bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of first-intention healing of carbon dioxide laser, 4.0-MHz radiosurgery, and scalpel incisions in ball pythons (Python regius)
Authors: Hodshon Rebecca T. , Sura Patricia A. , Schumacher Juergen P. , Odoi Agricola , Steeil James C. , Newkirk Kim M.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To evaluate first-intention healing of CO2 laser, 4.0-MHz radiowave radiosurgery (RWRS), and scalpel incisions in ball pythons (Python regius).

Animals—6 healthy adult ball pythons.

Procedures—A skin biopsy sample was collected, and 2-cm skin incisions (4/modality) were made in each snake under anesthesia and closed with surgical staples on day 0. Incision sites were grossly evaluated and scored daily. One skin biopsy sample per incision type per snake was obtained on days 2, 7, 14, and 30. Necrotic and fibroplastic tissue was measured in histologic sections; samples were assessed and scored for total inflammation, histologic response (based on the measurement of necrotic and fibroplastic tissues and total inflammation score), and other variables. Frequency distributions of gross and histologic variables associated with wound healing were calculated.

Results—Gross wound scores were significantly greater (indicating greater separation of wound edges) for laser incisions than for RWRS and scalpel incisions at all evaluated time points. Necrosis was significantly greater in laser and RWRS incisions than in scalpel incision sites on days 2 and 14 and days 2 and 7, respectively; fibroplasia was significantly greater in laser than in scalpel incision sites on day 30. Histologic response scores were significantly lower for scalpel than for other incision modalities on days 2, 14, and 30.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In snakes, skin incisions made with a scalpel generally had less necrotic tissue than did CO2 laser and RWRS incisions. Comparison of the 3 modalities on the basis of histologic response scores indicated that use of a scalpel was preferable, followed by RWRS and then laser.
Determination of Surfactants in Environmental Samples. Part I. Cationic Compounds / Oznaczanie Surfaktantów W Próbkach Środowiskowych. Część I. Związki Kationowe
Authors: Olkowska Ewa , Ruman Marek , Kowalska Anna , Polkowska Żaneta
Published: February 2013

Compounds from the group of cationic surfactants are widely applied in household, industrial, cleaning, disinfectant, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as their specific properties (antimicrobial, emulsifying, anticorrosion, softening). After use, cationic surfactants are disposed to wastewater-treatment plants and finally with effluent water to surface waters due to their incomplete degradation. Moreover, they can freely circulate in different environmental compartments including living organisms. It becomes indispensable to recognize in more detail behavior, fate and biological effects of cationic surfactants. This analytical problem can be solved with use sensitive and reliable analytical techniques at sample preparation step and final determination step. In recent years, during isolation analytes from environmental samples mainly were used liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) - liquid matrices or solid-liquid extraction (SLE) - solid matrices. This technique involves application of toxic solvents (chloroform), is time-consuming and interferences are co-extracted. Nowadays, in scientific centers are carried out research to replace this traditional technique. So far, the following techniques were applied: solid-phase extraction (SPE) or it modification (HF-LPME) - liquid samples; accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) - solid samples. During the determination of total content of cationic surface active agents in environmental samples were used a traditional spectrophotometry technique and potentiometric titration technique. But those techniques are susceptible of interferences on analysis results (anionic and non-ionic compounds). The chromatographic technique (liquid chromatography) applied at the final determination step gives possibility to determine individual cationic surfactants in solvent extracts of environmental samples. The LC systems coupled with mass spectrometers are most powerful tools during such analysis.
Fractionation of Selected Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils / Frakcjonowanie Wybranych Metali Ciężkich W Glebach Uprawnych
Authors: Różański Szymon
Published: February 2013

The content of trace elements in soils varies widely and their mobility and availability depends not only on the total content but also on the form of in which these elements occur. The aim of this study was to determine the total content of nickel, lead, zinc and copper in soils used for agriculture, and assess the mobility and phytoavailability of these metals against a background of physical and chemical properties of these soils. In samples taken from three soil profiles (Phaeozem and 2 Fluvisols) the contents of Ni, Pb, Zn and Cu were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy in the solutions obtained according to the protocol of modified BCR sequential extraction procedure supplemented with aqua regia digestion. The total content of the analyzed metals in most cases corresponded to the natural values, often not exceeding the geochemical background level. It was only in the one profile of the Fluvisols (Endogleyic Fluvisol) that a higher concentration of zinc and lead was noticed (especially in the surface horizon), slightly exceeding the legal limit. Among the studied metals the lowest phytoavailability was characterized by copper (exchangeable forms on average 4.73% of the total), and the highest by zinc (11.49%). Nickel was the most permanently bound with soil solid phase, and its content in the residual fraction reached 84.46% of the total. Approximately a half of the total lead content was determined as a fraction bound with iron and manganese oxides, while in the case of this metal a significant role in binding of this metal was playing organic matter (fraction bound with organic matter and sulphides - an average of 27.5%). Significant role in the binding of all investigated metals was credited to iron and manganese compounds.
Inflammation Markers in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Korita Irena , Bulo Anyla , Langlois Michel , Blaton Victor
Published: February 2013

Background: The clinical value and the interrelationship of HDL and the metabolic syndrome were studied using plasma levels of TNF-a, IL 6, IL 10, IL 8, IL 1beta, IL 2R in patients with cardiovascular stenosis.

Methods: On the basis of exclusion criteria, we recruited 198 male and female patients aged 45 to 75 years with CVD and 43 patients with MS. Patients were subdivided into %stenosis according to the CASS guidelines. Lipids were measured on an Olympus AU640 analyzer. Ox-LDL was measured by the immunosorbent assay and MDA by HPLC. Cytokines were analysed with DPC Immulite 1000. Statistical tests were performed using SPSS for Windows, 14.0 & Medcalc.

Results: Ox-LDL and apoB were significantly higher in the MS(+) patient group (88.7 U/L) compared to the MS(-) group (77.5 U/L). Ox-LDL showed a positive correlation (P=0.001) with LDL-C, apoB and MDA. There was a higher concentration of HDL in the patient group MS(-), which was confirmed by a non-significant (P=0.849) change of apoA(I) from 1.267 g/L in the MS(+) to 1.275 g/L in the MS(-) group. A light significant increase of IL 10 (P=0.05) in MS(+) patients was observed, and the other analysed inflammation markers were mostly unchanged. MS has no direct association with the cytokine production.

Conclusions: Ox-LDL and apoB were significantly higher in the MS(+) patient group. In a multiple regression analysis for ox-LDL, apoB (P=0.003) emerged as a strong predictor of the ox-LDL concentration, independent of age, gender, BMI and smoking.
Lake Evolution in the Żnin Region in the Years 1912– 1960 (Central Poland)
Authors: Ptak Mariusz
Published: February 2013

The evolution of lakes, which, in the final stage, leads to their disappearance, is mainly based on the analysis of surface area change. However, there is one more, frequently overlooked process, which determines lake disappearance - namely the lake shallowing. The present paper presents the direction and rate of such evolution, taking both these processes into account. It is a comparative analysis of 9 lakes in the Żnin region - which has the greatest water deficit in the whole of Poland. Based on bathymetric plans from two periods (early 20th century and early 60’s of the 20th century), the author was able not only to evaluate the scale of surface area change but also to determine the value of lake basins volume change. Both these values were negative and amounted 9.1% and 14.9% respectively. Assuming that the said processes are invariable, the prospective period of lake functioning is about 500 years when taking into consideration surface area change only, and is 150 years shorter when allowing for aquatic resources change. The presented approach to lake disappearance analysis, which treats this phenomenon as a decline in aquatic resources rather than a simple decrease in surface area, is more reliable and therefore, scientific works in this field should take the results of lake shallowing into consideration.
The relationship between body image disturbance and coping with stress in patients suffering from anorexia nervosa
Authors: Brytek-Matera Anna
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to identify coping strategies that influence body attitudes in women with anorexia
nervosa (n = 34).

We used the BAT, the FRS and the Brief COPE.
Coping strategies based on focus on and venting of emotions, positive reframing and seeking instrumental social support
were predictive factors for the negative appreciation of body size. Seeking emotional social support, positive reframing
and use of instrumental support constituted a risk profile for development of lack of familiarity with one’s body. Denial,
focus on and venting of emotions, seeking instrumental social support positive reframing and humour are predictors of
general body dissatisfaction.

Emotion-oriented coping had an adverse effect on body attitudes and body experience among patients with anorexia
The Growing Brand Equity and Brand Value – The Learnings from Most Valuable Brands
Authors: Lhotáková Markéta
Published: February 2013

The brands are often most valuable asset of the company. The successful brands are annually gaining value while unsuccessful brands may year-on-year significantly loose their value. This article examines effects, tools and trends that influence development of brand value. In the first section you may find analyses of theoretical concepts of brand equity and brand value and its development from the point of consumer as well as brand owner. The next section looks into the different impacts, that increase brands value according to the global rankings of the most successful brands „Best Global Brands“ from Interbrand consulting group and „BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking“ from Millward Brown company. In the conclusion I compare these two attitudes and identify current trends, which play important role in brand value creation.
Impact of Declared Clusters of Tourism on Slovak Destinations
Authors: Michálková Anna , Kojdová Helena , Némethová Ildikó
Published: February 2013

This paper aims to present the results of secondary and primary research focused on declared clusters of tourism in Slovakia and to draw conclusions of their influence on Slovak destinations. Subsequent progress could indicate whether declared clusters of tourism lead to competitiveness, innovation, research and growth or rather pursue those activities which are typical of destination management organisations.
Building Corporate Identity in the Economic Crisis Time
Authors: Šimorová Lenka , Repašová Vladimíra
Published: February 2013

Corporate Identity (CI) represents a strategic tool how to audit corporate strategies, goals and other important aspects of the day-to-day corporate processes as well as long-time actions. Financial crisis is exactly the time when all corporations and companies are passing the evaluation and strategic decision-making processes concerning the corporate goals. Some of the corporation just answer on the impulses from the environment and react and some of them are proactive companies that thanks to the clear corporate self-understanding can still be successful.
Chronicle. 59th Open Seminar on Acoustics Boszkowo, Poland, September 10–14, 2012
Authors: Józefczak Arkadiusz
Published: February 2013

The Scientific and Organizing Committees of 59th Open Seminar on Acoustics would like to present the
abstracts of papers submitted for this conference. The Open Seminar on Acoustics (OSA) is an annual
conference, the largest in the country which has been bringing Polish acousticians together for nearly sixty years.
It is organized sequentially by different departments of Polish Acoustical Society (PTA) – in 2012 by the Poznań
Division. The conference presents all sections of acoustics, such as: physical acoustics, technical acoustics,
environmental acoustics, speech acoustics, hearing acoustics, musical acoustics, architectural acoustics, etc.
The aim of the conference is to exchange scientific experience in the field of acoustics, promote science
and integrate specialists from various fields.
In Memoriam. Professor Aleksander Opilski
Authors: Pustelny Tadeusz
Published: February 2013

Professor Aleksander Opilski has passed away on 20 April 2012.

Aleksander Opilski was born on 31 August 1931 in Zagórze in the then Śląskie Voivodship.
He underwent his 1st level studies in the years 1950–1953 at the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics
and Chemistry of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. His 2nd level academic education was
completed at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań from which he graduated in 1958 as a Master
of Science in Physics.
Acoustic Power Radiated by a System of Two Vibrating Circular Membranes Located at the Boundary of Three-Wall Corner Spatial Region
Authors: Szemela Krzysztof , Rdzanek Wojciech P. , Rdzanek Witold J.
Published: February 2013

Two vibrating circular membranes radiate acoustic waves into the region bounded by three infinite baffles arranged perpendicularly to one another. The Neumann boundary value problem has been investigated in the case when both sources are embedded in the same baffle. The analyzed processes are time harmonic. The membranes vibrate asymmetrically. External excitations of different surface distributions and different phases have been applied to the sound sources’ surfaces. The influence of the radiated acoustic waves on the membranes’ vibrations has been included. The acoustic power of the sound sources system has been calculated by using a complete eigenfunctions system.
Mathematical and Ultrasonographic Model of the Left Ventricle: in Vitro Studies
Authors: Olszewski Robert , Trawiński Zbigniew , Wójcik Janusz , Nowicki Andrzej
Published: February 2013

The main objective of this study is to develop an echocardiographic model of the left ventricular and numerical modeling of the speckles- markers tracking in the ultrasound (ultrasonographic) imaging of the left ventricle. The work is aimed at the creation of controlled and mobile environment that enables to examine the relationships between left ventricular wall deformations and visualizations of these states in the form of echocardiographic imaging and relations between the dynamically changing distributions of tissue markers of studied structures.
Clar: A Novel Cluster Oriented Agent Based Routing Protocol for Manet
Authors: Sinha Ditipriya , Bhattacharya Uma , Chaki Rituparna
Published: February 2013

In this paper we propose a novel algorithm CLAR to build an agent based routing protocol using ACO technique in cluster based mobile ad-hoc networks. Clustering makes possible hierarchical routing in which paths are recorded between cluster-heads instead of nodes. This reduces routing overheads. Presence of an unstable and non-reliable cluster-head degrades the performance of the network since cluster-heads of the network take active role in routing messages between a source destination pair. The proposed algorithm chooses the most reliable and stable node as cluster-head depending on four criteria i.e.: stability, battery power, degree, and trust value of the node. It also uses a multiagent based routing algorithm to generate load balanced routes between source and destination in cluster-based network. Performance of CLAR is compared with other existing efficient algorithms such as AODV, CBRP, Wu & Li’s Algorithm, dominating set based clustering algorithms, agent-based algorithms named as SACO and MALBACO. Simulation results prove that the proposed protocol combines merits of both clustering approach and agent based approach and provides efficient packet delivery even in the presence of high load in the network
Editorial Vol.1(1)
Authors: Khan Md Osman Ghani
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i1.13944 Update Dent. Coll. j: 2011; 1 (1): 01
Blood Pressure Parameters among Smokers and Smokeless Tobacco Users in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Habib Nasrin , Rashid Mamunur , Afzal Farzana , Rahman Mahfizur , Shahin ASM
Published: February 2013

In Bangladesh, use of different kinds of smokeless tobacco and smoking is common among adult men. The study aimed to assess blood pressure parameters among adult male smokers and smokeless tobacco users as data on related field is limited and inclusive. For this study, 105 male respondents were selected from outdoor department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Among them, 30 were smokeless tobacco users and 75 were smokers. All data were recorded in data collection form. Statistical analysis of results between the groups were calculated by using unpaired students't' test. In this study, the mean (±SD) of systolic blood pressure was 154.50±26.79 mm of Hg in Group A and 151.67±19.24 mm of Hg in group B respectively. The mean (±SD) of diastolic blood pressure was 96.67±10.93 mm of Hg in Group A and 86.47±14.74 mm of Hg in group B respectively. The mean (± SD) of diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Group A than Group B. Future research should aim to clarify the cardiovascular risks of smokeless tobacco. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i1.13946 Update Dent. Coll. j: 2011; 1 (1): 06-09 In
Anatomic crown length and mesio-distal width of maxillary central incisor teeth in Bangladeshi population
Authors: Hossain Md Mahfuz , Shaikh Mushfiq Hassan , Raihan Md Mahfuzur , Khan Md Asif Iqbal
Published: February 2013

Background : Dimensions of teeth have been an excellent tool for determining clinically relevant aspects of dental aesthetics. Especially, the anterior teeth crown height and their mesio-distal widths are very important, because of their strategic anatomical position of being in the centre and in the front of the upper jaw. Objectives : The presented study was aimed to find the nominative data of the average anatomic crown height and mesio-distal width of maxillary central incisors of Bangladeshi population irrespective of age and sex. Methods : This observational study was carried out at Update dental college & Hospital. 110 typical extracted human maxillary central incisor teeth were collected randomly from the Oral Anatomy and Physiology Department of Update dental college and Sapporo dental college. Results : In this study it shows that maxillary central incisors average crown length is between  7.25  11.75 mm and the mean crown length is 10.37(SD±0.90) mm. The average mesio-distal width is between 9.00  13.00 mm and the mean mesio-distal width  is 8.51 (SD±0.62) mm. Conclusions : Apart from other specific and objective parameters related to dental aesthetics, these values of mesio-distal width and the length of the maxillary central incisors mentioned in this study will serve as guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment planning, especially in restorative dentistry, orthodontics and periodontal surgeries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v2i1.13954 Update Dent. Coll. j: 2012; 2 (1): 08-13
The Historiography of the Qur'an in the Muslim World: The Influence of Theodor Nöldeke
Authors: Karimi-Nia Morteza
Published: February 2013

Almost 75 years after the initial publication of Theodor Nöldeke's Geschichte des Qorâns, Abū ʿAbd Allāh al-Zanjānī (1892–1941), an Iranian religious scholar, made a brief reference in the final chapter of his Tārīkh al-Qurʾān to an edition of Nöldeke's work revised by Schwally, Bergsträsser and Pretzl. He described Nöldeke as a great scholar and his Geschichte des Qorâns as a valuable contribution. Al-Zanjānī’s work also included an outline of Nöldeke's discussion on the order of the revelation of the suras. It is probably safe to say that al-Zanjānī’s book is the first independent work on the history of the Qur'an by a Muslim scholar. This fact leads one to wonder about the apparent lack of previous interest in the historiography of the Qur'an among Islamic scholarship. The present paper seeks to address this question and offer an overview of historiographical scholarship on the Qur'an contributed by Muslim writers both before and following Nöldeke
Strain Elastography Ultrasound: An Overview with Emphasis on Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Carlsen Jonathan , Ewertsen Caroline , Lönn Lars , Nielsen Michael
Published: February 2013

Strain elastography (SE), which estimates tissue strain, is an adjunct to the conventional ultrasound B-mode examination. We present a short introduction to SE and its clinical use. Furthermore, we present an overview of the 10 largest studies performed on the diagnostic accuracy of SE in breast cancer diagnostics. Eight of 10 studies presented data for both SE and B-mode imaging. Seven studies showed better specificity and accuracy for SE than for B-mode imaging in breast cancer diagnosis. Four studies showed an increase in specificity and accuracy when combining B-mode imaging with SE. The ways of combining B-mode imaging with SE in the diagnosis of breast cancer differed between the five studies. We believe that further studies are needed to establish an optimal algorithm for the combination of B-mode ultrasound and SE in breast cancer.
Statistical Analysis of Gait Maturation in Children Using Nonparametric Probability Density Function Modeling
Authors: Xiang Ning , Cai Suxian , Yang Shanshan , Zhong Zhangting , Zheng Fang , He Jia , Wu Yunfeng
Published: February 2013

Analysis of gait dynamics in children may help understand the development of neuromuscular control and maturation of locomotor function. This paper applied the nonparametric Parzen-window estimation method to establish the probability density function (PDF) models for the stride interval time series of 50 children (25 boys and 25 girls). Four statistical parameters, in terms of averaged stride interval (ASI), variation of stride interval (VSI), PDF skewness (SK), and PDF kurtosis (KU), were computed with the Parzen-window PDFs to study the maturation of stride interval in children. By analyzing the results of the children in three age groups (aged 3–5 years, 6–8 years, and 10–14 years), we summarize the key findings of the present study as follows. (1) The gait cycle duration, in terms of ASI, increases until 14 years of age. On the other hand, the gait variability, in terms of VSI, decreases rapidly until 8 years of age, and then continues to decrease at a slower rate. (2) The SK values of both the histograms and Parzen-window PDFs for all of the three age groups are positive, which indicates an imbalance in the stride interval distribution within an age group. However, such an imbalance would be meliorated when the children grow up. (3) The KU values of both the histograms and Parzen-window PDFs decrease with the body growth in children, which suggests that the musculoskeletal growth enables the children to modulate a gait cadence with ease. (4) The SK and KU results also demonstrate the superiority of the Parzen-window PDF estimation method to the Gaussian distribution modeling, for the study of gait maturation in children.
A Steroidal Saponin from Ophiopogon japonicus Extends the Lifespan of Yeast via the Pathway Involved in SOD and UTH1
Authors: Sun Kaiyue , Cao Shining , Pei Liang , Matsuura Akira , Xiang Lan , Qi Jianhua
Published: February 2013

Nolinospiroside F is a steroidal saponin isolated from Ophiopogon japonicus (O. japonicus). In this study, we found that nolinospiroside F significantly extends the replicative lifespan of K6001 yeast at doses of 1, 3 and 10 μM, indicating that it has an anti-aging effect. This may be attributed to its anti-oxidative effect, as nolinospiroside F could increase yeast survival under oxidative stress conditions and decrease the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress biomarker. It could also increase anti-oxidative stress genes, SOD1 and SOD2, expression, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). It increase the activity of SIRT1, an upstream inducer of SOD2 expression. In sod1 and sod2 mutant yeast strains, nolinospiroside F failed to extend their replicative lifespan. These results indicate that SOD participates in the anti-aging effect of nolinospiroside F. Furthermore, nolinospiroside F inhibited the expression of UTH1, a yeast-aging gene that is involved in the oxidative stress of yeast, and failed to extend the replicative lifespan of uth1 or skn7 mutant yeast cells. SKN7 is the transcriptional activator of UTH1. We also demonstrate that SOD and UTH1 regulate each other’s expression. Together, these results suggest that SOD and UTH1 genes are required for and play interactive roles in nolinospiroside F-mediated yeast lifespan extension.
Molecular Self-Assembly at Metal-Electrolyte Interfaces
Authors: Phan Thanh , Wandelt Klaus
Published: February 2013

The self-assembly of molecular layers has become an important strategy in modern design of functional materials. However, in particular, large organic molecules may no longer be sufficiently volatile to be deposited by vapor deposition. In this case, deposition from solution may be a promising route; in ionic form, these molecules may even be soluble in water. In this contribution, we present and discuss results on the electrochemical deposition of viologen- and porphyrin molecules as well as their co-adsorption on chloride modified Cu(100) and Cu(111) single crystal electrode surfaces from aqueous acidic solutions. Using in situ techniques like cyclic voltametry and high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy, as well as ex-situ photoelectron spectroscopy data the highly ordered self-assembled organic layers are characterized with respect to their electrochemical behavior, lateral order and inner conformation as well as phase transitions thereof as a function of their redox-state and the symmetry of the substrate. As a result, detailed structure models are derived and are discussed in terms of the prevailing interactions.
Landscape Evaluation for Restoration Planning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, USA
Authors: Hessburg Paul , Reynolds Keith , Salter R. , Dickinson James , Gaines William , Harrod Richy
Published: February 2013

Land managers in the western US are beginning to understand that early 20th century forests displayed complex patterns of composition and structure at several different spatial scales, that there was interplay between patterns and processes within and across scales, and that these conditions have been radically altered by management. Further, they know that restoring integrity (see Definition of Terms) of these conditions has broad implications for the future sustainability (see Definition of Terms) of native species, ecosystem services, and ecological processes. Many are looking for methods to restore (see Definition of Terms) more natural landscape patterns of habitats and more naturally functioning disturbance regimes; all in the context of a warming climate. Attention is turning to evaluating whole landscapes at local and regional scales, deciphering recent changes in trajectories, and formulating landscape prescriptions that can restore ecological functionality and improve landscape resilience (see Definition of Terms). The business of landscape evaluation and developing landscape prescriptions is inherently complex, but with the advent of decision support systems, software applications are now available to conduct and document these evaluations. Here, we review several published landscape evaluation and planning applications designed with the Ecosystem Management Decision Support (EMDS) software, and present an evaluation we developed in support of a landscape restoration project. We discuss the goals and design of the project, its methods and utilities, what worked well, what could be improved and related research opportunities. For readability and compactness, fine and broad-scale landscape evaluations that could be a part of multi-scale restoration planning, are not further developed here.
Exploring the Myth of the Proper Writer: Jenny Diski, Montaigne and Coleridge
Authors: Eldelin Emma
Published: February 2013

Encadré par deux citations de la tradition littéraire occidentale, cet article examine le dialogue changeant entre l’auteur britannique Jenny Diski et deux précurseurs littéraires désignés comme tels par elle : Samuel Taylor Coleridge et Michel de Montaigne. Dans On Trying to Keep Still (2006), un texte littéraire non-fictionnel, Diski s’engage dans un voyage de deux mois afin de vivre dans une maison de campagne isolée dans les Quantock Hills du Somerset. Son objectif est de jouer le rôle de l’écrivain solitaire et autoréflexif, et d’explorer les espaces, l’imaginaire et le comportement qui y sont normalement associés. En racontant son expérience, Diski répond à un mythe clé de la période romantique, l’idée de l’inspiration solitaire de la nature, déjà préfigurée dans la solitude de l’écrivain de la Renaissance dans sa célèbre tour. Le but de l’article est d’illustrer comment le dialogue sert d’intégration dans une tradition culturelle, et de montrer comment la réplique de Diski est décrite de plusieurs points de vue, de l’appropriation affectueuse au rejet et à la renégociation, en passant par la réduction ironique.
Lettristes, situationnistes et terrorisme d’avant-garde
Authors: Zacarias Gabriel Ferreira
Published: February 2013

Je travaillerai dans cet article sur trois groupes d’avant-garde qui se sont formés après la seconde guerre mondiale et dont le lien est donné par la figure de Guy Debord : le lettrisme, l’Internationale Lettriste et l’Internationale Situationniste. Mon objectif est de montrer comment les notions de « terreur » et « terrorisme » sont directement évoquées par ces groupes dans la formulation de leurs projets afin de marquer leur position dans le champ artistique qui se réorganise dans l’après-guerre.
Challenges in the Redesign of Content Management
Authors: Honkaranta Anne , Salminen Airi , Peltola Tuomo
Published: February 2013

The Finnish Centre for Pensions (FCP) is a government organization acting as the central body for private pension institutions in Finland. One of its central tasks is to produce and publish guideline documents for ensuring that the pension institutions carry out pension provisioning in a unified way. Due to problems in the maintenance of the documents and requests for faster information delivery by the Internet, FCP carried out a content management development initiative during 2002-2004. The case follows the changes in components of the content management environment: in the activities of work processes, actor roles, systems, and content items. The case shows that in content management redesign, the work processes, roles of people in the processes, content items, and systems are deeply intertwined. Changes in one component often cause changes in others, and thereby iterative development efforts are needed. The case highlights the challenges encountered and describes the tools utilized for redesign activities.
Building an Online Grocery Business
Authors: Yousept Irene , Li Feng
Published: February 2013

This paper uses the case of ASDA.com, ASDA’s home-shopping arm, to demonstrate the challenges in building and developing an online grocery business in the UK. To set the stage, the initial implementation and learning from phone/catalogue home-shopping in ASDA is outlined to demonstrate why e-commerce was seen as most economically suitable to conduct a grocery home-shopping business. Then the paper illustrates the development stages and critical aspects of ASDA.com’s Web shop. Particularly, it delineates the operational aspects of B2C e-commerce in the grocery business: fulfillment center and fulfillment process. The case will also describe ASDA’s efforts in overcoming problems with their home-shopping fulfillment model and present important elements of ASDA.com’s virtual store and its operation. The paper concludes with the challenges that ASDA.com has been facing, their current status, and future prospects.
Utilization of E-Learning Technology in Higher Education
Authors: Fung Heidi N.H. , Yuen Allan H.K
Published: February 2013

The topic of e-learning is gaining much attention, especially because most of the universities and tertiary institutions have enhanced their classroom courses with e-learning systems. The case provides an overview of the implementation of a newly adopted e-learning system in ABC Higher Education College (AHEC). Any new way of doing things generates some resistance by the people affected. Just knowing the importance of e-learning is not enough. A lack of effective change strategies in AHEC resulted in low acceptance and usage of the e-learning system. Though there is no universal approach for every changing environment, the case aims to trigger readers to develop change management strategies and future directions with respect to the introduction of e-learning system in order to maximize the acceptance and benefits of the college.
Developing an Online Fleet Management Service
Authors: Craig Ron , Nitsch Detlev
Published: February 2013

This case illustrates the new generation of e-business ventures made possible by the Internet and enabling information and communication technologies. AlertDriving is a recent Canadian start-up, which has moved through the microbusiness to the small business stage, and aims for continued growth. First-to-market with a Web-based driver training and fleet risk management service, the business combines e-learning, risk management, and e-business. Their new approach replaces traditional methods of classroom and behind-the-wheel driver training and paper-based fleet management systems. Growth has brought both opportunities and challenges to the firm and its two entrepreneurs/brothers. In particular, they face important decisions concerning continuing to grow revenue and profit.
Palming the Future
Authors: Symonds Judith
Published: February 2013

Trans Training is a tertiary education organisation concerned with the provision of quality driving training for the commercial road transport, logistics, distribution, warehousing, ports and stevedoring industry sectors. At present much of their service delivery to agents, clients and trainees is administered manually. This process is slow, inefficient and allows many opportunities for errors to creep into the enrolment process. eGovernment offers the Industry Training Organisation the potential for improved service delivery and client and trainee satisfaction as well as several interesting value-adding opportunities. However, there are several challenges to adopting an eGovernment strategy including security concerns, privacy concerns and acceptance of coordination of technological investments. Many of the challenges for eGovernment strategy occur at the point where theory is applied by individual organisations and this is not covered by the literature. Readers are given the opportunity to explore some of the realities of eGoverment strategy in this case study.
The Role of E-Commerce Adoption Among Small Businesses
Authors: Ratnasingam Pauline
Published: February 2013

The small business sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. Firms are becoming increasingly dependent on Internet-enabled IT solutions for their day to day operations. This study aims to examine the impact of e-commerce adoption in the agricultural industry. We examine the benefits and risks small businesses experience in adopting e-commerce. Based on previous research, we categorized benefits as operational, economic, and strategic benefits and risks as technological, organizational, and external (or environmental) risks. The framework of benefits and risks was tested via in-depth case studies in two firms. Both case study firms in this article are located in the state of Missouri in the United States. We discuss the findings and highlight the challenges and lessons learned leading to the contributions to practice, theory, and directions for future research.
A Model Building Tool to Support Group Deliberation (eDelib)
Authors: Elliman Tony , Macintosh Ann , Irani Zahir
Published: February 2013

A significant area within e-government is concerned with systems to support democratic policy formation and decision making processes. In modern government, both local and national, consultation with interested parties is an important element in maintaining the democratic process. To date, online consultation tools have used existing software tools, which are simple text based tools that were not tailored to the process. This project proposes to investigate to what extent a model building tool can be developed to support group deliberation and consensus building in consultation. Using discourse analysis, computer supported argument visualisation, and ontological engineering it will create argument maps that will serve not only to inform participants but also act as an archival record of the consultation. We hypothesise that a model building tool can be designed to constructively encourage informed debate and deliberation on policy issues by a broad public.
Process-Aware E-Government Services Management
Authors: Taleb-Bendiab A. , Liu K. , Miseldine P. , Furlong S. , Rong W.
Published: February 2013

E-government is becoming a reality rather than a theoretical ambition; however, achieving the e-government anticipated benefits is still illusive, which is exacerbated by the continuous and ever changing business processes, IT, and user requirements. This article outlines the current state of e-government research and the challenges emerging from the need to integrate citizen, business, and technology into seamless e-government solutions and services. In addition, the article proposes a semiotics-informed framework for process-oriented e-government services, modeling, and management, which is used and tested on laboratory-based case studies.
The Mobile Phone Telecommunications Service Sector in China
Authors: Fong Michelle W.L.
Published: February 2013

Technology leapfrogging by a late adopter of technologies means skipping intermediate technologies and adopting the latest technologies. In this way, this late adopter would be exposed to unprecedented opportunities offered by the new technologies. This case study focuses on China’s attempt at leapfrogging to mobile phone telecommunications technology. It provides a description of the underlying forces involved in shaping and influencing this leapfrogging attempt. Students or readers are encouraged to analyse this case from their contextual perspective—may it be from the standpoint of a competing country, foreign investor, competing marketing corporation, policy maker, or consumer. Instructors of teaching cases may perhaps consider assigning different roles to students in discussing this case within a group.
Seasonal patterns in the structure of epigeic beetle (Coleoptera) assemblages in two subarctic habitats in Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Ernst C.M. , Buddle C.M.
Published: February 2013

Seasonal patterns in the taxonomic and functional structure of epigeic Coleoptera assemblages in wet and mesic habitats were studied in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, Canada. Using pan and pitfall traps, 2638 beetles were collected between 21 June and 13 August 2010. Fifty species (including 17 new territory records) in 11 families were identified. The biomass of each specimen was estimated, and each was assigned to a functional group. Species composition differed between habitats throughout the active season and there was a rapid compositional turnover even though species diversity was similar in both habitats and among sampling periods. The functional beetle assemblages in the two habitats were different, and both assemblages experienced seasonal turnover in function; this effect was more pronounced in the mesic habitats. The beetle fauna in both habitats was predominantly entomophagous. We also examined the influence of seasonal weather patterns on assemblage structure: there is a significant relationship between mean daily temperature and assemblage structure. This relationship indicates that changes in weather (or longer-term changes in climate) could affect the diversity and ecological function of insects in this system. Given the significance of insects in the north, this could result in important changes to northern ecology.
Governance of disaster risk reduction in Cameroon: The need to empower local government
Authors: Bang Henry N.
Published: February 2013

The impact of natural hazards and/or disasters in Cameroon continues to hit local communities hardest, but local government lacks the ability to manage disaster risks adequately. This is partly due to the fact that the necessity to mainstream disaster risk reduction into local governance and development practices is not yet an underlying principle of Cameroon’s disaster management framework. Using empirical and secondary data, this paper analyses the governance of disaster risks in Cameroon with particular focus on the challenges local government faces in implementing disaster risk reduction strategies. The hypothesis is that the governance of disaster risks is too centralised at the national level, with huge implications for the effective governance of disaster risks at the local level. Although Cameroon has reinvigorated efforts to address growing disaster risks in a proactive way, it is argued that the practical actions are more reactive than proactive in nature. The overall aim is to explore the challenges and opportunities that local government has in the governance of disaster risks. Based on the findings from this research, policy recommendations are suggested on ways to mainstream disaster risk reduction strategies into local governance, and advance understanding and practice in the local governance of disaster risks in the country.
Vesper hard red spring wheat
Authors: Thomas J. , Fox S. , McCallum B. , Fetch T. , Gilbert J. , Menzies J. , Wise I. , Smith M. , Despins T. , Niziol D , Humphreys G. , Brown D.
Published: February 2013

Thomas, J., Fox, S., McCallum, B., Fetch, T., Gilbert, J., Menzies, J., Wise, I., Smith, M., Gaudet, D., Niziol, D., Humphreys, G. and Brown, D. 2013. Vesper hard red spring wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 315–321. Vesper is a high-yielding, hard red spring wheat that is adapted to the wheat-growing regions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In the Central Bread Wheat Cooperative Registration Trials of 2007, 2008 and 2009, Vesper out-yielded five check cultivars by an average of 12%, and Unity, which was the highest yielding check, by 4.6%. Lodging, height and maturity scores of Vesper were all intermediate (similar to the check mean). Pre-harvest sprouting resistance of Vesper was equivalent to the poorer checks (Katepwa and CDC Teal). Kernels of Vesper were heavier than all five checks and test weight was high (exceeded only by Unity). Vesper was resistant to leaf rust and was moderately resistant to stem rust and Fusarium head blight. Vesper was intermediately resistant to loose smut and was susceptible to common bunt. Spikes of Vesper showed two forms of resistance to wheat midge: antibiotic resistance (no larvae observed in the field) and antixenotic resistance (reduced egg numbers laid by caged ovipositing females). Over 3 yr of testing, end use quality of Vesper was rated as eligible for the Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) market class of wheat. Kernels of Vesper were relatively hard with consequent high water absorption.
Freezing injuries to flower buds and their influence on yield of apricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) and peach (Prunus persicaL.)
Authors: Szymajda Marek , Pruski Kris , Żurawicz Edward , Sitarek Mirosław
Published: February 2013

Szymajda M., Pruski, K., Żurawicz, E. and Sitarek, M. 2013. Freezing injuries to flower buds and their influence on yield of apricot ( Prunus armeniaca L.) and peach ( Prunus persica L.). Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 191–198. Each spring, for 3 consecutive years, 2009–2011, the degree of freezing injury to overwintering flower buds of selected cultivars and clones of apricot and peach was evaluated at the Dąbrowice Research Institute of the Horticulture E$xperimental Orchard (District of Skierniewice, Poland). Apricot flower buds were damaged less severely than those of peach during the winter of 2009/2010 when the lowest temperatures (maximum drop in temperature) coincided with the full dormancy stage of the trees. Conversely, peach flower buds were less damaged than buds of apricot when the maximum drop in temperature occurred after the late winter thaw in both 2008/2009 and 2010/2011. Under Polish climatic conditions, peach proved to be more reliable than apricot in consistency to produce fruit. Results have shown that the most hardy apricot and peach cultivars can develop very strong winter hardiness allowing the trees to survive temperatures as low as −28°C, as long as there are no severe temperature fluctuations during late winter.
Newly observed peroxides and the water effect on the formation and removal of hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides in the ozonolysis of isoprene
Authors: Huang D. , Chen Z. M. , Zhao Y. , Liang H.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The ozonolysis of alkenes is considered to be an important source of atmospheric peroxides, which serve as oxidants, reservoirs of HOx radicals, and components of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). Recent laboratory investigations of this reaction identified hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxymethyl hydroperoxide (HMHP). Although larger hydroxyalkyl hydroperoxides (HAHPs) were also expected, their presence is not currently supported by experimental evidence. In the present study, we investigated the formation of peroxides in the gas phase ozonolysis of isoprene at various relative humidities on a time scale of tens of seconds, using a quartz flow tube reactor coupled with the online detection of peroxides. We detected a variety of conventional peroxides, including H2O2, HMHP, methyl hydroperoxide, bis-hydroxymethyl hydroperoxide, and ethyl hydroperoxide, and interestingly found three unknown peroxides. The molar yields of the conventional peroxides fell within the range of values provided in the literature. The three unknown peroxides had a combined molar yield of ~30% at 5% relative humidity (RH), which was comparable with that of the conventional peroxides. Unlike H2O2 and HMHP, the molar yields of these three unknown peroxides were inversely related to the RH. On the basis of experimental kinetic and box model analysis, we tentatively assigned these unknown peroxides to C2–C4 HAHPs, which are produced by the reactions of different Criegee intermediates with water. Our study provides experimental evidence for the formation of large HAHPs in the ozonolysis of isoprene (one of the alkenes). These large HAHPs have a sufficiently long lifetime, estimated as tens of minutes, which allows them to become involved in atmospheric chemical processes, e.g. SOA formation and radical recycling. These standards are needed to accurately specify HAHPs, although their synthesis is a challenge.