bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taijiquan the “Taiji World” Way: Towards a Cosmopolitan Vision of Ecology
Authors: Brown David , Jennings George , Sparkes Andrew
Published: July 2014

In this article, we present a case study analysis of data gathered on the practice of the art of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) in one UK context. Our interest in looking at this physical culture was in exploring if/how physical cultures of shared embodied experience and practice may help “sow the seeds of environmental awareness”. In so doing, we illustrate certain affinities between this interpretation of the art and Beck’s idea of a “cosmopolitan vision of ecology”. We present an analysis of documentary and interview data of one English Taijiquan organisation and how it currently promotes the idea of interconnectedness, wellbeing and an alternative meta-narrative for living through the practice of Taijiquan. We conclude that, while further research is needed, there is evidence that a cosmopolitan vision for ecology is emerging in physical cultures such as Taijiquan.
Thuringiensin: A Thermostable Secondary Metabolite from Bacillus thuringiensis with Insecticidal Activity against a Wide Range of Insects
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Ruan Lifang , Peng Donghai , Li Lin , Sun Ming , Yu Ziniu
Published: July 2014

Thuringiensin (Thu), also known as β-exotoxin, is a thermostable secondary metabolite secreted by Bacillus thuringiensis. It has insecticidal activity against a wide range of insects, including species belonging to the orders Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, and Isoptera, and several nematode species. The chemical formula of Thu is C22H32O19N5P, and it is composed of adenosine, glucose, phosphoric acid, and gluconic diacid. In contrast to the more frequently studied insecticidal crystal protein, Thu is not a protein but a small molecule oligosaccharide. In this review, a detailed and updated description of the characteristics, structure, insecticidal mechanism, separation and purification technology, and genetic determinants of Thu is provided.
Taxe carbone globale, effet taille de marché et mobilité des firmes
Authors: Exbrayat Nelly , Gaigné Carl , Riou Stéphane
Published: July 2014

Résumé Nous analysons l’impact et les déterminants d’une taxe carbone globale maximisant le bien-être social dans une économie imparfaitement intégrée composée de pays de différente taille. À l’aide d’un modèle de commerce international avec mobilité du capital, nous montrons tout d’abord que la concentration de firmes dans le pays disposant d’un avantage de taille de marché accroît les émissions totales de CO 2 . L’introduction d’une taxe carbone globale conduit alors à des délocalisations de firmes du grand pays vers le petit pays, de sorte que, même fixée à un taux unique, une fiscalité carbone ne serait pas neutre du point de vue de la géographie économique mondiale. Enfin, parce qu’elles conduisent à une réduction des émissions mondiales de CO 2 , ces relocalisations améliorent l’efficacité environnementale de la taxe carbone.
Pauperization and Polarization of French Social Housing
Authors: Laferrère Anne
Published: July 2014

Peuplement du logement social : paupérisation et polarisation Cet article descriptif essaie de formaliser certains mécanismes sous-jacents à l’évolution du peuplement des logements sociaux, pour éclairer le phénomène de paupérisation observé depuis une vingtaine d’années. Il propose aussi un modèle de filtration qui, joint au droit au maintien dans les lieux au même loyer quel que soit le revenu, modifie la paupérisation et explique que l’ancienneté des locataires soit corrélée positivement au revenu en hlm , ce qui s’accompagne d’une polarisation de la population hlm . Il apporte des éléments chiffrés sur la paupérisation à partir des enquêtes Logement de l’Insee et montre que les données sont compatibles avec le modèle proposé. Classification JEL : D1, R2
Une analyse de la loi électorale du 29 juin 1820
Authors: Le Breton Michel , Lepelley Dominique
Published: July 2014

Nous exploitons, dans cet article, la théorie des indices de pouvoir pour évaluer les influences respectives des deux classes d’électeurs dans le mode de scrutin instauré par la loi électorale du 29 juin 1820, dite loi du « double vote ». Nous montrons, à l’aide d’un modèle simplifié, que le pouvoir de vote des « grands » électeurs, qui votent deux fois, est au moins trois à cinq fois supérieur à celui des « petits » électeurs, qui ne votent qu’une fois.
L'impact du piratage sur l'achat et le téléchargement légal
Authors: Bastard Irène , Bourreau Marc , Moreau François
Published: July 2014

À partir d’une enquête sur les pratiques culturelles et les comportements d’achat de plus de 2 000 individus, nous étudions les déterminants de l’achat et du téléchargement de biens culturels pour les quatre filières du livre, de la musique, du film et du jeu vidéo. Nous trouvons que la relation entre le piratage et les achats légaux est différente suivant les filières : elle est globalement négative pour la musique et positive pour le jeu vidéo. Cet impact est aussi différent en fonction du profil des consommateurs (pirates occasionnels ou intensifs). Enfin, nos résultats suggèrent que le téléchargement illégal et le téléchargement légal sont des pratiques complémentaires plutôt que substituts pour les secteurs de la musique, du jeu vidéo et du livre.
Choix d'écoles en France
Authors: Hiller Victor , Tercieux Olivier
Published: July 2014

Dans cet article, nous analysons, à l’aune de la théorie de l’appariement, la procédure d’affectation des élèves dans les lycées utilisée en France : la procédure Affelnet. Nous montrons que cette dernière correspond à la procédure d’acceptation différée école-proposant, définie par Gale et Shapley [1962]. Nous en déduisons un certain nombre de propriétés de la procédure Affelnet. En particulier, elle est stable et difficile à manipuler. En revanche, elle possède deux défauts majeurs : d’une part, dans l’ensemble des procédures stables, c’est celle qui conduit à la moins bonne affectation du point de vue des élèves ; d’autre part, la procédure Affelnet ne respecte pas les priorités : si un élève obtient une plus haute priorité dans tous les lycées (grâce à de meilleurs résultats scolaires, par exemple), il peut s’en trouver pénalisé dans son affectation finale. Nous discutons deux composantes additionnelles de la procédure Affelnet : la limite sur le nombre de vœux que les parents peuvent reporter, ainsi que l’existence d’un bonus pour les écoles classées en premier dans la liste de préférences. Finalement, nous pointons l’existence d’une procédure alternative, la procédure d’acceptation différée élève-proposant, qui respecte les priorités et est la plus efficace parmi les procédures stables. Nous simulons l’impact du passage à cette procédure sur le bien-être des élèves, et ce pour différentes caractéristiques de leurs préférences.
Politiques de soutien à la capture et au stockage géologique du carbone en France
Authors: Ricci Olivia
Published: July 2014

La France s’est fixée comme objectif de diviser par quatre ses émissions de gaz à effet de serre d’ici 2050 par rapport à leur niveau de 1990. L’objectif de l’étude est de déterminer les politiques publiques à mettre en œuvre pour atteindre ce Facteur 4 dans le secteur énergétique, compte tenu de la disponibilité de la capture et du stockage du carbone d’origine fossile ( csc ) et d’origine biomasse ( bcsc ). Nous évaluons les effets de l’introduction de la contribution climat-énergie ( cce ) envisagée par le Grenelle de l’environnement et nous comparons l’efficacité économique de plusieurs instruments grâce à un modèle d’équilibre général calculable. L’étude montre que les instruments les plus économiquement efficaces sont ceux qui permettent de développer la csc et la bcsc , notamment la taxe carbone dont les revenus sont recyclés pour subventionner la bcsc .
The Construct of Financial Capacity in Older Adults
Authors: Caboral-Stevens Meriam , Medetsky Mark
Published: July 2014

In the United States, older adults hold approximately 34% of the nation’s wealth. The combination of wealth, cognitive decline, and impaired financial capacity is a growing challenge to our society. As America ages, one of the most pressing challenges facing older adults is living an independent and autonomous life. Financial capacity (FC) is one of the instrumental activities of daily living considered the single best predictor of capacity for independent living in older adults. FC issues arise when an older adult experiences cognitive loss or dementia. Therefore, the purposes of this article are to: (a) review the construct of FC focusing on older adults, (b) discuss the different models of FC, (c) describe ways to assess FC in older adults, (d) identify indicators of FC impairment in older adults, and (e) discuss implications for practice. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40
(8), 30–37.]
Pediatric Canalicular Lacerations: Epidemiology and Variables Affecting Repair Success
Authors: Murchison Ann P. , Bilyk Jurij R.
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of all pediatric canalicular lacerations at a high-volume urban tertiary eye care center. Variables of repair were evaluated in relation to age and success of repair.

Methods:

A retrospective review over a 10-year span of all primary pediatric canalicular laceration repairs was performed. Variables included patient demographics, repair setting, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, type of stent used, and success of repair.

Results:

Of 137 canalicular lacerations evaluated, 27.7% occurred in patients younger than 18 years. The majority of the children were male (73.7%) and white (68.4%), with a mean age of 10.8 years (range: 1.1 to 17.9 years). The mechanism of injury was significantly more likely to be due to dog bites in children when compared to adults (
P
< .0001), particularly those younger than 10 years (
P
= .0068). Repair was significantly more successful in the operating room than the minor procedure room, regardless of type of stent used (
P
= .0247). The majority of children did not have other injuries (60.5%). However, of the other injuries sustained, 52.6% required further monitoring or repair.

Conclusions:

Pediatric canalicular lacerations are most common in young boys and dog bites are the most common etiology. Although many children may not have other injuries, full examination is warranted because other injuries may require intervention or more frequent monitoring.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(4):242–248.]
Slanted Medial Rectus Recession Is Effective in the Treatment of Convergence Excess Esotropia
Authors: Bayramlar Hüseyin , Ünlü Cihan , Dag Yasar
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of slanted medial rectus recession in patients diagnosed as having convergence excess esotropia.

Methods:

Bilateral slanted recession of medial rectus muscles was performed in 16 patients with convergence excess esotropia. The lower margins of medial rectus muscles were recessed 1 to 2 mm more than the upper margins. Changes in near–distance disparity of the deviations were recorded.

Results:

The mean preoperative near–distance disparity of 20.3 ± 6.5 prism diopters (PD) decreased to 4.37 ± 5.6 PD postoperatively. The amount of collapse was significant (mean: 16 PD;
P
< .005). Near–distance disparity of 10 PD or less was obtained in 14 patients after surgery (87.5%), except 2 patients who had 16 PD of disparity. The authors did not encounter overcorrection except in 1 patient in whom minimal exophoria at distance and near with the glasses was observed and reduced the prescription.

Conclusions:

Bilateral slanted medial rectus muscle recession procedure effectively decreases the disparity between near and distance deviations in patients with convergence excess esotropia.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(6):337–340.]
An approach to unraveling the coexistence of snappers (Lutjanidae) using otolith morphology
Authors: Sadighzadeh Zahra , Otero-Ferrer Jose Luís , Lombarte Antoni , Fatemi Mohammad R. , Tuset Víctor Manuel
Published: July 2014

The sagittae otolith morphology of marine fishes has been used in many ecomorphological studies to explain certain ecological adaptations of species to habitat. Our study compares the sagittal otolith shapes of ten species of snappers (Family Lutjanidae) inhabiting the Persian Gulf. We used a morphometric analysis of the otolith measurements (length, height, perimeter, area and weight) and of the ratio between the area of the sulcus acusticus and the area of the otolith (S:O). The otolith contour was also analysed using wavelets as a mathematical descriptor. Morphological variations in the otoliths were associated with the morphology and external colouration of snappers as well as ecological traits. An analysis of the interspecific S:O ratio suggested that the highest ratios occurred in snappers inhabiting shallower waters. A categorical multivariate analysis, including morphological, ecological and otolith size factors, showed that the species adapted to dim light conditions had a greater otolith perimeter. An analysis of variance of the otolith contour revealed zones with a higher interspecific variability, although only the antero-dorsal zone showed differing patterns. Although the otolith patterns appear to have a phylogenetic component, they might also be related to diel activity rhythms or to the light conditions in the habitat. The results of the study showed that variation in otolith morphology can be used to explain the coexistence of sympatric species.
Structure Analysis of Hedgerows with Respect to Perennial Landscape Lines in Two Contrasting French Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Da Silva Sébastien , Le Ber Florence , Lavigne Claire
Published: July 2014

Characterizing the spatial distribution of hedgerows over landscapes is important for understanding the effects of this distribution on the dynamics of plant and animal populations. Because hedgerows are planted or managed, the authors hypothesized that their distribution depends on the presence of other linear landscape elements, namely, roads and channels. Using proximity analyses, the authors thus assessed how the spatial distribution of hedgerows was impacted by the position of these linear landscape elements and the spatial extent of this impact for two contrasting agricultural landscapes. The results indicate that hedgerows were generally associated at short distances with other elements (100-150 m). Hedgerows had different association patterns depending on their orientation in one of the two landscapes. In that same landscape, within-landscape heterogeneity was related to different association patterns. These results indicate that models of the spatial distribution of hedgerows would gain from being based on the location of roads and channels in the studied landscape.
Flash Flood Hazard Assessment in Small Agricultural Basins Coupling GIS-Data and Cellular Automata Modelling
Authors: Douvinet Johnny
Published: July 2014

Flash floods are the most dangerous processes in Seine-Maritime (northern France) due to their sudden onset and rapid rising time. Such floods shortly follow high rainfall, ranging from 50 to up to 100 mm in less than 6 hours, and occur in small (< 20 km2) and dry valleys, in which a surge rushes down through the main valley just a few minutes after rains have peaked. Phenomena currently produce damages to buildings and road infrastructure, but rarely threaten human lives. Anticipating their occurrence, therefore, is crucial. However, such prediction remain delicate, especially at larger scales, due to the quantitative errors of radar disturbing rainfall-runoff simulations, the infrequency of events and the gentle return periods rendering statistical analysis and calibration of models far from obvious. In this study, a susceptibility analysis is then carried out, without depending on the meteorological predictions, by applying RUICELLS, a cellular automaton model driven according to a set of three deterministic hydrological rules of flow pathways. The 2,368 simulations launched for 16 different rainfall intensities on 148 basins of small size (less than 20 km2) permit to simulate the peak-flow discharges (Q), specific peak-flows (Qs) and lag times (T), but also to estimate the critical rains necessitating increased vigilance. The authors' simulations show that the number of basins susceptible to flash flooding greatly increases with higher rainfall intensity, cultivation of sensitive crops (sugar beet, corn, maize, flax), and basin morphology. Moreover, the authors show that certain valleys are more prone to flash flooding, since several susceptible basins are located in close proximity. The modelling results also question the effectiveness of a specific flash flood alert system for this region.
Dynamic Dedicated Server Allocation for Service Oriented Multi-Agent Data Intensive Architecture in Biomedical and Geospatial Cloud
Authors: Patra Sudhansu Shekhar , Barik R. K.
Published: July 2014

Cloud computing has recently received considerable attention, as a promising approach for delivering Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) services as a utility. In the process of providing these services it is necessary to improve the utilization of data centre resources which are operating in most dynamic workload environments. Datacenters are integral parts of cloud computing. In the datacenter generally hundreds and thousands of virtual servers run at any instance of time, hosting many tasks and at the same time the cloud system keeps receiving the batches of task requests. It provides services and computing through the networks. Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and agent frameworks renders tools for developing distributed and multi agent systems which can be used for the administration of cloud computing environments which supports the above characteristics. This paper presents a SOQM (Service Oriented QoS Assured and Multi Agent Cloud Computing) architecture which supports QoS assured cloud service provision and request. Biomedical and geospatial data on cloud can be analyzed through SOQM and has allowed the efficient management of the allocation of resources to the different system agents. It has proposed a finite heterogeneous multiple vm model which are dynamically allocated depending on the request from biomedical and geospatial stakeholders.
Social Glue vs. Learning Tool
Authors: Meredith Holly L.
Published: July 2014

With over 1 billion active users, Facebook is the most popular and widely used social networking site. The purpose of this review is to highlight empirical findings on the use of Facebook as an educational resource and environment. It is organized around three major questions: 1) How has Facebook been used in educational contexts? 2) What are the effects of using Facebook in educational contexts? 3) What are the current issues and concerns of using Facebook in educational contexts? Future directions will be discussed.
Impacts of iPad Attributes, Users' Lifestyles, and Media Dependency on the Adoption and Intensity of iPad Usage
Authors: Li Kevin Xinpeng , Leung Louis
Published: July 2014

The goal of this exploratory research is to identify attributes that can distinctly characterize iPads and examine the predictive power of iPad attributes, users' lifestyles, and media dependency on iPad adoption as well as intensity of iPad use. Data were gathered from a sample of 623 university students via online survey in Mainland China, among whom 217 were iPad users and 406 were non-users. Regression results show that application affordances was one of several important attributes influencing the likelihood of iPad adoption and usage patterns. Regarding lifestyles, strivers were found to have a higher likelihood of buying iPads; experiencers were more engaged and active when using iPads; innovators tended to use iPads for utilities, information-seeking, and interpersonal communication more often than other users. Furthermore, among iPad usage patterns, utilities and information-seeking were found the two most powerful predictors influencing intensity of iPad usage. Implications of the results are discussed.
An Exploration of Digital Storytelling Creation and Media Production Skill Sets in First Year College Students
Authors: Spicer Scott , Miller Charles
Published: July 2014

Though recent advancements in media and computing technologies have fostered greater instructor adoption of student media assignments, few studies have examined the role these projects play in the development of student media production skill sets. This study surveyed 12 first year college students in a postsecondary education class, each responsible for producing a digital story project communicating issues related to water sustainability. Students responded to a self-efficacy survey questionnaire before and after the production process, rating their confidence on ability to perform specific required and optionally suggested production tasks related to media components in the assignment. A paired t-test was employed to compare student responses from the pre and post self-efficacy survey questionnaires. Results from this study indicate significant gains in student self-efficacy beliefs on media production tasks that were required, while response changes for the optional tasks were found to be not statistically significant. Findings from this study suggest that digital storytelling projects can be beneficial in the development of student media production skill sets. To optimize opportunities for this development, instructors are encouraged to consider specific required media components with relevant production tasks and skill sets when designing a digital storytelling assignment.
The Relationship Between Islamic Religion and Ethical Leadership
Authors: Alazmi Terki
Published: July 2014

Empirical research on how Islam influences leaders' behaviours and business practices is not easily available. The separation of church and state has never been an Islamic precept; therefore, this paper investigates how Islamic religion affects ethical leadership amongst Kuwait's private sector leaders. Using a constructionist approach within which 40 leaders from Kuwaiti private sector organisations were interviewed, in the banking, investment, real estate and services sectors. The study provides important insights into the concepts related to good and ethical leadership in a non-Western environment and enriches our knowledge in this sector of the management field.
Measuring Online Deliberation in Local Politics
Authors: Klinger Ulrike , Russmann Uta
Published: July 2014

Administrations increasingly use the internet to improve citizens' participation in political processes. While research on online political communication and e-democracy is growing, we still have little empirical evidence on the quality of online participation and deliberation processes. This paper focuses on an online local deliberation process, the 2011 Zurich City Debate, and seeks to investigate the specific quality of such online public communication. By building an index of a quality of understanding (IQU), the authors analyse 1.991 postings that participants have contributed in five thematic debates on local political issues. Five indicators were defined: statement of reasons, proposals for solutions, respect, doubts, and reciprocity. The authors conclude that participants have respectfully voiced opinions, that in two fora half of the postings were reciprocal, i.e. people exchanged views and commented on each other. However, the data gives the impression of a polite and reciprocal debate, but without much argumentation, propositions or doubts.
Rational Criticism, Ideological Sustainability and Intellectual Leadership in the Digital Public Sphere
Authors: Mahlouly Dounia
Published: July 2014

This review postulates that today's digital environments unveil an era of connectivity, in which digital communication devices exercise a general influence on social interactions and public deliberation. From this perspective, it argues that connective practices are likely to affect two main components of the normative public sphere, namely rational criticism and ideological sustainability. Drawing on the case of the 2011 Arab revolutions, in which social media proved to have a strategic function, this paper illustrates the ideological heterogeneity of social networks. Additionally, this article considers how issues of rational criticism and ideological sustainability could be improved by regulating online interactions and proposes that the digital divide could act as a natural process of regulation for today's connective and transnational public sphere.
Applying Agility and Living Service Systems Thinking to Enterprise Architecture
Authors: Gill Asif Qumer
Published: July 2014

Adaptive enterprise architecture capability plays an important role in enabling complex enterprise transformations. One of the key challenges when establishing an adaptive enterprise architecture capability is identifying the enterprise context and the scope of the enterprise architecture. The objective of this paper is to develop and present an adaptive enterprise service system (AESS) conceptual model, which is a part of The Gill Framework for Adaptive Enterprise Service Systems. This model has been developed using a “Design Research” approach. The AESS conceptual model assimilates agility, service, and living systems thinking (following multi-agent system modelling) for describing and analyzing the enterprise context and scope for establishing an adaptive enterprise architecture capability. The target audience of this AESS model driven approach includes both, enterprise architecture researchers and practitioners.
A Graph Based Query Focused Multi-Document Summarization
Authors: Balaji J , Geetha T V , Parthasarathi Ranjani
Published: July 2014

A user's information need, normally represented as a search query, can be satisfied by creating a query focused coherent and readable summary, by fusing the relevant parts of information from multiple documents. While aggregating the information from multiple documents, the quality of the summary is improved by eliminating redundant information from the document set. In this paper, we focus on removing such redundant information and identifying the essential components from multiple documents (represented as a single global semantic graph), with respect to the given query (represented as a query graph). While the redundancy elimination is carried out using various levels of graph matching which are then indicated through canonical labeling of graphs, the selection of essential components for a query focused summary is performed, through the modified spreading activation theory, where the query graph is also integrated during the spreading activation over the global graph. The proposed system shows significant improvements in generating summaries when compared to other existing summarization systems.
Implementation of Improved Hash and Mapping Modified Low Power Parallel Bloom Filter Design
Authors: Saravanan K. , Senthilkumar A.
Published: July 2014

In this article, the authors present an investigation on bloom filters and introduce a new improved variant, which uses a secure modified hash function and suggested improved mapping scheme with an efficient parallel architecture. This novel architecture provides efficient, relatively fast membership querying and compact information representation with negligible false positive. This is relatively a low power and secure design with very less false positive ratio when compared with the traditional bloom filters. The design has been evaluated and tested using Xilinx 65 nm Virtex-5 field-programmable gate array as the target technology. The performance matrices are false positive ratio, power, speed and compactness.
A Survey of Security Standards Applicable to Health Information Systems
Authors: Akowuah Francis , Yuan Xiaohong , Xu Jinsheng , Wang Hong
Published: July 2014

The information maintained by Health Information Systems (HIS) is often faced with security threats from a wide range of sources. Some government's regulations require healthcare organizations and custodians of personal health information to take practical steps to address the security and privacy needs of personal health information. Standards help to ensure an adequate level of security is attained, resources are used efficiently and the best security practices are adopted. In this paper, the authors survey security standards applicable to healthcare industry including Control OBjective for Information and related Technology (COBIT), ISO/IEC 27002:2005, ISO/IEC 27001:2005, NIST Special Publication 800-53, ISO 27799:2008, HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF), ISO 17090:2008, ISO/TS 25237:2008, etc. This survey informs the audience currently available standards that can guide the implementation of information security programs in healthcare organizations, and provides a starting point for IT management in healthcare organizations to select a standard suitable for their organizations.
An Integrated Information System for Monitoring Construction Works
Authors: Maravas Alexander , Pantouvakis John-Paris , Lambropoulos Sergios
Published: July 2014

There is a global tendency towards implementing centralized project monitoring with the use of advanced information systems in large projects. This trend is mandated by issues such as the geographical dispersion of projects, the number of contractors and the total amount of works. In this respect, the integrated information system that has been utilized to monitor the construction works of the Egnatia Motorway project in Greece is presented. Reference is made to the software, hardware, information technology architecture, quality procedures and personnel training for the successful implementation of the system. Special mention is made to the data structures that are utilised (enterprise project structure, organizational breakdown structure, resource breakdown structure, and work breakdown structure). In addition, comments are made from the experiences drawn from the implementation of the system. Overall, it is concluded that the integrated system constitutes a central focal point for corporate scheduling and cost control.
The Project Management Perspective for a Digital City
Authors: Anthopoulos Leonidas G. , Ipsilantis Pantelis , Kazantzi Vassiliki
Published: July 2014

Digital cities have been evolved during the last decade and they have installed various information systems and information and communication technology (ICT) based infrastructures across various cities in the world. Most digital cities are ongoing investments, while their outcomes are differentiated from their primary objectives, and many of them are declined although their deliverables have been achieved. The aim of this paper is to approach the digital city as a unique project instead of a program of projects. In this context, a digital city can be considered a complex and large scale project, while the project management perspective will be applied on two representative forms of digital cities in order to conclude on a common management model, to underline the difficulties of such a project, and to provide with useful instructions that can be used by current and by future project managers who approach a similar initiative.
Managing Preliminary Requirements Information in Information Technology Projects
Authors: Keutel Marcus , Basten Dirk
Published: July 2014

Information technology (IT) development often suffers from requirements uncertainty as in many cases only preliminary information is available. Wrong decisions may lead to rework that wastes resources and delays the project. Coping with preliminary information is thus an important aspect of project management. The authors apply a case study approach to analyze how IT professionals react to preliminary information and why they do so. The authors base their study on a concurrent engineering research study that provides guidelines how the downstream process (implementation) should react if the upstream process (analysis) is not able to provide all information. According to the authors' results, IT professionals predominantly apply these proposed reactions. Nevertheless, it is often unclear why they react the chosen way. They recommend IT professionals to invest effort to more systematically consider multiple reactions. Future research should focus on how the upstream process should react when the downstream process needs to make a decision.
The Effect of Pre-Existing Standards and Regulations on the Development and Diffusion of Radically New Innovations
Authors: Ortt J. Roland , Egyedi Tineke M.
Published: July 2014

The controversy among scientists on whether standards and regulations hamper or stimulate innovation contains too little specificity and provides too few clues for innovation managers to act upon. In this article, we underscore the importance of timing and start by focusing on the effect of pre-existing standards and regulations on the subsequent development and diffusion of product innovations. The effect is assessed in terms of the time interval between the invention of a technological principle and the introduction of the first marketable product (development phase), and the successive time interval up to the start of large-scale industrial production and diffusion (adaptation phase). The authors analyse fifty heterogeneous cases studies of radically new high-tech product innovations from the year 1850 onward. The results indicate that pre-existing standards and regulations significantly shorten the adaptation phase of innovations, an effect not found for the development phase. The shortening effect on the adaptation phase is particularly evident for radically new innovations and innovations that are an integral part of larger technological systems. As the adaptation phase is often a time- and capital-intensive phase for industry, this accelerating effect on the diffusion of innovations is highly relevant for innovation managers and policy makers.
Comparing and Contrasting Rough Set with Logistic Regression for a Dataset
Authors: Vashist Renu , Garg M. L.
Published: July 2014

Rough Set Theory (RST) is relatively new and powerful mathematical tool to deal with imperfect data (i.e. data with uncertainty and vagueness) which is primarily used for classification and decision making problems. On the other hand, Logistic regression (Logit) is mainly used in Social Sciences when dependent variable takes limited and categorical data value ranges. However, both RST and Logit regression are powerful predictable models that are used in wide range of applications such as medicine, military, banking, financial markets etc. RST uses approximations and implications as two formal tools to deal with vagueness whereas Logit regression is severely constrained to deal with vague and imprecise data. Yet, both these methodologies are used to classify the object which is the key issue in decision making. This research paper compares these two tools on a common dataset. SPSS 17.0 software is used to run the Logit regression and Rose 2 software is used for analysis of Rough Set. One of the important finding of this comparison is that attributes in core of the data set under the rough set approach are similar to the most significant predictors of logistic regression model. This indicates that the significant attributes deducted by these two methodologies are similar. It is demonstrated that rough set is much more superior tool to classify the objects as compared to logistic regression. One of the important outcomes of this research is that degree of accuracy is much higher in rough set as compared to logistic regression thereby establishing the supremacy of rough set as a better decision making tool.
Towards Holistic Traceability Solution
Authors: Durrani Usman , Pita Zijad , Richardson Joan , Lenarcic John
Published: July 2014

The purpose of traceability is to ensure persistent alignment of product knowledge between stakeholders, artifacts, and traceability objects. On the other hand, process knowledge is equally important to ensure a systematic software development process with accurate specification and verifiable quality attributes. Previous studies lacks in presenting a consolidated view from product and process knowledge perspectives. This study has taken a systematic literature review approach to evaluate sixty one previously published papers on traceability in leading journals and conferences. Based on the findings, the authors propose to extend the definition of an existing traceability meta-model to combine both product and process knowledge perspectives. The scope of this paper is to define the extension of the traceability meta-model without violating any of its statements. This study aims to contribute by taking steps towards defining a holistic model of traceability that will provide practical guidelines to IT practitioners in general and to process engineers in particular.
A Model for Screening Vulnerability in the Loan Market in the Context of Credit Rationing
Authors: Bagloee Saeed Asadi , Asadi Mohsen , Mohebbi Cyrus
Published: July 2014

The loan market has contributed to the success and failure of economies. Examples of such failures are the US subprime mortgage crisis as well as the global economic meltdown that followed. Many factors influence the loan market, making it volatile and vulnerable. As such, it is important to understand the extent of its vulnerability. Such uncertainties emerge from asymmetric information in the loan market that may lead to credit rationing. Many studies have been devoted to exploring theoretical aspects of the credit market. However, before delving into the theory, it is important to understand and analyze empirical data. Having said that, the literature has yet to provide reliable methodologies for analyzing the empirical data of the loan market. Therefore, given an empirical survey, this study provides a model describing borrowers' behavior in the loan markets. Borrowers are faced with a variety of loan contracts with different terms and conditions from different banks. Logit models can be used to capture the borrowers' choice of bank. Credit is not easily available rather it is rationed and borrowers compete to obtain their required credit via best suited banks offers. The competition is guaranteed by developing a mathematical programming formulation (an objective function subject to constraints) integrated with the logit models for which a solution algorithm using Successive Coordinate Descent was developed. Numerical results of the methodology are presented. Loan terms and conditions as well the borrowers characteristics and preferences are captured in the logit models as explanatory variables. The methodology allows sensitivity analysis on the explanatory variables demonstrating the fluctuation and vulnerability of credit flow.
Industrial Sectors Eligibility for Rehabilitation Programs
Authors: Agha Mohammed S. , Alnahhal Mohammed J. , Agha Salah R. , Alafeefy Ahmed S.
Published: July 2014

The study reports the findings of a project carried out to rank the industrial sectors in terms of their eligibility for rehabilitation programs using multi-criteria decision making methods. First, criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives (industrial sectors) were identified using literature review and experts' interviews. The alternatives identified include construction, chemical, wood, plastic, food and textile industries. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Tomada de Decisão Interativa e Multi-critério (TODIM) method were used to produce the ranking. The AHP was used to produce a ranking and as an input to the TODIM method. Results showed that food and construction are the most important sectors that should be rehabilitated followed by metal and wood sectors whereas chemical sector came last in the ranking. The two methods resulted in two rankings with slight differences. The findings were shown to industrial experts who agreed that results were consistent, realistic and logical. They agreed on the importance of the findings and recommended that the methodology be used in future rehabilitation programs.
Building a Virtual Environment for Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support
Authors: Johnson Constance , Feenan Kevin , Setliff Glenn , Pereira Katherine , Hassell Nancy , Beresford Henry F. , Epps Shelly , Nicollerat Janet , Tatum William , Feinglos Mark , Vorderstrasse Allison
Published: July 2014

The authors developed an immersive diabetes community to provide diabetes self-management education and support for adults with type 2 diabetes. In this article the authors describe the procedures used to develop this virtual environment (VE). Second Life Impacts Diabetes Education & Self-Management (SLIDES), the VE for our diabetes community was built in Second Life. Social Cognitive Theory, behavioral principles and key aspects of virtual environments related to usability were applied in the development in this VE. Collaboration between researchers, clinicians and information technology (IT) specialists occurred throughout the development process. An interactive community was successfully built and utilized to provide diabetes self-management education and support. VEs for health applications may be innovative and enticing, yet it must be kept in mind that there are substantial effort, expertise, and usability factors that must be considered in the development of these environments for health care consumers.
The Use of Mobile Technology in Management and Risk Control in the Supply Chain
Authors: Klein Amarolinda Zanela , Gomes da Costa Eliane , Vieira Luciana Marques , Teixeira Rafael
Published: July 2014

The use of mobile technologies is important for Supply Chain Management (SCM) because these technologies allow for a ubiquitous flow of information, higher agility and risk reduction in supply chains. In food markets, these issues are particularly relevant due to food safety risks. The main goal of this paper is to analyze the use of mobile technology for management and risk control in the Brazilian beef supply chain, since Brazil is one of the main producers and beef exporters in the world. The research method was a single case study. Results show the actual level of mobile technology use; drivers and barriers to mobile technology adoption and how mobile technology is applied to beef traceability and risk reduction along the chain. The authors propose a framework that links the issues of mobile technology use for SCM and risk control, considering the context of a developing country such as Brazil.
Observation of Corrosion Resistance of 13Cr-2Ni-2Mo Stainless Steel Quenched by Induction Heating
Authors: Kida Katsuyuki , Okamoto Koretoko , Ishida Masayuki , Mizobe Koshiro , Shibukawa Takuya
Published: July 2014

13%-Cr martensitic stainless steels are widely used in the production of many mechanical components that require high hardness and good corrosion resistance. In the present work, 20mm-diameter 13Cr-2Ni-2Mo steel bars were quenched by induction heating (IH) method and after that tempered in a farness. 240 hours corrosion test of the bars was carried out using a salt spray testing method (JIS Z 2371:2000). The results were compared to two stainless steels, SUS304 and SUS440C. Their inner hardness distributions were measured. It was found that the hardness of IH-quenched and farness-tempered 13Cr-2Ni-2Mo stainless steel is almost the same as that of the SUS440C. The 13Cr-2Ni-2Mo steel has the same corrosion resistance as the SUS304 steel.
A Pre-Processing Method of ProCAST Based on Pro/E and HyperMesh
Authors: Huang Wei , Shen Hui Ming , Hu Ming Jun , Li Shen , Chen Xi
Published: July 2014

In order to improve the quality of ProCAST casting simulation, a pre-processing method is proposed based on Pro/E software and HyperMesh software. In this paper, Pro/E software parametric solid modeling and HyperMesh finite element meshing functions were used, a ProCAST pre-processing method is proposed based on Pro/E and HyperMesh software, it overcomes the meshing problems of ProCAST casting simulation and achieves the connections among Pro/E, HyperMesh and ProCAST. Compared with the basic ProCAST casting simulation meshing module, the Pro/E and HyperMesh pre-processing method improves the accuracy of modeling and meshing, the method is easy to realize with high accurancy.
Assessment of the Influence of Welding Parameters on Distortion
Authors: Locatelli Fábio Renck , Casas Walter Jesus Paucar , Filho Ricardo Frederico Leuck
Published: July 2014

The welding involves the transfer of high localized heat flow, which results in residual stresses in the welded body. The impossibility of relieving these stresses generates welding distortions that become a problem in dimensional setting of welded structures. This study aims to evaluate the influence of some parameters in the welding process in a T-type joint. Due to the complexity of the welded joint and the deposition rate, a three-dimensional finite element model was developed for the solution of the temperature field and distortions. The transient thermal analysis used the Goldak equation for definition of the heat flux transferred to the part. The nonlinear characteristics of the phenomenon as well as the dependence of physical and mechanical properties with the temperature were considered in this work. The parameters studied were the welding speed, welding sequence and cooling time between weld beads. The results suggest that the higher welding speed, the welding sequence forward and back and with cooling interval between beads present themselves as the best parameters for welding with lower distortions.
The Preparation and Characterization of ZnO/Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Ze Peng , Wu Gui Long , He Yan
Published: July 2014

Graphene-based composites now has been payed more and more attention to because it can make up many shortcomings of the pure single-layer graphene.In many papers ,there are one same phenomenon said that graphene can not be well dispersed in matrix since it’s high specific surface area and high surface energy.In this work,we reported the preparation of ZnO/graphene nanocomposites through the way of situ-reaction in the surface of graphite oxide.Then,the nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform-Infared spectroscopy (FTIR),transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetry (TG). The results indicated that the graphene oxide had been reduced by hydrazine hydrate and the ZnO crystal attached to the surface of graphene well.The ZnO/graphene nanocomposites can be expected to be dispersed in some kinds of rubber to improve their electric and thermal conductivities in the following experiments.
Study on External Grind-Hardening Experiments and the Analysis of Hardening Effects for 40Cr Steel
Authors: Yang Gang , Han Zheng Tong , Du Chang Long
Published: July 2014

External grind-hardening is a new technology combing grinding and quenching. Hardening tests are carried out according to 3-level and 3-factor orthogonal method for 40Cr steel, and metallographic observation and hardness measurement are put forward. Martensite is found in the surface layer structure, which hardness reaches HV647.4~719.4 and depth is about 0.22~1.1mm. The practicability of the new technology is confirmed. Orthogonal analysis is proceeded successively for the acquirements of influencing pattern and significance of factors based on the hardening results.
Influence of Axial Compression Ratio on Seismic Behavior of Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) Beam-Column Joints
Authors: Ju Yan Zhong , Li Chun Yu , Wang De Hong
Published: July 2014

To explore the influence of axial compressive ratio on seismic behavior of reactive powder concrete(RPC) beam-column joints,this paper carry out RPC beam-column joints nonlinear finite element analysis,using software ABAQUS.The effect of different axial compression ratio on the ductility,energy dissipation capacity and bearing capacity are studied,based on hysteretic curves and skeleton curves of the components.The results show that,with the increase of axial compression ratio,skeleton curves of the components tend to be steep when the vertical load of beam ends exceed the peak point.The ultimate bearing capacity of the components are improved with the increasing of axial compression ratio which is less then 0.6,while the ultimate bearing capacity show a opposite trend when the axial compressive ratio exceed 0.6.