bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling Pre-MicroRNA and Mature MicroRNA Expressions Using a Single Microarray and Avoiding Separate Sample Preparation
Authors: Gan Lin , Denecke Bernd
Published: March 2013

Mature microRNA is a crucial component in the gene expression regulation network. At the same time, microRNA gene expression and procession is regulated in a precise and collaborated way. Pre-microRNAs mediate products during the microRNA transcription process, they can provide hints of microRNA gene expression regulation or can serve as alternative biomarkers. To date, little effort has been devoted to pre-microRNA expression profiling. In this study, three human and three mouse microRNA profile data sets, based on the Affymetrix miRNA 2.0 array, have been re-analyzed for both mature and pre-microRNA signals as a primary test of parallel mature/pre-microRNA expression profiling on a single platform. The results not only demonstrated a glimpse of pre-microRNA expression in human and mouse, but also the relationship of microRNA expressions between pre- and mature forms. The study also showed a possible application of currently available microRNA microarrays in profiling pre-microRNA expression in a time and cost effective manner.
Azimuth-Variant Signal Processing in High-Altitude Platform Passive SAR with Spaceborne/Airborne Transmitter
Authors: Wang Wen-Qin , Shao Huaizong
Published: March 2013

High-altitude platforms (HAP) or near-space vehicle offers several advantages over current low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and airplane, because HAP is not constrained by orbital mechanics and fuel consumption. These advantages provide potential for some specific remote sensing applications that require persistent monitoring or fast-revisiting frequency. This paper investigates the azimuth-variant signal processing in HAP-borne bistatic synthetic aperture radar (BiSAR) with spaceborne or airborne transmitter for high-resolution remote sensing. The system configuration, azimuth-variant Doppler characteristics and two-dimensional echo spectrum are analyzed. Conceptual system simulation results are also provided. Since the azimuth-variant BiSAR geometry brings a challenge for developing high precision data processing algorithms, we propose an image formation algorithm using equivalent velocity and nonlinear chirp scaling (NCS) to address the azimuth-variant signal processing problem. The proposed algorithm is verified by numerical simulation results.
A Novel Offset Cancellation Based on Parasitic-Insensitive Switched-Capacitor Sensing Circuit for the Out-of-Plane Single-Gimbaled Decoupled CMOS-MEMS Gyroscope
Authors: Chang Ming-Hui , Huang Han-Pang
Published: March 2013

This paper presents a novel parasitic-insensitive switched-capacitor (PISC) sensing circuit design in order to obtain high sensitivity and ultra linearity and reduce the parasitic effect for the out-of-plane single-gimbaled decoupled CMOS-MEMS gyroscope (SGDG). According to the simulation results, the proposed PISC circuit has better sensitivity and high linearity in a wide dynamic range. Experimental results also show a better performance. In addition, the PISC circuit can use signal processing to cancel the offset and noise. Thus, this circuit is very suitable for gyroscope measurement.
Fluorescent Imaging for Assessment of the Effect of Combined Application of Electroporation and Rifampicin on HaCaT Cells as a New Therapeutic Approach for Psoriasis
Authors: Nikolova Biliana , Kostadinova Anelia , Dimitrov Borislav , Zhelev Zhivko , Bakalova Rumiana , Aoki Ichio , Saga Tsuneo , Tsoneva Iana
Published: March 2013

The study aimed to clarify the role of electric pulses in combination with chemotherapy on the viability of keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, in the context of its application as a new therapeutic approach for psoriasis. The data show that electroporation of HaCaT cells in combination with rifampicin induces cytoskeleton disruption and increases permeability of cell monolayer due to cell-cell junctions’ interruption, visualized by fluorescent imaging of E-cadherin and actin integrity. This was accompanied with synergistic reduction of cell viability. The study proposes a new opportunity for more effective skin treatment than chemotherapy. The future application of this electrochemotherapeutic approach for combined local treatment of psoriasis may have serous benefits because of a high possibility to avoid side-effects of conventional chemotherapy.
A novel method of genomic DNA extraction for Cactaceae
Authors: Fehlberg Shannon D. , Allen Jessica M. , Church Kathleen
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Genetic studies of Cactaceae can at times be impeded by difficult sampling logistics and/or high mucilage content in tissues. Simplifying sampling and DNA isolation through the use of cactus spines has not previously been investigated.

• Methods and Results: Several protocols for extracting DNA from spines were tested and modified to maximize yield, amplification, and sequencing. Sampling of and extraction from spines resulted in a simplified protocol overall and complete avoidance of mucilage as compared to typical tissue extractions. Sequences from one nuclear and three plastid regions were obtained across eight genera and 20 species of cacti using DNA extracted from spines.

• Conclusions: Genomic DNA useful for amplification and sequencing can be obtained from cactus spines. The protocols described here are valuable for any cactus species, but are particularly useful for investigators interested in sampling living collections, extensive field sampling, and/or conservation genetic studies.
Development of microsatellite markers for Lagerstroemia indica (Lythraceae) and related species
Authors: Liu Yang , He Dan , Cai Ming , Tang Wan , Li Xiao‐Yuan , Pan Hui‐Tang , Zhang Qi‐Xiang
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to analyze genetic diversity within Lagerstroemia cultivars and related species.

• Methods and Results: Using simple sequence repeat (SSR)–enriched libraries, 11 species‐specific polymorphic genomic SSRs were developed from L. indica ‘Hong Die Fei Wu’. All primers were tested on 48 L. indica individuals from China, the United States, and France. The primers amplified four to 12 alleles per locus, including di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide repeats. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.1875 to 0.7609 and 0.2836 to 0.8385, respectively. The primers were also highly cross‐transferrable to L. subcostata, L. limii, L. fauriei, L. caudata, and L. speciosa.

• Conclusions: The new primers will enlarge the bank of SSRs available to genetic research of Lagerstroemia. These SSR markers will facilitate population genetics and molecular marker–assisted selection of L. indica.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci for smooth cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora (Poaceae)
Authors: Guo Wuxia , Huang Yelin , He Ziwen , Yan Yubin , Zhou Renchao , Shi Suhua
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Spartina alterniflora is one of the nine most notoriously invasive plants in China. Microsatellite markers were developed for this species to investigate its invasiveness and genetic diversity.

• Methods and Results: Fifteen polymorphic and seven monomorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers derived from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were identified and screened in 60 samples of S. alterniflora. The number of alleles per polymorphic locus ranged from two to eight, with an average of 3.8 alleles per polymorphic locus. The expected heterozygosity and observed heterozygosity based on seven disomic loci ranged from 0.27 to 0.46 and 0.21 to 0.51, respectively. The average Shannon index ranged from 0.26 to 0.94 in eight nondisomic loci.

• Conclusions: The SSR markers described here may be useful for further investigation of population genetics and invasion dynamics of S. alterniflora.
Shotgun sequencing for microsatellite identification in Ilex paraguariensis (Aquifoliaceae)
Authors: Pereira Marlei F. , Ciampi Ana Y. , Inglis Peter W. , Souza Valderês A. , Azevedo Vânia C. R.
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Ilex paraguariensis is a native tree species from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay that is used in the production of beverages, medicines, and cosmetics. Primers flanking microsatellites were developed to investigate genetic parameters in the species.

• Methods and Results: Using microsatellites cloned from an I. paraguariensis shotgun genomic library, 25 pairs of primers were designed and synthesized. Levels of polymorphism were evaluated in 24 individuals from two populations. Twenty loci were polymorphic, and an average of 4.8 and 4.5 alleles per locus were detected in the two populations, respectively. The mean observed heterozygosity was lower than the expected heterozygosity (0.54 vs. 0.60), indicating a departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and suggesting endogamy in both populations.

• Conclusions: The reported set of markers is highly informative and constitutes a powerful tool for the development of genetic characterization studies in I. paraguariensis.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered species Taxus wallichiana (Taxaceae)
Authors: Gajurel Jyoti Prasad , Cornejo Carolina , Werth Silke , Shrestha Krishna Kumar , Scheidegger Christoph
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed in the endangered tree species Taxus wallichiana from Nepal to investigate regional genetic differentiation, local genetic diversity, and gene flow for the conservation of this species under climate‐ and land‐use change scenarios in mountain regions of Nepal.

• Methods and Results: We developed 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers from 454 DNA sequencing. Characterization of the new microsatellite loci was done in 99 individuals collected from three valleys with different climatic regimes. The number of alleles per locus varied from four to 12. Observed heterozygosity of populations, averaged across loci, ranged from 0.30 to 0.59.

• Conclusions: The new markers provided by this study will substantially increase the resolution for detailed studies in phylogeography, population genetics, and parentage analysis.
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for Melastoma dodecandrum (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Liu Ting , Dai Seping , Wu Wei , Zhang Rongshu , Fan Qiang , Shi Suhua , Zhou Renchao
Published: March 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Melastoma dodecandrum to investigate the genetic diversity of this species and to detect hybridization and introgression in Melastoma.

• Methods and Results: Fourteen microsatellite loci were characterized by screening primers developed using two simple sequence repeat (SSR)–enriched libraries. Based on the genotyping of two natural populations, 13 loci were polymorphic and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 15. The observed and expected heterozygosities for the 13 loci ranged from 0.235 to 0.941 and 0.219 to 0.922, respectively. Cross‐species amplification was successful for all 14 loci in each of two congeneric species, M. candidum and M. sanguineum.

• Conclusions: These polymorphic SSR markers could be used as multilocus molecular makers to study the population genetics of M. dodecandrum, as well as hybridization and introgression among Melastoma species.
Electrospinning preparation and electrical and biological properties of ferrocene/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) composite nanofibers
Authors: Chai Ji-Hong , Wu Qing-Sheng
Published: March 2013

Nanofibers containing ferrocene (Fc) have been prepared for the first time by electrospinning. In this paper, Fc was dispersed uniformly throughout the poly(vinypyrrolidone) (PVP) matrix for the purpose of combining the properties of PVP and Fc. The effects of solvents and Fc concentration on the morphologies and diameters of nanofibers were investigated. In the DMF/ethanol solvent, the morphologies of the obtained nanofibers significantly changed with the increase of Fc concentration. The results demonstrated that the morphologies of the nanofibers could be controlled through adjusting solvents and Fc concentration. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the diameters of the obtained composite fibers were about 30–200 nm at different Fc concentrations. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results confirmed the presence of ferrocene within the PVP nanofibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the crystalline structure of Fc in the fibers was amorphous after the electrospinning process. A biological evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of Fc/PVP nanofibers was carried out by using Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) as model organisms. The nanofibers fabricated by this method showed obvious antibacterial activity. Electrochemical properties were characterized based on cyclic voltammetry measurements. The CV results showed redox peaks corresponding to the Fc+/Fc couple, which suggested that Fc molecules encapsulated inside PVP nanofibers retian their electrochemical activity. The properties and facile preparation method make the Fc/PVP nanofibers promising for antibacterial and sensing applications.
Hide and seek: hematological aspects of malaria – a developing country perspective
Authors: Haroon Hussain , Fazel Pyar Ali , Naeem Muhammad , Mobin Ahsan , Naqvi Ali Haider , Makki Karimullah
Published: March 2013

Introduction:  Malaria, a major problem in tropical climates, presents with various hematological aberrations. We aimed to assess whether complete blood indices would increase the probability of malaria in patients with acute febrile illness. Methodology: Between February 2009 and December 2010, we conducted a study involving 824 consenting consecutive patients older than 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of malaria based on thick and thin blood films. A detailed history and physical examination were completed on all patients before inclusion. Complete blood counts and detection of Plasmodium species were also performed as well as liver function tests, prothrombin time, reticulocyte counts, and parasite load. All data was analysed using SPSS 16.0 and percentages were calculated. Results: Out of 824 patients, 616 (75%) were male and 208 (25%) were female with an age range of 18 to 55 years (33.2 ± 8.3). Out of 87% thrombocytopenic patients, 66% were affected with Plasmodium falciparum and 21% with Plasmodium vivax. In patients with P. falciparum, thrombocytopenia was mild (16%), moderate (43%) and severe (7%), while in P. vivax patients thrombocytopenia was mild (10%) and moderate (9%). Thrombocytopenia was moderate in the mixed cases (2%). Anemia was seen in 71% and normal leucocyte counts were observed in 79% of the cases. Normal differential leucocytes counts were seen as follows: eosinophils in 80%, neutrophils in 93%, lymphocytes in 85%, monocytes in 97%, and basophils in 100%. Conclusion: Blood indices should be included in patient evaluations as various hematological aberrances can lead to the diagnosis of malaria.
Association of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and SLC11A1 polymorphisms in Sardinian multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Cossu Davide , Masala Speranza , Cocco Eleonora , Paccagnini Daniela , Tranquilli Stefania , Frau Jessica , Marrosu Maria Giovanna , Sechi Leonardo Antonio
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Recent findings propose that Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection could act as risk factor in favoring multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. SLC11A1 is a gene associated with mycobacterial survival in the host and it may be involved in the induction and maintenance of autoimmune disease. Methodology: In this preliminary study, 100 MS patients and 100 healthy controls (HCs) from Sardinia were enrolled. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLC11A gene were searched by PCR RFLP-genotyping. IS900 specie specific PCR was undertaken to search for MAP presence. Indirect ELISA was performed to asses if MS patients displayed a stronger humoral response against MAP2694 protein compared to the HCs. Results: Only rs2276631 SNP was associated with MS. MAP DNA was detected in 23 out of 100 MS patients (23%) and in 7 out of 100 HCs (7%). A strong humoral response against MAP2694 protein was detected in 36% of MS patients and only in 3% of HCs. A correlation between ELISA sero-positivity and the rs2276631 SNP was also found. Conclusion:  Our preliminary results suggest that the Sardinian population might be prone to develop autoimmune disease due to polymorphisms in immunomodulating the SLC11A1 gene, which is important in the immune response against intracellular bacteria such as MAP.
Antimycotic activity of Myrtus communis L. towards Candida spp. from clinical isolates
Authors: Cannas Sara , Molicotti Paola , Ruggeri Melania , Cubeddu Marina , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Marongiu Bruno , Zanetti Stefania
Published: March 2013

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TB financing in East Europe promotes unnecessary hospital admissions: the case of Armenia
Authors: Gillini Laura , Davtyan Karapet , Davtyan Hayk , Hayrapetyan Armen , Khachatryan Sergey , Centis Rosella , D’Ambrosio Lia , Dara Masoud , Migliori Giovanni Battista , Sotgiu Giovanni
Published: March 2013

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Comportement politique et préférences électorales des seniors en 2012
Authors: Denni Bernard
Published: March 2013

Le vote des seniors est désormais observé avec une attention toute particulière. En effet les électeurs de 65 ans et plus représentent en France environ le quart du corps électoral : soit quelque 12 millions d’électeurs sur les 46 millions d’inscrits. L’analyse d’enquêtes réalisées en 2011 et 2012 distingue deux publics d’électeurs nettement différenciés par leurs opinions et leurs préférences électorales, qu’ils soient jeunes ou âgés. Il se confirme ainsi que les préférences électorales s’articulent à des visions opposées du monde social, économique et politique, et renvoient à des systèmes de valeurs.
L'implication des mouvements de retraités dans la décision publique
Authors: Lambelet Alexandre
Published: March 2013

Le présent article propose un questionnement sur les facteurs pouvant affecter la possible implication des groupements de retraités dans le processus politique. Revenant sur les facteurs macrosociaux le plus souvent évoqués dans la littérature et sur l’importance des opportunités que peuvent offrir différents régimes ou conjonctures politiques, il insiste plus particulièrement, et à partir du cas suisse, sur la diversité des significations que peut avoir une telle implication pour les différentes parties prenantes, que ce soit dans une perspective inter ou intraorganisationnelle.
Pouvoir de l'usage et citoyenneté dans un contexte de compensation de la dépendance : les enjeux des conflits d'expertise
Authors: Gucher Catherine
Published: March 2013

La dépendance apparaît généralement comme incompatible avec l’expression de l’autonomie du sujet et plus encore avec une possible prise de pouvoir du bénéficiaire d’aides. Cependant tant dans le secteur sanitaire que social, la rénovation des politiques publiques engagée depuis plus de 20 ans, a fait émerger un socle de droits de l’usager qui appelle la transformation des pratiques professionnelles pour une reconnaissance d’un usager acteur et citoyen. Nous nous proposons d’analyser ici dans le cadre du dispositif de l’allocation personnalisée d’autonomie (APA) les obstacles à l’avènement de ce statut et nous intéresserons aux conflits d’expertise savante et profane.
Dynamiques d'autonomisation financière des femmes âgées et rôle de cette autonomie dans la prise de pouvoir (gris)
Authors: Rouamba George
Published: March 2013

Cet article a pour objectif de comprendre le processus d’autonomisation financière des femmes burkinabê au cours de leur avancée en âge et le rôle de cette autonomie dans la prise de pouvoir. Malgré un état de santé précaire et une privation des besoins élémentaires, elles s’investissent dans de petites activités génératrices de revenus. L’avancée en âge s’accompagne de multiples épreuves auxquelles il leur faut faire face en s’insérant dans des réseaux de sociabilité familiale et communautaire. Ces relations d’échanges de biens et de services mettent à jour les tensions morales dans les obligations et les droits d’aider les parents âgés dans un contexte de paupérisation. La remise en cause de la rénovation du centre-ville met en lumière les besoins d’ empowerment individuel et collectif des aînés.
Le projet européen
Authors: Soriano Paul
Published: March 2013

Si l’Union européenne est un récit, alors ce sont ses personnages qui l’écrivent. Un récit qui emprunte ses intrigues à l’histoire d’Europe, dont il recycle au jour le jour les épisodes, mais sur le mode pacifié de la négociation. Tel un organisme qui s’engendre lui-même.
UE-US : la nouvelle donne
Authors: Chédeville Pierre
Published: March 2013

La véritable épreuve de force n’est pas entre l’Occident et l’Islam (ou la Chine), mais entre l’Europe et l’Amérique, dont les faiblesses sont plus graves que les nôtres. L’Europe aurait-elle plus d’avenir qu’elle ne le pense ? Un contrepoint optimiste.
La loi d'airain de la monnaie
Authors: Werrebrouck Jean-Claude
Published: March 2013

Au cœur de la fable économique règne la prétendue loi d’airain de la monnaie, via la dette. Mais ce récit-là comporte des variantes historiques qui dévoilent les degrés de liberté du politique par rapport à la contrainte économique. Au passage, les mésaventures de l’euro en disent long sur les illusions d’une vision technocratique de la « construction » européenne.
La tapisserie de Bayeux dans la culture populaire
Authors: Peccatte Patrick
Published: March 2013

La tapisserie de Bayeux relate un moment majeur de l’histoire européenne évoqué tout au long de cette période par la culture populaire : de la broderie aux « médiéval macros » sur Internet, en passant par le cinéma et la presse illustrée, la lecture politique de l’événement est parfois surprenante.
La fin du photojournalisme de guerre ?
Authors: Barnades Florent
Published: March 2013

Qu’advient-il du photoreportage avec la dissolution du champ de bataille dans le tumulte des images ? La photo est-elle encore un média adéquat pour rendre compte de la guerre ?
Soldat augmenté, victoire fragilisée
Authors: Galactéros Caroline
Published: March 2013

La guerre a-t-elle changé de nature ou de visage avec la révolution numérique ? Quoi qu’il en soit, la surpuissance technologique des armées occidentales n’est nullement synonyme de suprématie sur le terrain. Elle peut accroître leur vulnérabilité, déshumaniser l’adversaire, interdire la victoire, tout en posant de redoutables questions éthiques.
Du « soin »
Authors: Worms Frédéric , Bougnoux Daniel
Published: March 2013

Comment le temps technique rencontre-t-il le temps médical, et notamment cette somme obscure d’actes et d’attitudes que résume la notion de « soin » ? Et comment cette notion, à son tour, sous le terme anglais de care , a-t-elle débordé ce contexte pour instituer un « paradigme » majeur des sciences sociales ? Philosophe du soin, Frédéric Worms précise ici quelques enjeux et difficultés de cette approche transdisciplinaire.
L'écoumène à l'ère numérique
Authors: Tissier Jean-Louis
Published: March 2013

Notre manière d’habiter le monde, notre écoumène, et de le connaître par la géographie a-t-elle été radicalement bouleversée par les NTIC ? Les cataractes de pixels nous masquent-elles les paysages ? L’ubiquité du GPS nous prive-t-elle du sens du chemin ? Réponse d’un maître géographe.
Une locomotive dans la forêt vierge
Authors: Frémond Émilie
Published: March 2013

Qu’aurait répondu Breton à la question de savoir ce que l’ordinateur ou les « nouvelles technologies » faisaient à l’activité surréaliste ? En se réclamant du temps long des fossiles glanés en Gaspésie, ou des galets du Lot, l’invention de l’ancien à l’ère du surréalisme en appelle à l’inépuisable et immaîtrisable nature, façon de situer sa « révolution » très au-delà de nos ruptures, techniques ou politiques.
Apocalypse now
Authors: Debray Régis
Published: March 2013

Un certain ton apocalyptique semble gagner les meilleurs essais contemporains. Le temps pivote sur ses gonds. Évidents sont les effets des ruptures instrumentales. Faut-il pour autant dire adieu aux soubassements constitutifs de la condition humaine ? Il est permis d’en douter.
Control de calidad de superfluidificantes. Informe técnico sobre la utilización de aditivos superfluidificantes
Authors: De Nicolás Francisco Javier , Sanchiz Juan José
Published: March 2013

El desarrollo de esta investigación parcial se encuentra actualmente en fase de valoración de resultados. Como método de análisis se ha escogido uno, comparativo entre los diversos productos y el hormigón testigo, expresándose las variaciones respecto a éste en porcentajes en los sucesivos tipos de ensayos realizados.
Posteriormente se debe valorar la tendencia general de cada producto en lo referente a las propiedades del hormigón fresco y endurecido.
Es obvio que la limitación del tipo de conglomerante hace limitadas las conclusiones que se van obteniendo. Por ello, es de esperar que en los sucesivos programas que se tienen en marcha sobre el tema de aditivos, se obtengan resultados y conclusiones más generalizadas en este campo y que, si hay oportunidad, puedan ser recogidas en sucesivos artículos o futuras publicaciones.
Centro de convenciones George R. Moscone, San francisco/California EE.UU.
Authors: Hellmuth George , Obata Gyo , Kassabaum George
Published: March 2013

El Centro Moscone, que ocupa un solar de 4,6 Ha en las afueras de San Francisco, ofrece un total de 60,400 m2 de superficie para exhibiciones, convenciones y reuniones. El salón principal de exposiciones, que con sus 25.500 m2 de superficie subterránea es actualmente el mayor espacio de exhibición —libre de columnas— del mundo tiene una cubierta sostenida por arcos de 85 m de luz. El edificio se completa con un vestíbulo exterior que conecta el salón de exhibiciones con las salas de reuniones y las demás dependencias del Centro.
El original sistema estructural de hormigón, en bóveda de canon, del salón principal se desarrolló para adecuarse a tas exigencias de una construcción subterránea por razones de economía de obra y de mantenimiento. La parte superior del techo de esta sala puede soportar una capa de tierra de hasta 2 m de espesor, proporcionando espacio para un parque en la superficie u otra instalación pública que incluya edificaciones de construcción ligera.
Acordes con tas colosales dimensiones de este Centro son las instalaciones, que abarcan desde un completo sistema de protección contra incendios y evacuación de personas hasta los sistemas de climatización, iluminación y electricidad.
La cubierta útil. Una necesidad urbana
Authors: Rein Redondo Pablo
Published: March 2013

El siguiente trabajo trata de argumentar, de una manera general, sobre los aspectos urbanísticos: estético, ecológico, funcional y energético que aconsejan la utilización de cubiertas planas, entendiendo por tal su puesta en servicio para una serie de fines relativos a los aspectos antes mencionados. De esta manera se trata de * Primer Premio ANI Asociación Nacional de la Impermeabilización demostrar que, en el urbanismo actual y con la configuración de ciudades que nos vemos obligados a manejar, la utilización de la cubierta plana puede llegar a aparecer como una necesidad urbanística inapelable para conseguir un funcionamiento más deseable de la ciudad que es, al fin y al cabo, un organismo que necesita respirar y captar energía.
A Framework for Analyzing the Role of ICT on Agricultural Commercialization and Household Food Security
Authors: Okello Julius Juma , Al-Hassan Ramatu , Okello Ruth M.
Published: March 2013

Lack of agricultural information has been attributed to the inability of smallholder farmers to transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Recent efforts to improve smallholder access to agricultural information have seen increased application of ICT technologies in developing agriculture. These efforts use ICT-based market information to reduce transaction costs of smallholder participation in markets, promote commercialization, and improve household food security. Emerging studies document the benefits of such ICT-based applications in agriculture, including increased incomes and improved performance of agricultural markets. Unfortunately these studies have been context specific and the link between provision of ICT-based market information, smallholder commercialization and household security remains unclear. This paper develops a framework that can be used to analyze the link between ICT application in smallholder agriculture, household commercialization, and food security. The paper generates testable hypotheses relating ICT application in agriculture and reduction in transactions costs, smallholder farmer commercialization, and household food security. It then provides illustrative cases where ICT application in agriculture has benefited smallholder production and improved market performance. However, more research must be done to test the generated hypotheses. The paper discusses the implications of the framework for practitioners.
The Role of ICT-Based Market Information Services in Spatial Food Market Integration
Authors: Katengeza Samson P. , Kiiza Barnabas , Okello Julius Juma
Published: March 2013

The government of Malawi in 2004 initiated an ICT-based Malawi Agricultural Commodity Exchange (MACE), a market information service project, to improve access by farmers to market information. MACE was intended to improve the efficiency of agricultural markets as part of the strategy to improve food security. This study uses quantitative methods to examine whether MACE has contributed to efficiency of rice markets in Malawi. It especially tests if MACE has contributed to spatial integration of rice markets. As hypothesized, the study finds that the tendency of rice prices to move together in spatially separated markets has significantly increased since the implementation of MACE. It concludes that ICT-based market information services project enhances linkages between markets and can therefore improve the efficiency with which agricultural markets perform. The study discusses implications of this finding for policy.
The Growth of E-Commerce in Developing Countries
Authors: Lawrence Japhet E.
Published: March 2013

The growth of the Internet has opened up a vast arena, providing more opportunities for businesses, particularly small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to sell their products and services to a global audience than they would have been able to afford to reach using the traditional methods. SMEs are extremely important to many countries and their contribution to economy cannot be over emphasized. Several researchers have studied the contribution of the Internet and highlight the importance of convenience, satisfaction, quality, and consumer purchase behavior. In this study, it is argued that SMEs stand to benefit significantly from the opportunities and benefits that the Internet offers to businesses. Therefore, the use of the Internet is widely seen as critical for the competitiveness of SMEs in the emerging global market. The study is exploratory in nature and will be conducted in three stages. The findings presented in this paper, argues that SMEs in developing countries must learn from the experiences of developed countries, such as the United States and European countries, and use the Internet more frequently.
The Effect of ICT-Based Market Information Services on the Performance of Agricultural Markets
Authors: Egyir Irene S. , Al-Hassan Ramatu M. , Abakah James K.
Published: March 2013

This study is concerned with how markets of agricultural commodities have responded to the improved ICT-based market information services in Ghana since 2005. The data employed are monthly prices wholesale from 2001-2010, covering four markets in the Northern and Greater Accra regions. The data was used to estimate a threshold autoregressive model to measure the level of spatial price integration between the four markets, and focusing on maize. In addition, data on market structure and conduct was collected from 486 marketers to explain performance indicators. The study finds that, the speed of price transmission in maize markets increased by 6 percent after 2005, however there has not been marked reduction in transactions costs. Despite increased use of the mobile phone, market-based exchanges still rely heavily on visual inspection. The implication is that more should be done to improve transport infrastructure and to ensure enforcement of standardization rules.
Use of Information and Communication Tools and Services by Rural Grain Traders
Authors: Okello Julius Juma
Published: March 2013

Poor access to agricultural market information is a major factor constraining the performance of agricultural markets in developing countries. The search for new strategies for resolving this constraint has led to several ICT-based market information service (MIS) projects in developing countries. At the same time, the rapid penetration of new generation ICT tools (especially mobile phones) has resulted in wider application of these tools in agriculture. This paper examines the use of ICT tools and ICT-based services by rural grain traders in Kenya. It is based on data collected from 204 traders in Western and Rift Valley regions of Kenya. The study finds widespread use of ICT tools by grain traders. It also finds that the tools are used by grain traders to obtain market information, including information on price, volume, and where to source and sell grains, among others. The implications of these findings are that market development agents must focus on removing constraints limiting the use of ICT tools in rural areas. Spurring greater use of ICT tools has the potential to reduce transaction costs and improve the performance of rural agricultural markets.
The Adoption and Sustainability of Technology-Enhanced Education in Higher Institutions of Learning in Africa
Authors: Evoh Chijioke J.
Published: March 2013

This chapter explores factors that enhance and constrain the adoption and sustainability of Information and Communication Technologies in Universities and higher institutions of learning in South Africa. This study examines pedagogical, socio-economic and epistemological aspects of the paradigm shift in higher education delivery in Africa. Adopting and sustaining ICTs for educational improvement is a multifaceted process. As a dynamic process, all the vital elements of technology adoption need to be present in order to meet the goals of technology-enhanced higher education in Africa. It further argues that policy guidelines and strategic plans are essential for the successful adoption and sustainability of ICTs in higher education (HE) institutions in Africa. The chapter argues that the success of ICT-mediated higher education is not only technical but also political in nature.
The Architecture and Early Findings of a Working SMS-Based System for Individuals with Mild to Moderate Depression
Authors: LaRue Elizabeth M. , Karimi Hassan A. , Mitchell Ann M. , Zang Joy Y.
Published: March 2013

Depression is one of the leading mental health disorders in the world. With an exponential rate of growth, the disease will soon surpass the ability of health care professionals to monitor and treat individuals. The use of mobile technologies offers new insights into disease progression, real-time emotional reaction data collection, and care in vivo. This chapter describes the architecture of a software system that continuously monitors an individual’s emotional state through SMS and responds to the individual with supportive text messages. Along with early findings from the working system, the development of the emotional state queries and responses is described.
An Operating Theater Planning Decision Support System
Authors: Gomes Carlos , Sperandio Fabrício , Peles Arnon , Borges José , Brito António Carvalho , Almada-Lobo Bernardo
Published: March 2013

The operating theater is the biggest hospital budget expenditure. The usage of surgery related resources and its intrinsic planning must be carefully devised in order to achieve better operational performance. However, from long to short term planning, the decision processes inherent to the operating theater are often the subject of empiricism. Moreover, the current hospital information systems available in Portuguese public hospitals lack a decision support system component, which could assist in achieving better planning solutions. This work reports the development of a centralized system for the operating theater planning to support decision-making tasks of surgeons, chief specialty managers, and hospital administration. Its main components concern surgery scheduling, operating theater’s resource allocation and performance measurement. The enhancement of the planning processes, the increase of policy compliance, and the overall performance of the operating theater compared to the former methodologies are also discussed.
Grid Data Mining Strategies for Outcome Prediction in Distributed Intensive Care Units
Authors: Santos Manuel Filipe , Portela Filipe , Miranda Miguel , Machado José , Abelha António , Silva Álvaro , Rua Fernando
Published: March 2013

Previous work developed to predict the outcome of patients in the context of intensive care units brought to the light some requirements like the need to deal with distributed data sources. Those data sources can be used to induce local prediction models, and those models can in turn be used to induce global models more accurate and more general than the local models. This chapter introduces a distributed data mining approach suited to grid computing environments based on a supervised learning classifier system. Five different tactics are explored for constructing the global model in a Distributed Data Mining (DDM) approach: Generalized Classifier Method (GCM), Specific Classifier Method (SCM), Weighed Classifier Method (WCM), Majority Voting Method (MVM), and Model Sampling Method (MSM). Experimental tests were conducted with a real world data set from intensive care medicine. The results demonstrate that the performance of DDM methods is very competitive when compared with the centralized methods.
Alzheimer’s Disease Recognition with Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro Miguel , Teixeira João Paulo
Published: March 2013

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and is well known for its affect on memory loss and other intellectual abilities. The Electroencephalogram (EEG) has been used as a diagnosis tool for dementia for several decades. The main objective of this work was to develop an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to classify EEG signals between AD patients and control subjects. For this purpose, two different methodologies and variations were used. The Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) was applied to one of the methodologies and the Wavelet Transform (WT) was applied to the other methodology. The studied features of the EEG signals were the Relative Power in conventional EEG bands and their associated Spectral Ratios (r1, r2, r3, and r4). The best classification was performed by the ANN using the WT Biorthogonal 3.5 with AROC of 0.97, Sensitivity of 92.1%, Specificity of 90.8%, and 91.5% of Accuracy.
Ontological Representation and an Architecture for Homecare Pervasive Systems
Authors: Freitas Leandro , Pereira Rafael T. , Pereira Henrique G. G. , Martini Ricardo , Mozzaquatro Bruno A. , Kasper Jeferson , Librelotto Giovani
Published: March 2013

Queues in hospitals grow due to, among others, the increasing world population and delay in patient attendance. One way of solving this problem is developing systems to provide treatment directly in the homes of patients. These systems help to decrease queues, improving the attendance to those looking for assistance. In this chapter, the authors present an ontological representation of knowledge of homecare environments and the modeling of an architecture for pervasive systems to this kind of domain. Systems with this modeling aim to improve services provided by professionals during treatment of patients located in their houses. The authors used concepts of pervasive computing to provide access to information anytime and wherever the user is, once a homecare environment has a high level of dynamicity. The knowledge representation is done through ontologies due to the possibility of reuse of information stored, as well as the interoperability of information among different computational devices.
Clinical Data Mining in Small Hospital PACS
Authors: Santos Milton , Bastião Luís , Costa Carlos , Silva Augusto , Rocha Nelson
Published: March 2013

Technological developments in the medical imaging acquisition and storage process have triggered the use of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) with gradually larger archives. Nowadays, there is data stored in the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) file that is not searchable using the traditional PACS database. However, it may represent an important source of information for continuous professional practice improvement. The use of DICOM Data Mining tools has been a valuable asset to analyze the information stored in the DICOM file and can result in gathering important data for the professional practice improvement. These tools can also contribute to the PACS information audit and facilitate access to relevant clinical data within programs for quality continuous improvement. By allowing the construction of multiple views over data repository in a flexible and quickly way and with the possibility to export data for further statistical analysis, Dicoogle permits the identification of data and process inconsistencies that can contribute to radiology department improvement, such as in dose surveillance and patient safety programs and image quality control initiatives. However, the assessment of relevant data for practice improvement must take into account several factors related to the informational environment, professional reality, and healthcare goals and mission. This chapter describes a method to examine and perform studies over a medical imaging repository. Moreover, a case study of a small hospital where the obtained results are discussed is shown.
Cardiac Chamber Contour Extraction
Authors: Roxo Diogo , Silva José Silvestre , Santos Jaime B. , Martins Paula , Castela Eduardo , Martins Rui
Published: March 2013

Segmentation of echocardiography images presents a great challenge since such images contain strong speckle noise and artifacts. Most ultrasound segmentation methods are semi-automatic, requiring initial contour to be manually identified in the images. In this chapter, a level set algorithm based on the phase symmetry approach and on a new logarithmic-based stopping function is used to extract simultaneously the four heart cavities in a fully automatic way. The idea is to evaluate the algorithm potential for the clinical practice as an additional tool helping the physician´s decision. Thus, the extracted contours are compared with the ones sketched by four physicians using for that several metrics, namely distance error, maximum distance, pratt function, similarity angle, similarity region, hausdorff distance, accuracy, overlap, sensitivity, and specificity. The authors show that the proposed algorithm performs well, producing contours very similar to the physicians’ ones. The experimental work was based on echocardiography images of children.
Pedometer Cell Phone Applications and Future Trends in Measuring Physical Activity
Authors: Åkerberg Anna , Lindén Maria , Folke Mia
Published: March 2013

A huge proportion of the world population is suffering from lifestyle related and preventable welfare diseases. Physical activity is one important means of achieving beneficial health impacts and of reducing the risk of chronic disease. Pedometers are often used to measure physical activity. Nowadays, cell phones are very common, and pedometer applications enable measurements to be made by a device that is already owned. This chapter presents a study of the measurement accuracy of pedometer cell phone applications. The results show that only one combination of pedometer application and cell phone provided high accuracy when tested by different test persons. In some cases, the measurements indicate that the orientation of the cell phone used during measurement might be relevant. In addition, it would be valuable to gain knowledge about the overall and everyday physical activity pattern, which would be very valuable in contributing to a healthier population.
Discovery of Anomalous Windows through a Robust Nonparametric Multivariate Scan Statistic (RMSS)
Authors: Shi Lei , Janeja Vandana P.
Published: March 2013

This paper studies unusual phenomena by discovering anomalous windows in multivariate spatial data. Such an anomalous window is a group of contiguous spatial objects indicating the occurrence of unusual phenomenon in terms of multiple variables. The paper presents a novel Robust non-parametric Multivariate Scan Statistic (RMSS). In contrast to the existing work, the authors’ approach is designed to deal with anomalous window discovery in multivariate data. They propose their multivariate scan statistic that employs the robust Mahalanobis distance which enables taking into account multiple behavioral attributes at the same time and their correlations for the discovery of significant anomalous windows. The proposed multivariate scan statistic is non-parametric such that it does not rely on any prior assumption about the data distribution. It is robust such that it can handle data with large amount of outliers, up to 50% of the overall data size. It is also affine equivariant such that affine transformation such as stretch or rotation of the data would not affect the results. The authors evaluate their approach with (a) real-world multivariate climate data for discovering natural disasters and climate changes, (b) real-world multivariate traffic accident data for identifying accident hubs, which are route segments with underlying accident-prone issues, and (c) synthetic data of both continuous and discrete multivariate distribution for identifying clusters of known outliers under different outlier percentage in data. They compare their results to state of the art multivariate scan statistic method (Kulldorff et al., 2007). The evaluation shows the detection power of the authors’ method, and the significant improvement over the existing methods.
Rule-Based Data Mining Cache Replacement Strategy
Authors: Haraty Ramzi A. , Zeitouny Joe
Published: March 2013

Caching in mobile environments is used for improving bandwidth usage and reducing query delays among resource constrained devices. It is used in multitudes of approaches. Some rely on the server occasionally broadcasting reports to inform clients of updated data while others permit clients to access data whenever they need it. Caching can be constrained by size and bandwidth; thus, coming up with a good invalidation scheme is critical in improving cache consistency solutions. In this work, the authors propose a new hybrid cache invalidation scheme that makes use of data mining concepts. They also compare their scheme with other related strategies.