bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pareto Evolutionary Optimization of Joint Network Design and Pricing Strategies Related to Emissions in Urban Networks
Authors: Dimitriou Loukas , Kaltsounis Antonios , Stathopoulos Antony
Published: January 2016

In the current social, physical, economical and environmental circumstances of scarcity, the design and management of vital lifelines like transportation systems, especially within the metropolitan context, are subject to the implementation of multiple objectives in a unified framework. Thus, one of the most important issues is the identification of optimal trade-offs among crucial objectives both from the designer's as well as from the users' perspective. In the current study a comprehensive framework for estimating optimal interrelations and dilemmas among emissions-related carbon footprint and other (social- and economic-related) features of urban road networks design and operation are presented and analyzed, based on techniques of multi-objective and hierarchical mathematical programming with equilibrium constraints, solved by suitable hybridization of evolutionary algorithms. The results of the proposed optimization methodological approach provide the Pareto Frontier of solutions, which corresponds to optimal trade-offs amongst multiple objectives. The computational experience from the application of the proposed methodological approach on a part of a realistic urban network is presented, providing evidence on the applicability as well as on the computational burden of such transportation design paradigms, but most importantly, on the dilemmas emerging in sustainable design and planning of transportation systems.
FDTD Simulation of the GPR Signal for Preventing the Risk of Accidents Due to Pavement Damages
Authors: Tosti Fabio , Umiliaco Andrea
Published: January 2016

It is well known that road safety issues are closely dependent on both pavement structural damages and surface unevenness, whose occurrence is often related to ineffective pavement asset management. The evaluation of road pavement operability is traditionally carried out through distress identification manuals on the basis of standardized comprehensive indexes, as a result of visual inspections or measurements, wherein the failure causes can be partially detected. In this regard, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has proven to be over the past decades an effective and efficient technique to enable better management of pavement assets and better diagnosis of the causes of pavement failures. In this study, one of the main causes (i.e. subgrade failures) of surface damage is analyzed through finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation of the GPR signal. The GprMax 2D numerical simulator for GPR is used on three different types of flexible pavement to retrieve the numerical solution of Maxwell's equations in the time domain. Results show the high potential of GPR in detecting the causes of such damage.
Seismic Performance of a Mixed Masonry-Reinforced Concrete Building
Authors: Gattulli Vincenzo , Potenza Francesco , Valvona Filippo
Published: January 2016

The 6th of April 2009, a quite strong earthquake of magnitude ML =5.8 (Mw=6.3), struck in the city of L'Aquila. The seismic event caused serious injure to several masonry buildings, compromising a large part of the valuable historical and architectural heritage. The present work deals with seismic performance evaluation of an existing mixed masonry-reinforced concrete building in downtown L'Aquila city. A comprehensive discussion on the current limit capacity of the building based on the visual inspections of the occurred seismic damage, the experimental data from a wide campaign of on-site tests on the material properties, the results of numerical simulations from different naturally discrete models of the mixed masonry-reinforced concrete structure are presented. The seismic performance is evaluated through well-recognized N2 nonlinear static procedure. The Frame by Macro-Elements method is used to define an equivalent 3D frame representation of the structure. The obtained numerical results are directly compared with the surveyed damages.
An Adaptive Elastic Net Method for Edge Linking of Images
Authors: Yi Junyan , Yang Gang , Ma Xiaoxuan , Shen Xiaoyun
Published: January 2016

In this chapterr, the authors propose an adaptive Elastic Net method for edge linking of images. Edge linking is a fundamental computer-vision task, which is a constrained optimization problem. In the proposed method, an adaptive dynamic parameter strategy and a stochastic noise strategy are introduced into the Elastic Net, which enables the network to have superior ability for escaping from local minima and converge sooner to optimal or near-optimal solutions. Simulations confirm that the proposed method could produce more meaningful contours than the original Elastic Net in shorter time.
Seismic Vulnerability of Ancient Colonnade
Authors: Sarhosis Vasilis , Lignola Gian Piero , Asteris Panagiotis G.
Published: January 2016

In this chapter, a numerical study to investigate the seismic vulnerability of the two storey colonnade of the Forum in Pompeii has been conducted. Software based on the Distinct Element Method (DEM) of analysis has been used. The colonnade was represented as an assemblage of distinct blocks connected together by zero thickness interfaces which could open and/or close depending on the magnitude and direction of stresses applied to them. Both static and non-linear static analyses have been undertaken. Also, a sensitivity study has been performed to investigate the effect of frictional resistance of the joints on the structural response of the colonnade. This was to simulate potential joint degradation effects and/or possible water lubrication at the joint.
On the Assessment of the Seismic Vulnerability of Ancient Churches
Authors: Mezzapelle Pardo Antonio , Lenci Stefano
Published: January 2016

The chapter deals with the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of the “San Francesco ad Alto” historical masonry building, a former church located in Ancona (Italy), which is currently used as a Regional Headquarter of the Marche Region by the Italian Army. The interest toward this building comes from a double motivation. From the one side, it underwent a series of structural changes, including the addition of a new floor splitting in two levels the original nave, which makes the structure very peculiar and closer to a classical building than to a church. From the other side, it is no longer used as a church, a fact that changes the hazard aspects. The construction schematically consists of two masonry boxes overlapping, the lower being wider than the upper. It has various characteristic structural elements, such as some semicircular arches, segmental arches, timber floors, a barrel vault, some wooden trusses on the roof and steel ties in retention of the facade and of the external walls. The equivalent frame method is used, and several pushover analyses are performed. The seismic action has been defined considering the building both with strategic (current situation) and with ordinary (possible future situation) importance during earthquakes. The role of the masonry spandrels on the response of the structure has been investigated in depth and the main effects highlighted. The result of the pushover analyses is a seismic risk index (IR), that defines the safety level of the construction with respect to one ultimate limit state (SLU), in particular the so-called limit state of “saving life” (SLV).
Teaching of Sustainability
Authors: Haile Sue , Glassey Jarka
Published: January 2016

Following a discussion of the means of introducing sustainability and sustainable design into the engineering curriculum, this chapter provides examples of the approach taken when teaching these subjects through the use of case studies at a traditional research-intensive higher education institution in the UK: Newcastle University. This chapter demonstrates the range of topics that have been addressed through examples of case studies and discusses the methods of delivery and assessment within the curriculum. The result of a cross-curriculum mapping exercise is presented, showing how sustainability teaching can be incorporated into a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
The Roles of Knowledge Management and Organizational Innovation in Global Business
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: January 2016

This chapter explains the roles of Knowledge Management (KM) and organizational innovation in global business, thus describing the theoretical and practical concepts of KM and organizational innovation; the significance of KM in global business; and the significance of organizational innovation in global business. The accomplishment of KM and organizational innovation is vital for modern organizations that seek to serve suppliers and customers, increase business performance, strengthen competitiveness, and attain regular success in global business. Thus, it is necessary for modern organizations to investigate their KM and organizational innovation applications, create a strategic plan to constantly explore their functional advancements, and immediately respond to KM and organizational innovation needs of customers. Applying KM and organizational innovation will significantly enhance organizational performance and achieve strategic goals in the information age.
Information Seeking Behaviour in Changing ICT Environment
Authors: Stephen G. , Murugan M.
Published: January 2016

Information is all around us and is the staple diet of human beings. Information is variously perceived as facts, intelligence, data, news and knowledge. Information has been a common ingredient to all areas of human endeavor, be it the day-today affairs of business, matters of life and death or the most trivial of pursuits. In a modern industrial society there are negligibly few individuals, who do not, from time to time, occasionally or frequently have any requirement for information. It is an essential accompaniment of almost every social activity. Information is considered as important that contributes towards the development of a nation. It provides the core for the development of knowledge, the basis for innovations, the resources for informed citizenry, and as a result, becomes a key commodity for the progress of a society. This study carried out about the use of ICT services to search the information. It is clear that most of the respondents 84.9% use to browse the internet for study purpose, 76.9% of the respondents use ICT services to use e-mail facility, 59.3% respondents use for to search online database, 46.9% of the respondents use ICT services for to access e- journal, 30.1% of the respondents use ICT services for to search CD-ROM database and 29.2% of the respondents use to use OPAC services.. A few respondents use ICT for to scan/ print (29.2).
Lifecycle Assessment of Structures and Probabilistic Performance Approaches
Authors: Strauss Alfred , Wendner Roman
Published: January 2016

This contribution is particularly focused on the lifetime assessment of structures where the concept of risk informed decision is based on the structural performance. Regarding the lifetime performance of structures general aspects such as structural system, component-system performance assessment, the concept of robustness in the component-component-system interaction and its assessment framework are introduced. Furthermore, aspects of both deterministic and probabilistic performance evaluation approaches were investigated, while extra emphasis is given to the probabilistic performance assessment approaches. This illustration of the probabilistic performance approaches includes the concepts of uncertainty quantifications, hazard identification methods and techniques, and the formulation of random variables and stochastic structural deterioration processes. In addition, lifecycle performance assessment and prediction methods, approaches and tools for engineering structures are presented.
Effect of Epicenter Data Inconsistency in Determining Bandwidth and Its Subsequent Use in Hazard Analysis for Chennai Using Kernel Smoothing Approach
Authors: Ramanna C. K. , Dodagoudar G. R.
Published: January 2016

The most important parameter in the kernel density estimator is the bandwidth or spread or window width. The bandwidth of the kernel density estimator, which follows the power law, is determined using the nearest neighborhood technique for the earthquake catalog which is divided into bins. For reliable hazard estimates, the magnitude bins used in developing the power law and estimating the spatial activity rate density function should be the same. It is important that consistency be maintained between the earthquake epicenters used in determining the bandwidth and the epicenters to which the bandwidth is applied subsequently. In this paper, the effect of epicenter data inconsistency on hazard estimates for various return periods for Chennai is evaluated. Two methods of binning are used, one in which the epicenters used in deriving the bandwidth is in line with the epicenters used in arriving at the spatial activity rate and the other where the epicenters used in deriving the bandwidth are just grouped by dividing the catalogue into equal bins. Seismic hazard estimations are compared using these two approaches of forming the magnitude bins for Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) values obtained from Binning Methods 1 and 2 for 475 years return period are 0.0955g and 0.0802g respectively. The difference in PGA and peak spectral acceleration (PSA) from the two binning methods ranges from 20 to 10% with respect to Binning Method 1 for the return periods of 72 to 2475 years.
Smart Government
Authors: Jiménez Carlos E. , Falcone Francisco , Solanas Agusti , Puyosa Héctor , Zoughbi Saleem , González Federico
Published: January 2016

The advent of Smart Cities is one of the greatest challenges and field of opportunities in the goal to achieve sustainable, comfortable, and socially responsible living environments. A large number of factors, spanning from government/administration/citizen interaction models, heterogeneous communication network, interoperability, or security determine the capabilities and functionalities that can be deployed. In this chapter, different factors in the implementation and adoption of E-Government within Smart City scenarios are described. The authors include the Interoperability Principle as a part of the Open Government concept and link this concept with the Smart Cities view. Then, they describe a new model of public organization that they call “Intelligent,” characterized by the “Smart Government,” and they propose a matrix with the elements of this model. Then, the authors analyze the technical and infrastructure dimensions of the matrix.
Fuzzy Based Project Time-Cost Optimization Using Simulated Annealing Search Technique
Authors: Haque Khan Md. Ariful , Hasin M. Ahsan Akhtar
Published: January 2016

The Project time-cost optimization is inherently a complex task. Because of various kinds of uncertainties, such as weather, productivity level, inflation, human factors etc. during project execution process, time and cost of each activity may vary significantly. The complexity multiplies several folds when the operational times are not deterministic, rather fuzzy in nature. Therefore, deterministic models for time-cost optimization are not yet efficient. It is very difficult to find the exact solution of savings in both time and cost. To make such problems realistic, triangular fuzzy numbers and the concept of a-cut method in fuzzy logic theory are employed to model the problem. Because of NP-hard nature of the project scheduling problem, this paper develops a simple approach with Simulated Annealing (SA) based searching technique. The proposed model leads the decision makers to choose the desired solution under different values of a-cut. Finally, taking a real project, the performance of SA has been tested.
Alternative, Environmentally Acceptable Materials in Road Construction
Authors: Dimter Sanja , Rukavina Tatjana , Barišić Ivana
Published: January 2016

Environmental conservation and energy savings, as the fundamental assumptions for sustainable development, and financial savings are possible through the use of new, non-standard materials and technologies in the building and maintenance of roads. Different types of waste materials and industrial by-products may be used in road construction as an alternative to standard materials. In order to be applicable, alternative materials must meet certain engineering characteristics, show an acceptable level of execution, and be economical in comparison with traditional materials. The reasons for the use of alternative materials are many and largely outweigh the possible shortcomings. The use of alternative materials is significant from both the ecological and economic perspectives. Ecologically, the use of alternative materials means a lesser need for the exploitation of natural resources and the quantity of waste accumulated in landfills is reduced. Economically, the use of alternative materials reduces total construction costs. This chapter explores the use of alternative materials.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of Telephone Exchanges (Switching Centers)
Authors: Dickerson Keith , Faulkner David , Kingston Paul
Published: January 2016

This chapter discusses the environmental assessment of telecommunications switching centers (telephone exchanges), based on the experience gained by Climate Associates Limited (CAL) and K8T on contracts in the UK and Ireland over the last few years. CAL has been asked to assess the energy efficiency of telephone exchanges and make recommendation on how their energy efficiency could be improved. Although we are not able to disclose details that may be commercially in confidence, this chapter draws out some general principles on the energy efficiency of telecommunications switching centers, taking into account the electricity demand of the equipment, the energy performance of the buildings housing it, the air conditioning needed to cool it, and the electrical systems used to power it, with a focus on how this could be improved. Reference is made to assessment standards such as ITU-T L.1310 Energy efficiency measurement and metrics for telecommunication network and ITU-T L.1300 Best Practices for Green Data Centers. Dr. Keith Dickerson and Dr. David Faulkner have both been active in the development of standards for environmental assessment in the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) over the past 10 years and hold leadership positions in these bodies. Dr. Paul Kingston has an excellent track record in the modeling and assessment of power consumption to optimize design of the built environment. Acknowledgement is given to BT for permission to publish the results of this study. The results are based primarily on the study of a single telephone exchange and may not be valid for all exchanges of this type in the UK.
Simulation of Pedestrians and Motorised Traffic
Authors: Papadimitriou Eleonora , Auberlet J.M. , Yannis George , Lassarre S.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this paper is the analysis of the state of the art in pedestrian simulation models and the identification of key issues for further research, with particular focus on the modelling of pedestrians and motorised traffic. A review and a comparative assessment of pedestrian simulation models are carried out, including macroscopic models, earlier meso- and miscosimulation models (mostly in Cellular Automata) and more recent Multi-Agent simulation models. The reviewed models cover a broad range of research topics: pedestrian flow and level of service, crowd dynamics and evacuations, route choice etc. However, pedestrian movement in urban areas and the interactions between pedestrians and vehicles have received notably less attention. A number of challenges to be addressed in future research are outlined: first, the need to and account for the hierarchical behavioural model of road users (strategic / tactical / operational behaviour); second, the need for appropriate description and parameterization of vehicle and pedestrian networks and their crossing points; third, the need to exploit in the simulation models the results of statistical and probabilistic models, which offer valuable insight in the determinants of pedestrian behaviour. In each case, recent studies towards addressing these challenges are outlined.
Cloud and Mobile
Authors: Rosado da Cruz Antonio Miguel , Paiva Sara
Published: January 2016

Mobile computing and Cloud computing are two of the most growing technologies in number of users, practitioners and research projects. This chapter surveys mobile technologies and applications, along with cloud computing technologies and applications, presenting their evolution and characteristics. Then, building on mobile devices limitations and mobile apps increasing need of resources, and on the cloud computing ability to overcome those limitations, the chapter presents mobile cloud computing, and characterizes it by addressing approaches to augment mobile devices capabilities. The chapter is settled after some views about future research directions and some concluding remarks.
Designing Mobile Collaborative Applications for Cloud Environments
Authors: Guetmi Nadir , Imine Abdessamad
Published: January 2016

Mobile devices have experienced a huge progress in the capacity of computing, storage and data visualization. They are becoming the device of choice for operating a large variety of applications while supporting real-time collaboration of people and their mobility. Despite this progress, the energy consumption and the network coverage remain a serious problem against an efficient and continuous use of these mobile collaborative applications and a great challenge for their designers and developers. To address these issues, this chapter describes design patterns that help modelling mobile collaborative applications to support collaboration through the cloud. Two levels are presented: the first level provides self-control to create clones of mobile devices, manage users' groups and recover failed clones in the cloud. The second level supports group collaboration mechanisms in real-time. These design patterns have been used as a basis for the design of a mobile collaborative editing application.
Test Cloud before Cloud Test
Authors: Farooq Sheikh Umar , Quadri S. M. K.
Published: January 2016

Cloud computing is rapidly gaining significant attention in our day-to-day life. Cloud computing and software testing is one of the hot research areas for both industry and research. While one aspect of this merger, i.e. cloud testing (STaaS), is on real high and is receiving significant research attention, there is a lack of research addressing the other side, i.e. ‘testing the cloud'. This chapter tries to differentiate between ‘cloud testing' and ‘testing the cloud' and explains why ‘testing the cloud' is so crucial. In addition, it also explains what tests should be done in order to mitigate the challenges and risks of migrating our businesses to the cloud. This chapter provides a comprehensive tutorial to discuss the testing of cloud and also explains the need, objectives, requirements and challenges in ‘testing the cloud'.
What is New about the Internet Delay Space?
Authors: Guomin Zhang , Zhanfeng Wang , Rui Wang , Na Wang , Changyou Xing
Published: January 2016

The Internet delay space is a comprehensive result of the Internet topology, routing policies, and network traffic. In this paper, a large scale of measurement was carried out to measure the Internet delay space and reveal new characters of the Internet delay space today. A comprehensive analysis was made from three aspects: the relationship between delay and geodistance, TIV severity and its dimensionality. It's found that as the evolvement of the Internet, the Internet delay space is transforming from a non-metric space into a metric space. To validate our observation, a simulation experiment, complementary measurements and analysis on the former typical delay datasets were performed. The experimental results were consistent with our observation.
Framework for Infrastructure Attack Modeling in Hybrid Networks
Authors: Borisenko Konstantin , Kholod Ivan , Shorov Andrey
Published: January 2016

The paper considers a framework for modeling infrastructure attacks and protection mechanisms in hybrid networks. The developed framework saves time conducting tests and improves the accuracy of the experiments by connection the simulation system to real network nodes. The paper shows formal description of the modeling system components. Modeling system architecture and implementation are shown. The authors also describe modeling system verification. In addition, they provide the experiments devoted to DDoS attacks and operation of the protection techniques.
Cultivating Chan with Calibration
Authors: Li Yuezhe , Chang Yuchou , Lin Hong
Published: January 2016

Chan is a superior mental training methodology derived from Buddhism and absorbed the wisdom of religious practitioners, philosophers, and scholars around Eastern Asia through thousands of years. As the primary way of Chan, meditation has clear effects in bringing practitioners' mind into a tranquil state and promoting both the mental and the physical health. The effect of Chan is measurable. The authors propose to establish a Chan science by applying modern experimental sciences to various models. In particular, machine learning methods have been used to classify brain states using electroencephalogram (EEG) data. The experimental results show potential in building brain state models for calibrating the routine of meditation. Through these studies, the authors believe they will be able to make Chan a beneficial practice to promote human's life in modern society.
Clinical and organizational evidence of the efficacy and effectiveness from cardiac rehabilitation: an update
Authors: Griffo Raffaele , Gigli Guido , Bertoli Daniele , Corsiglia Luca , Emanuelli Flavia , Colotto Palamede , Andreoli Giovanni , Flego Gaddo
Published: January 2016

The increasing evidence on the favourable cost/effectiveness impact of the comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program for the treatment of a wide spectrum of cardiovascular conditions have imposed to healthcare services a major attention on a critical analysis of the results in different clinical indications and delivery organisations. The Regional Health Agency of Liguria, in the occasion of drawing up regional guidelines directed to define the clinical indications and the effectiveness of the cardiac rehabilitation delivery model (in-patients, out-patients and home-based) and its requisites, indications and procedures, has updated the reference guidelines (PLNG and SIGN) with the evidence provided by the more recent literature, focusing its attention on the clinical and, in particular, organizational effectiveness. The document, on the base of these evidences, provides some effective proposals and some organizational advices.
Clinical features, management and in-hospital outcome of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in young adults under 40 years of age
Authors: Kianoosh Hosseini Seyed , Soleimani Abbas , Ali Karimi Abbas , Sadeghian Saeed , Darabian Sirous , Hesameddin Abbasi Seyed , Hossein Ahmadi Seyed , Zoroufian Arezou , Mahmoodian Mehran , Abbasi Ali
Published: January 2016

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the demographic and clinical findings and in-hospital management and outcome in patients with an acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Material and methods: By review of the Cardiovascular Tehran Heart Center Registry (CVDTHCR), 2028 patients were found to have the acute STEMI. We compared the patients’ characteristics in 109 (5.4%) subjects ≤40 and 1919 subjects > 40 years old. Results: The young patients had less diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and history of MI or prior revascularization, and were more likely to be male (92.7% vs. 74%), smoker (58.7% vs. 31.7%) and have family history of CVD (50.5% vs. 23.4%). The young patients had higher prevalence of angiographically normal coronary artery (13.7% vs. 0.9%; p<0.001). The young patients were more likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (38.5% vs. 18.6%), whereas coronary artery bypass grafting was more common in the old ones (p<0.001). In-hospital death was markedly different among young and old patients (0.9% and 6.1%, respectively; p<0.01). Conclusion: In STEMI population, the risk profile, clinical findings and severity of coronary disease of the young differ substantially from the elderly counterparts. Young patients with STEMI have a favorable outcome compared with that in older patients.
Therapeutic Potential of Tea Tree Oil for Scabies
Authors: Thomas Jackson , Carson Christine F. , Peterson Greg M. , Walton Shelley F. , Hammer Kate A. , Naunton Mark , Davey Rachel C. , Spelman Tim , Dettwiller Pascale , Kyle Greg , Cooper Gabrielle M. , Baby Kavya E.
Published: January 2016

Globally, scabies affects more than 130 million people at any time. In the developed world, outbreaks in health institutions and vulnerable communities result in a significant economic burden. A review of the literature demonstrates the emergence of resistance toward classical scabicidal treatments and the lack of effectiveness of currently available scabicides in reducing the inflammatory skin reactions and pyodermal progression that occurs in predisposed patient cohorts. Tea tree oil (TTO) has demonstrated promising acaricidal effects against scabies mites in vitro and has also been successfully used as an adjuvant topical medication for the treatment of crusted scabies, including cases that did not respond to standard treatments. Emerging acaricide resistance threatens the future usefulness of currently used gold standard treatments (oral ivermectin and topical permethrin) for scabies. The imminent development of new chemical entities is doubtful. The cumulative acaricidal, antibacterial, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects of TTO may have the potential to successfully reduce the burden of scabies infection and the associated bacterial complications. This review summarizes current knowledge on the use of TTO for the treatment of scabies. On the strength of existing data for TTO, larger scale, randomized controlled clinical trials are warranted.
The Economic Impact of Cystic Echinococcosis in Rio Negro Province, Argentina
Authors: Bingham Glenda M. , Larrieu Edmundo , Uchiumi Leonardo , Mercapide Carlos , Mujica Guillermo , Del Carpio Mario , Hererro Eduardo , Salvitti Juan Carlos , Norby Bo , Budke Christine M.
Published: January 2016

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), a parasitic zoonosis with substantial human health and economic consequences, is highly endemic in Rio Negro Province, Argentina. The objective of this study was to estimate the direct and indirect human and livestock-associated monetary losses attributable to CE, in Rio Negro Province, for the year 2010. Human costs were estimated using data obtained from hospital chart reviews, patient interviews, and government reports. Livestock-associated losses were estimated using data from government reports and scientific publications. Spreadsheet models were developed utilizing Latin Hypercube sampling to account for uncertainty in the input parameters. In 2010, the estimated total cost of CE, in Rio Negro Province, ranged from US$4,234,000 (95% credible interval [CI]: US$2,709,000–US$6,226,000) to US$5,897,000 (95% CI: US$3,452,000–US$9,105,000), with livestock-associated losses representing between 80% and 94% of the total losses, depending on whether non-healthcare-seeking human cases were included and if livestock slaughter values were adjusted to account for underreporting. These estimates suggest that CE is responsible for considerable human and livestock-associated monetary losses in Rio Negro Province. Stakeholders and policymakers can use these data to better allocate public health and agricultural resources for this region.
Mitochondrial Genes Reveal Triatoma jatai as a Sister Species to Triatoma costalimai (Reduviidae: Triatominae)
Authors: Teves Simone Caldas , Gardim Sueli , Carbajal de la Fuente Ana Laura , Lopes Catarina Macedo , Gonçalves Teresa Cristina Monte , dos Santos Mallet Jacenir Reis , da Rosa João Aristeu , Almeida Carlos Eduardo
Published: January 2016

Triatoma jatai was described using a set of morphological structures from specimens collected in Paranã municipality of Tocantins State, Brazil. Under a Bayesian framework and using two mitochondrial genes (16S and COI), phylogenetic analysis recovered T. jatai as a sister species to Triatoma costalimai with higher genetic distances than between other well-recognized species. Our results agree with previous suggestions based on morphometric analysis. In the light of the non-monophyly of Matogrossensis subcomplex, the inclusion of T. jatai shall be considered for reevaluating this group.
Reproductive Biology of Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera, Triatominae) During the Imaginal Molt
Authors: Alevi Kaio Cesar Chaboli , Guerra Ana Letícia , Imperador Carlos Henrique Lima , da Rosa João Aristeu , de Azeredo-Oliveira Maria Tercília Vilela
Published: January 2016

The triatomines are vectors of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, etiologic agent of Chagas disease. These insects are sexually active after the imaginal molt. Some aspects have been studied in Triatoma brasiliensis during the imaginal molt, such as autogeny in virgin females and the relationship between blood ingestion by fifth instar nymph and the realization of the imaginal molt. Thus, to aid in the understanding of reproductive biology and developmental physiology of these vectors, this article analyzes the spermatogenesis of T. brasiliensis during the imaginal molt. The analysis of the seminiferous tubules from males in the fifth instar during imaginal molt has demonstrated that T. brasiliensis has only a few spermatids and a plentiful quantity of sperm. Thus, we suggest that during imaginal molt the cell division is disrupted aiming to reduce energy costs and the differentiation into sperm is stimulated to ensure the paternity of the adult male.
Diarrhea Prevalence, Care, and Risk Factors Among Poor Children Under 5 Years of Age in Mesoamerica
Authors: Colombara Danny V. , Hernández Bernardo , McNellan Claire R. , Desai Sima S. , Gagnier Marielle C. , Haakenstad Annie , Johanns Casey , Palmisano Erin B. , Ríos-Zertuche Diego , Schaefer Alexandra , Zúñiga-Brenes Paola , Zyznieuski Nicholas , Iriarte Emma , Mokdad Ali H.
Published: January 2016

Care practices and risk factors for diarrhea among impoverished communities across Mesoamerica are unknown. Using Salud Mesoamérica Initiative baseline data, collected 2011–2013, we assessed the prevalence of diarrhea, adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines, and potential diarrhea correlates in poor and indigenous communities across Mesoamerica. This study surveyed 14,500 children under 5 years of age in poor areas of El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico (Chiapas State), Nicaragua, and Panama. We compared diarrhea prevalence and treatment modalities using χ2 tests and used multivariable Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for potential correlates of diarrhea. The 2-week point prevalence of diarrhea was 13% overall, with significant differences between countries (P < 0.05). Approximately one-third of diarrheal children were given oral rehydration solution and less than 3% were given zinc. Approximately 18% were given much less to drink than usual or nothing to drink at all. Antimotility medication was given to 17% of diarrheal children, while antibiotics were inappropriately given to 36%. In a multivariable regression model, compared with children 0–5 months, those 6–23 months had a 49% increased risk for diarrhea (aRR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.95). Our results call for programs to examine and remedy low adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Incidental Splenic Granuloma Due to Burkholderia pseudomallei: A Case of Asymptomatic Latent Melioidosis?
Authors: Chow Tak Kuan , Eu Lin Chuan , Chin Kin Fah , Ong Kien Chai , Pailoor Jayalakshmi , Vadivelu Jamunarani , Wong Kum Thong
Published: January 2016

We report a rare case of an asymptomatic latent melioidosis lesion in a posttraumatic splenectomy specimen from a diabetic patient. The 2-cm yellowish, lobulated lesion was found in the splenic parenchyma well away from the traumatized areas. Microscopically, it consisted of a central area of necrosis and exudate surrounded by macrophages, epithelioid cells, lymphocytes, and occasional multinucleated giant cells. Burkholderia bacilli were detected by a novel in situ hybridization (ISH) assay, and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing to be Burkholderia pseudomallei. As melioidosis was not suspected initially, bacterial culture was not done but electron microscopy showed morphologically viable and dividing bacilli in the lesion. Moreover, the surgical wound became infected with B. pseudomallei several days post-surgery. After treatment with ceftazidime and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, the wound infection cleared. We believe this could be a unique case of asymptomatic latent melioidosis in the spleen. In endemic countries, chronic granulomas should be investigated for B. pseudomallei infection, and if available, ISH may be helpful for diagnosis.
A Virtual Representation of the Egyptian Cultural Heritage
Authors: Saleh Fathi
Published: January 2016

In Egypt, the Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT) is treating cultural heritage in a holistic approach whether regarding the diversity of themes of cultural heritage or in the case of museums, the presence of objects in the different museums both within the country or abroad (a sort of global virtual museum). The establishment of CULTNAT marks a unique experience in the application of the latest innovations in the world of telecommunications and information technology towards heritage issues. CULTNAT’s main mandate is to document the various aspects of Egypt's tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as its natural heritage.
Concerning the Paradox of Paradata. Or, “I don’t want realism; I want magic!”
Authors: Beacham Richard C.
Published: January 2016

Traditional written historical investigation and analysis have from the beginning consisted of a sometimes unstable mixture of fact and conjecture, hard evidence and inspired imagination. To encourage 3-D modelling of cultural heritage artefacts to be taken seriously as historical scholarship this inevitable and ambiguous balance can be highlighted and to a significant degree documented and modulated by London Charter principles. This enhances the scholarly integrity of these models as examples of serious research based historical investigation, and helps avoid the dangers of inflated or unverified “media hype” which can compromise or discredit such work .
Itálica Futura: Documentación, Preservación e Interpretación Digital de la ciudad romana.
Authors: Grande Alfredo , Rodríguez Hidalgo José Manuel
Published: January 2016

Tras un trabajo arqueológico de más de doscientos años, la prioridad de la Itálica actual es mantener, conservar, proteger y difundir el patrimonio, tanto los inmuebles arquitectónicos como las piezas escultóricas que se encuentran en los muesos. Asimismo, la restauración de las obras es una de las labores fundamentales, especialmente en el caso de los mosaicos que se mantienen en su ubicación original en el yacimiento in situ. Si se hace una lectura justa y equilibrada del nivel de evocación actual del Conjunto Arqueológico de Itálica y su estado de conservación, se puede determinar que nos encontramos con un yacimiento de cota cero, con sus estructuras a nivel de cimentación y con un recrecido histórico que nos determinan, espacios, volúmenes y estructuras arquitectónicas. Salvo el anfiteatro, el teatro y algunas casas de cañada honda donde el nivel murario es mayor, el nivel de arrase es generalizado. Con motivo del Centenario de su declaración como Monumento Nacional en 2012, la Consejera de Cultura Dª. Rosa Torres, anunció la puesta en marcha de un Plan Director con que darle al yacimiento romano localizado en Santiponce un plus de divulgación y puesta en valor, una asignatura pendiente pese a los esfuerzos realizados en los últimos años.
Enabling Archaeological Hypothesis Testing in Real Time using the REVEAL Documentation and Display System
Authors: Sanders Donald H.
Published: January 2016

This paper focuses on a system that can ensure that excavations are indeed fully documented and that the record is accurate. REVEAL is a single piece of software that coordinates all data types used at excavations with semi-automated tools that in turn can ease the process of documenting sites, trenches and objects, of recording excavation progress, of researching and analyzing the collected evidence, and even of creating 3D models and virtual worlds. Search and retrieval, and thus testing hypotheses against the excavated material happens in real time, as the excavation proceeds. That is the important advance.
Palaeontology research and its application as cultural tourism in Aragon (Spain)
Authors: Canudo José Ignacio
Published: January 2016

The focus of the work undertaken by the research group Aragosaurus-IUCA of the University of Zaragoza is on fossil vertebrates, including in particular dinosaurs and large vertebrates from the Pleistocene of Aragon (Spain). These fossils are very attractive for the general public, and the localities where they have been found have thus shown great interest in exploiting them for the purposes of tourism. An account is given of three distinct projects in which the group has taken part, providing scientific information to draw attention to the localities where the fossils were found: the “Last Dinosaurs of Europe” at Arén (Huesca), the “Tella Cave Bear” (Huesca), and the Satellite Centres of Dinópolis (Teruel). In each case the uniqueness of the fossils from the locality in question has been highlighted.
Métodos, técnicas y estándares para la documentación geométrica del patrimonio cultural.
Authors: Angás Pajas Jorge , Serreta Oliván Alfredo
Published: January 2016

The incorporation of new technologies in the geometric documentation of cultural heritage must contribute to the application of new methods and techniques for both its investigation and its diffusion. However, the apparent rate of development of the technology, together with the social immediacy, does not allow the establishment of an entire process of technologies and procedures necessary in all types of geometric documentation projects. This report intends to establish a brief reflection of the state of the enquiry, underlining that one of the present difficulties is the representation of cultural heritage and providing for each one of them a beginning point that will contribute to the establishment of a correct development in the process of creativity, innovation, culture and education.
Integración de SIG con visualización 3D interactiva para la gestión y seguimiento de excavaciones arqueológicas
Authors: Seoane Nolasco Antonio José , Hernández Ibáñez Luis Antonio
Published: January 2016

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide large information management capabilities. However, in many cases the feature of the visualization of this data over a huge detailed three-dimensional terrain does not exist or are limited, wich can be very useful or desirable in many applications. This paper presents the integration of SANTI, a three-dimensional visualization system of large terrain areas and geographical data, with gvSIG, a free GIS software. We describe the capabilities of the visualization system, the approach to connect the two systems and how it is applied to a project in development for the management of the excavation of the Castro de la Lanzada located at the Galician coast (Spain).
Generación de modelos de información para la gestión de una intervención: La cárcel de la Real Fábrica de Tabacos de Sevilla
Authors: Nieto Julián Juan Enrique
Published: January 2016

We are at the beginning of a new era in the spatial analysis of the architectural heritage with the use of infographics models 3D, that allows a continuous observation of its architectural features which stands the modelinteracting in virtual space in a process I reciprocal between designer and object. But this must be added another component essential in heritage, such as multidisciplinary work and the transmission of data between the different players. We need to ensure sound management of the information generated on the job so that it flows properly between different disciplines, with a rich of knowledge transfer, where each specialist to work in an open environment, and lead to effective decisions for the proper conservation and management of heritage in study.
Sistemas de bajo coste en levantamiento y restitución virtual. El caso del Palauet Nolla de Meliana
Authors: Laumain Xavier , López Sabater Angela , Ríos Alós Jorge , Huerta Gabarda Carlos
Published: January 2016

In the middle of the 19th Century appears in Meliana (Valencia) a tile mosaic factory which will play a preponderant paper in the spanish Industrialization History. Over there, wrapped up by a vast group of industrial premises, we stays the Palauet Nolla, an emblematic building, decorated with the most exquisites compositions that the product which went out from the melianars hovens allowed. This palace, converted as a real scale showroom, has witnessed the visits of the most distinguished personages of the moment, as the King Amadeo I of Saboya, the Romanov Family, o illustrious intellectuals and artists. The study in course pretends providing a complete information about this historic and artistic monument, being its entire virtual restitution one of the most notable and eye-ctching element.
Automatic Generation of Stippling Illustrations from two Photographs
Authors: Arroyo Germán , Martín Domingo , Luzón M. Victoria
Published: January 2016

In this paper we present a software tool that is able to reconstruct the depth field of the objects from two photographs and to obtain a pseudo 3D model. Using this information our system is able to difference background from foreground, and therefore, what are the interesting elements in the photographs and stipple them in different ways.
This tool needs almost no user interaction. The user simply has to align both photographs and indicate the level of detail according to the distance. The rest is decided by our software. Whereas a professional illustrator needs more than 20 hours to finish a similar illustration, our software is able to do it in just few seconds.
Deploying 3D technologies for the documentation of tangible cultural heritage
Authors: Rodríguez Echavarria Karina , Kaminski Jaime
Published: January 2016

Increasingly, visitors and cultural heritage professionals expect more from 3D technologies. The 3D-COFORM project aims to make 3D technology a practical proposition for use in the cultural heritage sector. While developing state of the art tools targeted to a diverse group of users, the project is also researching on the practical issues for the technologies’ implementation on heritage organisations. This paper describes the methodology to achieve this; as well as different types of testing conducted by the project. Moreover, it proposes three deployment models and describes one of them in more detail. Although, these results are preliminary they are expected to contribute towards the sector considering 3D technologies as a sustainable option.