bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LANDSLIDE ACTIVITY MONITORING WITH THE HELP OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE
Authors: Peterman V.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This paper presents a practical example of a landslide monitoring through the use of a UAV - tracking and monitoring the movements of the Potoska Planina landslide located above the village of Koroska Bela in the western Karavanke Mountains in north-western Slovenia. Past geological research in this area indicated slope landmass movement of more than 10 cm per year. However, much larger movements have been detected since - significant enough to be observed photogrammetrically with the help of a UAV. With the intention to assess the dynamics of the landslide we have established a system of periodic observations carried out twice per year – in mid-spring and mid-autumn. This paper offers an activity summary along with the presentation of data acquisition, data processing and results.
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A UAV BASED MAPPING SYSTEM FOR REMOTE SENSING AND SURVEYING APPLICATIONS
Authors: Eling C. , Wieland M. , Hess C. , Klingbeil L. , Kuhlmann H.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. In recent years, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have increasingly been used in various application areas, such as in the remote sensing or surveying. For these applications the UAV has to be equipped with a mapping sensor, which is mostly a camera. Furthermore, a georeferencing of the UAV platform and/or the acquired mapping data is required. The most efficient way to realize this georeferencing is the direct georeferencing, which is based on an onboard multi-sensor system. In recent decades, direct georeferencing systems have been researched and used extensively in airborne, ship and land vehicle applications. However, these systems cannot easily be adapted to UAV platforms, which is mainly due to weight and size limitations. In this paper a direct georeferencing system for micro- and mini-sized UAVs is presented, which consists of a dual-frequency geodetic grade OEM GPS board, a low-cost single-frequency GPS chip, a tactical grade IMU and a magnetometer. To allow for cm-level position and sub-degree attitude accuracies, RTK GPS (real-time kinematic) and GPS attitude (GPS compass) determination algorithms are running on this system, as well as a GPS/IMU integration. Beside the direct georeferencing, also the precise time synchronization of the camera, which acts as the main sensor for mobile mapping applications, and the calibration of the lever arm between the camera reference point and the direct georeferencing reference point are explained in this paper. Especially the high accurate time synchronization of the camera is very important, to still allow for high surveying accuracies, when the images are taken during the motion of the UAV. Results of flight tests demonstrate that the developed system, the camera synchronization and the lever arm calibration make directly georeferenced UAV based single point measurements possible, which have cm-level accuracies on the ground.
UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES PRODUCE HIGH-RESOLUTION, SEASONALLY-RELEVANT IMAGERY FOR CLASSIFYING WETLAND VEGETATION
Authors: Marcaccio J. V. , Markle C. E. , Chow-Fraser P.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. With recent advances in technology, personal aerial imagery acquired with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has transformed the way ecologists can map seasonal changes in wetland habitat. Here, we use a multi-rotor (consumer quad-copter, the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+) UAV to acquire a high-resolution (< 8 cm) composite photo of a coastal wetland in summer 2014. Using validation data collected in the field, we determine if a UAV image and SWOOP (Southwestern Ontario Orthoimagery Project) image (collected in spring 2010) differ in their classification of type of dominant vegetation type and percent cover of three plant classes: submerged aquatic vegetation, floating aquatic vegetation, and emergent vegetation. The UAV imagery was more accurate than available SWOOP imagery for mapping percent cover of submergent and floating vegetation categories, but both were able to accurately determine the dominant vegetation type and percent cover of emergent vegetation. Our results underscore the value and potential for affordable UAVs (complete quad-copter system < $3,000 CAD) to revolutionize the way ecologists obtain imagery and conduct field research. In Canada, new UAV regulations make this an easy and affordable way to obtain multiple high-resolution images of small (< 1.0 km2) wetlands, or portions of larger wetlands throughout a year.
REFLECTANCE ANISOTROPY MEASUREMENTS USING A PUSHBROOM SPECTROMETER MOUNTED ON UAV AND A LABORATORY GONIOMETER – PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Suomalainen J. , Roosjen P. , Bartholomeus H. , Clevers J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. During 2014–2015 we have developed a new method to measure reflectance factor anisotropy using a pushbroom spectrometer mounted on a multicopter UAV. In this paper/presentation we describe the acquisition method and show the preliminary results of the experiment. To validate the measurements the same targets have also been measured with a laboratory goniometer system. The first experiments over sugar beet fields in 2014 show similar trends in both UAV and laboratory anisotropy data, but also some differences caused by differences in sampling and diffuse illumination. In 2015 a more extensive study on wheat, barley and potato fields were performed. The measurements were repeated on three days over the growth of the crops allowing linking the development of the crops to the anisotropy signals. On each day the anisotropy measurement was repeated 4–5 times with different solar zenith angles ranging from 60° to 40° allowing analysis how the solar angle affects the anisotropy. The first results of these experiments will be presented in this conference.
OVERVIEW OF UAV ACTIVITIES IN WAGENINGEN UNMANNED AERIAL REMOTE SENSING FACILITY
Authors: Suomalainen J. , Anders N. , Franke J. , Bartholomeus H. , Nolet C. , van Puijenbroek M. , Kramer H. , Keesstra S. , Mücher S. , Kooistra L.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The WUR Unmanned Aerial Remote Sensing Facility (UARSF) (www.wageningenur.nl/uarsf ) is a co-operation organization of different groups within Wageningen University and Research Centre to use UAVs in remote sensing applications. The facility was founded in 2012. Since then the facility has taken part in numerous of mapping campaigns exploiting UAVs with researchers with in WUR as well as external cooperating partners. In this paper/poster we present the facility, the UAV platforms, the camera systems, and demonstrate some highlights of our results.
HEIGHT GRADIENT APPROACH FOR OCCLUSION DETECTION IN UAV IMAGERY
Authors: Oliveira H. C. , Habib A. F. , Dal Poz A. P. , Galo M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) significantly increased in the last years. It is used for several different applications, such as mapping, publicity, security, natural disasters assistance, environmental monitoring, 3D building model generation, cadastral survey, etc. The imagery obtained by this kind of system has a great potential. To use these images in true orthophoto generation projects related to urban scenes or areas where buildings are present, it is important to consider the occlusion caused by surface height variation, platform attitude, and perspective projection. Occlusions in UAV imagery are usually larger than in conventional airborne dataset due to the low-altitude and excessive change in orientation due to the low-weight and wind effects during the flight mission. Therefore, this paper presents a method for occlusion detection together with some obtained results for images acquired by a UAV platform. The proposed method shows potential in occlusion detection and true orthophoto generation.
MODEL-BASED BUILDING DETECTION FROM LOW-COST OPTICAL SENSORS ONBOARD UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
Authors: Karantzalos K. , Koutsourakis P. , Kalisperakis I. , Grammatikopoulos L.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The automated and cost-effective building detection in ultra high spatial resolution is of major importance for various engineering and smart city applications. To this end, in this paper, a model-based building detection technique has been developed able to extract and reconstruct buildings from UAV aerial imagery and low-cost imaging sensors. In particular, the developed approach through advanced structure from motion, bundle adjustment and dense image matching computes a DSM and a true orthomosaic from the numerous GoPro images which are characterised by important geometric distortions and fish-eye effect. An unsupervised multi-region, graphcut segmentation and a rule-based classification is responsible for delivering the initial multi-class classification map. The DTM is then calculated based on inpaininting and mathematical morphology process. A data fusion process between the detected building from the DSM/DTM and the classification map feeds a grammar-based building reconstruction and scene building are extracted and reconstructed. Preliminary experimental results appear quite promising with the quantitative evaluation indicating detection rates at object level of 88% regarding the correctness and above 75% regarding the detection completeness.
MISSION-ORIENTED SENSOR ARRAYS AND UAVs – A CASE STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Authors: Figueira N. M. , Freire I. L. , Trindade O. , Simões E.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This paper presents a new concept of UAV mission design in geomatics, applied to the generation of thematic maps for a multitude of civilian and military applications. We discuss the architecture of Mission-Oriented Sensors Arrays (MOSA), proposed in Figueira et Al. (2013), aimed at splitting and decoupling the mission-oriented part of the system (non safety-critical hardware and software) from the aircraft control systems (safety-critical). As a case study, we present an environmental monitoring application for the automatic generation of thematic maps to track gunshot activity in conservation areas. The MOSA modeled for this application integrates information from a thermal camera and an on-the-ground microphone array. The use of microphone arrays technology is of particular interest in this paper. These arrays allow estimation of the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of the incoming sound waves. Information about events of interest is obtained by the fusion of the data provided by the microphone array, captured by the UAV, fused with information from the termal image processing. Preliminary results show the feasibility of the on-the-ground sound processing array and the simulation of the main processing module, to be embedded into an UAV in a future work. The main contributions of this paper are the proposed MOSA system, including concepts, models and architecture.
UAV-BASED POINT CLOUD GENERATION FOR OPEN-PIT MINE MODELLING
Authors: Shahbazi M. , Sohn G. , Théau J. , Ménard P.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Along with the advancement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), improvement of high-resolution cameras and development of vision-based mapping techniques, unmanned aerial imagery has become a matter of remarkable interest among researchers and industries. These images have the potential to provide data with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution for three-dimensional (3D) modelling. In this paper, we present our theoretical and technical experiments regarding the development, implementation and evaluation of a UAV-based photogrammetric system for precise 3D modelling. This system was preliminarily evaluated for the application of gravel-pit surveying. The hardware of the system includes an electric powered helicopter, a 16-megapixels visible camera and inertial navigation system. The software of the system consists of the in-house programs built for sensor calibration, platform calibration, system integration and flight planning. It also includes the algorithms developed for structure from motion (SfM) computation including sparse matching, motion estimation, bundle adjustment and dense matching.
AUTOMATED DSM EXTRACTION FROM UAV IMAGES AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
Authors: Rhee S. , Kim T.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. As technology evolves, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) imagery is being used from simple applications such as image acquisition to complicated applications such as 3D spatial information extraction. Spatial information is usually provided in the form of a DSM or point cloud. It is important to generate very dense tie points automatically from stereo images. In this paper, we tried to apply stereo image-based matching technique developed for satellite/aerial images to UAV images, propose processing steps for automated DSM generation and to analyse the possibility of DSM generation. For DSM generation from UAV images, firstly, exterior orientation parameters (EOPs) for each dataset were adjusted. Secondly, optimum matching pairs were determined. Thirdly, stereo image matching was performed with each pair. Developed matching algorithm is based on grey-level correlation on pixels applied along epipolar lines. Finally, the extracted match results were united with one result and the final DSM was made. Generated DSM was compared with a reference DSM from Lidar. Overall accuracy was 1.5 m in NMAD. However, several problems have to be solved in future, including obtaining precise EOPs, handling occlusion and image blurring problems. More effective interpolation technique needs to be developed in the future.
INTEGRATING UAV INTO GEOMATICS CURRICULUM
Authors: Al-Tahir R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have gained tremendous interest as a platform for surveying and mapping over the last few years, and have opened up a new realm of opportunities for surveying, orthophoto production, 3D modelling and feature extraction. UAVs provide a viable and affordable alternative for the airborne and space borne sensors for the medium/large scale mapping. This paper argues that universities should expand their education and training programs to include UAV-based geomatics operations and application development. Based on the author’s own experience as well other cases, details are developed and presented in this paper with respect to the likely syllabi and practical assignments. Alternatives for hardware and software support will be briefly discussed.
DIRECT GEOREFERENCING ON SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL PLATFORMS FOR IMPROVED RELIABILITY AND ACCURACY OF MAPPING WITHOUT THE NEED FOR GROUND CONTROL POINTS
Authors: Mian O. , Lutes J. , Lipa G. , Hutton J. J. , Gavelle E. , Borghini S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This paper presents results from a Direct Mapping Solution (DMS) comprised of an Applanix APX-15 UAV GNSS-Inertial system integrated with a Sony a7R camera to produce highly accurate ortho-rectified imagery without Ground Control Points on a Microdrones md4-1000 platform. A 55 millimeter Nikkor f/1.8 lens was mounted on the Sony a7R and the camera was then focused and calibrated terrestrially using the Applanix camera calibration facility, and then integrated with the APX-15 UAV GNSS-Inertial system using a custom mount specifically designed for UAV applications. In July 2015, Applanix and Avyon carried out a test flight of this system. The goal of the test flight was to assess the performance of DMS APX-15 UAV direct georeferencing system on the md4-1000. The area mapped during the test was a 250 x 300 meter block in a rural setting in Ontario, Canada. Several ground control points are distributed within the test area. The test included 8 North-South lines and 1 cross strip flown at 80 meters AGL, resulting in a ~1 centimeter Ground Sample Distance (GSD). Map products were generated from the test flight using Direct Georeferencing, and then compared for accuracy against the known positions of ground control points in the test area. The GNSS-Inertial data collected by the APX-15 UAV was post-processed in Single Base mode, using a base station located in the project area via POSPac UAV. The base-station’s position was precisely determined by processing a 12-hour session using the CSRS-PPP Post Processing service. The ground control points were surveyed in using differential GNSS post-processing techniques with respect to the base-station.
AUTOMATIC GEO-REFERENCING MOBILE LASER SCANNING DATA TO UAV IMAGES
Authors: Gao Y. , Huang X. , Zhang F. , Fu Z. , Yang C.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. In this paper, a framework for adjusting mobile laser scanning point cloud data to improve the accuracy is proposed by integrating high resolution UAV images and MLS. First, aerial triangulated images with a few high accuracy ground control points are taken as control information. Then, a hierarchical strategy is proposed for robust pairwise registration of feature points between point cloud and images, so as to find the deviation of the point cloud. In the next step, a shape-preserving piecewise cubic interpolating method is employed to fit the time dependent error model of the trajectory. Finally, experiments are given to prove the effectiveness of proposed framework.
A NEW SURVEY ON SELF-TUNING INTEGRATED LOW-COST GPS/INS VEHICLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM IN HARSH ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Navidi N. , Landry R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Nowadays, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers are aided by some complementary radio navigation systems and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) to obtain more accuracy and robustness in land vehicular navigation. Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is an acceptable conventional method to estimate the position, the velocity, and the attitude of the navigation system when INS measurements are fused with GPS data. However, the usage of the low-cost Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) based on the Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS), for the land navigation systems, reduces the precision and stability of the navigation system due to their inherent errors. The main goal of this paper is to provide a new model for fusing low-cost IMU and GPS measurements. The proposed model is based on EKF aided by Fuzzy Inference Systems (FIS) as a promising method to solve the mentioned problems. This model considers the parameters of the measurement noise to adjust the measurement and noise process covariance. The simulation results show the efficiency of the proposed method to reduce the navigation system errors compared with EKF.
INTEGRATING TERRESTRIAL LIDAR WITH POINT CLOUDS CREATED FROM UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE IMAGERY
Authors: Leslar M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for the purposes of conducting high-accuracy aerial surveying has become a hot topic over the last year. One of the most promising means of conducting such a survey involves integrating a high-resolution non-metric digital camera with the UAV and using the principals of digital photogrammetry to produce high-density colorized point clouds. Through the use of stereo imagery, precise and accurate horizontal positioning information can be produced without the need for integration with any type of inertial navigation system (INS). Of course, some form of ground control is needed to achieve this result. Terrestrial LiDAR, either static or mobile, provides the solution. Points extracted from Terrestrial LiDAR can be used as control in the digital photogrammetry solution required by the UAV. In return, the UAV is an affordable solution for filling in the shadows and occlusions typically experienced by Terrestrial LiDAR. In this paper, the accuracies of points derived from a commercially available UAV solution will be examined and compared to the accuracies achievable by a commercially available LIDAR solution. It was found that the LiDAR system produced a point cloud that was twice as accurate as the point cloud produced by the UAV’s photogrammetric solution. Both solutions gave results within a few centimetres of the control field. In addition the about of planar dispersion on the vertical wall surfaces in the UAV point cloud was found to be multiple times greater than that from the horizontal ground based UAV points or the LiDAR data.
Simulation of tsunami generation, propagation and coastal inundation in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Samaras A. G. , Karambas Th. V. , Archetti R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. In the present work, an advanced tsunami generation, propagation and coastal inundation 2-DH model (i.e. 2-D Horizontal model) based on the higher-order Boussinesq equations – developed by the authors – is applied to simulate representative earthquake-induced tsunami scenarios in the Eastern Mediterranean. Two areas of interest were selected after evaluating tsunamigenic zones and possible sources in the region: one at the southwest of the island of Crete in Greece and one at the east of the island of Sicily in Italy. Model results are presented in the form of extreme water elevation maps, sequences of snapshots of water elevation during the propagation of the tsunamis, and inundation maps of the studied low-lying coastal areas. This work marks one of the first successful applications of a fully nonlinear model for the 2-DH simulation of tsunami-induced coastal inundation; acquired results are indicative of the model's capabilities, as well of how areas in the Eastern Mediterranean would be affected by eventual larger events.
SF3M software: 3-D photo-reconstruction for non-expert users and its application to a gully network
Authors: Castillo C. , James M. R. , Redel-Macías M. D. , Pérez R. , Gómez J. A.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Three-dimensional photo-reconstruction (PR) techniques have been successfully used to produce high-resolution surface models for different applications and over different spatial scales. However, innovative approaches are required to overcome some limitations that this technique may present for field image acquisition in challenging scene geometries. Here, we evaluate SF3M, a new graphical user interface for implementing a complete PR workflow based on freely available software (including external calls to VisualSFM and CloudCompare), in combination with a low-cost survey design for the reconstruction of a several-hundred-metres-long gully network. SF3M provided a semi-automated workflow for 3-D reconstruction requiring ~ 49 h (of which only 17 % required operator assistance) for obtaining a final gully network model of > 17 million points over a gully plan area of 4230 m2. We show that a walking itinerary along the gully perimeter using two lightweight automatic cameras (1 s time-lapse mode) and a 6 m long pole is an efficient method for 3-D monitoring of gullies, at a low cost (~ EUR 1000 budget for the field equipment) and the time requirements (~ 90 min for image collection). A mean error of 6.9 cm at the ground control points was found, mainly due to model deformations derived from the linear geometry of the gully and residual errors in camera calibration. The straightforward image collection and processing approach can be of great benefit for non-expert users working on gully erosion assessment.
Exploring the utility of quantitative network design in evaluating Arctic sea ice thickness sampling strategies
Authors: Kaminski T. , Kauker F. , Eicken H. , Karcher M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. We present a quantitative network design (QND) study of the Arctic sea ice–ocean system using a software tool that can evaluate hypothetical observational networks in a variational data assimilation system. For a demonstration, we evaluate two idealised flight transects derived from NASA's Operation IceBridge airborne ice surveys in terms of their potential to improve 10-day to 5-month sea ice forecasts. As target regions for the forecasts we select the Chukchi Sea, an area particularly relevant for maritime traffic and offshore resource exploration, as well as two areas related to the Barnett ice severity index (BSI), a standard measure of shipping conditions along the Alaskan coast that is routinely issued by ice services. Our analysis quantifies the benefits of sampling upstream of the target area and of reducing the sampling uncertainty. We demonstrate how observations of sea ice and snow thickness can constrain ice and snow variables in a target region and quantify the complementarity of combining two flight transects. We further quantify the benefit of improved atmospheric forecasts and a well-calibrated model.
Evaluation of Pictures and Graphics Semiotics in National kindergarten Interactive Curriculum in Jordan
Authors: Al-Mouhtadi Reham , Jwaifell Mustafa , Aldarabah Intisar
Published: August 2015

This research aimed at evaluation of pictures and graphics semiotics in national kindergarten interactive curriculum in Jordan. Frequencies of items reflecting semiotics were used to evaluation pictures and graphics included in the Jordanian National Kindergarten Interactive Curriculum (JNKIC), depending on the study instrument which was built for the study's purposes. The study results showed that a rich curriculum in graphics and pictures in addition to that it's high quality content, in addition, the literacy level in the pictures and graphics high quality. On the other hand, there is a clear lack of observance pictures and graphics that care with special needs. The researchers recommended giving more attention in the curriculum included pictures and graphics take into account the special needs, in addition, conducting further studies on the evaluation of interactive curriculum from the teachers view point and its relationship between their experience and qualification.   
New Spectrofluorimetric Method for Determining Serotonin: Application to Human Urine
Authors: Khonté Abdourahmane , Thiaré Diène , Diop Cheikh , Cissé Lamine , Delattre François , Coly Atanasse , Gaye-Seye Mame , Sall Niama , Tine Alphonse
Published: August 2015

In this present paper, we investigate the development of simple, rapid, accurate, reproducible and sensitive methods for the determination of serotonin (5-HT) in urine. For this purpose stationary fluorescence was used as method. With regard to the analysis of serotonin, the liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) solid phase extraction (SPE) and standard addition procedures were used. Several physicochemical factors affecting the sensitivity of the fluorescence intensity of serotonin were optimized, including the system of solvent (organic, micellar), the pH and the salts. The study of the analytical performances of the method led to very low limits of detection (LOD) varying between 0.1 and 3 ng/mL and to limits of quantification (LOQ) ranging between 0.4 and 10 ng/mL. This confirms the sensitivity of the method. Thus the low values of standard deviations (DRS) (between 0.3 and 6.6%) testify the good reproducibility of the measurements with satisfactory covering rate (89 to 111%). Accordingly, our results show that the spectrofluorimetric method is simple, fast and sensitive and can be applied to the routine analysis and does not require expensive equipment nor tiresome chemical pretreatments.
Occurrence of Aflatoxin in Some Food Commodities Commonly Consumed in Nigeria
Authors: Williams I. O. , Ugbaje S. A. , Igile G. O. , Ekpe O. O.
Published: August 2015

Aflatoxicosis is a public health problem in Nigeria like other tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Control of aflatoxin contamination requires thorough risk assessment, monitoring, quality control and empirical data. This study assayed total aflatoxin levels, identified and quantified four aflatoxin types in five food commodities commonly consumed in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The food materials: Zea mays, Colocynthis citrullus, Capsicum frutescens, Irvingia gabonensis and Arachis hypogea were obtained from Watt market in Calabar urban. ELISA method was used for total aflatoxin, HPLC for aflatoxin types, AOAC for moisture. All (100%) the samples were contaminated with aflatoxin. Contamination was highest in Irvingia gabonensis (63.40 ± 1.79 µg/kg) and least in Zea mays (3.20 ± 0.12 µg/kg) (p < 0.05). Except for Irvingia gabonensis and Colocynthis citrullus, total aflatoxin was within safe intake level of the Nigerian regulatory authority (National Agency for Food and Drug Adminstration and Control {NAFDAC}). All four aflatoxin types occurred in Irvingia gabonensis, Capsicum frutescens and Colocynthis citrullus; none was detected in Arachis hypogea. AFB1 contamination was highest in Irvingia gabonensis (11.71±0.10 µg/kg) followed by Capsicum frutescens (1.21 ± 0.01 µg/kg); AFB2 ranged from 0.00 ± 0.00-2.43 ± 0.05 µg/kg, AFG1 0.00 ± 0.00-3.73 ± 0.04 µg/kg, and AFG2 0.00 ± 0.00-0.54 ± 0.01 µg/kg (p < 0.05). Only Irvingia gabonensis exceeded the limit of AFB1 specified by NAFDAC for human foods. Moisture content varied widely (3.23 ± 0.03%-10.37 ± 0.19%). The trend in the occurrence of aflatoxins in the food samples was directly proportional (r = 0.91) to their moisture contents. Food commodities sold in Calabar carry potential health hazard. Improved handling through food processing, preservation and storage can minimize aflatoxins in foodstuffs and ensure sustainable quality of food supply.
Beetroot Juice Supplementation Increases High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Physically Active Individuals
Authors: Archana Singh  , Saroj Kumar Verma  , Vijay Kumar Singh  , Chindalaga Nanjappa  , Nagraj Roopa  , Pakalpati Srinivas Raju  , Som Nath Singh
Published: August 2015

Beetroot juice contains a high level of biologically accessible antioxidants, beneficial phytochemicals and dietary nitrate, which seem to exert beneficial effects in human health. Dietary nitrate, from beetroot has been reported to lower blood pressure. However the impact of beetroot on lipid profile and oxidative stress is unknown. In present study, the effect of supplementation with beetroot juice for 15 days was investigated. Plasma lipid profile, antioxidant status, oxidative stress and body composition changes were evaluated at baseline and after 15 days of beetroot juice supplementation. Beetroot juice supplementation beneficially influenced the lipid profile by significantly increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) from 42.9 ± 8.3 mg/dl to 50.2 ± 9.8 mg/dl and decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from 129.7 ± 82.3 mg/dl to 119.5 ± 79.2 mg/dl compared with baseline values. Beetroot juice supplementation increased (P < 0.05) plasma nitrite level and guanosine 3’, 5’-cyclic monophosphate (c-GMP) levels. A significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity and vitamin C levels was observed after beetroot juice intake for 15 days. There was no significant change in the body fat mass and lean body mass of participants with the beetroot juice supplementation. Beetroot juice supplementation significantly decreased the stress markers plasma hydroperoxides and cortisol levels. Beetroot juice acts as a potent vasodilator by increasing plasma c-GMP levels and nitrite levels. Beetroot juice consumption improves plasma lipid profile and antioxidant status, encouraging further evaluation on a population with higher cardiovascular disease risk.
Linoleic Acid Blocks the Inhibitory Effects of Caffeine on Tumour Promotion by 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate in Two-Stage Carcinogenesis in Mouse Skin
Authors: Ken Yasukawa
Published: August 2015

The present study assessed the in vivo effects of fatty acids on inflammation and carcinogenesis in mice. Fifteen fatty acids were examined for their effects on the inhibitory effect of caffeine on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear oedema in mice. Furthermore, linoleic acid was studied for its effects on the inhibitory effect of caffeine on carcinogenesis in mouse skin initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and promoted by TPA. Among fatty acids, linoleic, γ-linolenic and oleic acids most strongly blocked the inhibitory effect of caffeine on TPA-induced ear oedema. Furthermore, linoleic acid also markedly blocked the inhibitory effect of caffeine on the tumour-promoting activity of TPA. This is the first report to suggest that fatty acids, such as linoleic, γ-linolenic and oleic acids, block the anti-inflammatory activity of caffeine on TPA-induced inflammation in mice. Linoleic acid blocked the inhibitory effect of caffeine on tumour promotion by TPA in the two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model. These results suggest that intake of linoleic acid requires attention.
Barriers to HIV testing and characteristics associated with never testing among gay and bisexual men attending sexual health clinics in Sydney
Authors: Conway Damian P , Holt Martin , Couldwell Deborah L , Smith Don E , Davies Stephen C , McNulty Anna , Keen Phillip , Cunningham Philip , Guy Rebecca ,   Sydney Rapid HIV Test Study
Published: August 2015

Introduction

HIV diagnoses among gay and bisexual men have increased over the past decade in Australia. HIV point‐of‐care testing (POCT) was introduced in Australia in 2011 as a strategy to increase HIV testing by making the testing process more convenient. We surveyed gay and bisexual men undergoing POCT to assess barriers to HIV testing and characteristics associated with not having previously tested for HIV (never testing).

Methods

During 2011 and 2012, gay and bisexual men who were undergoing POCT at four Sydney sexual health clinics self‐completed questionnaires assessing testing history and psychological and structural barriers to HIV testing. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between patient characteristics and never testing.

Results

Of 1093 participants, 981 (89.9%) reported ever testing for HIV and 110 (10.1%) never testing. At least one barrier to testing was reported by 1046 men (95.7%), with only 47 men (4.3%) not reporting any barrier to testing. The most commonly reported barriers to testing were annoyance at having to return for results (30.2%), not having done anything risky (29.6%), stress in waiting for results (28.4%), being afraid of testing positive (27.5%) and having tested recently (23.2%). Never testing was independently associated with being non‐gay‐identified (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–3.2), being aged less than 25 years (AOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.6–3.8), living in a suburb with few gay couples (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2–3.0), being afraid of testing HIV‐positive (AOR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0–2.4), not knowing where to test (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.3–11.2) and reporting one or no sexual partners in the last six months (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.2).

Conclusions

Barriers to HIV testing were commonly reported among the clinic‐based gay and bisexual men in this study. Our findings suggest further health promotion and prevention strategies are needed to address the knowledge, attitudes and behavioural factors associated with never testing.
Noise-induced plasticity of KCNQ2/3 and HCN channels underlies vulnerability and resilience to tinnitus
Authors: Li Shuang , Kalappa Bopanna I , Tzounopoulos Thanos
Published: August 2015

Vulnerability to noise-induced tinnitus is associated with increased spontaneous firing rate in dorsal cochlear nucleus principal neurons, fusiform cells. This hyperactivity is caused, at least in part, by decreased Kv7.2/3 (KCNQ2/3) potassium currents. However, the biophysical mechanisms underlying resilience to tinnitus, which is observed in noise-exposed mice that do not develop tinnitus (non-tinnitus mice), remain unknown. Our results show that noise exposure induces, on average, a reduction in KCNQ2/3 channel activity in fusiform cells in noise-exposed mice by 4 days after exposure. Tinnitus is developed in mice that do not compensate for this reduction within the next 3 days. Resilience to tinnitus is developed in mice that show a re-emergence of KCNQ2/3 channel activity and a reduction in HCN channel activity. Our results highlight KCNQ2/3 and HCN channels as potential targets for designing novel therapeutics that may promote resilience to tinnitus.
Progerin reduces LAP2α-telomere association in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria
Authors: Chojnowski Alexandre , Ong Peh Fern , Wong Esther SM , Lim John SY , Mutalif Rafidah A , Navasankari Raju , Dutta Bamaprasad , Yang Henry , Liow Yi Y , Sze Siu K , Boudier Thomas , Wright Graham D , Colman Alan , Burke Brian , Stewart Colin L , Dreesen Oliver
Published: August 2015

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria (HGPS) is a premature ageing syndrome caused by a mutation in LMNA, resulting in a truncated form of lamin A called progerin. Progerin triggers loss of the heterochromatic marker H3K27me3, and premature senescence, which is prevented by telomerase. However, the mechanism how progerin causes disease remains unclear. Here, we describe an inducible cellular system to model HGPS and find that LAP2α (lamina-associated polypeptide-α) interacts with lamin A, while its interaction with progerin is significantly reduced. Super-resolution microscopy revealed that over 50% of telomeres localize to the lamina and that LAP2α association with telomeres is impaired in HGPS. This impaired interaction is central to HGPS since increasing LAP2α levels rescues progerin-induced proliferation defects and loss of H3K27me3, whereas lowering LAP2 levels exacerbates progerin-induced defects. These findings provide novel insights into the pathophysiology underlying HGPS, and how the nuclear lamina regulates proliferation and chromatin organization.
Inducible depletion of adult skeletal muscle stem cells impairs the regeneration of neuromuscular junctions
Authors: Liu Wenxuan , Wei-LaPierre Lan , Klose Alanna , Dirksen Robert T , Chakkalakal Joe V
Published: August 2015

Skeletal muscle maintenance depends on motor innervation at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Multiple mechanisms contribute to NMJ repair and maintenance; however muscle stem cells (satellite cells, SCs), are deemed to have little impact on these processes. Therefore, the applicability of SC studies to attenuate muscle loss due to NMJ deterioration as observed in neuromuscular diseases and aging is ambiguous. We employed mice with an inducible Cre, and conditionally expressed DTA to deplete or GFP to track SCs. We found SC depletion exacerbated muscle atrophy and type transitions connected to neuromuscular disruption. Also, elevated fibrosis and further declines in force generation were specific to SC depletion and neuromuscular disruption. Fate analysis revealed SC activity near regenerating NMJs. Moreover, SC depletion aggravated deficits in reinnervation and post-synaptic morphology at regenerating NMJs. Therefore, our results propose a mechanism whereby further NMJ and skeletal muscle decline ensues upon SC depletion and neuromuscular disruption.
Notes on Syzygium (Myrtaceae) in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Conn Barry John , Damas Kipiro D. Qiza
Published: August 2015

Four new species of Syzygium (Myrtaceae) are described for Papua New Guinea: Syzygium cravenii, S. kuiense,

S. lababiense, and S. pterotum. Syzygium platycarpum (Diels) Merr. & L.M.Perry is described and discussed

because this species is inadequately known, with last known collection of this species from Papua New Guinea

in 1919 and from Indonesian Papua in 1926.
Lectotypification of two varietal names in Dioscorea glabra (Dioscoreaceae)
Authors: Pagare Ravikiran S. , Wilson Arisdason , Sellappan Krishnan , Janarthanam Malapati K.
Published: August 2015

Lectotype of Dioscorea glabra Roxb. var. hastifolia Prain & Burkill and D. glabra Roxb. var. tenuifolia Prain & Burkill are designated here from the syntypes. The error while citing the type for D. serpenticola Hoque & P.K. Mukh. (= D. glabra var. hastifolia) is corrected here.
Propuesta de componentes generales de las actitudes de los residentes: sociedad tradicional, desarrollo del turismo y evolución de las actitudes
Authors: Cardona José Ramón , Criado María del Carmen Azpelicueta , Cantallops Antoni Serra
Published: August 2015

En muchos estudios sobre actitudes de los residentes se analizan los factores determinantes de las actitudes actuales, dividiéndolos en económicos, sociales y ambientales. Si bien los factores y las actitudes resultantes varían de un caso a otro, y, estas diferencias no son debidas únicamente al modelo causal planteado. Resulta de interés situar el análisis en un contexto más general para ayudar a comprender los resultados de los estudios causales tradicionales. En este contexto genérico, puede plantearse que la cultura, sociedad y economía tradicional determinen las actitudes y el desarrollo turístico en sus inicios, afectando al futuro del destino turístico. Con posterioridad, la interacción entre el desarrollo turístico y los residentes se superpone a la sociedad tradicional, determinando la imagen turística, las actitudes de los residentes, la oferta y la demanda. El objetivo de este trabajo es aplicar esta visión global al caso de Ibiza, mediante un estudio historiográfico, para ejemplificar este aporte teórico al análisis de destinos turísticos.
Confiança e Satisfação na Compra de Turismo Online
Authors: Oneto Ana Alice Domenech , Ferreira Jorge Brantes , Giovannini Cristiane Junqueira , Da Silva Jorge Ferreira
Published: August 2015

Apesar de sua crescente importância, ainda há uma lacuna sobre as motivações e barreiras envolvidas no comércio eletrônico de turismo. O propósito central deste estudo é avaliar o papel da confiança e seus antecedentes na forma-ção da intenção de compra de produtos e serviços turísticos na internet. As hipóteses foram testadas via equações estruturais com base em uma survey envolvendo 292 consumidores de turismo online. Os resultados indicam relações significativas entre confiança e os demais construtos abordados, particularmente segurança e satisfação, influenciando significativamente a intenção de compra de produtos e serviços de turismo na internet.
Estrutura de Serviços de Varejo nas Redes de Hospedagem Brasileiras
Authors: Zancan Claudio , Dantas Anderson de Barros , Campos Vanessa Oliveira
Published: August 2015

Esta pesquisa identificou as redes de hospedagem brasileiras por meio de indicadores da infraestrutura de serviços comercializados nos estabelecimentos turísticos que formam essas redes. A teoria consultada compreendeu a discus-são das técnicas estruturais presentes na Análise de Redes Sociais. O estudo apresentou três etapas: pesquisa docu-mental, criação de bancos de dados e entrevistas. Os resultados identificaram três redes de hospedagem no Brasil com maior expressão, formadas por hotéis, pousadas e resorts. Foram verificadas características diferenciadas de infraes-trutura e de serviços comercializados entre elas. Estudos futuros sugerem a análise comparativa de indicadores estru-turais presentes em outros segmentos de serviços turísticos, bem como, a influência internacional existente no desen-volvimento das redes turísticas brasileiras.
Gestão em Geoparques: Desafios e Realidades
Authors: Medeiros Carlos Alberto Freire , Dantas Gomes Cristiane Soares Cardoso , Do Nascimento Marcos Antônio Leite
Published: August 2015

Os geoparques representam parte de um conceito holístico de proteção, educação e desenvolvimento sustentável. Nesses espaços são valorizadas atrações turísticas locais com ênfase nos aspectos geológicos, maximizando o Geoturis-mo. Esta atividade traz benefícios econômicos locais e educam as pessoas sobre a evolução do seu local e paisagem. Por não estar atrelado a nenhuma lei, aos geoparques é permitido diferentes formas de gestão. Para compreender o gerenciamento desses espaços, objetivo deste trabalho, é apresentada uma análise detalhada dos planos de gestão de geoparques nacional e internacionais com a finalidade de compreender a administração desses territórios. A metodo-logia utilizada apesenta um enfoque qualitativo de caráter exploratório, posto que se observou a necessidade de apre-ender sobre a gestão de geoparques. Destarte, adotou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, em que o instru-mento de coleta de dados adotado foram os planos de gestão de geoparques nacional e internacionais. A análise des-ses documentos- planos de gestão- tornou possível identificar que não há um tipo de gestão padrão a esses locais e que administração desses espaços ocorre conforme a realidade de cada local. Entretanto, há pontos em comuns nos planos de gestão, em que o Geoparque Arouca (Portugual) é o que apresenta o contexto gerencial mais completo por utilizar mais das ferramentas da administração. Assim, a gestão dos geoparques se adapta aos seus diferentes contextos socioeconômicos, incorporando-os na esfera do planejamento.
Modelo de monitoreo de las redes sociales para orientar en la toma de decisiones de las destination management organizations
Authors: Thomaz Guilherme Mendes , Biz Alexandre Augusto , Bettoni Eduardo Michelotti , Pavan Cecilia Souza
Published: August 2015

La amplia adopción de los medios sociales por los usuarios y organizaciones ha generado un aumento exponencial de los datos y contenido que ofrecen oportunidades para ser tratados y transformados en informaciones y conocimientos. Sin embargo, el tratamiento con esos datos se le considera un reto y exige el uso de recursos adecuados. Considerando ese escenario, Se objetivó con ese estudio presentar un modelo de monitoreo de los medios sociales como soporte en la tomada de decisiones por las DMOs. El modelo propuesto ha sido testado en el período de pre y durante la Copa del Mundo de Fútbol FIFA 2014, utilizando las ciudades de Curitiba y Foz de Iguazú (Estado de Paraná) como destinos y, llevando una estructura de siete fases. Los resultados del período fueron compuestos por cerca de 50 mil mensajes, recorridos y asociados ontología de aplicación. Una gran parte de las relaciones de frecuencia, entre atractivos o entre ciudades anfitrionas, han sido compatibles con la realidad de su popularidad en el trade turístico.
Estratégias de marketing: Estudo no setor de agências de viagens e turismo
Authors: Sarquis Aléssio Bessa , Pizzinatto Nádia , Giuliani Antônio Carlos , Machiavelli Pontes Andréa Simone
Published: August 2015

O setor de turismo tem papel econômico-social relevante e as estratégias de marketing podem contribuir para melho-rar o desempenho de mercado das organizações de serviços. Assim, o estudo analisou as estratégias de marketing apli-cadas no setor de serviços de agências de viagens/turismo no Estado de Santa Catarina e, para isso, uma pesquisa quan-titativa, tipo descritiva não conclusiva, na forma de levantamento de campo (survey) e de corte transversal foi aplicada com questionários autoadministrados disponibilizados na plataforma Google Docs para uma amostra de 109 agências emissivas de pequeno e médio portes. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas por meio de moda, frequência, média aritmética, desvio-padrão e teste de hipóteses, conforme as escalas de mensuração aplicadas. Os resultados apontam que a grande maioria das agências pesquisadas utiliza estratégias de marketing interno, externo, interativo e de gestão do relacionamento com clientes e que as agências de porte médio utilizam com maior frequência a maioria das estraté-gias de marketing mensuradas.
Methodological improvements for studying face matching in border control tasks
Authors: Yuen Camryn N. , Fitzgerald Ryan J.
Published: August 2024

Border control officers must decide whether passport images match their holders. In previous research on passport verification most participants have been more willing to report nonmatching passports than is likely to occur in practice. We designed an experimental paradigm to increase participants' motivation to avoid these types of errors in passport verification. Participants decided whether passport photographs matched ambient photographs of passport holders. Most passports matched their holders and nonmatching passports were rare. All participants received feedback on their passport verification decisions, and an experimental group also received a time‐consuming consequence if they made an error. Relative to the control condition that only received feedback, consequences were effective in reducing mistaken accusations of nonmatching passports. Consequences also increased the miss rate for nonmatching passports, but the increase in misses over the control condition was not significant. We conclude that consequences can make participants behave more like real border control officers.