bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-, Two-, and Three-Dimensional Hopping Dynamics
Authors: Aoki Keiko , Fujiwara Susumu , Sogo Kiyoshi , Ohnishi Shuhei , Yamamoto Takenori
Published: April 2013

Hopping dynamics in glass has been known for quite a long time. In contrast, hopping dynamics in smectic-A (SmA) and hexatic smectic-B (HexB) liquid crystals (LC) has been observed only recently. The hopping in SmA phase occurs among the smectic layers (one-dimensionally), while hopping in HexB phase occurs inside the layers (two-dimensionally). The hopping dynamics in SmA and HexB liquid crystal phases is investigated by parallel soft-core spherocylinders, while three-dimensional hopping dynamics in inherent glassy states is investigated by systems of Weeks–Chandler–Andersen (WCA) spheres. The temperature dependence of diffusion coefficients of hopping in SmA phase can be described by the Arrhenius equation characteristic of activation process. In HexB LC phase, the diffusion coefficients saturate at higher temperatures. In a system of WCA spheres, the values and temperature dependence of diffusion coefficients depend on the observed states.
Preliminary Investigations into the Development of Textile Based Temperature Sensor for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Husain Muhammad , Kennon Richard
Published: April 2013

Human body temperature is an important sign of physical condition in terms of comfort, heat or cold stresses, and of performance. This paper presents the preliminary investigation into the design, manufacturing and testing of the textile based temperature sensor. This sensing fabric may be employed to measure the temperature of the human body on a continuous basis over extensive periods of time, outside the clinical environment. The sensing fabric was manufactured on an industrial scale flat-bed knitting machine by laying-in the sensing element (in the form of fine metal wire) into the double layer knitted structure. The operational principle of the sensing fabric is based on the inherent tendency of metal wire to change in its electrical resistance because of the change in its temperature. An experimental resistance-temperature relationship showed promising validation in comparison with their modeled counterparts.
Forced Execution of the Elderly: Old Law, Dystopia, and the Utilitarian Argument
Authors: Schotland Sara
Published: April 2013

This essay focuses on a play that Thomas Middleton co-authored on the topic of forced execution of the elderly, The Old Law (1618–1619). Here, the Duke of Epire has issued an edict requiring the execution of men when they reach age eighty and women when they reach age sixty—a decree that is justified on the basis that at these ages, they are a burden to themselves and their heirs, as well as useless to society. I argue that Old Law responds to an issue as old as Plato and as recent as twenty-first century dystopic fiction: should a society devote substantial resources to caring for the unproductive elderly? The conflict between Cleanthes and Simonides about the merits of the decree anticipates the debate between proponents of utilitarian economics and advocates of the bioethical philosophy that we today describe as the Ethics of Care.
Biodegradable Polycaprolactone-Titania Nanocomposites: Preparation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Muñoz-Bonilla Alexandra , Cerrada María , Fernández-García Marta , Kubacka Anna , Ferrer Manuel , Fernández-García Marcos
Published: April 2013

Nanocomposites obtained from the incorporation of synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles (≈10 nm average primary particle size) in different amounts, ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt.%, into a biodegradable polycaprolactone matrix are achieved via a straightforward and commercial melting processing. The resulting nanocomposites have been structurally and thermally characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide/small angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS/SAXS, respectively) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TEM evaluation provides evidence of an excellent nanometric dispersion of the oxide component in the polymeric matrix, with aggregates having an average size well below 100 nm. Presence of these TiO2 nanoparticles induces a nucleant effect during polymer crystallization. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites has been tested using both UV and visible light against Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The bactericidal behavior has been explained through the analysis of the material optical properties, with a key role played by the creation of new electronic states within the polymer-based nanocomposites.
Recent Advances in Understanding the Control of Secretory Proteins by the Unfolded Protein Response in Plants
Authors: Hayashi Shimpei , Wakasa Yuhya , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: April 2013

The membrane transport system is built on the proper functioning of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER lumen (ER stress) disrupts ER homeostasis and disturbs the transport system. In response to ER stress, eukaryotic cells activate intracellular signaling (named the unfolded protein response, UPR), which contributes to the quality control of secretory proteins. On the other hand, the deleterious effects of UPR on plant health and growth characteristics have frequently been overlooked, due to limited information on this mechanism. However, recent studies have shed light on the molecular mechanism of plant UPR, and a number of its unique characteristics have been elucidated. This study briefly reviews the progress of understanding what is happening in plants under ER stress conditions.
Oxidative Stress Mediates the Disruption of Airway Epithelial Tight Junctions through a TRPM2-PLCγ1-PKCα Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Rui , Li Qi , Zhou Xiang-Dong , Perelman Juliy , Kolosov Victor
Published: April 2013

Oxidative stress has been implicated as an important contributing factor in the pathogenesis of several pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Previous studies have indicated a relationship between oxidative stress and the attenuation of epithelial tight junctions (TJs). In Human Bronchial Epithelial-16 cells (16HBE), we demonstrated the degradation of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and claudin-2 exhibited a great dependence on the activation of the transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) 2 channel, phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) and the protein kinase Cα (PKCα) signaling cascade.
Electron Beam Irradiation of Cellulosic Materials—Opportunities and Limitations
Authors: Henniges Ute , Hasani Merima , Potthast Antje , Westman Gunnar , Rosenau Thomas
Published: April 2013

The irradiation of pulp is of interest from different perspectives. Mainly it is required when a modification of cellulose is needed. Irradiation could bring many advantages, such as chemical savings and, therefore, cost savings and a reduction in environmental pollutants. In this account, pulp and dissociated celluloses were analyzed before and after irradiation by electron beaming. The focus of the analysis was the oxidation of hydroxyl groups to carbonyl and carboxyl groups in pulp and the degradation of cellulose causing a decrease in molar mass. For that purpose, the samples were labeled with a selective fluorescence marker and analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) coupled with multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS), refractive index (RI), and fluorescence detectors. Degradation of the analyzed substrates was the predominant result of the irradiation; however, in the microcrystalline samples, oxidized cellulose functionalities were introduced along the cellulose chain, making this substrate suitable for further chemical modification.
Structural, Transport and Electrochemical Properties of LiFePO4 Substituted in Lithium and Iron Sublattices (Al, Zr, W, Mn, Co and Ni)
Authors: Molenda Janina , Kulka Andrzej , Milewska Anna , Zając Wojciech , Świerczek Konrad
Published: April 2013

LiFePO4 is considered to be one of the most promising cathode materials for lithium ion batteries for electric vehicle (EV) application. However, there are still a number of unsolved issues regarding the influence of Li and Fe-site substitution on the physicochemical properties of LiFePO4. This is a review-type article, presenting results of our group, related to the possibility of the chemical modification of phosphoolivine by introduction of cation dopants in Li and Fe sublattices. Along with a synthetic review of previous papers, a large number of new results are included. The possibility of substitution of Li+ by Al3+, Zr4+, W6+ and its influence on the physicochemical properties of LiFePO4 was investigated by means of XRD, SEM/EDS, electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient measurements. The range of solid solution formation in Li1−3xAlxFePO4, Li1−4xZrxFePO4 and Li1−6xWxFePO4 materials was found to be very narrow. Transport properties of the synthesized materials were found to be rather weakly dependent on the chemical composition. The battery performance of selected olivines was tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV). In the case of LiFe1−yMyPO4 (M = Mn, Co and Ni), solid solution formation was observed over a large range of y (0 < y ≤ 1). An increase of electrical conductivity for the substitution level y = 0.25 was observed. Electrons of 3d metals other than iron do not contribute to the electrical properties of LiFe1−yMyPO4, and substitution level y > 0.25 leads to considerably lower values of σ. The activated character of electrical conductivity with a rather weak temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient suggests a small polaron-type conduction mechanism. The electrochemical properties of LiFe1−yMyPO4 strongly depend on the Fe substitution level.
Total Synthesis and Biological Activity of Marine Alkaloid Eudistomins Y1–Y7 and Their Analogues
Authors: Jin Huijuan , Zhang Puyong , Bijian Krikor , Ren Sumei , Wan Shengbiao , Alaoui-Jamali Moulay , Jiang Tao
Published: April 2013

Eudistomin Y class compounds are a series of β-carbolines which was originally isolated from a marine turnicate or ascidian near the South Korea Sea. These compounds contain bromo-substituted groups, which is one of the typical characters of marine natural products. We report herein the chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of seven new β-carboline-based metabolites, Eudistomins Y1–Y7, and their hydroxyl-methylated phenyl derivatives. Using bromo-substituted tryptamines and bromo-substituted phenylglyoxals as the key intermediates, Eudistomins Y1–Y7 and their derivatives were synthesized via the acid-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reaction and fully characterized by 1H- and 13C-NMR and mass spectroscopy. Biological studies revealed that all of the compounds showed moderate growth inhibitory activity against breast carcinoma cell line MDA-231 with IC50 of 15–63 μM and the inhibitory activities of hydroxyl-methylated phenyl products were higher than that of the corresponding natural products Eudistomins Y1–Y7.
Folate-Based Radiotracers for PET Imaging—Update and Perspectives
Authors: Müller Cristina
Published: April 2013

The folate receptor (FR) is expressed in many tumor types, among those ovarian and lung cancer. Due to the high FR affinity of folic acid, it has been used for targeting of FR-positive tumors, allowing specific delivery of attached probes to the malignant tissue. Therefore, nuclear imaging of FR-positive cancer is of clinical interest for selecting patients who could benefit from innovative therapy concepts based on FR-targeting. Positron emission computed tomography (PET) has become an established technique in clinical routine because it provides an increased spatial resolution and higher sensitivity compared to single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Therefore, it is of critical importance to develop folate radiotracers suitable for PET imaging. This review article updates on the design, preparation and pre-clinical investigation of folate derivatives for radiolabeling with radioisotopes for PET. Among those the most relevant radionuclides so far are fluorine-18 (t1/2: 110 min, Eavβ+: 250 keV) and gallium-68 (t1/2: 68 min, Eav β+: 830 keV). Recent results obtained with new PET isotopes such as terbium-152 (t1/2: 17.5 h, Eβ+: 470 keV) or scandium-44 (t1/2: 3.97 h, Eav β+: 632 keV) are also presented and discussed. Current endeavors for clinical implementation of PET agents open new perspectives for identification of FR-positive malignancies in patients.
Sesquiterpenoids from the Herb of Leonurus japonicus
Authors: Xiong Liang , Zhou Qin-Mei , Peng Cheng , Xie Xiao-Fang , Guo Li , Li Xiao-Hong , Liu Juan , Liu Zhao-Hua , Dai Ou
Published: April 2013

Two new sesquiterpenoids, (−)-(1S*,2S*,3R*)-3-ethoxycupar-5-ene-1,2-diol (1) and (−)-(1S*,4S*,9S*)-1,9-epoxybisabola-2,10-diene-4-ol (2), along with six known compounds 3−8, were isolated from the EtOH extract of the herb of Leonurus japonicus. Their structures were elucidated by physical and spectroscopic analysis. In the in vitro assays, compounds 7 and 8 showed obvious antibacterial activity against several bacteria strains, while compound 3 significantly inhibited abnormal increase of platelet aggregation induced by ADP.
Novel Substituted Heteroaromatic Piperazine and Piperidine Derivatives as Inhibitors of Human Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus A16
Authors: Zhang Xian , Wang Hongliang , Li Yuhuan , Cao Ruiyuan , Zhong Wu , Zheng Zhibing , Wang Gang , Xiao Junhai , Li Song
Published: April 2013

A series of substituted heteroaromatic piperazine and piperidine derivatives were found through virtual screening based on the structure of human enterovirus 71 capsid protein VP1. The preliminary biological evaluation revealed that compounds 8e and 9e have potent activity against EV71 and Coxsackievirus A16 with low cytotoxicity.
Major Cereal Grain Fibers and Psyllium in Relation to Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Bernstein Adam , Titgemeier Brigid , Kirkpatrick Kristin , Golubic Mladen , Roizen Michael
Published: April 2013

Numerous studies reveal the cardiovascular benefits of consuming dietary fiber and, especially, cereal fiber. Cereal fiber is associated with cardiovascular risk reduction through multiple mechanisms and consuming a variety of cereal fiber sources offers health benefits specific to the source. Certain cereal fibers have been studied more extensively than others and provide greater support for their incorporation into a healthful diet. β-glucan from oats or barley, or a combination of whole oats and barley, and soluble fiber from psyllium reduces the risk of coronary heart disease; inulin-type fructans added to foods and beverages may modestly decrease serum triacylglycerols; arabinoxylan and resistant starch may improve glycemic control. Individuals with low cereal fiber intake should increase their intake of whole grains in order to receive the benefits of whole grains in addition to fiber. For those adjusting to the texture and palatability of whole grains, turning to added-fiber products rich in β-glucan and psyllium may allow them to reach their fiber goals without increasing caloric intake.
In Vitro Assessment of Clevidipine Using the Profilin1 Hypertensive Mouse Model
Authors: Hassanain Hamdy , Hassona Mohamed , Puente Erika , Sun Chengwen , Abouelnaga Zeinb , Tulman David , Bergese Sergio
Published: April 2013

Hypertension represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular events, associating with vascular hypertrophy and dysfunction in resistance vessels. Clevidipine is a novel antihypertensive drug working as a selective calcium channel antagonist with an ultra-short half-life that lowers arterial blood pressure by reducing systemic arterial resistance. The aim was to assess the effect of clevidipine on the hypertrophic vessels of profilin1 hypertensive transgenic mice compared to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and labetalol using wire myograph techniques. The effects of clevidipine, SNP and labetalol on the hypertrophic vessels were studied on mesenteric arterial function from 8 profilin1 hypertrophic mice and eight non-transgenic controls. Our results showed a significant difference between the effects of the three drugs on the hypertrophic mesenteric arteries of transgenic profilin1 mice compared to the non-transgenic controls. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of clevidipine, SNP and labetalol in profilin1 mice (1.90 ± 0.05, 0.97 ± 0.07, 2.80 ± 0.05 nM, respectively) were significantly higher than the EC50 in non-transgenic controls (0.91 ± 0.06, 0.32 ± 0.06, 0.80 ± 0.09 nM, respectively). Moreover, the increase in the EC50 for clevidipine (2-fold) to produce the same effect on both normal and hypertrophic arteries was less than that of SNP (3-fold) and labetalol (3.5-fold). Therefore, we concluded clevidipine exhibited the lowest dose shift to relax the hypertrophic vessels compared to SNP and labetalol in the profilin1 hypertrophic animal mouse model.
FedExosomes: Engineering Therapeutic Biological Nanoparticles that Truly Deliver
Authors: Marcus Michelle , Leonard Joshua
Published: April 2013

Many aspects of intercellular communication are mediated through “sending” and “receiving” packets of information via the secretion and subsequent receptor-mediated detection of biomolecular species including cytokines, chemokines, and even metabolites. Recent evidence has now established a new modality of intercellular communication through which biomolecular species are exchanged between cells via extracellular lipid vesicles. A particularly important class of extracellular vesicles is exosomes, which is a term generally applied to biological nanovesicles ~30–200 nm in diameter. Exosomes form through invagination of endosomes to encapsulate cytoplasmic contents, and upon fusion of these multivesicular endosomes to the cell surface, exosomes are released to the extracellular space and transport mRNA, microRNA (miRNA) and proteins between cells. Importantly, exosome-mediated delivery of such cargo molecules results in functional modulation of the recipient cell, and such modulation is sufficiently potent to modulate disease processes in vivo. It is possible that such functional delivery of biomolecules indicates that exosomes utilize native mechanisms (e.g., for internalization and trafficking) that may be harnessed by using exosomes to deliver exogenous RNA for therapeutic applications. A complementary perspective is that understanding the mechanisms of exosome-mediated transport may provide opportunities for “reverse engineering” such mechanisms to improve the performance of synthetic delivery vehicles. In this review, we summarize recent progress in harnessing exosomes for therapeutic RNA delivery, discuss the potential for engineering exosomes to overcome delivery challenges and establish robust technology platforms, and describe both potential challenges and advantages of utilizing exosomes as RNA delivery vehicles.
An Artificial Neural Network Based Robot Controller that Uses Rat’s Brain Signals
Authors: Mano Marsel , Capi Genci , Tanaka Norifumi , Kawahara Shigenori
Published: April 2013

Brain machine interface (BMI) has been proposed as a novel technique to control prosthetic devices aimed at restoring motor functions in paralyzed patients. In this paper, we propose a neural network based controller that maps rat’s brain signals and transforms them into robot movement. First, the rat is trained to move the robot by pressing the right and left lever in order to get food. Next, we collect brain signals with four implanted electrodes, two in the motor cortex and two in the somatosensory cortex area. The collected data are used to train and evaluate different artificial neural controllers. Trained neural controllers are employed online to map brain signals and transform them into robot motion. Offline and online classification results of rat’s brain signals show that the Radial Basis Function Neural Networks (RBFNN) outperforms other neural networks. In addition, online robot control results show that even with a limited number of electrodes, the robot motion generated by RBFNN matched the motion generated by the left and right lever position.
Inertial Sensor-Based Two Feet Motion Tracking for Gait Analysis
Authors: Hung Tran , Suh Young
Published: April 2013

Two feet motion is estimated for gait analysis. An inertial sensor is attached on each shoe and an inertial navigation algorithm is used to estimate the movement of both feet. To correct inter-shoe position error, a camera is installed on the right shoe and infrared LEDs are installed on the left shoe. The proposed system gives key gait analysis parameters such as step length, stride length, foot angle and walking speed. Also it gives three dimensional trajectories of two feet for gait analysis.
Fast Nearly ML Estimation of Doppler Frequency in GNSS Signal Acquisition Process
Authors: Tang Xinhua , Falletti Emanuela , Lo Presti Letizia
Published: April 2013

It is known that signal acquisition in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) field provides a rough maximum-likelihood (ML) estimate based on a peak search in a two-dimensional grid. In this paper, the theoretical mathematical expression of the cross-ambiguity function (CAF) is exploited to analyze the grid and improve the accuracy of the frequency estimate. Based on the simple equation derived from this mathematical expression of the CAF, a family of novel algorithms is proposed to refine the Doppler frequency estimate with respect to that provided by a conventional acquisition method. In an ideal scenario where there is no noise and other nuisances, the frequency estimation error can be theoretically reduced to zero. On the other hand, in the presence of noise, the new algorithm almost reaches the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) which is derived as benchmark. For comparison, a least-square (LS) method is proposed. It is shown that the proposed solution achieves the same performance of LS, but requires a dramatically reduced computational burden. An averaging method is proposed to mitigate the influence of noise, especially when signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is low. Finally, the influence of the grid resolution in the search space is analyzed in both time and frequency domains.
Growing Green and Competitive—A Case Study of a Swedish Pulp Mill
Authors: Söderholm Kristina , Bergquist Ann-Kristin
Published: April 2013

The experiences of past efforts of industrial pollution control while maintaining competitiveness should be of great value to research and policy practice addressing sustainability issues today. In this article, we analyze the environmental adaptation of the Swedish pulp industry during the period 1970–1990 as illustrated by the sulfite pulp producer Domsjö mill. We investigate how this company managed to adapt to heavy transformation pressure from increasing international competition in combination with strict national environmental regulations during the 1960s to the early 1990s. In line with the so-called Porter hypothesis, the company was able to coordinate the problems that were environmental in nature with activities aiming at production efficiency goals and the development of new products. Swedish environmental agencies and legislation facilitated this “win-win” situation by a flexible but still challenging regulatory approach towards the company. From the early 1990s and onwards, the greening of the pulp industry was also a result of increased market pressure for green paper products.
Measuring Sprawl across the Urban Rural Continuum Using an Amalgamated Sprawl Index
Authors: Kew Barry , Lee Brian
Published: April 2013

Urban sprawl is rapidly transforming the landscape of Kentucky’s prime farmland from a dominant agricultural land use pattern to a patchwork of dispersed and loosely defined parcels. This state, located in the east central portion of the U.S., is not unlike many states considered rural, nor is it unlike many rural regions found throughout the world where urban sprawl is concentrated in metropolitan areas that are often encroaching into these rural areas. Authors have argued for and against urbanization patterns generally understood to be sprawl on the basis of social, economic, and biophysical opportunities and constraints. Finding consensus in the literature about defining and measuring urban sprawl is difficult. This paper demonstrates a method for cost effectively measuring urban development using National Land Cover Data, Census data, and ancillary data across 34 counties. Based on seven indicators framed around the amount, configuration, and per capita land usage, an amalgamated sprawl index (ASI) is demonstrated through an example in north central Kentucky, USA. While the public believes this growth area of Kentucky is rapidly sprawling, this study indicates the pattern of sprawl is spreading faster in areas not obvious to this same public.
Evaluation of Hyperspectral Multi-Band Indices to Estimate Chlorophyll-A Concentration Using Field Spectral Measurements and Satellite Data in Dianshan Lake, China
Authors: Zhou Liguo , Xu Bo , Ma Weichun , Zhao Bin , Li Linna , Huai Hongyan
Published: April 2013

Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration is considered as a key indicator of the eutrophic status of inland water bodies. Various algorithms have been developed for estimating Chl-a in order to improve the accuracy of predictive models. The objective of this study is to assess the potential of hyperspectral multi-band indices to estimate the Chl-a concentration in Dianshan Lake, which is the largest lake in Shanghai, an international metropolis of China. Based on field spectral measurements and in-situ Chl-a concentration collected on 7–8 September 2010, hyperspectral multi-band indices were calibrated to estimate the Chl-a concentration with optimal wavelengths selected by model tuning. A three-band index accounts for 87.36% (R2 = 0.8736) of the Chl-a variation. A four-band index, which adds a wavelength in the near infrared (NIR) region, results in a higher R2 (0.8997) by removing the absorption and backscattering effects of suspended solids. To test the applicability of the proposed indices for routinely monitoring of Chl-a in inland lakes, simulated Hyperion and real HJ-1A satellite data were selected to estimate the Chl-a concentration. The results show that the explanatory powers of these satellite hyperspectral multi-band indices are relatively high with R2 = 0.8559, 0.8945, 0.7969, and 0.8241 for simulated Hyperion and real HJ-1A satellite data, respectively. All of the results provide strong evidence that hyperspectral multi-band indices are promising and applicable to estimate Chl-a in eutrophic inland lakes.
Is it cheating – or learning the craft of writing? Using Turnitin to help students avoid plagiarism
Authors: Graham-Matheson Lynne , Starr Simon
Published: April 2013

Plagiarism is a growing problem for universities, many of which are turning to software detection for help in detecting and dealing with it. This paper explores issues around plagiarism and reports on a study of the use of Turnitin in a new university. The purpose of the study was to inform the senior management team about the plagiarism policy and the use of Turnitin. The study found that staff and students largely understood the university’s policy and Turnitin’s place within it, and were very supportive of the use of Turnitin in originality checking. Students who had not used Turnitin were generally keen to do so. The recommendation to the senior management team, which was implemented, was that the use of Turnitin for originality checking should be made compulsory where possible – at the time of the study the use of Turnitin was at the discretion of programme directors. A further aim of the study was to contribute to the sector’s body of knowledge. Prevention of plagiarism through education is a theme identified by Badge and Scott (2009) who conclude an area lacking in research is “investigation of the impact of these tools on staff teaching practices”. Although a number of recent studies have considered educational use of Turnitin they focus on individual programmes or subject areas rather than institutions as a whole and the relationship with policy.Keywords: higher education; plagiarism; assessment; Turnitin(Published: 29 April 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2013, 21: 17218 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.17218
Combining the formative with the summative: the development of a twostage online test to encourage engagement and provide personal feedback in large classes
Authors: Voelkel Susanne
Published: April 2013

The aim of this action research project was to improve student learning by encouraging more “time on task” and to improve self-assessment and feedback through the introduction of weekly online tests in a Year 2 lecture module in biological sciences. Initially voluntary online tests were offered to students and those who participated achieved higher exam marks than those who did not, but completion rate was low. Making the tests compulsory led to high completion rates, but class performance decreased, indicating that using the same assessment for formative and for summative purposes is not always beneficial for learning. Finally, these problems were resolved by introducing a two-stage approach: the first stage of each test was formative and provided prompt feedback. However, students had to achieve 80% to progress to the second summative stage of the test. The two-stage online tests led to significantly improved class performance. This novel test design ensures that students go through at least two attempts and therefore fully benefit from the learning opportunities presented by the formative stage. Two-stage online tests present the opportunity to provide regular feedback in large classes and to improve performance not only of good but also of “weak” students.Keywords: e-learning; e-assessment; action research; higher education(Published: 29 April 2013)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2013, 21: 19153 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v21i0.19153
Questions terminologiques et questions de méthode : autour de Giorgio Cencetti, Emanuele Casamassima et Albert Derolez
Authors: Nicolaj Giovanna
Published: April 2013

The theoretical principles and terminology developed by leading palaeographers in the latter half of the twentieth century risk falling into oblivion before their full potential has been realised. Essential contributions have been made by two Italian scholars, Giorgio Cencetti and Emanuele Casamassima, whose outlooks, though historically related, are in the end divergent. Cencetti developed a truly historical concept of writing, which he stated in theoretical terms and went on to illustrate thoroughly, embracing the whole field of Latin scripts in a fluid and dynamic vision, sensitive to the human and technical factors liable to explain its evolution. From a distinctly more abstract, structuralist perspective, Casamassima developed a sophisticated theoretical apparatus that is useful for highlighting the underlying logic of writing as a system. Another approach, with essentially catalographic aims, seeks to organise the history of scripts into a general scheme based on a coherent typology and nomenclature. The system, advocated fifty years ago by Gerard Lieftinck for Gothic scripts, was recently expanded and perfected by Albert Derolez, in a book that ought to renew, rather than close, the debate on the relationship between terminology and methods.
Procès fictif, droit romain et valeur de l’acte royal à l’époque mérovingienne
Authors: Kano Osamu
Published: April 2013

Unter den merowingischen Königsdokumenten befinden sich einige Gerichtsdokumente, die die Bestätigung einer privaten Transaktion unter Rückgriff auf die Form eines Prozesses vor dem Königsgericht dokumentieren. Diese oft «Scheinprozesse» genannten Texte sind nur vom Ende des 7. bis zum Beginn des 8. Jahrhunderts überliefert. Die Historiker haben in diesen Scheinprozessen bis jetzt nur die Möglichkeit gesehen, dass sich ein Erwerber oder Geschenknehmer damit mit Hilfe der Königsgewalt seine Rechte garantieren lassen wollte. Eine neuere Überprüfung dieser Urteile zeigt jedoch, dass es sich um ein spezifisches Verfahren handelte, das darauf abzielte, den Status des auctor zu bestätigen, d. h. des vorhergehenden Besitzers, der den Erwer- ber gegebenenfalls vor Gericht verteidigen konnte. Der Scheinprozess betrifft somit den vom römischen Recht ererbten Schutz vor der Besitzentziehung (denn das römische Recht hatte gegen Ende der merowingischen Zeit in Neustrien noch Bestand). Das Urteil führte nicht zu einer Urkunde, die für sich genommen das Eigentumsrecht hätte garantieren können, sondern war ein Hilfsmittel, mit dem der Erwerber den auctor vorladen konnte, um seine Rechte zu verteidigen.
De l’objet au texte : l’hipposandale cloutée. (À propos d’un mot corrompu de la Mulomedicina de Végèce)
Authors: Cam Marie-Thérèse , Poulle-Drieux Yvonne
Published: April 2013

Dans la Mulomedicina de Végèce, le chapitre consacré aux maladies de la hanche chez le cheval comporte une phrase dont toute la tradition textuelle est aberrante. La correction proposée dans l’édition de Lommatzsch n’est pas plus acceptable : elle consisterait à chausser l’animal d’un clou ! Les tentatives de reconstruction purement philologique n’ayant rien donné, il faut interroger l’archéologie ; elle a en effet mis au jour une quantité considérable d’objets en fer, qui sont restés longtemps d’un usage indéterminé avant d’être enfin identifiés comme faisant partie de l’équipement des chevaux antérieurement à l’apparition du fer à cheval ; à défaut d’avoir reçu un nom dans la littérature latine, ils ont été, au xixe siècle, désignés comme des hipposandales. Un
Une agglomération antique sort de l'anonymat (Eu, "Bois L'Abbé", Seine-Maritime) : Briga ressuscité
Authors: Mantel Etienne , Dubois Stéphane , Devillers Sophie
Published: April 2013

Bei der 2006 auf der antiken Fundstätte von "Bois-L'Abbé" in Eu (Departement Seine-Maritime) durchgefuhrten Grabungskampagne wurde an der Ostgrenze des Tempelbezirks eine Weihinschrift gefunden, deren Text vollständig rekonstruiert werden konnte. Sie liefert den antiken Namen der Stadt, Briga, und beinhaltet durch die Nennung einer gegenuber dem großen Tempel errichteten Basilika, die Neuinterpretation des Heiligtums als westlicher Teil eines Forums. Die Götter, denen die Ortschaft ihren Namen verdankt, werden ebenfalls genannt: Jupiter, dem fortan der grofie Tempel zugeschrieben wird und ein lokaler Merkur, dem offensichtlich ein Teil der Kulthandlungen einheimischer Tradition galten. Die Lokalisierung des zum zweiten Mai auf einer Inschrift in "Bois-L'Abbé" genannten pagus catuslugus wird hiermit bestätigt. Wir schlagen in diesem Artikel eine Zusammenfassung der Kenntnisse über die Entwicklung dieses pagus vor, über sein Territorium und die civitas, der er angegliedert war: Es ist nicht auszuschliefien, dass hier ein Abhängigkeitsverhältnis von den Bellovaci vorlag, eher als von den Caleti oder der Ambiani, wie einige Hypothesen behaupten.
Une porte médiévale de l'abbaye cistercienne Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp : étude dendrochronologique et approche historique
Authors: Bonde Sheila , Locatelli Christine , Maines Clark , Pousset Didier
Published: April 2013

Les ruines médiévales de l'abbatiale Notre-Dame d'Ourscamp, construite au cours de la deuxième moitié du XIIe siècle, sont actuellement dissimulées derrière une seconde façade érigée au début du XVIIIe siècle. Lors des travaux de relevée de la façade cistercienne, une porte ancienne encore en place a été découverte. L'étude dendrochronologique a permis de dater l'abattage de l'arbre employé autour des années 1365-1370. Il s'agit très certainement de la période des travaux de réparation de l'abbaye d'Ourscamp consécutifs aux destructions menées au cours de la guerre de Cent- Ans. Cette analyse est l'occasion de présenter les modalités de mise en œuvre d'une dendrochronologie et de confronter les résultats avec les sources écrites et l'étude architecturale.
Iphigénie à Aulis, V. 1-11
Authors: Jouan François
Published: April 2013

Le texte reçu du début de la tragédie posthume d'Euripide ne nécessite pas, quoi qu'on en ait dit, de modification. Il renferme les indications de temps et de lieu attendues par le public, prépare la première phase de l'action et situe le destin d'Iphigénie dans un contexte astral inquiétant. Les conclusions tirées de ces quelques vers apportent des indices favorables à l'authenticité de l'ensemble du prologue.
Automated Selection of Relevant Information for Notification of Incident Cancer Cases within a Multisource Cancer Registry
Authors: Defossez G. , Ingrand P. , Jouhet V. ,   CRISAP,   CoRIM
Published: April 2013

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a selection algorithm of relevant records for the notification of incident cases of cancer on the basis of the in dividual data available in a multi-source information system.

Methods: This work was conducted on data for the year 2008 in the general cancer registry of Poitou-Charentes region (France). The selection algorithm hierarchizes information according to its level of relevance for tumoral topography and tumoral morphology independently. The selected data are combined to form composite records. These records are then grouped in respect with the notification rules of the International Agency for Research on Cancer for multiple primary cancers. The evaluation, based on recall, precision and F-measure confronted cases validated manually by the registry’s physi -cians with tumours notified with and without records selection.

Results: The analysis involved 12,346 tumours validated among 11,971 individuals. The data used were hospital discharge data (104,474 records), pathology data (21,851 records), healthcare insurance data (7508 records) and cancer care centre’s data (686 records). The selection algorithm permitted performances improvement for notification of tumour topography (F-measure 0.926 with vs. 0.857 without selection) and tumour morphology (F-measure 0.805 with vs. 0.750 without selection).

Conclusion: These results show that selection of information according to its origin is efficient in reducing noise generated by imprecise coding. Further research is needed for solving the semantic problems relating to the integration of heterogeneous data and the use of non-structured information.
Superstructures of fluorescent cyclodextrin via click-reaction
Authors: Maciollek Arkadius , Ritter Helmut , Beckert Rainer
Published: April 2013

Mono-(6-azido-6-deoxy)-β-cyclodextrin (CD) was covalently attached to an alkyne-modified 5-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)thiazol-4-ol yielding a fluorophore containing CD in a click-type reaction. Intermolecular complexes were formed by poly(host–guest)-interactions. The supramolecular structures were characterized by 1H NMR-ROESY spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, UV–vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation. By adding potassium adamantane-1-carboxylate, the thiazol dye is displaced from the CD-cavity and the elongated noncovalent polymeric structures collapse.
L'harmonisation comptable internationale. Vers la reconnaissance mutuelle normative ?
Authors: Hoarau Christian
Published: April 2013

Cet article rappelle d’abord que l’harmonisation comptable internationale est marquée par le modèle comptable anglo-saxon et se heurte au contexte juridique, économique, social et culturel des divers systèmes comptables nationaux. Ensuite, il montre qu’en France, elle s’est traduite par une rupture de l’unicité du modèle comptable et une réduction des fonctions sociales de la comptabilité. Le développement du processus d’harmonisation pose aujourd’hui au normalisateur fiançais des problèmes de choix de modèle ou d’approche. En particulier, doit-il accepter comme certains le préconisent de dispenser les sociétés cotées d’appliquer les normes européennes et françaises et de les remplacer par les normes de l’IASC voire du EASB ? Enfin, dans ce contexte, cet article suggère une approche permettant de concilier règles comptables nationales et harmonisation internationale : la reconnaissance mutuelle normative.
Le contrôle de gestion dans un hôpital public : un modèle de transactions « diagonales »
Authors: Masse Marie-Claude
Published: April 2013

Le modèle principal-agent a fait l’objet de nombreuses utilisations pour apprécier l’efficacité d’outils de gestion, comme le budget. Cette approche théorique reste trop limitée lorsqu’il s’agit de rendre compte du contrôle de gestion dans un hôpital public. Pour dépasser ces limites, nous proposons un modèle original, dit des transactions diagonales. Nous y traitons à la fois des problèmes d’incitation et de partage des risques, spécifiques à une bureaucratie professionnelle et posés dans un contexte d’asymétrie informationnelle. Pour conclure, nous situons ce développement théorique par rapport aux études des bureaucraties à travers le modèle des transactions informelles.
Apport de la simulation à la conception et l'interprétation de tableaux de bord et à la comptabilité de gestion
Authors: Giard Vincent , Boitout-Pappalardo Véronique , Bonmarchand Philippe
Published: April 2013

Une analyse fine des processus de gestion des chèques par un centre de CCP (création, modification, transformation de comptes, incidents de paiement, réclamations téléphoniques, etc.) étayée par une explicitation des gammes opératoires et une analyse des demandes a permis une simulation très réaliste du fonctionnement d’un centre. Cette simulation a servi de base à une réflexion sur la construction d’un tableau de bord, à déterminer des grilles de lecture des indicateurs tenant compte de l’impact de l’aléatoire sur le fonctionnement du système et à amorcer une réflexion sur la détermination rationnelle d’un certain nombre de générateurs de coûts, en vue d’une mise au point d’une réflexion prospective sur l’intérêt et les problèmes posés par une comptabilité de gestion par activité.
Coûts et obligations découlant des régimes de retraite : l'impact d'une modification de norme
Authors: Durocher Sylvain , Fortin Anne
Published: April 2013

Cette étude documente l’impact qu’aurait la comptabilisation directement dans le bilan d’entreprises canadiennes de la situation nette des régimes de retraite à prestations déterminées qu’elles offrent à leurs employés. Nos résultats montrent qu’un impact significatif serait enregistré sur le ratio d’endettement, et ce de façon similaire sur toute la période étudiée, de 1988 à 1993. Le montant de l’ajustement avant impôts serait généralement important par rapport à certaines bases de référence proposées par le Conseil des normes de vérification de l’Institut canadien des comptables agréés. Dans le cas où l’on opterait pour le report et l’imputation prospective aux résultats de la contrepartie de l’ajustement nécessaire, une augmentation significative du ratio d’endettement surviendrait dans la majorité des cas étudiés ; en revanche, si l’on optait pour une imputation rétroactive de celle-ci aux bénéfices non répartis, une diminution significative du ratio d’endettement surviendrait.
L'apprentissage par problèmes en comptabilité : d'Hippocrate à Pacioli
Authors: Bilodeau Julien , Dumontier Pascal , Labelle Réal
Published: April 2013

L’apprentissage par problèmes (APP) est une méthode d’apprentissage suivant une démarche structurée centrée sur l’étudiant’. Elle prend une certaine distance par rapport à l’enseignement magistral traditionnel et à l’organisation classique des programmes en « cours-matières » ou centrée sur les disciplines académiques. Les études prennent plutôt leurs assises sur des problèmes de nature pratique ou théorique. L’objectif de cet article est triple. Dans la première partie, nous proposons une réflexion sur le processus de formation professionnelle et sur la façon dont les programmes de comptabilité traditionnels visent à atteindre les objectifs cognitifs que ce processus implique. Ensuite, nous explorons comment la méthode d’APP, actuellement utilisée en médecine, pourrait être adaptée à l’enseignement des sciences comptables. Dans la troisième section, nous décrivons une expérience pratique menée en ce sens avec un groupe d’étudiants de maîtrise de l’École supérieure des affaires de Grenoble IL En conclusion, nous proposons diverses questions de recherche en la matière.
Which Mechanics Drive the ‘Franco-German Engine'?
Authors: Leuffen Dirk , Degner Hanno , Radtke Kerstin
Published: April 2013

Dans cet article, les auteurs théorisent et testent empiriquement les mécanismes qui sont souvent supposés se cacher derrière le « moteur franco-allemand ». Ils ont ainsi tenté de répondre à la question de ce qu’est en fait le « moteur franco-allemand », et comment il fonctionne en théorie et en pratique. L’analyse commence par examiner le « moteur franco-allemand » en termes théoriques. Le modèle défini est ensuite appliqué à une sélection de cas empiriques relatifs à différentes catégories de prise de décision ainsi qu’à des cadres d’action politique. Les résultats montrent qu’il y a peu de preuves d’un « moteur franco-allemand » important dans l’élaboration quotidienne des politiques à Bruxelles, mais qu’il y a effectivement un effet déterminant d’un « moteur franco-allemand » sur « les décisions d’importance historique » dans les domaines du Marché commun, de Schengen, de l’Union économique et monétaire, et de la PESC. Le champ des conditions – en particulier l’éventail des préférences entre tous les États membres de l’UE – détermine fortement le fonctionnement, mais aussi les chances de succès des initiatives communes d’intégration franco-allemandes.
The Longitudinal Elder Initiative: Helping Students Learn to Care for Older Adults
Authors: Davis Rebecca L. , Beel-Bates Cindy , Jensen Susan
Published: April 2013

This paper describes an educational innovation called the Longitudinal Elder Initiative (LEI), which was developed by a BSN program to improve students' knowledge about the health needs and nursing care of older adults. In the LEI, new nursing students are paired with older adults in the community and develop a relationship with them over the duration of the nursing program. Students complete a variety of assignments designed to facilitate learning gerontological nursing concepts. They also complete specific assessments designed to target common problems in aging. Students develop nursing care plans and interventions during the course of the project and monitor progress toward goals over time. Through the LEI, students develop relationships with older adults in the community and view their health changes longitudinally. In addition, students can observe how social, financial, and health-related factors affect health and well-being over time.
Escuela comunal del distrito de Waine /EE. UU.
Authors: Kessler William
Published: April 2013

Este proyecto, galardonado con diversos premios en Estados Unidos, es la primera unidad de un programa de descentralización de estudios.
En su realización tuvo tanta importancia su adecuada adaptación a las condiciones del terreno —en el que había un bosque y edificios antiguos de obligada conservación— como el dar cumplida satisfacción a las muy distintas necesidades específicas derivadas de la gran diversidad de ramas educativas que abarca. También intervino en su concepción la posibilidad de su expansión futura, previendo las necesidades derivadas del aumento de estudiantes o de nuevas especialidades.
Objetivos y perspectivas de la investigación europea en el campo del hormigón
Authors: Ferry Borges Julio
Published: April 2013

Se presentan brevemente las necesidades de investigación sobre aspectos fundamentales del cálculo estructural del hormigón, comportamiento estructural (carga monotónica, comportamiento sísmico, situaciones frente al fuego, impacto y fatiga), durabilidad, materiales y tecnología de la construcción y organización de la construcción con hormigón.
Se hace énfasis en la necesidad de generalizar el uso de los conceptos de requisitos y de comportamiento y abordarlos bajo una aproximación probabilista.
Se llama la atención sobre la posibilidad de utilizar la aproximación probabilista de la fiabilidad fuera del campo habitual del comportamiento estructural.
Se recomienda el estudio de los problemas de garantía de calidad, basados en investigaciones sico-sociológicas, para mejorar los métodos que deben emplearse en la organización de las actividades de construcción.
Por último, se comentan las perspectivas a corto y medio plazo de la investigación europea sobre el hormigón.