bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Distributions of Environmental Outcomes for Regulatory Environmental Justice Analysis
Authors: Maguire Kelly , Sheriff Glenn
Published: May 2011

Economists have long been interested in measuring distributional impacts of policy interventions. As environmental justice (EJ) emerged as an ethical issue in the 1970s, the academic literature has provided statistical analyses of the incidence and causes of various environmental outcomes as they relate to race, income, and other demographic variables. In the context of regulatory impacts, however, there is a lack of consensus regarding what information is relevant for EJ analysis, and how best to present it. This paper helps frame the discussion by suggesting a set of questions fundamental to regulatory EJ analysis, reviewing past approaches to quantifying distributional equity, and discussing the potential for adapting existing tools to the regulatory context.
Review of Pesticide Urinary Biomarker Measurements from Selected US EPA Children’s Observational Exposure Studies
Authors: Egeghy Peter P. , Cohen Hubal Elaine A. , Tulve Nicolle S. , Melnyk Lisa J. , Morgan Marsha K. , Fortmann Roy C. , Sheldon Linda S.
Published: May 2011

Children are exposed to a wide variety of pesticides originating from both outdoor and indoor sources. Several studies were conducted or funded by the EPA over the past decade to investigate children’s exposure to organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides and the factors that impact their exposures. Urinary metabolite concentration measurements from these studies are consolidated here to identify trends, spatial and temporal patterns, and areas where further research is required. Namely, concentrations of the metabolites of chlorpyrifos (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol or TCPy), diazinon (2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinol or IMP), and permethrin (3-phenoxybenzoic acid or 3-PBA) are presented. Information on the kinetic parameters describing absorption and elimination in humans is also presented to aid in interpretation. Metabolite concentrations varied more dramatically across studies for 3-PBA and IMP than for TCPy, with TCPy concentrations about an order of magnitude higher than the 3-PBA concentrations. Temporal variability was high for all metabolites with urinary 3-PBA concentrations slightly more consistent over time than the TCPy concentrations. Urinary biomarker levels provided only limited evidence of applications. The observed relationships between urinary metabolite levels and estimates of pesticide intake may be affected by differences in the contribution of each exposure route to total intake, which may vary with exposure intensity and across individuals.
Expression of an Endo-β-1,4-glucanase Gene from Orpinomyces PC-2 in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Jin Xin , Meng Nan , Xia Li-ming
Published: May 2011

The endo-β-1,4-glucanase gene celE from the anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces PC-2 was placed under the control of an alcohol oxidase promoter (AOX1) in the plasmid pPIC9K, and integrated into the genome of a methylotrophic yeast P. pastoris GS115 by electroporation. The strain with highest endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity was selected and designed as P. pastoris egE, and cultivated in shaking flasks. The culture supernatant was assayed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and showed a single band at about 52 kDa. Furthermore, the recombinant P. pastoris egE was proved to possess the ability to utilize sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a carbon source. The recombinant endoglucanase produced by P. pastoris showed maximum activity at pH 6.0 and temperature 45 °C, indicating it was a mesophilic neutral endo-β-1,4-glucanase, suitable for denim biofinishing/washing. Further research was carried out in suitable fermentation medium in shaking flasks. The most favorable methanol addition concentration was discussed and given as 1.0%. After methanol induction for 96 h, the endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity reached 72.5 IU mL−1. This is the first report on expression and characterization of endo-β-1,4-glucanase from Orpinomyces in P. pastoris. The endo-β-1,4-glucanase secreted by recombinant P. pastoris represents an attractive potential for both academic research and textile industry application.
Study of Ni Metallization in Macroporous Si Using Wet Chemistry for Radio Frequency Cross-Talk Isolation in Mixed Signal Integrated Circuits
Authors: Zhang Xi , Xu Chengkun , Chong Kyuchul , Tu King-Ning , Xie Ya-Hong
Published: May 2011

A highly conductive moat or Faraday cage of through-the-wafer thickness in Si substrate was proposed to be effective in shielding electromagnetic interference thereby reducing radio frequency (RF) cross-talk in high performance mixed signal integrated circuits. Such a structure was realized by metallization of selected ultra-high-aspect-ratio macroporous regions that were electrochemically etched in p− Si substrates. The metallization process was conducted by means of wet chemistry in an alkaline aqueous solution containing Ni2+ without reducing agent. It is found that at elevated temperature during immersion, Ni2+ was rapidly reduced and deposited into macroporous Si and a conformal metallization of the macropore sidewalls was obtained in a way that the entire porous Si framework was converted to Ni. A conductive moat was as a result incorporated into p− Si substrate. The experimentally measured reduction of crosstalk in this structure is 5~18 dB at frequencies up to 35 GHz.
Screening of Microorganisms Producing Cold-Active Oxidoreductases to Be Applied in Enantioselective Alcohol Oxidation. An Antarctic Survey
Authors: Araújo Lidiane S. , Kagohara Edna , Garcia Thaís P. , Pellizari Vivian H. , Andrade Leandro H.
Published: May 2011

Several microorganisms were isolated from soil/sediment samples of Antarctic Peninsula. The enrichment technique using (RS)-1-(phenyl)ethanol as a carbon source allowed us to isolate 232 psychrophile/psychrotroph microorganisms. We also evaluated the enzyme activity (oxidoreductases) for enantioselective oxidation reactions, by using derivatives of (RS)-1-(phenyl)ethanol as substrates. Among the studied microorganisms, 15 psychrophile/psychrotroph strains contain oxidoreductases that catalyze the (S)-enantiomer oxidation from racemic alcohols to their corresponding ketones. Among the identified microorganisms, Flavobacterium sp. and Arthrobacter sp. showed excellent enzymatic activity. These new bacteria strains were selected for optimization study, in which the (RS)-1-(4-methyl-phenyl)ethanol oxidation was evaluated in several reaction conditions. From these studies, it was observed that Flavobacterium sp. has an excellent enzymatic activity at 10 °C and Arthrobacter sp. at 15 and 25 °C. We have also determined the growth curves of these bacteria, and both strains showed optimum growth at 25 °C, indicating that these bacteria are psychrotroph.
Molecular Evolution of Multiple Arylalkylamine N-Acetyltransferase (AANAT) in Fish
Authors: Zilberman-Peled Bina , Bransburg-Zabary Sharron , Klein David C. , Gothilf Yoav
Published: May 2011

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) to arylalkylamines, including indolethylamines and phenylethylamines. Multiple aanats are present in teleost fish as a result of whole genome and gene duplications. Fish aanat1a and aanat2 paralogs display different patterns of tissue expression and encode proteins with different substrate preference: AANAT1a is expressed in the retina, and acetylates both indolethylamines and phenylethylamines; while AANAT2 is expressed in the pineal gland, and preferentially acetylates indolethylamines. The two enzymes are therefore thought to serve different roles. Here, the molecular changes that led to their specialization were studied by investigating the structure-function relationships of AANATs in the gilthead seabream (sb, Sperus aurata). Acetylation activity of reciprocal mutated enzymes pointed to specific residues that contribute to substrate specificity of the enzymes. Inhibition tests followed by complementary analyses of the predicted three-dimensional models of the enzymes, suggested that both phenylethylamines and indolethylamines bind to the catalytic pocket of both enzymes. These results suggest that substrate selectivity of AANAT1a and AANAT2 is determined by the positioning of the substrate within the catalytic pocket, and its accessibility to catalysis. This illustrates the evolutionary process by which enzymes encoded by duplicated genes acquire different activities and play different biological roles.
Mangiferin, an Anti-HIV-1 Agent Targeting Protease and Effective against Resistant Strains
Authors: Wang Rui-Rui , Gao Yue-Dong , Ma Chun-Hui , Zhang Xing-Jie , Huang Cheng-Gang , Huang Jing-Fei , Zheng Yong-Tang
Published: May 2011

The anti-HIV-1 activity of mangiferin was evaluated. Mangiferin can inhibit HIV-1ⅢB induced syncytium formation at non-cytotoxic concentrations, with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) at 16.90 μM and a therapeutic index (TI) above 140. Mangiferin also showed good activities in other laboratory-derived strains, clinically isolated strains and resistant HIV-1 strains. Mechanism studies revealed that mangiferin might inhibit the HIV-1 protease, but is still effective against HIV peptidic protease inhibitor resistant strains. A combination of docking and pharmacophore methods clarified possible binding modes of mangiferin in the HIV-1 protease. The pharmacophore model of mangiferin consists of two hydrogen bond donors and two hydrogen bond acceptors. Compared to pharmacophore features found in commercially available drugs, three pharmacophoric elements matched well and one novel pharmacophore element was observed. Moreover, molecular docking analysis demonstrated that the pharmacophoric elements play important roles in binding HIV-1 protease. Mangiferin is a novel nonpeptidic protease inhibitor with an original structure that represents an effective drug development strategy for combating drug resistance.
Synthesis, and Antitumor Activity of Some N1-(Coumarin-7-yl) Amidrazones and Related Congeners
Authors: Mustafa Mohammad S. , El-Abadelah Mustafa M. , Zihlif Malek A. , Naffa Randa G. , Mubarak Mohammad S.
Published: May 2011

A series of new N1-(coumarin-7-yl)amidrazones incorporating N-piperazines and related congeners were synthesized by reacting the hydrazonoyl chloride derived from 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin with the appropriate piperazines. The chemical structures of the newly prepared compounds were supported by elemental analyses, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and ESI-HRMS spectral data. The antitumor activity of the newly synthesized compounds was evaluated. Among all the compounds tested, 7-{2-[1-(4-(1-benzyl-2-ethyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazol-5-yl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-oxopropylidene]hydrazinyl}-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one (3n) was the most potent against MCF-7 and K562 cells, with IC50 values of 20.2 and 9.3 μM, respectively.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Oxadiazole Congeners
Authors: Sadek Bassem , Fahelelbom Khairi Mustafa Salem
Published: May 2011

A series of 1,3-oxazole, 1,3-thiazole, isomeric 1,2,4-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-oxadiazole, and 1,2,3,4-tetrazole heterocycles was synthesized. All the compounds shared as a common feature the presence of a 4-hydroxyphenyl substituent. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by MS, 1H-NMR, and elemental analysis. In vitro antimicrobial activity for all the newly synthesized compounds at concentrations of 200-25 μg/mL was evaluated against Gram+ve organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Gram–ve organisms such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), and the fungal strain Aspergillus niger (A. niger) by the cup plate method. Ofloxacin and ketoconazole (10 μg/mL) were used as reference standards for antibacterial and antifungal activity, respectively. Compounds 15, 16, and 20 showed notable antibacterial and antifungal activities at higher concentrations (200 μg/mL), whereas 17-19 were found to display significant antibacterial or antifungal activity (25-50 μg/mL) against the Gram+ve, Gram–ve bacteria, or fungal cells used in the present study.
Three New Cycloartenol Triterpenoid Saponins from the Roots of Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk
Authors: Kuang Haixue , Su Yang , Yang Bingyou , Xia Yonggang , Wang Qiuhong , Wang Zhibin , Yu Zhengfan
Published: May 2011

Three new cycloartenol triterpene saponins, named shengmaxinsides A-C, have been isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of an ethanol extract of Cimicifuga simplex Wormsk roots. Their structures were established by chemical tests and detailed spectroscopic analysis as 25-O-acetyl-7,8-didehydrocimigenol-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (1), 7,8-didehydrocimigenol-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (2) and 7,8-didehydro-24S-O-acetylhydroshengmanol-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (3), respectively.
The Role of Carvedilol in the Treatment of Dilated and Anthracyclines-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Watanabe Kenichi , Arozal Wawaimuli , Sari Flori R. , Arumugam Somasundaram , Thandavarayan Rajarajan A. , Suzuki Kenji , Kodama Makoto
Published: May 2011

Although chronic sympathetic activation provides inotropic and chronotropic support to the failing heart, such activation may also have deleterious effects, including the direct cardiotoxic effects of catecholamines, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and an increase in myocardial oxygen demand. These observations indicate that β-blockade might be beneficial in the treatment of heart failure resulting from dilated cardiomyopathy or ischaemic heart disease. Carvedilol is a non-selective β-blocker acting on β1-, β2-, and α1-adrenoceptors. It possesses potent anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, along with neuroprotective, vasculoprotective, cardioprotective effects, and it has reduced overall mortality in patients with heart failure in controlled clinical trials. Its role in treating cardiomyopathy requires focus. The fact that anthracyclines are cardiotoxic seriously narrows their therapeutic index in cancer therapy. The cardiotoxic risk increases with the cumulative dose and may lead to congestive heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy in adults and in children. This review focuses on recent research regarding the beneficial effects of carvedilol in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy and to revisit the available evidence on the cardioprotection of carvedilol when associated with anthracycline and to explain the mechanisms underlying the benefits of their co-administration.
Sensing the Structural Differences in Cellulose from Apple and Bacterial Cell Wall Materials by Raman and FT-IR Spectroscopy
Authors: Szymańska-Chargot Monika , Cybulska Justyna , Zdunek Artur
Published: May 2011

Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used for assessment of structural differences of celluloses of various origins. Investigated celluloses were: bacterial celluloses cultured in presence of pectin and/or xyloglucan, as well as commercial celluloses and cellulose extracted from apple parenchyma. FT-IR spectra were used to estimate of the Iβ content, whereas Raman spectra were used to evaluate the degree of crystallinity of the cellulose. The crystallinity index (XCRAMAN%) varied from −25% for apple cellulose to 53% for microcrystalline commercial cellulose. Considering bacterial cellulose, addition of xyloglucan has an impact on the percentage content of cellulose Iβ. However, addition of only xyloglucan or only pectins to pure bacterial cellulose both resulted in a slight decrease of crystallinity. However, culturing bacterial cellulose in the presence of mixtures of xyloglucan and pectins results in an increase of crystallinity. The results confirmed that the higher degree of crystallinity, the broader the peak around 913 cm−1. Among all bacterial celluloses the bacterial cellulose cultured in presence of xyloglucan and pectin (BCPX) has the most similar structure to those observed in natural primary cell walls.
Similar Symmetries: The Role of Wallpaper Groups in Perceptual Texture Similarity
Authors: Clarke Alasdair D. F. , Green Patrick R. , Halley Fraser , Chantler Mike J.
Published: May 2011

Periodic patterns and symmetries are striking visual properties that have been used decoratively around the world throughout human history. Periodic patterns can be mathematically classified into one of 17 different Wallpaper groups, and while computational models have been developed which can extract an image's symmetry group, very little work has been done on how humans perceive these patterns. This study presents the results from a grouping experiment using stimuli from the different wallpaper groups. We find that while different images from the same wallpaper group are perceived as similar to one another, not all groups have the same degree of self-similarity. The similarity relationships between wallpaper groups appear to be dominated by rotations.
Morphological and functional sex expression in the Malagasy endemic Tina striata (Sapindaceae)
Authors: Vary Laura B. , Sakai Ann K. , Weller Stephen G.
Published: May 2011

• Premise of the study: Knowledge of the functional sex expression of flowers is critical to identify the breeding system and potential for outcrossing in individuals but difficult to determine based solely on floral morphology. Individuals of the Malagasy endemic Tina striata (Sapindaceae) have both morphologically male (staminate) flowers and hermaphroditic (bisexual) flowers, although many Sapindaceae species have only functionally unisexual flowers. Two populations of T. striata were studied to determine the functional sex expression of flowers and their breeding system.

• Methods: To determine whether morphologically hermaphroditic flowers have only female function, we compared male flowers and morphologically hermaphroditic flowers for (1) floral size, (2) pollen production and morphology, (3) patterns of anther dehiscence, (4) pollen germination, and (5) floral visitation patterns.

• Key results: Relative to male flowers, morphologically hermaphroditic flowers had similar pollen grain morphology but smaller androecia and less pollen. Anthers from male flowers dehisced on days 3 and 4 of flowering and then abscised with the male flower. Anthers from hermaphroditic flowers did not dehisce or release pollen and abscised after the fourth day of flowering. Pollen from hermaphroditic flowers was less likely to germinate and produce pollen tubes. Floral visitors were similar for male and hermaphroditic flowers, and no visitation to hermaphroditic flowers was observed after stamen abscission.

• Conclusions: Morphologically hermaphroditic flowers of T. striata do not have male function and are functionally female; therefore, T. striata has a monoecious breeding system, with possible adaptations to promote outcrossing.
Microsatellite primers for vulnerable seagrass Halophila beccarii (Hydrocharitaceae)
Authors: Jiang Kai , Shi Yi‐Su , Zhang Jian , Xu Na‐Na
Published: May 2011

• Premise of the study: Polymorphic microsatellite primers were developed in the vulnerable seagrass Halophila beccarii to investigate genetic variation and provide necessary markers for studying its population genetic structure.

• Methods and Results: Six polymorphic and six monomorphic microsatellite loci were developed in H. beccarii. Most loci were successfully amplified across 40 H. beccarii individuals collected from three populations from coastal regions of southern China. Two to four alleles per locus were observed at the six polymorphic loci. The highest expected heterozygosity was 0.5737.

• Conclusions: The results demonstrate low levels of polymorphism in H. beccarii from coastal regions of southern China. They also illustrate that these primers may be useful for studying the mating system and population genetics of H. beccarii on a global scale.
La crise grecque
Authors: Cohen Daniel
Published: May 2011

Résumé Cet article analyse le déroulement de la crise grecque, à compter de l’automne 2009, et en tire une série d’enseignements en ce qui concerne les mécanismes de résolution des crises souveraines en Europe. Après un examen chronologique de la crise grecque, le rôle des agences de notation est mis en exergue, avant de proposer un modèle de défaut souverain avec équilibres multiples et anticipations auto-réalisatrices, de nature à justifier l’adoption de règles de solidarité financière face au risque de crise de l’endettement souverain au sein de la zone euro.
Une analyse temps-fréquences des cycles financiers
Authors: Boucher Christophe , Maillet Bertrand
Published: May 2011

Résumé Cet article s’intéresse aux fluctuations des cours boursiers aux États-Unis à différentes échelles temporelles. Nous examinons dans quelle mesure les variations à différentes fréquences du ratio cours-bénéfice s’expliquent par des révisions des bénéfices et/ou des rendements espérés. Nous montrons que les mouvements conjoncturels du ratio cours-bénéfice permettent de prévoir les rendements réels des actions. L’information contenue dans ces fluctuations apparaît même supérieure aux autres variables prédictives identifiées dans la littérature. Ces fluctuations conjoncturelles du ratio cours-bénéfice sont extraites à l’aide d’une analyse par ondelettes qui permet de décomposer une série temporelle à différents niveaux de résolution.
When are Central Bankers Removed?
Authors: Hayat Muhammad Azmat , Farvaque Étienne
Published: May 2011

Quand les banquiers centraux sont-ils destitués ? Cet article montre que la probabilité de remplacement d’un gouverneur de banque centrale est positivement liée à la part du mandat déjà effectuée, aux crises bancaires et monétaires, aux élections, aux réformes des statuts des banques centrales, ainsi qu’à l’inflation. En outre, il est montré que les résultats dépendent de la régularité ou de l’irrégularité du remplacement, et de ce qu’il intervient avant ou après le terme de la durée légale du mandat. JEL Code: E58, G01, P48
The Leverage Ratio as a Bank Discipline Device
Authors: Rugemintwari Clovis
Published: May 2011

Le ratio de levier comme facteur disciplinant des banques Cet article étudie le choix de portefeuille sous le dispositif de Bâle II dans lequel la banque détermine le montant du capital requis en fonction de sa propre mesure du risque. Nous montrons en particulier qu’en présence d’asymétrie d’information entre la banque et le superviseur, cette dernière a des incitations à sous-estimer sa prise de risque. Ces incitations sont tempérées par l’adjonction du simple levier comme envisagé dans le dispositif Bâle III. JEL Code: G21, G28, G32
Le coût du bonus/malus écologique
Authors: d’Haultfœuille Xavier , Durrmeyer Isis , Février Philippe
Published: May 2011

Résumé Les évaluations ex ante constituent un outil d’aide à la décision pour les pouvoirs publics dans la mesure où elles permettent de quantifier les effets et de prédire l’efficacité d’une politique avant sa mise en œuvre. Nous nous intéressons ici à la politique du bonus/malus écologique introduite en France afin de réduire les émissions de co 2 des automobiles. La politique était supposée s’autofinancer, les malus subventionnant les bonus. Un an après sa mise en place, on observe une réduction des émissions de co 2 de 5 % pour un coût de 225 M€. Nous faisons une analyse ex post d’une potentielle évaluation ex ante de cette politique économique. Nous montrons que le coût n’était pas prévisible car la réaction des consommateurs au bonus/malus est plus complexe qu’une simple réaction aux changements de prix.
La fourniture de biens publics par un gouvernement à deux niveaux
Authors: Boyer Pierre C.
Published: May 2011

Résumé Nous étudions la fourniture d’un bien public par un gouvernement comprenant deux niveaux d’administration : d’une part, le chef du gouvernement, un planificateur bienveillant, et, d’autre part, des bureaucrates. Nous supposons que, par rapport au chef du gouvernement, les citoyens disposent d’information privée sur leurs préférences pour le bien public, tandis que les bureaucrates peuvent avoir de l’information sur les préférences des citoyens. Nous montrons comment l’information additionnelle des bureaucrates ainsi que le risque de collusion entre les bureaucrates et des groupes de citoyens peuvent modifier la quantité de bien public fournie.
L'électrification de l'Afrique équatoriale française (aef) dans la période de l'après Seconde Guerre mondiale : aménagements hydroélectriques et rivalités interterritoriales
Authors: Mehyong Stéphane William , Ndong Robert Edgard
Published: May 2011

Résumé Tâtonnante jusqu’en 1945, l’électrification de l’Afrique équatoriale française ( aef ), créée en 1910, connaît un développement relatif après la Seconde Guerre mondiale : c’est une matérialisation de la politique de modernisation des territoires d’outre-mer décidée par les autorités métropolitaines. À la base de la dynamisation du processus d’électrification de la Fédération, il y a une synergie d’acteurs institutionnels et entrepreneuriaux. Mais la nouvelle politique ne place pas les différents territoires de la Fédération sur un pied d’égalité. Le Moyen-Congo, où se trouve Brazzaville, capitale fédérale, est privilégié. Il en résulte l’édification de la centrale hydroélectrique du Djoué. La trop grande priorité accordée à cet aménagement engendre des frictions au sein de la Fédération. D’où, une course à la modernisation qui tend à l’affrontement et aboutit à l’aménagement d’un autre barrage, celui de Boali, à proximité de Bangui, pour apaiser l’exaspération grandissante des élus oubanguiens.
Sur les Principes de colonisation d'Arthur Girault (1895)
Authors: El Mechat Samya
Published: May 2011

Résumé Arthur Girault, professeur de droit et doyen de la faculté de droit de Poitiers de 1923 à 1931, publie en 1895 la première édition de ses Principes de colonisation et de législation coloniale . L’étonnante destinée éditoriale d’un livre, qui connaîtra cinq éditions en moins d’un demi-siècle et servira à la formation de milliers d’administrateurs coloniaux, justifie l’intérêt qui peut être porté, aujourd’hui encore, aux conceptions que l’auteur développe. L’article traite exclusivement de la partie introductive d’un ouvrage qui se déclinera progressivement en cinq tomes. Le propos de l’auteur est d’ancrer la description de la législation coloniale dans ce qu’il appelle des principes de colonisation. Il s’agit de relier la problématique générale de la colonisation à celle de la législation coloniale en montrant que le type de colonisation détermine les choix institutionnels et les modèles juridiques. Arthur Girault construit sa théorie autour de trois principes qui renvoient aux trois formes de colonisation qu’il croit discerner. Le premier principe, l’assujettissement, est moralement critiquable, car il tourne le dos au devoir d’éducation et d’élévation que le colonisateur conserve à l’égard du pays colonisé. Le deuxième principe, l’autonomie, est pour Girault un modèle vertueux. Il admire l’Angleterre qui s’en inspire pour l’organisation de son empire, mais il rejette sa transposition pour l’Empire français au nom d’un supposé génie latin. Le troisième principe, l’assimilation, exprime les préférences de Girault. C’est aussi pour lui le point d’aboutissement d’une politique coloniale réussie, car elle vise à unir étroitement la colonie à sa métropole en s’inspirant des idéaux républicains. Pour lui, les colonies intégrant la patrie doivent progressivement être soumises aux mêmes règles que la métropole. Mais l’auteur admet aussitôt dans les éditions successives de son ouvrage que cette idée généreuse reste un objectif lointain. L’article montre l’attachement de Girault à la doctrine héritée des Lumières ainsi que son hésitation à en faire bénéficier les protectorats et colonies. D’autre part, l’idéologie scientiste qui caractérise la fin du xix e  siècle imprime fortement les idées d’Arthur Girault. Développée sur un fond de darwinisme social, sa doctrine adhère aux principaux postulats du positivisme en trahissant une confiance presque aveugle dans le progrès de la science et de l’histoire elle-même.
Interdisciplinary Approach in Engineering Education
Authors: Zeidmane Anda , Cernajeva Sarmite
Published: May 2011

The analysis of the scientific literature available on the types of general competences and their classification caused the authors to conclude that it is necessary to implement interdisciplinary approach in engineering education to develop competences necessary for engineers to make them competitive in the labour market. The attention should be paid to a professional foreign language, computer literacy and educational psychology recommendations. To improve professional foreign language skills, CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) method should be integrated in the study process of engineering education. In order to develop information literacy competence, it is important to create a single e-study environment. The academic staff, developing study subjects for engineering programmes, should focus on the study content and study methods. As regards the content, the compromise should be sought between fundamental acquisition of the knowledge of the subject matter, the know-how of the application of this knowledge as well as the use of brand new software in the calculations. The paper presents the examples of the application of the interdisciplinary approach in the universities, where the authors of the paper are affiliated: the LUA (Latvia University of Agriculture) and the RTU (Riga Technical University), respectively.
Contexts for Tacit Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Shariq Syed Z. , Vendelo Morten Thanning
Published: May 2011

When people solve complex problems they bring knowledge and experience to the situation, and they create, use and share tacit knowledge. Knowing how context emerges and transforms is of paramount importance if we want to understand how people create, use and share tacit knowledge. Consequently, this article poses three questions: What is context? How does context emerge and transform? What is the relationship between context and tacit knowledge sharing? Taking our point of departure in how context is conceptualized in the theory of the firm as a knowledge-creating entity, we argue that this theory lacks a detailed account for how context emerges and transforms. Thereafter, we define context and based on the writings by the Austrian sociologist Alfred Schütz we put forward a theory of how context emerges and transforms. This theory is illustrated with an empirical case describing the Carbon Dioxide filtering problem, which occurred during the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. We conclude by explaining how a theory of context helps us to understand the role of context in tacit knowledge sharing.
Distributed Knowledge Management
Authors: Cuel Roberta , Bouquet Paolo , Bonifacio Matteo
Published: May 2011

In dynamic markets (characterized by the specialization of work, outsourcing processes, just-in-time and distributed productions, etc.), firms have moved from hierarchical structures to networked models. These are based on both intraorganizational networks among strategic units, divisions, groups, and so on; and interorganizational networks, such as industrial districts and knowledge networks (Hamel & Prahalad, 1990). Production is based on the coordination of a constellation of units, some of which are part of the organization (administration, R&D [research and development], etc.), and others refer to different companies (such as specialized outsourcing production, logistics, etc.). All these units might not totally be controlled by a unique subject, and might grow and differentiate their activities in an autonomous way, coexisting as in a biofunctional system (Maturana & Varela, 1980) and creating unexpected combinations of processes and products (Chandler, 1962).
Human Capital in Knowledge Creation, Management, and Utilization
Authors: Reychav Iris , Weisberg Jacob
Published: May 2011

Growing competitiveness, joined with the frequently occurring technological changes in the global age, raise the importance of human capital in the organization, as well as the development and sharing of knowledge resources, which lead to obtaining a competitive advantage. Perez (2003) presents the human capital as one of the most complex resources for gaining control over organizations. This belief has led managers in the past to base their competitive advantage in the markets and in recruiting resources, on productrelated capitals, work processes, or technology. The human capital of employees has a high financial value and is accumulated via learning processes, which take a central role in the survival and growth of the organization. Since the 1980s, strategic managers and industrialists have identified organizational learning as the basis for obtaining a competitive advantage in the local and international markets (DeGeus, 1988). The identification and management of the knowledge resource owned by the human capital is quite difficult, since the knowledge is not perceptible and therefore influences the ability to plan activities relating to the use and sharing of knowledge (Davenport, 2001).
Incentive Structures in Knowledge Management
Authors: Ekbia Hamid R. , Hara Noriko
Published: May 2011

The role of incentives in organizational behavior has long been recognized and studied (Whyte, 1955; Hertzberg, 1959). This role becomes ever more paramount in knowledge management (KM), where users also become creators and contributors: The voluntary sharing of knowledge by individuals is a key element in the implementation and success of any knowledge-management endeavor. Having gradually recognized this, the KM community has theorized, examined, and implemented various incentive structures to promote knowledge sharing and system use in organizations. This article investigates some of these incentive structures, their underlying assumptions, as well as the issues and questions that they raise for KM theory and practice in general.
Integrated Modeling
Authors: Hadrich Thomas , Maier Ronald
Published: May 2011

Modeling is a key task in order to analyze, understand, and improve business processes and organizational structures, and to support the design, implementation, and management of information and communication technologies in general and knowledge management systems (KMSs) in particular. Process-oriented knowledge management (Maier, 2004; Maier & Remus, 2003) is a promising approach to provide the missing link between knowledge management (KM) and business strategy, and to bridge the gap between the human-oriented and technology-oriented views (e.g., Hansen, Nohria, & Tierney, 1999; Zack, 1999). However, existing modeling approaches for business processes, including their extensions for KM, still lack concepts to support knowledge work, which is often unstructured, creative, and learning and communication intensive. Recently, the activity theory has been proposed to provide concepts to analyze knowledge work (e.g., Blackler, 1995), but it has not yet been integrated with business process modeling for designing KM initiatives and KMSs. The following sections analyze the characteristics of knowledge work, distinguish important perspectives for modeling in KM, and discuss extensions of process modeling approaches including activity modeling. Then, the process-oriented and the activity-oriented perspectives on knowledge work are compared and connected by means of the concept of knowledge stance.
Intellectual Capital and Knowledge Management
Authors: Ariely Gil
Published: May 2011

Knowledge management (KM) and intellectual capital (IC) are not one and the same, and although some overlap is apparent, the relationship is far from trivial and requires exploration. Some intellectual capital such as brand is not knowledge, and some knowledge that cannot be transformed into value is not intellectual capital.
Knowledge Management and the Non-Profit Sector
Authors: Manville Brook
Published: May 2011

We begin our discussion with the predictable qualification about definition and scope. The non-profit sector (also called, variously, the citizen sector, social sector, et al) is an exploding phenomenon in its own right, with 1.5 million now accounting for more than $1 trillion in revenues in the U.S.; during the past 15 years nonprofits grew faster than the overall economy, with thirty thousand new organizations created each year. Worldwide growth is also increasing, with global expenditures on this sector accounting for nearly 5 percent of combined global gross domestic product (Crutchfield & McLeod Grant, 2008, pp. 2-3). The range of kinds of organizations is dizzying, from rich foundations to just-scraping-by neighborhood associations to educational institutions, to environmental boutiques to global health and human services providers to professional associations to job training to youth leadership to…the list goes on and on. Needless to say, generalization about millions of different organizations in this sector have to be accepted for what they can only be—broad thematic indicators of representative concepts and practices.
Knowledge Management in Safety-Critical Systems Analysis
Authors: Boy Guy , Barnard Yvonne
Published: May 2011

Knowledge management in the design of safety-critical systems addresses the question of how designers can share, capitalize, and reuse knowledge in an effective and reliable way. Knowledge management is situated in groups, organizations, and communities, playing different roles in the design process. Design of safety-critical systems has specific properties, such as dealing with complexity, traceability, maturity of knowledge, interaction between experts, awareness of the status of information, and trust in knowledge. Documentation is of crucial importance in design processes, ensuring that these properties are taken care of in a proper and reliable way. However, writing is not an easy task for engineers, and support is needed. Several knowledge management solutions, both tools and organizational setups, are available to support design work, such as active notification of changes, personal and team workspaces, active design documents and knowledge portal solutions.
Knowledge Management Ontology
Authors: Holsapple Clyde W. , Joshi K. D.
Published: May 2011

Many definitions of ontology are posited in the literature (see Guarino, 2004). Here, we adopt Gruber’s (1995) view which defines ontologies as simplified and explicit specification of a phenomenon. In this article, we posit an ontology that explicates the components of knowledge management (KM) phenomena. This explicit characterization of knowledge management can help in systematically understanding or modeling KM phenomenon.
Knowledge Management System Success Factors
Authors: Jennex Murray E.
Published: May 2011

What does it take to build a successful knowledge management system (KMS)? Knowing the essential success factors is useful as it provides researchers and practitioners with the basic requirements for building a successful KMS. Also, if we take a Churchman (1979) view of systems, it can be argued that determining KMS success factors will also help us determine KM initiative success factors as Churchman found it difficult to separate the system from the process requiring the system. However, what is KM or KMS success? The literature does not provide a consensus on this, although two concepts of success can be identified. The first considers KM or KMS a success if knowledge use through the initiative or system improves the organization’s ability to compete. The second considers KM or KMS a success if the KM processes implemented through the KMS (discussed later) are implemented effectively. Both success concepts imply that the KMS has to be used. Therefore, KM and KMS success factors are those factors that encourage or help users to use the KMS to effectively perform KM functions.
Knowledge Organizations
Authors: Davenport Daniel L. , Hosapple Clyde W.
Published: May 2011

An important endeavor within the field of knowledge management (KM) is to better understand the nature of knowledge organizations. These are variously called knowledge-based organizations, knowledge-centric organizations, knowledge-intensive organizations, knowledge-oriented organizations, and so forth. One approach to doing so is to study the characteristics of specific organizations of this type such as Chaparral Steel (Leonard-Barton, 1995), Buckman Labs, World Bank, or HP Consulting (O’Dell, 2003). A complementary approach is to study various frameworks that have been advanced for systematically characterizing the elements, processes, and relationships that are found in knowledge organizations. Here, we examine three such frameworks that are representative of the variety in perspectives that have been advocated for understanding the nature of knowledge organizations. These frameworks share a view that sees knowledge as a key organizational asset that enables action. However, they differ in emphases (e.g., asset vs. action) and constructs.
Knowledge Sharing Between Individuals
Authors: Jacobson Carolyn McKinnell
Published: May 2011

As Peter Drucker (2000) has pointed out, the foundation of the 21st century organization is no longer money or capital or even technology; it is knowledge. In order for that knowledge to create value, it must be shared. Some discussions of knowledge sharing in organizations and, indeed, some knowledge management initiatives seem to assume that given the right technology and/or the proper culture, knowledge will flow readily throughout the firm. Technologies that facilitate knowledge sharing (e.g., databases, intranets, and groupware) currently exist and are constantly improving. But technologies are only part of the knowledge management equation.
Knowledge Structure and Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Wilson Rick L. , Rosen Peter A. , Al-Ahmadi Mohammad Saad
Published: May 2011

Considerable research has been done in the recent past that compares the performance of different data mining techniques on various data sets (e.g., Lim, Low, & Shih, 2000). The goal of these studies is to try to determine which data mining technique performs best under what circumstances. Results are often conflicting—for instance, some articles find that neural networks (NN) outperform both traditional statistical techniques and inductive learning techniques, but then the opposite is found with other datasets (Sen & Gibbs, 1994; Sung, Chang, & Lee, 1999: Spangler, May, & Vargas, 1999). Most of these studies use publicly available datasets in their analysis, and because they are not artificially created, it is difficult to control for possible data characteristics in the analysis. Another drawback of these datasets is that they are usually very small.
Learning in Organizations
Authors: Ali Irena , Warne Leoni , Pascoe Celina
Published: May 2011

In work life, socially based learning occurs all the time. We learn from interactions between peers, genders, functional groups, and across hierarchies, and it happens in ways not normally recognized as learning (Jordan, 1993). Therefore, use of the term “social” learning reflects that organizations, organizational units, and work groups are social clusters, as are study groups and task groups, and thus learning occurs in a social context.
Learning Networks and Service-Oriented Architectures
Authors: Tsekouras George , Roussos George
Published: May 2011

The value of knowledge assets in creating competitive advantage and subsequently wealth through innovation has never been greater (Teece, 1998). It is increasingly being acknowledged that the resources and the competencies developed within the organisation as well as the mechanisms for building up and reconfiguring these competencies is the only defence against a fierce competition (Penrose, 1959; Prahalad & Hamel, 1990; Teece, Pisano & Shuen, 1997). However, the nature of knowledge production has changed dramatically over the last years. According to Gibbons et al. (1994), the knowledge production has moved from mode 1 to mode 2. The new mode: • requires transdisciplinary approaches • is characterised by heterogeneity of skills • is context-sensitive involving an intense interaction between producers and users of knowledge
Logic and Knowledge Bases
Authors: Grant J. , Minker J.
Published: May 2011

Knowledge bases (KBs) must be able to capture a wide range of situations. One must be able to represent and answer questions regarding indefinite information where it is not clear that there is a unique answer to a question. One must also represent and answer questions about negative information. We discuss a powerful way to represent such information, namely through reasoning about knowledge bases using logic.
Developing the Commitment to Virtual Community
Authors: Gupta Sumeet , Kim Hee-Woong
Published: May 2011

A virtual community (VC) of committed members is of great strategic value to online firms and vendors owing to its ability to attract and retain members. However, online firms and vendors find it difficult to instill commitment among their VC members. Therefore, this study examines the mechanism of customer commitment formation in a relationship-cum-interest based VC. By understanding the mechanism of customer commitment formation in a VC, online firms and vendors can enhance customer commitment to the VC. Using the theory of reasoned action, this study finds that encouraging participation among customers is the springboard for customer commitment to the VC. However, customer participation should be balanced with a proper mix of cognition and affect enhancing aspects, particularly those aspects that arouse customers’ interests and encourages relationship building among them. Online firms and vendors would thus benefit by encouraging personal relationships among their VC participants.
Bridging Diversity across Time and Space
Authors: Ratcheva Violina
Published: May 2011

The uniqueness of multidisciplinary teamwork is in its potential to integrate different bodies of knowledge into a new synergy. However, previous empirical studies have shown that member heterogeneity and geographic separation hinder effective sharing and use of team knowledge. The chapter explores how such teams interact to overcome the barriers and take advantage of their “built in” knowledge diversity. The findings indicate that often teams lack common background knowledge at the beginning of the projects, and in order to resolve differences members rely on their external intellectual and social communities. The reported research establishes a positive correlation between team members’ participation in multiple professional and social networks and teams’ abilities to successfully build on their knowledge diversity. The findings also suggest a need to reconceptualize the boundaries of multidisciplinary teams and to consider the processes of sharing diverse knowledge in a wider social context.
The Practice and Promise of Virtual Project Management
Authors: Zigurs Ilze , Khazanchi Deepak , Mametjanov Azamat
Published: May 2011

The relevant literature on this topic comes from many areas, including studies of virtual teams as well as the body of knowledge in project management. In this article, we bring together disparate fields and provide an integrated view of virtual project management. We begin by defining key terms and concepts in the context of an overall framework and briefly describe relevant knowledge from current research. We then discuss key issues and future trends for research, and conclude with overall observations and implications.
Building Virtual Learning Communities
Authors: Augar Naomi , Raitman Ruth , Lanham Elicia , Zhou Wanlei
Published: May 2011

This chapter introduces the concept of virtual learning communities and discusses and further enhances the theory and definitions presented in related literature. A model comprising four criteria essential to virtual learning communities is presented and discussed in detail. Theory and case studies relating to the impact of virtual learning communities on distance education and students from diverse cultural groups are also examined. In addition, this chapter investigates the enabling technologies and facilitation that is required to build virtual learning communities. Other case studies are used to illustrate the process of building virtual learning communities. Emerging technologies such as wikis and video lectures are also analysed to determine the effects they have on building and sustaining effective virtual learning communities.