bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Useful Influence of Ear & Body Acupuncture Treatment on the Significant Reduction of Body Weight of Obesity and its Relationship with Oxidant-Antioxidant System
Authors: Oztas Dilek , Erdogan Serpil , Koroglu Fatma Tamara , Mollahaliloglu Salih , Erel Ozcan
Published: February 2019

333 Acupuncture has been used in treating obesity even before 1975. Effect mechanism and beneficial effects of acupuncture treatment are unclear. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are harmful by-products of human body metabolism. The oxidative effects of ROS are neutralized by the antioxidant
capacity. Thiols are substantial antioxidant agents and found in cysteine amino acid. Cysteine residues form disulfide bridges, predictor of oxidant stress. Thiol-disulfide homeostasis is an important parameter associated with several disorders such as cardiac, endocrine, neurologic diseases.
To date, the effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress and thiol–disulfide homeostasis in obese individuals has not yet been examined. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of acupuncture for weight control on dynamic thiol–disulfide homeostasis. A total
of 101 subjects who were being treated for weight control at our center (89 women and 12 men, body mass index (BMI) ≥22.48) were randomly enrolled in this study, and treated with ear & body acupuncture. Body acupuncture is given manually. Ear acupuncture is given with a needle embedded
within adhesive tape through performing acupressure by the patients three times per day. We measured the levels of thiol, any organic compound containing –SH group. Reduced thiol was represented with native thiol (-SH). Oxidized thiol (-S-S) was represented by disulfide. Total thiol
was composed of sum of the native thiol and disulfide levels. We analyzed the differences between baseline BMI, blood native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide levels, and those after 10 weeks of acupuncture treatment. After acupuncture treatment, significant body weight and BMI reductions
were observed. Mean body weight decreased significantly from 78.66±12.66 kg before treatment to 74.46±11.29 kg after treatment (p<0.001) and mean BMI decreased from 29.54±3.99 kg/m2 before treatment to 27.98±3.68 kg/m2 after treatment (p<0.001).
Mean native thiol and total thiol levels increased significantly after acupuncture compared to before acupuncture. Disulfide levels insignificantly decreased. This is the first study to demonstrate that the beneficial effects of acupuncture in treating obesity are associated with improvements
in thiol–disulfide homeostasis, an imbalance in which is associated with oxidative stress. Additional studies are warranted to investigate the mechanism or signaling pathways involved in the effect of acupuncture on obesity.
Pictorial Analysis of the Projected Destination Image: Portugal on Instagram
Authors: Kuhzady Salar , Ghasemi Vahid
Published: February 2019

Destination image (DI) has an important role in destination choice. DI is considered as one of the main factors in destination competitiveness. The main aim of this study was to explore the projected image of Portugal as a tourism destination. The projected image was obtained through
an analysis of the pictures of the official page of destination management organization of Portugal on Instagram (@visitportugal). The research used a sample of 1,306 photos. Samples included photographic and textual data. Visual content analysis and content analysis were adopted to analysis
data. Appling content analysis for images refers to break a picture into a number of categories. The results showed that the projected destination images of Portugal were dominated by attributes related to natural attractions. In addition, the geographical distribution of the DMO photos showed
that 880 photos (67%) of all 1,306 DMO photos were associated with nine destinations. Food/drink category was the most engaging image for followers. Additionally, the findings indicated that the most common applied hashtags for describing Portugal as a tourism destination and inspire travelers
to visit were related to nature-based activities (e.g., nature, river, beach, ocean, sea).
INFLUENCE OF LONGITUDINAL REINFORCEMENT ON DEVELOPMENT OF NORMAL CRACKS
Authors: Jokūbaitis Vidmantas , Pukelis Petras
Published: February 2019

Using a model of normal crack propagation in reinforced concrete members, an analytical expression is presented for the stress intensity factor defining the intensity of stress in area at the crack tip. This factor is in linear relationship to the stress in tensile reinforcement, which can be determined by different methods. The analysis performed indicates that there is a direct relationship between the stress intensity factor and normal crack depth, when a stable and chaotic propagation of cracks in the initial cracking stage of the member terminates. In addition, expression of this relationship depends significantly on reinforcement ratio of underreinforced beams.
OPTIMUM REINFORCEMENT DESIGN OF CONCRETE CROSS‐SECTIONS CONSIDERING DEFORMATION CONSTRAINTS
Authors: Raue Erich , Hahn Stephan
Published: February 2019

The paper concerns the optimum reinforcement design for r/c cross‐sections through the simultaneous consideration of multiple load cases. The problem is solved by methods of non‐linear mathematical programming. In the first part, the calculation model for cross‐sections is derived from extremum principles. The second part deals with the comparison of design strategies using step‐by‐step and parallel calculation. Finally, a numerical example is provided. The discussion shows the efficiency of the presented algorithm compared with traditional design concepts. The strategy demonstrates a considerable decrease in the amount of reinforcement required.
Atmospheric Structure and Radiation Pattern for Neutron-star Polar Caps Heated by Magnetospheric Return Currents
Authors: Bauböck Michi , Psaltis Dimitrios , Özel Feryal
Published: February 2019

The Neutron-star Interior Composition ExploreR (NICER) is collecting data to measure the radii of neutron stars by observing the pulsed emission from their surfaces. The primary targets are isolated, rotation-powered pulsars, in which the surface polar caps are heated by bombardment from magnetospheric currents of electrons and positrons. We investigate various stopping mechanisms for the beams of particles that bombard the atmosphere and calculate the heat deposition, the atmospheric temperature profiles, and the energy spectra and beaming of the emerging radiation. We find that low-energy particles with γ ∼ 2–10 deposit most of their energy in the upper regions of the atmosphere, at low optical depth, resulting in beaming patterns that are substantially different from those of deep-heated, radiative equilibrium models. Only particles with energies γ ≳ 50 penetrate to high optical depths and fulfill the conditions necessary for a deep-heating approximation. We discuss the implications of our work for modeling the pulse profiles from rotation-powered pulsars and for the inference of their radii with NICER observations.
Survey Observations to Study Chemical Evolution from High-mass Starless Cores to High-mass Protostellar Objects. II. HC3N and N2H+
Authors: Taniguchi Kotomi , Saito Masao , Sridharan T. K. , Minamidani Tetsuhiro
Published: February 2019

We have carried out survey observations of molecular emission lines from HC3N, N2H+, CCS, and cyclic-C3H2 in the 81–94 GHz band toward 17 high-mass starless cores (HMSCs) and 28 high-mass prorostellar objects (HMPOs) with the Nobeyama 45 m radio telescope. We have detected N2H+ in all of the target sources except one and HC3N in 14 HMSCs and in 26 HMPOs. We investigate the N(N2H+)/N(HC3N) column density ratio as a chemical evolutionary indicator of massive cores. Using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) test and Welch’s t test, we confirm that the N(N2H+)/N(HC3N) ratio decreases from HMSCs to HMPOs. This tendency in high-mass star-forming regions is opposite to that in low-mass star-forming regions. Furthermore, we find that the detection rates of carbon-chain species (HC3N, HC5N, and CCS) in HMPOs are different from those in low-mass protostars. The detection rates of cyanopolyynes (HC3N and HC5N) are higher and that of CCS is lower in high-mass protostars, compared to low-mass protostars. We discuss a possible interpretation for these differences.
Type Ib/Ic Supernovae: Effect of Nickel Mixing on the Early-time Color Evolution and Implications for the Progenitors
Authors: Yoon Sung-Chul , Chun Wonseok , Tolstov Alexey , Blinnikov Sergey , Dessart Luc
Published: February 2019

We investigate the effect of mixing of radioactive nickel (56Ni) on the early-time color evolution of Type Ib and Ic supernovae (SNe Ib/Ic) using multigroup radiation hydrodynamics simulations. We consider both helium-rich and helium-poor progenitors. Mixing of 56Ni is parameterized using a Gaussian distribution function. We find that the early-time color evolution with a weak 56Ni mixing is characterized by three different phases: initial rapid reddening, blueward evolution due to the delayed effect of 56Ni heating, and redward evolution thereafter until the transition to the nebular phase. With a strong 56Ni mixing, the color evolution is characterized by a monotonic reddening. We compare our models with the early-time color evolution of several SNe Ib/Ic (SN 1999ex, SN 2008D, SN 2009jf, iPTF13bvn, SN 1994I, SN 2007gr, SN 2013ge, and 2017ein) and find signatures of relatively weak and strong 56Ni mixing for SNe Ib and SNe Ic, respectively. This suggests that SNe Ib progenitors are distinct from SN Ic progenitors in terms of helium content and that 56Ni mixing is generally stronger in the carbon–oxygen core and weaker in the helium-rich envelope. We conclude that the early-time color evolution is a powerful probe of 56Ni mixing in SNe Ib/Ic.
Sharp Gap Edges in Dense Planetary Rings: An Axisymmetric Diffusion Model
Authors: Grätz Fabio , Seiß Martin , Schmidt Jürgen , Colwell Joshua , Spahn Frank
Published: February 2019

One of the most intriguing facets of Saturn’s rings are the sharp edges of gaps in the rings where the surface density abruptly drops to zero. This is despite of the fact that the range over which a moon transfers angular momentum onto the ring material is much larger. Recent UVIS-scans of the edges of the Encke and Keeler gap show that this drop occurs over a range approximately equal to the rings’ thickness. Borderies et al. show that this striking feature is likely related to the local reversal of the usually outward directed viscous transport of angular momentum in strongly perturbed regions. In this article we revise the Borderies et al. model using a granular flow model to define the shear and bulk viscosities, ν and ζ, and incorporate the angular momentum flux reversal effect into the axisymmetric diffusion model we developed for gaps in dense planetary rings. Finally, we apply our model to the Encke and Keeler division in order to estimate the shear and bulk viscosities in the vicinity of both gaps.
The Streams of the Gaping Abyss: A Population of Entangled Stellar Streams Surrounding the Inner Galaxy
Authors: Ibata Rodrigo A. , Malhan Khyati , Martin Nicolas F.
Published: February 2019

We present the discovery of a large population of stellar streams that surround the inner Galaxy, found in the Gaia DR2 catalog using the new STREAMFINDER algorithm. Here we focus on the properties of eight new high-significance structures found at heliocentric distances between 1 and 10 kpc and at Galactic latitudes

, named Slidr, Sylgr, Ylgr, Fimbulthul, Svöl, Fjörm, Gjöll, and Leiptr. Spectroscopic measurements of seven of the streams confirm the detections, which are based on Gaia astrometry and photometry alone, and show that these streams are predominantly metal-poor. The sample possesses diverse orbital properties, although most of the streams appear to be debris of inner-halo globular clusters. Many more candidate streams are visible in our maps but require follow-up spectroscopy to confirm their nature. We also explain in detail the workings of the algorithm and gauge the incidence of false detections by running the algorithm on a smooth model of the Gaia catalog.
Weighing Black Holes Using Tidal Disruption Events
Authors: Mockler Brenna , Guillochon James , Ramirez-Ruiz Enrico
Published: February 2019

While once rare, observations of stars being tidally disrupted by supermassive black holes are quickly becoming commonplace. To continue to learn from these events, it is necessary to robustly and systematically compare our growing number of observations with theory. We present a tidal disruption module for the Modular Open Source Fitter for Transients (MOSFiT) and the results from fitting 14 tidal disruption events (TDEs). Our model uses FLASH simulations of TDEs to generate bolometric luminosities and passes these luminosities through viscosity and reprocessing transformation functions to create multiwavelength light curves. It then uses an MCMC fitting routine to compare these theoretical light curves with observations. We find that none of the events show evidence for viscous delays exceeding a few days, supporting the theory that our current observing strategies in the optical/UV are missing a significant number of viscously delayed flares. We find that the events have black hole masses of 106–108
M
⊙ and that the masses we predict are as reliable as those based on bulk galaxy properties. We also find that there is a preference for stars with mass <1 M
⊙, as expected when low-mass stars greatly outnumber high-mass stars.
Star Formation Rates of Massive Molecular Clouds in the Central Molecular Zone
Authors: Lu 吕 Xing 行 , Zhang Qizhou , Kauffmann Jens , Pillai Thushara , Ginsburg Adam , Mills Elisabeth A. C. , Diederik Kruijssen J. M. , Longmore Steven N. , Battersby Cara , Baobab Liu Hauyu , Gu Qiusheng
Published: February 2019

We investigate star formation at very early evolutionary phases in five massive clouds in the inner 500 pc of the Galaxy, the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ). Using interferometer observations of H2O masers and ultra-compact H ii regions, we find evidence of ongoing star formation embedded in cores of 0.2 pc scales and ≳105 cm−3 densities. Among the five clouds, Sgr C possesses a high (9%) fraction of gas mass in gravitationally bound and/or protostellar cores, and follows the dense (≳104 cm−3) gas star formation relation that is extrapolated from nearby clouds. The other four clouds have less than 1% of their cloud masses in gravitationally bound and/or protostellar cores, and star formation rates 10 times lower than predicted by the dense gas star formation relation. At the spatial scale of these cores, the star formation efficiency is comparable to that in Galactic disk sources. We suggest that the overall inactive star formation in these CMZ clouds could be because there is much less gas confined in gravitationally bound cores, which may be a result of the strong turbulence in this region and/or the very early evolutionary stage of the clouds when collapse has only recently started.
General Physical Properties of Gamma-Ray-emitting Narrow-line Seyfert 1 Galaxies
Authors: Paliya Vaidehi S. , Parker M. L. , Jiang J. , Fabian A. C. , Brenneman L. , Ajello M. , Hartmann D.
Published: February 2019

We present the results of a detailed multiwavelength study of a sample of 16 narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLSy1) galaxies known in γ-rays so far. This includes a focused X-ray spectral analysis, to compare them with a more general NLSy1 population, and a broadband spectral energy distribution (SED) modeling considering the leptonic radiative processes to understand their similarity/dissimilarity with blazars. The X-ray spectra of γ-NLSy1 galaxies exhibit similarities to both typical NLSy1 sources below ≲2 keV and blazars at higher energies. We also find weak evidences of excess absorption in the soft X-ray spectra of three sources and a tentative detection of the Fe line in 1H 0323+342. A comparison of the broadband parameters derived from the SED modeling reveals the similarity of γ-NLSy1 objects to blazars, in particular to flat-spectrum radio quasars. The γ-NLS1 galaxies host relatively low power jets with small bulk Lorentz factors with respect to blazars, and this explains the paucity of such sources in the γ-ray catalogs and identification of even fewer parent population members. Many of the observed features of these intriguing objects suggest that they host low-mass black holes. The accretion rate in Eddington units can be considered as the driving factor to explain the physical properties of γ-NLSy1 sources, similar to that which is known for the general blazar population.
The NANOGrav 11 yr Data Set: Solar Wind Sounding through Pulsar Timing
Authors: Madison D. R. , Cordes J. M. , Arzoumanian Z. , Chatterjee S. , Crowter K. , DeCesar M. E. , Demorest P. B. , Dolch T. , Ellis J. A. , Ferdman R. D. , Ferrara E. C. , Fonseca E. , Gentile P. A. , Jones G. , Jones M. L. , Lam M. T. , Levin L. , Lorimer D. R. , Lynch R. S. , McLaughlin M. A. , Mingarelli C. M. F. , Ng C. , Nice D. J. , Pennucci T. T. , Ransom S. M. , Ray P. S. , Spiewak R. , Stairs I. H. , Stovall K. , Swiggum J. K. , Zhu W. W.
Published: February 2019

The North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) has observed dozens of millisecond pulsars for over a decade. We have accrued a large collection of dispersion measure (DM) measurements sensitive to the total electron content between Earth and the pulsars at each observation. All lines of sight cross through the solar wind (SW), which produces correlated DM fluctuations in all pulsars. We develop and apply techniques for extracting the imprint of the SW from the full collection of DM measurements in the recently released NANOGrav 11 yr data set. We filter out long-timescale DM fluctuations attributable to structure in the interstellar medium and carry out a simultaneous analysis of all pulsars in our sample that can differentiate the correlated signature of the wind from signals unique to individual lines of sight. When treating the SW as spherically symmetric and constant in time, we find the electron number density at 1 au to be 7.9 ± 0.2 cm−3. We find our data to be insensitive to long-term variation in the density of the wind. We argue that our techniques paired with a high-cadence, low-radio-frequency observing campaign of near-ecliptic pulsars would be capable of mapping out large-scale latitudinal structure in the wind.
MACER Improved: AGN Feedback Computed in Rotating Early-type Galaxies at High Resolution
Authors: Gan Zhaoming , Ciotti Luca , Ostriker Jeremiah P. , Yuan Feng
Published: February 2019

Based on our previous modeling of active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback in isolated elliptical galaxies using the MACER (Massive AGN Controlled Ellipticals Resolved) code, we extend and improve the model to include rotation, to facilitate angular momentum transfer via the Toomre instability in gaseous disks, to limit the star formation to regions of high density and low temperature, and to improve the treatment of hot-mode (low accretion rate) AGN feedback. The model galaxy now has an extended dark matter profile that matches with standard observations, but it has a resolution of parsecs in the inner region and resolves the Bondi radius. We find that the results agree reasonably well with a panoply of observations: (1) Both AGN activity and star formation are primarily in central cold gaseous disks, are bursty, and are mainly driven by the Toomre instability. (2) The AGN duty cycle agrees well with the Soltan argument, i.e., the AGN spends most of its lifetime when it is in low luminosity (half of the time with

), while emitting most of its energy when it is in high luminosity (half of radiant energy emitted with L/L
Edd > 0.06). (3) The total star formation is roughly a few percent of the initial stellar mass, occurring in the bursts that would be associated with the observed E+A phenomenon. Most of the star formation occurs in a circumnuclear disk of size ≤1 kpc, which is in agreement with recent observations. (4) The interstellar medium X-ray luminosity varies within a reasonable range (median

erg s−1), in agreement with observations.
Ionization Profiles of Galactic H ii Regions
Authors: Luisi Matteo , Anderson L. D. , Liu Bin , Roshi D. Anish , Churchwell Ed
Published: February 2019

Using Green Bank Telescope radio recombination line (RRL) data, we analyze the role of leaking radiation from H ii regions in maintaining the ionization of the interstellar medium (ISM). We observed a sample of eight Galactic H ii regions of various sizes, morphologies, and luminosities. For each region, the hydrogen RRL intensity decreases roughly as a power-law with the distance from the center of the region. This suggests that radiation leaking from the H ii region is responsible for the majority of surrounding ionized gas producing RRL emission. Our results further indicate that the hydrogen RRL intensity appears to be fundamentally related to the H ii region sizes traced by their photodissociation regions, such that physically smaller H ii regions show a steeper decrease in intensity with an increasing distance from the region centers. As a result, giant H ii regions may have a much larger effect in maintaining the ionization of the ISM. For six of the eight observed H ii regions, we find a decrease in the 4He+/H+ abundance ratio with an increasing distance, indicating that He-ionizing photons are being absorbed within the ionization front of the H ii region. There is enhanced carbon RRL emission toward directions with strong continuum background, suggesting that the carbon emission is amplified by stimulated emission.
A taxonomy of performance shaping factors for human reliability analysis in industrial maintenance
Authors: Franciosi Chiara , Di Pasquale Valentina , Iannone Raffaele , Miranda Salvatore
Published: February 2019

Purpose: Human factors play an inevitable role in maintenance activities, and the occurrence of Human Errors (HEs) affects system reliability and safety, equipment performance and economic results. The high HE rate increased researchers’ attention towards Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) and HE assessment approaches. In these approaches, various environmental and individual factors influence the performance of maintenance operators affecting Human Error Probability (HEP) with a consequent variability in the success of intervention. However, a deep analysis of such factors in the maintenance field, often called Performance Shaping Factors (PSFs), is still missing. This has led the authors to systematically evaluate the literature on Human Error in Maintenance (HEM) and on the PSFs, in order to provide a shared PSF taxonomy.Design/methodology/approach: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted to identify and select peer-reviewed papers that provided evidence on the relationship between maintenance activities and human performance. The obtained results provided a wide overview in the field of interest, shedding light on three main research areas of investigation: methodologies for human error analysis in maintenance, performance shaping factors and maintenance error consequences. In particular, papers belonging to the area of PSFs were analysed in-depth in order to identify and classify the PSFs, with the aim of achieving the PSF taxonomy for maintenance activities. The effects of each PSF on human reliability were defined and detailed.Findings: A total of 63 studies were selected and then analysed through a systematic methodology. 46% of these studies presented a qualitative/quantitative assessment of PSFs through application in different maintenance activities. Starting from the findings of the aforementioned papers, a PSF taxonomy specific for maintenance activities was proposed. This taxonomy represents an important contribution for researchers and practitioners towards the improvement of HRA methods and their applications in industrial maintenance.Originality/value: The analysis outlines the relevance of considering HEM because different error types occur during the maintenance process with non-negligible effects on the system. Despite a growing interest in HE assessment in maintenance, a deep analysis of PSFs in this field and a shared PSF taxonomy are missing. This paper fills the gap in the literature with the creation of a PSF taxonomy in industrial maintenance. The proposed taxonomy is a valuable contribution for growing the awareness of researchers and practitioners about factors influencing maintainers’ performance.
Associations Between Climate, Ecosystems, and Ecosystem Services in the Pre-Sahara
Authors: Ben Salem Abdelkrim , Ben Salem Souad , Khebiza Mohammed Yacoubi , Elabidine Awatif Zine
Published: February 2019

This chapter focuses on the richness and wide variety of Sub-Saharan ecosystems particularly in the region of Tafilalet, Morocco. The Tafilalet ecosystems provide an extensive list of goods (see below) to the region, as well as “ecosystem services” for the inhabitants. However, in the last 30 years, these ecosystems are threatened by conjugated impacts of climate change and human overuse of the nature resources. The primary objective of this chapter is to evaluate both the damage inflicted on Tafilalet ecosystems and the associated ecosystem services due to climate change. Adaptation to climate change is of paramount importance to keep the survival of the diversity of Tafilalet ecosystems including agro-ecosystems, forests, and inland waters. Adaptation is a process to reduce the vulnerability of people to prevent displacement and conflict for scarce ecosystem services. The findings of this chapter show that a large number of ecosystem services of the region are limited by climatic conditions that affect the resilience of the whole oasis of Tafilalet.
Health Effects of Air Pollution in Urban Environment
Authors: Dandotiya Banwari
Published: February 2019

In the last few decades, urban development and growing industrialization has caused air pollution to become a major issue in urban areas of developing and developed countries. Urban area is more susceptible compare to other because of higher exposure time of urban residents, due to unbound interference of air pollutants in indoor environment. Exposure to air pollutants has been associated with increased mortality and hospital admissions due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This chapter focused on sources and health effects of air pollution in urban areas in India. Most of the urban areas of India are suffering from higher concentrations of air pollutants including gaseous and particulates.
Climate Change Impacts on Biodiversity in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas
Authors: Boutaj Hanane , Moumni Aicha , Nassiri Oumayma , Aitouna Abdelhak Ouled
Published: February 2019

Considerable attention has been paid to climate change and its impacts on biodiversity. The climate change has caused several problems such as continuous ecosystem degradation and a resultant biodiversity decline. In addition, climate warming has a range of indirect effects through changes in vegetation type level and sea that affect physical and biological systems. This has also led to changes in the distribution of species, as well as reductions in the size of populations, or even local extinctions of these populations. Moreover, many species are disappearing with time due to climate change combined with the emergence of disease that develops and increases with time. These problems affect different biodiversity components that are close to collapse. This chapter explored the richness of biodiversity in arid and semi-arid zones. It is also illuminates the effects of climate change on distribution of biodiversity. The authors highlight the responses of biodiversity under climate change, in terms of species extinction, biodiversity loss, and the impacts of climate change to ecological tourism. Finally, the authors show how biodiversity can overcome the effect of climate change, by developing some systems that allow to them to survive and conservation of species and ecosystems.
Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Singh Vartika
Published: February 2019

The chapter illuminates the effect of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services. It also explains the present scenario of biological resources with biological diversity. The author describes the known biological resources and their uses with the help of flow chart and also shows the linkage among them. The author clearly explicates the inter-relationship between human activity, climate change, and biological diversity with charts. In the last section, the author talk about the effect on the paleo climate and impact of climate change on different parts of ecosystem services.
Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Inland Fisheries of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Africa
Authors: Udo Imefon Udo , Akpan Imekan Isaac
Published: February 2019

Inland fisheries of arid and semi-arid regions of Africa are seriously threatened by negative impacts of climate change. Literature and several models show increase in temperature of 1.1oC in some areas. Sea level rise is projected to increase to 0.8 m by the year 2100. Fish yields have increased almost linearly by around half a million metric tons per decade over the past 60 years, while clear cyclical variations in the residuals of about 20 years' periodicity above and below the trend line have been observed. Although fisher folks, their communities, and local institutions are already constantly adapting to various forms of change, flimsiness in the wider governance and macro-economic environment has weakened the overall adaptive capacity of these regions and fishers are vulnerable to projected climate change. For significant benefits of inland fisheries to be accomplished, planned adaptation at scales from the local to the regional is very necessary.
Machine Learning and Text Analysis in an Artificial Intelligent System for the Training of Air Traffic Controllers
Authors: Shmelova Tetiana , Sikirda Yuliya , Rizun Nina , Lazorenko Vitaliy , Kharchenko Volodymyr
Published: February 2019

This chapter presents the application of new information technology in education for the training of air traffic controllers (ATCs). Machine learning, multi-criteria decision analysis, and text analysis as the methods of artificial intelligence for ATCs training have been described. The authors have made an analysis of the International Civil Aviation Organization documents for modern principles of ATCs education. The prototype of the neural network for evaluating the timeliness and correctness of the decision making by ATCs has been developed. The new theoretical and practical tasks for simulation and pre-simulation training have been obtained using expert judgment method. The methodology for sentiment analyzing the airline customers' opinions has been proposed. In addition, the examples of artificial intelligence systems and expert systems by the authors, students and colleagues from National Aviation University, Ukraine and Gdansk University of Technology, Poland have been proposed.
Environments Diagnosis by Means of Computer Vision System of Autonomous Flying Robots
Authors: Dergachov Konstantin , Kulik Anatolii , Zymovin Anatolii
Published: February 2019

In this chapter, the authors present an approach to the extrinsic environs diagnostics based on using visual information collected by autonomous robots. The possibility of utilizing a computer vision for the purpose of rational control implementation in the condition of the full or partial uncertainty is investigated. In the study, the combined hardware and software computer vision tools were verified. The models, algorithms, and codes for solving the local tasks of obstacle identification and mutual location kinematic parameters estimation have been developed. A series of computational and in-kind experiments that illustrate a practical possibility of implementing the navigational environment diagnosis is carried out with the aim to select a rational flight path.
Automated System of Stabilization and Position Control of Aviation Equipment
Authors: Sushchenko Olha
Published: February 2019

In this chapter, the author presents the problems of design of the robust automated system for stabilization and control of platforms with aircraft observation equipment. The mathematical model of the triaxial stabilized platform is developed. The procedure of synthesis of robust stabilization system based on robust structural synthesis is represented. The above-mentioned procedure uses loop-shaping approach and method of the mixed sensitivity. The matrix weighting transfer functions are obtained. The optimization programs in MatLab are developed. The developed procedures are approved based on the results of simulation by means of the appropriate Simulink model. The obtained results can be useful for unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft of special aviation, which are used for monitoring technical objects and aerial photography. The technical contributions are procedures of the robust controller design represented as the flowchart. The proposed approach is validated by application of the theoretical suppositions to the concrete example and appropriate simulation results.
Use of Big Data in Aviation
Authors: Odarchenko Roman , Hassan Zohaib , Zaman Abnash
Published: February 2019

The expansion of data and its efficient handling is becoming a more popular tendency in recent times bringing new difficulties to learn new avenues. Data analytics can be done more proficiently with the availability of distributed architecture of not only SQL (NoSQL) databases. Technological advancements around us are changing very rapidly, and major shift is being carried out, a switch from relational to non-relational world. When moving from relational to non-relational models, database administrators face common problems due to the fact that NoSQL is a no-schema database. The purpose of conducting this research is to propose a mechanism by which the schema of a relational database management system and its data can be transformed into big data by following some standardize guidelines. This model can be quite useful for relational database administrators by enabling them to give attention to logical modeling rather than procedural writing for each and every SQL to NoSQL transition.
Social Capital and Social Identity
Authors: Cook Caryn
Published: February 2019

This chapter explores the relationships between what are complex and shifting socio-economic and political conditions and the role and connection of norms and networks of social cooperation, such as friendship networks and kinship connections within Latvia. These “connections” and “kinships” have long served as a source of “social capital” it is argued, which is beyond the immediate circle of family. Research does suggest these relationships often perform functions usually associated with formal civil society, particularly in times of need. Specifically, this chapter considers the nature and practice of blat which something, it is argued, so naturally it was not even thought about. During Soviet times, it developed into a quiet resistance against the official system making life bearable for citizens, and therefore acting to support the continued existence of the Soviet system. The chapter also considers the links between social network theory, new-institutionalism, and social capital.
Modelling and Assessing Spatial Big Data
Authors: Noskov Alexey , Grinberger A. Yair , Papapesios Nikolaos , Rousell Adam , Troilo Rafael , Zipf Alexander
Published: February 2019

Many methods for intrinsic quality assessment of spatial data are based on the OpenStreetMap full-history dump. Typically, the high-level analysis is conducted; few approaches take into account the low-level properties of data files. In this chapter, a low-level data-type analysis is introduced. It offers a novel framework for the overview of big data files and assessment of full-history data provenance (lineage). Developed tools generate tables and charts, which facilitate the comparison and analysis of datasets. Also, resulting data helped to develop a universal data model for optimal storing of OpenStreetMap full-history data in the form of a relational database. Databases for several pilot sites were evaluated by two use cases. First, a number of intrinsic data quality indicators and related metrics were implemented. Second, a framework for the inventory of spatial distribution of massive data uploads is discussed. Both use cases confirm the effectiveness of the proposed data-type analysis and derived relational data model.
Defining Urban Planning Strategy Through Social Media Application
Authors: Scuderi Alessandro , Sturiale Luisa
Published: February 2019

Social networks in the public sphere support the process of innovation that aims to make the action of the municipalities more efficient and participatory. Due to their characteristics, social media seem to be able to contribute significantly to the development of e-governance and e-democracy as tools based on dialogue and on the enhancement of the contribution of users-citizens or, more generally, of users-local stakeholders. Web 4.0 and social media are progressively taking on a role of primary importance in the contemporary socio-economic context, contributing to change not only the processes and methods of communication of individuals, citizens and businesses, but also the organization and business management itself. In the new dimension of the Web 4.0 the user's behavior is not predetermined, but the user can derive and autonomously build the services, as the web is decentralized and enriched by the experiences of the users who participate in the definition and improvement of content.
Continuity and Developments in Terms of Challenges, Opportunities, and Trends in Quality K-12 Online Environments
Authors: Boboc Marius
Published: February 2019

This chapter provides updated background information related to K-12 online education, ranging from definitions to benefits and challenges, based on an earlier version of the document. Comparative analyses of the virtual learning landscape reveal the increasingly complex parameters by which it could be evaluated, including the range of programs, service provider types, approaches to blended learning, kinds of instruction delivery, as well as levels of interaction within cyberspace. A theoretical framework introduced in the previous version of the chapter continues to identify academic programs/curricula, student support services, and virtual program/school administration as categories that connect the relevant literature review to recommendations for future research intended to inform policy-setting efforts aimed at supporting the further development of high-quality K-12 online environments.
Texts and Tasks
Authors: Massey Dixie D.
Published: February 2019

The subject of students' reading abilities and achievement are the focus national and international comparisons. Such a broad audience makes reading content, activities, and assessments the subject of great scrutiny. At the same time, we know little about reading within the quickly expanding market of K-12 distance education. Research offers a very limited description of the types of reading that students are asked to do or the students' abilities to accomplish this reading effectively. This chapter describes the types of reading students do in online K-12 courses, followed by a review of the limited research about reading in online courses. The chapter concludes with instructional implications for teachers of online courses and possibilities for future research.
Measurement in K–12 Online Learning Environments
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2019

The measurement of online latent constructs, such as student engagement, have mimicked the measurement of these constructs in traditional, brick-and-mortar learning environments. For brick-and-mortar K-12 schools and online K-12 schools there are challenges that need to be addressed to establish a measure with support for validity. Measurement in an online learning environment has different accessibility and data collection requirements. The online learning environment lends itself well to the use of student behaviors to measure latent constructs, including student engagement. The behaviors of students in an online learning environment are regularly documented. This chapter will delve into the ways latent constructs, using student engagement as an example/case study, are currently being measured in the K-12 online learning environment and alternatives to these measures mimicking traditional brick-and-mortar measures.
Models for Implementing Effective Online Learning
Authors: Frazier Laura Corbin , Palmer Barbara Martin
Published: February 2019

This chapter provides a description of five models for professional development (PD) for online instruction and analyzes each model according to domains of effective online instruction (i.e., faculty stance, student self-regulation, faculty support, authentic practice, engagement, community development, and cognitive demand). Additionally, a decision model is provided for K-12 and university administrators, teacher educators, and policymakers to guide strategic decision making in the determination of a model for PD best suited to the needs and resources of their institution.
Feasibility of Using Smart Devices and Digital Technologies in the Assessment of Human Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Sahu Aparna
Published: February 2019

The chapter covers topics concerning the use of smart devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, computer-based testing, and digital technology such as virtual reality, for the use of neuropsychological assessments. Several research results show promise for the use of the aforementioned technologies for the benefit of assessments for discriminating between patients and normal controls, and the increasing comfort levels of participants. Key advantages and disadvantages to using these technologies and future directions in terms of adopting newer technologies are discussed in the light of current developments. A specific emphasis is also laid on countries such as India that is ready to adopt such technologies in the healthcare sector.
Exploring Diseases Relationships
Authors: Fathalla Said , Mohamed Heba , Kannot Yaman
Published: February 2019

Developing an efficient algorithm for traversing large ontologies is a key challenge for many semantic-based applications. This chapter introduces an approach, spreading activation over ontology (SAOO), to explore the relationship between two human diseases using an ontology-based spreading activation approach. SAOO comprises two phases: semantic matching and diseases relatedness detection. In the semantic matching phase, user-submitted diseases are semantically identified in the ontology graph using the proposed matching algorithm. Semantic matching conducts more analysis in the matching process, which comprises term normalization; phrase analysis, and word sense disambiguation. In the diseases relatedness detection phase, the URIs of these diseases are passed to the relatedness detector to detect the relationship connecting them. SAOO improves healthcare systems by considering semantic domain knowledge and a set of SWRL rules to infer diseases relatedness. We present a use case that outlines how SAOO can be used to explore relationships between vaccines in the vaccine ontology.
Glycemic Monitoring and Prediction With Response Improvement via Psyllium
Authors: Pang Sally Shuk Han , Chui Kwok Tai , Lytras Miltiadis D.
Published: February 2019

Fibers are proven to provide health benefits in preventing metabolic diseases. This chapter first presents the existing blood glucose monitoring sensors and a prediction model for blood glucose concentration. It also aims at analyzing the efficacy of a functional fiber, psyllium on the glycemic control function. Three studies included suggesting psyllium supplementation would significantly improve glycemic response while two studies included showed no effects. Advantages and limitations of each study were evaluated. Overall, it is generally believed that psyllium might give glycemic response improvement effect, especially in Type II Diabetes Mellitus patients.
Constellations of edTPA Data Use
Authors: Lys Diana B. , Stapleton Joy N. , Cuthrell Kristen , Fogarty Elizabeth A. , Tschida Christina M.
Published: February 2019

As more educator preparation programs (EPPs) adopt edTPA as a teacher candidate performance assessment in their programs, a new set of robust and informational data emerges. As an educative assessment, performance assessment data can be used by EPPs in multiple ways. This chapter identifies five constellations of edTPA data use: teacher candidate readiness, curriculum revision, program assessment and accreditation, predictive validity, and continuous program improvement. Each constellation is rooted in both practice and research and provides strategies for how EPPs may leverage edTPA for multiple purposes within their programs.
Engaging Faculty in Examining the Validity of Locally Developed Performance-Based Assessments
Authors: Bohan Kathy J. , Conn Cynthia A. , Pieper Suzanne L.
Published: February 2019

Locally developed performance-based assessment instruments must provide evidence of validity and reliability supporting their intended interpretation and use. Accrediting bodies, such as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), require Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) to provide this evidence in their accreditation self-study. However, faculty may not have the expertise to conduct an effective examination of their assessments. This chapter describes a process for gathering evidence to build a validity argument for locally developed performance-based assessments. Grounded in measurement theory, the Validity Inquiry Process (VIP) guides faculty through a reflective practice approach towards making defensible claims about the use of results from locally developed performance-based assessments. Using this process, faculty can have greater confidence in using their performance-based assessments to provide feedback to their students, as well as offer assurances of program quality or to identify areas for improvement.
Candidate Success
Authors: Barron Lisa
Published: February 2019

edTPA is a rigorous teaching performance assessment that requires preservice candidates in 27 content areas to demonstrate their ability to plan, instruct, and assess. A primary consideration in these lessons is meeting the needs of diverse students, planning lessons that engage, and using assessments to inform instruction. Preservice candidates submit evidence in the form of commentaries and artifacts for each of the three tasks. This evidence includes written commentary, lesson plans, instructional materials, video clips, assessments, feedback, and reflective analysis. This chapter will provide teacher preparation programs strategies for effective candidate support that can lead to faculty engagement, program improvement, and candidate success. It is written from the perspective of a teacher preparation program that has supported thousands of candidates through the edTPA submission process and learned valuable lessons along the way.
Energy and Water Saving on the Pumping Stations of Karshi Main Canal
Authors: Khokhlov Vladimir Aleksandrovich , Khokhlov Aleksandr Vasilevich , Titova Janna Olegovna , Kurbonov Azamat Ilham Ugli
Published: February 2019

This chapter describes the advanced technologies of energy and water saving on the Uzbekistan largest pumping stations of Karshi Main Canal. The unique Karshi pumping stations stage consumes more than 4% of the total electricity generated in Uzbekistan. Such a significant consumption of electricity by irrigative pumping stations, gives the problem of energy conservation to them a status of special importance and relevance. Advanced technologies of energy saving and non-cavitation work are scientifically substantiated and developed. The results of carried out field tests are described. The scientific results of the research are recommended to allow efficient use of water and energy resources and to ensure reliable operation of the power equipment of pumping stations in the rural branches of economy.