bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Literacies for Language Learning and Teaching: developing a national framework
Authors: Farr Fiona , Murray Liam
Published: June 2016

In an Irish national setting, the urgent need to address the national language skills' shortage has been highlighted in numerous arenas, and in the context of the need for a continued economic recovery, language skills and proficiency are essential. Against this backdrop, the national project* reported in this paper aims to develop a digital literacies framework and accompanying on-line interactive resource for language learners and teachers in Irish higher education (HE). Within the scope of this project the target user groups include first year students, study abroad students, and language lecturers. The main research questions for the project are: -          what are the main practical issues that students have when making the transition from secondary to third level language study? -          to what extent are digital literacies part of the curriculum at third level and what gaps do students and lecturers identify in this provision? -          what are the strengths and weaknesses of the emerging digital literacies framework for language learning (as identified through piloting and evaluation) and how do these inform the final design and implementation of the ‘digilanguages’ platform? Preliminary primary pilot research conducted in 2015 as part of the project identified a number of key areas where online flexible support is best focussed. Based on these findings and international research in the field, the aim of the project is to develop online resources and activities in three broad areas: Digital Literacies for Language Development Language Learning Strategies and PracticesTransitions to Third Level Language Learning Environments   The portal will be freely available, offering a range of OERs and will be scalable for use in other contexts. The contents and activities will afford integration into many programmes currently on offer in Irish HE.
Assessment of UT (University of Tehran) change management in quality Orientation process based on ADKAR model
Authors: Abachian Ghassemi Reza , Akbariani Saeed , Farhadirad Hamed
Published: June 2016

In this paper quality orientation process of Tehran University was evaluated. For effective change human resource of organization must have five qualities: Awareness about need to change; Desire to make the change happen; Knowledge about how to change; Ability to change; Reinforcement to retain the changes. With these human resource qualities, work dimension (for example: structures and process of doing work) need to well set with planned changes. Work dimension had five main elements too: 1- business needs and opportunities 2- setting goals and boundaries 3-desining process and systems 4-devalope way to solve problems and 5-post- implementation. These research conclusions show that UT human resource, sense high need and desire to change in quality. So, to success in quality change sense high ability in self and their colleagues, and access to needed knowledge for change in quality of UT. But university's systems don’t support these efforts so that proper low support for qualitative changes. In work dimension, quality improvement opportunities, goals, and needs weren't well defined. Furthermore systems and process of accepting quality weren’t developed suitably. Solution sections had some problem too. Some solutions remain in design level only and others after implementation don’t evaluate for distinguish weaknesses and strength.
How academic reforms change the organizational design of universities
Authors: Hagerer Ilse
Published: June 2016

The academic landscape is changing in the course of New Public Management (NPM). More duties are assigned to universities and as a result transferred to their faculties. Management knowledge is needed for solving the problem of higher requirements for deans in terms of distribution of resources, responsibility for personal and finances. Until now, deans do not necessarily have this knowledge. One crucial approach for this problem is professionalization, which can take shape in various forms, e. g. in establishing positions for a new occupational group of academia professionals. To reach the organization’s objective in an effective and efficient way, there is no best solution corresponding to the contingency approach, it rather depends on the framework requirements. The results of  an empiric inquiry of framework requirements and deanery attributes on four German universities show that the infrastructures of the faculties as decentral units depend less on the size of the faculty, but very strong on university’s organizational setting. This becomes apparent by the fact that at an elite university with strong research activities and with the profile of an entrepreneurial university, but with small framework requirements in the faculties has established many positions of academia professionals. Smaller universities, but also big multi-discipline universities with scientific excellence don’t reach as many academia professionals in spite of having big framework requirements.
DELAROSE: A Case Example of the Value of Embedded Course Content and Assessment in the Workplace
Authors: Wells John S.G. , Bergin Michael , Ryan Cathal
Published: June 2016

In recent years there has been a significant growth in online learning and the delivery of joint programmes of education involving collaborative partnerships between higher education institutions in different jurisdictions. This paper details a case-study of the pilot delivery and assessment of a new online learning programme ‘Certificate in the Management of Work-Related Stress’. This programme was developed as part of an innovative partnership between four European Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) located in Austria, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom to develop and deliver an accredited online learning programme, as part of a wider EU funded project called DELAROSE, on the management of work-related stress for workers in the health and social care sector across Europe. It describes the nature of the online course, with particular attention given to, the assessment activities undertaken by learners throughout the course, and the collection and analysis of learner feedback as this relates to feasibility and impact of the programme of learning. This case-study highlights the positive benefits to learners of embedding course content and assessment experiences within a real-life workplace context
Video-based focus group for chemistry knowledge construction by secondary preservice teachers
Authors: Rodríguez-Arteche Iñigo , Martínez-Aznar M. Mercedes
Published: June 2016

The present work analyzes the relavance of using video for promoting reflection about chemical contents and their learning, in the context of the Spanish Master’s in Secondary Education. The used video clips were edited from the recordings of two cooperative groups of Master’s students who were solving an open-ended problem about chemistry. This problem was stated as follows: «What might happen when two substances are placed into contact with each other?» These clips contained some alternative conceptions in chemistry, together with some theoretical and practical difficulties arisen in the solving process. Later, the video was shown in the framework of a focus group, where a free debate between the participants was stimulated. The transcriptions of this session gave rise to a group of categories of analysis related to different stages of problem resolution, and emotional aspects as well. These results make us conclude that using video is an appropriate way of promoting learning about physical and chemical changes through cognitive conflict. Moreover, the necessity of considering emotional, individual and group aspects in conceptual change is supported.
Training school teachers to the use of ICT – a preliminary study on motivation and attitude to innovation
Authors: Mura Giulia , Ferrari Mirella , Diamantini Davide
Published: June 2016

As part of a project introducing digital technologies in the daily practice of primary and secondary school teacher’s of an Italian municipality, the whole body of teachers was enrolled in a training course on the use of ICT in didactic. Before the beginning of the training , data on three main topics (attitude towards teaching, ICT expertise, attitude towards training on the use of ICT,) were collected via a pen and paper questionnaire. The aim of the questionnaire was to help identifing factos facilitating and preventing a successful exit of training, in order to better costumize it. A total of 456 questionnaire were analized, and main results higligthed an average level of ICT competence among the interviewed, with relevant gaps, however, on the tools more useful for teaching purposes. Teachers expressed a good inclination towards the more creative aspects of their profession,an element evaluated as positive in view of the adoption of more student-centered pedagocical practices. At the same time  conflicting attitude were expressed on the whole idea of entering a  training process. On the basis of the data and the literature review, suggestions for the definition of the teachers’ training are offered.
Audiovisual Tool for understanding Audio concepts for being used in bachelor’s degree programmes
Authors: Belloch Jose A. , Antoñanzas Christian , Gutierrez-Parera Pablo , Simarro Mª Angeles
Published: June 2016

In the Audio Signal Processing field, there exists difficulties in order to explain different concepts such as, compression, masking, quantization, sampling, among others. Further, most of these concepts require the use of audio laboratories and multiple practical session that must carry out students. Another issue is that there are students that are not able to internalize these concepts straightforwardly and require more practical sessions. In order to address these problems, we have developed an audiovisual tool, designed with Matlab, that can be used for professors and students. This tool allows to analyze, test and apply the audio concepts to real audio signals. The developed tool has been successfully experienced by professors of the audio signal processing field that recommend its use in upcoming academic courses.
The National Capital Region closed circuit television video interoperability project
Authors: Contestabile, MBA John , Patrone, MS David , Babin, MSE, MD, PhD Steven
Published: June 2016

Objective: The National Capital Region (NCR) includes many government jurisdictions and agencies using different closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras and video management software. Because these agencies often must work together to respond to emergencies and events, a means of providing interoperability for CCTV video is critically needed.Design: Video data from different CCTV systems that are not inherently interoperable is represented in the “data layer.” An “integration layer” ingests the data layer source video and normalizes the different video formats. It then aggregates and distributes this video to a “presentation layer” where it can be viewed by almost any application used by other agencies and without any proprietary software. A native mobile video viewing application is also developed that uses the presentation layer to provide video to different kinds of smartphones.Setting: The NCR includes Washington, DC, and surrounding counties in Maryland and Virginia. Results: The video sharing architecture allows one agency to see another agency's video in their native viewing application without the need to purchase new CCTV software or systems. A native smartphone application was also developed to enable them to share video via mobile devices even when they use different video management systems.Conclusions: A video sharing architecture has been developed for the NCR that creates an interoperable environment for sharing CCTV video in an efficient and cost effective manner. In addition, it provides the desired capability of sharing video via a native mobile application.
Factors influencing mine rescue team behaviors
Authors: Jansky, MS, MA, CPG Jacqueline H. , Kowalski-Trakofler, PhD K. M. , Brnich, BS, CMSP M. J. , Vaught, PhD C.
Published: June 2016

A focus group study of the first moments in an underground mine emergency response was conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Office for Mine Safety and Health Research. Participants in the study included mine rescue team members, team trainers, mine officials, state mining personnel, and individual mine managers. A subset of the data consists of responses from participants with mine rescue backgrounds. These responses were noticeably different from those given by on-site emergency personnel who were at the mine and involved with decisions made during the first moments of an event. As a result, mine rescue team behavior data were separated in the analysis and are reported in this article. By considering the responses from mine rescue team members and trainers, it was possible to sort the data and identify seven key areas of importance to them. On the basis of the responses from the focus group participants with a mine rescue background, the authors concluded that accurate and complete information and a unity of purpose among all command center personnel are two of the key conditions needed for an effective mine rescue operation.
Tropospheric column ozone response to ENSO in GEOS-5 assimilation of OMI and MLS ozone data
Authors: Olsen Mark A. , Wargan Krzysztof , Pawson Steven
Published: June 2016

Abstract. We use GEOS-5 analyses of Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) ozone observations to investigate the magnitude and spatial distribution of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence on tropospheric column ozone (TCO) into the middle latitudes. This study provides the first explicit spatially resolved characterization of the ENSO influence and demonstrates coherent patterns and teleconnections impacting the TCO in the extratropics. The response is evaluated and characterized by both the variance explained and sensitivity of TCO to the Niño 3.4 index. The tropospheric response in the tropics agrees well with previous studies and verifies the analyses. A two-lobed response symmetric about the Equator in the western Pacific/Indonesian region seen in some prior studies and not in others is confirmed here. This two-lobed response is consistent with the large-scale vertical transport. We also find that the large-scale transport in the tropics dominates the response compared to the small-scale convective transport. The ozone response is weaker in the middle latitudes, but a significant explained variance of the TCO is found over several small regions, including the central United States. However, the sensitivity of TCO to the Niño 3.4 index is statistically significant over a large area of the middle latitudes. The sensitivity maxima and minima coincide with anomalous anti-cyclonic and cyclonic circulations where the associated vertical transport is consistent with the sign of the sensitivity. Also, ENSO related changes to the mean tropopause height can contribute significantly to the midlatitude response. Comparisons to a 22-year chemical transport model simulation demonstrate that these results from the 9-year assimilation are representative of the longer term. This investigation brings insight to several seemingly disparate prior studies of the El Niño influence on tropospheric ozone in the middle latitudes.
A path towards uncertainty assignment in an operational cloud-phase algorithm from ARM vertically pointing active sensors
Authors: Riihimaki Laura D. , Comstock Jennifer M. , Anderson Kevin K. , Holmes Aimee , Luke Edward
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Knowledge of cloud phase (liquid, ice, mixed, etc.) is necessary to describe the radiative impact of clouds and their lifetimes, but is a property that is difficult to simulate correctly in climate models. One step towards improving those simulations is to make observations of cloud phase with sufficient accuracy to help constrain model representations of cloud processes. In this study, we outline a methodology using a basic Bayesian classifier to estimate the probabilities of cloud-phase class from Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) vertically pointing active remote sensors. The advantage of this method over previous ones is that it provides uncertainty information on the phase classification. We also test the value of including higher moments of the cloud radar Doppler spectrum than are traditionally used operationally. Using training data of known phase from the Mixed-Phase Arctic Cloud Experiment (M-PACE) field campaign, we demonstrate a proof of concept for how the method can be used to train an algorithm that identifies ice, liquid, mixed phase, and snow. Over 95 % of data are identified correctly for pure ice and liquid cases used in this study. Mixed-phase and snow cases are more problematic to identify correctly. When lidar data are not available, including additional information from the Doppler spectrum provides substantial improvement to the algorithm. This is a first step towards an operational algorithm and can be expanded to include additional categories such as drizzle with additional training data.
Validation of three satellite-derived databases of surface solar radiation using measurements performed at 42 stations in Brazil
Authors: Thomas Claire , Wey Etienne , Blanc Philippe , Wald Lucien
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The SoDa website (www.soda-pro.com) is populated with numerous solar-related Web services. Among them, three satellite-derived irradiation databases can be manually or automatically accessed to retrieve radiation values within the geographical coverage of the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite: the two most advanced versions of the HelioClim-3 database (versions 4 and 5, respectively HC3v4 and HC3v5), and the CAMS radiation service. So far, these databases have been validated against measurements of several stations in Europe and North Africa only. As the quality of such databases depends on the geographical regions and the climates, this paper extends this validation campaign and proposes an extensive comparison on Brazil and global irradiation received on a horizontal surface. Eleven stations from the Brazilian Institute of Space Research (INPE) network offer 1 min observations, and thirty-one stations from the Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) network offer hourly observations. The satellite-derived estimates have been compared to the corresponding observations on hourly, daily and monthly basis. The bias relative to the mean of the measurements for HC3v5 is mostly comprised between 1 and 3 %, and that for HC3v4 between 2 and 5 %. These are very satisfactory results and they demonstrate that HC3v5, and to a lesser extent HC3v4, may be used in studies of long-term changes in SSI in Brazil. The situation is not so good with CAMS radiation service for which the relative bias is mostly comprised between 5 and 10 %. For hourly irradiation, the relative RMSE ranges from 15 to 33 %. The correlation coefficient is very large for all stations and the three databases, with an average of 0.96. The three databases reproduce well the hour from hour changes in SSI. The errors show a tendency to increase with the viewing angle of the MSG satellite. They are greater in tropical areas where the relative humidity in the atmosphere is important. It is concluded that except for the overestimation by CAMS radiation service, the three databases are suitable for studies of the solar resources in Brazil.
EFFICIENT SEMANTIC SEGMENTATION OF MAN-MADE SCENES USING FULLY-CONNECTED CONDITIONAL RANDOM FIELD
Authors: Li Weihao , Yang Michael Ying
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In this paper we explore semantic segmentation of man-made scenes using fully connected conditional random field (CRF). Images of man-made scenes display strong contextual dependencies in the spatial structures. Fully connected CRFs can model long-range connections within the image of man-made scenes and make use of contextual information of scene structures. The pairwise edge potentials of fully connected CRF models are defined by a linear combination of Gaussian kernels. Using filter-based mean field algorithm, the inference is very efficient. Our experimental results demonstrate that fully connected CRF performs better than previous state-of-the-art approaches on both eTRIMS dataset and LabelMeFacade dataset.
APPLICATION FOR 3D SCENE UNDERSTANDING IN DETECTING DISCHARGE OF DOMESTICWASTE ALONG COMPLEX URBAN RIVERS
Authors: Ninsalam Y. , Qin R. , Rekittke J.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In our study we use 3D scene understanding to detect the discharge of domestic solid waste along an urban river. Solid waste found along the Ciliwung River in the neighbourhoods of Bukit Duri and Kampung Melayu may be attributed to households. This is in part due to inadequate municipal waste infrastructure and services which has caused those living along the river to rely upon it for waste disposal. However, there has been little research to understand the prevalence of household waste along the river. Our aim is to develop a methodology that deploys a low cost sensor to identify point source discharge of solid waste using image classification methods. To demonstrate this we describe the following five-step method: 1) a strip of GoPro images are captured photogrammetrically and processed for dense point cloud generation; 2) depth for each image is generated through a backward projection of the point clouds; 3) a supervised image classification method based on Random Forest classifier is applied on the view dependent red, green, blue and depth (RGB-D) data; 4) point discharge locations of solid waste can then be mapped by projecting the classified images to the 3D point clouds; 5) then the landscape elements are classified into five types, such as vegetation, human settlement, soil, water and solid waste. While this work is still ongoing, the initial results have demonstrated that it is possible to perform quantitative studies that may help reveal and estimate the amount of waste present along the river bank.
NETWORK DETECTION IN RASTER DATA USING MARKED POINT PROCESSES
Authors: Schmidt A. , Kruse C. , Rottensteiner F. , Soergel U. , Heipke C.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. We propose a new approach for the automatic detection of network structures in raster data. The model for the network structure is represented by a graph whose nodes and edges correspond to junction-points and to connecting line segments, respectively; nodes and edges are further described by certain parameters. We embed this model in the probabilistic framework of marked point processes and determine the most probable configuration of objects by stochastic sampling. That is, different graph configurations are constructed randomly by modifying the graph entity parameters, by adding and removing nodes and edges to/ from the current graph configuration. Each configuration is then evaluated based on the probabilities of the changes and an energy function describing the conformity with a predefined model. By using the Reversible Jump Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampler, a global optimum of the energy function is determined. We apply our method to the detection of river and tidal channel networks in digital terrain models. In comparison to our previous work, we introduce constraints concerning the flow direction of water into the energy function. Our goal is to analyse the influence of different parameter settings on the results of network detection in both, synthetic and real data. Our results show the general potential of our method for the detection of river networks in different types of terrain.
APPLICATION OF VEHICLE DYNAMIC MODELING IN UAVS FOR PRECISE DETERMINATION OF EXTERIOR ORIENTATION
Authors: Khaghani M. , Skaloud J.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Advances in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and especially micro aerial vehicle (MAV) technology together with increasing quality and decreasing price of imaging devices have resulted in growing use of MAVs in photogrammetry. The practicality of MAV mapping is seriously enhanced with the ability to determine parameters of exterior orientation (EO) with sufficient accuracy, in both absolute and relative senses (change of attitude between successive images). While differential carrier phase GNSS satisfies cm-level positioning accuracy, precise attitude determination is essential for both direct sensor orientation (DiSO) and integrated sensor orientation (ISO) in corridor mapping or in block configuration imaging over surfaces with low texture. Limited cost, size, and weight of MAVs represent limitations on quality of onboard navigation sensors and puts emphasis on exploiting full capacity of available resources. Typically short flying times (10-30 minutes) also limit the possibility of estimating and/or correcting factors such as sensor misalignment and poor attitude initialization of inertial navigation system (INS). This research aims at increasing the accuracy of attitude determination in both absolute and relative senses with no extra sensors onboard. In comparison to classical INS/GNSS setup, novel approach is presented here to integrated state estimation, in which vehicle dynamic model (VDM) is used as the main process model. Such system benefits from available information from autopilot and physical properties of the platform in enhancing performance of determination of trajectory and parameters of exterior orientation consequently. The navigation system employs a differential carrier phase GNSS receiver and a micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) grade inertial measurement unit (IMU), together with MAV control input from autopilot. Monte-Carlo simulation has been performed on trajectories for typical corridor mapping and block imaging. Results reveal considerable reduction in attitude errors with respect to conventional INS/GNSS system, in both absolute and relative senses. This eventually translates into higher redundancy and accuracy for photogrammetry applications.
EXTRACTION OF ROOF LINES FROM HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES BY A GROUPING METHOD
Authors: Dal Poz A. P. , Fernandes V. J. M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This paper proposes a method for extracting groups of straight lines that represent roof boundaries and roof ridgelines from highresolution aerial images using corresponding Airborne Laser Scanner (ALS) roof polyhedrons as initial approximations. The proposed method is based on two main steps. First, straight lines that are candidates to represent roof ridgelines and roof boundaries of a building are extracted from the aerial image. Second, a group of straight lines that represent roof boundaries and roof ridgelines of a selected building is obtained through the optimization of a Markov Random Field (MRF)-based energy function using the genetic algorithm optimization method. The formulation of this energy function considers several attributes, such as the proximity of the extracted straight lines to the corresponding projected ALS-derived roof polyhedron and the rectangularity (extracted straight lines that intersect at nearly 90°). Experimental results are presented and discussed in this paper.
BEESMART – A CROWDSOURCING PROJECT WITH SMARTPHONES
Authors: Gülch E. , Uddin S. , Willi B.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The project Beesmart aims at the derivation of a geolocation yield catalogue for honey bees by using a crowd-sourcing approach with the help of smartphones. A central issue are thus the design of an application (App2bee) for smartphones and the design of a software for flower recognition, which uses sensor information of the smart phone and information about blooming times to recognize and localise flowers. The implemented flower recognition is based on the approach “Minimal-bag-of-visual-Words“. A classification accuracy of about 60-70% can be reached, which is of course affected by the big variety of flowers, by the way on how images are taken and how the image quality and resolution actually are. The classification results are further improved by applying apriori a simple manual segmentation on the touch screen to put the focus in the image on the flower in question. The design and the functionality of the App2Bee are presented followed by details on the communication, database and Web-portal components. In a second part of the project the classification of larger areas of flowers important for honey bees are investigate using a fixed-wing UAV system with two different types of cameras, a RGB digital camera and a NIR digital camera. It is certainly not possible to recognize single flowers, but it could be shown, that larger fields of the same flower, like e.g. Red Clover, can be classified with this approach. With the data available it was also possible to classify bare-ground, roads, low pasture, high pasture as well as mixed pasture. For the high pasture it was possible to automatically identify clusters of flowers, like Yarrow.
ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF SIMULATED SAR SIGNATURES OF DEBRIS FOR THE USAGE IN DAMAGE DETECTION
Authors: Kuny S. , Hammer H. , Schulz K.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. When disasters strike in urban areas, the most important issue is to direct rescue forces to the most heavily destroyed areas. SAR images, because of their independence from daylight and weather conditions, are the remote sensing tool of choice in these cases. However, often no pre-event image is available, so change detection cannot be performed. Thus, we aim at extracting areas of debris from a single post-event SAR image using textural features. We want to be independent of real samples of debris sites by using simulated SAR image chips. Previous work has shown that in this way we detect all major sites of debris, e.g. caused by collapsed buildings. However, the screening process also detects many other areas, especially high vegetation and gravel. In order to rule these areas out from the analysis, it is important to also simulate these classes of objects. The simulated chips can then be used in a classifier, specifically a random forest, to rule out these causes of false alarms.
IMPROVEMENT AND EXTENSION OF SHAPE EVALUATION CRITERIA IN MULTI-SCALE IMAGE SEGMENTATION
Authors: Sakamoto M. , Honda Y. , Kondo A.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. From the last decade, the multi-scale image segmentation is getting a particular interest and practically being used for object-based image analysis. In this study, we have addressed the issues on multi-scale image segmentation, especially, in improving the performances for validity of merging and variety of derived region’s shape. Firstly, we have introduced constraints on the application of spectral criterion which could suppress excessive merging between dissimilar regions. Secondly, we have extended the evaluation for smoothness criterion by modifying the definition on the extent of the object, which was brought for controlling the shape’s diversity. Thirdly, we have developed new shape criterion called aspect ratio. This criterion helps to improve the reproducibility on the shape of object to be matched to the actual objectives of interest. This criterion provides constraint on the aspect ratio in the bounding box of object by keeping properties controlled with conventional shape criteria. These improvements and extensions lead to more accurate, flexible, and diverse segmentation results according to the shape characteristics of the target of interest. Furthermore, we also investigated a technique for quantitative and automatic parameterization in multi-scale image segmentation. This approach is achieved by comparing segmentation result with training area specified in advance by considering the maximization of the average area in derived objects or satisfying the evaluation index called F-measure. Thus, it has been possible to automate the parameterization that suited the objectives especially in the view point of shape’s reproducibility.
CREATING OF CENTRAL GEOSPATIAL DATABASE OF THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC AND PROCEDURES OF ITS REVISION
Authors: Miškolci M. , Šafář V. , Šrámková R.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The article describes the creation of initial three dimensional geodatabase from planning and designing through the determination of technological and manufacturing processes to practical using of Central Geospatial Database (CGD – official name in Slovak language is Centrálna Priestorová Databáza – CPD) and shortly describes procedures of its revision. CGD ensures proper collection, processing, storing, transferring and displaying of digital geospatial information. CGD is used by Ministry of Defense (MoD) for defense and crisis management tasks and by Integrated rescue system. For military personnel CGD is run on MoD intranet, and for other users outside of MoD is transmutated to ZbGIS (Primary Geodatabase of Slovak Republic) and is run on public web site. CGD is a global set of geo-spatial information. CGD is a vector computer model which completely covers entire territory of Slovakia. Seamless CGD is created by digitizing of real world using of photogrammetric stereoscopic methods and measurements of objects properties. Basic vector model of CGD (from photogrammetric processing) is then taken out to the field for inspection and additional gathering of objects properties in the whole area of mapping. Finally real-world objects are spatially modeled as a entities of three-dimensional database. CGD gives us opportunity, to get know the territory complexly in all the three spatial dimensions. Every entity in CGD has recorded the time of collection, which allows the individual to assess the timeliness of information. CGD can be utilized for the purposes of geographical analysis, geo-referencing, cartographic purposes as well as various special-purpose mapping and has the ambition to cover the needs not only the MoD, but to become a reference model for the national geographical infrastructure.
EVALUATION OF MODEL RECOGNITION FOR GRAMMAR-BASED AUTOMATIC 3D BUILDING MODEL RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Yu Qian , Helmholz Petra , Belton David
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In recent years, 3D city models are in high demand by many public and private organisations, and the steadily growing capacity in both quality and quantity are increasing demand. The quality evaluation of these 3D models is a relevant issue both from the scientific and practical points of view. In this paper, we present a method for the quality evaluation of 3D building models which are reconstructed automatically from terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data based on an attributed building grammar. The entire evaluation process has been performed in all the three dimensions in terms of completeness and correctness of the reconstruction. Six quality measures are introduced to apply on four datasets of reconstructed building models in order to describe the quality of the automatic reconstruction, and also are assessed on their validity from the evaluation point of view.
INFORMATION EXTRACTION AND DEPENDENCY ON OPEN GOVERNMENT DATA (OGD) FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Authors: Abdulmuttalib Hussein
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Environmental monitoring practices support decision makers of different government / private institutions, besides environmentalists and planners among others. This support helps them act towards the sustainability of our environment, and also take efficient measures for protecting human beings in general, but it is difficult to explore useful information from 'OGD' and assure its quality for the purpose. On the other hand, Monitoring itself comprises detecting changes as happens, or within the mitigation period range, which means that any source of data, that is to be used for monitoring, should replicate the information related to the period of environmental monitoring, or otherwise it's considered almost useless or history. In this paper the assessment of information extraction and structuring from Open Government Data 'OGD', that can be useful to environmental monitoring is performed, looking into availability, usefulness to environmental monitoring of a certain type, checking its repetition period and dependences. The particular assessment is being performed on a small sample selected from OGD, bearing in mind the type of the environmental change monitored, such as the increase and concentrations of built up areas, and reduction of green areas, or monitoring the change of temperature in a specific area. The World Bank mentioned in its blog that Data is open if it satisfies both conditions of, being technically open, and legally open. The use of Open Data thus, is regulated by published terms of use, or an agreement which implies some conditions without violating the above mentioned two conditions. Within the scope of the paper I wish to share the experience of using some OGD for supporting an environmental monitoring work, that is performed to mitigate the production of carbon dioxide, by regulating energy consumption, and by properly designing the test area's landscapes, thus using Geodesign tactics, meanwhile wish to add to the results achieved by many efforts to make OGD useful In General and specifically for Environmental Monitoring purposes.
Probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment for the Makran region with focus on maximum magnitude assumption
Authors: Hoechner Andreas , Babeyko Andrey Y. , Zamora Natalia
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Despite having been rather seismically quiescent for the last decades, the Makran subduction zone is capable of hosting destructive earthquakes and tsunami. In particular, the well-known thrust event in 1945 (Balochistan earthquake) led to about 4000 casualties. Nowadays, the coastal regions are more densely populated and vulnerable to similar events. Furthermore, some recent publications discuss rare but significantly larger events at the Makran subduction zone as possible scenarios. We analyze the instrumental and historical seismicity at the subduction plate interface and generate various synthetic earthquake catalogs spanning 300 000 years with varying magnitude-frequency relations. For every event in the catalogs we compute estimated tsunami heights and present the resulting tsunami hazard along the coasts of Pakistan, Iran and Oman in the form of probabilistic tsunami hazard curves. We show how the hazard results depend on variation of the Gutenberg–Richter parameters and especially maximum magnitude assumption.
Los primeros testimonios sobre Martin Seidel, autor de Origo et fundamenta religionis christianae
Authors: Toribio Pérez Pablo
Published: June 2016

El tratado clandestino Origo et fundamenta religionis christianae ataca los fundamentos del cristianismo y propone una religión natural. Pese a que todas las copias manuscritas que lo conservan datan del siglo xVIII, se encuentran suficientes indicios que señalan al silesio Martin Seidel como su autor y documentan la existencia del texto a finales del siglo xVI o principios del xVII. Las primeras fuentes sobre Seidel lo vinculan con los antitrinitarios de Heidelberg (1570), los unitarios polacos (1580) y los “cripto-socinianos” de Altdorf (1610). En este artículo valoro dichas fuentes y corrijo a la luz de las mismas algunas afirmaciones de la crítica reciente sobre Seidel y su Origo.
La transformación de la tabla kantiana de las categorías en el Fundamento de toda la doctrina de la ciencia de J. G. Fichte de 1794/95
Authors: Acosta Emiliano
Published: June 2016

El presente artículo analiza la deducción fichteana de la categorías en el Fundamento de toda la doctrina de la ciencia de 1794/95 a la luz de la comprensión que tiene Fichte, durante los años de la génesis y publicación de esta obra, acerca de su relación con la filosofía kantiana con respecto a la cuestión de las categorías. Se argumenta que la deducción fichteana de las categorías en esta obra de 1794/95 transforma la tabla kantiana de las categorías en una tríada de tríadas (nueve categorías reunidas en los grupos de relación, cantidad, cualidad) en la que la determinación recíproca es la categoría fundamental, el grupo de la modalidad queda excluido y la distinción entre categorías matemáticas y dinámicas desaparece. El análisis de la deducción fichteana es seguido de una revisión crítica de las interpretaciones habituales sobre este tema.
La voluntad como deseo consciente: Kuno Fischer entre Spinoza y Nietzsche
Authors: De Pablos Escalante Raúl
Published: June 2016

Es muy defendible afirmar que el volumen dedicado a Spinoza de la obra Historia de la filosofía moderna de Kuno Fischer es la mediación más importante –si bien no la única– para comprender la relación Spinoza-Nietzsche. A partir de la lectura de esta obra en 1881, Nietzsche reconoce a Spinoza como precursor e identifica una tendencia en común entre ambos: «hacer del conocimiento el afecto más potente». Los principales objetivos de este trabajo son destacar la exposición que Fischer lleva a cabo de algunos de los contenidos de la filosofía spinociana para poder valorar mejor su influencia en Nietzsche y resaltar la importancia que tiene tulo 22 de la edición de 1865, titulado «La voluntad humana», donde se interpreta la voluntad como deseo consciente, lo que tendrá sus consecuencias en la recepción de Nietzsche de la filosofía spinociana, además de permitir una discusión respecto del rol no siempre atendido de la voluntad en Spinoza.
Metaphysics of love in the religious philosophy of Pável Florensky
Authors: Pavenkov Oleg , Rubtcova Mariia
Published: June 2016

This article focuses on the analysis of the concept of love in the religious philosophy of Pavel Florensky, who shares the ontological approach to the consideration of love with other representatives of Russian religious philosophy (N. berdyaev and S. bulgakov). We pay more careful attention to the understanding of love-άγαπαν by Florensky. We have drawn the conclusion that, in the philosophy of P. Florensky, Love, closely connected with truth and beauty, is considered an ontological basis existence of personality. We develop the ideas of Pavel Florensky, and accordingly assume that it is possible to synthesise love-agape and love-eros around the idea of sacrificial love. Agapelogical and erotical ‘bezels’ of one jewel of love is aspects of united love, which is given by God. this gift of God, the gift of united love, is kept by humans through prayer and deeds of love.
Constitución penal y teoría de la pena: apuntes sobre una relación necesaria y propuesta para un posible contenido desde la prevención especial
Authors: Duran Migliardi Mario
Published: June 2016

El presente trabajo postula la existencia, en toda sociedad democrática, de profundas conexiones entre la denominada constitución penal y la necesaria justificación teórica del castigo penal. Desde esta perspectiva, y luego de analizar el fundamento constitucional del derecho penal democrático, se estudia, a partir de una visión política-criminal, y en perspectiva constitucional, el posible rol que las teorías de prevención especial y el propio ideario resocializador pueden cumplir en este contexto.
El derecho natural y la inconstitucionalidad de los delitos de lesa humanidad: bases para una aproximación al deber de obediencia al derecho en el caso “Simón”
Authors: Laise Luciano Damián
Published: June 2016

En el presente artículo se examina el caso “Simón”, en el que la Corte Suprema de Justicia de la Nación Argentina declaró la invalidez constitucional de las leyes 23.492 y 23.521 de punto final y de obediencia debida. Tales leyes establecían la renuncia a la persecución penal de delitos de lesa humanidad, en pos de una convivencia social pacífica apoyada en el perdón de hechos de esa naturaleza. La perspectiva que se adoptará en este trabajo está centrada en defender la idea de que lo resuelto por la Corte argentina descansa en una visión transpositivista del derecho. Más en concreto, en una noción de obediencia al derecho que resultaría compatible con una de las tesis centrales de la tradición iusnaturalista.
Does Insurance Development Affect Financial Market in Developing Countries?
Authors: Sawadogo Relwendé , Guerineau Samuel
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates the impact of insurance on stock market development in 37 developing countries over the period 1987-2011. By controlling for the potential endogeneity bias by System GMM estimator, we show that the insurance premiums significantly increase the stock market value traded. This result is robust to the use of alternative measure of stock market development and control of the political and legal system quality. In addition, the results highlight that an improvement in property rights promotes the deepening of the financial market. Thus, the results argue for insurance policies promoting and an improvement of the legal environment to benefit from the financial market development.
Dynamics of Accounting Theory and Practice: Accounting Issues of Loan Loss Provisioning and Measurements of Financial Instruments of Nigeria Qouted Banks
Authors: Odoemelam Ndubuisi
Published: June 2016

This research examines the changes in theory and practice of loan loss provisioning (LLPs) under IFRS and CBN prudential guideline and banks classification and measurement of financial instruments in the balance sheet by listed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. Data were drawn for a period of six years (2010-2015) post –IFRS. The data were analyzed using simple percentages, graph and tables to empirically investigate the difference between the IFRS and CBN provisioning models. Banks were grouped into two, the too-big-to- fail banks and smaller- banks. The findings, i observed that both groups adopt mixed attribute accounting (MAA) model in classifying and measuring financial securities and that the dynamic forward looking LLPs that will replace IAS 39 is a right decision by standard setters. Analysis of the data showed a clear stand of IASB and CBN, while the former emphasize on transparency the later is interested on stability of the financial industry. The study recommended that accounting principles and rules should be harmonized to reduce diversities of professional judgment and discretion in financial reporting. There should be synergy between the regulators and accounting standard setters (CBN and IASB). The stability of the financial system and providing faithful and relevant information to investors and other segments of the society should be a paramount objective of the two bodies and preparers of financial statements.
Comparing How Ghana and Canada Succeeded in the adoption of the National Health Insurance (NHI): A Multiple Streams Approach
Authors: Sayi Abdul Hamid Issaka
Published: June 2016

This paper examines the development of National Health Insurance (NHI) policy in Ghana and Canada using the multiple streams framework (MSF) as the theoretical lens. It undertakes a diachronic case study by comparing how Ghana and Canada eventually adopted national health insurance as a health care policy reform. The two countries introduced universal health care policy reforms, which, in the case of Ghana, necessitated the advent of the NHI policy in 2003. Though the two countries have different institutional settings, they both succeeded in their health care reforms. The study contends that the multiple streams framework is useful for explaining policy change in both developed and developing countries.