bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web Analytics for Knowledge Creation
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Ogunmola Gabriel Ayodeji
Published: December 2019

Digitization efforts across the world have resulted in the need for businesses to own a website. All Fortune 500 companies run websites for either information dissemination or for transacting business. This has led to the increase in the number of websites as well as a growing competition to outdo each other. In order to gain competitive advantage, businesses need to have a detailed track of the activities going on their website to suffice their decisive knowledge. However, to monitor and to optimise the website performance, organisations need strong web analytics tools and skills. This work presents a comprehensive review of the web analytics tools and techniques, which are vital to report the website performance and usage. Present day practices of web analytics have been outlined from the perspective of business organisations, with suitable examples. A comparative analysis of the most important web analytics tools have been presented, including the free as well as subscription based tools. Future challenges and opportunities to web analytics practices have also been presented.
The Development of the Online Player Type Scale
Authors: Hamutoğlu Nazire Burçin , Topal Murat , Samur Yavuz , Gezgin Deniz Mertkan , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: December 2019

The present study outlines the development of the Online Player Type Scale (OPTS) utilizing a motivational taxonomy developed. This taxonomy was comprehensively reviewed to create scale items, and the conceptual framework of the scale was defined. The study group was comprised of 1,479 students attending grades 5 to 8 of a private school. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit the study group, and playing any videogame frequently was the criterion to be included in the sample. The construct validity and reliability testing showed the OPTS comprised four factors: achievement-oriented (ACH), socialization-oriented (SOC), exploration-oriented (EXP), and competition-oriented (COMP). The Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficients and composite reliability coefficients were 0.89 and 0.99 for KIL, 0.83 and 0.98 for EXP, 0.83 and 0.98 for SOC, and 0.94 and 0.99 for ACH. It is concluded that the Online Player Type Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing gaming motivation.
A Scientometric Analysis of Studies in Turkey
Authors: Tezel Ecem , Giritli Heyecan
Published: December 2019

Recently, architecture engineering and construction (AEC) industry benefits from building information modeling (BIM) as a technology-based development, to enhance collaboration and increase the efficiency of construction projects. After implementing BIM in design and construction phases, developed countries now head towards utilization of BIM in facilities management (FM) processes. As ranking among the leading AEC industries, Turkey not only follows latest developments but also promises valuable potentials for both theoretical and practical improvement of BIM. Based on the studies published in BIM field, this study applies bibliometric review approach to analyze the state-of-the-art situation of the field in Turkey, and determine potential research areas, especially in BIM and FM intersection. Following the systematic literature search that aims to introduce current efforts of Turkish researchers in BIM field, the qualitative analysis categorizes these efforts according to life cycle phases of a construction project and provides a vision on existing knowledge as well as research gaps. Findings of this study point out the important contributions of Turkey to BIM field especially in design and/or construction phases. A prominent conclusion of this study also signals a need for more FM oriented approach in BIM researches.
The Dual-Tasking Texting Effect of Cell Phone Technology on Walking
Authors: Mendelsohn Asher , Zerpa Carlos
Published: December 2019

Dual-tasking is the simultaneous performance of two tasks causing a divided allocation of attentional resources. Dual-tasking is apparent in our society in the form of cell phone use while walking, which alters gait characteristics, resulting in an increased risk of injuries due to falls and collisions. This study explored the effect of cell phone texting on walking and validated the use of accelerometer technology to measure gait characteristics. Twelve young adult participants walked three times across electronic force platforms during regular walking (control), walking while reading a text (reading), walking while typing a text (texting). The results indicated that gait force patterns differed from control during texting. The results also indicated a significant correlation between measures of force and acceleration across walking conditions. The outcome of this study adds to existing literature regarding the effects of cell phone use on walking patterns and highlights the use of accelerometer technology to assess gait characteristics.
The Effect of Breathing Pattern and Heel Strike Pattern on Peak Ground Reaction Force at Initial Contact During Walking
Authors: Sanzo Paolo , Felice Cassandra , Zerpa Carlos
Published: December 2019

It has been proposed that during running, the greatest force occurs when the foot strikes the ground and simultaneously exhalation occurs at initial heel contact. As a result, breathing retraining has been used as a method to prevent lower extremity overuse injuries by modifying an individual's breathing pattern and consequently, reducing ground reaction forces. There is, however, little research exploring this link during walking. This study explored the interaction effect between the phase of respiration and foot strike pattern on measures of ground reaction forces while walking. The study also examined the correlation between the phase of respiration and peak forces. The research findings did not support the concept of breathing synchronization with higher ground reaction forces when exhalation occurred at heel strike during walking. The biomechanics of walking are very different than running and, therefore, the utility of breathing retraining may not be supported as has been proposed for running.
Fall Prevention and Management App Prototype for the Elderly and Their Caregivers
Authors: Imoukhome Eseohen , Weeks Lori E. , Abidi Samina
Published: December 2019

The objective of this article is to develop a validated mobile app prototype to empower the elderly and caregivers to manage falls that provides personalized and actionable educational materials at the point of care and improves the engagement of the elderly and caregiver in adopting validated fall management practices; To determine the usefulness and suitability of a fall management mobile app to the elderly and caregivers. The method used is a knowledge management approach is used to implement the app based on 2 validated models: Patient Health Engagement Model and Rockwood frailty index. A mixed method evaluation including a cognitive walk through is used to collect end-user feedback from the elderly and caregivers, on the usability, usefulness, and suitability of the app. The app was deemed easy to use, informative and understandable. Potential improvement areas include: larger print; less wordy interfaces; better navigation features; data sharing functionalities; and voice readers. These suggestions will be incorporated in the future. The conclusion of this article is that smartphones have vast potential in providing relevant and creditable fall management information to elderly and caregivers.
A Speech Clinic System for Children with Communication Disorder
Authors: Sarfraz Muhammad , Almutairi Maha S. , Jasem Zahraa A.
Published: December 2019

This research proposes, designs, and implements a new telehealth system. It is a Speech Clinic System (SCS) for children with communication disorders. It provides an online automated alternate to the traditional manual treatment processes for children with communication disorder. The proposed SCS provides an easy way for parents to be in touch with the speech-language pathologist, check their child progress, make an appointment, follow guidelines, and choose therapy exercises. The structure of the system has been designed to automate parts of the treatment process. To achieve the targeted system, in addition to investigating the latest studies in this area, the needed data was collected through interviews and searching about the treatment process of children with communication disorder. The system, as a special case, has been oriented for the Arabic speaking communities (specially state of Kuwait) to improve its healthcare sector. However, it can be easily oriented to fulfill the needs of other countries with some variation of language and other local requirements.
Continuance Usage of Mobile Banking Services Among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania
Authors: Mandari Herman E. , Koloseni Daniel Ntabagi , Macha Julius
Published: December 2019

The study examines the intention to continue using mobile banking services among SMEs in Tanzania. The study extended the ECS-IS model by adding three variables: ease-of-use, perceived trust, and attitude to address the existing challenges in continuance usage of mobile banking services. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from company's owners and managers. A total of 287 responses were used in data analysis. SEM technique was employed to evaluate the measurement and structural models. The study found that satisfaction and attitude have a direct influence on continuance usage of mobile banking among SMEs in Tanzania. Furthermore, confirmation, perceived trust, and perceived usefulness have an indirect effect on continuance usage of mobile banking services among SMEs. The study provides useful insights which could be used by mobile banking service providers to improve banking services delivered through mobile technology. Furthermore, the findings will assist scholars in understanding the antecedents which affect continuance usage of mobile banking services among SMEs.
Digital Badge Use in Specific Learner Groups
Authors: Askeroth Jacob H. , Newby Timothy J.
Published: December 2019

As educational technology continues to advance, new technologies continue to enter the scene that seek to enhance the delivery and reception of learning in both academic and industry settings. Digital badges are a recent educational innovation that has unique characteristics and capabilities that can allow for individualized pathways for learning and are being implemented in a variety of settings and for multiple purposes. This article reviews the literature on digital badges and four of their core theoretical underpinnings – behaviorism, goal-setting, constructivism, and gamification theory – as well as empirical studies that highlight the contexts and specific learner groups in which digital badges are being utilized. This review contributes to both scholarly research and practical applications of digital badges and offers potential directions for future research involving digital badges.
Evaluation of Multi-Peer and Self-Assessment in Higher Education
Authors: Hassell David , Lee Kok Yueh
Published: December 2019

This article presents an evaluation of the use of peer and self-assessment as part of the learning process in a public speaking assessment coursework, with students from two departments taking part. Students were assessed by themselves, their peers and the lecturer using an online platform, Google forms, utilizing a set of rubrics. The marks were compared between markers to identify similarities and differences. After the process, student feedback on the experience was obtained using a questionnaire utilizing the Likert seven point scale to rate different questions. Analysis of the marks awarded found that whilst there might be correlations between different markers (i.e. peer – self) for marks on certain subsections of the work, there was no overall correlation between marks. Student perceptions to the exercise indicated that the use of rubrics was well received; students considered it a fair assessment method and it provided information on how to perform well in the assessment.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lipoarabinomannan Activates Human Neutrophils via a TLR2/1 Mechanism Distinct from Pam3CSK4
Authors: Hook Jessica S. , Cao Mou , Weng Kayson , Kinnare Nedha , Moreland Jessica G.
Published: December 2019

Neutrophils, polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes, play an important role in the early innate immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the lung. Interactions between PMN and mycobacterial lipids impact the activation state of these migrated cells with consequences for the surrounding tissue in terms of resolution versus ongoing inflammation. We hypothesized that lipoarabinomannan from M. tuberculosis (Mtb LAM) would prime human PMN in a TLR2-dependent manner and investigated this with specific comparison with the purified synthetic TLR2 agonists, Pam3CSK4 and FSL-1. In contrast to Pam3CSK4 and FSL-1, we found Mtb LAM did not induce any of the classical PMN priming phenotypes, including enhancement of NADPH oxidase activity, shedding of l-selectin, or mobilization of CD11b. However, exposure of PMN to Mtb LAM did elicit pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production and release in a TLR2/1-dependent manner, using the TLR1 single-nucleotide polymorphism rs5743618 (1805G/T) as a marker for TLR2/1 specificity. Moreover, Mtb LAM did not elicit p38 MAPK phosphorylation or endocytosis, although these processes occurred with Pam3CSK4 stimulation, and were necessary for the early priming events to occur. Interestingly, Mtb LAM did not abrogate priming responses elicited by Pam3CSK4. Notably, subfractionation of light membranes from Pam3CSK4 versus Mtb LAM–stimulated cells demonstrated differential patterns of exocytosis. In summary, Mtb LAM activates PMN via TLR2/1, resulting in the production of cytokines but does not elicit early PMN priming responses, as seen with Pam3CSK4. We speculate that the inability of Mtb LAM to prime PMN may be due to differential localization of TLR2/1 signaling.
cDC1 IL-27p28 Production Predicts Vaccine-Elicited CD8+ T Cell Memory and Protective Immunity
Authors: Kilgore Augustus M. , Pennock Nathan D. , Kedl Ross M.
Published: December 2019

Although adjuvants and formulations are often either empirically derived, or at best judged by their ability to elicit broad inflammation, it would be ideal if specific innate correlates of adaptive immunity could be identified to set a universally applicable benchmark for adjuvant evaluation. Using an IL-27 reporter transgenic mouse model, we show in this study that conventional type 1 dendritic cell IL-27 production in the draining lymph node 12 h after s.c. vaccination directly correlates with downstream CD8+ T cell memory and protective immunity against infectious challenge. This correlation is robust, reproducible, predictive, entirely unique to vaccine biology, and is the only innate correlate of CD8+ T cell immune memory yet to be identified. Our results provide new insights into the basic biology of adjuvant-elicited cellular immunity and have clear implications for the screening and evaluation of novel adjuvants.
Buerger’s disease or thromboangiitis obliterans: description of two cases
Authors: Manzini Carlo , Sandri Gilda , Sebastiani Marco
Published: December 2019

Buerger’s disease, or thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), is a segmental non-atherosclerotic occlusive inflammatory condition of small arteries and veins of the upper and lower extremities, characterized by thrombosis and recanalization of the affected vessels. It is triggered by substantial exposure to tobacco, especially in males aged from 20 to 50. Currently, the most effective treatment, together with the suspension of the smoking habit, is represented by prostacyclin infusion (Iloprost). We described two cases of Buerger’s disease recently presented to our observation, with some different clinical features and therapeutic pathways.
Monitoring anti-B cell immunotherapies in autoimmune diseases: Go with the flow. A Position Paper of the Italian Society for Clinical Cell Analysis (ISCCA)
Authors: Brando Bruno , Gatti Arianna , Lurati Alfredo Maria , Faggioli Paola M.L.
Published: December 2019

During the past decades autoimmune diseases have been usually treated with immunosuppressive drugs mostly active on T-Cell mediated responses. Only in recent years, with our extended knowledge of the pathogenic mechanisms of autoreactive disorders and the tremendous development of new therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, anti-B-Cell therapies have emerged as a new option for treating autoimmune diseases. The rationale for this changeover from T-Cell to B-Cell targeted therapies resides in the recently accumulated evidence of the role of B-Cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and in the generation of tissue damage. Targeting memory and effector BCells may then disrupt the production of pathogenic antibodies, counteract the role of B-Cells in sustaining antigen presentation to T-Cells and block the synthesis of B-Cell activation cytokines. The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody Rituximab was first introduced more than 20 years ago for the treatment of CD20+ chronic B-lymphoproliferative disorders, and was then successfully experimented in the treatment of an ever-increasing spectrum of autoimmune diseases. Newer anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies have been introduced more recently, which vary in their biological effects. The need for laboratory indicators that may help the rational usage and follow-up of anti-CD20 treatments has now emerged, due to the high variability of individual response, to the markedly different outcomes in the various diseases and to the controversial role of pathogenic autoantibodies as indicators of disease activity. Flow cytometric (FCM) analyses to identify and enumerate the B-cell functional subsets in the peripheral blood have been developed in recent years. They can be used to assess the degree and the persistence of memory B-Cell depletion, the quality and the timing of B-Cell reconstitution, along with the highly sensitive FCM counting technique needed for the detection of extremely low cell levels. The long-term aim of this innovative approach is to provide clinicians with a tool for a safer and more rational usage of anti-CD20 agents.
Pattern Analysis of Visible Faulty Fruits in Capitula: A Case in Cultivated Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Hernández Luis F. , Pellegrini Cecilia N.
Published: December 2019

The analysis of spatial arrangement of incompletely developed fruits (IDF) in capitula could be used to understand the nature and the relative arrangement of these fruits at maturity, previously unexplained by current models. The objective of this work was to quantify and define the distribution pattern of visible IDF (IDFvis) at physiological maturity in the capitulum of the cultivated sunflower, in two genotypes with different self-compatibility expression grown in three different environments. Spatial characteristics and the possibility of randomness of IDFvis pattern generation were also evaluated. We were able to define four IDFvis patterns: Type I, where the distribution of the IDFvis was located mainly at the capitulum center, Type II, where the distribution remained grouped at its center but spreads towards the periphery, Type III, where the distribution was more homogeneous over the entire capitulum surface and Type IV with a homogeneous but very dispersed distribution over the entire capitulum surface. Second order spatial point pattern analysis techniques for a plane (Ripley’s K) were applied to the distribution of IDFvis in the four predefined IDFvis patterns. Using the ADE-4 software, spatial distribution patterns contained in a circular surface and corrected for edge effects were analyzed. By grouping the different types of IDFvis patterns by environment and genotype, a tendency was observed to generate preferably two types of patterns, Type I and Type IV, directly related to the genotype and not to the environment. The K index obtained for each type of pattern showed that, for the scales analyzed, Types I, II and III can be defined as grouped, since they laid outside the Poisson confidence limits. The Type IV pattern presented results consistent with a completely randomized distribution. It was observed a low-frequency appearance of the IV (random) pattern and only for one genotype in the different environments studied, while in the rest of the genotype x environment combinations there was always a greater degree of grouping (non random; Type; I, II and III patterns). Proved that mostly of the IDFvis patterns presented in the sunflower capitulum were mainly non random, the results shown here suggest that, to the intrinsic characteristics of the plant to express this character, mainly physiological, intra-receptacle physical factors could be added in the post-pollination stage, capable of altering the normal development of the embryos.
Cross-country Comparison in the Evaluation of Evolocumab by Health Technology Assessment Agencies in England, Canada, and Australia
Authors: Varghese Swaroop , Ohlow Marc-Alexander , Kumar Narendra
Published: December 2019

Evolocumab is a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor drug which has shown great treatment effects in the treatment of uncontrolled hypercholesterolemia, particularly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Due to its significant costs, several health technology assessment agencies (HTA) worldwide have exercised caution in issuing its recommendation across different patient groups. This study attempts to review the processes and compare the approach adopted by the HTA agencies in England (National Institute for Care and Health Excellence [NICE]), Canada (Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health [CADTH] Common Drug Review), and Australia (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee [PBAC]) in the evaluation of evolocumab. Between July and August 2018, the websites of CADTH, the NICE in England, and the PBAC of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia were searched for technology appraisal documents pertaining to evolocumab. The search included the initial appraisal, resubmissions, as well as the final recommendation made between 2015 and 2018. Significant variability exists between the recommendations and clinical and economic assessment processes in the evaluation of evolocumab across the three selected HTAs. More collaborative efforts may be required to align the interagency HTAs.
Identificación de perturbaciones en el bosque húmedo tropical colombiano usando series temporales de imágenes satelitales Landsat mediante el algoritmo Landtrendr
Authors: Hurtado L. , Lizarazo I.
Published: December 2019

Time series analysis of satellite images for detection of deforestation and forest disturbances at specific dates has been a subject of research over the last few years. There are many limitations to identify the exact date of deforestation due mainly to the large volume of data and the criteria required for its correct characterization. A further limitation in the analysis of multispectral time series is the identification of true deforestation considering that forest vegetation may undergo different changes over time. This study analyzes deforestation in a zone within the Colombian Amazon using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) based on semestral median mosaics generated from Landsat images collected from 2000 to 2017. Several samples representing trends of change over the time series were extracted and classified according to their degree of change and persistence in the series, using four categories: (i) deforestation, (ii) degradation, (iii) forest plantation, and (iv) regeneration. Specific deforestation samples were analyzed in the same way using the soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI) to reduce the effect of spectral response variations due to soil reflectance changes. It is concluded that the two indices used, together with the near infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR 1) spectral bands, allow to extract values and intervals where the change produced by deforestation on forest vegetation is identified with acceptable accuracy. The analysis of time series using the Landtrendr algorithm confirmed a reliable change detection in each of the forest disturbance categories.
Turbidez y profundidad de disco de Secchi con Sentinel-2 en embalses con diferente estado trófico en la Comunidad Valenciana
Authors: Delegido J. , Urrego P. , Vicente E. , Sòria-Perpinyà X. , Soria J.M. , Pereira-Sandoval M. , Ruiz-Verdú A. , Peña R. , Moreno J.
Published: December 2019

Transparency or turbidity is one of the main indicators in studies of water quality using remote sensing. Transparency can be measured in situ through the Secchi disc depth (SD), and turbidity using a turbidimeter. In recent decades, different relationships between bands from different remote sensing sensors have been used for the estimation of these variables. In this paper, several indices and spectral bands have been calibrated in order to estimate transparency from Sentinel-2 (S2) images from field data, obtained throughout 2017 and 2018 in Júcar basin reservoirs with a great variety of trophic states. Three atmospheric correction methods developed for waters have been applied to the S2 level L1C images taken at the same day as the field data: Polymer, C2RCC and C2X. From the spectra obtained from S2 and the SD field data, it has been found that the smallest error is obtained with the images atmospherically corrected with Polymer and a potential adjustment of the reflectivities’ ratio of the blue and green bands (R490/R560), which allow the estimation of SD with a relative error of 13%. Also the C2X method presents good adjustment with the same bands ratio, although with a greater error, while the correction C2RCC shows the worst correlation. The relationship between SD (in m) and turbidity (in NTU) has also been obtained, which provides an operational method for estimating turbidity with S2. The relationship for the different reservoirs between SD and chlorophyll-a concentration, suspended solids and dissolved organic matter, is also shown.
Effects of replacement of alfalfa by big-leaf mulberry on growth performance, digestion and meat quality in growing rabbits
Authors: Wu X.Z , Yang P.L. , Gao X.H. , Wen Z.G. , Dai S.F. , Zhu M.X , Wang L.X.
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effect of sundried big-leaf mulberry (BLM) as a replacement for alfalfa on the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen (N) utilisation and meat quality in New Zealand White rabbits. One hundred and sixty weaned rabbits, aged 35±1 d and with a body weight of 755±26 g, were randomly assigned to the 4 treatments with 20 replicates of 2 rabbits (1 male and 1 female) each. Animal performance was evaluated between the 35th and 77th d of age in 40 animals per treatment. The coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients and N utilisation were measured between 77 to 83 d of age in 30 animals per treatment. The control rabbits were fed a corn-soybean meal-alfalfa meal based diet. The three experimental groups were fed a similar diet in which the alfalfa meal was replaced by 10% (BLM10), 20% (BLM20), or 30% (BLM30) BLM. The final body weights and average daily gain were higher (P<0.05) in BLM20 rabbits compared to control and BLM30 rabbits. Although BLM inclusion had no effects on the CTTAD of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein (P>0.10), the CTTAD of ether extract was higher in rabbits fed the diets based on BLM (P<0.05). No effect of treatment was noted on ingested and faecal N. Urinary (P<0.05) and retained N (P<0.10) were higher in animals fed with BLM30 and BLM20 diets, respectively. Dietary BLM supplementation increased a* (P<0.05) and tended to reduce L* (P<0.10) in rabbit meat samples. It was concluded that replacing alfalfa meal with BLM (20%) can promote growth and increase ether extract digestibility. Additionally, dietary BLM supplementation can increase the redness value of meat.
Composition of rabbit caecal microbiota and the effects of dietary quercetin supplementation and sex thereupon
Authors: North M. K. , Dalle Zotte A. , Hoffman L. C.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to add to the current understanding of rabbit caecal microbiota. This involved describing its microbial composition and linking this to live performance parameters, as well as determining the effects of dietary quercetin (Qrc) supplementation (2 g/kg feed) and sex on the microbial population. The weight gain and feed conversion ratio of twelve New Zealand White rabbits was measured from 5 to 12 wk old, blood was sampled at 11 wk old for the determination of serum hormone levels, and the rabbits were slaughtered and caecal samples collected at 13 wk old. Ion 16STM metagenome sequencing was used to determine the microbiota profile. The dominance of Firmicutes (72.01±1.14% of mapped reads), Lachnospiraceae (23.94±1.01%) and Ruminococcaceae (19.71±1.07%) concurred with previous reports, but variation both between studies and individual rabbits was apparent beyond this. Significant correlations between microbial families and live performance parameters were found, suggesting that further research into the mechanisms of these associations could be useful. Negative correlations with the caecal flavonoid content were found, but the latter was not affected by diet, and the effects of quercetin supplementation on the microbiota were very limited, possibly due to the absorption of the quercetin-aglycone from the gastrointestinal tract prior to the caecum. Nonetheless, Clostridiales Family XIII. Incertae Sedis was more abundant in the quercetin-supplemented rabbits (Control: 0.003±0.003%; Qrc: 0.020±0.000; P=0.005), as was the genus Anaerofustis (Control: 0.000±0.002; Qrc: 0.010±0.002; P=0.003). Serum cortisol levels were higher in females, and several microbial families differed between the sexes. Most were more abundant in female rabbits, including the most abundant, the family Eubacteriaceae (Male: 2.93±0.40; Female: 4.73±0.40; P=0.01).
High doses of cobalt inhibited hair follicle development in Rex Rabbits
Authors: Liu L. , Gao Q. , Wang C. , Fu Z. H. , Wang K. , Li F. C.
Published: December 2019

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of cobalt supplementation on hair follicle development in rabbits. Rex rabbits (30-d-old, n=180) were divided randomly into five equal treatment groups: rabbits fed a basal diet (control, measured cobalt content of 0.27 mg/kg) or rabbits fed a basal diet with an additional 0.1, 0.4, 1.6 or 6.4 mg/kg cobalt (in the form of cobalt sulfate) supplementation (measured cobalt contents of 0.35, 0.60, 1.83 and 6.62 mg/kg, respectively). Treatment with 6.4 mg/kg cobalt significantly decreased hair follicle density (P<0.05), while low levels of cobalt (0.1-1.6 mg/kg) had no effect on hair follicle density (P>0.05). The addition of dietary cobalt at the highest level examined (6.4 mg/kg) significantly increased the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 2 and BMP4 in skin tissue (P<0.05), while the mRNA levels of versican, alkaline phosphatase, hepatocyte growth factor, and noggin remained unchanged (P>0.05). Compared with their levels in the control group, dietary cobalt treatment significantly suppressed the protein levels of p-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p-ribosomal protein S6 protein kinase (P<0.05) but did not alter the protein levels of p-AMP-activated protein kinase, Wnt10b or p-β-catenin (P>0.05). In conclusion, cobalt at the highest concentration examined inhibited hair follicle development, which may have involved the mTOR-BMP signalling pathway.
Breathing in the Anthropocene: Thinking Through Scale with Containment Technologies
Authors: Kenner Alison , Mirzaei Aftab , Spackman Christy
Published: December 2019

Thinking at the scale of the Anthropocene highlights the significant burden on all life imposed by the residues of industrialization as well as continued pollution. But it also risks a disconnect between the functioning of planetary atmospheres and the functioning of local airs. In this thought-piece, we consider together the potato chip bag, the asthma inhaler, and climate positive building design as scalar practices of Anthropocene air. By figuring Anthropocene air as an interscalar vehicle, we show connections between matter and relations that seem distant and disconnected. We do this by honing in on respiration as a transformative atmospheric process that has been designed in advanced capitalism to extend life for some, while denying life for others. We point to seconds, hours, days, weeks, and seasons to highlight how containment technologies and respiratory processes function in the Anthropocene to remake air. These technologies and practices, which all too often go unnoticed in consumption landscapes, demonstrate that despite Anthropocene air’s tendency to exceed human agency, it is liable to engineering. Doing this offers insight into where different scales of action can be mobilized.
Las organizaciones locales frente al riesgo socioambiental en la cuenca del Alto Atoyac, Tlaxcala-Puebla
Authors: Hernández García Milton Gabriel
Published: December 2019

Este artículo versa sobre las acciones de un conjunto de organizaciones locales frente al riesgo socioambiental, causado principalmente por la contaminación de un río en una región compartida por los estados de Puebla y Tlaxcala. Hacemos referencia a la “Coordinadora por un Atoyac con Vida”, la “Red de Jóvenes en Defensa de los Pueblos” y el “Centro Fray Julián Garcés de Derechos Humanos A.C.”, que desde hace dos décadas han denunciado públicamente el devastador impacto ambiental que está provocando el desarrollo industrial en la cuenca del Alto Atoyac.
Agricultura regenerativa y el problema de la sustentabilidad: Aportes para una discusión
Authors: Ibarra Vrska Ismael Pablo
Published: December 2019

El objetivo de este artículo consiste en presentar a la agricultura regenerativa como un enfoque de producción agroalimentaria alternativa que aporta elementos para pensar en la resiliencia de los socio-ecosistemas, trascendiendo la idea de la sustentabilidad, y que puede ayudar a la discusión de los Movimientos Agroalimentarios Alternativos desde una nueva óptica. Estos se encuentran bajo el estandarte de la sustentabilidad y, sin embargo, no hay acuerdos acerca del concepto, y mucho menos sobre las formas de relación entre las actividades productivas y los procesos ecosistémicos de la naturaleza.
Asimismo, estos movimientos se enfrentan al desafío de sostener una actividad productiva rentable, y que al mismo tiempo eviten la degradación del medio ambiente. La agricultura regenerativa ha funcionado como modelo de producción desde los años 50 y, sin embargo, su potencial ha pasado desapercibido en gran medida para los académicos dedicados a pensar sobre estos movimientos.
Los Asen-timientos: Espacios pluriculturales para el estudio de una nueva territorialidad étnica en Sonora, México
Authors: Castellanos Domínguez Alex Ramón
Published: December 2019

En este trabajo se presenta una propuesta teórico-metodológica que hace referencia al estudio etnográfico de los lugares de asentamiento de migrantes indígenas, en zonas de turismo de sol y playa y, de cultivos de exportación, en Sonora, México. Por más de 25 años, las familias nahuas, triquis y zapotecas, llegadas del sureste de nuestro país y asentadas en Sonora (Puerto Peñasco y Estación Pesqueira), han establecido relaciones laborales, interétnicas y de apropiación espacial en estos lugares; procesos que permiten hablar de una nueva territorialidad étnica en el estado de Sonora, México. Por medio de entrevistas a profundidad, recorridos, observación participante y diversas visitas de trabajo de campo entre los años 2008 a 2015 se logró investigar el proceso de apropiación del espacio geográfico en el que migrantes y familias ahora autodenominadas “radicantes” o “gente del sur”, establecen nuevos asentamientos. Se utiliza una contracción gramatical o “crasis” para referirse a estos espacios apropiados; de tal forma que, en vez de llamarles asentamientos, se hace referencia a ellos como Asentimientos. Los asen- timientos son entonces un nuevo fenómeno espacial y territorial étnico que vincula al espacio geográfico con la emotividad, construyendo así lo que algunos autores llaman apego socio-territorial o bien multiterritorialidad étnica.
RUNOFF ESTIMATION USING SCS RUNOFF CURVE NUMBER METHOD IN CEBU ISLAND
Authors: Cayson F. C. , Patiño C. L. , Flores M. J. L.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Cebu, with its growing development and increasing demand for water, needs tools and inputs to efficiently understand and manage its water resources. Rainfall runoff models were developed to model surface runoff which may be used to assess water availability. Soil Conservation System (SCS) Runoff Curve Number (CN) method predicts runoff based on an empirical curve number for ungauged watersheds. This study aims to estimate the amount of runoff for the catchments of Cebu Island using the SCS-CN Runoff technique. The data needed for the application of the method in this study were rainfall distribution data, land use/land cover and soil texture for curve number assignment, LiDAR DEM for the delineation of the catchments, and supporting runoff measurements from a different runoff estimation model for assessment of the results. The collected data were prepared by assigning the mean statistics of the rainfall distribution and the composite curve number for each catchment using Geographic Information System (GIS). The calculation of the runoff was also done using the same framework. Maps representing Cebu Island’s catchments’ runoff estimates were produced. Since observed runoff data were unavailable, the results were verified by comparing the SCS-CN estimated runoff to the results of a physically-based distributed hydrologic and hydraulics modelling software, FLO-2D. The SCS-CN estimations were found to coincide with the FLO-2D runoff estimates based on various statistical assessments. Although the results may have higher uncertainties due to the unavailability of observed runoff data, the SCS-CN Runoff method provided relevant results to that of a complex simulation model. Thus, the method may be applied to estimate runoff of ungauged catchments of Cebu Island, the results of which could provide relevant information for water resource management.
DEVELOPING A DATA FUSION STRATEGY BETWEEN OMNIDIRECTIONAL IMAGE AND INDOORGML DATA
Authors: Claridades A. R. C. , Ahn D. , Lee J.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. As the interest in indoor spaces increases, there is a growing need for indoor spatial applications. As these spaces grow in complexity and size, research is being carried out towards effective and efficient representation. Omnidirectional images give a snapshot of interiors and give visually rich content, but only contain pixel data. For it to be used in providing indoor services, its limitations must be overcome. First, the images must be connected to each other to represent indoor space continuously based on spatial relationships that may be provided by topological data. Second, the objects and spaces that we see in these images must also be recognized. This paper presents a study on how to link omnidirectional images and an IndoorGML data without the need for data conversion, provision of reference data, or use of different data models in order to provide Indoor Location-Based Service (LBS). We introduce the use of the Spatial Extended Point (SEP) to characterize the relationship between the omnidirectional image and the topological data. Position information of the object is used to define a region of 3D space, to determine the inclusion relationship of an IndoorGML node. We conduct an experimental implementation of the integrated data in the form of a 3D Virtual Tour. The connection of the Omnidirectional images is demonstrated by a visualization of navigation through a hallway towards a room’s interior delivered to the user through a clicking action on the image.
GIS-ASSISTED RAIN-INDUCED LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY MAPPING OF BENGUET USING A LOGISTIC REGRESSION MODEL
Authors: Cruz M. N. , Medina K. C. , Cabriga A. S. , Mendoza F. , Blanco A. C.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Landslides are a major concern in disaster risk reduction and management in Southeast Asia due to the region’s geographic location and setting. These are massive downward movement of rock, soil and/or debris under the influence of gravity. Benguet, lying within the Cordilleran mountains of the Philippines, is landslide prone. The increasing demand for sustainable development and expansion of human settlements and infrastructures deems landslides as a problem for the mountainous province. More than half of Benguet’s land area is highly susceptible to landslides. Hence, landslide potential identification and assessment, associated with topography, is vital in ensuring efficiency while minimizing collateral damage and unwanted casualties. This study developed a logistic regression model to map susceptibility to rainfall-induced landslides. Causative factors for the analysis in this study include rock types, soil types, land use, elevation, slope, aspect, precipitation, topographic wetness index (TWI), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and leaf area index (LAI). These layers were prepared using GIS. Based on the logistic regression, the most statistically significant variables were aspect, elevation, and leaf area index (LAI). The model considered with the combination of the causative variables resulted with an R squared value of 86% which indicates good variability for the conditioning factors used for the mapping procedure. Results indicate that 69% of Benguet is highly susceptible to landslides, 7% area is moderately susceptible to landslides, and 24% area is low susceptible to landslides.
HYBRID CANONICAL CORRELATION ANALYSIS AND REGRESSION FOR RADIOMETRIC NORMALIZATION OF CROSS-SENSOR SATELLITE IMAGES
Authors: Denaro L. G. , Lin C. H.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Relative radiometric normalization (RRN) minimizes radiometric differences among images caused by inconsistencies of acquisition condition. In this study, a cross-sensor RRN method is proposed for optical satellite images from Landsat 8 OLI (L8) and Landsat 7 ETM+ (L7) sensors. The data from these two sensors have different pixel depths. Therefore, a rescaling on the radiometry resolution is performed in the preprocessing. Then, multivariate alteration detection (MAD) based on kernel canonical correlation analysis (KCCA) is adopted, which is called KCCA-based MAD, to select pseudo-invariant features (PIFs). The process of RRN is performed by using polynomial regression with Gaussian weighted regression. In experiments, qualitative and quantitative analyses on images from different sensors are conducted. The experimental result demonstrates the superiority of the proposed nonlinear transformation, in terms of regression quality and radiometric consistency, compared with RRN using linear regression.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF MONTHLY WATER CONSUMPTION AND LAND SURFACE TEMPERATURE (LST) DERIVED USING LANDSAT 8 AND MODIS DATA
Authors: Enriquez R. , Rodriguez M. , Blanco A. C. , Estacio I. , Depositario L. R.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Land Surface Temperature (LST) is one of the important factors in monitoring urban climate. Observing the variations of LST can provide a better understanding of the Urban Heat Islands (UHI) phenomenon. The aim of this research is to assess the relationship between the spatial and temporal distribution of LST and water consumption in Zamboanga City for years 2016 and 2017. Data from the city’s water district were used to compute for the per capita water consumption (PCWC) of 49 barangays. Landsat 8 LST data with 30m spatial resolution were computed using inverse Plank function and other parameters such as vegetation proportion and surface emissivity to assess LST spatially while MODIS Terra data with 1km spatial resolution were used to assess LST temporally. Result showed that Landsat LST and PCWC have moderate correlations with p < 0.01: 0.59 and 0.55 for March and April 2016, respectively; 0.49 and 0.56 for March and April 2017, respectively. These indicated that warmer barangays consumed more water. The temporal correlation of the MODIS LST and the computed PCWC equated a −0.71, p < 0.01, correlation. This negative correlation indicated that when LST increases, PCWC decreases, which do not directly indicate that the city consumed less water but rather that the supply was less during warmer months. It was evident as water rationing was experienced during the first quarter of 2016 and intensified on April where the highest LST was recorded. Finally, LST was found of good use in assessing the relationship of temperature and water consumption.
GIS-BASED MAPPING OF LOCAL CLIMATE ZONES USING FUZZY LOGIC AND CELLULAR AUTOMATA
Authors: Estacio I. , Babaan J. , Pecson N. J. , Blanco A. C. , Escoto J. E. , Alcantara C. K.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Because of the vague distinction between urban and rural areas, the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) scheme was developed to better analyze the effect of Urban Heat Island. To map the LCZs in a city, the World Urban Database and Portal Tool is used as conventional method. However, this requires the assignment of training areas for each LCZ, which entails local knowledge of the area and may introduce errors, as distinction between LCZ types through visual inspection is inconclusive. This paper aims to develop a methodology and GIS tool to enhance and automate the mapping of LCZs using seven LCZ properties (sky view factor, building surface fraction, pervious surface fraction, impervious surface fraction, building height, roughness length, and surface albedo), and apply it in Quezon City, Philippines which comprises varying land use and land cover. Fuzzy Logic was used to determine the membership percentage of 100 m cells to an LCZ type based on these properties. Cellular Automata was implemented using Python to derive the LCZ map from the fuzzy layers. Results show that seven out of ten built-up LCZs and five out of seven land cover LCZs were identified. Through visual inspection on a basemap, the mapped LCZs was confirmed to match with the features of the city. Land Surface Temperature (LST) derived from Landsat 8 showed that each LCZ type displayed temperatures consistent with those observed from literature. The developed methodology and tool is ready to be used in other cities as long as the input layers are generated.
LOST WATERWAYS: CLUES FROM DIGITIZED HISTORICAL MAPS OF MANILA AND OTHER PHILIPPINES CITIES
Authors: Jubilo K. G. , Algodon M. R. , Torres E. M. , Abraham Z. D. , Ide-Ektessabi A. , Soriano M.
Published: December 2019

Abstract. We search for lost bodies of water in the cities of Manila, Tacloban, Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, and Naga by aligning their digitized Spanish-era and American-era maps to Google maps. These vanished ancient waterways can either become flooding hazards in case of extreme weather events, or liquefaction hazards, in case of earthquakes. Digitized historical maps of the cities were georectified, overlaid on current Google maps, and checked for potential missing bodies of water. Inspection through field visits and interviews with locals were conducted to verify the actual status of suspected sites. The validation identified lost, found, and even new bodies of water. There was also evidence of affected buildings, rainless flooding, and a “new normal” for the meaning of flooding among frequently inundated residents.