bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methodological Considerations in Designing and Evaluating Animal-Assisted Interventions
Authors: Stern Cindy , Chur-Hansen Anna
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a discussion of the literature on animal-assisted interventions and describes limitations surrounding current methodological quality. Benefits to human physical, psychological and social health cannot be empirically confirmed due to the methodological limitations of the existing body of research, and comparisons cannot validly be made across different studies. Without a solid research base animal-assisted interventions will not receive recognition and acceptance as a credible alternative health care treatment. The paper draws on the work of four systematic reviews conducted over April–May 2009, with no date restrictions, focusing exclusively on the use of canine-assisted interventions for older people residing in long-term care. The reviews revealed a lack of good quality studies. Although the literature base has grown in volume since its inception, it predominantly consists of anecdotal accounts and reports. Experimental studies undertaken are often flawed in aspects of design, conduct and reporting. There are few qualitative studies available leading to the inability to draw definitive conclusions. It is clear that due to the complexities associated with these interventions not all weaknesses can be eliminated. However, there are basic methodological weaknesses that can be addressed in future studies in the area. Checklists for quantitative and qualitative research designs to guide future research are offered to help address methodological rigour.
When Medicine Meets Engineering—Paradigm Shifts in Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Authors: Wang Hann , Silva Aleidy , Ho Chih-Ming
Published: February 2013

During the last two decades, the manufacturing techniques of microfluidics-based devices have been phenomenally advanced, offering unlimited potential for bio-medical technologies. However, the direct applications of these technologies toward diagnostics and therapeutics are still far from maturity. The present challenges lay at the interfaces between the engineering systems and the biocomplex systems. A precisely designed engineering system with narrow dynamic range is hard to seamlessly integrate with the adaptive biological system in order to achieve the design goals. These differences remain as the roadblock between two fundamentally non-compatible systems. This paper will not extensively review the existing microfluidic sensors and actuators; rather, we will discuss the sources of the gaps for integration. We will also introduce system interface technologies for bridging the differences to lead toward paradigm shifts in diagnostics and therapeutics.
Mutual Information-Based Inputs Selection for Electric Load Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Božić Miloš , Stojanović Miloš , Stajić Zoran , Floranović Nenad
Published: February 2013

Providing accurate load forecast to electric utility corporations is essential in order to reduce their operational costs and increase profits. Hence, training set selection is an important preprocessing step which has to be considered in practice in order to increase the accuracy of load forecasts. The usage of mutual information (MI) has been recently proposed in regression tasks, mostly for feature selection and for identifying the real instances from training sets that contains noise and outliers. This paper proposes a methodology for the training set selection in a least squares support vector machines (LS-SVMs) load forecasting model. A new application of the concept of MI is presented for the selection of a training set based on MI computation between initial training set instances and testing set instances. Accordingly, several LS-SVMs models have been trained, based on the proposed methodology, for hourly prediction of electric load for one day ahead. The results obtained from a real-world data set indicate that the proposed method increases the accuracy of load forecasting as well as reduces the size of the initial training set needed for model training.
Low Oxygen Response Mechanisms in Green Organisms
Authors: Banti Valeria , Giuntoli Beatrice , Gonzali Silvia , Loreti Elena , Magneschi Leonardo , Novi Giacomo , Paparelli Eleonora , Parlanti Sandro , Pucciariello Chiara , Santaniello Antonietta , Perata Pierdomenico
Published: February 2013

Low oxygen stress often occurs during the life of green organisms, mostly due to the environmental conditions affecting oxygen availability. Both plants and algae respond to low oxygen by resetting their metabolism. The shift from mitochondrial respiration to fermentation is the hallmark of anaerobic metabolism in most organisms. This involves a modified carbohydrate metabolism coupled with glycolysis and fermentation. For a coordinated response to low oxygen, plants exploit various molecular mechanisms to sense when oxygen is either absent or in limited amounts. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a direct oxygen sensing system has recently been discovered, where a conserved N-terminal motif on some ethylene responsive factors (ERFs), targets the fate of the protein under normoxia/hypoxia. In Oryza sativa, this same group of ERFs drives physiological and anatomical modifications that vary in relation to the genotype studied. The microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii responses to low oxygen seem to have evolved independently of higher plants, posing questions on how the fermentative metabolism is modulated. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings related to these topics, highlighting promising developments for the future.
Molecular Mechanisms of Adaptation of the Moderately Halophilic Bacterium Halobacillis halophilus to Its Environment
Authors: Hänelt Inga , Müller Volker
Published: February 2013

The capability of osmoadaptation is a prerequisite of organisms that live in an environment with changing salinities. Halobacillus halophilus is a moderately halophilic bacterium that grows between 0.4 and 3 M NaCl by accumulating both chloride and compatible solutes as osmolytes. Chloride is absolutely essential for growth and, moreover, was shown to modulate gene expression and activity of enzymes involved in osmoadaptation. The synthesis of different compatible solutes is strictly salinity- and growth phase-dependent. This unique hybrid strategy of H. halophilus will be reviewed here taking into account the recently published genome sequence. Based on identified genes we will speculate about possible scenarios of the synthesis of compatible solutes and the uptake of potassium ion which would complete our knowledge of the fine-tuned osmoregulation and intracellular osmolyte balance in H. halophilus.
Software for Storage and Management of Microclimatic Data for Preventive Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Fernández-Navajas Ángel , Merello Paloma , Beltrán Pedro , García-Diego Fernando-Juan
Published: February 2013

Cultural Heritage preventive conservation requires the monitoring of the parameters involved in the process of deterioration of artworks. Thus, both long-term monitoring of the environmental parameters as well as further analysis of the recorded data are necessary. The long-term monitoring at frequencies higher than 1 data point/day generates large volumes of data that are difficult to store, manage and analyze. This paper presents software which uses a free open source database engine that allows managing and interacting with huge amounts of data from environmental monitoring of cultural heritage sites. It is of simple operation and offers multiple capabilities, such as detection of anomalous data, inquiries, graph plotting and mean trajectories. It is also possible to export the data to a spreadsheet for analyses with more advanced statistical methods (principal component analysis, ANOVA, linear regression, etc.). This paper also deals with a practical application developed for the Renaissance frescoes of the Cathedral of Valencia. The results suggest infiltration of rainwater in the vault and weekly relative humidity changes related with the religious service schedules.
Systematic Angle Random Walk Estimation of the Constant Rate Biased Ring Laser Gyro
Authors: Yu Huapeng , Wu Wenqi , Wu Meiping , Feng Guohu , Hao Ming
Published: February 2013

An actual account of the angle random walk (ARW) coefficients of gyros in the constant rate biased rate ring laser gyro (RLG) inertial navigation system (INS) is very important in practical engineering applications. However, no reported experimental work has dealt with the issue of characterizing the ARW of the constant rate biased RLG in the INS. To avoid the need for high cost precise calibration tables and complex measuring set-ups, the objective of this study is to present a cost-effective experimental approach to characterize the ARW of the gyros in the constant rate biased RLG INS. In the system, turntable dynamics and other external noises would inevitably contaminate the measured RLG data, leading to the question of isolation of such disturbances. A practical observation model of the gyros in the constant rate biased RLG INS was discussed, and an experimental method based on the fast orthogonal search (FOS) for the practical observation model to separate ARW error from the RLG measured data was proposed. Validity of the FOS-based method was checked by estimating the ARW coefficients of the mechanically dithered RLG under stationary and turntable rotation conditions. By utilizing the FOS-based method, the average ARW coefficient of the constant rate biased RLG in the postulate system is estimated. The experimental results show that the FOS-based method can achieve high denoising ability. This method estimate the ARW coefficients of the constant rate biased RLG in the postulate system accurately. The FOS-based method does not need precise calibration table with high cost and complex measuring set-up, and Statistical results of the tests will provide us references in engineering application of the constant rate biased RLG INS.
Characterization of Microparticle Separation Utilizing Electrokinesis within an Electrodeless Dielectrophoresis Chip
Authors: Chiou Chi-Han , Pan Jia-Cheng , Chien Liang-Ju , Lin Yu-Ying , Lin Jr-Lung
Published: February 2013

This study demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing electrokinesis in an electrodeless dielectrophoresis chip to separate and concentrate microparticles such as biosamples. Numerical simulations and experimental observations were facilitated to investigate the phenomena of electrokinetics, i.e., electroosmosis, dielectrophoresis, and electrothermosis. Moreover, the proposed operating mode can be used to simultaneously convey microparticles through a microfluidic device by using electroosmotic flow, eliminating the need for an additional micropump. These results not only revealed that the directions of fluids could be controlled with a forward/backward electroosmotic flow but also categorized the optimum separating parameters for various microparticle sizes (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μm). Separation of microparticles can be achieved by tuning driving frequencies at a specific electric potential (90 Vpp·cm−1). Certainly, the device can be designed as a single automated device that carries out multiple functions such as transportation, separation, and detection for the realization of the envisioned Lab-on-a-Chip idea.
Multi Reflection of Lamb Wave Emission in an Acoustic Waveguide Sensor
Authors: Schmitt Martin , Olfert Sergei , Rautenberg Jens , Lindner Gerhard , Henning Bernd , Reindl Leonhard
Published: February 2013

Recently, an acoustic waveguide sensor based on multiple mode conversion of surface acoustic waves at the solid—liquid interfaces has been introduced for the concentration measurement of binary and ternary mixtures, liquid level sensing, investigation of spatial inhomogenities or bubble detection. In this contribution the sound wave propagation within this acoustic waveguide sensor is visualized by Schlieren imaging for continuous and burst operation the first time. In the acoustic waveguide the antisymmetrical zero order Lamb wave mode is excited by a single phase transducer of 1 MHz on thin glass plates of 1 mm thickness. By contact to the investigated liquid Lamb waves propagating on the first plate emit pressure waves into the adjacent liquid, which excites Lamb waves on the second plate, what again causes pressure waves traveling inside the liquid back to the first plate and so on. The Schlieren images prove this multi reflection within the acoustic waveguide, which confirms former considerations and calculations based on the receiver signal. With this knowledge the sensor concepts with the acoustic waveguide sensor can be interpreted in a better manner.
Anti-Quorum Sensing Potential of Crude Kigelia africana Fruit Extracts
Authors: Chenia Hafizah
Published: February 2013

The increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has stimulated the search for novel anti-virulence compounds. Although many phytochemicals show promising antimicrobial activity, their power lies in their anti-virulence properties. Thus the quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory activity of four crude Kigelia africana fruit extracts was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively using the Chromobacterium violaceum and Agrobacterium tumefaciens biosensor systems. Inhibition of QS-controlled violacein production in C. violaceum was assayed using the qualitative agar diffusion assay as well as by quantifying violacein inhibition using K. africana extracts ranging from 0.31–8.2 mg/mL. Qualitative modulation of QS activity was investigated using the agar diffusion double ring assay. All four extracts showed varying levels of anti-QS activity with zones of violacein inhibition ranging from 9–10 mm. The effect on violacein inhibition was significant in the following order: hexane > dichloromethane > ethyl acetate > methanol. Inhibition was concentration-dependent, with the ≥90% inhibition being obtained with ≥1.3 mg/mL of the hexane extract. Both LuxI and LuxR activity were affected by crude extracts suggesting that the phytochemicals target both QS signal and receptor. K. africana extracts with their anti-QS activity, have the potential to be novel therapeutic agents, which might be important in reducing virulence and pathogenicity of drug-resistant bacteria in vivo.
In vitro evaluation of Bifidobacterium strains of human origin for potential use in probiotic functional foods
Authors: Souza T.C. , Silva A.M. , Drews J.R.P. , Gomes D.A. , Vinderola C.G. , Nicoli J.R.
Published: February 2013

The present study investigated some in vitro properties for probiotic use of four strains of bifidobacteria isolated from faeces of healthy children (Bifidobacterium longum 51A, Bifidobacterium breve 1101A, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum 1191A and Bifidobacterium bifidum 1622A). In vitro tests were carried out to compare growth rate, aerotolerance, antagonistic activity against pathogens, antimicrobial susceptibility profile and cell wall hydrophobicity. Mean doubling time of B. longum 51A was shorter compared to the other strains. All strains were aerotolerant up to 72 h of exposure to oxygen. In vitro antagonism showed that B. longum 51A and B. pseudolongum 1191A were able to produce inhibitory diffusible compounds against all pathogenic bacteria tested, but not against Candida albicans. B. longum 51A was sensitive to all the antimicrobials tested, except neomycin. The hydrophobic property of the cell wall was highest for B. bifidum 1622A. Based on these parameters, B. longum 51A showed the best potential for probiotic use among the tested strains, presenting the greatest sensitivity to antimicrobials, the best growth rate and the highest capacity to produce antagonistic substances against various pathogenic microorganisms.
DSM-5 Changes in the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McGuinness Teena M. , Johnson Karmie
Published: February 2013

The long-awaited fifth edition of the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(
DSM-5
) is about to be published. The changes in the criteria for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder are of particular interest to psychiatric nurses. This article describes the changes and the new criteria. Implications for patients and nurses, both positive and negative, are also discussed.
Diagnostic Classification Past, Present, and Future: Implications for Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: February 2013

Making a diagnosis is a key step in understanding the natural course of a disorder, selecting an appropriate treatment for the disorder, and predicting its response to treatment. Diagnostic proposals can be evaluated in two ways: reliability and validity. The reliability and validity of diagnoses are not one and the same, although establishing reliability is usually a necessary step before being able to evaluate and determine validity. There is little evidence that most psychiatric diagnoses are valid, but the reliability of diagnoses using classification systems developed since 1970 have greatly improved and are important for clinical practice and research. Past and current diagnostic systems have not optimally assisted the search for disorder-specific pathophysiological mechanisms, and they do not provide the specificity that clinicians would like when selecting medication. The Research Domain Criteria project is intended to shift research away from categorical diagnoses to focus on dysregulated neurobiological systems, and this approach ultimately may be more useful for understanding the pathophysiology of mental disorders and improving the development and use of treatment interventions.
The Implementation of a University 2.0 Model
Authors: Consoli Domenico
Published: February 2013

With the advent of Web 2.0 and with the development of interactive tools that allowed users to express opinions and suggestions on different topics, the way to do business, socialize with other people and also the academic environment, both in terms of teaching and research, is changing. In companies, thanks to interactive tools of Web 2.0, managers are in a close contact with end customers to improve the product/service. In the academic world, this technology can be used exploiting e-learning platforms enriched with interactive virtual channels thus promoting the methodology of learning by doing and the constructivist theory of collective participation of students in the knowledge construction. In this context it is also possible to develop a collaborative research between academics and scientists. The number of websites of the science 2.0, with scientific cooperations and the creation and distribution of quality papers in journals, is growing. Also, the ability to manage complex scientific projects and seek funding sources is increasing. In this chapter, the author analyzes different models of e-learning and designs a University 2.0 framework that supports, by advanced Web 2.0 tools, teaching and research in the university.
@Twitter is Always Wondering what’s Happening
Authors: Lemon Narelle
Published: February 2013

Twitter as a learning tool offers many possibilities; however, what comes with use of this platform for education purposes is a need for awareness around and establishment of consistent pedagogies that support learning communities, learners, and the educators themselves. This chapter aims to establish what qualitative researchers in this field have found in regards to Twitter as an explicit social networking platform for educational purposes in higher education, including a discussion of literature. Interwoven is a case study of one Australian academic who is using Twitter both as a networked learner and networked teacher in the higher education learning environment. Exploration is shared into Twitter and what it can offer for different levels of engagement for the teacher as a learner who wants to engage with new and innovative ways of accessing information and knowledge. From this stance, Twitter is seen as learning centered on the teacher for the student in teaching courses and workshops in higher education thus learning with and through social media.
The Semi-Aquatic Theory
Authors: Campbell George S. , Campbell David F.J.
Published: February 2013

This article presents the semi-aquatic theory motivated to provide an explanation for why or how did language of the modern humans develop? Key propositions of this theory are early hominids went through a semi-aquatic evolutionary phase and that this semi-aquatic environment exposed the early hominids to frequent visual reflections of their own image, thus transforming a “potential sense of self” to an “active sense of self”, which supported the language development of early hominids. In the epilog of this article, the semi-aquatic theory is being framed and assessed in context of a broader discussion that receives analytical input from “Conceptualized Evolution” and social ecology. Conceptualized Evolution distinguishes between “possible worlds of evolution” and “real worlds of evolution”. However, Conceptualized Evolution stresses that based on “theoretical” (theoretically designed) examples of evolution, even if they never existed empirically, much could be learned for an understanding of our real world. The semi-aquatic theory qualifies at least as a conceptually possible scenario of evolution.
A Study of Tourist Perceptions of Overseas Travel Stress While Visiting Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Batra Adarsh
Published: February 2013

Traveling has long been considered one of the best ways to release the stress caused by work and life. But in fact, uncertainties and negative experiences can break down the benefits and may make travelers feel stressed. A considerable amount of literature in tourism focuses on topic areas like destination building, market operation, and consumer satisfaction, but ignores one important aspect which negates many of the positive benefits of tourism—stress. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to examine foreign tourists’ perceptions of travel related stress on their visits to Bangkok, Thailand, and test how demographic and traveler characteristics act on them by such data statistical treatments as independent sample t-test and one way ANOVA. Descriptive research and questionnaires are used as the research method and the research instrument in this study, which involved 384 tourists. Results reveal that there are significant differences in foreign tourists’ perceptions of stress, which can be classified in terms of nationality, personality, type of tour, purpose of tour, group size, and familiarity with fellow travelers.
Forecasting Renewable Energy Technologies in Desalination and Power Generation Using Taxonomies
Authors: Dawelbait Gihan , Henschel Andreas , Mezher Toufic , Woon Wei Lee
Published: February 2013

Renewable Energy (RE) technologies are increasingly viewed as crucially important. Knowledge that helps to predict the likely growth of emergent technologies is essential for well-informed technology management. The vast amount of available data in publications hinders the acquisition and analysis of this knowledge. Therefore, there is a need for intelligent search techniques capable of grouping semantically similar concepts together, such that, for example, terms containing “photovoltaic” are hierarchically subsumed under solar energy-related technologies. Consequently, articles related to “Photovoltaics” should be included in the analysis. To accommodate this in an automated fashion, the authors deploy a renewable energy taxonomy for comprehensive trend discovery in publications and patents. This taxonomy is based on the hierarchical structure of Wikipedia categories and their subordinate Wikipedia terms. This paper analyzes promising trends of renewable energy sources in two case studies: power generation and desalination techniques.
Water Access in the Fight Against Poverty
Authors: Azqueta Diego , Montoya Álvaro
Published: February 2013

Rural poverty in underdeveloped countries is a critical issue. A fair amount of literature exists examining the conditions of pro-poor tourism development, as well as different ways to fight it. However, in some cases, and because of the existence of a limiting factor, a potential incompatibility between tourist development and other strategies can emerge, as well as the need to compare relative efficiency. An example of this potential conflict is the one posed by tourist development and the Multiple Use of Water Services strategy (MUS) to alleviate rural poverty. In this case, the limiting constraint is access to water. This paper analyses the impacts, direct and indirect, on poverty levels, of tourist development and MUS. the authors examine the Quindío Region in Colombia, where the MUS strategy is being implemented and where an ambitious tourist development plan may open social conflict regarding water supply. The results of this analysis shows that, even if the MUS strategy has a greater positive impact on poverty alleviation, in terms of income and employment generated per unit of water, its water footprint, contrary to expectations, is much higher than the one corresponding to the tourist sector. This may jeopardize its future development, calling for a more balanced approach.
Investigation of Deforestation of Environmental Protection Areas of Madeira River Permanent Preservation Areas in Rondônia Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues dos Anjos Marcelo , Schulz Marla
Published: February 2013

The deforestation of the Amazon protected areas involves a series of deleterious environmental factors, such as social conflicts, loss of biodiversity, soil degradation, deterioration of watersheds, and environmental services offered, that still are not considered in studies of environmental impacts and when studied, are not valued economically or end up being undersized, resulting in loss of economic opportunities associated to the sustainable use of natural resources in areas of interest for conservation. This study had as objective to point out illegal activities in and around the area of special environmental protection (APA) of the Madeira River in Rondonia in accordance with the provisions of the Terms of Reference, No. 001/CAO-AMB/MP/2006, with action and support of interagency bodies BPM/PM, SEDAM, SIPAM, INCRA, IBAMA, EMBRAGEO in order to understand the dynamics of deforestation in protected areas and indigenous lands of the state.
Introduction to E-Logistics and E-Supply Chain Management
Authors: Graham Deryn
Published: February 2013

This chapter provides an introduction to the E-Logistics and the E-Supply Chain Management paradigm. It presents definitions and an overview of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and the logistics processes of the Supply Chain.
A Web Application for Supply Chain Traceability
Authors: Manikas Ioannis
Published: February 2013

The efficiency of a traceability system depends on the ability to identify uniquely each unit that is produced and distributed in a way that enables the continuous tracking from the primary production to the retail point of sale. An efficient traceability system must follow some rules that define which data must be gathered and stored in each stage of the supply chain. This is achieved by standardization of the gathered data and typification of the messages that enable storing and communication of the data. This chapter presents a Web-platform that will be able to support efficiently food traceability by monitoring and administering the data gathered and recorded in a central database. This application will be user friendly and provide the ability to keep, display, and communicate information through widely implemented technologies, such as the Internet and electronic mail services.
Monitoring and Warning Mechanisms of Supply Coordination in Assembly System under Delivery Uncertainty
Authors: Li Guo , Zhang Xiang , Wang Zhaohua
Published: February 2013

As supply uncertainty increases in recent years, it is of great importance to manage multiple suppliers, monitor, and warn the supply process of problems to achieve supply coordination in the assembly system in case of supply risks. This chapter analyzes the uncertainty factors and emergence mechanism of supply uncertainty in the assembly system. To achieve supply coordination, the monitoring operation mode under uncertain delivery in the assembly system is constructed. Under this circumstance, suppliers can be classified into four categories, and monitoring tactics are provided for supply coordination. Additionally, case-based reasoning is presented to monitor and warn the supply process with detailed steps and methodology, which are conducive to finding similar cases to provide warning insights and suggestions.
The Strategic Contribution of ERP Systems to the Formulation of Non-Financial Key Performance Measures (KPIs) in Logistics Activities
Authors: Misopoulos Fotios , Asprodini Sophia P.
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this chapter is the thorough observation of supply chains within the broader geographical area of Northern Greece in order to recognize whether organizations formulate and use KPIs in order to evaluate performance. The essence of developing useful KPIs with regard to supply chain performance is the identification of the gap between planning and executing while KPIs also give an indication about areas that are in need of corrective action. However, due to the fact that the Greek region has maintained narrow manufacturing activities as a result of its economic situation in the past five years, the research is focused on that part of the supply chain associated to logistics and customer service.
Cloud Computing in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Toka Agorasti , Aivazidou Eirini , Antoniou Antonios , Arvanitopoulos-Darginis Konstantinos
Published: February 2013

In the modern world, companies are investigating state-of-the-art practices to optimize both the cost and operational efficiency of their supply chain. Cloud computing emerges as a meaningful technology that could contribute to this optimization by providing infrastructure, platform, and software solutions for the whole supply chain network via Internet. The utilization of cloud-based services in supply chain management leads to financial and operational benefits, while at the same time potential risks and limitations should be taken into account by all supply chain stakeholders. In this chapter, an overview of cloud-based supply chain management is addressed. At first, a brief introduction to cloud technology is provided. Then, the application of cloud computing on supply chain activities is presented, while positive and negative aspects of adapting this technology in modern supply chains are discussed. The case for Third-Party Logistics (3PL) service providers is specially addressed. Finally, conclusions and future research steps are presented.
The Digital Lectern
Authors: McBride Tom , Nief Ron
Published: February 2013

This chapter projects how higher education will be systematically transformed once the practice of capturing lectures is widespread and common: in particular how the practice will affect the lecture format itself, bring about a reversal of homework and class work, influence the dialectic of interdisciplinary education, transform the communications ontology of the lecture, and affect small liberal arts colleges, for whom in-person pedagogy has been a hallmark—and to which captured lectures would appear to be alien.
Navigating Multimedia
Authors: DeCesare Julie A.
Published: February 2013

The Web has quickly become a resource for multimedia and video content. Search engines have tools to mine for visual content, but finding video content creates different challenges than searching for text. This chapter presents a detailed guide on searching for visual multimedia content and provides a showcase of innovative collections and resources. The reader will learn research strategies, gain specific skills in navigating multimedia, and receive a list of resources for finding subject-specific and interdisciplinary video content. Resources are reviewed based on content quality, partnerships, technical specifications, and overall usability.
Using Video and Web Conferencing Tools to Support Online Learning
Authors: Jones Paula , Kolloff Fred , Kolloff MaryAnn
Published: February 2013

This chapter examines effective methods for using video and web conferencing tools to support online learning. The authors discuss the concept of presence, how web conferencing can be used to support presence in online courses, and why it is important to do so. Because of the impact web conferencing can have in learning, this chapter explores a variety of teaching roles that best leverage these conferencing tools. The chapter includes information on various web conferencing software programs (paid and open source). Best practices for using web conferencing tools in online learning are also explored.
Digital Story-Making in Support of Student Meaning-Making
Authors: Matthews-DeNatale Gail
Published: February 2013

Learning design is critical to success when using visual media to enhance learning. This process involves beginning with the end goals in mind and working backwards to craft a thoughtful learning sequence. Through a pair of case studies, this chapter demonstrates the role student-generated digital stories can play in helping students make meaning of firsthand learning experiences. Digital story-making engages students in a multi-modal, multi-sensory experience that deepens engagement and improves the memorability of learning. Educators are under increasing pressure to provide evidence of the impact that coursework has on student learning, and student-generated digital stories provide valuable artifacts of learning.
Making Learning Reel
Authors: Rodrigo Rochelle , Purzycki Kristopher
Published: February 2013

As more students bring powerful pocket-sized computers to class in the form of their smartphones and tablets, faculty need to take advantage by devising curriculum that incorporates mobile video production as a means of contributing to the discourse of the university and the world at large. Projects where students use mobile devices to make videos create active learning environments where they are more likely to build and connect their classroom learning with what they already know. These types of projects also develop student digital composing skills while navigating several issues pertinent to a 21st century participatory culture. These assignments engage students with themes and issues that not only promote success in higher education but throughout their careers.
An Agent-Based Model of the Spread of Devil Facial Tumor Disease in an Isolated Population of Tasmanian Devils
Authors: Knadler Charles E.
Published: February 2013

The Tasmanian devil population is being reduced in the wild at an alarming rate due to an epidemic, which is the result of an unusual disease mechanism. Infected animals “inject” cancer cells into other devils, which then clone the cells, developing tumors. These tumors are invariably fatal. Field observers have developed hypotheses that include a life- history change for the species. It is hypothesized that this change has the potential to improve the population’s survivability. An agent-based model of Tasmanian devils is used to evaluate these hypotheses. The model results suggest that the devils’ intra-gender aggression as well as their aggressive mating practices render the life-history change hypotheses’ correctness improbable.
Textual Affect Sensing and Affective Communication
Authors: Ishizuka Mitsuru , Neviarouskaya Alena , Shaikh Mostafa Al Masum
Published: February 2013

Unlike sentiment analysis which detects positive, negative, or neutral sentences, textual affect sensing tries to detect more detailed affective or emotional states appearing in text, such as joy, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise and much more. The authors describe here their following two approaches for textual affect sensing: The first one detects nine emotions using a set of rules implemented on the basis of a linguistic compositionality principle for textual affect interpretation. This process includes symbolic cue processing, detection and transformation of abbreviations, sentence parsing, and word/phrase/sentence-level analyses. The second one challenged to recognize 22 emotion types defined in the OCC (Ortony, Clore & Collins) emotion model, which is the most comprehensive emotion model and employs several cognitive variables. In this research, we have shown how these cognitive variables of the emotion model can be computed from linguistic components in text. These two approaches have exploited detailed level analyses of text in two different ways more than ever towards textual affect sensing. Applications towards affective communication are also outlined, including affective instant messaging, affective chat in 3D virtual world, affective haptic interaction, and online news classification relying on affect.
Implications for Website Trust and Credibility Assessment
Authors: Tashtoush Yahya M. , Zaidan Aisha , Alsmadi Izzat M.
Published: February 2013

With the expansion of the Internet services provided to users to cover almost all areas that were dominated by traditional face-to-face and location based businesses, one of the major challenges for such expansion is security and its related concerns. Customers or users need to trust the websites they visit in terms of the information or content. This research proposes a new formula for evaluating the credibility (called XD TRank) metric of websites. A case study of 40 selected websites in Jordan is used to assess the proposed credibibility metric. The metrics required to assess Websites and pages credibility are collected and evaluated based on 25 existing metrics and built a model using SPSS by applying stepwise linear regression analysis to predict the XD TRank. Results showed that there is a broad range of metrics that affect the credibility of a website or a webpage and their impact on credibility may vary on their significancy or impact on the trust rank metric. For e-business in particular, trust rank metrics can be used part of quality assurance and auditing processes. Those can be important assets for users to be able to distinguish known, popular and reliable e-commerce websites from spammers or websites which try to trick novice users. Trust rank can be also used like a logo in all Website pages to alert users if they were redirected to phishing pages.
Towards Digital Economy
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Jehangir Muhammad , Shahzad Naveed
Published: February 2013

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have changed business operation trends. Information systems are considered a valuable asset and have the attention of the strategic and marketing decision floors. Use of information system and ICT in the banking industry have become indispensable, and have replaced traditional operations with electronic banking concepts. Electronic banking has brought many challenges for strategic managers to achieve strategic goals and overall customers’ satisfaction. This research study aims to investigate the impact of electronic banking in the context of IT usage, ease of use, its usefulness and the customer satisfaction among the Pakistan banking industry. Pakistan’s top five commercial banks were selected in five districts of KPK for data collection. Three hundred and three electronic banking customers were interviewed through a questionnaire containing 21 relative questions. The SPSS is used for the analysis, on data collected through the questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, correlation, regression and ANOVA have been computed for the results interpretations. From these results, it was found that the customers strongly agree to use information technology for banking operations, but they believe that the use of electronic banking has problems. The management should focus on its method of use. The customers suggested that the electronic banking operations should be simplified, should be user friendly, should be easy to understand, and thus its usefulness will enhance in achieving highly satisfied customers.
Review of the northern Holarctic Arctia caja complex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Arctiinae)
Authors: Dubatolov V.V. , Philip K.W.
Published: February 2013

Arctia olschwangi Dubatolov, formerly known only from Arctic Siberia, Russia, is recorded from northern Alaska, United States of America. Distinguishing characters between northern populations of Arctia brachyptera Troubridge and Lafontaine, Arctia caja (Linnaeus), A. olschwangi Dubatolov, and Arctia opulenta (Edwards) are discussed. Arctia brachyptera Troubridge and Lafontaine is hypothesised to be a subspecies of A. olschwangi Dubatolov but more specimens need to be examined before this taxonomic change is made.
Broad Ligament Fibroid Mimicking as Ovarian Tumor on Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography Scan
Authors: Rajanna Dayananda Kumar , Pandey Vaibhav , Janardhan Sujit , Datti Sujatha N
Published: February 2013

Giant fibroids are known to arise from the uterus, and very rarely from the broad ligament. Large fibroids often undergo hyaline, cystic, and at times, red degeneration. In the present case, cystic degeneration with intervening septations in an adnexal mass raised the suspicion of ovarian neoplasm as the ovaries were not seen as separate from the lesion. The ultrasonographic and contrast-enhanced computed tomographic findings of this case were characteristic of ovarian neoplasm. The differential diagnosis included rare possibility of giant fibroid with cystic degeneration. The diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological examination. The patient underwent excision of the broad ligament fibroid, hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Magnetic resonance imaging has a role in the diagnosis of such lesions.
Integrative Approach for Computationally Inferring Interactions between the Alpha and Beta Subunits of the Calcium-Activated Potassium Channel (BK): A Docking Study
Authors: González Janneth , Gálvez Angela , Morales Ludis , Barreto George E. , Capani Francisco , Sierra Omar , Torres Yolima
Published: February 2013

Three-dimensional models of the alpha- and beta-1 subunits of the calcium-activated potassium channel (BK) were predicted by threading modeling. A recursive approach comprising of sequence alignment and model building based on three templates was used to build these models, with the refinement of non-conserved regions carried out using threading techniques. The complex formed by the subunits was studied by means of docking techniques, using 3D models of the two subunits, and an approach based on rigid-body structures. Structural effects of the complex were analyzed with respect to hydrogen-bond interactions and binding-energy calculations. Potential interaction sites of the complex were determined by referencing a study of the difference accessible surface area (DASA) of the protein subunits in the complex.
Contribution of ferric iron to light absorption by chromophoric dissolved organic matter
Authors: Xiao Yi-Hua , Sara-Aho Timo , Hartikainen Helinä , Vähätalo Anssi V.
Published: February 2013

This study experimentally determined the contribution of ferric iron (Fe(III)) associated with humic substances (HS) to light absorption by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The associations between Fe(III) and HS (HS‐Fe) were generated by mixing HS standards with Fe(III) in acidic conditions and adjusting pH to 8. HS‐associated Fe was separated from total Fe by filtering (0.7 µm and 0.2 µm filters) and by removing the free Fe ions by cation exchange chromatography. The maximum Fe‐binding capacities (at pH 8) of Suwannee River humic acid, Suwannee River fulvic acid, and Pony Lake (Antarctica) fulvic acid were 13.0, 13.5, and 7.64 µmol Fe [mg C]−1, respectively, indicating that wetland‐derived HS had a higher Fe‐binding capacity than plankton‐derived HS. HS‐associated Fe increased the absorption coefficient of CDOM by up to several fold in the visible range of the spectrum and reduced the spectral slope coefficient of CDOM. The Fe‐induced increase in light absorption was spectrally similar among different HS examined. The Fe‐specific absorption coefficient spectrum for HS‐associated Fe (aλ,Fe*) was calculated from the Fe‐induced increase in light absorption by normalizing it with the concentration of Fe in the HS pool. The aλ,Fe* was adopted in estimation of the contribution of HS‐associated Fe to light absorption by CDOM in 13 circum‐neutral natural waters collected from a spring, 10 major rivers, a lake, and a coastal area. HS‐associated Fe was calculated to be responsible for from 0.6% (Mississippi River) to 56.4% (Löytynlähde spring) of light absorption by CDOM at a wavelength of 410 nm. This study shows that HS‐associated Fe can be an important component in light absorption by CDOM and also influence the spectral slope coefficient of CDOM.
Emiliania huxleyi specific growth rate dependence on temperature
Authors: Fielding Samuel R.
Published: February 2013

A revised estimate of the relationship between the maximum growth rate (μmax, d−1) of Emiliania huxleyi and temperature (T, °C) was made using quantile regression and literature data from culture experiments (n = 1415). For modeling E. huxleyi bloom formation and coccolithophore functional group growth rate, this relationship is commonly assumed to follow an exponential relationship, as is the case for photosynthetic algal species in general. However, data specific to E. huxleyi show that this relationship is better described by a power function. Direct comparison with growth rate‐temperature relationships used to model E. huxleyi from the literature shows that they overestimate growth rate by up to 250% over a wide range of temperatures. It is recommended that the revised relationship of μmax = 0.1419T0.8151 be used in future models incorporating temperature‐dependent maximum growth rate estimates of E. huxleyi and of coccolithophores as a functional group.
Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Management of a Right Coronary Artery to Coronary Sinus Fistula
Authors: Bader Stephen O
Published: February 2013

Coronary artery fistulas are rare but can have significant perioperative consequences. We describe the case of a 65- year-old man found to have a coronary artery fistula from the anterior right coronary artery to the coronary sinus. We discuss the unique advantages that transesophageal echocardiography offers in the monitoring and management of coronary artery fistulas.

How to cite this article

McHugh SM, Bader SO. Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Management of a Right Coronary Artery to Coronary Sinus Fistula. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2013;1(1):21-23.
Direct entrainment and detrainment rate distributions of individual shallow cumulus clouds in an LES
Authors: Dawe J. T. , Austin P. H.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Probability distribution functions of shallow cumulus cloud core entrainment and detrainment rates are calculated using 4362 individual cumulus clouds isolated from LES using a cloud tracking algorithm. Calculation of the mutual information between fractional entrainment/detrainment and a variety of mean cloud core properties suggests that fractional entrainment rate is best predicted by the mean cloud buoyancy B and the environmental buoyancy lapse rate dθρdz at that level, while fractional detrainment is best predicted by the mean vertical velocity w and the critical mixing fraction χc. Fractional entrainment and detrainment rates are relatively insensitive to cloud core horizontal area, and the circumference of horizontal cloud core sections display an a0.69 dependence. This implies that cloud core mass entrainment flux E is proportional to cloud core cross-sectional area instead of cloud core surface area, as is generally assumed. Empirical best-fit relations for ε(B, dθρdz and δ(w, χc) are found for both individual shallow cumulus clouds and cloud ensembles. It is found that clouds with high buoyancy in strong stratification experience low entrainment rates, while clouds with high vertical velocities and critical mixing fractions experience low detrainment rates.