bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Properties of Aliphatic Polypeptoids
Authors: Fetsch Corinna , Luxenhofer Robert
Published: January 2013

A series of polypeptoid homopolymers bearing short (C1–C5) side chains of degrees of polymerization of 10–100 are studied with respect to thermal stability, glass transition and melting points. Thermogravimetric analysis of polypeptoids suggests stability to >200 °C. The study of the glass transition temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry revealed two dependencies. On the one hand an extension of the side chain by constant degree of polymerization decrease the glass transition temperatures (Tg) and on the other hand a raise of the degree of polymerization by constant side chain length leads to an increase of the Tg to a constant value. Melting points were observed for polypeptoids with a side chain comprising not less than three methyl carbon atoms. X-ray diffraction of polysarcosine and poly(N-ethylglycine) corroborates the observed lack of melting points and thus, their amorphous nature. Diffractograms of the other investigated polypeptoids imply that crystalline domains exist in the polymer powder.
A Sensor for the Measurement of the Moisture of Undisturbed Soil Samples
Authors: Kitić Goran , Crnojević-Bengin Vesna
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a very accurate sensor for the measurement of the moisture of undisturbed soil samples. The sensor relies on accurate estimation of the permittivity which is performed independently of the soil type, and a subsequent calibration. The sensor is designed as an upgrade of the conventional soil sampling equipment used in agriculture—the Kopecky cylinder. The detailed description of the device is given, and the method for determining soil moisture is explained in detail. Soil moisture of unknown test samples was measured with an absolute error below 0.0057 g/g, which is only 2.24% of the full scale output, illustrating the high accuracy of the sensor.
A Report of Contemporary Rammed Earth Construction and Research in North America
Authors: Windstorm Bly , Schmidt Arno
Published: January 2013

Contemporary stabilized rammed earth (SRE) draws upon traditional rammed earth (RE) methods and materials, often incorporating reinforcing steel and rigid insulation, enhancing the structural and energy performance of the walls while satisfying building codes. SRE structures are typically engineered by licensed Structural Engineers using the Concrete Building Code or the Masonry Building Code. The construction process of SRE creates structural walls of relatively high compressive strength appropriate for a broad range of heating and cooling climates. The incorporation of rigid insulation creates a high mass interior wythe that is thermally separated from the exterior, resulting in improved thermal performance. Modular aluminum reinforced formwork allows walls to be built without the use of through ties, common in concrete construction. The North American Rammed Earth Builders Association (NAREBA) collaborated with Unisol Engineering Ltd. and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) on a battery of tests to obtain preliminary data to be used in support of engineering design. The tests included compressive strength comparisons, pull out rebar testing of both horizontally and vertically placed steel, simple beam tests, and the deflection of two composite wall columns with an insulation core and two types of reinforcing steel connections between the RE wythes.
The Combined Expression of Pdx1 and MafA with Either Ngn3 or NeuroD Improves the Differentiation Efficiency of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Insulin-Producing Cells
Authors: Xu Huiming , Tsang Kam Sze , Chan Juliana C. N. , Yuan Ping , Fan Rongrong , Kaneto Hideaki , Xu Gang
Published: January 2013

The use of pancreatic β-cells differentiated from embryonic stem (ES) cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is a promising strategy in cell therapy. Pancreatic β-cell development is regulated by the sequential expression of a molecular network of transcription factors. In this experiment, we adopted a three-step differentiation protocol to differentiate mES (mouse ES) cells into insulin-secreting cells and overexpressed transcription factors by adenoviral vectors at various combinations at different time of differentiation. We found that the coexpression of Pdx1 and MafA with either Ngn3 or NeuroD, especially at the final stage of the three-step differentiation, significantly increased the differentiation efficiency. It also increased the glucose-stimulated insulin and C-peptide secretion in insulin-secreting cells derived from mES cells compared to the control green fluorescent protein (GFP) vector-transduced group. For the first time, we have demonstrated that the coexpression of Pdx1 and MafA during a specific time window of development can act synergistically with either Ngn3 or NeuroD to promote the differentiation of mES cells into insulin-secreting cells.
The Potential Use of Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma for Large Bone Defect Treatment: Immunogenicity and Defect Healing Efficacy
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Yong , Huang Ai-Wen , Fan Jun Jun , Wei Kuanhai , Jin Dan , Chen Bin , Li Dan , Bi Long , Wang Jun , Pei Guoxian
Published: January 2013

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been extensively investigated for large bone defect treatment, but its clinical application is harassed by controversial outcome, due to highly variable PRP quality among patients. Alternatively, allogeneic PRP from well-characterized donors cannot only generate more consistent and reliable therapeutic effect but also avoid harvesting large quantities of blood, an additional health burdens to patients. However, the use of allogeneic PRP for bone defect treatment is generally less investigated, especially for its immunogenicity in such application. Here, we meticulously investigated the immunogenicity of allogeneic PRP and evaluated its healing efficacy for critical-sized defect treatment. Allogeneic PRP contained 4.1-fold and 2.7- to 4.9-fold higher amount of platelets and growth factors than whole blood, respectively. The intramuscular injection of allogeneic PRP to rabbits did not trigger severe and chronic immunoresponse, evidenced by little change in muscular tissue microstructure and CD4+/CD8+T lymphocyte subpopulation in peripheral blood. The implantation of allogeneic PRP/deproteinized bone matrix (DPB) constructs (PRP + DPB) successfully bridged 1.5-cm segmental radial defects in rabbits, achieving similar healing capacity as autologous MSC/DPB constructs (MSC + DPB), with greater bone formation (1.1–1.5x, p < 0.05) and vascularization (1.3–1.6x, p < 0.05) than DPB alone, shown by histomorphometric analysis, bone mineral density measurement, and radionuclide bone imaging. Furthermore, the implantation of both allogeneic PRP- and autologous MSC-mediated DPB constructs (PRP + MSC + DPB) resulted in the most robust bone regeneration (1.2–2.1x, p < 0.05) and vascularization (1.3–2.0x, p < 0.05) than others (PRP + DPB, MSC + DPB, or DPB alone). This study has demonstrated the promising use of allogeneic PRP for bone defect treatment with negligible immunogenicity, great healing efficacy, potentially more consistent quality, and no additional health burden to patients; additionally, the synergetic enhancing effect found between allogeneic PRP and autologous MSCs may shed a light on developing new therapeutic strategies for large bone defect treatment.
Systematic Analysis of Donor and Isolation Factor's Impact on Human Islet Yield and Size Distribution
Authors: Wang Y. , Danielson K. K. , Ropski A. , Harvat T. , Barbaro B. , Paushter D. , Qi M. , Oberholzer J.
Published: January 2013

Islet transplantation is a promising therapy for T1DM. Key factors influencing islet yield have been identified with conflicting results. In this study, we analyzed 276 isolations to identify variables for islet yield and, additionally, islet size and size distribution. Pearson correlation analyses demonstrated that BMI had a positive correlation with pancreas size, actual islet count (AIC), and islet equivalent (IEQ)/g (all p ≤0.009), while CIT had a negative correlation with AIC and IEQ/g (all p ≤0.003). In mixed linear regression, BMI also had a positive correlation with islet size but only for shorter digestion times (≤15 min); there was no association between BMI and islet size for longer digestion times (>15 min). CIT was not associated with islet size. Donor age, sex, and preservation solutions were shown to have no correlation with islet yields or size distribution. Pancreas size had a positive correlation with AIC and a negative association with IEQ/g; it also had positive association with islet size but only for females, not males. Overdigestion was positively associated with islet counts; however, there was also a greater proportion of smaller islets when digestion rate was >74% ( p = 0.005). Of the three collagenases analyzed, Sigma V had the lowest digestion rate (mean = 65%), approximately 5% or 10% lower than Roche Liberase HI ( p = 0.04) and Serva NB1 ( p = 0.0003), respectively; however, the Sigma V group showed better islet size preservation. Yet, the enzymes resulted in similar IEQ/g digested tissue. Of the isolated islets, 70.2% were smaller than 150 μm and contributed only 20.4% to the total IEQ, while 7.4% of the islets were larger than 250 μm but contributed 42.4% to the total IEQ. In summary, BMI, pancreas size, and CIT are useful variables for predicting islet yield, but selection of enzyme and balancing digestion time and rate are also important.
Presence or absence of a novel charge-transfer complex in the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of N-ethylbenzamide or ethyl benzoate
Authors: Yamabe Shinichi , Guan Wei , Sakaki Shigeyoshi
Published: January 2013

Reaction paths of base-catalyzed hydrolyses of isoelectronic substrates, Ph–C(=O)–X–Et [X = O (ethyl benzoate) and X = NH (N-ethylbenzamide)], were traced by DFT calculations. To simulate bond interchanges accompanied by proton transfers, a cluster model of Ph–C(=O)–X–Et + OH−(H2O)16 was employed. For X = O, three elementary processes and for X = NH four ones were obtained. The rate-determining step of X = O is the first TS (TS1, the OH− addition step), while that of X = NH is TS2. TS2 of X = NH leads to a novel Mulliken charge-transfer complex, Ph–(OH)(O=)C∙∙∙N(H2)–Et. The superiority or inferiority between the direct nucleophilic process or the general base-catalyzed process for TS1 was examined with the model Ph–C(=O)–X–Et + OH−(H2O)n, n = 3, 5, 8, 12, 16, 24 and 32. The latter process was calculated to be more favorable regardless of the number (n, except n = 3) of water molecules. The counter ion Na+ works unfavorably on the ester hydrolysis, particularly on TS1. A minimal model of TS1 was proposed and was found to be insensitive to n.
Comparison of Multichannel Wide Dynamic Range Compression and ChannelFree Processing in Open Canal Hearing Instruments
Authors: Plyler Patrick N. , Reber Monika Bertges , Kovach Amanda , Galloway Elisabeth , Humphrey Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

Background:Multichannel wide dynamic range compression (WDRC) and ChannelFree processing have similar goals yet differ significantly in terms of signal processing. Multichannel WDRC devices divide the input signal into separate frequency bands; a separate level is determined
within each frequency band; and compression in each band is based on the level within each band. ChannelFree processing detects the wideband level, and gain adjustments are based on the wideband signal level and adjusted up to 20,000 times per second. Although both signal processing strategies
are currently available in hearing aids, it is unclear if differences in these signal processing strategies affect the performance and/or preference of the end user.Purpose:The purpose of the research was to determine the effects of multichannel wide dynamic range compression and ChannelFree
processing on performance and/or preference of listeners using open-canal hearing instruments.Research Design:An experimental study in which subjects were exposed to a repeated measures design was utilized.Study Sample:Fourteen adult listeners with mild sloping to moderately
severe sensorineural hearing loss participated (mean age 67 yr).Data Collection and Analysis:Participants completed two 5 wk trial periods for each signal processing strategy. Probe microphone, behavioral and subjective measures were conducted unaided and aided at the end of each trial
period.Results:Behavioral and subjective results for both signal processing strategies were significantly better than unaided results; however, behavioral and subjective results were not significantly different between the signal processing strategies.Conclusions:Multichannel
WDRC and ChannelFree processing are both effective signal processing strategies that provide significant benefit for hearing instrument users. Overall preference between the strategies may be related to the degree of hearing loss of the user, high-frequency in-situ levels, and/or acceptance
of background noise.
ON A TWO-FLUID INCLINED FILM FLOW WITH EVAPORATION
Authors: Socolowsky Jürgen
Published: January 2013

This paper is concerned with a plane steady-state inclined film flow including evaporation effects. The motion is governed by a free boundary value problem for a coupled system of Navier–Stokes and Stefan equations. The flow domain is unbounded in two directions and it contains a geometrical perturbation on the inclined bottom. Existence and uniqueness of a suitable solution in weighted Sobolev spaces can be proved for small data (perturbation, inclination of the bottom) characterizing the problem.
TWO MODIFIED HYBRID CONJUGATE GRADIENT METHODS BASED ON A HYBRID SECANT EQUATION
Authors: Babaie-Kafaki Saman , Mahdavi-Amiri Nezam
Published: January 2013

Taking advantage of the attractive features of Hestenes–Stiefel and Dai–Yuan conjugate gradient methods, we suggest two globally convergent hybridizations of these methods following Andrei's approach of hybridizing the conjugate gradient parameters convexly and Powell's approach of nonnegative restriction of the conjugate gradient parameters. In our methods, the hybridization parameter is obtained based on a recently proposed hybrid secant equation. Numerical results demonstrating the efficiency of the proposed methods are reported.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF MAGNETIC DROPLET DYNAMICS IN A ROTATING FIELD
Authors: Cebers Andrejs , Kalis Harijs
Published: January 2013

Dynamics and hysteresis of an elongated droplet under the action of a rotating magnetic field is considered for mathematical modelling. The shape of droplet is found by regularization of the ill-posed initial–boundary value problem for nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE). It is shown that two methods of the regularization – introduction of small viscous bending torques and construction of monotonous continuous functions are equivalent. Their connection with the regularization of the ill-posed reverse problems for the parabolic equation of heat conduction is remarked. Spatial discretization is carried out by the finite difference scheme (FDS). Time evolution of numerical solutions is obtained using method of lines for solving a large system of ordinary differential equations (ODE).
GENERAL CONTROL MODULO AND TAUBERIAN REMAINDER THEOREMS FOR (C, 1) SUMMABILITY
Authors: Meronen Olga , Tammeraid Ivar
Published: January 2013

We prove for the (C, 1) summability method several Tauberian remainder theorems using the general control modulo of the oscillatory behavior.
BASIC THEORY OF NONLINEAR THIRD-ORDER Q-DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS AND INCLUSIONS
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Nieto Juan Jose
Published: January 2013

We investigate the existence of solutions for boundary value problems of the third-order q-difference equations and inclusions. Our results are based on some standard fixed point theorems. In case of inclusion problem, the existence results are obtained for convex as well as nonconvex multi-valued maps. We also discuss the existence of extremal solutions for the inclusion problem.
La vérification sociétale des entreprises du SBF 120 : l'impact de la structure de propriété et du conseil d'administration
Authors: Gillet-Monjarret Claire , Martinez Isabelle
Published: January 2013

Résumé Quelle est l’influence de la structure de propriété et de la composition du conseil d’administration (CA) sur la vérification sociétale volontaire ? C’est à cette question de recherche que nous tentons ici de répondre. L’étude empirique porte sur les entreprises du SBF 120 et sur la période 2007-2008. Elle révèle que la décision de vérification sociétale est influencée par la gouvernance interne : dilution du capital, actionnariat salarié, taille et indépendance du CA, existence d’un comité spécialisé DD/RSE. Outre ces éléments, la décision de vérification sociétale dépend également du secteur d’activité.
Des lesbiennes en devenir
Authors: Amari Salima
Published: January 2013

Résumé À partir du cas de lesbiennes d’ascendance maghrébine, de leurs rapports avec leurs familles et de leur éventuel sentiment d’appartenance à la communauté gay et lesbienne en France, cet article traite de l’émergence du sujet dans la configuration complexe que forment les rapports sociaux de sexe, de race, de classe et de sexualité. Il s’appuie sur huit entretiens menés auprès de femmes âgées de 25 à 38 ans. Confrontées aux injonctions paradoxales des normes de coming-out , de loyauté filiale et d’hétéronormativité, ces femmes évoluent dans une ambivalence permanente. Une situation qui permet la construction de sujets tacites, ambivalents et incertains : des lesbiennes en devenir.
Nommer le mal est politique
Authors: Seff Isabelle
Published: January 2013

Résumé Les évolutions de la terminologie nosographique sont porteuses d’enjeux économiques et sociétaux ; la bataille de l’autisme en fournit l’illustration. Derrière la question de son traitement qui oppose, de façon systématique et loin de la réalité des pratiques, tcc et psychanalyse, il s’agit de discréditer la pédopsychiatrie et les structures médico-sociales actuelles pour obtenir la réaffectation des moyens publics qui les financent. Cela n’est pas sans lien avec une définition extensive de l’autisme qui en fait un enjeu de masse et l’inscrit dans un continuum des troubles de l’adaptation. Vision sociétale pernicieusement ségrégationniste où le statut de l’autiste dessine en creux celui du psychotique : dans le même temps où le premier est revalorisé dans son « handicap », le second est rabattu vers la notion de dangerosité appelant la contention. À l’autiste éducable s’opposerait le psychotique qui ne l’est pas.
La varlope des mots ou la visualité du langage chez Fernand Deligny
Authors: Terral Daniel
Published: January 2013

Résumé Pour tout éducateur, qu’il se nomme Fernand Deligny, Daniel Terral ou tout autre encore, la langue prend sa source dans la capacité qu’elle a de dépeindre la réalité pour se déprendre des illusions. Mais, pour cela, faut-il encore que la langue, et plus précisément la langue des éducs, ne soit pas seulement un usage mais un usinage. D’où la varlope… La langue des éducs rabote la surface des choses et des êtres, dévoile ce qui ne se donne pas à voir d’un seul regard et donne à entendre jusqu’au son des silences.
L'écriture, acte psychiatrique ?
Authors: Bogaert Éric
Published: January 2013

Résumé Évolution, au cours du vieillissement de la bouteille, de l’écriture dans la pratique d’un psychiatre de secteur : de la rédaction de l’observation psychiatrique, en passant par les actes administratifs, à l’apparition du sujet du patient dans la peau dudit psychiatre, où l’acte psychiatrique apparaît, hélas, au déclin de la carrière.
Commune écoute
Authors: Hugli Michel
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’écrit et la narration ne peuvent donner sens à l’injustice ou à l’indicible, ils n’en demeurent pas moins essentiels dans le métier d’éducateur quand il s’agit d’y voir plus clair, a posteriori , dans les événements souvent éprouvants de la vie quotidienne, tout en restant ouverts et créatifs. À l’écoute de poètes de son pays, lors de lectures publiques organisées chez lui à Lausanne, Michel Hugli propose quelques réflexions qui évoquent sa façon d’être au monde et qui traduisent sa langue d’éducateur spécialisé confronté à des histoires de vie d’adolescents et de familles en souffrance.
Soigner sa langue
Authors: Schira Thomas
Published: January 2013

Résumé Ce texte se propose d’interroger la thématique du langage et de son importance. Le langage aide à la construction du psychisme et de la pensée. C’est pour cela qu’il est indispensable à l’être humain. Langage et soin sont intimement liés. D’une part, parce que le bain langagier fait partie du premier soin nécessaire à la survie (psychique) du nourrisson. D’autre part, parce que dans le soin, pour soigner son travail, il faut en parler. Que faire pour parler du langage… ? À part le faire parler. Puisque le langage est attaqué sans cesse (particulièrement dans le soin) et que la seule manière d’abîmer une langue, c’est de ne pas l’utiliser, voici une tentative poétique, humoristique et politique de parler du soin et du langage.
Au-delà du besoin, le désir
Authors: Gardou Charles , Horvais Jean
Published: January 2013

Résumé Lorsqu’une personne est touchée par une déficience, dont découle un handicap qui restreint son autonomie, on est enclin à ne voir en elle qu’un être de besoins. Son obligation de recours à autrui ou à des dispositifs spécifiques pour les satisfaire vient imposer le silence à ses désirs, dont l’expression apparaît même incongrue. On se préoccupe quasi exclusivement de déterminer ses besoins et les aides requises. Or, cette centration, occultant le rôle premier du désir, représente un danger qui menace l’action éducative et pédagogique auprès d’enfants éloignés de la « norme scolaire ». En référence à leurs manques ou carences à combler, on en vient à les identifier, selon l’expression consacrée, à leurs seuls « besoins éducatifs particuliers ». C’est cette exclusivité donnée aux besoins qu’interroge l’article de Charles Gardou et Jean Horvais, à partir de l’exemple de pratiques auprès d’adolescents atteints d’une déficience intellectuelle accueillis en institut médico-professionnel.
La chute du taux de natalité (Shoshi-ka, ) au Japon et ses liens problématiques avec la société japonaise
Authors: Aihara Masayo
Published: January 2013

Résumé De nos jours, au Japon, le problème de la chute du taux de natalité ( Shoshi-ka , ) est associé au Bankon-ka ( , une tendance à l’élévation de l’âge du premier mariage), parce que le mariage demeure une obligation sociale : le taux des naissances hors mariage est très bas au Japon (environ 3 % en 2005). La liaison entre le Shoshi- ka et le Bankon-ka , et la persistance du mariage créent des phénomènes sociaux particuliers, par exemple le Dékichatta-kekkon (  : mariage « pressé » à la suite de la première grossesse « accidentelle ») ou le phénomène « parasite single » (jeunes gens qui ont fini leurs études et qui habitent chez leurs parents et dépendent d’eux pour leur vie quotidienne), etc. Nous examinerons les problématiques sociales qui sont à l’origine de ce Shoshi-ka en présentant ces phénomènes particuliers de la société japonaise.
Nosologie et classifications psychiatriques selon les cultures : les « syndromes liés à la culture »
Authors: Littlewood Roland
Published: January 2013

Résumé Le concept de culture reste assez équivoque pour la psychiatrie: à la fois dénigré car considéré comme secondaire par rapport à la réalité biomédicale - mais aussi utilisé, dans le sens où une certaine idée de la culture contribue à préserver l’opposition moderne/primitif. La compréhension clinique contemporaine de la culture dérive de la distinction entre forme biologique et contenu social introduite par la médecine coloniale pour qualifier les maladies locales. Le terme de « syndromes liés à la culture » désigne aujourd’hui les pathologies extra-européennes. Les développements récents dans la nosologie anglo-américaine seront évoqués.
La mondialisation des catégories : la dépression à l'épreuve de l'universel
Authors: Petryna Adriana , Kleinman Arthur
Published: January 2013

Résumé Cet article applique des perspectives anthropologiques et transculturelles à la construction et à la classification de la dépression. Un des objectifs est d’aller au-delà de l‘universalité des étiologies et symptômes de l’expérience dépressive, et d’examiner comment ces expériences s’expriment à travers et en partant des relations sociales et des contextes politicoéconomiques. Nous évaluons des pratiques épidémiologiques qui ont tendance à dévaluer ces contextes, et nous étudions les effets néfastes d’une telle dévaluation qui se traduit par de faux diagnostics et la sous-estimation de la dépression, surtout dans les pays en voie de développement. Cet article est en faveur d’une approche plus auto-critique en ce temps de mondialisation de la psychiatrie, qui prend au sérieux les diverses formes locales d’étiologies, d’ontologies et de conditions sociales dans lesquelles les troubles dépressifs peuvent se manifester. Les altérations des enjeux et des représentations d‘états subjectifs à un niveau local ont des conséquences morales et éthiques pour l’utilisation de la dépression comme catégorie psychiatrique et comme modèle mondial.
« Le sexe du père est un sein pour le fœtus »
Authors: Jonckers Danielle
Published: January 2013

Résumé Les Minyanka du Mali, de culture bamana, valorisent une fécondité maximum, jumelant l’hypernatalité, de la puberté à la ménopause, et les circulations d’enfants. Ni les hommes, ni les femmes n’évoquent leur désir d’enfant de crainte de provoquer la mort du fœtus ou du bébé. C’est à partir des représentations symboliques de la procréation et de l’analyse des cultes bamana que le désir masculin d’enfants est mis en évidence. On confère au père la capacité de façonner et de nourrir le fœtus en mêlant son sperme au sang utérin. Mais le rôle fondamental dans la reproduction est attribué à des puissances supra-humaines qui récupèrent les composantes spirituelles d’un ancêtre pour les placer dans le ventre d’une femme et insuffler la vie. Les cultes à ces puissances sont interdits aux femmes et les hommes sont seuls habilités à sacrifier. Ils captent ainsi symboliquement le pouvoir génésique féminin et affirment la prépondérance masculine.
Derrière foulards et grandes robes : le vécu de la maternité chez les femmes turques en France
Authors: Dray Monique
Published: January 2013

Résumé Lors d’entretiens avec des femmes turques portant sur leur vécu de la grossesse et de l’accouchement, certains problèmes sont apparus concernant leurs relations avec les institutions médicales. L’analyse de ces situations, basée sur une connaissance des éléments de la culture turque ayant trait à la maternité, sur les représentations que ces femmes ont du système médical en France et sur un décentrage indispensable pour appréhender tous les aspects des faits exposés, permet de mieux comprendre l’origine de leurs difficultés. En acceptant de réexaminer leurs pratiques, le personnel de ces institutions pourrait offrir aux femmes la possibilité de construire de nouvelles représentations, qui conjugueraient leur culture et la réalité qu’elles côtoient ici.
Teaching the Business of Health Care
Authors: LoGrippo Maria Torchia
Published: January 2013

This column identifies teaching modalities for assessing economic value, creating strategic plans, supporting implementation of cost-saving initiatives, and constantly evaluating.
Towards Leading Diverse, Smarter and More Adaptable Organizations that Learn
Authors: Kowch Eugene G.
Published: January 2013

Leadership is in crisis. Technology has enabled our complex and interconnected world, making it much easier for organizations and entire ecosystems to collaborate—quickly—while older mindsets based on the organization as a machine model are proving to be grossly inadequate. Simultaneously, we have failed to predict and to understand, for example, the cascading financial system failures that threaten lives, institutions, and nations. This chapter takes a complexity thinking perspective to carefully examine specialization, diversity, and organizational change in new ways so that we can extend our leadership thinking about the adaptability of our organizations. Because diversity is a critical condition for complex organizational change, the authors explore diversity from two disciplinary perspectives. First, they take a learning science (education) perspective to find that leaders should consider organizations as emergent collectives that are able to learn and to become capable of “learning ahead” in turbulent contexts. The authors then explore, from an organizational science perspective, how diversity exists as an essential condition for identifying differences and novelties as seeds for innovations (changes) made possible only by collective work attracted to these novelties. Finally, the author presents a framework for understanding and leading and knowing the potentials of diverse, smarter, more adaptive complex organizational ecosystems.
Diversity Technology, Cultural DNA, and Personality
Authors: Bonvillain Dorothy Guy , Faulkner David R. , McGuire William Gary
Published: January 2013

For the last sixty years, personality and personality traits (or characteristics) have been studied, researched, and applied to managing individuals and organizations. Some practitioners say that personality research predates the Roman Empire and the Great Greek Philosophers. The use of personality identification as a form of diversity leadership and possible technology is becoming more popular in helping people and organizations assign tasks within the organization as well as to enhance the performance in the organization. The Myers Briggs Type Instrument (MBTI) is one personality tool that strategically links diversity to cultural DNA and enhances the performance educational, medical, business, and military leadership worldwide. There are other personality instruments that can provide similar results, but the authors have chosen the MBTI to best depict how personality can easily be applied to diverse systems to measure individual and organizational change. The impact of these and other diversity characteristics, competencies, and technologies must be filtered through formal instructional systems, design processes, and evaluation procedures to help leadership identify strengths and weaknesses within the organization regardless of the type of organization. There will be a need for varied evaluation and measures to help sustain effectiveness and outcomes. The authors present a brief framework for these measures.
The Analysis-Evaluation Cycle
Authors: Faulkner David R.
Published: January 2013

This chapter focuses on where diversity programs in the government and military intersect, which meets the definition and essence of diversity, how some instructional design process(es) may be undertaken to ensure that the real meaning of diversity is projected into the programs, and how to improve programs to ensure diversity training is effectively impacting organizations.
Technology in Mathematics Education
Authors: Eley Peter M.
Published: January 2013

Combining both leadership and diversity, the author’s define “leadership diversity” to be: leadership that engages followers that is inclusive to gender, culture, and the social context of the followers. In this chapter, a theoretical framework called “Technological Mathematical Leadership Diversity” (TMLD). TMLD refers to using technology to engage all followers’ mathematic learning that is inclusive of their gender, culture, and social context. As mathematics educators, it is important to understand that our role as chief instructor is changing; students are now taking control of their education. The infusion of Web 2.0 is changing how students learn and receive their information. The author set out to answer three questions through the TMLD lens: 1) Will the technology be applied to something already done? 2) Will the technology be used in such a way that it improves upon the way an existing task is done? 3) Will the technology allow us to do things that could not easily be done before? Within this context, the authors organize the technology into two distinct categories “productivity” and “cognitive” based off their primary usage. The rising cost of higher education is driving students to find ways to obtain their education in the quickest time and least expensive way possible. While in pursuit of this, it is important that diversity leadership is maintained. Using frameworks such as TMLD, the authors are able to examine the existence and potential effectiveness of a technological tool. These changes can affect mathematics education in a drastic way.
An Empirical Study of Open Source Software Usability
Authors: Raza Arif , Capretz Luiz Fernando , Ahmed Faheem
Published: January 2013

Recent years have seen a sharp increase in the use of open source projects by common novice users; Open Source Software (OSS) is thus no longer a reserved arena for software developers and computer gurus. Although user-centered designs are gaining popularity in OSS, usability is still not considered one of the prime objectives in many design scenarios. This paper analyzes industry users’ perception of usability factors, including understandability, learnability, operability, and attractiveness on OSS usability. The research model of this empirical study establishes the relationship between the key usability factors and OSS usability from industrial perspective. In order to conduct the study, a data set of 105 industry users is included. The results of the empirical investigation indicate the significance of the key factors for OSS usability.
Factors Affecting the Development of Absorptive Capacity in the Adoption of Open Source Software
Authors: Ven Kris , De Bruyn Peter
Published: January 2013

Previous research has shown that the knowledge that is available to an organization is an important factor influencing the adoption of open source software (OSS). Hence, it is important that organizations develop their absorptive capacity in order to successfully adopt OSS. Absorptive capacity refers to the ability of an organization to acquire, assimilate, and exploit new knowledge. However, no study has specifically investigated how organizations can develop their absorptive capacity by acquiring knowledge about OSS. This paper addresses this gap in research by investigating the organizational knowledge assimilation process within the context of the adoption of OSS. Based on a case study conducted at the Flemish government, a framework that is grounded in literature and that illustrates which contextual factors influence the development of absorptive capacity in the context of the adoption of OSS was developed.
Tool Assisted Analysis of Open Source Projects
Authors: Syeed M.M. Mahbubul , Aaltonen Timo , Hammouda Imed , Systä Tarja
Published: January 2013

Open Source Software (OSS) is currently a widely adopted approach to developing and distributing software. OSS code adoption requires an understanding of the structure of the code base. For a deeper understanding of the maintenance, bug fixing and development activities, the structure of the developer community also needs to be understood, especially the relations between the code and community structures. This, in turn, is essential for the development and maintenance of software containing OSS code. This paper proposes a method and support tool for exploring the relations of the code base and community structures of OSS projects. The method and proposed tool, Binoculars, rely on generic and reusable query operations, formal definitions of which are given in the paper. The authors demonstrate the applicability of Binoculars with two examples. The authors analyze a well-known and active open source project, FFMpeg, and the open source version of the IaaS cloud computing project Eucalyptus.
Software Reuse in Open Source A Case Study
Authors: Capiluppi Andrea , Stol Klaas-Jan , Boldyreff Cornelia
Published: January 2013

A promising way to support software reuse is based on Component-Based Software Development (CBSD). Open Source Software (OSS) products are increasingly available that can be freely used in product development. However, OSS communities still face several challenges before taking full advantage of the “reuse mechanism”: many OSS projects duplicate effort, for instance when many projects implement a similar system in the same application domain and in the same topic. One successful counter-example is the FFmpeg multimedia project; several of its components are widely and consistently reused in other OSS projects. Documented is the evolutionary history of the various libraries of components within the FFmpeg project, which presently are reused in more than 140 OSS projects. Most use them as black-box components; although a number of OSS projects keep a localized copy in their repositories, eventually modifying them as needed (white-box reuse). In both cases, the authors argue that FFmpeg is a successful project that provides an excellent exemplar of a reusable library of OSS components.
Modelling Economic Consequences of ICT Infrastructure Failure in Support of Critical Infrastructure Protection Policies
Authors: Jonkeren Olaf , Ward David
Published: January 2013

There is a large body of work and effort been made in the modelling of critical infrastructures (CI’s) by academia, enterprises, stakeholders, operators, etc.; however, their endeavours have received mixed success so far. This can be traced back to several difficult and historical hurdles in CI modeling such as the chronic unavailability of reliable and recognised data, the specificity of the resulting model, and therefore, its application, the underlying mathematics, narrow-mindedness and lack of awareness of the consequences of infrastructure failure, the recognition and dissemination of the modelling methodology-knowledge, etc. Consequently, bridging theory and application and providing tools for analysing CI’s is key to ensuring that such modelling delivers the benefits voiced and satisfies the needs raised. This chapter sets out to tackle several of these issues.
The Complexity Science Approach vs. the Simulative Approach
Authors: Fioriti Vincenzo , D’Agostino Gregorio , Scala Antonio
Published: January 2013

The chapter starts with the description of the state-of-the-art and the literature review, while introducing the general context of the simulative and complexity science methodologies applied to the critical information infrastructure protection. While introducing the general context, the authors illustrate the methodologies and their applications. The major objective is to investigate the pros and cons to facilitate the choice between the mainstream lines of research in critical information infrastructure protection. Theoretical and practical issues are balanced in order to provide the reader with a wider understanding of the problems at hand and with the appropriate methodological tools to face them. This discussion on the state-of-the-art by no means can be considered exhaustive, depending on the personal views of the authors and on the room available, nevertheless it is meant to explain the trends and the relevant points in the field. It is also worth mentioning, moreover, that with respect to other CI (oil, gas, power grid, etc.), only a small number of CII modelling case studies are available. The reader should be aware that the intention of the authors is not to provide a deep, theoretical, or philosophical analysis of the issue under consideration, rather to help from a practical point of view.
Cyber Risks in Energy Grid ICT Infrastructures
Authors: Dondossola Giovanna , Garrone Fabrizio , Szanto Judit
Published: January 2013

The objective of the chapter is to present the role of cyber security experiments within a methodological approach for the evaluation of cyber risks in grid control systems. As a starting point, a cyber-power risk index has been defined to support the identification of relevant risk factors across network attack models. Instances of attack models have been then experimented on an ICT architecture implementing grid operation scenarios with the double aim of evaluating the attacks’ effects by means of communication performance measures and of tuning the configuration of security mechanisms. The chapter discusses the results of a variety of attack experiments and their role in the calculation of the risk index.
The Telecoms Inclusion Principle
Authors: Johnson Chris W.
Published: January 2013

Communications and information technologies play an increasingly important role both within and between national critical infrastructures. From the food that we eat to the water that we drink, to the energy that we use across all modes of transportation to the systems that protect us when we travel in those systems; we rely on information infrastructures. These interdependencies will increase rapidly in coming years. For instance, the European SESAR programme and the US NextGen initiative are using computational systems to increase the efficiency and maintain the safety of air traffic management with increasing numbers of flights. Similarly, a range of ‘smart grid’ initiatives depend upon computational infrastructures to coordinate the supply and demand of renewable and conventional power sources. The benefits that are provided by telecommunications and information technologies also creates new vulnerabilities, for instance, it is increasingly difficult for national critical infrastructures to recover and reorganise their service provision in the aftermath of computational failures. It is for these reasons that this chapter proposes a telecoms inclusion principle. This states that it order to assess the resilience of any national critical infrastructure we must consider the failure modes and resilience capabilities of telecommunications infrastructures. A consequence of this principle is that the failure of telecommunications infrastructures must be considered in all contingency plans, in drills and exercises, as well as the recovery strategies that are used to mitigate the consequences of an adverse event.
The Role of Telemedicine in Paediatric Cardiology
Authors: McCrossan Brian A. , Casey Frank A.
Published: January 2013

Paediatric cardiology is a subspecialty ideally suited to telemedicine. A small number of experts cover large geographical areas and the diagnosis of congenital heart defects is largely dependent on the interpretation of medical imaging. Telemedicine has been applied to a number of areas within paediatric cardiology. However, its widespread uptake has been slow and fragmentary. In this chapter the authors examine the current evidence pertaining to telemedicine applied to paediatric cardiology, including their own experience, the importance of research and, in particular, economic evaluation in furthering telemedicine endeavours. Perhaps most importantly, they discuss the issues relating transitioning a pilot project into a sustainable clinical service.
Implementation of Telecytology in Georgia
Authors: Kldiashvili Ekaterine
Published: January 2013

The field of e-Health is rapidly evolving. The new models and protocols of application of info-communication technologies for healthcare purposes are developed. Despite of obvious advantages and benefits, practical application of e-Health and its possibilities in everyday practice are slow. Much progress has been made around the world in the field of digital imaging and virtual slides. But in Georgia, telecytology is still in evolving stages. It revolves around static telecytology. It has been revealed that the application of easy available and adaptable technology together with the improvement of the infrastructure conditions is the essential basis for telecytology. This is a very useful and applicable tool for consulting on difficult cases. Telecytology has significantly increased knowledge exchange and thereby ensured a better medical service. The chapter aims description of practical application of telecytology under conditions of Georgia.
Green Process Management using Six Sigma Concepts
Authors: Kadry Seifedine
Published: January 2013

The Six Sigma () methodology, as it has evolved over the last two decades, provides a proven framework for problem solving and organizational leadership and enables leaders and practitioners to employ new ways of understanding and solving their sustainability problems. While business leaders now understand the importance of environmental sustainability to both profitability and customer satisfaction, few are able to translate good intentions into concrete, measurable improvement programs. Increasingly, these leaders are looking to their corps (six sigma experts) of six sigma “Master Black belts,” “Black belts,” and “Green belts” to lead and implement innovative programs that simultaneously reduce carbon emissions and provide large cost savings. Six sigma is a powerful execution engine and sustainability programs are in need of this operational approach and discipline. Six sigma rigors will help a business leader to design a sustainable program for both short- and long-term value creations. The aim of this chapter is to show the importance of applying six sigma methodologies to multidisciplinary sustainability-related projects and how to implement it.
Lean Development
Authors: Saeed Saqib , Alsmadi Izzat , Khawaja Farrukh Masood
Published: January 2013

Software development is a complex activity, which is human intensive in nature. In order to build quality software systems, organizations need to follow mature software development practices, which are continually improved. As a result, the concept of software development process emerged, which highlighted a systematic set of activities required to develop a software system. Recently, agile development methodologies have provided a rich set of innovative software development approaches, aiming to optimize the software process. In order to be successful in adopting these approaches, a thorough understanding of their implementation procedures is required. In this chapter, we took a look at the lean development approach to understand how its principles pave the way in fostering knowledge management initiatives in software process development.
Reasons Behind IT Project Failure
Authors: Abu-Shanab Emad , Al-Saggar Ashraf
Published: January 2013

Information Technology (IT) projects have high failure and escalation rates because of the nature of domain and the rapid technology changes. It is important to understand the factors causing IT project success or failure. This chapter reviews the literature related to project failure and escalation and concludes with 17 important factors that cause IT projects to fail and 10 factors that contribute to the escalation of projects in time, cost, or scope. The concluded factors are utilized in an empirical study to explore the Jordanian environment and check the rank of these factors as perceived by Jordanian specialists. Conclusions and future work are stated at the end of this chapter.
Issues and Technologies of Effective Energy Management
Authors: Chen Edward T.
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss critical issues and the role technology plays in today’s energy sectors. Specific emphasis is placed on security, mobile dispatch solutions, and the so-called “Smart Grid.” The industry continues to grow in both size and complexity, creating a multitude of challenges for companies as they struggle to keep the lights on. The utility business has traditionally lagged behind other sectors in the adoption and implementation of new technologies. However, mounting economic, environmental, social, and political pressures have thrust this once lumbering dinosaur out into the spotlight. Energy companies must look to innovative technology solutions to help them keep pace with our growing society. The chapter also touches upon how these issues create meaningful educational and employment opportunities.