bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new model for the conceptualization of color
Authors: Bernez Célia
Published: January 2017

This paper will propose an innovative model of the conceptualization of color, demonstrated by the syntaxico-semantic description of the chromatic adjectives and their special behavior in gradation, especially in combination with the adverb très [very]. Generally considered as a quality of an object, the color is not treated in language in the same way as other qualities are. Syntactic properties show that an ambivalent referent between texture and quality can be associated to the words of color. Comparing chromatic to typical adjectives of quality, many linguists have remarked that the combination [chromatic adjectives  +  très] is singular. The three most relevant studies (Milner, Whittaker, Noailly) hypothesize a change of category of the adjectives (from classifier to non-classifier) which is denied by Kleiber, who claims that the problem is not linguistic but referential: colors are not gradable referents. None of these explanations are satisfying. Drawing upon a description of the syntactic properties of this combination – reflecting the type of referent possessing the color (homogenous or not) and kind of color (natural or not) – our hypothesis proves that colors are gradable but not always in the same way as qualities, because color can also lead to a quantitative interpretation. This singularity depends on the bidimensionality of the referent, causing two possible interpretations.
Sulforaphene attenuates multinucleation of pre-osteoclasts by suppressing expression of cell–cell fusion-associated genes DC-STAMP, OC-STAMP, and Atp6v0d2
Authors: Takagi Tomohiro , Inoue Hirofumi , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Katsumata-Tsuboi Rie , Uehara Mariko
Published: January 2017

We assessed the effect of sulforaphene (SFE) on osteoclast differentiation. SFE significantly decreased the number of RANKL-induced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells and suppressed pre-osteoclast multinucleation. Furthermore, SFE downregulated mRNA expression of DC-STAMP, OC-STAMP, and Atp6v0d2, which encode cell–cell fusion molecules. Our data suggest that SFE attenuates pre-osteoclast multinucleation via suppression of cell–cell fusion.
Assessment of stability and reliability of embedded components in printed circuit boards
Authors: Steplewski Wojciech , Dziedzic Andrzej , Borecki Janusz , Serzysko Tomasz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the basic functional parameters of passive embedded components in printed circuit boards (PCBs) under environmental exposures such as thermal-humidity and thermal exposure.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigations were based on the thin-film resistors made of NiP alloy, thick-film resistors made of carbon or carbon–silver inks, embedded capacitors made of FaradFlex materials and embedded inductor made in various configurations. The capacitors and thin- and thick-film resistors were tested in the climatic chamber in conditions of thermal-humidity exposure at 85°C and 85 per cent RH for 500 h. The embedded inductors were tested in two different environmental conditions: thermal-humidity exposure at 60°C and 95 per cent RH, and thermal exposure at 150°C and additionally at the temperature in the range of +25°C to +150°C.

Findings

Studies show that in the case of embedded capacitors, the changes caused by exposure to thermal-humidity are durable and lead to the capacity increase. The embedded thin-film resistors behave in the same manner, whereas the thick-film resistors were the least resistant to the conditions of exposure. Most of the polymer thick-film resistors have been damaged. The changes of coils' properties during aging are small, and what is most important is that, after some time of exposure, their parameters stabilize at a particular level. The changes resulting from the increase in temperature are typically related to the change of material resistance (Cu) of which coils are made, and as such, they cannot be avoided but they can be predicted.

Research limitations/implications

The realized studies allowed determination of the properties of the embedded passive elements with respect to specific environmental exposures. The studies show that embedded resistors can be used interchangeably with chip passive elements. It allows saving the area on the surface of PCB, occupied by these passive elements, for assembly of active elements integrated circuits (ICs) and thus enabling the miniaturization of electronic devices.

Originality/value

The knowledge about the behavior of the operating parameters of embedded components, considering the environmental conditions, allows for development of more complex systems with integrated PCBs.
Spitznävi: unterschiedliche klinische, dermatoskopische und histopathologische Merkmale in der Kindheit
Authors: Dika Emi , Neri Iria , Fanti Pier Alessandro , Barisani Alessia , Ravaioli Giulia Maria , Patrizi Annalisa
Published: January 2017

Hintergrund und Ziele

Die Charakterisierung der klinischen Merkmale und des biologischen Potenzials von Spitznävi hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten breites Interesse gefunden. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Beschreibung der klinischen und dermatoskopischen Merkmale von Spitznävi sowie des klinischen Ergebnisses nach chirurgischer Exzision von Spitznävi in drei pädiatrischen Altersgruppen.

Patienten und Methoden

Restrospektive Studie zur Analyse von klinischen Merkmalen, videodermatoskopischen Bildern, histopathologischen Diagnosen und Behandlungsergebnissen. Der Grad der Pigmentierung wurde sowohl klinisch als auch histopathologisch beurteilt.

Ergebnisse

Bei 71 Patienten wurden 72 spitzoide Neoplasien entfernt. Videodermatologische Bilder lagen für 41 Patienten vor. Das Muster der Pigmentierung korrelierte signifikant mit dem Alter der Patienten: Hyperpigmentierte Läsionen waren bei Vorschulkindern selten, bei Patienten von 7 bis 12 Jahren und ab 13 Jahren dagegen häufiger. Eine histopathologische Diagnose von atypischen Spitznävi wurde selten durchgeführt. Keiner der Patienten, bei denen ursprünglich ein atypischer Spitznävus diagnostiziert worden war, entwickelte ein Lokalrezidiv oder Metastasen während der anschließenden Nachbeobachtung.

Schlussfolgerungen

Pigmentierte Spitznävi traten im Alter ab 13 Jahren häufiger auf. Die Studie bestätigt andere Berichte über die Altersverteilung von Pigmentierungsmustern und hebt die geringe Anzahl atypischer Spitznävi bei pädiatrischen Patienten hervor sowie das Ausbleiben von Rezidiven bei der langfristigen Nachbeobachtung.
Playing for the Rules: How and Why New Christian Right Public Interest Law Firms Invest in Secular Litigation
Authors: Hollis‐Brusky Amanda , Wilson Joshua C.
Published: January 2017

This article catalogues and analyzes the litigating behavior of four of the leading New Christian Right Public Interest Law Firms (NCR PILFs). Consistent with the finding from judicial politics that all PILFs seek first and foremost to have policy influence, we find that most of the litigation these PILFs invest in is either explicitly or implicitly religious or mission driven. However, we also observe a trend of increased participation in secular cases by the two largest NCR PILFs in our study. Through in‐depth, qualitative content analysis of the briefs submitted in these secular cases, we show that while some of this behavior can be attributed to organizational maintenance or coalitional goals, most of this secular participation appears motivated by a desire to influence the legal rules rather than the outcome of the particular case. In doing so, this article shows how PILFs engage with an increasingly complex legal and political landscape.
EFFECT OF PIPERAZINE (PIP) CONCENTRATION AND REACTION TIME ON THE FORMATION OF THIN FILM COMPOSITE FORWARD OSMOSIS (FO) MEMBRANE
Authors: Mohd Yusof Mohammad Amirul , Abu Seman Mazrul Nizam
Published: January 2017

Nowadays, wide applications of forward osmosis (FO) technology have been huge attention in solving the water shortage problems. Hence, the performance of thin film composite (TFC) forward osmosis membrane via interfacial polymerization (IP) was studied. 2% and 1% w/v of piperazine (PIP) and 0.15% w/v of trimesoyl chloride (TMC) were reacted with 3 different reaction time (60s, 30s, and 10s). The fabricated membranes were then characterized by FTIR, contact angle measurement and FESEM. Pure water flux, humic acid rejection (represent NOM) and salt leakage were evaluated to obtain the best polyamide FO membrane. The results demonstrated that polyamide FO membranes fabricated with 2% w/v possess a higher hydrophilic properties compared to 1% w/v. In addition, regardless of monomer concentrations, at longest reaction time (60s), there is no significant change in water flux. Membrane fabricated at 60s of reaction time exhibited water flux of 1.90 LMH and 1.92 LMH for 2% w/v and 1% w/v of PIP concentrations, respectively. The same trend also observed for humic acid rejection (93.9%-94.6%). The salt leakage test revealed that the minimum salt reverse diffusion (0.01-0.02 GMH) could be achieved for membrane fabricated at longest reaction time of 60s for both PIP concentrations. As conclusion, manipulating monomer concentrations and reaction time is the main key to obtain an optimal polyamide layer with high membrane performance covering higher water flux, higher removal of humic acid and lower reverse salt diffusion.
KESAN SUDUT PUSARAN TERHADAP PEMBENTUKAN EMISI MENGGUNAKAN DWI PEMUSAR UDARA ALIRAN JEJARIAN
Authors: Rahim Muhammad Roslan , Mohd Jaafar Mohammad Nazri
Published: January 2017

Combustion of liquid fuel sprays produces NOX, CO and other emissions that have an adverse impact on the environment and humans. This study is conducted to produce low-emission combustion with the use of double radial swirler. Swirling flow burning will enhance the mixing of fuel and air to produce a flame that is more stable and efficient. In this study, weak swirler with an angle of 30º is set as a primary swirler and strong swirlers each with an angle of 40º, 50º and 60º are set as the secondary swirler. Combinations of these swirlers helped the mixing of fuel and air during combustion. The results show, the combination of swirlers 30º/60º produced the highest temperature profile, the best flames, more stable and shorter than other combinations. NOX emissions for the combination of swirlers 30º/60º at stoichiometric are 15.6% lower than the combinations of swirlers 30º/40º. Other emissions such as CO, also shows 8.4% of reduction in the combination of swirlers 30º/60º. These results indicated that double swirlers helped in reducing emissions during combustion and also producing an environmentally friendly combustion system.
Keberkesanan Kaedah Pengurusan Fasiliti dan Penyumber Luaran Terhadap Prestasi Bangunan
Authors: Ismail Nordin Varseh , Osman Wan Nadzri
Published: January 2017

Intense competition, higher wages, economic factors and the lack of internal labor, force organizations to look for alternatives to reduce costs and at the same time still maintaining existing performance. Similarly, the facility management of a building, especially involving government-owned buildings face the same phenomena. One popular method being used to overcome these phenomena is via outsourcing. Many organizations nowadays prefer to adopt outsourcing rather than internal contract practice. This resulted from the changes in the business environment that is focused towards effective operations.
Pemahaman Informal Murid Tahun Lima Tentang Perkadaran
Authors: Mohd Noor Fazura , Syed Zamri Sharifah Norul Akmar , Kwan Eu Leong
Published: January 2017

This study aims to identify primary school pupils' informal understanding and solving problems strategies related to proportional. This qualitative study involved Year Five pupils who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using clinical interview technique can show the pupils' strategies and in-depth justification for each activity is shown. This article presents the analysis of the pupils' responses related to two proportional tasks. Data shows that students used various informal strategies to solve proportional problems. The findings also showed that students who have not learn ratio and proportion topic formally, could show proportional reasoning elements, such as unitizing, partitioning, and changes and quantities. The findings of this study may provide information to mathematics teachers that every student has different informal strategy to solve proportional problems based on their experiences and prior knowledge. Thus teachers need to diversify activities to encourage students' proportional thinking.
Assessing Mathematics Teachers’ Knowledge in Teaching Thinking Skills
Authors: Zulkpli Zulhelmi , Mohamed Mohini , Abdullah Abdul Halim
Published: January 2017

Teaching of thinking skills, paramount in effective teaching and learning of Mathematics, requires sufficiently knowledgeable teachers for its delivery. As such, it is equally important to determine the minimum level of knowledge required of the teachers, so that, the intended tasks could be carried out successfully. Thus, this quantitative study was conducted with its aim to identify the level of teachers’ knowledge in teaching thinking skills. A total of 199 Mathematics teachers were selected as the respondents in this study. The  collected data was analyzed inferentially to identify the levels of teachers’ knowledge in teaching thinking skills across school categories. The results obtained showed that, Mathematics teachers in primary schools had a relatively lower level of knowledge in teaching thinking skills, compared to their peers in secondary schools. This study revealed the importance of teaching thinking skills to students. Teacher must gain the mastery of thinking skills themselves, so that they would be able to deliver the related lessons effectively. Thus, Mathematics teacher should always keep improving themselves to fully master the teaching of thinking skills to the students.
Pengaruh Persekitaran Luaran ke atas Prestasi Perniagaan PKS
Authors: Ahmad Shuhymee , Abd Ghani Abdullah , Mohd Saad Rosli
Published: January 2017

This paper examines the influence of the external environment on business performance of SMEs in Malaysia. Previous studies have show that there was inconsistent relationship between external environment variables and business performance. Three external environment variables were examined in this study namely dynamic, hostility and munifience. By using simple random sampling technique, a total of 143 SMEs in Malaysia were used as samples in this study. Correlation analysis and multiple regression were used to test the three hypothesis. Results of the analysis showed that the three independent variables, i.e., dynamic, hostility and munifience have positive significant relationships with business performance. It is hoped that the findings from this study can be utilized by the government, entrepreneurs, researchers and other stakeholders in the field of SMEs in Malaysia.
Motivation And Teaching Experience: Does Teaching Experience Affect Lecturers’ Motivation In Teaching Online?
Authors: Mohamad Siti Nurul Mahfuzah , Mohd Salleh Mohd Azran , Salam Sazilah , Bakar Norasiken
Published: January 2017

There are a few challenges for all lecturers to apply online teaching practices. Among the problems are preparing teaching materials for online learning and lack of motivation in teaching and learning using online tools. This study intends to determine whether teaching experience affect lecturers’ motivation in teaching online. The respondents consist of 149 lecturers from Jabatan Matematik dan Sains Komputer (JMSK) with different subject matter expertise. Teaching experience was assessed using a multiple choice question in demographics and the lecturer’s motivation was measured using four primary dimensions i.e., ease of use (EOU), usefulness (USE), enjoyment (E), and self-confidence (SC). In order to measure these four dimensions, measurement items were adapted from previous researchers. The Wilk’s Lambda within the Multivariate Tests shows the significance (p-value) is more than 0.05, which means that the lecturer’s motivation is not significantly affected by their prior experience. Study also found that most of the lecturers in the polytechnics have between 4-6 years of teaching experience with the highest percentage of 34.2% and only one new lecturer with experience lower than one year was involved in this survey (0.7%). To conclude, these findings indicated that teaching experience does not affect a lecturer’s motivation in using online tools. Equally important, the application of appropriate teaching and learning tools makes the teaching and learning more effective in the classroom. Aided teaching techniques with several Web 2.0 applications also helped lecturers to diversify their teaching styles. It is hoped that the benefits from this study would be able to help the lecturers to be aware of the potential of their creativity and to be able to practice this in their teaching, as well as in recognizing the importance of the factors that motivate the creativity of lecturers in teaching online. This study formerly looked at the factors that motivated the lecturers in using online tools and highlighted three main factors that can affect a lecturer’s motivation which are (i) knowledge; (ii) perceptions, and (iii) skills.
Pharmacokinetics of Clindamycin in Obese and Nonobese Children
Authors: Smith Michael J. , Gonzalez Daniel , Goldman Jennifer L. , Yogev Ram , Sullivan Janice E. , Reed Michael D. , Anand Ravinder , Martz Karen , Berezny Katherine , Benjamin Daniel K. , Smith P. Brian , Cohen-Wolkowiez Michael , Watt Kevin
Published: January 2017

Although obesity is prevalent among children in the United States, pharmacokinetic (PK) data for obese children are limited. Clindamycin is a commonly used antibiotic that may require dose adjustment in obese children due to its lipophilic properties. We performed a clindamycin population PK analysis using data from three separate trials. A total of 420 samples from 220 children, 76 of whom had a body mass index greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age, were included in the analysis. Compared to other metrics, total body weight (TBW) was the most robust measure of body size. The final model included TBW and a sigmoidal maturation relationship between postmenstrual age (PMA) and clearance (CL): CL (liters/hour) = 13.8 × (TBW/70)
0.75
× [PMA
2.83
/(39.5
2.83
+PMA
2.83
)]; volume of distribution (
V
) was associated with TBW, albumin (ALB), and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AAG):
V
(liters) = 63.6 × (TBW/70) × (ALB/3.3)
−0.83
× (AAG/2.4)
−0.25
. After accounting for differences in TBW, obesity status did not explain additional interindividual variability in model parameters. Our findings support TBW-based dosing for obese and nonobese children.
Time Trends in Sputum Mycobacterial Load and Two-Day Bactericidal Activity of Isoniazid-Containing Antituberculosis Therapies
Authors: De Jager Veronique , van der Merwe Lize , Venter Amour , Donald Peter R. , Diacon Andreas H.
Published: January 2017

Recent early bactericidal activity (EBA) studies of isoniazid-based antituberculosis therapies have shown a lower EBA over the first two treatment days than in earlier years. To quantify this trend and evaluate factors contributing to it, we extracted individual data from 18 studies with a total of 182 participants using isoniazid-containing therapies between 1992 and 2015 at a single site and laboratory in Cape Town, South Africa. We recalculated EBA as the daily fall in CFU per milliliter sputum up to day 2 of therapy (EBA
0–2
) for individual patients and treatment groups and used mixed-effects linear models to investigate the correlation between pretreatment CFU, EBA
0–2
, and year of study. We found that mean pretreatment CFU and year of study accounted for 46% and 47%, respectively, of the variation in mean EBA
0–2
. Mean pretreatment CFU differed between the periods 1992 to 2001 and 2007 to 2015 by 0.92 log
10
CFU (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57 to 1.28;
P
< 0.0001). On average, pretreatment CFU dropped by 0.053 log
10
CFU (95% CI, 0.029 to 0.076;
P
= 0.0004) and EBA
0–2
by 0.012 log
10
CFU (95% CI, 0.006 to 0.018;
P
= 0.001) per year. The EBA
0–2
of isoniazid-based antituberculosis therapy is strongly correlated with baseline mycobacterial load and shows a declining trend over the past 2 decades.
Activation of the Violation of Svetlichny Inequality for a Broad Class of States
Authors: Caban Paweł , Molenda Andrzej , Trzcińska Kamila
Published: January 2017

The fact that several copies of a local quantum state — when processed together — can generate a nonlocal correlation, i.e. the superactivation of quantum nonlocality, is a well-known feature of quantum mechanics. Most of research results focused strongly on the bipartite scenario. In this paper we show that the activation of violation of Svetlichny inequality, reported for the first time in our previous paper, is not an exceptional phenomenon but holds for a broad class of quantum states as well for pure as for mixed, noisy ones.
Narrative and recognition in the flesh
Authors: Marcelo Gonçalo
Published: January 2017

In this interview, conducted by Gonçalo Marcelo, Richard Kearney recaps his intellectual trajectory, commenting on his early works on imagination and his own narrative style of doing philosophy in order then to make explicit the deep connection between the more recent developments of Carnal Hermeneutics, Reimagining the Sacred and the work done with others in the context of the Guestbook Project. Drawing on some lesser-known aspects of his work, he emphasizes the carnal dimension of recognition and discusses the pitfalls of the Age of Excarnation. Finally, and as part of his ongoing role as a public intellectual, he also comments on Europe’s social and political situation and the dangers it faces (exacerbated secularization, the threat of terrorism, Brexit) arguing for a pedagogy of narrative exchange as a means to foster hospitality and inclusion.
The Petrosquamous Stalactite: Anatomic Characterization and Mastoid Surgical Implications
Authors: Puricelli Michael D. , Newby Maxwell D. , Fishman Andrew J. , Rivera Arnaldo L.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To define the presence and relationship of the petrosquamous stalactite (PsS)—a condensation of the trabecular Korner’s septum into a bony plate of the petrosquamous suture—to surrounding structures and understand its surgical implications.

Study Design

Series of cadaver dissections.

Setting

University of Missouri Alumni Temporal Bone and Microvascular Laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

Anatomic dissections were conducted on 15 consecutive formalin‐preserved and frozen adult human temporal bones. A calibrated Dino‐Lite Premier Digital Microscope was used to photograph dissections of each bone. Measurements were conducted with DinoCapture 2.0 software, with measurement agreement between 2 authors.

Results

The PsS was present in all specimens. A conserved vascular structure courses within the structure, and the superior malleolar ligament inserts on it. The mean ± SEM distances from the PsS to the tegmen tympani and incus buttress were 2 ± 0.24 mm and 4.23 ± 0.14 mm, respectively. The shortest distance from the PsS to the posterior body of the incus was 1.25 ± 0.13 mm, while the greatest distance from the posterior prominence of the PsS to the posterior body of the incus was 4.58 ± 0.25 mm.

Conclusion

The PsS is a consistently identifiable structure that may facilitate identification of the tegmen tympani and guide the otologic surgeon from the mastoid antrum to the incus. It is important to recognize the contribution of the PsS to the division of the epitympanic space when cholesteatoma involves the region, to avoid leaving a nidus for future disease.
A conceptual model for the development process of confirmatory adaptive clinical trials within an emergency research network
Authors: Mawocha Samkeliso C , Fetters Michael D , Legocki Laurie J , Guetterman Timothy C , Frederiksen Shirley , Barsan William G , Lewis Roger J , Berry Donald A , Meurer William J
Published: January 2017

Background:

Adaptive clinical trials use accumulating data from enrolled subjects to alter trial conduct in pre-specified ways based on quantitative decision rules. In this research, we sought to characterize the perspectives of key stakeholders during the development process of confirmatory-phase adaptive clinical trials within an emergency clinical trials network and to build a model to guide future development of adaptive clinical trials.

Methods:

We used an ethnographic, qualitative approach to evaluate key stakeholders’ views about the adaptive clinical trial development process. Stakeholders participated in a series of multidisciplinary meetings during the development of five adaptive clinical trials and completed a Strengths–Weaknesses–Opportunities–Threats questionnaire. In the analysis, we elucidated overarching themes across the stakeholders’ responses to develop a conceptual model.

Results:

Four major overarching themes emerged during the analysis of stakeholders’ responses to questioning: the perceived statistical complexity of adaptive clinical trials and the roles of collaboration, communication, and time during the development process. Frequent and open communication and collaboration were viewed by stakeholders as critical during the development process, as were the careful management of time and logistical issues related to the complexity of planning adaptive clinical trials.

Conclusion:

The Adaptive Design Development Model illustrates how statistical complexity, time, communication, and collaboration are moderating factors in the adaptive design development process. The intensity and iterative nature of this process underscores the need for funding mechanisms for the development of novel trial proposals in academic settings.
Multiple large clusters of tuberculosis in London: a cross-sectional analysis of molecular and spatial data
Authors: Smith Catherine M. , Maguire Helen , Anderson Charlotte , Macdonald Neil , Hayward Andrew C.
Published: January 2017

Large outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) represent a particular threat to disease control because they reflect multiple instances of active transmission. The extent to which long chains of transmission contribute to high TB incidence in London is unknown. We aimed to estimate the contribution of large clusters to the burden of TB in London and identify risk factors.

We identified TB patients resident in London notified between 2010 and 2014, and used 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units–variable number tandem repeat strain typing data to classify cases according to molecular cluster size. We used spatial scan statistics to test for spatial clustering and analysed risk factors through multinomial logistic regression.

TB isolates from 7458 patients were included in the analysis. There were 20 large molecular clusters (with n>20 cases), comprising 795 (11%) of all cases; 18 (90%) large clusters exhibited significant spatial clustering. Cases in large clusters were more likely to be UK born (adjusted odds ratio 2.93, 95% CI 2.28–3.77), of black-Caribbean ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio 3.64, 95% CI 2.23–5.94) and have multiple social risk factors (adjusted odds ratio 3.75, 95% CI 1.96–7.16).

Large clusters of cases contribute substantially to the burden of TB in London. Targeting interventions such as screening in deprived areas and social risk groups, including those of black ethnicities and born in the UK, should be a priority for reducing transmission.
Understanding Consumption Behavior: Evidence from Consumers' Reaction to Shopping Vouchers
Authors: Kan Kamhon , Peng Shin-Kun , Wang Ping
Published: January 2017

This paper advances our understanding of consumption behavior using the 2009 Taiwan Shopping Voucher Program. This program was universal and well publicized, and its payment to each individual was medium-sized. Based on survey data, it is found that the marginal propensity to consume is about one quarter, which is comparable to findings obtained by previous studies on consumers' response to fiscal stimulus payments. Further, vendors' discounts for voucher users played a significant role in boosting the effectiveness of the program. (JEL D12, E21, E62)
Remarks on the Messinian evaporites of Zakynthos Island (Io- nian Sea, Eastern Mediterranean).
Authors: Karakitsios V. , Roveri M. , Lugli S. , Manzi V. , Gennari R. , Antonarakou A. , Triantaphyllou M. , Agiadi K. , Kontakiotis G.
Published: January 2017

Detailed mapping of the Neogene deposits on Zakynthos Island shows that the Messinian primary evaporite basins, formed over Ionian basement, are delimited by the westernmost outcrop of the Triassic evaporitic diapirs, located west of the Kalamaki-Argasi Messinian gypsum unit. The post-Miocene external Ionian thrust is emplaced west of the Triassic diapirs. Planktonic foraminifera biostratigraphy indicates that primary evaporite accumulation took place probably during the first stage of the Messinian salinity crisis (5.96-5.60 Ma), in shallower parts of a foreland basin, formed over the Pre-Apulian and the Ionian zone basement. Establishment of these depositional environments, before the Ionian thrust emplacement, was probably due to the particularities of the foreland basin, which extended from the external Ionian to the internal Pre-Apulian zone. Field observations, borehole data and an onshore seismic profile show that the Neogene sediments over the Pre-Apulian  basement correspond to the foredeep through forebulge domain of the foreland basin, as it is documented from their spatial thickness distribution. In contrast, the Neogene sediments over the Ionian basement correspond to the wedge top of the foreland basin, which was less subsiding, as it is deduced by their reduced thickness. This lower subsidence rate was the result of the concurrent diapiric movements of the Ionian Triassic evaporites. In Agios Sostis area, located over Pre-Apulian basement, the Neogene sequence is intercalated by decametre-thick resedimented blocks consisting of shallow water selenite. To the southeast, this mass-wasting Messinian gypsum passes to mainly gypsum turbidite. In Kalamaki-Argasi area, located over Ionian basement, the shallow water environment led to the deposition of the observed primary gypsum. Erosion of the primary gypsum of both forebulge and wedge top supplied the foreland basin’s depocenter with gypsum turbidites.
Engineering geological behaviour of volcanic formations. References to instability phenomena and town planning in Lesvos Island, Greece
Authors: Saroglou H.
Published: January 2017

The volcanic formations have varying behaviour between rock and soil depending on their geological origin, weathering degree and fracturing degree. The engineering behaviour and weathering classification of these formations is briefly reviewed. Slope stability problems in these rocks have either the form of soil type instabilities (mainly circular failures and creep phenomena) or rock instabilities such as rock sliding on discontinuities and rockfalls. These slope instabilities pose significant problems to human activities.A case study referring to slope stability problems in different volcanic formations is given from the area of Petra municipality in Lesvos Island, Greece. The main volcanic formations in the study area are rhyodacitic and latiandesitic lavas, having rock behaviour and perlites, silicated lavas and pyroclastics, which have a soil like behaviour. Additionally, profiles of totally weathered andesites resulting to clay rich soils are frequently encountered. The mechanism of the anticipated instability phenomena are presented and analyzed.Finally, a simple vulnerability map for instabilities was prepared, which can assist in town planning. Based on the field observations, the potential for occurrence of instability phenomena is related to the following factors: a) Slope aspect and b) geological nature of volcanic rocks (weathering degree and permeability).
Morphotectonic analysis of faults in Sperchios Basin (Fthiotis, Central Greece).
Authors: Michail M. , Chatzipetros A.
Published: January 2017

This paper aims to study one of the major neotectonic, fault-controlled, features of the Hellenides, Sperchios basin, with the application of specific morphotectonic indices. The study area includes well exposed fault-bounded mountain fronts with dominant footwall relief. The most prominent structures of this WNW-ESE trending neotectonic basin are WNW-ESE to NW-SE trending faults, the most prominent of which is the Sperchios Fault System (SFS) causing mainly subsidence toward the NNE. The antithetic Coastal Fault System (CFS) also forms a distinct, yet gentler relief at the NE basin boundary. The segmentation of these neotectonic faults allowed detailed measurements, based on morphotectonic characteristics, of each segment separately. Mountain-front sinuosity (Smf) as well as the ratio of valley floor width to valley height (Vf) were among the indices used in this study and contributed to the identification of the potential fault activity. The results show that there is a strong correlation between uplift rates and the morphotectonic signature of faulting, as well as a clear morphotectonic differentiation of fault segments.
Modeling seismicity rate changes along the Hellenic subduction Zone (Greece).
Authors: Leptokaropoulos M. K. , Papadimitriou E. E. , Orlecka–Sikora B. , Karakostas G. V. , Vallianatos F.
Published: January 2017

The Dieterich (1994) Rate/State formulation was applied for the seismicity rate changes in the western part of the Hellenic arc to be investigated. The completeness magnitude of the shallow seismicity (h<60km) was firstly evaluated for different time windows. The spatio-temporal changes of these seismicity rates (reference rates) were studied then for the interevent periods between successive strong(M≥6.0) earthquakes. These changes were correlated with the Coulomb stress changes (ΔCFF) produced by the stronger events, through a Rate/State model which incorporates physical parameters associated with fault dynamics such as the tectonic stressing rate, fault constitutive parameters and frictional response of the rupture zones. The influence of the former parameters in the model performance wastested by evaluating the linear correlation coefficient between modeled and real earthquake production rates along with their confidence limits. Application of different parameter values was attempted for the sensitivity of the calculated seismicity rates and their fit to the real data to be tested. Given the geographical peculiarity of the Hellenic Subduction zone, that yields to high uncertainties in the earthquake focal parameter determination, the results demonstrate that the present formulation and the available data sets are sufficient enough to contribute to a robust seismic hazard assessment.
Constraints on the location of the 2008, MW 6.4 Achaia-Ilia earthquake fault from strong motion data.
Authors: Roumelioti Z. , Theodoulidis N. , Bouchon M.
Published: January 2017

The June 2008, Mw6.4 Achaia-Ilia earthquake was the first recorded dextral strikeslip event of considerable magnitude in western Peloponnese, which, nevertheless, could not be related to any of the known/mapped structures at the ground surface. Published locations of the mainshock focus by various agencies/researchers differ by as much as 6 km and 16 km in the horizontal and vertical dimensions, respectively, making even more difficult the accurate siting of the seismogenic fault. However, the 2008 earthquake provided a valuable set of near-fault strong motion data, which could shed some light on the problem of accurately locating the earthquake source. To this end, we use the discrete wavenumber method to forward model the strongground motion records at three stations, located close to the prolongation of the 2008 strike. We test different locations and lengths for the ruptured plane and compare synthetic polarities and amplitudes of the first strong S-wave pulse to actual data. We conclude that the line of maximum moment release (our fault models are vertical planes) during the 2008 earthquake is located to the east of the imaginary line connecting stations PAT2 and AMAA and to the west of station PYR1.
Spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall and temperature in Macedonia, Greece, over a thirty year period, using GIS
Authors: Grimpylakos G. , Karacostas T. S. , Albanakis K.
Published: January 2017

Due to increased demand and use of water resources, the European Union has established the (WFD) Water Framework Directive 2000/60 for Community action in the field of water policy. In order to achieve better water protection and management, Member States must identify and analyse European waters, on the basis of individual river basin and district. Precipitation and air temperature are directly related and at the same way interacted to the hydrological cycle and therefore with water resources. The objective on this study is to present the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation and air temperature in Macedonia, by using GIS software (ArcMap 9.3).  The data used were retrieved from 82 different meteorological stations, which belong to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, and correspond to the thirty year period (1974-2004); all stations provided continuous daily data of precipitation while 43 of them provided also daily data of temperature. The annual temperature range and the annual total precipitation amount were calculated, at each individual station, for the thirty years of the examined period. By using GIS software and triangular interpolation scheme, the thematic maps of Macedonia for the aforementioned parameters and thermal continentality K were created. Furthermore, possible mean annual evapotranspiration for each meteorological station was estimated by Turc, Coutagne and Thornthwaite algorithms.
Geothermal resource management - a reservoir simulation approach - the Paris Basin case
Authors: Papachristou M. , Ungemach P. , Fytikas M.
Published: January 2017

Numerical modeling has become an indispensable part of geothermal resource management, especially when long-term production is involved, offering the ability to forecast the reservoir behavior under various exploitation scenarios. This paper illustrates the simulation results of the “Dogger” reservoir in Val de Marne region (south of Paris), where 16 doublets (production-injection wells) are still in operation today. The “Dogger” low enthalpy geothermal reservoir in Paris Basin is being under intensive and systematic exploitation since the early 1980’s. Almost 40 years after the initiation of the heat mining project, the longevity of the reservoir and applications have become critical issues for achieving the exploitation system’s sustainability. The simulation covers a period of 52 years (1984-2035), attempting to recreate the exploitation history and to provide an early estimation of the time-space variation of pressure and temperature inside the reservoir under future production/injection schemes and schedules. For the majority of the wells, the calculated production temperatures match quite well the field data up to the year 2011. The prediction models indicate that certain modifications in the development scheme could result in the stabilization of the fluids temperature, or at least in slower depletion rates.
Hazard due to earthquake-induced rock falls: The use of remote sensing data and field mapping in the case of Skolis Mountain, NW Peloponnese
Authors: Litoseliti A. , Koukouvelas I. , Nikolakopoulos K.
Published: January 2017

Inventory of pre-earthquake and earthquake triggered landslides is used to provide insight of the tectonic forcing in the development of the rock slopes of the Skolis Mountain, in the North Peloponnese. For the purposes of inventory of landslides we analyzed © Google Earth photographs based on drawing polygons and paths in order to create ‘Keyhole Markup Language’ or KML files. © Google Earth photographs analysis and surface mapping indicate that the Skolis Mountain is affected by long- term climatically and tectonically controlled rock falls and minor rock slides. The rock falls show a progressive inflation in surface area from 2007 to 2009. The post-earthquake surface area of the rock falls increased three times. In addition, there was a series of rock falls descending Skoli’s slopes by free fall, bouncing, or rolling causing damages in the Santomerion village and blocking significant part of the dirt roads around it. These boulders are clustered in three areas across the western bluff of the mountain.
Stabilization of the limestone escarpment of the Skete of Osios Nikanoras under wet conditions due to future filling of the Ilarion dam's reservoir.
Authors: Mourtzas N. D. , Gkiolas A. , Kolaiti E.
Published: January 2017

The Skete of Osios Nikanoras is located in a cavern of a vertical limestone escarpment 80m high, over Aliakmon River in West Macedonia. The vertical slope is structured predominantly of thick-bedded limestone, dipping moderately towards NW and only locally of thin-bedded limestone. It is crossed by three transverse and four normal faults. Rock mass was divided in sections, demarcated by bedding planes and major discontinuities. Each section was subdivided into rock blocks. Rock mass description was carried out in areas below the entrance level and the surrounding areas of the Skete as well. The future water level rise, due to the filling of the Ilarion Dam’s reservoir, followed by water level fluctuations, will impose an initial increase and a subsequent variation of water pressures in the rock mass discontinuities. The evaluation of the rock mass stability, due to water induced loads, was therefore required. Stability analysis has been performed in order to determine potential wedge, plane and toppling failure modes. The measures that were adopted for the conservation of the monument were designed taking into account the restrictions regarding the monuments preservation. The proposed solution comprised three stages of installation of support measures, namely, installation of temporary rock bolts for the pre-strengthening of the rock mass, followed by the execution of grouting and finally installation of permanent rock anchors, thus ensuring adequate factors of safety.
Digital methods for measuring grain size parameters of aggregate–binder mixtures.
Authors: Profitis E. , Kapatos D. , Chatzitheodoridis E. , Xirouchakis D. , Loupasakis C.
Published: January 2017

Geometrical parameters of natural and crushed aggregates such as grain length, perimeter, area, etc., underline the shape and flakiness indices definition. The latter indices have a measurable effect on the mechanical properties of aggregates–binder mixtures, e.g. concrete, mortar, bituminous mixtures. In this work, digital methods were developed with the mathematical software Matlab, by applying a statistical method called k-means clustering for the exact separation between background and aggregates to compute the aforementioned properties. The overall code can be applied in real time by analysing quickly a large volume of data with accuracy and significant cost reduction. Currently, only the two dimensions of the grains could be measured. Future work will focus on full three-dimensional measurements by comparing paired images taken from different angles but also aggregate segmentation in case of touching particles.
São Paulo cavern-shaft collapse viewed as a trap-door problem.
Authors: Saratsis G. , Stavropoulou M.
Published: January 2017

This paper refers to the numerical simulation of the conditions that have lead to the collapse of the shaft-cavern collapse in São Paulo, Brazil (2007) constructed with the Conventional Tunnelling Method (CTM) or the New Austrian Tunneling Technique (NATM). The Pinheiros station where the incident has occurred, is located in an area known as the Caucaia Shear Zone, resulting in a highly fractured medium (four main families of discontinuities, i.e. two subvertical and two dipping towards the tunnel walls).The main observed lithologies were biotite gneiss and granite gneiss. According to the Bieniawski classification, the following rock mass classes were observed: II,III,IV (partially corresponding to saprolite), and V (partially corresponding to residual soils). The shaft-tunnel construction is simulated by virtue of the 3D finite differences code FLAC3D™. Special emphasis is given on the appropriate quantitative description of the geological conditions. A kinematic cohesion-friction softening model of the discontinuous rock mass is used. It was found that failure is manifested with the evolution of shear bands starting from the corners of the cavern periphery as this approaches the shaft while retreating. Before this, another cylindrical shear band initiates from the bottom of the shaft and also propagates upwards to connect with the former and hence producing the final collapse.
Groundwater quality characteristics of the Anavisos Basin
Authors: Angelakopoulou E. , Koumantakis I. , Vasileiou E. , Stathopoulos N.
Published: January 2017

The Anavisos basin is located in the southern part of Attica and it is a part of the coastline in the Saronikos Bay. Τhe basin covers an area about 110,91 km2. The water needs for potable uses of the area are covered by EYDAP and irrigational needs by private drillings and wells. The salinization of the groundwater and the degradation of the water quality had also been observed in the past in the study area. In this research, the most recent chemical analysis showed that the salinity appears extended in the coastal zone as it was in previous decade. The salinization has proceeded into the inland, so the groundwater is characterized as saline and improper for any use in some cases. The main cause for the sea intrusion is the over-pumping exploitation of the coastline aquifers. The rational developments of the area, the lack of a sewerage system, are the main reasons for the degradation of the groundwater in the basin. Additionally there is not a wastewater treatment system in the area, for reusing these waters.
Is the construction of a sanitary landfill acceptable in a karstic area? The case of the sanitary landfill site in Fokida, Central Greece
Authors: Soulios G. , Mattas C. , Kaklis T. , Sotiriadis M. , Voudouris K. , Dimopoulos G.
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the suitability of a specific site for the construction of a sanitary landfill. The following works were performed: detailed geological mapping at a scale of 1:5,000, a geological-hydrogeological cross-section of the sanitary landfill, drilling exploration including the construction of a deep borehole for the detection of any perched aquifer, core logging and in situ permeability tests, implementation of the DRASTIC and EPIC methods to estimate the aquifer’s vulnerability. Finally estimation of the total annual amount of solid waste that will be deposited into the sanitary landfill and determination of the pollution load.
Trace element content and morphological characteristics in microscale of commercially available clays used as cosmetic products
Authors: Giouri K. , Papadopoulos A. , Bourliva A. , Tzamos E. , Papadopoulou L. , Filippidis A.
Published: January 2017

Two kinds of clays (one white and one green) available in pharmacies and herbalist’s shops in the Greek market have been studied for their concentrations in trace elements, namely As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Te, Tl and Zr. According to EC Regulation 1223/2009, the presence of the analyzed trace elements and their compounds, are prohibited in cosmetics. The most abundant trace elements of the white clay are P (330 ppm), Pb (220 ppm) and Zr (11 ppm), while for the green clay are P (1250 ppm), As (43 ppm), Cr (31 ppm), Pb (30 ppm) and Ni (23 ppm). Compared to the global shale average concentration of elements, Pb is enriched 11-times in the white clay and As is enriched 3-times in the green clay. The depleted trace elements of the white clay are As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, P, Sb, Se, Te, Tl and Zr, while of the green one are Cr, Hg, Ni, Sb, Te, Tl and Zr. Concerning the morphological characteristics, differences were observed in the particle size and shape between the white and green clay aggregates.