bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field Evaluation of Automated Vision Screening Instruments: Impact of Referral Criteria Choice on Screening Outcome
Authors: Silverstein Evan , Donahue Sean P.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

Automated vision screeners can identify children with amblyopia risk factors. Two screening instruments having different referral criteria were evaluated in a community setting: SPOT (Pediavision, Lake Mary, FL) (sensitive manufacturer's referral criteria) and plusoptiX S08 (Plusoptix GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany) (specific modified Arthur referral criteria).

Methods:

All children were screened by SPOT, and referred children were then screened using plusoptiX. Referred children received a gold standard examination to determine whether amblyopia risk factors were present.

Results:

A total of 2,801 treatment-naïve children were screened using SPOT. Of these, 307 (11.0%) were referred by SPOT and subsequently screened by plusoptiX; 100 received a gold standard examination. Amblyopia risk factors were present in 43% (43 of 100) referred by SPOT compared to 72.7% (32 of 44) for plusoptiX. Eleven of 56 referred by SPOT had amblyopia risk factors that would have been missed by plusoptiX, including three with mild amblyopia.

Conclusions:

PlusoptiX with modified Arthur referral criteria can be a highly specific screening device detecting amblyopia risk factors without missing children with moderate/severe amblyopia.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2015;52(6):364–370.]
La unión intermetálica entre el portasegmento y la aleación de aluminio del pistón
Authors: Manasijevic Srećko , Dolić Natalija , Djurdjevic Mile , Mišić Nataša , Davitkov Novica
Published: September 2015

El artículo presenta los resultados de la investigación sobre la formación de una unión intermetálica entre el portasegmento y la aleación de aluminio del pistón. El portasegmento es una fundición de hierro austenítico (Ni-Resist) con el fin de aumentar la resistencia al desgaste de la unión Al-fin del primer segmento y se utiliza en motores diésel altamente cargados. Se realizó un examen metalográfico de la unión intermetálica, mediante un microscopio óptico en combinación con SEM/EDS. Los satisfactorios resultados obtenidos muestran la formación de contacto metálico (unión Al-fin del primer segmento) entre el portasegmento y la aleación de aluminio del pistón.
Marinas may act as hubs for the spread of the pseudo-indigenous bryozoan Amathia verticillata (Delle Chiaje, 1822) and its associates
Authors: Marchini Agnese , Ferrario Jasmine , Minchin Dan
Published: September 2015

The spaghetti bryozoan Amathia verticillata, formerly known as Zoobotryon verticillatum, was first described in 1822 from Naples, Italy, although this species was already present in 1807 at Cadiz, Spain. This ctenostome has long been considered a native species in the Mediterranean Sea but it has recently been suggested to be of Caribbean origin. It is most likely to have been introduced by vessels as hull fouling. This pseudo-indigenous species, i.e. a non-indigenous species (NIS) having been perceived to be native, has been found in several marinas and harbours within the Mediterranean Sea. In November 2014, this bryozoan species was abundant in the La Grande Motte marina on the south coast of France. Several thousand colonies were estimated to be present within this marina attached to the floating pontoon units that supported a floating boardwalk. Of the berthed craft examined, 31% were fouled with this species, and it was occasionally a prominent fouling species. Several macroinvertebrate species were associated with A. verticillata colonies, including some NIS, Paracerceis sculpta, Paranthura japonica and Caprella scaura, that are recorded for the first time from the Mediterranean coast of France. A. verticillata might support their transfer elsewhere by providing a habitat and substrate when attached to vessel hulls.
Commentary to J.F. Caddy’s paper “Criteria for sustainable fisheries on juveniles illustrated for Mediterranean hake: control the juvenile harvest, and safeguard spawning refugia to rebuild population fecundity”
Authors: Rätz Hans Joachim
Published: September 2015

Not available
Application of Multimodal Learning in Online English Teaching
Authors: Sun Meiwei
Published: September 2015

Mode means the mode of human sensory organs with the external environment, the interaction with only one sensory organ is called single mode and the simultaneous interaction with more sensory organs are called multiple modes. A multimodal online English teaching system is designed, and is applied in the online English teaching of architecture major, and the students are divided into experimental group and control group. Conventional teaching is adopted in the conventional group, while multi-mode online systematic English learning is adopted for the experimental group. According to the employment statistics, it is shown that the experiment group presents some advantages in employment, relieving the employment pressure. The multi-mode learning has a good application effect in the English teaching of science and engineering, and the multi-mode online teaching system designed can be applied for the online English teaching.
Toward the Use of Technology and 21st Century Teaching-learning Approaches: The Trend of Development in Malaysian Schools within the Context of Asia Pacific
Authors: Garba Sani Alhaji , Yusuf Byabazaire , Busthami Abdul Hamid
Published: September 2015

ICT Infrastructure and internet connectivity in educational institutions provides learners and teachers the opportunity of adopting 21st century teaching-learning methods that promotes the development of 21st century skills. The availability of internet connectivity in particular provides the platform for a shift from the use of teacher-centered pedagogy (content-based learning) to learner-centered pedagogy (inquiry and project-based learning) that is more interactive and activity oriented. But are teachers utilizing these facilities to advantage? This study investigates the use of ICT and internet resources in relation to the use of 21st century technology-based teaching-learning approaches in Malaysia and Asia Pacific context from a global perspective. Qualitative research approach was used for data collection and analysis in the study. Findings from the study show a unique unexpected changing pattern in the use of computer and internet among school teachers; and new challenges associated with the integration of ICT and the use of 21st century approaches in classroom pedagogical practices were identified. As observed in the study, despite the facilities provided; the technological competence acquired by teachers; and, the increasing use of computer and internet by teachers; the approach to teaching and learning has not change as desired.
Introduction to Mobile and Wireless Communications Networks
Authors: Rawat Danda B. , Bista Bhed Bahadur , Yan Gongjun
Published: September 2015

Wireless communication networks offer transmission of signals, such as voice, data, and multimedia, without using wires, which is the crucial part of mobile communications. After successful deployment of wireless cellular networks in licensed bands and Wi-Fi networks in unlicensed bands, such as Industry, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) and Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII), over the last decade, several wireless networks, application, and services are emerging. Furthermore, wireless networks offer several advantages including mobility while getting service, scalability for further extension, reduced cost-of-ownership, and so on. However, there are some disadvantages and concerns, such as security, data rate, reliability, range, etc. The demand of ubiquitous communications is driving the development of wireless and mobile networks. Wireless communication is the fastest growing segment of the communication industry. This chapter provides the fundamentals of wireless and mobile networks and their advantages and disadvantages.
Web 3.0 and E-Learning
Authors: Chauhan Amit
Published: September 2015

The annals of the Web have been a defining moment in the evolution of education and e-Learning. The evolution of Web 1.0 almost three decades ago has been a precursor to Web 3.0 that has reshaped education and learning today. The evolution to Web 3.0 has been synonymous with “Semantic Web” or “Artificial Intelligence” (AI). AI makes it possible to deliver custom content to the learners based on their learning behavior and preferences. As a result of these developments, the learners have been empowered and have at their disposal a range of Web tools and technology powered by AI to pursue and accomplish their learning goals. This chapter traces the evolution and impact of Web 3.0 and AI on e-Learning and its role in empowering the learner and transforming the future of education and learning. This chapter will be of interest to educators and learners in exploring techniques that improve the quality of education and learning outcomes.
The Augmented Reality Marketing
Authors: Dadwal Sumesh S. , Hassan Azizul
Published: September 2015

This chapter elaborates on augmented reality marketing (ARM) as a digital marketing campaign and a strategic trend in tourism and hospitality. The computer assisted augmenting of perception by means of additional interactive information levels in real time is known as augmented reality. Augmented reality marketing is a constructed worldview on a device with blend of reality and added or augmented themes interacting with five sense organs and experiences. The systems and approaches of marketing are integrating with technological applications in almost all sectors of economies and in all phases of a business's value delivery network. Trends in service sector marketing provide opportunities in generating technology led tourism marketing campaigns. Also, the adoption, relevance and significance of technology in tourism and hospitality value delivery network can hardly be ignored. Many factors are propelling the functionalities of diverse actors in tourism. This paper explores the use of technology at various phases of tourism and hospitality marketing, along with the role of technology in enhancing consumer experience and value addition. It further supports the view that technology is aiding in faster diffusion of tourism products, relates destinations or attractions and thus benefiting the entire society. The augmented reality in marketing can create effective and enjoyable interactive experience by engaging the customer through a rich and rewarding experience of virtually plus reality. Such a tool has real potential in marketing in tourism and hospitality sector. Thus, this study discusses the ARM as a promising trend in tourism and hospitality and how this will meet future needs of tourism and hospitality products or offerings.
An Aesthetics of Digital Virtual Environments
Authors: Nash Adam
Published: September 2015

This chapter examines digital virtual environments as a site for art and proposes a formal aesthetics for art in digital virtual environments. The study arises from the author's decades-long practice producing art in virtual environments and the related theoretical considerations that have arisen from that practice. The technical, conceptual and ontological status of virtual environments is examined in order to establish a base of intrinsic qualities that identify virtual environments as a medium for art. The philosophy of Gilbert Simondon is used to achieve this. The elements and principles the artist must employ to work with this medium are identified as data, display and modulation. The specificities of virtual environments as a medium for art are examined in order to establish a formal aesthetics. In particular, digital colour, visual opacity, digital sound, code, artificial intelligence, emergence and agency are identified as the primary qualities that the artist manipulates to bring forth art in a virtual environment.
An Overview of Maritime Wireless Mesh Communication Technologies and Protocols
Authors: Manoufali Mohamed , Alshaer Hamada , Kong Peng-Yong , Jimaa Shihab
Published: September 2015

Maritime wireless mesh networks (MWMNs) are conceived to provide network connectivity for maritime users and enable them to communicate with correspondent users connected to terrestrial communication networks. The high cost and low data-rate of satellite and other legacy maritime communication technologies and systems deployed in MWMNs pose major limitation to establish reliable and affordable maritime communications. In addition, the design of routing protocols in MWMNs remains a significant challenge due to the lack of reliable communication infrastructure and complexity of maritime environment. This paper explains the existing maritime communication technologies and routing protocols which could be deployed in implementing reliable MWMNs. Comprehensive guidelines are outlined to easily understand and critically assess the different deployed maritime communication networks and systems with routing protocols, and identify the milestones in the process of developing and implementing broadband MWMNs.
Ubiquitous Semantic Applications
Authors: Ermilov Timofey , Khalili Ali , Auer Sören
Published: September 2015

Recently practical approaches for development of ubiquitous semantic applications have made quite some progress. In particular in the area of the ubiquitous access to the semantic data the authors recently observed a large number of approaches, systems and applications being described in the literature. With this survey the authors aim to provide an overview on the rapidly emerging field of Ubiquitous Semantic Applications (UbiSA). The authors conducted a systematic literature review comprising a thorough analysis of 48 primary studies out of 172 initially retrieved papers. The authors obtained a comprehensive set of quality attributes for UbiSA together with corresponding application features suggested for their realization. The quality attributes include aspects such as mobility, usability, heterogeneity, collaboration, customizability and evolvability. The primary studies were surveyed in the light of these quality attributes and the authors performed a thorough analysis of five ubiquitous semantic applications, six frameworks for UbiSA, three UbiSA specific ontologies, five ubiquitous semantic systems and nine general approaches. The proposed quality attributes facilitate the evaluation of existing approaches and the development of novel, more effective and intuitive UbiSA.
Assessing Learning with Web 2.0 Tools
Authors: Coutinho Clara Pereira
Published: September 2015

The emergence of new skills to better fit the networked information economy presses higher education institutions to invest in digitally rich environments that allow learning to be personalized, taking place in multiple locations and at time that suits the learner. Social Web tools prioritize collaboration, participation, and reflection, offer new opportunities for knowledge construction and sharing, but they also demand new pedagogical strategies and assessment methods that are not consistent with standards that value what is taught instead of what is constructed, what is pre-established instead of what is democratically agreed. In this chapter, the author presents the results of a research project where different Web 2.0 technologies were used as tools for assessing learning in teacher education programs at the University of Minho, Braga, Portugal between 2006 and 2012. In order to provide rationale for embracing Web 2.0 tools as well as recommend alternative methods to create, capture, and assess learning outcomes that result from the integration of authoring tools in teaching and learning activities, the authors discuss the evidence obtained and reflect on the affordances and challenges of setting up authentic tasks that engage students in the learning process and that provide inferences to assess learning outcomes.
Smart Technologies
Authors: Çeltek Evrim
Published: September 2015

The growing number of applications available through smart devices provides an increasing diversity of travel-related services like looking up menus for restaurants, finding directions, making reservations, marketing, advertising and using translations. In the last decade, marketers have developed more creative practices to attract consumers. One of these new marketing tools is augmented reality application with the smart technologies, which is considered as an advertising and new marketing communication instrument that increases awareness and helps get information. This chapter presents the profile of AR applications and marketing benefits in tourism industry.
Augmented Reality Interfaces for Smart Objects in Ubiquitous Computing Environments
Authors: Yew A. W. W. , Ong S. K. , Nee A. Y. C.
Published: September 2015

It is the goal of ubiquitous computing (UbiComp) to hide computers from the users. Instead, everyday objects embedded with computer processing capability become smart objects that act as interfaces to computer software. A challenge with this new paradigm of computing is to create natural and obvious ways for people to interact with objects and receive output from the computer software that these objects serve as interfaces to. In this chapter, a solution is proposed whereby virtual user interfaces are added to smart objects. These virtual interfaces are viewed in augmented reality through personal viewing devices which also allow people to interact directly with them. The implementation of UbiComp environments and personal viewing devices is described in order to illustrate the use of current technology in creating user-friendly UbiComp environments.
A Mobile Matchmaker for the Ubiquitous Semantic Web
Authors: Scioscia Floriano , Ruta Michele , Loseto Giuseppe , Gramegna Filippo , Ieva Saverio , Pinto Agnese , Di Sciascio Eugenio
Published: September 2015

The Semantic Web and Internet of Things visions are converging toward the so-called Semantic Web of Things (SWoT). It aims to enable smart semantic-enabled applications and services in ubiquitous contexts. Due to architectural and performance issues, it is currently impractical to use existing Semantic Web reasoners. They are resource consuming and are basically optimized for standard inference tasks on large ontologies. On the contrary, SWoT use cases generally require quick decision support through semantic matchmaking in resource-constrained environments. This paper presents Mini-ME, a novel mobile inference engine designed from the ground up for the SWoT. It supports Semantic Web technologies and implements both standard (subsumption, satisfiability, classification) and non-standard (abduction, contraction, covering) inference services for moderately expressive knowledge bases. In addition to an architectural and functional description, usage scenarios are presented and an experimental performance evaluation is provided both on a PC testbed (against other popular Semantic Web reasoners) and on a smartphone.
Semantics and Agents Oriented Web Personalization
Authors: Singh Aarti , Sharma Anu , Dey Nilanjan
Published: September 2015

Advent of technologies like semantic web, multi-agent systems, web mining has changed the internet as knowledge provider. Web personalization offers a solution to the information overload problem in current web by providing users a personalized experience, considering their interest, behavior, context and emotions. Semantic web technology is based on use of software agents, ontologies and reasoning to add meaning to web information. An important technology for achieving personalization is the use of independent intelligent software agents. This work reviews, web personalization in the light of semantic web and software agent technology. A comparative study of recent works in the domain of web personalization has been carried out for this purpose. This review highlights ample scope for application of intelligent agents in the web personalization domain for solving many existing issues like personalized content management, user profile learning, modeling and adaptive interactions with users.
Applications of Independent Component Analysis in Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Zahooruddin  , Ahmad Ayaz , Iqbal Muhammad , Alam Farooq , Ahmad Sadiq
Published: September 2015

Independent component analysis is extensively used for blind source separation of different signals in various engineering disciplines. It has its applications in several areas of communication, multiple input multiple output, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, wireless sensor networks, and cognitive radio networks. In this chapter, the authors discuss the general theory of independent component analysis, wireless sensor networks, cognitive radio networks, and cognitive radio sensor networks. The main focus of the chapter is the application of independent component analysis in cognitive radio networks, wireless sensor networks, and cognitive radio sensor networks. The issues and challenges of these emerging technologies are discussed while applying independent component analysis. Cognitive radio sensor network is a promising technology to efficiently resolve the issues of spectrum usage in sensor networks. The authors are the first to discuss the applications of independent component analysis in cognitive radio sensor networks. At the end of this chapter, they discuss some future research problems regarding the applications of independent component analysis in cognitive radio sensor networks.
Interactive Books in Augmented Reality for Mobile Devices
Authors: Corrêa Ana Grasielle Dionísio
Published: September 2015

One of the methods of teaching that has brought significant contributions to the field of education is augmented reality. This technology transformed learning into a more motivating, enjoyable, fun, and interesting activity. This chapter contributes an augmented reality application for mobile devices that complements and supports the learning of geometric figures. The application, called AGeRA, consists of a geometry book and software capable of reading special markers inserted into the book's content. When this book is placed in front of the camera of a mobile device, 3D objects, sounds, animations, and other interactive elements leap from book pages making learning more fun and exciting. Preliminary tests were made with teachers and students and showed good acceptance of the application to support the teaching of geometry.
Augmented Reality (AR) Applications in Agriculture
Authors: Szilágyi Róbert , Herdon Miklós
Published: September 2015

The new ICT technologies are not only quickly developing but they are also giving birth to newer ICT systems and tools. Using the Internet by means of mobile appliances increases the possibilities. The Internet network has become an essential communication tool in business processes recently. Nowadays the Internet-based applications are more and more successful in agriculture and different parts of the food industry. There are several application areas, such as extension services, precision agriculture, e-commerce, and information services, where the Internet is essential. While studying the use of Augmented Reality technology, it can be concluded that different types of services offer different possibilities. Mobile systems develop very dynamically both in regards to the speed of data transmission and services. New devices like tablets and new services like Cloud Computing, Augmented Reality, and Near Field Communication (NFC) have great potential in agriculture. Cloud Computing provides better resource management and effective cost control. Augmented Reality expands the control, and the NFC gives better personalized information exchange. However, the business assessment of these technologies must not be done only on the basis of the technology and taken out of its environment randomly, since the whole area is very complex. In this chapter, the authors show Augmented Reality and try to highlight the possibilities in agriculture.
Interactive Media Steer in Educational Printing Materials
Authors: Ispir Burcin
Published: September 2015

The development of digital technology has been highly accelerated since the 2000s. New media environments, which increase interactivity, have been provided to users. With technological convergence, all environments in the category of new media have had the opportunity to work together. With the support of digital technologies, traditional media have also started to include elements that will allow interaction. Support of digital technology does not allow us to see that traditional media is an interactive media but it permits interactive media guidance. Newspapers, books, and magazines, which are located in the category of traditional media, support readers by directing them to interactive media with augmented reality applications. Augmented reality applications in printed materials has been used in many fields. In particular, course books, which protects the existence as the basic learning material of distance learning, can support its content with augmented reality applications. The features of augmented reality applications that allow the presentation of additional information, such as visual, audio, animated text, are discussed in this chapter.
Incidental Learning in 3D Virtual Environments
Authors: Thomas Wayne W. , Boechler Patricia M.
Published: September 2015

With teachers taking more interest in utilizing 3D virtual environments for educational purposes, research is needed to understand how learners perceive and process information within virtual environments (). In this study, the authors sought to determine if learning style or digital literacy predict incidental learning, that is, learning that occurs without learners being instructed to attend to or learn presented information. One hundred and fifty-five education undergraduate students completed a series of tasks in a virtual environment where additional information unrelated to the tasks was present. The results indicate that in addition to incidental learning taking place in virtual environments, learning style and digital literacy seem to predict incidental learning in some instances. The results also suggest that information display, in this case visual salience, plays a role in incidental learning as the participants performed better on recalling information that was made more salient.
Adoption of Social Media Services
Authors: Sharif Mohd Hisham Mohd , Troshani Indrit , Davidson Robyn
Published: September 2015

The increasing diffusion of social media is attracting government organizations worldwide, including local government. Social media can help local government improve the manner in which it is engaged with community and its responsiveness whilst offering cost savings and flexibility. Yet, there is paucity of research in relation to the adoption of social media Web services in local government organizations. The aim of this chapter is to investigate the factors that drive the adoption of social media Web services within Australian local government. Using qualitative evidence, the authors find technological, organizational, and environmental factors that drive the decisions of local government organizations to adopt social media Web services. In addition to extending the existing body of knowledge, this chapter offers insight concerning important managerial implications for helping local governments to better understand social media adoption in their organizations.
eLearning X.0
Authors: Edrees Mohamed E.
Published: September 2015

Web technologies evolved from Web 1.0 in early 1990s to Web 3.0 nowadays. Alongside Web technologies, eLearning has been evolving from eLearning 1.0 to eLearning 3.0, which integrates the Web X.0 technologies and tools into educational and institutional practice resulting in eLearning X.0. Universities and schools are investing substantial amounts of time and money in implementing Learning Management Systems (LMS). If not designed with eLearning X.0 support in mind, the LMS can pose difficulty for instructors and students to benefit from these technologies through LMS directly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the readiness of learning management systems to support eLearning X.0. This research reviewed the literature for the most common Web X.0 tools or features used in the eLearning process. Then an evaluation model was developed and applied on two respective learning management systems: BlackBoard and MOODLE. The results of readiness evaluation shows that MOODLE is more ready for eLearning X.0 than BlackBoard. The findings of this study provide several important implications for learning management system research and management.
The Ubiquitous Semantic Web
Authors: Li Yuan-Fang , Pan Jeff Z. , Krishnaswamy Shonali , Hauswirth Manfred , Nguyen Hai H.
Published: September 2015

The Semantic Web represents an evolution of the World Wide Web towards one of entities and their relationships, rather than pages and links. Such a progression makes it possible to represent, integrate, query and reason about structured online data. Recent years have witnessed tremendous growth of mobile computing, represented by the widespread adoption of smart phones and tablets. The versatility of such smart devices and the capabilities of semantic technologies form a great foundation for a ubiquitous Semantic Web that will contribute to further realising the true potential of both disciplines. In this paper, the authors argue for values provided by the ubiquitous Semantic Web using a mobile service discovery scenario. They also provide a brief overview of state-of-the-art research in this emerging area. Finally, the authors conclude with a summary of challenges and important research problems.
The State of the Art Forensic Techniques in Mobile Cloud Environment
Authors: Faheem Muhammad , Kechadi Mohand-Tahar , Le-Khac Nhien An
Published: September 2015

Smartphones have become popular in recent days due to the accessibility of a wide range of applications. These sophisticated applications demand more computing resources in a resource constraint smartphone. Cloud computing is the motivating factor for the progress of these applications. The emerging mobile cloud computing introduces a new architecture to offload smartphone and utilize cloud computing technology to solve resource requirements. The popularity of mobile cloud computing is an opportunity for misuse and unlawful activities. Therefore, it is a challenging platform for digital forensic investigations due to the non-availability of methodologies, tools and techniques. The aim of this work is to analyze the forensic tools and methodologies for crime investigation in a mobile cloud platform as it poses challenges in proving the evidence.
Tackling Climate Change through Educational Awareness
Authors: Drenner Karla
Published: September 2015

Utilizing renewable energy systems as an educational tool for students creates not only a source for clean energy; it also provides a tangible way to increase their knowledge about science. Education is an essential element in the response to climate change. Students play an important role in addressing the issues of our planet, of which climate change is paramount. This case study examines why Georgia House Resolution 689 (HR689) did not pass in its original legislative form. Further, the study addresses how Georgia Power's opposition was key to getting the resolution pulled from the Debate Calendar resulting in a privilege resolution substitute. Suggesting that in regions of the Deep South passing any declaration which expressly supports alternative energy initiatives that increase awareness of climate change will be met with stiff opposition.
Conflictive Touring
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano E.
Published: September 2015

Problems to understand social phenomenon associates to our misconceptions, stereotypes and prejudices imposed during our early socialization. This happens not only with tourism which is valorized as a right of all citizens in modern societies, but also with terrorism, judged as the main threat of West. However, what would happen if both would be different sides of the same coin? This essay review explores the roots of tourism and terrorism during the process of unionization in US. What on one hand resulted in a hyper-mobile process that shore up tourism, on another was a desesperate attempt to struggle against terrorism. In this vein, it is safe to say that tourism is terrorism by other means.
HOD2MLC
Authors: Saripalle Rishi Kanth , Demurjian Steven A. , Blechner Michael , Agresta Thomas
Published: September 2015

Ontologies have gained increasing usage to augment an application with domain knowledge, particularly in healthcare, where they represent knowledge ranging from: bioinformatics data such as protein, gene, etc. to biomedical informatics such as diseases, diagnosis, symptoms, etc. However, the current ontology development efforts and process are data intensive and construction based, creating ontologies for specific applications/requirements, rather than designing an abstract ontological solution(s) that can be reusable across the domain using a well-defined design process. To address this deficiency, the work presented herein positions ontologies as software engineering artifact that allows them to be placed into the position to share the captured domain conceptualization and its vocabulary involving disparate domain backgrounds, that can then be created, imported, exported and re-used using different frameworks, tools and techniques. Towards this end, the authors propose an agile software process for ontologies referred to as the Hybrid Ontology Design & Development Model with Lifecycle,HOD2MLC. To place HOD2MLC into a proper perspective, they explore, compare, and contrast it to existing ontology design and development alternatives with respect their various phases as related to the authors' work and phases in varied SDP models.
Revising the Empirical Linkage between Renewable Energy Consumption and Economic Growth in Tunisia
Authors: Habib Sekrafi
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the interactive relationships between renewable energy and economic growth based on a Cobb-Douglas production function for Tunisia over the period of 1980-2011. Using an ARDL model, results show confirm the validity of the feedback hypothesis while in the short term the conservation hypothesis is supported. Based on the author's results, the Tunisian government is appealed to revise its policy toward the use of renewable energy by (i) the enforcement of the production and consumption of renewable energy to be substituted to the fossil and fuel energy and (ii) encouraging private sectors to deal with this energy subsector.
TLR and RLR Signaling Are Reprogrammed in Opposite Directions after Detection of Viral Infection
Authors: Hotz Christian , Roetzer Laurin C. , Huber Thomas , Sailer Andreas , Oberson Anne , Treinies Marina , Heidegger Simon , Herbst Tina , Endres Stefan , Bourquin Carole
Published: September 2015

Innate immune recognition of RNA is key for the initiation of immunity in response to viral infection. Although the factors controlling the detection of viral RNA by innate immune receptors in host cells are increasingly well understood, little is known about the dynamic changes in signaling after the initial triggering of these receptors. In this study, we report that preconditioning with the synthetic dsRNA polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a mimetic of viral RNA, rapidly reprograms murine APCs by simultaneously augmenting sensitivity of endosomal TLRs and inhibiting activation of RIG-I–like receptors (RLRs) in an IFN-β–dependent manner. These changes in receptor sensitivity were also seen in vivo after treatment of mice with poly(I:C). Mechanistically, the increased sensitivity of the TLR pathway was associated with elevated MAPK and NF-κB activity. The RLR response was inhibited downstream of TANK-binding kinase-1, resulting in decreased IFN regulatory factor 3 phosphorylation. Reprogramming of pattern-recognition receptor signaling also occurred after viral infection, because infection of host cells with Sendai virus or their exposure to supernatant from virus-infected cells induced the same changes in TLR and RLR sensitivity as poly(I:C). Thus, innate recognition of viral infection critically modifies responses to pattern-recognition receptor stimulation. These dynamic adaptations to infection may reinforce antiviral immunity and at the same time serve to limit pathological inflammation.
Stat1 Regulates Lupus-like Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Severity via Interactions with Stat3
Authors: Shao Wen-Hai , Gamero Ana M. , Zhen Yuxuan , Lobue Monica J. , Priest Stephen O. , Albandar Hazem J. , Cohen Philip L.
Published: September 2015

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multisystem autoimmune disease, characterized by a spectrum of autoantibodies that target multiple cellular components. Glomerulonephritis is a major cause of morbidity in patients with SLE. Little is known about the pathogenesis of SLE renal damage and compromised renal function. Activation of both Stat1 and Stat3 has been reported in lupus and lupus nephritis. The reciprocal activation of these two transcription factors may have a major impact on renal inflammation. To study the role of Stat1 in a lupus model, we induced lupus-like chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in Stat1-knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice by i.p. injection of class II–disparate bm12 splenocytes. WT recipients of these alloreactive cells developed anti-dsDNA autoantibodies starting at week 2 as expected, with a decline after week 4. In contrast, Stat1-KO hosts exhibited a prolonged and significant increase of anti-dsDNA autoantibody responses compared with WT mice (week 4 to week 8). Increased autoantibody titers were accompanied by increased proteinuria and mortality in the cGVHD host mice lacking Stat1. Further analysis revealed expression and activation of Stat3 in the glomeruli of Stat1-KO host mice but not WT mice with cGVHD. Glomerular Stat3 activity in the Stat1-KO mice was associated with increased IL-6 and IFN-γ secretion and macrophage infiltration. Interactions between Stat1 and Stat3 thus appear to be crucial in determining the severity of lupus-like disease in the cGVHD model.
Piezoelectric Deicing System for Rotorcraft
Authors: Villeneuve Eric , Harvey Derek , Zimcik David , Aubert Roger , Perron Jean
Published: September 2015

Deicing using piezoelectric actuators is considered as a potential solution to the development of low-energy ice protection systems for rotorcraft. This type of system activates resonant frequencies of a structure using piezoelectric actuators to generate sufficient stress to break
the bond between the ice and the substrate. First, a numerical method was validated to assist the design of such systems. Numerical simulations were performed for the case of a flat plate and validated experimentally. The model was then used to study important design parameters such as actuator
positioning and activation strategies, and it was concluded that positioning actuators at antinode locations, and activating them in phase with those antinodes to obtain maximum displacements for a given vibration mode. The findings were then used to apply piezoelectric deicing to structures
more representative of a helicopter rotor blade. The method was implemented on a thinned Bell 206 main rotor blade and a Bell 206 tail rotor blade. Deicing performance was demonstrated in an icing wind tunnel. Power input to the actuators was below 19 kW/m2 (12 W/inch2)
for all structures.
The change of hospital internal medicine: a study on patients admitted in internal medicine wards of 8 hospitals of the Lazio area, Italy
Authors: Recine Umberto , Scotti Emilio , Bruzzese Vincenzo , D’Amore Francesco , Manfellotto Dario , Simonelli Ilaria , Pastorelli Ruggero , Lazio On behalf of GIMI - FADOI
Published: September 2015

The hospital internal medicine (IM) needs to adapt to the socio-demographic changes occurred during the last thirty years: patients currently show an increased overall complexity owing to the increase in the average age of the patients admitted, to more several and severe comorbidities, and a higher concentration in our wards of most severe cases. Our departments have to change in order to pursue a more efficient organization and to offer care to users modulated according to their needs and conditions. The Intensity of Care in Internal Medicine Group of the Federation of Associations of Hospital Doctors on Internal Medicine - Lazio carried out a population-based study in eight Internal Medicine wards of the region with the aim of characterizing the patients there admitted, using the modified early warning score (mEWS), monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of hospitalization. This has allowed us to determine the cut-off of the score indicating a greater statistical probability of a fatal outcome corresponding to 3, contrary to what originally reported by Subbe et al. in 2001. According to our results into the Departments of IM should be provided an area of high care, where monitor and stabilize the patients admitted with a mEWS score ≥3, before transferring them to the wards of lower intensity of care. This organizational model of the high care of medical patients has the benefit of offer the technical and professional assistance appropriate to the level of clinical risk, with more intensive care to more critical stages of illness.
Incidentally discovered pheochromocytoma and aldosterone-producing adenoma in the same adrenal gland
Authors: Negro Aurelio , Santi Rosaria , Giunta Alessandro , Lococo Filippo , Gemelli Giuseppe , Piana Simonetta , Ragazzi Moira , Cavalieri Simonetta
Published: September 2015

Simultaneous occurrence of pheochromocytoma and aldosterone-producing adrenocortical tumor has been rarely reported in patients with symptoms or findings suggestive for both neoplasms. Herein, we report and discuss on a challenging case of synchronous pheochromocytoma and aldosterone-producing adenoma incidentally detected in the same adrenal gland and documented by biochemical studies and pathological examination.
Proton pump inhibitors overuse: only inappropriate prescriptions or further iatrogenic damage?
Authors: Visconti Mario
Published: September 2015

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most potent drugs for reducing gastric acid secretion; so, since their release in the late 1980s, they have been recommended as the first therapeutic choice for many gastroesophageal diseases, risk reduction in or healing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-associated ulcer disease and stress ulcer prophylaxis in intensive care unit patients. Thus PPIs account for a significant proportion of pharmaceutical health-care expenditure. Much of this high expenditure results from overuse of PPIs in account of inappropriate indications or prolongation of therapies for excessive time compared to real need. PPIs overutilization occurs in all medical care settings: in the majority of hospitalized patients with low risks for gastrointestinal bleeding, in patients healed at discharge from hospital, in outpatients in ambulatory practice. However potential adverse effects associated with PPIs therapy have been described, including enteric (especially by Clostridium difficile in elderly patients) and pneumonia infections, nutritional deficiencies, rebound acid hypersecretion, acute interstitial nephritis, gastric neoplasms, bone fractures. Caution is required for some coprescription, particularly with clopidogrel.
Doing more does not mean doing better: the FADOI contribution to the Slow Medicine program for a sustainable and wise healthcare system
Authors: Lusiani Luigi , Frediani Roberto , Nardi Roberto , Fontanella Andrea , Campanini Mauro
Published: September 2015

Consistently with its own vision on the necessity to implement a sustainable and frugal medicine, in 2013 the Italian Federation of Associations of Hospital Doctors in Internal Medicine (FADOI) decided to adhere to the Slow Medicine program entitled Doing more does not mean doing better, launched in Italy in late 2012, following the Choosing Wisely® campaign of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation started in the USA in 2010. According to the program, FADOI has now produced a list of ten evidence-based recommendations of the do not type, regarding different practices whose benefits for the patients are questionable at least, if not harmful at worst. The list was obtained from a questionnaire submitted to 1175 FADOI members, containing a purposely selected choice of 32 pertinent recommendations already published by Choosing Wisely®, and reflects the qualified opinion of a large number of Italian internists. These recommendations are now endorsed by the FADOI, as a contribution to the discussion among doctors, health professionals, nurses, patients and citizens about what is worth choosing in medicine; they are also meant to promote a shared decision making process in the clinical practice.
A New Clade of African Body and Head Lice Infected by Bartonella quintana and Yersinia pestis—Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Drali Rezak , Shako Jean-Christophe , Davoust Bernard , Diatta Georges , Raoult Didier
Published: September 2015

The human body louse is known as a vector for the transmission of three serious diseases—specifically, epidemic typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, Bartonella quintana, and Borrelia recurrentis, respectively—that have killed millions of people. It is also suspected in the transmission of a fourth pathogen, Yersinia pestis, which is the etiologic agent of plague. To date, human lice belonging to the genus Pediculus have been classified into three mitochondrial clades: A, B, and C. Here, we describe a fourth mitochondrial clade, Clade D, comprising head and body lice. Clade D may be a vector of B. quintana and Y. pestis, which is prevalent in a highly plague-endemic area near the Rethy Health District, Orientale Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Occurrence and Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in Ixodid Ticks in Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Kumsa Bersissa , Socolovschi Cristina , Almeras Lionel , Raoult Didier , Parola Philippe
Published: September 2015

This study was conducted from September 2011 to March 2014 to address the occurrence and genotypes of Coxiella burnetii using molecular methods in ticks collected from domestic animals in Ethiopia. Ticks were tested for C. burnetii by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting two different genes followed by multispacer sequence typing (MST). An overall prevalence of 6.4% (54/842) of C. burnetii was recorded. C. burnetii was detected in 28.6% (14/49) of Amblyomma gemma, 25% (31/124) of Rhipicephalus pulchellus, 7.1% (1/14) of Hyalomma marginatum rufipes, 3.2% (2/62) of Am. variegatum, 3.1% (4/128) of Am. cohaerens, 1.6% (1/63) of Rh. praetextatus, and 0.6% (1/153) of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus. Significantly higher overall frequencies of C. burnetii DNA were observed in Am. gemma and Rh. pulchellus than in other tick species (Mantel–Haenszel [MH], P < 0.0001). The overall frequency of C. burnetii was significantly higher (MH, P < 0.0001) in ticks from southeastern districts (Arero, Moyale, and Yabelo) than that from other districts. This study demonstrated the presence of C. burnetii genotype MST 18 in ticks in southeastern districts and genotype MST 20 in ticks in central districts. This study highlights the importance of ticks in the epidemiology of C. burnetii in Ethiopia.