bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structured Brainstorming Helps Home Network Managers Transcend Technical Language Barriers to Express Their Needs
Authors: Emery Cathy D. , Sublette Michelle , Carswell C. Melody , Calvert K.L.
Published: September 2016

Managing home networks is fraught with usability challenges due, in part, to the adoption of conventions, tools, and terminology meant for professional network administration. Eliciting user needs is challenging because of the gulf between the language used by network professionals and the less precise, unstandardized terms used by home administrators. Here we modify a traditional Structured Brainstorming (SB) technique to help circumvent these thorny communication problems. We describe our specific implementation and provide a sample of the information obtained from our SB sessions.
Demonstrating the Supervisory Control Operations User Testbed (SCOUT)
Authors: Sibley Ciara , Coyne Joseph , Thomas Jim
Published: September 2016

The proliferation of unmanned systems and the large crew compliment involved in operating a single UAV has created a manpower problem in the U.S. military and resulted in a desire to enable supervisory control of future systems. The Supervisory Control Operations User Testbed (SCOUTTM) is a flexible research testbed developed by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to investigate human performance and automation challenges involved in realizing this future supervisory control vision. As such, SCOUT was designed to with input from UAV operators to increase ecological validity and represent the complexity, noise and uncertainty associated with unmanned system control. SCOUT enables the investigation of various psychological phenomena, including decision making (e.g., route planning under uncertainty), attention allocation (e.g., where and when to focus effort and attention), and mission monitoring, (e.g., maintaining vigilance). Furthermore, SCOUT incorporates eye tracking and physiological monitoring to provide metrics of operator state when performance metrics are limited, which is often the case in real world operations when the operator is only passively monitoring the system. This paper and its associated demonstration will provide an overview of the various components of SCOUT and aims to encourage other researchers to take advantage of this free software for conducting their own experimentation.
An Examination of the Impact of Option Preference on Success in FAA ATC Academy Training
Authors: Byrne Cristina L. , Pierce Linda G.
Published: September 2016

In 2014, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) modified the selection and placement process for newly hired air traffic controllers. Among other procedural changes, the way new hires were assigned to the air traffic options (i.e., en route vs. terminal) changed significantly from previous placement practices. This study looks at the reactions of students regarding their option placements under the new system. In particular, their original option preference, actual option assigned, satisfaction with their actual option placement, and intentions to switch options later on in their career were assessed with a brief survey. The relationship of their responses to these items and their first performance indicator (i.e., passing/failing at the Academy) was also examined.
Helmet Mounted Display Layouts
Authors: Finomore Victor S. , McClernon Christopher K. , Johnson Jantz V. , Snow Jacob K. , Steuber Jessica M.
Published: September 2016

Head mounted displays (HMDs) are being explored as an alternative means of displaying relevant information to dismounted operators. The goal of this project was to examine different visual display concepts and evaluate participant’s attention allocation to information presented on their HMD. Additionally, their ability to detect potential threats in the environment was also evaluated. This information will help revamp the design of information displays for HMDs. The task in this study required participants to monitor their HMD for critical alerts and respond accordingly while also making shoot/no shoot decisions to threats in their environment. We hypothesized that as information is presented in different layouts on the HMD, it will reduce the participants’ ability to detect real world events. Accuracy of the shoot/no shoot decisions was collected along with accuracy of detection of information on the HMD. We found that shooting performance was not affected between the three HMD layouts however information detected on the HMD was worst when all information was in the center of the HMD. The data from this study will be used to help develop intelligent visual displays used by Battlefield Airmen to accomplish their mission.
Evaluation of Safety Label Design
Authors: Sugovic Mila , Nooraddini Ismail , Sherehiy Bohdana
Published: September 2016

The testing and evaluation of newly designed warnings or safety communications is of utmost importance so that consumers understand the hazards and act accordingly. This paper presents the theoretical model underlying the cognitive interviewing methodology and discusses the applicability of this method for evaluation of warning labels and safety communication. Cognitive Interviewing methodology provides the framework and methodology to systematically test and evaluate effectiveness of warning information processing at each of the stages described by the Communication-Human Information Processing Model (C-HIP). The paper concludes with a comparison of cognitive interviewing and focus group methodology in the evaluation of a warning label. The responses of ten participants in each of the two groups were analyzed to determine which method produced more useful data for safety label evaluation and redesign. The cognitive interviews yielded more detailed, relevant, and useful data than the focus group.
An analysis of aircraft maintenance incidents using psychological and cognitive engineering knowledge
Authors: Ng Man-wa , Li Simon Y. W.
Published: September 2016

The aim of the current analysis is to complement existing studies of aircraft maintenance incidents by providing finer and more detailed explanations for their causes in terms of task and error types. A total of 109 aircraft maintenance incidents were analyzed with respect to knowledge and concepts from psychology and cognitive engineering. The skill, rule and knowledge-based framework by Rasmussen (1983) was used to identify the main task types involved in the incidents. Error types such as post-completion error, prospective memory failure and data-entry error were used as part of the analysis. System usability and the occurrence of interruptions, distractions and multitasking were also adopted as important factors in the analysis. Results suggest that more than 60% of the incidents involved rule-based performance. Almost 50% of the rule-based incidents can be explained in terms of the errors types and factors identified. This analysis provides a starting point for practitioners to discuss aircraft maintenance incidents using theoretically grounded concepts.
Helicopter Aircrew Cumulative Neck Loads from Integrated Task and Physical Demands Analyses
Authors: Farrell Philip S. E. , Tack David W. , Nakaza Edward T. , Bray-Miners Jordan
Published: September 2016

Task and physical demands analyses together can identify common and extreme postures and postural sequences, duration, frequency, and forces for Griffon Helicopter aircrew tasks and missions. A tasks and associated physical demands model was developed to estimate neck loads caused primarily by Night Vision Goggle usage. This integrated task and physical demands analysis was used to assess various solutions such as counterbalance or lighter helmets.
Analyzing Past Mishaps to Explore Safety Considerations within a Live-Virtual-Constructive Environment
Authors: Cruit Jessica , Blickensderfer Beth , McLean A. L.M. Thom , Sherwood Sarah , Martin Taylor , Neville Kelly J. , Walwanis Melissa , Bolton Amy
Published: September 2016

The U.S. Navy is investigating safety issues inherent to adding Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) training functions to cockpits of F/A-18 aircraft. The current study examined previously investigated air combat training mishaps to identify common causal factors that may be exacerbated or mitigated within the LVC training environment. That is, by understanding the factors contributing to past mishaps, we can consider whether those similar factors might interact negatively with LVC technology to degrade safety in training exercises. A total of 167 relevant mishap summaries were collected and analyzed using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). The majority of mishaps occurred unintentionally through skill-based errors (n = 115) and decision errors (n = 102). Additionally, adverse mental states (n = 43), and communication coordination (n = 56) accounted for the majority of the mishaps under preconditions for unsafe acts. Lastly, at the supervisory and organizational level of the HFACS taxonomy, inadequate supervision (n = 32) and organizational process (n = 13) accounted for a high number of the mishaps. A sub-categorical analysis revealed the majority of incidents occurred by means of poor in-flight planning and loss of situation awareness. These results will facilitate the safety of introducing LVC training by highlighting factors that tend to contribute to mishaps so that they can be monitored during the transition.
Virtual Road Signs
Authors: Rane Prerana , Kim Hyungil , Marcano Juan Lopez , Gabbard Joseph L.
Published: September 2016

Studies have shown that experts are more sensitive to changes in the road scene than novice drivers, and use the driving patterns of other cars to infer important information. A tool that can help bridge the gap between experts and novices may be augmented reality (AR), which can be used to graphically overlay virtual information onto the real world that may not otherwise be easily inferred. In this paper, we propose an AR interface that aims to improve the sensation, attention, situation awareness and decision making of international drivers who are new to the United States (US). We present results of a preliminary study that identifies the needs of novice international drivers as well as an AR interface design created to support these needs. Contextual inquiry and analysis techniques were used to extract the needs of novice international drivers. Based on observations, iterative designs and a prototype were developed that merge AR and audio feedback. Lastly, the prototype was evaluated by two usability experts, who performed a heuristic walkthrough based on the principles of human information processing. The experts conclude that the interface has the potential of increasing the sensation, attention, situation awareness and decision making while reducing the mental workload of novice international drivers. Future work will include an empirical study to support the observations of the analytical evaluation presented herein.
Faster Than Light
Authors: Baker Anthony L. , Keebler Joseph R. , Blickensderfer Elizabeth L.
Published: September 2016

Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products allow researchers to conduct studies using readily accessible systems in order to save time, effort, and/or money that would otherwise be spent designing a custom product. In this article, we discuss the potential of a low-cost and commercially available video game, FTL: Faster Than Light, to be used as a testbed for research into complex or high-workload situations. In this preliminary review, we prototype a performance assessment tool for FTL, which we call FTL Score, and evaluate its ability to distinguish performances between a pilot sample of three participants. The results of this exploratory study showed that our measurement methods were able to distinguish between the performance of two novices and an expert. This suggests that a larger follow-up study is warranted, and lends some support to the hypothesis that FTL can be used as an easy-to-deploy and low-cost testbed for research into high-workload performance.
Sensation Seeking and Drivers’ Glance Behavior while Engaging in a Secondary Task
Authors: Lee Joonbum , Mehler Bruce , Reimer Bryan , Coughlin Joseph F.
Published: September 2016

To investigate possible relationships between drivers’ sensation seeking and glance behavior while interacting with human-machine interfaces, a total of 70 drivers’ eye-glance data, Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), and Driver Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ) data were collected and analyzed. Participants conducted radio tuning tasks with two standard production interfaces while driving on a highway, and their glance allocations to defined regions were recorded and manually annotated. Results showed that sensation seeking scores were related with self-reported violation scores, off-road glance patterns, and driving speed: (1) violation scores of DBQ were positively correlated with sensation seeking, (2) mean and standard deviation of off-road glance duration were positively correlated with sensation seeking for younger drivers (under 40 years), (3) total off-road glance time per minute and number of off-road glances per minute were positively correlated with sensation seeking for older drivers (over 40 years), and (4) percentage of speed change was negatively correlated with sensation seeking for both younger and older drivers. The results indicate that sensation seeking is associated with drivers’ off-road glance patterns and driving behavior. These observations further highlight the relationship between personal traits and driver behavior.
Driving Under Involuntary Distraction and Varied Perceptual Loads
Authors: Hoekstra-Atwood Liberty , Chen Huei-Yen Winnie , Donmez Birsen
Published: September 2016

Distracted driving compromises safety. One type of driver distraction often overlooked in experimental studies is involuntary engagement in driver distraction, which is related to an inability to suppress non-driving related information. The present work aims to discern how involuntary distraction affects drivers and whether perceptual load modulates involuntary distraction engagement. It was hypothesized, based on Load Theory, that drivers are worse at inhibiting irrelevant stimuli when driving under lower perceptual load. A simulator experiment manipulating distraction (involuntary vs. baseline) and perceptual load of the environment (high vs. low visual complexity) found that irrelevant stimuli degraded driving responses to lead vehicle braking events. Contrary to expectation, perceptual load did not affect involuntary distraction engagement.
Towards Mitigating Teenagers’ Distracted Driving Behaviors
Authors: Merrikhpour Maryam , Donmez Birsen
Published: September 2016

Distraction contributes significantly to teens’ crash risks. Previous studies show that feedback can help mitigate distraction among young and adult drivers; however, the type of feedback that is effective for teenagers remains unexamined. This paper investigates whether real-time and post-drive feedback can mitigate teens’ driver distraction and reports preliminary findings from an ongoing simulator study. Data reported was collected in a between-subjects experiment with three conditions: real-time (n= 8), post-drive (n= 8), and no feedback (n= 9). Real-time feedback was provided as auditory warnings when teens had long offroad glances (>2 sec). Post-drive feedback was an end-of-trip report on teens’ off-road glances and driving performance provided on an in-vehicle display. Compared to no feedback, real-time feedback resulted in significantly smaller number of long off-road glances (>2 sec), smaller average duration of off-road glances, and smaller standard deviation of lane position. The effects observed for post-drive feedback were relatively minor.
Evaluation of Novel Urban Rail Level Crossing Designs Using Driving Simulation
Authors: Read G. J. M. , Clacy A. , Thomas M. , Van Mulken M. R. H. , Stevens N. , Lenné M. G. , Mulvihill C. M. , Stanton N. A. , Walker G. H. , Young K. L. , Salmon P. M.
Published: September 2016

Rail level crossings (RLXs) are a public safety concern internationally. The design of the RLX environment has been implicated in many recent crashes. In this study we evaluated three novel RLX design concepts using a driving simulator. Participants completed four drives, each incorporating one of the RLX designs (one baseline and three novel designs) in both train coming and train not coming mode. Measures of speed and braking on approach were analyzed, along with subjective measures of workload and usability. Superior driving behavior and subjective ratings were achieved for a design that incorporated an in-vehicle device while the lowest subjective ratings were given in relation to a shared space design that incorporated a simplified crossing environment and sharing of the road environment between motorized and non-motorized users. The implications for RLX safety are discussed.
Taxi-Hailing Apps
Authors: Xiong Yuexin , Zhao Guozhen
Published: September 2016

The use of taxi-hailing apps is quite popular in recent years. Although a number of epidemiological, on- road and simulator-based studies reported the negative impact of distraction on a driver’s behavior, the effect of using taxi-hailing apps on a professional driver’s performance has not been fully studied. This study aimed to identify the influence of using taxi-hailing apps on driving performance in a simulated driving environment. Forty male taxi drivers were divided into two groups, using one taxi-hailing app or two taxi hailing apps. They were asked to complete two driving tasks with one or two apps (i.e., distracted condition) and two tasks without any app used (i.e., baseline condition). The current study found that participants using two taxi-hailing apps at the same time drove slower and spent less time speeding, but exhibited shorter time to avoid a collision, made more wrong decisions, and spent a longer time period of cell phone interface glance duration and glanced at the interface more frequently than the baseline condition. Taxi drivers with single app exhibited similar driving behaviors but performance decrement was less severe than those using dual hailing apps. These findings increase our understanding of driver distraction and have potential implications for public safety and device development.
Comparing Effectiveness of Four Graphical Designs for Probabilistic Hazard Information for Tornado Threat
Authors: Miran Seyed M. , Ling Chen , James Joseph J. , Rothfusz Lans
Published: September 2016

Finding effective measures to decrease the nation’s loss resulting from severe weather is crucial. Probabilistic Hazard Information (PHI) system is being developed for severe weather forecasting. Little work has been done to investigate which kind of graphical designs for PHI can increase users’ perception and interpretation, and elicit the best user response to the threats. This study investigates the effects of varying graphical designs for tornado threat. Four designs, “four colors”,” red scale”, “gray scale” and “contour” were tested. Radar was provided for one set of treatments, the other without radar. Analysis showed response time significantly decreased for designs without radar. “Without radar” displays helped participants make significantly more accurate decisions than “with radar” displays. Participant’s preference, the “four colors” design, was the most effective choice among “without radar” displays. For “Without radar” displays, “gray scale” design results in higher accuracy for interpreting threat information and choosing appropriate responses.
Evaluating the Effects of Clothing and Individual Equipment on Marksmanship Performance Using a Novel Five Target Methodology
Authors: McNamara Jay A. , Choi Hyeg Joo , Brown Stephanie A.T. , Hennessy Edward R. , Mitchell K. Blake
Published: September 2016

Any item of Warfighter-borne clothing and individual equipment (CIE) must not interfere with the Warfighter’s ability to quickly and accurately engage targets with their weapon. This paper describes the development of a novel test methodology for evaluating the effect of CIE on marksmanship performance using a weapon simulator system. Eleven military test participants executed the test methodology in a baseline condition and in a CIE test condition which included the M40 Chemical-Biological protective mask. Marksmanship performance variables analyzed included precision, radial error, total engagement time, aiming time, and movement time, as well as subjective interference ratings. There were no significant differences between the No Mask and M40 Mask conditions for precision or radial error, however, participants experienced significantly longer engagement and movement times while wearing the M40 mask. These results suggest the test methodology is sensitive enough to provide valuable insights regarding the effects of CIE on marksmanship performance.
Me and My VE, Part 4
Authors: Strater Laura , Frederick Christina M , Vaughn-Cooke Monifa , Bliss Jim , Shah Smruti
Published: September 2016

Virtual environments, augmented reality, serious games, simulations, and other digitally mediated experiences are revolutionizing the way that we work, learn, and interact with people and systems. The employment of these technologies is driving innovation in research, training, education, evaluation, and various business endeavors. This session will provide a brief overview of some of the diverse uses of virtual environments (VEs) in an alternate demonstration format that leaves just over half of the session time for hands on, interactive demonstrations. Unlike most demonstration sessions, where possible, we encourage session attendees to personally interact with the demonstrations. The session will begin with demonstrators providing a brief description of their VE and how they’ve used it to address a unique need. At the conclusion of the description portion of the session, each VE will be set up at a demonstration station in the room, and session attendees are encouraged to engage with both the demonstrations for a hands on interaction with the VE and with the demonstrators to get more information about the development and use of the VE, and stimulate discussion on how the concepts, methods, and tools can be used to solve additional problems or business needs.
To Embed or Not to Embed, that is the Question
Authors: Goldberg Benjamin , Sottilare Robert
Published: September 2016

In this paper we investigate intelligent tutoring communications in game-based learning platforms and examine its effect on perceived flow and immersion. The technology influencing this research is the open-source Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring (GIFT), a domain-independent architecture used to author, deliver, and evaluate intelligent tutoring technologies. Influenced by theoretical underpinnings associated with flow, the resulting experiment looks at the application of Embodied Pedagogical Agents (EPA) in a game-based training environment used for communicating tutor generated feedback. Conditions were structured to examine tradeoffs between embedding an EPA directly in a game, embedding an EPA in GIFT’s browser-based Tutor-User Interface (TUI), or using audio prompts alone. Statistical analyses are presented examining treatment effects on an individual’s perceived sense of flow during interaction, along with examination of game characteristics required to support immersion. Outcomes support the use of an EPA present in GIFT’s TUI when compared to flow outcomes on audio prompts alone and the game embedded EPA.
Use of Color Range Indicator Technology on Point-of-Care Meters May Ease Self-Management of Blood Glucose
Authors: Torjman Marc C.
Published: September 2016

The study by Grady et al is timely and exciting striving toward better understanding of relevant human factors in the design of their glucose meter displays. Their investigation focused on meaningful device optimization objectives that could be important to improving diabetes self-management. Grady et al are to be complimented for their development of a PC-based computer simulator to further our understanding of how patients interpret their glucose meter readings. What is interesting is that important, and hopefully more appropriate decisions, can be made daily or hourly when a meter is capable of displaying the most relevant information in a manner that will prompt the user toward more favorable glucose management decisions.
Costs Associated With Geriatric Ankle Fractures
Authors: Kadakia Rishin J. , Ahearn Briggs M. , Tenenbaum Shay , Bariteau Jason T.
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Ankle fractures are the third most common orthopaedic injury seen in the geriatric patient. Studies have identified mortality benefits with operative management, but treatment must be considered on a case-by-case basis. In the era of value-based analysis, a thorough of understanding of outcomes and costs of treatment is required. The purpose of this study was to analyze the inpatient and readmission costs associated with operative and nonoperative management of geriatric ankle fractures. Methods. Patients were identified using diagnosis codes for ankle fractures from all 2008 Part A Medicare claims. Patients younger than 65 years and those who sustained an ankle fracture during the previous year were excluded. Operative patients were then identified by ICD-9 procedure codes. Other variables collected included age, comorbidities, and the incidence of hospital readmissions. Inpatient costs were determined using Medicare reimbursement data. Results. A total of 19 648 patients with ankle fractures were identified. Of these, 15 193 (77.3%) underwent operative intervention. The mean cost for initial fracture admission was $5097.20 for nonoperative management compared with $8798.10 for operative management (  P < .05). The mean inpatient costs associated with readmission for nonoperative intervention was $5161.50 and for operative treatment, it was $5071.40 (  P > .05). The reimbursement for hospital readmissions for both groups combined for approximately $29.7 million. The total cost of initial treatment plus readmission for both treatment groups combined was approximately $185 million. Discussion. The total expenditure estimate of $185 million in this study has likely increased given the steady growth of the geriatric population. Expenditures associated with these readmissions was approximately $30 million—nearly a sixth of total costs. Future work must focus on determining which patients will benefit from operative intervention and optimizing care to decrease readmissions and their associated cost in this growing cohort of patients.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III: Retrospective study
Pressure–impulse response of semi-rigidly connected steel plates under blast loading
Authors: Lin Xiaoshan , Ashraf Mahmud
Published: September 2016

In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed to investigate the pressure–impulse response of the steel plates with semi-rigid connections under blast loads. The strain rate effect on the material properties is considered, and a number of spring elements are used for simulating the plate to support connections. Once verified, the developed finite element model is then used to investigate the effects of a series of parameters on the blast resistance and energy absorption capability of the steel plates, including the effects of connection rigidity, plate thickness, impulse loading and the shape of corrugation.
The impact of digital media on newspapers: Comparing responses in China and the United States
Authors: Sparks Colin , Wang Haiyan , Huang Yu , Zhao Yanhua , Lü Nan , Wang Dan
Published: September 2016

Chinese newspapers are beginning to feel the effects of digital media both on their circulations and advertising revenues. In contrast to the west, where newspaper circulation has been problematic for some years, this represents a new situation since they have enjoyed 25 years during which both circulation and advertising grew very rapidly. The response of Chinese newspapers has some similarities with that experienced in the West, and notably the United States, but it also has major differences. Newspapers elsewhere have responded to the situation primarily as economic units, but in China, the political dimension has had a central role. The article reviews the comparative impact of the crisis and gives an overview of the Chinese response in terms of cost cutting, raising new revenues and changing journalistic practices. Alongside the technological and economic factors, it notes that the Xi leadership has taken a much more interventionist stance on editorial content and that this has further constrained newspapers’ possible responses. It concludes by considering some of the implications of the changed situation and the ways in which newspapers have responded to it.
Forward-Masked Frequency Selectivity Improvements in Simulated and Actual Cochlear Implant Users Using a Preprocessing Algorithm
Authors: Langner Florian , Jürgens Tim
Published: September 2016

Frequency selectivity can be quantified using masking paradigms, such as psychophysical tuning curves (PTCs). Normal-hearing (NH) listeners show sharp PTCs that are level- and frequency-dependent, whereas frequency selectivity is strongly reduced in cochlear implant (CI) users. This study aims at (a) assessing individual shapes of PTCs in CI users, (b) comparing these shapes to those of simulated CI listeners (NH listeners hearing through a CI simulation), and (c) increasing the sharpness of PTCs using a biologically inspired dynamic compression algorithm, BioAid, which has been shown to sharpen the PTC shape in hearing-impaired listeners. A three-alternative-forced-choice forward-masking technique was used to assess PTCs in 8 CI users (with their own speech processor) and 11 NH listeners (with and without listening through a vocoder to simulate electric hearing). CI users showed flat PTCs with large interindividual variability in shape, whereas simulated CI listeners had PTCs of the same average flatness, but more homogeneous shapes across listeners. The algorithm BioAid was used to process the stimuli before entering the CI users’ speech processor or the vocoder simulation. This algorithm was able to partially restore frequency selectivity in both groups, particularly in seven out of eight CI users, meaning significantly sharper PTCs than in the unprocessed condition. The results indicate that algorithms can improve the large-scale sharpness of frequency selectivity in some CI users. This finding may be useful for the design of sound coding strategies particularly for situations in which high frequency selectivity is desired, such as for music perception.
Splitting algorithms for the high-order compact finite-difference schemes in wave-equation modeling
Authors: Zhang Cai , Sun Bingbing , Ma Jianwei , Yang Huizhu , Hu Ying
Published: September 2016

We have developed efficient splitting algorithms for high-order compact finite-difference methods to approximate second-order space derivatives. In general, the methods’ high-order compact finite-difference schemes require the inversion of a multidiagonal matrix that is commonly less efficient. To solve this problem, we used ideas from splitting algorithms in one-way wave-equation migration that work by decomposing the multidiagonal matrix into a series of tridiagonal matrices and then subsequently solving the tridiagonal matrices. This approach results in more efficient algorithms with little loss of accuracy. The splitting algorithms can be implemented in three different ways. Our computational complexity analysis verifies that our methods can reduce the calculation burden from exponential to linear growth. Numerical experiments demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of our algorithms.
3D inversion for multipulse airborne transient electromagnetic data
Authors: Liu Yunhe , Yin Changchun
Published: September 2016

Multipulse airborne transient electromagnetic (ATEM) systems transmit one high-power pulse and one low-power pulse containing more high-frequency EM signals. Such systems have better near-surface resolutions while maintaining the depth of exploration of other conventional systems. ATEM systems are especially suitable for geologic mapping and mineral exploration. The inversion of multipulse ATEM data has been mainly limited to 1D modeling, which is not suitable for complex underground structures. We have investigated an algorithm for 3D multipulse ATEM data inversion based on direct Gauss-Newton optimization with quite-fast convergence. The forward problems were solved in the frequency-domain based on the secondary scattered electrical field equation, and then the inverse Fourier transform and the convolution with transmitting waveform were applied to calculate the arbitrary waveform response and sensitivity matrix in the time domain. To optimize the number of computations and memory, we further used an EM “footprint” concept in our inversions to reduce the forward model size and sparse the sensitivity matrix. The inversion results of synthetic data showed that our 3D algorithm is very effective for inverting the multipulse data with results combining advantageous resolutions of different transmitting pulses. Finally, we applied our algorithm to invert real survey data obtained at McMurray, Alberta, Canada, to further test its effectiveness.
Characterizing borehole plumbing using full-waveform ultrasonic data: Application to data from a North Sea well
Authors: Haldorsen Jakob B. U. , Stensrud Espen , Merciu Ioan-Alexandru , Miller Douglas E.
Published: September 2016

We have analyzed ultrasonic flexural data acquired in a North Sea well using a commercial tool optimized for generating such data, and found how one might separate refractions along successive layers of casings, and from these separated refractions, characterize successive pipes and annuli. From the timing of refracted events, we determined the shape of a pipe, and by examining the amplitudes of these refracted events — a measure of the conductance of a pipe wall to transverse movement — we characterized the material in the annuli around a pipe. Data from two separate depth intervals were analyzed, demonstrating that a well plan might not give a sufficiently accurate description of the well. In the deeper interval in which the inner pipe was supposed to be free, we found that the annulus was most likely filled with sedimentation and debris. We could also see that the inner 7 in tubing was touching, or nearly touching, the outer 9⅝ in casing over the entire interval. For the shallower interval, below a certain depth, we saw that the 7 in tubing appeared to be touching the 9⅝ in casing approximately every 7–8 m. From measurements inside the 7 in tubing, we estimated the deformation of the outer 9⅝ in casing to be up to a maximum of nearly 5 cm, meaning that the minimum inner diameter of the outer pipe was close to the outer diameter of the inner pipe. Whereas some features revealed by the analyses were “good-to-know” — such as minor pipe deficiencies and deformations — other features might be critical for planned overhaul, or for operations related to abandonment, e.g., touching points were potential sticking points. Knowing where they were may be critical in determining the best depth to cut a pipe before pulling.
Dual wavefields from distributed acoustic sensing measurements
Authors: Poletto Flavio , Finfer Daniel , Corubolo Piero , Farina Biancamaria
Published: September 2016

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) using fiber optic cables is an emerging seismic acquisition technology for the oil and gas industry, geothermal resource exploration, and underground fluid-storage monitoring. This technology offers the advantage of improving seismic acquisition by enabling massive arrays for monitoring of seismic wavefields at reduced cost with respect to conventional methods. In general, it is accepted that this method provides acoustic signals comparable with conventional seismic data, however, without the multicomponent directional information typical of geophones. We have developed a modified data extraction method and found that, as a result of the dense spatial distribution of recording points along the optic cable, DAS can provide two linked wavefield components in the axial direction, even when using a single 1D cable line. These signal pairs consist of dual components that are related to native strain rate (or strain) and particle acceleration (or velocity) fields at a given recording location. These dual signals are easily usable for wavefield separation purposes simply performing a trace-by-trace combination by appropriate scaling coefficient. The analysis performed with borehole data from linear and helically wound cables demonstrates the effectiveness of polarity recovery and dual-wavefield separation. We show real examples in which the data can be combined to provide separation of up- and downgoing wavefields. The ratio of the dual components provides information on local slowness properties in the formation.
Oriented prestack time migration using local slopes and predictive painting in the common-source domain for planar reflectors
Authors: Khoshnavaz M. Javad , Bóna Andrej , Dzunic Aleksander , Ung Kevin , Urosevic Milovan
Published: September 2016

Seismic imaging techniques often require an input velocity model. Velocity analysis is one of the most critical stages in seismic data processing. Standard ways to find the velocity model from seismic data in the time domain are constant velocity stack and semblance velocity analysis that may be time consuming and labor intensive. Oriented/velocity-less imaging using local event slopes is an alternative to the conventional imaging techniques. In some previous oriented techniques, seismic data must be sorted in two different domains, whereas seismic data are not always available in both domains and the use of interpolation is inevitable in such cases. Other methods are developed in terms of the higher order derivatives of traveltime with respect to offset, whereas estimation of the higher order derivatives is difficult to achieve with the required accuracy. We addressed the limitations by developing an oriented local slope based prestack time migration technique in only one domain: the common-source domain. The migration technique is developed for reflectors with small curvature. In the proposed approach, the need for the estimation of higher order derivatives is replaced by a point-to-point mapping of seismic data using the predictive painting technique. The theoretical contents of the proposed technique are tested on a simple synthetic data example and applied to a field data set.
Chile Strong Ground Motion Flatfile
Authors: Bastías Nicolas , Montalva Gonzalo A.
Published: September 2016

The Nazca-South American plate boundary produces large-magnitude events (Mw > 8) every 20 years on the coast of Chile. This work describes a public ground motion database that contains 3,572 records from 477 earthquakes and 181 seismic stations, which includes the recent 2015 Mw 8.3 Illapel earthquake. The data set is controlled by subduction interface and inslab events. The oldest event included is Valparaiso (1985), and the magnitude span is 4.6–8.8 Mw. The source-to-site distance metrics reported are the closest distance to the rupture plane ( R rup), epicentral ( R epi) and hypocentral ( R hyp) distances, with a range for R rup from 20 to 650 km. Site characterization is based on V S30, ranging from 110 to 1,951 m/s. Intensity measures included are peak ground acceleration, spectral acceleration values from 0.01 to 10 s, Arias intensity, and peak ground velocity. Each record was uniformly processed component by component. A flatfile with the related metadata and the spectral accelerations from processed ground motions is available at NEEShub ( http://doi.org/10.17603/DS2N30J ; Bastías and Montalva 2015 ).
EGF receptor ligands: recent advances
Authors: Singh Bhuminder , Carpenter Graham , Coffey Robert J.
Published: September 2016

Seven ligands bind to and activate the mammalian epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR/ERBB1/HER1): EGF, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFA), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), betacellulin (BTC), amphiregulin (AREG), epiregulin (EREG), and epigen (EPGN). Of these, EGF, TGFA, HBEGF, and BTC are thought to be high-affinity ligands, whereas AREG, EREG, and EPGN constitute low-affinity ligands. This focused review is meant to highlight recent studies related to actions of the individual EGFR ligands, the interesting biology that has been uncovered, and relevant advances related to ligand interactions with the EGFR.
Short Communication: Identification of Growth Hormone gene polymorphism for beef cattle in Pesisir Selatan District, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: PUTRA DINO EKA , SUMADI SUMADI , KANAZAWA TAKUYA , HARTATIK TETY
Published: September 2016

Putra DE, Sumadi, Kanazawa T, Hartatik T. 2016. Short Communication: Identification of Growth Hormone genepolymorphism for beef cattle in Pesisir Selatan District, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 711-715. This study aimed to determine gene polymorphism of growth hormone of domestic cattle in Pesisir Selatan District of West Sumatra. The research was conducted at Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding Faculty of Animal Science, UGM from August 2013 to January 2014. Blood samples were collected from 66 individuals consist of 15 Pesisir cattle, 15 SimPes cattle, 15 SimPO cattle, 15 Bali cattle and 6 PO cattle. DNA was extracted from each blood samples after SDS-proteinase K digestion, and used for PCR-amplification for a region of growth hormone gene (211 bp), and then the PCR products were analyzed for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using AluI restriction enzyme. The results showed that GH gene of Pesisir, PO and Bali cattle are monomorphic, which frequencies of L allele was1.00 and V allele was 0.000 while these LL genotype was 1.000. Frequency of L and V alleles in SimPO and SimPes cattle were 0.634, 0.366 and 0.700, 0.300, respectively. SimPO and SimPes cattle were polymorphic, LL and LV of SimPO cattle was 0.733 and 0.267 as well as SimPes cattle which LL and LV was 0.600 and 0.400, respectively. The correlation between genotype and the performance (body weight and body size) was not significant. The present study indicates that polymorphism of growth hormone gene in AluI site could not yet be used as a molecular marker for body weight and body size of beef cattle.
Radiologic imaging of congenital gastrointestinal anomalies in infants
Authors: Zabidi Leny , Sarosa Gatot Irawan , Prabowo Farah
Published: September 2016

Background Congenital gastrointestinal anomalies may manifestsigns or symptoms in the first few days of life, most commonly inthe fonn of obstructions. Radiologic imaging plays an importantrole in diagnosis confirmation and surgical correction plans. Mostcases may be diagnosed by plain radiographs alone, but cr scansand MRI may be needed to make accurate diagnoses, especiallyin difficult cases.Objective To report radiologic imaging findings in infants Mthcongenital gastrointestinal anomalies.Methods For this retrospective, cross􀁊sectional study we tooksecondary data from medical records of infants 'With congenitalgastrointestinal anomalies in Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Semarang,Indonesia from January 2010 - June 2011. Diagnosis of congenitalanomalies was confirmed by clinical manifestation and radiologicimaging. Radiologic findings were reviewed by a single radiologiston duty at that time. Data is presented in the form of frequencydistribution.Results Subjects consisted of 50 males and 23 females. The mostcormnon complaints were vorrritingin 14 subjects (19%), alxlominaldistension in 31 subjects (43%), and fecal passage dysfunction in28 subjects (38%). Radiologic imaging of subjects with congenitalgastrointestinal anomalies revealed the folloMng conditions: analatresia in 28 subjects (38%), congenital megacolon in 21 subjects(29%), esophageal atresia in 14 subjects (19%), duodenal atresia in9 subjects (12%), and pyloric atresia in 1 subject (2%).Conclusion Using radiologic imaging of infants with congenitalgastrointestinal anomalies, the most to least common conditionsfound were anal atresia, congenital megacolon, esophagealatresia, duodenal atresia, and pyloric atresia. [Paediatr Indones.2012;52:341-5].
Effects of Phyllanthus niruri on the severity of the common cold in children
Authors: Kusumaningrum Ari Dwi Ratna , Sumadiono Sumadiono , Soenarto Yati
Published: September 2016

Background Common cold is a self􀀵limited disease, howeverit poses a significant burden on productivity and communityhealth. Unfortunately, there has been no standard medicationfor childhood common cold, whereas some herbs \\lith immune􀀵modulating properties, such as Phyllanthus niruri extract (PNE),might be beneficial but has not been thoroughly studied.Objective To evaluate the effect of PNE administration on theseverity of common cold symptoms in children.Methods We performed a randomized, double􀀵blind, controlledtrial in children aged 2􀀵6 years who were diagnosed Mth a commoncold at primary health care centers in Sewon and Jetis in Bantul,as well as in Gondomanan and Gedongtengen in Yogyakarta.Subjects were collected by consecutive sampling and parentswere interviewed. We assessed illness severity by Hemila scoringfor the common cold.Results A total of 100 subjects were included Mth 50 subjects ineach intervention group. After treatment, there was no significantdifference in common cold severity between the PNE and thecontrol groups for all symptom score components, including cough(0.87 vs 0.71, P􀀽0.36), nasal symptom (0.90 vs 1.10, P􀀽0.54),coryza ( 0.44 vs 1.10, P=0.54), and systemic symptom (0.10 vs0.10, P􀀽0.94).Conclusion Administration of PNE for 6 days did not provide asignificant benefit in reducing the severity of the common coldcompared to placebo in children aged 2 - 6 years. [PaediatrIndanes.2012;52:346-51].
Correlation between interleukin-6 and septic shock in children
Authors: Yulianto Stephanie , Runtunuwu Ari , Pateda Vivekenanda , Mandei Jose , Lolombulan Julius
Published: September 2016

Background Sepsis is a life􀁆threatening condition and the mostcommon cause of death in intensive care units in developingcountries, such as Indonesia. The first clinical signs of sepsis areusually non􀁆spedfic. More specific signs and laboratory parametersoften occur late and are associated 'With organ dysfunction andhigh mortality rates. Interleukin􀁆6 (IL--6) is a biomarker reported tobe superior to clinical signs and conventional tests for sepsis. IL--6levels may indicate microorganism invasion, as well as progressionof infection into sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock.Objective To evaluate a correlation between interleukin (IL)􀁆6and septic shock in childrenMethods This cross􀁆sectional study was conducted in the pediatricintensive care unit of Prof. Dr. R.D. Kandou Hospital, Manado,between June to September 2011. Subjects were children withsepsis or septic shock aged 1 month to 13 years, v.ith diagnosesbased on the International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus ConferenceCriteria 2005. A one􀁆time measurement of IL--6 plasma levelswas done at the time of diagnosis. Data was analyzed by logisticregression test using SPSS version 17 software. A P value of <0.05indicated statistical significance.Results The mean IL--6 plasma level in the septic group was 1.68(95%CI 1.45 to 1.91) pg/mL and that of the septic shock groupwas 2.33 (95%CI 1.79 to 2.86) pg/mL. Our results showed astrong positive correlation between IL􀁆6 plasma levels v.ith theprobability of septic shock in children v.ith sepsis (regressioncoefficient􀁇1.3lO, P􀁇O.024).Conclusion Higher plasma IL--6 levels were associated v.ith ahigher risk of septic shock in children with sepsis. [Paediatrrndones.2012;52:352-5].