bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Multiple Sensors Joint Tracking of Maneuvering Target in Clutter
Authors: Wu Panlong , Li Xingxiu , Kong Jianshou , Liu Jiale
Published: July 2015

To solve the problem of tracking maneuvering airborne targets in the presence of clutter, an improved interacting multiple model probability data association algorithm (IMMPDA-MDCM) using radar/IR sensors fusion is proposed. Under the architecture of the proposed algorithm, the radar/IR centralized fusion tracking scheme of IMMPDA-MDCM is designed to guarantee the observability of the target state. The interacting multiple model (IMM) deals with the model switching. The modified debiased converted measurement (MDCM) filter accounts for non-linearity in the dynamic system models, and reduces the effect of measurement noise on the covariance effectively. The probability data association (PDA) handles data association and measurement uncertainties in clutter. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the tracking precision for maneuvering target in clutters, and has higher tracking precision than the traditional IMMPDA based on EKF and IMMPDA based on DCM algorithm.
AF-DHNN: Fuzzy Clustering and Inference-Based Node Fault Diagnosis Method for Fire Detection
Authors: Jin Shan , Cui Wen , Jin Zhigang , Wang Ying
Published: July 2015

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have been utilized for node fault diagnosis in the fire detection field since the 1990s. However, the traditional methods have some problems, including complicated system structures, intensive computation needs, unsteady data detection and local minimum values. In this paper, a new diagnosis mechanism for WSN nodes is proposed, which is based on fuzzy theory and an Adaptive Fuzzy Discrete Hopfield Neural Network (AF-DHNN). First, the original status of each sensor over time is obtained with two features. One is the root mean square of the filtered signal (FRMS), the other is the normalized summation of the positive amplitudes of the difference spectrum between the measured signal and the healthy one (NSDS). Secondly, distributed fuzzy inference is introduced. The evident abnormal nodes’ status is pre-alarmed to save time. Thirdly, according to the dimensions of the diagnostic data, an adaptive diagnostic status system is established with a Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm (FCMA) and Sorting and Classification Algorithm to reducing the complexity of the fault determination. Fourthly, a Discrete Hopfield Neural Network (DHNN) with iterations is improved with the optimization of the sensors’ detected status information and standard diagnostic levels, with which the associative memory is achieved, and the search efficiency is improved. The experimental results show that the AF-DHNN method can diagnose abnormal WSN node faults promptly and effectively, which improves the WSN reliability.
Formation Flight of Multiple UAVs via Onboard Sensor Information Sharing
Authors: Park Chulwoo , Cho Namhoon , Lee Kyunghyun , Kim Youdan
Published: July 2015

To monitor large areas or simultaneously measure multiple points, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) must be flown in formation. To perform such flights, sensor information generated by each UAV should be shared via communications. Although a variety of studies have focused on the algorithms for formation flight, these studies have mainly demonstrated the performance of formation flight using numerical simulations or ground robots, which do not reflect the dynamic characteristics of UAVs. In this study, an onboard sensor information sharing system and formation flight algorithms for multiple UAVs are proposed. The communication delays of radiofrequency (RF) telemetry are analyzed to enable the implementation of the onboard sensor information sharing system. Using the sensor information sharing, the formation guidance law for multiple UAVs, which includes both a circular and close formation, is designed. The hardware system, which includes avionics and an airframe, is constructed for the proposed multi-UAV platform. A numerical simulation is performed to demonstrate the performance of the formation flight guidance and control system for multiple UAVs. Finally, a flight test is conducted to verify the proposed algorithm for the multi-UAV system.
Financial Development, Environmental Quality and Economic Growth
Authors: Li Shushu , Zhang Jinglan , Ma Yong
Published: July 2015

In this study, the relationships between financial development, environmental quality and economic growth are studied based on data from 102 countries over the period 1980–2010 using the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation. The econometric results show the following three basic conclusions: First, both financial development and environmental quality have a significant impact on economic growth and should be included in the production function of the economic growth model as important variables. Second, there is a significant and robust “inverted U-shaped” relationship between financial development and economic growth; with the improvement of the level of financial development, economic growth would first increase and then decrease, which is consistent with the results of previous studies. Third, there is also a significant and robust “inverted U-shaped” relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions, indicating that there exists a “critical point” at which achieving economic growth comes at the expense of environmental quality, and after passing the critical point, the deterioration of environmental quality will lead to a significant slowdown in economic growth. In addition, the econometric analysis in this paper also shows that there was a mutually promoting and strengthening relationship between financial development and environmental quality. Specifically, the degree of financial development can further strengthen the promoting effect of environmental quality on economic growth; meanwhile, an improvement in environmental quality can also strengthen the promoting effect of financial development on economic growth. Financial development and environmental quality could influence economic growth through strengthening the marginal product effects of capital and labor, which further indicates the that both financial and environmental factors play an important role in modern economic development.
Identifying Ecological Red Lines: A Case Study of the Coast in Liaoning Province
Authors: Wang Chuansheng , Sun Guiyan , Dang Lijuan
Published: July 2015

The global decline in estuarine and coastal ecosystems is affecting critical ecosystem services. The spatial agglomeration of population, industries and resources has led to the emergence of regionally-specific ecological problems. Therefore, identifying “ecological red lines”, based on specific natural and environmental features, could help to differentiate the economic development and ecological protection directions or potentials of different regions in future. The aim of this case study is to define the ecological red line in the coastal zone of Liaoning Province, China, by evaluating the ecological importance and environmental stress in its marine and terrestrial ecosystems. For this purpose, the ecological importance of this area was first classified into four conservation indices (species, wetland, water and coast and islands) and assigned values of 5, 3 and 1 for indications of high, moderate and minor importance. In the meantime, environmental stress was also classified into four indices (water environment, salinization, soil erosion and erosion of coasts and islands) and assigned values of 5, 3 and 1 for indications of high, moderate and low stress, respectively. Then, based on an overlay analysis and evaluation of the above results, we defined two grades of ecological red line zones. Grade I ecological red line zones contain the areas with critical and diverse ecosystem services, areas of high importance for species conservation and nature reserves, as well as ecologically-vulnerable and sensitive areas. It is important in these areas to maintain the biological diversity and to improve the quality of the ecological environment, which should be strictly protected and explicitly controlled. Grade II ecological red line zones display areas with minimum requirements for maintaining the basic needs of a livable environment and human health, moderate to minor levels of ecological importance and high to moderate levels of environmental stress. To better control and protect such ecological red lines, setting up an ecological inventory through remote sensing satellites and ground-level monitoring and appraising the effectiveness of dynamical protection are highly recommended.
The Effects of Coal Switching and Improvements in Electricity Production Efficiency and Consumption on CO2 Mitigation Goals in China
Authors: Li Li , Wang Jianjun
Published: July 2015

Although the average CO2 emission for a person in China is only about 1/4 that of a person in the US, the government of China still made a commitment to ensure that CO2 emissions will reach their peak in 2030 because of the ever-increasing pressure of global warming. In this work, we examined the effects of coal switching, efficiency improvements in thermal power generation and the electricity consumption of economic activities on realizing this goal. An improved STIRPAT model was developed to create the scenarios. In order to make the estimated elasticities more consistent with different variables selected to construct the formulation, a double-layer STIRPAT model was constructed, and by integrating the two equations obtained by regressing the series in each layer, we finally got the equation to describe the long-run relationship among CO2 emissions (Ic), the share of coal in overall energy consumption (FMC), coal intensity of thermal power generation (CIp) and electricity intensity of GDP (EIelec). The long term elasticities represented by the equation show that the growth of CO2 emissions in China is quite sensitive to FMC, CIp and EIelec. After that, five scenarios were developed in order to examine the effects of China’s possible different CO2 emission reduction policies, focusing on improving FMC, CIp and EIelec respectively. Through a rigorous analysis, we found that in order to realize the committed CO2 emissions mitigating goal, China should obviously accelerate the pace in switching from coal to low carbon fuels, coupled with a consistent improvement in electricity efficiency of economic activities and a slightly slower improvement in the coal efficiency of thermal power generation.
Dependence of Parking Pricing on Land Use and Time of Day
Authors: Zong Fang , He Yanan , Yuan Yixin
Published: July 2015

A key strategy of sustainable transportation, parking pricing can directly contribute to decreased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This paper describes an optimal structure of parking rates in terms of parking locations and time of day. A two-level parking model based on game theory is established using parking survey data collected in Beijing in 2014. The model was estimated based on Stackelberg game and the Nash equilibrium. Using the two-level parking model, the optimal structure of parking rates for inside/outside business zones and during peak/off-peak hours was calculated. In addition, the relationship between the government (which represents the public benefit) and car users, as well as the relationships among car users in the parking system were investigated. The results indicate that equilibrium among all of the agents in the parking system can be obtained using the proposed parking rate structure. The findings provide a better understanding of parking behavior, and the two-level parking model presented in the paper can be used to determine the optimal parking rate to balance the temporal and spatial distribution of parking demand in urban areas. This research helps reduce car use and the parking-related cruising time and thus contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions and air pollution.
Modalités d’exploitation d’un banc de silex tertiaire durant l’Épipaléolithique et le Mésolithique : l’exemple des gisements du domaine Brisson et de la Maladière (La Pacaudière, Loire)
Authors: Murat René , Couteau Sylvaine , Franc Odile , Piboule Michel , Alix Philippe , Vande Walle Hélène , Pasty Jean-François , Bouiller Robert
Published: July 2015

Ce travail présente les caractéristiques technotypologiques de l’industrie lithique de deux sites de plein air, associés à un banc de silex oligocène. Deux phases d’occupation sont présentes sur place. La première présente les caractéristiques de l’Épipaléolithique et se caractérise par la production de supports laminaires obtenus au percuteur de pierre tendre, à partir de nucléus mis en forme. La réalisation de préformes de nucléus pourraient également se rattacher à cette phase culturelle. La seconde période de fréquentation du site date du Mésolithique. Le débitage est orienté vers la production de supports lamellaires détachés au percuteur de pierre tendre, à partir de petits nucléus qui n’ont subi aucune mise en forme. Parallèlement à l’approche technologique de l’industrie, ce sont les comportements humains liés aux différentes modalités d’exploitation du banc de silex qui sont appréhendés.
Analyses de pâtes de quelques vases de Cassagna 2 (Blagnac, Haute-Garonne)
Authors: Convertini Fabien
Published: July 2015

A thin section analysis has allowed it to be proved that all the pots were made with the same type of raw material with an alluvial origin. The graphical reconstitution of a pot from a rim underlined by a row of traversing and equidistant perforations and superimposed lugs is validated.
Les ensembles céramiques de la fin du IIIe millénaire (2300-1900 avant notre ère) dans le Centre-Nord de la France
Authors: Samzun Anaïck , Salanova Laure , Richard Guy , Magne Pierre , Hamon Tony , Cottiaux Richard , Brunet Paul
Published: July 2015

Dans le Centre-Nord de la France, trois composantes céramiques occupent le créneau compris entre 2300 et 1900 avant notre ère : le Campaniforme et ses dérivés, les vases à cordons arciformes ou à décor imprimés de grosses cordelettes, et enfin des éléments qui ne correspondent à aucun des deux ensembles précédents et dont certains sont ubiquistes, mais qui sont pourtant associés aux ensembles de la transition Néolithique-Âge du bronze. Les problèmes chronologiques restent d’actualité, surtout pour les deux dernières composantes, faute d’ensembles structurés fouillés.
Le vase en pierre à protomé zoomorphe d’Apazzu (Sartène, Corse-du-Sud)
Authors: Liégeois Jean , Anna André d' , Orsini Jean-Baptiste , Tramoni Pascal
Published: July 2015

À l’occasion de la fouille du site mégalithique d’Apazzu, dans la région de Sartène, fut mis au jour un objet particulier en pierre qui reçut diverses interprétations en termes de statuette anthropomorphe. Considéré injustement comme disparu, l’objet a été récemment réexaminé, ce qui nous permet de proposer une analyse du matériau et une nouvelle lecture. L’objet est interprété comme un vase en pierre à protomé zoomorphe d’un type rare mais connu dans le Néolithique moyen sarde.
Circulations de matériaux très exotiques au Paléolithique moyen, une notion de détail
Authors: Slimak Ludovic
Published: July 2015

Cette contribution met en évidence des déplacements de silex sur plus de 240 kilomètres à vol d’oiseau dans la série moustérienne de Champ Grand. Les distances effectives minimales de ces transports d’objets dépassent les 400 kilomètres. Les modalités de circulation des roches sont discutées. L’analyse de ces éléments démontre l’existence de comportements très anticipateurs conférant des fonctions multiples aux objets ayant vocation à de vastes déplacements. Les notions d’apport et d’emport des matériaux très exotiques permettent d’envisager que cette installation moustérienne s’inscrit dans une trame complexe d’occupations des territoires dont nous ne percevons que les propriétés les plus évidentes.
Everything you always wanted to know about… la néolithisation de la Grande-Bretagne et de l’Irlande
Authors: Pailler Yvan , Sheridan Alison
Published: July 2015

Outre Manche, en Grande-Bretagne et en Irlande, deux modèles de néolithisation s’affrontent : l’un propose une acculturation lente des derniers groupes mésolithiques et trouve ses fondements théoriques dans une culture telle que l’Ertebølle au Danemark, mais aucune preuve archéologique ne vient étayer ce discours, l’autre envisage plusieurs épisodes de colonisation successifs de ces îles par de petites communautés venues du continent. C’est ce dernier modèle que nous défendons et que nous allons décrire en faisant appel aux données archéologiques les plus récentes. Le substrat mésolithique ne sera pas délaissé et un bilan des connaissances permettra de montrer les différences fondamentales qui existent entre ces derniers groupes de chasseurs-cueilleurs et les premières communautés agropastorales, tant sur le plan économique, technique que funéraire. Pour pouvoir rendre compte des facettes des «premiers Néolitiques » dans l’archipel, nous interrogerons les différents témoins matériels de part et d’autre de la Manche et tâcherons à chaque nouvel épisode de trouver l’origine des innovations techniques sur le continent.
Une nécropole de la transition Ve/IVe millénaires à Ungersheim (Haut-Rhin)
Authors: Lefranc Philippe , Boës Éric , Croutsch Christophe
Published: July 2015

La nécropole récemment étudiée sur le site d’Ungersheim «desserte routière du Bioscope » a livré 17 inhumations datées de la charnière des Ve et IVe millénaires. Les individus ont été inhumés sur le dos, membres inférieurs en extension, sur un axe sud-est/ nord-ouest, tête au sud-est. Les dépôts de mobiliers sont rares et plutôt modestes : on recense trois sépultures contenant des objets polis en pélite-quartz et en schiste noduleux ainsi qu’une seule sépulture pourvue d’un dépôt de céramique. Les trois datations radiocarbone réalisées sur ossements (4060-3940 av. J.-C.) inscrivent la nécropole dans une période chronologique encore très peu documentée. L’analyse du contexte culturel du nord de la Haute-Alsace lors de la transition Néolithique moyen/ Néolithique récent nous amène néanmoins à proposer une attribution de l’ensemble funéraire d’Ungersheim à la période formative de la culture de Munzingen. En effet, de récentes découvertes réalisées à proximité d’Ungersheim ont permis de mieux définir les origines de cette culture qui dérive très probablement du groupe épiroessénien du Bischheim occidental du Rhin supérieur (BORS, anciennement nommé groupe d’Entzheim). Ce groupe, originellement implanté en Basse-Alsace, fait rapidement son apparition dans la région du Kaiserstuhl et dans le nord de la Haute-Alsace où, après l’abandon des formes céramiques décorées, il développe les prototypes des gobelets qui constitueront les formes les plus caractéristiques du Munzigen ancien. L’aire nucléaire de la culture de Munzingen semble être limitée au sud du pays de Bade et au nord de la Haute-Alsace. Son émergence sur le plateau du Sundgau paraît plus tardive. Les rares ensembles sundgauviens antérieurs à cette date – et qui approchent les datations obtenues pour la nécropole d’Ungersheim – sont marqués par une forte influence Pfyn ancien et ne peuvent donc être formellement inclus dans la séquence formative du Munzingen. Le rituel funéraire caractérisant la nécropole d’Ungersheim s’inscrit encore en partie dans la tradition du Néolithique moyen rhénan ; les seules différences notables résident dans l’orientation des corps tête au sud-est, la relative pauvreté des dépôts funéraires et l’utilisation très probable de contenants de type cercueil. Nous manquons malheureusement de référents pour les rites funéraires du BORS, mais le modeste ensemble d’Ungersheim, exemple le plus tardif connu pour l’ensemble du sud de la plaine du Rhin supérieur, montre que l’organisation des sépultures individuelles en nécropole perdure jusqu’au début du Néolithique récent, avant, semble-t-il, de disparaître au profit d’autres gestes funéraires comme le dépôt des corps en fosses circulaires.
Creuser puis brûler : foyers et carrières néolithiques de Mazières-en-Mauges « le Chemin Creux » (Maine-et-Loire)
Authors: Marchand Grégor , Mens Emmanuel , Carrión Marco Yolanda , Berthaud Gérard , Kerdivel Gwénolé , George Emmanuel , Quesnel Laurent , Vissac Carole
Published: July 2015

Installées sur la partie haute d’un versant exposé au sud-est, en bordure d’un thalweg peu imprimé, trois grandes structures de combustion en fosse et une carrière d’extraction de blocs de granodiorite ont été fouillées en extrême urgence sur la commune de Mazières-en-Mauges, à cinq kilomètres à l’est du centre de Cholet (Maine-et-Loire). Elles témoignent d’une chaîne fonctionnelle requérant un gros investissement de travail pour un usage exceptionnel, sans abandon de mobilier. Les structures de combustion sont datées par le radiocarbone autour de 5800 BP, soit l’intervalle 4700-4600 avant notre ère après calibration. Cela correspond à la fin du Néolithique ancien et au début du Néolithique moyen dans la région. L’analyse anthracologique montre l’usage quasi exclusif de chênes de gros calibre, probablement récoltés sous forme de bois vert. De telles structures sont connues dans cet intervalle chronologique sur le territoire français, mais c’est la première fois que l’on peut documenter la phase de construction préalable à leur fonctionnement.
Chylothorax and chylous as
Authors: Schwarz F. , Wallmichrath J. , Baumeister R. , Frick A. , Bartenstein P. , Rominger A. , Weiss M.
Published: July 2015

The aim was to analyze conventional planar scintigraphy and SPECT/CT in patients clinically suspicious for chylothorax or chylous ascites. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed for two reasons: first, to help diagnose chylothorax or -abdomen, by demonstrating diffuse uptake in fluid accumulations, and then secondly, to detect the site of leakage to test the prediction that additional use of SPECT/ CT-technique improves upon the diagnostic value of planar lympho scintigraphy in the baseline detection of thoraco-abdominal lymphatic disorders. Patients, material, methods: From 7/2008-7/2014 a total of 24 consecutive patients (8 woman, 16 men; age, range 31-79 years) presenting with clinical symptoms suspicious for chylothorax and/or chylous ascites were examined by planar lymphoscintigraphy (n = 26) and additional tomographic SPECT/CT- (n = 22) or SPECTtechnique (n = 2). Results: Chylothorax could be scintigraphically confirmed in n = 9, chylous ascites in n = 5 scintigraphies, and excluded in n = 10 patients. In all planar scintigraphy findings of pathological lymph drainage regions (n = 14), SPECT/CT delivered additional relevant information, notably the anatomic localization of the lymphatic leakage. For the baseline detection of thoraco-abdominal lymphatic transport disorders, lymphoscintigraphy showed sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 80%. Conclusions: Our findings show that due to the particular advantages presented by tomographic separation of overlapping sources, SPECT/CT specifies better the anatomical sites, improving the localization of lymphatic leakage in aid of planning surgical re-interventions.
Sexual dimorphism in floral longevity and flowering synchrony in relation to pollination and mating success in three dioecious Ilex species
Authors: Matsuhisa Seiko , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: July 2015

• Premise of the study: Sexual floral dimorphism may have evolved under pollinator‐mediated natural selection by which female and male functions are differently influenced. We hypothesized that mating success is differently influenced by display size between sexes, under which sexual dimorphism in flowering schedule has evolved in dioecious species.

• Methods: We examined sexual dimorphism in the total number of flowers per shoot, maximum daily display size, longevity of individual flowers, and flowering synchrony (maximum proportion of open flowers) in three dioecious Ilex species (I. pedunculosa, I. serrata, and I. crenata) whose female flowers are not smaller than male flowers. We compared pollinator response to natural variation of daily display size between sexes. We also examined the effect of display size on female and male success (fruit set and pollen deposition and removal).

• Key results: In the three species, male shoots produced significantly more flowers than female shoots did. Although female flowers lasted longer and opened more synchronously than male flowers, maximum daily display size was larger on male shoots than on female shoots. Fruit set was significantly pollen‐limited in the field in all species. Pollen deposition and/or fruit set increased with female display size, whereas pollen removal decreased or was approximately constant with male display size in the three species.

• Conclusions: We suggest that sexual dimorphism in floral longevity and flowering synchrony might enhance both female and male success in relation to the display size–mating success (pollinator attraction) association irrespective of flower size dimorphism.
Tempo and mode of flower color evolution
Authors: Smith Stacey D. , Goldberg Emma E.
Published: July 2015

• Premise of the study: Flower color is one of the best‐studied floral traits in terms of its genetic basis and ecological significance, yet few studies have examined the processes that shape its evolution across deep timescales. Advances in comparative methods along with larger phylogenies for floral radiations offer new opportunities for investigating the macroevolution of flower color.

• Methods: We examined the tempo and mode of flower color evolution in four clades (Antirrhineae, Iochrominae, Loeselieae, Quamoclit) using models that incorporate trait transitions and lineage diversification. Focusing on floral anthocyanin pigmentation, we estimated rates of gain and loss of pigmentation and tested whether these changes occur predominantly through anagenesis or cladogenesis.

• Key results: We found that the tempo of pigment gains and losses varied significantly across the clades and that the rates of change were often asymmetrical, favoring gains over losses. The mode of color shifts tended to be cladogenetic, particularly for gains of color; however, this trend was not significant.

• Conclusions: Given that all flowering plants share the same pathway for producing anthocyanins, the marked variation in the tempo of transitions across the four groups suggests differences in the selective forces acting on floral pigmentation. These ecological and physiological factors, together with genetic basis for color, may also explain the bias toward gains of floral anthocyanins. Estimates for cladogenetic and anagenetic rates suggest that color transitions can occur through both modes, although testing their relative importance will require larger datasets.
Fauna Europaea: Mollusca – Bivalvia
Authors: Araujo Rafael , de Jong Yde
Published: July 2015

Fauna Europaea provides a public web-service with an index of scientific names (including important synonyms) of all living European land and freshwater animals, their geographical distribution at country level (up to the Urals, excluding the Caucasus region), and some additional information. The Fauna Europaea project covers about 230,000 taxonomic names, including 130,000 accepted species and 14,000 accepted subspecies, which is much more than the originally projected number of 100,000 species. This represents a huge effort by more than 400 contributing specialists throughout Europe and is a unique (standard) reference suitable for many users in science, government, industry, nature conservation and education. For the Mollusca-Bivalvia, data from 5 families (Margaritiferidae, Unionidae, Sphaeriidae, Cyrenidae, Dreissenidae) containing 55 species are included in this paper.

European freshwater bivalves belong to the Orders Unionoida and Cardiida. All the European unionoids are included in the superfamily Unionoidea, the freshwater mussels or naiads. The European cardiids belong to the following three superfamilies: Cardioidea, Cyrenoidea and Dreissenoidea. Among the Unionoidea there are the most imperilled animal groups on the planet while the Cardioidea includes the cosmopolitan genus Pisidium, the Cyrenoidea the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) and the Dreissenoidea the famous invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). Basic information is summarized on their taxonomy and biology. Tabulations include a complete list of the current estimated families, genera and species.
Análisis comparativo en losas de cimentación: losas aligeradas mediante bloques de EPS frente a losas macizas
Authors: Dávila J. M. , Fortes J. C. , Crespo L. , Rodríguez C. A.
Published: July 2015

El objetivo del presente artículo es confirmar el distinto comportamiento que presenta la solución tradicional de losa maciza frente a una aligerada, haciendo un análisis comparativo, aplicando el M.E.F., de la primera solución con una losa aligerada empleando bloques de poliestireno expandido (EPS) como material aligerante, uniéndose las zonas macizas bajo pilares mediante nervios. Se mantienen, por tanto, dos placas superior e inferior alrededor de los bloques aligerantes de EPS.

Los resultados obtenidos nos permiten afirmar que en situaciones de suelos blandos, con posibles problemas de asientos, la solución planteada presenta importantes ventajas, al disminuir éstos en un porcentaje que variará en función de las condiciones particulares. Además de esto, se reducen en gran medida los asientos diferenciales entre apoyos, por lo que la alternativa planteada presenta un comportamiento más uniforme, así como ventajas constructivas.
La solución de fachada convencional del periodo desarrollista en el caso de Gipuzkoa: declive (y final) de un sistema constructivo
Authors: Lizundia-Uranga I.
Published: July 2015

El artículo analiza el proceso constructivo, la evolución y el inquietante futuro del cerramiento de fachada de los edificios de vivienda colectiva construidos durante el periodo desarrollista en Gipuzkoa. Se han inspeccionado 128 conjuntos residenciales y se ha entrevistado a 17 personajes que intervinieron directamente en la construcción de muchos de ellos. Tras analizar los materiales y elementos que constituyen la solución de fachada convencional utilizada en Gipuzkoa y en gran parte del conjunto del estado español durante aquellos años y cuyo uso se ha prolongado hasta nuestros días, se estudian los efectos y las causas de sus principales lesiones y carencias. Su compleja y costosa adecuación a las exigencias actuales va a requerir de un importante esfuerzo por parte del conjunto de la sociedad y plantea la cuestión de si estamos ante un sistema constructivo cuyo ciclo de vida debe darse por concluido de una vez por todas.
The 21st Century Library and Information Services for the Enhancement of Teacher Education
Authors: Idiegbeyan-ose Jerome , Ilo Promise , Isiakpona Chidi
Published: July 2015

This chapter discusses 21st century Library and Information Services for the enhancement of teacher education. The work starts by highlighting the place of teachers in every society. Teachers transform lives. They inculcate worthwhile attitude in the leaders of tomorrow. It is therefore important to ensure that they receive qualitative education on the platform of 21st century libraries. The chapter further discusses the services provided by 21st century libraries among which are Online Reference Services, Selective Dissemination of Information, Current Awareness Services and Online Public Access Catalogue. The opportunities provided by 21st century libraries are highlighted. These include multi-user access to resources, improvement of internal operations, round- the-clock access, etc. This chapter recommends adequate provision of funds, intensification of user education, as well as back-up power supplies for better performance of these libraries. It concludes that 21st century libraries are sine qua non to the enhancement of teacher education and should therefore not be trivialized in any way.
Instructional Design for the Technological Learning Environment
Authors: Williams Demetrick
Published: July 2015

Education is constantly changing to not only meet the ever changing needs of the global business environment, but to also meet the needs of the students. The needs of the students are constantly changing because of technology and increasingly diverse backgrounds and cultures that change the ways education occurs. Studies have shown that the demands continue to grow for education to continue to transform to meet the needs of today's diverse technological learners. Faculty, teachers, and instructional designers must adapt to the evolution of the learning environment. The purpose of this chapter is to aid faculty and teachers in the design of curriculum for tomorrow's students, by adding them with the trial and error of the development phase. The two objectives are to aid in the development of instructional design along with further meeting the needs of our students and to help remove some of the trial and error in the development process.
Merits and Worth of National Open University of Nigeria as Distance Education Intervention
Authors: Kpolovie Peter James , Obilor Isaac Esezi , Ololube Nwachukwu Prince
Published: July 2015

This chapter employed Program Theory-Based Evaluation Design and Summative Evaluation Model to evaluate the merits and worth of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) from 2003 to 2013 as a distance education intervention. A sample of 902 was drawn from students of and staff of NOUN, National Universities Commission and conventional Federal Universities in Nigeria. Construct validated Program Theory-based Evaluation Questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.79 was used. Ten hypotheses were tested using ANOVA and independent samples t-test at 0.05 alpha. Results indicated that great discrepancy exists between the expected and actual outcomes of NOUN as it is significantly inadequate in addressing ‘higher education for all in need' intervention for which it was established. Though the objectives for which NOUN was established has been partially implemented as defined and aspects of its objectives achieved. The study recommends that the defected aspects of NOUN should be modified to meat stated objectives.
Relevance of the Use of Instructional Materials in Teaching and Pedagogical Delivery
Authors: Muraina Monsuru Babatunde
Published: July 2015

This chapter examined the relevance of the use of instructional materials or teaching aids in teaching and pedagogical delivery. This is because of the importance that is attached to the use of instructional materials in influencing students' learning outcomes in schools. The chapter elucidated the meaning and concept of teaching within the pedagogical context. It further explained the concept of instructional materials and the various types and their relevance. The principles for the selection of instructional materials and guidelines for the use of instructional materials were discussed. The various problems that are associated with the use of instructional materials for teaching and pedagogical delivery were highlighted. Lastly, recommendations such as the need for school administrators and government to provide instructional materials and to send teachers to conferences, workshops and seminars in order to develop in them instructional materials improvisation skills and mechanisms for maintenance culture were proffered.
Current and Future Trends in Higher Education Learning
Authors: Holz-Clause Mary , Guntuku Dileepkumar , Koundinya Vikram , Clause Reginald , Singh Kanika
Published: July 2015

Emerging educational practices and growing demand from education researchers and learners appear to be driving a shift toward the learner and context-centered teaching approach. Higher education is transitioning delivery from a predominantly teacher-centered mode to a non-traditional learner-oriented one. This change is being primarily facilitated by the advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in curriculum design and delivery ushering online learning. In this chapter, we discuss the current and future trends in higher education for curriculum design and delivery using online learning. We present Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) as an online teaching-learning future trend that can help provide educational access to millions of students geographically situated all over the world. We share a case study from India, highlighting the initiatives in the field of higher education and course delivery with the use of ICTs and the changes in methods of learning-content delivery. The advantages and challenges associated with MOOCs are also discussed.
Tanzania Textbooks, Curriculum and Politics
Authors: Muneja Mussa S.
Published: July 2015

The chapter explored the importance of textbook authorship in the context of Tanzania's competence based curriculum. The study utilized a documentary analysis where literatures from local and global perspective were scrutinized. In order to enhance the findings, five teachers with a long experience in teaching were purposively sampled and interviewed. The findings indicate most teachers are not empowered in the art and science of writing textbooks; teachers are largely excluded in textbook evaluation; gender imbalance in textbooks is a widespread global issue; corruption is widespread in textbook industry. The study recommends a constructive way forward according to the findings.
Speaking Mathematically
Authors: Ajayi Kassim Olusanmi , Lawani Abisola O.
Published: July 2015

In this chapter, we evaluated the role of language and communication in teaching and learning of mathematics. Language of instruction is very crucial to effective education at every level because linguistic difficulties have serious effects on children's ability to think, read and write effectively. Learning mathematics and the language of mathematics is a challenge for all students, but it is more challenging for students who have no opportunity to use academic language outside the school, if better performances of African children are to be expected in tests of intellectual ability the importance of mathematics instruction in a language that is meaningful to the student cannot be over emphasized. Teachers should translate back and forth the ordinary and technical language, embedded in the use of mathematics and also support the development of the multi-semiotic mathematics register through oral language that moves from the everyday to the technical mode. Students should be encouraged to produce extended discourse in mathematics classrooms and engage in discussion about the language through which word problems are constructed and practice with the writing to mathematical concepts in authentic ways.
Role of Virtual Libraries in Learning Process
Authors: Kaur Amandeep
Published: July 2015

In modern era, libraries are playing role in two parts- first is physical and second is virtual. Library users are demanding virtual library as well as a physical library because of their learning demands can be fulfilled by virtual libraries. Virtual library planning and designing can provide a rich learning environment. In library and information Science various terms are used to describe virtual libraries: digital libraries, electronic libraries, e-libraries, and the broader term virtual library. In this paper, the term virtual library is used to describe any managed collection of information sources in an electronic format. Therefore, virtual libraries can include digital collections of pictures, maps, Web sites, or library records.
Role of Digital Libraries in the Present Era
Authors: Kaur Harpreet
Published: July 2015

The Digital library plays an important role in promoting the use of information. Digital libraries give solutions to main challenges to traditional libraries such as storage. This paper discusses the concept of digital library and how it helps in conserving manuscripts and what type of equipments or software are required in this work. We want digital information in every field so that every library should be a digital library. It highlights the Necessity, Challenges and issues in creating digital library, there are certain issues which should be taken care like copyright and Intellectual Property Right. This article also explores successful digital library project set up in India and what is the future of digital library in Indian scenario.
Digital Resource Management Strategies
Authors: K. Sarojadevi , S. Padmamma
Published: July 2015

Digital technologies have transformed the shape of the libraries in recent years. Digital literacy has grown exponentially, and digital devices have proliferated personal computers, servers, mobile phones, tablets, laptops and mobile wireless devices. Library users, in the new era of information and communication technology environment expects to access traditional print material and more concentrated on digital information resources. So, in order to meet the user demands traditional libraries are vigorously changing their shapes and moving towards digital libraries. Obviously there may be changing in the nature of duties and responsibilities of a library professional. Since, managing of digital resources in the library is entirely different from physical print assets of a traditional library, there is a need of systematic and unique premier framework of strategic planning, innovative policies, establishing, collecting, licensing, sharing, and monitoring of digital information resources and this challenging task is called Digital Resource Management.
An Assessment of Digital Library Functions and Services in Nigerian Academic Libraries
Authors: Idiegbeyan-Ose Jerome , Nduka Stella C. , Adekunjo Olalekan A. , Okoedion Innocent
Published: July 2015

This chapter critically assess digital library functions and services in Nigeria academic libraries. It highlighted the roles of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) that brought about digital libraries. It is a collection of digital contents that is housed electronically and made available to users. The advantages of digital library were also discussed such as improved access, improved information preservation, it improved information sharing, it enhances library functions and services. Nigerian academic libraries has benefited from the enormous benefits of digital library. The chapter stressed that effort should be improved consortium building so as to improve the services Nigerian libraries render to their patrons. The chapter concludes that Digital library has come a long way in Nigeria, and 21st century libraries cannot afford to render services to users without digital contents added to the prints resources. Therefore, Nigeria libraries and information centres must cooperate in a formal consortia building; this will go a long way to reduce the burden of all participating libraries.
Afar Print
Authors: Natarajan R.
Published: July 2015

The growth and development of reader appliances and to get better improvement of screen expertise have made reading on screens less burdensome. The acts of reading are not univocal, as read in many diverse ways with many different target in mind. Reader software can afford different levels of steering support for the exploitation of digital text, presenting potentialities for systematic reading not available in the print-on-paper reading experience and compensating for lack of compass reading and feeling of invincible dominance of text. The parameters of e-text reading and the issues of access remain central to readers and researchers, whether the electronic text is devised and packaged as an “e-book” for portable reading devices, or be located in a server for distribution to library terminals to be downloaded to desktop PCs, laptops or tablet PCs. The power and functionality of reading software – note-taking, highlighting and indexing capabilities, robust open searching across databases – are ultimately linked to open access issues: interoperability, text standards, and digital rights management. These remain key questions for libraries, publishers and researchers.
The Role of Radio Frequency Identification in Modern Libraries
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: July 2015

This chapter reveals the role of radio frequency identification (RFID) in modern libraries, thus demonstrating the theoretical and practical concept of RFID; the utilization of RFID in global operations; RFID perspectives in modern libraries (i.e., operating cost, information technology infrastructure cost, skilled RFID workers, access rate, patron policy, data security, barcode factor, and patron issues); the applications of RFID in modern libraries (i.e., data management, circulation, inventory, assistance in searching and orientation, data accuracy and reliability, theft prevention, utilization statistics for serials, and personal service); and the significance of RFID in modern libraries. RFID solutions can be utilized to reduce the operating costs through decreasing labor costs, enhancing automation, improving tracking and tracing, and preventing the loss of materials. Applying the RFID will significantly improve educational performance and gain sustainable competitive advantage in modern libraries.
University Teachers' Interactions with Their Online Students at an Australian University
Authors: Mamun Shamsul Arifeen Khan , Danaher P. A. , Rahman Mohammad Mafizur
Published: July 2015

This chapter focuses on teacher-student interactions in the context of the use of digital technologies for online teaching and learning in an Australian university using thematic analysis and focus group discussion data. Cotemporary scholars agree that the factors influencing teacher–student interactions in online environments are diverse and multiple and are framed by a complex set of historically grounded and socially mediated forces. One potentially fruitful way to interrogate these factors and forces is to draw on aspects of affordance theory, by examining the kinds of relationships that are (and are not) afforded by particular digital technologies in those online environments. More broadly, affordance theory emerges as a useful conceptual lens for understanding the influences on and the impacts of teacher–student interactions using digital technologies in online environments. Those influences and impacts in turn are crucial to (re-)visioning digital futures in the context of students' learning outcomes in tertiary education, and to advancing critical thinking in higher education.
Academic Service-Learning as a Pedagogical Tool and Strategy
Authors: Barrera, IV Estanislado S. , Dowell Margaret-Mary Sulentic
Published: July 2015

This chapter presents academic service-learning (AS-L) as a pedagogical tool and strategy for promoting critical thinking among pre-service teachers. The results of the two cases discussed reveal that many well-intentioned young education majors' frames of reference about urban education indicate a dissonance of experience. Public urban education in the US is becoming increasingly stratified with teachers representing White, female, middle income backgrounds and resultant perspectives, but public school children in the United States represent families of color and communities that are predominantly poor. AS-L truly promotes critical thinking about teaching and learning, especially when the tensions surrounding difference surface. Findings indicate that pre-service teachers must first overcome bias, negative expectations, and stereotypes before they synthesize the elements of the instructional process that leads to achieving reflective praxis.