bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect Degree Analysis of Human Activities on Regional Groundwater Level Based on Variable Fuzzy Optimization Model
Authors: Liu Dong , Liu Wenting , Luo Tianqi
Published: January 2016

Along with the population increasing and social economic developing rapidly, the groundwater resource is affected by human activities seriously. In order to achieve optimal local allocation of water resources and promotion of local economic development, a suitable method for measuring the effect degree of human activities on groundwater resource system is very important. In this paper, regarding Hongxinglong Administration of Heilongjiang Agricultural Reclamation in China as the study area, the comprehensive assessment system to analysis the influence of human activities on groundwater level change with eight evaluated indicators closely related to the amount of groundwater exploitation is established by applying variable fuzzy optimization model. According to relative superiority, the function of effect degree index to evaluate the impact situation is constructed. The results in 2012 show that the human activities on Farm Youyi have the strongest impact on groundwater level variation, while Farm Beixing weakest. Comparing the results from 2003 to 2012, the trend of most effect degree indices reveals decrease by some effective measures. However, there are four farms whose human activities have a stronger influence on groundwater table.
A Review of Soft Computing Methods Application in Rock Mechanic Engineering
Authors: Ceryan Nurcihan
Published: January 2016

Engineering behavior of rock mass is controlled by many factors, related to its nature and the environmental conditions. Determining all the parameters, ranking their weights, and clarifying their relative effects are very difficult tasks to accomplish. To overcome these difficulties, many researchers have employed soft computing methods in rock mechanics engineering. The soft computing methods have taken an important role in rock mechanics, and their abilities to address uncertainties, insufficient information and ambiguous linguistic expressions stand out in treating complex natural rock mass. This chapter briefly will review the development of soft computing techniques in rock mechanics engineering, especially in predicting of rock engineering classification system and mechanical properties of rock material and rock mass, determination weathering degree of rock material, evolution of rock performance, blasting and, rock slope stability. In addition, the future of the development and application of soft computing in rock mechanics engineering is discussed.
A Neural Network Model for Predicting Cost of Pre-Fabricated Housing
Authors: Vukomanović Mladen , Kararić Mirsad , Radujković Mladen
Published: January 2016

Low performance of the construction industry stresses the need for improving current practices - especially in regard to cost. In this study the authors have found a critical set of variables for predicting total cost of pre-fabricated housing. A neural network model was applied on more than 30 projects. The model relies on 17 critical cost prediction variables. Verification, on 28 buildings, showed that: 85.7% of predicted values had the deviation lower 5%, while 10.7% had the deviation lower than 10%, in relation to the actual cost. After validating the model on new data the performances were as follows: 83.8% of predicted values had the deviation lower 5%, while 12.9% had the deviation lower than 10%. Thus, using this model, construction companies can influence project performance during project early phases, and acquire more competitive position on the market.
Reliability Analysis of Slope Using MPMR, GRNN and GPR
Authors: Subburaman Dhivya , J. Jagan , Dalkiliç Yıldırım , Samui Pijush
Published: January 2016

First Order Second Moment Method (FOSM) is generally for determination of reliability of slope. This article adopts Minimax Probability Machine Regression (MPMR), Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) and Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) for reliability analysis of slope by using FOSM. In this study, an example of soil slope is given regarding how the proposed GPR-based FOSM, MPMR-based FOSM and GRNN-based FOSM analysis can be carried out. GPR, GRNN and MPMR have been used as regression techniques. A comparative study has been carried out between the developed GPR, MPMR and GRNN models. The results show that MPMR gives better performance than the other models.
An Efficient Adaptive Strategy for Melody Search Algorithm
Authors: Ashrafi Seyem Mohammad , Kourabbaslou Noushin Emami
Published: January 2016

An efficient adaptive version of Melody Search algorithm (EAMS) is introduced in this study, which is a powerful tool to solve optimization problems in continuous domains. Melody search (MS) algorithm is a recent newly improved version of harmony search (HS), while the algorithm performance strongly depends on fine-tuning of its parameters. Although MS is more efficient for solving continuous optimization problems than most of other HS-based algorithms, the large number of algorithm parameters makes it difficult to use. Hence, the main objective in this study is to reduce the number of algorithm parameters and improving its efficiency. To achieve this, a novel improvisation scheme is introduced to generate new solutions, a useful procedure is developed to determine the possible variable ranges in different iterations and an adaptive strategy is employed to calculate proper parameters' values and choose suitable memory consideration rules during the evolution process. Extensive computational comparisons are carried out by employing a set of eighteen well-known benchmark optimization problems with various characteristics from the literature. The obtained results reveal that EAMS algorithm can achieve better solutions compared to some other HS variants, basic MS algorithms and certain cases of well-known robust optimization algorithms.
A Sensitivity Analysis of Critical Genetic Algorithm Parameters
Authors: Kim Eungcheol , Jha Manoj K. , Kang Min-Wook
Published: January 2016

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have been applied in many complex combinatorial optimization problems and have been proven to yield reasonably good solutions due to their ability of searching in continuous spaces and avoiding local optima. However, one issue in GA application that needs to be carefully explored is to examine sensitivity of critical parameters that may affect the quality of solutions. The key critical GA parameters affecting solution quality include the number of genetic operators, the number of encoded decision variables, the parameter for selective pressure, and the parameter for non-uniform mutation. The effect of these parameters on solution quality is particularly significant for complex problems of combinatorial nature. In this paper the authors test the sensitivity of critical GA parameters in optimizing 3-dimensional highway alignments which has been proven to be a complex combinatorial optimization problem for which an exact solution is not possible warranting the application of heuristics procedures, such as GAs. If GAs are applied properly, similar optimal solutions should be expected at each replication. The authors perform several example studies in order to arrive at a general set of conclusions regarding the sensitivity of critical GA parameters on solution quality. The first study shows that the optimal solutions obtained for a range of scenarios consisting of different combinations of the critical parameters are quite close. The second study shows that different optimal solutions are obtained when the number of encoded decision variables is changed.
DHS Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Programs
Authors: Peters Kevin A. , Taru Nira C.
Published: January 2016

This chapter highlights seven (7) DHS programs/research that involved faculty and students at Morgan State University, a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) that was linked to a DHS Center for Excellence. The programs were developed in part from partnerships and collaborative efforts from researchers and principal investigators at Morgan State University and several DHS Centers of Excellence. Researchers from Morgan State University submitted summaries of their DHS-funded programs and activities. In addition, information was gathered from DHS Websites pertaining to their collaborative work with a DHS Center of Excellence (COE). This chapter emphasizes the importance of collaborative research and programs that support the overall mission of DHS in providing opportunities for MSIs to work with COEs in DHS priority research areas. These efforts have enhanced faculty as well as students at Morgan State University with regard to education, research, professional development, and training related to a DHS priority research.
Semantic Representation of Accurate Surveys for the Cultural Heritage
Authors: Garagnani Simone
Published: January 2016

For years the traditional documentation of existing architecture has been represented by surveys, carried out with direct measuring, annotations and eidotypes. This approach is still pervasive today, but many modern metrologic technologies, such as digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning, enhanced the information-gathering pipeline particularly in the Cultural Heritage context. This chapter investigates a methodology able to express semantics and parametric interconnections among elements, proposed in order to translate real shapes into “smart” digital architectural components, using some piece of software specifically written in order to manipulate accurate geometries; following this approach, which will be improved more and more by future plugin developments, information can be organized into proper hierarchical BIM frameworks that proved to be strategic in the recording of “as-built” conditions, result of inferences of geometric and topological information in digital models.
Agrigento Cathedral
Authors: Cavaleri Liborio , Saccone Maria Giovanna , Costa Maurizio , Foti Calogero , Basile Giuseppe
Published: January 2016

At present Agrigento Cathedral is affected by extensive damage that seems to be mainly due to partial slumping of the foundation soil. The chapter deals with the state of damage that affects the cathedral and the investigation carried out for the mechanical characterization of the construction, the formulation of an FE model and the assessment of the safety level with respect to the service loads and with respect to exceptional loads like seismic ones. In the chapter the details of the above investigation are discussed, consideration also being given to the monitoring carried out in order to understand whether the phenomenon affecting the cathedral is ongoing. The results of the monitoring and the experimental campaign on the structural members are described, revealing an unexpectedly low capacity with respect to service loads. Then a comparison is carried out between the response of the FE model and the experimental observations for the identification of the causes of distress. Finally possible action is discussed.
Application of Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Programming in Civil Engineering
Authors: Samui Pijush , Choubisa Dhruvan , Sharda Akash
Published: January 2016

This chapter examines the capability of Genetic Programming (GP) and different Artificial Neural Network (ANN) (Backpropagation [BP] and Generalized Regression Neural Network [GRNN]) models for prediction of air entrainment rate (QA) of triangular sharp-crested weir. The basic principal of GP has been taken from the concept of Genetic Algorithm (GA). Discharge (Q), drop height (h), and angle in triangular sharp-crested weir (?) are considered as inputs of BP, GRNN, and GP. Coefficient of Correlation (R) has been used to assess the performance of developed GP, BP, and GRNN models. For a perfect model, the value of R should be close to one. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out to determine the effect of each input parameter. This chapter presents a comparative study between the developed BP, GRNN, and GP models.
Religious Ethics, General Ethics, and Engineering Ethics
Authors: Bhat P. R.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this chapter is to examine the underpinning relation among religious ethics, general ethics, and engineering ethics. We, the human beings, belong to one religion or the other by birth and/or by practice. There is hardly any society that is non-religious, and every major religion has religion-based ethics. Every evolved religion promotes values such as honesty, truthfulness, nonviolence, helping the needy, etc. These values are developed by major religions, such as Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, etc. All these values together constitute our understanding about general ethics. Fortunately, many religions prescribe similar values, and these values are considered as general ethics, which the chapter delineates in detail. The chapter also elucidates why we have not considered agnostics' and atheists' views on religious ethics even if general ethical principles are based on religious ethics. Further, what is the need to have professional ethics such as engineering ethics when we already have religious and general ethics? The chapter argues “engineering ethics” as a professional ethics would be an autonomous system and would be independent of religious ethics and general ethics. The reason for this claim is professionals need to perform their duties in accordance with their professional codes of conduct, and not based on their religious ethics or general ethics. The chapter submits that engineering ethics is an autonomous ethics even if it has values that resemble religious or general ethics.
Reliability-Based Criteria for the Decision of the Compensation of Corroded Flexural Reinforcement
Authors: Mohamed Ashraf Ragab
Published: January 2016

Corrosion of reinforcement is considered as the major cause of most deteriorated concrete structures. As reinforcement corrodes, the load carrying capacity is affected and hence, the probability of failure increases. At the time of inspection of deteriorated structures, engineers are faced with the problem whether the available steel is enough to secure the safety of the structural member. This chapter addresses this problem based on reliability-based approach to evaluate the safety of the deteriorated members due to uniform corrosion under bending. A methodology is proposed to facilitate the determination of the member reliability index based on basic material properties and current loading. A step-by-step procedure is proposed based on charts developed in this study according to the Egyptian code provisions.
A Multi-Level Approach for the Numerical Modelling of Complex Monumental Buildings
Authors: Casolo Siro , Fiore Andrea , Porco Francesco , Raffaele Domenico , Sanjust Carlo Alberto , Uva Giuseppina
Published: January 2016

Monumental buildings are characterized by elements (such as columns, vaults, arches …) that can suffer significant damage even under moderate earthquakes. Unfortunately, the available modeling approaches require a huge amount of computing resources. The chapter presents a multi-level strategy that is able to overcome these difficulties by a rational adoption of different computational approaches. As a case study, the non-linear seismic assessment of the medieval “Maniace Castle”, in Syracuse (Sicily, Italy) is developed, by using different numerical models. First, the linear behavior of the building is studied by means of two 3D Finite Element models. Then, results are used to calibrate a 2D plane Rigid Body and Spring Model (RBSM), specifically formulated for approximating the macroscopic behavior of masonry texture with a small number of degrees of freedom. In order to account for the variability of the material characteristics, parametric non-linear analyses have been performed and compared.
Comparing the MLC and JavaNNS Approaches in Classifying Multi-Temporal LANDSAT Satellite Imagery over an Ephemeral River Area
Authors: Tarantino Eufemia , Novelli Antonio , Aquilino Mariella , Figorito Benedetto , Fratino Umberto
Published: January 2016

This chapter analyzes two pixel-based classification approaches to support the analysis of land cover transformations based on multitemporal LANDSAT sensor data covering a time space of about 24 years. The research activity presented in this paper was carried out using Lama San Giorgio (Bari, Italy) catchment area as a study case, being this area prone to flooding as proved by its geological and hydrological characteristics and by the significant number of floods occurred in the past. Land cover classes were defined in accordance with on the CN method with the aim of characterizing land use based on attitude to generate runoff. Two different classifiers, i.e. Maximum Likelihood Classifier (MLC) and Java Neural Network Simulator (JavaNNS) models, were compared. The Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) approach was found to be the most reliable and efficient when lacking ground reference data and a priori knowledge on input data distribution.
Towards Smarter Cities and Roads
Authors: Tal Irina , Muntean Gabriel-Miro
Published: January 2016

This chapter highlights the importance of Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) in the context of smarter cities and roads, a topic that currently attracts significant academic, industrial, and governmental planning, research, and development efforts. In order for VANETs to become reality, a very promising avenue is to bring together multiple wireless technologies in the architectural design. Clustering can be employed in designing such a VANET architecture that successfully uses different technologies. Moreover, as clustering addresses some of VANETs' major challenges, such as scalability and stability, it seems clustering will have an important role in the desired vehicular connectivity in the cities and roads of the future. This chapter presents a comprehensive survey of clustering schemes in the VANET research area, covering aspects that have never been addressed before in a structured manner. The survey presented in this chapter provides a general classification of the clustering algorithms, presents some of the most advanced and latest algorithms in VANETs, and in addition, constitutes the only work in the literature to the best of authors' knowledge that also reviews the performance assessment of clustering algorithms.
Nonlinear Vibration Control of 3D Irregular Structures Subjected to Seismic Loads
Authors: Kim Dookie , Hassan Md Kamrul , Chang Seongkyu , Bigdeli Yasser
Published: January 2016

For the active control of three dimensional (3D) irregular structures subjected to seismic load, a new nonlinear model is discussed in this chapter. As well as geometric nonlinearity, material nonlinearity is also considered with a neuro-controller training algorithm, which is applied to a structure of multi degrees of freedom. For the control model, a dynamic assembly of two different motions is considered such as coupling between torsional and lateral responses of the structure and interaction between the structural system and the actuator. The training algorithm and the proposed control system of the structure are evaluated by the response simulation of the structure under the excitation of El-Centro 1940 earthquake. With linear and nonlinear stiffness, a 3D three story building structure is controlled by a trained neural network as an example. As additional parameters for the simulation control time delay, the incident angle of earthquakes is considered. The results show that the proposed control algorithm is efficient in the control of the structural vibration.
2025
Authors: Fain Stacie L.
Published: January 2016

Several governmental entities: the Secretary of Transportation; the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Commerce; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); and industry, aligned their resources to develop the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), a new approach to safety at airports in the United States (U.S.). NextGen places the responsibility for safety within airport management and changing the FAA's role from testing, inspecting, and certifying to approval and periodic audits of the Safety Management Systems (SMS) programs at U.S. airports. The purpose of the research was to determine, through a comprehensive literature review and evaluation, whether SMS will be used as the framework for U.S. airports to move safely into the year 2025. The researcher concluded that the vision for SMS implementation was well defined and the requirements fairly clear, but guidance and support for SMS implementation at U.S. airports are lacking.
A Domain Independent Pedestrian Dead Reckoning System Solution for Android Smartphones
Authors: Quintão João Paulo , Pereira Luis , Paiva Sara
Published: January 2016

In this paper we propose a domain independent Pedestrian Dead Reckoning System that can be applied to any indoor environment. We describe the entire solution and adopted architecture. The user can create new indoor spaces, define reference points in it, positions for future access and also track his current location. In order to track the user's position, we solve several walking detection false positives including a common problem with most pedometers. We present results of conducted tests that show a 98% accuracy of the system. Finally, we present the developed prototype.
Migrating JAVA to Mobile Platforms through HAXE
Authors: Bilotto Pablo Nicolás Díaz , Favre Liliana
Published: January 2016

Software developers face several challenges in deploying mobile applications. One of them is the high cost and technical complexity of targeting development to a wide spectrum of platforms. The chapter proposes to combine techniques based on MDA (Model Driven Architecture) with the HaXe language. The outstanding ideas behind MDA are separating the specification of the system functionality from its implementation on specific platforms, managing the software evolution, increasing the degree of automation of model transformations, and achieving interoperability with multiple platforms. On the other hand, HaXe is a very modern high level programming language that allows us to generate mobile applications that target all major mobile platforms. The main contributions of this chapter are the definition of a HaXe metamodel, the specification of a model-to-model transformation between Java and HaXe and, the definition of an MDA migration process from Java to mobile platforms.
Jammer Location-Oriented Noise Node Elimination Method for MHWN
Authors: Fan Jianhua , Wang Qiping , Wei Xianglin , Wang Tongxiang
Published: January 2016

It is crucial to find the location of the radio jammer for implementing anti-jamming methods and thus resuming the communication and management of MHWN. Nevertheless, due to the influence of environmental factors and the mutual interference of normal nodes, several unaffected nodes are unable to accurately identify whether they are affected by jammer and thus become noise nodes in the jammer location-oriented process, thereby influencing the precision of jamming localization algorithm and causing remarkable error. In this paper, an algorithm is put forward to eliminate noise nodes based on the Mean of Squared Distance among the nodes. Through calculating the Mean of Squared Distance of each node, the authors can find out the noise nodes and remove them. Simulation results in different jamming localization algorithms verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Analysis results reveal that the performance of the proposed algorithm is more prominent when the incidence of noise node is small.
Interactive Multi-View Visualization for Fraud Detection in Mobile Money Transfer Services
Authors: Novikova Evgenia , Kotenko Igor , Fedotov Evgenii
Published: January 2016

Mobile money transfer services (MMTS) have gained a solid market segment and are widely used for domestic and international money transfers. Like traditional financial systems they can be used to conduct illegal financial activity including money laundering or usage of malicious software to gain access to mobile money. The paper considers an interactive multi-view approach for detection of the fraudulent activity in the MMTS. It considers a set of visualization techniques enabling comprehensive analysis of the behavior of the MMTS subscriber according to his/her transaction activity. The authors suggest a metaphoric visualization of the MMTS users' behavior based on RadViz visualization that is able to identify groups with similar behavior and outliers. They demonstrate how the proposed approach can be used to reveal money laundering scenarios, behavior frauds, present and discuss the results of the efficiency evaluation of the visualization techniques used to detect fraudulent activity.
Fostering Psychological Coherence with ICTs
Authors: Schafer Stephen Brock
Published: January 2016

As we experience a paradigm shift into a media age, ICTs are altering the psychological parameters of human reality. The premise of this paper is that the psychological dynamics of interactive images projected as Media Dreams correspond with the psychological and structural dynamics of dream images as defined by Carl G. Jung. If this is true, images in the media—denominated “media dreams”—mirror patterns of energy and information in what Jung called the collective unconscious. Jung called dream images archetypal representations because they are relatively conscious projections of unconscious quantum/archetypal energy patterns which are structured as metaphorical drama. Ongoing cognitive research verifies that—indeed—the cognitive unconscious has the framework of metaphorical drama and that these story patterns correlate with energy patterns in the nervous system. (Lakoff, George, 2008, p. 23) Therefore, quantum, neurobiological, and media dimensions can be correlated—and coordinated using cognitive biofeedback. Fundamental to Jungian healing with dream analysis is the principle that dreams “have a purpose,” and that the purpose is the discovery of meaning through “compensation” or harmonization of conscious and unconscious psyche using biofeedback. Jungian compensation is a process (the Amplification Method) that defines an essentially coherent psychic state. Recent research on coherence confirms that coherent states “heal” and such states can be evoked with specific feedback technologies. Abundant research confirms that coherent psychological states increase emotional and perceptual stability as well as alignment among the physical, cognitive, and emotional systems. (McCraty & Childre, 2010) The author's hypothesis is that the images projected by information and communication technologies (ICTs)—the media dreams of a population—are subject to psychological analysis and compensation in order to disclose and address unconscious sources of psychological stress in contextual collectives. Coherence is the measurable quintessence of Reliable and Quality E-Healthcare.
Evaluating Cost Sharing Measures in Public Primary Units in Greece
Authors: Siskou Olga , Stokou Helen , Theodorou Mamas , Kaitelidou Daphne , Galanis Peter , Tsavalias Konstantinos , Konstantakopoulou Olympia , Charalambous Georgios , Liaropoulos Lycourgos L.
Published: January 2016

The mission of this paper is to investigate the economic viability and the workload imposed on nurses of the introduction of a cost sharing mechanism (€5/visit) in public primary health care units. The Ministry of Health provided administrative data for 2011 and 2012. Results highlighted the economic viability of the introduction of a cost sharing mechanism in Outpatient Departments of NHS Hospitals, as an annual economic benefit of €11.5 mil was reported. On the other hand, an annual deficit of €1.4 mil was estimated for Health Centers. Moreover, in the majority of Health Centers, nurses were put under altering employment in order to collect the fees. In times of economic recession, such as currently the case in Greece, negative consequences of cost sharing mechanisms may outweigh the positive ones. The decision on whether or not to introduce cost sharing arrangements is largely a political one and many factors (e.g. accessibility, equity, clinical outcomes) have to be taken into account, apart from economic results.
Heart ischemia and psychosomatics: the role of stressful events and lifestyles
Authors: Guarneri Maurizio Giuseppe , Nastri Laura , Assennato Pasquale , Li Puma Angela , Landi Arianna , Bonanno Barbara , Maggì Giovan Battista , Annino Giuseppe , Bono Filippa , La Barbera Daniele
Published: January 2016

Objective: the aim of our study was to evaluate the role of stressful events, lifestyles and various socio-environmental factors in the beginning of ischemic cardiac diseases, together with cardiovascular factors. Materials and methods: 64 patients with recent cardiac ischemia and 64 controls matched 1:1, according to their sex and age, have been evaluated. The study required the filling in of clinico-anamnestic reports and the evaluation of stressful events, using the Holmes Rahe scale. Results: in the 44% of the patients who had a heart ischemia, an emotional striking event occurred few days before, with a 28% incidence of work and family problems. The mean score of the Holmes Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale was statistically significantly higher among cases (p<0,05). The percentage of the subjects who experienced a stressful event during the last year was significantly higher among those with an ischemic event even though the heart disease factors were similar in the 2 groups of cases and controls. Conclusions: although the known heart risk factors predispose to ischemic event, our results suggest that stressful and emotional factors play a fundamental role in increasing the risk.
Cognitive changes after Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Gremigni Paola , Sciarroni Laura , Pedrini Luciano
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in cognitive function following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In 74 asymptomatic CEA patients cognitive function, depression, laterality and severity of stenosis, cerebral Computer Tomography results, and ischemic heart diseases were measured preoperatively. The sample included 31 patients with dementia and 43 patients without any symptom of dementia. Cognitive function was measured again at 3 months postoperatively using a brief standardised test. After controlling for cognitive function and depression at baseline, cognitive function improved significantly at 3 months after CEA in both patients with and without dementia. CEA may offer more than reduced stroke risk to patients, independent of cognitive function.
Evolutionary Character of Alternative Splicing in Plants
Authors: Zhang Chengjun , Yang Hong , Yang Huizhao
Published: January 2016

Alternative splicing (AS) is one of the most important ways to enhance the functional diversity of genes. Huge amounts of data have been produced by microarray, expressed sequence tag, and RNA-seq, and plenty of methods have been developed specifically for this task. The most frequently asked questions in previous research were as follows. What is the content rate of AS genes among the whole gene set? How many AS types are presented in the genome, and which type is dominant? How about the conservation ability of AS among different species? Which kinds of isoforms from some genes have the environmental response to help individual adaptation? Based on this background, we collected analysis results from 17 species to try to map out the landscape of AS studies in plants. We have noted the shortages of previous results, and we appeal to all scientists working in the AS field to make a standard protocol so that analyses between different projects are comparable.
Beliefs, Behaviors, and Perceptions of Community-Led Total Sanitation and Their Relation to Improved Sanitation in Rural Zambia
Authors: Lawrence J. Joseph , Yeboah-Antwi Kojo , Biemba Godfrey , Ram Pavani K. , Osbert Nicolas , Sabin Lora L. , Hamer Davidson H.
Published: January 2016

Inadequate hygiene and sanitation remain leading global contributors to morbidity and mortality in children and adults. One strategy for improving sanitation access is community-led total sanitation (CLTS), in which participants are guided into self-realization of the importance of sanitation through activities called “triggering.” This qualitative study explored community members' and stakeholders' sanitation, knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors during early CLTS implementation in Zambia. We conducted 67 in-depth interviews and 24 focus group discussions in six districts in Zambia 12–18 months after CLTS implementation. Triggering activities elicited strong emotions, including shame, disgust, and peer pressure, which persuaded individuals and families to build and use latrines and handwashing stations. New sanitation behaviors were also encouraged by the hierarchical influences of traditional leaders and sanitation action groups and by children's opinions. Poor soil conditions were identified as barriers to latrine construction. Taboos, including prohibition of different generations of family members, in-laws, and opposite genders from using the same toilet, were barriers for using sanitation facilities. CLTS, through community empowerment and ownership, produced powerful responses that encouraged construction and use of latrines and handwashing practices. These qualitative data suggest that CLTS is effective for improving sanitation beliefs and behaviors in Zambia.
Social and Economic Burden of Human Leishmaniasis
Authors: Okwor Ifeoma , Uzonna Jude
Published: January 2016

Leishmaniasis continues to pose a major public health problem worldwide. With new epidemics occurring in endemic areas and the spread of the disease to previously free areas because of migration, tourism, and military activities, there is a great need for the development of an effective vaccine. Leishmaniasis is a disease of the poor, occurring mostly in remote rural villages with poor housing and little or no access to modern health-care facilities. In endemic areas, diagnosis of any form of leishmaniasis puts a huge financial strain on an already meagre financial resource at both the individual and community levels. Most often families need to sell their assets (land and livestock) or take loans from informal financial outfits with heavy interest rates to pay for the diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis. Here, we discuss the disease with special emphasis on its socioeconomic impact on the affected individual and community. In addition, we highlight the reasons why continued research aimed at developing an effective Leishmania vaccine is necessary.
Molecular Characterization Reveals Diverse and Unknown Malaria Vectors in the Western Kenyan Highlands
Authors: St. Laurent Brandyce , Cooke Mary , Krishnankutty Sindhu M. , Asih Puji , Mueller John D. , Kahindi Samuel , Ayoma Elizabeth , Oriango Robin M. , Thumloup Julie , Drakeley Chris , Cox Jonathan , Collins Frank H. , Lobo Neil F. , Stevenson Jennifer C.
Published: January 2016

The success of mosquito-based malaria control is dependent upon susceptible bionomic traits in local malaria vectors. It is crucial to have accurate and reliable methods to determine mosquito species composition in areas subject to malaria. An unexpectedly diverse set of Anopheles species was collected in the western Kenyan highlands, including unidentified and potentially new species carrying the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This study identified 2,340 anopheline specimens using both ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region 2 and mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 loci. Seventeen distinct sequence groups were identified. Of these, only eight could be molecularly identified through comparison to published and voucher sequences. Of the unidentified species, four were found to carry P. falciparum by circumsporozoite enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction, the most abundant of which had infection rates comparable to a primary vector in the area, Anopheles funestus. High-quality adult specimens of these unidentified species could not be matched to museum voucher specimens or conclusively identified using multiple keys, suggesting that they may have not been previously described. These unidentified vectors were captured outdoors. Diverse and unknown species have been incriminated in malaria transmission in the western Kenya highlands using molecular identification of unusual morphological variants of field specimens. This study demonstrates the value of using molecular methods to compliment vector identifications and highlights the need for accurate characterization of mosquito species and their associated behaviors for effective malaria control.
Effects of the integrated Community Case Management of Childhood Illness Strategy on Child Mortality in Ethiopia: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Amouzou Agbessi , Hazel Elizabeth , Shaw Bryan , Miller Nathan P. , Tafesse Mengistu , Mekonnen Yared , Moulton Lawrence H. , Bryce Jennifer , Black Robert E.
Published: January 2016

We conducted a cluster randomized trial of the effects of the integrated community case management of childhood illness (iCCM) strategy on careseeking for and coverage of correct treatment of suspected pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria, and mortality among children aged 2–59 months in 31 districts of the Oromia region of Ethiopia. We conducted baseline and endline coverage and mortality surveys approximately 2 years apart, and assessed program strength after about 1 year of implementation. Results showed strong iCCM implementation, with iCCM-trained workers providing generally good quality of care. However, few sick children were taken to iCCM providers (average 16 per month). Difference in differences analyses revealed that careseeking for childhood illness was low and similar in both study arms at baseline and endline, and increased only marginally in intervention (22.9–25.7%) and comparison (23.3–29.3%) areas over the study period (P = 0.77). Mortality declined at similar rates in both study arms. Ethiopia's iCCM program did not generate levels of demand and utilization sufficient to achieve significant increases in intervention coverage and a resulting acceleration in reductions in child mortality. This evaluation has allowed Ethiopia to strengthen its strategic approaches to increasing population demand and use of iCCM services.
Early Detection of Schistosoma Egg–Induced Pulmonary Granulomas in a Returning Traveler
Authors: Coron Noémie , Le Govic Yohann , Kettani Sami , Pihet Marc , Hemery Sandrine , de Gentile Ludovic , Chabasse Dominique
Published: January 2016

We report the case of a French traveler who developed acute pulmonary schistosomiasis 2 months after visiting Benin. He presented with a 1-month history of fever, cough, and thoracic pain. Initial investigations revealed hypereosinophilia and multiple nodular lesions on chest computed tomography scan. Lung biopsies were performed 2 months later because of migrating chest infiltrates and increasing eosinophilia. Histological examination showed schistosomal egg–induced pulmonary granulomas with ova exhibiting a prominent terminal spine, resembling Schistosoma haematobium. However, egg shells were Ziehl–Neelsen positive, raising the possibility of a Schistosoma intercalatum or a Schistosoma guineensis infection. Moreover, involvement of highly infectious hybrid species cannot be excluded considering the atypical early pulmonary oviposition. This case is remarkable because of the rarity of pulmonary schistosomiasis, its peculiar clinical presentation and difficulties in making species identification. It also emphasizes the need to consider schistosomiasis diagnosis in all potentially exposed travelers with compatible symptoms.
Cyber-Archaeology: Notes on the simulation of the past
Authors: Forte Maurizio
Published: January 2016

Thirteen years after the book “Virtual Archaeology” (Forte, 1996, 97) it is time to re-discuss the definition, the key concepts and some new trends and applications. The paper discusses the introduction of the term “cyber-archaeology” in relation with the simulation process deriving from the inter-connected and multivocal feedback between users/actors and virtual ecosystems. In this new context of cyber worlds, it is more appropriate to talk about simulation of the past rather than reconstruction of the past. The multivocality of the simulation opens new perspectives in the interpretation process, not imposing the final reconstruction, but suggesting, evocating, simulating multiple output, not “the past” but a potential past.

New epistemological models of cyber archaeology have to be investigated: what happens in a immersive environment of virtual archaeology where every user is "embodied” in the cyber space? The ontology of archaeological information, or the cybernetics of archaeology, refers to all the interconnective relationships which the datum produces, the code of transmission, and its transmittability. Because it depends on interrelationships, by its very nature information cannot be neutral with respect to how it is processed and perceived. It follows that the process of knowledge and communication have to be unified and represented by a single vector. 3D information is regarded as the core of the knowledge process, because it creates feedback, then cybernetic difference, among the interactor, the scientist and the ecosystem. It is argued that Virtual Reality (both offline and online) represents a possible ecosystem, which is able to host top-down and bottom-up processes of knowledge and communication. In these terms, the past is generated and coded by “a simulation process”. Thus, from the first phases of data acquisition in the field, the technical methodologies and technologies that we use, influence in a decisive way all the subsequent phases of interpretation and communication. In the light of these considerations, what is the relationship between information and representation? How much information does a digital model contain? What sorts of and how many ontologies ought to be chosen to permit an acceptable transmittability? Indeed, our Archaeological communication ought to be understood as a process of validation of the entire cognitive process of understanding and not as a simple addendum to research, or as a dispensable compendium of data.
Virtual Archaeology as an Integrated Preservation Method
Authors: Pletinckx Daniel
Published: January 2016

This paper focuses on virtual archaeology as a scientific activity, that complies with the London Charter, as a sustainable activity, that complies with the UNESCO Charter on the Preservation of Digital Heritage, and as an integration activity to structure and preserve all related information.
Qué hacer con un modelo arqueológico virtual. Aplicaciones de la inteligencia artificial en visualización científica.
Authors: Barceló Juan A. , Vicente Oriol
Published: January 2016

For years, artists have collaborated with archaeologists in order to “reconstruct” all those ancient things not preserved in the archaeological record, and they have provided archaeologists with artistic depictions of the past. Regrettably, modern “computer visualizations” do not modify this attitude. There are thousands of “computer reconstructions” of ancient monuments and prehistoric objects available today, but most of them are absolutely useless. Alternatively, we propose a different approach where computer visualization is defined as the automatic logical deduction of visual properties of three-dimensional objects instrumentally acquired. A general framework inspired in modern artificial intelligence is here proponed.
Hacia una Carta Internacional de Arqueología Virtual. El Borrador SEAV
Authors: López-Menchero Bendicho Víctor Manuel , Grande Alfredo
Published: January 2016

After the first meeting held by the International Forum on Virtual Archaeology June 18, 2009, during the celebration of the First International Conference on Computer Graphics and Archaeology, Heritage and Innovation ARQUEOLOGICA 2.0, revealed the need for progress on the creation of an international document able to regulate or at least establish a set of recommendations regarding the practice of virtual archeology. In result of that meeting the Spanish Society of Virtual Archaeology (SEAV) considered it appropriate to take the lead in writing a first draft as a basis for further discussions within the international scientific community. What follows are the preliminary results of this initiative, which is becoming known worldwide as The Charter of Seville.
Current Productions Carnuntum, German Limes and Radiopast
Authors: Humer F. , Gugl C. , Pregesbauer M. , Vermeulen F. , Corsi Ch. , Klein M.
Published: January 2016

The here presented three chosen projects mark out different techniques of production and their transmission of content. The differentiated impact on the public absorption of the transported content are described dependent to experiences with it in exhibitions and publications, and can be used to rectify future approaches of similar topics. In most of these productions, technical difficulties were observed and solved through extensive use of different tools and techniques to achieve a reasonable output and represent our current state of knowledge which we would like to share. The documentation of the production as well as the communication between the production and research team is indispensable to the sucsess of these media formats.
Virtual Archaeology and museums, an italian perspective
Authors: Palombini Augusto , Pescarin Sofia
Published: January 2016

The growing number of virtual museums and applications today available arises many questions concerning the problems connected to their fruition and maintenance. This paper aims at setting up an analysis of the topic, through the steps of three VM projects carried on by the Virtual Heritage Lab (2008, 2010, 2012 (in progress)). Such case studies are taken into account on the basis of three topics: technical maintenance, reliability and semantic density. The analysis aims also at contributing the debate on the future development of VMs and on the management of the relationships between reliability and wide dissemination.
Computer simulation in archaeology. Art, science or nightmare?
Authors: Barceló Juan A.
Published: January 2016

By simulating historical processes and not just the archaeological material, I intend to explain social causality at the micro and macro levels. The target is no more an archaeological artifact but a human society at large, although existing only in the virtual world. A new target, the artificial society, is created with its own structure and behavior. With the possibility of simulating virtual social systems, a new methodology of scientific inquiry becomes possible.
Patrimonio Paleobiológico siglo XXI: Nuevas técnicas, nuevas ideas para una nueva sociedad
Authors: Bernáldez-Sánchez Eloísa
Published: January 2016

Paleontological heritage of Andalusia is one of the cultural and natural wealth most neglected of the universities and Spanish government. After years of efforts by some paleontologists decided that the new communication techniques can help you understand the value of this heritage in the knowledge of our environment and our species. The fossil history has always been well received and understood by society, we cannot say the government, and in this situation a group of paleontologists have decided to present a project to disseminate this heritage through new techniques and virtual informative new approaches. Six flagg-fossil will be the subject of study and dissemination techniques in an upcoming virtual IAPH project to introduce the natural and cultural history of Andalusia for more than 500 million years ago until today.