bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing Background Net with Knowware System for Personalized Keyword Support
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ding Liya , Lo Sio-Long , Chiu Dickson K.W.
Published: October 2012

This article proposes a novel approach that combines user’s instant requirement described in keywords with her or his long-term knowledge background to better serve article selection based on personal preference. The knowledge background is represented as a weighted undirected graph called background net that captures the contextual association of words that appear in the articles recommended by the user through incremental learning. With a background net of user constructed, a keyword from the user is personalized to a fuzzy set that represents contextual association of the given keyword to other words involved in the user’s background net. An article evaluation with personal preference can be achieved by evaluating similarity between personalized keyword set based on user’s background net and a candidate article. The proposed approach makes it possible to construct a search engine optimizer running on the top of search engines to adjust search results, and offer the potential to be integrated with existing search engine techniques to achieve better performance. The target system of personalized article selection can be automatically constructed using Knowware System which is a development tool of KBS for convenient modeling and component reuse.
Service Oriented Enterprise and Contracted Profit Sharing
Authors: Badrabadi Ali Habibi , Tarokh Mohammad Jafar , Mohammadi Shahriar
Published: October 2012

Service Oriented Enterprises (SOEs) outsource their functionalities via third party web services. Therefore, there is a need for a systematic approach to manage the cooperation of the services. SOEs perform their functionalities in an extremely dynamic environment. Changes that happen to a SOE are categorized in two types: top-down changes and bottom-up changes. This paper considers top-down changes which are initiated by SOE’s management. In order to manage a top-down change, the SOE’s management should consider the possible conflicting interests of the different parties. This study finds a situation in which none of the services have to incur losses. Consequently, this paper proposes ex-ante contracted profit sharing principles that can attract the services to the change. The problem is modeled and Security improvement is discussed as an example to describe this approach.
Modeling Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nikolov Svetoslav , Ullah Mukhtar , Nenov Momchil , Vera Gonzalez Julio , Raasch Peter , Wolkenhauer Olaf
Published: October 2012

Mathematical modeling is increasingly used to improve our understanding of colorectal cancer. In the first part of this chapter, the authors give a review of systems biology approaches to investigate colorectal cancer. In the second part, the mathematical model proposed by Johnston et al. (2007) is expanded to include time delays and analysed for its stability. For both models, the original and the extended version, the authors obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for stability. This is confirmed by numerical simulations. Thus, some new mathematical and biological results are obtained.
Heart Valve Diseases in the Elderly
Authors: Morsi Yos , Li Zhang , Wang Sheng
Published: October 2012

This chapter gives an overview of heart valve diseases, their diagnostics techniques, and current and future treatments with particular emphasis on the elder generation. It starts with a brief presentation of anatomy of the heart and its valves and the effect of aging on the function of the heart. Subsequently the projection of the global older population is given, and the most common and frequently occurring valvular heart diseases including aortic regurgitation, aortic stenosis, and aortic sclerosis are presented and discussed. Moreover, the current heart valve replacement techniques using mechanical or bio-prosthetic valves and the complications associated with the use of these artificial heart valves are presented and discussed. The chapter ends with a full account of the risk of mortality associated with the operation of heart valve replacement for older patients and the future directions for heart valve implementation using the tissue engineering concept.
Tactile Resonance Sensors for Detection and Diagnosis of Age-Related Diseases
Authors: Lindahl Olof A. , Eklund Anders , Hallberg Per
Published: October 2012

The chapter involves the description and the application of a new sensor technology called tactile resonance sensors for diagnoses of the age-related diseases glaucoma and prostate cancer. Tactile resonance sensors in general are used for measuring the parameters of a contact between sensor and object of unknown physical properties. Tactile sensing can be defined as a system that can measure tactile properties of an object or contact event, through physical contact between the system and the object. This differs from other kinds of force/torque sensors in which there are requirements for measurement of total magnitudes of forces acting upon an object. Tactile resonance sensors described in this chapter consist of piezoelectric transducers and have a mechanical resonance frequency or relative phase of oscillation dependent on the measured parameter. Such sensors are used in industrial as well as medical applications. It can be concluded that the potential of tactile resonance sensors for detecting different symptoms of age related diseases, like glaucoma and prostate cancer, is very promising. The presented sensor systems have already been patented, and no doubt, we will in the near future experience several new biomedical instruments on the heath care market based on tactile resonance sensors.
Interference Aware Resource Allocation in Relay Enhanced Broadband Wireless Access Networks
Authors: Thulasiraman Preetha
Published: October 2012

First, a novel interference aware routing metric for multipath routing considering both interflow and intraflow interference will be discussed. Second, in order to ensure quality of service (QoS), an interference aware max-min fair bandwidth allocation algorithm is addressed using lexicographic ordering and optimization. A comparison among various interference based routing metrics and interference aware bandwidth allocation algorithms established in the literature is shown through simulation results derived from NS-2 and CPLEX. It is shown that the proposed interference aware resource allocation framework improves network performance in terms of delay, packet loss ratio, and bandwidth usage. Lastly, future challenges and emerging research topics and opportunities are outlined.
Deadlock Prevention with Wormhole Routing
Authors: Karpovsky Mark , Levitin Lev , Mustafa Mehmet
Published: October 2012

In this chapter, the problem of constructing minimal cycle-breaking connectivity preserving sets of turns for graphs that model regular or near regular multiprocessor systems, as a method to prevent deadlocks is investigated. Cycle-breaking provides for deadlock-free wormhole routing defined by turns prohibited at some nodes. The lower and upper bounds for minimal cardinalities of cycle-breaking connectivity preserving sets for several classes of graphs such as homogeneous meshes, p-ary n-cubes, cube-connected cycles, hexagonal and honeycomb meshes and tori, Hamiltonian graphs and others are obtained and presented along with some preliminary experimental results.
Self-Stabilizing Graph Coloring Algorithms
Authors: Huang Shing-Tsaan , Tzeng Chi-Hung , Jiang Jehn-Ruey
Published: October 2012

The concept of self-stabilization in distributed systems was introduced by Dijkstra in 1974. A system is said to be self-stabilizing if (1) it can converge in finite time to a legitimate state from any initial state, and (2) when it is in a legitimate state, it remains so henceforth. That is, a self-stabilizing system guarantees to converge to a legitimate state in finite time no matter what initial state it may start with; or, it can recover from transient faults automatically without any outside intervention. This chapter first introduces the self-stabilization concept in distributed computing. Next, it discusses the coloring problem on graphs and its applications in distributed computing. Then, it introduces three self-stabilizing algorithms. The first two are for vertex coloring and edge coloring on planar graphs, respectively. The last one is for edge coloring on bipartite graphs.
Cloud Computing and Enterprise Migration Strategies
Authors: Ho Rosiah
Published: October 2012

Cloud Computing is a prevalent issue for organizations nowadays. Different service providers are starting to roll out their Cloud services to organizations in both commercial and industrial sectors. As for an enterprise, the basic value proposition of Cloud Computing includes but not limit to the outsourcing of the in-house computing infrastructure without capitalizing their investment to build and maintain these infrastructures. Challenges have never been ceased for striking a balance between Cloud deployment and the need to meet the continual rise in demand for computing resources. It becomes a strategic tool to increase the competitive advantage and to survival in the market for an enterprise. To reconcile this conflict, IT leaders must find a new IT operating model which can enhance business agility, scalability, and shifts away from traditional capital-intensive IT investments.
Virtualization and Cloud Computing
Authors: Chaka Chaka
Published: October 2012

This chapter explores the interface between virtualization and cloud computing for global enterprise mobility. It also investigates the potential both virtualization and cloud computing hold for global enterprises. In this context, it argues that the virtualization of computing operations, applications, and services and the consumerization of digital technologies serve as one of the key drivers of cloud computing. Against this backdrop, the chapter first provides an overview of virtualization, consumerization, and cloud computing. Second, it showcases real life instances in which five enterprises leverage virtualization and cloud computing as part of their cloud business solutions. Third, it outlines some of the hollows and pain points characterizing cloud computing. Fourth and last, the chapter briefly presents possible future trends likely to typify cloud computing.
Social Web Services Research Roadmap
Authors: Maamar Zakaria , Bentahar Jamal , Faci Noura , Thiran Philippe
Published: October 2012

There is a growing interest in the research and industry communities to examine the possible weaving of social elements into Web services-based applications. This interest is backed by the widespread adoption of Web 2.0 technologies and tools developed using various online means such as social networks and blogs. Social Web services incorporate the result of this weaving and are concerned with establishing relationships with their peers like people do daily. This chapter reviews the recent developments in this new topic and identifies new research opportunities and directions that are still unexplored such as security, engineering, reputation, trust, and argumentation.
Adding Personalization and Social Features to a Context-Aware Application for Mobile Tourism
Authors: Barragáns-Martínez Ana Belén , Costa-Montenegro Enrique
Published: October 2012

The proliferation of location-aware mobile devices, together with the advent of Web 2.0 services, promotes the creation of hybrid applications which can provide innovative personalized context-aware services. Personalized recommendation services aim at suggesting products and services to meet users’ preferences and needs, while location-based services focus on providing information based on users’ current positions. Due to the fast growing of users’ needs in the mobile tourism domain, the provision of personalized location-based recommendation services becomes a critical research and practical issue. In this proposal, the authors present GiveMeAPlan, a mobile service which supplies tourist recommendations taking into account both the user preferences (personalization) and context information (time, location, weather, etc.) enriched with social features and targeted advertisements to support its business model. An application prototype is also being implemented to illustrate and test the system feasibility and effectiveness.
Workflow Validation Framework in Collaborative Engineering Environments
Authors: Sunindyo Wikan Danar , Moser Thomas , Winkler Dietmar , Mordinyi Richard , Biffl Stefan
Published: October 2012

Automation systems like power plants or industrial production plants usually involve heterogeneous engineering domains, e.g., mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, which are required to work together to deliver good products and/or services to the customers. However, the heterogeneity of workflows used in different engineering domains makes it hard for project managers to integrate and validate such workflows. A workflow modification language can be used to define the workflows and their modifications; however, further formalization is needed to integrate the workflows. The authors of this chapter propose to extend the Engineering Service Bus (EngSB) framework with a mechanism to integrate and validate heterogeneous workflows from different engineering fields and to link connections between different types of signals in broader sense, including process interfaces, electrical signals, and software I/O variables. For evaluation, they perform a feasibility study on a signal change management use case of an industry partner in the hydro power plant engineering domain. Major results show that the framework can support workflow validation and improve the observability of heterogeneous workflows in collaborative engineering environments.
Early Perception-Action Cycles in Binocular Vision
Authors: Sabatini Silvio P. , Solari Fabio , Canessa Andrea , Chessa Manuela , Gibaldi Agostino
Published: October 2012

Pushed by ample neurophysiological evidence of modulatory effects of motor and premotor signals on the visual receptive fields across several cortical areas, there is growing attention for moving the active vision paradigm from systems in which just the effects of action influence the perception, to systems where the acting itself, and even its planning, operate in parallel with perception. Such systems could close the loops and take full advantage of concurrent/anticipatory perception-action processing. In this context, cortical-like architectures for both vergence control and depth perception (in the 3D peripersonal space) that incorporate adaptive tuning mechanisms of the disparity detectors are presented. The proposed approach points out the advantages and the flexibility of distributed and hierarchical cortical-like architectures against solutions based on a conventional systemic coupling of sensing and motor components, which in general poses integration problems since processes must be coupled that are too heterogeneous and complex.
A Measure of Localization of Brain Activity for the Motion Aperture Problem Using Electroencephalograms
Authors: Hayashi Isao , Toyoshima Hisashi , Yamanoi Takahiro
Published: October 2012

When viewed through a limited-sized aperture, bars appear to move in a direction normal to their orientation. This motion aperture problem is an important rubric for analyzing the early stages of visual processing particularly with respect to the perceptual completion of motion sampled across two or more apertures. In the present study, a circular aperture was displayed in the center of the visual field. While the baseline bar moved within the aperture, two additional circular apertures appeared; within each aperture, a “flanker bar” appeared to move. For upwards movement of the flanker lines, subjects perceived the flanker bar to be connected to the base bar, and all three parts to move upward. The authors investigated the motion perception of the moving bars by changing the line speeds, radii of the apertures, and distances between the circular apertures and then analyzed spatio-temporal brain activities by electroencephalograms (EEGs). Latencies in the brain were estimated by using equivalent current dipole source (ECD) localization for one subject. Soon after the flankers appear, ECDs, assumed to be generated by the recognition of the aperture’s form, were localized along the ventral pathway. After the bars moved, the ECDs were localized along the dorsal pathway, presumably in response to motion of the bars. In addition, for the perception of grouped motion and not normal motion, ECDs were localized to the middle frontal gyrus and the inferior frontal gyrus.
Visual Behavior Based Bio-Inspired Polarization Techniques in Computer Vision and Robotics
Authors: Shabayek Abd El Rahman , Morel Olivier , Fofi David
Published: October 2012

For long time, it was thought that the sensing of polarization by animals is invariably related to their behavior, such as navigation and orientation. Recently, it was found that polarization can be part of a high-level visual perception, permitting a wide area of vision applications. Polarization vision can be used for most tasks of color vision including object recognition, contrast enhancement, camouflage breaking, and signal detection and discrimination. The polarization based visual behavior found in the animal kingdom is briefly covered. Then, the authors go in depth with the bio-inspired applications based on polarization in computer vision and robotics. The aim is to have a comprehensive survey highlighting the key principles of polarization based techniques and how they are biologically inspired.
Implementation of Biologically Inspired Components in Embedded Vision Systems
Authors: Ngau Christopher Wing Hong , Ang Li-Minn , Seng Kah Phooi
Published: October 2012

Studies in the area of computational vision have shown the capability of visual attention (VA) processing in aiding various visual tasks by providing a means for simplifying complex data handling and supporting action decisions using readily available low-level features. Due to the inclusion of computational biological vision components to mimic the mechanism of the human visual system, VA processing is computationally complex with heavy memory requirements and is often found implemented in workstations with unapplied resource constraints. In embedded systems, the computational capacity and memory resources are of a primary concern. To allow VA processing in such systems, the chapter presents a low complexity, low memory VA model based on an established mainstream VA model that addresses critical factors in terms of algorithm complexity, memory requirements, computational speed, and salience prediction performance to ensure the reliability of the VA processing in an environment with limited resources. Lastly, a custom softcore microprocessor-based hardware implementation on a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is used to verify the implementation feasibility of the presented low complexity, low memory VA model.
Process-centric IT in Practice
Authors: Siurdyban Artur , Nielsen Peter Axel
Published: October 2012

This case illustrates and discusses the issues and challenges at Kerrtec Corporation and their effort to establish process-centric IT management. The case describes how one of the company’s employees was tasked with implementing a streamlined sales process, which heavily depended on the supporting IT systems. The paper describes how the implementation project provided directions for improving global competencies to work across boundaries between business and IT in order to successfully manage business processes. The case emphasizes the importance of IT in process management, but at the same time highlights the organizational challenges faced by companies willing to supply their process initiatives with the right blend of IT and business process expertise. Specifically, it discusses the transcendent nature of IT competencies in business process management projects and positions them against possible governance structures.
Inception to Dissolution
Authors: Malik Kamna
Published: October 2012

Literature provides many success and failure stories of technology adoption in business that are often analyzed and discussed in the classrooms. However, when it comes to actual implementation, even academic institutions seem to be committing the same mistakes. This case presents the plan, action, and challenges involved in the e-learning initiative of a newly established institute of higher learning in India. The Institute under discussion partnered with a European university to bring in international standard of education. Its plan was to adopt technology for all its regular courses as well as to launch a fully online Master’s degree within the first year of its operation. A team was gathered to set up e-learning in the Institute, which worked with full enthusiasm during the initial months. However, lack of vision and top management support, absence of institutionalized agenda, skeletal team structure and coordination, weak project planning, technology infrastructure, as well as lack of faculty involvement, became the bottlenecks for the e-learning adoption. Gradually, the team got scattered and there after the whole initiative was shattered. The case brings out the critical situations and factors that a brick and mortar educational institution needs to manage when moving on to the e-learning space.
A Modular Collaborative Web-Based Framework for Humanitarian Crisis Management
Authors: Annunziato Alessandro , Doherty Brian , Khanh Hong
Published: October 2012

In humanitarian crisis situations, there is always more than one organization or agency involved in early warning, preparedness, and response to the crisis. These participating actors usually need a shared computer-based framework to exchange information, monitor the status of the crisis, communicate and coordinate operations among them in order to make their collaborations better, and make the right decisions at the right times. The aim of this paper is to present a web framework that has a modular architecture. This web framework has been realized by advanced web technologies and design patterns in software engineering. It is made up of diverse web modules and can be reusable and configurable to adapt with particular crisis contexts. The feasibility as well as the efficiency of this web framework is also demonstrated in the paper through real and complex crisis management scenarios.
Inflammatory Signals Direct Expression of Human IL12RB1 into Multiple Distinct Isoforms
Authors: Ford Nicole R. , Miller Halli E. , Reeme Allison E. , Waukau Jill , Bengtson Christine , Routes John M. , Robinson Richard T.
Published: October 2012

IL12RB1 is essential for human resistance to multiple intracellular pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In its absence, the proinflammatory effects of the extracellular cytokines IL-12 and IL-23 fail to occur, and intracellular bacterial growth goes unchecked. Given the recent observation that mouse leukocytes express more than one isoform from il12rb1, we examined whether primary human leukocytes similarly express more than one isoform from IL12RB1. We observed that human leukocytes express as many as 13 distinct isoforms, the relative levels of each being driven by inflammatory stimuli both in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, the most abundant isoform present before stimulation is a heretofore uncharacterized intracellular form of the IL-12R (termed “isoform 2”) that presumably has limited contact with extracellular cytokine. After stimulation, primary PBMCs, including the CD4+, CD8+, and CD56+ lineages contained therein, alter the splicing of IL12RB1 RNA to increase the relative abundance of isoform 1, which confers IL-12/IL-23 responsiveness. These data demonstrate both a posttranscriptional mechanism by which cells regulate their IL-12/IL-23 responsiveness, and that leukocytes primarily express IL12RB1 in an intracellular form located away from extracellular cytokine.
Cutting Edge: IL-1β Processing during Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection Is Mediated by Neutrophil Serine Proteases and Is Independent of NLRC4 and Caspase-1
Authors: Karmakar Mausita , Sun Yan , Hise Amy G. , Rietsch Arne , Pearlman Eric
Published: October 2012

To examine the role of caspase-1 and the NLRC4 inflammasome during bacterial infection, C57BL/6, IL-1β−/−, caspase-1−/−, and NLRC4−/− mouse corneas were infected with ExoS/T- or ExoU-expressing Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that IL-1β was essential for neutrophil recruitment and bacterial clearance and was produced by myeloid cells rather than resident cells. In addition, neutrophils were found to be the primary source of mature IL-1β during infection, and there was no significant difference in IL-1β processing between C57BL/6 and caspase-1−/− or NLRC4−/− infected corneas. IL-1β cleavage by human and mouse neutrophils was blocked by serine protease inhibitors and was impaired in infected neutrophil elastase (NE)−/− corneas. NE−/− mice also had an impaired ability to clear the infection. Together, these results demonstrate that during P. aeruginosa infection, neutrophils are the primary source of mature IL-1β and that IL-1β processing is dependent on serine proteases and not NLRC4 or caspase-1.
TCR-Redirected Human T Cells Inhibit Hepatitis C Virus Replication: Hepatotoxic Potential Is Linked to Antigen Specificity and Functional Avidity
Authors: Pasetto Anna , Frelin Lars , Aleman Soo , Holmström Fredrik , Brass Anette , Ahlén Gustaf , Brenndörfer Erwin D. , Lohmann Volker , Bartenschlager Ralf , Sällberg Matti , Bertoletti Antonio , Chen Margaret
Published: October 2012

Virus-specific CTL with high levels of functional avidity have been associated with viral clearance in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and with enhanced protective immunity. In chronic HCV infection, lack of antiviral CTL is frequently observed. In this study, we aim to investigate novel HCV TCRs that differ in Ag specificity. This involved isolating new HCV-specific murine TCRs that recognize a conserved HLA-A2–restricted CTL epitope within the nonstructural protein (NS) 5A viral protein and comparing them with TCRs recognizing another conserved CTL target in the NS3 viral protein. This was done by expressing the TCRs in human T cells and analyzing the function of the resulting TCR-transduced T cells. Our result indicates that these TCRs are efficiently assembled in transduced human T cells. They recognize peptide-loaded targets and demonstrate polyfunctional features such as IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α secretion. However, in contrast to NS3-specific TCRs, the NS5A TCR-transduced T cells consist of a smaller proportion of polyfunctional T cells and require more peptide ligands to trigger the effector functions, including degranulation. Despite the differences, NS5A TCRs show effective inhibition of HCV replication in human hepatoma cells with persistent HCV RNA replication. Moreover, cellular injury demonstrated by aspartate aminotransferase release and cell death is less significant in the hepatoma cells following coincubation with NS5A TCR-transduced T cells, which is a property consistent with noncytotoxic antiviral CTLs. Our results suggest that HCV TCR-transduced T cells may be promising for the treatment of patients with chronic HCV infections.
Overexpression of Lung Resistance-Related Protein and P-Glycoprotein and Response to Induction Chemotherapy in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Tsuji Kazue , Wang Yan-Hua , Takanashi Minoko , Odajima Tsuyoshi , Lee Gabriel , Sugimori Hiroki , Motoji Toshiko
Published: October 2012

Lung resistance-related protein (LRP) and P-glycoprotein (P-gp) are associated with multidrug resistance. P-gp overexpression reduces intracellular anticancer drug concentrations and is correlated with low remission rates. However, whether the presence of LRP influences the response to induction chemotherapy remains controversial. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of LRP and P-gp overexpression with the response to induction chemotherapy. Univariate analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between complete remission rates for acute myelogenous leukemia patients depending on their blast cell expressions, between LRP positive versus negative, P-gp positive versus negative, and LRP/P-gp double positive versus other groups. Crude odds ratios (ORs) for complete remission were 0.390, 0.360, and 0.307 for LRP positive, for P-gp positive, and LRP/P- gp double positive patients, respectively. After controlling the confounding variables by stepwise multivariate logistical regression analysis, the presence of LRP/P-gp double positivity and P-gp positivity were found to be independent prognostic factors; adjusted ORs were 0.233 and 0.393, respectively. Furthermore, the monoclonal antibody against LRP significantly increased daunorubicin acumulation (P = 0.004) in the nuclei of leukemic blast cells with LRP positivity in more than 10% of the cells. An LRP reversing agent, PAK-104P, was found to increase the daunorubicin content with marginal significance (P = 0.060). The present results suggest that not only the presence of P-gp, but also LRP in leukemic blast cells is a risk factor for resistance to induction chemotherapy. Inhibiting LRP function, similar to the inhibition of P-gp function, will be necessary to improve the effectiveness of induction chemotherapy.
Comparing Fear of Positive Evaluation to Fear of Negative Evaluation in Predicting Anxiety from a Social Challenge
Authors: Carter Michele M. , Sbrocco Tracy , Riley Sarah , Mitchell Frances E.
Published: October 2012

This study compared FNE and FPE scales in predicting anxious responding to a social challenge. 101 undergraduate participants completed a social manipulation requiring them to deliver a 3 minute videotaped speech they believed would be rated by faculty judges. Participants then received bogus positive, negative, or no feedback and were informed they were selected to present their speech directly to the panel of judges. FNE was the strongest predictor of state anxiety following the initial speech task, while FNE and FPE predicted somatic response to this task. Regardless of feedback type, FPE was a significant predictor of anxiety during the second speech task. Results are consistent with an overall cognitive model of social anxiety and suggest that FPE and FNE are distinct predictors of anxiety the under specific conditions.
Are Compulsive Buyers Impulsive? Evidence of Poor Response Inhibition and Delay Discounting
Authors: Williams Alishia D
Published: October 2012

Compulsive buying (CB) is not formally classified in the diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM), but it is widely considered an impulse-control disorder not otherwise specified. However, relatively few studies have systematically examined impulsivity or inhibition-related functions in CB. The aim of the present study was therefore to examine impulsivity as indexed by a multidimensional self-report measure of impulsivity (BIS) and behavioural paradigms that assess impulsive responding in the form of delay discounting and response inhibition. In a sample of compulsive buyers (n = 26), pathological gamblers (n = 23), and healthy controls (n = 26) analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that both self-report and behavioural responses of the CB group were comparable to that of pathological gamblers, reflecting elevated impulsivity in comparison to healthy controls. Results may be interpreted in the context of models of gambling pathology that underscore the failure of heavily discounted consequences to deter engagement in maladaptive behaviours and that highlight the role of poor response inhibition in disorder maintenance. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Isoprene emissions from a tundra ecosystem
Authors: Potosnak M. J. , Baker B. M. , LeStourgeon L. , Disher S. M. , Griffin K. L. , Bret-Harte M. S.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Whole-system fluxes of isoprene from a~moist acidic tundra ecosystem and leaf-level emission rates of isoprene from a common species (Salix pulchra) in that same ecosystem were measured during three separate field campaigns. The field campaigns were conducted during the summers of 2005, 2010 and 2011 and took place at the Toolik Field Station (68.6° N, 149.6° W) on the north slope of the Brooks Range in Alaska, USA. The maximum rate of whole-system isoprene flux measured was over 1.2 mg C m−2 h−1 with an air temperature of 22 ° C and a PAR level over 1500 μmol m−2 s−1. Leaf-level isoprene emission rates for S. pulchra averaged 12.4 nmol m−2 s−1 (27.4 μg C gdw−1 h−1) extrapolated to standard conditions (PAR = 1000 μmol m−2 s−1 and leaf temperature = 30° C). Leaf-level isoprene emission rates were well characterized by the Guenther algorithm for temperature, but less so for light. Chamber measurements from a nearby moist acidic tundra ecosystem with less S. pulchra emitted significant amounts of isoprene, but at lower rates (0.45 mg C m−2 h−1). Comparison of our results to predictions from a global model found broad agreement, but a detailed analysis revealed some significant discrepancies. An atmospheric chemistry box model predicts that the observed isoprene emissions have a significant impact on Arctic atmospheric chemistry, including the hydroxyl radical (OH). Our results support the prediction that isoprene emissions from Arctic ecosystems will increase with global climate change.
Variations of oceanic oxygen isotopes at the present day and the LGM: equilibrium simulations with an oceanic general circulation model
Authors: Xu X. , Lohmann G. , Werner M. , Zhang X.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The isotope-enabled oceanic general circulation model, MPI-OM, is used to simulate the oxygen isotope compositions of sea waters in the oceans under preindustrial and last glacial maximum climate conditions. Simulated oceanic isotope distributions at the last glacial maximum (21 000 yr ago) show features similar to the preindustrial in most basins but the Northern North Atlantic. With the exception of the ice sheet impact, the oxygen-18 content variations at sea surface during the last glacial maximum are mainly controlled by the changes in boundary isotopic fluxes in most regions, while the changes from subsurface to bottom waters are mostly due to the differences in the water mass circulations. The changes in topography at the northern high latitudes have a remarkable influence on the isotopic composition in the Arctic Ocean. The pre-industrial and the last glacial maximum calcite oxygen isotope compositions in the surface water and their difference are also calculated. These results are compared with the observed values from different foraminifera species and are in agreement with the observations in most regions.
T-shaped competency profile for water professionals of the future
Authors: Uhlenbrook S. , de Jong E.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Global environmental changes introduce new challenges and expose future university graduates in hydrology and related fields to problems of unprecedented complexity and magnitude. The T-shape model is proposed as a generic competency profile guiding the design of university curricula. This model differentiates between cognitive competencies in a certain field (i.e. hydrology; vertical leg of the T), and other cognitive/knowledge competencies in neighboring fields (e.g. hydraulics, aquatic ecology, land use management etc.) and functional, personal and values competencies and meta-competencies (all summarized in the horizontal bar of the T). It is based on the holistic model of professional competencies by Cheetham and Chivers (1996) and related studies (Oskam, 2009). The T-shape profile should apply to all levels of higher education (1st degree till doctorate level) in hydrology and related fields. For the effectiveness of hydrologists as professionals, a variable mix of competencies is required and further discussed. Key aspects are an open attitude for learning, continuous professional development (lifelong learning), and integrative and team working skills. Furthermore, a stimulating learning environment that promotes active learning is essential. As examples that substantiate the proposed T-shape model, the post-graduate education programmes of UNESCO-IHE and the main outcomes from a university curriculum workshop to promote education for sustainable development are introduced.
A model of hydrological and mechanical feedbacks of preferential fissure flow in a slow-moving landslide
Authors: Krzeminska D. M. , Bogaard T. A. , Malet J.-P. , H van Beek L. P.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The importance of hydrological processes for landslide activity is generally accepted. However, the relationship between precipitation, hydrological responses and movement is not straightforward. Groundwater recharge is mostly controlled by the hydrological material properties and the structure (e.g. layering, preferential flow paths such as fissures) of the unsaturated zone. In slow-moving landslides, differential displacements caused by the bedrock structure complicate the hydrological regime due to continuous opening and closing of the fissures, creating temporary preferential flow paths systems for infiltration and groundwater drainage. The consecutive opening and closing of fissure aperture control the formation of a critical pore water pressure by creating dynamic preferential flow paths for infiltration and groundwater drainage. This interaction may explain the seasonal nature of the slow-moving landslide activity, including the often observed shifts and delays in hydrological responses when compared to timing, intensity and duration of precipitation. The main objective of this study is to model the influence of fissures on the hydrological dynamics of slow-moving landslide and the dynamic feedbacks between fissures, hydrology and slope stability. For this we adapt the spatially distributed hydrological and slope stability model (STARWARS) to account for geotechnical and hydrological feedbacks, linking between hydrological response of the landside and the dynamics of the fissure network and applied the model to the hydrologically controlled Super-Sauze landslide (South French Alps).
Uncertainty of lateral boundary conditions in a convection-permitting ensemble: a strategy of selection for Mediterranean heavy precipitation events
Authors: Nuissier O. , Joly B. , Vié B. , Ducrocq V.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. This study examines the impact of lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) in convection-permitting (C-P) ensemble simulations with the AROME model driven by the ARPEGE EPS (PEARP). Particular attention is paid to two torrential rainfall episodes, observed on 15–16 June 2010 (the Var case) and 7–8 September 2010 (the Gard-Ardèche case) over the southeastern part of France. Regarding the substantial computing time for convection-permitting models, a methodology of selection of a few LBCs, dedicated for C-P ensemble simulations of heavy precipitation events is evaluated. Several sensitivity experiments are carried out to evaluate the skill of the AROME ensembles, using different approaches for selection of the driving PEARP members. The convective-scale predictability of the Var case is very low and it is driven primarily by a surface low over the Gulf of Lyon inducing a strong convergent low-level flow, and accordingly advecting strong moisture supply from the Mediterranean Sea toward the flooded area. The Gard-Ardèche case is better handled in ensemble simulations as a surface cold front moved slowly eastwards while increasing the low-level water vapour ahead is well reproduced. The selection based on a cluster analysis of the PEARP members generally better performs against a random selection. The consideration of relevant meteorological parameters for the convective events of interest (i.e. geopotential height at 500 hPa and horizontal moisture flux at 925 hPa) refined the cluster analysis. It also helps in better capturing the forecast uncertainty variability which is spatially more localized at the "high-impact region" due to the selection of more mesoscale parameters.
Influence of a single lightning discharge on the intensity of an air electric field and acoustic emission of near-surface rocks
Authors: Smirnov S. E. , Marapulets Y. V.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The effect was observed as a sharp fall of the electric potential gradient from +80 V m−1 down to –21 V m−1. After that the field returned to its normal level according to the formula of the capacitor discharge with 17 s characteristic time. Simultaneously, the response of the acoustic emission of surface rocks in the range of frequencies between 6.5 kHz and 11 kHz was evaluated.
Inhomogeneous snow distribution and depletion patterns at grid scale in a shallow snowpack region
Authors: Li H. , Wang J. , Tang Z. , Wang J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Understanding inhomogeneous snow processes at the grid scale is crucial for distributed snow hydrology research. Many studies on inhomogeneous snow processes focus on the annual similarity of snow distribution and depletion and the roles of topography and other environmental conditions. In contrast, this study examines the snow distribution and depletion patterns at a small grid scale in a shallow snowpack region and analyzes how meteorological factors influence these patterns by using the SNOWPACK model for scenario simulations. These simulations enable quantification of the role of three main meteorological factors: shortwave radiation, longwave radiation, and air temperature. The study region is located in the Northeastern Qinghai-Tibet plateau. The results of the study indicate the following two points. (1) During different snowmelt periods, spatial similarity exists between the periodical cumulative snow distributions, and the relationships between snow cover fraction and mean snow water equivalent are similar. However, this similarity is not applicable to the period before snowmelt. (2) Shortwave radiation has a~major impact on the snow distribution and depletion patterns at the small grid scale. Increasing shortwave radiation can greatly promote the heterogeneity of the snow distribution. The contributions of longwave radiation and air temperature to the heterogeneity of snow distribution are minor. Moreover, there are similarities between the simulated snow distributions when considering the scenarios of increases in longwave radiation or in air temperature.
Three Decades of Public Expenditure Management in Zimbabwe
Authors: Zhou Gideon
Published: October 2012

Sound public expenditure management forms the bedrock of public administration. It facilitates producence, efficiency, transparency and accountability in expenditure processes at various levels of government. This serves as a long term barricade aginst debt trap.  This article responds to these fundamental concerns by examining the nature, processes and challenges of public expenditure management in Zimbabwe. Reviews of expenditure management systems in Zimbabwe show general consistence with those in Anglophone Africa. Ministries of finance, working closely with spending ministries, Accounting Officers, Public Accounts Committees of Parliament, Auditor Generals and internal auditors-constitute key players in the public expenditure management process. Notwithstanding this, overall expenditure over the decades remained sticky downwards due to inflationary pressures, unbudgeted expenditures and weak expenditure management systems. Robust mesaures should be put in place to institutionalise a culture of compliance with extant expenditure management frameworks at both the macro and micro levels of government.
Political decentralization and local public services performance in Indonesia
Authors: Sujarwoto Sujarwoto
Published: October 2012

This study contributes to the existing decentralization literature by examining the association between political decentralization and local public service performance in the context of decentralization reform in Indonesia. The hypothesis is that improve local public service performance within political decentralization is associated with effective local political institutions and accountable local government. The hypothesis is tested using Indonesian Governance Decentralization Survey 2006 which consists of 8,320 households living in 120 local governments. Local government public service performance is measured by perceived improvement of three basic public services: basic education, health and general administration services. Multilevel analyses are applied to account for the nested structure of perceived public service performance within decentralized local government. The results show that effective local political institutions, better informed citizen and transparency, citizen political participation via community programs, and the presence of social group in community are significant for improving local public service performance. These results reveal after we control the model with household and local government socio-demographic determinants. The empirical findings suggest that improved local public services performance requires well functioning local political institutions, better informed citizens and transparent local government, and effective channels for political participation.
Reporting a Success Story in the Context of Public Sector: Factors That Matters
Authors: Ph.D Haitham Jahrami , Ph.D Mohammed Buheji
Published: October 2012

Given the unclear nature of defining any business success stories in the literature, the present article examines the use of factor analytic techniques on the evaluations of 32 success stories presented by different organisations in the 1st National Forum for success stories in Bahrain held in October, 2011. Standard evaluation forms were designed by an independent expert’s panel incorporating 15 items. Each success story was evaluated by 6-8 public administration consultants. Data were subjected to EFA techniques using Maximum Likelihood Extraction with Promax Rotation, 239 evaluation forms were examined. Three factors were retained by the analysis (a) clarity, (b) competitiveness and (c) sustainability. Recommendations are proffered for future practice as regards of analytic and evaluative decisions of success stories and reporting it in an empirical language. Numerous lectures, guidelines and descriptions exist to aid writing a success story; nonetheless, these remain to be an ‘opinion’ or a ‘reflection’ of their writer. The findings of the analysis in this research reveal that three factors are considered essential for an effectively reported success story: (a) clarity, (b) competitiveness and (c) sustainability.
Increase or Decrease Depression: How Body Postures Influence Your Energy Level
Authors: Peper Erik , Lin I-Mei
Published: October 2012

The treatment of depression has predominantly focused on medication or cognitive behavioral therapy and has given little attention to the effect of body movement and postures. This study investigated how body posture during movement affects subjective energy level. One hundred and ten university students (average age 23.7) rated their energy level and then walked in either a slouched position or in a pattern of opposite arm and leg skipping. After about two to three minutes, the students rated their subjective energy level, then walked in the opposite movement pattern and rated themselves again. After slouched walking, the participants experienced a decrease in their subjective energy (p < .01); after opposite arm leg skipping they experienced a significant increase in their subjective energy (p < .01). There was a significantly greater decrease (p < .05) in energy at the end of the slouched walk for the 20% of the participants who had the highest self-rated depression scores, as compared to the lowest 20%. By changing posture, subjective energy level can be decreased or increased. Thus the mind-body relationship is a two way street: mind to body and body to mind. The authors discuss clinical and teaching implications of body posture.