bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"An Assemblage of Habits": D. J. Waldie and Neil Campbell—A Suburban Conversation
Authors: Waldie D. J. , Campbell Neil
Published: February 2012

This is a conversation between Californian writer D.J. Waldie and British academic Neil Campbell that took place in Los Angeles in January 2011. The discussion is mainly focused on the memoir Holy Land written by Waldie and published in 1996 but ranges across a number of associated and related issues to do with perceptions and revisions of the idea of suburbia. Waldie is explicit about the origins of the memoir and his reasons for wanting to write a book for his "neighbors" that would present a world that was truthful to the multiplicitous and complexly negotiated experiences of contemporary American suburban life.
Space, Gender, Race: Josephine Miles and the Poetics of the California Suburbs
Authors: Gill Jo
Published: February 2012

This essay takes as its focus the rich—if hither overlooked—seam of poetry emerging from and reflecting on the suburbs of the West Coast of America across their mid-twentieth century decades of settlement and maturity. It examines in particular the work of Josephine Miles (1911-1985) and reads her poetry in relation to the historical and discursive contexts in which suburbia emerged and flourished and as a corpus which in its own detail and complexity has much to tell us about the specificities of Californian suburban experience. It argues that Miles's poetry traces the changing discourses of suburban landscape, architecture, community, and subjectivity in this period. And by comparing examples of her poetry with work by Langston Hughes, it suggests that Miles engages in compelling, if sometimes disturbing, ways with the processes of spatial, gender, and racial exclusion on which the suburbs were founded.
Interleukin-1 Receptor Accessory Protein Organizes Neuronal Synaptogenesis as a Cell Adhesion Molecule
Authors: Yoshida Tomoyuki , Shiroshima Tomoko , Lee Sung-Jin , Yasumura Misato , Uemura Takeshi , Chen Xigui , Iwakura Yoichiro , Mishina Masayoshi
Published: February 2012

Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) is the essential component of receptor complexes mediating immune responses to interleukin-1 family cytokines. IL-1RAcP in the brain exists in two isoforms, IL-1RAcP and IL-1RAcPb, differing only in the C-terminal region. Here, we found robust synaptogenic activities of IL-1RAcP in cultured cortical neurons. Knockdown of IL-1RAcP isoforms in cultured cortical neurons suppressed synapse formation as indicated by decreases of active zone protein Bassoon puncta and dendritic protrusions. IL-1RAcP recovered the accumulation of presynaptic Bassoon puncta, while IL-1RAcPb rescued both Bassoon puncta and dendritic protrusions. Consistently, the expression of IL-1RAcP in cortical neurons enhances the accumulation of Bassoon puncta and that of IL-1RAcPb stimulated both Bassoon puncta accumulation and spinogenesis. IL-1RAcP interacted with protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) δ through the extracellular domain. Mini-exon peptides in the Ig-like domains of PTPδ splice variants were critical for their efficient binding to IL-1RAcP. The synaptogenic activities of IL-1RAcP isoforms were diminished in cortical neurons from PTPδ knock-out mice. Correspondingly, PTPδ required IL-1RAcPb to induce postsynaptic differentiation. Thus, IL-1RAcPb bidirectionally regulated synapse formation of cortical neurons. Furthermore, the spine densities of cortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons were reduced in IL-1RAcP knock-out mice lacking both isoforms. These results suggest that IL-1RAcP isoforms function astrans-synaptic cell adhesion molecules in the brain and organize synapse formation. Thus, IL-1RAcP represents an interesting molecular link between immune systems and synapse formation in the brain.
Metformin in cancer: translational challenges
Authors: Dowling Ryan J O , Niraula Saroj , Stambolic Vuk , Goodwin Pamela J
Published: February 2012

The anti-diabetic drug metformin is rapidly emerging as a potential anti-cancer agent. Metformin, effective in treating type 2 diabetes and the insulin resistance syndromes, improves insulin resistance by reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and by enhancing glucose uptake by skeletal muscle. Epidemiological studies have consistently associated metformin use with decreased cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality. Furthermore, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated anti-cancer effects of metformin, leading to an explosion of interest in evaluating this agent in human cancer. The effects of metformin on circulating insulin levels indicate a potential efficacy towards cancers associated with hyperinsulinaemia; however, metformin may also directly inhibit tumour growth. In this review, we describe the mechanism of action of metformin and summarise the epidemiological, clinical and preclinical evidence supporting a role for metformin in the treatment of cancer. In addition, the challenges associated with translating preclinical results into therapeutic benefit in the clinical setting will be discussed.
Molecular perspective of MoS2/Co unsupported catalyst using computer assisted TEM simulations
Authors: Ramos Manuel , Serrano-Matos Joseph , Martinez-Soto Eduan , Torres Brenda , Berhault Gilles , Ferrer Domingo , Farias-Mancilla José Rurik , Chianelli Russell R.
Published: February 2012

Understanding the morphology of catalytically active materials has been approached successfully in past decades using field electron microscopy in scanning and transmission modes. In this respect, some simulated TEM measurements for unsupported promoted molybdenum di-sulfide (MoS2/Co) provided some insights about molecular structure in those catalytic layered transition metal sulfides (LTMS). However, due to poor resolution, lack of color enhancement, and other factors, sections of those materials observed under TEM do not resolve the structure by itself; in particular about the localization of cobalt atoms for promoted MoS2 unsupported catalyst. This work concludes an epitaxial growth of MoS2 slabs over (111)-Co9S8 crystallographic plane, with a stacking degree size of 6 slabs. Results presented in here are obtained using experimental HRTEM and TEM simulations using the multi-slice method with a slice thickness of 25 Å and projected potential$f(U) = \sum\limits_{i = 1}^n {a_i e^{(- b_i U^2)} } $, where ai and bi are coefficients to be determined.
Invasive ecosystem engineer selects for different phenotypes of an associated native species
Authors: Wright Jeffrey T. , Gribben Paul E. , Byers James E. , Monro Keyne
Published: February 2012

Invasive habitat‐forming ecosystem engineers modify the abiotic environment and thus represent a major perturbation to many ecosystems. Because native species often persist in these invaded habitats but have no shared history with the ecosystem engineer, the engineer may impose novel selective pressure on native species. In this study, we used a phenotypic selection framework to determine whether an invasive habitat‐forming ecosystem engineer (the seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia) selects for different phenotypes of a common co‐occurring native species (the bivalve Anadara trapezia). Compared to unvegetated habitat, Caulerpa habitat has lower water flow, lower dissolved oxygen, and sediments are more silty and anoxic. We determined the performance consequences of variation in key functional traits that may be affected by these abiotic changes (shell morphology, gill mass, and palp mass) for Anadara transplanted into Caulerpa and unvegetated habitat. Both linear and nonlinear performance gradients in Anadara differed between habitats, and these gradients were stronger in Caulerpa compared to unvegetated sediment. Moreover, in Caulerpa alternate phenotypes performed well, and these phenotypes were different from the dominant phenotype in unvegetated sediment. By demonstrating that phenotype–performance gradients differ between habitats, we have highlighted a role for Caulerpa as an agent of selection on native species.
Chevron Deference after Mayo
Authors: Schnee Edward J. , Seago W. Eugene
Published: February 2012

The authors provide the background to the issues decided by the Supreme Court in Mayo regarding the deference the courts should grant to Treasury regulations. The implications are broad, since the deference issue determines whether the administration or the judiciary's opinion should prevail. The paper then discusses the impact of Mayo on the Chevron deference, and how the two-step approach should be applied to regulations and other Treasury pronouncements. Finally, the paper will address the role of legislative history and the Chenery and hard look doctrines within Chevron's two steps.
Postural Function of the Diaphragm in Persons With and Without Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Kolář Pavel , Šulc Jan , Kynčl Martin , Šanda Jan , Čakrt Ondřej , Andel Ross , Kumagai Kathryn , Kobesová Alena
Published: February 2012

Study Design

A case-control study.

Objectives

To examine the function of the diaphragm during postural limb activities in patients with chronic low back pain and healthy controls.

Background

Abnormal stabilizing function of the diaphragm may be an etiological factor in spinal disorders. However, a study designed specifically to test the dynamics of the diaphragm in chronic spinal disorders is lacking.

Methods

Eighteen patients with chronic low back pain due to chronic overloading, as ascertained via clinical assessment and magnetic resonance imaging, and 29 healthy subjects were examined. Both groups presented with normal pulmonary function test results. A dynamic magnetic resonance imaging system and specialized spirometric readings were used with subjects in the supine position. Measurements during tidal breathing (TB) and isometric flexion of the upper and lower extremities against external resistance with TB were performed. Standard pulmonary function tests, including respiratory muscle drive (PImax and PEmax), were also assessed.

Results

Using multivariate analysis of covariance, smaller diaphragm excursions and higher diaphragm position were found in the patient group (P<.05) during the upper extremity TB and lower extremity TB conditions. Maximum changes were found in costal and middle points of the diaphragm. A 1-way analysis of covariance showed a steeper slope in the middle-posterior diaphragm in the patient group both in the upper extremity TB and lower extremity TB conditions (P<.05).

Conclusion

Patients with chronic low back pain appear to have both abnormal position and a steeper slope of the diaphragm, which may contribute to the etiology of the disorder.
Students’ Experiences With Military Nurses as Faculty
Authors: Murphy Lyn Stankiewicz , Zangaro George A. , Gadsden Ellarwee
Published: February 2012

The United States Army Nurse Corps (ANC) and the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMDSON) formed a partnership to address the nursing faculty shortage. Six ANC officers served as full-time faculty at the UMDSON for a 2-year period. Given that the student experience is central to the context of learning, the purpose of this study was to describe the experience of the students who interacted with ANC officers. Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, 14 nursing students participated in open-ended, in-depth, audiotaped interviews. Although the students had preconceived ideas about ANC officers as faculty, following engagement with the officers, the students reported many positive attributes of having ANC officers as clinical instructors and an enlightened understanding of the role of the military in today’s world. The findings of this study indicate that the use of ANC officers is a plausible solution to the ongoing nursing shortage.
Rethinking Technology in Teacher Education Programs
Authors: Samuel Jeanne , Hinson Janice
Published: February 2012

This chapter is organized around shifting paradigms of information literacy, instructional literacy, and technology literacy. Information literacy focuses on the questions of what knowledge management is. Instructional literacy advocates the promotion of new teaching methods rather than new technology. Technology literacy should be rise from grounded contexts rather than be considered a skill. The chapter explores the impact of these shifts on the role of teacher, student, and content to promote knowledge creation (learning). The authors seek to identify the most effective ways to present instruction. Finally, the chapter discusses technology literacy as the merging the two constructs—teaching and using technology.
A Practical Guide for Integrating Technology into Social Studies Instruction
Authors: Curry John H. , Buckner David L.
Published: February 2012

This chapter provides a resource to practitioners not only about what types of technologies can be integrated into Social Studies instruction, but also provides resources by Social Studies content area (U.S. History, World History, Government, Civics, Economics, Geography, Anthropology, Sociology, and Psychology). The intended audience is the Social Studies teacher who wants ideas on how to improve their instructional delivery and learning environment through the integration of technology. Differing levels of technology integration are defined. Major types of technologies covered in the chapter include audio, video, simulations, and interactive whiteboards. Implications include the opportunities for Social Studies educators to provide students content in more readily understandable ways and in richer learning environments.
Knock Down the Walls, Open the Doors
Authors: Taggart Kristen G.
Published: February 2012

Hybrid classrooms, or blended instruction, blend the traditional face-to-face instruction model with newer technologies of online learning. 21st Century students crave a more interactive learning environment, but unfortunately, today’s teachers largely lack exposure to Web 2.0 technologies and technological expertise to offer such learning tools to their students. Therefore, teacher preparation programs, state departments of education, and local education authorities must improve the technical skills of teachers. Once teachers have 21st Century skills, they will be prepared to offer a more dynamic learning environment to students, including hybrid learning environments. This chapter will explore the possibility and effectiveness of utilizing hybrid-learning environments at the high school level. This will be accomplished through review of the literature, an evaluation of the educational objectives met through the implementation of hybrid learning, addressing the obstacles to implementation, and suggesting methods of improvement for teacher preparation programs, state departments of education, and local education authorities to improve the technical skills of teachers.
Exclusiveness vs. Inclusiveness in Software Development
Authors: Hanappi-Egger Edeltraud
Published: February 2012

The question of digital divide along gender and culture is still an important one and has to be re-visited after a long period of scientific discourses. Most of the scientific contributions focus on issues of gender-specific use of computer systems or gender-specific segregation of the field of information and communication technologies. Contrary to those approaches, this chapter deals with how exclusion mechanisms are created during the software development process. It is shown that system designers are strongly biased in terms of gender and culture and unconsciously use their own mental models. Selected results of empirical studies demonstrate how these a-priori assumptions can be made visible, and a new approach of system design, based on the triple-loop-learning concept, will be presented.
Gender and Employability Patterns amongst UK ICT Graduates
Authors: Woodfield Ruth
Published: February 2012

This chapter explores the employment patterns of male and female Computer Science graduates in the UK. It is shown that women Computer Science graduates fare less well than men on a variety of measures of employment success, despite being more likely to leave university with a better degree. Their performance is compared to that of women from a comparable scientific and male-dominated discipline: engineering. The results show that women graduates from Computer Science degrees enjoy less success in securing graduate-level work than that experienced by other groups of women, including those graduating from engineering. Most notably, women computer science graduates are less likely to secure graduate-level work within the work sphere that their degree has prepared them for: ICT. The utility of explanations focusing on individual preferences, versus those focusing on extra-individual, demand-side factors, is discussed in the context of the findings.
A Data Gathering Algorithm Based on Energy-Aware Connected Dominating Sets to Minimize Energy Consumption and Maximize Node Lifetime in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Meghanathan Natarajan
Published: February 2012

This paper develops an energy-aware connected dominating set based data gathering (ECDS-DG) algorithm for wireless sensor networks. The algorithm includes only nodes that have a relatively higher energy level in ECDS. For every round, a data gathering tree (ECDS-DG tree) rooted at the ECDS Leader, that is, the node with the largest available energy, which transmits the data packet to the sink, is formed by considering only the nodes in the ECDS as the intermediate nodes of the tree. The non-ECDS nodes are leaf nodes of the tree, and the upstream node of an intermediate ECDS node in the ECDS-DG tree is the closest ECDS node that is also relatively closer to the ECDS Leader. Performance comparison studies involving well-known LEACH and PEGASIS algorithms indicate that ECDS-DG incurs the lowest energy consumption per round and sustains the largest number of rounds before first node failure.
Educational Robotics Meets Inquiry-Based Learning
Authors: Eguchi Amy , Uribe Lisbeth
Published: February 2012

The chapter introduces an experimental approach to integrating inquiry-based learning into educational robotics in an after school program at a private school in New York City. Educational robotics is a learning tool that can provide a hands-on learning environment in which students constantly encounter problems that trigger inquiries. However, because of the chaotic nature of the educational robotics hands-on learning environment, especially in an after school setting, student inquiry based learning was not obvious to the students and teachers. The authors developed a digital Robotics Engineering Journal to ensure that learning through inquiry became visible. Through the experiment, the authors learned the importance of scaffolding the process of students documenting their learning, while remaining flexible and responsive to the needs and desires of the students.
Visualizing Content for Computational Geometry Courses
Authors: Fragoudakis Christodoulos , Karampatsis Markos
Published: February 2012

The instructor overhead is a major obstacle to visualization technologies. Visualization is highly effective in two and three dimensions, and these are the dimensions where computational geometry occurs in practice. The authors present a hypertext system which creates e-content for computational geometry teaching. Their hypertext system provides geometric and visualization libraries that allow the quick creation of interactive visualizations of computational geometry algorithms. Inquiry-based learning is promoted as the learners have the opportunity to observe, interact, and experiment with the produced animations. Their system utilizes the inherent expressiveness of the Python programming language, which permits coding programs that look like pseudo code, whilst easily making advanced low importance details transparent. This is crucial for pedagogical use in computational geometry courses where the focus should be on the geometric algorithmic aspects, with low level details made abstract.
Multiple Frequency Offsets Compensation in OFDMA Femtocells
Authors: Ma Shaodan , He Lanlan , Wu Yik-Chung , Ng Tung-Sang
Published: February 2012

With the properties of interference avoidance and the robustness against multipath channels, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) has been considered a promising solution to the interference control problem in femtocells. As a multi-carrier transmission technique, OFDMA, however, is highly vulnerable to the Carrier Frequency Offset (CFO). This chapter discusses the challenges of multiple frequency offsets compensation in OFDMA femtocells. A number of multiple frequency offsets compensation algorithms are reviewed and their complexities are discussed in detail. A new approach that exploits the redundancy offered by cyclic prefix is then introduced to enhance the compensation performance. Finally, numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of different compensation algorithms.
Quality of Experience Models for Multimedia Streaming
Authors: Menkovski Vlado , Exarchakos Georgios , Liotta Antonio , Sánchez Antonio Cuadra
Published: February 2012

Understanding how quality is perceived by viewers of multimedia streaming services is essential for efficient management of those services. Quality of Experience (QoE) is a subjective metric that quantifies the perceived quality, which is crucial in the process of optimizing tradeoff between quality and resources. However, accurate estimation of QoE often entails cumbersome studies that are long and expensive to execute. In this regard, the authors present a QoE estimation methodology for developing Machine Learning prediction models based on initial restricted-size subjective tests. Experimental results on subjective data from streaming multimedia tests show that the Machine Learning models outperform other statistical methods achieving accuracy greater than 90%. These models are suitable for real-time use due to their small computational complexity. Even though they have high accuracy, these models are static and cannot adapt to environmental change. To maintain the accuracy of the prediction models, the authors have adopted Online Learning techniques that update the models on data from subjective viewer feedback. This method provides accurate and adaptive QoE prediction models that are an indispensible component of a QoE-aware management service.
Concepts for Enhancing Content Quality and eAccessibility
Authors: Galinski Christian , Beckmann Helmut
Published: February 2012

The important aspect of interoperable content and content accessibility is still not sufficiently acknowledged in most eApplications. Although pertinent standards exist, some of them need revision and additional standards are needed for new requirements. The Recommendation on software and content development principles 2010 formulated at the 12th International Conference on Computers Helping People with Special Needs (ICCHP 2010) addresses this situation. This chapter gives an overview of the state of the art with a special focus on eProcurement. It argues that eAccessibility in eProcurement cannot be achieved without taking care of content interoperability and accessibility. This would not only help persons with disabilities (PwD) whose numbers are increasing by the day to live a more independent life and to enjoy better education, but also create new job opportunities in the ICT (information and communication technologies) and ICT-related content and service industries as well as in the field of eProcurement itself.
BOMOS
Authors: Folmer Erwin
Published: February 2012

E-Business standards, or standards for interoperability, are developed outside the traditional standard development organizations, often within industry specific domain organizations. These organizations need some guidance in how to develop and manage standards for their specific domain in order to achieve long lasting standards that actually achieve interoperability between organizations. The Dutch government, together with the standards community, decided to publish a tool called BOMOS for giving guidance to the management and development of open standards. BOMOS is not profoundly grounded on scientific evidence, but it builds on the best practices already used in domain standardization. This chapter will present two highlights of BOMOS: the activity model for management of standardization, and a development approach for standards.
How Semantic Web Technologies can Support the Mediation between Supply and Demand in the ICT Market
Authors: Goy Anna , Magro Diego
Published: February 2012

This chapter presents the ARNEIS framework, i.e., an architecture enabling intelligent Web-based repositories of descriptions of software products and services. ARNEIS exploits Semantic Web technologies in order to support the interaction between ICT companies offering software solutions for business automation, and small-to-medium sized enterprises looking for technological support to their business. In particular, the authors chose Customer Relationship Management (CRM) as a field for the evaluation of the framework, and thus in this chapter, they describe how the ARNEIS framework enables a Web-based service that supports an intelligent matching between supply and demand for CRM-related tools. After presenting the background of the project and discussing related work, the chapter describes the ARNEIS framework, starting from its architecture and user interaction flow. The domain analysis of the CRM field and role of ontologies is then discussed. The chapter then focuses on the user interfaces and matching between semantic descriptions of offers and needs. A brief discussion of future challenges concludes the chapter.
Semantic Monitoring of Service-Oriented Business Processes
Authors: Vaculín Roman
Published: February 2012

Monitoring of business processes and service-oriented systems is a critical enabling technology for improving visibility into business operations, allowing their optimization, adjustments, and restructuring. One of the major problems of current monitoring methods is the prevalent heterogeneity of various types existing among the applications and services used in complex distributed business process. In this chapter the author proposes semantic monitoring as a possible solution addressing some of the heterogeneity problems. The idea of semantic monitoring is to apply semantic annotations, using ontologies, to descriptions of event types and event instances emitted during interactions with integrated applications. The chapter introduces a generic semantic monitoring framework consisting of a modular monitoring ontology and appropriate event detection mechanisms. The monitoring ontology defines generic, language independent monitoring concepts, and the language specific modules defining taxonomy of event types specific to a particular process modeling language/methodology. The author presents two such modules, one developed for the OWL-S Semantic Web services process models, and the other that for a business artifact-centric approach to business process specification. Next, the chapter describes mechanisms for specification and detection of semantic composite events. The author presents a language based on an event algebra combined with semantic event-filtering expressions using description logics atoms enriched with OWL datatypes and SWRL built-ins. Semantic filtering allows detection of such events that would otherwise be impossible without the use of semantic descriptions. The chapter also discusses detection mechanisms suitable for runtime execution and after-execution analysis.
Semantically Enriched e-Business Standards Development
Authors: Heravi Bahareh Rahmanzadeh , Lycett Mark
Published: February 2012

An e-Business standard is a technical specification that provides a shared understanding and agreement on the shared information and data among trading partners. Standards are usually developed in a standards development organisation, where a guideline for the process of developing standards is provided. However, these guidelines are mainly concerned with the administrative aspect of the standardisation process, and there is a lack of practical technological support for developing the content of a standard specification. This chapter reviews the characteristics of e-Business standards and their development process and presents OntoStanD, a novel, comprehensive, ontology-based collaborative standards development methodology. OntoStanD is then applied on ebXML business process specification schema to demonstrate the application of OntoStanD.
Towards Controlled Natural Language for Semantic Annotation
Authors: Davis Brian , Dantuluri Pradeep , Handschuh Siegfried , Cunningham Hamish
Published: February 2012

Richly interlinked metadata constitute the foundation of the Semantic Web. Manual semantic annotation is a labor intensive task requiring training in formal ontological descriptions for the otherwise non-expert user. Although automatic annotation tools attempt to ease this knowledge acquisition barrier, their development often requires access to specialists in Natural Language Processing (NLP). This challenges researchers to develop user-friendly annotation environments. Controlled Natural Languages (CNLs) offer an incentive to the novice user to annotate, while simultaneously authoring his/her respective documents in a user-friendly manner. CNLs have been successfully applied to ontology authoring, but little research has focused on their application to semantic annotation. This paper describes two novel approaches to semantic annotation, which permit non-expert users to simultaneously author and annotate meeting minutes using CNL. Finally, this work provides empirical evidence that for certain scenarios applying CNLs for semantic annotation can be more user friendly than a standard manual semantic annotation tool.
Adaptive Hybrid Semantic Selection of SAWSDL Services with SAWSDL-MX2
Authors: Klusch Matthias , Kapahnke Patrick , Zinnikus Ingo
Published: February 2012

In this paper, the authors present an adaptive, hybrid semantic matchmaker for SAWSDL services, called SAWSDL-MX2. It determines three types of semantic matching of an advertised service with a requested one, which are described in standard SAWSDL: logic-based, text-similarity-based and XML-tree edit-based structural similarity. Before selection, SAWSDL-MX2 learns the optimal aggregation of these different matching degrees off-line over a random subset of a given SAWSDL service retrieval test collection by exploiting a binary support vector machine-based classifier with ranking. The authors present a comparative evaluation of the retrieval performance of SAWSDL-MX2.
Distance Learning in the Pacific
Authors: Zuercher Deborah , Yoshioka Jon
Published: February 2012

The University of Hawaii at Manoa and the American Samoa Department of Education transnational partnership has evolved considerably over its 31 years due to an increased understanding of the unique cultural and contextual components of the teaching and learning process in American Samoa. While the results of this case study cannot be generalized, the findings may provide an opportunity for executive decision-making about launching and developing global transnational distance learning university programs. This chapter provides insight into the context, methods, issues, threats, and solutions and recommendations involved in extending university undergraduate and graduate teacher education across national borders.
Developing Cultural Competency in Engineering through Transnational Distance Learning
Authors: Moore Stephanie , May Dominik , Wold Kari
Published: February 2012

While cultural competency is a stated priority for engineering education in the United States, as emphasized by Outcome H in the ABET standards, it is often difficult to engage students in immersive international experiences that develop intercultural awareness. Undergraduate engineering students face packed curricula with little or no room for languages and an often unforgiving structure that puts them a year out of course sequences if they do travel for study abroad. In this case study, the authors examine how online education can be a transformational factor in this challenge. When designed to create interactive, engaging learning across nations, online education can support joint international experiences that develop cultural competency without requiring the time and expenses that are often a barrier for students. This online model could easily be scaled up to offer more students an international collaboration opportunity without institutional reliance on study abroad. This online transnational distance learning approach saves students and universities time and money, while accomplishing the intended professional competencies.
Data-Aware Distributed Computing
Authors: Yildirim Esma , Balman Mehmet , Kosar Tevfik
Published: February 2012

With the continuous increase in the data requirements of scientific and commercial applications, access to remote and distributed data has become a major bottleneck for end-to-end application performance. Traditional distributed computing systems closely couple data access and computation, and generally, data access is considered a side effect of computation. The limitations of traditional distributed computing systems and CPU-oriented scheduling and workflow management tools in managing complex data handling have motivated a newly emerging era: data-aware distributed computing. In this chapter, the authors elaborate on how the most crucial distributed computing components, such as scheduling, workflow management, and end-to-end throughput optimization, can become “data-aware.” In this new computing paradigm, called data-aware distributed computing, data placement activities are represented as full-featured jobs in the end-to-end workflow, and they are queued, managed, scheduled, and optimized via a specialized data-aware scheduler. As part of this new paradigm, the authors present a set of tools for mitigating the data bottleneck in distributed computing systems, which consists of three main components: a data-aware scheduler, which provides capabilities such as planning, scheduling, resource reservation, job execution, and error recovery for data movement tasks; integration of these capabilities to the other layers in distributed computing, such as workflow planning; and further optimization of data movement tasks via dynamic tuning of underlying protocol transfer parameters.
Muscle Fat Content and Abdominal Adipose Tissue Distribution Investigated by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging in Obese Children and Youths
Authors: Fonvig Cilius E. , Bille Dorthe S. , Chabanova Elizaveta , Nielsen Tenna R. H. , Thomsen Henrik S. , Holm Jens-Christian
Published: February 2012

The degree of fat deposition in muscle and its implications for obesity-related complications in youth are not well understood. One hundred and fifty-nine patients (mean age: 13.3 years; range: 6-20) with a body mass index (BMI) >90th percentile for age and sex were included. Muscle fat content (MFC) was measured in the psoas muscle by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The patients were assigned to two groups: MFC <5% or ³5%. Visceral adipose tissue volume (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue volume (SAT) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Blood samples were obtained from 119 patients, and liver enzyme concentrations and other variables were measured. The data were analysed to detect any associations between MFC and BMI standard deviation scores, VAT and SAT, blood values, and physical activity levels. The mean BMI standard deviation score (SDS) was 3.04 (range 1.32-5.02). The mean MFC was 8.9% (range 0.8-46.7), and 118 (74.2%) of 159 patients had an MFC ³5%. Children with a high MFC had a higher BMI SDS (P=0.03) and had a higher VAT, but not SAT or SAT/VAT ratio. Both intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) content were elevated in patients with an MFC ³5%. Blood values and physical activity levels did not differ between the two groups. Severely obese children and adolescents tend to have a high MFC, which is associated with elevated VAT and IMCL and EMCL content. An increased MFC may be associated with impaired metabolic processes, which may predispose young people to obesity-related complications.
A cross-sectional survey to compare the competence of learners registered for the Baccalaureus Curationis programme using different learning approaches at the University of the Western Cape
Authors: Le Roux Loretta Z. , Khanyile Thembisile D.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of the study was to compare the extent to which the different teaching approaches applied in the Baccalaureus Curationis programme adequately prepare graduating learners for professional competence. The research methodology was a quantitative approach, based on descriptive research, with a clinical competence development model to guide the data collection procedure. The target population of the study included a sample of 250 learners in the four-year B.Cur programme, that extended from first-to-fourth-year. Stratified random sampling was applied to select the sample learners for this research and data were collected by means of a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Data were organised and managed using the SAS statistical software package. Descriptive statistics were gathered with measures of central tendency and dispersion included, and their findings were illustrated on descriptive tables. A correlation technique was applied to determine the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.The results of the study indicated that progression in competence did not occur as learners progressed through higher levels of their training, except during the third-year of study. However, the study’s results confirmed the strengths of the Case-based clinical reasoning approach to teaching and learning. This approach is able to combine the strengths of the traditional methods, which dealt with large class sizes and that had a focus on learner centred learning, with a focus on clinical practice. This approach provides realistic opportunities for learners to experiment with solutions to dilemmas encountered in real life situations, from the protected and safe environment of the classroom. The first-year learners who were observed in this study, who although novices, were exposed to Case-based teaching approaches and showed more self-perceived competence than learners in later years. This occurred in spite of the limited exposure of the first-year learners to real life clinical situations. The outcome of this study recommends that more studies are conducted, in the School of Nursing at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), to explore teaching and learning approaches that fully maximise the clinical and theoretical competencies of the learners. The outcome further recommends that learner-centred teaching approaches, such as Case-based method, are applied to all year levels of study in the B.Cur programme, due to its proven value when it was applied to first-year learners. The Case-based clinical reasoning approach to learning, that has been implemented at the school, promotes competence and self confidence in learners and has enhanced their sense of responsibility to be actively involved in their own learning.
The impact of land model structural, parameter, and forcing errors on the characterization of soil moisture uncertainty
Authors: Maggioni V. , Anagnostou E. N. , Reichle R. H.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the contribution of rainfall forcing relative to the model uncertainty in the prediction of soil moisture by integrating the NASA Catchment Land Surface Model (CLSM), forced with hydro-meteorological data, in the Oklahoma region. This study depicts different sources of uncertainty, namely, errors in the model input (i.e., rainfall estimates from satellite remote sensing observations) and errors in the land surface model itself. Specifically, rainfall-forcing uncertainty is introduced using a stochastic error model that generates reference-like ensemble rainfall fields from satellite rainfall products. The ensemble satellite rain fields are propagated through CLSM to produce soil moisture ensembles. Errors in CLSM are modeled with two different approaches: either by perturbing model parameters using the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) technique or by adding randomly generated noise to the model prognostic variables. While the first method only addresses parametric uncertainty, the second one addresses both structural and parametric uncertainty. Despite this, a reasonable spread in soil moisture is achieved with relatively few parameter perturbations through GLUE, whereas the same ensemble width requires stronger prognostic perturbations with the standard random perturbation method. The probability of encapsulating the reference soil moisture simulation increases when the rainfall forcing uncertainty and the model uncertainty approaches are combined (compared with using only rainfall uncertainty). This improvement is more significant when using the GLUE technique to perturb CLSM parameters as opposed to perturbing the CLSM prognostic variables.
A Proposed Management Algorithm for Fistulae between Hemodialysis Access Circuits and Adjacent Veins
Authors: Margoles Hannah R. , Shlansky-Goldberg Richard D. , Soulen Michael C. , Trerotola Scott O.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Fistulae between an arteriovenous hemodialysis graft (AVG) or fistula (AVF) and an adjacent vein are an unusual complication of hemodialysis access. Such fistulae may theoretically cause steal syndrome, extremity edema, or access dysfunction. We sought to use our experience and existing literature to develop a management algorithm for this access complication.

Methods

Twelve patients with AVG/AVF to adjacent vein fistulae found on fistulography were identified using a quality assurance database. Indications for fistulography, treatment rendered for both the fistulae and access stenosis, and outcome of treatment were determined. AVG/AVF to adjacent vein fistulae, when identified and considered to be significant, were treated with embolization.

Results

Five out of twelve patients had successful embolization of their AVG/AVF to adjacent vein fistulae. Reasons for treatment included partial thrombosis of the access to the level of the fistula (n=1), contribution to bleeding during dialysis (n=1), and concern for competing flow causing thrombosis (n=5). No recurrence was identified. Seven patients did not undergo embolization either because of failure to recognize the fistula (n=3) or determination that treatment was not indicated (n=4). Two untreated fistulae were found occluded at follow-up. Additional access treatment included angioplasty (n=11), covered stent (n=1), and mechanical thrombectomy (n=3).

Conclusions

The significance of AVG/AVF to adjacent vein fistulae remains unclear; some resolve spontaneously, possibly related to PTA of outflow stenosis. Embolotherapy is an effective treatment for such fistulae when determined to be significant.
Evaluating sustainability of using natural gas as a major transport fuel in Australia: A life cycle assessment approach
Authors: Koltun P. , Tharumarajah A.
Published: February 2012

For reasons of sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy security, it becomes necessary to properly evaluate all of Australia’s options for powering its transportation fleet. When doing this it is equally important to understand all the costs (economic, social, and environmental) and emissions during the fuel extraction, refining and distribution stages as well as the final combustion stage. All steps in the full pathway contribute to the final economic and environmental profile of any given fuel.

The natural gas (NG) family of fuels has to be seriously considered as providing for large-scale transportation. From a combustion point of view, NG derivatives have a lower carbon-to-hydrogen ratio than oil-based fuels and should therefore be cleaner, but the upstream emissions of the fuels need to be properly understood. The supply pathways of gaseous fuels are more diverse than the oil-based fuels pathways, because the sources of gas are varied and can imply substantially different emissions profiles. It is therefore important to understand these various pathways so that the profiles for each can be documented and policy formulated accordingly.

This preliminary study is conducted based on a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate potential sustainability of using gaseous fuels (CNG/LNG) for light commercial and passenger vehicles in Australia taking into account information on the production, distribution and use of gaseous fuel. Data for this study are mostly sourced from published literature. The results of the study reveal a significant opportunity for Australia to increase sustainability of the transport fleet if it takes gaseous fuels on as major source for transport vehicles.
In Vitro “Wound” Healing: Experimentally Based Phenomenological Modeling
Authors: Vermolen Fred J. , Gefen Amit , Dunlop John W. C.
Published: February 2012

We discuss the applicability of some elementary models for the closure of in vitro “wounds” that are inflicted in monolayer cell cultures (also termed “wound healing assays”). These models can be applied to the simulation of healing of superficial wounds as long as they only concern the epidermis. We test several models that are based on a curvature driven displacement, a simple partial differential equation based model in which the actual cellular density is tracked. Finally, a semi‐stochastic cellular based model is evaluated.
Pareto charting using multifield freestyle text data applied to Toyota Camry user reviews
Authors: Allen Theodore T. , Xiong Hui
Published: February 2012

This article proposes a method for Pareto charting that is based on unsupervised, freestyle text such as customer complaint, rework, scrap, or maintenance event descriptions. The proposed procedure is based on a slight extension of the latent Dirichlet allocation method to form multifield latent Dirichlet allocation. The extension is the usage of field‐specific dictionaries for multifield databases and changes to recommended default prior settings. We use a numerical study to motivate the prior setting selection. A real‐world case study associated with user reviews of Toyota Camry vehicles is used to illustrate the practical value of the proposed methods. The results indicate that only 4% of the words written by Consumer Reports reviewers from the last 10 years relate to the widely publicized unintended acceleration issue. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical resection for non-familial adenomatous polyposis-related intra-abdominal fibromatosis
Authors: Wilkinson M J , Fitzgerald J E F , Thomas J M , Hayes A J , Strauss D C
Published: February 2012

Background

Intra-abdominal fibromatosis (IAF) in the context of familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP) is associated with significant morbidity and high recurrence rates after surgical resection. Non-surgical treatments are therefore advocated. This study explored outcomes in patients with IAF not associated with FAP who underwent surgical resection.

Methods

Data were analysed from a prospectively collected database at a sarcoma tertiary referral centre.

Results

From 2001 to 2011, 15 patients without FAP underwent primary curative surgical resection of IAF. Their median (range) age was 42 (19–64) years. Median tumour size was 18 (8·5–25) cm and weight 1306 (236–2228) g. Complete macroscopic clearance was obtained in all patients. There were no deaths in hospital or within 30 days and only one patient developed a major complication. Median follow-up was 40 (6–119) months. During follow-up two patients developed a recurrence after a disease-free interval of 12 and 16 months.

Conclusion

In contrast to FAP-associated IAF, non-FAP-associated IAF has a very low recurrence rate after surgical resection. Surgical resection is therefore advocated as first-line treatment in patients with non-FAP-associated IAF when resection can be performed with low morbidity.