bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early melt season velocity fields of Langjökull and Hofsjökull, central Iceland
Authors: Minchew Brent , Simons Mark , Hensley Scott , Björnsson Helgi , Pálsson Finnur
Published: March 2015

We infer the horizontal velocity fields of the ice caps Langjökull and Hofsjökull, central Iceland, using repeat-pass interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). NASA’s uninhabited aerial vehicle synthetic aperture radar (UAVSAR) acquired airborne InSAR data from multiple vantage points during the early melt season in June 2012. We develop a Bayesian approach for inferring three-dimensional velocity fields from multiple InSAR acquisitions. The horizontal components generally agree with available GPS measurements wherever ice motion is well constrained by InSAR observations. We provide evidence that changes in volumetric moisture content near the glacier surface induce phase offsets that obfuscate the vertical component of the surface velocity fields, an effect that could manifest itself on any glacier that experiences surface melt. Spatial patterns in the InSAR-derived horizontal speeds are broadly consistent with the results of a simple viscous flow model, and the directionality of the InSAR-derived horizontal flow field is nearly everywhere consistent with the ice surface gradient. Significant differences between the InSAR-derived horizontal speed and the speed predicted by the viscous flow model suggest that basal slip accounts for more than half the observed outlet glacier flow.
A Cross Sectional Study on Sex Difference in sagittal Length of Second Cervical Vertebrae
Authors: Banu Masuma Akhtar , Ara Shamim , Ahamed Borhan Uddin , Rahman Sharmin , Nahar Yesmin , Akhter Rahanur
Published: March 2015

Context: Examination of bone is important for identification of sex of an individual. The present study was planned to collect data regarding sagittal length of human dry ossified second cervical vertebrae and to find out possible variations in male and female. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional analytical type of study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from January 2012 to December 2012. The study materials consist of 156 human dry ossified second cervical vertebrae of unknown sex. The study samples were distributed in male and female sex groups by discriminant function analysis technique. Results: Among 156 vertebrae 55.77% was male and 44.23% was female. The mean (±SD) sagittal length of second cervical vertebrae was greater in male than that of female (P<0.001). Conclusion: Sagittal length of second cervical vertebra was greater in male compared to female. The differences in length can be useful in sex differentiation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v12i1.22610 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, January 2014, Vol. 12 No. 1 pp 07-10
Morphometric Analysis of Dry Adult Human Mandibular Ramus
Authors: Hoque Md Mesbahul , Ara Shamim , Begum Shahanaz , Kamal AHM Mostafa , Sayeed Sharmina
Published: March 2015

Context: Mandible is the lower jaw bone providing attachment of muscles of mastication and facial expression and provides pathway for inferior alveolar nerve and vessels. The mandibular ramus is almost vertical in adult but more oblique in old age. The anterior part of ramus can be used as the donor site for reconstruction of small bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial region. A relatively short mandibular ramus may be an important unfavorable anatomic factor in difficult laryngoscopy. The aim of this study was to determine the morphometry of mandibular ramus from various anatomical landmarks in one hundred eighty five dry adult human mandibles. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical type of study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2010 to June 2011. Morphometry of mandibular ramus was measured with the help of digital sliding calipers. Results: The mandibular ramus was at the same distance from each landmark on both sides demonstrating symmetry. There was no significant difference in the values on the right and left sides of the mandibles. Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of this study might be useful in certain surgical procedure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v12i1.22612 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, January 2014, Vol. 12 No. 1 pp 14-16
Location of Major Duodenal Papilla in Human Duodenum
Authors: Sayeed Sharmina , Ara Shamim , Hoque Mesbahul , Ferdous Zannatul , Kashem Kanetarin
Published: March 2015

Context: The major duodenal papilla is one of the most fascinating papilla present at the duodenum attracting many gastroenterologists as they do endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatiography (ERCP) for diagnosis and treatment purpose of many diseases. Most of the textbooks of Anatomy describe that the summit of major duodenal papilla is situated posteromedially in the descending part of duodenum. Henceforth the present study was undertaken in 70 human duodenums to observe the location of major duodenal papilla. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2010 to June 2011. Seventy postmortem human duodenums were collected from unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the morgue of department of Forensic Medicine and the department of Anatomy of Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Location of major duodenal papilla was observed and recorded. Results: The location of major duodenal papilla was observed in the medial wall of second part of duodenum in 78.6% specimens, in the posteromedial wall of second part in 15.7% cases and in the posteromedial wall of the junction between second and third part in 4.3% and absent in 1.4% duodenum. Conclusion: The location of major duodenal papilla varies in position. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v12i1.22614 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, January 2014, Vol. 12 No. 1 pp 22-24
Applied Cryptography Using Chaos Function for Fast Digital Logic-Based Systems in Ubiquitous Computing
Authors: Shukla Piyush , Khare Ankur , Rizvi Murtaza , Stalin Shalini , Kumar Sanjay
Published: March 2015

Recently, chaotic dynamics-based data encryption techniques for wired and wireless networks have become a topic of active research in computer science and network security such as robotic systems, encryption, and communication. The main aim of deploying a chaos-based cryptosystem is to provide encryption with several advantages over traditional encryption algorithms such as high security, speed, and reasonable computational overheads and computational power requirements. These challenges have motivated researchers to explore novel chaos-based data encryption techniques with digital logics dealing with hiding information for fast secure communication networks. This work provides an overview of how traditional data encryption techniques are revised and improved to achieve good performance in a secure communication network environment. A comprehensive survey of existing chaos-based data encryption techniques and their application areas are presented. The comparative tables can be used as a guideline to select an encryption technique suitable for the application at hand. Based on the limitations of the existing techniques, an adaptive chaos based data encryption framework of secure communication for future research is proposed
Organic Carbon Accumulation in Topsoil Following Afforestation with Willow: Emphasis on Leaf Litter Decomposition and Soil Organic Matter Quality
Authors: Lafleur Benoit , Labrecque Michel , Arnold Alexandre , Bélanger Nicolas
Published: March 2015

Short-rotation intensive cultures (SRICs) of willows can potentially sequester carbon (C) in soil. However, there is limited information regarding the factors governing soil organic C (Corg) accumulation following afforestation. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine whether willow leads to Corg accumulation in the topsoil (0–10 cm) two to six years after establishment in five SRICs located along a large climatic/productivity gradient in southern Quebec, and (ii) assess the influence of leaf litter decomposition and soil organic matter (OM) quality on Corg accumulation in the topsoil. Topsoil Corg concentrations and pools under SRICs were, on average, 25% greater than reference fields, and alkyls concentrations were higher under SRICs. On an annualized basis, Corg accumulation rates in the topsoil varied between 0.4 and 4.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1. Estimated annual litterfall C fluxes were in the same order of magnitude, suggesting that SRICs can accumulate Corg in the topsoil during early years due to high growth rates. Leaf litter decomposition was also related to Corg accumulation rates in the topsoil. It was positively correlated to growing season length, degree-days, and growing season average air and topsoil temperature (r > 0.70), and negatively correlated to topsoil volumetric water content (r = −0.55). Leaf litter decomposition likely occurred more quickly than that of plants in reference fields, and as it progressed, OM became more decay resistant, more stable and accumulated as Corg in the topsoil.
Comments on Triassi et al. Environmental Pollution from Illegal Waste Disposal and Health Effects: A Review on the “Triangle of Death”. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 1216–1236
Authors: Bifulco Maurizio
Published: March 2015

A recent paper was published on Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health addressing the so-called “Triangle of Death” linked to waste crisis in the Southern Italy [1]. Three decades of illegal waste management including uncontrolled disposal of toxic and industrial material, land filling and unauthorized incineration have transformed these Italian areas, into the poisoned dustbin of the country, the “Triangle of Death” also called “Land of Fires” [2,3], characterized by the presence of a widespread organized crime, a huge social and economic disintegration, a high population density with large migration flows. [...]
Response to Bifulco Comments on Triassi et al. Environmental Pollution from Illegal Waste Disposal and Health Effects: A Reviewer on the “Triangle of Death”. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2015, 12, 1216–1236
Authors: Triassi Maria , Alfano Rossella , Illario Maddalena , Nardone Antonio , Caporale Oreste , Montuori Paolo
Published: March 2015

We thank Bifulco [1] for his interest in reading our article and his time in writing his comments on our work [2]. Our response to his concerns are as follows:[...]
Supramolecular Cationic Assemblies against Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms: Activity and Mechanism of Action
Authors: De Melo Carrasco Letícia , Sampaio Jorge , Carmona-Ribeiro Ana
Published: March 2015

The growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance to antibiotics requires novel synthetic drugs or new formulations for old drugs. Here, cationic nanostructured particles (NPs) self-assembled from cationic bilayer fragments and polyelectrolytes are tested against four multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of clinical importance. The non-hemolytic poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA) polymer as the outer NP layer shows a remarkable activity against these organisms. The mechanism of cell death involves bacterial membrane lysis as determined from the leakage of inner phosphorylated compounds and possibly disassembly of the NP with the appearance of multilayered fibers made of the NP components and the biopolymers withdrawn from the cell wall. The NPs display broad-spectrum activity against MDR microorganisms, including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and yeast.
SOD2 Activity Is not Impacted by Hyperoxia in Murine Neonatal Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells and Mice
Authors: Gupta Anita , Perez Marta , Lee Keng , Taylor Joann , Farrow Kathryn
Published: March 2015

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) complicates bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in 25% of infants. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) is an endogenous mitochondrial antioxidant, and overexpression protects against acute lung injury in adult mice. Little is known about SOD2 in neonatal lung disease and PH. C57Bl/6 mice and isogenic SOD2+/+ and SOD2−/+ mice were placed in room air (control) or 75% O2 (chronic hyperoxia, CH) for 14 days. Right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) was assessed by Fulton’s index. Medial wall thickness (MWT) and alveolar area were assessed on formalin fixed lung sections. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) were placed in 21% or 95% O2 for 24 h. Lung and PASMC protein were analyzed for SOD2 expression and activity. Oxidative stress was measured with a mitochondrially-targeted sensor, mitoRoGFP. CH lungs have increased SOD2 expression, but unchanged activity. SOD2−/+ PASMC have decreased expression and activity at baseline, but increased SOD2 expression in hyperoxia. Hyperoxia increased mitochondrial ROS in SOD2+/+ and SOD2−/+ PASMC. SOD2+/+ and SOD2−/+ CH pups induced SOD2 expression, but not activity, and developed equivalent increases in RVH, MWT, and alveolar area. Since SOD2−/+ mice develop equivalent disease, this suggests other antioxidant systems may compensate for partial SOD2 expression and activity in the neonatal period during hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress.
Characterization and Antihyperglycemic Activity of a Polysaccharide from Dioscorea opposita Thunb Roots
Authors: Fan Yijun , He Qinyi , Luo Aoshuang , Wang Miaoyu , Luo Aoxue
Published: March 2015

A polysaccharide DOTP-80 from Dioscorea opposita Thunb was obtained by using the method of acid water-extraction and ethanol-precipitation. After being purified by chromatography, the structure characteristics of DOTP-80 were established. Based on the calibration curve obtained with standard dextrans, the molecular weight of the polysaccharide fraction DOTP-80 was calculated to be 123 kDa. The results of Infrared spectrum (FT-IR) indicated that the polysaccharide contained the α-configuration of sugar units. GC-MS analysis revealed that DOTP-80 was mainly composed of mannose and glucose. Alloxan-induced diabetic rats and mice models were developed to evaluate the in vivo hypoglycemic activity of the polysaccharide. The results indicated that a high dose DOTP-80 (400 mg/kg) had strong hypoglycemic activity. Moreover, DOTP-80 could increase the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD) activity in alloxan-induced diabetic mice and stimulate an increase in glucose disposal in diabetic rats. Therefore, the polysaccharide DOTP-80 should be evaluated as a candidate for future studies on diabetes mellitus.
Exploring the Nature of Silicon-Noble Gas Bonds in H3SiNgNSi and HSiNgNSi Compounds (Ng = Xe, Rn)
Authors: Pan Sudip , Saha Ranajit , Chattaraj Pratim
Published: March 2015

Ab initio and density functional theory-based computations are performed to investigate the structure and stability of H3SiNgNSi and HSiNgNSi compounds (Ng = Xe, Rn). They are thermochemically unstable with respect to the dissociation channel producing Ng and H3SiNSi or HSiNSi. However, they are kinetically stable with respect to this dissociation channel having activation free energy barriers of 19.3 and 23.3 kcal/mol for H3SiXeNSi and H3SiRnNSi, respectively, and 9.2 and 12.8 kcal/mol for HSiXeNSi and HSiRnNSi, respectively. The rest of the possible dissociation channels are endergonic in nature at room temperature for Rn analogues. However, one three-body dissociation channel for H3SiXeNSi and one two-body and one three-body dissociation channels for HSiXeNSi are slightly exergonic in nature at room temperature. They become endergonic at slightly lower temperature. The nature of bonding between Ng and Si/N is analyzed by natural bond order, electron density and energy decomposition analyses. Natural population analysis indicates that they could be best represented as (H3SiNg)+(NSi)− and (HSiNg)+(NSi)−. Energy decomposition analysis further reveals that the contribution from the orbital term (ΔEorb) is dominant (ca. 67%–75%) towards the total attraction energy associated with the Si-Ng bond, whereas the electrostatic term (ΔEelstat) contributes the maximum (ca. 66%–68%) for the same in the Ng–N bond, implying the covalent nature of the former bond and the ionic nature of the latter.
Tolerable Time-Varying Overflow on Grass-Covered Slopes
Authors: Hughes Steven , Thornton Christopher
Published: March 2015

Engineers require estimates of tolerable overtopping limits for grass-covered levees, dikes, and embankments that might experience steady overflow. Realistic tolerance estimates can be used for both resilient design and risk assessment. A simple framework is developed for estimating tolerable overtopping on grass-covered slopes caused by slowly-varying (in time) overtopping discharge (e.g., events like storm surges or river flood waves). The framework adapts the well-known Hewlett curves of tolerable limiting velocity as a function of overflow duration. It has been hypothesized that the form of the Hewlett curves suggests that the grass erosion process is governed by the flow work on the slope above a critical threshold velocity (referred to as excess work), and the tolerable erosional limit is reached when the cumulative excess work exceeds a given value determined from the time-dependent Hewlett curves. The cumulative excess work is expressed in terms of overflow discharge above a critical discharge that slowly varies in time, similar to a discharge hydrograph. The methodology is easily applied using forecast storm surge hydrographs at specific locations where wave action is minimal. For preliminary planning purposes, when storm surge hydrographs are unavailable, hypothetical equations for the water level and overflow discharge hydrographs are proposed in terms of the values at maximum overflow and the total duration of overflow. An example application is given to illustrate use of the methodology.
Basic Results for Sequential Caputo Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Sambandham Bhuvaneswari , Vatsala Aghalaya
Published: March 2015

We have developed a representation form for the linear fractional differential equation of order q when 0 < q < 1, with variable coefficients. We have also obtained a closed form of the solution for sequential Caputo fractional differential equation of order 2q, with initial and boundary conditions, for 0 < 2q < 1. The solutions are in terms of Mittag–Leffler functions of order q only. Our results yield the known results of integer order when q = 1. We have also presented some numerical results to bring the salient features of sequential fractional differential equations.
Quantum Measurements of Scattered Particles
Authors: Merkli Marco , Penney Mark
Published: March 2015

We investigate the process of quantum measurements on scattered probes. Before scattering, the probes are independent, but they become entangled afterwards, due to the interaction with the scatterer. The collection of measurement results (the history) is a stochastic process of dependent random variables. We link the asymptotic properties of this process to spectral characteristics of the dynamics. We show that the process has decaying time correlations and that a zero-one law holds. We deduce that if the incoming probes are not sharply localized with respect to the spectrum of the measurement operator, then the process does not converge. Nevertheless, the scattering modifies the measurement outcome frequencies, which are shown to be the average of the measurement projection operator, evolved for one interaction period, in an asymptotic state. We illustrate the results on a truncated Jaynes–Cummings model.
Preparation and Preliminary Dialysis Performance Research of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Hollow Fiber Membranes
Authors: Zhang Qinglei , Lu Xiaolong , Liu Juanjuan , Zhao Lihua
Published: March 2015

In this study, the separation properties of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber hemodialysis membranes were improved by optimizing membrane morphology and structure. The results showed that the PVDF membrane had better mechanical and separation properties than Fresenius Polysulfone High-Flux (F60S) membrane. The PVDF membrane tensile stress at break, tensile elongation and bursting pressure were 11.3 MPa, 395% and 0.625 MPa, respectively. Ultrafiltration (UF) flux of pure water reached 108.2 L∙h−1∙m−2 and rejection of Albumin from bovine serum was 82.3%. The PVDF dialyzers were prepared by centrifugal casting. The influences of membrane area and simulate fluid flow rate on dialysis performance were investigated. The results showed that the clearance rate of urea and Lysozyme (LZM) were improved with increasing membrane area and fluid flow rate while the rejection of albumin from bovine serum (BSA) had little influence. The high-flux PVDF dialyzer UF coefficient reached 62.6 mL/h/mmHg. The PVDF dialyzer with membrane area 0.69 m2 has the highest clearance rate to LZM and urea. The clearance rate of LZM was 66.8% and urea was 87.7%.
Isolation and Taxonomic Identity of Bacteriocin-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria from Retail Foods and Animal Sources
Authors: Henning Chris , Vijayakumar Paul , Adhikari Raj , Jagannathan Badrinath , Gautam Dhiraj , Muriana Peter
Published: March 2015

Bacteriocin-producing (Bac+) lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from a variety of food products and animal sources. Samples were enriched in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) Lactocilli broth and plated onto MRS agar plates using a “sandwich overlay” technique. Inhibitory activity was detected by the “deferred antagonism” indicator overlay method using Listeria monocytogenes as the primary indicator organism. Antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes was detected by 41 isolates obtained from 23 of 170 food samples (14%) and 11 of 110 samples from animal sources (10%) tested. Isolated Bac+ LAB included Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus curvatus, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Pediococcus acidilactici, as well as Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus hirae, and Enterococcus thailandicus. In addition to these, two Gram-negative bacteria were isolated (Serratia plymuthica, and Serratia ficaria) that demonstrated inhibitory activity against L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (S. ficaria additionally showed activity against Salmonella Typhimurium). These data continue to demonstrate that despite more than a decade of antimicrobial interventions on meats and produce, a wide variety of food products still contain Bac+ microbiota that are likely eaten by consumers and may have application as natural food preservatives.
Docking and Antiherpetic Activity of 2-Aminobenzo[de]-isoquinoline-1,3-diones
Authors: Al-Salahi Rashad , Alswaidan Ibrahim , Ghabbour Hazem , Ezzeldin Essam , Elaasser Mahmoud , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: March 2015

As part of our search for new compounds having antiviral effects, the prepared 2-aminonaphthalimide series was examined for its activity against the herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. This represents the first study of the antiviral effects of this class of compounds. The new series of 2-amino-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3-diones was examined against HSV-1 and HSV-2 using a cytopathic effect inhibition assay. In terms of effective concentration (EC50), furaldehyde, thiophene aldehyde and allyl isothiocyanide derivatives 14‒16 showed potent activity against HSV-1 (EC50 = 19.6, 16.2 and 17.8 μg/mL), compared to acyclovir as a reference drug (EC50 = 1.8 μg/mL). Moreover, 14 and 15 were found to exhibit valuable activity against HSV-2. Many of the tested compounds demonstrated weak to moderate EC50 values relative to their inactive parent compound (2-amino-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3-dione), while compounds 7, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21 and 22 were the most active set of antiviral compounds throughout this study. The cytotoxicity (CC50), EC50, and the selectivity index (SI) values were determined. In a molecular docking study, the ligand-receptor interactions of compounds 1–24 and their parent with the HSV-1 thymidine kinase active site were investigated using the Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) software. Based on the potent anti-HSV properties of the previous naphthalimide condensate products, further exploration of this series of 2-amino-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3-diones is warranted.
The Controversial Role of Food Allergy in Infantile Colic: Evidence and Clinical Management
Authors: Nocerino Rita , Pezzella Vincenza , Cosenza Linda , Amoroso Antonio , Di Scala Carmen , Amato Francesco , Iacono Giuseppe , Canani Roberto
Published: March 2015

Food allergies (FAs) are an increasing problem in Western countries, affecting up to 10% of young children. FAs are frequently associated with gastrointestinal manifestations. The role of FAs as a potential causative factor for infantile colic (IC) is still controversial. We report the most recent evidence on the pathogenesis, clinical and diagnostic aspects of FA-induced infantile colic (IC) and suggest a stepwise diagnostic approach. We selected articles on clinical and immunologic features, pathogenesis and management of FAs and IC from of 1981 to 2015. Original and review articles were identified through selective searches performed on PubMed, using the following terms: colic, infantile colic, food allergy and infantile colic, infantile colic treatment. The possible relationship between FAs and IC derives from the presence of dysmotility with visceral hypersensitivity and dysbiosis, demonstrated in both conditions, and the clinical response to dietary interventions. Unfortunately, the design of the studies, poor characterization of atopy and different dietary approaches limit the understanding of the importance of FAs in subjects with IC. The role of FAs in IC subjects without other symptoms of atopy remains controversial. However, where there is a suspicion of FAs, a short trial with an extensively hydrolyzed cow’s proteins formula or, if breast fed, with maternal elimination diet may be considered a reasonable option.
Tracking Systems for Virtual Rehabilitation: Objective Performance vs. Subjective Experience. A Practical Scenario
Authors: Lloréns Roberto , Noé Enrique , Naranjo Valery , Borrego Adrián , Latorre Jorge , Alcañiz Mariano
Published: March 2015

Motion tracking systems are commonly used in virtual reality-based interventions to detect movements in the real world and transfer them to the virtual environment. There are different tracking solutions based on different physical principles, which mainly define their performance parameters. However, special requirements have to be considered for rehabilitation purposes. This paper studies and compares the accuracy and jitter of three tracking solutions (optical, electromagnetic, and skeleton tracking) in a practical scenario and analyzes the subjective perceptions of 19 healthy subjects, 22 stroke survivors, and 14 physical therapists. The optical tracking system provided the best accuracy (1.074 ± 0.417 cm) while the electromagnetic device provided the most inaccurate results (11.027 ± 2.364 cm). However, this tracking solution provided the best jitter values (0.324 ± 0.093 cm), in contrast to the skeleton tracking, which had the worst results (1.522 ± 0.858 cm). Healthy individuals and professionals preferred the skeleton tracking solution rather than the optical and electromagnetic solution (in that order). Individuals with stroke chose the optical solution over the other options. Our results show that subjective perceptions and preferences are far from being constant among different populations, thus suggesting that these considerations, together with the performance parameters, should be also taken into account when designing a rehabilitation system.
Beamforming and Power Control in Sensor Arrays Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Almeida Náthalee , Fernandes Marcelo , Neto Adrião
Published: March 2015

The use of beamforming and power control, combined or separately, has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the application. The combined use of beamforming and power control has been shown to be highly effective in applications involving the suppression of interference signals from different sources. However, it is necessary to identify efficient methodologies for the combined operation of these two techniques. The most appropriate technique may be obtained by means of the implementation of an intelligent agent capable of making the best selection between beamforming and power control. The present paper proposes an algorithm using reinforcement learning (RL) to determine the optimal combination of beamforming and power control in sensor arrays. The RL algorithm used was Q-learning, employing an ε-greedy policy, and training was performed using the offline method. The simulations showed that RL was effective for implementation of a switching policy involving the different techniques, taking advantage of the positive characteristics of each technique in terms of signal reception.
Location Detection and Tracking of Moving Targets by a 2D IR-UWB Radar System
Authors: Nguyen Van-Han , Pyun Jae-Young
Published: March 2015

In indoor environments, the Global Positioning System (GPS) and long-range tracking radar systems are not optimal, because of signal propagation limitations in the indoor environment. In recent years, the use of ultra-wide band (UWB) technology has become a possible solution for object detection, localization and tracking in indoor environments, because of its high range resolution, compact size and low cost. This paper presents improved target detection and tracking techniques for moving objects with impulse-radio UWB (IR-UWB) radar in a short-range indoor area. This is achieved through signal-processing steps, such as clutter reduction, target detection, target localization and tracking. In this paper, we introduce a new combination consisting of our proposed signal-processing procedures. In the clutter-reduction step, a filtering method that uses a Kalman filter (KF) is proposed. Then, in the target detection step, a modification of the conventional CLEAN algorithm which is used to estimate the impulse response from observation region is applied for the advanced elimination of false alarms. Then, the output is fed into the target localization and tracking step, in which the target location and trajectory are determined and tracked by using unscented KF in two-dimensional coordinates. In each step, the proposed methods are compared to conventional methods to demonstrate the differences in performance. The experiments are carried out using actual IR-UWB radar under different scenarios. The results verify that the proposed methods can improve the probability and efficiency of target detection and tracking.
Human Detection Based on the Generation of a Background Image by Using a Far-Infrared Light Camera
Authors: Jeon Eun , Choi Jong-Suk , Lee Ji , Shin Kwang , Kim Yeong , Le Toan , Park Kang
Published: March 2015

The need for computer vision-based human detection has increased in fields, such as security, intelligent surveillance and monitoring systems. However, performance enhancement of human detection based on visible light cameras is limited, because of factors, such as nonuniform illumination, shadows and low external light in the evening and night. Consequently, human detection based on thermal (far-infrared light) cameras has been considered as an alternative. However, its performance is influenced by the factors, such as low image resolution, low contrast and the large noises of thermal images. It is also affected by the high temperature of backgrounds during the day. To solve these problems, we propose a new method for detecting human areas in thermal camera images. Compared to previous works, the proposed research is novel in the following four aspects. One background image is generated by median and average filtering. Additional filtering procedures based on maximum gray level, size filtering and region erasing are applied to remove the human areas from the background image. Secondly, candidate human regions in the input image are located by combining the pixel and edge difference images between the input and background images. The thresholds for the difference images are adaptively determined based on the brightness of the generated background image. Noise components are removed by component labeling, a morphological operation and size filtering. Third, detected areas that may have more than two human regions are merged or separated based on the information in the horizontal and vertical histograms of the detected area. This procedure is adaptively operated based on the brightness of the generated background image. Fourth, a further procedure for the separation and removal of the candidate human regions is performed based on the size and ratio of the height to width information of the candidate regions considering the camera viewing direction and perspective projection. Experimental results with two types of databases confirm that the proposed method outperforms other methods.
Towards Sustaining Levels of Reflective Learning: How Do Transformational Leadership, Task Interdependence, and Self-Efficacy Shape Teacher Learning in Schools?
Authors: Oude Groote Beverborg Arnoud , Sleegers Peter , Endedijk Maaike , Van Veen Klaas
Published: March 2015

Whereas cross-sectional research has shown that transformational leadership, task interdependence, and self-efficacy are positively related to teachers’ engagement in reflective learning activities, the causal direction of these relations needs further inquiry. At the same time, individual teacher learning might play a mutual role in strengthening school-level capacity for sustained improvement. Building on previous research, this longitudinal study therefore examines how transformational leadership, task interdependence, self-efficacy, and teachers’ engagement in self-reflection mutually affect each other over time. Questionnaire data gathered on three measurement occasions from 655 Dutch Vocational Education and Training teachers was analyzed using a multivariate Latent Difference Score model. Results indicate that self-reflection and task interdependence reciprocally influence each other’s change. A considerate and stimulating transformational leader was found to contribute to this process. Change in self-efficacy was influenced by self-reflection, indicating that learning leads to competency beliefs. Together, the findings point to the important role transformational leadership practices play in facilitating teamwork, and sustaining teachers’ levels of learning in schools.
Long-Term Urban Growth and Land Use Efficiency in Southern Europe: Implications for Sustainable Land Management
Authors: Zitti Marco , Ferrara Carlotta , Perini Luigi , Carlucci Margherita , Salvati Luca
Published: March 2015

The present study illustrates a multidimensional analysis of an indicator of urban land use efficiency (per-capita built-up area, LUE) in mainland Attica, a Mediterranean urban region, along different expansion waves (1960–2010): compaction and densification in the 1960s, dispersed growth along the coasts and on Athens’ fringe in the 1970s, fringe consolidation in the 1980s, moderate re-polarization and discontinuous expansion in the 1990s and sprawl in remote areas in the 2000s. The non-linear trend in LUE (a continuous increase up to the 1980s and a moderate decrease in 1990 and 2000 preceding the rise observed over the last decade) reflects Athens’ expansion waves. A total of 23 indicators were collected by decade for each municipality of the study area with the aim of identifying the drivers of land use efficiency. In 1960, municipalities with low efficiency in the use of land were concentrated on both coastal areas and Athens’ fringe, while in 2010, the lowest efficiency rate was observed in the most remote, rural areas. Typical urban functions (e.g., mixed land uses, multiple-use buildings, vertical profile) are the variables most associated with high efficiency in the use of land. Policies for sustainable land management should consider local and regional factors shaping land use efficiency promoting self-contained expansion and more tightly protecting rural and remote land from dispersed urbanization. LUE is a promising indicator reflecting the increased complexity of growth patterns and may anticipate future urban trends.
Les karsts gréseux dans la Gran Sabana (Guyane vénézuélienne) (Karst forms in sandstones in the venezuelian Gran Sabana)
Authors: Pouyllau Michel
Published: March 2015

Resumen. - Las altiplanicies arenisco-cuarciticas de edad Roraima, presenten, en la region de la Gran Sabana, sureste de Venezuela, unas caracteristicas macro y micro-geomorfológicas muy particulares. Por una parte, esta cobertura sedimentaria precámbrica consta con relieves espectaculares de altiplanicies estructurales afectadas por grandes anticlinales, sinclinales y monoclinales desmantelados por parte por la erosion ; por otra parte, en el detalle se han desarrollado formas carsticas tanto sobre los silcretes de superficie (lapies, entrecruzamientos etc.) como las estructuras profundas (cuevas, simas). Varias hipotesis son avanzadas en conclusion para adelantar una aproximación en cuanto a la genesis de los seudo- carstos.
Aplanissements en Afrique centrale. Relations avec le cuirassement, la tectonique, le bioclimat. Problèmes posés. Progrès des connaissances (The planation levels in central Africa. Problems and progresses in their knowledge)
Authors: Boulvert Y.
Published: March 2015

Résumé. - Au cœur du continent africain, la Centrafrique présente une succession d'aplanissements, séparés par des escarpements érodés. Ces aplanissements sont fossilisés par un cuirassement du même type (haut-glacis, fin Tertiaire) ; toutefois la «surface centrafricaine » est parsemée de buttes témoins anciennes (début ou mi-Tertiaire ?). Les progrès de l'étude géologique tendent à privilégier l'explication tectonique de ces aplanissements étages. En dépit de leur faible relief, les escarpements jouent un rôle important sur la différenciation du climat, de la végétation, des sols.
Quality Continuing Education: Focusing on the Principles
Authors: Dickerson Pamela S.
Published: March 2015

Sometimes we get so caught up in filling out forms or answering specific questions that we forget about the basic principles that guide development and implementation of quality educational activities. This column addresses principles that inform our thinking and decision making.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2015;46(1):6–7.
A General Evolution Mechanism Model for E-Commerce Network
Authors: Tian Zhihong , Zhang Zhenji , Guan Xiaolan
Published: March 2015

In order to investigate the general formation of e-commerce market network, this chapter describes an analytical framework and builds an innovative model for explaining the evolutionary process, with several original factors—growth factor, select-order factor, preferential attachment mechanism, and global-local factor. The research reveals that the attraction mechanism impacts evolutionary trend and network structure to some extent, and also reveals that the global-local factor and select-order factor impact the evolutionary structure of the network: the smaller the probability, the smaller the concentration of networks and the more obvious the randomness is.
Digital Marketing Optimization
Authors: Jain Neha , Ahuja Vandana , Medury Yajulu
Published: March 2015

Digital marketing is a proliferating field that has opened new challenges for marketers. These challenges address concepts of website navigation, searchability, and garnering online traffic –issues that are critical to any organization's online presence. This chapter identifies website characteristics, studies the role they perform in the context of an organization's virtual presence, and proposes the creation of a framework that aids organizations in optimizing their digital marketing strategies for better return on investment.
Purchase-Based Targeted Advertising
Authors: Zhang Jianqiang , Zhong Weijun , Mei Shue
Published: March 2015

Purchase-Based Targeted Advertising (PBTA) refers to the advertising that is targeted to an individual based on his or her purchase histories, which is ubiquitous in the age of e-commerce. This chapter examines the competitive effects of PBTA by establishing a two-period duopoly model: the first period consists of the consumer information gathering process while the second is the period where PBTA is embraced. Based on this model, it is found that PBTA may improve or damage industry profits, consumer surplus, as well as social welfare. The conditions under which the competitive effect is positive or negative are derived, showing that whether PBTA is beneficial or detrimental depends on the content of advertising designed by the competing firms. It is suggested that firms under competitive environments cautiously deploy PBTA with appropriate advertising contents.
Electronic Commerce and Change in Management Accounting Practices in an Egyptian Organization
Authors: Youssef Mayada A.
Published: March 2015

The objective of this chapter is to explore the implementation of e-commerce in an Egyptian organization. It reports on a longitudinal case study in an Egyptian organization (TexCo) that implemented Business-to-Business (B-to-B) electronic commerce. Following a change in leadership, TexCo was subject to a process of questioning the traditional ways of doing things. This process resulted in realizing planning, decision-making, and control problems within the company. The B-to-B system was chosen to introduce new control-based rules. However, the change was faced with resistance from TexCo's distributors. It is posited that various power strategies were used to ameliorate covert and overt resistance. Over time, the management accounting practices in TexCo changed towards greater decision support and control. B-to-B electronic commerce improved planning, decision-making, and control in TexCo.
Appreciation - K.S.B. Tennakoon
Authors: Hettiarachchi A
Published: March 2015

It was with great sorrow that the professionals in the fisheries and aquaculture industry learned of the demise of K.S.B. Tennakoon, one of their most dynamic colleagues on 1 September 2014 in Melbourne at the age of 67 years.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v19i0.7446Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 19 (2014): 1-2
Food and feeding of Ehirava fluviatilis (Osteichthyes, Clupeidae) in Rajanganaya Reservoir, Sri Lanka
Authors: Mihindukulasooriya Indivari D. , Amarasinghe Upali S.
Published: March 2015

Ehirava fluviatilis is of marine origin and has colonized some freshwater reservoirs of Sri Lanka. A small scale fishery of E. fluviatilis exists at the outflow LB canal of Rajanganaya reservoir. This study was carried out to investigate food and feeding habits of E. fluviatilis collected from this location. Sampling was done fortnightly from the landings. From the length-weight relationship, an allometric growth is evident. The theoretical weight of 50 mm E. fluviatilis calculated from length weight relationship was 928 mg, a comparable value to that of the estuarine population in Bolgoda Lake, Sri Lanka but a higher value than that of reservoir population in Parakrama Samudra, Sri Lanka, indicating that the population in Rajanganaya is as healthy as estuarine population. The highest index of relative importance in the stomach contents was recorded for diatoms. In addition, two genera of copepods, two genera of cladocerans, and two genera of rotifer, one genus each of insect larvae and crustaceans other than copepods and cladocerans were also present. Diatoms were also an important food item. As colonization success of E. fluviatilis in inland reservoirs seems to be due to the presence of their preferred food, micro-crustaceans, findings of the present analysis will be useful for investigating physiological advantages of being a stenophagous fish species.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v19i0.7449Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 19 (2014): 31-39
A review of the oriental genus Praepristus (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Platynini)
Authors: Fedorenko Dmitry N.
Published: March 2015

The holotype of Praepristus nepalensis Kirschenhofer, 1999 (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Platynini), the type species of the genus, is revised and it actually shows all basic characters of Platynini, not Lebiini: Pericalina as considered before. The genus is redescribed, based on fresh material, and the new transfer to the tribe Platynini is briefly discussed. Ten new species are described: P. cavicepsnew species, P. depressusnew species, P. foveicepsnew species, P. grandisnew species, P. kabakovinew species, P. similisnew species, P. sulcifernew species, P. testaceusnew species, and P. tonkinensisnew species all from Vietnam, and P. borneensisnew species from Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia. Both Colpodes planus Landin, 1955 and Notagonum rugifoveatus Louwerens, 1955 are newly transferred to Praepristus Kirschenhofer, 1999. A key to all 13 currently known species of the genus is given.
A discourse analysis of male sexuality in the magazine Intimacy
Authors: Du Plessis Rory
Published: March 2015

Background: The World Health Organization’s publication, Developing sexual health programmes, states that the media is an important source of information about sexuality. Although the media can promote awareness of sexual health issues, it also acts as a vehicle for defining and regulating sex norms. In other words, the standards of ‘normal’ sex are in part defined by the media. Accordingly, it has become imperative to analyse the media’s construction of sexual norms in order to reveal how they are related to specific ideological views. For the purposes of this study, the focus will be limited to analysing the South African publication Intimacy.Aim: The study aims to reveal how the sex advice articles written in Intimacyfor women in regard to their male partner’s sexuality reflect patriarchal and phallocentric ideologies.Method: A discourse analysis of the sex advice articles in the magazine Intimacy was conducted. It was informed by feminist theories of sexuality that seek to examine the ways in which texts are associated with male-centred versions of sexual pleasure.Results: The discourse analysis identified a number of key themes regarding male sexuality. These include: (1) biological accounts of male sexuality; (2) phallocentric scripting of the sex act; and (3) the melodramatic penis.Conclusion: Constructions of male sexuality require the inclusion of alternative modes of male erotic pleasure. This requires texts that encourage men to explore and also to experiment with pleasurable feelings associated with non-genital erogenous zones of the body.