bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspects of Air Quality Status of Bonny Island, Nigeria Attributed to an Lng Plant
Authors: Ede Precious N. , Edokpa David O. , Ayodeji Oluleye
Published: October 2011

The Bonny Island axis of the Niger Delta, Nigeria, is one of the most industrialized belts of Nigeria. Among the significant industries in the locality is the Nigerian natural gas liquefying plants. The plant complex generates emissions which are propagated by meteorological agents. An atmospheric dispersion model was used to model the emissions using a computer programme. A statistical analysis of meteorological parameters was also carried out to determine the pollutants dispersion in the atmosphere. The analysis shows that wind speed is moderate and the predominance of southerly winds will move plumes toward human settlements in the north and north-eastern directions from the plant. From the diffusion model, the compounds likely to be emitted in the largest quantity from the plant in the order of magnitude were CO2, NOx, CO, PM10 and SOx. There is evidence that pollutants concentration would be highest for receptors at about 10 km from the emission sources even under unstable atmospheric conditions. The concentration of all the pollutants were well within the set ambient limits for the averaging period considered (i.e., 1 hour). It is recommended that the LNG plants continue to use natural gas as their major fuel as it will help in reducing pollutants like CO, PM10 and SOx. Also, due to the large CO2 gas emitted, afforestation and conservation projects should be initiated in Bonny Island so as to earn carbon credit.
Changing Organizational Designs and Performance Frontiers
Authors: Van de Ven Andrew H. , Leung Ricky , Bechara John P. , Sun Kangyong
Published: October 2011

This paper develops and tests a multilevel organizational contingency theory for designing headquarters–subsidiary relations. We use frontier analysis to overcome problems that have hampered advancements in organizational contingency theory in general and headquarters–subsidiary relationships in particular. Based on a longitudinal study of a large medical group practice of 32 local community clinics, we compute the relative distance of clinics from a best-performance frontier, determine what proportions of changes in clinic performance are due to factors that are endogenous or exogenous to the clinics, and examine the organizational factors that may explain these performance changes. We find that uniform headquarters policies have differing effects on the performance of subsidiary units, benefiting some and hindering others through no fault of their own. We also find significant performance volatility with different types of unit designs, suggesting the need to examine the risks of changing organization designs.
Traps on the Path of Analysis
Authors: Kleinman Sherryl , Kolb Kenneth H.
Published: October 2011

Qualitative researchers experience common traps as we build our analyses. These traps include (1) becoming attached to studies related to our topic; (2) feeling overly sympathetic toward participants; (3) unknowingly taking on lay assumptions and beliefs; and (4) falling into subjectivism. These categories are neither exhaustive nor mutually exclusive but represent the stumbling blocks we have encountered in our research and in others' work. We examine these barriers to qualitative analysis and discuss practical strategies to avoid or overcome them.
“The Battle of Many Names, or No Remorse”
Authors: Denzin Norman K.
Published: October 2011

This three‐act historical ethnodrama rereads the discourse surrounding Custer's Last Stand, arguably the most written‐about military event in American history. It compares and contrasts First Nation oral history accounts, official military records, and select painterly representations of the “Battle of Little Bighorn.” It asks if there was a real “last stand” or only a flawed grand narrative (see Denzin 2011).
Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: Székely Hajnal , Hagymási Krisztina , Sápi Zoltán , Hartmann Erika , Mihály Emese , Műzes Györgyi , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: October 2011

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is the chronic, nonspecific inflammation of the retroperitoneum. About 75% of the cases are idiopathic. The pathomechanism of the disorder is not clearly defined. Autoimmune inflammation and secondary fibrosis are the main suspected mechanisms against an unknown factor possibly related to atherosclerosis. Symptoms and laboratory parameters are nonspecific which make the diagnosis difficult. At the time of the diagnosis complications are often present. After the urological and surgical management of the complications, the aim of the medical treatment is immunosuppression. Corticosteroids are usually used for treatment, although the optimal dosage and the duration of the treatment are not known. After therapy cessation relapse may occur, needing repeated steroid therapy or addition of steroid sparing drugs. Predicting factors for treatment response, corticosteroid demand or relapse are not known. Authors review the medical history of two patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis and discuss diagnostic difficulties of this disorder. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1818–1826.
Cancer Therapeutics: Time to Swim Downstream?
Authors: Steinman Richard
Published: October 2011

A merged fluorescent and brightfield image of MCF-7 breast cancer cells co-cultured with fibroblasts and resembling a fish in water is contemplated.
Self-Plagiarism
Authors: Chabner Bruce A.
Published: October 2011

The background and explanation for the retraction of Brian Rini's article from the March 2005 issue of The Oncologist are provided.
The Combination of Purified Recombinant Human Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor‐BB and Equine Particulate Bone Graft for Periodontal Regeneration
Authors: Nevins Myron , Nevins Marc L. , Karimbux Nadeem , Kim Soo‐Woo , Schupbach Peter , Kim David M.
Published: October 2011

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential for periodontal regeneration of a critical‐sized defect with the application of recombinant human platelet‐derived growth factor (rhPDGF‐BB) combined with either a particulate equine or a β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) matrix.

Methods: Critical‐sized intrabony 2‐wall defects were created bilaterally on the distal surface of the second premolar and the mesial surface of the first molar in nine hounds. Twelve defects received rhPDGF‐BB/equine treatment, 12 defects received rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP treatment, and the remaining 12 sites served as sham‐surgery controls. The animals were sacrificed after a 10‐week healing period.

Results: Clinical healing was uneventful without obvious signs of overt gingival inflammation. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses revealed statistically that there were differences among the three groups in terms of new bone formation (P <0.001). The amount of test material for both rhPDGF‐BB/equine and rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP groups was comparable, but the amount of newly formed bone was significantly higher (P <0.01) in favor of the rhPDGF‐BB/equine group. The amount of new cementum formed for the rhPDGF‐BB/equine group (4.8 ± 1.3 mm) was significantly higher (P =0.001) than the sham‐surgery control group (1.7 ± 1.9 mm).

Conclusion: Both rhPDGF‐BB/equine and rhPDGF‐BB/β‐TCP have the potential to support the regeneration of the periodontal attachment apparatus.
Endothelial Dysfunction during Cardiac Development: A Heart to Heart Discussion of the Significance of the Nitrosative-Oxidative Disequilibrium Hypothesis
Authors: Elahi Maqsood M. , Matata Bashir M.
Published: October 2011

Endothelial dysfunction as a consequence of a variety of common cardiovascular disease risk factors is thought to be associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the subsequent decrease in vascular bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). In this article we give a detailed discussion of evidence of the impact of oxidative-nitrosative stress during maternal pregnancy on fetal development in animal models and also the association with the onset of cardiovascular conditions in adult humans. We highlighted specifically the presence of ROS in circulating blood as the key intermediary related to vascular injury and organ dysfunction. In addition, the evidence that red blood cells regulate the arteriolar microcirculation, coupling oxygen delivery with blood flow, highlighting their role in NO bioavailability. The unique natures of relationship between cell-signalling, transcriptional mechanisms and oxidative-nitrosative stress in the progression of coronary heart disease have also been discussed in greater detail. We have also discussed the emerging concepts that pharmacological prevention of cardiovascular events in the future might consists of the control of classical risk factors with specific interventions targeting oxidative stress while simultaneously improving NO production.
Index
Authors: Matata, Bashir M. , Elahi Maqsood M.
Published: October 2011

Full text available
Reading Moby-Dick in a Participatory Culture: Organizing Assessment for Engagement in a new Media Era
Authors: Hickey Daniel T. , McWilliams Jenna , Honeyford Michelle A.
Published: October 2011

Traditional literacy instruction is perhaps still necessary but is certainly no longer sufficient to prepare learners for participation in the range of literacy practices that characterize an increasingly participatory culture. This article identifies discrepancies between traditional instructional practices that emphasize individual mastery of abstract concepts and skills and new media literacy practices that rely upon collaborative, social, and context-specific activity. In particular, mainstream assessment practices become problematic for teachers who are interested in integrating these so-called “participatory practices” into their classrooms. Through a description of a year-long collaboration around a secondary language arts curriculum, we present an assessment framework designed to support a social model of learning and to help prepare learners for engagement with and participation in a range of knowledge-building and problem-solving activities and communities, while supporting gains in more traditional curricular and standards-based assessments. This framework, which we call “participatory assessment,” builds on previous work in science and math instruction, as well as in immersive video games, and extends that work into the secondary English language arts classroom. This article describes the curriculum, the approach, and some of the assessment design principles that emerged.
Hunter New England Training (HNET): How to Effect Culture Change in a Psychiatry Medical Workforce
Authors: Cohen Martin , Llewellyn Anthony , Ditton-Phare Philippa , Sandhu Harsimrat , Vamos Marina
Published: October 2011

Objective: It is now recognized that education and training are at the core of quality systems in health care. In this paper we discuss the processes and drivers that underpinned the development of high quality education and training programs and placements for all junior doctors. The early identification and development of doctors interested in psychiatry as a career, engagement and co-operation with the broader junior doctor network and the creation of teaching opportunities for trainees that was linked to their stage of development were identified as key to the success of the program.

Conclusions: Targeted, high quality education programs and clinical placements coupled with strategic development of workforce has reduced staff turn over, led to the stabilization of the medical workforce and created a culture where learning and supervision are highly valued.
Obtaining high formability of IF-galvanized steel tailor welded blanks by applying optimum CO2 laser welding parameters
Authors: Abbasi M. , Ketabchi M. , Shakeri H. R. , Shafaat M. A.
Published: October 2011

Tailor welded blanks are complex component designs tailor-made through welding of multiple metal sheets with different thicknesses, shapes and/or strengths prior to forming. Making tailor welded blanks out of interstitial free galvanized steels not only provides the general advantages of tailor blanks including the weight and manufacturing cost reductions per part, but also considering the properties of the parent sheet, could guarantee exceptional corrosion resistance as well as favorable formability characteristics. The quality of the weld joint in these blanks and their formability is directly influenced by the parameters of the welding process. In this research, the use of CO2 laser for welding thin interstitial free galvanized steel sheets with different thicknesses (0.8 and 1.2 mm) was optimized using the Taguchi analytical methodology. The welding parameters including the shielding gas pressure, laser power and travel speed of the laser beam were evaluated by measuring the dome height value after forming and the optimal welding parameters values were obtained. The optimal result was equated with the highest dome height value and consequently highest formability. Results showed that the welding parameters have a great effect on achievable properties of tailor welded blanks and entrapment of zinc vapor due to evaporation of zinc has a significant role in determining the weld quality of the studied blanks. Microstructure, hardness and mechanical properties of different welds were also investigated. Formation of voids and porosity as well as lack of diffusion were some of the results of welding with non-optimized parameters. An equation based on a regression model is presented to predict the minimum dome height value of tailor welded blank consisted of interstitial free galvanized steels with a thickness ratio of 1.5.
Magnetic properties of Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanopowders prepared by means of the template-assisted hydrothermal method
Authors: Shen Q. , He H. Y.
Published: October 2011

In the present article, nickel cobalt ferrite (Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized using a template-assisted hydrothermal method. Carboxymethyl cellulose was used as the templating agent for controlling the morphology of the Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and a vibrating sample magnetometer. The results indicated that the morphology of the nanoparticles changed from granular and superparamagnetic to platelike and ferromagnetic with the addition of the template. The Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles synthesized without the template exhibited a saturation magnetization and coercivity 2.81 T and 0.2 kA · m– 1, while when the template was used, the saturation magnetization and coercivity increased to 3.13 T and 76.6 kA · m– 1 as the template proportion increased to 0.3.
The Metacity: A Conceptual Framework for Integrating Ecology and Urban Design
Authors: McGrath Brian , Pickett S. T. A.
Published: October 2011

We introduce the term metacity as a conceptual framework that can be shared by ecologists and designers and applied across the wide variety of urban habitats found around the world. While the term metacity was introduced by UN-HABITAT to designate hyper cities of over twenty million people, for us it is not limited to large urban agglomerations, but rather refers to the proliferation of new forms of urbanization, each with distinct ecological and social attributes. These various urban configurations when combined with new digital sensing, communication and social networking technologies constitute a virtual meta-infrastructure, present in all cities today. This new metacity has the potential to integrate new activist forms of ecological and urban design research and practice in making the transition from sanitary to sustainable city models globally. The city of Baltimore, Maryland will be used both as a site to illustrate these recent urban trends, and also as an example of the integration of ecology and urban design pursued by the two authors over the past seven years [1,2]. Metacity theory is drawn from both an architectural analysis of contemporary forms of urbanism, new forms of digital monitoring and communication technologies, as well as metapopulation and metacommunity theories in ecology. We seek to provide tools and lessons from our experiences for realizing an integrated metacity approach to achieving social sustainability and ecological resilience on an increasingly urbanized planet.
Biological Potential of Sixteen Legumes in China
Authors: Yao Yang , Cheng Xuzhen , Wang Lixia , Wang Suhua , Ren Guixing
Published: October 2011

Phenolic acids have been identified in a variety of legumes including lima bean, broad bean, common bean, pea, jack bean, goa bean, adzuki bean, hyacinth bean, chicking vetch, garbanzo bean, dral, cow bean, rice bean, mung bean and soybean. The present study was carried out with the following aims: (1) to identify and quantify the individual phenolic acid and determine the total phenolic content (TPC); (2) to assess their antioxidant activity, inhibition activities of α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and formation of advanced glycation endproducts; and (3) to investigate correlations among the phytochemicals and biological activity. Common bean possesses the highest antioxidant activity and advanced glycation endproducts formation inhibition activity. Adzuki bean has the highest α-glucosidase inhibition activity, and mung bean has the highest tyrosinase inhibition activity. There are significant differences in phytochemical content and functional activities among the bean species investigated. Selecting beans can help treat diseases such as dermatological hyperpigmentation illness, type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular diseases.
Aquatic Insects in Eastern Australia: A Window on Ecology and Evolution of Dispersal in Streams
Authors: Hughes Jane M. , Huey Joel A. , McLean Alison J. , Baggiano Olivier
Published: October 2011

Studies of connectivity of natural populations are often conducted at different timescales. Studies that focus on contemporary timescales ask questions about dispersal abilities and dispersal behavior of their study species. In contrast, studies conducted at historical timescales are usually more focused on evolutionary or biogeographic questions. In this paper we present a synthesis of connectivity studies that have addressed both these timescales in Australian Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera. We conclude that: (1) For both groups, the major mechanism of dispersal is by adult flight, with larval drift playing a very minor role and with unusual patterns of genetic structure at fine scales explained by the “patchy recruitment hypothesis”; (2) There is some evidence presented to suggest that at slightly larger spatial scales (~100 km) caddisflies may be slightly more connected than mayflies; (3) Examinations of three species at historical timescales showed that, in southeast Queensland Australia, despite there being no significant glaciation during the Pleistocene, there are clear impacts of Pleistocene climate changes on their genetic structure; and (4) The use of mitochondrial DNA sequence data has uncovered a number of cryptic species complexes in both trichopterans and ephemeropterans. We conclude with a number of suggestions for further work.
A Multi-Sensorial Hybrid Control for Robotic Manipulation in Human-Robot Workspaces
Authors: Pomares Jorge , Perea Ivan , García Gabriel J. , Jara Carlos A. , Corrales Juan A. , Torres Fernando
Published: October 2011

Autonomous manipulation in semi-structured environments where human operators can interact is an increasingly common task in robotic applications. This paper describes an intelligent multi-sensorial approach that solves this issue by providing a multi-robotic platform with a high degree of autonomy and the capability to perform complex tasks. The proposed sensorial system is composed of a hybrid visual servo control to efficiently guide the robot towards the object to be manipulated, an inertial motion capture system and an indoor localization system to avoid possible collisions between human operators and robots working in the same workspace, and a tactile sensor algorithm to correctly manipulate the object. The proposed controller employs the whole multi-sensorial system and combines the measurements of each one of the used sensors during two different phases considered in the robot task: a first phase where the robot approaches the object to be grasped, and a second phase of manipulation of the object. In both phases, the unexpected presence of humans is taken into account. This paper also presents the successful results obtained in several experimental setups which verify the validity of the proposed approach.
Cooperative MIMO Communication at Wireless Sensor Network: An Error Correcting Code Approach
Authors: Islam Mohammad Rakibul , Han Young Shin
Published: October 2011

Cooperative communication in wireless sensor network (WSN) explores the energy efficient wireless communication schemes between multiple sensors and data gathering node (DGN) by exploiting multiple input multiple output (MIMO) and multiple input single output (MISO) configurations. In this paper, an energy efficient cooperative MIMO (C-MIMO) technique is proposed where low density parity check (LDPC) code is used as an error correcting code. The rate of LDPC code is varied by varying the length of message and parity bits. Simulation results show that the cooperative communication scheme outperforms SISO scheme in the presence of LDPC code. LDPC codes with different code rates are compared using bit error rate (BER) analysis. BER is also analyzed under different Nakagami fading scenario. Energy efficiencies are compared for different targeted probability of bit error pb. It is observed that C-MIMO performs more efficiently when the targeted pb is smaller. Also the lower encoding rate for LDPC code offers better error characteristics.
d-Wave Superconductivity and s-Wave Charge Density Waves: Coexistence between Order Parameters of Different Origin and Symmetry
Authors: Ekino Toshikazu , Gabovich Alexander M. , Li Mai Suan , Pękała Marek , Szymczak Henryk , Voitenko Alexander I.
Published: October 2011

A review of the theory describing the coexistence between d-wave superconductivity and s-wave charge-density-waves (CDWs) is presented. The CDW gapping is identified with pseudogapping observed in high-Tc oxides. According to the cuprate specificity, the analysis is carried out for the two-dimensional geometry of the Fermi surface (FS). Phase diagrams on the σ0 − α plane—here, σ0 is the ratio between the energy gaps in the parent pure CDW and superconducting states, and the quantity 2α is connected with the degree of dielectric (CDW) FS gapping—were obtained for various possible configurations of the order parameters in the momentum space. Relevant tunnel and photoemission experimental data for high-Tc oxides are compared with theoretical predictions. A brief review of the results obtained earlier for the coexistence between s-wave superconductivity and CDWs is also given.
Anthrax Lethal Toxin-Mediated Disruption of Endothelial VE-Cadherin Is Attenuated by Inhibition of the Rho-Associated Kinase Pathway
Authors: Warfel Jason M. , D’Agnillo Felice
Published: October 2011

Systemic anthrax disease is characterized by vascular leakage pathologies. We previously reported that anthrax lethal toxin (LT) induces human endothelial barrier dysfunction in a cell death-independent manner with actin stress fiber formation and disruption of adherens junctions (AJs). In the present study, we further characterize the molecular changes in the AJ complex and investigate whether AJ structure and barrier function can be preserved by modulating key cytoskeletal signaling pathways. Here, we show that LT reduces total VE-cadherin protein and gene expression but the expression of the key linker protein beta-catenin remained unchanged. The changes in VE-cadherin expression correlated temporally with the appearance of actin stress fibers and a two-fold increase in phosphorylation of the stress fiber-associated protein myosin light chain (p-MLC) and cleavage of Rho-associated kinase-1 (ROCK-1). Co-treatment with ROCK inhibitors (H-1152 and Y27632), but not an inhibitor of MLC kinase (ML-7), blocked LT-induced p-MLC enhancement and stress fiber formation. This was accompanied by the restoration of VE-cadherin expression and membrane localization, and attenuation of the LT-induced increase in monolayer permeability to albumin. Together, these findings suggest the ROCK pathway may be a relevant target for countering LT-mediated endothelial barrier dysfunction.
Wastewater Reuse Planning in Agriculture: The Case of Aitoloakarnania, Western Greece
Authors: Kalavrouziotis Ioannis K. , Arambatzis Christos , Kalfountzos Dimitrios , Varnavas Soterios P.
Published: October 2011

In the present paper, the possibility of the treated municipal wastewater (TMWW) reuse in agriculture, produced by the Wastewater Treatment Plants of Aitoloakarnania prefecture, one of the greatest agricultural regions of Greece, has been investigated. The boundaries of agricultural soils and the irrigated crops were defined, and the water requirements of crops were calculated. Also the chemical characteristics of the TMWW were determined for the safe reuse in crop production, and for the protection of soils from potential pollution. The research conducted in this area is expected to constitute the basis for an integrated TMWW reuse planning in soils and crops, in the context of sustainable agriculture, and environmental protection. It must be mentioned that the Messolongion-Aitolikon lagoon is in the area under investigation, one of the largest wetland ecosystem of Mediterranean region, which makes the area ecologically sensitive. The ultimate scope of this study is to describe the planning of the TMWW reuse on the basis of soil characteristics, climatic factors, and irrigation water requirements of the crops, grown in this ecologically sensitive area. The volume of the effluents produced by the wastewater treatment plants of Messolonghion, Agrinion, Nafpaktos, Aitoliko and Thermo could cover 19.3%, 25.14%, >100%, 17.18 and 87.84% of the irrigation water requirements, respectively.
L’influence des politiques d’aide aux familles sur la fécondité dans les pays développés
Authors: Thévenon Olivier , Gauthier Anne Hélène
Published: October 2011

This article seeks to examine the impact of family policies on fertility. These policies appear unquestionably to have a positive effect, albeit to a limited extent, but affect birth schedules to a greater extent than lifetime fertility. However, it should be noted that this influence is no doubt underestimated because their relatively direct long-term effects are difficult to grasp.
Politiques de conciliation travail-famille : comparaison France-Québec
Authors: Letablier Marie-Thérèse , St-Amour Nathalie
Published: October 2011

As an increasing number of women, in particular mothers, participate in the labour market, reconciling work and family activities has become a major political issue in most Western countries. Although this issue primarily concerns the implementation of family policies, it nevertheless gives rise to other issues. It also constitutes a challenge for firms and, more widely, for social partners, which are increasingly urged to support working parents. This article examines work-family balance policies in France and Québec from three perspectives : the support provided to parents for child care, the leave granted to parents for family-related responsibilities, and the forms of work-time organization and its linkage with the constraints of family life.
Le soutien financier aux familles québécoises est-il généreux en regard des pays de l’OCDE ?
Authors: Godbout Luc , St-Cerny Suzie
Published: October 2011

The authors estimate, for families in Québec, the net cost of child care, the financial support provided to them and their disposable income after taxes, contributions and child care costs. These amounts are compared with those in selected countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and show that Québec child care measures significantly decrease the net cost of child care, making Québec the country in which families devote the lowest share of their income to child care costs. The authors then show that the financial support for a family in Québec is among the most generous of the selected OECD countries.
Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite markers and tests of cross‐amplification in four widespread European calcicole ferns
Authors: de Groot G. Arjen , Korpelainen Helena , Wubs E. R. Jasper , Erkens Roy
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study:Studies on the biogeography and population genetics of the widespread European rock ferns Asplenium scolopendrium, A. trichomanessubsp. quadrivalens, Polystichum setiferum, and P. aculeatumwould potentially yield interesting new insights into the colonization capacities of ferns. Markers with sufficient resolution for detailed genetic studies are, however, not yet available.

• Methods and Results:Using genome screening with intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers, a total of 16 different microsatellite markers were isolated and characterized for the four species. Some of these markers could be exchanged within each congeneric pair.

• Conclusions:The developed primer sets will be very useful for analyses of the biogeography and population genetics of some widespread calcicole ferns. The observed cross‐amplification rates suggest a high potential for application on additional species from the same genera.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Sassafras randaiense (Lauraceae)
Authors: Chung Kuo‐Fang , Lin Ting‐Ting , Tsai Yung‐Shin , Lin Shu‐Tzong , Peng Ching‐I
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite loci were developed in Sassafras randaiense, an endemic tree species in Taiwan, to investigate the conservation genetics of this invaluable plant that is at risk for continuing population decline.

• Methods and Results: Using a magnetic bead enrichment method, 27 primer pairs amplifying di‐, tri, and tetranucleotide repeats were developed. Across the populations tested, 16 primer sets showed polymorphism, with an average of 4.06 alleles per polymorphic locus. Twenty of the 27 developed primer sets were also successfully amplified in its congener S. tzumu from China.

• Conclusions: The new primer sets described here are a powerful tool for investigating the spatial patterns of genetic diversity and for designing effective management strategies for this invaluable plant.
Assessing the Introduction of Electronic Banking in Egypt Using the Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Kamel Sherif , Hassan Ahmed
Published: October 2011

The developments taking place in information and communication technology are increasing competition in financial institutions worldwide. Thus, the deployment of advanced technologies is essential to achieve a competitive edge. Recently, the banking industry was highly affected by the technology evolution that transformed the way banks deliver their services, using technologies such as automated teller machines, phones, the Internet, credit cards, and electronic cash. In line with global trends, retail banking in Egypt has been undergoing many changes. In the past, banks faced significant uncertainty regarding investments in advanced technologies, but recently, banks have been investing heavily in technology to maintain a competitive edge. However, to better forecast the future, banks need to understand the different factors influencing customers choice between traditional and unconventional banking instruments. This case covers the introduction and diffusion of retail banking in Egypt and the development in electronic delivery channels and payment systems in its marketplace. The case represents a model for the application of advanced information and communication technology in the context of a developing nation.
The T-1 Auto Inc. Production Part Testing (PPT) Process
Authors: Caine Charles T. , Lauer Thomas W. , Peacock Eileen
Published: October 2011

This case describes the development, design, and implementation of a workflow automation system at a tier one automotive supplier, T1-Auto. T1 is a developer and manufacturer of anti-lock brake systems. In 1991, T1-Auto had outsourced its IT department. They retained a management core consisting of the CIO and five managers, but transitioned approximately 80 other members of the department to the outsourcing firm. In 1994, Lotus Notesä was installed as the corporate standard e-mail and workflow platform. A team of four Notesädevelopers wrote workflow-based and knowledge management-based applications. Another team of three administrators managed the Notesä infrastructure. The first workflow application written at T1-Auto was developed for the Finance department. The finance team quickly realized the workflow benefit of streamlining and tracking the capital expense request process. The Notesä development team and the project sponsor, the Controller, worked closely to develop the application. Following this initial success, the power and value of workflow technology caught on quickly at T1-Auto. One of the most successful projects was the Electronic Lab Testing Process described in this paper. The Electronics Lab and Testing System (ELTS) was identified as a Transaction Workflow problem by the IT Lotus Notesä team. Because the ELTS involved policies and procedures that crossed many groups and divisions within T1-Auto, and since the process was consistent across the organization, the solution lent itself very well to Lotus Notes. However, while T1-Auto was experiencing rapid growth and the number of tests was increasing, the testing process was prone to communication and coordination errors. As part of their production and product development processes, their electronics laboratory was required to test electronic components that were part of the brake systems. Clearly the testing process was critical to T-1 since delays or errors could adversely affect both product development and production. The case goes on to describe the design and development of the Lotus Notes workflow management system. The design description includes process maps for the as-is and the new system. In addition, descriptions of the testing phase, the pilot, and the roll out are included. The case concludes with a discussion of project success factors and planned future enhancements.
Integration of Third-Party Applications and Web Clients by Means of an Enterprise Layer
Authors: Lemahieu Wilfried , Snoeck Monigue , Michiels Cindy
Published: October 2011

This case study presents an experience report on an Enterprise Modelling and Application Integration project for a young company, starting in the telecommunications business area. The company positions itself as a broadband application provider for the SME market. Whereas its original information infrastructure consisted of a number of stand-alone business and operational support system (BSS/OSS) applications, the projects aim was to define and implement an Enterprise Layer, serving as an integration layer on top of which these existing BSS/OSSs would function independently and in parallel. This integration approach was to be nonintrusive and was to use the business applications as-is. The scope of the case entails the conception of a unifying Enterprise Model and the formulation of an implementation architecture for the Enterprise Layer, based on the Enterprise JavaBeans framework.
The Impact of E-Commerce Technology on the Air Travel Industry
Authors: Gasson Susan
Published: October 2011

This case study examines the impact of online reservation systems and e-commerce on the travel industry. Two questions are examined: 1. How can competitive advantage be obtained from the exploitation of new information technologiesin particular, e-commerce technologies? 2. How has the role of travel agents changed because of the new information technologies being used to achieve competitive advantage in the air travel industry? Initial discussion concerns the impact of the American Airlines SABRE system, as this has often been touted as giving American Airlines first-mover advantage in the industry. The wider impact of remote-access, computerized reservation systems, or Global Distribution Systems, and e-commerce access to online reservations in the travel industry is analyzed, using Porters five-force model of industry competitive forces, to understand how the travel industry has shaped and has been shaped by information systems. The case study concludes with a comparison of the impact of information technologies between the U.S. and European travel industries. It concludes that technology alone does not affect the roles of industry players, but the development of winning technologies exploits structural factors in the environment. Constant evolution of strategic information systems is critical to producing competitive advantage, but opportunism also plays a strong role.
Information Systems Development and Business Fit in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Kanellis Panagiotis , Martakos Drakoulis , Papadopoulou Peggy
Published: October 2011

This teaching case describes the effects of privatization on a large industrial organization and sets the context for illustrating the vulnerability of information systems in turbulent environments. Upon privatization, the company put in place a number of business information systems that crippled them with respect to their initial purpose. At the same time, the policy of the company gave users almost complete autonomy and freedom with respect to meeting their own systems and informational needs. Using this freedom, business unit users developed their own small applications, and cannibalized the overarching systems to give themselves a system that worked by adapting it to their needs. The case presents a detailed, factually accurate chronology of the events, raising awareness to the issue of information systems flexibility by detailing the ensuing repercussions on an organization whose information systems were incapable of dealing with a frantic pace of environmental contingencies.
Globe Telecom
Authors: LaBrie Ryan C. , Vinze Ajay S.
Published: October 2011

This case examines the role and implications of deregulation in the telecommunications sector on an IT-based services organization in the Philippines. Reports from international lending institutions suggest that investments in the telecommunications sector typically produce up to a 30-fold impact on the economy. Predictions like these have caused several of the emerging economies throughout the world to deregulate their telecommunications infrastructure in an attempt to leverage this economic potential. This case study specifically examines the actions of Globe Telecom from just prior to the 1993 Philippine deregulation through the present. Globe has continued to succeed despite the competition against the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, which at one time controlled over 90% of the telephone lines in the Philippines. Globe has been able to do this through strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. Furthermore, Globe has developed into a leading wireless provider by its effective use of modern information technology.
Using Asynchronous Computer Conferencing to Support the Teaching of Computing and Ethics
Authors: Jefferies Pat , Rogerson Simon
Published: October 2011

Currently, there is tremendous impetus for using Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in education. Such impetus may be perceived to be being driven by both the technological pull and political push currently prevalent in initiatives to support lifelong learning. As such, students and tutors may access vast information resources, may communicate with experts in many fields, and may work collaboratively with others regardless of time or place. The challenge for educators is, it seems, not only to be aware of the appropriate use of the new technologies but also to facilitate awareness among their students of the ethical and legal issues related to their use. As such, many higher education (HE) institutions are now introducing computer ethics (CE) modules into the curriculum within certain relevant departments. This case study explores some of the techniques that were employed in seeking to deliver such a module in a pedagogically sound and ethically aware manner.
The QUIPUDATA Case
Authors: Santana-Ormeno Martin , Diaz-Andrade Antonio , Serida-Nishimura Jaime , Morris-Abarca Eddie
Published: October 2011

This case study shows the way in which a subsidiary company of one of the largest corporations in Peru, Backus Corporation, charged with assisting in the use of information and telecommunications technologies, implemented a quality management model, got the ISO 9001: 2000 certification, and evolved from an information technology support center to a center of benefits. It describes the evolution and development of the quality management model based on indicators used in QUIPUDATA and also describes the steps followed to get a quality certification. Moreover, it details some of the technological developments within the corporation, including the information technology tool that supports the management model and the corporate network.
Spreadsheets as Knowledge Documents
Authors: Burgess Stephen , Schauder Don
Published: October 2011

How should a small business decide whether and in what ways to use Web technology for interactions with customers? This case describes the creation of a practical decision support tool (using a spreadsheet) for the initiation and development of small business Web sites. Decisions arise from both explicit and tacit knowledge. Using selected literature from a structuration theory, information management and knowledge management, decision support tools are characterized as knowledge documents (communication agents for explicit knowledge). Understanding decision support tools as knowledge documents sheds light on their potentialities and limitations for knowledge transfer, and assists in maximizing their potentialities. The case study deploys three levels of modeling: a high-level structuration model of the interplay between information management and knowledge management, a conceptual model of small-business decision-making, and an applied model the practical decision support tool, itself. An action-research methodology involving experts and stakeholders validated the development of conceptual categories and their instantiation in the practical tool.
Application of an Object-Oriented Metasystem in University Information System Development
Authors: Smolik Petr C. , Hruska Thomas
Published: October 2011

This case presents experience from design and implementation of a university information system at the Brno University of Technology. The newly built system is expected to provide the students and staff with better tools for communication within the universitys independent faculties, departments, and central administration. An object-oriented metasystem approach was used by the IT department to describe the services offered by the university information system and to generate needed program code for run-time operation of the system. This approach so far produced good results over the period of two years when the pilot project started, nevertheless there are some shortcomings that still have to be resolved.
IS Management and Success of an Italian Fashion Shoe Company
Authors: Sciuto Donatella , Buonanno Giocomo Ravarine Aurelio , Tagliavine Marco , Faverio Paolo , Shroyer-Keno Joan
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the case study of a well-known Italian company (that we will call LSB) producing and selling high quality shoes all over the world. Today, LSB employs about 250 people and has 30 self-owned shops in many important cities like New York, Paris, and London. Until the beginning of the 90s, LSB was unquestionably considered the leader of its sector, while today, the situation has changed. Even if the overall performance indicators still show a healthy company that succeeds in its industry (thanks to its high quality products and the strong brand name), during the past few years, LSB has clearly underperformed with regards to its competitors. The analysis of LSB processes and organizational structure shows that the information management is a crucial issue; this case study aims at investigating the possible influence of the IS management on the evolution of LSB performance.
An Application within the Plan for E-Government
Authors: Fugini Mariagrazia , Mezzanzanica Mario
Published: October 2011

This paper presents the development of services to citizens and enterprises offered by the Italian Public Administration in order to improve the relationship between governmental organizations and the world of citizens and of enterprises. The application is framed the Italian National for E-Government. In particular, the paper illustrates the project aimed at developing a PORTAL for Services to Employment launched and managed by the Regional Agency for Employment of Regione Lombardia within the Italian e-government plan. Regione Lombardia, a Local Public Administration of Northern Italy around Milan administering about 10 millions citizens, has delegated its Agency for Employment in the development of the PORTAL to support the work emarketplace in the regional area. The purpose is to create a virtual electronic market providing active support to job policies, through a reasoned matching process involving job requests and offers, on the basis also of statistical data on the employment market trends, also stored in the PORTAL Information System. Active support is provided as a set of web services managed by the Regional Agency for Employment and communicating with local PAs (Provinces, Municipalities, educational and training organizations), with national institutions (Ministries and Agencies for Social Security and Retirement), and with private agencies and companies operating in the work marketplace.
A DSS Model that Aligns Business Strategy and Business Structure with Advanced Information Technology
Authors: Theodorou Petros
Published: October 2011

This case discusses the development of an alignment model utilizing strategy; structure and information technology after a CIO in the 1990’s suggested to the board of directors the need for an investment program on a barcode system at the front office. The purpose was to decrease entry time of cashier and waiting time of customer’s, in order to increase competitive advantage.
Building Automation into Existing Business Processes
Authors: Paper David , Mok Wai , Rodger James
Published: October 2011

This case study describes the implementation of a novel information system that facilitates automation of business processes. The novel system enables managers to design and develop their own processes into the system (with little or no help from technologists). As a result, information flow is greatly enhanced because managers understand the business and the associated processes. The CEO has a vision to transform the organization to more effectively track activities so that it can double in size within the next few years.
The Rise and Fall of CyberGold.com
Authors: Peltier John E. , Gallivan Michael J.
Published: October 2011

This case study describes the lifecycle of CyberGold, a start-up Dot Com firm that rose to prominence in the world of online currency and micro-payments. The case describes the inception of the firm, the talent base of its senior executives, and its innovative and patented business model, known as Attention Brokerage. The case focuses on a specific decision problem faced by CyberGolds team of senior managers early in its lifecycle: how to modify the companys business model and communication with its members, in order to encourage repeat visits to its site and to provide a clearer understanding of where CyberGold credits may be spent by members.
Towards Citizen-Centered Local e-Government - The Case of the City of Tampere
Authors: Anttiroiko Ari-Veikko
Published: October 2011

This case study describes how e-government activities began and developed in the City of Tampere, a middle-sized local authority. The emphasis is on how the city government applied a citizen-centered approach, visible in the provision of access to the Internet for all, and in facilitating the communication and interaction processes between the city and citizens.