bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Flood Regimes and Their Relation to Wetland Landscape Patterns in Dongting Lake from MODIS Time-Series Imagery
Authors: Hu Yanxia , Huang Jinliang , Du Yun , Han Pengpeng , Huang Wei
Published: June 2015

Dongting Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in China, is well known for its rapid seasonal fluctuations in inundation extents in the middle reach of the Yangtze River, and it is also the lake most affected by the Three Gorges Project. Significant inter-annual and seasonal variations in flood inundations were observed from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) time-series imagery between 2000 and 2012 in the Dongting Lake. Results demonstrated that temporal changes in inundation extents derived from MODIS data were accordant with variations in annual and monthly precipitation and runoff data. Spatial and temporal dynamics of some related parameters of flood regime were analyzed as well, which included flood inundation probability, duration and start/end date of the annual largest flood. Large areas with high flood inundation probability were identified in 2000 and 2002, but relatively small regions with great flood inundation probability occurred in 2001, 2006, and 2011. Long flood durations were observed in 2000, 2002, 2008, 2010, and 2012, whereas short flood durations occurred in 2001, 2006, and 2011. Correlation analysis techniques were applied to explore spatial-temporal relationships between parameters associated with flood regime and wetland landscape patterns from 2000 to 2012. In addition, this paper presented comprehensive discussions on development of related parameters of flood regime and their influences on wetland landscape pattern after impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir, changes in wetland landscape patterns after the flood period, and the role of flooding in wetland evolution and vegetation succession. These results can provide scientific guidance and baseline data for wetland management and long-term monitoring of wetland ecological environment in the Dongting Lake.
Region-Based Collision Avoidance Beaconless Geographic Routing Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lee JeongCheol , Park HoSung , Kang SeokYoon , Kim Ki-Il
Published: June 2015

Due to the lack of dependency on beacon messages for location exchange, the beaconless geographic routing protocol has attracted considerable attention from the research community. However, existing beaconless geographic routing protocols are likely to generate duplicated data packets when multiple winners in the greedy area are selected. Furthermore, these protocols are designed for a uniform sensor field, so they cannot be directly applied to practical irregular sensor fields with partial voids. To prevent the failure of finding a forwarding node and to remove unnecessary duplication, in this paper, we propose a region-based collision avoidance beaconless geographic routing protocol to increase forwarding opportunities for randomly-deployed sensor networks. By employing different contention priorities into the mutually-communicable nodes and the rest of the nodes in the greedy area, every neighbor node in the greedy area can be used for data forwarding without any packet duplication. Moreover, simulation results are given to demonstrate the increased packet delivery ratio and shorten end-to-end delay, rather than well-referred comparative protocols.
Sensor Prototype to Evaluate the Contact Force in Measuring with Coordinate Measuring Arms
Authors: Cuesta Eduardo , Telenti Alejandro , Patiño Hector , González-Madruga Daniel , Martínez-Pellitero Susana
Published: June 2015

This paper describes the design, development and evaluation tests of an integrated force sensor prototype for portable Coordinate Measuring Arms (CMAs or AACMMs). The development is based on the use of strain gauges located on the surface of the CMAs’ hard probe. The strain gauges as well as their cables and connectors have been protected with a custom case, made by Additive Manufacturing techniques (Polyjet 3D). The same method has been selected to manufacture an ergonomic handle that includes trigger mechanics and the electronic components required for synchronizing the trigger signal when probing occurs. The paper also describes the monitoring software that reads the signals in real time, the calibration procedure of the prototype and the validation tests oriented towards increasing knowledge of the forces employed in manual probing. Several experiments read and record the force in real time comparing different ways of probing (discontinuous and continuous contact) and measuring different types of geometric features, from single planes to exterior cylinders, cones, or spheres, through interior features. The probing force is separated into two components allowing the influence of these strategies in probe deformation to be known. The final goal of this research is to improve the probing technique, for example by using an operator training programme, allowing extra-force peaks and bad contacts to be minimized or just to avoid bad measurements.
Spatial Disaggregation of Areal Rainfall Using Two Different Artificial Neural Networks Models
Authors: Kim Sungwon , Singh Vijay
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study is to develop artificial neural network (ANN) models, including multilayer perceptron (MLP) and Kohonen self-organizing feature map (KSOFM), for spatial disaggregation of areal rainfall in the Wi-stream catchment, an International Hydrological Program (IHP) representative catchment, in South Korea. A three-layer MLP model, using three training algorithms, was used to estimate areal rainfall. The Levenberg–Marquardt training algorithm was found to be more sensitive to the number of hidden nodes than were the conjugate gradient and quickprop training algorithms using the MLP model. Results showed that the networks structures of 11-5-1 (conjugate gradient and quickprop) and 11-3-1 (Levenberg-Marquardt) were the best for estimating areal rainfall using the MLP model. The networks structures of 1-5-11 (conjugate gradient and quickprop) and 1-3-11 (Levenberg–Marquardt), which are the inverse networks for estimating areal rainfall using the best MLP model, were identified for spatial disaggregation of areal rainfall using the MLP model. The KSOFM model was compared with the MLP model for spatial disaggregation of areal rainfall. The MLP and KSOFM models could disaggregate areal rainfall into individual point rainfall with spatial concepts.
«La montagne : un milieu à risques ? Perceptions et réalités de l'univers montagnard par les pratiquants et les habitants, le regard du secouriste» (Perception and reality of the mountain : the point of view of a first-aid worker)
Authors: Agresti Blaise
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - There is a deep evolution of the relationship between people and mountain. A part of these that practice mountain sports seem to deny the reality and risks of highmountain universe.
«Le dépeuplement dans le Val d'Aoste : les causes et les conséquences» (Depopulation in Aosta valley : causes and consequences)
Authors: Cerutti Augusta Vittoria
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The Aosta Valley region displays at the same time a strong demographic growth in the Plain, the narrow strip of lowlands along the Dora Baltea river (1861/2001, + 162 %) and depopulation in the highlands i.e. the Mountains (1861/2001, - 36 %). Along the line of official statistics this paper analyzes the development of this phenomenon during 140 years, from 1861 to 2001. This study demonstrates that in the Mountains the patterns and causes of depopulation are different in the period 1861-1961 from the following period. In the first period the cause of depopulation is the preceding overpopulation, responsible of endemic poverty. After 1961, although, demographic pressure diminished and life quality improved, depopulation carried on because of the objective difficulties of Mountains to adapt itself to the market economy, and because of a strong pattern of decreasing birth rate in the vast majority of mountain communities. Those who relinquish their villages in the high valleys do not emigrate in far away countries as they used to, but find new homes in the Plain, where urbanization is increasing year by year.
Tuning the size of a redox-active tetrathiafulvalene-based self-assembled ring
Authors: Bivaud Sébastien , Goeb Sébastien , Croué Vincent , Allain Magali , Pop Flavia , Sallé Marc
Published: June 2015

The synthesis of a new Pd coordination-driven self-assembled ring M6L3 constructed from a concave tetrapyridyl π-extended tetrathiafulvalene ligand (exTTF) is described. The same ligand is also able to self-assemble in a M4L2 mode as previously described. Herein, we demonstrate that the bulkiness of the ancillary groups in the Pd complex allows for modulating the size and the shape of the resulting discrete self-assembly, which therefore incorporate two (M4L2) or three (M6L3) electroactive exTTF sidewalls.
Video Head Impulse Testing (vHIT) and the Assessment of Horizontal Semicircular Canal Function
Authors: Riska Kristal M. , Murnane Owen , Akin Faith W. , Hall Courtney
Published: June 2015

Background:Vestibular function (specifically, horizontal semicircular canal function) can be assessed across a broad frequency range using several different techniques. The head impulse test is a qualitative test of horizontal semicircular canal function that can be completed
at bedside. Recently, a new instrument (video head impulse test [vHIT]) has been developed to provide an objective assessment to the clinical test. Questions persist regarding how this test may be used in the overall vestibular test battery.Purpose:The purpose of this case report is
to describe vestibular test results (vHIT, rotational testing, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and balance and gait performance) in an individual with a 100% unilateral caloric weakness who was asymptomatic for dizziness, vertigo or imbalance.Data Collection and/or Analysis:Comprehensive
assessment was completed to evaluate vestibular function. Caloric irrigations, rotary chair testing, vHIT, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials were completed.Results:A 100% left-sided unilateral caloric weakness was observed in an asymptomatic individual. vHIT produced normal
gain with covert saccades.Conclusions:This case demonstrates the clinical usefulness of vHIT as a diagnostic tool and indicator of vestibular compensation and functional status.
Comparison of Clinical and Traditional Gap Detection Tests
Authors: Hoover Eric , Pasquesi Lauren , Souza Pamela
Published: June 2015

Background:Temporal resolution is important for speech recognition and may contribute to variability in speech recognition among patients. Clinical tests of temporal resolution are available, but it is not clear how closely results of those tests correspond to results of traditional
temporal resolution tests.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to compare the Gaps-in-Noise (GIN) test to a traditional measure of gap detection.Study Sample:This study included older adults with hearing loss and younger adults with normal hearing.Data Collection and Analysis:Participants
completed one practice and two test blocks of each gap detection test, and a measure of speech-in-noise recognition. Individual data were correlated to examine the relationship between the tests.Results:The GIN and traditional gap detection were significantly, but not highly correlated.
The traditional gap detection test contributed to variance in speech recognition in noise, while the GIN did not.Conclusions:The brevity and ease of implementing the GIN in the clinic make it a viable test of temporal resolution. However, it differs from traditional measures in implementation,
and as a result relies on different cognitive factors. The GIN thresholds should be interpreted carefully and not presumed to represent an approximation of traditional gap detection thresholds.
Speech Perception Ability in Noise is Correlated with Auditory Brainstem Response Wave I Amplitude
Authors: Bramhall Naomi , Ong Bonnie , Ko Josephine , Parker Mark
Published: June 2015

Background:Difficulty understanding speech in background noise is a common complaint of individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Recent animal studies suggest this difficulty may be due, in part, to spiral ganglion cell degeneration related to aging or noise exposure. Although
auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds and standard clinical audiometric tests are minimally affected by neuronal degeneration, the amplitude of wave I of the ABR is correlated to spiral ganglion cell density.Purpose:This study hypothesized that wave I amplitude was correlated
to speech-in-noise performance. To test this, the relationships between wave I amplitude, age, and speech perception ability were analyzed in human participants.Research Design:This is a correlational study.Study Sample:A total of 101 ears from 57 adults ranging in age from 19
to 90 yr with a pure-tone average of 45 dB HL or better were examined in this study. Only individuals with no history of neurological disease and ears without any evidence of conductive involvement were included.Data Collection and Analysis:Speech perception was measured in quiet using
NU-6 word lists and in background noise using the QuickSIN. Ear canal electrodes were used to obtain ABR waveforms from each ear and the amplitude of wave I was measured as the absolute difference in voltage between the peak of the wave and the following trough. Speech perception performance
in quiet and in background noise were both modeled using a linear mixed model with the covariates age, four-frequency pure-tone average (4fPTA), wave I amplitude, and the interaction between 4fPTA and wave I amplitude. ABR wave I amplitudes were modeled using a linear
mixed model with age and 4fPTA as the covariates. The correlation between the right and left ears of the same participant were modeled using random effects.Results:The results indicate that reduced ABR wave I amplitudes are (1) related to increased age, (2) associated with
decreased speech-in-noise performance, with the greatest effects in individuals with poorer pure-tone thresholds, and (3) not correlated to speech perception in quiet.Conclusions:Reduced ABR wave I amplitude, an indicator of cochlear neuronal degeneration, is associated with decreased
speech perception ability in noise, with a more pronounced effect in ears with poorer pure-tone thresholds, but does not appear to contribute to decreased speech perception in quiet.
Quantification of Uptake and Clearance of Acyclovir in Skin Layers
Authors: Nair Anroop B
Published: June 2015

Background

Quantification of drug uptake and clearance in the skin layers could provide better insight into the skin kinetics of dermatological formulations aimed for deeper skin tissues. This study assessed the skin kinetics of acyclovir in different skin layers following topical application on the abdominal region of Wistar rats.

Methods

In vivo skin pharmacokinetics parameters were determined by two different protocols such as post drug load assessment and subsequent drug load assessment following topical application of 500 mg of cream formulation containing 5% (w/w) of acyclovir.

Results

Topical application of acyclovir exhibited concentration gradient between the skin layers (stratum corneum > viable epidermis > dermis) which were inconsistent over the time-course of the study. The rate and extent of drug reaching target site (basal epidermis) was relatively low. The drug uptake and clearance pro-files were found to be distinct in all the three skin layers suggesting no drug concentration correlation ( P<0.05) between skin layers. Drug concentration in the viable epidermis continued to increase even after termination of therapy (Tmax=4 h) and then declined rapidly. The availability of acyclovir in the target was comparatively low (approximately 0.4% of the applied dose) although an order of magnitude higher percentage was determined in the stratum corneum.

Conclusions

The data observed in this study demonstrates low skin uptake and rapid clearance of acyclovir in the target site. Further, the methodology employed can be useful for studying other topical antiviral agents as well as for optimizing formulations for drugs (such as acyclovir) that may enhance their efficacy.
Additions to the Encyrtidae and Mymaridae (Chalcidoidea) of India with new distribution and host records for some species
Authors: Rameshkumar A. , Poorani J. , V Naveen
Published: June 2015

Encyrtidae and Mymaridae of India have not been surveyed in depth and hosts are not known for most of the species as the methods of collections used are passive and do not yield firsthand information on the hosts. Based on our ongoing surveys on the Encyrtidae and Mymaridae of India, we report here new distribution and host records for some species.

Acmopolynema campylurum Xu and Lin, Litus cynipseus Haliday, Omyomymar glabrum Lin and Chiappini and Platystethynium Ogloblin (Mymaridae), and Rhytidothorax purpureiscutellum (Girault) (Encyrtidae) are reported for the first time from India. Anagyrus aquilonaris (Noyes and Hayat) is recorded as new to Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Paraphaenodiscus indicus Singh and Agarwal and Paraphaenodiscus monawari Bhuiya are recorded from south India for the first time, the latter on a new host, Pulvinaria polygonata. Chorizococcus sorghi Williams (Pseudococcidae) is reported as a host for Cryptanusia ajmerensis (Fatma & Shafee), for which no hosts are hitherto known and the male of Cryptanusia is documented for the first time. Aclerda sp. is recorded as a new host for Neastymachus axillaris Singh, Agarwal and Basha.
La recherche-intervention comme révélatrice des dimensions des pratiques de reconnaissance dans les organisations
Authors: Roche Alexis
Published: June 2015

Le concept de reconnaissance est de plus en plus mis en avant à la fois par les professionnels et par les chercheurs. Les sciences de gestion, et particulièrement la Gestion des Ressources Humaines, s’intéressent de plus en plus à la reconnaissance au regard des impacts qui se font jour dans les domaines de la performance sociale, notamment la santé mentale, et économique, en particulier l’énergie déployée par les individus et la coopération. Pourtant, le concept est encore mal modélisé alors qu’il semble être une entrée pertinente permettant d’articuler différentes théories de sciences de gestion et d’autres disciplines telles que la philosophie, l’anthropologie, la psychologie, la sociologie et même la biologie. Cet article propose d’analyser différents processus de reconnaissance et de mieux définir les contours de ce concept encore peu exploré. Il se base sur une étude longitudinale dans deux organisations pendant plusieurs années, par une méthode de recherche-intervention.
La « qualité » des carrières des cadres français
Authors: Pralong Jean , Peretti Marie
Published: June 2015

La diversification croissante des trajectoires des cadres est régulièrement rappelée mais jamais réellement décrite. Pour répondre à cette lacune, cet article propose la notion de « qualité de carrière. » Elle est présentée en fonction des évolutions des marchés du travail des cadres ainsi qu’en fonction des critiques adressées aux notions de succès objectif et subjectif de carrière. Une échelle de « qualité de carrière » est construite, testée et validée sur un échantillon de 784 cadres. Elle permet une perspective comparative et l’ouverture d’un débat sur l’hétérogénéisation, plutôt que la diversification, des carrières des cadres français.
Proche-Orient : géopolitique des dynamiques agraires
Authors: Blanc Pierre
Published: June 2015

La géopolitique a depuis longtemps rompu avec ses anciennes définitions, entachées à tout le moins de mauvaise réputation. N’étant plus une discipline au service des ambitions territoriales de certains États, elle se fixe seulement d’analyser les rivalités de pouvoir sur les territoires, entretenues par des représentations antagonistes qui s’alimentent à plusieurs sources. Selon cette définition lacostienne, l’agriculture est bien une question géopolitique en ce sens que cette activité, très liée au territoire, est traversée par des rivalités d’acteurs à différentes échelles et qu’elle peut se retrouver mêlée à des ambitions de puissance et des desseins géostratégiques. Il est clair que l’agriculture endosse plusieurs fonctions géopolitiques : la fonction nourricière qui a à voir avec les questions de sécurité et d’indépendance, la fonction spatiale qui est un réel atout quand il s’agit de couvrir des espaces disputés, la fonction horogénétique qui signifie que l’agriculture et ses ressources sont parfois au cœur des dessins de frontières ou des revendications territoriales, la fonction politique qui traduit la prégnance de la question foncière dans les séquences politiques de moult États, la fonction identitaire car l’agriculture et la « paysannerie » sont un vecteur d’identité politique, et la fonction hydropolitique qui tient au fait que l’irrigation est un déterminant des « guerres de l’eau ». Eu égard à son degré de conflictualité, le Proche-Orient est exemplaire de cette géopolitique.
Géopolitique de l’agriculture indienne
Authors: Racine Jean-Luc
Published: June 2015

Dans un pays de plus de 1,2 milliard d’habitants où 50 % des emplois sont encore agricoles, la géopolitique de l’agriculture est évidemment multiforme. Dans le cadre national, les tensions persistent entre États de l’Union indienne sur le partage des eaux fluviales indispensables aux cultures irriguées, mais de nouvelles formes de luttes opposent des communautés locales, paysannes ou tribales, aux grands projets industriels ou miniers qui entendent les déplacer sans compensation acceptable, tandis que la guérilla maoïste des naxalites persiste dans le « corridor rouge » de l’Inde centrale. La question sensible du partage des eaux complique aussi les relations de l’Inde avec ses voisins, surtout avec le Pakistan, mais aussi avec Népal, Bangladesh et Chine. Enfin, l’Inde défend avec vigueur ses intérêts au sein de l’OMC, qu’elle a bloquée plusieurs mois en 2014 sur la question des subventions liées aux stocks alimentaires nationaux. Le nouveau gouvernement de Narendra Modi, favorable à l’industrialisation et à l’agrobusiness, commence à redéfinir les politiques agricoles, forestières et environnementales dans un sens qui pourrait susciter de nouveaux conflits.
Les paradoxes des « sans-terre » et de l’esclavage rural au Brésil
Authors: Théry Hervé
Published: June 2015

Le Brésil dispose d’immenses étendues de terres encore disponibles, et pourtant le « Mouvement des paysans sans terre » (MST) y est actif et l’on y découvre tous les ans des milliers de travailleurs en situation d’esclavage. Comment expliquer ces paradoxes ? Ils tiennent à l’inégale répartition de la population et de la propriété foncière dans le pays, issue de la façon dont le Brésil a été occupé et approprié. L’article jauge d’abord le poids et la situation du secteur agraire brésilien et mesure sa dynamique territoriale, puis il analyse les profondes mutations en cours, qui changent les rapports de force et créent des conflits et crises aigus, causant de nombreux morts. Il étudie ensuite la situation des travailleurs ruraux en situation d’esclavage, que des recherches récentes ont permis – en utilisant les méthodes de la géographie – de connaître un peu mieux, pour mieux combattre ce fléau.
Bientôt on comptera des dizaines de millions de paysans sans terre en Afrique subsaharienne
Authors: Bouquet Christian
Published: June 2015

Depuis qu’elle a lancé en Afrique subsaharienne la vaste entreprise dite de « sécurisation des terres » au début des années 1990, la Banque mondiale tente de substituer le droit universel de propriété individuelle de la terre à la gestion collective des parcelles paysannes, profondément inscrite dans la culture et dans les faits depuis des siècles. Bien plus qu’une simple mutation des droits, et sous couvert de parfaite légalité, ce processus va entraîner une véritable révolution agraire, mais dans le mauvais sens du terme : les petits paysans africains vont vendre leurs champs peu compétitifs aux grands groupes agro-industriels (accaparement ou land grabbing ) et se retrouver sans terre, comme en Amérique latine. Ainsi des dizaines de millions de migrants intérieurs iront grossir les bidonvilles des grandes agglomérations urbaines, accroissant l’insécurité alimentaire, sanitaire et sociale dans des pays déjà très instables. Tant que le modèle économique des grandes plantations à haute productivité n’inclura pas dans la réalité des prix de revient le coût de cette insécurité sociale, et en attendant une réponse socioéconomique globalement pertinente, les campagnes africaines, démographiquement très chargées, risquent de devenir des territoires explosifs.
Identités « dialogales ». L’être, au théâtre du genre
Authors: Janthial Dominique
Published: June 2015

Dans ses grands textes et sa pratique, le théâtre interroge le mystère de l’identité humaine. L’homme et la femme sont-ils réduits à ne jouer qu’un ou plusieurs rôles successifs sur la scène du monde ? Les récits bibliques des origines révèlent un salut offert dans le processus de construction de l’identité. On y découvre que le sujet n’advient à lui-même que dans une interaction entre l’un et l’autre qui traverse la frontière du genre. On concèdera donc aux théories en vogue de manifester avec force qu’aucune identité véritablement humaine ne saurait se construire de manière isolée : l’autre genre est intérieur au moi.
Indissolubilité et pardon : contribution au débat sur les baptisés divorcés et remariés
Authors: Lacroix Xavier
Published: June 2015

L’indissolubilité du mariage n’est pas le pardon. L’une et l’autre notion n’ont pas les mêmes fondements, ne posent pas les mêmes questions. Le présent article explore une voie qui affirme nettement l’indissolubilité (a priori) du mariage tout en ouvrant à la possibilité d’un acte de pardon-réconciliation (sacramentel) envers les baptisés « divorcés- remariés ».
Indissolubilité : une fenêtre ouverte vers le ciel
Authors: Mattheeuws Alain
Published: June 2015

Comment garder à la fidélité sa valeur intrinsèque au lien conjugal et accorder l’indissolubilité avec les divers chemins du pardon ? La recherche théologique et pastorale ne peut faire abstraction de la réalité sacramentelle profonde de l’engagement des époux. Cet article parcourt quelques pistes, en prenant en compte la réalité de la grâce sacramentelle où s’exprime le lien du Christ à son épouse, l’Église, et la théologie conciliaire des affinités sacramentelles et de l’Église-sacrement.
Construction d’une pratique pastorale relative à l’accompagnement des fidèles divorcés remariés et synodes sur la famille
Authors: Berliet Gérard
Published: June 2015

L’auteur, expert au Synode sur la famille en oct. 2014, relit son expérience d’accompagnement pastoral des divorcés remariés, soulignant l’apport du père Jacques Nourissat (1917-2014). Il indique des pistes concrètes et les points qui lui paraissent trop négligés dans la réflexion actuelle : cohérence du « Christ du baptême » avec le « Christ du mariage », dynamisme de la charité, souci des enfants.
Désirer infiniment. La mystique de sainte Catherine de Sienne
Authors: des Anges Marie
Published: June 2015

Le concept du désir, considéré du point de vue métaphysique et dans la perspective du salut, est chez Catherine de Sienne le fondement d’une véritable pédagogie spirituelle. Dans le désir, point de rencontre privilégié entre la créature et son Dieu, la sainte découvre Dieu à la fois présent en elle et pourtant au-delà d’elle-même. Cet article entend montrer que le désir infini qui habite l’homme est dans la doctrine catherinienne une réponse au désir infini du Dieu-Trinité, manifesté par le Christ dans sa Passion.
Comparing Person-Centered Communication Education in Long-Term Care Using Onsite and Online Formats
Authors: Coleman Carissa K. , Fanning Kim , Williams Kristine N.
Published: June 2015

Educating nursing home (NH) staff to provide person-centered care is complicated by scheduling, costs, and other feasibility issues. The current study compared outcomes for an in-service program focused on person-centered communication provided in onsite and online formats. The Changing Talk program was provided onsite in seven NHs (
n
= 327 staff). The online program included eight NHs (
n
= 211 staff). Analysis of variance revealed an interaction between format type and pre-/post-test scores with improved recognition of person-centered communication in the onsite group only. Group program evaluations based on the modified Diffusion of Innovation in Long-Term Care Battery indicated no significant differences between training formats. Staff perception of the program was similar. Although statistically significant gains were noted in posttest scores indicating awareness of person-centered communication for the onsite group, gains were of limited clinical significance. Feasibility and effectiveness are important considerations for in-service education supporting NH culture change. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41
(11), 22–28.]
Toric Intraocular Lens Outcomes in Patients With Glaucoma
Authors: Brown Reay H. , Zhong Le , Bozeman Caroline W. , Lynch Mary G.
Published: June 2015

PURPOSE:

To report the outcomes of toric intraocular lens implantation in patients with glaucoma and corneal astigmatism.

METHODS:

One hundred twenty-six eyes of 87 patients with glaucoma and corneal astigmatism that underwent cataract surgery with an AcrySof toric intraocular lens (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) implant were selected for this single-center, retrospective case series. Corrected distance visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and refractive astigmatism were measured in each eye preoperatively and postoperatively. Uncorrected distance visual acuity and toric alignment were measured postoperatively.

RESULTS:

The uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.04 ± 0.08 logMAR (20/22 Snellen) for all eyes. Ninety-eight percent of all eyes achieved an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/40 or better, with 76% achieving 20/25 or better and 47% achieving 20/20. The corrected distance visual acuity for all eyes was 0.01 ± 0.03 logMAR (20/20.5 Snellen) postoperatively. The refractive cylinder improved from 1.47 ± 1.10 diopters preoperatively to 0.31 ± 0.37 diopters postoperatively. The residual refractive cylinder was 1.00 diopter or less in 97% of eyes, 0.75 diopters or less in 90% of eyes, and 0.50 diopters or less in 83% of eyes. Mean misalignment was 4.4° ± 5.1°. Intraocular pressure decreased by a mean of 2.3 ± 3.3 mm Hg following the surgery.

CONCLUSION:

Toric intraocular lenses can reliably reduce astigmatism and improve uncorrected vision in eyes with cataract and glaucoma.

[J Refract Surg.
2015;31(6):366–372.]
Intense Early Flattening After Corneal Collagen Cross-linking
Authors: Santhiago Marcony R. , Giacomin Natalia T. , Medeiros Carla S. , Smadja David , Bechara Samir J.
Published: June 2015

PURPOSE:

To report two cases of significant flattening after corneal cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus and discuss its potential explanations and implications.

METHODS:

Observational case report.

RESULTS:

One year after standard CXL protocol (3 mW/cm
2
for 30 minutes and total energy of 5.4 J/cm
2
), a 28-year-old woman presented a flattening of greater than 14 diopters and a 14-year-old boy presented a flattening of 7 diopters.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although rare, a significant flattening effect may occur during the first year after CXL, probably related to intense wound healing, increase in corneal elasticity, CXL effective depth, and central cone location. These cases suggest the necessity of a patient-specific approach and a better understanding regarding the actual mechanism behind its potent effect.

[
J Refract Surg.
2015;31(6):419–422.]
Monitorización de deformaciones y temperaturas en la estructura de un túnel artificial de alta velocidad mediante sensores ópticos puntuales, de longitud y distribuidos
Authors: Torres B. , Payá-Zaforteza I. , Barrera D. , Alvarado Y. A. , Calderón P. A. , Loayssa A. , Sagüés M. , Zornoza A. , Sales S.
Published: June 2015

La monitorización de estructuras es una rama de la ingeniería estructural que está captando mucha atención actualmente. Las deformaciones y temperaturas son, habitualmente, los parámetros monitorizados porque son los que mejor representan el comportamiento estructural. De todos los tipos de sensores existentes, los basados en fibra óptica resultan especialmente interesantes debido a sus ventajas comparativas sobre los sensores convencionales. En este artículo se presentan los trabajos de monitorización de la estructura de un túnel artificial de Alta Velocidad construido en Mogente (España) mediante tres tipos de sensores ópticos desarrollados por los autores. Los resultados de los sensores se comparan con los proporcionados por un modelo teórico de elementos finitos. Esta comparación confirma que los sensores reproducen notablemente bien la pauta general de comportamiento de la estructura, incluso con pequeños niveles de deformación (5με). Por último, el artículo discute el comportamiento de los sensores, sus mediciones y sus campos de aplicación.
Lifelong Learning and ICTs
Authors: Drigas Athanasios , Tsolaki Vasiliki
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this paper is to present a review of sample papers that have been published from 2003-2013 regarding lifelong learning and ICT. The use of ICT in lifelong learning is viewed in relation to different settings of learning i.e. formal, informal and non-formal learning, with special reference to the third-age. A special focus is also given on the technologies and specific tools which are used for the provision of lifelong learning. The role of ICT networks, web technologies in e-learning, mobile learning tools and virtual worlds as facilitators of knowledge sharing in all types of learning settings is examined.
Reducing Disk Storage with SQLite into BitCoin Architecture
Authors: Nana Mbinkeu Rodrigue Carlos , Batchakui Bernabé
Published: June 2015

For the past five years, the bitcoin network constantly experience a growth in its size as more communities turn to accept the currency for payment exchanges. Using Flat File and a LevelDB of indices to save blocks on disk, bitcoin users require more memory to save the history of transaction. We focus on issues of memory management and access time in the bitcoin protocol using SQLite DataBase. With all the advantages of SQLite DataBase, it would be efficient if it is fitted in this architecture. The SQLite comes with many flavors one of which is its ability to support sql queries. Thus, instead of parsing indices to search a block from the database, a more powerful query can do the job.
Managing the Process of Segmentation on the Mobile Phone Subscribers
Authors: Nana Mbinkeu Rodrigue Carlos , Beneventano Domenico
Published: June 2015

Most telecommunications providers possess a remarkable amount of data about their subscribers.The knowledge that we would discover in the database of telecommunications providers is vital to understanding the behavior of subscribers. We talk about subscribers segmentation. The segmentation will identify and select the subscribers most likely to respond favorably to offers. Our paper proposes a set of techniques to analyze and design tools that manages the process of data acquisition, data cleaning and selection of the segmentation algorithm.
Automatic Gas Stove with Advanced Safety Features
Authors: Mathew Manu , V. L. Dr. Neelakantha
Published: June 2015

Gas stoves are now very common in all houses including urban and remote areas. The main power source for gas stoves are either LPG or biogas. Biogas is more cost effective compared to LPG. In both cases chemical energy stored in the fuel is converted into heat energy and this heat energy is used for cooking purpose. Explosive range of LPG is 1.8%-9.5% volume of gas in air. Biogas mainly contains methane as its flammable agent. The leakage of LPG or biogas accompanied with a small spark will results in a huge explosion that can even takes several life. So as a matter of safety leakage should be known in its early stage and should be compensated. The main source of the LPG is fossil fuels, so its huge consumption will definitely lead to its shortage in the near future. So to make sure the availability of fossil based fuels for future generation it is our responsibility to use the fuels at it minimum and avoid all wastage of fuels. In this paper, we report the automation of gas stove which will result in the minimum wastage of fuel and reduce the human interference in the process. This paper describes the distinct properties of LPG that favours its flammability. Some advanced safety features like alarm and automatic message sending facility during gas leakage is also reviewed. Analysis of percentage of reduction in gas wastage and sensing capacity of the sensors are also discussed.
Cloudlet-Based Cyber-Foraging in Resource-Limited Environments
Authors: Lewis Grace A. , Echeverría Sebastián , Simanta Soumya , Root James , Bradshaw Ben
Published: June 2015

First responders and others operating in crisis environments increasingly make use of handheld devices to help with tasks such as face recognition, language translation, decision making, and mission planning. These resource-limited environments are characterized by dynamic context, limited computing resources, high levels of stress, and intermittent network connectivity. Cyber-foraging is the leverage of external resource-rich surrogates to augment the capabilities of resource-limited devices. In cloudlet-based cyber-foraging, resource-intensive computation is offloaded to cloudlets: discoverable, generic servers located in single-hop proximity of mobile devices. This chapter presents several mechanisms for cloudlet-based cyber-foraging that consider a tradeoff space beyond energy, performance, and fidelity of results. It demonstrates that cyber-foraging in resource-limited environments can greatly benefit from moving cloud computing concepts and technologies closer to the edge so that surrogates, even if disconnected from the enterprise, can provide offload capabilities that enhance the computing power of mobile devices.
Energy-Saving QoS Resource Management of Virtualized Networked Data Centers for Big Data Stream Computing
Authors: Cordeschi Nicola , Shojafar Mohammad , Amendola Danilo , Baccarelli Enzo
Published: June 2015

In this chapter, the authors develop the scheduler which optimizes the energy-vs.-performance trade-off in Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Virtualized Networked Data Centers (VNetDCs) that support real-time Big Data Stream Computing (BDSC) services. The objective is to minimize the communication-plus-computing energy which is wasted by processing streams of Big Data under hard real-time constrains on the per-job computing-plus-communication delays. In order to deal with the inherently nonconvex nature of the resulting resource management optimization problem, the authors develop a solving approach that leads to the lossless decomposition of the afforded problem into the cascade of two simpler sub-problems. The resulting optimal scheduler is amenable of scalable and distributed adaptive implementation. The performance of a Xen-based prototype of the scheduler is tested under several Big Data workload traces and compared with the corresponding ones of some state-of-the-art static and sequential schedulers.
Parallel Programming Models and Systems for High Performance Computing
Authors: Venkata Manjunath Gorentla , Poole Stephen
Published: June 2015

A parallel programming model is an abstraction of a parallel system that allows expression of both algorithms and shared data structures. To accommodate the diversity in parallel system architectures and user requirements, there are a variety of programming models including the models providing a shared memory view or a distributed memory view of the system. The programming models are implemented as libraries, language extensions, or compiler directives. This chapter provides a discussion on programming models and its implementations aimed at application developers, system software researchers, and hardware architects. The first part provides an overview of the programming models. The second part is an in-depth discussion on high-performance networking interface to implement the programming model. The last part of the chapter discusses implementation of a programming model with a case study. Each part of the chapter concludes with a discussion on current research trends and its impact on future architectures.
Mobile Games and Learning
Authors: DaCosta Boaventura , Seok Soonhwa , Kinsell Carolyn
Published: June 2015

Experts have long endeavored to understand the draw of video games on youth and how this entertainment medium might be used for education. The “anytime, anywhere, and on any device” nature of mobile technology may offer new opportunities for researchers and educators interested in leveraging the potential benefits of game-based learning. In this article, we offer a review of existing literature on the benefits of video games, specifically focusing on mobile games and their educational contribution. The authors of this article summarize what is currently known about the use of mobile games in learning, providing examples of mobile games explicitly called out in the literature that have been experimented with and/or used to explore game-based learning. The purpose behind this article is not to debate the practice of introducing video games into the classroom, but instead to spark interest in future research, and to advance the study of mobile games as a learning medium.
Mobile Phone Multitasking and Learning
Authors: Carrillo Rogelio , Subrahmanyam Kaveri
Published: June 2015

In recent years, mobile phones and smart devices have become commonplace in the classroom. Students often use them while engaged in learning, both in and out of the classroom. Although such use is referred to as multitasking, researchers have noted that the learner is rapidly switching between different activities on one device or on multiple devices/media. In this article, the authors describe and discuss the research that has examined the relation between such multitasking using mobile phones or laptops and learning. A review of the extant research suggests that the effects of multitasking depend on the learning setting. Studies conducted in the laboratory have found differences between multitasking and non-multitasking participants with regard to efficiency, but not comprehension. In contrast, studies that have examined the effect of multitasking during live lectures have found negative effects on learning and recall. This article discusses possible reasons for these differences, examine the implications for learning, and identify questions for future research.
Divorced Coparents' Use of Communication Technology
Authors: Chapman Ashton , Ganong Lawrence H. , Coleman Marilyn
Published: June 2015

Advancements in technology have resulted in widespread use of communication technologies, particularly in families. Most research on the use of communication technologies in families, however, has ignored family structure. Communication has been identified as a key contributor to coparental efficacy, particularly in postdivorce families, and some research indicates that coparents may rely on communication technologies to interact with one another. The limited research on divorced coparents' use of communication technology has found that coparents' use of technology may vary based upon coparental relationship quality and relevant contextual factors (e.g., repartnering of one or both coparents). Additional research is needed to understand the factors that influence coparents' decisions about communication technology and the influence of technology as means of communication on parents' and children's well-being.
Texting and Christian Practice
Authors: Chiluwa Innocent , Uba Emmanuel
Published: June 2015

This chapter examines the practice of texting in various Christian contexts and why this practice has become so important. It shows that the adoption of mobile technology to promote and disseminate religious thoughts and practices is a form of religious shaping of technology and vice versa (Campbell, 2007). The chapter further gives a general overview of the practice of texting from different geographical contexts where Christian adherents and their leaders embrace text messaging in a wide range of religious and spiritual activities, as well as helping to create new ones. The chapter also gives an up-to-date account of current literature in religion and ICT. Lastly, it suggests further research directions on the possible social and spiritual dangers of texting to Christian living and practices.
Mobile Technology and Cyberbullying
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Zhuo , Pustaka Arkhadi
Published: June 2015

Cyberbullying refers to intentional hostile behaviors using digital technologies. With the increased availability of and access to mobile technologies, such as smart phones, tablets and Portable Digital Assistants (PDA), more and more cyberbullying perpetrators have picked up these tools to aggressively and repeatedly inflict harm on their victims who often unavoidably use mobile technology for legitimate reasons. This has posed new challenges to schools and parents who have been trying to prevent and resolve such issues. The present article is an overview of past and present research on mobile-based cyberbullying, including the roles mobile technology plays in cyberbullying, the numerous ways it is employed, the groups it affects, and possible approaches to address the issues. In spite of the raised public concerns, little research has been done to research cyberbullying through mobile devices and our study is the first attempt to systematically review the existing literature in this field.
Nomophobia
Authors: Bahl Rishi Raj , DeIuliis David
Published: June 2015

The first investigation of mobile phone addiction, a survey conducted by the UK Post Office in 2008, found that close to 53 percent of people in the UK suffered from a persistent, irrational fear of being disconnected from their mobile device. Later, in 2012, the British cellphone company SecurEnvoy reported that as many as 66 percent of the population suffered from nomophobia that induced stress levels comparable to those felt when getting married or going to the dentist. Before these surveys were conducted and the term coined, several scholars have done pioneering work on mobile phone addiction, both theoretically and practically. A review of this extant literature indicates that nomophobia is commonly considered an “emerging problem of the modern era” (Dixit et al., 2010), or a “disorder of the modern world” (King, Valencia & Nardi, 2010). In this article, however, we approach nomophobia as a young concept with an ancient history intimately intertwined with culture, consciousness, and communication.
The Mobile Presidential Election
Authors: McNeal Ramona , Bryan Lisa Dotterweich
Published: June 2015

The Internet has been incorporated into political campaigns for a number of purposes including making direct appeals to citizens through the Internet to vote, volunteer their time or donate money. An important question is can the Internet be utilized to increase voter turnout? The Internet has been found to hold the most promise in increasing turnout when it is used to facilitate get-out-the-vote (GOTV) drives. The purpose of this article is to determine what the impact of including smartphones into a GOTV effort may have on voter turnout. To explore this question, voter turnout strategies were examined for the 2008 and 2012 U.S. presidential elections. The findings suggest that when smartphones are used as part of a mobilizing effort, they can help increase voter turnout. Nevertheless the findings also suggest that whether these GOTV drives increase turnout is dependent on which voters are targeted by mobilizing activities.