bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial Shape Analysis of Cable-Stayed Suspension Bridge
Authors: Choi Dong-Ho , Na Ho-Sung , Gwon Sun Gil
Published: February 2013

A cable-stayed suspension bridge is a hybrid structure that combines cable-stayed and suspension systems. This paper illustrates a novel method for determining the initial cable forces and target configurations of cable-stayed suspension bridges. The initial equilibrium states of a cable-stayed suspension bridge have not been investigated thus far. Hence, we propose an analysis method that involves the separation of the stay cable-supported and suspension cable-supported parts in order to analyze the initial equilibrium states of such a bridge. The analysis results for each part and suitable boundary conditions are employed to obtain the final cable forces and configuration of the entire system in the initial equilibrium state under dead loads. To verify the proposed method, an initial equilibrium state analysis is performed for a model of a cable-stayed suspension bridge having a total length of 4,000 m with a center span of 2,500 m. The results of this analysis indicate that the initial configurations and cable forces in the bridge model effectively satisfy the target design values.
Analysis of the Temperature Measurement Data in Concrete Pylon
Authors: Hwang Eui-seung , Kim Do-Young , Kim Young-Min
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with monitoring and analysis of temperature measurement data in concrete pylon of long span bridges. During the construction of Geoga Bridge in Busan-Geoje Fixed Link Project, temperature sensors were installed in several sections of hollow type concrete pylon and temperatures along the depth of the four sides of the section are recorded. Ambient temperatures of concrete pylon are also recorded. Effects of temperature distribution on the construction of pylon are analyzed using actual measured data and modeling of pylon and structural system during the construction. Results are compared with several design guidelines and recommended values.
Non-Descent Vaginal Hysterectomy - Analysis of 100 Cases
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Soma , Pal Manidip
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of performing vaginal hysterectomy for non-prolapsed uteri as primary route METHODS: 100 patients planned for hysterectomy for a wide range of  indications like large uterus, cervix flushed with vagina, previous pelvic surgery were chosen for vaginal hysterectomy. Prerequisite were uterine size not more than 16 weeks, adequate vaginal access and good uterine mobility. Patients with utero-vaginal prolapse, complex adnexal mass and suspected malignancy were excluded. RESULTS: Majority were aged 35 – 45 years (77%) with 8 nullipara and 21 primipara. Commonest indication was fibroid (54%) and largest uterine size was 16 weeks. There were 79 patients with history of different pelvic surgeries. Different morcellation techniques were used in more than 10 weeks sized uteri. Adnexal surgeries were performed in 12 cases without difficulty. In uncomplicated cases average blood loss was 200 ml and operating time was 50 minutes. Most of the patients were discharged by 5th post operative day. Two patients were converted to abdominal route due to bladder injury and slippage of upper pedicle respectively. CONCLUSION: Experience and training can lead gynecologist to consider the vaginal approach as the standard route for hysterectomy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i1.4471Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 3(2012) 1-5
Nutritional Value of Lime and Lemon in Hypercholesterolaemic Induced Rats
Authors: Ajugwo Anslem O , Erhabor Tosan , Mokogwu Tom , Digban Kester , Ojieh Godwin , Nnatuanya Issac
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE: People generally use lime and lemon when weight reduction is anticipated. This work was carried out to determine the effect of these fruits in hypercholesterolaemic induced rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixteen (16) albino rats were used and grouped into four groups of four (4) each. The rats were allowed to acclimatize and fed with egg yolk for seven days to induce hypercholesterolaemic state. Water, lemon, lime and lime+lemon were administered to these groups respectively. Cholesterol level was analyzed in all the groups after two (2) weeks of the administration of the fruits. RESULTS: The result showed a statistical decrease in the groups treated with lime, lemon and lime+lemon. The lime+lemon group showed a more significant decrease (p<0.05) in both cholesterol level and body weight when compared with the control group and other groups. This reduction may be as a result of the contents of the fruits. CONCLUSION: It can therefore be concluded that lime and lemon helps in the lowering of blood cholesterol level and body weight. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i1.5450 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 3(2012) 13-16
Development of an atomic mobility database for liquid phase in multicomponent Al alloys: focusing on binary systems
Authors: Wang Shaoqing , Liu Dandan , Du Yong , Zhang Lijun , Chen Qing , Engström Anders
Published: February 2013

An atomic mobility database for binary liquid phase in multicomponent Al–Cu–Fe–Mg–Mn–Ni–Si–Zn alloys was established based on critically reviewed experimental and theoretical diffusion data by using DICTRA (Diffusion Controlled TRAnsformation) software. The impurity diffusivities of the elements with limited experimental data are obtained by means of the least-squares method and semi-empirical correlations. Comprehensive comparisons between the calculated and measured diffusivities indicate that most of the reported diffusivities can be well reproduced by the currently obtained atomic mobilities. The reliability of this diffusivity database is further validated by comparing the simulated concentration profiles with the measured ones, as well as the measured main inter-diffusion coefficients of liquid Al–Cu–Zn alloys with the extrapolated ones from the present binary atomic mobility database. The approach is of general validity and applicable to establish mobility databases of other liquid alloys.
Fruit and Vegetable Preferences and Intake: Among Children in Alberta
Authors: Chu Yen Li , Farmer Anna , Fung Christina , Kuhle Stefan , Veugelers Paul
Published: February 2013

Purpose: The association between preference for and intake of fruits and vegetables was examined among Albertan children.

Methods: Data used were collected as part of a provincial population-based survey among grade 5 children in Alberta. Intake of two fruits and five vegetables was assessed using the Harvard food frequency questionnaire, and preference for individual fruit and vegetable items was rated using a three-point Likert-type scale. Random effects models with children nested within schools were used to test for associations between fruit and vegetable preference and intake.

Results: A total of 3398 children aged 10 to 11 years returned completed surveys. Children who reported a greater liking for fruits and vegetables also reported significantly (p<0.001) higher intake. On average, children who liked a food a lot ate 0.5 to 2.7 more weekly servings of the food than did children who did not like the food.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that focusing on interventions designed to increase taste preference may lead to increased fruit and vegetable intake among children. Introducing children to unfamiliar fruits and vegetables through taste testing may be an effective and practical health promotion approach for improving dietary habits.
Gestational age Estimated by Abdominal Circumference in Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Sabrina Q
Published: February 2013

Objective: Abdominal circumference measurement is an important parameter for determining  fetal growth. Fetal growth will be more accurately assessed if we use tables constructed on  our own population. A table of fetal gestational age estimation by abdominal circumference in  Bangladeshi population is prepared, so that a quick assessment of its growth can be made.Methods: This study was a prospective, cross-sectional study, conducted on well dated, singleton  pregnancies. A table and a graph were prepared after fitting Polynomial regression models.Results: Nomogram for gestational age estimation by abdominal circumference was prepared.  1223 patients were included in the study. Percentiles, mean and standard deviations were  derived from the raw data. Polynomial regression model was a good fit to the data. Standard  deviations increased with gestational age. In the early second trimester Bangladeshi and  western studies were similar but as pregnancy advanced there was variation between the two  races.Conclusion: This chart can be useful for Bangladeshi population, by helping in assessment of  fetal growth and gestational age by abdominal circumference, especially in the 3rd trimester.  This is so, because abdominal circumference is very sensitive to fetal nutritional status. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i2.13781 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(2) : 64-67
Maternal and Fetal Outcome of Eclamptic Patients in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Akhtar Rowshan , Ferdous Afroza , Bhuiyan Syeda Nurjahan
Published: February 2013

Objective: To study on clinical profile & maternal - fetal outcome of eclamptic patient.Methods: A prospective cross sectional study was done in the department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Chittagong Medical College and Hospital from January to December 2010. All patients with eclampsia were included in the study, it was 416. Patients came with convulsion  other than eclampsia e.g. epilepsy, malaria, septicemia, meningitis, encephalitis, cerebral haemorrage, high fever, hepatic coma were excluded.Main outcome measures: Incidence of eclampsia, sociodemographic status, ante natal  care, time interval between attack and admission, level of consciousness was assessed by AVPU(Alert, response to voice, response to pain stimuli, Unconsciousness) score, types of eclampsia patients (antepartum,intrapartum,postpartum), number of convulsion, gestational age distribution of the patients, mode of delivery , maternal and fetal outcome.Results: Total number of deliveries during this period was 13,635. The incidence of eclampsia in this study was 3.05 %. Among 416 patients with eclampsia most of the patients were between 20-25 years (77%), a large number were primi para (72.5%), most of them comes from rural area (76%), most of them belongs to poor socioeconomic condition (72%), 49% patients were illiterate, 60 % patients had no antenatal check up, 52 % patients came after 6 hours of beginning of convulsion, 18 patients (4%) were unconscious, most of the patients had antepartum eclampsia (64%) , number of convulsion was between 5-9 in about 58% case , 63% were delivered by LSCS, 23% mother showed complications of eclampsia, of them pulmonary oedema (7.45%)  and renal failure(6.49%) were common, 35 (8%) mothers were died. Among perinatal mortality 18% baby were stillbirth and 9% were early neonatal death.Conclusion: Eclampsia is still a major killer disease in Bangladesh. It is a preventable  disease if preeclampsia is diagnosed by antenatal care. By giving quality antenatal care, mass awareness regarding the importance of antenatal care, emergency obstetric service in  the upazilla health complex we can prevent eclampsia. Female education, employment,  empowerment is urgently needed to reduce the incidence of this killer diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjog.v26i2.13784 Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2011; Vol. 26(2) : 77-80
Computing the Eccentricity Distribution of Large Graphs
Authors: Takes Frank , Kosters Walter
Published: February 2013

The eccentricity of a node in a graph is defined as the length of a longest shortest path starting at that node. The eccentricity distribution over all nodes is a relevant descriptive property of the graph, and its extreme values allow the derivation of measures such as the radius, diameter, center and periphery of the graph. This paper describes two new methods for computing the eccentricity distribution of large graphs such as social networks, web graphs, biological networks and routing networks.We first propose an exact algorithm based on eccentricity lower and upper bounds, which achieves significant speedups compared to the straightforward algorithm when computing both the extreme values of the distribution as well as the eccentricity distribution as a whole. The second algorithm that we describe is a hybrid strategy that combines the exact approach with an efficient sampling technique in order to obtain an even larger speedup on the computation of the entire eccentricity distribution. We perform an extensive set of experiments on a number of large graphs in order to measure and compare the performance of our algorithms, and demonstrate how we can efficiently compute the eccentricity distribution of various large real-world graphs.
Evidence for the Involvement of RhoA Signaling in the Ethanol-Induced Increase in Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Permeability
Authors: Tong Jing , Wang Ying , Chang Bing , Zhang Dai , Wang Bingyuan
Published: February 2013

In this work, we investigated the potential role of the small G protein RhoA in ethanol-induced tight junction (TJ) protein disassembly and increased intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) permeability. Our study used Caco-2 cells as an in vitro IEB model and RhoA short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference to establish whether RhoA plays a role in ethanol-induced TJ opening. RhoA shRNA interference partially inhibited epithelial leakage and restored normal transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values in the IEB. Moreover, RhoA shRNA interference prevented a shift in occludin distribution from insoluble to soluble fractions. Additionally, RhoA shRNA interference inhibited the ethanol-induced expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Finally, RhoA shRNA interference inhibited an ethanol-induced increase in RhoA activity. The contributions of RhoA to an ethanol-induced increase in IEB permeability are associated with TJ disassembly.
Optical Methods to Study Protein-DNA Interactions in Vitro and in Living Cells at the Single-Molecule Level
Authors: Monico Carina , Capitanio Marco , Belcastro Gionata , Vanzi Francesco , Pavone Francesco
Published: February 2013

The maintenance of intact genetic information, as well as the deployment of transcription for specific sets of genes, critically rely on a family of proteins interacting with DNA and recognizing specific sequences or features. The mechanisms by which these proteins search for target DNA are the subject of intense investigations employing a variety of methods in biology. A large interest in these processes stems from the faster-than-diffusion association rates, explained in current models by a combination of 3D and 1D diffusion. Here, we present a review of the single-molecule approaches at the forefront of the study of protein-DNA interaction dynamics and target search in vitro and in vivo. Flow stretch, optical and magnetic manipulation, single fluorophore detection and localization as well as combinations of different methods are described and the results obtained with these techniques are discussed in the framework of the current facilitated diffusion model.
Theoretical and Experimental Spectroscopic Analysis of Cyano-Substituted Styrylpyridine Compounds
Authors: Castro Maria , Percino Maria , Chapela Victor , Ceron Margarita , Soriano-Moro Guillermo , Lopez-Cruz Jorge , Melendez Francisco
Published: February 2013

A combined theoretical and experimental study on the structure, infrared, UV-Vis and 1H NMR data of trans-2-(m-cyanostyryl)pyridine, trans-2-[3-methyl-(m-cyanostyryl)]pyridine and trans-4-(m-cyanostyryl)pyridine is presented. The synthesis was carried out with an efficient Knoevenagel condensation using green chemistry conditions. Theoretical geometry optimizations and their IR spectra were carried out using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) in both gas and solution phases. For theoretical UV-Vis and 1H NMR spectra, the Time-Dependent DFT (TD-DFT) and the Gauge-Including Atomic Orbital (GIAO) methods were used, respectively. The theoretical characterization matched the experimental measurements, showing a good correlation. The effect of cyano- and methyl- substituents, as well as of the N-atom position in the pyridine ring on the UV-Vis, IR and NMR spectra, was evaluated. The UV-Vis results showed no significant effect due to electron-withdrawing cyano- and electron-donating methyl-substituents. The N-atom position, however, caused a slight change in the maximum absorption wavelengths. The IR normal modes were assigned for the cyano- and methyl-groups. 1H NMR spectra showed the typical doublet signals due to protons in the trans position of a double bond. The theoretical characterization was visibly useful to assign accurately the signals in IR and 1H NMR spectra, as well as to identify the most probable conformation that could be present in the formation of the styrylpyridine-like compounds.
Fusion of Building Information and Range Imaging for Autonomous Location Estimation in Indoor Environments
Authors: Kohoutek Tobias , Mautz Rainer , Wegner Jan
Published: February 2013

We present a novel approach for autonomous location estimation and navigation in indoor environments using range images and prior scene knowledge from a GIS database (CityGML). What makes this task challenging is the arbitrary relative spatial relation between GIS and Time-of-Flight (ToF) range camera further complicated by a markerless configuration. We propose to estimate the camera’s pose solely based on matching of GIS objects and their detected location in image sequences. We develop a coarse-to-fine matching strategy that is able to match point clouds without any initial parameters. Experiments with a state-of-the-art ToF point cloud show that our proposed method delivers an absolute camera position with decimeter accuracy, which is sufficient for many real-world applications (e.g., collision avoidance).
The Incidence of Femoral Component Version Change in Primary THA Using the S-ROM Femoral Component
Authors: Kindsfater Kirk A. , Politi Joel R. , Dennis Douglas A. , Sychterz Terefenko Christi J.
Published: February 2013

Although use of modular femoral components in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) is widely accepted, many still question the need for modular versatility in primary THA. This study examined a large cohort of primary THA patients implanted with a modular S-ROM femoral component (DePuy Orthopaedics, Warsaw, Indiana) to determine the percentage of hips in which the surgeon changed version of the femoral component to increase the intraoperative stability of the THA construct and/or to maximize hip range of motion without impingement.

In a group of 1000 routine, primary THAs, femoral component version was changed in 479 hips (47.9%). This change in rotational position of the femoral stem ranged from 60° retroversion with respect to the position of the sleeve to 80° of anteversion with respect to the sleeve. Ten hips (1%) experienced dislocation within the first 3 postoperative months. There was no difference in the dislocation rate between those patients in which femoral component version was changed versus those in which version was not changed. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between the likelihood of changing stem version and any of the following clinical variables: patient age, sex, diagnosis, or surgeon.

The high percentage of straightforward primary THAs in which it was deemed beneficial to change version of the stem combined with the lack of correlation between femoral version change and clinical variables leads us to conclude that the routine use of a stem that allows variable version may be advantageous when compared to a nonmodular stem, as it is not possible to preoperatively determine when changing version will be required.
Dramatic Resolution of Extreme Ocular Ischemia in a Case of Takayasu’s Arteritis
Authors: Goldman Darin R. , Prasad Pradeep S. , Schwartz Steven D.
Published: February 2013

Late-stage Takayasu’s arteritis can result in significant ocular ischemic disease from global retinal hypoperfusion. The authors report the case of a 32-year-old woman with known Takayasu’s arteritis who presented with severe, late-stage Takayasu’s arteritis and prominent retinal findings. The systemic burden of the disease is illustrated using computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography imaging techniques, and the ophthalmic findings are illustrated in a novel fashion using ultrawide-field imaging. Delayed arm-to-retina circulation time, severe peripheral retinal ischemia, and extensive diffuse angiographic leakage were noted. These dramatic findings resolved completely 5 months after surgical revascularization was performed in combination with medical management.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2013;44:198–200]
MAC and PHY-Layer Network Coding for Applications in Wireless Communications Networks
Authors: Bartoli Giulio , Chiti Francesco , Fantacci Romano , Marabissi Dania , Tassi Andrea
Published: February 2013

Network coding (NC) is a promising technique recently proposed to improve network performance in terms of maximum throughput, minimum delivery delay, and energy consumption. The original proposal highlighted the advantages of NC for multicast communications in wire-line networks. Recently, network coding has been considered as an efficient approach to improve performance in wireless networks, mainly in terms of data reliability and lower energy consumption, especially for broadcast communications. The basic idea of NC is to remove the typical requirement that different information flows have to be processed and transmitted independently through the network. When NC is applied, intermediate nodes in the network do not simply relay the received packets, but they combine several received packets before transmission. As a consequence, the output flow at a given node is obtained as a linear combination of its input flows. This chapter deals with the application of network coding principle at different communications layers of the protocol stack, specifically, the Medium Access Control (MAC) and physical (PHY) Layers for wireless communication networks.
Secure Exchange of Electronic Health Records
Authors: Flores Alejandro Enrique , Win Khin Than , Susilo Willy
Published: February 2013

Protecting the confidentiality of a patient’s information in a shared care environment could become a complex task. Correct identification of users, assigning of access permissions, and resolution of conflict rise as main points of interest in providing solutions for data exchange among health care providers. Traditional approaches such as Mandatory Access Control, Discretionary Access control and Role-Based Access Control policies do not always provide a suitable solution for health care settings, especially for shared care environments. The core of this contribution consists in the description of an approach which uses attribute-based encryption to protect the confidentiality of patients’ information during the exchange of electronic health records among healthcare providers. Attribute-based encryption allows the reinforcing of access policies and reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information; it also provides a set of functionalities which are described using a case study. Attribute-based encryption provides an answer to restrictions presented by traditional approaches and facilitate the reinforcing of existing security policies over the transmitted data.
Caught in the Web
Authors: Bauer Keith A.
Published: February 2013

The social consequences of the internet are profound. Evidence of this can easily be found in the enormous body of literature discussing its impact on democracy, globalization, social networking, and education. The implications of the internet for medicine have likewise received a great deal of attention from policy makers, clinicians and technology theorists. Medical privacy, in particular, has garnered the lion’s share of attention. Nevertheless, research in this area has been lacking because it either fails to unpack the conceptual and ethical complexities of privacy or overestimates the power of technology and policy to protect our medical privacy. The aims of this chapter are twofold. The first is to provide a nuanced explication of the concept of privacy, and, second, to argue that e-medicine and the policies supposedly designed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of personal health information fail to do so and in some instances make their violations easier to commit.
Certification and Security Issues in Biomedical Grid Portals
Authors: Doukas Charalampos , Maglogiannis Ilias , Chatziioannou Aristotle
Published: February 2013

User authentication and data security are very important aspects for the deployment and proper function of biomedical grid portals, since both sensitive data issues and controlled access to grid resources must be addressed. This chapter discusses certification and security issues in biomedical grid portals and presents the security infrastructure of GRISSOM (Grids for In Silico Systems biology and Medicine) platform. The platform consists of a web-based portal and a Web Service that enables statistical analysis of microarray cDNA data with the use of EGEE Grid infrastructure. The security infrastructure addresses user authentication and access issues, data encryption, Grid secure access and Web Service Security. The appendix of the chapter contains code snapshots on how to implement secure authentication in Web Services and create user SSL certificates on demand.
Web Services Composition Problem
Authors: Cheikh Fahima
Published: February 2013

In the approach taken in this chapter, the composition problem is as follows: given a client service, a goal service and a set of available services, determine if there exists a mediator service that enables the communication between the client and the existing services in order to satisfy the client request, represented by the goal service. In this chapter’s model, available services that have access control constraints are considered. To formally capture these constraints, the chapter defines Web Services as Conditional Communicating Automata (CCA) in which communication is done through bounded ports. This chapter gives a detailed presentation of said model and gives complexity results of the composition problem.
Security and Trust in a Global Research Infrastructure
Authors: Jensen Jens , Groep David L.
Published: February 2013

Modern science increasingly depends on international collaborations. Large instruments are expensive and have to be funded by several countries, and they generate very large volumes of data that must be archived and analysed. Scientific research infrastructures, e-Infrastructures, or cyber infrastructures support these collaborations and many others. In this chapter we look at the issue of trust for such infrastructures, particularly when scaling up from a small one. This growth can be “natural,” as more researchers are added, but can also be dramatic if whole new communities are added, possibly with different requirements. Our focus is on authentication, since for most realistic infrastructures, authentication is the foundation upon which further security is built. Our aim has been to focus on real-life experiences and examples, distilling them into practical advice.
Content-Based Keyframe Clustering Using Near Duplicate Keyframe Identification
Authors: Younessian Ehsan , Rajan Deepu
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the authors propose an effective content-based clustering method for keyframes of news video stories using the Near Duplicate Keyframe (NDK) identification concept. Initially, the authors investigate the near-duplicate relationship, as a content-based visual similarity across keyframes, through the Near-Duplicate Keyframe (NDK) identification algorithm presented. The authors assign a near-duplicate score to each pair of keyframes within the story. Using an efficient keypoint matching technique followed by matching pattern analysis, this NDK identification algorithm can handle extreme zooming and significant object motion. In the second step, the weighted adjacency matrix is determined for each story based on assigned near duplicate score. The authors then use the spectral clustering scheme to remove outlier keyframes and partition remainders. Two sets of experiments are carried out to evaluate the NDK identification method and assess the proposed keyframe clustering method performance.
A Cross-Layer Design for Video Streaming Over 802.11e HCCA Wireless Network
Authors: Luo Hongli
Published: February 2013

Video transmission over wireless networks has quality of service (QoS) requirements and the time-varying characteristics of wireless channels make it a challenging task. IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN has been widely used for the last mile connection for multimedia transmission. In this paper, a cross-layer design is presented for video streaming over IEEE 802.11e HCF Controlled Channel Access (HCCA) WLAN. The goal of the cross-layer design is to improve the quality of the video received in a wireless network under the constraint of network bandwidth. The approach is composed of two algorithms. First, an allocation of optimal TXOP is calculated which aims at maintaining a short queuing delay at the wireless station at the cost of a small TXOP allocation. Second, the transmission of the packets is scheduled according to the importance of the packets in order to maximize the visual quality of video. The approach is compared with the standard HCCA on NS2 simulation tools using H.264 video codec. The proposed cross-layer design outperforms the standard approach in terms of the PSNRs of the received video. This approach reduces the packet loss to allow the graceful video degradation, especially under heavy network traffic.
Citizen-Centric Access to E-Government Information Through Dynamic Taxonomies
Authors: Sacco Giovanni M.
Published: February 2013

This chapter focuses on dynamic taxonomies, a semantic model for the transparent, guided, user-centric exploration of complex information bases. Although this model has an extremely wide application range, it is especially interesting in the context of e-government because it provides a single framework for the access and exploration of all e-government information and, differently from mainstream research, is citizen-centric, i.e., intended for the direct use of end-users rather than for programmatic or agent-mediated access. This chapter provides an example of interaction and discusses the application of the model to many diverse e-government areas, going from e-services to disaster planning and risk mitigation.
User-Centered Designs for Electronic Commerce Web Portals
Authors: Nathan Robert Jeyakumar , Suki Norazah Mohd
Published: February 2013

Websites connect businesses with customers. They are an important medium that facilitates online transactions, a necessity for businesses. The design and usability of an Electronic Commerce (EC) website play an important role in achieving its objectives (Kumar, Smith, & Bannerjee, 2004; Marcus, 2005; Nielsen, 2003; 2005; Krug, 2006; Cappel & Huang, 2007). Recognizing their importance, design and usability aspects of EC websites have been widely researched in both applied and academic research (Lecerof & Paterno, 1998; Lohse & Spiller, 1999; Nielsen, 2000; Cao, Zhang, & Seydel, 2005; Flavian & Guinaliu, 2006; Nathan, Yeow, & Murugesan, 2008; Nathan & Yeow, 2009; Robins & Holmes, 2008). This chapter discusses the recent work with web design and electronic commerce. The importance of usability and user-centered web designs are highlighted. Usability to specific target groups and industries, such as airlines, government, and services portals, are also discussed. Altogether, design guidelines are given for web industries, and recommendations are made for better usability in designing websites.
Low Cost and Human-Centered Innovations in Healthcare Services
Authors: Padovani Emanuele , Orelli Rebecca L. , Agnoletti Vanni , Buccioli Matteo
Published: February 2013

This chapter focuses on a change effort for introduction of an e-governance innovation in the operating room management of a medium-sized Italian hospital, which led to higher levels of efficiency and effectiveness at once. The innovative project has made all the stages of the surgical process transparent, highlighting where there is an opportunity to improve overall performance via the introduction of organizational and process innovations. New techniques implemented and the specific factors that led to the hospital's success in achieving improved outcomes at lower costs are discussed. The chapter concludes by highlighting that low cost and human-centricity are amongst the key characteristics of success of this innovation.
Rethinking Web 2.0 Learning via Third Space
Authors: Jordan Kathy , Elsden-Clifton Jennifer
Published: February 2013

Web 2.0 technologies are frequently represented as collaborative and interactive tools, and these capacities are particularly attractive to education. This chapter analyses how 26 beginning teachers in Victoria, Australia, used Elluminate Live!® (Elluminate) to support their professional learning. Drawing on Third Space theory and a case study approach, this chapter explores issues around change and emerging technologies. In particular, how beginning teachers appropriate features of this tool to engage in both receptive and collaborative learning spaces, ultimately transforming their professional learning space. It raises numerous issues and challenges for eLearning in the Web 2.0 environment.
The Use of HCI Approaches into Distributed CSCL Activities Applied to Software Engineering Courses
Authors: Giraldo Fáber D. , Villegas María Lilí , Collazos César A.
Published: February 2013

This chapter is written as one method to supply the necessary support systems for educational and training design. As such, the authors propose their global development software (GDS) methodology emerges as a revolutionary discipline. It is based on the externalization of software development between geographically distant places in order to reduce development costs. Traditional educational and training process in software engineering must be advocated to consider (or enhance) this new trend, with its respective challenges and necessary skills (multicultural interaction, effective communication, distributed software project management), into curriculums. GDS therefore demands the presence of supporting systems to provide permanent user interaction and enhanced communication tasks. The presence of such interactions is a key aspect to promote the performance and knowledge acquisition processes among globally distributed software development teams. The main goal of such interactions into platforms that support distributed contexts is to reduce the impact generated by the tyranny of distance. This work exposes some human-computer interaction (HCI) principles applied by the authors’ research team in order to structure a supporting user interface environment that reflects the distributed computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) practice in software engineering. The chapter describes several services that are provided for managing the interaction between participants, such as synchronous interactions through Microsoft © LiveMeeting and Adobe © Connect, and asynchronous interactions such as Moodle forums. In this way, the authors implement effective HCI into educational professional practice scenarios for a distributed CSCL within the specialized domain of software engineering.
MoBiFlow
Authors: Held Markus , Küchlin Wolfgang , Blochinger Wolfgang
Published: February 2013

Web-based problem solving environments provide sharing, execution and monitoring of scientific workflows. Where they depend on general purpose workflow development systems, the workflow notations are likely far too powerful and complex, especially in the area of biology, where programming skills are rare. On the other hand, application specific workflow systems may use special purpose languages and execution engines, suffering from a lack of standards, portability, documentation, stability of investment etc. In both cases, the need to support yet another application on the desk-top places a burden on the system administration of a research lab. In previous research the authors have developed the web based workflow systems Calvin and Hobbes, which enable biologists and computer scientists to approach these problems in collaboration. Both systems use a server-centric Web 2.0 based approach. Calvin is tailored to molecular biology applications, with a simple graphical workflow-language and easy access to existing BioMoby web services. Calvin workflows are compiled to industry standard BPEL workflows, which can be edited and refined in collaboration between researchers and computer scientists using the Hobbes tool. Together, Calvin and Hobbes form our workflow platform MoBiFlow, whose principles, design, and use cases are described in this paper.
Women and Health in Japan
Authors: Hara Hiroko
Published: February 2013

In this article, the author first overviews the state of affairs concerning reproductive health/rights in Japan. The spread of HIV/AIDS and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) in Japan are then examined, followed by a discussion on promotion of gender and sex-specific medicine. Finally, the author examines causes of death in Japan and their implications from the perspectives of gender equality.
Making Sense of the Best Interest of Children in Vulnerable Family Relationships
Authors: Takahashi Mutsuko
Published: February 2013

The aftermath of divorce or separation of a couple with children profoundly affects the lives of all those who used to live together as a family. In Japan the current legislation admits child custody for either of the parents at divorce, and it is usually mothers who become the custodial parents living together with child. Differently from many other societies the joint custody system has not been introduced to Japan, and some people (legal experts, researchers and activist citizens mainly of fathers’ rights movement) in Japan are activating the discussion about legal reform for introducing joint custody to Japan.
FACTORS PREDICTING MORBIDITY IN PATIENTS WITH DENGUE FEVER IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Hasan Khan Muhammad Imran , Anwar Eram , Agha Adnan , Saleh Noha , Ullah Ehsan , Syed Imran Ali , Raja Arsalan
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Dengue virus (DENV) affects over half the world’s population in 112 countries, and dengue fever (DF) is the second largest arthropod borne infectious global hazard after malaria with complications like Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) accounting for significant morbidity and mortality world over. Pakistan is significantly affected with DENV infection and to-date no study identifying risk factors associated with complications of DF has been done. Methods: 997 confirmed cases of DF were collected in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan and their clinical and biochemical data were collected. Univariate, multivariate and logistics regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors associated with development of DHF and DSS. Results: Bleeding OR 70.7 (CI 38.4-129.9), deranged liver function test OR 1.9 (CI 0.97-0.99), platelet count on admission less than 50,000 x109/L OR 0.16 (CI 0.13-0.19), presence of urinary red blood cells OR 1.4 (CI 0.179-0.900) and presence of urinary protein OR 1.1 (CI 0.191-0.974) were related to development of DHF and DSS.
A meaningful workplace: Framework, space and context
Authors: Steenkamp Petrus L. , Basson Johan S.
Published: February 2013

An attempt was made to describe and to eventually implement work space that can be defined as psychologically meaningful and which has increased during the past 5−10 years. Indications are that various researchers on different continents have embarked on a journey to describe the meaningful workplace. Such a workplace is more than a geographical location, it is psychological space; space where the individual employee performs tasks that construe his or her work role, in collaboration with other individuals, within a framework of predetermined time frames, according to certain procedures, based on identified needs and within a formal workflow structure that is normally referred to as the organisation. Within this framework employees become alienated as a result of which the organisation as well as the individual suffer. The organisation experiences a loss of productivity, quality, innovation, et cetera, and the employee a loss of meaning in life and work. Yet, the workplace remains the space where meaning can be gained. It is both the framework and context for meaningfulness at work. Within this framework certain factors and constitutive elements play a facilitating role in experiencing meaningfulness. Various factors including values, and imbedded therein, the Protestant Ethic (PE), (and various other factors, such as for instance spirituality, culture, leadership and management style, etc.), play an important role as facilitating factors towards the experience of meaningfulness at work. Developing a framework and context, on a conceptual level for the positioning of these factors as contributories towards the meaningful workplace, is a first priority. This is what this article is about: to conceptualise the workplace as psychological space, framework and context for understanding the contributory role of PE (and other factors) towards the experience of meaningfulness at work. The positioning of values and the PE as Max Weber understood the concept will be presented in a follow-on article.
Dengue Virus and Japanese Encephalitis Virus Epidemiological Shifts in Nepal: A Case of Opposing Trends
Authors: Dumre Shyam P. , Shakya Geeta , Na-Bangchang Kesara , Eursitthichai Veerachai , Rudi Grams Hans , Upreti Senendra R. , Ghimire Prakash , KC Khagendra , Nisalak Ananda , Gibbons Robert V. , Fernandez Stefan
Published: February 2013

We report on the changing epidemiology of two important flaviviruses in Nepal: Japanese encephalitis (JE) and dengue viruses. Morbidity and mortality in Nepal is in the thousands since JE was introduced in 1978. Nepal launched an extensive laboratory-based JE surveillance in 2004. Nepal experienced a remarkable reduction in disease burden after mass immunizations from 2005 to 2010, when 2,040 JE infections and 205 JE-related deaths were confirmed. With its emergence in 2006, dengue has become a significant challenge in the country, highlighted by a sudden outbreak in 2010 that resulted in 359 confirmed dengue infections. Currently, both viruses cocirculate in Nepal. Here, we document the remarkable expansion of dengue in Nepal, which urgently requires national surveillance to refine the burden and make recommendations regarding control and prevention programs. We believe that the use of existing JE surveillance network for integrated dengue surveillance may represent the most appropriate alternative.
Disseminated Infection by Mycobacterium sherrisii and Histoplasma capsulatum in an African HIV-Infected Patient
Authors: Taján Juan , Espasa Mateu , Sala Montserrat , Navarro Marta , Font Bernat , González-Martín Julián , Segura Ferran
Published: February 2013

Mycobacterium sherrisii is a new species of opportunistic, slow-growing, non-tuberculous Mycobacterium closely related to Mycobacterium simiae that can currently be identified with the sequence of 16S rARN gene and the heat-shock protein 65. Few cases of patients infected by this Mycobacterium have been reported and all of them were associated with human immunodeficiency virus or other immunosuppressive conditions. Clinical management is complex, because there is not a clear correlation between the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing and the patient's clinical outcome.
MODIS 3 km aerosol product: applications over land in an urban/suburban region
Authors: Munchak L. A. , Levy R. C. , Mattoo S. , Remer L. A. , Holben B. N. , Schafer J. S. , Hostetler C. A. , Ferrare R. A.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments aboard the Terra and Aqua satellites have provided a rich dataset of aerosol information at a 10 km spatial scale. Although originally intended for climate applications, the air quality community quickly became interested in using the MODIS aerosol data. However, 10 km resolution is not sufficient to resolve local scale aerosol features. With this in mind, MODIS Collection 6 is including a global aerosol product with a 3 km resolution. Here, we evaluate the 3 km product over the Baltimore/Washington D.C., USA, corridor during the summer of 2011, by comparing with spatially dense data collected as part of the DISCOVER-AQ campaign; these data were measured by the NASA Langley Research Center airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) and a network of 44 sun photometers (SP) spaced approximately 10 km apart. The HSRL instrument shows that AOD can vary by up to 0.2 within a single 10 km MODIS pixel, meaning that higher resolution satellite retrievals may help to characterize aerosol spatial distributions in this region. Different techniques for validating a high-resolution aerosol product against SP measurements are considered. Although the 10 km product is more statistically reliable than the 3 km product, the 3 km product still performs acceptably, with more than two-thirds of MODIS/SP collocations falling within the expected error envelope with high correlation (R > 0.90). The 3 km product can better resolve aerosol gradients and retrieve closer to clouds and shorelines than the 10 km product, but tends to show more significant noise especially in urban areas. This urban degradation is quantified using ancillary land cover data. Overall, we show that the MODIS 3 km product adds new information to the existing set of satellite derived aerosol products and validates well over the region, but due to noise and problems in urban areas, should be treated with some degree of caution.
Soil CO2 CH4 and N2O fluxes from an afforested lowland raised peatbog in Scotland: implications for drainage and restoration
Authors: Yamulki S. , Anderson R. , Peace A. , Morison J. I. L.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The effect of tree (lodgepole pine) planting with and without intensive drainage on soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes was assessed after 45 yr at a raised peatbog in West Flanders Moss, central Scotland. Fluxes of CO2 CH4 and N2O from the soil were monitored over a 2-yr period every 2 to 4 weeks using the static opaque chamber method in a randomised experimental block trial with the following treatments: drained and planted (DP), undrained and planted (uDP), undrained and unplanted (uDuP) and for reference also from an adjoining near-pristine area of bog at East Flanders Moss (n-pris). There was a strong seasonal pattern in both CO2 and CH4 effluxes which were significantly higher in late spring and summer months because of warmer temperatures. Effluxes of N2O were low and no significant differences were observed between the treatments. Annual CH4 emissions increased with the proximity of the water table to the soil surface across treatments in the order: DP < uDP < uDuP < n-pris with mean annual effluxes over the 2-yr monitoring period of 0.15, 0.64, 7.70 and 22.63 g CH4 m−2 yr−1, respectively. For CO2, effluxes increased in the order uDP < DP< n-pris < uDuP, with mean annual effluxes of 1.23, 1.66, 1.82 and 2.55 kg CO2 m−2 yr−1, respectively. CO2 effluxes dominated the total net GHG emission, calculated using the global warming potential (GWP) of the three GHGs for each treatment (76–98%), and only in the n-pris site was CH4 a substantial contribution (23%). Based on soil effluxes only, the near pristine (n-pris) peatbog had 43% higher total net GHG emission compared with the DP treatment because of high CH4 effluxes and the DP treatment had 33% higher total net emission compared with the uDP because drainage increased CO2 effluxes. Restoration is likely to increase CH4 emissions, but reduce CO2 effluxes. Our study suggests that if estimates of CO2 uptake by vegetation from similar peatbog sites were included, the total net GHG emission of restored peatbog would still be higher than that of the peatbog with trees.