bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceramic Nanomaterials Based on the Barium and Titanium Compounds, Prepared by the Sol - Gel Method, for Elecrotechnical Applications
Authors: Kogut K. , Zboromirska-Wnukiewicz B. , Kasprzyk K.
Published: January 2012

Ceramic Nanomaterials Based on the Barium and Titanium Compounds, Prepared by the Sol - Gel Method, for Elecrotechnical Applications

This paper describes the sol - gel method barium and titanium compounds materials obtaining, which their physicochemical parameters could be competitive with the materials obtained by classic methods. Additionally dielectric thin layers was obtained with the use of spin and dip coaters. Based on selected precursor elements which form appropriate crystal net, the capacitance construction was created. Dielectric in this contraction was a barium titanate with high electrical permittivity and small grain size. The optimal dry, calcinations and sintering temperature of the dielectric with base was determined. On that capacitor the microscopic analysis with the use of scanning electron microscope (SEM) was carried out. The thickness of the dielectric layer and electrical parameters use by impedance analyzer Solatron SI 1260 was carried out. The capacitance, dielectric loss and electrical permittivity was carried out, cooperative influence of the frequency and temperature on the measurements was determined. The best results had a samples sintered in the 1000°C. The electrical permittivity for measurements in few Hertz for the samples with the base of nickel and BaTiO3 layer coated by spin and dip coaters, in the room temperature and measurements for few Hertz, amount to 4700. The electrical capacity for low frequency was about 3,2·10-8F.
Application of Water-Thinnable Photopolymerizable Resin for Shaping of Microreactors - Preliminary Results
Authors: Falkowski P. , Elert P.
Published: January 2012

Application of Water-Thinnable Photopolymerizable Resin for Shaping of Microreactors - Preliminary Results

The article presents the preliminary research on application of synthesized water-thinnable polyester resin for shaping of ceramic element by photopolymerization. The ceramic pastes made of alumina (30 vol%) and photocurable resins were used to prepare thin layers (tapes) and then were exposed to UV radiations. The cure depth and König hardness of cured layers were determined as well as the effect of a photoinitiator concentration on polymerization. The density of sintered ceramic samples also were examined. The research showed that the developed pastes with water-thinnable resin might be used to mold the ceramic elements by soft lithography method. The results obtained for polyester resin were compared with results obtained for commercially available photocurable resin.
Porous Ceramic Materials for Virus Filtration
Authors: Zalewska M. , Bobryk E. , Pędzikiewicz A. , Szafran M.
Published: January 2012

Porous Ceramic Materials for Virus Filtration

The purpose of this study was to design and examine porous ceramic materials on the basis of diatomaceous earth, as well as carrying out preliminary model researches of the purification of drinking water. The conditions, parameters and methods of production of the ceramic samples have been selected on experimental way, in order to characterize them by suitable porosity and tensile strength. The authors have searched such porous ceramic materials, which exhibit positive charge, in contrast to viruses, which have a negative surface charge in pH o drinking water.
Yuri Alexandrovich Popov - 75th birthday
Authors: Herczek Aleksander
Published: January 2012

Yuri Alexandrovich Popov - 75th birthday
A new family of Coreoidea from the Lower Cretaceous Lebanese Amber (Hemiptera: Pentatomomorpha)
Authors: Azar Dany , Nel André , Engel Michael , Garrouste Romain , Matocq Armand
Published: January 2012

A new family of Coreoidea from the Lower Cretaceous Lebanese Amber (Hemiptera: Pentatomomorpha)

A new genus and species,Yuripopovina magnifica, belonging to a new coreoid family, Yuripopovinidae (Hemiptera: Pentatomomorpha), is described and illustrated from the Lower Cretaceous amber of Lebanon. The species represents the first definitive Mesozoic record for the Coreoidea. A cladistic analysis of Coreoidea, including the new family, is undertaken.
First record of the genus Ipsvicia (Hemiptera: Ipsviciidae) outside Gondwana - an Australian genus from the Upper Triassic of Germany
Authors: Barth Gregor , Ansorge Jörg , Brauckmann Carsten
Published: January 2012

First record of the genusIpsvicia(Hemiptera: Ipsviciidae) outside Gondwana - an Australian genus from the Upper Triassic of Germany

Ipsvicia langenbergensissp. n. (Hemiptera: Ipsviciidae) from the Upper Norian (Upper Triassic) deposits of the Langenberg near Seinstedt, Lower Saxony (Germany) is described and illustrated. This is the first definite record of the genusIpsviciaTillyard, 1919 outside Gondwana. The stratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of the Langenberg and the nearby Fuchsberg localities are briefly discussed.
Yuripopoverus africanus gen. et sp. n. from East African copal (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae)
Authors: Stroiński Adam , Szwedo Jacek
Published: January 2012

Yuripopoverus africanus gen. et sp. n. from East African copal (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Ricaniidae)

A new genus and species of the planthopper family Ricaniidae Yuripopoverus africanus gen. et sp. n. is described and illustrated on the basis of an inclusion in East African copal.
First record of the plant bug subfamily Psallopinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera, Miridae) from Dominican amber, with a description of a new species of the genus Psallops Usinger, 1946
Authors: Herczek Aleksander
Published: January 2012

First record of the plant bug subfamily Psallopinae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera, Miridae) from Dominican amber, with a description of a new species of the genus Psallops Usinger, 1946

The plant bug subfamily Psallopinae SCHUH 1976 is reported from Dominican amber for the first time. Psallops popovi Herczek sp. n. is described, illustrated and interpreted.
A new fossil mosquito, with notes on the morphology and taxonomy of other species reported from Eocene Baltic amber (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Szadziewski Ryszard , Giłka Wojciech
Published: January 2012

A new fossil mosquito, with notes on the morphology and taxonomy of other species reported from Eocene Baltic amber (Diptera: Culicidae)

Males of Culiseta gedanica sp. n. and Culex erikae Szadziewski & Szadziewska, 1985 are described, and an incomplete male of Coquillettidia is reported from Baltic amber for the first time. Aedes perkunas Podenas, 1999 is recognized as a junior synonym of Culex erikae, syn. n.Aedes serafini Szadziewski, 1998 is transferred to the genus Ochlerotatus, comb. n. Mosquitoes are rare fossils in Baltic amber. They represent six species of extant genera with a worldwide distribution: Culiseta, Ochlerotatus, Coquillettidia, Culex and Aedes. A key to the identification of males is also provided.
Clinical Decision Making in Exercise Prescription for Fall Prevention
Authors: Haas Romi , Maloney Stephen , Pausenberger Eva , Keating Jennifer L. , Sims Jane , Molloy Elizabeth , Jolly Brian , Morgan Prue , Haines Terry
Published: January 2012

Background

Physical therapists often prescribe exercises for fall prevention. Understanding the factors influencing the clinical decision-making processes used by expert physical therapists working in specialist fall and balance clinics may assist other therapists in prescribing exercises for fall prevention with greater efficacy.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe the factors influencing the clinical decision-making processes used by expert physical therapists to prescribe exercises for fall prevention.

Design

This investigation was a qualitative study from a phenomenological perspective.

Methods

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 24 expert physical therapists recruited primarily from the Victorian Falls Clinic Coalition. Interviews focused on 3 exercise prescription contexts: face-to-face individual therapy, group exercise programs, and home exercise programs. Interviews elicited information about therapist practices and the therapist, patient, and environmental factors influencing the clinical decision-making processes for the selection of exercise setting, type, dosage (intensity, quantity, rest periods, duration, and frequency), and progression. Strategies for promoting adherence and safety were also discussed. Data were analyzed with a framework approach by 3 investigators.

Results

Participants described highly individualized exercise prescription approaches tailored to address key findings from physical assessments. Dissonance between prescribing a program that was theoretically correct on the basis of physiological considerations and prescribing one that a client would adhere to was evident. Safety considerations also were highly influential on the exercise type and setting prescribed. Terminology for describing the intensity of balance exercises was vague relative to terminology for describing the intensity of strength exercises.

Conclusions

Physical therapists with expertise in fall prevention adopted an individualized approach to exercise prescription that was based on physical assessment findings rather than “off-the-shelf” exercise programs commonly used in fall prevention research. Training programs for people who prescribe exercises for older adults at risk of falling should encompass these findings.
Changes in Body Weight After Total Hip Arthroplasty: Short-term and Long-term Effects
Authors: Paans Nienke , Stevens Martin , Wagenmakers Robert , van Beveren Jan , van der Meer Klaas , Bulstra Sjoerd K. , van den Akker-Scheek Inge
Published: January 2012

Background

Elevated body weight is associated with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and subsequently with total hip arthroplasty (THA). Patients with hip OA who are overweight often mention their restricted mobility as a factor that thwarts their attempts to be physically active and lose weight. There is some evidence that THA increases physical activity, but none for losing body weight after THA.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze the short-term (1-year) and long-term (4.5-year) effects of a THA on body weight.

Design

This was an observational, multicenter cohort study.

Methods

For the short-term effect, all patients (N=618) were analyzed; for the long-term effect, a random subgroup (n=100) was analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative body weight and height were self-reported. Patients were categorized according to their preoperative body mass index (BMI <25 kg/m2=normal weight, 25–30 kg/m2=overweight, >30 kg/m2=obese). Clinical relevancy was set at a minimum of 5% weight loss compared with baseline.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 70 years (SD=8), 74% were women, and mean preoperative body mass was 79 kg (SD=14). One year after THA, a significant decrease in body weight of 1% and 3.4% occurred for the overweight and obese BMI categories, respectively. After 4.5 years, a significant decrease in body weight of 6.4% occurred for the obese BMI category.

Limitations

Height and weight—and thus BMI—were self-reported.

Conclusion

Patients in the overweight and obese groups showed a decrease, albeit not clinically relevant, in body weight after 1 year. After 4.5 years, a decrease that was relevant clinically was observed in the patients who were obese. It can be concluded that no clinically relevant reduction of weight occurred after THA, except in the long term for patients who were obese.
Use of Visual and Proprioceptive Feedback to Improve Gait Speed and Spatiotemporal Symmetry Following Chronic Stroke: A Case Series
Authors: Lewek Michael D. , Feasel Jeff , Wentz Erin , Brooks Frederick P. , Whitton Mary C.
Published: January 2012

Background and Purpose

Persistent deficits in gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry are prevalent following stroke and can limit the achievement of community mobility goals. Rehabilitation can improve gait speed, but has shown limited ability to improve spatiotemporal symmetry. The incorporation of combined visual and proprioceptive feedback regarding spatiotemporal symmetry has the potential to be effective at improving gait.

Case Description

A 60-year-old man (18 months poststroke) and a 53-year-old woman (21 months poststroke) each participated in gait training to improve gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry. Each patient performed 18 sessions (6 weeks) of combined treadmill-based gait training followed by overground practice. To assist with relearning spatiotemporal symmetry, treadmill-based training for both patients was augmented with continuous, real-time visual and proprioceptive feedback from an immersive virtual environment and a dual belt treadmill, respectively.

Outcomes

Both patients improved gait speed (patient 1: 0.35 m/s improvement; patient 2: 0.26 m/s improvement) and spatiotemporal symmetry. Patient 1, who trained with step-length symmetry feedback, improved his step-length symmetry ratio, but not his stance-time symmetry ratio. Patient 2, who trained with stance-time symmetry feedback, improved her stance-time symmetry ratio. She had no step-length asymmetry before training.

Discussion

Both patients made improvements in gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry that exceeded those reported in the literature. Further work is needed to ascertain the role of combined visual and proprioceptive feedback for improving gait speed and spatiotemporal symmetry after chronic stroke.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of methanol extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata leaves
Authors: Rumzhum Nowshin Nowaz , Rahman Md Mostafizur , Kazal Md Khalequzzaman
Published: January 2012

The methanolic extract obtained from the leaves of Tabernaemontana divericata (Family: Apocynaceae) was evaluated for in vitro antioxidant potential by determination of total antioxidant capacity, assay of nitric oxide scavenging activity and reducing power test. The extract was also screened for its cytotoxic effect using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The results revealed potent antioxidant property in all antioxidant assays compared to the reference antioxidant, ascorbic acid in a dose dependent manner. Further, the methanolic extract of Tabernaemontana divericata showed significant cytotoxic effect (LC50: 3.12μg/ml) compared with positive control, Vincristine Sulphate (LC50: 0.331μg/ml).Key Words: Tabernaemontana divaricata; Apocynaceae; Antioxidant; Cytotoxicity.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i2.9446International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(2): 27-31
Transport And Magnetic Properties Of (Fe100-xVx)75 P15C10 Amorphous Alloys
Authors: Karal MAS , Kamruzzaman M , Khan FA
Published: January 2012

(Fe100-xVx)75 P15C10 (x = 0, 5, 10 and 15) amorphous alloys in the form of ribbon were prepared by the standard melt spinning technique and studied their transport and magnetic properties. The resistivity follows ‘Mooij correlation’ at low temperature (300 - 93) K. The Hall resistivity and the magnetoresistance (MR) were measured in an applied magnetic field up to 0.6T at room temperature (RT = 300 K). Anomalous Hall effect was observed in the Hall resistivity measurement and MR was found to vary 0 - 8%. The saturation magnetization gradually decreased with the increase of V in the alloys at RT. Key words: Resistivity; Mooij correlation; Hall resistivity; Magnetoresistance; Saturation magnetization DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v35i2.9420 JBAS 2011; 35(2): 161-169
Probiotic Technology : An Effective Means For Bioremediation In Shrimp Farming Ponds
Authors: Jha Arun Kumar
Published: January 2012

In most of the shrimp farming ponds deterioration of water quality, pond bottom condition, incidence of toxic gases like NH3, NO2, H2S etc. and occurrence of disease appear generally after 60 days of farming onwards. As a remedial measure, application of probiotics as a biotechnological tool for bioremediation has been suggested for shrimp farm located in a Srijang village near Chandipur area of coastal Balasore, Orissa, (India) and was found to be effective in controlling and reducing of pathogenic vibrio population and toxic gases. Key words: Probiotics; Shrimp; Aquaculture; Bioremediation; Diseases; Toxic gases DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v35i2.9430 JBAS 2011; 35(2): 237-240
Correction: Studholme et al., Draft Genome Sequences of Xanthomonas sacchari and Two Banana-Associated Xanthomonads Reveal Insights into the Xanthomonas Group 1 clade. Genes 2011, 2, 1050–1065.
Authors: Studholme David J , Wasukira Arthur , Paszkiewicz Konrad , Aritua Valente , Thwaites Richard , Smith Julian , Grant Murray
Published: January 2012

Following publication of our article [1], we found errors in analyses performed by the corresponding author (DJS) related to the phylogenetic relationship between Xylella species and the other xanthomonads. These errors do not make any difference to the main findings and conclusions reported in our paper. For example, the phylogenetic positions of NCPPB1131, NCPPB1132 and NCPPB4393 within the Group 1 Xanthomonas species are unaffected. However, we wish to apologize to the authors of a previous work [2] for creating any negative impression on the quality of their phylogenetic analyses and to take this opportunity to rectify the errors. [...]
Effects of Acidic Polysaccharides from Gastrodia Rhizome on Systolic Blood Pressure and Serum Lipid Concentrations in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Lee Ok-Hwan , Kim Kyung-Im , Han Chan-Kyu , Kim Young-Chan , Hong Hee-Do
Published: January 2012

The effects of acidic polysaccharides purified from Gastrodia rhizome on blood pressure and serum lipid levels in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed a high-fat diet were investigated. Acidic polysaccharides were purified from crude polysaccharides by DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B. Thirty-six male SHR were randomly divided into three groups: Gastrodia rhizome crude polysaccharide (A), acidic polysaccharide (B) groups, and a control group (C). A 5-week oral administration of all treatment groups was performed daily in 3- to 8-week-old SHRs with a dose of 6 mg/kg of body weight/day. After 5 weeks of treatment, total cholesterol in the acidic polysaccharide group, at 69.7 ± 10.6 mg/dL, was lower than in the crude polysaccharide group (75.0 ± 6.0 mg/dL) and the control group (89.2 ± 7.4 mg/dL). In addition, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the acidic polysaccharide group were lower than in the crude polysaccharide and control groups. The atherogenic index of the acidic polysaccharide group was 46.3% lower than in the control group. Initial blood pressure after the initial three weeks on the high-fat diet averaged 195.9 ± 3.3 mmHg among all rats. Compared with the initial blood pressure, the final blood pressure in the control group was increased by 22.8 mmHg, whereas it decreased in the acidic polysaccharide group by 14.9 mmHg. These results indicate that acidic polysaccharides from Gastrodia rhizome reduce hypertension and improve serum lipid levels.
Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) Potential Habitat Mapping Using Aerial Orthophotographic Imagery and Object Based Classification
Authors: Barker Rebecca , King Douglas J.
Published: January 2012

Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) is a threatened species under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. In southern Québec, field based inventories are ongoing to determine its abundance and potential habitat. The goal of this research was to develop means for mapping of potential habitat based on primary habitat attributes that can be detected with high-resolution remotely sensed imagery. Using existing spring leaf-off 20 cm resolution aerial orthophotos of a portion of Gatineau Park where some Blanding’s turtle observations had been made, habitat attributes were mapped at two scales: (1) whole wetlands; (2) within wetland habitat features of open water, vegetation (used for camouflage and thermoregulation), and logs (used for spring sun-basking). The processing steps involved initial pixel-based classification to eliminate most areas of non-wetland, followed by object-based segmentations and classifications using a customized rule sequence to refine the wetland map and to map the within wetland habitat features. Variables used as inputs to the classifications were derived from the orthophotos and included image brightness, texture, and segmented object shape and area. Independent validation using field data and visual interpretation showed classification accuracy for all habitat attributes to be generally over 90% with a minimum of 81.5% for the producer’s accuracy of logs. The maps for each attribute were combined to produce a habitat suitability map for Blanding’s turtle. Of the 115 existing turtle observations, 92.3% were closest to a wetland of the two highest suitability classes. High-resolution imagery combined with object-based classification and habitat suitability mapping methods such as those presented provide a much more spatially explicit representation of detailed habitat attributes than can be obtained through field work alone. They can complement field efforts to document and track turtle activities and can contribute to species inventory planning, conservation, and management.
Transplanted Fibroblasts Prevents Dysfunctional Repair in a Murine CXCR3-Deficient Scarring Model
Authors: Yates Cecelia C. , Whaley Diana , Wells Alan
Published: January 2012

In skin, the regeneration of the ontogenically distinct mesenchymal and epithelial compartments must proceed in a coordinated manner orchestrated by extracellular signaling networks. We have recently found that the switch from regeneration to remodeling during repair is modulated by chemokines that bind CXCR3 receptor. If this signaling is disrupted wounds continue to be active, resulting in a chronic hypercellular and hypertrophic state characterized by an immature matrix composition. As healing is masterminded in large part by fibroblasts and their synthesis of the extracellular matrix, the question arose as to whether this ongoing scarring can be modulated by transplanted fibroblasts. We examined wounds in the CXCR3-/-mouse scarring model. These wounds exhibited a significant delay in healing in all areas compared to young and aged wild-type mice. Full-thickness wounds were transplanted with fibroblasts derived from newborn CXCR3-/- or wild-type mice. The transplanted fibroblasts were labeled with fluorescent dye (CM-DiI) and suspended in hyaluronic acid gel; by 30 days, these transplanted cells comprised some 30% of the dermal stromal cells regardless of the host or source of transplanted cells. Wild-type fibroblasts transplanted into CXCR3-/- mice wounds reversed the delay and dysfunction previously seen in CXCR3-/- wounds; this correction was not noted with transplanted CXCR3-/- fibroblasts. Additionally, transplant of CXCR3-/-cells into wounds in wild-type animals did not adversely affect those wounds. The transplanted fibroblasts exhibited strong survival and migration patterns and led to an increase in tensile strength. Expression of matrix proteins and collagen in CXCR3-/- wounds transplanted with wild-type fibroblasts resembled normal wild-type healing, and the wound matrix in wild-type mice transplanted with CXCR3-/- cells also presented a mature matrix. These suggest that the major determinant of healing versus scarring lies with the nature of the matrix. These findings have intriguing implications for rational cellular interventions aimed at promoting wound healing via cell therapy.
Muscle Precursor Cells for the Restoration of Irreversibly Damaged Sphincter Function
Authors: Eberli Daniel , Aboushwareb Tamer , Soker Shay , Yoo James J. , Atala Anthony
Published: January 2012

Multiple modalities, including injectable bulking agents and surgery, have been used to treat stress urinary incontinence. However, none of these methods is able to fully restore normal striated sphincter muscle function. In this study, we explored the possibility of achieving functional recovery of the urinary sphincter muscle using autologous muscle precursor cells (MPCs) as an injectable, cell-based therapy. A canine model of striated urinary sphincter insufficiency was created by microsurgically removing part of the sphincter muscle in 24 dogs. Autologous MPCs were obtained, expanded in culture, and injected into the damaged sphincter muscles of 12 animals. The animals were followed for up to 6 months after injection, and urodynamic studies, functional organ bath studies, ultrastructural and histological examinations were performed. Animals receiving MPC injections demonstrated sphincter pressures of approximately 80% of normal values, while the pressures in the control animals without cells dropped and remained at 20% of normal values. Histological analysis indicated that the implanted cells survived and formed tissue, including new innervated muscle fibers, within the injected region of the sphincter. These results indicate that autologous muscle precursor cells may be able to restore otherwise irreversibly damaged urinary sphincter function clinically.
Fluorescent hexaaryl- and hexa-heteroaryl[3]radialenes: Synthesis, structures, and properties
Authors: Avellaneda Antonio , Hollis Courtney A , He Xin , Sumby Christopher J
Published: January 2012

The syntheses of three new [3]radialenes – hexakis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)-, hexakis(3-cyanophenyl)-, and hexakis(3,4-dicyanophenyl)[3]radialene (1–3) – are reported. Compound 3 is obtained in five steps with an excellent yield of 76% in the key step. Compared to that, the respective steps of the syntheses of 1 and 2 result in lower yields. All compounds adopt a double bladed propeller conformation in solution. Compound 3 is considerably more electron deficient than previously reported hexaaryl[3]radialenes, with reduction potentials of −0.06 and −0.45 V in CH2Cl2. The compounds mostly display red fluorescence with large Stokes shifts.
APPLICATION OF THE EXPONENTIAL GREY MODEL ON THE MAINTENANCE COST PREDICTION FOR A LARGE SCALE HOSPITAL / EKSPONENTINIO PILKOJO MODELIO TAIKYMAS PROGNOZUOJANT DIDELĖS LIGONINĖS EKSPLOATACINES SĄNAUDAS
Authors: Lo Tzu-Ping , Guo Sy-Jye , Chen Chin-Te
Published: January 2012

Realizing the maintenance cost distribution and predicting the future tendency are important for facility managers to efficiently arrange the limited budget. This paper collects 16,228 maintenance records of a representative hospital in Taiwan and further analyzes the cost distribution. Besides, by calculating the maintenance cost of per square meter of floor area per year (dollar/m2/year) and comparing with the previous studies, this paper also points out the relationship between maintenance cost and the operation ages. moreover, this paper establishes a hybrid grey model termed as EGM(1,1), which adopting exponential series to identify the residual error series resulted from grey model, to predict the maintenance cost. The repair cost of hospital building from 1998 to 2006 is adopted to demonstrate the applicability and practicability of EGM(1,1). Results show that the proposed model can predict the tendency precisely.

Santrauka

Norint efektyviai išdėstyti ribotą biudžetą, pastatų ūkio valdytojai turi suprasti eksploatacijos sąnaudų pasiskirstymą ir sudaryti ateities tendencijų prognozes. Šiame darbe surinkti 16 228 įrašai apie reprezentacinės Taivano ligoninės eksploataciją ir jais remiantis analizuojamas sąnaudų pasiskirstymas. Apskaičiavus metines eksploatacijos sąnaudas vienam kvadratiniam metrui (doleriai/m2/metus) ir palyginus jas su ankstesniais tyrimais, darbe taip pat parodomas ryšys tarp eksploatacijos sąnaudų ir objekto amžiaus. Be to, darbe sudaromas hibridinis pilkasis modelis, pavadintas EGM(1,1), kuriame naudojant eksponentines eilutes nustatomos liktinės paklaidų eilutės, gautos pilkajame modelyje, taip siekiant prognozuoti eksploatacines sąnaudas. Naudojant 1998–2006 m. ligoninės pastato remontui išleistą sumą pristatomas EGM(1,1) taikymas ir praktiškumas. Rezultatai rodo, kad pasiūlytas modelis tendencijas gali prognozuoti tiksliai.
Care, paternalisme et vertu dans une perspective libérale
Authors: Magni-Berton Raùl
Published: January 2012

Résumé Cet article propose deux critères pour distinguer bon et mauvais paternalisme dans une perspective libérale perfectionniste. Il distingue le paternalisme qui repose sur la valeur d’autonomie et celui qui repose sur d’autres valeurs. Seulement le premier est compatible avec le libéralisme. Dans le premier groupe, il distingue le paternalisme qui repose sur une conception particulière de l’autonomie et celui qui ne suppose pas une conception particulière de l’autonomie. Du point de vue éthique, le premier est justifiable, mais au niveau légal, seul le deuxième est compatible avec le libéralisme. À travers une discussion sur la justification et le fonctionnement de l’économie du care et d’autres exemples concrets, l’article montre comment les politiques paternalistes peuvent être souhaitables s’ils sont conformes à ces critères.
Joindre un réseau pour devenir un meilleur intrapreneur : les enseignements du Club de Montréal
Authors: Poulingue Geneviève , Germain Olivier
Published: January 2012

Résumé Le réseau professionnel peut constituer un outil efficace de développement personnel et de gestion des compétences des intrapreneurs, lesquels sont souvent des héros dissidents dans l’organisation. C’est ce que nous montre l’histoire du Club de Montréal, une communauté informelle créée dans les années 1990 et réunissant quelques directeurs de grands projets de différents secteurs d’activité de l’industrie française. Ce réseau a non seulement conforté ses membres dans leurs comportements autonomes au moment de la mise en place des projets, mais les a aussi encouragés à adopter des conduites déviantes ou peu conformistes. Cet article examine comment l’appartenance à un réseau professionnel ou d’affaires, qui peut parfois devenir une communauté de pratique, est en mesure de favoriser le déploiement de pratiques intrapreneuriales au sein des organisations.
A Project Staffing Model to Enhance the Effectiveness of Knowledge Transfer in the Requirements Planning Phase for Multi-Project Environments
Authors: Ballou Donald P. , Belardo Salvatore , Pazer Harold L.
Published: January 2012

When the systems analysis phase produces faulty requirements, it can often be traced to the failure of the requirements determination team and the client to communicate effectively. This failure is frequently a consequence of inadequate knowledge of the client’s domain possessed by the development team. This paper presents concepts and procedures designed to facilitate communication between requirements determination teams and clients across a full set of IS projects with potentially differing priorities. A systematic framework for staffing requirements determination teams is provided. The importance and interdependence of two types of knowledge, explicit and tacit, to the success of the requirements determination phase is extensively explored. A metric for explicit knowledge coupled with a model that captures the impact of various levels of tacit knowledge upon the acquisition rate of explicit knowledge serve as key inputs to our Project Staffing Model. The appropriately weighted area under an explicit knowledge curve captures the totality of explicit knowledge. Summing such values, weighted to reflect project importance, provides a mechanism for evaluating alternative staffing assignments. An illustrative case highlights implementation issues and suggests procedures when uncertainty exists concerning key inputs. A research agenda is recommended for the estimation of factors required by the analysis.
Qualitative Analysis of Semantically Enabled Knowledge Management Systems in Agile Software Engineering
Authors: Rech Jörg , Bogner Christian
Published: January 2012

In many agile software engineering organizations there is not enough time to follow knowledge management processes, to retrieve knowledge in complex processes, or to systematically elicit knowledge. This chapter gives an overview about the human-centered design of semantically-enabled knowledge management systems based on Wikis used in agile software engineering environments. The methodology – developed in the RISE (Reuse in Software Engineering) project – enables and supports the design of human-centered knowledge sharing platforms, such as Wikis. Furthermore, the paper specifies requirements one should keep in mind when building human-centered systems to support knowledge management. A two-phase qualitative analysis showed that the knowledge management system acts as a flexible and customizable view on the information needed during working-time which strongly relieves software engineers from time-consuming retrieval activities. Furthermore, the observations gave some hints about how the software system supports the collection of vital working experiences and how it could be subsequently formed and refined.
Online Qualitative Interviews
Authors: Hanrahan Kathleen J. , Smith Mathew T. , Sturges Judith E.
Published: January 2012

Computer mediated communication is a part of everyday life for much of the population. People rely on email and instant messaging, post to chat rooms and blogs, and routinely use the Internet for a wide variety of functions. As a result, the options for qualitative study available to urban planners and researchers have expanded dramatically. This chapter examines the feasibility of online qualitative interviews. The chapter begins with an overview of the online options or venues (e.g., chat rooms, bulletin boards, social networking sites, email) currently available to the qualitative researcher. Next, issues of data quality in online interviews are discussed, and various online venues are compared to in person or face-to-face interview modes. Additionally, the authors discuss some of the central ethical and human subject protection issues involved in the online research landscape. The chapter concludes with an assessment of the potential for online qualitative interviews.
Brainstorming in Virtual Teams
Authors: Dzindolet Mary T. , Paulus Paul B. , Glazer Courtney
Published: January 2012

Most research is conducted by teams rather than individuals, and due to a variety of technological advances many research teams do not work face-to-face; they work virtually. The creativity literature that explores how working as a member of a virtual team differs from working as a member of a face-to-face team or as an individual is reviewed in this chapter, with a focus on the idea generation phase of the research process. The chapter offers practical techniques to help researchers effectively and efficiently brainstorm in virtual teams. Specific techniques to guide researchers are offered based on laboratory and field research in electronic, face-to-face, and virtual brainstorming.
Archiving Audio and Video Interviews
Authors: Leh Almut , Tausendfreund Doris
Published: January 2012

This chapter explores developments in and prospects for the online archival storage and retrieval of oral history interviews—with a focus on experiences and projects in Germany. The introductory section examines the contemporary history research method, oral history, which has led to extensive collections of interviews with witnesses of different historical periods, including survivors of Nazi persecution. To characterize the nature of oral history interviews, attention is given to their narrative form and the biographical dimension. Emphasizing the specific value of this material, the authors discuss the demands involved in archiving such material framed by the expectations on both sides, witnesses as interview partners and researchers and other interested persons as archive users. A German example for state-of-the-art online archiving strategies called the “Forced Labor 1939-1945. Memory and History” archive, is presented, outlining the technical challenges and research features as well as research functionality and further enhancements. Possible avenues for further development within the field are outlined: a meta-search engine covering multiple databases and an open online archive. A crucial ethical question is also presented in this chapter: How can a responsible online access policy ensure the protection of the contemporary witnesses’ personal rights?
On Quality of Experience in Remote Visualization on Mobile Devices
Authors: Paravati Gianluca , Sanna Andrea , Lamberti Fabrizio , Ciminiera Luigi
Published: January 2012

Quality of Experience (QoE) is a relatively new concept which represents a way of measuring user satisfaction in the use of a certain kind of service. This work investigates issues related to the QoE in manipulating 3D scenes on mobile devices, by focusing on scenarios based on the remote visualization paradigm where a remote server is in charge of computing a flow of compressed images to be delivered to client devices. A novel approach able to dynamically set the encoding parameters at the server side is presented; the considered parameters are frame resolution, frame rate and image quality. The proposed solution is able to tune the above parameters according to both user preferences and network performance. Experimental tests are exploited to assess the relationship between the involved parameters and the QoE. Results obtained by considering low resource hardware (e.g. mobile devices) and unreliable connections (e.g. wireless networks) are presented. User feedback proves the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A Conceptual Framework for Interoperability of Mobile User Interfaces with Ambient Computing Environments
Authors: Lorenz Andreas
Published: January 2012

The use of mobile and hand-held devices is a desirable option for implementation of user interaction with remote services from a distance, whereby the user should be able to select the input device depending on personal preferences, capabilities and availability of interaction devices. Because of the heterogeneity of available devices and interaction styles, the interoperability needs particular attention by the developer. This paper describes the design of a general solution to enable mobile devices to have control on services at remote hosts. The applied approach enhances the idea of separating the user interface from the application logic, leading to the definition of virtual or logical input devices physically separated from the controlled services.
Crossmodal Audio and Tactile Interaction with Mobile Touchscreens
Authors: Hoggan Eve
Published: January 2012

This article asserts that using crossmodal auditory and tactile interaction can aid mobile touchscreen users in accessing data non-visually and, by providing a choice of modalities, can help to overcome problems that occur in different mobile situations where one modality may be less suitable than another (Hoggan, 2010). By encoding data using the crossmodal parameters of audio and vibration, users can learn mappings and translate information between both modalities. In this regard, data may be presented to the most appropriate modality given the situation and surrounding environment.
Fundamentals of Empirical Propagation Modeling for Outdoor Scenarios
Authors: Gaona Sergio Hernández
Published: January 2012

The empirical propagation models are widely used to predict the behavior of radio signals. In this chapter some empirical propagation models for outdoors are reviewed. The objective of the chapter is to understand the mechanisms that impinge radio waves, and the most popular propagation models for outdoors that can be used to calculate a link budget. The three kinds of fading: path loss, shadowing, and fast-fading are described through the chapter. Some statistical concepts required for the shadowing calculation, like Probability Density Function (PDF) and Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF), are also explained.
Evaluation of the LORA-CBF Routing Algorithm with Selective Gateway in an Ad Hoc WiMAX Network
Authors: Galaviz-Mosqueda Alejandro
Published: January 2012

Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs) are characterized by their high mobility, where wireless links between vehicles unpredictably can change. This mobility makes it very challenging to establish and maintain a communication link in vehicular networks; therefore, networking in these kinds of networks has become a very intense area of study. Consequently, research of ad hoc routing and medium access control strategies has become an intensive part of current study. The research community has expressed considerable interest in introducing WiMAX as medium access technology and geographic strategies for routing algorithms. This work presents an evaluation of the LORA-CBF geographic routing algorithm that permits seamless communication in an ad-hoc WiMAX network.
Development of Applications for Vehicular Communication Network Environments
Authors: Guerrero-Ibáñez JA , Flores-Cortés C , Damián-Reyes P
Published: January 2012

Nowadays, modern society faces serious problems with transportation systems. There are more traffic jams, accidents, and fatalities, and CO2 emissions are increasing fast. Thus, improving the safety and efficiency of transportation systems is imperative. Developing a sustainable transportation system requires a better usage of the existing infrastructure, the adoption of emerging technologies (e.g. embedded devices, sensors, and short range radio transmitters), and the development of applications capable of operating in wireless and spontaneous networks. This chapter gives readers a global vision of the issues related to the development of applications for vehicular ad-hoc networks(VANET). It also presents a classification and an overview of the top-level application domain. In addition, it investigates the importance of information in vehicular networks and analyses the requirements for different types of vehicular applications. Finally, the communication schemes that underpin the operation of VANET applications, as well as the security threats they are exposed to, are studied.
Smart Investing
Authors: Melillo Paolo , Singleton J. Clay , Prescott Robert K. , Bach Susan
Published: January 2012

This chapter describes the Orange County Library System’s financial literacy workshops and highlights the partnerships that made them a success. While the library system received a grant that helped get the project started, its partners brought expertise and a connection with the target audience that the library alone could not have provided. This project illustrates how community partnerships are a mutually beneficial way for public libraries to establish themselves as a resource for unbiased and reliable information. In addition to the describing the partnerships, this chapter will also focus on the ingredients believed to be the keys to success. The authors hope the experience can serve as a motivator and template for public libraries everywhere wanting to further establish themselves as information resources with community partnership assistance.
A Rite of Passage
Authors: Serrano Lindsy D.
Published: January 2012

In New York City, over five thousand young adults are taken in to custody by the city’s department of juvenile justice. (Fenster-Sparber, 2008). While in detention, they do not have easy access to books, and literacy is not always a priority. Although attempts have been made to incorporate library sites throughout New York City’s juvenile correctional facilities, students there have limited access to educational materials. Research shows that a higher literacy rate in such facilities can play a vital role in an incarcerated teen’s rehabilitation process. The New York Public Library (NYPL) saw an opportunity to reach students who might otherwise not be able to get access to information and build a long-lasting outreach program with Passages Academy, a multi-site correctional school run by New York City’s Department of Education and the Department of Juvenile Justice. This case study describes New York Public Library’s mission at Passages Academy, which started shortly after Passages was established in 1998 and continues to be a strong community partner today. The author, who also participated in the project, interviewed NYPL librarians and Passages Academy librarians and educators to gain a better understanding of their challenges.
Why Select an Open Source ERP over Proprietary ERP?
Authors: Huq Nasimul , Shah Syed Mushtaq Ali , Mihailescu Daniela
Published: January 2012

This chapter introduces the key factors that motivate Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to select Open Source ERP (OS ERP) over the proprietary ERP. The chapter starts with the related previous research works by stating the basic concepts of OS ERP selection. The goal of this chapter is to empirically identify the most important factors that may motivate the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to select this category of enterprise systems. Therefore this chapter proposes a Theoretical Model for Open Source ERP selection by SMEs and later on conducts an empirical study based on that theoretical model. The chapter tries to broaden the discussion around the important selection factors by including the perspective of the suppliers along with the perspective of OS ERP implementer SMEs.
Tailoring FOS-ERP Packages
Authors: Wölfel Klaus , Smets Jean-Paul
Published: January 2012

Free/Open Source software (FOSS) has made Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems more accessible for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) including overseas subsidiaries of large companies. However, the consulting required to configure an ERP to meet the specific needs of an organization remains a major financial and organizational burden for SMEs. Automatic ERP package configuration based on knowledge engineering, machine learning and data mining could be a solution to lessen the burden of the implementation process. This chapter presents two approaches to an automation of selected configuration options of the FOS-ERP package ERP5. These approaches are based on knowledge engineering with decision trees and machine learning with classifiers. The design of the ERP5 Artificial intelligence Toolkit (EAT) aims at the integration of these approaches into ERP5. The chapter also shows how FOS-ERP can boost Information System (IS) research. The investigation of the automation approaches was only possible because the free source code and technical documentation of ERP5 was accessible for TU Dresden researchers.