bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsurgical resection of extensive craniopharyngiomas using a frontolateral approach: operative technique and outcome
Authors: Gerganov Venelin , Metwali Hussam , Samii Amir , Fahlbusch Rudolf , Samii Madjid
Published: November 2013

Object

An extensive craniopharyngioma is a tumor that extends into multiple compartments (subarachnoid spaces) and attains a size larger than 4 cm. A wide spectrum of approaches and strategies has been used for resection of such craniopharyngiomas. In this report the authors focused on the feasibility and efficacy of microsurgical resection of extensive craniopharyngiomas using a frontolateral approach.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 16 patients with extensive craniopharyngiomas who underwent operations using a frontolateral approach at one institution. The preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological data, as well as the operative videos, were reviewed. The main focus of the review was the extent of radical tumor removal, early postoperative outcome, and approach-related complications.

Results

Gross-total resection of craniopharyngioma was achieved in 14 (87.5%) of 16 cases. Early after surgery (within 3 months), 1 patient showed improvement in hormonal status, while in the remaining 15 patients it worsened. No major neurological morbidity was observed. Two patients experienced temporary psychotic disorders. Visual function improved in 6 patients and remained unchanged in 9. One patient experienced a new bitemporal hemianopsia. Three patients with features of short-term memory disturbances at presentation did show improvement after surgery. There were no deaths or significant approach-related morbidity in this patient series. Only 1 patient required revision surgery for a CSF leak.

Conclusions

The safe and simple frontolateral approach provides adequate access even to extensive craniopharyngiomas and enables their complete removal with a reasonable morbidity and approach-related complication rate.
Thermal Performance of Motor and Inverter in an Integrated Starter Generator System for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Kim Sung
Published: November 2013

If the integrated starter generator (ISG) motor and inverter operate under continuously high loading conditions, the system’s performance and durability will decrease and the heat dissipation requirements will increase. Therefore, in this study, we developed two cooling designs for the ISG motor and inverter, and then carried out both a model analysis and an experiment on the fluid flow and thermal characteristics of the system under various operating conditions. As the outdoor temperature increased from 25 °C to 95 °C, the coil temperature of the air-cooled motor increased by about 82 °C. Under the harsh-air condition of 95 °C, the coil of the air-cooled motor increased to a maximum temperature of about 158.5 °C. We also determined that the temperature of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) chip in the liquid-cooled inverter increased to a maximum temperature of about 96.8 °C under a coolant flow rate of 4 L/min and a coolant temperature of 65 °C. The observed thermal performance of the ISG motor and inverter using the proposed cooling structures was found to be sufficient for heat loads under various real driving conditions for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).
Cutaneous Cryptococcoma in a Patient on TNF-α Inhibition
Authors: Gomes Rui , Cerio Dean , Loghmanee Cyrus , McKinney Justin , Patel Mili , Miraglia Janeen , Yousef-Bessler Manal , Zippin Jonathan , Schuetz Audrey , Pinho Paulo
Published: November 2013

An 87-year old Caucasian male with past medical history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic kidney disease presents with left hand erythema, pain, tenderness, induration and edema. Clinically, these hand findings began proximal to the metacarpo-phalangeal joints and extended to the distal wrist. He was noted to have ipsilateral axillary lymph node enlargement but denied any constitutional signs or symptoms. Laboratory markers of inflammation were poor prognostic indicators due to relatively active RA, the use of chronic daily glucocorticoids and weekly adalimumab use. Oral antibiotics were administered with limited success leading to a skin biopsy which reported a hematogenously disseminated fungal panniculitis; cultures grew Cryptococcus neoformans, however, serum cryptococcal antigen was negative. With initial fluconazole treatment, skin findings and lymphadenopathy improved gradually over the next six months. However, the patient’s improvement stagnated and his condition reverted back to the state of initial presentation.
The Roles of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition (MET) in Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis: Potential Targets for Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Demirkan Binnaz
Published: November 2013

Many studies have revealed molecular connections between breast and bone. Genes, important in the control of bone remodeling, such as receptor activator of nuclear kappa (RANK), receptor activator of nuclear kappa ligand (RANKL), vitamin D, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), and calcitonin, are expressed in breast cancer and lactating breast. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) effectors play critical roles during embryonic development, postnatal growth, and epithelial homeostasis, but also are involved in a number of pathological conditions, including wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation, as well as cancer progression and bone metastasis. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), insulin-like growth factor I & II (IGF I & II), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTH(rP)), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epithelial growth factors II/I (ErbB/EGF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-11, IL-1, integrin αvβ3, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), catepsin K, hypoxia, notch, Wnt, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), and hedgehog signaling pathways are important EMT and MET effectors identified in the bone microenviroment facilitating bone metastasis formation. Recently, Runx2, an essential transcription factor in the regulation of mesenchymal cell differentiation into the osteoblast lineage and proper bone development, is also well-recognized for its expression in breast cancer cells promoting osteolytic bone metastasis. Understanding the precise mechanisms of EMT and MET in the pathogenesis of breast cancer bone metastasis can inform the direction of therapeutic intervention and possibly prevention.
Detection of Oil in Ice and Snow
Authors: Fingas Merv , Brown Carl
Published: November 2013

The response to a major oil spill can be challenging in temperate climates and with good weather conditions. By contrast, a major spill in or under ice and snow, presents a whole new series of challenges. This paper reviews detection technologies for these challenging situations. A number of acoustic techniques have been tried in test tank situations and it was found that acoustic detection of oil was possible because oil behaves as a solid in acoustic terms and transmits shear waves. Laboratory tests have been carried out and a prototype was built and tested in the field. Radio frequency methods, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), have been tested for both oil-under-ice and oil-under-snow. The GPR method does not provide sufficient discrimination for positive oil detection in actual spills. Preliminary tests on the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for detecting oil, in and under ice, shows promise and further work on this is being done at this time. A number of other oil-in-ice detection technologies have been tried and evaluated, including standard acoustic thickness probes, fluorosensor techniques, and augmented infrared detection. Each of these showed potential in theory during tank tests. Further testing on these proposed methods is required.
Pathways of Lipid Metabolism in Marine Algae, Co-Expression Network, Bottlenecks and Candidate Genes for Enhanced Production of EPA and DHA in Species of Chromista
Authors: Mühlroth Alice , Li Keshuai , Røkke Gunvor , Winge Per , Olsen Yngvar , Hohmann-Marriott Martin , Vadstein Olav , Bones Atle
Published: November 2013

The importance of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) for human health has received more focus the last decades, and the global consumption of n-3 LC-PUFA has increased. Seafood, the natural n-3 LC-PUFA source, is harvested beyond a sustainable capacity, and it is therefore imperative to develop alternative n-3 LC-PUFA sources for both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3). Genera of algae such as Nannochloropsis, Schizochytrium, Isochrysis and Phaedactylum within the kingdom Chromista have received attention due to their ability to produce n-3 LC-PUFAs. Knowledge of LC-PUFA synthesis and its regulation in algae at the molecular level is fragmentary and represents a bottleneck for attempts to enhance the n-3 LC-PUFA levels for industrial production. In the present review, Phaeodactylum tricornutum has been used to exemplify the synthesis and compartmentalization of n-3 LC-PUFAs. Based on recent transcriptome data a co-expression network of 106 genes involved in lipid metabolism has been created. Together with recent molecular biological and metabolic studies, a model pathway for n-3 LC-PUFA synthesis in P. tricornutum has been proposed, and is compared to industrialized species of Chromista. Limitations of the n-3 LC-PUFA synthesis by enzymes such as thioesterases, elongases, acyl-CoA synthetases and acyltransferases are discussed and metabolic bottlenecks are hypothesized such as the supply of the acetyl-CoA and NADPH. A future industrialization will depend on optimization of chemical compositions and increased biomass production, which can be achieved by exploitation of the physiological potential, by selective breeding and by genetic engineering.
Large Human Outbreak of West Nile Virus Infection in North-Eastern Italy in 2012
Authors: Barzon Luisa , Pacenti Monia , Franchin Elisa , Pagni Silvana , Lavezzo Enrico , Squarzon Laura , Martello Thomas , Russo Francesca , Nicoletti Loredana , Rezza Giovanni , Castilletti Concetta , Capobianchi Maria , Salcuni Pasquale , Cattai Margherita , Cusinato Riccardo , Palù Giorgio
Published: November 2013

Human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) disease have been reported in Italy since 2008. So far, most cases have been identified in north-eastern Italy, where, in 2012, the largest outbreak of WNV infection ever recorded in Italy occurred. Most cases of the 2012 outbreak were identified in the Veneto region, where a special surveillance plan for West Nile fever was in place. In this outbreak, 25 cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease and 17 cases of fever were confirmed. In addition, 14 WNV RNA-positive blood donors were identified by screening of blood and organ donations and two cases of asymptomatic infection were diagnosed by active surveillance of subjects at risk of WNV exposure. Two cases of death due to WNND were reported. Molecular testing demonstrated the presence of WNV lineage 1 in all WNV RNA-positive patients and, in 15 cases, infection by the novel Livenza strain was ascertained. Surveillance in other Italian regions notified one case of neuroinvasive disease in the south of Italy and two cases in Sardinia. Integrated surveillance for WNV infection remains a public health priority in Italy and vector control activities have been strengthened in areas of WNV circulation.
Differential Virulence and Pathogenesis of West Nile Viruses
Authors: Donadieu Emilie , Bahuon Céline , Lowenski Steeve , Zientara Stéphan , Coulpier Muriel , Lecollinet Sylvie
Published: November 2013

West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurotropic flavivirus that cycles between mosquitoes and birds but that can also infect humans, horses, and other vertebrate animals. In most humans, WNV infection remains subclinical. However, 20%–40% of those infected may develop WNV disease, with symptoms ranging from fever to meningoencephalitis. A large variety of WNV strains have been described worldwide. Based on their genetic differences, they have been classified into eight lineages; the pathogenic strains belong to lineages 1 and 2. Ten years ago, Beasley et al. (2002) found that dramatic differences exist in the virulence and neuroinvasion properties of lineage 1 and lineage 2 WNV strains. Further insights on how WNV interacts with its hosts have recently been gained; the virus acts either at the periphery or on the central nervous system (CNS), and these observed differences could help explain the differential virulence and neurovirulence of WNV strains. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on factors that trigger WNV dissemination and CNS invasion as well as on the inflammatory response and CNS damage induced by WNV. Moreover, we will discuss how WNV strains differentially interact with the innate immune system and CNS cells, thus influencing WNV pathogenesis.
Development of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Based Gene Therapy for HIV-1 Infection: Considerations for Proof of Concept Studies and Translation to Standard Medical Practice
Authors: DiGiusto David , Stan Rodica , Krishnan Amrita , Li Haitang , Rossi John , Zaia John
Published: November 2013

Over the past 15 years we have been investigating an alternative approach to treating HIV-1/AIDS, based on the creation of a disease-resistant immune system through transplantation of autologous, gene-modified (HIV-1-resistant) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (GM-HSPC). We propose that the expression of selected RNA-based HIV-1 inhibitors in the CD4+ cells derived from GM-HSPC will protect them from HIV-1 infection and results in a sufficient immune repertoire to control HIV-1 viremia resulting in a functional cure for HIV-1/AIDS. Additionally, it is possible that the subset of protected T cells will also be able to facilitate the immune-based elimination of latently infected cells if they can be activated to express viral antigens. Thus, a single dose of disease resistant GM-HSPC could provide an effective treatment for HIV-1+ patients who require (or desire) an alternative to lifelong antiretroviral chemotherapy. We describe herein the results from several pilot clinical studies in HIV-1 patients and our strategies to develop second generation vectors and clinical strategies for HIV-1+ patients with malignancy who require ablative chemotherapy as part of treatment and others without malignancy. The important issues related to stem cell source, patient selection, conditioning regimen and post-infusion correlative studies become increasingly complex and are discussed herein.
Autonomie retardée et négociée : l’émancipation résidentielle des jeunes Européens
Authors: Bendit René , Hein Kerstin , Biggart Andy
Published: November 2013

Delayed and negotiated autonomy : residential emancipation of young Europeans.

A significant proportion of young people from 15 to 29 years old in the European Union still live in their parents’ home. This tendency displayed by young people to delay moving out varies from country to country, and between young men and young women. So far, rather little research has been done on this phenomenon., but these «birds » in no hurry to leave the nest are nevertheless arousing increasing interest among experts on family policy. The fact is that those experts have noted that delaying residential emancipation is also tantamount to later founding one’s own family. Hence this contribution deals with the residential emancipation of young people in Europe. It relies on an analysis of quantitative tendencies and on qualitative interviews carried out within the framework of the European Union project called «Family and Transitions in Europe » .
Les grands-parents dans les familles homoparentales : entre lien biologique et lien social
Authors: Gross Martine
Published: November 2013

Dans le monde occidental, le modèle de la famille le plus courant sur lequel repose le droit de la filiation est celui dans lequel les liens biologiques, les liens juridiques et les liens affectifs coïncident. Les parents possédant le statut légal de parents sont réputés avoir donné naissance aux enfants qu’ils élèvent. Il s’agit d’un modèle « bioconjugal » qui se caractérise par la conjugalité hétérosexuelle et la reproduction biologique. L’homoparentalité s’éloigne de ce modèle. Quelles conséquences sur le sentiment de légitimité à se dire parent et sur les liens intergénérationnels cet éloignement du modèle bioconjugal a-t-il ? Cet article montre que les réactions des grands-parents face à l’homosexualité de leur fils ou de leur fille peuvent évoluer lorsque la famille homoparentale qu’il ou elle a fondée peut se rapprocher du modèle conjugal traditionnel par l’existence même d’un petit-enfant. La sexualité « non conforme » s’efface alors au profit des représentations plus acceptables que sont le couple, puis les enfants. On peut dire que la sexualité est soluble dans la conjugalité, elle-même soluble dans la parentalité. Le sentiment de légitimité à se dire grand-parent est ainsi inversement proportionnel à la distance au modèle bioconjugal du couple formé par son fils ou sa fille.
La professionnalisation des assistantes maternelles : un processus en cours
Authors: Alberola Élodie
Published: November 2013

FRE: Assistantes maternelles, Professionnalisation, Métiers.
Variations de la fécondité dans les pays développés : disparités et influences des politiques d’aide aux familles
Authors: Thévenon Olivier , Gauthier Anne H.
Published: November 2013

Variations in fertility trends in developed countries : disparities and impact of policies supporting families.

Policies supporting families have proved to impact fertility but their effect is limited : in-cash support, work-tested or not, impact the timing of births but its impact on final family size in less certain ; policies reconciling work and family seem to have an impact, especially on the decision to have children or to remain childless. This kind of support contribute to reducing social differences in fertility behaviour. But, the overall impact of policy support may be underestimated because of the extreme difficulty to capture the long-term and indirect effects.
Pourquoi la fécondité est-elle élevée dans les pays anglophones ?
Authors: McDonald Peter
Published: November 2013

Cet article tente d’expliquer pourquoi les pays anglophones ont des taux de fertilité élevés malgré le fait qu’ils ne disposent pas d’aides familiales de même niveau qu’en France et dans les pays nordiques. L’absence relative d’aides publiques en direction des familles a mené au développement d’arrangements informels pour concilier vie familiale et vie professionnelle. Alors même que ces arrangements peuvent être difficiles et stressants, leur existence montre le besoin pour les couples de ces pays de concilier travail et famille. Plus récemment, les politiques publiques ont apporté davantage de soutien. Dans le même temps, les pays anglophones sont des pays à hauts revenus et à faible imposition. Les parents, dans ces pays, peuvent plus facilement supporter le coût direct des enfants et payer des services dont ils ont besoin tels que la garde d’enfants. En conséquence, les couples dans ces pays sont davantage susceptibles d’avoir trois enfants et plus que dans les pays européens. Par ailleurs, le taux de fertilité élevé en Nouvelle-Zélande et aux États-Unis est associé à la composition ethnique de ces pays. Les États-Unis ont, en plus, d’autres éléments explicatifs tels que le nombre important de grossesses précoces, une forte proportion de naissances non désirées et une part importante de la population qui est très religieuse.
La construction sexuée des risques familiaux.
Authors: Cardi Coline
Published: November 2013

À partir d’enquêtes menées dans des dispositifs anciens et nouveaux de l’action sociale en direction des familles (la justice des mineurs, un centre maternel et une association de thérapie familiale), et qui agissent en référence aux risques familiaux dans une logique de protection de l’enfance, il s’agit de mesurer la façon dont les interventions sociales en direction des familles sont traversées par les rapports entre les hommes et les femmes. Si l’on assiste aujourd’hui à un processus d’individualisation marqué par une autonomisation des individus par rapport aux rôles familiaux traditionnels, ce processus a un coût et ce coût mérite d’être pensé à l’aune de la différence de sexe. Surreprésentées d’un point de vue statistique, les mères sont, en effet, la cible et le levier des interventions, qu’il s’agisse de traiter, de repérer ou de prévenir des situations familiales jugées dangereuses ou à risques – dont elles sont souvent considérées comme responsables. En outre, l’analyse des discours et des pratiques fait apparaître combien l’ordre familial, et au-delà l’ordre social, reste pensé en lien avec l’ « ordre de genre » . En empruntant au registre psychologique, les professionnels de l’enfance en (risque de) danger reproduisent, sous des formes renouvelées, les schèmes du familialisme et une vision traditionnelle des rôles de sexe. La dimension sexuée des politiques et des interventions sociales apparaît ainsi nettement, et, au-delà, le caractère « genré » de la régulation dans ces liens étroits qui unissent la question sociale à la question familiale.
Un historien enquête à Mexico : El desfile del amor de Sergio Pitol
Authors: Benmiloud Karim
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT - In this detective novel, the investigation on murders committed in 1942 is led by a historian and set in 1973. One soon realizes, however, that the traditional symbiosis town/investigator doesn't apply, partly because the investigator is coming back to Mexico after a long absence, partly because the investigation solely consists in closed (in camera) interrogations carried out in the posh districts of Mexico City. Both in 1973 and 1942, the action of the novel revolves around the Minerva, the building where the murders were committed, and the appartment where the tragic party took place. The Minerva thus becomes a symbolic theatre stage where, in the minor and parodical mode, the tensions affecting the capital in 1942 are acted out, as indicated by the novel's rich intertextuality.
Transgression autour des images de la ville et du détective dans ¿Quién mató a Palomino Molero? de Mario Vargas Llosa
Authors: Sourp Claire
Published: November 2013

RÉSUMÉ - Dans son roman ¿Quién mató a Palomino Molero ?, l'écrivain péruvien M. Vargas Llosa s'essaye à l'écriture du roman policier. Il crée donc une intrigue qui répond aux codes de ce genre parai ittéraire : un meurtre a été commis et doit être résolu. Cependant, l'écrivain applique à ce cadre très général, mais strictement codifié, une série de modifications puisque le meurtre est perpétré à l'extérieur de la ville et que l'image donnée aux détectives ne correspond pas tout à fait à celle des romans policiers traditionnels. Comment comprendre alors ces transgressions par rapport à la norme du roman policier ? Ne servent-elles pas l'idée d'une décadence et corruption généralisées dont même l'écriture rendrait compte ?
No centenário do poeta Mário Quintana
Authors: Alves Peixoto Sergio
Published: November 2013

RESUMO - Breve apresentação do grande poeta moderno brasileiro Mário Quintana, e de sua poesia, como uma homenagem no seu centenário de nascimento.
Propagation of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells: A Novel Dual Media Approach
Authors: Peh Gary S. L. , Chng Zhenzhi , Ang Heng-Pei , Cheng Terence Y. D. , Adnan Khadijah , Seah Xin-Yi , George Benjamin L. , Toh Kah-Peng , Tan Donald T. , Yam Gary H. F. , Colman Alan , Mehta Jodhbir S.
Published: November 2013

Corneal endothelium-associated corneal blindness is the most common indication for corneal transplantation. Restorative corneal transplant surgery is the only option to reverse the blindness, but a global shortage of donor material remains an issue. There are immense clinical interests in the development of alternative treatment strategies to alleviate current reliance on donor materials. For such endeavors, ex vivo propagation of human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) is required, but current methodology lacks consistency, with expanded hCECs losing cellular morphology to a mesenchymal-like transformation. In this study, we describe a novel dual media culture approach for the in vitro expansion of primary hCECs. Initial characterization included analysis of growth dynamics of hCECs grown in either proliferative (M4) or maintenance (M5) medium. Subsequent comparisons were performed on isolated hCECs cultured in M4 alone against cells expanded using the dual media approach. Further characterizations were performed using immunocytochemistry, quantitative real-time PCR, and gene expression microarray. At the third passage, results showed that hCECs propagated using the dual media approach were homogeneous in appearance, retained their unique polygonal cellular morphology, and expressed higher levels of corneal endothelium-associated markers in comparison to hCECs cultured in M4 alone, which were heterogeneous and fibroblastic in appearance. Finally, for hCECs cultured using the dual media approach, global gene expression and pathway analysis between confluent hCECs before and after 7-day exposure to M5 exhibited differential gene expression associated predominately with cell proliferation and wound healing. These findings showed that the propagation of primary hCECs using the novel dual media approach presented in this study is a consistent method to obtain bona fide hCECs. This, in turn, will elicit greater confidence in facilitating downstream development of alternative corneal endothelium replacement using tissue-engineered graft materials or cell injection therapy.
Le duel présidentiel Sarkozy-Hollande dans les caricatures
Authors: Houdebine-Gravaud Anne-Marie , Vivero García María Dolores
Published: November 2013

Nous étudions les vignettes françaises manifestant l’affrontement entre Sarkozy et Hollande avant et après le premier tour des présidentielles puis celles concernant le débat du 2 mai 2012 et ses retombées. Une fois explicités le cadre méthodologique et les outils conceptuels d’analyse, on s’attache à décrire les modalités critiques des dessins (visées, cibles), leurs mises en scène et à dégager leur caractère humoristique (ludique ou critique), en mettant en évidence la façon dont les caricatures participent à renforcer les représentations communément partagées ou, au contraire, à jouer avec elles de manière transgressive. Un corpus constitué par une centaine de dessins de presse collecté entre avril 2011 et juin 2012 dans la presse française ( Sud-Ouest, Le Monde, Libération ) montre certaines régularités notamment en ce qui concerne la visée « destituante » à l’égard de la politique en général et l’ébranlement de doxas telles le respect des règles démocratiques ou la différence entre la gauche et la droite politiques. Nous éclairons aussi cette étude avec le regard humoristique que la presse espagnole porte sur le résultat de ce duel présidentiel.
Humour et ironie dans le débat Hollande-Sarkozy de l'entre-deux-tours des élections présidentielles (2 mai 2012)
Authors: Kerbrat-Orecchioni Catherine
Published: November 2013

Le genre « débat présidentiel » est par définition, de par la gravité de son enjeu, un genre « sérieux », dont on peut penser qu’il ne constitue pas un cadre véritablement propice au déploiement de l’humour et de l’ironie. Mais en même temps, ironie et humour peuvent y trouver leur place à la fois comme instruments de combat (contre l’adversaire) et de séduction (du public). Les candidats-débatteurs ne vont donc pas hésiter à y recourir, mais à petite dose, et sous des formes bien particulières. Un examen attentif du corpus nous permettra de dégager les principaux procédés d’humour/ironie exploités dans le débat de 2012 par François Hollande et Nicolas Sarkozy, dont les styles sont à cet égard un peu différents, mais dont l’objectif est évidemment le même : disqualifier, voire ridiculiser l’adversaire par tous les moyens discursifs disponibles, et en particulier par la pratique mesurée d’un humour « offensif ».
Ethos préalable et ethos (re) construit La transformation de l'humour légendaire de François Hollande
Authors: Jaubert Anna , Mayaffre Damon
Published: November 2013

L’exercice de l’humour est fortement contraint dans le champ du discours politique, surtout lors d’une campagne présidentielle. Au-delà des programmes et des partis, élection uninominale et suffrage universel obligent, on voit les candidats se livrer à une guerre d’image. Pour François Hollande, opposé au président sortant, il s’agit de construire sa crédibilité. Cette contribution montre comment il corrige son ethos préalable de « monsieur petite blague » pour convertir son humour en force de frappe très contrôlée. À travers cette étude de cas, qui convoque en contrepoint politique Nicolas Sarkozy, et en contrepoint historique François Mitterrand, ce sont les conditions de félicité de l’humour en politique qui sont interrogées ; elles relèvent d’un ensemble de déterminations contextuelles où l’ethos discursif retravaille l’ethos préalable et où le locuteur négocie en permanence un rapport de place avec ses concurrents. Une telle approche dégage la solidarité de fait entre rhétorique et pragmatique.
Les enfants en danger dans la presse : la construction discursive de l'enfant agresseur et de l'enfant victime dans des narrations médiatiques
Authors: Ramos Rui , Cristina Martins Paula , Pereira Sara , Oliveira Madalena
Published: November 2013

Ce texte présente des résultats issus d’un projet de recherche sur les images médiatiques des enfants en danger mené au Portugal. Il s’agit d’un projet interdisciplinaire, qui assume l’analyse de la problématique du danger et de la maltraitance envers les enfants dans sa configuration discursive et médiatique, à partir des textes présents en quatre quotidiens de grand tirage. Ce qui est en analyse est la construction discursive du rôle de l’enfant agresseur et de l’enfant victime dans les narrations médiatiques recueillies. On sait que la notion d’« enfant » est fréquemment associée à la faiblesse et à l’absence (d’autonomie, de responsabilité, de compétence, de pouvoir) du côté juridique, social, éducatif - et discursif. Aussi le rôle de victime est-il marqué par un cadre de faiblesse. Quand l’enfant est la victime, il ya une combinaison qui intensifie la vulnérabilité des deux conditions. D’autre part, l’idée d’enfant agresseur met en cause la représentation prototypique de l’enfance. Il semble donc stimulant d'analyser comment le rôle d’enfant agresseur ou victime est construit et quels sont les instruments linguistiques de cette construction ; quelles sont les voix évoquées (en particulier, si l’enfant a droit à se faire écouter) et quels sont les « frames » créés, à partir de quels instruments argumentatifs.
A Practical Setup for Projection-Based Augmented Maps
Authors: Bergamasco Filippo , Albarelli Andrea , Torsello Andrea
Published: November 2013

Projected Augmented Reality is a human-computer interaction scenario where synthetic data, rather than being rendered on a display, are directly projected on the real world. Differening from screen-based approaches, which only require the pose of the camera with respect to the world, this setup poses the additional hurdle of knowing the relative pose between capturing and projecting devices. In this chapter, the authors propose a thorough solution that addresses both camera and projector calibration using a simple fiducial marker design. Specifically, they introduce a novel Augmented Maps setup where the user can explore geographically located information by moving a physical inspection tool over a printed map. Since the tool presents both a projection surface and a 3D-localizable marker, it can be used to display suitable information about the area that it covers. The proposed setup has been evaluated in terms of accuracy of the calibration and ease of use declared by the users.
Negative Exponent Fraction
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V.
Published: November 2013

The authors present the mathematic strategy of the negative potency in the constitution of the new symbolic and corporative image of online banking and financing institutions. The current work focuses on the digital static images and semiotics applied to the contents for the homepage of the banking, financing, and newspaper portals. Also presented are online examples of those institutions that increase the loss of reliability in real or virtual customers.
Degree of Similarity of Web Applications
Authors: Popescu Doru Anastasiu , Nicolae Dragos
Published: November 2013

In this chapter, the authors present a way of measuring the similarity between two Web applications. For this, they define the degree of similarity between two Web applications, taking into account only the Webpages composed of HTML tags. The authors also introduce an algorithm used to calculate this value, its implementation being made in the Java programming language.
Museum Information and Communicability Evaluation
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Quiroga Alejandra , Carré Jim , Alma Jacqueline , Cipolla-Ficarra Miguel
Published: November 2013

The authors present the first results of a heuristic analysis of the evolution of the commercial off-line systems related to the main European museums. The analysis is diachronic, that is, since 1990, and includes the different modalities of interactive design in the different supports for interactive information, such as floppy, CD, and DVD. The authors also present a methodology for the analysis of the presentation of the paintings and sculptures inside these systems called Museum Information and Communicability Evaluation (MICE).
(Re)Engineering Cultural Heritage Contexts using Creative Human Computer Interaction Techniques and Mixed Reality Methodologies
Authors: Smith Carl
Published: November 2013

The contribution of this research is to argue that truly creative patterns for interaction within cultural heritage contexts must create situations and concepts that could not have been realised without the intervention of those interaction patterns. New forms of human-computer interaction and therefore new tools for navigation must be designed that unite the strengths, features, and possibilities of both the physical and the virtual space. The human-computer interaction techniques and mixed reality methodologies formulated during this research are intended to enhance spatial cognition while implicitly improving pattern recognition. This research reports on the current state of location-based technology including Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) and GPS. The focus is on its application for use within cultural heritage as an educational and outreach tool. The key questions and areas to be investigated include: What are the requirements for effective digital intervention within the cultural heritage sector? What are the affordances of mixed and augmented reality? What mobile technology is currently being utilised to explore cultural heritage? What are the key projects? Finally, through a series of case studies designed and implemented by the author, some broad design guidelines are outlined. The chapter concludes with an overview of the main issues to consider when (re)engineering cultural heritage contexts.
Web Divide and Paper Unite
Authors: Cipolla-Ficarra Francisco V. , Cipolla-Ficarra Miguel , Alma Jacqueline , Quiroga Alejandra
Published: November 2013

The authors present the first results of a study intending to unify the quality criteria of the local touristic information in digital support (Internet) and analog (paper). An analysis is made of the reading preferences of touristic information on last generation digital screens (tablet PC and multimedia mobile phones), traditional (desktop computers), and analog (brochures, magazines, and newspapers).
Foreign Ownership and Bank Efficiency
Authors: Olgu Özlem , Yılmaz Emrah
Published: November 2013

This chapter examines the association between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and efficiency of commercial banks in Turkey during the 2003-2010 period. First, the authors examine the technical efficiency of banks by applying the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and financial ratio analysis following the relevant literature. Then, they attempt to shed light on the relationship between FDI and bank efficiency applying a second stage regression analysis. The results indicate that banks that have received FDI are more efficient than others whilst there is no significant correlation among the FDI dummy and bank efficiency in Turkey. Moreover, the analysis of balance sheet ratios suggests that foreign investors target more profitable and larger banks in the sector to form partnerships. Thus, consistent with Berger et al. (2003), the authors propose that efficiency is a pre-condition rather than a result of FDI in the Turkish banking sector.
Convergence in Bank Credit
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra , Dinda Soumyananda
Published: November 2013

The Indian economy witnessed a major structural break in the name of economic liberalization in the early nineties to free the economy from its long-standing controlled structure to achieve high growth rate of the overall economy and solve the persistent low growth and development problem. The existing literature reveals the phenomenal rise in income growth as well as rising divergence across states and regions under several grounds. The present study explores how divergences in allocation of commercial bank credit over time may result in the growing disparities in growth of incomes in the states of India. The study observes that there are diverging tendencies among the states during the post-reform period with respect to per-capita credit and aggregate credit. The study also reveals that the agriculture and industrial sectors are converging during the pre-reform phase, but there are insignificant signs of divergences in the industrial and service sectors during the post-reform period.
Impact of the Volatility of Macroeconomic Variables on the Volatility of Stock Market Returns
Authors: Nkoro Emeka , Uko Aham Kelvin
Published: November 2013

This chapter investigates the relationship between volatility of macroeconomic variables and the volatility of Nigeria’s stock market returns using annual data from 1985-2009. The Macroeconomic variables used are: inflation rate, government expenditure, foreign exchange rate, index of manufacturing output, broad money supply, and minimum rediscount rate. In pursuance of this, the AR(1)-GARCH-X(1,1) model was used for the analysis. The findings of this study revealed that, Nigeria’s current stock market return is positively influenced by previous returns. Volatility of Nigeria’s stock market returns was affected by past volatility less than the related news from the previous period. Also, the result shows that there is a significantly positive relationship between the volatility of the Nigeria’s stock market returns and the short run deviations of the macroeconomic variables (macroeconomic factors volatility) in the system. The results provide some insight to investors, financial regulators, and policymakers in the Nigeria’s stock market when structuring their portfolios and formulating economic and financial policies.
Innovative Work Behaviors in Turkish Banking Sector
Authors: Dinçer Hasan , Orhan Nazife
Published: November 2013

In relation to globalization and its worldwide effects, the requirement for a high level of emotional intelligence competency that both senior managers, junior administrative officers, and other employees should have has gained importance for a successful decision making process. In addition, the significance of innovative management strategies and also employees who are open to innovations has started to be more of an issue for companies since dynamic changes and developments in the field of technology owing to this fierce competition affect almost all sectors seriously. Taking all of these variables into consideration, this chapter aims to investigate the role and importance of innovative work behaviors in the Turkish Banking Sector by using the questionnaire technique as a data collection tool. Findings have been obtained from 332 staff through the survey on emotional intelligence competency by Wong and Law and the innovative work behavior survey by Janssen.
The Role of Social Media Strategies in Competitive Banking Operations Worldwide
Authors: Taskiran Nurdan Oncel , Yilmaz Recep , Bolat Nursel
Published: November 2013

Social media has rapidly taken its place among the important phenomenons of today. It has an important role in institutionalization and companies’ financial effectivness in many fields. This chapter discusses concept, development of social media, investigations about social media in different continents, its relation with institutionalization, and its role in the banking sector in the process of globalisation. In this study, social media strategies of a global bank on different continents are empirically analysed. Obtained data sheds light on the relationship between the social and economic capital in today’s world in an interdisciplinary platform.
Evaluating the Banking Sector Recapitalization for Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Ater Peter I. , Asogwa Benjamin C.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to assess the contribution of the banking sector’s recapitalization to economic growth. Secondary data of all banks in Nigeria for 1980-2006 from Central Bank of Nigeria were used for the study. The findings of the study revealed higher mean GDP (N86.229 trillion) at post-recapitalization era compared to pre-recapitalization era (N56.860 trillion). Furthermore, 37% and 25% growth in GDP were recorded at post- and pre-recapitalization era, respectively. Selected indicators (bank credit, asset, saving deposit, and total loan) were all higher in the post recapitalization era. The result of t-test showed that there was a significant difference in GDP at pre and post recapitalization era at 5% significance level holding inflation constant. Bank asset had significant effect on GDP in the post-recapitalization era. Bank performance indicators could not fully account for growth and development in Nigeria’s economy though growth was recorded. Under subsequent initiatives, bank asset and total loan increased massively, while bank credit and saving deposits were stepped up via credit and savings incentives provisions for greater impact on growth in Nigeria.
Confidence, Governance, and Growth
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra
Published: November 2013

The recent financial crisis of the USA and the associated Euro Zone crisis have opened the eyes of the global policy makers and managers of economies in the world in respect of exploring the factors behind it. The present study considers three principal indicators of development—growth, confidence, and governance—for a sample of eight countries with differences in developmental positions to examine whether there is any sort of causal relations among them. By applying the Granger causality test, it observes that in most of the countries, except Greece, there are missing linkages among the indicators in a gross sense. China and India with very poor levels of governance factor have grown at higher magnitudes.
Economic Drivers of Domestic Violence among Women
Authors: Peprah James Atta , Koomson Isaac
Published: November 2013

Violence against women seems to be more of an economic than a sociological problem. In Ghana, no study has investigated the economic causes of domestic violence against women. The chapter seeks to investigate the economic factors that are likely to drive domestic violence among married couples. The study uses a survey of 260 married women from selected communities around the University of Cape Coast. Due to the nature of the measurement of domestic violence, the study adopts the binary logit model to estimate the key economic variables that affect the likelihood of being subjected to domestic violence. Average income, property ownership, economic activities, and their interactions seem to drive domestic violence after controlling for some household covariates. It is found that income and a combination of being economically engaged and owning an asset significantly affected domestic violence at their desired level of significance. Stemming from this, the authors call on the appropriate authorities to make credit facilities available to women to enable them to be economically engaged. Empowering women through the provision of micro-credit facilities has the potential to reduce the economic dimensions of domestic violence.
From Local Information Systems to Global Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Akkucuk Ulas
Published: November 2013

Advances in computer and information technologies have been utilized by companies all over the world since the 1990s. Corresponding roughly to the same period, global trade has increased dramatically. The opening up of large markets like China and the Eastern Europe contributed to this trend. National companies turned global and had to manage operations in a number of different countries. Companies strived to maintain better customer relationships through CRM programs aimed at managing the flow of information, interacting with the customers, and in the end, formulating individualized offerings for them. Globalization has led to the development of the new notion of Global Customer Relationship Management as opposed to having independent local CRM programs operating in the subsidiaries. This chapter presents the issues facing the implementation of such Global CRM programs and provides the important conceptual frameworks proposed in the literature.
Preparing Preservice Teachers to Thread Literacy across the Curriculum with Blogging and Digital Storytelling
Authors: Sullivan Pamela M. , Gainer Natalie
Published: November 2013

This chapter describes a case study integrating technological tools, digital storytelling, and blogging into a content-area literacy course for preservice teachers. The theoretical rationale and models are discussed, and the steps in planning for integration are outlined. Examples and resources are provided as well as a discussion of lessons learned during and after the integration.
Teaching Literacy through Technology in the Middle School
Authors: Green Sharon E. , Gordon Mason
Published: November 2013

This chapter explores the development of 21st century literacies at the middle school level. A case study, situated in an international middle school that integrates literacy and digital technologies, contextualizes this discussion. Participants included a cross-section of teachers and students. A key theme related to teachers was the merging of traditional and modern literacies: for students, literacy as language arts. Advantages to the fusion of literacy and digital technologies were (1) students' increasing their global awareness, (2) creativity in demonstration of learning, and (3) the abundance of resources. Distractibility, technology glitches, and the notion of breadth versus depth with regard to learning were challenges in this highly advanced technological institution.
Digital Icarus?
Authors: Sossi Dino
Published: November 2013

Video’s affordances can help researchers derive richer answers to a wider variety of questions than was once previously possible, especially when this medium leverages the networking capabilities of the Internet. However, uncritical use of video can exact significant costs, possibly jeopardizing research integrity. This chapter considers issues when using video recording for educational research. The first section discusses the practical advantages of using video in research and addresses concerns when collecting data. The second examines video within ethnographic contexts. It discusses video as a complement to participant observation and the author’s use of a personally produced ethnographic film to elicit student affective response. The third discusses philosophical issues that contextualize visual media used within research. This includes the production of meaning by images, the impact of the mechanical reproduction of images, as well as using visual media to explore the perceived gap between objectivity and subjectivity.