bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Réaction des populations en cas d'alerte sur les flancs des volcans actifs tropicaux : exemple de la crise du Kelut (Java, Indonésie), fin 2007 (People's response to warning in the event of a volcanic eruption : the example of Kelut volcano, Java, in late 2007)
Authors: De gouzillon de bélizal Édouard , Lavigne Franck , Gaillard J. C. , Grancher Delphine
Published: February 2016

As Kelut volcano renew rumblings in the end of 2007, the Indonesian authorities decided to evacuate the threatened populations. Whereas the crisis management plans seem to be strategic, many people refused to evacuate. The lack of communication between the authorities and the threatened populations is the main issue of this crisis management failure : people did not feel protected, but constrained by the police and the army. That's why many of them preferred to hide and to stay in the village, even though a great eruption would happen. Population 's vulnerability can thus be increased by such a crisis management, very strategic but so far from the daily life and the habits of this population. This case study is another example showing that the issue of vulnerability cannot be resolved only by a strategic crisis management.
Activation of Endogenous Cardiac Stem Cells by Apelin-13 in Infarcted Rat Heart
Authors: Zhang Ning Kun , Cao Yi , Zhu Zhi Ming , Zheng Nan , Wang Li , Xu Xiao Hong , Gao Lian Ru
Published: February 2016

Our previous study demonstrated that the apelin–APJ pathway contributed to myocardial regeneration and functional recovery after bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) transplantation during the differentiation of BM-MSCs into cardiomyogenic cells in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rat models. However, the underlying mechanisms by which apelin promotes cardiac repair and functional recovery have not been completely clarified. In the present study, we investigated whether apelin could mobilize and activate endogenous cardiac stem cells and progenitors, thereby mediating regeneration and repair of the myocardium after AMI in rat models. Six-week-old male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent AMI and received apelin-13 (200 ng, n = 10) or an equivalent volume of saline by intramyocardial injection ( n = 10); there was also a sham operation group ( n = 8). Proliferation of endogenous cardiac stem cells was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining in rat infarcted myocardium, and heart function was evaluated by echocardiography at 28 days after apelin-13 injection. Treatment with apelin-13 led to a significant increase of Ki-67+-c-kit+/Sca-1+/Flk-1+ endogenous cardiac stem or progenitor cells in the border zone and infarct zone of rat hearts at 28 days after myocardial infarction (MI). Significant increases in the expression of c-kit, Sca-1, and Flk-1 on both levels of transcription and translation were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Treatment of apelin-13 also resulted in a significant reduction of infarct size and improvement of cardiac function post-MI. We conclude that apelin-13 is able to enhance mobilization, survival, and proliferation of endogenous myocardial stem cells in the injured heart, providing a novel mechanistic explanation for how apelin-13 might repair the heart and improve cardiac function. Thus, apelin-13 or pharmacological agonists of the APJ receptor could act as novel therapies for heart regeneration.
Intravenous Injection of Clinical Grade Human MSCs after Experimental Stroke: Functional Benefit and Microvascular Effect
Authors: Moisan Anaïck , Favre Isabelle , Rome Claire , De Fraipont Florence , Grillon Emmanuelle , Coquery Nicolas , Mathieu Hervé , Mayan Virginie , Naegele Bernadette , Hommel Marc , Richard Marie-Jeanne , Barbier Emmanuel Luc , Remy Chantal , Detante Olivier
Published: February 2016

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults. Many current clinical trials use intravenous (IV) administration of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). This autologous graft requires a delay for ex vivo expansion of cells. We followed microvascular effects and mechanisms of action involved after an IV injection of human BM-MSCs (hBM-MSCs) at a subacute phase of stroke. Rats underwent a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) or a surgery without occlusion (sham) at day 0 (D0). At D8, rats received an IV injection of 3 million hBM-MSCs or PBS-glutamine. In a longitudinal behavioral follow-up, we showed delayed somatosensory and cognitive benefits 4 to 7 weeks after hBM-MSC injection. In a separate longitudinal in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, we observed an enhanced vascular density in the ischemic area 2 and 3 weeks after hBM-MSC injection. Histology and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed an overexpression of angiogenic factors such as Ang1 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) at D16 in hBM-MSC-treated MCAo rats compared to PBS-treated MCAo rats. Altogether, delayed IV injection of hBM-MSCs provides functional benefits and increases cerebral angiogenesis in the stroke lesion via a release of endogenous angiogenic factors enhancing the stabilization of newborn vessels. Enhanced angiogenesis could therefore be a means of improving functional recovery after stroke.
A Multicenter Study: North American Islet Donor Score in Donor Pancreas Selection for Human Islet Isolation for Transplantation
Authors: Wang Ling-Jia , Kin Tatsuya , O'gorman Doug , Shapiro A. M. James , Naziruddin Bashoo , Takita Morihito , Levy Marlon F. , Posselt Andrew M. , Szot Gregory L. , Savari Omid , Barbaro Barbara , McGarrigle James , Yeh Chun Chieh , Oberholzer Jose , Lei Ji , Chen Tao , Lian Moh , Markmann James F. , Alvarez Alejandro , Linetsky Elina , Ricordi Camillo , Balamurugan A. N. , Loganathan Gopalakrishnan , Wilhelm Joshua J. , Hering Bernhard J. , Bottino Rita , Trucco Massimo , Liu Chengyang , Min Zaw , Li Yanjing , Naji Ali , Fernandez Luis A. , Ziemelis Martynas , Danobeitia Juan S. , Millis J. Michael , Witkowski Piotr
Published: February 2016

Selection of an optimal donor pancreas is the first key task for successful islet isolation. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in 11 centers in North America to develop an islet donor scoring system using donor variables. The data set consisting of 1,056 deceased donors was used for development of a scoring system to predict islet isolation success (defined as postpurification islet yield >400,000 islet equivalents). With the aid of univariate logistic regression analyses, we developed the North American Islet Donor Score (NAIDS) ranging from 0 to 100 points. The c index in the development cohort was 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.70–0.76). The success rate increased proportionally as the NAIDS increased, from 6.8% success in the NAIDS < 50 points to 53.7% success in the NAIDS ≥ 80 points. We further validated the NAIDS using a separate set of data consisting of 179 islet isolations. A comparable outcome of the NAIDS was observed in the validation cohort. The NAIDS may be a useful tool for donor pancreas selection in clinical practice. Apart from its utility in clinical decision making, the NAIDS may also be used in a research setting as a standardized measurement of pancreas quality.
A Sequential Sentence Paradigm Using Revised PRESTO Sentence Lists
Authors: Plotkowski Andrea R. , Alexander Joshua M.
Published: February 2016

Background:Listening in challenging situations requires explicit cognitive resources to decode and process speech. Traditional speech recognition tests are limited in documenting this cognitive effort, which may differ greatly between individuals or listening conditions despite
similar scores. A sequential sentence paradigm was designed to be more sensitive to individual differences in demands on verbal processing during speech recognition.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to establish the feasibility, validity, and equivalency of test materials in the
sequential sentence paradigm as well as to evaluate the effects of masker type, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and working memory (WM) capacity on performance in the task.Research Design:Listeners heard a pair of sentences and repeated aloud the second sentence (immediate recall) and
then wrote down the first sentence (delayed recall). Sentence lists were from the Perceptually Robust English Sentence Test Open-set (PRESTO) test. In experiment I, listeners completed a traditional speech recognition task. In experiment II, listeners completed the sequential sentence task
at one SNR. In experiment III, the masker type (steady noise versus multitalker babble) and SNR were varied to demonstrate the effects of WM as the speech material increased in difficulty.Study Sample:Young, normal-hearing adults (total n = 53) from the Purdue University community completed
one of the three experiments.Data Collection and Analysis:Keyword scoring of the PRESTO lists was completed for both the immediate- and delayed-recall sentences. The Verbal Letter Monitoring task, a test of WM, was used to separate listeners into a low-WM or high-WM group.Results:Experiment
I indicated that mean recognition on the single-sentence task was highly variable between the original PRESTO lists. Modest rearrangement of the sentences yielded 18 statistically equivalent lists (mean recognition = 65.0%, range = 64.4‐65.7%), which were used in the sequential sentence
task in experiment II. In the new test paradigm, recognition of the immediate-recall sentences was not statistically different from the single-sentence task, indicating that there were no cognitive load effects from the delayed-recall sentences. Finally, experiment III indicated that multitalker
babble was equally detrimental compared to steady-state noise for immediate recall of sentences for both low- and high-WM groups. On the other hand, delayed recall of sentences in multitalker babble was disproportionately more difficult for the low-WM group compared with the high-WM group.Conclusions:The
sequential sentence paradigm is a feasible test format with mostly equivalent lists. Future studies using this paradigm may need to consider individual differences in WM to see the full range of effects across different conditions. Possible applications include testing the efficacy of various
signal-processing techniques in clinical populations.
On the Normative Evaluation and Presentation of Some Phenomena in Lithuanian Syntax: Cases of the Prepositional Construction tikėti į ką (Believe in sb.) and Attributive Locative
Authors: Valskys Vidas
Published: February 2016

The article is an analysis of issues concerning the relationship of the prepositional construction tikėti į ką (“believe in sb.”) and the attributive locative with the codified language norm. On the basis of the polemic and insights by some linguists and theologists as well as the data of contemporary usage, it is argued in the article whether the phrase tikėti į Dievą (“believe in God”) should reasonably be treated as a translation loanword, whether it does not possess distinctive semantics typical of the Christian discourse, due to which such a prepositional construction should rather be acknowledged as variant of the norm in Standard Lithuanian. The article also contains a discussion on some cases of expressing an attribute using the locative case, as they also have a nuance of location. Therefore, a question is raised whether they are reasonably attributed to syntactic phenomena that should be avoided in standard language.
Some Terminological and Typological Features of Unrealized Architecture
Authors: Gudelytė-Račienė Indrė
Published: February 2016

The article analyzes the topic of unrealized architecture in both linguistic and typological perspective. The author raises hitherto rarely discussed terminological issues, analyzes the most commonly used notions and terms in conjuction with their suitability in architectural discourse. The article suggests the general typological model of unrealized architecture. Furthermore, the paper reveals the change of the concept of some unrealized architectural projects’ types (specifically “utopian” and “visionary”) throughout history.
THE CHANDRA COSMOS LEGACY SURVEY: OVERVIEW AND POINT SOURCE CATALOG
Authors: Civano F. , Marchesi S. , Comastri A. , Urry M. C. , Elvis M. , Cappelluti N. , Puccetti S. , Brusa M. , Zamorani G. , Hasinger G. , Aldcroft T. , Alexander D. M. , Allevato V. , Brunner H. , Capak P. , Finoguenov A. , Fiore F. , Fruscione A. , Gilli R. , Glotfelty K. , Griffiths R. E. , Hao H. , Harrison F. A. , Jahnke K. , Kartaltepe J. , Karim A. , LaMassa S. M. , Lanzuisi G. , Miyaji T. , Ranalli P. , Salvato M. , Sargent M. , Scoville N. J. , Schawinski K. , Schinnerer E. , Silverman J. , Smolcic V. , Stern D. , Toft S. , Trakhenbrot B. , Treister E. , Vignali C.
Published: February 2016

The COSMOS-Legacy survey is a 4.6 Ms Chandra program that has imaged 2.2 deg2 of the COSMOS field with an effective exposure of

ks over the central 1.5 deg2 and of

ks in the remaining area. The survey is the combination of 56 new observations obtained as an X-ray Visionary Project with the previous C-COSMOS survey. We describe the reduction and analysis of the new observations and the properties of 2273 point sources detected above a spurious probability of 2 × 10−5. We also present the updated properties of the C-COSMOS sources detected in the new data. The whole survey includes 4016 point sources (3814, 2920 and 2440 in the full, soft, and hard band). The limiting depths are 2.2 × 10−16, 1.5 × 10−15, and 8.9 × 10−16

in the 0.5–2, 2–10, and 0.5–10 keV bands, respectively. The observed fraction of obscured active galactic nuclei with a column density >1022 cm−2 from the hardness ratio (HR) is ∼50

%. Given the large sample we compute source number counts in the hard and soft bands, significantly reducing the uncertainties of 5%–10%. For the first time we compute number counts for obscured (HR > −0.2) and unobscured (HR < −0.2) sources and find significant differences between the two populations in the soft band. Due to the unprecedent large exposure, COSMOS-Legacy area is three times larger than surveys at similar depths and its depth is three times fainter than surveys covering similar areas. The area-flux region occupied by COSMOS-Legacy is likely to remain unsurpassed for years to come.
MODELING THE ROSSITER–MCLAUGHLIN EFFECT: IMPACT OF THE CONVECTIVE CENTER-TO-LIMB VARIATIONS IN THE STELLAR PHOTOSPHERE
Authors: Cegla H. M. , Oshagh M. , Watson C. A. , Figueira P. , Santos N. C. , Shelyag S.
Published: February 2016

Observations of the Rossiter–McLaughlin (RM) effect provide information on star–planet alignments, which can inform planetary migration and evolution theories. Here, we go beyond the classical RM modeling and explore the impact of a convective blueshift that varies across the stellar disk and non-Gaussian stellar photospheric profiles. We simulated an aligned hot Jupiter with a four-day orbit about a Sun-like star and injected center-to-limb velocity (and profile shape) variations based on radiative 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations of solar surface convection. The residuals between our modeling and classical RM modeling were dependent on the intrinsic profile width and v sin i; the amplitude of the residuals increased with increasing v sin i and with decreasing intrinsic profile width. For slowly rotating stars the center-to-limb convective variation dominated the residuals (with amplitudes of 10 s of cm s−1 to ∼1 m s−1); however, for faster rotating stars the dominant residual signature was due a non-Gaussian intrinsic profile (with amplitudes from 0.5 to 9 m s−1). When the impact factor was 0, neglecting to account for the convective center-to-limb variation led to an uncertainty in the obliquity of ∼10°–20°, even though the true v sin i was known. Additionally, neglecting to properly model an asymmetric intrinsic profile had a greater impact for more rapidly rotating stars (e.g., v sin i = 6 km s−1) and caused systematic errors on the order of ∼20° in the measured obliquities. Hence, neglecting the impact of stellar surface convection may bias star–planet alignment measurements and consequently theories on planetary migration and evolution.
A HOT FLUX ROPE OBSERVED BY SDO/AIA
Authors: Aparna V. , Tripathi Durgesh
Published: February 2016

A filament eruption was observed on 2010 October 31 in the images recorded by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) in its Extreme Ultra-Violet (EUV) channels. The filament showed a slow-rise phase followed by a fast rise and was classified to be an asymmetric eruption. In addition, multiple localized brightenings which were spatially and temporally associated with the slow-rise phase were identified, leading us to believe that the tether-cutting mechanism initiated the eruption. An associated flux rope was detected in high-temperature channels of AIA, namely 94 and 131 Å, corresponding to 7 and 11 MK plasma respectively. In addition, these channels are also sensitive to cooler plasma corresponding to 1–2 MK. In this study, we have applied the algorithm devised by Warren et al. to remove cooler emission from the 94 Å channel to deduce only the high-temperature structure of the flux rope and to study its temporal evolution. We found that the flux rope was very clearly seen in the clean 94 Å channel image corresponding to Fe xviii emission, which corresponds to a plasma at a temperature of 7 MK. This temperature matched well with that obtained using Differential Emission Measure analysis. This study provides important constrains in the modeling of the thermodynamic structure of the flux ropes in coronal mass ejections.
TURBULENCE-GENERATED PROTON-SCALE STRUCTURES IN THE TERRESTRIAL MAGNETOSHEATH
Authors: Vörös Zoltán , Yordanova Emiliya , Echim Marius M. , Consolini Giuseppe , Narita Yasuhito
Published: February 2016

Recent results of numerical magnetohydrodynamic simulations suggest that in collisionless space plasmas, turbulence can spontaneously generate thin current sheets. These coherent structures can partially explain the intermittency and the non-homogenous distribution of localized plasma heating in turbulence. In this Letter, Cluster multi-point observations are used to investigate the distribution of magnetic field discontinuities and the associated small-scale current sheets in the terrestrial magnetosheath downstream of a quasi-parallel bow shock. It is shown experimentally, for the first time, that the strongest turbulence-generated current sheets occupy the long tails of probability distribution functions associated with extremal values of magnetic field partial derivatives. During the analyzed one-hour time interval, about a hundred strong discontinuities, possibly proton-scale current sheets, were observed.
A HIGH BRAKING INDEX FOR A PULSAR
Authors: Archibald R. F. , Gotthelf E. V. , Ferdman R. D. , Kaspi V. M. , Guillot S. , Harrison F. A. , Keane E. F. , Pivovaroff M. J. , Stern D. , Tendulkar S. P. , Tomsick J. A.
Published: February 2016

We present a phase-coherent timing solution for PSR J1640–4631, a young 206 ms pulsar using X-ray timing observations taken with NuSTAR. Over this timing campaign, we have measured the braking index of PSR J1640–4631 to be n = 3.15 ± 0.03. Using a series of simulations, we argue that this unusually high braking index is not due to timing noise, but is intrinsic to the pulsar's spin-down. We cannot, however, rule out contamination due to an unseen glitch recovery, although the recovery timescale would have to be longer than most yet observed. If this braking index is eventually proven to be stable, it demonstrates that pulsar braking indices greater than three are allowed in nature; hence, other physical mechanisms such as mass or magnetic quadrupoles are important in pulsar spin-down. We also present a 3σ upper limit on the pulsed flux at 1.4 GHz of 0.018 mJy.
The Consequences of the Bundeswehr Mission in Afghanistan for German Military Engagement Abroad
Authors: Dvořák Pavel
Published: February 2016

This article focuses on answering the question to what extent did the German foreign and security policy change, based on the ISAF mission in Afghanistan, especially when it comes to military deployment abroad. The author identifies and analyses the consequences associated with the German experience in Afghanistan and their influence on the current and future deployment of German armed forces abroad. The attention is given to the German strategic culture of "civilian power" and the question, if Germany still fulfills the attributes connected with this theoretical concept. The author verifies this assumption by means of the role theory concept, which helps to understand the behavior of Germany on the international level.
Actionable Intelligence - Supporting Instrument for Commander's Decision-making Process
Authors: Havlík Martin
Published: February 2016

This article describes the doctrinal determination and definitions of the term Actionable Intelligence and the impact of this specific intelligence concepton commander's decision-making process. The part of this report deals with the position of Actionable Intelligence in intelligence branch, concretely in connection with the intelligence disciplines and particular stages within intelligence cycle. There is also the accentuation of interconnection to the importance of intelligence information sharing, early warning systems and force protection on tactical level. The next part of this article is focused on the impact of intelligence support on commander's decision-making processes.
How to Verify Plagiarism of the Paper Written in Macedonian and Translated in Foreign Language?
Authors: Spiroski Mirko
Published: February 2016

AIM: The aim of this study was to show how to verify plagiarism of the paper written in Macedonian and translated in foreign language.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Original article â€œEthics in Medical Research Involving Human Subjectsâ€, written in Macedonian, was submitted as an assay-2 for the subject Ethics and published by Ilina Stefanovska, PhD candidate from the Iustinianus Primus Faculty of Law, Ss Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje (UKIM), Skopje, Republic of Macedonia in Fabruary, 2013. Suspected article for plagiarism was published by Prof. Dr. Gordana Panova from the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University Goce Delchev, Shtip, Republic of Macedonia in English with the identical title and identical content in International scientific on-line journal "SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGIES", Publisher "Union of Scientists - Stara Zagora".RESULTS: Original document (written in Macedonian) was translated with Google Translator; suspected article (published in English pdf file) was converted into Word document, and compared both documents with several programs for plagiarism detection. It was found that both documents are identical in 71%, 78% and 82%, respectively, depending on the computer program used for plagiarism detection. It was obvious that original paper was entirely plagiarised by Prof. Dr. Gordana Panova, including six references from the original paper.CONCLUSION: Plagiarism of the original papers written in Macedonian and translated in other languages can be verified after computerised translation in other languages. Later on, original and translated documents can be compared with available software for plagiarism detection.
Social Change: A Framework for Inclusive Leadership Development in Nursing Education
Authors: Read Catherine Y. , Pino Betancourt Debra M. , Morrison Chenille
Published: February 2016

Background:

The social change model (SCM) promotes equity, social justice, self-knowledge, service, and collaboration. It is a relevant framework for extracurricular leadership development programs that target students who may not self-identify as leaders.

Method:

Application of the SCM in a leadership development program for prelicensure nursing students from underresourced or underrepresented backgrounds is described. Students' opinions about leadership for social change were explored through a focus group and a pilot test of an instrument designed to assess the values of the SCM.

Results:

Students lack the experience required to feel comfortable with change, but they come into nursing with a sense of commitment that can be nurtured toward leadership for social change and health equity through best practices derived from the SCM. These include sociocultural conversations, mentoring relationships, community service, and membership in off-campus organizations.

Conclusion:

Nurse educators can cultivate inclusive leadership for social change using the SCM as a guide. [
J Nurs Educ.
2016;55(3):164–167.]
Storytelling: A Guided Reflection Activity
Authors: Wheeler Pamela L. , Butell Sue S. , Epeneter Beverly Jean , Langford Cheryl Anne , Taylor Jana Doughty
Published: February 2016

Background:

Reflective practice is a mode of inquiry in the authors' baccalaureate nursing program. To increase students' ability to “think like a nurse,” the Reflective Practice Storytelling Guide was developed to facilitate discussion during weekly clinical seminars in the students' final clinical course.

Method:

To evaluate the effectiveness of this guided activity, students were asked to provide feedback to specific questions following each seminar when the reflective presence activity was utilized.

Results:

Common themes emerged from the storytellers and the members of the group. Themes identified in the responses of the storytellers included role development and formation and the value of team support. Learning themes that emerged from the participants included communication, teamwork, clinical judgment, patient-centered care, use of resources, ethical and legal parameters in practice, and patient safety.

Conclusion:

Utilizing a guided reflection activity resulted in the students experiencing a broader, deeper understanding of reflective professional practice. [
J Nurs Educ.
2016;55(3):172–176.]
The Application and Practice of the Voltage Reactive Power Optimization Automatic Control System (AVC)in the Power Grid of Wuhu Region
Authors: Sun Liang , Jian Xusheng , Yuan Wenqiang
Published: February 2016

In the paper, the influence of harmonic was taken into consideration during the realization of the AVC system in the power grid of Wuhu region, relevant study and development were conducted from the perspective of application and practice, and concrete proposal of practicable reactive voltage power optimization was put forward. The system adopted two-layer control plan: whole-network coordination layer and execution layer within transformer substation. Optimization algorithm adopted the reactive power optimization method with relaxed constraints so as to improve the convergence and computation speed of reactive power optimization. To control the impact of harmonic, a hybrid active power filter scheme which was made up of passive power filter and active power filter was adopted, thus improving the cost performance of the AVC system. The result of applying the AVC system in the power grid of Wuhu region shows that the system is stable and reliable, obviously decreasing the operation times of equipment and improving the voltage qualified rate and power factor of panel point.
Optimal Ordering for Deteriorating Items of Fixed-Life with Quadratic Demand and Two-Level Trade Credit
Authors: Shah Nita H. , Jani Mrudul Yogeshkumar
Published: February 2016

This chapter studies the retailer's ordering policies when items in the stocking system has fixed life time and subject to deteriorate with time. The demand is considered to be quadratically decreasing. The supplier offers credit period to the retailer which in turn is partially passed on to customer. The retailer is the decision maker and the objective is to minimize the total cost of the system by ordering optimum purchase quantity. Numerical examples are given to find the best possible scenario for the retailer. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to derive player's insights.
Application of Genetic Algorithms in Inventory Control
Authors: Mishra Vinod Kumar
Published: February 2016

The genetic algorithm (GA) is an adaptive heuristic search procedures based on the mechanics of natural selection and natural genetics. Inventory control is widely used in the area of mathematical sciences, management sciences; system science, industrial engineering, production engineering etc. but they have wide differences in mathematical and computation maturity. This chapter enables the reader to understand the basic theory of genetic algorithm and how to apply the genetic algorithms for optimizing the parameters in inventory control The current and future trend of the research with the definition of key terms of genetic algorithm has also incorporated in this chapter.
Modeling of an Inventory System with Variable Demands and Lead Times using a Fuzzy Approach
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Kumar Pravin
Published: February 2016

Inventory modeling has always been an innovative research topic for the researchers. It is concerned with minimization of the total inventory cost and maximization of the service level with minimum inventory. In the real world, the demand is always variable; and also the lead time of supply of an item cannot be always fixed due to some unavoidable circumstances. This chapter is focused on an inventory model with shortages where demand quantity and lead time are considered as variable and represented by triangular fuzzy numbers. An expression for optimum order size, reorder point, safety stock and fuzzy total safety stock cost is developed for a fixed customer service level. This model may help the manager to minimize the inventory cost with a maximum service level under the environment of uncertainty and vague information.
Optimization of Inventory for Optimal Replenishment Policies and Lead-Time with Time Varying Demand
Authors: Kumar Kaushik , Roy Supriyo
Published: February 2016

Considering a single period inventory management problem used in the distribution channel to represent consumer demand for marketing/sales of a product, attempt is made to develop a deterministic inventory model with time-varying increasing demand that may be used to reflect sales in different phases of a product life cycle in the competitive market. We propose inventory model assuming replenishment cost is to be linearly dependent on lot size and purchasing cost per unit item is dependent on lead time. Lead time is taken as decision variable. Shortages are allowed to backlog and to lose partly. Our objective is to cumulatively evaluate optimal replenishment lot-size, order time and lead-time for maximization of total profit. Considering the complexities of the proposed model, we propose a heuristic solution approach by developing an ERCM Genetic Algorithm based on ranking section, elitism, whole arithmetic crossover and non-uniform mutation dependent on the age of the population. This heuristics are easy to compute and practical to implement, and perform well in numerical trials.
Towards Design of High-Level Synthetic Sensors for Socially-Competent Computing Systems
Authors: Dimitrova Maya
Published: February 2016

The chapter presents a conceptual model for high-level synthetic sensor design in present-day Web x.0 mediated socially-competent computing systems. The aim is design of computing systems that are able to operate on the social level of description of a situation in a way similar to people reading social cues. The overall perceptive ability of human vision relies on high level, integrative sensors for detecting complex diffuse influences. It is proposed by the current approach that the recognition of the agent's attitude by the synthetic sensor can help identify correctly the intention for the action by considering the attitude being the more general context of the emerging situation-dependent intention. Possibilities for application of the proposed theoretical approach to education of people with special learning needs or style are discussed.
A Proposed Protocol of Multimedia Optimized Production for STEAM E-Learning
Authors: Xu Jenny Z. , Graham Nicholas , Gaines Scott E. , Hughes Bradley S.
Published: February 2016

There are many nuances to utilizing multimedia successfully as a pedagogical tool. With pressure for educational institutions to adopt e-learning tools such as online animations, it is important that a protocol be made to optimize the process and ensure students walk away with important content knowledge. Effective STEAM multimedia requires attractive aesthetics to engage viewers, research-based pedagogy to effectively educate viewers, and an efficient workflow that lowers costs. Focusing on the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematic (STEAM) fields, this paper reviews literature on the effectiveness of animations for the classroom and online environments, and examines why some projects work while others do not. While addressing the problems that arise when using on-demand animation, we propose a unique protocol that practitioners and researchers can utilize in the production of their own educational animation.
Use of Community of Practice Dimensions in Community-Based Teacher Professional Development
Authors: Murugaiah Puvaneswary , Thang Siew Ming , Azman Hazita , Nambiar Radha
Published: February 2016

The role of communities of practice (CoPs) in teacher professional development (TPD) is increasingly recognized. CoPs help teachers in a cohort to reflect on their practices, develop new skills and find motivation through mutual collaboration. With the affordances provided by Web technologies, the potentiality of online CoPs as a means of improving (TPD) has become a reality and is gaining popularity as the flexibility provided help teachers improve their instructional practices. The Online Continuing Professional Development for Teachers (e-CPDelT) project aimed to develop three online CoPs; that is, English, Mathematics and Science communities among twenty Malaysian Smart school teachers. This paper examined the key CoP dimensions, as expounded in Wenger's (1998) framework, and investigated their use in the English cohort's TPD. The findings revealed that although key CoP dimensions were present, several factors inhibited teachers' participation in the community. It can be implied that it is crucial to consider these factors in developing online CoPs for teachers in Malaysia.
Innovation in Education through Web-Based Instruction
Authors: Levitt Roberta , Piro Joseph M.
Published: February 2016

Technology continues to revolutionize the teaching and learning landscape opening up new possibilities to use new media to digitally enhance multiple literacies. The authors argue for the reconceptualization of the instructional activity of a WebQuest as a single or multi-player high end multimodal experience with potential to stimulate student interest, motivate goal-directed learning behaviors, and positively sustain academic achievement and accomplishment. Suggestions for creating a WebQuest using emerging cross-platform methodology will be probed in order to examine their innovative potential both in teacher preparation and class instruction. Recommendations for utilizing a WebQuest to digitally enable both students and pre-service teachers are also offered.
Implementing Web-Based Learning and Teaching Using Mobile Technology
Authors: Ojokoh Bolanle Adefowoke , Isinkaye Folasade Olubusola , Doyeni Olubimtan Ayo
Published: February 2016

Mobile technologies have increasingly become pervasive in everyday life over the past few decades. As a result of their affordability and wide availability, mobile devices have become commonly used by several people. Efforts are being made by researchers and institutions to provide infrastructure, content, and resources related to the integration of mobile devices into learning environments are worthy of note. These have led to the provision of more learner motivation, better interaction between learners and teachers, thus leading to an improved educational experience. This book chapter emphasizes on the benefits of mobile learning and also presents a case study of the development of a mobile learning system that facilitates interactive learning in a University environment. The system provides for the student, mobile access to various functions that can improve the process of learning including assessment and provision of feedback to learners. The system was tested and evaluated with satisfactory results.
Towards Best Practices in Web-Based Learning and Teaching
Authors: Iroaganachi Mercy A.
Published: February 2016

The chapter explored best practices in web-based learning and teaching with a view to discover trends and provide valuable information for all in the e-learning environment. It affirms that paradigms in Web-based education have shifted from teacher-centered to learner-centered but basically it remains synchronous or asynchronous. This requires Learning Objects (LOs) to be pedagogically efficient, designed to standard (Multimodal) with designers bearing in mind the varied population and learning styles. LOs are to be personalized thereby creating adaptive content based on learner's abilities, learning style, level of knowledge and preferences. It is recommended that educators have requisite background knowledge and competencies in technology such as hardware, software, and course management systems etcetera. Instructors, designers and all interested persons should consult a checklist of best practices, for assessing learning object repositories. More so, there is need to incorporate hands-on component into the e-learning environment. The chapter provides Indicators for best practices.
Positive Psychological Interventions and Information and Communication Technologies
Authors: Baños Rosa M. , Etchemendy Ernestina , Carrillo-Vega Alba , Botella Cristina
Published: February 2016

Since the advent of Positive Psychology there has been a connection between positive psychological interventions (PPIs) and the digital world. The development of PPIs, especially those delivered online, is becoming widespread within and outside the scientific field. Therefore, there is currently a need for accurate information that provides a critical view of all the interventions currently available. This chapter presents an updated review of the relationship between these two fields (PPIs and technologies), and discusses relevant considerations that should be taken into account when technologies are used to deliver PPIs, as well as the elements that can moderate their effectiveness. The final aim of the chapter is to provide readers with basic tools to make critical judgments about PPIs delivered via a technological format.
Augmenting Online Mental Health Support Services
Authors: Calvo Rafael A. , Hussain M. Sazzad , Milne David , Nordbo Kjartan , Hickie Ian , Danckwerts P.
Published: February 2016

The Internet allows mental health organisations to provide services to more people via new models of care. Amongst these, online support groups are becoming increasingly popular. This model of mental health service provision includes moderators who read posts, recognise those that need attention and provide support via online responses. However, as these groups become more popular they risk becoming more difficult to manage due to the sheer volume of posts. This challenge can be addressed through computational linguistics techniques. This chapter reports on work with a mental health organisation on three components to help scale up the number of people they can support. The design aims to go beyond helping end-users and explores how design can support the wellbeing of the moderators themselves. The design of the three components is discussed: 1) A triage component automatically detects posts that need a prompt response. 2) An intervention generator (IG) generates a draft response for the moderator to use, for example a positive psychology intervention. These two can help in the management of a discussion forum, supporting positive behaviours, not just dealing in situations of distress. 3) A component for synchronous support through an augmented chat system.
What Do Elderly Users Want and Need from Fitness Technologies?
Authors: Waterworth John , Waterworth Eva , Álvarez Paula , Gutiérrez José , Carús Juan Luis , Garcia Sonia
Published: February 2016

It is well known that physical exercise has a significant beneficial effect on mental and physical health, and elderly fitness programs are a good and widely accepted approach to prevent frailty. In this chapter, we examine what elderly people actually want and need when it comes to technologies designed to support and encourage their physical fitness. We present the ELF@Home project as a case study, and report design insights and other results from user involvement in the project. User involvement is a key component of the approach and uses methods such as interviews, focus group meetings, early component and prototype tests with users, as well as inputs from medical experts. ELF@Home is a clear example of a “Positive Technology” approach. The project proposes the adoption of new technology in everyday life from the perspective of positive psychology, approaching this aim by designing devices and systems that are actually usable and desirable in supporting extended healthy living for this target population.
Tools for eMental-Health
Authors: Kavakli Manolya , Ranjbartabar Hedieh , Maddah Amir , Ranjbartabar Kiumars
Published: February 2016

This chapter focuses on how to develop tools for positive technology and more specifically, mobile e-mental health systems using a virtual stress counselor. The main objective is to develop a framework for mobile e-mental health systems reviewing existing e-mental health apps and discussing necessary system requirements. The chapter states that current e-mental health apps do not offer any facilities to promote social interaction between the counselor and the user. The proposed framework requires personalized interactions between a virtual counselor and a student. It provides personalized feedback to reduce stress level and enhances personal stress management strategies. This requires integration of technologies for facial expression detection, speech and emotion recognition as well as other psycho-physiological feedback. A prototype system for e-mental health has been developed and the components of the system architecture have been widely discussed including the need for a coping processor. Finally, conclusions are drawn regarding the tools for positive technology.
Technology and Cognitive Empowerment for Healthy Elderly
Authors: Serino Silvia , Pedroli Elisa
Published: February 2016

The progressive growth of the ageing population represents opportunities as well as challenges. Consistently, the identification of effective cognitive empowerment programs in elderly population is now a worldwide health policy priority, specially for their preventive effect. In this chapter, within the paradigm of Positive Technology, the main focus will be on the use advanced technologies as effective tools for a new class of applications aimed at improving the traditional cognitive empowerment in elderly. Specifically, the attention will be devoted on how advanced technologies may be used to support elderly in reaching engaging and self-actualizing experiences. On the basis of the most recent evidence in literature, it will be discussed the possible advantages in using such advanced technologies for improving well-being in frail elderly: coupled with an increase in cognitive skills acquisition, the advantages may range increased self-efficacy and decreased subjective weakness, with a consequent improvement in both physical and cognitive performance.
Video Games
Authors: Tichon Jennifer G. , Tornqvist Dominicus
Published: February 2016

Until recently, research on video games has been concerned largely with negative effects of play. Increasingly, however, a range of positive psychological effects of playing video games are being reported. Being able to identify positive impacts is an important step toward leveraging the huge appeal of game playing to aid psychological well-being. This chapter discusses a range of benefits associated with playing two genres of popular off-the-shelf video games as opposed to video games that have been constructed to specifically target education or teach health-related lessons. With the video game phenomenon set to have an ever-increasing impact across society on a global scale, knowledge of games that have the potential to meet positive psychological needs will be critical to leveraging positive outcomes from video game play.
This Drives Me Nuts!
Authors: Triberti Stefano
Published: February 2016

Video games are an interesting example of technologies/media able to generate complex emotions. Indeed, part of the emotions commonly arising in the experience of video gamers are quite negative. On the one hand, video gamers may feel frustration and anger due to the difficulty of the gameplay. On the other hand, they may experience sadness, anxiety and fear due to the immersion into emotionally rich narratives. Yet, video gamers seem to appreciate gaming technologies generating negative emotions, and the research on media frequently highlights a counterintuitive positive relation between negative affect and enjoinment/well-being outcomes. Starting from these premises, the present chapter is aimed to review the negative emotions typical of video games, in order to understand in what ways they can concur in generating an overall positive experience. Then, the chapter discusses implications for research on video games as positive technologies, namely technologies able to promote well-being in their users.
Serious Games and Gamified Tools for Psychological Intervention
Authors: Diaz-Orueta Unai
Published: February 2016

Mobile technologies and technological advances in behavioral assessment have found their way in common healthcare practices. However, there are still few studies about videogame-based interventions to support concrete psychological treatments. While the market for self-help mobile apps is continuously increasing, in most cases, they are a mere digitalization of texts contained in self-help books and do not take advantage of the interactive and playful potential of devices on which they are offered. Nevertheless, a number of health games have been developed for children and adults for a variety of therapeutic purposes. The current chapter provides an overview of the state-of-the-art serious games currently available as psychological interventions across popular delivery formats (virtual reality environments, online and PC videogames). Where available, evidence about their efficacy is reported. These serious games have the potential to complement traditional psychological interventions and improve psychological wellbeing for people of all ages.
Positive Technology for Helping People Cope with Stress
Authors: Villani Daniela , Cipresso Pietro , Gaggioli Andrea , Riva Giuseppe
Published: February 2016

The emerging convergence of new technologies and health care is offering a new approach to support effective interventions. This chapter aims to describe how Positive Technology can help people cope with stress in several contexts. On the one hand, the potential capacity of sensor technologies to offer individuals the technology with which to monitor certain biological signals known to be associated with stress might serve to promote engagement with a mediated experience for stress management. On the other hand, the chapter focuses on the hedonic and eudaimonic experiences supported by technology in terms of inducing positive affective states and supporting personal growth by teaching strategies to reduce stress and enhance well-being. To further connect mediated experiences with real ones, the Interreality approach (IR) allows for the combination of assessment and intervention as inseparable parts of the general process of coping with stress.