bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Collection of Land Cover Sample Data from Geo-Tagged Web Texts
Authors: Hou Dongyang , Chen Jun , Wu Hao , Li Songnian , Chen Fei , Zhang Weiwei
Published: May 2015

Sample data plays an important role in land cover (LC) map validation. Traditionally, they are collected through field survey or image interpretation, either of which is costly, labor-intensive and time-consuming. In recent years, massive geo-tagged texts are emerging on the web and they contain valuable information for LC map validation. However, this kind of special textual data has seldom been analyzed and used for supporting LC map validation. This paper examines the potential of geo-tagged web texts as a new cost-free sample data source to assist LC map validation and proposes an active data collection approach. The proposed approach uses a customized deep web crawler to search for geo-tagged web texts based on land cover-related keywords and string-based rules matching. A data transformation based on buffer analysis is then performed to convert the collected web texts into LC sample data. Using three provinces and three municipalities directly under the Central Government in China as study areas, geo-tagged web texts were collected to validate artificial surface class of China’s 30-meter global land cover datasets (GlobeLand30-2010). A total of 6283 geo-tagged web texts were collected at a speed of 0.58 texts per second. The collected texts about built-up areas were transformed into sample data. User’s accuracy of 82.2% was achieved, which is close to that derived from formal expert validation. The preliminary results show that geo-tagged web texts are valuable ancillary data for LC map validation and the proposed approach can improve the efficiency of sample data collection.
Toward Realization of 2.4 GHz Balunless Narrowband Receiver Front-End for Short Range Wireless Applications
Authors: El-Desouki Munir , Qasim Syed , BenSaleh Mohammed , Deen M.
Published: May 2015

The demand for radio frequency (RF) transceivers operating at 2.4 GHz band has attracted considerable research interest due to the advancement in short range wireless technologies. The performance of RF transceivers depends heavily on the transmitter and receiver front-ends. The receiver front-end is comprised of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a downconversion mixer. There are very few designs that focus on connecting the single-ended output LNA to a double-balanced mixer without the use of on-chip transformer, also known as a balun. The objective of designing such a receiver front-end is to achieve high integration and low power consumption. To meet these requirements, we present the design of fully-integrated 2.4 GHz receiver front-end, consisting of a narrow-band LNA and a double balanced mixer without using a balun. Here, the single-ended RF output signal of the LNA is translated into differential signal using an NMOS-PMOS (n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor, p-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor) transistor differential pair instead of the conventional NMOS-NMOS transistor configuration, for the RF amplification stage of the double-balanced mixer. The proposed receiver circuit fabricated using TSMC 0.18 µm CMOS technology operates at 2.4 GHz and produces an output signal at 300 MHz. The fabricated receiver achieves a gain of 16.3 dB and consumes only 6.74 mW operating at 1.5 V, while utilizing 2.08 mm2 of chip area. Measurement results demonstrate the effectiveness and suitability of the proposed receiver for short-range wireless applications, such as in wireless sensor network (WSN).
A Fuzzy-Based Fusion Method of Multimodal Sensor-Based Measurements for the Quantitative Evaluation of Eye Fatigue on 3D Displays
Authors: Bang Jae , Choi Jong-Suk , Heo Hwan , Park Kang
Published: May 2015

With the rapid increase of 3-dimensional (3D) content, considerable research related to the 3D human factor has been undertaken for quantitatively evaluating visual discomfort, including eye fatigue and dizziness, caused by viewing 3D content. Various modalities such as electroencephalograms (EEGs), biomedical signals, and eye responses have been investigated. However, the majority of the previous research has analyzed each modality separately to measure user eye fatigue. This cannot guarantee the credibility of the resulting eye fatigue evaluations. Therefore, we propose a new method for quantitatively evaluating eye fatigue related to 3D content by combining multimodal measurements. This research is novel for the following four reasons: first, for the evaluation of eye fatigue with high credibility on 3D displays, a fuzzy-based fusion method (FBFM) is proposed based on the multimodalities of EEG signals, eye blinking rate (BR), facial temperature (FT), and subjective evaluation (SE); second, to measure a more accurate variation of eye fatigue (before and after watching a 3D display), we obtain the quality scores of EEG signals, eye BR, FT and SE; third, for combining the values of the four modalities we obtain the optimal weights of the EEG signals BR, FT and SE using a fuzzy system based on quality scores; fourth, the quantitative level of the variation of eye fatigue is finally obtained using the weighted sum of the values measured by the four modalities. Experimental results confirm that the effectiveness of the proposed FBFM is greater than other conventional multimodal measurements. Moreover, the credibility of the variations of the eye fatigue using the FBFM before and after watching the 3D display is proven using a t-test and descriptive statistical analysis using effect size.
A Micro-Computed Tomography Technique to Study the Quality of Fibre Optics Embedded in Composite Materials
Authors: Chiesura Gabriele , Luyckx Geert , Voet Eli , Lammens Nicolas , Van Paepegem Wim , Degrieck Joris , Dierick Manuel , Van Hoorebeke Luc , Vanderniepen Pieter , Sulejmani Sanne , Sonnenfeld Camille , Geernaert Thomas , Berghmans Francis
Published: May 2015

Quality of embedment of optical fibre sensors in carbon fibre-reinforced polymers plays an important role in the resultant properties of the composite, as well as for the correct monitoring of the structure. Therefore, availability of a tool able to check the optical fibre sensor-composite interaction becomes essential. High-resolution 3D X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography, or Micro-CT, is a relatively new non-destructive inspection technique which enables investigations of the internal structure of a sample without actually compromising its integrity. In this work the feasibility of inspecting the position, the orientation and, more generally, the quality of the embedment of an optical fibre sensor in a carbon fibre reinforced laminate at unit cell level have been proven.
Using Water Footprints for Examining the Sustainable Development of Science Parks
Authors: Chen Han-Shen
Published: May 2015

The Hsinchu Science Park was established in Taiwan in the 1980s, replacing traditional industries with high value-added and technology-intensive industries. Taiwan has become one of the Newly-Industrialized Economies (NIEs). However, the continued expansion of high-tech enterprises in science parks requires large amounts of resources to be consumed, deteriorating the quality of the environment, for which society must pay a high cost. In this study, the input-output model was used to explore the water footprints of the Hsinchu Science Park. The study results revealed that among the six industries at the Hsinchu Science Park, the integrated circuit industry (whether in 2001, 2004, or 2006) had the lowest total water consumption per unit of output. From a water footprint perspective, compared with the other industries of the science park, the development of the integrated circuit industry has had a lower impact on the environment. Furthermore, the integrated circuit industry, precision machinery industry, and biotechnology industry have become increasingly dependent on foreign water resources to alleviate the water shortage in Taiwan. In contrast to previous studies on water consumption, this study incorporated indirect water usage into the analysis; thus, a comprehensive view of the water consumption of each industry was analyzed from a broad perspective.
The Institutional Challenges of Payment for Ecosystem Service Program in China: A Review of the Effectiveness and Implementation of Sloping Land Conversion Program
Authors: Chen Cheng , König Hannes , Matzdorf Bettina , Zhen Lin
Published: May 2015

This study is an overview of the effectiveness and institutional challenges of China’s Sloping Land Conversion Program (SLCP). The SLCP is the Chinese government’s largest Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program and one of the largest PES programs in the world. From an institutional perspective, the SLCP is particularly interesting because it represents a hybrid governance type that includes both voluntary and hierarchical (top-down) elements rather than traditional command-and-control approach. Our analysis is based on a literature review that encompasses 164 international scientific articles. To identify institutional challenges, we linked the results regarding the effectiveness of the program to its institutional aspects. Our SLCP case study highlights the dependence of the effectiveness of a governmental PES program on the specific regulatory institutional setting and the particular actors involved. Our results show that some institutional challenges undermine the anticipated advantages of PES (local participation) and eventually reshape the program outcomes through implementation process, particularly in cases of hybrid governance structures in which institutional requirements are as important as the design of the specific financial incentives. The collaboration between relevant government actors at different hierarchical levels, and specifically the motivations and interests of the government actors responsible for the implementation on the ground, play crucial roles. The SLCP can be an important milestone in environmental policy in China and the world, if more innovative elements of a theoretically ideal PES—such as local flexibility and self-interest (or at least the acceptance of the service providers supplying the relevant ecosystem services) can be strengthened. The environmental goals can be achieved in combination with greater self-interest of the applicable government actors on all hierarchical levels.
The Relationship between Urbanization, Economic Growth and Energy Consumption in China: An Econometric Perspective Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yabo , Wang Shaojian
Published: May 2015

As the largest developing country in the world, with rapid economic growth, China has witnessed fast-paced urbanization development over the past three decades. In fact, urbanization has been shown to promote economic growth and improve the livelihood of people, but it can also increase energy consumption and further generate energy crisis. Therefore, a better understanding of the relationship between urbanization, economic growth and energy consumption is important for China’s future sustainable development. This paper empirically investigates the long-term equilibrium relationships, temporal dynamic relationships and causal relationships between urbanization, economic growth and energy consumption in China. Econometric models are utilized taking the period 1980–2012 into consideration. Cointegration tests indicate that the variables are found to be of I(1) and cointegrated. Further, vector error-correction model (VECM) indicates that when the short-term fluctuations deviate from the long-term equilibrium, the current changes of energy consumption could eliminate 9.74% non-equilibrium error of the last period, putting back the situation to the equilibrium state through a reverse adjustment. Impulse response analysis intuitively portrays the destabilized changes of the variables in response to some external shocks. However, the impact of energy consumption shock on urbanization and the impact of urbanization on economic growth seem to be rather marginal. Moreover, Granger causality results reveal that there is a bi-directional Granger causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth, and unidirectional causality running from urbanization to energy consumption and economic growth to urbanization. The findings have important implications for Chinese policymakers that on the path towards a sustainable society, the effects of urbanization and economic growth on energy consumption must be taken into consideration.
Mechanisms of Cancer Cell Killing by the Adenovirus E4orf4 Protein
Authors: Kleinberger Tamar
Published: May 2015

During adenovirus (Ad) replication the Ad E4orf4 protein regulates progression from the early to the late phase of infection. However, when E4orf4 is expressed alone outside the context of the virus it induces a non-canonical mode of programmed cell death, which feeds into known cell death pathways such as apoptosis or necrosis, depending on the cell line tested. E4orf4-induced cell death has many interesting and unique features including a higher susceptibility of cancer cells to E4orf4-induced cell killing compared with normal cells, caspase-independence, a high degree of evolutionary conservation of the signaling pathways, a link to perturbations of the cell cycle, and involvement of two distinct cell death programs, in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. Several E4orf4-interacting proteins including its major partners, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and Src family kinases, contribute to induction of cell death. The various features of E4orf4-induced cell killing as well as studies to decipher the underlying mechanisms are described here. Many explanations for the cancer specificity of E4orf4-induced cell death have been proposed, but a full understanding of the reasons for the different susceptibility of cancer and normal cells to killing by E4orf4 will require a more detailed analysis of the complex E4orf4 signaling network. An improved understanding of the mechanisms involved in this unique mode of programmed cell death may aid in design of novel E4orf4-based cancer therapeutics.
Genomic Analysis of 15 Human Coronaviruses OC43 (HCoV-OC43s) Circulating in France from 2001 to 2013 Reveals a High Intra-Specific Diversity with New Recombinant Genotypes
Authors: Kin Nathalie , Miszczak Fabien , Lin Wei , Gouilh Meriadeg , Vabret Astrid , Consortium Epicorem
Published: May 2015

Human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) is one of five currently circulating human coronaviruses responsible for respiratory infections. Like all coronaviruses, it is characterized by its genome’s high plasticity. The objectives of the current study were to detect genetically distinct genotypes and eventually recombinant genotypes in samples collected in Lower Normandy between 2001 and 2013. To this end, we sequenced complete nsp12, S, and N genes of 15 molecular isolates of HCoV-OC43 from clinical samples and compared them to available data from the USA, Belgium, and Hong-Kong. A new cluster E was invariably detected from nsp12, S, and N data while the analysis of nsp12 and N genes revealed the existence of new F and G clusters respectively. The association of these different clusters of genes in our specimens led to the description of thirteen genetically distinct genotypes, among which eight recombinant viruses were discovered. Identification of these recombinant viruses, together with temporal analysis and tMRCA estimation, provides important information for understanding the dynamics of the evolution of these epidemic coronaviruses.
Bumble Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Bombus spp.) of Interior Alaska: Species Composition, Distribution, Seasonal Biology, and Parasites
Authors: Pampell Rehanon , Sikes Derek , Pantoja Alberto , Holloway Patricia , Knight Charles , Ranft Richard
Published: May 2015

Despite the ecological and agricultural significance of bumble bees in Alaska, very little is known and published about this important group at the regional level. The objectives of this study were to provide baseline data on species composition, distribution, seasonal biology, and parasites of the genus Bombus at three major agricultural locations within Alaska: Fairbanks, Delta Junction, and Palmer, to lay the groundwork for future research on bumble bee pollination in Alaska.

A total of 8,250 bumble bees representing 18 species was collected from agricultural settings near Delta Junction, Fairbanks, and Palmer, Alaska in 2009 and 2010. Of the 8,250 specimens, 51% were queens, 32.7% were workers, and 16.2% were males. The species composition and relative abundances varied among sites and years. Delta Junction had the highest relative abundance of bumble bees, representing 51.6% of the specimens collected; the other two locations, Fairbanks and Palmer represented 26.5% and 21.8% of the overall catch respectively. The species collected were: Bombus bohemicus Seidl 1837 (= B. ashtoni (Cresson 1864)), B. balteatus Dahlbom 1832, B. bifarius Cresson 1878, B. centralis Cresson 1864, B. cryptarum (Fabricius 1775) (=B. moderatus Cresson 1863), B. distinguendus Morawitz 1869, B. flavidus Eversmann 1852 (=B. fernaldae Franklin 1911), B. flavifrons Cresson 1863, B. frigidus Smith 1854, B. insularis (Smith 1861), B. jonellus (Kirby 1802), B. melanopygus Nylander 1848, B. mixtus Cresson 1878, B. neoboreus Sladen 1919, B. occidentalis Greene 1858, B. perplexus Cresson 1863, B. rufocinctus Cresson 1863, and B. sylvicola Kirby 1837. Overall, the most common bumble bees near agricultural lands were B. centralis, B. frigidus, B. jonellus, B. melanopygus, B. mixtus, and B. occidentalis. Species' relative population densities and local diversity were highly variable from year to year. Bombus occidentalis, believed to be in decline in the Pacific Northwest states, represented 10.4% of the overall specimens collected from the three sites studied. Bumble bees were found to be infected by Nosema and nematodes with infection rates up to 2.1% and 16.7% respectively. Of the eight species infected by parasites, B. occidentalis displayed the highest Nosema infection, while B. centralis was the species with the highest infection of nematodes. To our knowledge this represents the first multi-year study on bumble bees from the main agricultural areas of Alaska to provide baseline data on species composition, distribution, seasonal biology, and parasites of the genus Bombus.
Pierre Brossolette, de l’exil au Panthéon
Authors: Piketty Guillaume
Published: May 2015

Homme de plume et d’action, Brossolette pendant la guerre participe à la Résistance – en France, à Londres, à Alger – mais aussi à son organisation, à ses débats, à ses conflits internes. Profondément humaniste, difficilement classable, ce soldat de l’« armée des ombres » se voit tardivement reconnaître comme une figure majeure de la Résistance.
Jean Zay : « la tête haute »
Authors: Mouchard Claude
Published: May 2015

Ministre de l’Éducation nationale et des Beaux-Arts à seulement trente et un ans, sous le gouvernement de Léon Blum, Jean Zay est arrêté en 1940 par Vichy ; des miliciens, se faisant passer pour des résistants, l’assassinent en 1944. Pendant sa captivité, il rédige Souvenirs et solitude , où il décrit son isolement de prisonnier tout en revenant sur son passé politique, comme pour préparer un après-guerre qu’il ne verra pas.
Les Européens répondent-ils à la crise par la mobilité ?
Authors: Jolly Cécile
Published: May 2015

Il serait naturel de penser que la crise a fait progresser la mobilité en Europe, des pays les plus durement touchés vers ceux qui en ont moins souffert. Or la mobilité au sein de la zone euro reste faible malgré l’aggravation des inégalités entre Européens et les divergences économiques accentuées par la crise.
Les trois corps du pugiliste
Authors: Wacquant Loïc , Bart Jean-Yves
Published: May 2015

Sur la base de trois ans d’observation participante et d’apprentissage dans une salle de boxe d’un quartier noir du South Side à Chicago, cet article reconstitue l’expérience vécue de l’instrumentalité, de l’esthétique et de l’éthique incarnée chez les boxeurs. Ensemble, ces trois corps définissent l’ aisthesis spécifique de la pratique pugilistique en tant que métier du corps et du ghetto. Son étude montre que la boxe professionnelle ouvre une voie vers une différenciation sociale, voire de la transcendance sociale, plutôt que vers l’ascension économique : l’éthique professionnelle du « sacrifice » permet aux boxeurs de s’arracher à leur vie quotidienne pour créer un univers moral et sensuel sui generis , creuset de la construction d’un soi masculin glorieux.
De l’avantage de comparer les carrières supportéristes à des carrières militantes
Authors: Lestrelin Ludovic
Published: May 2015

Comment peut-on être supporter de football ? Pourquoi se mobilise-t-on pour « son » club en rejoignant un groupe organisé ? Nous proposons d’étudier les trajectoires d’engagement dans le supportérisme en les comparant à des carrières militantes . Tel qu’il est utilisé par la sociologie de l’engagement militant, le concept de carrière invite, en effet, à étudier les individus et interactions certes, mais aussi les organisations. Manière de décloisonner les recherches sur les publics sportifs, cette proposition est aussi un encouragement à appréhender les supporters comme des acteurs associatifs et à construire une sociologie politique pensant, au-delà de l’usage métaphorique, le « militantisme » des stades.
La pratique sportive des immigrées à l’épreuve de la comparaison : l’exemple des filles d’origine turque en France et en Allemagne
Authors: Didierjean Romaine
Published: May 2015

Cet article restitue une partie d’un travail qui visait à analyser sociologiquement le rapport que les filles d’origine turque entretiennent avec les activités physiques et sportives, qu’il s’agisse de sport auto-organisé, d’activités dans le milieu scolaire ou encore de sport en club. L’étude fut menée de 2005 à 2011 dans deux régions frontalières : l’Alsace et le Baden-Württemberg, où les originaires de Turquie représentent la première communauté étrangère. Des méthodes d’enquête qualitatives et quantitatives furent combinées afin de mettre à jour la complexité des facteurs qui agissent sur cette population de part et d’autre du Rhin ainsi que les différents arrangements.
« Vrais montagnards » et « joueurs des plaines ». Pratique du volley-ball et dynamique de sportivisation au sein des clubs de montagne alsaciens (1946-1974)
Authors: Stumpp Sébastien
Published: May 2015

Figures structurantes de l’espace sportif alsacien, les clubs de montagne s’attachent, tout au long du xx e siècle, à maintenir un modèle identitaire exaltant la camaraderie et le primat du collectif sur l’individu. Présentée comme fondatrice de l’« esprit montagnard », cette logique « communautaire » commence néanmoins à être discutée au cours des années 1960. Les conditions de diffusion et de sportivisation de la pratique du volley-ball en sont une bonne illustration. La création d’un « championnat de volley-ball de montagne » cristallise en effet les tensions, parce qu’elle engage une nouvelle vision des échanges associatifs et remet en cause les formes de sociabilité traditionnellement pérennisées.
La végétalisation scolaire : la promotion de la première classe de forêt organisée à Vanves en 1959 par le Dr Max Fourestier
Authors: Laffage-Cosnier Sébastien
Published: May 2015

En France, le Dr Max Fourestier, médecin scolaire de l’école Gambetta à Vanves, organise, pendant deux semaines en 1959, la première « classe de forêt » au sein de l’école publique. Cette innovation scolaire à la campagne, vantée pour ses bienfaits sur les élèves, se développe au cours des années 1960 et 1970 à l’échelon national. L’étude vise à montrer comment le médecin met en place un processus de valorisation de la classe de forêt qui se veut être à la croisée de vertus sociales, de fonctions symboliques, de pouvoirs thérapeutiques et d’ambitions d’épanouissement. Max Fourestier souligne les pouvoirs éducatifs et les vertus de la classe de forêt qui constitueraient une forme d’écosystème scolaire dans lequel les élèves pourraient grandir et s’instruire en harmonie avec la nature.
Enemigos íntimos: colonizadores y comentaristas franceses e ingleses en la isla de San Cristóbal
Authors: Zacek Natalie A.
Published: May 2015

Este artículo examina la variedad de textos producida por los colonos franceses e ingleses de la isla de St. Kitts (San Cristóbal) en los siglos XVII y XVIII, momento en que ambas comunidades se hallaban asentadas en este mismo territorio lo que generó mucha tensión y enfrentamientos frecuentes. La puesta en diálogo de estos textos permite entender las similitudes y diferencias entre los dos proyectos imperiales y ofrece una nueva perspectiva del asentamiento europeo en el Caribe en la época de la esclavitud.
Espejos trucados: la Secret history or the horrors of Santo Domingo (1808), entre la ficción y la historia antillana
Authors: González-Ripoll Loles
Published: May 2015

Este artículo centra su atención en un texto publicado en 1808 en Filadelfia que relata los avatares vividos entre 1802 y 1805 por dos mujeres envueltas en los turbulentos años de la revolución de los esclavos en Saint Domingue y los hechos derivados del intento de recuperación del territorio por el ejército francés. Son treinta y dos cartas dirigidas desde Saint Domingue, Cuba y Jamaica en su mayoría a Aaron Burr, polémica figura de la política de Estados Unidos, por Leonora Sansay, mujer de difusa identidad, cuya obra forma ya parte del canon de escritoras del siglo XIX de ese país.
La Revista Puertorriqueña: el periodismo cultural y sus redes hispanoamericanas
Authors: Cortés Zavala María Teresa , Flores Padilla María Magdalena
Published: May 2015

Los ejes de análisis del artículo son la ubicación de la Revista Puertorriqueña en la historia del periodismo local y el grupo de intelectuales antillanos e hispanoamericanos que la componen. El propósito es destacar sus fines y organización interna; las herramientas utilizadas en el diseño y composición tipográfica, así como las influencias artístico-literarias. Se considera que de esos elementos se desprenden las condiciones con que operaba la prensa periódica en Puerto Rico en las tres últimas décadas del siglo XIX y el impacto cultural de la revista en su entorno social y fuera del territorio isleño. Finalmente, se analizan los lazos y redes a las que pertenecen los intelectuales liberales reformistas a través de la Revista Puertorriqueña en el marco del centenario, previo al florecimiento del pensamiento hispanoamericano.
Enfermedad y relaciones intercoloniales: La viruela en el Caribe británico, 1902-1904
Authors: Pemberton Rita
Published: May 2015

El brote de la epidemia de viruela en el Caribe a principios del siglo XX intensificó los problemas heredados del siglo XIX, el cual conllevó nuevos retos para estos territorios antillanos. Este ensayo considera la difícil controversia que surgió entre Barbados y Trinidad en relación a dicha epidemia y aborda el transcurso y las maneras en que enfrentaron dicha enfermedad ambas colonias. Se argumenta que las consecuencias económicas y sociales subyacentes a la epidemia revela el carácter de las relaciones comerciales y sanitarias y demuestra cómo aún en medio de rivalidades entre los territorios surgió una colaboración regional entre sus autoridades.
Projective Geometry for 3D Modeling of Objects
Authors: Elias Rimon
Published: May 2015

This chapter surveys many fundamental aspects of projective geometry that have been used extensively in computer vision literature. In particular, it discusses the role of this branch of geometry in reconstructing basic entities (e.g., 3D points, 3D lines, and planes) in 3D space from multiple images. The chapter presents the notation of different elements. It investigates the geometrical relationships when one or two cameras are observing the scene creating single-view and two-view geometry. In other words, camera parameters in terms of locations and orientations, with respect to 3D space and with respect to other cameras, create relationships. This chapter discusses these relationships and expresses them mathematically. Finally, different approaches to deal with the existence of noise or inaccuracy in general are presented.
Monocular-Cues Based 3-D Reconstruction
Authors: Tumu Sudheer , Avasarala Viswanath , Jonnalagadda Sai Tejaswi , Wadekar Prasad
Published: May 2015

3-D reconstruction from images has traditionally focused on using multiple images. However, in recent years, some interesting breakthroughs have been made in constructing depth maps of images using monocular cues. This chapter summarizes the recent work in this evolving research domain. The chapter also presents results from an initial exploratory study based on fusing the 3-D reconstructions generated by two seminal monocular-cue based reconstruction algorithms. With new testing data, the fusion approach improved the 3-D estimation accuracy significantly as compared to the original approaches. The authors use the improved estimation accuracy produced by the fusion algorithm as a motivating evidence for future work: the use of non-parametric Bayesian regression for 3-D reconstruction.
Surface Modelling Using Discrete Basis Functions for Real-Time Automatic Inspection
Authors: O’Leary Paul , Harker Matthew
Published: May 2015

This chapter presents an introduction to discrete basis functions and their application to real-time automatic surface inspection. In particular, discrete polynomial basis functions are analyzed in detail. Emphasis is placed on a formal and stringent mathematical background, which enables an analytical a-priori estimation of the performance of the methods for specific applications. A generalized synthesis algorithm for discrete polynomial basis functions is presented. Additionally a completely new approach to synthesizing constrained basis functions is presented. The resulting constrained basis functions form a unitary matrix, i.e. are optimal with respect to numerical error propagation and have many applications, e.g. as admissible functions in Galerkin methods for to solution of boundary value and initial value problems. Furthermore, a number of case studies are presented, which show the applicability of the methods in real applications.
3D Surface Reconstruction from Multiviews for Prosthetic Design
Authors: Mahmood Nasrul Humaimi Bin
Published: May 2015

Existing methods that use a fringe projection technique for prosthetic designs produce good results for the trunk and lower limbs; however, the devices used for this purpose are expensive. This chapter investigates the use of an inexpensive passive method involving 3D surface reconstruction from video images taken at multiple views. The design and evaluation methodology, consisting of a number of techniques suitable for prosthetic design, is developed. The method that focuses on fitting the reference model (3D model) of an object to the target data (3D data) is presented. The 3D model is obtained by a computer program while the 3D data uses the shape-from-silhouette technique in an approximately circular motion. The modification of existing model-based reconstruction – mainly on the deformation process of vertices – is discussed, and the results of different objects show a good possibility for using a passive method in prosthetic devices. The methodology developed is shown to be useful for prosthetic designers as an alternative to manual impression during the design.
Exemplar of Pearls of Wisdom for the Academy through Dr. Pearlie Dove's Career in Education
Authors: Moffet Noran L. , Frizzell Melanie M. , Brown De'Lonn C.
Published: May 2015

The subject of this chapter represents a woman of color, courage, and consciousness who began her early childhood preparation in the segregated “colored schools” of Atlanta, Georgia in the 1920s and 1930s. Pearlie Craft (maiden name) Dove is the focus of this originally conceptualized qualitative narrative which draws its scholarly influence from ethnography, reflective biography, and historiography as well as personal narrative to posit a methodological approach described as ethno-biographical research. The selected key participant for this chapter was born in 1921. The authors constructed the methodology from selected biographical notes, conversations, interviews, and critical theory of the era in which she was educated and lived. The conceptual model describes the foundation for the use of the term Pearlie's Pearls of Wisdom as attributes that can be models for men and women who aspire to promote principles over expediency. This chapter seeks to promote the overarching professional and personal qualities exemplified by Dr. Dove from 1949-2014.
Perseverance
Authors: Lewis Andrea D.
Published: May 2015

This chapter addresses the author's eight year journey to obtaining a Ph.D. at a large predominately White southern university. Through mentorship, compromise and giving into the system, the author learned the delicate balance between speaking up and using quiet strength. In addition to offering hope, this chapter addresses the familiar dilemma of doctoral students when faced with opposing committee members, approaching deadlines, and the infamous “clock”. The goal of this chapter is to empower women who are confronted with similar obstacles and emphasize the need for faculty mentors who look like and understand women of color. Although this chapter is filled with personal and professional trials, it will validate that determination will result in the realization of dreams.
Gender and Education
Authors: Zhou Molly Y.
Published: May 2015

The chapter focuses on the discussion of gender and education in Post Mao Era in the Chinese Education System, one of the largest educational systems in the world. As history turns to a new page in China's development, China of the Post Mao Era features an emphasis on education and respect for intellectuals and knowledge. Access to higher education was reopened to the public in 1979 and the Gaokao testing system as the selective assessment system to enter college was reestablished. The K-12 schools were established and expanded to provide basic education for school age children. Educational institutions continued to develop to include regular K-12 schools, vocational schools, 2 year-colleges, and 4-year colleges. However, when increased opportunities become available to the general population, is gender equality achieved in schooling and higher learning settings? In this chapter, factors that impact gender and schooling and college entrance assessments are explored and analyzed.
Theoretical Discussion of Gender and Power
Authors: Losike-Sedimo Nonofo
Published: May 2015

This chapter presents gender disparities found in the faculty of education at the time of this study. These are discussed from a theoretical point of view. The author takes a view that gender mainstreaming is a contested concept, practiced in various ways by governments, institutions and departments. Although practice varies, the aim is to eradicate gender inequality completely. This implies that any workplace that intends to support gender equity must also support multiculturalism. If multiculturalism is practiced in an institution or organization, the organizational culture will provide a leeway for gender diversity. The objective of this chapter is to compare the institutional culture to the societal culture of the University of Botswana. Gender mainstreaming practices at UB are analyzed. The chapter describes observed gender disparities, possible solutions and suggestions for what seems to work for the future. It also explains gender discrimination as rooted in both organizational and societal culture.
Building Bridges
Authors: Shaw Mahauganee Dawn , Sanni Modinat A.
Published: May 2015

In this chapter, research on the roles of mentoring and cultural nourishment within the institutional environment is used to contextualize the personal narratives of two Black women educators. The narratives come from the authors—women who were formally educated in predominantly White institutions and informally educated in a variety of African-centered community and family settings—and are used to highlight lessons gleaned from the authors' experiences as women of color within predominantly White educational settings, both as students and employees. Examples are provided to reveal how those lessons now guide their current work interacting with and advocating for students of color in similar institutional settings.
Improving Practice through Non-Instructional Technology Platforms
Authors: Bell Allison M. , Hernandez Andrea Leigh , Huang Wenhao David
Published: May 2015

This case study describes the processes and outcomes of intentional efforts to formalize and enable learning, communication, and collaboration in a network of nonprofit practitioners to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of member organizations. After identifying a need for nonprofits in Central Illinois to have increased awareness of others' efforts and work together to a greater extent, a technology-enabled Community of Practice (CoP) was formed to facilitate positive change. After a short period of implementation, an evaluation found that the virtual CoP was valued by members as an important source of learning, networking, and finding resources. Further, intentional efforts to facilitate nonprofit network activities and productivity led to meaningful outcomes in this community and members' performance. This case study serves as a non-instructional Human Performance Technology (HPT) example for consideration by organizations seeking to support informal learning among nonprofit employees and stakeholders in order to improve and sustain members' performance.
Implementation of Semantic Search to Support Clinical Decision-Making
Authors: Tawfik Andrew , Kochendorfer Karl
Published: May 2015

The current case study is situated within a large, land grant hospital located in the Midwestern region of the United States. Although the physicians had seen an increase in medical related human performance technology (HPTs) within the organization (e.g. computer physician ordered entry) some challenges remained as the hospital sought to improve the productivity of the electronic health record (EHRs). Specifically, physicians had difficulty finding information embedded within the chart due to usability problems and information overload. To overcome the challenges, a semantic search within the chart was implemented as a solution for physicians to retrieve relevant results given the conceptual semantic pattern. The case study will discuss many elements of the implementation based on our experience and feedback from clinicians. The case will specifically highlight the importance of training and change agents within an organization.
Identification of chemosensory gene families inRhyzopertha dominica(Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)
Authors: Mandiana Diakite Mory , Wang Juan , Ali Suliman , Wang Man-Qun
Published: May 2015

Chemoreception is a key process for insects. Odorant messages diffuse through the air and are translated into physiological signals by chemosensory receptor neurons in sensilla that are mainly located on insect antennae. We sequenced the antenna transcriptome ofRhyzopertha dominica(Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), which is a serious pest of stored grains throughout regions with warm climates, and performed transcriptome analysis onR. dominicaantennae. We obtained 57 million 90-base pair-long reads that we assembled into 37 877 unigenes with a mean size of 1007 base pairs. Predicted protein sequences were matched withTribolium castaneum(Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (79.1%),Dendroctonus ponderosaeHopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) (1.7%),Megachile rotundata(Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) (1.3%),Acyrthosiphon pisumHarris (Hemiptera: Aphididae) (1.2%), and other (16.7%) homologues. In chemosensory gene families, we identified transcripts that encoded the following putative genes: 12 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), four pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs), eight chemosensory proteins (CSPs), five sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), six odorant receptors, and eight ionotropic receptors. The diversity of the predicted OBPs, PBPs, and CSPs are also discussed. These findings will advance our understanding of olfaction process by this pest.
Identification of a Nuclear Export Sequence in the MHC CIITA
Authors: Chiu Emily , Gold Theresa , Fettig Veronica , LeVasseur Michael T. , Cressman Drew E.
Published: May 2015

Initiation of an immune response through expression of MHC class II and related genes is under the control of the CIITA. Normally found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, CIITA is tightly controlled by a variety of posttranslational modifications as well as interactions with other nuclear and cytoplasmic factors, whereas disruption of this dual subcellular localization impairs CIITA functioning and expression of target genes. Although CIITA has well-defined domains necessary for its nuclear import, the region responsible for the translocation of CIITA from the nucleus has not been characterized. In this study, we identify a leucine-rich motif at residues 717–724 that bears strong homology to known nuclear export sequence (NES) domains. Mutation of this region renders CIITA insensitive to treatment with leptomycin B, an inhibitor of nuclear export, whereas fusion of this domain to a heterologous GFP is sufficient to induce its export to the cytoplasm or cause its retention in the nucleus following leptomycin B treatment. Point mutations of specific leucine residues within the NES disrupt the normal subcellular distribution of the full-length CIITA, impair its ability to interact with the nuclear export factor CRM1, and enhance CIITA-induced gene expression from an MHC class II gene promoter. IFN-γ stimulation of class II genes is further enhanced by inhibiting the nuclear export of endogenous CIITA. Collectively, these data demonstrate the first identification of a specific NES within CIITA and place it among the other protein domains that contribute to the posttranslational regulation of CIITA activity.
A Population Response Analysis Approach To Assign Class II HLA-Epitope Restrictions
Authors: Paul Sinu , Dillon Myles B. C. , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S. , Huang Huang , Davis Mark M. , McKinney Denise M. , Scriba Thomas Jens , Sidney John , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro
Published: May 2015

Identification of the specific HLA locus and allele presenting an epitope for recognition by specific TCRs (HLA restriction) is necessary to fully characterize the immune response to Ags. Experimental determination of HLA restriction is complex and technically challenging. As an alternative, the restricting HLA locus and allele can be inferred by genetic association, using response data in an HLA-typed population. However, simple odds ratio (OR) calculations can be problematic when dealing with large numbers of subjects and Ags, and because the same epitope can be presented by multiple alleles (epitope promiscuity). In this study, we develop a tool, denominated Restrictor Analysis Tool for Epitopes, to extract inferred restriction from HLA class II–typed epitope responses. This automated method infers HLA class II restriction from large datasets of T cell responses in HLA class II–typed subjects by calculating ORs and relative frequencies from simple data tables. The program is validated by: 1) analyzing data of previously determined HLA restrictions; 2) experimentally determining in selected individuals new HLA restrictions using HLA-transfected cell lines; and 3) predicting HLA restriction of particular peptides and showing that corresponding HLA class II tetramers efficiently bind to epitope-specific T cells. We further design a specific iterative algorithm to account for promiscuous recognition by calculation of OR values for combinations of different HLA molecules while incorporating predicted HLA binding affinity. The Restrictor Analysis Tool for Epitopes program streamlines the prediction of HLA class II restriction across multiple T cell epitopes and HLA types.
The impact of big data and business analytics on supply chain management
Authors: Ittmann Hans W.
Published: May 2015

Background: Change is inevitable and as supply chain managers prepare for the future they face many challenges. Two major trends over the last few years are the growing importance of ‘big data’ and analysing these data though ‘analytics’. The data contain much value and companies need to capitalise on the variety of data sources by in-depth and proper analysis through the use of ‘big data’ analytics.Objective: This article endeavours to highlight the evolving nature of the supply chain management (SCM) environment, to identify how the two major trends (‘big data’ and analytics) will impact SCM in future, to show the benefits that can be derived if these trends are embraced and to make recommendations to supply chain managers.Method: The importance of extracting value from the huge amounts of data available in the SCM area is stated. ‘Big data’ and analytics are defined and the impact of these in various SCM applications clearly illustrated.Results: It is shown, through examples, how the SCM area can be impacted by these new trends and developments. In these examples ‘big data’ analytics have already been embraced, used and implemented successfully. Big data is a reality and using analytics to extract value from the data has the potential to make a huge impact.Conclusion: It is strongly recommended that supply chain managers take note of these two trends, since better use of ‘big data’ analytics can ensure that they keep abreast with developments and changes which can assist in enhancing business competitiveness.
Strumpellin and Spartin, Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Proteins, are Binding Partners
Authors: Zhao Jiali , Hedera Peter
Published: May 2015

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is one of the most heterogeneous neurodegenerative diseases with more than 50 identified genes causing a relatively stereotypical phenotypic presentation. Recent studies of HSP pathogenesis have suggested the existence of shared biochemical pathways that are crucial for axonal maintenance and degeneration. We explored possible interactions of several proteins associated with this condition. Here we report interactions of endogenous and overexpressed strumpellin with another HSP-associated protein, spartin. This biochemical interaction does not appear to be a part of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein and Scar homologue (WASH) complex because spartin is not co-immunoprecipitated with WASH1 protein. The spartin–-strumpellin association does not require the presence of the microtubule interacting and trafficking domain of spartin. Over-expression of mutant forms of strumpellin with the introduced HSP-causing mutations does not alter the colocalization of these two proteins. Knockdown of strumpellin in cultured cortical rat neurons interferes with development of neuronal branching and results in reduced expression of endogenous spartin. Proteosomal inhibition stabilized the levels of spartin and WASH 1 proteins, supporting increased spartin degradation in the absence of strumpellin.
Front propagation for nonlinear diffusion equations on the hyperbolic space
Authors: Matano Hiroshi , Punzo Fabio , Tesei Alberto
Published: May 2015

We study the Cauchy problem in the hyperbolic space

\mathbb{H}^n (n\ge2)

for the semilinear heat equation with forcing term, which is either of KPP type or of Allen-Cahn type. Propagation and extinction of solutions, asymptotical speed of propagation and asymptotical symmetry of solutions are addressed. With respect to the corresponding problem in the Euclidean space

\mathbb R^n

new phenomena arise, which depend on the properties of the diffusion process in

\mathbb{H}^n

. We also investigate a family of travelling wave solutions, named horospheric waves, which have properties similar to those of plane waves in

\mathbb R^n

.