bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Genome Mapping Between Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Rainbow Trout (O. mykiss) Based on Homologous Microsatellite Loci
Authors: Naish Kerry A , Phillips Ruth B , Brieuc Marine S O , Newton Lyndsay R , Elz Anna E , Park Linda K
Published: October 2013

Comparative genome mapping can rapidly facilitate the transfer of DNA sequence information from a well-characterized species to one that is less described. Chromosome arm numbers are conserved between members of the teleost family Salmonidae, order Salmoniformes, permitting rapid alignment of large syntenic blocks of DNA between members of the group. However, extensive Robertsonian rearrangements after an ancestral whole-genome duplication event has resulted in different chromosome numbers across Salmonid taxa. In anticipation of the rapid application of genomic data across members of the Pacific salmon genus Oncorhynchus, we mapped the genome of Chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) by using 361 microsatellite loci and compared linkage groups to those already derived for a well-characterized species rainbow trout (O. mykiss). The Chinook salmon female map length was 1526 cM, the male map 733 cM, and the consensus map between the two sexes was 2206 cM. The average female to male recombination ratio was 5.43 (range 1−42.8 across all pairwise marker comparisons). We detected 34 linkage groups that corresponded with all chromosome arms mapped with homologous loci in rainbow trout and inferred that 16 represented metacentric chromosomes and 18 represented acrocentric chromosomes. Up to 13 chromosomes were conserved between the two species, suggesting that their structure precedes the divergence between Chinook salmon and rainbow trout. However, marker order differed in one of these linkage groups. The remaining linkage group structures reflected independent Robertsonian chromosomal arrangements, possibly after divergence. The putative linkage group homologies presented here are expected to facilitate future DNA sequencing efforts in Chinook salmon.
Ecological and evolutionary consequences of benthic community stasis in the very deep sea (>1500 m)
Authors: Buzas Martin A. , Hayek Lee-Ann C. , Culver Stephen J. , Hayward Bruce W. , Osterman Lisa E.
Published: October 2013

An enigma of deep-sea biodiversity research is that the abyss with its low productivity and densities appears to have a biodiversity similar to that of shallower depths. This conceptualization of similarity is based mainly on per-sample estimates (point diversity, within-habitat, or α-diversity). Here, we use a measure of between-sample within-community diversity (β1H) to examine benthic foraminiferal diversity between 333 stations within 49 communties from New Zealand, the South Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, the Norwegian Sea, and the Arctic. The communities are grouped into two depth categories: 200–1500 m and >1500 m. β1Hdiversity exhibits no evidence of regional differences. Instead, higher values at shallower depths are observed worldwide. At depths of >1500 m the average β1His zero, indicating stasis or no biodiversity gradient. The difference in β1H-diversity explains why, despite species richness often being greater per sample at deeper depths, the total number of species is greater at shallower depths. The greater number of communities and higher rate of evolution resulting in shorter species durations at shallower depths is also consistent with higher β1Hvalues.
Bounded pseudo-hoops with internal states
Authors: Ciungu Lavinia
Published: October 2013

State MV-algebras were introduced by Flaminio and Montagna as MV-algebras with internal states. Di Nola and Dvurečenskij presented the notion of state-morphism MV-algebra which is a stronger variation of a state MV-algebra. Rachůnek and Šalounová introduced state GMV-algebras (pseudo-MV algebras) and state-morphism GMV-algebras, while the state BL-algebras and state-morphism BL-algebras were defined by Ciungu, Dvurečenskij and Hyčko. Recently, Dvurečenskij, Rachůnek and Šalounová presented state Rℓ-monoids and state-morphism Rℓ-monoids. In this paper we study these concepts for more general fuzzy structures, namely pseudo-hoops and we present state pseudo-hoops and state-morphism pseudo-hoops.
On algebras with a generalized implication
Authors: Yon Yong , Kim Kyung
Published: October 2013

We introduce the notion of gi-algebra as a generalization of dual BCK-algebra, and define the notions of strong, commutative and transitive gi-algebra, and then we show that an interval ↑l = {a ∈ P | l ≤ a} in a strong and commutative gi-algebra P is a lattice. Also, we define a congruence relation ∼D on a transitive gi-algebra P and show that the quotient set P/∼D is a gi-algebra and a dual BCK-algebra.
Homomorphism-homogeneous monounary algebras
Authors: Jungábel Éva , Mašulović Dragan
Published: October 2013

In 2006, P. J. Cameron and J. Nešetřil introduced the following variant of homogeneity: we say that a structure is homomorphism-homogeneous if every homomorphism between finitely generated substructures of the structure extends to an endomorphism of the structure. In several recent papers homomorphism-homogeneous objects in some well-known classes of algebras have been investigated (e.g. lattices and semilattices), while finite homomorphism-homogeneous groups were described in 1979 under the name of finite quasiinjective groups. In this paper we characterize homomorphism-homogenous monounary algebras of arbitrary cardinalities.
Mixed-mean inequality for submatrix
Authors: Si Lin , Zhao Suyun
Published: October 2013

For an m × n matrix B = (b
ij)m×n
with nonnegative entries b
ij, let B(k, l) denote the set of all k × l submatrices of B. For each A ∈ B(k, l), let a
A and g
A denote the arithmetic mean and geometric mean of elements of A respectively. It is proved that if k is an integer in ($$\tfrac{m}
{2}$$,m] and l is an integer in ($$\tfrac{n}
{2}$$, n] respectively, then $$\left( {\prod\limits_{A \in B\left( {k,l} \right)} {a_A } } \right)^{\tfrac{1}
{{\left( {_k^m } \right)\left( {_l^n } \right)}}} \geqslant \frac{1}
{{\left( {_k^m } \right)\left( {_l^n } \right)}}\left( {\sum\limits_{A \in B\left( {k,l} \right)} {g_A } } \right),$$ with equality if and only if b
ij is a constant for every i, j.
Characterization of summability methods with high indices
Authors: Sarigol Mehmet
Published: October 2013

In this paper we establish a set of necessary and sufficient conditions in order that |C, 0|k ⇒ |R, p
n|s and |R, p
n|k ⇒ |C, 0|s for the case 1 < k ≤ s < ∞. As a corollary, we obtain that a crucial assumption of [BOR, H.: A new result on the high indices theorem, Analysis 29 (2009), 403–405] is omitted and that the other one is not only sufficient but also necessary for his consequence to hold.
q-Szász operators which preserve x
2
Authors: Mahmudov Nazim
Published: October 2013

In the present paper we construct q-Szász operators that preserve the third test function e
2. Rate of global convergence is obtained in the frame of weighted spaces. Furthermore, we obtain a Voronovskaja type theorem for these operators.
Some convergence theorems for total asymptotically nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces
Authors: Chang Shih-sen , Joseph Lee H. , Chan Chi
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this paper is to establish some new approximation theorems of common fixed points for a countable family of total asymptotically quasi-nonexpansive mappings in Banach spaces which generalize and improve the corresponding theorems of Chidume et al. [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 333 (2007), 128–141], [J. Math. Anal. Appl. 326 (2007), 960–973], [Internat. J. Math. Math. Sci. 2009, Article ID 615107, 17 pp.] and others.
Coefficient inequalities for univalent starlike functions
Authors: Obradović Milutin , Ponnusamy Saminathan
Published: October 2013

Let A be the class of analytic functions in the unit disk $$\mathbb{D}$$ with the normalization f(0) = f′(0) − 1 = 0. In this paper the authors discuss necessary and sufficient coefficient conditions for f ∈ A of the form $$\left( {\frac{z}
{{f(z)}}} \right)^\mu = 1 + b_1 z + b_2 z^2 + \ldots$$ to be starlike in $$\mathbb{D}$$ and more generally, starlike of some order β, 0 ≤ β < 1. Here µ is a suitable complex number so that the right hand side expression is analytic in $$\mathbb{D}$$ and the power is chosen to be the principal power. A similar problem for the class of convex functions of order β is open.
Above-ground tree biomass and allometric relationships of Cinnamomum tamala grown in the western hill regions of Nepal
Authors: Poudel BS , Gautam SK , Bhandari DN
Published: October 2013

Biomass regression models are presented describing total above-ground biomass, stem wood, branch wood, foliage and bark production for Tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala), a multipurpose tree which is found abundantly distributed and grown in western hill districts of Nepal. A total of 56 Tejpat trees between 6.2 and 16.5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) from farmers’ farmland and marginal land in Arghakhanchi, Gulmi and Palpa districts were sampled and harvested. Mean fresh weight of total above-ground biomass, stem wood, branch wood, foliage and bark was 77.03, 36.39, 15.16, 17.53 and 8.2 kg tree -1, respectively. Allocation of biomass was more in stem (47.24% tree-1) than in foliage (22.75% tree-1), branch (19.69% tree-1) and bark (10.31% tree-1). Weight of tree component was estimated as a function of DBH. After removal of the outliers, data were randomly divided into two datasets: 70% for model calibration and another 30% for model validation. Correlation analysis showed positive stronger linear relationship between DBH and biomass. Five regression models (linear, logarithmic, quadratic, power and exponential) were developed. All models were statistically significant, with R2 ranging from 0.64 to 0.83. Model validation was based on root mean square error (RMSE). RMSE percentage for the best-fit equation varied between 16.64% and 44.82%. Linear model resulted in the least error and was selected as the best-fit model for prediction of biomass of bark, foliage, branch, stem and total above ground tree biomass. Biomass models developed could be applied to obtain biomass of different tree components of Tejpat grown in the study area and could even be applied to other areas which have similar conditions; but it should be validated before using them in new sites and conditions. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i1.9058 Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 2011; 3-12
Documentation of flora of Rara lake and adjoining areas in mid-western region of Nepal
Authors: Basnet BK
Published: October 2013

Rara National Park is the smallest national park of the country. It is rich in floral and faunal diversity. Rara is one of the sacred lakes and is listed as a Ramsar site. The aim of the study was to compile the representative flora of Rara lake and to present status of available vegetation. The research used both primary and secondary sources of data. Field visit was conducted in June, 2010 during which more than 300 plant specimens were collected. The secondary data were collected from Rara and adjoining area like Gamgadi. These data were thoroughly analyzed to understand the composition of vegetation. The study revealed the existence of about 224 flowering plant species in the area, under 173 genera and 67 families. Compositae was found to be the largest family (21 species and 17 genera) followed by Rosaceae (19 species and 10 genera). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i1.9063 Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 2011; 41-47
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Network (MAPs-Net) Nepal: An open access digital database
Authors: Kunwar RM , Thapa KP , Shrestha R , Shrestha PR , Bhattarai NK , Tiwari NN , Shrestha KK
Published: October 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/banko.v21i1.9064 Banko Janakari, Vol. 21, No. 1 2011; 48-50
Engineering Lipid Bilayer Membranes for Protein Studies
Authors: Khan Muhammad , Dosoky Noura , Williams John
Published: October 2013

Lipid membranes regulate the flow of nutrients and communication signaling between cells and protect the sub-cellular structures. Recent attempts to fabricate artificial systems using nanostructures that mimic the physiological properties of natural lipid bilayer membranes (LBM) fused with transmembrane proteins have helped demonstrate the importance of temperature, pH, ionic strength, adsorption behavior, conformational reorientation and surface density in cellular membranes which all affect the incorporation of proteins on solid surfaces. Much of this work is performed on artificial templates made of polymer sponges or porous materials based on alumina, mica, and porous silicon (PSi) surfaces. For example, porous silicon materials have high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and photoluminescence, which allow them to be used both as a support structure for lipid bilayers or a template to measure the electrochemical functionality of living cells grown over the surface as in vivo. The variety of these media, coupled with the complex physiological conditions present in living systems, warrant a summary and prospectus detailing which artificial systems provide the most promise for different biological conditions. This study summarizes the use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data on artificial biological membranes that are closely matched with previously published biological systems using both black lipid membrane and patch clamp techniques.
Okadaic Acid: More than a Diarrheic Toxin
Authors: Valdiglesias Vanessa , Prego-Faraldo María , Pásaro Eduardo , Méndez Josefina , Laffon Blanca
Published: October 2013

Okadaic acid (OA) is one of the most frequent and worldwide distributed marine toxins. It is easily accumulated by shellfish, mainly bivalve mollusks and fish, and, subsequently, can be consumed by humans causing alimentary intoxications. OA is the main representative diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) toxin and its ingestion induces gastrointestinal symptoms, although it is not considered lethal. At the molecular level, OA is a specific inhibitor of several types of serine/threonine protein phosphatases and a tumor promoter in animal carcinogenesis experiments. In the last few decades, the potential toxic effects of OA, beyond its role as a DSP toxin, have been investigated in a number of studies. Alterations in DNA and cellular components, as well as effects on immune and nervous system, and even on embryonic development, have been increasingly reported. In this manuscript, results from all these studies are compiled and reviewed to clarify the role of this toxin not only as a DSP inductor but also as cause of alterations at the cellular and molecular levels, and to highlight the relevance of biomonitoring its effects on human health. Despite further investigations are required to elucidate OA mechanisms of action, toxicokinetics, and harmful effects, there are enough evidences illustrating its toxicity, not related to DSP induction, and, consequently, supporting a revision of the current regulation on OA levels in food.
Studies of Secondary Melanoma on C57BL/6J Mouse Liver Using 1H NMR Metabolomics
Authors: Feng Ju , Isern Nancy , Burton Sarah , Hu Jian
Published: October 2013

NMR metabolomics, consisting of solid state high resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) 1H-NMR, liquid state high resolution 1H-NMR, and principal components analysis (PCA) has been used to study secondary metastatic B16-F10 melanoma in C57BL/6J mouse liver. The melanoma group can be differentiated from its control group by PCA analysis of the estimates of absolute concentrations from liquid state 1H-NMR spectra on liver tissue extracts or by the estimates of absolute peak intensities of metabolites from 1H HR-MAS-NMR data on intact liver tissues. In particular, we found that the estimates of absolute concentrations of glutamate, creatine, fumarate and cholesterol are elevated in the melanoma group as compared to controls, while the estimates of absolute concentrations of succinate, glycine, glucose, and the family of linear lipids including long chain fatty acids, total choline and acyl glycerol are decreased. The ratio of glycerophosphocholine (GPC) to phosphocholine (PCho) is increased by about 1.5 fold in the melanoma group, while the estimate of absolute concentration of total choline is actually lower in melanoma mice. These results suggest the following picture in secondary melanoma metastasis: Linear lipid levels are decreased by beta oxidation in the melanoma group, which contributes to an increase in the synthesis of cholesterol, and also provides an energy source input for TCA cycle. These findings suggest a link between lipid oxidation, the TCA cycle and the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) signal pathway in tumor metastases. Thus, this study indicates that the metabolic profile derived from NMR analysis can provide a valuable bio-signature of malignancy and cell hypoxia in metastatic melanoma.
Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants from Green Tea Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Lee Lan-Sook , Lee Namhyouck , Kim Young , Lee Chang-Ho , Hong Sang , Jeon Yeo-Won , Kim Young-Eon
Published: October 2013

Response surface methodology (RSM) has been used to optimize the extraction conditions of antioxidants with relatively low caffeine content from green tea by using ultrasonic extraction. The predicted optimal conditions for the highest antioxidant activity and minimum caffeine level were found at 19.7% ethanol, 26.4 min extraction time, and 24.0 °C extraction temperature. In the predicted optimal conditions, the experimental values were very close to the predicted values. Moreover, the ratio of (EGCg + ECg)/EGC was identified a major factor contributing to the antioxidant activity of green tea extracts. In this study, ultrasonic extraction showed that the ethanol concentration and extraction time used for antioxidant extraction could be remarkably reduced without a decrease in antioxidant activity compared to the conventional extraction conditions.
Adipocyte Regeneration after Free Fat Transplantation: Promotion by Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells
Authors: Zhu Ming , Dong Ziqing , Gao Jianhua , Liao Yunjun , Xue Jian , Yuan Yi , Liu Linqi , Chang Qiang , Lu Feng
Published: October 2013

Our objective was to explore the mechanism of cell-assisted adipose transplantation by using freshly isolated human stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and to observe the dynamic changes of the graft after transplantation. The SVF was isolated from human liposuction aspirates, and 0.5 ml adipose tissue was mixed with 1 × 106 SVF cells or culture medium then injected to nude mice subcutaneously. At 1, 4, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 90 days after transplantation, samples were harvested for 1) general observation and retention rate; 2) whole-mount stain; 3) H&E stain; 4) immunohistochemical staining for S100, CD68, and CD34; 5) ELISA for VEGF and bFGF; 6) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) fluorescence in situ hybridization. The retention rate in the experiment group was markedly higher than that in the control group. Whole-mount stain shows most of the cells in the center of the graft could not survive the ischemia until day 14. Histology showed new vessels on the surface of the graft at 3 days. However, in the control group, fewer newly formed vessels were detected until day 7. In the late stage of transplantation, gradual fibrosis was found in the graft, and the tissue was divided into a grid-like structure. A large number of round neonatal adipocytes with big nuclei in the center were found surrounding the new vessels, which were S100 and CD34 positive and CD68 negative. In the late stage of transplantation, most of the neonatal adipocytes were human PPARγ positive. Moreover, the SVF group showed a higher level of VEGF and bFGF. SVF assisting adipose transplantation could increase the retention rate of the graft through promoting adipose tissue regeneration via secretion of growth factors, promotion of angiogenesis, and increasing the density of mesenchymal stem cells.
Comparison of the Pharmacological Efficacies of Immunosuppressive Drugs Evaluated by the ATP Production and Mitochondrial Activity in Human Lymphocytes
Authors: Sasahara Hiroyasu , Sugiyama Kentaro , Tsukaguchi Mahoto , Isogai Kazuya , Toyama Akira , Satoh Hiroshi , Saitoh Kazuhide , Nakagawa Yuki , Takahashi Kota , Tanaka Sachiko , Onda Kenji , Hirano Toshihiko
Published: October 2013

The lymphocyte immunosuppressant sensitivity test (LIST) using patient peripheral lymphocytes can predict the therapeutic efficacy of immunosuppressive drugs used in renal transplantation. We have evaluated the pharmacological efficacy of drugs by using the LIST with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, which measures the cellular mitochondrial activity. The LIST with the MTT assay requires a relatively large amount of blood. As such, we developed a new assay for examining drug sensitivity with a CellTiter-Glo assay, which measures the amount of cellular ATP to help increase the assay's sensitivity and reduce the amount of blood needed. Renal transplant recipients generally receive either cyclosporine or tacrolimus, in addition to mycophenolate mofetil and methylprednisolone, as an immunosuppressive therapy to prevent acute rejection. We evaluated the pharmacological efficacy of these immunosuppressive agents with both the MTT and CellTiter-Glo assays using the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 21 healthy volunteers. Furthermore, we also examined the relationship between these immunosuppressive agents' pharmacological efficacy and the results of the MTT and CellTiter-Glo assays. The IC50 values for cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, and methylprednisolone were significantly correlated between the MTT and CellTiter-Glo assays. The amount of blood cells required for LIST with the CellTiter-Glo assay was able to be reduced to 25% of the amount required for the previously established LIST with the MTT assay procedure. We concluded from these observations that the LIST with the CellTiter-Glo assay should be used instead of the MTT assay for carrying out individualized immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplantation patients.
Electron Therapy Attenuated Elevated Alanine Aminotransferase and Oxidative Stress Values in Type 2 Diabetes-Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis of Rats
Authors: Enosawa Shin , Dozen Masaharu , Tada Yuki , Hirasawa Keisuke
Published: October 2013

Chronic oxidative stress plays a key role in the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We examined the efficacy of antioxidative electron treatment on type 2 diabetes-induced NASH in a rat model. We established NASH model rats, induced by neonatal administration of streptozotocin and a high-fat diet, which exhibited pathologically high values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The rats were exposed to electron discharge at very low energy for 4 weeks; this dose results in the reduction of Fe3+ and glutathione disulfide in vitro. Serum ALT values were increased from baseline (8 weeks) to 125.0 ± 13 U/L at 10 weeks in the control group. In contrast, the values in the treated group did not show any increase at 10 weeks [87 ± 10 U/L ( p = 0.0391)]. Hepatic MDA levels were also significantly decreased at 12 weeks ( p < 0.05), but 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine values were not statistically significant ( p = 0.076). A gradual but steadily decreasing trend from initially high glucose levels was observed, though the values were not significant in 12-week-old animals ( p = 0.074). However, the serum values of MDA, ALT, and glucose were well correlated. The progression of fibrosis as measured by increased serum levels of hyaluronic acid and histological examinations were not affected by the treatment in this model. Antioxidative electron treatment at very low energy attenuated the pathogenically elevated liver inflammation and oxidative stress, together with presumably impaired glucose metabolism in NASH rat model.
Microsatellite primers in the weedy annual herb Anacyclus clavatus (Asteraceae) and four closely related species
Authors: Agudo Alicia , Picó F. Xavier , Álvarez Inés
Published: October 2013

• Premise of the study: Nuclear microsatellite primers were developed for the weedy herb Anacyclus clavatus to study the genetic structure of hybrid zones with closely related taxa in the western Mediterranean Basin, where different floral phenotypes are present.

• Methods and Results: We obtained two microsatellite libraries using next‐generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing of cloned restriction fragments. A total of 13 polymorphic and 11 monomorphic loci were identified in three Iberian populations of A. clavatus. The primers amplified di‐ and trinucleotide repeats with 1–8 alleles per locus. Most primers also amplified in A. homogamos, A. monanthos, A. radiatus, and A. valentinus.

• Conclusions: These results indicate the utility of these markers in A. clavatus for population genetic and hybridization studies as well as their applicability across the genus.
THE HOT AREA EVACUATION MODEL APPLICATION IN LARGE SCALE GYMNASIUMS / EVAKUACIJOS IŠ KARŠTOSIOS ZONOS MODELIO TAIKYMAS DIDELĖMS GIMNAZIJOMS
Authors: Tserng Hui Ping , You Jia Yi , Chang Chih Yuan , Hsiung Kuang Hua
Published: October 2013

Execution difficulties and financial constraints are encountered when conducting experiments of full scale evacuation exercises in large scale building. This study focuses on large gymnasiums. The concept of ‘Hot Area’ is proposed by focus groups of fire experts. The most dangerous spot in a building, Hot Area, is selected and analyzed based on the ranking method. Then, a Hot Area evacuation exercise is carried out to replace a full-scale evacuation exercise. In addition to simulating the Hot Area evacuation in Taipei Arena with Exodus software, an observation of a real life exiting of 2089 people is also conducted. Next, the observation result is compared with the software-simulated result. Finally, suggestions are made to provide a set of reference criteria for inspecting the same type of buildings when their construction works are completed.

Santrauka

Evakuacijos iš didelių pastatų eksperimentai yra sunkiai atliekami ir brangūs. Straipsnyje nagrinėjama evakuacija iš didelių gimnazijos pastatų. Tyrimas grindžiamas karštosios zonos sąvoka, pasiūlyta gaisrinės saugos ekspertų grupės. Karštoji zona yra pavojingiausia vieta pastate. Straipsnyje ši zona parenkama ir analizuojama taikant rikiavimo metodą. Parinkus pavojingają zoną, evakuacijos eksperimentas atliekamas iš jos, o ne iš viso pastato. Evakuacija modeliuota Taipėjaus arenos pastate taikant Exodus programą, modeliavimo rezultatai lyginti su tikraja 2089 žmonių evakuacija. Remiantis tyrimo rezultatais pasiūlyta keletas kriterijų, panašių pastatų inspekcijai atlikti baigus jų statybą.
Native Apps Vs. Mobile Web Apps
Authors: Jobe William
Published: October 2013

The extensive growth and expansion of smartphones and tablets and therewith the use of mobile web applications that utilize HTML5 and related technologies are frequently discussed and debated in media as possible replacements for native applications. The aim of this study was to explore the viability of replacing native applications with mobile web applications in a developing country setting. Two mobile web applications were developed. The first mobile web application tracked runs and the second mobile web application was a booking system for scheduling â??slum runsâ?. The subjects who tested these apps were elite, semi-professional Kenyan runners primarily from the Kibera slum area outside of Nairobi. After a 6-month test period the participants concluded and results indicated that the mobile web application for tracking runs performed poorly compared to native applications due to poor GPS performance, while the mobile web application for booking slum runs performed well. The conclusion from this study is that mobile web applications that require hardware interaction such as using the GPS, GPU, or camera are not yet viable alternatives for native applications. However, mobile applications that only require a native interface and content consumption are suitable substitutes for native applications.
Artificial neural network and statistical models for predicting the basic geotechnical properties of soils from electrical measurements
Authors: Boadu Fred Kofi , Owusu‐Nimo Frederick , Achampong Francis , Ampadu Samuel I.K.
Published: October 2013

The ability to predict the geotechnical properties of subsurface soils using non‐invasive geophysical measurements can be undeniably useful to the geotechnical engineer. Using laboratory data, we assess the potential of artificial neural networks to investigate the relations between geotechnical and electrical parameters characterizing a variety of soils. The geotechnical parameters are: fines content, mean grain size, mean pore size and the specific surface area. The electrical parameters obtained from low‐frequency electrical measurements (4 Hz) include the resistivity amplitude, phase shift and the loss tangent. Relations that can be used to predict the geotechnical parameters of a soil given its electrical parameters are developed. The predictive capabilities of the neural networks are compared with traditional multivariate regression models. The performances of the neural network and regression models in predicting (a) the geotechnical parameter given the same electrical parameters as inputs and (b) the electrical parameters given the same geotechnical parameters as inputs are compared. In both cases, the neural network outperforms the multivariate regression as the neural network is able to capture and model the non‐linear and complex relationships among the variables. The relative importance of the geotechnical parameters on the overall electrical conduction was examined using the neural networks. The results indicate that mean grain size and fines content are the two geotechnical parameters that influence phase‐shift values the most; fines content and mean pore size influence the resistivity amplitude the most, whilst fines content and mean grain size influence the loss tangent the most. It was observed that of the four geotechnical parameters, the mean grain size influences the measured resistivity values the least.
Pressure dependence of seismic Q – a microcrack‐based petrophysical model
Authors: Dobróka Mihály , Molnár Judit Somogyi , Szűcs Péter , Turai Endre
Published: October 2013

The pressure dependence of the quality factor of acoustic waves is an extensively explored rock physical problem. To reasonably interpret laboratory measurements, a petrophysical model is required which provides the physical explanation of the nonlinear pressure dependence of the seismic quality factor. In this paper we highlight important features of seismic wave attenuation and propagation under varying pressure which contribute to creating a petrophysical model. The model is starting from the idea that microcracks are opened and closed under varying pressure. Within the confines of the model, differential equations are set up describing the relationship between microcrack density and confining pressure as well as between quality factor and microcrack density. Combining these equations, a three‐parameter expression is derived which has clear physical meaning. We found that the pressure dependence of the quality factor can be well described by a three‐parameter exponential equation in the form which gives also the physical meaning of pressure versus quality factor connection. The physical explanation of each parameter is clarified in the paper, i.e. is the quality factor at zero pressure, is the possible range of quality factor and is a new petrophysical parameter (the logarithmic stress sensitivity). The model was applied on measurement data sets adopted from the literature. The material parameters of the model were determined by using linearized inversion method and the laboratory measurements were compared to the theoretical data. The theoretical data matched accurately with measured data proving that the petrophysical model applies well in practice.
Evaluating the effectiveness of rolling impact compaction at a brownfield site with high and low frequency seismic surface waves and geotechnical testing
Authors: Whiteley Robert J. , Caffi Peter
Published: October 2013

Using a case study from a brownfield site in Australia that contained substantial uncontrolled crushed rock fill, we demonstrate that innovative geophysics and ground improvement using rolling dynamic compaction can provide alternatives to costly excavation, removal and re‐engineering of soils. This approach can also overcome some of the limitations of conventional geotechnical testing in such conditions. The process we have developed involves selection and levelling of trial areas within larger brownfield sites. These are initially screened with electromagnetic geophysics to target environmental sampling sites, buried objects and local areas of potentially unsuitable or contaminated soils for removal and replacement. High and low frequency surface wave testing is then completed along closely spaced lines within the trial areas using specially adapted Multi‐channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) methods and a modified land streamer. This provides S‐wave velocity distributions within fill and deeper materials over two depth ranges, at high vertical resolution from approximately 0 to 2 m and at lower resolution from 2 to ~10 m. These results are compared with geotechnical engineering test information. Ground improvement works are then undertaken using rolling dynamic compaction with a ‘square’ impact roller.

Within this brownfield trial area, geotechnical testing showed that post‐compaction in‐situ densities increased by about 6 to 10%, while S‐wave velocities increased by up to 40%. This clearly demonstrates the sensitivity of S‐wave velocities to soil and fill modulus. The S‐wave velocity sections also showed the consistency of the landform created by impact rolling and that both high and low frequency MASW testing is needed for more accurate assessment of the densification of both shallow and deeper fill. Normalized S‐wave velocity difference sections and Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPT) provided a clear indication of the depth of influence of the impact rolling.

A relationship was developed between post‐compaction S‐wave velocity and Dry Density Ratio (DDR) that formed the basis of a viable geotechnical verification strategy for the ground improvement works on the larger brownfield site. Electromagnetic and advanced surface wave geophysics, combined with innovative ground improvement methods by rolling dynamic compaction, represent an advance over current practice for brownfield site development.
A Framework for Digital Competence Assessment
Authors: Cartelli Antonio
Published: October 2013

Today, life is more complex and difficult due to uncertainties in society. Liquid life (Bauman, 2006) is frenetic, rapidly changing and highly influenced from information and communication technologies, and forces subjects to adapt to group behavior avoiding exclusion. Human beings are experimenting with the digital age and the pervasiveness of computers and IT/ICT equipment, which are influencing learning and knowledge construction. This raises questions in regard to a privileged role for digital competences in the knowledge society, whether or not there is a framework for digital competence assessment, and possible hints, suggestions, experiments, protocols, or curricula helping teachers in hitting this target with students. This paper answers these questions, describing the evolution of psycho-pedagogical paradigms and their comparisons. A framework for digital competence assessment is proposed and teaching activities are suggested. A proposal of a teaching-learning process called OTS (Open Teaching Process) is also presented.
The Empirics of the Digital Divide
Authors: Hu Wei-Min , Prieger James E.
Published: October 2013

Accurate measurement of digital divides is important for policy purposes. Empirical studies of broadband subscription gaps have largely used cross-sectional data, which cannot speak to the timing of technological adoption. Yet, the dynamics of a digital divide are important and deserve study. With the goal of improving our understanding of appropriate techniques for analyzing digital divides, we review econometric methodology and propose the use of duration analysis. We compare the performance of alternative estimation methods using a large dataset on DSL subscription in the U.S., paying particular attention to whether women, blacks, and Hispanics catch up to others in the broadband adoption race. We conclude that duration analysis best captures the dynamics of the broadband gaps and is a useful addition to the analytic tool box of digital divide researchers. Our results support the official collection of broadband statistics in panel form, where the same households are followed over time.
Game Literacy
Authors: Schott Gareth , Selwyn Neil
Published: October 2013

Game playing is made possible by players’ engagement in configurative practices that work in conjunction with interpretive practices, referring to how a viewer’s semiotic work on the text (when reading and interpreting it) is taken directly from the semiotic resources that are put to use and made available by the text itself. That is, games are dynamic entities that remain ‘in potentia’ until actualised by the player. In doing so, the player is involved in recursive actions that produce polysemic performances and readings. The literacy demands of games support the argument that it is a ‘mistake’ to consider that [they] offer only one type of experience and foster one type of engagement (Newman, 2002). Yet, when applied to the processes of media regulation and classifying game content (which guides the general publics’ understanding of games), the competencies required to engage successfully with interactive texts fail to receive accurate representation or acknowledgment. This chapter addresses how the rise of new forms of literacy, has created a discrepancy between the literacy employed by digital natives when playing games and the way digital immigrants classify games by attributing greater meaning to the ‘screen’ as the major carrier of information. The central thesis of this chapter is to present an argument for classification processes to account for the contributions to knowledge from theory and research examining game based learning.
Bringing the Internet to the Rural Area
Authors: Ibrahim Zulkefli bin , Sulaiman Ainin , Faziharudean Tengku M.
Published: October 2013

Malaysia aims to be an information society by the year 2020 can only be achieved if the mass population, that include those who live in the rural area, has the access to use the ICT. This is due to the uneven distribution of the basic telecommunication infostructure between the urban and rural areas in Malaysia that left the rural area to be at the disadvantage to access the ICT. Meanwhile, there are many programs that have been implemented by the government to encourage the rural population to use the Internet, such as ‘Kedaikom’, a community based telecenter serving the rural population. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate how ‘Kedaikom’ as a community based telecenter could assist in diffusing the usage of the ICT to the rural population. The result from the survey has indicated that the community telecenter could be used to bridge the digital divide between the underserved rural community and the well-accessed urban community. More of the rural population, especially from the younger generation and those with higher education background (irrespective of age) are using the community telecenter to be connected to the Internet.
Navigation and Visualisation Techniques in eLearning and Internet Research
Authors: Fenley Sue
Published: October 2013

Research into investigating how users navigate through internet and multimedia resources in an educational context has revealed distinct preferences in how they approach the resource, their methods of interrogating it and both the quantity and quality of the information they obtain. Using highly sophisticated software even for digital natives involves learning a series of methods or techniques for easily manoeuvring through the vast quantities of data and developing schemas to do this efficiently and accurately. This chapter analyses methods that have been used for navigating through multimedia packages, explores users’ preferences for navigation and visualisation, investigates design errors in multimedia that prevent good navigation and details newer visualisation methods and navigational tools. The chapter should give educational users a fresh perspective of issues of navigation and visualisation and allow them to develop these techniques in order to improve their use of internet and web resources and teaching materials.
Digital Divide in Turkey
Authors: Yildiz Mete
Published: October 2013

This chapter examines the nature of digital divide in Turkey. To this end, after a brief summary of the literature, first, the dimensions of digital divide in the country are explained. Then, various initiatives by the government, private firms, NGOs, and international organizations to combat digital divide are presented. Next, in the discussion section, issues for further discussion regarding digital divide in Turkey are listed. The chapter ends with the examination of the issues regarding the future prospects for overcoming digital divide in Turkey and developing countries elsewhere.
An Analysis of Prospective Teachers’ Digital Citizenship Behaviour Norms
Authors: Sincar Mehmet
Published: October 2013

This study analyzes prospective teachers’ digital citizenship behaviour norms. The sample consists of the seventeen prospective teachers who studied at the University Of Gaziantep Faculty Of Education in the academic year 2009-2010. Qualitative methods were utilized in the collection and the analysis of data. The results indicated the teachers adequately demonstrated behaviour norms regarding digital communication and digital literacy, yet only few showed behaviour norms concerning digital access, digital etiquette, digital commerce, digital rights and responsibilities, digital law, digital health and wellness, and digital security categories. Therefore, these results highlight the fact that the digital citizenship behaviour norms should be included in teacher training programs in Turkey.
A Case Study of Social Interaction on ANGEL and Student Authoring Skills
Authors: Guo Ruth Xiaoqing
Published: October 2013

This case study examined a constructivist approach to creating an interactive learning environment on ANGEL for graduate students in a course: EDC 604—Authoring for Educators. The course curriculum was designed to help students construct knowledge to develop professional Websites. However, the class time was insufficient to meet the student learning needs and course objectives. The social interaction on ANGEL provided flexible time and space for participants to discuss the issues important to them. Findings revealed that practical action research combined with social interaction shed light on important issues of professional development through reflection on practice. The constructivist approach provided an interaction of two important sets of learning conditions: Internal and external levels for student cognitive development in authoring skills. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. This study also identified issues for further research: The importance of curriculum design to meet students’ needs, the effect of digital divide, and how student attitude impacts learning.
Public Participation in E-Government
Authors: Baum Scott , Mahizhnan Arun
Published: October 2013

Singapore’s E-government model is considered to be among the best in the world. Over the past decade the Singapore government has constantly developed and re-developed its on-line presence. International comparisons have consistently rated Singapore as one of the most advanced E-government nations. However, despite significant progress towards full E-government maturity, some issues of full public participation remain. It is these issues which this chapter discusses. In particular, it will consider the ways in which a digital divide within the Singapore model has emerged, despite specific policies to address such a problem.
Gender Evaluation of Rural E-Governance in India
Authors: Anupama Saxena
Published: October 2013

In the present chapter, the author seeks to identify the existing gender gaps in rural e-governance in India and has attempted to explore the factors responsible for these gaps with reference to a rural e-governance scheme in one of the most economically and socially challenged state of India as an illustration to support some of the points sought to be made in the paper. The author argues that in Indian context, where rural women are already less visible in the public sphere due to socio–cultural factors and men already dominate, e-governance is more available and accessible to men. Hence to avoid the emergence of a gender based digital divide in rural governance that would further marginalize the rural women, it is necessary that the potential of ICTs is exploited in such a manner as to address the existing gender issues in rural governance, which are still obstructing women’s way to participate equally in the process. Women’s abilities, needs, perceptions and building women’s capacities to use the ICTs are other important factors that should be given due consideration while planning for rural e- governance to make it meaningful to women.
Learning Applications for Disabled People
Authors: Drigas Athanasios , Kouremenos Dimitris , Vrettaros John
Published: October 2013

This chapter presents e-learning practices and applications, which target people with visual and hearing disabilities. The first part discusses an e-learning application, which targets visually impaired people while the second part presents an e-learning application for the teaching of the English language to deaf and hearing impaired people. The final part presents a study about the relationship of the deaf and hearing impaired with new technologies in Greece. The chapter stresses the importance of the thorough exploitation of ICTs together with e-learning technologies towards the effective improvement of educative methods for this target group. The objectives of this chapter are to support the distance and lifelong education and training of the target group, to guarantee their equal access to information, knowledge, education and employment and finally, to minimize the digital divide through the use of assistive technologies and contemporary, easily navigable and user-friendly e-learning environments.
Catering to the Needs of the “Digital Natives” or Educating the “Net Generation”?
Authors: Ryberg Thomas , Dirckinck-Holmfeld Lone , Jones Chris
Published: October 2013

In this chapter, the authors explore perspectives on the notion of “digital natives” and present a case in which Web 2.0 technologies were introduced to students. They discuss studies critical of the generational metaphor, and argue that it should not be uncritically assumed that there is a generation of digital natives, but that young people may need to develop skills often associated with the digital natives. The authors present a case reflecting these pedagogical aims, involving an online Web 2.0 learning environment called Ekademia. The findings of the case reflect a gap between the researchers’ intentions and the actual outcomes. In particular, the learning environment failed to provide sufficient scaffolding for the students, who needed more support than was assumed. It is therefore suggested that educational use of social software technologies should have stronger connections to curricular activities, involve a more concerted pedagogical effort, and be supported by a higher degree of institutionalization.