bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Driving Behavior of Sleep Apnea Subjects and Measures of Green Travel on Low-Volume Roads
Authors: Chen Feng , Yang Yang , Hu Jiang-Bi , Wu Hui-Li
Published: June 2015

A driving simulator was used to investigate the effects of obstructive sleep apnea hyperventilation syndrome (OSAHS) on a sample of 12 hired drivers (including bus and taxi drivers). The test scene was a two-way, four-lane ring road with a design speed of 80 km/h in a free-flow traffic state. OSAHS drivers drove for 10 min before the formal experiment so as to become familiar with the vehicles and road environment. Then each driver had three 30-min driving sessions: a 30-min stimulus session, 30 min of driving before a rest, and 30 min of driving after a rest. The OSAHS drivers were asked not to stop driving except for major personal reasons. At the end of each driving session, subjects were asked the cause of driving errors and when they did not feel well. OSAHS drivers' driving characteristics (behavior) were studied, such as their ability to control speed, trajectory control, and accident frequency in the conditions of the three 30-min driving sessions. The results showed that 85% of the OSAHS drivers took measures to slow down immediately after being informed of driving over the speed limit. Drivers were driving with excess speed for 25% of the total driving time without being notified by a stimulus; they could feel vibration; and they could adjust the wheel to let the vehicle back into the normal lane. Significantly fewer accidents happened after the rest than happened before the rest. The following countermeasures for these characteristics are suggested to improve OSAHS drivers' safety and consequently reduce road accidents: temporary lounges at service zones, vibration belts along the roadside, and speed alarms.
Establishing Speed Limits on Unpaved Roads
Authors: Jones Joshua R. , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: June 2015

The lack of national standards for establishing speed limits on unpaved roads has put pressure on local governments to make judgment calls about their road networks. Unpaved roads have unique characteristics that differ from those of paved roads. They usually are very low volume and were not necessarily designed by engineers. This study was conducted to determine the necessary standards and guidelines for establishing speed limits on unpaved roads in Wyoming. The process used national standards and state practices to ensure that a comprehensive methodology was followed. A focus group composed of traffic and safety engineers was formed to find an efficient process for establishing speed limits on unpaved roads. The group examined four main aspects for establishing speed limits: data collection requirements, roadway safety, determination of the appropriate speed limit, and declaration of the speed limit. Once the standards and guidelines were developed, five groups were asked to provide feedback to ensure that all stakeholders had an opportunity to review them. The Wyoming Technology Transfer Center–Local Technical Assistance Program developed and offered several training options for local jurisdictions to start their own speed limit programs. These options allowed for the standards and guidelines to be implemented by local jurisdictions in Wyoming. The findings of this study will provide states and counties with established standards for setting speed limits on unpaved roads as well as with a guide to different options for establishing speed limit programs.
Safety Evaluations for Skewed Intersections on Low-Volume Roads
Authors: Chittoori Bhaskar C. S. , Khanal Mandar , Harelson Dan
Published: June 2015

Safety on low-volume roads is a major concern. It has been reported that the traffic fatality rate is more than three times higher on rural roads than on other roads. Some of these fatalities occur at inter sections, and the safety risks increase when the intersections are skewed or have an elevation difference. In Idaho, some skewed intersections (e.g., those on SH-39 and US-91 in eastern Idaho) are the result of highways having been built parallel to rivers or railroad lines and local roads having been built later on a grid with a north–south or east–west orientation. In an attempt to improve the safety of existing intersections, the Idaho Transportation Department's District 5 performed a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of all of the intersections on the state highway system in southeastern Idaho. In total, 125 intersections along US-91 and 194 intersections along SH-39 were evaluated, and safety improvements were made. These improvements resulted in a reduction in the overall number of crashes along these two highways. This paper presents the results of these evaluations and the recommendations that followed.
Fiction for Peace? Domestic Identity, National Othering and Peace Education in Dutch Historical Novels for Children, 1914–1935
Authors: Parlevliet Sanne
Published: June 2015

Historical fiction for children has long functioned as a continuation of history education. World War I brought about critique on history education in several Western European countries. The nationalistic and chauvinistic representation of historical events was claimed to have contributed to the outbreak of war. In the educational discourse a discussion arose about changing history education into peace education. In this article the impact of this discussion on historical novels for children is investigated. Dutch historical novels for children serve as a case study. The novels are contextualised within the educational debate from the perspective of imagology. Representations of the own identity and national others are analysed, supplemented with an analysis of references to war and peace. The article shows how historical fiction for children held on to the glorification of nationality for a long time, but joined the educational discourse by occasionally framing the represented battles in the spirit of peace education.
Modeling Soil Moisture Profiles in Irrigated Fields by the Principle of Maximum Entropy
Authors: Mishra Vikalp , Ellenburg Walter , Al-Hamdan Osama , Bruce Josh , Cruise James
Published: June 2015

Vertical soil moisture profiles based on the principle of maximum entropy (POME) were validated using field and model data and applied to guide an irrigation cycle over a maize field in north central Alabama (USA). The results demonstrate that a simple two-constraint entropy model under the assumption of a uniform initial soil moisture distribution can simulate most soil moisture profiles that occur in the particular soil and climate regime that prevails in the study area. The results of the irrigation simulation demonstrated that the POME model produced a very efficient irrigation strategy with minimal losses (about 1.9% of total applied water). However, the results for finely-textured (silty clay) soils were problematic in that some plant stress did develop due to insufficient applied water. Soil moisture states in these soils fell to around 31% of available moisture content, but only on the last day of the drying side of the irrigation cycle. Overall, the POME approach showed promise as a general strategy to guide irrigation in humid environments, such as the Southeastern United States.
Demand Response Programs Design and Use Considering Intensive Penetration of Distributed Generation
Authors: Faria Pedro , Vale Zita , Baptista José
Published: June 2015

Further improvements in demand response programs implementation are needed in order to take full advantage of this resource, namely for the participation in energy and reserve market products, requiring adequate aggregation and remuneration of small size resources. The present paper focuses on SPIDER, a demand response simulation that has been improved in order to simulate demand response, including realistic power system simulation. For illustration of the simulator’s capabilities, the present paper is proposes a methodology focusing on the aggregation of consumers and generators, providing adequate tolls for the demand response program’s adoption by evolved players. The methodology proposed in the present paper focuses on a Virtual Power Player that manages and aggregates the available demand response and distributed generation resources in order to satisfy the required electrical energy demand and reserve. The aggregation of resources is addressed by the use of clustering algorithms, and operation costs for the VPP are minimized. The presented case study is based on a set of 32 consumers and 66 distributed generation units, running on 180 distinct operation scenarios.
Local Controlled Release of Polyphenol Conjugated with Gelatin Facilitates Bone Formation
Authors: Honda Yoshitomo , Tanaka Tomonari , Tokuda Tomoko , Kashiwagi Takahiro , Kaida Koji , Hieda Ayato , Umezaki Yasuyuki , Hashimoto Yoshiya , Imai Koichi , Matsumoto Naoyuki , Baba Shunsuke , Shimizutani Kimishige
Published: June 2015

Catechins are extensively used in health care treatments. Nevertheless, there is scarce information about the feasibility of local administration with polyphenols for bone regeneration therapy, possibly due to lack of effective delivery systems. Here we demonstrated that the epigallocatechin-3-gallate-conjugated gelatin (EGCG/Gel) prepared by an aqueous chemical synthesis using 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-morpholinium chloride (DMT-MM) gradually disintegrated with time and facilitated bone formation in a critical size defect of a mouse calvaria. Conjugation of EGCG with the Gel generated cross-linking between the two molecules, thereby leading to a retardation of the degradation of the EGCG/Gel and to a delayed release of EGCG. The prepared EGCG/Gels represented significant osteogenic capability compared with that of the uncross-linked Gel and the cross-linked Gel with uncombined-EGCG. In vitro experiments disclosed that the EGCG/Gel induced osteoblastogenesis of a mouse mesenchymal stem cell line (D1 cells) within 14 days. Using fluorescently-labeled EGCG/Gel, we found that the fraction of EGCG/Gel adsorbed onto the cell membrane of the D1 cells possibly via a Gel-cell interaction. The interaction might confer the long-term effects of EGCG on the cells, resulting in a potent osteogenic capability of the EGCG/Gel in vivo. These results should provide insight into local controlled release of polyphenols for bone therapy.
Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Hull-Caryopsis Adhesion/Separation Revealed by Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Covered/Naked Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Duan Ruijun , Xiong Huiyan , Wang Aidong , Chen Guoxiong
Published: June 2015

The covered/naked caryopsis trait of barley is an important agronomic trait because it is directly linked to dietary use. The formation of covered/naked caryopsis is controlled by an NUD transcription factor, which is involved in pericarp cuticle development. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this trait remains so far largely unknown. In this study, comparative transcriptomes of grains three weeks after anthesis of Tibetan Hulless barley landrace Dulihuang and covered barley Morex were analyzed using RNA-seq technique. A total of 4031 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The Nud gene was overexpressed in Morex, with trace expression in Dulihuang. Among seventeen cuticle related DEGs, sixteen were down regulated and one up regulated in Morex. These results suggest that the Nud gene in covered caryopsis might down regulate cuticle related genes, which may cause a permeable cuticle over pericarp, leading to a hull-caryopsis organ fusion. A functional cuticle covering the pericarp of naked caryopsis might be the result of deletion or low expression level of the Nud gene. The functional cuticle defines a perfect boundary to separate the caryopsis from the hull in naked barley.
Bioactive Phytochemicals from Wild Arbutus unedo L. Berries from Different Locations in Portugal: Quantification of Lipophilic Components
Authors: Fonseca Daniela , Salvador Ângelo , Santos Sónia , Vilela Carla , Freire Carmen , Silvestre Armando , Rocha Sílvia
Published: June 2015

The lipophilic composition of wild Arbutus unedo L. berries, collected from six locations in Penacova (center of Portugal), as well as some general chemical parameters, namely total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was studied in detail to better understand its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The chemical composition of the lipophilic extracts, focused on the fatty acids, triterpenoids, sterols, long chain aliphatic alcohols and tocopherols, was investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the dichloromethane extracts. The lipophilic extractives of the ripe A. unedo berries ranged from 0.72% to 1.66% (w/w of dry weight), and consisted mainly of triterpenoids, fatty acids and sterols. Minor amounts of long chain aliphatic alcohols and tocopherols were also identified. Forty-one compounds were identified and among these, ursolic acid, lupeol, α-amyrin, linoleic and α-linolenic acids, and β-sitosterol were highlighted as the major components. To the best of our knowledge the current research study provides the most detailed phytochemical repository for the lipophilic composition of A. unedo, and offers valuable information for future valuation and exploitation of these berries.
Effect of Dose and Administration Period of Seed Cake of Genetically Modified and Non-Modified Flax on Selected Antioxidative Activities in Rats
Authors: Matusiewicz Magdalena , Kosieradzka Iwona , Zuk Magdalena , Szopa Jan
Published: June 2015

Flaxseed cake containing antioxidants is a valuable dietary component. Its nutritional effect may be diminished by the presence of anti-nutrients. The work was aimed at determining the effect of different contents of flaxseed cake in diets and their administration period on the development of rats and selected parameters of their health status. Diets with 15% and 30% addition of genetically modified (GM) flax seed cake with enhanced synthesis of polyphenols, as well as Linola non-GM flax were administered in short-term (33 days) and long-term (90 days) experiments. The 30% addition of flaxseed cake reduced digestibility of dietary nutrients, GM flaxseed cake lowered body weight gains. The relative weight of selected organs, hematological blood markers and serum activities of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST, ALT) were not affected. Flaxseed cake consumption reduced serum concentration of albumins and increased globulins. Administration of 30% flaxseed cake improved plasma total antioxidant status and 30% GM flaxseed cake lowered liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The activities of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes, glutathione peroxidase in plasma and the liver concentration of 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine were not changed. Most morphometric parameters of the small intestine did not differ between feeding groups. The administration of diets with 30% addition of flaxseed cake for 90 days improved the antioxidant status in rats.
Dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) as an Indicator of Bleaching Tolerance in Scleractinian Corals
Authors: Jones Graham , King Stacey
Published: June 2015

Thermal tolerance tests on Acropora millepora, a common Indo-Pacific hard coral, have shown that adult corals can acquire increased thermal tolerance by shuffling existing type C to type D Symbiodinium zooxanthellae when subjected to increased seawater temperatures. We report here dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) concentrations in A. millepora and examine links between DMSP concentrations, zooxanthellae clade, and bleaching tolerance. DMSP analysis on native and transplanted corals from three locations in the Great Barrier Reef indicated that the lower thermal tolerance in type C zooxanthellae coincided with variable DMSP concentrations, whilst the more thermal tolerant type D zooxanthellae had more stable areal DMSP concentrations as seawater temperatures increased. Our results suggest this increased thermal tolerance in type D zooxanthellae may reflect the ability of these coral symbionts to conserve their antioxidant DMSP levels to relatively constant concentrations, enabling the coral to overcome the build-up of oxygen free radicals in the cytoplasm of A. millepora. A conceptual diagram illustrates how the antioxidants DMS (P) participate in the bleaching process by scavenging oxygen free radicals and form DMSO, thus moderating coral bleaching and increasing thermotolerance.
Size-Controlled Nanomicelles of Poly(lactic acid)–Poly(ethylene glycol) Copolymers with a Multiblock Configuration
Authors: Somekawa Shota , Masutani Kazunari , Hsu Yu-I , Mahara Atsushi , Kimura Yoshiharu , Yamaoka Tetsuji
Published: June 2015

The ability to control the micelle size of poly(lactic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA–PEG) block copolymers is important for controlling their circulation in blood cell recognition, drug release and therapeutic effects. We successfully controlled the micelle size by changing the block number of copolymers (multiblock index). PLA–PEG multiblock copolymers with multiblock indexes ranging from 1.35 to 2.78 were synthesized by direct polycondensation with tin chloride/p-toluenesulfonic acid binary catalysts, using PEG with a molecular weight (Mw) of 3200 Da. The Mw of PLA–PEG copolymers increased with an increase in the multiblock index, while micelle size, measured by dynamic light scattering, decreased greatly from 349 to 28 nm. In addition, the X-ray diffraction peak of the PLA crystal disappeared when the multiblock index was increased. These results indicate that a multiblock structure is useful for controlling micelle size without changing the PLA/PEG composition or PEG molecular weight, which strongly influences other micelle features.
La universidad en la sociedad global
Authors: Campillo Antonio
Published: June 2015

La universidad fue una invención europea y desde su origen en el siglo XIII ha tenido un papel decisivo en la formación de la Europa moderna y en su expansión al resto del mundo. Pero, a partir de 1945, Europa pierde su hegemonía y las universidades se globalizan. Además, en las cuatro últimas décadas se ha impuesto el neoliberalismo y, con él, el llamado capitalismo académico o educativo. En este artículo se hace un balance de las grandes transformaciones de la institución universitaria y, siguiendo la inspiración de José Ortega y Gasset, Jacques Derrida y Boaventura de Sousa Santos, se esbozan algunas propuestas sobre el papel que debería desempeñar en el siglo XXI.
¿Saber sin poder? El ethos universitario según los filósofos del exilio republicano español del 39
Authors: Sánchez Cue Antolín
Published: June 2015

Se apuntan algunas reflexiones relevantes sobre el ethos universitario en el contexto del exilio republicano español de 1939. En concreto, de autores como Fernando de los Ríos, Joaquín Xirau y José Gaos, exponentes todo ellos de un saber desarraigado en busca de nuevos resortes de poder. Se tiene además en cuenta el caso de María Zambrano, cuyo aparente desinterés por la cuestión universitaria es indicio de un saber coherente con su exilio e irreductible a la disciplina académica, de un saber que ha renunciado al poder y exige un nuevo ethos.
Interdisciplinariedad y filosofía en la actualidad. Bioarte, contaminación y purismo
Authors: Núñez García Amanda
Published: June 2015

En este artículo se abordará una problemática doble e íntimamente relacionada. Por un lado, encontramos en la academia, y en muchos de los planes gubernamentales de investigación, una llamada a la interdisciplinariedad pero, paradójicamente, ésta queda sancionada negativamente múltiples veces como podemos notar, por ejemplo y en la actualidad, en la cuestión del bioarte. La filosofía padece esta sanción también pues en una de sus zonas ya es multidisciplinar y parece carecer de función propia a la vez que, en otra de sus facetas, se encierra en un papel de exceso de purismo. En ambos casos, y rastreando el pensamiento de Gilles Deleuze y Félix Guattari (¿Qué es la filosofía?), notamos que la filosofía se sitúa, dentro del mapa de la academia y los saberes en general en un lugar declinante por las dos razones: en una de sus actividades porque es flexible y articulada y, en otra de ellas, debido a su “tono de distinción” el cual la lleva a pretenderse muchas veces como tribunal bajo el paradigma del sabio y no como un saber activo y productivo.
Al hilo de este diagnóstico esbozaremos la importancia de renombrar la categoría de “contaminación” con los pensamientos de Deleuze, Guattari y Michel Serres, llevándola a un terreno de mixturas entre saberes como modo de combatir activamente los problemas aludidos o, al menos, para desentramar las aporías que cruzan la relación entre las disciplinas y de la academia en general con su entorno.
An Uncertainty-Based Model for Optimized Multi-Label Classification
Authors: Anuradha J. , Tripathy B. K.
Published: June 2015

The data used in the real world applications are uncertain and vague. Several models to handle such data efficiently have been put forth so far. It has been found that the individual models have some strong points and certain weak points. Efforts have been made to combine these models so that the hybrid models will cash upon the strong points of the constituent models. Dubois and Prade in 1990 combined rough set and fuzzy set together to develop two models of which rough fuzzy model is a popular one and is used in many fields to handle uncertainty-based data sets very well. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) further combined with the rough fuzzy model is expected to produce optimized solutions. Similarly, multi-label classification in the context of data mining deals with situations where an object or a set of objects can be assigned to multiple classes. In this chapter, the authors present a rough fuzzy PSO algorithm that performs classification of multi-label data sets, and through experimental analysis, its efficiency and superiority has been established.
Applications of Particle Swarm Optimization in Composite Power System Reliability Evaluation
Authors: Benidris Mohammed A , Elsaiah Salem , Mitra Joydeep
Published: June 2015

This chapter introduces a novel technique to evaluate composite power system reliability indices and their sensitivities with respect to the control parameters using a dynamically directed binary Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) search method. A key point in using PSO in power system reliability evaluation lies in selecting the weighting factors associated with the objective function. In this context, the work presented here proposes a solution method to adjust such weighting factors in a dynamic fashion so that the swarm would always fly on the entire search space rather of being trapped to one corner of the search space. Further, a heuristic technique based on maximum capacity flow of the transmission lines is used in classifying the state space into failure, success, and unclassified subspaces. The failure states in the unclassified subspace can be discovered using binary PSO technique. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated on the IEEE RTS.
Security Issues in Mobile Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Sari Arif
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to investigate and expose methods and techniques developed to provide security in wireless ad hoc networks. Researchers have proposed variety of solutions for security problems of Wireless Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANET) against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Due to the wireless nature of the channels and specific characteristics of MANETs, the attacks cannot be defeated through conventional security mechanisms. An adversary can easily override its medium access control protocol (MAC) and continually transfer packages on the network channel and the access point node(s) cannot assign authorization access to shared medium. These attacks cause a significant decrease on overall network throughput, packet transmission rates and delay in the MAC layer since other nodes back-off from the communication. In this chapter the proposed methods are applied for preventing and mitigating different wireless ad hoc network attacks are investigated and effectiveness and efficiency of these mechanisms are exposed.
The Path Computation Element (PCE)
Authors: Paolucci Francesco , Cugini Filippo
Published: June 2015

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has promoted the Path Computation Element (PCE) architecture to provide effective network resource utilization while guaranteeing advanced Internet applications with adequate quality of service (QoS). The PCE is a dedicated network entity devoted to path computation. This chapter presents the state-of-the-art of the PCE architecture for different networking scenarios including single-domain networks, optical networks, and multi-domain/layer networks. Relevant architectural and implementation aspects are analyzed and discussed, highlighting related benefits, limitations and open issues. Recent progresses and future directions are also addressed, including the PCE evolution to operate in the context of software defined networking.
Recent Advances in Traffic Forwarding Techniques
Authors: Zhao Quintin , Li Zhenbin
Published: June 2015

Advanced service oriented routing and forwarding schemes are nurturing fast recently, thus paving the way to implementations that can overcome complications related to multi-vendor networking environments. Some of these proposals are improving and optimizing the existing traffic engineering functionalities where the forwarding planes are still under a distributed signaling control system, others are more network architecture level changes where the forwarding plane is totally centralized controlled through a centralized control plane. At the same time some of these proposals are the hybrid of the both. This chapter describes these advances by focusing on the aspects of forwarding scheme changes introduced in each of these areas.
Asymmetric Extended Route Optimization (AERO)
Authors: Templin Fred L.
Published: June 2015

Modern enterprise networks must accommodate mobile devices such as cell phones, tablets and laptop computers. When a mobile device moves to a new access network, it often receives a new Internet Protocol (IP) address. This can disrupt communication sessions and create challenges for locating and tracking mobile assets. The enterprise network should therefore provide each mobile device with a stable IP address or prefix that never changes, but this requires a new mobility architecture. Asymmetric Extended Route Optimization (AERO) supports mobility by modeling the enterprise network as a virtual link through a process known as encapsulation. The AERO system tracks mobile devices through control message signaling and an efficient routing system. AERO maintains optimal routes for roaming devices so that performance is maximized and congestion points are avoided. This chapter describes the AERO system for accommodating mobile devices within enterprise networks.
Early Literacy and AAC for Learners with Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Doneski-Nicol Janis , Bartz Jody Marie
Published: June 2015

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems are a common assistive technology (AT) intervention for learners with complex communication needs (CCN) – those learners who are unable to use speech and language as a primary mode of communication. AAC systems can be a powerful intervention; however, these systems must be integrated with strong, early and conventional literacy instructional opportunities. In this chapter, we provide parents, educators, researchers, academics, and other professionals with the most up to date and innovative information as well as practical resources regarding early literacy and AAC for learners with CCN. Emphasis will be on young children with CCN in preschool and early elementary school settings. Features of AAC systems and evidence-based literacy assessment and intervention, as well as the benefits and challenges, are presented to provide the reader with information on the current state of the field. The chapter concludes with directions for future research and provides a comprehensive list of resources and organizations.
Recent Advances in Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Mehl-Schneider Toby B.
Published: June 2015

With the increased development of mobile technologies, such as smartphones and tablets (i.e. iPhone, iPad), the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) has changed rapidly over the last few years. Recent advances in technology have introduced applications (apps) for AAC purposes. These novel technologies could provide numerous benefits to individuals with complex communication needs. Nevertheless, introducing mobile technology apps is not without risk. Since these apps can be purchased and retrieved with relative ease, AAC assessments and collaborative evaluations have been circumvented in favor of the “quick fix”-simply ordering a random app for a potential user, without fully assessing the individual's needs and abilities. There is a paucity of research pertaining to mobile technology use in AAC. Therapists, parents and developers of AAC applications must work collaboratively to expand the research pertaining to the assessment and treatment of children who utilize AAC mobile technologies for communication purposes.
Telehealth Technology and Pediatric Feeding Disorders
Authors: Luke Taylor A. , Ruchlin Rebecca R.
Published: June 2015

Ongoing advances in technology have provided a platform to extend the accessibility of services for children with developmental disabilities across locations, languages and the socioeconomic continuum. Teletherapy, the use of video-conferencing technology to deliver therapy services, is changing the face of healthcare by providing face-to-face interactions among specialists, parents and children. The current literature has demonstrated success in utilizing teletherapy as a modality for speech-language intervention and for social-behavioral management, while research on feeding therapy remains scarce. The current chapter discusses the prevalence of feeding disorders among infants, toddlers and children with developmental disorders. Using evidence from the current literature, a rationale for the utilization of teletherapy as a means of feeding therapy is presented.
Using Technology to Support Social Competence
Authors: Myles Brenda Smith , Rogers Jan , Coffin Amy Bixler , Szakacs Wendy , Earles-Vollrath Theresa
Published: June 2015

Social competence includes a complex set of skills that impacts quality of life across all environments: home, school, employment, and the community. Elements that impact social competence, such as theory of mind, weak central coherence, regulation and relationship building, must be taught to individuals with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder. Evidence-based interventions that incorporate low, medium and high technology have the potential to support skill development in social competence in a meaningful manner. This chapter reviews the concept known as social competence and offers a variety of practices to support its development.
The Role of Human Resources in Hotels in China
Authors: Chen Jenny
Published: June 2015

There was a famous saying from the celebrated hotelier, “king of hoteliers and hotelier to kings,” Mr. Cesar Ritz, that a good person is priceless (Leng, 2013). Human resources has always played a very important role in hotels. This is because the hotel industry is a labor-intensive industry that requires great contribution and support from human resources to identify and recruit the required staff, train and manage the manpower to fill the various jobs, and retain and develop the talented employees for greater responsibilities or higher positions. This chapter displays the changes of the role of human resources in hotels in China and its significant impact of the changes to the industry. In addition, this chapter also provides its unique points of view in the part of Solutions and Recommendations and in the part of Future Research Directions.
Craft-Based Learning
Authors: Rodriguez Gamal El Fakih
Published: June 2015

Practical training is without doubt one of the most important areas in hospitality education as it is where students are introduced to the basics of the industry, while stimulating their curiosity and passion towards customer service, as well as instilling in them the entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in a very competitive and dynamic industry. This chapter describes an approach to practical training, not only by looking at the theoretical and practical subjects taught during the first semesters of the program, but also by understanding how the new generation of young adults learn and how we can help them develop different skillsets as they continue their education. From a practical perspective, Craft-Based Learning (CBL) is fundamental in getting young adults ready for a challenging international career in hospitality, as they will develop knowledge and hard and soft skills through a “learning by doing” approach.
Identity and E-Learning
Authors: Borzi Narelle
Published: June 2015

Globalisation is changing the worlds of work and education. Although the hospitality industry has always operated at an international level, today's educators must prepare future managers for an increasingly diverse global world where we are all connected via technology in ways that were unimaginable even 10 years ago. Educators face strategic decisions about how and when they integrate technology into their programs. Transnational e-learning spaces, which are affecting the way we operate in our daily lives both at work and learning, have opened up. Educators need to fully understand what happens within these spaces—to the learners and to learning—in order to ensure that the quality of learning and the learning systems. This chapter considers ways in which hospitality management education can be enhanced through a focus on e-learning and identity.
X3D-Based Robot Kinematics Simulation
Authors: Meng XianHui  , Chong Yuan
Published: June 2015

This paper introduces the related technology in the design of robot virtual prototype. Research is mainly focused on the virtual prototype of the mechanism design, kinematics simulation, control logic and main problems of prototype performance analysis, and try to use X3D technology to realize virtual prototype model of the robot. It is verifies the effectiveness of X3D technology in robot virtual prototype design. The key to realize the robot mechanism design, kinematics simulation, several aspects such as the logic control. But the design of the robot system is a comprehensive mechanical mechanisms, kinematics, dynamics, graphics, artificial intelligence, concurrent engineering, and simulation project of multiple disciplines such as advanced manufacturing technology. The design of the robot system includes dynamic analysis, static analysis, speed, trajectory control, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence analysis, and other technology. The comprehensive realization of multidisciplinary various restrictive factors is to achieve a feasible, effective and ideal robot virtual prototype model of the key problems. Further use X3D technology to add various related techniques to achieve X3D virtual prototype model, the design of robot system, the development of industrial robot has important practical significance.
Drone Warfare
Authors: Churchill Robert Paul
Published: June 2015

The United States is now relying on Reaper and Predator drone strikes as its primary strategy in the continuing War on Terrorism. This paper argues for the rational scrutiny drone warfare has yet to receive. It is argued that drone warfare is immoral as it fails both the jus in bello and the jus ad bellum conditions of Just War theory. Drone warfare cannot be accepted on utilitarian grounds either, as it is very probable that terrorists will acquire drones capable of lethal strikes and deploy them against defenseless civilians. Moreover, by examining the psychological bases for reliance on drone warfare, as well as the message the United States is sending adversaries, we need to be concerned that, rather than reduce the likelihood of terrorists strikes, the U.S. reliance on drones strikes threatens to institutionalize terrorism as the status quo for the foreseeable future.
Radioactive Waste Disposal and Protection of the Future Public
Authors: Tauxe John
Published: June 2015

Much of humanity's solid waste will outlast the human race, and the waste generated by one generation must be endured and managed by future societies. Radioactive wastes are unique in that their regulation explicitly considers the protection of future generations. But radioactive waste management faces a serious quandary: how to balance the substantial expense of waste isolation against the uncertain mitigation of risks to hypothetical future humans. Most of this uncertainty stems not from natural processes, or from the projected performance of engineered materials, but rather from social actions and human behaviors. Given that these uncertainties become overwhelming when consider the future only a few centuries from now, how far into the future is it useful for us to attempt to assess risks? Government regulators are currently grappling with this question as they rewrite regulations in order to accommodate radioactive wastes that have the potential for unacceptable and perpetual human health risks. This paper discusses the issues surrounding the period of performance expected from radioactive waste management practices, and outlines central conditions for soundly addressing controversial problems.
Cross-Talk between Shp1 and PIPKIγ Controls Leukocyte Recruitment
Authors: Stadtmann Anika , Block Helena , Volmering Stephanie , Abram Clare , Sohlbach Charlotte , Boras Mark , Lowell Clifford A. , Zarbock Alexander
Published: June 2015

Neutrophil recruitment to the site of inflammation plays a pivotal role in host defense. However, overwhelming activation and accumulation of neutrophils in the tissue may cause tissue damage and autoimmunity due to the release of cytokines, oxidants, and proteases. Neutrophil adhesion in acute inflammation is initiated by activation of αLβ2 (LFA-1), which can be induced by rolling on E-selectin (slowly) or by exposure to the chemokine CXCL1 (rapidly). Despite the clinical importance, cell-intrinsic molecular mechanisms of negative regulation of integrin adhesiveness and neutrophil recruitment are poorly understood. Mice deficient in the tyrosine phosphatase Src homology 2 domain–containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (Shp1) show increased leukocyte adhesion, but the interpretation of these data is limited by the severe global phenotype of these mice. In this study, we used mice with global and myeloid-restricted deletion of Shp1 to study neutrophil arrest, adhesion, crawling, and transendothelial migration in vitro and in vivo. Shp1 deficiency results in increased neutrophil adhesion in vivo; however, neutrophil crawling, transmigration, and chemotaxis were reduced in these mice. Mechanistically, Shp1 binds and controls PIPKIγ activity and, thereby, modulates phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate levels and adhesion. Thus, Shp1 is involved in the deactivation of integrins and regulation of neutrophil recruitment into inflamed tissue.
Pulmonary Hypertension an Independent Risk Factor for Death in Intensive Care Unit: Correlation of Hemodynamic Factors with Mortality
Authors: Saydain Ghulam , Awan Aamir , Manickam Palaniappan , Kleinow Paul , Badr Safwan
Published: June 2015

Objective

Critically ill patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) pose additional challenges due to the existence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of hemodynamic factors on the outcome.

Methods

We reviewed the records of patients with a diagnosis of PH admitted to the intensive care unit. In addition to evaluating traditional hemodynamic parameters, we defined severe PH as right atrial pressure >20 mmHg, mean pulmonary artery pressure >55 mmHg, or cardiac index (CI) <2 L/min/m2. We also defined the RV functional index (RFI) as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) adjusted for CI as PASP/CI; increasing values reflect RV dysfunction.

Results

Fifty-three patients (mean age 60 years, 72% women, 79% Blacks), were included in the study. Severe PH was present in 68% of patients who had higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (6.8 ± 3.3 vs 3.8 ± 1.6; P = 0.001) and overall in-hospital mortality (36% vs 6%; P = 0.02) compared to nonsevere patients, although Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores (19.9 ± 7.5 vs 18.5 ± 6.04; P = 0.52) were similar and sepsis was more frequent among nonsevere PH patients (31 vs 64%; P = 0.02). Severe PH ( P = 0.04), lower mean arterial pressure ( P = 0.04), and CI ( P = 0.01); need for invasive ventilation ( P = 0.02) and vasopressors ( P = 0.03); and higher SOFA ( P = 0.001), APACHE II ( P = 0.03), pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) ( P = 0.01), and RFI ( P = 0.004) were associated with increased mortality. In a multivariate model, SOFA [OR = 1.45, 95% confidence interval (C.I.) = 1.09-1.93; P = 0.01], PVRI (OR = 1.12, 95% C.I. = 1.02-1.24; P = 0.02), and increasing RFI (OR = 1.06, 95% C.I. = 1.01-1.11; P = 0.01) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusion

PH is an independent risk factor for mortality in critically ill patients. Composite factors rather than individual hemodynamic parameters are better predictors of outcome. Monitoring of RV function using composite hemodynamic factors resulting in specific interventions is likely to improve survival and needs to be studied further.
Left Ventricle–Arterial System Interaction in Heart Failure
Authors: Li John K-J. , Atlas Glen
Published: June 2015

Ejection fraction (EF) has been viewed as an important index in assessing the contractile state of the left ventricle (LV). However, it is frequently inadequate for the diagnosis and management of heart failure (HF), as a significant subset of HF patients have been found to have reduced EF (HFrEF) whereas others have preserved EF (HFpEF). It should be noted that the function of the LV is dependent on both preload and afterload, as well as its intrinsic contractile state. Furthermore, stroke volume (SV) is dependent on the properties of the arterial system (AS). Thus, the LV-arterial system interaction plays an important role in those patients with HF. This aspect is investigated through the analysis of the specific parameters involved in the coupling of the LV and AS. This includes contractility and the systolic/diastolic indices of the LV. Furthermore, AS afterload parameters such as vascular stiffness and arterial compliance, and their derived coupling coefficient, are also investigated. We conclude that those parameters, which relate to LV structural changes, are most appropriate in quantifying the LV–AS interaction.
Presentation of a Clitoral Mass in a Prepubescent Female: A Case Report and Discussion of the Evaluation
Authors: Lavien Garjae , Suson Kristina D. , Kim Brian , Wang Ming-Hsien
Published: June 2015

Clitoral masses are rare. We present a case report of a prepubescent female with a periclitoral mass.
RNA-seq Reveals Complicated Transcriptomic Responses to Drought Stress in a Nonmodel Tropic Plant, Bombax ceiba L.
Authors: Zhou Zhili , Ma Huancheng , Lin Kevin , Zhao Youjie , Chen Yuan , Xiong Zhi , Wang Liuyang , Tian Bin
Published: June 2015

High-throughput transcriptome provides an unbiased approach for understanding the genetic basis and gene functions in response to different conditions. Here we sequenced RNA-seq libraries derived from a Bombax ceiba L. system under a controlled experiment. As a known medicinal and ornamental plant, B. ceiba grows mainly in hot-dry monsoon rainforests in Southeast Asia and Australia. Due to the specific growth environment, it has evolved a unique system that enables a physiologic response to drought stress. To date, few studies have characterized the genome-wide features of drought endurance in B. ceiba. In this study, we first attempted to characterize and identify the most differentially expressed genes and associated functional pathways under drought treatment and normal condition. Using RNA-seq technology, we generated the first transcriptome of B. ceiba and identified 59 differentially expressed genes with greater than 1,000-fold changes under two conditions. The set of upregulated genes implicates interplay among various pathways: plants growth, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, polysaccharides hydrolyzation, oxidative phosphorylation and photosynthesis, etc. In contrast, genes associated with stem growth, cell division, fruit ripening senescence, disease resistance, and proline synthesis are repressed. Notably, key genes of high RPKM levels in drought are AUX1, JAZ, and psbS, which are known to regulate the growth of plants, the resistance against abiotic stress, and the photosynthesis process. Furthermore, 16,656 microsatellite markers and 3,071 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were predicted by in silico methods. The identification and functional annotation of differentially expressed genes, microsatellites, and SNPs represent a major step forward and would serve as a valuable resource for understanding the complexity underlying drought endurance and adaptation in B. ceiba.
A maximum principle for systems with variational structure and an application to standing waves
Authors: Alikakos Nicholas D. , Fusco Giorgio
Published: June 2015

We establish via variational methods the existence of a standing wave together with an estimate on the convergence to its asymptotic states for a bistable system of partial differential equations on a periodic domain. The main tool is a replacement lemma which has as a corollary a maximum principle for minimizers.
Determinantal Barlow surfaces and phantom categories
Authors: Böhning Christian , Graf von Bothmer Hans-Christian , Katzarkov Ludmil , Sosna Pawel
Published: June 2015

We prove that the bounded derived category of the surface

S

constructed by Barlow admits a length 11 exceptional sequence consisting of (explicit) line bundles. Moreover, we show that in a small neighbourhood of

S

in the moduli space of determinantal Barlow surfaces, the generic surface has a semiorthogonal decomposition of its derived category into a length 11 exceptional sequence of line bundles and a category with trivial Grothendieck group and Hochschild homology, called a phantom category. This is done using a deformation argument and the fact that the derived endomorphism algebra of the sequence is constant. Applying Kuznetsov’s results on heights of exceptional sequences, we also show that the sequence on

S

itself is not full and its (left or right) orthogonal complement is also a phantom category.
Crystal bases for the quantum queer superalgebra
Authors: Grantcharov Dimitar , Jung Ji Hye , Kang Seok-Jin , Kashiwara Masaki , Kim Myungho
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we develop the crystal basis theory for the quantum queer superalgebra

U_q(\mathfrak{q}(n))

. We define the notion of crystal bases and prove the tensor product rule for

U_q(\mathfrak{q}(n))

-modules in the category

\mathcal{O}^{\ge0}_{\mathrm {int}}

. Our main theorem shows that every

U_q(\mathfrak{q}(n))

-module in the category

\mathcal{O}^{\ge0}_{\mathrm {int}}

has a unique crystal basis.