bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rule Based and Expectation Maximization algorithm for Arabic-English Hybrid Machine Translation
Authors: Alqudsi Arwa Hatem , Omar Nazlia , Ibrahim Rabha W.
Published: June 2019

 It is practically impossible for pure machine translation approach to process all of translation problems; however, Rule Based Machine Translation and Statistical Machine translation (RBMT and SMT) use different architectures for performing translation task. Lexical analyser and syntactic analyser are solved by Rule Based and some amount of ambiguity is left to be solved by Expectation–Maximization (EM) algorithm, which is an iterative statistic algorithm for finding maximum likelihood. In this paper we have proposed an integrated Hybrid Machine Translation (HMT) system. The goal is to combine the best properties of each approach. Initially, Arabic text is keyed into RBMT; then the output will be edited by EM algorithm to generate the final translation of English text. As we have seen in previous works, the performance and enhancement of EM algorithm, the key of EM algorithm performance is the ability to accurately transform a frequency from one language to another. Results showing that, as proved by BLEU system, the proposed method can substantially outperform standard Rule Based approach and EM algorithm in terms of frequency and accuracy. The results of this study have been showed that the score of HMT system is higher than SMT system in all cases. When combining two approaches, HMT outperformed SMT in Bleu score.
Development of an Efficient Face Recognition System Based on Linear and Nonlinear Algorithms
Authors: Filani Araoluwa Simileolu , Adetunmbi Adebayo Olusola
Published: June 2019

This paper presents appearance based methods for face recognition using linear and nonlinear techniques. The linear algorithms used are Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). The two nonlinear methods used are the Kernel Principal Components Analysis (KPCA) and Kernel Fisher Analysis (KFA). The linear dimensional reduction projection methods encode pattern information based on second order dependencies. The nonlinear methods are used to handle relationships among three or more pixels. In the final stage, Mahalinobis Cosine (MAHCOS) metric is used to define the similarity measure between two images after they have passed through the corresponding dimensional reduction techniques. The experiment showed that LDA and KFA have the highest performance of 93.33 % from the CMC and ROC results when used with Gabor wavelets. The overall result using 400 images of AT&T database showed that the performance of the linear and nonlinear algorithms can be affected by the number of classes of the images, preprocessing of images, and the number of face images of the test sets used for recognition.
Anomalies Detection Based on the ROC Analysis using Classifiers in Tactical Cognitive Radio Systems: A survey
Authors: Moumena Ahmed
Published: June 2019

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is an important technique for organizing classifiers and visualizing their performance in tactical systems in the presence of jamming signal. ROC curves are commonly used to evaluate the performance of classifiers for anomalies detection. This paper gives a survey of ROC analysis based on the anomaly detection using classifiers for using them in research. In recent years have been increasingly adopted in the machine learning and data mining research communities. This survey gives definitions of the anomaly detection theory and how to use one ROC curve, what a ROC curve, when we use ROC curves.
Artificial Intelligence a Threat
Authors: Saini Abhedya
Published: June 2019

Research in AI has built upon the tools and techniques of many different disciplines.Study in the artificial intelligence has given rise to rapidly growing technology known as expert system. Rapid development in this field made human more dependent on this technology. More advancement will lead to side effects of that technology because after a certain point, everything is harmful.
Speech Recognition of Moroccan Dialect Using Hidden Markov Models
Authors: Bezoui Mouaz
Published: June 2019

This paper addresses the development of an Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) system for the Moroccan Dialect. Dialectal Arabic (DA) refers to the day-to-day vernaculars spoken in the Arab world. In fact, Moroccan Dialect is very different from the Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) because it is highly influenced by the French Language. It is observed throughout all Arab countries that standard Arabic widely written and used for official speech, news papers, public administration and school but not used in everyday conversation and dialect is widely spoken in everyday life but almost never written. we propose to use the Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC) features to specify the best speaker identification system. The extracted speech features are quantized to a number of centroids using vector quantization algorithm. These centroids constitute the codebook of that speaker. MFCC’s are calculated in training phase and again in testing phase. Speakers uttered same words once in a training session and once in a testing session later. The Euclidean distance between the MFCC’s of each speaker in training phase to the centroids of individual speaker in testing phase is measured and the speaker is identified according to the minimum Euclidean distance. The code is developed in the MATLAB environment and performs the identification satisfactorily.
An enhanced hybridized artificial bee colony algorithm for optimization problems
Authors: Huang Xingwang , Zeng Xuewen , Han Rui , Wang Xu
Published: June 2019

Artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is a popular swarm intelligence based algorithm. Although it has been proven to be competitive to other population-based algorithms, there still exist some problems it cannot solve very well. This paper presents an Enhanced Hybridized Artificial Bee Colony (EHABC) algorithm for optimization problems. The incentive mechanism of EHABC includes enhancing the convergence speed with the information of the global best solution in the onlooker bee phase and enhancing the information exchange between bees by introducing the mutation operator of Genetic Algorithm to ABC in the mutation bee phase. In addition, to enhance the accuracy performance of ABC, the opposition-based learning method is employed to produce the initial population. Experiments are conducted on six standard benchmark functions. The results demonstrate good performance of the enhanced hybridized ABC in solving continuous numerical optimization problems over ABC GABC, HABC and EABC.
A new species of Oreobates (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Andes of northern Argentina
Authors: VAIRA MARCOS , FERRARI LILIANA
Published: June 2019

Oreobates barituensis sp. nov. is described from the ecoregion of southern Andean Yungas forests of north-western Argentina at elevations of 1100 to 1300 m above see level. It shares morphological characters with the sympatric and syntopic O. discoidalis, as well as with O. ibischi and O. cruralis from Bolivia. The recognition of the new species is in particular supported by considerable differences in the advertisement call among these species. We also made some considerations on probable conspecificity of northern Argentina and Bolivian populations of O. discoidalis and O. cf. cruralis.
Larvae of two species of Trizocheles (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguroidea: Pylochelidae: Trizochelinae), description of the adult of one, and preliminary implications of development on pylochelid phylogeny
Authors: MCLAUGHLIN PATSY A. , LEMAITRE RAFAEL
Published: June 2019

The larvae of two species of the pylochelid genus Trizocheles are described from prematurely hatched specimens and compared with earlier described larvae of Pylocheles (Pylocheles) and Pomatocheles. Although all are lecithotrophic and exhibit marked advanced development, differences in the larval morphology among the three genera are profound. Consideration is given to these differences as they relate to development in the entire Paguroidea, and the possible impact they may have on pylochelid phylogeny. As one of the Trizocheles species is undescribed, adults as well as larvae are described and illustrated.
Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae), an invasive mealybug damaging cotton in Pakistan and India, with a discussion on seasonal morphological variation
Authors: HODGSON CHRIS , ABBAS GHULAM , ARIF MUHAMMAD JALAL , SAEED SHAFQAT , KARAR HAIDER
Published: June 2019

Since at least 2005, a possibly introduced mealybug of the genus Phenacoccus has been causing serious damage to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) over much of the Sindh and Punjab districts of Pakistan and in north-western India. Some short papers have been published locally giving details on the structure and biology of this species and suggesting the name Phenacoccus gossypiphilous Abbas, Arif & Saeed (2005) but without designating type specimens or depositories. This name is here considered a nomen nudum. A detailed morphological study has been unable to separate this species from many specimens of Phenacoccus from the Neotropics that are believed to be Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. The material from the Indian subcontinent shows considerable morphological variation in the frequency of multilocular disc pores and oral collar tubular ducts on the ventral submargin of the abdomen; this appeared to be related to conditions under which this species was reared, with those cultured in a screen-house during the non-cotton-growing season being indistinguishable from P. solenopsis from the Neotropics . This paper re-describes the adult female of P. solenopsis Tinsley based on the type specimens from New Mexico, and designates a lectotype. The type material was compared with specimens considered to be P. solenopsis from elsewhere in the New World, and from West Africa and several areas in Asia, particularly Pakistan and India. Based of our present understanding of the morphology of adult female P. solenopsis, it is concluded that the species is rather variable, that this variability may be environmentally induced, and that the species currently causing widespread damage to cotton on the Indian subcontinent is referable to P. solenopsis. Adult male P. solenopsis from North America, Pakistan and India were also studied and again no significant differences were found. Descriptions are provided of the adult male and all the immature stages of P. solenopsis, based on material from India and Pakistan. Keys are provided to (a) separate P. solenopsis from similar species of Phenacoccus currently known from Asia and (b) to identify all instars. The morphological differences between P. solenopsis, P. solani Ferris and P. defectus Ferris are reviewed and, based on the morphological variation found in the Asian material, it is considered that there is some support for the suggestion that these three species might be environmentally induced variants of a single species. A few details are given of the biology of P. solenopsis on cotton in Pakistan.
Predictors and Mental Health Benefits of Chosen Name Use Among Transgender Youth
Authors: Pollitt Amanda M. , Ioverno Salvatore , Russell Stephen T. , Li Gu , Grossman Arnold H.
Published: June 2019

Chosen name use among transgender youth (youth whose gender identities are different from their sex assigned at birth) can be part of the complex process of aligning gender presentation with gender identity and can promote mental health. However, little is known about the factors that predict whether or not transgender youth have a chosen name and outcomes of chosen name use, especially in specific social contexts. We examined, among a sample of 129 transgender youth from three cities in the United States, differences in sociodemographic characteristics and mental health outcomes between transgender youth with and without a chosen name and, among those with a chosen name, predictors and mental health benefits of being able to use a chosen name at home, school, and work. There were few differences between transgender youth with and without a chosen name. Among transgender youth with a chosen name, disclosure of gender identity to supportive family and teachers predicted chosen name use at home and school, respectively. Chosen name use was associated with large reductions in negative health outcomes and relatively smaller improvements in positive mental health outcomes. Our results show that chosen name use is part of the gender affirmation process for some, but not all, transgender youth and is associated with better mental health among transgender youth who adopt a chosen name.
Watch This Space: The Development of Commercial Space Law in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Lisk Joel , de Zwart Melissa
Published: June 2019

Space law is regulated largely by international treaties which have little to say regarding the use and regulation of commercial space. As the costs of access to outer space decrease and the benefits exponentially increase, more countries are seeking to support and encourage ‘NewSpace’ entrepreneurs in order to establish commercial space industries. Australia has been a minor player in the space domain, primarily through involvement with Europe and the US since the late 1960s, but its domestic legislation bears little relevance to the shape of space industry today. Australia’s neighbour, New Zealand, now wants to become a NewSpace incubator and has recently enacted legislation designed to make it a competitive host nation for launch providers. This article will compare the regulatory space regimes of these two countries to provide an assessment of the importance of domestic regulation in fostering competitive commercial space services, for countries seeking to become competitive in the commercial space race.
Comparative evaluation of intrathecal bupivacaine alone and bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine in cesarean section using spinal anesthesia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Xiongjie , Wang Xujian , Wang Jinyan , Wang Hao
Published: June 2019

Objective

This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of spinal anesthesia (SA) using bupivacaine combined with dexmedetomidine (DEX) in cesarean section, analyze the adverse drug reactions induced by this mixture, and provide a reference for rational drug use.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials were obtained from the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The primary outcome measure was the time to the highest sensory block level (min), and the secondary outcome measure was adverse effects.

Results

The time to the highest sensory block level was significantly shorter in the bupivacaine-DEX group than in the control group (standardized mean difference, −0.23; 95% confidence interval, −0.43 to −0.03). The incidence of shivering during the process of anesthesia, especially at a dose of 5 µg DEX, was significantly lower in the bupivacaine-DEX group than in the control group (odds ratio, 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.49). No significant differences were observed in the symptoms of hypotension, bradycardia, nausea/vomiting, or pruritus.

Conclusion

Compared with the use of bupivacaine alone for SA in cesarean section, adding dexmedetomidine during SA can significantly shorten the onset time and decrease the rate of shivering during anesthesia.
Data-Driven Analysis to Support Revised Tire Tread Inspection Standards
Authors: Krishnappa Vinod , Matthews H. Scott , Liu Yi
Published: June 2019

Despite a long-term focus on passenger vehicle safety, there are still 38,000 vehicle-related fatalities annually. Some are the result of failure to maintain safety components of vehicles, such as brakes, tires, or headlights. Following NHTSA guidelines, 18 states have implemented periodic safety inspection programs in which certified inspectors assess components, and owners are required to repair or replace deficient components. In the case of tires, when the tread depth falls to 2/32 in., its stopping distance becomes excessive. Thus, this tread depth level was built into the safety inspection thresholds for tires. One challenge is that, in an annual vehicle inspection, if a tire passes at a level of 3/32 in., it may fall below the safe (2/32 in.) threshold soon after inspection. In an era of higher vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and reduced attention to maintenance, perhaps the thresholds set for safety inspections should be higher than the “safe level” to provide a buffer. Using 6 million safety inspection records from Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2016 we calculated tread depth deterioration and annual VMT at the vehicle level. We estimated the “percent of vehicles at risk of having unsafe tires before the next inspection” (using the 2/32 in. threshold) to be about 30%. We also estimated how the percent of at-risk vehicles decreases as the inspection thresholds are raised, and found an attractive threshold at about 5/32 in. for which the percent of at-risk vehicles would be very low. Such changes could further reduce fatal and non-fatal accidents.
The Role of Kinship and Siblings in Young Children’s Placement Preferences
Authors: Dickerson Kelli L. , Lyon Thomas D. , Quas Jodi A.
Published: June 2019

Although considerable attention has been directed toward the most appropriate placement for children following removal from home due to maltreatment, very little of this attention has focused on children’s stated preferences, particularly when children are young. Specifically, children below 12 years of age are often presumed incompetent to form reasoned judgments about their best interests in placement. This assumption, however, has rarely been tested directly. We surveyed 100 4- to 11-year-olds removed from home because of maltreatment about their placement preferences. Children were less likely to indicate they wanted to return home if they were placed with siblings or with kin, consistent with statutory placement preferences. These results suggest that young children may express more mature preferences than recognized by the law, and that there may be value in asking even relatively young children about with whom they would like to live following their removal from home as a result of maltreatment.
Simulation of Temperature Distribution Within Weft-Knitted Fabrics in Extended State
Authors: Ziaei Mozhgan , Ghane Mohammad , Hasani Hossein , Saboonchi Ahmad
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was simulating the temperature distribution in course-wise extended weft-knitted fabrics by considering different extension levels. Accordingly, three types of weft-knitted fabrics structured in plain single jersey, plain rib, and interlock patterns were prepared using an electronic flat knitting machine. The fabrics were then exposed in a course-wise manner to three different extension levels (0%, 15%, and 30%) from which their heat transfer features at an extended state could be measured, by using the hot plate instrument and an infrared thermal camera. For the theoretical evaluation of temperature distribution, the fabrics’ corresponding geometrical unit cells were established in a finite element software environment. There was an acceptable agreement between the experimental and modeling results. It was also shown that applying different extension levels could significantly affect the knitted fabrics’ temperature distribution.
Prospective analysis of visual function changes in patients with dermatochalasis after upper eyelid blepharoplasty
Authors: Altin Ekin Meryem , Karadeniz Ugurlu Seyda
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the changes of visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, astigmatism, and higher order aberrations after blepharoplasty in patients with dermatochalasis.

Methods:

Two hundred six eyelids of 103 patients with dermatochalasis were prospectively studied. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, corneal topography, astigmatism degree, and higher order aberrations were examined and recorded before and at 1 month after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Change in contrast sensitivity and astigmatism values were determined according to margin reflex distance of patients, which were classified into three following groups: <2 mm, 2–3 mm, and ⩾ 4 mm. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to compare the difference.

Results:

No significant differences were observed for visual acuity (p = 0.157). The contrast sensitivity of patients significantly increased at all spatial frequencies both under glare and nonglare conditions (p < 0.05). The mean refractive astigmatism significantly decreased from ‒1.01 ± 1.3 to ‒0.79 ± 0.71, postoperatively (p = 0.029). In patients with marginal reflex distance < 2 mm, mean contrast sensitivity was increased (p < 0.001) and mean astigmatism was decreased significantly (p < 0.001) compared with those with ⩾ 2 mm. Higher order aberrations decreased significantly from 0.62 ± 0.41 µm to 0.55 ± 0.38 µm (p = 0.038) after blepharoplasty. Root mean square of the vertical trefoil (p = 0.038), vertical coma (p = 0.002), horizontal trefoil (p = 0.027), third-order aberration (p = 0.005), secondary vertical stigmatism (p = 0.001), spherical aberration (p = 0.023), secondary horizontal astigmatism (p = 0.002), fourth-order aberration (p = 0.024), vertical pentafoil (p = 0.015), secondary horizontal coma (p = 0.035), secondary horizontal trefoil (p = 0.030), and horizontal pentafoil (p = 0.048) were decreased significantly.

Conclusion:

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty in patients with dermatochalasis has a significant improvement in visual function in terms of contrast sensitivity, astigmatism, and higher order aberrations.
Glioblastoma: Role of Mitochondria N-acetylserotonin/Melatonin Ratio in Mediating Effects of miR-451 and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and in Coordinating Wider Biochemical Changes
Authors: Anderson George , Reiter Russell J
Published: June 2019

A wide array of different factors and processes have been linked to the biochemical underpinnings of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and glioblastoma stem cells (GSC), with no clear framework in which these may be integrated. Consequently, treatment of GBM/GSC is generally regarded as very poor. This article provides a framework that is based on alterations in the regulation of the melatonergic pathways within mitochondria of GBM/GSC. It is proposed that the presence of high levels of mitochondria-synthesized melatonin is toxic to GBM/GSC, with a number of processes in GBM/GSC acting to limit melatonin’s synthesis in mitochondria. One such factor is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which increases cytochrome P450 (CYP)1b1 in mitochondria, leading to the ‘backward’ conversion of melatonin to N-acetylserotonin (NAS). N-acetylserotonin has some similar, but some important differential effects compared with melatonin, including its activation of the tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptor. TrkB activation is important to GBM/GSC survival and proliferation. A plethora of significant, but previously disparate, data on GBM/GSC can then be integrated within this framework, including miR-451, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mTOR, 14-3-3 proteins, sirtuins, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, and the kynurenine pathways. Such a conceptualization provides a framework for the development of more effective treatment for this poorly managed condition.
Investigation on the fuel injection stability of high pressure common rail system for diesel engines
Authors: Bai Yun , Lan Qi , Fan Liyun , Ma Xiuzhen , Liu Hong
Published: June 2019

High pressure common rail system is the state-of-the art technology for modern diesel engines to achieve energy conservation and emission reduction. The economy and emission performance of the diesel engines are influenced by the fuel injection stability of the high pressure common rail system. In this work, a high pressure common rail injector numerical model based on bond graph theory has been proposed. The comparisons between experimental results and numerical simulations show that the numerical model could reasonably predict the injection characteristics of the system. In order to reveal the essential rules and inherent characteristics of the fuel injection stability for high pressure common rail system, the rank variations of the state matrix at different injection pulse widths during fuel injection are obtained by means of a linear analysis. In addition, the distributions of eigenvalues for the state matrix in complex plane are investigated using Lyapunov method. The results show that the rank is influenced mainly by the movements of control valve and needle. Furthermore, the variation rule of the rank is independent of the injection pulse width before the needle is opened. The needle channel orifice of the injector plays a dominant role in transformation of the system from strong damping oscillation to underdamping oscillation. The opening and closing of control valve have significant effect on the stability of the system because its movement breaks the stability, and the movement of needle has remarkable effect on the oscillating characteristics of the system. High pressure common rail system is a complicated time-variant system with unstable pressure relief and strong oscillation injection.
Using neuroscience to understand the impact of premium digital out-of-home media
Authors: Andrew Heather , Haines Helen , Seixas Shaun
Published: June 2019

In this article, Heather Andrew and Dr Shaun Seixas of Neuro-Insight, and Helen Haines from Ocean Outdoor explain how modern brain imaging technology can be applied to measure people’s emotional, subconscious responses to different forms of outdoor media, from static paper and paste posters to multisensory advertising screens. With reference to visual attention, emotional intensity, desirability, and memorability, they describe a program of research that investigated brain response to the latest generation of outdoor advertising locations, and which explains the cognitive processes that underlie their success, not just in the context of out–of-home advertising, but in the broader digital world. The conclusions have implications that are fundamental to the planning, design, and development of media campaigns, identifying the role that outdoor advertising can play vis a vis other media, and how different media platforms can work together to the benefit of advertisers.
Adolescent Mothers’ Implementation of Strategies to Enhance Their Children’s Early Language and Emergent Literacy Skills
Authors: Towson Jacqueline , Canty Meredith , Schwartz Jamie , Barden Sejal , Sims Tianna
Published: June 2019

Research regarding specific strategies adolescent mothers (AMs) may utilize to facilitate early language and emergent literacy skills in their children is lacking. This exploratory study investigated AMs’ perceived use of preselected common language and emergent literacy strategies and correlated their use of these strategies to their children’s language skills. In total, 12 AMs enrolled in an alternative school program were surveyed using the Self-Assessment of Language and Literacy Implementation (SALLI) and also completed a self-report of their child’s language development using the norm-referenced MacArthur-Bates Communication Development Inventories (CDI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s Rank Correlation to determine the significance and relationship between variables. AMs scored low on the SALLI, with the lowest scores specifically in the areas of Directiveness and Home Environment. Results on the CDI indicated that the children had below average receptive and expressive language skills.
Polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride and styrene as a compatibilizer for biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene
Authors: Tian Zheng , Pan Lisha , Pan Qing
Published: June 2019

Polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride and styrene [PP- g-(MAH- co-St)] was prepared by melt grafting. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy showed that maleic anhydride in the form of cyclic anhydride was successfully grafted onto the main chains of polypropylene. PP- g-(MAH- co-St) acts as a compatibilizer for the poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene meltblown nonwoven fabric slices. The effect of different contents and grafting proportions of PP- g-(MAH- co-St) on the structure and performance of the poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene slices was investigated. The poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene slices had favorable compatibility, tensile properties, thermal stability, and degradability, and their melt flow rates were reduced by the addition of PP- g-(MAH- co-St). Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectra showed that ring-opening reactions occur between the anhydride functional groups of PP- g-(MAH- co-St) and poly(propylene carbonate). Ring-opening reactions, chemical bonds, cocrystallization, increased interface adhesion forces, and reduced interfacial tension may be the mechanisms by which PP- g-(MAH- co-St) acts a compatibilizer for poly(propylene carbonate)/polypropylene slices.
The Sensitivity and Specificity of Nerve Conduction Studies for Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Demino Cory , Fowler John R.
Published: June 2019

Background: The utility of nerve conduction studies (NCS) for diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has continued to be a subject of debate. Proponents of NCS assume a high sensitivity and specificity; however, many are unaware of the actual literature on this topic and the cutoff values commonly used for diagnosis. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature is to report the sensitivity and specificity of NCS for diagnosis of CTS in various studies. Methods: A literature review of PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed for all articles on NCS for diagnosis of CTS. The outcome of interest was the sensitivity and/or specificity of the NCS distal motor latency (DML) or distal sensory latency (DSL) cutoff value used to diagnose CTS in each study. Results: A total of 3066 total articles were screened and 21 were included in the review after assessment by two independent reviewers. The mean cut-off value for DSL was 3.37 ms (range 2.8-4 ms) and the mean cutoff value for DML was 4.28 ms (range 3.8-4.6 ms). Weighted mean DSL sensitivity was 73.4% and weighted mean DSL specificity was 93.6%. Weighted mean DML sensitivity was 56.2% and weighted mean DML specificity was 95.8%. Conclusions: There is significant variation in the cutoff values used for both DSL and DML. The wide range of cut-off values makes it difficult to interpret the literature, and there is a lack of high-quality studies with control groups using a priori cut-off values for diagnosis.
A review on modeling of flexible deformable object for dexterous robotic manipulation
Authors: Hou Yew Cheong , Sahari Khairul Salleh Mohamed , How Dickson Neoh Tze
Published: June 2019

In this article, we present a review on the recent advancement in flexible deformable object modeling for dexterous manipulation in robotic system. Flexible deformable object is one of the most research topics in computer graphic, computer vision, and robotic literature. The deformable models are known as the construction of object with material parameters in virtual environment to describe the deformation behavior. Existing modeling techniques and different types of deformable model are described. Various approaches of deformable object modeling have been used in robotic recognition and manipulation in order to reduce the time and cost to obtain more accurate result. In robotic manipulation, object detection, classification, and recognition of deformable objects are always a challenging problem and required as a first step to imbue the robot to able handle these deformable objects. Furthermore, the dexterity of robot control is also another essential key in handling of deformable object which its manipulation strategies need to plan intelligently for each sequence process. We also discuss some deserving direction for further research based on most current contribution.
Reconceptualising Child Care in Rural Areas: Meeting the Needs?
Authors: Morda Romana , Kapsalakis Anthoula , Clyde Margaret
Published: June 2019

Individuals living in rural areas of Australia face severe difficulties in accessing a range of services which, because of cuts in government funding, include child care. Barriers for families include the limited availability of formal services, restricted flexibility, and increased cost in terms of time and money in trying to access the limited services available. The current child care service models which have been developed for urban areas fail to take into account the needs, values, and expectations of families living in rural and remote areas. These needs and expectations must be clearly assessed, as there are a number of myths associated with the provision of child care in isolated areas. This study, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services, sought to do this through the use of surveys and focus group interviews in designated towns of the Mallee Region in Victoria. The results of the study highlighted the restricted number of child care options in rural and remote settings. Many prevailing ‘myths’ regarding rural families’ needs and expectations of child care services are discussed, and evidence (reality) that dispels them is presented. Some suggestions are made as to how best meet the child care needs of families in rural and remote areas.
High Quality Early Literacy Programs
Authors: Arthur Leonie , Makin Laurie
Published: June 2019

There is an increasing recognition of the importance of literacy learning in the years before school. Key principles of high quality literacy programs for young children have been developed as the result of a recent study of 79 preschool and long day care centres in New South Wales. These principles include communicating with families about literacy, building on children's home experiences, planning to support individual literacy needs, integrating literacy experiences across the curriculum, and adult—child interactions that scaffold literacy understandings.
Metacognitive Problem Solving in Preschoolers
Authors: Lambert E. Beverley
Published: June 2019

This study explored the ability of preschoolers as metacognitive thinkers. The aim was to produce an observational framework for use with younger learners. A problem solving task was developed, and contextualised into children's play experiences. Subjects were 60 preschoolers, 4.3–5.4 years. The task involved the development of a tool (spinner) for a dinosaur game. A comparative verification procedure incorporating both quantitative analysis and rigorous inter-observer reliability measures resulted in the identification of five metacognitive characteristics: recognition of the problem, subtractive restructuring, self monitoring, motivation to persist, and planfulness. Implications for educational programs are discussed.
Children's Earliest Memories: A Narrative Study
Authors: Grey Anne E.
Published: June 2019

This article explores the concept of children's autobiographical memory that is evident from the age of four onwards. Recent findings on the construction of memories, the development of narrative ability and the impact of culture on memory are discussed in relation to an exploratory study of children's earliest memories. Although no conclusion could be made as to whether children's memories are co-constructed or spontaneous, findings show that earliest memories were of atypical events that had occurred in the child's life. Implications for learning and teaching of young children are included.
Reducing Childhood Home Injuries: The Role of Local Home Safety Surveys
Authors: Balanda Kevin P. , Ring Ian T. , Spinks Dawn , Nixon Jim , Pitt W. Robert
Published: June 2019

Fifty per cent of all childhood injuries, and 75% of those amongst children aged under five years, occur in private homes. In 1989 a random survey of 1050 Brisbane households was conducted to investigate their home injury risk profile and the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of their residents. The survey comprised a personal interview with the householder and a visual assessment of the interior and exterior of the household. This paper summarises key results of the visual assessments and describes community knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding home safety. The paper argues that household home safety surveys are useful and necessary adjuncts to local injury surveillance collections. We give three examples of how they can contribute to the reduction of childhood home injury.
Presenting Rules to Young Children at School
Authors: Heins Terry
Published: June 2019

This paper reviews the theoretical and very limited research basis for common ‘practitioner advice’ given to early childhood teachers on the phrasing and presentation of rules. Displayed rule lists are the norm in classrooms and examples are given. Student participation in rule construction is difficult but possible for young children. Typical classrooms have more rules than the optimal four or five. Phrasing for generalisation is difficult to present, but assisted by key words. Omitting pronouns and modal verbs assists brevity and comprehension by young children. Positive phrasing may be unrealistic for very young children, who may need behaviourally specific prohibitions. Difficulties with pragmatic comprehension of abstract concepts are often overlooked. Picture support and possibly signing support for rules is likely to assist rule presentation for young children.
Work Conditions in Long Day Care in the Era of Accreditation
Authors: Jackson Eva L.
Published: June 2019

Workers in selected long day care centres in Sydney, Australia were surveyed on issues such as time allocated for written work, adequate staff-child ratio, inservice training, the process of accreditation, award wages and conditions, and attitudes to long day care. The aim of the survey was to find out if child care work conditions had changed with the implementation of accreditation. The results indicated that most of the respondents agreed that accreditation ensures high quality care but they found the process difficult, mainly due to lack of time. Work conditions over all had not changed as almost half of the respondents do not have allocated time for written work; half of the respondents did not agree with the staff-child ratio and three-quarters were not satisfied with their awards and wanted higher wages.
Early Childhood Science Education: Acknowledging and Valuing Differing Cultural Understandings
Authors: Fleer Marilyn
Published: June 2019

Science experiences in early childhood are common place, particularly in the natural sciences. However, when we organise these experiences they are usually framed from a Western science perspective. Little thought is given to other forms of science, such as Eastern or Aboriginal perspectives. This paper discusses the need to move away from such an ethnocentric view of science, and for early childhood professionals to actively seek out the cultural views which influence their children's scientific thinking. Accordingly, Aboriginal science is highlighted in this paper.
Is the Salad Sandwich Blue?: Teacher Questions and Children's Learning
Authors: Makin Laurie
Published: June 2019

Teacher questions are a central feature of classroom discourse and a key semantic feature in children's development as learners. In this paper, the questions asked by four Year 1 teachers during two small group sessions (eight hours of discourse in all) are studied in order to reveal differences in both frequency and type of questions asked. The interpretative tool employed for this description is a semantic network based upon Hasan (1983) and developed by Makin (1994). The differences that were revealed through application of the network are reviewed in order to give insight into how habitual choices of different questioning styles may help or hinder children's learning. It is suggested that there is room for improvement if teacher questions are to help children learn to become active seekers after knowledge.
Young Children's Construction of Knowledge
Authors: Dockett Sue , Perry Bob
Published: June 2019

The term social constructivism is used in many descriptions of children's learning. The meanings applied to this term vary from author to author. This paper explores two major variants of social constructivism — those derived from the work of Piaget and Vygotsky — and considers the implications of these approaches for the learning of young children. Differences and similarities between these two variants are analysed with reference to the roles of both children and adults. In particular, attention is given to the nature of social interactions and the importance of these in the construction of shared knowledge. While several differences are considered, it is concluded that the similarities between the approaches are of much greater importance to children's learning than these differences.
A Pilot Study: Teacher Views on the Concept of Giftedness in the Early Childhood Setting
Authors: Wellisch Mimi
Published: June 2019

Much has been written about acceleration (Feldhusen, Hannon & Black, 1995), teaching strategies (Kitano, 1982; 1989), and underachievement (Clark, 1992) of gifted and talented primary and secondary school children. Studies such as those of Gross (1986) indicate that educational programming for the gifted is largely dictated by teacher perception and expectation. Other research shows that the learning needs of young gifted children often remain unmet (Gross, 1995). This study explores early childhood teachers’ perceptions of young gifted and talented children and their programming needs through open interviews with three rural teachers. The findings indicate that the gifted children in their care, aside from perhaps the exceptionally or profoundly gifted (Harrison, 1995, p.22), still remain unidentified; and that the teachers see their roles primarily as facilitators, reserving the use of a more interventionist approach mainly for children with deficit needs. The outcome of the study points to the need for further research and a possible re-examination of preservice and in-service teacher education in the area of young gifted and talented children.
Whose Good Idea was it? Child Initiated Curriculum
Authors: Tinworth Sue
Published: June 2019

This article examines the benefits and problems in the popular trend toward adult initiated themes. Adult initiated curriculum is examined in the context of traditionally valued elements of early childhood curriculum and is compared with child initiated curriculum. Characteristics and examples of the content and processes evident in the collaboratively constructed, child initiated curriculum and potential outcomes are described from the findings of a research study conducted in Australia. Implications are drawn for the positive impact on collaboration with families, documenting curriculum and marketing of early childhood services.
The next step: Parent Perspectives of Transition to Preschool of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Campbell Julie
Published: June 2019

An innovative project was established to support the transition of young children from their home-based early intervention program to a neighbourhood preschool. The project, called Stepping Stones, provides specialist staff for a small group of severely disabled children with the aim of gradually introducing them to the on-site preschool. The participation of parents, consistent with a family-centred philosophy, was an important part of the transition process. Parents and staff were interviewed in the second week of the project to identify initial concerns and information needs. A follow-up interview was undertaken six weeks later.

Results suggest that the parents were not really sure about the educational objectives for non-disabled children at the preschool and therefore were uncertain about what to expect in terms of developmental gains for their disabled children in spite of their strong commitment to the general principles of inclusive practice. In preparation for transition, more time needs to be given to familiarising parents with the implicit educational goals of preschool programs and making these more explicit where necessary.
Negotiating Studies of Asia in Years One and Two: Collaboration in the Production and use of Knowledge
Authors: Singh Michael Garbutcheon , Abbott Mary , Preece Mel , Elliott Kirsten
Published: June 2019

Over the past three years teachers at Mercia Primary School (Geelong) have engaged in a research project aiming to extend teachers’ and students’ understandings of Indonesia; limitations in curriculum resources forced a broader focus on ‘Asia’. Motivated by a whole school research project positioned within the context of government policies to ensure Australians are Asia literate’, the teachers used action research to guide their curriculum work. The teachers were seeking ways to explore with their students the changing relations between Australia and Asia in order to improve their students’ understandings of changing global interdependencies. The research efforts of these teachers were supported by links with university-based researchers. In this paper, four members of this collaborative team describe the action process, showing how it guided the negotiation of teaching and learning about Asia, and how it informed participants’ understandings of the possibilities for and limitations of developing a postcolonial pedagogy.
Effects of Growth Regulators on Production of Anthocyanins in Callus Cultures of Angelica archangelica
Authors: Siatka Tomáš
Published: June 2019

Anthocyanins are a group of secondary metabolites whose health benefits have been demonstrated in many epidemiological and experimental studies indicating their potential application for the prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Plant tissue cultures offer a valuable tool for production of these compounds as an alternative to their isolation from natural sources. Formation of secondary metabolites in vitro depends on many factors. In this work, effects of 4 auxins (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, and indole-3-butyric acid) and 2 cytokinins (benzylaminopurine and kinetin) at 3 different concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L) on cell growth and anthocyanin accumulation in dark-grown callus cultures of Angelica archangelica L. were investigated. The highest biomass and anthocyanin contents were obtained with 1 mg/L benzylaminopurine. Among the auxins, the best results were achieved with either 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or 1-naphthaleneacetic acid at 0.1 and 1 mg/L. However, auxins were less effective than cytokinins for growth and anthocyanin accumulation in angelica callus cultures. The influence of auxins and cytokinins on biomass proliferation and anthocyanin production in various plant tissue cultures is discussed.
Concise Synthesis of Nannozinone A: An Unusual Dihydropyrrolopyrazinone Metabolite From Myxobacteria
Authors: Ahn Sungwan , Li Fu-nan , Han Young Taek
Published: June 2019

Nannozinone A is an unprecedented dihydropyrrolopyrazinone metabolite derived from myxobacterial Nannocystis pusilla strain MNa10913. In this paper, the synthesis of nannozinone A was disclosed for the first time. Nannozinone A was readily obtained in 6 steps and in 36% overall yield from commercially available N-Boc-propinal. Key feature of the synthesis includes intramolecular imine formation and subsequent spontaneous oxidation toward the unique dihydropyrrolopyrazinone skeleton. This concise synthetic route would be helpful to prepare natural dihydropyrrolopyrazinones and their derivatives.
The future judicial cooperation between the EPPO and third countries
Authors: Franssen Nicholas
Published: June 2019

The editorial focuses on the need to develop the EPPO’s role in the fight against EU fraud in relation to third countries. It gives an overview of the relevant international legal framework and of the various options that the EPPO will have at its disposal to engage in judicial cooperation with third countries under EU Regulation 2017/1939. It analyses the legal parameters that will determine the application of these modalities in practice and concludes that there may be room for having a fresh look at ways of strengthening the external role of the EPPO once it is up and running and in a position to define its external policy priorities.