bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of biophysical and satellite predictors for wheat yield forecasting in Ukraine
Authors: Kolotii A. , Kussul N. , Shelestov A. , Skakun S. , Yailymov B. , Basarab R. , Lavreniuk M. , Oliinyk T. , Ostapenko V.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Winter wheat crop yield forecasting at national, regional and local scales is an extremely important task. This paper aims at assessing the efficiency (in terms of prediction error minimization) of satellite and biophysical model based predictors assimilation into winter wheat crop yield forecasting models at different scales (region, county and field) for one of the regions in central part of Ukraine. Vegetation index NDVI, as well as different biophysical parameters (LAI and fAPAR) derived from satellite data and WOFOST crop growth model are considered as predictors of winter wheat crop yield forecasting model. Due to very short time series of reliable statistics (since 2000) we consider single factor linear regression. It is shown that biophysical parameters (fAPAR and LAI) are more preferable to be used as predictors in crop yield forecasting regression models at each scale. Correspondent models possess much better statistical properties and are more reliable than NDVI based model. The most accurate result in current study has been obtained for LAI values derived from SPOT-VGT (at 1 km resolution) on county level. At field level, a regression model based on satellite derived LAI significantly outperforms the one based on LAI simulated with WOFOST.
Satellite-based drought monitoring in Kenya in an operational setting
Authors: Klisch A. , Atzberger C. , Luminari L.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna (Austria) in cooperation with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Nairobi (Kenya) has setup an operational processing chain for mapping drought occurrence and strength for the territory of Kenya using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) NDVI at 250 m ground resolution from 2000 onwards. The processing chain employs a modified Whittaker smoother providing consistent NDVI “Mondayimages” in near real-time (NRT) at a 7-daily updating interval. The approach constrains temporally extrapolated NDVI values based on reasonable temporal NDVI paths. Contrary to other competing approaches, the processing chain provides a modelled uncertainty range for each pixel and time step. The uncertainties are calculated by a hindcast analysis of the NRT products against an “optimum” filtering. To detect droughts, the vegetation condition index (VCI) is calculated at pixel level and is spatially aggregated to administrative units. Starting from weekly temporal resolution, the indicator is also aggregated for 1- and 3-monthly intervals considering available uncertainty information. Analysts at NDMA use the spatially/temporally aggregated VCI and basic image products for their monthly bulletins. Based on the provided bio-physical indicators as well as a number of socio-economic indicators, contingency funds are released by NDMA to sustain counties in drought conditions. The paper shows the successful application of the products within NDMA by providing a retrospective analysis applied to droughts in 2006, 2009 and 2011. Some comparisons with alternative products (e.g. FEWS NET, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network) highlight main differences.
Optimization of forest age-dependent light-use efficiency and its implications on climate-vegetation interactions in china
Authors: Li Z. , Zhou T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Forest’s net primary productivity (NPP) is a key index in studying interactions of climate and vegetation, and accurate prediction of NPP is essential to understand the forests’ response to climate change. The magnitude and trends of forest NPP not only depend on climate factors (e.g., temperature and precipitation), but also on the succession stages (i.e., forest stand age). Although forest stand age plays a significant role on NPP, it is usually ignored by remote sensing-based models. In this study, we used remote sensing data and meteorological data to estimate forest NPP in China based on CASA model, and then employed field observations to inversely estimate the parameter of maximum light-use efficiency (εmax) of forests in different stand ages. We further developed functions to describe the relationship between maximum light-use efficiency (εmax) and forest stand age, and estimated forest age-dependent NPP based on these functions. The results showed that εmax has changed according to forest types and the forest stand age. For deciduous broadleaf forest, the average εmax of young, middle-aged and mature forest are 0.68, 0.65 and 0.60 gC MJ-1. For evergreen broadleaf forest, the average εmax of young, middle-aged and mature forests are 1.05, 1.01 and 0.99 gC MJ-1. For evergreen needleleaf forest, the average εmax of young, middle-aged and mature forests are 0.72, 0.57 and 0.52 gC MJ-1.The NPP of young and middle-aged forests were underestimated based on a constant εmax. Young forests and middle-aged forests had higher εmax, and they were more sensitive to trends and fluctuations of climate change, so they led to greater annual fluctuations of NPP. These findings confirm the importance of considering forest stand age to the estimation of NPP and they are significant to study the response of forests to climate change.
Seasonal variation of land cover classification accuracy of Landsat 8 images in Burkina Faso
Authors: Liu J. , Heiskanen J. , Aynekulu E. , Pellikka P. K. E.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. In the seasonal tropics, vegetation shows large reflectance variation because of phenology, which complicates land cover change monitoring. Ideally, multi-temporal images for change monitoring should be from the same season, but availability of cloud-free images is limited in wet season in comparison to dry season. Our aim was to investigate how land cover classification accuracy depends on the season in southern Burkina Faso by analyzing 14 Landsat 8 OLI images from April 2013 to April 2014. Because all the images were acquired within one year, we assumed that most of the observed variation between the images was due to phenology. All the images were cloud masked and atmospherically corrected. Field data was collected from 160 field plots located within a 10 km × 10 km study area between December 2013 and February 2014. The plots were classified to closed forest, open forest and cropland, and used as training and validation data. Random forest classifier was employed for classifications. According to the results, there is a tendency for higher classification accuracy towards the dry season. The highest classification accuracy was provided by an image from December, which corresponds to the dry season and minimum NDVI period. In contrast, an image from October, which corresponds to the wet season and maximum NDVI period provided the lowest accuracy. Furthermore, the multi-temporal classification based on dry and wet season images had higher accuracy than single image classifications, but the improvement was small because seasonal changes affect similarly to the different land cover classes.
A long-term perspective on deforestation rates in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Velasco Gomez M. D. , Beuchle R. , Shimabukuro Y. , Grecchi R. , Simonetti D. , Eva H. D. , Achard F.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Monitoring tropical forest cover is central to biodiversity preservation, terrestrial carbon stocks, essential ecosystem and climate functions, and ultimately, sustainable economic development. The Amazon forest is the Earth’s largest rainforest, and despite intensive studies on current deforestation rates, relatively little is known as to how these compare to historic (pre 1985) deforestation rates. We quantified land cover change between 1975 and 2014 in the so-called Arc of Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon, covering the southern stretch of the Amazon forest and part of the Cerrado biome. We applied a consistent method that made use of data from Landsat sensors: Multispectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Operational Land Imager (OLI). We acquired suitable images from the US Geological Survey (USGS) for five epochs: 1975, 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2014. We then performed land cover analysis for each epoch using a systematic sample of 156 sites, each one covering 10 km × 10 km, located at the confluence point of integer degree latitudes and longitudes. An object-based classification of the images was performed with five land cover classes: tree cover, tree cover mosaic, other wooded land, other land cover, and water. The automatic classification results were corrected by visual interpretation, and, when available, by comparison with higher resolution imagery. Our results show a decrease of forest cover of 24.2% in the last 40 years in the Brazilian Arc of Deforestation, with an average yearly net forest cover change rate of -0.71% for the 39 years considered.
Shadow detection improvement using spectral indices and morphological operators in high resolution images from urban areas
Authors: Azevedo S. C. , Silva E. A. , Pedrosa M. M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. While high-resolution remote sensing images have increased application possibilities for urban studies, the large number of shadow areas has created challenges to processing and extracting information from these images. Furthermore, shadows can reduce or omit information from the surface as well as degrading the visual quality of images. The pixels of shadows tend to have lower radiance response within the spectrum and are often confused with low reflectance targets. In this work, a shadow detection method was proposed using a morphological operator for dark pattern identification combined with spectral indices. The aims are to avoid misclassification in shadow identification through properties provided by them on color models and, therefore, to improve shadow detection accuracy. Experimental results were tested applying the panchromatic and multispectral band of WorldView-2 image from São Paulo city in Brazil, which is a complex urban environment composed by high objects like tall buildings causing large shadow areas. Black top-hat with area injunction was applied in PAN image and shadow identification performance has improved with index as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Saturation-Value Difference Index (NSDVI) ratio from HSV color space obtained from pansharpened multispectral WV-2 image. An increase in distinction between shadows and others objects was observed, which was tested for the completeness, correctness and quality measures computed, using a created manual shadow mask as reference. Therefore, this method can contribute to overcoming difficulties faced by other techniques that need shadow detection as a first necessary preprocessing step, like object recognition, image matching, 3D reconstruction, etc.
Estimation of chlorophyll concentration in maize using spectral reflectance
Authors: Martinez L. J. , Ramos A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The objective of this research was to identify the relationship between chlorophyll contents and spectral measurements in a maize crop. Spectral measurements were taken and the chlorophyll content was determined in leaf samples in a field experiment with different N rates. Analysis of variance showed differences in the chlorophyll content and spectral indices for the treatments and strong correlations between some reflectance indices and chlorophyll content. Due to a relationship between the N and chlorophyll contents, the results proved to be important for making decisions related to the nitrogen supply for crops, which is crucial in agriculture.
Automatic Near-Real-Time Image Processing Chain for Very High Resolution Optical Satellite Data
Authors: Oštir K. , Čotar K. , Marsetič A. , Pehani P. , Perše M. , Zakšek K. , Zaletelj J. , Rodič T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. In response to the increasing need for automatic and fast satellite image processing SPACE-SI has developed and implemented a fully automatic image processing chain STORM that performs all processing steps from sensor-corrected optical images (level 1) to web-delivered map-ready images and products without operator's intervention. Initial development was tailored to high resolution RapidEye images, and all crucial and most challenging parts of the planned full processing chain were developed: module for automatic image orthorectification based on a physical sensor model and supported by the algorithm for automatic detection of ground control points (GCPs); atmospheric correction module, topographic corrections module that combines physical approach with Minnaert method and utilizing anisotropic illumination model; and modules for high level products generation. Various parts of the chain were implemented also for WorldView-2, THEOS, Pleiades, SPOT 6, Landsat 5-8, and PROBA-V. Support of full-frame sensor currently in development by SPACE-SI is in plan. The proposed paper focuses on the adaptation of the STORM processing chain to very high resolution multispectral images. The development concentrated on the sub-module for automatic detection of GCPs. The initially implemented two-step algorithm that worked only with rasterized vector roads and delivered GCPs with sub-pixel accuracy for the RapidEye images, was improved with the introduction of a third step: super-fine positioning of each GCP based on a reference raster chip. The added step exploits the high spatial resolution of the reference raster to improve the final matching results and to achieve pixel accuracy also on very high resolution optical satellite data.
Big Data breaking barriers - first steps on a long trail
Authors: Schade S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Most data sets and streams have a geospatial component. Some people even claim that about 80% of all data is related to location. In the era of Big Data this number might even be underestimated, as data sets interrelate and initially non-spatial data becomes indirectly geo-referenced. The optimal treatment of Big Data thus requires advanced methods and technologies for handling the geospatial aspects in data storage, processing, pattern recognition, prediction, visualisation and exploration. On the one hand, our work exploits earth and environmental sciences for existing interoperability standards, and the foundational data structures, algorithms and software that are required to meet these geospatial information handling tasks. On the other hand, we are concerned with the arising needs to combine human analysis capacities (intelligence augmentation) with machine power (artificial intelligence). This paper provides an overview of the emerging landscape and outlines our (Digital Earth) vision for addressing the upcoming issues. We particularly request the projection and re-use of the existing environmental, earth observation and remote sensing expertise in other sectors, i.e. to break the barriers of all of these silos by investigating integrated applications.
Harmonisation Initiatives of Copernicus Data Quality Control
Authors: Vescovi F. D. , Lankester T. , Coleman E. , Ottavianelli G.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The Copernicus Space Component Data Access system (CSCDA) incorporates data contributions from a wide range of satellite missions. Through EO data handling and distribution, CSCDA serves a set of Copernicus Services related to Land, Marine and Atmosphere Monitoring, Emergency Management and Security and Climate Change. The quality of the delivered EO products is the responsibility of each contributing mission, and the Copernicus data Quality Control (CQC) service supports and complements such data quality control activities. The mission of the CQC is to provide a service of quality assessment on the provided imagery, to support the investigation related to product quality anomalies, and to guarantee harmonisation and traceability of the quality information. In terms of product quality control, the CQC carries out analysis of representative sample products for each contributing mission as well as coordinating data quality investigation related to issues found or raised by Copernicus users. Results from the product analysis are systematically collected and the derived quality reports stored in a searchable database. The CQC service can be seen as a privileged focal point with unique comparison capacities over the data providers. The comparison among products from different missions suggests the need for a strong, common effort of harmonisation. Technical terms, definitions, metadata, file formats, processing levels, algorithms, cal/val procedures etc. are far from being homogeneous, and this may generate inconsistencies and confusion among users of EO data. The CSCDA CQC team plays a significant role in promoting harmonisation initiatives across the numerous contributing missions, so that a common effort can achieve optimal complementarity and compatibility among the EO data from multiple data providers. This effort is done in coordination with important initiatives already working towards these goals (e.g. INSPIRE directive, CEOS initiatives, OGC standards, QA4EO etc.). This paper describes the main actions being undertaken by CQC to encourage harmonisation among space-based EO systems currently in service.
Automated mapping of burned areas in semi-arid ecosystems using modis time-series imagery
Authors: Hardtke L. A. , Blanco P. D. , del Valle H. F. , Metternicht G. I. , Sione W. F.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Understanding spatial and temporal patterns of burned areas at regional scales, provides a long-term perspective of fire processes and its effects on ecosystems and vegetation recovery patterns, and it is a key factor to design prevention and post-fire restoration plans and strategies. Standard satellite burned area and active fire products derived from the 500-m MODIS and SPOT are avail - able to this end. However, prior research caution on the use of these global-scale products for regional and sub-regional applica - tions. Consequently, we propose a novel algorithm for automated identification and mapping of burned areas at regional scale in semi-arid shrublands. The algorithm uses a set of the Normalized Burned Ratio Index products derived from MODIS time series; using a two-phased cycle, it firstly detects potentially burned pixels while keeping a low commission error (false detection of burned areas), and subsequently labels them as seed patches. Region growing image segmentation algorithms are applied to the seed patches in the second-phase, to define the perimeter of fire affected areas while decreasing omission errors (missing real burned areas). Independently-derived Landsat ETM+ burned-area reference data was used for validation purposes. The correlation between the size of burnt areas detected by the global fire products and independently-derived Landsat reference data ranged from R2 = 0.01 - 0.28, while our algorithm performed showed a stronger correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.96). Our findings confirm prior research calling for caution when using the global fire products locally or regionally.
Jamuna River Erosional Hazards, Accretion & Annual Water Discharge – A Remote Sensing & Gis Approach
Authors: Pahlowan E.U. , Hossain A.T.M. S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This paper presents the results of some of the Jamuna River erosional hazards from Bahadurabad Ghat to Bhuapur (near Jamuna Bridge). Results are also presented on the Jamuna River accretion and water discharge. Landsat images from 1977 to 2014 and water discharge data were analysed to find out a relationship between dynamics of erosion and accretion for different time intervals with average annual water discharge. It is clearly established that total amount of erosion and accretion rates varies with different times. The highest erosion rate 21.15 km2 year-1 was observed in the period of 1989-1992 and the highest accretion rate 13.57 km2 year-1 was observed in the period of 1980-1989. The erosion and accretion values fluctuated with increasing average annual maximum water discharge but the difference between erosion and accretion had remained low before water discharge reached to 67000 m3s-1 and it is estimated higher after crossing annual average maximum water discharge of 67000 m3s-1. This discharge value also plays an important role on bar development and active channel. It is also observed that unvegetated bar areas remained higher than active channel areas before average annual maximum water discharge reached to 67000 m3s-1. Finally, all the erosional hazards and accretion values are compared and evaluated to see their influence on the annual discharge.
Global Human Settlement Analysis for Disaster Risk Reduction
Authors: Pesaresi M. , Ehrlich D. , Ferri S. , Florczyk A. , Freire S. , Haag F. , Halkia M. , Julea A. M. , Kemper T. , Soille P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL) is supported by the European Commission, Joint Research Center (JRC) in the frame of his institutional research activities. Scope of GHSL is developing, testing and applying the technologies and analysis methods integrated in the JRC Global Human Settlement analysis platform for applications in support to global disaster risk reduction initiatives (DRR) and regional analysis in the frame of the European Cohesion policy. GHSL analysis platform uses geo-spatial data, primarily remotely sensed and population. GHSL also cooperates with the Group on Earth Observation on SB-04-Global Urban Observation and Information, and various international partners andWorld Bank and United Nations agencies. Some preliminary results integrating global human settlement information extracted from Landsat data records of the last 40 years and population data are presented.
MARITIME PRODUCTS USING TERRASAR-X and SENTINEL-1 IMAGERY
Authors: Lehner S. , Tings B.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. High resolution remote sensing Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from TerraSAR-X/Tandem-X satellites are used to determine and monitor the sea surface in near real time and all weather and illumination conditions. The radar backscatter of the sea surface is determined by the sea surface roughness caused by the wind field and the sea state. These meteo parameters are modelled by the newly developed algorithms XMOD and XWAVE relating the wind field and sea state, depending on incidence angle and directionality to the radar backscatter sigma0. The TerraSAR-X Modes Stripmap, Scan SAR and Scan SAR Wide are used together with Sentinel and RADARSAT data to detect ships, oil spills and icebergs. The detectability depending on the background conditions is discussed. Several examples from near real time campaigns performed together with users are given.
Synonymy of two species of Bipolaris from aquatic crops of Poaceae
Authors: Xiao Zi-Lan , Hyde Kevin D. , Zhang Jing-Ze
Published: April 2015

Our morphological data indicate that conidia of Bipolaris zizaniae (a pathogen causing brown spot on leaves of Zizania latifolia) are similar to those of B. oryzae. Our sequences of the rDNA ITS, GPDH, and EF1-α gene regions from B. zizaniae and blast
searches revealed a 99–100% similarity with sequences of B. oryzae. Phylogenetic studies also cluster B. zizaniae isolates with B. oryzae in a clade with 100% bootstrap support. Pathogenicity testing also confirmed that B. zizaniae does infect both Zizania
latifolia and rice, causing brown spots.
Dentipellicula austroafricana sp. nov. supported by morphological and phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Chen Jia-Jia , Shen Lu-Lu , Dai Yu-Cheng
Published: April 2015

Dentipellicula austroafricana sp. nov. is described and illustrated from South Africa based on morphological characters and rDNA sequence data. It is characterized by an annual growth habit, resupinate basidiocarps, dense soft spines, a monomitic hyphal structure with non-amyloid,
non-dextrinoid and acyanophilous generative hyphae, absence of cystidia, presence of cystidioles, and tiny rough basidiospores (2.4–2.9 × 2–2.2 μm). A molecular study based on the combined ITS (internal transcribed spacer region) and nLSU (the large nuclear ribosomal RNA
subunit) dataset supports the new species in Dentipellicula. A key to accepted species of Dentipellicula is provided.
A new species of Lophodermium with variously branched paraphyses
Authors: Gu Hai-Lin , Xu Ya-Fei , Lu Dan-Dan , Wang Shi-Juan , Lin Ying-Ren
Published: April 2015

Lophodermium heterocladum, a new fungus developing on leaves of Rhododendron cavaleriei, was collected from the Mount Sanqingshan National Park of Jiangxi Province, China. Description, illustration, and comments are provided for this taxon. The type collection is deposited
in the Reference Collection of Forest Fungi of Anhui Agricultural University, China (AAUF).
Morchella galilaea, an autumn species from Turkey
Authors: Taşkin Hatira , Doğan Hasan Hüseyin , Büyükalaca Saadet
Published: April 2015

Morchella specimens collected during the autumn seasons of 2009–12 from Adana Province, Turkey, have been identified by DNA sequencing as representatives of Morchella galilaea. The macro- and micromorphology, phylogeny, ecology, and fruiting phenology of the Turkish
material are evaluated.
Three new species of Xylaria from China
Authors: Huang Gu , Wang Ruisha , Guo Lin , Liu Na
Published: April 2015

Three new species, Xylaria semiglobosa, X. sphaerica, and X. jiangsuensis, are described. They were discovered in Yunnan, Hainan, and Jiangsu Provinces in China.
Anungitea guangxiensis and Ellisembia longchiensis, two new species from southern China
Authors: Xia Ji-Wen , Ma Ying-Rui , Zhang Xiu-Guo
Published: April 2015

Two new hyphomycete species, Anungitea guangxiensis and Ellisembia longchiensis, are described and illustrated from specimens collected on dead branches in southern China. Anungitea guangxiensis is characterized by conidiogenous cells that are polyblastic, integrated,
terminal, smooth, and denticulate (with cylindrical denticles) and conidia produced in acropetal chains. Ellisembia longchiensis is characterized by distinct, single, unbranched, erect conidiophores, monoblastic conidiogenous cells, and distoseptate conidia that have a small, globose,
mucilaginous apical sheath.
Fistulina subhepatica sp. nov. from China inferred from morphological and sequence analyses
Authors: Song Jie , Han Mei-Ling , Cui Bao-Kai
Published: April 2015

Fistulina subhepatica sp. nov. is described from Yunnan Province, southwestern China. The main characters of F. subhepatica are its pileate basidiomata with rose to reddish brown pileal surface and white pore surface, individual and easily separable pores (6–9 per
mm), a monomitic hyphal structure with clamped generative hyphae, and ellipsoid basidiospores (4–6 × 3–4 μm). Phylogenetic analysis inferred from the combined ITS (internal transcribed spacer region) and nLSU (the nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA) dataset support F.
subhepatica as a distinct new species in Fistulina.
Negotiating risk and potential: What role can positive risk taking play in promoting excellent, inclusive partnerships?
Authors: Seale Jane
Published: April 2015

The focus of this paper is the role that parents, teachers and other support workers play in
supporting people with learning disabilities to learn, develop and reach their full potential
and the extent to which an approach called positive risk-taking might be a useful one for them
to adopt. At the heart of positive-risk-taking is the concept of shared-decision-making which
involves a partnership between people with learning disabilities and all those who support them.
In discussing positive risk-taking and shared decision-making, this paper will consider the extent
to which these approaches are relevant or appropriate in Qatari social and educational contexts.
Bringing big ideas in math to small children: math circles and other enrichment activities for elementary school students and teachers
Authors: Mast Maura B.
Published: April 2015

In this talk we give a brief overview of innate mathematical knowledge and ability for children
entering formal schooling and discuss the role of curriculum in continuing the development of
mathematical thinking in children. We discuss the distinction between doing mathematical tasks
and doing mathematics and the use of mathematics enrichment to support students in learning
and doing mathematics. We then describe math circles and discuss how these can serve to
introduce deep mathematics to elementary-school children and their teachers.
جودة الحياة وعلاقتها بالاحتياجات التدريبية لدى طلاب قسم التربية الخاصة المعلمين بجامعة الملك فيصل
Authors: Ragab Elsayed Ahmed
Published: April 2015

This study aimed to detect the relationship between quality of life and training needs for student teachers at the Department of Education King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. It also aimed at detecting the differences between male and female students in each of their quality of life and training needs. The main study sample consisted of 124 male and female students who are implementing the educational process in the department of Special Education at King Faisal University; to those, both measurements of the quality of life and training needs were applied (prepared by researcher).

The results of the study resulted in the presence of a statistically significant correlation between the scores of students, in the study sample, on the quality of life scale and their scores on scale of the training needs. The results also led to statistically significant differences between the mean scores of students on the quality of life scale for the benefit of female students. In addition, there no statistically significant differences between the mean scores of male & female students with respect to training needs. Accordingly, the study recommended the need to work to meet these training needs; thereby contributing to improve the quality of life of the students, and their level of academic achievement.
نموذج مقترح لمناهج رياض الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية من وجهة نظر معلماتهم: دراسة نوعية
Authors: Al-Zboon Eman
Published: April 2015

نتيجة للغموض الذي يكتنف مجال مناهج رياض الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية؛ ونتيجة لقلة الدراسات ذات العلاقة، وخصوصًا في ظل الاهتمام الحديث في الدول العربية بتكييف وتطوير مناهج الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية، فقد تطور لدى الباحثة دافع لبناء نموذج مقترح لهذه المناهج من وجهة نظر معلمات رياض الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية. ومن العوامل التي حثت الباحثة على تناول هذا الموضوع خبرتها في مجال مناهج الطفولة المبكرة، كونها كانت تعمل كرئيس قسم مناهج الطفولة المبكرة في وزارة التربية والتعليم. إضافة إلى شكوى مديرات ومعلمات رياض الأطفال، والتي تعكس شعورًا بعدم الرضا عن المناهج المطبقة حاليًا في رياض الأطفال والتي هي معدِّة أصلًا للأطفال من غير ذوي الإعاقة، ولذلك انبثقت فكرة الدراسة الحالية والتي تهدف إلى بناء نموذج مقترح لمناهج رياض الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية من وجهة نظر معلماتهم. تكوّنت عينة الدراسة من جميع معلمات رياض الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية في محافظتي العاصمة والزرقاء في الأردنّ (14 معلمة). ولجمع البيانات، استخدمت الباحثة المنهجية النوعية باستخدام المقابلة شبه المقننة (كما وصفت من قبل كفاليز (Kvales (1996)، ثم أجري تحليل النتائج باستخدام أسلوب تحليل المحتوى (وذلك باتباع الخطوات التي ذكرها هولاوي وتودرز ((Holloway, Todres (2006. وأشارت النتائج إلى أن ضرورة أن تتكون مناهج رياض الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية من الأجزاء الآتية: كتب الطفل المتضمنة لغة الإشارة، وهي: كتب اللّغة العربيّة, واللّغة الإنجليزية, والحساب، وكراسة الخط. وكتب المعلمة، وهي: دليل معلم الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية، والكتاب المرجعي الخاص بمعلمات الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية، والمواد المرافقة، وهي: بطاقات الحروف المتضمنة أبجدية الاصابع، وبطاقات الصور، وبطاقات الكلمات المترافقة مع لغة الإشارة، واللوحات التعليمية، والأقراص المدمجة متعددة الوسائط. كما أشارت المعلمات إلى ضرورة تطوير وثيقة للنتاجات العامة والخاصة لرياض الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية تغطي النتاجات التي لا يشملها منهاج الأطفال من غير ذوي الإعاقة، بحيث يتبع تقسيم هذه النتاجات بناءًا على مجالات النمو، ومجالات إضافية أخرى؛ مثل: التدريب السمعي، التدريب النطقي والتنفسي، ولغة الإشارة، وأبجدية الاصابع. وأن تشمل هذه الوثيقة على إرشادات عامة للتعامل معهم، وجود عينات درسية توضح كيفية تطبيق التدريس اليومي. وأشارت النتائج إلى مجموعة من المواصفات التي يجب ان تتمتع بها مناهج الأطفال ذوي الإعاقة السمعية، والتي تتعلق بالمحتوى، والإخراج العام. وأهم هذه المواصفات ترتيب الأحرف بحسب سهولة المخرج (كإتباع الترتيب الآتي: (ا، و، ي) ثم (ب، ت، م، ل، ط، ف، د، ن، ض، ث، ك، هـ، س، ح، ص، ع، ج، ش، ق، خ، ذ، ظ، ر،غ، ز)، وإستخدام صور وكلمات وظيفية من من حياة الطفل اليومية لمساعدته في التواصل وتعميم التعلم (مثل بابا، بيت، ماما، نام..). كما أشارت المعلمات إلى ضرورة وضع تمارين متعددة للاستعداد والتهيئة والمفاهيم (المكان، الزمان، الحجم، المسافة..)، وتخفيف عدد التمارين والتدريبات في الصفحة الواحدة، وتخصيص أماكن ليكتب فيها الطفل ويعبر عن نفسه، وإضافة جمل وظيفية يستخدمها في حياته، تتعلق بمفاهيم المكان، والمشاعر والحاجات وموجودات البيئة مثل: اسمي علي، أنا حزين، أريد ماء، أنا في البيت. كما أكدت المعلمات إلى ضرورة إضافة ألوان وصور مشوقة لإخراج الكتاب بطريقة ممتعة ومشوقة وجذابة، ووضع جدول زمني ملائم (إذ إن الأطفال ذوي لاعاقة السمعية يحتاجون إلى وقت أطول لتعلم المهارات والمفاهيم التي فاتتهم). وقد أوصت الدراسة بعدد من التوصيات بناءً على نتائج الدراسة
The carotenoid content in certain plants from Abisko National Park (Swedish Lapland)
Authors: Czeczuga B.
Published: April 2015

By means of columnar and thin-layer chromatography, the presence of carotenoids in Lichens (2 species), Sphagnaceae (l species), Lycopodiaceae (l species) and in 23 species of the higher plants from Abisko National Park (Swedish Lapland) was studied. 34 carotenoids were identified and total content ranged from 0.05 mg/g to 0.85 mg/g dry mass.
Fungi occurring in forests injured by air pollutants in the Upper Silesia and Cracow Industrial Regions of Poland. VI. Higher fungi colonizing the roots of trees in converted forest stands
Authors: Domański S.
Published: April 2015

The most important fungi found in roots of diseased, and almost or recently dead trees are described. The plots studied were situated in 6-15 year old stands of tree species more resistant to industrial air pollutants than the Scots pine which they replaced. The studies were carried out in 6 variants in forests strongly and moderately injured or not affected by industrial emissions.
Analysis of the variability of nine natural Anthyllis vulneraria s. l. populations. Part II. Biometry of flowers
Authors: Łukaszewska K. , Szweykowska J. , Kaczmarek Z.
Published: April 2015

Variation of 1l vegetative traits has been studied in 9 natural populations of Anthyllis vulneraria. The analysis was performed in the field and then, for the second time, on samples of these populations grown in experimental garden in similar conditions. Three genetically different groups has been discovered: l - populations from the Tatra Mountains, 2 - from the Central Poland and Sudetes, 3 - from the Baltic Sea Coast.
Photosynthesis rate in moss leaves of various anatomical structure
Authors: Krupa Jan
Published: April 2015

On the basis of measurements of the rate of gas exchange in the leaves of mosses the value of the compensation and of the light saturation of photosynthesis points was determined. These points differentiate mosses into photo- and sciophilous ones.Moss species such as: Mnium punctatum, Catherinea undulata, Polytrichum juniperinum, Funaria hygrometrica, Polytrichum piliferum, Aloina rigida were also classified according to differences in the anatomical structure of their leaves. The morphological characters of the anatomical structure of leaves and their chlorophyll content are connected with photosynthetic activity. There is a correlation between the leaf surface and the degree of differentiation of the anatomical structure. This results in an enlargement of the contact surface of the cells assimilating from the air, and this in turn is associated with an increase in the photosynthetic activity per leaf surface area unit.
Size correlations among cambial initials and their derivatives in Polyalthia longifolia Thw.
Authors: Sharma D. D. , Sharma H. K. , Paliwal G. S.
Published: April 2015

The length and breadth of the cambial initials and their derivatives have been examined in Polyalthia longifolia, a tropical tree possessing non-storied cambium. Taking the average size of the initials and the elements originating from them, most of the sieve-tube elements have been found to be slightly shorter in length than the fusiform initials. On the other hand, a few of these are still shorter - almost half of the fusiform initials, due to transverse or somewhat oblique divisions in the sieve element mother cells. The vessel elements are slightly shorter but 5-6 times wider than the fusiform initials. The parenchyma strands, in phloem comprising cells storing starch or tannin (pps), in xylem accumulating starch only (ssps), are more or less equal to fusiform initials indicating that the xylem and phloem mother cells forming parenchyma cells have not undergone any major change except for transverse divisions. The individual vessel-associated parenchyma cells (v.a.p. cells) are wider but much shorter in length as compared to the starch-storing parenchyma cells (s.s.p. cells) indicating that more transverse divisions have occured in the strands of the former than those of the latter. Among all the cambial derivatives, the fibers exhibit maximum increase in length, due to intrusive growth. The ray parenchyma cells are slightly longer than the ray initials possibly due to the elongation of these initials during their transformation into vascular ray cells.
Phenolic acids of native species of the Rosa L. genus in Poland
Authors: Krzaczek W. , Krzaczek T.
Published: April 2015

Phenolic acids were identified in the leaves of 23 species of native roses and their quantitative proportions were determined by the method of two-dimensional paper chromatography. The common occurrence of ellagic and gallic acid in roses was confirmed and so was the regular presence of protocatechuic, caffeic, gentisic, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-hydroxyphenylacetic, p-cumaric, syringic, vanillic, ferulic and salicylic acids. A small amount of isoferulic acid was noted only in Rosa gizellae Borb. and R. eglanteria L. var. comosa (Ripart) Du Mortier. Homoprotocatechuic acid was revealed only in the species of the Rosa rubiginosa and Rosa tomentosa groups from the Caninae section. The taxonomically limited occurrence of some phenolic acids points to the systematic differentiating value of the latter within one genus.
Validation of Multiple Whole Slide Imaging Scanners Based on the Guideline From the College of American Pathologists Pathology and Laboratory Quality Center
Authors: Thrall Michael J. , Wimmer Jana L. , Schwartz Mary R.
Published: April 2015

Context

Whole slide imaging (WSI) produces a virtual image that can be transmitted electronically. This technology has clinical applications in situations in which glass slides are not readily available.

Objective

To examine the results of a validation study performed using the draft version of the WSI clinical validation guideline recently released by the College of American Pathologists.

Design

Ten iScan Coreo Au scanners (Ventana Medical Systems, Tucson, Arizona) were validated, 6 with one set of 100 cases and 4 with a different set of 100 cases, for 1000 case examinations. The cases were selected consecutively from the following case types: internal consultations and malignancies and cases with frozen sections, special stains, and/or immunohistochemistry. Only key slides were scanned from each case. The slides were scanned at ×20 magnification. Pathologists reviewed the cases as both glass slides and WSI, with at least a 3-week washout period between viewings.

Results

Intraobserver agreement between glass slides and WSI was present for 786 (79%) of the 1000 cases. Major discrepancies occurred in 18 cases (1.8%). κ statistics compiled for the subset of cases (n = 504; 50%) with concern for neoplasia showed excellent agreement (κ = 0.8782). Individual scanners performed similarly to one another. Analysis of the results revealed an area of concern: small focal findings.

Conclusions

The results were felt to validate the use of WSI for the intended applications in our multiinstitutional laboratory system, although scans at ×20 magnification may be insufficient for cases hinging on small focal findings, such as microorganisms and inflammatory processes.
Genomic Profiling of Advanced-Stage, Metaplastic Breast Carcinoma by Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals Frequent, Targetable Genomic Abnormalities and Potential New Treatment Options
Authors: Ross Jeffrey S. , Badve Sunil , Wang Kai , Sheehan Christine E. , Boguniewicz Ann B. , Otto Geoff A. , Yelensky Roman , Lipson Doron , Ali Siraj , Morosini Deborah , Chliemlecki Juliann , Elvin Julia A. , Miller Vincent A. , Stephens Philip J.
Published: April 2015

Context

Metastatic metaplastic breast carcinoma (MPBC) is an uncommon, but aggressive, tumor resistant to conventional chemotherapy.

Objective

To learn whether next-generation sequencing could identify potential targets of therapy for patients with relapsed and metastatic MPBC.

Design

Hybridization capture of 3769 exons from 236 cancer-related genes and 47 introns of 19 genes commonly rearranged in cancer was applied to a minimum of 50 ng of DNA extracted from 20 MPBC formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens and sequenced to high uniform coverage.

Results

The 20 patients with MPBC had a median age of 62 years (range, 42–86 years). There were 9 squamous (45%), 9 chondroid (45%), and 2 spindle cell (10%) MPBCs, all of which were high grade. Ninety-three genomic alterations were identified, (range, 1–11) with 19 of the 20 cases (95%) harboring an alteration that could potentially lead to a targeted treatment option. The most-common alterations were in TP53 (n = 69; 75%), PIK3CA (n = 37; 40%), MYC (n = 28; 30%), MLL2 (n = 28; 30%), PTEN (n = 23; 25%), CDKN2A/B (n = 19; 20%), CCND3 (n = 14; 15%), CCNE1 (n = 9; 10%), EGFR (n = 9; 10%), and KDM6A (n = 9; 10%); AKT3, CCND1, CCND2, CDK4, FBXW7, FGFR1, HRAS, NF1, PIK3R1, and SRC were each altered in a single case. All 16 MPBCs (100%) that were negative for ERBB2 (HER2) overexpression by immunohistochemistry and/or ERBB2 (HER2) amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization were also uniformly (100%) negative for ERBB2 amplification by next-generation sequencing–based copy-number assessment.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that genomic profiling using next-generation sequencing can identify clinically meaningful alterations that have the potential to guide targeted treatment decisions in most patients with metastatic MPBC.
Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma: The Current Status of Pathology and Genetics
Authors: Thway Khin , Fisher Cyril
Published: April 2015

Context

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm of intermediate biologic potential and uncertain differentiation, most often arising in the superficial extremities of children and young adults. While it has characteristic histologic features of nodular distributions of ovoid and spindle cells with blood-filled cystic cavities and a surrounding dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate, there is a significant morphologic spectrum, which coupled with its rarity and lack of specific immunoprofile can make diagnosis challenging. Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma is associated with 3 characteristic gene fusions, EWSR1-CREB1 and EWSR1-ATF1, which are also described in other neoplasms, and rarely FUS-ATF1. Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma is now recognized at an increasing number of sites and is known to display a variety of unusual histologic features.

Objective

To review the current status of AFH, discussing putative etiology, histopathology with variant morphology and differential diagnosis, and current genetics, including overlap with other tumors harboring EWSR1-CREB1 and EWSR1-ATF1 fusions.

Data Sources

Review of published literature, including case series, case reports, and review articles, in online medical databases.

Conclusions

The occurrence of AFH at several unusual anatomic sites and its spectrum of morphologic patterns can result in significant diagnostic difficulty, and correct diagnosis is particularly important because of its small risk of metastasis and death. This highlights the importance of diagnostic recognition, ancillary molecular genetic confirmation, and close clinical follow-up of patients with AFH. Further insight into the genetic and epigenetic changes arising secondary to the characteristic gene fusions of AFH will be integral to understanding its tumorigenic mechanisms.
Rincon González, D. y Manchón González, R. (Coords.), El maestro Juan de Ávila (1500?-1569), un exponente del humanismo reformista
Authors: Cruz Lendinez Francisco Javier
Published: April 2015

Reseña
Fichte y la deducción del tiempo en la wlnm-k (1798)
Authors: Carrasco Conde Ana
Published: April 2015

Según Fichte, Kant se había limitado a considerar que lo inteligible ordenaba lo sensible, cuando en realidad no lo ordena, sino que lo produce a través de una actividad que no puede ser entendida en ningún caso como creación, sino como un proceder genético-trascendental fundado en el querer. De esta forma el Yo no crea el tiempo, ni se encuentra con él como condición de posibilidad de lo sensible, sino que es deducido en un movimiento generado por la voluntad, esto es, por el querer mismo del Yo. La presente propuesta tratará de analizar, siguiendo la Doctrina de la ciencia nova methodo de 1798, la relación existente entre el querer que se encuentra como fundamento de la actividad del Yo y una deducción del tiempo que trata de apartarse de los planteamientos kantianos.
El principio «exeundum esse e statu naturali». Su formulación en Hobbes y su desarrollo en la filosofía alemana clásica
Authors: Bergés Tarilonte Alfredo
Published: April 2015

El principio «exeundum esse e statu naturali» lo desarrollan de forma consistente los filósofos que conciben el Derecho, en palabras de Hegel, como «existencia de la voluntad libre» (Dasein des freien Willens). Hobbes  formula este principio como un imperativo hipotético en el marco del contractualismo. En Kant, este principio adquiere la forma de un imperativo categórico que conduce a la fundamentación de estructuras inmanentes de la razón más allá de la esfera del contractualismo. Hegel ya no deriva este principio de una ficción contractualista, sino de la dinámica interna de formas históricas de realización de la libertad: «exeundum esse» es para él el principio que subyace al tránsito de la sociedad civil al «Estado ético».
Sobre la relación entre los «usos sociales» y las «creencias» en los últimos años de Ortega
Authors: Monfort Prades Juan Manuel
Published: April 2015

No cabe duda de que tanto el concepto de uso como el de creencia ocupan lugares muy destacados en la filosofía de Ortega. En un principio cada uno responde a diferentes inquietudes del madrileño, ya que si la creencia está vinculada principalmente a la percepción de la realidad, el de uso es la clave de toda la sociología de Ortega. Ello haría pensar que se tratan de conceptos relacionados con ámbitos diferentes entre los que no cabría establecer conexión ninguna. Ahora bien, existen autores que los identifican y autores que insisten en la confusión que ello supone. Este escrito intenta arrojar un poco de luz a esa problemática.