bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catechesis of Technology: The Short Life of American Technical Catechism Genre 1884–1926?
Authors: Brockmann R. John
Published: July 2014

Between 1884 and 1926, such publishers of technological information as Henley Publishing, Audel Publishing, John Wiley, Van Nostrand, McGraw-Hill, and Practical Publications put out dozens and dozens of technical catechisms on a wide variety of technical subjects. Then, around 1926, these publishers ceased releasing texts called catechisms. What made the genre so popular? Did it disappear? The answers to these questions provide a case study of genre adaptation, genre change, and genre persistence within technical communication.
New Perspectives on the Technical Communication Internship: Professionalism in the Workplace
Authors: Bourelle Tiffany
Published: July 2014

This article argues for developing linked courses in technical communication where the instructor facilitates a service-learning curriculum and then serves as faculty advisor within subsequent internships. In these linked courses, students write technical documents before moving into internships where they write similar documents. Specifically, the article examines the results from one such class and offers both theoretical and practical advice for collaborating with nonprofit and creating internships that are beneficial for both the students and the nonprofit. In addition, the discussion highlights students' preparedness to enter the field of technical communication, as evidenced through their internship work and their final reflections. Through careful consideration of the nonprofit' responses, I suggest making changes to professional and technical communication curricula for linked courses and internships, including the addition of an objective of professionalism that teaches students to not only write in a professional manner, but to also consider their actions and responsibilities within the context of an organizational culture.
Optimization of the fermentation conditions and substrate specifity of mycelium-bound ester hydrolases of Aspergillus oryzae Cs007
Authors: de Hong , Liu Hong , Wang Zhao
Published: July 2014

In order to improve mycelium-bound ester hydrolases activities of Aspergillus
oryzae Cs007, the main production conditions were investigated. The ester
hydrolases activities were simultaneously determined by titration assay and
spectrophotometric assay methods, using olive oil and p-nitrophenyl esters
as substrates, respectively. The optimum carbon source and nitrogen source
were olive oil and peptone, with the concentrations of 1% and 2.2%,
respectively. The effects of carbon source, nitrogen source and their
concentrations on the production of enzymes were identical when the enzymes
activities were assayed by the two methods. The mycelium-bound enzymes
showed hydrolytic activity toward all the tested p-nitrophenyl esters,
triglycerides and fatty acid ethyl esters. But it showed greater preference
for long-chain triglycerides and short-chain p-nitrophenyl esters.
Investigation of key interactions between the second extracellular loop of dopamine D2 receptor and several hydroxy-N-{[2-(4-phenyl-piperaziny-1-yl)ethyl]phenyl}-nicotinamides
Authors: Sukalovic Vladimir , Soskic Vukic , Ignjatovic Djurdjica , Andric Deana , Penјisevic Jelena , Kostic-Rajacic Sladjana
Published: July 2014

Dopaminergic receptor system has been in focus for the development of new
pharmacotherapeutic agents, targeting number of central nervous system
related disorders, like drug addiction, schizophrenia, depression, and
Parkinson's disease, just to name a few. So far crystal structure for human
D2 receptor is not known, despite it?s vital function and importance as
therapeutic target. Here we present, recent progress in determination of the
key receptor-ligand interactions for available arylpiperazine like ligands,
using D2 receptor model, based upon crystal D3 receptor structure. To
determine key interactions responsible for high dopaminergic activity, we
used computer docking analysis together with experimental data. Total of 4
dopaminergic ligands showing moderate to high affinity, were tested and
obtained results rationalized using ligand structures docked into proposed D2
receptor model.
Fluid processes in the Tesbihdere base-metal-Au deposit: Implications for epithermal mineralization in the Biga Peninsula, NW Turkey
Authors: Bozkaya Gulcan , Banks David , Ozbas Fatih , Wallington Jon
Published: July 2014

Tesbihdere is one of a number of spatially close epithermal Cu-Pb-Zn-Ag-Au deposits hosted by andesites and rhyolites, typical of deposits in the Biga peninsula. Microthermometry of fluid inclusions shows a wide range of temperatures, ∼360–170°C, and salinities, ∼10-0.5 wt.% NaCl, in the different deposits studied. Dilution of a moderately saline magmatic? fluid with meteoric water occurred at constant temperature indicating, the temperature of both fluids was controlled by the geological environment. Boiling was not a major factor, but did occur in very minor amounts. The large range of temperatures within individual samples can only reasonably be explained by variations from near lithostatic to hydrostatic pressure during vein and fracture opening. That this pressure decrease did not produce extensive boiling suggests that vein opening was gradual rather than aggressive, allowing the pressure and temperature decrease to follow a path close to the L-V boiling curve. P-T reconstruction places emplacement of these ore veins at between 300–500 m beneath the surface. Similarities of LA-ICPMS of fluid inclusions from Tesbihdere, Azitepe and Basmakci, supports the conclusion that they were part of the same contemporaneous mineralizing system. The fluids are dominated by Na, with the concentrations of K>Ca>Mg combined equivalent to the concentration of Na. The range of K/Na ratios is not consistent with the fluid inclusion temperatures as the calculated temperatures are significantly higher indicating the fluids were not close to equilibrium with the enclosing rocks. Elevated K concentrations are consistent with acid-sulphate waters in shallow epithermal systems. Ore metals Cu, Zn and Pb are present in significant concentrations ∼500, 300 and 200 ppm respectively and the low Fe/Mn ratios are indicative of a relatively oxidising fluid. The negative δ
34S values of sulphides are consistent with boiling and oxidising redox conditions.
Le soutien financier à la garde d'enfants : les effets sur le travail des femmes, le revenu des familles et les finances publiques
Authors: Clavet Nicholas-James , Duclos Jean-Yves
Published: July 2014

Les mesures de soutien financier à la garde d'enfants sont au coeur d'objectifs multiples au Québec et ailleurs au Canada. Dans cet article, nous présentons, à l'aide de simulations, l'impact des trois principales mesures actuelles (le crédit d'impôt provincial et la déduction d'impôt fédérale pour frais de garde, et les subventions directes aux garderies) sur le revenu des familles, la participation des femmes au marché du travail et les finances publiques québécoises et canadiennes. Contrairement à ce que l'on trouve dans la littérature canadienne existante sur ce sujet, nous estimons ici cet impact à l'aide d'un modèle structurel d'offre de travail qui intègre les préférences travail/loisirs des familles. Ce modèle tient également compte du système fiscal et des transferts du Québec et du Canada, de l'effet des coûts fixes liés à un emploi, des types de garde et de leurs coûts, ainsi que la distribution des caractéristiques socio-démographiques des familles québécoises. Les mesures de soutien financier à la garde d'enfants accroissent globalement et considérablement le revenu des familles après impôt, transferts et frais de garde ; elles ont aussi un impact plus marqué sur le revenu et sur le travail des femmes monoparentales que sur celui des femmes ayant un conjoint. L'abolition de ces mesures entraînerait des économies substantielles sur le plan des finances du gouvernement québécois, mais influencerait peu celles du gouvernement fédéral.
A Comparison of Measures and Policies to Prevent Alcohol Problems among Youth across Canadian Provinces
Authors: Simpson Stephanie , Wettlaufer Ashley , Giesbrecht Norman , Asbridge Mark , Mann Robert , Murie Andrew
Published: July 2014

The current report compares Canadian provinces across three policy/program dimensions demonstrated to reduce alcohol-related problems among 15–24-year-olds. The dimensions, Legal Drinking Age, Server and Manager Training/Challenge and Refusal Programs, and Drinking and Driving, were assessed using specified indicators with provincial scores reflecting the percentage of the ideal attained. National means for each dimension were also calculated. Legal Drinking Age attained the highest national mean at 75% of the ideal; Server and Manager Training/Challenge and Refusal Programs achieved 61%; Drinking and Driving achieved 34% of the ideal. Results specify how provinces can increase prevention impact through evidence-based policy and program measures.
Changes of Major Antioxidant Compounds and Radical Scavenging Activity of Palm Oil and Rice Bran Oil during Deep-Frying
Authors: Hamid Azizah , Dek Mohd , Tan Chin , Zainudin Mohd , Fang Evelyn
Published: July 2014

Changes in antioxidant properties and degradation of bioactives in palm oil (PO) and rice bran oil (RBO) during deep-frying were investigated. The alpha (α)-tocopherol, gamma (γ)-tocotrienol and γ-oryzanol contents of the deep-fried oils were monitored using high performance liquid chromatography, and antioxidant activity was determined using 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Results revealed that the antioxidant activity of PO decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while that of RBO was preserved after deep-frying of fries. As expected, the concentration of α-tocopherol in PO and γ-tocotrienol in both PO and RBO decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased frying. Results also showed that γ-tocotrienol was found to be more susceptible to degradation compared to that of α-tocopherol in both PO and RBO. Interestingly, no significant degradation of α-tocopherol was observed in RBO. It is suggested that the presence of γ-oryzanol and γ-tocotrienol in RBO may have a protective effect on α-tocopherol during deep-frying.
Entropy Generation in Steady Laminar Boundary Layers with Pressure Gradients
Authors: McEligot Donald , Walsh Edmond
Published: July 2014

In an earlier paper in Entropy [1] we hypothesized that the entropy generation rate is the driving force for boundary layer transition from laminar to turbulent flow. Subsequently, with our colleagues we have examined the prediction of entropy generation during such transitions [2,3]. We found that reasonable predictions for engineering purposes could be obtained for flows with negligible streamwise pressure gradients by adapting the linear combination model of Emmons [4]. A question then arises—will the Emmons approach be useful for boundary layer transition with significant streamwise pressure gradients as by Nolan and Zaki [5]. In our implementation the intermittency is calculated by comparison to skin friction correlations for laminar and turbulent boundary layers and is then applied with comparable correlations for the energy dissipation coefficient (i.e., non-dimensional integral entropy generation rate). In the case of negligible pressure gradients the Blasius theory provides the necessary laminar correlations.
First Year Growth in Relation to Prenatal Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors — A Dutch Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: De Cock Marijke , De Boer Michiel , Lamoree Marja , Legler Juliette , Van de Bor Margot
Published: July 2014

Growth in the first year of life may already be predictive of obesity later in childhood. The objective was to assess the association between prenatal exposure to various endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and child growth during the first year. Dichloro-diphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl)phthalate (MECPP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)phthalate (MEOHP), polychlorinated biphenyl-153, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and perfluoro-octanoic acid were measured in cord plasma or breast milk. Data on weight, length, and head circumference (HC) until 11 months after birth was obtained from 89 mother-child pairs. Mixed models were composed for each health outcome and exposure in quartiles. For MEOHP, boys in quartile 1 had a higher BMI than higher exposed boys (p = 0.029). High DDE exposure was associated with low BMI over time in boys (0.8 kg/m2 difference at 11 m). Boys with high MECPP exposure had a greater HC (1.0 cm difference at 11 m) than other boys (p = 0.047), as did girls in the second quartile of MEHHP (p = 0.018) and DDE (p < 0.001) exposure. In conclusion, exposure to phthalates and DDE was associated with BMI as well as with HC during the first year after birth. These results should be interpreted with caution though, due to the limited sample size.
Microsatellite primers for the fungi Rhizopogon kretzerae and R. salebrosus (Rhizopogonaceae) from 454 shotgun pyrosequencing
Authors: Grubisha Lisa C. , Brewer Jessica D. , Dowie Nicholas J. , Miller Steven L. , Trowbridge Steven M. , Klooster Matthew R.
Published: July 2014

• Premise of the study: Rhizopogon kretzerae and R. salebrosus (Rhizopogonaceae) are ectomycorrhizal fungi symbiotic with pines and the mycoheterotrophic plant Pterospora andromedea (Ericaceae). Microsatellite loci will allow population genetic study of fungal hosts to P. andromedea.

• Methods and Results: Shotgun pyrosequencing of R. kretzerae DNA resulted in primer development of 23 perfect microsatellite loci and screened across two populations each for R. kretzerae and R. salebrosus. Twelve loci were polymorphic in R. kretzerae populations, and 11 loci cross‐amplified in R. salebrosus populations. For R. kretzerae and R. salebrosus, number of alleles was one to eight and one to nine, respectively, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.00–0.57 and 0.00–0.70, respectively.

• Conclusions: These are the first microsatellite loci developed for any species within Rhizopogon subgenus Amylopogon. These microsatellite loci will be used in conservation genetic studies of rare to endangered eastern populations and to compare plant and fungal population genetic structure at different hierarchical levels.
Easy Leaf Area: Automated digital image analysis for rapid and accurate measurement of leaf area
Authors: Easlon Hsien Ming , Bloom Arnold J.
Published: July 2014

• Premise of the study: Measurement of leaf areas from digital photographs has traditionally required significant user input unless backgrounds are carefully masked. Easy Leaf Area was developed to batch process hundreds of Arabidopsis rosette images in minutes, removing background artifacts and saving results to a spreadsheet‐ready CSV file.

• Methods and Results: Easy Leaf Area uses the color ratios of each pixel to distinguish leaves and calibration areas from their background and compares leaf pixel counts to a red calibration area to eliminate the need for camera distance calculations or manual ruler scale measurement that other software methods typically require. Leaf areas estimated by this software from images taken with a camera phone were more accurate than ImageJ estimates from flatbed scanner images.

• Conclusions: Easy Leaf Area provides an easy‐to‐use method for rapid measurement of leaf area and nondestructive estimation of canopy area from digital images.
Characterization of fungus‐specific microsatellite markers in the lichen fungus Usnea subfloridana (Parmeliaceae)
Authors: Tõrra Tiiu , Cornejo Carolina , Cheenacharoen Saran , Dal Grande Francesco , Marmor Liis , Scheidegger Christoph
Published: July 2014

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed for the haploid lichenized fungal species Usnea subfloridana to study its population subdivision and the species’ response to forest disturbance, fragmentation, and environmental pollution.

• Methods and Results: We developed 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers using 454 pyrosequencing data of U. subfloridana. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 15, and Nei's unbiased gene diversity averaged over nine markers without null alleles ranged from 0.64 to 0.67. Evaluation of the cross‐species amplification in U. glabrescens and U. wasmuthii indicates that these markers are also informative in other Usnea species.

• Conclusions: These markers will allow us to investigate the effects of forest management and environmental pollution on genetic population structure of U. subfloridana and closely related species. Moreover, they will help facilitate phylogeographic studies of U. subfloridana across the species’ distribution area in Europe.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in lichen‐forming fungi of Bryoria section Implexae (Parmeliaceae)
Authors: Nadyeina Olga , Cornejo Carolina , Boluda Carlos G. , Myllys Leena , Rico Víctor J. , Crespo Ana , Scheidegger Christoph
Published: July 2014

• Premise of the study: The locally rare, haploid, lichen‐forming fungi Bryoria capillaris, B. fuscescens, and B. implexa are associated with boreal forests and belong to Bryoria sect. Implexae. Recent phylogenetic studies consider them to be conspecific. Microsatellite loci were developed to study population structure in Bryoria sect. Implexae and its response to ecosystem disturbances.

• Methods and Results: We developed 18 polymorphic microsatellite markers using 454 pyrosequencing data assessed in 82 individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 13 with an average of 4.6. Nei's unbiased gene diversity, averaged over loci, ranged from 0.38 to 0.52. The markers amplified with all three species, except for markers Bi05, Bi15, and Bi18.

• Conclusions: The new markers will allow the study of population subdivision, levels of gene introgression, and levels of clonal spread of Bryoria sect. Implexae. They will also facilitate an understanding of the effects of forest disturbance on genetic diversity of these lichen species.
Le dernier mois de l'existence : les lieux de fin de vie et de décès en France
Authors: Pennec Sophie , Gaymu Joëlle , Monnier Alain , Riou Françoise , Aubry Régis , Pontone Silvia , Cases Chantal
Published: July 2014

Cet article décrit les lieux de vie et trajectoires résidentielles des personnes durant le dernier mois de leur existence, à partir de l’enquête Fin de vie en France réalisée en 2010. L’enquête repose sur un échantillon représentatif des décès survenus en décembre 2009. Les médecins ayant certifié les décès ont été interrogés sur les circonstances de la fin de vie. Si 3 personnes sur 5 meurent à l’hôpital, seules la moitié étaient hospitalisées un mois avant leur décès. Dans ce laps de temps, l’hospitalisation à partir du domicile est le changement le plus fréquemment observé. Les personnes prises en charge en maison de retraite ou à l’hôpital un mois avant leur décès ont une forte probabilité d’y finir leurs jours. Des analyses multivariées montrent que l’âge et le sexe influencent le parcours de fin de vie : ce sont les plus âgés et les femmes qui présentent le plus fort risque de vivre leur dernier mois en maison de retraite. Les symptômes, le type de maladies et la finalité des traitements conditionnent les lieux de la fin de vie des patients. Toutes les situations cliniques ne permettent pas de maintenir les personnes à domicile : le traitement d’épisodes aigus, les détresses respiratoires ou les problèmes digestifs sont plus souvent traités à l’hôpital, les troubles mentaux en maison de retraite et les difficultés de déplacement dans chacun de ces lieux.
La satisfaction des couples en Suisse face à la répartition des tâches ménagères : une approche longitudinale
Authors: Henchoz Caroline , Wernli Boris
Published: July 2014

Selon l’analyse longitudinale des données du Panel suisse des ménages, le sentiment de satisfaction relative à la répartition des tâches ménagères diminue lorsque les enfants sont mineurs, augmente ensuite pour redescendre au moment du passage à la retraite. Cette évolution en forme de W doit toutefois être nuancée selon les personnes, car le sentiment de satisfaction est une construction genrée et générationnelle, individuelle et interactionnelle. Bien que dans de faibles proportions, la satisfaction des hommes est plus influencée par le nombre d’heures consacrées au travail ménager que celle des femmes. Ainsi, malgré de fortes inégalités, ces dernières se déclarent souvent satisfaites de l’organisation ménagère. La satisfaction féminine dépend de plus de facteurs, notamment des attentes en matière d’égalité qui augmentent avec les générations. Elle est surtout corrélée à l’implication pratique et émotionnelle du partenaire. De manière générale, la satisfaction des hommes et des femmes relative à la répartition des tâches ménagères dépend essentiellement de leur perception de plusieurs aspects de la vie commune qui vont au-delà de la sphère domestique, comme par exemple ce que ressent le conjoint. En ce sens, une pleine appréhension du sentiment de satisfaction nécessite d’intégrer le type de tâches ménagères évaluées, comme c’est souvent le cas, mais aussi le cadre dans lequel elles sont réparties et les personnes concernées.
Le célibat masculin involontaire en Chine rurale : une approche par le réseau social
Authors: Liu Lige , Jin Xiaoyi , Brown Melissa J. , Feldman Marcus W.
Published: July 2014

Résumé Si un homme dispose d’un réseau d’intermédiaires, ses chances de se marier en sont-elles accrues ? En exploitant des données d’enquête recueillies en 2008 dans le district X de la province d’Anhui en Chine, les auteurs analysent les déterminants de la probabilité de premier mariage selon le type de réseau d’un échantillon d’hommes âgés de 18 à 50 ans vivant en milieu rural ( N  = 412). L’âge au premier mariage des hommes se concentre entre 22 et 27 ans, et la probabilité de se marier chute fortement après 28 ans, pour devenir quasiment nulle au-delà de 34 ans. Le type de lien qui existe entre l’individu et les membres de son réseau a beaucoup plus d’influence sur la probabilité de primo-nuptialité masculine que la taille du réseau. Les hommes sans réseau présentent un risque plus important de rester célibataires. Pour ceux qui en ont un, les types de réseau ont des effets légèrement différents : ce sont les réseaux familiaux qui renforcent le plus la probabilité de mariage, particulièrement aux âges auxquels la plupart des hommes se marient. La probabilité de premier mariage des hommes qui bénéficient d’un réseau mixte, à la fois familial et non familial, est la plus faible : ceci peut traduire la stratégie de recherche de conjoint de certains hommes qui ont plus de difficultés pour se marier.
Political and Cultural Issues in Digital Public Administration
Authors: Alican Fuat
Published: July 2014

Political and cultural aspects of digital public undertakings in developing countries are often neglected as more emphasis is placed on the technological components. The mutual impact between political or cultural issues and emerging trends such as cloud computing and social networks exacerbate the problem. This chapter analyzes political and cultural issues which have a significant impact on digital public administration and e-government initiatives in developing countries, also taking into consideration the emerging tendencies and technologies. It combines theory and practice, including studies that demonstrate different political or cultural issues involved in the digital undertakings in these countries, examples from different contexts and nations, and a case study from Turkey. The chapter starts with examples of different political issues, analyzing and summarizing some of the most relevant of these issues, including existing literature related to each subject. It continues with cultural issues. The subsequent section contains a discussion of how political and cultural issues relate to the tendencies of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) sector, and why this context is important for digital initiatives in developing countries, as an initial guide to existing and future challenges. The chapter ends with the case of Turkey, which demonstrates political and cultural issues faced on both national and regional levels, in the context of digital public administration and emerging trends in ICTs.
A Road Far Too Long?
Authors: Siddiquee Noore Alam , Faroqi Md Gofran
Published: July 2014

This chapter reviews the state of e-government development and associated changes to service delivery in Bangladesh. Using the “stage model” as a frame of reference, the authors show the progresses Bangladesh has made in terms of informational, interactive, transactional, and integrated services. They argue that although Bangladesh's overall progress is still modest for it allows only limited advanced levels of services, there are encouraging trends underway. In its conclusion, the chapter highlights some of the impediments and challenges that hamper e-government initiatives undermining their potentials and benefits in the country.
Development of E-Governance in Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake Suran , Dissanayake Lakshman
Published: July 2014

Evolution of e-Governance concept in Sri Lanka can be traced back to 1983 because the Government of Sri Lanka for the first time recognized its obligation for ICT development by creating the National Computer Policy of 1983. The Information and Communication Technology Act No. 27 of 2003 came into existence in 2003 and the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka was established. In 2004, “e-Sri Lanka Development Project” was initiated. It included information infrastructure building, improvement of human resources in ICT, citizen-specific service delivery, creating a modern government using ICT for social and economic development, and endorsing Sri Lanka as a destination for ICT. The e-Sri Lanka initiative expects to use ICT to develop the economy of Sri Lanka by reducing poverty and thus improving the quality of life of its citizens. Presently, the government makes an effort in realizing this vision through six programme strategy schemes. This is explored in this chapter.
E-Government and Social Inclusion
Authors: Mahizhnan Arun
Published: July 2014

E-Government is a relatively new phenomenon in much of the world, having been put in place in the 2000s. Thus, it is not a settled concept but an evolving one. Social Inclusion, although still a very contested concept, has been around for considerable time, but even that needs to be updated to suit the digital world in which it is being applied in this book. The authors in the first section of this book deal with these and associated concepts, and this chapter provides an overview of selected ideas as a primer for the chapters that follow.
Democratising E-Democracy
Authors: Molinari Francesco , McPherson Maggie , Singh Gurmit
Published: July 2014

As tensions and conflicts are inherent in modern society, the Internet can do little but project tension and conflict back to the socio-political reality. As a result, although there has been significant progress in developing e-democracy over the last decades, the authors observe that many scholars/practitioners still pay little attention to three fundamental action items for overcoming these tensions and conflicts: catering for social justice outcomes in the design stage of programmes, projects, and initiatives; appraising the ways in which people change themselves through their interaction with technologies; linking local enactments of e-democracy to global agendas and evaluation experiences. Ignoring these aspects has impeded a full appreciation of the impact of e-democracy on democracy itself. Adopting a systems change approach derived from Hargrave and Van de Ven's (2006) collective action model to define a roadmap for impact, the authors propose to leverage international e-democracy events for eliciting a collective reflection on how to dynamically (re-)configure the priorities of e-democracy. They use the example of their attempt to do this with the We Decide learning landscape to show how they are starting this reconfiguration. Basically, the intention is to enable both practitioners and researchers to build bridges that have never been there, and to open up new conversations about “democratising e-democracy.”
Technological Features and the Structuring of Political Participation
Authors: Meneklis Vassilis
Published: July 2014

This chapter develops a theoretical lens based on the structurational perspective of technology for the analysis and investigation of such social aspects in e-Governance as social inclusion. After presenting a brief description of the research context and motivations in the introductory section, it continues with presenting the epistemological approach of interpretivism that the structurational perspective employs and the central tenets of Structuration Theory. Subsequently, it identifies the major dimensions of the context of social inclusion and construes them by using ideas and concepts from Structuration Theory. The chapter closes with some implications for research on social inclusion in e-Governance and the concluding remarks of the work.
Government-With-You
Authors: Baum Scott , Mahizhnan Arun
Published: July 2014

Singapore's e-government model is considered to be among the best in the world. Over the past decade, the Singapore government has constantly developed and re-invented its online presence. International comparisons have consistently rated Singapore as one of the most advanced e-government nations. However, despite significant progress towards full e-government maturity, some issues of full public participation remain. It is these issues that this chapter discusses. In particular, it considers the ways in which a digital divide within the Singapore model has emerged, despite specific policies to address such a problem.
Ruler Detection for Autoscaling Forensic Images
Authors: Bhalerao Abhir , Reynolds Gregory
Published: July 2014

The assessment of forensic photographs often requires the calibration of the resolution of the image so that accurate measurements can be taken of crime-scene exhibits or latent marks. In the case of latent marks, such as fingerprints, image calibration to a given dots-per-inch is a necessary step for image segmentation, preprocessing, extraction of feature minutiae and subsequent fingerprint matching. To enable scaling, such photographs are taken with forensic rulers in the frame so that image pixel distances can be converted to standard measurement units (metric or imperial). In forensic bureaus, this is commonly achieved by manual selection of two or more points on the ruler within the image, and entering the units of the measure distance. The process can be laborious and inaccurate, especially when the ruler graduations are indistinct because of poor contrast, noise or insufficient resolution. Here the authors present a fully automated method for detecting and estimating the direction and graduation spacing of rulers in forensic photographs. The method detects the location of the ruler in the image and then uses spectral analysis to estimate the direction and wavelength of the ruler graduations. The authors detail the steps of the algorithm and demonstrate the accuracy of the estimation on both a calibrated set of test images and a wide collection of good and poor quality crime-scene images. The method is shown to be fast and accurate and has wider application in other imaging disciplines, such as radiography, archaeology and surveying.
Choosing Web 2.0 Tools for Instruction
Authors: Gupta Saurabh
Published: July 2014

The growth of technology and the inclusion of “digital natives” as students in the education world have created a demand pull for the use of Web 2.0 technologies in education. Dominant among these tools have been wikis, blogs and discussion boards. Distance education experts view the use of these tools as differentiators when compared to traditional education methods. However, the research in this area has yet to provide clear guidelines on usage. In this paper, the authors aim to provide a theory-driven model to outline the application and impact of these technologies in education. The authors focus on the education tasks and technologies characteristics to evaluate the underlying fit. The authors use the extant research to substantiate the model and provide practitioner guidelines.
Acceptability of Online Degrees in Employer Hiring Practices
Authors: Mandelbaum Renee M.
Published: July 2014

Due to its flexibility and convenience, online education has become a feasible alternative for degree seeking students who are unable to attend a traditional higher education institution. Although online courses and programs have their benefits, there remains an ongoing debate on issues related to credibility, quality, and acceptability among certain stakeholders including faculty, administrators, and employers. The current study focuses on one group of stakeholders-namely, hiring gatekeepers and employers; that is, those who are directly involved in the hiring process. Specifically, the objective is to explore hiring gatekeeper and employer acceptability of online degrees as a sufficient credential for employment. The data for this study was collected through a survey apparatus. Survey results reveal that there is still a strong preference among employers for traditional degree holding candidates. However, data also indicated some perceived difference in attitudes and perceptions based on an employer's position and industry.
The Application of Augmented Reality in Online Education
Authors: Tsai Chia-Wen , Shen Pei-Di , Fan Ya-Ting
Published: July 2014

In this paper, the authors reviewed the empirical augmented reality (AR) and online education studies, and those focused on designing or development of AR to help students learn, published in SSCI, SCI-EXPANDED, and A&HCI journals from 2003 to 2012. The authors in this study found that the number of AR and online education studies has significantly increased since 2009. Based on this review, it is found that contributors from Spain, Romania, Taiwan, and Germany had the most publications on AR and online education during 2003 to 2012. Moreover, the analysis of these selected papers reveals that most empirical AR and online education studies were conducted at universities, as well as in computer science courses. Furthermore, the quantitative research method was used more in the reviewed papers. The findings and analysis from this review may provide potential directions and insights for future AR and online education research.
Arabic Braille Touch Keyboard for Android Users
Authors: Hewahi Nabil , Abu-Shaban Ghadeer , El-Ashqer Esraa , Abu-Noqaira Ayat , El-Wadiya Nour
Published: July 2014

As smart phones appeared with their elegant, easy and exciting touch functionality, the use of touch screen devices has been spreading very fast. Beside the previous advantages, smart phones addresses some new challenges for people with disabilities. Most of visually impaired people don't prefer using touch-screen devices, as these lack the tactile feedback and are visually demanding. However, there have been some solutions to come over these problems, but they were not enough. Some of these solutions is to connect a special equipment to a smart phone to allow the visually impaired user to enter the required input. Other applications help visually impaired people to use the smart phones and read whatever on the screen by hovering their finger tips on the text. Visually impaired people who use smart phones have to memorize QWERTY keyboard which have a large number of targets with small locations specified for each target which will lead to a high proportion of error occurrence. In this paper, the authors propose ABTKA- Arabic Braille Touch Keyboard for Android Users. This application is the first application for Arabic language that uses Braille language for visually impaired who are using smart phones or intended to do so. ABTKA facilitates text-entry functionality by supporting Braille writing on touch screens. The used approach in the proposed system can be easily adapted to other languages. The main advantages of the used approach are that it does not need any extra equipment to be connected to the smart phone; it is dynamic (no fixed positions for the touch points), simple to use, one entry for each character, supported by voice and respond promptly to the input. ABTKA involves various algorithms to achieve its objectives. It starts with entering the user standard locations of finger tips, then the user can enter any Braille character which has to be reindexed to be in the same order of Perkins Brailler's buttons. Any inserted character is converted to Arabic character. Any converted character will have a voice feedback. Words and full sentences will also have voice feedback. ABTKA has been tested by various visually impaired people and proved that it is easy to learn and simple to use.
How Can Secure Websites Improve Buying Intention?
Authors: Vila Natalia , Kuster Inés
Published: July 2014

A conceptual model is proposed to show 3 effects of augmenting security perceptions (more pleasure, less perceived risk and higher trust) in order to improve buying intention. The role of usability in reinforcing these direct and indirect security effects has also been tested. This study examines the reinforcement of previous relationships in highly usable contexts. To test this, a fictitious website was designed for a nonexistent clothing company directed at the segment of middle class consumers. Two blocks of changes were made to alter website usability: one concerning website speed and the other related to ease of use. Results for a study sample of 170 respondents show that in usable contexts (that is, with quicker, functional websites), when website security perceptions augment, this leads to stronger effects (in terms of pleasure, trust and perceived risk) thereby simultaneously increasing buying intention.
Medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones: tamsulosin versus silodosin
Authors: Imperatore Vittorio , Fusco Ferdinando , Creta Massimiliano , Di Meo Sergio , Buonopane Roberto , Longo Nicola , Imbimbo Ciro , Mirone Vincenzo
Published: July 2014

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin and silodosin in the context of medical expulsive therapy (MET) of distal ureteric stones. Patients and methods: Observational data were collected retrospectively from patients who received silodosin (N = 50) or tamsulosin (N = 50) as MET from January 2012 to January 2013. Inclusion criteria were: patients aged ≥ 18 years with a single, unilateral, symptomatic, radiopaque ureteric stone of 10 mm or smaller in the largest dimension located between the lower border of the sacroiliac joint and the vesico-ureteric junction. Stone expulsion rate, stone expulsion time, number of pain episodes, need for analgesics use, incidence of side effects were compared. Results: Stone-expulsion rate in the silodosin and in the tamsulosin groups were 88% and 82%, respectively (p not significant). Mean expulsion times were 6.7 and 6.5 days in the silodosin and tamsulosin group, respectively (p not significant). Mean number of pain episodes were 1.6 and 1.7 in the silodosin and tamsulosin group, respectively (p not significant). The mean number of analgesic requirement was 0.84 and 0.9 for the silodosin and tamsulosin group, respectively (p not significant). Overall, incidence of side effects was similar in both groups. Patients taking silodosin experienced an higher incidence of retrograde ejaculation but a lower incidence of side effects related to peripheral vasodilation when compared to patients taking tamsulosin. Subgroup analysis demonstrated significantly lower mean expulsion times and pain episodes in patients with stones ≤ 5 mm in both groups. Conclusions: Tamsulosin and silodosin are equally effective as MET for distal ureteric stones sized 10 mm or smaller. MET with silodosin is associatd with a lower incidence of side effects related to peripheral vasodilation but an higher incidence of retrograde ejaculation when compared to tamsulosin.
Managing female urinary incontinence: A regional prospective analysis of cost-utility ratios (curs) and effectiveness
Authors: Costantini Elisabetta , Lazzeri Massimo , Bini Vittorio , Zucchi Alessandro , Scarponi Emanuele , Porena Massimo
Published: July 2014

Introduction: To evaluate the cost-utility of incontinence treatments, particularly anticholinergic therapy, by examining costs and quality-adjusted life years. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study of women who were consecutively referred by general practitioners (GPs) to the Urology Department because of urinary incontinence. The primary outcome was evaluation of the cost-utility of incontinence treatments (surgery, medical therapy and physiotherapy) for stress and/or urgency incontinence by examining costs and quality-adjusted life years. Results: 137 consecutive female patients (mean age 60.6 ± 11.6; range 36-81) were enrolled and stratified according to pathologies: SUI and UUI. Group A: SUI grade II-III: 43 patients who underwent mid-urethral sling (MUS); Group B: SUI grade I-II 57 patients who underwent pelvic floor muscle exercise and Group C: UUI: 37 patients who underwent antimuscarinic treatment with 5 mg solifenacin daily. The cost utility ratio (CUR) was estimated as saving more than €1200 per QALY for surgery and physiotherapy and as costing under € 100 per QALY for drug therapy. Conclusions: This study shows that appropriate diagnosis and treatment of a patient with incontinence lowers National Health Service costs and improves the benefits of treatment and quality of life.
Low-cost semirigid ureteroscopy is effective for ureteral stones: Experience of a single high volume center
Authors: Giulianelli Roberto , Gentile Barbara Cristina , Vincenti Giorgio , Mavilla Luca , Albanesi Luca , Attisani Francesco , Mirabile Gabriella , Pisanti Francesco , Schettini Manlio
Published: July 2014

Aim of the study: To demonstrate how, in a center with a large number of patients, as our center is, it is possible to perform ureterolithotripsy using a limited set of instruments. Methods: We evaluated medical charts of our center related to semirigid ureteral ureteroscopy (URS) with ureterolithotripsy using Holmium laser performed from July 2004 to July 2011. Overall, 658 URS for ureteral stones were performed in 601 patients, of which 204 in proximal ureter (31%), 86 in the mid (13.06%) and 368 (57.76%) in the distal ureter. In 504 patients (76.5%) ureterohydronephrosis (Grade II-III) was observed. In 57 patients (8.6%), we performed a bilateral approach at the same time, but most patients had a solitary distal ureteral stone. 106 patients (16.1%) had more than one stone in their distal ureter and 96 (14.8%) had a proximal ureteral stone treated in the same surgery as well. Results: The overall stone-free rate for ureteral stones was 86.1% (567/658). Success rates for proximal, medial and distal ureteral stones were 68.13% (139/204 patients), 84.8% (73/86 patients) and 96.4% (355/368 patients), respectively. One hundred and twenty patients (18.3%) required additional surgical treatment for their stones beyond the initial URS, including a second URS in 97 patients (14.74%) and URS plus Retrograde Intra-Renal Surgery (RIRS) in 23 patients (3.54%). The overall stonefree rate after the second treatment was 99.3%. Intra-operative complications accounted for 5.92% and consisted of ureteral perforations in 16 pts (2.4%), erosions of urothelium leading to significant bleeding in 15 pts (2.27%), severe pain in 4 pts (0.6%), fever in 3 pts (0.45%) and one case of ureteral avulsion (0.15%). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the use of Holmium laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective means of treating ureteral stones regardless of sex, age, stone location, or stone size. The instrumentation we used was extremely limited, in order to reduce costs related to the procedure to an absolute minimum whilst maintaining the two quality indicators for the procedure, namely success rate and length of hospitalisation (86.1% and 34 hours).
Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis: Aetiology, evaluation and management
Authors: Rourke William , Khan Shahid Aziz Anwer , Ahmed Kamran , Masood Shikohe , Dasgupta Prokar , Khan Muhammad Shamim
Published: July 2014

Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is often a chronic debilitating condition characterised by predominantly storage symptoms and associated frequently with pelvic pain that varies with bladder filling. The aetiology is uncertain as the condition occurs in the absence of a urinary tract infection or other obvious pathology. Resulting discomfort may vary and ranges from abdominal tenderness to intense bladder spasms. Diagnosis and management of this syndrome may be difficult and is often made by its typical cystoscopic features. This review discusses the diagnosis and management of interstitial cystitis according to the current available best evidence and advises a multimodal approach in its management.
Management of Neglected Achilles Tendon Ruptures with Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer
Authors: Raghunandan G
Published: July 2014

From July 2000 to July 2012, we have treated 48 cases with neglected Achilles tendon ruptures in Government General Hospital, Kurnool, India, with modified flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer. Thirty-three patients had achillodynia and 29 had local steroid infiltration. Thirty-six patients presented with ruptures in hypovascular zone II and, in 31, repair was after 3 weeks, graded as late (Inglis). The patients were managed based on a standardized evaluation and surgical protocol. The technique of FHL transfer was simplified by anchoring the tendon in a vertical transcalcaneal tunnel. The results were evaluated by Quigley's method, 100 point scoring system of Leppilahti, and recently updated with AOFAS hind foot score. The follow-up ranged from 2.5 to 12.2 years. The follow-up suggested that patients with FHL transfer showed significantly lower mean wound healing times and weight-bearing time and functional recovery times when compared with patients who had peroneal transfer, for neglected ruptures. The results are presented, analyzed and discussed.

How to cite this article

Raghunandan G. Management of Neglected Achilles Tendon Ruptures with Flexor Hallucis Longus Transfer. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2014;1(1):5-8.