bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Documentation of Spontaneous Macular Hole Closure in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 Using Multimodal Imaging
Authors: Balaratnasingam Chandrakumar , Dansingani Kunal , Dhrami-Gavazi Elona , Yu Suqin , Freund K. Bailey , Yannuzzi Lawrence A.
Published: October 2015

Macular holes in the setting of macular telangiectasia type 2 can be difficult to manage. The rates of anatomical closure after macular hole surgery are less favorable in patients with macular telangiectasia than in those with idiopathic macular holes. These differences may be due to the influence of unique pathogenic mechanisms that modulate macular hole dynamics in patients with macular telangiectasia. In this report, the authors document the multimodal imaging findings of a patient with macular telangiectasia demonstrating spontaneous macular hole closure. These findings may improve the understanding of the natural course of this entity and may have relevance for clinical management.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:883–886.]
La iglesia de San Gil de Guadalajara
Authors: Trallero Sanz Antonio Miguel
Published: October 2015

Guadalajara contó desde la Edad Media con diez parroquias. La mayoría de sus templos seguían la tradición constructiva islámica adaptada a las corrientes arquitectónicas cristianas, es decir, según el denominado “estilo mudéjar”. En el siglo XIX, el número de parroquias se redujo a cinco y posteriormente a cuatro. La última suprimida fue la de San Gil, que fue demolida en 1924. En ese momento se salvaron la portada y una capilla por considerarse que eran los únicos elementos del primitivo templo, para ser demolidos que en 1931. A pesar de ello, se conservó parte del ábside. Gracias a estos restos y al estudio de una serie de documentos gráficos conservados, se llega a la conclusión de que el templo demolido era una edificación “mudéjar”, que sin ser demolido, fue sometido en el siglo XVII a una profunda trasformación que le privó de su aspecto primitivo.
Ranking procedure based on mechanical, durability and thermal behavior of mortars with incorporation of phase change materials
Authors: Cunha S. , Aguiar J. , Tadeu A.
Published: October 2015

Nowadays, considering the high variety of construction products, adequate material selection, based on their properties and function, becomes increasingly important. In this research, a ranking procedure developed by Czarnecki and Lukowski is applied in mortars with incorporation of phase change materials (PCM). The ranking procedure transforms experimental results of properties into one numerical value. The products can be classified according to their individual properties or even an optimized combination of different properties. The main purpose of this study was the ranking of mortars with incorporation of different contents of PCM based in different binders. Aerial lime, hydraulic lime, gypsum and cement were the binders studied. For each binder, three different mortars were developed. Reference mortars, mortars with incorporation of 40% of PCM and mortars with incorporation of 40% of PCM and 1% of fibers, were tested. Results show that the incorporation of PCM in mortars changes their global performance.
2D and 3D Visual Attention for Computer Vision
Authors: Ricordel Vincent , Wang Junle , Da Silva Matthieu Perreira , Le Callet Patrick
Published: October 2015

Visual attention is one of the most important mechanisms deployed in the human visual system (HVS) to reduce the amount of information that our brain needs to process. An increasing amount of efforts has been dedicated to the study of visual attention, and this chapter proposes to clarify the advances achieved in computational modeling of visual attention. First the concepts of visual attention, including the links between visual salience and visual importance, are detailed. The main characteristics of the HVS involved in the process of visual perception are also explained. Next we focus on eye-tracking, because of its role in the evaluation of the performance of the models. A complete state of the art in computational modeling of visual attention is then presented. The research works that extend some visual attention models to 3D by taking into account of the impact of depth perception are finally explained and compared.
Applications of Visual Attention in Image Processing, Computer Vision, and Graphics
Authors: Pal Rajarshi
Published: October 2015

Selective visual attention is an amazing capability of primate visual system to restrict the focus to few interesting objects (or portions) in a scene. Thus, primates are able to pay attention to the required visual content amidst myriads of other visual information. It enables them to interact with the external environment in real time through reduction of computational load in their brain. This inspires image and computer vision scientists to derive computational models of visual attention and to use them in varieties of applications in real-life, mainly to speed up the processing through reduction of computational burden which often characterizes image processing and vision tasks. This chapter discusses a wide variety of such applications of visual attention models in image processing, computer vision and graphics.
Study of Loss of Alertness and Driver Fatigue Using Visibility Graph Synchronization
Authors: Sengupta Anwesha , Kar Sibsambhu , Routray Aurobinda
Published: October 2015

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is widely used to predict performance degradation of human subjects due to mental or physical fatigue. Lack of sleep or insufficient quality or quantity of sleep is one of the major reasons of fatigue. Analysis of fatigue due to sleep deprivation using EEG synchronization is a promising field of research. The present chapter analyses advancing levels of fatigue in human drivers in a sleep-deprivation experiment by studying the synchronization between EEG data. A Visibility Graph Similarity-based method has been employed to quantify the synchronization, which has been formulated in terms of a complex network. The change in the parameters of the network has been analyzed to find the variation of connectivity between brain areas and hence to trace the increase in fatigue levels of the subjects. The parameters of the brain network have been compared with those of a complex network with a random degree of connectivity to establish the small-world nature of the brain network.
Overview of Clinical Trial and Pharmacovigilance Process and Areas of Application of Computer System
Authors: Srinivasan Sowmyanarayan
Published: October 2015

The overall process of getting a drug to the market is a long one and takes 10-15 years and costing close to a billion dollar. The success rate as the compound travels from the initial discovery phase to clinical and then through to the market is about 1 in 10,000. The two key phases which together contribute the most to the cost and timeline are clinical development and pharmacovigilance. These two phases together also account for the maximum number of failures. In this chapter, we will look in detail at these two phases with a focus on the business process and process areas which have application of computer systems. The chapter will focus on looking at the various phases of clinical development and their endpoints. Clinical development is the process of testing a drug for safety and efficacy in human subjects. Clinical trial is conducted in 3 phases with the 4th phase which is ongoing post approval which forms an important part of the pharmacovigilance process. These phases will be elaborated in detail.
Semantic Interation, Text Mining, Tools and Technologies
Authors: Ekkirala Chandrakant
Published: October 2015

Semantic technologies have gained prominence over the last several years. Semantic technologies are explored in detail and semantic integration of data will be outlined. The various data integration techniques and approaches will also be touched upon. Text Mining, different associated algorithms and the various tools and technologies used in text mining will be enumerated in detail. The chapter will have the following sections – 1. Data Integration Techniques • Data Integration Technique – Extraction, Transformation and Loading (ETL) • Data Integration Technique – Data Federation 2. Data Integration Approaches • Need Based Data Integration • Periodic Data Integration • Continuous Data Integration 3. Semantic Integration 4. Semantic Technologies 5. Semantic Web Technologies 6. Text Mining 7. Text Mining Algorithms 8. Tools and Technologies for Text Mining
Mobile Education Mitigating the Heavy Magnitude of Illiteracy in India
Authors: Pandey Kshama
Published: October 2015

This chapter introduces the concept of mobile learning as a means of portable learning. Through the use of mobile technology, citizens of the world will be able to access learning materials and information from anywhere and at any time. Learners will not have to wait for a certain time to learn or go to a certain place to learn. It presents the evolution of classroom learning to mobile learning. There has been made an effort to explore current perspectives of mobile learning. Approaches of m-learning suggest implication of mobile devices in the classroom. Pedagogical methods and instructional approaches of m-learning have also been explored in this chapter. Further, the authors make an attempt to give rational of mobile learning through various theories of m-learning. It suggests opportunities of mobile learning in the Indian scenario. Mobile learning can effectively support a wide range of activities for learners of all ages.
Educational Edifices Need a Mobile Strategy to Fully Engage in Learning Activities
Authors: Burton Sharon L. , Harris Hamil R. , Burrell Darrell Norman , Brown-Jackson Kim L. , Bessette Dustin , McClintock Rondalynne , Lu Shanel , White Yoshino W.
Published: October 2015

Research in mobile learning (m-learning) about technology and software and mobile learning's application to educationally related undertakings and a long-term sustainability remain unclear. This chapter untwines the tangled information surrounding m-learning strategy through examining the drivers and perceptions for m-learning in the 21st century. The data will unearth the value of employing diverse modalities of m-learning. Administrators will gain knowledge to develop and implement mobile strategy. Faculty will enhance their familiarity on the diverse types of m-learning tools and the value of employing m-learning in the classroom. Administrators and faculty members will gather knowledge that guides efforts to diminish barriers in support of a successful m-learning implementation. In addition, administrators will garner developed knowledge to analyze, gather requirements, develop, and then implement a strategic m-learning plan for long-term sustainability. Academics and practitioners will gain insight into understanding the balance of a mobile strategy amid economic value and the required controls.
Robotics Education in Africa
Authors: Soudi Marwa
Published: October 2015

The world is approaching a third industrial revolution. This is forcefully reflected in the phenomenal advancement in the robotics field. In order for Africa to compete in this new era, a change in education policies must take place in the African educational system. In this chapter, African initiatives in science, technology, and innovation are presented as initial core projects. International initiatives as well Egypt's experiences in the robotics field are presented for benchmarking for interested African countries. The focus of the chapter is how to build a knowledge-based society supporting educational ecosystem.
A Brief Review on Recent Trends in Image Restoration
Authors: Prakash Saurav
Published: October 2015

This chapter gives the opportunity to get an idea of recent trends in image denoising and restoration. It relates to the present research scenario in the field of image restoration. As much as possible the newest break-through regarding the methods of denoising as well as the performance metrics of evaluation has been dealt. The assessments done by the researchers have been included first so as to know how much analysis they propose to be done with respect to the application point of view of the denoising methods. The concept behind the metric selection for the assessment and evaluation has been introduced along with the need for shifting the dependence of the research community towards the newly proposed metrics than the old ones. The new trends in image denoising have been referred duly so that the readers can directly refer to the main algorithms and techniques from the papers proposed by their authors.
Non-Destructive Testing for Assessing Structural Damage and Interventions Effectiveness for Built Cultural Heritage Protection
Authors: Moropoulou Antonia I. , Labropoulos Kyriakos C.
Published: October 2015

Non-destructive techniques - NDT are used in the field of built cultural heritage protection, as they are applied in-situ and do not require destructive sampling. Infrared thermography is used for materials/decay mapping, assesses the compatibility and effectiveness of restoration materials and interventions, and reveals moisture transfer phenomena within structures. Ultrasonic testing assesses the residual properties of historic materials, reveals the decay layers and evaluates the effectiveness of consolidation treatments. Ground penetrating radar reveals the internal structure of masonries, identifies and locates subsurface voids, structural cracks and incontinuities. Portable imaging systems, in conjunction with digital image processing, are used for in-situ materials characterization, and for the study of the decay typologies. Data management systems correlate data from NDTs, from other methods and from seismic/environmental impact assessment analyses to evaluate the preservation state of a historic structure and to plan interventions.
M-Learning
Authors: Pelet Jean-Eric , Khan Jashim , Papadopoulou Panagiota , Bernardin Emmanuelle
Published: October 2015

From the perspective of improving e-learning, the free access and user friendliness of User Generated Content (UGC) tools, such as social media, embedded onto mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, make them attractive to be adopted by students and professors in many institutions around the world. This chapter presents the results of an exploratory study on the use of smart phones and social media, identifying differences among countries, focusing on the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa). The objective is to facilitate the understanding of the rapidly evolving and expanding technology of smart phones and social media and explore its potential for m-learning purposes. Results show that social media and mobile devices can be effectively combined in a promising way to enable m-learning.
From Concept to Market
Authors: Haidegger Tamas , Rudas Imre J
Published: October 2015

Surgical robotics and supporting technologies have really become a prime example of modern applied information technology infiltrating our everyday lives. The development of these systems spans across four decades, and only the last few years brought the market value and saw the rising customer base imagined already by the early developers. This chapter guides the reader through the historical development of the most important systems and provides references and lessons learnt for current engineers facing similar challenges. A special emphasis is put on system validation, assessment, and clearance, as the most commonly cited barrier hindering the wider deployment of a system.
Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technology
Authors: Bryant Brian R. , Rao Kavita , Ok Min Wook
Published: October 2015

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) has become a popular and effective way to help all students access what is taught in the classroom. Modeled after universal design, which enabled people with disabilities to access multiple physical environments, UDL provides access to the curriculum via three guiding principles: (a) multiple means of representation, (b) multiple means of expression, and (c) multiple means of engagement. This chapter looks at UDL and Assistive Technology (AT) for students who have specific Learning Disabilities (LD). Further, the authors examine AT research that has been conducted with students who have LD in reading, writing, and mathematics, and they provide case studies wherein UDL and AT are used to enhance accessibility in U.S. schools, specifically Grades 1 and 6 as well as high school.
Usability Evaluation Methods
Authors: Martins Ana Isabel , Queirós Alexandra , Silva Anabela G. , Rocha Nelson Pacheco
Published: October 2015

This chapter aims to identify, analyze, and classify the methodologies and methods described in the literature for the usability evaluation of systems and services based on information and communication technologies. The methodology used was a systematic review of the literature. The studies included in the analysis were classified into empirical and analytical methodologies (test, inquiry, controlled experiment, or inspection). A total of 2116 studies were included, of which 1308 were classified. In terms of results, the inquiry methodology was the most frequent in this review, followed by test, inspection, and finally, the controlled experiment methodology. A combination of methodologies is relatively common, especially the combination of test and inquiry methodologies, probably because they assess different but complementary aspects of usability contributing to a more comprehensive assessment.
Using Mobile Devices Selectively
Authors: Fuentes David , An Heejung , Alon Sandra
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a useful framework for thinking about the integration of mobile devices into classroom practices and pedagogy. By offering a portrait of different constructivist practices and learning environments, drawing connections between theory and methods, the chapter provides teacher educators, as a well practicing teachers, with a series of theoretical considerations. These considerations, coupled with individual learning objectives, mark an avenue for novice technology users to begin the complex process of pedagogical decision-making, including the use of mobile devices into their teaching and learning. The authors offer this conceptual chapter in the hope that readers can glean a sense of how philosophical and theoretical orientations of teachers both prohibit and enable spaces for mobile learning. Moreover, they believe that when theoretical orientations of teaching do not allow space for mobile learning to take place, or do not support best practices of the use of mobile devices, the benefits may remain unrealized.
Fuzzy-Based Medical Image Processing
Authors: Sinha G. R.
Published: October 2015

Medical Image Processing (MIP) is a set of tools applied over medical images, which consists of several components such as image acquisition, enhancement, segmentation, restoration, etc. The most important component of MIP is medical image segmentation used in Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems used for detection of abnormalities in medical images. This chapter presents an overview and the importance of soft computing techniques in solving the problems of medical imaging. The authors highlight the significance of fuzzy-based clustering and similar methods for MIP and its applications. Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Method (FCM) is found the most suitable method among existing clustering methods for medical images. FCM addresses the problem of over-segmentation and helps in improvement of diagnosis accuracy. Application of optimization tool causes the reduction of execution time. A comparison of fuzzy-based methods over conventional methods suggests that neuro-fuzzy system as hybrid approach is an efficient method for medical image analysis.
Feature-Based Affine Motion Estimation for Superresolution of a Region of Interest
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Park Rae-Hong , Yang Seungjoon , Kim Hwa-Young
Published: October 2015

This chapter presents an interpolation method of low-computation for a Region Of Interest (ROI) using multiple low-resolution images of the same scene. Interpolation methods using multiple images require the accurate motion information between the reference image of interpolation and the other images. Sometimes complex local motions applied to the entire images are estimated incorrectly, yielding seriously degraded interpolation results. The authors apply the proposed Superresolution (SR) method, which employs a simple global motion model, only to the ROI that contains important information of the scene. The ROIs extracted from multiple images are assumed to have simple global motions. At first, using a mean absolute difference measure, they extract the regions from the multiple images that are similar to the selected ROI in the reference image of interpolation and use feature points to estimate the affine motion parameters. The authors apply the Projection Onto Convex Sets (POCS)-based method to the ROI using the estimated motion, simplify the iterative computation of the whole system, and use an edge-preserving smoothing filter to reduce the distortion caused by additive noise. In experiments, they acquire test image sets with a hand-held digital camera and use a Gaussian noise model. Experimental results show that the feature-based Motion Estimation (ME) is accurate and reducing the computational load of the ME step is efficient in terms of the computational complexity. It is also shown that the SR results using the proposed method are remarkable even when input images contain complex motions and a large amount of noise. The proposed POCS-based SR algorithm can be applied to digital cameras, portable camcorders, and so on.
Educational Robotics as a Learning Tool for Promoting Rich Environments for Active Learning (REALs)
Authors: Eguchi Amy
Published: October 2015

In our ever-changing society where new technological tools are being introduced into daily life more rapidly than ever before, more and more innovative and creative people are needed for the work of advancing technology. However, current educational practice in schools seems to be moving away from helping to educate our future innovative and creative workforce. With the extensive focus on assessments through standardized testing, the concern is raised that more and more teachers are forced to teach to the test. In this chapter, educational robotics is introduced as a transformational tool for learning, which promotes learning of computational thinking, coding, and engineering, all increasingly being viewed as critical ingredients of STEM learning in K-12 education. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the importance of integrating educational robotics as a technological learning tool into K-12 curriculum to promote Rich Environments for Active Learning (REALs) to prepare students for the technology-driven future.
Detection of Cancer from Microscopic Biopsy Images Using Image Processing Tools
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Srivastava Rajeev
Published: October 2015

Presently, most cancer diagnosis is based on human visual examination of images in a qualitative manner. Human visual grading for microscopic biopsy images is very time-consuming, subjective, and inconsistent due to inter-and intra-observer variations. A more quantitative and reproducible approach for analyzing biopsy images is highly desired. In biopsy images, the characteristics of nuclei are the key to estimate the degree of malignancy. The microscopic biopsy images always suffer from the problem of impurities, undesirable elements, and uneven exposure. Thus, there is a need of an automatic cancer diagnosis system based on microscopic biopsy images using image-processing tools. Therefore, the cancer and its type will be detected in a very early stage for complete treatment and cure. This system helps pathologists to improve the accuracy and efficiency in detection of malignancy and to minimize the inter observer variation. In addition, the method may help physicians to analyze the image cell by using classification and clustering algorithms by staining characteristics of the cells. The various image-processing steps involved for cancer detection from biopsy images include acquisition, enhancement, segmentation, feature extraction, image representation, classification, and decision-making. With the help of image, processing tools the sizes of cells, nuclei, and cytoplasm as well as the mean distance between two nearest neighboring nuclei are estimated by the system.
Identification of Chronic Wound Status under Tele-Wound Network through Smartphone
Authors: Chakraborty Chinmay , Gupta Bharat , Ghosh Soumya K.
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a tele-wound framework for monitoring chronic wound status based on color variation over a period of time. This will facilitate patients at remote locations to connect to medical experts through mobile devices. Further this will help medical professionals to monitor and manage the wounds in more timely, accurate and precise manner using the proposed framework. Tele-medical agent (TMA) collects the chronic wound data using smart phone and send it to the Tele-medical hub (TMH). In TMH, the wound image has been segmented using Fuzzy C-Means which gives highest segmented accuracy i.e. 92.60%, then the wound tissue is classified using proposed Bayesian classifier. The smart phone supported prototype system has been demonstrated with snapshots using very compatible and easy to integrate Hypertext preprocessor (PHP) and MySqL. The proposed system may facilitate better wound management and treatment by providing percentage of wound tissues.
A Case Study of Developing Suitable Mobile Learning Technology for a Distance Learning Masters Programme
Authors: Dodman Tracey , Bird Terese , Hopkins David
Published: October 2015

In 2012, following some development work, the Department of Criminology launched a new distance-learning course: the MSc Security, Conflict, and International Development (SCID). The target profile for students looking to enroll in this course were living or working in and around conflict regions; they may be forces personnel or professional staff stationed in areas of conflict or recent conflict. Therefore, reliable Internet connection (broadband or cellular) is often rare or intermittent. The course was designed to give learners a rich learning experience in such a way that their learning could remain largely uninterrupted when they experienced loss of Internet connection. Learners in this course were sent an Apple iPad as part of their course fees and given instructions to download a Course App comprising multimedia-rich learning resources. The programme enabled students to study and learn whilst on the move and provided an opportunity for study where otherwise it would have been very difficult, if not impossible for some. The authors believe they have widened participation and enhanced learning capacity through the innovative programme design. This programme is explored in this chapter.
Analysis of SSIM Based Quality Assessment across Color Channels of Images
Authors: Chandrakanth T. , Sandhya B.
Published: October 2015

Advances in imaging and computing hardware have led to an explosion in the use of color images in image processing, graphics and computer vision applications across various domains such as medical imaging, satellite imagery, document analysis and biometrics to name a few. However, these images are subjected to a wide variety of distortions during its acquisition, subsequent compression, transmission, processing and then reproduction, which degrade their visual quality. Hence objective quality assessment of color images has emerged as one of the essential operations in image processing. During the last two decades, efforts have been put to design such an image quality metric which can be calculated simply but can accurately reflect subjective quality of human perception. In this paper, the authors evaluated the quality assessment of color images using SSIM (structural similarity index) metric across various color spaces. They experimented to study the effect of color spaces in metric based and distance based quality assessment. The authors proposed a metric using CIE Lab color space and SSIM, which has better correlation to the subjective assessment in a benchmark dataset.
Carers of People with Dementia and the Use of Assistive Technologies
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sarmishtha , Benbow Susan Mary
Published: October 2015

Assistive technologies have a role in supporting both formal and informal carers of people with dementia. Whilst assistive technologies have a role in maintaining the independence and quality of life of both people with dementia and their carers, their use has both disadvantages and advantages, can pose challenges for all concerned, and raises ethical dilemmas. In this chapter, a model derived from Arnstein's ladder of participation is used to highlight the importance of empowering and connecting with carers in order to increase their participation in the care of their relative or client. Empowerment and connection contribute to maintaining the autonomy and well-being of both carers and people with dementia: technological interventions should not be used as alternatives to connection. The emphasis in practice should be on empowering and connecting with both carers and people with dementia.
Fostering Students' ‘Use My Own Device' Attitude
Authors: Ada Mireilla Bikanga
Published: October 2015

This paper describes the development of an all-in-one mobile learning platform, to support students' use of their own mobile handheld devices for assessment and feedback. The application incorporates several features that can be found in many other individual applications, into one platform. The features allow students' participation in peer feedback activities; they also enable students to access their feedback, leave comments on their summative feedback, participate in class discussions, take formative assessment in form of quizzes, and create quizzes for their peers. The application is also designed to alleviate tutors' workload issues by providing a group feedback feature with three options. Fostering students' Use My Own Device (UMyOD) attitude using this all-in-one mobile learning application requires tutors' active involvement to make their class more interesting, interactive and engaging, more active than passive, and increase student attention span.
Students' Attitudes towards the Use of Technology in Hong Kong
Authors: Yeh Helen W. M.
Published: October 2015

Since the Education Bureau of Hong Kong encouraged the use of technology in education, virtual learning platform and PowerPoint slides have become magic tools for teaching and learning across all subjects in schools, colleges, and institutions. However, is technology a magic tool for effective teaching and learning? In order to understand how students think of learning with technology, this chapter investigates 114 college students' attitudes towards learning with technology imposed by the school and teachers through questionnaires. The results reveal that students had positive attitudes towards the use of technology in the affective, cognitive, and behaviour domains. Most importantly, they attributed their success of learning to what the teacher did with technology as well as what the teacher did in the classroom. These findings reveal that technology is not only a good tool to support learning but also fosters the acquisition and application of students' subject knowledge.
Teacher Education and Principles of Effective Assistive Technology Implementation
Authors: Courduff Jennifer , Duncan Amy , Gilbreath Joanne
Published: October 2015

The effective implementation of Assistive Technology (AT) is transformative for teacher practice and student learning outcomes. Educators who embrace this effort are faced with a set of challenges that are not found in typical technology integration efforts. In order to deeply integrate technology into instruction and learning, a change in pedagogy is required. In this chapter, the focus is to identify the unaddressed perspectives that impede technology implementation in diverse learning environments. When this unique set of perspectives is addressed, strategies for effective practice can emerge. First, there is a discussion on special education law and AT. Next, foundations of AT and effective implementation strategies at the classroom level are discussed. The process by which teachers can be supported in integrating technology tools into learning tasks is reviewed. A matrix that connects student-learning tasks with technology tools common to every classroom is presented. The importance of making emotional connections and providing time to practice and share in an environment where failure is seen as an opportunity for growth is provided. Finally, systemic implementation issues and strategies for success are shared.
Using iPads in University Mathematics Classes
Authors: Gouia Rim , Gunn Cindy , Audi Diana
Published: October 2015

This chapter reports on two studies carried out with first-year undergraduate students in Mathematics classes. The first study investigates regular use of iPads over the course of one semester. Overall, the students reported positive impressions regarding the use of iPads in their Mathematics classes. However, only 47% stated that they would join an iPad class in future semesters. The second study is a qualitative follow-up to the first to find out why the majority said they would not join an iPad class in the future. The students in the two studies could see both the value and the drawbacks that the use of iPads in their Mathematics classes would provide. The findings suggest that as supplement to instruction the use of iPads has the potential to enhance the learning process, but classes delivered using iPads only would not meet the educational requirements or expectations of the study's participants.
Educating Students with Chronic Illness
Authors: Tseng Margaret , Pluta Rebecca Magee
Published: October 2015

Students with chronic illness have historically received an education via home and hospital instruction during their absences. This instruction is significantly inferior in both quality and quantity when compared with the educational experience of students able to attend school. This case study details the experiences of a middle school student in the mid-Atlantic Region of the United States whose chronic illness presented unique and multifaceted challenges that could not be met by her district's inflexible policies and disconnected resources. This case illuminates the need for schools to break away from the traditional administrative special education mold when responding to the challenges of educating frequently absent students with chronic illness. The educational Civil Rights of these students can be preserved, however, by utilizing affordable, available technology to minimize the impact of frequently missed classes, provide continuity of instruction and allow educational access regardless of a student's physical location during their absences from school.
Nucleic Acid–Sensing Receptors: Rheostats of Autoimmunity and Autoinflammation
Authors: Sharma Shruti , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Cancro Michael P. , Marshak-Rothstein Ann
Published: October 2015

Distinct families of germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors can sense both microbial and endogenous nucleic acids. These DNA and RNA sensors include endosomal TLRs and cytosolic sensors upstream of stimulator of type I IFN genes (STING) and MAVS. The existence of overlapping specificities for both foreign and self nucleic acids suggests that, under optimal conditions, the activity of these receptors is finely tuned to effectively mediate host defense yet constrain pathogenic self-reactivity. This equilibrium becomes disrupted with the loss of either TLR9 or STING. To maintain immune protection, this loss can be counterbalanced by the elevated response of an alternative receptor(s). Unfortunately, this adjustment can lead to an increased risk for the development of systemic autoimmunity, as evidenced by the exacerbated clinical disease manifestations of TLR9-deficient and STING-deficient autoimmune-prone mice. These studies underscore the delicate balance normally maintained by tonic signals that prevent unchecked immune responses to nucleic acids released during infections and cellular duress or death.
May symptoms of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency be improved by venous angioplasty? An independent 4-year follow up on 366 cases
Authors: Bavera Pietro M.
Published: October 2015

The aim of the study was to collect results from 366 chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) affected patients that were regularly Duplex controlled after having received vein angioplasty following diagnosis for CCSVI. The procedures were all performed in the same Centre and same equipment. The patients were divided into three groups according to the attributed severity of the associated multiple sclerosis: 264 relapse-remitting (RR) (72%): 179 females (67.8%) and 85 (32.2%) males; 62 secondary progressive (17%): 37 (59.7%) females and 25 (40.3%) males; 40 primary progressive (11%): 22 (55%) females and 18 (45%) males. A data base revealed eleven most frequent disturbs and symptoms, together with working capacities, and was kept up-todate at every Duplex control aiming to establish a novel rapid CCSVI symptoms questionnaire assessment in 4 years follow up. The symptoms were: diplopia, fatigue, headache, upper limb numbness/mobility, lower limb numbness/mobility, thermic sensibility, bladder control, balance coordination, quality of sleep, vertigo, mind concentration. Results, as follows, appear to be significantly good in the RR group, also the biggest one. Diplopia improved in 262/264 patients (99.2%) (P<0.0001); fatigue in 260/264 (98.5%) (P<0.0001); headache in 205/208 (98.6%) (P<0.0001); balance coordination in 23/26 (88.5%) (P<0.0001); quality of sleep in 55/59 (93.2%) (P<0.0001); vertigo in 30/33 (90.9%) (P<0.0001); mind concentration in 142/144 (98.6%) (P<0.0001). Other results regarded: upper limb numbness and mobility in 20/24 (83.3%) (P=0.0002); lower limb numbness and mobility 13/15 (86.7%) (P=0.0087); thermic sensibility 3/4 (75%) [P: not significant (n.s.)]; bladder control 2/3 (66.6%) (P: n.s.). In contrast in the progressive cases results are quite different where, nevertheless, some useful considerations were collected and statistically significant, too. In addition, venous angioplasty appears to be safe, side effects were observed only in seven patients (0.19%) that grew a monolateral Jugular thrombosis but still were regularly controlled and above all did not suffer worsening of the disease. Finally, the overwhelming percutaneous transluminal angioplasty results in the RR group lead to say that the correct criteria should be the sooner the better.
Church and state in South Africa and human rights
Authors: Strauss Piet J.
Published: October 2015

After the Second World War, there was a universal rise and greater acknowledgement of human rights, which entered churches and ecumenical organisations’ way of thinking. Human rights influenced the church’s understanding of justice and human dignity both internally and externally. The concept of human dignity came from the biblical believe that man is created in the image of God. In South Africa human rights were also increasingly recognised and respected. A charter of human rights was included as chapter 2 of the 1996 Constitution and churches regard human dignity as a central tenet of their approach to members and non-members. Differences between church and state on the issue have arisen as the result of differences on the freedom of religion. Church and state in South Africa can complement each other in the promotion of human dignity.Opsomming: Kerk en staat in Suid-Afrika en menseregte. Na die Tweede Wêreldoorlog is menseregte wêreldwyd erken en aanvaar. Dit was ook die geval in kerke en ekumeniese organisasies. Menseregte het kerke se siening van geregtigheid en menswaardigheid in hulle interne sowel as eksterne optrede beïnvloed. Die begrip menswaardigheid het ontstaan uit die bybelse oortuiging dat die mens na die beeld van God geskape is. In Suid-Afrika is menseregte ook toenemend erken en aanvaar. ’n Verklaring van menseregte is as hoofstuk 2 in die 1996-grondwet ingesluit en kerke beskou menswaardigheid as toonaangewend in hulle benadering van mense binne en buite die kerk. Verskille tussen die kerk en die staat in Suid-Afrika oor menseregte het ontstaan as gevolg van verskille oor die inhoud van die vryheid van godsdiens. Teen hierdie agtergrond kan kerk en staat mekaar egter aanvul in die bevordering van menseregte.
О некоторых мерах сложности конечных абелевых групп
Authors: Kochergin Vadim Vasil'evich
Published: October 2015

Пусть конечная абелева мультипликативная группа $G$ задана базисом $B = \{ a_1, a_2, \ldots , a_q\}$, т. е. группа $G$ раскладывается в прямое произведение циклических подгрупп, порожденных элементами множества $B$: $G= \langle a_1 \rangle \times \langle a_2 \rangle \times \ldots \times \langle a_q \rangle.$ Сложность $L(g;B)$ элемента $g$ группы $G$ в базисе $B$ определяется как минимальное число операций умножения, достаточное для вычисления элемента $g$, исходя из элементов базиса $B$ (разрешается многократное использование результатов промежуточных вычислений). Пусть $L(G, B)= \max\limits_{g \in G} L(g; B),$ $ LM(G)= \max\limits_{B} L(G, B),$ $Lm(G)= \min\limits_{B} L(G, B),$ $M(n) = \max\limits_{G \colon |G| \le n} LM(G),$ $m(n) = \max\limits_{G \colon |G| \le n} Lm(G),$ $M_{ср}(n) = ( \sum\limits_{G \colon |G|= n}{ LM(G)})/{A(n)},$ $m_{ср}(n) = ( \sum\limits_{G \colon |G|= n}{ Lm(G)})/{A(n)},$ где $A(n)$ - количество абелевых групп порядка $n$. В работе получены асимптотические оценки величин $L(G, B)$, $M(n)$, $m(n)$, $M_{ср}(n)$ и $m_{ср}(n)$. Работа выполнена при финансовой поддержке РФФИ, проект № 14-01-00598.
Надгруппы аддитивных регулярных групп порядка $2^n$ кольца вычетов и векторного пространства
Authors: Pogorelov Boris Aleksandrovich , Pudovkina Marina Aleksandrovna
Published: October 2015

Аддитивные группы кольца вычетов ${\mathbb{Z}_{{2^n}}}$ и векторного пространства ${V_n}$ над полем $GF(2)$, а также порождeнная ими группа ${G_n}$, имеют общие системы импримитивности и являются подгруппами силовской 2-подгруппы симметрической группы $S({\mathbb{Z}_{{2^n}}})$. Данные группы возникают в криптографии при использовании в качестве способа наложения ключа относительно операций сложения из ${V_n}$ и ${\mathbb{Z}_{{2^n}}}$. В данной работе приведено подстановочное строение подгрупп группы ${G_n}$. Описаны ядра гомоморфизмов, соответствующих различным системам импримитивности, нормальные делители, а также некоторые модулярные представления группы ${G_n}$ над полем $GF(2)$.
Об асимптотике числа бесповторных булевых функций в базисе $\{&,\lor,\oplus,\lnot\}$
Authors: Voblyi Vitalii Antonievich
Published: October 2015

Получена асимптотическая формула для числа $S_n$ бесповторных булевых функций от $n$ переменных в базисе $\{&,\lor,\oplus,\lnot\}$ при $n\to\infty\;:S_n\sim cn^{-3/2}\alpha^nn!$, где $c\approx0.1998398363\;,\alpha\approx7.549773429\;.$
A study of the impact of synoptic weather conditions and water vapor on aerosol–cloud relationships over major urban clusters of China
Authors: Kourtidis K. , Stathopoulos S. , Georgoulias A. K. , Alexandri G. , Rapsomanikis S.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The relationships between aerosol optical depth (AOD), cloud cover (CC), and cloud top pressure (CTP) over three major urban clusters in China are studied under different sea level pressure (SLP) and water vapor (WV) regimes using a decade (2003–2013) of MODIS satellite-retrieved data. Over all urban clusters, for all SLP regimes, CC is found to increase with AOD, thus pointing out that the CC dependence on AOD cannot be explained by synoptic covariation, as approximated by SLP, alone. WV is found to have a stronger impact on CC than AOD. This impact is more pronounced at high aerosol load than at low aerosol load. Hence, studies of AOD–CC relationships, based on satellite data, will greatly overestimate the AOD impact on CC in regions where AOD and WV have similar seasonal variations, while they will probably underestimate the AOD impact in regions where AOD and WV have opposite seasonal variations. Further, this impact shows that the hydrological cycle interferes with the aerosol climatic impact and we need to improve our understanding of this interference. Our results also suggest that studies attributing CTP long-term changes to changes in aerosol load might have a WV bias.
Influence of the aerosol solar extinction on photochemistry during the 2010 Russian wildfires episode
Authors: Péré J. C. , Bessagnet B. , Pont V. , Mallet M. , Minvielle F.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. In this work, impact of aerosol solar extinction on the photochemistry over eastern Europe during the 2010 wildfires episode is discussed for the period from 5 to 12 August 2010, which coincides to the peak of fire activity. The methodology is based on an online coupling between the chemistry-transport model CHIMERE (extended by an aerosol optical module) and the radiative transfer code TUV. Results of simulations indicate an important influence of the aerosol solar extinction, in terms of intensity and spatial extent, with a reduction of the photolysis rates of NO2 and O3 up to 50 % (in daytime average) along the aerosol plume transport. At a regional scale, these changes in photolysis rates lead to a 3–15 % increase in the NO2 daytime concentration and to an ozone reduction near the surface of 1–12 %. The ozone reduction is shown to occur over the entire boundary layer, where aerosols are located. Also, the total aerosol mass concentration (PM10) is shown to be decreased by 1–2 %, on average during the studied period, caused by a reduced formation of secondary aerosols such as sulfates and secondary organics (4–10 %) when aerosol impact on photolysis rates is included. In terms of model performance, comparisons of simulations with air quality measurements at Moscow indicate that an explicit representation of aerosols interaction with photolysis rates tend to improve the estimation of the near-surface concentration of ozone and nitrogen dioxide as well as the formation of inorganic aerosol species such as ammonium, nitrates and sulfates.
Uncertainties of satellite-derived surface skin temperatures in the polar oceans: MODIS, AIRS/AMSU, and AIRS only
Authors: Kang H.-J. , Yoo J.-M. , Jeong M.-J. , Won Y.-I.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Uncertainties in the satellite-derived surface skin temperature (SST) data in the polar oceans during two periods (16–24 April and 15–23 September) 2003–2014 were investigated and the three data sets were intercompared as follows: MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Ice Surface Temperature (MODIS IST), the SST of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder/Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A (AIRS/AMSU), and AIRS only. The AIRS only algorithm was developed in preparation for the degradation of the AMSU-A. MODIS IST was systematically warmer up to 1.65 K at the sea ice boundary and colder down to −2.04 K in the polar sea ice regions of both the Arctic and Antarctic than that of the AIRS/AMSU. This difference in the results could have been caused by the surface classification method. The spatial correlation coefficient of the AIRS only to the AIRS/AMSU (0.992–0.999) method was greater than that of the MODIS IST to the AIRS/AMSU (0.968–0.994). The SST of the AIRS only compared to that of the AIRS/AMSU had a bias of 0.168 K with a RMSE of 0.590 K over the Northern Hemisphere high latitudes and a bias of −0.109 K with a RMSE of 0.852 K over the Southern Hemisphere high latitudes. There was a systematic disagreement between the AIRS retrievals at the boundary of the sea ice, because the AIRS only algorithm utilized a less accurate GCM forecast over the seasonally varying frozen oceans than the microwave data. The three data sets (MODIS, AIRS/AMSU and AIRS only) showed significant warming rates (2.3 ± 1.7 ~ 2.8 ± 1.9 K decade−1) in the northern high regions (70–80° N) as expected from the ice-albedo feedback. The systematic temperature disagreement associated with surface type classification had an impact on the resulting temperature trends.