bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remittance Behavior of Migrants and its Macroeconomic Effects in Four Developing Countries
Authors: Das Anupam
Published: April 2015

The literature on the macroeconomic effects of remittances is inconclusive. This study establishes a relationship between remittances and other important macroeconomic variables, such as consumption, investment and economic growth in Bangladesh, Egypt, Pakistan, and Syria over the period 1975-2006. Overall results suggest that remittances have a positive impact on economic growth in Pakistan and Syria but a negative impact in Bangladesh and Egypt. Negative remittance-growth coefficients in those two countries suggest a counter-cyclical relationship. A key objective of this paper is to identify how the remittance behavior of migrants varies across countries. Results from panel estimation procedure shows that a combination of self-interest and enlightened self-interest behavior of migrants is responsible for the growth impact in Bangladesh. The enlightened self-interest motivation is also the most likely cause of the growth impact in Egypt. Finally, the self-interest behavior explains the growth impacts in Pakistan and Syria. Results from this paper have policy implications for developing countries which face dilemmas and debates on the impact of remittances on economic growth.
Knowledge Discovery for Tourism Using Data Mining and Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Aghdam Atae Rezaei , Kamalpour Mostafa , Sim Alex Tze Hiang
Published: April 2015

This paper aims to propose a new guideline for analyzing tourist profiles as found in www.tripadvisor.com. These have been examined from two different aspects so as to gain conclusive results. Tourist data were “crawled” from tripadvisor.com through a specific web crawler. Mining techniques using a combination of visualization, clustering, and association rules were instrumental in discovering the first set of interesting knowledge. This was followed by a qualitative analysis applied through Nvivo software via coding of the tourist's comments in order to define the design of the prospective model. A final set of results was obtained once both results confirmed each other. In this study, results show that there are several types of tourists; with each group having different preferences. For example: male Singaporean visitors to hotels tend to enjoy wine and food in addition to outdoor activities; while local visitors to Legoland are not satisfied with certain aspects, such as the price of food. International tourists, however, consider the affirmative points of Legoland. This research can be very useful for tourist associations and hotel managers in Johor Bahru.
Design and Simulation of Mobile Commerce Identity Authentication Protocol Based on OTP
Authors: Wang Qin , Li Huifeng
Published: April 2015

With popularization and development of mobile commerce, the security of mobile commerce has drawn more and more attentions. Identity authentication is the first safety barrier, as communication security almost starts from its handshake process. Authentication protocol based on ciper technology is the safest method to realize identity authentication, and therefore identity authentication protocol is necessary to ensure communication security in mobile commerce. Combined One-time password (OTP) with Elliptic Curve Cryptosystem (ECC), a mobile commerce identity authentication (MCIA) protocol is presented. The two procedures of user registration and bidirectional authentication are designed. In order to verify its operation efficiency in the actual network environment, the simulation model of MCIA is set up through Opnet. The MCIA performance is analyzed from the statistics variables, including scheme time, server queuing delay, channel utilization and throughput. The results verify that MCIA has better feasibility in mobile commerce environment.
Motivating Tourism
Authors: Baporikar Neeta
Published: April 2015

Attempts have been made for long to classify tourists by activities, interests and opinions (AIOs), by values and even, typology of the tourist based on personality characteristics. Pearce (1993) observes, tourist motivation is in fact “discretionary, episodic, future oriented, dynamic, socially influenced, and evolving” with “attitudes, behavioural intentions, values, preferences, beliefs, needs, and goals thereby presenting spaghetti of overlapping and interlocking concepts”. This research paper is a case study of how ‘Club Mahindra Holidays' flagship brand of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd., (MHRIL) started in 1996, has been successful in motivating tourism in general and in India in particular. It also attempts to understand how tourism is based on motivating theories and draw lessons for evolving successful tourism strategies based on the core values such as Reliability, Trust and Customer Satisfaction. The case study will enable tourism organizations to adopt best practices, strategize well for success and contribute to economic development in this era of globalization.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence on Transformational Leadership
Authors: Pandey Rina , Rathore Shubhangini
Published: April 2015

Interest in the role Emotional Intelligence has in the workplace has increased in recent years, with greater emphasis on the benefits of understanding and utilizing emotions for managing people at work. The role of emotional intelligence competencies as predictors of leadership is being researched in order to leverage this information for increased leader effectiveness and performance. The present study analyses the literature surrounding emotional intelligence and its relationship with leadership dimensions. It concludes with a theoretical framework that explains the role of selected emotional intelligence competencies on the performance and effectiveness of transformational leaders.
Data Analysis of an RFID System for Its Dependability
Authors: Belkacem Imad , Bahloul Safia Nait , Aktouf Oum-El-Kheir
Published: April 2015

Dependability issues become more and more significant in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) development and especially in critical domains. However, Operations of reading, detection of readers, and measurements of sensors in a RFID system are inevitably subjected to errors. These factors degrade the overall dependability of RFID systems. The authors study the Fault Tolerance in RFID systems as a means to ensure the dependability. The authors propose to perform a statistical analysis on the RFID tags data, using a confidence interval, at the level of the middleware enabling the detection of erroneous readers and sensors.
Recouping the Modified Data in Intruder-Based Environment
Authors: Nagaraj Ambika
Published: April 2015

Sensor networks are playing an important role in many applications. These networks mainly used as monitoring tool are deployed in harsh and unsupervised environment. Hence securing these nodes and the data which is being transmitted becomes a basic requirement. To adapt security to the network, the study uses cluster-based arrangement of nodes. The encryption key is generated based on location, which enhances security by incorporating authentication, reliability and confidentiality of data. The packets are being analysed for its fidelity by the nodes which fall in path of the base station. Compared to the previous contributions certain amount of energy is conserved. Addition to this procedure, the data can be retrieved if modified by the adversary. The scheme enhances the security against sinkhole, wormhole and Sybil attacks.
The Planning Net
Authors: Schreiner Marcos A. , Castilho Marcos A. , Silva Fabiano , Kunzle Luis A. , Montaño Razer A. N. R.
Published: April 2015

In this paper the classical planning problem is formalized as a Petri Net. The authors review the Graphplan notions of mutex relation and maintenance actions based on the Petri Net flow. They also classify pairs of conflicting actions in terms of four different control structures, which are used to build the Plan Net. In addition the authors present the order relation of propositions, i.e., pairs of conflicting propositions that allow inclusion of more information in the Planning Net. The planning problem represented on Planning Net is translated into a SAT instance and solved by a modern SAT solver. The authors show the advantages provided by the inclusion of the propositions ordering relation and compare their experimental results with Satplan.
An Exploration of the Experiences of Migrant Women
Authors: Fitzpatrick Jane
Published: April 2015

Women across the world migrate for a wide range of reasons. Some gravitate to urban centres in their own countries seeking safety, education, health care, and employment opportunities. Others travel across national boundaries seeking reprieve from the atrocities of war and extreme poverty. Migration within countries is on the rise, as people move in response to adverse conditions such as lack of resources, services and education, and employment opportunities. In addition they may want to escape from violence or natural disasters. This movement of people from rural to urban areas has resulted in an explosive growth of cities around the globe. This paper draws on a research case study undertaken with the Kewapi language group in Port Moresby and the Batri Villages of the Southern Highlands in Papua New Guinea. It seeks to highlight the perspectives of women traveling vast distances from their home communities in order to seek education and health care. It explores the implications for developing effective service user focused health care systems designed to meet the needs of mobile and vulnerable women. The study suggests that if women and their families from remote rural communities are encouraged and facilitated in participating in health promoting initiatives they can dramatically improve their life and health experiences and that of their community.
Practical Skills Evaluation of Medical Students with a Mini-Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) for Nosocomial Infections
Authors: Pai Chitra , Jaggi Tavleen , Gore Shalini , Kar Harapriya
Published: April 2015

Evaluation is the driving force promoting learning in medical students who are mostly ‘exam oriented.’ Doctors play an important role in spreading nosocomial infections due to noncompliance with preventive measures. This could stem from lacunae in the traditional system of education wherein certain practical skills aren’t evaluated. In this study, an innovative mini OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) for nosocomial infections was designed and implemented for post teaching evaluation of practical skills such as hand washing and safe hospital waste disposal. Seventy eight students, divided into two cohorts were evaluated after they underwent the traditional method of lecturing or hands on small group teaching. The mini OSPE demonstrated a significant increase in acquisition of practical skills in the cohort which underwent small group teaching as compared to the one which underwent traditional teaching. Within the small group teaching cohort, the scores improved in the late phase as compared to the early phase, the difference being statistically significant. Innovative techniques such as mini OSPE are valuable tools of evaluation and should be incorporated in the curriculum of para clinical subjects. When applied to important topics such as Nosocomial infections, this can help enhance learning and retention of practical skills with better application to future clinical practice.
A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Illness Perception About Asthma Among Asthma Patients at a Referral Tertiary Care Public Chest Hospital in Delhi, India
Authors: Shendge Sushil , Deka Barnali , Kotwani Anita
Published: April 2015

Adult patients visiting emergency room (March 2009-December 2009) of the public chest hospital for asthma exacerbation completed interviewer-administered questionnaires on sociodemographics, clinical history, disease beliefs, use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), and self-management of asthma after stabilization of their condition. Overall 87% patients believed that they had asthma when they are having symptoms, which is called as no symptoms, no asthma belief. No association was found between no symptoms, no asthma belief with gender, income, family history of asthma, and co-morbidity. Younger patients in the age group 18-29 years had four to five-fold greater odds and patients with education above 10th grade had three to four-fold greater odds of having the no symptoms, no asthma belief or the acute episodic belief. Acute episodic belief was negatively associated with beliefs about always having asthma, asthma being a serious condition, having lung inflammation, or the importance of using ICS, and was positively associated with expecting to be cured. All patients irrespective of their belief of acute or chronic nature of asthma had poor adherence to the treatment and other self-management behaviors.
Permission-Based E-Mail Marketing Websites Success
Authors: Lin Hsin-Hui , Li Hsien-Ta , Wang Yi-Shun
Published: April 2015

Extant research on websites success has paid insufficient attention to the success of permission-based e-mail marketing (PEM) websites. In order to bridge this knowledge gap, the contribution of this study lies in synthesizing information management/e-commerce, media/communication, as well as customer/marketing research to propose a PEM websites success model consisting of antecedent (i.e., functional, process, and relational benefits), mediator (i.e., relationship quality), and outcome variables (i.e., relationship outcomes). Data collected from 294 respondents in Taiwan were tested against the research model using structural equation modeling. The result shows that functional and process benefits (i.e., information quality, ease of use, and entertainment benefits) except entertainment benefits can indirectly influence relationship outcomes (i.e., user loyalty and positive word of mouth) through the mediation of relationship quality (i.e., user satisfaction and commitment). The result also indicates that relational benefits (i.e., confidence, social, and special treatment benefits) can not affect relationship outcomes directly or indirectly through relationship quality. It concludes that, unlike the brick-and-mortar context, relational benefits emphasized by customer/marketing research do not play a significant role in influencing relationship outcomes in the context of PEM websites. Rather, the empirically validated model highlights the importance of functional and process benefits in establishing PEM websites success, supporting the perspectives from information management/e-commerce research as well as media/communication research.
Effectiveness on urinary symptoms and erectile function of Prostamev Plus® vs only extract Serenoa repens
Authors: Marzano Raffaele , Dinelli Nicola , Ales Valeria , Bertozzi Maria Antonella
Published: April 2015

Prostatic inflammation is widespread in the male population. Two groups of 50 patients each with symptoms of prostatic inflammation and ecocolorDoppler indicative of prostatitis were identified. Both groups were further subdivided into two subgroups (respectively A1, A2, B1, and B2). Group A1 underwent therapy with oral levofloxacin 500 mg daily for 10 days plus co-treatment with oral Serenoa repens (320 mg) plus Bromeline plus Nettle (Prostamev Plus®) daily for two months; Group A2 with oral levofloxacin 500 mg daily for 10 days plus oral Serenoa repens extract 320 mg/day for two months; Group B1 specific antibiotic treatment for 10 days (included levofloxacin if sensitive) plus co-treatment with oral Serenoa repens (320 mg) plus Bromeline plus Nettle (Prostamev Plus®) daily for two months; Group B2 with specific antibiotic treatment for 10 days plus Serenoa repens 320 mg/day for two months. The groups treated with Prostamev Plus® in comparison to the groups treated with Serenoa repens extract (saw palmetto) achieved better improvements of both IPSS score, urinary flow and sexual life.
An unusual case of intrarenal coiled and ruptured guidewire
Authors: Manassero Francesca , Ortori Simona , Gabellieri Cristina , Gabelloni Michela , Selli Cesare
Published: April 2015

Objective. To the best of our knowledge there are only 3 reports of fractured guidewires inside the pelvicalyceal system, successfully removed with endourology techniques, and this is the first one presenting a tightly coiled intraparenchymal section. Material and methods: A 59-year-old woman was hospitalized for surgical treatment of a right kidney of reduced size. Past history revealed pyelolithotomy for a staghorn stone 14 months earlier at another Institution with subsequent ureteral obstruction, one failed attempt at ureteral double-J catheter insertion and one failed attempt at percutaneous nephrostomy placement 5 months postoperatively. Another nephrostomy was placed, but left indwelling briefly. CT scan demonstrated a small-size kidney with residual stone fragments and presence of a “device” in the lower pole. The tapered distal extremity of an hydrophilic guidewire, with a tightly coiled central section wedged in the renal tissue was found inside the nephrectomy specimen. Results: While the Radiologist who read the CT scan hypothesized that the “device” was a fragment of double-J ureteral stent or nephrostomy catheter, it consisted of the hydrophilic extremity of a guidewire, broken during a previous attempt at nephostomy placement. Perirenal fibrosis and inappropriate angle between the needle and the lower calyx are the likely causes of guidewire coiling during its advancement and subsequent rupture during withdrawal. Conclusions. Urologists must be aware that, although percutaneous nephrostomy has a very high technical success rate, unusual complications like guidewire fracture may occur, and that modern imaging techniques can provide an accurate picture of this condition.
Complete intraperitoneal displacement of a double J stent: a first case
Authors: Turri Filippo Maria , Manassero Francesca , Mogorovich Andrea , De Maria Maurizio , Falleni Andrea , Selli Cesare
Published: April 2015

Objectives: Ureteral double-J stents are known to migrate proximally and distally within the urinary tract, while perforation and stent displacement are uncommon. Possible mechanisms of displacement are either original malpositioning with ureteral perforation or subsequent fistula and erosion of the excretory system, due to infection or long permanence of the device. We present the unique case of complete intraperitoneal stent migration in a 59-year-old caucasian male without evidence of urinary fistula at the moment of diagnosis, so far an unreported complication. Materials and Methods: Eight months after the placement of a double-J stent for lower right ureteral stricture at a district hospital, the patient came at our observation for urosepsis and hydro-uretero-nephrosis. A CT scan demonstrated intraperitoneal migration of the stent outside the urinary tract. Cystoscopy failed to visualize the lower extremity of the stent, a percutaneous nephrostomy was placed to drain the urinary system and the stent was removed through a small abdominal incision on the right lower quadrant. Results: In our case we presume that during the positioning manoeuvre the guide wire perforated simultaneously the lower ureteral wall and the pelvic peritoneum, and that once the upper end of the stent was coiled, the lower extremity was also attracted intraperitoneally. The lack of pain due to the spinal lesion concurred to this unusual complication. Conclusions: We must be aware that ureteral double J stents may be found displaced even inside the peritoneal cavity, and that the use of retrograde pyelography during placement is of paramount importance to exclude misplacement of an apparently normally coiled upper extremity of the stent.
Similar effects of two modified constraint-induced therapy protocols on motor impairment, motor function and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke
Authors: Souza Wilma Costa , Conforto Adriana B. , Orsini Marco , Stern Annette , André Charles
Published: April 2015

Modified constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) protocols show motor function and real-world arm use improvement. Meanwhile it usually requires constant supervision by physiotherapists and is therefore more expensive than customary care. This study compared the preliminary efficacy of two modified CIMT protocols. A two-group randomized controlled trial with pre and post treatment measures and six months follow-up was conducted. Nineteen patients with chronic stroke received 10 treatment sessions distributed three to four times a week over 22 days. CIMT3h_direct group received 3 hours of CIMT supervised by a therapist (n=10) while CIMT1.5h_direct group had 1.5 hours of supervised CIMT+1.5 hours home exercises supervised by a caregiver (n=9). Outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Motor Activity Log, and the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. The modified CIMT protocols were feasible and well tolerated. Improvements in motor function, real-world arm use and quality of life did not differ significantly between treated groups receiving either 3 or 1.5 hours mCIMT supervised by a therapist.
Effects of Pistacia atlantica (subsp. Mutica) oil extracts on antioxidant activities during experimentally induced cutaneous wound healing in rats
Authors: Hamidi Ahmad Reza , Naeini Aboutorab Tabatabaii , Tanideh Nader , Nazifi Saeed
Published: April 2015

The fruits of Pistacia atlantica (subsp. mutica) have been used traditionally for the treatment of peptic ulcer, as a mouth freshener and have recently been introduced as a source of antioxidant vegetable oils. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity of the gel forms, from P. atlantica (subsp. mutica) oil extraction on enzymatic antioxidants in experimental wound created in rat. A square-shaped skin defect (2×2 cm) was created aseptically by surgical excision at the first thoracic vertebrae. Then animals were randomly allocated in four groups (I, untreated controls; II, topically treated base gel; III, topically treated 5% gel; IV, topically treated 10% gel). Blood sampling was accomplished at 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days post-injury. Samples were collected for measuring antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in red cells) and lipid peroxidation (plasma malondialdehyde). The data analysis generally evidenced that the activities of the main antioxidant enzymes began to decrease significantly at 7 days after the wound was created in control and base gel groups. This remarkable decline became more evident in the period between 10 to 21 days post injury but increased progressively in P. atlantica (subsp. mutica) treatment groups, especially in gel 10% treatment group during wound healing. The results of this study suggest that excision of the wound leads to oxidative stress and topical administration of P. atlantica (subsp. mutica) gels causes remarkable changes in antioxidant parameter during wound closure (especially gel 10%) via pro-oxidative, and antioxidant activity can improve oxidative stress.
Use of multi-locus sequencing typing as identification method for the food-borne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes: a review
Authors: Lamon Sonia , Meloni Domenico , Consolati Simonetta Gianna , Mureddu Anna , Mazzette Rina
Published: April 2015

Listeria monocytogenes is an ubiquitous, intracellular pathogen which has been implicated within the past decade as the causative organism in several outbreaks of foodborne diseases. In this review, a new approach to molecular typing primarily designed for global epidemiology has been described: multi-locus sequencing typing (MLST). This approach is novel, in that it uses data that allow the unambiguous characterization of bacterial strains via the Internet. Our aim is to present the currently available selection of references on L. monocytogenes MLST detection methods and to discuss its use as gold standard to L. monocytogenes subtyping method.
The efficacy of plant extracts on cecal amebiasis in rats
Authors: Ohanu Enerst C. , Inyang-Etoh Paul C.
Published: April 2015

Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. Treatment failure with specific chemotherapy has been reported suggesting the possibility of drug resistance. This study investigated the anti-amoebic effects of four plant extracts on cecal amebiasis in rats. The cecal amebiasis was induced by the injection of 3.0×105 troph/mL of E. histolytica parasite directly into the rat’s caecum. A total of 137 rats were used for these studies; five rats in each group for both positive and negative control, 15 rats in each group to test the four plant extracts and metronidazole. The infected rats were treated for cecal amebiasis using each of the four plant extracts at graded doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg and with metronidzole at a dose of 62.5 mg/kg,100 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg for five consecutive days. The efficacy of the four plant extracts were evaluated based on Neal’s, 1951 method. The plant extracts of Garlic, Guava, Pawpaw and Pumpkin at 400 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body-weight gave a cure rate of 80%, 100%, 60%, 40% and 40%, 80%, 40%, 0%, respectively. The mean parasite count in the cecal contents of the treated rats at a dose 400 mg/kg were 18.5±1.6, 0.0±0.0, 33.3±1.8 and 49.5±4.0, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). This study has revealed that Guava at a high dosing level (400 mg/kg body weight) is as good as the standard drug in reducing the both parasite load (probably with limited side effect).
Evaluation of protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of saffron petals in prevention of acetaminophen-induced renal damages in rats
Authors: Omidi Arash , Riahinia Narges , Montazer Torbati Mohammad Bagher , Behdani Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2015

In recent years more attention has been given to herbal drugs in the treatment and prevention of drug toxicity because of the harmful effects of chemical drugs. In this study, directed for this purpose, research was conducted on the protective effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of saffron petals (SPE) against acetaminophen (APAP) induced acute nephrotoxicity. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups of six each. Group I, as a control group, received normal saline (0.09%) orally (PO). Group II, as an intoxicated group was treated with APAP, PO (600 mg/kg). In the groups III and IV, SPE in a dose of 10 and 20 mg/kg along with APAP (600 mg/kg) was administered, respectively. At the end of the trial (8th day), blood was taken from the heart of rats for assessment of biochemical parameters and the right kidney was placed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological evaluations. In the APAP treatment group, higher serum creatinine and uric acid were observed. SPE in a dose of 20 mg/kg significantly reduced serum creatinine and uric acid. In pathologic evaluation, a dose of 20 mg/kg of SPE prevented the kidney injuries induced by APAP. Tissues changes were in accordance with biochemical findings. It is likely that the SPE contributed to the prevention of acute nephrotoxicity induced by APAP.
Muscle-Activation Onset Times With Shoes and Foot Orthoses in Participants With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Dingenen Bart , Peeraer Louis , Deschamps Kevin , Fieuws Steffen , Janssens Luc , Staes Filip
Published: April 2015

Context

Participants with chronic ankle instability (CAI) use an altered neuromuscular strategy to shift weight from double-legged to single-legged stance. Shoes and foot orthoses may influence these muscle-activation patterns.

Objective

To evaluate the influence of shoes and foot orthoses on onset times of lower extremity muscle activity in participants with CAI during the transition from double-legged to single-legged stance.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Musculoskeletal laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 15 people (9 men, 6 women; age = 21.8 ± 3.0 years, height = 177.7 ± 9.6 cm, mass = 72.0 ± 14.6 kg) who had CAI and wore foot orthoses were recruited.

Intervention(s)

A transition task from double-legged to single-legged stance was performed with eyes open and with eyes closed. Both limbs were tested in 4 experimental conditions: (1) barefoot (BF), (2) shoes only, (3) shoes with standard foot orthoses, and (4) shoes with custom foot orthoses (SCFO).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The onset of activity of 9 lower extremity muscles was recorded using surface electromyography and a single force plate.

Results

Based on a full-factorial (condition, region, limb, vision) linear model for repeated measures, we found a condition effect (F3,91.8 = 9.39, P < .001). Differences among experimental conditions did not depend on limb or vision condition. Based on a 2-way (condition, muscle) linear model within each region (ankle, knee, hip), earlier muscle-activation onset times were observed in the SCFO than in the BF condition for the peroneus longus (P < .001), tibialis anterior (P = .003), vastus medialis obliquus (P = .04), and vastus lateralis (P = .005). Furthermore, the peroneus longus was activated earlier in the shoes-only (P = .02) and shoes-with-standard-foot-orthoses (P = .03) conditions than in the BF condition. No differences were observed for the hip muscles.

Conclusions

Earlier onset of muscle activity was most apparent in the SCFO condition for ankle and knee muscles but not for hip muscles during the transition from double-legged to single-legged stance. These findings might help clinicians understand how shoes and foot orthoses can influence neuromuscular control in participants with CAI.
Real-time Extraction on Planimetric and Altimetric Features From Digital Stereo SPOT Data Using a Digital Video Plotter
Authors: Toutin Th , Beaudoin M
Published: April 2015

Precise ground coordinates in the feature extraction from raster data is a key point for their integration in geographic information systems. This paper presents a method and results of the extraction of planimetric and altimetric features from digital stereo
SPOT-PLA data in stereoscopic mode. The method uses a photogrammetric approach. The stereorestitution is done with a digital video plotter using a low-cost hardware (PC), and comparisons of the results with the digital topographic features (precision of three metres in planimetry and five metres in
altimetry) are done in the ARC/INFO environment. Results from a SPOT stereopair (B/H = 0.74) in the Rocky Mountains (Canada) show a planimetric accuracy of 12 metres with 90% confidence for well identifiable features and an altimetric accuracy for a DEM of 30 metres with 90% confidence.
Future improvements on the system should increase the accuracy to 10 metres and 15-20 metres with 90% confidence for planimetry and altimetry, respectively.
Plant Hardiness Zones of parts of southern Ontario and Québec
Authors: McKenney D W , Pedlar J H , Lawrence K , Papadopol P , Campbell K , Hutchinson M F , Kramers R E , Rose I , Morisset N
Published: April 2015

This plant hardiness zones map shows the different zones in Canada where various types of trees, shrubs and flowers will most likely survive. The map is based on a formula using seven important variables that influence plant survival: 1. Monthly mean of the daily
minimum temperatures of the coldest month 2. Mean frost-free period (above 0°C) in days 3. Amount of rainfall from June to November 4. Monthly mean of the daily maximum temperatures of the warmest month 5. A winter harshness index related to rainfall in January 6. Mean maximum snow depth 7.
Maximum wind gust in 30 year period The original map was developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in the early 1960s based on average values from 1930 to 1960. This new map uses 1981 to 2010 averages. To view an interactive version of this map and for more information on plant hardiness zones
in Canada, please go to the following Web site: www.planthardiness.gc.ca
Gene Delivery Strategies to Promote Spinal Cord Repair
Authors: Walthers Christopher M. , Seidlits Stephanie K.
Published: April 2015

Gene therapies hold great promise for the treatment of many neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic injuries in the central nervous system. However, development of effective methods to deliver such therapies in a controlled manner to the spinal cord is a necessity for their translation to the clinic. Although essential progress has been made to improve efficiency of transgene delivery and reduce the immunogenicity of genetic vectors, there is still much work to be done to achieve clinical strategies capable of reversing neurodegeneration and mediating tissue regeneration. In particular, strategies to achieve localized, robust expression of therapeutic transgenes by target cell types, at controlled levels over defined time periods, will be necessary to fully regenerate functional spinal cord tissues. This review summarizes the progress over the last decade toward the development of effective gene therapies in the spinal cord, including identification of appropriate target genes, improvements to design of genetic vectors, advances in delivery methods, and strategies for delivery of multiple transgenes with synergistic actions. The potential of biomaterials to mediate gene delivery while simultaneously providing inductive scaffolding to facilitate tissue regeneration is also discussed.
On a Linear Refinement of the Prékopa-Leindler Inequality
Authors: Colesanti Andrea , Saorín Gómez Eugenia , Yepes Nicolás Jesύs
Published: April 2015

If f,g:ℝn→ ℝ≥0 are non-negative measurable functions, then the Prékopa–Leindler inequality asserts that the integral of the Asplund sum (provided that it is measurable) is greater than or equal to the 0-mean of the integrals of f and g. In this paper we prove that under the sole assumption that f and g have a common projection onto a hyperplane, the Prékopa–Leindler inequality admits a linear refinement. Moreover, the same inequality can be obtained when assuming that both projections (not necessarily equal as functions) have the same integral. An analogous approach may be also carried out for the so-called Borell-Brascamp-Lieb inequality.
On Classes for Hyperbolic Riemann Surfaces
Authors: Aulaskari Rauno , Chen Huaihui
Published: April 2015

The Qpspaces of holomorphic functions on the disk, hyperbolic Riemann surfaces or complex unit ball have been studied deeply. Meanwhile, there are a lot of papers devoted to theclasses of meromorphic functions on the disk or hyperbolic Riemann surfaces. In this paper, we prove the nesting property (inclusion relations) ofclasses on hyperbolic Riemann surfaces. The same property for Qp spaces was also established systematically and precisely in earlier work by the authors of this paper.
Is a Marxist explanation of the current crisis possible?
Authors: Sardoni Claudio
Published: April 2015

The object of the paper is to explore whether, or to what extent, a Marxian explanation of the current capitalist crisis is possible. The answer is that, although Marx's theory offers important insights to understanding the ultimate causes of capitalist crises, it is not able to provide a fully satisfactory explanation of typical crises of contemporary capitalism.

In particular, Marx's analysis cannot account for the long periods of stagnation following the eruption of financial and economic crises. In Marx's analytical context, crises are followed by recovery and growth in a relatively short span of time. It is argued that the main reason for Marx's inability to explain crises of contemporary capitalism is that he developed his analysis by considering free-competitive economies, whereas modern economies are characterized by monopolistic competition. A more satisfactory explanation of the current crisis requires going beyond Marx's original contributions.
Imagining Geographies, Mapping Identities
Authors: Graves Matthew , Rechniewski Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

The ambition of this issue of Portal is to reach across the methodological boundaries of history, politics, literature and geography to apply their complementary perspectives to the study of identity and its relation to space and place, an aim that involves attempting to identify the many different ways the notoriously slippery concepts of identity and geography may intersect.For this issue we have selected articles that cast a fresh perspective on two areas where identity and geography intersect: the construction of identity through the imaginative recreation of place in literature: Mapping Literary Spaces; and the study of the shifting relationships of centre and periphery, exclusion and inclusion in urban settings and geopolitical confrontations: Social and Political Peripheries.Gerard Toal has written that geography is not a noun but a verb: it does not describe what space is but studies what we do with space, imaginatively and politically. The articles in this issue illustrate the exercise of the literary and political imagination and the role of materiality and memory in the creation of geographic representation. They show too a new awareness of the centrality of space in the constitution of identities, and the need for a new geocritical reading of its discourse, as the interrelations of place and community are played out on the many scales of social and political life, from the local to the global. The special issue is organised thus:IntroductionMatthew Graves (Aix-Marseille University) & Liz Rechniewski (Sydney University): “Imagining Geographies, Mapping Identities.”I. Mapping Literary Spaces- Isabelle Avila (University of Paris XIII), "Les Cartes de l'Afrique au XIXe siècle et Joseph Conrad : Perceptions d'une Révolution Cartographique."- Daniela Rogobete (University of Craiova), "Global vs Glocal: Dimensions of the post-1981 Indian English Novel."II. Social and Political Peripheries- Elizabeth Rechniewski (Sydney University), “The Perils of Proximity: The Geopolitical Underpinnings of Australian views of New Caledonia in the 19th Century."- Annie Ousset-Krief (Paris III), "Le Yiddishland newyorkais."- Carolyn Stott (Sydney University), "Belleville: Space, Place and Identity."- Esme Cleall (University of Sheffield), "Silencing Deafness: Marginalising Disability in the 19th century."
CCN activation of fumed silica aerosols mixed with soluble pollutants
Authors: Dalirian M. , Keskinen H. , Ahlm L. , Ylisirniö A. , Romakkaniemi S. , Laaksonen A. , Virtanen A. , Riipinen I.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Particle–water interactions of completely soluble or insoluble particles are fairly well understood but less is known of aerosols consisting of mixtures of soluble and insoluble components. In this study, laboratory measurements were performed to investigate cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of silica particles mixed with ammonium sulfate (a salt), sucrose (a sugar) and bovine serum albumin known as BSA (a protein). The agglomerated structure of the silica particles was investigated using measurements with a differential mobility analyser (DMA) and an aerosol particle mass analyser (APM). Based on these data, the particles were assumed to be compact agglomerates when studying their CCN activation capabilities. Furthermore, the critical supersaturations of particles consisting of pure and mixed soluble and insoluble compounds were explored using existing theoretical frameworks. These results showed that the CCN activation of single-component particles was in good agreement with Köhler- and adsorption theory based models when the agglomerated structure was accounted for. For mixed particles the CCN activation was governed by the soluble components, and the soluble fraction varied considerably with particle size for our wet-generated aerosols. Our results confirm the hypothesis that knowing the soluble fraction is the key parameter needed for describing the CCN activation of mixed aerosols, and highlight the importance of controlled coating techniques for acquiring a detailed understanding of the CCN activation of atmospheric insoluble particles mixed with soluble pollutants.
Technical Note: Groundwater flow modeling in coastal aquifers – the influence of submarine groundwater discharge on the position of the saltwater–freshwater interface
Authors: Shishaye H. A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. An investigation of the impact of submarine groundwater discharge on the position of saltwater–freshwater interface is presented in this manuscript. Two conceptualizations were considered and analyzed using both analytic and numerical techniques, for comparison purposes. The first conceptualization assumes that the tip of the saltwater–freshwater interface occurs at the shoreline, and the second conceptualization allows for the tip to extend off-shore. Analytic solutions exist for both conceptualizations, i.e., Strack (1976) for conceptualization 1 and Bakker (2006) for conceptualization 2. Results from both analytic and numeric analysis for the two conceptualizations are presented. Results from the first conceptualization were found to overestimate the inland distance to the interface toe, compared to the second conceptualization, for it ignores the influence of submarine groundwater discharge on the interface location. Moreover, results from the analytic solutions as a whole were found to overestimate the interface location compared to the numerical modeling results, for analytic solutions are based on the sharp interface approximations. Therefore, an empirically derived dispersion factor should be used to correct the analytic solution results so as to compare them with the numerically simulated values. Furthermore, offshore model extents should be incorporated when modeling coastal aquifer systems to include the influence of submarine groundwater discharge on the saltwater–freshwater interface position.
INTEGRATION OF A STRAPDOWN GRAVIMETER SYSTEM IN AN AUTONOMOUS UNDERWATER VEHICLE
Authors: Roussel C. , Verdun J. , Cali J. , Maia M. , d'EU J. F.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We present a new mobile instrument for measuring dynamically the gravity vector and its gradients in underwater environment, named GRAVIMOB. Our instrument is a strapdown sensor, consisted of electrostatic accelerometers installed in a waterproof sphere. It is designed to be embedded in an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). Since the positioning of an AUV is approximate in underwater environment, the key issue raised here is to estimate the uncertainty in the gravity field resulting from the use of such position data. This paper focuses on the assessment of the system performances. The latter have been studied by simulation with reference data calculated from actual submarine geological structures, on which different noise models have been added. Results show that spatial evolutions of the gravity field and statistical properties of stochastic processes affecting the measurements have to be considered carefully in order the minimize the error. The Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) has been favored to the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) by its ease of implementation and its better robustness to non-linearities.
PADUS, SANDALUS, GENS FADIENA. UNDERWATER SURVEYS IN PALAEO-WATERCOURSES (FERRARA DISTRICT – ITALY)
Authors: Bucci G.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. In the ambit of our program of researches on ancient rivers in Ferrara hinterland (Italy), we have been joining a Scientific – Didactic Project between Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici dell’Emilia Romagna, Comune di Portomaggiore Assessorato alla Cultura, CMAS A.CDCI. - Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques Federation ITA F07 – Associazione CMAS Diving Center Italia. The Project is focused on underwater archaeological surveys in ex quarry lakes, following the Rivers Padus and Sandalus between Voghiera, Gambulaga and Portomaggiore (Ferrara District). Here we are going to introduce our most recent results, after the last immersions and a 3D bathymetrical survey completed by echo-side scan sonar in Tramonto Lake at Gambulaga, explaining the connection with remote sensing investigations and direct surveys applied to underwater archaeology of the inland water. The main submerged structure individuated is a part of wooden dock on the left side of Padus, in front of the Necropolis of Fadieni (1st-3rd cent. A.D.). Thanks to the study of 183 finds coming from the lake, involving students and young collaborators of the Archaeological National Museum of Ferrara, we are reconstructing the ancient landscape between Proto-Imperial Age and Late Antique.
Understanding Drivers of Employment Changes in a Multiple Sclerosis Population
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Boscoe Audra N. , Currie Brooke M. , Landrian Amanda S. , Wandstrat Todd L.
Published: April 2015

Background: Qualitative data are lacking on decision making and factors surrounding changes in employment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to increase our understanding of the key symptoms and factors leading patients with MS to leave work or reduce employment.

Methods: Adults with MS who reported leaving the workforce, reducing work hours, or changing jobs due to MS in the past 6 months were recruited from four US clinical sites. Patients participated in semistructured interviews to discuss MS symptoms and reasons for changing employment status. All interviews were transcribed and coded for descriptive analyses.

Results: Twenty-seven adults (mean age = 46.3 years, mean duration of MS diagnosis = 10.9 years) with a range of occupations participated; most were white (81.5%) and female (70.4%). Physical symptoms (eg, fatigue, visual deficits) (77.8%) were the most common reasons for employment change; 40.7% of patients reported at least one cognitive symptom (eg, memory loss). Fatigue emerged as the most pervasive symptom and affected physical and mental aspects of patients' jobs. Most patients (85.2%) reported at least two symptoms as drivers for change. Some patients reported a significant negative impact of loss of employment on their mental status, family life, and financial stability.

Conclusions: Fatigue was the most common symptom associated with the decision to leave work or reduce employment and can lead to a worsening of other MS symptoms. Comprehensive symptom management, especially fatigue management, may help patients preserve their employment status.
Hunters, herders and hearths: interpreting new results from hearth row sites in Pasvik, Arctic Norway
Authors: Hedman Sven-Donald , Olsen Bjørnar , Vretemark Maria
Published: April 2015

The transition from hunting to reindeer herding has been a central topic in a number of archaeological works. Recently conducted archaeological investigation of two interior hearth row sites in Pasvik, Arctic Norway, have yielded new results that add significantly to the discussion. The sites are dated within the period 1000-1300 AD, and are unique within this corpus due to their rich bone assemblages. Among the species represented, reindeer is predominant (87 %), with fish (especially whitefish and pike) as the second most frequent category. Even sheep bones are present, and represent the earliest indisputable domesticate from any Sámi habitation site. A peculiar feature is the repeated spatial pattern in bone refuse disposal, showing a systematic and almost identical clustering at the two sites. Combining analyses of bone assemblages, artefacts and archaeological features, the paper discusses changes in settlement pattern, reindeer economies, and the organization of domestic space. The analyses provide new perspectives on early domestication as well as on the remarkable changes that took place among the Sámi societies in northern Fennoscandinavia during the Viking Age and early Medieval Period.