bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paternal Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Hillman Sara , Peebles Donald M. , Williams David J.
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

Fathers of low–birth weight offspring are more likely to have type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. We investigated whether paternal insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors were evident at the time that fetal growth–restricted offspring were born.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We carried out a case-control study of men who fathered pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction, in the absence of recognized fetal disease (n = 42), compared with men who fathered normal–birth weight offspring (n = 77). All mothers were healthy, nonsmoking, and similar in age, BMI, ethnicity, and parity. Within 4 weeks of offspring birth, all fathers had measures of insulin resistance (HOMA index), blood pressure, waist circumference, endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation), lipid profile, weight, and smoking habit. Comparison was made using multivariable logistical regression analysis.

RESULTS

Fathers of fetal growth–restricted offspring [mean (SD) 1.8th (2.2) customized birth centile] were more likely to have insulin resistance, hypertension, central adiposity, and endothelial dysfunction and to smoke cigarettes compared with fathers of normal grown offspring. After multivariable analysis, paternal insulin resistance and smoking remained different between the groups. Compared with fathers of normal grown offspring, men who fathered pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction had an OR 7.68 (95% CI 2.63–22.40; P < 0.0001) of having a 1-unit higher log HOMA-IR value and 3.39 (1.26–9.16; P = 0.016) of being a smoker.

CONCLUSIONS

Men who recently fathered growth-restricted offspring have preclinical evidence of the insulin resistance syndrome and are more likely to smoke than fathers of normal grown offspring. Paternal lifestyle may influence heritable factors important for fetal growth.
How Metformin Acts in PCOS Pregnant Women
Authors: Romualdi Daniela , De Cicco Simona , Gagliano Donatella , Busacca Matteo , Campagna Giuseppe , Lanzone Antonio , Guido Maurizio
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

Metformin has been reported to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes (GD) in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, little is known about the mechanisms of action of this drug during pregnancy. In the attempt to fill this gap, we performed a prospective longitudinal study providing a detailed examination of glucose and insulin metabolism in pregnant women with PCOS undergoing metformin therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We enrolled 60 women with PCOS who conceived while undergoing metformin treatment. An oral glucose tolerance test and a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp were performed at each trimester of gestation in 47 ongoing pregnancies.

RESULTS

Twenty-two of the study subjects had development of GD despite the treatment. At baseline, insulin sensitivity was comparable between women who had development of GD and women who did not. A progressive decline in this parameter occurred in all subjects, independently of the trimester of GD diagnosis. Insulin secretion was significantly higher during the first trimester in patients with an early failure of metformin treatment. Women with third trimester GD and women with no GD exhibited a significant increase in insulin output as gestation proceeded. All newborns were healthy and only one case of macrosomia was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with PCOS who enter pregnancy in a condition of severe hyperinsulinemia have development of GD earlier, independently of metformin treatment. The physiologic deterioration of insulin sensitivity is not affected by the drug and does not predict the timing and severity of the glycemic imbalance. Despite the high incidence of GD observed, the drug itself or the intensive monitoring probably accounted for the good neonatal outcome.
Do Older Adults Aged 60–75 Years Benefit From Diabetes Behavioral Interventions?
Authors: Beverly Elizabeth A. , Fitzgerald Shane , Sitnikov Lilya , Ganda Om P. , Caballero A. Enrique , Weinger Katie
Published: January 2013

OBJECTIVE

In this secondary analysis, we examined whether older adults with diabetes (aged 60–75 years) could benefit from self-management interventions compared with younger adults. Seventy-one community-dwelling older adults and 151 younger adults were randomized to attend a structured behavioral group, an attention control group, or one-to-one education.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We measured A1C, self-care (3-day pedometer readings, blood glucose checks, and frequency of self-care), and psychosocial factors (quality of life, diabetes distress, frustration with self-care, depression, self-efficacy, and coping styles) at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months postintervention.

RESULTS

Both older (age 67 ± 5 years, A1C 8.7 ± 0.8%, duration 20 ± 12 years, 30% type 1 diabetes, 83% white, 41% female) and younger (age 47 ± 9 years, A1C 9.2 ± 1.2%, 18 ± 12 years with diabetes, 59% type 1 diabetes, 82% white, 55% female) adults had improved A1C equally over time. Importantly, older and younger adults in the group conditions improved more and maintained improvements at 12 months (older structured behavioral group change in A1C −0.72 ± 1.4%, older control group −0.65 ± 0.9%, younger behavioral group −0.55 ± 1.2%, younger control group −0.43 ± 1.7%). Furthermore, frequency of self-care, glucose checks, depressive symptoms, quality of life, distress, frustration with self-care, self-efficacy, and emotional coping improved in older and younger participants at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that, compared with younger adults, older adults receive equal glycemic benefit from participating in self-management interventions. Moreover, older adults showed the greatest glycemic improvement in the two group conditions. Clinicians can safely recommend group diabetes interventions to community-dwelling older adults with poor glycemic control.
Boron partitioning between SiO2–CaO–MgO slags and liquid silicon at controlled nitrogen potential
Authors: White Jesse F. , Allertz Carl , Sichen Du
Published: January 2013

During refining of silicon using slag treatment, boron dissolved in the silicon is extracted to a liquid oxide (slag) phase. In this investigation the partitioning of boron between SiO2–CaO–MgO slags and liquid silicon was examined at 1873 K over a range of slag compositions and CO–N2 gas mixtures. It was found that the distribution of boron is strongly dependent on the nitrogen partial pressure as well as the slag composition. The greatest partition ratios were achieved at 0.6 atm CO/0.4 atm N2 with low silica content in the slag. The concentration of MgO in the slag seems to have little or no impact on the boron partition ratio.
Phase constitutions of rapid solidification/powder metallurgy Mg–Zn–Ca–RE alloys
Authors: Zhou Tao , Yang Mingbo , Xia Hua , Hu Jianjun , Chen Zhenhua
Published: January 2013

Mg-6Zn-5Ca-3Ce and Mg-6Zn-5Ca-3Ce-0.5La (wt.%) alloys in the form of rods were prepared by hot extrusion of rapidly solidified powders, produced via atomization of the alloy melt and subsequent splat-quenching between a pair of water-cooled copper rollers. The microstructures and phase constitutions of the alloys were investigated. The results showed that the thermally stable Mg
x
Zn
yREz
phase with a small amount of Ca was present in the alloys, and its formation may be due to the dissolving of Ca in Mg
x
Zn
yREz
phase. For the Mg-6Zn-5Ca-3Ce alloy, the grain size ranged from 350 nm to 1 μm. With an addition of 0.5 wt.% La, the microstructure of the alloy was refined, for which the grain size ranged from 300 nm to 500 nm, mainly resulting from the increase in both the number of RE-containing intermetallics and the melting point of the Mg
x
Zn
yREz
phase with a small amount of Ca.
Removal of benzylidene acetal and benzyl ether in carbohydrate derivatives using triethylsilane and Pd/C
Authors: Santra Abhishek , Ghosh Tamashree , Misra Anup Kumar
Published: January 2013

Clean deprotection of carbohydrate derivatives containing benzylidene acetals and benzyl ethers was achieved under catalytic transfer hydrogenation conditions by using a combination of triethylsilane and 10% Pd/C in CH3OH at room temperature. A variety of carbohydrate diol derivatives were prepared from their benzylidene derivatives in excellent yield.
La Goutte d'Or, 30 juillet 1955 : une émeute au cœur de la métropole coloniale
Authors: Blanchard Emmanuel
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’émeute urbaine est généralement analysée en lien avec l’histoire des quartiers périphériques et des grands ensembles. L’intégrer à une histoire de la « centralité immigrée » à Paris permet de mettre au jour d’autres continuités et généalogies. Ainsi, l’étude de l’émeute survenue le 30 juillet 1955 dans le quartier de la Goutte d’Or (18 e arrondissement, Paris), marqué par une très forte visibilité des « Français musulmans d’Algérie », permet de rompre avec le spatialisme des tentatives d’historisation des violences urbaines. Au croisement de plusieurs traditions de mobilisation (mouvement ouvrier, résistances populaires aux instances disciplinaires, luttes anticoloniales) s’est alors actualisé un mode d’action émeutier dont de nombreux éléments sont repérables dans des épisodes intervenus des années 1970 à nos jours. Il en ressort que, plus que les segmentations géographiques, ce sont les discours publics et les dispositifs policiers qui construisent les espaces au sein desquels l’émeute apparaît comme une réponse à la domination politique et sociale.
Adoption volontaire des IFRS, asymétrie d'information et fourchettes de prix : l'impact du contexte informationnel
Authors: Dumontier Pascal , Maghraoui Randa
Published: January 2013

Résumé Cette étude vise à déterminer si l’application des IFRS tend à produire des chiffres plus informatifs que ceux qui résultent de l’application des normes locales. En s’appuyant sur le cas de la Suisse, cette étude montre que les entreprises qui appliquent les IFRS présentent, toutes choses égales par ailleurs, des fourchettes de prix inférieures à celles des entreprises qui appliquent les normes locales, ce qui suggère que l’application des IFRS améliore le contenu informatif des données comptables. Cette étude montre aussi que l’impact des IFRS sur la fourchette de prix diminue avec la taille de l’entreprise et le nombre d’analystes qui suivent la firme, ce qui suggère que l’utilisation des IFRS est d’autant plus bénéfique sur le plan informationnel que l’entreprise divulgue peu.
La perception des entreprises françaises en matière de diffusion d'informations non financières : une enquête par questionnaire
Authors: Cauvin Éric , Decock Good Christel , Bescos Pierre-Laurent
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’information diffusée dans les rapports d’activité devient un enjeu de communication de plus en plus important. Les recherches conduites sur le sujet soulignent notamment que les informations non financières diffusées par les entreprises cotées en bourse sont utiles pour prévoir les performances financières futures. À partir d’une enquête par questionnaire auprès des entreprises françaises cotées au SBF 250, cet article analyse d’abord dans quelle mesure les partenaires des entreprises influencent la nature des informations non financières qu’elles communiquent. Ensuite, les résultats montrent que parmi les partenaires des entreprises, les actionnaires potentiels, les médias, les normalisateurs comptables, mais aussi les pouvoirs publics, la société civile et les collectivités locales, sont les groupes ayant une influence importante sur le choix des informations diffusées. Enfin, s’agissant des informations non financières choisis d’être diffusées, un effet de mimétisme entre les entreprises est observé.
Les déterminants de la précision des prévisions de résultat publiées dans les prospectus d'introduction au Second Marché (1994-2000)
Authors: Boubaker Sabri , Labégorre Florence
Published: January 2013

Résumé Lors de leur admission à la cote du Second Marché français, certaines sociétés choissent de publier des prévisions de résultat dans leur prospectus d’introduction. Ces informations prévisionnelles présentent un grand intérêt, aussi bien pour les investisseurs que pour les créanciers. Mais les contrôles légaux effectués ne peuvent préjuger de leur précision. Aussi proposons-nous dans cette étude une analyse de la précision des estimations du dirigeant. Les 115 prévisions de résultat observées s’avèrent optimistes et relativement imprécises, comparées à celles d’autres pays. Par ailleurs, nous montrons que l’erreur de prévision ex post croît avec la taille, le levier financier et l’internationalisation de l’activité, et diminue avec la diversification industrielle et la rétention de capital par le dirigeant.
Les pratiques d'évaluation et de publication des entreprises françaises, allemandes et américaines : le cas des éléments incorporels
Authors: Bessieux-Ollier Corinne
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’analyse des réglementations comptables en France, en Allemagne et aux États-Unis fait ressortir des disparités de traitements comptables relatifs aux incorporels et d’informations devant être communiquées aux utilisateurs des états financiers. Des choix comptables sont donc laissés aux entreprises. Deux indicateurs ont été élaborés afin d’identifier les pratiques d’évaluation et les pratiques de publication d’informations des incorporels par les entreprises. Il s’agit de « la propension à la prudence » et de « la propension au secret ». Les deux indicateurs de propension sont utilisés pour présenter, en 1998, les pratiques relatives aux incorporels de 417 entreprises françaises, allemandes et américaines appartenant à quatre secteurs d’activité. Les résultats par pays et par secteur sont communiqués.
The Impasse of Femininity: A Paternal Heritage
Authors: Yi Mi-Kyung
Published: January 2013

L’impasse du féminin : un héritage paternel ? Notre propos se porte sur la question du féminin. Celle-ci sera interrogée sous un triple angle : l’identité sexuelle, la filiation père-fils et enfin l’altérité. Une attention toute particulière est prêtée à la place du féminin dans le développement psychosexuel de l’enfant de sexe masculin et aux incidences que la relation père-fils peut y produire. L’examen de ce point de butée que constitue le féminin et qui, de père en fils, fait l’objet d’une répétition transgénérationnelle pourrait apporter une lumière supplémentaire sur la nature de ce que Freud appelle le « continent noir ».
L'instrumentalisation par la preuve du corps du réfugié
Authors: Pestre Élise
Published: January 2013

Le sujet qui demande l’asile au sein d’un nouvel État doit témoigner des craintes de persécutions qu’il encoure dans son pays. Une fois réalisé l’examen minutieux de son récit, les preuves corporelles de ses allégations seront appréciées par les administrations. Les autorités porteront une attention toute particulière aux corps des requérants, dans l’objectif de valider – ou pas – leur témoignage, comme si les corps avaient le pouvoir de conserver à jamais les empreintes visibles des blessures passées. Cette quête souveraine de corps meurtris érige le soma en témoin incontournable du parcours d’asile du réfugié.
Face à la violence et ses effets dans le champ des apprentissages, quel espace pour une écoute ?
Authors: Arreguy Marília Etienne , Gontran Wilfried
Published: January 2013

Face à ce qu’on appelle la « montée de la violence » et la diversification de ses manifestations, cet article a pour but de réfléchir aux différentes pratiques psychologiques actuelles dans le champ de l’éducation ainsi qu’aux possibles contributions de la psychanalyse dans ce domaine. Il traite de quelques diagnostics techno-scientifiques tels le bullying et le TDAH (Trouble Déficit d’Attention et Hyperactivité) jusqu’au recours à l’imagerie cérébrale. Il explicite les illusions à l’œuvre dans l’imposition par le politique de techniques (psycho)pédagogiques destinées à être appliquées dans les écoles publiques par des enseignants et des psychologues, sans que ceux-ci puissent construire et s’approprier ces méthodes. À partir de quelques exemples, principalement empruntés à l’actualité de la société brésilienne, les auteurs entendent donc apporter une analyse critique à cette gouvernance néolibérale qui voudrait, de façon autoritaire et à travers une argumentation inspirée par le discours scientifique et instrumentalisée dans l’approche comportementale, tout réglementer. En conséquence de quoi ce qui finit par émerger est une forme de violence, qui s’échelonne de la stigmatisation des élèves, en cherchant à normaliser les apprentissages, à l’inflation de passages à l’acte de plus en plus radicaux –qu’il convient d’analyser – au sein de l’école. Quelle place et quel statut y a la parole aujourd’hui ? Au travers d’interventions moins ambitieuses mais peut-être plus effectives, les auteurs défendent a contrario le développement d’une praxis psychologique orientée par la psychanalyse, c’est-à-dire axée sur la singularité, dans la mesure où elle se fonde sur la valorisation de la subjectivité et l’insertion singulière d’enfants et d’adolescents dans l’univers discursif des adultes et de la culture.
Du travail d'atelier au collectif : l'inscription professionnelle ambivalente des « céramistes-créateurs »
Authors: Bajard Flora
Published: January 2013

Cet article s’appuie sur une enquête ethnographique entamée il y a trois ans parmi les « céramistes-créateurs » en France. Ils exercent désormais en « régime de singularité » et leurs pratiques et discours empruntent aux notions d’inspiration, d’originalité et de vocation. Pourtant, ces professionnels mettent en œuvre des savoir-faire, compétences et critères d’évaluation communs, illustrant par de nombreux aspects le travail de « l’homme de métier ». En puisant dans la sociologie du travail artistique et des groupes professionnels, on rendra compte des implications de cette inscription professionnelle ambivalente : si les apports de « l’art » et du « métier » imprègnent la construction des identités au travail et des carrières, ils constituent aussi paradoxalement un terrain d’ancrage pour la professionnalisation de cette nouvelle « communauté artistique ».
A 6-Week-Old Girl with a Scalp Lesion
Authors: Zimmerman Bree , Chamlin Sarah L.
Published: January 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify the clinical features of aplasia cutis congenita (ACC).

2.

Understand the differential diagnosis of ACC.

3.

Recognize features of concern for underlying associations of ACC.

A 6-week-old girl presented to the dermatology clinic for evaluation of a scalp lesion. She was born full-term by vaginal delivery to a 27-year-old healthy mother with normal prenatal labs. The delivery was complicated by prolonged rupture of membranes and a scalp electrode was placed at hour 20 of labor. Forceps or other instrumentation were not used during delivery. In the general care nursery, the infant was noted to have a scalp lesion. No bleeding or drainage was ever noted from the area. The lesion remained unchanged since birth with no intermittent enlargement noted. Review of systems was unremarkable. Family history was noncontributory.
A 3-Year-Old Girl with Thin Hair
Authors: Becker Lauren , Chamlin Sarah L.
Published: January 2013

CME Educational Objectives

1.

Identify the clinical features of loose anagen syndrome.

2.

Distinguish between loose anagen syndrome and other types of alopecia in a young child.

3.

Understand the natural history of loose anagen syndrome.

A healthy 3-year-old white girl presented to the pediatric dermatology clinic for evaluation of thin hair. She was born with little hair and slowly grew thin blond hair. Her hair has always remained short, and she has only had one haircut. The patient’s mother never noted any scalp abnormalities such as scale or dermatitis. The child does not seem to play with her hair. Her mother notes times when clumps of hair pull out without discomfort. A laboratory work-up prior to presentation revealed normal thyroid studies and an incidental iron deficiency anemia for which she was on oral iron replacement. There was no family history of alopecia, thin hair, or autoimmune disorders.
Visual Outcome and Changes in Corneal Endothelial Cell Density Following Aphakic Iris-Fixated Intraocular Lens Implantation in Pediatric Eyes With Subluxated Lenses
Authors: Siddiqui Sorath Noorani , Khan Ayesha
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

To evaluate the visual outcome and corneal endothelial cell density after Artisan aphakic intraocular lens (IOL) implantation (Ophtec, Groningen, the Netherlands) in pediatric eyes with subluxated lenses.

Methods:

Artisan aphakic IOLs were implanted in 18 eyes of 11 children with subluxated lenses. Idiopathic subluxations and ectopia lentis due to Marfan syndrome were included, whereas subluxations due to trauma or buphthalmos were excluded. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and endothelial cell density were monitored. Mean postoperative BCVA and endothelial cell density at last follow-up visit were calculated.

Results:

The age of children at the time of Artisan aphakic IOL implantation ranged from 8 to 16 years (mean: 11.58 ± 2.9 years). Mean follow-up was 9.12 ± 4.30 months. Mean postoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA was 0.26 ± 0.13 (
P
= .001) and mean postoperative endothelial cell density was 2,860 ± 435 cells/mm
2
(
P
= .000). Mean endothelial cell loss was 17.1%.

Conclusion:

Artisan aphakic IOL implantation is a safe surgical choice in the management of ectopia lentis in the pediatric age group. It has minimal complications and is less traumatic to pediatric eyes. However, long-term follow-up of these children is required.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50(3):178–182.]
Patent Ductus Arteriosus and Indomethacin Treatment as Independent Risk Factors for Plus Disease in Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Tsui Irena , Ebani Edward , Rosenberg Jamie B. , Lin Juan , Angert Robert M. , Mian Umar
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

To examine whether clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or indomethacin treatment are associated with plus disease or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment.

Methods:

Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Charts were reviewed for gestational age, birth weight, birth head circumference, birth length, maternal characteristics, gender, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurologic comorbidities, PDA and its treatments, gastrointestinal comorbidities, blood transfusions, and sepsis. Main outcome measures were increased rates of plus disease or ROP requiring treatment.

Results:

A total of 450 premature infants screened for ROP in a mid-sized, urban neonatal intensive care unit were included. On univariate analysis, gestational age, birth weight, birth head circumference, birth length, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurologic comorbidities, PDA and its treatments, gastrointestinal comorbidities, and sepsis were significantly correlated to plus disease and ROP requiring treatment. PDA was significantly associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurologic comorbidities, sepsis, and blood transfusions (
P
< .0001). With type 3 multivariate analysis, only gestational age and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were independent risk factors for ROP.

Conclusion:

PDA and indomethacin were associated with plus disease and ROP requiring treatment on univariate analysis but this was not significant after adjusting for other risk factors. PDA was also strongly related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia and blood transfusions, which may explain its effect on ROP.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50:88–92.]
A Flexible Online Apparatus for Projectile Launch Experiments
Authors: Paiva Carlos Manuel , Nogueira Pedro , Alves Gustavo , Marques Arcelina , Guimarães Pedro , Couto Rubem
Published: January 2013

In order to provide a more flexible learning environment in physics, the developed projectile launch apparatus enables students to determine the acceleration of gravity and the dependence of a set of parameters in the projectile movement. This apparatus is remotely operated and accessed via web, by first scheduling an access time slot. This machine has a number of configuration parameters that support different learning scenarios with different complexities.
Cost-Based Topology Optimization of Embedded Ethernet Networks
Authors: Sommer Jörg , Doumith Elias A. , Reifert Andreas
Published: January 2013

During past decades, Ethernet progressively became the most widely used Local Area Network (LAN) technology. Apart from LAN installations, Ethernet also became attractive for other application areas such as industrial control, automotive, and avionics. In traditional LAN design, the objective is to minimize the network deployment cost. However, in embedded networks, additional constraints and ambient conditions add to the complexity of the problem. In this paper, the authors propose a Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm to optimize the physical topology of an embedded Ethernet network. The various constraints and ambient conditions are modeled by a cost map. For networks with small number of nodes and/or switches, the authors were able to find the optimal solutions using adapted algorithms. These solutions will serve as a lower bound for the solutions obtained via the SA algorithm. However, the adapted algorithms are time consuming and application specific. The paper shows that the SA algorithm can be applied in all cases and finds (near-) optimal solutions.
Analysis of Monitoring Structures for Network-on-Chip
Authors: Rantala Ville , Lehtonen Teijo , Liljeberg Pasi , Plosila Juha
Published: January 2013

Monitoring services are essential for advanced, reliable NoC systems. They should support traffic management, system reconfiguration and fault detection to enable optimal performance and reliability of the system. The paper presents a thorough description of NoC monitoring structures and studies earlier works. A distributed monitoring structure is proposed and compared against the structures presented in previous works. The proposed distributed network monitoring system does not require centralized control, is fully scalable and does not cause significant traffic overhead to the network. The distributed structure is in line with the scalability and flexibility of the NoC paradigm. The paper studies the monitoring structure features and analyzes traffic overhead, monitoring data diffusion, cost and performance. The advantages of distributed monitoring are found evident and the limitations of the structure are discussed.
Self-Calibrating Source Synchronous Communication for Delay Variation Tolerant GALS Network-on-Chip Design
Authors: Strano Alessandro , Hernández Carles , Silla Federico , Bertozzi Davide
Published: January 2013

Source synchronous links for use in multi-synchronous networks-on-chip (NoCs) are becoming the most vulnerable points for correct network operation and must be safeguarded against intra-link delay variations and signal misalignments. The intricacy of matching link net attributes during placement and routing and the growing role of process parameter variations in nanoscale silicon technologies are the root causes for this. This article addresses the challenge of designing a process variation and layout mismatch tolerant link for synchronizer-based GALS NoCs by implementing a self-calibration mechanism. A variation detector senses the variability-induced misalignment between data lines with themselves and with the transmitter clock routed with data in source synchronous links. A suitable delayed replica of the transmitter clock is then selected for safe sampling of misaligned data. The manuscript proves robustness of the link in isolation with respect to a detector-less link, but also assesses integration issues with the downstream synchronizer and switch architecture, proving the benefits in a realistic experimental setting for cost-effective NoCs.
Impact of Prior Usage Experience on the Intention to Adopt 3G Mobile Service for the Youth in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Kevin K. W.
Published: January 2013

Third generation (3G) mobile service has been launched for several years and yet the information systems (IS) community has not yet gained a full understanding of how various technological and social factors affect the intention to adopt this technology. This study probes into this issue using the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) (Rogers, 1995) along with two other constructs, i.e., subjective norms and perceived security on 3G mobile service. Using survey data collected from the youth of Hong Kong, the author notices that observability and complexity are IDT factors that affect the intention to adopt 3G mobile service by experienced users, i.e., who are current users of 2G or 2.5G mobile service. Plus subjective norms and perceived security are factors considered by both experienced and inexperienced users. Recommendations are provided to mobile service operators and developers in developing their rollout strategy in the mobile service market.
Process and Structural Implications for IT-Enabled Outsourcing
Authors: Drnevich Paul , Brush Thomas H. , Luckock Gregory T.
Published: January 2013

Recent research examined the non-traditional, but increasingly common case of the use of IT to facilitate theoretically inconsistent outsourcing decisions involving (strategic) core firm resources and asset-specific capabilities. It further illustrated how IT can enable such outsourcing decisions and how performance advantages may ensue. However, the process and structural implications of such practices remain unexamined. This paper extends this area of research by proposing three distinct approaches to IT-enabled business process outsourcing (BPO). The authors differentiate these approaches by the timing of when the outsourcing vendor takes ownership of the activity, and when and where any transformation of the activity takes place. The authors label these processes by the order of the initial activities that lead the outsourcing process, (e.g., transformation, transition, or a transfer of an organizational activity). The authors illustrate and discuss the implications of the propositions through several real-world case examples.
A Nearly One-to-One Method to Convert Analog Signals into a Small Volume of Data
Authors: Ciulin Dan
Published: January 2013

This article is an extension for 2-D analogue signals (and more) of the methods presented in “A nearly One-to-One Method to Convert Analog Signals into a Small Volume of Data” which was published in an earlier issue. This new conversion method may save the storage space, the bandwidth of the transmitting channels and the necessary energy for transmission. It may be particularly interesting for the space communications and/or information storage but also for TV transmissions to save spectrum, especially for the coming 3-D TV. Once a successful realization of a dedicated software and hardware able to realize the conversion in “real time”, new standard with a better quality and low data volumes may be considered for the 2-D and also for the 3-D signals transmission and/or storage. This conversion method may be considered also as a “public key encryption” and may insure a good (or even very good) security of information. Due to the high sensitivity of parameters of this coding/decoding procedure, especially for higher compression factors, and to the big number of the used parameters, this method may be also considered as a strategic information technology.
Using MMORPGs in Classrooms
Authors: Akcaoglu Mete
Published: January 2013

This case deals with the problem of decision making in allocating resources during an educational game-development process. In educational games, unlike commercial games, there is an added focus on creating learning content, shifting the balance between learning and fun to a degree where essential game elements might be excluded from these games. In some cases, classroom settings, however, are filled with elements that can emulate the role of a missing element. As it was seen in this case, even when some important game elements (i.e., narratives) were missing from a game, the presence of some important classroom elements (i.e., teachers) helped replace them.
Get Your Head in the Game
Authors: Herrig Brian
Published: January 2013

This chapter discusses the development and implementation of an introductory programming unit within a seventh grade technology education course. The goal of this unit was to introduce the concepts of programming to middle school students in a way that was accessible and unintimidating. Digital games provide an inherent level of engagement not present in other programming activities, and the digital game environment provides a safe platform for experimentation without concern for safety or equipment. The curriculum described in this chapter provides many practical examples of how digital games can be incorporated into a technology education classroom to engage students in the world of programming.
Using Game Design as a Means to Make Computer Science Accessible to Adolescents
Authors: Hadad Roxana
Published: January 2013

In this case, the author discusses using game design and community-building as methods for increasing interest and knowledge of computer science for students from underrepresented populations. Students in a six-week Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) summer program learned game design alongside programming basics, while they spoke to programming industry experts. For four weeks, students focused on the design concepts in different games they had played and with which they were familiar. They recreated these games by programming them using MIT’s Scratch software. In the remaining two weeks, students created their own game using the concepts and skills they had learned. Some students chose to program their games to use the Xbox 360® KinectTM controller as a way for the player to interact with their game using their whole body. Programmers spoke to the students weekly, both online and in person, answering questions about the field and the work that they do. Students shared their work with one another and the instructors in a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Preparing Pre-Service Teachers for Game-Based Learning in Schools
Authors: Lee Soojeong
Published: January 2013

This chapter describes the pre-service teacher’s preparation of teaching consumption education to middle school students when using Farmville, a social network-based game. Consumption education is a complex topic, involving principals such as consumers, producers, governments, etc., as well as related abstract concepts such as resource type, the management and distribution of resources, use of consumer information, consumer decision-making, et cetera. Consumer satisfaction varies based on interaction types between each factor. Because of the abstract nature of this discussion, there are many limits to teaching this topic using only theoretical classes. However, students reported that using Farmville was helpful in learning on consumption and related contents, specifically because of its ability to confirm specific results, including stream of resources management, consumption pattern by decision-making process, etc. through the process of giving and receiving resources with peers who participate in a game. Also, students understood the stream of actual market economy and realized the importance of shared consumption as an environmental factor.
The Role of Animations and Manipulatives in Supporting Learning and Communication in Mathematics Classrooms
Authors: Uribe-Flórez Lida J. , Trespalacios Jesús
Published: January 2013

This chapter describes the use of a computer-based animation and manipulatives to support learning and communication of mathematical thinking in a fourth-grade classroom. The educational animation called Overruled, part of the Math Snacks project (mathsnacks.com), was utilized to address the concept of length units. The animation describes a story in which the king and the queen from two different kingdoms (Kingopolis and Queentopia) fell in love and wanted to unite their territories by constructing a bridge. Engineers from each kingdom were responsible for building their side of the bridge. However, each kingdom has its own length unit. Authors follow research based recommendations to use the Overruled animation in mathematics activity with fourth-grade students.
It’s All in How You Play the Game
Authors: Reid Shani , Jennings Helene , Osterweil Scot
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to describe a study of the online learning game Lure of the Labyrinth. The game is unique in that it is based on a model for how learning games can be effectively used in classroom settings. Key components of the model include identifying games appropriate for the classroom, incorporating the game in a way that maximizes instructional time, and reconstructing the role of the teacher in game play lessons. The model was tested by 29 teachers in 80 middle school classroom, where 1,549 students were exposed to the game and its associated resources. In a quasi-experimental study of the impact of the game on student outcomes it was determined that students in school districts that more closely followed the game implementation model performed better than their comparison group.
An Approach to Evolving Legacy Software System into Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Zheng Shang , Chen Feng , Yang Hongji , Li Jianzhi
Published: January 2013

Cloud computing is a new paradigm for the intent of distributed resources sharing and coordinated problem solution. Affected by the Cloud trend and Service-Oriented need, many existing software systems will become legacy systems. These legacy software systems will need Cloud Oriented reengineering, which can facilitate the legacy systems reusable in Cloud Oriented architecture and allow the integration of legacy resources with Cloud features. This research focuses on establishing a general framework to assist with the evolution of legacy systems into Cloud environments. The methodology includes various phases, which use reverse engineering techniques to comprehend and decompose legacy systems, represent legacy resources by XML as Cloud component and integrate these Cloud components into Cloud environment. In this research, a legacy banking system has been chosen as a case study to prove the feasibility of the proposed approach. The legacy banking system can be transformed to run as a Service-Oriented Cloud application, which illustrates the proposed approach is powerful for utilising reusable legacy resources into Cloud environment.
Beyond Babel
Authors: Fantin Monica
Published: January 2013

This article highlights the importance of the concepts of media literacy, and digital and informational literacy to understand the multimodal meaning of multiliteracies and their interfaces. An analogy with Babel is used to understand the different ways in which this concept articulates the linguistic, visual, audio, spatial, and gestural dimensions in digital culture. In this framework, the question of convergence is highlighted in learning experiences undertaken in formal and informal contexts. To qualify the meaning of this learning for the subject, the article mentions the concept of personal literacy to locate the importance of subjectivity in the interactions that the multiliteracies offer. Finally, in an exercise of representation of the components of the multiliteracies, the article presents a diagram that highlights the importance of mediation and the forms of appropriation that express concepts and experiences in search of a transformative pedagogical practice, as an opportunity to understand the multiliteracies as a condition of dialog, expression and participation in the culture.
Educators’ Expectations on Technology Enhanced Education (TEE)
Authors: Giovannella Carlo , Di Lorenzo Claudia , Scarsella Simona , Presti Corrado Amedeo
Published: January 2013

This paper reports and discusses the result of a survey focused on the perceptions and expectations on TEE applications, conducted among 500 Italian educators (university, high/middle/elementary schools and professionals) involved in on-line or blended learning practices. The expectations are quite basic ones, although may depend on the educational level: support to content sharing and production, communication, assessment and team working are at the top of rank; much less relevant appear to be items like: support to socialization, process design and personalization. Very similar results have been obtained also from a survey among schools’ teachers, novices for TEE, attending a Master in “e-learning: methods, techniques and applications”. The survey was conducted after the conclusion of the first part of the master carried on according to a very traditional distance learning process: content download, self-evaluation tests, tutor assistance upon request. However, after the participation to the second part of the Master, organized as a collaborative, design inspired P3BL (problem, project and process based learning) experience, their opinions on TEE changed in a considerable manner. This indicates how necessary a dissemination action on a large scale among educators with regard to both TEE potentialities and design literacy would be.
Developing an Autonomous Language Learning Framework in a Blended Learning Environment
Authors: Yeh Helen W. M.
Published: January 2013

Educational technologies in language learning has undergone a shift from learner’s interaction with computers to interaction with other humans via the computer, and now moves towards the blended learning where traditional classroom teaching methods and computer-mediated activities are combined. However, the effectiveness of the blended learning is still inconclusive. The present chapter examines the effectiveness of autonomous language learning programmes in a blended learning environment and presents a framework that was derived from the programme. The framework describes the roles of teacher, the learning construction, and the learning process for autonomous language learning, and suggests a number of techniques that teachers can use to formulate their teaching plans for the blended learning. Findings revealed that students had favorable attitudes towards the autonomous language learning, the blended learning, and the programme, which could not only motivate them to continue autonomous learning but also improve their English competence.
Technology Use and Research Approaches for Community Education and Professional Development
Authors: Reynolds Grace L.
Published: January 2013

This chapter describes the use of technology in the education of health care providers. Advances in technology have led to consistent use of on-line course content such as posting of syllabi, course materials, videos, and other training materials, and deployment of on-line quizzes, tests, and certification exams that take advantage of the high availability of Internet access in most educational institutions. The diffusion of other more advanced technology, such as virtual patients, and virtual worlds, such as Second Life, is much less available across training programs for health care providers. This chapter explores differences across training programs for health care providers ranging from medical education of surgeons through the education of lower-level technicians such as phlebotomists. Consistent with the theory of diffusion of innovations, early adopters of advanced technology for student training are those with the resources who recognize the relative advantages in the technology, such as medical schools. Community education also plays a role in the diffusion of innovation in the training of lower-level technicians and clinicians as community education recognizes that processes of empowerment and social justice are important components of community capacity building. The community education philosophy is consistent with the institutions, such as community colleges, that have the largest role in training health care providers and technicians. Despite advances in the use of technology for the delivery of didactic materials, there are still challenges in the acquisition of clinical skills.
Pedagogical and Technological Considerations Designing Collaborative Learning Using Educational Technologies
Authors: Skibba Karen , Moore Danyelle , Herman Jennifer H.
Published: January 2013

Digital educational technologies can be used by instructors to help students create collaborative knowledge in the higher education classroom. This chapter describes six case studies, based on a mixed-methods research approach, that demonstrate the use of a specific digital educational technology. These technologies, which include social media, collaboratively written online documents, webinars, clickers, simulation games, and Web technologies, have been integrated into a course for the purpose of enhancing both learning and collaboration among students. The instructors explained how these technologies improved student learning and fostered collaboration. Each case study provides technical, epistemological, cognitive, and social design features and suggestions for other instructors who are considering applying these technologies to their own courses.
Librarians’ Roles in Informatics to Support Classroom Incorporation of Technology
Authors: Farmer Lesley S. J.
Published: January 2013

Informatics, particularly as applied to K12 settings, has received little systematic attention worldwide, although the field itself is growing due to the impact of technology and information advances. Too often, informatics has been approached as a tool-based skill rather than an academic domain with theoretical underpinnings. Content knowledge, technological knowledge, and pedagogical knowledge are required for success. School librarians can serve as expert partners in these endeavors. They have more knowledge and experience with informatics than anyone else in the setting, they can select and incorporate informational and technological resources and learning activities that are developmentally appropriate and relevant for students, they know how to manage knowledge effectively, and they know how to collaborate effectively with the rest of the school community in order to optimize curriculum development, instructional design, and delivery.
Internet Technology Levels in a Higher Education Teaching and Learning Environment
Authors: Rugutt John K. , Eckrich Lucille L. T. , Chemosit Caroline C.
Published: January 2013

The authors of this study utilized the discriminant function analysis using extreme student groups (top and bottom quartiles) defined by students’ internet technology scores to develop a model that best predicts group membership of the low and high internet technology levels among college students. The sample for the study was drawn from a Midwestern doctoral university and consisted of a random sample of senior year undergraduate students (n = 537). The instrument for the study used items from a 2000 College Student Survey (HERI, 2000). The response format for most instrument subscale items used in this study was of the Likert-type. Results of the discriminant analysis showed that students’ classification into low or high internet technology groups based on the institutional, behavioral, and personality variables can accurately be done. The lowest total percent correctly classified was at 72% while the highest total percent correctly classified was 74%. The variables that made significant differences included: student faculty interaction, student support services, quality of instruction and college experience, interpersonal relations and leadership, and student extra effort in learning.