bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemistry of the Self-Assembled Monolayers of Dyads Consisting of Tripod-Shaped Trithiol and Bithiophene on Gold
Authors: Kitagawa Toshikazu , Matsubara Hiroaki , Okazaki Takao , Komatsu Koichi
Published: September 2014

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of tripod-shaped trithiols, consisting of an adamantane core with three CH2SH legs and a bithiophene group, were prepared on a Au(111) surface. Adsorption in a tripod-like fashion was supported by polarization modulation-infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) of the SAMs, which indicated the absence of free SH groups. Cyclic voltammetry showed an irreversible cathodic wave due to reductive desorption. The SAM also showed an anodic wave due to the single-electron oxidation of the bithiophene moiety without concomitant desorption of the molecules. Although oxidation was irreversible in the absence of a protecting group, it became reversible with the introduction of a terminal phenyl group. The charge of the oxidation was one-third that of the reductive desorption, confirming a three-point adsorption. The surface coverage was ca. 50% of that expected for the anti bithiophene conformation, which suggested that an increase in the surface area per molecule had been caused by the presence of an energetically high-lying syn conformer. In accordance with this, the line shape of the oxidation wave suggested an electrostatic repulsive interaction between neighboring molecules.
Effects of Oils Rich in Linoleic and α-Linolenic Acids on Fatty Acid Profile and Gene Expression in Goat Meat
Authors: Ebrahimi Mahdi , Rajion Mohamed , Goh Yong
Published: September 2014

Alteration of the lipid content and fatty acid (FA) composition of foods can result in a healthier product. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of flaxseed oil or sunflower oil in the goat diet on fatty acid composition of muscle and expression of lipogenic genes in the semitendinosus (ST) muscle. Twenty-one entire male Boer kid goats were fed diets containing different levels of linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (LNA) for 100 days. Inclusion of flaxseed oil increased (p < 0.05) the α-linolenic acid (C18:3n-3) concentration in the ST muscle. The diet high in α-linolenic acid (p < 0.05) decreased the arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) and conjugated linolenic acid (CLA) c-9 t-11 content in the ST muscle. There was a significant (p < 0.05) upregulation of PPARα and PPARγ gene expression and downregulation of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene in the ST muscle for the high α-linolenic acid group compared with the low α-linolenic acid group. The results of the present study show that flaxseed oil as a source of α-linolenic acid can be incorporated into the diets of goats to enrich goat meat with n-3 fatty acids, upregulate the PPARα and PPARγ, and downregulate the SCD gene expression.
Early Development of the Gut Microbiota and Immune Health
Authors: Francino M.
Published: September 2014

In recent years, the increase in human microbiome research brought about by the rapidly evolving “omic” technologies has established that the balance among the microbial groups present in the human gut, and their multipronged interactions with the host, are crucial for health. On the other hand, epidemiological and experimental support has also grown for the ‘early programming hypothesis’, according to which factors that act in utero and early in life program the risks for adverse health outcomes later on. The microbiota of the gut develops during infancy, in close interaction with immune development, and with extensive variability across individuals. It follows that the specific process of gut colonization and the microbe-host interactions established in an individual during this period have the potential to represent main determinants of life-long propensity to immune disease. Although much remains to be learnt on the progression of events by which the gut microbiota becomes established and initiates its intimate relationships with the host, and on the long-term repercussions of this process, recent works have advanced significatively in this direction.
The Adenovirus Genome Contributes to the Structural Stability of the Virion
Authors: Saha Bratati , Wong Carmen , Parks Robin
Published: September 2014

Adenovirus (Ad) vectors are currently the most commonly used platform for therapeutic gene delivery in human gene therapy clinical trials. Although these vectors are effective, many researchers seek to further improve the safety and efficacy of Ad-based vectors through detailed characterization of basic Ad biology relevant to its function as a vector system. Most Ad vectors are deleted of key, or all, viral protein coding sequences, which functions to not only prevent virus replication but also increase the cloning capacity of the vector for foreign DNA. However, radical modifications to the genome size significantly decreases virion stability, suggesting that the virus genome plays a role in maintaining the physical stability of the Ad virion. Indeed, a similar relationship between genome size and virion stability has been noted for many viruses. This review discusses the impact of the genome size on Ad virion stability and emphasizes the need to consider this aspect of virus biology in Ad-based vector design.
Les syndikoi, représentants juridiques des cités grecques sous le Haut-Empire romain
Authors: Fournier Julien
Published: September 2014

Because of its relative frequency in municipal careers, the office of syndikos has sometimes been described as one of the new functions appeared in Greek cities under Roman hegemony. Actually, syndikoi are already known in hellenistic times : these extraordinary appointees were expected to defend the territorial claims of their city before a court of arbitration. Under the Principate, the syndikoi were sent before provincial governors or Roman emperors to provide the legal defense of the interest of the city, when challenged by other cities or by its own residents. The syndikia was regarded as a leitourgia by the Greeks, as a munus personale by the Romans, that is a function which required energy and cleverness, but was theoretically not performed at one’s personal expense. Usually confered on those who were quite familiar with Roman or local law or to the best orators, the syndikia often preceded the exercice of ambassades or other functions outside the civic territory.
Wer war ein Procurator usiacus ? Die Verwaltung des Patrimoniums in Ägypten in der ersten Hälfte des 2. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Beutler Franziska
Published: September 2014

Der kaiserliche Besitz in Ägypten wurde von einem procurator usiacus, der aus dem Ritterstand stammte, verwaltet. Es gibt nur wenige Zeugnisse, die das Amt explizit nennen, und diese datieren erst ab 174/ 175. Allerdings erscheinen in den Papyri der ersten Hälfte des 2. Jahrhunderts Prokuratoren mit dem Titel o kratistos epitropos tou kyriou kaisaros, die mit der Verwaltung der kaiserlichen Güter beschäftigt sind. Ihnen ist dargestellter Artikel gewidmet, der der Frage nachgeht, ob man diese Prokuratoren, die Freigelasse waren, als procuratores usiaci ansprechen darf.
Les préfets du prétoire de Marc Aurèle
Authors: Rossignol Benoît
Published: September 2014

From AD 161 to 180 we know 7 Praetorian prefects, we survey their careers and their functions at the emperor’s side. Under Marcus Aurelius the Praetorian prefects had an important role on campaign. If the emperor sought to appoint prefects who were skilled in military affairs, he sought also other competences : prefects were carefully chosen in the top of the equites. Siting in the consilium principis, the prefects had also activities which were not necessarily connected with their duties as the Guard commander. The position of these prefects was influential, but it must not be overstated, to understand their office we must replace it in its context, the emperor’s entourage.
Comes per omnes expeditiones : l’adulation de Plautien, préfet du prétoire de Septime Sévère
Authors: Christol Michel
Published: September 2014

L’inscription de Rome dans laquelle Plautien apparaît comme père de l’impératrice Plautilla (CIL, VI, 1074 (ILS, 456), cf. p. 3777 et p. 4322) est riche d’enseignements. Elle provient d’un de ses proches, qui souhaitait mettre en évidence les bienfaits qu’il avait obtenus par son intermédiaire. Elle se place vers la fin de sa carrière, à un moment où les marques de flatterie devenaient de plus en plus outrancières, en rapport avec les honneurs exceptionnels que ce personnage avait obtenu des empereurs : après l’adlectio inter consulares, le consulat ordinaire en 203 et l’admission dans le collège des pontifes. C’est ce qui lui vaut d’être appelé pontifex nobilissimus.

L’expression comes per omnes expeditiones entre aussi dans le cadre de l’adulation du personnage.
« À l’ombre de la pourpre » : l’évolution de la préfecture du prétoire entre le IIIe et le IVe siècle
Authors: Porena Pierfrancesco
Published: September 2014

La prefettura del pretorio tra la seconda metà del III secolo e il regno di Costantino ha subito una profonda trasformazione. Essa si è sviluppata attraverso tre fasi. Fino alla piena età tetrarchica i due prefetti del pretorio restarono attivi ciascuno nel comitatus di due o più Augusti coreggenti, che risiedevano definitivamente lontano da Roma. Intorno al 298 Diocleziano pose la prefettura del pretorio a capo degli spazi provinciali con l’istituzione degli agentes uicem praefectorum praetorio (uicarii) al vertice delle nuove diocesi. Infine Costantino unico Augusto, in due momenti (325-326 e 327-330) moltiplicò il numero dei prefetti del pretorio, da uno a cinque, li allontanò definitivamente dal comitatus e li pose a capo delle «prefetture regionali» ; sopprimendo i loro poteri militari, trasformò i prefetti del pretorio nel vertice dell’amministrazione civile periferica.
« Toi, spectateur de mes tourments » : les adresses au public dans la tragédie grecque
Authors: Villacèque Noémie
Published: September 2014

On admet généralement que, contrairement à la comédie ancienne, la tragédie grecque ignorait son public qui, de son côté, restait calme et silencieux. L’étude des textes montre pourtant que les poètes tragiques intégraient physiquement le public à l’action, créant ainsi entre l’orchestra et les gradins, mais aussi entre les spectateurs eux-mêmes, une cohésion comparable à celle créée par la comédie. Ces adresses au public •certes, indirectes •sont bien souvent des invitations à regarder ce qui se passe : elles permettent d’attirer l’attention des spectateurs, voire, et cela est particulièrement sensible dans le Prométhée enchaîné d’Eschyle, d’insister sur la souffrance. Le héros tragique a besoin des théatai pour exister.
Lucien, l’historien et l’architecte du phare d’Alexandrie
Authors: Bouvier David
Published: September 2014

Le Comment il faut écrire l'histoire de Lucien est reconnu comme le seul traité antique de méthodologie historiographique qui nous soit parvenu. Si, au fil des siècles, son intérêt a été discuté par les historiens et les spécialistes de la rhétorique, il importe de montrer que Lucien avait plei- nement conscience de l’originalité de son propos. Il est particulièrement intéressant d’observer comment il problématise l’activité de l’historien, l’acte même de l’écriture historique défini par le verbe συγγρἁϕειν, en jouant sur les relations de différents niveaux d’écriture indiqués par d’autres composés du verbe γράϕειν (ἐπιγράϕειν, ὐπογράϕειν, μεταγράϕειν, etc.). L’écriture de l’histoire est un édifice que l’on construit à plusieurs et chaque couche d’écriture est importante. L’anecdote finale du phare d’Alexandrie, qui décrit l’épiphanie d’un sous-texte, prend alors une véritable dimension théorique.
Seed coat development in Velloziaceae: Primary homology assessment and insights on seed coat evolution
Authors: Sousa‐Baena Mariane S. , de Menezes Nanuza L.
Published: September 2014

• Premise of the study: Seed coat characteristics have historically been used to infer taxonomic relationships and are a potential source of characters for phylogenetic reconstruction. In particular, seed coat morphoanatomy has never been studied in detail in Velloziaceae. One character based on seed surface microsculpture has been used in phylogenies, but was excluded from recent studies owing to problems in primary homology. This work aimed to clarify the origin and general composition of seed coat cell layers in Velloziaceae and to propose hypotheses of primary homology among seed characters.

• Methods: Seed coat development of 24 Velloziaceae species, comprising nine genera, and one species of Pandanaceae (outgroup) was studied using standard anatomical methods. Developmental data were interpreted in the light of a recently published phylogeny.

• Key results: Eight types of seed coat were identified. Whereas the most common type has four distinct cell layers (two‐layered tegmen and testa), we encountered much more variation in seed coat composition than previously reported, the analysis of which revealed some potential synapomorphies. For instance, an exotesta with spiral thickenings may be a synapomorphy of Barbacenia.

• Conclusions: Our results showed that the character states previously used in phylogenies are not based on homologous layers and that the same state was misattributed to species exhibiting quite different seed coats. This study is a first step toward a better understanding of seed coat structure evolution in Velloziaceae.
Different endocytotic uptake mechanisms for nanoparticles in epithelial cells and macrophages
Authors: Kuhn Dagmar A , Vanhecke Dimitri , Michen Benjamin , Blank Fabian , Gehr Peter , Petri-Fink Alke , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara
Published: September 2014

Precise knowledge regarding cellular uptake of nanoparticles is of great importance for future biomedical applications. Four different endocytotic uptake mechanisms, that is, phagocytosis, macropinocytosis, clathrin- and caveolin-mediated endocytosis, were investigated using a mouse macrophage (J774A.1) and a human alveolar epithelial type II cell line (A549). In order to deduce the involved pathway in nanoparticle uptake, selected inhibitors specific for one of the endocytotic pathways were optimized regarding concentration and incubation time in combination with fluorescently tagged marker proteins. Qualitative immunolocalization showed that J774A.1 cells highly expressed the lipid raft-related protein flotillin-1 and clathrin heavy chain, however, no caveolin-1. A549 cells expressed clathrin heavy chain and caveolin-1, but no flotillin-1 uptake-related proteins. Our data revealed an impeded uptake of 40 nm polystyrene nanoparticles by J774A.1 macrophages when actin polymerization and clathrin-coated pit formation was blocked. From this result, it is suggested that macropinocytosis and phagocytosis, as well as clathrin-mediated endocytosis, play a crucial role. The uptake of 40 nm nanoparticles in alveolar epithelial A549 cells was inhibited after depletion of cholesterol in the plasma membrane (preventing caveolin-mediated endocytosis) and inhibition of clathrin-coated vesicles (preventing clathrin-mediated endocytosis). Our data showed that a combination of several distinguishable endocytotic uptake mechanisms are involved in the uptake of 40 nm polystyrene nanoparticles in both the macrophage and epithelial cell line.
La fin des procureurs. Les incertitudes d'une recomposition professionnelle (1790-1791)
Authors: Leuwers Hervé
Published: September 2014

En 1790, à la différence des compagnies de juges et des ordres d’avocats, qui s’effacent presque en silence, les procureurs des juridictions royales et seigneuriales contribuent activement au débat sur le devenir de leur activité, de leurs offices et de leurs communautés. Leurs pétitions à l’Assemblée constituante, loin d’avoir l’unanimité qu’on leur attribue parfois, révèlent la variété des enjeux et des attentes d’un monde professionnel divers. Pour les uns, il s’agit de survivre comme officier ; pour d’autres, de disparaître dans les meilleures conditions possibles. Alors que la société judiciaire se recompose, les anciens procureurs revendiquent, puis contribuent à inventer un nouveau rôle avec pragmatisme et détermination. Bien avant l’établissement des avoués par la loi des 29 janvier-20 mars 1791, ils cherchent leur place près des tribunaux de la nation : ils pétitionnent, mènent des combats locaux contre des concurrents et composent avec l’esprit des réformes.
Les troupes étrangères, l'idéologie révolutionnaire et l'État sous l'Assemblée constituante
Authors: Tozzi Christopher
Published: September 2014

À force de mettre l’accent sur le cosmopolitisme et l’universalisme de la rhétorique développée par les grandes figures de la Constituante, nombre d’historiens ont fini par conclure qu’il avait fallu attendre l’entrée en guerre et les débuts de la Terreur pour voir la Révolution française accoucher d’un discours ouvertement xénophobe. Le traitement réservé, entre 1789 et 1791, aux dizaines de milliers d’étrangers servant dans les troupes royales fait découvrir une tout autre histoire. Dès les commencements de la Révolution, des responsables politiques comme des individus ordinaires ont manifesté une profonde hostilité à la présence de régiments étrangers au sein de l’armée française, en dépit du fait que bien des soldats issus de ces unités aient professé voire manifesté leur loyauté à l’égard du nouveau régime. En définitive, le sort fait à ces troupes révèle que, dès la France de la Constituante, un nationalisme xénophobe est en germe.
Révolution et urbanisme à la fin du XVIII e siècle : Bordeaux entre vandalisme, iconoclasme et spéculation immobilière
Authors: Figeac Michel
Published: September 2014

Richard Clay a récemment revisité le débat autour du vandalisme révolutionnaire, qui a toujours beaucoup divisé les historiens. Il nous a semblé intéressant de reprendre le dossier à partir de Bordeaux, qui avait été le plus grand port français du XVIII e siècle et dont l’urbanisme avait connu une spectaculaire croissance. Nous nous sommes efforcés d’identifier les phases de l’iconoclasme révolutionnaire et les acteurs de ces destructions, afin d’en comprendre les motivations. Pour autant, cette période ne correspond pas à un arrêt des projets d’urbanisme, bien au contraire, car, du fait des biens nationaux et des démolitions, elle libère des espaces qui permettent d’espérer un nouvel urbanisme conforme aux nouveaux idéaux de l’époque. Néanmoins, la crise politique et les difficultés économiques allaient marquer l’arrêt de la plupart des grands projets et la disparition de toutes les utopies.
Evaluación de la tasa de infiltraciones de aire en edificios del centro histórico de Oporto
Authors: Alves S. , Fernández-Agüera J. , Sendra J. J.
Published: September 2014

Este trabajo forma parte de una investigación mayor que los autores están llevando a cabo y que tiene como objetivo evaluar la eficiencia energética de diferentes estrategias de rehabilitación de edificios de viviendas, con el fin de establecer criterios preferenciales de intervención de acuerdo a la zona climáticas donde se ubica, a la morfología de los edificios, a sus características constructivas y a sus valores patrimoniales. En el centro histórico de Oporto, una de las principales acciones consistiría en la reducción significativa de la demanda de calefacción en los edificios de viviendas que lo caracterizan, mediante la disminución de la tasa de infiltración de las ventanas. Para poder precisar este potencial de ahorro de energía, se requieren mediciones in situ de las tasas de infiltración de las citadas viviendas en su estado actual, previamente a una posible intervención. En este artículo se presenta los resultados obtenidos en los ensayos de presurización llevados a cabo en dos edificios característicos del Centro Histórico de Oporto que no han sido objeto aún de rehabilitación, y se analizan los valores alcanzados para ventanas típicas de guillotina y abatibles. Además, se estudian las relaciones entre los valores de estas tasas y las características morfológicas y tipológicas de los edificios.
Classifying Inputs and Outputs in Data Envelopment Analysis Based on TOPSIS Method and a Voting Model
Authors: Soltanifar M. , Shahghobadi S.
Published: September 2014

In conventional data envelopment analysis, it is assumed that the input versus output status of any particular performance measure is known. In some situations, finding the status of some variables from the input or output point of view is very difficult; these variables are treated as both inputs and outputs and are called flexible measures. In this paper, using the TOPSIS method, and also using a voting model, the status of such a variable will be determined, and the results obtained will be employed to evaluate the efficiency of homogeneous decision making units. Note that all the models used in this paper are linear programming models and there is no need to solve any integer programming model. The approach is illustrated by an example.
Beyond Gaming
Authors: Patel Roma P. , Lin Jerry , Khaderi S. Khizer
Published: September 2014

The interest around the utilization of video games as a component of rehabilitative therapy has dramatically increased over the past decade. Research efforts have confirmed the positive effects of repetitive gaming in improving visual outcomes; however, there is limited knowledge on the mechanism of action delivered by repetitive gaming. Utilizing knowledge of the visual system, including targeting specific cells in the retina with visual stimuli, the authors captured the training effects of gaming to augment pre-selected skills. Specifically, the authors embedded a homerun derby style baseball game with a contrast threshold test, to stimulate parvocellular retinal ganglion cells. Parvocellular cells are the first line of the ventral, or “what” pathway of visual processing. Repetitive stimulation of the parvocellular system shows promising preliminary results in improving batting performance.
Driving Home the Message
Authors: Downs Edward
Published: September 2014

A pre-test, post-test experiment was conducted to determine if using a popular racing game on a PlayStation® 3 video game console could change a player's intent to drive distracted. Results indicated that those who were driving distracted (texting or talking) in a video game driving simulator had significantly more crashes, speed violations, and fog-line crossings than those in a non-distracted driving control group. These findings are consistent with predictions from the ACT-R cognitive architecture and threaded cognition theory. A follow-up study manipulated the original protocol by establishing a non-distracted baseline for participants' driving abilities as a comparison. Results demonstrated that this manipulation resulted in a significantly stronger change in attitude against driving distracted than in the original procedure. The implications help to inform driving safety programs on proper protocol for the use of game consoles to change attitudes toward distracted driving.
The Olds Institute
Authors: Wolfe Mark
Published: September 2014

This article uses an exploratory qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with leaders of one rural knowledge-based organization (KBO) in Canada to underscore a longstanding but key conceptual disconnect within the management literature, viz. between knowledge as a fundamental human process based in communication, and knowledge as an organizational property or function expressed in terms of technology and/or business process. After making the case for adopting a knowledge-as-communication approach, including where support for the approach can be found in recent work in the complexity sciences, critique of a recent management model of the KBO specifically is offered. The centrality of the rural KBO's governance model in particular is then examined as embodying a communications focus both tacitly (operationally at the everyday level) and explicitly (reflectively at the senior executive level). Insights gleaned suggest an overall theoretical and research orientation to organizational knowledge in general and the KBO specifically where communication is built into the organization on deep level.
Determinates of Executive Compensation
Authors: Hall Jr. Owen P. , Ko Kenneth
Published: September 2014

Executive compensation continues to grow at a time when the rest of America is hurting. Why is this so? Many business pundits believe that there is a total disconnect between executive compensation and company performance. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how hierarchical modeling can be used to better understand the relationship between executive compensation and organizational efficacy. An analysis of S&P1500 firms for 2004 was performed using a two level hierarchical design. The results show that a number of manager and firm characteristics affect total compensation including executive age, revenues and Tobin's Q. These results can be used by compensation committees to better align executive pay with firm performance and prevailing social norms.
Understanding Organized Retail Supply Chain Performance Indicators for Business Growth
Authors: Singh Rajwinder , Sandhu H. S. , Metri B. A. , Kaur Rajinder
Published: September 2014

The socio-economic developments in India have pushed the demand for fresh farm products at the doorsteps. This is good for organized non-livestock retailing (NLR) which is retailing of agriculture and horticulture products. Expecting the better return, many national and international retailers are in the arena. The intense market competition has changed the scenario to supply chain vs. supply chain competition. This has prompted to understand key performance indicators (KPI) for this industry. In this research, the KPI are classified using factor analysis (FA) as: inventory metrics, customer metrics, flexibility metrics, and growth and learning metrics. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) approach has been applied to test the hypothesis. The results support the hypothesis; (1) firms with more focus on inventory need more focus on flexibility; (2) firms with more focus on flexibility shall have higher level of growth and learning; and (3) firms with more focus on inventory shall have higher level of growth and learning. The primary data was collected from top 10 organized NLR players operating in Punjab, Chandigarh, New Delhi, and Gurgaon in India. Finally, 401 questionnaires were received. The results were tested and validated by rigorous statistical analysis.
Infrastructure Innovation to Attain Service Value Sustainability
Authors: Belal H. M. , Shirahada Kunio , Kosaka Michitaka
Published: September 2014

This paper proposes a resource integration (RI) model to achieve infrastructure innovation in terms of organizational knowledge creation processes that guarantee sustainable dealings that are service oriented. Innovative infrastructures accomplished by beneficial changes in business platforms to create customer values have been attracting a great deal of attention. Therefore, a method of recognizing growth in infrastructures is needed. Collaboration with suitable partners, while integrating resources, is one of the core tools to improve organizational knowledge creation processes, thereby achieving infrastructure innovation that is able to offer contemporary services. However, there have been few studies on infrastructure innovation from the viewpoint of knowledge creation followed by modes of corporate collaboration. Two case studies, viz., Nike-Apple and Telenor-Grameen Group Corporation are presented in our study. Results demonstrated our mentioned concept. This research contributes to creating strategic corporate policies for organizations to succeed in the global business market by ensuring value sustainability.
Cultural Barriers to the Transition from Product to Product Service in the Medical Device Industry
Authors: Ryan Linda , Tormey David , Share Perry
Published: September 2014

Manufacturing companies are increasingly moving up the value chain by expanding their value offering to include service components, namely Product Service Systems (PSS). Due to the fundamental differences between the provision of products and services, many struggle to effectively integrate the two into a single cohesive offering. This is particularly true of companies operating in the medical device field as, due to the high level of regulatory requirements and controls, implementation of the ‘soft' components of service provision is difficult. The aim of the research is to facilitate companies to move up the value chain from product to product-service provision. Once identified, barriers can then be directly addressed and overcome, thereby allowing the development of a cohesive PSS offering. This will be achieved by identifying existing cultural barriers in relation to the application of PSS strategy within a product-orientated business. This information can be used to facilitate the application of PSS models with produc-orientated companies. This paper details qualitative research, undertaken with eight product-orientated medical device companies and two service practitioners, which establishes, details and analyses the primary cultural barriers in relation to product to product-service transition. These cultural barriers are further extrapolated through a supporting literature research.
Forecasting the Diffusion of Gigabit Home Networking In Europe
Authors: Fokas Michalis , Michalakelis Christos , Sphicopoulos Thomas
Published: September 2014

The steady growth of broadband penetration and the ongoing progress in networking technologies have increased the importance of home networks in the provision of high quality internet services. Market stakeholders have cooperated to evolve home networking towards an integrated, converged Gigabit technology, which will completely change the Home Area Networks (HANs) landscape and will enable a wave of possibilities. As Gigabit HAN technologies have just been launched in the market, there is a necessity of studying their future penetration. However, the lack of historical data on which such a forecast could be based presents a barrier that existing literature has not successfully addressed. The present paper attempts to analyze and forecast the diffusion of Gigabit HANs by suggesting a novel approach that overcomes the limitations of previous works. The proposed methodology is based on historical analogies and employs an objective and statistically reliable approach to investigate the degree of analogy and influence between services that drive the diffusion of broadband and home networking. The data used in this work were extracted from Eurostat's database and the final results, in terms of expected HAN penetration, are quite optimistic.
A Study of Perceptions, Usability and Future Adoption of a Web-based Learning Tool
Authors: Bot Romina L. , Uribe Maria del Rosario , Magana Alejandra J. , Mustillo Thomas , Springer John A.
Published: September 2014

Studies of technology acceptance suggest that individuals' perceptions of usage might be antecedents to predict their adoption. This research study explored students' and professors' perceptions regarding a web-based tool for political science education; the ultimate goal was to identify students and professors' perceived usefulness and usability and thus their intention to adopt the solution as a learning tool. Forty participants answered a survey questionnaire, and quantitative and qualitative approaches were followed to uncover the relationships between usability principles, innovation attributes, and perceptions of usage. The results of the study provide new insight into the factors that may contribute to the acceptance of the learning tool, and ultimately to its actual use.
Role Plays Used During A Humanities In Medicine Module
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Singh Kundan K , Shakya Arati , Dhakal Ajaya Kumar , Piryani Rano M
Published: September 2014

A medical humanities (MH) module has been conducted at KIST Medical College, Lalitpur, Nepal for the last four years. The students are divided into small groups and case scenarios, role-plays, paintings and activities are used to explore MH. The module for the fourth batch was conducted from December 2011 to March 2012. In this article the authors provide a brief overview of the MH module, Sparshanam and the learning objectives of different sessions. They provide transcripts of certain role plays conducted during the fourth, fifth and sixth sessions of the module. The role plays were conducted in Nepali with the help and guidance of the facilitators and the written transcripts in English language were provided by different student groups.
The Vascular System
Authors: Chatterjee Pranab , Das Anjan Kumar , Martin Carmel , Basu Asok , Biswas Rakesh
Published: September 2014

The motivation for this paper is based on the assumption that certain patient and health professional users' experiences can serve as a mirror or a model, whether positive or negative, for other patients and health professional users/learners. This narrative presents a patient's experience of his complicated and ad hoc journey through the diagnoses and treatment of his vascular system disorder. It then tries to connect this with health professional opinions and other patient experiences toward the collective goal of ‘getting a proper diagnosis and management of vascular disease.' Interspersed are professional narratives in the form of clinical evidence and expert comments towards clinical problem solving around vascular system disorders. User-driven health care implies shared decision making based upon collaborative partnerships between patients and health professionals. This narrative indicates that power imbalances in knowledge, particularly when the patient is ill and vulnerable, can lead to inappropriate and even harmful treatments, when profit appears to be the main driver of the medical industrial complex.
The Impact of Standards in Web Services Security
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline
Published: September 2014

The Internet has provided an avenue for businesses to adopt web services. Web services promises scalability, agility, cost reduction, profitability and availability thereby meeting instant gratification needs of web users'. It refers to modular Internet-based business functions that perform specific business tasks to facilitate business interactions within and beyond the organization. While addressing web services benefits there have been discussions on the importance of its security. The security of web services has deeply influenced its development and is also one of the main reasons why web services have not been adopted widely. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of web services standards and how it facilitates web services security. We analyze security models in web based technologies from previous studies such as; in cloud computing and security as a service technologies to develop a framework of web services standards and its impact on web services security. We then discuss the theoretical and practical implications of web services security and directions for future research.
Portrayal of smoking in Nigerian online videos: a medium for tobacco advertising and promotion?
Authors: Adelufosi Adegoke Oloruntoba , Abayomi Olukayode
Published: September 2014

The Nigerian home video industry, popularly known as Nollywood is a booming industry, with increasing numbers of easily accessible online videos. The aim of this study was to analyse the contents of popular Nigerian online videos to determine the prevalence of smoking imageries and their public health implications. Using specific search terms, popular English language and indigenous Yoruba language, Nigerian home videos uploaded on YouTube in 2013 were identified and sorted based on their view counts. Data on smoking related scenes such as smoking incidents, context of tobacco use, depiction of cigarette brand, gender of smokers and film rating were collected. Of the 60 online videos whose contents were assessed in this study, 26 (43.3%) had scenes with cigarrete smoking imageries. The mean (SD) smoking incident was 2.7 (1.6), giving an average of one smoking incident for every 26 to 27 min of film. More than half (53.8%) of the films with tobacco use had high smoking imageries. An average of 2 characters per film smoked, mostly in association with acts of criminality or prostitution (57.7%) and alcohol use (57.7%). There were scenes of the main protagonists smoking in 73.1% of the films with scenes of female protagonists smoking (78.9%) more than the male protagonists (21.1%). Smoking imageries are common in popular Nigerian online movies. Given the wide reach of online videos, their potential to be viewed by people from different cultures and to negatively influence youngsters, it is important that smoking portrayals in online movies are controlled.
Effect of aggressive beverage on the color stability of different nano-hybrid resin based composite
Authors: Nuaimi Hicham Oday , Ragab Hala Maher
Published: September 2014

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability of different types of nano-hybrid resin based composite restorative materials upon exposure to aggressive staining solutions (coffee and tea) over time. The color of all specimens before and after storage in the solutions were measured by a spectrophotometer based on CIE Lab system that is recommended by the American Dental Association and the color differences thereby is calculated. Materials and Methods: The color differences of three nano-hybrid composites after immersion for 30 days in tea and coffee as aggressive beverage solutions. Results: Within the limitations of the study, Venus Diamond was found the most color stable in tea, while Ceram X was shown the most color stable in coffee. There were statistically significant differences between Filtek 350 XT in tea and coffee storage (P < 0.005), but there weren′t statistically significant in tea and coffee in both Ceram X, and in Venus Diamond (P > 0.005). Conclusion: Staining solutions are significant factors that affect color stability of composite resins.
A Late Silurian (Pridolian) age for the Eastport Formation, Maine: a review of the fossil, stratigraphic, and radiometric-age data
Authors: Churchill-Dickson Lisa
Published: September 2014

The Eastport Formation is part of a larger volcaniclastic sequence (the Coastal Volcanic Belt) that extends from Massachusetts, USA, into New Brunswick, Canada. It represents a portion of Avalonia that was accreted to Laurentia during the Acadian orogeny. For more than thirty years the age of this formation has been regarded as Early Devonian (Lochkovian or Pragian) based on a new and yet undescribed ostracode genus. However, careful analysis of the fossil data indicates a Late Silurian (Pridolian) age for the fauna, and shows that the evidence used to assign a Devonian age should have been regarded as provisional. This interpretation is additionally strengthened by local stratigraphy and recent radiometric dating, both of which support a Late Silurian age for the Eastport Formation.

RÉSUMÉ

La Formation d'Eastport fait partie d'une séquence volcanoclastique plus importante (ceinture volcanique Côtière) qui s'étend du Massachusetts, aux États-Unis, jusqu'à l'intérieur du Nouveau-Brunswick, au Canada. Elle représente une partie du continent avalonien qui s'était accrétionné au continent laurentien pendant l'orogenèse acadienne. Pendant plus d'une trentaine d'années, on a considéré que cette formation remontait au Dévonien précoce (Lochkovien ou Praguien) en se basant sur un nouveau genre d'ostracode encore non décrit. Une analyse attentive des données relatives au fossile révèle toutefois que la faune remonte au Silurien tardif (Pridolien) et montre que les observations utilisées pour l'attribution d'un âge dévonien auraient dû être considérées comme provisoires. Cette interprétation se trouve par ailleurs renforcée par la stratigraphie locale et une datation isotopique récente, qui appuient toutes deux la datation de la Formation d'Eastport à l'époque du Silurien tardif.

[Traduit par la rédaction.]
Note on different kinds of attachments in trigonocarpalean (Medullosales) ovules from the Pennsylvanian Sydney Coalfield, Canada
Authors: Zodrow Erwin L.
Published: September 2014

The global data base for detached trigonocarpalean (Medullosales) ovules is large, and they are found in the Euramerican and Cathaysian fl oral provinces, from the Pennsylvanian to early Permian Periods. Despite the abundance, little is still known on what parts of the parent plant the ovules were borne, or in what arrangement they were attached. New data are presented for organically paired, suggested triplet, and axially or cauline borne trigonocarpalean ovules from the Sydney Coalfi eld, Nova Scotia.

RÉSUMÉ

La base de données mondiale des ovules trigonocarpaléens (Medullosales) détachés est imposante; on les trouve dans les provinces fl oristiques euraméricaine et cathaysienne de la période du Pennsylvanien au Permien précoce. Malgré cette abondance, on sait encore peu de choses sur les parties de la plante-mère où sont nés les ovules, ou selon quelle disposition ils étaient fi xés. De nouvelles données sont présentées au sujet d'ovules trigonocarpaléens biologiquement jumelés, présumés triplets et axiaux ou caulinaires du terrain houiller de Sydney, en Nouvelle-Écosse.

[Traduit par la rédaction.]
On the discovery of tetrapod trackways from Permo-Carboniferous redbeds of Prince Edward Island and their biostratigraphic signiﬁcance
Authors: Calder John H. , Baird Donald , Urdang Elliott B.
Published: September 2014

The ﬁrst fossil tetrapod footprints that were discovered on Prince Edward Island, and which were previously undescribed, are small reptilian trackways assignable to the ichnogenera Notalacerta andGilmoreichnus. Their closest zoological correlatives are small, Permo-Carboniferous "stem-reptiles" of the families Protorothyrididae and Captorhinidae in the suborder Captorhinomorpha, and pelycosauran reptiles, possibly of the Ophiacodontidae. Reptiles of this type are rare to unrepresented in the skeletal fauna of the province. The biochronology of the track-bearing bed, combined with terrestrial vertebrate, palynological and macroﬂoral records, suggest that the host Pictou Group redbeds on Prince Edward Island young from late Stephanian (Pennsylvanian) at Malpeque Bay to early Permian in the north. The combined discoveries of tetrapod footprints and trackways from these Permo-Carboniferous redbeds suggests that the record is potentially extensive. Now included in this record is the youngest known occurrence of the ichno-genus Notalacerta.

RÉSUMÉ

Les premières empreintes de fossiles de tétrapodes découvertes sur l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard, et précédemment non décrites, sont des traces d'un petit reptile qu'on peut rattacher aux ichnogenres Notalacerta et Gilmoreichnus. Leurs parents géologiques les plus proches sont les petits " reptiles-tiges » permocarbonifères des familles des protorothyridides et des captorhinides du sous-ordre des captorhinomorphes, ainsi que les reptiles pélicosauriens, possiblement les ophiacodontides. Les reptiles de ce type sont rares sinon absents au sein de la faune squelettique de la province. La biochronologie des strates renfermant des traces conjuguée aux relevés de vertébrés terrestres et aux relevés palynologiques et macroﬂoraux laisse supposer que les couches rouges hôtes du groupe de Pictou, sur l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard, remontent à la période du Stéphanien tardif (Pennsylvanien), dans la baie Malpeque, au Permien précoce, dans le nord. Les découvertes combinées d'empreintes et de traces de tétrapodes des couches rouges permocarbonifères semblent indiquer que la quantité d'enregistrements pourrait être vaste. Ces enregistrements comprennent désormais la manifestation la plus récente connue de l'ichnogenre Notalacerta

[Traduit par la rédaction.]
Review of Surficial Geology and Engineering Hazards in the Canadian Offshore
Authors: Pelletier Bernard R.
Published: September 2014

Surficial geological mapping and hydrographic charting is most complete in the Atlantic Provinces offshore including the Gulf of St. Lawrence; secondarily, the British Columbia offshore and the Labrador Shelf and Slope are fairly well mapped and charted. However, the entire Arctic offshore has the poorest geological and hydrographic coverage of all Canadian marine waters, with the exceptions of Hudson Bay, Beaufort Sea-Amundsen Gulf area and Lancaster Sound.

For safe marine operations, environmental information is required on winds, storms, waves, currents, tides and sea ice. This background is complemented by a seabed study designed to obtain grab and dredge samples of sediment or rock; to obtain sediment cores with the vibracorer, and gravity and piston corers; to obtain bedrock cores with the use of the diamond drill; to obtain bathymetric maps by means of sonic surveys in which echograms reveal the topographic profile of the sea-floor, and the side scan sonar give the area! view; to obtain details of bedrock features such as bedding, folds, faults, as well as distinguishing erosional and constructional topographic features all for the purposes of geological mapping; and to carry out visual surveys remotely or directly by means of submersible equipment and vehicles. All these background data and survey results can have direct application to seabed engineering problems.

Potential hazards related to surficial geology in the Canadian offshore affect engineering operations such as drilling, dredging, dumping coastal works, foundations and anchorages, cable lays, and pipelines. These hazards are grouped into five main categories: (I) erosion and sedimentation, (2) Morphology, (S) movement, (4) ground ice, and (5) sediments. A breakdown is given as follows: ice-scour grooves and ridges, current scour and fill, buried river channels, sand waves, megaflutes, sand bars, valleys, fjords, canyons, troughs, thermokarst, pingos, mud diapirs, poakmarks, scarps, terraces, hummocky terrain, slump features, bedding dislocations, faulting, earthquakes, ice layers, ice-bonded sediments, thermal degradation, unstable substrate, hydrocarbons, organic matter, clathrates, hard (sand, boulders, bedrock) substrate, and moraine.

The geologist must provide information and advice on the natural framework, and processes operating in the area; the engineer must appreciate these facts. But the engineer may be unable to re-locate his operational site; therefore, the geologist must present the information in its most complete and truest perspective in order to ensure a secure and successful operation.
Modified One man Beach Profiling Method
Authors: Bryant Edward
Published: September 2014

A vapid one-man, beach profiling method is presented. The scheme is based upon a 1.5 x l.5 m H-shaped frame and uses the earth's horizon as a level. A small correction must be applied to readings to correct for the Earth's curvature. Measurement error in the method decreases with increased packing of sediment but is independent of grain size. Profiles plotted using this scheme are replicable and similar in slope and shape to ones surveyed using instrument levelling.