bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIELD SPECTROSCOPY FOR VEGETATION EVALUATION ALONG THE NUTRIENT AND ELEVATION GRADIENT ABOVE THE TREE LINE IN THE KRKONOŠE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Authors: Červená L. , Kupková L. , Suchá R.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This paper examines the relations between vegetation spectra measured in the field along the nutrient and elevation gradient in the most valuable parts of The Krkonoše Mountains tundra and selected parameters describing vegetation state and condition (fAPAR, plant cover and average vegetation height). The main goal was to find relations and indices based on spectral measurements that could be used for vegetation evaluation and classification in practice and management. The vegetation parameters and spectral properties were also compared for two datasets – one acquired in July and second in August 2015. The best correlations were obtained for plant cover (R2 above 0.8 for July dataset and above 0.7 for August dataset) and two types of indices – using the wavelengths of red edge, e.g. OSAVI or mND705, and indices for vegetation water content estimates using the wavelengths in shortwave infrared region of the spectra in combination with wavelengths above 800 nm, e. g. NDII. The worst results were found for fAPAR with maximal values of R2 just above 0.4 with the indices using the wavelengths around 700 nm. For vegetation height the results differ between July and August data – R2 around 0.62 in July and only 0.47 in August for vegetation indices using the wavelengths of visible and red edge regions.
SHORT-TERM PRECIPITATION OCCURRENCE PREDICTION FOR STRONG CONVECTIVE WEATHER USING FY2-G SATELLITE DATA: A CASE STUDY OF SHENZHEN,SOUTH CHINA
Authors: Chen Kai , Liu Jun , Guo Shanxin , Chen Jinsong , Liu Ping , Qian Jing , Chen Huijuan , Sun Bo
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Short-term precipitation commonly occurs in south part of China, which brings intensive precipitation in local region for very short time. Massive water would cause the intensive flood inside of city when precipitation amount beyond the capacity of city drainage system. Thousands people’s life could be influenced by those short-term disasters and the higher city managements are required to facing these challenges. How to predict the occurrence of heavy precipitation accurately is one of the worthwhile scientific questions in meteorology. According to recent studies, the accuracy of short-term precipitation prediction based on numerical simulation model still remains low reliability, in some area where lack of local observations, the accuracy may be as low as 10%. The methodology for short term precipitation occurrence prediction still remains a challenge. In this paper, a machine learning method based on SVM was presented to predict short-term precipitation occurrence by using FY2-G satellite imagery and ground in situ observation data. The results were validated by traditional TS score which commonly used in evaluation of weather prediction. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm can present overall accuracy up to 90% for one-hour to six-hour forecast. The result implies the prediction accuracy could be improved by using machine learning method combining with satellite image. This prediction model can be further used to evaluated to predicted other characteristics of weather in Shenzhen in future.
SYNERGY OF OPTICAL AND SAR DATA FOR MAPPING AND MONITORING MANGROVES
Authors: Monzon A. K. , Reyes S. R. , Veridiano R. K. , Tumaneng R. , De Alban J. D.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Quantitative information on mangrove cover extents is essential in producing relevant resource management plans and conservation strategies. In the Philippines, mangrove rehabilitation was made a priority in relation to disaster risk response and mitigation following the calamities in the coastal communities during typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda; hence, baseline information on the extent of remaining mangrove cover was essential for effective site interventions. Although mangrove cover maps for the country already exists, analysis of mangrove cover changes were limited to the application of fixed annual deforestation rates due to the challenge of acquiring consistent temporal cloud-free optical satellite data over large landscapes. This study presents an initial analysis of SAR and optical imagery combined with field-based observations for detecting mangrove cover extent and changes through a straightforward graphical approach. The analysis is part of a larger study evaluating the synergistic use of time-series L-band SAR and optical data for mapping and monitoring of mangroves. Image segmentation was implemented on the 25-meter ALOS/PALSAR image mosaics, in which the generated objects were subjected to statistical analysis using the software R. In combination with selected Landsat bands, the class statistics from the image bands were used to generate decision trees and thresholds for the hierarchical image classification. The results were compared with global mangrove cover dataset and validated using collected ground truth data. This study developed an integrated replicable approach for analyzing future radar and optical datasets, essential in national level mangrove cover change monitoring and assessment for long-term conservation targets and strategies.
ASSESSING 3D PHOTOGRAMMETRY TECHNIQUES IN CRANIOMETRICS
Authors: Moshobane M. C. , de Bruyn P. J. N. , Bester M. N.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Morphometrics (the measurement of morphological features) has been revolutionized by the creation of new techniques to study how organismal shape co-varies with several factors such as ecophenotypy. Ecophenotypy refers to the divergence of phenotypes due to developmental changes induced by local environmental conditions, producing distinct ecophenotypes. None of the techniques hitherto utilized could explicitly address organismal shape in a complete biological form, i.e. three-dimensionally. This study investigates the use of the commercial software, Photomodeler Scanner® (PMSc®) three-dimensional (3D) modelling software to produce accurate and high-resolution 3D models. Henceforth, the modelling of Subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) and Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) skulls which could allow for 3D measurements. Using this method, sixteen accurate 3D skull models were produced and five metrics were determined. The 3D linear measurements were compared to measurements taken manually with a digital caliper. In addition, repetitive measurements were recorded by varying researchers to determine repeatability. To allow for comparison straight line measurements were taken with the software, assuming that close accord with all manually measured features would illustrate the model’s accurate replication of reality. Measurements were not significantly different demonstrating that realistic 3D skull models can be successfully produced to provide a consistent basis for craniometrics, with the additional benefit of allowing non-linear measurements if required.
THE POTENTIAL OF GIS AS A MANAGEMENT TOOL FOR AVENUE TREES POPULATION IN SMALL COMMUNITIES; A CASE STUDY OF IDI-SHIN COMMUNITY, IBADAN, NIGERIA
Authors: Olokeogun O. S. , Akintola O. O. , Abodunrin E. K.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This study demonstrates the potentials of Geographic Information System (GIS) as a management tool for avenue trees (Street trees) populations in small communities (using Idi-Ishin community, Ibadan, Nigeria as a case study). GIS is a decision support system which integrate data or set of data from different sources, bringing them under the same referencing system in a computer system. An Ikonos Imagery (1m Spatial Resolution) of the study area was digitized to produce a digital map using ArcGIS 10.1 version. The avenue trees species ≥ 5cm diameter at breast height (DBH) was selected for enumeration. These trees were then measured and tagged. The Height, Girth and Geographic location (X &Y coordinate) of the trees were measured with Haga altimeter, Girthing tape and Hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) respectively. The species and families of the trees enumerated were also identified. Data were analysed for basal area (BA) and volume (V). A total number of 43 avenue trees were assessed in Idi-Ishin Community. Roystonea regia accounted for the majority of the avenue trees (25.58%), followed by Polyanthia longiflora (23.26%), Gliricida seprium (20.93%), Eucalyptus toreliana (13.95%), Delunix regea (6.98%). However Terminalia catapa, Terminalia radii, Azadrachita indica and Newbodia levis had the same abundance of 2.33%. It was also observed that the benefits derived from these avenue trees includes; Carbon sequestration, Beautification, Wind break and shade. A spatial relational database was created for the assessed avenue trees using ArcCatalog of ArcGIS 10.1 version. Based on the findings from the study (which serves as baseline information for the management of the avenue trees in the study area), it was therefore recommended that subsequent assessment should be carried out at 3-5 year interval in other to ensure proper and continuous monitoring and updating of the data.
DEVELOPING A CLOUD-BASED ONLINE GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION SHARING AND GEOPROCESSING PLATFORM TO FACILITATE COLLABORATIVE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
Authors: Yang Z. L. , Cao J. , Hu K. , Gui Z. P. , Wu H. Y. , You L.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Efficient online discovering and applying geospatial information resources (GIRs) is critical in Earth Science domain as while for cross-disciplinary applications. However, to achieve it is challenging due to the heterogeneity, complexity and privacy of online GIRs. In this article, GeoSquare, a collaborative online geospatial information sharing and geoprocessing platform, was developed to tackle this problem. Specifically, (1) GIRs registration and multi-view query functions allow users to publish and discover GIRs more effectively. (2) Online geoprocessing and real-time execution status checking help users process data and conduct analysis without pre-installation of cumbersome professional tools on their own machines. (3) A service chain orchestration function enables domain experts to contribute and share their domain knowledge with community members through workflow modeling. (4) User inventory management allows registered users to collect and manage their own GIRs, monitor their execution status, and track their own geoprocessing histories. Besides, to enhance the flexibility and capacity of GeoSquare, distributed storage and cloud computing technologies are employed. To support interactive teaching and training, GeoSquare adopts the rich internet application (RIA) technology to create user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). Results show that GeoSquare can integrate and foster collaboration between dispersed GIRs, computing resources and people. Subsequently, educators and researchers can share and exchange resources in an efficient and harmonious way.
E-LEARNING IN PHOTOGRAMMETRY, REMOTE SENSING AND SPATIAL INFORMATION SCIENCE
Authors: Vyas Anjana , König Gerhard
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Science and technology are evolving leaps and bounds. The advancements in GI-Science for natural and built environment helps in improving the quality of life. Learning through education and training needs to be at par with those advancements, which plays a vital role in utilization of technology. New technologies that creates new opportunities have enabled Geomatics to broaden the horizon (skills and competencies). Government policies and decisions support the use of geospatial science in various sectors of governance. Mapping, Land management, Urban planning, Environmental planning, Industrialization are some of the areas where the geomatics has become a baseline for decision making at national level. There is a need to bridge the gap between developments in geospatial science and its utilization and implementation. To prepare a framework for standardisation it is important to understand the theories of education and prevailing practices, with articulate goals exploring variety of teaching techniques. E-Learning is an erudition practice shaped for facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources through digital and network-enabled technology. It is a shift from traditional education or training to ICT-based flexible and collaborative learning based on the community of learners, academia, professionals, experts and facilitators. Developments in e-learning is focussed on computer assisted learning which has become popular because of its potential for providing more flexible access to content and instruction at any time, from any place (Means et al, 2009). With the advent of the geo-spatial technology, fast development in the software and hardware, the demand for skilled manpower is increasing and the need is for training, education, research and dissemination. It suggests inter-organisational cooperation between academia, industry, government and international collaboration. There is a nascent need to adopt multi-specialisation approach to examine the issues and challenges of research in such a valued topic of education and training in multi-disciplinary areas. Learning involve a change in an individual's knowledge, ability to perform a skill, participate and communicate. There is considerable variation among the theories about the nature of this change. This paper derives from a scientific research grant received from ISPRS, reveals a summary result from assessing various theories and methods of evaluation of learning through education, system and structure of it for GeoInformatics.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF THE ISPRS STUDENT CONSORTIUM
Authors: Detchev I. , Kanjir U. , Reyes S. R. , Miyazaki H. , Aktas A. F.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Student Consortium (SC) is a network for young professionals studying or working within the fields of photogrammetry, remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and other related geo-spatial sciences. The main goal of the network is to provide means for information exchange for its young members and thus help promote and integrate youth into the ISPRS. Over the past four years the Student Consortium has successfully continued to fulfil its mission in both formal and informal ways. The formal means of communication of the SC are its website, newsletter, e-mail announcements and summer schools, while its informal ones are multiple social media outlets and various social activities during student related events. The newsletter is published every three to four months and provides both technical and experiential content relevant for the young people in the ISPRS. The SC has been in charge or at least has helped with organizing one or more summer schools every year. The organization's e-mail list has over 1,100 subscribers, its website hosts over 1,300 members from 100 countries across the entire globe, and its public Facebook group currently has over 4,500 joined visitors, who connect among one another and share information relevant for their professional careers. These numbers show that the Student Consortium has grown into a significant online-united community. The paper will present the organization’s on-going and past activities for the last four years, its current priorities and a strategic plan and aspirations for the future four-year period.
IMAGE QUATY ASSESSMENT FOR VHR REMOTE SENSING IMAGE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Shen Li , Wu Linmei
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The data from remote sensing images are widely used for characterizing land use and land cover at present. With the increasing availability of very high resolution (VHR) remote sensing images, the remote sensing image classification becomes more and more important for information extraction. The VHR remote sensing images are rich in details, but high within-class variance as well as low between-class variance make the classification of ground cover a difficult task. What’s more, some related studies show that the quality of VHR remote sensing images also has a great influence on the ability of the automatic image classification. Therefore, the research that how to select the appropriate VHR remote sensing images to meet the application of classification is of great significance. In this context, the factors of VHR remote sensing image classification ability are discussed and some indices are selected for describing the image quality and the image classification ability objectively. Then, we explore the relationship of the indices of image quality and image classification ability under a specific classification framework. The results of the experiments show that these image quality indices are not effective for indicating the image classification ability directly. However, according to the image quality metrics, we can still propose some suggestion for the application of classification.
MONITORING OF LAND SUBSIDENCE IN RAVENNA MUNICIPALITY USING INTEGRATED SAR - GPS TECHNIQUES: DESCRIPTION AND FIRST RESULTS
Authors: Artese G. , Fiaschi S. , Di Martire D. , Tessitore S. , Fabris M. , Achilli V. , Ahmed A. , Borgstrom S. , Calcaterra D. , Ramondini M. , Artese S. , Floris M. , Menin A. , Monego M. , Siniscalchi V.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The Emilia Romagna Region (N-E Italy) and in particular the Adriatic Sea coastline of Ravenna, is affected by a noticeable subsidence that started in the 1950s, when the exploitation of on and off-shore methane reservoirs began, along with the pumping of groundwater for industrial uses. In such area the current subsidence rate, even if lower than in the past, reaches the -2 cm/y. Over the years, local Authorities have monitored this phenomenon with different techniques: spirit levelling, GPS surveys and, more recently, Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) techniques, confirming the critical situation of land subsidence risk. In this work, we present the comparison between the results obtained with DInSAR and GPS techniques applied to the study of the land subsidence in the Ravenna territory. With regard to the DInSAR, the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) and the Coherent Pixel Technique (CPT) techniques have been used. Different SAR datasets have been exploited: ERS-1/2, ENVISAT, TerraSAR-X and Sentinel-1. Some GPS campaigns have been also carried out in a subsidence prone area. 3D vertices have been selected very close to existing persistent scatterers in order to link the GPS measurement results to the SAR ones. GPS data were processed into the International reference system and the comparisons between the coordinates, for the first 6 months of the monitoring, provided results with the same trend of the DInSAR data, even if inside the precision of the method.
MONITORING GROUND SUBSIDENCE IN AREAS COVERED BY DENSE VEGETATION USING TERRASAR-X IMAGES: A CASE STUDY OF HANGZHOU
Authors: Wu H. A. , Zhang Y. H. , Luo G. F. , Kang Y. K. , Zhu Y. M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province has suffered serious ground subsidence during the past several decades, due to long term over-exploration of groundwater. In this paper, the time series InSAR technique using high resolution SAR images is investigated for the generation of subsidence maps over Hangzhou region. 29 TerraSAR-X images acquired from May 2012 to Sep 2015 are used. The results show that serious subsidence has mainly taken place in suburban area, including Yuhang district, Xiaoshan district and Binjiang district. 4 subsidence centers are discovered, namely Tangqi town in Yuhang with an average subsiding velocity of -29.6 mm/year, Xintang (-30.7 mm/year) in Xiaoshan, Zhujiaqiao town (-25.6mm/year) in Xiaoshan, and Miaohouwang town (-30.1mm/year) in Binjiang. The urban area is stable and ground rebound even take place in some places. The results are compared with 19 levelling measurements. The RMS error between them is 2.9 mm/year, which demonstrates that the high resolution TerraSAR-X images has good accuracy for subsidence monitoring in the southeast of China, covered by dense vegetation.
An approach using multi-factor combination to evaluate high rocky slope safety
Authors: Su Huaizhi , Yang Meng , Wen Zhiping
Published: June 2016

Abstract. A high rocky slope is an open complex giant system for which there is contradiction among different influencing factors and coexistence of qualitative and quantitative information. This study presents a comprehensive intelligent evaluation method of high rocky slope safety through an integrated analytic hierarchy process, extension matter element model and entropy weight to assess the safety behavior of the high rocky slope. The proposed intelligent evaluation integrates subjective judgments derived from the analytic hierarchy process with the extension matter model and entropy weight into a multiple indexes dynamic safety evaluation approach. A combined subjective and objective comprehensive evaluation process, a more objective study, through avoiding subjective effects on the weights, and a qualitative safety assessment and quantitative safety amount are presented in the proposed method. The detailed computational procedures were also provided to illustrate the integration process of the above methods. Safety analysis of one high rocky slope is conducted to illustrate that this approach can adequately handle the inherent imprecision and contradiction of the human decision-making process and provide the flexibility and robustness needed for the decision maker to better monitor the safety status of a high rocky slope. This study was the first application of the proposed integrated evaluation method in the safety assessment of a high rocky slope. The study also indicated that it can also be applied to other similar problems.
An integrated methodology to develop a standard for landslide early warning system
Authors: Fathani Teuku Faisal , Karnawati Dwikorita , Wilopo Wahyu
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Landslides are one of the commonly occurring natural disasters with worldwide susceptibility. Some distinct features of these disasters are that the affected area has a high density of population, low accessibility and the locals have low level of knowledge about disaster mitigation. Considering these conditions, it is necessary to establish a standard for an early warning system specific to landslide disaster risk reduction. This standard is expected to be the guidance system in conducting detection, prediction, interpretation, and response in landslide disasters. This new standard introduces the seven sub-systems for landslide early warning, starting with risk assessment and mapping, dissemination and communication, establishment of disaster preparedness and response team, development of evacuation map, standardized operating procedures, installation of monitoring and warning services, and building a local commitment to the operation and maintenance of the entire program. Since 2012, Indonesia has implemented a trial for the seven sub-systems in 20 landslide-prone provinces throughout the country. An example of the application of the proposed methodology in a local community in Central Java, Indonesia is also described.
Celiac disease: the situation on the Slovak market
Authors: Nagyová Ľudmila , Košičiarová Ingrida , Rybanská Jana , Holienčinová Mária
Published: June 2016

Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue, non‐tropical sprue, idiopathic sprue, idiopathic steatorrhoea and gluten‐sensitive enteropathy, is a serious genetic autoimmune disease, which damages the villi of the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. The latest researches show that while in the 1970s the prevalence of celiac disease in the world was 0.03%, in the present years the estimated prevalence is 1%. In average, the prevalence of celiac disease in the Western countries is close to 1:100. The celiac disease occurs more often in the case of women than of men, at a ratio of 2.8:1. The aim of the present paper was to bring few information about the celiac disease, highlight the increasing number of celiacs, as well as to determine the Slovak celiacs opinion about the situation on Slovak market and their consumer behaviour on the market of gluten free products. As research methods, there have been used the methods of survey and structured questionnaire consisting of 22 questions. The total number of respondents was 130 randomly selected celiacs from all over the Slovak republic. For a deeper analysis of the obtained results, there have been set out four assumptions and ten hypotheses, which have been tested with the use of Pearson´s chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-Test and Cramer´s contingency coefficient. The results of the present paper show, that despite the fact that few of our findings are pleasing - almost 52% of our respondents stay that the labelling of gluten free products is sufficient, over 74% of respondents think that they have enough information about the availability of gluten free products and more than 89% of respondents think that the present scope of range of gluten free products is better as before; there are still some shortcomings, which has to be reduced or eliminated - only less than 7% of respondents think that the price of gluten free products is adequate, over 45% of respondents use this possibility of granting a monetary contribution for compensation of increased expenses on a special diet, almost 65% of respondents think that the scope of range of gluten free products is in the Slovak market insufficient, 53% of respondents think that the availability of gluten free products in the Slovak market is inadequate and only 48% of respondents prefer the domestic producers of gluten free products.
The comparison of biological activity of chocolates made by different technological procedures
Authors: Godočiková Lucia , Ivanišová Eva , Árvay Július , Petrová Jana , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: June 2016

Chocolate is one of the most consumed delicacies in the world. Nowadays, raw chocolates without vanilla or allergens are getting more attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biological activity of different types of chocolate - cold processed chocolate and chocolate made by traditional way. Total content of fat, crude fibre, polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids and metylxantines - theobromine and caffeine was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was determined by a method using DPPH radical, reducing power method and phosphomolybdenum method. Both evaluated chocolates had similar content of fat and crude fibre, but sample of chocolate made by traditional way probably due to the higher content of cocoa mass had almost two times higher content of total polyphenols, flavonoids and phenolic acids as cold processed chocolate. Also the content of theobromine and caffeine was slightly higher in chocolate made by traditional way. This sample had the highest antioxidant activity - 93.68 mg TEAC.g-1 determined by phosphomolybdenum method, while in the sample of chocolate made by cold processed way was measeured value 50.82 mg TEAC.g-1. Similarly, reducing power of chocolate made by traditional way was almost two times higher, but antioxidant activity determined with DPPH method was similar in both samples (3.58 and 3.62 mg TEAC.g-1). The antioxidants and metylxantines in chocolates determine its potential to be a significant source of biologicaly active compounds with favorable effects to human health. It can be concluded in this study, that chocolate produced by conventional production technology can have more health-promoting ingredients reserved, but more extensive researches are still needed.
Applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process Decision Analysis to Better Understand Adoption Intentions of Mobile Banking
Authors: Wu Wen-Tsung , Chen Chie-Bein , Chang Chiao-Chen
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the influencing factors of the adoption intention of mobile banking from a bank perspective. The survey data were conducted from a selection of mobile banking, and were analyzed by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) decision analysis to explore adoption intentions in the context of mobile banking. The results of the AHP decision analysis revealed that the “convenience” and the “personalization” were the most important factors for mobile banking from a bank’s perspective. Furthermore, the research findings illustrated theoretical and practical implications for mobile banking development and indicated how to reinforce the “location-based benefits” and the “transaction speed” in order to create customer adoption intentions via a bank perspective.
Kjemisk klima og helseproblemer
Authors: Låg Jul
Published: June 2016

SAMMENDRAGFysiske klimafaktorer har alltid vært fulgt med oppmerksomhet fra menneskene, mens interessen forkjemisk klima er av nyere dato. Viktige årsaker til den nye interessen er at naturforurensning tilleggesstørre betydning enn før, og at det i vår tid er et utbredt ønske om sterkere innsats i forebyggendehelsearbeid. Det er påvist at i humusdekket i naturlig jordsmonn avtar innholdet av hovedbestandelersom natrium og magnesium stort sett med stigende avstand fra havet. Lignende lovmessigheter gjelderogså for sporstoffer som jod, brom, klor og selen. I tillegg avtar disse også med nedbørsmengden. Dettetyder på at tilførsel av marine elementer til jordsmonn via nedbør er en meget viktig geokjemisk prosess,og de kan ha stor betydning for menneskers og dyrs helse. Endringer i nedbørens surhetsgrad ogvariasjoner i mengdeforholdet mellom de stoffer som tilføres jordsmonnet kan gi betydelige utslag iflora og fauna. Store befolkningsgrupper påvirkes til enhver tid av viktige kjemiske klimafaktorer, ogdet er sterkt ønskelig at forskning og veiledning innenfor dette fagfeltet intensiveres.Låg J. Chemical climate and health problems. Nor J Epidemiol 1998; 8 (1): 19-20. ENGLISH SUMMARYPhysical factors of the climate have for a long time been considered to be of great interest. Variations inthe chemical climate have received a growing attention only in the period after World War II, a trendwhich is due to an increasing interest in pollution and preventive health activities in our times. Thecontents of some of the major constituents in surface soil, such as sodium and magnesium, have beenfound to decrease with increasing distance from the sea. The contents of trace elements, such as iodine,bromine, chlorine, and selenium also show this type of distributional patterns, but in addition thecontents in the soil of these elements increase with the amount of precipitation. Such data indicate thatairborne transportation of elements from the sea to the continents is a geochemical process of greatimportance for most types of biological life. Great population groups are to a varying degree influencedby factors of the chemical climate, and increased research activities in this field is desirable.
Utredningen om helse, miljø og sosial ulikhet i bydelene
Authors: Rognerud Marit , Stensvold Inger
Published: June 2016

Omtale:
Editorial and introduction
Authors: Mittelmark Maurice B.
Published: June 2016

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Early intervention in elderly clients' health problems identified by home helps
Authors: Ranhoff Anette Hylen
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTObjective:   Design:   Setting:   Subjects:   Intervention:   Main outcome measures:   Results:   Conclusions:   Key words:   Home help; elderly; case-finding; general loss of function; long-term care; randomizedcontrolled trialHome helps can detect and communicate to a doctor functional decline and clinicalmanifestations of disease among their elderly clients. The study indicated, but provided no definiteevidence, that direct referral from home helps to a hospital-based general practitioner can keep elderlypeople at home longer.51 (45.1%) of the intervention subjects were referred once or more often, 110 referrals in all.General loss of function was the most frequent cause, and in all but six referrals specific diagnoseswere made. Home helps' referrals of patients with infection and stroke corresponded with the finaldiagnoses. After the first year of the study, the percentage of clients continuing to live at home washigher in the intervention group (P = 0.05 after adjustment for baseline differences in age and gender),mortality was similar, and use of hospital beds higher in the intervention group.Causes of referral, ICD-9 diagnostic categories, time under surveillancebefore long-term care or death, use of community services and hospital beds.Home helps were trained to recognize signs of functional and mental impairment andasked to call the study doctor when new medical or functional problems were identified. The interventionlasted for two years with an additional year for observation.Home help clients, 75 years or older, 113 in the intervention group and 161 in the comparisongroup.Community health services and a hospital-based general practice.Open study with quasi-experimental design. Randomization took place at the level of theorganizational units of home helps.To study the effect of early intervention in health problems identified by home helps.
Too old to work?
Authors: Solem Per Erik
Published: June 2016

The article reviews Norwegian and international research on aging and work; causes of early exit,attitudes towards older workers, aging and work performance, and trends of changes in working life.Workers seem to have become too old to work at increasingly younger ages. Recent and futuredemographic changes call for initiatives to keep older workers in the work force. In many countriesfavourable early retirement arrangements are reversed in order to stop pulling older workers prematurelyout of work. The other main group of factors causing early exit, the push factors in the work environment,have until recently attracted less attention. Even if older workers in general seem to be no less effectivethan younger workers, employers prefer to recruit younger workers, and to dismiss older workers whenreducing the staff. However, employers’ cognitions of older workes’ performance is quite nuanced. Thereseems to be an emotional ambivalence where negative feelings are less openly expressed, still they seemto have a strong influence on decisions. Ways of influencing attitudes towards older workers arediscussed. Companies creating working conditions to stimulate, include and motivate middle-aged andolder workers may get an advantage in the market. This may even benefit workers of all ages.
Subjective worsening of memory predicts dementia after three years
Authors: Brækhus Anne , Øksengård Anne Rita , Engedal Knut , Laake Knut
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTStudy Objective:  Design:  Setting:  Paricipants:  Measurements:  Results:  Conclusions:  Key words:  aged, 75 years and over; subjective memory impairment; prospective study; dementiaElderly persons expressing a worsening of memory function are at increased risk ofdeveloping dementia.When adjusting for potential confounding by depressive symptoms, two of the GMSquestions scored at baseline, 'Is it more difficult to remember things than it used to be?' and 'Do youwrite reminders to yourself more often now than before?', were significant predictors of dementiawithin three years, OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.2–8.6 and OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.0–7.6, respectively.Dementia (DSM-III and DSM-III-R criteria).285 non-demented persons aged 75 years and above at start of study, 77.5% women.Persons living at home.Prospective study of a random sample of older people with follow-ups after three, six, nineand twelve years.To assess whether complaining of memory impairment, as measured by the subjectivepart of the Geriatric Mental State examination (GMS, the Canberra community version), predictslater development of dementia.
Loneliness in old age: Psychosocial and health predictors
Authors: Kaasa Karen
Published: June 2016

Study objectives  Design  Main results  17% (CI 12.5–23.0) of the respondents answered yes. A significant correlation was demonstratedbetween a feeling of loneliness and low self-perceived health, low vision and poor hearing, low activity of dailylife (ADL) function, loss of a spouse, low social network, no hobbies and possession of a safety alarm. After amultiple regression analysis of the significant variables, the remaining variables as predictors for lonelinessincluded: number of social contacts, self-perceived health, using hearing aid and having a safety alarm.: : The information is obtained from a survey conducted among 232 inhabitants in this age group in the municipalityof Tønsberg, its Northern District. The interview data are composed of the responses from 202 elderlypeople living in a house or apartment (non-institutionalized) to the question «do you generally feel lonely?».The purpose of this article is to study the prevalence of loneliness in a group of elderly peopleover 80 years old and the sociodemographic, health-related and social predictors for experiencing loneliness.ABSTRACT:
Hospital Accreditation: What Difficulties Does It Face in Iran?
Authors: Janati Ali , Ebrahimoghli Reza , Ebadi Ali , Toofan Firooz
Published: June 2016

INTRODUCTION: To determine if an established programme is achieving desired goals and objectives, in other words being effective, health-care policy makers need to recognise and cope with its challenges. This paper made an effort to pinpoint the main difficulties which appear on the way to successful implementation of the Iranian hospital accreditation programme, from perspective of hospitals medical and clinical staff, and accreditation authorities.MATERIAL & METHODS: applying a qualitative approach, we used semi-structured discussion guide in Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), as well as semi-structured In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with purposively selected hospitals staff and accreditation programme authorities. Data collection was conducted in Iranian universities of medical sciences from June to September 2014. In order to analyse collected opinions, thematic content analysis was applied independently by two authors.FINDINGS: In addition to four independent FGDs with 27 participants, conducting seven individual IDIs were enough to reach data saturation. A total of 25 subthemes were emerged under five main themes. Participants were of the opinion that the accreditation problems include fundamental deficiencies in the Iranian healthcare system, poor design of the programme, deficiencies within hospitals, difficulties in surveyors and survey processes and negative impacts of the accreditation on hospitals.DISCUSSION: difficulties with the accreditation programme arise from a wide variety of sources. Decision-makers’ achievements in the desired goals lie on recognizing and resolving them.
Reseña: "Diario Camaleón"
Authors: Basáñez Barrio Endika
Published: June 2016

Reseña crítica de la obra narrativa Diario Camaleón(2015), del escritor y filósofo mexicano Marco Julio Robles.
El mito del «soldado desconocido» en la literatura hispanoamericana
Authors: Castany Prado Bernat
Published: June 2016

Este trabajo estudia el tratamiento del mito del «soldado desconocido» en la literatura hispanoamericana. En la primera parte se estudian los orígenes históricos de este mito, así como sus diferentes modos de representación literaria. En la segunda parte se estudia de qué modo El soldado desconocido (1922) de Salomón de la Selva, Los pichiciegos (1983), de Rodolfo Fogwill, y España, aparta de mí estos premios (2009), de Fernando Iwasaki, desacralizan el mito del «soldado desconocido».
From Data Islands to Sharing Data in the Cloud: the Evolution of Data Integration in Biological Data Repositories
Authors: Cogo Vinicius Vielmo , Bessani Alysson Neves
Published: June 2016

Biological data repositories were often data islands with unharmo- nized formats, models, and protocols. Their integration evolved along the years and sharing data in multi-tenant infrastructures is a reality now. In this article, we illustrate this evolution by presenting real-world cases from the bioinformat- ics area and collect the best practices and current trends that future solutions should observe from these examples. Finally, we situate the platform being cre- ated by the BiobankCloud project in the scenario of integrating biological data.
Um estudo sobre Processos para avaliação de algoritmos de agrupamento de dados
Authors: Kronbauer Aline M. M. , Fontoura Lisandra Manzoni , Winck Ana Trindade
Published: June 2016

O presente artigo apresenta a ideia de que avaliação de algoritmos de agrupamento de dados é uma tarefa que pode ser abordada utilizando métodos de avaliação orientados a objetivos. A abordagem apresentada baseia-se na metodologia GQM (Goal, Question, Metric) para avaliação de processos e produtos de software. A partir de um determinado problema de agrupamento de dados, utiliza-se a abordagem GQM para estrutura objetivos, perguntas, medidas e métricas permitindo uma melhor estruturação das metas a serem alcançadas o que facilita na avaliação de algoritmos de agrupamento de dados. Um teste de aplicação da abordagem proposta é apresentado, nele o algoritmo k-means é utilizado.
Emergent Technologies for Active Aging
Authors: Baldissera Thais Andrea , De Faveri Cristiano
Published: June 2016

Continuous advances in medicine and wellness areas have contributed to an active and enjoyable aging. The use of technology in assisting elderly community is expected to have a positive contribution to support the diversity of required services that promote independent living. Most initiatives in this area are intrinsically focused on providing health-care services to senior citizens. However, a broader perspective of the aging process is required, which is conceptually described as ”active aging”. In this paper, we present some prominent technologies based on context-awareness and Internet of Things that may assist elderly people in different needs during a productive live. We exemplify the applicability of such technologies by describing a scenario in which daily activities are performed by an elderly assisted by her son.
First‐line antiretroviral therapy durability in a 10‐year cohort of naïve adults started on treatment in Uganda
Authors: Castelnuovo Barbara , Kiragga Agnes , Mubiru Frank , Kambugu Andrew , Kamya Moses , Reynolds Steven J
Published: June 2016

Introduction

The majority of studies from resource‐limited settings only report short‐term virological outcomes of patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART). We aim to describe the long‐term durability of first‐line ART and identify factors associated with long‐term virological outcomes.

Methods

At the Infectious Diseases Institute in Kampala, Uganda, 559 adult patients starting ART in 2004 were enrolled into a research cohort and monitored with viral load (VL) testing every six months for 10 years. We report the proportion and cumulative probability of 1) achieving virologic suppression (at least one VL <400 copies/ml); 2) experiencing virologic failure in patients who achieved suppression (two consecutive VLs >1000 copies/ml or one VL >5000, for those without a subsequent one); 3) treatment failure (not attaining virologic suppression or experiencing virologic failure). We used Cox regression methods to determine the characteristics associated with treatment failure. We included gender, baseline age, WHO stage, body mass index, CD4 count, propensity score for initial ART regimen, VL, time‐dependent CD4 count and adherence.

Results

Of the 559 patients enrolled, 472 (84.8%) had at least one VL (67 died, 13 were lost to follow‐up, 4 transferred, 2 had no VL available); 73.6% started on d4T/3TC/nevirapine and 26.4% on AZT/3TC/efavirenz. Patients in the two groups had similar characteristics, except for the higher proportion of patients in WHO Stage 3/4 and higher VL in the efavirenz‐based group. Four hundred thirty‐nine (93%) patients achieved virologic suppression with a cumulative probability of 0.94 (confidence interval (CI): 0.92–0.96); 74/439 (16.9%) experienced virologic failure with a cumulative probability of 0.18 (CI: 0.15–0.22). In the multivariate analysis, initial d4T/3TC/nevirapine regimen (hazard ratio (HR): 3.02; CI: 3.02 (1.66–5.44, p<0.001)) and baseline VL ≥5 log10 copies/ml (HR: 2.29; CI: 1.29–4.04) were associated with treatment failures; patients of older age (HR: 0.87 per five‐year increase; CI: 0.77–0.99), with adherence >95% (HR: 0.04; CI: 0.02–0.11) and with higher time‐dependent CD4 count (HR: 0.94 per 50 cells/µl increase; CI: 0.92–0.99, p<0.001) were less likely to experience treatment failure.

Conclusions

The long‐term virological outcomes from this cohort are promising and comparable to those from research‐rich settings. Our results provide further evidence that efavirenz is associated with better virological outcomes.
Silicon and Silicon Alloys, Production and Uses
Authors: Dosaj Vishu , Tveit Halvard
Published: June 2016

Silicon, a low density chemical element having nonmetallic characteristics, is the second most abundant element in the lithosphere (after oxygen). Silicon occurs naturally in the form of oxides and silicates and constitutes over 25% of the earth's crust.

The production of silicon from silica and silicon refining technology are discussed in this article as well as the primary uses in the chemical, aluminum, solar electronics, and ceramic industries are also discussed. Silicon is the chemical precursor of silicones, a versatile, fast‐growing market, and of advanced ceramics such as silicon nitride. It forms alloys with a large number of metallic elements; many of these alloys are of importance to the production and refining of irons and steels. The most prevalent are the ferrosilicons, production of which is discussed. Silicon is also one of the leading elements used for making photovoltaic cells for conversion of sun light to electricity and for manufacturing semiconductors in the electronics industry.
Dyeing
Authors: Bide Martin
Published: June 2016

Dyes are used to color textile fibers, paper, and leather. The properties of the dyes and of the substrates to which they are applied drive the dyeing process. Dyeing occurs when a soluble colorant is adsorbed at the surface of a fibrous substrate, and then diffuses into the substrate. The article provides a detailed examination of this basic process in both theoretical and practical terms.
Immunoassay
Authors: Taylor Richard F.
Published: June 2016

Immunoassay, a diagnostic and measurement method that utilizes antibodies to detect and quantify specific analytes (antigens), is characterized by high analyte specificity, high sensitivity (routinely detecting ng to pg analyte levels), and rapid data output. It is amenable to a variety of formats, from single immunoassays carried out manually, to fully automated instruments capable of performing multiple assays on the same or different analytes. Immunoassay quantification methods are based on immunoprecipitation, such as agglutination assays, or on specific indicator reagents linked to antibody or antigen reagents used in the immunoassay. These include radioisotopes for radioimmunoassay, enzymes for enzyme‐linked immunoassay, fluorophores for fluorescence immunoassay, and chemicals or proteins for chemiluminescent or bioluminescent immunoassay. Immunoassay technology is continuing to evolve and applications have moved beyond traditional clinical settings to industry and the environment. Immunoassays are also serving as the basis for newer measurement technologies including hybrid immunoassay‐nucleic acid probe assays, immunobiosensors, and antibody‐based microarrays.