bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USER GEOLOCATED CONTENT ANALYSIS FOR URBAN STUDIES: INVESTIGATING MOBILITY PERCEPTION AND HUBS USING TWITTER
Authors: Molinari M. E. , Oxoli D. , Kilsedar C. E. , Brovelli M. A.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The availability of content constantly generated within theWeb has resulted in an incredibly rich virtual social environment from which it is possible to retrieve almost any sort of information. Since the advent of the social media connection with location-based services, this information has attracted the interest of manifold disciplines connected to the spatial data science. In this context, we introduce the URBAN-GEO BIG DATA (URBAN GEOmatics for Bulk Information Generation, Data Assessment and Technology Awareness), a Project of National Interest funded by the Italian Ministry of Education that aims at contributing to the exploitation of heterogeneous geodata sources such as VGI, geo-crowdsourcing, earth observation, etc. for a better understanding of urban dynamics. The presented work tackles one of the tasks requested by the project, which is connected to an investigation of the use of Twitter as a geodata source for retrieving valuable insights on the citizens’ interaction with mobility services and hubs. The study refers to five Italian cities, namely Milan, Turin, Padua, Rome, and Naples. Data collection is performed through the use of the Twitter streaming application programming interface. Collected data is analyzed by means of natural language processing techniques with Python. Results include a) extractions of mobility-related tweets presented by means of maps enabling the exploration of their spatial distribution within the cities, and b) a classification of the mobility-related tweets by means of sentiment analysis, allowing to investigate citizens’ perceptions of mobility services. A light and reproducible procedure to achieve these results is also outlined. In general terms, the results are intended for providing snapshots of the citizen interaction with both mobility infrastructure and services enabling a better description of mobility patterns and habits within the studied cities. The work leverages the geo-crowdsourced data within the traditional urban management practices in Italy and investigates the benefits, drawbacks, limitations connected to these data sources, which is the ultimate goal of the URBAN-GEO BIG DATA project.
CHANGE DETECTION FROM POINT CLOUDS TO SUPPORT INDOOR 3D CADASTRE
Authors: Nikoohemat S. , Koeva M. , Oude Elberink S. J. , Lemmen C. H. J.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Recently in The Netherlands, there are many examples of changes in the functionalities of buildings over time. Tracking these changes could be challenging when the building geometry will change as well; for example a change from administrative to residential use of the space, or merging two spaces in the building without updating the functionality. To record the changes, a common practice is to use 2D plans for subdivisions and to assign new rights, restrictions and responsibilities for the changes in a building. In the meantime, with the advances of 3D data collection techniques, the benefits of 3D models in various forms are increasingly being researched. The current work explores the opportunities of using the point clouds to establish a link between spatial changes and 3D Cadastre in indoor environments. We investigate the changes over time in the geometry of the building that can be automatically detected from point clouds to update the 3D indoor cadastre. The permanent changes (e.g., walls, rooms) are automatically distinguished by dynamic changes (e.g., human, furniture) and will be associated with the space subdivisions. Finally, the results will be linked to the spatial units in a Land Administration Domain Model (LADM).
ANALYSIS OF HEAVY RAIN FROM TYPHOON NUMBER 3 (2017) USING X-BAND MULTIPARAMETER RADAR DATA, KYUSHU, JAPAN
Authors: Nishio M. , Mori M.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The heavy rain on 5–6 July of 2017 was generated by the seasonal rain front that lingered from 30 June until 4 July, and by typhoon No.3 in the Kyushu northern part of Japan (Fukuoka and Oita Prefectures) which occurred at 09:00 on July 2. Such heavy rain caused serious disasters (landslides and flooding). During the large-scale downpour, 2617 damaged dwellings and 39 deaths were recorded in Oita and Fukuoka Prefectures. A new radar system, the X-band MP radar system, provides more detailed rainfall observations than C-band radar, but its special data structure precludes an easy data processing by geographical information systems (GISs) and other software. To overcome this difficulty, we developed an original software that is compatible with GIS. The rainfall amount accumulated by a monitoring system is useful in disaster prevention, as dangerous levels of the accumulated rainfall provide a warning signal.
GEOSPATIAL DATA FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND LOW CARBON CITIES – OVERVIEW, EXPERIENCES AND NEW PERSPECTIVES –
Authors: Nowacka A. , Remondino F.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their integration with 3D city models have become a common and powerful asset of cities for planning, visualization and decision-making operations in the fields of energy management, energy efficiency as well as transportation, public infrastructures, etc. The use of such solutions in urban spaces is still confined and mainly applied to visualization purposes (e.g. Google Earth) although geodata and spatial analyses can solve many problems towards the creation of smart cities. This paper presents an overview of various activities using spatial and non-spatial energy-related data integrated with 3D city models into GIS environments. It reviews existing solutions and reports two ongoing projects which deal with geospatial data for better planning and management of energy efficient public lighting and almost zero-consumption public buildings.
C-AQM: A CROWD-SOURCED AIR QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEM
Authors: Parés M. E. , Vázquez-Gallego F.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. European cities are currently facing one of the main evolutions of the last fifty years. “Cities for the citizens” is the new leitmotiv of modern societies, and citizens are demanding, among others, a greener environment including non-polluted air. Improved sensors and improved communication systems open the door to the design of new systems based on citizen science to better monitor the air quality. In this paper, we present a system that relies on the already available Copernicus Environment Service, on Air Quality Monitoring reference stations and on a cluster of new low-cost, low-energy sensor nodes that will improve the resolution of air quality maps. The data collected by this system will be stored in a time series database, and it will be available both to city council managers for decision making and to citizens for informative purposes. In this paper, we present the main challenges imposed by Air Quality Monitoring systems, our proposal to overcome those challenges, and the results of our preliminary tests.
TOWARDS AUTOMATIC RECONSTRUCTION OF INDOOR SCENES FROM INCOMPLETE POINT CLOUDS: DOOR AND WINDOW DETECTION AND REGULARIZATION
Authors: Previtali M. , Díaz-Vilariño L. , Scaioni M.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. In the last years, point clouds have become the main source of information for building modelling. Although a considerable amount of methodologies addressing the automated generation of 3D models from point clouds have been developed, indoor modelling is still a challenging task due to complex building layouts and the high presence of severe clutters and occlusions. Most of methodologies are highly dependent on data quality, often producing irregular and non-consistent models. Although manmade environments generally exhibit some regularities, they are not commonly considered. This paper presents an optimization-based approach for detecting regularities (i.e., same shape, same alignment and same spacing) in building indoor features. The methodology starts from the detection of openings based on a voxel-based visibility analysis to distinguish ‘occluded’ from ‘empty’ regions in wall surfaces. The extraction of regular patterns in windows is addressed from studying the point cloud from an outdoor perspective. The layout is regularized by minimizing deformations while respecting the detected constraints. The methodology applies for elements placed in the same plane.
ANALYSIS OF THE FLOATING CAR DATA OF TURIN PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: FIRST RESULTS
Authors: Ravanelli R. , Crespi M.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensors represent nowadays a mature technology, low-cost and efficient, to collect large spatio-temporal datasets (Geo Big Data) of vehicle movements in urban environments. Anyway, to extract the mobility information from such Floating Car Data (FCD), specific analysis methodologies are required. In this work, the first attempts to analyse the FCD of the Turin Public Transportation system are presented. Specifically, a preliminary methodology was implemented, in view of an automatic and possible real-time impedance map generation. The FCD acquired by all the vehicles of the Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) company in the month of April 2017 were thus processed to compute their velocities and a visualization approach based on Osmnx library was adopted. Furthermore, a preliminary temporal analysis was carried out, showing higher velocities in weekend days and not peak hours, as could be expected. Finally, a method to assign the velocities to the line network topology was developed and some tests carried out.
COMPARING STEREO IMAGE MATCHING PERFORMANCE BY MULTIDIMENSIONAL SEARCH WINDOWS
Authors: Rhee S. , Kim S. , Ahn H. R. , Kim T.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Image matching is a key technology for extraction of dense point cloud and 3D terrain information using satellite/aerial imagery. In image matching using brightness values of pixels, the size of search window is an important factor for determining the matching performance. In this study, we perform matching using multi-dimensional search windows applicable to area-based matching and compare the performance. Also, the search window is reconfigured by using the linear information existing on the image, and the matching is tried. Comparing the fixed search window and the multi-window matching results, it was confirmed that the multiple windows under the same conditions show relatively high accuracy. We can also see that the method of applying the line element has slightly better accuracy. As a result of applying the line element extraction technique, a large number of pixels are not extracted compared with the total image pixel amount. There was no significant difference in the results of visual analysis. However, we have confirmed that this technique has contributed to improving accuracy.
THE GLOBAL OPTIMAL PLACEMENT OF BLE BEACON FOR LOCALIZATION BASED ON INDOOR MAP
Authors: Ruan L. , Zhang L. , Cheng F. , Long Y.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Anchor Nodes in a localization system obviously play a crucial role in determining the system’s quality. Their placement directly affects the localization accuracy and their number directly impacts the total cost of the system. Nowadays, the deployment of Bluetooth nodes in industry generally relies on the experience knowledge of engineers and the cost of positioning beacon does not considered the global level. In this paper, we put forward a method to extract the number and location of BLE beacon automatically and ensure a high positioning accuracy of the indoor positioning system based the rules of indoor positioning, which use all kinds of space objects and structure characteristics of indoor map. The triangulation method was selected to study the global optimal placement of BLE beacon for localization based on indoor map. The impacts and requirements of BLE beacon placement were systematic analysed from the triangulation positioning method, indoor positioning environment and indoor user distribution characteristics. According to the characteristics of indoor environment structure and user distribution, we built an optimization model of BLE beacon placement method based on genetic algorithm which can generate the number and the location of BLE beacon. At last, the Bluetooth indoor positioning prototype system is developed to compare the experience method deployment scheme and the global optimization deployment scheme in the real indoor positioning environment.
APPROACHES TO DISTINGUISH ‘REAL’ CHANGES FROM ‘UNREAL’ CHANGES BASED ON MULTI-TEMPORAL 2D BUILDING FOOTPRINT DATA
Authors: Schorcht M. , Hecht R. , Meinel G.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Building footprint data from National Mapping and Cadastral Agencies are available in Germany for 7 years as a uniform, nation-wide geospatial data set and are updated annually. These multi-temporal building data sets can form the basis for the application of change detection techniques to derive national figures on dynamics in the building stock. Since these building data sets have only been built up in recent years, it is necessary to distinguish real changes from false changes. This is done by applying vector geometry-based operations and statistical analyses, which are presented in this article. Furthermore, by the additional use of the raster dataset Copernicus – European Settlement Map (classified, resolution 2.5 m) it is approximately possible to estimate whether it is a correct change or not. The advantage of this approach is that large-scale comparable results can be derived simply and quickly based on uniform basic data.
MULTILEVEL SEMANTIC MODELLING OF URBAN BUILDING SPACE BASED ON THE GEOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS IN 3D ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Sun X.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Data model is the basis of all the functions of geographic information system. As the land use structure has become more and more complicated in cities, the traditional geometric model are not able to satisfy the increasing demands of precise urban form recognition and space management. Against the shortcomings, we propose to construct a multilevel semantic model for better description of the spatial composition of each building and the relationships among different buildings. Based on the 3D surface models constructed with photogrammetry and remote sensing methods, the semantic model is generated to depict the urban building space hierarchically, from stories, buildings, subareas to the entire city zone. On the one hand, to figure out the stories of each building, the geometric 3D model is segmented vertically with reference to the compositional structures and spatial distributions of the functional features on the surfaces. On the other hand, to determine the subareas of the city, the buildings are grouped into meaningful clusters according to their geometric shape characteristics. Experiments were conducted on a small district with both commercial and residential buildings, and the effectiveness of the proposed approach and usage of the semantic model were demonstrated.
OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE AND OPEN EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL ON LAND COVER MAPS INTERCOMPARISON AND VALIDATION
Authors: Brovelli M. A. , Wu H. , Minghini M. , Molinari M. E. , Kilsedar C. E. , Zheng X. , Shu P. , Chen J.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Land Cover (LC) maps represent key resources to understand, model and address many global and local dynamics affecting our planet. They are usually derived from the classification of satellite imagery, after which a validation or intercomparison process is performed to assess their accuracy. This paper presents the project “Capacity Building for High-Resolution Land Cover Intercomparison and Validation”, an educational initiative funded by the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) and mainly targeting developing countries. First, with the help of two open surveys, an analysis of the state of the art was performed which assessed the overall good awareness on LC maps and the needs and requirements for validating and comparing them, as well as the rich availability of educational material on this topic. The second task, currently under finalization, is the development of new educational material, based on open source software and released under an open access license, consisting of: an introduction to the GlobeLand30 (GL30) LC map and its online platform; a desktop GIS procedure showing two use cases on GL30 validation; and an application to collect LC data on the field to be used for validation. Finally, this educational material will be tested in practice in three workshops during the second half of the project, two of which held in developing countries: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya.
QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF AN EXTENDED INTERFEROMETRIC RADAR DATA PROCESSING APPROACH
Authors: Tampubolon W. , Reinhardt W.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Radar data acquisition is a reliable technology to provide base data for topographical mapping. Its flexibility and weather independency makes radar data more attractive in comparison with traditional airborne data acquisition. This advantage emplaces radar data acquisition as an alternative method for many applications including Large Scale Topographical Mapping (LSTM). LSTM i.e. larger or equal than 1 : 10.000 map scale is one of the prominent priority tasks to be finished in an accelerated way especially in third world countries such as Indonesia. The available TerraSAR-X Add on Digital Elevation Model X (TanDEM-X) Intermediate Digital Elevation Model (IDEM) from German Aerospace Center (DLR) as one useful global scientific data set however still complies with High Resolution Terrain Information (HRTI) Level 3 only. The accuracy of the end product of pairwise bi-static TanDEM-X data can be improved by some potential measures such as incorporation of Ground Control Points (GCPs) within the interferometric data processing. It is expected that the corresponding end product can fulfil HRTI Level 4 specification. From this point, we focus on the step of phase difference measurements in radar interferometry to generate elevation model with least square adjustment approach using three main parameters i.e. height reference, absolute phase offset and baseline. Those three parameters are considered to be essential within the Digital Surface Model (DSM) generation process. Therefore it is necessary to find the optimal solution within aforementioned adjustment model. In this paper we use an linearized model, as discussed in section 2.4, to process the bi-static TanDEM-X datasets and investigate how this improves the accuracy of the generated DSM. As interferometric radar data processing relies on accurate GCP data we use Indonesian Geospatial Reference System (SRGI) for our investigations. Also, we use baseline and phase offset information from TanDEM-X metadata. Subsequently, the DSM generated using Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP) desktop, is the main product used for LSTM. This product has to be assessed using check points derived from conventional airborne data acquisition using RCD-30 metric camera and the accuracy is compared with the accuracy of the IDEM. Summarized, this paper aims on an improvement of the DSM generation by adjusting main parameters through our linearized model.
EFFECTIVE CARTOGRAPHIC METHODS FOR ASSISTING TACTICS CHOICE AND INDOOR DEPLOYMENTS DURING BUILDING FIRES – A CASESTUDY THE DUTCH FIRE BRIGADE
Authors: van der Meer T. W. T. , Verbree E. , van Oosterom P. J. M.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Information is key for a safe deployment of the fire brigade. Incorrect judgement could lead to decreased effectivity or even casualties. Because of the risks that are posed by building complexity and modern building materials, the Dutch fire brigade is increasingly hesitant to enter the building during a building fire. While no two building fires are the same and personal judgement of the fire brigade will remain necessary, good information supply could aid the commanders in making the right choices. There are a lot of factors that come into play when choosing strategy, tactics and techniques. An effective information system should present the right and up to date information at the right moment, and it should do so in an intuitive and effective manner. Most cartography research has been done for outdoor applications; indoor cartography is in its infancy. This research aims to develop cartographic methods to aid the Dutch fire brigade during building fire deployments. Based on the requirements of the organization a novel approach is introduced: ToggleMaps. This mobile interface combines a main map pane with a reference pane, both in either 2D or 3D and with either a low or a high level of detail. This allows the user to toggle between two states: a detailed 2D overview of a separate building level with its perspective within the 3D reference map, or a more detailed 3D overview of the whole building with a simplified 2D reference map of his current building level.
INDOOR ROUTE PLANNING UNDER HEXAGON NETWORK CONSIDERING MULTI-CONSTRAINS
Authors: Wang W. , Ai T. , Gong C.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Indoor route planning, affected by many constraints, needs to take consideration of both the spatial geometry, environmental attribute information of the scene and the application preferences. Thus, it requires a data model that can integrate multiple constraints to model the indoor scene; meanwhile, it’s also necessary to take into account the isotropic features of the indoor pathfinding behavior and the superposition analysis of multi-constraint conditions by the route-finding algorithm. Based on this, this paper proposes a multi-factor constrained A* algorithm model based on the hexagonal grid, that is using an isotropic regular hexagon to model an indoor scene, and taking constraint conditions as heuristic factors to guide the route-finding algorithm so as to get the route. Based on this model, distance, recognition and pedestrian density are used as examples to illustrate the impact of constraints on route planning and their organic combination with scene modeling and route-finding algorithms. The experimental results show that this scheme can effectively take into account the constraints such as distance, landmark strength, and pedestrian heat, thus providing a route that is more in line with the application preferences.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL DATA MODELLING FOR UNDERGROUND UTILITY NETWORK MAPPING
Authors: Yan J. , Jaw S. W. , Son R. V. , Soon K. H. , Schrotter G.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Cities around the world face an increasing need for land as density in urban areas increases rapidly. The pressure to expand a city’s space is especially acute for a city-state like Singapore. How to make better use of underground space? This issue becomes much more emergent in the urban development. In the big data era, a data-driven approach of underground spaces is necessary for the sustainable development of a city along with rapid urbanization. A reliable three dimensional (3D) digital map of utility networks is crucial for urban planners to understand one of the most impactful aspects of the underground space planning. The mapping underground utility networks is a challenging task, especially for cities with limited land resources, congested underground spaces, and a lack of uniform existing practices. This paper proposes a framework to organise the workflow from an underground utility data survey to data use. This framework includes two core parts: A 3D utility network data model that aims to convert utility survey data to 3D geospatial information, and a 3D utility cadastral data model that supports utility ownership management. It is expected that reliable and accurate information on underground utility networks can lead to a better understanding and management of underground space, which eventually contributes to better city planning, making the unseen structures visible.
INDOOR SEMANTIC SEGMENTATION FROM RGB-D IMAGES BY INTEGRATING FULLY CONVOLUTIONAL NETWORK WITH HIGHER-ORDER MARKOV RANDOM FIELD
Authors: Yang J. , Kang Z.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Indoor scenes have the characteristics of abundant semantic categories, illumination changes, occlusions and overlaps among objects, which poses great challenges for indoor semantic segmentation. Therefore, we in this paper develop a method based on higher-order Markov random field model for indoor semantic segmentation from RGB-D images. Instead of directly using RGB-D images, we first train and perform RefineNet model only using RGB information for generating the high-level semantic information. Then, the spatial location relationship from depth channel and the spectral information from color channels are integrated as a prior for a marker-controlled watershed algorithm to obtain the robust and accurate visual homogenous regions. Finally, higher-order Markov random field model encodes the short-range context among the adjacent pixels and the long-range context within each visual homogenous region for refining the semantic segmentations. To evaluate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method, experiments were conducted on the public SUN RGB-D dataset. Experimental results indicate that compared with using RGB information alone, the proposed method remarkably improves the semantic segmentation results, especially at object boundaries.
DEVELOPMENT OF UAV AIR ROADS BY USING 3D GRID SYSTEM
Authors: Youn J. , Kim D. , Kim T. , Yoo J. H. , Lee B. J.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. With the drastic development of low-altitude UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology, UAV will be used for long-distance logistics in the near future. Many countries begin to develop UTM (UAV Traffic Management) system, and one of the objectives for the system is preparation of UAV-logistics era. In that era, hundreds of drone will simultaneously fly at one area. To prevent UAV collision in the air, UAV air road should be designed. The Korean government have supported research projects related with UAV air roads. This paper deals with development of UAV air roads by using 3D grid system. First, detail 3D spatial information for UAV air roads is constructed. In many cases, 3D digital map does not include transmission towers, utility poles, power lines, or trees, since the interests of 3D digital map are focussed on digital elevation model and digital surface model with buildings. The transmission towers, utility poles, and power lines could be obstacles when UAV perform its logistics mission. Therefore, detail 3D information should be constructed for UAV air roads. We constructed such detail 3D information by using MMS (Mobile Mapping System) and aerial survey with Lidar and digital photograph. Next, 3D grid system is proposed to present such detail 3D information. Usual object based 3D information is huge size and hard to control. To provide 3D information to a flying UAV, data should be light. Therefore, light-weight 3D grid system is effective to provide air road information to UAV. Proposed 3D grid based air roads can be used for UAV flight plan, traffic management etc.
TRAJECTORY COMPRESSION WITH CONSTRAINTS OF ROAD NETWORKS
Authors: Zhang L. , Liu M. , Long Y.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. In recent, the trajectory data of moving objects is getting bigger and bigger, and it has become a very important part of the social big data. Its compression is an indispensable operation of data processing, and also it is the basis of the data storage, analysis and mining of moving objects. In the related research, there are two kinds of methods for the trajectory compression. One is to compress trajectory data based on its own spatial-temporal characteristics, another kind of methods is the map-matched trajectory compression. However, for offline trajectory compression, methods based on spatial-temporal characteristics do not take the road network constraints into account. If road networks are considered, the map matching is needed first, and it will greatly affect the efficiency of trajectory compression. Therefore, this paper proposes a new trajectory compression algorithm that combines the spatial-temporal characteristics from trajectories themselves and structural characteristics from road networks to improve the compression precision and efficiency.
ESTIMATING HOURLY PM2.5 CONCENTRATIONS FROM HIMAWARI-8 AOD OVER HUBEI PROVINCE
Authors: Chen J. , Huang X.
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Satellite remote sensing can effectively estimate the particulate matter on a large scale. Polar-orbiting satellites have limited frequency of observations, which cannot help us understand PM2.5 evolution. The observation frequency of Himawari-8, a geostationary meteorological satellite, increases to at least once every 10 min. Besides, this satellite can provide the hourly aerosol optical depth (AOD). PM2.5 concentration is closely associated with changes in wind speed. The air quality changes with the variations of wind direction and speed. In Hubei Province, the daily average wind speed varies greatly, while the wind significantly impacts the PM2.5 diffusion. In the present study, a mixed effect regression model is developed which predicts ground-level hourly PM2.5 concentrations in Hubei province and analyzes the hourly time variation trend and spatial distribution characteristics of the near ground PM2.5 concentrations using the annual Himawar-8 Level 2 aerosol product in 2016. The estimated hourly PM2.5 concentrations are consistent well with the surface PM2.5 measurements with high R2 (0.74) and low RMSE (20.5 μg∙m−3). The average estimated PM2.5 in Hubei province during the study is about 46.1 μg∙m−3. A clear regional distribution is shown in the spatial distribution of PM2.5 concentrations, and the PM2.5 concentrations in the central and eastern regions of Hubei Province is significant higher than that of the western region; from the perspective of time change, the pollution peak appears at 15 o'clock in the local time, the average concentration of PM2.5 reaches 50.1 ± 21.8 μg∙m−3; the pollution reaches the lightest at 9 o'clock a.m., and the average PM2.5 concentrations is 41.7 ± 17.5 μg∙m−3. These results are conducive to assessing surface PM2.5 concentrations and monitoring regional air quality.
Effect of Motivational Factors on Job Satisfaction of Administrative Staff in Telecom Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Wen Xuezhou , Butt Rehan Sohail , Khan Rabnawaz , Murad Majid , Ashraf Sheikh Farhan , Michael Appiah
Published: September 2018

The present study discussed the motivational factors of Herzberg two factor theories in the perspective of the administrative staff of the telecom sector of Pakistan. The study investigates whether these motivational (intrinsic) factors and hygiene (extrinsic) factors affect the job satisfaction of administrative staff and their influence on telecommunication sectors. The motivational (intrinsic) factors i.e. recognition, the job itself, responsibility, professional growth. Hygiene (extrinsic) factors i.e. senior management, the role of supervisor, good relation with coworkers. The study also revealed some other factors of human resource development career development, responsibility, compensation and benefits and working atmosphere which are associated with the job satisfaction of administrative staff in the telecom sector in Pakistan.This paper is more inclined towards an exploratory study, were to explore the more important of the topic; the study used a convenience sampling technique to collect data from the administrative staff of telecom sector of Pakistan. The final sample consisted of 150 respondents who are currently working in the telecom sector. Descriptive statistics, correlational and linear regression analysis was used to test hypotheses.The output of this study is revealed that of telecom motivation factor intrinsic positive significant impact on job satisfaction, compensation and benefits has an impact on job satisfaction, the career development is also associated with the job satisfaction of administrative staff, responsibility of work is positively associated with the job satisfaction of telecom.
An Optimality Analysis and Treatment of Phonological Disorders in the Speech of Jordanian Children: A Case Study
Authors: Yaseen Maha S. , Mahadin Radwan S.
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a case study of a Jordanian child with phonological speech disorders. It seeks to investigate functional phonological disorders and their treatment among Jordanian children within an Optimality Theoretic (OT) perspective. It aims to provide treatment for children’s speech errors within a constraint-based system. The analysis of the data identifies seven error patterns in the child’s productions, namely: fronting, lateralization, stopping, devoicing, de-emphasization, syllable deletion and cluster reduction. Furthermore, OT is employed at the end of the study as a guideline to select the priority of treatment goals by demoting responsible markedness constraints below faithfulness constraints.
Kinetic Sodium Equation with Built-In Rate of Correction: Aid to Prescribing Therapy for Hyponatremia or Hypernatremia
Authors: Chen Sheldon , Shey Jason
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Both hyponatremia and hypernatremia occur frequently in patients with cancer. To understand these disorders, investigators have mathematically modeled the serum sodium concentration in humans.

Methods

We expanded the model to incorporate time, in a “kinetic sodium” equation, and then a term explicitly appears for the rate of sodium correction, a key consideration to avoid treatment complications. The equation is solved for the fluid administration rate to assist the clinician with the hospital order in the management of dysnatremia.

Results

With baseline data on the input and output rates of Na/K/water along with the patient's body weight, a clinician can use the kinetic equation to aim for a desired [sodium] over a safe timeframe. The formula returns the infusion rate for any treatment fluid, such as normal saline, hypertonic saline, or 5% dextrose in water. The formula can also calculate treatment in terms of the dosage of salt tablets. If an abrupt water diuresis is anticipated, the equation should be entered with the predicted urine [Na+K] and flow rate to avoid overcorrection of hyponatremia. To demonstrate efficacy, we applied the kinetic equation to real-life cases of hypo- and hypernatremia.

Conclusions

The kinetic equation improves upon existing sodium equations by potentially accounting for all inputs and outputs, if known, and incorporating a rate of correction. The quantitative approach provides a basis for prescribing intravenous fluids and salt tablets.
Barriers to Integrate Physical Exercise Into the Ethiopian Healthcare System to Treat Non-Communicable Diseases
Authors: Kassa Melkamu D. , Grace Jeanne
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Physical exercise is recognized as one component of non-communicable disease prevention, but little attention has been devoted to integrating physical exercise into the Ethiopian healthcare system, with the barriers to its inclusion being unclear.

Objectives: The present study explores the bottlenecks to integrate physical exercise into the Ethiopian healthcare system to treat non-communicable disease.

Design: A mixed method sequential explanatory design.

Setting: Public referral hospitals in Ethiopia.

Methodology: Data was collected in two phases among 312 (195 males and 117 females) healthcare professionals. The participants were selected proportionately and randomly from 13 public referral hospitals.

Results: Lack of: national coordination to promote physical exercise (t (311) = 69.20, p < .0005), trained physical exercise professionals (t (311) = 14.42, p < .0005); physical exercise guidelines (t (311) = 33.25, p < .0005); training how to prescribe physical exercise by healthcare providers (t (311) = 62.94, p < .0005); information on the health benefits of physical exercise to give to their patients (t (311) = 65.62, p < .0005); and built environment that encourages physical exercise participation (t (311) = 59.64, p < .0005) were identified as barriers. Additionally, built environment, policy, healthcare professionals' lifestyle, demography of healthcare professionals, health information coverage of physical exercise and the hospital physical building were also identified as barriers.

Conclusions: Physical exercise appears marginalized from the Ethiopian healthcare system. Healthcare organizations and policy makers could take the cited barriers into consideration to plan, design and integrate physical exercise into the healthcare system to prevent NCDs in Ethiopia.
Trudna diagnoza. Kontrowersje wokół PTSD i ADHD
Authors: Odachowska Ewa , Woźniak-Prus Małgorzata
Published: September 2018

Artykuł poświęcony jest problemom diagnostycznym, z jakimi borykają się zarówno psycholodzy, pedagodzy, jak i psychiatrzy próbujący określić patomechanizm trudności występujących w zachowaniu u dzieci. W prezentowanej pracy skupiono się na analizie obrazu klinicznego i etiologii zaburzeń po stresie traumatycznym (PTSD) oraz zespołu nadpobudliwości psychoruchowej z deficytem uwagi (ADHD), gdyż są to zaburzenia, których rozpoznanie u dzieci budzi wiele wątpliwości diagnostycznych. Rozważania dotyczące objawów poszczególnych zaburzeń oparto na kryteriach diagnostycznych DSM-5, a analizę ich genezy przeprowadzono, odwołując się do danych na temat cech funkcjonalnych ośrodkowego układu nerwowego w poszczególnych przypadkach. Całość pracy podsumowuje próba wskazania elementów niezbędnych dla diagnozy różnicowej obydwu zaburzeń.
Praktyki rodzicielskie matek i ojców a nasilenie objawów zaburzeń eksternalizacyjnych u dzieci w wieku szkolnym
Authors: Woźniak-Prus Małgorzata , Matusiak Katarzyna
Published: September 2018

Celem prezentowanego badania było poszukiwanie związków między nasileniem objawów nieuwagi i impulsywności/nadaktywności bądź zachowań opozycyjno-buntowniczych u dzieci w wieku szkolnym a podejmowanymi przez ich rodziców praktykami. Wzięło w nim udział 103 matki i 69 ojców. Byli oni rodzicami 108 dzieci w wieku 8-11 lat. W badaniu zastosowano narzędzia kwestionariuszowe, w tym polską adaptację The Alabama Parenting Questionnaire. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują na istnienie związku pomiędzy nasileniem objawów zachowań opozycyjno-buntowniczych występujących u dzieci a częstszym podejmowaniem przez matki praktyk negatywnych oraz rzadszym stosowaniem pozytywnych oddziaływań rodzicielskich. W grupie ojców nie otrzymano tak silnych zależności, mimo że stosowali oni niespójną dyscyplinę i kary cielesne częściej wraz ze wzrostem nasilenia zachowań opozycyjno-buntowniczych u dzieci. Zaobserwowano również związek między podejmowaniem przez matki niespójnej dyscypliny i słabej kontroli a większym nasileniem objawów nieuwagi i impulsywności/nadaktywności u dzieci. Zależności te nie wystąpiły w grupie ojców. Zgodnie z wcześniejszymi doniesieniami otrzymane wyniki pokazują silniejszy związek między podejmowanymi przez rodziców oddziaływaniami a nasileniem zachowań opozycyjno-buntowniczych niż nasileniem objawów nieuwagi i impulsywności/nadaktywności.
Wsparcie dziadków i prężność a relacje z rówieśnikami u adolescentów z rodzin samotnych matek
Authors: Napora Elżbieta
Published: September 2018

Celem badań było sprawdzenie występowania różnic oraz związków między wsparciem dziadków i prężnością adolescentów a komunikowaniem się z rówieśnikami u badanych z rodzin samotnych matek, a także oszacowanie w tym związku roli płci badanych. Badania za pomocą Berlińskich Skal Wsparcia Społecznego (BSSS), autorskiej Skali Komunikowania się Adolescentów z Rówieśnikami (SKAR); Skali do Pomiaru Prężności – SPP-18 oraz ankiety osobowej przeprowadzono wśród 145 dorastających dziewcząt i 137 chłopców. Wyniki pokazały, że pod względem komunikowania się z rówieśnikami badani istotnie nie różnią się między sobą. Chłopcy mają istotnie wyższą prężność, dziewczęta znacząco bardziej poszukują i więcej otrzymują wsparcia od dziadków. Ponadto dla obydwu grup stwierdzono istotną statystycznie dodatnią korelację pomiędzy prężnością, wsparciem dziadków a otwartością w komunikowaniu się badanych z rówieśnikami. Przeciwnie niż do związku z komunikacją trudną. Wnioskując, płeć adolescentów odgrywa znaczącą rolę w korzystaniu z zasobów w kształtowaniu komunikowania się z rówieśnikami.
Dylematy wspierania rodzin zastępczych na podstawie badań z Czech .
Authors: Fabián Peter
Published: September 2018

czy zastępczej w Czechach. Owa sytuacja przyczynia się do powstania dylematów, których podłożem są zupełnie nowe zagadnienia zawodowe w systemie wspierania rodzin oraz dzieci żyjących poza domem rodzinnym. Dzieci powinny mieć okazję do kształtowania i rozwijania swojej osobowości, jednak proces ten może zostać zaburzony w ich domu rodzinnym. Przedstawione dylematy mogą być dla dzieci zagrożeniem lub szansą na dobry start w dorosłym życiu.
Jaka) aktywność seniorów „czwartego wieku” i (jakie) wsparcie dla ich czynnych zawodowo rodzinnych opiekunów
Authors: Baruch Anna
Published: September 2018

Rezultatem przemian demograficznych będzie – z jednej strony – sukcesywnie zwiększająca się liczba osób starszych wymagających opieki, natomiast z drugiej – malejąca liczba ich potencjalnych nieformalnych opiekunów. Polska jest nadal w kwestii opieki nad seniorami krajem konserwatywnym, gdzie rodzina jest główną instytucją opiekuńczą nad najstarszymi członkami rodziny; zarazem stanowi to normę kulturową oraz moralny obowiązek. Opiekun rodzinny może jednak sam nie poradzić sobie z wielością pełnionych przez niego ról, zwłaszcza jeżeli jest i chce pozostać czynnym zawodowo. Artykuł jest pracą poglądową. Po pierwsze, pokazano w nim problemy, z jakimi muszą się zmierzyć opiekunowie nieformalni z chwilą wchodzenia i funkcjonowania w nowej dla siebie roli. Po drugie, wskazano, że niesamodzielni seniorzy w tzw. fazie późnej starości nie muszą przebywać jedynie w domu i być narażeni na wykluczenie społeczne. Oni również mogą pozostać aktywni.
Determination of Ethanol Content in Kombucha Products by Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection: A Multilaboratory Study
Authors: Liu Ying , Chan Michael , Blake Ebersole , Sy Hong , Brown Paula N
Published: September 2018

Background: Kombucha is a nonalcoholic, fermented tea beverage that has recently received negative attention because of documented concentrations of ethanol in excess of allowable limits of ≥0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Objective: Our previously reported headspace GC with flame-ionization detection (GC-FID) method was adopted by the AOAC Expert Review Panel as First Action Official MethodSM 2016.12 in September 2016 based on published single-laboratory validation study results. This paper describes the corresponding multilaboratory study using this method to further validate its performance parameters. Methods: Four laboratories participated in the study and received practice samples, test samples, reference standards, and detailed protocols. Eight kombucha samples sent out to laboratories were randomly assigned sample numbers and were blinded in terms of content and identity. Each laboratory analyzed all samples using the GC-FID method and reported their results. Results: Cochran’s C-test and single and double Grubbs’ tests were used to identify and remove outliers. Horwitz ratio values for all samples were between 0.5 and 1.7. As per the Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®), all samples within the analytical range of 0.1–2.0 ABV% had RSDR values <6%. Conclusions: The results from this study demonstrate the evaluated GC-FID method meets the SMPR requirements and is fit for purpose for detecting ethanol in kombucha products. Highlights: Kombucha, a nonalcoholic, fermented beverage, has been found to contain ≥0.5% ABV. First Action Official Method 2016.12, a headspace GC-FID method for determining ethanol in kombucha, is supported by a multilaboratory study.
Kripkenstein on Belief
Authors: Capuano Antonio ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2018

I offer a skeptical reading of Saul Kripke’s “A Puzzle about Belief.” I maintain that Kripke formulates a skeptical paradox about belief that is analogous to the skeptical paradox about meaning and rule-following that, according to Kripke, Wittgenstein formulates in his Philosophical Investigations.
Sorties du théâtre : pratique de l’interartistique chez Brigitte Haentjens
Authors: Thibault Sara , Guay Hervé
Published: September 2018

Cet article s’intéresse à la partie du travail de Brigitte Haentjens où celle-ci rompt avec une esthétique purement dramatique pour pénétrer dans des zones interartistiques. Dans plusieurs oeuvres de ce corpus, Haentjens fait appel à une approche non textocentriste ou encore recourt à des matériaux non dramatiques. Cet ensemble de mises en scène opère ainsi des percées du côté de la performance, de la danse, de la choralité et du théâtre environnemental afin de proposer un contrat spectaculaire légèrement différent que dans le reste de sa production, c’est-à-dire qui oscille entre plusieurs pôles artistiques au lieu de rester simplement théâtral. C’est une façon particulièrement efficace de rendre compte, par le corps, des tensions entre les individus et le groupe, de miser sur un dialogisme convergent et d’approfondir au contact d’autres arts la perspective critique, féministe, qui est la sienne.
L’OMBRE DES CONTES DANS LES FOUS DE BASSAN D’ANNE HÉBERT
Authors: VIGNES SYLVIE
Published: September 2018

À bien des égards, Les fous de Bassan, publié en 1982 par Anne Hébert, contribue à l’émergence de formes narratives nouvelles et annonce ce que sera l’extrême contemporain en littérature de langue française. Le prix Médicis qui l’a couronné rend hommage à cette inventivité, la structure très travaillée du roman faisant se succéder six récits : « livres », lettres et ce qu’à défaut de terme générique approprié on pourrait qualifier de rêverie posthume. Intitulée « Olivia de la Haute Mer », cette rêverie porte en exergue une citation de Hans Christian Andersen : « Ton coeur se brisera et tu deviendras écume sur la mer ». Anne Hébert réussit à articuler avec autant de fluidité que d’efficacité le mythe antique des sirènes ornithomorphes au conte moderne intitulé La petite sirène, créant un univers symbolique et poétique d’une « inquiétante étrangeté », où la sirène est tour à tour prédatrice et proie, appât et victime sacrificielle, ce qui lui permet, entre autres, d’interroger la féminité et les rapports hommes-femmes avec une remarquable acuité.
RAS-LE-BOL DU CARE
Authors: LAROCHELLE MARIE-HÉLÈNE
Published: September 2018

La littérature contemporaine des femmes est truffée de personnages féminins qui se
placent en porte à faux avec les attentes écrites pour elles dans les contes traditionnels
et cessent de « prendre soin » d’elles-mêmes comme des autres (pères, maris, enfants, ami.es
et étrangers). Leurs identités se fondent sur une tension, sorte de dialectique constante
entre le care et la violence (symbolique ou physique ; métaphorique ou réelle), qui
trouve ses racines dans les archétypes des contes de fées. Les écrits contemporains des
femmes, à travers l’exploration des thèmes comme les relations amoureuses, les relations
familiales, la maternité, la sexualité et les usages de la drogue, présentent une violence
qui, parfois tournée vers l’autre, parfois tournée vers soi, se comprend mieux une fois
observée sous le prisme d’une éthique de la responsabilité puis du « prendre soin » que le
discours sous-tend. Cet article démontre comment le care devient violence. Il
s’agira de comprendre une certaine limite du care : le cas qui implique de briser
la dynamique, de rompre avec le « prendre soin », violemment, et de rejeter une moralité
cristallisée par les contes traditionnels. Sont ainsi analysés Les sangs
d’Audrée Wilhelmy et Demoiselles-cactus de Clara B.-Turcotte, qui s’inspirent des
codes du conte pour mieux marquer le moment où ils sont fracassés, afin de comprendre les
racines de ce mouvement de révolte à l’égard de certains motifs du conte.