bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF OBJECT SEGMENTATION IN AERIAL IMAGE USING GEO-HAUSDORFF DISTANCE
Authors: Sun H. , Ding Y. , Huang Y. , Wang G.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Aerial Image records the large-range earth objects with the ever-improving spatial and radiometric resolution. It becomes a powerful tool for earth observation, land-coverage survey, geographical census, etc., and helps delineating the boundary of different kinds of objects on the earth both manually and automatically. In light of the geo-spatial correspondence between the pixel locations of aerial image and the spatial coordinates of ground objects, there is an increasing need of super-pixel segmentation and high-accuracy positioning of objects in aerial image. Besides the commercial software package of eCognition and ENVI, many algorithms have also been developed in the literature to segment objects of aerial images. But how to evaluate the segmentation results remains a challenge, especially in the context of the geo-spatial correspondence. The Geo-Hausdorff Distance (GHD) is proposed to measure the geo-spatial distance between the results of various object segmentation that can be done with the manual ground truth or with the automatic algorithms.Based on the early-breaking and random-sampling design, the GHD calculates the geographical Hausdorff distance with nearly-linear complexity. Segmentation results of several state-of-the-art algorithms, including those of the commercial packages, are evaluated with a diverse set of aerial images. They have different signal-to-noise ratio around the object boundaries and are hard to trace correctly even for human operators. The GHD value is analyzed to comprehensively measure the suitability of different object segmentation methods for aerial images of different spatial resolution. By critically assessing the strengths and limitations of the existing algorithms, the paper provides valuable insight and guideline for extensive research in automating object detection and classification of aerial image in the nation-wide geographic census. It is also promising for the optimal design of operational specification of remote sensing interpretation under the constraints of limited resource.
PUBLISHING PLATFORM FOR AERIAL ORTHOPHOTO MAPS, THE COMPLETE STACK
Authors: Čepický J. , Čapek L.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. When creating set of orthophoto maps from mosaic compositions, using airborne systems, such as popular drones, we need to publish results of the work to users. Several steps need to be performed in order get large scale raster data published. As first step, data have to be shared as service (OGC WMS as view service, OGC WCS as download service). But for some applications, OGC WMTS is handy as well, for faster view of the data. Finally the data have to become a part of web mapping application, so that they can be used and evaluated by non-technical users. In this talk, we would like to present automated line of those steps, where user puts in orthophoto image and as a result, OGC Open Web Services are published as well as web mapping application with the data. The web mapping application can be used as standard presentation platform for such type of big raster data to generic user. The publishing platform – Geosense online map information system – can be also used for combination of data from various resources and for creating of unique map compositions and as input for better interpretations of photographed phenomenons. The whole process is successfully tested with eBee drone with raster data resolution 1.5-4 cm/px on many areas and result is also used for creation of derived datasets, usually suited for property management – the records of roads, pavements, traffic signs, public lighting, sewage system, grave locations, and others.
THE URBIS PROJECT: IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POTENTIAL URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS AS A WEB-BASED SERVICE
Authors: Manzke Nina , Kada Martin , Kastler Thomas , Xu Shaojuan , de Lange Norbert , Ehlers Manfred
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Urban sprawl and the related landscape fragmentation is a Europe-wide challenge in the context of sustainable urban planning. The URBan land recycling Information services for Sustainable cities (URBIS) project aims for the development, implementation, and validation of web-based information services for urban vacant land in European functional urban areas in order to provide end-users with site specific characteristics and to facilitate the identification and evaluation of potential development areas. The URBIS services are developed based on open geospatial data. In particular, the Copernicus Urban Atlas thematic layers serve as the main data source for an initial inventory of sites. In combination with remotely sensed data like SPOT5 images and ancillary datasets like OpenStreetMap, detailed site specific information is extracted. Services are defined for three main categories: i) baseline services, which comprise an initial inventory and typology of urban land, ii) update services, which provide a regular inventory update as well as an analysis of urban land use dynamics and changes, and iii) thematic services, which deliver specific information tailored to end-users' needs.
INTEGRATION OF GEO-SENSOR FEEDS AND EVENT CONSUMER SERVICES FOR REAL-TIME REPRESENTATION OF IOT NODES
Authors: Isikdag U. , Pilouk M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. More and more devices are starting to be connected to the Internet every day. Internet-of-Things (IoT) is known as an architecture where online devices have the ability to communicate and interact with each other in real-time. On the other hand, with the development of IoT related technologies information about devices (i.e. Things) can be acquired in real-time by the humans. The implementation of IoT related technologies requires new approaches to be investigated for novel system architectures. These architectures need to have 3 main abilities. The first one is the ability is to store and query information coming from millions of devices in real-time. The second one is the ability to interact with large number of devices seamlessly regardless of their hardware and their software platforms. The final one is the ability to visualise and present information coming from millions of sensors in real time. The paper provides an architectural approach and implementation tests for storage, exposition and presentation of large amounts of real-time geo-information coming from multiple IoT nodes (and sensors).
INDOOR NAVIGATION FROM POINT CLOUDS: 3D MODELLING AND OBSTACLE DETECTION
Authors: Díaz-Vilariño L. , Boguslawski P. , Khoshelham K. , Lorenzo H. , Mahdjoubi L.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In the recent years, indoor modelling and navigation has become a research of interest because many stakeholders require navigation assistance in various application scenarios. The navigational assistance for blind or wheelchair people, building crisis management such as fire protection, augmented reality for gaming, tourism or training emergency assistance units are just some of the direct applications of indoor modelling and navigation. Navigational information is traditionally extracted from 2D drawings or layouts. Real state of indoors, including opening position and geometry for both windows and doors, and the presence of obstacles is commonly ignored. In this work, a real indoor-path planning methodology based on 3D point clouds is developed. The value and originality of the approach consist on considering point clouds not only for reconstructing semantically-rich 3D indoor models, but also for detecting potential obstacles in the route planning and using these for readapting the routes according to the real state of the indoor depictured by the laser scanner.
AN INDOOR NAVIGATION APPROACH CONSIDERING OBSTACLES AND SPACE SUBDIVISION OF 2D PLAN
Authors: Xu Man , Wei Shuangfeng , Zlatanova Sisi
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The demand for indoor navigation is increasingly urgent in many applications such as safe management of underground spaces or location services in complex indoor environment, e.g. shopping centres, airports, museums, underground parking lot and hospitals. Indoor navigation is still a challenging research field, as currently applied indoor navigation algorithms commonly ignore important environmental and human factors and therefore do not provide precise navigation. Flexible and detailed networks representing the connectivity of spaces and considering indoor objects such as furniture are very important to a precise navigation. In this paper we concentrate on indoor navigation considering obstacles represented as polygons. We introduce a specific space subdivision based on a simplified floor plan to build the indoor navigation network. The experiments demonstrate that we are able to navigate around the obstacles using the proposed network. Considering to well-known path-finding approaches based on Medial Axis Transform (MAT) or Visibility Graph (VG), the approach in this paper provides a quick subdivision of space and routes, which are compatible with the results of VG.
GLOBAL BUNDLE ADJUSTMENT WITH VARIABLE ORIENTATION POINT DISTANCE FOR PRECISE MARS EXPRESS ORBIT RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Bostelmann J. , Heipke C.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The photogrammetric bundle adjustment of line scanner image data requires a precise description of the time-dependent image orientation. For this task exterior orientation parameters of discrete points are used to model position and viewing direction of a camera trajectory via polynomials. This paper investigates the influence of the distance between these orientation points on the quality of trajectory modeling. A new method adapts the distance along the trajectory to the available image information. Compared to a constant distance as used previously, a better reconstruction of the exterior orientation is possible, especially when image quality changes within a strip. In our research we use image strips of the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), taken to map the Martian surface. Several experiments on the global image data set have been carried out to investigate how the bundle adjustment improves the image orientation, if the new method is employed. For evaluation the forward intersection errors of 3D points derived from HRSC images, as well as their remaining height differences to the MOLA DTM are used. In 13.5 % (515 of 3,828) of the image strips, taken during this ongoing mission over the last 12 years, high frequency image distortions were found. Bundle adjustment with a constant orientation point distance was able to reconstruct the orbit in 239 (46.4 %) cases. A variable orientation point distance increased this number to 507 (98.6 %).
GEOPOSITIONING PRECISION ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLE IMAGE TRIANGULATION USING LRO NAC LUNAR IMAGES
Authors: Di K. , Xu B. , Liu B. , Jia M. , Liu Z.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This paper presents an empirical analysis of the geopositioning precision of multiple image triangulation using Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) Narrow Angle Camera (NAC) images at the Chang’e-3(CE-3) landing site. Nine LROC NAC images are selected for comparative analysis of geopositioning precision. Rigorous sensor models of the images are established based on collinearity equations with interior and exterior orientation elements retrieved from the corresponding SPICE kernels. Rational polynomial coefficients (RPCs) of each image are derived by least squares fitting using vast number of virtual control points generated according to rigorous sensor models. Experiments of different combinations of images are performed for comparisons. The results demonstrate that the plane coordinates can achieve a precision of 0.54 m to 2.54 m, with a height precision of 0.71 m to 8.16 m when only two images are used for three-dimensional triangulation. There is a general trend that the geopositioning precision, especially the height precision, is improved with the convergent angle of the two images increasing from several degrees to about 50°. However, the image matching precision should also be taken into consideration when choosing image pairs for triangulation. The precisions of using all the 9 images are 0.60 m, 0.50 m, 1.23 m in along-track, cross-track, and height directions, which are better than most combinations of two or more images. However, triangulation with selected fewer images could produce better precision than that using all the images.
DEVELOPMENT OF A HETEROGENIC DISTRIBUTED ENVIRONMENT FOR SPATIAL DATA PROCESSING USING CLOUD TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Garov A. S. , Karachevtseva I. P. , Matveev E. V. , Zubarev A. E. , Florinsky I. V.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. We are developing a unified distributed communication environment for processing of spatial data which integrates web-, desktop- and mobile platforms and combines volunteer computing model and public cloud possibilities. The main idea is to create a flexible working environment for research groups, which may be scaled according to required data volume and computing power, while keeping infrastructure costs at minimum. It is based upon the "single window" principle, which combines data access via geoportal functionality, processing possibilities and communication between researchers. Using an innovative software environment the recently developed planetary information system (http://cartsrv.mexlab.ru/geoportal) will be updated. The new system will provide spatial data processing, analysis and 3D-visualization and will be tested based on freely available Earth remote sensing data as well as Solar system planetary images from various missions. Based on this approach it will be possible to organize the research and representation of results on a new technology level, which provides more possibilities for immediate and direct reuse of research materials, including data, algorithms, methodology, and components. The new software environment is targeted at remote scientific teams, and will provide access to existing spatial distributed information for which we suggest implementation of a user interface as an advanced front-end, e.g., for virtual globe system.
RADIOMETRIC CALIBRATION OF MARS HiRISE HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGERY BASED ON FPGA
Authors: Hou Yifan , Geng Xun , Xing Shuai , Tang Yonghe , Xu Qing
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Due to the large data amount of HiRISE imagery, traditional radiometric calibration method is not able to meet the fast processing requirements. To solve this problem, a radiometric calibration system of HiRISE imagery based on field program gate array (FPGA) is designed. The montage gap between two channels caused by gray inconsistency is removed through histogram matching. The calibration system is composed of FPGA and DSP, which makes full use of the parallel processing ability of FPGA and fast computation as well as flexible control characteristic of DSP. Experimental results show that the designed system consumes less hardware resources and the real-time processing ability of radiometric calibration of HiRISE imagery is improved.
A SEMI-RIGOROUS SENSOR MODEL FOR PRECISION GEOMETRIC PROCESSING OF MINI-RF BISTATIC RADAR IMAGES OF THE MOON
Authors: Kirk R. L. , Barrett J. M. , Wahl D. E. , Erteza I. , Jackowatz C. V. , Yocky D. A. , Turner S. , Bussey D. B. J. , Paterson G. W.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments known as Mini-RF were designed to image shadowed areas of the lunar poles and assay the presence of ice deposits by quantitative polarimetry. We have developed radargrammetric processing techniques to enhance the value of these observations by removing spacecraft ephemeris errors and distortions caused by topographic parallax so the polarimetry can be compared with other data sets. Here we report on the extension of this capability from monostatic imaging (signal transmitted and received on the same spacecraft) to bistatic (transmission from Earth and reception on the spacecraft) which provides a unique opportunity to measure radar scattering at nonzero phase angles. In either case our radargrammetric sensor models first reconstruct the observed range and Doppler frequency from recorded image coordinates, then determine the ground location with a corrected trajectory on a more detailed topographic surface. The essential difference for bistatic radar is that range and Doppler shift depend on the transmitter as well as receiver trajectory. Incidental differences include the preparation of the images in a different (map projected) coordinate system and use of “squint” (i.e., imaging at nonzero rather than zero Doppler shift) to achieve the desired phase angle. Our approach to the problem is to reconstruct the time-of-observation, range, and Doppler shift of the image pixel by pixel in terms of rigorous geometric optics, then fit these functions with low-order polynomials accurate to a small fraction of a pixel. Range and Doppler estimated by using these polynomials can then be georeferenced rigorously on a new surface with an updated trajectory. This “semi-rigorous” approach (based on rigorous physics but involving fitting functions) speeds the calculation and avoids the need to manage both the original and adjusted trajectory data. We demonstrate the improvement in registration of the bistatic images for Cabeus crater, where the LCROSS spacecraft impacted in 2009, and describe plans to precision-register the entire Mini-RF bistatic data collection.
METHOD OF A PLANETARY ROVER LOCALIZATION BASED ON SYNTHETIC LUNOKHOD IMAGES
Authors: Kozlova N. A. , Zubarev A. E. , Patratiy V. D. , Konopikhin A. A. , Oberst J.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. We present a method which is a continuation of work-in-progress paper (Kozlova et al., 2014). LRO NAC DEM, orthomosaic, and the results of detailed studies of the Lunokhod-2 route were used for modeling of individual sites in order to find observation points for archival panoramas. The method suggests determination of rover coordinates from photogrammetry processing of obtained surface images together with artificially modeled synthetic images produced from high-resolution DEM and orthomosaic. We have now tested the method on models and on real Lunokhod-2 data. The method proved its effectiveness on models, however, for Lunokhod-2 panoramas further research is needed to calibrate the camera properly.
Macromolecular composition of terrestrial and marine organic matter in sediments across the East Siberian Arctic Shelf
Authors: Sparkes Robert B. , Dogrul Selver Ayça , Gustafsson Örjan , Semiletov Igor P. , Haghipour Negar , Wacker Lukas , Eglinton Timothy I. , Talbot Helen M. , van Dongen Bart E.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Mobilisation of terrestrial organic carbon (terrOC) from permafrost environments in Eastern Siberia has the potential to deliver significant amounts of carbon to the Arctic Ocean, via both fluvial and coastal erosion. Eroded terrOC can be degraded during offshore transport, or deposited across the wide East Siberian Arctic Shelf (ESAS). Most studies of terrOC on the ESAS have concentrated on solvent-extractable organic matter, but this represents only a small proportion of the total terrOC load. In this study we have used pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (py-GCMS) to study all major groups of macromolecular components of the terrOC; this is the first time that this technique has been applied to the ESAS. This has shown that there is a strong offshore trend from terrestrial Phenols, Aromatics, Cyclopentenones to marine Pyridines. There is good agreement between proportion Phenols measured using py-GCMS and independent quantification of lignin phenol concentrations (r2 = 0.67, p < 0.01, n = 24). Furfurals, thought to represent carbohydrates, show no offshore trend and are likely found in both marine and terrestrial organic matter. We have also collected new radiocarbon data for bulk OC (14COC) which, when coupled with previous measurements, allows us to produce the most comprehensive 14COC map of the ESAS to date. Combining the 14COC and py-GCMS data suggests that the Aromatics group of compounds is likely sourced from old, aged terrOC in contrast to the Phenols group, which is likely sourced from modern woody material. We propose that an index of the relative proportions of Phenols and Pyridines can be used as a novel terrestrial vs. marine proxy measurement for macromolecular organic matter. Principal component analysis found that various terrestrial vs. marine proxies show different patterns across the ESAS, and shows that multiple river-ocean transects of surface sediments transition from river-dominated to coastal erosion-dominated to marine-dominated signatures.
Impacts of Antarctic runoff changes on the Southern Ocean sea ice in an eddy-permitting sea ice-ocean model
Authors: Haid Verena , Iovino Dorotea , Masina Simona
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In a warming climate, observations indicate that the sea ice extent around Antarctica has increased over the last decades. One of the suggested explanations is the stabilizing effect of increased mass loss of the Antarctic ice sheet. We investigated the sea ice response to changes in the amount and especially the spatial distribution of freshwater. We performed a sensitivity study by comparing a set of numerical simulations with additional supply of water at the Antarctic ocean surface. Here, we analyse the response of the sea ice cover and the on-shelf water column to variations in the amount and distribution of the prescribed surface freshwater flux. Our results confirm that an increase in fresh water input can increase the sea ice extent. However, a very strong increase of freshwater will eventually invert the trend. Our experiments suggest that the spatial distribution of the freshwater is of great influence. It affects sea ice dynamics and can strongly alter regional sea ice concentration and thickness. For strong regional contrasts in the freshwater addition the local change in sea ice is dominated by the dynamic response, which generally opposes the thermodynamic response. Furthermore, we find that additional coastal runoff generally leads to fresher and warmer dense shelf waters. Comparing our results with the observed trend, we estimate that the current increase of fresh water originating from the Antarctic Ice Sheet contributes between 5 % and 24 % to the trend observed in the sea ice extent.
Corruption in Nigeria: Theoretical Explanation
Authors: Karimu Olusola O
Published: June 2016

The purpose of the current study is to explain corruption from social learning and social disorganization perspectives. The study utilized survey design, participants were selected through convenience sampling and two thousand and fifty six respondents participated in the study. Descriptive statistics such as mean, median, frequency tables and percentages were adopted to analyze the data collected from the field. Both male and female participants, irrespective of their religion perceived that changes in cultural values have increased corruption in Nigeria. Majority of the participants noted that corruption as a behaviour is learned. The findings indicate that social learning and social disorganization theories are relevant in explaining incidents of corrupt practices in Nigeria.
Genealogias básicas das famílias Gomes Mussi, Canet e Ferraz de Campos
Authors: Oliveira Ricardo Costa de
Published: June 2016

O presente trabalho apresenta a genealogia básica das famílias Gomes Mussi, Canet e Ferraz de Campos, todas com importantes conexões empresariais e políticas.
Vereadores e juízes de paz em Curitiba, entre 1856 a 1889: a força política das famílias tradicionais
Authors: Alves Alessandro Cavassin
Published: June 2016

Vereadores e juízes de paz no Império brasileiro formavam parte do poder político local, com a característica de serem escolhidos por eleições regulares, de maneira geral a cada quatro anos, pós 1828. Este trabalho possui como tema, portanto, apresentar quem foram estes políticos locais eleitos na cidade de Curitiba, capital do Paraná, entre 1856 a 1889, num total de 71 vereadores e 24 juízes de paz, levando em conta a genealogia destes políticos, família, esposa, idade, profissão e partido político. A metodologia utilizada para obter estas informações foi a leitura de jornais da época, documentos oficiais, como os relatórios dos Presidentes da Província do Paraná, as listas de votantes qualificados, as leis brasileiras referentes às Câmaras municipais e às eleições, além da “Genealogia paranaense”, de Francisco Negrão e “O silêncio dos vencedores”, de Ricardo Costa de Oliveira. Como resultado aponta-se para a fundamental importância das “famílias tradicionais” ou também chamadas de “famílias históricas do Paraná” no processo de acesso ao cargo de vereador ou juiz de paz.
Poder Legislativo e mulheres em Araucária (1890-2016)
Authors: Ferrari Adriane Dos Santos Tavella , VANALI ANA CRHISTINA
Published: June 2016

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a participação política das mulheres na Câmara Municipal de Araucária, município da região metropolitana de Curitiba/PR entre os anos de 1890 a 2016. Para tanto, um banco de dados das candidatas eleitas foi construído e, com ele, foi possível apresentar um balanço da participação das mulheres nas eleições municipais, analisar o perfil das vereadoras a partir de dimensões sociais e econômicas, tais como idade, estado civil, escolaridade, profissão e filiação partidária. Os resultados marcam uma participação feminina muito baixa se comparada com a presença masculina. Em que pese certa abertura e incentivo no sentido de maior participação das mulheres na vida político-partidária, como estabelece a lei de cotas, essa participação está muito aquém do seu contingente populacional, como revelam os dados sobre a participação feminina no poder legislativo local de Araucária.
Poder Legislativo e mulheres em Pinhais (1993-2016)
Authors: Estevinho Gloria , VANALI ANA CRHISTINA
Published: June 2016

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a participação política das mulheres na Câmara Municipal de Pinhais, município da região metropolitana de Curitiba/PR entre os anos de 1993 a 2016. Para tanto, um banco de dados dos candidatos eleitos foi construído e, com ele, foi possível apresentar um balanço da participação das mulheres nas eleições municipais, analisar o perfil das vereadoras a partir de dimensões sociais e econômicas, tais como idade, estado civil, escolaridade, profissão e filiação partidária. Os resultados marcam uma participação feminina muito baixa se comparada com a presença masculina. Em que pese certa abertura e incentivo no sentido de maior participação das mulheres na vida político-partidária, como estabelece a lei de cotas, essa participação está muito aquém do seu contingente populacional, como revelam os dados sobre a participação feminina no poder legislativo local de Pinhais.
Capitais políticos e familiares dos fundadores da ARENA e do MDB no Paraná
Authors: Granato Natália Cristina
Published: June 2016

O presente trabalho procura discutir quais são os capitais políticos e familiares dos fundadores da Aliança Renovadora Nacional (ARENA) e do Movimento Democrático Brasileiro (MDB) no estado do Paraná. Esses dois partidos foram criados após a edição do Ato Institucional n°2 (AI-2), que proibiu o funcionamento de todos os partidos políticos brasileiros. Artificialmente criados, a ARENA era o partido de linha “governista” e o MDB reunia os políticos da linha “oposicionista”.  Procurando refletir sobre o perfil dos fundadores desses dois partidos, buscando informações como dados biográficos, cargos políticos ocupados, filiações partidárias anteriores e conexões de parentescos com os membros da política paranaense, estabeleceremos conexões entre tais dados com algumas das contribuições teóricas de Pierre Bourdieu acerca das suas análises sobre o campo político. Discutiremos qual foi o espaço ocupado por esses agentes políticos no contexto de autoritarismo institucionalizado verificável na sociedade brasileira no contexto do golpe de 1964.
Grupos políticos dominantes e políticas públicas: um estudo sobre o corpo administrativo da Companhia de Saneamento do Paraná (SANEPAR) entre 2003 e 2014
Authors: Oliveira Marcus Roberto de
Published: June 2016

As políticas públicas de saúde que versam sobre o saneamento ambiental estão fundamentadas como elementos essenciais para o exercício da cidadania e expressam, em especial, um consenso social acerca de suas necessárias formulações, implantações e administrações. Assim, poderia tal consenso, lavrado juridicamente, fomentar o exercício de poder e sustentar a vigência de determinado status quo numa determinada região? Nesse raciocínio, o presente artigo propõe, a partir de métodos prosopográficos e antroponômicos, um estudo sobre o corpo administrativo da Companhia de Saneamento do Paraná (SANEPAR), enfocando as pessoas que ocuparam essas posições estratégicas na companhia entre 2003 e 2014; período esse em que grupos políticos adversários (o PMDB de Roberto Requião entre 2003 e 2010, e o PSDB de Beto Richa entre 2011 e 2014) estiveram à frente da administração da empresa. Inicialmente sustentaremos a hipótese de que as políticas públicas de saneamento ambiental são importantes fomentadoras de capitais sociais indispensáveis para o exercício de poder na cena política paranaense em questão. Nesse sentido, a SANEPAR é uma instituição decisiva, em especial, nas iniciativas e nas deliberações do seu corpo administrativo.
A raiz do poder em Ibirité
Authors: Silva Jurutan Alves da
Published: June 2016

Este artigo é resultado da pesquisa nas ações políticas que ocorrem nos munícipes brasileiros tendo como objeto de estudo o município de Ibirité em Minas Gerais. O objetivo foi estudar a relação política presente nas instituições de poder representativos municipais, executivo e legislativo, e suas relações com os eleitores nessa região. Possuindo como foco o familismo e outras ações como: o clientelismo e o mandonismo presentes nas ações políticas no município.  Fez-se uma pesquisa documental junto com entrevistas para que pudesse chegar ao resultado final da pesquisa.  Com o objetivo de conhecer como uma família, a família Pinheiro, realiza ações políticas para manter o status quo municipal inalterado e membros da família no poder político.  A pesquisa documental torna-se necessária para conhecer como as instituições relacionam formalmente entre si e as entrevistas para compreender como ocorrem as informalidades nessas relações. O objetivo específico foi compreender como as relações de clientelismo e mandonismo apresentam entre as instituições de poder político municipal e suas correlações com os eleitores. Os resultados confirmam que há uma relação clientelista e de mandonismo entre o grupo familiar pesquisado nas suas ações com os eleitores municipais e com a Câmara Municipal.
PASTORAL COLETIVA DO EPISCOPADO BRASILEIRO – 1915: HÁ CEM ANOS A CONSTRUÇÃO DE UMA IGREJA
Authors: Marchi Euclides
Published: June 2016

Em 17 de janeiro de 1915, o episcopado das Províncias Eclesiásticas Meridionais comunicava ao clero e fieis “o resultado das Conferências Episcopaes realisadas na cidade de Nova Friburgo de 12 a 17 de Janeiro de 1915”. O documento completo continha, além das atividades das próprias conferências, a Pastoral Coletiva e as Constituições Diocesanas das Províncias Eclesiásticas Meridionais do Brasil. A análise desta documentação aponta para o esforço na direção da construção da Igreja Católica Romana no Brasil, após a separação do Estado. Observa-se ainda que as Constituições Diocesanas representam, especialmente, o desencadear de uma caminhada  livre e autônoma. Também constata-se que o discurso episcopal aposto nestes documentos revela que as autoridades eclesiásticas, após várias conferências, consolidavam suas opções em prol da europeização e da reformulação dos costumes do clero, dos fieis, dos rituais e das práticas do catolicismo. Estas práticas, agora normatizadas nas Constituições, deveriam ser adotadas por todas as unidades da Igreja; isto é, dioceses, paróquias, seminários, ordens, congregações religiosas e associações leigas. Além disso, os bispos reafirmavam que eles se constituíam na autoridade máxima em suas dioceses e a eles todos deveriam obediência, inclusive as ordens e congregações religiosas. Finalmente, ao se analisar esta documentação, conclui-se que a aliança entre a Igreja Católica Romana e o Estado brasileiro além de perversa, ambos somaram prejuízos e, por longo tempo sofreram para suprimir a herança que dela restou, se é que já foi totalmente suprimida.Palavras-Chave: Igreja Católica Romana, episcopado, análise do discurso, catolicismo no Brasil.
On the Estimation of Reliability of Weighted Weibull Distribution: A Comparative Study
Authors: Al-Zahrani Bander
Published: June 2016

The paper gives a description of estimation for the reliability function of weighted Weibull distribution. The maximum likelihood estimators for the unknown parameters are obtained. Nonparametric methods such as empirical method, kernel density estimator and a modified shrinkage estimator are provided. The Markov chain Monte Carlo method is used to compute the Bayes estimators assuming gamma and Jeffrey priors. The performance of the maximum likelihood, nonparametric methods and Bayesian estimators is assessed through a real data set.
Alternative Second-Order N-Point Spherical Response Surface Methodology Design and Their Efficiencies
Authors: Iwundu Mary Paschal
Published: June 2016

The equiradial designs are studied as alternative second-order N-point spherical Response Surface Methodology designs in two variables, for design radius ρ = 1.0. These designs are seen comparable with the standard second-order response surface methodology designs, namely the Central Composite Designs. The D-efficiencies of the equiradial designs are evaluated with respect to the spherical Central Composite Designs. Furthermore, D-efficiencies of the equiradial designs are evaluated with respect to the D-optimal exact designs defined on the design regions of the Circumscribed Central Composite Design, the Inscribed Central Composite Design and the Face-centered Central Composite Design. The D-efficiency values reveal that the alternative second-order N-point spherical equiradial designs are better than the Inscribed Central Composite Design though inferior to the Circumscribed Central Composite Design with efficiency values less than 50% in all cases studied. Also, D-efficiency values reveal that the alternative second-order N-point spherical equiradial designs are better than the N-point D-optimal exact designs defined on the design region supported by the design points of the Inscribed Central Composite Design. However, the N-point spherical equiradial designs are inferior to the N-point D-optimal exact designs defined on the design region supported by the design points of the Circumscribed Central Composite Design and those of the Face-centered Central Composite Design, with worse cases with respect to the design region of the Circumscribed Central Composite Design.
Dynamic Reliability of a Cluster Server
Authors: Korzeniowski Andrzej , Traylor Rachel
Published: June 2016

Suppose a single server has $K$ channels, each of which performs a different task. Customers arrive to the server via a nonhomogenous Poisson process with intensity $\lambda(t)$ and select $0$ to $K$ tasks for the server to perform. Each channel services the tasks in its queue independently, and the customer's job is complete when the last task selected is complete. The stress to the server is a constant multiple $\eta$ of the number of tasks selected by each customer, and thus the stress added to the server by each customer is random. Under this model, we provide the survival function for such a server in both the case of independently selected channels and correlated channels. A numerical comparison of expected lifetimes for various arrival rates is given, and the relationship between the dependency of channel selection and expected server lifetime is presented.
Hypertrophic lichen planus versus prurigo nodularis: a dermoscopic perspective
Authors: Ankad Balachandra S. , Beergouder Savitha L.
Published: June 2016

Background: Hypertrophic lichen planus (HLP) classically involves shin and ankles and is characterized by hyperkeratotic plaques and nodules. Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic neurodermatitis that presents with intensely pruritic nodules. Histopathology of HLP and PN demonstrate epidermal hyperplasia, hypergranulosis, and compact hyperkeratosis. The dermis shows vertically arranged collagen fibers and an increased number of fibroblasts and capillaries in both conditions. Moreover, basal cell degeneration is confined to the tips of rete ridges, and band-like infiltration is conspicuously absent in HLP. Therefore, both conditions mimic each other clinically, which makes diagnosis difficult. Hence, there is a need for a diagnostic technique to differentiate both conditions.

Objective: To evaluate dermoscopic patterns in HLP and PN and to study these patterns histopathologically.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted at S. Nijalingappa Medical College in Bagalkot. It was an observational case series study. Ethical clearance and informed consent was obtained. A Dermlite 3 dermoscope (3Gen, San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA) attached to a Sony Cyber Shot camera DSC-W800 (Sony Electronics Inc., San Diego, California, USA) was employed. Histopathology was done to confirm the diagnosis.

Results: There were 10 patients each with HLP and PN. HLP was seen in 8 males and 2 females. PN was observed in 7 females and 3 males. Dermoscopy of HLP demonstrated pearly white areas and peripheral striations (100%), gray-blue globules (60%), comedo-like openings (30%), red dots (40%), red globules (10%), brownish-black globules (30%), and yellowish structures (90%). In PN, red dots (70%), red globules (60%), and pearly white areas with peripheral striations (100%) were observed under dermoscopy.

Conclusion: Both HLP and PN demonstrated specific dermoscopic patterns which can be demonstrated on histopathologic findings. The authors propose that these patterns are hallmarks of each condition. Thus, dermoscopy is a good diagnostic tool in the differentiation of HLP and PN.
Extensión universitaria y salud pública en Argentina como caso testigo en la región
Authors: López Marcelo Luis
Published: June 2016

El artículo es un avance de un proyecto de investigación sobre extensión universitaria (EU): función de la educación superior orientada al desarrollo social, cultural, productivo y medioambiental de los entornos universitarios. Pese a su relevancia la misma se desarrolla bastante pragmáticamente con poca orientación teórica por lo que estos estudios brindan elementos para la praxis extensionista. El objetivo del trabajo es mejorar la comprensión de la relación teoría-práctica en extensión universitaria en este caso delimitada al campo de la salud/salud pública. A partir del análisis de ponencias de congresos nacionales de extensión de Argentina, como caso testigo en la región, se examinan los resultados de cómo estos eventos están aportando a la construcción del objeto EU a partir de la red bibliográfica y el reagrupamiento de temas, objetos y sujetos. La metodología con la que se trabajó es la Grounded Theory.

 
Hypertension in pregnancy
Authors: Ungar Andrea , Lotti Elena , Lambertucci Lorella
Published: June 2016

Hypertension is the most common medical problem encountered during pregnancy, complicating 2-3% of pregnancies. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are classified into 4 categories: chronic hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension, and gestational hypertension. A relative paucity of investigative data, as well as the frequent difficulty in making an etiological diagnosis, may lead to problems in its management. This case report analyses current concepts regarding the hypertensive disorders of gestation, focusing on chronic hypertension. Chronic hypertension is defined as blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mmHg before pregnancy or before 20 weeks gestation. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy may cause maternal and fetal morbidity and remain a leading source of maternal mortality. A prompt diagnosis is needed also because hypertension may be an indicator of pre-eclampsia, a condition which can evolve into serious complications. Maintaining blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg is recommended, although treatment should be determined on an individual basis. Many anti-hypertensive agents appear to be safe for use during pregnancy: methildopa has been the most studied of the anti-hypertensive drugs and has the best safety record. Labetalol, idralazine and nifedipine also have been found to be safe; ACE-inhibitors are absolutely contraindicated, because they are associated with intrauterine growth retardation.
Why do Family Physicians find it difficult to apply clinical guidelines?
Authors: Pizzini Andrea
Published: June 2016

The aging of the population, in Italy as well as in all the countries of the European Union, and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases pose challenges to the development and application of clinical guidelines. Guidelines have been developed to improve the quality of health care. Anyway, Family Physicians sometimes find many obstacles in integrating guidelines into medical practice. In the care of older individuals with several comorbid diseases, application of clinical guidelines is not only difficult, but may also lead to undesirable effects. In this article, the Author take a review, published in JAMA, as a starting point to discuss the role and the importance of guidelines in patients with comorbid disease in the Italian context. The review analyses the hypothetical case of a 79-year-old woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension and osteoarthritis, and describes the situation of the aggregated recommendations from the most relevant guidelines. The conclusion is that, to improve the care of older patients with complex comorbidities, developing new measures and new guidelines is extremely necessary.
Auxological criteria for the diagnosis of GH-dependent short stature and prescription of rGH: problems and pitfalls
Authors: Gilli Giulio , Benso Lodovico , Pradelli Lorenzo
Published: June 2016

Recombinant growth hormone (rGH) administration is a cornerstone in the treatment of short stature secondary to GH deficit. Since its introduction in the 80s, the population of short patients with an indication to rGH therapy has clearly broadened, probably because of increased awareness by patients and physicians. Since rGH therapy is demanding for patients and expensive, the Italian National Health Service, like other third payers and regulatory authorities, regulates its prescription according to criteria listed in the Nota AIFA 39. This paper illustrates pitfalls and difficulties paediatricians may encounter when assessing short stature patients in order to decide upon the opportunity and possibility to initiate rGH therapy through the exposition of four emblematic, though hypothetical, clinical histories. In the discussion, the Authors highlight some of the most critical points in the formulation of the Nota 39, among which are the lack of clear reference values, neglecting of parental height targets and therapeutic responses, as well as some omissions in methodology specifications.
Angina in a diabetic patient: a case of integrated approach
Authors: Cosentino Eugenio Roberto , Rinaldi Elisa Rebecca , Borghi Claudio
Published: June 2016

Diabetes mellitus, both of type 1 and 2, is an important risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis: in diabetic patients vascular atherosclerotic complications are responsible of approximately 80% of all the deaths. There is no doubt that patients affections originating from diabetes and coronaropathy remain at high risk. For this reason it is essential to adopt an aggressive strategy of secondary prevention. We report a case of a patient with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular diseases: the successful management was due to an integrated approach that involved the general practitioner and cardiologist.
Unexpected complications of pulmonary edema
Authors: Perazzolo Laura , Marengo Claudio
Published: June 2016

The article illustrates the case report of a patient, an elderly woman, admitted in the Emergency Department (ED) with acute pulmonary edema, which was quickly solved through a well-timed application of the therapeutic protocols. At first, the course of the treatment was positive, but some complications developed because of the long stay in the hospital, specifically a decubitus ulcer; this condition quickly evolved regardless of the proper treatment, and caused a progressive fall of the general clinical status of the patient. Within the ER, some state-of-the-art clinical apparatus (protocols, unintrusive ventilation) are available for even the treatment of the worst conditions. ED overcrowding – with full occupancy of beds and long waits of patients – is related to greater risk of poor outcomes. One of the risks is to expose the patient to serious complications, that are note related to the reason of admission in hospital, but, paradoxically, are caused by the prolonged hospitalization in ED.
An interesting case of mediastinitis
Authors: Pellissetto Cristina
Published: June 2016

Mediastinitis is an inflammatory process; it can be either acute or chronic and it can advance rapidly. Causes of acute mediastinitis usually arise from perforation of the oesophagus or from contiguous spread of neck infections. An important neck or chest pain with fever or the onset of inflammatory index and the enlargement of the mediastinal x-ray image should lead to suspect mediastinitis. The TC-scan of neck and thorax is the gold standard for mediastinitis diagnosis.
Adult Still’s disease and Tako-Tsubo syndrome
Authors: Cozzio Susanna , Peterlana Dimitri , Bonmassari Roberto , Zappaterra Angela , Spagnolli Walter
Published: June 2016

Here we describe the case of a 68-year-old Italian female who was admitted in our hospital for the occurrence of arthralgia, abdominal pain and general discomfort. The clinical picture was complicated by recurrent febrile episodes up to 40°C associated with skin rush and cardio-respiratory failure with ECG ischemic alteration, TnT-hs troponin elevation and an ipo-akinetic alteration of the apex at the echocardiogram examination. After an intensive workup, the diagnosis of an adult Still’s disease was formulated according to the classification criteria. Moreover, the patient underwent coronarographic study and cardiac MR that, collectively, supported the diagnosis of Tako-Tsubo syndrome. The patient was treated with steroid obtaining the remission of the disease. Myocardial injury with adult Still’s disease was been rarely reported. In our case we observed for the first time, to our knowledge, a case of adult Still’s disease complicated by a Tako-Tsubo syndrome.