bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kid-Short Marfan Score (Kid-SMS) Is a Useful Diagnostic Tool for Stratifying the Pre-Test Probability of Marfan Syndrome in Childhood
Authors: Stark Veronika , Arndt Florian , Harring Gesa , Von Kodolitsch Yskert , Kozlik-Feldmann Rainer , Mueller Goetz , Steiner Kristoffer , Mir Thomas
Published: March 2015

Due to age dependent organ manifestation, diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a challenge, especially in childhood. It is important to identify children at risk of MFS as soon as possible to direct those to appropriate treatment but also to avoid stigmatization due to false diagnosis. We published the Kid-Short Marfan Score (Kid-SMS) in 2012 to stratify the pre-test probability of MFS in childhood. Hence we now evaluate the predictive performance of Kid-SMS in a new cohort of children. We prospectively investigated 106 patients who were suspected of having MFS. At baseline, children were examined according to Kid-SMS. At baseline and follow-up visit, diagnosis of MFS was established or rejected using standard current diagnostic criteria according to the revised Ghent Criteria (Ghent-2). At baseline 43 patients were identified with a risk of MFS according to Kid-SMS whereas 21 patients had Ghent-2 diagnosis of MFS. Sensitivity was 100%, specificity 77%, negative predictive value 100% and Likelihood ratio of Kid-SMS 4.3. During follow-up period, three other patients with a stratified risk for MFS were diagnosed according to Ghent-2. We confirm very good predictive performance of Kid-SMS with excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value but restricted specificity. Kid-SMS avoids stigmatization due to diagnosis of MFS and thus restriction to quality of life. Especially outpatient pediatricians and pediatric cardiologists can use it for primary assessment.
Information Geometry on the \(\kappa\)-Thermostatistics
Authors: Wada Tatsuaki , Scarfone Antonio
Published: March 2015

We explore the information geometric structure of the statistical manifold generated by the \(\kappa\)-deformed exponential family. The dually-flat manifold is obtained as a dualistic Hessian structure by introducing suitable generalization of the Fisher metric and affine connections. As a byproduct, we obtain the fluctuation-response relations in the \(\kappa\)-formalism based on the \(\kappa\)-generalized exponential family.
Information Hiding Method Using Best DCT and Wavelet Coefficients and Its Watermark Competition
Authors: Kang Hyunho , Iwamura Keiichi
Published: March 2015

In recent years, information hiding and its evaluation criteria have been developed by the IHC (Information Hiding and its Criteria) Committee of Japan. This committee was established in 2011 with the aim of establishing standard evaluation criteria for robust watermarks. In this study, we developed an information hiding method that satisfies the IHC evaluation criteria. The proposed method uses the difference of the frequency coefficients derived from a discrete cosine transform or a discrete wavelet transform. The algorithm employs a statistical analysis to find the best positions in the frequency domains for watermark insertion. In particular, we use the BCH (Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem) (511,31,109) code to error correct the watermark bits and the BCH (63,16,11) code as the sync signal to withstand JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression and cropping attacks. Our experimental results showed that there were no errors in 10 HDTV-size areas after the second decompression. It should be noted that after the second compression, the file size should be less than 1 25 of the original size to satisfy the IHC evaluation criteria.
Symmetry, Probabiliy, Entropy: Synopsis of the Lecture at MAXENT 2014
Authors: Gromov Misha
Published: March 2015

In this discussion, we indicate possibilities for (homological and non-homological) linearization of basic notions of the probability theory and also for replacing the real numbers as values of probabilities by objects of suitable combinatorial categories.
Presence of Listeria monocytogenes in Mediterranean-Style Dry Fermented Sausages
Authors: Meloni Domenico
Published: March 2015

The morphological, physiological and epidemiological features of L. monocytogenes, together with the severity of human listeriosis infections, make L. monocytogenes of particular concern for manufacturers of cold-stored “ready to eat” (RTE) foods. L. monocytogenes has been isolated from a wide variety of RTE foods and is responsible for several outbreaks associated with the consumption of RTE meat, poultry, dairy, fish and vegetable products. Although L. monocytogenes is among the most frequently-detected pathogens in dry fermented sausages, these products could be included in the category of RTE products in which the growth of L. monocytogenes is not favored and have rarely been implicated in listeriosis outbreaks. However, L. monocytogenes is highly difficult to control in fermented sausage processing environments due to its high tolerance to low pH and high salt concentration. In many Mediterranean-style dry fermented sausages, an empirical application of the hurdle technology often occurs and the frequent detection of L. monocytogenes in these products at the end of ripening highlights the need for food business operators to properly apply hurdle technology and to control the contamination routes of L. monocytogenes in the processing plants. In the following, through an up-to-date review of (personal and un-) published data, the main aspects of the presence of L. monocytogenes in Mediterranean-style dry fermented sausages will be discussed.
Correlation of Zinc with Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
Authors: Morales-Suárez-Varela María , Llopis-González Agustín , González-Albert Verónica , López-Izquierdo Raúl , González-Manzano Isabel , Cháves Javier , Huerta-Biosca Vicente , Martin-Escudero Juan
Published: March 2015

Hypertension and smoking are related with oxidative stress (OS), which in turn reports on cellular aging. Zinc is an essential element involved in an individual’s physiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of zinc levels in serum and urine with OS and cellular aging and its effect on the development of hypertension. In a Spanish sample with 1500 individuals, subjects aged 20–59 years were selected, whose zinc intake levels fell within the recommended limits. These individuals were classified according to their smoking habits and hypertensive condition. A positive correlation was found (Pearson’s C = 0.639; p = 0.01) between Zn serum/urine quotient and oxidized glutathione levels (GSSG). Finally, risk of hypertension significantly increased when the GSSG levels exceeded the 75 percentile; OR = 2.80 (95%CI = 1.09–7.18) and AOR = 3.06 (95%CI = 0.96–9.71). Low zinc levels in serum were related with OS and cellular aging and were, in turn, to be a risk factor for hypertension.
The Role of Active Site Residues in ATP Binding and Catalysis in the Methanosarcina thermophila Acetate Kinase
Authors: Ingram-Smith Cheryl , Wharton Jeffrey , Reinholz Christian , Doucet Tara , Hesler Rachel , Smith Kerry
Published: March 2015

Acetate kinase (ACK), which catalyzes the reversible phosphorylation of acetate by ATP, is a member of the acetate and sugar kinase/heat shock cognate/actin (ASKHA) superfamily. ASKHA family members share a common core fold that includes an ATPase domain with five structural motifs. The PHOSPHATE1 motif has previously been shown to be important for catalysis. We have investigated the role of two of these motifs in the Methanosarcina thermophila ACK (MtACK) and have shown that residues projecting into the ACK active site from the PHOSPHATE2 and ADENOSINE loops and a third highly conserved loop designated here as LOOP3 play key roles in nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) selection and utilization. Alteration of Asn211 of PHOSPHATE2, Gly239 of LOOP3, and Gly331 of ADENOSINE greatly reduced catalysis. In particular, Gly331, which is highly conserved throughout the ASKHA superfamily, has the greatest effect on substrate selection. Alteration at this site strongly skewed MtACK toward utilization of purines over pyrimidines, unlike the wild type enzyme that shows broad NTP utilization. Further investigation into differences between the ATPase domain in MtACK and other acetate kinases that show different substrate preferences will provide us with a better understanding of the diversity of phosphoryl donor selection in this enzyme family.
A Study of Calcareous Deposits on Cathodically Protected Mild Steel in Artificial Seawater
Authors: Yang Yuanfeng , Scantlebury James , Koroleva Elena
Published: March 2015

Calcareous deposits were formed on steel under conditions of cathodic protection in artificial seawater at applied constant current densities ranging from 50 to 400 mA·m−2. The calcareous layers were characterized using a Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG SEM) in conjunction with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). At cathodic current densities of 50–100 mA·m−2 where corrosion was still occurring, a clear correlation existed between the iron containing corrosion product and the overlying magnesium hydroxide layer. This revealed that the mapping of magnesium rich areas on a steel surface can be used in the identification of local corrosion sites. At current densities of 150–200 mA·m−2, a layered deposit was shown to occur consisting of an inner magnesium-containing layer and an outer calcium-containing layer. At current densities of 300–400 mA·m−2, intense hydrogen bubbling through macroscopic pores in the deposits gave rise to cracking of the deposited film. Under such conditions deposits do not have a well-defined double layer structure. There is also preferential formation of magnesium-rich compounds near the steel surface at the early stages of polarisation and within the developing pores and cracks of calcareous deposits later on. Based on SEM/EDX investigation of calcareous depositions the impedance model was proposed and used to monitor in situ variations in steel corrosion resistance, and to calculate the thickness of formed deposits using the length of oxygen diffusion paths.
Multifaceted Strategy for the Synthesis of Diverse 2,2'-Bithiophene Derivatives
Authors: Krompiec Stanisław , Filapek Michał , Grudzka-Flak Iwona , Slodek Aneta , Kula Sławomir , Malecki Jan , Malarz Joanna , Szafraniec-Gorol Grażyna , Penkala Mateusz , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa , Paluch Marian , Mierzwa Michał , Matussek Marek , Szlapa Agata , Pajak Michał , Blach Dariusz , Marcol Beata , Danikiewicz Witold , Boharewicz Bartosz , Iwan Agnieszka
Published: March 2015

New catalytically or high pressure activated reactions and routes, including coupling, double bond migration in allylic systems, and various types of cycloaddition and dihydroamination have been used for the synthesis of novel bithiophene derivatives. Thanks to the abovementioned reactions and routes combined with non-catalytic ones, new acetylene, butadiyne, isoxazole, 1,2,3-triazole, pyrrole, benzene, and fluoranthene derivatives with one, two or six bithiophenyl moieties have been obtained. Basic sources of crucial substrates which include bithiophene motif for catalytic reactions were 2,2'-bithiophene, gaseous acetylene and 1,3-butadiyne.
Ni-SiO2 Catalysts for the Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane: Varying Support Properties by Flame Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Lovell Emma , Scott Jason , Amal Rose
Published: March 2015

Silica particles were prepared by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) as a support for nickel catalysts. The impact of precursor feed rate (3, 5 and 7 mL/min) during FSP on the silica characteristics and the ensuing effect on catalytic performance for the carbon dioxide, or dry, reforming of methane (DRM) was probed. Increasing the precursor feed rate: (i) progressively lowered the silica surface area from ≈340 m2/g to ≈240 m2/g; (ii) altered the silanol groups on the silica surface; and (iii) introduced residual carbon-based surface species to the sample at the highest feed rate. The variations in silica properties altered the (5 wt %) nickel deposit characteristics which in turn impacted on the DRM reaction. As the silica surface area increased, the nickel dispersion increased which improved catalyst performance. The residual carbon-based species also appeared to improve nickel dispersion, and in turn catalyst activity, although not to the same extent as the change in silica surface area. The findings illustrate both the importance of silica support characteristics on the catalytic performance of nickel for the DRM reaction and the capacity for using FSP to control these characteristics.
Construction of an Isonucleoside on a 2,6-Dioxobicyclo[3.2.0]-heptane Skeleton
Authors: Yoshimura Yuichi , Kobayashi Satoshi , Kaneko Hitomi , Suzuki Takeshi , Imamichi Tomozumi
Published: March 2015

We have built a new isonucleoside derivative on a 2,6-dioxobicyclo[3.2.0]heptane skeleton as a potential anti-HIV agent. To synthesize the target compound, an acetal-protected dihydroxyacetone was first converted to a 2,3-epoxy-tetrahydrofuran derivative. Introduction of an azide group, followed by the formation of an oxetane ring, gave a pseudosugar derivative with a 2,6-dioxobicyclo[3.2.0]heptane skeleton. The desired isonucleoside was obtained by constructing a purine base moiety on the scaffold, followed by amination.
Hybrids of Nucleic Acids and Carbon Nanotubes for Nanobiotechnology
Authors: Umemura Kazuo
Published: March 2015

Recent progress in the combination of nucleic acids and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been briefly reviewed here. Since discovering the hybridization phenomenon of DNA molecules and CNTs in 2003, a large amount of fundamental and applied research has been carried out. Among thousands of papers published since 2003, approximately 240 papers focused on biological applications were selected and categorized based on the types of nucleic acids used, but not the types of CNTs. This survey revealed that the hybridization phenomenon is strongly affected by various factors, such as DNA sequences, and for this reason, fundamental studies on the hybridization phenomenon are important. Additionally, many research groups have proposed numerous practical applications, such as nanobiosensors. The goal of this review is to provide perspective on biological applications using hybrids of nucleic acids and CNTs.
Live Longer with Vitamin D?
Authors: Gröber Uwe , Reichrath Jörg , Holick Michael
Published: March 2015

The global burden of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is of great concern for public health. According to recent studies, vitamin D deficiency is an important etiological factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Whether or not there is a connection between 25-hydoxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status and overall mortality is a matter of considerable debate. A new meta-analysis confirmed that low 25(OH)D levels were associated with a significant increased risk for all-cause mortality. Individuals with severe vitamin D deficiency have almost twice the mortality rate as those with 25(OH)D level ≥ 30 ng/mL, (≥75 nmol/L). Unlike previous meta-analyses which suggested that serum 25(OH)D > 50 ng/mL was associated with increased mortality, this new analysis found that there was no increased risk even when 25(OH)D levels were ≥70 ng/mL. In general, closer attention should be paid to vitamin D deficiency in medical and pharmaceutical practice than has been the case hitherto. The results of these studies are consistent with the recommendation to improve the general vitamin D status in children and adults by means of a healthy approach to sunlight exposure, consumption of foods containing vitamin D and supplementation with vitamin D preparations.
Vitamin D Status and Acute Respiratory Infection: Cross Sectional Results from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2006
Authors: Monlezun Dominique , Bittner Edward , Christopher Kenneth , Camargo Carlos , Quraishi Sadeq
Published: March 2015

Vitamin D is a promising, though under-explored, potential modifiable risk factor for acute respiratory infections (ARIs). We sought to investigate the association of vitamin D status with ARI in a large, nationally-representative sample of non-institutionalized individuals from the United States. We analyzed 14,108 individuals over 16 years of age in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) 2001–2006 in this cross-sectional study. We used locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) to depict the relationship between increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and ARI. We then performed a multivariable regression analysis to investigate the association of 25OHD levels with ARI, while adjusting for known confounders. The median serum 25OHD level was 21 (IQR 15–27) ng/mL. Overall, 4.8% (95% CI: 4.5–5.2) of participants reported an ARI within 30 days before their participation in the national survey. LOWESS analysis revealed a near-linear relationship between vitamin D status and the cumulative frequency of ARI up to 25OHD levels around 30 ng/mL. After adjusting for season, demographic factors, and clinical data, 25OHD levels <30 ng/mL were associated with 58% higher odds of ARI (OR 1.58; 95% CI: 1.07–2.33) compared to levels ≥30 ng/mL. Among the 14,108 participants in NHANES 2001–2006, 25OHD levels were inversely associated with ARI. Carefully designed, randomized, controlled trials are warranted to determine the effect of optimizing vitamin D status on the risk of ARI.
Improving Log Loading Efficiency for Improved Sustainable Transport within the Irish Forest and Biomass Sectors
Authors: Sosa Amanda , Klvac Radomir , Coates Enda , Kent Tom , Devlin Ger
Published: March 2015

In Ireland, timber and biomass haulage faces the challenge of transporting enough material within strict legal dimensions and gross vehicle weights restrictions for trucks and trailers. The objective of this study was to develop a method to control payload weight by knowing the moisture content of the wood. Weights, volumes, and moisture content were gathered from 100 truckloads of Sitka spruce pulpwood. Truck volume and weight utilization patterns were analyzed based on stacked volume, truck volume, and weights recorded from the weighbridge. Solid/bulk volume conversion factors for the truckloads were estimated indicating the truck’s solid volume capacity to be filled. Trucks were grouped into five conditions based on their configuration—volume capacity and legal maximum payload. A loaded volume fraction was estimated to assess the optimal volume capacity and stanchion height at which the trucks should be loaded. Results showed that 100% of the trucks presented volume underutilization, with a maximum of 27.5 m3 (only 39.85% volume capacity). In contrast, 67% of trucks were overweight while the remaining 33% were under the legal maximum weight. The average solid/bulk volume conversion factor was 0.66 ± 0.013 at 95% confidence level. Depending on the conditions, trucks can be filled to 100% of their volume capacity with wood at an MC from 29% to 55%. The minimum truck volume capacity utilization was 45%. This methodology can be used by truck hauliers, enabling them to determine in-forest the optimum volume and weight of wood to be transported by knowing the moisture content (MC), the wood specie, and using the height of the stanchions of the trailer as reference when loading the truck.
Der alte Codex der « Historiae » Sallusts
Authors: Perl Gehrard
Published: March 2015

Les deux doubles feuillets palimpsestes du manuscrit Orléans, Bibl. mun. 192 (169) (Ve s.), ff. 15-18, qui contiennent des fragments des Histoires de Salluste se rapportant aux années 75-74 av. J.-C, appartiennent bien au même cahier primitif, mais ce cahier était un quinion et non un quaternion comme le pense H. Bloch {The Structure of SallusVs « Historiae » : The evidence of the Fleury manuscript, dans Didascaliae, Studies in honor of Anselm M. Albareda, New York, 1961, p. 61-76).

L'auteur reconstitue le cahier primitif d'après les données à la fois codicologiques (côté chair et côté poil des folios) et historiques et montre aussi que s'il manque deux folios, et non un seul, avant le folio final, la mort de Nicomède Philopator et l'acquisition de la Bithynie doivent être placées en 74 et non en 75 et au livre III des Histoires, et non au livre II comme l'indiquait Priscien.
Methods for Transition Toward Computer Assisted Cognitive Examination
Authors: Valenzi S. , Struzik Z. R. , Cichocki A. , Jurica P.
Published: March 2015

Introduction: We present a software framework which enables the extension of current methods for the assessment of cognitive fitness using recent technological advances.

Background: Screening for cognitive impairment is becoming more important as the world’s population grows older. Current methods could be enhanced by use of computers. Introduction of new methods to clinics requires basic tools for collection and communication of collected data.

Objectives: To develop tools that, with minimal interference, offer new opportunities for the enhancement of the current interview based cognitive examinations.

Methods: We suggest methods and discuss process by which established cognitive tests can be adapted for data collection through digitization by pen enabled tablets. We discuss a number of methods for evaluation of collected data, which promise to increase the resolution and objectivity of the common scoring strategy based on visual inspection. By involving computers in the roles of both instructing and scoring, we aim to increase the precision and reproducibility of cognitive examination.

Results: The tools provided in Python framework CogExTools available at http://bsp.brain.riken.jp/cogextools/ enable the design, application and evaluation of screening tests for assessment of cognitive impairment. The toolbox is a research platform; it represents a foundation for further collaborative development by the wider research community and enthusiasts. It is free to download and use, and open-source.

Conclusion: We introduce a set of open-source tools that facilitate the design and development of new cognitive tests for modern technology. We provide these tools in order to enable the adaptation of technology for cognitive examination in clinical settings. The tools provide the first step in a possible transition toward standardized mental state examination using computers.
Corporate Governance
Authors: Goel Sandeep
Published: March 2015

In light of the increasing number of corporate frauds worldwide, there is a growing emphasis on corporate governance. These corporate misappropriations not only destroy shareholder value but also act as a detriment to economic growth and social change. Therefore, investors look for companies with better corporate governance to maximize their returns. Still, this aspect of corporate governance has been largely neglected in the existing studies. This chapter is therefore an attempt to address corporate governance and its effect on business performance in the context of economic growth and social transformation at the global level. It goes inside the black box of the financial matrix. The central issue that emerges is the criticality of key parameters in the corporate governance process for organisational performance. It is hoped that it will provide a new dimension to the existing body of corporate governance for global development with policy implications for the required growth and social change.
Financial Development and Economic Growth
Authors: Koumparoulis Dimitrios Nikolaou
Published: March 2015

In this chapter, the author examines the relationship between financial development and economic growth. In the first three sections of the chapter, they present the expansionary policies in the developed countries that led to increased capital flows in the last decades. Such an analysis was done through a thorough review of both empirical and other critical studies from distinguished academics. In the final section, a new financial system at the service of society and development with a case study for Greece is illustrated.
A Novel Technique for Securing E-Commerce Transaction
Authors: Maji Arnab K.
Published: March 2015

The emergence of online businesses along with the use of the Internet as its basic network has brought new concerns and risks to the e-commerce environment. It is essential for the online companies to gain customers' trust to retain their existing e-commerce market share and provide for growth, because e-commerce transactions take place in an open environment that cannot be trusted since the network is highly vulnerable to outside security threats. The main problem of e-commerce transaction is anonymity. One may steal another's identity and get access of his confidential information such as banking password, credit card details, etc. very easily. The most convenient way to prevent such kind of identity theft is digital certificate. But that is very expensive. In this chapter, a novel attempt is made to prevent identity theft using Visual Cryptography and Steganography during e-commerce transaction, in a very cost-effective manner.
Application of Supply Chain Management through SAP in Agriculture of SAARC Nations
Authors: Chaudhuri Somnath
Published: March 2015

The prime source of income of the different countries in the SAARC region comes from the agricultural sector. Currently, this sector is facing several challenges in this entire region, threatening its growth and sustainability. Hence, if the policymakers need to improve the economic conditions of the nations, then the only way to do that is to improve the agricultural sectors of this region. This can be achieved by successful implementation of Supply Chain Management (SCM). This chapter is concerned with the concept of SCM and how it can play a vital role in developing the agricultural sectors in the SAARC countries. Another aspect of this chapter is concerned with the effectiveness of the application of SCM in agriculture; it can be implemented by using a fully integrated software package like SAP ERP. By the application of this IT software package, SCM can be made more efficient and lead to time and inventory reduction.
Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice and TPACK
Authors: Linton Jayme , Stegall David
Published: March 2015

This chapter seeks to answer the guiding question: How does the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) framework influence how technology can support the implementation of the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice? The authors provide an overview of the Standards for Mathematical Practice and an application of the TPACK framework to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Classroom scenarios describe how teachers can use the TPACK framework to integrate technology into the Standards for Mathematical Practice from kindergarten to eighth grade. The authors conclude with implications for professional developers, teacher educators, and administrators as they work to develop teachers' TPACK and prepare teachers for implementing the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Adoption of ISO 27001 in Cyprus Enterprises
Authors: Dionysiou Ioanna , Kokkinaki Angelika , Magirou Skevi , Iacovou Theodosios
Published: March 2015

This chapter presents the findings of an investigation on current security practices in Cypriot organizations, including enterprises and public sector divisions. In order to gain knowledge on the deployed security technologies by organizations, a survey was conducted and concluded in late 2010. The survey primarily examined compliance of enterprise current security policies and procedures with ISO 27001 security guidelines. A research analysis has been performed and identified that security mechanisms and the management of information technology (IT) resources may be improved on a number of aspects. Based on the research findings, an assessment of the viability of ISO 27001 in Cyprus is given as well as recommendations on the further deployment of ISO 27001.
The Experts in Design of Distance Nursing Education
Authors: Yuksekdag Belgin Boz
Published: March 2015

In this chapter, the author answer the question, How should the experts approach the design of distance nursing education? In this context, firstly, the chapter focuses on the importance of continuity of education and distance education for nurses. Secondly, it discusses the design of distance nursing education programs and the issues to be taken into account by experts. Thirdly, it explains the issues that need to be addressed in distance nursing education such as transition from teacher-centered approach to learner-centered approach, learning styles of learners, technology, interaction, presentation of content, and support services. Lastly, the chapter offers solutions and suggestions.
Engineering Ethics, Global Climate Change, and the Precautionary Principle
Authors: Attfield Robin
Published: March 2015

Besides respecting relevant codes of professional ethics, engineers should heed the principles of common morality and international law, including the Precautionary Principle, which requires action to prevent serious or irreversible harm in advance of scientific consensus, when reasons exist to credit such harm. In this chapter, this principle is shown to be applicable to many kinds of technology. An objection that seeks to assimilate it to policies of Maximin is shown to miscarry. The principle is further interpreted as concerning avoidable reductions of future quality of life. The phenomenon of anthropogenic climate change is then shown to involve challenges for engineers. In addition to principles of justice and of benevolence, the Precautionary Principle is found to be relevant once again to such decision making. Finally, considerations of humanity's limited carbon budget are adduced to indicate, in the light of these principles, the inappropriateness of extreme forms of energy extraction.
Ethics is Not Enough
Authors: Mitcham Carl
Published: March 2015

This chapter argues for understanding engineering ethics in terms of three principles—but then going beyond ethics to political theory. A simplified prefatory comparison between engineering and science points to the importance of ethics in engineering. Section 1 provides a historico-philosophical overview of engineering ethics in the United States, on the premise that American experience can be generally illuminating. The narrative traces a trajectory of commitments from company loyalty to public responsibility, with the public responsibility promoting public engagement. Section 2 considers three influential American cases that together suggest a duty to public disclosure. Section 3 broadens the analysis through selective reviews of engineering ethics profiles in Germany, The Netherlands, Japan, Chile, and in transnational professional engineering organizations, on the basis of which is articulated a duty not only to avoid harm but also to do good. Section 4, a critical reflection on engineering in the intensive form of research and design, posits a synthesis of the principles of participation, disclosure, and beneficence into a duty plus respicare, to take more into account. A concluding section nevertheless suggests the inadequacy of limiting engineering ethics to ethics. Ethics in engineering like ethics generally implicates political theory. Ethics in the absence of politics demands unrealistic personal heroism; political theory without any foundation in ethics promotes tyranny.
Teaching Ethics to Engineering Students in India
Authors: Cheruvalath Reena
Published: March 2015

Most engineering colleges in India have integrated ethics courses into their curriculum for the reason that students may develop an ethical ability to engage in sound decision making. However, there are differences noticed in defining the concept of “ethics” by the engineering students and the teachers who teach them ethics. Often, it is observed that students' positions with regard to ethics courses are egoistic pragmatism while the teachers follow idealistic pragmatism. This ideological difference makes teaching ethics to engineering students a difficult task and thus undermines the effectiveness of the ethics course. The major objective of this chapter therefore is to examine the extent to which the “gap” can be merged and make the students more ethically responsible. It also helps to achieve more job satisfaction for teachers. Finally, the chapter discusses some suggestions to make engineering students more ethically sensible.
Engineering Ethics Education
Authors: Balakrishnan Balamuralithara
Published: March 2015

In this chapter, the importance of engineering ethics education in engineering programmes is discussed, involving major elements that build ethics education. Definitions and concepts of engineering ethics are introduced, along with an engineering code of ethics. Ethical education in engineering programmes is analyzed, focusing on teaching approaches and the effect of science and technological development on engineering socio-ethical issues. Survey results are presented, which illustrate students' attitudes toward engineering ethics, where it is found that students' attitudes were poor. Some strategies are suggested to improve engineering ethical education in engineering programmes.
Software Engineering Ethics Education
Authors: Kadoda Gada
Published: March 2015

The difficulties inherent in the nature of software as an intangible object pose problems for specifying its needs, predicting overall behavior or impact on users, and therefore on defining the ethical questions that are involved in software development. Whereas software engineering drew from older engineering disciplines for process and practice development, culminating in the IEEE/ACM Professional Code in 1999, the topic of Software Engineering Ethics is entwined with Computer Science, and developments in Computer and Information Ethics. Contemporary issues in engineering ethics such as globalization have raised questions for software engineers about computer crime, civil liberties, open access, digital divide, etc. Similarly, computer-related ethics is becoming increasingly important for engineering ethics because of the dominance of computers in modern engineering practice. This is not to say that software engineers should consider everything, but the diversity of ethical issues presents a challenge to the approach of accumulating resources that many ethicists maintain can be overcome by developing critical thinking skills as part of technical training courses. This chapter explores critical pedagogies in the context of student outreach activities such as service learning projects and considers their potential in broadening software engineering ethics education. The practical emphasis in critical pedagogy can allow students to link specific software design decisions and ethical positions, which can perhaps transform both student and teacher into persons more curious about their individual contribution to the public good and more conscious of their agency to change the conditions around them. After all, they share with everyone else a basic human desire to survive and flourish.
Ethical Issues for User Involvement in Technological Research Projects
Authors: Garzo Ainara , Garay-Vitoria Nestor
Published: March 2015

In recent years, it has become common for users to participate in the development of new technologies for health and quality of life. This development requires ethical issues to be taken into account. In this chapter, the researchers review the important recommendations and directives both worldwide and in European legislation in order to guide technological researchers. All research with human participants that poses any risk to them must be supervised by an external multidisciplinary entity. In addition, the participants must decide whether or not they want to participate, having been provided with all the information about the experiments and the risks of taking part. The privacy of the participants' personal data is another important issue.
Sexual Orientation as a Human Right
Authors: Tziola Despina A.
Published: March 2015

In this chapter, the authors examine the matter of sexual orientation as a human right. Human rights violations take many forms, from denials of the rights to life to discrimination in accessing economic, social, and cultural rights. More than 80 countries still maintain laws that make same-sex consensual relations between adults a criminal offence. Those seeking to peaceably affirm diverse sexual orientations or gender identities have also experienced violence and discrimination. A gay man was entitled to live freely and openly in accordance with his sexual identity under the Refugee Convention (“the Convention”) and it was no answer to the claim for asylum that he would conceal his sexual identity in order to avoid the persecution that would follow if he did not do so. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom had to solve this complex problem as many issues were raised in the hearing.
Hunting HIV-Positive Women in Greece as Parasites
Authors: Anastasia Pitsou
Published: March 2015

In this chapter, the authors discuss public policies of stigmatization and fascitization. In Greece, HIV-positive women have been imprisoned while their personal data have been published in newspapers and the social media aiming to inform citizens and to protect public health.
Privacy Nudges
Authors: Sandfuchs Barbara
Published: March 2015

To fight the risks caused by excessive self-disclosure especially regarding sensitive data such as genetic ones, it might be desirable to prevent certain disclosures. When doing so, regulators traditionally compel protection, for example by prohibiting the collection and/or use of genetic data even if citizens would like to share these data. This chapter provides an introduction into an alternative approach which has recently received increased scholarly attention: privacy protection by the use of nudges. Such nudges may in the future provide an alternative to compelled protection of genetic data or complement the traditional approach. This chapter first describes behavioral psychology's findings that citizens sometimes act irrational. This statement is consequently explained with the insights that these irrationalities are often predictable. Thus, a solution might be to correct them by the use of nudges.
China: Managing a Diverse and Multicultural Workforce in Multinationals in a Growth Economy
Authors: Goldstein Andy
Published: March 2015

This case suggests a system of understanding the expatriate employees of a typical multinational company operating in China, based on attitudinal, behavioral, and psychological factors. The study particularly focuses on expatriate managers and staff in multinationals' career ambitions, consumer habits, and attitudes to their organizations and the challenge of working and living in China generally. Expatriate staff working in China, the author argues (based on more than ten years of observation and a detailed survey), can be categorized as in one of three main types: The Gilded Cage, The Half-Way House, and The Localised Westerner. They can be a mix of two or three of these types and their behaviors can evolve between types over time. Understanding these differences can help the non-Chinese manager without China experience and the student of HR issues in China to operate more effectively and gain more insights – as the author himself discovered in the process of researching this case.
Indochina
Authors: Graham Sheena
Published: March 2015

This short case looks at an organization in the travel and tourism sector that was set up 20 years ago and how it gradually built up an HR function that is designed to be sustainable for the coming decades. Seen as one of the most dynamic groups in its sector in Asia, the company started with a handful of employees and has grown to over 2,000. Now winning awards for innovation and fast-growth, the organization started small and stayed that way for its first decade then took off – and needed an HR function. The group needed job contracts, job descriptions, and to apply for all the licenses needed in Vietnam, a Communist state. Recruitment by word-of-mouth and then online processes, promotion and retention, performance management, salaries and benefits, training and development, disciplinary procedures, the preparation of guidelines, rules, an employee handbook – there was a lot of work to do, which is still ongoing.
Bhutan: Measuring Employee Training Effectiveness
Authors: Tobgay
Published: March 2015

The public sector of Bhutan—as in many developing countries—budgets substantial funds for capacity building and training, and in the case of one of the ministries in the government, the investment is not evaluated for effectiveness. This case looks at the effectiveness of the existing training programs of that ministry and recommends necessary policy and regulatory changes to improve training processes. The model of measuring training effectiveness developed by Donald Kirkpatrick in 1959 (known as the four level model) was used; the data for the study was collected from two sets of questionnaires. One set was from the employees who have undergone some form of training in the last three years and the other from the manager of these employees. A total of 92 employees and 23 managers responded positively to the survey. The conclusion of the study established that there is ample room for the ministry to improve their training effectiveness – and this point is true for many relatively underdeveloped emerging markets in Asia that are similar to Bhutan.
Afghanistan: Leadership Development
Authors: Ali Noor
Published: March 2015

This case study investigates the leadership styles of Afghan men and women managers as practiced in Afghanistan, originally prepared as background research to developing their leadership skills in the context of a public sector organization receiving extensive international donor funding. The case includes a detailed study of the barriers that women managers face in Afghanistan. The research revealed that compared with men, Afghan women managers are more balanced in terms of being people-oriented and task-oriented and practice a mix of transformational and transactional leadership styles (rather than mostly transactional). To overcome the existing barriers that prevent Afghan women from reaching senior leadership positions in Afghanistan, the case concludes that Afghan women need more access to higher education and need more training in management skills. Increased awareness of women's leadership talents by men, requiring the need to change male attitudes towards female participation in leadership, may help improve the situation. This process may need greater mobility in workplaces in Afghanistan.
Iran
Authors: Ghaem Amir Reza
Published: March 2015

The research for this case study considered 55 SMEs in Iran, collecting 227 responses from employees. The data generated from questionnaires were analyzed in order to evaluate the levels of sustainable HR practices in these organizations – outlined in the study of the “honeybee” model and covering a wide range of practices mostly related to people and environmental resource management. Findings suggested that the educational sector has the highest level of sustainability in Iranian companies. In comparison with the educational sector, the production and the automotive sector had a negative contribution to sustainability – this was something seen as of little importance for these businesses. The study looks at the barriers faced in implementing sustainability in organizations, especially in the different political, economic, and social conditions experienced by HR and general managers in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The importance of the environmental aspects is highlighted by the many deaths from air pollution experienced in the capital city – nearly 5,000 fatalities per year.
Keeping It Social
Authors: Muyia Helen M. , Nafukho Fredrick Muyia
Published: March 2015

The rapid change and competition in the business world is fundamentally challenging the workplace. Consequently, organizations have begun to adopt a continuous learning philosophy which has resulted in a rise in both formal and informal learning. As social media penetrates our everyday lives, organizations and human resource development professionals are looking at how to leverage social media tools to enhance workplace learning and development. Using such tools also fits in with current initiatives to move learning to a more employee-centered learning. This chapter explores a number of social media tools that can be used to enhance workplace learning and development. First, social media definitions in the workplace context are provided and discussed. This is followed by a discussion on challenges associated with the use of social media for workplace learning and development. A framework of social media effectiveness, grounded in the learning and training processes, is propsed in the chapter.
The Potential, Requirements, and Limitations of BIM for Offsite Timber Construction
Authors: Patlakas Panagiotis , Menendez Jesus , Hairstans Robert
Published: March 2015

Offsite Timber Construction has the potential to deliver important benefits for the housing sector, but there are obstacles that prevent a more widespread adoption. The advent of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has the potential to address many of these, improving the process and enhancing the end product. The paper identifies the key aspects of offsite timber construction in which BIM can play a significant role, and describes the immediate benefits that can be derived from applying BIM to those, with an emphasis on the UK market. The respective limitations are identified and discussed. The issue of financial viability is addressed and suggestions are made about how research and government initiatives can provide support for those. Finally, the need for a mid-term paradigm shift in BIM is identified, moving towards a more open and extensible strategy for construction that can respond to the expanded needs of Offsite Timber Construction.
Deletion of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Exacerbates Lymphoproliferative Syndrome and Lupus Nephritis in B6-MRL Fas lpr/j Mice
Authors: Goury Antoine , Meghraoui-Kheddar Aïda , Belmokhtar Karim , Vuiblet Vincent , Ortillon Jeremy , Jaisson Stéphane , Devy Jerôme , Le Naour Richard , Tabary Thierry , Cohen Jacques H. M. , Schmidt Ann-Marie , Rieu Philippe , Touré Fatouma
Published: March 2015

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a pattern recognition receptor that interacts with advanced glycation end products, but also with C3a, CpG DNA oligonucleotides, and alarmin molecules such as HMGB1 to initiate a proinflammatory reaction. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disorder associated with the accumulation of RAGE ligands. We generated mice invalidated for RAGE in the lupus-prone B6-MRL Fas lpr/j background to determine the role of RAGE in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. We compared the phenotype of these mice with that of their wild-type and B6-MRL Fas lpr/j littermates. Lymphoproliferative syndrome, production of anti-dsDNA Abs, lupus nephritis, and accumulation of CD3+B220+CD4−CD8− autoreactive T cells (in the peripheral blood and the spleen) were significantly increased in B6-MRL Fas lpr/j RAGE−/− mice compared with B6-MRL Fas lpr/j mice (respectively p < 0.005, p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). A large proportion of autoreactive T cells from B6-MRL Fas lpr/j mice expressed RAGE at their surface. Time course studies of annexin V expression revealed that autoreactive T cells in the spleen of B6-MRL Fas lpr/j-RAGE−/− mice exhibited a delay in apoptosis and expressed significantly less activated caspase 3 (39.5 ± 4.3%) than T cells in B6-MRL Fas lpr/j mice (65.5 ± 5.2%) or wild-type mice (75.3 ± 2.64%) (p = 0.02). We conclude that the deletion of RAGE in B6-MRL Fas lpr/j mice promotes the accumulation of autoreactive CD3+B220+CD4−CD8− T cells, therefore exacerbating lymphoproliferative syndrome, autoimmunity, and organ injury. This suggests that RAGE rescues the apoptosis of T lymphocytes when the death receptor Fas/CD95 is dysfunctional.