bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Le processus de marocanisation foncière des villes coloniales : l'exemple de Taza
Authors: Escher A. J.
Published: June 2011

Starting from the systematically planned urban areas of the French protectorate («villes nouvelles») the transfers of real estate (purchase and sale of pieces of land) and the moroccanization of landed property in the «ville européenne» are described by means of the example of Taza Severials periods can be distingued. The colonial real estate market (1934 - 1952) : the beginning of land transfers in Taza dates back to 1934. During a period of 19 years real estate almost exclusively is transferred to foreigners (above all from foreigners to foreigners).

The transformation (1953 - 1956) :in 1953, the moroccanization of real estate (above all foreigners -Moroccan inhabitants) increases rapidly and attains the frequency of the land transfers to foreigners. In the year of independence, 1956, an intensification of this opposing tendency can be observed ; an increasing moroccanization is accompanied by a decreasing rate of sales to foreigners.

The morocanization (1957 - 1966) : the numerous sales from foreigners to Moroccan people (moroccanization) which began in 1957 reach their absolute maximum in 1959. In this year the right of permanent usufruct of «colons» on traditional collective land was abolished by a new state law. The expropriation of the agrarian areas of the «colonisation officielle» brings about a second maximum between 1963 and 1966. The moroccan real estate market (1967 - 1980) : from 1967 the real estate transfers betwenn Moroccan people (Moroccan inhabitants - Moroccan inhabitants) predominate. The last urban areas which still remain in European hands are transfered to Moroccan citizens and transfers of real estate are limited to sales be tween Moroccan people. Considering the changes in ownership, inhabitants and physiognomical structures the former «ville européenne» can today be called «ville marocaine».
Les dépôts historiques de la vallée du Kébir-Miliane (Nord-Est de la Tunisie)
Authors: Bourgou M. , Oueslati Ameur
Published: June 2011

The bottom of the Kébir - Miliane's valley is full of recent deposits in particular from those of historic age. This work is proposed to establish a stratigraphy of these deposits and to bring preciseness as for the age of the different historic deposits. The emergence of the factors of the genesis of these will be tempted.
La végétation méditerranéenne en France et en U.R.S.S.
Authors: Douguedroit Annick , Zimina R.P.
Published: June 2011

Mediterranean vegetation in France and in U.S.S.R. The coastal areas of the Mediterranean sea in France, of the Black sea (Southern coast of Crimea and province of Novorossiisk) and of the Caspian sea in U.S.S.R. have a Mediterranean xerophytic type of vegetation. The french vegetation can be considered as representative of the Western Mediterranean area and the U.S.S.R. of the Eastern Mediterranean one. In that country, the Mediterranean vegetation is limited to a coastal strip ; it is characterized by a lot of steppic Irano-touranian species, especially along the Caspian sea, by nearly missing evergreen forests, and by the preponderance of plant communities of the Mediterranean belt, including secondary stages as «Chibliak». The most important feature of the soviet area is the succession along the Northern coast of the Black Sea of Mediterranean plant communities and of a broad-leaved evergreen forest, descending from the tertiary vegetation or the Eastern Mediterranean area, before the Mediterranean climate and vegetation appear probably.
Aménagements hydrauliques dans le Caucase oriental et en Crimée. Comparaison avec la France du Sud-Est
Authors: Durbiano Claudine , Nicod Jean
Published: June 2011

Il s'agit, en U.R.S.S. comme en France, d'aménagements intégrés à finalités multiples (production d'électricité, approvisionnement en eau urbaine et industrielle, irrigation) utilisant l'eau des montagnes pour les bas-pays. Les différences de l'aménagement hydraulique entre la Soulak et la Durance proviennent de la disposition du réseau hydrographique : dans le cas de la Durance, le réservoir régulateur principal (Serre-Ponçon) est à l'amont du système, alors que celui du Soulak (Tchirkei) est à l'aval, après le confluent des Koïssou. Parmi les difficultés, l'engravement des réservoirs pose problème, auquel s'ajoute pour le Soulak le danger sismique. C'est sans doute au plan de l'utilisation agricole de l'eau qu'on peut noter les plus sérieuses différences quant à la dimension des espaces concernés, les conditions naturelles, l'histoire et les types de systèmes socio-économiques.
"Tropicalisation" de la végétation ornementale de la Côte d'Azur
Authors: Gade Daniel
Published: June 2011

L'actuelle végétation de la Côte d'Azur est caractérisée par l'introduction de plantes exotiques destinées à produire un effet ornemental. Un vaste ensemble d'espèces provenant du monde entier a été introduit au XIXème siècle. Cette mutation végétale de la région s'affirme après 1889, stimulée parla croissance touristique, l'arrivée de retraités et de visiteurs saisonniers. On préféra les plantes arbustives à la croissance rapide, à l'effet décoratif évident avec leur feuillage persistant et leurs fleurs éclatantes. Mais leur acclimatation et leur croissance dépendent en fait de leur degré d'adaptation aux épisodes de gel qui sévissent périodiquement. On avait voulu réaliser un milieu entièrement neuf créant l'illusion d'un paysage tropical. La réalité est toutefois bien différente car ses espèces pour la plupart ne sont pas issues de la zone intertropicale.
Studies towards synthesis, evolution and alignment characteristics of dense, millimeter long multiwalled carbon nanotube arrays
Authors: Mahanandia Pitamber , Schneider Jörg J , Engel Martin , Stühn Bernd , Subramanyam Somanahalli V , Nanda Karuna Kar
Published: June 2011

We report the synthesis of aligned arrays of millimeter long carbon nanotubes (CNTs), from benzene and ferrocene as the molecular precursor and catalyst respectively, by a one-step chemical vapor deposition technique. The length of the grown CNTs depends on the reaction temperature and increases from ~85 µm to ~1.4 mm when the synthesis temperature is raised from 650 to 1100 °C, while the tube diameter is almost independent of the preparation temperature and is ~80 nm. The parallel arrangement of the CNTs, as well as their tube diameter can be verified spectroscopically by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies. Based on electron diffraction scattering (EDS) studies of the top and the base of the CNT films, a root growth process can be deduced.
Towards an Expert System that Aids in the Diagnosis of Concrete Structures
Authors: Messabhia Ali , Hassounet Naceur
Published: June 2011

The concrete works, during their exploitation are exposed to operation or environmental conditions which can inflict certain degradations to them. Establishing a good diagnosis needs a particular knowledge of the behavior of concrete when exposed to aggressive agents, especially the mechanical behavior. The determination of the causes of degradation is a complex matter and the interaction between different pathologies makes it more difficult. The choice of the materials and techniques used to repair the damages is also very important to succeed in the intervention. Our objective is the development of a knowledge base which will be used as a base to formulate the rules used to organize, rationalize and optimize the diagnosis process of these pathologies. The knowledge base gathers the majority of known phenomena related to the degradation of the concrete works. It is organized according to a reasoning which enables to describe or to identify most damages and degradations of chemical or mechanical origins or of implementation. Used with an expert system it will enable us to evaluate the importance of the damage, the need to intervene and finally to propose recommendations about the appropriate procedures and materials needed to repair the damage.
Experimental Study of the Short-Term Creep Behavior of CFRP Strengthened Mortar under Compressive Loading
Authors: Khadraoui Fouzia , Karama Moussa
Published: June 2011

Creep in cementitious materials is an important part of the delayed strains. It is a complex phenomenon in which many physical and chemical parameters are involved. In this paper, an experimental program was conducted to clarify the creep performance of CFRP strengthened mortar. The main parameters under study are the age at the time of loading and the drying. Specimens are tested at a sustained load of 30% of the ultimate strength. These investigations show the interest of the reinforcement by CFRP of the prismatic mortar specimens, this one allows a notable improvement of the creep behavior.
Contribution of AFM Observations to the Understanding of Ni3Al Yield Stress Anomaly
Authors: Bonneville Joël , Charrier Dimitri , Coupeau Christophe
Published: June 2011

We report in the present paper a practical situation where the use of atomic force microscopy allowed an irrefutable insight in material plasticity for discriminating between different modelling hypotheses concerning the yield stress anomaly of Ni3Al intermetallic compounds with the L12 ordered structure. The contribution of AFM to a better understanding of elementary rate controlling mechanisms as well as collective dislocation motions is highlighted.
A FEM Model to Analyze the Structural Mechanical Problem in an Electrostatically Controlled Prestressed Micro-Mirror
Authors: Popovici D. , Paltanea Veronica , Paltanea Gheorghe , Jiga Gabi
Published: June 2011

In many industrial and biomedical applications (laser scanning displays, optical switch matrices and biomedical imaging systems) the sensing and actuation components are realized using micro-mirrors fabricated by MEMS technology. In this paper is evaluated, through numerical methods, the structural mechanical properties of the actuation mechanism of a ring shape micro-mirror. For the lift-off of the structure there are used four springs simulating a prestressed cantilever beam.
Low Temperature Sintering and Characterization of MgTiO3
Authors: Aliouat M. , Itaalit B. , Amaouz N. , Chaouchi Ahcène
Published: June 2011

The development of consumer electronics has meant that the component market is subjected of major economic issues. The economic battle goes through a search of lower manufacturing costs of electronic components together with an improvement in their performance, especially multilayer ceramic capacitors. The dielectric properties of the compound MgTiO3 (r  17, ε =100 ppm/°C, Tan (δ) <10-3) make this material a very good candidate for the manufacture of multilayer capacitors. In contrast, the high sintering temperature of this ceramic (1350 ° C), precludes the realization of multilayer capacitors with copper inner electrodes (T melting = 1083 ° C) less expensive than noble metals (Pd or Pt). Recent studies have shown that it is possible to reduce the sintering temperature by adding sintering agents. Additions made on MgTiO3 are glass phases (BBS 5Z2B, SBAZN, BBZS). Interesting dielectric properties were obtained in the case of system MgTiO3 + BBZS sintered at 1030 ° C: a dielectric permittivity epsilon r = 15.46, a temperature coefficient of 207 ppm / ° C, dielectric losses Tan (δ) <10-3.
Experimental and Numerical Modelling of Thermo-Forming of Anisotropic Thin Sheet
Authors: Ayadi A. , Cherouat Abel , Slimani Faouzi , Rezgui Mohammed Ali , Zghal Ali
Published: June 2011

Coupled constitutive equations, formulated in the framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes accounting for isotropic hardening as well as the isotropic ductile damage are used to simulate numerically, by the Finite Element Analysis, 3D metal hydroforming processes. The experimental study is dedicated to the identification of stress-strain flow and damage parameters by using the Nelder-Mead simplex algorithm optimization from the global measure of displacement and force. Applications are made to the simulation of thin sheet thermohydroforming using different die geometry to show the efficiency of the proposed methodology and to localize plastic instability, thinning of sheet and damage initiation under different forming conditions.
Mold Filling Simulation of Resin Transfer Molding Combining BEM and Level Set Method
Authors: Gantois Renaud , Cantarel Arthur , Dusserre Gilles , Félices Jean Noel , Schmidt Fabrice
Published: June 2011

Liquid Composite Molding (LCM) is a popular manufacturing process used in many industries. In Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), the liquid resin flows through the fibrous preform placed in a mold. Numerical simulation of the filling stage is a useful tool in mold design. In this paper the implemented method is based on coupling a Boundary Element Method (BEM) with a Level Set tracking. The present contribution is a two-dimensional approach, decoupled from kinetics, thermal analysis and reinforcement deformation occurring during the flow. Applications are presented and tested, including a flow close to industrial conditions.
An Experimental Investigation of Hot Machining with Induction to Improve Ti-5553 Machinability
Authors: Baili Maher , Wagner Vincent , Dessein Gilles , Sallaberry Julien , Lallement Daniel
Published: June 2011

The manufacturing of aeronautic parts with high mechanical properties requires the use of high performance materials. That’s why; new materials are used for landing gears such as the titanium alloy Ti-5553. The machining of this material leads to high cutting forces and temperatures, and poor machinability which requires the use of low cutting conditions. In order to increase the productivity rate, one solution could be to raise the workpiece initial temperature. Assisted hot machining consists in heating the workpiece material before the material removal takes place, in order to weaken the material mechanical properties, and thus reducing at least the cutting forces. First, a bibliography review has been done in order to determine all heating instruments used and the thermal alleviation that exists on conventional materials. An induction assisted hot machining was chosen and a system capable to maintain a constant temperature into the workpiece during machining (turning) was designed. Trails permit to identify the variation of cutting forces according to the initial temperature of the workpiece, with fixed cutting conditions according to the TMP (Tool-Material-Pair) methodology at ambient temperature. Tool life and deterioration mode are identified notably. The results analysis shows a low reduction of specific cutting forces for a temperature area compatible with industrial process. The reduction is more important at elevated temperature. However, it has consequences on quality of the workpiece surface and tool wear.
Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Structural Self-Healing Epoxy Resins
Authors: Guadagno Liberata , Raimondo Marialuigia , Naddeo Carlo , Russo Giuseppina , Vittoria Vittoria , Russo Salvatore , Iannuzzo Generoso
Published: June 2011

In this paper, we report the study and characterization of a multifunctional autonomically healing composite containing solid particles of Grubbs’ first generation catalyst and poly(urea-formaldehyde) microcapsules filled with liquid DCPD. This system, already reported in literature, in some respects shows great potential for epoxy structural composites: however, other aspects have to be explored in order to put to use in advanced applications. Here, we have determined the curing process to obtain the best mechanical performance without deactivating the self-repair activity of the material. It has been found that, for the same curing cycle, the presence of catalyst powder causes a slight decrease in the elastic modulus value with respect to the epoxy matrix. A large recovery in this performance is gained for the self-healing specimen, proving that the microcapsules contribute to improve the mechanical characteristics of the self-healing sample.
IL-23 Is Critical for Induction of Arthritis, Osteoclast Formation, and Maintenance of Bone Mass
Authors: Adamopoulos Iannis E. , Tessmer Marlowe , Chao Cheng-Chi , Adda Sarvesh , Gorman Dan , Petro Mary , Chou Chuan-Chu , Pierce Robert H. , Yao Wei , Lane Nancy E. , Laface Drake , Bowman Edward P.
Published: June 2011

The role of IL-23 in the development of arthritis and bone metabolism was studied using systemic IL-23 exposure in adult mice via hydrodynamic delivery of IL-23 minicircle DNA in vivo and in mice genetically deficient in IL-23. Systemic IL-23 exposure induced chronic arthritis, severe bone loss, and myelopoiesis in the bone marrow and spleen, which resulted in increased osteoclast differentiation and systemic bone loss. The effect of IL-23 was partly dependent on CD4+ T cells, IL-17A, and TNF, but could not be reproduced by overexpression of IL-17A in vivo. A key role in the IL-23–induced arthritis was made by the expansion and activity of myeloid cells. Bone marrow macrophages derived from IL-23p19−/− mice showed a slower maturation into osteoclasts with reduced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells and dentine resorption capacity in in vitro osteoclastogenesis assays. This correlated with fewer multinucleated osteoclast-like cells and more trabecular bone volume and number in 26-wk-old male IL-23p19−/− mice compared with control animals. Collectively, our data suggest that systemic IL-23 exposure induces the expansion of a myeloid lineage osteoclast precursor, and targeting IL-23 pathway may combat inflammation-driven bone destruction as observed in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune arthritides.
Activated NKT Cells and NK Cells Render T Cells Resistant to Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Result in an Effective Adoptive Cellular Therapy against Breast Cancer in the FVBN202 Transgenic Mouse
Authors: Kmieciak Maciej , Basu Debasmita , Payne Kyle K. , Toor Amir , Yacoub Adly , Wang Xiang-Yang , Smith Lisa , Bear Harry D. , Manjili Masoud H.
Published: June 2011

Attempts to cure breast cancer by adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) have not been successful. This is primarily due to the presence of tumor-induced immune-suppressive mechanisms as well as the failure of tumor-reactive T cells to provide long-term memory responses in vivo. To address these clinically important challenges, we developed an ex vivo protocol for the expansion of tumor-reactive immune cells obtained from tumor-bearing animals prior to or after local radiation therapy. We used an Ag-free protocol that included bryostatin 1/ionomycin and sequential common γ-chain cytokines (IL-7/IL-15 + IL-2). The proposed protocol expanded tumor-reactive T cells as well as activated non-T cells, including NKT cells, NK cells, and IFN-γ–producing killer dendritic cells. Antitumor efficacy of T cells depended on the presence of non-T cells. The effector non-T cells also rendered T cells resistant to myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Radiation therapy altered phenotypic distribution and differentiation of T cells as well as their ability to generate central memory T cells. ACT by means of the expanded cells protected animals from tumor challenge and generated long-term memory responses against the tumor, provided that leukocytes were derived from tumor-bearing animals prior to radiation therapy. The ex vivo protocol was also able to expand HER-2/neu–specific T cells derived from the PBMC of a single patient with breast carcinoma. These data suggest that the proposed ACT protocol should be studied further in breast cancer patients.
Strategies in the Surgical Management of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Harling Leanne , Athanasiou Thanos , Ashrafian Hutan , Nowell Justin , Kourliouros Antonios
Published: June 2011

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden and confers a lifetime risk of up to 25%. Current medical management involves thromboembolism prevention, rate, and rhythm control. An increased understanding of AF pathophysiology has led to enhanced pharmacological and medical therapies; however this is often limited by toxicity, variable symptom control, and inability to modulate the atrial substrate. Surgical AF ablation has been available since the original description of the Cox Maze procedure, either as a standalone or concomitant intervention. Advances in novel energy delivery systems have allowed the development of less technically demanding procedures potentially eliminating the need for median sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. Variations in the definition, duration, and reporting of AF have produced methodological limitations impacting on the validity of interstudy comparisons. Standardization of these parameters may, in future, allow us to further evaluate clinical endpoints and establish the efficacy of these techniques.
What Do Israeli Osteoporotic Men Know and Do about Their Disease?
Authors: Edelstein Offer Emanuel
Published: June 2011

Aims. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the level of knowledge about osteoporosis among osteoporotic men and to assess the correlations with their health behaviors.Method. A convenience sample of 100 osteoporotic men (mean age 63) attending the bone and mineral clinic at a major medical center in Israel was recruited in 2004. Participants were interviewed by phone using an adapted version of the Facts on Osteoporosis Quiz (FOOQ). Participants were also asked to report on their daily calcium intake and participation in physical activities.Results. The overall level of knowledge about the disease demonstrated by the participants was moderate. Higher education, older age, and fewer fractures were correlated with a higher level of knowledge. In addition, higher levels of education and knowledge were correlated with higher calcium intake. Lastly, a higher knowledge level, older age, and fewer fractures were correlated with higher participation in physical activities.Conclusions. Given the correlations between health behaviors and the level of knowledge among osteoporotic men, intervention programs should be used to evaluate and improve knowledge about osteoporosis, especially among less educated patients.
An Atypical Presentation with Diagnostic Challenge of a Large Cell Neuroendocrine Cancer of Lung: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bhamidipati Pavan Kumar , Ribbeck Amanda , Liaghati-Nasseri Goldees , Kumar Ramesh , Paidipaty B Babu , Bartnik John
Published: June 2011

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) are relatively rare and aggressive neoplasms of the lung with very poor prognosis. Even though they are included in the classification of nonsmall cell carcinomas, they have a biological behaviour and physiological response to treatment more like small cell carcinomas of lung. We report an atypical case presentation of LCNEC in a 51-year-old gentleman who presented with diffuse metastases to the thoracic and lumbar spine, brain, and liver, posing a diagnostic challenge. The primary small central lung tumor was in close proximity to major vessels, rendering a biopsy of the primary cancer challenging and nearly impossible. The final diagnosis was established through immunohistochemistry staining and examination of liver biopsy from a metastatic lesion. We also included a review of the current literature pertinent to LCNEC, as well as the important role of tumor markers plus immunohistochemistry profiles in determining the origin of unknown primary tumors in such difficult patient presentations.
Pell Equations: Non-Principal Lagrange Criteria and Central Norms
Authors: Mollin R. A. , Srinivasan A.
Published: June 2011

We provide a criterion for the central norm to be any value in the simple continued fraction expansion of for any non-square integer D > 1. We also provide a simple criterion for the solvability of the Pell equation x2 – Dy2 = –1 in terms of congruence conditions modulo D.
Hybrid models of solar wind plasma heating
Authors: Ofman L. , Viñas A.-F. , Moya P. S.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Remote sensing and in-situ observations show that solar wind ions are often hotter than electrons, and the heavy ions flow faster than the protons by up to an Alfvén speed. Turbulent spectrum of Alfvénic fluctuations and shocks were detected in solar wind plasma. Cross-field inhomogeneities in the corona were observed to extend to several tens of solar radii from the Sun. The acceleration and heating of solar wind plasma is studied via 1-D and 2-D hybrid simulations. The models describe the kinetics of protons and heavy ions, and electrons are treated as neutralizing fluid.The expansion of the solar wind is considered in 1-D hybrid model. A spectrum of Alfvénic fluctuations is injected at the computational boundary, produced by differential streaming instability, or initial ion temperature anisotropy, and the parametric dependence of the perpendicular heating of H+-He++ solar wind plasma is studied. It is found that He++ ions are heated efficiently by the Alfvénic wave spectrum below the proton gyroperiod.
GEOCLIM reloaded (v 1.0): a new coupled earth system model for past climate change
Authors: Arndt S. , Regnier P. , Goddéris Y. , Donnadieu Y.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. We present a new version of the coupled Earth system model GEOCLIM. The new release, GEOCLIM reloaded (v 1.0), links the existing atmosphere and weathering modules to a novel, temporally and spatially resolved model of the global ocean circulation, which provides a physical framework for a mechanistic description of the marine biogeochemical dynamics of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and oxygen. The ocean model is also coupled to a fully formulated, vertically resolved diagenetic model. GEOCLIM reloaded is thus a unique tool to investigate the short- and long-term feedbacks between climatic conditions, continental inputs, ocean biogeochemical dynamics and diagenesis. A complete and detailed description of the resulting Earth system model and its new features is first provided. The performance of GEOCLIM reloaded is then evaluated by comparing steady-state simulation under present-day conditions with a comprehensive set of oceanic data and existing global estimates of bio-element cycling in the pelagic and benthic compartments.
Influence of soil parameters on the skewness coefficient of the annual maximum flood peaks
Authors: Gioia A. , Iacobellis V. , Manfreda S. , Fiorentino M.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. Understanding the spatial variability of key parameters of flood probability distributions represents a strategy to provide insights on hydrologic similarity and building probabilistic models able to reduce the uncertainty in flood prediction in ungauged basins. In this work, we exploited the theoretically derived distribution of floods TCIF (Gioia et al., 2008), based on two different threshold mechanisms associated respectively to ordinary and extraordinary events. The model is based on the hypotheses that ordinary floods are generally due to rainfall events exceeding a threshold infiltration rate in a small source area, while the so-called outlier events, responsible of the high skewness of flood distributions, are triggered when severe rainfalls exceed a storage threshold over a large portion of the basin. Within this scheme, a sensitivity analysis was performed in order to analyze the effects of climatic and geomorphologic parameters on the skewness coefficient. In particular, the analysis was conducted investigating the influence on flood distribution of physical factors such as rainfall intensity, soil infiltration capacity, and basin area, in order to provide insights in catchment classification and process conceptualization.
Comparing historical-hydrogeomorphological reconstitution and hydrological-hydraulic modelling in the estimation of flood-prone areas – a case study in Central Portugal
Authors: Santos P. P. , Tavares A. O. , Andrade A. I. A. S. S.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. The Arunca River basin in Central Portugal has a historical record of hazardous events related to floods, causing widespread disturbance. This article describes the application of two approaches based on well-known methods for the estimation of flood-prone areas: (i) historical-hydrogeomorphological reconstitution, applied to the entire Arunca River basin, and (ii) hydrological-hydraulic modelling, applied to four sections selected from different (upper, middle and lower) sectors of the basin and including urban and rural areas along the Arunca River. The mapping of the flood-prone areas obtained by these two methods was compared in order to identify the main differences and similarities. Human interventions (river channel and floodplain morphological changes) were found to be the main factor explaining the differences and similarities between the results obtained by both methods. The application of hydrological-hydraulic modelling proved important in reinforcing the results of the historical-hydrogeomorphological method; it also helped in complementing the results produced by the latter method in urban areas and in areas with insufficient historical records. The application of the historical-hydrogeomorphological method, in turn, allowed for the size of the flood-prone areas to be determined where the primary data (e.g. geometry, roughness and flow) was not accurate enough for hydrological-hydraulic modelling. The methodological approach adopted demonstrates the strong complementary relationship between the different existing methods for estimating flood-prone areas, and may be reproduced for other drainage basins.
Calculating the water and heat balances of the Eastern Mediterranean basin using ocean modelling and available meteorological, hydrological, and ocean data
Authors: Shaltout M. , Omstedt A.
Published: June 2011

Abstract. This paper analyses the Eastern Mediterranean water and heat balances over a 52-yr period. The modelling uses a process-oriented approach resolving the one-dimensional equations of momentum, heat, and salt conservation, with turbulence modelled using a two-equation model. The exchange through the Sicily Channel connecting the Eastern and Western basins is calculated from satellite altimeter data. The results illustrates that calculated surface temperature and salinity follow the reanalysed data well and with biases of −0.4 °C and −0.004, respectively. Monthly and yearly temperature and salinity cycles are also satisfactory simulated. Reanalysed data and calculated water mass structure and heat balance components are in good agreement, indicating that the air-sea interaction and the turbulent mixing are realistically simulated. The study illustrates that the water balance in the Eastern Mediterranean basin is controlled by the difference between inflows/outflows through the Sicily Channel and by the net precipitation rates. The heat balance is controlled by the heat loss from the water surface, sun radiation into the sea, and heat flow through the Sicily Channel, the first two displaying both climate trends. An annual net heat loss of approximately 9 W m−2 was balanced by net heat in flow through the Sicily Channel.
Sharp Needle Recanalization for Salvaging Hemodialysis Accesses with Chronically Occluded Peripheral Outflow
Authors: Miller Gregg A. , Koh Elsie , Khariton Aleksandr , Preddie Dean C. , Hwang Wayne W. , Savransky Yevgeny , Schur Israel
Published: June 2011

Purpose

To assess the effectiveness of sharp needle recanalization (SNR) for treatment of chronically occluded venous outflow in hemodialysis access.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patient records from January 2006 to March 2010 was conducted. Forty-four hemodialysis patients (31 fistulas, 13 grafts) were referred for arm swelling (18%), excessive bleeding after dialysis (29%), and thrombosis (53%). All patients had chronic occlusion of the outflow vein which failed conventional recanalization techniques. A new outflow pathway was established by advancing a 21g needle and dilating the subcutaneous tract to bridge the fistula body to a juxtaposed patent vein. If necessary, uncovered or covered stents were utilized to maintain patency of the newly formed subcutaneous tract.

Results

Forty-four patients underwent 45 SNR procedures, with restoration of normal function and complete relief of symptoms in 40 (91%) patients. The average tract length was 15 mm (range, 1 to 32) and the average dilatation diameter was 8 mm. During the initial SNR procedure, bare metal (n=21) or covered (n=5) stents were inserted in 26 patients. The average follow-up was 18.4 months (range, 0.2 to 48 months). No major complications were observed with the procedure. At 12 months, the primary access, primary tract, and secondary access patencies were 10%, 51%, and 92%, respectively. Percutaneous thrombectomy procedures were performed at a rate of 1.16 per access-year and the number of interventions within the tract was 0.94 per access-year.

Conclusions

Sharp needle recanalization is an effective percutaneous treatment for restoring function to hemodialysis accesses with chronically occluded venous outflow pathways.
“A Particular Piece of Work”:
Authors: Wagner–Lawlor Jennifer
Published: June 2011

Iris Murdoch's novel The Bell (1958) considers the nature of “utopian work”—not simply the kind of work that provides material support for community but rather the kind of “inner” work that reorients individual ethical and political sensibilities, and moves one toward a spiritual maturity that makes frank community with others possible. Drawing from Murdoch's philosophical work, Wagner-Lawlor examines Murdoch's promotion of the “work” that art does in educating our moral sensibilities over the kinds of work (work on the land; intellectual work) her Imber Court communitarians engage in. Murdoch suggests that the real work of utopia is the working of the individual spirit toward an imaginative sympathy that lies at the heart of her conception of a utopian sensibility.
Back to the Garden:
Authors: Jendrysik Mark S.
Published: June 2011

This article examines the contemporary phenomenon of imagining a world from which people have been removed. Such a trend speaks to a utopian impulse, but one that is not comparable to traditional utopian ideas. What does the popularity of books like The World without Us or documentaries such as The Future is Wild, Aftermath: Population Zero, and Life after People say about the current status of utopian ideals, environmental thought, and our cultural understanding of humanity's place in the nature order?
Escaping the Panopticon:
Authors: Lavoie Dusty
Published: June 2011

Peter Weir's The Truman Show (1998) has been studied as an example of Debord's theory of the spectacle; as such, many theorists have shown how Truman is a commodified object constructed for “entertainment” for the masses, also noting how we ourselves are complicit in the consumption of media that dehumanize. In this essay, the author argues that, while a decided exemplar of postmodernism's “society of the spectacle,” the film is also a corporealization of poststructuralist Michel Foucault's (Discipline) concept of the panopticon, illustrating how a consideration of social spaces (mental, medical, penal, laboral, educational) yields a fuller understanding of Truman's predicament as (un)knowing prisoner/performer. Through an analysis of power, ideology, hegemony, and whiteness as they are re-presented in The Truman Show, we can more thoroughly articulate Truman's condition as a panoptic object who is regulated and hegemonized under the watchful eyes of a Master—himself synecdochic of Authority, Reason, and Truth—and those of a voracious public. The result is an indeterminate, postmodern, dystopian vision of mediated masses and the power apparatuses they/we wield through the act of watching.
Utopian Fraud:
Authors: Metcalf Bill
Published: June 2011

While most attempts at creating utopian societies have ended in failure, few were as fraudulent as La Nouvelle-France on the island of New Ireland (now part of Papua New Guinea).

Its founder, the Marquis de Rays, was a charismatic monomaniac who dreamed of creating a South Pacific utopia. He launched this scheme in 1877 and soon investors poured in money, and would-be utopian settlers joined up. During 1880–81, several hundred people sailed on inadequate ships to where they expected to find utopia, but instead found a swampy, malarial-infested wasteland, surrounded by cannibalistic neighbours. Some were killed while others died of disease and starvation before the survivors made their ways to Australia, New Zealand, other Pacific islands, or back to Europe.

At a sensational trial in Paris, The Marquis de Rays and several associates were fined and sentenced to prison.
Ecotopians in Hardhats:
Authors: Burgmann Verity , Milner Andrew
Published: June 2011

According to Lyman Tower Sargent, utopias are repositories for individual and collective hopes and fears, which sometimes unleash energies that can achieve at least part of what is hoped for. The Australian green bans movement of 1971–75 can be understood as a utopian project in this sense. During this period, the construction workers organized in the New South Wales branch of a labor union, known as the Builders Labourers' Federation, refused to work on ecologically or socially harmful projects and publicly argued for their collective right to socially responsible labor. Coining the term “green bans” to describe environmentally motivated withdrawals of labor, they halted projects worth five billion Australian dollars at 1970s prices. When enthusiastic resident action groups mobilized in support of these bans, the union grew into the core of a more general social movement. The success of the green bans movement suggests that the power of subversive imagining can be especially effective if coupled with the power of workers at the point of production. The movement's basic premise—that workers, acting in the general public interest, should decide what can be built and where—represented a direct challenge to the dominant power relations. Ultimately, such impossible demands could not be conceded either by the employers or by the state. But the practical effects of this utopianism nonetheless secured substantial environmental improvements, which brought the green bans activists significantly closer to their dreams.
A Comparative Study of the Stress Distribution in Different
Endodontic Post-Retained Teeth with and without Ferrule Design—A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Garhnayak Lokanath , Parkash Hari , Sehgal D. K. , Jain Veena , Garhnayak Mirna
Published: June 2011

Purpose. To analyze the stress distribution in an endodontically treated maxillary central incisor restored with various post-core systems and assess the benefit of ferrule using finite element analysis. Material and Methods. Twelve models with metal ceramic crown were created based on the combination of three types of post-core systems (titanium post-composite resin core, nickel-chromium post-core, and fiber reinforced composite resin post-composite resin core), two varieties of posts (tapered, parallel), and with or without ferrule. 100 N load was applied in three directions and the von Mises stress was compared.
Results. Ferrule made no difference in stress distribution for the titanium and nickel-chromium posts, though it showed some stress reduction in fiber-reinforced composite resin posts. Nickel-chromium cast post-core transmitted the least amount of stresses to the dentin despite producing the maximum stress.
Conclusion. Incorporation of ferrule offered some degree of stress reduction in nonmetal post, and it increased the stresses within cervical dentin.
Congenital Anterior Urethral Diverticulum in Children: A Case Report and Review
Authors: Kadian Y. S. , Rattan K. N. , Singh Mahavir , Kajal Pradeep
Published: June 2011

Congenital anterior urethral diverticulum (CAUD) is an uncommon condition in children. We describe 2 patients of CAUD who presented with ventral penile swelling; in one, the site of swelling was just proximal to corona which is quite rare. The diagnosis was made on USG and MCU. Both patients had normal renal function. Open diverticulectomy and primary repair was done in both patients.
Cerebral Melanoma Metastases: A Critical Review on Diagnostic Methods and Therapeutic Options
Authors: Goulart Carlos R. , Mattei Tobias Alecio , Ramina Ricardo
Published: June 2011

Malignant melanoma represents the third most common cause for cerebral metastases after breast and lung cancer. Central nervous system (CNS) metastases occur in 10 to 40% of patients with melanoma. Most of the symptoms of CNS melanoma metastases are unspecific and depend on localization of the lesion. All patients with new neurological signs and a previous primary melanoma lesion must be investigated. Although primary diagnosis may rely on computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance images are usually used in order to study more precisely the characteristics of the lesions in and to embase the surgical plan. Other possible complementary exams are: positron emission tomography, iofetamine cintilography, immunohistochemistry of liquor, monoclonal antibody immunocytology, optical coherence tomography, and transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Treatment procedures are indicated based on patient clinical status, presence of unique or multiple lesions, and family agreement. Often surgery, radiosurgery, whole brain radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are combined in order to obtain longer remissions and optimal symptom relieve. Corticoids may be also useful in those cases that present with remarkable peritumoral edema and important mass effect. Despite of the advance in therapeutic options, prognosis for patients with melanoma brain metastases remains poor with a median survival time of six months after diagnosis.
Determination of Alterations in Forest Condition Using Various Measures of Land Use Change along an Urban-Rural Gradient in the West Georgia Piedmont, USA
Authors: Styers Diane M. , Chappelka Arthur H. , Somers Greg L.
Published: June 2011

Our overall goal was to examine forest condition across different land use types through measurement of various biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic variables. Thirty-six permanent 0.05-ha circular plots were established along an urban-rural gradient near Columbus, Ga, USA. In general, forest structure did not differ by land use type for the majority of variables measured. However, urban forests contained less total tree and hardwood species than developing or rural areas. Regarding forest condition, no differences were observed for pest or disease incidence by land use, but more mechanical injury (broken branches, wounds, etc.) was found in urban locales. Lichens were the most sensitive indicator of possible changes in forest condition. Lichen incidence, abundance, and species richness were the greatest in rural forests and the least in urban locations. These factors were related to several indicators of urbanization such as housing density and distance from roads. In this case study subtle, but significant changes in forest structure and condition may have resulted from alterations in land use patterns.
Unique Presentation of Intra-Abdominal Testis: Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Bassiouny Ibrahim E. , Abbas Tariq O. , Alansari Amani N. , Ali Mansour A.
Published: June 2011

We describe here a two-year-old male who required urgent laparotomy to relieve a strangulated small bowel caused by internal herniation around an intra-abdominal testis. This clinical presentation has not been reported previously.
Diffuse Cutaneous Metastases as the Only Sign of Extranodal Tumor
Spread in a Patient with Adenocarcinoma of the Colon
Authors: Civitelli Serenella , Civitelli Barbara , Martellucci Jacopo , Tanzini Gabriello
Published: June 2011

Cutaneous metastases from large bowel cancer are uncommon and are usually associated with organ involvement. Localization of lesions to the skin is mainly attributed to vascular and anatomical relationship, since most of them are seen in the abdominal wall or in a surgical scar. We report a 73-year-old woman in whom metastatic nodules from a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the right colon developed throughout the skin (buttock, trunk, chest wall, arms, and neck) and remained the only sign of extranodal tumor spread until patient's death, seven months later. This unusual behaviour suggests that localization of neoplastic cells to the skin may be a site-specific process, determined by adhesion molecules and/or by growth factors found at that site.
Decoder-Side Motion Estimation Assuming Temporally or Spatially Constant Motion
Authors: Klomp Sven , Munderloh Marco , Ostermann Jörn
Published: June 2011

In current video coding standards, the encoder exploits temporal redundancies within the video sequence by performing block-based
motion compensated prediction. However, the motion estimation is only performed at the encoder, and the motion vectors have to be coded explicitly into the bit stream. Recent research has shown that the compression efficiency can be improved by also estimating the motion at the decoder. This paper gives a detailed description of a decoder-side motion estimation architecture which assumes temporal constant motion and compares the proposed motion compensation algorithm with an alternative interpolation method. The overall rate reduction for this approach is almost 8% compared to H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10 (AVC). Furthermore, an extensive comparison with the assumption of
spatial constant motion, as used in decoder-side motion vector derivation, is given. A new combined approach of both algorithms is proposed that leads to 13% bit rate reduction on average.
Modelo Teórico-Conceitual para Gestão de Portfólio de Projetos Seis Sigma
Authors: Fernandes Marcelo Machado , Da Silva Messias Borges , Turrioni João Batista
Published: June 2011

O Projeto Seis Sigma tem sido usado por organizações em todo o mundo e ganhos expressivos têm sido reportados quanto ao aumento da qualidade e produtividade, redução de tempos de entrega e diminuição dos custos de processos críticos. Neste contexto, uma das questões que tem se mostrado bastante relevante é a forma como se dá a seleção, priorização e gestão do conjunto de projetos Seis Sigma. Esse parece ser um tema pouco explorado pelas organizações e as consequências da não utilização de uma sistemática robusta para tal tarefa podem ser bastante negativas para organizações que já trataram de todos os problemas estruturais grandes “visíveis”. Sendo assim, o presente artigo traz uma proposta de modelo teórico-conceitual para gestão de portfólio de projetos Seis Sigma com utilização de elementos apresentados na literatura sobre os referidos temas. Esse modelo é parte de um trabalho acadêmico em andamento e deve ser empregado nas atividades subsequentes de pesquisa de campo, onde será investigado o processo de gestão de portfólio de projetos Seis Sigma em empresas brasileiras do setor automotivo.
Estudo de Caso do Desdobramento de Metas e Gestão de Desempenho de Projetos na Engenharia da Petrobras
Authors: Oliveira Antonio Carlos De Lemos , Da Silva Leonardo Rabello , Temporal Luciana Mourao , Serafim Glaiton , Martins Oscar Pedro Amaral
Published: June 2011

O dinamismo das inovações tecnológicas e as constantes mudanças nos cenários geopolíticos mundiais têm causado crescente turbulência na maior parte dos ambientes em que as organizações da indústria do petróleo estão inseridas. Assim, torna-se vital para seu crescimento e sobrevivência estabelecer um processo de planejamento e gestão capaz de oferecer respostas flexíveis às diversas exigências do negócio. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo investigar quais práticas podem ser observadas no desdobramento de metas e gerenciamento de desempenho dos empregados da ENGENHARIA da Petrobras e comparar o desempenho de quatro unidades organizacionais (Unidade de Implementação de Empreendimento – UIE) por meio de alguns de seus indicadores com o resultado da avaliação de desempenho do corpo gerencial de cada uma delas, analisando-os à luz da base conceitual pesquisada. Os principais instrumentos de pesquisa utilizados nesse estudo de caso foram a análise documental e a realização de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com os principais atores envolvidos no processo de formulação e implementação dos processos de planejamento e gestão da empresa, além da observação direta desses processos. O trabalho forneceu subsídios para ações já implementadas e para apresentação de propostas para a melhoria do processo de Gestão de Desempenho na ENGENHARIA da Petrobras.