bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple computer visualization of laser eye dazzle
Authors: Williamson Craig A.
Published: October 2015

A technique is presented to simulate visually the appearance of laser dazzle to the human eye. This can reduce the need for human laser exposures in applications such as laser awareness training and laser dazzler effectiveness testing. The benefits of reduced human exposures include the reduced time and cost for experimentation, the ability to explore more complex parameter spaces, and the potential to simulate non-eye-safe laser exposures. In this implementation, an adapted version of the CIE general disability glare equation, which has been validated with human subject laser experiments, is used to determine the dazzle extent across the visual field. Simple image manipulation then permits the resulting dazzle field to be superimposed upon scene imagery to give a visualization of the severity of the dazzle in a given environment. Examples are presented that illustrate the increased dazzle field experienced with reduced ambient luminance and increased laser irradiance, including non-eye-safe levels. The algorithm's simplicity makes it ideally suited to applications where speed of processing and rapid effects assessment are required.
Radiocarbon Dating of Aghios Antonios, Potos, and Intersite Chronological Variability in South Thasos, Greece
Authors: Maniatis Yannis , Nerantzis Nerantzis , Papadopoulos Stratis
Published: October 2015

Radiocarbon dates obtained for the coastal hilltop settlement of Aghios Antonios Potos in south Thasos are statistically treated to define the absolute chronology for the start and the end of the various habitation and cultural phases at the site. The location was first occupied during the Final Neolithic (FN) between 3800 and 3600 BC, extending this much contested phase to the lowest up to now record for Thasos and the northern Greece. The site is continuously inhabited from Early Bronze Age I until the early Late Bronze Age (LBA; 1363 BC) when it was abandoned. Comparison with other sites in Thasos and particularly with the inland site of Kastri Theologos showed that the first occupation at Aghios Antonios came soon after the abandonment of Kastri in the beginning of the 4th millennium. In fact, after the decline and abandonment of Aghios Antonios in the LBA, the site of Kastri was reinhabited, leading to the hypothesis that part of the coastal population moved inland. The presumed chronological sequence of alternate habitation between the two settlements may evoke explanations for sociocultural and/or environmental dynamics behind population movements in prehistoric Thasos. A major conclusion of the project is that the 4th millennium occupation gap attested in many sites of Greece, especially in the north, is probably bridged in south Thasos, when the data from all sites are taken together. The mobility of people in Final Neolithic south Thasos may explain the general phenomenon of limited occupational sequences in the FN of north Greece.
Flame-Sealed Tube Graphitization Using Zinc as the Sole Reduction Agent: Precision Improvement of EnvironMICADAS 14C Measurements on Graphite Targets
Authors: Orsovszki Gergely , Rinyu László
Published: October 2015

The flame-sealed tube zinc reduction graphitization method has been successfully adapted and optimized for radiocarbon measurements on EnvironMICADAS in the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Hertelendi Laboratory of Environmental Studies (ATOMKI HLES). To reduce the cost and treatment time of producing graphite targets from samples of about 1 mg carbon content, we have omitted the titanium hydride (TiH2) reagent and used a decreased amount of zinc as the sole reductant in our new method. These changes have also helped to eliminate methane formation during the graphitization processes as well as to recover higher ion current at the same background level. These conditions have led to improved efficiency in the 14C measurements; furthermore, the instrument background level remained sufficiently low (<49,000 yr BP). After determining the optimum parameters of the new Zn graphitization method (2.5 mg Fe powder, 15.0 mg Zn powder, 10 hr graphitization at 550°C in heating block, reaction cells with reagent pretreated at 300°C for 1 hr), verification of the accuracy was carried out by the preparation and measurement of IAEA standard samples (C2, C6, C7, C8) with known 14C activity. The sensitivity of the method for gas contamination was tested and determined by comparing the results to measurements of reserved portions of previously processed real samples.
Radiocarbon Age Determinations of Mosaic Mortar Layers of Churches from North Jordan
Authors: Al-Bashaireh Khaled
Published: October 2015

This research is aimed at radiocarbon dating organic inclusions and lime-binder powders of mortar layers of mosaic pavements in four churches of arguable archaeological date located in northern Jordan. One mortar sample from each mosaic pavement of each church was collected, examined by thin section microscopy, and then physically pretreated by gentle crushing and dry sieving to collect lime-binder powders of different grain sizes. Charcoal samples uncovered from three samples and the CO2 gases, collected by hydrochloric acid (HCl) hydrolysis of the powders, were 14C dated using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Four powders of 63–45 μm from the four samples and two powders of 45–38 μm from two samples were analyzed in order to get more precise dates and examine previous proposed models for the interpretation of the results. 14C determinations showed agreement between charcoal ages and archaeological data, while the fine lime-binder's powders, especially from the mosaic's bedding layer, produced more precise dates. Results suggest that 14C date profiles produced by HCl hydrolysis of the lime-binder powders can be clearly interpreted by the existing models.
Tel Tsaf and the Impact of the Ubaid Culture on the Southern Levant: Interpreting the Radiocarbon Evidence
Authors: Streit Katharina , Garfinkel Yosef
Published: October 2015

A data set of 18 radiocarbon dates from the domestic quarter and the well at Tel Tsaf provide conclusive evidence for the absolute dating of this Middle Chalcolithic site. Bayesian modeling suggests that the site was occupied in the last quarter of the 6th millennium BC and abandoned in the first quarter of the 5th millennium. The absolute dating of Tel Tsaf has further implications for the synchronization of the protohistory of the Levant. The ceramic assemblage of Tel Tsaf included delicately painted ceramic sherds (so-called Tel Tsaf ware), which are distinct from the common plain ware. Comparable motifs have been identified in ceramic assemblages of contemporary Ubaid sites such as Tell Mashnaqa, Tell Zeidan, Tell el-Abr, and Hammam et-Turkan IV in northern Mesopotamia. Tel Tsaf is a rare example of a little researched connection between the Ubaid culture and the Middle Chalcolithic of the southern Levant. The findings of Tel Tsaf expand the southwestern border of the Ubaid sphere of influence and shed new light on long-distance interaction in protohistory.
Dating the Dead: New Radiocarbon Dates from the Lower Ica Valley, South Coast Peru
Authors: Cadwallader Lauren , Arce Torres Susana , O'Connell Tamsin C , Pullen Alexander G , Beresford-Jones David G
Published: October 2015

This article presents radiocarbon dates from human bone samples (n = 13) from seven pre-Columbian cemeteries in the Samaca and Ullujaya Basins of the lower Ica Valley, south coast of Peru, spanning from the end of the Early Horizon to the Inca Late Horizon. These contexts have been severely looted. Yet, in all cases, their putative dating by material culture remains is confirmed by these 14C dates. This shows that such disturbed contexts, sadly typical of the Peruvian coast, can nonetheless still yield valuable bioarchaeological and burial practice data. These dates elaborate upon an emerging picture of the absolute dating of the cultural phases of the wider south coast region, in particular casting new light on the poorly understood Middle Horizon to Late Intermediate period transition. A paucity of archaeological data for this 3-century period has been taken as evidence of some sort of environmentally or socially induced lacuna. Instead, the 14C dates presented here suggest that the basins of the lower Ica Valley were continuously occupied over this period.
Radiocarbon Dating Shows an Early Appearance of Philistine Material Culture in Tell es-Safi/Gath, Philistia
Authors: Asscher Yotam , Cabanes Dan , Hitchcock Louise A , Maeir Aren M , Weiner Steve , Boaretto Elisabetta
Published: October 2015

The Late Bronze Age to Iron Age transition in the coastal southern Levant involves a major cultural change, which is characterized, among other things, by the appearance of Philistine pottery locally produced in styles derived from outside the Levant. This transition in the coastal southern Levant is conventionally dated to the 12th century BC, based on historical and archaeological artifacts associated with the Philistine pottery. Radiocarbon dating can provide a more precise independent absolute chronology for this transition, but dating for the period under discussion is complicated by the wiggles and relatively flat slope in the calibration curve, which significantly reduce precision. An additional complication is that the stratigraphic record below and above the transition at this site, as well as at most other sites in the region, is far from complete. We thus used a variety of microarchaeological techniques to improve our understanding of the stratigraphy, and to ensure that the locations with datable short-lived materials were only derived from primary contexts, which could be related directly to the associated material culture. The14C dates were modeled using Bayesian statistics that incorporate the stratigraphic information. Using this integrative approach, we date the appearance of the Philistine pottery in Tell es-Safi/Gath in the 13th century BC.
Identifying Specialized 19th Century Fishing Camps on California's Northern Channel Islands: Applying AMS Radiocarbon Dating to Historical Sites
Authors: Braje Todd J , Rick Torben C
Published: October 2015

California's Northern Channel Islands have long been an epicenter of specialized fishing economies dating from 13,000 yr ago to the mid-19th century. With thousands of well-preserved shell middens, some dominated by single shellfish species and little to no material culture, it can be difficult to distinguish between specialized prehistoric and historical deposits at some site types. Beginning at least in the Early Holocene and continuing into the Historic period, California mussels, turban snails, and abalone were targeted for specialized collection and processing by Native Americans and later Chinese and Euro-American fishers. Here, we demonstrate how selective accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dating of specialized abalone processing camps can help distinguish between prehistoric and historical sites. While unconventional, our case study demonstrates the utility of14C dating at sites less than 300 yr old.
Evaluation of Etiology of Epistaxis and its Management in Dhulikhel Hospital
Authors: Shrestha I , Pokharel M , Shrestha BL , Dhakal A , Amatya RCM
Published: October 2015

Background Epistaxis is one of the most common and most difficult emergencies presenting in 7-14% of the general population each year. Although its lifetime incidence is about 60%, only 6% require formal medical intervention but they can be serious and even life threatening.Objective The main objectives are to study different etiology, types, modality of treatment of epistaxis. Specific objective is also to find out if the modality of treatment is associated with age, site, amount of bleeding and etiology.Method It is a prospective, cross sectional, longitudinal, analytical study done in Department of ENT, Dhulikhel hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS) from Aug. 2010 to Aug. 2013. Data was collected. This study was cleared through institutional review committee of hospital. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 16.0.Result 487 patients were studied during the period. There was significant association between age group with type of treatment (p value 0.002); and with admission (p value < 0.001). Significance in the study was also shown in the correlation between site of bleeding and the type of treatment and also with alcohol intake with site of bleeding (p value < 0.001).However there was no significance between hypertension and the type of treatment methods chosen (p value >0.01).Conclusion Management of epistaxis is challenging. Most are managed by non surgical means whereas some by surgical treatment. Non surgical treatment is still useful, safe and cost effective. Type of treatment and need for hospital stay is related to age and site of bleeding.Kathmandu University Medical Journal Vol.13(1) 2015; 49-55
Nanodelivery Systems as New Tools for Immunostimulant or Vaccine Administration: Targeting the Fish Immune System
Authors: Ji Jie , Torrealba Debora , Ruyra Àngels , Roher Nerea
Published: October 2015

Fish disease treatments have progressed significantly over the last few years and have moved from the massive use of antibiotics to the development of vaccines mainly based on inactivated bacteria. Today, the incorporation of immunostimulants and antigens into nanomaterials provide us with new tools to enhance the performance of immunostimulation. Nanoparticles are dispersions or solid particles designed with specific physical properties (size, surface charge, or loading capacity), which allow controlled delivery and therefore improved targeting and stimulation of the immune system. The use of these nanodelivery platforms in fish is in the initial steps of development. Here we review the advances in the application of nanoparticles to fish disease prevention including: the type of biomaterial, the type of immunostimulant or vaccine loaded into the nanoparticles, and how they target the fish immune system.
Maximum Energy Output of a DFIG Wind Turbine Using an Improved MPPT-Curve Method
Authors: Phan Dinh-Chung , Yamamoto Shigeru
Published: October 2015

A new method is proposed for obtaining the maximum power output of a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) wind turbine to control the rotor- and grid-side converters. The efficiency of maximum power point tracking that is obtained by the proposed method is theoretically guaranteed under assumptions that represent physical conditions. Several control parameters may be adjusted to ensure the quality of control performance. In particular, a DFIG state-space model and a control technique based on the Lyapunov function are adopted to derive the control method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified via numerical simulations of a 1.5-MW DFIG wind turbine using MATLAB/Simulink. The simulation results show that when the proposed method is used, the wind turbine is capable of properly tracking the optimal operation point; furthermore, the generator’s available energy output is higher when the proposed method is used than it is when the conventional method is used instead.
Australian Aboriginal Memoir and Memory: A Stolen Generations Trauma Narrative
Authors: Seran Justine
Published: October 2015

This article proposes a re-reading of Aboriginal author Sally Morgan’s Stolen Generations narrative My Place (1987) in post-Apology Australia (2008–present). The novel tells the story of Morgan’s discovery of her maternal Aboriginal origins through the life-stories of her mother and grandmother; the object of a quest for the past that is both relational and matrilineal; incorporating elements of autobiography and as-told-to memoirs to create a form of choral autoethnography. Morgan’s text explores the intergenerational consequences of child removal in the Aboriginal context and is representative of Indigenous-authored narratives in its suggestion that the children and grand-children of victims of colonial policies and practices can work through the trauma of their ancestors. I examine the literary processes of decolonization of the Indigenous writing/written self and community; as well as strategies for individual survival and cultural survivance in the Australian settler colonial context; especially visible through the interactions between traumatic memories and literary memoirs, a genre neglected by trauma theory’s concern with narrative fragmentation and the proliferation of “themed” life-writing centered on a traumatic event. This article calls for a revision of trauma theory’s Eurocentrism through scholarly engagement with Indigenous experiences such as Morgan’s and her family in order to broaden definitions and take into account collective, historical, and inherited trauma.
Spatio-Temporal Trends and Identification of Correlated Variables with Water Quality for Drinking-Water Reservoirs
Authors: Gu Qing , Wang Ke , Li Jiadan , Ma Ligang , Deng Jinsong , Zheng Kefeng , Zhang Xiaobin , Sheng Li
Published: October 2015

It is widely accepted that characterizing the spatio-temporal trends of water quality parameters and identifying correlated variables with water quality are indispensable for the management and protection of water resources. In this study, cluster analysis was used to classify 56 typical drinking water reservoirs in Zhejiang Province into three groups representing different water quality levels, using data of four water quality parameters for the period 2006–2010. Then, the spatio-temporal trends in water quality were analyzed, assisted by geographic information systems (GIS) technology and statistical analysis. The results indicated that the water quality showed a trend of degradation from southwest to northeast, and the overall water quality level was exacerbated during the study period. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between water quality parameters and ten independent variables grouped into four categories (land use, socio-economic factors, geographical features, and reservoir attributes). According to the correlation coefficients, land use and socio-economic indicators were identified as the most significant factors related to reservoir water quality. The results offer insights into the spatio-temporal variations of water quality parameters and factors impacting the water quality of drinking water reservoirs in Zhejiang Province, and they could assist managers in making effective strategies to better protect water resources.
MicroRNAs Regulate Mitochondrial Function in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Hu Yue , Deng Hao , Xu Shixin , Zhang Junping
Published: October 2015

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury involves multiple independently fatal terminal pathways in the mitochondria. These pathways include the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation caused by changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and calcium overload, resulting in apoptosis via cytochrome c (Cyt c) release. In addition, numerous microRNAs are associated with the overall process. In this review, we first briefly summarize the mitochondrial changes in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion and then describe the possible molecular mechanism of miRNA-regulated mitochondrial function, which likely includes oxidative stress and energy metabolism, as well as apoptosis. On the basis of the preceding analysis, we conclude that studies of microRNAs that regulate mitochondrial function will expedite the development of treatments for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
MyoD Is a Novel Activator of Porcine FIT1 Gene by Interacting with the Canonical E-Box Element during Myogenesis
Authors: Yan Chi , Xia Xiaoliang , He Junxian , Ren Zhuqing , Xu Dequan , Xiong Yuanzhu , Zuo Bo
Published: October 2015

Fat-induced transcript 1 (FIT1/FITM1) gene is a member of the conserved gene family important for triglyceride-rich lipid droplet accumulation. FIT1 gene displays a similar muscle-specific expression across pigs, mice, and humans. Thus pigs can act as a useful model of many human diseases resulting from misexpression of FIT1 gene. Triglyceride content in skeletal muscle plays a key role in pork meat quality and flavors. An insertion/deletion mutation in porcine FIT1 coding region shows a high correlation with a series of fat traits. To gain better knowledge of the potential role of FIT1 gene in human diseases and the correlations with pork meat quality, our attention is given to the region upstream of the porcine FIT1 coding sequence. We cloned ~1 kb of the 5′-flanking region of porcine FIT1 gene to define the role of this sequence in modulating the myogenic expression. A canonical E-box element that activated porcine FIT1 promoter activity during myogenesis was identified. Further analysis demonstrated that promoter activity was induced by overexpression of MyoD1, which bound to this canonical E-box during C2C12 differentiation. This is the first evidence that FIT1 as the direct novel target of MyoD is involved in muscle development.
A Cultivated Form of a Red Seaweed (Chondrus crispus), Suppresses β-Amyloid-Induced Paralysis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sangha Jatinder , Wally Owen , Banskota Arjun , Stefanova Roumiana , Hafting Jeff , Critchley Alan , Prithiviraj Balakrishnan
Published: October 2015

We report here the protective effects of a methanol extract from a cultivated strain of the red seaweed, Chondrus crispus, against β-amyloid-induced toxicity, in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans, expressing human Aβ1-42 gene. The methanol extract of C. crispus (CCE), delayed β-amyloid-induced paralysis, whereas the water extract (CCW) was not effective. The CCE treatment did not affect the transcript abundance of amy1; however, Western blot analysis revealed a significant decrease of Aβ species, as compared to untreated worms. The transcript abundance of stress response genes; sod3, hsp16.2 and skn1 increased in CCE-treated worms. Bioassay guided fractionation of the CCE yielded a fraction enriched in monogalactosyl diacylglycerols (MGDG) that significantly delayed the onset of β-amyloid-induced paralysis. Taken together, these results suggested that the cultivated strain of C. crispus, whilst providing dietary nutritional value, may also have significant protective effects against β-amyloid-induced toxicity in C. elegans, partly through reduced β-amyloid species, up-regulation of stress induced genes and reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
How to Show the Real Microbial Biodiversity? A Comparison of Seven DNA Extraction Methods for Bacterial Population Analyses in Matrices Containing Highly Charged Natural Nanoparticles
Authors: Kaden Rene , Krolla-Sidenstein Peter
Published: October 2015

A DNA extraction that comprises the DNA of all available taxa in an ecosystem is an essential step in population analysis, especially for next generation sequencing applications. Many nanoparticles as well as naturally occurring clay minerals contain charged surfaces or edges that capture negatively charged DNA molecules after cell lysis within DNA extraction. Depending on the methodology of DNA extraction, this phenomenon causes a shift in detection of microbial taxa in ecosystems and a possible misinterpretation of microbial interactions. With the aim to describe microbial interactions and the bio-geo-chemical reactions during a clay alteration experiment, several methods for the detection of a high number of microbial taxa were examined in this study. Altogether, 13 different methods of commercially available DNA extraction kits provided by seven companies as well as the classical phenol-chloroform DNA extraction were compared. The amount and the quality of nucleic acid extracts were determined and compared to the amplifiable amount of DNA. The 16S rRNA gene fragments of several taxa were separated using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to determine the number of different species and sequenced to get the information about what kind of species the microbial population consists of. A total number of 13 species was detected in the system. Up to nine taxa could be detected with commercially available DNA extraction kits while phenol-chloroform extraction lead to three detected species. In this paper, we describe how to combine several DNA extraction methods for the investigation of microbial community structures in clay.
Design and Implementation of Emergy-Based Sustainability Decision Assessment System for Protected Grape Cultivation
Authors: Feng Jianying , Wang Jing , Zhang Xiaoshuan , Zhao Fengtao , Kanianska Radoslava , Tian Dong
Published: October 2015

The characteristic “high input and output” in protected production has caused some environmental and ecological issues. Hence, emergy-based sustainability assessments are necessary and valuable. However, traditional emergy analysis is time consuming, tedious, and inefficient. Such disadvantages can be addressed by the integration of emergy analysis with information technology. This paper reports the development of the emergy-based sustainability decision assessment system (ESDAS) for protected grape cultivation systems. This system was established by first analyzing the business process, users, and requirements through survey, and the findings of which were used to design the system’s function, architecture, database, model base, and knowledge base with a combination of emergy methods. The results showed that ESDAS passed the system test and achieved the real-time calculation of emergy data and the automatization of emergy analysis. Therefore, this research is a beneficial attempt to apply information technology in improving the efficiency of sustainability assessments. The results also revealed that the protected grape cultivation system is characterized by a heavy dependence on purchased and non-renewable resource emergy, lower emergy yield ratio, higher emergy investment rate and environmental loading ratio, and lower emergy sustainability index. Some suggestions were made to improve the sustainability of the protected grape system.
High Sensitivity of Aged Mice to Deoxynivalenol (Vomitoxin)-Induced Anorexia Corresponds to Elevated Proinflammatory Cytokine and Satiety Hormone Responses
Authors: Clark Erica , Flannery Brenna , Gardner Elizabeth , Pestka James
Published: October 2015

Deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene mycotoxin that commonly contaminates cereal grains, is a public health concern because of its adverse effects on the gastrointestinal and immune systems. The objective of this study was to compare effects of DON on anorectic responses in aged (22 mos) and adult (3 mos) mice. Aged mice showed increased feed refusal with both acute i.p. (1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) and dietary (1, 2.5, 10 ppm) DON exposure in comparison to adult mice. In addition to greater suppression of food intake from dietary DON exposure, aged mice also exhibited greater but transient body weight suppression. When aged mice were acutely exposed to 1 mg/kg bw DON i.p., aged mice displayed elevated DON and DON3GlcA tissue levels and delayed clearance in comparison with adult mice. Acute DON exposure also elicited higher proinflammatory cytokine and satiety hormone responses in the plasma of the aged group compared with the adult group. Increased susceptibility to DON-induced anorexia in aged mice relative to adult mice suggests that advanced life stage could be a critical component in accurate human risk assessments for DON and other trichothecenes.
Runoff and Sediment Yield Variations in Response to Precipitation Changes: A Case Study of Xichuan Watershed in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Li Tianhong , Gao Yuan
Published: October 2015

The impacts of climate change on hydrological cycles and water resource distribution is particularly concerned with environmentally vulnerable areas, such as the Loess Plateau, where precipitation scarcity leads to or intensifies serious water related problems including water resource shortages, land degradation, and serious soil erosion. Based on a geographical information system (GIS), and using gauged hydrological data from 2001 to 2010, digital land-use and soil maps from 2005, a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was applied to the Xichuan Watershed, a typical hilly-gullied area in the Loess Plateau, China. The relative error, coefficient of determination, and Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient were used to analyze the accuracy of runoffs and sediment yields simulated by the model. Runoff and sediment yield variations were analyzed under different precipitation scenarios. The increases in runoff and sediment with increased precipitation were greater than their decreases with reduced precipitation, and runoff was more sensitive to the variations of precipitation than was sediment yield. The coefficients of variation (CVs) of the runoff and sediment yield increased with increasing precipitation, and the CV of the sediment yield was more sensitive to small rainfall. The annual runoff and sediment yield fluctuated greatly, and their variation ranges and CVs were large when precipitation increased by 20%. The results provide local decision makers with scientific references for water resource utilization and soil and water conservation.
Modeling Water-Quality Loads to the Reservoirs of the Upper Trinity River Basin, Texas, USA
Authors: Lee Taesoo , Wang Xiuying , White Michael , Tuppad Pushpa , Srinivasan Raghavan , Narasimhan Balaji , Andrews Darrel
Published: October 2015

The Upper Trinity River Basin (TRB) is the most populated river basin and one of the largest water suppliers in Texas. However, sediment and nutrient loads are reducing the capacity of reservoirs and degrading water quality. The objectives of this study are to calibrate and validate the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model for ten study watersheds within the Upper TRB in order to assess nutrient loads into major reservoirs in the basin and to predict the effects of point source elimination and urbanization on nutrient loads through scenario analyses. SWAT performed reasonably well for the current condition except for two out of five tributaries in the Eagle Mountain watershed and total phosphorous OPEN ACCESS Water 2015, 7 5690 in Richland-Chambers. The impacts of simulated scenarios varied within watersheds. Point-source elimination achieved reductions ranging from 0.3% to 24% in total phosphorus and 1% to 56% in total nitrogen received by the reservoirs. Population and development projections were used to examine the impacts of urbanization on each watershed. Projected urbanization in 2030 had large effects on simulated total phosphorus loads in some watersheds, ranging from a reduction of 1% to an increase of 111%. Projected urbanization also affected simulated total nitrogen loads, from a reduction of 3% to an increase of 24%. One limitation of this study is the lack of long-term, up-to-date water quality data due to discontinued water-quality monitoring stations. Although careful considerations were given to the adjustment of parameter values reflecting various aspects of the nutrient processes, further data collection will enhance modeling study for assessment of these watersheds’ water resources and environmental problem.
Response to: “Counterpoint Re: ‘Mammography Screening—Sticking to the Science’”
Authors: Yaffe Martin J.
Published: October 2015

Dr. Steven Narod suggests that the increased hazard ratio associated with being in the mammography arm [...]
Utilization of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Lin D. , Moy L. , Axelrod D. , Smith J.
Published: October 2015

Early detection of malignancy through breast cancer screening has contributed significantly to the decline in cancer-related mortality. [...]
L’Algérie au temps de la terreur
Authors: Claessens Martin
Published: October 2015

Cet article tente, par l’analyse du contexte historique de l’Algérie, parallèlement à l’analyse d’un cas clinique, de mettre en lumière le sens d’une approche complémentariste alliant psychologie clinique et approche historique d’un pays. Cette démarche permet d’affiner la compréhension de la réalité passée et présente du sujet, de mieux appréhender le diagnostic, de soutenir l’empathie tout en permettant d’identifier les tenants et aboutissants de cette approche sur le contre-transfert.
Martin-Luc Archambault
Authors: Auger Claudine
Published: October 2015

Autodidacte, crack de techno et visionnaire, le « dragon » Martin-Luc Archambault s’est toujours fié à ses intuitions avec assurance, devançant même l’industrie des technologies de l’information, secteur en effervescence s’il en est un, pour devenir millionnaire à 25 ans. Dix ans plus tard, le PDG et fondateur de SPOTR a lancé et soutenu financièrement plus d’entreprises qu’il cumule de printemps.
La mise en œuvre de la collaboration organisationnelle
Authors: Jacob Réal
Published: October 2015

La collaboration organisationnelle renvoie à de grands principes tels que la confiance mutuelle, l’intérêt supérieur commun, la complémentarité des expertises, etc. Or, la mise en œuvre de projets collaboratifs exige que ces principes soient contextualisés et concrètement opérationnalisés.
Petit guide d’influence à l’usage des entreprises
Authors: Facal Joseph
Published: October 2015

Acteur incontournable du jeu économique, l’État peut s’affirmer comme client (ou concurrent) de l’entreprise, arbitre entre les entreprises ou acteur sur la scène du commerce international. Autant de raisons de ne pas négliger un partenaire d’une telle envergure ! Mais quelle stratégie convient-il d’adopter pour collaborer efficacement avec le gouvernement ?
Fish Counting and Measurement
Authors: Westling Fredrik Anders , Sun Changming , Wang Dadong , Alam Fahim Irfan
Published: October 2015

An approach is suggested for automating fish identification and measurement using stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video footage. Simple methods for identifying fish are not sufficient for measurement, since the snout and tail points must be found, and the stereo data should be incorporated to find a true measurement. We present a modular framework that ties together various approaches in order to develop a generalized system for automated fish detection and measurement. A method is also suggested for using machine learning to improve identification. Experimental results indicate the suitability of our approach.
3D Plant Modelling Using Spectral Data from Visible to Near Infrared Range
Authors: Zia Ali , Liang Jie
Published: October 2015

Plant phenomics research requires different types of sensors employed to measure the physical traits of plant surface and to estimate the biomass. Of particular interests is the hyperspectral imaging device which captures wavelength indexed band images that characterize material properties of objects under study. This chapter introduces a proof of concept research that builds 3D plant model directly from hyperspectral images captured in a controlled lab environment. The method presented in this chapter allows fine structural-spectral information of an object be captured and integrated into the 3D model, which can be used to support further research and applications. The hyperspectral imaging has shown clear advantages in segmenting plant from its background and is very promising in generating comprehensive 3D plant models.
Social and Technical Perspective of Individual's Intention to Purchase Mobile Application
Authors: Ahmad Ili Hawa , Mohamed Norshidah , Hussain Ab Razak Che
Published: October 2015

Mobile application industry has boomed tremendously since it was first introduced in 2007 which has gain practitioners' and researchers' attention. There are substantial numbers of researches on mobile applications that have contributed to business development. This research is aimed at investigating the factors influencing individuals' purchase of mobile application. An exploratory study has been conducted to gain understanding of Malaysian's perspective on mobile application purchase intention. Unstructured interviews were conducted among 19 research participants randomly selected from different background. The results show that perceived usefulness, facilitating condition, perceived value, perceived enjoyment, perceived fee, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), application design in terms of features and visual, trust, security, privacy, device compatibility and device consumption in terms of power and memory relate to individual's intention to purchase mobile application.
Collaborative Mobile Learning
Authors: Sa'don Nor Fadzleen , Iahad Noorminshah A.
Published: October 2015

Mobile learning (ML) fosters engaging personalized learning where students can optimize their understanding and learning gratification via wireless mobile devices. Although there are studies conducted on the research trends on ML, not much studies were conducted on the cutting-edge researches pertaining to Collaborative ML. Collaborative ML is significant because it promotes active learning and cooperative skills. This paper aims to analyze the state-of-the-art research conducted in the span of five years for identifying the trends and focuses in Collaborative ML. The systematic literature review is conducted based on Knowledge Discovery Database model capitalizing data mining as the main research methodology. Findings were based on top ten Impact Factor Journals on Educational Technology indexed in the ISI Web of Knowledge. The SLR discovered ten main areas that were discussed pertaining to Collaborative ML which are Motivation, Students' Acceptance, Pedagogy, Assessment, Tools, Social Networking, Gaming, Knowledge Sharing, Special Needs and Communications.
System Usability Scale Implementation for Interfaces on Mobile Touch Screen Devices Assessment
Authors: Čičević Svetlana , Mitrović Slobodan , Nešić Milkica , Samčović Andreja
Published: October 2015

The indisputable fact is that touch screen mobile devices flooded the marketplace and that they have become an essential element in the enormous number of fields and applications. But a huge presence, as well as daily use, does not necessarily unambiguously reflect their optimal usability. Therefore, it is essential to adopt appropriate research methodologies that can evaluate the usability of mobile device interfaces. The main focus of the study was to examine a practical tool for usability assessment in a mobile work context which has to be simple and above all, proved to give a single score as its outcome. To achieve this goal System Usability Scale (SUS) was applied to test the Tablet PC usability. This study contributed with the proposal of a framework for usability testing which could help, both practitioners and researchers to make decisions how to improve the usability of interfaces on touch screen mobile devices.
Linguistic Location Authority
Authors: Olowolayemo Akeem , Tap Abu Osman Md , Mantoro Teddy
Published: October 2015

User centric design on mobile devices has gained tremendous attention in recent time. One of the aspects that is very critical to making mobile applications and interface handy is to inculcate linguistic approach to the outputs and design. This work examines the requirements and prospects of presenting location authority in linguistic form. Traditional approaches include geometric and its extension in the form of topological or symbolic location authority. Despite the inclusion of topological systems to compensate for the inadequacies of the classical geometrical approaches, the role quantitative reference plays in location authority is still extensive yet not completely in tune with the natural cognitive of human mind. The present work examines the imperative for linguistic approach to location authority. It sought to evaluate the rationale for perception based linguistic approach to location authority relative to landmarks or points of interest. Efforts were also made to identify the prospects as well as challenges in the implementation on location based devices.
Issues Related to Network Security Attacks in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET)
Authors: Singh Rakesh Kumar
Published: October 2015

Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) is a collection of communication devices or nodes that wish to communicate without any fixed infrastructure. The nodes in MANET themselves are responsible for dynamically discovering other nodes to communicate. A number of challenges like open peer-to-peer network architecture, stringent resource constraints, shared wireless medium, dynamic network topology etc. are posed in MANET. In this research, we identify the existent security threats an ad hoc network faces, the security services required to be achieved and the countermeasures for attacks in each layer. To accomplish our goal, we have done literature survey in gathering information related to various types of attacks and solutions, as well as we have made comparative study to address the threats in different layers. Finally, we have identified the challenges and proposed solutions to overcome them. There is no general algorithm that suits well against the most commonly known attacks such as wormhole, rushing attack, etc.
Simulations for Supporting and Assessing Science Literacy
Authors: Quellmalz Edys S. , Silberglitt Matt D. , Buckley Barbara C. , Loveland Mark T. , Brenner Daniel G.
Published: October 2015

Simulations have become core supports for learning in the digital age. For example, economists, mathematicians, and scientists employ simulations to model complex phenomena. Learners, too, are increasingly able to take advantage of simulations to understand complex systems. Simulations can display phenomena that are too large or small, fast or slow, or dangerous for direct classroom investigations. The affordances of simulations extend students' opportunities to engage in deep, extended problem solving. National and international studies are providing evidence that technologies are enriching curricula, tailoring learning environments, embedding assessment, and providing tools to connect students, teachers, and experts locally and globally. This chapter describes a portfolio of research and development that has examined and documented the roles that simulations can play in assessing and promoting learning, and has developed and validated sets of simulation-based assessments and instructional supplements designed for formative and summative assessment and customized instruction.
Assessment in the Modern Age
Authors: Emira Mahmoud , Craven Patrick , Frazer Sharon , Rahman Zeeshan
Published: October 2015

This chapter aims to address assessment in the modern age in terms of its importance, challenges and solutions by examining the views of 1,423 users at UK test centres following their recent experience of using two systems which employ computer-based assessment (CBA) and computer-assisted assessment (CAA). Generally speaking, based on the research, which informs the findings presented in this chapter, both systems face similar challenges but there are challenges which are specific to the CAA system. Similarly, both systems may require common solutions to improve user's future experience, but there are solutions which are more relevant to the CAA system. The chapter concludes with a discussion around the UK apprenticeship and a case study of a pilot apprenticeship programme in which CBA and CAA are also integrated.
“Visit to a Small Planet”
Authors: Rimor Rikki , Arie Perla
Published: October 2015

The current chapter deals with the use of Facebook as a social network for learning. Collaborative learning, metacognition and reflectivity are theoretically discussed and assessed in the current Facebook learning environment, as essential skills of the 21st century. The case study presented examines the relationship between attitudes and achievements of high school students learning an English play in the Facebook closed-group environment. Its findings reveal a significant improvement in students' attitudes at the end of the sessions. However, these were not found to correlate with students' final achievements. In addition, low achieving students preferred to study collaboratively, as they did in the Facebook closed group, more than higher achieving students. These findings may indicate the contribution of other factors to achievement in addition to positive attitudes and satisfaction in the Facebook learning environment. A metacognitive analysis of the students' written responses supports and expands the findings of this study.
Assessing Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments
Authors: Rouet Jean-Francois , Vörös Zsofia , von Davier Matthias
Published: October 2015

The spread of digital information system has promoted new ways of performing activities, whereby laypersons make use of computer applications in order to achieve their goal through the use of problem solving strategies. These new forms of problem solving rely on a range of skills whose accurate assessment is key to the development of postindustrial economies. In this chapter, we outline a definition of problem solving in technology-rich environment drawn from the OECD PIAAC survey of adult skills. Then we review research studies aimed at defining and using online indicators of PS-TRE proficiency. Finally, we present a case study of one item that was part of the PIAAC PS-TRE assessment.
The Role of Teacher Leadership for Promoting Professional Development Practices
Authors: Dickenson Patricia , Montgomery Judith L.
Published: October 2015

This chapter examines the status of teacher professional development in mathematics and explores the role of teacher leadership to promote innovative professional development strategies that sustain the growth and development of an organization. Survey data was collected from teacher leader participants of one mathematics professional development organization to understand how participants' growth and development as a teacher leader not only shaped their mathematics instructional practices, but influenced their choices in leadership roles. Further the authors share how the learning environment and pedagogical choices of the project director supported a teacher-driven professional development approach. Recommendations as well as a model for developing a teacher-driven professional development organization are provided for replication.
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Various Dietary Practices and Intervention Possibilities to Reduce This Impact
Authors: Green Celia , Joyce Andrew , Hallett Jonathan , Hannelly Toni , Carey Gemma
Published: October 2015

This chapter examines the link between dietary choices and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and possible interventions to reduce this impact. The connections between climate change, food systems and public health are explored. It is shown that there is variance in the impact of different food types on GHG emissions, with animal products having the greatest impact. The role of food system activities in the production of GHG emissions is also explored. Dietary choices and GHG emissions are examined using case studies from a variety of countries. Results show that reduced animal food production has increased potential to reduce GHG emissions compared to technological mitigation or increased productivity measures. Finally, a systems science approach is used to explore possible interventions aimed at reducing consumption of animal products.
Impact of Meat Consumption on the Health of People, the Animals They Eat, and the Earth's Resources
Authors: D'Silva Joyce
Published: October 2015

Food consumption has both direct, immediate impacts and longer-lasting effects on human health and wellbeing. This chapter considers the evidence behind the impact of animal foods on human health. It also reviews the impact of intensive animal production on the health and wellbeing of the animals themselves, including their breeding and conditions in which they are reared. The potential for factory farms to contribute to the global threat of antibiotic resistance and to be the breeding ground for a viral pandemic is also considered. Intensive animal farming is further adversely affecting the earth's resources of cereals, soy and water. The conclusion is that there is overwhelming evidence for a reduction in consumption of animal products on the grounds of health, the use of the earth's precious resources and the wellbeing of the animals consumed for food.