bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facial Image Processing in Computer Vision
Authors: Yap Moi Hoon , Ugail Hassan
Published: June 2013

The application of computer vision in face processing remains an important research field. The aim of this chapter is to provide an up-to-date review of research efforts of computer vision scientist in facial image processing, especially in the areas of entertainment industry, surveillance, and other human computer interaction applications. To be more specific, this chapter reviews and demonstrates the techniques of visible facial analysis, regardless of specific application areas. First, the chapter makes a thorough survey and comparison of face detection techniques. It provides some demonstrations on the effect of computer vision algorithms and colour segmentation on face images. Then, it reviews the facial expression recognition from the psychological aspect (Facial Action Coding System, FACS) and from the computer animation aspect (MPEG-4 Standard). The chapter also discusses two popular existing facial feature detection techniques: Gabor feature based boosted classifiers and Active Appearance Models, and demonstrate the performance on our in-house dataset. Finally, the chapter concludes with the future challenges and future research direction of facial image processing.
Face Recognition with Active Appearance Model (AAM)
Authors: Klavdianos Patrycia Barros de Lima , Brasil Lourdes Mattos , Melo Jairo Simão Santana
Published: June 2013

Recognition of human faces has been a fascinating subject in research field for many years. It is considered a multidisciplinary field because it includes understanding different domains such as psychology, neuroscience, computer vision, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and many others. Human face perception is intriguing and draws our attention because we accomplish the task so well that we hope to one day witness a machine performing the same task in a similar or better way. This chapter aims to provide a systematic and practical approach regarding to one of the most current techniques applied on face recognition, known as AAM (Active Appearance Model). AAM method is addressed considering 2D face processing only. This chapter doesn’t cover the entire theme, but offers to the reader the necessary tools to construct a consistent and productive pathway toward this involving subject.
3D Face Modeling for Multi-Feature Extraction for Intelligent Systems
Authors: Riaz Zahid , Gedikli Suat , Beetz Michael , Radig Bernd
Published: June 2013

In this chapter, we focus on the human robot joint interaction application where robots can extract the useful multiple features from human faces. The idea follows daily life scenarios where humans rely mostly on face to face interaction and interpret gender, identity, facial behavior and age of the other persons at a very first glance. We term this problem as face-at-a-glance problem. The proposed solution to this problem is the development of a 3D photorealistic face model in real time for human facial analysis. We also discuss briefly some outstanding challenges like head poses, facial expressions and illuminations for image synthesis. Due to the diversity of the application domain and optimization of relevant information extraction for computer vision applications, we propose to solve this problem using an interdisciplinary 3D face model. The model is built using computer vision and computer graphics tools with image processing techniques. In order to trade off between accuracy and efficiency, we choose wireframe model which provides automatic face generation in real time. The goal of this chapter is to provide a standalone and comprehensive framework to extract useful multi-feature from a 3D model. Such features due to their wide range of information and less computational power, finds their applications in several advanced camera mounted technical systems. Although this chapter focuses on multi-feature extraction approach for human faces in interactive applications with intelligent systems, however the scope of this chapter is equally useful for researchers and industrial practitioner working in the modeling of 3D deformable objects. The chapter mainly specified to human faces but can also be applied to other applications like medical imaging, industrial robot manipulation and action recognition.
Image Compression Technique for Low Bit Rate Transmission
Authors: El-said Shaimaa A. , Hussein Khalid F. A. , Fouad Mohamed M.
Published: June 2013

A novel Adaptive Lossy Image Compression (ALIC) technique is proposed to achieve high compression ratio by reducing the number of source symbols through the application of an efficient technique. The proposed algorithm is based on processing the discrete cosine transform (DCT) of the image to extract the highest energy coefficients in addition to applying one of the novel quantization schemes proposed in the present work. This method is straightforward and simple. It does not need complicated calculation; therefore the hardware implementation is easy to attach. Experimental comparisons are carried out to compare the performance of the proposed technique with those of other standard techniques such as the JPEG. The experimental results show that the proposed compression technique achieves high compression ratio with higher peak signal to noise ratio than that of JPEG at low bit rate without the visual degradation that appears in case of JPEG.
Recent Advances on Graph-Based Image Segmentation Techniques
Authors: Zeng Chao , Jia Wenjing , He Xiangjian , Xu Min
Published: June 2013

Image segmentation techniques using graph theory has become a thriving research area in computer vision community in recent years. This chapter mainly focuses on the most up-to-date research achievements in graph-based image segmentation published in top journals and conferences in computer vision community. The representative graph-based image segmentation methods included in this chapter are classified into six categories: minimum-cut/maximum-flow model (called graph-cut in some literatures), random walk model, minimum spanning tree model, normalized cut model and isoperimetric graph partitioning. The basic rationales of these models are presented, and the image segmentation methods based on these graph-based models are discussed as the main concern of this chapter. Several performance evaluation methods for image segmentation are given. Some public databases for testing image segmentation algorithms are introduced and the future work on graph-based image segmentation is discussed at the end of this chapter.
The Roles of Endstopped and Curvature Tuned Computations in a Hierarchical Representation of 2D Shape
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez Antonio J. , Tsotsos John K.
Published: June 2013

Computational models of visual processes are of interest in fields such as cybernetics, robotics, computer vision, and others. This chapter argues for the importance of intermediate representation layers in the visual cortex that have direct impact on the next generation of object recognition strategies in computer vision. Biological inspiration - and even biological realism - is currently of great interest in the computer vision community. The authors propose that endstopping and curvature cells are of great importance for shape selectivity and show how their combination can lead to shape selective neurons, providing an approach that does not require learning between early stages based on Gabor or Difference of Gaussian filters and later stages closer to object representations.
Adapted Approach for Fruit Disease Identification using Images
Authors: Dubey Shiv Ram , Jalal Anand Singh
Published: June 2013

Diseases in fruit cause devastating problem in economic losses and production in agricultural industry worldwide. In this paper, an adaptive approach for the identification of fruit diseases is proposed and experimentally validated. The image processing based proposed approach is composed of the following main steps; in the first step K-Means clustering technique is used for the defect segmentation, in the second step some state of the art features are extracted from the segmented image, and finally images are classified into one of the classes by using a Multi-class Support Vector Machine. The authors have considered diseases of apple as a test case and evaluated their approach for three types of apple diseases namely apple scab, apple blotch, and apple rot. Their experimental results express that the proposed solution can significantly support accurate detection and automatic identification of fruit diseases. The classification accuracy for the proposed solution is achieved up to 93%.
3D Visualization of Urban Data Based on CityGML with WebGL
Authors: Gesquière Gilles , Manin Alexis
Published: June 2013

Due to the advances in computer graphics and improved network speed it is now possible to navigate in 3D virtual world in real time. Until now, technologies employed require to install standalone application or plugins on navigators. The arrival of HTML 5 brings news solutions to visualize 3D data in a browser with WebGL. Several globe projects have proven that such technologies can be employed. Unfortunately, demonstrations are often based on proprietary formats to exchange or to store data. In this work, we propose to use CityGML: a standard provided by the Open Geospatial Consortium. CityGML files are imported in our Environment Editor. With several tools that we present in this paper, data are processed and stored. A client server application is also presented to permit the visualization of geometry and semantic in a navigator.
Visual Behavior Based Bio-Inspired Polarization Techniques in Computer Vision and Robotics
Authors: Shabayek Abd El Rahman , Morel Olivier , Fofi David
Published: June 2013

For long time, it was thought that the sensing of polarization by animals is invariably related to their behavior, such as navigation and orientation. Recently, it was found that polarization can be part of a high-level visual perception, permitting a wide area of vision applications. Polarization vision can be used for most tasks of color vision including object recognition, contrast enhancement, camouflage breaking, and signal detection and discrimination. The polarization based visual behavior found in the animal kingdom is briefly covered. Then, the authors go in depth with the bio-inspired applications based on polarization in computer vision and robotics. The aim is to have a comprehensive survey highlighting the key principles of polarization based techniques and how they are biologically inspired.
From Face to Facial Expression
Authors: Hammal Zakia
Published: June 2013

This chapter addresses recent advances in computer vision for facial expression classification. The authors present the different processing steps of the problem of automatic facial expression recognition. They describe the advances of each stage of the problem and review the future challenges towards the application of such systems to everyday life situations. The authors also introduce the importance of taking advantage of the human strategy by reviewing advances of research in psychology towards multidisciplinary approach for facial expression classification. Finally, the authors describe one contribution which aims at dealing with some of the discussed challenges.
E-Democracy Systems and Participation Outcomes in Urban Governance
Authors: Sharma Rajeev , Kankanhalli Atreyi , Taher Mahdieh
Published: June 2013

The concept of democracy has a long tradition of research in the political science domain. In recent years, advances in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have provided opportunities for governments to deploy systems to actively engage citizens in the agenda-setting and decision-making processes for urban governance. Consequently, e-democracy and e-participation efforts have emerged and attracted researchers’ attention in the Information Systems (IS) field. Information systems lay the foundations of active citizenry, which may impact on the participation outcome. However, in order to maximize the potential of this evolving form of democracy, researchers and practitioners need to address a number of challenges in the design of participation structures for city governance. This chapter sets out to explore e-democracy systems and their impact on a number of e-participation outcomes. Outlining both promoters and barriers of ICT use for e-democracy, the authors also uncover gaps in the previous literature and identify an agenda for future research.
Volunteered Geographic Information for Disaster Management
Authors: Dransch Doris , Poser Kathrin , Fohringer Joachim , Lucas Christian
Published: June 2013

The amount of information generated and provided by citizens via the World Wide Web is constantly growing. Citizens share information, thoughts, and experiences in blogs and contribute information to web-based content sharing platforms, collaboratively created data bases that are freely usable by everybody. Disaster management as one component of urban planning to decrease a society’s vulnerability can benefit from information provided by citizens. This chapter gives an overview of the application of information provided by citizens in disaster management. It points out the potential of using such information for the various phases of disaster management. Three main challenges, which affect the usefulness of information supplied by citizens, are presented in more detail: data collection, localization and quality assessment. For each of these challenges, various approaches to address them are discussed.
Urban Geo-Wiki
Authors: See Linda , Fritz Steffen , Perger Christoph , Van der Velde Marijn , Albrecht Franziska , McCallum Ian , Schepaschenko Dmitry , Obersteiner Michael , Schill Christian
Published: June 2013

Crowdsourcing is one mechanism for undertaking e-participation. This chapter considers the broader issues of crowdsourcing in the context of citizen participation and governance, illustrated with a case study in which citizens are used to validate global maps of urban extent. Urban extent is an important source of information for a range of applications related to urban planning and governance such as hazard management, food security, health and climate change. Although different products are available that map urban areas or human settlements at a global scale, they disagree in terms of both total urban extent and the spatial distribution of urban areas. Samples of the urban extent from three major cities (London, Beijing and São Paulo), in areas where three recent global land cover maps disagree, are validated using data from a crowdsourcing campaign undertaken with the Geo-Wiki crowdsourcing tool. The results show that crowdsourcing has the potential to contribute to the validation of existing products of urban extent and could help users of these products to determine which map to use in a given location. More accurate information on urban extent will lead to better urban models and improved decision making, which will ultimately affect the future of a growing urban population. However, issues of sustainability, crowd retention and data quality remain challenging areas that require further research in the field of crowdsourcing.
Mobile Participation
Authors: Höffken Stefan , Streich Bernd
Published: June 2013

Smartphones and tablet computers are becoming essential in everyday life, connecting us in a powerful network through mobile web services. They open new channels of communication between citizens, institutions and administrations, offer greater access to public information, and facilitate increased participation. These new forms of collaborative social interaction revolutionize our information and knowledge society. The chapter examines the new opportunities opened up by mobile phones for mParticipation in the context of urban planning processes. After beginning with a theoretical overview about technical developments, eParticipation and the changes in communication in a networked society, it defines the concept of mParticipation. This is followed by an examination of six real-world projects. These examples are then used for the identification of best practices and for the analysis of the usefulness and effectiveness of these new participatory tools. In addition, the chapter discusses the possibilities as well as the barriers to mobile participation, and makes recommendations for the use of smartphones in urban planning. mParticipation opens new channels of communication, creates new ways of gathering local information and has the chance for creating a low-threshold gateway for citizen participation in urban planning, by improving databases and giving instant feedback.
Citizen Web Empowerment across Italian Cities
Authors: Bellio Elena , Buccoliero Luca
Published: June 2013

This chapter summarizes the results of a research project aimed to enlighten the issue of citizens’ empowerment through municipalities’ Web portals. The study was designed in order to: (a) provide some key-elements to define the content of an efficient Web strategy for municipalities, with specific focus on the issue of citizens empowerment, (b) benchmark the degree of citizen empowerment of public administrations’ Websites across Italian Municipalities through the adoption of a revised version of Citizens Web Empowerment Index (CWEI) for the assessment of the official Web portals of the 104 Italian cities with over 60,000 inhabitants.
Data Dissemination and Channel Selection in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Rehmani Mubashir Husain , Faheem Yasir
Published: June 2013

In this chapter, the authors provide a comprehensive review of broadcasting and channel selection strategies for wireless cognitive radio networks. In the beginning, some applications of the data dissemination in wireless cognitive radio networks are discussed to highlight their importance and utility. Next, the authors provide a detailed classification of broadcasting protocols in light of the existing literature, and the pros and cons of each classified category are discussed. Afterwards, the data dissemination is briefly discussed in the context of multi-channel environments and the related issues are highlighted. Then, the authors discuss the challenges of data dissemination in cognitive radio networks, followed by the classification of channel selection strategies along with their advantages and disadvantages for various classes of applications. In the last part, the authors conclude this chapter with open research issues that need to be addressed to provide efficient channel selection and data dissemination strategies in cognitive radio networks.
Software Networks at the Edge
Authors: Manzalini Antonio , Minerva Roberto , Crespi Noel , Emad Uddin Shah Muhammad
Published: June 2013

The chapter addresses the potential impact of technologies like Autonomic, Cognitive, and Software Defined Networking on future networks evolution. It is argued that said technologies, coupled with a wide adoption of virtualization, will bring an impactful disruption at the edge of current networks: in less than a decade developing distributed clouds of cheap edge nodes powerful enough to run virtualized network functions and services on standard hardware will be possible. This will improve network flexibility and programmability, creating the conditions for the development of new Telco-ICT ecosystems. The edge will become a business arena with multiple interacting networks and domains operated by diverse players. We are already witnessing this transformation, looking at the shift of value towards the users’ terminals. The chapter elaborates this vision, reports a brief overview of the state of the art of enabling technologies, describes some simulation results of a use-case, and concludes by providing future research directions.
QoS Support in the Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: How Kiam Cheng , Ma Maode
Published: June 2013

Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are communications networks made up of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology. As a direct evolution from WMNs, the Cognitive Radio Networks (CRN) are similar to the WMNs in many ways. Correspondingly, CRNs are also expected to support delay sensitive and/or high bandwidth real-time streaming multimedia applications like live video streaming, VoIP (Voice-over-IP), video conferencing, online gaming, and so on. However, Quality-of-Service (QoS) provisioning in CRNs is very challenging due to various issues. In this chapter, issues that take place on different network layers, chiefly the physical, MAC (Medium Access Control), and network layer are examined. This chapter also studies and reviews existing proposals to tackle the challenging issue of QoS provisioning in CRNs. Based on these reviews, gaps are identified in existing proposals and some possible solutions are suggested. In the second part of the chapter, the authors look into how greater QoS provisioning capabilities are provided by two proposed routing protocols for CRNs utilizing a variety of techniques. A conclusion is provided at the last part of the chapter together with possible future research directions.
Dynamic Resource Configurations for the Convergence of Optical and Wireless Networks
Authors: Demestichas Konstantinos , Adamopoulou Evgenia , Sykas Efstathios , Loumiotis Ioannis , Stamatiadi Theodora , Papaoulakis Nikolaos , Mesogiti Ioanna
Published: June 2013

In the current landscape of Mobile Communication Networks, evolved radio access technologies, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), offer higher bitrates to mobile end users, providing support for a range of resource-demanding applications. In this context, one can imagine that the full potential of the communication infrastructures can be unleashed, in a cost-effective way, by enabling a smart convergence between the evolved access of the mobile world and the Passive Optical Networks (PONs) of the fixed world. In this context, this chapter introduces a novel management system called CONFES, Converged Network Infrastructure Enabling Resource Optimization and Flexible Service Provisioning, aiming at the proactive determination of PON clients’ needs in bandwidth resources, and the efficient and reasonable allocation of resources to multiple clients according to such needs and the corresponding Service Level Agreements. Furthermore, the present chapter proposes, studies, and compares physical architecture solutions (both centralized and distributed) that can realize such advanced management systems.
Cognitive Techniques for the Development of Services in Broadband Networks
Authors: Kritikou Yiouli , Paradia Maria , Demestichas Panagiotis
Published: June 2013

Information and Communication Systems have tremendously evolved in the past years. This has resulted to the respective increase of the use of communication systems, devices, and applications. To follow this evolution, the applications now focus not only on the delivery of each application, but also on adaptability, so as to meet users’ needs. This is aimed to be achieved by adapting to these needs in the most efficient and seamless way, thus offering an advanced experience to the user. To this end, this chapter focuses on an application of cognitive networks, presenting the mechanism by which self-adaptation can be added. More specifically, this chapter discusses e-learning management systems and showcases the methodology by which such a system may be adapted to users’ preferences and achieve effective learning. This is achieved by using vocabulary teaching as a specific instance of e-learning. Scenarios and the respective results of this methodology are also presented.
Conceptual Modeling Using Petri Nets
Authors: Guasch Antoni , Figueras Jaume , Casanovas Josep
Published: June 2013

Petri nets are used by our students as a formal modeling technique before building a working simulation model in Arena or Simio. The Petri net model enables the simulation analyst to build a complete, unambiguous, and readable model of the target process before coding it in the target simulation tool. One of the aims of this chapter is to emphasize the need for formal specification of the simulation model before it is coded in the chosen target simulation environment. Formal specification of the model is of great help throughout the simulation project life cycle, especially in the coding and verification phase.
Thermal Analysis of the MIPS Processor Formulated within DEVS Conventions
Authors: Astorga Alejandro Moreno , Risco-Martín José L. , Besada-Portas Eva , de la Torre Luís , Aranda Joaquín
Published: June 2013

The MIPS processor is used in computer architecture courses in order to explain matters such as performance analysis, energy consumption, and reliability. Currently, due to the desire for more powerful computers, it is interesting to learn how to reallocate certain components in order to achieve heat reduction with low cooling costs. DEVS is a general formalism for modeling and analysis of discrete event systems based on set theory and represents a basis for discrete event abstractions by formalizing the concept of activity which relates to the specification and heterogeneous distribution of events in space and time. The MIPS simulator is built upon known techniques for discrete event simulation and its definition within a formal language such as DEVS provides completeness, verifiability, extensibility, and maintainability. In this chapter, the authors carry out a thermal analysis of the MIPS processor using a DEVS simulator and show a register reallocation policy based on evolutionary algorithms that notably decreases the resulting register bank temperature.
Modeling a Chilean Hospital Using Specification and Description Language
Authors: Olmos Jorge Leiva , Fonseca i Casas Pau , Rebull Jordi Ocaña
Published: June 2013

In this chapter, the authors present a formal model of the Anesthesia Unit and Surgical Wards (UAPQ) of a Chilean hospital. The objective was to document and to understand its operation, to assist hospital management and to facilitate its simulation. The model was built with Specification and Description Language (SDL). This methodology was used because it allows the design of a model that represents the system in a graphical, modular, and standard way. Our design contains the following agents: the system, 11 blocks, and 52 processes. The blocks and the processes describe the clinical and administrative activities. The environment of the UAPQ model contains 3 components: clinical services, emergency units, and support units.
Formal Consistency Verification of UML Requirement and Analysis Models
Authors: Ali Mouez , Ben-Abdallah Hanene , Gargouri Faïez
Published: June 2013

To capture and analyze the functional requirements of an information system, UML and the Unified Process (UP) propose the use case and sequence diagrams. However, one of the main difficulties behind the use of UML is how to ensure the consistency of the various diagrams used to model different views of the same system. In this chapter, the authors propose an enriched format for documenting UML2.0 use cases. This format facilitates consistency verification of the functional requirements with respect to the sequence diagrams included in the analysis model. The consistency verification relies on a set of rules to check the correspondence among the elements of the documented use cases and those of the sequence diagrams; the correspondence exploits the implicit semantic relationship between these diagrams as defined in UP. Furthermore, to provide for a rigorous verification, the authors formalize both types of diagrams and their correspondence rules in the formal notation Z. The formal version of the analysis model is then verified through the theorem prover Z/EVES to ensure its consistency.
Model-Based System Design Using SysML
Authors: Tsadimas Anargyros , Nikolaidou Mara , Anagnostopoulos Dimosthenis
Published: June 2013

Model-based system design is served by a single, multi-layered model supporting all design activities, in different levels of detail. SysML is a modeling language, endorsed by OMG, for system engineering, which aims at defining such models for system design. It provides discrete diagrams to describe system structure and components, to explore allocation policies crucial for system design, and to identify design requirements. In this chapter, SysML is used for the model-based design of enterprise information system architecture, supporting a systemic view of such systems, where software and hardware entities are treated as system components composed to create the system architecture. SysML extensions to facilitate the effective description of non-functional requirements, especially quantitative ones, and their verification are presented. The integration of evaluation parameters and results into a discrete SysML diagram enhances the requirement verification process, while the visualization of evaluation data helps system engineers to explore design decisions and properly adjust system design. Based on the proposed extensions, a SysML profile is developed. The experience obtained when applying the profile for renovating the architecture of a large-scale enterprise information system is also briefly discussed to explore the potential of the proposed extensions.
Domain Specific Simulation Modeling with SysML and Model-to-Model Transformation for Discrete Processes
Authors: Schönherr Oliver , Pappert Falk Stefan , Rose Oliver
Published: June 2013

In this chapter, the authors present an approach for developing a simulation-tool-independent description of manufacturing systems and how to convert such a general model into simulation-tool-specific models. They show why we need standards for these discrete processes, what the state of the art is, why SysML has the chance to become a standard in modeling discrete systems, and how to use it. The authors present SysML and explain how to model discrete systems with it. For that, they explain the concept of domain-specific modeling in detail. They furthermore have a look at model-to-model transformations and its validation and verification. Finally, the authors examine different SysML modeling tools and how to improve the usability of SysML tools for engineers.
An Integrated Framework to Simulate SysML Models Using DEVS Simulators
Authors: Kapos G.-D. , Dalakas V. , Nikolaidou M. , Anagnostopoulos D.
Published: June 2013

System models validation is an important engineering activity of the system development life-cycle, usually performed via simulation. However, usability and effectiveness of many validation approaches are hindered by the fact that system simulation is not performed using a system model described by a standardized modeling language as SysML. This requires system simulation models to be recreated from scratch, burdening the engineer and introducing inconsistencies between system and validation models. In this chapter, the authors present how system engineers may effectively perform SysML system model validation utilizing the original SysML model and standards-based simulated related extensions. This is achieved by a framework that exploits MDA concepts and techniques, such as profiling, meta-modeling, and formal transformations. This way an open, standards-based, customizable approach for SysML models validation using DEVS simulators is formed. A simple battle system is used as an example throughout the chapter to facilitate the presentation of the proposed approach.
Overview on Agent-Based Social Modelling and the Use of Formal Languages
Authors: Montañola-Sales Cristina , Rubio-Campillo Xavier , Cela-Espin José M. , Casanovas-Garcia Josep , Kaplan-Marcusan Adriana
Published: June 2013

The use of agent-based modelling and simulation techniques in the social sciences has flourished in the recent decades. The main reason is that the object of study in these disciplines, human society present or past, is difficult to analyse through classical analytical techniques. Population dynamics and structures are inherently complex. Thus, other methodological techniques need to be found to more adequately study this field. In this context, agent-based modelling is encouraging the introduction of computer simulations to examine behavioural patterns in complex systems. Simulation provides a tool to artificially examine societies where a big number of actors with decision capacity coexist and interact. However, formal modelling in these areas has not traditionally been used compared to other fields of science, in particular in their use of formal languages during the modelling process. In this chapter, the authors aim to revise the most relevant aspects on modelling in social sciences and to discuss the use formal languages by social scientists.
Agent-Based Simulation Model Representation Using BPMN
Authors: Onggo Bhakti S. S.
Published: June 2013

Conceptual modelling is the process of abstracting a model from a real or proposed system into a conceptual model. An explicit conceptual model representation allows the model to be communicated and analysed by the stakeholders involved in a simulation project. A good representation that can be understood by all stakeholders is especially essential when the project involves different stakeholders. The three commonly used paradigms in business applications are discrete-event simulation, agent-based simulation, and system dynamics. While the conceptual model representations in discrete-event simulation and system dynamics have been dominated by process-flow and stock-and-flow diagrams, respectively, research into the conceptual model representation in agent-based simulation is relatively new. Many existing representation methods for agent-based simulation models are less friendly to business users. This chapter advocates the use of Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) diagrams for the agent-based simulation conceptual model representation in the context of business applications. This chapter also demonstrates how the proposed BPMN representation and other methods such as Petri Nets, DEVS, and UML are used to represent the well-known SugarScape model.
Arch Widths after Extraction and Nonextraction Treatment in Class I Patients
Authors: Shetty Vikranth , Golwalkar Sangeeta A
Published: June 2013

Aim

To compare pretreatment and post-treatment dental arches in relation to intercanine and intermolar width changes in extraction and nonextraction treatment in class I patients.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study pretreatment and post-treatment dental casts of 60 patients (30 extractions of first premolars and 30 nonextractions) were selected.

Anterior and posterior arch widths in the canine and molar regions from the most labial aspect of buccal surfaces, the canines and the molars were measured with the help of digital caliper on the study models and compared statistically to determine whether the dental arches were narrower after extraction treatment.

Results

At the start of the treatment there were no statistically significant differences in maxillary and mandibular intercanine widths in both groups. At the end of treatment in both the groups anterior and posterior arch width changes were not significant except for the intercanine dimension which was 0.82 mm larger (p < 0.05) in the extraction group.

Conclusion

The extraction treatment does not result in narrower dental arches than nonextraction treatment in intercanine and intermolar region.

Clinical significance

It is documented that the arch widths determine smile esthetics and treatment stability. According to the findings of the present study the arch widths in extraction treatments are not narrower than nonextraction so there will not be any compromising effects on esthetics and treatment stability.

How to cite this article

Golwalkar SA, Shetty V. Arch Widths after Extraction and Nonextraction Treatment in Class I Patients. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(2):312-315.
Collision Lesion of Mandible—Coexistence of Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor with Central Giant Cell Granuloma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Prashanthi C , Karun Vinayak , Melkundi Mahesh , Nyamati Sanjay , HB Annapoorna
Published: June 2013

Aim and background

An odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) or keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) and giant cell granuloma (GCG) in the jaws are common lesions which have been studied extensively in detail over the years. However, a lesion showing features of both is exceptionally rare and is reported only twice in the literature till date.

Case description

A rare case of OKC in mandible showing foci of GCG like areas is reported in a 29 years old male patient.

Conclusion

It seems to be a collision lesion, though the possibility of KCOT showing a reactive response to form giant cells or it being a rare variant cannot be totally ruled out.

Clinical significance

This entity requires aggressive treatment since biological behavior of this unique lesion is difficult to predict unless more of such lesions are reported and followed up in future.

How to cite this article

Ravi SB, Prashanthi C, Karun V, Melkundi M, Nyamati S, Annapoorna HB. Collision Lesion of Mandible: Coexistence of Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor with Central Giant Cell Granuloma: A Rare Case Report. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(2):355-359.
Abnormal Odontogenesis following Management of Childhood Cancer (Retinoblastoma): Review and a New Variant
Authors: Venkataraghavan Karthik , Guvva Sowjanya , Karthik Sandhya
Published: June 2013

A young child being diagnosed with cancer naturally generates a pretty melancholy reaction. Each cancer can be managed with a vast array of treatment options that are available either individually or as a combination, the final goal of which is total eradication of the condition in the affected individual. Since, most of these treatments are administered during the age of tooth formation, they may affect stages of odontogenesis. Most common treatment of childhood cancers includes – chemotherapy and radiotherapy. With recent advancements in cancer therapy additional treatment options like laser therapy, radiation in the form of brachytherapy or teletherapy, cryotherapy, thermochemotherapy, etc. are available. As treatment of childhood cancers starts at a very young age coinciding with dental development, a number of dental malformations have been reported in childhood cancer survivors. The most common ocular cancer in children is retinoblastoma. This is the first such reported case and unique one where microdontia has affected all the first premolars.

How to cite this article

Venkataraghavan K, Patil S, Guvva S, Karthik S, Bhandi S. Abnormal Odontogenesis following Management of Childhood Cancer (Retinoblastoma): Review and a New Variant. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(2):360-364.
Review and Update: Advanced Investigation Methods for Diagnosis of Tongue Lesions
Authors: Taneja Neeraj , Raju Srinivasa , Mehta Rajul , Kaur Navdeep
Published: June 2013

Various specialized imaging modalities and guided microscopic methods developed in recent years, having proven value for the evaluation of tongue disorders. The list of which includes cineradiography, pulsed ultrasound, computer-assisted tomography, isotopic scanning, electromyography, magnetic resonance, video microscopy and stereo microscopy. The basic aim of the article is to review and throw light on the importance of complete examination of the tongue and application of advanced investigations for the proper diagnosis of the tongue lesions and its usefulness to the clinician.

How to cite this article

Taneja N, Raju S, Mehta R, Kaur N. Review and Update: Advanced Investigation Methods for Diagnosis of Tongue Lesions. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(2):365-369.
Detection of large above-ground biomass variability in lowland forest ecosystems by airborne LiDAR
Authors: Jubanski J. , Ballhorn U. , Kronseder K. ,   J Franke, Siegert F.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Quantification of tropical forest above-ground biomass (AGB) over large areas as input for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) projects and climate change models is challenging. This is the first study which attempts to estimate AGB and its variability across large areas of tropical lowland forests in Central Kalimantan (Indonesia) through correlating airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) to forest inventory data. Two LiDAR height metrics were analysed, and regression models could be improved through the use of LiDAR point densities as input (R2 = 0.88; n = 52). Surveying with a LiDAR point density per square metre of about 4 resulted in the best cost / benefit ratio. We estimated AGB for 600 km of LiDAR tracks and showed that there exists a considerable variability of up to 140% within the same forest type due to varying environmental conditions. Impact from logging operations and the associated AGB losses dating back more than 10 yr could be assessed by LiDAR but not by multispectral satellite imagery. Comparison with a Landsat classification for a 1 million ha study area where AGB values were based on site-specific field inventory data, regional literature estimates, and default values by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) showed an overestimation of 43%, 102%, and 137%, respectively. The results show that AGB overestimation may lead to wrong greenhouse gas (GHG) emission estimates due to deforestation in climate models. For REDD+ projects this leads to inaccurate carbon stock estimates and consequently to significantly wrong REDD+ based compensation payments.
Scheme for calculation of multi-layer cloudiness and precipitation for climate models of intermediate complexity
Authors: Eliseev A. V. , Coumou D. , Chernokulsky A. V. , Petoukhov V. , Petri S.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. In this study we present a scheme for calculating the characteristics of multi-layer cloudiness and precipitation for climate models of intermediate complexity (EMICs). This scheme considers three-layer stratiform cloudiness and single column convective clouds. It distinguishes between ice and droplet clouds as well. Precipitation is calculated by using cloud life time, which depends on cloud type and phase as well as on statistics of synoptic and convective disturbances. The scheme is tuned to observations by using an ensemble simulation forced by the ERA-40-derived climatology for 1979–2001. Upon calibration, the scheme realistically reproduces basic features of fields of cloud amounts, cloud water path, and precipitation. The simulated globally and annually averaged total cloud amount is 0.59, and the simulated globally averaged annual precipitation is 109 cm yr-1. Both values agree with empirically-derived values. Geographical distribution and seasonal changes of calculated variables are broadly realistic as well. However, some important regional biases still remain in the scheme.
The Epidemiology of Fractures Caused by Falls Down Stairs
Authors: Mitchell Sarah E. , Aitken Stuart A. , Court-Brown Charles M.
Published: June 2013

Fractures sustained from a fall down stairs have received little attention in the orthopaedic literature. We have undertaken a study of these fractures to determine their epidemiology and to compare it to that of fractures caused by a standing fall. All new patients presenting with a fracture between July 2007 and June 2008 were prospectively identified. Falls down stairs caused 261 fractures and were the fifth commonest mode of injury in all ages but the second commonest in those aged 65 years or over. Patients in this category were significantly younger than those with a fracture from a standing fall (54.6 yrs versus 64.9 yrs,P<0.001). Fractures of the ankle (odds ratio (OR) 1.9,P<0.001), talus (OR 3.0,P=0.04), calcaneus (OR 9.7,P<0.001), midfoot (OR 6.9,P<0.001), toe phalanges (OR 12.0,P<0.001), scapula (OR 4.6,P=0.002), and proximal ulna (OR 2.4,P=0.04) were significantly more likely to result from a fall involving stairs. When grouped together, the odds of any foot or ankle fracture resulting from a fall down stairs were approximately double when compared with a fall from standing (OR 2.1,P<0.001). There was a trend towards increased fracture incidence from falls down stairs with worsening social deprivation (r=0.63,P=0.05). A fall down stairs poses a substantial risk of fractures of the foot, ankle, and scapula. When examining patients with this mechanism of injury, these fracture types should be excluded.
Coefficient inequalities for starlikeness and convexity
Authors: Rosihan M. Ali , M. Nargesi Mahnaz , V. Ravichandran
Published: June 2013

For an analytic function $f(z)=z+\sum_{n=2}^\infty a_n z^n$ satisfying the inequality $\sum_{n=2}^\infty n(n-1)|a_n|\leq \beta$, sharp bound on $\beta$ is determined so that $f$ is either starlike or convex of order $\alpha$. Several other coefficient inequalities related to certain subclasses are also investigated.
Coefficient estimates for new subclasses of analytic functions with respect to other points
Authors: Tang Huo , Deng Guan-tie
Published: June 2013

The main purpose of this paper is to derive coefficient estimates for new subclasses of analytic functions with respect to symmetric and conjugate points.
FEKETE-SZEGO problem for a class of analytic functinos defined by convolution
Authors: Shanmugam Sivaprasad Kumar , Kumar Virendra
Published: June 2013

Let $g$ and $h$ be two fixed normalized analytic functions and $\phi$ be starlike with respect to $1,$ whose range is symmetric with respect to the real axis. Let $\mathcal{M}^{\alpha,\beta}_{g,h}(\phi)$ be the class of analytic functions $f(z)=z+a_2z^2+a_3z^3+\ldots$, satisfying the subordination $$\left(\frac{(f*g)(z)}{z}\right)^\alpha \left(\frac{(f*h)(z)}{z}\right)^{\beta}\prec \phi(z),$$ where $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are real numbers and are not zero simultaneously. In the present investigation, sharp upper bounds of the Fekete-Szego functional $|a_3-\mu a_2^2|$ for functions belonging to the class $\mathcal{M}^{\alpha,\beta}_{g,h}(\phi)$ are obtained and certain applications are also discussed.
Flowering pattern, the structure of nectary surface and nectar secretion in two varieties of Ocimum basilicum L.
Authors: Chwil Mirosława
Published: June 2013

The studies conducted in the years 2003-2004 covered two varieties of Ocimum basilicum L.: var. purpurascens Benth. and var. lactucaefolium I. The flower lifetime, daily flowering pattern, morphology of pollen grains and the abundance of nectar secretion of flowers were compared. The surface of the nectaries of O. basilicum var. lactucaefolium was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The automorphic nectaries of basil formed the following parts: a flat part from the side of the upper lip and a convex part with three protrusions on the opposite side. On the top of two outer protrusions, stomatal areas were located, responsible for nectar secretion. The stomata occurred at the level of other epidermal cells. On the average, nectar contained 42% of sugars. The sugar yield of flowers of var. lactucaefolium was 36% higher than this feature in var. purpurascens. In terms of their size, the pollen grains were rated as medium-sized. Their viability ranged 88-96%. The shape of the pollen grains was described as oblate and suboblate.
Fungi isolated from soil before the seeding and after harvest of pea (Pisum sativum L.) after application of bio-control product EM 1 TM
Authors: Okorski Adam , Majchrzak Barbara
Published: June 2013

A field experiment was performed during the years 2003- -2005. An influence of EM (Effective Microorganisms) on the composition and number of fungi isolated from soil was found in the experiment. A total of 18111 fungal cultures were isolated from the roots of pea at flowering stage. The highest amount and the lowest diversity of fungi were obtained from rhizosphere of pea treated with pesticides (3257 colonies). The greatest diversity of fungi was found in the case of rhizosphere and rhizoplane, where EM was used in soil with the supplement of pesticides. The greatest amount and diversity of fungi were found from the plant roots of the control object. During the flowering stage, the fungi most frequently isolated from soil belonged to the genus Penicillium (40.78% of all isolates) and Fusarium (33.37% of all isolates).