bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban projects, sustainable development and participatory democracy : opportunities and limitations : introduction to the special issue
Authors: Racine J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This special issue introduces different texts on urban participatory democracy, a topic that has recently gained much momentum. The issue allows a transversal, interdisciplinary, and international comparison of a series of experiments from France, Switzerland, Italy, Scotland and Chile. The examples show sustainable development to be as much an element of the valorization of public spaces as of major architectural and urban planning projects. The introduction focuses on a critical description of ongoing projects in the city of Lausanne which bear testimony to the effect citizen participation in urban project development can have in defining new stakes, a new style of public action and a way of governing. This process of participation can lead to a process of cooperative construction of the environment. The article closes with an examination of the ambiguities and flaws inherent in participatory democracy.
Les espaces publics parisiens à l’épreuve de la démocratie locale
Authors: Fleury A.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. En deux décennies, les espaces publics sont devenus l’un des éléments clés de l’action publique sur la ville. A mesure que de nouvelles formes d’aménagement ont émergé, de nouveaux modes de production ont aussi vu le jour. Les pouvoirs publics se sont ouverts à d’autres acteurs, que ce soient les associations d’usagers, les associations d’habitants ou les habitants eux-mêmes. Cette évolution a été relativement lente à Paris, dans un contexte politico-institutionnel très particulier. Aujourd’hui, il existe plusieurs modes d’association, de la simple information à la participation, en passant par la consultation de la population ou la concertation au moment des projets d’aménagement. Il convient cependant de poser un regard critique sur ce renouvellement. Certes l’aménagement des espaces publics, autrefois dominé par la logique administrative et technique, peut désormais être publiquement débattu. Mais ce nouveau mode de production demeure soumis aux limites intrinsèques de la démocratie locale. Les intérêts locaux pèsent fortement sur les choix d’aménagement. Or, ces intérêts sont principalement des intérêts de résidents, en particulier ceux qui sont issus des classes moyennes et supérieures. Ce faisant, les espaces publics se muent en «paysages publics», en contradiction avec ce qui fait la ville dans son ensemble.
La participation au service de la régulation urbaine dans le cadre des projets urbains et patrimoniaux à Gênes, Italie et à Valparaiso, Chili
Authors: Jacquot S.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Cet article vise à présenter différents registres de la participation à Gênes et à Valparaiso, à partir de projets urbains à dimension patrimoniale. La participation est étudiée comme une modalité d’action collective intégrée à l’action publique et pose la question des processus de légitimation des projets et des capacités à formuler des projets, dans la mesure où la participation vise à permettre aux citoyens à peser sur l’aménagement urbain. Deux catégories de démarches participatives sont comparées: celles conduites par les pouvoirs publics, impliquant une définition a priori des principes de l’aménagement et celles résultant de processus contestataires. Deux dimensions semblent ainsi nécessaires à une participation infléchissant les politiques publiques: une pluralité d’expertises et une dimension axiologique.
Use and appropriation of space in urban public parks : GIS methods in social geography
Authors: Ostermann Frank O. , Timpf S.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The research objective is the analysis of the appropriation of space in urban public parks. For this purpose, extensive field observations were conducted in several parks in Zurich, Switzerland, over the span of three years, with records made of the location, assumed age, gender and activity of park visitors. Based on research in environmental psychology and anthropology, a model was developed building on the two concepts of «personal space» and «activity footprints» to represent space appropriation. In line with the view that quantitative spatial analysis methods remain a valid tool for critical, non-positivist research, the model was implemented using kernel density estimations for the spatio-temporal analysis of the observed park use. It is argued that the probability surfaces generated by kernel density estimations are an adequate representation of the specific vagueness of human space appropriation as they remain sensitive to the presence of individual park visitors.
Research advances on climate-induced slope instability in glacier and permafrost high-mountain environments
Authors: Huggel C. , Fischer L. , Schneider D. , Haeberli W.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. High-mountain areas with glacier and permafrost occurrence are temperature sensitive environments. Climatic changes are, thus, likely to have an effect on slope stability. Several recent events have shown that rock and ice avalanches and related hazards can have severe consequences. For hazard analysis, the processes of slope failure and flow dynamics should therefore be better understood. In this article, recent advances in this field are presented, including high-resolution topographic monitoring of a large Alpine high-mountain flank (Monte Rosa) over the past 50 years and laboratory experiments with rotating drums and numerical modelling. This recent research has revealed important insight into the causes and dynamics of slope instabilities and contributes towards a better understanding of the influence of ice on avalanche dynamics and runout. It is emphasized that high-mountain slope failures need to be viewed from an interdisciplinary perspective, taking a number of process interactions into account.
Die banlieues als Gegenorte der République : eine Diskursanalyse neuer Sicherheitspolitiken in den Vorstädten Frankreichs
Authors: Germes M. , Glasze G.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Die banlieues sind Ziel spezifischer Sicherheitspolitiken und werden diskursiv als bedrohliche und fremde Orte konstituiert, wo die Regeln und Werte der République nicht gelten. In diesem Sinne dienen die banlieues als konstitutives Aussen und Gegenorte der République. Auf paradoxe Weise werden die banlieues dabei als «verlorene Territorien» konstituiert, die «eigentlich» zur République gehören und deshalb zurückerobert werden müssen. Die Wiederaneignung wird durch eine Differenzierung innerhalb der Anderen legitimiert: die gefährlichen Anderen müssen durch die République zurückgedrängt werden, um die gefährdeten Anderen integrieren zu können.
Les études du handicap en géographie : fondements, état des lieux et ouvertures
Authors: Borioli J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Alors que, historiquement, la géographie a négligé l'étude du handicap, un certain nombre de travaux, pour la plupart anglo-saxons, ont abordé la question ces dernières années, singulièrement selon les problématiques comportementales et historico-matérialistes. Ces travaux se sont fait l'écho des modèles issus des Disability Studies, opposant une explication individuelle à une explication sociale du handicap et, plus récemment, mobilisant une conception systémique. En revanche, les apports théoriques n'ont guère été intégrés. Cet article retrace ainsi les principaux modèles et théories issus des Disability Studies et l'évolution des études du handicap en géographie. Une attention particulière est portée aux théories des affordances et de la liminalité, en cela qu'elles semblent offrir un terreau fertile à l'investigation géographique des situations du handicap.
Handicap et reconquête de l'autonomie : réflexions autour du rapport entre convivialité des objets et autonomie des individus
Authors: Toussaint J. , Vareilles S.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Cette contribution a pour origine une commande des services du Grand Lyon qui cherchaient à évaluer des mobiliers urbains spécifiquement conçus pour les publics malvoyants et aveugles. La question du handicap comme problème d'aménagement urbain renvoie à l'autonomie des individus handicapés dans l'espace public. Les enquêtes mobilisées montrent comment le handicap est lié à la mobilisation des objets dans l'activité sociale. Dans l'activité sociale urbaine, les dispositions corporelles et cognitives des individus s'actualisent dans les dispositifs qui constituent les environnements urbains. Les situations de handicap seraient conséquentes à une rupture dans le rapport des dispositions aux dispositifs. Elles seraient d'abord privation, partielle ou totale, de l'accès aux objets qui autorisent, par leur fonctionnement, le déroulement des activités quotidiennes nécessaires à l'existence de chacun. Cette privation conduirait ensuite à la perte d'autonomie et augmenterait la dépendance à la sollicitude d'autrui. Dans cette perspective, la reconquête de lautonomie en situation de handicap apparaît dépendante de la technique telle qu'elle exosomatise les aptitudes corporelles et cognitives et les constituent en dispositions dans le fonctionnement des objets et des dispositifs techniques et spatiaux.
Von der Barrierefreiheit für behinderte Menschen zum "Design für Alle" in der nachhaltigen Siedlungsentwicklung und Stadtplanung
Authors: Weiss S. , Drilling M. , Blumer D.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Seit Mitte der 1990er Jahre wird über das « Design für Alle » -Konzept der sozialpolitische Anspruch formuliert, Barriere- und Hindernisfreiheit nicht mehr allein aus einer Perspektive der Behinderung und Einschränkung zu definieren. Vielmehr soll allen Menschen unabhängig ihrer Einschränkungen, ihres Geschlechts oder Alters, ihrer sozialen oder kulturellen Herkunft gleiche Chancen eröffnet werden, so dass jede Person an jedem Aspekt der Gesellschaft partizipieren kann. Für die Siedlungsplanung ist das Konzept mit einem ausgesprochen inklusiven Anspruch verbunden und deshalb an andere Diskurse, wie z. B. den der sozialen Nachhaltigkeit anschlussfähig. An den Beispielen Freiburg i. Br. Rieselfeld) und Zürich Werdwies) kann gezeigt werden, wie sich das Konzept als produkt- und lösungsorientierte Fokussierung in die Planung integrieren lässt und wie Zugänglichkeit, Einfachheit der Nutzung und Partizipation die Vielfalt als Ziel eines Siedlungskonzeptes unterstützen und dadurch allen Bewohnern zugute kommen.
Teilhabe am öffentlichen Leben : Gleichstellung von Menschen mit einer Behinderung im Kanton Basel-Stadt
Authors: Haug M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Aussonderung und Stigmatisierung von Menschen mit einer Behinderung haben eine lange geschichtliche Tradition. Neue gesetzliche Grundlagen sollen bestehende Benachteiligungen für Menschen mit einer Behinderung in verschiedenen Lebensbereichen abbauen und ihre Teilhabe am öffentlichen Leben fördern. Der Kanton Basel-Stadt hat als erster und immer noch einziger Kanton der Schweiz die Stelle eines Beauftragten für die Gleichstellung und Integration von Menschen mit einer Behinderung geschaffen. In enger Zusammenarbeit mit den Departementen der kantonalen Verwaltung und weiteren Fachstellen und Fachpersonen werden durch kleine und grosse Projekte Diskriminierungen in den Bereichen Schule, Ausbildung, Arbeit, Freizeit, Wohnen, öffentlicher Verkehr, Bauen und Kommunikation abgebaut. Die Gleichstellungs- und Integrationsarbeit ist sehr konkret, hat ihren Platz in den Strukturen der Verwaltung und im Rahmen der regulären Budgets und führt durch spür- und sichtbare Resultate zu einer besseren Teilhabe behinderter Menschen am Leben des Kantons.
Le projet Accès-Cible de la Nuit des Musées lausannois : une expérimentation pour promouvoir l'accès des personnes handicapées à la culture
Authors: Bonsack C. , Richoz M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Chaque année, plus de 16 000 personnes fréquentent la Nuit des Musées, manifestation lausannoise connue pour son esprit décalé et la forte proportion de jeunes parmi ses visiteurs. Avec le projet Accès- Cible, l'Association de la Nuit des Musées, en collaboration avec Pro Infirmis Vaud, utilise ce formidable événement culturel et social comme déclencheur d'idées et d'expériences autour de l'accessibilité de l'évènement aux personnes handicapées. Le projet Accès- Cible vise un double objectif: permettre l'accessibilité aux personnes handicapées et sensibiliser le grand public à l'intégration et à la participation sociale des personnes ayant une déficience. Les diverses actions et mesures sont conçues et réalisées en partenariat étroit avec les personnes en situation de handicap. Elles sont également communiquées conjointement au grand public via les médias et aux associations d'entraide de personnes handicapées via leur communication interne. Largement inspirées des pratiques novatrices des musées français et du label national français «Tourisme et Handicap » les mesures concernent autant les personnes à mobilité réduite que les personnes ayant une déficience visuelle, auditive ou intellectuelle. L'importance de la sensibilisation du personnel de l'accueil a été mise en évidence pour l'ensemble de ces groupes. Ce projet, dabord expérimental, a ensuite été affiné, pour déboucher sur de nouvelles pratiques qui ont valeur d'exemples, notamment la rencontre entre le public ayant une déficience et le public valide autour d'une oeuvre ou d'une matière dont la présentation est adaptée aux besoins des personnes handicapées. Les éditions 2008, 2009 et 2010 ont connu un grand succès et les 22 musées lausannois se montrent de plus en plus ouverts à collaborer sur d'autres projets.
„Mythen einer Nation“ Zu post-/kolonialen Verhandlungen von Indigenitäten in der Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara/Mexiko
Authors: Singer K.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. "What has been of special interest for me has been the extension of postcolonial concerns to the problems of geography" (Said, 1994:21). The application of postcolonial theories enables us to question myths, apparently established boundaries and therewith related categorizations between indigenous peoples and the dominant Mestizo society within an urban Mexican context. By the use of post-/colonial images and stereotypes of the indigenous other, folkloristic, romanticizing and racist differentiations are upheld and reproduced within younger generations. In contrast to that postcolonial forms of resistance try to challenge these myths or use them as strategic essentialisms in an everyday practical meaning. This specific perspective allows other possibilities for empirical challenges.
Evaluation of a near-global eddy-resolving ocean model
Authors: Oke P. R. , Griffin D. A. , Schiller A. , Matear R. J. , Fiedler R. , Mansbridge J. , Lenton A. , Cahill M. , Chamberlain M. A. , Ridgway K.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Analysis of the variability in an 18-yr run of a near-global, eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model coupled with biogeochemistry is presented. Comparisons between modelled and observed mean sea level (MSL), mixed-layer depth (MLD), sea-level anomaly (SLA), sea-surface temperature (SST), and Chlorophyll a indicate that the model variability is realistic. We find some systematic errors in the modelled MLD, with the model generally deeper than observations, that results in errors in the Chlorophyll a, owing to the strong biophysical coupling. We evaluate several other metrics in the model, including the zonally-averaged seasonal cycle of SST, meridional overturning, volume transports through key Straits and passages, zonal averaged temperature and salinity, and El Nino-related SST indices. We find that the modelled seasonal cycle in SST is 0.5–1.5 °C weaker than observed; volume transports of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the East Australian Current, and Indonesian Throughflow are in good agreement with observational estimates; and the correlation between the modelled and observed NINO SST indices exceed 0.91. Most aspects of the model circulation are realistic. We conclude that the model output is suitable for broader analysis to better understand ocean dynamics and ocean variability.
Modeling short wave solar radiation using the JGrass-NewAge System
Authors: Formetta G. , Rigon R. , Chávez J. L. , David O.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. This paper presents two new modelling components based on the Object Modelling System v3 for the calculation of the shortwave incident radiation (R^sw↓) on complex topography settings, and the implementation of several ancillary tools. The first component, NewAGE-SwRB, accounts for slope, aspect, shadow and the topographical information of the sites, and use suitable parametrisation for obtaining the cloudless irradiance. A second component, NewAGE-DEC-MOD's is implemented to estimate the irradiance reduction due to the presence of clouds, according to three parameterisations. To obtain a working modelling composition, suitable to be compared with ground data at measurement stations, the two components are connected to a Kriging component, and, with the use of a further component NewAGE-V (verification package), the performance of modeled (R^sw↓) is quantitatively evaluated. The two components (and the various parametrisations they contain) are tested using the data from three basins catchments, and some simple verification test is made to assess the goodness of the methods used. The components are part of a larger system, JGrass-NewAGE, their input and outputs are given as geometrical objects immediately visualisable in a GIS (for instance the companion uDig), and can be used seamlessly with the various modelling solutions available in JGrass-NewAGE for the estimation of long wave radiation, evapotranspiration, and snow melting, as well as stand-alone components to just estimate shortwave radiation for various uses. The modularity of the approach is shown to be extensible to more accurate physical-statistical studies aimed to assess in deep the components performances and extends spatially their results, without the necessity of recoding any part of the component but just making using of connective scripts.
Coupling a groundwater model with a land surface model to improve water and energy cycle simulation
Authors: Tian W. , Li X. , Cheng G.-D. , Wang X.-S. , Hu B. X.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Water and energy cycles interact, making these two processes closely related. Land surface models (LSMs) can describe the water and energy cycles on the land surface, but their description of the subsurface water processes is oversimplified, and lateral groundwater flow is ignored. Groundwater models (GWMs) describe the dynamic movement of the subsurface water well, but they cannot depict the physical mechanisms of the evapotranspiration (ET) process in detail. In this study, a coupled model of groundwater flow with a simple biosphere (GWSiB) is developed based on the full coupling of a typical land surface model (SiB2) and a 3-D variably saturated groundwater model (AquiferFlow). In this coupled model, the infiltration, ET and energy transfer are simulated by SiB2 using the soil moisture results from the groundwater flow model. The infiltration and ET results are applied iteratively to drive the groundwater flow model. After the coupled model is built, a sensitivity test is first performed, and the effect of the groundwater depth and the hydraulic conductivity parameters on the ET are analyzed. The coupled model is then validated using measurements from two stations located in shallow and deep groundwater depth zones. Finally, the coupled model is applied to data from the middle reach of the Heihe River basin in the northwest of China to test the regional simulation capabilities of the model.
Effects of fire on ash thickness in a Lithuanian grassland and short-term spatio-temporal changes
Authors: Pereira P. , Cerdà A. , Úbeda X. , Mataix-Solera J. , Martin D. , Jordán A. , Burguet M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Ash thickness is a key variable in the protection of soil against erosion agents after planned and unplanned fires. Thicker ash provides better protection against raindrop impact and reduces the runoff response by retaining water and promoting water infiltration although little is known about the distribution and the evolution of the ash layer after the fires. Ash thickness measurements were conducted along two transects (flat and sloping areas) following a a grid experimental design. Both transects extended from the burned area into an adjacent unburned area. We analysed ash thickness evolution according to time and fire severity. In order to interpolate data with accuracy and identify the techniques with the least bias, several interpolation methods were tested in the grid plot. Overall, the fire had a low severity. The fire significantly reduced the ground cover, especially on sloping areas owing to the higher fire severity and/or less biomass previous to the fire. Ash thickness depends on fire severity and is thin where fire severity was higher and thicker in lower fire severity sites. The ash thickness decreased with time after the fire. Between 4 and 16 days after the fire, ash was transported by wind. The major reduction took place between 16 and 34 days after the fire as a result of rainfall, and was more efficient where fire severity was higher. Between 34 and 45 days after the fire no significant differences in ash thickness were identified among ash colours and only traces of the ash layer remained. The omni-directional experimental variograms shown that variable structure did not change importantly with the time, however, the most accurate interpolation methods were different highlighting the slight different patterns of ash thickness distribution with the time. The ash spatial variability increased with the time, particularly on the slope, as a result of water erosion.
Simulation of Volumetric Swelling of Degradable Poly[(Rac-Lactide)-Co-Glycolide] Based Polyesterurethanes Containing Different Urethane-Linkers
Authors: Ghobadi Ehsan , Heuchel Matthias , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: December 2012

Aim

The hydrolytic degradation behavior of degradable aliphatic polyester-based polymers is strongly influenced by the uptake or transport of water into the polymer matrix and also the hydrolysis rate of ester bonds.

Methods

We examined the volumetric swelling behavior of poly[(rac-lactide)-co-glycolide] (PLGA) and PLGA-based poly-urethanes (PLGA-PU) with water contents of 0 wt%, 2 wt% and 7 wt% water at 310 K using a molecular modeling approach. Polymer systems with a number average molecular weight of Mn = 10,126 g·mol−1 were constructed from PLGA with a lactide content of 67 mol%, whereby PLGA-PU systems were composed of five PLGA segments with Mn = 2052 g·mol−1, which were connected via urethane linkers originated from 2,2,4-trimethyl hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate (TMDI), hexamethyl-1,6-diisocyanate (HDI), or L-lysine-1,6-diisocyanate (LDI).

Results

The calculated densities of the dry PLGA-PU systems were found to be lower than for pure PLGA. The obtained volumetric swelling of the PLGA-PU was depending on the type of urethane linker, whereby all swollen PLGA-PUs contained larger free volume distribution compared to pure PLGA. The mean square displacement curves for dry PLGA and PLGA-PUs showed that urethane linker units reduce the mobility of the polymer chains, while an increase in backbone atoms mobility was found, when water was added to these systems. Consequently, an increased water uptake of PLGA-PU matrices combined with a higher mobility of the chain segments should result in an accelerated hydrolytic chain scission rate in comparison to PLGA.

Conclusions

It can be anticipated that the incorporation of urethane linkers might be a helpful tool to adjust the degradation behavior of polyesters.
Accountable for What?
Authors: Stassen Martha L. A.
Published: December 2012

For many who are not immersed in the world of the assessment practitioner, “accountability” and “assessment” are perceived as interchangeable terms. They are not.

The New England Educational Assessment Network (NEEAN) Board has been discussing the relationship between these two agendas, and NEEAN's role in both, as a part of our strategic planning process. We believe that the NEEAN Board and the organization's members have an important responsibility for helping to shape and inform both the accountability and the student learning assessment conversations, and the institutional actions associated with each. In this reflection, we suggest a framework for these conversations.
First-Year Experience:
Authors: Ben-Avie Michael , Kennedy Marianne , Unson Christine , Li Jinhong , Riccardi Richard L. , Mugno Raymond
Published: December 2012

In 2007 Southern Connecticut State University initiated a comprehensive First-Year Experience program to promote student engagement, improve academic competencies, and boost retention rates. The program included a revamped orientation, mandatory learning communities, increased academic support, and increased campus involvement. While all students participated in these components, only 50 percent of students were enrolled in a first-year seminar. Seminar participants demonstrated significantly higher rates of retention, higher GPAs, and more credits earned than nonseminar students. These effects were still evident after three years. This study identified a psychological-educational factor—future orientation—as an important factor for explaining the difference in outcomes.
Biocompatibility of Intracanal Medications Based on Calcium Hydroxide
Authors: Andolfatto Carolina , da Silva Guilherme Ferreira , Cornélio Ana Livia Gomes , Guerreiro-Tanomaru Juliane Maria , Tanomaru-Filho Mario , Faria Gisele , Bonetti-Filho Idomeo , Cerri Paulo Sérgio
Published: December 2012

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rat subcutaneous tissue reaction to calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicaments, UltraCal XS (calcium hydroxide, barium sulphate, aqueous matrix), Hydropast (calcium hydroxide, barium sulphate, and propyleneglycol), and Calen (Calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide, colophony, and polyethyleneglycol), used as a control. Methods. Forty-eight rats (Rattus Norvegicus Holtzman) were distributed in three groups: Calen, UltraCal XS, and Hydropast. Polyethylene tubes filled with one of the medicaments were implanted in the dorsal subcutaneous. After 7 and 30 days, the implants were removed and the specimens were fixed and embedded in paraffin. Morphological and quantitative analyses were carried out in the HE-stained sections. The numerical density of inflammatory cells in the capsule was evaluated and statistical analyses were performed (P≤0.05). Results. At 7 days, all materials induced an inflammatory reaction in the subcutaneous tissue adjacent to the implants. In all groups, a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory cells and giant cells was verified in the period of 30 days. Conclusion. These results indicate that the calcium hydroxide-based medicaments evaluated present biocompatibility similar to Calen.
Alternatives to conventional hospitalization for improving lack of access to inpatient beds: a 12-year cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Corbella Xavier , Ortiga Berta , Juan Antoni , Ortega Nuria , Gomez-Vaquero Carmen , Capdevila Cristina , Bardes Ignasi , Alonso Gilberto , Ferre Carles , Soler Maria , Mañez Rafel , Jaurrieta Eduardo , Pujol Ramon , Salazar Albert
Published: December 2012

Background/Objective: When hospitals cannot guarantee available hospital beds for inpatient admission, patients are exposed to prolonged waits, cancellations and diversions that negatively affect their safety and quality of care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multifaceted intervention for eliminating inpatient access delays. Methods: By using multi-time point cross-sectional analysis, data from all hospitalizations from adult patients registered at an 850-bed public, tertiary-care university hospital were compared from March 1998 to March 2000 (control period) with data from April 2000 to March 2010 (intervention period), after a set of 15 actions for avoiding unnecessary inpatient admissions and to reduce length of hospital stay was implemented by a clinician-administrator taskforce. Response variable was the daily average of “boarded” patients waiting for a hospital bed at 8:00 am in the emergency department (ED). Other measurements included daily contextual and performance hospital variables captured automatically by computer-assisted processes. Results: Between March 1998 and March 2010, 348,960 consecutive hospitalizations were registered. Despite daily ED visits increasing from 288 (IQR Q1-Q3: 270-309) to 335 patients (IQR Q1-Q3: 306-359; P<.01), multifaceted intervention reduced the daily emergency “boarded” patients from 7 (IQR Q1-Q3: 3-14) to 3 patients (IQR Q1-Q3: 1-6; P<.01), and length of hospital stay from 10.9 (IQR Q1-Q3: 9.6-12.5) to 8.1 days (IQR Q1-Q3: 6.8-9.8; P<.01), while increasing daily scheduled admissions from 32 (IQR Q1-Q3: 17-58) to 63 patients (IQR Q1-Q3: 13-90; P<.01). Conclusion: Major changes in hospital procedures for bridging the gap between inpatient and outpatient care by implementing alternatives to conventional hospitalization solved the “inpatient boarding” phenomenon in the ED.
Content and Retention of Provitamin A Carotenoids Following Ripening and Local Processing of Four Popular Musa Cultivars from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Ekesa Beatrice Nakhauka , Kimiywe Judith , Van den Bergh Inge , Blomme Guy , Dhuique-Mayer Claudie , Davey Mark
Published: December 2012

Changes in the concentrations and retention levels of total and individual provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) during ripening and local processing of the four most popular Musa cultivars of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were established through HPLC analysis. The predominant pVACs were all trans ?- and ?-carotene, together constituting about 90% of total pVACs content in raw and processed Musa fruit pulp. The proportion of ?- and ?-carotene was not significantly different in the tested East African Highland Bananas (AAA-EAHB) (‘Nshikazi’ and ‘Vulambya’); in the plantains (‘Musilongo’ and ‘Musheba’), proportion of ?-carotene was almost twice that of ?-carotene. An increase in total pVACs was observed during ripening, with highest levels at ripening stage 3 in all four cultivars. Total pVACs values were as high as 1081µg/100gfw in ‘Vulambya’ and 1819µg/100gfw in ‘Musilongo’. Boiling of the AAA-EAHB and AAB-Plantains resulted to retention of between 40-90% and >95% respectively. Plantains deep-fried in fully-refined palm oil and crude red palm oil for 2 minutes did not seem to lose any pVACs, the levels of total pVACs observed after frying were 100% of what was observed when the fruit was raw. Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE), in boiled products varied between 22.3 and 173 RAEµg/100gfw, whereas deep fried products had >190 RAEµg/100g edible portion. These results show that the tested AAA-EAHBs and the plantains could meet at least 14% and 30 % of Vitamin A recommended dietary intakes respectively. The findings can therefore guide consumer consumption patterns to maximize vitamin A intake for improved health in these regions and also direct researchers in the selection of Musa cultivars to be incorporated within existing farming systems in the fight against vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
Retrospective Review of Propofol Dosing for Procedural Sedation in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Milius Eryn M. , Papademetrious Tricia R. , Heitlinger Leo A.
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the total propofol dose (mg/kg) for non-emergent pediatric procedural sedation and evaluate dosing differences with regard to a patient's sex, age, and body mass index. Adverse events were recorded and evaluated to determine whether certain patient groups were at a higher risk than others.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective observational pilot study including patients 0 to 18 years of age admitted between January 2008 and November 2009 for non-emergent gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures or radiologic imaging, who received propofol for procedural sedation. Data gathered included sex, age, height, weight, chronic medical conditions and medication use, concomitant anesthetic gas, preprocedure midazolam, procedure length, propofol dose in mg/kg, other medications administered during procedure, and adverse events that occurred. Comparisons between adverse event groups and categories of baseline characteristics were made using the Wilcoxon signed-rank, Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric and Pearson's chisquare tests, as appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The mean dose of propofol required for female patients was 3.7 mg/kg versus 3.4 mg/kg for males (p=0.3). The mean dose of propofol for patients ≤9 years, 10 to 12 years, and >12 years was 3.2, 3.9, and 3.9 mg/kg, respectively (p=0.25). The mean dose of propofol for underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese patients was 4.2, 3.9, 3.6, and 2.6 mg/kg, respectively (p=0.38). Hypotension occurred in 42.6% of patients, and bradycardia occurred in 13.9% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no differences in dose requirements based on sex or age. The difference in dosing between different body weight categories was not statistically significant. The dose of propofol was higher in patients that experienced bradycardia and hypotension, but there was no statistical significance. Given the above, future studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to establish if statistical significance exists.
Dexmedetomidine Versus Standard Therapy with Fentanyl for Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Premature Neonates
Authors: O'Mara Keliana , Gal Peter , Wimmer John , Ransom J. Laurence , Carlos Rita Q. , Dimaguila Mary Ann V.T. , Davanzo Christie C. , Smith McCrae
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl for sedation in mechanically ventilated premature neonates.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, observational case-control study in a level III neonatal intensive care unit. Forty-eight premature neonates requiring mechanical ventilation were included. Patients received fentanyl (n=24) or dexmedetomidine (n=24) for pain or sedation. Each group also received fentanyl and lorazepam boluses as needed for agitation. The primary outcomes were efficacy and frequency of acute adverse events associated with each drug. Days on mechanical ventilation, stooling patterns, feeding tolerance, and neurologic outcomes were also evaluated.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in baseline demographics between the dexmedetomidine and fentanyl patients. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group required less adjunctive sedation and had more days free of additional sedation in comparison to fentanyl (54.1% vs. 16.5%, p<0.0001). There were no differences in hemodynamic parameters between the 2 groups. Duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter in the dexmedetomidine group (14.4 vs. 28.4 days, p<0.001). Meconium passage (7.5 vs. 22.4 days, p<0.0002) and time from initiation to achievement of full enteral feeds (26.8 vs. 50.8 days, p<0.0001) were shorter in the dexmedetomidine group. Incidence of culture-positive sepsis was lower in the dexmedetomidine group (48% vs. 88%). The incidence of either severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia was not statistically significantly reduced (2% vs. 7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Dexmedetomidine was safe and effective for sedation in the premature neonates included in this study. Prospective randomized-controlled trials are needed before routine use of dexmedetomidine can be recommended.
Découverte de Blaps lethifera lethifera Marsham, 1802 (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae : Tenebrioninae : Blaptini) au Canada
Authors: Brisson Jean Denis , Racine Michel
Published: December 2012

La découverte de larves et d’adultes du ténébrion des écuries (Blaps lethifera lethiferaMarsham, 1802 ; Tenebrionidae :Tenebrioninae : Blaptini), à l’hippodrome de Québec, et d’une certaine faune commensale associée à ce ténébrion, constitue l’objet de la première mention de cette espèce de Ténébrionidés pour le Canada. Les « hommes à chevaux » nous ont affirmé spontanément connaître les « barbots » depuis au moins 30 ans pour la majorité d’entre eux dans les vieilles écuries des autres hippodromes de Blue Bonnets, Rockland, Trois-Rivières et Meadowlands (New Jersey). Toutefois, il a été possible de retracer une personne qui avait côtoyé ce ténébrion depuis plus de 85 ans. L’insecte se serait implanté dans d’autres écuries du Québec puisqu’il fut positivement identifié en région, mais ses populations ne semblent pas s’être maintenues dans les écuries modernes étant donné qu’elles n’y furent pas rapportées.
Une analyse des systèmes d’instruments chez les chargés de sécurité : proposition pour analyser la pratique enseignante
Authors: Munoz Grégory , Bourmaud Gaëtan
Published: December 2012

Si des travaux de recherche, inspirés de l’approche instrumentale de Rabardel (1995), ont éclairé les activités instrumentées des enseignants en repérant des genèses instrumentales (Saujat, 2000), en revanche aucun n’a cherché à considérer ses systèmes d’instruments (Bourmaud, 2006). Inspirés par une investigation réalisée dans le secteur industriel, nous discutons de l’opportunité d’une telle analyse pour la formation des enseignants. À partir d’une étude de cas appuyée sur des entretiens explorant la tâche redéfinie (Leplat, 1997) de professionnels chargés de sécurité en entreprise, nous déterminons les cinq caractéristiques d’un système d’instruments chez un des professionnels devenus formateur.
Naviguer entre l’instruction et la socialisation : discours d’enseignants québécois du secondaire
Authors: Portelance Liliane , Martineau Stéphane , Presseau Annie , Rojo Sébastien
Published: December 2012

La réussite de la mission de l’école reposant en grande partie sur les enseignants, il importe de cerner avec précision comment ces derniers conçoivent leur rôle dans l’actualisation de cette mission. Ainsi, cet article amorce une réflexion sur la manière dont les enseignants du secondaire au Québec, pensent leur mission éducative. Plus particulièrement, nous analysons ici comment cette mission éducative prend forme dans leur pratique professionnelle.
Nerve endings reveal hidden diversity in the skin
Authors: Turner Eric E
Published: December 2012

Experiments on transgenic mice have revealed that the morphologies of sensory neurons in the skin of mice are more complex and diverse than expected.
Authenticity in the Language Teaching Curriculum
Authors: McKay Sandra
Published: December 2012

Authenticity is clearly a catch term in current language teaching. In the UCLA's Language Materials Project Web site (2009) for less commonly taught languages, one of the major links is for authentic materials that include lesson plans on using such items as signs, postcards, greeting cards, product labels, recipes, menus, and maps for developing language. Indeed there are even entire books devoted to authenticity in language teaching (see Suggested Readings). The popularity and acceptance of authentic materials as a basis for language learning led Day (2003) to refer to the phenomenon as a “cult of authenticity.”
Multimodality and Literacy
Authors: Evan Nelson Mark
Published: December 2012

“Multimodality”—literally, the quality of integrating multiple forms or means—is a term that has been taken up by a number of fields over the past few decades (e.g., in medicine) to describe the co‐application of a diversity of diagnostic imaging strategies, and in research into artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality to talk about coordinated aspects of multisensory experience within digital environments.
Synthetic Immersive Environments and Second Language Pragmatic Development
Authors: Sykes Julie M.
Published: December 2012

Synthetic immersive environments (SIEs) are engineered, digital spaces which draw on the complex, goal‐directed, collaborative game‐play behavior of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) “to produce explicit, educationally related outcomes in simulated, relevant interactional contexts” (Sykes, 2008, pp. 10–11).
Comparative Analysis of Fracture Strength of Slurry and Diamond Wire Sawn Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Wafers
Authors: Yang Chris , Wu Hao , Melkote Shreyes , Danyluk Steven
Published: December 2012

This paper presents an analysis of fracture strength of multicrystalline silicon (mc‐Si) solar wafers produced by slurry and diamond wire sawing. The wafers were bent in two orthogonal orientations relative to the saw marks. The fracture strength of slurry sawn wafers increases gradually from wire entry to wire exit whereas the strength variation in the wire feed direction is small. The fracture strength of diamond wire sawn wafers is bi‐directional, with a higher strength if bent perpendicular to the saw marks and a lower strength if bent parallel to the saw marks. The fracture strength variation is related to the microcracks generated in the vicinity of grit‐induced surface damage.
Fabrication of Interconnected Porous Elastomers by a Microsphere‐Templating Process
Authors: Hong Yifeng , Zhou Jack G. , Yao Donggang
Published: December 2012

In this work, a solvent‐free microsphere‐templating process was developed to fabricate porous elastomers. The process starts with preparation of a porous wax template by thermal sintering at a temperature close to the wax melting temperature. Then, low‐viscosity monomers for elastomeric polyurethane were cast into the wax template. Finally, after casting and curing of the elastomer, the wax component was removed by mechanical forces (centrifuge or squeezing) to produce a porous elastomer. With this process, polyurethane scaffolds with a co‐continuous porous structure were successfully prepared. The optimal sintering temperature for the wax template was attained about 4°C below the wax peak melting temperature, leading to a stable process for joining wax microspheres into a three‐dimensional porous template. Mechanistic approaches were found to be effective for extracting wax in the cast polyurethane; more than 90% of wax can be simply removed by mechanical squeezing above the wax melting temperature. After wax removal, the polyurethane demonstrated a morphology with micropores interconnected by microchannels, indicating the interconnectivity of the porous structure. Tensile tests showed that the resulting porous material is highly deformable and elastic, exhibiting typical properties of polyurethane elastomers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 2013, 32, 21330; View this article online atwileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21330
Decomposing the Member Relationship in Agricultural Cooperatives: Implications for Commitment
Authors: Cechin Andrei , Bijman Jos , Pascucci Stefano , Omta Onno
Published: December 2012

Agricultural cooperatives increasingly operate in strictly coordinated supply chains. It is important that members of a cooperative are committed to a customer‐oriented strategy, otherwise vertical coordination can be costly and the loss of autonomy at the farm level might negatively affect the members’ commitment to collective action. In this context, how can both types of commitment be strengthened? This study decomposes the member–cooperative relationship into four organizational mechanisms—market, hierarchy, community and democracy, which all play a role in generating commitment. Data originate from 148 farmers, all members of the same agricultural cooperative in Brazil. The results suggest first, that it is possible to disentangle commitment to collective action from commitment to a customer‐oriented strategy. Second, although members’ commitment to a customer‐oriented strategy might be affected by market and hierarchy mechanisms only, commitment to collective action might depend on the four organizational mechanisms. [ L200; M100; Q130].
Thoracic aortic disease in two patients with juvenile polyposis syndrome and SMAD4 mutations
Authors: Teekakirikul Polakit , Milewicz Dianna M. , Miller David T. , Lacro Ronald V. , Regalado Ellen S. , Rosales Ana Maria , Ryan Daniel P. , Toler Tomi L. , Lin Angela E.
Published: December 2012

Dilation or aneurysm of the ascending aorta can progress to acute aortic dissection (Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Dissections, TAAD). Mutations in genes encoding TGF‐β‐related proteins (TGFBR1, TGFBR2, FBN1, and SMAD3) cause syndromic and inherited TAAD. SMAD4 mutations are associated with juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) and a combined JPS–hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) known as JPS–HHT. A family with JPS–HHT was reported to have aortic root dilation and mitral valve abnormalities. We report on two patients with JPS–HHT with SMAD4 mutations associated with thoracic aortic disease. The first patient, an 11‐year‐old boy without Marfan syndrome features, had JPS and an apparently de novo SMAD4 mutation (c.1340_1367dup28). Echocardiography showed mild dilation of the aortic annulus and aortic root, and mild dilation of the sinotubular junction and ascending aorta. Computed tomography confirmed aortic dilation and showed small pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM). The second patient, a 34‐year‐old woman with colonic polyposis, HHT, and features of Marfan syndrome, had a SMAD4 mutation (c.1245_1248delCAGA). Echocardiography showed mild aortic root dilation. She also had PAVM and hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia. Her family history was significant for polyposis, HHT, thoracic aortic aneurysm, and dissection and skeletal features of Marfan syndrome in her father. These two cases confirm the association of thoracic aortic disease with JPS–HHT resulting from SMAD4 mutations. We propose that the thoracic aorta should be screened in patients with SMAD4 mutations to prevent untimely death from dissection. This report also confirms that SMAD4 mutations predispose to TAAD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal transmission of interstitial 8p23.1 deletion detected during prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Guimiot F. , Dupont C. , Fuentes‐Duarte A. , Aboura A. , Bazin A. , Khung‐Savatovsky S. , Tillous‐Borde I. , Delezoide A.‐L. , Azancot A.
Published: December 2012

We report on the first prenatally diagnosed interstitial 8p23.1 maternally inherited deletion. At 20 weeks of gestation (WG) the fetus was diagnosed with a complete atrioventricular canal. In infancy, the mother underwent a two‐step cardiac surgery for an interrupted aortic arch type A associated to an inlet ventricular septal defect (VSD). A straddling of the tricuspid valve type B was confirmed during surgery. The outcome showed no cardiac failure or conduction anomalies. However, she presented with moderate intellectual disability. Classical and molecular cytogenetic studies on amniotic and maternal lymphocytes cells showed a nearly identical interstitial deletion of the 8p23.1 region encompassing the GATA4 gene locus (Mother: nt 6,913,337–12,580,828, fetus: nt 7,074,449–12,580,828) with no modification of the telomeric region. The relevance of our report is not only the maternal syndromic interstitial 8p23.1 deletion, but also maternal transmission which has never been reported before. The maternal and fetal phenotypes were not identical, however, even though they had the same cellular and molecular background: an alteration of the epithelial mesenchymal transition of the atrioventricular valvulo‐septal complex where GATA4 plays a positive role in the regulation. We reviewed all cases of interstitial 8p23.1 deletions diagnosed either prenatally or postnatally. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.