bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamiques concurrentielles et collaboratives entre des écoles secondaires de langue française en Ontario
Authors: Bélanger Nathalie , Audet Alexandre , Plante Jonathan
Published: December 2014

Résumé

Le but de cet article est de mieux comprendre et comparer les dynamiques concurrentielles et collaboratives entre des écoles secondaires de langue française, lesquelles cherchent à recruter des élèves. Les écoles sont situées dans deux contextes urbains en Ontario. Une telle étude n’a jamais été menée auparavant dans le contexte de ces écoles. Les données proviennent d’entretiens avec cinq directions d’école, des réponses de 89 parents d’élèves à un questionnaire administré en ligne, de l’analyse de sites internet des écoles et de politiques locales en matière de zone de fréquentation et d’admission. La théorie sous-jacente à l’analyse renvoie aux politiques éducatives et au marché scolaire. Les résultats montrent que les parents considèrent parfois deux, trois voire quatre écoles de l’entourage avant d’arrêter leur choix, mais cette tendance est davantage présente à Ottawa où un plus grand nombre d’écoles de langue française est accessible à une distance plus rapprochée qu’à Toronto. La moitié des parents ont répondu avoir trouvé de l’information sur les écoles grâce à des visites de l’établissement et des conversations avec leur entourage. Parmi les programmes jugés attrayants par les parents, le Baccalauréat international (BI) dont plusieurs administrations scolaires cherchent l’accréditation, arrive en tête, mais n’est pas sans poser de question pour les élèves n’y ayant pas accès. Le discours des directions d’école montre l’importance de la mise en valeur de leur établissement, et leurs relations avec les écoles du voisinage se déclinent en termes de collaboration et de compétition, bien que celles d’Ottawa semblent davantage dans un rapport de collaboration. On y retrouve des écoles avoisinantes qui sont amenées à définir leur spécificité et à véhiculer un message bien adapté à la clientèle ciblée, alors qu’à Toronto, les écoles, parfois récemment ouvertes, rivalisent dans leur offre de programme pour attirer des élèves. La concurrence est ainsi plus accrue entre les écoles de la région torontoise où le bassin de population étudiante francophone ou francophile est plus restreint mais tout de même en hausse dans certains secteurs de la Ville où de nouvelles constructions d’écoles sont exigées. Nous concluons à une interdépendance compétitive entre les écoles.
Identity and Deference:A Border Within15 Years On
Authors: Angus Ian
Published: December 2014

This lecture is a reconsideration of the arguments of A Border Within (1997) in the light of the “Harper Era” that emerged after its publication. The hypothesis was that English-Canadian culture contained the possibility of addressing the philosophical issue of identity and difference in a distinct fashion. It proceeded bottom-up by taking the discourses of national identity, multiculturalism, and environmentalism on their own terms. My critics in discourses of both multiculturalism and ecological thought have brought to my attention issues that were not dealt with sufficiently in the text. In each case the core issue is the tendency within the field of social power to group differences around an organizing centre that I called a “system” and that critics usually articulate through reference to post-structuralist authors. In one respect, the neo-liberal global context represented by the “Harper era” does require revision of the argument. It has become clear that any national project itself is fundamentally situated within a global economy and culture. So, the indecision has been decided by history: one can no longer see the nation state—or even the multinational state—as the container for all pertinent social projects.
Victim impact statements at sentencing: Towards a clearer understanding of their aims
Authors: Manikis Marie
Published: December 2014

The aims of victim impact statements (VIS) can be classified into two main categories – instrumental and expressive. These different sorts of aims are associated with different, and often conflicting, sentencing objectives. This article argues that the VIS regime in Canada remains a legal no man’s land, with neither its role nor its aims being clearly defined and articulated. Indeed, recent appellate court decisions have shown a number of inconsistencies and conflicts in the instrumental and expressive purposes that VISs in Canada are meant to serve. Further, it is also argued, the proposed legislative amendments under Bill C-32 are not very promising, since this scheme also fails to clearly articulate the aims and rationales behind the statements and behind the proposed changes. It is shown, throughout the article, that VIS regime guidelines and parameters can take different shapes and forms, depending on the aims retained. Moreover, while a dualist scheme that reconciles instrumental and expressive aims may be possible, clarity would be necessary in order to craft adequate parameters. Certainly, more protective measures are necessary if instrumental aims are to be retained. Finally, having laid out the conceptual and foundational grounds required to understand the possible aims of VISs and how these different aims can shape the relevant parameters, the article proceeds by laying out an initial, more normative, proposal for a VIS multi-functional model inspired by evidence-based findings.
Seasonal Variations in Health Hazards from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Bound to Submicrometer Particles at Three Characteristic Sites in the Heavily Polluted Polish Region
Authors: Kozielska Barbara , Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta , Klejnowski Krzysztof
Published: December 2014

Suspended particles with aerodynamic diameters not greater than 1 μm (PM1) were sampled at the urban background; regional background; and urban traffic points in southern Poland. In total, 120 samples were collected between 2 August 2009 and 27 December 2010. Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in each sample. The samples were collected with a high volume sampler (Digitel). Afterwards, they were chemically analyzed with a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (Perkin Elmer Clarus 500). The mean concentration values of the PAH sum (ΣPAH) and particular PAHs; the percentages of carcinogenic PAHs in total PAHs (ΣPAHcarc/ΣPAH); carcinogenic equivalent (CEQ); mutagenic equivalent (MEQ); and TCDD-toxic equivalent (TEQ) were much higher in the winter (heating) season than in the summer (non-heating) one. For both periods, the resulting average values obtained were significantly higher (a few; and sometimes a several dozen times higher) in the researched Polish region than the values observed in other areas of the world. Such results indicate the importance of health hazards resulting from PM1 and PM1-bound PAHs in this Polish area.
Vertical and Horizontal Polarization Observations of Slowly Varying Solar Emissions from Operational Swiss Weather Radars
Authors: Gabella Marco , Sartori Maurizio , Boscacci Marco , Germann Urs
Published: December 2014

The electromagnetic power that arrives from the Sun in the C-band has been used to check the quality of the polarimetric, Doppler weather radar network that has recently been installed in Switzerland. The operational monitoring of this network is based on the analysis of Sun signals in the polar volume data produced during the MeteoSwiss scan program. It relies on a method that has been developed to: (1) determine electromagnetic antenna pointing; (2) monitor receiver stability; and (3) assess the differential reflectivity offset. Most of the results from such a method had been derived using data acquired in 2008, which was a period of quiet solar flux activity. Here, it has been applied, in simplified form, to the currently active Sun period. This note describes the results that have been obtained recently thanks to an inter-comparison of three polarimetric operational radars and the Sun’s reference signal observed in Canada in the S-band by the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO). The focus is on relative calibration: horizontal and vertical polarization are evaluated versus the DRAO reference and mutually compared. All six radar receivers (three systems, two polarizations) are able to capture and describe the monthly variability of the microwave signal emitted by the Sun. It can be concluded that even this simplified form of the method has the potential to routinely monitor dual-polarization weather radar networks during periods of intense Sun activity.
Improvement of IFNg ELISPOT Performance Following Overnight Resting of Frozen PBMC Samples Confirmed Through Rigorous Statistical Analysis
Authors: Santos Radleigh , Buying Alcinette , Sabri Nazila , Yu John , Gringeri Anthony , Bender James , Janetzki Sylvia , Pinilla Clemencia , Judkowski Valeria
Published: December 2014

Immune monitoring of functional responses is a fundamental parameter to establish correlates of protection in clinical trials evaluating vaccines and therapies to boost antigen-specific responses. The IFNg ELISPOT assay is a well-standardized and validated method for the determination of functional IFNg-producing T-cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC); however, its performance greatly depends on the quality and integrity of the cryopreserved PBMC. Here, we investigate the effect of overnight (ON) resting of the PBMC on the detection of CD8-restricted peptide-specific responses by IFNg ELISPOT. The study used PBMC from healthy donors to evaluate the CD8 T-cell response to five pooled or individual HLA-A2 viral peptides. The results were analyzed using a modification of the existing distribution free resampling (DFR) recommended for the analysis of ELISPOT data to ensure the most rigorous possible standard of significance. The results of the study demonstrate that ON resting of PBMC samples prior to IFNg ELISPOT increases both the magnitude and the statistical significance of the responses. In addition, a comparison of the results with a 13-day preculture of PBMC with the peptides before testing demonstrates that ON resting is sufficient for the efficient evaluation of immune functioning.
Quantification of Carbonyl Compounds Generated from Ozone-Based Food Colorants Decomposition Using On-Fiber Derivatization-SPME-GC-MS
Authors: Zhu Wenda , Koziel Jacek , Cai Lingshuang , Özsoy H. Duygu , Van Leeuwen J.
Published: December 2014

Fruit leathers (FLs) production produces some not-to-specification material, which contains valuable ingredients like fruit pulp, sugars and acidulates. Recovery of FL for product recycling requires decolorization. In earlier research, we proved the efficiency of an ozone-based decolorization process; however, it produces carbonyls as major byproducts, which could be of concern. A headspace solid-phase microextraction with on-fiber derivatization followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed for 10 carbonyls analysis in ozonated FL solution/suspension. Effects of dopant concentration, derivatization temperature and time were studied. The adapted method was used to analyze ozonated FL solution/suspension samples. Dopant concentration and derivatization temperature were optimized to 17 mg/mL and 60 °C, respectively. Competitive extraction was studied, and 5 s extraction time was used to avoid non-linear derivatization of 2-furfural. The detection limits (LODs) for target carbonyls ranged from 0.016 and 0.030 µg/L. A much lower LOD (0.016 ppb) for 2-furfural was achieved compared with 6 and 35 ppb in previous studies. Analysis results confirmed the robustness of the adapted method for quantification of carbonyls in recycled process water treated with ozone-based decolorization. Ethanal, hexanal, 2-furfural, and benzaldehyde were identified as byproducts of known toxicity but all found below levels for concern.
Recent Advances in Second Generation Ethanol Production by Thermophilic Bacteria
Authors: Scully Sean , Orlygsson Johann
Published: December 2014

There is an increased interest in using thermophilic bacteria for the production of bioethanol from complex lignocellulosic biomass due to their higher operating temperatures and broad substrate range. This review focuses upon the main genera of thermophilic anaerobes known to produce ethanol, their physiology, and the relevance of various environmental factors on ethanol yields including the partial pressure of hydrogen, ethanol tolerance, pH and substrate inhibition. Additionally, recent development in evolutionary adaptation and genetic engineering of thermophilic bacteria is highlighted. Recent developments in advanced process techniques used for ethanol production are reviewed with an emphasis on the advantages of using thermophilic bacteria in process strategies including separate saccharification and fermentation, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), and consolidated bioprocessing (CBP).
Hybrid Multi-Agent Control in Microgrids: Framework, Models and Implementations Based on IEC 61850
Authors: Dou Xiaobo , Quan Xiangjun , Wu Zaijun , Hu Minqiang , Yang Kang , Yuan Jian , Wang Mengmeng
Published: December 2014

Operation control is a vital and complex issue for microgrids. The objective of this paper is to explore the practical means of applying decentralized control by using a multi agent system in actual microgrids and devices. This paper presents a hierarchical control framework (HCF) consisting of local reaction control (LRC) level, local decision control (LDC) level, horizontal cooperation control (HCC) level and vertical cooperation control (VCC) level to meet different control requirements of a microgrid. Then, a hybrid multi-agent control model (HAM) is proposed to implement HCF, and the properties, functionalities and operating rules of HAM are described. Furthermore, the paper elaborates on the implementation of HAM based on the IEC 61850 Standard, and proposes some new implementation methods, such as extended information models of IEC 61850 with agent communication language and bidirectional interaction mechanism of generic object oriented substation event (GOOSE) communication. A hardware design and software system are proposed and the results of simulation and laboratory tests verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategies, models and implementations.
Upregulation of TLRs and IL-6 as a Marker in Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lu Chien-Chang , Kuo Hsing-Chun , Wang Feng-Sheng , Jou Ming-Huey , Lee Ko-Chao , Chuang Jiin-Haur
Published: December 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) not only form an important part of the innate immune system but also serve to activate the adaptive immune system in response to cancer. Real-time PCR; immunohistochemical stain and Western blotting analyses were performed to clarify molecular alterations in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We identified Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR4 and TLR8 gene expression levels and downstream gene, i.e., interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, interferon-α (IFN-α) and myeloid differentiation primary-response protein-88 (MyD88), expression levels in CRC patients and in cancer cell lines. CRC tissues have higher TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR8, IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression levels than do the normal colon mucosa (p < 0.05). TLR2 expression varied in different cell types (mucosa and lymphocytes). There was no difference in the MyD88 and IFN-α gene expression levels between cancerous and normal colon mucosa. CRC patients had higher levels of IL-6 (p = 0.002) and IL-8 (p = 0.038) expression than healthy volunteers did; and higher IL-6 and IL-8 expression was also found to signify a higher risk of recurrence. CL075 (3M002) treatments can reduce the production of IL-8 in different cancer cell lines. The signaling pathway of TLRs in cancer tissue is different from that in normal cells; and is MyD88-independent. Higher expression levels of TLR1, TLR2, TLR 4 and TLR 8 mRNA were related to upregulation inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression in tissue and to the upregulation of IL-6 in blood. The concentration of IL-6 in serum can be used as an indicator of the possibility of CRC recurrence. Treatment with 3M002 can reduce IL-6 production in vitro and may prevent CRC recurrence. Our findings provide evidence that TLR1, TLR2, TLR4 and TLR8 gene expression induce downstream IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression; detection of these expression levels can serve as a CRC marker.
Increased ARPP-19 Expression Is Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Song Haiyan , Pan Jielu , Liu Yang , Wen Hongzhu , Wang Lei , Cui Jiefeng , Liu Yinkun , Hu Bing , Yao Zemin , Ji Guang
Published: December 2014

The cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 19 (ARPP-19) plays a key role in cell mitotic G2/M transition. Expression of ARPP-19 was increased in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues in 36 paired liver samples, and the level of ARPP-19 in HCC tissues was positively correlated with the tumor size. To determine the interrelationship between ARPP-19 expression and HCC, we silenced ARPP-19 expression in the human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells using lentivirus encoding ARPP-19 siRNA. HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells with ARPP-19 knockdown displayed lowered cell growth rate, retarded colony formation and increased arrest at the G2/M phase transition. Silencing ARPP-19 in HCC cells resulted in decreased protein levels of phospho-(Ser) CDKs substrates and increased levels of inactivated cyclin division cycle 2 (Cdc2). Therefore, ARPP-19 may play a role in HCC pathogenesis through regulating cell proliferation.
Photocatalytic Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production with Gd2MSbO7 (M = Fe, In, Y) Photocatalysts under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Luan Jingfei , Li Yanyan
Published: December 2014

Novel photocatalysts Gd2FeSbO7, Gd2InSbO7 and Gd2YSbO7 were synthesized by the solid state reaction method for the first time. A comparative study about the structural and photocatalytic properties of Gd2MSbO7 (M = Fe, In, Y) was reported. The results showed that Gd2FeSbO7, Gd2InSbO7 and Gd2YSbO7 crystallized with the pyrochlore-type structure, cubic crystal system and space group Fd3m. The lattice parameter a for Gd2FeSbO7, Gd2InSbO7 or Gd2YSbO7 was 10.276026 Å, 10.449546 Å or 10.653651 Å. The band gap of Gd2FeSbO7, Gd2InSbO7 or Gd2YSbO7 was estimated to be 2.151 eV, 2.897 eV or 2.396 eV. For the photocatalytic water-splitting reaction, H2 or O2 evolution was observed from pure water with Gd2FeSbO7, Gd2InSbO7 or Gd2YSbO7 as catalyst under visible light irradiation (wavelength > 420 nm). Moreover, H2 or O2 also spilt by using Gd2FeSbO7, Gd2InSbO7 or Gd2YSbO7 as catalyst from CH3OH/H2O or AgNO3/H2O solutions under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). Gd2FeSbO7 showed the highest activity compared with Gd2InSbO7 or Gd2YSbO7. At the same time, Gd2InSbO7 showed higher activity compared with Gd2YSbO7. The photocatalytic activities were further improved under visible light irradiation with Gd2FeSbO7, Gd2InSbO7 or Gd2YSbO7 being loaded by Pt, NiO or RuO2. The effect of Pt was better than that of NiO or RuO2 for improving the photocatalytic activity of Gd2FeSbO7, Gd2InSbO7 or Gd2YSbO7.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Efficiency of N–F-Co-Embedded Titania under Visible Light Exposure for Removal of Indoor-Level Pollutants
Authors: Shin Seung-Ho , Chun Ho-Hwan , Jo Wan-Kuen
Published: December 2014

N–F-co-embedded titania (N–F–TiO2) photocatalysts with varying N:F ratios were synthesized and tested for their ability to photocatalyze the degradation of pollutants present at indoor air levels using visible light. The synthesis was achieved using a solvothermal process with tetrabutyl titanate, urea and ammonium fluoride as sources of Ti, N and F, respectively. Three selected volatile organic compounds (toluene, ethyl benzene and o-xylene) were selected as the test pollutants. The prepared composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Ultra-violet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of N–F–TiO2 composites were higher than those obtained using pure TiO2 and N–TiO2. Moreover, these efficiencies increased as the N:F ratio decreased from sixteen to eight, then decreased as it dropped further to three, indicating the presence of an optimal N:F ratio. Meanwhile, as retention time decreased from 12.4 to 0.62 s, the average photocatalytic efficiencies decreased from 65.4% to 21.7%, 91.5% to 37.8% and 95.8% to 44.7% for toluene, ethyl benzene and o-xylene, respectively. In contrast, the photocatalytic reaction rates increased as retention time decreased. In consideration of all of these factors, under optimized operational conditions, the prepared N–F–TiO2 composites could be utilized for the degradation of target pollutants at indoor air levels using visible light.
Sino-Austrian High-Tech Acupuncture Network—Annual Report 2014
Authors: Litscher Gerhard
Published: December 2014

The Sino-Austrian High-Tech Acupuncture Research Network was founded in 2005 and has been growing ever since. The network comprises many partners from China and is highly involved in research and publication activities. This report introduces the network’s activities in the year 2014.
Review of Biohydrometallurgical Metals Extraction from Polymetallic Mineral Resources
Authors: Watling Helen
Published: December 2014

This review has as its underlying premise the need to become proficient in delivering a suite of element or metal products from polymetallic ores to avoid the predicted exhaustion of key metals in demand in technological societies. Many technologies, proven or still to be developed, will assist in meeting the demands of the next generation for trace and rare metals, potentially including the broader application of biohydrometallurgy for the extraction of multiple metals from low-grade and complex ores. Developed biotechnologies that could be applied are briefly reviewed and some of the difficulties to be overcome highlighted. Examples of the bioleaching of polymetallic mineral resources using different combinations of those technologies are described for polymetallic sulfide concentrates, low-grade sulfide and oxidised ores. Three areas for further research are: (i) the development of sophisticated continuous vat bioreactors with additional controls; (ii) in situ and in stope bioleaching and the need to solve problems associated with microbial activity in that scenario; and (iii) the exploitation of sulfur-oxidising microorganisms that, under specific anaerobic leaching conditions, reduce and solubilise refractory iron(III) or manganese(IV) compounds containing multiple elements. Finally, with the successful applications of stirred tank bioleaching to a polymetallic tailings dump and heap bioleaching to a polymetallic black schist ore, there is no reason why those proven technologies should not be more widely applied.
Steric Stabilization of “Charge-Free” Cellulose Nanowhiskers by Grafting of Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Araki Jun , Mishima Shiho
Published: December 2014

A sterically stabilized aqueous suspension of “charge-free” cellulose nanowhiskers was prepared by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of cotton powders and subsequent surface grafting of monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG). The preparation scheme included carboxylation of the terminal hydroxyl groups in mPEG via oxidation with silica gel particles carrying 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-pyperidinyloxyl (TEMPO) moieties and subsequent esterification between terminal carboxyls in mPEG and surface hydroxyl groups of cellulose nanowhiskers, mediated by 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) in dimethyl sulfoxide or dimethylacetamide. Some of the prepared PEG-grafted samples showed remarkable flow birefringence and enhanced stability after 24 h, even in 0.1 M NaCl, suggesting successful steric stabilization by efficient mPEG grafting. Actual PEG grafting via ester linkages was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. In a typical example, the amount of grafted mPEG was estimated as ca. 0.3 g/g cellulose by two measurements, i.e., weight increase after grafting and weight loss after alkali cleavage of ester linkages. Transmission electron microscopy indicated unchanged nanowhisker morphology after mPEG grafting.
The Impact of Diet and Lifestyle on Gut Microbiota and Human Health
Authors: Conlon Michael , Bird Anthony
Published: December 2014

There is growing recognition of the role of diet and other environmental factors in modulating the composition and metabolic activity of the human gut microbiota, which in turn can impact health. This narrative review explores the relevant contemporary scientific literature to provide a general perspective of this broad area. Molecular technologies have greatly advanced our understanding of the complexity and diversity of the gut microbial communities within and between individuals. Diet, particularly macronutrients, has a major role in shaping the composition and activity of these complex populations. Despite the body of knowledge that exists on the effects of carbohydrates there are still many unanswered questions. The impacts of dietary fats and protein on the gut microbiota are less well defined. Both short- and long-term dietary change can influence the microbial profiles, and infant nutrition may have life-long consequences through microbial modulation of the immune system. The impact of environmental factors, including aspects of lifestyle, on the microbiota is particularly poorly understood but some of these factors are described. We also discuss the use and potential benefits of prebiotics and probiotics to modify microbial populations. A description of some areas that should be addressed in future research is also presented.
Understanding How Commensal Obligate Anaerobic Bacteria Regulate Immune Functions in the Large Intestine
Authors: Maier Eva , Anderson Rachel , Roy Nicole
Published: December 2014

The human gastrointestinal tract is colonised by trillions of commensal bacteria, most of which are obligate anaerobes residing in the large intestine. Appropriate bacterial colonisation is generally known to be critical for human health. In particular, the development and function of the immune system depends on microbial colonisation, and a regulated cross-talk between commensal bacteria, intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells is required to maintain mucosal immune homeostasis. This homeostasis is disturbed in various inflammatory disorders, such as inflammatory bowel diseases. Several in vitro and in vivo studies indicate a role for Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides fragilis, Akkermansia muciniphila and segmented filamentous bacteria in maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis. These obligate anaerobes are abundant in the healthy intestine but reduced in several inflammatory diseases, suggesting an association with protective effects on human health. However, knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the effects of obligate anaerobic intestinal bacteria remains limited, in part due to the difficulty of co-culturing obligate anaerobes together with oxygen-requiring human epithelial cells. By using novel dual-environment co-culture models, it will be possible to investigate the effects of the unstudied majority of intestinal microorganisms on the human epithelia. This knowledge will provide opportunities for improving human health and reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases.
A Steady-State Kalman Predictor-Based Filtering Strategy for Non-Overlapping Sub-Band Spectral Estimation
Authors: Li Zenghui , Xu Bin , Yang Jian , Song Jianshe
Published: December 2014

This paper focuses on suppressing spectral overlap for sub-band spectral estimation, with which we can greatly decrease the computational complexity of existing spectral estimation algorithms, such as nonlinear least squares spectral analysis and non-quadratic regularized sparse representation. Firstly, our study shows that the nominal ability of the high-order analysis filter to suppress spectral overlap is greatly weakened when filtering a finite-length sequence, because many meaningless zeros are used as samples in convolution operations. Next, an extrapolation-based filtering strategy is proposed to produce a series of estimates as the substitutions of the zeros and to recover the suppression ability. Meanwhile, a steady-state Kalman predictor is applied to perform a linearly-optimal extrapolation. Finally, several typical methods for spectral analysis are applied to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Sign Language Recognition with the Kinect Sensor Based on Conditional Random Fields
Authors: Yang Hee-Deok
Published: December 2014

Sign language is a visual language used by deaf people. One difficulty of sign language recognition is that sign instances of vary in both motion and shape in three-dimensional (3D) space. In this research, we use 3D depth information from hand motions, generated from Microsoft’s Kinect sensor and apply a hierarchical conditional random field (CRF) that recognizes hand signs from the hand motions. The proposed method uses a hierarchical CRF to detect candidate segments of signs using hand motions, and then a BoostMap embedding method to verify the hand shapes of the segmented signs. Experiments demonstrated that the proposed method could recognize signs from signed sentence data at a rate of 90.4%.
A Novel Ultrasound Technique for Detection of Osteochondral Defects in the Ankle Joint: A Parametric and Feasibility Study
Authors: Sarkalkan Nazli , Loeve Arjo , Van Dongen Koen , Tuijthof Gabrielle , Zadpoor Amir
Published: December 2014

(Osteo)chondral defects (OCDs) in the ankle are currently diagnosed with modalities that are not convenient to use in long-term follow-ups. Ultrasound (US) imaging, which is a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative, has limited ability to discriminate OCDs. We aim to develop a new diagnostic technique based on US wave propagation through the ankle joint. The presence of OCDs is identified when a US signal deviates from a reference signal associated with the healthy joint. The feasibility of the proposed technique is studied using experimentally-validated 2D finite-difference time-domain models of the ankle joint. The normalized maximum cross correlation of experiments and simulation was 0.97. Effects of variables relevant to the ankle joint, US transducers and OCDs were evaluated. Variations in joint space width and transducer orientation made noticeable alterations to the reference signal: normalized root mean square error ranged from 6.29% to 65.25% and from 19.59% to 8064.2%, respectively. The results suggest that the new technique could be used for detection of OCDs, if the effects of other parameters (i.e., parameters related to the ankle joint and US transducers) can be reduced.
A Critical Analysis of Britain’s Living, Dead and Zombie Multiculturalism: From 7/7 to the London 2012 Olympic Games
Authors: Allen Chris
Published: December 2014

A day after the London 2012 Bid Committee succeeded in bringing the Olympic Games to Britain using the slogan “the world in one city”, a series of coordinated suicide bomb attacks occurred across London (7/7). In one day, Britain’s somewhat beleaguered multiculturalism went from prompting national celebrations to being decried as “dead” by politicians and commentators alike. Against a backdrop of the Committee’s success in July 2005 through to the end of the Games themselves in August 2012, this article analyses the social and political discourses and debates that ensued in relation to Britain’s multiculturalism. Exploring the metamorphosis of these discourses—using the analogous language of being alive, dead and zombie—this article reflects on the impact and legacy of the London Games on future understandings of multiculturalism. In doing so, this article argues that the everyday lived variety of multiculturalism will always be distinct and different from the political discourses appropriated—or rejected—by political actors.
Forty Years of Forensic Interviewing of Children Suspected of Sexual Abuse, 1974–2014: Historical Benchmarks
Authors: Faller Kathleen
Published: December 2014

This article describes the evolution of forensic interviewing as a method to determine whether or not a child has been sexually abused, focusing primarily on the United States. It notes that forensic interviewing practices are challenged to successfully identify children who have been sexually abused and successfully exclude children who have not been sexually abused. It describes models for child sexual abuse investigation, early writings and practices related to child interviews, and the development of forensic interview structures from scripted, to semi-structured, to flexible. The article discusses the controversies related appropriate questions and the use of media (e.g., anatomical dolls and drawings). It summarizes the characteristics of four important interview structures and describes their impact of the field of forensic interviewing. The article describes forensic interview training and the challenge of implementing training in forensic practice. The article concludes with a summary of progress and remaining controversies and with future challenges for the field of forensic interviewing.
Development of Flow Forecasting Models in the Bow River at Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Veiga Victor , Hassan Quazi , He Jianxun
Published: December 2014

River flow forecasting is critical for flood forecasting, reservoir operations, and water resources management. However, flow forecasting can be difficult, challenging and time consuming due to the spatial and temporal variability of climatic conditions and watershed characteristics. From a practical point of view, a simple and intuitive approach might be more preferable than a complex modeling approach. In this study, our objective was to develop short-term (i.e., daily) flow forecasting models in the Bow River at the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Here, we evaluated the performance of several regression models, along with a newly proposed “base difference” model, by using antecedent daily river flow values from three gauge stations (i.e., Banff, Seebe, and Calgary). Our analyses revealed that using a multivariable linear regression formulated as a function of upstream gauge stations (i.e., Banff or Seebe) and the station of interest (i.e., Calgary) using antecedent flows demonstrated strong relationships (i.e., having r2 (coefficient of determination) and RMSE (root-mean-square deviation) of approximately 0.93 and 14 m3/s, respectively). As such, we opted to suggest that the use of Banff and Calgary stations in forecasting the flows at Calgary could be considered as it would require a relatively lower number of gauge stations.
Release of β-galactosidase from poloxamine/α-cyclodextrin hydrogels
Authors: Estévez César A , Isasi José Ramón , Larrañeta Eneko , Vélaz Itziar
Published: December 2014

All mammals lose their ability to produce lactase (β-galactosidase), the enzyme that cleaves lactose into galactose and glucose, after weaning. The prevalence of lactase deficiency (LD) spans from 2 to 15% among northern Europeans, to nearly 100% among Asians. Following lactose consumption, people with LD often experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bowel distension, cramps and flatulence, or even systemic problems such as headache, loss of concentration and muscle pain. These symptoms vary depending on the amount of lactose ingested, type of food and degree of intolerance. Although those affected can avoid the uptake of dairy products, in doing so, they lose a readily available source of calcium and protein. In this work, gels obtained by complexation of Tetronic 90R4 with α-cyclodextrin loaded with β-galactosidase are proposed as a way to administer the enzyme immediately before or with the lactose-containing meal. Both molecules are biocompatible, can form gels in situ, and show sustained erosion kinetics in aqueous media. The complex was characterized by FTIR that evidenced an inclusion complex between the polyethylene oxide block and α-cyclodextrin. The release profiles of β-galactosidase from two different matrices (gels and tablets) of the in situ hydrogels have been obtained. The influence of the percentage of Tetronic in media of different pH was evaluated. No differences were observed regarding the release rate from the gel matrices at pH 6 (t50 = 105 min). However, in the case of the tablets, the kinetics were faster and they released a greater amount of 90R4 (25%, t50 = 40–50 min). Also, the amount of enzyme released was higher for mixtures with 25% Tetronic. Using suitable mathematical models, the corresponding kinetic parameters have been calculated. In all cases, the release data fit quite well to the Peppas–Sahlin model equation, indicating that the release of β-galactosidase is governed by a combination of diffusion and erosion processes. It has been observed that the diffusion mechanism prevails over erosion during the first 50 minutes, followed by continued release of the enzyme due to the disintegration of the matrix.
Le climat éthique au travail, baromètre de l'éthique dans l'organisation. Une exploration des perceptions des employés dans des entreprises tunisiennes
Authors: Chouaib Afef
Published: December 2014

Cet article propose d’explorer le contexte éthique dans les entreprises tunisiennes tel que perçu par les employés à travers l’étude du concept de climat éthique au travail. Les résultats de l’enquête qualitative exploratoire soulignent l’existence de perceptions divergentes quant au climat éthique dominant dans leurs organisations. Cela implique des pratiques managériales et des actions éthiques appropriées.
De la nécessité d'étendre les références éthiques de l'approche par les capabilités. Enseignements tirés des pratiques du commerce équitable
Authors: Randrianasolo-Rakotobe Hanitra , Dahmani Ahmed , Dubois Jean-Luc
Published: December 2014

Peu de travaux ont fait le lien entre les pratiques de l’économie solidaire, comme le commerce équitable, et l’approche par les capabilités, alors que cette dernière semblerait bien pouvoir fournir le cadre analytique dont a besoin l’économie solidaire pour s’affirmer de manière théorique comme mode de développement alternatif pour des économies interdépendantes en crise. L’approche par les capabilités défendue par A. Sen et M. Nussbaum, en tant qu’élément d’une théorie de la justice, permet ce rapprochement analytique. Il convient, dès lors, d’élargir la vision actuelle concernant la prise en compte de la responsabilité face à la liberté d’action et de choix et de la capacité d’action collective, sous forme d’agencéité collective ou individualisée.
Commerce équitable et éthique : pour une défense des filières labellisées
Authors: Ballet Jérôme , Carimentrand Aurélie
Published: December 2014

Au sein du commerce équitable, les filières labellisées sont souvent opposées aux filières spécialisées. Les premières sont depuis un certain nombre d’années l’objet de vives critiques. En nous appuyant sur un ensemble de critères éthiques, nous défendons l’idée que ces critiques sont un peu abruptes. Elles oublient l’originalité des filières labellisées. Surtout elles sont forgées sur une comparaison avec les filières spécialisées, alors que ces deux types de filières visent des objectifs très différents.
Inégalités dans la distribution de la richesse non monétaire au Togo : une application de la décomposition de Gini en valeur de Shapley
Authors: Noglo Yawo Agbényégan
Published: December 2014

Cet article a pour objet de mesurer et d’analyser les inégalités dans la distribution de la richesse non monétaire au Togo. L’étude s’appuie sur les enquêtes QUIBB 2006 et l’indicateur composite de bien-être est l’indicateur non monétaire utilisé. La décomposition de l’indice de Gini en valeur de Shapley montre que l’inégalité intragroupes est la plus importante et appelle, en priorité, des politiques de réduction des inégalités.
La crise économique actuelle et les migrations internationales
Authors: Fromentin Vincent
Published: December 2014

Le but de cet article est d’étudier l’impact de la crise économique actuelle sur les flux migratoires entre 2000 et 2010. L’étude économétrique basée sur des tests de non-causalité sur panels hétérogènes démontre que la crise économique affecte les migrations, plus particulièrement dans les pays d’immigration récente, tels que l’Espagne, l’Irlande ou l’Italie. Dans ces pays, les migrations semblent être tributaires des fluctuations et des aléas économiques, à l’instar des pays d’immigration traditionnelle au cours du 20 ème siècle. En définitive, la relation n’est pas universelle et constante dans le temps, en raison d’une hétérogénéité relativement forte des pays.
De la gouvernance d'un réseau a la gouvernance d'un réseau de réseaux
Authors: Assens Christophe , Courie Lemeur Aline
Published: December 2014

Par définition, un réseau est une structure collaborative, constituée de plusieurs partenaires autonomes sur le plan financier, juridique, et/ou managérial, mais mutuellement dépendants pour atteindre des objectifs communs. Le réseau se nourrit des échanges avec l’extérieur qui le pousse à étendre sa sphère d’influence, en repoussant sans cesse ses propres limites d’influence. Mais plus le réseau s’étend et moins il devient facile de le gouverner, en raison du nombre croissant d’éléments en interaction. Ainsi, l’un des problèmes majeurs que nous soulevons dans cet article porte sur la gouvernance du réseau, en termes de prise de décision et de répartition des tâches, lorsque l’organisation réseau évolue vers une fédération de réseaux. Dans le réseau, les mécanismes de gouvernance sont fondés sur la relation de confiance, qui dépasse la simple logique économique. Avec l’extension des frontières du réseau sous l’effet du regroupement des entreprises et des parties prenantes entre elles, en coalitions de toutes sortes, la confiance va se diluer progressivement, perdant ainsi son rôle fédérateur. L’organisation évolue alors vers la forme d’une ‘fédération de réseau’, assimilée à un collectif de collectif, où l’enjeu consiste à fédérer des coalitions. Le cadre de la gouvernance adopte alors une vision politique et socio-économique, contrainte par des phénomènes de collusion d’intérêt des médiateurs têtes de réseaux.
Ressources humaines et risque géopolitique. Un enjeu managérial majeur, un agenda de recherche à construire
Authors: Dalmas Michel , Nivet Bastien , Spach Philippe
Published: December 2014

Dans un contexte de mondialisation économique, les cas d’entreprises dont les salariés ou infrastructures sont confrontés aux risques géopolitiques se multiplient. Cette évolution est peu prise en compte dans le champ académique. Trop éclatées, se parlant peu, les disciplines porteuses d’éléments de compréhension, de gestion ou de résolution de ce phénomène sont insuffisamment mises en relation. Cet article est un travail exploratoire, destiné à montrer la nécessaire construction d’un agenda de recherche conciliant les travaux en géopolitique et sécurité internationale d’une part, et ceux en sciences de gestion (organisation et management en particulier) d’autre part. Il relève avant tout d’une méthode d’analyse de la littérature, agrémentée d’exemples empiriques démontrant l’actualité du sujet, et avance que le concept de HRO pourrait servir de point d’appui à l’approfondissement de la prise en compte de la confrontation des entreprises au risque géopolitique par les sciences de gestion.
Competition and Collaboration in Translation Education
Authors: Shamma Tarek
Published: December 2014

This chapter discusses the results of a pilot study that explored the use of contests in translation pedagogy, proposing methods for designing classroom and extracurricular contests. Three translation contests (two in-class and one extracurricular) were conducted for undergraduate students at United Arab Emirates University. Student questionnaires were used to examine the potential role of contests in translator education and, in particular, the positive and negative effects of competition on students' motivation. The use of group work was also examined as a method of minimizing the potential negative effects of competition, as described in the literature. The study indicates that contests can be useful in stimulating student motivation, especially on the basic levels of education. On the other hand, it is suggested that, while group work is seen as effective and desirable by most students, there are caveats to be considered when planning and implementing this type of activity.
Financial Translation
Authors: Peñalver Elena Alcalde
Published: December 2014

In this chapter, the question of curricular design in financial translation is analyzed based on previous empirical data that show the importance of this type of translation in different countries. Empirical studies are necessary before proceeding with any kind of proposal for curricular design (Kelly, 2002; Hurtado, 1999). Therefore, after considering the data that show the volume of this type of specialized translation in the job market, some job offers in the field of financial translation are examined. After identifying social and market needs through the analysis of job offers for financial translators and a review of the literature discussing the profession in this area of specialization, Kelly's (2002) model of translation competence is applied, and each sub(competence) in the field is examined. Finally, Miller's pyramid is used to illustrate how different competences can be emphasized in the specialized training process for financial translation.
The Role of Translation in Language Teaching
Authors: D'Amore Anna Maria
Published: December 2014

With the development of approaches and methods in Modern Language teaching that favoured oral communication skills and advocated more “natural” methods of second/foreign language acquisition, methodology calling for translation in the classroom was shunned. Nonetheless, translation used as a resource designed to assist the student in improving his or her knowledge of the foreign language through reading comprehension exercises, contrastive analysis, and reflection on written texts continues to be practiced. By examining student performance in problem-solving tasks at the Autonomous University of Zacatecas, this chapter aims to demonstrate the validity of “pedagogical translation” in ELT in Mexico, particularly at undergraduate level where it is an integral part of English reading courses in Humanities study programmes, not as an end in itself, but as a means to perfecting reading skills in a foreign language and furthermore as an aid for consolidating writing and communication skills in the student's first language.
Translation Competence
Authors: Vandepitte Sonia , Mousten Birthe , Maylath Bruce , Isohella Suvi , Musacchio Maria Teresa , Palumbo Giuseppe
Published: December 2014

After Kiraly (2000) introduced the collaborative form of translation in classrooms, Pavlovic (2007), Kenny (2008), and Huertas Barros (2011) provided empirical evidence that testifies to the impact of collaborative learning. This chapter sets out to describe the collaborative forms of learning at different stages in the translation processes in the Trans-Atlantic and Pacific Project, a long-term cross-cultural virtual team. It describes the forms of collaborative learning practised in this multilateral international project in technical communication and translator training programmes and explores the empirical data that the project may provide for future research into learning translation.