bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton magnetic spectroscopy agreed better with magnetic resonance image to lateralization of epileptogenic zone than with surface electroencephalography
Authors: Leite Ricardo Andre Amorim , Otaduy Maria Concepcion Garcia , Silva Gilson Edmar Goncalves e , Ferreira Maria Lucia Brito , Aragao Maria de Fatima Vasco
Published: October 2013

Objective To analyze the agreement rate of proton magnetic spectroscopy with magnetic resonance image (MRI) and surface electroence-phalography (EEG) in extratemporal neocortical epilepsies. Methods A cross-sectional study, type series of cases included 33 patients, age range 13–59 years old, of both gender, presenting structural alteration identified by MRI (75.8%) or by neurophysiologic techniques (72.7%). The variables were alterations of N-acetyl-aspartate/choline, N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine, choline/creatine, and N-acetyl-aspartate/cho-line+creatine coefficient of asymmetry. Results Agreement rates of lateralization by coefficient of asymmetry of NAA/Cho, NAA/Cr, Co/Cr, and NAA/Cho+Cr with MRI, independent of alteration of surface EEG, were equal to 93.3, 57.9, 15.4, and 93.3%, respectively, modifying to 100, 33.3, 0, and 100%, in 16 patients, with lateralization agreement of MRI and surface EEG. Conclusion Proton magnetic spectroscopy agreed better with MRI to lateralization of epileptogenic zone than with surface EEG.
Verbal learning on depressive pseudodementia: accentuate impairment of free recall, moderate on learning processes, and spared short-term and recognition memory
Authors: Paula Jonas Jardim de , Miranda Debora Marques , Nicolato Rodrigo , Moraes Edgar Nunes de , Bicalho Maria Aparecida Camargos , Malloy-Diniz Leandro Fernandes
Published: October 2013

Objective Depressive pseudodementia (DPD) is a clinical condition characterized by depressive symptoms followed by cognitive and functional impairment characteristics of dementia. Memory complaints are one of the most related cognitive symptoms in DPD. The present study aims to assess the verbal learning profile of elderly patients with DPD. Methods Ninety-six older adults (34 DPD and 62 controls) were assessed by neuropsychological tests including the Rey auditory-verbal learning test (RAVLT). A multivariate general linear model was used to assess group differences and controlled for demographic factors. Results Moderate or large effects were found on all RAVLT components, except for short-term and recognition memory. Conclusion DPD impairs verbal memory, with large effect size on free recall and moderate effect size on the learning. Short-term storage and recognition memory are useful in clinical contexts when the differential diagnosis is required.
Neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury: report of 213 patients
Authors: Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Paiva Wellingson Silva , Assis Maruska Salles , Fonoff Erich Talamoni , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Cecon Angelo Daros
Published: October 2013

Objective Management of neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a frustrating experience for patients since it poses a therapeutic challenge. In this article the authors describe the clinical characteristics of a group of patients with pain after spinal cord injury. Methods In this retrospective study, 213 patients with SCI and neuropathic pain were assessed. We analyzed clinical characteristics, treatment options, and pain intensity for these patients. Results The main cause of SCI was spine trauma, which occurred in 169 patients, followed by tumors and infection. Complete lesions were verified in 144 patients. In our study, patients with traumatic SCI and partial lesions seem to be presented with more intense pain; however, this was not statistically significant. Conclusions Neuropathic pain is a common complaint in patients with SCI and presents a treatment challenge. Knowledge of the clinical characteristics of this group of patients may help determine the best approach to intervention.
Suboccipital craniectomy with opening of the fourth ventricle and duraplasty: study of 192 cases of craniovertebral malformations
Authors: Silva Jose Alberto Goncalves da , Santos Jr. Adailton Arcanjo dos , Costa Maria do Desterro Leiros da , Almeida Everardo Bandeira de
Published: October 2013

The prime objective in the surgical treatment of basilar impression (BI), Chiari malformation (CM), and/or syringomyelia (SM) is based on restoration of the normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics at the craniovertebral junction and creation of a large artificial cisterna magna, avoiding the caudal migration of the hindbrain. It is observed that a large craniectomy might facilitate an upward migration of the posterior fossa structures. There are many surgical techniques to decompress the posterior fossa; however, a gold standard approach remains unclear. The authors present the results of 192 cases of BI, CM, and SM treated between 1975 and 2008 and whose surgical treatment was characterized by a large craniectomy without tonsillectomy with the patient in the sitting position, large opening of the fourth ventricle, and duraplasty.
Assessment of gait deviation on the Babinski-Weill test in healthy Brazilians
Authors: Miranda Camila Souza , Stefani Camila Piccirilli , Morimoto Marcia Midori , Piemonte Maria Elisa Pimentel , Pereira Cristiana Borges
Published: October 2013

Objective The aim of this study was to validate a simple and reproducible method for assessing gait deviation on the Babinski-Weill test in a representative sample of healthy Brazilians. Methods Gait deviations were measured in 75 individuals (median=30 years, 41 women) for forward, backwards, and Babinski-Weill steps. The test entailed blindfolded individuals walking 10 paces at a frequency of 1 Hz with deviations subsequently measured by a protractor. Results Mean gait deviation forward was 0.53° with standard deviation (SD)=4.22 and backwards was 2.14° with SD=4.29. No significant difference in deviation was detected between genders (t test p=0.40 forward and p=0.77 backwards) or for age (ANOVA, p=0.33 forward and p=0.63 backwards). On the Babinski-Weill test, mean gait deviation was 5.26°; SD=16.32 in women and -3.11°; SD=12.41 in men, with no significant difference between genders (t test, p=0.056). Discussion Defining normative gait patterns helps distinguish pathological states.
A Classificacao Internacional de Doencas, a Familia de Classificacoes Internacionais, a CID-11 e a Sindrome Pos-Poliomielite
Authors: Laurenti Ruy , Nubila Heloisa Brunow Ventura Di , Quadros Abrahao Augusto Joviniano , Conde Monica Tilli Reis Pessoa , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle
Published: October 2013

The first International Classification of Diseases (ICD) was approved in 1893 and since then it has been periodically reviewed. The last, 10th revision (ICD-10), was approved in 1989. Since 1989, it was possible to update from ICD revisions, which did not happen before. The next revision (ICD-11) would probably be published in 2015. In 1989, mechanisms were established to update ICD-10, through the creation of the Morbidity Reference Group (MbRG) in 1997 and the Update and Revision Committee (URC) in 2000. The Morbidity Reference Group (MbRG) was created in 2007 to discuss in more detail the issues to update morbidity. A specific code in ICD was not included in the revision of ICD-10 in 1989 for the post-polio syndrome (PPS). However, the ICD new code G14 for PPS was included in ICD-10 since 2010.
Viral encephalitis
Authors: Silva Marcus Tulius T
Published: October 2013

While systemic viral infections are exceptionally common, symptomatic viral infections of the brain parenchyma itself are very rare, but a serious neurologic condition. It is estimated that viral encephalitis occurs at a rate of 1.4 cases per 100.000 inhabitants. Geography is a major determinant of encephalitis caused by vector-borne pathogens. A diagnosis of viral encephalitis could be a challenge to the clinician, since almost 70% of viral encephalitis cases are left without an etiologic agent identified. In this review, the most common viral encephalitis will be discussed, with focus on ecology, diagnosis, and clinical management.
The effect of water storage on the bending properties of esthetic, fiber-reinforced composite orthodontic archwires
Authors: Chang Ju-Han , Berzins David W. , Pruszynski Jessica E. , Ballard Richard W.
Published: October 2013

Objective:

To study the effect of water storage on the bending properties of fiber-reinforced composite archwires and compare it to nickel-titanium (NiTi), stainless steel (SS), and beta-titanium archwires.

Materials and Methods:

Align A, B, and C and TorQ A and B composite wires from BioMers Products, 0.014-, 0.016, and 0.018-inch, and 0.019 × 0.025-inch NiTi, 0.016-inch SS, and 0.019 × 0.025-inch beta-titanium archwires were tested (n  =  10/type/size/condition). A 20-mm segment was cut from each end of the archwire; one end was then stored in water at 37°C for 30 days, while the other was stored dry. The segments were tested using three-point bending to a maximum deflection of 3.1 mm with force monitored during loading (activation) and unloading (deactivation). Statistical analysis was completed via two-way analysis of variance with wire and condition (dry and water-stored) as factors.

Results:

In terms of stiffness and force delivery during activation, in general: beta-titanium was > TorQ B > TorQ A > 0.019 × 0.025-inch NiTi and 0.016-inch SS > Align C > 0.018-inch NiTi > Align B > 0.016-inch NiTi > Align A > 0.014-inch NiTi. Water exposure was detrimental to the larger translucent wires (Align B and C, TorQ A and B) because they were more likely to craze during bending, resulting in decreased forces applied at a given deflection. Align A and the alloy wires were not significantly (P > .05) affected by water storage. Overall, the alloy wires possessed more consistent force values compared to the composite wires.

Conclusion:

Environmental conditions are more likely to affect fiber-reinforced composite archwires compared to alloy wires.
Genetic variability and in vitro transcriptional permissibility of primary ovine beta-retrovirus promoter isolates
Authors: Eckstrand Christina D. , Castillo Diego , McDonnel Samantha J. , Hillman Chadwick N. , Vapniarsky Natasha , Shanthalingam Sundarvili , de las Heras Marcelo , Murphy Brian G.
Published: October 2013

Objective—To assess genomic sequence conservation and variation in the proviral promoter of enzootic nasal tumor virus (ENTV) and Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) in tissue samples from 3 sheep with nasal adenocarcinoma associated with ENTV and 3 sheep with pulmonary adenocarcinoma associated with JSRV and to identify a cell culture system that supports transcriptional activity of the ENTV and JSRV viral promoters.

Animals—6 adult sheep.

Procedures—Standard PCR procedures for detection of the ENTV and JSRV long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter region were performed on samples from the 3 nasal adenocarcinomas and 3 pulmonary adenocarcinomas, respectively. The LTRs were cloned into shuttle vectors, amplified, sequenced, and analyzed. The cloned LTR regions were transferred into reporter plasmids and multiple human and ruminant cell lines, and primary cells were transfected with the promoter-reporter plasmids. The viral promoter activity was evaluated by use of an in vitro β-galactosidase reporter assay.

Results—Each isolate had a unique nucleotide sequence. Single nucleotide polymorphisms were the most common LTR mutation and rarely occurred at transcription factor binding sites. Relative to ENTV, the JSRV promoter isolates had a conserved 66-bp U3 insertion, including the lung-specific transcription factor HNF-3β binding site. Among the cell lines used, human embryonic kidney (293T) and goat synovial membrane cells supported promoter transcription.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The LTRs of ENTV and JSRV have extensive blocks of sequence conservation. Human 293T and goat synovial membrane cell lines may be suitable in vitro cell culture systems for further research of viral promoter functions.
Generalized n-Laplacian: boundedness of weak solutions to the Dirichlet problem with nonlinearity in the critical growth range
Authors: Černý Robert
Published: October 2013

Let n ≥ 2 and let Ω ⊂ ℝn be an open set. We prove the boundedness of weak solutions to the problem $$u \in W_0^1 L^\Phi \left( \Omega \right) and - div\left( {\Phi '\left( {\left| {\nabla u} \right|} \right)\frac{{\nabla u}} {{\left| {\nabla u} \right|}}} \right) + V\left( x \right)\Phi '\left( {\left| u \right|} \right)\frac{u} {{\left| u \right|}} = f\left( {x,u} \right) + \mu h\left( x \right) in \Omega ,$$ where ϕ is a Young function such that the space W 01 L Φ(Ω) is embedded into an exponential or multiple exponential Orlicz space, the nonlinearity f(x, t) has the corresponding critical growth, V(x) is a continuous potential, h ∈ L Φ(Ω) is a non-trivial continuous function and µ ≥ 0 is a small parameter. We consider two classical cases: the case of Ω being an open bounded set and the case of Ω = ℝn.
(Re) conceptualiser l’enseignement d’une langue seconde à l’aide d’outils d’évaluations:comment les enseignants canadiens perçoivent le CECR
Authors: Piccardo Enrica
Published: October 2013

Abstract:

The growth of interest in the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in Canada has moved from academic discussions and feasibility studies to the publication of institutional documents informing language education policies. Far less attention has been given so far to the need for professional development aimed at helping teachers grasp the conceptual density of the document. Following an exploratory phase aimed at investigating issues and challenges teachers are faced with in the domain of assessment, a qualitative study was conducted in the Canadian context to investigate the impact of targeted professional development on teachers’ perceptions of the potential of the CEFR. The results of the study show how a four-phase guided reflective process can help teachers overcome their perception of the CEFR as a standard setting tool and consider the vision of assessment it proposes as a way for deeply questioning their own teaching practice.
Accessing English and Networks at an English-Medium Multicultural Church in East Canada: An Ethnography
Authors: Han Huamei
Published: October 2013

Abstract:

Drawing from a larger ethnography of skilled Chinese immigrants’ language learning during settlement in Toronto, this article explores the role of informal interactions in facilitating immigrants learning English as a second language and settlement. Examining various activities and networks available at an English-medium multicultural church, this article focuses on one immigrant couple’s access to participation and to various linguistic practices therein. Building on the theory of communities of practice (Lave & Wenger, 1991) and the notion of forms of capital (Bourdieu, 1986, 1997), I illustrate how extensive opportunities to interact informally with three types of members enabled this couple to use and learn English and to construct positive identities and build networks, which were essential for their settlement. Implications for immigrant language training are discussed.
Anti-Tumor Effects of Atractylenolide I Isolated from Atractylodes macrocephala in Human Lung Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Liu Huanyi , Zhu Yajie , Zhang Tao , Zhao Zhenguo , Zhao Yu , Cheng Peng , Li Hua , Gao Hui , Su Xiaomei
Published: October 2013

Atractylenolide I (ATL-1) is the major sesquiterpenoid of Atractylodes macrocephala. This study was designed to investigate whether ATL-1 induced apoptosis in A549 and HCC827 cells in vitro and in vivo. In our results, ATL-1 significantly decreased the percentage of in vitro viability, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, DAPI staining and flow cytometry tests demonstrated the induction of apoptosis by ATL-I. Western blot analysis indicated that the protein levels of caspase-3, caspase-9 and Bax were increased in A549 and HCC827 cells after ATL-I exposure; to the contrary, the expressions of Bcl-2, Bcl-XL were decreased after treatment with ATL-1. In the in vivo study, ATL-I effectively suppressed tumor growth (A549) in transplanted tumor nude mice with up-regulation of caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that ATL-I has significant antitumor activity in lung carcinoma cells, and the possible mechanism of action may be related to apoptosis induced by ATL-I via a mitochondria-mediated apoptosis pathway.
Applying microCT and 3D visualization to Jurassic silicified conifer seed cones: A virtual advantage over thin‐sectioning
Authors: Gee Carole T.
Published: October 2013

• Premise of the study: As an alternative to conventional thin‐sectioning, which destroys fossil material, high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography (also called microtomography or microCT) integrated with scientific visualization, three‐dimensional (3D) image segmentation, size analysis, and computer animation is explored as a nondestructive method of imaging the internal anatomy of 150‐million‐year‐old conifer seed cones from the Late Jurassic Morrison Formation, USA, and of recent and other fossil cones.

• Methods: MicroCT was carried out on cones using a General Electric phoenix v|tome|x s 240D, and resulting projections were processed with visualization software to produce image stacks of serial single sections for two‐dimensional (2D) visualization, 3D segmented reconstructions with targeted structures in color, and computer animations.

• Results: If preserved in differing densities, microCT produced images of internal fossil tissues that showed important characters such as seed phyllotaxy or number of seeds per cone scale. Color segmentation of deeply embedded seeds highlighted the arrangement of seeds in spirals. MicroCT of recent cones was even more effective.

• Conclusions: This is the first paper on microCT integrated with 3D segmentation and computer animation applied to silicified seed cones, which resulted in excellent 2D serial sections and segmented 3D reconstructions, revealing features requisite to cone identification and understanding of strobilus construction.
Gold(I)-catalyzed 6-endo hydroxycyclization of 7-substituted-1,6-enynes
Authors: Sanjuán Ana M , Martínez Alberto , García-García Patricia , Fernández-Rodríguez Manuel A , Sanz Roberto
Published: October 2013

The cyclization of o-(alkynyl)-3-(methylbut-2-enyl)benzenes, 1,6-enynes having a condensed aromatic ring at C3–C4 positions, has been studied under the catalysis of cationic gold(I) complexes. The selective 6-endo-dig mode of cyclization observed for the 7-substituted substrates in the presence of water or methanol giving rise to hydroxy(methoxy)-functionalized dihydronaphthalene derivatives is highly remarkable in the context of the observed reaction pathways for the cycloisomerizations of 1,6-enynes bearing a trisubstituted olefin.
AN INVESTIGATION ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION EXPENDITURE FORECASTING
Authors: Ross Andrew , Dalton Katie , Sertyesilisik Begum
Published: October 2013

This study aims to determine the accuracy of the cash flow models and to investigate if these models could be more accurate if they accounted for the potentially influential variables specific to individual construction projects. An analytical case study research strategy has been implemented in collecting data for the construction projects. The data collected has been tested against recognised models. Statistical analyses have been carried out on the data for the specified variables, culminating in the potential proposal of an improved model with respect to these identified variables. The results revealed that the independent variables (type of construction, procurement route and type of work) affect the cash flow forecast. The findings suggested that a model could be more accurate with the input of more job-specific variables and that Hudson's DHSS model is best suited to a construction project procured traditionally. Adopting the ‘trial and error’ approach, Hudson's DHSS model has been recognised as an accurate model that could be adapted slightly, through changing the parameter values. The clients and the contractors are the main beneficiaries approached for this study.
RESEARCH AND EVALUATION OF RUTS IN THE ASPHALT PAVEMENT ON LITHUANIAN HIGHWAYS
Authors: Sivilevičius Henrikas , Vansauskas Vidmantas
Published: October 2013

When exposed to destructive climate and weather factors and heavy vehicle loads, the pavement wears and deflects. In recent decades, apart from cracks and potholes, the depth of ruts grows and makes an increasing share of the pavement surface. The deeper are the tracks, the poorer are traffic conditions for fast-moving cars: drivers are struggling, speed is decreasing and the number of accidents is increasing. After track depth reaches a critical and permissible limit, the road surface must be repaired or speed limit has to be reduced. The work presents a theoretical analysis of track emergence causes and factors determining their depth. With the help of Mobile Road Research Laboratory RST 28, the track depth of all Lithuanian highways has been measured every 20 metres. The obtained data have been processed using the methods of mathematical statistics. Each road has a sample average of every rut, sample standard deviation and a coefficient of individually measured variation. The paper has drawn histograms, calculated skewness, kurtosis and normal distribution and provided lognormal distribution curves of a probability density function. The visualisation and empirical skewness and kurtosis values have revealed that the depth of the rut distributes according to lognormal rather than normal distribution. The average values of the roads having a dividing strip and standard deviations from the distribution across the road have been received. The given dependence of the rut depth of a standard deviation on the averages of rut depth shows an elastic interface of these parameters (determination coefficient R2= 0.741).
ERRATUM ON THE ARTICLE ‘PLANNING OF TUNNELING PROJECTS USING COMPUTER SIMULATION AND FUZZY DECISION MAKING’ (DOI:10.3846/13923730.2013.793608)
Authors: Abdallah Moatassem , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: October 2013

"Erratum on the article ‘Planning of Tunneling Projects using Computer Simulation and Fuzzy Decision Making’ (doi: 10.3846/13923730.2013.793608)." Journal of Civil Engineering and management, 19(5), p. 773
Application of Computer-Aided Translation Technology in Translation Teaching
Authors: Erwen Zhang , Wenming Zhang
Published: October 2013

this paper aims to advocate the application of CAT technology in the traditional translation teaching class in universities. Based on the introduction of the development of CAT technology and its wide application in modern translation industry, the necessity of applying CAT technology in translation teaching is convincingly proven, which is followed by an elaboration on the design of CAT teaching modules and the construction of CAT teaching system. At the end of this paper, a conclusion is made that only by applying CAT technology in translation teaching in universities, can the education of translation catch up with the development of the translation industry in this information age.
Malware
Authors: Furnell Steven , Ward Jeremy
Published: October 2013

In the two decades since its first significant appearance, malware has become the most prominent and costly threat to modern IT systems. This chapter examines the nature of malware evolution. It highlights that, as well as the more obvious development of propagation techniques, the nature of payload activities (and the related motivations of the malware creators) is also significantly changing, as is the ability of the malware to defeat defences. Having established the various facets of the threat, the discussion proceeds to consider appropriate strategies for malware detection and prevention, considering the role of modern antivirus software, and its use alongside other network security technologies to give more comprehensive protection. It is concluded that although malware is likely to remain a significant and ever-present threat, the risk and resultant impacts can be substantially mitigated by appropriate use of such safeguards.
Management Information Systems in the Public Sector
Authors: Heeks Richard
Published: October 2013

Management information systems (MIS) are fundamental for public sector organizations seeking to support the work of managers. Yet they are often ignored in the rush to focus on ‘sexier’ applications. This chapter aims to redress the balance by providing a detailed analysis of public sector MIS. It first locates MIS within the broader management monitoring and control systems that they support. Understanding the broader systems and the relationship to public sector inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes is essential to understanding MIS. The chapter details the different types of reports that MIS produce, and uses this as the basis for an MIS model and a description of the decision-making benefits that computerized MIS can bring. Finally, the chapter describes generic public sector MIS that address internal government transactions, public administration/ regulation, and public service delivery. Real-world examples of all types are provided from the U.S., England, Africa, and Asia. 
Palynological studies in central Saskatchewan: pollen stratigraphy from lake sediment sequences
Authors: Mott R J
Published: October 2013

Lake sediment sequences from four sites in central Saskatchewan were studied as part of a project to determine the late-glacial and postglacial vegetational and climatic history of the area. Several radiocarbon dates help to outline chronology. Boreal vegetation
dominated by Picea invaded the area as the ice retreated northward. Progressively younger radiocarbon dates on the Picea zones, I 1,560 ± 640 (GSC-648) at Prince Albert, 10,260 ± I 70 (GSC-647-)-within Prince Albert National Park, and 8,520 t 170 (GSC-643) near La Ronge, mark the migration
northward. About 10,000 years B.P. a warmer and less humid climate caused grasslands to replace the boreal vegetation in the south and grasslands prevailed to the present in the Clearwater Lake area on the Missouri Cotteau. Grassland vegetation also invaded the Prince Albert area and, although open
grasslands did not extend as far north as the study site within Prince Albert National Park, a parkland type of environment may have existed for a short tiltIe, The grasslands retreated with the return of a cooler and more humid climate and a mixed wood forest developed in the Prince Albert National
Park areas , In the La Ronge area the Picea-dominated vegetation gave way to a mixed wood forest and then, after-about 6000 ± 170 years B. P. (GSC ·1335), a coniferous forest gradually developed.
Cooperating Mobile GIS and Wireless Sensor Networks for Managing Transportation Infrastructures in Urban areas
Authors: Shad R. , Abazari N. , Alizadeh A. , Choghooni M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Time management is a major subject which, in order to optimize trip conditions, emphasizes on interpreting processes and classifying individual's information. In this paper, with the aim of providing an optimal system for urban commuting in proper time in Mashhad, each user using SMS and introducing some of his/her mental priorities to the system, will be able to select the best option depending on the timing of movement of the available public transport system. The present study adopts a newly developed method of time management which is evaluated for urban transportation considering dynamic conditions of a spatial database. For this purpose, regarding time management, processed data such as bus lines, taxi networks, and the subway system are combined in a spatial framework of a designed Mobile GIS based on a wireless network. So, multiple potential paths which end to a desirable destination.
Key Technology Research on Open Architecture for The Sharing of Heterogeneous Geographic Analysis Models
Authors: Yue S. S. , Wen Y. N. , Lv G. N. , Hu D.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In recent years, the increasing development of cloud computing technologies laid critical foundation for efficiently solving complicated geographic issues. However, it is still difficult to realize the cooperative operation of massive heterogeneous geographical models. Traditional cloud architecture is apt to provide centralized solution to end users, while all the required resources are often offered by large enterprises or special agencies. Thus, it's a closed framework from the perspective of resource utilization. Solving comprehensive geographic issues requires integrating multifarious heterogeneous geographical models and data. In this case, an open computing platform is in need, with which the model owners can package and deploy their models into cloud conveniently, while model users can search, access and utilize those models with cloud facility. Based on this concept, the open cloud service strategies for the sharing of heterogeneous geographic analysis models is studied in this article. The key technology: unified cloud interface strategy, sharing platform based on cloud service, and computing platform based on cloud service are discussed in detail, and related experiments are conducted for further verification.
An Adaptive Integration Model of Vector Polyline to DEM Data Based on Spherical Degeneration Quadtree Grids
Authors: Zhao X. S. , Wang J. J. , Yuan Z. Y. , Gao Y.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Traditional geometry-based approach can maintain the characteristics of vector data. However, complex interpolation calculations limit its applications in high resolution and multi-source spatial data integration at spherical scale in digital earth systems. To overcome this deficiency, an adaptive integration model of vector polyline and spherical DEM is presented. Firstly, Degenerate Quadtree Grid (DQG) which is one of the partition models for global discrete grids, is selected as a basic framework for the adaptive integration model. Secondly, a novel shift algorithm is put forward based on DQG proximity search. The main idea of shift algorithm is that the vector node in a DQG cell moves to the cell corner-point when the displayed area of the cell is smaller or equal to a pixel of screen in order to find a new vector polyline approximate to the original one, which avoids lots of interpolation calculations and achieves seamless integration. Detailed operation steps are elaborated and the complexity of algorithm is analyzed. Thirdly, a prototype system has been developed by using VC++ language and OpenGL 3D API. ASTER GDEM data and DCW roads data sets of Jiangxi province in China are selected to evaluate the performance. The result shows that time consumption of shift algorithm decreased about 76% than that of geometry-based approach. Analysis on the mean shift error from different dimensions has been implemented. In the end, the conclusions and future works in the integration of vector data and DEM based on discrete global grids are also given.
The extended-Octree Spheroid Subdivision and Coding Model
Authors: Cao X. F. , Wan G. , Li F. , Li K.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Discrete Global Grid has been widely used as the basic data model of digital earth. But it is only confined to the earth surface, and it can not reach to the earth inside or outside. The extended-Octree (e-Octree) spheroid subdivision and coding model proposed here provides a new kind of global 3D grid. This e-Octree model is based on the extension of octree structure, and there are three kinds of extended mechanisms including regular octree, degraded octree and adaptive octree. The process of partition and coding is discussed in details. The prototype system of e-Octree model is implemented, in which e-Octree model has been used to visualize global terrain and space object orbits. These typical applications experiments show that the e-Octree model could not only be used in global change research and earth system science, but also be used for dynamic simulation and spatial index.
Assessment of hydrogen fluoride damage to vegetation using optical remote sensing data
Authors: Hyun C. U. , Lee J. S. , Lee I.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This research assesses damage to vegetation from accidental gaseous hydrogen fluoride leakage, through the analysis of spectral features of the damaged plants using digital aerial photographs and airborne hyperspectral imagery. The hyperspectral imagery was obtained 21 days after the leakage within visible and near-infrared wavelength range using CASI-1500 imager, and two aerial photographs composed of blue, green, red and near-infrared bands were also obtained in 2 October 2011 and 15 November 2012, respectively. The injuries on leaves and the outline of the leakage affected area were assessed by investigating vegetation index images calculated from the hyperspectral imagery and the aerial photograph obtained in 15 November 2012, with comparison to the index image calculated from the aerial photograph obtained in 12 October 2011. The affected areas were mainly distributed in the east of the leakage point, and this reflects predominant wind directions toward east during the leakage and within 24 hours after the leakage. In addition, the detailed changes in spectral reflectance curves of damaged vegetation were also investigated using the hyperspectral imagery. Paddy field and forest land were identified by cadastral map, and the reference areas for the comparison of the reflectance curve change were designated to each land cover type, by considering the most and least affected areas from the vegetation indices comparison results.
Ontology Driven Analysis of Spatio-temporal Phenomena, Aimed At Spatial Planning And Environmental Forecasting
Authors: Iwaniak A. , Łukowicz J. , Strzelecki M. , Kaczmarek I.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Spatial planning is a crucial area for balancing civilization development with environmental protection. Spatial planning has a multidisciplinary nature. It must take into account the dynamics of the processes, which could affect the integrity of the environmental system. That is why we need a new approach to modelling phenomena occurring in space. Such approach is offered by ontologies, based on Description Logic (DL) and related to inference systems. Ontology is a system for the knowledge representation, including conceptual scheme and based on this scheme representation of reality. Ontologies can be enriched with additional logical systems. The authors present a way of building domain ontologies for spatial planning, including the representation of spatio-temporal phenomena. Description Logic is supplemented by structures of temporal logic. As a result, the analysis for exploring the topological relations between spatial objects will be extended to include temporal relationships: coincidence, precedence and succession, cause and effect relationship. Spatio-temporal models with temporal logic structures, encoded in ontologies, could be a subject of inference process, performed by semantic reasoners (reasoner engines). Spatio-temporal representations are offered, by so-called upper ontologies, such as GFO, BFO, OCHRE and others. Temporal structures provided in such ontologies, are useful for the analysis of data obtained from environmental and development monitoring systems and for description and representation of historical phenomena. They allow creating the models and scenarios of expected spatial transformation. They will support analysis for spatial development design, decision-making in spatial planning and forecasting of environmental impact.
Cloud based N-dimensional weather forecast visualization tool with image analysis capabilities
Authors: Laka-Iñurrategi M. , Alberdi I. , Alonso K. , Quartulli M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Until recently the majority of data analysis and visualization tools were desktop applications that demanded high requirement hardware to carry out those processes. However, nowadays there is a trend to evolve this kind of applications to service based solutions that can be accessed remotely. Considering the implications that the weather has in the health and the safety of the human beings, authorities require a further knowledge of the weather forecasts and their impacts but they have difficulties to properly understand the raw forecasts since they usually are not experts in the field of meteorology. For this purpose, we have designed and implemented a framework that permits a remote access to weather forecasts. With this tool, the practitioners can access, visualise and interact with the data from a web browser. Furthermore, it contains an image and numeric analysis module that permits the generation of new information what is helpful in decision making processes.
Validation of Vehicle Candidate Areas in Aerial Images Using Color Co-Occurrence Histograms
Authors: Leister W. , Tuermer S. , Reinartz P. , Hoffmann K. H. , Stilla U.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Traffic monitoring plays an important role in transportation management. In addition, airborne acquisition enables a flexible and realtime mapping for special traffic situations e.g. mass events and disasters. Also the automatic extraction of vehicles from aerial imagery is a common application. However, many approaches focus on the target object only. As an extension to previously developed car detection techniques, a validation scheme is presented. The focus is on exploiting the background of the vehicle candidates as well as their color properties in the HSV color space. Therefore, texture of the vehicle background is described by color co-occurrence histograms. From all resulting histograms a likelihood function is calculated giving a quantity value to indicate whether the vehicle candidate is correctly classified. Only a few robust parameters have to be determined. Finally, the strategy is tested with a dataset of dense urban areas from the inner city of Munich, Germany. First results show that certain regions which are often responsible for false positive detections, such as vegetation or road markings, can be excluded successfully.
Quality evaluation of 3D city building Models with automatic error diagnosis
Authors: Michelin J.-C. , Tierny J. , Tupin F. , Mallet C. , Paparoditis N.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Automatic building modelling allows a cost effective access to 3D semantic information of cities. However, even state-of-the-art algorithms have intrinsic limits and many errors exist in 3D reconstructions, requiring expensive manual corrections. A new approach is proposed in this paper for the automatic diagnosis of 3D building databases in urban areas. A novel error taxonomy which allows a subsequent high-level diagnosis is first proposed. Then, relevant raster and vector features are extracted from very high resolution multi-view images and Digital Surface Models so as that to retrieve such errors. In a supervised way, a set of functions is presented in order to take high-level decisions from these low-level features. Experiments on 355 buildings in an European dense city center with 10 cm airborne images demonstrate the high accuracy on error detection and show promising results.
3-D synthetic aperture radar interferometry phase unwrapping using extended Kalman filters
Authors: Osmanoglu B. , Wdowinski S. , Dixon T. H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) observations allow researchers to map elevations, analyze surface deformation, and even detect ground water level changes from satellites orbiting the Earth. The InSAR phase measurements are inherently wrapped between 0 and 2π. For most physical interpretation methods the phase measurements have to be unwrapped to reveal the full scale of the observations. The unwrapping of multi-dimensional phase data is still a field of active research and here we present an algorithm using an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). The current implementation of our EKF algorithm utilizes a piecewise linear approximation in space and a simple model in the third dimension (e.g. time). The algorithm starts from wrapped, unfiltered interferograms and filters and unwraps the results at the same time solving for a common topography or deformation rate, starting from the highest quality point in the coherent area and proceeding to unwrap highest quality neighbors. The highest quality neighbors are determined according to the Fisher's Distance, which is a phase quality measure similar to the more commonly used phase derivative variance, but also includes the interferogram coherence. In this presentation we demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm for the applications of DEM generation and deformation rate analysis using real data.
Comparison Of Semi-Automatic And Automatic Slick Detection Algorithms For Jiyeh Power Station Oil Spill, Lebanon
Authors: Osmanoglu B. , Ozkan C. , Sunar F.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. After air strikes on July 14 and 15, 2006 the Jiyeh Power Station started leaking oil into the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The power station is located about 30 km south of Beirut and the slick covered about 170 km of coastline threatening the neighboring countries Turkey and Cyprus. Due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon, cleaning efforts could not start immediately resulting in 12 000 to 15 000 tons of fuel oil leaking into the sea. In this paper we compare results from automatic and semi-automatic slick detection algorithms. The automatic detection method combines the probabilities calculated for each pixel from each image to obtain a joint probability, minimizing the adverse effects of atmosphere on oil spill detection. The method can readily utilize X-, C- and L-band data where available. Furthermore wind and wave speed observations can be used for a more accurate analysis. For this study, we utilize Envisat ASAR ScanSAR data. A probability map is generated based on the radar backscatter, effect of wind and dampening value. The semi-automatic algorithm is based on supervised classification. As a classifier, Artificial Neural Network Multilayer Perceptron (ANN MLP) classifier is used since it is more flexible and efficient than conventional maximum likelihood classifier for multisource and multi-temporal data. The learning algorithm for ANN MLP is chosen as the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM). Training and test data for supervised classification are composed from the textural information created from SAR images. This approach is semiautomatic because tuning the parameters of classifier and composing training data need a human interaction. We point out the similarities and differences between the two methods and their results as well as underlining their advantages and disadvantages. Due to the lack of ground truth data, we compare obtained results to each other, as well as other published oil slick area assessments.
Rapidmap – rapid mapping and information dissemination for disasters using remote sensing and geoinformation
Authors: Baltsavias E. , Cho K. , Remondino F. , Soergel U. , Wakabayashi H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. FP7 INCO project frame for enhancing research cooperation between European countries and Japan on two topics, one of which is Resilience Against Disasters. The project started in June 2013 and has a duration of 2 years. In the paper, we will outline the aims of the project, methodologies and techniques to be developed and some test data. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are powerful technologies for collecting useful information on the damages of disasters in short time. However, since many different types of RS data are available (satellite, aerial, UAV, terrestrial), data co-registration, information integration and feature extraction need reliable and advanced methodologies. In the RAPIDMAP project, we will develop practical ways to integrate RS data processing tools in near-real-time and allow users to use this data soon after the disasters by means of WebGIS tools. This will help not only decision makers but also end-users in the disaster area. The key components of this project are: (1) Near-real-time monitoring: the procedure of near-real-time monitoring with satellites as well as Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAV) will be set up and demonstrated. (2) Data co-registration: in disasters, various images as well as maps come from different sources. The co-registration of multiple images is a key technology for information integration. In this project, a system to co-register multiple images in near-real-time will be developed. (3) Data fusion and change detection: one of the advantages of RS is to collect information with multiple sensors. Various methods for fusing optical with active microwave (SAR) sensor data for information extraction and change detection will be developed. (4) Decision Support System (DSS) based on WebGIS technologies: the collected and integrated information has to be easily accessible and visible by decision makers and end-users in near-real-time and worldwide. By using WebGIS technologies, wireless networks and portable terminals, a DSS will allow easy access, retrieval and visualization of all information (fused data, images, maps, etc.) in very short time after data collection and processing. The project will be practically tested and demonstrated at the Tohoku area in Japan and another test site, which were recently affected by large disasters.
A Comparitive Study On The Perfermance Of The InSAR Phase Filtering Approches In The Spatial And The Wavelet Domains
Authors: Ben Abdallah W. , Abdelfattah R.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In this paper, we studied and tested different filtering approaches of the SAR interferograms in the spatial and wavelet domains. In the spatial domain, we applied the classic Lee filter and the Weighted Median Filter WMF. In the wavelet domain, we tested a noise reduction algorithm WInP proposed by López and Fàbregàs and its enhanced version FAMM developed by Abdelfattah and Bouzid. Those filters are validated with different SAR interferograms provided by Radarsat-2, Envisat, ERS-2 and COSMO-SkyMed SLC data acquired over regions of Mahdia and Ben Guerden in Tunisia. The aim of this study is to select the optimal filtering approach with respect to the fringe pattern in the interferogram. This selection is based on the Digital Elevation Model error computed between the filtered unwrapping phase image and the Global ASTER DEM of the same regions and verified with simulated interferograms.