bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Consumers' Attitudes towards Purchasing Decisions through Facebook in Malaysia
Authors: Khalique Muhammad , bin Shaari Jamal Abdul Nassir , Isa Abu Hassan Md.
Published: October 2014

In a contemporary business environment, online shopping via Internet has been used as a most important marketing tool. Nowadays, Internet is widely used for marketing purposes because it is a very effective tool to promote the products and services online. Online shopping is used to establish the organization's image, better services, products information, and to get a competitive edge over their rivals companies. There is no doubt that the majority of organizations and customers are using Social Networking Services (SNSs) such as Facebook as a tool to exchange ideas and to sell and buy products and services. The aim of this chapter is to examine the factors influencing consumers' attitudes towards purchasing decisions through Facebook in Malaysia. In this study, security, advertising, and product performance were used as independent variables while attitude towards Facebook online shopping was treated as a dependent variable. In this study a total of 260 participants were involved to analyze the empirical data. Pearson Correlation was used to examine the association of independent variables with dependent variables while Multiple Regression was employed to test the proposed research hypotheses. The findings show that the proposed research hypotheses are supported.
Negative Impact of Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Promotion on Indian Patients
Authors: Pandey Jayarani , Mishra Manjushree , Jha Ajeya
Published: October 2014

Direct to consumer promotion of pharmaceutical product is considered illegal in many parts of the world. But today patients have direct access to all possible information on the Internet. This chapter was conducted to study the beliefs of physicians regarding the negative impact of online information on patient behaviour as is being felt by the physicians in India. Belief of physicians was measured on a Likert Scale. For this purpose, a sample of 218 physicians was drawn based on cluster sampling from different cities in India. Null hypothesis was that there is no negative impact of DITC promotions on certain patient behaviour. The hypothesis was tested using one sample t test. The chapter shows that according to Indian physicians, direct to consumer promotion has negatively impacted the process of patient behaviour and their relationships with the physicians.
Organisational Success
Authors: Ng Hee Song , Kee Daisy Mui Hung
Published: October 2014

Organisational success has become the focus of a growing body of research in the field. In this chapter, the authors argue that although Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are useful for tracking tangible performance drivers, KPIs cannot adequately measure intangible performance drivers. They suggest that Key Intangible Performance Indicators (KIPs) are often the essential characteristic that drives the success of organisations. Top management should incorporate both KPIs and KIPs into success strategy in order to generate a complete picture of the overall performance of organisations. Evidently, there is a significant shift of emphasis from measuring tangible to intangible performance measures. Drawing from the Resource-Based View (RBV), superior performance is attributed to superior resources, and this helps explain why organisations should unlock the full potential of tangible and intangible resources and capabilities in attaining sustainable competitive advantage. In the face of globalisation, organisations need to transform themselves to be highly competitive in order to stay ahead of competition and at the forefront of their industries. The development and application of KIPs will be a strategic move to provide further insights and an impetus for continual improvement. The authors fill a gap in the resource-based literature by identifying four critical KIPs that influence the success of organisations, and they are leadership, innovation, reputation, and employee satisfaction.
Government Policy Interventions and Performance of Indian Engineering Industries
Authors: Singha Rajdeep , Gayithri K.
Published: October 2014

The Indian industrial policy made a major transition towards liberalization in the mid-1980s with the proponents of liberalization expecting not only a general increase in the efficiency of Indian industry but also improvement terms of innovative performance. Extensive industrial studies, as well as macro-level data, suggest that liberalization in the field of industrial licensing and foreign technological collaborations has resulted in large-scale entry of new firms across different segments of the economy. In this context, this chapter makes an attempt to review the promotion-oriented industrial policies of the Indian Engineering industry and also trace the industrial growth from 1950-51 onwards. It has been observed that there were mainly two breaks (kinked points) during this period, one in 1965-66 and the other in 1984-85. A review of policies suggests that these breaks were associated with major shifts in policies of the government. The study indicates that the first break came through industrial policies of the government with a focus on the heavy industries during the initial phases, while the other break came during 1984-85, which could be attributed to changes in policies from a restrictive one in the mid-'60s and '70s to a liberalized one in this sector in the '80s.
Fishermen on Oman's Batinah Coast
Authors: Belwal Rakesh , Belwal Shweta , Al-Jabri Omar , Al-Shizawi Fadhil
Published: October 2014

Oman has a well-established history of fishing where most of her citizens depend directly or indirectly on fishing or fishing-related activities. Oman's long coastline is home to several inhabitants involved mainly in artisanal or traditional fisheries. Commercial fishing is largely prohibited in Oman barring a few regions. Batinah coast forms one of the biggest inhabited regions for fishermen in Oman. Although fishermen in the Batinah coast account for approximately 20% of the national catch, they face poor income conditions. This chapter gives a descriptive account of fishermen on the Batinah coast of Oman and the reasons affecting their growth and development. This chapter observes that the situation of Oman is different than the other developing countries. Fishermen face problems in earning a decent livelihood, and their expenses affect their savings and advancement. The Government of Oman is concerned with the state of fishery in the region and has put many efforts into developing a decent infrastructure across the region. However, not much emphasis has been placed on the human resources and enterprise. While fishermen need training and interactions with the government officials, government needs to be more observant and concerned about the not-so-well-off fishermen. The role of facilitators such as training institutions and banks becomes important in imparting fishermen the necessary skills and tools of productivity. All the facilitators and stakeholders need to come closer, sharing a common platform to advance fishing activity and its scope in the region.
Computer Networks as the Embodiment of Social Networks
Authors: Rogers Juan D. , Tchalakov Ivan
Published: October 2014

The Internet, both as a technological system and a set of social phenomena, has global reach. Its development is comparatively recent but the Internet has already become established as an ordinary feature of the everyday activities of people around the world. However, the very familiarity of this information infrastructure tends to obscure important dynamics of the process by which the current state of affairs was reached. This paper is the result of the confluence of two research efforts into the nature of this process in the United States and Bulgaria that began independently. The commonalities and differences between the two cases seemed to present a very compelling case for a comparative case study approach. The United States case had shown that the practice of science and its institutions played a central role in creating today's global Internet. The world of scientific research, with its institutions, policies and disciplinary distinctions, shaped the network and the way in which it spread to other sectors of society creating the conditions for contemporary activity toward the construction of a national information infrastructure1. At the same time, from interviews with the pioneers of Internet in Bulgaria2 it was found that the Bulgarian scientific community played a key role in establishing the patterns of subsequent development of Internet in the country. In spite of the many obvious differences between the two countries, the two cases reveal a significant common dynamic in the implementation of infrastructural information networks. The first implementation of such a system is a congealed version of certain social networks that deliver the computer network as a by-product of other goals and priorities internal to their existence.
Deploying an ‘Out of Space' Technology
Authors: Grasic Samo , Udén Maria
Published: October 2014

This study investigates how environments into which new technologies are introduced interact and interfere with the deployment process, the deployed technologies as well as the research conducted. The material that is used in this study draws from the N4C project development and deployment of Delay Tolerant Network (DTN) technology in the remote Arctic villages of Ritsem and Staloluokta. As the development of DTN technology prior to the deployment was conducted primarily in the laboratories, its usability and functionality still needed to be proven on the field of deployment. Here, Actor Network Theory (ANT) was employed to reveal how climate, flora, fauna and other elements present in the field of deployment interacted and interfered with, but more importantly, drove the technological development and the continued research work.
Preparing Future Teachers
Authors: Mirliss Danielle
Published: October 2014

This study explored the use of virtual world role-play activities to increase pre-service teachers' sense of teaching efficacy and attitudes toward inclusion. These constructs are also important for teacher identity development since they influence teacher dispositions, effort, professional development and beliefs in intrinsic obligations. The activity was embedded in an undergraduate course for first-year Education majors that focused on supporting diverse learners. Pre-service teachers played the roles of various diverse learners including students with physical, behavioral, socio-economic, emotional and mental challenges. Data were collected at three points during the semester in order to assess changes in efficacy and attitudes. Open ended questions also provided insight into the experience of identity experimentation. Results suggest that perspective taking activities using virtual worlds can provide powerful experiences to support identity development.
An Unstructured Information Management Architecture Approach to Text Analytics of Cancer Blogs
Authors: Raghupathi Viju , Raghupathi Wullianallur
Published: October 2014

In this research the authors explore the potential of the Unstructured Information Management Architecture (UIMA) platform in text analytics of cancer blogs. The application is developed using the UIMA open source platform. They use the text analytics methods of categorization, clustering, taxonomic classification, and others to identify and analyze the patterns in cancer blog postings. The authors establish a comprehensive UIMA methodology for developing text analytics applications for the analysis of cancer blogs. Additional insights are extracted through the development of categories or keywords contained in the blogs, the development of a taxonomy and the examination of relationships among the categories. The application has the potential for generalizability and implementation with health content in other blogs and social media. It has the potential to provide insight and decision support for cancer management and to facilitate the efficient and relevant search for information on cancer.
Project Initiation for Telemedicine Services
Authors: LeRouge Cynthia M. , Tulu Bengisu , Wood Suzanne
Published: October 2014

This study investigates project initiation for telemedicine, a technology innovation in healthcare organizations that manifests both intra- and inter-organizational collaboration. Moving from a telemedicine project to a sustainable telemedicine service line can be a challenge for many organizations (LeRouge, Tulu, & Forducey, 2010). Project definition (a.k.a., initiation) sets the strategic vision for a project and has been categorized as the most important stage in a project (C. Gray & Larson, 2008) and a key element for project success (Stah-Le Cardinal & Marle, 2006). Although project management best practices have been applied in many domains, there are few studies that link published best practices to the telemedicine domain. This study first presents a model, resulting from a review of project management literature that specifies the recommended components project definition. Using this model as a foundation, the authors explore how project definition is deployed in the telemedicine domain, using the instantiation of telestroke projects for this study. The authors base their findings on a multi-case qualitative data set, with each case representing a distinct telemedicine business model. Findings from this study explicate how the telestroke project initiation process is collaboratively managed and how this process impacts the overall success of the telemedicine programs through the lens of the five distinct telemedicine business models. Specifically, this study contributes insights on key elements of project initiation in the telemedicine context as well as the effects of the varying business models (focusing on commonalities and differences).
The Case for Mobile Devices as Assistive Learning Technologies
Authors: McKnight Lorna
Published: October 2014

Mobile devices are often promoted by the media as being able to offer great benefits for users with special educational needs by supporting and enabling learning. However, there is a strong call from the research community for more evidence-based solutions in the field of Assistive Technologies (AT), so there is a need to carefully consider evidence from existing research. This paper presents results from a large-scale interdisciplinary literature review on assistive technologies, exploring the case for using mobile devices as learning support tools. The review suggests that research findings support this, showing benefits through app availability, portability, sensing and multi-touch capabilities, and their use as mainstream and personal devices. However, cautions can also be found, including needing to consider individuals' specific needs and desires and the constraints and practices of the educational contexts they are situated in.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Mobile Location-Based Intervention for Improving Human-Computer Interaction Students' Understanding of Context for Design
Authors: Alnuaim Abeer , Caleb-Solly Praminda , Perry Christine
Published: October 2014

With the ubiquity of interactive computer-based systems, designers are challenged to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of their designs for a variety of different environments and user activities. To achieve this, designers need to have a comprehensive understanding of the relevant contexts and of the people for whom they are designing systems. Therefore, in helping students learn how to become proficient and innovative designers and developers, it is crucial to get them out of the classroom and into the environments in which their designs will be used. In this paper we describe an app designed to provide location-based hints and formative feedback to students to aid their understanding of the context. The results show an improvement in scores and quality of assessed work completed with the support of the app and a positive response from students regarding its usability and pedagogic utility. The paper also considers the challenges of conducting an ecologically valid study of such interventions in a higher education setting.
Design of EOG Signal Acquisition System Using Virtual Instrumentation
Authors: D'Souza Sandra , Sriraam N.
Published: October 2014

The design and development of cost effective rehabilitation aids is a challenging task for biomedical research community. The biopotentials such as EEG, EMG, ECG and EOG that are generated from human body help in controlling the external electronic devices. In the recent years, the EOG based assistive devices have gained importance in assisting paralyzed patients, due to their ability to perform operations controlled by retinal movements. This paper proposes a cost effective design and development of EOG signal acquisition system using virtual instrumentation. The hardware design comprises of two instrumentation amplifiers using AD620 for registering horizontal and vertical eye movements and filter circuits. A virtual instrumentation based front panel is designed to interface the hardware and to display the EOG signals. The resultant digitized EOG signal is further enhanced for driving assistive devices. The proposed EOG system makes use of virtual instrumentation and hence minimizes the design cost and increases the flexibility of the instrument. This paper presents the initial part of the research work which is aiming at a cost effective complete assistive device based on extracting the useful information from the eye movements. The qualitative validation of EOG signals recorded ensures the cost effective healthcare delivery for rehabilitation applications.
On the Validation of Models of Large Complex Electrical Systems
Authors: Mariscotti Andrea
Published: October 2014

The broad topic of verification and validation (V&V) of simulation model is considered, narrowing the scope to electric network models, using briefly electric traction systems as the working example. Definitions, properties and requirements of the validation process, of the model characteristics and of simulation test methods are considered: the focus is on the background and the methods to address the general problem of model validation with emphasis on the use of experimental measured data and how to characterize them to assess the required metrological quality. Depending on the method approached for model validation, the metrological quality may take the form of uncertainty, consistency and credibility. Bibliography is selected as the most representative for the respective topics of the vast V&V subject and is believed to represent a comprehensive, yet synthetic, reference. This work is intended as a general basis for a more detailed and specific analysis of V&V techniques applied to electric simulation and models.
An Efficient Method for Motor Protection System Control Using Labview
Authors: Singh Abhay Kumar , Shabbiruddin
Published: October 2014

The need for a motor protection system can be well understood by the fact that motors are integral device in any of the present day industries. Malfunctioning or any other faults in motor can halt the functioning of such industries. This can cause huge financial losses. So an efficient motor protection system is necessary. The present research work deals with the application of Labview for motor protection system, which can constantly monitor and control, a large motor system. This paper presents a highly reliable approach towards protection of commonly used motors. Here we deal with different kinds of motor faults and detection of all these faults using NI LABVIEW™. The present paper will not only be helpful for industrial purposes but it can also be helpful for students to understand motor fault detection. The LABVIEW has been successfully applied to make an efficient motor protection system.
An Investigation into the Parameters of Quantum Degeneration of an Ultra Cold Non–Neutre Plasma of Identical Ions of Zero Spin in a Paul Trap
Authors: Tshizanga F. M. , Badibanga P. M. , Ntampaka B. B.
Published: October 2014

The ultra – cold non – neutre plasma of identical zero spin bosons and high density in a Paul trap allow quantum degeneration parameters: high range order, diagonalisation of matrix density and the order parameter. The theory is symmetric al with regard to electric charge.
Exploring the Determinants of Success among Ladies Golfers by DEA-SBM Model
Authors: Hsiung Wan-Chun , Chung Pi-Heng
Published: October 2014

Different from previous studies focusing on the skill performance in professional golf, this study utilize the non-oriented SBM model of DEA to evaluate the performance of the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tournament players. DEA is used to assess the overall efficiencies, as well as to conduct slack variable analysis of players' performance in 2008 based on the LPGA official web statistical data. In this study, four inputs (including Average Non-green Shots, Putts Per GIR, Sand Saves, and Average Driving Distance) and two outputs (Scoring Average and Official Money Ranking) are selected as the performance index of LPGA players. The results confirm that the most efficient players are not necessarily the top players on the list of official money ranking but also the lower positions. Inefficient players could advance their games varied by skills in lowering the strokes and raising their earnings as improving range suggested. Skill competencies of professional golf players seemed to be weighted differently and players shall choose the right direction for improvement to advance their career earning efficiently on the tours.
Radicalization and Recruitment
Authors: Masys Anthony J.
Published: October 2014

Recent events such as the terrorist attack in Algeria (January 2013), the Boston Marathon Bombing (April 2013), the apprehension of two suspected al-Qaeda linked terrorists in Toronto, (April 2013), highlight the requirement for greater understanding regarding the radicalization and recruitment of terrorists. As detailed in the US Department of State Report (2011), over 10,000 terrorist attacks occurred in 2011, affecting nearly 45,000 victims in 70 countries and resulting in over 12,500 deaths. With a focus on the outcomes and results of terrorist activities, terrorism itself often becomes a ‘blackbox' concept that does not capture the essence of the radicalization process nor the mechanisms of recruitment. This conceptual paper introduces Actor Network Theory (ANT) as a systems lens to open the ‘blackbox' of terrorism. This systems lens ‘…is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static snapshots' (Senge, 1990:68). The systems view facilitated by ANT is supported and informed by methods of network analysis and conceptual modelling that highlight how dynamic networked actors shape the radicalization process through the actor network process of translation.
Generating Personalized Navigation Learning Path Based on Knowledge Map
Authors: Huang Xiang Jun , Zhang Chao , Zheng Qing Hua
Published: October 2014

With a rapid development of Internet, E-Learning is becoming a new learning mode. E-Learning is not limited by time and space. It also has a large number of on-line learning resource. However, it has many disadvantages for students, such as information overload, disorientation, low learning efficiency, low user satisfaction and so on. Our aim is to improve learning efficiency and user satisfaction by overcoming information overload and disorientation of E-Learning system. This paper proposes an algorithm by combining Spreading-Activation Theory and techniques of classifying and sorting knowledge. The algorithm can generate a near optimal navigation learning path(NLP) based on a student's target knowledge unit(TKU) and knowledge map(KM) which it belongs to. NLP provides students an appropriate learning instruction to effectively eliminate disorientation during the process when they are learning interested knowledge units. The essential tasks of the algorithm is to filter redundant information and sort candidate knowledge units. So its realization process can be divided into three phrases: first, generating candidate complement map to overcome information overload. Because the candidate complement map only contains essential candidate knowledge units and learning dependencies among them to master TKU. Second, constructing learning features to discrete the candidate complement map to implement techniques of sorting knowledge conveniently. Final, sorting candidate knowledge units to get an appropriate NLP by using a Secondary Sort Strategy(SSS). The experimental results have shown that our method is sound for improving learning efficiency and users' satisfaction.
An Innovative Approach
Authors: Iliev Ilko Tsonev , Vasileva Svetlana Zhelyazkova
Published: October 2014

The Content management systems (CMS) automates and facilitates the process of adding and modifying the contents of the Web sites, organization, control and publication of a large number of documents and other content, such as images and multimedia resources. CMS is attractive for specialists in various fields of human activity who want to publish on the Internet, but have little knowledge in computer programming and web-programming in particular. The article views some opportunities provided by CMS Drupal for designing and making electronic textbooks, in an example of electronic textbook on Spreadsheets.
Predicting Student Retention by Linear Programming Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Ubi Jaan , Ubi Evald , Liiv Innar , Murtazin Kristina
Published: October 2014

The goal of the paper is to predict student retention with an ensemble method by combining linear programming (LP) discriminant analysis approaches together with bootstrapping and feature salience detection. In order to perform discriminant analysis, we linearize a fractional programming method by using Charnes-Cooper transformation (CCT) and apply linear programming, while comparing with an approach that uses deviation variables (DV) to tackle a similar multiple criteria optimization problem. We train a discriminatory hyperplane family and make the decision based on the average of the histograms created, thereby reducing variability of predictions. Feature salience detection is performed by using the peeling method, which makes the selection based on the proportion of variance explained in the correlation matrix. While the CCT method is superior in detecting true-positives, DV method excels in finding true-negatives. The authors obtain optimal results by selecting either all 14 (CCT) or the 8 (DV) most important student study related and demographic dimensions. They also create an ensemble. A quantitative course along with the age at accession are deemed to be the most important, whereas the two courses resulting in less than 2% of failures are amongst the least important, according to peeling. A five-fold Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is undertaken, in order to help university staff in devising intervention measures.
Meta-Model Flexibility as a Significant Factor for Increasing End-User Involvement
Authors: Misiak Zbigniew , Kossowski Michał , Utz Wilfrid
Published: October 2014

This paper describes experiences of using meta-modelling tools supporting technology enhanced learning in European Commission's project NEXT-TELL. Due to a target group of the project (teachers with limited experience in modelling) it was very important to provide them with easy to use environment. This resulted in trying to identify least best fit of features needed by teachers while removing “distractions” - both in regards to tool functionality and modelling method applied. Such adjustments of the modelling tool were possible thanks to the underlying ADOxx® meta-modelling platform that allowed adjustment to feedback received from end users/subject matter experts in terms of functionality and usability.
Improving Personalization In E-Learning Systems
Authors: Bezza Assma , Balla Amar , Marir Farhi
Published: October 2014

Individual learners have different requirements and characteristics, and as a result learning content should be able to be personalized and adaptable to the e-learner' profile. Little research work undertaken to tackle this issue, and it has been limited to ad-hoc work on personalizing, and adapting learning content in e-Learning. This paper presents two methods for modeling user profile and for personalizing and adapting a given content to match that profile: inductive (without user intervention) and deductive (with user intervention). These methods will be used as a base to review and classify research work undertaken on personalizing content in the domain of knowledge management and e-learning systems. Based on these reviews, especially those undertaken in personalizing knowledge content in knowledge management systems, the paper proposes a comprehensive approach for personalizing learning content.
Using Wind Tunnel Tests for Slung-Load Clearance, Part 1: The CONEX Cargo Container
Authors: Raz Reuben , Rosen Aviv , Cicolani Luigi S. , Lusardi Jeffery
Published: October 2014

Previously, the authors showed that dynamic wind tunnel tests of a suspended CONEX cargo container model exhibited encouraging levels of success in predicting the stability characteristics and speed envelope of the full-scale load. The present study includes further use of the UH-60/CONEX
system to investigate effects that were observed previously, but not fully addressed. These effects include the influence of pilot inputs and helicopter motions on the coupled pilot/helicopter/slung-load dynamics, the influence of center of gravity offset of the slung load, and the behavior
of a load when a yaw swivel is not used in the suspension. It is shown that all three effects are important and affect the slung-load dynamics. The capability of wind tunnel tests to predict the behavior of slung loads in flight is shown for these effects.
Lithostratigraphical and sedimentological framework of coal-bearing Upper Cretaceous and Lower Tertiary Strata, Coal Valley area, central Alberta Foothills
Authors: Jerzykiewicz T , McLean J R
Published: October 2014

Important coal deposits are present in the Upper Cretaceous-lower Tertiary strata of the Coal Valley area. Knowledge of the lithostratigraphical and sedimentological framework within which they occur can assist in exploration for, and exploitation of, these
resources. he Saunders Croup includes ail of the Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene nonmarine strata (up to 3600 m thick) above the youngest Cretaceous marine beds, the Wapiabi Formation Oate Santonian), in the central Alberta Foothills. It can be divided into three mappable units which are, in
ascending order, Brazeau, Coalspur, and Paskapoo. The former position of the base of the Paskapoo Formation at the top of the Brazeau Formation in the Foothills is not valid since palynological studies have shown that the major coal seams above the Brazeau Formation correlate with seams below the
Paskapoo Formation in its type area. The base of the Paskapoo Formation is placed at the base of the first prominent sandstone unit above the highest major coal seam. The name Coalspur beds is applied informally, at present, to the stratigraphie sequence between the Brazeau and Paskapoo Formations.
An alluvial environment dominated sedimentation and lateral variability of facies over short distances is characteristic. Channel and overbank deposits display a distinct cyclicity on two scales and a larger scale cyclicity can be observed in the Saunders Croup as a whole. Paleoslope was
consistently to the northeast during deposition of the Saunders Croup in the Coal Valley area. Coal was formed in extensive swamps on the floodplain and in abandoned channels.
Lithology, depositional setting and coal rank-depth relationships in the Jurassic-Cretaceous Kootenay Group at Mount Allan, Cascade Coal Basin, Alberta
Authors: Hughes J D , Cameron A R
Published: October 2014

A complete, undeformed outcrop section comprising 1038 m of coal-bearing, Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous Kootenay Group and 185 m of overlying Blairmore Group strata was measured and sampled in detail on the northeast face of Mount Allan near Canmore, Alberta.
Sedimentary structures, lithologic composition and vertical sequences of lithologies were used to identify depositional environments. Coal rank data were utilized to determine the post-depositional burial history of these strata. Sedimentation commenced with deposition of a tabular sheet sand
(Morrissey Formation) by northeastward prograding, wave-dominated delta systems. Overlying coal-bearing strata of the Mist Mountain Formation accumulated in coastal, deltaic and alluvial plain settings within fluvial channel, crevasse-splay, lacustrine, levee and swamp-marsh depositional
subenvironments. Within the Elk Formation sedimentation by fluvial processes occurred on more proximal parts of an alluvial plain. Overlying conglomeratic sediments of the basal Blairmore Group accumulated proximal to the source on mid- to distal-portions of alluvial fans. Coal rank data for the
section follow a second order curve and coals range from semianthracite at the base to medium volatile bituminous at the top. A comparison of rank gradients indicates absolute differences in rank between Kootenay sections may be attributable to variations in geologic and burial history rather than
to variations in geothermal gradient, as proposed by earlier workers. High ranks at Mount Allan may be related to loading by the Rundle Fault Plate. Models incorporating assumptions about the geothermal gradient and burial history indicate maximum temperatures reached by the lowermost coals were
about 200° Celsius.
Learning from doing the EquitAble project: Content, context, process, and impact of a multi-country research project on vulnerable populations in Africa
Authors: MacLachlan Mac , Amin Mutamad , Mji Gubela , Mannan Hasheem , McVeigh Joanne , McAuliffe Eilish , Amadhila Elina , Munthali Alister , Eide Arne H. , Dube A. Kudakwashe
Published: October 2014

Background: The ‘EquitAble’ project carried out content analyses of policies and collected and analysed qualitative and quantitative data concerning access to health services in Sudan, Malawi, Namibia and South Africa. Our particular concern was to address the situation of people with disabilities, although not in isolation from other marginalised or vulnerable groups.Objectives: This article reports on the content, context, process and impact of project EquitAble, funded by the European Commission Seventh Research Framework Programme, which brought together researchers from Ireland, Norway, South Africa, Namibia, Sudan and Malawi.Method: After the 4-year project ended in February 2013, all members of the consortium were asked to anonymously complete a bespoke questionnaire designed by the coordinating team. The purpose of the questionnaire was to capture the views of those who collaborated on the research project in relation to issues of content, context, process and impact of the EquitAble project.Results: Our results indicated some of the successes and challenges encountered by our consortium.Conclusion: We identified contextual and process learning points, factors often not discussed in papers, which typically focus on the reporting of the ‘content’ of results.
Injective Tauberian Operators on L1 and Operators with Dense Range on ℓ∞
Authors: Johnson William , Bahman Nasseri Amir , Schechtman Gideon , Tkocz Tomasz
Published: October 2014

There exist injective Tauberian operators on L1(0, 1) that have dense, nonclosed range. This gives injective nonsurjective operators on ℓ∞ that have dense range. Consequently, there are two quasi-complementary noncomplementary subspaces of ℓ∞ that are isometric to ℓ∞.
The Residency Performance Index: An Effort at Residency Quality Assessment and Improvement in Family Medicine
Authors: Hoekzema Grant S. , Maxwell Lisa , Gravel Joseph W. , Mills Walter W. , Geiger William
Published: October 2014

Background

Residency programs are increasingly being asked to defend their quality, and that of the residents they produce. Yet “residency quality” is a construct that has not been well defined, with no accepted standards other than meeting accreditation standards. In 2009, the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors developed a strategic plan that included the goal of raising the quality of family medicine training.

Objective

We describe the development of this quality improvement tool, which we called the residency performance index (RPI), and its first year of use by family medicine residency programs. We describe the use of the tool as a “dashboard” to facilitate program self-improvement.

Intervention

Using program metrics specific to family medicine training, and benchmark criteria for these metrics, the RPI was launched in 2012 to help programs identify strengths and areas for improvement in their educational activities and resident clinical experiences that could be tracked and reviewed as part of the annual program evaluation.

Results

Approximately 100 program directors began using the tool and 70 finished the process, and were provided aggregate data. Initial review of this experience revealed difficulties with collecting data, and lack of information on graduates' scope of practice. It also showed the potential usefulness of the tool as a program improvement mechanism.

Conclusions

The RPI is a new quality improvement tool for family medicine residency programs. Although some initial challenges need to be addressed, it has the promise to aid family medicine residency in its internal improvement efforts.
Neurological Surgery Training Abroad as a Progression to the Final Year of Training and Transition to Independent Practice
Authors: Starke Robert M. , Asthagiri Ashok R. , Jane John A. , Jane John A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Residents at the University of Virginia spend 1 year abroad at a neurological surgery program prior to their chief year. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) considers international rotations elective experiences and does not count them toward clinical accreditation.

Objective

We compared clinical training obtained in New Zealand (NZ) to data from US ACGME-accredited programs to see if it was reasonable to reconsider the former as clinical training.

Methods

We compared US national average chief case volumes to those performed by University of Virginia residents rotating in NZ over the past 3 years, using case volume comparisons and a survey of the residents' experience.

Results

The mean number of cases performed in NZ was above the 50th percentile for US averages for adult cranial cases, including the 70th to 90th percentile for aneurysms and 50th to 70th percentile for tumors. The average number of cases performed in 1 year in NZ satisfied the cranial case quota for 4 of 6 adult and 2 of 3 pediatric areas over the entire residency. The rotation doubled the cranial exposure of graduating residents at the chief level without diluting the experience of residents in the core program. All residents reported being “very satisfied” with the experience, noting it facilitated their transition to chief year and independent practice.

Conclusions

Clinical training obtained during an international rotation in NZ is comparable to that attained in the United States. The international experience in NZ facilitated advancement in all 6 competencies, and should be considered adequate for clinical neurological surgery education.
Comparative responses of two dominant Antarctic phytoplankton taxa to interactions between ocean acidification, warming, irradiance, and iron availability
Authors: Xu Kai , Fu Fei‐Xue , Hutchins David A.
Published: October 2014

We investigated the responses of the ecologically dominant Antarctic phytoplankton species Phaeocystis antarctica (a prymnesiophyte) and Fragilariopsis cylindrus (a diatom) to a clustered matrix of three global change variables (CO2, mixed‐layer depth, and temperature) under both iron (Fe)‐replete and Fe‐limited conditions based roughly on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A2 scenario: (1) Current conditions, 39 Pa (380 ppmv) CO2, 50 µmol photons m−2 s−1 light, and 2°C; (2) Year 2060, 61 Pa (600 ppmv) CO2, 100 µmol photons m−2 s−1 light, and 4°C; (3) Year 2100, 81 Pa (800 ppmv) CO2, 150 µmol photons m−2 s−1 light, and 6°C. The combined interactive effects of these global change variables and changing Fe availability on growth, primary production, and cell morphology are species specific. A competition experiment suggested that future conditions could lead to a shift away from P. antarctica and toward diatoms such as F. cylindrus. Along with decreases in diatom cell size and shifts from prymnesiophyte colonies to single cells under the future scenario, this could potentially lead to decreased carbon export to the deep ocean. Fe : C uptake ratios of both species increased under future conditions, suggesting phytoplankton of the Southern Ocean will increase their Fe requirements relative to carbon fixation. The interactive effects of Fe, light, CO2, and temperature on Antarctic phytoplankton need to be considered when predicting the future responses of biology and biogeochemistry in this region.
Nitrogen fixation in shallow‐water sediments: Spatial distribution and controlling factors
Authors: Andersson Björn , Sundbäck Kristina , Hellman Maria , Hallin Sara , Alsterberg Christian
Published: October 2014

Nitrogenase activity (NA) in shallow‐water (< 1 m) sediments was investigated at 60 randomly selected sites along a 150 km stretch on the brackish‐water Swedish west coast, without targeting any specific type of sediments, such as microbial mats. Benthic nitrogen (N) fixation and diazotrophs (nifH genes) were found at all sites, regardless of the presence of cyanobacterial or microbial mats. The majority of sites showed N fixation rates between 0.03 and 1 mmol N m−2 d−1. These rates were similar to those of benthic denitrification previously measured in the area. Maximum rates up to 3.4 mmol N m−2 d−1 were measured. A structural equation model was used to investigate direct and indirect effects of biogeochemical and physical factors on NA. Number of nifH genes had the largest direct positive influence on NA, whereas increasing wave exposure had an indirect negative effect on NA through its influence on the diazotrophic abundance. Increased salinity, previously been shown to suppress NA in coastal waters, was found to directly stimulate benthic N fixation, likely by generating favorable conditions for diazotrophic sulfate‐reducing bacteria. Our field data confirmed previously observed negative effects of dissolved inorganic nitrogen on NA, which have so far mainly been experimentally studied. Both NA rates and the number of nifH genes correlated positively with pore‐water dissolved inorganic phosphorus concentrations. These findings show that the potential for N fixation in illuminated sediments can be considerable, stretching beyond cyanobacterial mats, being controlled by complex interactions between biotic and abiotic factors.
Turbidity influences trophic interactions in estuaries
Authors: Lunt Jessica , Smee Delbert L.
Published: October 2014

We investigated how changes in abiotic conditions resulting from human activities indirectly alter trophic interactions using turbidity in estuaries as a model system. Development and nutrient input are causing turbidity to increase in many coastal areas. Using an 18 yr data set from Aransas and San Antonio Bays in Texas, we found fish abundance (Sciaenops ocellatus, Pogonias cromis, Archosargus probatocephalus) to be highest in low turbidity (< 30 nephelometric turbidity units [NTU]; p < 0.01), while crab (Callinectes sapidus) abundance was highest in high turbidity (> 30 NTU; p < 0.05). In field studies, mud crabs (Panopeus spp.), an important intermediate predator on oyster reefs that are not targeted in the 18 yr data set, were more abundant on oyster reefs in St. Charles Bay, Texas, when turbidity exceeded 30 NTU (p = 0.03). Fish predation on tethered Panopeus herbstii was greatest when turbidity was low (< 30 NTU, p < 0.05), but predation by crabs (p = 0.003) and overall predation (p = 0.02) were greatest in high turbidity (> 30 NTU). Predation on oyster spat was not different between low‐ and high‐turbidity sites (p = 0.64). However, oysters devoted more resources to shell growth (p < 0.01) at a cost of less somatic growth and fecundity, a reaction known to occur in response to crab predators. Elevated turbidity can alter trophic interactions in estuaries by altering species composition and trophic interactions, leading to an increase in crab abundance, which can alter predation rates as well as growth in juvenile oysters.
New information on the cranial and postcranial anatomy of the early synapsid Ianthodon schultzei (Sphenacomorpha: Sphenacodontia), and its evolutionary significance
Authors: Spindler F. , Scott D. , Reisz R. R.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Newly identified material belonging to the holotype specimen of Ianthodon schultzei substantially increases our knowledge of this poorly known basal sphenacodont synapsid from the fossil site in Garnett, Kansas (Missourian, Late Pennsylvanian). The original description, based on a partial dermal skull roof, is augmented with information on the palate and braincase, together with data on the mandible and a few postcranial elements. The known skeletal morphology resembles that of Haptodus garnettensis, another synapsid taxon known from this locality, but with fewer marginal, distinctly recurved teeth and smaller teeth on the transverse flange of the pterygoid. Although recognizing that the holotype and only known specimen represents a juvenile individual, Ianthodon appears to reflect a more basal sphenacodontian condition than H. garnettensis. A restricted phylogenetic analysis based on previous work and newly scored characters for Ianthodon, Cutleria and Pantelosaurus supports this hypothesis. The Garnett locality appears to preserve an assemblage of synapsids (Haptodus, Ianthasaurus, Ianthodon) that are close to the base of the large clade that includes Edaphosauridae and Sphenacodontia, suggesting that an initial diversification of this clade occurred well within the Carboniferous Period.
Influência de variáveis funcionais e clínicas na qualidade de vida de pacientes com DPOC
Authors: Nascimento Eloisa Sanches Pereira do , Peixoto-Souza Fabiana Sobral , Lanza Fernanda De Córdoba , Alves Vera Lucia Santos , Stirbulov Roberto , Costa Dirceu
Published: October 2014

Introdução: A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica é caracterizada por limitação do fluxo aéreo, não totalmente reversível. Os pacientes frequentemente apresentam intolerância ao exercício, dispneia e pior qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Avaliar a correlação de variáveis espirométricas, capacidade funcional e índice i-BODE com a qualidade de vida em sujeitos com DPOC. Métodos: Realizou-se estudo transversal no Laboratório de Avaliação Funcional Respiratória da Uninove. Os 23 pacientes com DPOC realizaram as seguintes avaliações: anamnese, qualidade de vida e dispneia, espirometria, composição corporal e incremental shuttle walk test. Resultados: Encontrou-se correlação significativa entre o SF-36 e o AQ-20 com a função pulmonar, a distância percorrida e o i-BODE, e as variáveis que mais apresentaram contribuição associativa com a qualidade de vida foram IMC, massa gorda, VEF1, DP e índice i-BODE. Conclusões: Pacientes com DPOC com qualidade de vida mais prejudicada apresentam maior comprometimento da função pulmonar, menor capacidade de exercício e menor sobrevida.
Eschatology and the Ideology of Anti-Judaism
Authors: Connelly John
Published: October 2014

No abstract is available.
F.J.E. Boddens Hosang. Establishing Boundaries: Christian-Jewish Relations in Early Council Texts and the Writings of Church Fathers. Jewish and Christian Perspectives, Vol. 19
Authors: Dunn Geoffrey D.
Published: October 2014

No abstract is available.
"The Vatican was for us like a mountain": Reassessing the Vatican's Role in Jewish Relief and Rescue during the Holocaust. Settled Questions and New Directions in Research.
Authors: Ventresca Robert A.
Published: October 2014

No abstract is available.