bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel pair of inducible expression vectors for use in Methylobacterium extorquens
Authors: Chubiz Lon M , Purswani Jessica , Carroll Sean Michael , Marx Chistopher J
Published: May 2013

Background

Due to the ever increasing use of diverse microbial taxa in basic research and industrial settings, there is a growing need for genetic tools to alter the physiology of these organisms. In particular, there is a dearth of inducible expression systems available for bacteria outside commonly used γ-proteobacteria, such as Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas species. To this end, we have sought to develop a pair of inducible expression vectors for use in the α-proteobacterium Methylobacterium extorquens, a model methylotroph.

Findings

We found that the P
R
promoter from rhizobial phage 16-3 was active in M. extorquens and engineered the promoter to be inducible by either p-isopropyl benzoate (cumate) or anhydrotetracycline. These hybrid promoters, P
R/cmtO
and P
R/tetO
, were found to have high levels of expression in M. extorquens with a regulatory range of 10-fold and 30-fold, respectively. Compared to an existing cumate-inducible (10-fold range), high-level expression system for M. extorquens, P
R/cmtO
and P
R/tetO
have 33% of the maximal activity but were able to repress gene expression 3 and 8-fold greater, respectively. Both promoters were observed to exhibit homogeneous, titratable activation dynamics rather than on-off, switch-like behavior. The utility of these promoters was further demonstrated by complementing loss of function of ftfL - essential for growth on methanol - where we show P
R/tetO
is capable of not only fully complementing function but also producing a conditional null phenotype. These promoters have been incorporated into a broad-host-range backbone allowing for potential use in a variety of bacterial hosts.

Conclusions

We have developed two novel expression systems for use in M. extorquens. The expression range of these vectors should allow for increased ability to explore cellular physiology in M. extorquens. Further, the P
R/tetO
promoter is capable of producing conditional null phenotypes, previously unattainable in M. extorquens. As both expression systems rely on the use of membrane permeable inducers, we suspect these expression vectors will be useful for ectopic gene expression in numerous proteobacteria.
Metrical Displacement and Metrically Dissonant Hemiolas
Authors: Willner Channan
Published: May 2013

Hemiolas are by definition metrically dissonant, in durational disagreement with the notated meter. But when extended metrical shifts (known also as afterbeats or afterbeat displacement) displace a composition in part or in whole to the right (in order to emphasize the closing beat of each segment, phrase, and period), cadential hemiolas emerge as consonant agents, in the large rhetorical scheme of things. These hemiolas, which intensify the end-accented beats, assert the notated meter, not the metrical displacement. In so doing, they either reinforce the basic metrical premise of the piece or reset the durational clocks of the piece for proper cadential closure. Examples range from Handel’s keyboard suites and Concerti Grossi, op. 6, as well as Bach’s English Suites, to Couperin’s B-minor Passacaille and Brahms’s Capriccio, op. 76/2.
Antimalarial potential of China 30 and Chelidonium 30 in combination therapy against lethal rodent malaria parasite: Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Rajan Aswathy , Bagai Upma
Published: May 2013

Abstract: Homeopathy is a therapeutic method based on the application of similia principle, utilizing ultra-low doses of medicinal substances made from natural products. The present study has been designed to evaluate the efficacy of Cinchona officinalis (Chin.) 30C and Chelidonium majus (Chel.) 30C in combination therapy against lethal murine malaria. Five groups having twelve BALB/c mice each were administered orally with 0.2 ml/mouse/day of different drugs, and their antimalarial potential was evaluated by Peter’s 4-day test. The combination of Chin. 30 and Chel. 30 exhibited complete parasite clearance by the 28th day post-inoculation which was similar to the positive control [artesunate (4 mg/kg)+sulphadoxine-primethamine (1.2 mg/kg)] group. Both the groups exhibited enhanced mean survival time (MST) 28±0 days,whereas, the mice of infected control group survived up to 7.6±0.4 days only. The preventive and curative activities of the combination in comparison to the positive controls [pyrimethamine (1.2 mg/Kg) and chloroquine (20 mg/Kg), respectively] were also evaluated. The combination had a significant preventive activity (p<0.0005), with 89.2% chemosuppression which was higher than the standard drug, pyrimethamine (83.8%). It also showed a moderate curative activity with complete clearance of parasite in 50% of surviving mice, and enhancing the MST of mice up to 26.8±2.8 days. These findings point to the significant antiplasmodial efficacy of the combination of these homeopathic drugs against Plasmodium berghei.
Particle Swarm Optimization Neural Network for Flow Prediction in Vegetative Channel
Authors: Jha Anjaneya , Kumar Bimlesh
Published: May 2013

Flow prediction in a vegetated channel has been extensively studied in the past few decades. A number of equations that essentially differ from each other in derivation and form have been developed. Because the process is extremely complex, getting the deterministic or analytical form of the process phenomena is too difficult. Hybrid neural network model (combining particle swarm optimization with neural network) is particularly useful in modeling processes where an adequate knowledge of the physics is limited. This hybrid model is presented here as a complementary tool to model channel flow–vegetation interactions in submerged vegetation conditions. The hybrid model is used to overcome the local minima limitations of a feed-forward neural network. The prediction capability of model has been found to be better than past empirical predictors. The model developed herein showed significantly better results in several model performance criteria compared with empirical models.
The Comparative History and Theory of Corporate Criminal Liability
Authors: Dubber Markus D.
Published: May 2013

An exercise in comparative legal history and legal theory, this article challenges the radical distinction that traditionally has been drawn between corporate criminal liability in German and Anglo-American law. In the familiar account, corporate criminal liability in the common law and the civil law passed each other like ships in the night, sometime around the turn of the nineteenth century: the common law had no corporate criminal liability before 1800, and the civil law had no corporate criminal liability after 1800. Closer inspection, however, reveals that corporate criminal liability was widely accepted in both common law and civil law countries at least since the Middle Ages, and that rejection of corporate criminal liability was complete neither in England before 1800 nor in Germany after 1800.
A Pragmatic Critique of Corporate Criminal Theory
Authors: Stewart James G.
Published: May 2013

Corporate criminal liability is a controversial beast. To a large extent, the controversies surround three core questions: first, whether there is a basic conceptual justification for using a system of criminal justice constructed for individuals against inanimate entities like corporations; second, what value corporate criminal liability could have given co-existent possibilities of civil redress against them; and third, whether corporate criminal liability has any added value over and above individual criminal responsibility of corporate officers. This article criticizes all sides of these debates, using examples from the frontiers of international criminal justice. In particular, it highlights the shortcomings of corporate criminal theory to date by examining the latent possibility of prosecuting corporate actors for the pillage of natural resources and for complicity through the supply of weapons. Throughout, the article draws on principles derived from philosophical and legal pragmatism to reveal a set of recurring analytical flaws in this literature. These include: a tendency to presuppose a perfect single jurisdiction that overlooks globalization, the blind projection of local theories of corporate criminal responsibility onto global corporate practices, and a perspective that sometimes seems insensitive to the plight of the many who have fallen victim to corporate crime in the developing world. To begin anew, we need to embrace a pragmatic theory of corporate criminal liability that is forced upon us in a world as complex, unequal, and dysfunctional as that we presently inhabit.
Providing Care for Immigrant, Migrant, and Border Children
Authors:   COUNCIL ON COMMUNITY PEDIATRICS, Chilton Lance A. , Handal Gilbert A. , Paz-Soldan Gonzalo J. , Granado-Villar Deise C. , Gitterman Benjamin A. , Brown Jeffrey M. , Chilton Lance A. , Cotton William H. , Gambon Thresia B. , Gorski Peter A. , Kraft Colleen A. , Kuo Alice A. , Paz-Soldan Gonzalo J. , Zind Barbara
Published: May 2013

This policy statement, which recognizes the large changes in immigrant status since publication of the 2005 statement “Providing Care for Immigrant, Homeless, and Migrant Children,” focuses on strategies to support the health of immigrant children, infants, adolescents, and young adults. Homeless children will be addressed in a forthcoming separate statement (“Providing Care for Children and Adolescents Facing Homelessness and Housing Insecurity”). While recognizing the diversity across and within immigrant, migrant, and border populations, this statement provides a basic framework for serving and advocating for all immigrant children, with a particular focus on low-income and vulnerable populations. Recommendations include actions needed within and outside the health care system, including expansion of access to high-quality medical homes with culturally and linguistically effective care as well as education and literacy programs. The statement recognizes the unique and special role that pediatricians can play in the lives of immigrant children and families. Recommendations for policies that support immigrant child health are included.
Histochemical analysis of seed reserve mobilization in Passiflora edulis Sims fo. flavicarpa O. Deg. (yellow passion fruit) during germination
Authors: Tozzi HH. , Takaki M.
Published: May 2013

In the present work, we analyzed the histochemical aspects of Passiflora edulis seeds reserve mobilization during the first ten days of germination. Our results showed that mainly lipids present in the endosperm are used as a reserve source, and their levels reduce at the same time the radicle protrudes, between the fourth and sixth day of sowing. Furthermore, protein bodies are present in the cotyledons, which are degraded as germination occurs and are almost depleted by the time of radicle protrusion. Starch grains also appear in the late germination period, and it is not clear if there is any reserve wall polysaccharide consumption in the endosperm.
Corn Grain and Stover Yield Prediction at R1 Growth Stage
Authors: Mourtzinis Spyridon , Arriaga Francisco J. , Balkcom Kipling S. , Ortiz Brenda V.
Published: May 2013

Estimating corn (Zea mays L.) grain and stover yield during the growing season is an appealing idea. An accurate yield estimation could benefit farmers, as well as corn‐related industries. The objective of this study was to develop regression equations to estimate corn grain and stover yield using easily accessible information (N fertilization rate and cumulative precipitation), and simple plant morphological measurements such as height, stem diameter at various heights, height of the first ear, and plants per hectare. Measurements made at silking (R1) were used since the maximum explainable variability would not exceed 58% at early stages of plant development (V2–V10; between 2‐leaf and 10‐leaf stages). The experiment was conducted from 2009 until 2011 in two locations, in north and central Alabama, under no‐tillage and non‐irrigated conditions. Treatments were assigned to a 3 × 4 × 2 complete factorial design arranged in a split‐split‐plot with three replications. Factors were; winter rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop (main plot), N fertilization rates (subplot), and stover residue harvest (sub‐subplot). All measurements from this study, across years and locations, were used in the final regression equations to create robust prediction models. Equations, with and without intercept, were developed and compared according to several statistical criteria. The final grain yield equation at R1 growth stage included an intercept with a R2 of 0.7705. The final stover equation also included an intercept (R2 = 0.8473). This study suggests that N rate, total precipitation amount from planting until silking, and simple plant morphological measurements can be used to predict corn yield.
The Effect of Human Resource Investment in Internal Control on the Disclosure of Internal Control Weaknesses
Authors: Choi Jong-Hag , Choi Sunhwa , Hogan Chris E. , Lee Joonil
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the effect of human resource investment in internal control over financial reporting on the disclosure of internal control weaknesses at both the firm and the individual department level. Using a unique reporting requirement for Korean-listed firms, this study uses the ratio of the number of employees involved with the implementation of internal controls (hereafter, IC personnel) to the total number of employees of the firm as a proxy for a firm's human resource investment in internal control. We find that the proportion of IC personnel and the change of the proportion within the firm and several key departments are negatively associated with the disclosure of internal control weaknesses. We also find that a change in IC personnel is positively associated with the likelihood of remediation of the internal control weaknesses. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of human resource investment in determining the strength of a firm's internal controls over financial reporting.
The Insurance Hypothesis: An Examination of KPMG's Audit Clients around the Investigation and Settlement of the Tax Shelter Case
Authors: Brown Darryl L. , Shu Susan Z. , Soo Billy S. , Trompeter Gregory M.
Published: May 2013

Although prior literature has suggested that independent audits provide an implicit form of insurance against investor losses (the “insurance hypothesis”), it has been challenging to isolate the “insurance” effect. In this paper, we use a unique setting to examine this effect. In 2002, KPMG was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice in relation to tax shelters sold by the firm. From then until early 2005, several news reports suggested that KPMG would be indicted and suffer potentially the same fate as Arthur Andersen. However, in August of 2005 KPMG entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which ended widespread speculation of an impending federal indictment against the accounting firm. Because the investigation centered around tax services offered by the firm, we argue that the circumstances surrounding the investigation and settlement provide a natural setting to test the insurance value provided by auditors. We show that KPMG audit client firms experienced significant negative abnormal market returns when it appeared more likely that KPMG would face criminal charges, but earned significantly positive abnormal returns following news reports of an impending settlement. Further, these abnormal returns appear to be driven by KPMG client firms in greater financial distress or subject to greater litigation risk. These findings are consistent with the insurance hypothesis. Although we cannot completely eliminate other explanations such as an assurance effect or switching costs, we argue that such explanations are unlikely to drive our main findings.
A New Concept of Evaluation of the Production Assets
Authors: Rafalski Ryszard
Published: May 2013

Production assets management in a company is a traditional function, which in the period of transition of the Polish economy gradually lost the role of co-relation with the production function to the function of marketing and sales, finance or even logistics. An efficiency was selected as the main operating criterion at the company level i.e. the ability to reach a set goal of the final activities. Technological efficiency at the level of the production station is expressed by the ratio of technological efficiency, at the level of production cell the efficiency of technology influence on efficiency of production cell. The inspiration for this paper were the new approach to company value on the market, including the value of assets, and advancement in the production technology and an appearance of modern tools.
Conceptions for Financing a Universal, Open, Repository Hosting and Communication Platform for Web-Based Knowledge Resources
Authors: Hajkiewicz-Górecka Maria
Published: May 2013

The subject of this paper are alternative funding schemes for a planned universal, open, repository hosting and communication platform for web-based knowledge resources for science, education and an open knowledge society. An attempt is made to estimate the amount of funding needed by analysing the costs of procuring content from foreign and domestic sources, the digitization of library resources, capital expenditures and operating expenses of the institution that will manage the SYNAT platform. Assuming that access to knowledge resources will be free of charge for specified groups or all users, the potential revenue generated by the platform is defined - mainly: directly or indirectly from the national budget and supplementally from private sources. The possible organizational and legal forms of the institution administering the SYNAT platform - public and private sector entities - are reviewed in terms of the certainty and elasticity of funding by the national budget as well as other sources, ensuring the on-going operation of the scientific and technical information system.
Decision-Making in Flat and Hierarchical Decision Problems
Authors: Krupa Tadeusz , Ostrowska Teresa
Published: May 2013

The article is dedicated to the modelling of the essence of decision-taking processes in flat and hierarchical decision problems. In flat decision problems particular attention is drawn to the effectiveness of strategies in seeking decision variants on solution decomposition trees, taking into account the strength of their predefined contradictions. For hierarchical decision processes, the issue of iterative balancing of global (hierarchical) decisions is expressed, based on the valuation of the significance of flat decisions.
A Total Risk Assessment in an Enterprise
Authors: Wasilewski Wiesław
Published: May 2013

Risk assessment is an important task of risk management. It must take various aspects into consideration. For this reason the risk management involves various scientific disciplines: mathematics, psychology, law etc. Every institution must deal with many different kinds of risk. The question is: in order to ensure the continuation of the company, is it important to assess individual risk or to identify and evaluate the entire overall risk to the enterprise. This article aims to present a method of calculating the total organizational risk in relation to the ROI-return on investment (justifying the critical importance of profit [loss] in ensuring the continued operation of the entity).
Perfectly supportable semigroups are σ-discrete in each Hausdorff shift-invariant topology
Authors: Banakh Taras , Guran Igor
Published: May 2013

In this paper we introduce perfectly supportable semigroups
and prove that they are σ-discrete in each Hausdorff shiftinvariant
topology. The class of perfectly supportable semigroups
includes each semigroup S such that FSym(X) ⊂ S ⊂
FRel(X) where FRel(X) is the semigroup of finitely supported
relations on an infinite set X and FSym(X) is the group of
finitely supported permutations of X.
Analysis of the job shop system with transport and setup times in deadlock-free operating conditions
Authors: Krystek Jolanta , Kozik Marek
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a generalized job-shop problem taking into consideration transport time between workstations and setups machines in deadlock-free operating conditions. The automated transportation system, employing a number of automated guided vehicles is considered. The completion time of all jobs was applied as the optimization criterion. The created computational application was used to solve this problem in which chosen priority algorithms (FIFO, LIFO, LPT, SPT, EDD and LWR) were implemented. Various criteria were used to assess the quality of created schedules. Numerical results of the comparative research were presented for various criteria and rules of the priority
Multi-machine scheduling problem with setup times
Authors: Bożejko Wojciech , Uchroński Mariusz , Wodecki Mieczysław
Published: May 2013

In this paper we consider a multi-machine scheduling problem with setup times, which is determined in the literature as the flexible job shop problem. It belongs to the strongly NPcomplete complexity class.We propose an algorithm based on the tabu search method. The new elimination criteria were used in the construction process of blocks of the critical path
Hierarchical filtration for distributed linear multisensor systems
Authors: Duda Zdzisław
Published: May 2013

In the paper two filtration algorithms for distributed multisensor system are presented. The first one is derived for a linear dynamical system composed of local subsystems described by local state equations. Local estimates are sent to a central station to be fused and formed an optimal global estimate. The second algorithm is derived for a system observed by local nodes that determine estimates of the whole system using local information and periodically aggregated information from other nodes. Periodically local estimates are sent to the central station to be fused. Owing to this a reduced communication can be achieved
The Development of Novel Near-Infrared (NIR) Tetraarylazadipyrromethene Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Lee Sung-Chan , Zhai Duanting , Mukherjee Parag , Chang Young-Tae
Published: May 2013

Novel structures of an near-infrared (NIR) tetraarylazadipyrromethene (aza-BODIPY) series have been prepared. We designed the core structure containing two amido groups at the para-position of the aromatic rings. The amido group was incorporated to secure insensitivity to pH and to ensure a bathochromic shift to the NIR region. Forty members of aza-BODIPY compounds were synthesized by substitution of the acetyl group with commercial amines on the alpha bromide. The physicochemical properties and photostability were investigated and the fluorescence emission maxima (745~755 nm) were found to be in the near infrared (NIR) range of fluorescence.
Understanding Acid Lability of Cysteine Protecting Groups
Authors: Ramos-Tomillero Iván , Mendive-Tapia Lorena , Góngora-Benítez Miriam , Nicolás Ernesto , Tulla-Puche Judit , Albericio Fernando
Published: May 2013

Cys-disulfide bonds contribute to the stabilization of peptide and protein structures. The synthesis of these molecules requires a proper protection of Cys residues, which is crucial to prevent side-reactions and also to achieve the correct Cys connectivity. Here we undertook a mechanistic study of a set of well-known acid-labile Cys protecting groups, as well other new promising groups, in order to better understand the nature of their acid-lability. The stability of the carbocation generated during the acid treatment was found to have a direct impact on the removal of the protective groups from the corresponding protected Cys-containing peptides. Hence a combination of steric and conjugative effects determines the stability of the carbocations generated. Here we propose diphenylmethyl (Dpm) as a promising protecting group on the basis of its intermediate relative carbocation stability. All the optimized geometries and energies presented in this study were determined using a B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) calculation. The results discussed herein may be of broader applicability for the development of new protecting groups.
Recycling of Coking Plant Residues in a Finnish Steelworks—Laboratory Study and Replacement Ratio Calculation
Authors: Suopajärvi Hannu , Salo Antti , Paananen Timo , Mattila Riku , Fabritius Timo
Published: May 2013

Material efficiency is one of the most effective methods for achieving more sustainable operations in iron and steelmaking. Sintering and briquetting processes are commonly used in integrated steel plants to recycle carbon- and iron-containing residues back to blast furnace. In the Ruukki steelworks in Finland, a surplus of solid coking plant by-products is produced, none of which are presently utilized within the steelworks. In this paper, a novel concept for recycling solid coking plant by-products to a blast furnace via liquid-solid injection is evaluated. According to the conducted laboratory study, all the solid by-products could be utilized via liquid-solid mixture injection. By pulverizing the coke gravel and coke sand and mixing it with extra heavy bottom oil, the annual coke requirement of a blast furnace could be decreased by almost 9% with constant oil injection and could reduce annual oil requirements by almost 39% with constant coke rate. Evaluation of direct and indirect environmental impacts reveals that there would be more positive than negative impacts when recycling solid coking plant by-products inside steel plant boundaries.
Local Languages of Instruction as a Right in Education for Sustainable Development in Africa
Authors: Babaci-Wilhite Zehlia
Published: May 2013

Today’s educational challenges in Africa have their roots in the colonial education system. The article explores the consequences of linguistic choices for quality education, self-determined development and children’s rights in education. The analysis centers on a case study of a curriculum change in Zanzibar in which English has replaced Kiswahili as the language of instruction in the last years of primary school in Mathematics and Science subjects. The case study is grounded in an extensive review of theory and practices on the relationship between language of instruction, learning and rights in education. The field study researched the reasons behind the curriculum change, the extent to which schools were prepared for the change, and the consequences of the change for the learning environment. The article, therefore suggests that for the 21st century, Africa should place emphasis on rights policies that promotes not only access, but also inclusion and quality education.
BUSINESS NEGOTIATION STRATEGIES: THE CONCEPT, DEFINITIONS AND PROCESS / VERSLO DERYBŲ STRATEGIJOS: SAMPRATA, SĄVOKOS, PROCESAS
Authors: Peleckis Kęstutis
Published: May 2013

The modern business is developing in the context of rapid social and political changes, which contributes to the changes in economic and cultural priorities as well as mindset and behaviour of people. This puts new requirements on development and implementation of business negotiation strategies, aiming to ensure that during bargaining, everything is done to understand the other party and related contexts, to achieve mutual understanding, to reach common agreement and eventually find the optimal negotiating decision. The author of this article researched and analysed negotiation process concepts in the global scientific literature and practice. The article examines negotiation and bargaining concepts. Also, the global analysis of the scientific literature revealed that there is no single negotiation planning concept. The author defines the basic conceptual negotiation planning concepts. The paper deals with negotiation strategy conceptions used by scientists around the world. Conclusions present the proposals for further business negotiation research. Article in Lithuanian.

Santrauka

Šiuolaikinis verslas vystosi sparčių socialinių politinių ir technologinių pokyčių kontekste, darančiame įtaką ekonomikos ir kultūros prioritetų kaitai, mąstymo ir elgesio pokyčiams. Tai kelia naujus reikalavimus verslo derybų strategijų parengimui ir įgyvendinimui užtikrinti, kad būtų suplanuota ir realizuota derybinių veiksmų visuma, leidžianti suprasti kitą derybų pusę įvairiose situacijose, pasiekti tarpusavio supratimą, pasiekti bendrą susitarimą ir galiausiai rasti optimalų derybinį sprendimą. Autorius šiame straipsnyje pateikia derybų ciklo ir derybų procesų pasaulinės mokslinės literatūros bei praktikos analizę. Straipsnyje yra analizuojamos derybų ir derėjimosi sąvokos. Taip pat iš pasaulinės mokslinės literatūros analizės yra daroma išvada, jog nėra vieno bendro derybų sąvokų traktavimo. Autorius apibrėžia pagrindines koncepcines derybų sąvokas. Darbe yra nagrinėjami įvairių pasaulio mokslininkų požiūriai apie derybų strategijos sampratą. Darbo išvadose yra pateikiamos tolesnių verslo derybų tyrimų kryptys.
IT RISK IDENTIFICATION PROCESS ANALYSIS / IT RIZIKOS IDENTIFIKAVIMO PROCESO ANALIZĖ
Authors: Janeliūnienė Rasma , Davidavičienė Vida
Published: May 2013

Business processes and business success that depends on information technology (IT) is now closely associated with IT risks, which is influenced by growing IT risk management and control needs. It is vitally important to identify, analyse and reduce systemic risk in order to avoid undesirable consequences, such as information loss, data leaks or damage. A critical success factor in this situation is the systematic and continuous IT risk management. This paper aims to analyse one part of the IT risk management process –risk identification. The article invoked the methods of literature analysis, synthesis, comparison, and generalization.Article in Lithuanian

Santrauka

Išaugusi verslo procesų, kartu ir verslo sėkmės, priklausomybė nuo informacinių technologijų (IT) šiuo metu yra glaudžiai susijusi su IT rizika. Tai daro įtaką augančiam IT rizikos valdymo ir kontrolės poreikiui. Nepaneigtina tai, kad identifikuota, išanalizuota ir sumažinta sistemos rizika leidžia išvengti nepageidaujamų pasekmių, tokių kaip informacijos praradimas, nutekėjimas ar duomenų sugadinimas. Pagrindinis sėkmės veiksnys siekiant užtikrinti organizacijos sėkmę valdant IT yra sistemingas ir tęstinis IT rizikos valdymas. Straipsnyje keliamas tikslas išanalizuoti vieną iš IT rizikos valdymo proceso etapų – rizikų identifikavimą. Straipsnyje pasitelkiami tokie metodai, kaip mokslinės literatūros analizė, sisteminimas, apibendrinimas.
La réforme de l'orientation scolaire
Authors: Berthet Thierry , Simon Véronique
Published: May 2013

L’objet de cet article est d’analyser la manière dont les émeutes urbaines de novembre 2005 ont constitué une fenêtre d’opportunité politique pour entamer une réforme du système d’orientation scolaire. Les auteurs étudient en premier lieu le processus de mise à l’agenda de la question de l’orientation. Dans une seconde partie, ils décrivent les différentes étapes du processus décisionnel ayant abouti à la loi de novembre 2009 réformant la formation professionnelle et l’orientation et analysent la nature des changements opérés par sa mise en œuvre.
Presse : le Printemps perdu
Authors: Benchemsi Ahmed
Published: May 2013

Pour les journalistes indépendants marocains, la décennie 2000 a été celle de toutes les audaces et de tous les succès. Mais ce qui avait débuté dans l’espoir et l’enthousiasme s’est achevé dans l’aigreur et la déconfiture. Directeur des deux hebdomadaires alors les plus vendus du royaume, Ahmed Benchemsi raconte le Printemps de la presse marocaine.
Ambiances métropolitaines
Authors: La Rocca Fabio
Published: May 2013

Le quotidien urbain s’invente et se réinvente. Il en résulte que la relation singulière que nous établissons avec les lieux des métropoles est le produit des effets du milieu territorial d’un point de vue symbolique et affectif. L’espace vécu en commun favorise ainsi une identification collective avec le développement d’une diversité de pratiques sensibles qui constitue la variété des ambiances et une forme de narration de la scène urbaine et sociale.
Stéphane Lupasco : vers la fin d'une noble marginalité
Authors: Brenner Joseph E.
Published: May 2013

L’émergence de la science non classique (physique quantique) a eu un impact limité sur les fondations logiques classiques de la pensée et de la philosophie en général et des sciences sociales et humaines en particulier. Cependant, se basant sur cette physique, le penseur franco-roumain Stéphane Lupasco (Bucarest, 1900-Paris, 1988) a étendu la logique aux processus et événements réels et à leurs relations fondamentalement antagonistes. Son œuvre a attiré l’attention d’artistes et d’écrivains, mais a été complètement ignorée par la communauté académique. Aujourd’hui, l’incapacité de la logique et de la philosophie standard à soutenir une évolution saine d’une société basée sur l’information souligne la nécessité d’un nouveau cadre, rigoureux mais non réductionniste. Je maintiens que la logique de Lupasco, enrichie par les concepts de niveaux de réalité et de complexité, fournit ce cadre. Il est temps d’en finir avec sa marginalité.
A Combined Algorithm of Kalman Estimator and Guard Interval Optimization for Mobile WiMAX
Authors: Nguyen-Duc Quang , Pham-Hong Lien , Nguyen-Manh Thang , Luu-Thanh Tra
Published: May 2013

Mobile WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) system has been recently applied widely in wireless communication systems. In this paper, the channel estimation algorithms were studied for the mobile WiMAX system. The comb-type pilot was used for channel estimation algorithms. The authors proposed an adaptive algorithm of channel estimation based on Kalman filter which had good performance in fading channels. Then, based on the result of channel estimation, we proposed an advanced algorithm of GI (Guard Interval) optimization. The results showed that the Kalman estimator combined with GI optimization algorithm showed the best performance in this paper. This algorithm was verified by computer simulation.
Pragmatic Correlations of Quality-of-Experience and Quality-of-Service in IMS-Based IPTV Network
Authors: Truong Thu-Huong , Thanh Nguyen Huu , Hung Nguyen Tai
Published: May 2013

To let the service system react quickly on customers’ perception or user experience while using the service, mapping functions between Quality of Experience (QoE) and Quality of Service (QoS) are strongly required in purpose of building up an intelligent QoE control system upon adjusting QoS parameters. This article studies the changing behavior of QoE with respect to changes of QoS parameters in the context of video streaming service in an IP Multimedia Subsystem-based IP Television network (IMS-based IPTV network). The article is, in fact, an extended version of the paper published by the same authors (Thu-Huong Truong, 2012). In (Thu-Huong Truong, 2012), the authors studied QoE in both terms of Mean Opinion Scores and VQM as functions of each single QoS parameter such as: loss, jitter, and delay. In this extended content, the correlation between QoE and multiple QoS parameters will be introduced. The QoE-QoS correlation could be a significant first step to build a smart QoE monitoring and control mechanism as an added value to promote the IMS-based IPTV network.
BAM-Chord
Authors: Nguyen Hoai Son , Nguyen Ngoc Anh , Lan Huong Bui Thi
Published: May 2013

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in applying Distributed Hash Tables (DHTs) to application-level multicast since DHTs have many advantages that are good for multicast applications: decentralization, scalability, fault tolerance, load balancing, and good routing performances. However, an effective bandwidth utilization method is required for DHT-based multicast systems because of a number of technical issues such as heterogeneous node capacity and dynamic membership. In this paper, the authors propose their BAM-Chord (i.e., Bandwidth Adaptive Multicast over Chord), a DHT-based multicast system that focuses on host heterogeneity, network scalability and effective bandwidth utilization. In the authors’ system, when a node joins into the system, it will find out an appropriate position (i.e., node identifier) on a BAM-Chord ring and create links to neighbor nodes based on node’s bandwidth capacity such that the multicast tree can be built efficiently and balanced. Therefore, their system can utilize bandwidth of every node efficiently to reduce the depth of the multicast tree, increase network scalability and take advantages of DHTs in maintaining the multicast tree.
Low-Latency, Small-Area FPGA Implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard Algorithm
Authors: Trang Hoang , Van Loi Nguyen
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) implementation of an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm using approach of combination iterative looping and Look-Up Table (LUT)-based S-box with block and key size of 128 bits. Modifications in the way of loading data out in AES encryption/decryption, loading key_expansion in Key_Expansion blocks are also proposed. The design is tested with the sample vectors provided by Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 197. The design is implemented on APEX20KC Altera’s FPGA and on Virtex XCV600 Xilinx’s FPGA. For all the authors’ proposals, they are found to be very simple in FPGA-based architecture implementation, better in low latency, and small area, but large in memory, moderate throughput.
Energy Saving in Forward Fall Detection using Mobile Accelerometer
Authors: Viet Vo Quang , Negera Ali Fahmi Perwira , Thang Hoang Minh , Choi Deokjai
Published: May 2013

Fall injury is one of the biggest risks to health and well-being of the elderly especially in independent living because falling accidents may cause instant death. There are many research interests aimed to detect fall incidents. Fall detection is envisioned critical on ICT-assisted healthcare future. In addition, mobile battery is currently another serious problem in which performance feasibility is considered as a standard to verify an effective method. In this paper, the authors study forward fall detection method from mobile phone perspective using accelerometer only without sacrificing accuracy to save energy. Using peak threshold algorithm in axes of mobile accelerometer, transition from activity of daily living (ADL) to forward fall event is recognized. In collected templates, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) was applied to compute difference among them with new unlabeled samples. Results implemented on mobile phone easily show the feasibility of the method hence contribute significantly to fall detection in healthcare.
An Analytic Hierarchy Process for the Evaluation of E-Government Service Quality
Authors: Papadomichelaki Xenia , Koutsouris Vicky , Konstantinidis Dimitrios , Mentzas Gregoris
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes a measurement model for evaluating e-government service quality, and generates quality indicators to assist practitioners in identifying the strong and weak points of service delivery. The statistical sample is based on questionnaires of citizens’ preferences for the evaluation of an ideal e-government site. To accurately evaluate the influence of criteria and sub-criteria on service quality the model applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) a multi-criteria decision-making method. Finally, the authors apply their model to the evaluation of the six most popular Greek e-government sites. To test the possible existence of interrelationships among criteria, they also apply the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method and compare the results of the two methods. The results show that ‘Reliability’ is the most important quality criterion, with ‘Citizen Support’, ‘Trust’, and ‘Efficiency’ following in importance. Furthermore, the case study revealed no interrelations between evaluation criteria of the model.
Using Evaluation to Support Organizational Learning in E-Government System
Authors: Kasimin Hasmiah , Aman Aini , Noor Zulridah Mohd
Published: May 2013

This paper discusses the need for a framework to understand the use of evaluation to support learning in the process of implementing an e-Government system in a developing country, namely, Malaysia. A conceptual interpretive framework focusing on evaluation use and evaluation practices to support organizational learning is proposed. The framework makes use of organizational learning theory and integrates the focus of previous interpretive frameworks. Application of the framework in a case study of an e-Government system is also elaborated. The framework is useful for exploring and understanding the use of evaluation to support learning in improving the e-Government system and helps in identifying the need for learning about evaluation practices to extend the benefits from evaluation. An implication from the analysis reveals the need for Knowledge Management Systems that is capable of providing feedback and feed-forward of shared information to support learning about the e-Government system and its evaluation practices.
Identifying and Addressing the Barriers to the Use of an Internet-Register for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Osborne Lisa A. , Lockhart-Jones Hazel M. , Middleton Rodden M. , Thompson Simon , Maramba Inocencio D. C. , Jones Kerina H. , Ford David V. , Noble J. Gareth
Published: May 2013

Given the potential of health internet-registers, this study examined how such registers can be made more effective and efficient. This involved investigating the actual barriers to usage experienced by those for whom such registers are established to help. To elicit responses regarding the opinions, views, and experiences of participants, concerning their various reasons for non-progression or non-completion of the pilot UK MS Register, a list of ten potential key areas of difficulty, in the form of short statements, was e-mailed to participants. A content analysis revealed that there were four main areas of concern that could represent potential barriers for health internet-registers, in general, and that need to be considered when establishing, designing, and developing such registers: technical aspects of using the internet; computer literacy and ability, encompassing website design, clarity, and user-friendliness; symptom mismatches with register content; and condition-specific effects and impacts as barriers to internet-register use.
Telehealth Interventions for Management of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) and Asthma
Authors: Nimmon Laura , Poureslami Iraj , FitzGerald Mark
Published: May 2013

The authors systematically collated, classified, and evaluated the evidence of intervention studies from recent systematic reviews about the effects of telehealth interventions on COPD and asthma care. Eight electronic databases were searched. Eligible articles were those published between 2001 and 2011 in English. Eleven review articles are included. Asthma and COPD are better controlled when patients use interactive technological tools to monitor their chronic disease. The effects of telehealth interventions on emergency department attendance, specific quality of life, and mortality remained less certain. Only some reviews mentioned if the cost-effectiveness was systematically analyzed. Telehealth promises to be a highly effective intervention in managing chronic lung diseases while also potentially reducing some of the economic burdens of asthma and COPD. New directions in telehealth developments, implementations, and evaluations should be made, in which the exchange of health information should not be over simplified, but rather reflect the different socio-cultural practices of population groups and individuals.
Biologically Inspired Networks
Authors: Saedy Mahdy
Published: May 2013

Inspired by the nature, the interesting properties of natural organisms can be imitated in many different applications. The nature has been optimizing itself for billions of years and in many cases it simply introduces the most optimal approaches. On the other hand, the task of data collection and aggregation is critical in wireless sensor networks (WSN). The information packets should traverse the network towards the aggregating center i.e. sink node. The problem of finding the best path to route the data has been long under investigation. The authors propose a new method for collecting the data from sensor field based on a biological inspired method adopted from tubular network formation behavior of slime mold where biological organisms efficiently self-organize unreliable and dynamically changing topology, to compensate for the failure of individual components while not relying on explicit central coordination. They show that the emergent network exhibits a widely observed property in natural topologies called scale-free which explains a lot of inherent characteristics in living creatures. At the end the authors show that the data collection time for a biologically inspired network is shorter than uniform channel capacity scheduling.
Novel WLL Architecture Based on Color Pixel Multiple Access Implemented on a Terrestrial Video Network as the Overlay
Authors: Sanyal Rajarshi , Cianca Ernestina , Prasad Ramjee
Published: May 2013

Light waves of different wavelengths and frequencies manifest in various colors. Color can be formulated electronically by video processing technologies for the purpose of multimedia, image processing and entertainment. Optoelectronic devices like DWDM use optical signals of various wave lengths for conveying data symbols from one end to other. The big question is: Is it feasible to implement color synthesized by the video systems for the purpose of telecommunications? In this paper we propose the ‘Color Pixel Multiple Access’ scheme for the radio access network and Color Pixel Multiplexing for core network, by implementing electronic color as a tool for addressing and bearing data overhead. The present day video systems that can generate millions of colors, in its electronic form have been utilized to set up a wireless network, serving mobile stations or computers as its nodes. The state of the art Wireless Local Loop deployments are based on the traditional cellular technologies. However there are limitations in terms of intricacy, cost and time to deploy .In this paper, the authors introduce a Wireless Local Loop architecture employing the proposed CPMA technique on existing overlay video/television network. Further we corroborate the advantages.