bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myocardial Perfusion SPECT Utility in Predicting Cardiovascular Events Among Indonesian Diabetic Patients
Authors: Kasim Manoefris , Currie Geoffrey M. , Tjahjono Markus , Siswanto Bambang B. , Harimurti Ganesja M. , Kiat Hosen
Published: October 2013

Background:

Indonesia has the fourth largest number of diabetes patients after India, China and the USA. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death in diabetic patients. Early detection and risk stratification is important for optimal management. Abnormal myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is an early manifestation in the ischemic cascade. Previous studies have demonstrated the use of MPI to accurately diagnose obstructive CAD and predict adverse cardiac events. This study evaluated whether MPI predicts adverse cardiac event in an Indonesian diabetic population.

Method:

The study was undertaken in a consecutive cohort of patients with suspected or known CAD fulfilling entry criteria. All had adenosine stress MPI. The end point was a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) defined as cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI).

Results:

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were satisfied by 300 patients with a mean follow-up of 26.7 ± 8.8 months. The incidence of MACEs was 18.3% among diabetic patients, versus 9% in the non-diabetic population (p < 0.001). A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model demonstratedin dependent predictors for a MACE as abnormal MPI [HR: 9.30 (3.01 – 28.72), p < 0.001], post stress left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤30% [HR:2.72 (1.21 – 6.15), p = 0.016] and the patients diabetic status [HR:2.28 (1.04 – 5.01), p = 0.04]. The Kaplan Meier event free survival curve constructed for the different subgroups based on the patients’ diabetic status and MPI findings demonstrated that diabetic patients with an abnormal MPI had the worst event free survival (log rank p value < 0.001).

Conclusions:

In an Indonesian population with suspected or known CAD abnormal adenosine stress MPI is an independent and potent predictor for adverse cardiovascular events and provides incremental prognostic value in cardiovascular risk stratification of patients with diabetes.
Interval Versions of Central-Difference Method for Solving the Poisson Equation in Proper and Directed Interval Arithmetic
Authors: Hoffmann Tomasz , Marciniak Andrzej , Szyszka Barbara
Published: October 2013

To study the Poisson equation, the central-difference method is often used. This method has the local truncation error of order O(h2 +k2), where h and k are mesh constants. Using this method in conventional floating-point arithmetic, we get solutions including the method, representation and rounding errors. Therefore, we propose interval versions of the central-difference method in proper and directed interval arithmetic. Applying such methods in floating-point interval arithmetic allows one to obtain solutions including all possible numerical errors. We present numerical examples from which it follows that the presented interval method in directed interval arithmetic is a little bit better than the one in proper interval arithmetic, i.e. the intervals of solutions are smaller. It appears that applying both proper and directed interval arithmetic the exact solutions belong to the interval solutions obtained.
Addressing Disclosure Concerns and Analysis Demands in a Real-Time Online Analytic System
Authors: Krenzke Tom , Gentleman Jane F. , Li Jianzhu , Moriarity Chris
Published: October 2013

This article focuses on methods for enhancing access to survey data produced by government agencies. In particular, the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is developing methods that could be used in an interactive, integrated, real-time online analytic system (OAS) to facilitate analysis by the public of both restricted and public use survey data. Data from NCHS’ National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) are being used to investigate, develop, and evaluate such methods. We assume the existence of public use microdata files, as is the case for the NHIS, so disclosure avoidance methods for such an OAS must account for that critical constraint. Of special interest is the analysis of state-level data because health care is largely administered at the state level in the U.S., and state identifiers are not on the NHIS public use files. This article describes our investigations of various possible choices of methods for statistical disclosure control and the challenges of providing such protection in a real-time OAS that uses restricted data. Full details about the specific disclosure control methods used by a working OAS could never be publicly released for confidentiality reasons. NCHS is still evaluating whether to implement an OAS that uses NHIS restricted data, and this article provides a snapshot of a research and developmental project in progress.
Lung scintigraphy in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: current methods and interpretation criteria in clinical practice
Authors: Skarlovnik Ajda , Hrastnik Damjana , Fettich Jure , Grmek Marko
Published: October 2013

Background. In current clinical practice lung scintigraphy is mainly used to exclude pulmonary embolism (PE). Modified diagnostic criteria for planar lung scintigraphy are considered, as newer scitigraphic methods, especially single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are becoming more popular.

Patients and methods. Data of 98 outpatients who underwent planar ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scintigraphy and 49 outpatients who underwent V/Q SPECT from the emergency department (ED) were retrospectively collected. Planar V/Q images were interpreted according to 0.5 segment mismatch criteria and revised PIOPED II criteria and perfusion scans according to PISA-PED criteria. V/Q SPECT images were interpreted according to the criteria suggested in EANM guidelines. Final diagnosis of PE was based on the clinical decision of an attending physician and evaluation of a 12 months follow-up period.

Results. Using 0.5 segment mismatch criteria and revised PIOPED II, planar V/Q scans were diagnostic in 93% and 84% of cases, respectively. Among the diagnostic planar scans readings specificity for 0.5 segment mismatch criteria was 98%, and 99% for revised PIOPED II criteria. V/Q SPECT showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98%, without any non-diagnostic cases. In patients with low pretest probability for PE, planar V/Q scans assessed by 0.5 segment mismatch criteria were diagnostic in 92%, and in 85% using revised PIOPED II criteria, while perfusion scintigraphy without ventilation scans was diagnostic in 80%.

Conclusions. Lung scintigraphy yielded diagnostically definitive results and is reliable in ruling out PE in patients from ED. V/Q SPECT has excellent specificity and sensitivity without any non-diagnostic results. Percentage of nondiagnostic results in planar lung scintigraphy is considerably smaller when 0.5 segment mismatch criteria instead of revised PIOPED II criteria are used. Diagnostic value of perfusion scintigraphy according to PISA-PED criteria is inferior to combined V/Q scintigraphy; the difference is evident especially in patients with low pretest probability for PE.
Primary Care Reform in Montenegro
Authors: Cvejanov Kezunović Ljiljana , Drecun Mara , Švab Igor
Published: October 2013

Background: Montenegro is a newly independent state. As with many countries of that region, the country was faced with the need to reform its health care system. The overall aims of the reform were to improve the quality of services. This paper describes the process of implementation of the reform and its first achievements in patient satisfaction and quality of services since it has been introduced.

Methods: The ministry of health introduced a series of steps that included changes to legislation, financing and manpower structure. Investments in primary care have been made and informatics support was developed. Educational interventions at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels were also introduced.

Results: The initial results show that the changes have improved the quality of care provided: the composition of professionals in primary care has improved; preventive activities have remained high. Primary care is more accessible and organization of services is better, which can be seen in reduced waiting times for consultation in primary care and improved satisfaction with health care.

Conclusions: The initial results show some progress since the reform was put into place. New measures aimed at raising the level of health care to reach European Union standards are still to be introduced.
Pollutants present in different components of the Svalbard archipelago environment / Zanieczyszczenia obecne w różnych komponentach środowiska archipelagu Svalbard
Authors: Ruman Marek , Kozak Katarzyna , Lehmann Sara , Kozioł Krystyna , Polkowska Żaneta
Published: October 2013

During last years an interest in the processes of transport and fate of pollutants to the polar regions located distantly from industrial centers, has significantly increased. The current analytical techniques enabling conducting studies prove that the Arctic regions (in the past considered as a pollution free area) have become an area of highly intensive anthropopresion. Svalbard archipelago stands out from the other polar regions due to its specific environmental conditions and geographic location, which results in becoming a reservoir of contamination in this area. Systematic environmental monitoring of arctic regions is extremely important due to an unique opportunity of observing a direct impact of pollution on the ongoing processes in the area of interest. In this way measurement data obtained are a valuable source of information, not only on changes occurring in the Arctic ecosystem, but also on estimated global impact of certain xenobiotics present in the environment. Furthermore, qualitative and quantitative studies on particular chemicals deposited in different regions of the Arctic ecosystem may constitute the basis for undertaking actions aimed at preventing negative effects caused by these pollutants.
On the Spatio-Temporal Approaches Towards Conservation of Extensively Managed Rural Landscapes in Central-Eastern Europe
Authors: Öllerer Kinga
Published: October 2013

Land-use change is one of the major drivers of global biodiversity loss, its study experiencing continuous development and increasing recognition, influencing main research directions within ecology. Many studies target the negative aspect; however, the modification of the natural environment over centuries and millennia led to the biodiversity, in its broadest sense, we are trying to conserve nowadays within cultural landscapes. This theoretical paper deals with the issue of spatial and temporal variations in extensively managed rural landscapes from Central-Eastern Europe. The constraints of the state of the art and arising challenges for biodiversity management in complex, farmed landscapes of high nature conservation value are discussed, through the example of Transylvania (Romania). The paper argues for the necessity of considering historical perspectives and traditional knowledge in an attempt to understand the current on-site conditions and developing realistic adaptive management strategies with special emphasis on the (traditional) rural communities, representing a key resource for biodiversity conservation
Isolated Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Glenesk Kathleen , Fogarty Brian T. , Westrick Richard B.
Published: October 2013

The patient was a 19-year-old male cadet at a military academy who was evaluated by a physical therapist in a direct-access capacity for a chief complaint of right knee pain and giving way after falling onto his right knee while snow sledding at a high rate of speed 2 weeks earlier. Knee radiographs were ordered by the physical therapist, which demonstrated a large suprapatellar joint effusion. Due to concern for a posterior cruciate ligament injury and to assess for concomitant injury, magnetic resonance imaging was ordered, which revealed disruption of the posterior cruciate ligament without injury to surrounding tissues.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(10):759. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.0418
October 2013 Book Reviews
Authors: Neumann Donald
Published: October 2013

JOSPT offers invited reviews of current titles. The October 2013 column includes 7 reviews of the following books: Clinical Epidemiology of Orthopedic Trauma; Core Concepts in Athletic Training and Therapy, With Web Resource; Physical Therapy of the Shoulder: Fifth Edition; Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine; Treat Your Own Knee; Why Do I Hurt? A Patient Book About the Neuroscience of Pain; and Your Fibromyalgia Workbook: A Neuroscience Approach to the Understanding and Treatment of Fibromyalgia.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(10):760–765. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.43.10.760
Increase in Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A infections in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, January 2011 to August 2013
Authors: Vlieghe E , Phe T , De Smet B , Veng C H , Kham C , Sar D , van Griensven J , Lim K , Thai S , Jacobs J
Published: October 2013

We report an increased number of Salmonella enterica Paratyphi A infections in adults in Cambodia. Between January 2011 and August 2013, 71 S. Paratyphi A isolates were recovered from blood cultures, representing a 44-fold increase compared to July 2007 to December 2010, while monthly numbers of cultures did not change. Infections with S. Typhi increased two-fold in the same period. Most cases came from the capital Phnom Penh. These findings warrant epidemiological investigation to support public health measures.
Team-Based Learning Increases Active Engagement and Enhances Development of Teamwork and Communication Skills in a First-Year Course for Veterinary and Animal Science Undergraduates
Authors: Hazel Susan J. , Heberle Nicole , McEwen Margaret-Mary , Adams Karen
Published: September 2013

Team-based learning (TBL) was implemented into a first-year course (Principles in Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics) for BSc Veterinary Bioscience (VB) and Animal Science (AS) students. TBL is now used widely in teaching medical students, but has had more limited uptake in veterinary education. This study reports its use over 2 years with cohorts of 126 and 138 students in 2011 and 2012, respectively. Average individual marks for multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests in the Readiness Assurance component of TBL were higher for the teams than for individuals for each session, explicitly demonstrating the advantages of teamwork. Students reported that they felt actively involved and that TBL helped them both with their learning and in developing other important skills, such as teamwork and communication. Qualitative analysis of written feedback from the students revealed positive themes of discussion, application, revelation, socializing, engagement, clarification, and retention/revision. In 2011 negative comments included the need to shorten the TBL sessions, but in 2012 tightening of the timelines meant that this was no longer a major concern. Requests to provide better introductory and background materials and ambiguity in questions in the TBL activities were what students least liked about the TBL. However, most comments were positive rather than negative in nature, and many students preferred the TBL to lectures. With requirements for curricula to teach professional skills, such as communication and teamwork, and the positive results from TBL's implementation, it is hoped that this study will encourage others to trial the use of TBL in veterinary education.
Behind the scenes of Scottish researches into agar supply during the 1940s
Authors: Moore P. G.
Published: October 2013

Attention is drawn to correspondence in the Sheina Marshall archive at Millport concerning wartime efforts, led by Andrew Picken Orr, to find a satisfactory substitute for Japanese agar for bacteriological and other strategic commercial uses. The practical difficulties of finding, collecting and drying the considerable quantities of red seaweed (notably Mastocarpus stellatus (syn. Gigartina stellata) and Chondrus crispus) needed for a range of applications are evident in the correspondence, as was the need for confidentiality. Research funding was also an issue. International rivalries (as between Eire and the United Kingdom) are apparent, as are inter-departmental and inter-personal frustrations at a time of national emergency. Commercial production of British agar from these seaweeds was to be undertaken by the manufacturing firm of Paines and Byrne in Middlesex. As a result of the experimental researches at Millport, royalties under that firm's protected patent for the agar production process were negotiated for Orr and Marshall.
Giants, Sultans and Other Strangers: Fritz Kortner in British Cinema, 1934–7
Authors: Bergfelder Tim
Published: October 2013

This article charts the brief British film career (1934–7) of renowned German-Jewish actor and director Fritz Kortner (1892–1970). Although this period has often been neglected and regarded as insignificant in previous accounts of Kortner's life, this article argues that there is much to discover in his cinematic activity during this time, in terms of variety of performance approaches and techniques, of sometimes openly racially inflected and sometimes more coded characterisations, as well of explicit attempts by Kortner to make a political intervention. The article also compares the reception of Kortner by different audiences and constituencies, including the British press, Kortner's fellow émigrés across Europe, particularly in his original homeland of Austria, and as far afield as Palestine.
Remembering ‘the poor soul walking in the rain’: Audience Responses to a Thwarted Makeover inWoman in a Dressing Gown
Authors: Williams Melanie
Published: October 2013

This article emerges from a 2004–5 research project on audience memories of the 1957 British film Woman in a Dressing Gown. It provides general information on the project's objectives and methods before going on to detail one of its major findings: an unexpected degree of consensus among its participants when identifying the film's most memorable scene. The film's heroine makes an effort to improve her appearance by getting her hair done, before her transformation is suddenly and cruelly undone by bad weather; this scene stood out in participants' recollections to a greater extent than any other moment from the film. This article aims to account for the recurrent selection of that specific scene by offering a close reading of respondents' memories of it, with particular reference to the scene's central motif of a thwarted makeover.
‘I'm a casualty, but it's cool’: 1990s British Masculinities and Twenty Four Seven
Authors: Godfrey Sarah
Published: October 2013

Released in 1997, Shane Meadows’ debut feature film, Twenty Four Seven, offers a striking evocation of contemporaneous debates about white, working-class male dispossession. Focusing on two generations of men living in a downtrodden community paralysed by economic decline, the film sets up a number of tropes, ideas and themes that become central to Meadows’ oeuvre. This article explores the conjoined questions of authorial authenticity and male subjugation with Twenty Four Seven and analyses the representations of white, working-class masculinity within the context of both Meadows’ own directorial persona and the wider socio-historical landscape of Britain during the latter part of the 1990s.
Self-Sensing Control of Nafion-Based Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) Actuator in the Extremely Low Humidity Environment
Authors: Sasaki Minoru , Lin Wenyi , Tamagawa Hirohisa , Ito Satoshi , Kikuchi Keiko
Published: October 2013

This paper presents feedforward, feedback and two-degree-of-freedom control applied to an Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite (IPMC) actuator. It presents a high potential for development of miniature robots and biomedical devices and artificial muscles. We have reported in the last few years that dehydration treatment improves the electrical controllability of bending in Selemion CMV-based IPMCs. We tried to replicate this controllability in Nafion-based IPMC. We found that the displacement of a Nafion-based IPMC was proportional to the total charge imposed, just as in the Selemion-CMV case. This property is the basis of self-sensing controllers for Nafion-based IPMC bending behavior: we perform bending curvature experiments on Nafion-based IPMCs, obtaining the actuator's dynamics and transfer function. From these, we implemented self-sensing controllers using feedforward, feedback and two-degree-of-freedom techniques. All three controllers performed very well with the Nafion-based IPMC actuator.
West Nile Virus Transmission in Sentinel Chickens and Potential Mosquito Vectors, Senegal River Delta, 2008–2009
Authors: Fall Assane , Diaïté Amadou , Seck Momar , Bouyer Jérémy , Lefrançois Thierry , Vachiéry Nathalie , Aprelon Rosalie , Faye Ousmane , Konaté Lassana , Lancelot Renaud
Published: October 2013

West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropod-borne Flavivirus usually transmitted to wild birds by Culex mosquitoes. Humans and horses are susceptible to WNV but are dead-end hosts. WNV is endemic in Senegal, particularly in the Senegal River Delta. To assess transmission patterns and potential vectors, entomological and sentinel serological was done in Ross Bethio along the River Senegal. Three sentinel henhouses (also used as chicken-baited traps) were set at 100 m, 800 m, and 1,300 m from the river, the latter close to a horse-baited trap. Blood samples were taken from sentinel chickens at 2-week intervals. Seroconversions were observed in sentinel chickens in November and December. Overall, the serological incidence rate was 4.6% with 95% confidence interval (0.9; 8.4) in the sentinel chickens monitored for this study. Based on abundance pattern, Culex neavei was the most likely mosquito vector involved in WNV transmission to sentinel chickens, and a potential bridge vector between birds and mammals.
The Journal of Risk and Financial Management in Open Access
Authors: McAleer Michael
Published: October 2013

Financial economics and econometrics have advanced rapidly in recent years, in terms of coverage of topics, the creation of new data sources, the availability of existing high frequency and ultra-high frequency tick data, the growing importance of international financial analysis, the technicality of research topics, and the number of papers and journals publishing such theoretical and practical research. [...]
Lower Limb Wearable Capacitive Sensing and Its Applications to Recognizing Human Gaits
Authors: Zheng Enhao , Chen Baojun , Wei Kunlin , Wang Qining
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we present an approach to sense human body capacitance and apply it to recognize lower limb locomotion modes. The proposed wearable sensing system includes sensing bands, a signal processing circuit and a gait event detection module. Experiments on long-term working stability, adaptability to disturbance and locomotion mode recognition are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Twelve able-bodied subjects are recruited, and eleven normal gait modes are investigated. With an event-dependent linear discriminant analysis classifier and feature selection procedure, four time-domain features are used for pattern recognition and satisfactory recognition accuracies (97:3% ± 0:5%, 97:0% ± 0:4%, 95:6% ± 0:9% and 97:0% ± 0:4% for four phases of one gait cycle respectively) are obtained. The accuracies are comparable with that from electromyography-based systems and inertial-based systems. The results validate the effectiveness of the proposed lower limb capacitive sensing approach in recognizing human normal gaits.
Le décor emblématique de la chambre de Henri II au château d’Écouen
Authors: Allais Sylvanie
Published: October 2013

La chambre du roi au château d’Écouen conserve encore un plafond à poutres et solives peint sous le règne de Henri II. Le champ des solives est orné de cartouches à entrelacs portant les emblèmes du roi. Sous les poutres sont peintes deux chutes de trophées d’armes à l’antique, aujourd’hui lacunaires, parmi lesquels figurent deux boucliers portant le H et les trois croissants enlacés du roi. On peut établir une parenté de ce décor, par similitude de motifs, avec une série de chutes de trophées d’armes gravée par Enea Vico entre 1550 et 1553. Le côté d’une poutre conserve enfin les traces d’un combat à l’antique dont quelques figures de guerriers peuvent être rapprochées iconographiquement de certaines sources gravées : figure de Mars issue de la série des Dieux dans les niches du Rosso, ou cavaliers de la Bataille du Pont Milvius peinte par Raphaël dans la Chambre de Constantin au Vatican. La comparaison du décor d’Écouen avec d’autres plafonds réalisés pour Henri II dans les appartements royaux du Louvre ou de Fontainebleau fait apparaître la récurrence de l’association de l’emblématique de Henri II à des trophées d’armes à l’antique.
Dorsal stabilization of atlantoaxial subluxation using non-absorbable sutures in toy breed dogs
Authors: Luján-Feliu-Pascual A. , Font C. , Mascort J. , Sánchez-Masian D.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To describe a novel dorsal technique for stabilization of atlantoaxial sub-luxation in toy breed dogs using 3-metric nylon suture.

Study: Retrospective study.

Animals: Fifteen toy breed dogs with a body weight of 2 kg or less with atlantoaxial subluxation.

Materials and methods: The atlantoaxial joint of each dog was surgically stabilized through a dorsal approach by placing a double strand of non-absorbable, 3-metric, nylon suture material between the dorsal muscles of the atlanto-occipital and the atlantoaxial joint muscles. Pre- and postoperative neurological status, diagnostic imaging, and complications were reviewed. Clinical follow-up examination was performed at six months. For long-term assessment, a telephone follow-up was performed.

Results: No intra-operative complications were observed. Functional improvement occurred in 12 dogs. One dog did not improve and four dogs required revision surgery. In two of those four cases, suture material breakage was proven and it was suspected in the other two. Two cases underwent a second dorsal approach with the same suture material and two cases underwent a ventral approach (transarticular fixation and multiple implants embedded with polymethylmethacrylate).

Conclusions: Dorsal stabilization using 3-metric nylon may be adequate as a safe, effective, and simple alternative technique for atlantoaxial stabilization in toy breed dogs of ≤1.5 kg of weight, in which the use of ventral screws and pins is challenging.
An efficient technique for primer development and application that integrates fluorescent labeling and multiplex PCR
Authors: Culley Theresa M. , Stamper Trevor I. , Stokes Richard L. , Brzyski Jessica R. , Hardiman Nicole A. , Klooster Matthew R. , Merritt Benjamin J.
Published: October 2013

• Premise of the study: Development of genetic markers can be costly and time‐consuming, especially when multiple primer pairs are fluorescently labeled. This step was streamlined by combining two techniques in the same PCR reaction: (1) custom‐labeling of primers by the investigator and (2) multiplexing multiple primers together in the same reaction.

• Methods and Results: This technique was successfully used to develop microsatellite markers in several plant species. Microsatellites amplified with this multiplexing process were identical to those generated from PCR using individual primer pairs and with traditional methods using a priori labeled fluorescent primers. Tests of PCR cycling programs revealed that conditions recommended for the commercial kit generated stronger fragment peaks than the previously recommended cycling protocol.

• Conclusions: This technique is an efficient and economical way to fluorescently label multiple microsatellite primers in the same reaction. It is also applicable to other markers used in PCR amplification of genetic material.
Heuristic aspect of the lateral root initiation index: A case study of the role of nitric oxide in root branching
Authors: Lira‐Ruan Verónica , Mendivil Selene Napsucialy , Dubrovsky Joseph G.
Published: October 2013

• Premise of the study: Lateral root (LR) initiation (LRI) is a central process in root branching. Based on LR and/or LR primordium densities, it has been shown that nitric oxide (NO) promotes LRI. However, because NO inhibits primary root growth, we hypothesized that NO may have an opposite effect if the analysis is performed on a cellular basis. Using a previously proposed parameter, the LRI index (which measures how many LRI events take place along a root portion equivalent to the length of a single file of 100 cortical cells of average length), we addressed this hypothesis and illustrate here that the LRI index provides a researcher with a tool to uncover hidden but important information about root initiation.

• Methods and Results: Arabidopsis thaliana roots were treated with an NO donor (sodium nitroprusside [SNP]) and/or an NO scavenger (2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide [cPTIO]). LRI was analyzed separately in the root portions formed before and during the treatment. In the latter, SNP caused root growth inhibition and an increase in the LR density accompanied by a decrease in LRI index, indicating overall inhibitory outcome of the NO donor on branching. The inhibitory effect of SNP was reversed by cPTIO, showing the NO‐specific action of SNP on LRI.

• Conclusions: Analysis of the LRI index permits the discovery of otherwise unknown modes of action of a substance on the root system formation. NO has a dual action on root branching, slightly promoting it in the root portion formed before the treatment and strongly inhibiting it in the root portion formed during the treatment.
URBAN PUBLIC SPACES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Kratochvíl Petr
Published: October 2013

The study deals with public space both as a physical phenomenon and social phenomenon. It defines its fundamental meaning by referring to the works of sociologists Richard Sennett and Hans Paul Bahrdt: The public space offers the opportunity to meet other people, confront the differences, and at the same time it is a place where we can strengthen social solidarity and mutual respect. The study briefly mentions the development of public spaces in Czech towns at the time of communist regime. However in the first instance it shows selected current works to document the attempts to express the openness of democratic society after 1989 and the new arrangements of public spaces. Evaluation of the development during the recent years shows both positive and negative aspects: On one side it is a sensitive reconstruction of previously neglected public spaces in historical centres of towns and several completely new spaces in other town quarters, on the other side it is too strong commercialisation of these spaces, their submission to tourism, and the lack of interesting public spaces in the places of everyday life of the inhabitants and in newly developing areas of towns. The increasing interest of professional community and general public in the quality of public space, as well as attempts to make the care for public spaces a substantial part of municipal strategies in some cities give a hope for the future.
TRANSFORMATIONS IN SPACIAL EXPRESSION OF URBAN RECREATIONAL FUNCTIONS IN POST-SOVIET URBAN PUBLIC SPACES. VILNIUS CASE / REKREACINIŲ FUNKCIJŲ RAIŠKOS TRANSFORMACIJOS POSOVIETINIO MIESTO VIEŠOSIOSE ERDVĖSE. VILNIAUS ATVEJIS
Authors: Urbonaitė Inga
Published: October 2013

This paper is dedicated to analysis of transformations in expression of urban recreational forms in public spaces of Vilnius. The development of massive industrial housing and ideological oppression resulted in a chaotic and faceless system of public spaces. The author analyses the dispersion of recreational functions in the urban structure of Vilnius and their spacial expression taking into account different spacial characteristics required for various urban recreational activities.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama rekreacinės kultūros formų raiška Vilniaus miesto viešosiose erdvėse. Analizuojama industrinės gyvenamosios statybos nulemta chaotiška erdvinė sistema, kuri daro įtaką socialinei (ne)gerovei, kasdienio poilsio artimoje aplinkoje kokybei ir lemia iš to kylantį sociokultūrinį pasimetimą. Vertinant rekreacinį procesą mieste kaip kasdienes gyvybingumo užtikrinimo ir visapusiško asmenybės tobulėjimo galimybes, analizuojamas Vilniaus miesto sovietinių metų ideologinės poilsio kultūros ženklų erdvinėje struktūroje palikimas, jo transformacijos. Tiriama Vilniaus miesto rekreacinių funkcijų sklaida ir sisteminiai ryšiai.
Science through English or English through science?
Authors: Carter-Thomas Shirley , Storz Carl , Carnat Gérard
Published: September 2013

Il n’est pas facile de motiver les apprenants de bon niveau, surtout dans l’environnement d’une École plus que dans le milieu du travail. Cet article rend compte de deux nouveaux cours d’anglais scientifique se rapportant à la télévision analogique et aux images numérisées. De nombreux points sont traités, non seulement la question très discutée de savoir quelle connaissance de la discipline scientifique de ses étudiants le professeur d’anglais de spécialité doit avoir, mais aussi celle de ce qu’on peut apprendre de spécialistes dont la maîtrise de l’anglais est imparfaite. Cependant, la question la plus importante demeure celle de savoir si les étudiants apprennent l’anglais grâce à la science, ou l’inverse.
Reading biomedical English: Method and materials
Authors: Divasson Lourdes
Published: September 2013

Aujourd’hui, le besoin de dominer l’anglais écrit et oral est devenu indispensable pour les Sciences de la santé. Néanmoins, les Facultés de Médecine ne consacrent pas assez de temps à l’enseignement de cette langue et par conséquent l’objectif de beaucoup de cours est, encore, la compréhension d’un texte écrit. Dans cette communication, on considère la différente organisation des principaux types de textes ainsi que le vocabulaire, la syntaxe, les formes de hedging et d’autres caractéristiques de cette prose scientifique. La recherche faite ces dernières décennies à propos de l’anglais médical a donné naissance à des glossaires, dont nous mentionnons les plus significatifs, pour les avoir trouvés intéressants en ce qui concerne la compréhension par la lecture.
L’évolution de l’offre des professionnels du risque mondialisé
Authors: O’Reilly Conor
Published: September 2013

Cet article traite de l’industrie des consultants en sécurité transnationale et de ses prestations de service spécialisées en sécurité dans les régions hostiles du monde. Pour les professionnels du risque mondialisé, un continuum se dégage depuis les débuts de leurs collaborations avec les assureurs spécialisés dans les enlèvements et demandes de rançon en Amérique latine, jusqu’aux synergies plus contemporaines établies avec les fournisseurs internationaux d’assistance médicale d’urgence. Puisant dans un savoir-faire en sécurité très étendu et diversifié ― acquis depuis des décennies dans de nombreux environnements difficiles ― ces gardiens de la mobilité internationale assurent, améliorent et, si nécessaire, rétablissent la circulation des clients qui s’aventurent dans les « zones malfamées du monde ». Leurs solutions haut de gamme en matière de sécurité favorisent principalement l’hypermobilité des privilégiés, mais produisent aussi des externalités négatives par leur capacité à aggraver les inégalités sur les plans social et sécuritaire.
Les « Bauxiteurs » 1936-1943
Authors: Guillon Jean-Marie
Published: September 2013

Les « bauxiteurs », ce sont les exploitants des carrières et mines de bauxite dont l’essentiel de la production se situe dans le sud de la France et surtout dans le Var. Peu homogènes en dépit de leur petit nombre, ces exploitants, contrôlés par de grandes compagnies internationales, ont attendu le Front populaire pour s’organiser en syndicat. Ce sont les débats au sein du syndicat que ce texte étudie. La période 1940-1944 met cette organisation à rude épreuve puisque la bauxite – produit hautement stratégique – est l’objet d’une partie de bras de fer entre les intérêts allemands et les Français. En arrière-fond, tout au long de la période, pèse l’influence déterminante d’Alais, Froges et Camargue (AFC) – Pechiney – qui contrôle le marché français de l’aluminium et dont la mainmise sur la bauxite va s’affirmer ouvertement au sortir de la guerre. Né de circonstances qui impliquaient une solidarité relative, le syndicat des « bauxiteurs » se défait dans le contexte de l’Occupation, alors que l’avenir de la production se joue, de fait, ailleurs.
Electronic Collaboration in Strategic Decısıon-Makıng Processes
Authors: Goksoy Aslı , Vayvay Ozalp , Yılmaz Beliz Ozsoy , Yılmaz Ahmet
Published: October 2013

The pace of change in information and communication technology has accelerated rapidly in the past decade, providing various opportunities for companies to improve their efficiency and competitiveness and also collaborate with their business partners. In the digitally connected 21st century business environment, collaboration among organizations requires electronic communications within and across fields to facilitate superior outcomes. The proper use of technology enables businesses to be more efficient. E-collaboration has been a great tool to improve business and a strategic weapon to change the traditional business relationships. E-collaboration aims to facilitate coordination of decision-making processes, and it is no longer a source of competitive advantage, but instead a competitive necessity. Tightly linking information technology with strategy formulation is one of growing importance in organizations. This chapter aims to explore the role and benefits of technology in decision-making processes by presenting a successful implementation of electronic collaboration in a leading global supplier of electronics and electrical materials and provide useful information to managers and practitioners.
Integrating Accessible Multiplication Games into Inclusive Classrooms
Authors: Anderson Cindy L.
Published: October 2013

Two accessible games were the focus of a study involving inclusive fourth grade classrooms in a suburban Chicago elementary school district. The games were created using software with universal design capability and were designed to teach multiplication facts. Data were collected that compared the classes using the software with classes that did not use the software. The statistical analysis used in the design of the study was analysis of covariance using a pretest assessment of multiplication facts as the covariate. Students used the games twice a week for four weeks during a period of 40 minutes a day. Results indicated a gain in accuracy of multiplication facts on the part of the groups using the games, but not enough to demonstrate significance. In addition to the analysis of covariance analysis, selected classes filled out surveys designed to measure the students’ opinions of the games and their effectiveness. Results of the surveys indicated that the students were somewhat unsure about their effectiveness as a tool to learn multiplication facts but found them enjoyable to play. Interpretation of both of these results is provided.
Learning in the Primary School Classroom using the Interactive Whiteboard
Authors: Maher Damian
Published: October 2013

The Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) is a recent innovation and with it has come a renewed discussion of the nature of interactions in the primary school classroom. In this chapter the interactive affordances of the IWB, where users can physically manipulate two-dimensional objects on the board, are discussed. In focusing on this aspect, the types of resources used via the board are examined as are the multimodal features. In considering the nature of interactions between participants whilst using the IWB, interactions between teachers and students and between students and students are discussed. There is a focus on the ability for the IWB to support dialogic interactions in a more student-centered classroom. In examining interactions through the IWB, the way boards can be used to connect students to content, such as Web sites, is explored. In focusing on interactions with other participants the use of video conferencing is discussed.
Online Games for Children
Authors: Lei Li , Wanqiang Shen , Tat Edwin Tan Seng
Published: October 2013

This chapter studies the niche market segment of the gaming industry which is the educational games for children aged 3-12. Gaming behaviors including both positive and negative effects of online gaming on children were noted. A framework for developing an online children’s educational game is proposed. A prototype is developed to illustrate the use of the framework. Together with the proposed framework (and prototype), the ADVISOR framework has been used to discuss on the product platform, sales, and marketing strategies. The promotion of such online educational games is discussed based on the advertising and promotion strategies. The pricing strategy of the digital product will be discussed using the 3 Cs of pricing framework. Recommendations are suggested to help the online educational gaming industry to cross the chasm. The authors would like to propose the following set of CSR initiatives with alignment to government regulatory.
Proverbial Storytelling and Lifelong Learning in the Home-School Dialogue
Authors: Theodosopoulou Mara , Papalois Vana
Published: October 2013

Storytelling and proverb sharing teaches children daily living skills, common sense, and moral values and introduces intergeneration and multicultural lifelong learning at an early age in the home-school dialogue. This chapter introduces the Idiolect Definition (ID) approach to home-school dialogue. By using this tool for text analysis, both parents and children could help the child create a reflective home-school/portfolio regarding text analysis. The school grade this is used in is early years /primary school education onwards. The topic is home –school dialogue based education and lifelong learning. The age range of the students is nursery /elementary school pupils. The people in charge include parents, guardians, family members, and school teachers.
Technologizing Teaching
Authors: Piro Joseph M. , Marksbury Nancy
Published: October 2013

With the continuing shift of instructional media to digital sources occurring in classrooms around the world, the role of technology instruction in the pre-service curriculum of K-12 teachers is acquiring increasing salience. However, barriers to its inclusion continue to exist. In this chapter we focus on a model of hybridity designed to embed technology instruction into pre-service education. This model is known as the WebQuest and involves the development of a technology-driven learning activity that scaffolds the building of skills in content, pedagogy, and technology integration in pre-service teachers. We discuss data from an exploratory project conducted within a class of graduate pre-service teachers experiencing instruction in creating a WebQuest, and offer some preliminary findings. We place these results within a larger perspective of the CFTK and TPACK frameworks and their application to issues germane to pre-service teacher education.
Robots Underwater! Learning Science, Engineering and 21st Century Skills
Authors: McGrath Elisabeth , Lowes Susan , McKay Mercedes , Sayres Jason , Lin Peiyi
Published: October 2013

The underwater environment presents novel challenges that can facilitate unique learning experiences for students engaged in robotics programs. Although the number of underwater educational robotics programs is small by comparison to other forms of K-12 robotics initiatives, several do exist, which have varying learning goals, implementation approaches, and tools. This chapter describes an underwater robotics program using LEGO® MINDSTORMS® components and related materials for middle and high school students. The program, known as WaterBotics™, has undergone an extensive, four-year research and development phase and curriculum redesign effort. This chapter describes the theoretical framework of the curriculum design, the components and resources available in the challenge-based curriculum, and lessons learned about teacher practices and their relationship to student learning outcomes in physical science, Information Technology skills, engineering design, and engineering career interest. “Core elements of success” of the program and curricular adaptations are described in the context of a scale-up initiative that is adapting the curriculum for use in informal education settings.
The Study of the Relationship among Learner-Content Interaction, Learning Performance, and Learner Satisfaction in a Blended Learning English Class in a Rural High School
Authors: Jia Jiyou , Ding Zhuhui , Chen Yuhao , Cui Xuemei
Published: October 2013

Learner-content interaction is one of the four interaction types in computer assisted instruction systems. “Without leaner-content interaction, little or no learning will occur” (Moore, 1993). The authors developed a web-based vocabulary and listening learning and assessment system for English instruction, which focuses on the learner-content interaction based on the behaviorisms learning theory. The authors integrated it into a normal English class weekly for a term in a high school located in a rural province in China. They analyzed the student exam scores, the student survey answers, learner-content interaction records in the learning system, and their relationship using statistical software SPSS. The research reveals that there exists almost significant positive correlation between learner-content interaction and learning performance, but there is not any correlation between the learner-content interaction and learner satisfaction. The survey results also demonstrated the learners’ satisfaction with this interactive learning system. The reasons for those findings are analyzed. Finally, limitations and further work are discussed.
New Trends in Service Science and Education for Service Innovation
Authors: Kosaka Michitaka , Shirahada Kunio
Published: October 2013

Service science is a new trans-disciplinary science and technology in the 21st century. In this chapter, firstly, new definitions of service and new directions for service are described for innovations in various industries. Service science should cover not only traditional service industries but also important basic industries such as information or manufacturing industries. Then, the importance of a system’s approach to creating service values is emphasized. In particular, system science and knowledge science are important from the viewpoint of maximizing service value. Finally, education for service innovation considering such trends is proposed and evaluated by implementing it as a management course for professionals in business.
The Dynamics of Knowledge Co-Creation in Service Encounters
Authors: Giraldo Mario
Published: October 2013

The service encounter has been a central topic of discussion and examination in service research. Most recently, service scientists have widely recognized knowledge as a vital foundation of competitive advantage being concerned with the co-creation, integration, and use of knowledge embedded in service systems. To make a contribution, this chapter introduces practice-theory as a potent cultural, socio-historical lens for acknowledging the service encounter as a contextually embedded, dynamic, and evolutionary knowledge creation system, filled with contradictions, where customers, organizations, and other stakeholders embedded in the system have the potential to co-create knowledge and learn together through (enhanced) service practice.