bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single Robot Localisation Approach for Indoor Robotic Systems through Integration of Odometry and Artificial Landmarks
Authors: Nikitenko Agris , Liekna Aleksis , Ekmanis Martins , Kulikovskis Guntis , Andersone Ilze 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
we present an integrated approach for robot localization that allows to integrate for the artificial landmark localization data with odometric sensors and signal transfer function data to provide means for different practical application scenarios. The sensor data fusion deals with asynchronous sensor data using inverse Laplace transform. We demonstrate a simulation software system that ensures smooth integration of the odometry-based and signal transfer - based localization into one approach.
The Role of Feedback in Intelligent Tutoring System
Authors: Dāboliņš Jānis , Grundspeņķis Jānis 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Improvement of IT technologies, expansion of internet and popularization of web technologies have enabled technology enhanced learning introduction in adaption of general matters and acquaintance of specialized problems. It is necessary to integrate in ITS (Intelligent Tutoring System) analysis mechanisms and reactions to simulate or overcome natural tutoring environment achievements. In the development of learning systems it is necessary to take into account both individual needs and requirements, as well as the resources of information technologies. Feedback should be aligned, as much as possible, to the learner’s individuality, special needs, self-evaluation, self-explanation, self-regulation, etc.
A review on super dense coding over covariant noisy
channels
Authors: Shadman Z. , Kampermann H. , Macchiavello C. , Bruß D. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
We study the performance of the super dense coding protocol
in the presence of quantum channels with covariant noise.
We first consider the bipartite case and review in a unified
way the case of general Pauli channels. We discuss both the
cases of unitary and non-unitary encoding. We also study
the multipartite scenario and investigate the case of many
senders and one receiver.
Can Education for Sustainable Development Address Challenges in the Arab Region? Examining Business Students’ attitudes and Competences on Education for Sustainable Development: A Case Study
Authors: Kanbar Nancy 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The population growth together with the unsustainable consumption pattern is putting increasing stress on the planet’s natural resources. The increasing realisation that humans are harming the environment is taking the form of a global movement intended to change behaviour towards sustainability, now recognised as a framework that links humans to nature. Continuous exploitation of natural systems in the Arab region leads to environmental damages that negatively affect human well-being. This article presents a case study from the Reorient University Curricula to Address Sustainability (RUCAS) Tempus project funded by the European Commission. It highlights the results of an empirical study in the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (FBAE) at Notre Dame University -Louaize (NDU) in Lebanon. The main objective is to assess the need for education for sustainable development (ESD) through an examination of students’ attitudes and competences with the aim of reorienting university curricula to address sustainability. A framework based on the pillars of learning set by UNESCO was developed to measure ESD attitudes and competences. The main findings reveal the need to reorient university courses to address sustainability issues. Attitudes questions suggest that relatively high numbers of students are not aware of their responsibilities for environmental problems, which imply the necessity for a revised curriculum where courses are restructured to inform students of their responsibility for their environment and the quality of life. The results show that the disciplinary competences are significantly lower than the five pillars of learning (general competences) which indicate that the FBAE needs to reorient its curricula to infuse ESD into its programmes through the development of effective pedagogical approaches, teaching methodologies as well as learning materials.
The Students’ Survey of Education for Sustainable Development Competencies: A Comparison Among Faculties
Authors: Biasutti Michele , Surian Alessio 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The paper reports research employing a quantitative approach to investigating the competences of university students about educating for sustainable development (ESD). Participants were 467 bachelor students of the following five areas: social sciences, educational sciences, applied sciences, engineering and health sciences. The Student Survey of Education for Sustainable Development Competencies was employed. Internal consistency and factor structure of this questionnaire were investigated by assessing Cronbach’s alphas and by performing exploratory factor analysis. Data were subjected to ANOVA for comparing the students of the five faculties. The relevance of factors and the differences between students of different areas were discussed considering also how to infuse ESD principles in university curricula. The aim is reorienting university study programmes in various faculties to prepare students about sustainable development issues.
Branding the Green Education: Challenges Facing Implementation of Education for Sustainable Development in Egypt
Authors: Ramzy Omar , Wahieb Rasha 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Due to the scarcity in natural resources and the demand for green labour and economy, education for sustainable development (ESD) gained a great importance in developed countries, let alone developing ones. From this point of view, this paper is studying the possibility of infusing ESD in Egypt after one and a half years since January 2011 youth revolution. A primary data gathering method was conducted within a sample of 79 young undergraduate people (67 from the American University in Cairo and 12 fresh graduates from conventional educational systems). The results indicated that there is a positive relationship between high cultural resources along with early childhood awareness and ESD adoption and infusion. Also, Spearman’s rank association test showed a negative relationship between ESD infusion and the satisfaction level of the current conventional curriculum. On the other hand, Spearman’s rank association test showed that α is greater than 0.05; accordingly, there was no correlation between ESD infusion if introduced within the curriculum of an existing well-established university than if introduced as the final outcome of a new university specialised in ESD. The paper highlights the importance of ESD brand associations offered as a service product. After validating the hypothesis, the author discusses the findings and provides solid recommendations for ESD infusion in Egypt.
Education for Sustainable Development: Assessment of the Current Situation at the Faculty of Engineering of Notre Dame University – Louaize
Authors: Salem Talal , Harb Jacques 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
There is a growing need to incorporate educational sustainable development (ESD) principles into engineering education. This paper identifies engineering competencies within the Faculty of Engineering at Notre Dame University - Louaize and the means to shift towards sustainability. ESD tools are used to carry the analysis, keeping in mind the Faculty of Engineering accreditation system ABET, incorporated as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., requirements. A survey of the current situation was conducted based on seven key areas: curriculum, research and scholarship, operations, faculty and staff development, outreach and service, student opportunities, administration, mission and planning. The survey revealed some weaknesses that the Faculty of Engineering needs to address for a successful implementation of sustainable practices. ESD is integrated in two selected engineering courses. At the beginning of the course, a questionnaire is used to assess the knowledge, behaviour and attitudes of students. Results show that students currently understand the importance of ESD, but they have a weak knowledge of the relationship between the environment and sustainable future and a bad understanding of sufficient living economy principle. The analysis showed also the need to introduce new courses of sustainability. Nevertheless, the proposed amendment to the curriculum ought to be carried in conjunction with the Faculty of Engineering accreditation system ABET. A wide dissemination of ESD throughout the entire engineering programme will help promoting sustainability. Besides, the infusion of ESD can be implemented within a common engineering course - a mandatory course for all engineering students following ABET amendment procedures.
Reorienting an Educational Psychology Course to Address Sustainability: A Case Study
Authors: Khalil Nehal Lotfy 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Due to the rapidly changing knowledge, teachers are supposed to teach their students ways of thinking and gathering information, not certain contents that would change shortly. In this sense, sustainability, which, in part, means the preparation of an individual who has the ability to practise critical thinking and to find creative solutions to the problems they face, is considered a must. This paper focuses on the integration of sustainability in curricula, specifically ways of introducing it to students in higher education institutions that provide highly specific and specialised knowledge and skills. So, this study presents a framework for reorienting a university course in the field of physiological psychology to address sustainability. The results of the quantitative analysis showed significant differences at the level of 0.001 between the pre- and post-testing of students’ knowledge of and attitudes towards sustainability in favour of the post-test. While results of qualitative analysis showed positive transformation of students’ practices health wise.
Preliminary Assessment of Balance With the Berg Balance Scale in Adults Who Have a Leg Amputation and Dwell in the Community: Rasch Rating Scale Analysis
Authors: Wong Christopher Kevin , Chen Christine C. , Welsh Jenna 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundSelf-report measures of balance and multidimensional mobility assessments are common for people with a leg amputation, yet clinical assessment of balance ability remains less explored. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), typically used for other populations with impaired balance, has been used for young people with a high level of functioning after traumatic amputation but rarely for older people after vascular amputation.ObjectiveThe study objective was to examine the psychometric properties of the BBS with Rasch rating scale analysis to determine the validity and utility of the BBS in assessing balance ability in adults who have a leg amputation and dwell in the community.DesignRating scale analysis was applied to BBS scores obtained from a single assessment.MethodsAdult volunteers (men and women) who had a leg amputation (any level and etiology) and dwelled in the community were recruited from a hospital-based community support group and a prosthetic clinic. Rating scale analysis of the BBS was used to assess unidimensionality, internal validity, goodness of fit, structural integrity, and person and item analyses.ResultsThe study participants were 40 people (26 men and 14 women; 57.8 [SD=9.7] years old) with leg amputations (24 transtibial, 13 transfemoral, and 3 bilateral) of mixed etiology (32 vascular and 8 nonvascular). The psychometric properties of the BBS confirmed that it measures the unidimensional construct of balance ability with adequate validity and with goodness of fit and structural integrity that meet the acceptability criteria. Person measures revealed that some participants scored near the top of the BBS, suggesting a ceiling effect; item measures revealed that participants with leg amputations had the most difficulty performing the following tasks: standing with 1 leg in front, turning 360 degrees, and placing alternate foot on a stool.LimitationsLimitations included a convenience sample and a lack of rater reliability testing.ConclusionsThe BBS cohered with the unidimensional construct of balance ability and had strong internal validity for use in a variety of people with leg amputations.
Long-term results of posteromedial hypothalamic deep brain stimulation for patients with resistant aggressiveness
Authors: Torres Cristina V. , Sola Rafael G. , Pastor Jesús , Pedrosa Manuel , Navas Marta , García-Navarrete Eduardo , Ezquiaga Elena , García-Camba Eduardo 
Published: June 2013

Object
Erethism describes severe cases of unprovoked aggressive behavior, usually associated with some degree of mental impairment and gross brain damage. The etiology can be epileptic, postencephalitic, or posttraumatic, or the condition can be caused by brain malformations or perinatal insults. Erethism is often refractory to medication, and patients must often be interned in institutions, where they are managed with major restraining measures. The hypothalamus is a crucial group of nuclei that coordinate behavioral and autonomic responses and play a central role in the control of aggressive behavior. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the posteromedial hypothalamus (PMH) has been proposed as a treatment for resistant erethism, although experience with this treatment around the world is scarce. The objective of this study was to examine the long-term outcome of PMH DBS in 6 patients with severe erethism treated at the authors' institution.

Methods
Medical records of 6 patients treated with PMH DBS for intractable aggressiveness were reviewed. The therapeutic effect on behavior was assessed by the Inventory for Client and Agency Planning preoperatively and at the last follow-up visit.

Results
Two patients died during the follow-up period due to causes unrelated to the neurosurgical treatment. Five of 6 patients experienced a significant reduction in aggressiveness (the mean Inventory for Client and Agency Planning general aggressiveness score was −47 at baseline and −25 at the last follow-up; mean follow-up 3.5 years). Similar responses were obtained with low- and high-frequency stimulation. In 4 cases, the patients' sleep patterns became more regular, and in 1 case, binge eating and polydipsia ceased. One of the 3 patients who had epilepsy noticed a 30% reduction in seizure frequency. Another patient experienced a marked sympathetic response with high-frequency stimulation during the first stimulation trial, but this subsided when stimulation was set at low frequency. A worsening of a previous headache was noted by 1 patient. There were no other side effects.

Conclusions
In this case series, 5 of 6 patients with pathological aggressiveness had a reduction of their outbursts of violence after PMH DBS, without significant adverse effects. Prospective controlled studies with a larger number of patients are needed to confirm these results.
Predictors of mortality in nontraumatic subdural hematoma
Authors: Busl Katharina M. , Prabhakaran Shyam 
Published: June 2013

Object
Subdural hematoma (SDH) is a common diagnosis in neurosurgical and neurocritical practice. Comprehensive outcome data are lacking for nontraumatic SDH. The authors determined which factors are associated with in-hospital mortality in a large sample of patients with nontraumatic SDH.

Methods
Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the authors selected adults who had been hospitalized in the US between 2007 and 2009 and in whom a primary diagnosis of nontraumatic SDH (ICD-9-CM code 432.1) had been made. Demographics, comorbidities, surgical treatment, and discharge outcomes were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Results
Among 14,093 patients with acute nontraumatic SDH, the mean age was 71.4 ± 14.8 (mean ± standard deviation). In addition, 22.2% of the patients were admitted during the weekend. Surgical evacuation was performed in 51.4% of the patients, and 11.8% of all patients died during hospitalization. In multivariate analyses, patient age (adjusted OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.012–1.022), congestive heart failure (adjusted OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.19–1.71), warfarin use (adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17–1.70), coagulopathy (adjusted OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.75–2.61), mechanical ventilation (adjusted OR 16.85, 95% CI 14.29–19.86), and weekend admission (adjusted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.38) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Race (Hispanic: adjusted OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51–0.83; black: adjusted OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.63–0.96), urban hospital location (adjusted OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54–0.89), and surgical SDH evacuation (adjusted OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.45–0.60) were strong independent predictors for decreased mortality.

Conclusions
One in 9 patients with nontraumatic SDH dies during hospitalization. Among the several predictors of in-hospital mortality, the weekend effect and treatment with surgical evacuation are potentially modifiable factors. Further investigation may lead to improvements in management and outcomes.
Postoperative epidural hematoma covering the galeal flap in pediatric patients with moyamoya disease: clinical manifestation, risk factors, and outcomes
Authors: Choi Hyunho , Lee Ji Yeoun , Phi Ji Hoon , Kim Seung-Ki , Cho Byung-Kyu , Wang Kyu-Chang 
Published: June 2013

Object
Postoperative epidural hematoma (EDH), a blood collection between the inserted galeal flap and the overlying skull flap (epigaleal flap hematoma), is a frustrating complication of the surgical treatment of moyamoya disease (MMD) in pediatric patients. The symptoms of postoperative EDH are often similar to those of postoperative cerebral ischemia, and may cause confusion during clinical decision making. The authors designed this study to evaluate the incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of postoperative EDH in pediatric patients with MMD.

Methods
A retrospective review of 148 pediatric patients with 250 craniotomies who underwent indirect bypass revascularization surgery between January 2002 and December 2006 was performed. This group consisted of 60 male and 88 female patients, and the mean age at surgery was 7.5 years (range 1–18 years).

Results
Of the 250 craniotomies, postoperative EDH was detected in 32 cases. In 12 cases of EDH, surgical treatment was necessary (4.8% of 250 craniotomies). During the same period, 743 non-MMD craniotomy operations were performed. In 6 of these 743 operations, patients developed postoperative EDH that required surgical treatment, significantly less than the percentage of EDH requiring postoperative treatment in patients with MMD (0.8%, p < 0.001). The average interval between craniotomy surgery and the detection of EDH was 1.8 days (range 0–5 days) in patients with MMD and 0.5 days (range 0–2 days; p = 0.018) in the non-MMD craniotomy group.
Postoperative EDH was observed in significantly fewer cases (17 of 191) when a subcutaneous drain (SCD) was inserted over the bone flap than in cases in which an SCD was not inserted (14 of 55; p = 0.001). The mean international normalized ratio of prothrombin time in the immediate postoperative blood test was 1.27 ± 0.17 in the EDH group and 1.20 ± 0.11 in the non-EDH group (values are expressed as the mean ± SD; p = 0.008). Central galeal flap tenting suture and immediate postoperative platelet count were not related to the incidence of postoperative EDH following pediatric MMD surgery.

Conclusions
Postoperative EDH is more likely to be found following craniotomy in patients with MMD than in those without MMD, and may occur in a delayed fashion. Insertion of an SCD and immediate correction of an abnormal value for international normalized ratio of prothrombin time can decrease the incidence of postoperative EDH following surgery for pediatric MMD.
A magnetic resonance imaging, histological, and dose modeling comparison of focused ultrasound, radiofrequency, and Gamma Knife radiosurgery lesions in swine thalamus
Authors: Elias W. Jeff , Khaled Mohamad , Hilliard Justin D. , Aubry Jean-Francois , Frysinger Robert C. , Sheehan Jason P. , Wintermark Max , Lopes Maria Beatriz 
Published: June 2013

Object
The purpose of this study was to use MRI and histology to compare stereotactic lesioning modalities in a large brain model of thalamotomy.

Methods
A unilateral thalamotomy was performed in piglets utilizing one of 3 stereotactic lesioning modalities: focused ultrasound (FUS), radiofrequency, and radiosurgery. Standard clinical lesioning parameters were used for each treatment; and clinical, MRI, and histological assessments were made at early (< 72 hours), subacute (1 week), and later (1–3 months) time intervals.

Results
Histological and MRI assessment showed similar development for FUS and radiofrequency lesions. T2-weighted MRI revealed 3 concentric lesional zones at 48 hours with resolution of perilesional edema by 1 week. Acute ischemic infarction with macrophage infiltration was most prominent at 72 hours, with subsequent resolution of the inflammatory reaction and coalescence of the necrotic zone. There was no apparent difference in ischemic penumbra or “sharpness” between FUS or radiofrequency lesions. The radiosurgery lesions presented differently, with latent effects, less circumscribed lesions at 3 months, and apparent histological changes seen in white matter beyond the thalamic target. Additionally, thermal and radiation lesioning gradients were compared with modeling by dose to examine the theoretical penumbra.

Conclusions
In swine thalamus, FUS and radiosurgery lesions evolve similarly as determined by MRI, histological examination, and theoretical modeling. Radiosurgery produces lesions with more delayed effects and seemed to result in changes in the white matter beyond the thalamic target.