bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Gaussian Process Regression Modeling for Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Richter Philipp , Toledano-Ayala Manuel
Published: September 2015

Signal strength-based positioning in wireless sensor networks is a key technology for seamless, ubiquitous localization, especially in areas where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals propagate poorly. To enable wireless local area network (WLAN) location fingerprinting in larger areas while maintaining accuracy, methods to reduce the effort of radio map creation must be consolidated and automatized. Gaussian process regression has been applied to overcome this issue, also with auspicious results, but the fit of the model was never thoroughly assessed. Instead, most studies trained a readily available model, relying on the zero mean and squared exponential covariance function, without further scrutinization. This paper studies the Gaussian process regression model selection for WLAN fingerprinting in indoor and outdoor environments. We train several models for indoor/outdoor- and combined areas; we evaluate them quantitatively and compare them by means of adequate model measures, hence assessing the fit of these models directly. To illuminate the quality of the model fit, the residuals of the proposed model are investigated, as well. Comparative experiments on the positioning performance verify and conclude the model selection. In this way, we show that the standard model is not the most appropriate, discuss alternatives and present our best candidate.
Energy-Efficient Integration of Continuous Context Sensing and Prediction into Smartwatches
Authors: Rawassizadeh Reza , Tomitsch Martin , Nourizadeh Manouchehr , Momeni Elaheh , Peery Aaron , Ulanova Liudmila , Pazzani Michael
Published: September 2015

As the availability and use of wearables increases, they are becoming a promising platform for context sensing and context analysis. Smartwatches are a particularly interesting platform for this purpose, as they offer salient advantages, such as their proximity to the human body. However, they also have limitations associated with their small form factor, such as processing power and battery life, which makes it difficult to simply transfer smartphone-based context sensing and prediction models to smartwatches. In this paper, we introduce an energy-efficient, generic, integrated framework for continuous context sensing and prediction on smartwatches. Our work extends previous approaches for context sensing and prediction on wrist-mounted wearables that perform predictive analytics outside the device. We offer a generic sensing module and a novel energy-efficient, on-device prediction module that is based on a semantic abstraction approach to convert sensor data into meaningful information objects, similar to human perception of a behavior. Through six evaluations, we analyze the energy efficiency of our framework modules, identify the optimal file structure for data access and demonstrate an increase in accuracy of prediction through our semantic abstraction method. The proposed framework is hardware independent and can serve as a reference model for implementing context sensing and prediction on small wearable devices beyond smartwatches, such as body-mounted cameras.
Affinity Propagation Clustering of Measurements for Multiple Extended Target Tracking
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wu Renbiao
Published: September 2015

More measurements are generated by the target per observation interval, when the target is detected by a high resolution sensor, or there are more measurement sources on the target surface. Such a target is referred to as an extended target. The probability hypothesis density filter is considered an efficient method for tracking multiple extended targets. However, the crucial problem of how to accurately and effectively partition the measurements of multiple extended targets remains unsolved. In this paper, affinity propagation clustering is introduced into measurement partitioning for extended target tracking, and the elliptical gating technique is used to remove the clutter measurements, which makes the affinity propagation clustering capable of partitioning the measurement in a densely cluttered environment with high accuracy. The Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density filter is implemented for multiple extended target tracking. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm, which provides improved performance, while obviously reducing the computational complexity.
Evaluating Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs: Decades of Evolving Strategies and Practices
Authors: Philliber Susan
Published: September 2015

This paper reviews the changing strategies for both process and outcome evaluations of teen pregnancy prevention programs over the past few decades. Implementation evaluations have emphasized discovery of what program attributes are most effective in reducing teen pregnancy and its antecedents. Outcome evaluations have moved from collecting data to measure knowledge, attitudes, and program satisfaction to measuring behavior change including postponement of sexual involvement, increased used of contraception, or reduction in teen pregnancy. High quality randomized control trials or quasi-experimental designs are being increasingly emphasized, as are sophisticated analysis techniques using multi-variate analyses, controls for cluster sampling, and other strategies designed to build a more solid knowledge base about how to prevent early pregnancy.
Developing a Mystery Shopping Measure to Operate a Sustainable Restaurant Business: The Power of Integrating with Corporate Executive Members’ Feedback
Authors: Chen Rachel , Barrows Clayton
Published: September 2015

Mystery shopping has been used to objectively measure whether employees follow the visions of a company’s quality service standards. It then creates a feedback loop that allows companies to train their employees to consistently deliver quality services. The main purposes of this project are aimed at examining (1) the overall benefits of mystery shopper projects in the hospitality business through literature reviews; and (2) the importance of how a company can work with an outside agency (consultant, academic institution, etc.) to develop a mystery shopping program that can enhance and complement ongoing service quality programs. A casual steakhouse restaurant in the Eastern U.S. was selected as our pilot project. The basic concept of using secret shoppers is to have individuals experience real-time and onsite quality of services and record how the mystery shoppers felt about the quality of services and if the employees met or exceeded the company’s standards. For this reason, the authors believe that mystery shopping, especially in hospitality, is an important means of developing and maintaining a sustainable business. While the sustainability of a business is largely dependent upon “people, profits and planet” in the hospitality industry, it is also dependent upon meeting service standards and developing a feedback loop. Mystery shopping programs have demonstrated their ability to contribute to organizations in this regard.
Symmetries, Lagrangians and Conservation Laws of an Easter Island Population Model
Authors: Nucci M.C. , Sanchini G.
Published: September 2015

Basener and Ross (2005) proposed a mathematical model that describes the dynamics of growth and sudden decrease in the population of Easter Island. We have applied Lie group analysis to this system and found that it can be integrated by quadrature if the involved parameters satisfy certain relationships. We have also discerned hidden linearity. Moreover, we have determined a Jacobi last multiplier and, consequently, a Lagrangian for the general system and have found other cases independently and dependently on symmetry considerations in order to construct a corresponding variational problem, thus enabling us to find conservation laws by means of Noether’s theorem. A comparison with the qualitative analysis given by Basener and Ross is provided.
Combined Use of Metformin and Everolimus Is Synergistic in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Yunshan , Wei Junmin , Li Li , Fan Cong , Sun Ying
Published: September 2015

Everolimus inhibits mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and leads to decreased protein synthesis and decreased cancer cell proliferation in many experimental systems. Adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activators such as metformin have similar actions
in keeping with the TSC2/1 pathway linking activation of AMPK to inhibition of mTOR. Histopathological and biochemical studies of breast cancer show frequent dysregulation of the AMPK and the mTOR pathway. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus and metformin
in the treatment of breast cancer cells. This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effects of everolimus alone or in combination with metformin on breast cancer cells. MTT assay was used to quantify the inhibitory effect of the drugs on breast cancer cells in vitro. SCID mice injected
with HCC1428 cells followed by different treatments were used to assess the in vivo efficacy of different agents. Data showed that the combination of everolimus and metformin exerted synergistic inhibitory effects on the growth of breast cancer cells both in culture and in a mouse xenograft
model. Further, this combination abrogated S6 and 4EBP1phosphorylation. Collectively, we suggest that the combination of everolimus and metformin may be an effective regimen for treatment of breast cancer, hence warranting further evaluation of the combination in the clinic.
Bicolored display ofMiconia albicansfruits: Evaluating visual and physiological functions of fruit colors
Authors: de Camargo Maria Gabriela G. , Schaefer H. Martin , Habermann Gustavo , Cazetta Eliana , Soares Natalia Costa , Morellato Leonor Patrícia C.
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Most bird‐dispersed fruits are green when unripe and become colored and conspicuous when ripe, signaling that fruits are ready to be consumed and dispersed. The color pattern for fruits ofMiconia albicans(Melastomataceae), however, is the opposite, with reddish unripe and green ripe fruits. We (1) verified the maintenance over time of its bicolored display, (2) tested the communicative function of unripe fruits, (3) tested the photoprotective role of anthocyanins in unripe fruits, and (4) verified whether green ripe fruits can assimilate carbon.

METHODS:

Using a paired experiment, we tested whether detection of ripe fruits was higher on infructescences with unripe and ripe fruits compared with infructescences with only ripe fruits. We also measured and compared gas exchange, chlorophyllafluorescence, and heat dissipation of covered (to prevent anthocyanin synthesis) and uncovered ripe and unripe fruits.

KEY RESULTS:

Although the bicolored display was maintained over time, unripe fruits had no influence on bird detection and removal of ripe fruits. Ripe and unripe fruits did not assimilate CO2, but they respired instead.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since the communicative function of unripe fruits was not confirmed, seed dispersers are unlikely to select the display with bicolored fruits. Because of the absence of photosynthetic activity in ripe and unripe fruits and enhanced photoprotective mechanisms in ripe fruits rather than in unripe fruits, we could not confirm the photoprotective role of anthocyanins in unripe fruits. As an alternative hypothesis, we suggest that the bicolored fruit display could be an adaptation to diversify seed dispersal vectors instead of restricting dispersal to birds and that anthocyanins in unripe fruits may have a defense role against pathogens.
F‐actin distribution in root primary tissues of several seed plant species
Authors: Pesacreta Thomas C.
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Primary vascular tissues of angiosperm and gymnosperm roots have significant anatomical differences. In gymnosperms, lack of protophloem sieve elements indicates a lengthy parenchymatous pathway for nutrient transport to the root apical meristem (RAM). Because F‐actin is an essential component of transport in parenchyma cells, the distribution of F‐actin was determined and compared among roots of several angiosperm and gymnosperm species.

METHODS:

Roots were chemically fixed and sectioned by hand to enable rapid production of many sections for labeling F‐actin with phalloidin.

KEY RESULTS:

In angiosperm and gymnosperm root tips, relative intensity of F‐actin labeling was highest in primary vascular tissues. Parenchyma cells in and around protophloem tended to have more F‐actin while cells in cortical and protoxylem tissues tended to have less. In gymnosperms, phloem parenchyma was intensely labeled for several millimeters distal to the root apical meristem (RAM), and the F‐actin is mostly composed of bundles that lie parallel to the root longitudinal axis. This orientation differed from the multidirectional arrangement of F‐actin filaments in cortical cells. In angiosperms, intense F‐actin labeling of pericycle and phloem parenchyma cells occurred around the first mature sieve elements.

CONCLUSIONS:

F‐actin is concentrated in the vascular cylinder, commonly in primary phloem parenchyma. In gymnosperms, the absence of sieve elements suggests that cytoplasmic streaming has a role in some aspect of phloem transport or unloading. In angiosperms, the region of intense F‐actin labeling in the phloem parenchyma is limited to the extreme terminal portion of primary phloem where unloading of the earliest mature sieve elements occurs.
Interactions among cluster‐root investment, leaf phosphorus concentration, and relative growth rate in two Lupinus species
Authors: Wang Xing , Veneklaas Erik J. , Pearse Stuart J. , Lambers Hans
Published: September 2015

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

Cluster‐root (CR) formation is a desirable trait to improve phosphorus (P) acquisition as global P resources are dwindling. CRs in some lupine species are suppressed at higher P status. Whether increased growth rate enhances CR formation due to a “dilution” of leaf P concentration is unknown. We investigated interactive effects of leaf P status and relative growth rate (RGR) on CR formation in two Lupinus species, which differ in their CR biomass investment. Variation in RGR was imposed by varying day length.

METHODS:

Lupinus albus and L. pilosus were grown hydroponically with KH2PO4 at a day length of 6, 10, or 14 h. We used a slightly higher P supply at longer day lengths to avoid a decline in leaf P concentration, which would induce CRs. Cluster‐root percentage, leaf P concentrations, and RGR were determined at 22, 38, and 52 d after sowing.

KEY RESULTS:

Lupinus species grown at similar root P availability, but with a faster growth rate, as dependent on day length, showed a greater CR percentage. Because our aim to achieve exactly the same leaf P concentrations at different day lengths was only partially achieved, we carried out a multiple regression analysis. This analysis showed the CR percentage was strongly and negatively correlated with plant P status and only marginally and positively correlated with RGR.

CONCLUSIONS:

The two Lupinus species invariably formed fewer cluster roots at higher leaf P status, irrespective of RGR. Differences in RGR or leaf P concentration cannot explain the species‐specific variation in cluster‐root investment.
Choix productifs des firmes et résilience des modèles d’emploi
Authors: Perrat Jacques
Published: September 2015

Par le biais d’une recherche-action menée avec des syndicalistes de six entreprises de métal-mécanique d’un même bassin d’emploi, nous avons tenté de vérifier l’hypothèse selon laquelle les modèles d’emploi ne font pas que subir les choix productifs des firmes mais sont aussi des éléments importants de ces choix. Ont pu être ainsi identifiées différentes variables d’ajustement concernant les aspects quantitatifs (effectifs, heures travaillées...), qualitatifs (niveau et champ de compétences...) et organisationnels (organisation artisanale ou du type lean manufacturing ) de la mobilisation du travail salarié. Il en ressort la nécessité pour les syndicalistes d’appréhender davantage les modes d’organisation de l’entreprise et du travail et leurs conséquences concrètes pour les salariés, notamment en termes de reconnaissance des compétences réellement mises en œuvre.
La peur du déclin économique face à l’épuisement des ressources naturelles, de W. Stanley Jevons à Herbert S. Jevons (1865-1915)
Authors: Missemer Antoine
Published: September 2015

La prospérité inédite de la Grande-Bretagne au xix e siècle se trouve, dans les années 1860, sous une menace restée longtemps invisible : l’épuisement des mines de charbon. C’est W. Stanley Jevons qui, le premier, souligne avec vigueur les risques que présente cet épuisement pour l’avenir économique de son pays. Cinquante ans plus tard, en 1915 exactement, son fils, Herbert S. Jevons, prolonge son analyse dans des directions multiples. Si ces deux auteurs s’accordent pour indiquer que l’épuisement des ressources pose un problème de coût de production plus que de pénurie, tous deux ne mettent pas en évidence les mêmes voies de sortie pour éviter le déclin industriel. Cette peur du déclin reste néanmoins une caractéristique forte de la pensée économique britannique du tournant du xx e siècle.
L’analyse du déclin dans la seconde moitié du xix e siècle
Authors: Clément Alain
Published: September 2015

Les économistes français de la seconde moitié du xix e siècle ont abordé la question du déclin de la France dans une approche démographique et comparative avec l’Europe. Il ressort de leurs analyses un lien très fort entre déclin démographique et déclin économique. Paradoxalement, une des solutions privilégiées pour lutter contre ce déclin, toujours dans une approche comparative, est de lier les conditions du dynamisme économique et du dynamisme démo graphique aux projets d’expansion coloniale. Le Royaume-Uni représente à leurs yeux un exemple type de cette interprétation du déclin économique et des solutions retenues.
Du libéralisme historique à la crise sociale du xx e siècle
Authors: Fèvre Raphaël
Published: September 2015

Les traits qui caractérisent la crise de civilisation dont Wilhelm Röpke (1899-1966) se fait le témoin peuvent être ramenés à une attaque en règle contre le collectivisme et la planification. La massification généralisée de la société trouve un aboutissement particulièrement nuisible dans le champ de l’économie, avec la concentration de la grande industrie et l’asservissement du travailleur. Néanmoins, dans ses travaux, Wilhelm Röpke rejette dos à dos libéralisme historique et socialisme planificateur. L’objet de cet article est de montrer que ce rejet passe chez lui par une lecture historique particulière, celle d’un enchaînement causal de l’un à l’autre eu égard à l’intensification des mêmes tendances délétères. En ce sens, la crise sociale du xx e siècle est le fruit du déclin interne du libéralisme : la période contemporaine devient intelligible seulement par une analyse des causes premières, lesquelles prennent racine au siècle précédent. L’étude ambitionne de reconstruire cette analyse dans sa complexité, c’est-à-dire de mêler les différents niveaux de discours employés par Röpke : principalement sur le plan culturel, sociologique et économique.
General Practitioners' Adoption and Use of ICT
Authors: Faruq Quazi Omar
Published: September 2015

The influence of ICT in General Practice varied from a solo practice to a GP specialist of a primary healthcare team. Different factors influence the GP to use ICT. After 2nd World War the national legislative requirement influenced more to adopt ICT, of which most important is the Medicare or Medicaid payment and also the richness of the environment (measured by network readiness index). Shift to group practice or corporate level practice requires ICT support to handle automated actions (i.e. completing repetitive jobs, answering frequently asked questions by webpage). Role of telecommunication and IT service providers, and that of entrepreneurs for information management are also discussed. While discussing the challenges in implementing ICT in future model of GP service it focuses on the slow usage of computer and other IT products by doctors, as noted in the past decades.
Integrated Hospital Information System Architecture Design in Indonesia
Authors: Handayani Putu Wuri , Sandhyaduhita Puspa Indahati , Hidayanto Achmad Nizar , Pinem Ave Adriana , Fajrina Haya Rizqi , Junus Kasiyah M. , Budi Indra , Ayuningtyas Dumilah
Published: September 2015

Implementing Hospital Information System is an ultimately important practice that should be performed by hospitals in order to deliver accurate, timely, complete, and easily accessible data/information in an integrated manner. Given the specific characteristics of Indonesia, the objective of this research is to design an Information System Architecture as part of the Enterprise Architecture based on The Open Group Architecture Framework in order to support the Hospital Information System implementation in Indonesia. This research focuses on the hospitals basic processes, viz. the emergency processes, the inpatient processes and the outpatient processes. The integration aspect of the architecture should connect the hospitals with other related stakeholders. This research is a qualitative study by conducting interviews and observations in three government public hospitals, several directorate generals of the Indonesian Ministry of Health and a representative from the WHO. The result of this research is an integrated Information System Architecture model.
Lessons Learned from the Implementation of an Emergency Department Information System
Authors: Vezyridis Paraskevas , Timmons Stephen , Wharrad Heather
Published: September 2015

Clinical information systems are increasingly used in emergency departments across the English National Health Service. The implementation outcome is unpredictable and success is not guaranteed. This study identifies facilitating social and technical factors for implementing an Emergency Department Information System. This is a qualitative study, using interviews with 28 emergency department clinicians, administrators and managers. Project management documents, user guides, design blueprints and internal reports were also analysed. Lessons learned include the importance of acquiring an established, customised and user-friendly system, attracting funding, establishing communication channels between stakeholders, developing detailed implementation plans and tailored training programmes, investing in peer-support, and analysing the workflow impact of the system. Socio-technical factors, both in and out of the hospital, influenced the success of the implementation. By being systematic in addressing these socio-technical factors certain implementation barriers can be overcome.
Human Interaction in the Use of Health Information Systems
Authors: Shaanika Irja N.
Published: September 2015

In developing countries, Health Information Systems (HISs) are increasingly used to enable and support both clinical and administrative processes for healthcare services. The use of the HISs in developing countries' healthcare centres is influenced and impacted by humans' interactions which manifests from culture and traditions. Due to the diverse nature of culture and traditions, it is near impossible to have single formula in addressing the patients' needs. As a result, the aim to improve quality of healthcare through HISs is challenged, and many stakeholders do not seem to understand the problem. The challenge continues to significantly contribute to poor service delivery, as the need for healthcare services increases. This study focused on the interaction between the healthcare professionals and the HISs, to understand how and why the challenges of using the ICT systems exist. This includes examining the implication, and how the challenges impact the recipients of healthcare services.
Toward Integrating Healthcare Data and Systems
Authors: Ziminski Timoteus B. , Demurjian Steven A. , Sanzi Eugene , Agresta Thomas
Published: September 2015

The adoption of health information systems and the integration of healthcare data and systems into efficient cross-institutional collaboration workflows of stakeholders (e.g., medical providers such as physicians, hospitals, clinics, labs, etc.) is a challenging problem for the healthcare domain. This chapter studies the way that well-established software engineering concepts and architectural styles can be employed to satisfy requirements of the healthcare domain and ease health information exchange (HIE) between stakeholders. Towards this goal, this chapter proposes a hybrid HIE architecture (HHIEA) that leverages the studied styles that include service-oriented architecture, grid computing, publish/subscribe paradigm, and data warehousing to allow the health information systems of stakeholders to be integrated to facilitate collaboration among medical providers. To demonstrate the feasibility and utility of the HHIEA, a realistic regional healthcare scenario is introduced that illustrates the interactions of stakeholders across an integrated collection of health information systems.
Optimization of stunning electrical parameters to improve animal welfare in a poultry slaughterhouse
Authors: Girasole Mariagrazia , Chirollo Claudia , Ceruso Marina , Vollano Lucia , Chianese Antonio , Cortesi Maria Luisa
Published: September 2015

Animal killing for food production and the related operations are events that may induce pain, stress, fear and other forms of suffering to the animals. To face this problem and guarantee the animal welfare, the EU has adopted the Regulation (EC) N. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing. Electrical water bath stunning is one of the methods used in commercial slaughterhouses to protect poultry welfare. In particular, this method induces unconsciousness into the birds due to run of electrical current through the head and body. The aim of the present work was to find an optimal setting of electrical parameters to obtain an effective water bath stunning in a commercial poultry slaughterhouse. Moreover, the influence of the tested electrical parameters on meat quality was evaluated. All the experiments confirmed that high stunning frequencies induce a lower occurrence of lesions on carcasses but, on the other hand, require greater current intensities to be effective. A frequency of 750 Hz and an average current intensity of 200 mA for each bird in the water bath resulted as the best combination of electrical parameters to obtain a proper stunning without any consequence on the meat quality.
God se antwoord op geweld en land in Deuteronomium
Authors: Helberg J.L. , Van der Walt Chris
Published: September 2015

Deuteronomium getuig van God se besondere liefde soos Hy dit in verband met die Beloofde Land aan Israel betoon het. Sy bevoorregting van Israel asook sy betrokkenheid by geweld roep egter baie vrae en bespreking op. Twee aspekte wat nie in die besprekings daarvan werklik aandag kry nie, word in hierdie artikel ondersoek: enersyds die verantwoordelikheid en/of skuld van die menslike partye en andersyds dié van God. Die bevindinge is: (1) Nie die nasies of Israel kan God verwyt nie, want die nasies tree self gewelddadig en eksploiterend teenoor mekaar op. Mense bewoon die aarde ten koste van ander mense en ook ten koste van die aardeself. Hulle tree hardnekkig en opstandig op teen die Wet en die wil van God wat die beste vir hulle bedoel. Tog is God in beheer van alles wat gebeur, Hy is onbegryplik en sonder blaam, selfs wanneer Hy in en deur die sondige werklikheid optree. (2) Deuteronomium praat van God se krasse geweld én oorweldigende liefde en verkondig dat Hy die verantwoordelikheid en skuld van die sondige, opstandige mensdom op Hom neem. Hierop gee die Dienaarliedere van Jesaja nog duideliker lig. God moet veral teen hierdie positiewe getuienis waardeer word. Dit is Hy wat aan die werk is en daarom moet die situasie vanuit die oogpunt soos Hy Homself bekend maak, beoordeel word.God, violence, and land in Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy attests of God’s exceptional love as proven to Israel in connection with the Promised Land. However, his preferential treatment of Israel and his involvement in violence invokes many questions and much debate. This article investigates two aspects, which do not really receive attention in the debate: on the one hand, human responsibility and guilt, and on the other hand that of God. The findings are: (1) Neither the nations nor Israel can reproach God, for they themselves act violently and exploitingly. They inhabit the earth at the expense of others and of the earth itself. They act obstinately toward the Law and the will of God, who has the best in mind for them. Even so,God is without blame, incomprehensibly in control of all that happens, even when he acts in and through the use of the sinful reality. (2) Deuteronomy testifies about God’s severe violence ánd overpowering love. It is implicitly stated that God takes the responsibility and blame of sinful and rebellious humanity upon himself. The servant songs of Isaiah shed even more light on this issue. God must especially be appreciated by these positive testimonies and with complete trust in his unfathomable power and grace.
Diabetes in Tribes of India: A literature review
Authors: Kumar Arun , Bhatia Manohar , Goel Pawan , Jain Ram
Published: September 2015

Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly regarded as a lifestyle disease, used to be a disease of affluent societies in the days of yore. However, now it has encroached into the rural and tribal communities as well. This narrative review provides us with an understanding of the epidemiology of diabetes burden in tribes of India. Around 15% of the country′s area is covered by tribals and it constitutes ~8.6% (i. e., ~104 million) of India′s total population. Prevalence of diabetes in tribal areas ranges from around 1% to 10%. Hence, intensive efforts directed towards filling the gaps in awareness levels and the operational research or other data gaps would help prevent and control the problem of diabetes and fill these gaps in tribal areas.
On the Commutators of Singular Integral Operators with Rough Convolution Kernels
Authors: Guo Xiaoli , Hu Guoen
Published: September 2015

Let TΩ be the singular integral operator with kernel , where Ω is homogeneous of degree zero, has mean value zero, and belongs to Lq(Sn–1) for some q ∊ (1,∞). In this paper, the authors establish the compactness on weighted Lp spaces and the Morrey spaces, for the commutator generated by CMO(ℝn) function and TΩ. The associated maximal operator and the discrete maximal operator are also considered.
Caregiving Experiences of Latino Families With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Blanche Erna Imperatore , Diaz Jesus , Barretto Tanya , Cermak Sharon A.
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE. Prior research has documented caregiving difficulties in families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, Latino families may encounter unique challenges. The purpose of this study was to understand the caregiving experiences of Latino families with children with ASD, including daily activities, coping strategies, and service utilization.

METHOD. Fifteen Latino parents of children with ASD were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed for analysis to identify themes of experiences unique to this population.

RESULTS. Latino families of children with ASD encounter many similar issues as non-Latino families but also unique issues that affect service utilization. Four themes were identified: dealing with the diagnosis, dealing with stigma and isolation from family and community, understanding the role of mothers in changing family routines, and utilizing services.

CONCLUSION. To meet the unique needs of Latino families, services need to be provided in culturally sensitive context that address children’s needs within family units.
Content Analysis of Qualitative Research on Children and Youth With Autism, 1993–2011: Considerations for Occupational Therapy Services
Authors: Swinth Yvonne , Tomlin George , Luthman Marge
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE. Through a content analysis of qualitative research published 1993–2011, we sought to determine how qualitative research can inform clinical reasoning among occupational therapy practitioners to support evidence-based, occupation-focused services for children and youth with autism and their families.

METHOD. A qualitative literature search of journals inside and outside occupational therapy, including international journals, yielded 125 articles. We reviewed 110 articles that met inclusion criteria, 79 of which were coded by four occupational therapists with experience working with families with a child or youth with autism.

RESULTS. Nineteen content codes were initially derived. Three themes were identified: (1) service challenges for the family, (2) day-to-day experience of autism, and (3) reframing family.

CONCLUSION. This content analysis illustrates how qualitative research may help occupational therapy practitioners make comprehensive, occupation-based intervention decisions by considering the lived experience of children and youth with autism and their families.
Geoengineering as a design problem
Authors: Kravitz B. , MacMartin D. G. , Wang H. , Rasch P. J.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Understanding the climate impacts of solar geoengineering is essential for evaluating its benefits and risks. Most previous simulations have prescribed a particular strategy and evaluated its modeled effects. Here we turn this approach around by first choosing example climate objectives and then designing a strategy to meet those objectives in climate models. There are four essential criteria for designing a strategy: (i) an explicit specification of the objectives, (ii) defining what climate forcing agents to modify so the objectives are met, (iii) a method for managing uncertainties, and (iv) independent verification of the strategy in an evaluation model. We demonstrate this design perspective through two multi-objective examples. First, changes in Arctic temperature and the position of tropical precipitation due to CO2 increases are offset by adjusting high latitude insolation in each hemisphere independently. Second, three different latitude-dependent patterns of insolation are modified to offset CO2-induced changes in global mean temperature, interhemispheric temperature asymmetry, and the equator-to-pole temperature gradient. In both examples, the "design" and "evaluation" models are state-of-the-art fully coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation models.
Horses for courses: analytical tools to explore planetary boundaries
Authors: van Vuuren D. P. , Lucas P. L. , Häyhä T. , Cornell S. E. , Stafford-Smith M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. There is a need for further integrated research on developing a set of sustainable development objectives, based on the proposed framework of planetary boundaries indicators. The relevant research questions are divided in this paper into four key categories, related to the underlying processes and selection of key indicators, understanding the impacts of different exposure levels and influence of connections between different types of impacts, a better understanding of different response strategies and the available options to implement changes. Clearly, different categories of scientific disciplines and associated models exist that can contribute to the necessary analysis, noting that the distinctions between them are fuzzy. In the paper, we both indicate how different models relate to the four categories of questions but also how further insights can be obtained by connecting the different disciplines (without necessarily fully integrating them). Research on integration can support planetary boundary quantification in a credible way, linking human drivers and social and biophysical impacts.
The IPY 2007–2008 data legacy – creating open data from IPY publications
Authors: Driemel A. , Grobe H. , Diepenbroek M. , Grüttemeier H. , Schumacher S. , Sieger R.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The International Polar Year (IPY) 2007–2008 was a synchronized effort to simultaneously collect data from polar regions. Being the fourth in a series of IPYs, the demand for interdisciplinarity and new data products was high. However, despite all the research done on land, people, ocean, ice and atmosphere and the large amount of data collected, no central archive or portal was created for IPY data. In order to improve the availability and visibility of IPY data, a concerted effort between PANGAEA – Data Publisher for Earth and Environmental Science, the International Council for Science (ICSU) World Data System (WDS), and the International Council for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI) was undertaken to extract data resulting from IPY publications for long-term preservation. Overall, 1380 IPY-related references were collected. Of these, only 450 contained accessible data. All data were extracted, quality checked, annotated with metadata and uploaded to PANGAEA. The 450 articles dealt with a multitude of IPY topics – plankton biomass, water chemistry, ice thickness, whale sightings, Inuit health, alien species introductions by travellers or tundra biomass change, to mention just a few. Both the Arctic and the Antarctic were investigated in the articles, and all realms (land, people, ocean, ice and atmosphere) and a wide range of countries were covered. The data compilation can now be found with the identifier doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.150150, and individual parts can be searched using the PANGAEA search engine (www.pangaea.de) and adding "+project:ipy". With this effort, we hope to improve the visibility, accessibility and long-term storage of IPY data for future research and new data products.
Assimilating compact phase space retrievals of atmospheric composition with WRF-Chem/DART: a regional chemical transport/ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation system
Authors: Mizzi A. P. , Arellano A. F. , Edwards D. P. , Anderson J. L. , Pfister G. G.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This paper introduces the Weather Research and Forecasting Model with chemistry/Data Assimilation Research Testbed (WRF-Chem/DART) chemical transport forecasting/data assimilation system together with the assimilation of "compact phase space retrievals" of satellite-derived atmospheric composition products. WRF-Chem is a state-of-the-art chemical transport model. DART is a flexible software environment for researching ensemble data assimilation with different assimilation and forecast model options. DART's primary assimilation tool is the ensemble adjustment Kalman filter. WRF-Chem/DART is applied to the assimilation of Terra/Measurement of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) carbon monoxide (CO) trace gas retrieval profiles. Those CO observations are first assimilated as quasi-optimal retrievals (QORs). Our results show that assimilation of the CO retrievals: (i) reduced WRF-Chem's CO bias in retrieval and state space, and (ii) improved the CO forecast skill by reducing the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and increasing the Coefficient of Determination (R2). Those CO forecast improvements were significant at the 95 % level. Trace gas retrieval data sets contain: (i) large amounts of data with limited information content per observation, (ii) error covariance cross-correlations, and (iii) contributions from the retrieval prior profile that should be removed before assimilation. Those characteristics present challenges to the assimilation of retrievals. This paper addresses those challenges by introducing the assimilation of "compact phase space retrievals" (CPSRs). CPSRs are obtained by preprocessing retrieval datasets with an algorithm that: (i) compresses the retrieval data, (ii) diagonalizes the error covariance, and (iii) removes the retrieval prior profile contribution. Most modern ensemble assimilation algorithms can efficiently assimilate CPSRs. Our results show that assimilation of MOPITT CO CPSRs reduced the number of observations (and assimilation computation costs) by ~ 35 % while providing CO forecast improvements comparable to or better than with the assimilation of MOPITT CO QORs.
Determinants of modelling choices for 1-D free-surface flow and erosion issues in hydrology: a review
Authors: Cheviron B. , Moussa R.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This review paper investigates the determinants of modelling choices, for numerous applications of 1-D free-surface flow and erosion equations, across multiple spatiotemporal scales. We aim to characterize each case study by its signature composed of model refinement (Navier-Stokes: NS, Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes: RANS, Saint-Venant: SV or Approximations of Saint-Venant: ASV), spatiotemporal scales (domain length: L from 1 cm to 1000 km; temporal scale: T from 1 second to 1 year; flow depth: H from 1 mm to 10 m), flow typology (Overland: O, High gradient: Hg, Bedforms: B, Fluvial: F) and dimensionless numbers (Dimensionless time period T*, Reynolds number Re, Froude number Fr, Slope S, Inundation ratio Λz, Shields number θ). The determinants of modelling choices are therefore sought in the interplay between flow characteristics, cross-scale and scale-independent views. The influence of spatiotemporal scales on modelling choices is first quantified through the expected correlation between increasing scales and decreasing model refinements, identifying then flow typology a secondary but mattering determinant in the choice of model refinement. This finding is confirmed by the discriminating values of several dimensionless numbers, that prove preferential associations between model refinements and flow typologies. This review is intended to help each modeller positioning his (her) choices with respect to the most frequent practices, within a generic, normative procedure possibly enriched by the community for a larger, comprehensive and updated image of modelling strategies.
A new low-cost hydrogen sensor build with a thermopile IR detector adapted to measure thermal conductivity
Authors: Liess M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. It is demonstrated how a commercially available MEMS thermopile infrared radiation sensor can be used as thermal conductivity gas detector (TCD). Since a TCD requires a heater while IR-thermopile sensors have no integrated heater, the thermopile itself is used as heater and temperature sensor at the same time. It is exposed to the measured gas environment in its housing. It is shown that, by using a simple driving circuitry, a mass-produced low-cost IR sensor can be used for hydrogen detection in applications such as hydrogen safety and smart gas metering. The sensor was tested to measure hydrogen in nitrogen with concentration of 0–100 % with a noise equivalent concentration of 3.7 ppm.
Review Article: Storm Britta in 2006: offshore damage and large waves in the North Sea
Authors: Kettle A. J.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The Britta storm of 31 October–1 November 2006 was a severe autumn storm that was particularly damaging for shipping and coastal flooding from storm surge effects along the southern North Sea. The main low pressure of the storm propagated from Scotland to southern Norway on 31 October, leading to a system of strong north winds that moved southward across North Sea over an 18 h period. A progression of ship and offshore platform difficulties were registered from the northern part of the North Sea from late on 31 October and culminated near the coasts of Germany and the Netherlands early on 1 November with a series of ship emergencies linked with large waves. In two separate incidents, unusually high waves broke the bridge windows of ships and necessitated emergency rescues, and a Dutch motor lifeboat experienced a triple capsize. In the southern North Sea, several gas production and research platforms experienced wave impact damage. The FINO1 offshore research platform, near the Dutch–German border, experienced some of the worst storm conditions with some structural damage. Its meteorological and oceanographic instrumentation give a unique profile of the severe met-ocean conditions during the storm. Two Waverider buoys at FINO1 and the nearby Dutch coastal site of Schiermonnikoog recorded groups of large waves at different times during the storm. These reports give insight into a little-reported rogue wave phenomenon that sometimes accompanies the "ground sea" conditions of the worst storms of the area.
Optimisation of decentralisation for effective Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through the case study of Indonesia
Authors: Grady A. , Makarigakis A. , Gersonius B.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This paper investigates how to optimise decentralisation for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) in developing states. There is currently limited literature on empirical analysis of decentralisation for DRR. This paper evaluates decentralised governance for DRR in the case study of Indonesia and provides recommendations for its optimisation. Wider implications are drawn to optimise decentralisation for DRR in developing states more generally. A framework to evaluate the institutional and policy setting was developed which necessitated the use of a gap analysis, desk study and field investigation. Key challenges to decentralised DRR include capacity gaps at lower levels, low compliance with legislation, disconnected policies, issues in communication and coordination and inadequate resourcing. DRR authorities should lead coordination and advocacy on DRR. Sustainable multistakeholder platforms and civil society organisations should fill the capacity gap at lower levels. Dedicated and regulated resources for DRR should be compulsory.
Virtual radar ice buoys – a method for measuring fine-scale dynamic properties of sea ice
Authors: Karvonen J.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Here we present an algorithm for continuous ice dynamics estimation based on coastal and ship radar data. The ice dynamics are estimated based on automatically selected ice targets in the images. These targets are here called virtual buoys (VB's) and are tracked based on an optical flow method. To maintain continuous ice drift tracking new VB's are added after a~given number of VB's have been lost i.e. they can not be tracked reliably any more. Some tracking results and some computed derived quantities for a~few test cases are presented.
Structural Data, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Some Cyclic Phosphazenes: A Theoretical Investigation
Authors: Hadji D. , Rahmouni A.
Published: September 2015

We report ab initio and DFT calculation of structural data, dipole moment, diagonal vibrational and electronic contributions to polarizability, vibrational and electronic contributions to first hyperpolarizability of some cyclic phosphazenes. The electronic structure of substituted cyclic phosphazenes has been investigated using Hartree-Fock and density functional theory. The vibrational and electronic contributions to polarizabilities and first hyperpolarizability of these molecules were calculated with HF method, and different DFT levels used the traditional B3LYP and PBE functional and the long-range corrected functional like Coulomb-attenuating method CAM-B3LYP, LC-BLYP and wB97XD used different basis sets. These cyclic phosphazenes adopts a planar structure. The study reveals that the cyclic phosphazenes derivatives have large vibrational contribution to static first hyperpolarizability values. The results obtained from this work will provide into the electronic properties of this important class of inorganic polymers.