bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AUTOMATIC SHIP DETECTION IN SINGLE-POL SAR IMAGES USING TEXTURE FEATURES IN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Khesali E. , Enayati H. , Modiri M. , Mohseni Aref M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. This paper presents a novel method for detecting ships from high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. This method categorizes ship targets from single-pol SAR images using texture features in artificial neural networks. As such, the method tries to overcome the lack of an operational solution that is able to reliably detect ships with one SAR channel. The method has the following three main stages: 1) feature extraction; 2) feature selection; and 3) ship detection. The first part extracts different texture features from SAR image. These textures include occurrence and co occurrence measures with different window sizes. Then, best features are selected. Finally, the artificial neural network is used to extract ship pixels from sea ones. In post processing stage some morphological filters are used to improve the result. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified using Sentinel-1 data in VV polarization. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can be implemented with time-saving, high precision ship extraction, feature analysis, and detection. The results also show that using texture features the algorithm properly discriminates speckle noise from ships.
UNLABELED SELECTED SAMPLES IN FEATURE EXTRACTION FOR CLASSIFICATION OF HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGES WITH LIMITED TRAINING SAMPLES
Authors: Kianisarkaleh A. , Ghassemian H. , Razzazi F.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Feature extraction plays a key role in hyperspectral images classification. Using unlabeled samples, often unlimitedly available, unsupervised and semisupervised feature extraction methods show better performance when limited number of training samples exists. This paper illustrates the importance of selecting appropriate unlabeled samples that used in feature extraction methods. Also proposes a new method for unlabeled samples selection using spectral and spatial information. The proposed method has four parts including: PCA, prior classification, posterior classification and sample selection. As hyperspectral image passes these parts, selected unlabeled samples can be used in arbitrary feature extraction methods. The effectiveness of the proposed unlabeled selected samples in unsupervised and semisupervised feature extraction is demonstrated using two real hyperspectral datasets. Results show that through selecting appropriate unlabeled samples, the proposed method can improve the performance of feature extraction methods and increase classification accuracy.
DRILL CORE MINERAL ANALYSIS BY MEANS OF THE HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING SPECTROMETER HySpex, XRD AND ASD IN PROXIMITY OF THE MÝTINA MAAR, CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Koerting F. , Rogass C. , Kaempf H. , Lubitz C. , Harms U. , Schudack M. , Kokaly R. , Mielke C. , Boesche N. , Altenberger U.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Imaging spectroscopy is increasingly used for surface mapping. Therefore different expert systems are being utilized to identify surface cover materials. Those expert systems mainly rely on the spectral comparison between unknown and library spectra, but their performances were only limited qualified. This study aims on the comparative analysis of drill core samples from the recently discovered maar system in the Czech Republic. Drill core samples from the surrounding area of the Mýtina maar were analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and the hyperspectral spectrometer HySpex. Additionally, soil samples were measured in-situ by the ASD FieldSpec4 and in the laboratory by the HySpex VNIR/SWIR spectrometer system. The data was then analyzed by the MICA-algorithm and the results were compared to the results of the XRD -analysis. The XRD-analysis served here as validation basis. The results of the hyperspectral and the XRD analyses were used to densify a volcanic map that also integrates in-situ soil measurements in the surrounding area of Mýtina. The comparison of the XRD- and solaroptical remote sensing results showed a good correlation of qualified minerals if the soil organic carbon content was significantly low. Contrary to XRD, smectites and muscovites were also straightforward identified that underlines the overall performance of the approach to identify minerals. Basically, in this work an operable approach is proposed that enables the fast, repeatable and detailed analysis of drill cores, drill core samples and soil samples and, hence, provides a higher performance than state-of-the-art XRD-analyses.
KINECT, A NOVEL CUTTING EDGE TOOL IN PAVEMENT DATA COLLECTION
Authors: Mahmoudzadeh A. , Firoozi Yeganeh S. , Golroo A.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Pavement roughness and surface distress detection is of interest of decision makers due to vehicle safety, user satisfaction, and cost saving. Data collection, as a core of pavement management systems, is required for these detections. There are two major types of data collection: traditional/manual data collection and automated/semi-automated data collection. This paper study different non-destructive tools in detecting cracks and potholes. For this purpose, automated data collection tools, which have been utilized recently are discussed and their applications are criticized. The main issue is the significant amount of money as a capital investment needed to buy the vehicle. The main scope of this paper is to study the approach and related tools that not only are cost-effective but also precise and accurate. The new sensor called Kinect has all of these specifications. It can capture both RGB images and depth which are of significant use in measuring cracks and potholes. This sensor is able to take image of surfaces with adequate resolution to detect cracks along with measurement of distance between sensor and obstacles in front of it which results in depth of defects. This technology has been very recently studied by few researchers in different fields of studies such as project management, biomedical engineering, etc. Pavement management has not paid enough attention to use of Kinect in monitoring and detecting distresses. This paper is aimed at providing a thorough literature review on usage of Kinect in pavement management and finally proposing the best approach which is cost-effective and precise.
AN ALGORITHM FOR NETWORK REAL TIME KINEMATIC PROCESSING
Authors: Malekzadeh A. , Asgari J. , Amiri-Simkooei A. R.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. NRTK1 is an efficient method to achieve precise real time positioning from GNSS measurements. In this paper we attempt to improve NRTK algorithm by introducing a new strategy. In this strategy a precise relocation of master station observations is performed using Sagnac effect. After processing the double differences, the tropospheric and ionospheric errors of each baseline can be estimated separately. The next step is interpolation of these errors for the atmospheric errors mitigation of desired baseline. Linear and kriging interpolation methods are implemented in this study. In the new strategy the RINEX2 data of the master station is re-located and is converted to the desired virtual observations. Then the interpolated corrections are applied to the virtual observations. The results are compared by the classical method of VRS generation. 1 Network Real Time Kinematic 2 Receiver Independent Exchange Format
THE ROLE OF ASTRO-GEODETIC IN PRECISE GUIDANCE OF LONG TUNNELS
Authors: Mirghasempour M. , Jafari A. Y.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. One of prime aspects of surveying projects is guidance of paths of a long tunnel from different directions and finally ending all paths in a specific place. This kind of underground surveying, because of particular condition, has some different points in relation to the ground surveying, including Improper geometry in underground transverse, low precise measurement in direction and length due to condition such as refraction, distinct gravity between underground point and corresponding point on the ground (both value and direction of gravity) and etc. To solve this problems, astro-geodetic that is part of geodesy science, can help surveying engineers. In this article, the role of astronomy is defined in two subjects: 1- Azimuth determination of directions from entrance and exit nets of tunnel and also calibration of gyro-theodolite to use them in Underground transvers: By astronomical methods, azimuth of directions can be determine with an accuracy of 0.5 arcsecond, whereas, nowadays, no gyroscope can measure the azimuth in this accuracy; For instance, accuracy of the most precise gyroscope (Gyromat 5000) is 1.2 cm over a distance of one kilometre (2.4 arcsecond). Furthermore, the calibration methods that will be mention in this article, have significance effects on underground transverse. 2- Height relation between entrance point and exit point is problematic and time consuming; For example, in a 3 km long tunnel ( in Arak- Khoram Abad freeway), to relate entrance point to exit point, it is necessary to perform levelling about 90 km. Other example of this boring and time consuming levelling is in Kerman tunnel. This tunnel is 36 km length, but to transfer the entrance point height to exit point, 150 km levelling is needed. According to this paper, The solution for this difficulty is application of astro-geodetic and determination of vertical deflection by digital zenith camera system TZK2-D. These two elements make possible to define geoid profile in terms of tunnel azimuth in entrance and exit of tunnel; So by doing this, surveying engineers are able to transfer entrance point height to exit point of tunnels in easiest way.
ASSESSMENT OF REFERENCE HEIGHT MODELS ON QUALITY OF TANDEM-X DEM
Authors: Mirzaee S. , Motagh M. , Arefi H.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of various Global Digital Elevation Models (GDEMs) in producing high-resolution topography model using TanDEM-X (TDX) Coregistered Single Look Slant Range Complex (CoSSC) images. We selected an image acquired on Jun 12th, 2012 over Doroud region in Lorestan, west of Iran and used 4 external digital elevation models in our processing including DLR/ASI X-SAR DEM (SRTM-X, 30m resolution), ASTER GDEM Version 2 (ASTER-GDEMV2, 30m resolution), NASA SRTM Version 4 (SRTM-V4, 90m resolution), and a local photogrammetry-based DEM prepared by National Cartographic Center (NCC DEM, 10m resolution) of Iran. InSAR procedure for DEM generation was repeated four times with each of the four external height references. The quality of each external DEM was initially assessed using ICESat filtered points. Then, the quality of, each TDX-based DEM was assessed using the more precise external DEM selected in the previous step. Results showed that both local (NCC) DEM and SRTM X-band performed the best (RMSE< 9m) for TDX-DEM generation. In contrast, ASTER GDEM v2 and SRTM C-band v4 showed poorer quality.
VALIDITY ASSESSMENT OF PIXEL LINEAR SPECTRAL MIXING THROUGH LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS
Authors: Mobasheri M. R. , Dehnavi S. , Maghsoudi Y.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In order to understand the characteristics of the data collected by hyperspectral imaging systems, it is important to discuss the physics behind the scene radiance field incident on the imaging system. A dominant effect in hyperspectral remote sensing is the mixing of radiant energies contributed from different materials present in a given pixel. The basic assumption of mixture modelling is that within a given scene, the surface is covered by a small number of distinct materials that have relatively constant spectral properties. It is most common to assume that the radiance reflected by different materials in a pixel can spectrally combine in a linear additive manner to produce the pixel radiance/reflectance, even when that might not be the case e.g. where the mixing process leads to nonlinear combinations of the radiance and where the linear assumption fails to hold. This can occur where there is significant relative three-dimensional structure within a given pixel. Without detailed knowledge of the dimensional structure, it can be very difficult to correctly ‘‘un-mix’’ the contributions of the various materials. This work aims to evaluate the correctness of the linear assumption in the mixture modelling using some laboratory measurements. Study was conducted using some sheets made of cellulose materials of different colours in 400-800 nm spectral range. Experimental results have shown that a correction term must be applied to the gains and offsets in the linear model. The obtained results can be extended to satellite sensors that acquire images in the above mentioned spectral range.
AUOTOMATIC CLASSIFICATION OF POINT CLOUDS EXTRACTED FROM ULTRACAM STEREO IMAGES
Authors: Modiri M. , Masumi M. , Eftekhari A.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Automatic extraction of building roofs, street and vegetation are a prerequisite for many GIS (Geographic Information System) applications, such as urban planning and 3D building reconstruction. Nowadays with advances in image processing and image matching technique by using feature base and template base image matching technique together dense point clouds are available. Point clouds classification is an important step in automatic features extraction. Therefore, in this study, the classification of point clouds based on features color and shape are implemented. We use two images by proper overlap getting by Ultracam-x camera in this study. The images are from Yasouj in IRAN. It is semi-urban area by building with different height. Our goal is classification buildings and vegetation in these points. In this article, an algorithm is developed based on the color characteristics of the point’s cloud, using an appropriate DEM (Digital Elevation Model) and points clustering method. So that, firstly, trees and high vegetation are classified by using the point’s color characteristics and vegetation index. Then, bare earth DEM is used to separate ground and non-ground points. Non-ground points are then divided into clusters based on height and local neighborhood. One or more clusters are initialized based on the maximum height of the points and then each cluster is extended by applying height and neighborhood constraints. Finally, planar roof segments are extracted from each cluster of points following a region-growing technique.
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY ASSESSMENT USING A MDIFIED TOPSIS MODEL: A CASE STUDY OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN TEHRAN
Authors: Abedini A. , Lotfian M. , Moradi M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Being one of the most controversial issues in urban planning, land use planning has always been in the focus of researches. Land use planning is a subdivision of urban planning which tends to arrange land uses in order to avoid conflicts among them. In order to achieve a transparent and effective urban planning, land uses should be located and allocated in an ideal situation so that avoid negative impacts from neighbouring parcels and land uses. Neighbouring land uses can produce externalities and negative impacts on other land uses because of inter-land use interaction. These externalities may be undesirable effects such as noise, air and visual pollution or may be caused by hazardous facilities. The main objective of this research is to propose a new multi-criteria evaluation model for land use compatibility assessment. Considering the fact that a considerable number of factors affect the compatibility degree of neighbouring land uses, a multi-criteria evaluation approach is employed to address the aforementioned problem. This research employs the integration of Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) methods to facilitate land use compatibility evaluation with respect to optimism degree. The applicability of the proposed model is illustrated by the problem of land use compatibility assessment for elementary schools in Tehran. The results indicate that most of the current schools are situated in a location which is incompatible for the land use type of elementary school especially in the southern and central parts of the city.
INTRODUCING NOVEL GENERATION OF HIGH ACCURACY CAMERA OPTICAL-TESTING AND CALIBRATION TEST-STANDS FEASIBLE FOR SERIES PRODUCTION OF CAMERAS
Authors: Nekouei Shahraki M. , Haala N.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The recent advances in the field of computer-vision have opened the doors of many opportunities for taking advantage of these techniques and technologies in many fields and applications. Having a high demand for these systems in today and future vehicles implies a high production volume of video cameras. The above criterions imply that it is critical to design test systems which deliver fast and accurate calibration and optical-testing capabilities. In this paper we introduce new generation of test-stands delivering high calibration quality in single-shot calibration of fisheye surround-view cameras. This incorporates important geometric features from bundle-block calibration, delivers very high (sub-pixel) calibration accuracy, makes possible a very fast calibration procedure (few seconds), and realizes autonomous calibration via machines. We have used the geometrical shape of a Spherical Helix (Type: 3D Spherical Spiral) with special geometrical characteristics, having a uniform radius which corresponds to the uniform motion. This geometrical feature was mechanically realized using three dimensional truncated icosahedrons which practically allow the implementation of a spherical helix on multiple surfaces. Furthermore the test-stand enables us to perform many other important optical tests such as stray-light testing, enabling us to evaluate the certain qualities of the camera optical module.
A DIFFERENT WEB-BASED GEOCODING SERVICE USING FUZZY TECHNIQUES
Authors: Pahlavani P. , Abbaspour R .A. , Zare Zadiny A.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Geocoding – the process of finding position based on descriptive data such as address or postal code - is considered as one of the most commonly used spatial analyses. Many online map providers such as Google Maps, Bing Maps and Yahoo Maps present geocoding as one of their basic capabilities. Despite the diversity of geocoding services, users usually face some limitations when they use available online geocoding services. In existing geocoding services, proximity and nearness concept is not modelled appropriately as well as these services search address only by address matching based on descriptive data. In addition there are also some limitations in display searching results. Resolving these limitations can enhance efficiency of the existing geocoding services. This paper proposes the idea of integrating fuzzy technique with geocoding process to resolve these limitations. In order to implement the proposed method, a web-based system is designed. In proposed method, nearness to places is defined by fuzzy membership functions and multiple fuzzy distance maps are created. Then these fuzzy distance maps are integrated using fuzzy overlay technique for obtain the results. Proposed methods provides different capabilities for users such as ability to search multi-part addresses, searching places based on their location, non-point representation of results as well as displaying search results based on their priority.
MATCHING ALTERNATIVE ADDRESSES: A SEMANTIC WEB APPROACH
Authors: Ariannamazi S. , Karimipour F. , Hakimpour F.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Rapid development of crowd-sourcing or volunteered geographic information (VGI) provides opportunities for authoritatives that deal with geospatial information. Heterogeneity of multiple data sources and inconsistency of data types is a key characteristics of VGI datasets. The expansion of cities resulted in the growing number of POIs in the OpenStreetMap, a well-known VGI source, which causes the datasets to outdate in short periods of time. These changes made to spatial and aspatial attributes of features such as names and addresses might cause confusion or ambiguity in the processes that require feature’s literal information like addressing and geocoding. VGI sources neither will conform specific vocabularies nor will remain in a specific schema for a long period of time. As a result, the integration of VGI sources is crucial and inevitable in order to avoid duplication and the waste of resources. Information integration can be used to match features and qualify different annotation alternatives for disambiguation. This study enhances the search capabilities of geospatial tools with applications able to understand user terminology to pursuit an efficient way for finding desired results. Semantic web is a capable tool for developing technologies that deal with lexical and numerical calculations and estimations. There are a vast amount of literal-spatial data representing the capability of linguistic information in knowledge modeling, but these resources need to be harmonized based on Semantic Web standards. The process of making addresses homogenous generates a helpful tool based on spatial data integration and lexical annotation matching and disambiguating.
A NEW OBJECT-BASED FRAMEWORK TO DETECT SHODOWS IN HIGH-RESOLUTION SATELLITE IMAGERY OVER URBAN AREAS
Authors: Tatar N. , Saadatseresht M. , Arefi H. , Hadavand A.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In this paper a new object-based framework to detect shadow areas in high resolution satellite images is proposed. To produce shadow map in pixel level state of the art supervised machine learning algorithms are employed. Automatic ground truth generation based on Otsu thresholding on shadow and non-shadow indices is used to train the classifiers. It is followed by segmenting the image scene and create image objects. To detect shadow objects, a majority voting on pixel-based shadow detection result is designed. GeoEye-1 multi-spectral image over an urban area in Qom city of Iran is used in the experiments. Results shows the superiority of our proposed method over traditional pixel-based, visually and quantitatively.
EVALUATION OF EFFECTING PARAMETERS ON OPTIMUM ARRANGEMENT OF URBAN LAND USES AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR COMPATIBILITY USING ADJACENCY MATRIX
Authors: Vaezi S. , Mesgari M. S. , Kaviary F.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Todays, stability of human life is threatened by a set of parameters. So sustainable urban development theory is introduced after the stability theory to protect the urban environment. In recent years, sustainable urban development gains a lot of attraction by different sciences and totally becomes a final target for urban development planners and managers to use resources properly and to establish a balanced relationship among human, community, and nature. Proper distribution of services for decreasing spatial inequalities, promoting the quality of living environment, and approaching an urban stability requires an analytical understanding of the present situation. Understanding the present situation is the first step for making a decision and planning effectively. This paper evaluates effective parameters affecting proper arrangement of land-uses using a descriptive-analytical method, to develop a conceptual framework for understanding of the present situation of urban land-uses, based on the assessment of their compatibility. This study considers not only the local parameters, but also spatial parameters are included in this study. The results indicate that land-uses in the zone considered here are not distributed properly. Considering mentioned parameters and distributing service land-uses effectively cause the better use of these land-uses.
IMPLEMENTING NATURAL RESOURCES CADASTRAL PLAN IN PASARGADAE DISTRICT OF IRAN BY USING QUICK BIRD IMAGES
Authors: Azhdari G. H. , Deilami K. , Firooznia E.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Natural Resources are essential for security and sustainable development of each country. Therefore, in order to reach sustainable development, conservation as well as optimum utilization of natural resources, executing of natural resources cadastral plan is necessary and essential. Governments conduct lands management in Iran, so there is a need for comprehensive plan with arranged program for best evaluation. In this research as a pilot, Pasargadae city is opted. Pasargadae region is located in north-east of Shiraz in Fars province with Latitude and longitude of 30° 15 ́ 53 ̋ N and 53° 13 ́ 29 ̋ E respectively. In order to generate the cadastral maps, Firstly, images from QuickBird satellite with 50-60 centimeters resolution were georeferenced by utilizing ground control points with accurate GPS coordinates. In addition to satellite images, old paper maps with 1:10000 scale in local coordinate system from agriculture ministry in 1963 were digitized according to 1:25000 scale map from army geographical organization with AutoCad software. Beside, paper maps with 1:50000 scale and Google Earth were used to find the changes during time. All the above maps were added to QuickBird images as new layers by using ArcMap software. These maps also were utilized to determine the different land-uses. Thus, by employing ArcMap software lands divide into 2 groups: firstly, lands with official document, which is owned by either natural or legal persons, and secondly national lands under different uses such as forestry, range management and desertification plans. Consequently, the generation of cadastral maps leads to better difference between private and national lands. In addition, producing cadastral maps prevent the destruction and illegal possession of natural lands by individuals.
DARK SPOT DETECTION USING INTENSITY AND THE DEGREE OF POLARIZATION IN FULLY POLARIMETRIC SAR IMAGES FOR OIL POLUTION MONITORING
Authors: Zakeri F. , Amini J.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. Oil spill surveillance is of great environmental and economical interest, directly contributing to improve environmental protection. Monitoring of oil spills using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) has received a considerable attention over the past few years, notably because of SAR data abilities like all-weather and day-and-night capturing. The degree of polarization (DoP) is a less computationally complex quantity characterizing a partially polarized electromagnetic field. The key to the proposed approach is making use of DoP as polarimetric information besides intensity ones to improve dark patches detection as the first step of oil spill monitoring. In the proposed approach first simple intensity threshold segmentation like Otsu method is applied to the image. Pixels with intensities below the threshold are regarded as potential dark spot pixels while the others are potential background pixels. Second, the DoP of potential dark spot pixels is estimated. Pixels with DoP below a certain threshold are the real dark-spot pixels. Choosing the threshold is a critical and challenging step. In order to solve choosing the appropriate threshold, we introduce a novel but simple method based on DoP of potential dark spot pixels. Finally, an area threshold is used to eliminate any remaining false targets. The proposed approach is tested on L band NASA/JPL UAVSAR data, covering the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Comparing the obtained results from the new method with conventional approaches like Otsu, K-means and GrowCut shows better achievement of the proposed algorithm. For instance, mean square error (MSE) 65%, Overall Accuracy 20% and correlation 40% are improved.
GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL ASSESSMENT USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND AHP METHOD (CASE STUDY: BAFT CITY, KERMAN, IRAN)
Authors: Zeinolabedini M. , Esmaeily A.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. The purpose of the present study is to use Geographical Information Systems (GISs) for determining the best areas having ground water potential in Baft city. To achieve this objective, parameters such as precipitation, slope, fault, vegetation, land cover and lithology were used. Regarding different weight of these parameters effect, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used. After developing informational layers in GIS and weighing each of them, a model was developed. The final map of ground waters potential was calculated through the above-mentioned model. Through applying our developed model four areas having high, average, low potential and without required potential distinguished. Results of this research indicated that 0.74, 41.23 and 45.63 percent of the area had high, average and low potential, respectively. Moreover, 12.38% of this area had no potential. Obtained results can be useful in management plans of ground water resources and preventing excessive exploitation.
INTRA-URBAN MOVEMENT FLOW ESTIMATION USING LOCATION BASED SOCIAL NETWORKING DATA
Authors: Kheiri A. , Karimipour F. , Forghani M.
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In recent years, there has been a rapid growth of location-based social networking services, such as Foursquare and Facebook, which have attracted an increasing number of users and greatly enriched their urban experience. Location-based social network data, as a new travel demand data source, seems to be an alternative or complement to survey data in the study of mobility behavior and activity analysis because of its relatively high access and low cost. In this paper, three OD estimation models have been utilized in order to investigate their relative performance when using Location-Based Social Networking (LBSN) data. For this, the Foursquare LBSN data was used to analyze the intra-urban movement behavioral patterns for the study area, Manhattan, the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York city. The outputs of models are evaluated using real observations based on different criterions including distance distribution, destination travel constraints. The results demonstrate the promising potential of using LBSN data for urban travel demand analysis and monitoring.
Collaborative Learning in Problem Solving: A Case Study in Metacognitive Learning
Authors: Wismath Shelly L. , Orr Doug
Published: December 2015

Problem solving and collaborative communication are among the key 21st century skills educators want students to develop. This paper presents results from a study of the collaborative work patterns of 133 participants from a university level course designed to develop transferable problem-solving skills. Most of the class time in this course was spent on actually solving puzzles, with minimal direct instruction; students were allowed to work either independently or in small groups of two or more, as they preferred, and to move back and forth between these two modalities as they wished. A distinctive student-driven pattern blending collaborative and independent endeavour was observed, consistently over four course offerings in four years. We discuss a number of factors which appear to be related to this variable pattern of independent and collaborative enterprise, including the thinking and learning styles of the individuals, the preference of the individuals, the types of problems being worked on, and the stage in a given problem at which students were working. We also consider implications of these factors for the teaching of problem solving, arguing that the development of collaborative problem solving abilities is an important metacognitive skill.
La résolution des problèmes et la communication collaborative sont parmi les compétences clés que les éducateurs du XXIe siècle veulent que leurs étudiants acquièrent. Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude menée sur les modèles de travail collaboratif de 133 participants d’un cours universitaire conçu pour développer des compétences en matière de résolution des problèmes. La plupart des activités de classe de ce cours ont été consacrées à résoudre réellement des casse-tête avec un minimum de directives; les étudiants avaient la permission de travailler soit indépendamment soit en petits groupes de deux ou plus, selon leur préférence, et de passer de l’une à l’autre de ces modalités, comme ils voulaient. On a observé un modèle distinct dirigé par les étudiants eux-mêmes qui était un mélange de travail collaboratif et de travail indépendant, et ce dans quatre cours séparés offerts en quatre ans. Nous discutons un certain nombre de facteurs qui semblent être liés à ce modèle variable d’entreprise indépendante et collaborative, y compris les styles de réflexion et d’apprentissage des individus, les préférences des individus, les types de problèmes sur lesquels les étudiants ont travaillé et l’étape, lors de la résolution d’un problème donné, où les étudiants travaillaient. Nous prenons également en considération les implications de ces facteurs pour l’enseignement de la résolution de problèmes et nous discutons le fait que le développement de compétences pour la résolution de problèmes en collaboration est une compétence métacognitive importante.
Expression of HIV-1 gag and env genes using the vesicular stomatitis virus vector system
Authors: Baek Justine M
Published: December 2015

Traditional vaccine methods have long been employed to control widespread infectious diseases, but so far, all commercially available vaccine strategies have been inadequate in efforts to develop an effective therapeutic HIV vaccine. However, recent advancements in immunological research have led to the generation of novel vaccine strategies, one of which is the recombinant virus vaccine, a method of particular interest that has shown promise in the clearance of HIV infection within HIV-positive patients who have retained immunocompetence. This study examined the stability of expression of HIV-1 genes, gag and env, through a recombinant virus vector, a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a temperature-sensitive mutant genetically modified to contain the select HIV-1 genes (VSVInd(GML)HIV-1gag-env). For SDS-PAGE, cells infected with VSVInd(GML) temperature-sensitive mutants were incubated at 31 °C and 37 °C, the permissible and semi-permissible growth conditions respectively. Western blot analyses were used to quantitate levels of protein expression of full VSV proteins, Gag, and Env using a primary rabbit antibody of anti-VSV anti-serum and a secondary anti-IgG from rabbit, a primary antibody of anti-p24 anti-serum and a secondary anti-IgG from rabbit, and a primary goat antibody, anti-gp120, and a secondary anti-IgG from goat, respectively. Results indicated that the VSVInd(GML) vector system allowed for high levels of expression of HIV-1 gag and env genes. It is known that the expression of these genes induce the production of major neutralizing antibodies and the stimulation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, therefore this finding reveals the potential to use a genetically modified recombinant VSV as a universal vector for the development of recombinant virus vaccines. Specifically, the VSVInd(GML) mutant vector is thus an attractive candidate for the viral vector of a therapeutic HIV vaccine system.
Increased Expression of ERCC2 Gene in Head and Neck Cancer is Associated with Aggressive Tumors: A Systematic Review and Case-Control Study
Authors: Zafeer Maryam , Mahjabeen Ishrat , Kayani Mahmood Akhtar
Published: December 2015

Introduction

The excision repair cross-complementation group 2 (ERCC2) ATP-dependent helicase is an essential member of the DNA repair pathway. It has been observed to be differentially expressed in different cancers, which shows its involvement in carcinogenesis.

Aim

In the present study we have tried to determine the association of expression patterns of this gene with head and neck carcinogenesis.

Method

We first carried out a systematic review of the available studies on the role of ERCC2 in head and neck cancer (HNC). In order to test the hypothesis that the expression patterns of XPD/ERCC2 play a critical role in HNC pathogenesis, we then conducted a population based case-control study on 81 head and neck tumor samples and adjacent normal-tissue control samples. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to assess ERCC2 deregulation at the mRNA level.

Result

Expression analysis showed that the ERCC2 expression level was significantly upregulated (p<0.05) in HNC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Furthermore, the expression pattern of ERCC2 was correlated with the expression pattern of Ki-67 and a significant correlation (r = 0.230, p<0.03) was observed between ERCC2 and Ki-67. Spearman's correlation also showed a significant correlation between ERCC2 expression and tumor stage (r = 0.271, p<0.02) and grade (r = 0.228, p<0.02) of HNC.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that deregulation of ERCC2 in HNC has the potential to predict a more aggressive cancer phenotype and may be considered a possible biomarker for improved diagnosis and prognosis of HNC.
Quoted Confessions: Augustine's Confessiones and Derrida's “Circonfession”
Authors: Schumm Johanna
Published: December 2015

In his autobiographical text “Circonfession,” written in 1990, Jacques Derrida makes various references to Augustine's Confessiones. This article reveals broad similarities between the works of the church father and the father of deconstruction in Derrida's reading of the former's text. Imitating Augustinian motifs and techniques of confession, Derrida builds a bridge to a premodern epistemic and esthetics of subjectivity. Through the literary techniques of addressing and citation, Augustine and Derrida each formulate a confessional subject that constitutes itself only in interrelation to an alterity. The similarities are based on related assumptions in both authors’ theories of language and interpretation. The Augustinian question “why we confess to the omniscient God” (“Cur confitemur Deo scienti”) and his answer “to do truth” (“veritatem facere”) lead Derrida to a notion of confession in line with Augustine's, and he then ostentatiously distinguishes that notion from Rousseau's. The difference lies in the intention of the two confessions: plea for forgiveness versus apology.
Conflicting Views of Landscape in John Steinbeck's Literary West
Authors: Searway Robert
Published: December 2015

In the epilogue to John Steinbeck's The Pastures of Heaven, a sightseeing bus carries a group of passengers above the Salinas Valley to gaze on the pastoral scene. The view of the valley below affords contrasting perspectives regarding the future development of the landscape and thus reflects explicitly on conflicts portrayed throughout stories within the main text. One tourist sees the development of economic modernity and prophesizes an encroaching capitalist system that would destroy the environment for the pursuit of economic gain. Another onlooker imagines the continuation of a pastoral way of life, of local communities living in concert with the landscape. According to Sara Blair's theory of cultural geography, localities become “specific places … where individuals negotiate definitively social relations” such as between these global and regional forces (545). In Pastures, this clash of the regional and global affects characters living in the quiet agricultural community as they suffer under the pressure of the encroaching economic perspective brought into the valley by the Munroe family. As in Cannery Row, Steinbeck portrays individuals struggling against the pressures of global capitalization in regional landscapes. This paper will explore how small groups of misfit communities in Steinbeck's works attempt to survive apart from greater economic forces impinging on them. Steinbeck reveals that individuals who come to uphold regional values that protect the environment against economic exploitation serve as the antidote to encroaching global forces and exemplify a potential way to navigate conflicting economic perspectives.
John Steinbeck and the Missing Kamatz in East of Eden: How Steinbeck Found a Hebrew Word but Muddled Some Vowels
Authors: Levin Daniel
Published: December 2015

John Steinbeck introduced the word Timshel in East of Eden, reflecting the opportunity to resist the urge to sin. Research of the original Hebrew from which the word is derived highlighted an error in Steinbeck's transliteration leading to an intriguing investigation into the origin and meaning of the word, as well as Steinbeck's portrayal of the word in East of Eden and in a wood carving he made on the box lid he used to deliver the manuscript for the book. The biblical Hebrew context of the word that Steinbeck himself researched is reviewed together with a discussion of its continued use in popular culture. The article concludes with Steinbeck's own message concerning Timshel.
Efecto de la relación de esbeltez en la cinemática del flujo rotatorio con fronteras rígidas
Authors: Lizardi Ramos Arturo , Terres Peña Hilario , López Callejas Raymundo , Vaca Mier Mabel , Flores Rodríguez Julio , Chávez Sánchez Sandra
Published: December 2015

En este trabajo se analizan las componentes de velocidad radial (u), azimutal (v), los flujos volumétricos primario (Qp), secundario (Qs) y el coeficiente de par (Cm), que se generan en el interior de un cilindro cerrado que tiene la tapa giratoria y el fondo y envolvente sin movimiento. Los resultados se presentan mediante gráficas en las que se analizan dichas propiedades, para un número de Reynolds de 3x104 y para un factor de forma (alto/radio) del recipiente de 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 y 2.0. Tomando como referencia la relación geométrica de 1.0 y comparándolo con los otros factores de forma, se encontró que: la componente de velocidad radial (u) se incrementó en su valor máximo positivo en un rango del 7.24 % al 14.02 %; la componente de velocidad tangencial (v) mantuvo los mismos valores máximos en todas las relaciones geométricas; el flujo volumétrico primario aumentó del 88.34 % al 193.25 %; el flujo volumétrico secundario se incrementó en un rango del 68.92 % al 236.48 %; y el coeficiente de par aumentó de un 16.77 % al 94.41 %. Los resultados anteriores revelan que al modificar la relación de esbeltez del sistema las propiedades cinemáticas estudiadas no siguen un patrón de variación homogéneo y que dependerá del interés que se tenga en alguna de ellas para analizar su comportamiento.
Population-based 10-year event-free survival after radical prostatectomy for patients with prostate cancer in British Columbia
Authors: Peacock Michael , Quirt Jill , Morris W James , So Alan , Sing Charmaine Kim , Pickles Tom , Tyldesley Scott
Published: December 2015

Introduction: We determined (1) the 10-year survival outcomes after radical treatment of prostate cancer and (2) the 10-year eventfree survival following radical prostatectomy (RP) at a populationlevel in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods: We identified all men with a new diagnosis of prostate cancer in BC between 1999 and 2000. Those treated with RP, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or brachytherapy (BT) were identified. Overall survival, and prostate cancer specific survival (PCSS) were calculated from diagnosis using the Kaplan-Meier method. For those men treated with RP, we calculated the 10-year event-free survival (freedom from salvage EBRT or androgen ablation, or death from prostate cancer). Reasons for initiating androgen therapy were unknown and may include symptomatic metastatic disease or asymptomatic biochemical recurrence. An important limitation was the absence of prostate-specific antigen data for staging or follow-up.

Results: Among 6028 incident cases, RP was the curative-intent treatment within 1 year in 1360 (22.6%) patients, EBRT in 1367 (22.7%), and BT in 357 (5.9%). The 10-year PCSS was 98% for RP, 95% for EBRT and 98% for BT (log rank p < 0.0001). The 10-year overall survival was 87%. The 10-year event-free survival for those treated with RP was 79% and varied with Gleason grade: 87%, 74%, and 52% for Gleason 2–6, 7, and 8-10, respectively (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: This population-based study provides outcomes which can inform patient decision-making and provide a benchmark to which other therapies can be compared. Event-free rates for patients treated with RP vary with Gleason score. There is room for improvement in the outcomes of patients with high Gleason score treated with RP.
Effective Classroom-Management & Positive Teaching
Authors: Sieberer-Nagler Katharina
Published: December 2015

This article offers practical information for primary teachers to become more knowledgable, skilled and effective in their work. Aspects of positive teaching and learning are explored. Innovative methods for transforming common classroom management struggles into opportunities for positive change and for changing negative behaviors into positive interactions are explained.

Classroom climate, expectations, motivation, and methods for constructive reflection on mistakes are investigated to support teachers in developing a positive learning environment.
Probable Interspecies Transfer of the blaVIM-4 Gene between Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Single Infant Patient
Authors: Piekarska Katarzyna , Zacharczuk Katarzyna , Rzeczkowska Magdalena , Wołkowicz Tomasz , Januszkiewicz Aleksandra , Podsiadły Edyta , Demkow Urszula , Gierczyński Rafał
Published: December 2015

We report the interspecies transfer of the blaVIM-4 gene in MBL-producing Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from a newborn patient who had received meropenem therapy. We show evidence that gene blaVIM-4 was transmitted as a part of the class‑1 integron on a ca. ~90 kb conjugative plasmid. High homology of nucleotide sequence was observed between the integron found in VIM-4 producing E. cloacae and K. pneumoniae strains tested and class‑1 integrons previously reporteded in Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Hungary and Poland. This finding may suggest P. aeruginosa as a potential source of acquired VIM-4 in Enterobacteriaceae.
Tuberculosis in Antelopes in a Zoo in Poland – Problem of Public Health
Authors: Krajewska Monika , Załuski Michał , Zabost Anna , Orłowska Blanka , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa , Anusz Krzysztof , Lipiec Marek , Weiner Marcin , Szulowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2015

Bovine tuberculosis is an infectious disease that occurs in many species of both domestic and wild animals, as well as those held in captivity. The etiological factor is the acid resistant bacillus (Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium caprae), which is characterized by the major pathogenicity among mycobacteria belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The material from 8 antelopes from the zoo, suspected for tuberculosis were examined, and M. bovis strains were isolated from 6 of them. The spoligotyping method showing spoligo pattern 676763777777600. In Poland, this spoligotype has not been observed so far.