bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Outlook of Female Labor in Turkey in the Context of Social Gender Perception from a Global Perspective
Authors: Kılıç Eda
Published: May 2017

Women have been seen as cheap labor and have participated in the economic life less than their male counterparts since the Industrial Revolution, where they joined the waged labor pool. Though the reasons for the women's low participation in the workforce are various; Turkey's current social structure in particular and the social gender perception which acts as the base of this structure emerge as key determinants. For this reason, establishing the general status of female labor in Turkey and comparing the international and national statistical data from a global perspective around the social gender inequality and the distribution of labor based on social gender is the purpose of this study.
Learn from Experience to Build Competence
Authors: Trinchero Roberto
Published: May 2017

This chapter explore the research issues about effective learning environments and propose a model for designing instructional activities for Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), based on doing meaningful experience and proficient paths of: reflection on experience, abstraction of principles, practice and automatization of principles application, transferring of the principle to other contexts and situations. The model is inspired from classical experiential learning cycles and propose activities with four key-moments: Challenge - Debriefing - Abstracting/Generalizing - Automatization/Transfer (CDAA). As discussed, the model can meet many instances drawn either from research on learning in cognitive science and research in the effectiveness of instructional strategies.
A Perspective on the Application of Mastery Learning Theory in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Nunes Felipe Becker , Herpich Fabrício , Oliveira Maria Angélica Figueiredo , Hannel Kelly , Flores Maria Lucia Pozzatti , Valdeni de Lima José
Published: May 2017

Use of virtual worlds in education can be exploited in different educational topics through use of simulations, 3D objects, multimedia resources and educational activities that seek to assist student's learning. For the realization of these activities, it is necessary to adopt an educational foundation that seeks to guide the processes described. Therefore, this chapter sought to explore the use of virtual worlds with educational theory Mastery Learning, in which the learning activities and educational planning adopted were based on the principles described in this theory. A case of study was applied with a group of students of a discipline of programming and algorithms to show the feasibility of this proposal and explain to readers the particularities of implementation in this integration. Results obtained from this experiment were considered valid and instigators in the middle of the evaluations were positive, and the comments made by students helped to identify a number of difficulties that arose during the experiment.
Using SmallWorlds to Enhance Social Presence, Group Cohesion, and Group Identity in an Online Postgraduate Course
Authors: Konstantinidis Angelos
Published: May 2017

Online learning is proliferating in education, yet the establishment of social presence, development of group cohesion, and cultivation of a group identity can be particularly challenging. These three elements have a key role for a fruitful educational experience in online courses. The same time, research has shown that the use of Virtual Worlds (VWs) in educational contexts can sustain the sense of being and communicating with other people and it potentially increases group coherence and identity. In this chapter the use of a VW, SmallWorlds, for enhancing the aforementioned elements in a distance learning online master's course is discussed. The chapter begins by providing the definitions and importance of the three elements. Next, the rationale behind the choice of SmallWorlds is explained and its main features are presented. What follows is the presentation of the key pedagogical strategies implemented and it is examined how each of these strategies contributes to the enhancement of the three elements. Lastly, a set of suggestions are offered for implementing similar activities.
Gamification
Authors: Pian Alberto
Published: May 2017

In this paper the author shows that the school is an effective gamification structure, based on a dual nature which places it between work and play. So to talk on gamification of school activities is not an entirely accurate expression. In fact, the educational activities have already modeled by a play structure, so it is necessary to call particular attention on the design (Pian, 2014), on creativity and on the evaluation, in an active and multi-channel context (Pian, 2013). The issue of assessment, however, involves choices that are often not shared, such as the allocation of badges, which remains an open question, even in the Anglo-Saxon world where these practices are more widespread.
Foreign Language Teaching Practices in 3D Multi-User Virtual Immersive Learning Environments
Authors: Demirbilek Muhammet , Siauciune Vaida Kazlauskaite
Published: May 2017

3D multi-user virtual environments (MUVE) bring new opportunities to foreign language teaching and learning as a platform for teaching practices. Due to immersive and interactive nature of 3D MUVE, these tools have gained popularity in the field of foreign language learning and teaching. The power of virtual learning environments lies in creating immersive 3-D spaces that give users a sense of learning by doing. Moreover, the environment is interactive and is much the same as real world interaction. MUVE provides strong support for synchronous collaborations, interactions, and immersive environments for experiential and constructivist learning settings. Some key features of the virtual worlds comprise the ability to construct 3D environments that simulate real world situations, as well as the ability to have a virtual identity to create a cross-cultural self and the ability to have participants from around the world acting virtually in designated roles that convey new types of learning within this environment.
Pedagogical Potential of Virtual Worlds
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: May 2017

Every year, the number of people using virtual worlds is increasing. Virtual worlds and their avatars is a unique 3D experience for users. It is expected that virtual worlds will soon become the primary platform for all online activities. Looking at the increasing usage of virtual worlds, educators have started to use virtual worlds in their classes. Virtual worlds have the potential to provide a plethora of opportunities for meaningful learning. The objective of this chapter was to explore the potential applications of virtual worlds to enhance teaching pedagogies. This chapter explored many strengths and weaknesses of virtual worlds in academic settings. Some important issues were highlighted and specific recommendations were provided to make virtual worlds a more powerful and effective environment for student learning.
Design Learning for Inclusion in Virtual World Through Cognitive Enhancement and the Feuerstein MLE's Perspective
Authors: Tegon Rita
Published: May 2017

The process of inclusion (understood not only as the inclusion of special needs) passes through the elements of a psychological-relational and cognitive character, or behaviors mediated by cognition and metacognition. Therefore, the role of the teacher is crucial in designing learning environments that promote inclusion through the development of relational, cognitive and metacognitive potential of students and in seeking the means to appreciate their added value. This paper focuses on models that allow the analysis of the pedagogical affordances (especially cognitive) of the VW and proposes the use of the assumptions of Feuerstein's Mediated Learning Experience (MLE); the goal is to help the teacher/ mediator to foster in the student the development of cognitive potential and make her find strategies and behavior transferable in the natural world. All this in order to promote the growth of young people interested in caring mankind and the world.
Teacher Training in 3D Virtual Worlds
Authors: Wang Yi Fei
Published: May 2017

This chapter explores the process of preparing BC teachers in the use of 3D virtual world technologies to design personalized learning and flexible learning environments. It aims to prepare teachers to effectively use 3D virtual worlds as a pedagogical and professional tool to achieve greater educational outcomes. Numerous studies have explored technology and teacher education. But few of them have examined preparing teachers for challenging technologies such as 3D virtual worlds. This chapter provides a practical framework related to technology and teacher education. Looking across the process, we discern teachers' external and internal barriers that may influence teachers' willingness of the use of 3D virtual worlds in education. We argue that both teachers' external barriers and internal barriers are critical to successful technology integration.
Virtual Reality as a Tool for Enhancing Learning in At-Risk Students and Increasing School Inclusion
Authors: Panzavolta Silvia
Published: May 2017

The contribution aims at exploring previous and current practices of use of virtual environments, 3d Virtual Worlds also, for inclusion in education. There are many experiences of developing and using virtual environments for the inclusion of disabled and problematic students (autistic student, Asperger Syndrome students, dyslexic students, etc.). The majority of the experimentations gave important beneficial results. In particular, the essential technological characteristics of VR that are beneficial for inclusion are: immersion, presence, interaction, transduction and conceptual change. The design of those environments is sometimes conceived together with the final users, applying participatory design techniques. Virtual environments and Virtual Worlds are being used also in the management of drop-out rates and school failure, by using it for curricular diversification classroom with students in a situation of educational exclusion or academic failure. The contribution will discuss 7 cases of successful use of Virtual Reality at school, ranging from primary to secondary education.
Learning by Doing in 3D Environments
Authors: McQueen Barbara , Nowak Anabel , Olsen Jens Kjaer
Published: May 2017

Learning by doing using 3D worlds is a relatively new approach for teachers and students. To date, a limited number of teachers have had the time or money to take university courses on this or otherwise develop in-world teaching that fully takes advantage of the unique opportunities virtual worlds offer. In this chapter, the authors will review the various virtual worlds teachers have been collaborating on to teach different subjects to different people in different languages. The authors will also detail the twists and turns they've encountered in their own attempts to teach together in-world. Finally, the authors will look at new developments on the horizon and how they might impact what is already happening.
Field Research in Second Life
Authors: Nussli Natalie , Oh Kevin
Published: May 2017

This chapter explores the educational potential of discussion groups situated in three-dimensional (3D) virtual worlds. Virtual discussion groups are examined from the following perspectives: the benefits and challenges of participation and the best practices in terms of effective discussion group moderation. The authors start by describing the benefits of online discussion groups and continue by identifying strategies on how to facilitate such meetings effectively, with a focus on techniques promoting a sense of community. The authors will discuss the major themes that emerged from the content analysis of field notes, an ethnographic journal, and interviews with a discussion group member after immersion in various discussion groups in Second Life. An understanding of the communication modalities (voice and text-chat) and the principles of social interaction may help educators use virtual learning environments effectively. Guidelines for discussion group moderation are presented throughout the chapter.
Virtual Worlds in Geoscience Education
Authors: Boniello Annalisa , Paris Eleonora , Santoianni Flavia
Published: May 2017

Describes studies and research on geoscience education in virtual worlds. A correlation between spatial reasoning skills and professional performance in many scientific fields has been demonstrated. Traditional models of education are linked by the ideas that the relationship between teacher and students is asymmetric; the teacher transmits information and the students receive it; With the Web 2.0, traditional models of education should have been passed in favor of post-cognitivist models, where knowledge is distributed, situated and embodied. In this framework of interpretation, learning is no more a task-oriented process and knowledge is no longer transmitted but shared, co-constructed, and negotiated within a learning community. Likewise, Web 2.0 learning approaches allow users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community, in contrast to previous websites where people were limited to passive viewing of content.
Art and Didactics in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Lamonaca Simona
Published: May 2017

Moving from an art experience in a virtual world ending into a school project, technology appears to be a good instrument to activate a deep emotional impact. Immersive art works with this assumption considers the viewers as important part of the artwork, giving them a changing significance depending on who they are. This is possible thanks to the emotional impact of the installation on the users. Moving this premises to school, a project with 12-year-old students shows that it is possible to use emotional involvement of immersive reality to guide teens toward the discovery and analysis of their own emotions, in order to enhance both their self-esteem and their social skills.
MOOCs on Mobiles
Authors: Pelet Jean-Éric , Pratt Marlene A. , Fauvy Stéphane
Published: May 2017

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) have gained popularity for e-learning purposes. Effectiveness of a MOOC depends on the platform interface design and management, which should create student cohesiveness and optimize collaboration. A MOOC prototype was developed and e-learning applications were pilot-tested for one semester with a total of 160 students from graduate courses in a French business school. Students used a mobile supported e-learning environment and reported their experiences through the writing of a synthesis, the building of a CMS (Content Management System) and the elaboration of a content curation system.
College Students' Perception on the Use of Social Network Tool for Education Learning in USA
Authors: Alfadil Mohammed , Alhababi Hamzah , Buhamad Ali
Published: May 2017

This study presents a survey research design on college students' perception on the use of social network tools for education in USA. The survey research design is a very valuable tool for assessing opinions and trends and it includes both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as male and female respondents. The data collection was via University of Northern Colorado (UNC) website (list-serves and Facebook groups). Composite 2 of the survey was eliminated because the responses orders of the items were different from composite 1 as the responses in composite 1 went from strongly disagree to strongly agree while in composite 2 the responses went the other direction and we were afraid the participants did not pay attention to that.
Heuristic Evaluation on M-Learning Applications
Authors: Ramos Christofer , Vianna dos Santos Flávio Anthero Nunes , Vandresen Monique
Published: May 2017

Heuristic evaluation stands out among the usability evaluation methods regarding its benefits related to time and costs. Nevertheless, generic heuristic sets require improvements when it comes to specific interfaces as seen on m-learning applications that have acquired considerable evidence within the current technologic context. Regarding the lack of studies aimed at interfaces of this sort, the authors propose, through a systematic methodology, the comparative study between a heuristic set specific to the assessment on e-learning interfaces and other, on mobile. The identified usability problems were matched with the aspects of coverage, distribution, redundancy, context and severity, in a way that it was possible to understand the efficiency of each set in covering m-learning issues. Among the findings, e-learning's heuristic set could detect a larger number of usability problems not found by mobile's.
Mobile News Apps in India
Authors: Chattopadhyay Saayan
Published: May 2017

This chapter on the consumption of mobile news in developing country draws on the limited but growing scholarship on journalism and mobile media. India, becomes an emblematic instance, as India's mobile phone subscriber base peaked to more than 1 billion users in late 2015, making India the second largest mobile phone user base. In recent years, mobile media in India have also penetrated individuals' news consumption and sharing behaviors. These emerging practices can be posited in relation to the ubiquitous presence of mobile devices and a steadily expanding digital ecosystem. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, this chapter seeks to explore how mobile apps position themselves into wider news media assemblages in a developing country like India and what are the factors that influence mobile apps usage for news consumption in India? Hence, broadly, the article aims to explore, how these emerging practices are transforming not only the dominant ways of distributing the news but also the very nature of the relationship between news media and its audience.
Models of Privacy and Security Issues on Mobile Applications
Authors: Zlatolas Lili Nemec , Welzer Tatjana , Heričko Marjan , Hölbl Marko
Published: May 2017

The development of smart phones and other smart devices has led to the development of mobile applications, which are in use frequently by the users. It is also anticipated that the number of mobile applications will grow rapidly in the next years. This topic has, therefore, been researched highly in the past years. Mobile applications gather user data and that is why privacy and security in mobile applications is a very important research topic. In this chapter we give an overview of the current research on privacy and security issues of mobile applications.
Using Cognitive Psychology to Understand Anticipated User Experience in Computing Products
Authors: Eilu Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

User Experience assessment is an evaluation of user's experience with the product, system or service during ‘use' (i.e., actual interaction experience) as well as ‘anticipated or before use' (i.e., pre-interaction experience).Whereas many user experience researchers may be conversant with explaining a person's experience during use of a product, system or service, they find it difficult to explain experience before a product or service is used (Anticipated Use), which in this chapter is referred to as Anticipated User Experience (AUX). This chapter applies the theory of cognitive psychology and its principles to best explain how Anticipated User Experience occurs and how this experience can be achieved. This chapter goes a long way in informing user experience researchers and practitioners on the relevance of attaining AUX in a computing product and how it can be achieved.
Mobile Commerce Technologies and Management
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: May 2017

This chapter reveals the prospect of mobile commerce (m-commerce); m-commerce and trust; m-commerce, privacy, and security issues; m-commerce adoption and technology acceptance model (TAM); and the significant perspectives on m-commerce. M-commerce is used for business transactions conducted by mobile phones for the promotional and financial activities using the wireless Internet connectivity. M-commerce is the important way to purchase the online items through online services. The main goal of m-commerce is to ensure that customers' shopping experience is well-suited to the smaller screen sizes that they can see on smartphones and tablets. Computer-mediated networks enable these transaction processes through electronic store searches and electronic point-of-sale capabilities. M-commerce brings the new possibility for businesses to sell and promote their products and services toward gaining improved productivity and business growth.
Designing Website Interfaces for M-Commerce With Consideration for Adult Consumers
Authors: Pelet Jean-Éric , Taieb Basma
Published: May 2017

This chapter analyzes the interaction effects between the principal design cues of a mobile commerce website, such as background/foreground colors, font text and layout. Three experiments have been conducted based on visits to a fictitious m-commerce website. Experiment 1 manipulates the levels of color contrast: positive contrast (light text on a dark background) versus negative contrast (dark text on a light background). In experiment 2, contrast and font have been manipulated with a complete factorial plan: 2 x 2 (negative vs positive contrast x serif font vs sans serif font). Finally, contrast and layout have been manipulated in a third experimental 2 x 2 plan (negative vs positive contrast x dense vs airy layout). This research involved 219 French participants. Results show significant effects of the positive contrast (light text on a dark background) of the mobile website design on the purchase and revisit intentions of adults. Discussions about the interaction effects of design elements, limitations and directions for future research follow.
Mobile Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Dursun Tolga , Çelik Süleyman
Published: May 2017

Electronic platforms provide many advantages both customers and companies due to development of communication technology. Today almost every people have smartphones and tablets. Thus mobile customer relationship management became an significant concept for generating long-term relationships and increasing customer satisfaction, retention and loyalty. In addition companies use mobile CRM to facilitate salespeople for better performance in marketing activities. M-CRM offers interactive relationships between firms and companies. In this study, we define what is customer relationship management and origins of CRM. After that we stated electronic customer relationship management concept and finally we mentioned about mobile CRM especially benefits and characteristics of it.
Benefits of Using Social Media Commerce Applications for Businesses
Authors: Hyseni Ardian
Published: May 2017

Social media commerce has changed the way of commerce globally; customers are affected more and more by social media, in decision making for buying a product or a service. While in the past people were affected by traditional marketing ways like newspapers, televisions and radios for buying a product, nowadays, through social media customers can find feedbacks and reviews on social media and can see thousands of photos of a single product with less a minute of searching in a social networking sites like. With the growth of social media's impact on businesses, social commerce has become a trending way of making commerce. In this paper it demonstrated a platform for businesses to make commerce through Facebook which is called Facebook commerce.
Cultivating Global Citizens for the Global Good
Authors: Yeaton Katie E. , Garcia Hugo A. , Soria Jessica , Huerta Margarita
Published: May 2017

Being cognizant of international matters and understanding of cultures other than one's own are standards that indicate global citizen readiness. Cultural competency and international mindfulness inherently fosters opportunities for dialogue and developing relations between countries. Higher education students in the United States are instructed in an English-dominant environment, a hindrance to their global citizenship preparedness. A facet of global citizenship bids competency in a language other than English and limiting students to one language will isolate them from the rest of the world. The question therefore unfolds around the benefits of bi/multilingualism and the accessibility of language particularly in self-proclaimed worldly universities. Ultimately, cultural and developmental language learning in United States is neglected, birthing a second language illiteracy crisis in higher education.
A Case Study of Duke Kunshan University
Authors: Vollrath Matthew , Lloyd Robert A , Liu Yanxu
Published: May 2017

This chapter considers Duke University's motivation, approach, and challenges in launching its international branch campus (IBC), Duke Kunshan University in Kunshan, China. Differing perspectives on the project are presented from the point of view of DKU students, faculty, administrators, and an international education consultant. Taken together and in the context of relevant literature and the information provided in Duke University's primary China planning document, their thoughts and observations offer valuable insight to the ongoing conversation about the role of IBCs in higher education, and coalesce around the importance of an institutional brand rooted in consistent values and a genuine culture of faculty, staff, and student engagement.
Accessibility of Sino-African Educational Partnerships in Higher Education
Authors: Tsui Chak Pong Gordon
Published: May 2017

By analyzing current literatures (2012-2016) and using author's personal experience in bringing one Chinese university's students to have service learning projects in Africa, this chapter aims at 1. reviewing the current forms of and 2. explore the alternative way of Sino-African educational partnerships in higher education since the establishment of Peoples' Republic of China in 1949. The literatures have informed that Sino-African educational partnerships have received positive feedback. However, cultural challenges associated with the existing educational partnerships may result in lowering the partnerships quality. The motivations of the African students to pursue their studies in Chinese universities may subsequently be lowered. To deal with these potential problems, the chapter argues that one way to handle the cultural issues could be to let both Chinese and African students experience their cultures physically before educational partnerships.
Access to Higher Education for People with Disabilities
Authors: Hu Luanjiao , Lin Jing
Published: May 2017

This chapter focuses on a series of related questions centered on access issue for people with disabilities in Chinese higher education: what is the representation for people with disabilities in Chinese higher education? What factors contribute to the impediment of access for higher education for people with disabilities? What educational legislation exist that provide educational guidelines for people with disabilities? What cultural traditions underlie the lack of educational attainment for people with disabilities in China?
Accessibility to Higher Education in Nigeria
Authors: Odia James Osabuohien , Odia Agnes Anuoluwapo
Published: May 2017

Accessibility to university education represents a vital instrument for personal empowerment as well as the economic growth and technological advancement of a country. It is against the backdrop of the relevance and benefits of higher education that the quests for admission to Nigerian universities have assumed an alarming dimension due to the increasing annual applications to enroll for the entrance examinations conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Boards and the subsequent screening by the respective universities. Unfortunately, most of the candidates are unable to gain admission to the university. The chapter considers some of the issues and challenges associated with low accessibility to university education for people seeking admission into Nigerian Universities and also suggest the ways to address the problems.
A New Fuzzy Process Capability Index for Asymmetric Tolerance Interval
Authors: Ganji Zainab Abbasi , Gildeh Bahram Sadeghpour
Published: May 2017

Process capability indices are used to evaluate the performance of the manufacturing process. When the specification limits and the target value are not precise, the authors cannot use the traditional methods to assess the capability of the process. For the processes with asymmetric tolerance intervals, some fuzzy process capability indices have been introduced such as and . In some cases, these indices may fail to account the process performance. To overcome the problem with them, the authors propose two new fuzzy indices in the case that the specification limits and the target value are fuzzy while the data are crisp. Also, the authors present an application example to demonstrate effectiveness and performance of the proposed indices.
Use of geographical information systems for delimiting health service areas in China
Authors: Xiong Xuechen , Luo Li
Published: May 2017

With the objective of choosing a practical and valid method to delimit health service areas of regional health service centres to build a regional basic health service network, we first drew lessons from traditional geographic methods of delimiting trade areas and then applied two methods to delimit health service areas, i.e. the proximal method and the gravity method. We verified the effectiveness of these methods by an index of similarity with the aid of real in-patient data. Calculation of the similarity indices shows that health service areas delimited by the proximal method has an 87.3% similarity to the real health service area, while the gravity method gives 88.6%. Our conclusion is that both methods are suitable for delimiting health service areas at regional health service centres, but find that the proximal method is more practicable in operational terms for delimiting health service areas in region health planning.
Estimating small area health-related characteristics of populations: a methodological review
Authors: Rahman Azizur
Published: May 2017

Estimation of health-related characteristics at a fine local geographic level is vital for effective health promotion programmes, provision of better health services and population-specific health planning and management. Lack of a micro-dataset readily available for attributes of individuals at small areas negatively impacts the ability of local and national agencies to manage serious health issues and related risks in the community. A solution to this challenge would be to develop a method that simulates reliable small-area statistics. This paper provides a significant appraisal of the methodologies for estimating health-related characteristics of populations at geographical limited areas. Findings reveal that a range of methodologies are in use, which can be classified as three distinct set of approaches: i) indirect standardisation and individual level modelling; ii) multilevel statistical modelling; and iii) micro-simulation modelling. Although each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses, it appears that microsimulation- based spatial models have significant robustness over the other methods and also represent a more precise means of estimating health-related population characteristics over small areas.
Spatial epidemiology of cancer: a review of data sources, methods and risk factors
Authors: Roquette Rita , Painho Marco , Nunes Baltazar
Published: May 2017

Cancer is a major concern among chronic diseases today. Spatial epidemiology plays a relevant role in this matter and we present here a review of this subject, including a discussion of the literature in terms of the level of geographic data aggregation, risk factors and methods used to analyse the spatial distribution of patterns and spatial clusters. For this purpose, we performed a websearch in the Pubmed and Web of Science databases including studies published between 1979 and 2015. We found 180 papers from 63 journals and noted that spatial epidemiology of cancer has been addressed with more emphasis during the last decade with research based on data mostly extracted from cancer registries and official mortality statistics. In general, the research questions present in the reviewed papers can be classified into three different sets: i) analysis of spatial distribution of cancer and/or its temporal evolution; ii) risk factors; iii) development of data analysis methods and/or evaluation of results obtained from application of existing methods. This review is expected to help promote research in this area through the identification of relevant knowledge gaps. Cancer’s spatial epidemiology represents an important concern, mainly for public health policies design aimed to minimise the impact of chronic disease in specific populations.
Spatial accessibility to basic public health services in South Sudan
Authors: Macharia Peter M. , Ouma Paul O. , Gogo Ezekiel G. , Snow Robert W. , Noor Abdisalan M.
Published: May 2017

At independence in 2011, South Sudan’s health sector was almost non-existent. The first national health strategic plan aimed to achieve an integrated health facility network that would mean that 70% of the population were within 5 km of a health service provider. Publically available data on functioning and closed health facilities, population distribution, road networks, land use and elevation were used to compute the fraction of the population within 1 hour walking distance of the nearest public health facility offering curative services. This metric was summarised for each of the 78 counties in South Sudan and compared with simpler metrics of the proportion of the population within 5 km of a health facility. In 2016, it is estimated that there were 1747 public health facilities, out of which 294 were non-functional in part due to the on-going civil conflict. Access to a service provider was poor with only 25.7% of the population living within one-hour walking time to a facility and 28.6% of the population within 5 km. These metrics, when applied sub-nationally, identified the same high priority, most vulnerable counties. Simple metrics based upon population distribution and location of facilities might be as valuable as more complex models of health access, where attribute data on travel routes are imperfect or incomplete and sparse. Disparities exist in South Sudan among counties and those with the poorest health access should be targeted for priority expansion of clinical services.
An analysis of the process and results of manual geocode correction
Authors: McDonald Yolanda J. , Schwind Michael , Goldberg Daniel W. , Lampley Amanda , Wheeler Cosette M.
Published: May 2017

Geocoding is the science and process of assigning geographical coordinates (i.e. latitude, longitude) to a postal address. The quality of the geocode can vary dramatically depending on several variables, including incorrect input address data, missing address components, and spelling mistakes. A dataset with a considerable number of geocoding inaccuracies can potentially result in an imprecise analysis and invalid conclusions. There has been little quantitative analysis of the amount of effort (i.e. time) to perform geocoding correction, and how such correction could improve geocode quality type. This study used a low-cost and easy to implement method to improve geocode quality type of an input database (i.e. addresses to be matched) through the processes of manual geocode intervention, and it assessed the amount of effort to manually correct inaccurate geocodes, reported the resulting match rate improvement between the original and the corrected geocodes, and documented the corresponding spatial shift by geocode quality type resulting from the corrections. Findings demonstrated that manual intervention of geocoding resulted in a 90% improvement of geocode quality type, took 42 hours to process, and the spatial shift ranged from 0.02 to 151,368 m. This study provides evidence to inform research teams considering the application of manual geocoding intervention that it is a low-cost and relatively easy process to execute.
Climate and the distribution of vector-borne diseases: what’s in store?
Authors: Bergquist Robert
Published: May 2017

Not available.
Statistical survey of day-side magnetospheric current flow using Cluster observations: magnetopause
Authors: Liebert Evelyn , Nabert Christian , Perschke Christopher , Fornaçon Karl-Heinz , Glassmeier Karl-Heinz
Published: May 2017

Abstract. We present a statistical survey of current structures observed by the Cluster spacecraft at high-latitude day-side magnetopause encounters in the close vicinity of the polar cusps. Making use of the curlometer technique and the fluxgate magnetometer data, we calculate the 3-D current densities and investigate the magnetopause current direction, location, and magnitude during varying solar wind conditions. We find that the orientation of the day-side current structures is in accordance with existing magnetopause current models. Based on the ambient plasma properties, we distinguish five different transition regions at the magnetopause surface and observe distinctive current properties for each region. Additionally, we find that the location of currents varies with respect to the onset of the changes in the plasma environment during magnetopause crossings.
A class of probability distributions for application to non-negative
annual maxima
Authors: Bardsley Earl
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Many environmental variables of interest as potential hazards take on only positive values, such a wind speed or river discharge. While recognising that primary interest is for largest extremes, it is desirable that distributions of maxima for design purposes should be subject to similar bounds as the physical variable concerned. A modified univariate extreme value argument defines a set of distributions, all bounded below at zero, with potential for application to annual maxima. Let f(x) be a probability distribution over the range, 0 ≤ x ≤ ω, where 0  0, c > 0 where ɛ = g(ω) and ɛ, ɑ, and c are respectively location, scale, and shape parameters. The distribution F(y) holds generally as an extreme value expression for sufficiently large N, irrespective of which of the three possible asymptotic extreme value distributions of sample maxima holds for X*. Therefore, the limit Weibull distribution for, say, Y* = X*−1 has no less validity as a single expression for obtaining exceedance probabilities than the generalized extreme value distribution applied directly to X*. If follows that a class of probability distributions for possible use with positive-valued annual maxima can be defined from the application of the inverse function g−1 to Weibull random variables for ɛ ≥ 0. All distributions so obtained are defined over the range 0 ≤ x ≤ ω, which actually excludes all of the asymptotic extreme value distributions of maxima except for the special case of the Type 2 extreme value distribution with location parameter at zero. It is to be expected, however, that the asymptotic distributions will sometimes hold to a high level of approximation within the 0, ω interval. No specific distribution is advocated for annual maxima application because concern here is only with drawing attention to the existence of the distribution class. The transformation approach is illustrated with respect the distribution of reciprocals of random variables generated from a 3-parameter Weibull distribution with ɛ ≥ 0.
PANSHARPENING TECHNIQUES TO DETECT MASS MONUMENT DAMAGING IN IRAQ
Authors: Baiocchi V. , Bianchi A. , Maddaluno C. , Vidale M.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The recent mass destructions of monuments in Iraq cannot be monitored with the terrestrial survey methodologies, for obvious reasons of safety. For the same reasons, it’s not advisable the use of classical aerial photogrammetry, so it was obvious to think to the use of multispectral Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery. Nowadays VHR satellite images resolutions are very near airborne photogrammetrical images and usually they are acquired in multispectral mode. The combination of the various bands of the images is called pan-sharpening and it can be carried on using different algorithms and strategies. The correct pansharpening methodology, for a specific image, must be chosen considering the specific multispectral characteristics of the satellite used and the particular application. In this paper a first definition of guidelines for the use of VHR multispectral imagery to detect monument destruction in unsafe area, is reported. The proposed methodology, agreed with UNESCO and soon to be used in Libya for the coastal area, has produced a first report delivered to the Iraqi authorities. Some of the most evident examples are reported to show the possible capabilities of identification of damages using VHR images.
THE TOMB OF SETI I (KV17) IN THE FLORENCE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM.
INTEGRATED NON-INVASIVE METHODS FOR DOCUMENTATION,
MATERIAL HISTORY AND DIAGNOSTICS
Authors: Coppola M. , Bracci S. , Cantisani E. , Magrini D.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is a magnificent example of New Kingdom funerary architecture, among the longest tombs in the Valley of the Kings. As part of a collaboration between the Egyptian Museum in Florence, the University of Florence and CNR, a survey project was launched, with non-invasive methods, on the fragments from the Seti I tomb, in Florence, coming from a gate jamb connecting the chamber F to the corridor G, taken by the franco-tuscan expedition in 1829. The primary goal is to achieve the best level of documentation, knowledge of the material history and conservation assessment. Preliminary results allowed to focus some steps of the history of this fragment, from its realization to the present. The digital documentation created an excellent support for the mapping and management of the collected information. Even if still on a preliminary phase, this study shows how the combination of imaging and spectroscopic techniques allowed the characterization of many materials and the mapping of their distribution on the surface. Several original pigments have been identified as well as many anomalies due to subsequent interventions.
ACCURACY ASSESSMENT OF POINT CLOUDS GEO-REFERENCING IN SURVEYING AND DOCUMENTATION OF HISTORICAL COMPLEXES
Authors: Fryskowska A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) technique is widely used for documentation and preservation of historical sites by for example creating three-dimensional (3-D) digital models or vectorial sketches. In consequence, a complex, complete, detail and accurate documentation of historical structure is created. It is very crucial when it comes about modern digital culture. If we acquire TLS data of once particular structure usually we do it in local coordinate system of scanner. Nevertheless when measurements are conducted for complex of several historical buildings or monuments (i.e. castle ruins, building of narrow streets of the Old Towns), the registration of point clouds into a common, global coordinate system is one of the critical steps in TLS data processing. Then we have integrate data with different accuracy level. Inner accuracy of local coordinate system (scanner system) is usually thrice higher than for global coordinate systems measurement. The paper describes the geometric quality of the direct georeferencing in post-processing, considering surveying points. Then, an analysis of factors affecting registration accuracy is proposed. Finally, an improvement of direct georeferencing technique is presented and examined. Furthermore, registered data and chosen orientation methods have been compared to each other.
CONSERVATION PROCESS MODEL (CPM): A TWOFOLD SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SCOPE IN THE INFORMATION MODELLING FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE
Authors: Fiorani D. , Acierno M.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The aim of the present research is to develop an instrument able to adequately support the conservation process by means of a twofold approach, based on both BIM environment and ontology formalisation. Although BIM has been successfully experimented within AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) field, it has showed many drawbacks for architectural heritage. To cope with unicity and more generally complexity of ancient buildings, applications so far developed have shown to poorly adapt BIM to conservation design with unsatisfactory results (Dore, Murphy 2013; Carrara 2014). In order to combine achievements reached within AEC through BIM environment (design control and management) with an appropriate, semantically enriched and flexible The presented model has at its core a knowledge base developed through information ontologies and oriented around the formalization and computability of all the knowledge necessary for the full comprehension of the object of architectural heritage an its conservation. Such a knowledge representation is worked out upon conceptual categories defined above all within architectural criticism and conservation scope. The present paper aims at further extending the scope of conceptual modelling within cultural heritage conservation already formalized by the model. A special focus is directed on decay analysis and surfaces conservation project.
LASER SCANNING AND MODELLING OF BARELY VISIBLE FEATURES: THE SURVEY OF THE GROTTO OF THE ANIMALS AT THE VILLA OF CASTELLO (FLORENCE)
Authors: Tesi V. , Tucci G. , Bonora V. , Fiorini L. , Conti A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The deep fusion of natural and artificial elements typical of Italian Renaissance gardens is particularly evident in the park of Villa di Castello and in the Grotto of the Animals, also called Grotto of the Flood. The soil slope is the essential element of a huge underlying hydraulic machine and it is the result of extensive earthworks which led to the construction of the big retaining wall limiting the grotto and the adjacent fountains. Hence, this grotto represents only the visible part of a mechanism running all around it. It is formed by a single chamber vaulted and covered with sponge-like stones, as well as decorations made of pebbles and shells. The space is divided into three wings, with big marble basins at their end. Over them there are reliefs of animals made of different stones and marbles. Animals recur also in the compositions of fish and shellfish decorating the side basins and in the bronze birds currently kept in the Museo del Bargello. The name “Grotto of the Flood” comes from the water feature that characterised this place: visitors were surprised by tens of jets hidden among the stones in the vault and in the floor. To obtain this effect, the whole grotto is surrounded by multi-storey tunnels, hiding the hydraulic system and people activating the mechanisms. Research agreements were drawn up between the Special Superintendence for the Historical, Artistic and Ethnoanthropological Heritage, the Florence museums group and the GeCO Lab, for the realization of the survey presented in this paper. The task of the GeCO Lab was thus identifying the best solutions to check the spatial relations between the grotto and the area above, as well as the geometric and functional connections between the building and the ancient hydraulic system, composed by pipes and nozzles concealed between the stones. Besides, the overall survey was intended as a documentation of the on-going restoration work.