bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of antibodies and lymphocytes in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with negative and positive cultures
Authors: Cázares-Sosa Fernando-Renato , Hernández-Solís Alejandro , Andrés-Dionicio Atenea-Estela , González-González Heliodora , Ibáñez-Hernández Miguel , Cicero-Sabido Raúl , Huerta Herón , Tapia-Romero Raquel , De-la-Rosa-Arana Jorge-Luis
Published: February 2019

Introduction: The sputum smear or the culture are the definitive diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Only a fraction of clinical patients are culture-confirmed.

Methodology: A total of 24 clinical cases (40 ± 14 years old) with positive smear and negative co-morbidity were studied. Cases were selected from 600 patients who attended the pneumology service over two years. A sputum sample was cultured in Löwenstein-Jensen medium with consequent amplification of the rrnA V2 promoter, the differentiation region 4, and the IS6110 insertion sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. After the culture result, the patients were divided into negative (n = 14) or positive (n = 10) culture groups. In addition, 30 samples from healthy donors (45 ± 10 years) were studied. The numbers of CD4, CD8 and CD19 lymphocytes were determined by flow cytometry. Levels of IgA and IgG to M. tuberculosis were measured by ELISA.

Results: IgG and IgA levels were detected in patients with positive culture, while only IgA was found in patients with negative cultures. The lymphocyte populations in the two groups were similar.  The presence of a pleural apical cap was found more frequently in patients with negative- (57%) than with positive cultures (10%).

Conclusions: The isotype profile in patients with positive cultures was both IgA and IgG positive, while in patients with negative culture, only IgA was found. The results will contribute to improve the diagnostic algorithm and appropriate treatment of patients with clinical tuberculosis. Further studies are needed to determine if this profile is predictive of the outcome of isolation.
Variations of Glossina sp. and trypanosome species frequency within different habitats in a sleeping sickness focus, Gabon
Authors: Mbang Nguema Ornella , Bouyou Akotet Marielle , Mavoungou Jacques , Mawili Mboumba Denise Patricia
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Knowledge of the infectious status of the Glossina is an indicator of risk of resurgence of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). Environmental conditions have an impact on the density and diversity of both vector and Trypanosoma. The aim of the study was to determine the diversity and the infection rate of Glossina as well as the diversity of trypanosome species within habitats of an old HAT focus, in Gabon.

Methodology: Glossina were captured in September 2012 in three ecological sites. Vavoua traps were installed for twelve days. All captured flies were identified. Glossina were selected for trypanosome identification by Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Results: 1178 Glossina were captured: 55.8% in degraded forest, 28.9% in flood area and 15.4% in secondary forest. Glossina fusca congolensis (37%) and G.palpalis palpalis (36.4%) were the most abundant vector species. G. fusca congolensis was predominant in secondary forest and in flood area, while in degraded forest, it was G.palpalis palpalis. Trypanosoma infection rate was 30.7%, 42% in secondary forest, 32% in degraded forest and 18% in flood area. Trypanosoma congolense savannah was the main species detected (18.7%) followed by T.brucei brucei (10.7%) and T. brucei gambiense (4%). T. congolense savannah type was predominant in the secondary forest and in degraded forest (66.7% versus 55.5%).

Conclusion: Glossina density and trypanosome infection rate varied according to the habitat within HAT focus. The density of tsetse was the highest in degraded forest while the infection rate was highest in secondary forest. Continuous disease surveillance and control measures are needed.
Hedychium ziroense (Zingiberaceae), a new species of ginger lily from Northeast India
Authors: Ashokan Ajith , Gowda Vinita
Published: February 2019

We describe Hedychiumziroensesp. nov. from Northeast India (NE India) which was discovered during one of our recent botanical explorations in Arunachal Pradesh. We provide detailed morphological comparison of this species with four other Hedychium species (H.griersonianum R.M.Sm., H.ellipticum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm., H.gomezianum Wall. and H.yunnanense Gagnep.), with which it shares some morphological similarities. The new species is characterised by a dense cylindrical spike, pubescent rachis, folded bracts, 2–3 flowers per cincinnus, deeply cleft labellum and a distinctive late monsoonal flowering phenology from August to September.
Keys to world Charipinae (Hymenoptera, Cynipoidea, Figitidae)
Authors: Ferrer-Suay Mar , Selfa Jesús , Pujade-Villar Juli
Published: February 2019

Eight genera of Charipinae are defined, keyed out, and illustrated. Keys for all charipine species within each valid genus, includingAlloxysta,Apocharips,Dilyta,Phaenoglyphis, andThoreauana, are presented, except forDilapothor,Lobopterocharips, andLytoxysta, which are monotypic. Figures are provided to show the diagnostic morphological features as used in the keys.
Mobile journalism: Systematic literature review
Authors: López-García Xosé , Silva-Rodríguez Alba , Vizoso-García Ángel-Antonio , Westlund Oscar , Canavilhas João
Published: February 2019

The era of mobile media has placed communications convergence at a new stage. The importance of studies about mobile communications has been growing increasingly over the last years. This growth is connected to the increase in the access to contents through new devices. The last ten years have seen a process of acceleration in mobile technology innovations. The peak of this new scenario has been the interest of the research community in investigating the relationship between such innovations and the spread of informative contents. This article analyses those studies that address the relation between mobile devices and communication and journalism. The main objective is to clarify the current state of these studies as well as to define their significance within the current convergence scenario. In order to reach such objectives, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted. The authors analysed 199 research articles published between January 2008 and May 2018 in the database Web of Science. The findings suggest that the United States has the largest number of studies in relation to this topic. We can pinpoint the highest increase in scientific production about journalism and mobile communications in 2013. Besides, it exists a dominance of those articles related with actants upon those ones about actors or audiences.

La era de los medios móviles ha situado la convergencia comunicativa en un nuevo estadio. La movilidad ha abierto un gran campo en la cambiante sociedad red. La producción científica sobre periodismo móvil ha adquirido un mayor protagonismo gracias a las mejoras técnicas de los dispositivos y a la democratización en el acceso a los contenidos por parte de los usuarios. En los últimos diez años se ha producido una aceleración en las innovaciones tecnológicas que se ha traducido en un mayor interés por esta área de estudio. En este trabajo se analizan los artículos sobre dispositivos móviles y periodismo a fin de definir el momento actual del proceso y situar el papel que ocupan en el escenario convergente. El método ha sido una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica (SLR) de 199 artículos publicados entre enero del 2008 y mayo del 2018 en la base de datos Web of Science. La validación siguió los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, identificación de la base de datos, motores de búsqueda, y evaluación y descripción de resultados. Los hallazgos indican que en Estados Unidos se concentra el mayor número de publicaciones relacionadas con este tema y que el auge de la producción científica sobre periodismo móvil se da en el año 2013. Se concluye que existe un predominio de publicaciones relacionadas con los actantes en detrimento de aquellas que versan sobre actores o audiencias.
Robotics to develop computational thinking in early Childhood Education
Authors: García-Valcárcel-Muñoz-Repiso Ana , Caballero-González Yen-Air
Published: February 2019

The development of programming skills is currently promoting from an early school age, trying to get children to take an active and creative role in the use of technologies. The objective of this article is to verify the repercussion of educational robotics activities on kindergarten students in the acquisition of computational thinking and programming skills. The research design is quasi-experimental, with pre-test and post-test measures, using experimental and control groups. The sample consists of 131 students from the second cycle of early education (between 3 and 6 years old), all from the same Spanish school. Computational thinking is measured through three dimensions: sequences (algorithms), action-instruction correspondence and debugging. The intervention sessions, as well as the structure of the challenges that were used in the pre- and post-test evaluations, were designed based on the reference program of robotics studies called “TangibleK”. The intervention, carried out doing learning activities using educational robotics resources, presents positive results in relation to the computational thinking skills achieved. The differences between the pre-test and the post-test in the experimental and control groups are statistically significant, in that children engaged in robotics program achieves a greater advance in the three dimensions of computational competence through this method.

Actualmente se promueve el desarrollo de habilidades de programación desde una edad escolar temprana, tratando de que los niños adquieran un rol activo y creativo en el uso de las tecnologías. El objetivo de este trabajo es comprobar la repercusión del desarrollo de actividades de robótica educativa en la adquisición de habilidades de pensamiento computacional y programación en escolares de educación infantil. El diseño de la investigación es de tipo cuasi-experimental, con medidas pretest y postest, utilizando grupo experimental y control. La muestra la conforman 131 estudiantes del segundo ciclo de educación infantil (entre 3 y 6 años de edad) de un centro educativo español. El pensamiento computacional se mide a través de tres dimensiones: secuencias (algoritmos), correspondencia acción-instrucción y depuración. Las sesiones de intervención, así como la estructura de los retos que se utilizaron en las evaluaciones pre y postest fueron diseñadas tomando como base el programa de estudios en robótica denominado «TangibleK». La intervención, centrada en actividades de aprendizaje mediante recursos de robótica educativa, presenta resultados positivos en relación a las habilidades de pensamiento computacional logradas. Las diferencias encontradas entre el pre y postest en el grupo experimental son estadísticamente significativas y superiores a las presentadas en el grupo control, de modo que se concluye que los niños que realizan el programa de robótica consiguen un mayor avance en las tres dimensiones de la competencia computacional.
Une analyse comparée et critique des modèles des spin-offs universitaires
Authors: Krichen Kamel , Chabaud Didier
Published: February 2019

La création de nouvelles entreprises basées sur les connaissances universitaires, « les spin-offs universitaires », constitue un phénomène très important (Mustar, 1997, Pinter, 2015). Toutefois, si la valorisation des résultats des recherches universitaires sous forme de spin-offs est possible, le chercheur-entrepreneur naissant reste confronté à un processus jugé long, incertain et peu contrôlable (François, 2013). Or, les modélisations existantes du processus de création de spin-offs universitaires soulignent une grande hétérogénéité au niveau des étapes, de leur timing ainsi qu’au niveau des activités et tâches associées au développement du projet entrepreneurial. Ce texte propose une analyse critique des différents essais de modélisation du processus de création des spin-offs universitaires en se fondant à la fois sur une analyse comparative, et sur les travaux empiriques et conceptuels réalisés dans le champ. Classification JEL : L26, M13, O13
Les traits caractéristiques de la relation université-entreprise au Cameroun
Authors: Dama Dié Marcel
Published: February 2019

Le but de cet article est d’examiner le contexte de la relation universitéentreprise au Cameroun pour en déduire les traits caractéristiques. Utilisant les informations issues des sources documentaires et les données statistiques obtenues à l’INS et certains ministères, il est conclu que les universités sont confrontées aux problèmes d’ordre managérial, financier, socioculturel, infrastructurel et économique qui empêchent l’éclosion d’une relation efficace avec les entreprises, l’esprit de créativité et l’impulsion de l’entrepreneuriat scientifique. Comme solution, il est suggéré l’élection des dirigeants des universités pour rendre l’université effectivement autonome et éradiquer les lourdeurs administratives. L’augmentation des budgets des universités est suggérée pour réduire les déficits infrastructurels et en matériels didactiques ; ce pour améliorer la qualité de formation et encourager l’esprit de créativité. Classification JEL : L22, L29, L32, D02, E24
« Une nouvelle ère » ? Défense et stratégie des États-Unis après la première année de l’administration Trump
Authors: Zajec Olivier
Published: February 2019

Depuis le 6 novembre 2016 et l’entrée en fonction du 45e président des États-Unis, les décisions de ce dernier ont donné lieu à de très nombreux questionnements sur la direction stratégique qu’il souhaitait impulser à la première puissance militaire mondiale. Au milieu d’un brouillard analytique qui devrait se prolonger, les décisions prises par Donald Trump en matière de sécurité et de défense constituent néanmoins un repère assez éclairant des priorités du nouvel exécutif. Structurées par un certain nombre de documents doctrinaux et budgétaires, orientées par nature sur le long terme capacitaire et technologique, ces orientations fournissent une échelle de mesure permettant de juger de l’écart entre la politique de sécurité traditionnelle des États-Unis et le cap spécifique que l’administration nouvelle pourrait lui donner. En la matière, les évolutions semblent l’emporter sur les révolutions, ce que le présent article suggère en analysant le premier budget militaire de l’administration Trump, et l’adaptation des doctrines militaires américaines à la « nouvelle ère » que laissent entrevoir tant la nouvelle National Defense Strategy, publiée en janvier 2018, que la National Security Strategy rendue publique en décembre 2017, dans la foulée du bouclage du budget fédéral.
Obama et le renseignement : une présidence entre volonté de rupture et impératif de continuité
Authors: Ramos Raphaël
Published: February 2019

Le bilan de Barack Obama dans le domaine du renseignement fait apparaître de nombreuses ambiguïtés, révélatrices d’une présidence oscillant entre une volonté de rupture et un impératif de continuité. Si le candidat a utilisé cette thématique pour se démarquer de son prédécesseur, notamment d’un point de vue moral, le commandant en chef est apparu beaucoup plus pragmatique. En matière de surveillance électromagnétique et d’action clandestine, Obama a perpétué et, dans certains cas, accentué des programmes mis en œuvre après 2001. Ce n’est qu’en réaction à des controverses qu’Obama a procédé à des modifications mineures, s’inscrivant ainsi, à sa façon, dans la traditionnelle ambivalence des élites américaines à l’égard du renseignement.
Green Public Procurement Implementation Framework
Authors: Shakya Rajesh Kumar
Published: February 2019

Government expenditure on public procurement accounts for a sizeable part of economic activity and demand. The annual public-sector procurement budget accounts about 20% to 30% of GDP in the developing countries, which provides the countries public sector with considerable leverage to stimulate the public-sector consumptions favoring goods, works, and services using fewer resources, and less harmful to the environment. The public sector should be more responsible for supporting environmental and broader sustainable development objectives. Green public procurement (GPP) is slowly getting recognized internationally as an effective means for public administrations to manage the balance between cost-effectiveness and sustainable development. The public fund should be used responsibly to uplift the health, environment, and social life. At the same time, the goods, services, and works procured by the government must achieve value for money. This chapter focuses on the importance of green public procurement strategies that could guide the countries to successfully plan, procure, and implement green public procurement (GPP) by outlining policies, strategies, and actions to boost green public procurement. The recommended strategies are based on the international best practices and the lessons learned from the experience by different government around the world. These strategies could be updated and customized based on the specific country context and their readiness.
A Systematic Public Capital Management and Budgeting Process
Authors: Srithongrung Arwiphawee , Yusuf Juita-Elena (Wie) , Kriz Kenneth A.
Published: February 2019

This chapter introduces the readers to a public capital management and budgeting process and its role in generating public infrastructure networks. The main purpose of the chapter is to describe the normative public capital management and budgeting practices that are recommended by the public finance literature. These normative practices are segregated into four main components: (1) long-term capital planning, (2) capital budgeting and financial management, (3) capital project execution and project management, and (4) infrastructure maintenance. Given that the literature recommends specific practices to maximize efficiency in public capital spending, the four main components, combined, are referred to as the systematic capital management and budgeting process. The systematic process discussed in detail in this chapter is used as a common framework for each of the 12 country case studies in describing their respective public capital management and budgeting practices.
Public Capital Budgeting and Management Process in Moldova
Authors: Ceka Erica
Published: February 2019

As Moldova works toward building democracy and sustainable development, it is focusing its attention on increasing the effectiveness of public capital investment management. The chapter summarizes the current legal framework and practices in the field of capital management and budgeting in Moldova and compares the processes with a normative framework for effective capital investment management, focusing on capital planning, capital financial management, capital project execution and management, and public infrastructure maintenance. The analysis demonstrates that the public capital management and budgeting process in Moldova at the level of planning, allocation, and implementation of capital budgets falls short of its potential. The case reveals that despite a promising budgetary reform and comprehensive legal framework, the process of capital budgeting and management in Moldova remains ineffective due to institutional, economic, and political constraints.
The Coursera Case as the Prefiguration of the Ongoing Changes on the MOOC Platforms
Authors: Acquatella Francois , Fernandez Valerie , Houy Thomas
Published: February 2019

This chapter aims to suggest a new conceptual framework by presenting a view of the main disruptive strategic trajectory implemented by a particular model of training platforms. It aims to participate in the understanding of the dynamics of training platforms strategy through the analysis of the Cousera case. The iterations of this platform with a market under construction can be read as a strategy to bring out new proposals and value networks. Finally, the authors discuss the “drivers” of future changes in the MOOC market.
Do I Know My Learners…?
Authors: Daunert Anna Liza , Price Linda
Published: February 2019

As digital technologies become an integrated part of our everyday lives, we need to consider how to harness their educational potential in higher education. However, despite considerable research into the use of technology in higher education, there still remains a gap between what teachers might perceive as valuable digital curriculum design and what students perceive as valuable digital learning experiences. One key component is how ubiquitous technologies can be harnessed to support students' learning experiences. In this chapter, the authors examine the implications of students' preferences and usage of u-technologies for designing teaching and learning curricula that positively exploit technology. This chapter builds on the research conducted by Daunert and Harteis that investigated pre-service teachers' preferences and experiences of u-technologies. The results of this cross-sectional survey are considered in relation to designing curricula in digital environments.
Advanced Human-Computer Interaction in E-Learning Systems for Handicapped People
Authors: Zukowska Joanna Julia , Sroczyński Zdzisław
Published: February 2019

The chapter concerns the implementation of novel and advanced HCI (human-computer interaction) methods in the design of educational systems aimed at people with disabilities. E-learning applications can significantly improve the quality of life for handicapped students by increasing their self-reliance and adjusting the learning time frame. The structure and methods used to design the interaction applied in this kind of educational system varies significantly depending on the type of the user's disability. There are examples of the interaction developed with the needs of disabled students in mind discussed in the chapter. The main advantages of different solutions were identified and examined. The authors also try to recognize possible threats and suggest some solutions to avoid them.
Industrially Important Enzymes Production From Food Waste
Authors: Bhandwalkar Madhuri Santosh
Published: February 2019

To link food demand and reduction in food waste, proactive approaches should be taken. Perishable food is mainly fruits and vegetables, waste from different processing industries like pulses, meat products, oil products, dairy products, and fishery byproducts. Conventional food waste management solution is land filling which is not sustainable as it generates global warming gases like methane and carbon dioxide. To reduce food waste, the process known as “food valorization” has become another solution to landfilling, the concept which is given by European Commission in 2012, meaning food processing waste conversion to value-added products. In this chapter the study focuses on production of industrially important enzymes from food waste which could be one of the reactive solutions. Different enzymes like pectinase, peroxidase, lipase, glucoamylase, and protease can be produced from food waste.
Blockchain
Authors: Teles Duarte , Azevedo Isabel
Published: February 2019

This chapter provides a conceptual understanding of blockchain, its purpose, and fundamental concepts before discussing two prominent blockchains, Bitcoin and Ethereum, which are, respectively, representative of the first and second generations of this technology. Some applications that are characteristic of the third generation are presented along with their potential and limitations. They also serve to substantiate some of the problems that are discussed later. Thus, the current developments that are addressing the most pressing current issues and the approaches to overcome them are discussed in the vision of the future of blockchain. What will be the fourth generation, with obligatory resolution or mitigation of many of these problems, which could lead to a widespread adoption of the technology in several other sectors, is described.
Simplified Toolbar to Accelerate Repeated Tasks (START) for ArcGIS
Authors: Lacroix Pierre , de Roulet Pablo , Ray Nicolas
Published: February 2019

This paper presents START (Simplified Toolbar to Accelerate Repeated Tasks), a new, freely downloadable ArcGIS extension designed for non-expert GIS users. START was developed jointly by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the University of Geneva to support frequent workflows relating to mine action. START brings together a series of basic ArcGIS tools in one toolbar and provides new geoprocessing, geometry and database management functions. The toolbar operates as a bridge between non-spatial repositories (e.g. MySQL and Excel) and GIS. It also connects mine action professionals recording data in the field to GIS experts and improves data interoperability between GIS professionals working in different disciplines. Originally created to help humanitarian demining actors optimize GIS workflows and be more efficient in their everyday work, the toolbar might also benefit scientists operating in other fields.
Military Geography Research Notes
Authors: Fleming Steven Douglas
Published: February 2019

Military Geography is a subject that has interested many people for centuries. Military professionals, academics and historians have studied the impacts of physical and human landscapes on military operations in great detail. Today, interfacing with geographic information science and technology, applied geospatial research and the follow-on implementations thereof have greatly impacted the full range of military and homeland security operations. Complex uses of geospatial applications across many domains, in both the physical and social sciences, have become increasingly necessary. These include rapid data collection from disparate satellite, aerial, and terrestrial collection platforms, coupled with human intelligence, with follow-on injection into data bases registered to different security levels. Responsive data distribution from which integrated automated and manual geospatial analysis has also been conducted. Products generated from these data, systems and applications have enabled multiple services and agencies to “see” terrain as a common operating picture (COP).
James R. Anderson Lecture
Authors: Honea Bob
Published: February 2019

Have you ever wondered why things are where they are? Most people probably don't think about this question much. Through life's experiences we learned that certain things can be expected to be where they are relative to other things. Schools are near residential neighborhoods. Doctor's offices are near hospitals. Unless something calls attention to it, you probably don't think about why something is where it is; you just know that's the case. This paper about how a geographer, practicing his craft, was able to solve real world problems. The street opinion is that geography is about place names; knowing where all the countries are; that's not the “geography” I know and not what I want to be known for doing. I am an applied geographer who likes to solve problems, which if solved, make a difference in society. This is a story about how my life was intertwined with Jim Anderson's life and experiences as an applied geographer as well as numerous other applied geographers, spanning the last 50 to 60 years.
Geographical Information Systems in Modern Citizen Science
Authors: Subirats Laia , Simoes Joana , Steblin Alexander
Published: February 2019

This chapter shows how citizen-science initiatives have been known to exist for a long time, but only recently they were further enhanced thanks to technological and societal developments, such as the availability of mobile devices, the widespread use of the internet and the low cost of location devices. These developments shaped the geographic information system (GIS) world as it is known today: a group of technologies that allows retrieving, storing, analyzing and sharing spatial information, by people who are not necessarily GIS professionals. This chapter starts with a general background about GIS, adding then more detail in topics of particular relevance in the context of citizen science. The rest of the chapter is focused on reviewing and classifying the use of GIS in citizen-science initiatives; and some use cases are described in order to provide practical examples of the use of these technologies for solving specific spatial problems. The chapter closes with a brief discussion of the future of GIS in citizen science, in the light of current technological trends.
Semantic-Based Geospatial Data Integration With Unique Features
Authors: Zhang Ying , Li Chaopeng , Chen Na , Liu Shaowen , Du Liming , Wang Zhuxiao , Ma Miaomiao
Published: February 2019

Since large amount of geospatial data are produced by various sources, geospatial data integration is difficult because of the shortage of semantics. Despite standardised data format and data access protocols, such as Web Feature Service (WFS), can enable end-users with access to heterogeneous data stored in different formats from various sources, it is still time-consuming and ineffective due to the lack of semantics. To solve this problem, a prototype to implement the geospatial data integration is proposed by addressing the following four problems, i.e., geospatial data retrieving, modeling, linking and integrating. We mainly adopt four kinds of geospatial data sources to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed linking method can get high performance in generating the matched candidate record pairs in terms of Reduction Ratio(RR), Pairs Completeness(PC), Pairs Quality(PQ) and F-score. The integrating results denote that each data source can get much Complementary Completeness(CC) and Increased Completeness(IC).
Urban Landscape Quality Management and Monitoring
Authors: Vaz de Freitas Isabel , Marques Jorge , Rodrigues Carlos Augusto , Sousa Cristina
Published: February 2019

The issue of the landscape quality or, more precisely, of its goal was addressed in the European Landscape Convention in 2000 to guide the public authorities and the aspirations of the population concerning their characteristics. It also happens regarding the landscape management that leads the authors to a sustainable development preservation, orientating and conciliating the changes that result from the human interaction with the environment. For a research on urban landscapes management, it is proposed a methodological analysis to the case study of Porto (Portugal) with a historical approach to understand how the increasing pressure of tourism is manifested on its image. The main goal is to identify the quality of the landscape and guide its sustainability towards a constant monitoring of images perception.
Geospatial Resource Integration in Support of Homeland Defense and Security
Authors: Foster David , Mayfield Christopher
Published: February 2019

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has faced numerous challenges within the realm of Geospatial Information Systems and Science in fostering a Common Operational Picture suitable to homeland defense and security. This paper details the challenges and successes since September 11th, 2001 to build common ground for all federal, state, local governments, and non-government organizations that depend on geospatial data to provide for the safety and security of the Nation. An analysis of the protracted integration of commercial GIS technologies within the DoD and the speed, openness, and scale this expertise can bring is discussed as an issue for the Federal response to disasters. Finally, distinct successes of collaboration and integration of common standards and data currently in use at military commands is discussed as a robust path to improve future geospatial efforts.
Remote Sensing Image Classification Using Fuzzy-PSO Hybrid Approach
Authors: Sarkar Anasua , Das Rajib
Published: February 2019

Pixel classification among overlapping land cover regions in remote sensing imagery is a challenging task. Detection of uncertainty and vagueness are always key features for classifying mixed pixels. This chapter proposes an approach for pixel classification using hybrid approach of Fuzzy C-Means and Particle Swarm Optimization methods. This new unsupervised algorithm is able to identify clusters utilizing particle swarm optimization based on fuzzy membership values. This approach addresses overlapping regions in remote sensing images by uncertainties using fuzzy set membership values. PSO is a population-based stochastic optimization technique inspired from the social behavior of bird flocks. The authors demonstrate the algorithm for segmenting a LANDSAT image of Shanghai. The newly developed algorithm is compared with FCM and K-Means algorithms. The new algorithm-generated clustered regions are verified with the available ground truth knowledge. The validity and statistical analysis are performed to demonstrate the superior performance of the new algorithm with K-Means and FCM algorithms.
Measuring and Monitoring Urban Sprawl of Jaipur City Using Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: Sisodia Pushpendra Singh , Tiwari Vivekanand , Dahiya Anil Kumar
Published: February 2019

The world's population increased drastically and forced people to migrate from rural area to major cities in search of basic amenities. The majority of the World's population are already living in the major cities and it is continuously increasing. The increase in population forced the major cities to expand. Expansion of cities acclaimed more unplanned settlement that leads unplanned growth. This is a global phenomenon that has a direct impact on natural resources. It is the biggest challenge for urban planners to achieve sustainable development. Developing countries like India, where the population is increasing at an alarming pace, require more attention towards this problem. In this study, an attempt has been made to measure and monitor urban sprawl in Jaipur (Capital, State of Rajasthan, India). Built-up area with corresponding population has been analysed over a period of 41 years (1972-2013). Remotely sensed images of 1972-2013 (MSS, TM and ETM+) have been classified using Supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) for digital image processing. Shannon's entropy has been used to quantify the degree of urban sprawl, and eight landscape metrics have also been used to quantify urban sprawl and its pattern.
Ontology Driven Cross-Linked Domain Data Integration and Spatial Semantic Multi Criteria Query System for Geospatial Public Health
Authors: Abburu Sunitha
Published: February 2019

This article describes how public health information management is an interdisciplinary application which deals with cross linked application domains. Geospatial environment, place and meteorology parameters effect public health. Effective decision making plays a vital role and requires disease data analysis which in turn requires effective Public Health Knowledge Base (PHKB) and a strong efficient query engine. Ontologies enhance the performance of the retrieval system and achieve application interoperability. The current research aims at building PHKB through ontology based cross linked domain integration. It designs a dynamic GeoSPARQL query building from simple form based query composition. The spatial semantic multi criteria query engine is developed by identifying all possible query patterns considering the ontology elements and multi criteria from cross linked application domains. The research has adopted OGC, W3C, WHO and mHealth standards.
Detection of Urban Areas Using Genetic Algorithms and Kohonen Maps on Multispectral Images
Authors: Mokadem Djelloul , Amine Abdelmalek , Elberrichi Zakaria , Helbert David
Published: February 2019

In this article, the detection of urban areas on satellite multispectral Landsat images. The goal is to improve the visual interpretations of images from remote sensing experts who often remain subjective. Interpretations depend deeply on the quality of segmentation which itself depends on the quality of samples. A remote sensing expert must actually prepare these samples. To enhance the segmentation process, this article proposes to use genetic algorithms to evolve the initial population of samples picked manually and get the most optimal samples. These samples will be used to train the Kohonen maps for further classification of a multispectral satellite image. Results are obtained by injecting genetic algorithms in sampling phase and this paper proves the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Cuckoo Search Based Decision Fusion Techniques for Natural Terrain Understanding
Authors: Sharma Arpita , Goel Samiksha
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes two novel nature inspired decision level fusion techniques, Cuckoo Search Decision Fusion (CSDF) and Improved Cuckoo Search Decision Fusion (ICSDF) for enhanced and refined extraction of terrain features from remote sensing data. The developed techniques derive their basis from a recently introduced bio-inspired meta-heuristic Cuckoo Search and modify it suitably to be used as a fusion technique. The algorithms are validated on remote sensing satellite images acquired by multispectral sensors namely LISS3 Sensor image of Alwar region in Rajasthan, India and LANDSAT Sensor image of Delhi region, India. Overall accuracies obtained are substantially better than those of the four individual terrain classifiers used for fusion. Results are also compared with majority voting and average weighing policy fusion strategies. A notable achievement of the proposed fusion techniques is that the two difficult to identify terrains namely barren and urban are identified with similar high accuracies as other well identified land cover types, which was not possible by single analyzers.
Free and Open Source Tools for Volunteer Geographic Information and Geo-Crowdsourcing
Authors: Brovelli Maria Antonia , Delipetrev Blagoj , Zamboni Giorgio
Published: February 2019

The availability of new mobile devices (tablets and smartphones) equipped with many sensors is changing or, better, enriching the way we monitor and sense the world that surrounds us. The internet has permeated completely not only our scientific and technological development, but also our life. Only some years ago, we used geospatial data and GIS software installed within our computers. Nowadays, data and operators are provided via the net by means of distributed and shared geo-services and a simple and powerless mobile device is enough to connect them. The possibility of interaction has become not only faster and more user friendly but also active, being individuals and communities free of adding, deleting, and changing contents in real time in the new GeoWeb2.0. This chapter explores GeoWeb2.0.
TCloud
Authors: Barik Rabindra K. , Lenka Rakesh Kumar , Dubey Harishchandra , Mankodiya Kunal
Published: February 2019

This chapter proposes and develops a cloud-computing-based SDI model named as TCloud for sharing, analysis, and processing of spatial data particularly in the Temple City of India, Bhubaneswar. The main purpose of TCloud is to integrate all the spatial information such as tourism sites which include various temples, mosques, churches, monuments, lakes, mountains, rivers, forests, etc. TCloud can help the decision maker or planner or common users to get enough information for their further research and studies. It has used open source GIS quantum GIS for the development of spatial database whereas QGIS plugin has been linked with quantum GIS for invoking cloud computing environment. It has also discussed the various spatial overlay analysis in TCloud environment.
Digital Photogrammetry and Structure From Motion for Architectural Heritage
Authors: Ippoliti Elena , Meschini Alessandra , Sicuranza Filippo
Published: February 2019

The goal of this paper is to focus on multi-image monoscopic digital photogrammetry, illustrating several types of applications used in a single case study chosen for its unique characteristics: Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo in the main square in the old town centre of Ascoli Piceno. The description of this experimentation will be illustrated in the paper not only to assess the potential and limits of these systems, but also to place them in a scientific context and recall the theoretical fundamentals of this method, since we believe these in-depth studies to be increasingly necessary in order for these digital technologies to be used properly.
On the Intersection Between Speaker Installations and Urban Environments
Authors: Cerwén Gunnar
Published: February 2019

This chapter deals with speaker installations and the potential to use such installations for designing soundscapes in cities. Through employment of a designer's perspective, eight intersections between speaker sounds and the environment in which they are installed are brought forward and discussed. The intersections were originally deduced by the author theoretically but have subsequently also been examined in relation to existing speaker installations. This chapter describes and exemplifies each of the eight intersections, which have been denoted as sound sculpture, sound space, atmospheric design, sound and light, sound binocular, sound postcard, interactive event, and retuning of soundscape. Discussions in the chapter cover the role of speaker-induced sound in relation to the notion of acousmatics as well as urban design.
City Landscape
Authors: Lourenço Ana Cristina
Published: February 2019

This chapter aims to describe the urban morphology of the city of Lisbon within its identity creation process throughout time, according to an ecological condition approach. Based on a new landscape interpretation model, it aims to contribute to a better understanding of the current sustainability issues of the urban landscape (as a system of systems), following an interrelated analysis of the confluence between how it functions ecologically and human occupation processes. It is, therefore, a useful contribution to spatial planning decisions and policies transposed into territorial management tools, particularly with regard to urban ecosystem services: improved urban life and the introduction of positive elements that are economically measurable for better management of the city and reduced risk.
Exploring Non-Linear Relationships Between Landscape and Aquatic Ecological Condition in Southern Wisconsin
Authors: Shaker Richard R. , Ehlinger Timothy J.
Published: February 2019

Recent studies have implied the importance of incorporating configuration metrics into landscape-aquatic ecological integrity research; however few have addressed the needs of spatial data while exploring non-linear relationships. This study investigates spatial dependence of a measure of aquatic ecological condition at two basin scales, and the spatial and non-linear role of landscape in explaining that measure across 92 watersheds in Southern Wisconsin. It hypothesizes that: (1) indicators of ecological condition have different spatial needs at subwatershed and watershed scales; (2) land cover composition, urban configuration, and landscape diversity can explain aquatic ecological integrity differently; and (3) global non-linear analysis improve local spatial statistical techniques for explaining and interpreting landscape impacts on aquatic ecological integrity. Results revealed spatial autocorrelation in the measure of aquatic ecological condition at the HUC-12 subwatershed scale, and artificial neural networks (ANN) were an improvement over geographically weighted regression (GWR) for deciphering complex landscape-aquatic condition relationships.
Applying Geospatial Information and Services Capabilities Beyond the Battlespace
Authors: Cullis Brian J. , LaBranche David F.
Published: February 2019

While geospatial information resources have traditionally imparted situational awareness in the battlespace, the past twenty years has witnessed broad adoption in other defense environments as well. This paper describes the major catalysts spurring broader investment and use of geospatial information and services (GI&S) beyond the battlespace and into a parallel defense installation mission area known as basingspace. Furthermore, the paper details how the benefits of GI&S for delivering shared situational awareness in both battlespace and basingspace has the National Guard poised to exploit geospatial technologies in a more strategic manner. This paper presents a concise history of how social and technical factors influenced the diffusion of applied geospatial technologies within the defense sector and the potential for greater unity of geospatial efforts for the Department of Defense and the nation.
Detection of Urban Expansion by Using DMSP-OLS, Landsat Data and Linear Spectral Unmixing Method
Authors: Uysal Cihan , Maktav Derya
Published: February 2019

Urbanization has been increasingly continuing in Turkey and in the world for the last 30 years. Especially for the developing countries, urbanization is a necessary fact for the sustainability of the urban growth. Yet, this growth should be controlled and planned; otherwise, many environmental problems might occur. Therefore, the urban areas having dynamic structure should be monitored periodically. Monitoring the changes in urban environment can be provided with land cover land use (LCLU) maps produced by the pixel based classification methods using ‘maximum likelihood' and ‘isodata' techniques. However, these thematic maps might bring about inaccurate classification results in heterogeneous areas especially where low spatial resolution satellite data is used since, in these approaches, each pixel is represented with only one class value. In this study, considering the spectral mixture analysis (SMA) each pixel is represented by endmember fractions. The earth is represented more accurately using 'substrate (S)', ‘green vegetation (V)' and ‘dark surfaces (D)' spectral endmember reflectances with this analysis based on linear mixture model. Here, the surrounding of Izmit Gulf, one of the most industrialized areas of Turkey, has been chosen as the study area. SMA has been applied to LANDSAT images of the years of 1984, 1999 and 2009. In addition, DMSP-OLS data of 1992, 1999 and 2009 has been used to detect urban areas. According to the results, the changes in LCLU and especially the urban growth areas have been detected accurately using the SMA method.
Recognition on Images From Internet Street View Based on Hierarchical Features Learning With CNNs
Authors: Liu Jian-min , Yang Min-hua
Published: February 2019

This article describes hierarchical features with unsupervised learning on images from internet street view images. This is due to the time spent by trained researchers on feature construction steps with traditional methods. This article focuses on the activation of each layer of with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on Internet street view images detection and compared similarities and differences among them on each layer. The experiment results achieved error rates of 21% on recognition which work went relatively well than the traditional machine learning techniques, such as Parallel SVM.