bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trial Comparing 3 Approaches to the Initial Respiratory Management of Preterm Neonates
Authors: Dunn Michael S. , Kaempf Joseph , de Klerk Alan , de Klerk Rose , Reilly Maureen , Howard Diantha , Ferrelli Karla , O'Conor Jeanette , Soll Roger F. ,   for the Vermont Oxford Network DRM Study Group
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:

We designed a multicenter randomized trial to compare 3 approaches to the initial respiratory management of preterm neonates: prophylactic surfactant followed by a period of mechanical ventilation (prophylactic surfactant [PS]); prophylactic surfactant with rapid extubation to bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure (intubate-surfactant-extubate [ISX]) or initial management with bubble continuous positive airway pressure and selective surfactant treatment (nCPAP).

DESIGN/METHODS:

Neonates born at 2607 to 2967 weeks' gestation were enrolled at participating Vermont Oxford Network centers and randomly assigned to PS, ISX, or nCPAP groups before delivery. Primary outcome was the incidence of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age.

RESULTS:

648 infants enrolled at 27 centers. The study was halted before the desired sample size was reached because of declining enrollment. When compared with the PS group, the relative risk of BPD or death was 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.59–1.03) for the ISX group and 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.64–1.09) for the nCPAP group. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality or other complications of prematurity. In the nCPAP group, 48% were managed without intubation and ventilation, and 54% without surfactant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preterm neonates were initially managed with either nCPAP or PS with rapid extubation to nCPAP had similar clinical outcomes to those treated with PS followed by a period of mechanical ventilation. An approach that uses early nCPAP leads to a reduction in the number of infants who are intubated and given surfactant.
Duties of the physician in the case of death out-of-hospital
Authors: Kereszty Éva Margit
Published: October 2011

Concerning a concrete case the author analyses the process of death detection that occurs out-of-hospitals in approximately 50,000 cases per year in Hungary, focusing the declaration of the fact and the type (natural/unnatural) of death. Author presents obligatory tasks of the primary care physician, the importance of the death examination, subtypes of unnatural death, and the role of the physician in the legal procedure performed by the police. The decision making process and its control mechanisms are also presented proving that there is no case in which only one person is entitled to make final decisions. Strength and weakness of the Hungarian legislation are enlightened to argue for the traditional death detection by the primary care physician. The most important conclusion is that the final case summary (“cadaveric epicrisis”) made by the primary care doctor would be useful in out-of-hospital death cases for the purpose of quality insurance, health policy planning and malpractice claims raised later. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1808–1812.
Comparative Evaluation of the Cockcroft‐Gault Equation and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study Equation for Drug Dosing: An Opinion of the Nephrology Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Authors: Nyman Heather A. , Dowling Thomas C. , Hudson Joanna Q. , Peter Wendy L. St. , Joy Melanie S. , Nolin Thomas D.
Published: October 2011

Accurate assessment of kidney function is an important component of determining appropriate drug dosing regimens. Nearly all manufacturer‐recommended dosage adjustments are based on creatinine clearance ranges derived from clinical pharmacokinetic studies performed during the drug development process. The Cockcroft‐Gault (CG) equation provides an estimate of creatinine clearance and is the equation most commonly used to determine drug dosages in patients with impaired kidney function. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation has also been proposed for this purpose. Published studies report that drug dosages determined by the two equations do not agree in 1 0–40% of cases. However, interpretation and comparison of these studies are complicated by the variable creatinine methods used for calculating CG and MDRD estimates, the patient populations studied, and a lack of outcomes data demonstrating the clinical significance of dosing discrepancies. Moreover, the impact of reporting standardized serum creatinine values on the accuracy of the CG equation and corresponding drug dosing regimens have been questioned. Currently, no prospective pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted with use of the MDRD equation to generate dosing recommendations, and limited data are available to support its use in some patient populations representing demographic extremes. Collectively, these issues have resulted in considerable confusion among clinicians and have fueled a healthy debate on whether or not to use the MDRD equation to determine drug dosages. Each of these issues is reviewed, and a proposed algorithm for using creatinine‐based kidney function assessments in drug dosing is provided. Knowledge of the advantages, limitations, and clinical role of each equation will facilitate their safe and effective use in drug dosing.
Receiving water body quality assessment: an integrated mathematical approach applied to an Italian case study
Authors: Candela Angela , Freni Gabriele , Mannina Giorgio , Viviani Gaspare
Published: October 2011

This study presents a basin-scale approach to the analysis of receiving water body quality considering both point and non-point pollution sources. In particular, this paper describes an extensive data gathering campaign carried out in the Nocella catchment, which is an agricultural and semi-urbanised basin located in Sicily, Italy. Two sewer systems, two wastewater treatment plants and a river reach were monitored during both dry and wet weather periods. A mathematical model of the entire integrated system was also created. Specifically, a detailed modelling approach was developed by employing three well known models: Storm Water Management Model, GPS-X and Soil and Water Assessment Tool. The study proposed a comprehensive modelling approach to analyse the importance of diffuse and concentrated polluting sources on receiving water quality. The study demonstrated that point pollution loads can be more influential during wet periods by an order of magnitude compared with the dry weather period. In the long term, diffuse and point pollution sources were demonstrated to affect river quality and they have both to be considered. The use of the proposed integrated model-based approach may support water managers in decision making about which strategies should be preferred with the aim of water quality preservation.
A new empirical model for stormwater TSS event mean concentrations (EMCs)
Authors: Dembélé A. , Bertrand-Krajewski J.-L. , Becouze C. , Barillon B.
Published: October 2011

An empirical model for TSS event mean concentrations in storm weather discharges has been derived from the analysis of data sets collected in two experimental catchments (Chassieu, separate system and Ecully, combined system) in Lyon, France. Preliminary tests have shown that the values of TSS EMCs were linked to the variable X =TP ×ADWP (TP rainfall depth, ADWP antecedent dry weather period) with two distinct behaviours under and above a threshold value of X named λ: EMCs are increasing if X < λ and are decreasing if X > λ. An empirical equation is proposed for both behaviours. A specific calibration method is used to calibrate λ while the 4 other parameters of the model are calibrated by means of the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm. The calibration results obtained with 8 events in both sites indicate that the model calibration is satisfactory: Nash Sutcliffe coefficients are all above 0.7. Monte Carlo simulations indicate a low variability of the model parameters for both sites. The model verification with 5 events in Chassieu shows maximum levels of uncertainty of approximately 20%, equivalent to levels of uncertainty observed in the calibration phase.
Impact of critical source area on AnnAGNPS simulation
Authors: Xiaoyan Wang , Qinhui Lin
Published: October 2011

The objective of this paper is to study the impact of critical source area (CSA) within an Annualized AGricultural Non-Point Source pollution models (AnnAGNPS) simulation at medium- large watershed scale. The impact of CSA on terrain attributes is examined by comparing six sets of CSA (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 km2). The accuracy of AnnAGNPS stimulation on runoff, sediment and nutrient loads on these sets of CSA is further suggested in this paper. The results are as followed: (1) CSA has little effect on watershed area, and terrain altitude. The number of cell and reach decreases with the increase of CSA in power function regression curve. (2) The variation of CSA will lead to the uncertainty of average slope which increase the generalization of land characteristics. At the CSA range of 0.5–1 km2, there is little impact of CSA on slope. (3) Runoff amount does not vary so much with the variation of CSA whereas soil erosion and total nitrogen (TN) load change prominently. An increase of sediment yield is observed firstly then a decrease following later. There is evident decrease of TN load, especially when CSA is bigger than 6 km2. Total phosphorus load has little variation with the change of CSA. Results for Dage watershed show that CSA of 1 km2 is desired to avoid large underestimates of loads. Increasing the CSA beyond this threshold will affect the computed runoff flux but generate prediction errors for nitrogen yields. So the appropriate CSA will control error and make simulation at acceptable level.
Epigenetic Developmental Origins Hypothesis and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Nagai Kaoru
Published: October 2011

Epigenetics is a heritable transcriptional regulation mechanism independent of DNA sequence. Epigenetic transcriptional control is achieved by regulation of chromatin conformation. The molecular mechanisms of epigenetics include post-translational modifications of histone and DNA methylation. Histone acetylation is the mostly studied epigenetic regulation. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) deacetylates histones and induce chromatin condensation, which prevent the approach of transcriptional regulating proteins. Methylated DNA is recognized by methyl-CpG binding protein (MBD) which recruits HDAC to the methylated region. Epigenetic status is known to be affected by oxidative stress condition via altering metabolic pathway associated with methylation reaction, and epigenetic abnormality on the developmental stage can influence brain and mental development. These suggest that oxidative stress condition affects brain and mental development via altering epigenetic regulation. In some mental retardation, such as Rett syndrome (RTT) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), patients show microcephaly which may be caused by glial growth abnormality. The responsible gene of RTT is one of the MBDs, MeCP2. We discovered that knock down of MeCP2 in astrocytes reduced the growth rate, and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and HDAC inhibitors also did the same. Thus, epigenetic dysregulation induced mental disorder may be, at least partly, caused by abnormality of glial cells.
Oxidative Stress and its Role in Prepubertal Children
Authors: Mohn Angelika , Chiavaroli Valentina , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: October 2011

Oxidative stress, occurring as a consequence of imbalance between the production of oxygen free radicals and inactivation of these species by antioxidant defense system, seems to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of several diseases. In fact, there are numerous cellular biochemical targets for oxidative stress, all susceptible to long-lasting dangerous effects, especially if they take place early during infancy. Therefore, it is fundamental to obtain data starting in prepuberty to fully explore the intriguing relationship between precocious impairment of the oxidant-antioxidant status and organic alterations, and to preserve prepubertal children to the tracking of disease from infancy to adulthood. Nowadays the identification of children with a highly altered oxidant-antioxidant status is possible through accurate analysis. Much work still needs to be done to offer appropriate treatments aiming to guarantee a good quality of life for the young patients.
Time-Dependent Beneficial Effect of Chronic Polyphenol Treatment with Catechin on Endothelial Dysfunction in Aging Mice
Authors: Gendron Marie-Eve , Thorin-Trescases Nathalie , Mamarbachi Aida M , Villeneuve Louis , Théorět Jean-François , Mehri Yahye , Thorin Eric
Published: October 2011

A controlled redox environment is essential for vascular cell maturation and function. During aging, an imbalance occurs, leading to endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized that, according to the concept of hormesis, exposure to physiologic oxidative stress during the maturation phase of the endothelium will activate protective pathways involved in stress resistance. C57Bl/6 mice were treated with the polyphenol catechin for the last 3 (post-maturation) or 9 months prior study at 12 months of age. Endothelial dysfunction, assessed by acetylcholine-induced dilations of isolated renal arteries, was present at 12 months (P<0.05). Only the 3-month treatment with catechin fully prevented the decline in efficacy and sensitivity to acetylcholine (P<0.05). Splenocytes adhesion to the native endothelium, expression of CD18 and shedding of CD62L and PSGL-1 augmented in 12 months old mice (P<0.05): only 3-month catechin fully normalized adhesion and prevented the expression of adhesion molecules on splenocytes (P<0.05). Aging was associated with vascular gene alterations, which were prevented by 3-month catechin treatment (P<0.05). In contrast, 9-month catechin further increased COX-2, p22phox and reduced MnSOD (P<0.05). In conclusion, we demonstrate a pivotal role of cellular redox equilibrium: exposure to physiologic oxidative stress during the maturation phase of the endothelium is essential for its function.
Radiation Worker Protection by Exposure Scheduling
Authors: Blankenbecler Richard
Published: October 2011

The discovery of the protective adaptive response of cells to a low dose of radiation suggests applications to radiation worker/first responder protection. Its use in cancer radiotherapy has been discussed in a separate publication. This paper describes simple changes in scheduling that can make use of these beneficial adaptive effects for protection. No increase in total exposure is necessary, only a simple change in the timing of radiation exposure. A low dose of radiation at a sufficient dose rate will trigger the adaptive response. This in turn will offer a considerable protection against the damage from a subsequent high dose. A simple scenario is discussed as well as a brief review of the experimental basis of the adaptive response.
Predictive value of color doppler neuro-sonography for the development of neurological sequels in newborn infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Authors: Vasiljevic Brankica , Maglajlic-Djukic Svjetlana , Stankovic Sanja , Lutovac Dragana , Gojnic Miroslava
Published: October 2011

Background/Aim. The use of color Doppler neurosonography (cD-US) allows
simultaneous examination of parenchymal and vascular cerebral structures.
Evaluation of cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFV) and vascular resistance
are important in assessment of cerebral circulation in neonates with hypoxic
ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the
predictive value of cD-US for abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome in the
neonates with HIE. Methods. A total of 90 neonates (>32 weeks gestational
age) with HIE were enrolled prospectively. All the neonates with HIE were
categorized into three grades according to the Sarnat and Sarnat clinical
staging system: mild HIE, moderate HIE, and severe HIE. cD-US was performed
simultaneously during the first 24 h of life. Neurodevelopment outcome was
assessed at 12 months of age in all the neonates. Resluts. The values of CBFV
and the values of index resistance (RI) correlated with the severity of HIE
(p < 0.0001) and subsequent neurodevelopmental outcome (p < 0.001). We
detected a significant difference in values of CBFV and in values of RI
between preterm and full-term neonates (p < 0.01). The cut-off value of RI
for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes was 0.81. Conclusions. cD-US could be
very useful and safe diagnostic tool for assessing severity of HIE and
subsequent adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.
Safety and Efficacy of 24-h Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery in Well-Controlled Pregnant Women With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Murphy Helen R. , Kumareswaran Kavita , Elleri Daniela , Allen Janet M. , Caldwell Karen , Biagioni Martina , Simmons David , Dunger David B. , Nodale Marianna , Wilinska Malgorzata E. , Amiel Stephanie A. , Hovorka Roman
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of closed-loop insulin delivery in well-controlled pregnant women with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 12 women with type 1 diabetes (aged 32.9 years, diabetes duration 17.6 years, BMI 27.1 kg/m2, and HbA1c 6.4%) were randomly allocated to closed-loop or conventional CSII. They performed normal daily activities (standardized meals, snacks, and exercise) for 24 h on two occasions at 19 and 23 weeks’ gestation. Plasma glucose time in target (63–140 mg/dL) and time spent hypoglycemic were calculated.

RESULTS

Plasma glucose time in target was comparable for closed-loop and conventional CSII (median [interquartile range]: 81 [59–87] vs. 81% [54–90]; P = 0.75). Less time was spent hypoglycemic (<45 mg/dL [0.0 vs. 0.3%]; P = 0.04), with a lower low blood glucose index (2.4 [0.9–3.5] vs. 3.3 [1.9–5.1]; P = 0.03), during closed-loop insulin delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

Closed-loop insulin delivery was as effective as conventional CSII, with less time spent in extreme hypoglycemia.
Scenarios for Evaluating a Semantic Project Management Approach
Authors: Dippelreiter Birgit , Püttler Michael
Published: October 2011

Scenarios for Evaluating a Semantic Project Management Approach

Knowledge regarding closed projects is not sufficiently reused while planning new projects to improve the quality of project management processes. The reason is that current project management systems mainly support the ongoing project phase and do not explicitly consider the initiating and closing phase of a project management life cycle. By implementing semantic technologies within an existing open source project management system, these weaknesses can be improved. This system incorporates and links historical project knowledge that contributes to a more effective setup of upcoming projects. To design, develop and implement such a system we conducted interviews with IT companies regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the project management systems in use. On the basis of the interviews we identified three scenarios, which deal with the most common problems of project management, such as consistent data storage and how to retrieve information. These scenarios, described in this paper, are used as requirements and to evaluate the designed prototype.
Towards E-Learning Capability Maturity Model
Authors: Penicina Ludmila
Published: October 2011

Towards E-Learning Capability Maturity Model

In the software development Capability Maturity Model (CMM) is a methodology for constantly optimizing organization's software development processes in order to meet project deadlines and customers' satisfaction in more efficient way. Nowadays e-learning becomes a valuable business tool not only for reducing costs and improving employees' competences in specific business areas but also for creating considerable Return on Investment (ROI) for the businesses. More and more companies choose an e-learning environment over classic classroom learning. When more companies are implementing e-learning it is time to create a common workplace e-learning CMM which defines the framework and best practices for e-learning business processes that can be used as standard and guidelines for companies which are starting e-learning projects as well as companies practicing e-learning. The paper proposes e-learning implementation and maintenance business processes incorporated in the classic PDCA cycle consisting of four e-learning project phases - e-learning project planning, e-learning system implementation, e-learning monitoring and e-learning optimization.
Spherical Spline Application to Radio Occultation Data
Authors: Blick Ch. , Freeden W.
Published: October 2011

Spherical Spline Application to Radio Occultation Data

In recent years, the importance of the Radio Occultation Method (ROM), an observation procedure of atmospheric quantities such as temperature, density, pressure, and water vapor, increased in value. Based on the global distribution and the high accuracy of the measurements between the Earth's surface up to 35km altitude, ROM offers new perspectives for climate monitoring. In order to compare the measurements, the data have to be visualized. This paper gives the basic definitions and theorems of spline approximation on the sphere. Via its adjustable smoothing parameters, ROM can be suitably adapted to approximate the given data. Further on, it demonstrates, splines as approximation structures realizing a minimal bending energy of their graphs provide a good approximation of the data at hand. Our results demonstrate that spherical spline approximation is an appropriate method to visualize the change over time of a given layer and to illustrate the vertical composition of the Earth's atmosphere. Moreover, ROM enables us to compare the layers of the atmosphere at different points in time as well as the approximation of parameters between the measurements on arbitrary points on the Earth.
Changes in the quality of meat from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) bucks during cold storage under vacuum and modified atmosphere
Authors: Daszkiewicz T. , Kondratowicz J. , Koba-Kowalczyk M.
Published: October 2011

Changes in the quality of meat from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) bucks during cold storage under vacuum and modified atmosphere

This paper analyses changes in the quality of meat (M. longissimus dorsi) of roe deer bucks during 21 days of cold storage (2°C) under vacuum and modified atmosphere (MA) conditions (40% CO2/60% N2 and 60% CO2/40% N2). After 21 days of storage, meat packaged in a MA with 40% CO2 had higher (P ≤ 0.05) L*, a*, b* and C* values in comparison with meat stored under vacuum and MA with 60% CO2. The mean pH and TBARS values of meat packaged under vacuum and a MA with 40% CO2 were increasing for the first 7 days of storage, and then they decreased (P ≤ 0.05). Following storage, the colour of meat became lighter (L*) and more yellow (b*). The meat stored under vacuum was characterised by increased (P ≤ 0.05) cooking loss. During meat storage, a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in total microbial counts and psychrotrophic bacteria was observed.
An Example of Easy Synthesis of Active Filter and Oscillator using Signal Flowgraph Modification and Controllable Current Conveyors
Authors: Šotner Roman , Hruboš Zdeněk , Ševčík Břetislav , Slezák Josef , Petržela Jiří , Dostál Tomáš
Published: October 2011

An Example of Easy Synthesis of Active Filter and Oscillator using Signal Flowgraph Modification and Controllable Current Conveyors

The paper deals with synthesis of active frequency filters and oscillators for applications in the video band. The synthesis is based on the modified signal flow graph design approach in the current mode. The commercially available high frequency current conveyors and second order structures are used. Basic structure is employing loss-less and lossy current mode integrators in two distributed feedback loops. Some of the used active elements allow to control current gain which is very useful in applications. High frequency multi-functional filter and electronically adjustable quadrature oscillator configurations are discussed. Most of the used passive elements (mainly capacitors) are grounded which is suitable for IC implementation. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate function and features very well.
Feasibility Investigations of the Possibility of Measurements, of the Ultrasonic Transducer Power Output at Ultrasonic-Therapy-Devices, with Piezoceramic Sensors
Authors: Lekscha Thomas , Ďuračková Daniela
Published: October 2011

Feasibility Investigations of the Possibility of Measurements, of the Ultrasonic Transducer Power Output at Ultrasonic-Therapy-Devices, with Piezoceramic Sensors

The paper shows the essential results for the investigation of a new ultrasonic power measuring method, in articular for measuring the sonic pressure of ultrasonic therapy devices, by using piezoceramic sensors. The aim of this work is to develop a new measuring instrument for the fast performance measurement at ultrasonic-therapy-devices.
Petrographic analysis of carbonate rocks for alkali-aggregate reactivity
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi , Paudel Lalu Prasad
Published: October 2011

Quality of aggregate is of extreme concern when it is to be used for infrastructures. Besides, many physical and mechanicalproperties of the aggregate, presence or absence of deleterious constituents and alkali-silica reactivity are especially importantwhen aggregates are to be used in concrete structures. High potential of alkali-silica reactivity or alkali-carbonate reactivity andpresence of deleterious constituents may impair the infrastructures.A ledge rock sample from the heap to be taken for crushing was petrographically analysed for alkali-silica reactivity. Inoverall, two rock clans (dolosparstone and dolomicrosparstone) with three sub clans (rock type X, Y and Z) from the sample 2 areidentified. Rock type X (dolosparstone) constitutes 82.94% of the whole sample, and shows notable amount of quartz and calciteveins, and carbonaceous material and hematite on the mosaic of dolospars. Rock types Y (dolosparstone) and Z (dolomicrosparstone)contain trace amount of microquartz, mega quartz (>15 mm) and carbonaceous opaques. The rock type Z is dominantly composedof dolomicrospars. Major portions of all the rock types are characterised by mosaics of dolomite in association with variableamounts of muscovite, quartz, and calcite. Calcite often replaces the mosaics of dolomite and bands of quartz, forming a veinnetworks in rock types X and Y. Silica is represented by a low-temperature mega quartz either in ground or in veins, a trace amountof microquartz in rock types Y and Z. There is no other reactive silica components, thus showing a low potential to alkali-silicareactivity. However, the sample shows potential of alkali-carbonate reactivity as significant proportion of rock type havingdolomicrospars are found.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v14i0.5433Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol.14 2011, pp.15-20
Petrographic examination of ledge rocks aided by microscopic and X-ray diffraction analyses for alkali-silica reactivity
Authors: Tamrakar Naresh Kazi , Paudel Lalu Prasad
Published: October 2011

Presence or absence of deleterious constituents and alkali-silica reactivity are especially important when aggregates are to beused in concrete structures. A ledge rock sample was petrographically analysed for alkali-silica reactivity. In overall, two rockclans (metasiltstone and metasandstone) with nine sub clans were identified from the ledge rock sample. All the rock types werewell interlocked, indurated, and cemented extensively by calcite. All the silica grains were low quartz. Except a trace amount ofchert containing microquartz in rock type C, reactive silica such as amorphous silica and high-quartz are absent. Instead, illite inmany rocks and vermiculite in rock types C and D were deleterious silicate components, which in the whole rock sample were5% and 2%, respectively. Presence of vermiculite and illite is found to be strongly controlled by the presence or absence of clayeypartings in metasiltstones and metasandstones.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bdg.v14i0.5435Bulletin of the Department of Geology Vol.14 2011, pp. 21-28
Is Anyone Political Anymore?
Authors: Howard Ruth
Published: October 2011

In this article I reflect upon the transition from “popular theatre” to “community arts”, whether and in what ways the work has changed in quantitative as well as titular ways, and whether and in what sense the work is “political anymore.” I define “community arts” as a specific strategy for our culture and times, rather than a fixed genre, and propose an activism of form and relationship rather than (or as well as) of content. This is central to the aesthetic power of community arts, so that without a sense of social/political urgency and a risk-taking artistic response, the work can become bland and sentimental. I give some examples from projects by Jumblies and associates, in which the art arises in response to a specific social context, and changes something by what happens rather than by explicitly referring to an issue.
Optimization of an Efficient Semi-Solid Culture Protocol for Sterilization and Plant Regeneration of Centella asiatica (L.) as a Medicinal Herb
Authors: Moghaddam Sina Siavash , Jaafar Hawa Binti , Aziz Maheran Abdul , Ibrahim Rusli , Rahmat Asmah Bt , Philip Elizabeth
Published: October 2011

The present study investigates the effects of different concentrations, as well as type of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and medium (MS, Duchefa) on the growth and development of Centella asiatica in semi-solid culture. In addition, a protocol for successful sterilization of C.asiatica explants prepared from field-grown plants highly exposed to fungal and bacterial contamination was determined. Results for sterilization treatments revealed that applying HgCl2 and Plant Preservative Mixture (PPM) with cetrimide, bavistin and trimethoprim which were included after washing with tap water, followed by the addition of PPM in the medium, produced a very satisfactory result (clean culture 90 ± 1.33%) and TS5 (decon + cetrimide 1% + bavistin 150 mg/L + trimethoprim 50 mg/L + HgCl2 0.1% + PPM 2% soak and 2 mL/L in medium) was hence chosen as the best method of sterilization for C.asiatica. The synergistic combination of 6 benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) in concentrations of 2 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L, respectively, in Duchefa medium compared with MS induced the most optimal percentage of sprouted shoots (93 ± 0.667), number of shoots (5.2 ± 0.079) and nodes (4 ± 0.067) per explant, leaf per explant (14 ± 0.107) and shoot length (4.1 ± 0.67 cm). Furthermore, optimum rooting frequency (95.2 ± 0.81%), the number of roots/shoot (7.5 ± 0.107) and the mean root length (4.5 ± 0.133 cm) occurred for shoots that were cultured on full-strength MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). In this study, the acclimatized plantlets were successfully established with almost 85% survival. The findings of this study have proven an efficient medium and PGR concentration for the mass propagation of C.asiatica. These findings would be useful in micropropagation and ex situ conservation of this plant.
Unconstrained and Contactless Hand Geometry Biometrics
Authors: De-Santos-Sierra Alberto , Sánchez-Ávila Carmen , Del Pozo Gonzalo Bailador , Guerra-Casanova Javier
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a hand biometric system for contact-less, platform-free scenarios, proposing innovative methods in feature extraction, template creation and template matching. The evaluation of the proposed method considers both the use of three contact-less publicly available hand databases, and the comparison of the performance to two competitive pattern recognition techniques existing in literature: namely Support Vector Machines (SVM) and k-Nearest Neighbour (k-NN). Results highlight the fact that the proposed method outcomes existing approaches in literature in terms of computational cost, accuracy in human identification, number of extracted features and number of samples for template creation. The proposed method is a suitable solution for human identification in contact-less scenarios based on hand biometrics, providing a feasible solution to devices with limited hardware requirements like mobile devices.
Single nucleotide polymorphism marker development in the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Pootakham Wirulda , Chanprasert Juntima , Jomchai Nukoon , Sangsrakru Duangjai , Yoocha Thippawan , Therawattanasuk Kanikar , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: We demonstrated the application of high‐throughput 454 sequencing technology in the identification of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in Hevea brasiliensis.

• Methods and Results: A total of 5883 putative SNP positions were discovered in silico, and 10 biallelic SNP markers were validated from 454‐derived EST sequences. The polymorphism information content (PIC) and the observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.0963–0.5135 and 0.1071–0.4643, respectively.

• Conclusions: These markers can be useful for the construction of genetic maps, the identification of quantitative trait loci linked to commercially desirable traits, and the study of genetic structure in H. brasiliensis.
L'humanisme juridique européen à l'épreuve du terrorisme : le crépuscule de la clémence ?
Authors: Dimitroulias Sophie
Published: October 2011

Résumé Aujourd’hui, l’interrogation récurrente sur le traitement de la violence poli-tique est rendue plus aiguë que jamais, face à la transformation profonde de la terreur et de la force à l’échelle planétaire. L’entrée du monde dans un état de « guerre totale » entraîne des conséquences bien connues à l’échelle du droit international. Au sein de l’Union européenne, engagée dans une forme inédite de vie politique postnationale, plus encore, appelée à réaliser la démocratie cosmo-politique, la question se pose de manière saillante de savoir : en cette période charnière pour l’avenir de l’Europe et des valeurs qui constituent sa raison d’être, qu’advient-il de la civilisation juridique humaniste qui lui est propre et dont les fondements, y compris dans le domaine de la répression pénale, ont été posés depuis l’après-guerre ? Quelles sont les tendances structurelles et normatives à l’œuvre dans la construction, sans précédent, d’un espace judiciaire pénal européen ? Cet article tente d’en dégager les grandes lignes qui affectent les conditions de possibilité de la clémence démocratique et en particulier de l’amnistie.
Gouvernance démocratique, État et ONG en Roumanie
Authors: Heemeryck Antoine
Published: October 2011

Résumé L’article tente de mettre en lumière les limites de la démocratisation par l’imposition de normes globales et plus particulièrement en Roumanie. Sont avancés, en premier lieu, quelques traits saillants de la notion de transparence telle qu’elle est prescrite au niveau international pour les pays postcommunistes. Ensuite, le propos se concentre sur l’analyse des résultats d’une opération de monitoring d’une loi de transparence par une ONG que nous comparerons à une affaire de détournement d’argent mettant en cause une ministre en place. Ainsi, les limites et conséquences inattendues d’une telle politique pour divers acteurs impliqués dans la politique (ONG, État, parti politique) apparaîtront de manière un peu plus lisible. Relevant d’une technologie politique de démocratisation, le respect de ces lois (de transparence) s’inscrit dans un jeu de standardisation international plus que dans une préoccupation orientée vers des problématiques locales.
Mauvais parents, mauvais citoyens...
Authors: Lamotte Sophie
Published: October 2011

Mauvais parents, mauvais citoyens... Aspects diffus et exclusifs de la démo-cratisation scolaire Cet article propose une analyse du dernier mouvement de démocratisation scolaire et vise à préciser certains des enjeux politiques qui le sous-tendent. Au-delà de l’usage classique de la citoyenneté comme enjeu pédagogique, nous verrons que les textes émanant du ministère de l’Éducation nationale ont initié une démarche nouvelle, l’ouverture de l’institution scolaire à la société civile. Le partenariat y est conçu comme le moyen d’appréhender les problèmes éducatifs et sociaux en mettant sur un pied d’égalité les différents acteurs concernés, tout particulièrement les « parents ». Nous remarquerons cependant qu’une déclinaison particulière de ce projet est faite pour les enfants et les familles issus des milieux populaires. La diffusion des prétentions socialisatrices dans les échanges observés dans des établissements scolaires situés dans des territoires populaires, disqua-lifient a priori les parents comme porteurs de valeurs et de capacités démo-cratiques, et aboutissent à leur effacement des cadres de rencontre pourtant créés à leur intention.
Quels temps mesure le chronométreur taylorien ?
Authors: Lago Jorge
Published: October 2011

Résumé Assistons-nous au commencement d’une nouvelle ère du travail ? Avant d’en décider, il faut prendre garde que la méthode consistant à définir des périodes successives au cours de l’histoire conduit à attribuer un dynamisme propre à chacune, et à dissimuler le mouvement d’ensemble qui, éventuellement, les produit et les entraîne. Les sociologues qui veulent penser notre présent à partir de l’époque précédente se mettent en situation de n’observer rien d’autre que le maintien, la dénaturation ou la désagrégation du taylorisme. Mais qu’est-ce que le taylorisme ? Toutes les interprétations qui ont cherché à lui donner une cohérence et un moteur spécifiques se sont révélées inconsistantes. Pour comprendre cette technique, il faut nécessairement outrepasser les domaines, les objets et les durées d’observation que les praticiens ont en fin de compte fixé aux chercheurs. La séparation, devenue commune, entre la sociologie du travail et celle de l’emploi, exprime et dissimule le refus de décrire par elles-mêmes les relations fondamentales de la production. C’est pourtant en les observant que l’on aura une chance d’échapper aux contradictions que produit l’usage des concepts traditionnels, et qu’on analysera les diverses formes de prescriptions et de mesures qui, selon les temps et les conditions, règlent les rencontres entre les travaux et les capacités de travail.
Les « savoir-être », un angle mort des débats sur la compétence
Authors: Ségal Élodie
Published: October 2011

Résumé En nous appuyant sur l’étude d’une vingtaine de « chantiers compétences » mis en place dans le secteur industriel, nous mettons en évidence les grandes lignes d’un nouveau mode de rationalisation du travail : celui de la rationalisation de la subjectivité. Au-delà d’une analyse de la « logique compétence » comme mode d’organisation, notre regard se porte sur les réactions des salariés de fabrication. Ces dernières qui vont de la « simulation contrainte » au « retrait », en passant par l’« adhésion positive » et l’« adhésion négative », ne remettent pas fondamentalement en cause ce mode de rationalisation. Bien au contraire, ce modèle d’organisation des entreprises tend à contrôler et à utiliser le travail et surtout le travailleur sous des formes renouvelées. Les notions de « compétence relationnelle », « d’aptitude » et de « savoir-être » semblent devenir les axes forts de cette nouvelle gestion des salariés. Afin de dépasser le discours naturalisant qui fait reposer sur le seul individu ces nouvelles exigences, il nous semble nécessaire de construire des repères collectifs et objectivables aux compétences dites relationnelles.
Acteurs solitaires ou solidaires dans l'entreprise d'aujourd'hui
Authors: Rebeyrolle Marie
Published: October 2011

Résumé Une résignation en voie de globalisation face à des conditions de travail qui ne cessent pourtant de se durcir peut laisser songeur. Deux facteurs peuvent cependant contribuer à comprendre cette absence de contestation. Le premier renvoie à la suprématie de l’idéologie libérale et à sa déclinaison en entreprise autour des « valeurs » d’égalité, de responsabilité, de liberté, de prise de risque... Le second facteur concerne la dynamique à l’œuvre dans les relations de travail qui tend à souder chaque groupe autour d’un « secret », aussi banal soit-il, grâce auquel chacun, en le taisant, signe son appartenance au groupe. Dans une telle configuration, il devient alors impossible de rompre ce silence et risquer l’exclusion, le bonheur promis par le libéralisme se posant en horizon indépassable, gage d’une jouissance dont la réalisation ne cesse toutefois d’être différée au profit d’une souffrance que l’individu porte seul, au nom et pour prix de sa solidarité au groupe.
Histoire de la psychologie animale : la question de l'intelligence animale en France et aux États-Unis au début du XXe siècle
Authors: Thomas Marion
Published: October 2011

Résumé Cet article compare les trajectoires d’un objet, l’« intelligence animale », dans les contextes français et américain, au début du XX e siècle. En comparant les travaux de primatologie du zoologiste français Louis Boutan et du psychologue américain Robert Yerkes, il montre comment les études sur l’intelligence animale furent influencées par des facteurs intellectuels, institutionnels, sociaux et politiques. En France, Boutan, en s’intéressant aux liens entre langage et pensée abstraite, renforça la barrière du langage entre l’homme et l’animal et contribua à l’émergence de la psychologie de l’enfant. Aux États-Unis, l’application des théories évolutionnistes à l’étude de l’esprit animal conjuguée à la mise à l’épreuve du laboratoire des théories freudiennes conduisit à la mise en évidence d’une intelligence chez les singes. Enfin, cet article examine les implications sociales et politiques des études sur l’intelligence simienne. Aux États-Unis, de telles études s’inscrivirent dans une politique eugéniste visant au contrôle des recrues militaires et des immigrants à travers des tests d’intelligence, tandis qu’en France les études comparées sur des singes et des enfants reflétèrent un eugénisme républicain et lamarckien.
De la globalisation des métaphores coloniales
Authors: Selim Monique
Published: October 2011

Cet article interroge les usages actuels du terme de colonisation qui s’est progressivement étendu à une multitude de faits sociaux, culturels et politiques. L’auteure illustre à travers plusieurs exemples comment la généralisation du terme de colonisation, évacuant les analyses de la domination, a permis une mutation profonde des représentations de l’oppression.
Genre et ethnicité dans la division du travail en santé : la responsabilité politique des États
Authors: Cognet Marguerite
Published: October 2011

Résumé Ethnicité, classe et genre sont à la croisée des chemins où se jouent les rapports de pouvoir au profit de certaines catégories sociales et au détriment d’autres. Nous approfondirons cette thématique au travers de résultats d’enquêtes sur l’organisation du travail en santé dans deux sociétés distinctes : le Canada et la France. Nous étudierons le rôle de l’État dans l’accès différencié aux emplois. Nous verrons que les transformations des systèmes de santé, sous le coup du retrait de l’État et d’une volonté de rationalisation des coûts qui s’amorcent au Canada et en France au tournant des années quatre-vingt-dix suite aux recommandations de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS), se traduisent entre autres par une accentuation des effets du genre dans la division des tâches du soin et des services, et que cette division genrée se double aujourd’hui d’une stratification par l’ethnicité qui s’inscrit dans une division internationale du travail.
Le classement de Shanghai. Histoire, analyse et critique
Authors: Eloire Fabien
Published: October 2011

RÃ©sumÃ© Le développement des classements internationaux est lié à la construction « d’une économie fondée sur la connaissance et sur l’ouverture à la concurrence internationale » qui soumet les systèmes nationaux à comparaisons et évaluations. Depuis 2003, année de son lancement, le classement dit « de Shanghai » s’est imposé comme l’un des rouages essentiels et structurants du dispositif idéologique néolibéral qui sous-tend les politiques nationales et européennes de « réforme » dans le domaine de l’enseignement supérieur et la recherche. Établi par l’université Jiao Tong, ce classement des cinq cents « meilleures » universités mondiales, a connu un succès immédiat et fulgurant, notamment en France. Chaque année, ce palmarès est très attendu, non seulement par le milieu médiatique, qui s’en fait volontiers l’écho ; mais aussi par les milieux politique et académique qui s’y réfèrent pour fonder des décisions stratégiques visant à y améliorer la position de leur pays et/ou de leurs universités. En France, le secteur de l’enseignement supérieur et de la recherche est organisé à la façon d’un service public, ce qui le démarque du modèle anglo-saxon. La thèse défendue dans cet article est celle du caractère performatif du classement de Shanghai : en objectivant une hiérarchie, auparavant informelle ou inexistante, il contribue à créer artificiellement les conditions d’un « marché » des universités.
Science de l'évaluation : évaluation scientifique dans l'ancienne RDA après 1990
Authors: Manale Margaret
Published: October 2011

RÃ©sumÃ© Le traité d’unification signé par les représentants des deux États allemands édictera l’abandon de tout l’héritage de l’État « socialiste » et la transposition du modèle social ouest-allemand sur les territoires à l’Est. La privatisation des entreprises d’État de la RDA, en élargissant le champ des services publics ouvert au secteur privé, affectera aussi le secteur tertiaire, dont les activités d’enseignement, de recherche et de développement font partie intégrante. L’élite des enseignants universitaires et chercheurs de la RDA n’a pas opposé une grande résistance à la rationalité qui a entraîné le démantèlement des structures institutionnelles de leur pays. Et surtout, ils ont eux-mêmes propagé certains raisonnements qui ont facilité l’introduction à l’Est de dispositions favorables aux intérêts ouest-allemands. C’est ainsi que les experts ouest-allemands, s’érigeant en défenseurs de « la démocratie contre la dictature » et des « principes de scientificité », sont parvenus à déjouer cette concurrence des intellectuels de l’Est et à faire de la place à une offre adaptée au marché et aux perspectives de rentabilité dans un monde désormais globalisé.
Frais d'inscription et prêts étudiants en Angleterre : discours, origines et effets
Authors: Casta Aurélien
Published: October 2011

RÃ©sumÃ© Cet article a pour objet le développement concomitant depuis deux décennies, des frais d’inscription et des prêts étudiants en Angleterre. En resituant ce développement dans le contexte plus général des politiques publiques d’enseignement supérieur, il s’efforce de répondre à deux grandes questions. Comment expliquer le développement des frais d’inscription et des prêts étudiants depuis deux décennies en Angleterre ? Que sait-on d’ores et déjà des effets de cette politique sur la condition socioéconomique des étudiants ? L’article montre que cette politique a pour origine la reprise en main de l’enseignement supérieur par les décideurs gouvernementaux, la mise au premier plan par les élites dirigeantes du rendement économique des études universitaires, et la revendication par les établissements les plus prestigieux d’une hausse continue des frais d’inscription. L’article détaille enfin les résultats de plusieurs recherches montrant que ces politiques encouragent les étudiants issus des milieux populaires à s’endetter davantage et à occuper des emplois plus prenants.
Le renouveau de la problématique Nord-Sud
Authors: Henry Jean-Robert
Published: October 2011

Resumé Après l’espérance des années 70, d’ériger collectivement un nouvel ordre mondial, le triomphe du libéralisme a remplacé l’affirmation d’un droit au développement. Mais le retour du débat Nord/Sud sur la scène internationale prend des figures nouvelles : à Porto Alegre ou Monterrey.