bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Pedestrian Performance in Shared-Space Environments
Authors: Karndacharuk Auttapone (Aut) , Wilson Douglas J. , Dunn Roger C. M.
Published: March 2014

The concept of shared space as applied in an urban road environment aims to reduce the dominance of motor vehicles by promoting pedestrian and cyclist activity and utilizing road space as a place. Unlike a conventional road, a shared space encourages all road users to legally occupy the same road space with little physical separation. The paper presents pedestrian-related performance measures that were developed under a multifaceted methodological framework to evaluate the success of shared-space schemes on the basis of study areas in the city center of Auckland, New Zealand. Analysis of the data before and after implementation revealed a positive result for pedestrian performance across all sites on the basis of a 24-h pedestrian profile, pedestrian trajectory, dwell time, and stationary activity. A comparative analysis of the data after implementation highlights the importance of the active frontage in enabling a lower (vehicular) speed environment in relation to the number of pedestrians within the shared space. The reported research analysis forms part of a doctoral research study at the University of Auckland with support from Auckland Transport, a regional transport agency in New Zealand.
Using a Smartphone Application to Support Visually Impaired Pedestrians at Signalized Intersection Crossings
Authors: Liao Chen-Fu
Published: March 2014

People with vision impairment rely heavily on walking and public transit for their transportation needs. A major challenge for this population is crossing intersections safely. As a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act, accessible pedestrian signal systems at signalized intersections have improved significantly since 2000. However, these systems still have shortcomings for both users and municipalities, and new approaches are needed to serve pedestrians with low vision adequately. As part of the ongoing effort to develop a prototype mobile accessible pedestrian signals (MAPS) application for the blind and visually impaired, 10 blind and low-vision people were interviewed to understand better what types of information they use at intersection crossings and to identify the types of information that could assist them. With these survey results, a MAPS system was developed to provide signal and intersection geometry information to smartphone users at signalized intersections. User interaction was with simple tactile input (single or double tap) and text-to-speech technology. A field experiment at two signalized intersections was conducted with 18 visually impaired participants to validate the use and functioning of the MAPS system in a real-world application. The purpose was to identify whether the smartphone application could effectively provide geometry and signal timing information and thus provide decision support for visually impaired pedestrians. Objective and subjective measures were developed to evaluate the performance of visually impaired users of MAPS. Participants reported that the MAPS system provided helpful geometry information (82%) and helpful signal information (59%).
Use of Spatiotemporal Parameters of Gait for Automated Classification of Pedestrian Gender and Age
Authors: Hediyeh Houman , Sayed Tarek , Zaki Mohamed H.
Published: March 2014

This study investigates the feasibility of using the spatiotemporal parameters of gait—step frequency and step length—as cues for classifying pedestrians according to their gender and age. The gait parameters are automatically extracted from the pedestrian walking speed profile. Computer vision techniques are used for the automatic detection and tracking of pedestrians in an open (uncontrolled) environment. The classification is undertaken by using a simple k nearest neighbor algorithm. For demonstration, two case studies are used: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Oakland, California. For gender, correct classification rates of 78% and 81% were achieved for the Vancouver and Oakland case studies, respectively. Gender classification for the Vancouver case study considered pedestrians walking alone or in groups, and the Oakland case study gender classification considered only pedestrians walking alone. Pedestrian age classification resulted in a correct classification rate of 86% for the Oakland case study. Another classification measure, the kappa statistic, showed that the classification results were statistically significant beyond what is expected by chance. The method has the advantages of relying only on the pedestrian speed profile and using a simple classification algorithm.
Improving Cyclist and Pedestrian Environment While Maintaining Vehicle Throughput
Authors: Barnes Emma , Schlossberg Marc
Published: March 2014

Reallocating road space to enhance bicycle and pedestrian access is frequently a contentious issue in many American cities. This resistance to the redesign was characteristic in Eugene, Oregon, where a key street segment adjacent to a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly university was retrofitted to accommodate nonmotorized vehicles better. The intention was to expand pedestrian and bicycle access, so a bicycle lane was actually removed in one direction in favor of implementing a shared lane, and physical barriers between an existing contraflow bicycle lane and a one-way automobile traffic lane were also removed. In addition, two-sided parallel parking stalls were replaced with single-sided, back-in angle parking stalls (a first for Eugene), and sidewalks were widened to better accommodate high pedestrian volumes. Video footage to record behavior along this block before and after the redesign was used to study traffic volume changes by mode and changes in behavior. The results demonstrated that bicycle volumes increased, pedestrian crossing volumes increased, and vehicular traffic volumes showed little change after the redesign. The integration of bicycle and vehicular traffic lanes and removal of physical barriers improved safety for nonmotorized vehicles because the rate of traffic conflicts remained low, no collisions occurred, and the redesign provided new ways for convenient navigation around blockages. Despite a perceived increase in chaos, given increased nonmotorized traffic volumes, this block became no less safe after redesign even though non motorized traffic volumes and adaptive use of the space greatly increased. Examination of the particular elements of this redesign provides insight into ways that other multimodal traffic streams could be improved.
Study on Pedestrian Red-Time Crossing Behavior
Authors: Yang Yan , Sun Jian
Published: March 2014

In many cities in China, the problems of low efficiency and pedestrian risk taking at signalized intersections are mainly attributed to pedestrian red-time crossing. Pedestrian red-time crossing has many causes, such as traffic design and signal control, traffic flow, and the psychology of pedestrians’ decision making. In this study, data were collected on pedestrian red-time crossing, signal control, crossing facility design, and vehicle traffic flow with field observations and on pedestrians’ decision-making psychology data by using an intercept questionnaire administered after the crossing. A model for pedestrian red-time crossing choice was proposed on the basis of integrated field observations and questionnaire data. The model was compared with models based on either observational data alone or questionnaire data alone and proved to be well fit and to yield better prediction accuracy. The duration of red signal time was found to be the biggest influence on pedestrian red-time crossing. Suggestions for intersection design and signal control are proposed on the basis of these findings. Model building and data collection methods of pedestrian red-time crossing are also discussed.
“I Think It's a Communal Thing”: Men's Friendships in Later Life
Authors: Shaw Rhonda , Gullifer Judith , Shaw Rebecca
Published: March 2014

Men's friendships have traditionally been described as being activity-based but little research has examined older men's friendships. The current study aimed to explore meanings of friendship with older men who belonged to formal men's groups or not. A thematic analysis of focus group data identified three manifest themes ( constructing friendship: friends, mates or acquaintances; the dynamic nature of friendship; and the importance or beneficence of friendship) and one latent theme ( community of men). Friendship was constructed as a multifaceted concept contingent on context. The importance of maintaining friendships were discussed as either self-driven or the responsibility of the other. Talking to like-minded men, regardless of group membership, was valued not just for doing activities but for the emotional support it provided.
Psychological, Relational, and Sexual Correlates of Pornography Use on Young Adult Heterosexual Men in Romantic Relationships
Authors: Szymanski Dawn M. , Stewart-Richardson Destin N.
Published: March 2014

Pornography is both prevalent and normative in United States' culture; however, little is known about the psychological and relational affects that it can have on men in romantic relationships. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine theorized antecedents (i.e., gender role conflict and attachment styles) and consequences (i.e., poorer relationship quality and sexual satisfaction) of men's pornography use among 373 young adult heterosexual men. Findings revealed that both frequency of pornography use and problematic pornography use were related to greater gender role conflict, more avoidant and anxious attachment styles, poorer relationship quality, and less sexual satisfaction. In addition, the findings provided support for a theorized mediated model in which gender role conflict was linked to relational outcomes both directly and indirectly via attachment styles and pornography use. Finally, psychometric support for the Pornography Use Scale developed for this study is provided.
Unprotected Sex and Internalized Homophobia
Authors: Thomas François , Mience Marie Cozette , Masson Joanic , Bernoussi Amal
Published: March 2014

During recent years in France, the number of HIV infections in the gay community has been constantly increasing. How can we explain the number of transmissions being still so prevalent? Since the arrival effective therapies, HIV may no longer be perceived as a fatal disease, and therefore it may have become trivialized. This paper will merge variables linked to homophobia and interiorized homophobia in order to bring a new insight in understanding to the motivations of gay men having non protected sex, whether it is systematic or episodic. Interiorized homophobia appears to be an essential element of the construction of the identity among gay men. A real “coping strategy”, it allows firstly a protection from the surrounding environment, but in a second step becomes harmful to the development of healthy self-esteem. Gay men partially construct their identity from elements such as heterosexism and insults targeting gays as feminine, submissive individuals. We suggest that unprotected sex between men answers a quest for identity. On the one hand, there is an act of virility with unprotected sex and transmission of seminal fluids and exposure to a risk, reinforcing the masculine side. On the other hand, we can see identification with homophobic rejection, and becoming the carrier of a contagious, chronic, rejected disease. It is in this status of rejection—the transfer from homophobia to the disease—that gay men may find themselves. This paper proposes to approach the phenomenon in a replay of previous contributions on this topic.
“Tú No Eres Nada De Dominicano”: Unnatural Narration and De-Naturalizing Gender Constructs in Junot Díaz's the Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Authors: Weese Katherine
Published: March 2014

This article offers a reading of Dominican American novelist Junot Diaz's The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (2007). A recent development in narrative theory, unnatural narration, illuminates the narrative perspective used in Díaz's novel, which violates traditional narrative conventions for distinctions between first- and third-person narrators. The novel also participates in the unnatural in its use of science fiction and fantasy literature, and in its representation of logically impossible scenarios. Ultimately this process is linked to European colonization and nationalist dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. However, the unnatural narration lays bare and in effect denaturalizes gender constructs, which, like all ideologies, frequently masquerade as “natural.” The novel's unusual, unnatural narrative stance critiques the definition of masculinity to which the narrator on the surface seems to subscribe, and thus Díaz's novel provides a space for more democratic definitions of masculinity to emerge.
Pathology and Poly-vocality in Nina Yargekov's Tuer Catherine (2009)
Authors: Jones Katie
Published: March 2014

Nina Yargekov's debut novel Tuer Catherine (2009) updates longstanding conceptual links between madness and writing by borrowing ideas and terminology from clinical discourses, including the recently identified dissociative identity disorder. According to Elaine Showalter in Hystories (2007), hysterical conditions such as DID become widespread due to cultural processes analagous to intertextuality which construct their causes and symptoms as part of a shared narrative. Yargekov's intertextual borrowings in Tuer Catherine, presented as voices inside her narrator's head, combine literary and psychiatric discourses to reflect the ‘anxiety of influence’ (Bloom) suffered by the writer whose narrative is shaped by the literary tradition. By playing on stereotypical associations of women with madness, Yargekov also engages with the ‘anxiety of authorship’ Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar identify as a historical constraint on women writers. Drawing on Suzanne Dow's updated account of this notion in her study of more recent women's writing, I argue that while Yargekov's narrator's literary production is sometimes hindered by the dissociative voices of her literary influences, the novel as a whole produces a more positive image of madness and literature as mutually illuminating categories, and of the associative power of the reader.
Molecular Perspectives for mu/delta Opioid Receptor Heteromers as Distinct, Functional Receptors
Authors: Ong Edmund , Cahill Catherine
Published: March 2014

Opioid receptors are the sites of action for morphine and the other opioid drugs. Abundant evidence now demonstrates that different opioid receptor types can physically associate to form heteromers. Understandings of the nature, behavior, and role of these opioid receptor heteromers are developing. Owing to their constituent monomers’ involvement in analgesia, mu/delta opioid receptor (M/DOR) heteromers have been a particular focus of attention. There is now considerable evidence demonstrating M/DOR to be an extant and physiologically relevant receptor species. Participating in the cellular environment as a distinct receptor type, M/DOR availability is complexly regulated and M/DOR exhibits unique pharmacology from that of other opioid receptors (ORs), including its constituents. M/DOR appears to have a range of actions that vary in a ligand- (or ligands-) dependent manner. These actions can meaningfully affect the clinical effects of opioid drugs: strategies targeting M/DOR may be therapeutically useful. This review presents and discusses developments in these understandings with a focus on the molecular nature and activity of M/DOR in the context of therapeutic potentials.
The Development and Empirical Evaluation of the Korean Smart Distribution Management System
Authors: Yun Sang-Yun , Chu Chul-Min , Kwon Seong-Chul , Song Il-Keun , Choi Joon-Ho
Published: March 2014

This paper introduces the development and actual test results of the Korean Smart Distribution Management System (KSDMS). The KSDMS has been designed and developed to cope with the lack of interconnection capability of the Dispersed Energy Resource (DER), to provide standardization and compatibility, and to implement automatic processing of service restoration, in the existing Distribution Automation System (DAS) in Korea. First, real-time system analysis and control application programs were developed, to solve the problems of the existing DAS; and the Distribution Management System (DMS) platform was developed, to run the developed application programs. Second, international standard-based communication, platform, and database structures were adopted, for standardization and compatibility. Third, a platform and application program functions were developed to process faults automatically; and a communication device and an intelligent electronic device (IED) were developed to automate fault restoration, through communication between devices. The KSDMS was evaluated by three tests: unit function test, platform and application program integration test, and empirical test. The first two were conducted on both small and large demonstration systems. The empirical test was performed at the Power Testing Center (PTC) in Gochang, and on a real system, at the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), on Jeju Island. The test results verified that the KSDMS can actively resolve the problems of the existing DAS.
miR-21 Promotes Human Nucleus Pulposus Cell Proliferation through PTEN/AKT Signaling
Authors: Liu Hongzhe , Huang Xiangwang , Liu Xiangyang , Xiao Sheng , Zhang Yi , Xiang Tiecheng , Shen Xiongjie , Wang Guoping , Sheng Bin
Published: March 2014

The precise role of nucleus pulposus cell proliferation in the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration remains to be elucidated. Recent findings have revealed that microRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs, may regulate cell proliferation in many pathological conditions. Here, we showed that miR-21 was significantly upregulated in degenerative nucleus pulposus tissues when compared with nucleus pulposus tissues that were isolated from patients with idiopathic scoliosis and that miR-10b levels were associated with disc degeneration grade. Moreover, bioinformatics target prediction identified PTEN as a putative target of miR-21. miR-21 inhibited PTEN expression by directly targeting the 3'UTR, and this inhibition was abolished through miR-21 binding site mutations. miR-21 overexpression stimulated cell proliferation and AKT signaling pathway activation, which led to cyclin D1 translation. Additionally, the increase in proliferation and cyclin D1 expression induced by miR-21 overexpression was almost completely blocked by Ly294002, an AKT inhibitor. Taken together, aberrant miR-21 upregulation in intervertebral disc degeneration could target PTEN, which would contribute to abnormal nucleus pulposus cell proliferation through derepressing the Akt pathway. Our study also underscores the potential of miR-21 and the PTEN/Akt pathway as novel therapeutic targets in intervertebral disc degeneration.
Role of miR-191/425 Cluster in Tumorigenesis and Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Peng Wei-Zhao , Ma Ren , Wang Fang , Yu Jia , Liu Zhi-Bin
Published: March 2014

Gastric cancer (GC) is among the most frequent types of cancer worldwide. Therefore, understanding the biology of GC tumorigenesis is important for appropriate diagnosis and patient surveillance. The miR-191/425 cluster has been reported to be overexpressed in various human cancers, but the tumorigenic role and clinical significance of miR-191/425 overexpression in gastric carcinogenesis is currently undefined. In this study, the expression of miR-191 and miR-425 in GC tissue and serum was assessed, and the relationship between miRNA expression and clinicopathological data was analyzed. We found that miR-191 and miR-425 were both significantly increased in human GC tissues relative to adjacent normal controls. In addition, miR-191 levels correlated with GC tumor stage and metastatic state. Furthermore, the level of serum miR-191 was significantly higher in the GC group than in the control group when using serum miR-16 as an endogenous control. Finally, inhibition of miR-191 or miR-425 in the GC cell lines HGC-27 not only reduced cell proliferation and cell cycle progression but also impaired cell migration and invasion. Taken together, our results revealed the oncogenic roles of miR-191 and miR-425 in gastric carcinogenesis, and indicated the potential use of serum miR-191 as a novel and stable biomarker for GC diagnosis.
Field and Model Study to Define Baseline Conditions of Beached Oil Tar Balls along Florida’s First Coast
Authors: Bacopoulos Peter , Lambert James , Hertz Mary , Montoya Luis , Smith Terry
Published: March 2014

Anecdotal data are currently the best data available to describe baseline conditions of beached oil tar balls on Florida’s First Coast beaches. This study combines field methods and numerical modeling to define a data-driven knowledge base of oil tar ball baseline conditions. Outcomes from the field study include an established methodology for field data collection and laboratory testing of beached oil tar balls, spatial maps of collected samples and analysis of the data as to transport/wash-up trends. Archives of the electronic data, including GPS locations and other informational tags, and collected samples are presented, as are the physical and chemical analyses of the collected samples. The thrust of the physical and chemical analyses is to differentiate the collected samples into highly suspect oil tar balls versus false/non-oil tar ball samples. The numerical modeling involves two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of astronomic tides. Results from the numerical modeling include velocity residuals that show ebb-dominated residual currents exiting the inlet via an offshore, counter-rotating dual-eddy system. The tidally derived residual currents are used as one explanation for the observed transport trends. The study concludes that the port activity in the St. Johns River is not majorly contributing to the baseline conditions of oil tar ball wash-up on Florida’s First Coast beaches.
Helium Production and Possible Projection
Authors: Mohr Steve , Ward James
Published: March 2014

The future availability of helium has been raised as an issue in the literature. However, a disaggregated projection of helium production has not been attempted, presumably due to the difficult nature of accessing disaggregated historic production data to test the accuracy of this issue. This paper presents collated and estimated historic helium production statistics from 1921 to 2012 for each helium producing country in the world and by U.S. state. A high and regular growth projection of helium has been created. It is found that helium resources are sufficient for the near future, with the projected production plateauing in 2060–2075 and 2090–2100 for the high and regular growth scenarios, respectively. As long as natural gas deposits with helium are appropriately managed, there is little likelihood for helium shortages to occur in the short term due to geologic constraints.
Radiolabeled Cetuximab Conjugates for EGFR Targeted Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy
Authors: Sihver Wiebke , Pietzsch Jens , Krause Mechthild , Baumann Michael , Steinbach Jörg , Pietzsch Hans-Jürgen
Published: March 2014

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has evolved over years into a main molecular target for the treatment of different cancer entities. In this regard, the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab has been approved alone or in combination with: (a) chemotherapy for treatment of colorectal and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and (b) with external radiotherapy for treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The conjugation of radionuclides to cetuximab in combination with the specific targeting properties of this antibody might increase its therapeutic efficiency. This review article gives an overview of the preclinical studies that have been performed with radiolabeled cetuximab for imaging and/or treatment of different tumor models. A particularly promising approach seems to be the treatment with therapeutic radionuclide-labeled cetuximab in combination with external radiotherapy. Present data support an important impact of the tumor micromilieu on treatment response that needs to be further validated in patients. Another important challenge is the reduction of nonspecific uptake of the radioactive substance in metabolic organs like liver and radiosensitive organs like bone marrow and kidneys. Overall, the integration of diagnosis, treatment and monitoring as a theranostic approach appears to be a promising strategy for improvement of individualized cancer treatment.
Functions of Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinases in Plant Innate Immunity
Authors: Gao Xiquan , Cox Jr. Kevin , He Ping
Published: March 2014

An increase of cytosolic Ca2+ is generated by diverse physiological stimuli and stresses, including pathogen attack. Plants have evolved two branches of the immune system to defend against pathogen infections. The primary innate immune response is triggered by the detection of evolutionarily conserved pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), which is called PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI). The second branch of plant innate immunity is triggered by the recognition of specific pathogen effector proteins and known as effector-triggered immunity (ETI). Calcium (Ca2+) signaling is essential in both plant PTI and ETI responses. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) have emerged as important Ca2+ sensor proteins in transducing differential Ca2+ signatures, triggered by PAMPs or effectors and activating complex downstream responses. CDPKs directly transmit calcium signals by calcium binding to the elongation factor (EF)-hand domain at the C-terminus and substrate phosphorylation by the catalytic kinase domain at the N-terminus. Emerging evidence suggests that specific and overlapping CDPKs phosphorylate distinct substrates in PTI and ETI to regulate diverse plant immune responses, including production of reactive oxygen species, transcriptional reprogramming of immune genes, and the hypersensitive response.
Experiments and Identification of the Unbalance of Aerostatic Guideways on the Micro-Scale
Authors: Chen Dongju , Bian Yanhua , Fan Jinwei
Published: March 2014

In order to diagnose the unbalance of aerostatic guideways, displacement and acceleration sensors were used to measure the vibration signals of the unbalance of the aerostatic guideways caused by the gas fluctuation. The frequency characteristics for the unbalance of aerostatic guideways caused by gas fluctuation has been extracted from the measured signals by power spectral density, and the basic frequencies of the guideway system have been diagnosed according to spectral characteristics, in agreement with the results calculated by the corresponding motion equations and the finite element method.
L'iconographie du temple de Markula devī au Lahoul
Authors: Diserens Hélène
Published: March 2014

L'ancienne façade en bois sculpté du sanctuaire, ainsi que les panneaux du maṇḍapa et le plafond du temple de Markuladevī dans la vallée du Candrabhaga au Lahoul (Himachal Pradesh, Inde) comptent parmi les plus belles créations artistiques de la région.

L'absence de sources textuelles ou d'inscriptions est regrettable, car ce temple est un symbole majeur de la présence du vishnouïsme à la frontière nord-ouest du monde indien. H. Goetz a décrit ce temple dans son ouvrage The Early Wooden Temples of Chamba (1955, p. 90-100) illustré de photographies prises par l'ASI en 1904 et 1905. Il a identifié les reliefs de deux divinités sur un char tiré de sept chevaux, qui occupent la partie centrale de la façade, comme étant des images de Sūrya. Grâce aux progrès de nos connaissances sur l'art de l'ouest himalayen, ainsi qu'à l'accès aux photographies du WHAV, H. Diserens propose une autre solution et identifie aussi les autres divinités présentes sur ces reliefs.

L'iconographie de la façade du sanctuaire célèbre le retour victorieux de Vişņu rapportant l'amŗta, qui assure l'immortalité des dieux et leur supériorité sur les démons. Suivi de son fils Sāmba et de son escorte céleste, Vişņu est représenté dans sa double manifestation en tant que dieu suprême et divinité solaire, un aspect typiquement indien de l'āditya Vişņu. Autre témoignage de la présence de Vişņu en tant que dieu suprême : deux panneaux en bois sculptés illustrant l'un les exploits de l'avatāra Vāmana-Trivikrama, l'autre le Barattage de l'océan de lait. Une scène de ce dernier panneau oppose deux joueurs autour d'un damier. Son interprétation reste difficile.
Requirement Analysis of E-Content for Visual Learners
Authors: Shaffiei Zatul Amilah , Hamidi Saidatul Rahah , Jauhari Nadiah Thanthawi , Osman Norhayati
Published: March 2014

This paper studies on IT Project Management (ITS510) subject which is taught by using textbook and simple PowerPoint slides. Due to ineffectiveness of teaching materials, this scenario becomes one of the reasons that affect the studentsâ?? result. Therefore, this study has been proposed specifically for visual learners to attract their attention in class. The objective of this study is to identify the user requirements of visual learners for E-content. ADDIE Model has been selected to complete this project. This model consists of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation phases. In this study, the researchers only focused on analysis phase. The questionnaire had been distributed to get the requirements from visual learner users. It is hoped that the requirement analysis can be used as an idea to design and develop future E-content for visual learners. At the end, it can give a lot of benefits to learners where they can access the content everywhere and anytime without time constraint. While, for educators, the E-content can help them to improve their teaching styles and it can be used as an aided tool to teach students in class.
Adaptation Oriented "Resource" Modeling for Course-based E-learning Environment
Authors: Sudhana Kalla Madhu , Raj V Cyril , Ravi T
Published: March 2014

During the recent years, the semantic technologysuch as ontology based representation of metadata hasinfluenced the research, in the area of educational softwarefor accessing, searching and structuring of e-learningcontents to provide personalized, adaptive and contextaware delivery of learning content. In this paper, we presentontology-based resource description metadata model whichis particularly useful for context-aware adaptive e-learningsituation. First, we mentioned some of the features to beconsidered in developing resource description ontology thenproposed an ontology called Context-aware AdaptiveLearning Resource Ontology (CALRO) that is suitable fordelivery of content according to learner contextualinformation such as learner’s learning style andcharacteristics of the learning device. Finally, we discuss theconcerned adaptation approach and its workflow behavior.
Developing a Framework for Creating Effective Instructional Video Podcasts
Authors: Kay Robin Holding
Published: March 2014

The purpose of the following study was to develop a comprehensive, theory-based framework for creating instructional video podcasts designed to present worked examples. Sixteen design characteristics, organized according to four categories (establishing context, providing effective explanations, minimizing cognitive load, and engaging students), were used to develop 59 pre-calculus videos for 856 first-year university students. Overall, the vast majority of students noted that the video podcasts were useful and helped them understand mathematics better. With respect to establishing context, the evidence suggested that problem selection was appropriate and video podcasts were clear, straightforward, and detailed. Regarding the quality of explanations, a number of students commented on the effectiveness of the step-by-step presentation of solutions and the use of visuals to support learning. Students agreed that video podcasts were easy to read, but did not directly mention other issues involving cognitive load. Students also noted that video podcasts were engaging and better than using textbooks. They also enjoyed working on the interactive student-problems. Finally, significant gains were observed in all five pre-calculus knowledge categories evaluated. It is concluded that the framework proposed in this study is a reasonable starting point for creating effective worked-example video podcasts.
MANUAL MODEL BACKGROUND SUBTRACTION METHOD FOR RADAR-BASED BREAST CANCER DETECTION EXPERIMENT
Authors: Zhang Dan , Mase Atsushi
Published: March 2014

We propose a manual model background subtraction method to detect the breast cancer tumor. A commercially made synthetic breast phantom model is used in our experiment. Ultra-wideband (UWB) antennas have been applied to the simulation experiment of breast cancer detection. The method is effective to detect the breast cancer tumor in real patients in the future.
SEGMENTATION OF UTERINE USING NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION AFFECTED POSSIBILISTIC FCM AND GAUSSIAN MIXTURE MODEL IN UTERINE FIBROID PATIENTS MRI
Authors: Fallahi Alireza , Khotanlou Hassan , Pooyan Mohammad , Hashemi Hassan , Oghabian Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2014

Uterine fibroids are common tumors of female pelvis. Uterine volume measurement before and after surgery has an important role in predicting the outcome and later on in comparing with the result of the uterine fibroid shrinkage surgery. Because of inhomogeneity and different shapes and sizes of uterus and fibroids, segmentation of uterus is a difficult task. In this paper, using T1 and Enhanced-T1 MR images uterine is initially segmented using a new clustering algorithm named neighborhood information affected possibilistic fuzzy C-means (NIAPFCM). NIAPFCM uses membership, typicality and spatial neighborhood information to cluster each voxel. Finally, the redundant parts are removed by superimposing the segmented region of the T1-enhanced image over the registered T1 image. Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is applied to the extracted region histogram as a model for accurate tresholding. The results obtained using the proposed method are evaluated by comparing with manual segmentations using volume-based and distance-based metric methods. Also, the result of NIAPFCM is compared with fuzzy C-means (FCM) and possibilistic fuzzy C-means (PFCM) algorithms. We found this algorithm efficient, which provides good and reliable results.
Who Likes to Meet Blind Dating on the Internet?
Authors: Chen Yi-Fen , Tsai Chia-Wen , Chen Bo-Ying
Published: March 2014

Due to busy modern lifestyles, the emotional distance between people has widened. Some people are unable to broaden their social circles or meet new people of the opposite sex because of their environment or work, so they seek non-traditional methods to meet new people. One of these methods is the use of the Internet. Match making on online dating sites and getting involved in dating service have become quite popular these days. The study is conducted with online questionnaires; out of those distributed, 302 valid samples were returned. The main research method was putting the samples through stepwise linear regression analysis. By focusing on the reasons people participate in blind dating through the Internet, this study examines theories on the relatedness needs, personality characteristics, sensation-seeking motivation, and self-disclosure of those involved; and develop a framework for research to understand what type of people use dating service as a means of meeting others. Results from the study show that interpersonal needs and self-disclosure play a role in why one would want to participate in blind dating. Furthermore, there is a definite connection between the characteristics of one’s personality and the desire to participate in blind dating. The sensation seeking people are therefore more likely than others to participate in blind dating.
Examining Mobile Banking User Trust
Authors: Zhou Tao
Published: March 2014

Building users’ trust is crucial to alleviating their perceived risk and facilitating their usage of mobile banking. Drawing on a tripartite perspective of transference-based, personality-based and self-perception-based determinants, this research examined mobile banking user trust. Transference-based determinants include structural assurance and online banking trust. Personality-based determinant is trust propensity. Self-perception-based determinants include system quality, information quality and service quality. The results indicated that these three kinds of determinants have significant effects on user trust. Among them, information quality, service quality and structural assurance have relatively larger effects. The results imply that service providers need to consider these three kinds of trust determinants in order to facilitate user trust in mobile banking.
Digital Divide and e-Readiness
Authors: Hanafizadeh Mohammad Reza , Hanafizadeh Payam , Bohlin Erik
Published: March 2014

This paper reviews the literature on digital divide and e-readiness in different fields with an eye to identifying trends and gaps in prominent research areas. In this study, 411 articles, conference papers, master’s and doctoral dissertations, textbooks, and working papers on digital divide and e-readiness are classified and elaborated and their results are presented. Drawing upon this literature review and analysis of digital divide and e-readiness, several important research areas surrounding digital divide and e-readiness are discussed and examined from a critical standpoint. In the paper, a comprehensive list of references is presented and, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the most complete study of digital divide and e-readiness, even in the field of IT, in terms of its references. This paper reviews the literature on the digital divide and e-readiness from three perspectives with the purpose of identifying trends and gaps in this field: definition, methodology and scale. This review reveals that most modelers do not take sound theoretical and policy concerns into consideration, rather they tend to provide an empirical summarized measure for digitalization. Also, they develop digital divide and e-readiness models by building static composite indexes from individual indicators and tend to apply dynamic models to a lesser degree. Finally, there is a lack of research in the micro level vis-à-vis macro level that the authors attempt to compensate for.
Computing Semantic Relatedness from Human Navigational Paths: A Case Study on Wikipedia
Authors: Singer Philipp , Niebler Thomas , Strohmaier Markus , Hotho Andreas
Published: March 2014

In this article, the authors present a novel approach for computing semantic relatedness and conduct a large-scale study of it on Wikipedia. Unlike existing semantic analysis methods that utilize Wikipedia’s content or link structure, the authors propose to use human navigational paths on Wikipedia for this task. The authors obtain 1.8 million human navigational paths from a semi-controlled navigation experiment – a Wikipedia-based navigation game, in which users are required to find short paths between two articles in a given Wikipedia article network. The authors’ results are intriguing: They suggest that (i) semantic relatedness computed from human navigational paths may be more precise than semantic relatedness computed from Wikipedia’s plain link structure alone and (ii) that not all navigational paths are equally useful. Intelligent selection based on path characteristics can improve accuracy. The authors’ work makes an argument for expanding the existing arsenal of data sources for calculating semantic relatedness and to consider the utility of human navigational paths for this task.
A conspectus of Combretum (Combretaceae) in southern Africa, with taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on species and sections
Authors: Jordaan M. , Van Wyk A. E. , Maurin O.
Published: March 2014

Two subgenera of Combretum Loefl. occur in the Flora of southern Africa (FSA) region. Previous sectional classifications were assessed in view of molecular evidence and accordingly modified. Ten sections in subgen. Combretum, 25 species and eight subspecies are recognized. Subgen. Cacoucia (Aubl.) Exell Stace comprises four sections and seven species. C. engleri Schinz, C. paniculatum Vent. and C. tenuipes Engl. Diels are reinstated as distinct species separate from C. schumannii Engl., C. microphyllum Klotzsch and C. padoides Engl. Diels, respectively. C. schumannii occurs outside the FSA region. Records of C. adenogonium Steud. ex A.Rich., C. platypetalum Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. oatesii (Rolfe) Exell and subsp. baumii (Engl. Gilg) Exell in Botswana are doubtful. C. celastroides Welw. ex M.A.Lawson subsp. orientale Exell is elevated to species level as C. patelliforme Engl. Diels. C. grandifolium F.Hoffm. is reduced to C. psidioides Welw. subsp. grandifolium (F.Hoffm.) Jordaan. Twenty-six names are lectotypified. The type, a full synonymy, other nomenclatural and taxonomic information, the full distribution range and a distribution map are provided for each taxon. Selected specimens examined are given for poorly known species. Keys to subgenera, sections and species are provided.
Campanulaceae: A new species of Wahlenbergia from Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Cupido C. N.
Published: March 2014

A new species of Wahlenbergia from Western Cape, South Africa.
Asteraceae
Authors: Koekemoer M.
Published: March 2014

The true identity of Oxylaena acicularis.
The medical ethnobotany of Lesotho: a review
Authors: Moteetee A. , Van Wyk B. E.
Published: March 2014

Traditional healing in Lesotho is reviewed, focusing on four aspects: 1, cultural practices; 2, traditional health care practitioners; 3, dosage forms; 4, the materia medica. Cultural practices are strongly associated with the belief that intangible forces are responsible for human happiness and misery. A total of 303 plant species are used medicinally (including 25 alien species), representing eight pteridophyte and 75 angiosperm families, of which the most important are Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Apocynaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae. Dicoma anomala (used mainly for digestive ailments) and Artemisia afra (used mainly for respiratory ailments) appear to be the best known and most widely used medicinal plants amongst a total of 37 species that have been cited four or more times in the literature. About 50 species are variously employed for magic and sorcery. There are no new species records but 36 new uses are reported. Our conclusion is that the medicinal plants of Lesotho are relatively well recorded and that this review will allow detailed comparisons with other African healing cultures.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Thereianthus (Iridaceae: Crocoideae)
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P.
Published: March 2014

Thereianthus G.J.Lewis is revised, with full descriptions and synonomy, distribution maps, and notes on ecology and taxonomic history. All species are illustrated, and capsule and seed morphology are described for many of the species for the first time. Novel characteristics of the bract, seed, and pollen operculum are used to separate the species into two sections: sect. Brevibracteae Goldblatt J.C.Manning is distinguished by relatively small bracts, 3–8 mm long and uniformly leathery or soft-textured without thickened veins, seeds with filiform chalazal extension, and pollen grains with 1-banded operculum; and sect. Thereianthus by relatively larger bracts, (7–)8–15 mm long with prominently sclerified veins, seeds without any extension to the chalazal crest, and pollen grains with ± 2-banded operculum. Species in sect. Thereianthus are further segregated into ser. Thereianthus, with heavily ribbed leaves and suberect flowers with arcuate or erect stamens, and ser. Bracteolatus, with plane, inconspicuously veined leaves and ± spreading flowers with declinate stamens. Eleven species are recognized in the genus, all restricted to the southwestern portion of Western Cape. Two new species are described in sect. Thereianthus: T. bulbiferus Goldblatt J.C.Manning, known from three populations along the West Coast, is distinguished by the unique development of cormels in the lower leaf axil, and by its actinomorphic perianth with white marks at the base of each tepal and ± declinate stamens; and T. elandsmontanus Goldblatt J.C.Manning, known from a single population in Elandsberg Nature Reserve near Wellington, has distinctive cream-coloured, moderately long-tubed flowers with unusually narrow, linear tepals heavily marked with purple near the base. In adddition, T. lapeyrousioides [now T. minutus] var. elatior G.J.Lewis in sect. Brevibracteae is raised to species status as T. intermedius Goldblatt J.C.Manning, differing from typical T. minutus by the shorter perianth tube (10–13 vs 20–30 mm), shorter bracts (3–5 vs 6–8 mm), and smaller, ovoid capsules, 4–5 mm long, containing ovoid seeds vs flask-shaped capsules 6–8 mm long and fusiform seeds.
Fabaceae
Authors: Schutte-Vlok A. L.
Published: March 2014

A new species of Xiphotheca from the Western Cape, South Africa.
Asteraceae
Authors: Koekemoer M.
Published: March 2014

Bryomorphe and Dolichothrix (Gnaphalieae–Relhaniinae): taxonomy and nomenclature.
Revision of the genus Sphenostylis (Fabaceae: Phaseoleae) in South Africa and Swaziland
Authors: Moteetee A. N. , Van Wyk B. E.
Published: March 2014

A taxonomic revision of the genus Sphenostylis E.Mey. (tribe Phaseoleae) in southern Africa is presented. The genus is distinguishable by its characteristic wedge-shaped, dorsiventrally flattened style tip. Of the seven known species in the genus, only two, S. angustifolia and S. marginata, occur in South Africa and Swaziland; and the former is endemic to these countries. The two species differ in the size, shape, and venation of the leaflets; as well as the length of the petiole, peduncle, and pod. A key to the two species is provided and the correct nomenclature, typification, and known geographical distributions are given.
Asteraceae
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P.
Published: March 2014

Berkheya jardineana (Arctotideae—Gorteriinae), a new dwarf perennial from the Swartruggens, Western Cape.
Recircumscription and distribution of elements of the ‘Ceterach cordatum’ complex (Asplenium: Aspleniaceae) in southern Africa
Authors: Klopper R. R. , Crouch N. R.
Published: March 2014

Ceterachoid aspleniums in southern Africa have long been treated as a single widespread and variable taxon, Asplenium cordatum (Thunb.) Sw. (= Ceterach cordatum Thunb.). In addition to A. cordatum, a further two ceterachoid taxa are now recognized as occurring in the Flora of southern Africa (FSA) region, namely A. capense (Kunze) Bir, Fraser-Jenk. Lovis and A. phillipsianum (Kümmerle) Bir, Fraser-Jenk. Lovis. We provide full descriptions and distributions of these three taxa.
A taxonomic revision of the southern African native and naturalized species of Silene L. (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Manning J. C. , Goldblatt P.
Published: March 2014

The native and naturalized species of Silene L. in southern Africa are reviewed, with full synonomy and the description of two new species from the West Coast of Western Cape. Eight native species and three naturalized species are recognized, including the first identification in southern Africa of the Mediterranean S. nocturna L. The identity of S. aethiopica Burm., which has remained unknown since its description, is established and is found to be the oldest name for S. clandestina Jacq. Patterns of morphological variation within each species are discussed and subspecies are recognized for geographically segregated groups of populations that are ± morphologically diagnosable. The following new names or combinations are made among the southern African taxa: S. aethiopica subsp. longiflora; S. burchellii subsp. modesta, subsp. multiflora, and subsp. pilosellifolia; S. crassifolia subsp. primuliflora; S. saldanhensis; S. rigens; and S. undulata subsp. polyantha. Each taxon is described, with information on ecology and distribution, and most species are illustrated, including SEM micrographs of the seeds.
Iteaceae
Authors: Jordaan M.
Published: March 2014

Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on the genus Choristylis.