bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges in Representing Local Image Collections
Authors: Clark Rhonda L.
Published: November 2014

Local history and genealogical collections provide valuable information to the public, when adequate reference services and access to the collection are provided. Arranging such access presents numerous challenges for small historical societies and local public libraries that often lack the staffing, training, and resources available to larger organizations. The evolution of digitized records to represent photographic and other records presents even greater obstacles to the staff of small repositories. The Titusville Historical Society presents a useful case study of the decision-making process utilized in determining what directions are most desirable and feasible for small, local repositories. The organization's makeup, staffing, and resources are overviewed and the digital environment described for similar organizations within its own and five surrounding counties. The Historical Society membership's goals and abilities are utilized in making a final judgment as to the best process for providing access to collections.
Managing Chaos in Nonlinear Economic Systems
Authors: Cole Sam
Published: November 2014

The logistic equation (Lorentz, 1963) has been advanced as an explanation of the chaotic growth patterns observed human settlements. It is questioned, however, whether the growth potential in population systems is sufficient for chaos. By modifying the logistic equation to account for the impact of globalization and agglomeration economies on small tourist destinations, Cole (2009a) demonstrates using data from the Caribbean that solutions and trajectories can replicate formal criteria for chaos. Theoretically, the reason for this, in addition to the availability of investment, demand, information, and labor (that alleviate the conventional restrictions on growth), is the demand and supply-side synergies between activities within a dynamic market-segmented sector. This chapter presents continuous and discrete solutions to the model and explains key findings for destination take-off, accelerated growth, and economic maturity, with a rule for modulating and managing chaos-prone economic systems.
Consumer Confidence in Responsible Tourism
Authors: Manente Mara , Minghetti Valeria , Mingotto Erica , Casarin Francesco
Published: November 2014

The chapter focuses on reporting systems which assess responsible tourism and Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) in the tourism industry. These tools have recently received more and more attention from the international academic and professional community, given the urgent need to promote a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable development of tourism. The use of reporting systems can encourage responsible practices by tourism businesses, improving internal processes and activities along the tourism value chain, as well as enhance consumer confidence in respectful companies and in responsible tourism. Through the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the chapter develops a critical assessment of the reporting systems currently available in Europe, in order to support the diffusion of responsible policies and practices in the tourism industry and the businesses' commitment towards clients. Particular attention is paid to small and medium-size tourism enterprises, since they have more difficulties in organising their business according to social and ecological principles and to develop the conditions under which a product can be defined as “responsible”. The analysis underlines that the evaluation of these tools, in terms of their effectiveness and reliability in monitoring business responsibility, depends on the criteria taken into account for the analysis and then on the auditors' selection of appropriate variables.
Technology Intervention for the Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
Authors: Khan Muqeem , de Byl Penny
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the initial outcomes of a key scoping study undertaken to explore the role of augmented reality and motion detecting technologies in the context of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) for museums related environments. Initial prototypes are in the form of an interactive infrared camera based application for children to engage with an Aboriginal puppet. This scoping study is unique, as it tries to combine two extremes: the curation of historical intangible artifacts and their preservation through digital intervention. Heritage related intangible content is always restricted because of its non-physical nature and can never be fully embed in an environment like museums and related exhibitions. This paper explores alternative opportunities for knowledge transfer of ICH content that manifest with playfulness in order to elicit a deeper understanding of such intangible cultural artifacts. This study is complementary to multiple disciplines including heritage preservation, museum technologies and emerging interaction design.
Robust and Efficient Custom Routing for Interconnection Networks with Distributed Shortcuts
Authors: Le Nhat T. X. , Nguyen T. Truong , Nguyen Khanh-Van
Published: November 2014

We aim at creating a robust and efficient custom routing mechanism for Distributed Shortcut Networks (Nguyen et al., 2013), which address new challenging issues posed by recently advanced studies in the areas of massively parallel computing and large-scale data centers. We follow the design principles of Distributed Shortcut Networks (DSN), which construct non-random topologies with the creation of long-range shortcuts inspired by observations in small-world networks. However, we focus on designing a powerful custom routing mechanism which smartly exploits some precious properties of the topology. As a result, our new DSN-a network with a carefully refined routing logic performs significantly better than the basic DSN in term of communication latency while provides strengths in fault-tolerance as well as load-balance. These help the network become robust against link failures or burst of traffic demand while topology-agnostic deadlock-free routing (e.g. the famous up*/down* algorithm) suffers a lot.
Potentials and Perils of E-Business in China
Authors: Yang James G.S.
Published: November 2014

The E-business market in China is growing at an exponential rate. In 2013, the business volume is expected to reach $285 billion which surpasses the level in the U.S. As a result, there is a gold rush to China to participate in the market. This article discusses the potential but also points out the perils. This paper also focuses on the competition in the Chinese E-business market, and reveals that the Chinese online business is almost completely monopolized by only one seller, Taobao, which accounts for 81.2% of the whole E-business market. This article further considers the tax burden of the Internet commerce transaction which found that the Chinese government imposes a value-added tax at a rate of 17%. This rate is much higher than the sales tax rate at 7% in the U.S. Additionally, this article investigates the problem of counterfeited products and infringement of intellectual property rights. It discovered that this problem is rampant in China. The losses in international trade amount to $360 billion a year. Eighty percent of the counterfeited products were originated in China. The problem is extremely serious. Moreover, this article offers many planning strategies for operating an E-business in China. Despite the perils, this article concludes that the benefits of running an E-business in China outweigh the risks.
Green Information Technology Audit and Digitalization in Small Medium Enterprise (SME)
Authors: Ariwa Ezendu , Olaya Sarah , Katono Isaac Wasswa
Published: November 2014

According to Chung and law (2003); Jeong et al (2003); Jeong and Lambert (2001) and Kim et al. (2003), information satisfaction is the most important requirement of online customers' purchases decision making. This need remains largely unmet despite the growing importance of e-commerce within the hospitality industry. According to Kim et al. (2005), the changing trend in the business activities is largely attributable to the fast and improved developments in information and telecommunications. As a result, Chung and Law, (2003) noted that the Internet is also helping to drive down overhead costs for the hospitality industry and cost of information for the customers, as the traditional method of communication is slowly being phased out. Similarly Kim et al (2005) argue that the Internet gives the customers more advantages by allowing them to obtain valuable information such as prices and hotel facilities without the need of getting into contact with any sales agents. In addition, the Internet provides the customers with numerous supplies allowing customers to access a pool of products and services information from which they can make choices and compare prices.
Progress in Education Technologies
Authors: Tezcan Mediha
Published: November 2014

The revolutions in the communication and information technologies in the 21st century have led to tremendous innovations in education technologies. From the advances in education technologies, all education programs, such as traditional education, open education, distance education, e-learning, massive open online courses, adult education and lifelong learning, are being positively influenced in our day, as a consequence of the digital revolution, education is in a process of rapid transformation. In this chapter; first the development of education technologies in the historical process has been examined, as divided into periods. In the second step, the structural characteristics of the development in education technologies have been defined. Third, the innovations and developments in education technologies during the 1980-2013 periods have been examined by grouping under the education media titles. Fourth, the contributions of the communication and information technologies to education have been defined. And finally, the impacts of the revolution in the education technologies on economic development have been interpreted.
Comprehensive Tool Support for Enterprise Modeling and Evaluation
Authors: Delfmann Patrick , Dietrich Hanns-Alexander , Steinhorst Matthias , Becker Jörg
Published: November 2014

Enterprise modelling and evaluating subsequently created models is manifold. Enterprise modelling means capturing an organization's business processes, its organizational structure, its corporate strategy, or its supporting information systems in graphical conceptual models. Evaluating these models means assuring their structural and semantic quality as well as their user group adequacy. Enterprise modelling and model evaluation requires comprehensive tool support. Recently, a number of modelling tools have been proposed each addressing particular aspects of enterprise modelling or model evaluation. For example, meta-modelling tools allow for defining new and altering existing modelling languages. Meta-modelling tools are thus well suited for enterprise modelling as this requires a large number of different modelling languages that may need to be adapted to the particular enterprise. In contrast, some modelling tools provide mechanisms to structurally or semantically evaluate models of a predefined language. However, comprehensive tool support for enterprise modelling and model evaluation is missing up to now. With this paper, the authors aim at closing this research gap by proposing a tool combining meta-modelling capabilities with features to structurally and semantically evaluate models as well as to manage model perspectives. The tool thus covers the entire model lifecycle from defining a problem-suitable modelling language, creating models, configuring them for different user groups, and evaluating them in terms of structure and semantics.
Infiltrating Regulatory B Cells Control Neuroinflammation following Viral Brain Infection
Authors: Mutnal Manohar B. , Hu Shuxian , Schachtele Scott J. , Lokensgard James R.
Published: November 2014

Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of a subset of B lymphocytes, regulatory B cells (Bregs), which modulate immune function. In this study, in vivo and in vitro experiments were undertaken to elucidate the role of these Bregs in controlling neuroinflammation following viral brain infection. We used multicolor flow cytometry to phenotype lymphocyte subpopulations infiltrating the brain, along with in vitro cocultures to assess their anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory roles. This distinctive subset of CD19+CD1dhiCD5+ B cells was found to infiltrate the brains of chronically infected animals, reaching highest levels at the latest time point tested (30 d postinfection). B cell–deficient Jh−/− mice were found to develop exacerbated neuroimmune responses as measured by enhanced accumulation and/or retention of CD8+ T cells within the brain, as well as increased levels of microglial activation (MHC class II). Conversely, levels of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells were found to be significantly lower in Jh−/− mice when compared with wild-type (Wt) animals. Further experiments showed that in vitro–generated IL-10–secreting Bregs (B10) were able to inhibit cytokine responses from microglia following stimulation with viral Ags. These in vitro–generated B10 cells were also found to promote proliferation of regulatory T cells in coculture studies. Finally, gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that reconstitution of Wt B cells into Jh−/− mice restored neuroimmune responses to levels exhibited by infected Wt mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Bregs modulate T lymphocyte as well as microglial cell responses within the infected brain and promote CD4+Foxp3+ T cell proliferation in vitro.
Abundance, Natural Infection with Trypanosomes, and Food Source of an Endemic Species of Triatomine, Panstrongylus howardi (Neiva 1911), on the Ecuadorian Central Coast
Authors: Villacís Anita G. , Ocaña-Mayorga Sofía , Lascano Mauricio S. , Yumiseva César A. , Baus Esteban G. , Grijalva Mario J.
Published: November 2014

The elimination of domestic triatomines is the foundation of Chagas disease control. Regional initiatives are eliminating introduced triatomine species. In this scenario, endemic triatomines can occupy the ecological niches left open and become a threat to long-term Chagas disease control efforts. This study determined the abundance, colonization, and Trypanosoma cruzi infection rate of the endemic Panstrongylus howardi in 10 rural communities located in Ecuador's Manabí Province. In total, 518 individuals of P. howardi were collected. Infestation indices of 1.4% and 6.6% were found in the domestic and peridomestic environments, respectively. We determined a T. cruzi infection rate of 53.2% (N = 47) in this species. P. howardi has a high capacity to adapt to different habitats, especially in the peridomicile. This implies a considerable risk of transmission because of the frequency of intradomicile invasion. Therefore, this species needs to be taken into account in Chagas control and surveillance efforts in the region.
Performance of BinaxNOW G6PD Deficiency Point-of-Care Diagnostic in P. vivax-Infected Subjects
Authors: Osorio Lyda , Carter Nick , Arthur Preetam , Bancone Germana , Gopalan Sowmya , Gupta Sandeep K. , Noedl Harald , Kochar Sanjay K. , Kochar Dhanpat K. , Krudsood Srivicha , Lacerda Marcus V. , Llanos-Cuentas Alejandro , Rueangweerayut Ronnatrai , Srinivasan Ramadurai , Treiber Moritz , Möhrle Jörg J. , Green Justin
Published: November 2014

Accurate diagnosis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is required to avoid the risk of acute hemolysis associated with 8-aminoquinoline treatment. The performance of the BinaxNOW G6PD test compared with the quantitative spectrophotometric analysis of G6PD activity was assessed in 356 Plasmodium vivax-infected subjects in Brazil, Peru, Thailand, and India. In the quantitative assay, the median G6PD activity was 8.81 U/g hemoglobin (range = 0.05–20.19), with 11 (3%) subjects identified as deficient. Sensitivity of the BinaxNOW G6PD to detect deficient subjects was 54.5% (6 of 11), and specificity was 100% (345 of 345). Room temperatures inadvertently falling outside the range required to perform the rapid test (18–25°C) together with subtlety of color change and insufficient training could partially explain the low sensitivity found. Ensuring safe use of 8-aminoquinolines depends on additional development of simple, highly sensitive G6PD deficiency diagnostic tests suitable for routine use in malaria-endemic areas.
Fetal Size in a Rural Melanesian Population with Minimal Risk Factors for Growth Restriction: An Observational Ultrasound Study from Papua New Guinea
Authors: Unger Holger W. , Karl Stephan , Wangnapi Regina A. , Siba Peter , Mola Glen , Walker Jane , Mueller Ivo , Ome Maria , Rogerson Stephen J.
Published: November 2014

We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of fetal size in rural Papua New Guinea (PNG) involving 439 ultrasound-dated singleton pregnancies with no obvious risk factors for growth restriction. Sonographically estimated fetal weights (EFWs; N = 788) and birth weights (N = 376) were included in a second-order polynomial regression model (optimal fit) to generate fetal weight centiles. Means for specific fetal biometric measurements were also estimated. Fetal weight centiles from a healthy PNG cohort were consistently lower than those derived from Caucasian and Congolese populations, which overestimated the proportion of fetuses measuring small for gestational age (SGA; < 10th centile). Tanzanian and global reference centiles (Caucasian weight reference adapted to our PNG cohort) were more similar to those observed in our cohort, but the global reference underestimated SGA. Individual biometric measurements did not differ significantly from other cohorts. In rural PNG, a locally derived nomogram may be most appropriate for detection of SGA fetuses.
Neuritis and Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage in Scrub Typhus Patients
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Yun Na Ra , Lim Sung-Chul
Published: November 2014

A 78-year-old woman with scrub typhus exhibited gastric hemorrhage with multiple gastric ulcers. This is the first report to confirm pathologically the presence of not only vasculitis but also, neuritis. The results suggest the necessity of studies confirming neuritis as the cause of gastric ulcer and bleeding in scrub typhus.
Between Convention and Realism: The Nigerian People’s Definition of Democracy
Authors: Edosa E
Published: November 2014

This paper critically examines the meaning of democracy from a broad perspective and goes beyond the conventional conceptualizations to report what the Nigerian people mean by democracy. The paper is empirical. It draws some implications from the position of „realism democracy. taken by Nigerians as well as offers some concluding observations.Key words: Conventional Democracy, Realism Democracy, Self-government, Political Participation/Popular Participation, Representative Democracy, Due Process, Fundamental Human Rights, Constitutional Limitations, Social Pluralism, Political Tolerance, Nigerian People, Nigeria.
Introduction of Inflation Linked Bond in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Akanbi A , Alabede A
Published: November 2014

Protection against inflation is an essential part of contemporary financial  markets, particularly in high-inflation economies like Nigeria. Nowadays,  inflation linked instruments are becoming popular in the world financial  markets. The objective of this paper is to examine the issues that may arise  if inflation linked bond are introduced in Nigeria. The paper also explore the  different motivations in which for using inflation linked bonds by issuers and  the preference by investors relative to other funding options(for issuers) and  investment portfolio (by investors) in Nigeria.
Contractor Selection for Enhancing the Quality of University Education in Nigeria using the Hamming Distance
Authors: Omorogbe DEA , Aibieyi SO
Published: November 2014

The need for contractor selection in our university education system cannot be over emphasized. And applying scientific techniques for appropriateness and accuracy in the selection process is of utmost importance. This paper  identifies four main attributes that should be considered uppermost in the selection of contractors in our university system and the application of  intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS using hamming distance for handling human decision problems. A survey was carried out in four randomly selected  Nigerian universities using Delphi method. Data collected were transformed into inituitionistic fuzzy numbers. Then inituitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS  algorithm was used in the evaluation and selection process due to its  amenability to humanistic systems. A computer program was written in matlab which run in 0.004698 seconds to compute the numerical result. It is concluded that adopting scientific techniques to humanistic systems lead to accuracy and development in the system.Key words: contractor selection, university education system, intuitionistic fuzzy TOPSIS
Quality Assurance Culture in Niger Delta University: A Necessity for Enhancing Standards and National Transformation
Authors: Agih AA
Published: November 2014

The study was a descriptive survey which sought to find out how well the operators of Niger Delta University understand and utilize some of the quality assurance culture indices in the management of the institution. A  sample of 660, which represented 50% of the entire population of 1333 (760 academic and 573 non-academic staff) was obtained through the  Simple Random Sampling Technique. Three research questions were  developed to guide the study, and the instrument for data collection was a questionnaire titled, “Perception of Quality Assurance Culture  Questionnaire” (PQACQ).The reliability coefficient was established at  0.74%. Findings revealed that operators of the system do not possess  most of the quality assurance cultural indices required to enhance quality  and standards in the University. This equally made it difficult for them to utilize the quality assurance culture required in the management of theinstitution. It was therefore recommended that seminars/ workshops be organized to instil in management staff some of the cultural values of quality assurance, if the system must achieve the desired goal of quality improvement. Also, the study recommended the inculcation and effective assessment of the affective characteristics of pupils/students while still in school to prepare them for the world of work and others.
You Are “Dead” Without Your Language: Allaying the Fears That the Igbo Language Will Go into Extinction
Authors: Echezona IE
Published: November 2014

The introduction of the English language by the Colonial Masters as a facilitating agent of colonialism produced multifarious challenges to African vernacular languages. It not only dwarfed and dominated the local  languages but also introduced other variants of itself in a bid to have direct communication with Africans. Through its influence, the pidgin variety of  English and what some language scholars call Engli-Igbo (code-mixing)  emerged in Igbo language community. The effect of this is the steady  suppression, and deterioration of the Igbo language. The situation has  come to a height where Igbo leaders and elder statesmen express fears that the Igbo language would go into extinction within a foreseeable future. However, the previous efforts of late Mazi F.C. Ogbalu and his defunct  Society For the Promotion of Igbo Language and Culture (SPILC); the  present tremendous efforts of Prof. Pita Ejiofo and his “Otu Subakwa Igbo,” the renewed efforts of Anglican and Catholic Churches in using the Igbo language to conduct church services and singing competitions; the inclusion of Igbo language as a school subject in the West African School Certificate, General Certificate in Education and National Examinations Commission; the introduction of the Igbo language as a General Studies Course in tertiary institutions in the South-East States of Nigeria; the study of the Igbo language in universities to a doctoral degree level and the incentive of employing many graduates of Igbo language in schools and other  sectors, are enough prospects that the Igbo language will not go into  extinction in the foreseeable future, in spite of all odds.
Cultural Diplomacy and National Development: A Study of the Nigerian Entertainment Industry
Authors: Sotubo EC-U , Chidozie FC
Published: November 2014

Recent scholarship in international relations, particularly foreign policy  discourse has focused attention on the increasing interface between cultural diplomacy and national development. This has become necessary in view of the growing level of involvement of individuals and institutions other than traditional diplomats in promoting diplomacy across different societies and sectors. Indeed,unlike formal diplomacy, cultural diplomacy has  become a subtle method of engagement in contemporary international relations. It is on this score that this study investigates how cultural  exchanges in the Nigerian entertainment industry engender development of that key sector. The study argues that the Nigerian artistes are not just singers or actors but are also representatives of Nigeria who act as pseudo-ambassadors by projecting Nigeria and Africa in their works, thus attracting development to the country and the continent. The study uses both  primary and secondary data alongside a detailed historical, analytical and descriptive method to test the impact of the Nigerian entertainment  industry on Nigeria.s national development. Findings indicate that, while cultural diplomacy promotes Nigeria.s image and international cooperation, it also enhances national development with income gotten from foreign investors and tourists. The study concludes that cultural diplomacy is a valuable, indeed, vital tool for Nigeria to win more friends, get international support, boost its economy and arrive at internal development. It   recommends that, cultural values should be taken seriously and regarded as equally important as political and economic structures, as it is a major selling point for many advanced economies. Furthermore, adequate and substantial funding should be channelled to the preservation and  development of the Nigerian culture. Key words: Cultural Diplomacy,  National Development, Foreign Policy, Nigerian Entertainment Industry
Metaphony and the Theory of Gapping in the Phonology of Eleme
Authors: Ngulube IE
Published: November 2014

This paper examines phonologically motivated gaps in the phonology of Eleme. The author follows Rice (2005), which ‘uses an approach to modeling gaps based on a tension between markedness constraints, faithfulness constraints and constraints which require the expression of morphological categories’. The author explores specifically vowel harmony in Eleme, arguing that the language has gaps in its phonological systems. The approach predicts that the same phonotactics problem may be solved by a repair in one phonological context and by a gap in another. This prediction is illustrated and further implications are explored.
National Integration, Citizenship, Political Participation and Democratic Stability in Nigeria
Authors: Edosa E
Published: November 2014

A united country and people are in a better position to ably confront its crises of development, nationhood and stability. The desire and consciousness of the political leaders and the entire citizenry to do this with the appropriate frame of mind and instrumentalities is imperative for a successful and durable result. This paper examines the issues, problems and contexts of national integration or the national question in Nigeria. It also discusses the strategies for ensuring national integration, while critically assessing some of the existing constitutional provisions for citizenship in the country. The paper is empirical. Finally, the paper posits that states should specify their minimum requirements for citizenship or acceptance of non-indigenes from other states of the Nigerian federation which (i.e. minimum requirements) should be collectively and centrally harmonized on the basis of mutual respect, equality and co-existence among the nation’s diverse ethnic groups and constituents. Again, there should be a fair and equal treatment of all Nigerians as well as a deliberate development of a feeling of oneness among Nigerians towards the attainment of a successful democratization process and national stability.Key Words: National Integration, National Question, Citizenship, Indigeneship, Political Participation, Citizenship Requirements, National Dialogue, Democratic Stability
Private Placements as Sources of Long Term Funds for publicly quoted firms in the Nigerian Capital Market
Authors: Ezeagba CE
Published: November 2014

Private placements are gradually becoming means of raising long-term funds in the Nigerian capital market by publicly quoted companies. These practices previously regarded as illegal gained renewed attention when the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) granted approval to some publicly quoted banks desirous of utilizing it in raising long term funds. This paper begins with a look at the Nigerian capital market. Thereafter, an overview of the concept of private placement is given to enable a better appreciation of its unique role in raising funds for organizations that are not publicly quoted in a registered stock exchange. It concludes with an exposition of the problems of allowing private placements for publicly quoted firms.
Nigeria's Cobweb of Corruption and the path to Underdevelopment
Authors: Alliyu N , Kalejaiye PO , Ogunola AA
Published: November 2014

Corruption in Nigeria has grown slowly from the time of pre-independence and it has surely taken over Nigerians’ public and private spaces in the last five decades with compelling evidences to show first among the legislative, the executives and recently the judicial arms of government as well as the unexpected quarters in the private sectors such as the Stock Exchange. This paper highlights several factors and institutions in Nigerian society that have sustained and entrenched corrupt practices by government officials and high profile private sectors participants. The institutions identified here are regarded as eaters of corruption proceeds around which a cobweb of corruption has been weaved by the corrupt public/private individuals to create a network under the control of the grandfather- spider of corruption (The federal government); the father- spiders (the state government) and the children- spider ( the local governments spread across the Nigerian society). The paper concludes that corruption is a national thing in Nigeria and that the over centralization and the control of means of survival by the grandfather spider has weakened almost all major institutions in the Nigerian society; created a Master- Servant, Lordship and Serfs relationship, which if not re-structured will continue to sustain corruption and perpetuate further development of underdevelopment of the Nigeria Scale and Society. Therefore, Nigerians should shun corruption and see it as a major problem to development in Nigeria.Key Words: Corruption, underdevelopment, cobweb, leaders, masses, Nigeria
HDlive in Assisted Human Reproduction
Authors: Bonilla-Musoles F , Raga F , Bonilla F , Castillo JC , Caballero O
Published: November 2014

The evaluation of the following assisted human reproduction situations using HDlive are described: natural cycles and corpus luteum, IVF stimulated cycles, gynecological pathologies related with infertility and Müllerian malformations.

How to cite this article

Castillo JC, Caballero O, Bonilla F Jr, Raga F, Bonilla-Musoles F. HDlive in Assisted Human Reproduction. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(3):229-233.
Method for the Systematic Reviews on Occupational Therapy and Driving and Community Mobility for Older Adults
Authors: Arbesman Marian , Lieberman Deborah , Berlanstein Debra R.
Published: November 2014

Systematic reviews of literature relevant to driving and community mobility for older adults are important to the practice of occupational therapy. We describe the four questions that served as the focus for the systematic reviews of the effectiveness of occupational therapy assessments and interventions for driving and community mobility for older adults. We include the background for the reviews; the process followed for each question, including search terms and search strategy; the databases searched; and the methods used to summarize and critically appraise the literature. The final number of articles included in each systematic review, a summary of the themes of the results, the strengths and limitations of the findings, and the implications for practice, education, and research are presented.
Education as Engine
Authors: Mitcham Maralynne D.
Published: November 2014

The pull of education is a powerful engine for societal change. Education is a values-driven product with specific and objective aims that serve society. The values of professional occupational therapy education were laid down at the field’s inception, although they have changed with the passage of time and in response to the profession’s and society’s occupational needs. Learning is different from education and is an individual process that requires facilitators with well-honed pedagogies if it is to fuel the engine pulling the profession forward. Keeping occupation as the central core of the profession serves as a necessary filter that allows more diligent thinking and linking between occupation and other relevant topics. Living life to its fullest—our own lives and the lives of our service recipients—demonstrates progress in the idiosyncratic arrangement of habits and routines that are personally meaningful, socially satisfying, and culturally relevant.
De praeceptis ferendis: good practice in multi-model ensembles
Authors: Kioutsioukis I. , Galmarini S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Ensembles of air quality models have been formally and empirically shown to outperform single models in many cases. Evidence suggests that ensemble error is reduced when the members form a diverse and accurate ensemble. Diversity and accuracy are hence two factors that should be taken care of while designing ensembles in order for them to provide better predictions. Theoretical aspects like the bias–variance–covariance decomposition and the accuracy–diversity decomposition are linked together and support the importance of creating ensemble that incorporates both these elements. Hence, the common practice of unconditional averaging of models without prior manipulation limits the advantages of ensemble averaging. We demonstrate the importance of ensemble accuracy and diversity through an inter-comparison of ensemble products for which a sound mathematical framework exists, and provide specific recommendations for model selection and weighting for multi-model ensembles. The sophisticated ensemble averaging techniques, following proper training, were shown to have higher skill across all distribution bins compared to solely ensemble averaging forecasts.
On the relationship between responses in cloud water and precipitation to changes in aerosol
Authors: Lebo Z. J. , Feingold G.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Climate models continue to exhibit strong sensitivity to the representation of aerosol effects on cloud reflectance and cloud amount. This paper evaluates a proposed method to constrain modeled cloud liquid water path (LWP) adjustments in response to changes in aerosol concentration Na using observations of precipitation susceptibility. Recent climate modeling has suggested a linear relationship between relative LWP responses to relative changes in Na, i.e., dln LWP / dln Na, and the precipitation frequency susceptibility Spop, which is defined as the relative change in the probability of precipitation for a relative change in Na. Using large-eddy simulations (LES) of marine stratocumulus and trade wind cumulus clouds, we show that these two cloud regimes exhibit qualitatively different relationships between λ and Spop; in stratocumulus clouds, λ increases with Spop, while in trade wind cumulus, λ decreases with Spop. The LES-derived relationship for marine stratocumulus is qualitatively similar but quantitatively different than that derived from climate model simulations of oceanic clouds aggregated over much larger spatial scales. We explore possible reasons for variability in these relationships, including the selected precipitation threshold and the various definitions of precipitation susceptibility that are currently in use. Because aerosol–cloud–precipitation interactions are inherently small-scale processes, we recommend that when deriving the relationship between λ and Spop, careful attention be given to the cloud regime, the scale, and the extent of aggregation of the model output or the observed data.
Investigation into chemistry of new particle formation and growth in subtropical urban environment
Authors: Salimi F. , Crilley L. R. , Stevanovic S. , Ristovski Z. , Mazaheri M. , He C. , R Johnson G. , Ayoko G. , Morawska L.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The role of different chemical compounds, particularly organics, involved in the new particle formation (NPF) and its consequent growth are not fully understood. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the chemistry of aerosol particles during NPF events in an urban subtropical environment. Aerosol chemical composition was measured along with particle number size distribution (PNSD) and several other air quality parameters at five sites across an urban subtropical environment. An Aerodyne compact Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (c-TOF-AMS) and a TSI Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) measured aerosol chemical composition and PNSD, respectively. Five NPF events, with growth rates in the range 3.3–4.6 nm, were detected at two sites. The NPF events happened on relatively warmer days with lower humidity and higher solar radiation. Temporal percent fractions of nitrate, sulphate, ammonium and organics were modelled using the Generalised Additive Model (GAM), with a basis of penalised spline. Percent fractions of organics increased after the NPF events, while the mass fraction of ammonium and sulphate decreased. This uncovered the important role of organics in the growth of newly formed particles. Three organic markers, factors f43, f44 and f57, were calculated and the f44 vs. f43 trends were compared between nucleation and non-nucleation days. f44 vs. f43 followed a different pattern on nucleation days compared to non-nucleation days, whereby f43 decreased for vehicle emission generated particles, while both f44 and f43 decreased for NPF generated particles. It was found for the first time that vehicle generated and newly formed particles cluster in different locations on f44 vs. f43 plot and this finding can be used as a~tool for source apportionment of measured particles.
Diversity and seasonal dynamics of airborne archaea
Authors: Fröhlich-Nowoisky J. , Ruzene Nespoli C. , Pickersgill D. A. , Galand P. E. , Müller-Germann I. , Nunes T. , Gomes Cardoso J. , Almeida S. M. , Pio C. , Andreae M. O. , Conrad R. , Pöschl U. , Després V. R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Archaea are widespread and abundant in many terrestrial and aquatic environments, and are thus outside extreme environments, accounting for up to ~10% of the prokaryotes. Compared to bacteria and other microorganisms, however, very little is known about the abundance, diversity, and dispersal of archaea in the atmosphere. By means of DNA analysis and Sanger sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA (435 sequences) and amoA genes in samples of air particulate matter collected over 1 year at a continental sampling site in Germany, we obtained first insights into the seasonal dynamics of airborne archaea. The detected archaea were identified as Thaumarchaeota or Euryarchaeota, with soil Thaumarchaeota (group I.1b) being present in all samples. The normalized species richness of Thaumarchaeota correlated positively with relative humidity and negatively with temperature. This together with an increase in bare agricultural soil surfaces may explain the diversity peaks observed in fall and winter. The detected Euryarchaeota were mainly predicted methanogens with a low relative frequency of occurrence. A slight increase in their frequency during spring may be linked to fertilization processes in the surrounding agricultural fields. Comparison with samples from the Cape Verde islands (72 sequences) and from other coastal and continental sites indicates that the proportions of Euryarchaeota are enhanced in coastal air, which is consistent with their suggested abundance in marine surface waters. We conclude that air transport may play an important role in the dispersal of archaea, including assumed ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarchaeota and methanogens.
Controls on fire activity over the Holocene
Authors: Kloster S. , Brücher T. , Brovkin V. , Wilkenskjeld S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Changes in fire activity over the last 8000 years are simulated with a global fire model driven by changes in climate and vegetation cover. The changes were separated into those caused through variations in fuel availability, fuel moisture or wind speed which react differently to changes in climate. Disentangling these controlling factors helps to understand the overall climate control on fire activity over the Holocene. Globally the burned area is simulated to increase by 2.5% between 8000 and 200 cal yr BP with larger regional changes compensating on a global scale. Despite the absence of anthropogenic fire ignitions, the simulated trends in fire activity agree reasonably well with continental scale reconstructions from charcoal records, with the exception of Europe. For some regions the change in fire activity is predominantly controlled through changes in fuel availability (Australia-Monsoon, American Tropics/Subtropics). For other regions changes in fuel moisture are more important for the overall trend in fire activity (North America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, Asia-Monsoon). In Sub-Saharan Africa, for example, changes in fuel moisture alone lead to an increase in fire activity between 8000 and 200 cal yr BP, while changes in fuel availability lead to a decrease. Overall, the fuel moisture control is dominating the simulated fire activity for Sub-Saharan Africa. The simulations clearly demonstrate that both changes in fuel availability and changes in fuel moisture are important drivers for the fire activity over the Holocene. Fuel availability and fuel moisture do, however, have different climate controls. As such observed changes in fire activity can not be related to single climate parameters such as precipitation or temperature alone. Fire models, as applied in this study, in combination with observational records can help to understand the climate control on fire activity, which is essential to project future fire activity.
Gender and climate change in the Indian Hindu-Kush Himalayas: global threats, local vulnerabilities
Authors: Ogra M. V. , Badola R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Global climate change has numerous implications for members of mountain communities who feel the impacts in both physical and social dimensions. In the Western Himalayas of India, a majority of residents maintain a livelihood strategy that includes a combination of subsistence or small-scale agriculture, seasonal pastoral migration, male out-migration, and localized natural resource extraction. Particularly under conditions of heavy male outmigration, but throughout the region, mountain women play a key role in providing labor and knowledge related to the management of local natural resources, yet often lack authority in related political and economic decision-making processes. This gap has important implications for addressing the impacts of climate change: while warming temperatures, irregular patterns of precipitation and snowmelt, and changing biological systems present challenges to the viability of these traditional livelihood portfolios throughout the region, mountain women increasingly face new challenges in their roles as household managers that have not adequately been emphasized in larger scale planning for climate change adaptation and mitigation. These challenges are complex in nature, and are shaped not only by gender issues but also interacting factors such as class, caste, ethnicity, and age (among others). In this paper, we review the main arguments behind the discursive gender/climate change nexus, discuss the implications for gendered vulnerabilities and transformation of adaptive capacities in the region, and suggest ways that researchers and policymakers seeking to promote "climate justice" can benefit from the incorporation of gender-based perspectives and frameworks.
Analysis of COSIMA spectra: Bayesian approach
Authors: Lehto H. J. , Zaprudin B. , Lehto K. M. , Lönnberg T. , Silén J. , Rynö J. , Krüger H. , Hilchenbach M. , Kissel J.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. We describe the use of Bayesian analysis methods applied to TOF-SIMS spectra. The method finds the probability density functions of measured line parameters (number of lines, and their widths, peak amplitudes, integrated amplitudes, positions) in mass intervals over the whole spectrum. We discuss the results we can expect from this analysis. We discuss the effects the instrument dead time causes in the COSIMA TOF SIMS. We address this issue in a new way. The derived line parameters can be used to further calibrate the mass scaling of TOF-SIMS and to feed the results into other analysis methods such as multivariate analyses of spectra. We intend to use the method in two ways, first as a comprehensive tool to perform quantitative analysis of spectra, and second as a fast tool for studying interesting targets for obtaining additional TOF-SIMS measurements of the sample, a property unique for COSIMA. Finally, we point out that the Bayesian method can be thought as a means to solve inverse problems but with forward calculations only.
RoadPlex: A Mobile VGI Game to Collect and Validate Data for POIs
Authors: Kashian A. , Rajabifard A. , Richter K. F.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. By increasing the popularity of smart phones equipped with GPS sensors, more volunteers are expected to join VGI (Volunteered Geographic Information) activities and therefore more positional data will be collected in shorter time. Current statistics from open databases such OpenStreetMap reveals that although there have been exponential growth in the number of contributed POIs (Points of Interest), the lack of detailed attribute information is immediately visible. The process of adding attribute information to VGI databases is usually considered as a boring task and it is believed that contributors do not experience a similar level of satisfaction when they add such detailed information compared to tasks like adding new roads or copying building boundaries from satellite imageries. In other crowdsourcing projects, different approaches are taken for engaging contributors in problem solving by embedding the tasks inside a game. In the literature, this concept is known as "gamification" or "games with purpose" which encapsulate the idea of entertaining contributors while they are completing a particular defined task. Same concept is used to design a mobile application called “RoadPlex” which aims to collect general or specific attribute information for POIs The increased number of contributions in the past few months confirms that the design characteristics and the methodology of the game are appealing to players. Such growth enables us to evaluate the quality of the generated data through mining the database of answered questions. This paper reflects the some contribution results and emphasises the importance of using gamification concept in the domain of VGI.