bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Briefing and Building Information Modelling: Potential for integration
Authors: Koutamanis Alexander
Published: July 2017

The article brings together the subjects of briefing and Building Information Modelling. It considers the brief as information source for Building Information Modelling and Building Information Modelling as an environment for automating brief-related analysis and guidance. The approach is characterized by feedforward and feedback, incorporation of constraints from the brief in Building Information Modelling, connection of briefing goals to performance analysis and correlation of requirements in the brief to Building Information Modelling object properties and relations. To test the approach, 10 briefs are parsed into goals, constraints and requirements, which are then considered for integration in Building Information Modelling. As the majority of these items can become part of a model and subject to automated analyses, integration of briefing in Building Information Modelling is proposed as a viable option that can improve design and briefing performance but also signals significant changes to briefing.
Bivariate preventive maintenance for repairable systems subject to random shocks
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim , Levitin Gregory
Published: July 2017

We consider a bivariate model for preventive maintenance for items operating in a random environment modeled by a Poisson process of shocks. An item is replaced on the predetermined replacement time or on a shock with the predetermined number, whichever comes first. Its failures are minimally repaired in-between. Each shock in our stochastic model has a double effect. First, it acts directly on the failure rate of an item, which results in the corresponding stochastic intensity process. Second, each shock causes additional “damage,” which can be attributed, for example, to a short drop in the output of a system or other adverse consequences. The corresponding bivariate optimization problem is considered and illustrated by detailed numerical examples.
Policing evaluation: Focus group interviews as an embodied speech event
Authors: Gilbert Kristin Enola
Published: July 2017

Despite recommendations for a more reflexive and theoretical turn to interviewing, the analysis of language and speech still occupies center stage. This study attempts to advance our understanding of the interview by including the use of gesture, gaze, and other embodied resources in concert with speech. Looking at a focus group interview evaluating community policing policy, I show how inclusion of embodied conduct offers a more robust approach to co-constructed meaning in the interview than looking at language practices alone. More explicitly, I investigate how an interviewee’s narrative includes gestures to solicit an affiliative stance from other interviewees and how ambiguous metacommunicative norms in the focus group influence the contributions of other police participants. I show how jurisdictional boundary and professional identity emerge in and through the integration of embodied conduct and sociocultural solidarity.
Predictors of Back Pain in Firefighters
Authors: Damrongsak Mantana , Prapanjaroensin Aoyjai , Brown Kathleen C.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to identify variables—that is, demographic factors (age, history of back pain, body mass index [BMI], and waist circumference), occupational stress, job satisfaction, perceived supervisor support, and physical fitness—that predict back pain in firefighters. Firefighters, an occupational group at high risk for back injury, perform many job tasks under hazardous work conditions. A nonexperimental, correlational design was used to study a convenience sample of 298 male firefighters who completed study questionnaires. Almost one third (30.20%) of the firefighters reported current back pain. The set of factors that predicted current back pain in firefighters included occupational stress, age, history of back pain, and BMI—pseudo R2 = .351. Further studies should validate the model and explore relationships among perceived supervisor support, occupational stress, and job satisfaction in other occupational groups, including nurses and police officers.
RSA in Spine: A Review
Authors: Humadi Ali , Dawood Sulaf , Halldin Klas , Freeman Brian
Published: July 2017

Study Design:

Systematic review of literature.

Objectives:

This systematic review was conducted to investigate the accuracy of radiostereometric analysis (RSA), its assessment of spinal motion and disorders, and to investigate the limitations of this technique in spine assessment.

Methods:

Systematic review in all current literature to invesigate the role of RSA in spine.

Results:

The results of this review concluded that RSA is a very powerful tool to detect small changes between 2 rigid bodies such as a vertebral segment. The technique is described for animal and human studies for cervical and lumbar spine and can be used to analyze range of motion, inducible displacement, and fusion of segments. However, there are a few disadvantages with the technique; RSA percutaneous procedure needs to be performed to implant the markers (and cannot be used preoperatively), one needs a specific knowledge to handle data and interpret the results, and is relatively time consuming and expensive.

Conclusions:

RSA should be looked at as a very powerful research instrument and there are many questions suitable for RSA studies.
The Influence of Social Interaction and Physical Health on the Association Between Hearing and Depression With Age and Gender
Authors: Keidser Gitte , Seeto Mark
Published: July 2017

Recent epidemiological data suggest the relation between hearing difficulty and depression is more evident in younger and middle-aged populations than in older adults. There are also suggestions that the relation may be more evident in specific subgroups; that is, other factors may influence a relationship between hearing and depression in different subgroups. Using cross-sectional data from the UK Biobank on 134,357 community-dwelling people and structural equation modelling, this study examined the potential mediating influence of social isolation and unemployment and the confounding influence of physical illness and cardiovascular conditions on the relation between a latent hearing variable and both a latent depressive episodes variable and a latent depressive symptoms variable. The models were stratified by age (40s, 50s, and 60s) and gender and further controlled for physical illness and professional support in associations involving social isolation and unemployment. The latent hearing variable was primarily defined by reported hearing difficulty in noise. For all subgroups, poor hearing was significantly related to both more depressive episodes and more depressive symptoms. In all models, the direct and generally small association exceeded the indirect associations via physical health and social interaction. Significant (depressive episodes) and near significant (depressive symptoms) higher direct associations were estimated for males in their 40s and 50s than for males in their 60s. There was at each age-group no significant difference in estimated associations across gender. Irrespective of the temporal order of variables, findings suggest that audiological services should facilitate psychosocial counselling.
Speech Recognition Outcomes After Cochlear Reimplantation Surgery
Authors: Reis Mariana , Boisvert Isabelle , Looi Valerie , da Cruz Melville
Published: July 2017

This study compares speech recognition outcomes before and after cochlear reimplantation surgery, in relation to clinical factors known before and at time of surgery. Between 2006 and 2015, 2,055 adult cochlear implant surgeries were conducted at this center, of which 87 were reimplantation surgeries (4.2%). Speech recognition scores (SRS) assessed before and after reimplantation were available for 54 adults. Overall, SRS measured after reimplantation were similar to the best SRS obtained by the patient and greater than the last SRS measured before surgery. Additional complications were noted in the clinical files of all patients for which reimplantation was considered unsuccessful (16%).
Bilateral Versus Unilateral Cochlear Implantation in Adult Listeners: Speech-On-Speech Masking and Multitalker Localization
Authors: Rana Baljeet , Buchholz Jörg M. , Morgan Catherine , Sharma Mridula , Weller Tobias , Konganda Shivali Appaiah , Shirai Kyoko , Kawano Atsushi
Published: July 2017

Binaural hearing helps normal-hearing listeners localize sound sources and understand speech in noise. However, it is not fully understood how far this is the case for bilateral cochlear implant (CI) users. To determine the potential benefits of bilateral over unilateral CIs, speech comprehension thresholds (SCTs) were measured in seven Japanese bilateral CI recipients using Helen test sentences (translated into Japanese) in a two-talker speech interferer presented from the front (co-located with the target speech), ipsilateral to the first-implanted ear (at +90° or −90°), and spatially symmetric at ±90°. Spatial release from masking was calculated as the difference between co-located and spatially separated SCTs. Localization was assessed in the horizontal plane by presenting either male or female speech or both simultaneously. All measurements were performed bilaterally and unilaterally (with the first implanted ear) inside a loudspeaker array. Both SCTs and spatial release from masking were improved with bilateral CIs, demonstrating mean bilateral benefits of 7.5 dB in spatially asymmetric and 3 dB in spatially symmetric speech mixture. Localization performance varied strongly between subjects but was clearly improved with bilateral over unilateral CIs with the mean localization error reduced by 27°. Surprisingly, adding a second talker had only a negligible effect on localization.
Impact of a Rural Community-Based Event for Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Doody Kathy Ralabate , Patti Angela L.
Published: July 2017

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often have difficulty demonstrating appropriate communication, social skills, behavior, and sensory responses; thus, it can be challenging for families, particularly those in rural areas, to find suitable community-based opportunities. The Au-some Evenings program was developed at a local children’s museum to provide an inclusive, age-appropriate, nonjudgmental recreational activity for families with children with ASD. The present study examined parent perceptions of the Au-some Evenings events. Results demonstrated high levels of parent satisfaction with the program. The authors include a discussion of the implications, limitations, and directions for future research and practice.
Evaluation of microvascular endothelial function in patients with infective endocarditis using laser speckle contrast imaging and skin video-capillaroscopy: research proposal of a case control prospective study
Authors: Barcelos Amanda , Lamas Cristiane , Tibiriça Eduardo
Published: July 2017

Objective

Infective endocarditis is a severe condition with high in-hospital and 5-year mortality. There is increasing incidence of infective endocarditis, which may be related to healthcare and changes in prophylaxis recommendations regarding oral procedures. Few studies have evaluated the microcirculation in patients with infective endocarditis, and so far, none have utilized laser-based technology or evaluated functional capillary density. The aim of the study is to evaluate the changes in the systemic microvascular bed of patients with both acute and subacute endocarditis. This is a cohort study that will include adult patients with confirmed active infective endocarditis according to the modified Duke criteria who were admitted to our center for treatment. A control group of sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers will be included. Functional capillary density, which is defined as the number of spontaneously perfused capillaries per square millimeter of skin, will be assessed by video-microscopy with an epi-illuminated fiber optic microscope. Capillary recruitment will be evaluated using post-occlusive reactive hyperemia. Microvascular flow will be evaluated in the forearm using a laser speckle contrast imaging system for the noninvasive and continuous measurement of cutaneous microvascular perfusion changes. Laser speckle contrast imaging will be used in combination with skin iontophoresis of acetylcholine, an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, or sodium nitroprusside (endothelium independent) to test microvascular reactivity.

Results

The present study will contribute to the investigation of microcirculatory changes in infective endocarditis and possibly lead to an earlier diagnosis of the condition and/or determination of its severity and complications.

Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02940340.
Highly repeatable 3D compressive full-azimuth towed-streamer time-lapse acquisition — A numerical feasibility study at scale
Authors: Kumar Rajiv , Wason Haneet , Sharan Shashin , Herrmann Felix J.
Published: July 2017

Most conventional 3D time-lapse (or 4D) acquisitions are ocean-bottom cable (OBC) or ocean-bottom node (OBN) surveys, as these surveys are relatively easy to replicate compared to towed-streamer surveys. To attain high degrees of repeatability and survey replicability, dense periodic sampling has become the norm for 4D surveys and renders this technology expensive. Conventional towed-streamer acquisitions suffer from limited illumination of the subsurface due to narrow azimuth. Although, acquisition techniques such as multiazimuth, wide-azimuth, rich-azimuth acquisition, etc., have been developed to illuminate the subsurface from all possible angles, these techniques can be prohibitively expensive for densely sampled surveys. This leads to uneven sampling — i.e., dense receiver and coarse source sampling or vice versa — to make these acquisitions more affordable. Motivated by the design principles of compressive sensing (CS), we perform a numerical study in which we acquire economic, randomly subsampled (or compressive), and simultaneous towed-streamer time-lapse data without the need of replicating surveys. We recover densely sampled time-lapse data on one and the same periodic grid by using a joint-recovery model that exploits shared information among different time-lapse recordings, coupled with a computationally inexpensive and scalable rank-minimization technique. The acquisition is low cost since we have subsampled measurements (about 70% subsampled) simulated with a simultaneous long-offset acquisition configuration of two source vessels traveling across a survey area at random azimuths. We analyze the performance of our proposed compressive acquisition and subsequent recovery strategy by conducting a synthetic at-scale seismic experiment on a 3D time-lapse model containing geologic features such as channel systems, dipping and faulted beds, unconformities, and a gas cloud. Our findings indicate that the insistence on replicability between surveys and the need for OBC/OBN 4D surveys can, perhaps, be relaxed. Moreover, this is a natural next step beyond the successful CS acquisition examples discussed in this special section.
Exploring nonlinear inversions: A 1D magnetotelluric example
Authors: Kang Seogi , Heagy Lindsey J. , Cockett Rowan , Oldenburg Douglas W.
Published: July 2017

At some point in many geophysical workflows, an inversion is a necessary step for answering the geoscientific question at hand, whether it is recovering a reflectivity series from a seismic trace in a deconvolution problem, finding a susceptibility model from magnetic data, or recovering conductivity from an electromagnetic survey. This is particularly true when working with data sets where it may not even be clear how to plot the data: 3D direct current resistivity and induced polarization surveys (it is not necessarily clear how to organize data into a pseudosection) or multicomponent data, such as electromagnetic data (we can measure three spatial components of electric and/or magnetic fields through time over a range of frequencies). Inversion is a tool for translating these data into a model we can interpret. The goal of the inversion is to find a “model” — some description of the earth's physical properties — that is consistent with both the data and geologic knowledge.
Perioperative Amino Acid Infusion for Preventing Hypothermia and Improving Clinical Outcomes During Surgery Under General Anesthesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Aoki Yoshitaka , Aoshima Yukie , Atsumi Kazuyuki , Kaminaka Ryo , Nakau Rintaro , Yanagida Kyoko , Kora Makiko , Fujii Shunsuke , Yokoyama Junichiro
Published: July 2017

Amino acid (AA) infusion is sometimes selected to avoid hypothermia during general anesthesia. However, the widespread clinical use of AA infusion therapy has not been established. This study aimed to clarify the evidence that AA infusion can increase patient body temperature and improve clinical outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Igaku Chuo Zasshi (Japana Centra Revuo Medicina) in November 2015. Studies were reviewed by 2 independent assessors to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving AA infusion compared with placebos during surgery under general or combined general/epidural anesthesia. Study quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system and the Cochrane methodology. The primary outcome was difference in body temperature before and after perioperative AA infusion. Shivering frequency, blood loss volume, postoperative intubation time, and hospitalization period were also assessed as clinical outcomes. We analyzed the outcome data using a random effect model. From 298 screened titles, 14 RCTs met our inclusion criteria, including 626 patients (327 in AA and 299 in placebo groups). In 626 participants from 14 RCTs, AA infusion increased body temperature by a mean difference (MD) of 0.46°C (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31–0.62, low-quality evidence). Regarding other outcomes, AA infusion decreased shivering frequency by a risk ratio of 0.34 (95% CI, 0.12–0.94; 7 RCTs, 248 participants, very low-quality evidence), shortened postoperative intubation time by MD of −125 minutes (95% CI, −210 to −38.8; 2 RCTs, 158 participants, moderate-quality evidence), and shortened the hospitalization period by MD of −1.81 days (95% CI, −2.07 to −1.55; 3 RCTs, 230 participants, low-quality evidence) compared with placebo. There was no significant difference in the volume of blood loss between the 2 groups (standardized MD, −0.20, 95% CI, −0.44 to 0.04; low-quality evidence). There was no publication bias. AA infusion in the perioperative period increased patient body temperature and improved clinical outcomes compared with placebo. However, the evidence to support the use of AA infusion is limited, and further large-scale RCTs are required.
Stock Price Booms and Expected Capital Gains
Authors: Adam Klaus , Marcet Albert , Beutel Johannes
Published: July 2017

Investors' subjective capital gains expectations are a key element explaining stock price fluctuations. Survey measures of these expectations display excessive optimism (pessimism) at market peaks (troughs). We formally reject the hypothesis that this is compatible with rational expectations. We then incorporate subjective price beliefs with such properties into a standard asset-pricing model with rational agents (internal rationality). The model gives rise to boom-bust cycles that temporarily delink stock prices from fundamentals and quantitatively replicates many asset-pricing moments. In particular, it matches the observed strong positive correlation between the price dividend ratio and survey return expectations, which cannot be matched by rational expectations. (JEL D83, D84, G12, G14)
Wheat or Strawberries? Intermediated Trade with Limited Contracting
Authors: Krishna Kala , Sheveleva Yelena
Published: July 2017

Why do developing countries fail to specialize in products in which they appear to have a comparative advantage? We propose a model of agricultural trade with intermediation that explains how hold up resulting from poor contracting environments can produce such an outcome. We use the model to explore the role of production subsidies, support prices, easing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements, and the creation of local markets in resolving the hold up problem. The model highlights the importance of infrastructure in aligning production outcomes with comparative advantage and sheds light on the pass-through of the world price to the producer. (JEL F11, O13, Q11, Q17, Q18)
Choice and Matching
Authors: Chambers Christopher P. , Yenmez M. Bumin
Published: July 2017

We study path-independent choice rules applied to a matching context. We use a classic representation of these choice rules to introduce a powerful technique for matching theory. Using this technique, we provide a deferred acceptance algorithm for many-to-many matching markets with contracts and study its properties. Next, we obtain a compelling comparative static result: if one agent's choice expands, the remaining agents on her side of the market are made worse off, while agents on the other side of the market are made better off. Finally, we establish several results related to path-independent choice rules. (JEL C78, D11, D71, D86)
More Haste, Less Speed? Signaling through Investment Timing
Authors: Bobtcheff Catherine , Levy Raphaël
Published: July 2017

We consider a cash-constrained firm learning on the value of an irreversible project at a privately known speed. Under perfect information, the optimal date of investment may be non-monotonic in the learning speed: better learning increases the value of experimenting further, but also the speed of updating. Under asymmetric information, the firm uses its investment timing to signal confidence in the project and raise cheaper capital from uninformed investors, which may generate timing distortions: investment is hurried when learning is sufficiently fast, and delayed otherwise. The severity of the cash constraint affects the magnitude of the distortion, but not its direction. (JEL D21, D82, D83, D92, G31, G32)
Distribution and chemical forms of gadolinium in the brain: a review
Authors: Kanda Tomonori , Nakai Yudai , Hagiwara Akifumi , Oba Hiroshi , Toyoda Keiko , Furui Shigeru
Published: July 2017

In the 3 years since residual gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) in the brain was first reported, much has been learned about its accumulation, including the pathway of GBCA entry into the brain, the brain distribution of GBCA and its excretion. Here we review recent progress in understanding the routes of gadolinium deposition in brain structures.
DEFORMATION HISTORY AND CORRELATION OF PAIKON AND TZENA TERRANES (AXIOS ZONE, CENTRAL MACEDONIA, GREECE)
Authors: Katrivanos E. , Kilias A. , Mountrakis D.
Published: July 2017

Paikon and Tzena terranes are situated in the centre part of Axios zone, between Almopia and Paionia ophiolitic belts. Tectonostratigraphic data reveal that both have been affected by the same polyphase deformation and metamorphism, as well that they have the same lithostratigraphic column. The first deformation phase took place during the Middle to Late Jurassic and is associated with ophiolite obduction, nappe- stacking, terrane accretion and crustal thickening (D1). Metamorphism does not exceed greenschist facies (M1). Relict HP-LT metamorphic assemblages predating M1 metamorphism are possibly developed during subduction processes and overloading of the obducted ophiolites on the continental margin, characterized the initial stages of deformation. Compressional tectonics and intense thrusting with the same kinematics continued in Lower Cretaceous time, affected all pre-Upper Cretaceous units and the obducted ophiolites (D2). This phase is associated with low-greenschist metamorphism (M2). The first main extensional event occurs in the Late Cretaceous, related to basin formation and sedimentation (D3). During Paleocene to Eocene, D4 intense imbrication of all tectonic units towards mainly SW takes place again. Nappes collapse and finally crustal exhumation taken place during Oligocene to Miocene, associated with low - angle normal faults, with a main top to the SW sense of movement (D5). In Miocene to recent times, high - angle normal and strike-slip faults are formed in an extensional to transtensional strain regime (D6), associated with Neogene to Quaternary basin formation and terrane dispersion. The basement rocks of both terranes are of Pelagonian origin, exhumed as a multiple tectonic window.
GEOMORPHOLOGY, SEDIMENTOLOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE MARINE AREA BETWEEN SIFNOS AND KIMOLOS ISLANDS, GREECE
Authors: Karageorgis A.P. , Ioakim Chr. , Rousakis G. , Sakellariou D. , Vougioukalakis G. , Panagiotopoulos I.P. , Zimianitis E. , Koutsopoulou E. , Kanellopoulos Th. , Papatrechas Ch. , Georgiou P. , Xirokostas N. , Stavrakaki I. , Vakalas I. , Morfis I. , Koutsovitis P. , Drakopoulou P. , Kyriakidou Ch. , Marantos I.
Published: July 2017

An extensive oceanographic survey was conducted in the marine area between Kimolos and Sifnos Islands, a rather poorly-studied sector of the Aegean Sea, in order to gain better understanding of submarine geomorphological features and associated sediment provenance. Multi-beam bathymetry and surface sediment sampling with a box corer were carried out on board R/V Aegaeo, followed by grain-size analysis, XRD and XRF measurements. A large circular depression was identified north of Kimolos reaching a water depth of 743 m, filled with fine grained sediments. Surface sediment distribution is characterized by gradual decrease in grain-size from silty sand to silt in a S-N direction. The mineralogical composition comprises calcite, Mgcalcite, aragonite, dolomite, quartz, K feldspars, plagioclase, amphiboles and clay minerals. Major sediment provinces identified were: (i) the shallow sector proximal to Kimolos, characterized by higher contents in Si, Al, K, Rb and Ba; (ii) the deep area west of Sifnos, including the large depression, characterized by higher contents in Fe, Ti, Na, Mg, S, Cr, Cu, Ni, V, Zn; and (iii) the south passage between Kimolos and Sifnos, which exhibits higher Ca, S, and Sr contents. Manganese enrichment was observed in and around the bathymetric depression, where Mn oxides act efficiently as scavengers of a suite of metals.
IMPLEMENTATION OF DPSIR FRAMEWORK IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ALMYROS BASIN, MAGNESIA PREFECTURE
Authors: Lyra A. , Pliakas F. , Skias S. , Gkiougkis I.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, the implementation of the framework DPSIR is presented in the coastal part of the Almyros Basin, Magnesia Prefecture. The procedure included the use of previous relevant geological, hydrological, hydrogeological and management studies, regarding the study area, the results of which are classified and assigned to the driving forces, pressures, states, impacts and responses of the DPSIR method for the area under investigation. The approach concluded to an interesting visualization of the current situation of the urban and natural environment of the study area, promoting the recognition of problems arising from the intervention of the human factor and directing environmental actions towards a rational water resources management in the wider region.
USE OF ESA EARTH OBSERVATION EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING - LIFELONG LEARNING: TOWARDS STEM PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS
Authors: Mouratidis A. , Koutsoukos M.
Published: July 2017

Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Life-Long Learning (LLL), stand at the forefront of Europe’s strategic policies in Education, in response to the lack of students’ interest in STEM and the emerging needs for new skills in the labour market. Space can be a particularly useful platform for attracting students to STEM, environmental as well as topics related to geospatial information, as many state-of-the-art technologies used in everyday life are space-based, while space seems to also be creating a genuine interest among most learners. This study focuses on the plethora of European Space Agency (ESA) Earth Observation (EO) education material readily accessible, at no cost and available in several languages. Undertaking the effort to optimize/extend the use of these existing EO educational resources also in VET and LLL, for promoting STEM subjects, as well as for the development of green and geospatial skills, would be to the mutual benefit of both ESA and the European Union. Finally, it is proposed that an assessment of the utility and potential for the overall ESA Education resources (other than EO), but also of other Space Agencies and relevant institutions active in space education, in VET and LLL would be of particular interest. Keywords:
A COMBINED STUDY OF FLOOD PROPAGATION MAPPING, USING SENTINEL-1 AND LANDSAT-8 DATA. A CASE STUDY FROM RIVER EVROS, GREECE
Authors: Kyriou A. , Nikolakopoulos K.
Published: July 2017

Floods are suddenly and temporary natural disasters, which influence equally important the society and the natural environment, affecting areas that are not normally covered by water. In the context of flood mapping, different remote sensing techniques may contribute in a sufficient and effective way. This paper deals with mapping the spread of water bodies from natural levees of the river Evros and therefore the flood event on the surrounding areas of the river. In this work, radar data from Sentinel-1 mission as well as optical data from Landsat-8 were utilized. Specifically, Sentinel-1 data before flood events were treated with respectively during flood, yielding an image which reflects the propagation of the event. Moreover, Landsat-8 data were acquired with the aim of identifying and mapping of flooded areas, utilizing the Normalized Difference Water Index calculation. The results of the two methods were compared and flooded areas were evaluated.
ASSESSMENT OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO SΕA-LΕVEL RISE IN THE COASTAL AREA OF PIERIA PREFECTURE
Authors: Mavromatidi A. , Karymbalis E.
Published: July 2017

Tourism development in Greece has led to increasing pressure on coastal areas, which makes the study of sensitive coastal areas essential, in order to find appropriate solutions for their shielding. The aim of this study is an estimation of the effects of an anticipated sea level rise for the touristically developed part of Pieria Prefecture, which includes the settlements Paralia, Skala of Katerini, Olympic Beach, Korinos Beach and extends north to the area of the Kitrous saltworks and south to the mouth of Mavroneri river. Therefore the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) is applied, in an attempt to determine the susceptible parts to the potential sea level rise. CVI depends on the following parameters: (a) coastal geomorphology, (b) coastal slope, (c) shoreline erosion/accretion rate, (d) relative sea-level rise fluctuations, (e) mean tidal range and (f) mean significant wave height. The classification of the coast, which is of particular socio-economic significance since it hosts urbanized areas, into five CVI classes (from very low vulnerability to very high vulnerability), showed that 43.6% of the entire coastline is of very high vulnerability.
DETERMINATION OF SILICA POLYMORPHS AND FELDSPARS IN INDUSTRIAL SAMPLES OF BENTONITE AND PERLITE
Authors: Kaza T. , Stamatakis M.G.
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present study is to apply a fast and reliable XRD method to identify the percentage of silica polymorphs and feldspars that industrial bentonite and perlite may contain, because these gangue minerals influence the quality of the final products. The current research was implemented by selecting of appropriate almost pure reference samples of bentonite and perlite in which specific amount of silica polymorphs and feldspars was added. The selection of all samples was based on the X-ray diffraction patterns. The synthetic mixtures produced were either with bentonite or perlite with a single added mineral or with two of them in percentages up to 10%. The minerals added to the reference samples were distinguishable in the XRD patterns in different percentages for each mineral added, but also in the two different reference samples. After evaluating of the XRD patterns of a series of samples, it was concluded that the lowest percentage of silica polymorphs and albite that was detected in the reference bentonite was 0.5% quartz, 1% cristobalite 10% opal CT, and 1% albite, whereas the percentages for the reference perlite was 1% quartz, 2% opal-CT, 1% cristobalite and 0.5% albite. This method can beapplied to any commercial bentonite and perlite bulk sample to define its purity concerning its silica polymorph and feldspar content.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PHYSICOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ULTRABASIC ROCKS AND ANDESITES FROM CENTRAL MACEDONIA (GREECE)
Authors: Petrounias P. , Rogkala A. , Kalpogiannaki M. , Tsikouras B. , Hatzipanagiotou K.
Published: July 2017

Petrographic, geochemical and physicomechanical features were determined and inter-correlated in two representative ultrabasic samples from the Veria-Naousa ophiolite and two Pliocenic andesite samples, occurring at the east of the above complex. Results show that mineralogical and textural features are major factors affecting the physicomechanical properties in both lithotypes. The ultrabasic rocks display higher resistance to attrition and abrasion and lower water absorption values relative to the intermediate volcanic rocks, hence the first are predicted to show better in-service engineering performance. However, the degree of serpentinisation is detrimental, as a highly serpentinised ultrabasic sample yielded poor results, analogous to the andesites, in certain laboratory tests. Ophiolite complexes in Greece are abundant and they are distributed along several mainland areas. Hence setting evaluation criteria for their quality is important as they can potentially replace limestones, which are less resistant and durable, in several environmental and industrial applications
GOLD METALLOGENY OF THE SERBOMACEDONIANRHODOPE METALLOGENIC BELT (SRMB)
Authors: Tsirambides A. , Filippidis A.
Published: July 2017

The Alpine-Balkan-Carpathian-Dinaride (ABCD) metallogenic belt, which tectonically evolved during Late Cretaceous to the present, is Europe’s premier metallogenic province, especially for gold. Three spatially distinct tectonic and metallogenic belts are associated with this belt. One of them is the SerbomacedonianRhodope Metallogenic Belt (SRMB) which intersects with a NNW-SSE trend the south eastern Balkan countries. This belt includes the geotectonic zones of Vardar (Axios), Circum-Rhodope, and the Serbomacedonian and Rhodope Massives. It comprises dominantly carbonate replacement or porphyry metal deposits, stratiform volcanosedimentary deposits, skarns and various isolated magmatic-hydrothermal deposits. The most significant Au metallogeny centers of this belt are found in Bulgaria (i.e., Madjarovo, Ada Tepe, Madan, Lozen), Greece (i.e., Perama Hill, Sapes, Maronia, Olympias-Stratoni-Skouries, Gerakario-Vathi-Pontokerasia), F.Y.R.O.M. (i.e., Buchim, Ilovitza, Alshar), Kosovo (i.e., Trepca), and Serbia (i.e., Lece District: Kiseljak, Bakrenjaca). The metal reserves of all categories in the SRMB are 24 t Au, 14 t Ag and >100 Mt (Pb+Zn) ore in Bulgaria, 743 t Au, 4100 t Ag, 5345 th.t Cu and 3125 th.t (Pb+Zn) in Greece, 106 t Au, 96 t Ag and 834 th.t Cu in F.Y.R.O.M., >150 Mt (Pb+Zn) ore in Kosovo, 118 t Au and 1270 th.t Cu in Serbia. In addition many other sites inside this belt exist which are very promising for precious metals.
MINERALOGICAL, PETROLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF THE UNIQUE LAPIS LACEDAEMONIUS (KROKEATIS LITHOS) FROM LACONIA, GREECE: APPROACH ON PETROGENETIC PROCESSES WITHIN THE TRIASSIC VOLCANIC CONTEXT
Authors: Koutsovitis P. , Kanellopoulos C. , Passa S. , Foni K. , Tsapara E. , Oikonomou G. , Xirokostas N. , Vallianatou Κ. , Mouxiou Ε.
Published: July 2017

The Lapis Lacedaemonius (krokeatis lithos) is a well-known meta-volcanic rock of great historical importance. Petrographic observations, mineral chemistry data, as well as geochemical analysis of selected samples, reveal that these rocks are porphyritic metabasaltic rocks which have been significantly affected by saussuritization and also by restricted silicification processes. They represent subduction related calc-alkaline volcanic rocks which also appear in the adjacent Hellenic Triassic volcanic outcrops, and appear to be associated with the rift/drift phase within the Pindos oceanic realm. The unique features of the Lapis Lacedaemonius, when compared to geochemically similar volcanic rock outcrops, are mainly attributed to their distinct porphyritic textures, predominantly with microlithically textured groundmass along with the coarse grained plagioclase, and to saussuritization processes. The Lapis Lacedaemonius seems to have been formed in a sub-volcanic system closely associated with epidosites, suggesting that metasomatism occurred within hydrothermal upflow zones.
TOURMALINITE VEINS AND BRECCIAS FROM THE SYMVOLON-KAVALA PLUTON, NORTHERN GREECE: PETROGENETIC PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Xydous S. , Magganas A. , Pomonis P. , Kokkinakis A.
Published: July 2017

A previously undescribed tourmalinite rock consisting of tourmaline-rich veins and breccias occurs within the Lower Miocene Symvolon-Kavala granodiorite pluton, which intrudes the Lower Tectonic Unit of the Rhodope Metamorphic Province. Tourmaline, usually with crypto- to micro-crystalline grain size, is abundant within the matrix of breccias, also forming along with quartz and host rock clasts massive veins and injections in the fractures of the pluton. Field relations indicate that the tourmaline veins and breccias most likely formed in a brittle deformation regime, overprinting the previously developed foliation of the pluton. In addition, mineralogical and textural observations indicate that the precipitation of tourmaline was a result of cooling of B-rich hydrothermal fluids, implying for a possible magmatic-hydrothermal origin for the studied tourmalinite.
ASSESSMENT OF SELECTED METALS ENRICHMENT IN SEDIMENTS FROM PALEA KAVALA RIVER, NE MACEDONIA, NORTHERN GREECE
Authors: Giouri K. , Vavelidis M. , Melfos V. , Papadopoulou L.
Published: July 2017

In surface aquatic systems, trace elements and especially heavy metals accumulate in sediments. Thus, the determination of sediment chemical characteristics is critical in the assessment of an aquatic environment’s quality. Thirteen sediment samples from Palea Kavala river (NE Macedonia, Greece) were studied for their content in Al, Fe, Cu, Cd, Mn, Pb, Zn. In order to evaluate the metal enrichment for environmental purposes, two geochemical indices were employed: Enrichment Factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). According to the results, Al was the most abundant major element in sediments with Fe and Mn to follow. Trace element content followed the order Pb>Zn>Cu>Cd. EF values revealed that samples are enriched in Cd and Pb, while Igeo values also suggested that there is considerable contamination concerning Cd and Pb. It is concluded that ore mineralizations which occur in Palea Kavala region contribute to the elevated concentrations of all the studied elements, since they comprise mainly Fe-Mn metal assemblages including minerals such as pyrite, goethite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite and pyrolousite.
ORGANIC POLLUTANTS IN THE GROUNDWATERS USED FOR IRRIGATION PURPOSE WITHIN A COAL-BEARING BASIN OF NORTHERN GREECE
Authors: Iordanidis A. , Schwarzbauer J. , Gudulas K.
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to identify potential toxic or environmentally relevant organic compounds in the aquifers of the Amynteo hydrogeological basin and to investigate a possible link of the identified organic contaminants with the Pliocene Amynteo lignites. For these purposes ten groundwater samples were collected from this area. A sequential liquid-liquid extraction procedure was applied to approximately 1000 mL aliquots of the groundwater samples using dichloromethane as extractant. All extracts were analysed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) by means of a non-target screening approach. The results of the GC-MS analyses of the extracts are presented and discussed in this work. The identified organic compounds with a potential environmental relevance are: 2, 2, 4 trimethyl-1, 3- pentanediol diisobutyrate (TXIB), triacetine, isopropyl palminate, isopropyl myristate, tributyl-, triethyl- and trioctylphosphates, N, N-dibutyl formamide, methyl dihydrojasmonate, nonylphenols and bumetrizole. However, all these organic micropollutants can derive either by anthropogenic emissions (plasticizers, industrial pollutants, pesticides etc.) or by contaminations from the pump and the borehole structure itself. Noteworthy, coal derived organic molecules (such as anthracene, fluorene, pyrene, phenanthrene etc.) have not been detected. Hence, an influence of coal deposits to the groundwater quality is considered negligible.
OCCURENCE OF HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM IN THE OPHIOLITE RELATED AQUIFERS OF LOYTRAKI AND SCHINOS AREAS
Authors: Pyrgaki K. , Argyraki A. , Kelepertzis E. , Paraskevopoulou V. , Botsou F. , Dassenakis E. , Mitsis I. , Skourtsos E.
Published: July 2017

The main objective of the present study is to assess Cr(VI) concentrations in groundwater and surface water of Loutraki and Schinos areas. Totally, 38 samples were collected from both areas from April to May 2015. Both surface water and groundwater are of bicarbonate-magnesium type (Mg-HCO3 -) and present very high concentrations of Mg2+ (up to 266mg/L) whereas the Cr(VI) concentrations vary among the different water groups (<1,6μg/L-120μg/L). Only 2 out of 15 boreholes of Loutraki area have chromium concentrations above the permissible level for drinking water (50μg/L for Cr(tot)) with the maximum Cr(VI) concentration being 74μg/L. In the area of Schinos, three wells have also high concentrations of Cr(VI) ranging from 40μg/L to 120μg/L. The absence of industrial activity in both areas is indicative of the geogenic origin of Cr(VI) in groundwater which is probably related to the dissolution and oxidation of primary Cr bearing minerals derived from ophiolithic rocks of Geraneia Mountains.
A GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF SOILS, APPLES AND LEAVES IN AGIA AREA, CENTRAL GREECE
Authors: Skordas K. , Papastergios G. , Filippidis A. , Kantiranis N.
Published: July 2017

Forty two soil, apple and leaf samples from Agia area, central Greece, were collected and analyzed for their content in 7 major elements (Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, NP and S). The average concentration of the determined elements follows the Norder: concentration in soils > concentration in leaves > concentration in apples. Elements, such as Fe that is found enriched in the soils of the study area, due to local geology, is not correlated with its concentrations in apples and leaves, possibly because of its association with resistant minerals. On the other hand, the relationship of some elements (i.e., K, P, S) that are constituents of the agrochemicals applied in the area, indicate that they are more readily available by the trees, either because they are associated with less resistant (clay) minerals, or because they derive through the application of agrochemical products (i.e., phosphate fertilisers, fungicides etc.).
GEO-ELECTRICAL MAPPING OF BEACHROCK IN VATERA BEACH, LESVOS
Authors: Meligonitis R. , Galanopoulos D. , Hasiotis T. , Velegrakis A.
Published: July 2017

Beachrock (Br) is encountered on the coastal zones, playing an important but also complex role in their morphodynamic evolution. Although Br has been widely studied, two important issues require further investigation. The first concerns the importance of the interaction of the dynamically changing coastal environment with the temporal changing surficial and underground hydrogeological balance. The second has to do with the spatial distribution and the evolution of Br with respect to the specific “host” coastal zone geo environment. This paper designates the electrical resistivity method as a tool that contribute in arguing in the abovementioned issues. The research comprised subsurface measurements with the DC resistivity method along two profiles located on Vatera beach (Lesvos Island), where there is a significant Br outcrops. Twelve geoelectric soundings were carried out using the Axial Pole-Dipole electrode array. The electrical resistively measurements permitted an indirect estimation of TDS, which depicts the coastal interface of fresh water - sea water. The interpreted geoelectric model shows two thin formations attributed to Br. The first is the inland extension of the Br outcrop and the second it is believed to be a primary stage of Br build up.
The Impact of Consumer Search Cost on Assortment Planning and Pricing
Authors: Wang Ruxian , Sahin Ozge
Published: July 2017

Consumers search for product information to resolve valuation uncertainties before purchase. We incorporate search cost into consumer choice models and study the two-stage consider-then-choose policy. In the first stage, a consumer forms her consideration set by balancing utility uncertainty and search cost. In the second stage, she evaluates all products in her consideration set and chooses the one with the highest net utility. We show that the revenue-ordered assortment (i.e., the offer set that includes products in the revenue-decreasing order) fails to be optimal, although it can obtain at least half the optimal revenue. We propose a k-quasi-attractiveness-ordered assortment and show that it can be arbitrarily near optimal for the market share maximization problem. The assortment problems with search cost are generally NP-hard, so we develop efficient approximation or relatively fast exact algorithms for a variety of assortment problems under the consider-then-choose models with search cost. For the joint assortment planning and pricing problem with homogeneous consumers, we show that the intrinsic-utility-ordered assortment and the quasi-same-price policy, which charges the same price for all products except at most one, are optimal.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2790 .

This paper was accepted by Gad Allon, operations management.
Disability Policy Implementation From a Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Verdugo Miguel A. , Jenaro Cristina , Calvo Isabel , Navas Patricia
Published: July 2017

Implementation of disability policy is influenced by social, political, and cultural factors. Based on published work, this article discusses four guidelines considered critical for successful policy implementation from a cross-cultural perspective. These guidelines are to: (a) base policy implementation on a contextual analysis, (b) employ a value-based approach, (c) align the service delivery system both vertically and horizontally, and (d) engage in a partnership in policy implementation. Public policy should be understood from a systems perspective that includes cross-cultural issues, such as how different stakeholders are acting and the way they plan and implement policy.