bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Operation, Control, and Economics of a Photovoltaic/Fuel Cell/Battery Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Automotive Applications
Authors: Whiteman Zachary , Bubna Piyush , Prasad Ajay , Ogunnaike Babatunde
Published: June 2015

Meeting rapidly growing global energy demand—without producing greenhouse gases or further diminishing the availability of non-renewable resources—requires the development of affordable low-emission renewable energy systems. Here, we develop a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for automotive applications—specifically, a roof-installed photovoltaic (PV) array combined with a PEM fuel cell/NiCd battery bus currently operating shuttle routes on the University of Delaware campus. The system’s overall operating objectives—meeting the total power demand of the bus and maintaining the desired state of charge (SOC) of the NiCd battery—are achieved with appropriately designed controllers: a logic-based “algebraic controller” and a standard PI controller. The design, implementation, and performance of the hybrid system are demonstrated via simulation of real shuttle runs under various operating conditions. The results show that both control strategies perform equally well in enabling the HRES to meet its objectives under typical operating conditions, and under sudden cloud cover conditions; however, at consistently high bus speeds, battery SOC maintenance is better, and the system consumes less hydrogen, with PI control. An economic analysis of the PV investment necessary to realize the HRES design objectives indicates a return on investment of approximately 30% (a slight, but nonetheless positive, ~$550 profit over the bus lifetime) in Newark, DE, establishing the economic viability of the proposed addition of a PV array to the existing University of Delaware fuel cell/battery bus.
A Polarimetric First-Order Model of Soil Moisture Effects on the DInSAR Coherence
Authors: Zwieback Simon , Hensley Scott , Hajnsek Irena
Published: June 2015

Changes in soil moisture between two radar acquisitions can impact the observed coherence in differential interferometry: both coherence magnitude |Υ| and phase Φ are affected. The influence on the latter potentially biases the estimation of deformations. These effects have been found to be variable in magnitude and sign, as well as dependent on polarization, as opposed to predictions by existing models. Such diversity can be explained when the soil is modelled as a half-space with spatially varying dielectric properties and a rough interface. The first-order perturbative solution achieves–upon calibration with airborne L band data–median correlations ρ at HH polarization of 0.77 for the phase Φ, of 0.50 for |Υ|, and for the phase triplets ≡ of 0.56. The predictions are sensitive to the choice of dielectric mixing model, in particular the absorptive properties; the differences between the mixing models are found to be partially compensatable by varying the relative importance of surface and volume scattering. However, for half of the agricultural fields the Hallikainen mixing model cannot reproduce the observed sensitivities of the phase to soil moisture. In addition, the first-order expansion does not predict any impact on the HV coherence, which is however empirically found to display similar sensitivities to soil moisture as the co-pol channels HH and VV. These results indicate that the first-order solution, while not able to reproduce all observed phenomena, can capture some of the more salient patterns of the effect of soil moisture changes on the HH and VV DInSAR signals. Hence it may prove useful in separating the deformations from the moisture signals, thus yielding improved displacement estimates or new ways for inferring soil moisture.
Provenance Information Representation and Tracking for Remote Sensing Observations in a Sensor Web Enabled Environment
Authors: Chen Zeqiang , Chen Nengcheng
Published: June 2015

The provenance of observations from a Sensor Web enabled remote sensing application represents a great challenge. There are currently no representations or tracking methods. We propose a provenance method that represents and tracks remote sensing observations in the Sensor Web enabled environment. The representation can be divided into the description model, encoding method, and service implementation. The description model uses a tuple to define four objects (sensor, data, processing, and service) and their relationships at a time point or interval. The encoding method incorporates the description into the Observations & Measurements specification of the Sensor Web. The service implementation addresses the effects of the encoding method on the implementation of Sensor Web services. The tracking method abstracts a common provenance algorithm and four algorithms that track the four objects (sensor, data, processing, and service) in a remote sensing observation application based on the representation. We conducted an experiment on the representation and tracking of provenance information for vegetation condition products, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI). Our experiments used raw Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data to produce daily NDVI, weekly NDVI, and weekly VCI for the 48 contiguous states of the United States, for May from 2000 to 2012. We also implemented inverse tracking. We evaluated the time and space requirements of the proposed method in this scenario. Our results show that this technique provides a solution for determining provenance information in remote sensing observations.
A Remote Sensing and GIS Approach to Study the Long-Term Vegetation Recovery of a Fire-Affected Pine Forest in Southern Greece
Authors: Nioti Foula , Xystrakis Fotios , Koutsias Nikos , Dimopoulos Panayotis
Published: June 2015

Management strategies and silvicultural treatments of fire-prone ecosystems often rely on knowledge of the regeneration potential and long-term recovery ability of vegetation types. Remote sensing and GIS applications are valuable tools providing cost-efficient information on vegetation recovery patterns and their associated environmental factors. In this study we used an ordinal classification scheme to describe the land cover changes induced by a wildfire that occurred in 1983 in Pinus brutia woodlands on Karpathos Aegean Island, south-eastern Greece. As a proxy variable that indicates ecosystem recovery, we also estimated the difference between the NDVI and NBR indices a few months (1984) and almost 30 years after the fire (2012). Environmental explanatory variables were selected using a digital elevation model and various thematic maps. To identify the most influential environmental factors contributing to woodland recovery, binary logistic regression and linear regression techniques were applied. The analyses showed that although a large proportion of the P. brutia woodland has recovered 26 years after the fire event, a considerable amount of woodland had turned into scrub vegetation. Altitude, slope inclination, solar radiation, and pre-fire woodland physiognomy were identified as dominant factors influencing the vegetation’s recovery probability. Additionally, altitude and inclination are the variables that explain changes in the satellite remote sensing vegetation indices reflecting the recovery potential. Pinus brutia showed a good post-fire recovery potential, especially in parts of the study area with increased moisture availability.
Multiple Human Tracking Using Binary Infrared Sensors
Authors: Miyazaki Toshiaki , Kasama Yuki
Published: June 2015

To create a context-aware environment, human locations and movement paths must be considered. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that tracks human movement paths using only binary sensed data obtained by infrared (IR) sensors attached to the ceiling of a room. Our algorithm can estimate multiple human movement paths without a priori knowledge of the number of humans in the room. By repeating predictions and estimations of human positions and links from the previous human positions to the estimated ones at each time period, human movement paths can be estimated. Simulation-based evaluation results show that our algorithm can dynamically trace human movement paths.
A Computational Architecture Based on RFID Sensors for Traceability in Smart Cities
Authors: Mora-Mora Higinio , Gilart-Iglesias Virgilio , Gil David , Sirvent-Llamas Alejandro
Published: June 2015

Information Technology and Communications (ICT) is presented as the main element in order to achieve more efficient and sustainable city resource management, while making sure that the needs of the citizens to improve their quality of life are satisfied. A key element will be the creation of new systems that allow the acquisition of context information, automatically and transparently, in order to provide it to decision support systems. In this paper, we present a novel distributed system for obtaining, representing and providing the flow and movement of people in densely populated geographical areas. In order to accomplish these tasks, we propose the design of a smart sensor network based on RFID communication technologies, reliability patterns and integration techniques. Contrary to other proposals, this system represents a comprehensive solution that permits the acquisition of user information in a transparent and reliable way in a non-controlled and heterogeneous environment. This knowledge will be useful in moving towards the design of smart cities in which decision support on transport strategies, business evaluation or initiatives in the tourism sector will be supported by real relevant information. As a final result, a case study will be presented which will allow the validation of the proposal.
Precise Point Positioning with Partial Ambiguity Fixing
Authors: Li Pan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: June 2015

Reliable and rapid ambiguity resolution (AR) is the key to fast precise point positioning (PPP). We propose a modified partial ambiguity resolution (PAR) method, in which an elevation and standard deviation criterion are first used to remove the low-precision ambiguity estimates for AR. Subsequently the success rate and ratio-test are simultaneously used in an iterative process to increase the possibility of finding a subset of decorrelated ambiguities which can be fixed with high confidence. One can apply the proposed PAR method to try to achieve an ambiguity-fixed solution when full ambiguity resolution (FAR) fails. We validate this method using data from 450 stations during DOY 021 to 027, 2012. Results demonstrate the proposed PAR method can significantly shorten the time to first fix (TTFF) and increase the fixing rate. Compared with FAR, the average TTFF for PAR is reduced by 14.9% for static PPP and 15.1% for kinematic PPP. Besides, using the PAR method, the average fixing rate can be increased from 83.5% to 98.2% for static PPP, from 80.1% to 95.2% for kinematic PPP respectively. Kinematic PPP accuracy with PAR can also be significantly improved, compared to that with FAR, due to a higher fixing rate.
Imagined Borders: (Un)Bounded Spaces of Oil Extraction and Indigenous Sociality in “Post-Neoliberal” Ecuador
Authors: Lu Flora , Silva Néstor
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we analyze state practices of border-making through an ethnographic focus on Ecuadorian Amazonia and the Waorani, an Indigenous society, who, before sustained contact with the outside world began in 1958, possessed stark spatial and social borders often reinforced through warfare. Following that contact and the creation of various iterations of a legally-demarcated Waorani territory, the spatial and social borders of Waorani culture, based on a common property regime, came into conflict with the borders produced by the state in cooperation with transnational capitalism in the form of the oil industry. We discuss how these shifting borders led to cascading effects on Waorani reciprocity, their relationship to natural resources, sense of security and designation of membership in the community. Finally, we discuss how the leftist Ecuadorian state under President Rafael Correa justifies and facilitates the country’s oil-focused spatial processes through a post-neoliberal discourse.
External Costs to Parties Involved in Highway Traffic Accidents: The Perspective of Highway Users
Authors: Jou Rong-Chang , Chen Tzu-Ying
Published: June 2015

This study explores highway travellers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for external costs caused by traffic accidents. There are a number of further external costs, the paper focuses on two externalities: air pollution and time delays. Data collection was performed using the face-to-face survey method, and the surveys were carried out at highway rest areas. Air pollution and time delays were divided into three levels of severity (light, moderate and severe) to obtain the interviewees’ WTP according to each level of severity. The result of this study demonstrates that there are many samples with zero WTP because penalties for pollution caused by traffic accidents are not currently enforced in Taiwan. Thus, the spike model was adopted in this study to overcome any estimation error that might be caused by excessive NT$0 WTP samples. The results show that variables such as age, education, income and willingness to participate in activities of environmental protection have a positive effect on WTP for air pollution, whereas variables such as occupation, travel purpose, traveller identity, travel time and travel distance have a significantly positive effect on WTP for time delays. WTP for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is NT$8862–11,502/metric ton (US$1 = NT$30) and WTP for carbon dioxide (CO2) is NT$1070–2693/metric ton. Moreover, WTP for time delays is NT$960–1320/h. The findings of this study not only demonstrate WTP for air pollution and time delays in the minds of parties to traffic accidents but also help to provide agencies with a basis to formulate applicable penalties in the future.
Ecosystem Service Value Assessment and Contribution Factor Analysis of Land Use Change in Miyun County, China
Authors: Zhang Ping , He Liang , Fan Xin , Huo Peishu , Liu Yunhui , Zhang Tao , Pan Ying , Yu Zhenrong
Published: June 2015

Unreasonable land use planning can reduce ecosystem service value and result in unsustainable land use. In this paper, the changes of ecosystem service value were investigated by using the GIS and dynamic simulation model of land use in Miyun of Beijing, China, based on the land use at four time points including 1991, 2006, 2021 and one improved scenario, respectively. The results showed the total ecosystem service value of Miyun was about 2968.34 million Yuan in 1991, 3304.72 million Yuan in 2006, 3106.48 million Yuan in 2021, and 3759.77 million Yuan in the improved scenario. In terms of ecosystem service function, the functions of water supply and soil formation and retention accounted for the largest proportion, which were 19.99% and 14.58% respectively; whereas the functions of food supply and recreation and culture were only 1.83% and 5.99%, respectively. Coefficients of sensitivity for forest cover, water bodies and arable land were relatively large, which were 0.73, 0.28 and 0.14, respectively. The contribution factors of total ecosystem service value with the land use change during different periods were mainly the unused land to forest cover and arable land, which respectively accounted for more than 63% and 21% of the contribution rate. These results suggested that sustainable land use planning should be undertaken with emphasis on vegetation restoration and protection of water bodies.
Symmetry Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: Odintsov Sergei
Published: June 2015

In order to recognize outstanding papers that have been published in Symmetry, the Editorial Board established an annual “Symmetry Best Paper Award”. We are pleased to announce the first “Symmetry Best Paper Award” for 2015. Nominations were selected by the Editorial Board Office, with all research articles published in 2013 and 2014 eligible for consideration. Following review and voting by the Symmetry Best Paper Award Committee, the following three papers have won Symmetry Best Paper Awards for 2015:
The Chikungunya Virus Capsid Protein Contains Linear B Cell Epitopes in the N- and C-Terminal Regions that are Dependent on an Intact C-Terminus for Antibody Recognition
Authors: Goh Lucas , Hobson-Peters Jody , Prow Natalie , Baker Kelly , Piyasena Thisun , Taylor Carmel , Rana Ashok , Hastie Marcus , Gorman Jeff , Hall Roy
Published: June 2015

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne agent that causes severe arthritic disease in humans and is considered a serious health threat in areas where competent mosquito vectors are prevalent. CHIKV has recently been responsible for several millions of cases of disease, involving over 40 countries. The recent re-emergence of CHIKV and its potential threat to human health has stimulated interest in better understanding of the biology and pathogenesis of the virus, and requirement for improved treatment, prevention and control measures. In this study, we mapped the binding sites of a panel of eleven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) previously generated towards the capsid protein (CP) of CHIKV. Using N- and C-terminally truncated recombinant forms of the CHIKV CP, two putative binding regions, between residues 1–35 and 140–210, were identified. Competitive binding also revealed that five of the CP-specific mAbs recognized a series of overlapping epitopes in the latter domain. We also identified a smaller, N-terminally truncated product of native CP that may represent an alternative translation product of the CHIKV 26S RNA and have potential functional significance during CHIKV replication. Our data also provides evidence that the C-terminus of CP is required for authentic antigenic structure of CP. This study shows that these anti-CP mAbs will be valuable research tools for further investigating the structure and function of the CHIKV CP.
Les carnets de Vidal de la Blache, esquisses du «Tableau » ?(The Vidal de la Blache's note-books, a sketch of the « Tableau» ?)
Authors: Loi Daniel , Robic Marie-Claire , Tissier Jean-Louis
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Les auteurs étudient, à partir de 33 carnets récemment découverts, le rôle du voyage dans la genèse de l'œuvre de Vidal. Ils soulignent la correspondance chronologique entre les voyages en France et la rédaction du «Tableau». Après avoir analysé le contenu des carnets et le registre des notations, ils soulignent la parenté, les divergences et l'éclairage réciproque entre les carnets personnels et l'œuvre publiée.
Paul Vidal de la Blache et la politique (Paul Vidal de la Blache and politics)
Authors: Nicolas Georges
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - This paper is an essay about the relations between Paul Vidal de la Blache and politics, though he was not a politician.
Qu'est-ce qu'un lac ? (What is a lake ?)
Authors: Touchart Laurent
Published: June 2015

Résumé. - Il est proposé de définir un lac comme un plan d'eau continental (séparé de la mer, dominé par son bassin et développant une personnalité propre), dont la profondeur, la superficie ou le volume sont suffisants pour provoquer un étagement, une zonation ou une régionalisation des processus limniques.
Conservation biogeography of the Cerrado's wild edible plants under climate change: Linking biotic stability with agricultural expansion
Authors: de Oliveira Guilherme , Lima‐Ribeiro Matheus Souza , Terribile Levi Carina , Dobrovolski Ricardo , Telles Mariana Pires de Campos , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: June 2015

• Premise of the study: Wild edible plants (WEPs) have an important cultural and economic role in human population worldwide. Human impacts are quickly converting natural habitats in agricultural, cattle ranch, and urbanized lands, putting native species on peril of risk of extinction, including some WEPs. Moreover, global climate changes also can pose another threat to species persistency. Here, we established conservation priorities for the Cerrado, a neotropical region in South America with high levels of plant endemism and vulnerability, aiming to assure long‐term persistency of 16 most important WEPs. We evaluated these conservation priorities using a conservation biogeography framework using ecological patterns and process at a biogeographical scale to deal with species conservation features.

• Methods: We built ecological niche models for 16 WEPs from Cerrado in the neotropics using climate models for preindustrial, past (Last Glacial Maximum) and future (year 2080) time periods to establish climatically stable areas through time, finding refugias for these WEPs. We used a spatial prioritization algorithm based on the spatial pattern of irreplaceability across the neotropics, aiming to ensure the persistence of at least 25% of range size in climatically stable areas for each WEP, using agricultural models as constraints.

• Key results: The Southeast Cerrado was the most biotically stable and irreplaceable region for the WEPs compared with other areas across the neotropics.

• Conclusions: Our findings strongly suggest that the Southeast Cerrado should be considered a conservation priority, with new protected areas to be sustainably managed and restored, to guarantee the supply of cultural and ecosystem services provided from the Cerrado's WEPs.
Heterometal nanoparticles from Ru-based molecular clusters covalently anchored onto functionalized carbon nanotubes and nanofibers
Authors: Vidick Deborah , Ke Xiaoxing , Devillers Michel , Poleunis Claude , Delcorte Arnaud , Moggi Pietro , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Hermans Sophie
Published: June 2015

Heterometal clusters containing Ru and Au, Co and/or Pt are anchored onto carbon nanotubes and nanofibers functionalized with chelating phosphine groups. The cluster anchoring yield is related to the amount of phosphine groups available on the nanocarbon surface. The ligands of the anchored molecular species are then removed by gentle thermal treatment in order to form nanoparticles. In the case of Au-containing clusters, removal of gold atoms from the clusters and agglomeration leads to a bimodal distribution of nanoparticles at the nanocarbon surface. In the case of Ru–Pt species, anchoring occurs without reorganization through a ligand exchange mechanism. After thermal treatment, ultrasmall (1–3 nm) bimetal Ru–Pt nanoparticles are formed on the surface of the nanocarbons. Characterization by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) confirms their bimetal nature on the nanoscale. The obtained bimetal nanoparticles supported on nanocarbon were tested as catalysts in ammonia synthesis and are shown to be active at low temperature and atmospheric pressure with very low Ru loading.
Le symbolisme dans l’Épître aux Hébreux. Images et métaphores
Authors: Bénétreau Samuel
Published: June 2015

L’auteur de l’Épître aux Hébreux est considéré comme un rhétoricien expert. On a fait de longues listes des procédés rhétoriques utilisés. Dès l’Antiquité, les rhétoriciens ont fait une place à l’ornementation, et on s’est interrogé : les figures de style servent-elles seulement à embellir le discours, à gagner les faveurs du public par le « bien dire », ou contribuent-elles à la performance, entrent-elles dans le processus de persuasion ? Laissant de côté l’ample utilisation des figures tirées du pèlerinage et du culte d’Israël, Samuel Bénétreau * propose une étude sur les images et les métaphores empruntées à la vie ordinaire et à ce qui l’entoure. Sans être très nombreuses, elles ne sont pas absentes, et la question se pose toujours d’évaluer leur place et leur rôle respectifs.
Naît-on encore ? Réflexions sur la production médicale de l’accouchement
Authors: St-Amant Stéphanie
Published: June 2015

Depuis l’Antiquité, on se livre à des calculs pour estimer la durée de la grossesse. Au fil du temps, la notion de terme gestationnel a changé de sens, passant de l’idée d’intervalle pendant lequel la naissance survient, spontanément (lorsque le « fruit est mûr »), à un concept normatif postulant une « durée optimale de grossesse » de plus en plus serrée et assorti d’une « date prévue d’accouchement ». Le passage d’une appréhension naturaliste à une construction logicomathématique du terme gestationnel, conjugué à la découverte de moyens de « produire la naissance » à la demande, a entraîné la pratique sans cesse en augmentation – dans le monde « médicalement occidentalisé » – du déclenchement artificiel de l’accouchement et de la césarienne programmée. L’article propose un examen critique de la rationalité sur laquelle s’appuie cette programmation et en présente les implications insuffisamment appréciées.
De la conjugalité à la parentalité. Quels modèles guident l’intervention des espaces de rencontre ?
Authors: Bastard Benoit
Published: June 2015

Ce texte revient sur les résultats d’une réflexion menée il y a vingt ans sur les espaces de rencontre, les lieux d’accueil pour l’exercice du droit de visite, alors en pleine émergence. Les espaces de rencontre constituent un laboratoire des questions familiales. À l’époque, on pouvait y observer l’opposition entre deux styles de pratique : certains lieux, adossés à la médiation familiale, considéraient que le travail sur la relation de couple constituait un préalable permettant la poursuite d’une relation parentale dans l’intérêt de l’enfant ; d’autres structures, considérant au contraire qu’une telle perspective sous-estime l’antagonisme des parents, préconisaient d’organiser des relations séparées de l’enfant avec chacun de ses parents, sans référence au « couple parental ». Avec le temps, cette opposition s’est estompée. L’évolution du contexte socio-légal a consacré la notion de coparentalité qui inclut l’idée d’une obligation pour les parents de s’entendre dans l’intérêt de leurs enfants après la séparation conjugale. La place prise par ce modèle particulier de gestion des ruptures fait sentir ses effets dans les espaces de rencontre. À la faveur d’une recherche récente, on a pu constater que leurs pratiques sont devenues plus homogènes. Les intervenants se montrent plus généralement proactifs. Ils cherchent à obtenir une évolution des situations et s’appuient, pour ce faire, sur la recherche d’accord entre les parents, ce qui peut être résumé dans la notion de « contractualisation ». Cette évolution inscrit les espaces de rencontre dans l’évolution générale des pratiques de régulation sociale et atténue les clivages entre eux. Elle laisse néanmoins entière la question de savoir comment la pratique actuelle peut contribuer à combler l’écart existant entre les attentes incluses dans le modèle de la coparentalité et les capacités des parents en grande difficulté qui sont accueillis dans les espaces de rencontre.
Antibiotic-Impregnated Cement Spacer Versus Antibiotic Irrigating Metal Spacer for Infection Management After THA
Authors: Fei Jun , Liu Guo-dong , Yu Hong-jun , Zhou Yong-gang , Wang Yan
Published: June 2015

We prospectively compared the effects of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer and an antibiotic irrigating metal spacer in the treatment of infections after total hip arthroplasty (THA) to determine a better method for 2-stage revision of infected THA. We used a uniform protocol of a 3-month spacer interval and specific local and systemic antibiotic therapies. The clinical outcome was determined by assessing operation time, blood loss during spacer implantation, hospital stay and time in bed, and joint function. The patients were followed for a mean 61.4 months (range, 24–94 months).

Antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers had a higher rate of infection control than antibiotic irrigating metal spacers (96.2% vs 76%, respectively;
P
<.01), with no recurrence of infections or implant loosening. Patients receiving antibiotic-impregnated cement spacers had a shorter operation time (2.42±0.65 vs 3.34±0.36 hours metal spacers;
P
<.01), less blood loss (1085.48±279.49 vs 1964.78±469.23 mL metal spacers;
P
<.01), a shorter hospital stay (24.53±4.72 days vs 51.36±3.46 days metal spacers;
P
<.01), and better function before the second step of the 2-stage revision (Harris Hip Score, 88.16±6.94 vs 79.54±6.48 metal spacers;
P
<.05), and they were free from long-term irrigation. Compared with the antibiotic irrigating metal spacer, the antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer is characterized by higher infection control rate, better joint function recovery before the second operation, shorter operation time, and less blood loss, with no continuous irrigation required.
Compartment Syndrome in Patients with Massive Venous Thrombosis After Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement
Authors: Mesfin Addisu , Lum Ying Wei , Nayfeh Tariq , Mears Simon C.
Published: June 2015

Massive venous thrombosis, which can occur acutely after inferior vena cava filter placement, has 2 forms: phlegmasia cerulea dolens and phlegmasia alba dolens. In phlegmasia cerulea dolens, complete occlusion of venous outflow occurs. In the milder phlegmasia alba dolens version, collateral venous flow out of the limb remains despite the venous thrombosis. This article presents, to our knowledge, the first 2 cases of massive venous thrombosis (1 phlegmasia cerulea dolens, 1 phlegmasia alba dolens) below inferior vena cava filters occurring after the acute period.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens and phlegmasia alba dolens can present as compartment syndrome. Prompt fasciotomies were performed, but the underlying massive venous thrombosis was not addressed surgically. Phlegmasia cerulea dolens and phlegmasia alba dolens have high morbidity and mortality. The patient with phlegmasia alba dolens required leg and thigh fasciotomies and eventually required an above-knee amputation. The patient with phlegmasia cerulea dolens developed compartment syndrome in the left leg, right leg, and right thigh. Although he underwent decompression of all of these compartments, he died from multiple organ failure.

A multidisciplinary approach with the vascular service and the intensivists is required in the treatment of patients with massive venous thrombosis. Treatment goals include preventing additional propagation of the thrombus via anticoagulation, with strong consideration for catheter-directed thrombolysis or thrombectomy and fasciotomies for compartment syndrome. The orthopedic surgeon should keep phlegmasia cerulea dolens and phlegmasia alba dolens in the differential for compartment syndrome, especially in patients who have had a history of acute or chronic inferior vena cava filter placement.
Clavicular Fracture and Upper-Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Peivandi Mohammad Taghi , Nazemian Zohreh
Published: June 2015

Upper-extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is considered an uncommon clinical event with considerable potential for morbidity. This article presents a case of upper-extremity DVT following a clavicular fracture. A 25-year-old man presented with pain and distortion of the left midclavicular area after falling on his left shoulder during martial arts practice. Following physical examination and radiography, he was diagnosed with a simple displaced clavicle fracture at the middle third. The patient had no previous surgery or medical problem, and did not smoke. No family history of blood clotting disorders were present and neurovascular examination appeared normal on the symmetric contralateral side. A figure-of-8 bandage was applied to support the arm and the patient was discharged. One week later, he returned with swelling and severe pain in his left arm. On examination, a DVT was suspected and the figure-of-8 brace was removed. A Doppler ultrasonography was performed and the presence of a thrombus extending from the brachial axillary veins to the distal subclavian vein with no flow in that segment was revealed. The patient was placed in a sling instead of a figure-of-8 bandage to immobilize the arm, while anticoagulation therapy with enoxaparin was started (1 mg/kg every 12 hours, 80 mg subcutaneous daily for 3 months). The swelling was reduced after 5 days. At 2-week follow-up, the patient had no pain and the swelling had completely disappeared.
Successful Treatment of a Bifocal Eosinophilic Granuloma of the Spine with CT-Guided Corticosteroid Injection
Authors: Mavrogenis Andreas F. , Rimondi Eugenio , Ussia Giuseppe , Rossi Giuseppe , Ruggieri Pietro
Published: June 2015

Observation and immobilization is adequate for most patients with spinal eosinophilic granuloma; however, in patients with symptomatic lesions, treatment other than simple observation or biopsy alone is recommended. In view of the benign clinical course of eosinophilic granuloma, a simple, minimally invasive, outpatient treatment with a low complication rate such as computed tomography (CT)-guided intralesional corticosteroid injection may be considered the treatment of choice. This article presents a case of a 21-year-old man with a symptomatic bifocal eosinophilic granuloma at the vertebral body of the L3 vertebra and the left T5 costovertebral joint treated effectively by CT-guided intralesional methylprednisolone injection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of successful treatment of a bifocal eosinophilic granuloma with CT-guided corticosteroid injection.

Under general anesthesia and CT guidance, the lesion was located through the right transpedicular approach for the L3 lesion and the left posterolateral approach for the T5 lesion using a biopsy trocar. Tissue sample was retrieved and frozen section biopsy showed eosinophilic granuloma. One intralesional CT-guided injection of 80 mg (2 mL) of methylprednisolone acetate was performed in each lesion. Complications related to the procedure were not observed. The patient was admitted postprocedural for overnight medical evaluation and was discharged from the hospital the next day. Complete resolution of pain was observed 72 hours after the procedure. At 5 years after diagnosis and treatment, the patient is asymptomatic; imaging showed healing of both lesions.
Correlating Optical Bench Performance With Clinical Defocus Curves in Varifocal and Trifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Plaza-Puche Ana B. , Alió Jorge L. , MacRae Scott , Zheleznyak Len , Sala Esperanza , Yoon Geunyoung
Published: June 2015

PURPOSE:

To investigate the correlations existing between a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) and a varifocal IOL using the “ex vivo” optical bench through-focus image quality analysis and the clinical visual performance in real patients by study of the defocus curves.

METHODS:

This prospective, consecutive, nonrandomized, comparative study included a total of 64 eyes of 42 patients. Three groups of eyes were differentiated according to the IOL implanted: 22 eyes implanted with the varifocal Lentis Mplus LS-313 IOL (Oculentis GmbH, Berlin, Germany); 22 eyes implanted with the trifocal FineVision IOL (Physiol, Liege, Belgium), and 20 eyes implanted with the monofocal Acrysof SA60AT IOL (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). Visual outcomes and defocus curve were evaluated postoperatively. Optical bench through-focus performance was quantified by computing an image quality metric and the cross-correlation coefficient between an unaberrated reference image and captured retinal images from a model eye with a 3.0-mm artificial pupil.

RESULTS:

Statistically significant differences among defocus curves of different IOLs were detected for the levels of defocus from −4.00 to −1.00 diopters (D) (
P
< .01). Significant correlations were found between the optical bench image quality metric results and logMAR visual acuity scale in all groups (Lentis Mplus group:
r
= −0.97,
P
< .01; FineVision group:
r
= −0.82,
P
< .01; Acrysof group:
r
= −0.99,
P
< .01). Linear predicting models were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS:

Significant correlations were found between logMAR visual acuity and image quality metric for the multifocal and monofocal IOLs analyzed. This finding enables surgeons to predict visual outcomes from the optical bench analysis.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(5):300–307.]
Properties of fly ash and metakaolín based geopolymer panels under fire resistance tests
Authors: Luna-Galiano Y. , Cornejo A. , Leiva C. , Vilches L. F. , Fernández-Pereira C.
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the results of a study about the effect of fire on geopolymer paste composed of fly ashes, metakaolin and sodium silicate. 2 cm thick, 28 cm high and 18 cm wide panels were filled with the paste obtained. After 28 days of curing at 20 °C and 45% of relative humidity, different tests were carried out in the geopolymers: physico-chemical (density, water absorption, porosity), mechanical (flexural and compressive strength), fire resistance and environmental (leaching and radioactivity). The panels manufactured have been compared with other commercial panels in order to determine the recycling possibilities of fly ashes in manufacturing new fire-insulating geopolymers. The panels obtained can be utilized for the production of interior wall materials, with a good physical, mechanical, fire resistant properties without any environmental problem.
Tidal Marsh Susceptibility to Sea-Level Rise: Importance of Local-Scale Models
Authors: Thorne Karen M. , Buffington Kevin J. , Elliott-Fisk Deborah L. , Takekawa John Y.
Published: June 2015

Increasing concern over sea-level rise impacts to coastal tidal marsh ecosystems has led to modeling efforts to anticipate outcomes for resource management decision making. Few studies on the Pacific coast of North America have modeled sea-level rise marsh susceptibility at a scale relevant to local wildlife populations and plant communities. Here, we use a novel approach in developing an empirical sea-level rise ecological response model that can be applied to key management questions. Calculated elevation change over 13 y for a 324-ha portion of San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California, USA, was used to represent local accretion and subsidence processes. Next, we coupled detailed plant community and elevation surveys with measured rates of inundation frequency to model marsh state changes to 2100. By grouping plant communities into low, mid, and high marsh habitats, we were able to assess wildlife species vulnerability and to better understand outcomes for habitat resiliency. Starting study-site conditions were comprised of 78% (253-ha) high marsh, 7% (30-ha) mid marsh, and 4% (18-ha) low marsh habitats, dominated by pickleweed Sarcocornia pacifica and cordgrass Spartina spp. Only under the low sea-level rise scenario (44 cm by 2100) did our models show persistence of some marsh habitats to 2100, with the area dominated by low marsh habitats. Under mid (93 cm by 2100) and high sea-level rise scenarios (166 cm by 2100), most mid and high marsh habitat was lost by 2070, with only 15% (65 ha) remaining, and a complete loss of these habitats by 2080. Low marsh habitat increased temporarily under all three sea-level rise scenarios, with the peak (286 ha) in 2070, adding habitat for the endemic endangered California Ridgway’s rail Rallus obsoletus obsoletus. Under mid and high sea-level rise scenarios, an almost complete conversion to mudflat occurred, with most of the area below mean sea level. Our modeling assumed no marsh migration upslope due to human levee and infrastructure preventing these types of processes. Other modeling efforts done for this area have projected marsh persistence to 2100, but our modeling effort with site-specific datasets allowed us to model at a finer resolution with much higher local confidence, resulting in different results for management. Our results suggest that projected sea-level rise will have significant impacts on marsh plant communities and obligate wildlife, including those already under federal and state protection. Comprehensive modeling as done here improves the potential to implement adaptive management strategies and prevent marsh habitat and wildlife loss in the future.
Integrating Multi-View Model and Agent Paradigm in the Supply Chain Design
Authors: Boudouda Souheila , Boufaida Mahmoud
Published: June 2015

The aim of the presented work is to contribute to the field of the supply chain design that spans multiple organizations. It is based on a methodological approach that outlines two main results: a conceptual model and an operational one. These two models take into account the different characteristics and mechanisms of the supply chain. The conceptual level is based on four views: product, organizational, functional and informational. At this level, a meta-model that contains the basic generic concepts of the supply chain is proposed. The operational level uses the agent paradigm to model the different actors of the supply chain and the relationships between them. According to the characteristics of supply chains, a negotiation protocol between the different agents is presented. Simulations prove that the presented negotiation protocol can increase the efficiency and successful cooperation ratio for supply chain negotiation.
Behavioral Modeling of Multi Agent System
Authors: Chatterjee Rajib Kumar , Neha Neha , Sarkar Anirban
Published: June 2015

Modeling interactions between agents and the Multi-Agent System (MAS) behavior based on role based collaboration among the participating agents are the key factors to design of effective MAS dynamics. In this paper, a High level Multi Agent Petri Net called HMAP has been proposed which is capable of describing, analyzing and modeling dynamics of such MAS which are characterized as asynchronous, distributed, parallel and non-deterministic agent based systems. Proposed HMAP is also effective towards modeling roles, collaborations and interactions among the heterogeneous agents in MAS environment. Moreover the HMAP is useful in formal analysis of several behavioral properties of MAS like, Reachability, Home properties, Boundedness, Liveness and Fairness. The proposed mechanism has been illustrated using a suitable case study of Medical Emergency System. Moreover, to further validate the proposed concepts of HMAP, it has been simulated using Color Petri Net based tool called CPN Tool, with some restriction.
Synthesis of Polycrystalline LaYO3 with Different Sintering Temperature
Authors: Shafiqa N.A. , Idris Mohd Sobri , Salmie Suhana C.A. , Osman R.A. Mautal , Tan T.Q.
Published: June 2015

Synthesis of LaYO3 was carried out via conventional solid state reaction method. The polycrystalline samples were sintered at temperatures in the range of 1300 °C to 1500 °C with each deviation is 50 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the perovskite ceramic obtained its single phase at 1500 °C with ordered monoclinic perovskite structure. The pure phase sample showed 98.79 % relative density and scanning electron micrographs also proved that the porosity of the sample reduced when sample undergo sintering.
Characterisation of Cation Ordering in Layered Rock-Salt LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 Cathode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Tan T.Q. , Osman Rozana Aina Maulat , Idris Mohd Sobri
Published: June 2015

The layered LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 ­­ that formed with the α-NaFeO2 structure were synthesised by conventional solid state method. Rietveld refinement results indicated that the amount of cation disorder (or known as interlayer mixing) affected by temperature. The samples that prepared at 950°C in oxygen possessed slightly lower amount of interlayer mixing and excellent cycling performance compared to samples that prepared at 900°C. The initial charge-discharge capacity delivered was ~204 mAh/g and ~140 mAh/g,respectively. Furthermore, the structural and electrochemical properties were quite comparable to reported in literatures.
The Effects of Rolling Deformation and Annealing Treatment on Damping Capacity of 1200 Aluminium Alloy
Authors: Mohd Noor Mazlee , Jamaludin Shamsul Baharin , Yasmin Y. , Shamsudin Shaiful Rizam , Risby M.S. , Afendi M.
Published: June 2015

Annealing treatment is an important step of rolling deformation that contributes to microstructural evolution and leads to the significant changes in damping capacity. Damping capacities were analyzed in the parallel to rolling direction at 1 and 10 Hz respectively. It was found that severe plastic deformation at 40 percent reduction has lower damping capacity compared to that of 30 percent and 20 percent reductions respectively. The microstructural results show that the grains of as rolled alloys were changed to almost equiaxed structures after a rolling reduction at 40 percent reduction.
Estimation of Material Damping Coefficients of AlN for Film Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonator
Authors: Nor N.I.M. , Khalid N. , Osman Rozana Aina Maulat , Sauli Z.
Published: June 2015

AlN has been widely used as the piezoelectric thin film layer in film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR). The performance of FBAR is influenced by various geometrical parameters and losses from piezoelectric material such as thermoelastic damping and material damping. This research focuses on the estimation of material damping coefficients (α and β) of the AlN by using the Akhieser approximation to estimate more accurate values of the coefficients, thus a more realistic value of the quality (Q) factor is achieved for FBAR operating at Ku-band frequency ranges (12 GHz-18 GHz).
Thermal Annealing Effect on Properties of Zn Foils Substrates
Authors: Chuah L.S. , Hassan Z.
Published: June 2015

Annealing of Zn foils substrates was performed in air for 30 min at 300 oC, 400 oC and 500 oC, respectively. The effects of annealing on the structural and optical properties of Zn foils substrates were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. After annealing, the XRD patterns showed that the annealed ZnO films have c-axis preferential orientation, the crystallinity of the ZnO films was improved, and the grain size decreased by thermal annealing. PL spectra are clearly visible at 376 nm for ZnO film grown on Zn foils substrates. The mean grain size in the annealed ZnO microstructures was estimated using Scherrer’s equation is about 82, 76, 69 nm for 300°C, 400°C, and 500°C, respectively. A PL spectrum is clearly visible at 376 nm for ZnO microstructures grown on Zn foil substrates. The PL analysis indicates that the growth of ZnO thin film with the presence of the defect-related band. Green-yellow band emission is observed at 520 nm.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Li1-xNaxNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2  as Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Abdullah Zulkifeli , Osman Rozana Aina Maulat , Soo S.P. , Farahin N. , Idris Mohd Sobri
Published: June 2015

Preliminary study on Na-doped LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 was carried out to investigate possibility substitution Li with Na. Samples were prepared using modified solid state synthesis route. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that the most optimum synthesis temperature for parent composition x=0 in Li1-xNaxNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 was 900°C. Solid solution limit for Na-doped LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 is x < 0.2 (or 20% Na). For x ≥ 0.2 in Li1-xNaxNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2, a secondary phase of sodium cobalt oxide (Na0.6CoO2) start to exist. Furthermore, at x ≥ 0.4, the secondary phase became a dominant phase in Li1-xNaxNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2.
Nanostructured WO3 – Synthesis and Properties
Authors: Chuah Lee Siang , Tang G.
Published: June 2015

Porous tungsten oxide (WO3) nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning aqueous solutions of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and ammonium metatungstate (AMT). The as-spun fibers and their annealing were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM results showed that the WO3 fibers have a large amount of pores with diameters ranging from 50 nm to 100 nm, and pure monoclinic WO3 nanoscaled fibers formed between 500 and 600 °C. When a higher temperature (700 °C) was used, the tungsten oxide nanofibers totally disintegrated. When heated at 600 °C, the fibers broken into nanorods by the mechanical pressure. However, when the annealing treatment was low (500 °C), the fiber-like crystalline structure that can be seen. When the optimal temperature was used, the structure of the obtained WO3 nanofibers with novel morphology and crystallinity were captured.