bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downscaling of Short-Term Precipitation from Regional Climate Models for Sustainable Urban Planning
Authors: Olsson Jonas , Gidhagen Lars , Gamerith Valentin , Gruber Günter , Hoppe Holger , Kutschera Peter
Published: May 2012

A framework for downscaling precipitation from RCM projections to the high resolutions in time and space required in the urban hydrological climate change impact assessment is outlined and demonstrated. The basic approach is that of Delta Change, developed for both continuous and event-based applications. In both cases, Delta Change Factors (DCFs) are calculated which represent the expected future change of some key precipitation statistics. In the continuous case, short-term precipitation from climate projections are analysed in order to estimate DCFs associated with different percentiles in the frequency distribution of non-zero intensities. The DCFs may then be applied to an observed time series, producing a realisation of a future time series. The event-based case involves downscaling of Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves based on extreme value analysis of annual maxima using the Gumbel distribution. The resulting DCFs are expressed as a function of duration and frequency (i.e., return period) and may be used to estimate future design storms. The applications are demonstrated in case studies focusing on the expected changes in short-term precipitation statistics until 2100 in the cities of Linz (Austria) and Wuppertal (Germany). The downscaling framework is implemented in the climate service developed within the EU-project SUDPLAN.
Conserved Structural Motifs at the C-Terminus of Baculovirus Protein IE0 are Important for its Functions in Transactivation and Supporting hr5-mediated DNA Replication
Authors: Luria Neta , Lu Liqun , Chejanovsky Nor
Published: May 2012

IE0 and IE1 are transactivator proteins of the most studied baculovirus, the Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV). IE0 is a 72.6 kDa protein identical to IE1 with the exception of its 54 N-terminal amino acid residues. To gain some insight about important structural motifs of IE0, we expressed the protein and C‑terminal mutants of it under the control of the Drosophila heat shock promoter and studied the transactivation and replication functions of the transiently expressed proteins. IE0 was able to promote replication of a plasmid bearing the hr5 origin of replication of AcMNPV in transient transfections with a battery of eight plasmids expressing the AcMNPV genes dnapol, helicase, lef-1, lef-2, lef-3, p35, ie-2 and lef-7. IE0 transactivated expression of the baculovirus 39K promoter. Both functions of replication and transactivation were lost after introduction of selected mutations at the basic domain II and helix-loop-helix conserved structural motifs in the C-terminus of the protein. These IE0 mutants were unable to translocate to the cell nucleus. Our results point out the important role of some structural conserved motifs to the proper functioning of IE0.
Le sujet retrouvé ?
Authors: Duportail Guy-Félix
Published: May 2012

Résumé Il s’agit dans ce texte de répondre à la question du sens et de la possibilité de la mathématisation de la clinique psychanalytique. En revenant, dans un premier temps, à l’émergence du sujet de la science – le Cogito – comme condition de la praxis analytique, puis, dans un second temps, en interrogeant l’effet en retour du conditionné (la psychanalyse) sur le conditionnant (la science). Il appert que le sujet déductible du noeud borroméen n’est plus le Cogito cartésien et qu’il conditionne la science. Les positions se sont donc inversées et le sujet doit être repensé.
La consistance du nœud borroméen : un problème psychanalytique ?
Authors: Clavurier Vincent
Published: May 2012

Résumé Après m’être interrogé dans un précédent article sur le passage d’une logique du repérage à une logique nodale concernant le ternaire réel-symbolique-imaginaire ( Essaim , n° 25), je m’interroge ici sur un problème particulier propre à ce passage : celui de la consistance du noeud borroméen. Le problème est au moins triple : en quoi consiste ce noeud (ou : quelle est sa définition intrinsèque) ? Que fait-il consister (ou : de quoi est-il le support) ? Quelle est sa consistance ? Cette dernière question est elle-même double (on en est donc à quatre questions !) : de quoi le noeud est-il constitué ? Comment tient-il ou ne tient-il plus ? Un détour par l’étymologie et les principes de la théorie des noeuds permettra d’avancer quelques éléments de réponse, éléments à considérer comme présentation d’étape d’une recherche toujours en cours.
Des écrits comme « paroles réelles » chez Lacan et chez Vico
Authors: Saint Girons Baldine
Published: May 2012

Résumé Pourquoi Lacan a-t-il étudié aussi obstinément les différents types d’écriture ? Il partage de la sorte, bien que de façon implicite, la critique du phonocentrisme traditionnel que mène le philosophe Giambattista Vico dans la première moitié du xviii e siècle : non seulement les « paroles réelles » ne sont pas exclusivement verbales, mais les paroles dites « muettes » l’ont emporté au commencement du monde sur les paroles verbales et elles continuent à manifester leur efficacité. Après avoir fait des mathématiques « le sanctuaire de la vérité », Vico fut de plus en plus sensible aux difficultés de les prendre pour seul et unique modèle de la vérité. Si la force des mathématiques provient, certes, de leur autonomie opérative, ce qu’elles gagnent en autonomie et en autoréférentialité, elles le perdent en réalité : « Le point, si on le figure, n’est plus un point, et l’unité qu’on multiplie n’est plus une unité. » Il y a donc danger à supposer les mathématiques homogènes à la nature ; et le succès de la raison, à son plus haut développement, doit susciter la méfiance, car elle perd nécessairement de vue le monde dont elle s’abstrait. Vico avait posé en 1710 la convertibilité du verum et du factum ; mais le factum lui parut sans doute ensuite trop équivoque. Toujours est-il qu’il ne l’évoqua plus dans la Scienza nuova : unir le verum à autre chose que lui, tel est le problème, mais comment désigner cette autre chose ? Vico l’appela le certain, certum . Avérer suppose une opération première qui consiste à « certifier », à assurer par une série d’opérations très précises que Vico réunit sous le commun dénominateur de la « philologie ». C’est par le double biais du certum et du verum que l’écrit prend un rôle essentiel comme lettre à la fois volante et volée, poursuivant d’elle-même sa trajectoire et détournée (purloined) . La lettre ne se caractérise finalement pas par la « mutité » : c’est une « parole réelle », qui ne relève pas seulement de la communication, mais du transfert.
L'archétypation et la recherche d'images signifiantes : signifiant et signifié dans la logique de Bentham
Authors: Quinn Michael
Published: May 2012

Résumé Cet article enquête sur la relation entre deux processus, la paraphrase et l’archétypation, que Bentham développe quand il expose les entités fictives. Alors que les deux processus produisent des images d’entités réelles et que l’échange de telles images constitue une communication signifiante, la faiblesse de l’archétypation provient du fait que l’usage propositionnel du signifiant n’a qu’une connexion contingente avec le sens du signifié. Par conséquent, il faut, pour expliquer celui-ci, tenir la paraphrase pour l’outil fondamental.
Brassens et Lacan
Authors: Cambon Fernand
Published: May 2012

Résumé J’ai assisté le 8 septembre 2011 à la présentation du numéro 26 de la revue Essaim dans la librairie Tschann à Paris. J’étais présent dans ce numéro, intitulé « Se faire entendre ». La fin du débat s’est focalisée sur la difficulté récurrente de faire leur place à la musique et à la chanson dans la pratique et dans la théorie psychanalytiques. La nuit suivante, j’ai fait un rêve qui semblait servir la fin de répondre « en acte » à cette question. On pouvait aussi l’interpréter comme une manière plaisante de substituer le personnnage de Georges Brassens à celui de Lacan. J’ai réalisé depuis que nous fêtions conjointement en cet automne les trentièmes anniversaires de la mort de Brassens et de celle de Lacan. Étonnant !
Connaissance de la loi relative aux droits des malades et la fin de vie dans un CHU : enquête auprès des personnels
Authors: Terrier Gérard , Tauron Caroline , Boulaye Elisabeth
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les auteurs rapportent les résultats d’une enquête conduite auprès des personnels du CHU de Limoges concernant la connaissance de la loi Leonetti. Celle-ci est très insuffisante, tant en ce qui concerne la loi elle-même que de ses applications (personne de confiance, directives anticipées, décision collégiale). Les résultats de cette enquête vont permettre de mettre en place de façon institutionnelle des formations adaptées.
La vulnérabilité appelle la responsabilité, la sollicitude sauve de la solitude
Authors: Furstenberg Cécile
Published: May 2012

Résumé Préserver l’autonomie pour préserver l’Altérité, considérer le patient comme sujet et éviter l’obstination déraisonnable ou l’abandon de soin. L’autonomie est affaiblie par le fait des troubles cognitifs qui influencent les capacités opérationnelles et décisionnelles. Le consentement du patient se recherche en l’observant, en interrogeant son histoire au travers d’une procédure collégiale qui inclut les désirs du patient, dans une démarche de soins. La responsabilité offre au soignant la possibilité de répondre et d’ajuster la relation soignant-soigné pour suppléer à la perte de l’autonomie en fin de vie d’une personne amoindrie par des troubles cognitifs. La philosophie renforce la réflexion, propose des réponses. La sollicitude ouvre des perspectives soignantes susceptibles de préserver les valeurs du soin.
Effects of larval host diameter on body size, adult density, and parasitism of cerambycid beetles
Authors: Reagel Peter F. , Smith Michael T. , Hanks Lawrence M.
Published: May 2012

In this study, we assessed the relationship between the size of bolts cut from pin oak trees, Quercus palustris Münchhausen (Fagaceae), and eastern white pines, Pinus strobus Linnaeus (Pinaceae), and the number and body size of cerambycid beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) that develop within them. From oak bolts emerged adult Graphisurus fasciatus (De Geer) (98% of beetles) and Xylotrechus colonus (Fabricius), while pine bolts produced Monochamus carolinensis (Olivier) (95%) and Astylopsis sexguttata (Say). The number of G. fasciatus was positively correlated with the diameter of the oak bolts, while the greatest number of M. carolinensis emerged from pine bolts of intermediate diameter. Body size of both species was positively correlated with bolt diameter. Rates of parasitism were very low, only 0.9% for oaks, and averaging 5.3 ± 8.6% across pine bolts. Oak bolts yielded the braconid wasps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) Wroughtonia ferruginea (Brues) and a species in the genus Atanycolus Förster (similar to Atanycoluscharus (Riley)), and an ichneumonid (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in the genus Demopheles Förster. Pine bolts produced a braconid in the genus Digonogastra Viereck, and the tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) Billaea monohammi (Townsend).
The end is now: Augustine on History and Eschatology
Authors: Van Oort Johannes
Published: May 2012

This article dealt with the church father Augustine’s view on history and eschatology. After analysing the relevant material (especially his City of God and the correspondence with a certain Hesyschius) it was concluded that, firstly, Augustine was no historian in the usual sense of the word; secondly, his concept of historia sacra was the heuristic foundation for his idea of history; thirdly, the present is not to be described in the terms of historia sacra, which implies that he took great care when pointing out any instances of ‘God’s hand in history’; fourthly, the end times have already started, with the advent of Jesus Christ; fifthly, because of the uniqueness of Christ’s coming, it runs counter to any cyclical worldview; sixthly, identifying any exact moment of the end of times is humanly impossible and seventhly, there is no room for any ‘chiliastic’ expectation.
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: Anatomical variations and surgical strategies
Authors: Singh Rohit , Behari Sanjay , Kumar Vijendra , Jaiswal Awadhesh , Jain Vijendra
Published: May 2012

Context: Posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms are associated with multiple anatomical variations of the parent vessel. Complexities in their surgical clipping relate to narrow corridors limited by brain-stem, petrous-occipital bones, and multiple neurovascular structures occupying the cerebellomedullary and cerebellopontine cisterns. Aims: The present study focuses on surgical considerations during clipping of saccular PICA aneurysms. Setting and Design: Tertiary care, retrospective study. Materials and Methods: In 20 patients with PICA aneurysms, CT angiogram/digital substraction angiogram was used to correlate the site and anatomical variations of aneurysms located on different segments of PICA with the approach selected, the difficulties encountered and the final outcome. Statistical Analysis: Comparison of means and percentages. Results: Aneurysms were located on PICA at: vertebral artery/basilar artery (VA/BA)-PICA (n=5); anterior medullary (n=4); lateral medullary (n=3); tonsillomedullary (n=4); and, telovelotonsillar (n=4) segments. The Hunt and Hess grade distribution was I in 15; II in 2; and, III in 3 patients (mean ictus-surgery interval: 23.5 days; range: 3-150 days). Eight patients had hydrocephalus. Anatomical variations included giant, thrombosed aneurysms; 2 PICA aneurysms proximal to an arteriovenous malformation; bilobed or multiple aneurysms; low PICA situated at the foramen magnum with a hypoplastic VA; and fenestrated PICA. The approaches included a retromastoid suboccipital craniectomy (n=9); midline suboccipital craniectomy (n=6); and far-lateral approach (n=5). At a follow-up (range 6 months-2.5 years), 13 patients had no deficits (modified Rankin score (mRS) 0); 2 were symptomatic with no significant disability (mRS1); 1 had mild disability (mRS2); 1 had moderately severe disability (mRS4); and 3 died (mRS6). Three mortalities were caused by vasospasm (2) and, rupture of unclipped second VA-BA junctional aneurysm (1). Conclusions: PICA aneurysms may present with only IV th ventricular blood without subarachnoid hemorrhage. PICA may have multiple anomalies and its aneurysms may be missed on CT angiograms. Surgical approach is influenced by VA-BA tortuosity and variations in anatomy, location of the VA-BA junction and the PICA aneurysm relative to the brain-stem, and the pattern of collateral supply. The special category of VA-PICA junctional aneurysms and its management; and, the multiple anatomical variations of PICA aneurysms, merit special surgical considerations and have been highlighted in this study.
Dorsal root entry zone approach in ventral and eccentric intramedullary tumors: A report of 2 cases
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Deopujari Chandrashekhar , Karmarkar Vikram
Published: May 2012

Intramedullary tumors constitute 2-4% of all the tumors affecting the central nervous system. They include low-grade astrocytomas and ependymomas in majority. Earlier, only biopsy or decompression used to be the best available options for these tumors, but with the upcoming technology and newer techniques, gross total excision with the aim of achieving complete removal has been the preferred treatment for these tumors. Usually, nearly all intramedullary tumors are approached from posterior midline myelotomy as this is the safest corridor to approach under neurophysiologic monitoring. But sometimes, if the tumor is exophytic, eccentric, or ventral to the cord, other routes of access may also be useful. These approaches are less frequently used these days and actually may be found useful in certain cases. Hence, they should not be termed "obsolete" and must be kept in mind for tumors in specific location. We describe a similar less commonly used dorsal root entry zone approach for near total excision of ventral and eccentric cervical pilocytic astrocytomas in two patients.
Using Grounded Theory as a Method for System Requirements Analysis
Authors: Halaweh Mohanad
Published: May 2012

Requirements analysis (RA) is a key phase in information systems (IS) development. During this phase, system analysts use different techniques and methods to elicit and structure the system’s requirements. The current paper rationalises the use of grounded theory (GT) as an alternative socio-technical approach to requirement analysis. It will establish theoretically that applying grounded theory procedures and techniques will support and add value to the analysis phase as it solves some problems of the existing traditional and socio-technical system design methods. Furthermore, to validate this proposal, a case study applying GT on a real project will demonstrate its applicability and success for requirement analysis. Implications of its application are also discussed.
Management Model for the Development of Software Applied to Business Sustainability in the Context of Global Climate Changes
Authors: Tachizawa Takeshy , Pozo Hamilton
Published: May 2012

This article introduces a social and environmental management model based on the results of an empirical study that was conducted using the grounded theory method. It outlines a social and environmental mapping of the different economic segments of the Brazilian business universe to support decisions that are inherent to the sustainable management of the supply chain of organizations in terms of clean development mechanisms. It is in this context that the concept is included for the architecture of software and a model of social and environmental balance to track the demands for carbon credit required by an organization in the scenario of its business and that of the national economy
IT Outsourcing: Methodology for Supplier Selection Criteria for Competitive Advantage
Authors: Simões Sergio Alexandre , Souza José Wilson de , Contador José Celso , Ferreira Ademir Antonio
Published: May 2012

Abstract: Two criteria are usually adopted to select the provider of IT: lower prices or better service qualification of the supplier. This article proposes a strategic approach: the company should hire the provider that best leverage their competitive advantages. This approach implied the need to develop a methodology. To support it, the authors analyzed four models, Porter, RBV (Resource-Based View), Balanced Scorecard and the Weapons and Field Competition. Preferred the latter to be the most complete, qualiquantitative technique and able to accurately align the goals of the IT service firm's to competitive contracting strategy. The methodology was developed and applied to an insurance company and in face of the excellent results, decided to write this article to disclose it.
Mudanças nas Práticas Organizacionais com a Implementação do Programa de Gerenciamento da Cadeia de Suprimentos (GCS) em uma Multinacional do Setor Siderúrgico
Authors: Pardini Daniel , Matuck Priscila de Jesus Papazissis
Published: May 2012

This paper evaluates the transformations occurred in practices of the employees situated at strategic, tactic and operational levels of a multinational steel tube company after the implementation of the supply chain management program – SCM. In literature, the researches about this theme are concentrated in systems’ operation, limitations and justifications, with few investigations of the perceptions of the employees about the impacts of technological resources in practices of work. The results of this research contribute to a better understanding of the facilities and difficulties provided by users’ manifestations about the changes in organizational practices.
Preferências Hedônicas e Justificações Utilitárias na Introdução de Novos Produtos de Alta Tecnologia
Authors: Arruda Filho Emilio Jose Montero , Lima Rosa Maria Chaves
Published: May 2012

A rápida atualização tecnológica atrai o desenvolvimento de novos produtos no mercado, convergindo para múltiplos usos e acessos, o qual vem sendo apresentados na literatura de new products development e systems integration. Dado o confronto destas duas literaturas, esta pesquisa posiciona seu foco de estudo para os fatores determinantes na preferência do consumo de lançamentos de produtos altamente tecnológicos, onde a utilidade hedônica/social dos produtos all-in-one (tudo em um só) tem prioridade sobre os fatores utilitários. O objetivo do trabalho é avaliar quais fatores influenciam a preferência do consumo de alta tecnologia, utilizando como objeto da pesquisa o tablet da Apple (iPad), para identificar como a decisão de uso é construída. Neste artigo realizou-se um estudo netnográfico sobre o comportamento de consumo do iPad, interpretando suas necessidades através de experiências descritas no site Americano de discussão do produto, o qual apresenta comentários sobre o processo de escolha, preferência e uso.
The summer aerosol in the central Arctic 1991–2008: did it change or not?
Authors: Heintzenberg J. , Leck C.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. In the course of global warming dramatic changes are taking place in the Arctic and boreal environments. However, physical aerosol data in from the central summer Arctic taken over the course of 18 yr from 1991 to 2008 do not show systematic year-to-year changes, albeit substantial interannual variations. Besides the limited extent of the data several causes may be responsible for these findings. The processes controlling concentrations and particle size distribution of the aerosol over the central Arctic perennial pack ice area, north of 80°, may not have changed substantially during this time. Environmental changes are still mainly effective in the marginal ice zone, the ice-free waters and continental rims and have not propagated significantly into the central Arctic yet where they could affect the local aerosol and its sources. The analysis of meteorological conditions of the four expedition summers reveal substantial variations which we see as main causes of the measured variations in aerosol parameters. With combined lognormal fits of the hourly number size distributions of the four expeditions representative mode parameters for the summer aerosol in the central Arctic have been calculated. The combined aerosol statistics discussed in the present paper provide comprehensive physical data on the summer aerosol in the central Arctic. These data are the only surface aerosol information from this region.
Greenhouse gas measurements over a 144 km open path in the Canary Islands
Authors: Brooke J. S. A. , Bernath P. F. , Kirchengast G. , Thomas C. B. , Wang J.-G. , Tereszchuk K. A. , González Abad G. , Hargreaves R. J. , Beale C. A. , Harrison J. J. , Schweitzer S. , Proschek V. , Martin P. A. , Kasyutich V. L. , Gerbig C. , Kolle O. , Loescher A.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. A new technique for the satellite remote sensing of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere via the absorption of short-wave infrared laser signals transmitted between counter-rotating satellites in low earth orbit has recently been proposed; this would enable the acquisition of a stable, global set of altitude-resolved concentration measurements. We present the first ground-based experimental demonstration of this new technique, in which the atmospheric absorption of CO2 near 2.1 μm was measured over a ~144 km path length between two peaks in the Canary Islands (at an altitude of ~2.4 km). The retrieved CO2 volume mixing ratio of 400.1 ppm (±14.7 ppm) is consistent within experimental uncertainty with simultaneously recorded in situ validation measurements. We conclude that the new method has a sound basis for monitoring CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the free atmosphere.
Brief communication Greenland's shrinking ice cover: "fast times" but not that fast
Authors: Kargel J. S. , Ahlstrøm A. P. , Alley R. B. , Bamber J. L. , Benham T. J. , Box J. E. , Chen C. , Christoffersen P. , Citterio M. , Cogley J. G. , Jiskoot H. , Leonard G. J. , Morin P. , Scambos T. , Sheldon T. , Willis I.
Published: May 2012

Abstract. A map of Greenland in the 13th edition (2011) of the Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World made headlines because the publisher's media release mistakenly stated that the permanent ice cover had shrunk 15% since the previous 10th edition (1999) revision. The claimed shrinkage was immediately challenged by glaciologists, then retracted by the publisher. Here we show: (1) accurate maps of ice extent based on 1978/87 aerial surveys and recent MODIS imagery; and (2) shrinkage at 0.019% a−1 in ~50 000 km2 of ice in a part of east Greenland that is shown as ice-free in the Times Atlas.
The Relationship between Organizational Learning Capability and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Jolodar Seyyed Yaser Ebrahimian , Jolodar Seyyed Rohollah Ebrahimian
Published: May 2012

The effectiveness and productivity of an organization depends on its staff and if they don’t be satisfied from their job, continues of living for such organization is impossible. One of the important factors which influence on job satisfaction, is an organizational learning capability (OLC). So, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between organizational learning capability and its dimensions (experimentation, risk taking, interaction with the external environment, dialogue and participative decision making) with job satisfaction. The population of this study was the employees of Tejarat Bank in Sari city, Iran and the sample number became 103. The data of job satisfaction gathered by a single item of Chiva and Alegre’s (2008(questionnaire and for gathering the data of organizational learning capability, we used Chiva et al.’s (2007) OLC measurement instrument. For testing and analyzing the hypotheses, pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression have been used.   The results of study show that there is a positive relationship between organizational learning capability with job satisfaction. Furthermore, the results revealed the five dimensions of organizational learning capability (experimentation, risk taking, interaction with the external environment, dialogue and participative decision making) had positive relationship with job satisfaction.   Keywords: Organizational learning capability, Job satisfaction, Staff
Protocol of Job Evaluation: A Bird's Eye View
Authors: EL Hajji Muhammad Ali
Published: May 2012

Job evaluation has become one of the most systematic and rational paths for an organization’s fair and equitable wage and salary determination. It has become a reality within an organization’s wage and salary administration. This article tries to investigate the inside concepts, dimensions, premises, and process of job evaluation. It extends to include the universality of job evaluation as a common phenomenon in organizations, particularly large ones. In view of this, this article explores and discusses the variety of ways in which job evaluation is viewed and defined. It also provides a sound understanding of the theoretical / philosophical context of job evaluation. In so doing, the article examines the combination of the conceptual and technical aspects involved in the job evaluation process, which demand good management sense and skill.   Keywords: Job evaluation, Dimensions, Jobs comparison, Prerequisites, Relativities, Different views, Elements and Stages, Universality.
Human Resource Development As a Tool For Empowering Grassroot Communities For Improved Community Development Programmes In Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: M. A. Oyebamiji, , G Adekola,
Published: May 2012

This paper is on Human Resource Development as a tool for empowering grassroots communities for improved community development in Osun State, Nigeria. It evaluates the various human resource development programmes organized by the state for Community Development Committees (CDC) and their impact on community development programmes of Osun State. A descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. A total of three hundred and fifty (350) Community Development Committee members were randomly selected from six administrative zones of Osun State using stratified sampling technique. Human Resource Development Empowering Programme for Community Development Committee Members Questionnaire (HRDEPCDCMQ) was used, and was complemented with Focus Group Discussion (FGD) technique to collect information from the respondents. Four research questions were generated. The data collected was analyzed using multiple regression analysis, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and t-test statistical methods. It was discovered that Human Resource Development promotes in the CDC members the needed skills for problem identification, planning, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of community development programmes/projects. That HRD provides the satisfaction and motivation for the CDC to handle community development projects as their own project for improved community development programmes in their communities. It is therefore recommended that the government at all levels should encourage continuous development of the power of work in both the CDC and the change agents at the locality levels for improved community development programmes  delivery in Osun State and Nigeria at large. KEY WORDS:                      Human Resource Development, Empowerment, Community Development, Grassroot.
The Mediating Effect of HRM Outcomes (employee retention) on the Relationship between HRM Practices and Organizational Performance
Authors: Aldamoe Fathi Mohamed Abduljlil , Yazam Mohamd , Ahmid Kamal Bin
Published: May 2012

The matter of human resources activities have been commonly used to observe organizational performance. One of the distinctive features of HRM is that better performance is achieved through the people in the organization. In recent years significant remarks have been recorded in identifying the Human Resources Management (HRM) – performance relationship. The relationship between HRM practices and organizational performance has been well documented by the previous studies. However, authors have called for the interrogation of the mediating role of HRM Outcomes such as employee retention in the relationship between HRM practices and organizational performance. Thus, the major objective of this study is to investigate the mediating effect of HRM Outcomes (employee retention) on the relationship between HRM practices and organizational performance. Based on the evidence derived from the literature, the paper concludes that employee retention is likely to mediate in the relationship between HRM practices and organizational performance. Keywords: Human Resources management, employee retention, Human Resources management practices, organizational performance
Studying Relationships between Tools of Ethics Management and Organizational Trust of Education Organization in City of Kermanshah Province
Authors: Mehrabi Javad , Javadi Mohammad Hossein Mosharaf , AliAbadi Kamran , Tanhaei Mohammad Hasan , Samangoei Batool
Published: May 2012

Objective of this survey was to study relationships between tools of ethics management and organizational trustMethods and Research analysis: The present survey has been conducted using descriptive-field-correlation method. Statistical population includes administrative employees of Education Organization in Kermanshah province that are three-hundred persons and sample volume has been selected equal to one-hundred seventy persons. Chi-square test (x2), assimilation amount of agreement, Fi-Kramer measurement scale and SPSS software have been used in this survey.Findings: There is a strong significant relationship between tools of ethics management and organizational trust, since the obtained sig=0.000< 5% is based on the main research hypothesis and Fi-Kramer is equal to 0.795.Conclusion: Using ethics management tools in the organization under study will be leaded to growth and improvement of organizational trust level. Key words: Organizational trust, ethics management, ethics management tools
The European Court of Human Rights: Sabeh El Leil v. France
Authors: Cuniberti Gilles
Published: May 2012

In Sabeh el Leil v. France, the European Court of Human Rights (‘‘ECtHR’’ or ‘‘the Court’’) ruled for the second time that a contracting state had violated the right to a fair trial afforded by Article 6 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (‘‘Convention’’) by denying access to its courts to an embassy employee suing for wrongful dismissal on the grounds that the employer enjoyed sovereign immunity. The ECtHR had first ruled so a year earlier in Cudak v. Lithuania, where the plaintiff was also an embassy employee.
The U.S. Supreme Court: Garcia V. Texas
Authors: Stewart David P.
Published: May 2012

On July 7, 2011, the United States Supreme Court declined to stay the execution of Humberto Leal García, a Mexican national who had been convicted some sixteen years ago in Texas of murder.1 Relying on the decision of the International Court of Justice (‘‘ICJ’’) in the Avena case,2 García contended that the United States had violated his right to consular notification and access under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (‘‘Consular Convention’’).3 He sought the stay so that the U.S. Congress could consider enactment of proposed legislation to implement the ICJ decision.4 In a 5-4 decision, the Court rejected his argument, stating that ‘‘[t]he Due Process Clause does not prohibit a State from carrying out a lawful judgment in light of unenacted legislation that might someday authorize a collateral attack on that judgment.’’5 García was executed by lethal injection that evening.
The New Arbitration Ordinance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Authors: Yan Lee Tin
Published: May 2012

Because of the unique position that Hong Kong occupies in China and its separate legal system based on the common law, it is a well-established policy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (‘‘HKSAR’’) Government to develop and enhance Hong Kong’s status as a major dispute resolution centre in the Asia Pacific region. One significant initiative in this regard is the recent introduction of a new Arbitration Ordinance to further improve the legal environment for arbitration in Hong Kong.
Measurement and Management of the Level of Quality Control Process in SoC (System on Chip) Embedded Software Development
Authors: Song Ki-Won , Kim Jin-Soo
Published: May 2012

This paper presents the process of measuring the level of quality control process to ensure the quality of delivered software package during the development cycle. The success of the project requires three pre-requisites and they constrain one another. Quality is the most important factor for successful project completion. In other words, quality should not be sacrificed for the sake of meeting cost budget or delivering within schedule. Also, cost caused by any quality issues such as defect resolution increases exponentially once the product is out of the door. Having said that, we also have to consider the schedule side of constraints for the successful project. In other words, we have no time to do a quality job and we have to compete with other competitors to ship the product to the market earlier than them. So, the quality measurement and management concept is introduced to meet the agile software development environment in conjunction with performance strategies to execute within organization. Obviously, there are many key performance indexes derivable from the actual data associated with quality control activities and it is desirable to create a quality process to integrally represent overall level of quality control activities performed while developing the software deliverables. With the quality process, it is possible to evaluate whether enough quality control activities are performed for the project officially and secure the quality of the software deliverables before it is delivered to the customers.
A Multidisciplinary Artificial Intelligence Model of an Affective Robot
Authors: Samani Hooman Aghaebrahimi , Saadatian Elham
Published: May 2012

A multidisciplinary approach to a novel artificial intelligence system for an affective robot is presented in this paper. The general objective of the system is to develop a robotic system which strives to achieve a high level of emotional bond between humans and robot by exploring human love. Such a relationship is a contingent process of attraction, affection and attachment from humans towards robots, and the belief of the vice versa from robots to humans.

The advanced artificial intelligence of the system includes three modules, namely Probabilistic Love Assembly (PLA), based on the psychology of love, Artificial Endocrine System (AES), based on the physiology of love, and Affective State Transition (AST), based on emotions. The PLA module employs a Bayesian network to incorporate psychological parameters of affection in the robot. The AES module employs artificial emotional and biological hormones via a Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN). The AST module uses a novel transition method for handling affective states of the robot. These three modules work together to manage emotional behaviours of the robot.
Forward Displacement Analysis of a Non-Plane Two Coupled Degree Nine-Link Barranov Truss Based on the Hyper-Chaotic Least Square Method
Authors: Luo Youxin , Mou Zouxin , He Bing
Published: May 2012

The hyper-chaotic least square method for finding all of the real solutions of nonlinear equations was proposed and the following displacement analysis on the 33rd non-plane 2-coupled–degree nine-link Barranov truss was completed. Four constrained equations were established by a vector method with complex numbers according to four loops of the mechanism, and four supplement equations were also established by increasing four variables and the relation of the sine and cosine functions. The established eight equations are those of the forward displacement analysis of the mechanism. In combining the least square method with hyper-chaotic sequences, a hyper-chaotic least square method based on utilizing a hyper-chaotic discrete system to obtain and locate initial points so as to find all the real solutions of the nonlinear questions was proposed. A numerical example was given. A comparison was also done with another means of finding a solution method. The results show that all of real solutions were quickly obtained, and it proves the correctness and validity of the proposed method.
Motion Planning Using a Memetic Evolution Algorithm for Swarm Robots
Authors: Lin Chien-Chou , Chen Kun-Cheng , Chuang Wei-Ju
Published: May 2012

A hierarchical memetic algorithm (MA) is proposed for the path planning and formation control of swarm robots. The proposed algorithm consists of a global path planner (GPP) and a local motion planner (LMP). The GPP plans a trajectory within the Voronoi diagram (VD) of the free space. An MA with a non-random initial population plans a series of configurations along the path given by the former stage. The MA locally adjusts the robot positions to search for better fitness along the gradient direction of the distance between the swarm robots and the intermediate goals (IGs). Once the optimal configuration is obtained, the best chromosomes are reserved as the initial population for the next generation. Since the proposed MA has a non-random initial population and local searching, it is more efficient and the planned path is faster compared to a traditional genetic algorithm (GA). The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm works well in terms of path smoothness and computation efficiency.
Direct Visual Servoing to Track Trajectories in Human-Robot Cooperation
Authors: Pomares Jorge , Corrales Juan A. , García Gabriel J. , Torres Fernando
Published: May 2012

This paper describes a dynamic image-based control system to guide two coupled robots. The first robot is a Mitsubishi PA-10 robotic manipulator which has a second mini-robot with 3 degrees of freedom (DOF) attached at its end-effector. The vision system used for the guidance of both robots is composed of a camera at the end-effector of the mini-robot. The paper presents a new method to perform the mini-robot guidance using dynamic control to track a previous generated image trajectory. The mini-robot performs the tracking in a workspace in cooperation with a human operator. Therefore, the proposed visual control is combined with virtual visual servoing to perform a safety behavior.
Dynamic Simulation of Hybrid-Driven Planar Five-Bar Parallel Mechanism Based on SimMechanics and Tracking Control
Authors: Zi Bin , Cao Jianbin , Zhu Zhencai
Published: May 2012

This paper investigates dynamic simulation and trajectory tracking control of hybrid-driven planar five-bar parallel mechanism (HPPM). To begin with, a simulation model of dynamics based on MATLAB/SimMechanics is established. Then, traditional PD control and closed loop PD-type iterative learning control of the HPPM are designed. At the end, the simulation based on SimMechanics is carried out, which acquires angular, angular velocity, angular acceleration of two driving links and constraint reaction of kinematic pairs at any time. In addition, the performance of the closed loop PD-type iterative learning control is compared with that of the traditional PD controller through simulations of the HPPM in the presence of the model external disturbances. The simulation results indicate that a perfect trajectory tracking of end-effector of the HPPM is achieved by the closed loop PD-type iterative learning controller.
The Problem of Automation of Solar Concentrator Assembly and Adjustment
Authors: Kussul Ernst , Makeyev Oleksandr , Baidyk Tatiana , Blesa Jose Saniger , Bruce Neil , Lara-Rosano Felipe
Published: May 2012

Recently we have proposed a low cost solar concentrator based on a large number of small flat mirrors that approximates parabolic surface needed for solar light concentration. In this work we describe an improvement of the concentrator support frame assembly. The improvement is connected with the design of the gauge/guages for support frame adjustment. The gauge has the parabolic edge and rotates in the central tube. Special nuts are moved up to the contact with parabolic edge of the gauge
High-Accuracy Tracking Control of Robot Manipulators Using Time Delay Estimation and Terminal Sliding Mode
Authors: Jin Maolin , Jin Yi , Chang Pyung Hun , Choi Chintae
Published: May 2012

A time delay estimation based general framework for trajectory tracking control of robot manipulators is presented. The controller consists of three elements: a time-delay-estimation element that cancels continuous nonlinearities of robot dynamics, an injecting element that endows desired error dynamics, and a correcting element that suppresses residual time delay estimation error caused by discontinuous nonlinearities. Terminal sliding mode is used for the correcting element to pursue fast convergence of the time delay estimation error. Implementation of proposed control is easy because calculation of robot dynamics including friction is not required. Experimental results verify high-accuracy trajectory tracking of industrial robot manipulators.
Global Asymptotic Stability of the Classical PID Controller by Considering Saturation Effects in Industrial Robots
Authors: Yarza Antonio , Santibanez Victor , Moreno-Valenzuela Javier
Published: May 2012

An unsolved ancient problem in position control of robot manipulators is to find a stability analysis that proves global asymptotic stability of the classical PID control in closed loop with robot manipulators. The practical evidence suggests that in fact the classical PID in industrial robots is a global regulator. The main goal of the present paper is theoretically to show why in the practice such a fact is achieved. We show that considering the natural saturations of every control stage in practical robots, the classical PID becomes a type of saturated nonlinear PID controller. In this work such a nonlinear PID controller with bounded torques for robot manipulators is proposed. This controller, unlike other saturated nonlinear PID controllers previously proposed, uses a single saturation for the three terms of the controller. Global asymptotical stability is proved via Lyapunov stability theory. Experimental results are presented in order to observe the performance of the proposed controller.
Design of a Planar Parallel Robot for Optimal Workspace and Dexterity
Authors: Huang Ming Z.
Published: May 2012

Parallel robots exhibit salient merits over their serial counterparts in applications where both accuracy and dynamic response are required. However, due to the strong dependence of geometric parameters and their performances, the corresponding design problems for the parallel robots are much more complex and the adequacy and effectiveness of the design method become more critical. In this paper, a study in the design optimization for a class of planar parallel robots is presented. The robots feature an in-parallel structure with two degrees of freedom. Dimension synthesis is performed through maximization of two key performance characteristics, addressing not only workspace but also dexterity of the robots under consideration. Optimal designs are attained using both parametric study and simplex algorithm. Results are shown by way of computer simulations aided with graphic visualizations.
Self-Structured Organizing Single-Input CMAC Control for Robot Manipulator
Authors: Ngo ThanhQuyen , Wang YaoNan
Published: May 2012

This paper represents a self-structured organizing single-input control system based on differentiable cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) for an n-link robot manipulator to achieve the high-precision position tracking. In the proposed scheme, the single-input CMAC controller is solely used to control the plant, so the input space dimension of CMAC can be simplified and no conventional controller is needed. The structure of single-input CMAC will also be self-organized; that is, the layers of single-input CMAC will grow or prune systematically and their receptive functions can be automatically adjusted. The online tuning laws of single-input CMAC parameters are derived in gradient-descent learning method and the discrete-type Lyapunov function is applied to determine the learning rates of proposed control system so that the stability of the system can be guaranteed. The simulation results of robot manipulator are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control methodology.
Cartesian Control of a 3-DOF Electro-Pneumatic Actuated Motion Platform with Exteroceptive Pose Measurement
Authors: Izaguirre Eduardo , Hernández Luis , Rubio Ernesto , Urquijo Orlando
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a kinematic cartesian control scheme of 3 degree of freedom parallel robot driven by electro-pneumatic actuators based on exteroceptive pose measurement system. The inverse kinematics model is used to obtain the desired joint position coordinates from the time-varying trajectory given in task space. The proposal cascade control scheme in task space is based in two loops, the inner loop consisting in a decoupled joint position control and the outer loop which is designed to obtain an appropriate task space trajectory tracking. In order to avoid the on-line computation of direct kinematics an arrangement of inertial sensor and optical encoders are employed to provide the accurate pose measurement of end-effector. The experiment's results demonstrate the great performance of the proposed control scheme in industrial motion tracking application.