decreasing average annual daily traffic of heavy duty vehicles (trucks) on road safety. As the road safety indicators the frequency road accidents is considered. The data used in the study were collected from one of the most crowded routes in Spain which connects Almeria (south-east) with Barcelona (northeast). The observed data covers year 2010 and were classified into 2 road types: dual carriageways and toll roads. The estimation was carried out using negative binomial model and Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation. Using the estimation results new traffic scenarios were proposed where the traffic flow is assumed to change its values. A total of 33 scenarios were proposed and new accidents data were generated through MCMC sampling. The comparison of the simulated and observed accident data shows that the effect of decreasing truck traffic flow could meliorate road safety in the route. The simulation tool could be applied to evaluate the effects of freight modal shift from road to rail.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4214
Relocalización de paradas de transporte público para ser incorporado dentro planes de contingencia como resultado de la construcción de obras de mejora vial
Authors: Medina-Tapia Marcos , Baeza Cristian , Arancibia Daniel , Robusté Francesc
Published: October 2016

Las paradas de transporte público (TP), tanto en su distribución como en su localización, son generalmente analizadas desde un punto de vista macroscópico, utilizando modelos analíticos para observar tanto una línea de buses, en particular, o la red de transporte público, en general. Sin embargo, la importancia y complejidad de lograr una buena operación de las paradas de transporte público y en particular lograr que éstas tengan una buena accesibilidad, requiere de un análisis más detallado. Actualmente no existen desarrollos metodológicos que solucionen este problema, menos aún en el caso de proyectos viales de mejora de la infraestructura urbana que implican una intervención importante de un sector de la ciudad, por lo que en este trabajo se propone una metodología de localización de paradas de transporte público que a través de un modelo matemático de optimización permita ubicar dichos paraderos provisorios a lo largo de las calles propuestas en un Plan de Desvíos de manera tal de optimizar la accesibilidad de los usuarios al transporte público. Esta metodología fue aplicada a un caso real de estudio en la intersección de las avenidas 5 de Abril – Esquina Blanca con Avenida Del Ferrocarril de Santiago, Chile, y los resultados muestran que se puede mantener y, en algunos casos, mejorar el nivel de servicio del transporte público desde el punto de vista de la accesibilidad al mismo. Por lo tanto, se demuestra la importancia y el aporte que esta metodología puede tener para mejorar la planificación de los Planes de Desvío por obras de mejoramiento vial al incorporar la variable accesibilidad al transporte público.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4253
Logística y optimización del servicio de recogida de residuos urbanos en áreas rurales.
Authors: Fernández González José María , García Pérez Julio , Ruiz Lozano Alba , Villaplana Cerdá David
Published: October 2016

La Ley 7/1985, de 2 de abril, reguladora de las Bases de Régimen Local, establece que en todos los municipios de España, las administraciones locales deben prestar, entre otros, el servicio de recogida y transporte de residuos urbanos (RU). En España, con una población total de 45.000.000 habitantes, y un ratio de generación de RU de 1,4 Kg/hab/día, se generan diariamente 63.000 Tn de RU que son transportados hasta plantas de transferencia o plantas de tratamiento y eliminación. La mayor parte de estos municipios, el 83,8%, tienen menos de 5.000 habitantes y un volumen de generación de residuos diario muy por debajo de la capacidad de carga de los camiones recolectores, por lo que no se consigue un transporte eficiente de los mismos. La aplicación de nuevas tecnologías así como la mancomunación para la prestación del servicio de recogida de RU consigue un transporte mucho más eficaz desde el punto de vista económico y ambiental. Entre estas tecnologías se diferencian las que se aplican a los camiones recolectores: dispositivos de control de flotas, sistemas de pesaje en chasis o pesaje embarcado, compartimentación de camiones; y los que se aplican a los contenedores receptores de los RU: sensores de llenado y sensores de manipulación. La presente investigación pretende cuantificar los ahorros económicos y ambientales que pueden obtenerse en los servicios de recogida de RU mediante la aplicación de nuevas tecnologías y la mancomunación de los mismos. Con la finalidad de validar esos resultados, se comprueban los obtenidos tras la implantación de estas medidas en el Consorcio para el Desarrollo de la Vega Sierra Elvira, compuesto por un conjunto de municipios del cinturón metropolitano de Granada, para finalizar determinando los potenciales ahorros en un grupo de municipios de la Vega Baja de la Provincia de Alicante, de aplicarse similares actuaciones. Para el primer territorio estudiado, la implementación de la recogida conjunta para 14 municipios con una población de 66.000 habitantes, ha supuesto un ahorro medio de 13,15 €/Tn y una reducción de emisiones de GEI de 1,71 KgCO2eq/Tn de RU. En el segundo territorio puede suponer un ahorro medio de 5,17 €/Tn y la reducción de 2,09 KgCO2eq/Tn en GEI.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4257
La utilización de flota de vehículos eléctricos para la Unidad de Hospitalización Domiciliara del Hospital de Alcoy.
Authors: Colomer Ferrándiz José Vicente , Saiz Gabaldón María Amparo , Colomer Font Oscar
Published: October 2016

La utilización del automóvil eléctrico frente al convencional o térmico presenta indudables ventajas desde el punto de vista ambiental. Sin embargo, estas ventajas se ven muy limitadas por los problemas de autonomía que a día de hoy aún sigue presentado el coche eléctrico. Determinadas actividades en flotas de empresas o entidades pueden adaptarse muy bien a la utilización del vehículo eléctrico. Basta pensar que, por ejemplo, en diversos municipios los coches que utilizan para servicios diversos realizan recorridos inferiores a los cien km diarios. Estos recorridos, se llevan a cabo en horarios de mañana o tarde únicamente, y los vehículos se estacionan en lugares fijos (garajes, sitios reservados en el viario, locales, etc... por lo que la recarga puede realizarse por la tarde o, en su caso, por la noche. Uno de los casos de mayor interés para utilizar flotas de coches eminentemente eléctricos son las unidades de hospitalización domiciliaria (UHD) de los hospitales. Estas unidades atienden a pacientes que por diversas circunstancias reciben su tratamiento, con características hospitalarias, en sus domicilios. El hospital de Alcoy está siendo pionero en la puesta en marcha y utilización de vehículos eléctricos para el desplazamiento del personal sanitario de la UHD ya que desde Julio de 2014, y mediante un procedimiento de contratación, utiliza este tipo de vehículos para el servicio. La prestación se realiza a través de una empresa privada seleccionada mediante concurso. La empresa que presta el servicio -MOVUS SL- encargó a la Universitat Politècnica de València la realización de un estudio que validase esta actuación. Dicha validación se realizó atendiendo a la sostenibilidad en su triple faceta: económica, ambiental y social. Los resultados principales de los trabajos que se llevaron a cabo se recogen en la presente ponencia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4260
Proyecto Dorothy: creación y puesta en marcha del "Clúster Logística Urbana de la Comunitat Valenciana
Authors: Colomer Font Oscar , Colomer Ferrándiz José Vicente , Fiore Mauro
Published: October 2016

En julio de 2013 comenzó el proyecto DOROTHY “Development Of RegiOnal clusTers for researcH and implementation environmental friendlY urban logistics" (www.clusterdorothy.com), que forma parte del 7th Framework Programme of the EU. Dicho proyecto está centrado en la logística urbana. Su fecha de finalización, 30 de Junio de 2016, coincide prácticamente con la celebración del Congreso de Ingeniería de Transporte CIT 2016. Uno de los objetivos principales del Proyecto Dorothy es la creación de clusters, a nivel regional que aborden temas relacionados con la logística urbana. Uno de estos clústers se ha desarrollado en la Región de Valencia. La creación de un clúster en logística urbana, y su puesta en marcha, sin disponer de fondos económicos para su dinamización inicial, es un proceso complejo que requiere abordar diversos pasos con continuidad y llevar a cabo distintas gestiones. Al menos este ha sido el caso de la creación del clúster de la Región de Valencia. Entendemos que explicar este proceso con cierto detalle puede resultar de interés para futuras creaciones de asociaciones o clústers relacionados con la logística urbana o con el transporte en sus diversos aspectos. La presente ponencia recoge las distintas acciones que han sido necesarias para la creación del clúster, así como las primeras actuaciones del mismo que ponen de manifiesto el dinamismo inicial de esta iniciativa.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4265
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN TRAVEL BEHAVIOR STUDIES
Authors: Mars Aicart María del Lidón , Ruiz Sánchez Tomás , Arroyo López María Rosa
Published: October 2016

Qualitative methodology is extensively used in a wide range of scientific areas, such as Sociology and Psychology, and it is been used to study individual and household decision making processes. However, in the Transportation Planning and Engineering domain it is still infrequent to find in the travel behavior literature studies using qualitative techniques to explore activity-travel decisions. The aim of this paper is first, to provide an overview of the types of qualitative techniques available and to explore how to correctly implement them. Secondly, to highlight the special characteristics of qualitative methods that make them appropriate to study activity-travel decision processes. Far from been an unempirical or intuitive methodology, using qualitative methods properly implies a strong foundation on theoretical frameworks, a careful design of data collection and a deep data analysis. For such a purpose, a review of the scarce activity-travel behavior literature using qualitative methods, or a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, is presented. The use of qualitative techniques can play a role of being a supplementary way of obtaining information related to activity-travel decisions which otherwise it would be extremely difficult to find. This work ends with some conclusions about how qualitative research could help in making progress on activity-travel behavior studies.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4995/CIT2016.2016.4268
Surface ozone in the southern hemisphere: 20 years of data from a site with a unique setting in El Tololo, Chile
Authors: Anet Julien G. , Steinbacher Martin , Gallardo Laura , Velásquez Álvarez Patricio A. , Emmenegger Lukas , Buchmann Brigitte
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The knowledge of surface ozone mole fractions and their global distribution is of utmost importance due to the impact of ozone on human health and ecosystems, and the central role of ozone in controlling the oxidation capacity of the troposphere. The availability of long-term ozone records is far better in the northern than in the southern hemisphere, and recent analyses of the seven accessible records in the southern hemisphere have shown inconclusive trends. Since late 1995, surface ozone is measured in-situ at "El Tololo", a high-altitude (2200 m asl) and pristine station in Chile (30° S, 71° W). The dataset has been recently fully quality-controlled and reprocessed. This study presents the observed ozone trends and annual cycles and identifies key processes driving these patterns. From 1995 to 2010, an overall positive trend of ~ 0.7 ppb/decade is found. Strongest trends per season are observed in March and April. Highest mole fractions are observed in late spring (October) and show a strong correlation with ozone transported from the stratosphere down into the troposphere, as simulated with a model. Over the 20 years of observations, the springtime ozone maximum has shifted to earlier times in the year which, again, is strongly correlated with a temporal shift in the occurrence of the maximum of simulated stratospheric ozone transport at the site. We conclude that background ozone at El Tololo is mainly driven by stratospheric intrusions rather than photochemical production from anthropogenic and biogenic precursors. The major footprint of the sampled air masses is located over the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, due to the negligible influence of local processes, the ozone record also allows studying the influence of El Niño and La Niña episodes on background ozone levels in South America. In agreement with previous studies, we find that during La Niña conditions, ozone mole fractions reach higher levels than during El Niño conditions.
Effect of mid-term drought on Quercus pubescens BVOC
emissions seasonality and their dependence to light and/or
temperature
Authors: Saunier Amélie , Ormeño Elena , Boissard Christophe , Wortham Henri , Temime-Roussel Brice , Lecareux Caroline , Armengaud Alexandre , Fernandez Catherine
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) emitted by plants are a large source of carbon compounds released into the atmosphere where they are precursors of ozone and secondary organic aerosols. Being directly involved in air pollution and indirectly in climate change, it is very important to understand what factors drive the BVOC emissions in order to characterize the atmospheric composition through models. The main algorithms currently used to predict BVOC emissions are mainly light and/or temperature dependent. Additional factors such as seasonality and drought have been also found to influence isoprene emissions, especially in Mediterranean region which is characterized by its drought period in summer. These factors are increasingly included in models but only for the principal studied BVOC which is isoprene but there are still some discrepancies in estimations of emissions. In this study, the main BVOC (isoprene, methanol, acetone, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and MACR+MVK+ISOPOOH), emitted by Quercus pubescens a tolerant drought Mediterranean species, were monitored with a PTR-ToF-MS over an entire seasonal cycle, under both natural and amplified drought which is expected with climate change. Amplified drought impacted all BVOC by reducing emissions in spring and summer and, in the contrary, by increasing emissions in autumn. Two types of dependence were found: light and temperature dependence (isoprene, MACR+MVK+ISOPOOH and acetaldehyde), and light and temperature dependence during the day and only temperature dependence during the night (methanol, acetone and formaldehyde). Moreover, a methanol burst in early morning and formaldehyde deposition/uptake were also punctually observed which were not assessed by model.
Chemical oxidative potential of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) generated from the photooxidation of biogenic and anthropogenic volatile organic compounds
Authors: Tuet Wing Y. , Chen Yunle , Xu Lu , Fok Shierly , Gao Dong , Weber Rodney J. , Ng Nga L.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Particulate matter (PM), of which a significant fraction is comprised of secondary organic aerosols (SOA), has received considerable attention due to their health implications. In this study, the water-soluble oxidative potential (OPWS) of SOA generated from the photooxidation of biogenic and anthropogenic hydrocarbon precursors (isoprene, α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, pentadecane, m-xylene, and naphthalene) under different reaction conditions (RO2 + HO2/RO2 + NO dominant, dry/humid) was characterized using dithiothreitol (DTT) consumption. The measured intrinsic OPWS-DTT ranged from 9–205 pmol min−1 µg−1 and were highly dependent on the specific hydrocarbon precursor, with naphthalene and isoprene SOA generating the highest and lowest OPWS-DTT, respectively. Humidity and RO2 fate affected OPWS-DTT in a hydrocarbon-specific manner, with naphthalene SOA exhibiting the most pronounced effects, likely due to the formation of nitroaromatics. Together, these results suggest that precursor identity may be more influential than reaction condition in determining SOA health effects, demonstrating the importance of sources, such as incomplete combustion, to aerosol toxicity. In the context of other PM sources, all SOA systems with the exception of naphthalene SOA were less DTT active than ambient sources related to incomplete combustion, including diesel and gasoline combustion as well as biomass burning. Finally, naphthalene SOA was as DTT active as biomass burning aerosol, which was found to be the most DTT active OA source in a previous ambient study. These results highlight a need to consider SOA contributions (particularly from anthropogenic hydrocarbons) to health effects in the context of hydrocarbon emissions, SOA yields, and other PM sources.
VHF antenna pattern characterization by the observation of meteor
head echoes
Authors: Renkwitz Toralf , Schult Carsten , Latteck Ralph
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The Middle Atmosphere Alomar Radar SYstem (MAARSY) with its active phased array antenna is designed and used for studies of phenomena in the mesosphere and lower atmosphere. The flexible beam forming and steering combined with a large aperture array allows observations with high temporal and angular resolution. For both, the analysis of the radar data and the configuration of experiments, the actual radiation pattern needs to be known. For that purpose various simulations as well as passive and active experiments have been conducted. Here, results of meteor head echo observations are presented, which allow derivation of detailed information of the actual radiation pattern for different beam pointing positions and the current health status of the entire radar. For MAARSY, the described method offers robust beam pointing and width estimations for a minimum of a few days of observations.
Fluorescence calibration method for single-particle
aerosol fluorescence instruments
Authors: Robinson Ellis Shipley , Gao Ru Shan , Schwarz Joshua P. , Fahey David W. , Perring Anne E.
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Real-time, single particle fluorescence instruments used to detect atmospheric bioaerosol particles are increasingly common, yet no standard fluorescence calibration method exists for this technique. This limits the utility of these instruments as quantitative tools and complicates comparisons between different measurement campaigns. To address this need we have developed a method to produce size-selected particles with a known mass of fluorophore, which we use to calibrate the fluorescence detection of a Wide-band Integrated Bioaerosol Sensor (WIBS-4A). We use mixed tryptophan-ammonium sulfate particles to calibrate one detector (FL1; excitation = 280 nm; emission = 310–400 nm), and pure quinine particles to calibrate the other (FL2; excitation = 280 nm; emission = 420–650 nm). This procedure allows users to set the detector gains to achieve a known absolute response, calculate the limits of detection for a given instrument, improve repeatability of instrumental set- up, and facilitate intercomparisons between different instruments. We recommend calibration of single-particle fluorescence instruments using these methods.
Carbon monoxide total column retrievals from TROPOMI shortwave
infrared measurements
Authors: Landgraf Jochen , aan de Brugh Joost , Scheepmaker Remco , Borsdorff Tobias , Hu Haili , Houweling Sander , Butz Andre , Aben Ilse , Hasekamp Otto
Published: October 2016

Abstract. The Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) spectrometer is the single payload of the Copernicus Sentinel 5 Precursor (S5P) mission. It measures Earth radiance spectra in the shortwave infrared spectral range around 2.3 µm with a dedicated instrument module. These measurements provide carbon monoxide (CO) total column densities over land, which for clear sky conditions are highly sensitive to the tropospheric boundary layer. For cloudy atmospheres over land and ocean, the column sensitivity changes according to the light path through the atmosphere. In this study, we present the physics-based operational S5P algorithm to infer atmospheric CO columns satisfying the envisaged accuracy ( <  15 %) and precision ( <  10 %) both for clear sky and cloudy observations with low cloud height. Here, methane absorption in the 2.3 µm range is combined with methane abundances from a global chemical transport model to infer information on atmospheric scattering. For efficient processing, we deploy a linearized two-stream radiative transfer model as forward model and a profile scaling approach to adjust the CO abundance in the inversion. Based on generic measurement ensembles, including clear sky and cloudy observations, we estimated the CO retrieval precision to be  ≤  11 % for surface albedo  ≥  0.03 and solar zenith angle  ≤  70°. CO biases of  ≤  3 % are introduced by inaccuracies in the methane a priori knowledge. For strongly enhanced CO concentrations in the tropospheric boundary layer and for cloudy conditions, CO errors in the order of 8 % can be introduced by the retrieval of cloud parameters of our algorithm. Moreover, we estimated the effect of a distorted spectral instrument response due to the inhomogeneous illumination of the instrument entrance slit in the flight direction to be  <  2 % with pseudo-random characteristics when averaging over space and time. Finally, the CO data exploitation is demonstrated for a TROPOMI orbit of simulated shortwave infrared measurements. Overall, the study demonstrates that for an instrument that performs in compliance with the pre-flight specifications, the CO product will meet the required product performance well.
Potential slab avalanche release area identification from estimated winter terrain: a multi-scale, fuzzy logic approach
Authors: Veitinger Jochen , Purves Ross Stuart , Sovilla Betty
Published: October 2016

Abstract. Avalanche hazard assessment requires a very precise estimation of the release area, which still depends, to a large extent, on expert judgement of avalanche specialists. Therefore, a new algorithm for automated identification of potential avalanche release areas was developed. It overcomes some of the limitations of previous tools, which are currently not often applied in hazard mitigation practice. By introducing a multi-scale roughness parameter, fine-scale topography and its attenuation under snow influence is captured. This allows the assessment of snow influence on terrain morphology and, consequently, potential release area size and location. The integration of a wind shelter index enables the user to define release area scenarios as a function of the prevailing wind direction or single storm events. A case study illustrates the practical usefulness of this approach for the definition of release area scenarios under varying snow cover and wind conditions. A validation with historical data demonstrated an improved estimation of avalanche release areas. Our method outperforms a slope-based approach, in particular for more frequent avalanches; however, the application of the algorithm as a forecasting tool remains limited, as snowpack stability is not integrated. Future research activity should therefore focus on the coupling of the algorithm with snowpack conditions.
Brief communication: 3D reconstruction of a collapsed rock pillar from web-retrieved images and terrestrial LiDAR data – The 2005 event of the West face of the Drus (Mont-Blanc massif)
Authors: Guerin Antoine , Abellán Antonio , Matasci Battista , Jaboyedoff Michel , Derron Marc-Henri , Ravanel Ludovic
Published: October 2016

Abstract. In June 2005, a series of major rockfall events completely wiped out the Bonatti Pillar located in the legendary Drus West face (Mont-Blanc massif, France). Terrestrial LiDAR scans of the face were acquired after this event but no pre-event point cloud is available. Thus, in order to reconstruct the volume and the shape of the collapsed blocks, a 3D model has been built using photogrammetry (SfM) based on 30 pictures collected on the Web. All these pictures were taken between September 2003 and May 2005. We then reconstructed the shape and volume of the fallen compartment by comparing the SfM model with terrestrial LiDAR data acquired in October 2005 and November 2011. The volume is calculated to 292’680 m3 (±5 %). This result is close to the value previously assessed by Ravanel and Deline (2008) for this same rock-avalanche (265’000 ± 10’000 m3). The difference between these two estimations can be explained by the rounded shape of the volume determined by photogrammetry, which may lead to a volume overestimation. However it is not excluded that the volume calculated by Ravanel and Deline (2008) is slightly underestimated, the thickness of the blocks having been assessed manually from historical photographs.
Ocean forecasting for the German Bight: from regional to coastal scales
Authors: Stanev Emil V. , Schulz-Stellenfleth Johannes , Staneva Joanna , Grayek Sebastian , Grashorn Sebastian , Behrens Arno , Koch Wolfgang , Pein Johannes
Published: October 2016

Abstract. This paper describes recent developments based on advances in coastal ocean forecasting in the fields of numerical modeling, data assimilation, and observational array design, exemplified by the Coastal Observing System for the North and Arctic Seas (COSYNA). The region of interest is the North and Baltic seas, and most of the coastal examples are for the German Bight. Several pre-operational applications are presented to demonstrate the outcome of using the best available science in coastal ocean predictions. The applications address the nonlinear behavior of the coastal ocean, which for the studied region is manifested by the tidal distortion and generation of shallow-water tides. Led by the motivation to maximize the benefits of the observations, this study focuses on the integration of observations and modeling using advanced statistical methods. Coastal and regional ocean forecasting systems do not operate in isolation but are linked, either weakly by using forcing data or interactively using two-way nesting or unstructured-grid models. Therefore, the problems of downscaling and upscaling are addressed, along with a discussion of the potential influence of the information from coastal observatories or coastal forecasting systems on the regional models. One example of coupling coarse-resolution regional models with a fine-resolution model interface in the area of straits connecting the North and Baltic seas using a two-way nesting method is presented. Illustrations from the assimilation of remote sensing, in situ and high-frequency (HF) radar data, the prediction of wind waves and storm surges, and possible applications to search and rescue operations are also presented. Concepts for seamless approaches to link coastal and regional forecasting systems are exemplified by the application of an unstructured-grid model for the Ems Estuary.
Obligations of Authorities Investigations towards the Improvement of procedures of Marine Accident Investigation
Authors: AbuElenin Ahmed Hany M.
Published: October 2016

In this study the provisions of international maritime conventions related to marine accident investigation are reviewed. Authorities Investigations are determined also in accordance with such provisions. The Responsibility of Authorities Investigation In the case of fault or negligence in the investigation of Marine accidents are focused on also. Finally, the importance of sending the investigation report to the International Maritime Organization is demonstrated.
Trans-Foveal Approach for Curettage and Bone Grafting of a Giant Cell Tumour in the Femoral Head
Authors: Rüdiger Hannes A. , Piasecki Krzystof , Becce Fabio , Cherix Stéphane
Published: October 2016

Background

Surgical access to benign neoplastic lesions of the femoral head are associated with significant morbidity, including contamination of intra-osseous access tracks, articular cartilage lesions, avascular bone necrosis or tumour recurrence due to incomplete curettage.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 20-year-old female with a giant cell tumour in the femoral head, which was treated with curettage through a trans-foveal approach and bone grafting. This technique includes a surgical dislocation of the hip with trochanteric osteotomy.

Results

At the latest follow-up at 2 years, there was no evidence of local recurrence or avascular necrosis on MRI, and the patient was pain free and back to sports.
Effect of Cold Drawing on Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Fibers
Authors: La Mantia Francesco Paolo , Ceraulo Manuela , Mistretta Maria Chiara , Morreale Marco
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Biodegradable polymers are currently gaining importance in several fields, because they allow mitigation of the impact on the environment related to disposal of traditional, nonbiodegradable polymers, as well as reducing the utilization of oil-based sources (when they also come from renewable resources). Fibers made of biodegradable polymers are of particular interest, though, it is not easy to obtain polymer fibers with suitable mechanical properties and to tailor these to the specific application. The main ways to tailor the mechanical properties of a given biodegradable polymer fiber are based on crystallinity and orientation control. However, crystallinity can only marginally be modified during processing, while orientation can be controlled, either during hot drawing or cold stretching. In this paper, a systematic investigation of the influence of cold stretching on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of fibers prepared from different biodegradable polymer systems was carried out.

Methods

Rheological and thermal characterization helped in interpreting the orientation mechanisms, also on the basis of the molecular structure of the polymer systems.

Results and conclusions

It was found that cold drawing strongly improved the elastic modulus, tensile strength and thermomechanical resistance of the fibers, in comparison with hot-spun fibers. The elastic modulus showed higher increment rates in the biodegradable systems upon increasing the draw ratio.
The Current Status of PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: McLachlan Jennifer , George Angela , Banerjee Susana
Published: October 2016

Recent advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of epithelial ovarian cancer have led to the development of a number of targeted therapies, including poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. PARP inhibitors are a novel class of therapeutic agents that target tumors with deficiencies in the homologous recombination DNA repair pathway. Early studies have shown significant efficacy for PARP inhibitors in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations. It has become evident that BRCA wild-type patients with other defects in the homologous recombination repair pathway benefit from this therapeutic approach. Importantly, companion homologous recombination deficiency scores are being developed to help guide the selection of patients most likely to gain clinical benefit from PARP inhibition. Olaparib, the first and most extensively investigated PARP inhibitor, is now licensed in Europe for maintenance treatment of patients with platinum-sensitive relapsed BRCA-mutated (germline or somatic) high-grade serous ovarian cancer who have responded to platinum-based chemotherapy. In the United States, olaparib is licensed for treatment of patients with germline BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer who have received 3 or more lines of chemotherapy. There are a number of other PARP inhibitors in late phase clinical development in ovarian cancer including rucaparib, niraparib, veliparib, and talazoparib. This review will focus on the current evidence for PARP inhibitors in ovarian cancer and discuss ongoing clinical trials and future research directions in this rapidly evolving area.
LODDS is Superior to Lymph Node Ratio for the Prognosis of Node-positive Rectal Cancer Patients Treated with Preoperative Radiotherapy
Authors: Huang Ben , Ni Mengdong , Chen Chen , Cai Guoxiang , Cai Sanjun
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Yielding pathologic-lymph node ratio (yp-LNR) was considered to be a better staging system than yp-N stage in rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy (pre-RT). We aimed to compare the predictive ability of yielding pathologic log odds of positive lymph nodes (yp-LODDS) with that of yp-LNR for cancer-specific survival (CSS) in stage III rectal cancer patients treated with pre-RT.

Methods

We analyzed stage III rectal cancer patients treated with pre-RT in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Patients were classified into 4 groups, yp-LNR1 to 4, based on the LNR cutoff points 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75. Subjects were categorized into 5 groups, yp-LODDS1 to yp-LODDS5, based on the LODDS cutoff points −1, 0, 1, and 2. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were performed to analyze the risk factors for survival outcome.

Results

A total of 4,612 patients were included from the SEER database. Patients in the yp-LNR4 group could be further divided into yp-LODDS4 and yp-LODDS5 groups with 5-year CSS of 47.6% and 31.5%, respectively (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis without yp-LODDS, yp-LNR was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio [HR] 2.006, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.619-2.484, p<0.001). However, after adjusting for yp-LODDS, yp-LNR was no longer associated with CSS (p = 0.393), and yp-LODDS was identified as an independent prognostic factor (HR 1.274, 95% CI 1.069-1.520, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The prognostic value of yp-LNR can be confounded by yp-LODDS. In stage III rectal cancer patients treated with pre-RT, yp-LODDS has superior discrimination power over yp-LNR and can more accurately evaluate CSS.
“What if…”: Decisional Regret in Patients who Discontinued Active Surveillance
Authors: Repetto Claudia , Rancati Tiziana , Magnani Tiziana , Alvisi Maria Francesca , Avuzzi Barbara , Badenchini Fabio , Marenghi Cristina , Stagni Silvia , Maffezzini Massimo , Villa Sergio , Villa Silvia , Salvioni Roberto , Valdagni Riccardo , Bellardita Lara
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To investigate the presence of regret in patients about having followed an active surveillance (AS) protocol. The secondary aim was to identify variables that influence regret.

Methods

From February 2006 to May 2014, 204 patients discontinued the AS protocols and were invited to enter the study. Sociodemographic variables were collected at AS enrollment, together with health-related quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate version [FACT-P]) and coping (Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer). Patients were asked to complete a Treatment Regret Scale as well as the FACT-P questionnaire. Clinical data were gathered, as well as time of stay within the AS protocol, reason for discontinuing AS, kind of post-AS treatment, and time elapsed since AS discontinuation. Questionnaires were completed by 105 patients (51.5% of those who had been invited to enter the study).

Results

Most of the patients had a low or null degree of regret on the Treatment Regret Scale from 0 to 100 (82/105 patients [78.1%] obtained a score <30, and about 30% of the sample had a score equal to zero). Only 5 patients (4.7%) scored 60 or more, indicating some degree of regret. None of the statistical tests between regret scores and a number of analyzed variables reached significance.

Conclusions

These results show that the degree of regret about following an AS protocol and after its discontinuation because of entering active treatment was very low. The regret after AS was not related to sociodemographic or clinical factors.
Temozolomide Low-dose Chemotherapy in Newly Diagnosed Low-grade Gliomas: Activity, Safety, and Long-term Follow-up
Authors: Villani Veronica , Merola Roberta , Vidiri Antonello , Fabi Alessandra , Carosi Mariantonia , Giannarelli Diana , Marucci Laura , Maschio Marta , Carapella Carmine M. , Pace Andrea
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To explore the efficacy and toxicity of an extended schedule of temozolomide (50 mg/mq 1 week on/1 week off) in a population of newly diagnosed low-grade gliomas (LGG).

Methods

Primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) at 12 and 24 months and response rate evaluated with Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Criteria. Secondary endpoints were clinical benefit (reduction of seizures frequency), reduction of steroid, and modifications of Karnofsky Performance Status.

Results

From 2006 to 2009, we enrolled 14 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed LGG: 8 grade II astrocytomas, 2 oligodendroglioma, and 4 oligo-astrocytoma. Temozolomide was administered for 18 cycles (mean) per patient (range 3-24 cycles). In 57.5% (n = 8), we observed stable disease, 28.5% (n = 4) presented a minor response, and 14% (n = 2) showed progression. Five patients presented early progression during the first year of treatment and the study was stopped. A relevant clinical benefit was observed in 85% of patients (seizure control). After 6 years of follow-up, only 4 patients died. Prolonged PFS was associated with 1p-19q codeletion over 1p-19q intact (35 vs 4 months; p<0.04) and IDH1 mutation over IDH1 wild-type (36 vs 6 months; p<0.009).

Conclusions

The study was interrupted for the high rate of progression observed in the first 14 patients enrolled. However, our results show that an extended low dose of temozolomide presents interesting activity with objective response and clinical benefit, but does not seem to prevent progression in patients presenting unfavorable molecular prognostic factors.
The representation of syntactic action at a distance: Multidominance versus the Copy Theory
Authors: Larson Brooke
Published: October 2016

It is a common understanding that Merge (Chomsky 1995) effectively explains the preponderance of displacement in language. That is, at least since Chomsky (2001), the mechanism that captures displacement (Internal Merge) has been recognized as something that comes ‘for free’ along with Merge. However, the particular representation of that displacement has been subject to disagreement with some researchers assuming a copy-theoretic view and others a multidominance view. In this paper I offer arguments that support the copy theory of movement over that of multidominance. Multidominance demands that the grammar operate over positions instead of terms, which is incompatible with a Merge-based approach to structure building, and the copy theory demands no such thing. I also argue that the discontinuous interpretation of moved elements can be seen as evidence in favor of the copy theory.Additionally I note that previous arguments comparing the two representations fail on one of two counts. They either 1) rely on interface-dependent notions about which too little is known to be used to distinguish the two or 2) depend on issues of mathematical power that are not a priori relevant. The new arguments presented here rely on syntax-internal notions and interface notions that are on more solid empirical footing.
Review article of Waltraud Paul’s New Perspectives on Chinese Syntax (2015)
Authors: Li Yen-hui Audrey
Published: October 2016

Taking Paul (2015) as a starting point, this article discusses different approaches concerning the contribution made by Chinese to general syntactic theory and typology. It demonstrates that the solution of basic questions such as the precise inventory of lexical categories can have far-reaching consequences for more general issues such as case theory, linearization, head parameter and the status of typological universals.
Primera convulsión en niños
Authors: Quintanilla Sergio Daniel , Velásquez Mario
Published: October 2016

Introducción: Las convulsiones son la urgencia neurológica más frecuente en pediatría. 10% de la población tendrá un episodio convulsivo en algún momento de su vida.Objetivo: Determinar mediante la relación clínica, laboratorial, electroencefalográfica e imagenológica las causas de la primera convulsión en niños del Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social (I.H.S.S.) de San Pedro Sula, Honduras, durante el período junio 2013 a septiembre 2014.Pacientes y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal en el I.H.S.S., con un universo de 16930 niños atendidos en área de emergencia en el período descrito, la muestra fueron 40 niños que asistieron por primera convulsión, con edades comprendidas entre un mes y 12 años. Los pacientes fueron valorados por neurólogo pediatra o pediatra, en emergencia y/o sala de Hospitalización.Resultados: La primera convulsión se presentó en menores de dos años en el 72.5% de los casos (n=29). Los principales diagnósticos fueron el síndrome convulsivo febril en 45% (n=18) y epilepsia en 35% (n=14) de los casos. Se realizaron 19 electroencefalogramas obteniendo 4 con hallazgos anormales y 20 tomografías cerebrales, 5 con hallazgos anormales. Se hospitalizaron 85% de los niños con primera convulsión y en 65% (26) de los niños se inició terapia anticomicial oral de mantenimiento.Conclusiones: La población con riesgo de presentar primera convulsión son los menores de 2 años. Las causas principales de primera convulsión son las convulsiones febriles y la epilepsia.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 1 Abril 2015 a Septiembre 2015: 392-398