bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histoire de l'environnement et des dynamiques agro-pastorales dans le massif du Cantal: la Tourbière de Roussy (Saint-Projet-de-Salers, France) [ History of the environment and agro-pastoral dynamics in the massif du Cantal (french Massif Central}: multi-disciplinary study of the Roussy peat-hog /Saint-Projet-de-Safers. France}]
Authors: Miras Yannick , Guenet Pascal , Surmely Frédéric , Michelin Yves , Tible René , Walter-Simonnet Anne Véronique , Richard Hervé
Published: October 2009

The Roussy peat-bog is located in the western part of the Massif du Cantal a part of the Massif central that had never been explored before. The pollen analysis reveals a dynamic of the vegetation starting from the Allerod and globally in harmony with the palaeobotanical context reconstructed by previous research (Beaulieu et al , 1988). However several particularities can be observed : a regional presence of the elm since the Preboreal, a progressive expansion of the hazel until its maximum in the Boreal, a very weak development of the fir This multi-disciplinary study (archaeology and history) allowed the modelling of the evolution of agro-pastoral activities in this area. A first human impact can be reported for the end of the Bronze Age or the Hallstatt. Anthropization at Roussy shows a late preservation of the beech forest despite an agro-pastoral presence clearly attested It is only after the 1st millenium AD that an important agricultural influence is observed together with an irreversible retreat of the forest. The successive penods show an important but discontinuous anthropic pressure. In parallel, a search for new geochemical markers (Mg, K, Ca, P) of the anthropisation has been undertaken.
Late cenozoic reconfiguration of low order fluvial channels under conditions of crustal instability (NE of Asia) /[ Reconfiguration des systèmes fluviatiles d'ordre inférieur en contexte d'instabilité crustale au Cénozoïque récent (Nord-Est de l'Asie).]
Authors: Patyk-Kara Natalia G. , Spasskaya Irina
Published: October 2009

Low order nver channels are highly responsive to tectonic movements which cause local intra-valley restructuring, channel overdeepening, and, finally, reconfiguration of nver basins Lacking a tolerance to changes of tectonic conditions, which is typical of large river valleys, they can be viewed as an indicator of changes in regional structure and geodynamics. These features are especially pronounced in areas of crustal instability, such as a system of ridges and rift valleys on the north-east of Sakha (Yakutia Republic), extending along the boundary between North-American and Eurasian plates.
Nouvelles données chronologiques pour le site de Menez-Dregan 1 (Bretagne) : l'apport de la thermoluminescence [ New chronological data of the site of Menez-Dregan 1 (Brittany) : contribution from the thermoluminescence dating method. ]
Authors: Mercier Norbert , Froget Laurence , Miallier Didier , Pilleyre Thierry , Sanzelle Serge , Tribolo Chantal
Published: October 2009

The thermoluminescence method was used to date burnt flint artefacts and heated sediments discovered in the archaeological layers 5, 7 and 9 of the Menez-Dregan 1 site In spite of dosimetnc difficulties related to the site location and the origin of sediments, coherent ages were obtained for layer 5 rich in fireplace remains, dating it at ca 200 ka These results are in disagreement with previously published ESR dates and support an alternative interpretation of this sedimentary sequence, unique on the atlantic coast
Les enregistrements morphosédimentaires et biostratigraphiques des fonds de vallée du bassin-versant de la Beuvronne (Bassin parisien, Seine-et-Marne, France) : perception des changements climatoanthropiques à l'Holocène[ Holocene morpho-sedimentary and bio-stratigraphy records from alluvial fills of the Beuvronne river catchment (Paris basin, France): perception of climatic changes and human activities. ]
Authors: Orth Paul , Pastre Jean François , Gauthier Agnès , Limondin-Lozouet Nicole , Kunesch Stephane
Published: October 2009

Le bassin-versant de la Beuvronne (Bassin parisien, France) offre des remplissages sédimentaires de fonds de vallée qui retracent son évolution environnementale depuis l'Holocène. L'étude intégrée des réponses morphosédimentaires fondée sur une étude sédimentologique fine (spectromètrie infrarouge, granulomètrie et quantification de la matière organique) et des biomarqueurs (pollens, malacofaunes) précise les étapes et les modalités de la dynamique fluviale en correlation avec les modifications climato-anthropiques depuis 1 1 000 ans. L'amélioration climatique de la première moitié de l'Holocène aboutit à une stabilisation des versants et engendre une sédimentation autochtone et organique dans toutes les sections des vallées étudiées. A partir de 4000 BP, la reconnaissance d'une dynamique fluviale plus franche peut être correlée à des impacts anthropiques exacerbés par différentes phases de dégradation climatique. Le diachronisme amont-aval des réponses morphosédimentaires postérieurement à 3500 BP souligne le rôle prépondérant de l'anthropisation des milieux sur le fonctionnement du système fluvial et relativise le poids des fluctuations climatiques
Portuguese Tourism Segments in Latin America
Authors: Correia Antónia , Barros Carlos Pestana , Kozak Metin
Published: October 2009

The objective of this article is to describe segments of Portuguese holidaymakers traveling to Latin American destinations. A latent class logit model is used to identify segments of Portuguese tourists whose choices differ according to a mix of destination attributes, information gathered,
previous experience, and individual socioeconomic characteristics. The model identifies three different segments characterized as nature repeat tourists, ethnic repeat tourists, and first-time tourists. These findings emphasize the importance of taking into account different choice behavior
variables to segment the tourist market.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effect of Genistein on Bone in Two Different Murine Models of Diminished Estrogen-Producing Capacity
Authors: Reinwald Susan , Mayer Loretta P. , Hoyer Patricia B. , Turner Charles H. , Barnes Stephen , Weaver Connie  M.
Published: October 2009

This experiment was designed to assess the capacity of dietary genistein (GEN), to attenuate bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) and ovary-intact VCD-treated mice. Pretreatment of mice with 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) gradually and selectively destroys ovarian follicles whilst leaving ovarian androgen-producing cells largely intact. VCD induces a perimenopause-like condition prior to the onset of reproductive acyclicity. Sixteen-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomized to five treatment groups: sham(SHM), OVX, SHM + VCD, OVX + GEN, and SHM + VCD + GEN. In vivo, blood samples were drawn for hormone and isoflavone analyses, estrous cycles were monitored, and X-ray imaging was performed to assess changes in bone parameters. Following sacrifice, ovaries were assessed histologically, bone microarchitecture was evaluated via microcomputed tomography, and bone mechanical properties were measured. Some effects of GEN were observed in OVX mice, but GEN effects were not able to be evaluated in VCD-treated mice due to the subtle diminution of bone during the 4 months of this experiment.
Effect of Ionic Strength on Porphyrin Drugs Interaction with Quadruplex DNA Formed by the Promoter Region of C‐myc and Bcl2 Oncogenes
Authors: Nagesh Narayana , Sharma Varun K. , Ganesh Kumar A. , Lewis Edwin A.
Published: October 2009

C‐myc and Bcl2 are well characterized oncogenes that are capable of forming G‐quadruplex structures. Promoter regions of C‐myc and Bcl2 forming G‐quadruplex structures are chemically synthesized and G‐quadruplex structure is formed in presence of 100 mM potassium ion. Three different porphyrin drugs, namely TMPyP2, TMPyP3, and TMPyP4 are allowed to interact with quadruplex DNA complex and the site and nature of interaction are studied. Drug interactions with quadruplex DNA were carried out in different potassium ionic strengths using fluorescence spectroscopy. It is found that fluorescence hypochromicity decreases with an increase in ionic strength in the case of TMPyP4, TMPyP3, and TMPyP2. Fluorescence titration studies and Job plots indicate that four molecules of TMPyP4, two molecules of TMPyP3 and TMPyP2 are interacting with one molecule of quadruplex DNA.
Characterizing Complete Erdős Space
Authors: Dijkstra Jan J. , Mill Jan van
Published: October 2009

Abstract. The space now known as complete Erdős space was introduced by Paul Erdős in 1940 as the closed subspace of the Hilbert space ℓ2 consisting of all vectors such that every coordinate is in the convergent sequence ﹛0﹜ ∪ ﹛1/n : n ∈ℕ﹜. In a solution to a problem posed by Lex G. Oversteegen we present simple and useful topological characterizations of . As an application we determine the class of factors of . In another application we determine precisely which of the spaces that can be constructed in the Banach spaces ℓp according to the ‘Erdős method’ are homeomorphic to . A novel application states that if I is a Polishable Fσ-ideal on ω, then I with the Polish topology is homeomorphic to either ℤ, the Cantor set 2ω, ℤ × 2ω, or . This last result answers a question that was asked by Stevo Todorčević.
On the Littlewood Problem Modulo a Prime
Authors: Green Ben , Konyagin Sergei
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Let p be a prime, and let f : ℤ/p ℤ →ℝ be a function with . Then Minx ∈ℤ/pℤ |f(x)| = O(log p)−1/3+∈. One should think of f as being “approximately continuous”; our result is then an “approximate intermediate value theorem”.

As an immediate consequence we show that if A ⊆ℤ/pℤ is a set of cardinality ⌊p/2⌋, then ∑r |1^A(r)| ≫ (log p)1/3−∈. This gives a result on a “mod p” analogue of Littlewood's well-known problem concerning the smallest possible L1-norm of the Fourier transform of a set of n integers.

Another application is to answer a question of Gowers. If A ⊆ℤ/pℤ is a set of size ⌊p/2⌋, then there is some x ∈ℤ/pℤ such that

‖A ∩ (A + x)| − p/4| = o(p).
Exponents of Diophantine Approximation in Dimension Two
Authors: Laurent Michel
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Let Θ = (α, β) be a point in R2, with 1, α, β linearly independent over Q. We attach to Θ a quadruple Ω (Θ) of exponents that measure the quality of approximation to Θ both by rational points and by rational lines. The two “uniform” components of Ω (Θ) are related by an equation due to Jarník, and the four exponents satisfy two inequalities that refine Khintchine's transference principle. Conversely, we show that for any quadruple Ω fulfilling these necessary conditions, there exists a point Θ ∈ R2 for which Ω (Θ) = Ω.
Bounded Hankel Products on the Bergman Space of the Polydisk
Authors: Lu Yufeng , Shang Shuxia
Published: October 2009

Abstract. We consider the problem of determining for which square integrable functions f and g on the polydisk the densely defined Hankel product Hf H*g is bounded on the Bergman space of the polydisk. Furthermore, we obtain similar results for the mixed Haplitz products HgT and Tf H*g, where f and g are square integrable on the polydisk and f is analytic.
Representations of Non-Negative Polynomials, Degree Bounds and Applications to Optimization
Authors: Marshall M.
Published: October 2009

Abstract. Natural sufficient conditions for a polynomial to have a local minimum at a point are considered. These conditions tend to hold with probability 1. It is shown that polynomials satisfying these conditions at each minimum point have nice presentations in terms of sums of squares. Applications are given to optimization on a compact set and also to global optimization. In many cases, there are degree bounds for such presentations. These bounds are of theoretical interest, but they appear to be too large to be of much practical use at present. In the final section, other more concrete degree bounds are obtained which ensure at least that the feasible set of solutions is not empty.
Klyachko Models for General Linear Groups of Rank 5 over a p-Adic Field
Authors: Nien Chufeng
Published: October 2009

Abstract. This paper shows the existence and uniqueness of Klyachko models for irreducible unitary representations of GL5 (ℱ), where ℱ is a p-adic field. It is an extension of the work of Heumos and Rallis on GL4(ℱ).
Homotopy Formulas for Cyclic Groups Acting on Rings
Authors: Kassel Christian
Published: October 2009

The positive cohomology groups of a finite group acting on a ring vanish when the ring has a norm one element. In this note we give explicit homotopies on the level of cochains when the group is cyclic, which allows us to express any cocycle of a cyclic group as the coboundary of an explicit cochain. The formulas in this note are closely related to the effective problems considered in previous joint work with Eli Aljadeff.
Numerical Semigroups Having a Toms Decomposition
Authors: Rosales J. C. , García-Śanchez P. A.
Published: October 2009

We show that the class of system proportionally modular numerical semigroups coincides with the class of numerical semigroups having a Toms decomposition.
From Idea to Blah! Understanding Mobile Services Development as Interactive Innovation
Authors: Fontana Eduardo , Sorensen Carsten
Published: October 2009

Mobile communications are permeating virtually every aspect of our lives. The market is experiencing rapid improvements in technologies, while mobile operators are trying to figure out new ways their infrastructures can provide services to the customers. Furthermore, user-innovation with new ways of using these technologies generates powerful feedback loops back into the innovation processes. In this turbulent environment it is difficult to capture and conceptualize how newness comes about and what the main characteristics of innovation are. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how the concept of interactive innovation can be applied to explain the development of mobile services. This study adopts the perspective of the developer rather than the user. Moreover, through the social construction of technology lens, the concepts of sense-making and bricolage are applied to explain the innovation appropriation process during the mobile data value chain improvement process. One of the conclusions drawn is that in the rapidly changing and complex context of mobile services development, the traditional notion of ‘interactive innovation’ cannot fully explain this phenomenon that takes place.
A Methodology to Implement an Information Security Management System
Authors: Barbosa Martins Alaíde , Saibel Santos Celso Alberto
Published: October 2009

Information security has actually been a major challenge to most organizations. Indeed, information security is an ongoing risk management process that covers all of the information that needs to be protected. ISO 17799 offers what companies need in order to better manage information security. The best way to implement this standard is to ease the security management process using a methodology that will define will define guidelines, procedures and tools that will be needed along the way. Hence, this paper proposes a methodology to assist companies in assessing their compliance with BS 7799/ ISO 17799 as well as planning and implementing the actions necessary to become compliant or certified to the standard. The concepts and ideas presented here had been applied in a case study involving the Cetrel S/A - Company of Environmental Protection. For this company, responsible for treatment of industrial residues generated by the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex and adjacent areas, to assure confidentiality and integrity of customers' data is a basic requirement.
META-ANALYSIS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ERP SYSTEMS
Authors: García Cruz Rosario , Ramírez Correa Patricio
Published: October 2009

The study presents a systematic literature review on the implementation of ERP systems. The analyses are based on 168 articles published in ISI journals. Firstly, the course of investigation on the phenomenon is investigated. Then, methodologies under use are specified in the analysis: field work - statistical technique and variables; case studies – the type of design and study problem; conceptual works – their impact on literature. Additionally, critical success factors proposed for the implementation of ERP systems are summarized. Lastly, with the purpose of supporting the development of future assumptions, some conclusions are provided on the scientific background for the study. A general analysis concludes that publications on ERP system implementation show a clear expansion trend, and are concentrated in information system journals. Empirical studies are privileged, with case studies used more frequently.
Organizations under study are usually multinationals in the industrial sector. Based on that review, one concludes that: 1- organization size plays a key role in ERP systems implementation; 2- the factors that affect late ERP adoption differ from those that affect early implementation; 3- cultural collision can be felt at ERP implementation; 4- diligent studies on success factors in ERP implementation are few in number; 5- there is not one single dimension to measure ERP system success.
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND LEARNING: PROBLEMS OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER ASSOCIATED WITH TRYING TO SHORT-CIRCUIT THE LEARNING CYCLE
Authors: Newell Sue
Published: October 2009

Knowledge is considered to be a key organizational resource in the 21st century and the knowledge management ‘movement’ has alerted organizations to the fact that they should more strategically exploit their knowledge assets. Companies are thus lured by the suggestion that they can gain competitive advantage by the more astute management of their knowledge base and in particular, by the transfer of knowledge across individuals, groups and organizational units, using IT to accomplish this. In this paper, we reflect on this common view of knowledge transfer. More specifically, we question an implication of this view - essentially the possibility of short-circuiting the learning cycle, so that individuals do not have to rely on their personal or shared experiences to identify better practices, but can learn from the codified lessons of others in IT systems. More importantly, we consider the characteristics of knowledge – that knowledge is distributed, ambiguous and disruptive – that makes its transfer highly problematic. Drawing on case research, we relate this to the learning cycle (Kolb 1984) and thereby identify barriers to knowledge transfer. We conclude by considering ways of overcoming these barriers by emphasizing the importance of social systems alongside technical systems.
Benefits of Software-Oriented Architecture to Corporate Services: An Analysis of ABN AMRO Bank Experience in Brazil
Authors: De Lourdes Marinho Bernadete , Osvaldo de Sordi José , Nagy Marcio
Published: October 2009

Software architecture is a major enabler in providing effective profits related to agility and efficiency in corporate information systems maintenance and evolution: a key factor in competitive environments. The benefits resulting from the adoption of software- oriented architecture (SOA) are demonstrated in this article through the analysis of a practical case of its implementation in the financial institution: ABN AMRO in Brazil. The case describes how the institution solved a traditional dilemma faced by financial institutions: the composition and integration of financial services delivered through software to different communications channels made available to clients.
Information Technology Users´ Abilities: a Case Study on Computing Learning in an Undergraduate Course
Authors: Pires de Miranda André Luiz , Reis Lobo de Vasconcelos Maria Celeste , Leal Jamil George , Maria Martins Judice Valéria
Published: October 2009

Literature review shows minimum ability levels of Information Technology (IT) resources in use are currently essential to administrators and to professionals overall. As effective as Internet may be, new milestones for economic competition and company survival are being created. It is thus required that individual IT abilities are continuously reformulated to be adequately and creatively used, and new information sources and tools actively generated, rather than passively adopted. In evaluating the evolution of the IT abilities’ acquisition in Brazil, students of Business & Administration from a university are investigated. By means of questionnaire and in-depth interview application, data were collected on students’ perceptions of acquired abilities and importance of IT competencies. Together, computing science teachers and a course coordinator views were assessed. Empirical results obtained revealed that students' IT abilities were concentrated on basic computing science functions. The integration of IT learning in classroom practices was deemed poor as compared to importance attributed. Students signalized self-sufficiency or knowledge attitudes which, as tested, have not been actually proved. Low learning results were observed on IT conceptual knowledge, indicating students’ impatience with learning without interaction, as in long-text readings or teacher-centered classes. Strong student resistance to electronic commerce was evidenced and associated to perceived risks on IT evolution.
Crm, Learning and Organizational Control
Authors: Benavent Christophe , De la Villarmois Olivier
Published: October 2009

In this article are explored in a theoretical way the determinants of performance of Customer Relationship Management information systems that are established gradually in most of large companies. The approach adopted in this study focuses attention upon two central assumptions: the effect of the systems of CRM is mediated first by an increasing capability of organizational learning, and secondly through better organisational control devices.
Continuous Auditing: the USA Experience and Considerations for its Implementation in Brazil
Authors: Alles Michael , Tostes Fernando , Vasarhelyi Miklos , Luiz Riccio Edson
Published: October 2009

Continuous Auditing, broadly defined as the transformation of internal and external auditing through the application of modern information technology, is being increasingly adopted by firms throughout the world. Organizations ranging from Siemens, HCA, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, BIPOP Bank and the Internal Revenue Service are developing tools and practices that will bring assurance closer to the transaction and reduce through automation, the cost of auditing. A June 2006 PricewaterhouseCoopers survey finds that 50% of U.S. companies now use continuous auditing techniques and 31% percent of the rest have already made plans to follow suit. In this article we introduce the concepts of CA to a Brazilian audience and discuss its further application there.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4301/s1807-17752006000200007
Organizational Change and Communication in Quality Service Improvement for Users of the Information Technology at the State Secretariat of Finance of Pernambuco
Authors: Emilie Boeckmann Clara , Ribeiro Ramos Filho Aldo , Rocha Cunha Margarete
Published: October 2009

The State Secretariat of Finance of Pernambuco (SEFAZ), has developed since 1997 an extensive program of modernization, mainly concerning Information Technology (IT), encompassing in its Management Model, the organizational changes that place serious challenges to the management of IT inside SEFAZ, especially regarding the users support. This work has had as main objectives, to identify and to evaluate the existing difficulties concerning IT at SEFAZ, concentrating attention on the users support, focusing the problems in the context of the organizational change and organizational communication. A questionnaire was applied to 120 employees. The results indicated positive scenes of the relation between the users and the IT structure, the satisfaction related to the majority of the evaluated items, including positive pointers of 100%. However, although 92% recognize that IT is very important in the accomplishment of their activities, 68% do not know about the modernization of the change processes, making the process of IT adaptation a difficult task. A plan of management to the users support must be elaborated, including resources that promote a new culture of internal communication and strategies of the organizational change.
The Internet as Informational Source for MIS: The Processes of Captation and the Forms of Evaluation
Authors: Crescitelli Edson , Custódia de Oliveira Érica , Futino Barreto Iná
Published: October 2009

This article discusses the use and the ways of assessment of the internet as a source of information due to the agility that this way has been providing to the Marketing Information System, which also shows to be fragile in terms of reliability of the available information The study consists of an exploratory research, which includes literature review and multiple case studies, and presents as its objective the understanding of how the internet is used in the processes of data source definition and evaluation in a company, from the user’s point of view. The results indicate that the internet is an important source of information, but there is little systematization in the information collection and the sources evaluation is based only on the users’ individual and practical knowledge
BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS ANALYSIS
Authors: De Sordi José Osvaldo , Spelta Andrea Giovanni
Published: October 2009

The information technology that supports the implementation of the business process management appproach is called Business Process Management System (BPMS). The main components of the BPMS solution framework are process definition repository, process instances repository, transaction manager, conectors framework, process engine and middleware. In this paper we define and characterize the role and importance of the components of BPMS's framework. The research method adopted was the case study, through the analysis of the implementation of the BPMS solution in an insurance company called Chubb do Brasil. In the case study, the process "Manage Coinsured Events"" is described and characterized, as well as the components of the BPMS solution adopted and implemented by Chubb do Brasil for managing this process.
The Effects of Internet Shoppers' Trust on their Purchasing Intention in China
Authors: Li Rong , Kim Jae Jon , Park Jae Sung
Published: October 2009

Owing to the rapid development of the Internet and information technology in China, the growth of consumers’ purchasing activities in Internet shopping malls has been truly phenomenal in recent years. Taobao.com, Ebay.com.cn, and Paipai.com have 67,360,000 customer to customer (C2C) users and 99% of the market share in China’s C2C market (www.163.com). Dangdang.com and Joyo.com have occupied 87% of the business to customer (B2C) market with 58,360,000 users (www.sohu.com). Because of these significant numbers of users, it is important to understand what affects Chinese consumers’ decisions to purchase in Internet shopping malls. Based on past studies, trust is considered a key factor affecting a Chinese consumer’s purchasing intention. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Chinese shoppers’ trust on their purchasing intention in Internet shopping malls. In order to accomplish the purpose of this study, we developed a research model. This model suggests that there exists a significant relationship between trust and purchasing intention. According to this model, on purchasing intention, trust also mediates effects of other independent variables such as e-commerce knowledge, perceived reputation, perceived risk, and perceived ease of use. The results of this study show that the relationships between these variables are all significant except that between trust and perceived reputation. This research confirms the significant effects of Chinese shoppers’ trust on purchasing intention. Implications of these findings are discussed for researchers and practitioners.
Changes in the Organizational Context and the Communication Between Actors Following the Implementation of Intranet
Authors: Spraggon Martin , Bodolica Virginia
Published: October 2009

This exploratory and comparative study of two companies examines, based on multiple theoretical models of technology, the diverse relationships that develop between the Intranet and social actors. One of the analyzed companies operates in the software industry, while the other manufactures electronic components. Our research findings are threefold. Firstly, as suggested by the “technological imperative” model, we notice that the Intranet impacts several structural aspects in the organizational contexts under investigation. Secondly, we support the “strategic choice” model, which shows that the Intranet is a social construct that is created, used and changed by the human actors’ meaningful actions. Finally, based on the structurational model of Intranet, we observe that several dimensions of communication between the social actors are significantly modified as a result of the dialectical, structurational and continuous interaction that is established between the Intranet and its users. However, although the observed changes take place within the two sample companies, the quantity, the level and intensity of the changes vary according to the organizational context, which is typical of the analyzed company, and the type of industry in which the company operates.
De-Escalating the IT-Projects
Authors: Kundi Ghulam Muhammad , Nawaz Allah , Shah Bahadar
Published: October 2009

Escalation stickins with an ailing project beyond rational justifications. This happens because in the face of negative feedback, decision makers are strangled between whether to stick with or quit the dying project. Environmental uncertainty has been identified as the root cause of the escalatory behavior. This uncertainty emanates from several sources relating to individual, group, organization and broader environmental factors. This paper argues the premise that effective communication can help create an environment whereby workforce can develop an organized action thereby distributing the responsibility across the whole workforce and not the individuals – leading to the possible reduction of escalatory behavior in IT projects.
Integrating Data Index Engines in Order to Build Information Retrieval Systems in Heterogeneous Environments
Authors: Amazonas André Mano , Ribeiro Daniel Souza Santos , Barros Diego Souza de , Neto Manoel Carvalho Marques , Santos Celso Alberto Saibel
Published: October 2009

As diversas propostas existentes para a recuperação de informação apresentam limitações referentes ao ambiente em que atuam, restringindo a recuperação de informações a fontes de dados ou a áreas do conhecimento especificas. Neste contexto, este artigo propõe um modelo e um arcabouço para a integração de motores de indexação a fim de possibilitar o desenvolvimento de Sistemas de Recuperação de Informação (SRIs) capacitados a recuperar informações em ambientes de fontes de dados heterogêneas, apresentando-se assim, como uma abordagem para atender a demanda de acesso às informações em ambientes corporativos.
Main Characteristics of Companies Using Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and of Their Operation Context
Authors: Mezo Blanca Monteagudo , Chaparro Teresa Sánchez , Heras Alfonso Duran
Published: October 2009

The aim of this article is to establish the main characteristics of the organizations that have successfully implemented information systems based on Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). Their environmental circumstances have also been studied. To achieve this objective, a SOA bibliographic review has been carried out, encompassing an analysis of 25 real cases in which different SOA applications were successfully implemented. All these cases were published between 2.001 and 2.007. The conclusions of this article can be briefly summarized as follows: SOA is well suited for organizations that rely on important legacy systems, whose performance is hindered by the lack of integration and flexibility of their computer architectures. These organizations therefore need to improve such architectures rather than replace them by new systems; SOA is being used by organizations that need to integrate their systems with those of their supply chain partners; SOA solutions provide support for the use of Web technologies.
Socio-Technical Management of Software Testing in Information Systems Projects
Authors: Tosetto Mauro , Bellini Carlo Gabriel Porto
Published: October 2009

Na indústria brasileira de desenvolvimento de software para sistemas de informações, observa-se sensibilidade das empresas quanto à necessária melhoria contínua na qualidade do processo produtivo. Uma das formas de tratar a qualidade do desenvolvimento de software – na expectativa de alinhar os processos de negócio do cliente às rotinas computacionalmente programadas no sistema de informações – dá-se por meio do teste de software. O teste de software busca institucionalizar práticas de gestão de projetos e desenvolvimento de produtos de software, com o objetivo de localizar os problemas – e não garantir a sua inexistência. A partir de uma perspectiva sociotécnica e dos modelos teóricos SET (gerencial) e ST-TS (processual) desenvolvidos nesta pesquisa para um melhor entendimento e orientação das atividades de teste, entrevistas em profundidade com dez especialistas em qualidade e teste de software permitiram a identificação e validação de categorias analíticas que mediam a relação entre fatores desses dois modelos, disto derivando-se o modelo organizacional VAST para auxiliar gestores, desenvolvedores e clientes em projetos de software para sistemas de informações empresariais.
Wimax Traffic Model Based on Time Series for Forecastfuture Values of Traffic
Authors: Augusto Hernández Suarez Cesar , José Salcedo Parra Octavio , Fernando Pedraza Martínez Luis
Published: October 2009

El objetivo de esta investigación es demostrar que las series de tiempo son una excelente herramienta para el modelamiento de tráfico de datos en redes Wimax. Para lograr este objetivo se utilizó la metodología de Box-Jenkins, la cual se describe en este artículo. El modelamiento de tráfico Wimax a través de modelos correlacionados como las series de tiempo permiten ajustar gran parte de la dinámica del comportamiento de los datos en una ecuación y con base en esto estimar valores futuros de tráfico. Lo anterior es una ventaja para la planeación de cobertura, reservación de recursos y la realización de un control más oportuno y eficiente en forma integrada a diferentes niveles de la jerarquía funcional de la red de datos Wimax. Como resultado de la investigación se obtuvo un modelo de tráfico ARIMA de orden 18, el cual realizó pronósticos de tráfico con valores del error cuadrático medio relativamente pequeños, para un periodo de 10 días.
The reproducibility of ethnic differences in the proportional awake–sleep blood pressure decline among women
Authors: Van Berge‐Landry Helene M. , Bovbjerg Dana H. , James Gary D.
Published: October 2009

A growing body of evidence indicates that African Americans (AA), on average, have a smaller proportional decline in blood pressure (BP) from waking to sleep than European Americans (EA), but this difference is largely based on correlational data from a single assessment day. The persistence of this difference over repeated sampling is not well established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether ethnic differences in the awake–sleep BP decline between AA and EA persisted over three monthly assessments. The subjects were 47 AA (age = 39.7 ± 8.7) and 92 EA (age = 37.4 ± 9.2) normotensive women. Subjects had 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring done on midweek workdays at 1‐month intervals for three consecutive months. The proportional decline in BP was calculated as follows: (average awake − average sleep)/average sleep. The persistence of ethnic differences was evaluated using repeated‐measures ANCOVA and by examining Bland–Altman plots. The ANCOVA results revealed that overall, the proportional decline of AA women was less than that of EA women for both SBP (P < 0.038) and DBP (P < 0.083), consistent with previous research, and that there were also no significant ethnic differences by monthly assessment. Bland–Altman plots revealed that overall and by ethnicity, the proportional decline in BP among individual subjects over the 3 months was also reproducible. These results suggest that the ethnic difference in awake–sleep BP between AA and EA women persists over time and that the awake–sleep decline in BP among individuals, whether AA or EA, is also reproducible. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synchrony between growth and reproductive patterns in human females: Early investment in growth among Pumé foragers
Authors: Kramer Karen L. , Greaves Russell D.
Published: October 2009

Life history is an important framework for understanding many aspects of ontogeny and reproduction relative to fitness outcomes. Because growth is a key influence on the timing of reproductive maturity and age at first birth is a critical demographic variable predicting lifetime fertility, it raises questions about the synchrony of growth and reproductive strategies. Among the Pumé, a group of South American foragers, young women give birth to their first child on average at age 15.5. Previous research showed that this early age at first birth maximizes surviving fertility under conditions of high infant mortality. In this study we evaluate Pumé growth data to test the expectation that if early reproduction is advantageous, then girls should have a developmental trajectory that best prepares them for young childbearing. Analyses show that comparatively Pumé girls invest in skeletal growth early, enter puberty having achieved a greater proportion of adult body size and grow at low velocities during adolescence. For early reproducers growing up in a food‐limited environment, a precocious investment in growth is advantageous because juveniles have no chance of pregnancy and it occurs before the onset of the competing metabolic demands of final reproductive maturation and childbearing. Documenting growth patterns under preindustrial energetic and demographic conditions expands the range of developmental variation not otherwise captured by normative growth standards and contributes to research on human phenotypic plasticity in diverse environments. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Understanding, Controlling and Programming Cooperativity in Self‐Assembled Polynuclear Complexes in Solution
Authors: Riis‐Johannessen Thomas , Dalla Favera Natalia , Todorova Tanya K. , Huber Stefan M. , Gagliardi Laura , Piguet Claude
Published: October 2009

Deviations from statistical binding, that is cooperativity, in self‐assembled polynuclear complexes partly result from intermetallic interactions ΔEM,M, whose magnitudes in solution depend on a balance between electrostatic repulsion and solvation energies. These two factors have been reconciled in a simple point‐charge model, which suggests severe and counter‐intuitive deviations from predictions based solely on the Coulomb law when considering the variation of ΔEM,M with metallic charge and intermetallic separation in linear polynuclear helicates. To demonstrate this intriguing behaviour, the ten microscopic interactions that define the thermodynamic formation constants of some twenty‐nine homometallic and heterometallic polynuclear triple‐stranded helicates obtained from the coordination of the segmental ligands L1–L11 with Zn2+ (a spherical d‐block cation) and Lu3+ (a spherical 4f‐block cation), have been extracted by using the site binding model. As predicted, but in contrast with the simplistic coulombic approach, the apparent intramolecular intermetallic interactions in solution are found to be i) more repulsive at long distance (${{\rm{\Delta }}E_{{\rm{1 - 4}}}^{{\rm{Lu}}{\rm{,Lu}}} }$>${{\rm{\Delta }}E_{{\rm{1 - 2}}}^{{\rm{Lu}}{\rm{,Lu}}} }$), ii) of larger magnitude when Zn2+ replaces Lu3+ (${{\rm{\Delta }}E_{{\rm{1 - 2}}}^{{\rm{Zn}}{\rm{,Lu}}} }$>${{\rm{\Delta }}E_{{\rm{1 - 2}}}^{{\rm{Lu}}{\rm{,Lu}}} }$) and iii) attractive between two triply charged cations held at some specific distance (${{\rm{\Delta }}E_{{\rm{1 - 3}}}^{{\rm{Lu}}{\rm{,Lu}}} }$<0). The consequences of these trends are discussed for the design of polynuclear complexes in solution.
Physiological principles of therapy in head and neck cutaneous wounds
Authors: Simpson William R.
Published: October 2009

It is essential that surgeons treating soft tissue wounds about the head and neck have a basic understanding of skin anatomy and physiology. The quality as well as the rate of healing is usually dependent on the type and extent of the original injury. Having a practical working knowledge of the pathophysiology of the various types of head and neck soft tissue injuries allows an intelligent choice of the most appropriate approach to a particular wound.

The best functional and cosmetic results routinely are achieved by the wound's undergoing primary healing. Skin tapes and various sutures each exhibit certain benefits and disadvantages in primary closure of wounds. Skin tapes cause less inflammatory reaction but fail to close the subepi‐thelial wound spaces. The inflammatory reaction and subsequent scarring‐caused by the various sutures depends upon the size of the suture needle, the diameter of the suture material and whether it is a monofilament or a woven suture.

The essential nutrition of the wound must be maintained with the body providing adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, trace elements and vitamins. The lack of adequate wound tissue perfusion by a normal or reversed oxygen gradient will lead to tissue necrosis and infection. The size of the inoculum of micro‐organisms, the virulence of the organisms and host antimicrobial defense mechanisms determine if an infection will develop. The pharmacological action of each antibiotic must be understood in order to choose the proper antibiotic, its route of administration and to avoid unwanted side effects.

Crushing tissue injuries, high velocity projectile tissue injuries and major burns of tissue may require several days to exhibit the true scope of the original injury. Most of these injuries must be treated by the open delayed method of wound treatment until the proper tissue conditions exist for healing. The proper timing and correct choice of autografts and tissue flaps develops from the surgeon's personal experience, study and conferring with other qualified surgeons. Upon gaining insight into the cellular and humoral antimicrobial defense system, the surgeon is able to provide the best conditions to allow these systems to function properly.

Studies in the ultrastructures of skin along with the recently developed microbioassay techniques will allow a closer monitoring during the process of wound healing that will provide the basis for future techniques in the beneficial manipulation of wound healing.
Rehabilitation of the face following traumatic injury to the facial nerve
Authors: Glasscock Michael E. , Wiet Richard J. , Jackson C. Gary , Dickins John R. E.
Published: October 2009

Etiology, diagnosis, and surgical management of facial paralysis due to traumatic injury of the VIIth cranial nerve are discussed. Sixty patients are reviewed who underwent some type of surgical procedure for the repair of the facial nerve. These cases are categorized according to etiology, which includes temporal bone fractures, iatrogenic injuries, and penetrating wounds of the head and neck. The results of a poll of eight leading otologists on their approaches to several aspects of the surgical management of these injuries are presented in the Discussion section. The diagnostic and prognostic studies associated with facial paralysis, as well as the more common surgical procedures available for repair of the facial nerve, are briefly reviewed.
Paranasal sinus aspergillosis
Authors: McGuirt W. Fred , Harrill James A.
Published: October 2009

Four cases of aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses seen recently at the North Carolina Baptist Hospital are reported. Paranasal sinus aspergillosis is prone to develop in patients living in the southeastern states because those states 1. have an agricultural economy and 2. have a hot, humid climate that causes a high incidence of nasal and sinus disorders. The increasing use of immunosuppressive and oncological drugs should further increase the incidence of aspergillosis. Diagnosis of aspergillosis of the paranasal sinuses requires a high index of suspicion which should be present particularly for a patient who has unilateral sinusitis that does not respond to routine therapy, or who has a localized sinus mass or bony erosion. Immunodiffusion tests are specific for aspergillosis. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the diseased mucosa and adequate aeration and drainage of the sinus. Culture of the specimen on Sabouraud's agar will confirm the diagnosis.
Current management of nasopharyngeal stenosis: Indications for z‐plasty
Authors: Bennhoff David F.
Published: October 2009

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is not commonly seen at present. Formerly most often due to various severe infections of the upper respiratory tract, the most common current etiology is involvement of posterior pillars at the time of tonsillo‐adenoidectomy. A brief review of the historical evolution of treating this problem is summarized.

Various degrees of stenosis may occur with varying handicaps requiring surgical correction, utilizing plastic and reconstructive surgical techniques.

Three such individuals treated by individually designed flaps with successful outcome are reviewed. Caveats regarding the primary surgical procedure and recommendations appropriate to the secondary surgical correction are outlined.
Panel discussion: Glomus jugulare tumors of the temporal bone. The surgical management of glomus tumors
Authors: Glasscock Michael E. , Jackson C. Gary , Dickins John R. E. , Wiet Richard J.
Published: October 2009

The authors describe the diagnosis and surgical management of 70 glomus tumors seen at the Otology Group in an 8 yr. period. The need for bilateral arteriograms to detect associated tumors (carotid body and intervagale) is stressed.

A new surgical technique, the modified intratemporal fossa approach, is described for the removal of large glomus jugulare tumors involving the carotid artery. Complications and results are discussed in detail.
Upper esophageal sphincter: Pre and post‐laryngectomy – a normative study
Authors: Gates George A.
Published: October 2009

Correlation of anatomical, surgical, manometric, and radiographic observations leads to the conclusion that the normal high pressure zone of the pharyngoesophageal junction is composed of two parts: an annular muscular sphincter in the most proximal part of the upper esophagus and, above this, a complex pinchcock sphincter composed of the cricoid cartilage anteriorly and cricopharyngeus muscle laterally and posteriorly. The pinchcock part of the sphincter produces a high pressure zone in a predominantly anteroposterior direction. After laryngectomy, the sphincter becomes completely annular and behaves like a pure musculare constrictor; it is likely that both the cricopharyngeus and the upper esophageal circular muscles constitute the postlaryngectomy pharyngoesophageal high pressure zone.

The relative contributions of the pinchcock segment (upper part) and annular constrictor segment (lower part) to the overall function of the upper esophageal sphincter have yet to be established in man.