bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the usefulness of Eye Tracking in Game-based Learning
Authors: Kiili Kristian , Ketamo Harri , Kickmeier-Rust Michael D.
Published: November 2014

The challenge of educational game design is to develop solutions that please as many players as possible, but are still educationally effective. How learning happens in games is methodologically very challenging to point out and thus it is usually avoided. In this paper we tackle this challenge with eye tracking method. The aim of this research is to study the meaning of cognitive feedback in educational games and evaluate the usefulness of eye tracking method in game based learning research and game design. Based on perceptual data we evaluated the playing behavior of 43 Finnish and Austrian children aged from 7 to 16. Four different games were used as test-beds. The results indicated that players’ perception patterns varied a lot and some players even missed relevant information during playing. The results showed that extraneous elements should be eliminated from the game world in order to avoid incidental processing in crucial moments. Animated content easily grasps player’s attention, which may disturb learning activities. Especially low performers and inattentive players have difficulties in distinguishing important and irrelevant content and tend to stick to salient elements no matter of their importance for a task. However, it is not reasonable to exclude all extraneous elements because it decreases engagement and immersion. Thus, balancing of extraneous and crucial elements is essential. Overall, the results showed that eye tracking can provide important information from game based learning process and game designs. However, we have to be careful when interpreting the perceptual data, because we cannot be sure if the player understands everything that he or she is paying attention to. Thus, eye tracking should be complemented with offline methods like retrospective interview that was successfully used in this research.
Editorial
Authors: De Gloria Alessandro
Published: November 2014

The second issue of the International Journal of Serious Games (IJSG) is a special issue mostly dedicated to the best papers of the Games and Learning Alliance (GaLA) Conference 2013, that was held in Velizy, Paris, at Dassault Systèmes.
Player-Specific Conflict Handling Ontology
Authors: Hondrou Charline , Tsalapati Eleni , Raouzaiou Amaryllis , Marandianos George , Karpouzis Kostas , Kollias Stefanos
Published: November 2014

This paper presents an ontology that leads the player of a serious game - regarding conflict handling - to the educative experience from which they will benefit the most. It provides a clearly defined tree of axioms that maps the player’s visually manifested affective cues and emotional stimuli from the serious game to conflict handling styles and proposes interventions. The importance of this ontology lies in the fact that it promotes natural interaction (non-invasive methods) and at the same time makes the game as player-specific as it can be for its educational goal. It is an ontology that can be adapted to different educational theories and serve various educational purposes.
Asymmetric effects of intra‐ and interspecific competition on a pond‐breeding salamander
Authors: Anderson Thomas L. , Whiteman Howard H.
Published: November 2014

A fundamental goal of evolutionary ecology is to understand how asymmetric competition influences phenotype expression, yet few studies have quantified the relative effects of intra‐ and interspecific competition on phenotypes. We examined the effects of intra‐ and interspecific larval competition on both discrete and continuous phenotype expression of the facultatively paedomorphic mole salamander (Ambystoma talpoideum). We manipulated the density and frequency of larval A. talpoideum and a common competitor, the spotted salamander (A. maculatum), in experimental mesocosms within a response surface design. The production of discrete ontogenetic morphs (metamorphs, paedomorphs, and overwintering larvae) was affected more by intraspecific than interspecific competition, but the effect varied between morphs. Paedomorph and metamorph production were more strongly affected by intraspecific than interspecific competition, while the production of overwintering larvae was affected by each type of competition approximately equally. Paedomorphs largely occurred only at low conspecific densities, overwintering larvae primarily occurred at high overall densities, and metamorph production peaked at intermediate densities of con‐ and heterospecifics. Density‐dependent intraspecific competition had stronger effects on body size and growth rates than interspecific competition for both metamorphs and overwintering larvae, whereas interspecific competition more strongly affected paedomorph size. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that intraspecific competition influences both continuous and discrete phenotypic expression more strongly than interspecific competition. Fluctuating strengths of each type of competition can affect variation in life history strategies by influencing discrete ontogenetic pathways via individual body sizes, leading to differential morph production and fitness within and among morphs.
Modeling false positive detections in species occurrence data under different study designs
Authors: Chambert Thierry , Miller David A. W. , Nichols James D.
Published: November 2014

The occurrence of false positive detections in presence–absence data, even when they occur infrequently, can lead to severe bias when estimating species occupancy patterns. Building upon previous efforts to account for this source of observational error, we established a general framework to model false positives in occupancy studies and extend existing modeling approaches to encompass a broader range of sampling designs. Specifically, we identified three common sampling designs that are likely to cover most scenarios encountered by researchers. The different designs all included ambiguous detections, as well as some known‐truth data, but their modeling differed in the level of the model hierarchy at which the known‐truth information was incorporated (site level or observation level). For each model, we provide the likelihood, as well as R and BUGS code needed for implementation. We also establish a clear terminology and provide guidance to help choosing the most appropriate design and modeling approach.
Genetic Parameters of Conformation Traits in Young Polish Holstein-Friesian Bulls
Authors: Otwinowska-Mindur Agnieszka , Ptak Ewa , Jagusiak Wojciech , Żarnecki Andrzej
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of conformation traits in Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls evaluated for registration in the herd book and for entry into progeny testing. Data were 8 linearly scored (1-9 scale) and 6 composite (scored from 50 to 100) conformation traits of 2,738 young bulls born between 2001 and 2011. The multiple-trait REML method was applied for (co)variance component estimation. The linear model included fixed linear regressions on age at evaluation (from 10 to 23 months), fixed effects of year of birth, fixed effects of herd-classifier, and random animal effect. Heritability estimates for all analysed traits were within the range of 0.04-0.37. Among the 6 composite type traits, heritability was highest for size and for overall conformation score. The lowest heritability was for feet and legs. Among the linearly scored traits, heritability was the lowest for rear legs - side view and foot angle, and the highest for rump angle and muscularity of front end. Composite traits showed the highest genetic correlations with muscularity and final score playing the dominant role. Genetic correlations among linear traits were low and moderate (0.02-0.53). The relatively low genetic and phenotypic correlations indicated that no conformation trait of bulls can be improved by indirect selection alone. More research is needed to establish relationship between bull conformation traits and the conformation of their progeny.
Gender differences in the Achilles tendon load during the fencing lunge
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan Kenneth , Bottoms Lindsay
Published: November 2014

Recent epidemiological analyses in fencing have shown that injuries and pain linked specifically to fencing training/competition were evident in 92.8% of fencers. Specifically the prevalence of Achilles tendon pathology has increased substantially in recent years, and males have been identified as being at greater risk of Achilles tendon injury compared to their female counterparts. This study aimed to examine gender differences in Achilles tendon loading during the fencing lunge.

Achilles tendon load was obtained from eight male and eight female club level epee fencers using a 3D motion capture system and force platform information as they completed simulated lunges. Independent t-tests were performed on the data to determine whether differences existed.

The results show that males were associated with significantly greater Achilles tendon loading rates in comparison to females.

This suggests that male fencers may be at greater risk from Achilles tendon pathology as a function of fencing training/ competition.
Segmentation and motivations of the attendees’ of the Mediaschool Festival in Łódź, Poland
Authors: Cudny Waldemar , Ogórek Patrycja
Published: November 2014

The article presents the case study of the Mediaschool Film Festival held in Łódź, a large Polish post-industrial and post-socialist city. The authors’ main goals were to establish the number of the festival visitors, as well as investigate their structure, main motivations to attend the festival, and the level of satisfaction with the festival services. As a result, the authors draw conclusions concerning the role of the festival as a place of the film culture consumption, as well as its role in the development of social capital. The basic method of study was the survey, conducted among the festival visitors in 2011. It contained questions concerning the structure of the festival audience, the evaluation of the event, and the main motivations to attend it. The method was adapted from the event studies, which was a tactical move in order to place the research on the borderline between cultural geography and event studies. Other methods typical of cultural geography and used in the present study included participant observation and semi-structured interview with the festival organisers. The event is one of the urban festivals created after the fall of communism. It is visited mainly by young people, often connected with the Łódź film school. First of all, the festival satisfies the need for contact with culture and film art, thus contributing to the creation of social capital and the development of the film school in Łódź (a part of the cluster of film institutions in the city). The event is a meeting point for film people from Łódź, Poland and abroad. Thus it could be also described as an obligatory point of passage in film-related network of connections.
Sustainable infrastructure provision through awareness in selected medium-sized towns in Kwara State
Authors: Afolayan Ganiyu Popoola , Tunde Afolabi Monisola
Published: November 2014

Infrastructure is a basic structure required for sustainable socio-economic and physical development of any human settlement. The issue of sustainable development has recently been linked to infrastructure sustainability. Required to achieve this is the acquisition of appropriate education. Different skills, understanding the complexities that threaten the survival of our system, critical and systematic thinking, building capacity and partnership in decision-making, which are essential tools for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), are required to provide adequate, appropriate and functional infrastructure. This study therefore examines the awareness/knowledge with reference to various skills employed in the provision of infrastructure through communal efforts in ten selected medium-sized towns in Kwara State. These towns are with a population of between 5,000 and 20,000. A total of 400 household heads were sampled systematically through the administration of a questionnaire in the ten selected medium-sized towns. Tabulations, cross tabulations, percentages and chi-square analysis were employed to analyse the gathered data. The findings revealed a significant relationship between awareness/knowledge and the provision of infrastructure with a calculated value of 219.23 greater than the tabulated value 34.41 at alpha level 0.05. Indigenous knowledge coupled with the ideas brought home by indigenes that have travelled far from their immediate communities and some professional skills acquired through community participation in infrastructure provision were employed to provide basic infrastructure required for socio-economic and physical development. Among the infrastructure provided are water, roads, health centres and electricity. The study recommends the improvement of basic education, a review and re-orientation of our educational system to address sustainability for proper collaboration of community efforts with the Community Development division of various local governments. This could be through training of the local communities and promotion of partnership zeal with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in infrastructure provision.
The heavy metal content of soil and shoots of Vaccinium myrtillus L. in the Słowiński National Park
Authors: Parzych Agnieszka
Published: November 2014

The research was carried out in the Słowiński National Park, in an area with 15 research stations in pine coniferous forests situated at locations (1) inaccessible to tourists, (2) most frequently visited by tourists as well as (3) in the vicinity of parking lots. The analysed samples comprised surface generic levels (Ol, Ofh, A), aboveground material (shoots; leaves and stems) and below-ground material (roots) of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). The performed analyses showed statistically significant Spearman’s correlation coefficients for Zn content in the ‘soil - stems:’ (r = -0.44, p < 0.05, n = 45) relationship and the ‘soil - roots’ relationship (r = -0.52, p < 0.05, n = 45). Accordingly, there were significant statistical differences (U Mann-Whitney test) in zinc content in the ‘stems - roots’ relationship and the ‘leaves - roots’ relationship. Furthermore, the obtained results reveal an excessive accumulation of Mn in V. myrtillus. The content of the investigated heavy metals in V. myrtillus shoots decreased in the following order: Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu
Toxicity, mechanism and health effects of some heavy metals
Authors: Jaishankar Monisha , Tseten Tenzin , Anbalagan Naresh , Mathew Blessy B. , Beeregowda Krishnamurthy N.
Published: November 2014

Heavy metal toxicity has proven to be a major threat and there are several health risks associated with it. The toxic effects of these metals, even though they do not have any biological role, remain present in some or the other form harmful for the human body and its proper functioning. They sometimes act as a pseudo element of the body while at certain times they may even interfere with metabolic processes. Few metals, such as aluminium, can be removed through elimination activities, while some metals get accumulated in the body and food chain, exhibiting a chronic nature. Various public health measures have been undertaken to control, prevent and treat metal toxicity occurring at various levels, such as occupational exposure, accidents and environmental factors. Metal toxicity depends upon the absorbed dose, the route of exposure and duration of exposure, i.e. acute or chronic. This can lead to various disorders and can also result in excessive damage due to oxidative stress induced by free radical formation. This review gives details about some heavy metals and their toxicity mechanisms, along with their health effects
Tensile and erosive strength of soil macro-aggregates from soils under different management system
Authors: Urbanek Emilia , Horn Rainer , Smucker Alwin J.M.
Published: November 2014

Reduced soil tillage practices are claimed to improve soil health, fertility and productivity through improved soil structure and higher soil organic matter contents. This study compares soil structure stability of soil aggregates under three different tillage practices: conventional, reduced and no tillage. The erosive strength of soil aggregates has been determined using the abrasion technique with the soil aggregate erosion chambers (SAE). During abrasion soil aggregates have been separated into the exterior, transitional and interior regions. The forces needed to remove the material from the aggregate were calculated as erosive strength and compared with the tensile strength of the aggregates derived from crushing tests. The relationship between aggregate strength and other soil properties such as organic carbon and hydrophobic groups’ content has also been identified.

The results show that erosive and tensile strength of soil aggregates is very low in topsoil under conventional and reduced tillage comparing with the subsoil horizons. Negative correlation was found between the content of organic carbon, hydrophobic compounds and erosive aggregate strength which suggests that the stabilising effect of soils organic carbon may be lost with drying. The positive relationship between the tensile strength and erosive strength for aggregates of 8-5 mm size suggests that the total strength of these aggregates is controlled by the sum of strength of all concentric layers
Thyroid lesions incidentally detected by 18F-FDG PET-CT ― a two centre retrospective study
Authors: Jamsek Jan , Zagar Ivana , Gaberscek Simona , Grmek Marko
Published: November 2014

Background. Incidental 18F-FDG uptake in the thyroid on PET-CT examinations represents a diagnostic challenge. The maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) is one possible parameter that can help in distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid PET lesions.

Patients and methods. We retrospectively evaluated 18F-FDG PET-CT examinations of 5,911 patients performed at two different medical centres from 2010 to 2011. If pathologically increased activity was accidentally detected in the thyroid, the SUVmax of the thyroid lesion was calculated. Patients with incidental 18F-FDG uptake in the thyroid were instructed to visit a thyroidologist, who performed further investigation including fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) if needed. Lesions deemed suspicious after FNAC were referred for surgery.

Results. Incidental 18F-FDG uptake in the thyroid was found in 3.89% ― in 230 out of 5,911 patients investigated on PET-CT. Malignant thyroid lesions (represented with focal thyroid uptake) were detected in 10 of 66 patients (in 15.2%). In the first medical centre the SUVmax of 36 benign lesions was 5.6 ± 2.8 compared to 15.8 ± 9.2 of 5 malignant lesions (p < 0.001). In the second centre the SUVmax of 20 benign lesions was 3.7 ± 2.2 compared to 5.1 ± 2.3 of 5 malignant lesions (p = 0.217). All 29 further investigated diffuse thyroid lesions were benign.

Conclusions. Incidental 18F-FDG uptake in the thyroid was found in 3.89% of patients who had a PET-CT examination. Only focal thyroid uptake represented a malignant lesion in our study ― in 15.2% of all focal thyroid lesions. SUVmax should only serve as one of several parameters that alert the clinician on the possibility of thyroid malignancy.
Development of turbidity index as field method to detect mixing of heated milk with raw milk
Authors: Rakib MRH , Habib R , Hassan MN , Imam MF , Hassan MN
Published: November 2014

The research was undertaken to determine the amounts of precipitate formed in the milk plasma due to mixing of different levels of heated milk with raw milk, and to establish a turbidity index, which will be helpful as a field method in detecting the extent of addition of heated milk. The tests were conducted on five different treatments namely, Milk sample A (100% Heated milk), Milk sample B (75% Heated milk + 25% Raw milk), Milk sample C (50% Heated milk + 50% Raw milk), Milk sample D (25% Heated milk + 75% Raw milk) and Milk sample E (100% Raw milk). Samples were examined by chemical analysis including fat content, protein content, dry matter content, ash content, pH, acidity, turbidity test, and precipitation content of plasma. There was a highly significant difference (p<0.001) in case of fat, protein and precipitate contents of plasma as affected by extent of addition of heated milk. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was also found for ash content. On the other hand, no significant difference was found in case of dry matter content, pH and acidity of milk. A strong correlation (R2=0.819) was observed between the amount of precipitate and proportion of heated milk mixed with raw milk. A field method was devised on the basis of extent of turbidity, which was in fact amount of precipitate formed in the milk plasma as a function of extent of the addition of heated milk to raw milk.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20708 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 123-127
Electronic Power Transformer Control Strategy in Wind Energy Conversion Systems for Low Voltage Ride-through Capability Enhancement of Directly Driven Wind Turbines with Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators (D-PMSGs)
Authors: Huang Hui , Mao Chengxiong , Lu Jiming , Wang Dan
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the use of an Electronic Power Transformer (EPT) incorporated with an energy storage system to smooth the wind power fluctuations and enhance the low voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of directly driven wind turbines with permanent magnet synchronous generators (D-PMSGs). The decoupled control schemes of the system, including the grid side converter control scheme, generator side converter control scheme and the control scheme of the energy storage system, are presented in detail. Under normal operating conditions, the energy storage system absorbs the high frequency component of the D-PMSG output power to smooth the wind power fluctuations. Under grid fault conditions, the energy storage system absorbs the redundant power, which could not be transferred to the grid by the EPT, to help the D-PMSG to ride through low voltage conditions. This coordinated control strategy is validated by simulation studies using MATLAB/Simulink. With the proposed control strategy, the output wind power quality is improved and the D-PMSG can ride through severe grid fault conditions.
Dynamic Simulation of a CPV/T System Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Renno Carlo , De Giacomo Michele
Published: November 2014

The aim of this paper is the determination of a concentrating thermo-photovoltaic (CPV/T) system dynamic model by means of the finite element method (FEM). The system consist of triple-junction InGaP/InGaAs/Ge (indium-gallium phosphide/indium-gallium-arsenide/germanium) solar cells connected to a metal core printed circuit board (MCPCB) placed on a coil circuit used for the thermal energy recovery. In particular, the main aim is to determine the fluid outlet temperature. It is evaluated corresponding both to a constant cell temperature equal to 120 °C, generally representing the maximum operating temperature, and to cell temperature values instantly variable with the direct normal irradiation (DNI). Hence, an accurate DNI analysis is realized adopting the Gordon-Reddy statistical model. Using an accurate electric model, the cell temperature and efficiency are determined together with the CPV/T module electric and thermal powers. Generally, the CPV system size is realized according to the user electric load demand and, then, it is important to evaluate the necessary minimum concentration ratio (Cmin), the limit of CPV system applicability, in order to determine the energy convenience profile. The fluid outlet temperature can be then obtained by the FEM analysis to verify if a CPV/T system can be used in solar heating and cooling applications.
3D Geothermal Modelling of the Mount Amiata Hydrothermal System in Italy
Authors: Fulignati Paolo , Marianelli Paola , Sbrana Alessandro , Ciani Valentina
Published: November 2014

In this paper we build a subsurface model that helps in visualizing and understanding the structural framework, geology and their interactions with the Mt. Amiata geothermal system. Modelling in 3D provides the possibility to interpolate the geometry of structures and is an effective way of understanding geological features. The 3D modelling approach appears to be crucial for further progress in the reconstruction of the assessment of the geothermal model of Mt. Amiata. Furthermore, this model is used as the basis of a 3D numerical thermo-fluid-dynamic model of the existing reservoir(s). The integration between borehole data and numerical modelling results allows reconstructing the temperature distribution in the subsoil of the Mt. Amiata area.
Estimating the Heterogeneous Relationship between Peer Drinking and Youth Alcohol Consumption in Chile Using Propensity Score Stratification
Authors: Han Yoonsun , Grogan-Kaylor Andrew , Delva Jorge , Xie Yu
Published: November 2014

When estimating the association between peer and youth alcohol consumption, it is critical to account for possible differential levels of response to peer socialization processes across youth, in addition to variability in individual, family, and social factors. Failure to account for intrinsic differences in youth’s response to peers may pose a threat of selection bias. To address this issue, we used a propensity score stratification method to examine whether the size of the association between peer and youth drinking is contingent upon differential predicted probabilities of associating with alcohol-consuming friends. Analyzing a Chilean youth sample (N = 914) of substance use, we found that youths are susceptible to the detrimental role of peer drinkers, but the harmful relationship with one’s own drinking behavior may be exacerbated among youth who already have a high probability of socializing with peers who drink. In other words, computing a single weighted-average estimate for peer drinking would have underestimated the detrimental role of peers, particularly among at-risk youths, and overestimated the role of drinking peers among youths who are less susceptible to peer socialization processes. Heterogeneous patterns in the association between peer and youth drinking may shed light on social policies that target at-risk youths.
Bioactive Peptides in Cereals and Legumes: Agronomical, Biochemical and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Malaguti Marco , Dinelli Giovanni , Leoncini Emanuela , Bregola Valeria , Bosi Sara , Cicero Arrigo , Hrelia Silvana
Published: November 2014

Cereals and legumes are key components of a healthy and balanced diet. Accordingly, many national nutritional guidelines emphasize their health promoting properties by placing them at the base of nutritional food pyramids. This concept is further validated by the observed correlation between a lower risk and occurrence of chronic diseases and the adherence to dietary patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, in which cereal grains, legumes and derived products represent a staple food. In the search for a dietary approach to control/prevent chronic degenerative diseases, protein derived bioactive peptides may represent one such source of health-enhancing components. These peptides may already be present in foods as natural components or may derive from hydrolysis by chemical or enzymatic treatments (digestion, hydrolysis or fermentation). Many reports are present in the literature regarding the bioactivity of peptides in vitro and a wide range of activities has been described, including antimicrobial properties, blood pressure-lowering (ACE inhibitory) effects, cholesterol-lowering ability, antithrombotic and antioxidant activities, enhancement of mineral absorption/bioavailability, cyto- or immunomodulatory effects, and opioid-like activities. However it is difficult to translate these observed effects to human. In fact, the active peptide may be degraded during digestion, or may not be absorbed or reach the target tissues at a concentration necessary to exert its function. This review will focus on bioactive peptides identified in cereals and legumes, from an agronomical and biochemical point of view, including considerations about requirements for the design of appropriate clinical trials necessary for the assessment of their nutraceutical effect in vivo.
The Stability of G6PD Is Affected by Mutations with Different Clinical Phenotypes
Authors: Gómez-Manzo Saúl , Terrón-Hernández Jessica , De la Mora-De la Mora Ignacio , González-Valdez Abigail , Marcial-Quino Jaime , García-Torres Itzhel , Vanoye-Carlo America , López-Velázquez Gabriel , Hernández-Alcántara Gloria , Oria-Hernández Jesús , Reyes-Vivas Horacio , Enríquez-Flores Sergio
Published: November 2014

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency worldwide, causing a wide spectrum of conditions with severity classified from the mildest (Class IV) to the most severe (Class I). To correlate mutation sites in the G6PD with the resulting phenotypes, we studied four naturally occurring G6PD variants: Yucatan, Nashville, Valladolid and Mexico City. For this purpose, we developed a successful over-expression method that constitutes an easier and more precise method for obtaining and characterizing these enzymes. The kcat (catalytic constant) of all the studied variants was lower than in the wild-type. The structural rigidity might be the cause and the most evident consequence of the mutations is their impact on protein stability and folding, as can be observed from the protein yield, the T50 (temperature where 50% of its original activity is retained) values, and differences on hydrophobic regions. The mutations corresponding to more severe phenotypes are related to the structural NADP+ region. This was clearly observed for the Classes III and II variants, which became more thermostable with increasing NADP+, whereas the Class I variants remained thermolabile. The mutations produce repulsive electric charges that, in the case of the Yucatan variant, promote increased disorder of the C-terminus and consequently affect the binding of NADP+, leading to enzyme instability.
Profiling the Metabolism of Astragaloside IV by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cheng Xu-Dong , Wei Ming-Gang
Published: November 2014

Astragaloside IV is a compound isolated from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Astragalus membranaceus, that has been reported to have bioactivities against cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. There is limited information on the metabolism of astragaloside IV, which impedes comprehension of its biological actions and pharmacology. In the present study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS)-based approach was developed to profile the metabolites of astragaloside IV in rat plasma, bile, urine and feces samples. Twenty-two major metabolites were detected. The major components found in plasma, bile, urine and feces included the parent chemical and phases I and II metabolites. The major metabolic reactions of astragaloside IV were hydrolysis, glucuronidation, sulfation and dehydrogenation. These results will help to improve understanding the metabolism and reveal the biotransformation profiling of astragaloside IV in vivo. The metabolic information obtained from our study will guide studies into the pharmacological activity and clinical safety of astragaloside IV.
Special Issue on Risk Management Techniques for Catastrophic and Heavy-Tailed Risks
Authors: Balbás Alejandro , Garrido José
Published: November 2014

The publication of several special issues was part of the initiatives taken in 2013 to launch Risks as a new online journal. It seemed natural to devote one to this important, concrete and complex problem of managing catastrophic and heavy tailed risks. We received an enthusiastic response last spring to the call for invited and contributed research papers and are proud of the special issue now being published. The emphasis was put on quality rather than quantity; this special issue contains three invited and two contributed research papers.
An Effective Method for Detecting Potential Woodland Vernal Pools Using High-Resolution LiDAR Data and Aerial Imagery
Authors: Wu Qiusheng , Lane Charles , Liu Hongxing
Published: November 2014

Effective conservation of woodland vernal pools—important components of regional amphibian diversity and ecosystem services—depends on locating and mapping these pools accurately. Current methods for identifying potential vernal pools are primarily based on visual interpretation and digitization of aerial photographs, with variable accuracy and low repeatability. In this paper, we present an effective and efficient method for detecting and mapping potential vernal pools using stochastic depression analysis with additional geospatial analysis. Our method was designed to take advantage of high-resolution light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, which are becoming increasingly available, though not yet frequently employed in vernal pool studies. We successfully detected more than 2000 potential vernal pools in a ~150 km2 study area in eastern Massachusetts. The accuracy assessment in our study indicated that the commission rates ranged from 2.5% to 6.0%, while the proxy omission rate was 8.2%, rates that are much lower than reported errors of previous vernal pool studies conducted in the northeastern United States. One significant advantage of our semi-automated approach for vernal pool identification is that it may reduce inconsistencies and alleviate repeatability concerns associated with manual photointerpretation methods. Another strength of our strategy is that, in addition to detecting the point-based vernal pool locations for the inventory, the boundaries of vernal pools can be extracted as polygon features to characterize their geometric properties, which are not available in the current statewide vernal pool databases in Massachusetts.
Optimal Fluorescence Waveband Determination for Detecting Defective Cherry Tomatoes Using a Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrix
Authors: Baek In-Suck , Kim Moon , Lee Hoosoo , Lee Wang-Hee , Cho Byoung-Kwan
Published: November 2014

A multi-spectral fluorescence imaging technique was used to detect defective cherry tomatoes. The fluorescence excitation and emission matrix was used to measure for defects, sound surface and stem areas to determine the optimal fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths for discrimination. Two-way ANOVA revealed the optimal excitation wavelength for detecting defect areas was 410 nm. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the fluorescence emission spectra of all regions at 410 nm excitation to determine the emission wavelengths for defect detection. The major emission wavelengths were 688 nm and 506 nm for the detection. Fluorescence images combined with the determined emission wavebands demonstrated the feasibility of detecting defective cherry tomatoes with >98% accuracy. Multi-spectral fluorescence imaging has potential utility in non-destructive quality sorting of cherry tomatoes.
Chaotic Extension Neural Network Theory-Based XXY Stage Collision Fault Detection Using a Single Accelerometer Sensor
Authors: Hsieh Chin-Tsung , Yau Her-Terng , Wu Shang-Yi , Lin Huo-Cheng
Published: November 2014

The collision fault detection of a XXY stage is proposed for the first time in this paper. The stage characteristic signals are extracted and imported into the master and slave chaos error systems by signal filtering from the vibratory magnitude of the stage. The trajectory diagram is made from the chaos synchronization dynamic error signals E1 and E2. The distance between characteristic positive and negative centers of gravity, as well as the maximum and minimum distances of trajectory diagram, are captured as the characteristics of fault recognition by observing the variation in various signal trajectory diagrams. The matter-element model of normal status and collision status is built by an extension neural network. The correlation grade of various fault statuses of the XXY stage was calculated for diagnosis. The dSPACE is used for real-time analysis of stage fault status with an accelerometer sensor. Three stage fault statuses are detected in this study, including normal status, Y collision fault and X collision fault. It is shown that the scheme can have at least 75% diagnosis rate for collision faults of the XXY stage. As a result, the fault diagnosis system can be implemented using just one sensor, and consequently the hardware cost is significantly reduced.
FDI and Economic Growth in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Popescu Gheorghe
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses the major trends in scholarship about the role of FDI and exports on economic growth, the effect of tax policies on FDI, the formation of the economic catch up of the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region and the determinants of FDI inflows in CEE nations. I am specifically interested in how previous research investigated the influence of FDI on host country economic growth, the inward FDI stock as a percentage of GDP, the features and restrictions of fiscal schemes in CEE economies and the institutional soundness displayed in policies towards FDI. The analysis presented in this paper contributes to research on FDI as a mechanism in the transition to the market, the dissimilarities in the FDI-assisted development methods among the CEE nations, the impact of FDI inflows for productivity convergence in CEE and the current slowing of growth in emerging Europe.
Réflexions sur quelques aspects de l'enluminure dans l'ouest de la France au XIIe siècle [Le manuscrit latin 5323 de la Bibliothèque nationale]
Authors: Burin Elisabeth
Published: November 2014

Eine Handschrift aus dem Poitou und einige Aspekte der westfranzösischen Buchmalerei im 12. Jahrhundert.

Die Handschrift latin 5323 der Bibliothèque Nationale von Paris ist ein bedeutungsreiches Beispiel für die westfranzösische Buchmalerei in einer wenig bekannten Periode, der Mitte des 12. Jahrhunderts. Während die Heiligenviten des Textes Anlass geben zu meinen, dass die Handschrift aus der Gegend von Poitiers stammt und während die rubrizierten untergeordneten Initialen ebenfalls einen Ursprung in derselben Gegend nahelegen, waren die beiden Künstler, die die grossen Initialen gemalt hatten, sichtlich in zwei verschiedenen Gegenden ausgebildet worden. Sicher, sowohl der eineals auch der andere zeichnen die menschliche Figur mit Drapierungen, die den Konventionen entsprechen, die in ganz Westfrankreich verbreitet waren, wo ein enges Netz von Beziehungen eine gemeinsame Tradition, die aus dem II. Jahrhundert stammt, genährt zu haben scheint. Aber während der zweite und zugleich wichtigste Teil der Handschrift von den Traditionen des Südwestens gekennzeichnet ist und ganz besonders an die Buchmalerei von Saint-Martial in Limoges erinnert, so scheint es, dass der erste Meister seine Kunst im Norden der Loire, wahrscheinlich in Le Mans, erlernt hatte. Sein Ornamentrepertoire umfasst Themen, die der ganzen normannischen Einflusszone gemeinsam sind, ebenso wie manche Motive, die sich vielleicht in England entwickelt hatten. Indes ist dies Repertoire in erster Linie einem Stil verwandt, der sich in der Gegend von Chartres und Paris ungefähr von 1130 ab entwickelte, und vor allem Beispielen dieses Sils, die aus den Jahren um 1140 stammen. Die Motive der Gruppe von Chartres und von Paris ebenso wie die normannischen älteren Themen werden ihrerseits von dem zweiten Maler kopiert und assimiliert. Die Handschrift illustriert somit eine häufige Art von Weiterleitung künstlerischer Strömungen : mehrere andere Werke aus Westfrankreich zeigen Spuren eines analogen nördlichen Einflusses. So zeigen sich in diesem Werk neue Strömungen gleichzeitig zu Regionaltraditionen und zu dem persönlichen Beitrag des Künstlers.
La tête sculptée dite de Regnaud de Mouçon provient plus probablement du gisant de l'évêque Pierre de Celle
Authors: Villette Jean
Published: November 2014

A Sculpted Head of the Bishop Pierre de Celle.

The Musée des Beaux Arts in Chartres owns a head sculpted in stone that was found in 1909 in the former abbey of Josaphat, located just outside the city. The mitred head was at that time identified as coming from the recumbent figure of Bishop Regnaud de Mouçon († 1217). The site where the head was found, however, is very likely the emplacement of the tomb of Pierre de Celle († 1183). Stylistically the head has often been compared with certain of those on the statues in the portais of the south façade of the cathedral of Chartres. This façade has been misdated because of a faulty translation of a charter of 1224. Furthermore, comparisons with sculpture on monuments more or less contemporary with the death of Pierre de Celle lead to the same conclusion.
La scie hydraulique de Villard de Honnecourt et sa place dans l'histoire des techniques
Authors: Adam Jean-Pierre , Varène Pierre
Published: November 2014

The hydraulic saw of Villard de Honnecourt and Us place in the history oftechnology.

The fascinating drawings of machines in the sketch-books of Leonardo da Vinci illustrate emphatically the mechanical puriosity of the architects and engineers of the Renaissance. The lustre of this period, however, ought not eclipse the creative spirit and know-how of the preceeding centuries whose monumental constructions are proof of indispensable technological research, even if ail too often we forget to consider the phases of conception and construction. Technological research afîected not only the study of statics and stereotomy but also the development and use of machines that facilitated and accelerated the preparation of the materials. In order to improve our knowledge in this area, an attempt has been made to reconstitute one of the machines drawn by that veritable encyclopedist, Villard de Honnecourt, and to situate it in the generai history of technology.

The choice feil on a machine that seemed to be both the most complex and the most useful : the hydraulic saw. This short study shows that, underlying an apparently naïve, summary sketch, the necessary éléments of an ingenious and efficient meehanism have been fully recorded.
Préfigurations de Médée
Authors: Hurst André
Published: November 2014

Medea is undoubtedly one of the key figures in Apollonius Rhodius’ epic poem of the Argonauts. The description of her falling in love with Jason will be, among others, the model of Virgil’s Dido in the Aeneid. If the third book of the Argonautica is frequently considered as the most beautiful part of the poem, it is nonetheless important to analyze how the poet, in the first two books, uses characteristics of Medea in anticipation of her appearance, and how, once she appears, and until the end of the poem, he prefigures what will happen to her after the segment of her legend that is comprised in the Argonautica. This gives us the opportunity to observe how a character is integrated within the complete poem (according to Aristotle, what can be removed without damage is not part of the whole) as well as to observe an attempt to include the totality of Medea’s legendary fi gure into a text that reports only a part of her legend.
Αὐτὰρ Ἰήσων μνήσατο Μηδείης πολυκερδέος ἐννεσιάων : statut et enjeux des instructions de Médée
Authors: Cariou Morgane
Published: November 2014

Cet article, partant du constat que l’épreuve de Jason est racontée deux fois dans le chant III des Argonautiques – une fois au discours direct dans les instructions de Médée puis une seconde fois par le narrateur principal-pose la question des modalités de coexistence entre ces deux textes. Il analyse dans un premier temps la singularité de ces consignes qui sont comme le point culminant d’une voix narrative qui se caractérise alors par sa puissance. Il montre en quoi cette prolepse est un plan d’action et un plan d’écriture dont l’autorité est rappelée à deux reprises dans la narration, à tel point que le personnage de Médée en vient à incarner un alter ego intratextuel du narrateur. Cet article examine ensuite en quoi le défi narratif que représente la mise en regard de ces deux textes s’inscrit dans la démarche réflexive d’Apollonios de Rhodes, qui donne à voir tous les possibles de la création épique avant de proposer une version du sacrifice à Hécate qui joue des non-dits des instructions de Médée et une version finale de l’aristie de Jason dotée de couleurs épiques nouvelles. Les derniers vers du chant III trouvent donc pleinement leur place après les instructions de Médée : bien loin d’être leur simple corollaire, ils sont le lieu d’une création poétique unique et d’une mise à nu des problématiques de la composition épique.
Le Jason d’Apollonios de Rhodes, un héros paysan ?
Authors: André Laury-Nuria
Published: November 2014

L’épisode du labour de Jason clôt le chant III des Argonautiques d’Apollonios de Rhodes sur un exploit héroïque qui met aux prises le héros hellénistique par excellence, Jason, et une nature hostile, représentative des confins barbares de la Colchide. Pourtant, Apollonios livre son personnage et le paysage dans lequel il évolue à une série de transformations qui jouent sur les codes et déjouent les attentes du lecteur : le héros épique se fait paysan, tandis que la plaine qu’il doit soumettre aux labours civilisateurs se transforme en un paysage rappelant la plaine attique. Notre propos voudrait ici montrer comment cette tension paysagère, propre à la plaine attique se trouve ainsi transposée dans une autre plaine, celle d’Aïa, pour s’offrir comme moyen de représentation et de compréhension de l’intégration des territoires nouveaux. La «barbarie » que le paysage est censé traduire se trouve ainsi déportée, déplacée dans un clivage qui a structuré toute la représentation du paysage grec originel à partir de la période hellénistique et qui permet à un alexandrin d’intégrer au regard grec cet espace nouveau, réduisant l’inconnu de l’identité barbare à la cruauté qui se dégage du merveilleux et non celle du paysage et de la nature en eux-mêmes.
Divagazione sul tema del sandalo: significato e valenza tra la sfera celeste e quella ctonia
Authors: Carboni Romina
Published: November 2014

Divagations sur le thème de la sandale : signification et valeur entre sphère céleste et sphère chthonienne

La sandale est un élément récurrent dans la mythologie grecque : elle se trouve associée à différents personnages et revêt à chaque fois des significations symboliques variées. Il est intéressant de remarquer d’un côté la valeur culturelle qu’une seule chaussure assume dans les témoignages les plus connus – dans les cas de Jason, de Persée ou encore de Lycurgue, par exemple -, de l’autre la signification différente qu’elle a par rapport à des témoignages moins connus, mais également enregistrés par les sources littéraires. Parmi ces traditions nous rappellerons celle de la sandale dorée de Déméter et des deux sandales, l’une de bronze et l’autre d’or, liées à la fi gure d’Hécate. Dans ce dernier cas, les sandales, qui symbolisent le chemin d’Hécate lunaire dans le ciel, changent leur couleur par rapport aux phases lunaires : elles sont d’or lors de la nouvelle lune, de bronze à la pleine lune. Elles représentent aussi les deux côtés de la déesse Hécate, l’un lié à son rapport avec Déméter et Coré, l’autre à sa dimension infernale. L’objectif de cette contribution est de mettre en évidence, à l’aide des sources littéraires et iconographiques, les caractères et la signification qui expliquent l’association de cet objet, la sandale, avec hommes, héros et divinités en rapport avec la sphère céleste mais aussi celle chthonienne.