bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snake Venoms in Cancer Therapy: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Li Li , Huang Jianzhong , Lin Yao
Published: August 2018

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the discovery of new drugs for cancer therapy is one of the most important objectives for the pharmaceutical industry. Snake venoms are complex mixtures containing different peptides, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates and other bioactive molecules, which are secreted by the snake in the predation or defending against threats. Understanding the snake venoms may turn the toxins into a valuable source of new lead compounds in drug discovery. Captopril, the first angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor approved in 1981 by FDA, was designed based on the structure of a peptide isolated from the snake venom. The earliest reports about snake venoms used in cancer treatments appeared in the 1930s. Since then, numerous studies on the activities, isolations, purifications and structure elucidations of the components from snake venoms were published. The comprehensive structural and functional investigations of snake venoms would contribute to the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Our review will focus on the past, present and the future of the studies on snake venoms in cancer target therapy.
Colon Microbiome of Pigs Fed Diet Contaminated with Commercial Purified Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone
Authors: Reddy Kondreddy Eswar , Jeong Jin Young , Song Jaeyong , Lee Yookyung , Lee Hyun-Jeong , Kim Dong-Wook , Jung Hyun Jung , Kim Ki Hyun , Kim Minji , Oh Young Kyoon , Lee Sung Dae , Kim Minseok
Published: August 2018

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) can seriously affect animal health, with potentially severe economic losses. Previous studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota plays a significant role in detoxification. We analyzed the colon contents from three groups of pigs (fed either a standard diet, or a diet with 8 mg/kg DON or ZEN). Bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons were obtained from the colon contents, and sequenced using next-generation sequencing on the MiSeq platform. Overall, 2,444,635 gene sequences were generated, with ≥2000 sequences examined. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in all three groups. The sequences of Lactobacillus, Megasphaera, and Faecalibacterium genera, and the unclassified Clostridiaceae family, represented more than 1.2% of the total, with significantly different abundances among the groups. Lactobacillus was especially more abundant in the DON (7.6%) and ZEN (2.7%) groups than in the control (0.2%). A total of 48,346 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in the three groups. Two OTUs, classified as Lactobacillus, were the most dominant in the DON and ZEN groups. The abundances of the remaining OTUs were also significantly different among the groups. Thus, the mycotoxin-contaminated feed significantly affected the colon microbiota, especially Lactobacillus, which was the most abundant. Therefore, we speculate that Lactobacillus plays a major role in detoxification of these mycotoxins.
Evaluation of Key Antimicrobial Properties of Moringa oleifera in Relation to Its Use as a Hand-Washing Product
Authors: Clark Yasaman , Jimenez Monica , Raso Enrique , Antwi Loretta , Ofosu-Appiah Lawrence , Opare David , Torondel Belen
Published: August 2018

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a fast-growing, drought-resistant plant found throughout tropical and subtropical regions. A previous study found dry M. oleifera leaf powder to be similarly efficacious to non-medicated soap when used as a hand-wash, even without the use of water. These characteristics suggest that M. oleifera could serve as a potential hand-washing product in water and resource-limited contexts, such as humanitarian and emergency settings. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of minimally processed M. oleifera sourced locally in Ghana as a hand-washing and antimicrobial product by assessing whether: (1) different preparations of M. oleifera have antibacterial properties against potential diarrheal pathogens through set-up of die-off studies; (2) M. oleifera is an effective hand-washing product by conducting an in-vivo trial with healthy volunteers; and (3) M. oleifera has antimicrobial properties in potentially reusable aqueous solutions, such as rinse water used for hand-washing. M. oleifera was found to be significantly less effective than non-medicated soap when tested as a hand-washing product and promoted the growth of bacteria in aqueous solution. Moreover, the Moringa used in the study was found to be host to pathogenic bacteria, reinforcing the idea that it is unsuitable to use as a hand-washing product. Accordingly, in its minimally processed form, M. oleifera appears to be an ineffective antimicrobial agent and its use as a hand-washing product in water-scarce and resource-limited settings is not recommended.
Simultaneous Adsorption of Heavy Metals from Roadway Stormwater Runoff Using Different Filter Media in Column Studies
Authors: Haile Tadele Measho , Fuerhacker Maria
Published: August 2018

Stormwater runoff from roadways often contains a variety of contaminants such as heavy metals, which can adversely impact receiving waters. The filter media in stormwater filtration/infiltration systems play a significant role in the simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants. In this study, the capacity of five filter media—natural quartz sand (QS), sandy soil (SS) and three mineral-based technical filter media (TF-I, TF-II and TF-III)—to adsorb heavy metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) frequently detected in stormwater, as well as remobilization due to de-icing salt (NaCl), were evaluated in column experiments. The column breakthrough data were used to predict lifespan of the filter media. Column experiment operated under high hydraulic load showed that all technical filters and sandy soil achieved >97%, 94% and >80% of Pb, Cu and Zn load removals, respectively, while natural quartz sand (QS) showed very poor performance. Furthermore, treatment of synthetic stormwater by the soil and technical filter media met the requirements of the Austrian regulation regarding maximum effluent concentrations and minimum removal efficiencies for groundwater protection. The results showed that application of NaCl had only a minor impact on the remobilization of heavy metals from the soil and technical filter media, while the largest release of metals was observed from the QS column. Breakthrough analysis indicated that load removal efficiencies at column exhaustion (SS, TF-I, TF-II and TF-III) were >95% for Cu and Pb and 80–97% for Zn. Based on the adsorption capacities, filtration systems could be sized to 0.4 to 1% (TF-I, TF-II and TF-III) and 3.5% (SS) of their impervious catchment area and predicated lifespan of each filter media was at least 35, 36, 41 and 29 years for SS, TF-I, TF-II and TF-III, respectively. The findings of this study demonstrate that soil—based and technical filter media are effective in removing heavy metals and can be utilized in full-stormwater filtration systems.
Impact of Coal Resource Development on Streamflow Characteristics: Influence of Climate Variability and Climate Change
Authors: Chiew Francis H. S. , Fu Guobin , Post David A. , Zhang Yongqiang , Wang Biao , Viney Neil R.
Published: August 2018

The potential cumulative impact of coal mining and coal seam gas extraction on water resources and water-dependent assets from proposed developments in eastern Australia have been recently assessed through a Bioregional Assessment Programme. This study investigates the sensitivity of the Bioregional Assessment results to climate change and hydroclimate variability, using the Gloucester sub-region as an example. The results indicate that the impact of climate change on streamflow under medium and high future projections can be greater than the impact from coal mining development, particularly where the proposed development is small. The differences in the modelled impact of coal resource development relative to the baseline under different plausible climate futures are relatively small for the Gloucester sub-region but can be significant in regions with large proposed development. The sequencing of hydroclimate time series, particularly when the mine footprint is large, significantly influences the modelled maximum coal resource development impact. The maximum impact on volumetric and high flow variables will be higher if rainfall is high in the period when the mine footprint is largest, and vice-versa for low flow variables. The results suggest that detailed analysis of coal resource development impact should take into account climate change and hydroclimate variability.
Building a Methodology for Assessing Service Quality under Intermittent Domestic Water Supply
Authors: Mokssit Assia , De Gouvello Bernard , Chazerain Aurélie , Figuères François , Tassin Bruno
Published: August 2018

This document proposes a methodology for assessing the quality of water distribution service in the context of intermittent supply, based on a comparison of joint results from literature reviews and feedback from drinking water operators who had managed these networks, with standards for defining the quality of drinking water service. The paper begins by reviewing and proposing an analysis of the definition and characterization of intermittent water supply (IWS), highlighting some important findings. The diversity of approaches used to address the issue and the difficulty of defining a precise and detailed history of water supply in the affected systems broadens the spectrum of intermittency characterization and the problems it raises. The underlined results are then used to structure an evaluation framework for the water service and to develop improvement paths defined in the intermittent networks. The resulting framework highlights the means available to water stakeholders to assess their operational and management performance in achieving the improvement objectives defined by the environmental and socio-economic contexts in which the network operates. Practical examples of intermittent system management are collected from water system operators and presented for illustration purposes (Jeddah, Algiers, Port-au-Prince, Amman, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Mexico, Cancun, Saltillo, Mumbai, Delhi, Coimbatore …).
Procesos de aprendizaje del conocimiento tácito. El caso de un taller de alebrijes
Authors: Vázquez Griselda Martínez
Published: August 2018

Le but de cet article est d’analyser les processus d’apprentissage des savoirs traditionnels dans l’élaboration de bois alebrijes, bois sculpté qui représente le « monde fantastique des rêves d’un peuple zapotèque ». Sur la base des approches théoriques sur les types de connaissances, les processus d’apprentissage et leur transfert dans l’organisation, le cas de l’atelier "Jacobo et María Ángeles" situé dans la municipalité de San Martín Tilcajete Oaxaca est abordé.
L’éthique interrogée par l’écologie
Authors: Gueullette Jean-Marie
Published: August 2018

L’écologie a pris une telle place dans la culture et dans la théologie qu’elle peut sembler en passe de devenir l’instance critique ultime à laquelle devraient être confrontés tous les autres discours et en particulier l’éthique. L’expérience de dialogue entre éthique et écologie menée depuis plusieurs années au Centre Interdisciplinaire d’Éthique de l’Université catholique de Lyon invite à envisager une interpellation mutuelle entre ces deux disciplines.
L’écologie, une culture de la relation
Authors: Lasida Elena
Published: August 2018

L’encyclique Laudato si’ invite à construire une culture nouvelle à partir de l’écologie intégrale. Le fondement de cette nouvelle culture semble résider dans une anthropologie relationnelle revisitée. L’article en propose une ébauche à travers trois principes qui apparaissent comme structurant l’encyclique – tout est lié, tout est donné, tout est fragile – et les quatre règles présentées dans l’exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. Cette nouvelle culture est ensuite caractérisée par un nouvel imaginaire de la vie bonne et quelques pratiques émergeantes qui commencent à lui donner une forme concrète.
Conclusion
Authors: Thomasset Alain
Published: August 2018

La conversion écologique à laquelle nous invite le pape François a besoin d’être pensée d’un point de vue théologique, en examinant les chemins de la liberté humaine et de la grâce divine. Une des pistes fécondes consiste à souligner l’importance de l’éthique des vertus dans l’encyclique Laudato si’. Face à un phénomène d’addiction collective (consumérisme, égoïsme, conditionnements mentaux…), il convient de former aux habitudes vertueuses qui nous aideront à affronter le défi écologique, en s’appuyant notamment sur les ressources symboliques et spirituelles des communautés croyantes. Parmi ces vertus sociales, la vertu théologale de l’espérance reçoit une attention particulière. Les pauvres peuvent nous l’enseigner et elle peut rejoindre l’attente de tout homme.
Un esprit nouveau dans la doctrine de l’Église ?
Authors: Mellon Christian
Published: August 2018

Les principaux critères élaborés par la tradition catholique pour porter un jugement éthique sur le recours aux armes restent utilisés par les documents du magistère pour prendre position sur diverses questions touchant les conflits et les politiques de défense. En revanche, l’expression « guerre juste » tombe en désuétude et tend à être remplacée par « juste défense », ce qui traduit non pas un changement dans la doctrine mais dans la manière de s’en servir : de moins en moins pour légitimer, et de plus en plus pour limiter le recours aux armes. Le pape François reprend et accentue cette évolution, en y ajoutant un vigoureux plaidoyer pour l’action non-violente, qu’il ne présente pas comme une alternative à la violence des armes, mais comme un complément aux efforts de l’Église pour la limiter à quelques cas très exceptionnels.
Entretien avec Bertrand Virieux, co-fondateur de l’association La Parole libérée . Victime de l’abbé Preynat
Authors: Lemoine Laurent
Published: August 2018

Dans son entretien, le fondateur de La Parole libérée , qui est aussi médecin et lui-même victime, rapporte l’importance et la difficulté pour les victimes de libérer leur parole auprès des proches ou d’un confident fiable afin de sortir d’une solitude délétère. Si toutes les institutions ont tendance à protéger leur image, ce n’est pas auprès d’elles qu’une aide sera d’abord attendue. D’où l’importance d’une dénonciation à la justice, voire aux médias. Quant aux responsables institutionnels, il est nécessaire qu’ils suspendent les auteurs des abus, et signalent au procureur des faits suffisamment avérés. Ils doivent aussi reconnaître les victimes, exercer à leur égard une écoute bienveillante et manifester la volonté de changer en profondeur les comportements.
Protein and sustainability – the potential of insects
Authors: Aiking H. , de Boer J.
Published: August 2018

In this research it is aimed to outline the role and potential contribution of insects towards food security and sustainability from a multidisciplinary perspective. First, ecological, economic and social aspects of food sustainability and food security are identified by prioritising the environmental impacts associated with food production and consumption. Subsequently, it is argued how protein supply is underlying and linking the top-3 of anthropogenic impacts, i.e. (1) biodiversity loss; (2) nitrogen cycle acceleration; and (3) carbon cycle acceleration (resulting in climate change). In order to address the production and consumption inefficiencies inherent to the current food system a ranked list of more sustainable options is proposed, based on their order of magnitude. Versatile side-stream valorisation returning losses to the food chain is deemed a unique selling point of insects. In addition to quantitative impacts, however, qualitative aspects relating to feasibility also play an important part. In that respect, just a minority of Western consumers are inclined to adopt insects as food. As an illustration, consumer acceptance of edible insects as attractive food items are quantified at the level of diets, dishes and ingredients (for the Netherlands). From the perspective of sustainability, the potential of insects is reflected upon. Meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals requires a relatively rapid transition towards a circular economy. In this light, insects are undeniably useful for food, feed, and other purposes. Health may be key to entice consumers to drop their conservative attitudes and progress towards a diet transition. However, an integrated, multidisciplinary approach including all stakeholders remains a prerequisite.
Acute Transient Sixth Nerve Palsy in Chediak–Higashi Syndrome
Authors: Feizi Mohadeseh , Rajavi Zhale , Khorshidifar Milad , Torkian Pooya , Rahimi Farnoosh
Published: August 2018

Neurologic disorders in Chediak–Higashi syndrome are usually late presentations and also may manifest long after bone marrow stem cell transplantation. To the authors' knowledge, transient neurological deficit has not been reported yet. They describe a 6-year-old boy with Chediak–Higashi syndrome in the accelerated phase who presented with transient sixth nerve palsy.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2018;55:e22–e25]

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A Realistic Visual Speech Synthesis for Indonesian Using A Combination of Morphing Viseme and Syllable Concatenation Approach to Support Pronunciation Learning
Authors: Aripin _ , Haryanto Hanny
Published: August 2018

This study aims to build a realistic visual speech synthesis for Indonesian so that it can be used to learn Indonesian pronunciation. In this study, We used the combination of morphing viseme and syllable concatenation method. The morphing viseme method is a process of deformation from one viseme to another so that the animation of the mouth shape looks smoother. This method is used to create the transition of animation between viseme. The Syllable Concatenation method is used to assemble viseme based on certain syllable patterns. We built a syllable-based voice database as a basis for synchronization between syllables, speech and viseme models. The method proposed in this study consists of several stages, namely the formation of Indonesian viseme models, designing facial animation character, development of speech database, a synchronization process and subjective testing of the resulting application. Subjective tests were conducted on 30 respondents who assessed the suitability and natural movement of the mouth when uttering the Indonesian texts. The MOS (Mean Opinion Score) method is used to calculate the average of respondents' scores. The MOS calculation results for the criteria of Synchronization and naturalness are 4,283 and 4,107 on the scale of 1 to 5. This result shows that the level of Synchronization and naturalness of the synthesis of visual speech is more realistic. Therefore, the system can display the visualization of phoneme pronunciation to support learning Indonesian pronunciation.
Effectiveness of Instruction for Summarising Handouts and Academic Writings
Authors: Shimazaki Kiwamu , Adachi Mao , Nakayama Minoru
Published: August 2018

Academic writing skills are expected to acquire logical thinking and to lead to effective learning. The summarised handout is an academic writing activi-ty. To promote the creation of suitable handouts for learners, a guideline of the preparation procedure was developed in a previous study. In this study. The validity of the procedure is evaluated experimentally. First, the factors useful for assessing handouts were confirmed through a handout generation and evaluation experiment. When the guideline instructions were given be-fore handout creation session, factor scores increased in comparison to the condition when instruction was not given. The effectiveness of instruction was investigated by assessing the handouts generated using the guideline items. In the results, two factors were extracted: "Format" and "Content". The instructions promoted the contribution of the "Content" factor regard-ing the degree of usefulness of the handout. The contributions of handout content instructions were then evaluated lexically using morphological analysis. The instructions encouraged taking concise notes from handouts, and the total number of morphemes and nouns subjects wrote down de-creased, though the number of adjectives increased slightly. Accordingly, the effectiveness of instructions for generating handouts was evaluated.
An English Translation Teaching Model Based on Interactive Reading Theory
Authors: Yang Yongfeng
Published: August 2018

With the development of economy, translators are facing increasingly higher demands and requirements in the society. However, the status quo of translational English teaching in college as an important way to cultivate English translators is still unsatisfactory. The monotonous and obsolete English teaching model severely limits the development of students’ thinking, leads to insufficient innovation in the comprehension of English translation and makes it difficult for students to master English translation skills. In this study, interactive reading theory was used as the teaching method and Chinese learners’ English corpus and self-built corpus were used as the teaching basis to design the corresponding teaching process according to the process and stages of meme reproduction. The results show that compared with traditional teaching, the English translation teaching model based on interactive reading theory can help students master English translation skills according to the rules of English-centered memory, thereby stimulating their interest in English translation and improving their English translation level.
Guide Teaching System Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Luo Dali
Published: August 2018

To improve the development and deployment efficiency of the system, this paper combined the software system with Java and AI language Prolog to achieve the guide teaching system based on artificial intel-ligence (AI). The system creatively adopted the theory of artificial intelligence expert system, at the same time, built a Struts+Spring+Hibernate lightweight JavaEE framework. The coupling degree of each module in the system was greatly reduced to facilitate the expansion of future functions. Based on the development principle of the artificial intelligence expert system, the system diagnosed the learner's mastery of each point of knowledge. It classified students' learning effect and evaluated the knowledge points. Making full use of the learning state of students and combining it with artificial intelligence expert system theory, the system developed a suitable learning strategy to help students improve their learning with less efforts. In addition, the system took the forgetting rule of human brain into account, which periodically presented trainees’ knowledge points assessment and avoided students wasting time. The purpose was to help students improve their learning effect. Finally, the system was tested. The test results showed that the system is applicable and useful. It is concluded that the artificial intelligence system provides an example for the same method and has certain reference significance.
Toward Making Social Media Effective in our Classrooms: A 9-Point Method
Authors: Nawaila Muhammad , Kanbul Sezer , Uzunboylu Huseyin
Published: August 2018

There is absolutely no doubt that the social media have advanced into Tertiary Institution, but Instructors mostly use social media for personal reasons. This research explores the social media world and how teachers use social media in their classes, by conducting a mixed method research where open-ended questionnaires were given to lecturers and interviews were further conducted with some selected lecturers in order to assess how they use social media in their classes. The information collected was organized and used to teach part of a class in multimedia development course where they serve as the control group. A close-ended questionnaire was then administered to the control group at the end of the course and their level of satisfaction recorded. The remaining part of the class forms the experimental group and was taught using the researcher’s 9-point method of applying social media in the classroom; using the same questionnaire, their satisfaction level was recorded. The data collected on the student’s satisfaction level was analyzed using SPSS software version 20 and the result was that most of the teachers employ the social media for personal use, and that older teachers use less social media in education than their younger counterparts. High social media usage was found among both the teachers and students so also was the time spent on social media and a significant increase in satisfaction level was noticed among students of the experimental group.
Realistic Virtual Cables in a 2D Environment Representing a 3D Virtual Reality
Authors: Evstatiev Boris Ivanov
Published: August 2018

A new method for the realistic visualization of virtual cables in a 2D environment, which is representing a 3D virtual reality, is presented in this paper. They are described with two consecutive cubic Bezier curves, whose common point is movable. Experiment was carried out and the optimal proportions for the parameters of the curves were obtained in order to achieve a realistic representation of cables. The suggested method has been developed for and implemented in the Engine for Virtual Electrical Engineering Equipment. The obtained results show that it is easy to manipulate the route of the virtual cables in 2D space and that they look realistic for any position of the control point.
Applying CIM-to-PIM Model Transformation for Development of Emotional Intelligence Tests Platform
Authors: Arrhioui Karim , Mbarki Samir , Erramdani Mohammed
Published: August 2018

Model driven approach has been introduced to deal with challenges of business and technology. This approach provides tools and elements that permit defining high abstraction level models and metamodels with their transformation to automate code generation. Besides, emotional tests have been introduced to help managing behaviors and relationships between individuals through Emotional Quotient (EQ). In this paper, we propose a model driven approach to generate an emotional intelligence test platform by proposing new CIM metamodel and transformations to generate the PIM as a Class Diagram. We present also a case study that shows how our proposed approach helps generating a class diagram automatically starting from a single input model. This generated model can be easily used to generate the application code.
Thermal Sensor Boiler Monitoring based on Wireless Sensing
Authors: Aixia Duan , Yongzhi Huang , Yanling Duan , Qiuhong Wang
Published: August 2018

To solve the problems of traditional wiring monitoring methods, such as difficulty in wiring, high temperature, and premature aging of the lines, the development status and trend of ZigBee technology were analyzed. A ZigBee-based online gas leakage monitoring system for power plant boilers was designed to avoid gas leakage in these boilers. ZigBee short-range wireless communication technology was used instead of the wired method to complete online monitoring of power plant boilers. Results showed that the system timely monitored the gas leakage and revealed the operating status of the power plant boiler in real time. In addition, the next moment of gas leakage was predicted, which ensured the safe and stable operation of the power plant boiler. In summary, gray system theory provides powerful theoretical support for the leakage status assessment and gas leakage prediction of the boiler. The proposed system ensures the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the power plant boiler.
Design of an Intelligent Wireless Communication Module Based on ARM
Authors: Shihe Wang , Haifei Zhou
Published: August 2018

To transmit information quickly and accurately and improve work efficiency, reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processors and technologies related to advanced RISC machines (ARM) were applied. The design of an intelligent wireless communication module based on ARM was completed using the wireless communication module for wireless communication, wireless control, wireless meter reading, industrial data acquisition, and other applications. Results showed that the designed smart wireless communication module had certain feasibility. In life communication, the transmission and reception of information were completed quickly and intelligently. This feature expanded the geographical scope of application and enhanced the expansion. Therefore, the smart wireless communication module has the advantages of accuracy, high efficiency, and humanization. Its utilization can bring convenience in people’s lives and communication.
Routing Strategy and Data Security Technology in IPv6 Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Zhaoyan Li , Chengfang Zhao
Published: August 2018

A new routing rule detection and identity authentication mechanism based on the path sequence is proposed to cope with the vulnerability problem of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) against various attacks, especially in unattended environments. Then, the great permutation encryption algorithm (G-PEC) for WSN is proposed. Finally, a signature scheme against pollution attack based on linear network coding is improved. The results show that the proposed path sequence-based authentication method with the Contiki simulation platform can significantly reduce the computing overhead of sensor nodes and decrease the energy consumption and delay of nodes to a greater extent than the traditional authentication method. The G-PEC can effectively resist eavesdropping attack, and the new signature scheme does not need additional secure channels. The proposed mechanism also provides source message authentication.
Navigation Ground Augmentation System Based on a Wireless Sensor
Authors: Le Le
Published: August 2018

To improve the performance of navigation systems and expand their application, a navigation ground augmentation system platform was designed based on wireless sensor. The system included the signal augmentation generation and reception verification platforms. The enhanced signal-transmitting and -receiving parameters were controlled through two sets of visual host software. Meanwhile, the performance indexes of the navigation ground augmentation platform were tested. Finally, the received data was captured by MATLAB coding process and the navigable messages were tracked. Results showed that the system satisfied the design requirements and could effectively improve the performance of the navigation system.
Smart Grid Topologies Paving the Way for an Urban Resilient Continuity Management
Authors: Ottenburger Sadeeb Simon , Münzberg Thomas , Strittmatter Misha
Published: August 2018

The generation and supply of electricity is currently about to undergo a fundamental transition that includes extensive development of smart grids. Smart grids are huge and complex networks consisting of a vast number of devices and entities which are connected with each other. This opens new variations of disruption scenarios which can increase the vulnerability of a power distribution network. However, the network topology of a smart grid has significant effects on urban resilience particularly referring to the adequate provision of infrastructures. Thus, topology massively codetermines the degree of urban resilience, i.e. different topologies enable different strategies of power distribution. Therefore, this article introduces a concept of criticality adapted to a power system relying on an advanced metering infrastructure. The authors propose a two-stage operationalization of this concept that refers to the design phase of a smart grid and its operation mode, targeting at an urban resilient power flow during power shortage.
European Expectations of Disaster Information provided by Critical Infrastructure Operators
Authors: Petersen Laura , Fallou Laure , Reilly Paul , Serafinelli Elisa
Published: August 2018

Previous research into social media crisis communication has tended to focus on use by emergency managers rather than other key stakeholder, critical infrastructure (CI) operators. This article adds to the field by empirically investigating public expectations of information provided by CI operators during crisis situations and if CI operators currently meet such expectations. It draws on key themes that emerged from a review of the literature on public expectations of disaster related information shared via social media. Then, it presents the results of an online questionnaire and interview-based study of disaster-vulnerable communities in France, Norway, Portugal and Sweden. Results indicate that members of the public expect CI operators to provide disaster related information via traditional and social media, but not necessarily respond to their queries on social media. Operators appear to meet public expectations of traditional media use, but should expand their current practices to include digital media. Recommendations for CI operators on how to do use social media follow.
Inductive Metanomics: Economic Experiments in Virtual Worlds
Authors: Atlas Stephen A
Published: August 2018

This research investigates the viability of gaining insights about the real world through conducting economic experiments in virtual worlds. This paper reviews the relevant metanomics literature, discusses the challenges and benefits of establishing a virtual experimental economics lab, and outlines the major issues associated with applying data collected in virtual worlds to answer questions about real-world behavior. Virtual experimental infrastructure enables a dramatically larger and more diverse sample than typical lab-based experiments studying college students, which can enable a more robust analysis within a given budget. However, while anonymity, variance in perceived social norms, and a low prevailing wage make virtual worlds a compelling place to study social and behavioral research, these features simultaneously limit induction of virtual data to provide insight into similar phenomena outside virtual worlds.
Another Time, Another Space: Virtual Worlds, Myths and Imagination
Authors: Bittarello Maria Beatrice
Published: August 2018

In her article “Another Time, Another Space: Virtual Worlds, Myths and Imagination” Beatrice Bittarello performs a reappraisal of the issue of Virtual Worlds using an interdisciplinary approach. She argues that Virtual Worlds existed before the introduction of the Internet. To back up her argument she outlines a history of literary and visual pre-Internet Virtual Worlds, all of which represent an alternative, mythical, and (often) religious space. She goes on to argue that finding a way of “reaching” Virtual Worlds is the key to the re-conception of (online) Virtual Worlds today. Many elements of literary Virtual Worlds can thus also be linked to contemporary examples of Virtual Worlds on the Internet. She stresses the importance of visual aspects, even though the imagination and the mythopoeic activity of the players play a key (and integral) role in Virtual Worlds on the Internet.
The Lessons of Lucasfilm's Habitat
Authors: Morningstar Chip , Farmer F. Randall
Published: August 2018

Habitat is a "multi-player online virtual environment", created by Lucasfilm Games, a division of LucasArts Entertainment Company, in association with Quantum Computer Services, Inc. It was arguably one of the first attempts to create a very large scale commercial multi-user virtual environment in 1985. The system we developed could support a population of thousands of users in a single shared cyberspace. Habitat presented its users with a real-time animated view into an online simulated world in which users could communicate, play games, go on adventures, fall in love, get married, get divorced, start businesses, found religions, wage wars, protest against them, and experiment with self-government.

Our experiences developing the Habitat system, and managing the virtual world that resulted, offer a number of interesting and important lessons for prospective cyberspace architects. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of these lessons. We hoped that the next generation of builders of virtual worlds can benefit from our experiences and (especially) from our mistakes.
A Typology of Virtual Worlds: Historical Overview and Future Directions
Authors: Messinger Paul R. , Stroulia Eleni , Lyons Kelly
Published: August 2018

Virtual worlds constitute a growing space for collaborative play, learning, work, and e-commerce. To promote study of this emerging realm of activity, we suggest a typology adapted from C. Porter’s (2004) typology of virtual communities. The five elements of the proposed typology include (1) purpose (content of interaction), (2) place (location of interaction), (3) platform (design of interaction), (4) population (participants in the interaction), and (5) profit model (return on interaction). We argue that this five-element typology facilitates identification of (a) the historic antecedents of virtual worlds in gaming and social networking, (b) future applications of virtual worlds for society, education, and business; and (c) topics for future research.
Surveillance, Consumers, and Virtual Worlds
Authors: Dechow Douglas R
Published: August 2018

This is a brief essay, we call "think-pieces", designed to stimulate a discussion on a particular topic. For this series of essays we propose the following question:

"Consumer behavior in virtual worlds, is it really any different to the real world, or is it simply a case of 'old wine in a new bottle'?"
Demographics of Virtual Worlds
Authors: Spence Jeremiah
Published: August 2018

Virtual worlds, as both a concept and an industry, has changed radically over the past 10 years, from a toy for the technological elite, to an over-hyped marketing phenomenon, to a needed reexamination of the uses and utility of virtual world technologies and experiences, as provided in this paper. Within academia there are a number of issues that require further examination. The academic community appears to be divided into four camps: 1. those who embrace virtual worlds; 2. those who ignore the shifting use of technology; 3. those who are aware but have not yet explored the technology; and 4. those who are entirely unaware that virtual worlds exist. There is an overwhelming focus of research, publications and funding on a single virtual world: Second Life, which does not serve more than a fraction of the entire population utilizing virtual worlds or similar technologies. An overview of the size, shape and forms of virtual worlds may have a positive impact on both of these issues. This paper presents an in-depth survey and analysis of virtual worlds and related technologies.
On the Dark Side: Gothic Play and Performance in a Virtual World
Authors: Johnson Mikael , Sihvonen Tanja
Published: August 2018

This article investigates gothic play and performance in Habbo, a virtual world for preteen children and teenagers. In addition to analyzing the aesthetics of the environment and its player characters, the authors seek to ask how gothic players figure in its appropriation and redevelopment. Countercultural player activities, such as playing goth in Habbo, are often treated as disruption, but here it will be argued that gothic players are in fact rather resourceful and productive members of the community. Observations of player-generated content, events, rituals, appearance and group discussions indicate that goth is more than a style – it is also play and performance. Gothic players are not only consumers, but also content providers, who inspire the developers at Sulake, the company behind Habbo. The influence of Habbo goths is evident, as emergent gothic player-created content has repeatedly been incorporated in newer releases of the game platform.
Second Life and Classical Music Education: Developing Iconography That Encourages Human Interaction
Authors: Schwartz David Thomas
Published: August 2018

Since January 2007, Music Academy Online , a web-based business dedicated to generating interest in classical music, has been developing a ‘Disney World for Classical Music’ in the virtual world of Second Life®. The virtual world provides a unique opportunity to teach classical music in an interdisciplinary fashion, the ability to reach out to a population that is hesitant to explore classical music, and a way for reaching out to those who have been disenfranchised by traditional educational paths. This has led to the development of iconography in Second Life that exploits the virtual world’s inherent ability to put seemingly disparate information together in a way that encourages questioning and discussion. But above all, this has led to the conclusion that the importance of human interaction and the Socratic method are the key elements in virtual world education.
Games, Learning, and 21st Century Survival Skills
Authors: Gee James Paul
Published: August 2018

Digital games hold out great potential for human development. There is no reason to think about games simply as “fun”. At the same time, there is no reason to equate learning with being “serious”. Games and learning, at their best, engage humans at a deep level of pleasure (Gee 2005). Play and learning are primordial human urges. Unfortunately we have come to take it for granted that adulthood will kill play and schools will kill learning as a human pleasure. These assumptions are particularly dangerous in the 21st century.
Development of a Virtual Reality Coping Skills Game to Prevent Post-Hospitalization Smoking Relapse in Tobacco Dependent Cancer Patients
Authors: Krebs Paul , Burkhalter Jack , Lewis Shireen , Hendrickson Tinesha , Chiu Ophelia , Fearn Paul , Perchick Wendy , Ostroff Jamie
Published: August 2018

Many smokers hospitalized for cancer-related surgery return to smoking after discharge even though continued smoking can compromise treatment effectiveness, reduce survival, increase risk of disease recurrence, and impair quality of life. After leaving the smoke-free hospital, patients encounter smoking cues at home, i.e., family members who smoke or emotional triggers such as stress that can elicit powerful urges to smoke and lead to smoking relapse. Enabling smokers to experience such urges in a controlled setting while providing the ability to practice coping skills can build quitting self-efficacy. We developed a virtual reality coping skills (VRCS) game to help hospitalized smokers practice coping strategies to manage these triggers in preparation for returning home after hospitalization. Our multidisciplinary team developed the prototype VRCS game using Second Life, a platform that allowed rapid development and functionality. The prototype uses virtual home spaces (e.g., living room, kitchen) populated with common triggers to smoke. The patient uses a “toolkit” with scripted actions that enable the avatar to test out coping strategies. Since eliciting urges to smoke is essential to the game’s efficacy, we are assessing whether the virtual smoking trigger scenarios elicit urges to smoke with 8 cancer patients with a history of smoking. We guided each patient through a VRCS scenario during which we asked the patient to evaluate urges and coping. Initial data indicate that patients report high urges to smoke (7-10 on a 10 point scale) when their patient avatar confronts virtual triggers such as drinking coffee. Patients rated virtual practice of coping strategies, such as drinking water or watching TV, as very helpful (7-10 on a 10 point scale) in reducing these urges. With further development, this VRCS game has potential to provide low-cost, effective behavioral rehearsal to prevent relapse to smoking in hospitalized cancer patients.
Towards a virtual doctor-patient relationship: Understanding virtual patients.
Authors: Gamboa González Vanessa
Published: August 2018

The use of online virtual communities to deliver health information has grown with the creation of 3D online virtual worlds such as Second Life. The existence of virtual spaces offers the opportunity to use new media and spaces of social interaction, participation and collaboration to deliver realistic and vivid health experiences. While the potential seems great, in practice, there are significant limitations in using virtual online communities to deliver health information. First, these virtual worlds are fantasy spaces where people escape the limitations of their bodies to engage in social interactions. Second, virtual worlds lack the cues that usually signal medical authority, making virtual residents skeptical about health information and advice obtained in Second Life.
Development of Virtual Patient Simulations for Medical Education
Authors: Danforth Douglas R , Procter Mike , Chen Richard , Johnson Mary , Heller Robert
Published: August 2018

Virtual Worlds such as Second Life provide unique opportunities to simulate real life scenarios and immerse the user in an environment that can be tailored to meet specific educational requirements. In these Immersive Learning Environments, students and faculty can interact from anywhere in the real world. From a general education perspective, they allow for virtual classrooms, virtual libraries, interactive role-playing, remote seminars, etc. From a medical education and science perspective, Immersive Learning Environments such as Second Life can be used to model doctor-patient interaction, clinical diagnosis skills, and three dimensional objects ranging from individual molecules and cells to whole organ systems, both healthy and diseased.

The principal goal of our project is the development of virtual patient simulations for medical education. In order to simulate real patients with greatest fidelity, the virtual patients are controlled by artificial intelligence. This allows students to engage in a natural language conversation with the patient to obtain relevant patient history, symptoms, etc, and then to develop relevant differential diagnoses and treatments appropriate for the simulated condition of the patients. Virtual world medical simulations enable students to rehearse professional behaviors in a risk-free environment, providing opportunities for skills practice prior to real-world patient encounters.