bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Creativity and Social Innovation to Create Social Value and Change
Authors: Fields Ziska
Published: August 2015

Social challenges are numerous, complex, urgent and multidisciplinary in nature. The old ways of looking for solutions to social problems like unemployment, climate change, an ageing population, poverty, supply of clean water, chronic disease and so on, do not offer sustainable solutions and global implementation. Societies can also no longer hold governments responsible to find solutions to all these social problems only. Social innovation is needed and seeks new answers to social problems by identifying and delivering new services that improve the quality of life of individuals and communities. The main aim of this chapter is to create awareness of social innovation as an emerging field. This chapter explain what social creativity and innovation are and explains the creative and innovative processes. Barriers and support for social innovation are also discussed.
The Social Economy and Role of Government in South Africa
Authors: Okeke-Uzodike O. E. , Subban Mogie
Published: August 2015

Social economy, as a relatively new concept, is considered the ‘third sector' of the economy in government discourse. It plays significant roles in socio-economic and political spheres of any nation. Emphasis on social economy has been as a result of the global recession which caused economic depression in several countries all over the world. In South Africa, the impact of the economic recession has reflected mostly in increased unemployment and poverty levels resulting in maximization of discrepancies between the rich and poor with inequalities, creating disenabling environments for foreign investments. These social problems have called for an examination of the role of the social economy in liberating the South African economy from its current dire state. This chapter on tracing the developmental agenda of the South African government, will examine how the social economy has fed into the National Development Plan and the impact of implementation of government policies and regulatory frameworks to ensure achievement of various national imperatives aligned to the Millennium Development Goals in the context of the social economy. The authors state that whilst there is a growing trend towards the social economy in the current context of government, multi-faceted effects of poverty needs to be targeted through robust entrepreneurial opportunities for growth and development of the economy.
Exploring Social Entrepreneurship for the Creation of Sustainable Livelihoods in South Africa
Authors: Pillay Gnanam , Kaye Sylvia
Published: August 2015

Although social entrepreneurship has grown rapidly in developed and many developing countries around the world, it is still in its infancy in South Africa. To date, there is limited research available about social entrepreneurship in South Africa. While there are many reasons for its slow development in this country, a significant reason is the poor understanding of the concept, which would preclude investment in programmes, policies and research. This chapter presents an overview of South African issues and analyses how social entrepreneurial development can address some of the problems and issues. The more pressing problems include extreme inequality, high poverty levels and unemployment, a weak Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector, fragmented communities and an economic system that needs to strengthen both social and economic development. The chapter presents the model developed as a result of research that contextualizes social entrepreneurial development for a South African market.
Emerging Adults' Coping Strategies
Authors: Wright Michelle F.
Published: August 2015

The present study examined coping strategies for cyber victimization among 270 (130 women) emerging adults, and how these strategies related to cyber aggression one year later (Time 2). The most frequently utilized coping strategies among emerging adults were telling one's friends and ignoring the aggressor. The coping strategies of telling no one, getting revenge against the aggressor, pretending it didn't happen, waiting for the aggressor to stop, and crying were related to cyber victimization one year later. Blocking the aggressor and getting revenge against the aggressor were associated with Time 2 cyber aggression perpetration. Tell my friends related negatively to their involvement in cyber aggression. This research has implications for interventions aimed at reducing these behaviors among emerging adults.
“A Large Can of Worms”
Authors: Betts Lucy R. , Spenser Karin A.
Published: August 2015

Digital technology use is increasingly impacting on the lives of young people. To gain a deeper understanding of the perceived impact of young people's digital technology use, 2 focus groups were conducted with 14 teachers recruited from 2 schools. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The analysis revealed three themes: changing social dynamics, risk and (ir)responsible behaviour, and disclosure and reporting of cyber bullying. Participants discussed how digital technology was shaping young people's social identity and impacting on established norms when interacting in the social arena. A number of benefits were attributed to technology use but participants also recognised young people's naivety and tendency to anthropomorphise the internet. Finally, there was a perception that young people underreported their experiences of cyber bullying and some of the challenges faced when tackling cyber bullying were discussed.
Assessing Treatment Response through Generalized Pharmacokinetic Modeling of DCE-MRI Data
Authors: Kontopodis Eleftherios , Kanli Georgia , Manikis Georgios C. , Van Cauter Sofie , Marias Kostas
Published: August 2015

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) enables the quantification of contrast leakage from the vascular tissue by using pharmacokinetic (PK) models. Such quantitative analysis of DCE-MRI data provides physiological parameters that are able to provide information of tumor pathophysiology and therapeutic outcome. Several assumptive PK models have been proposed to characterize microcirculation in the tumoral tissue. In this paper, we present a comparative study between the well-known extended Tofts model (ETM) and the more recent gamma capillary transit time (GCTT) model, with the latter showing initial promising results in the literature. To enhance the GCTT imaging biomarkers, we introduce a novel method for segmenting the tumor area into subregions according to their vascular heterogeneity characteristics. A cohort of 11 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme with known therapeutic outcome was used to assess the predictive value of both models in terms of correctly classifying responders and nonresponders based on only one DCE-MRI examination. The results indicate that GCTT model's PK parameters perform better than those of ETM, while the segmentation of the tumor regions of interest based on vascular heterogeneity further enhances the discriminatory power of the GCTT model.
The Kora Pacemaker is Safe and Effective for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Savouré Arnaud , Mechulan Alexis , Burban Marc , Olivier Audrey , Lazarus Arnaud
Published: August 2015

Background

The impact of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on pacemakers is potentially hazardous. We present clinical results from a novel MRI conditional pacing system with the capability to switch automatically to asynchronous mode in the presence of a strong magnetic field.

Aims

The IKONE ( Assessment of the MRI solution: KORA 100™ and Beflex™ pacing leads system) study is an open-label, prospective, multicenter study aimed at confirming the safety and effectiveness of the system, when used in patients undergoing MRI of anatomical regions excluding the chest.

Methods

Primary eligibility criteria included patients implanted with the system, with or without a clinically indicated MRI. The primary endpoint was to confirm no significant change in pacing capture thresholds at 1 month after an MRI, with an absolute difference of ≤0.75 V between the pre- and 1-month post-MRI for both atrial and ventricular capture thresholds.

Results

Out of 33 patients enrolled (mean age: 72.8 ± 11.4 years, 70% male, implant indication or device), 29 patients implanted with the MRI conditional system underwent an MRI 6-8 week postimplant. The study reached its primary endpoint: the mean absolute difference in pacing capture threshold at 1-month post-MRI versus pre-MRI was less than 0.75 V in the atrium (Δ = 0.18 ± 0.16 V, P-value <0.001) and in the ventricle (Δ = 0.18 ± 0.22 V, P-value <0.001). There were no adverse events related to the MRI procedure nor were there reports of patient symptoms or discomfort associated. MR image quality was of diagnostic quality in all patients.

Conclusion

Lead electrical performance as measured by difference in capture thresholds were not impacted by MRI. This first clinical evaluation of a novel MRI conditional system demonstrates it is safe and effective for use in out-of-chest, 1.5-T MR imaging.
Seasonality of ultrafine and sub-micron aerosols and the inferences on particle formation processes
Authors: Cheung H. C. , Chou C. C.-K. , Chen M.-J. , Huang W.-R. , Huang S.-H. , Tsai C.-Y. , Lee C. S.-L.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The aim of this study is to investigate the seasonal variations in the physicochemical properties of atmospheric ultrafine particles (UFPs, d ≤ 100nm) and submicron particles (PM1, d ≤ 1 μm) in an East-Asian urban area, which are hypothesized to be affected by the interchange of summer and winter monsoons. An observation experiment was conducted at the TARO, an urban aerosol station in Taipei, Taiwan, from October 2012 to August 2013. The measurements included the mass concentration and chemical composition of UFPs and PM1, as well as the particle number concentration (PNC) and size distribution (PSD) with size range of 4–736 nm. The results indicate that the mass concentration of PM1 was elevated during cold seasons with peak level of 18.5 μg m-3 in spring, whereas the highest UFPs concentration was measured in summertime with a seasonal mean of 1.62 μg m-3. Moreover, chemical analysis revealed that the UFPs and PM1 were characterized by distinct composition; UFPs were composed mostly of organics, whereas ammonium and sulfate were the major constituents in PM1. The seasonal median of total PNCs ranged from 13.9 × 103 cm-3 in autumn to 19.4 × 103 cm-3 in spring. The PSD information retrieved from the corresponding PNC measurements indicates that the nucleation mode PNC (N4–25) peaked at 11.6 × 103 cm-3 in winter, whereas the Aitken mode (N25–100) and accumulation mode (N100–736) exhibited summer maxima at 6.0 × 103 and 3.1 × 103 cm-3, respectively. The shift in PSD during summertime is attributed to the enhancement in the photochemical production of condensable organic matter that, in turn, contributes to the growth of aerosol particles in the atmosphere. In addition, remarkable photochemical production of particles was observed in spring and summer seasons, which was characterized with averaged particle growth and formation rates of 4.3 ± 0.8 nm h-1 and 1.6 ± 0.8 cm-3 s-1, respectively. The prevalence of new particle formation (NPF) in summer is suggested as a result of seasonally enhanced photochemical oxidation of SO2, which contributes to the production of H2SO4, and low level of PM10 (d ≤ 10 μm) that serves as the condensation sink. Regarding the sources of aerosol particles, correlation analysis upon the PNCs against NOx revealed that the local vehicular exhaust was the dominant contributor of the UFPs throughout a year. On the contrary, the Asian pollution outbreaks can have significant influence in the PNC of accumulation mode particles during the seasons of winter monsoons. The results of this study underline the significance of secondary organic aerosols in the seasonal variations of UFPs and the influences of continental pollution outbreaks in the downwind areas of Asian outflows.
Stable isotope study of a new chondrichthyan fauna (Kimmeridgian, Porrentruy, Swiss Jura): an unusual freshwater-influenced isotopic composition for the hybodont shark Asteracanthus
Authors: Leuzinger L. , Kocsis L. , Billon-Bruyat J.-P. , Spezzaferri S. , Vennemann T.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Chondrichthyan teeth (sharks, rays and chimaeras) are mineralised in isotopic equilibrium with the surrounding water, and parameters such as water temperature and salinity can be inferred from the oxygen isotopic composition (δ18Op) of their bioapatite. We analysed a new chondrichthyan assemblage, as well as teeth from bony fish (Pycnodontiformes). All specimens are from Kimmeridgian coastal marine deposits of the Swiss Jura (vicinity of Porrentruy, Ajoie district, NW Switzerland). While the overall faunal composition and the isotopic composition of bony fish are consistent with marine conditions, unusually low δ18Op values were measured for the hybodont shark Asteracanthus. These values are also lower compared to previously published data from older European Jurassic localities. Additional analyses on material from Solothurn (Kimmeridgian, NW Switzerland) also have comparable, low-18O isotopic compositions for Asteracanthus. The data are hence interpreted to represent a so far unique, freshwater-influenced isotopic composition for this shark that is classically considered as a marine genus. While reproduction in freshwater or brackish realms is established for other hybodonts, a similar behaviour for Asteracanthus is proposed here. Regular excursions into lower salinity waters can be linked to the age of the deposits and correspond to an ecological adaptation, most likely driven by the Kimmeridgian transgression and by the competition of the primitive shark Asteracanthus with the rapidly diversifying neoselachians (modern sharks).
High-resolution daily gridded datasets of air temperature and wind speed for Europe
Authors: Brinckmann S. , Krähenmann S. , Bissolli P.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. New high-resolution datasets for near surface daily air temperature (minimum, maximum and mean) and daily mean wind speed for Europe (the CORDEX domain) are provided for the period 2001–2010 for the purpose of regional model validation in the framework of DecReg, a sub-project of the German MiKlip project, which aims to develop decadal climate predictions. The main input data sources are hourly SYNOP observations, partly supplemented by station data from the ECA&D dataset (http://www.ecad.eu). These data are quality tested to eliminate erroneous data and various kinds of inhomogeneities. Grids in a resolution of 0.044° (5 km) are derived by spatial interpolation of these station data into the CORDEX area. For temperature interpolation a modified version of a regression kriging method developed by Krähenmann et al. (2011) is used. At first, predictor fields of altitude, continentality and zonal mean temperature are chosen for a regression applied to monthly station data. The residuals of the monthly regression and the deviations of the daily data from the monthly averages are interpolated using simple kriging in a second and third step. For wind speed a new method based on the concept used for temperature was developed, involving predictor fields of exposure, roughness length, coastal distance and ERA Interim reanalysis wind speed at 850 hPa. Interpolation uncertainty is estimated by means of the kriging variance and regression uncertainties. Furthermore, to assess the quality of the final daily grid data, cross validation is performed. Explained variance ranges from 70 to 90 % for monthly temperature and from 50 to 60 % for monthly wind speed. The resulting RMSE for the final daily grid data amounts to 1–2 °C and 1–1.5 m s−1 (depending on season and parameter) for daily temperature parameters and daily mean wind speed, respectively. The datasets presented in this article are published at http://dx.doi.org/10.5676/DWD_CDC/DECREG0110v1.
Crop-specific seasonal estimates of irrigation water demand in South Asia
Authors: Biemans H. , Siderius C. , Mishra A. , Ahmad B.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Especially in the Himalayan headwaters of the main rivers in South Asia, shifts in runoff are expected as a result of a rapidly changing climate. In recent years, our insight in these shifts and their impact on water availability has increased. However, a similar detailed understanding of the seasonal pattern in water demand is surprisingly absent. This hampers a proper assessment of water stress and ways to cope and adapt. In this study, the seasonal pattern of irrigation water demand resulting from the typical practice of multiple-cropping in South Asia was accounted for by introducing double-cropping with monsoon-dependent planting dates in a hydrology and vegetation model. Crop yields were calibrated to the latest subnational statistics of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The representation of seasonal land use and more accurate cropping periods lead to lower estimates of irrigation water demand compared to previous model-based studies, despite the net irrigated area being higher. Crop irrigation water demand differs sharply between seasons and regions; in Pakistan, winter (Rabi) and summer (Kharif) irrigation demands are almost equal, whereas in Bangladesh the Rabi demand is ~ 100 times higher. Moreover, the relative importance of irrigation supply vs. rain decreases sharply from west to east. Given the size and importance of South Asia, improved regional estimates of food production and its irrigation water demand will also affect global estimates. In models used for global water resources and food-security assessments, processes like multiple-cropping and monsoon-dependent planting dates should not be ignored.
On-site digital heritage inventory development at Bat, Oman
Authors: Kondo Y. , Miki T. , Kuronuma T. , Oguchi T.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This paper reports on the on-site development of a local-scale digital heritage inventory (DHI) of the Bronze Age site at Bat in the interior of Oman. The goal of this inventory project was to share geospatial and archaeological information of tombs and other built structures with researchers and government agents to conduct cultural heritage management, scientific research, outreach, and education. To this end, the Bat Digital Heritage Inventory (BatDHI) was compiled at the local office by incorporating previous survey records, which were concurrently crosschecked and updated by ground-truth surveys. The current version of the BatDHI was implemented using a combination of a network-access-ready database application, open source geographical information system, and web-based map engine. This system assisted both fieldwork and management works including decision making and planning. This inventory project exemplified a transdisciplinary research, in which researchers and societal stakeholders collaborated for co-design of research agendas, co-production of knowledge, and co-dissemination of outcomes.
Finding the displacement of wood structure in heritage building by 3D laser scanner
Authors: Lee M. C. , Tsai Y. L. , Wang R. Z. , Lin M. L
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Heritage buildings are highly prone to long term damage from the microclimate, scourge and vandalism, which can result in damaged materials, structures, painting and cultural heritage items. This study will focus on finding the displacement of wood structural members through the use of a 3D laser scanner and the 4D concept of time. The results will compare the scans from different periods to find the difference (if any) in the structural member position. Wood structures usually consist of numerous wood members connected to form the structure. However, these members can be damaged in various ways such as physical mechanisms, chemical reactions, and biological corrosion. When damage to the wood structure occurs, the structural displacement can be affected, and if affected severely, can lead to a building collapse. Monitoring of the structural displacement is the best way to discover damage immediately and to preserve the heritage building. However, the Cultural Heritage Preservation Law in Taiwan prohibits the installation of monitoring instruments (e.g strain gauge, accelerometer) in historic structures (heritage buildings). Scanning the wood structure with 3D lasers is the most non-intrusive method and quickly achieves displacement through visualization. The displacement scan results can be compared with different periods and different members to analyze the severity of damage. Once the 3D scanner is installed, the whole building is scanned, and point clouds created to build the visual building model. The structural displacement can be checked via the building model and the differences are measured between each member to find the high risk damaged areas or members with large displacement. Early detection of structural damage is the most effective way means of preservation.
Comparison Of Laser Scanning And Photogrammetry And Their Use For Digital Recording Of Cultural Monument Case Study: Byzantine Land Walls-Istanbul
Authors: Bayram B. , Nemli G. , Özkan T. , Oflaz O. E. , Kankotan B. , Çetin İ.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. 3D modeling of cultural monuments is very crucial issue for preparing restoration projects. However, it has challenges such as data acquisition, preparation and processing. 3D modeling of objects can be time consuming and may include some difficulties due to the complexity of the structures. 3D terrestrial laser (TLS) scanning technique is one of the reliable and advantageous methods for 3D reconstruction of monuments. This technique is commonly acknowledged due to its accuracy, speed and flexibility. But the suitability and capability of this technique depends on proper usage, and good survey planning. Magnificent developments in highresolution digital sensor technologies leaded to manufacturing of new camera systems. Parallel to these innovations, development of computer systems and image processing techniques made enable to obtain multiple image-based 3D object models. In the presented study, TLS method has been compared to conventional photogrammetric and image-based dense matching methods. Automatic dense point creation has been realized by our developed algorithm and PIXEL-PHOTO software which generates 3D point clouds from stereo images. The reliability and encountered problems during point cloud measurement process have been discussed. The study area has been chosen as historical Byzantine Land Walls of Istanbul, which constitute a remarkable area defining the ancient city’s historical peninsula.
Building Information Modelling for Cultural Heritage: A review
Authors: Logothetis S. , Delinasiou A. , Stylianidis E.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. We discuss the evolution and state-of-the-art of the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the field of culture heritage documentation. BIM is a hot theme involving different characteristics including principles, technology, even privacy rights for the cultural heritage objects. Modern documentation needs identified the potential of BIM in the recent years. Many architects, archaeologists, conservationists, engineers regard BIM as a disruptive force, changing the way professionals can document and manage a cultural heritage structure. The latest years, there are many developments in the BIM field while the developed technology and methods challenged the cultural heritage community in the documentation framework. In this review article, following a brief historic background for the BIM, we review the recent developments focusing in the cultural heritage documentation perspective.
Point clouds segmentation as base for as-built BIM creation
Authors: Macher H. , Landes T. , Grussenmeyer P.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. In this paper, a three steps segmentation approach is proposed in order to create 3D models from point clouds acquired by TLS inside buildings. The three scales of segmentation are floors, rooms and planes composing the rooms. First, floor segmentation is performed based on analysis of point distribution along Z axis. Then, for each floor, room segmentation is achieved considering a slice of point cloud at ceiling level. Finally, planes are segmented for each room, and planes corresponding to ceilings and floors are identified. Results of each step are analysed and potential improvements are proposed. Based on segmented point clouds, the creation of as-built BIM is considered in a future work section. Not only the classification of planes into several categories is proposed, but the potential use of point clouds acquired outside buildings is also considered.
Documenting Modern Mexican Architectural Heritage for Posterity: Barragan’s Casa Cristo, in Guadalajara, Mexico
Authors: Mezzino D. , Pei W. , Santana Quintero M. , Reyes Rodriguez R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This contribution describes the results of an International workshop on documentation of historic and cultural heritage developed jointly between Universidad de Guadalajara’s Centro Universitario de Arte, Arquitectura y Diseño (CUAAD) and Carleton University’s Architectural Conservation and Sustainability Program. The objective of the workshop was to create a learning environment for emerging heritage professionals through the use of advanced recording techniques for the documentation of modern architectural heritage in Guadalajara, Mexico. The selected site was Casa Cristo, one of the several architectural projects by Luis Barragán in Guadalajara. The house was built between 1927 and 1929 for Gustavo R. Cristo, mayor of the city. The style of the building reflects the European influences derived from the architect’s travel experience, as well as the close connection with local craftsmanship. All of these make the house an outstanding example of modern regional architecture. A systematic documentation strategy was developed for the site, using different survey equipment and techniques to capture the shape, colour, spatial configuration, and current conditions of Casa Cristo for its eventual rehabilitation and conservation.
Integrated Digital Technologies for the Architectural Rehabilitation & Conservation of Beinn Bhreagh Hall & Surrounding Site, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Percy K. , Ward S. , Santana Quintero M. , Morrison T.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This contribution summarizes the collaboration between Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS) and Heritage Standing in the use of digital technologies to document the Beinn Bhreagh Hall historic site (house and immediate surroundings) in Baddeck, Nova Scotia for its rehabilitation and protection. The project objectives were to develop a prototype for research and training using 3D scanning, and Building Information Modelling (BIM), as well as other emerging surveying tools to understand the state of conservation of Historic Places in Canada, providing relevant and appropriate information for their rehabilitation and maintenance. The vehicle of this research was the documentation and modelling of this important landmark, the summer home of Dr. Alexander Graham Bell in Victoria County, Nova Scotia. This unique 19thC building, currently under review for designated as a national historic site.
Cultural heritage conservation and communication by digital modeling tools. Case studies: minor architectures of the Thirties in the Turin area
Authors: Bruno Jr. A. , Spallone R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Between the end of the twenties and the beginning of the World war two Turin, as the most of the Italian cities, was endowed by the fascist regime of many new buildings to guarantee its visibility and to control the territory: the fascist party main houses and the local ones. The style that was adopted for these constructions was inspired by the guide lines of the Modern movement which were spreading by a generation of architects as Le Corbusier, Gropius, Mendelsohn. At the end of the war many buildings were reconverted to several functions that led heavy transformations not respectful of the original worth, other were demolished. Today it's possible to rebuild those lost architectures in their primal format as it was created by their architects on paper (and in their mind). This process can guarantee the three-dimensional perception, the authenticity of the materials and the placement into the Turin urban tissue, using static and dynamic digital representation systems. The “three-dimensional re-drawing” of the projects, thought as an heuristic practice devoted to reveal the original idea of the project, inserts itself in a digital model of the urban and natural context as we can live it today, to simulate the perceptive effects that the building could stir up today. The modeling skills are the basis to product videos able to explore the relationship between the environment and “re-built architectures”, describing with the synthetic movie techniques, the main formal and perceptive roots. The model represents a scientific product that can be involved in a virtual archive of cultural goods to preserve the collective memory of the architectural and urban past image of Turin.
Documentation and Cultural Heritage Inventories - Case of the Historic City of Ahmadabad
Authors: Shah K.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, the historic city of Ahmadabad is renowned for the unparalleled richness of its monumental architecture, traditional house form, community based settlement patterns, city structure, crafts and mercantile culture. This paper describes the process followed for documentation and development of comprehensive Heritage Inventories for the historic city with an aim of illustrating the Outstanding Universal Values of its Architectural and Urban Heritage. The exercise undertaken between 2011 & 2014 as part of the preparation of world heritage nomination dossier included thorough archival research, field surveys, mapping and preparation of inventories using a combination of traditional data procurement and presentation tools as well as creation of advanced digital database using GIS. The major challenges encountered were: need to adapt documentation methodology and survey formats to field conditions, changing and ever widening scope of work, corresponding changes in time frame, management of large quantities of data generated during the process along with difficulties in correlating existing databases procured from the local authority in varying formats. While the end result satisfied the primary aim, the full potential of Heritage Inventory as a protection and management tool will only be realised after its acceptance as the statutory list and its integration within the larger urban development plan to guide conservation, development and management strategy for the city. The rather detailed description of evolution of documentation process and the complexities involved is presented to understand the relevance of methods used in Ahmadabad and guide similar future efforts in the field.
Remote sensing, landscape and archaeology tracing ancient tracks and roads between Palmyra and the Euphrates in Syria
Authors: Silver M. , Törmä M. , Silver K. , Okkonen J. , Nuñez M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The present paper concentrates on the use of remote sensing by satellite imagery for detecting ancient tracks and roads in the area between Palmyra and the Euphrates in Syria. The Syrian desert was traversed by caravans already in the Bronze Age, and during the Greco-Roman period the traffic increased with the Silk Road and trade as well as with military missions annexing the areas into empires. SYGIS - the Finnish archaeological survey and mapping project traced, recorded and documented ancient sites and roads in the region of Jebel Bishri in Central Syria in 2000-2010 before the outbreak of the civil war in Syria. Captured data of ancient roads and bridge points bring new light to the study of ancient communication framework in the area. Archaeological research carried out by the project on the ground confirmed the authenticity of many road alignments, new military and water harvesting sites as well as civilian settlements, showing that the desert-steppe area was actively used and developed probably from the second century AD. The studies further demonstrated that the area between Palmyra and the Euphrates was militarily more organised already in the second and third centuries AD than earlier believed. Chronologically, the start of this coincided with the “golden age” of the Palmyrene caravans in the second century AD. Topography and landscape were integral parts of the construction of graves/tumuli as sign-posts guiding in the desert, as well as roads and all kinds of settlements whether military or civilian.
Data-driven systems and system-driven data: the story of the Flanders Heritage Inventory (1995-2015)
Authors: Van Daele K. , Meganck L. , Mortier S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Over the past 20 years, heritage inventories in Flanders (Belgium) have evolved from printed books to digital inventories. It is obvious that a system that publishes a digital inventory needs to adapt to the user requirements. But, after years of working with a digital inventory system, it has become apparent that not only has the system been developed to the users needs, but also that user practice and the resulting data have been shaped by the system. Thinking about domain models and thesauri influenced our thinking about our methodology of surveying. Seeing our data projected on a common basemap led us to realise how intertwined and interdependent different types of heritage can be. The need for structured metadata has impressed upon us the need for good quality data, guaranteed by data entry standards, validation tools, and a strict editing workflow. Just as the researchers have transitioned from seeing their respective inventories as being significantly different to actually seeing the similarities between them, the information specialists have come to the realisation that there are synergies that can be achieved with other systems, both within and outside of our organisation. Deploying our inventories on the web has also changed how we communicate with the general public. Newer channels such as email and social media have enabled a more interactive way of communicating. But throughout the years, one constant has remained. While we do not expect the systems to live on, we do want the data in them to be available to future generations.
A Contribution to the Built Heritage Environmental Impact Assessment
Authors: Žarnić R. , Rajčić V. , Skordaki N.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The understanding and assessment of environmental impact on heritage assets is of the highest importance for heritage preservation through well-organized maintenance based on proper decision-making. The effort towards development of protocol that would enable comparison of data on heritage assets in Europe and Mediterranean countries was done through EU Project European Cultural Heritage Identity Card. The special attention was paid to classification of environmental and man-induced risks to heritage. In the present paper the idea of EU CHIC is presented. Environmental risks are discussed in context of their influence on structure of heritage buildings that are exposed to sudden environmental impacts.
Design and Research of Service Platform for Protection and Dissemination of Cultural Heritage Resources of The Silk Road in the Territory of China
Authors: Zhang L. , Zhang W. , Zeng S. J. , Na W. , Yang H. , Huang J. , Tan X. D. , Sun Z. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The Silk Road, a major traffic route across the Eurasia continent, has been a convergence for the exchange, communication and dissemination of various cultures such as nations, materials, religions and arts for more than two thousand years. And the cultural heritage along the long and complicate route has been also attractive. In recent years, the Silk Road – the Road Network along the Chang’an-Tianshan Mountain has been listed in the Directory of World Cultural Heritage. The rare and rich cultural resources along the Silk Road, especially those in the territory of China, have attracted attentions of the world. This article describes the research ideas, methods, processes and results of the planning design on the internet-based dissemination services platform system for cultural heritage resources. First of all, it has defined the targeting for dissemination services and the research methods applied for the Silk Road heritage resources, based on scientific and objective spatial measurement and research on history and geography, to carry on the excavation of values of cultural resource for the target users. Then, with the front-end art exhibit by means of innovative IT, time and space maps of cultural heritage resources, interactive graphics display, panoramic three-dimensional virtual tour, and the Silk Road topics as the main features, a comprehensive and multi-angle cultural resources dissemination services platform is built. The research core of the platform is a demand-oriented system design on the basis of cultural resources and features as the fundamental, the value of contemporary manifestation as the foundation, and cultural dissemination and service as a starting point. This platform has achieved, temporal context generalization, interest profiles extension, online and offline adaptation, and other prominent innovations. On the basis of routes heritage resource protection and dissemination services with complex relationship between time and space, and the Silk Road as the representative, practice and research of the platform in the internet context help to provide an application reference and theoretical basis.
5D Modelling: An Efficient Approach for Creating Spatiotemporal Predictive 3D Maps of Large-Scale Cultural Resources
Authors: Doulamis A. , Doulamis N. , Ioannidis C. , Chrysouli C. , Grammalidis N. , Dimitropoulos K. , Potsiou C. , Stathopoulou E.-K. , Ioannides M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Outdoor large-scale cultural sites are mostly sensitive to environmental, natural and human made factors, implying an imminent need for a spatio-temporal assessment to identify regions of potential cultural interest (material degradation, structuring, conservation). On the other hand, in Cultural Heritage research quite different actors are involved (archaeologists, curators, conservators, simple users) each of diverse needs. All these statements advocate that a 5D modelling (3D geometry plus time plus levels of details) is ideally required for preservation and assessment of outdoor large scale cultural sites, which is currently implemented as a simple aggregation of 3D digital models at different time and levels of details. The main bottleneck of such an approach is its complexity, making 5D modelling impossible to be validated in real life conditions. In this paper, a cost effective and affordable framework for 5D modelling is proposed based on a spatial-temporal dependent aggregation of 3D digital models, by incorporating a predictive assessment procedure to indicate which regions (surfaces) of an object should be reconstructed at higher levels of details at next time instances and which at lower ones. In this way, dynamic change history maps are created, indicating spatial probabilities of regions needed further 3D modelling at forthcoming instances. Using these maps, predictive assessment can be made, that is, to localize surfaces within the objects where a high accuracy reconstruction process needs to be activated at the forthcoming time instances. The proposed 5D Digital Cultural Heritage Model (5D-DCHM) is implemented using open interoperable standards based on the CityGML framework, which also allows the description of additional semantic metadata information. Visualization aspects are also supported to allow easy manipulation, interaction and representation of the 5D-DCHM geometry and the respective semantic information. The open source 3DCityDB incorporating a PostgreSQL geo-database is used to manage and manipulate 3D data and their semantics.
Digital restoration research and three-dimensional model construction on Xieqiqu
Authors: Gao M. , Piao W. , Guo J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. As the Baroque style complex in Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), Xiyanglou (Western Buildings) carries a unique history of the imperial resort. The significance of its restoration has drawn much attention from home and aboard in the field of cultural heritage conservation. Yuanmingyuan Digital Restoration Research Project was officially launched in 2013. Five out of the thirteen scenes in Xiyanglou, namely Xieqiqu (Harmonious Wonder), Haiyantang (Hall of National Peace), Fangwaiguan (Belvedere), Xushuilou(Water Supply Building) and Guanshuifa (Throne to observe water displays), have been studied and restored digitally within the first two years of the project. Among all the scenes in Xiyanglou, Xieqiqu is the first European-style palace and the first scene to be studied in the Digital Restoration Research Project. The 3D reconstruction of the site is based on the current-day survey of the ruins in combination with the historic archival research. Taking Xieqiqu as a case, this paper introduces the digital restoration methodologies, progress and achievements of Yuanmingyuan Digital Restoration Research Project.
Cultural Heritage Content Re-Use: An Aggregators's Point of View
Authors: Gavrilis D. , Ioannides M. , Theofanous E.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This paper introduces a use case of re-using aggregated and enriched metadata for the tourism creative industry. The MORe aggregation and enrichment framework is presented along with an example for enriching cultural heritage objects harvested from a number of Omeka repositories. The enriched content is then published both to the EU Digital Library Europeana (www.europeana.eu) and to an Elastic Search component that feeds a portal aimed at providing tourists with interesting information.
Fighting for God or Fighting in God’s Name! The Politics of Religious Violence in Contemporary Nigeria
Authors: Adogame Afe
Published: August 2015

After a brief theoretical discussion of the relationship between religion and violence, Dr Adogame analyzes the history and politics of religious violence in contemporary Nigeria through the prism of boundary making and negotiation; religious expansion and competition. The articles demonstrates that religion and politics are often manipulated by individuals and religious groups in ways that sustain religious strife, violence and ethnic bigotry, thus hampering meaningful inter-faith dialogue and coexistence.
Can Muslims talk to Hindus?
Authors: Sharma Arvind
Published: August 2015

Can Muslims talk to Hindus according to the Qur'ān, and, if so, on what basis? Having reminded his reader that traditionally Hindus were treated as "People of the Book" by Indian Muslims, Dr Sharma discusses three passages from the Qur'an that can serve as a basis for dialogue.
Healing Interreligious Relationships
Authors: Lefebure Leo D.
Published: August 2015

Dr Lefebure explores some aspects of the history of Christian intolerance and discusses some strategies to shape healthier relations as we look ahead. Christianity has had a tragic and violent relationship to all of the world’s religious traditions, and this is particularly true of those religions with whom it is most closely bound in history and belief: Judaism and Islam. These three religions share many important beliefs and values, but for centuries Christians have repeatedly vilified and demonized Jews and Muslims. In more recent centuries, when increasing numbers of Christians came into contact with Native Americans, Buddhists, and Hindus, all too often Christians repeated often the age-old patterns of intolerance, defamation and violence in new contexts. These actions are profoundly contrary to the spirit and teaching of Jesus himself, and challenge Christians to undertake a critical reexamination of the tradition, the goal of this article.
Continuing Assessment of the 5-Day Sodium Carbonate-Ammonium Nitrate Extraction Assay as an Indicator Test for Silicon Fertilizers
Authors: Zellner Wendy , Friedrich Russell L , Kim Sujin , Sturtz Douglas , Frantz Jonathan , Altland James , Krause Charles
Published: August 2015

The 5-day sodium carbonate-ammonium nitrate extraction assay (5-day method) has been recognized by the American Association of Plant Food Control Officials as a validated test method to identify fertilizers or beneficial substances that provide plant-available silicon (Si). The test method used the molybdenum blue colorimetric assay to quantify percentage Si; however, laboratories may use inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for elemental analysis. To examine the use of either colorimetric or ICP-OES methods for Si determination, the 5-day method was performed on the following Si-containing compounds; wollastonite, sand, biochar, and a basic oven furnace (BOF) slag. Grow-out studies using Zinnia elegans were also performed using varying rates of the wollastonite, biochar, and BOF slag. Our results show using the 5-day method, wollastonite had the highest extracted amounts of silicic acid (H4SiO4) at 4% followed by biochar (2%), BOF slag (1%), and sand (0%). Extraction values calculated using either the molybdenum blue colorimetric assay or ICP-OES for detection of the H4SiO4 had a significant correlation, supporting the application of either detection method for this type of analysis. However, when extracted values were compared to amounts of Si taken up by the plants, the 5-day method overestimated both wollastonite and biochar. While this method is a valid indicator test for determining a soluble Si source, other plant species and methods should be perused to potentially provide more quantitative analyses for plant-available Si content of all materials.
Optimized Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Method and High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection for Simultaneous Determination of Sorbic and Benzoic Acids and Evaluation of Contamination of These Preservatives in Iranian Foods
Authors: Javanmardi Fardin , Arefhosseini Seyyed Rafie , Ansarin Masood , Nemati Mahboob
Published: August 2015

A rapid, simple, and sensitive dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure followed by HPLC-UV was applied to determine the benzoate and sorbate in foods. The method was optimized for some variables including extraction solvent type and volume, dispersing solvent type and volume, and the effects of salt and pH. Optimum conditions were determined as follows: sample volume, 5 mL; extraction solvent (chloroform) volume, 250 μL; disperser solvent (acetone) volume, 1.2 mL; NaCl amount, 0.75 g/5 mL at pH 4. Sixty samples were analyzed, including 15 doogh, 15 fruit juice, 15 cookie, and 15 tomato paste; benzoic acid was detected in 57 samples (95%) at levels up to 448.1 μg/mL and sorbic acid in 31 samples (51.6%) at levels up to 1369 μg/mL. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the LOD and LOQ were determined as 0.1 and 0.5 μg/mL for benzoate and 0.08 and 0.3 μg/mL for sorbate, respectively. The results showed that these preservatives are commonly used at high levels in yogurt drinks (dooghs) and cookies. Also, the concentration of benzoic acid that was detected in the tomato paste and fruit juice samples was low but may affect children and sensitive persons.