bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using globally available soil moisture indicators for flood modelling in Mediterranean catchments
Authors: Massari C. , Brocca L. , Barbetta S. , Papathanasiou C. , Mimikou M. , Moramarco T.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Floods are one of the most dangerous natural hazards in Mediterranean regions. Flood forecasting tools and early warning systems can be very beneficial to reducing flood risk. Event-based rainfall–runoff models are frequently employed for operational flood forecasting purposes because of their simplicity and the reduced number of parameters involved with respect to continuous models. However, the advantages related to the reduced parameterization oppose to the need of a correct initialization of the model, especially in areas characterized by strong climate seasonality. In this case, the use of continuous models could be desirable but it is very problematic in poorly gauged areas where continuous rainfall and temperature data are not available. This paper introduces a Simplified Continuous Rainfall–Runoff model (SCRRM), which uses globally available soil moisture retrievals to identify the initial wetness condition of the catchment, and, only event rainfall data to simulate discharge hydrographs. The model calibration involves only three parameters. For soil moisture, besides in situ data, satellite products from the Advanced SCATterometer (ASCAT) and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth observation (AMSR-E) sensors were employed. Additionally, the ERA-Land reanalysis soil moisture product of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) was used. SCRRM was tested in the small catchment of the Rafina River, 109 km2, located in the eastern Attica region, Greece. Specifically, sixteen recorded rainfall–runoff events were simulated by considering the different indicators for the estimation of the initial soil moisture conditions from in situ, satellite and reanalysis data. By comparing the performance of the different soil moisture products, we conclude that: (i) all global indicators allow for a fairly good reproduction of the selected flood events, providing much better results than those obtained from setting constant initial conditions; (ii) the use of all the indicators yields similar results when compared with a standard continuous simulation approach that, however, is more data demanding; (iii) SCRRM is robust since it shows good performances in validation for a significant flood event that occurred on February 2013 (after calibrating the model for small to medium flood events). Due to the wide diffusion of globally available soil moisture retrievals and the limited number of parameters used, the proposed modelling approach is very suitable for runoff prediction in poorly gauged areas.
PERSiST: a flexible rainfall-runoff modelling toolkit for use with the INCA family of models
Authors: Futter M. N. , Erlandsson M. A. , Butterfield D. , Whitehead P. G. , Oni S. K. , Wade A. J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Runoff generation processes and pathways vary widely between catchments. Credible simulations of solute and pollutant transport in surface waters are dependent on models which facilitate appropriate, catchment-specific representations of perceptual models of the runoff generation process. Here, we present a flexible, semi-distributed landscape-scale rainfall-runoff modelling toolkit suitable for simulating a broad range of user-specified perceptual models of runoff generation and stream flow occurring in different climatic regions and landscape types. PERSiST (the Precipitation, Evapotranspiration and Runoff Simulator for Solute Transport) is designed for simulating present-day hydrology; projecting possible future effects of climate or land use change on runoff and catchment water storage; and generating hydrologic inputs for the Integrated Catchments (INCA) family of models. PERSiST has limited data requirements and is calibrated using observed time series of precipitation, air temperature and runoff at one or more points in a river network. Here, we apply PERSiST to the river Thames in the UK and describe a Monte Carlo tool for model calibration, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.
True colors – experimental identification of hydrological processes at a hillslope prone to slide
Authors: Schneider P. , Pool S. , Strouhal L. , Seibert J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. This study investigated runoff formation processes of a pre-alpine hillslope prone to slide. The experimental pasture plot (40 m × 60 m) is located in the northern front range of the Swiss Alps on a 30° steep hillslope (1180 m a.s.l., 1500 + mm annual precipitation). A gleysol (H-Go-Gr) overlies weathered marlstone and conglomerate of subalpine molasse. We conducted sprinkling experiments on a subplot (10 m × 10 m) with variable rainfall intensities. During both experiments fluorescein line-tracer injections into the topsoil, and sodium chloride (NaCl) injections into the sprinkling water were used to monitor flow velocities in the soil. The observed flow velocities for fluorescein in the soil were 1.2 and 1.4 × 10−3 m s−1. The NaCl breakthrough occurred almost simultaneously in all monitored discharge levels (0.05, 0.25 and 1.0 m depth), indicating a high-infiltration capacity and efficient drainage of the soil. These initial observations suggested "transmissivity feedback", a form of subsurface stormflow, as the dominant runoff process. However, the results of a brilliant blue dye tracer experiment completely changed our perceptions of the hillslope's hydrological processes. Excavation of the dye-stained soils highlighted the dominance of "organic layer interflow", a form of shallow subsurface stormflow. The dye stained the entire H horizon, vertical soil fractures, and macropores (mostly worm burrows) up to 0.5 m depth. Lateral drainage in the subsoil or at the soil–bedrock interface was not observed, and thus was limited to the organic topsoil. In the context of shallow landslides, the subsoil (Go/Gr) acted as an infiltration and exfiltration barrier, which produced significant lateral saturated drainage in the topsoil (H) and possibly a confined aquifer in the bedrock.
Karst show caves – how DTN technology as used in space assists automatic environmental monitoring and tourist protection – experiment in Postojna Cave
Authors: Gabrovšek F. , Grašič B. , Božnar M. Z. , Mlakar P. , Udén M. , Davies E.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The paper presents an experiment demonstrating a novel and successful application of delay- and disruption-tolerant networking (DTN) technology for automatic data transfer in a karst cave early warning and measuring system. The experiment took place inside the Postojna Cave in Slovenia, which is open to tourists. Several automatic meteorological measuring stations are set up inside the cave, as an adjunct to the surveillance infrastructure; the regular data transfer provided by the DTN technology allows the surveillance system to take on the role of an early warning system (EWS). One of the stations is set up alongside the railway tracks, which allows the tourist to travel inside the cave by train. The experiment was carried out by placing a DTN "data mule" (a DTN-enabled computer with WiFi connection) on the train and by upgrading the meteorological station with a DTN-enabled WiFi transmission system. When the data mule is in the wireless drive-by mode, it collects measurement data from the station over a period of several seconds as the train without stopping passes the stationary equipment, and delivers data at the final train station by the cave entrance. This paper describes an overview of the experimental equipment and organization allowing the use of a DTN system for data collection and an EWS inside karst caves where there is regular traffic of tourists and researchers.
Event-adjusted evaluation of weather and climate extremes
Authors: Müller M. , Kaspar M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. After an overview of existing methods, we present a novel method of "event-adjusted" evaluation of extremeness of weather and climate events. It is based on optimization of both the considered area and the time duration for every event. The method consists of three steps: (i) estimation of return periods of a representative variable at individual sites, performed separately for various time windows; (ii) spatial interpolation of the point return period data; and (iii) searching the area and the time window in which the extremeness of the event was maximum. The extremeness is quantified as the common logarithm of the spatial geometric mean of the return periods multiplied by the radius of a circle of the same area as the one over which the geometric mean is taken. The maximum product is referred to as the weather extremity index (WEI). Two precipitation events, which affected the Czech Republic in May and in August 2010, were evaluated by the WEI for illustration. Validation of the method on sufficiently long data series is still needed. Moreover, the WEI is generally applicable regardless of the studied phenomenon (heavy rains, heat waves, windstorms, etc.). This makes it possible to study various weather and climate extremes from the viewpoint of possible recent and future changes in their frequency, seasonal distribution, and circulation conditions accompanying them.
Investigating volcanic hazard in Cape Verde Islands through geophysical monitoring: network description and first results
Authors: Faria B. , Fonseca J. F. B. D.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. We describe a new geophysical network deployed in the Cape Verde Archipelago for the assessment and monitoring of volcanic hazards as well as the first results from the network. Across the archipelago, the ages of volcanic activity range from ca. 20 Ma to present. In general, older islands are in the east and younger ones are in the west, but there is no clear age progression of eruptive activity as widely separated islands have erupted contemporaneously on geological timescales. The overall magmatic rate is low, and there are indications that eruptive activity is episodic, with intervals between episodes of intense activity ranging from 1 to 4 Ma. Although only Fogo Island has experienced eruptions (mainly effusive) in the historic period (last 550 yr), Brava and Santo Antão have experienced numerous geologically recent eruptions, including violent explosive eruptions, and show felt seismic activity and geothermal activity. Evidence for recent volcanism in the other islands is more limited and the emphasis has therefore been on monitoring of the three critical islands of Fogo, Brava and Santo Antão, where volcanic hazard levels are highest. Geophysical monitoring of all three islands is now in operation. The first results show that on Fogo, the seismic activity is dominated by hydrothermal events and volcano-tectonic events that may be related to settling of the edifice after the 1995 eruption; in Brava by volcano-tectonic events (mostly offshore), and in Santo Antão by volcano-tectonic events, medium-frequency events and harmonic tremor. Both in Brava and in Santo Antão, the recorded seismicity indicates that relatively shallow magmatic systems are present and causing deformation of the edifices that may include episodes of dike intrusion.
Study of a temperature gradient metamorphism of snow from 3-D images: time evolution of microstructures, physical properties and their associated anisotropy
Authors: Calonne N. , Flin F. , Geindreau C. , Lesaffre B. , Rolland du Roscoat S.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. We carried out a study to monitor the time evolution of microstructural and physical properties of snow during a temperature gradient metamorphism: a snow slab was subjected to a constant temperature gradient along the vertical during three weeks in a cold-room, and regularly sampled in order to obtain a set of 3-D images using X-ray microtomography. A large panel of properties was then computed from this series of 3-D images: density, specific surface area, correlation length, mean and Gaussian curvature distributions, air and ice tortuosities, effective thermal conductivity, and intrinsic permeability. Whenever possible, a specific attention was paid to assess these properties along the vertical and horizontal directions, and an anisotropy coefficient defined as the ratio of the vertical over the horizontal values was deduced. The time evolution of these properties, as well as their anisotropy coefficients, was investigated, showing the development of a strong anisotropic behavior during the experiment. Most of the computed physical properties of snow were then compared with two analytical models (Self consistent estimates and Dilutes bed of spheroids) based on the snow density, and the size and anisotropy of the grains through the correlation lengths. These models, which require only basic microstructural information, offer rather good estimates of the properties and anisotropy coefficients for our experiment without any fitting parameters. Our results highlight the interplay between the microstructure and physical properties, showing that the physical properties of snow subjected to a temperature gradient cannot be described accurately using only isotropic parameters such as the density and require more refined information. Furthermore, this study constitutes a detailed database on the evolution of snow properties under a temperature gradient, which can be used as a guideline and a validation tool for snow metamorphism models at the micro or macro scale.
The Politics of Silence: Music, Violence and Protest in Guinea
Authors: Dave Nomi
Published: February 2014

In this article, I consider the factors that lead musicians in Guinea to largely refrain from political critique and rarely express dissent. Representations in the popular and academic literature often emphasize music as a site for resistance, while young Guinean musicians speak of themselves as "warriors for peace." Their reactions to political violence in 2009, however, were muted and cautious. I argue that this stance stems from long-standing norms of silence and guardedness in Guinea, while musicians in the Guinean diaspora protest from a physical and cultural distance.
Who Owns an Interpretation? Legal and Symbolic Ownership of Norwegian Folk Music
Authors: Johansson Mats , Berge Ola K.
Published: February 2014

This article examines discourses of legal and symbolic ownership in Norwegian folk music. The point of departure is a growing tension between different conceptions of musical property rights: one centered on cultivating a shared heritage of musical style (the tradition); the other based on notions of artistic autonomy, individual rights, and legal ownership (copyright). By means of a case study documenting the use of a traditional song in popular music production, the analysis highlights the incompatibility between market and symbolic economies and explores questions of agency and authorship that pertain to the ongoing debate over "unauthorized" usage of traditional materials.
Musical Boundary-Work: Ethnomusicology, Symbolic Boundary Studies, and Music in the Afro-Gaucho Religious Community of Southern Brazil
Authors: Gidal Marc Meistrich
Published: February 2014

This article combines ethnomusicology and symbolic boundary theory to explain musical boundary-work: the creation, interpretation, and use of music to reinforce, bridge, or reshape symbolic boundaries for social, political, spiritual, or other purposes. The multi-faith and multi-ethnic Afrogaucho religious community of metropolitan Porto Alegre, in southern Brazil, serves as the case study, because practitioners use musical liturgy to combine and segregate the Batuque, Umbanda, and Quimbanda religions and their denominations. This essay introduces the community, highlighting ethnoracial identity politics, and describes processes of musical boundary-work within the community, focusing on local concepts of crossing and purity.
Near-infrared fundus autofluorescence imaging in a case of photic maculopathy
Authors: Neri Alberto , Protti Alessandra , Camparini Monica , Macaluso Claudio
Published: February 2014

Herein we describe the characteristics of scanning laser ophthalmoscope imaging (SLO), and particularly of near-infrared fundus autofluorescence modality (IRAF), in photic maculopathy. IRAF visualizes selectively the melanin granules contained in the cells of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), which are normally localized in the apical portion of RPE cells, a favorite target of the photic damage to the retina. In the present work we report a three-month follow-up of a case of photic maculopathy, showing that the retinal alterations found by IRAF precisely matched the retinal anomalies found by macular optical coherence tomography, and had a parallel evolution. We think that IRAF could represent a useful imaging modality, together with more conventional imaging, in the management of photic maculopathy.
Lung ultrasound artifacts in a case of P. Jirovecii pneumonia : Coexistence of A and B lines
Authors: Valois Maxime , Gruber David , Lanctot Jean-Francois
Published: February 2014

This article presents lung ultrasound findings in a proven case of P. Jirovecii pneumonia. Ultrasound-based diagnoses of lung pathology are largely based on the patterns of artifacts encountered. The expected finding in an interstitial pneumonia is a B profile (multiple B lines). The original description of B lines stated that they should erase A lines, thus A and B lines where tought as being mutually exclusive. This case is a clear example of interstitial syndrome presenting with both A and B lines on lung ultrasound. It suggests that the absence of A lines should not be a formal criterion for the identification of B-lines.
A Generalized Visual Aid System for Teleoperation Applied to Satellite Servicing
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Wang Zhanni , Du Jixiang , Wang Tian , Jiang Zainan
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the latest results of a newly developed visual aid system for direct teleoperation. This method is extended to visual control to make an efficient teleoperation system by combining direct teleoperation and automatic control. On the one hand, an operator can conduct direct teleoperation with 3D graphic prediction simulation established by the VR technique. In order to remove inconsistencies between the virtual and real environments, a practical model-matching method is investigated. On the other hand, to realize real-time visual servoing control, a particular object recognition and pose estimation algorithm based on polygonal approximation is investigated to ensure a low computational cost for image processing. To avoid undesired forces involved in contact operation, 3D visual servoing incorporating a compliant control based on impedance control is developed. Finally, in a representative laboratory environment, a typical satellite servicing experiment is carried out based on this combined system. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and the effectiveness of the proposed method.
On the Design of a Wearable Multi-sensor System for Recognizing Motion Modes and Sit-to-stand Transition
Authors: Zheng Enhao , Chen Baojun , Wang Xuegang , Huang Yan , Wang Qining
Published: February 2014

Locomotion mode recognition is one of the key aspects of control of intelligent prostheses. This paper presents a wireless wearable multi-sensor system for locomotion mode recognition. The sensor suit of the system includes three inertial measurement units (IMUs) and eight force sensors. The system was built to measure both kinematic (tilt angles) and dynamic (ground contact forces) signals of human gaits. To evaluate the recognition performance of the system, seven motion modes and sit-to-stand transition were monitored. With a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier, the proposed system can accurately classify the current states. The overall motion mode recognition accuracy was 99.9% during the stance phase and 98.5% during the swing phase. For sit-to-stand transition recognition, the average accuracy was 99.9%. These promising results show the potential of the designed system for the control of intelligent prostheses.
TiInZnO/Ag/TiInZnO multilayer films for transparent conducting electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Kim Ho-Hyeong , Kim Eun-Mi , Lee Kyung-Ju , Park Jae-Young , Lee Yu-Ri , Shin Dong-Chan , Hwang Tae-Jin , Heo Gi-Seok
Published: February 2014

Ti–In–Zn–O (TIZO) and TIZO/Ag/TIZO multilayer transparent films were prepared at room temperature on glass substrates using an RF/DC magnetron sputtering system. The optical and electrical properties of the multilayer structures were examined according to the thickness of each TIZO/Ag/TIZO layer. A transparent and conductive film with a sheet resistance of 11.1 Ω/□ and a transmittance of 86.9% at 550 nm (94.2%, normalized to the glass substrate) was obtained at a TIZO/Ag/TIZO thickness of 100/8/42 nm. The TIZO and TIZO/Ag/TIZO multilayer films exhibited higher mechanical resistances against an increasing load of external scratches than the indium tin oxide (ITO) film. Overall, the properties of the TIZO/Ag/TIZO multilayer films were comparable or superior to those of the ITO/Ag/ITO multilayer. The deposited TIZO/Ag/TIZO multilayer films were used in the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as the transparent electrode. The TIZO/Ag/TIZO multilayer-based DSSCs exhibited a short circuit photocurrent density of 9.4 mA/cm2, a photocurrent of 613 mV, and an overall cell efficiency of 3.1% at a light intensity of one sun.
First-principles study of Schottky barrier behavior at Fe3Si/Ge(111) interfaces
Authors: Kobinata Kyosuke , Nakayama Takashi
Published: February 2014

The Schottky barrier behavior and stability of Fe3Si/Ge(111) interfaces were studied for various types of interface structures using the first-principles calculations. By analyzing the electron density profiles and formation energies, it was shown that an atomically flat interface grown on a Ge–α surface and with only a Ge–Si bond is quasi-stable and has a large Schottky barrier height of around 0.1 eV for hole carriers, while most flat interfaces grown on Ge–β surfaces and with Ge–Fe bonds are stable and have nearly zero Schottky barrier heights. Moreover, we found that interfaces with Ge vacancies also have nearly zero Schottky barrier heights. These results can explain the Schottky-barrier variation observed in recent experiments.
Effects of energetic substrate-incident ions on the growth of crystalline vanadium dioxide films in inductively coupled plasma-assisted sputtering
Authors: Mian Md. Suruz , Okimura Kunio
Published: February 2014

We report on the effects of energetic ions incident to a substrate on the growth of vanadium dioxide (VO2) films on conductive layers by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-assisted sputtering (ICPS). Ion energy distributions (IEDs) of Ar+ were measured using an electrostatic energy analyzer consisting of three meshed plates. Ions with kinetic energies up to 150 eV with peak positions corresponding to the plasma space potential were observed in ICP-assisted sputtering, in contrast with lower energies in conventional sputtering. Crystalline VO2 films with an insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) exhibiting resistance change over 2 orders of magnitudes at around 70 °C were successfully grown on conductive layers of titanium (Ti) and indium tin oxide (ITO) even at a low substrate temperature of 250 °C. Characteristic IMTs with multistep abrupt changes and hysteresis width of around 30 °C were first realized for polycrystalline VO2 film with the M2 phase grown on ITO layers on glass substrates. Through the analyses of surface morphology and stress states, we elucidated that high-energy ion irradiation strongly assists the low-temperature (<250 °C) crystalline growth of VO2, while it is, at the same time, accompanied by high growth stress.
A normally-off microcontroller unit with an 85% power overhead reduction based on crystalline indium gallium zinc oxide field effect transistors
Authors: Ohshima Kazuaki , Kobayashi Hidetomo , Nishijima Tatsuji , Yoneda Seiichi , Tomatsu Hiroyuki , Maeda Shuhei , Tsukida Kazuki , Takahashi Kei , Sato Takehisa , Watanabe Kazunori , Yamamoto Ro , Kozuma Munehiro , Aoki Takeshi , Yamade Naoto , Ieda Yoshinori , Miyairi Hidekazu , Atsumi Tomoaki , Shionoiri Yutaka , Kato Kiyoshi , Maehashi Yukio , Koyama Jun , Yamazaki Shunpei
Published: February 2014

A low-power normally-off microcontroller unit (NMCU) having state-retention flip-flops (SRFFs) using a c-axis aligned crystalline oxide semiconductor (CAAC-OS) such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) transistors and employing a distributed backup and recovery method (distributed method) is fabricated. Compared to an NMCU employing a centralized backup and recovery method (centralized method), the NMCU employing the distributed method can be powered off approximately 75 µs earlier after main processing and can start the main processing approximately 75 µs earlier after power-on. The NMCU employing the distributed method can reduce power overhead by approximately 85% and power consumption by approximately 18% compared to the NMCU employing the centralized method. The NMCU employing the distributed method can retain data even when it is powered off, can back up data at high speed, and can start effective processing immediately after power-on. The NMCU could be applied to a low-power MCU.
An analog VLSI implementation of one-class support vector machine for multiclass classification of highly dimensional vectors
Authors: Zhang Renyuan , Kaneko Mineo , Shibata Tadashi
Published: February 2014

A one-class support vector machine (OC-SVM) is implemented using an on-chip-trainable analog VLSI processor. The one-class classification of highly dimensional sample vectors can be solved with this analog processor. Since the OC-SVM learning mechanism is complicated, a special solution scheme for the learning operation is proposed on the basis of analog computational circuitries and a fully parallel architecture. In this manner, the built VLSI processor achieves a high learning speed and a compact chip area at the same time. By combining multiple OC-SVM processors, multiclass recognition can be implemented with an arbitrary number of classes. The proof-of-concept chip is fabricated for the recognition of 64-dimensional vectors representing real image patterns. Three OC-SVM processors are combined for three classes of samples, where all the on-chip learning operations are accomplished within 0.6 µs. From the measurement results, all the test patterns are correctly recognized or rejected by the recognition system built.
Hybrid triple-level-cell/multi-level-cell NAND flash storage array with chip exchangeable method
Authors: Hachiya Shogo , Johguchi Koh , Miyaji Kousuke , Takeuchi Ken
Published: February 2014

This paper proposes a mix-and-match design method for triple level cell (TLC)/multi level cell (MLC) NAND flash hybrid and exchangeable storage arrays. A TLC-NAND flash provides an low cost and high capacity memory solution. However the reliability and access latency of TLC NAND flash are degraded from MLC NAND flash. Additionally, the block unit write is preferable for TLC NAND flash since the write order is complicated due to narrow data margin and write disturbance. The proposed solution combines TLC and MLC NAND flash memories for a storage array. To reduce access to TLC NAND flash, the stored data is screened and only the static frozen data are stored into TLC NAND flash with a Round-Robin frozen data collection algorithm (RR-FDCA). Furthermore, the proposed chip exchanging method extends the solid-state drive (SSD) lifetime without system suspending. As a result, in spite of moderate characteristics of TLC NAND flash, the proposed storage array can achieve 29% write energy saving and 56% write performance enhancement with 17% cost reduction, compared with the conventional MLC-only SSD.
Fabrication and characteristics of high-performance and high-stability aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin-film transistors
Authors: Shan Dongfang , Han Dedong , Huang Fuqing , Tian Yu , Zhang Suoming , Qi Lin , Cong Yingying , Zhang Shengdong , Zhang Xing , Wang Yi
Published: February 2014

Fully transparent aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) were successfully fabricated on glass substrates at room temperature. Superior properties, such as a high saturation mobility of 59.3 cm2 V−1 s−1, a positive threshold voltage of 1.3 V, a steep subthreshold swing of 122.9 mV/dec, an off-state current on the order of 10−12 A, and an on/off ratio of 2.7 × 108, were obtained. The electrical properties of the AZO TFTs were successively studied within a period of six months. Small property degenerations could be observed from the test results obtained within the study period, which proved the high-performance and high-stability characteristics of AZO TFTs. Furthermore, hysteresis loop scanning of AZO TFTs was performed, and a small hysteresis could be detected in the scanning curves, which suggested the superior properties of a dielectric and a channel-insulator interface. Lastly, we succeeded in manufacturing an organic LED (OLED) flat panel display panel driven by AZO TFTs and obtained an excellent display effect from it. We believe that AZO TFTs are a promising candidate successor to Si-based TFTs in next-generation flat panel displays.
Detection of pre-electrical breakdown of IZO/α-NPD/Alq3/Al light-emitting diodes by electric-field-induced optical second-harmonic generation measurement
Authors: Taguchi Dai , Nakamoto Ryo , Manaka Takaaki , Iwamoto Mitsumasa
Published: February 2014

By using the electric-field-induced optical second-harmonic generation (EFISHG), we measured the EFISHG–time (EFISHG–t) characteristics to study pre-electrical breakdown of indium–zinc-oxide (IZO)/N,N′-di[(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl]-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD)/tris(8-hydroxy-quinolinato)aluminum(III) (Alq3)/Al organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). A series of EFISHG pulses were identified as a pre-electrical breakdown phenomenon, before OLEDs were electrically broken. Analyzing the results revealed the additional negative charge accumulation at the α-NPD/Alq3 interface which caused by the generation of EFISHG pulses. We concluded that the EFISHG–t measurement is available as a method for detecting pre-electrical breakdown phenomena of OLEDs.
Education in IT Security: A Case Study in Banking Industry
Authors: TSE W.K. DANIEL , HUI M.H. , LAM S.T. , MOK Y.C. , OEI W.C. , TANG K.L. , YAU X.L.
Published: February 2014

The banking industry has been changing incessantly and facing new combination of risks. Data protection and corporate security is now one of the major issues in banking industry. As the rapid changing on technologies from time to time, the industry should be aware on new technologies in order to protect information assets and prevent fraud activities. This paper begins with literature study of information security issues and followed by focused-group interviews with five participants within the industry and survey analysis of “The global state of Information Security survey 2013” which published by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC). Trends and questions were discussed as well as possible solution. The study suggests that IT security education should be made to different level of staffs such as executives, professional and general staffs. Besides, the banking industry should increase company-wide security awareness and the importance of corporate security which keep the information and physical assets secure and in a proper way.
Médicalisation et médication de la souffrance: le rôle des approches médicales et de la médication dans les réponses apportées aux besoins des jeunes hébergés dans des Auberges du coeur de Québec et de Chaudière-Appalaches
Authors: Dallaire Bernadette , Gromaire Pierre , McCubbin Michael
Published: February 2014

Cette étude s'intéresse à la place des approches médicales et de la médication psychotrope dans les services et interventions offerts aux jeunes en difficulté hébergés dans des ressources communautaires autonomes (Auberges du coeur) de Québec et de Chaudière-Appalaches (Québec). Notre devis s'appuyait sur des méthodes qualitatives: 33 entrevues individuelles et 4 groupes de discussion; analyse thématique des contenus. Nos résultats font ressortir que: (a) l'implication médicale se produit sur les plans interactionnel, conceptuel et institutionnel; (b) comme les processus de médicalisation, les médicaments eux-mêmes doivent être considérés dans leurs dimensions extra-thérapeutiques. En ce sens, les médications psychotropes prescrites aux jeunes fréquentant des Auberges du coeur sont plus que des molécules dont l'usage répond à une rationalité strictement médicale: il s'agit de « phénomènes sociaux » impliquant divers acteurs (individus, groupes et organisations) ainsi que des institutions. Dans ce contexte, devrait-on parler de la « socialisation du médical » autant que de la « médicalisation du social »?
Wearable, Human‐Interactive, Health‐Monitoring, Wireless Devices Fabricated by Macroscale Printing Techniques
Authors: Honda Wataru , Harada Shingo , Arie Takayuki , Akita Seiji , Takei Kuniharu
Published: February 2014

Wearable human‐interactive devices are advanced technologies that will improve the comfort, convenience, and security of humans, and have a wide range of applications from robotics to clinical health monitoring. In this study, a fully printed wearable human‐interactive device called a “smart bandage” is proposed as the first proof of concept. The device incorporates touch and temperature sensors to monitor health, a drug‐delivery system to improve health, and a wireless coil to detect touch. The sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structure, and wireless coil are monolithically integrated onto flexible substrates. A smart bandage is demonstrated on a human arm. These types of wearable human‐interactive devices represent a promising platform not only for interactive devices, but also for flexible MEMS technology.
Effects of foaming and antifoaming agents on the performance of a wet flue gas desulfurization pilot plant
Authors: Qin Siqiang , Hansen Brian B. , Kiil Søren
Published: February 2014

Foaming is a common phenomenon in industrial processes, including wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) plants. A systemic investigation of the influence of two foaming agents, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and egg white albumin (protein), and two commercial antifoams on a wet FGD pilot plant operation has been carried out. Foaming caused by 0.03 g SDS/(L slurry) reduced the desulfurization degree from 84 to 74% and the solids and limestone concentrations of the slurry from 58 to 48 g/(L slurry) and from 1.4 to 1.0 g/(L slurry), respectively. These effects were attributed to the foaming transferring small particles to the foam layer present on top of the slurry in the holding tank. The addition of 0.03 g antifoams/(L slurry) to SDS foam eliminated the foam, but the desulfurization degree remained low. Potential mechanisms for the observed behavior are analyzed. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2382–2388, 2014
Protecting the Commons: the use of Subtidal Ecosystem Engineers in Marine Management
Authors: Braeckman Ulrike , Rabaut Marijn , Vanaverbeke Jan , Degraer Steven , Vincx Magda
Published: February 2014

Biodiversity conservation often focuses on threatened or rare species. While this structural asset of biodiversity is indeed important, the functional diversity aspect has to be considered as an even more important criterion for marine management and conservation. This paper explores the use of functionally important ecosystem engineers in North Sea management approaches.

An overview of several North Sea ecosystem engineering species shows that ecosystem engineers such as bulldozing echinoderms and burrowing shrimps as well as bio‐irrigating polychaetes are bound to receive more attention in the management of marine areas than they do now, given their important structuring aspect in associated fauna and implications for seafloor ecosystem functioning.

The use of ecosystem engineers could contribute considerably to the concept of Ecosystem‐Based Management in the marine realm. This is clearly illustrated in the present case study of the bio‐irrigating polychaete Lanice conchilega. Since this species manifests both autogenic and allogenic ecosystem engineering properties, the management of human activities that affect common species such as L. conchilega reefs can enhance protection of the entire local ecosystem. In the North Sea, some commonly occurring ecosystem engineers and their engineered habitat can be protected under the European Habitats Directive and the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ASIS&T annual meeting pre‐conference activities: Full room for the third SIG/MET workshop
Authors: Larivière Vincent
Published: February 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

SIG/MET presented its third Workshop on Informetric and Scientometric Research at the ASIS&T November 2013 Annual Meeting. Established in 2010, the group brings together those interested in all aspects of informetrics, including bibliometrics, scientometrics and webometrics, as well as metrics related to citation network analysis, visualization and scholarly communication. The meeting featured posters on measuring research in the context of academic monitoring and on the transition of meeting abstracts to peer‐reviewed journal articles. Thirteen papers were presented in sessions addressing the application of metrics and new indicators. A session on topics beyond the journal article included discussions on Twitter hashtag use, motivations for blog posts and advisees' career success relative to advisers' scholarly activity. SIG/MET recognized students for outstanding contributions on statistical analysis of citation rates, cognitive aspects of peer review and indicators for research evaluation. The symposium concluded with discussion of the availability of a Scopus dataset for arts and humanities journals for research use.
ASIS&T annual meeting plenary speaker: Jorge Garcìa highlights 2013 ASIS&T annual meeting
Authors: Hardin Steve , Garcìa Jorge
Published: February 2014

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

At the 2013 ASIS&T Annual Meeting, Jorge Garcìa discussed the transformation of new information technologies from imagined abstractions to reality. Through old and current advertisements and interviews with futurist Arthur C. Clarke and communication theorist Marshall McLuhan, Garcìa illustrated the progressive revolutions embodied by the telephone, a shift from commuting to communicating, early visions of the Internet, new media and big data. Handling the change requires a continuous process of abstracting reality, augmenting, assimilating and creating models to represent its key features. Garcìa recognized data as an asset to be distilled and classified, stored in expanding volumes and transmitted at astounding speeds. Layered with contextual information and supportive technology, data can be used to enhance human intelligence and capability. Garcìa closed with an admonition to limit potential negative effects of technology by implementing clear and ethical practices in data and information use.
Analysis of proteins showing differential changes during ATP oscillations in chondrogenesis
Authors: Kwon Hyuck Joon , Kurono Sadamu , Kaneko Yuka , Ohmiya Yoshihiro , Yasuda Kazunori
Published: February 2014

Prechondrogenic condensation is a critical step for skeletal pattern formation. Our previous study showed that ATP oscillations play an essential role in prechondrogenic condensation because they induce oscillatory secretion. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie ATP oscillations remain poorly understood. We examined how differential changes in proteins are implicated in ATP oscillations during chondrogenesis by using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Our analysis showed that a number of proteins involved in ATP synthesis/consumption, catabolic/anabolic processes, actin dynamics, cell migration and adhesion were detected at either the peak or the trough of ATP oscillations, which implies that these proteins have oscillatory expression patterns that are coupled to ATP oscillations. On the basis of the results, we suggest that (1) the oscillatory expression of proteins involved in ATP synthesis/consumption and catabolic/anabolic processes can contribute to the generation or maintenance of ATP oscillations and that (2) the oscillatory expression of proteins involved in actin dynamics, cell migration and adhesion plays key roles in prechondrogenic condensation by inducing collective adhesion and migration in cooperation with ATP oscillations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous mechanical assist for severe cardiogenic shock due to acute right ventricular failure
Authors: Kipp Ryan , Raval Amish N.
Published: February 2014

Acute right ventricular failure can lead to severe cardiogenic shock and death. Recovery may be achieved with early supportive measures. In many patients, intravenous fluid and inotropic resuscitation is inadequate to improve cardiac output. In these cases, percutaneous mechanical assist may provide a non‐surgical bridge to recovery. Herein, we describe a case series of patients with severe, refractory cardiogenic shock due to acute right ventricular failure who received a continuous flow percutaneous ventricular device primarily utilizing the right internal jugular vein for out flow cannula placement. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GATA3 expression in metastatic urothelial carcinoma in fine needle aspiration cell blocks: A review of 25 cases
Authors: Siddiqui Momin T. , Seydafkan Shabnam , Cohen Cynthia
Published: February 2014

GATA binding protein 3 is a zinc finger transcription factor with high affinity for urothelial tissue and is a promising immunohistochemical marker in detection of urothelial carcinomas (UC). We studied its usefulness in metastatic high‐grade UC. This study was performed on cell blocks (CB) of fine needle aspirates from 25 cases of metastatic high‐grade UC in patients with previously resected high‐grade UC. Immunohistochemical staining for GATA3, thrombomodulin, uroplakin, cytokeratin 7, and cytokeratin 20 was performed. Twenty‐three of 25 cases of metastatic UC expressed GATA3 (92%); positive staining for cytokeratin 7 was present in 23 of 25 cases (92%), 20 of 25 (80%) stained for thrombomodulin, and 13 of 25 (52%) stained for cytokeratin 20. No case expressed uroplakin. Five hundred forty‐seven non‐urothelial carcinomas, including breast ductal carcinoma (77), hepatocellular carcinoma (100), colonic adenocarcinoma (81), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (28), gastric adenocarcinoma (31), endometrial carcinoma (27), ovarian serous carcinoma (27), lung adenocarcinoma (27), lung squamous cell carcinoma (26), malignant melanoma (27), renal cell carcinoma (48), and prostatic adenocarcinoma (48) in tissue microarrays were also analyzed and were GATA3 negative except for 35 of 77 (45.5%) of GATA3 positive breast ductal carcinoma. GATA3 has high sensitivity and specificity for detection of metastatic UC and thus may play an important role in diagnosing metastatic UC in CB samples. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:809–815. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pilomyxoid astrocytoma of the pineal region: Cytopathological features and differential diagnostic considerations by intraoperative smear preparation
Authors: Hayashi Toshitetsu , Haba Reiji , Kushida Yoshio , Katsuki Naomi , Shibuya Shinsuke , Kadota Kyuichi , Matsunaga Toru , Miyake Keisuke , Tamiya Takashi
Published: February 2014

Pilomyxoid astrocytoma (PMA) is a recently identified type of pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) with shorter progression‐free and overall survival, higher rate of recurrence, and higher risk of leptomeningeal spread compared to pilocytic tumors (WHO grade 2 designation). A case is presented here in which intraoperative imprint smears of a pineal region tumor in a 14‐year‐old girl revealed cytologic monomorphism, elongated cells with bland nuclei embedded in a myxoid background. The tumor cells possessed uniformly round nuclei with a smooth nuclear outline, fine granular chromatin, and small nucleoli. Slender cytoplasmic fibrillary processes and angiocentric arrangement were observed but Rosenthal fibers or eosinophilic granular bodies were absent. A cytologic diagnosis of PMA of the pineal region was suggested by intraoperative smear preparation. Histology and immunohistochemical results confirmed the final diagnosis. This report shows that smear preparation can be trustworthy for the intraoperative diagnosis of PMA, helping to determine the appropriate neurosurgical procedure and therapeutic implications. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:121–124. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A fibre beam‐based approach for the evaluation of the seismic capacity of masonry arches
Authors: De Santis Stefano , de Felice Gianmarco
Published: February 2014

The paper proposes the use of a fibre beam‐based methodology to study the dynamic behaviour of masonry arches and arch bridges. The approach, previously used for load‐carrying capacity assessment, allows for a detailed description of both the nonlinear material properties and the seismic action, with reasonable computational effort. As a first step, in order to validate the proposed method, the failure condition under acceleration pulse is analysed, and the results are compared with the solution provided by the mechanism method for different geometric configurations. The influence of material behaviour is also investigated. The seismic capacity of masonry arches is then assessed through pushover analyses under different load distributions and IDAs under natural accelerograms to identify a suitable representation of inertial forces arising under earthquake ground motion. Finally, the in‐plane seismic capacity of an existing seven‐span masonry arch bridge is evaluated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimates of surface normal and curvature, reconstruction of continuum surface force model, and elimination of spurious currents
Authors: Wang Chunbai , Mitra Ambar K.
Published: February 2014

A reconstructed continuum surface force (CSF) model is presented for the volume‐of‐fluid (VOF) method in numerical simulations of surface tension‐driven flow. The gradient of VOF function yielded by the one‐direction difference (ODD) algorithm has second‐order accuracy in one direction and exhibits unit pulse function in the other direction. Use of our ODD algorithm for surface normal and curvature improves the accuracy of surface tension force estimate and meets the necessary condition of a circular droplet free of spurious currents. The immersed length, a physical depth of grid cell center introduced in this paper, is computed from VOF function and surface orientation. It is chosen instead of VOF function as weight parameters in the evaluations of density and volumetric surface tension force between interfacial grid cells. Grid cells and control cells are classified into interfacial, sublayer, and interior cells according to their distances to interface. Surface tension is thus constructed within interfacial or sublayer cells. The numerical approach is modified so that flow pressure solutions are sought only at those immersed grid cell centers. The transitional region from one fluid to the other is compressed. Spurious currents by no means grow on free surface in the numerical simulations using our algorithms and reconstructed CSF model. The simulation results agree with the Laplace pressure jump across a static circular free surface or experimental observations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.