bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Surface Conditions on Baseball Playing Surface Pace
Authors: Brosnan James T. , McNitt Andrew S. , Serensits Thomas J.
Published: October 2010

The speed at which a baseball travels after impact with a playing surface has been referred to as playing surface pace. Little information is available regarding the effects of varying construction and maintenance practices on the pace of baseball playing surfaces. Research was conducted to evaluate the effects of construction and maintenance practices on a non-turfed basepath, Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) turf, and six synthetic turf surfaces. Factors evaluated on the non-turfed basepath included soil compaction at installation, surface scarification, and topdressing with a soil conditioner (calcined clay). The effects of cutting height and thatch thickness were evaluated on Kentucky bluegrass, while the effects of simulated traffic and grooming were evaluated on synthetic turf. On the non-turfed basepath, increasing soil compaction yielded increases in surface pace. Calcined clay topdressing and increasing scarification depth did not affect surface pace. On Kentucky bluegrass, varying cutting height and thatch thickness levels had no effect on surface pace. On synthetic turf, increases in simulated traffic resulted in slight increases in pace. Surface pace measurements on synthetic turf were less variable than those made on natural turfgrass. The results indicate that the pace of commonly used baseball playing surfaces is not easily altered with minimally invasive maintenance procedures and should be addressed at construction or during aggressive renovations.
Dorsolateral head muscles of the catfish families Nematogenyidae and Trichomycteridae (Siluriformes: Loricarioidei): comparative anatomy and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Datovo Aléssio , Bockmann Flávio Alicino
Published: October 2010

The skeletal muscles of the dorsolateral region of the head of the Nematogenyidae and representatives of the all major clades of the Trichomycteridae are described and illustrated. A hypothesis on the phylogenetic relationships among these taxa exclusively based on the surveyed musculature is presented. The single most parsimonious cladogram obtained from the phylogenetic analysis of the 36 myological characters gathered and 35 terminal-taxa mostly agrees with the previous hypotheses of trichomycterid intrarelationships. The Copionodontinae and Trichogeninae form a monophyletic lineage that is the sister-group to all remaining trichomycterids. The monophyly of the clades formed by Glanapteryginae plus Sarcoglanidinae; Stegophilinae plus Tridentinae plus Vandelliinae; and the assemblage comprising all of these five subfamilies (TSVSG clade) is corroborated. Two of our findings are, however, discordant with the previous prevailing hypotheses: the sister-group relationship among Tridentinae and Stegophilinae and the monophyly of the Trichomycterinae lato sensu, i. e., including the genera Scleronema and Ituglanis. In addition, the previously proposed osteological synapomorphies supporting the close affinities of Scleronema and Ituglanis with the TSVSG clade were revised, revealing that they are either invalid or ambiguous. Most of the synapomorphies herein proposed are homoplasy-free, with some of them corroborating the monophyly of weakly-supported groups, such as Stegophilinae.
Generalizations of small profinite structures
Authors: Krupiński Krzysztof
Published: October 2010

We generalize the model theory of small profinite structures developed by Newelski to the case of compact metric spaces considered together with compact groups of homeomorphisms and satisfying the existence of m-independent extensions (we call them compact e-structures). We analyze the relationships between smallness and different versions of the assumption of the existence of m-independent extensions and we obtain some topological consequences of these assumptions. Using them, we adopt Newelski's proofs of various results about small profinite structures to compact e-structures. In particular, we notice that a variant of the group configuration theorem holds in this context.

A general construction of compact structures is described. Using it, a class of examples of compact e-structures which are not small is constructed.

It is also noticed that in an m-stable compact e-structure every orbit is equidominant with a product of m-regular orbits.
The reducts of equality up to primitive positive interdefinability
Authors: Bodirsky Manuel , Chen Hubie , Pinsker Michael
Published: October 2010

We initiate the study of reducts of relational structures up to primitive positive interdefinability: After providing the tools for such a study, we apply these tools in order to obtain a classification of the reducts of the logic of equality. It turns out that there exists a continuum of such reducts. Equivalently, expressed in the language of universal algebra, we classify those locally closed clones over a countable domain which contain all permutations of the domain.
A Note on Hjorth's oscillation theorem
Authors: Melleray Julien
Published: October 2010

We reformulate, in the context of continuous logic, an oscillation theorem proved by G. Hjorth and give a proof of the theorem in that setting which is similar to, but simpler than, Hjorth's original one. The point of view presented here clarifies the relation between Hjorth's theorem and first-order logic.
A co-analytic maximal set of orthogonal measures
Authors: Fischer Vera , Törnquist Asger
Published: October 2010

We prove that if V = L then there is a maximal orthogonal (i.e., mutually singular) set of measures on Cantor space. This provides a natural counterpoint to the well-known theorem of Preiss and Rataj [16] that no analytic set of measures can be maximal orthogonal.
Hemodynamic effects in dogs anesthetized with isoflurane and remifentanil-isoflurane
Authors: Monteiro Eduardo R. , Neto Francisco J. Teixeira , Campagnol Daniela , Garofalo Natache A. , Alvaides Renata K.
Published: October 2010

Objective—To compare hemodynamic effects in dogs anesthetized with remifentanilisoflurane and with isoflurane alone.

Animals—6 adult dogs.

Procedures—Mechanically ventilated, isoflurane-anesthetized dogs received increasing constant rate infusions (CRIs) of remifentanil (0.15, 0.30, 0.60, and 0.90 μg/kg/min) or physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control treatment), with a 1-week washout interval between treatments. Each CRI of remifentanil or saline solution was maintained for 60 minutes with equipotent end-tidal isoflurane concentrations that corresponded to 1.3 times the minimum alveolar concentration. Hemodynamic measurements and plasma vasopressin concentrations were determined before and at the end of each CRI and 60 minutes after the end of the infusion regimen.

Results—Compared with the control treatment, remifentanil CRIs significantly decreased heart rate (HR) and cardiac index (CI) and significantly increased systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) and plasma vasopressin concentration. Greatest differences in mean values between treatments were recorded for remifentanil at 0.60 μg/kg/min (HR and Cl were 55% and 47% lower, respectively, and SVRI was 91% higher than for the control treatment). Mean arterial pressure increased significantly during the highest remifentanil CRI (9% higher than for the control treatment). The increase in vascular resistance was positively correlated with increases in vasopressin concentrations (coefficient of determination, 0.65) during anesthesia with remifentanil-isoflurane.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Anesthesia maintained with remifentanil-isoflurane may decrease tissue perfusion as a result of a decrease in Cl. However, hypotension may not develop because of systemic vasoconstriction. An increase in plasma vasopressin concentration was associated with the vasoconstriction observed in dogs anesthetized with remifentanil-isoflurane. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1133-1141)
Evaluation of a flow-mediated vasodilation measurement technique in healthy dogs
Authors: Jones Ian D. , Fuentes Virginia Luis , Fray Tim R. , Vallance Charlene , Elliott Jonathan
Published: October 2010

Objective—To evaluate the between- and within-dog repeatability of a flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) measurement technique in healthy dogs.

Animals—43 male and female dogs of various breeds (weight range, 6.9 to 31.7 kg; age range, 11 months to 11 years).

Procedures—5 dogs were used to refine the technique; other dogs were classified as large (> 15 kg) or small (≥ 15 kg) before use in the main study. In each dog, a brachial artery was occluded for 5 minutes by inflating a blood pressure cuff (applied pressure was more than 50 mm Hg greater than that required to occlude flow). Two-dimensional ultrasonographic images of the artery were recorded during a 30-second period prior to cuff inflation (baseline) and during a 3-minute period after cuff deflation by each of 2 sonographers. Relative percentage increases in luminal size from baseline (ie, FMD) were calculated. Independent contributing factors to FMD (eg, body weight, age, and room temperature) were assessed.

Results—Median FMD was significantly greater in small dogs (77%; range, 0% to 19.3%) than it was in large dogs (2.2%; range, −2.2% to 10.6%); values were significantly greater in dogs < 6 years old, compared with dogs > 6 years old. Weight was the only independent contributing factor for FMD. Coefficients of variation for between- and within-dog repeatability were 99.7% and 62.8%, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Application of the FMD measurement technique used in humans appears to be feasible in dogs and may provide a means of assessing canine endothelial function, although between and within-dog variations were large. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1154–1161)
Expression of genes associated with inflammation induced by ex vivo exposure to lipopolysaccharide in peripheral blood leukocytes from horses with gastrointestinal disease
Authors: Lopes Marco A. F. , Salter Caroline E. , Vandenplas Michel L. , Berghaus Roy , Hurley David J. , Moore James N.
Published: October 2010

Objective—To investigate the effect of ex vivo exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of inflammatory genes in leukocytes from horses with gastrointestinal (Gl) disease and determine whether the pattern or magnitude of the response to LPS correlated with the type of disease and outcome.

Animals—49 horses with Gl disease and 10 healthy horses

Procedures—Leukocytes were isolated from blood samples and submitted to 3 protocols: immediate freezing, freezing after 4-hour incubation in medium, and freezing after 4-hour incubation in medium containing LPS. Expression of 14 genes associated with inflammation was assessed via PCR assay. Results were compared by disease type and outcome

Results—Horses with Gl disease had colic of unknown etiology (n = 8), Gl inflammation or strangulation (18), or nonstrangulating Gl obstruction (23). Among the 44 horses receiving treatment, 38 were discharged from the hospital and 6 died or were euthanized. Incubation of leukocytes in medium alone changed the expression of several genes. Incubation with LPS resulted in increased expression of interleukin-10 and monocyte chemotactic protein-3 in leukocytes from healthy and sick horses. Leukocytes from horses with nonstrangulating obstruction and horses that survived had less pronounced LPS-induced increases in interleukin-10 expression than did cells from healthy horses. The opposite was evident for monocyte chemotactic protein-3.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—No evidence existed for a reduced response of leukocytes from horses with gastrointestinal disease to ex vivo exposure to LPS. Leukocyte expression of inflammatory genes after ex vivo incubation with LPS appeared to be related to pathogenesis and prognosis. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1162—1169)
Evaluation of exercise-induced changes in concentrations of C-reactive protein and serum biochemical values in sled dogs completing a long-distance endurance race
Authors: Wakshlag Joseph J. , Stokol Tracy , Geske Susan M. , Greger Cara E. , Angle Craig T. , Gillette Rob L.
Published: October 2010

Objective—To determine whether long-distance endurance exercise in sled dogs causes increases in serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and whether such increases are correlated with other markers of the exercise-induced acute-phase response

Animals—25 sled dogs.

Procedures—Serum was obtained from 25 sled dogs approximately 48 hours before and immediately after completing a race of 557 km. Serum was analyzed to determine concentrations of CRP and interleukin (IL)-6, and serum biochemical analysis (and iron homeostasis analysis) also was performed.

Results—CRP concentrations increased significantly from a mean ± SD concentration of 22.4 ± 16.3 μg/mL before racing to a mean of 263.3 ± 103.8 μg/mL immediately after racing Serum IL-6 concentrations were unchanged; however, there was a modest but significant correlation (r = 0.50) between the increase in CRP concentration and an overall decrease in serum albumin concentration, which suggested an inverse relationship between hepatic synthesis of the 2 proteins. Differences in CRP concentrations among teams of dogs revealed that concentrations before racing may be influenced by previous episodes of exercise. Serum iron concentration had only a mild decrease, which may have been attributable to iron-rich diets consumed by the dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—CRP concentrations may serve as a potential marker for exercise-induced inflammation. The exact amount of exercise required to induce such a response is unknown, but dogs apparently have a more robust acute-phase response than do humans. Clinical evaluation of CRP concentrations must account for physical activity when those concentrations are used as a potential marker for systemic inflammation. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1207-1213)
Multicenter case-control study of signalment, diagnostic features, and outcome associated with cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation in horses
Authors: Levine Jonathan M. , Scrivani Peter V. , Divers Thomas J. , Furr Martin , Mayhew I. Joe , Reed Stephen , Levine Gwendolyn J. , Foreman Jonathan H. , Boudreau Christen , Credille Brent C. , Tennent-Brown Brett , Cohen Noah D.
Published: October 2010

Objective—To compare signalment of horses with cervical vertebral malformation-malarticulation (CVM) with that of control horses and to describe results of clinical examination, diagnostic imaging and necropsy findings, and reported outcome in horses with CVM.

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—270 horses with CVM and 608 control horses admitted to 6 veterinary hospitals from 1992 through 2007.

Procedures—Medical records of participating hospitals were reviewed to identify horses with CVM (ie, case horses) and contemporaneous control (non-CVM-affected) horses that were admitted for treatment. Signalment was compared between case horses and control horses. Results of clinical examination, laboratory and diagnostic imaging findings, necropsy results, and outcome were assessed for horses with CVM.

Results—Case horses were younger (median age, 2 years) than were control horses (median age, 7 years). Thoroughbreds, warmbloods, and Tennessee Walking Horses were overrepresented in the CVM group. Gait asymmetry and cervical hyperesthesia were frequently detected in horses with CVM. Vertebral canal stenosis and articular process osteophytosis were commonly observed at necropsy; agreement between the results of radiographic or myelographic analysis and detection of lesions at necropsy was 65% to 71% and 67% to 78%, respectively. Of 263 horses with CVM for which outcome was recorded, 1 died and 172 (65.4%) were euthanatized.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Odds of a diagnosis of CVM were greater in young horses and horses of specific breeds. Detection of gait asymmetry and cervical hyperesthesia were frequently reported in association with CVM. Accurate diagnosis of lesions associated with CVM by use of radiography and myelography can be challenging. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2010;237:812-822)
A DFT study on the interaction between europium, uranium and SWCNT
Authors: Xie Ji-Chun , Yong-Jian-Tang  , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2010

We investigate the electronic and band structure for the (8; 0) single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) with a europium (Eu) and a uranium (U) atom outside by using the first-principles method with the density functional theory (DFT). The calculated band structure (BS), total density of state (TDOS), and projected density of state (PDOS) can elucidate the differences between the pure (8; 0) SWCNT and the nuclei outside the SWCNT. The indirect band gaps are obtained when Eu and U atom are put outside the (8; 0) CNT; they are 0.037 eV and 0.036 eV, respectively, which is much smaller than 0.851 eV for pure CNT. Compared with pure (8; 0) SWCNT, the bottom of the conduction band moves down by 0.383 eV and 0.451 eV with the Eu and U outside, and the top of valence band moves up by 0.127 eV and 0.162 eV, respectively. More significantly, the top of the valence band has exceeded the fermi-level. So, a single nucleus changes the semiconductor character of pure nanotube to semi-metal.
WIMP event rates in directional experiments: The diurnal variation signature
Authors: Vergados John , Moustakidis Charalampos
Published: October 2010

The recent WMAP data have confirmed that exotic dark matter together with the vacuum energy (cosmological constant) dominate in the flat Universe. Modern particle theories provide viable cold dark matter candidates with masses in the GeV-TeV region. All such candidates will be called WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles). The nature of dark matter can only be unraveled by its direct detection in the laboratory. In this work we present some theoretical elements relevant to the direct dark matter detection experiments, paying particular attention to directional experiments, i.e. experiments in which not only the energy but the direction of the recoiling nucleus is observed. Since the direction of observation is fixed with respect to the Earth, while the Earth is rotating around its axis, in a directional experiment the angle between the direction of observation and the Sun’s direction of motion will change during the day. So, since the event rates sensitively depend on this angle, the observed signal in such experiments will exhibit very interesting and characteristic periodic diurnal variation.
Finite-size scaling and power law relations for dipole-quadrupole interaction on Blume-Emery-Griffiths model
Authors: Özkan Aycan , Kutlu Bülent
Published: October 2010

The Blume-Emery-Griffiths model with the dipole-quadrupole interaction ($$
\ell = \frac{I}
{J}
$$) has been simulated using a cellular automaton algorithm improved from the Creutz cellular automaton (CCA) on the face centered cubic (fcc) lattice. The finite-size scaling relations and the power laws of the order parameter (M) and the susceptibility (χ) are proposed for the dipole-quadrupole interaction (ℓ). The dipole-quadrupole critical exponent δχ has been estimated from the data of the order parameter (M) and the susceptibility (χ). The simulations have been done in the interval $$
0 \leqslant \ell = \frac{I}
{J}0 \leqslant 0.01
$$ for $$
d = \frac{D}
{J} = 0,k = \frac{K}
{J} = 0
$$ and $$
h = \frac{H}
{J} = 0
$$ parameter values on a face centered cubic (fcc) lattice with periodic boundary conditions. The results indicate that the effect of the ℓ parameter is similar to the external magnetic field (h). The critical exponent δℓ are in good agreement with the universal value (δh = 5) of the external magnetic field.
Kinetic study of pyrolysis of waste water treatment plant sludge
Authors: Gašparovič Lukáš , Hrablay Ivan , Vojteková Zuzana , Jelemenský Ľudovít
Published: October 2010

Activated sewage sludge samples obtained from two different waste water treatment plants were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Due to a very high content of water in the sludge samples, these had to be dried at 160°C in an electrical oven in order to remove all adsorbed water. To ensure pyrolysis conditions, nitrogen atmosphere was applied. The pyrolysis decomposition process was carried out in the temperature range from ambient temperature to 900°C at three different heating rates: 2 K min−1, 5 K min−1, 10 K min−1. TGA and DTG curves of the decomposition processes were obtained. Temperature of onset decomposition, final temperature of decomposition, maximum decomposition rate, and decomposition temperature were determined by thermogravimetric analysis for both sludge samples used. The main decomposition process takes place at temperatures in the range from 230°C to 500°C. Above this temperature, there are only small changes in the mass loss which are often attributed to the decomposition of carbonates present in the sewage sludge samples. To determine the apparent kinetic parameters such as the activation energy and the preexponential factor, the so called Friedman isoconversional method was used. Because of the requirements of this method, initial and final parts of the decomposition process, where crossings of the decomposition lines occurred, were cut off. Obtained dependencies of the apparent activation energies and preexponential factors as a function of conversion were used backwards to calculate the modeled decomposition process of sewage sludge and the experimental data were in good accordance with the data obtained by simulation.
In the laboratories of desire. Advertising as an intermediary between products and consumers
Authors: Hennion Antoine , Méadel Cécile
Published: October 2010

Summary: What makes us desire objects? In the attempt to find a practical answer to this fundamental question on the subject and object of desire, the authors consider the organization of work in advertising agencies. They identify three procedures which together constitute advertisers' solution to the problem of communication between the product and the market. The to and fro movement which makes one attribute desire to either the object or the subject, is replaced by a series of intermediary screens on which the two components of the supply /demand equation are constantly refashioned.
Communication Without Concepts
Authors: Besnier Jean-Michel
Published: October 2010

Summary: Communication has been taken over by the language of science and cybernetics, which have reduced it to the role of information-processing and put it firmly on the path of integral modelling. The developments in systemic pragmatics and the blossoming of the cognitive sciences appear to confirm the discrediting of the hermeneutical and ethical standpoints to which philosophers had been attached. It is, nevertheless, by reference to Kantianism that intersubjectivity is now imposing an approach to meaning through the efforts of Apel, Habermas and Grice. With the limits of conceptual ambitions exposed, conversation and, more generally, literature seem to promise a non-reductional elucidation of communicational exchanges.
The Subject of Communication
Authors: Renaut Alain
Published: October 2010

Summary: In the face of the propensity to declare the 'paradigm of the subject' outdated, because 'monological' , a re-reading of the modern history of subjectivity highlights those virtualities which, except when confused with that of the individual, contain an idea which is inseparable from intersubjectivity. In this sense, rather than trying to outdo neo-structuralist subversion of the subject, it would be preferable to recast the values of subjectivity to give full rights in philosophy to the problematics of communication.
In the Name of the Audience' French television hosts
Authors: Chalvon-Demersay Sabine , Pasquier Dominique
Published: October 2010

Summary: Worshipped by his public and loathed by his professional peers, the French television host treads a delicate career path. An historic view of how this situation came to be: the conflict between the originally-intended utilization of television in France as an educational and cultural medium and the desires of the viewing public.
Common knowledge on historical vicissitudes of the notion of public opinion
Authors: Beaud Paul
Published: October 2010

Summary: This article makes a detour through anthropology and history in an attempt to clarify some of the meanings covered by the notion of public opinion. Rather than assigning to it an a priori definition, the author attempts to reconstitute the strata of meaning which remain embedded as much in the representations which society associates with the term as in the conceptualization which sociology or political science have tried to make from it.
The role of the State in the Belgian telecommunications sector in the nineteenth century
Authors: Verhoest Pascal , Vercruysse Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2010

Summary: State intervention in the Belgian telecommunication sector was the product of political, economic, social and geopolitical factors. During the three successive technological waves in this sector in the nineteenth century (the development of optical telegraphs* electric telegraphs and the telephone), the State's role evolved from mere 'policing', to economic participation and finally to a monopoly and the provision of a 'public service'. At the time this necessitated the use of 'cross subsidies' to ensure geographical development of the network and to reduce tariffs. The 'public service' was at first intended mainly for commerce and industry.
The intentions of communication
Authors: Livet Pierre
Published: October 2010

Summary: Analysis of communication usually strives to define the conditions for successful communication either in terms of tautologous definitions or by requiring an impossible use of reflexive talents. This article offers a critique of the pragmatists 'theory of 'model' communication through a consideration of three levels of interaction: informative intention, communicative intention and the intention to communicate.
Paris Spurns the Telephone
Authors: De Gournay Chantal
Published: October 2010

Summary: Development of the Parisian telephone network at the end of the last century reflected prevailing uses of the device. While domestic use was still rare, even in the upper classes, the telephone was fairly widespread in business areas. By the 1920s the number of private subscribers had increased considerably in the wealthy districts and suburbs of Paris, but the telephone remained a device reserved essentially for professional purposes, and supply was to exceed demand until after the Second World War.
Medium without message? Followed by 'Public opinion, in spite of all'
Authors: Beaud Paul
Published: October 2010

Summary: Sociology today is very often confronted with the assumption that communication is a purely instrumental, intransitive activity. It furthermore faces the idea that the media do not serve as a basis for the conflictual construction of representations, norms and values, but only as an empirical and disordered juxtaposition of meaningless information. Consequently, it seems relevant to question the value of notions such as the 'public sphere' and 'public opinion'. The latter is a necessity peculiar to modern societies which, without tradition, have to rely on argumentation and intersubjectivity to operate. The pseudo-scientific positivism which is alleged to have replaced teleological discourse in the public sphere has in this sense to be considered as rhetoric, a means of argumentation.
Socio-technological Action and Frame of Reference
Authors: Flichy Patrice
Published: October 2010

Summary: How can we define an approach to technological innovation which adopts both the designer's and the user's point of view? To construct this new socio-technological model of innovation, the author draws upon the sociology of action as well as interactionist sociology. He shows that innovators' and users' action fits into a socio-technological framework and may be either strategic or tactical.
From an Epistemological Model of Communication to a Praxeological Approach
Authors: Quéré Louis
Published: October 2010

Summary: This article calls for a change in the communicational paradigm in social analysis, and in the analysis of social communication itself. It seeks to make clear the difference that such a paradigm introduces into the approach to social events. Taking the view that the predominant conception of communication, that is, representationalist and cognitivist, is in thrall to the myth of the given and of the self-determined, the author urges that it be replaced by an intersubjectivist and pragmaticist model. The article thus opens a debate with those who espouse a cognitive theory of communication.
The Interactional Frame of Videophonic Exchange
Authors: Fornel Michel de
Published: October 2010

Summary: The present article examines the various modes of mutual involvement used by participants in videophonic interaction. It describes the different strategies implemented by users to adapt to the technical device and create an 'adequate' interactional frame. By means of a detailed analysis of videophonic calls the author highlights the intrinsic, locally produced organization of this mode of communication.
Lessons from Game Theory for Telecommunications
Authors: Turpin Etienne
Published: October 2010

Summary: One of the main fields of application of game theory is the economics of imperfect competition. This article reviews the main lessons learned from the theory, particularly in relation to the struggle for the first move and the origins of co-operation. These analyses are then applied to forms of competition in the telecommunications sector, and to strategic choices between information highways and debt reduction.
Vigilance and transformation. Corporal presence and responsability in the operation of technological apparatus
Authors: Chateauraynaud Francis
Published: October 2010

Summary: A description of the constraints on human agents in the operation of technological apparatus enables the author to illuminate two dimensions generally overlooked in the paradigms of action: attention-vigilance and the capacity to adapt with time. These essential capacities, without which there could be no responsible agent, determine the human agent's level of control, allowing for both routine and the invention of practical solutions in critical situations. Based on the comparison of three areas of activity (nuclear, civil aviation and road transport) in which the question of risk is central to the conception and organization of technological devices, this article shows how decisions in the work place need to come to terms with constraints of presence and responsibility.
The art of reading the network: A case study of technological innovation and its daily use in science
Authors: Hert Philippe
Published: October 2010

Summary: The Internet phenomenon in the scientific environment needs to be considered on two levels: the global level of social construction of an object, and a local level of observation of daily practices. This article considers the emerging use of the Internet first in the astronomy community and then in other scientific fields in which appropriation of the tool is more problematical. The technological object is considered first as a "boundary object" and then as a "collective text" where users are readers and sometimes writers. Since the Internet owes its existence to the activity of countless enthusiastic volunteers, we discover another dimension underlying use of the technology: that of pleasure,which engages the individual far beyond the purely functional dimension.
Oxalyl retro-peptide gelators. Synthesis, gelation properties and stereochemical effects
Authors: Makarević Janja , Jokić Milan , Frkanec Leo , Čaplar Vesna , Šijaković Vujičić Nataša , Žinić Mladen
Published: October 2010

In this work we report on gelation properties, self-assembly motifs, chirality effects and morphological characteristics of gels formed by chiral retro-dipeptidic gelators in the form of terminal diacids (1a–5a) and their dimethyl ester (1b–5b) and dicarboxamide (1c–5c) derivatives. Terminal free acid retro-dipeptides (S,S)-bis(LeuLeu) 1a, (S,S)-bis(PhgPhg) 3a and (S,S)-bis(PhePhe) 5a showed moderate to excellent gelation of highly polar water/DMSO and water/DMF solvent mixtures. Retro-peptides incorporating different amino acids (S,S)-(LeuPhg) 2a and (S,S)-(PhgLeu) 4a showed no or very weak gelation. Different gelation effectiveness was found for racemic and single enantiomer gelators. The heterochiral (S,R)-1c diastereoisomer is capable of immobilizing up to 10 and 4 times larger volumes of dichloromethane/DMSO and toluene/DMSO solvent mixtures compared to homochiral (S,S)-1c. Based on the results of 1H NMR, FTIR, CD investigations, molecular modeling and XRPD studies of diasteroisomeric diesters (S,S)-1b/(S,R)-1b and diacids (S,S)-1b/(S,R)-1a, a basic packing model in their gel aggregates is proposed. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding between extended gelator molecules utilizing both, the oxalamide and peptidic units and layered organization were identified as the most likely motifs appearing in the gel aggregates. Molecular modeling studies of (S,S)-1a/(S,R)-1a and (S,S)-1b/(S,R)-1b diasteroisomeric pairs revealed a decisive stereochemical influence yielding distinctly different low energy conformations: those of (S,R)-diastereoisomers with lipophilic i-Bu groups and polar carboxylic acid or ester groups located on the opposite sides of the oxalamide plane resembling bola amphiphilic structures and those of (S,S)-diasteroisomers possessing the same groups located at both sides of the oxalamide plane. Such conformational characteristics were found to strongly influence both, gelator effectiveness and morphological characteristics of gel aggregates.
STABILITY PROBLEMS OF STEEL‐CONCRETE MEMBERS COMPOSED OF HIGH‐STRENGTH MATERIALS
Authors: Kala Zdeněk , Puklický Libor , Omishore Abayomi , Karmazínová Marcela , Melcher Jindřich
Published: October 2010

The presented paper deals with the stochastic analysis of the ultimate limit states of steel‐concrete building members. The load carrying capacity of steel‐concrete columns, comprising of steel profiles encased in high strength concrete, in compression is analyzed. The first part of the paper lists assumptions for the determination of the theoretical load carrying capacity of the column. Principles of elasticity and plasticity are used to determine stresses in the concrete and steel sections. Statistical characteristics of input material and geometrical imperfections are listed. Results of the theoretical analysis are then compared with results of experimental research. Statistical characteristics of obtained results of the theoretical analysis were verified using statistical characteristics obtained from experimental research. Numerical simulation LHS and Monte Carlo methods, which take into account the influences of variability of input imperfections, were employed. The influence of the utilization of the plastic reserve in the determination of the load carrying capacity of the analysed strut is shown. The influence of the initial geometric imperfections of initial strut curvature on the load carrying capacity is also presented.

Santrauka

Straipsnyje pateikta plienbetonio pastatu elementu didžiausiu ribiniu būkliu stochastine analize, analizuojama plienbetonio kolonu, sudarytu iš plieniniu profiliuočiu, padengtu didelio stiprio betonu, laikomoji galia gniuždant. Pirmoje straipsnio dalyje išvardytos kolonos teorines laikomosios galios nustatymo prielaidos. Tamprumo ir plastiškumo principai taikyti itempiams betono ir plieno skerspjūviuose nustatyti. Nustatytos medžiagu ir geometriniu defektu statistines charakteristikos, teorines analizes rezultatai palyginti su eksperimentiniu tyrimu rezultatais. Teorines analizes metu gautu rezultatu statistines charakteristikos patikrintos taikant iš eksperimentiniu tyrimu gautus statistinius rodiklius. Pritaikytas skaitinis modeliavimas LHS ir Monte Karlo metodais, kurie ivertina pradiniu defektu kintamumo itaka. Parodyta plastiškumo atsargos naudojimo itaka, nustatant analizuojamojo statramsčio laikomaja galia, pateikta pradinio statramsčio išlinkio pirminiu geometriniu defektu itaka laikomajai galiai.
ON THE PREDICTION OF NON‐LINEAR CREEP STRAINS
Authors: Balevičius Robertas , Dulinskas Eugedijus
Published: October 2010

In the short term, the Euorocode‐based techniques will be implemented as the main design specifications for structural engineers from the member‐states of the European Union instead of the national standards. Therefore, it is of primary importance draw attention to the observed inaccuracies, particularly, in predicting non‐linear creep strains according to EC‐2. The analysis performed was mainly focused on an inconsistency elimination observed in the original EC‐2 approach, when transition from the linear to non‐linear creep laws for a constant compressive stress is required. A recent CEN corrigendum eliminating the observed inconsistency was also discussed in detail. In this context, similar techniques which were reported in the literature for predicting the creep non‐linearity function were analysed to account for the results obtained. It was particularly demonstrated that the recent CEN amendment results in an extremely enhanced creep strain for low strength concrete. A comparison of the creep non‐linearity functions with experimental test results was also considered. Santrauka Artimiausiu metu nacionalines normas pakeis Europos normos, kurios taps privalomu normatyviniu dokumentu Europos Sajungos šaliu statybos inžinieriams. Todel labai svarbu konstatuoti ir patikslinti jose pastebetus netikslumus. Straipsnyje akcentuojamas normu EC2 metodikoje pastebetas valkšnumo deformaciju nesutapimas, kai reikalingas perejimas iš tiesiniu valkšnumo deformaciju prie netiesiniu. Pateikiama žinomu metodu ir eksperimentiniu tyrimu rezultatu lyginamoji analize, autoriu siūlymai bei detaliai nagrinejamas neseniai išleistas CEN komiteto taisymas. Atlikus analize nustatyta, kad CEN korektūra lemia nepaprastai dideles mažo stiprumo betonu netiesinio valkšnumo deformacijas.
READABILITY TEST OF RFID TEMPERATURE SENSOR EMBEDDED IN FRESH CONCRETE
Authors: Kang Julian H. , Gandhi Jasdeep
Published: October 2010

Concrete maturity technology is used to predict the strength of concrete being cured and make an informed decision for stripping the formworks. However, the current concrete maturity method uses temperature sensors that require an extensive wiring, which is not often acceptable on construction site due to harsh working environment. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology provides a solution for the wiring issue because of its ability of sending data wirelessly. An RFID tag integrated with a temperature sensor and placed within fresh concrete may be able to read temperatures of concrete and transmit them to an RFID reader wirelessly in real‐time. It may then enable construction professionals to use concrete maturity technology to make an informed decision for stripping the formworks without having to worry about wiring issues on construction site. However, the previous research indicated that the RFID signal gets dispersed in liquid medium. One may speculate then how well RFID signals can travel through fresh concrete with high water content. Would water content of fresh concrete affect the readability of RFID tags? Would the tag's burying depth within fresh concrete affect its readability? This paper presents the results of our investigation on the readability of RFID tags placed in fresh concrete in the early stage of the curing process. Santrauka Betono stiprejimo technologija taikoma apdorojamo betono stiprumui prognozuoti priimant sprendima, kada galima nuimti klojinius. Vadovaujantis betono stiprejimo kontroles metodu, naudojami temperatūros jutikliai, prijungiami laidais, kuriuos ne visada patogu naudoti sunkiomis statybos aikšteles salygomis. Laidu galima atsisakyti taikant radijo dažnio nustatymo (RDN) technologija, nes ji leidžia siusti duomenis be laidu. RND siustuvas, pritvirtintas prie temperatūros jutiklio ir idetas i šviežia betona, gali matuoti betono temperatūra ir perduoti jos reikšmes i RND imtuva be jokiu laidu. Remiantis tokia informacija galima spresti, kada nuimti klojinius nesukeliant rūpesčiu su jutikliu laidais. Tačiau ankstesni tyrimai parode, kad skystoje aplinkoje RDN signalas išsklaidomas. Galima tik speti, kaip šis signalas sklis šviežio betono aplinkoje. Ar tokiame betone esantis vanduo leis skaityti RND siustuvu informacija? Ar siustuvo gylis šviežiame betone komplikuos jo informacijos skaitymo galimybe? Šiame straipsnyje aprašomi RND siustuvu informacijos tyrimo rezultatai, gauti idejus siustuvus ankstyvuoju šviežio betono stiprejimo laikotarpiu.
Agent-Based Mobile Event Notification System
Authors: El-Gazzar Rania Fahim , Badawy Osama , Kholief Mohamed
Published: October 2010

In recent years, the noticeable move towards using mobile devices (mobile phones and PDAs) and wireless technologies have made information available in the context of "anytime, anywhere using any mobile device" experience. Delivering information to mobile devices needs some sort of communication means such as Push, Pull, or mixed (Push and Pull) technologies to deliver any chunk of information (events, ads, advisory tips, learning materials, etc.). Events are the most important pieces of information that should be delivered timely wherever the user is. Agent-based technology offers autonomous, flexible, adaptable, and reliable way of delivering events to any device, anywhere, and on time. Publish/subscribe communication model is the basic infrastructure for event-based communication. In this paper, we define the need to mobilize the event notification process in educational environment and the possible categories of event notifications that students can receive from their educational institution. This paper also proposes a framework for agent-based mobile event notification system. The proposed framework is derived from the concept of pushâ??based publish/subscribe communication model but taking advantage from software agents to serve in the mobile environment. Finally, the paper provides a detailed analysis for the proposed system.
Proposal of a Mobile Learning Preferences Model
Authors: Yau Jane , Joy M. S.
Published: October 2010

A model consisting of five dimensions of mobile learning preferences â?? location, level of distractions, time of day, level of motivation and available time â?? is proposed in this paper. The aim of the model is to potentially increase the learning effectiveness of individuals or groups by appropriately matching and allocating mobile learning materials/applications according to each learnerâ??s type. Examples are given. Our current research investigations relating to this model are described.
MobiQiyas: A Mobile Learning Standardized Test Preparation for Saudi Arabian Students
Authors: Alabbadi Mohssen Mohammed
Published: October 2010

A mobile learning system, called MobiQiyas, for preparing Saudi Arabian students for one of the standardized tests, given by the National Center for Assessment in Higher Education (NCAHE), has been developed, using ready-made commercial products and tools. The learning material of MobiQiyas consists of practice questions with their answers, both provided by NCAHE, to be loaded by the students into their own mobile phones; after installation, the students can interact with MobiQiyas any number of times, as desired, without incurring any additional cost, other than the initial airtime cost for downloading. From total number of students taken the test, 20,000 students were randomly selected to use MobiQiyas and information was collected from them to measure their attitudes and participation of MobiQiyas. It was found that 36.1% of students had actually downloaded MobiQiyas successfully. Furthermore, a telephone survey was conducted, after the test period, on a class of 40 students in a secondary school in Riyadh, taking the same test, to measure their acceptance of MobiQiyas, using a 9-item questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. The responses of the 40 students reflected high acceptance and satisfaction levels of MobiQiyas as an effective test prep tool.
The Aquatic Turtle Assemblage Inhabiting a Highly Altered Landscape in Southeast Missouri
Authors: Glorioso Brad M. , Vaughn Allison J. , Waddle J. Hardin
Published: October 2010

Turtles are linked to energetic food webs as both consumers of plants and animals and prey for many species. Turtle biomass in freshwater systems can be an order of magnitude greater than that of endotherms. Therefore, declines in freshwater turtle populations can change energy transfer in freshwater systems. Here we report on a mark–recapture study at a lake and adjacent borrow pit in a relict tract of bottomland hardwood forest in the Mississippi River floodplain in southeast Missouri, which was designed to gather baseline data, including sex ratio, size structure, and population size, density, and biomass, for the freshwater turtle population. Using a variety of capture methods, we captured seven species of freshwater turtles (snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina; red-eared slider Trachemys scripta; southern painted turtle Chrysemys dorsalis; river cooter Pseudemys concinna; false map turtle Graptemys pseudogeographica; eastern musk turtle Sternotherus odoratus; spiny softshell Apalone spinifera) comprising four families (Chelydridae, Emydidae, Kinosternidae, Trinoychidae). With the exception of red-eared sliders, nearly all individuals captured were adults. Most turtles were captured by baited hoop-nets, and this was the only capture method that caught all seven species. The unbaited fyke net was very successful in the borrow pit, but only captured four of the seven species. Basking traps and deep-water crawfish nets had minimal success. Red-eared sliders had the greatest population estimate (2,675), density (205/ha), and biomass (178 kg/ha). Two species exhibited a sex-ratio bias: snapping turtles C. serpentina in favor of males, and spiny softshells A. spinifera in favor of females.
Culturally-Bound Innovation in Romanian Teaching and Research Hospitals
Authors: Dan Mihaela Cornelia , Vasilache Simona , Dima Alina Mihaela
Published: October 2010

This chapter discusses innovation in the Romanian healthcare sector, from the point of view of organizational learning, which is influenced by the components of organizational culture. Starting from the premise that hospital organizational culture differs from other types of organizations, we investigated the perceptions of a mixed sample of doctors and nurses from an internal medicine clinic of a large teaching and research hospital. The Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire and items selected from a questionnaire developed by the authors were used in order to study how the two groups perceived organizational culture and, subsequently, innovation, as both a component and a result of it. The results of the study show differences in perception between physicians and nurses, consistent with the ones presented in literature, and account for which facets of hospital organizational culture affect learning easiness versus which factors are negatively correlated with it.
The Digital Information Divide
Authors: McClure Randall
Published: October 2010

This chapter explores the gap in information between digital natives and digital immigrants. Advances in computer technology have transformed information, and resulting changes in information behavior clearly mark the digital information divide. These changes in information behavior have affected information literacy instruction, yet educators have opted for quick fix strategies, ignoring the need to develop a comprehensive information literacy curriculum for the digital age. Partnerships—between primary, secondary, and postsecondary teachers and librarians and curriculum designers working to establish a vertically and horizontally scaffolded K-16 information literacy curriculum—may effectively bridge the divide.
Intercropping under coconuts in Sri Lanka
Authors: Liyanage M De S , Tejwani KG , Nair PKR
Published: October 2010

Not availableKey words: Agroforestry, coconut, intercropping, Sri LankaDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cocos.v4i0.980COCOS Vol.4 No.2, 23-34