bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of reporting effects on the association between maternal depression and child autism spectrum disorder behaviors
Authors: Bennett Teresa , Boyle Michael , Georgiades Katholiki , Georgiades Stelios , Thompson Ann , Duku Eric , Bryson Susan , Fombonne Eric , Vaillancourt Tracy , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Smith Isabel , Mirenda Pat , Roberts Wendy , Volden Joanne , Waddell Charlotte ,   the Pathways in ASD Study Team, and Peter Szatmari
Published: August 2011

Background:  Maximizing measurement accuracy is an important aim in child development assessment and research. Parents are essential informants in the diagnostic process, and past research suggests that certain parental characteristics may influence how they report information about their children. This has not been studied in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to date. We aimed, therefore, to investigate the possible effect that maternal depression might have on a mother’s reports of her child’s ASD behaviors. Using structural equation modeling, we disaggregated shared from unique variation in the association between latent variable measures of maternal depression and ASD behaviors.

Methods:  Data were obtained from a study of preschoolers aged 2–4 newly diagnosed with ASD (n = 214). Information from a parent questionnaire, a semi‐structured parent interview, and a semi‐structured observational assessment was used to develop a latent variable measure of child ASD behaviors. Mothers reported on their own depression symptoms. We first modeled the covariance between maternal depression and child ASD behavior. Then, to quantify unique variation, we added covariance terms between maternal depression and the residual variation associated with the individual measures of child ASD behaviors.

Results:  The model demonstrated excellent fit to the underlying data. Maternal self‐report of depression symptoms exhibited a significant association with the unique variance of the questionnaire report but not with the latent variable measure of child ASD behavior. A gradient pattern of association was demonstrated between maternal depression and the unique variance of the ASD measures: most strongly for the maternal questionnaire report, more weakly for the maternal semi‐structured interview, and to a trivial extent for the observational interview.

Conclusions:  Parental depression may influence reporting of ASD behaviors in preschoolers. Shared method effects may also contribute to bias. This finding highlights the importance of obtaining multimethod reports of child ASD symptoms.
The past, the present and the preferred future for home economics education in Hong Kong
Authors: Ma Ada , Pendergast Donna
Published: August 2011

The future of home economics is a perennial topic on the agenda of the home economics profession. In various regions around the world, the profession as a whole has been eroded systematically as a result of curriculum reform at the compulsory and post‐compulsory levels, with the subsequent loss of higher education programmes, and, ultimately, the loss of dedicated professional home economists. This leaching degradation of home economics has implications for the concomitant loss of the unique curriculum of the subject, including the focus on consumer‐related issues. Hong Kong has not been exempted from this pattern, leading to concerns about the capacity of society to engage effectively in consumer and consumer‐related issues, and the focus in home economics has been relegated to technology. This paper provides insights into the current positioning of home economics in Hong Kong and the likely outcomes of this loss of a preferred future for the profession.
Reducing errors benefits the field‐based learning of a fundamental movement skill in children
Authors: Capio C. M. , Poolton J. M. , Sit C. H. P. , Holmstrom M. , Masters R. S. W.
Published: August 2011

Proficient fundamental movement skills (FMS) are believed to form the basis of more complex movement patterns in sports. This study examined the development of the FMS of overhand throwing in children through either an error‐reduced (ER) or error‐strewn (ES) training program. Students (n = 216), aged 8–12 years (M = 9.16, SD = 0.96), practiced overhand throwing in either a program that reduced errors during practice (ER) or one that was ES. ER program reduced errors by incrementally raising the task difficulty, while the ES program had an incremental lowering of task difficulty. Process‐oriented assessment of throwing movement form (Test of Gross Motor Development‐2) and product‐oriented assessment of throwing accuracy (absolute error) were performed. Changes in performance were examined among children in the upper and lower quartiles of the pretest throwing accuracy scores. ER training participants showed greater gains in movement form and accuracy, and performed throwing more effectively with a concurrent secondary cognitive task. Movement form improved among girls, while throwing accuracy improved among children with low ability. Reduced performance errors in FMS training resulted in greater learning than a program that did not restrict errors. Reduced cognitive processing costs (effective dual‐task performance) associated with such approach suggest its potential benefits for children with developmental conditions.
The development of doping use in high‐level cycling: From team‐organized doping to advances in the fight against doping
Authors: Lentillon‐Kaestner V.
Published: August 2011

In 1998, the Festina scandal at the Tour de France provided the first proof of widespread doping in professional cycling. This doping scandal marked the end of team‐organized doping in professional cycling and ushered in a new period marked by the increasing implementation of anti‐doping measures. This article evaluates the impact of the anti‐doping rules and tests instituted since the Festina scandal. We adopt a psychosocial approach to analyze the organization of doping and the development of doping attitudes and practices in high‐level cycling. Sixteen cyclists were interviewed, of which eight were young, current cyclists and eight were former cyclists who became professionals before the Festina scandal. Our results show that although the fight against doping in the last decade has reduced doping use in high‐level cycling, anti‐doping measures have also had unexpected effects. The fight against doping in cycling is not over.
Treatment of psychosis during pregnancy – a case report and a mini-review
Authors: Nielsen René E.
Published: August 2011

Nielsen RE. Treatment of psychosis during pregnancy – a case report and a mini-review.

Objective: Describe clinical problems in treating a patient with psychotic symptoms during pregnancy by presenting a case report, and review the current evidence on antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy.

Methods: The review consists of a non-systematic clinical review of current data on treatment with antipsychotics during pregnancy. The case, a 27 year old female initially diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a rape and emotionally unstable personality disorder, illustrates some of the common challenges a clinician meets. The patient initially discontinues all treatment as she is unsure if the drugs could have a teratogenic effect and is changed to a treatment that is regarded as safe during pregnancy.

Results: The current data supports treatment with chlorpromazine although there is a risk of side effects, e.g. extrapyramidal symptoms and hypotension, but also treatment with olanzapine and risperidone. If the patient is currently treated with clozapine, this treatment should be continued, due to clozapines unique efficacy profile. Blood monitoring for six months after birth is recommended when the newborn has been exposed to clozapine treatment.

Conclusion: Current evidence on treatment with antipsychotics during pregnancy is sparse, but not treating is associated with increased risks compared to treatment.
Cigarette smoking, coffee intake and alcohol consumption preceding Parkinson's disease: a case–control study
Authors: Sipetic Sandra B. , Vlajinac Hristina D. , Maksimovic Jadranka M. , Marinkovic Jelena M. , Dzoljic Eleonora D. , Ratkov Isidora S. , Kostic Vlada S.
Published: August 2011

Objective: A case–control study was performed in Belgrade in order to investigate the association between Parkinson's disease (PD) and smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption.

Methods: During the period 2001–2005, 110 new PD cases and 220 hospital controls were interviewed. Cases and controls were matched by sex, age and place of residence (urban/rural). For the analysis of data conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods were used.

Results: With PD were associated, independently from each other, current smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.23–0.82], alcohol consumption (OR = 4.78; 95% CI = 2.67–8.55) and coffee consumption (OR = 2.54; 95% CI = 1.36–4.75). In ever smokers the risk for PD significantly decreased with the increasing number of cigarettes smoked and with increasing duration of smoking. The risk for PD significantly increased with the increasing quantity of alcohol consumption. PD risk was significantly higher in subjects whose average daily consumption of coffee was 1 and 2–3 cups, and it was lower (but not significantly) in those whose daily coffee consumption was 4+ cups. Cases and controls did not differ in duration of alcohol and coffee consumption. The results of multivariate analyses did not substantially change after adjustment on family history positive on PD.

Conclusion: The findings of this study support the hypotheses of inverse association of smoking with PD, but an inverse association with coffee was not confirmed. PD was found to be positively associated with coffee and alcohol consumption.
EFFECT OF CONTRAST MEDIUM INJECTION DURATION ON PEAK ENHANCEMENT AND TIME TO PEAK ENHANCEMENT OF CANINE PULMONARY ARTERIES
Authors: MAKARA MARIANO , DENNLER MATTHIAS , KÜHN KAROLIN , KALCHOFNER KARIN , KIRCHER PATRICK
Published: August 2011

Our goal was to investigate the effect of contrast medium injection duration on pulmonary artery peak enhancement and time to peak enhancement. Fourteen dogs were allocated into one of seven predefined weight categories, each category contained two dogs. Dogs in each weight category were assigned to group A or B. Animals in each group received a different contrast medium injection protocol. In group A, a fixed injection rate of 5 ml/s was used. In group B, the contrast injection rate was calculated as follows: flow rate=contrast volume/scan duration+10 s. Time to peak enhancement and peak enhancement of the main left and right pulmonary arteries were measured on single‐level, dynamic CT images for a fixed time of 30 s. Rank correlation (Spearman's) coefficients between injection duration and time to peak enhancement and between body weight and peak enhancement were calculated. For group A, there was a significant negative correlation between peak enhancement and weight (r=−0.94; P=0.005), while for group B, there was no significant correlation (r=−0.64 and P=0.18). There was a significant correlation between time to peak enhancement and injection duration in both groups (group A: r=0.99; P=0.006 and group B: r=0.85; P=0.02). In conclusion, injection duration is a key feature in a CT angiography injection protocol. A protocol with an injection duration adjusted to the scan duration seems to be particularly suitable for veterinary applications where a population with great weight variability is studied.
CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING FINDINGS IN HORSES WITH SUBCHONDRAL BONE TRAUMA OF THE SAGITTAL GROOVE OF THE PROXIMAL PHALANX
Authors: DYSON SUE , NAGY ANNAMARIA , MURRAY RACHEL
Published: August 2011

Eight sports horses with unilateral (4) or bilateral (3) forelimb or unilateral hindlimb (1) lameness had subtle radiologic abnormalities of the subchondral bone of the sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx associated with moderate or intense increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. High‐field or low‐field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging confirmed the presence of a fissure fracture or subchondral and trabecular bone trauma. Seven of eight lesions were located approximately midway between the dorsal and palmar cortices of the proximal phalanx; the eighth was sited more dorsally. Two horses underwent follow‐up MR imaging and abnormal signal intensity persisted, with little change.
Bias‐adjusted satellite‐based rainfall estimates for predicting floods: Narayani Basin
Authors: Shrestha M.S. , Artan G.A. , Bajracharya S.R. , Gautam D.K. , Tokar S.A.
Published: August 2011

In Nepal, as the spatial distribution of rain gauges is not sufficient to provide detailed perspective on the highly varied spatial nature of rainfall, satellite‐based rainfall estimates provides the opportunity for timely estimation. This paper presents the flood prediction of Narayani Basin at the Devghat hydrometric station (32 000 km2) using bias‐adjusted satellite rainfall estimates and the Geospatial Stream Flow Model (GeoSFM), a spatially distributed, physically based hydrologic model. The GeoSFM with gridded gauge observed rainfall inputs using kriging interpolation from 2003 was used for calibration and 2004 for validation to simulate stream flow with both having a Nash Sutcliff Efficiency of above 0.7. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Centre's rainfall estimates (CPC_RFE2.0), using the same calibrated parameters, for 2003 the model performance deteriorated but improved after recalibration with CPC_RFE2.0 indicating the need to recalibrate the model with satellite‐based rainfall estimates. Adjusting the CPC_RFE2.0 by a seasonal, monthly and 7‐day moving average ratio, improvement in model performance was achieved. Furthermore, a new gauge‐satellite merged rainfall estimates obtained from ingestion of local rain gauge data resulted in significant improvement in flood predictability. The results indicate the applicability of satellite‐based rainfall estimates in flood prediction with appropriate bias correction.
Is Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitor a Contraindication for Contrast‐Induced Nephropathy Prophylaxis? A Review About its Paradox
Authors: Li Ximing , Li Tingting , Cong Hongliang
Published: August 2011

Contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is reported to be the third leading cause of acute renal failure. The role of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in CIN is controversial. Some studies pointed out that it was effective in the prevention of CIN, while some concluded that it was associated with increased risk of CIN, especially for patients with preexisting renal impairment. Nevertheless, it is a common practice in many centers to prescribe ACE inhibitors before coronary angiography. The most likely mechanisms leading to CIN are medullary hypoxia due to decreased renal blood flow (RBF) secondary to renal artery vasoconstriction and direct tubular toxicity by contrast medium (CM). Furthermore, experimental data suggest that an activated renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, increased endothelin‐1, and reactive oxygen species play a role in the pathogenesis of CIN and these can be inhibited by using ACE inhibitors. In this context, we review the medical literatures and discuss the pathogenesis, the role of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system on the development of CIN and ACE inhibitors’ effect on CIN.
Cognitive correlates of mathematical achievement in children with cerebral palsy and typically developing children
Authors: Jenks Kathleen M. , van Lieshout Ernest C. D. M. , de Moor Jan M. H.
Published: August 2011

Background. Remarkably few studies have investigated the nature and origin of learning difficulties in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Aims. To investigate math achievement in terms of word‐problem solving ability in children with CP and controls. Because of the potential importance of reading for word‐problem solving, we investigated reading as well.

Sample. Children with CP attending either special (n= 41) or mainstream schools (n= 16) and a control group of typically developing children in mainstream schools (n= 16).

Method. Group differences in third grade math and reading, controlled for IQ, were tested with analyses of co‐variance (ANCOVAs). Hierarchical regression was used to investigate cognitive correlates of third grade math and reading. Predictors included verbal and non‐verbal IQ measured in first grade, components of working memory (WM) and executive function (EF) measured in second grade, and arithmetic fact fluency and reading measured in third grade.

Results. Children with CP in special schools performed significantly worse than their peers on word‐problem solving and reading. There was a trend towards worse performance in children with CP in mainstream schools compared to typically developing children.

Conclusions. Impairments of non‐verbal IQ and WM updating predicted future difficulties in both word‐problem solving and reading. Impairments of visuospatial sketchpad and inhibition predicted future word‐problem, but not reading difficulty. Conversely, deficits of phonological loop predicted reading but not word‐problem difficulty. Concurrent arithmetic fact fluency and reading ability were both important for word‐problem solving ability. These results could potentially help to predict which children are likely to develop specific learning difficulties, facilitating early intervention.
Um … they were wearing …: The effect of deception on specific hand gestures
Authors: Hillman Jackie , Vrij Aldert , Mann Samantha
Published: August 2011

Purpose. Non‐verbal communication researchers have identified specific categories of hand gestures but deception researchers typically ignore these. This experiment refined and developed some of these categories and examined whether there is a difference in the frequency of speech prompting and rhythmic pulsing gestures between liars and truth tellers.

Methods. Twenty truth tellers and 20 liars (all undergraduate students) described a person who entered a room where they were playing a game with a confederate. Truth tellers gave a truthful description of an event they had participated in. Liars had previously taken money from a wallet in the room but had not played a game with the confederate, or seen anybody enter the room, they just pretended they did during their interview.

Results. Truth tellers made more rhythmic pulsing gestures than liars indicating this type of gesture may be connected with the prosodic flow of speech. Liars made significantly more speech prompting gestures than truth tellers, supporting the notion that greater cognitive load may be experienced during deceptive accounts.

Conclusions. This study demonstrates the benefit of examining subcategories of gestures when investigating deceptive behaviour.
Optimal Design and Fabrication of Narrow-Gauge Compliant Forceps
Authors: Aguirre M. E. , Hayes G. R. , Meirom R. A. , Frecker M. I. , Muhlstein C. L. , Adair J. H.
Published: August 2011

This paper describes a multidisciplinary project focused on developing design and fabrication methods for narrow-gauge compliant mechanisms expected to be useful in advanced minimally invasive surgery. In this paper, three aspects of the project are discussed: meso-scale fabrication, compliant mechanism design, and experimental determination of mechanical properties and forceps performance. The selected manufacturing method is a lost mold rapid infiltration forming process that is being developed at Penn State University. The process is capable of producing hundreds of freestanding metallic and ceramic parts with feature sizes ranging from sub-10 μm to approximately 300 μm. To fulfill surgical and manufacturing requirements, a contact-aided compliant mechanism design is proposed. A finite element analysis solution, used to evaluate large deformation and contact, is implemented into an optimization routine to maximize tool performance. A case study demonstrates the design and manufacturing processes for a 1 mm diameter austenitic (300 series) stainless steel forceps. Due to manufacturing variables that affect grain size and particle adhesion, the strength of the fabricated parts are expected to vary from the bulk material properties. Therefore, fabricated parts are experimentally tested to determine accurate material properties. Three point bend tests reveal yield strengths between 603 and 677 MPa. Results from the design optimization routine show that material strengths within this range require large instrument aspect ratios between 40 and 50 with anticipated blocked forces as high as 1.5 N. An initial prototype is assembled and tested to compare experimental and theoretical tool performance. Good agreement between the computational and experimental data confirms the efficacy of the processes used to develop a meso-scale contact-aided compliant forceps.
Spiral Bevel Gear Dynamic Contact and Tooth Impact Analysis
Authors: Wang Pei-Yu , Fan Sih-Ci , Huang Zi-Gui
Published: August 2011

A significant portion of the research on spiral bevel gear focused on contact stress and assembly flexibility (V and H check) values, while only a few studies investigated the relationship between transmission errors and rotational speed. This paper addresses and discusses an approach for 3D dynamic contact and impact analysis of spiral bevel gear drives. Dynamic models considering friction, gear clearance, and time-varying stiffness were established. Finite element software was utilized to analyze the dynamic responses of gear transmission, surface contact stress, and root bending stress of a spiral bevel gear pair. The dynamic model simulated the vibration behavior of an actual gear set under dynamic loading. The dynamic responses of the spiral bevel gear drives were obtained under differential rotational speeds of the driver and the driven resistance. The stiffness and elastic deformation of gear teeth were calculated using the finite element method with actual geometry and gear positions. After the impact analysis, the numerical simulation results of transient and steady-state transmission errors are obtained simultaneously. Using the fast Fourier transform method, frequency spectrums of the transient and steady states of the calculated transmission errors are obtained to enable the gearbox designer to avoid the resonance zone.
Metal electrode influence on the wet selective etching of GaAs/AlGaAs
Authors: Jie Wang , Qin Han , Xiao-Hong Yang , Xiu-Ping Wang , Hai-Qiao Ni , Ji-Fang He
Published: August 2011

Metal electrodes were found to influence the wet selective etching of GaAs in a citric acid/hydrogen peroxide solution. The authors found that metal films such as a Cr/Au or Ti/Au alloy deposited on a semiconductor surface can mostly prevent the etching of GaAs. The GaAs sacrificial material that was exposed to the selective etchant near the metal electrode was not removed at all. Contrast experiments show that it can be removed selectively if no metal is present on the surface or if the GaAs is located far enough from the metal. Electrochemical analyses were undertaken to determine the passivation mechanism.
Getting Past the Bullies
Authors: Rytting Erik
Published: August 2011

An oral nanoformulation of docetaxel protects the drug from intestinal efflux and metabolism.
Johnny, Johnny, Eating Sugar?
Authors: Tridandapani Srini
Published: August 2011

A new kind of sugar-based bait can be used to detect bacterial infections early.
Electro-Acupuncture at ‘neiguan— (Pc6) Attenuates Liver Injury in Endotoxaemic Rats
Authors: Liu Hwan-Wun , Liu Mou-Chuan , Tsao Cheng-Ming , Liao Mei-Hui , Wu Chin-Chen
Published: August 2011

Background

Intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates macrophages to release proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide (NO). This results in hypotension, vascular hyporeactivity and multiple organ failure (eg, liver injury) in rats. In rats with endotoxin shock, electro-acupuncture (EA) of ‘Neiguan’ (PC6) retrieved blood pressure and reduced plasma concentrations of NO. The authors evaluated whether EA at PC6 could alleviate the development of liver injury and dysfunction in endotoxic rats.

Methods

A total of 28 male adult Wistar rats were included in this study. Rats received intravenous LPS (10 mg/kg for 4 h) or saline for 4 h followed by EA at PC6 acupuncture point.

Results

Elevated biochemical parameters of liver injury and marked infiltration of neutrophils into liver tissues caused by LPS were significantly attenuated by EA. However, hypotension, tachycardia and raised production of plasma NO were not suppressed by EA at PC6.

Conclusions

These results indicate that EA at PC6 should be further investigated as a possible adjuvant therapy for endotoxin-induced liver dysfunction. Its mechanism of action needs further investigation.
Treatment of painful hypertrophic osteoarthropathy associated with non-small cell lung cancer with octreotide: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Birch Elizabeth , Jenkins Debbie , Noble Simon
Published: August 2011

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (HOA) is a syndrome most commonly associated with non-small cell lung cancer and consists of periostitis, digital clubbing and painful polyarthropathy. Its symptoms may be disabling and are reportedly difficult to manage effectively with conventional analgesia. We present a case of a lung cancer patient with opioid resistant painful HOA in whom analgesia was achieved with octreotide.
A new and accurate way to identify elite athletes
Authors: Reed Warren C
Published: August 2011

A simple thought experiment and web search tools are brought to bear on conventional notions of disability. A Nobel Prize winner weighs in.
Particle embolization of the bilateral superior and inferior alveolar arteries for life threatening dental socket hemorrhage
Authors: Pham Nancy , Sivapatham Thinesh , Hussain Muhammad S , Bhalla Tarun , Masaryk Thomas J , Hui Ferdinand K
Published: August 2011

Particle embolization for epistaxis and intra-oral hemorrhage are performed on an as needed basis by neurointerventionalists. A case is presented of massive oral hemorrhage associated with end stage liver disease coagulopathy after tooth extraction of bilateral maxillary and mandibular molars. A man in his fifties with end stage liver disease who presented for evaluation of a syncopal episode was determined to be in hemorrhagic shock from 2 days of persistent oral bleeding after elective tooth extractions. Conservative management with multiple blood transfusion products, packing and vasoconstrictive spray was ineffective. Microcatheter angiograms of the alveolar arteries demonstrated blood and contrast pooling within the sockets of the extracted teeth. Selection of the bilateral supplying alveolar and inferior alveolar artery branches was achieved followed by polyvinyl alcohol particle embolization (250–355 μm). Polyvinyl alcohol particle embolization of dental socket hemorrhages is technically feasible and effective.
A DISTRIBUTED APPROXIMATION ALGORITHM FOR FAULT-TOLERANT METRIC FACILITY LOCATION
Authors: XU SHIHONG , SHEN HONG
Published: August 2011

In this paper, we propose an approximation algorithm for the Fault-Tolerant Metric Facility Location problem which can be implemented in a distributed and asynchronous manner within O(n) rounds of communication, where n is the number of vertices in the network. Given a constant size set [Formula: see text] which represents distinct levels of fault-tolerant requirements of all cities, as well as the two-part (facility and connection) cost of the optimal solution, i.e. F* + C*, the cost of our solution is no more than [Formula: see text] for the general case, and less than F* + 2C* for the special case where all cities have a uniform connectivity requirement. Extensive numerical experiments showed that the quality of our solutions is comparable (within 4% error) to the optimal solution in practice.
DEPENDABILITY EVALUATION OF CLUSTER-BASED DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS
Authors: ANCEAUME EMMANUELLE , BRASILEIRO FRANCISCO , LUDINARD ROMARIC , SERICOLA BRUNO , TRONEL FRÉDÉRIC
Published: August 2011

Awerbuch and Scheideler have shown that peer-to-peer overlay networks can survive Byzantine attacks only if malicious nodes are not able to predict what will be the topology of the network for a given sequence of join and leave operations. In this paper we investigate adversarial strategies by following specific protocols. Our analysis demonstrates first that an adversary can very quickly subvert overlays based on distributed hash tables by simply never triggering leave operations. We then show that when all nodes (honest and malicious ones) are imposed on a limited lifetime, the system eventually reaches a stationary regime where the ratio of polluted clusters is bounded, independently from the initial amount of corruption in the system.
OVERLAP-FREE LANGUAGES AND SOLID CODES
Authors: HAN YO-SUB , SALOMAA KAI
Published: August 2011

Solid codes have a nice property called synchronization property, which is useful in data transmission. The property is derived from infix-freeness and overlap-freeness of solid codes. Since a code is a language, we look at solid codes from formal language viewpoint. In particular, we study regular solid codes (that are solid codes and regular). We first tackle the solid code decidability problem for regular languages and propose a polynomial time algorithm. We, then, investigate the decidability of the overlap-freeness property and show that it is decidable for regular languages but is undecidable for context-free languages. Then, we study the prime solid code decomposition of regular solid codes and propose an efficient algorithm for the prime solid code decomposition problem. We also demonstrate that a solid code does not always have a unique prime solid code decomposition.
MULTI-SINGLET AND SINGLET-TRIPLET SCALAR DARK MATTER
Authors: FISCHER OLIVER , VAN DER BIJ J. J.
Published: August 2011

We take the stealth model,1 an inert [Formula: see text] multiplet of real scalar singlets, as a candidate for dark matter. We limit the parameter space on the basis of dark matter abundance and direct search experiments. Further we study briefly a real scalar triplet as dark matter candidate. Then a two-component dark matter model is considered, which consists of a real scalar singlet and a scalar triplet with a Z2×Z2 symmetry. In a narrow mass range, the direct search experiments start to give some limitations.
THE NUMERICAL STABILITY OF STOCHASTIC ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH ADDITIVE NOISE
Authors: BUCKWAR E. , RIEDLER M. G. , KLOEDEN P. E.
Published: August 2011

An asymptotic stability analysis of numerical methods used for simulating stochastic differential equations with additive noise is presented. The initial part of the paper is intended to provide a clear definition and discussion of stability concepts for additive noise equation derived from the principles of stability analysis based on the theory of random dynamical systems. The numerical stability analysis presented in the second part of the paper is based on the semi-linear test equation dX(t) = (AX(t) + f(X(t))) dt + σ dW(t), the drift of which satisfies a contractive one-sided Lipschitz condition, such that the test equation allows for a pathwise stable stationary solution. The θ-Maruyama method as well as linear implicit and two exponential Euler schemes are analysed for this class of test equations in terms of the existence of a pathwise stable stationary solution. The latter methods are specifically developed for semi-linear problems as they arise from spatial approximations of stochastic partial differential equations.
EXPONENTIAL MIXING FOR SOME SPDEs WITH LÉVY NOISE
Authors: PRIOLA ENRICO , XU LIHU , ZABCZYK JERZY
Published: August 2011

We show how gradient estimates for transition semigroups can be used to establish exponential mixing for a class of Markov processes in infinite dimensions. We concentrate on semilinear systems driven by cylindrical α-stable noises introduced in [18], α ∈ (0,2). We first prove that if the nonlinearity is bounded, then the system is ergodic and strong mixing. Then we show that the system is exponentially mixing provided that the nonlinearity, or its Lipschitz constant, are sufficiently small.
INFORMALITY, VULNERABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: MAITI DIBYENDU , MITRA ARUP
Published: August 2011

This paper makes an attempt to estimate the index of informal sector employment that can be attributed to the supply-push phenomenon. Factors explaining the inter-state variations in this index include the industrial-informal sector wage gap, revenue expenditure and development expenditure incurred by the government. Increased development expenditure brings a decline in distress-led informalization because education, health and infrastructure facilities tend to enhance the employability of an individual. However, education as such does not reduce the residual absorption in the informal sector unless there is improvement in quality. The paper also notes an increase in inequality with an increase in distress-led informalization. Adoption of labor intensive technology in the organized or formal industrial sector is indeed crucial for pro-poor growth. The other policy implication is in terms of enhanced investment in the areas of human capital formation and overall development of the region.
ENTREPRENEUR'S PERSONALITY, EDUCATION AND VENTURE EFFECTIVENESS: PERCEPTIONS OF PALESTINIAN ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: ELMUTI DEAN , KHOURY GRACE , ABDUL-RAHIM BASSAM
Published: August 2011

Two hundred and eighty five entrepreneurs, prospective entrepreneurs and the lay public in the West Bank, Palestine, were surveyed to determine their motivations for business ownership, the factors contributing to their success and the challenges they faced. Based on survey responses, the personality variable has been found to be a major determinant of success in an economically disadvantaged, politically unstable and culturally traditional environment as exists in the Palestinian Society. The public attitudes have a tremendous impact on how Palestinian entrepreneurs view themselves and their role in the community. More weight was assigned to internal or subjective factors (personality characteristics and social competence) than to external or objective factors (economic, political) in the achievement of business success. The results have very significant implications for the design and implementation of training courses for both prospective and operating entrepreneurs in Palestine and possibly elsewhere in the world.
Towards a target platform independent specification and generation of information system apps
Authors: Höpfner Hagen , Pencke Jonas , Wiesner David , Schirmer Maximilian
Published: August 2011

Mobile devices like smartphones are not merely voice communication devices. They offer the chance to promptly provide information to mobile users almost independent of their location. However, many potential information providers do not have the necessary programming skills required to realize mobile applications (apps). Furthermore, different smartphones use different operating systems that support different programming languages. In this paper we present our research towards a target platform independent specification and generation of such apps. Hence, the goal of our work is to provide a system to non-technical users that enables them to create their own apps.
A model for estimating the impact of low productivity on the schedule of a software development project
Authors: Jeet Kawal , Bhatia Nitin , Minhas Rajinder Singh
Published: August 2011

One of the major causes of failure of a software development project is the delay in its delivery. Among the major reasons for this delay is low productivity of software professionals involved in the development process. The aim of this paper is to identify and manage major factors having impact on the productivity and hence schedule of a software development project. Four major such factors are reliance on few key personnel, immature technology, lack of client support and lack of contact person's competence. With the help of Influence Diagram, existing databases and taking advantage of expert' views, a model has been developed on the basis of prioritization of these factors. This model can be used to predict the delay in delivery of the project due to the above mentioned factors and hence schedule overrun.
Homogeneous physio-behavioral visual and mouse-based biometric
Authors: Hamdy Omar , Traoré Issa
Published: August 2011

In this research, we propose a novel biometric system for static user authentication that homogeneously combines mouse dynamics, visual search capability and short-term memory effect. The proposed system introduces the visual search capability, and short-term memory effect to the biometric-based security world for the first time. The use of a computer mouse for its dynamics, and as an input sensor for the other two biometrics, means no additional hardware is required than the standard mouse. Experimental evaluation showed the system effectiveness using variable or one-time passwords. All of these attributes qualify the proposed system to be effectively deployed as a static authentication mechanism.

Extensive experimentation was done using 2740 sessions collected from 274 users. To measure the performance, a computational statistics model was specially designed and used; a statistical classifier based on
Weighted-Sum
produced an
Equal Error Rate (EER)
of 2.11%.
Signing on the tactile line
Authors: Plimmer Beryl , Reid Peter , Blagojevic Rachel , Crossan Andrew , Brewster Stephen
Published: August 2011

We present McSig, a multimodal system for teaching blind children cursive handwriting so that they can create a personal signature. For blind people handwriting is very difficult to learn as it is a near-zero feedback activity that is needed only occasionally, yet in important situations; for example, to make an attractive and repeatable signature for legal contracts. McSig aids the teaching of signatures by translating digital ink from the teacher's stylus gestures into three non-visual forms: (1) audio pan and pitch represents the x and y movement of the stylus; (2) kinaesthetic information is provided to the student through a force-feedback haptic pen that mimics the teacher's stylus movement; and (3) a physical tactile line on the writing sheet is created by the haptic pen.

McSig has been developed over two major iterations of design, usability testing and evaluation. The final step of the first iteration was a short evaluation with eight visually impaired children. The results suggested that McSig had the highest potential benefit for congenitally and totally blind children and also indicated some areas where McSig could be enhanced. The second prototype incorporated significant modifications to the system, improving the audio, tactile and force-feedback. We then ran a detailed, longitudinal evaluation over 14 weeks with three of the congenitally blind children to assess McSig's effectiveness in teaching the creation of signatures. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of McSig—they all made considerable progress in learning to create a recognizable signature. By the end of ten lessons, two of the children could form a complete, repeatable signature unaided, the third could do so with a little verbal prompting. Furthermore, during this project, we have learnt valuable lessons about providing consistent feedback between different communications channels (by manual interactions, haptic device, pen correction) that will be of interest to others developing multimodal systems.
Computational Thinking and Expository Writing in the Middle School
Authors: Wolz Ursula , Stone Meredith , Pearson Kim , Pulimood Sarah Monisha , Switzer Mary
Published: August 2011

To broaden participation in computing we need to look beyond traditional domains of inquiry and expertise. We present results from a demonstration project in which interactive journalism was used to infuse computational thinking into the standard curriculum and regular classroom experience at a middle school with a diverse population. Outcomes indicate that we were able to develop positive attitudes about computational thinking and programming among students and teachers who did not necessarily view themselves as “math types.” By partnering with language arts, technology and math teachers at Fisher Middle School, Ewing New Jersey, we introduced the isomorphism between the journalistic process and computational thinking to 7th and 8th graders. An intense summer institute, first with the teachers and then with students recruited from the school, immersed them in the “newsroom of the future” where they researched and wrote news stories, shot and edited video, and developed procedural animations in Scratch to support their storylines. An afterschool club sustained the experience. The teachers adapted interactive journalism and Scratch programming to enrich standard language arts curriculum and are infusing computational thinking in classroom experiences throughout the school.
Integrating Document Clustering and Multidocument Summarization
Authors: Wang Dingding , Zhu Shenghuo , Li Tao , Chi Yun , Gong Yihong
Published: August 2011

Document understanding techniques such as document clustering and multidocument summarization have been receiving much attention recently. Current document clustering methods usually represent the given collection of documents as a document-term matrix and then conduct the clustering process. Although many of these clustering methods can group the documents effectively, it is still hard for people to capture the meaning of the documents since there is no satisfactory interpretation for each document cluster. A straightforward solution is to first cluster the documents and then summarize each document cluster using summarization methods. However, most of the current summarization methods are solely based on the sentence-term matrix and ignore the context dependence of the sentences. As a result, the generated summaries lack guidance from the document clusters. In this article, we propose a new language model to simultaneously cluster and summarize documents by making use of both the document-term and sentence-term matrices. By utilizing the mutual influence of document clustering and summarization, our method makes; (1) a better document clustering method with more meaningful interpretation; and (2) an effective document summarization method with guidance from document clustering. Experimental results on various document datasets show the effectiveness of our proposed method and the high interpretability of the generated summaries.
Indexing Network Structure with Shortest-Path Trees
Authors: Maier Marc , Rattigan Matthew , Jensen David
Published: August 2011

The ability to discover low-cost paths in networks has practical consequences for knowledge discovery and social network analysis tasks. Many analytic techniques for networks require finding low-cost paths, but exact methods for search become prohibitive for large networks, and data sets are steadily increasing in size. Short paths can be found efficiently by utilizing an index of network structure, which estimates network distances and enables rapid discovery of short paths. Through experiments on synthetic networks, we demonstrate that one such novel network structure index based on the shortest-path tree outperforms other previously proposed indices. We also show that it generalizes across arbitrarily weighted networks of various structures and densities, provides accurate estimates of distance, and has efficient time and space complexity. We present results on real data sets for several applications, including navigation, diameter estimation, centrality computation, and clustering---all made efficient by virtue of the network structure index.
Poetry mix-up
Authors: Zhu Kening , Ranasinghe Nimesha , Edirisinghe Chamari , Fernando Owen Noel Newton , Cheok Adrian David
Published: August 2011

Computer technology has become exceedingly integrated with modern culture, which prompted us to introduce and explore the avenues of integrating aesthetics with technology, familiar ground of modern society. With the intention of promoting aesthetic sensibilities generated in poetry, we introduce a poetry generating system called "Poetry Mix-up" which encourages users to experience the creation of a "remixed" variety of poetry by sending a simple SMS. In this system, WordNet-based Word Sense Disambiguating (WSD) and topic summarizing algorithms are implemented to understand the input short messages which will be categorized into several main topics. Based on the topics and the content of the input message, the system creates a new poem by mixing existing poem lines. The preliminary user study shows that Poetry Mix-up could be a new form of social and cultural communication in the digital era.
Connected online and offline safe social networking for children
Authors: Abeyrathne Dilrukshi , Edirisinghe Chamari , Ranasinghe Nimesha , Karunanayaka Kasun , Zhu Kening , Peiris Roshan Lalintha , Fernando Owen Noel Newton , Cheok Adrian David , Lan Lan , Morisawa Yukihiro
Published: August 2011

Children today are more connected and active on the Internet. Their extensive use of online social networks, which ultimately could have perplexing effects on the recognition of their identity and personality, has caused grave social concerns. In addition there is a lack of actual physical communication among children due to their preoccupation with the online self. To address these issues, an interactive robotic toy called Petimo was developed. We believe this introduction of new physical dimension improves safety and enjoyment of children in the social networking arena. As a proof-of-concept, a 3D virtual world called Petimo World is developed. It incorporates basic features of traditional online social networks to provide childern collaborative interaction and enjoyment with their friends. The concept of Petimo could be extended to any social network to create childerns applications to promote physical interaction and enhance enjoyment and safety issues in social networks.
Entertainment beyond divertissment
Authors: Roccetti Marco , Marfia Gustavo , Palazzi Claudio Enrico
Published: August 2011

Computer games today represent one of the most important businesses in the IT industry, as well as one of the prominent means of entertainment chosen by children and adults. Their popularity in the contemporary world society has led many researchers to think how they could be put to good use to improve the education of players engaged in a game. In this work we present a game that goes beyond this paradigm, which is centered on single persons and pervasively relies on players to pursue a service that may be useful to a community as a whole. The game we here propose collects and processes information about the accessibility of city roads to build paths that may be approached by people with impairments. Players that join the game are rewarded by gaining points and positions in the game ranking for each reliable piece of information they provide. Accessible paths, built taking into account such information, can be accessed through a Google Maps-like service which computes the shortest and safest path, for a person with a certain degree of disability, between any two given origin-destination points.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles UsingPolyalthia longifoliaLeaf Extract along with D-Sorbitol: Study of Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Kaviya S. , Santhanalakshmi J. , Viswanathan B.
Published: August 2011

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) usingPolyalthia longifolialeaf extract as reducing and capping agent along with D-sorbitol used to increase the stability of the nanoparticles has been reported. The reaction is carried out at two different concentrations (10−3 M and 10−4 M) of silver nitrate, and the effect of temperature on the synthesis of AgNPs is investigated by stirring at room temperature (25°C) and at 60°C. The UV-visible spectra of NPs showed a blue shift with increasing temperature at both concentrations. FT-IR analysis shows that the biomoites played an important role in the reduction of Ag+ions and the growth of AgNPs. TEM results were utilized for the determination of the size and morphology of nanoparticles. The synthesized silver nanoparticles are found to be highly toxic against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria.