bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satellite Climate Data Records: Development, Applications, and Societal Benefits
Authors: Yang Wenze , John Viju , Zhao Xuepeng , Lu Hui , Knapp Kenneth
Published: April 2016

This review paper discusses how to develop, produce, sustain, and serve satellite climate data records (CDRs) in the context of transitioning research to operation (R2O). Requirements and critical procedures of producing various CDRs, including Fundamental CDRs (FCDRs), Thematic CDRs (TCDRs), Interim CDRs (ICDRs), and climate information records (CIRs) are discussed in detail, including radiance/reflectance and the essential climate variables (ECVs) of land, ocean, and atmosphere. Major international CDR initiatives, programs, and projects are summarized. Societal benefits of CDRs in various user sectors, including Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Energy, Heath, Water, Transportation, and Tourism are also briefly discussed. The challenges and opportunities for CDR development, production and service are also addressed. It is essential to maintain credible CDR products by allowing free access to products and keeping the production process transparent by making source code and documentation available with the dataset.
Validation of ATMS Calibration Accuracy Using Suomi NPP Pitch Maneuver Observations
Authors: Weng Fuzhong , Yang Hu
Published: April 2016

The Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) satellite was launched on 28 October, 2011, and carries the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) onboard. Currently, ATMS performance in orbit is very stable and the calibration parameters (e.g., noise and accuracy) meet specifications. This study documents an ATMS calibration error budget model and its results for community reference. The calibration accuracy is also verified with the ATMS pitch maneuver observations of cold space. It is shown that the ATMS pitch maneuver cold space observations at center positions are inconsistent with the values predicted by the instrument calibration error budget model. The biases also depend on scan angle. This scan-angle dependence may be caused by the ATMS plane reflector emission. Thus, a physical model is developed to simulate the radiation emitted from the reflector and is recommended as part of ATMS radiance calibration to further improve the sensor data record (SDR) data quality.
Trends in Automatic Individual Tree Crown Detection and Delineation—Evolution of LiDAR Data
Authors: Zhen Zhen , Quackenbush Lindi , Zhang Lianjun
Published: April 2016

Automated individual tree crown detection and delineation (ITCD) using remotely sensed data plays an increasingly significant role in efficiently, accurately, and completely monitoring forests. This paper reviews trends in ITCD research from 1990–2015 from several perspectives—data/forest type, method applied, accuracy assessment and research objective—with a focus on studies using LiDAR data. This review shows that active sources are becoming more prominent in ITCD studies. Studies using active data—LiDAR in particular—accounted for 80% of the total increase over the entire time period, those using passive data or fusion of passive and active data comprised relatively small proportions of the total increase (8% and 12%, respectively). Additionally, ITCD research has moved from incremental adaptations of algorithms developed for passive data sources to innovative approaches that take advantage of the novel characteristics of active datasets like LiDAR. These improvements make it possible to explore more complex forest conditions (e.g., closed hardwood forests, suburban/urban forests) rather than a single forest type although most published ITCD studies still focused on closed softwood (41%) or mixed forest (22%). Approximately one-third of studies applied individual tree level (30%) assessment, with only a quarter reporting more comprehensive multi-level assessment (23%). Almost one-third of studies (32%) that concentrated on forest parameter estimation based on ITCD results had no ITCD-specific evaluation. Comparison of methods continues to be complicated by both choice of reference data and assessment metric; it is imperative to establish a standardized two-level assessment framework to evaluate and compare ITCD algorithms in order to provide specific recommendations about suitable applications of particular algorithms. However, the evolution of active remotely sensed data and novel platforms implies that automated ITCD will continue to be a promising technology and an attractive research topic for both the forestry and remote sensing communities.
Evaluation of Continuous VNIR-SWIR Spectra versus Narrowband Hyperspectral Indices to Discriminate the Invasive Acacia longifolia within a Mediterranean Dune Ecosystem
Authors: Große-Stoltenberg André , Hellmann Christine , Werner Christiane , Oldeland Jens , Thiele Jan
Published: April 2016

Hyperspectral remote sensing is an effective tool to discriminate plant species, providing vast potential to trace plant invasions for ecological assessments. However, necessary baseline information for the use of remote sensing data is missing for many high-impact invaders. Furthermore, the identification of the suitable classification algorithms and spectral regions for successfully classifying species remains an open field of research. Here, we tested the separability of the invasive tree Acacia longifolia from adjacent exotic and native vegetation in a Natura 2000 protected Mediterranean dune ecosystem. We used continuous visible, near-infrared and short wave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) data as well as vegetation indices at the leaf and canopy level for classification, comparing five different classification algorithms. We were able to successfully distinguish A. longifolia from surrounding vegetation based on vegetation indices. At the leaf level, radial-basis function kernel Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) achieved both a high Sensitivity (SVM: 0.83, RF: 0.78) and a high Positive Predicted Value (PPV) (0.86, 0.83). At the canopy level, RF was the classifier with an optimal balance of Sensitivity (0.75) and PPV (0.75). The most relevant vegetation indices were linked to the biochemical parameters chlorophyll, water, nitrogen, and cellulose as well as vegetation cover, which is in line with biochemical and ecophysiological properties reported for A. longifolia. Our results highlight the potential to use remote sensing as a tool for an early detection of A. longifolia in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems.
A Sea-Sky Line Detection Method for Unmanned Surface Vehicles Based on Gradient Saliency
Authors: Wang Bo , Su Yumin , Wan Lei
Published: April 2016

Special features in real marine environments such as cloud clutter, sea glint and weather conditions always result in various kinds of interference in optical images, which make it very difficult for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to detect the sea-sky line (SSL) accurately. To solve this problem a saliency-based SSL detection method is proposed. Through the computation of gradient saliency the line features of SSL are enhanced effectively, while other interference factors are relatively suppressed, and line support regions are obtained by a region growing method on gradient orientation. The SSL identification is achieved according to region contrast, line segment length and orientation features, and optimal state estimation of SSL detection is implemented by introducing a cubature Kalman filter (CKF). In the end, the proposed method is tested on a benchmark dataset from the “XL” USV in a real marine environment, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is significantly superior to other state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy rate and real-time performance, and its accuracy and stability are effectively improved by the CKF.
Enhancement of ELDA Tracker Based on CNN Features and Adaptive Model Update
Authors: Gao Changxin , Shi Huizhang , Yu Jin-Gang , Sang Nong
Published: April 2016

Appearance representation and the observation model are the most important components in designing a robust visual tracking algorithm for video-based sensors. Additionally, the exemplar-based linear discriminant analysis (ELDA) model has shown good performance in object tracking. Based on that, we improve the ELDA tracking algorithm by deep convolutional neural network (CNN) features and adaptive model update. Deep CNN features have been successfully used in various computer vision tasks. Extracting CNN features on all of the candidate windows is time consuming. To address this problem, a two-step CNN feature extraction method is proposed by separately computing convolutional layers and fully-connected layers. Due to the strong discriminative ability of CNN features and the exemplar-based model, we update both object and background models to improve their adaptivity and to deal with the tradeoff between discriminative ability and adaptivity. An object updating method is proposed to select the “good” models (detectors), which are quite discriminative and uncorrelated to other selected models. Meanwhile, we build the background model as a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to adapt to complex scenes, which is initialized offline and updated online. The proposed tracker is evaluated on a benchmark dataset of 50 video sequences with various challenges. It achieves the best overall performance among the compared state-of-the-art trackers, which demonstrates the effectiveness and robustness of our tracking algorithm.
Resilient Sensor Networks with Spatiotemporal Interpolation of Missing Sensors: An Example of Space Weather Forecasting by Multiple Satellites
Authors: Tokumitsu Masahiro , Hasegawa Keisuke , Ishida Yoshiteru
Published: April 2016

This paper attempts to construct a resilient sensor network model with an example of space weather forecasting. The proposed model is based on a dynamic relational network. Space weather forecasting is vital for a satellite operation because an operational team needs to make a decision for providing its satellite service. The proposed model is resilient to failures of sensors or missing data due to the satellite operation. In the proposed model, the missing data of a sensor is interpolated by other sensors associated. This paper demonstrates two examples of space weather forecasting that involves the missing observations in some test cases. In these examples, the sensor network for space weather forecasting continues a diagnosis by replacing faulted sensors with virtual ones. The demonstrations showed that the proposed model is resilient against sensor failures due to suspension of hardware failures or technical reasons.
Supply Chain Coordination and Consumer Awareness for Pollution Reduction
Authors: Kim Bowon , Sim Jeong
Published: April 2016

To understand the dynamics of the manufacturer’s effort to reduce pollution in a supply chain consisting of manufacturer, retailer, and consumers, we analyze four cases according to consumer awareness of the pollution’s harmful effect, i.e., environmentally aware versus ignorant, and supply chain coordination, i.e., competitive versus cooperative. Applying differential games, we derive managerial implications: the most significant is that the supply chain coordination strategy becomes irrelevant to reducing the pollution, if the consumers are not environmentally aware or sensitive enough. It highlights the critical role played by the consumer awareness in curbing the pollution in the supply chain. In addition, we find the transfer price and the potential market size are important factors to determine each case’s relative effectiveness. Under a regular condition, where the transfer price from the retailer to the manufacturer is sufficiently high, the consumer-aware and competitive case can generate a better outcome in reducing the pollution than those with ignorant consumers. However, the opposite might occur if the transfer price is excessively low, giving the manufacturer little motivation to make an effort to reduce the pollution. For the cooperative supply chain, it is the potential market size that determines whether the consumer-aware case is better than the consumer-ignorant. In fact, it turns out that there is a stronger result, i.e., the feasibility condition enforces that the market is always big enough to make the consumer-aware cooperative case better than the consumer-ignorant cases. We further discuss managerial as well as policy implications of these analysis outcomes.
A Worldwide Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Drained Organic Soils
Authors: Tubiello Francesco , Biancalani Riccardo , Salvatore Mirella , Rossi Simone , Conchedda Giulia
Published: April 2016

Despite the importance of organic soils, including peatlands, in the global carbon cycle, detailed information on regional and global emissions is scarce. This is due to the difficulty to map, measure, and assess the complex dynamics of land, soil, and water interactions needed to assess the human-driven degradation of organic soils. We produced a new methodology for the comprehensive assessment of drained organic soils in agriculture and the estimation of the associated greenhouse gas emissions. Results indicated that over 25 million hectares of organic soils were drained worldwide for agriculture use, of which about 60% were in boreal and temperate cool areas, 34% in tropical areas, and 5% in warm temperate areas. Total emissions from the drainage were globally significant, totaling nearly one billion tonnes CO2eq annually. Of this, the CO2 component, about 780 million tonnes, represented more than one-fourth of total net CO2 emissions from agriculture, forestry, and land use. The bulk of these emissions came from a few tropical countries in Southeast Asia, and was linked to land clearing and drainage for crop cultivation. Geospatial data relative to this work were disseminated via the FAO geospatial server GeoNetwork, while the national aggregated statistics were disseminated via the FAOSTAT database.
La réparation des dommages causés par le naufrage de l'Erika : un nouvel échec dans l'application du principe pollueur-payeur
Authors: Robin Cécile
Published: April 2016

L'arrêt rendu par la cour d'appel de Rennes, le 13 février 2002, dans l'affaire du naufrage de l'Erika laisse apparaître les insuffisances d'une législation inadaptée à la réparation des dommages subis du fait d'une pollution accidentelle par les hydrocarbures. Si la cour d'appel relève que l'application du principe pollueur-payeur pourrait permettre de compléter le mécanisme international d'indemnisation des victimes de pollution, elle ne parvient pas à offrir aux victimes une réparation satisfaisante de leurs dommages en s'appuyant sur les mécanismes classiques de la responsabilité civile délictuelle. Son interprétation des articles 1382 et 1384, alinéa 1, du Code civil ne laisse pas place à la souplesse que la rédaction générale de ces textes permettrait. Grâce à des déformations extensives des conditions de la responsabilité civile délictuelle, faisant œuvre prétorienne comme en 1896 ou en 1991, les juges peuvent assurer la réparation d'un trouble social important, résultat de dommages graves parfois irréversibles, causés par l'entrepreneur d'une activité à risque, le pollueur.
Le fondement solidariste du concept « environnement - patrimoine commun »
Authors: Attard Jérôme
Published: April 2016

L'élaboration d'un corps de règles est toujours l'occasion d'une réflexion sur les fondements qui lui servent de base. Tel est en particulier le cas, lorsque cette construction se réalise à partir de nouveaux concepts comme celui de « patrimoine commun » utilisé en droit de l'environnement. Faut-il y voir la recherche d'une troisième voie entre le libéralisme et le collectivisme ? C'est la question soulevée par la présente étude qui propose de rechercher le fondement de ce concept dans les idées solidaristes développées par Duguit à la fin du XIXe siècle. Selon lui, l'homme n'existe que dans la mesure où la société à laquelle il appartient le précède. Une telle analyse relie chaque individu à ses ancêtres, ses contemporains et ses descendants, ce qui le conduit à agir dans l'intérêt social. Le fondement solidariste du concept « environnement - patrimoine commun » invite de ce point de vue à s'interroger sur une évolution des relations humaines ainsi que sur l'établissement d'un nouveau rapport entre l'homme et la nature.
Les impacts négatifs du référé-suspension sur la protection de l'environnement
Authors: Braud Xavier
Published: April 2016

La procédure de référé-suspension, comme la jurisprudence qui en découle, conduit à un recul de la protection de l'environnement par le juge par rapport au régime du sursis à exécution. Si l'élargissement du champ de la suspension concerne essentiellement les décisions protégeant l'environnement, dans le même temps, la nouvelle condition de l'urgence est infiniment plus restrictive que celle du préjudice difficilement réparable. Quant à la procédure contentieuse elle même, elle conduit aussi, bien que de façon moins visible, à un recul de la protection. En définitive cette procédure, loin de mettre en œuvre le principe de précaution comme ce serait son rôle, en prend le contre-pied.
(Voici venu) le temps de rendre compte de ses performances environnementales
Authors: Girard Julien
Published: April 2016

La légitimité et la compétitivité d'une entreprise passent, entre autres indicateurs, par la véracité et la fiabilité des informations qu'elle communique. La publication d'informations sociétales est non seulement destinée à expliciter sa politique environnementale et sociale, mais également les impacts de ses activités et les résultats obtenus. En rendant des comptes, les entreprises se responsabilisent, répondent de leur stratégie et de leurs engagements. Sous la pression de tous ses partenaires (shareholders et stakeholders), le reporting environnemental devient aujourd'hui une préoccupation qu'elles ne peuvent négliger. Les nouvelles obligations de la loi et de la réglementation relatives aux nouvelles régulations économiques participent d'un processus d'ensemble et s'inscrivent dans le cadre des règles du gouvernement d'entreprise dont la prise en compte devient peu à peu une nécessité.
Commentaire de la loi n° 2003-347 du 15 avril 2003 relative à la protection de l'environnement en Antarctique
Authors: Sombetzki-Lengagne Delphine
Published: April 2016

La tradition antarctique française, la maîtrise française de la recherche en Antarctique et sa participation active à la gestion collective de l'Antarctique ont fait de la France un pilier du « système Antarctique ». Ayant largement contribué à la rédaction du Protocole au Traité sur l'Antarctique relatif à la protection de l'environnement, signé à Madrid en 1991, la France n'avait toujours pas en 2003 traduit en droit national les stipulations de ce texte international. La loi n° 2003-347 du 15 avril 2003 vient combler ce retard non justifié. Cette loi vise à contribuer à la protection d'un environnement remarquable : l'objectif est de préserver notamment la richesse des écosystèmes antarctiques et la mémoire du passé de notre planète. Le dispositif proposé repose essentiellement sur l'obligation de déclaration et d'autorisation de toute activité exercée sur ce continent. Le champ d'application territorial des dispositions législatives est défini conformément au Traité sur l'Antarctique : est ainsi concernée la superficie réelle de l'Antarctique, doublant durant l'hiver austral. Outre le fait de préciser quels activités et intérêts sont concernés par le dispositif de protection, la loi associe l'obligation de réaliser une étude d'impact environnemental à un régime de déclaration préalable ou d'autorisation. L'efficacité du dispositif est garantie par un régime de sanction très dissuasif.
Beta-Amyloid-PET-Bildgebung des Gehirns
Authors: Meyer Philipp , Drzezga Alexander , Bartenstein Peter , Boecker Henning , Brust Peter , Buchert Ralph , Coenen Heinz , Fougère Christian la , Gründer Gerhard , Grünwald Frank , Krause Bernd , Kuwert Torsten , Schreckenberger Matthias , Tatsch Klaus , Langen Karl-Josef , Sabri Osama , Barthel Henryk
Published: April 2016

Seit Kurzem sind mehrere Radiopharmaka für die klinische Positronen-Emissions-Tomographie (PET) von mit der Alzheimer-Krankheit assoziierten zerebralen beta-Amyloid(Aβ)-Plaques zugelassen. Mit der zunehmenden Verbreitung dieser Methode entsteht der Bedarf für entsprechende Handlungsanweisungen.

Diese S1-Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin beschreibt die adäquate Vorgehensweise bei der Aβ-Plaque-PET-Bildgebung. Maßnahmen zur Patientenvorbereitung, zur Anamnese-Erhebung und zu Vorsichtsmaßnahmen werden ebenso vorgestellt wie die betreffenden Radiopharmaka, Maßnahmen zur PET-Daten-Gewinnung,-Verarbeitung,-Analyse und-Befundung. Damit soll ein Beitrag zur Qualitätssicherung in der Nuklearmedizin in Deutschland geleistet werden.
Is hybridization driving the evolution of climatic niche in Alyssum montanum
Authors: Arrigo Nils , de La Harpe Marylaure , Litsios Glenn , Zozomová‐Lihová Judita , Španiel Stanislav , Marhold Karol , Barker Michael S. , Alvarez Nadir
Published: April 2016

PREMISE OF THE STUDY:

After decades of interest, the contribution of hybridization to ecological diversification remains unclear. Hybridization is a potent source of novelty, but nascent hybrid lineages must overcome reproductive and ecological competition from their parental species. Here, we assess whether hybrid speciation is advantageous over alternative modes of speciation, by comparing the geographical and ecological ranges and climatic niche evolutionary rates of stabilized allopolyploid vs. autopolyploids in the Alyssum montanum species complex.

METHODS:

We combined an extensive review of studies addressing the systematics and genetic diversity of A. montanum s.l., with flow cytometry and cloning of nuclear markers, to establish the ploidy level and putative hybrid nature of 205 populations. The respective geographic distribution and climatic niche evolution dynamics of the allo‐ and autopolyploids were investigated using multivariate analyses and comparative phylogenetic approaches.

KEY RESULTS:

As expected by theory, allopolyploids occur mainly along contact zones and are generally spatially overlapping with their diploid counterparts. However, they demonstrate higher rates of niche evolution and expand into different climatic conditions than those of their diploid congeners. In contrast, autopolyploids show lower rates of niche evolution, occupy ecological niches similar to their ancestors and are restricted to less competitive and peripheral geographic areas.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hybridization thus seems advantageous by promoting ecological niche evolution and more readily allowing escape from competitive exclusion.
ULTRAHIGH ENERGY COSMIC RAYS: A GALACTIC ORIGIN?
Authors: Eichler David , Globus Noemie , Kumar Rahul , Gavish Eyal
Published: April 2016

It is suggested that essentially all UHECRs we detect, including those at the highest energies, originate in our Galaxy. It is shown that even if the density of sources decreases with Galactic radius, then the anisotropy and composition can be understood. Inward anisotropy, as recently reported by the Auger collaboration can be understood as drift along the current sheet of UHECRs, originating outside of the solar circle, as predicted in Kumar & Eichler, while those originating within the solar circle exit the Galaxy at high latitudes.
Checklist of British and Irish Hymenoptera - Trigonaloidea
Authors: Broad Gavin
Published: April 2016

The British and Irish checklist of Trigonaloidea comprises a single species, Pseudogonalos hahnii (Spinola), which is the only species in Europe.

Country-level distribution and nomenclature of Pseudogonalos hahnii are updated.
Guerre froide, jeux politiques et circulations musicales entre Cuba et l’Afrique de l’Ouest
Authors: Djebbari Élina
Published: April 2016

Fondé sur des recherches de terrain et la consultation d’archives au Mali et à Cuba, cet article analyse les enjeux politiques et musicaux que révèlent les jeux d’aller-retour et les déplacements transcontinentaux de musiciens maliens et cubains à l’aune des nouveaux échanges culturels amorcés entre Cuba et les pays africains après les indépendances. Prenant pour objet d’étude la présence de l’orchestre Las Maravillas de Mali à Cuba et les tournées de la Orquesta Aragón en Afrique de l’Ouest, plusieurs strates de circulations musicales à travers l’Atlantique sont mises au jour. Cet article aborde le rôle de dynamiques politiques particulières dans l’histoire d’une globalisation musicale transatlantique.
Les musiciens, médiateurs d’échanges culturels entre Mozambique et Afrique du Sud
Authors: Nativel Didier
Published: April 2016

À partir de la fin du xix e siècle, une relation musicale durable s’établit entre la colonie portugaise du Mozambique et la région de Johannesburg. Des migrants mozambicains employés comme mineurs dans le Rand deviennent les médiateurs d’échanges culturels entre les deux territoires. C’est dans ce contexte qu’émerge, dans les années 1950 et 1960, Fanny M’Pfumo, figure légendaire de la musique urbaine mozambicaine. Après l’indépendance de l’ancienne colonie portugaise en 1975, les relations entre les deux territoires se dégradent. Le nouveau régime révolutionnaire, installé à Maputo, entend forger une culture nationale autonome du pays de l’apartheid. En réalité, des migrations plus limitées, mais continues, démarrent à partir de 1975-1980. Cette fois, des musiciens semi-professionnels, voire professionnels, tentent leur chance non seulement à Johannesburg mais aussi au Cap.
Artistes africains, malentendu migratoire et création musicale
Authors: Lagrave Sébastien
Published: April 2016

Sébastien Lagrave prend la direction du festival Africolor en 2012. Créé en 1989 par Philippe Conrath, Africolor est un festival atypique de création musicale dédié aux musiques africaines. Dans cet entretien, il définit cette expression polymorphe de « musiques africaines ». Il revient aussi sur la dimension politique inhérente à ces musiques, notamment au travers des artistes, chanteurs et musiciens, femmes et hommes, contraints à des parcours migratoires, parfois difficiles, ou pris dans des logiques de circulations transnationales. Enfin, il explique en quoi le positionnement du festival Africolor entre proposition artistique et médiation culturelle permet de sortir d’une « verticalité de la culture » aujourd’hui dépassée.
Les enjeux des projets d’interopérabilité en santé pour la mobilité des citoyens. Le cas de l’Espagne
Authors: Biedma José María , Bourret Christian
Published: April 2016

Les enjeux d’interopérabilité, à la fois techniques et sémantiques, ont pris de plus en plus d’importance dans le secteur de la santé pour assurer à la fois une amélioration de la qualité des soins et de l’efficience des prestations réalisées. L’Espagne constitue un exemple intéressant pour aborder cette question. La question de l’interopérabilité s’y pose en effet tout d’abord au niveau national pour assurer l’échange de données entre les différents systèmes de santé des 17 Communautés autonomes. L’Espagne est aussi très impliquée dans des projets européens de grande ampleur comme le projet EpSOS ( European Patients Smart Open Services ) et dans des projets à l’international, notamment avec les États-Unis.
Life cycle assessment of regional brick manufacture
Authors: López-Aguilar H. A. , Huerta-Reynoso E. A. , Gómez J. A. , Olivarez-Ramírez J. M. , Duarte-Moller A. , Pérez-Hernández A.
Published: April 2016

This document presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study to quantify the environmental cradle-to-gate impact of the manufacture of brick for the construction industry, produced with material of igneous source. Its mineral composition and thermal isolation properties were characterized for use in real estate construction. The LCA results for brick manufacture using this material identified the greatest environmental impact to be associated with material extraction and its proportional cement content. Additionally, this document presents an evaluation of the environmental impact of the manufacturing process by comparing traditional fired clay brick and brick of the material under study. In conclusion, the studied material shows thermal insulation qualities and suitability for the manufacture of bricks with low incorporated energy.
The Future of Healthcare
Authors: Vandenhouten Christine , Gallagher-Lepak Susan , Block Derryl E. , Kubsch Sylvia May , Strom Jan , Malakar Crystalmichelle L.
Published: April 2016

The U.S. healthcare environment is undergoing rapid change. New policies have reshaped healthcare through reimbursement models focused on access and quality. Advocating for policies that improve population health is important for health professionals and students. For this reason, educators need to know how to prepare students to be active in the political process. Using the Civic Volunteerism Model, factors influencing nursing and public health students' political participation were examined. Both groups had relatively low levels of political participation and differences in types of political activities. The best predictor of political participation was found to be psychological engagement (e.g., political efficacy, partisanship, political interest). Students were more politically active if they attended school part-time, employed more than part-time, and were non-traditional students. Suggested educational strategies and use of social media were discussed. Further exploration of social media as a source of political information and recruitment is recommended.
Organizational Performance Framework
Authors: Chhabra Susheel
Published: April 2016

The research study proposes an organizational performance framework of Haryana Government departments involved in providing e-Government services through citizen service centers (CSCs). The objective of this framework is to suggest dimensions which need improvement for enhancing organizational performance. This will help to improve efficiency and effectiveness in providing services to citizens through CSCs. The organizational performance framework has been suggested using responses collected from 150 government departments. A log linear regression analysis is used to develop the framework. The framework can be used as a template for Government departments in similar other organizational settings.
Network Politics and the Arab Spring
Authors: Solo Ashu M. G. , Bishop Jonathan
Published: April 2016

Network politics is examined in the context of the Arab Spring. Network politics refers to politics and networks. These networks include the Internet, private networks, cellular networks, telephone networks, radio networks, television networks, etc. Network politics includes the applications of networks to enable one or more individuals or organizations to engage in political communication. Furthermore, network politics includes government regulation of networks. Finally, network politics includes the accompanying issues that arise when networks are used for political communication or when there is government regulation of networks. The domain of network politics includes, but is not limited to, e-politics (social networking for driving revolutions and organizing protests, online petitions, political blogs and vlogs, whistleblower websites, online campaigning, e-participation, virtual town halls, e-voting, Internet freedom, access to information, net neutrality, etc.) and applications of other networks in politics (robocalling, text messaging, TV broadcasting, etc.). Network politics has played a crucial role in the Arab Spring.
How Communication Technologies Function as Platforms and Pathways to Civic and Political Engagement
Authors: McCarthy-Latimer Christopher , Kendrick, Jr. J. Richard
Published: April 2016

This paper is an assessment of what we know empirically about how communication technologies are being used by young people (typically defined as those between the ages of 18 and 29) as both platforms and pathways for civic and political engagement. An overview of existing research is utilized as the basis for this investigation. Research on this topic is limited in several ways, including its failure to acknowledge the distinction between individuals who are engaged merely by using communication technologies (technology as a platform for participation) versus those who are engaged beyond the exclusive use of communication technologies (technology as a pathway for participation). Understanding this distinction can better enable scholars, policy-makers, and practitioners to develop inclusive strategies for engaging young people. The authors' analysis reveals that recent research demonstrates that new technologies can serve as both platforms and pathways for civic and political engagement, and, with this distinction in mind, they provide recommendations to policy- and decision-makers and scholars interested in this issue.
Interflow Network Coding Approaches for Data Heterogeneous Unicast Sessions in Wireless Networks
Authors: Tran Tuan , Udoh Emmanuel , Nguyen Tung
Published: April 2016

The authors investigate the problem of reliable unicast transmissions in wireless ad hoc and WLAN/WiMAX networks. Currently, approaches using network coding show several-fold gain in terms of bandwidth efficiency over the traditional technique, “store and forward”. However, most of these approaches have assumed that all the information flows have the same packet size, while the others consider transmission flows with different size packets, then overcome the size-difference issue by padding more dummy data into the smaller size packets. In their approach, by exploiting the size differences of packets on different flows, the authors introduce a new technique at the relay node/access point/base station to improve network bandwidth efficiency. In particular, a symbol-adjusted technique has been proposed in creating coded packets to improve the reliability of transmissions. Both analytical and simulation results show that the proposed technique significantly improves the network performance over the current technique.
An Intelligent Power Load Control/Switching System Using an Energy Meter and Relay Circuit
Authors: Ofoegbu Edward Osita , Udoh Emmanuel
Published: April 2016

Energy conservation and its efficient utilization especially in cloud data centers has been a subject of discourse amongst numerous stakeholders. Advancement in information technology tools provides a solution to automating the process of electricity metering as well as remote load control alternatives. This paper presents an energy meter reader implemented with a microcontroller based logic methodology fused with a building automation system to implement remote load control by home owners using SMS from a GSM phone. A password based relay circuit was incorporated to ensure secure switching by the user. The system when deployed can enable users query and set energy consumption rates remotely so as to reduce the cost on final consumers as well as conserve energy. This is could be a useful system in the green-based design of cloud data centers.
Nurses' Attitudes Towards E-Learning for E-health Education
Authors: Al-Huneiti Rasmeh , Hunaiti Ziad , Al-Masaeed Sultan , Balachandran Wamadeva , Mansour Ebrahim
Published: April 2016

Many studies and authors' own studies suggest that e-learning system is the solution that will establish an educational framework for e-health implementation. Therefore, it is essential in order to achieve success, to assess and evaluate the attitude of the nursing community - who are the end users - towards the possibility of implementing the 'E-learning system' as a solution to educate the nursing community. In this research, a survey captured 52 nurses' attitudes towards an on line e-learning website and showed that nurses have positive attitude.
Towards a Business-Driven Process Model for Knowledge Security Risk Management
Authors: Ilvonen Ilona , Jussila Jari J , Kärkkäinen Hannu
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a model to manage knowledge security risks in organizations. Knowledge security risk management is a sensemaking process that should be carried out by managers, and the proposed model works as a tool for the sensemaking process. The model is illustrated with an analytical case example. The process model helps to identify knowledge security risks and provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating and balancing the costs and benefits of knowledge sharing and knowledge risk management. The paper addresses calls for research on the emerging topic of knowledge security and the important topic of new knowledge sharing tools from the combined perspectives of business benefits and risk management. The results presented in this paper are preliminary and conceptual, and further research on the topic is suggested. The process model proposed in this paper can be a valuable tool for practitioners aiming to develop knowledge sharing practices in companies, and at the same time need to consider the security of knowledge.
The Potential of Collaborative E-Portfolios for Enhancing the Creative Teaching Skills of Pre-Service Business Education Teachers
Authors: Fouda Faten Abdelmagied Elsoudy
Published: April 2016

This study aimed at examining the use of collaborative tools and activities in producing e-portfolios for creative teaching skills of pre-service business education teachers. A list of creative teaching skills was prepared. This list included three main skills: creative planning, creative implementation, and creative evaluation of teaching. To train pre-service business education teachers to produce e-portfolios for creative teaching, an instructional module was developed based on the principles of writing interactive materials. A sample of 75 pre-service business education teachers was selected to quantify the effect of e-collaboration in producing e-portfolios. The participants were assigned to three groups, two experimental groups and a control group. The first experimental group used Google Drive tools in producing their e-portfolios collaboratively. The second experimental group used Google Drive tools in producing their e-portfolios individually. The third group did not produce any portfolio. Study results indicated that collaboration had a significant effect in producing e-portfolios for creative teaching.
Creativity-Centered Design from an Ecologically Grounded Perspective
Authors: Keller Damián , Capasso Ariadna , Tinajero Patricia
Published: April 2016

In this paper three methodological approaches to creativity-centered design are identified: the computational approach, the dialogical perspective and the ecologically grounded framework. These methods relate to the current definition of ubiquitous music (ubimus). Both social and material factors that shape creative musical phenomena within ubiquitous music making are addressed. The second section discusses a design study highlighting the concepts laid out in the first part: activities and resource usage. A split between creative products and resources, which points to three material observables, frames this discussion: resources, products and by-products, including creative waste. Two new design qualities are proposed: volatility and rivalry. The paper concludes with a summary of the study results, suggesting further explorations of the ecological framework in ubiquitous music experiments.
Ubiquitous Music
Authors: Schiavoni Flávio Luiz , Costalonga Leandro
Published: April 2016

Ubimus is a research field that merges Ubicomp and music and studies the influence of ubiquitous devices and applications in Music. This field has been explored by musicians and social scientists around the world helped by a countless number of computer scientists. Nevertheless, it is not easy to a novice computer scientist understand Ubimus concepts and specially how to take part of this research field. Based on this, the authors present in this paper a point of view of Ubimus associating fields in computer science and hardware and software definitions and suggestions to be explored with Ubimus.
Modelling and Optimization of Tool Chip Interface Temperature and Surface Roughness in CNC Dry Turning of EN 24 Steel
Authors: Mandal Nirmal Kumar , Roy Tanmoy
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Kinetic energy of a machining process is converted into heat energy. The generated heat at cutting tool and work piece interface has substantial impact on cutting tool life and quality of the work piece. On the other hand, development of advanced cutting tool materials, coatings and designs, along with a variety of strategies for lubrication, cooling and chip removal, make it possible to achieve the same or better surface quality with dry or Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) machining than traditional wet machining. In addition, dry and MQL machining is more economical and environment friendly. In this work, 20 no. of experiments were carried out under dry machining conditions with different combinations of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut and corresponding cutting temperature and surface roughness are measured. The no. of experiments is determined through Design of Experiments (DOE). Nonlinear regression methodology is used to model the process using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Multi-objective optimization is carried using Genetic Algorithm which ensures high productivity with good product quality.
Site-directed mutagenesis, in vivo electroporation and mass spectrometry in search for determinants of the subcellular targeting of Rab7b paralogue in the model eukaryote Paramecium octaurelia
Authors: Wyroba E. , Kwaśniak P. , Miller K. , Kobyłecki K. , Osińska M.
Published: April 2016

Protein products of the paralogous genes resulting from the whole genome duplication may acquire new function. The role of post-translational modifications (PTM) in proper targeting of Paramecium Rab7b paralogue (distinct from that of Rab7a directly involved in phagocytosis)  was studied using point mutagenesis, proteomic analysis and double immunofluorescence after in vivo electroporation of the mutagenized protein. Here we show that substitution of Thr200 by Ala200 resulted in diminished incorporation of [P32] by 37.4% and of 32 [C14–] UDP-glucose by 24%, respectively, into recombinant Rab7b_200 in comparison to the non-mutagenized control. Double confocal imaging revealed that Rab7b_200 was mistargeted upon electroporation into living cells contrary to non-mutagenized recombinant Rab7b correctly incorporated in the cytostome area. We identified the peptide ion at m/z=677.63+ characteristic for the glycan group attached to Thr200 in Rab7b using nano LC-MS/MS and comparing the peptide map of this protein with that after deglycosylation with the mixture of five enzymes of different specificity. Based on the mass of this peptide ion and quantitative radioactive assays with [P32]andÂ  [C14–] UDP-glucose, the suggested composition of the adduct attached to Thr200 might be (Hex)1(HexNAc)1(Phos)3 or (HexNAc)1 (Deoxyhexose)1 (Phos)1 (HexA)1. These data indicate that PTM of Thr200 located in the hypervariable C-region of Rab7b in Paramecium is crucial for the proper localization/function of this protein. Moreover, these proteins differ also in other PTM: the number of phosphorylated amino acids in Rab7b is much higher than in Rab7a.
Fluorescence and electron microscopy to visualize the intracellular fate of nanoparticles for drug delivery
Authors: Costanzo M. , Carton F. , Marengo A. , Berlier G. , Stella B. , Arpicco S. , Malatesta M.
Published: April 2016

In order to design valid protocols for drug release via nanocarriers, it is essential to know the mechanisms of cell internalization, the interactions with organelles, and the intracellular permanence and degradation of nanoparticles (NPs) as well as the possible cell alteration or damage induced. In the present study, the intracellular fate of liposomes, polymeric NPs and mesoporous silica NPs (MSN) has been investigated in an in vitro cell system by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. The tested nanocarriers proved to be characterized by specific interactions with the cell: liposomes enter the cells probably by fusion with the plasma membrane and undergo rapid cytoplasmic degradation; polymeric NPs are internalized by endocytosis, occur in the cytoplasm both enclosed in endosomes and free in the cytosol, and then undergo massive degradation by lysosome action; MSN are internalized by both endocytosis and phagocytosis, and persist in the cytoplasm enclosed in vacuoles. No one of the tested nanocarriers was found to enter the nucleus. The exposure to the different nanocarriers did not increase cell death; only liposomes induced a reduction of cell population after long incubation times, probably due to cell overloading. No subcellular damage was observed to be induced by polymeric NPs and MSN, whereas transmission electron microscopy revealed cytoplasm alterations in liposome-treated cells. This important information on the structural and functional relationships between nanocarriers designed for drug delivery and cultured cells further proves the crucial role of microscopy techniques in nanotechnology.
Towards a biblical model of Pentecostal prophetic preaching
Authors: Martin Lee Roy
Published: April 2016

The growth and diversity of Pentecostalism has produced questions regarding appropriate methods for Pentecostal preaching. Increasing educational levels among Pentecostal pastors have caused many of them to move to more mainline Protestant approaches to preaching. This article, although allowing for diverse models of preaching, calls for an appreciation of Pentecostal approaches to preaching and suggests the appropriation of a biblical model of prophetic preaching. A paradigm for prophetic preaching emerges through an examination of biblical prophetic ministry as it intersects with Pentecostal practice. It is suggested that a contemporary model of Pentecostal prophetic preaching can be informed by the biblical models.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This study suggests intersections between biblical studies, historical theology, homiletics, and contemporary culture. It is argued that Pentecostal preaching should be based upon biblical models, while taking into consideration historical and cultural contexts. This work integrates the disciplines of biblical studies, practical theology, homiletics, and Pentecostal worship studies. Results from the biblical study of the prophets suggest that contemporary Pentecostal homiletical theory should entertain a model of prophetic preaching that emulates the goals and methods of the biblical prophets. The Pentecostal preaching tradition continues to offer valuable insights into effective preaching models; therefore, Pentecostal homiletics should not be based entirely upon western Protestant models of preaching.Keyword: Preaching; Homiletics; Pentecostalism; Prophecy
Lindsay tumor: An unusual entity: A case study with review of literature
Authors: Momin Yasmin , Ansari Sameer , Ghodke Bharat
Published: April 2016

Solid, encapsulated, follicular variant of papillary carcinoma of thyroid is termed as Lindsay tumor. Follicular carcinoma carries a worse prognosis than papillary thyroid carcinoma with higher incidence of hematogenous metastasis. Lindsay tumor being encapsulated follows an indolent course and has a better outcome. We present a rare case of Lindsay tumor in a 30 years adult male who presented with hoarseness of voice.