bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismic Retrofit of Aerial Stations
Authors: Wang Huanzi , Ng Shirley , Abdel-Karim Ahmad M. , Weston Dan
Published: October 2013

Given the high risk of earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and the essential role of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system in the region, the BART Earthquake Safety Program has attracted great public attention since the program began. This paper presents a seismic evaluation and describes the retrofit of 11 aerial stations within the BART system. All 11 stations are to be retrofitted to meet safety performance requirements; three of these stations also were retrofitted to meet operability performance requirements. The analytical approaches, seismic vulnerability of as-built stations, and the measures proposed for the BART retrofit effort are presented in detail. It was found that existing bent cap beams and footing caps were insufficient to resist the over-strength demands from columns. Joints between columns and bent caps and joints between columns and footings needed to be strengthened as well. The stations could be upgraded to achieve safety and operability performance requirements through the use of various retrofit measures (e.g., bent cap bolsters, infill walls, fiber-reinforced polymer wraps for columns, footing partial overlays, and footing enlargements).
Comparison of Material Behavior of Steel and Synthetic Fibers in Dry-Cast Application
Authors: Wilson Ashley , Abolmaali Ali
Published: October 2013

This paper presents a comparison of test results on the material behavior of zero-slump, dry-cast steel and synthetic fiber–reinforced concrete. ASTM C1609 flexural beam test and ASTM C39 compressive strength cylinder tests were conducted for various fiber dosages of each type of synthetic and steel fiber. Synthetic and steel fiber dosages ranged from 4 lb/yd3 to 18 lb/yd3 and 22 lb/yd3 to 88 lb/yd3, respectively. From these tests, material properties were found that included compressive strength, first-peak load, peak load, modulus of rupture, and specimen toughness. These values were all within the range of conventional design parameters used in concrete structures. ASTM beam load–deformation plots were obtained for each fiber beam to show the fiber behavior and strengthening after the initial crack.
Longitudinal Performance Measures for Assessing Agencywide Signal Management Objectives
Authors: Li Howell , Hainen Alexander M. , Day Christopher M. , Grimmer Gannon , Sturdevant James R. , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: October 2013

A fundamental concept of system engineering is defining operating objectives. Then the appropriate strategy and the performance measure for assessing how well the system is working are selected. Two operating objectives are broadly shared by many agencies: reliable communication with the traffic signal infrastructure and good allocation of green times. The first objective is oriented toward asset management and the second toward operational efficiency. However, substantial synergies exist between the objectives. The proposed performance measures can be used for evaluating whether these objectives are being met. The quality of communication is evaluated by an examination of connectivity and data completeness and is based on an open standard telecommunications model. Opportunities to improve green time allocation are detected through an identification of operating patterns in which some phases routinely force off and other phases gap out in the same cycle. The performance measures are presented in an easy-to-understand visual format that practitioners can use. One outcome of this system engineering approach is the realization that many objectives can be achieved with a high-latency, low-bandwidth communication infrastructure if the appropriate processing techniques and performance measures are clearly articulated. The architecture and performance measures are explained in the context of a deployment of 122 intersections geographically distributed throughout the state of Indiana; data were collected during a 2.5-month period with a communication infrastructure that included commercial cellular data and agency-owned fiber.
Development and Use of Critical Functional Requirements for Controller Upgrade Decisions
Authors: Abbas Montasir M. , Mladenovic Milos N. , Ganta Surender , Kasaraneni Yatish , McGhee Catherine C.
Published: October 2013

Modern traffic signal controllers usually must adapt to local transportation agency requirements. The standardization of controller hardware under advanced transportation controller standards provided flexibility and allowed customized development of controller software. This process resulted in a multitude of market controller software features that are a challenge to evaluate. A decision-support system based on a multi-criteria decision-making technique for the evaluation of traffic signal controllers is presented. The method for evaluating the controllers was based on the set of critical functional requirements for signalized intersections. The method was developed for a signal system at the Virginia Department of Transportation. The critical functional requirements were developed through discussion with professionals in the field of signal system operations across North America. Criteria for scoring the controller features were developed from the information obtained from the controller manuals, vendors, software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing, survey of agencies, and so forth. An evaluation of three controllers within the proposed framework is presented, along with decision-support visualization aids. Alternate methods are suggested for evaluation purposes and give opportunities for further research.
Parking Utilization in Neighborhood Shopping Centers on Transit Routes in San Jose, California
Authors: Smith Adam
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the minimum parking requirements for shopping centers located near Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail stations in San Jose, California. VTA, the primary transit provider in Santa Clara County, California, has supported reduced parking requirements for proposed transit-oriented developments along its transit lines, but parking reductions have often been opposed by local decision makers, city council members, and the public. Until recently, VTA has been unable to provide locally based research to support the claim that current parking minimums have led to excessive parking. This paper seeks to provide evidence to decision makers that supports the argument that parking requirements can be reduced along light rail transit lines. Two parking utilization surveys found that the utilization of free surface parking was far lower than the capacity during both the holiday shopping season and the off-season for 13 neighborhood shopping centers located near VTA light rail stations. Furthermore, the surveys found that increases in seasonal parking demand did not occur for most of the surveyed shopping centers. The results suggested that the minimum parking requirements for these neighborhood-oriented shopping centers located near VTA light rail stations are too high.
Measurement of the patellar tendon-tibial plateau angle and tuberosity advancement in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture
Authors: Bismuth C. , Labrunie A. , Marin B. , Filleur A. , Pillard P. , Sonet J. , Cachon T. , Etchepareborde S. , Millet M.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To (i) compare agreement of the common tangent (CT) and tibial plateau angle (TP) methods in terms of measuring the patellar tendon angle (PTA) and required advancement and (ii) determine the intraand inter-observer reliability of observers who measured PTA and the advancement.

Methods: Six observers were divided into three groups based on their level of experience. They measured the PTA and the required advancement on 43 radiographic images of the tibiae of dogs affected by cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Each observer repeated the measurements three times with each method. The inter-technique (interT), intra-observer (intraO), and interobserver (interO) reliabilities were evaluated, assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and represented by Jones plots.

Results: The agreement between PTA-CT and PTA-TP was low (the ICC interT values ranged from 0.11 to 0.4). The PTA-CT was associated with moderate intra-observer reliability (ICC intraO, CT = 0.61) and poor interobserver reliability (ICC interO, CT = 0.33). The PTA-TP was associated with good intra-observer reliability (ICC intraO, TP = 0.75) and moderate interobserver reliability (ICC interO, TP = 0.59). Interobserver reliability did not depend on the level of experience. The advancement measurements were associated with reliability results similar to those obtained for PTA. Jones’ plots showed that the CT method consistently yielded lower PTA and advancement values than the TP method.

Conclusion: Given its poor reliability, the CT method is not recommended.
Benefits, Issues, and Recommendations for Personalized Medicine in Oncology in Canada
Authors: Butts C. , Kamel–Reid S. , Batist G. , Chia S. , Blanke C. , Moore M. , Sawyer M.B. , Desjardins C. , Dubois A. , Pun J. , Bonter K. , Ashbury F.D.
Published: October 2013

The burden of cancer for Canadian citizens and society is large. New technologies have the potential to increase the use of genetic information in clinical decision-making, furthering prevention, surveillance, and safer, more effective drug therapies for cancer patients. Personalized medicine can have different meanings to different people. The context for personalized medicine in the present paper is genetic testing, which offers the promise of refining treatment decisions for those diagnosed with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Personalized medicine and genetic characterization of tumours can also give direction to the development of novel drugs. Genetic testing will increasingly become an essential part of clinical decision-making. In Canada, provinces are responsible for health care, and most have unique policies and programs in place to address cancer control. The result is inconsistency in access to and delivery of therapies and other interventions, beyond the differences expected because of demographic factors and clinical education. Inconsistencies arising from differences in resources, policy, and application of evidence-informed personalized cancer medicine exacerbate patient access to appropriate testing and quality care. Geographic variations in cancer incidence and mortality rates in Canada—with the Atlantic provinces and Quebec having higher rates, and British Columbia having the lowest rates—are well documented. Our purpose here is to provide an understanding of current and future applications of personalized medicine in oncology, to highlight the benefits of personalized medicine for patients, and to describe issues and opportunities for improvement in the coordination of personalized medicine in Canada. Efficient and more rapid adoption of personalized medicine in oncology in Canada could help over-come those issues and improve cancer prevention and care. That taks mignth benefit from the creation of a National Genetics Advisory Panel that would review research and provide recommendations on tests for funding or reimbursement, guidelines, service delivery models, laboratory quality assurance, education, and communication. More has to be known about the current state of personalized cancer medicine in Canada, and strategies have to be developed to inform and improve understanding and appropriate coordination and delivery. Our hope is that the perspectives emphasized in this paper will stimulate discussion and further research to create a more informed response.
Magnitude of Change in Alpha-Fetoprotein in Response to Transarterial Chemoembolization Predicts Survival in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Bhat M. , Hassanain M. , Simoneau E. , Tzimas G.N. , Chaudhury P. , Deschenes M. , Valenti D. , Ghali P. , Wong P. , Cabrera T. , Barkun J. , Tchervenkov J.I. , Metrakos P.
Published: October 2013

Background: Downsizing strategies are often attempted for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation (LT). The objective of the present study was to determine clinical predictors of favourable survival outcomes after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) before LT for HCC outside the Milan criteria, so as to better select candidates for this strategy. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with HCC tumours either beyond Milan criteria (single lesion > 5 cm, 3 lesions with 1 or more > 3 cm) or at the upper limit of Milan criteria (single lesions between 4.1 cm and 5.0 cm), with a predicted waiting time of more than 3 months, received carboplatin-based TACE treatments. Exclusion criteria for TACE included Child–Pugh C cirrhosis or the presence of portal vein invasion or extrahepatic disease on imaging. Only patients without tumour progression after TACE underwent LT. Results: Of 160 HCC patients who received liver grafts between 1997 and 2010, 35 were treated with TACE preoperatively. The median of the sum of tumour diameters was 6.7 cm (range: 4.8–8.5 cm), which decreased with TACE to 5.0 cm (range: 3.3–7.0 cm) at transplantation (p < 0.0004). The percentage drop in alpha-fetoprotein (αFP) was a positive predictor (p = 0.0051) and the time from last TACE treatment to transplantation was a negative predictor (p < 0.0001) for overall survival. Conclusions: The percentage drop in αFP and a shorter time from the final TACE treatment to transplantation significantly predicted improved overall survival after LT for HCC downsized with TACE. As a serum marker, αFP should be followed when TACE is used as a strategy to stabilize or downsize HCC lesions before LT.
Oncofertility in Canada: An Overview of Canadian Practice and Suggested Action Plan
Authors: Ronn R. , Holzer H.E.G.
Published: October 2013

Background: Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. In particular, malignancy and its indicated treatments have profoundly negative effects on the fertility of young cancer patients. Oncofertility has emerged as a new interdisciplinary field to address the issue of gonadotoxicity associated with cancer therapies and to facilitate fertility preservation. In Canada, these fertility issues are often inadequately addressed despite the availability of resources. The goal of this four-part series is to facilitate systemic improvements in fertility preservation for adolescent and young adult Canadians with a new diagnosis of cancer. Methods: Here, we describe the services currently available in Canada and the challenges associated with their utilization. Finally, we outline strategies to help maximize and facilitate fertility preservation in the young cancer patient. Results: Despite an existing infrastructure to the oncofertility system in Canada, the ability of that system’s components to function together and to coordinate patient care is a challenge. Areas of weakness include poor access and referral to fertility services, a lack of readily available education for patients and health care providers, and inconsistent interdisciplinary coordination in patient care. Conclusions: The implementation of a framework for multidisciplinary resource allocation, education, patient referral, and established lines of communication may facilitate a functional oncofertility system in Canada.
Cost-Effectiveness of Lapatinib plus Letrozole in her2-Positive, Hormone Receptor–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer in Canada
Authors: Delea T.E. , Amdahl J. , Chit A. , Amonkar M.M.
Published: October 2013

Background: The cost-effectiveness of first-line treatment with lapatinib plus letrozole for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) has not been assessed from the Canadian health care system and societal perspectives. Methods: A partitioned survival analysis model with 3 health states (alive, pre-progression; alive, post-progression; dead) was developed to estimate direct and indirect costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYS) with lapatinib–letrozole, letrozole, anastrozole, or trastuzumab–anastrozole as first-line treatment. Clinical inputs for lapatinib–letrozole and letrozole were taken from the EGF30008 trial (NCT00073528). Clinical inputs for anastrozole and trastuzumab–anastrozole were taken from a network meta-analysis of published studies. Drug costs were obtained from the manufacturer’s price list, the Quebec list of medications, and imsBrogan. Other costs were taken from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan’s Schedule of Benefits and Fees and published studies. A 10-year time horizon was used. Costs and QALYS were discounted at 5% annually. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the effects of changes in model parameters. Results: Quality-adjusted life years gained with lapatinib–letrozole were 0.236 compared with trastuzumab–anastrozole, 0.440 compared with letrozole, and 0.568 compared with anastrozole. Assuming a health care system perspective, incremental costs were $5,805, $67,029, and $67,472 respectively. Given a cost per QALY threshold of $100,000, the probability that lapatinib–letrozole is preferred was 21% compared with letrozole, 36% compared with anastrozole, and 68% compared with trastuzumab–anastrozole. Results from the societal perspective were similar. Conclusions: In postmenopausal women with HR+/HRR2+ mbc receiving first-line treatment, lapatinib–letrozole may not be cost-effective compared with letrozole or anastrozole, but may be cost-effective compared with trastuzumab–anastrozole.
Helicobacter pylori Infection Predicts Favorable Outcome in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang F. , Sun G.P. , Zou Y.F. , Zhong F. , Ma T. , Li X.Q. , Wu D.
Published: October 2013

Background: Recent studies have suggested a controversial role of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric cancer prognosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential impact of H. pylori status on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer in a Chinese prospective cohort. Methods: Between 2007 and 2009, 261 patients with curatively resected gastric cancer were enrolled in the study. H. pylori status was defined by means of immunohistochemical staining in tumour and non-neoplastic tissues. Treatment prognosis was measured in terms of cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival (DFS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the association between H. pylori status and patient prognosis. Results: Positivity for H. pylori infection was observed in 188 of the 261 patients (72.0%). In patients positive for H. pylori, mean cancer-specific survival was 55.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 53.4 to 56.9 months] and mean DFS was 53.9 months (95% CI: 51.8 to 56.0 months); the same survivals were, respectively, 45.1 months (95% CI: 42.2 to 47.9 months) and 43.7 months (95% CI: 40.4 to 47.0 months) in patients negative for H. pylori. In univariate analysis, positive H. pylori status was associated with better cancer-specific survival [hazard ratio (HR): 0.486; 95% CI: 0.271 to 0.870; p = 0.015] and DFS (HR: 0.540; 95% CI: 0.307 to 0.950; p = 0.033). In multivariate analysis, H. pylori was an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival (HR: 0.485; 95% CI: 0.265 to 0.889; p = 0.019). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that positive H. pylori status is a beneficial prognostic indicator in patients with gastric cancer and might suggest possible therapeutic approaches for gastric cancer. Further research is required to better understand inflammation mechanisms and cancer progression.
Denosumab and Giant Cell Tumour of Bone—A Review and Future Management Considerations
Authors: Xu S.F. , Adams B. , Yu X.C. , Xu M.
Published: October 2013

Giant cell tumour of bone (GCTB) is one type of giant-cell-rich bone lesion characterized by the presence of numerous multinucleated osteoclast-type giant cells. Giant cells are known to express RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand) and are responsible for the aggressive osteolytic nature of the tumour. No available treatment option is definitively effective in curing this disease, especially in surgically unsalvageable cases. In recent years, several studies of denosumab in patients with advanced or unresectable GCTB have shown objective changes in tumour composition, reduced bony destruction, and clinical benefit. Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets and binds with high affinity and specificity to RANKL. Several large phase III studies have shown that denosumab is more effective than bisphosphonates in reducing skeletal morbidity arising from a wide range of tumours and that it can delay bone metastasis. The relevant articles are reviewed here. The controversies related to the future use of denosumab in the treatment of GCTB are discussed.
Breast cancer and the environment: why research and preventive action are needed
Authors: Brophy James T. , Keith Margaret M. , Park Robert , Watterson Andrew , Gilbertson Michael , DeMatteo Robert
Published: October 2013

In the February 2013 issue of Current Oncology, Dr. Steven Narod1 critiqued the 2012 study by Brophy et al. [...]
Flow synthesis of phenylserine using threonine aldolase immobilized on Eupergit support
Authors: Tibhe Jagdish D , Fu Hui , Noël Timothy , Wang Qi , Meuldijk Jan , Hessel Volker
Published: October 2013

Threonine aldolase (TA) from Thermotoga maritima was immobilized on an Eupergit support by both a direct and an indirect method. The incubation time for the direct immobilization method was optimized for the highest amount of enzyme on the support. By introducing the immobilized TA in a packed-bed microreactor, a flow synthesis of phenylserine was developed, and the effects of temperature and residence time were studied in particular. Calculations of the Damköhler number revealed that no mass transfer limitations are given in the micro-interstices of the packed bed. The yield does not exceed 40% and can be rationalized by the natural equilibrium as well as product inhibition which was experimentally proven. The flow synthesis with the immobilized enzyme was compared with the corresponding transformation conducted with the free enzyme. The product yield was further improved by operating under slug flow conditions which is related to the very short residence time distribution. In all cases 20% diastereomeric excess (de) and 99% enantiomeric excess (ee) were observed. A continuous run of the reactant solution was carried out for 10 hours in order to check enzyme stability at higher temperature. Stable operation was achieved at 20 minute residence time. Finally, the productivity of the reactor was calculated, extrapolated to parallel run units, and compared with data collected previously.
EXPERT SYSTEM FOR DATA SECURITY RISK MANAGEMENT FOR SMES / EKSPERTINĖS SISTEMOS SMULKIOJO IR VIDUTINIO VERSLO RIZIKOS VALDYMO PROBLEMOMS SPRĘSTI
Authors: Janulevičius Justinas , Goranin Nikolaj
Published: October 2013

Accessibility of expertise and expert inferences is one of the key factors for appropriate expert evaluation. Appropriate and timely expert information allows a smooth process of expertise. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have limited possibilities to acquire professional expertise for data security risk analysis due to limited finances. A risk management expert system is developed for SMEs with the ability to adapt to various subject domains using ontologies of the field.

Article in Lithuanian

Santrauka

Ekspertinės informacijos ir išvadų prieinamumas – viena svarbiausių tinkamos ekspertizės sąlygų. Tinkamos, kompetentingos ir laiku gautos ekspertinės žinios sudaro galimybes sklandžiai procesų raidai. Smulkusis ir vidutinis verslas (SVV) dėl ribotų finansinių išteklių turi ribotas sąlygas profesionaliai vertinti duomenų saugą, kad galėtų užtikrinti įmonės informacijos saugą optimaliomis finansinėmis sąnaudomis. Kuriama ekspertinė SVV rizikos valdymo sistema, skirta rizikos analizės procesui automatizuoti, jį pagrindžiant sprendimais, galinčiais prisitaikyti prie skirtingų dalykinių sričių (organizacijų veiklos sričių), išnaudojant įvairių dalykinių sričių ontologijas.
USE OF ONTOLOGIES IN MAPPING OF INFORMATION SECURITY REQUIREMENTS / ONTOLOGIJOS NAUDOJIMAS INFORMACIJOS SAUGUMO REIKALAVIMAMS SUSIET
Authors: Ramanauskaitė Simona , Radvilė Eglė , Olifer Dmitrij
Published: October 2013

A large amount of different security documents, standards, guidelines and best practices requires to ensure mapping between different security requirements. As the result of mapping, security requirements of different standards can coincide or require to be amended or harmonised. This is the reason why it is so difficult to map more than two different security documents. Ontologies can be used to solve this issue. The article offers a review of different security documents and ontology types as well as investigates possible use of ontologies for mapping of security standards. Article in Lithuanian Santrauka Esant daugybei informacijos saugą reglamentuojančių dokumentų, gairių ir standartų, aktualu tarpusavyje susieti juose apibrėžtus saugumo reikalavimus. Skirtinguose saugos dokumentuose aprašyti saugumo reikalavimai gali ne tik sutapti arba papildyti vienas kitą, bet ir prieštarauti vienas kitam. Tai labai apsunkina daugiau negu dviejų informacijos saugą reglamentuojančių dokumentų susiejimą. Vienas būdų susieti daugiau negu du saugą reglamentuojančius dokumentus galėtų būti ontologijos naudojimas. Straipsnyje apžvelgiami šiuo metu pagrindiniai saugą reglamentuojantys standartai, egzistuojančios saugumo ontologijos, išnagrinėta galimybė naudoti ontologiją saugą reglamentuojančių dokumentų reikalavimams susieti ir galimybę tokį susiejimą atvaizduoti grafais.
Non-Player Characters and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Pereira Gonçalo , Brisson António , Dias João , Carvalho André , Dimas Joana , Mascarenhas Samuel , Campos Joana , Vala Marco , Leite Iolanda , Martinho Carlos , Prada Rui , Paiva Ana
Published: October 2013

Serious Games rely on interactive systems to provide an efficient communication medium between the tutor and the user. Designing and implementing such medium is a multi-disciplinary task that aims at an environment that engages the user in a learning activity. User engagement is significantly related to the users’ sense of immersion or his willingness to accept the reality proposed by a game environment. This is a very relevant research topic for Artificial Intelligence (AI), since it requires computational systems to generate believable behaviors that can promote the users’ willingness to enter and engage in the game environment. In order to do this, AI research has been relying on social sciences, in particular psychology and sociology models, to ground the creation of computational models for non-player characters that behave according to the users’ expectations. In this chapter, the authors present some of the most relevant NPC research contributions following this approach.
Games and Social Networks
Authors: Bachvarova Yulia , Bocconi Stefano
Published: October 2013

Social media and social networks have gained an unprecedented role in connecting people, knowledge, and experiences. Game industry is using the power of social networks by creating Social Network Games, which can be even more engaging than traditional games. In this chapter, the main characteristics of Social Network Games and their potential are discussed. This potentiality can also be used for serious games (i.e. games with purposes beyond entertainment) and especially games related to learning and behavioural changes. This leads to introducing the emerging field of Serious Social Network Games and their unique characteristics that make them suitable for serious applications. Finally, the rising phenomenon of Social TV is discussed, which combines the power of TV and social media. Based on a project by the authors, preliminary findings on the most engaging techniques of Social TV Games are presented, together with initial suggestions on what constitutes good game mechanics for such games. The chapter concludes with future research directions for Social Network Games to become even more engaging and effective for purposes beyond pure entertainment.
A Randomised Controlled Trial to Evaluate Learning Effectiveness Using an Adaptive Serious Game to Teach SQL at Higher Education Level
Authors: Hainey Thomas , Soflano Mario , Connolly Thomas M.
Published: October 2013

The literature suggests that every learner has a particular Learning Style (LS) and it is beneficial for the teacher and the learning approach to adapt to and accommodate these differences. The traditional classroom fails to motivate some learners and to maintain their engagement level during learning, possibly because of lack of interactivity. Computer games on the other hand seem to be able to engage participants for prolonged periods of time and motivate them to replay the game repeatedly. Some educationalists consider games as a potential platform to support learning and the term Games-Based Learning (GBL) has been introduced into the curriculum to reflect this approach. While many GBL applications have been developed, there is still a lack of empirical evidence to support its validity. Furthermore, there are very few adaptive GBL applications developed and adaptive GBL frameworks proposed. Another issue with GBL is that games engage the learners differently compared to traditional teaching approaches or eLearning and learning styles may differ inside and outside of the game. For the purpose of this research, a game with three game modes was developed. The modes were 1) non-adaptivity mode, 2) a mode that customises the game according to the learner’s LS identified by a LS questionnaire, and 3) a mode with an in-game adaptive system based on a newly developed framework that can automatically adapt content according to the learner’s interactions with the game. GBL has been used to teach various disciplines; however, this research focuses on teaching Structured Query Language (SQL) at Higher Education (HE). A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted with 30 students for each of the above game modes and another 30 students in a control group who learned SQL using a traditional paper-based approach. The results show that the game developed, regardless of mode, produced better learning outcomes than those who learned from a textbook. Particularly for adaptive GBL, learning effectiveness was identified to be higher while the learning duration was shorter compared to the other modes of the game.
The Quest for a Massively Multiplayer Online Game that Teaches Physics
Authors: Mena Ricardo Javier Rademacher
Published: October 2013

The last 10 years have seen explosive growth in the fields of online gaming. The largest of these games are undoubtedly the Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG), such as World of Warcraft or City of Heroes, which attract millions of users throughout the world every day. The last 20 years have also seen the growth of a new field of physics known as Physics Education Research (PER). This field consists of physicists dedicated to improving how we learn and teach the subject of physics. In this chapter, the author discusses his personal quest to combine PER with a MMOG and create an online virtual world dedicated to teaching Newtonian physics.
A Case for Integration
Authors: Moseley Alex
Published: October 2013

There is growing interest in assessment of student learning within education, not least because assessment practice within some sectors (the UK higher education sector for example) is stagnant: many courses designed independently to the assessment method and assessed through a small number of traditional methods. Games-based learning has shown little deviation from this pattern – games themselves often removed from assessment of the skills they are designed to teach, and in the worst cases from the intended learning outcomes: gamification being a particularly formulaic example. This chapter makes the case for an integrated approach to assessment within learning games and the wider curriculum, drawing on elements within game design that provide natural opportunity for such integration. To demonstrate and evaluate such an approach, integrated assessment case studies (including a full study from the University of Leicester) are presented and discussed.
A Complex Systems Paradox of Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management
Authors: Ghili Soheil , Nazarian Serima , Tavana Madjid , Keyvanshokouhi Sepehr , Isaai Mohammad Taghi
Published: October 2013

Many organizations are striving to survive and remain competitive in the current uncertain and rapidly changing economic environment. Businesses must innovate to face this volatility and maintain their competitiveness. Organizational learning is a complex process with many interrelated elements linking knowledge management with organizational innovation. In this paper we use several theories (i.e., organizational learning, knowledge management, organizational innovation, complexity theory, and systems theory) to discover and study the interrelationships among the organizational learning elements. The purpose of this paper is threefold: (1) We identify organizational learning as a mediating variable between knowledge management and organizational innovation; (2) We further present a paradox where decisions that are expected to improve organizational learning, surprisingly do not work; and (3) We show this paradox is not the result of overlooking organizational learning elements, but rather, caused by neglecting to consider the complex interrelationships and interdependencies among them.
Deliberative Democracy and Nanotechnologies in Health
Authors: Aspradaki Aikaterini A.
Published: October 2013

The ethical, social and political dimensions of legislative regulations of issues concerning the citizens’ health are generally recognized to be of increasing significance in modern deliberative democracies. However, nanotechnologies in health have raised extra difficulties in deliberative democracies’ procedural justice arrangements. Could a deliberative model of democracy based on substantive commitments such as to equal moral and political value of collectively acting persons contribute to cope with difficult risk and uncertainty regulatory issues pertaining to the tremendous advanced applications of nanotechnologies in health? This is the main question for the bioethics oriented inquiry in this paper. Special emphasis has given on the field of the dental health.
The Bioethics of Digital Dystopias
Authors: Schulzke Marcus
Published: October 2013

This essay explores how two popular game franchises, BioShock and Portal, have addressed bioethical issues such as genetic modification, research ethics, and autonomy. BioShock and Portal are set in bioethical dystopias that simulate the absence of ethical restraint. The former is set in a city that that allows unregulated genetic modification, and the latter in a research facility controlled by overseers whose only concern is scientific progress. These simulations allow players to gain insight into bioethical issues and contribute to theoretical debates in bioethics by showing the possible consequences of violating bioethical values.
Paleoenvironmental and environmental implications of the boron content of coals
Authors: Goodarzi F , Swaine D J
Published: October 2013

The concentration of boron in Australian and Canadian coals was determined in order to assess the variation of boron in coal with respect to rank, age, geological setting and the degree of paleosalinity of the coal-forming environment. The study indicates that
relations between boron and rank are either very complex or non-existent, and the boron content of coals is not governed by the age of the coal. The boron content of seams is sensitive to the environment of deposition and may show the variation in the same seam laterally due to changes to the
environment of deposition and/or the enrichment of boron by a secondary source. It is proposed that the following ranges of values for boron in coal indicate the degree of marine influence during the early stages of coalification: 1. Up to 50 ppm boron - coal formed in a freshwater environment; 2.
50 to 110 ppm boron - coal formed in a mildly brackish water environment; 3. >110 ppm boron - coal formed in a brackish water environment. The vertical variation of boron in a coal-bearing section or strata is related to the depositional environment. There is often little variation in
boron content for coal layers as compared to the partings (dirt bands). The boron content of parting(s) in a coal-bearing strata may vary greatly as compared to the coal seams. The variation of boron in heat-affected coal seams indicates that the behaviour of boron during the natural heating/burning
of coal is dependent on the temperature of the system and the nature of the process.
Roches et minéraux du collectionneur, Cobalt-Belleterre-Timmins (Ontario et Québec)
Authors: Sabina A P
Published: October 2013

Occurrences of minerals, rocks, and fossils are described for localities in the Temagami, Cobalt, Gowganda, Matachewan, Matheson, and Timmins regions in Ontario, and in the Ville-Marie and Belleterre areas in Quebec. The collecting area includes two of the
greatest precious metal mining camps in the world: the Cobalt silver camp, which ranks third in the total cumulative production of silver in the world, and the Porcupine gold field whose all-time production is exceeded only by the Witwatersrand gold mines in South Africa. In addition, there are
numerous collecting localities in the less celebrated mining camps of Elk Lake, Gowganda, Matachewan, and Belleterre.

The spectacular discoveries of the Cobalt silver deposits in 1903 and 1904, following within a decade of the world-captivating Klondike Gold Rush, shifted the attention of prospectors and miners to this part of eastern Canada where the initial discoverers engaged in building the Timiskaming and
Northern Ontario Railway were joined by experienced prospectors from the West and elsewhere. Stimulated by successful developments at Cobalt and guided by geological reports issued by the Ontario Bureau of Mines and by the Geological Survey of Canada, the same band of prospectors extended their
search to the then-remote north country and were rapidly rewarded with further discoveries of silver ore at Elk Lake and Gowganda, culminating in the sensational discoveries of native gold in the Porcupine district in 1909. Thus, within a few years, the area was the scene of the greatest silver rush
and the greatest gold rush ever experienced in Ontario. With the establishment of these two mining camps, the attention of gold seekers was focused on Kirkland Lake, which became the second greatest gold-producing camp in Canada and the third-ranking gold producer in the world. About half a century
later, northeastern Ontario was the scene of a modern-day prospecting rush generated by the discovery of a colossal base metal orebody in the Timmins area; that discovery became the largest silver-zinc-cadmium producer in the world.

Other deposits in the area include those of copper, copper-zinc, nickel, iron, and asbestos. There are also occurrences of molybdenite, barite, magnesite, and antimony minerals. Fossils occur in the only Paleozoic rocks in the area, which extend north from Lake Timiskaming. Rocks suitable for
ornamental purposes include porphyry, jaspery iron formation, conglomerate, granite, soapstone, and chrome-mica rock.

Most collecting localities are dumps of inactive mines and prospects. Roadcuts provide a number of collecting sites. In general, operating mines are not collecting areas, but visits to surface plants can sometimes be arranged. Some famous old mines, no longer accessible, are described for historical
interest.
Rocks and minerals for the collector, Cobalt-Belleterre-Timmins, Ontario and Quebec
Authors: Sabina A P
Published: October 2013

Occurrences of minerals, rocks, and fossils are described for localities in the Temagami, Cobalt, Gowganda, Matachewan, Matheson, and Timmins regions in Ontario, and in the Ville-Marie and Belleterre areas in Quebec. The collecting area includes two of the
greatest precious metal mining camps in the world: the Cobalt silver camp, which ranks third in the total cumulative production of silver in the world, and the Porcupine gold field whose all-time production is exceeded only by the Witwatersrand gold mines in South Africa. In addition, there are
numerous collecting localities in the less celebrated mining camps of Elk Lake, Gowganda, Matachewan, and Belleterre. The spectacular discoveries of the Cobalt silver deposits in 1903 and 1904, following within a decade of the world-captivating Klondike Gold Rush, shifted the attention of
prospectors and miners to this part of eastern Canada where the initial discoverers engaged in building the Timiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway were joined by experienced prospectors from the West and elsewhere. Stimulated by successful developments at Cobalt and guided by geological reports
issued by the Ontario Bureau of Mines and by the Geological Survey of Canada, the same band of prospectors extended their search to the then-remote north country and were rapidly rewarded with further discoveries of silver ore at Elk Lake and Gowganda, culminating in the sensational discoveries of
native gold in the Porcupine district in 1909. Thus, within a few years, the area was the scene of the greatest silver rush and the greatest gold rush ever experienced in Ontario. With the establishment of these two mining camps, the attention of gold seekers was focused on Kirkland Lake, which
became the second greatest gold-producing camp in Canada and the third-ranking gold producer in the world. About half a century later, northeastern Ontario was the scene of a modern-day prospecting rush generated by the discovery of a colossal base metal orebody in the Timmins area; that discovery
became the largest silver-zinc-cadmium producer in the world. Other deposits in the area include those of copper, copper-zinc, nickel, iron, and asbestos. There are also occurrences of molybdenite, barite, magnesite, and antimony minerals. Fossils occur in the only Paleozoic rocks in the area,
which extend north from Lake Timiskaming. Rocks suitable for ornamental purposes include porphyry, jaspery iron formation, conglomerate, granite, soapstone, and chrome-mica rock. Most collecting localities are dumps of inactive mines and prospects. Roadcuts provide a number of collecting sites. In
general, operating mines are not collecting areas, but visits to surface plants can sometimes be arranged. Some famous old mines, no longer accessible, are described for historical interest.
Menings van lewenswetenskap-onderwysers oor geneties gewysigde gewasse en die daarstelling van ’n wetenskaplike etiek
Authors: Ferreira Johanna G.
Published: October 2013

The use of genetically modified crops, especially in countries where poverty is rife, is extremely controversial and can have social, economical and political implications. Life Sciences teachers can address this issue and provide learners and communities with balanced information. However, teaching should not only focus on supplying balanced information, but efforts should also be made to make learners, especially, aware of the nature and impact of genetically modified crops and the development of scientific ethics. The focus then shifts to empowering learners from a broad social background to make well-reasoned decisions through critical and reflective thought. Learners should, therefore, get the opportunity to develop scientific ethics in order to debate various controversial issues such as the use of genetically modified crops. Specific indicators that were identified during interviews with Life Sciences teachers are discussed in this article.
Dialogue Act Classification, Instance-Based Learning, and Higher Order Dialogue Structure
Authors: Eugenio Barbara Di , Xie Zhuli , Serafin Riccardo
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we explore instance-based learning methods for dialogue act classification on two corpora, MapTask and CallHome Spanish. We start with Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA), and extend it as Feature Latent Semantic Analysis (FLSA). FLSA adds richer linguistic features to LSA, which only uses words. In particular, we explore the extended dialogue context, both linearly (the previous dialogue act) and hierarchically (conversational games). We show how the k-Nearest Neighbor algorithm obtains its best results when applied to the reduced semantic spaces generated by FLSA. Empirically, our results are better than previously published results on these two corpora; linguistically, we confirm and extend previous observations that the hierarchical dialogue structure encoded via the notion of Game is of primary importance for dialogue act recognition.
Cloud speed sensor
Authors: Fung V. , Bosch J. L. , Roberts S. W. , Kleissl J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Changing cloud cover is a major source of solar radiation variability and poses challenges for the integration of solar energy. A compact and economical system that measures cloud motion vectors to estimate power plant ramp rates and provide short term solar irradiance forecasts is presented. The Cloud Speed Sensor (CSS) is constructed using an array of luminance sensors and high-speed data acquisition to resolve the progression of cloud passages across the sensor footprint. An embedded microcontroller acquires the sensor data and uses a cross-correlation algorithm to determine cloud motion vectors. The CSS was validated against an artificial shading test apparatus, an alternative method of cloud motion detection from ground measured irradiance (Linear Cloud Edge, LCE), and a UC San Diego Sky Imager (USI). The CSS detected artificial shadow directions and speeds to within 15 and 6% accuracy, respectively. The CSS detected (real) cloud directions and speeds without average bias and with average weighted root mean square difference of 22° and 1.9 m s−1 when compared to USI and 33° and 1.5 m s−1 when compared to LCE results.
Changes in soil carbon sequestration in Pinus massoniana forests along an urban-to-rural gradient of southern China
Authors: Chen H. , Zhang W. , Gilliam F. , Liu L. , Huang J. , Zhang T. , Wang W. , Mo J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Urbanization is accelerating globally, causing a variety of environmental changes such as increases in air temperature, precipitation, atmospheric CO2, and nitrogen (N) deposition. However, the effects of these changes on forest soil carbon (C) sequestration remain largely unclear. Here, we used urban-to-rural environmental gradients in Guangdong Province, southern China, to address the potential effects of these environmental changes on soil C sequestration in Pinus massoniana forests. In contrast to our expectations and earlier observations, soil C content in urban sites was significantly lower than that in suburban and rural sites. Lower soil C pools in urban sites were correlated with a significant decrease in fine root biomass and a potential increase in soil organic C decomposition. Variation of soil C pools was also a function of change in soil C fractions. Heavy fraction C content in urban sites was significantly lower than that in suburban and rural sites. By contrast, light fraction C content did not vary significantly along the urban-to-rural gradient. Our results suggest that urbanization-induced environmental changes may have a negative effect on forest soil C in the studied region.