bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hilbert space representations of decoherence functionals and quantum measures
Authors: Gudder Stan
Published: December 2012

We show that any decoherence functional D can be represented by a spanning vector-valued measure on a complex Hilbert space. Moreover, this representation is unique up to an isomorphism when the system is finite. We consider the natural map U from the history Hilbert space K to the standard Hilbert space H of the usual quantum formulation. We show that U is an isomorphism from K onto a closed subspace of H and that U is an isomorphism from K onto H if and only if the representation is spanning. We then apply this work to show that a quantum measure has a Hilbert space representation if and only if it is strongly positive. We also discuss classical decoherence functionals, operator-valued measures and quantum operator measures.
Motor Vehicle Speeds: Recommendations for Urban Sustainability
Authors: Ivan John N. , Jonsson Thomas , Borsos Attila
Published: December 2012

This paper explores how vehicle speeds are related to equitable, environmental, and economic sustainability of urban areas. This relationship is manifested primarily through associations between vehicle speeds and road crash casualties, severity of pedestrian crashes, generation of harmful emissions, and relative desirability of neighboring land. Reported research findings describing these associations are presented and discussed. Reported experiences with implementing various methods of influencing vehicle speeds, including automated enforcement, self-explaining roads, and in-vehicle systems, are presented and discussed. To support increased sustainability of urban areas, the following steps are recommended: (a) speed limits should be set to limit casualty risk and not to accommodate driver choices, (b) roadways in developed areas should be designed with 10-ft lanes and on-street parking and sidewalks, and (c) vehicle speeds in downtown and residential areas should be kept below 25 mph (preferably 20 mph). The paper also identifies gaps in knowledge about speed and sustainability.
Development of Left-Turn Lane Warrants for Unsignalized Intersections
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kay , Brewer Marcus A. , Eisele William L. , Zhang Yunlong , Gluck Jerome S. , Levinson Herbert S. , Iragavarapu Vichika
Published: December 2012

Left-turn movements at intersections, including driveways—especially movements that are made from lanes that are shared with through traffic—cause delays and adversely affect safety. Although some left-turn warrants have been updated, many agencies still use research performed by M. D. Harmelink in the mid-1960s. Most states use procedures that are based on Harmelink's work, but several limitations have been identified. Economic analysis can provide a useful method for combining traffic operations and safety benefits of left-turn lanes to identify situations in which left-turn lanes either are or are not justified economically. This project used a benefit–cost approach to determine when a left-turn lane would be justified. The steps included simulation to determine delay savings from installing a left-turn lane, crash costs and crash reduction savings determined from safety performance functions and crash modification factors available in the Highway Safety Manual, and construction costs. Left-turn lane warrants were developed for rural two-lane highways, rural four-lane highways, and urban and suburban roadways. In addition, warrants for bypass lanes were developed for rural two-lane highways.
Yield response of diallelic crossed maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes to varying nitrogen regimes in Nigeria
Authors: Bello OB , Afolabi MS , Ige SA , Abdulmaliq SY , Azeez MA , Mahmud J
Published: December 2012

Context: Development of early maturing maize cultivars that remain productive under low N fertilizer farming system, consistent with the farmers technologies is a prerequisite to improving adoption of new varieties without increasing production cost. Objective: To assess the performance of ten early open pollination maize varieties (OPVs) and their F1 hybrids for grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and also identify productive cultivars under low N fertilizer regimes. Materials and Methods: The trials were set up in a split plot arrangement with three N fertilizer levels (0, 45 and 90 kg N ha-1) as main plot and the genotypes as sub-plot. Each plot within N level was four-row, laid out in a randomized complete block design of four replications. Ten OPVs were crossed in a half diallel to generate 45 F1 hybrids during 2004 and 2005 growing seasons. Planting were carried out on 20th July, 2005 and 2nd July, 2006. Agronomic characters studied were grain yield, maize establishment count, days to 50% tasselling and silking as well as plant and ear heights. Results: The year 2005 growing season was better for all observed characters amongst all the genotypes than the year 2006. Although, expressions of these traits in the hybrids were relatively higher than the OPVs including the grain yield. The total increase in grain yield observed was 1.72 t ha-1 and 1.95 t ha-1 for OPVs and hybrids respectively on application of 90 kg ha-1 over no N-application. However, NUE was optimum at 45 kg N ha-1 in both groups. Grain yield and NUE correlated positively with growth characters measured except for days to 50% silking. Higher genetic gains were recorded for plant and ear heights. Conclusion: Two drought tolerant varieties (Acr 90 Pool 16-Dt and Tze Comp3 Dt) that combined well with specific cultivars for grain yield and NUE probably have gene pools for low N-tolerance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v19i0.13000 J. bio-sci. 19 43-52, 2011
Shrimp culture packages in southwestern Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar D , Sayeed MAB , Hossain GS , Huq KA
Published: December 2012

Context: The study was conducted under the technical support of ATDP-II in Bagerhat District, from July to November 2005 on traditional, closed, and semi-intensive culture packages of penaeid shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the management, technical and economic aspects of three different shrimp culture packages. Materials and Methods: Post larval nursing was done for 30 days at a density of 50 PL/m2. Culture was done for 120 days at a density of 2.11, 7.37 & 11.56 individuals/m2 in traditional, closed, and semi-intensive ponds respectively. Shrimp PL were fed CP feed (40 % protein) at a rate of 2kg for 100,000 PL, but no supplementary feed was used in traditional ponds. Results: The highest average daily growth (0.263±0.026 g/day) was found in traditional culture; while in closed, and semi-intensive system it was lower (0.226±0.023 and 0.239±0.022 g/day respectively) due to high stocking density and feed competition. Survival rates were found 49.14±5.94, 57.94±8.01 and 60.07±10.98 % which yielded 327.23±24.14, 1158.07±134.76, 1991.57±232.70 kg/ha in traditional, closed, and semi-intensive ponds respectively. Net income was calculated 47932.18 Tk/ha from traditional, 178779.2 Tk/ha from closed, and 312736.8 Tk/ha from semi-intensive culture. Conclusion: The study suggests that instead of horizontal expansion of traditional shrimp cultivation, healthy management and improved culture technique are very much important to increase shrimp production in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v19i0.13001 J. bio-sci. 19 53-57, 2011
Multiple Resistance of Horseweed to Glyphosate and Paraquat and Its Control with Paraquat and Metribuzin Combinations
Authors: Eubank Thomas , Nandula Vijay , Poston Daniel , Shaw David
Published: December 2012

Greenhouse and field studies were conducted in 2007 and 2008 to investigate possible multiple-resistance of horseweed to paraquat and glyphosate, and to evaluate the effect of the addition of metribuzin to paraquat on control of paraquat-resistant horseweed. Results indicated that the GR50 (herbicide dose required to cause a 50% reduction in plant growth) value for the susceptible population S102 was 0.066 kg ae/ha glyphosate, and for the resistant population MDOT was 0.78 kg/ha glyphosate. The level of glyphosate resistance for MDOT was 12-fold compared with S102. The GR50 value for the susceptible population S102 was 0.078 kg ai/ha paraquat, and for the resistant population MDOT was 0.67 kg/ha paraquat. The level of paraquat resistance for MDOT was 9-fold compared to S102, suggesting multiple-resistance to glyphosate and paraquat in the MDOT population. In field studies the addition of metribuzin to paraquat improved horseweed control.
Broadband Spectral Amplitude Control in High-Order Harmonic Generation
Authors: Serrat Carles
Published: December 2012

A technique for broadband spectral amplitude control of light pulses produced in high-order harmonic generation (HHG) is presented. It has been shown elsewhere that broadband spectral phase control in HHG is achievable using a computerized feedback loop scheme by coherently adding a filtered region of the HHG emission to the intense IR driving pulse with optimal attenuation and time delay parameters. In the present study, further computational evidence of the capabilities of this control scheme is provided by considering the spectral amplitude in a broadband region of the HHG spectrum as the control target for the production of isolated attosecond pulses. Different spectral widths and central photon energies are examined, such as a spectral width of 30 eV centered at 36 eV, well in the plateau, and a width of 20 eV centered at 60 eV in the cutoff region. An iterative procedure of the method is implemented and optimal isolated single cycle pulses at a central photon energy of 36 eV are obtained. This control scheme is a fundamental tool that can be implemented for amplitude and phase shaping of any suitable spectral region in HHG.
Cytoskeletal Regulation of Dermal Regeneration
Authors: Strudwick Xanthe , Cowin Allison
Published: December 2012

Wound healing results in the repair of injured tissues however fibrosis and scar formation are, more often than not the unfortunate consequence of this process. The ability of lower order vertebrates and invertebrates to regenerate limbs and tissues has been all but lost in mammals; however, there are some instances where glimpses of mammalian regenerative capacity do exist. Here we describe the unlocked potential that exists in mammals that may help us understand the process of regeneration post-injury and highlight the potential role of the actin cytoskeleton in this process. The precise function and regulation of the cytoskeleton is critical to the success of the healing process and its manipulation may therefore facilitate regenerative healing. The gelsolin family of actin remodelling proteins in particular has been shown to have important functions in wound healing and family member Flightless I (Flii) is involved in both regeneration and repair. Understanding the interactions between different cytoskeletal proteins and their dynamic control of processes including cellular adhesion, contraction and motility may assist the development of therapeutics that will stimulate regeneration rather than repair.
Challenges in Improving Energy Efficiency in a University Campus Through the Application of Persuasive Technology and Smart Sensors
Authors: Emeakaroha Anthony , Ang Chee , Yan Yong
Published: December 2012

The impact of energy consumption and carbon emission in the UK poses a grave challenge. This challenge is particularly high amongst residents of university campuses, where usage of electricity and carbon emission remain invisible to the students. In student residential accommodation, personal choices and social influences affect electricity consumption and ultimately the resultant reduction in carbon emissions. Therefore, innovative solutions are required to change students’ energy consumption behavior, and one promising part of the solution is to present real-time electricity consumption data to students in real-time via a dedicated web platform, while, at the same time, appointing an energy delegate in each hall to induce motivation among the students. The results of some interventions show that immediate energy feedback from smart meters or display devices can provide savings of 5%–15%. However, the situation is different; with the complexity in behavior of our target groups “the students who are living in the halls of residence”, there are economical and environmental aspects to be addressed in these issues, in the campus halls of residence. Therefore, we propose a system to address this issue, by applying smart sensors (real-time electricity data capture), integration of dedicated visual web interface (real-time electricity feedback display) and an appointed energy delegate in each hall (a motivator). It is expected that this will motivate students living in the halls of residence to reduce their electricity wastage and, therefore, control the energy cost and also reduce the carbon emissions released into the environment. In the present research, we focus on the University of Kent, Canterbury campus to study energy conservation and carbon emission reduction strategies.
Power Quality and Harmonic Analysis of End User Devices
Authors: Dolara Alberto , Leva Sonia
Published: December 2012

Among the non-linear loads used in household, Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and LED lamps are becoming more widespread, while incandescent lamps are intended to be replaced by these types of lighting devices. LEDs and CFLs are significantly more efficient and economical than incandescent lamps, and are expected to be used in 100% of residential lighting in the future. As nonlinear loads, LEDs and CFLs produce highly distorted currents. A large number of customers using LEDs or CFLs for domestic, commercial and industrial lighting could determine important Power Quality problems. The paper reports experimental measurement results regarding Power Quality in indoor lighting systems. The harmonic absorptions of several types of luminaries are analyzed, highlighting the impact behavior of different lamps function of used luminaries’ technologies. The recorded harmonic absorption allows characterizing the harmonic spectrum variability of the investigated lamps.
Towards Content Neutrality in Wiki Systems
Authors: Cap Clemens
Published: December 2012

The neutral point of view (NPOV) cornerstone of Wikipedia (WP) is challenged for next generation knowledge bases. A case is presented for content neutrality as a new, every point of view (EPOV) guiding principle. The architectural implications of content neutrality are discussed and translated into novel concepts of Wiki architectures. Guidelines for implementing this architecture are presented. Although NPOV is criticized, the contribution avoids ideological controversy and focuses on the benefits of the novel approach.
Carotenoids from Foods of Plant, Animal and Marine Origin: An Efficient HPLC-DAD Separation Method
Authors: Strati Irini , Sinanoglou Vassilia , Kora Lintita , Miniadis-Meimaroglou Sofia , Oreopoulou Vassiliki
Published: December 2012

Carotenoids are important antioxidant compounds, present in many foods of plant, animal and marine origin. The aim of the present study was to describe the carotenoid composition of tomato waste, prawn muscle and cephalothorax and avian (duck and goose) egg yolks through the use of a modified gradient elution HPLC method with a C30 reversed-phase column for the efficient separation and analysis of carotenoids and their cis-isomers. Elution time was reduced from 60 to 45 min without affecting the separation efficiency. All-trans lycopene predominated in tomato waste, followed by all-trans-β-carotene, 13-cis-lutein and all-trans lutein, while minor amounts of 9-cis-lutein, 13-cis-β-carotene and 9-cis-β-carotene were also detected. Considering the above findings, tomato waste is confirmed to be an excellent source of recovering carotenoids, especially all-trans lycopene, for commercial use. Xanthophylls were the major carotenoids of avian egg yolks, all-trans lutein and all-trans zeaxanthin in duck and goose egg yolk, respectively. In the Penaeus kerathurus prawn, several carotenoids (zeaxanthin, all-trans-lutein, canthaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, optical and geometrical astaxanthin isomers) were identified in considerable amounts by the same method. A major advantage of this HPLC method was the efficient separation of carotenoids and their cis-isomers, originating from a wide range of matrices.
Comparison of Fatigue Properties and Fatigue Crack Growth Rates of Various Implantable Metals
Authors: Okazaki Yoshimitsu
Published: December 2012

The fatigue strength, effects of a notch on the fatigue strength, and fatigue crack growth rate of Ti-15Zr-4Nb-4Ta alloy were compared with those of other implantable metals. Zr, Nb, and Ta are important alloying elements for Ti alloys for attaining superior long-term corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The highly biocompatible Ti-15Zr-4Nb-4Ta alloy exhibited an excellent balance between strength and ductility. Its notched tensile strength was much higher than that of a smooth specimen. The strength of 20% cold-worked commercially pure (C.P.) grade 4 Ti was close to that of Ti alloy. The tension-to-tension fatigue strength of an annealed Ti-15Zr-4Nb-4Ta rod at 107 cycles was approximately 740 MPa. The fatigue strength of this alloy was much improved by aging treatment after solution treatment. The fatigue strengths of C.P. grade 4 Ti and stainless steel were markedly improved by 20% cold working. The fatigue strength of Co-Cr-Mo alloy was markedly increased by hot forging. The notch fatigue strengths of 20% cold-worked C.P. grade 4 Ti, and annealed and aged Ti-15Zr-4Nb-4Ta, and annealed Ti-6Al-4V alloys were less than those of the smooth specimens. The fatigue crack growth rate of Ti-15Zr-4Nb-4Ta was the same as that of Ti-6Al-4V. The fatigue crack growth rate in 0.9% NaCl was the same as that in air. Stainless steel and Co-Cr-Mo-Ni-Fe alloy had a larger stress-intensity factor range (ΔK) than Ti alloy.
Retina, Retinol, Retinal and the Natural History of Vitamin A as a Light Sensor
Authors: Zhong Ming , Kawaguchi Riki , Kassai Miki , Sun Hui
Published: December 2012

Light is both the ultimate energy source for most organisms and a rich information source. Vitamin A-based chromophore was initially used in harvesting light energy, but has become the most widely used light sensor throughout evolution from unicellular to multicellular organisms. Vitamin A-based photoreceptor proteins are called opsins and have been used for billions of years for sensing light for vision or the equivalent of vision. All vitamin A-based light sensors for vision in the animal kingdom are G-protein coupled receptors, while those in unicellular organisms are light-gated channels. This first major switch in evolution was followed by two other major changes: the switch from bistable to monostable pigments for vision and the expansion of vitamin A’s biological functions. Vitamin A’s new functions such as regulating cell growth and differentiation from embryogenesis to adult are associated with increased toxicity with its random diffusion. In contrast to bistable pigments which can be regenerated by light, monostable pigments depend on complex enzymatic cycles for regeneration after every photoisomerization event. Here we discuss vitamin A functions and transport in the context of the natural history of vitamin A-based light sensors and propose that the expanding functions of vitamin A and the choice of monostable pigments are the likely evolutionary driving forces for precise, efficient, and sustained vitamin A transport.
Association with AflR in Endosomes Reveals New Functions for AflJ in Aflatoxin Biosynthesis
Authors: Ehrlich Kenneth , Mack Brian , Wei Qijian , Li Ping , Roze Ludmila , Dazzo Frank , Cary Jeffrey , Bhatnagar Deepak , Linz John
Published: December 2012

Aflatoxins are the most potent naturally occurring carcinogens of fungal origin. Biosynthesis of aflatoxin involves the coordinated expression of more than 25 genes. The function of one gene in the aflatoxin gene cluster, aflJ, is not entirely understood but, because previous studies demonstrated a physical interaction between the Zn2Cys6 transcription factor AflR and AflJ, AflJ was proposed to act as a transcriptional co-activator. Image analysis revealed that, in the absence of aflJ in A. parasiticus, endosomes cluster within cells and near septa. AflJ fused to yellow fluorescent protein complemented the mutation in A. parasiticus ΔaflJ and localized mainly in endosomes. We found that AflJ co-localizes with AflR both in endosomes and in nuclei. Chromatin immunoprecipitation did not detect AflJ binding at known AflR DNA recognition sites suggesting that AflJ either does not bind to these sites or binds to them transiently. Based on these data, we hypothesize that AflJ assists in AflR transport to or from the nucleus, thus controlling the availability of AflR for transcriptional activation of aflatoxin biosynthesis cluster genes. AflJ may also assist in directing endosomes to the cytoplasmic membrane for aflatoxin export.
Ionomic Screening of Field‐Grown Soybean Identifies Mutants with Altered Seed Elemental Composition
Authors: Ziegler Greg , Terauchi Aimee , Becker Anthony , Armstrong Paul , Hudson Karen , Baxter Ivan
Published: December 2012

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeds contain high levels of mineral nutrients essential for human and animal nutrition. High throughput elemental profiling (ionomics) has identified mutants in model plant species grown in controlled environments. Here, we describe a method for identifying potential soybean ionomics mutants grown in a field setting and apply it to 975 N‐nitroso‐N‐methylurea (NMU) mutagenized lines. After performing a spatial correction, we identified mutants using either visual scoring of standard score (z‐score) plots or computational ranking of putative mutants followed by visual confirmation. Although there was a large degree of overlap between the methods, each method identified unique lines. The visual scoring approach identified 22 out of 427 (5%) potential mutants, 70% (16 out of 22) of which were confirmed when seeds from the same parent plant were regrown in the field. We also performed simulations to determine an optimal strategy for screening large populations. All data from the screen is available at the Ionomics Hub File Transfer Page (http://www.ionomicshub.org/home/PiiMS/dataexchange).
HOW EFFICIENT ARE REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES IN IRAN'S CLOSE ECONOMY?
Authors: Wong Wai Peng , Gholipour Hassan Fereidouni , Bazrafshan Ebrahim
Published: December 2012

This paper empirically explores various efficiency aspects of real estate and construction companies in Iran in light of their remarkable growth in recent years. The technique used to measure the efficiency is DEA and the sample is taken from the construction and real estate companies in Iran. Results from our analysis reveal that most of the real estate and construction companies in Iran are generally technical, scale and mix efficient. However, they are less cost efficient due to increasing higher cost of production. The sensitivity analysis results also suggest that the real estate and construction companies are experiencing diseconomies of scale. As Iran is an underdeveloped market and is currently one of the most interesting frontier markets in the world, this research contributes substantially to investors and multinationals (who have growing desire to gain exposure in this market) by providing current information about the efficiencies of real estate and construction companies in Iran. In addition, this research also provides some institutional voids on how to penetrate market environment in Iran through real estate development.
Les limites environnementales à la croissance en macroéconomie
Authors: Fagnart Jean-François , Germain Marc
Published: December 2012

Résumé Nous examinons les réponses qu’apporte la théorie macroéconomique à la question des limites environnementales à la croissance. Nous étudions tout d’abord la question de la finitude des ressources naturelles utilisées dans les processus productifs et leur impact sur la croissance puis, plus marginalement, celle des dégradations environnementales. Sur ces thèmes, nous présentons les développements de la théorie néoclassique de la croissance et la manière dont ils sont remis en cause ou infléchis lorsqu’on en prend en compte les (ou certains des) arguments des économistes écologiques. JEL  : E0, 013, 040, Q5, Q32
Sommes-nous trop égoïstes ou trop généreux envers les générations futures ?
Authors: Gollier Christian
Published: December 2012

Résumé Dans notre société occidentale, les sacrifices des générations passées ont contribué à améliorer le bien-être des générations présentes. Qu’en est-il aujourd’hui ? Sous la pression des hérauts du catastrophisme écologique, ne nous demande-t-on pas trop de sacrifices au profit des générations futures ? Ou, au contraire, ne nous en demande-t-on pas assez au vu des risques que nous faisons peser sur le bien-être de ces mêmes générations ? Dans cet article, je rappelle l’importance, pour la prise de décision publique, du choix du taux d’actualisation des flux de dommages (ou bénéfices) futurs liés aux décisions présentes. Je développe ensuite un modèle classique identifiant le taux d’actualisation socialement efficace et en analyse les déterminants (la préférence pure pour le présent, l’effet de richesse et l’effet de précaution). En m’appuyant sur des données empiriques et l’observation du trend de croissance historique, je discute des valeurs raisonnables du taux d’actualisation selon qu’on évalue des projets économiques à horizons courts ou plus lointains. JEL  : H43, D9, Q54
De l'innovation à l'innovateur Pour une approche structuraliste de l'innovation
Authors: Noailles Patrice
Published: December 2012

Dans la description économique actuelle du processus d’innovation, il existe deux grandes fonctions, la recherche-développement et la fabrication- commercialisation, qui sont respectivement réalisées par des chercheurs ou des inventeurs (recherche – développement), puis par des entrepreneurs ou des chefs d’entreprise (fabrication – commercialisation). De leur côté, les sciences de gestion ont développé assez largement des analyses de l’entrepreneuriat ou peut-être mieux, « entrepreneuriat ». Cela a conduit principalement à mettre en évidence le concept d’opportunité qui reste indifférent à la nature de cette opportunité. À ce jour, la science économique, la gestion et la pratique politique ignorent le terme et la fonction d’innovateur. Par une analyse détaillée du processus d’innovation, cet article montre qu’il comprend une fonction d’innovateur clairement identifiable et caractérisable, différente de celles d’inventeur et d’entrepreneur et s’intégrant dans un processus décrit, ici, selon une approche structuraliste commune à tous les types d’innovation. Cette fonction d’innovateur est celle qui permet à l’invention (ou l’idée) de devenir une innovation (un objet social) par quatre opérations quasi simultanées : financement (1), définition du standard technique (2), définition du modèle économique (3), puis réalisation des premières commercialisations qui doivent confirmer les choix réalisés, engageant ainsi un processus d’acceptation collective de l’innovation (4). L’innovateur est généralement précédé par l’inventeur qui a presque toutes les idées, mais ne sait pas les assembler pour les rendre acceptables par le public, et suivi par l’entrepreneur qui, se saisissant de l’opportunité, sait donner une dimension « industrielle » à l’innovation. Souvent, un même homme assume deux ou trois de ces fonctions, principalement celles d’innovateur et d’entrepreneur, ce qui accroît naturellement la confusion entre les différentes fonctions. Dans les innovations de faible ampleur, dites incrémentales, cette fonction d’innovateur persiste mais sous une forme amoindrie, ainsi que l’avait souligné J. Schumpeter dès 1942 dans son livre « Capitalisme, Socialisme et Démocratie ».
De la nécessité d'une analyse post-mortem en cas d'échec commercial
Authors: Cusin Julien , Celhay Franck
Published: December 2012

L’histoire regorge d’exemples célèbres d’échecs de nouveaux produits. Les travaux qui s’intéressent à cette question se concentrent généralement sur ce qui prédit de telles déconvenues et sur la manière dont on peut les éviter. Nous nous attachons ici à recenser et synthétiser – sous la forme d’une typologie – les principales causes des échecs commerciaux, repérées par la littérature, et à vérifier leur pertinence à travers l’analyse qualitative de deux cas distincts (un échangeur de chaleur à plaques et un concept de rangement). Nous soulignons finalement la nécessité, pour les entreprises, d’effectuer systématiquement un débriefing post-mortem, afin de tirer des enseignements de leurs échecs. Mots- clés : échec commercial – nouveau produit – analyse post-mortem – études de cas – typologie.
L'effet d'imitation « favorable » et la gestion des marques
Authors: Gilardi Jean-Claude
Published: December 2012

L’effet d’imitation a souvent été présenté comme un facteur qui bloque le développement économique. Or, si en Chine il a effectivement joué, il n’a pas empêché, loin s’en faut, le décollage de l’économie. Au contraire, il a stimulé la production locale, qu’elle soit réalisée par des entreprises d’origine étrangère ou par des entreprises autochtones. Si l’effet d’imitation peut, encore aujourd’hui, bénéficier aux entreprises non-chinoises, c’est sous certaines conditions. Cet article essaie de préciser ces conditions en tirant parti des enseignements que fournit l’étude de l’attitude des Chinois envers la marque. Mots-clés : effet d’imitation, rôle de la marque, consommateur chinois, libéralisation économique en Chine
La pertinence de la performance sociétale des entreprises dans un contexte de développement équitable
Authors: Biwolé Fouda Jean
Published: December 2012

Face à l’ambiguïté persistante des résultats empiriques sur le lien entre la FSE et la NEF, plusieurs auteurs proposent d’étudier la relation de manière contextuelle. Le contexte camerounais étant marqué par la marginalisation des préoccupations environnementales, nous considérons qu’il est encore à un niveau de développement équitable. En prenant le cas des 4P au Cameroun, nous étudions ainsi le lien entre la FSE, mesurée par des variables de satisfaction des stakeholders clients et personnel, et la NEF, en distinguant les effets immédiats des effets retardés. Bien qu’un grand nombre de variables de FSE soient positivement liées à la NEF, l’ambiguïté des résultats observés dans la littérature n’est pas totalement absente dans ce contexte. Par conséquent, nous proposons que l’étude de la relation ne se fasse pas seulement par rapport au contexte, mais au cas par cas. Mots-clés : Performance Sociale des Entreprises (FSE) ; Performance Économique et Financière (NEF) ; Développement Durable (DD) ; Développement équitable
ERP Lifecycle
Authors: Haddara Moutaz , Elragal Ahmed
Published: December 2012

A lot of research has been undertaken focusing on ERP systems lifecycles, but very little paid attention to retirement. ERP retirement means the replacement of an ERP with another. The aim of this research paper is to investigate why and when should organizations retire their ERP systems. A convenience case study of a SME has been selected from Egypt. The case study under investigation has retired their local ERP system and replaced it with SAP ERP. Results of the analysis indicate that reasons of retirement were: wrong selection, users were not involved in the selection process, and lack of an official implementation methodology. This is considered a new finding since main stream literature was mainly focused on retirement after maturity.
A Case Study on the Impact of Customization, Fitness, and Operational Characteristics on Enterprise-Wide System Success, User Satisfaction, and System Use
Authors: Ng Celeste See-Pui
Published: December 2012

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system success is of paramount importance for almost all organizations, as it is a prerequisite for improved and continuous benefit-realization. This study investigates the impact of ERP business dynamics (i.e., system customization required), system fitness (i.e., process fit, data fit, and user interface fit) and functional area operational characteristics on ERP system success, user satisfaction and system use. The author draws on relevant theoretical background information to construct the research model. Surveys are administered to 91 ERP system users within a multinational food company; in-depth interviews are also conducted with some system users. Empirical results indicate that the amount of ERP system customizations and/or modifications does not have any substantial impact on ERP system use or user satisfaction. In terms of ERP system fitness, these systems are found to be more suitable for complex, functional-area operational environments. The results show that only user interface fit positively affects ERP system use, while only process fit positively influences ERP system user satisfaction. In addition, different degrees of information quality, system quality and service quality have diverse effects on some of the relationships investigated. Finally, the perceived net benefit from an ERP system depends on how the ERP system is used, rather than the management level of the users.
A Heart Monitoring System for a Mobile Device
Authors: Lee Duck Hee , Rabbi Ahmed Fazle , Root Noah , Fazel-Rezai Reza , Choi Jaesoon , de León Pablo , Wynne Joshua
Published: December 2012

There have been major advances in research and development of devices for the diagnosis of patients in the medical field. A light and portable wireless system to monitor human physiological signals has been always a medical personnel’s dream. An e-health monitoring system is a widely used noninvasive diagnosis tool for an ambulatory patient who may be at risk from latent life threatening cardiac abnormalities. The authors proposed a high performance and intelligent wireless measuring e-health monitoring system for a mobile device that is characterized by the small sized and low power consumption. The hardware system consists of an one-chip microcontroller (Atmega 128L), a wireless module, and electrocardigram (ECG) signal preprocessing including filtering, power noise canceling, and level shifting. The software utilizes a recursive filter and preprocessing algorithm to detect ECG signal parameters, i.e., QRS-complex, Q-R-T points, HR, and QT-interval. To easily interface with a mobile device, an analyzer program operates on a Windows mobile OS. This paper described the system that was developed and successfully tested for a wireless transmission of ECG signals to a mobile device.
WiMAX Networks
Authors: Sedoyeka Eliamani , Hunaiti Ziad
Published: December 2012

Every new technology comes with its challenges and lessons to be learnt. With a number of unknowns, deploying a new technology becomes a challenge. Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is one of these new technologies currently on the rise. This paper presents the finding of the research conducted to investigate technical and non technical aspects of network operators in Tanzania. The research looked into WiMAX network operational challenges faced by the network owners as well as the level of services experienced by the end users. This paper is suitable researchers, network operators and investors interested in WiMAX technology. It is mostly usefully for those looking into solutions to problem facing rural and remote areas of the world. The research is discussed in detail throughout of the article.
Overview of engineering and operations activities conducted as part of the JOGMEC/NRCan/Aurora Mallik 2007-2008 Gas Hydrate Production Research Well Program, Part A: 2007 field program
Authors: Ashford D I , Mizuta T , Dallimore S R , Yamamoto K , Nixon F
M , Imasato Y , Wright J
F , Taylor A E , Applejohn A
Published: December 2012

The Aurora/JOGMEC/NRCan Mallik 2L-38 and 3L-38 wells were re-entered and re-equipped for the purpose of conducting gas hydrate testing through depressurization. The Mallik 2L-38 well had originally been drilled and abandoned in a gas hydrate research project in
1998, and Mallik 3L-38 had been drilled and abandoned in a 2002 gas hydrate production research project. Gas hydrate deposits are encountered at depths of 900 to 1100 m, beneath 600 m of permafrost, at the Mallik site in the Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada. The operational activities
included ice-road and site construction; mobilization of camp facilities; drilling-rig and service-rig mobilization and rig-up; well re-entry, drilling, completion, testing, and suspension; and demobilization. These operations were conducted over a 111-day period from December 27, 2006 to April 16,
2007. The original plan included the drilling of a monitoring well (Mallik 6L-38) during the same season, but this was deleted from the scope of work due to time constraints.
A unique down-hole gas-water separation scheme, used for production testing of the Mallik 2L-38 well, allowed for a short-duration gas hydrate production test by depressurization.
Aurora College was the designated operator for the project, with Inuvialuit Oilfield Services Ltd. (IOFS) acting as their project management consultant. Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) were the funding partners in the project, jointly
managing the research and providing operational oversight for the project.
Estimates of gas hydrate saturation from conventional and triaxial induction-resistivity measurements, Aurora/JOGMEC/NRCan Mallik 2L-38 gas hydrate production research well
Authors: Murray D R , Noguchi S , Fujii T , Yamamoto K , Dallimore S
R
Published: December 2012

In the winter of 2007, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, Natural Resources Canada, and Aurora College/Aurora Research Institute acquired induction, laterolog, and triaxial induction-resistivity measurements over the gas-hydrate-bearing formations in
the Aurora/JOGMEC/NRCan Mallik 2L-38 gas hydrate production research well.
The most common well-log analysis techniques for computing saturation in gas-hydrate-saturated intervals are the Archie-based resistivity approach and the porosity deficit between the formation density and magnetic resonance. The two approaches have been considered to give similar results in
gas-hydrate-saturated reservoirs when the input Archie parameters, such as Rw, m, and n, are well known. However, conductive shale layers associated with the presence of thin sand-shale laminations have a profound effect on resistivity logs and can cause significantly lower readings than those of
the high-resistivity sand layers. This is known as resistivity anisotropy. If resistivity anisotropy is not considered, the Archie-based resistivity approach can lead to pessimistic water-saturation computations.
Dissociation behaviour of gas hydrate through out a production test, based on cased-hole log data, of the Aurora/JOGMEC/NRCan Mallik 2L-38 gas hydrate production research well
Authors: Noguchi S , Fujii T , Takayama T , Murray D R , Fujii K , Yamamoto K , Dallimore S
R
Published: December 2012

Changes in the properties of gas-hydrate-bearing formations throughout a production test were evaluated using wireline time-lapse analysis (before and after the production test) by cased-hole logging of the Aurora/JOGMEC/NRCan Mallik 2L-38 gas hydrate production
research well. Three kinds of cased hole measurements enabled an interpretation of the dissociation behaviour of gas hydrate throughout the production test. The Accelerator Porosity Sonde (APS) showed that hydrogen increased after the production test throughout the production interval, due mainly to
the replacement of fluid (i.e. caving) as the result of sand production after dissociation of the gas hydrate. An increase in the Reservoir Saturation Tool (RST) sigma corresponded to an increase in formation salinity, which was due to replacement of gas hydrate with brine (5% KCl) around the
wellbore or movement of formation water into the pore space after dissociation of the gas hydrate. Sonic Scanner data, which has a greater depth of investigation than APS and RST, indicated that the S-wave velocity after the production test decreased over the entire production interval. In
particular, the middle and deeper parts of the interval showed significant decrease in velocity, implying that the dissociation of gas hydrate occurred mainly in this interval. Open-hole well-log data for the production interval indicated that reservoir properties of the shallow formations are
different than those of the middle and deeper formations. These differing reservoir properties had a significant influence on the dissociation behaviour of the gas hydrate. Because the transmission of the S-wave velocity was detected throughout the production interval, the structural integrity of
the formation framework at this distance (54.1 cm) remains despite a significant amount of dissociation of the gas hydrate.
Till geochemical signatures of the Izok Lake Zn-Cu-Pb-Ag volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit, Nunavut
Authors: Hicken A K , McClenaghan M B , Paulen R
C , Layton-Matthews D
Published: December 2012

As part of the Geological Survey of Canada's Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals Program (GEM, 2008 - 2013), glacial dispersal down ice from a polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit at Izok Lake, Nunavut was studied. Analysis of samples
collected at, and down ice of, the Izok Lake Zn-Cu-Pb-Ag VMS deposit indicate that Zn, Cu, Pb, Fe, Ag, Cd, Sb, Bi, Hg, Se, In, and Tl are pathfinder elements for the Izok deposit in the <0.063 mm fraction of till. Pathfinder elements indicate that metal-rich debris from the deposit was
glacially dispersed at least 8 km down ice, generally to the northwest. Of the pathfinder elements, Zn has the highest contents in till immediately down ice of the deposit.
Formal definition of the Neoproterozoic Mackenzie Mountains Supergroup (Northwest Territories), and formal stratigraphic nomenclature for its carbonate and evaporite formations
Authors: Turner E C , Long D G F
Published: December 2012

The Mackenzie Mountains Supergroup in NWT is formalised in this and a companion paper. The supergroup includes carbonate rocks of the Tabasco Formation (new), mudstones, sandstones and minor carbonate rocks of the Tsezotene Formation, sandstones, mudstones and
carbonate rocks of the Katherine Group, and carbonate rocks, evaporite rocks and mudstones of the Little Dal Group. Descriptions and type sections are provided for eight new formations: the Tabasco Formation (formerly "H1 unit") and seven formations of the Little Dal Group (Dodo Creek, Stone Knife,
Silverberry, Gayna, Ten Stone, Snail Spring, and Ram Head formations).
Evaluation of a Field-Portable DNA Microarray Platform and Nucleic Acid Amplification Strategies for the Detection of Arboviruses, Arthropods, and Bloodmeals
Authors: Grubaugh Nathan D. , Petz Lawrence N. , Melanson Vanessa R. , McMenamy Scott S. , Turell Michael J. , Long Lewis S. , Pisarcik Sarah E. , Kengluecha Ampornpan , Jaichapor Boonsong , O'Guinn Monica L. , Lee John S.
Published: December 2012

Highly multiplexed assays, such as microarrays, can benefit arbovirus surveillance by allowing researchers to screen for hundreds of targets at once. We evaluated amplification strategies and the practicality of a portable DNA microarray platform to analyze virus-infected mosquitoes. The prototype microarray design used here targeted the non-structural protein 5, ribosomal RNA, and cytochrome b genes for the detection of flaviviruses, mosquitoes, and bloodmeals, respectively. We identified 13 of 14 flaviviruses from virus inoculated mosquitoes and cultured cells. Additionally, we differentiated between four mosquito genera and eight whole blood samples. The microarray platform was field evaluated in Thailand and successfully identified flaviviruses (Culex flavivirus, dengue-3, and Japanese encephalitis viruses), differentiated between mosquito genera (Aedes, Armigeres, Culex, and Mansonia), and detected mammalian bloodmeals (human and dog). We showed that the microarray platform and amplification strategies described here can be used to discern specific information on a wide variety of viruses and their vectors.
Effect of Sex Steroids on Babesia microti Infection in Mice
Authors: Sasaki Mizuki , Fujii Yoshito , Iwamoto Maya , Ikadai Hiromi
Published: December 2012

Sex-based-differences are known to affect susceptibility to protozoan infections, but their effects on parasitemia and clinical symptoms in Babesia infections remain unclear. We examined the sex-based susceptibility of various mouse strains to Babesia microti Munich strain infection. In all strains, male mice exhibited significantly higher peak parasitemia and more severe anemia than female mice. Testosterone and estradiol-17β treatment caused an increase in parasitemia and aggravation of anemia. Orchidectomized male mice receiving testosterone exhibited smaller splenic macrophage populations three days after infection, smaller B cell populations 10 days after infection, and reduced splenic tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ mRNA expression than mice that did not receive testosterone. Mice receiving estradiol-17β did not exhibit immunosuppressive effects. Thus, a weakened and delayed innate immunity response may lead to acquired immunity failure. The results suggested that testosterone directly affects T or B cells, leading to delayed acquired immunity, dramatically increased parasitemia, and severe anemia.
A Community-Wide Study of Malaria Reduction: Evaluating Efficacy and User-Acceptance of a Low-Cost Repellent in Northern Ghana
Authors: Dadzie Samuel , Boakye Daniel , Asoala Victor , Koram Kwadwo , Kiszewski Anthony , Appawu Maxwell
Published: December 2012

NO MAS (NM) mosquito repellent was evaluated in two farming villages (4 km apart) in the Kassena Nankana district of northern Ghana. We determined its efficacy against local malaria vectors, degree of user acceptance, and its effect on malaria prevalence in households using insecticide-treated bed nets. The average protective efficacy of NM against Anopheles mosquitoes over 9 hours was 89.6%. Controls averaged 86 bites/person/night versus 9 bites/person/night with the use of NM. Use of repellent was associated with a decrease of absolute malaria prevalence by 19.2% in the repellent village and by 6.5% in the control village (45.5 to 26.3, and 29.5 to 23.0, respectively). The user-acceptance rate of NM repellent was 96.1%. Ten percent (10%) of repellent users reported irritation as the main adverse effect during the period. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the users found the odor of NM appealing and 87% reported no inconvenience in applying the repellent daily.
Development and Reliability of the Autism Work Skills Questionnaire (AWSQ)
Authors: Gal Eynat , Ben Meir Anat , Katz Noomi
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE. The Autism Work Skills Questionnaire (AWSQ), a new, comprehensive self-report assessment of a person’s vocational profile, was developed to help produce a good person–job match. This preliminary study was aimed at developing the questionnaire and determining its content validity and internal consistency.

METHOD. Forty-six adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD), ages 18–39, were interviewed with the questionnaire. A two-phase study was conducted: (1) constructing the questionnaire and determining its content validity and (2) ascertaining internal consistency reliability.

RESULTS. We found that the AWSQ had initial content validity and moderate to high internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s α = .64–.90).

CONCLUSION. The AWSQ can be a useful clinical and research tool in occupational therapy for evaluating work skills of adults with HFASD. Further studies with larger samples and including both typically developing individuals and individuals with HFASD are required to further support the questionnaire’s reliability and validity.